The wing of rooms allocated to the DragonSlayers had the silence and reverential atmosphere of a cathedral's catacombs. For, it is only in Death's broken home that no sound is ever rendered permission to wander. .
.
Without a job to do, and without having anything they could study on their own, they were at a loss. What was there to do without eachother? Without the work that their country expected them to do?
.
To become institutionalized is to lose your soul forever, to trade whatever life one may have had the potential to live, for the security of always having the next event scripted and ready. And when that script is not ready, the world becomes mired down in a dense, patchy fog; bits of light break through here and there, but not enough for one to see where they are going. . And the lost receive pity from the lost; the others who can see through the dark don't care to help them, or, in other circumstances, they know the way but can not guide another through. .
All of them were of a single thought, as the fish who swim in schools; they wondered only how their comrades and their lord were faring in this melancholy circumstance. Their captors simply stood by in silence, dark figures in the distance who would never relent. . . Gatty found the task Folken had given him an easy one. The Dragonslayers all had their own rooms, but the doors converged into one hallway. If any of them tried to sneak out, he could catch them with no difficulty.
The passing time was not hell for him, as it was for the Dragonslayers. His work could be completed in that maze of cleric's offices, or out in the open among the trees. It didn't really matter to him. And, the Dragonslayers provided plenty of opportunities for him to take a break every now and again. He found it amusing that, as well-trained as they were in stealth operations, they couldn't manage to get past a lone cleric guarding their own hall. It made him laugh to think of what would happen to them if they were captured. They probably wouldn't even attempt to get out of their cells. "And they take such pride in themselves, too, " Gatty thought with a smile. He could've been a soldier too, if things had worked out. He was well-versed in strategy and fighting techniques. But, a good cleric is harder to find than a good soldier. It had decided early on that he should have the more important job of inside work, keeping all of Zaibach in order. A soldier may fight bravely, but if someone were to screw up and send him to the wrong place, his death would be in vain. . .
.
The clock ticked its hours away. Finally, it struck 1400, the time set aside for the Dragonslayers to practice fighting as a group. They were expected to keep in excellent condition at all times, even on restriction. . They walked along the hallway, single file, maintaining the five foot interval from eachother which Folken had insisted upon. Gatty followed them, ensuring that none were breaking the rules. When they reached the training hall, they were entrusted to the watchful eye of their instructors, and Gatty went to counsel with Folken.
.
Poor Dirandau. He could never seem to manage cooperation, not even if all he held dear depended on it.
He had mouthed off to Folken, and consequently lost the privilege of joining the group training session.
.
He sat with his head lain down on his desk, his hands tightly woven together, attempting to maintain silence. He gripped his fingers in a manner that, had someone stronger been doing that, they would have been crushed and broken. . Why couldn't this frustration ever end? There was always something happening beyond his reach to keep him in an impossible state.
.
And Folken...was he ever going to escape from that terrible man? It was as if he were a vortex; no matter how hard Dirandau tried to get away, there was always something that forced him to come back. He just wanted to be free. To know that someone wasn't always watching him, expecting him to screw up. To know that someone wouldn't be accusing him of doing wrong when he was doing just fine. .
.
Gatty walked in, a bit disappointed. He had been expecting to speak with Folken alone, not with one of his enemies present.
"Sir...am I interrupting anything?"
It appeared to Gatty that Dirandau was being subjected to further punishment, and he didn't wish to disturb anything. Especially something that would involve annoyance to that brat.
.
Folken flipped a page in the book he was reading, to pass the time. He hardly bothered to look up for any of this. It was all the same, all something he had seen before. "No, no," he said with a smirk. "He's just meditating, that's all. He's a very deeply religious person, you know." . Dirandau lifted his head up, and glowered back at Folken with jaded eyes. Folken had him imprisoned, had him subjugated, had him defeated...and now he was going to continue with insults.
.
"You're going to die some day, and I'll be there to laugh at your funeral!" Folken nodded in agreement, still smirking. "And, of course I'll care, because I'll be able to hear you loud and clear, right?"
.
Dirandau's eyes flashed venemously. There was no defeating Folken in anything. Dirandau went to his room's lavatory, slammed the door shut, and began screaming. .
.
Gatty was appalled.
"And this is someone we are entrusting Zaibach's future to?"
Folken nodded.
"Forgive my audacity, sir," Gatty began. He was always so careful to show deference to those with a higher rank. He was no fool. He was not about to have his career, barely begun, stilted because some idiot in power didn't like the way he had been addressed.
"I think it's entirely ridiculous that so much faith is placed in him. From what I can see, and what I've read, he's not going to do well at all. And he's...such a child."
.
Folken sighed. Often times, he felt the same thing. But, they were too far along into this now. They had to make do with the situation, as best as they could.
"That may be. But, it's not for a cleric to decide, so keep it out of your mind. You'll do better that way."
"Yes, sir," Gatty said.
.
Gatty found himself unable to keep an angry look off of his face. Folken's words frustrated him. From what he could infer, Folken agreed with him, but lacked the power to change what had been done. So, if people like that, who constantly looked out for Zaibach's interests and always worked towards her ideals, were ignored even in such high ranks, then what hope was there that he could possibly do any good? All he'd ever be able to do was exactly what someone told him, and that had been passed down so far that river of power that it wouldn't matter whether or not he saw that an order was going to cause harm.
.
