-Rants and Raves-
(I wish but) I do not own Capcom, Breath of Fire or its characters. But for the most part the characters in this story and world are my own creation.
Sincerely,
Symphony A. $(^_^)$
-End rant and raves -
Chapter 1: In the Beginning...
"Damn, I wish this was hot" Imperial thought as she sat and drunk her coffee.
Looking around she fluttered her butterfly wings lazily disturbing the wealthy looking couple sitting behind her. Sighing, she left a tip on the table and left the outside café. Walking around the small bright town of Avolon, she admired the beautiful site and people hurrying about. She never saw this many people or creatures while she lived in the fairy village. Smiling, she thinks back to when she was a child with her fairy family.
"Exiled for saving a life..." Imperial thought to herself.
She grinned to herself when she thought how lucky she was to run into Joy, the innkeeper. Since Joy didn't have any children of her own, she gladly accepted Imperial and Lakaiko under her wing. Even though she had to work most of the time Imperial was happy that she had a roof over a head...
Without warning a kid that was playing tag with his friends suddenly bumped into her. Losing her balance, she fell backwards dropping her wooden staff. It was a going away present from the fairies that adopted her. It the only present that she received from anybody and she carried it where ever she went, never knowing when she would have to use it.
Getting up and dusting of her now sore behind, she closely surveyed the staff to see if it splintered. The chrysm crystal at the top was undamaged and there were no major cracks in the wood. She shrugged the fall off and hurried to go and check up on the little one she left at the inn.
"Good morning, Imperial. How did you enjoy breakfast at the café?" A cheery elderly woman greeted
"Just fine Joy," she replied, "A little coffee was just what I needed "How is..."
"He still asleep" Joy cut her off "Never have I seen a boy so handsome at such at his age. He's going to have to swat the girls off with a stick." The old woman grinned.
"Since today is his birthday I baked his favorite, apple pie." She smiled as she pulled a small cloth off the baked good. Imperial leaned close to the kitchen table and inhaled deeply, savoring the spiced aroma.
Joy went over toward the broom closet and lifted a wrapped package from the inside. Imperial could easily assume that it was a small pull cart, the new toy fad that's been going around in town.
"I saw it in Gheezle's hobby shop and decided that I was going to get it for Lakaiko for his birthday." She smiled brightly at the young woman. "I want him to have something to play with. I see the way the stares at the other children when they are playing outside. It breaks my heart to see him, not having something to share with others." Imperial gave Joy a small hug as she held her arm around her shoulder.
"I'm sure he'll love it." Imperial glanced at the elder woman's reddened face. Joy then turned suddenly towards Imperial. "I have something for you too. Wait right here." She announced as she hurried off towards her room.
Imperial leaned against the small windowpane that illuminated the kitchen, pondering on what Joy could have gotten her. She had just gotten to the thought of underwear when Joy returned. Taking Imperial's hand into hers she placed a necklace with a diamond pendant into her palm. Imperial stared at the item in disbelief. The jewel was so clear and beautiful, just like the diamond alter in that cave...
Slightly trembling from the memory of that night, she folded the precious item back into the woman's hand. "Joy I can't accept this..." she began only to be shushed by the old woman.
"You have to accept it! This was in my mother's family for generations." Joy placed her hand gently on the face of Imperial. "You are the closest thing I have to a daughter..." Emotion caused her voice to crack.
A teary eyed Imperial placed the necklace around her neck and gave a gentle kiss to her beneficiary. "Thank you, Joy." The senior nodded quickly, using a dishtowel to wipe her now wet eyes.
She began to busy herself once again with cooking for any travelers that might come in "I'm so happy you two were able to find me." She replied "My only I wish is that you two could see my family..." she trailed off once again in that secretive way, consumed in her thoughts. Joy always did that when she spoke about something more then she should have.
Imperial left joy to her guarded memories as she went to get the young child some breakfast. Walking towards her room she remembered the weird circumstances she found him. It was five years ago when the nightmares had started.
Those same dark, fiery visualizations that woke her up clutching her sheets in fright ever since.
She shuddered from the nasty thoughts as she entered the room. There, in the dim light peaking from under the wooden shades, he laid wrapped up in the blanket looking like a caterpillar that just finished making his cocoon. Imperial thought back to what Joy said. She was right about him being so handsome. He always was an active, precocious child, but for now he looked as innocent as an angel lying there in his small cot.
