Sai Orlianna: Hey all! I finally updated, yeah! I believe this is one of my best chps
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Fate Plays Her Hand
Ch. 13
A Heretic's Fate
Light shone over the entire palace. The sun was already high in the sky bringing the feel of another ordinary day. But today was not to be a day like the ones before. Today was a day that would stand out for years to come. Today the trial of a heretic would take place. Normally, this one fact would not be of interest, but this was no ordinary day, no ordinary trial, no ordinary heretic. The heretic in question was once the most feared heretic in the heavens. The only heretic allowed in heaven to be used as the Lords willed. Everything surrounding this poor god's life ended tragically. Now, because of his sins, he would stand trial. Today Prince Nataku, former War God of Heaven, would stand trial.
Word of his return and pending fate had spread across the heavens like wild fire consuming a forest. Gossip dripped with stories of how he left, the manner of his recapture, his return, and, to the interest of many, exactly who he was with. The news that the Merciful Goddess had taken in the refugees was no secret as many of the gods and goddesses questioned her ideas and motives. Still, none the less, everyone person with authority planned to attend the impending trial – a trial that would indeed be one to remember.
Emma sat quietly by the window overlooking one of the many gardens found in this magnificent palace. She was dressed in a pale green kimono embroidered with soft pink flowers. Her hair elegantly pulled back out of her face, revealing her concerned emerald eyes. The events of the day before were still fresh in her mind. So much had happened and now they were facing the trial. Knowing that the fate of their Nara was resting in the hands of these people didn't help the sinking feeling in her stomach. She wished this nightmare would end. Her thoughts were deterred as the door slid open. Emma looked over to see Goku trudge into the room, eyes downcast. She watched him silently as he slumped into a nearby chair. It didn't take an all seeing god to know that Goku was more worried about Nara than anyone. A sad smile touched her lips. It broke her heart to see a man in love scared of losing what he'd just found.
On the opposite side of the room, another door slid open revealing Hakkai and a puzzled looking Goyjo. She noticed that they had their normal cloths on. Hakkai sat quietly next to her, his face remaining calm despite himself. Goyjo followed Hakkai over and stood near them. Worry was evident on his face as well, but something told Emma he was not worried about Nara. Her suspicions were soon confirmed when he turned to her.
"Emma, have you seen Roxanne this morning?" Goyjo asked, a glint of hope in his eyes.
"No, I haven't seen her since yesterday." Emma said shaking her head. "Didn't she stay with you last night?"
"Yes, but…" Goyjo ran his hand through his hair before continuing. "She didn't seem to be sleeping very well last night. She kept tossing and turning and saying things that didn't make sense. After awhile, she seemed to calm down, but when I woke up this morning she was gone."
Emma shook her head again. "Sorry, I don't know where she went. Maybe she went ahead to the trial?"
Goyjo nodded. "Maybe…" he mumbled more to himself then anyone else.
"Do you really think she went ahead of us?" Hakkai asked as Goyjo walked away.
Emma turned to him, meeting his green eyes. "I don't know, she could have, though I don't think she knows how to get there."
"Maybe she had a guard escort her." Hakkai said, trying to make sense of it all.
"Maybe." They continued to talk quietly until they heard both doors open. Turning to look, Hakkai saw Sanzo step in, his face hard set, his glare colder than normal. Opposite him, Emma watched Sephira step in, her eyes also set in a glare. She was dressed in a dark blue kimono with soft white petals embroidered on it. Emma soon recognized them as Sakura petals. The color brought out Sephira's tired blue eyes, which were exposed by Sephira's soft hair being pulled back by a few delicate blue flowers. She looked as if she didn't sleep at all the night before. Emma and Hakkai both watched as Sephira and Sanzo entered the room, acting as if the other didn't exist. Emma and Hakkai looked at each other, both agreeing that the wounds inflicted the day before were not helping the situation. Luckily, the tension was broken as Captain Sam entered the room, gaining everyone's attention.
"The Merciful Goddess has asked me to escort you to the trial. So, if you are ready, we will precede." He was answered with silent nods as they stood, readying to leave.
"Wait, Roxanne's not here yet." Goyjo said quickly. "Shouldn't we wait for her?" Hakkai hid a smirk at the fact that his friend was worried over one particular woman. 'Oh yeah, he's whipped.'
