In response to reviews:
o.O There's a Kenshin dub?! There's a Kenshin DUB?!?! WTH?! Okay, okay... Yes, I know there's a Kenshin dub (crosses herself against it), but it is a sin to watch. No offense to Bishie, but when the Japanese voice actors are that good (Sanosuke's Edo accent!!! *is all hearts and stars*) , why on earth would you listen to Shannon J. Weaver, who cannot capture the spirit of Kenshin (not to mention the other American voice "talent", because they are unmentionable...)? The Japanese is the beauty of Rurouni Kenshin. Speaking of which, who is up for a brief Japanese lesson? n__n
Vikki is correct about "sessha", an obselete form literally meaning "unworthy me." Somewhat like "boku" means "big, strong me." "Dono" she didn't touch on, but quickly, while sessha is enough to put other males above himself, the ladies of the time were somehow less human than the men. "Dono" literally translates as "person." So he addresses girls with naninani-"woman that is more human than myself." On the dono , I haven't cleared that thought with Kumi yet, but the other students here agree that likely it is the correct translation.
However, Vikki is completely incorrect in assuming than Kenshin does not repeat his verbs. Also incorrect in what he says... "De gozaru yo"? You didn't conjugate the second verb. Gozarimas. " It is (present tense formal)" Gozaru-na. "Is it not?" Gozaru-ka? "Is it?" "De gozari-yo."He uses two verbs in this case "desu" and the obselete "gozaru," both of whish literally translate "to be." He doesn't always use both, but he normally uses the gozaru verb to carry his conjugation, even when he uses a verb of some other meaning. I'll explain why. Desu is "definite state of being," while gozaru is "pardon me, my opinion of this (obviously definite) state of being" sort of... It's a wonderful thing we like to call "honorifics." The present form of gozaru is the respectful "gozai." Gozai acts like a verb conjugator, rather than a verb. Ohayo gozaimas... "Morning greeting, greater person, pardon me for speaking to you now, I am being polite." That translates quite nicely. -__- I really appreciate the "that it is." I think it's a gorgeous translation (part of the reason I like Rurouni Kenshin so much), and I'll show you why. Let's take the first string of Kenshin's lines from the series:
"Sessha-wa rurouni. Ate no nai tabi no kenkaku de gozari-yo. Kore de hitokiru to mo de gozaru-ka? "
"(Unworthy) I [-subject] wanderer (understood "am"). {taking liberties with the word order now, pardon me} (I) am (a) swordsman of journey(s)/travel(s) (next part understood as an adjective) not of expectation(s), [it is my opinion that] (I) am [pardon me for speaking to you, the more honorable individual] [-colloquial "tense of verb understood"] {now it gets worse, I'll just be literal with the word order} This by which to slay a man with also is, [previous sentiments of the gozaru repeated, but also somewhat switching the "opinion" rule to the addressee because it is a question] is (it)? [-what is actually here is what makes it a question]" And suddenly you appreciate all the work those translators must do. This was their translation: "I am a wanderer. Merely a wandering swordsman, that I am. Do you think I could slay someone with this?" A lot of translators just leave these little cultural things out, but the translators were kind enough to leave us the gozaru. n__n I have become very fond of the gozaru translation, that I have [oh, wonderful readers that are so patient with lowly writer me].
And now for my normal pre-chapter rant:
AAAAUGH!! The play goes up Thursday!!! *.* Orooo..... I cannot gaurantee a chapter next week, due to performance and research papers, but I shall endeavour to get it up if at all possible. In the meantime,
~Enjoy!
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Yuku aki no kusa ni kakururu nagare kana
{It seems to me that the stream hides in the grass of departing autumn.}
(a haiku by Shirao, translated by myself)
Chizitsu glanced up at a pigeon that fled for the safety of the wild. It too seemed to understand: Alexandria had fallen. He would get no sympathy from the bird, for it cared only for its own life. Now, the young prince had to care for his own. The enemy soldiers had entered the castle. It would not be long now…
Hastily wiping tears from his eyes he ran out towards the stairs. He froze when he looked down into the antechamber. The fighting had already come this far.
"Protect his Highness!" shouted the commander from earlier to her remaining forces and then ran up to him, saying: "Retreat, we shall protect you." Nodding, for he could say nothing, the boy fled back into the throne room and tried to close the door behind him. After a minute of trying to get it to shut properly, he noticed the hinges were bent on the left door and remembered Tabito's forceful entrance that fateful day. Thanks a lot, Tabi, he thought wryly. The door at the end of the hall burst open, as wounded women tumbled and limped in before turning to face the enemy one last time. Anguished, he glanced around for a place to hide. Suddenly, Commander Featherspread was before him, but her back to him with her sword drawn towards the door. The mage was there.