And it was people like Dirandau, who didn't know anything, who were the ones that made all the important decisions. He glared at the lavatory door, behind which Dirandau was throwing a fantastic fit.
"Some get all the glory," he thought, "And the Undeserving Many get a life behind the scenes."
.
.
Unbeknownst to him, there was jealousy and agitation flickering in his eyes. It worried Folken.
He, like many who knew of Gatty, had a great deal of hope for the young man. Folken didn't want him spending too much time on this job, which was obviously taxing his emotions in an unhealthy manner.
.
"What did you want to speak to me about?" Folken inquired. Gatty handed him some papers.
.
"I wanted to discuss the possibility of transferring the Dragonslayers out of the hold they've been put under," he said. "I doubt Dirandau is still ill, and they could just as easily finish out their restriction somewhere else. And, while they're busy waiting, all the office work will be finished." And, to add an extra touch of military bearing, he finished with, "I respectfully request your approval of this transfer."
.
Dirandau had quieted, and began listening in when he heard mention of the Dragonslayers. He stared, unblinking, at the door. There was hope of getting out of here after all? He prayed that Folken would agree. Why wouldn't he, if he happened to like Gatty so much?
.
Folken took a quick look over the papers, then handed them back.
"No," he said. "I won't approve it."
.
Gatty was infuriated. Folken hadn't even looked at them! Rrr....sometimes he despised the
helplessness of his job...begging for signatures, or information which would ultimately help those he was trying to solicit it from. It was like working for a bunch of mental patients, and trying in vain to give them medicine they didn't see the need for.
.
"Sir...once again, I apologize for being so bold, but...why not?"
"I have my own reasons, none of which concern you."
.
Folken was hesitant to admit his doubts aloud...that sending Dirandau out there in Zaibach under someone else's supervision would never work. The incident with Adelphus was only one more bit of proof about how he was going to fare. No one liked someone they didn't think was worthy of the status they held. And, Dirandau hadn't earned it...not in the traditional sense. He didn't spend years of studying and training to get where he was. He had only done that after his place in life had been set. No one respected who or what he was, except his own men.
.
Dirandau diminished his holding of credits by punching several holes in the walls. That would cost him a bit to fix.
.
Gatty shut his eyes. Why, why, why?
"I understand, sir. I'll file those away, and get back to work."
.
Dirandau ripped the door open, and marched up to Gatty
"Now wait just a minute! That's unacceptable!! He can't just destroy my life, and then not give any reasons whatsoever..."
Why he was yelling at Gatty, he didn't really know. Maybe it was because Gatty had the power to change things, a power which Dirandau so badly needed, and was being too obedient to use it. And maybe because he was sick of yelling at Folken, when he knew Folken would never change.
.
"On the contrary, he can. I've got plenty of manuals you could read that say so," he said, calmly. He had practiced much at maintaining a calm demeanor when he wanted to rip someone apart. It came in handy when dealing with higher officers, or with those the officers didn't want to see hurt.
"And, besides that, he hasn't ruined your life. If anything, he's been spending all his time trying to ensure that you don't do that yourself. I can't count how many incident reports I've had to file about you, that should have earned a court-martial and an execution."
Even though he didn't agree with what Folken was doing right now, he still held the highest respect for him.
.
Dirandau put on one of his wonderful smiles. The kind an enemy always remembered, because it placed great happiness next to torment they would feel for a long time.
"So, you want to see me killed? And yet...I'm still alive. Isn't that interesting? I guess it's one of those old "balance of power" equations. You know...the kind that turn up saying you have none?"
.
Gatty glared at him. If he could get the little brat alone in a room, he'd just....rrr....
"Lord Folken, I'll report back to you before I leave to get the Dragonslayers back from the training hall."
He left before Dirandau could get another word in. He knew better than to stay and continue the argument. He felt his patience running out, and knew that reckless actions would be something he soon would be unable to avoid taking if he remained there arguing. If he allowed himself to fall into that, he might ruin everything he had done up to this point, and all for the sake of a fight.
.
Folken and Dirandau went back to their favourite way to interact with eachother - completely ignoring one another.
.
.
.
Four hours later, the Dragonslayers were back in their hallway, lined up in front of their doors. They were waiting for Gatty to come back, to account for everyone there. It was a formality which they didn't mind. It gave them a chance to see eachother for a little while longer. Even if they couldn't talk, it was better to see familiar faces than to be alone in a room all the time.
.
Training had been a wonderful release. All the stored up boredom had turned into aggression, and easily passed through the handles of their swords.
.
However, all through it, they had been worried about Dirandau. He hadn't shown up, and it was evident from his face now that he had badly needed that bit of liberation. They were somewhat glad that Folken had complete control over him right now. At least that way, if Dirandau became too depressed or angry, he wouldn't have an opportunity to kill himself...
.
.
About ten minutes later, Gatty came running. His hair was tousled, and he looked tired. He had been sent running around for papers, like a dog, as usual. He bowed to Folken.
"Forgive my lateness, sir. I-"
"Forgiven. Just carry on with it. Folken cared about military bearing as much as the next commander. But, Gatty had too much of it. Often times, he was labeled what was known as a 'military idiot' - someone who follows things by the book in normal circumstances. While this is what was technically expected of everyone in Zaibach, there was hardly a person who actually followed protocol all the time. [And most of the others who tried didn't have as much knowledge of Zaibach protocol as Gatty did, thus making him stand out even more.]
"Yes, sir."
.