"I was also told to inform you that Lady Roxanne left early this morning. I believe she is to meet you there." Sam continued, laying Goyjo's fears to rest. The small group soon set off for Emperor's Court to see how the fate of their friend would be played.
As they walked through the crowded streets, the small group began to feel a little uneasy. Passers-by would take pains to get out of their way, sending a strange array of glances their general direction, from curious to angry. Much to the relief of the party, they soon reached the Emperor's Court. As they approached, a flash of red caught Goyjo's attention. Standing alone near the gate staring at it was Roxanne, dressed in a flame red kimono with golden dragon embroidery. Her hair fell lightly behind her back as she turned toward the oncoming group. Running on ahead, Goyjo made a bee line for her.
She gave him a small smile as he approached, which made it very difficult for him to stay mad at her. "Where have you been? Do you have any idea how…what?" Goyjo cried in annoyance as her light laugh cut off his planned ranting.
"Aw, was my poor Goyjo worried about me?" Rox cooed softly. "How sweet." she said as she placed a soft kiss on his lips. Goyjo stood there, what was left of his anger melting away. He recovered quickly as the other approached. He didn't want them seeing him like this. Clearing his throat, he tried to change the subject.
"How'd you get here anyway? Did a guard escort you?" he asked.
Roxanne's smile faded as she turned back to the gate. "Actually no. I left early this morning by myself. Strange thing is it seemed as if the guards let me leave." She paused as she vainly tried to smile again. "Maybe they were too haughty to even talk to a mortal. So I decided to take a walk. My feet seemed to know where to take me so I ended up here. Strange, huh?"
Goyjo noted the confusion hidden behind her smiles. "Strange indeed." He murmured as the others approached them.
"There you are, Rox. We were a bit worried." Emma said as Roxanne joined them.
"Sorry about that. I just needed some air." Rox answered. "You know me, I can't stand being cooped up like that." Emma grinned at her friend as they followed Sam to the gate. A couple of guards stood at attention, checking all who entered. Sam approached the nearest guard and saluted.
"Guests of Kanzeon Bosatsu-sama here to attend the trial of the heretic Nataku."
The soldier scanned the small group, taking in each at turn. When his eyes landed on Goku, his expression turned sour. "They may pass, but the heretic stays here."
Goku looked up, puzzled as the guard said that. 'Heretic? Is he talking about me?'
Sam stood stoically infront of the guard. "The Merciful Goddess has made arrangements for all her guests to attend. I would hate to disobey her orders, lieutenant."
"Yes captain, but…" The lieutenant matched Sam's eyes, but soon bulked under his glare. "Fine, but be it on your head for disgracing the Emperor's court with another heretic of his infamous repute."
"His crimes were already judged." Sam retorted. Saluting the lieutenant once more, Sam turned back to the group. "This way." Without so much as glancing at the guard, he led them inside.
Goku did not miss the glare the guard sent his way as he passed. Heretic. He had called him that again. Why did he keep calling him that?
"Because in their eyes, you are one, Son Goku."
Goku looked up at the sound of Roxanne's clear voice. Her eyes were forward as they continued to walk. Her words echoed in his mind. 'To them I am one…how did she know that? I was just thinking about it and…' Goku shrugged, thinking he must have thought out loud without realizing it.
They followed the crowd of nobles into a vast chamber filled with people dressed in their finest. Red pillars were evenly placed along the pathway with golden embroidered rugs covering the floor. On the far end was a throne fit for none other than the Emperor of Heaven. Two guards stood beside the throne surveying the crowd as they entered. Sam led them to a clear space not too far from the glorious throne as the last of crowd mingled in.
"You will observe from here. The Emperor will enter and judge Nataku. You are not to speak during the trial." Sam said as his eyes fell over them.
"What?" Sephira hissed, her blue eyes burning. "We have to stand here in silence as they judge Nara in what will more than likely be a fixed trial!?!"
Sam's heart clenched as he saw the heated glare she sent him. The passion he saw in her eyes was one all too familiar to him. Once again pushing aside past regrets, he sighed. "I'm sorry, but those are the rules. You are not allowed to speak or defend her for you are mortal and not of the blood." He lowered his eyes from Sephira's heated gaze. "I will come to retrieve you when the trial is over."