He wore standard red pants that stretched into boots that were the color of dead grass. Strips of red silk wrapped up around his entire torso until it became a cloak that hung about his shoulders. One bare arm poked out of this as it rested its hand on his hip, the hand in a glove, again the color of the boots, that was fashioned to make his fingers appear as talons. Or at least, Chizitsu hoped that it was the gloves and not his fingers. His skin was, disturbingly, nearly as white as his hair, which hung shoulder length and over most of his face, almost completely covering one of his dull, red eyes. These eyes didn't even regard the commander as they glanced about the room as if looking for something interesting to do. He was not all that big, but he seemed to fill up the doorway. And then he walked forward.
"I shall not let you harm his Highness!" Opal shouted as he advanced. "I know not what you hope to accomplish, but I will not let you by, fiend!" Chizitsu recoiled for he had noticed the mage's mouth mumbling something as he came. Had he a voice, he would have screamed along with Commander Featherspread as she burst into mystic flames. The summoner child recoiled more, covering his face from the intense heat that not even Ifrit could hope to create in this world. As much as he wanted to, he could not look away as she fell dead at his feet.
"They get preachier as you get closer to the top," remarked the mage in a voice that slid through his teeth. Chizitsu managed to look up at the red eyes. The breath was frozen in his throat, just as his words were, and yet he managed to glare back. Just then, the other two that he had seen earlier from afar entered the room.
"Have you cleaned up yet, Seraphim?" asked the larger one, and his voice seemed remarkably familiar to the young prince. The mage turned his blood-colored eyes on the speaker.
"I've found the small fry," Seraphim answered and turned back to Chizitsu. "Where is his most humble Majesty? I am very much looking forward to speaking with him." Chizitsu shied back against the wall, his heart racing.
"He cannot answer, or have you forgotten, you stupid albino?" the one without a mask sneered in the most egotistical tone Chizitsu had ever heard. The mage's already cold eyes grew a coat of ice.
"I haven't," he turned to the offender, "and it's best for you that I hadn't forgotten there were weaklings like you in the room, or I might've released him."
"Now, now," the larger man interrupted, removing his mask. Lord Shido Mart! Chizitsu recognized with utter panic. Eiko wouldn't have sent him, would she? Or is he… What is going on? That Seraphim seemed somewhat surprised that he removed his mask, so maybe he's… Augh! Tabi, I wish I could tell you that—Chizitsu's heart nearly stopped in his chest when he realized that he had witnessed the secret, and therefore his fate was sealed. The three invaders continue to argue with each other.
"It's well for you that you're not expendable," Seraphim snapped, as much as his slithering voice could snap, "but do not get cocky about it."
"Seraphim, please," Shido placed a hand on the younger man's shoulder. "I'm certain that it was merely a slip of the tongue." He did, however, cast a meaningful glance in the other's direction.
"Third one today," the red mage muttered.
"I'd apologize to Master Shade if I were you, Hadler," he addressed the older man, "that is if you want to live to be Governor of Alexandria." Governor? thought Chizitsu. Then… Tabi didn't see it all! It's not just the Terrans they're after, it's the whole world! This Shido guy intends to be king of the world, and has an all-powerful mage on his leash.
"My apologies then, albino," the man called Hadler replied. "I did not mean to assume so much."
"That settled," Lord Mart moved on, although it was quite apparent that the issue had not been settled in the least of measurements. "Now then, little one, you have your hands still, have you not?" Chizitsu stood as still as he possibly could, but the lord grabbed him by the head and led him to the desk, on which was ink and paper. "Tell us where the Crown Prince is, and do not take me lightly, for I am more than willing to use force." Nervously, Chizitsu glanced at the red mage, who was still glaring at the Hadler man, as if willing him to die. Gritting his teeth, the boy faced straight ahead and did nothing. "I see. Seraphim, he needs encouragement." The albino walked over, causing the summoner to tense up, but instead of harming him, the red mage simply produced a chocobo feather. Instinctively, Chizitsu grabbed for it, but it was snatched well out of his reach.
"You want this?" Seraphim asked. "You can tell us where Tabito is." Of course Chizitsu wanted his Boco back, but he also wanted to protect his brother. I know: I'll play their game. I won't tell them anything unless they threaten me with death or something. That will give Tabi more time. Picking up the quill, he slowly wrote:
You think that I would sell my own brother for a chocobo's feather?
Seraphim seemed amused by this, while the two noblemen seemed rather impatient.
"Why not?" the mage laughed. "What is he selling you for?" Chizitsu fumed inwardly, but of course said nothing. Just then, a soldier ran in and saluted:
"Sir!"
"You've found him?" Shido asked expectantly.
"No, sir," the soldier shrunk back from the frown. "I have come to inform you that there are Lindblum scouts in the distance."