It took thirty minutes in all. Gatty had to recite the rules and regulations soldiers on restriction must follow, to ensure that they knew them. [It was quite ridiculous, reciting what they were not allowed to do. It would have taken only one minute to say what they were allowed to do.]
.
.
Throughout the whole thing, Gatty was acutely aware of the terrible looks he was receiving from Migueru and Dirandau. This was one of those times where the forced habit of the 'thousand yard stare' came in handy. If he didn't have to see them, they didn't really exist. Just names on paper, that's all. Them and their annoying behavior could just disappear if he kept them out of his vision.
.
He finally reached the part where he read off names, and checked off those who repeated it and called out, "Present." Almost everyone responded satisfactorily.
"Lavarial, Migueru," he called out.
"Lavarial, Second in Command. Present."
Dirandau and Migueru were still fighting with Folken about that title. Folken refused to let Migueru have it officially, and would not back down from that.
.
Gatty masked himself with calmness again. He wouldn't fight right now.
"Alright, I'll mark that down this time...but if you don't repeat exactly as I've said, I'll be sure to get you a court-martial for using a false title. Understood?"
"Understood...cleric." Gatty did have a higher rank than Migueru and the other Dragonslayers, but since he wasn't in soldier class, they didn't have to call him sir. And Migueru certainly wasn't going to show that prig any semblance of respect when he didn't have to.
.
"Captain Albatou, Dirandau, Lead Dragonslayer," Gatty called out. No answer. Gatty repeated it once more. No answer.
.
Gatty stared directly at Dirandau, as angry as he possibly could be. "Did you get a name change between now and the last time I saw you?" Dirandau smiled, but didn't say anything.
.
Gatty repeated his name, becoming very frustrated. And Dirandau once again remained silent. .
Folken clamped a hand down on Dirandau's shoulder, letting him know he was getting himself in trouble. Finally, his shoulder grew to hurt too much, and so he shouted, "Present."
.
"You're supposed to respond with your name," Gatty said.
Dirandau smirked. "What, you don't know my name by now?" Gatty glared at him.
Through grit teeth, he said, "Of course I do. But, this is an official record. You have to say it, because that's what the manual says to do."
.
Dirandau rolled his eyes. "Why do you care what the manual says? This isn't a ceremony. There's no one around who cares about it that matters." Gatty was red with anger. That was an insult directly aimed at him, demeaning something he held of high value.
"What about Lord Folken? I'm sure he cares." asked Gatty.
Dirandau laughed. "You're sure, huh? Well, I'm sure you would know, since you two are both alike..."
"And how do you mean that?"
"You're both pathetic and weak. Neither of you belong here, and neither of you are doing any good for this army. Chk…and you talk about deserving court martials! That's a fine thing, coming from such idiotic criminals!"
.
Gatty marked Dirandau's name down. He rolled up the paper, as well as his proverbial sleeves. He was through playing games with that child.
"I take it you've never seen Lord Folken in a fight. I know right now he could defeat you easily...and he probably has, hasn't he?"
It was Gatty's time to smirk. He knew so much about Dirandau...too much. Every sad little detail.
.
Dirandau folded his arms and looked away. The blow struck him deeply, and he couldn't continue on for several moments.
.
"At least I'm not a running dog for anyone else...at least I don't go begging people for things I need to do my job with...at least I'll actually be able to do something important." It had ceased to be a fight to cut eachother down. Now Dirandau was on the defensive...retreating to a place of strength.
.
"At least I'm not some neurotic little..." Gatty couldn't finish. That would be saying too much. Regardless of how he felt, Zaibach wanted to keep Dirandau around…and it wouldn't do well to let Dirandau in on the few secrets Gatty knew about him. He bowed to Folken.
"I will report back here in a half hour, ready to stand watch, sir."
"Fine, fine."
.
Gatty took off running again. Nobody could do anything untill he got back to stand watch over that hallway. He was always rushing. It was too bad that Zaibach didn't consider sleep a true necessity. He could have really used some right then.
.
.
By the time Gatty got through all the last minute emergency jobs that people inevitably gave to him whenever he walked into the cleric's office, he had just enough time to run back and be an hour late. Folken had allowed the Dragonslayers to go back in their rooms, but since they needed someone to watch the hall, he had to stay. And since he had to stay, Dirandau also had to stand watch.
.
Gatty stopped to catch his breath, and was about to apologize again, when Dirandau cut him off.
.
"Late? Oh, that's so unlike a perfect little cleric...I think you ought to get yourself sent to a court-martial."
Gatty stared up at him, his eyes betraying his weariness.
And you would be my judge?"
"Ha! No, I wouldn't take that job. I'd much rather be your executioner."
"Of course..." Gatty said, not particularly caring anymore.
.
He tried once again to apologize to Folken for being late, but Dirandau once again interfered.
"You really ought to work out more. You seem tired, and I'll bet it wasn't much of a run. Then again...you probably don't get much chance to do that, seeing as you're in an office all day, right? Behind a desk…like a good little office boy?"
.
Gatty glared at him.
"I practically run a marathon every day. Thanks to you wonderful soldiers and all your mistakes."
"Good. Well, if you can't get a real job, then why not suffer a little? The useless ought to, often…to give them some semblance of dignity, at least."
.
Gatty stared at Folken, almost pleading for him to make Dirandau shut up. He didn't understand why Folken, such a great leader, would tolerate this. It never occured to him that spending years with Dirandau would make this behavior normal, tolerable, and hardly noticeable.