"We understand." Hakkai said, meeting Sam's eyes. "We will do our best." Sam nodded at this before turning to leave. Hakkai fixed his attention on Emma who stood next to him and smiled. "I trust we will be able to watch without making a fuss."
"I hope so." Emma said as her eyes landed on Sephira who looked about ready to kill someone. Turning her gaze back to Hakkai, she changed the subject. "Why are you and the other guys dressed normally? It seems the Kanzeon-Bosatsu took the time to have something for us made, but not ya'll."
Hakkai smiled. "She did, but we decided to wear what we are comfortable in. I have a feeling Sanzo's doing it out of sheer contempt." Emma laughed at this. Hakkai was pleased to see a genuine smile on her face. He hadn't seen one in awhile. He leaned in a little closer to her, whispering softly. "You look very pretty in that." Hakkai laughed a little as a blush colored Emma's cheeks.
Goyjo stood fidgeting as he waited for the damn thing to start. A cool hand grabbed his, pulling it down to his side with a slight squeeze. "Stop that. You'll only make it worse." Roxanne said smoothly.
"I know, it's just, this room makes me uncomfortable. I keep getting this strange deja-vu feeling. Not to mention the stairs half these guys are giving me." Goyjo said, shooting a glare to the nearest one. "You'd think I screwed their wives or something."
"Calm done, Kenren, you're not the type to be nervous." Roxanne said. She was nervous as well. Since she had arrived, strange feelings had filled her senses, strange yet familiar somehow.
"What'd you call me?" Goyjo asked, breaking her from her thoughts.
"What?" Roxanne said quickly. "Uh…nothing."
"You called me Kenren." Goyjo said hastily, a bit confused. He had been called that before, but not by her.
Roxanne rolled her eyes. "I didn't say that."
"Yes you did." Goyjo pressed. "I heard you."
Roxanne sighed in exasperation. "The nerves must be getting to you."
Goyjo rolled his eyes in annoyance, catching sight of Sanzo out of the corner of his eye. Goyjo shuddered at the glare Sanzo was shooting anyone who dared look his way. A bit of amusement broke through Goyjo's shudder. At least he was getting something pleasant out of this experience, more than one thing anyway. It would be a while till he got to see Sanzo bugged this much in the course of a week. He turned his gaze to the source of Sanzo's annoyance. Sephira stood on the opposite end of the group, next to Emma who was vainly trying to calm her friend. At least the two were separated for awhile.
One of the guards at the front banged his staff on the floor several times, calling the crowd to order. A silent, nervous energy fell over the crowd as the guard's clear voice rang out. "The trial of the heretic Nataku will now begin."
A murmur ran through the crowd as the guard stood aside. Sephira stood as still as her agitated mind would allow. This whole escapade was out of her hands. She couldn't help her friend at all, and she hated it. As the crowd's gazed shifter, Sephira's eyes landed on a stern looking man with dark eyes and white hair. He stood proudly before the group. Immediately, people began to bow their heads. Sephira identified him as the Emperor, for low-life politicians such as the nobles who surrounded her would not show this type of respect to any other. The Emperor sat rigidly on his throne, his clear voice echoing through the hall.
"Bring in the accused and let him be judged by the powers heaven has bestowed on me."
Goku followed the looks of those around his as the doors on the opposite end of the hall opened. He gasped at what he saw. There in chains with guards around her was his Nara, but she looked different. She dressed in gray robes befitting a boy. The gray was trimmed with an odd tan lining with strange black simples. Her dark hair was pulled into a bun covered with a light blue cloth allowing only a few long bangs to fall over her face. Her golden eyes were defiantly set forward as a purple diamond shown brightly between them. Her hands where chained before as she walked forward. Gasps of disbelief and angry murmurs followed her as she passed. The uncontrollable desire to beat up the bastards who were making such comments about her welled up inside Goku. He let out a growl before a firm hand silenced him. He looked up at Sanzo who simply continued to watch. Goku turned his gaze forward as Nara slowly passed him. He hoped with all his heart that she could take whatever strength he could offer her at this moment.
