O-kay... well, I'm glad to know that there are authors out there who put their stories on hold for months, even years, so I haven't committed that bad a sin for not having updated in what.. a month? I've just had no inspiration at all. Zip. Writer's block experienced in it's full. Anyway, the plot ambles on now, and I do have a lot more planned. Oh and if I mess with the summaries a lot, it's just cause I've realized that no matter how good a fic is- or how bad- what draws people in is a good summary. So I'm always messing with mine... Here's the 12th chapter, enjoy, sry for the embarrassing delay.
To CRUEL CRITIC: Lol, jeez, you're very persistent in you view. But as I hope I make clear in this chapter, duh Rath is with Cesia, and I'd never make him a two timer, I was just going for a bit of emotional drama, throwing ideas around, and I was currently obssessed with kaistern and Rath. It's not like you had to complain so loudly, since I'm entitled to write what I want, not what some strager likes.
Possessed by a Memory: Chapter 12
"Where's Rune?" Rath whispered.
"Um... maybe he went outside?" Cesia tried to qualm Rath's apparent alarm and set the food down.
"He's can't go outside! He'll get sicker!" Rath yelled, growling, and ran out.
"Rath! Wait!" Cesia tried in vain to run after him, only to trip and fall, "Shoot, now I have no idea where either one is..."
OoO
Rath ran frantically down the palace halls, heading to the courtyard, the entrance to the gardens. He skidded to a stop, looking frenetically in all directions.
"Rune! Rune where are you? Dang it..." he damned the situation. He felt that Rune wasn't around here... but if he wasn't here, then where? He whirled around flying up the stairs and into the castle.
He searched everywhere, sticking his head into all the rooms. Finally stumbling into one of them, he tripped over something lying on the floor, covered by a blanket. Cursing, the fire knight stood, and in the process, uncovered what was underneath.
"It's... one of the palace guards!" Rath muttered, shocked. He checked the pulse, "Least he's alive... I wonder... if this has anything to do with Rune?" he shook his head, hoping he was wrong.
He ran on, almost skipping the palace library until he saw movement out of the corner of his eye. Stopping abruptly, he stalked quietly into the musty library. Here was where Alfeegi filed most of his reports, where Rath read to occupy his mind, where Tetheus and Kaistern played chess to amuse themselves, and where various books were kept, safe from prying eyes. A section in the back of the vast room held various books, guarded with a spell that kept anyone not dragon from being able to touch them. Because these books were special, containing spells, history, things that in the wrong hands could spell disaster for the dragon tribe. Rath had actually once found one that had ways to disable the spells that had been used on the five basement doors that guarded Nadil's head. Of course, not many people knew that that was even there. Or else... well, that was where the spell that kept non-dragon tribe members from being able to touch the books came in.
And this is where he saw the dark figure move. Rath stole stealthily behind the bookshelf, and moved one of the books slightly to look behind it. He gasped and the figure turned around, but didn't see him. Rath came around the bookcase, mouth open.
"Rune!"
The figure dropped the book it was holding, and Rath thought for a moment that the eyes that stared back at him were a dark, icy blue, dissolving into the light aquamarine eyes that he knew.
"R-Rath?"
"Rune, what are you doing here? You can't even stand up!" Rath scolded Rune for being so careless, but at the same time wondered that if Rune couldn't stand up, how had he gotten here?
Rune gulped, looking truly terrified, "Rath, what am I doing here?"
"What are you talking about, how do you not know?"
"I-I was sleeping, last thing I knew," Rune stepped frightened to Rath, taking hold of his arm.
"Maybe you were sleep-walking," Rath said hurriedly, trying to comfort the elf, who looked like he was on the brink of tears. It was then that Rune began coughing again, blood spilling thickly against the white fabric of his tunic and the pale skin of both knights, "Rune! C'mon, we gotta get you to your room."
Rune shook, coughing repeatedly, his grip on Rath's arm clenching and unclenching spasmodically as his body was seized by the convulsions. Rath picked him up, grimacing at the sight of the crimson droplets on the elf's drawn face. He was not waiting for Rune to collapse before taking him to his room like they stupidly had on other occasions.
"Rath... m-make it stop..." Rune pleaded and coughed again before his body went limp against Rath's. The red-haired knight shakily hoisted the thin elf's form onto his arms and carefully but hurriedly took him back.
OoO
A small, dark figure crept up the castle walls, finally stopping at one open window and hopped in. Looking around the library, it finally spotted what it was looking for and picked up a book, flung on the floor, scarlet drops splattered around.