.
He felt alone. But, that didn't stop him. He could fight alone. He often did.
.
"Then you should be begging for punishments, and not complaining when they are given." Gatty said.
Dirandau growled. "It's your fault that I'm not doing anything, not mine!! If you hadn't agreed to do what Folken told you to, and hadn't stuck my Dragonslayers here, I wouldn't be stuck here with him anymore!!! I wouldn't have broken your precious rules if you had helped me!!!!!!"
.
Gatty was taken aback. Thus far, he had seen Dirandau in fits of anger, heard him scream, and taken all those insults. But, never all three at once. And never while looking straight into those eyes…
It was a unique and startling experience. All of the rage and hatred Dirandau felt and carried with him seemed to reach Gatty through that voice. His confidence was shattered for the moment.
.
"I..."
"You what...? You have anymore damned excuses? Or defenses for Folken?"
Gatty blinked. He couldn't think of a single thing to say. His face had lost all its set determination.
.
Dirandau stared at him, confused. What the hell just happened? Why did he stop?
"Hey! I asked you a question!!"
He gave Gatty a terrible hit, that sent him flying.
.
Phsycial abuse was one area that Folken wouldn't stand for, at least not at the moment. For one thing, Dirandau had a habit of going too far and causing permanent damage…like a young rattlesnake, unknowledgeable of how much venom he ought to give an enemy. For another, it was against the rules that anyone under restriction should strike another member of Zaibach.
"That's enough, Dirandau. I'm giving you early taps tonight. It's time you got some rest."
.
"Oh, what's the matter? I hurt your worthless little secretary, so now you're going to lock me up?"
Folken didn't say anything more. He simply dragged Dirandau back to his room, who literally kicked him all the way.
.
.
Gatty sat on the floor for awhile, rubbing his face. He hadn't been hit like that since his early training days.
.
"Damnit, those were hellish times..." he thought. Always on the brink of death, and everywhere they turned, always someone ready to remind them how worthless they were.
.
He blinked. He suddenly realized what he must look like...weak...unprofessional. At least, that was how he felt.
"Get up off the floor, you idiot.." The voice of one of his old instructors....he could hear it distinctly. It was amazing that one insignificant meeting with someone could start bringing those old helpless feelings back.
.
.
He was standing, staring at the wall with a dazed look on his face by the time Folken came back.
.
"I think that Migueru is planning a break out tonight. You should be mindful of that. Understood?"
Gatty didn't answer. He was still stunned. And thinking...thinking... .
"Gatty? Gatty, can you hear me?"
"I...uh…yeah....." That was definitive proof that he wasn't altogether with it at the moment. There wasn't a soul who would ever catch him using slang phrase. It was always yes or no, or whatever the appropriate word would be. [He couldn't help it. He was a grammarian.]
.
Folken tapped him on the shoulder. Gatty turned and stared at him, very startled. Like a frightened deer.
"You ought to get some rest."
"No, no..." Gatty protested. "I'm fine. I can do my job." At the moment, he felt a desperate need to prove himself.
"Then let me rephrase that. I order you to go get some rest. I'll stay here tonight."
"What about-"
"Don't worry about him," Folken said. "He's well-taken care of." Folken hadn't felt like dealing with Dirandau, so he simply gave the poor guy some tranquilizers, and left him for the night. Folken seemed to be growing callous, and uncaring. At times, he even managed to seem heartless. Poor Van might weep if he knew some of his brother's actions as of late. But, no matter…bad actions often become rose-tinted with age.
.
Gatty left, still dazed and stunned, in an unearthly haze. He had been so very in charge just a moment ago. What the hell happened?
.
.
{{Author's notes: I'm going to have to sit and analyse why I so off-handedly called Folken heartless. o_O That's just...uh...kind of strange for me to say, considering how I feel about him as a character. [Perhaps it's from spending so much time writing from Dilly's point of view. ^_^] Ah, now for me to stop babbling, and reply to reviews.: Hehe...so I did give out his name. Oh well. ^_^ Nah, he's not as interesting as Dilly. But, still, very fun to play around with. I'll be writing as much as I can. Although, at the moment, I'm fearing that my stories involving Dirandau are all becoming too similar. Nearly all of them involve a plot where he is stuck under someone else's control, and is fighting very hard to get out of that [Not that this subject isn't highly appropriate in his case...] I don't know how many more I can write without it all becoming the same. [Heh....but, then if I stop, I won't be able to get into character like that again for Dirandau…at least, not with a purpose.] Missy Feye: Don't worry about Folken. He's fought dragons with his bare hands, and dealt with Van and Mereru when either were being annoying. I'm sure he can handle Dirandau. ::Meanwhile, we see Dirandau running around in the background, setting fire to all the curtains:: o_O Eh...okay...so maybe you're right. Navy college is going just fine. Boring, but just fine otherwise. There's not much to do here, though. We have a saying: "We do have something of interest to do around here. It's called getting in trouble." But, don't worry...I'm not getting on restriction anytime soon. ^_^ [And here they take away everything you own except your uniforms for that, and then a months pay...and you're lucky if you don't get kicked out because the Commander seems to be fond of that lately.] Okay...I have to get this done before I get kicked out of the library for the night. Next chapter should be fun...The DSlayers get off restriction. And, we finally get that mess about the second in command taken care of, I hope. (It's probably not all that important to anyone at the moment.) And, I'm sure anyone can take a guess at who's going to be put in that position. Adios, and Happy Trails.}}
.