Finally, she reached the Emperor. Nara stood proudly before him, matching his gaze. She knew this day would eventually come. She swore that when it did, she would not back an inch. She swore to show these bastards what she thought of them once and for all. Out of the corner of her eye, Nara saw Goku watching her intently. Before he had snuck into to see her the night before, she didn't know if she had the strength to stand here, but he had given her that strength last night and she wasn't about the waste it.
The Emperor cleared his throat. "Read the charges."
A lesser noble stepped forward, bowed quickly to the Emperor, and turned to the crowd. He quickly opened the scroll in his hands and read in a clear voice. "Heretic Nataku, former War God of the Heavens. You are charged with the crime of leaving Heaven without proper consent and breaking one of the Seven Sealed Taboos by joining with a mortal and binding your soul with hers."
Murmurs once again rippled through the crowd as the Emperor spoke once more. "These are the charges levied against you. How do you plea?"
Nara stared at him and smirked. "Guilty with full knowledge of what I was doing and…" Her eyes turned to her friends, fixing on Goku, "…with no regrets."
A collective gasp swept the crowd at the blatant disrespect she showed. The Emperor silenced the crowd as Nara turned her gaze back to him. "You have pleaded guilty to the charges levied against you. We will now commence the process of sentencing your actions." The Emperor took a deep breath before continuing. "For the crime of leaving Heaven without proper consent, I hear by confine you to prison for a twenty year period."
Sephira gasped at the outrageous sentence, but before she could object, she felt someone squeeze her arm. Emma looked at her sternly shaking her head. Sephira stared helplessly as the Emperor continued.
"As for the more severe crime of breaking the Taboo, I confine you to the lowest dungeon of solitude for the next millennia."
A shuttered cry escaped Sephira's lips as she bit back the anger that threatened to consume her. How could they do that! She would die before the sentence was carried out. She was ready to object when a snake like voice broke through the gasps of the crowd.
"My Lord, do you think it wise to show such mercy to one such as this?" The voice was coming from a nobleman dressed in brown robes, his eyes cast down as he bowed to the Emperor. He stepped up next to Nara, glaring at her, his voice dripping with venom as he continued. "This heretic has not only broken the laws your most honored predecessors put down but has also disgraced the whole of Heaven by his actions." His words seemed to strike a chord with members of the crowd.
Sephira stared in shock as the snake began to circle his prey. "Not only has he disgraced Heaven, but he, or should I say she for you bonded with a female," he spat in utter disgust, "has shown disrespect to you as well. If you let this piece of scum off with such an easy sentence, who says others will not follow suit. This disgusting display must be made an example of! I believe it would be in the best interests of this court that this…vial creature, be given the highest from of punishment we have. Banishment to the Forbidden Realms where she may wander in torment till end of her miserable days."
A collective cry rose from the crowd. No one had ever asked for this punishment to be bestowed on a crime such as this. Sephira screamed in protest as Emma held her back. Goku stood numb. Would he lose her to this? No, he wouldn't, he couldn't lose her to this. Not when he had just gotten her. If he had to, he would get her out, fighting or killing whoever got in his way.
Nara stood still, taking all this in silently. A shudder ran down her spine. The Forbidden Realm? Would they…? She turned to Goku who was watching as if waiting for his moment to strike. She looked down again. 'Forbidden Realm or prison…any place would be torture if I have to be separated from him again.' Tears began to form as her strength waned. She had just wanted to see him again, and now she would be without him for eternity. Was Fate so cruel?
The nobleman who stood by her sneered in sick pleasure. Yes, she would be sent to the worst possible fate and his master would be avenged. Oh yes, everything was going according to plan.
The Emperor stood, silencing the crowd. "A new sentence has been issued on the accused. By the laws set down by this court, the sentence will stand unless someone here is willing to speak for the accused."
Silence reigned. Sephira looked around, praying that someone would stand up for her. She doesn't deserve this fate. Her heart pounded in her ears. Silence…nothing. Emma and Roxanne held their breath in vain anticipation. Emma felt no comfort as Hakkai put his hand on her shoulder. The dread building in her stomach began to consume her. She took a shuttered breath as her eyes landed on Nara.
