Author's Note: Well, I'm back! Yeah, so... I was a little too worried about my midterms... -sweatdrop- I managed a 95 on both of them. On my Biology midterm, almost all the questions I missed were about the different stages of meiosis... -wince- Seriously, I don't even care about meiosis. As for English, I messed up a little on the sentence diagramming... which is weird for me... but, oh well! I still kept a good grade.
So, we're moving right now. Actually moving. Today is the day that we bring all the furniture over. I'm at the new house right now with one of my brothers (he's reading Shonen Jump, and I am—obviously—writing!).
Since we're moving, I had to box up ALL of my manga and move it to the new house. I didn't have it for a few weeks. It was horrible! But now, since we're mostly moved in, I have them again! I went through a huge case of writers-block (that's why I didn't start writing sooner), where my mind was just completely devoid of ideas and I had no motivation to write. 'Twas really sad! But, last night, I read a few volumes of Alice 19th, and—just as 'dana' refreshes the thirsty—it caused my inspiration to spring anew!
-koff- Yeah. I really didn't realize how much I missed my manga. -sweatdrop-
I know this is an awfully long author's note, but bear with me here. After reading RedCrow1120's review, I feel that an explanation is in order. I should have done this before, but... -wince-
Anyways, this story is supposed to happen about a year before Frey finds Alice and Kyo. Since this is the case, I'm obviously going to have to change a few things... but... not a whole lot. As for Clementine and Frey's relationship, you probably won't see them get "serious" for a while. For the moment, I'm planning on this story to end when the manga ends—but, of course, with Frey instead of Alice. And maybe have a sequel... maybe. -shrug- That's the plan for the moment—but it is subject to change. I can never make up my mind... -sigh-
As for the plot twist, and Eric, well... that's for me to know, and for you to find out. -wink-
Now, on with the story!
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Disclaimer: I do not—in any way, shape, or form—own any characters, circumstances, or words associated with Yu Watase's manga Alice 19th. I wish I did, but that's another story-koff- However, I do own any characters, circumstances, and words used in this story that are not associated with Yu Watase's manga Alice 19th. So there.
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Chapter V: Visions of Destruction
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There was a car coming. The headlights were visible around the bend. It was speeding down the street. The sky was black—pitch black. Nothing was visible.
There was the other car parked in the street-a black car with no lights on.
There was the crash. There was the scream.
There was the field.
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With a sharp intake of breath, Clementine sprang upright in her bed. In the panic of the moment, asthma seized her lungs. Gasping for breath, she managed to squeak out a barely audible "Jiva." Her lungs expanded and she leaned over—taking in ragged, yet undisturbed, breaths.
It had been four months since she had joined the Lotsunan League of Sacred Guides. Although the building still scared her—and she refused to go out to the bridge in the field—Frey was a constant encouragement, and she found life at the branch bearable. Much to the surprise of her superiors, she mastered "jiva," "ruta," and "jeta" with relative ease. "Oh, it's just my desperation to cure this accursed illness that I have," she would say with a little laugh.
It was the truth, however. Ever since she had become sick, she said she would do anything—anything—if she could only get better. Since she had learned "jiva," her body had begun to heal. But no matter how many times she chanted it or how many times she wished for health, her body never fully healed. She dismissed it, saying that her body was simply too destroyed for anything to heal her so quickly—her body would heal in time. However, she had heard a passing comment that the Mara in her body might simply be too strong for a simple Lotis work to conquer. The comment sent a shiver through her body and a tremor through her soul, and no matter how much she tried to ignore it, the thought always lingered at the back of her mind.
She couldn't merely dismiss the thought. She told herself that it was only paranoia that made her think of it, but the dream... she had dreamt the same dream every day that week. The car, the street, the field... she couldn't dismiss it from her mind.
"Why...? Why do I need to be thinking of... of that... why do I need to think of that now?"