Without a job to do, and without having anything they could study on their own, they were at a loss. What was there to do without eachother? Without the work that their country expected them to do?
.
To become institutionalized is to lose your soul forever, to trade whatever life one may have had the potential to live, for the security of always having the next event scripted and ready. And when that script is not ready, the world becomes mired down in a dense, patchy fog; bits of light break through here and there, but not enough for one to see where they are going. . And the lost receive pity from the lost; the others who can see through the dark don't care to help them, or, in other circumstances, they know the way but can not guide another through. .
All of them were of a single thought, as the fish who swim in schools; they wondered only how their comrades and their lord were faring in this melancholy circumstance. Their captors simply stood by in silence, dark figures in the distance who would never relent. . . Gatty found the task Folken had given him an easy one. The Dragonslayers all had their own rooms, but the doors converged into one hallway. If any of them tried to sneak out, he could catch them with no difficulty.
The passing time was not hell for him, as it was for the Dragonslayers. His work could be completed in that maze of cleric's offices, or out in the open among the trees. It didn't really matter to him. And, the Dragonslayers provided plenty of opportunities for him to take a break every now and again. He found it amusing that, as well-trained as they were in stealth operations, they couldn't manage to get past a lone cleric guarding their own hall. It made him laugh to think of what would happen to them if they were captured. They probably wouldn't even attempt to get out of their cells. "And they take such pride in themselves, too, " Gatty thought with a smile. He could've been a soldier too, if things had worked out. He was well-versed in strategy and fighting techniques. But, a good cleric is harder to find than a good soldier. It had decided early on that he should have the more important job of inside work, keeping all of Zaibach in order. A soldier may fight bravely, but if someone were to screw up and send him to the wrong place, his death would be in vain. . .
.
The clock ticked its hours away. Finally, it struck 1400, the time set aside for the Dragonslayers to practice fighting as a group. They were expected to keep in excellent condition at all times, even on restriction. . They walked along the hallway, single file, maintaining the five foot interval from eachother which Folken had insisted upon. Gatty followed them, ensuring that none were breaking the rules. When they reached the training hall, they were entrusted to the watchful eye of their instructors, and Gatty went to counsel with Folken.
.
Poor Dirandau. He could never seem to manage cooperation, not even if all he held dear depended on it.
He had mouthed off to Folken, and consequently lost the privilege of joining the group training session.
.
He sat with his head lain down on his desk, his hands tightly woven together, attempting to maintain silence. He gripped his fingers in a manner that, had someone stronger been doing that, they would have been crushed and broken. . Why couldn't this frustration ever end? There was always something happening beyond his reach to keep him in an impossible state.
.
And Folken...was he ever going to escape from that terrible man? It was as if he were a vortex; no matter how hard Dirandau tried to get away, there was always something that forced him to come back. He just wanted to be free. To know that someone wasn't always watching him, expecting him to screw up. To know that someone wouldn't be accusing him of doing wrong when he was doing just fine. .
.
Gatty walked in, a bit disappointed. He had been expecting to speak with Folken alone, not with one of his enemies present.
"Sir...am I interrupting anything?"
It appeared to Gatty that Dirandau was being subjected to further punishment, and he didn't wish to disturb anything. Especially something that would involve annoyance to that brat.
.
Folken flipped a page in the book he was reading, to pass the time. He hardly bothered to look up for any of this. It was all the same, all something he had seen before. "No, no," he said with a smirk. "He's just meditating, that's all. He's a very deeply religious person, you know." . Dirandau lifted his head up, and glowered back at Folken with jaded eyes. Folken had him imprisoned, had him subjugated, had him defeated...and now he was going to continue with insults.
.
"You're going to die some day, and I'll be there to laugh at your funeral!" Folken nodded in agreement, still smirking. "And, of course I'll care, because I'll be able to hear you loud and clear, right?"
.
Dirandau's eyes flashed venemously. There was no defeating Folken in anything. Dirandau went to his room's lavatory, slammed the door shut, and began screaming. .
.
Gatty was appalled.
"And this is someone we are entrusting Zaibach's future to?"
Folken nodded.
"Forgive my audacity, sir," Gatty began. He was always so careful to show deference to those with a higher rank. He was no fool. He was not about to have his career, barely begun, stilted because some idiot in power didn't like the way he had been addressed.
"I think it's entirely ridiculous that so much faith is placed in him. From what I can see, and what I've read, he's not going to do well at all. And he's...such a child."
.
Folken sighed. Often times, he felt the same thing. But, they were too far along into this now. They had to make do with the situation, as best as they could.
"That may be. But, it's not for a cleric to decide, so keep it out of your mind. You'll do better that way."
"Yes, sir," Gatty said.
.
Gatty found himself unable to keep an angry look off of his face. Folken's words frustrated him. From what he could infer, Folken agreed with him, but lacked the power to change what had been done. So, if people like that, who constantly looked out for Zaibach's interests and always worked towards her ideals, were ignored even in such high ranks, then what hope was there that he could possibly do any good? All he'd ever be able to do was exactly what someone told him, and that had been passed down so far that river of power that it wouldn't matter whether or not he saw that an order was going to cause harm.
.
And it was people like Dirandau, who didn't know anything, who were the ones that made all the important decisions. He glared at the lavatory door, behind which Dirandau was throwing a fantastic fit.