Nara stood as one already condemned. She closed her eyes as the silence weighed heavily upon her. No one was going to plead her case. She would spend the rest of her days in misery…alone.
"My Lord."
Nara's eyes shot open as the familiar voice echoed through the hall. Before she could stop herself, she turned to see Kanzeon-Bosatsu standing in the middle of the room. She heard a hiss come from her side as the noble who accused her glared at her hopeful savior.
"Gracious Emperor, remember if you will the events concerning the accused 500 years ago." Kanzeon watched the Emperor nod as shocked whispered sped through the crowd. "Since that time, Nataku-sama has confined himself into his own prison. He retreated into the echoes of his mind with only his pain for company. He put himself through 500 years of torment. Now some would think that was punishment enough."
"Don't change the subject Kanzeon-Bosatsu! That was then, this is different!" The brown-robed noble cried. "These crimes are fresh."
Ignoring the gnat yelling at her, the Merciful Goddess continued. "After living with torment such as that, what else could one do but escape. Under the circumstances, he obviously wouldn't come back to a world were people used him for their will then ignored his existence now would he?"
A gasp came from the crowd at her words. Goku and the others stared at her with the same question coming to mind. What was she talking about that seemed to those around her to be as dangerous as Nara's crimes.
The Emperor shifted uncomfortably in his seat. "I know of the ways my predecessor used this child and I cannot change it."
"I know, Highness, and I was not accusing you of such. I was just trying to make you see what he saw. If one was going to escape a prison, wouldn't one fly to those he had lost?" She met the Emperor's gaze as he began to understand where she was going with this. "That is just what our prince had done. He missed his one true companion that much that he fled heaven and, saving the life of a dieing mortal, broke the Seventh Taboo only to see him again. Now, considering the circumstances, is this a crime worthy of the Forbidden Realms?" She turned to the crowd, but no one met her gaze. After a moment of silence, she turned back to the Emperor. "My lord, I request a different sentence. The heretic Nataku will be banished to the Mortal realm for all eternity, never to return here or associate with any level of god. I believe that will be punishment enough."
The Emperor considered her for a moment before he replied. "Doing what your name suggest, milady, showing mercy."
Kanzeon bowed. "You are too kind, Gracious One."
"Very well." The Emperor stood, all eyes on him. "This court finds the accused heretic, Nataku, guilty of crimes to the throne and is henceforth banished to the Mortal Realm for eternity. So is the word of this court, so is law."
An assortment of cheers and curses followed the announcement. Emma could hardly believe her ears. Nara was to return with them. Joy like none other welled up in her. To her left, Sephira had sunk to the floor in utter relief at the news. A true smile crossed her face, one which had not been present for many months. On her other side, Roxanne was giving Goyjo a victory kiss as Sanzo held Goku back from his attempts to run to where Nara stood relieved.
Kanzeon bowed once more before turning to make her grand exit. Nara watched as she passed, bowing slightly. "Thank you."
Kanzeon stopped mid-step, smiling. "There would have been no fun in you having to die."
Nara smiled as the Merciful Goddess left, relief washing over her. She couldn't have asked for things to go any better. Not only was she being released, but she would able to spend eternity on Earth with Goku. She scanned the dispersing crowd for him. She finally met his eyes as he continued to struggle against Sanzo's hold. She smiled at him as the feelings of true freedom engulfed her.
……………………………………………………
"…forgive me, milord, but I could do nothing. I had not expected her to show and make such a stand for one as low as he." The noble in brown who stood with such confidence in the courtroom now cowered before his master. He had done his duty and would have succeeded if only that damnable goddess had not interfered. Now he awaited his own fate as his master pondered his words.
A deep chuckle resonated from behind the darkened screen. The cowering noble looked up in shock at the darkened outline of his master whose smooth voice soon reached his ears.
"Do not worry. You have done your duty. The fugitive thinks he has escaped. Let him enjoy his new found freedom…for now." The deep set chuckle followed this as a new plan began to form.
………………………………………….