His bright blue hair reminded Imperial of her the clear ocean waves at the edge of town. Yet, out of all of the qualities that he had it was his beautiful two-toned blue eyes that made you wonder about him.
Sky blue surrounded by a soft ring of royal blue made those eyes of his seem to have some sort of mystical power, as if they held all the knowledge of the world in them. She would never admit it but sometimes it scared her the way that he gazed at people. It was as if he could see right through them and into their very soul.
"Happy birthday! You're five today!" She looked down at the boy as he stirred in his sleep. Placing a hand on his small cheek she gently rubbed his face.
"Wake up Lakaiko." She gently shook his shoulder "Come on birthday boy, it's time to get up." Giving a wide yawn, he sat up slowly as he sleepily rubbed his eyes.
Imperial chuckled, as the small boy stretched out like a cat that just woke up. He then gave her a bear tight hug. It didn't slip her notice with every year he was becoming abnormally stronger. He smiled brightly as he gave her a soft kiss on the cheek.
"I guess that meant you missed me?" She laughed. He nodded intensely as he crawled into her lap.
She picked him up and hugged him back " I missed you too Lakaiko, now let's get you dressed so you can eat."
At he suggestion of food, he quickly jumped out of her hands and ran to the bathroom to dress. Imperial sighed softly at the fact that Lakaiko had yet to speak. Even when he was an infant, it was crying, cooing or the recurring elfish smile he gave. Just the way he carried himself and through his actions, everyone could see he was certifiably smarter than all of the children in the little town.
"He's just a little different that's all. Just give him some time to adjust." Imperial mumbled the words that the Joy repeated to her time and time again when she began to worry.
In actuality, she couldn't remember a time that Lakaiko even attempted to talk. Even the time she walked in on him and watched as he place his hand directly into the inn's fireplace when he was three. Waving his small hand over the flame, he willed it to move and flicker when he wanted it. Gasping from the shock of his actions, Imperial caused him to lose his concentration. He recoiled in pain as a flame licked his palm, yet he never uttered a sound.
He calmly walked over to her with his blistered hand and showed her. It was at that point in time that she knew that he was "really" different from other children. Just then the youngster walked out of the bathroom, staring up at her with those exquisite eyes.
"Let's go, Kaiko." Imperial called for short. "Your birthday is not going to wait." She took his hand as they walked out the door.
After the child ate his breakfast and opened his presents, the two ventured out. Outside, much more was going on from when Imperial first strolled about. Now there were people and creatures busily hurrying about buying food and clothing, chatting with each other, enjoying the warm sun filled day. She joyfully twirled her chrysm staff, letting the surrounding enjoyment and happiness energize her.
Lakaiko, sitting in his new pull cart as Imperial tugged him along, looked around absorbing everything that he saw, waving at other children who crossed their path. As they stopped by the city's stone water fountain, Imperial gave Lakaiko a zenny to throw into the cool water.
Just as he was about to pitch it in, a huge black hand roughly grabbed Imperial's the hip pouch holding all of their money.
"Hey! Give That Back!" Imperial yelled in disbelief as she ran after the burly Ox who was doing his best to sprint way from them.
Turning to see his victim one last time, he received the nice surprise of a rock hitting him in the face. Taken aback by the hit, the Ox lost his balance and fell on buttocks. Imperial caught up to the pickpocket stomped on his hand as he tried to return to his feet.
"You jackass!" was all she could think to say in her anger. Grabbing the pouch away from the thief, she turned to go back to where she had left Lakaiko.
"You little wretch!" He bellowed as he got to his feet. "I need that money!" Rather than run from the now growing crowd that could identify him, he opted to chase after Imperial. He grabbed her sea green blue hair and yanked her back toward him, grabbing once again for the pouch. Watching the struggle, Kaiko ran over to the Ox and kicked him in the shin, making the huge creature howl in pain. Grabbing the little boy by the cuff of his shirt, he picked him up.
"Why You Little Brat! I'll Teach You To Put You Nose Where It Don't Belong!" the beast roared as he continue to fight Imperial over the money pouch. In the fight over the pouch, the ox didn't realize his tight grip on the boy's shirt was slowly choking him.
