Hey hey, um... it was really hard to make the scenes match up with the music
for
this chapter, but oh well..... enjoy it anyway! ^_^
Disclaimers: None of the characters from CCS or FY are ours. Only the elves and place names belong to us.
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CARMINA BURANA ~ CHAPTER 8
EGO SUM ABBAS
(I AM THE ABBOT)
By Elcyion Pitye and *Aeris Tiniel Mirime*
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"You did nicely," Soi told Nikki as they walked aimlessly in outskirts of Lea Field. It was autumn already. The year is passing by quickly. This was Nikki's last year of schooling, and she was supposed to start in a week.
The young girl didn't feel proud at all of what she did.
"Unfortunately, we didn't do enough," the former Macabre resident went on, "we need something much more surprising... something to churn all of their stomachs. Don't you agree, Nikki?"
"I... don't think I can do this anymore," Nikki admitted meekly. She stopped mid-pace, looking down shyly.
Soi held in a breath to keep from lashing out at the teen and stopped too, turning around to face her. "You want to stop, Nikki? Why would you do that? There is so much we can do without those imbeciles in our way!" Staring at her for a while, scrutinizing her, the woman added forcefully. "That boy you like so much won't give you a second glance, anyway, so what's the point in stopping? You have no family nor friends. I'm the only one who is on your side. Remember that."
Nikki's head shot up at the mention of the "boy". "But... Chiriko... he can't stand me. I don't have feelings for him..." Yet, she remembered how nice he had been at Occult Lake. But it could've been just an act. He was probably only nice because there were nobles and his sister around. He had to look polite.
"Isn't that what I just said, Nikki, dear?" Soi pulled her along in the opposite direction, toward Timbergrove. "You must be tired of sticking with me all the time. Go ahead into town and rest. I'll be... around. There are some things I must attend to. You will surely be tuckered out by the end of the day."
Nikki obediently went on her way, disturbed and suspicious about those "things" Soi has to allegedly do. She didn't know what to do about it, but it wasn't like she would ever be able to stop someone as powerful as the ex- warrior.
* * *
"Oh, Fortuna, Tori! You crack me up!" Tasuki exclaimed, slamming his mug of liquor on the table he was sitting at. He was obviously drunk, and obviously not at work when he was supposed to, for it was past time for him to return from break.
"Hah, Tasuki, that was good, wasn't it?" Tori replied in his stupor. Unfortunately, the two most likely didn't remember what they were laughing about. He looked at the time. "Say, isn't it about time we head to the village t'finish up?"
"Ehh, who cares, we got some damn strong people workin' on it," Tasuki replied. "We can hang for a while. Oy, Tetsuya!"
Tetsuya was the most out of it out of the three, and he was flirting shamelessly with some ladies sitting at a round table.
"Hey, you lecher!" Tasuki shouted again. "What'chu doin' over there for, eh? Come talk to y'buddies for once!" He splashed some of his red drink at the Summit knight.
Tetsuya sobered up a bit and threw an empty mug in the fiery-headed knight's direction. "Wait until I tell your sweetheart that you went off drinkin' again!" He turned back to the giddy women he was talking to, when he spotted a boy, no more than fourteen or fifteen standing at the open doorway looking in. He was a year or so too young to be in a rowdy place like this, so this got him interested to see what he was up to. He recognized the teen, too. He had seen him hanging around Sir Tomite a few times.
"So, Sir Knight, can you tell us more adventures?" one of the woman spoke up, giggling..
Tetsuya turned back to his audience.
While the knights were having a good time, Chiriko, who was a bit lonely without anyone nearby, decided to wander around. He ended up at the Primo Vere Tavern, a popular place among locals. He would have chosen to see his friends from school, but they were either staying in Summit for the summer (in the case that they normally resided in Enigma), or they just lived to far away from him.
He shouldn't be at a place like this. It just wasn't like him to be going to a tavern, although Subaru passed only one law regarding alcohol, and that was none younger than fifteen may drink... he was at that border age.
Chiriko stepped in, but barely. He spotted some of the more respected knights inside, like Sir Tasuki, Sir Tetsuya, and Sir Tori, but they seemed to be busy.
He noticed that Tetsuya had looked up at him curiously, but then turned back to the ladies around him.
Chiriko heard a gasp behind him. He turned around, and then half-smiled. Nikki was standing behind him. She looked greatly frightened. "Hello," he greeted calmly. "What brings you to a rambunctious place like here?"
"Well, I didn't... um.." her face flushed. "I was walking by, that's all."
He recalled her neurotic actions back at Occult, but somehow, encountering her now seemed to have a different air. "And conveniently stray from the main path to walk by me?" he shot teasingly at her. "I'm not dumb, Nikki. In fact, I'm quite intelligent for my age. I may be able to become a scholar like Mr. Keisuke or Mr. Chichiri."
"W-What's your... point?" she asked shyly.