"Doesn't look like a nice curse at all. Master Kharl'll be pleased. Not like he isn't ever... what an oaf."
The human figure jumped out of the building, disappearing in a cloud of ashes.
OoO
"Um, Feegi, we have a visitor," Ruwalk cleared his throat, quickly pulling himself off Alfeegi and standing straight. Alfeegi too jumped up, straightening his hair and shirt before turning.
"Who is – Oh, hi Kaistern," he said flatly. Ruwalk giggled.
"Hi Alfeegi..." Kaistern leaned against the doorway. He looked Alfeegi up and down in a way that kinda made Ruwalk feel protective of his aquamarine haired love.
"So um, Kaistern, I guess you're feeling better," Ruwalk said, stepping slightly in front of Alfeegi.
"Yeah, much. So Alfeegi, do you need any help filing forms?" Kaistern dismissed Ruwalk completely.
"Wow, you definitely lost your memory, offering to file forms?" Ruwalk said astounded.
"Well, I guess I could use the help..." Alfeegi muttered thoughtfully.
"Then I stay too," Ruwalk said suddenly.
"Where do you want me to start?" Kaistern asked eagerly.
"Um, wherever..." Alfeegi sweat dropped.
"I'll start right here," Ruwalk took the pile next to Alfeegi's desk.
"And I can start right here," Kaistern, took the one next to Alfeegi's seat. Ruwalk growled slightly.
OoO
Lykouleon stretched as he stood up from his desk. Raseleane came in with a tray with glasses and a pitcher of juice. Lykouleon stared thoughtfully at her for a moment, noticing that she looked... different. He couldn't put his fingers on it... but was it just him or did her stomach look just a little larger? Like she'd eaten a large meal. Which she hadn't cause she'd been too busy vomiting the small breakfast she'd had in the morning. She'd been having this strange morning sickness for a couple days now, but otherwise she appeared perfectly fine. And she assured him of it too.
"Want something to drink?" she smiled at him.
"Sure," he smiled back. He picked her up, kissing her neck lovingly, then grinned mischievously, "I think you've gained weight."
She blushed, "You think?"
"I don't know, you feel a little heavier. Just a little," he said, beginning to see that she was giving him an indignant glare.
"That's rude."
"I'm sorry honey," he said grimacing.
"It's alright," she said, then paused, looking out warily.
"What is it?" Lykouleon asked looking at her.
"Someone's coming," she said before the door was flung open. An out of breath Rath stood in the doorway.
"Where's Cernozura? Rune's gotten worse. He won't wake up!" Rath said as his only explanation.
"What-" the Lord began.
"Where's Cernozura?" Rath cut him off abruptly.
"She should be near the vegetable garden, gathering –" Rath was gone.
"I'm going," Lykouleon stood up.
"I'm coming with you," the queen said and they took off, heading to Rune's room.
OoO
"Alfeegi, let's go eat, I'm hungry," Ruwalk said hours later, finally done with his stuff. Unfortunately, Kaistern had finished before him and was now talking to Alfeegi, listening attentively to whatever the head secretary was telling him. Ruwalk huffed. How dare Kaistern just come and try to take Alfeegi from him? Luckily, he was sure that Alfeegi wouldn't fall for it.
Alfeegi looked at Ruwalk for a sec, "Sure, um, Kaistern, do you want to come with us?" Ruwalk smacked his forehead.
"You know, I think Rath would greatly appreciate it if you went to see him," Ruwalk suggested. Kaistern shrugged.
"Actually, I'm hungry too. And I don't know about that Rath kid, he seemed a bit weird to me."
"But you guys were like best friends!"
"Then how come he hasn't come to see me?" the albino countered.
"Rath is very complicated, and he has a lot of conflicting emotions. He's usually not the one to make first moves either, and maybe he's scared."
They walked on, Kaistern trying hard to make conversation that would lead Alfeegi in, not noticing that the white secretary was becoming impatient.
"Oh, I left something in my room, Ruwalk would you help me get it?" Alfeegi cut into the conversation and took Ruwalk's hand, pulling him before the secretary of foreign affairs could protest, "We'll see you at lunch, just go on ahead of us."
Kaistern frowned then kept on walking.
"Phew, thanks Alfeegi," Ruwalk said as they stopped running when they turned the corner.
"I can't believe it. Were you competing with him?"
"Well, he was obviously flirting and trying to hit on you!" Ruwalk said defensively. Alfeegi glared at him.