"Then we haven't much time," the lord snorted, and drew his rapier, causing Chizitsu to flinch.
"Looks like you should have taken my offer," Seraphim chuckled as the flat of Shido's blade rested on the young prince's shoulder, the lethal side an inch from his neck. I promised Tabi… Slowly Chizitsu reached for the quill once more, and delicately scribbled "New Bran Bal," all the while wary of the weapon on his shoulder.
"What?!" Seraphim remarked, almost angrily.
"How?!" Shido did not seem too happy either. Then another informant ran in.
"Sir!" he also saluted. "Prince Tabito escaped through the harbor, Sir!" Then the new messenger noticed that the rapier was already drawn and shrank back. Chizitsu smiled happily to himself.
"What? When?"
"Apparently, shortly before the barrier was erected, the Crown Prince laid the scouts low and left on a giant, glowing, winged creature, and headed north," he continued to shrink back as he explicated apologetically. "Aside from one broken jaw, the injuries we sustained were minor and—"
"Enough," Shido Mart seemed to be thoughtful now rather than angry. Seraphim, however, was considerably pissed off.
"Curses," he muttered, running a hand through cotton white tresses. "He wasn't nearly as fool-hardy as we gave him credit for. Although I'll admit it was a good plan."
"Huh," Shido glanced back at Chizitsu, no, at the paper he had written on. "He knew well enough Lindblum wasn't about to stick her neck out for him, so he left the city safe-guarded while he turned to New Bran Bal for reinforcements."
"It almost worked," the mage snorted then looked at the now laughing noble. "What?"
"It's perfect," Lord Mart laughed evilly.
"Hardly," Seraphim snorted again. "I was truly looking forward to wiping the floor with his royal hiney."
"You'll get a chance yet," Shido assured him. "He went to New Bran Bal, no, he deserted Alexandria for the Terrans. It's beautiful. It's enough to prove the Royal family is in conspiracy with the Terran people. Maybe enough proof for the Ark case, even."
"Whatever," Seraphim replied, still looking fairly disappointed and bored. Chizitsu felt sick. He might have thrown up had his stomach not already been empty from earlier. How dare you! he wanted to scream. Hasn't Tabi already been through enough? What was worse was Tabito's voice in his head: "I think I should surrender before anyone else dies." His first instinct had been correct after all, as it had always been in Chizitsu's experience. The entire endeavor had bought Tabito maybe a few more days of life, and that at the expense of all his pride and respect, which was scant to begin with. Chizitsu was too angry to cry.
"And with Hadler Hoosick here, we have an Alexandrian noble, to keep the deal clean," Shido Mart was still chuckling. "None of that chancy accusation problems going on. Oh, if I ever see his highness, I'll have to thank him before I kill him."
"Whatever," the red mage repeated and stretched lazily. "I'm going to go make myself scarce. My cover may be blown in New Bran Bal, but I think I can stay out of Lindblum problems still." Then he left the room.
"Very good," Shido nodded as he left, and then to himself, "you're finally learning to think. I guess that means I'll have to kill you when all is said and done."
"The Lindblum scouts are here, Sir," another soldier saluted as he entered.
"We'll be right there," Shido nodded him away before turning to Chizitsu. "You don't look so happy," he mocked. You, bastard… "Don't worry; I'm through with you." Before the young summoner could even blink, the cold steel slid straight through his midsection. For a long moment, Chizitsu couldn't even think, couldn't even register the pain. All he could do was stare at the blade protruding from his center in shock. And then the blade was twisted. The child prince's head snapped back in agony to let loose with a howl of anguish, but the scream was silent. The rapier steel, now warm with his blood, was pulled up and out of him, and he collapsed face forward onto the floor. As the world distanced itself from him, he heard a fading few last words:
"Let's go speak with them now. We can send someone to clean this up later." Thus the throne room was left as royal blood spilled across the floor.
~~~~~
All of Lindblum was in an uproar. Alexandria had fallen into the hands of some Treno noble as the Crown Prince deserted it. Faun found this impossible to believe. "Perhaps you don't know him as well as you think you do?" the words of Lance Steiner plagued his mind. At least I know him that well.
"You're right, you know," Blank told his son, once the younger redhead expressed these sentiments. "I definitely smell a rat. I'm gonna go find Marcus, so see you later." And then Faun was alone in the house. His mother was off at the theatre; his father off treating this like any other day. In fact, everyone was treating it as a normal day, only with something more interesting to talk about. But no, Faun found himself completely absorbed by the politics of the neighboring country. The word was that Chizitsu, at least, was dead, and that Tabito had lived by deserting the country for the Terran nation. Raven's fate was also sealed, it seemed. Faun's head was swimming. No one else cared about this, so long as Lindblum prospered. But no, the royal family of Alexandria were people to him…friends even. And so, Faun locked the door behind him and headed off for the Grand Castle, wondering if Raven was even aware of what was going on.