"Some get all the glory," he thought, "And the Undeserving Many get a life behind the scenes."
.
.
Unbeknownst to him, there was jealousy and agitation flickering in his eyes. It worried Folken.
He, like many who knew of Gatty, had a great deal of hope for the young man. Folken didn't want him spending too much time on this job, which was obviously taxing his emotions in an unhealthy manner.
.
"What did you want to speak to me about?" Folken inquired. Gatty handed him some papers.
.
"I wanted to discuss the possibility of transferring the Dragonslayers out of the hold they've been put under," he said. "I doubt Dirandau is still ill, and they could just as easily finish out their restriction somewhere else. And, while they're busy waiting, all the office work will be finished." And, to add an extra touch of military bearing, he finished with, "I respectfully request your approval of this transfer."
.
Dirandau had quieted, and began listening in when he heard mention of the Dragonslayers. He stared, unblinking, at the door. There was hope of getting out of here after all? He prayed that Folken would agree. Why wouldn't he, if he happened to like Gatty so much?
.
Folken took a quick look over the papers, then handed them back.
"No," he said. "I won't approve it."
.
Gatty was infuriated. Folken hadn't even looked at them! Rrr....sometimes he despised the
helplessness of his job...begging for signatures, or information which would ultimately help those he was trying to solicit it from. It was like working for a bunch of mental patients, and trying in vain to give them medicine they didn't see the need for.
.
"Sir...once again, I apologize for being so bold, but...why not?"
"I have my own reasons, none of which concern you."
.
Folken was hesitant to admit his doubts aloud...that sending Dirandau out there in Zaibach under someone else's supervision would never work. The incident with Adelphus was only one more bit of proof about how he was going to fare. No one liked someone they didn't think was worthy of the status they held. And, Dirandau hadn't earned it...not in the traditional sense. He didn't spend years of studying and training to get where he was. He had only done that after his place in life had been set. No one respected who or what he was, except his own men.
.
Dirandau diminished his holding of credits by punching several holes in the walls. That would cost him a bit to fix.
.
Gatty shut his eyes. Why, why, why?
"I understand, sir. I'll file those away, and get back to work."
.
Dirandau ripped the door open, and marched up to Gatty
"Now wait just a minute! That's unacceptable!! He can't just destroy my life, and then not give any reasons whatsoever..."
Why he was yelling at Gatty, he didn't really know. Maybe it was because Gatty had the power to change things, a power which Dirandau so badly needed, and was being too obedient to use it. And maybe because he was sick of yelling at Folken, when he knew Folken would never change.
.
"On the contrary, he can. I've got plenty of manuals you could read that say so," he said, calmly. He had practiced much at maintaining a calm demeanor when he wanted to rip someone apart. It came in handy when dealing with higher officers, or with those the officers didn't want to see hurt.
"And, besides that, he hasn't ruined your life. If anything, he's been spending all his time trying to ensure that you don't do that yourself. I can't count how many incident reports I've had to file about you, that should have earned a court-martial and an execution."
Even though he didn't agree with what Folken was doing right now, he still held the highest respect for him.
.
Dirandau put on one of his wonderful smiles. The kind an enemy always remembered, because it placed great happiness next to torment they would feel for a long time.
"So, you want to see me killed? And yet...I'm still alive. Isn't that interesting? I guess it's one of those old "balance of power" equations. You know...the kind that turn up saying you have none?"
.
Gatty glared at him. If he could get the little brat alone in a room, he'd just....rrr....
"Lord Folken, I'll report back to you before I leave to get the Dragonslayers back from the training hall."
He left before Dirandau could get another word in. He knew better than to stay and continue the argument. He felt his patience running out, and knew that reckless actions would be something he soon would be unable to avoid taking if he remained there arguing. If he allowed himself to fall into that, he might ruin everything he had done up to this point, and all for the sake of a fight.
.
Folken and Dirandau went back to their favourite way to interact with eachother - completely ignoring one another.
.
.
.
Four hours later, the Dragonslayers were back in their hallway, lined up in front of their doors. They were waiting for Gatty to come back, to account for everyone there. It was a formality which they didn't mind. It gave them a chance to see eachother for a little while longer. Even if they couldn't talk, it was better to see familiar faces than to be alone in a room all the time.
.
Training had been a wonderful release. All the stored up boredom had turned into aggression, and easily passed through the handles of their swords.
.
However, all through it, they had been worried about Dirandau. He hadn't shown up, and it was evident from his face now that he had badly needed that bit of liberation. They were somewhat glad that Folken had complete control over him right now. At least that way, if Dirandau became too depressed or angry, he wouldn't have an opportunity to kill himself...
.
.
About ten minutes later, Gatty came running. His hair was tousled, and he looked tired. He had been sent running around for papers, like a dog, as usual. He bowed to Folken.
"Forgive my lateness, sir. I-"
"Forgiven. Just carry on with it. Folken cared about military bearing as much as the next commander. But, Gatty had too much of it. Often times, he was labeled what was known as a 'military idiot' - someone who follows things by the book in normal circumstances. While this is what was technically expected of everyone in Zaibach, there was hardly a person who actually followed protocol all the time. [And most of the others who tried didn't have as much knowledge of Zaibach protocol as Gatty did, thus making him stand out even more.]
"Yes, sir."
.