"I know that you take a liking to me," he answered, grinning, without a second thought as to why he was being so friendly. "Underneath all that anger you take out on me, I know you do."
She blushed. He was dead-on. "I do not know what you are talking about, Chiriko." She turned away. "I must be going now." She attempted to run away, but he grabbed her arm, suddenly serious.
"It's good you showed up. I need to talk to you about something."
She didn't struggle, so he lead her to the side of the tavern, in a dark, little alleyway between that and Mr. Uruki's bakery.
When they were settled in the hideout, he asked her with one simple word. "Why?"
Nikki realized she was cornered and could not escape from answering him. "Why what?" she asked in a small voice.
"You know exactly what I am talking about," he stated. "Occult Lake. Why did you act the way you did? And why did you try and rat Li, my sister, and me out?"
She didn't want to tell Chiriko anything about her plans with Soi. It would ruin everything. But did that certain everything matter to her?
"Talk to me, Nikki," he reprimanded. "I don't care how stupid or how secretive it is. I just want to know."
"Will you turn me in?" she wondered, looking up at him with guilty eyes.
He frowned. Would he? As much as he would love to have all this behind him and not have to worry about future dangers, he couldn't bring himself to say he would turn the girl in. "I don't know," was all he said.
"That boy you like so much won't give you a second glance, anyway, so what's the point in stopping? You have no family nor friends. I'm the only one who is on your side. Remember that."
Nikki did remember, so she didn't quite trust him. Maybe Soi was right after all. "I can't tell you anything, Chiriko," she said, sounding unsure of herself. "I can't risk being turned in... I can't risk losing my only friend Soi over something like this..."
He gaped at her as if she were mad. "Friend?! You call that woman your friend?!" His voice turned more gentle. "Nikki, you can trust me. Why are you doing this?"
She couldn't look at him. Why was she doing this? What was she proving? That a pariah like her can have a friend? Soi of all people? She knew it wasn't vengeance... she needed to be left alone... she needed time to think.
"I can't talk now, Chiriko. Let me out, please." He didn't budge. She tried ducking under his arm, but he wrapped his arm around her to prevent her escape.
"You aren't going anywhere," he hissed. "I want to know what--"
"Shut up!" she cried, finally snapping. She pushed him away from her and faced him. "I didn't want to tell you because I know you would probably turn me in! Like any other person, I would want to save myself!" She glared up at him. "Why do you care, anyway?! You can't stand me! You were only nice to me because of all those higher-ups around--"
"Nikki!" he shouted over her, silencing her. He looked at her in the eye. "It's not true."
The bespectacled girl just stared at him. "I don't understand. You were so mean to me at school... you scorned me for being from Crag Alps..."
He shook his head and sighed. "Something's changed, I guess. I grew up." He grabbed her hand in his. "I'm sorry... for the way I've treated you."
"You've apologized already. Back... there." Nikki was doubly baffled. Her heart beats for Chiriko, meaning... someone did care about her after all. She didn't need Soi's negativity.
"So, will you tell me what's been going on with you lately?" he asked softly.
In a burst of emotion, she surprised him with a hug. He held her awkwardly, wondering why she became so forward all of a sudden. "Nik...?"
"Yes... I'll tell you everything," she whispered. "Just be my friend, okay? Better than Soi could ever be."
"Of course."
* * *
"Brother! We must be on our way back to work!" Suboshi cried exasperatedly. They were in Timbergrove, helping rebuild the last of the houses. For their lunch break, he and Amiboshi decided to go to a clearing a little further away than where the majority of the workers were. They pretty much had this smaller clearing to themselves.
"Just a minute, Suboshi," Amiboshi answered, searching the grass. "I seem to have lost one of our family heirlooms... that pocketwatch Grandfather gave me."
Suboshi set his mouth in a firm line. "Well, fine, then. You better find that thing. I'll even help. We have more than enough workers, anyway." He looked at the bushes and trees surrounding them. "Maybe it had fallen into the bushes over here." He beckoned Amiboshi toward them. Together, they started the search.
* * *
Meanwhile, Miaka sauntered into the clearing, just missing the twins. She was looking for healing herbs, which were scattered all over the forests of Engima. Tasuki had gotten injured in a playful spar between building houses not too long ago, and Miaka wanted those unnecessary wounds to heal faster. She examined a couple of bushes and picked some leaves off, setting them into a little basket she brought with her. She needn't be in northern Enigma, but she still wanted to anything she could to help the cause.
There was a rustle behind her. She snapped her head to the side, her eyes wary. "Hello?" she called out softly. There was another rustle, coming from the same place. Miaka frowned. She knew she shouldn't have taken this way as a shortcut. What could that be? It's far too much movement for it to be one of the small animals in the woods. Suddenly her head ached horribly and her vision blurred. She cried out a little, holding her head, and blink rapidly. Her vision came back to normal, but the pain in her head didn't go away.