The rest of the day fled by in a flurry of joy and celebration. The Merciful Goddess had a feast prepared in honor of their victory seeing as how Nara was not to be banished till the next day. Much to the displeasure of some, mainly Sanzo, Kanzeon insisted that they stay one more night in her palace. She called it a much needed break which everyone accepted gratefully. Soon the sun set and night came. Nara and Goku were both asleep. Having been running around most of the day, they were exhausted. Emma covered them up with a blanket, grinning at the image of the two curled up next to each other. Soon, the rest of the party retired to their respective rooms, full of dinner and ready for a much deserved good night's sleep. The idea of being able to return home in the morning having ended this whole fiasco made them all yearn for the dawn.
Roxanne changed out of her silk kimono as she prepared for bed. A pair of warm arms surrounded her as Goyjo placed a soft kiss on her shoulder. "I think you need to keep that kimono. Makes you look sexy." He said kissing her again.
Roxanne leaned into her lover's embrace, enjoying the feel of him against her. "Goyjo?"
"Hmm?" Goyjo said from his position behind her.
Roxanne closed her eyes, afraid to reveal what she was about to say. "I…I love you." Goyjo froze as her words caught him off guard. She turned to face him, a small smile on her red lips. "We are returning home tomorrow and…I'm not sure if I will see you again or not. I…I just wanted you to know."
Goyjo's mind raced as he watched her. No one had ever said that to him and really mean it. He felt an unfamiliar feeling clench his heart as she began to turn away from him. Acting on instinct, he gently grabbed her arm and pulled her under him, kissing her deeply. He felt her soft arms wrap around his neck as she returned his kiss. Something about this felt too right for him to let it slip away. As they pulled apart, he buried his head in her shoulder, inhaling deeply, drawing in her scent. "I love you too."
Roxanne gasped as she heard him. She wanted to cry. She felt him loosen his grip lightly, placing a kiss on the tip of her nose. "Sleep, my love. We'll figure things out tomorrow."
Roxanne reveled at him calling her his love. "Good night…my love." She said with a giddy smile as she settled into his arms. She felt at peace as sleep over took her.
…………………………………………….
Petals…Flower Petals…
Roxanne reached out her hand as a deep blue flower petal fell onto her palm. 'Blue Sakura petals?' All around her were these strange petals, dancing on the light breeze. Roxanne looked around, nothing but flower petals. 'What's going on?'
The petals erupted as the wind picked up, settling just as quickly as Roxanne felt herself being drawn toward something. A bright light engulfed her, blinding her momentarily. When the light cleared, Roxanne found herself sitting across from a huge tree with blue flower petals falling from it. She looked around in shock. She could SEE…see everything around her. The colors were bright and vivid, better than she could have imagined. She lifted her hands, observing each in turn. A flash of red fell down her arm. She looked down to see herself dressed in a kimono reminiscent of the one she had worn earlier that day.
"Amelia? Hello?" Roxanne looked up at the familiar voice of her lover, but when she saw the face it came with, she started. It wasn't Goyjo sitting infront of her, but a man with short, spiked hair and red eyes dressed in a sexy black leather uniform waving his hand infront of her face.
"Oh stop that, Kenren, I'm fine." She heard herself say. 'Kenren? Wait…that's what Goyjo said I had called him earlier.'
"If you say so, you just seem to be out of it these last few days." Kenren said as he took a sip of his ever present wine jug.
Roxanne felt as if she was watching through the eyes of another as she heard her voice speak again. "The visions have been getting more frequent and…worse. I have a terrible feeling about what is about to happen." Roxanne felt an intense sense of urgency build up in her. She had to tell this man something, something very important.
"I know what you mean. There is some terrible shit going down with the higher ups. I've already gotten into trouble because of it. Tenpo's even noticing it."
Her gaze fell to her lap as hesitance tried to stop her next words. "Kenren, you must promise me not to do anything rash."
"Amelia, I don't see…"
"Promise me!" Roxanne heard herself cry. Something stronger soon replaced the urgency within her. Fear…a desperate fear to hold onto something…to someone. Roxanne's eyes shot up at the man across from her as she heard his distant promise. Him, she didn't want to lose him…but why?
The wind began to pick up, blurring her vision with Sakura petals once more. Silence resumed, but only for a moment as a heart renching scream filled the air. The darkness around her erupted into flames trying to burn the sky with their crimson talons. She heard the scream again, this time to her right. She turned as a man with long golden hair stumbled forward. His pale violet robe was stained with blood as his hand vainly clutched the wound in his chest. Roxanne gasped.