Clem squeezed her eyes shut as a tear slowly found its way down her cheek. She was lonely, and she knew it. No matter how much she tried to convince herself that she didn't need people, she always knew that she did. Frey was always there for her, but... everyone else was strangely cold. Or maybe they just seemed cold.
"They have this look in their eyes... whenever they look at me. It's as if they know something about me..." She shuddered at the thought. "I'm just being paranoid—that's it. I need to stop this."
Pulling the covers over her head, she attempted to fight off her demons until the sun came up. The task proved hard, and she didn't fall asleep until the early morning.
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"GOOOOD MORNING!"
"Aaaahhh!" Clementine shrieked and sprang out of bed. Frey was standing over her with a smug grin.
"It's late! What are you still doing in bed? I even made jam!"
Clem stared up at him—simply too tired to be angry. "Frey... you always make jam..." she managed to grind out—not without a yawn.
"Yes, but today it's strawberry jam."
With a groan, Clementine rolled over and pulled the covers over her head again.
He had noticed that she had large black circles under her eyes—she had for the last few days. She tried to disguise it by acting cheery, but he knew something was wrong. Sitting on the edge of her bed, he frowned in concern.
"Hey, Clem-what's wrong? You seem entirely worn out."
Clementine didn't talk—she merely kept the blanket wrapped tightly around herself as her eyes began to tear up. She was worn out, and was about ready to cry out of pure fatigue. "I-I'm just tired..."
"Yeah, right..." He sounded incredulous.
With a sigh and a sniff, Clem sat up. "I'm alright, Frey—really." She managed a thin smile. "I'm just really, really tired. I don't sleep well."
Frey hesitated, and then he pulled her into a tight hug. She blinked and stiffened—not used to being touched, and not really liking it either. But this was Frey... and he was trying to comfort her when she needed it the most. Slowly and hesitantly, she relaxed in his embrace. Much to her dismay, the tears that had built up over the last few days started flowing and, and she couldn't control her sobs.
Frey blinked—he hadn't expected her to start crying. He had never seen her cry before.
"I'm... I'm sorry..." she sobbed. "You don't need this... right now..." She attempted to pull away—embarrassed—but he didn't let her.
"Hey, it's alright. Just let it out, okay? You're not going to be able to get anything done if you keep holding this in."
The tears started to pour out more readily, and she buried her face in his shoulder as she let the pent-up emotions out. He just held her as she cried—not saying anything, but just being there. That was really all she needed.
"I... I'm okay now." She looked up at him with a small smile. "Thanks, Frey—but you really didn't need to. I'm just tired... and... I get emotional when I'm tired. I'll be alright—really."
He nodded—still not convinced, however—and loosened his arms, letting them fall to his sides again. He was still concerned, but he knew that it would do no good to push her any farther. "You want to come down for breakfast now?"
"Sure, I'm starved!" Her mask was back on, showing no glimpse of the vulnerability she had shown before. "I'm sure there will be plenty of jam, ne?" She grinned at him.
"Huh? Oh, yes, of course!" He laughed nervously. "Plenty of jam."
Something was wrong, and he knew it. The only thing he couldn't figure out was what. And she wasn't going to tell him any time soon.
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The days passed by, and the next week crept on. The dreams came less often, and Clementine was able to get more sleep. Frey still watched her closely—with concern—and she was beginning to feel rather nervous around him. "It's almost as if he can see through me... I just can't act 'alright' around him..."
"Ah!" With a grunt of frustration, she steadied herself. "Stupid cloak! Always getting caught on things..." Fumbling with the large cloak all the members of the branch were required to wear during training was extremely frustrating for her. She gathered the large frock closer around her as she continued down to walk down the hall.
"Clementine!"
She jumped sky-high in surprise—barely suppressing a squeak. Flustered, she turned to see Eric standing in a doorway, smiling.
"I apologize—I didn't mean to scare you."
Chuckling nervously, she shrugged it off. "Oh, it's alright."
Eric stood aside and motioned for her to come. "Please come inside—I have something to talk to you about."