"And did you think I would fall for it?"
"Sorry..." Ruwalk looked down. Alfeegi smiled and kissed Ruwalk.
"Don't worry. It makes me feel good to know that I have two men fighting over me, and you got overprotective simply because he was looking at me," Ruwalk was not sure if Alfeegi was being sarcastic or not.
"I cannot wait until he gets his memory back and forgets about you."
"What if he doesn't?" Alfeegi teased his dark haired lover.
"Oh God.. we'll never have any privacy. Ever."
"Good point," Alfeegi wrinkled his nose.
"I'm almost regretting that we have to eat."
OoO
Kaistern walked to the dining hall, hoping to get there in time to meet Alfeegi. Instead, he was almost ran over a frantic figure, and the both tripped, losing their balance, and fell to the floor.
"Ow..." the albino rubbed his head sorely.
"Kaistern! Rune passed out, it was so weird –"
"Hey, you're that kid Rath right?" A pained look came over Rath's face.
"Yeah, but help me, I gotta get to Rune!"
Kaistern stood up, although he had no idea who this 'Rune' was. Although obviously, by Rath's state, he needed help.
"Who's Rune?" he asked as they both sped down the halls, finally reaching a door which Rat flung open forcefully.
"That's him, and he's really sick, and it got worse..." Rath shook slightly, looking around as if waiting for someone. Kaistern took the moment to look at the figure in the bed. He was an elf, that much he recognized, and clearly not in good shape. Pale skin, lined with sweat, almost freezing. The blue officer knelt down, checking for a pulse.
"Well, he's alive."
"I know that! But I don't know what to do!"
Lykouleon and Raseleane came in, and the Lord immediately strode over to the elf, Kaistern standing up and moving aside.
"Rath, get me some warm cloths, hot water... go," Raseleane ordered Rath as he left, meanwhile rummaging through the closets to find blankets.
"I really don't understand what's wrong with him. He's tried to heal himself, hasn't he?" Lykouleon looked at Raseleane, who nodded, "And I can't sense any foreign energy from him. So then what could possibly be causing this... deterioration?"
Rath entered, the queen taking the cloths and the hot water. She soaked the cloths, the wrung the out firmly, placing one on Rune's forehead. She unbuttoned the elf's shirt, placing the other steaming cloths on it. Rune didn't react at all.
Cernozura came in, took a look and stopped, "Alright, everyone but Raseleane OUT. Yes, even you my Lord," she shooed everyone out and closed the door firmly in their face. Rath sunk to the floor, resting against the wall. Kaistern scratched his head, confused, and stared at Rath who avoided his gaze. Lykouleon just paced in front of them, seemingly lost in thought.
"Hey, I thought Alfeegi said you and me were friends, but if I can't tell someone's ignoring me, then I've already gained back my memory," Kaistern spoke up, lifting his chin up a bit and looking down at Rath. The fire knight said nothing, too involved in his own thoughts, face somber.
"Hello-o, I'm talking here," Kaistern stepped in front of Rath and the knight finally took heed of Kaistern's presence in front of him, though Kaistern had a feeling that that he very well knew he'd been there the entire time.
"Yeah, we are friends," Rath finally said, decisively. Lykouleon stole a sly glance at the both of them.
Kaistern looked a little closer, "We weren't anything more, were we?"
"Nope. We were very close, but nothing more than friends," the knight seemed almost relieved to say that. Kaistern sighed as well.
"Good, now, can you tell me how I can get rid of that guy Ruwalk so I can get Alfeegi? He's in my way."
Rath stared at him for a second, then burst out laughing. He rolled on his sides, holding them tightly, trying to control himself but he kept laughing until his face was damp with tears. Kaistern turned bewildered as he heard more laughter behind him and found Lykouleon in stitches as well.
"What did I say?"
"Sorry... to break.. it to you- " Lykouleon paused to breathe in between laughter, and Rath's had merely gone down in volume, he was at that stage in laughter in which you make no sound but you're still trapped in the wave, body rocking back and forth.
"What?"
"Ruwalk and Alfeegi," he laughed again, "They're kinda already –"
"Aw man, I'm too late?"
"Yeah," at length Rath was finally done and spoke up."
"Darn..." Kaistern grumbled.
"Don't worry, once you get your memory back, I assure you that you won't wish to have him around any more than you possibly have to."