He was knew the castle well enough to figure out where she was. Any of the guest rooms could be constructed into a cell for a princess, but only the tower room was well enough suited for that job. And sure enough, there were guards posted at the base of the stairs. He walked up to them and took a gamble.
"I'm a friend of the Alexandrian royal family," he bowed as an introduction. "Regent Eiko has sent me to break the news concerning Chizitsu to the Princess." The guards glanced at each other, shrugged, and then motioned him inside. That was disturbingly easy… He climbed up the stairs, getting cold feet as he went. He didn't really want to actually break this news to her, point being that he loved… well, at least really liked her. When he reached the top, he found a locked door of bars that he peered through. The princess of Alexandria sat beautiful as ever in a black outfit that matched her hair. She had definitely no clue as to what was going on, for she was calmly poring over some book.
"Raven?" he called. She looked up, ice blue eyes piercing him to the core, making him shiver.
"You're not a guard," she observed. She's looking at me… he blushed.
"Have you really no clue what's going on?" he asked.
"Should I?" she asked back.
"Oh, gods," he hissed, running a nervous hand through his short, red hair. "Um…"
"Out with it," she said, slamming the book shut and walking towards him. He had to avert his eyes, because the sight of her approaching made him lose his train of thought.
"Um… Alexandria was invaded and captured by an unknown force and two nobles. Tabito is said to have deserted for New Bran Bal," then he held his breath.
"That's a good one," she laughed.
"Raven," his head shot back up to stare her in the face. This made her stammer out the rest. "It's no joke. Alexandria has fallen into the hands of some Noble… Hadler Hoosick, who claims that Tabito fled the castle upon his arrival. Raven, Chizitsu is… he's dead." The girl stared at him for a long moment after blinking twice.
"Don't be silly," she said flatly. "Tabi would never leave Chiz anywhere."
"Raven…" he started softly.
"Someone was able to defeat Chizitsu and send Tabi packing?!" she suddenly screeched. Faun tripped backwards before nodding lamely. "Get me out of here now, you hear?!" He froze, uncertain.
"Y-you want me to break you out?"
"Now!" she commanded. He nodded dumbly, and then smirked. Breaking locks he could do. It was the only magic he knew. Smirking, he uttered the "Unlock" spell. Nothing happened. Smiling nervously, he glanced at the princess, who was glaring at him disparagingly.
"The room is mana-sealed, genius," she pointed out, none-too-kindly.
"I noticed," he giggled nervously, then pulled his tools out of his pocket. So much for showing off. After a moment of fumbling, the door clicked open. She brushed past him, without so much as a thank you, and continued down the stairs with a fire burning in her impossibly cold eyes.
"Wait, there are guards!" he called after her suddenly and raced down the stairs, only to find her standing between the two of them, both asleep. Everyone in the whole hallway was asleep. Faun slapped his forehead.
"You can pilot an airship?" she asked.
"Um, yeah," he answered, still stammering.
"Come with me," she commanded again and proceeded towards the airship docks. As if he were no longer in control of his own feet, he followed her as she proceeded through the castle, casting sleep on everyone she came across. Wow, she's talking to me, he realized, suddenly feeling light-headed. Then he woke up also to realize that they were standing before the masterpiece of the previous Regent, Cid: the Hilde Garde VII .
"We're taking that?!" he screeched incredulously, despite the fact that he was in an airship dock full of sleeping engineers. She didn't answer, only boarded the ship. "Okay, then," he mumbled and ran to catch up.
"Let's go," she ordered once he finally caught up to her on the bridge. Why am I doing this? he wondered before disregarding the thought.
"Where?" he panted.
"Where else?" she raised a degrading eyebrow at him. "Alexandria."
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Ano...ano... yeah, that was once helluva chapter. Ehehehe...er.
This chapter'll be more notes than writing! ...just kidding. I have a question for my readers now. Fanfiction, at least for me, is a learning experience. Two people now have mentioned that Tabito is "perfect." Here is my problem with that statement: Tabito is meant to be perfect for the role of the heir to the throne, however, he is not meant to be perfect as a person. I'm a little too close to the character to be able to tell for myself (Heck, I even know his favorite hour of the day... 6:00 if you were wondering), so after five or so hours of brainbashing with my excellent beta reader (thanks sooo much, John!) we determined that Tabito is definitely not a perfect person. However, if my readers think he's perfect, either a.) John and I are morons who should get day-jobs or b.) I'm not writing Tabito properly, neither of which is a nice thought as far as I'm concerned. So, is Tabito perfect, and why or why not? If y'all be so kind as to answer this between your sobs and rants, I just might become a better author. Thanks, so much!