Realizing what was happening, some of the townsmen began to intervene. Some of the men even went as far as to assault the beast with their fist and anything in their hand at the time. In order to stop the beating, the beast let go of Imperial's hair to defend himself.
Taking notice of Lakaiko haplessly being strangled by the hands of that monster, Imperial grabbed her staff that had fallen on the ground next to her to cast a spell. As she concentrated on the magic spell, an aura of white light encased her. She pointed the now glowing staff at the ox, yelling to anyone close to him to quickly back away.
"ICE!" she shouted, causing the chrysm orb to discharge its power.
Small jagged pieces of ice fell from the sky hitting the ox upon the head and ripping into his flesh. It stunned him enough to drop Kaiko to the ground in order to cover his head from the onslaught.
Seizing the opportunity, the villagers once again began to jump upon the bewildered beast. Imperial ran over to the child lying limply upon the ground. Gently picking him up in her arms, she scampered a short distance away. Imperial laid the unconscious child down on the dirt. Tears stung her eyes as she vigorously tried to wake the boy.
"Lakaiko! Lakaiko! Wake up please!" the begged, as she hugged the child close to her chest. Moaning slightly, Lakaiko blurred vision clear to see the relieved face of Imperial
With one swift swing of his powerful arms the ox threw most of the men that were attacking him to the ground. Realizing that he would have to escape or be arrested, the ox decided he would that trifling wench back for all the pain she caused him. In one swift motion unsheathed a dagger from his boot and let it fly.
A sickening thud echoed around then as Imperial's face spasm in a mixture of pain and shock. Slowly reaching back Imperial felt wetness the sharp metal that had entered her back caused. Not wanting to let the child see the blood seeping from the wound, she pushed him child aside.
Kaiko gave a silent yell as he saw Imperial slump down onto the earth. The yells and screams of women and children could be heard throughout the shouts of men trying to stop the ox before he got to the town's outskirts.
"Kaiko!" Imperial whispered hoarsely reaching out towards him.
Lakaiko sat up off the ground and turned to where the ox was running off. Inside, he felt a fire burn deep within him. His eyes shined with an eerie brightness as a sprit moved within him. He let this new strange feeling of strength overtake his thoughts and body as he lifted his eyes and hands to the sky with supplication.
Watching the event taking place before her, Joy touched her heart "it's way too soon, he's not ready."
A radiant light surrounded Lakaiko causing an intense swirling wind to blow throughout the town knocking some of the people and make shift pavilions down from the blast. Slowly he metamorphosed into a form that was not of child but that of a gigantic breath-taking dragon.
Spreading his golden leather wings that shimmered brightly in the sun, the dragon snorted at the people that were at his feet. The polished scales on his massive body shone a red so brilliant it looked like dancing fire when he moved. His golden underbelly glistened in the sun as he stood upon his hind legs. If the fight before hand didn't catch the attention of all the townspeople, the sight of a huge dragon sure did.
"What The Hell...!" the ox yelled as the dragon opened it snout, bringing forth screech that made everyone scramble for cover. The ox stared with his mouth opened as the mammoth took a few step to come face to face with him. The dragon's purple eyes narrowed at the offender, bearing his sharpened teeth at the ox.
After a deep breath, the ox's mysticism finally wore off and he turned to run for dear life. Before he could get to any type of safety the metamorphic dragon let loose a spectacular flame that consumed the beast, burning him into a pile of ash in a few minutes
Imperial just stared at the whole scene with awe and fright. Weakly, she shifted her head to see that the burst of fire was so strong that seven surrounding houses, including the inn was set ablaze. Chaos reigned as people all over were screaming and running to get away.
"Oh my God!" she though in disbelief as the wooden inn collapsed to the ground. "Joy..."
As dragon walked over to her, Imperial wanted to scream but realized a few minutes before this magnificent creature was just a boy of five.
As her eyes closed to welcome the peaceful darkness that began to wash over her, the dragon it bent down towards her and laid its snout on her back keeping her from slipping into death. A few minutes later she felt the warmth of furry hands covering her. Ss she slipped into unconsciousness she began to dream the nightmare that haunted her ever since she found Kaiko.
Uncertainty in darkness...
It's the start of all nightmares.