For some reason, Eric made Clem nervous. She stepped forward hesitantly and walked into the room—almost afraid to take her eyes off of him. "...why do I feel so nervous...?"
"Please—take a seat."
Clementine sat—eyes inadvertently scanning the room. It seemed normal enough... "Why does it feel like my heart is slowly sinking?"
"Miss Clementine, I would like to speak to you about your progression as a Lotis Master. I'm sure that the others have told you that it is quite amazing to have learned three Lotis words in four months—in addition to 'buimuku,' which you had learned before."
Clem shifted uncomfortably. "Yes, well... they also said that I had probably known the words all along, and I just had to manifest them... really, it makes sense with what... what I've been through... they said that, from now on, I'll have a much harder time learning."
Eric smiled a supposedly cheery smile—although Clem read it as rather enigmatic. "Well, yes—that is one way to look at it. But you could keep this up, you know. With a little extra training, that is."
"Extra training?"
"Yes—extra training. You are here to be trained as a Lotis Master, are you not?" He was still smiling, but there was a glint in his eye... something that Clementine couldn't exactly read. "You are. That is why I think you should really consider training harder. You could become really exceptional, you know."
"Where is he going with this...?"
"I would be most willing to train you myself. You know, I have trained Frey, as well. He is quite an exceptional boy, himself..." Was that jealousy that shone in his eyes?
"I-I... um..." Clem bit her lip—unsure of what to do.
Eric stood and walked in front of her. "Don't worry too much about it right now. Think it over." He smiled. "Sleep on it."
Clem stared up at him for a moment, then quickly nodded her head and stood. "I... I will."
She was showed out of the room, and she couldn't get out of there fast enough. Once she was a safe distance down the hall, she leaned against the wall—shuddering. Closing her eyes, she tried to calm her nerves. "This is silly... he's just a man. A man who's trying to help me, no less. I shouldn't be so afraid—I really shouldn't." She let out a deep breath. "What am I going to do...?"
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"So, did Eric ask you about having some extra training?"
Blinking, Clementine looked up at Frey. It was nearing midnight, and they both had kitchen duty—along with a few others. "Oh, um, yes... he did."
"You're going to do it, right?"
She raised an eyebrow. "Why so interested?"
Frey grinned. "Well, you know, I just love women who are well-developed and accomplished."
Rolling her eyes, Clementine couldn't help but chuckle.
"See?—at least I can still make you laugh." He leaned against the counter, directing his piercing stare towards her.
Blushing out of sudden nervousness, Clem continued to put the dishes away. "Yes, well... um... you always have been able to..." The dishes clattered as her hands shook, and she barely kept the plates from falling to the floor.
"Hey..." Frey grabbed one of her hands and spun her around. She was trembling slightly, and her eyes were glassy. He stared at her for a moment. "...what's got you so worked up? Are you nervous about training?"
"I..." "Of course I'm not nervous about training... but... he can think that, if he wants..." "It's just that... well... I'm a little nervous about training with Eric... I mean, I've never had such individual training before, and... I just don't want to screw anything up..."
Frey chuckled. "Hey, listen—you're not going to screw anything up, okay?" Putting a hand under her chin, he lifted her head so that her eyes met his. "You're going to do great. Eric's a big help. He trained me, too—so I know what I'm talking about."
Diverting her eyes, she bit her lip and then nodded. "Okay. I'll do it, then... if you're so sure about it..."
"I am, I am! Don't be so nervous!"
Clementine nodded slowly. "Don't be so nervous..."
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It was the first day of training with Eric, and Clem was less than confident of her decision. "What if there is something going on that I don't know about...? What if... what if I'm nervous for a perfectly valid reason? ...but, then... what if I'm not? What if I'm just being paranoid yet again? It's probably just that... I need to calm down..."
She slipped on the robe—with much deliberation—and started down the hall. She knew what room she was supposed to be in, and she knew how to get there, but she just couldn't drag it out long enough. She pushed open the door and walked in, but no one was there. "...hello? Anyone here?"