o.O There's a Kenshin dub?! There's a Kenshin DUB?!?! WTH?! Okay, okay... Yes, I know there's a Kenshin dub (crosses herself against it), but it is a sin to watch. No offense to Bishie, but when the Japanese voice actors are that good (Sanosuke's Edo accent!!! *is all hearts and stars*) , why on earth would you listen to Shannon J. Weaver, who cannot capture the spirit of Kenshin (not to mention the other American voice "talent", because they are unmentionable...)? The Japanese is the beauty of Rurouni Kenshin. Speaking of which, who is up for a brief Japanese lesson? n__n
Vikki is correct about "sessha", an obselete form literally meaning "unworthy me." Somewhat like "boku" means "big, strong me." "Dono" she didn't touch on, but quickly, while sessha is enough to put other males above himself, the ladies of the time were somehow less human than the men. "Dono" literally translates as "person." So he addresses girls with naninani-"woman that is more human than myself." On the dono , I haven't cleared that thought with Kumi yet, but the other students here agree that likely it is the correct translation.
However, Vikki is completely incorrect in assuming than Kenshin does not repeat his verbs. Also incorrect in what he says... "De gozaru yo"? You didn't conjugate the second verb. Gozarimas. " It is (present tense formal)" Gozaru-na. "Is it not?" Gozaru-ka? "Is it?" "De gozari-yo."He uses two verbs in this case "desu" and the obselete "gozaru," both of whish literally translate "to be." He doesn't always use both, but he normally uses the gozaru verb to carry his conjugation, even when he uses a verb of some other meaning. I'll explain why. Desu is "definite state of being," while gozaru is "pardon me, my opinion of this (obviously definite) state of being" sort of... It's a wonderful thing we like to call "honorifics." The present form of gozaru is the respectful "gozai." Gozai acts like a verb conjugator, rather than a verb. Ohayo gozaimas... "Morning greeting, greater person, pardon me for speaking to you now, I am being polite." That translates quite nicely. -__- I really appreciate the "that it is." I think it's a gorgeous translation (part of the reason I like Rurouni Kenshin so much), and I'll show you why. Let's take the first string of Kenshin's lines from the series:
"Sessha-wa rurouni. Ate no nai tabi no kenkaku de gozari-yo. Kore de hitokiru to mo de gozaru-ka? "
"(Unworthy) I [-subject] wanderer (understood "am"). {taking liberties with the word order now, pardon me} (I) am (a) swordsman of journey(s)/travel(s) (next part understood as an adjective) not of expectation(s), [it is my opinion that] (I) am [pardon me for speaking to you, the more honorable individual] [-colloquial "tense of verb understood"] {now it gets worse, I'll just be literal with the word order} This by which to slay a man with also is, [previous sentiments of the gozaru repeated, but also somewhat switching the "opinion" rule to the addressee because it is a question] is (it)? [-what is actually here is what makes it a question]" And suddenly you appreciate all the work those translators must do. This was their translation: "I am a wanderer. Merely a wandering swordsman, that I am. Do you think I could slay someone with this?" A lot of translators just leave these little cultural things out, but the translators were kind enough to leave us the gozaru. n__n I have become very fond of the gozaru translation, that I have [oh, wonderful readers that are so patient with lowly writer me].
And now for my normal pre-chapter rant:
AAAAUGH!! The play goes up Thursday!!! *.* Orooo..... I cannot gaurantee a chapter next week, due to performance and research papers, but I shall endeavour to get it up if at all possible. In the meantime,
~Enjoy!
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Yuku aki no kusa ni kakururu nagare kana
{It seems to me that the stream hides in the grass of departing autumn.}
(a haiku by Shirao, translated by myself)
Chizitsu glanced up at a pigeon that fled for the safety of the wild. It too seemed to understand: Alexandria had fallen. He would get no sympathy from the bird, for it cared only for its own life. Now, the young prince had to care for his own. The enemy soldiers had entered the castle. It would not be long now…
Hastily wiping tears from his eyes he ran out towards the stairs. He froze when he looked down into the antechamber. The fighting had already come this far.
"Protect his Highness!" shouted the commander from earlier to her remaining forces and then ran up to him, saying: "Retreat, we shall protect you." Nodding, for he could say nothing, the boy fled back into the throne room and tried to close the door behind him. After a minute of trying to get it to shut properly, he noticed the hinges were bent on the left door and remembered Tabito's forceful entrance that fateful day. Thanks a lot, Tabi, he thought wryly. The door at the end of the hall burst open, as wounded women tumbled and limped in before turning to face the enemy one last time. Anguished, he glanced around for a place to hide. Suddenly, Commander Featherspread was before him, but her back to him with her sword drawn towards the door. The mage was there.