(I wish but) I do not own Capcom, Breath of Fire or its characters. But for the most part the characters in this story and world are my own creation.
Sincerely,
Symphony A. $(^_^)$
-End rant and raves -
Chapter 1: In the Beginning...
"Damn, I wish this was hot" Imperial thought as she sat and drunk her coffee.
Looking around she fluttered her butterfly wings lazily disturbing the wealthy looking couple sitting behind her. Sighing, she left a tip on the table and left the outside café. Walking around the small bright town of Avolon, she admired the beautiful site and people hurrying about. She never saw this many people or creatures while she lived in the fairy village. Smiling, she thinks back to when she was a child with her fairy family.
"Exiled for saving a life..." Imperial thought to herself.
She grinned to herself when she thought how lucky she was to run into Joy, the innkeeper. Since Joy didn't have any children of her own, she gladly accepted Imperial and Lakaiko under her wing. Even though she had to work most of the time Imperial was happy that she had a roof over a head...
Without warning a kid that was playing tag with his friends suddenly bumped into her. Losing her balance, she fell backwards dropping her wooden staff. It was a going away present from the fairies that adopted her. It the only present that she received from anybody and she carried it where ever she went, never knowing when she would have to use it.
Getting up and dusting of her now sore behind, she closely surveyed the staff to see if it splintered. The chrysm crystal at the top was undamaged and there were no major cracks in the wood. She shrugged the fall off and hurried to go and check up on the little one she left at the inn.
"Good morning, Imperial. How did you enjoy breakfast at the café?" A cheery elderly woman greeted
"Just fine Joy," she replied, "A little coffee was just what I needed "How is..."
"He still asleep" Joy cut her off "Never have I seen a boy so handsome at such at his age. He's going to have to swat the girls off with a stick." The old woman grinned.
"Since today is his birthday I baked his favorite, apple pie." She smiled as she pulled a small cloth off the baked good. Imperial leaned close to the kitchen table and inhaled deeply, savoring the spiced aroma.
Joy went over toward the broom closet and lifted a wrapped package from the inside. Imperial could easily assume that it was a small pull cart, the new toy fad that's been going around in town.
"I saw it in Gheezle's hobby shop and decided that I was going to get it for Lakaiko for his birthday." She smiled brightly at the young woman. "I want him to have something to play with. I see the way the stares at the other children when they are playing outside. It breaks my heart to see him, not having something to share with others." Imperial gave Joy a small hug as she held her arm around her shoulder.
"I'm sure he'll love it." Imperial glanced at the elder woman's reddened face. Joy then turned suddenly towards Imperial. "I have something for you too. Wait right here." She announced as she hurried off towards her room.
Imperial leaned against the small windowpane that illuminated the kitchen, pondering on what Joy could have gotten her. She had just gotten to the thought of underwear when Joy returned. Taking Imperial's hand into hers she placed a necklace with a diamond pendant into her palm. Imperial stared at the item in disbelief. The jewel was so clear and beautiful, just like the diamond alter in that cave...
Slightly trembling from the memory of that night, she folded the precious item back into the woman's hand. "Joy I can't accept this..." she began only to be shushed by the old woman.
"You have to accept it! This was in my mother's family for generations." Joy placed her hand gently on the face of Imperial. "You are the closest thing I have to a daughter..." Emotion caused her voice to crack.
A teary eyed Imperial placed the necklace around her neck and gave a gentle kiss to her beneficiary. "Thank you, Joy." The senior nodded quickly, using a dishtowel to wipe her now wet eyes.
She began to busy herself once again with cooking for any travelers that might come in "I'm so happy you two were able to find me." She replied "My only I wish is that you two could see my family..." she trailed off once again in that secretive way, consumed in her thoughts. Joy always did that when she spoke about something more then she should have.
Imperial left joy to her guarded memories as she went to get the young child some breakfast. Walking towards her room she remembered the weird circumstances she found him. It was five years ago when the nightmares had started.
Those same dark, fiery visualizations that woke her up clutching her sheets in fright ever since.
She shuddered from the nasty thoughts as she entered the room. There, in the dim light peaking from under the wooden shades, he laid wrapped up in the blanket looking like a caterpillar that just finished making his cocoon. Imperial thought back to what Joy said. She was right about him being so handsome. He always was an active, precocious child, but for now he looked as innocent as an angel lying there in his small cot.