Kaistern grumbled again and set off, not caring to be in this depressing conversation any longer. Lykouleon watched Rath, glad to see the fire knight still had the capacity to laugh as hard as he had right now. How long had it been since he's seen him laugh at all? Amazingly long since he'd laughed in front of him, very long since he'd heard him laughing with someone else across the courtyard. But it was nice to see him laughing again. Even if it was only a very rare opportunity.
"Rath?" Rath turned immediately at hearing Cesia's voice, and as soon as she caught sight of him she trotted over, falling into his arms, "Did you find Rune?"
"Yeah..." Cesia sighed with relief and was about to kiss Rath when a squeeze on her arm paused her. She sense that Rath was somehow reluctant to show emotion in front of the Lord.
Lykouleon spoke up, "I meant to ask you, but you seem to have a story connected to finding him."
Rath nodded, "I don't know how he got there, but I found Rune in the library. In the... classified section," Lykouleon started.
"What was he doing there?"
"Reading a book. He was standing there, and then I came over to him and called his name and it was like he... snapped out of something. He had no idea where he was or how he'd gotten there either," Rath said grimly. He suddenly gasped, "Whoops."
"What?" Cesia asked.
"I found a guard knocked unconscious, stashed under a blanket in the storage room. I forgot and left him there."
"I'll get Tetheus to get him," Lykouleon said as he saw the black officer walk to them. They talked quietly for a minute, the other two not being able to hear what was said.
The door to Rune's room clicked open and Cernozura and Raseleane came out. Rath stood up immediately, almost knocking Cesia off in his eagerness.
"Well?" he demanded.
"He'll need to be watched over, he has a bad fever and trouble breathing. I don't know how long it'll be until he wakes up, but..." she trailed off.
"What?"
"He might never recover to full strength, I don't know, it's been pretty bad and for such an extended period of time, his body... may not be up to past standards," Cernozura admitted quietly.
"Sure he will, he's strong... he'll be fine," Rath said forcefully, pushing past the two women into the room.
"He's been taking everything so hard..." Cesia said sadly. The rest nodded. She stepped into the room, noticing that it was full of strong herbs. It made sense, if he was having trouble with his breathing, to try to stimulate him with the strong odors, but she wondered if they had gone overboard, it was overpowering. Rath was kneeling next to Rune, holding his now hot hand. His head rested against Rune's side. Empathy and pity suffused Cesia seeing Rath pained face, his tearful eyes.
"Oh Rath, he'll be okay. He'll pull through, you know that..." she whispered, kneeling next to him and placing her head in the crook of his shoulder and neck. He leaned into her a little.
"But it's my fault."
Cesia looked up, startled, "You fault? How is this your fault?"
"I don't know, it just always is."
"Oh Rath... it's not your fault. Rune wouldn't want you to fault yourself. And neither do I, you hear me?"
Rath looked at her, as if searching for a lie in her eyes, and when he only found concern, pity and truth, he relented, falling into Cesia and holding onto her as if she was his life line and he was drowning. "I love you," he said, burying himself deeper, as if the only thing that would justify his words, and his words the only thing that could justify his feelings. She lifted his face, looking into him seriously.
"Well... Rath, do you like Kaistern as well?" she asked somberly. Rath smiled, almost sadly, and sat back.
"What makes you say that?" he smirked. Cesia relaxed a bit.
"Well, I don't know, nothing really – Okay, that night at the party when you made that little odd statement."
Rath smiled, as if expecting that, "I wondered that too for a while. But no," he pulled her to him and kissed her forehead lightly, then her lips, "I was just feeling a bit overprotective of him, and I was worried he hadn't come home for so long, with good reason too, obviously," he added, "And Ruwalk always did get on my nerves. I love him like an older brother, or a best friend, never more. Never like you."
He felt the need to go on, to explain himself to her, but she shushed him and pushed him onto the floor, "Now, I've been feeling a little left out and unloved lately, mind correcting that?" she smiled wryly. She was about to lean in when she stopped and got up, smiling in answer to Rath's questioning look and pout. She headed over to the door and locked it, smiling, "But we won't be able to do it for long, or they'll get suspicious. Someone's bound to come to see Rune."
"What if he wakes up?"
"Let's simply hope not."
Happy now? Lame ending, sure, but like I said, writer's block does not improve my ability to write, it hinders it. Unless it is pointless ramble. Oh for any who didn't notice, kaistern haveing a 'crush' on Alfeegi was more of a humorous deal. I'm sure there are some out there who coudl have done a lot better than me at making omsehting humorous out of it.
Anyway, Bye!