No one answered. "Hmm... maybe Eric is running late..."
Her legs began to tremble, so she sat down in a short wooden chair—waiting for Eric to show up. Ten minutes rolled by, and he still wasn't there. "I just have to be patient... be patient..."
From inside the room, she couldn't hear the sounds of people milling around the branch, and she couldn't hear the sounds of outside, either. Standing up, she walked over to the window. "I might as well open it for some fresh air..."
She opened the window and stuck her head out—breathing in the crisp morning air. When she opened her eyes again, it wasn't the green of the field and the blue of the sky that greeted her gaze. She saw the inside of a tall building, and she saw six figures standing there. No, there were seven figures... one happened to be floating above the ground. They were standing in front of a large, hideous fiend with long sharp teeth. She gasped, but she couldn't tear herself away from the scene.
Leaning closer, Clementine could see the people better. There was a girl with short, brown hair... there was a tall boy with black hair... a Chinese girl, from the looks of it... a black man... "A floating bunny?" And there was...
"Frey!"
With horror, Clementine watched as the fiend opened its sickening mouth to shout the words "Total destruction."
Fingers of darkness shot out at the people standing there. Blood sprang forth from their ripped flesh, and four of the figures fell. One of them was Frey. After a few moments of talking, he ceased to move.
She backed away from the window—eyes wide and trembling. "No..."
There was suddenly someone behind her. "You have seen the destruction to come. There is no escaping it."
Jumping in fright, she spun around.
"Niru!"
Clementine fell to the floor—unconscious and seemingly frozen in time.
Grinning, the figure kneeled next to her—pressing his fingers against her neck. He chanted the word "Shini." As he left the room, a black letter was engraved on her flesh. It slowly faded from sight.
"There is no escaping it."
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Author's Note: Wow. I'm actually semi-pleased with that chapter... -hmm- It turned out a lot longer than I had expected! Yeah-it took a few days. We're actually mostly moved in now. -grin- Hope you enjoyed!
Oh, I just realized that I didn't give a description of the runes! So, to find the index that I use, go to and search for "Casting the Runes," then click on the first link that comes up. I would type up the link, but... 'twon't let me. -sigh-
Review Responses:
Esse: Aw, don't be sorry! 'Tis alright! I was just surprised—you're normally the first one to review-smile- Yes, I'm definitely trying to keep Clementine real by asking myself "what would I do in this situation?" Of course, I have to change a few things, but I could see Clementine as a real person! And mid-terms are the pits. -grimace-
Helbaworshipper: Thanks much! I was afraid that the nightmares were a little cheesy... -sweatdrop- But I'm glad you don't think so!
Mimi-san: Hee, thanks... I never liked Eric. -shakes head vehemently- Well, I was going to have Alice and Kyou play a central role... but... as the story progressed, I decided that it just wouldn't fit in with the story, y'know? They will probably show up, but they won't be central. This is more about Clementine and Frey. But!—I am hoping to write a whole series of Alice 19th fics—one about Alice and Kyou after the final battle, and one about Chris after the final battle. I read through the manga again, and I just absolutely fell in love with Chris. -chuckle- But this story will have to be finished first!
Arielle: Yay, I'm glad you liked it! Hehe, yeah... it's pretty fun to write a self-insert. Although it gets hard sometimes. "Hmm, what would I do if I was suddenly faced by a dead person—laying in a freezing river that just turned to blood—who was talking to me?" Har-not an easy question to answer. -grin-
June Antilles: Thanks. -smile- I'm going to have to drag you over to my house again so you can read the rest.
RedCrow1120: Hee, yeah, about the whole Clem/Frey thing... I think I covered that up there. I won't say much about the plot twist, but... get ready to feel very bad for Frey. -wink- Yeah, Algebra II is the PITS. I hate algebra. I'm finishing it up this year so I can take Pre-Calculus next year. That's going to be... interesting... As for Eric... you will see, you will see. -enigmatic smile-