His bright blue hair reminded Imperial of her the clear ocean waves at the edge of town. Yet, out of all of the qualities that he had it was his beautiful two-toned blue eyes that made you wonder about him.
Sky blue surrounded by a soft ring of royal blue made those eyes of his seem to have some sort of mystical power, as if they held all the knowledge of the world in them. She would never admit it but sometimes it scared her the way that he gazed at people. It was as if he could see right through them and into their very soul.
"Happy birthday! You're five today!" She looked down at the boy as he stirred in his sleep. Placing a hand on his small cheek she gently rubbed his face.
"Wake up Lakaiko." She gently shook his shoulder "Come on birthday boy, it's time to get up." Giving a wide yawn, he sat up slowly as he sleepily rubbed his eyes.
Imperial chuckled, as the small boy stretched out like a cat that just woke up. He then gave her a bear tight hug. It didn't slip her notice with every year he was becoming abnormally stronger. He smiled brightly as he gave her a soft kiss on the cheek.
"I guess that meant you missed me?" She laughed. He nodded intensely as he crawled into her lap.
She picked him up and hugged him back " I missed you too Lakaiko, now let's get you dressed so you can eat."
At he suggestion of food, he quickly jumped out of her hands and ran to the bathroom to dress. Imperial sighed softly at the fact that Lakaiko had yet to speak. Even when he was an infant, it was crying, cooing or the recurring elfish smile he gave. Just the way he carried himself and through his actions, everyone could see he was certifiably smarter than all of the children in the little town.
"He's just a little different that's all. Just give him some time to adjust." Imperial mumbled the words that the Joy repeated to her time and time again when she began to worry.
In actuality, she couldn't remember a time that Lakaiko even attempted to talk. Even the time she walked in on him and watched as he place his hand directly into the inn's fireplace when he was three. Waving his small hand over the flame, he willed it to move and flicker when he wanted it. Gasping from the shock of his actions, Imperial caused him to lose his concentration. He recoiled in pain as a flame licked his palm, yet he never uttered a sound.
He calmly walked over to her with his blistered hand and showed her. It was at that point in time that she knew that he was "really" different from other children. Just then the youngster walked out of the bathroom, staring up at her with those exquisite eyes.
"Let's go, Kaiko." Imperial called for short. "Your birthday is not going to wait." She took his hand as they walked out the door.
After the child ate his breakfast and opened his presents, the two ventured out. Outside, much more was going on from when Imperial first strolled about. Now there were people and creatures busily hurrying about buying food and clothing, chatting with each other, enjoying the warm sun filled day. She joyfully twirled her chrysm staff, letting the surrounding enjoyment and happiness energize her.
Lakaiko, sitting in his new pull cart as Imperial tugged him along, looked around absorbing everything that he saw, waving at other children who crossed their path. As they stopped by the city's stone water fountain, Imperial gave Lakaiko a zenny to throw into the cool water.
Just as he was about to pitch it in, a huge black hand roughly grabbed Imperial's the hip pouch holding all of their money.
"Hey! Give That Back!" Imperial yelled in disbelief as she ran after the burly Ox who was doing his best to sprint way from them.
Turning to see his victim one last time, he received the nice surprise of a rock hitting him in the face. Taken aback by the hit, the Ox lost his balance and fell on buttocks. Imperial caught up to the pickpocket stomped on his hand as he tried to return to his feet.
"You jackass!" was all she could think to say in her anger. Grabbing the pouch away from the thief, she turned to go back to where she had left Lakaiko.
"You little wretch!" He bellowed as he got to his feet. "I need that money!" Rather than run from the now growing crowd that could identify him, he opted to chase after Imperial. He grabbed her sea green blue hair and yanked her back toward him, grabbing once again for the pouch. Watching the struggle, Kaiko ran over to the Ox and kicked him in the shin, making the huge creature howl in pain. Grabbing the little boy by the cuff of his shirt, he picked him up.
"Why You Little Brat! I'll Teach You To Put You Nose Where It Don't Belong!" the beast roared as he continue to fight Imperial over the money pouch. In the fight over the pouch, the ox didn't realize his tight grip on the boy's shirt was slowly choking him.