He wore standard red pants that stretched into boots that were the color of dead grass. Strips of red silk wrapped up around his entire torso until it became a cloak that hung about his shoulders. One bare arm poked out of this as it rested its hand on his hip, the hand in a glove, again the color of the boots, that was fashioned to make his fingers appear as talons. Or at least, Chizitsu hoped that it was the gloves and not his fingers. His skin was, disturbingly, nearly as white as his hair, which hung shoulder length and over most of his face, almost completely covering one of his dull, red eyes. These eyes didn't even regard the commander as they glanced about the room as if looking for something interesting to do. He was not all that big, but he seemed to fill up the doorway. And then he walked forward.
"I shall not let you harm his Highness!" Opal shouted as he advanced. "I know not what you hope to accomplish, but I will not let you by, fiend!" Chizitsu recoiled for he had noticed the mage's mouth mumbling something as he came. Had he a voice, he would have screamed along with Commander Featherspread as she burst into mystic flames. The summoner child recoiled more, covering his face from the intense heat that not even Ifrit could hope to create in this world. As much as he wanted to, he could not look away as she fell dead at his feet.
"They get preachier as you get closer to the top," remarked the mage in a voice that slid through his teeth. Chizitsu managed to look up at the red eyes. The breath was frozen in his throat, just as his words were, and yet he managed to glare back. Just then, the other two that he had seen earlier from afar entered the room.
"Have you cleaned up yet, Seraphim?" asked the larger one, and his voice seemed remarkably familiar to the young prince. The mage turned his blood-colored eyes on the speaker.
"I've found the small fry," Seraphim answered and turned back to Chizitsu. "Where is his most humble Majesty? I am very much looking forward to speaking with him." Chizitsu shied back against the wall, his heart racing.
"He cannot answer, or have you forgotten, you stupid albino?" the one without a mask sneered in the most egotistical tone Chizitsu had ever heard. The mage's already cold eyes grew a coat of ice.
"I haven't," he turned to the offender, "and it's best for you that I hadn't forgotten there were weaklings like you in the room, or I might've released him."
"Now, now," the larger man interrupted, removing his mask. Lord Shido Mart! Chizitsu recognized with utter panic. Eiko wouldn't have sent him, would she? Or is he… What is going on? That Seraphim seemed somewhat surprised that he removed his mask, so maybe he's… Augh! Tabi, I wish I could tell you that—Chizitsu's heart nearly stopped in his chest when he realized that he had witnessed the secret, and therefore his fate was sealed. The three invaders continue to argue with each other.
"It's well for you that you're not expendable," Seraphim snapped, as much as his slithering voice could snap, "but do not get cocky about it."
"Seraphim, please," Shido placed a hand on the younger man's shoulder. "I'm certain that it was merely a slip of the tongue." He did, however, cast a meaningful glance in the other's direction.
"Third one today," the red mage muttered.
"I'd apologize to Master Shade if I were you, Hadler," he addressed the older man, "that is if you want to live to be Governor of Alexandria." Governor? thought Chizitsu. Then… Tabi didn't see it all! It's not just the Terrans they're after, it's the whole world! This Shido guy intends to be king of the world, and has an all-powerful mage on his leash.
"My apologies then, albino," the man called Hadler replied. "I did not mean to assume so much."
"That settled," Lord Mart moved on, although it was quite apparent that the issue had not been settled in the least of measurements. "Now then, little one, you have your hands still, have you not?" Chizitsu stood as still as he possibly could, but the lord grabbed him by the head and led him to the desk, on which was ink and paper. "Tell us where the Crown Prince is, and do not take me lightly, for I am more than willing to use force." Nervously, Chizitsu glanced at the red mage, who was still glaring at the Hadler man, as if willing him to die. Gritting his teeth, the boy faced straight ahead and did nothing. "I see. Seraphim, he needs encouragement." The albino walked over, causing the summoner to tense up, but instead of harming him, the red mage simply produced a chocobo feather. Instinctively, Chizitsu grabbed for it, but it was snatched well out of his reach.
"You want this?" Seraphim asked. "You can tell us where Tabito is." Of course Chizitsu wanted his Boco back, but he also wanted to protect his brother. I know: I'll play their game. I won't tell them anything unless they threaten me with death or something. That will give Tabi more time. Picking up the quill, he slowly wrote:
You think that I would sell my own brother for a chocobo's feather?
Seraphim seemed amused by this, while the two noblemen seemed rather impatient.
"Why not?" the mage laughed. "What is he selling you for?" Chizitsu fumed inwardly, but of course said nothing. Just then, a soldier ran in and saluted:
"Sir!"
"You've found him?" Shido asked expectantly.
"No, sir," the soldier shrunk back from the frown. "I have come to inform you that there are Lindblum scouts in the distance."