It took thirty minutes in all. Gatty had to recite the rules and regulations soldiers on restriction must follow, to ensure that they knew them. [It was quite ridiculous, reciting what they were not allowed to do. It would have taken only one minute to say what they were allowed to do.]
.
.
Throughout the whole thing, Gatty was acutely aware of the terrible looks he was receiving from Migueru and Dirandau. This was one of those times where the forced habit of the 'thousand yard stare' came in handy. If he didn't have to see them, they didn't really exist. Just names on paper, that's all. Them and their annoying behavior could just disappear if he kept them out of his vision.
.
He finally reached the part where he read off names, and checked off those who repeated it and called out, "Present." Almost everyone responded satisfactorily.
"Lavarial, Migueru," he called out.
"Lavarial, Second in Command. Present."
Dirandau and Migueru were still fighting with Folken about that title. Folken refused to let Migueru have it officially, and would not back down from that.
.
Gatty masked himself with calmness again. He wouldn't fight right now.
"Alright, I'll mark that down this time...but if you don't repeat exactly as I've said, I'll be sure to get you a court-martial for using a false title. Understood?"
"Understood...cleric." Gatty did have a higher rank than Migueru and the other Dragonslayers, but since he wasn't in soldier class, they didn't have to call him sir. And Migueru certainly wasn't going to show that prig any semblance of respect when he didn't have to.
.
"Captain Albatou, Dirandau, Lead Dragonslayer," Gatty called out. No answer. Gatty repeated it once more. No answer.
.
Gatty stared directly at Dirandau, as angry as he possibly could be. "Did you get a name change between now and the last time I saw you?" Dirandau smiled, but didn't say anything.
.
Gatty repeated his name, becoming very frustrated. And Dirandau once again remained silent. .
Folken clamped a hand down on Dirandau's shoulder, letting him know he was getting himself in trouble. Finally, his shoulder grew to hurt too much, and so he shouted, "Present."
.
"You're supposed to respond with your name," Gatty said.
Dirandau smirked. "What, you don't know my name by now?" Gatty glared at him.
Through grit teeth, he said, "Of course I do. But, this is an official record. You have to say it, because that's what the manual says to do."
.
Dirandau rolled his eyes. "Why do you care what the manual says? This isn't a ceremony. There's no one around who cares about it that matters." Gatty was red with anger. That was an insult directly aimed at him, demeaning something he held of high value.
"What about Lord Folken? I'm sure he cares." asked Gatty.
Dirandau laughed. "You're sure, huh? Well, I'm sure you would know, since you two are both alike..."
"And how do you mean that?"
"You're both pathetic and weak. Neither of you belong here, and neither of you are doing any good for this army. Chk…and you talk about deserving court martials! That's a fine thing, coming from such idiotic criminals!"
.
Gatty marked Dirandau's name down. He rolled up the paper, as well as his proverbial sleeves. He was through playing games with that child.
"I take it you've never seen Lord Folken in a fight. I know right now he could defeat you easily...and he probably has, hasn't he?"
It was Gatty's time to smirk. He knew so much about Dirandau...too much. Every sad little detail.
.
Dirandau folded his arms and looked away. The blow struck him deeply, and he couldn't continue on for several moments.
.
"At least I'm not a running dog for anyone else...at least I don't go begging people for things I need to do my job with...at least I'll actually be able to do something important." It had ceased to be a fight to cut eachother down. Now Dirandau was on the defensive...retreating to a place of strength.
.
"At least I'm not some neurotic little..." Gatty couldn't finish. That would be saying too much. Regardless of how he felt, Zaibach wanted to keep Dirandau around…and it wouldn't do well to let Dirandau in on the few secrets Gatty knew about him. He bowed to Folken.
"I will report back here in a half hour, ready to stand watch, sir."
"Fine, fine."
.
Gatty took off running again. Nobody could do anything untill he got back to stand watch over that hallway. He was always rushing. It was too bad that Zaibach didn't consider sleep a true necessity. He could have really used some right then.
.
.
By the time Gatty got through all the last minute emergency jobs that people inevitably gave to him whenever he walked into the cleric's office, he had just enough time to run back and be an hour late. Folken had allowed the Dragonslayers to go back in their rooms, but since they needed someone to watch the hall, he had to stay. And since he had to stay, Dirandau also had to stand watch.
.
Gatty stopped to catch his breath, and was about to apologize again, when Dirandau cut him off.
.
"Late? Oh, that's so unlike a perfect little cleric...I think you ought to get yourself sent to a court-martial."
Gatty stared up at him, his eyes betraying his weariness.
And you would be my judge?"
"Ha! No, I wouldn't take that job. I'd much rather be your executioner."
"Of course..." Gatty said, not particularly caring anymore.
.
He tried once again to apologize to Folken for being late, but Dirandau once again interfered.
"You really ought to work out more. You seem tired, and I'll bet it wasn't much of a run. Then again...you probably don't get much chance to do that, seeing as you're in an office all day, right? Behind a desk…like a good little office boy?"
.
Gatty glared at him.
"I practically run a marathon every day. Thanks to you wonderful soldiers and all your mistakes."
"Good. Well, if you can't get a real job, then why not suffer a little? The useless ought to, often…to give them some semblance of dignity, at least."
.
Gatty stared at Folken, almost pleading for him to make Dirandau shut up. He didn't understand why Folken, such a great leader, would tolerate this. It never occured to him that spending years with Dirandau would make this behavior normal, tolerable, and hardly noticeable.
.
He felt alone. But, that didn't stop him. He could fight alone. He often did.