'Konzen…'
A pain filled gasp came from behind her, the flames still burning brightly around her. She quickly turned to face the next shadow. Standing before her now was a man with brown hair falling unevenly over his shoulders. His black tie hung loosely around his blood stained shirt and pale jacket. His glasses were askew as blood ran down his face. His green eyes shone with pain. Roxanne tried to reach for him but he stumbled and fell before she could get to him. Hot tears began to form as Roxanne stood in shock at what she'd seen.
'Tenpo…'
"Amelia…"
Turning at the sound of the familiar voice, Roxanne saw the man from before, but this time, he wasn't his suave self. His black shirt was cut as a deep wound from his shoulder to hip bleed without reserve. The tears fell now as she felt her heart shatter. "KENREN!" the cry burned her throat as she ran forward, catching her fallen love. He looked up at her as life's light faded from his eyes. Weakly reaching up, he wiped a tear from her cheek.
"Don't cry, milady…"
"Kenren…" the words choked in her throat as sobs racked her body. He smiled slightly before his body disappeared in a whirl of blue petals. Roxanne looked down in disbelief, trying in vain to hold onto what was left of him. "Kenren…KENREN!!"
The screams around her intensified. The fires started to swirl, joining into one large burning tower emanating around a single point. Roxanne's eyes were fixed on the flames, unable to draw them away. They burned up to the sky laughing cruelly at her. Her knees vainly trying to support her as she sat in shock. She reached out as the flames dispersed in a matter of seconds, revealing a small boy in a black shirt staring blankly at the sky. He was slumped to his knees, his long brown hair falling back. Shackled shone from his wrists and ankles. The boy sat motionless as trails of blood flowed around him.
"Son…Goku…"
Roxanne breathed the words her shocked mind brought forward. As she spoke, the boy stirred. Slowly, he raised his hands to his face, tears streamed unheeded from his eyes. He stared in shock at the blood that stained them. Goku began to shake uncontrollably as shuttered gasped escaped his body. The gasps mounted in intensity as a blood curled scream full of pain emanated from his lips. Roxanne stared in shock as the boy was consumed by the blue petals.
Roxanne was shaking now, her mind unable to grasp the horror she was forced to witness. These men… she knew them…all dead. Their lives torn to shreds for what purpose? The petals flew around as the wind blew harder and harder. "No more…" Roxanne whimpered. "I want no more of this…STOP IT!!!"
As if in answer, the petals dispersed reveling a lone figure. Amidst the tears that scalded her face, Roxanne knew exactly who now stood before her. In gray robes, deep purple hair askew stood Prince Nataku. His head downcast as his arms hung limp by his side, his sword held loosely in one hand, its tip stained crimson. A pool of blood began to form around him. Roxanne followed the crimson trail as its path was blazed from his shoulder. Roxanne cried as Nataku turned to her, a single tear falling from his golden eyes. "You can't let this happen again…"
"What…" Roxanne tried to reach for him as his image began to fade. "No! Come back!" The world around her began to shift as a cruel laughter filled her ears.
"No more of this! I DON'T WANT TO SEE THESE THINGS ANYMORE!!!" Roxanne cried desperately as the cruel darkness consumed her.
"No more…"
………………………………………….
"Roxanne! ROX!"
Roxanne shot up as darkness met her gaze. "Goyjo? GOYJO!" she all but screamed. She shook as Goyjo's warm arms wrapped around her. Her breath came in shuttered gasped as she tried to calm her pounding heart. Fresh tears began to fall from her eyes as she leaned into him. "Goyjo…"
"Shh…it's ok, I'm here." Goyjo soothed as she cried into his shoulder. All seemed still once more as Roxanne relaxed into her lover's arms. She inhaled deeply, calming her nerves. It was just a dream…just a dream…
The hurried sound of footsteps broke the newly formed silence as Goku came running into the room, his face panicked. "NARA'S GONE!!"
End Ch. 13
Sai Orlianna: OH NO! Where could she have gone? Tune in next time to find
out. Please R&R and as always, I will try and have the next chapter
posted sooner than this one. Ja for now!