"Then we haven't much time," the lord snorted, and drew his rapier, causing Chizitsu to flinch.
"Looks like you should have taken my offer," Seraphim chuckled as the flat of Shido's blade rested on the young prince's shoulder, the lethal side an inch from his neck. I promised Tabi… Slowly Chizitsu reached for the quill once more, and delicately scribbled "New Bran Bal," all the while wary of the weapon on his shoulder.
"What?!" Seraphim remarked, almost angrily.
"How?!" Shido did not seem too happy either. Then another informant ran in.
"Sir!" he also saluted. "Prince Tabito escaped through the harbor, Sir!" Then the new messenger noticed that the rapier was already drawn and shrank back. Chizitsu smiled happily to himself.
"What? When?"
"Apparently, shortly before the barrier was erected, the Crown Prince laid the scouts low and left on a giant, glowing, winged creature, and headed north," he continued to shrink back as he explicated apologetically. "Aside from one broken jaw, the injuries we sustained were minor and—"
"Enough," Shido Mart seemed to be thoughtful now rather than angry. Seraphim, however, was considerably pissed off.
"Curses," he muttered, running a hand through cotton white tresses. "He wasn't nearly as fool-hardy as we gave him credit for. Although I'll admit it was a good plan."
"Huh," Shido glanced back at Chizitsu, no, at the paper he had written on. "He knew well enough Lindblum wasn't about to stick her neck out for him, so he left the city safe-guarded while he turned to New Bran Bal for reinforcements."
"It almost worked," the mage snorted then looked at the now laughing noble. "What?"
"It's perfect," Lord Mart laughed evilly.
"Hardly," Seraphim snorted again. "I was truly looking forward to wiping the floor with his royal hiney."
"You'll get a chance yet," Shido assured him. "He went to New Bran Bal, no, he deserted Alexandria for the Terrans. It's beautiful. It's enough to prove the Royal family is in conspiracy with the Terran people. Maybe enough proof for the Ark case, even."
"Whatever," Seraphim replied, still looking fairly disappointed and bored. Chizitsu felt sick. He might have thrown up had his stomach not already been empty from earlier. How dare you! he wanted to scream. Hasn't Tabi already been through enough? What was worse was Tabito's voice in his head: "I think I should surrender before anyone else dies." His first instinct had been correct after all, as it had always been in Chizitsu's experience. The entire endeavor had bought Tabito maybe a few more days of life, and that at the expense of all his pride and respect, which was scant to begin with. Chizitsu was too angry to cry.
"And with Hadler Hoosick here, we have an Alexandrian noble, to keep the deal clean," Shido Mart was still chuckling. "None of that chancy accusation problems going on. Oh, if I ever see his highness, I'll have to thank him before I kill him."
"Whatever," the red mage repeated and stretched lazily. "I'm going to go make myself scarce. My cover may be blown in New Bran Bal, but I think I can stay out of Lindblum problems still." Then he left the room.
"Very good," Shido nodded as he left, and then to himself, "you're finally learning to think. I guess that means I'll have to kill you when all is said and done."
"The Lindblum scouts are here, Sir," another soldier saluted as he entered.
"We'll be right there," Shido nodded him away before turning to Chizitsu. "You don't look so happy," he mocked. You, bastard… "Don't worry; I'm through with you." Before the young summoner could even blink, the cold steel slid straight through his midsection. For a long moment, Chizitsu couldn't even think, couldn't even register the pain. All he could do was stare at the blade protruding from his center in shock. And then the blade was twisted. The child prince's head snapped back in agony to let loose with a howl of anguish, but the scream was silent. The rapier steel, now warm with his blood, was pulled up and out of him, and he collapsed face forward onto the floor. As the world distanced itself from him, he heard a fading few last words:
"Let's go speak with them now. We can send someone to clean this up later." Thus the throne room was left as royal blood spilled across the floor.
All of Lindblum was in an uproar. Alexandria had fallen into the hands of some Treno noble as the Crown Prince deserted it. Faun found this impossible to believe. "Perhaps you don't know him as well as you think you do?" the words of Lance Steiner plagued his mind. At least I know him that well.
"You're right, you know," Blank told his son, once the younger redhead expressed these sentiments. "I definitely smell a rat. I'm gonna go find Marcus, so see you later." And then Faun was alone in the house. His mother was off at the theatre; his father off treating this like any other day. In fact, everyone was treating it as a normal day, only with something more interesting to talk about. But no, Faun found himself completely absorbed by the politics of the neighboring country. The word was that Chizitsu, at least, was dead, and that Tabito had lived by deserting the country for the Terran nation. Raven's fate was also sealed, it seemed. Faun's head was swimming. No one else cared about this, so long as Lindblum prospered. But no, the royal family of Alexandria were people to him…friends even. And so, Faun locked the door behind him and headed off for the Grand Castle, wondering if Raven was even aware of what was going on.