Realizing what was happening, some of the townsmen began to intervene. Some of the men even went as far as to assault the beast with their fist and anything in their hand at the time. In order to stop the beating, the beast let go of Imperial's hair to defend himself.
Taking notice of Lakaiko haplessly being strangled by the hands of that monster, Imperial grabbed her staff that had fallen on the ground next to her to cast a spell. As she concentrated on the magic spell, an aura of white light encased her. She pointed the now glowing staff at the ox, yelling to anyone close to him to quickly back away.
"ICE!" she shouted, causing the chrysm orb to discharge its power.
Small jagged pieces of ice fell from the sky hitting the ox upon the head and ripping into his flesh. It stunned him enough to drop Kaiko to the ground in order to cover his head from the onslaught.
Seizing the opportunity, the villagers once again began to jump upon the bewildered beast. Imperial ran over to the child lying limply upon the ground. Gently picking him up in her arms, she scampered a short distance away. Imperial laid the unconscious child down on the dirt. Tears stung her eyes as she vigorously tried to wake the boy.
"Lakaiko! Lakaiko! Wake up please!" the begged, as she hugged the child close to her chest. Moaning slightly, Lakaiko blurred vision clear to see the relieved face of Imperial
With one swift swing of his powerful arms the ox threw most of the men that were attacking him to the ground. Realizing that he would have to escape or be arrested, the ox decided he would that trifling wench back for all the pain she caused him. In one swift motion unsheathed a dagger from his boot and let it fly.
A sickening thud echoed around then as Imperial's face spasm in a mixture of pain and shock. Slowly reaching back Imperial felt wetness the sharp metal that had entered her back caused. Not wanting to let the child see the blood seeping from the wound, she pushed him child aside.
Kaiko gave a silent yell as he saw Imperial slump down onto the earth. The yells and screams of women and children could be heard throughout the shouts of men trying to stop the ox before he got to the town's outskirts.
"Kaiko!" Imperial whispered hoarsely reaching out towards him.
Lakaiko sat up off the ground and turned to where the ox was running off. Inside, he felt a fire burn deep within him. His eyes shined with an eerie brightness as a sprit moved within him. He let this new strange feeling of strength overtake his thoughts and body as he lifted his eyes and hands to the sky with supplication.
Watching the event taking place before her, Joy touched her heart "it's way too soon, he's not ready."
A radiant light surrounded Lakaiko causing an intense swirling wind to blow throughout the town knocking some of the people and make shift pavilions down from the blast. Slowly he metamorphosed into a form that was not of child but that of a gigantic breath-taking dragon.
Spreading his golden leather wings that shimmered brightly in the sun, the dragon snorted at the people that were at his feet. The polished scales on his massive body shone a red so brilliant it looked like dancing fire when he moved. His golden underbelly glistened in the sun as he stood upon his hind legs. If the fight before hand didn't catch the attention of all the townspeople, the sight of a huge dragon sure did.
"What The Hell...!" the ox yelled as the dragon opened it snout, bringing forth screech that made everyone scramble for cover. The ox stared with his mouth opened as the mammoth took a few step to come face to face with him. The dragon's purple eyes narrowed at the offender, bearing his sharpened teeth at the ox.
After a deep breath, the ox's mysticism finally wore off and he turned to run for dear life. Before he could get to any type of safety the metamorphic dragon let loose a spectacular flame that consumed the beast, burning him into a pile of ash in a few minutes
Imperial just stared at the whole scene with awe and fright. Weakly, she shifted her head to see that the burst of fire was so strong that seven surrounding houses, including the inn was set ablaze. Chaos reigned as people all over were screaming and running to get away.
"Oh my God!" she though in disbelief as the wooden inn collapsed to the ground. "Joy..."
As dragon walked over to her, Imperial wanted to scream but realized a few minutes before this magnificent creature was just a boy of five.
As her eyes closed to welcome the peaceful darkness that began to wash over her, the dragon it bent down towards her and laid its snout on her back keeping her from slipping into death. A few minutes later she felt the warmth of furry hands covering her. Ss she slipped into unconsciousness she began to dream the nightmare that haunted her ever since she found Kaiko.
Uncertainty in darkness...
It's the start of all nightmares.