.
"Then you should be begging for punishments, and not complaining when they are given." Gatty said.
Dirandau growled. "It's your fault that I'm not doing anything, not mine!! If you hadn't agreed to do what Folken told you to, and hadn't stuck my Dragonslayers here, I wouldn't be stuck here with him anymore!!! I wouldn't have broken your precious rules if you had helped me!!!!!!"
.
Gatty was taken aback. Thus far, he had seen Dirandau in fits of anger, heard him scream, and taken all those insults. But, never all three at once. And never while looking straight into those eyes…
It was a unique and startling experience. All of the rage and hatred Dirandau felt and carried with him seemed to reach Gatty through that voice. His confidence was shattered for the moment.
.
"I..."
"You what...? You have anymore damned excuses? Or defenses for Folken?"
Gatty blinked. He couldn't think of a single thing to say. His face had lost all its set determination.
.
Dirandau stared at him, confused. What the hell just happened? Why did he stop?
"Hey! I asked you a question!!"
He gave Gatty a terrible hit, that sent him flying.
.
Phsycial abuse was one area that Folken wouldn't stand for, at least not at the moment. For one thing, Dirandau had a habit of going too far and causing permanent damage…like a young rattlesnake, unknowledgeable of how much venom he ought to give an enemy. For another, it was against the rules that anyone under restriction should strike another member of Zaibach.
"That's enough, Dirandau. I'm giving you early taps tonight. It's time you got some rest."
.
"Oh, what's the matter? I hurt your worthless little secretary, so now you're going to lock me up?"
Folken didn't say anything more. He simply dragged Dirandau back to his room, who literally kicked him all the way.
.
.
Gatty sat on the floor for awhile, rubbing his face. He hadn't been hit like that since his early training days.
.
"Damnit, those were hellish times..." he thought. Always on the brink of death, and everywhere they turned, always someone ready to remind them how worthless they were.
.
He blinked. He suddenly realized what he must look like...weak...unprofessional. At least, that was how he felt.
"Get up off the floor, you idiot.." The voice of one of his old instructors....he could hear it distinctly. It was amazing that one insignificant meeting with someone could start bringing those old helpless feelings back.
.
.
He was standing, staring at the wall with a dazed look on his face by the time Folken came back.
.
"I think that Migueru is planning a break out tonight. You should be mindful of that. Understood?"
Gatty didn't answer. He was still stunned. And thinking...thinking... .
"Gatty? Gatty, can you hear me?"
"I...uh…yeah....." That was definitive proof that he wasn't altogether with it at the moment. There wasn't a soul who would ever catch him using slang phrase. It was always yes or no, or whatever the appropriate word would be. [He couldn't help it. He was a grammarian.]
.
Folken tapped him on the shoulder. Gatty turned and stared at him, very startled. Like a frightened deer.
"You ought to get some rest."
"No, no..." Gatty protested. "I'm fine. I can do my job." At the moment, he felt a desperate need to prove himself.
"Then let me rephrase that. I order you to go get some rest. I'll stay here tonight."
"What about-"
"Don't worry about him," Folken said. "He's well-taken care of." Folken hadn't felt like dealing with Dirandau, so he simply gave the poor guy some tranquilizers, and left him for the night. Folken seemed to be growing callous, and uncaring. At times, he even managed to seem heartless. Poor Van might weep if he knew some of his brother's actions as of late. But, no matter…bad actions often become rose-tinted with age.
.
Gatty left, still dazed and stunned, in an unearthly haze. He had been so very in charge just a moment ago. What the hell happened?
.
.
{{Author's notes: I'm going to have to sit and analyse why I so off-handedly called Folken heartless. o_O That's just...uh...kind of strange for me to say, considering how I feel about him as a character. [Perhaps it's from spending so much time writing from Dilly's point of view. ^_^] Ah, now for me to stop babbling, and reply to reviews.: Hehe...so I did give out his name. Oh well. ^_^ Nah, he's not as interesting as Dilly. But, still, very fun to play around with. I'll be writing as much as I can. Although, at the moment, I'm fearing that my stories involving Dirandau are all becoming too similar. Nearly all of them involve a plot where he is stuck under someone else's control, and is fighting very hard to get out of that [Not that this subject isn't highly appropriate in his case...] I don't know how many more I can write without it all becoming the same. [Heh....but, then if I stop, I won't be able to get into character like that again for Dirandau…at least, not with a purpose.] Missy Feye: Don't worry about Folken. He's fought dragons with his bare hands, and dealt with Van and Mereru when either were being annoying. I'm sure he can handle Dirandau. ::Meanwhile, we see Dirandau running around in the background, setting fire to all the curtains:: o_O Eh...okay...so maybe you're right. Navy college is going just fine. Boring, but just fine otherwise. There's not much to do here, though. We have a saying: "We do have something of interest to do around here. It's called getting in trouble." But, don't worry...I'm not getting on restriction anytime soon. ^_^ [And here they take away everything you own except your uniforms for that, and then a months pay...and you're lucky if you don't get kicked out because the Commander seems to be fond of that lately.] Okay...I have to get this done before I get kicked out of the library for the night. Next chapter should be fun...The DSlayers get off restriction. And, we finally get that mess about the second in command taken care of, I hope. (It's probably not all that important to anyone at the moment.) And, I'm sure anyone can take a guess at who's going to be put in that position. Adios, and Happy Trails.}}