He was knew the castle well enough to figure out where she was. Any of the guest rooms could be constructed into a cell for a princess, but only the tower room was well enough suited for that job. And sure enough, there were guards posted at the base of the stairs. He walked up to them and took a gamble.
"I'm a friend of the Alexandrian royal family," he bowed as an introduction. "Regent Eiko has sent me to break the news concerning Chizitsu to the Princess." The guards glanced at each other, shrugged, and then motioned him inside. That was disturbingly easy… He climbed up the stairs, getting cold feet as he went. He didn't really want to actually break this news to her, point being that he loved… well, at least really liked her. When he reached the top, he found a locked door of bars that he peered through. The princess of Alexandria sat beautiful as ever in a black outfit that matched her hair. She had definitely no clue as to what was going on, for she was calmly poring over some book.
"Raven?" he called. She looked up, ice blue eyes piercing him to the core, making him shiver.
"You're not a guard," she observed. She's looking at me… he blushed.
"Have you really no clue what's going on?" he asked.
"Should I?" she asked back.
"Oh, gods," he hissed, running a nervous hand through his short, red hair. "Um…"
"Out with it," she said, slamming the book shut and walking towards him. He had to avert his eyes, because the sight of her approaching made him lose his train of thought.
"Um… Alexandria was invaded and captured by an unknown force and two nobles. Tabito is said to have deserted for New Bran Bal," then he held his breath.
"That's a good one," she laughed.
"Raven," his head shot back up to stare her in the face. This made her stammer out the rest. "It's no joke. Alexandria has fallen into the hands of some Noble… Hadler Hoosick, who claims that Tabito fled the castle upon his arrival. Raven, Chizitsu is… he's dead." The girl stared at him for a long moment after blinking twice.
"Don't be silly," she said flatly. "Tabi would never leave Chiz anywhere."
"Raven…" he started softly.
"Someone was able to defeat Chizitsu and send Tabi packing?!" she suddenly screeched. Faun tripped backwards before nodding lamely. "Get me out of here now, you hear?!" He froze, uncertain.
"Y-you want me to break you out?"
"Now!" she commanded. He nodded dumbly, and then smirked. Breaking locks he could do. It was the only magic he knew. Smirking, he uttered the "Unlock" spell. Nothing happened. Smiling nervously, he glanced at the princess, who was glaring at him disparagingly.
"The room is mana-sealed, genius," she pointed out, none-too-kindly.
"I noticed," he giggled nervously, then pulled his tools out of his pocket. So much for showing off. After a moment of fumbling, the door clicked open. She brushed past him, without so much as a thank you, and continued down the stairs with a fire burning in her impossibly cold eyes.
"Wait, there are guards!" he called after her suddenly and raced down the stairs, only to find her standing between the two of them, both asleep. Everyone in the whole hallway was asleep. Faun slapped his forehead.
"You can pilot an airship?" she asked.
"Um, yeah," he answered, still stammering.
"Come with me," she commanded again and proceeded towards the airship docks. As if he were no longer in control of his own feet, he followed her as she proceeded through the castle, casting sleep on everyone she came across. Wow, she's talking to me, he realized, suddenly feeling light-headed. Then he woke up also to realize that they were standing before the masterpiece of the previous Regent, Cid: the Hilde Garde VII .
"We're taking that?!" he screeched incredulously, despite the fact that he was in an airship dock full of sleeping engineers. She didn't answer, only boarded the ship. "Okay, then," he mumbled and ran to catch up.
"Let's go," she ordered once he finally caught up to her on the bridge. Why am I doing this? he wondered before disregarding the thought.
"Where?" he panted.
"Where else?" she raised a degrading eyebrow at him. "Alexandria."
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Ano...ano... yeah, that was once helluva chapter. Ehehehe...er.
This chapter'll be more notes than writing! ...just kidding. I have a question for my readers now. Fanfiction, at least for me, is a learning experience. Two people now have mentioned that Tabito is "perfect." Here is my problem with that statement: Tabito is meant to be perfect for the role of the heir to the throne, however, he is not meant to be perfect as a person. I'm a little too close to the character to be able to tell for myself (Heck, I even know his favorite hour of the day... 6:00 if you were wondering), so after five or so hours of brainbashing with my excellent beta reader (thanks sooo much, John!) we determined that Tabito is definitely not a perfect person. However, if my readers think he's perfect, either a.) John and I are morons who should get day-jobs or b.) I'm not writing Tabito properly, neither of which is a nice thought as far as I'm concerned. So, is Tabito perfect, and why or why not? If y'all be so kind as to answer this between your sobs and rants, I just might become a better author. Thanks, so much!