Before she realized it, two monstrosities leaped out at her from the rustling bushes. Miaka screamed and then stared at them in rage. Two grotesque trolls stared at her mockingly. One of them growled loudly. Such creatures do not exist at all in this world, and Miaka knew they were for sure creatures made of some magician. Miaka didn't know any, maybe except for Soi. Soi!
"Soi sent you, huh?!" she cried. One of the ugly, slimy, brown trolls growled in reply. Its yellow eyes bore into her.
Without waiting around, Miaka, seeing the coast was clear, held her arms out in front of her and blasted the trolls with a flurry of white energy. One of the trolls immediately fell back, bloodied and dead, while the other one, who was in the midst of running away and had gained a sickly looking arm wound in the process stared angrily at her, its teeth bared in a snarl.
Miaka's vision blurred again, and she teetered back a little. Her head pounded even worse than before. She yelped in pain, holding her head and doubling over.
When everything was clear again, Miaka immediately looked up to see what the other troll was up to.
Yet, she didn't see any troll. Instead, she found Amiboshi covered with blood on the ground where the monster was supposed to be. He was dead.
"Lady Miaka..." she looked at Suboshi, who was where the other troll was before. She was so confused. What had happened?!
The living twin had never looked at her so lividly. His eyes sparked a great anger and yet was full of sadness at the same time.
"What in Apollyon's name did you do?!" Suboshi yelled, shaking her shoulders wildly despite his arm wound. "What in Hell is wrong with you?!"
"Su...Subo..." she faltered. She was in total shock. She didn't know what to do nor say. She realized that someone had put her in a hologram... making her believe she was killing trolls, but in its stead, she killed someone... another noble.
"You and your evil magic," Suboshi said through gritted teeth, his face close to hers. "Curse you Enigma people. Subaru did a horrible job of passing laws." He forcefully turned her toward his dead brother. "See?! This is what happens when magic is allowed, Miaka!" She struggled, for Suboshi was bruising her, but he didn't give a damn. "You murdered him!"
"How?" was all she could ask weakly.
"HOW?!" he echoed in a rage. He squeezed her arms harder. "Do you really want me to tell you?! I saw your eyes turn red with evil! You are a sinful little wench!" He looked like he wanted to kill her.
Panicked and unable to take it anymore, Miaka teleported him to the other side of Halcyon River, hopefully all the way to New Chalice. She sank down to the ground in grief, too stunned to cry. She was in deep trouble. No matter what she did, Suboshi will find a way to arrest her. She'll never see Tasuki again. Of course, she could kill him as well, but... she just wasn't the type to murder a person. Oh, Goddess, Tamahome, what do I do??
Soi smiled from the branches of the tree she was sitting in. Another accomplishment. Hopefully this turn of events will cause a civil war between Enigma and Summit to break out. Yes, she thought to herself, casting a hologram spell on little Lady Miaka and making her kill one of her Amourites shall do the trick... but now is time for the real deal. Soi jumped down from her tree without a sound, landing several feet behind Miaka. Let's see what you can do, maiden.
"Lonely and scared without your knight-in-shining-armor?"
Miaka whirled around, accidently dropping the healing herbs. She recognized the voice that dripped heavily with evil and scorn immediately. She searched the trees that surrounded the clearing she was in, trying to find the owner of the voice.
Soi.
The maiden watched as the mysterious and dangerous woman slowly stepped toward her. One. Two. Three. Four. Five. Soi was now only about a foot away from Miaka, mischievous grin playing on her seductive face.
"What do you want?" Miaka asked darkly, slowly regaining her energy from the incident earlier. She backed up until she bumped into a tree.
"I wanted some rest and relaxation in this lovely area," Soi explained. "And then I found... you."
Miaka narrowed her pretty eyes at Soi, wondering what she was up to.
"I know your secrets, Lady Miaka," the former Macabre knight and resident replied.
"I have no secrets," answered the court princess defensively.
"You know that magic is forbidden in your kingdom," Soi replied, taking her long, regal sword out of the holster at her belt and stroking it as if it were a pet bird. "And if anyone in Enigma is seen using magic, including any of the royals, then they will be executed--harshly--in public. The most shameful way to die."
"I don't know what you're talking about."
Soi burst into a long laugh. "Don't try and hide it, Lady Miaka. I am quite certain that you are kin to Apollyon, God of Torture."
Apollyon was considered the anti-Fortuna. He represents all evil, and supposedly black magic, according to Hikitsu. Miaka froze, unable to think of anything to say. Soi went over to the appalled maiden and looked at her square in the eye. "And the God of Death is the rival of your beloved Fortuna, Goddess of the Moon. If you are kin to Apollyon, then you will be punished severely, for you all fear that he and his children will destroy this world mercilessly and painfully if you don't stop them." She shot a calm yet menacing look at Miaka. "And I know you are one of him. I saw you kill an innocent victim with your magic."
"Untrue," Miaka rasped. She lifted her hand and slapped the woman hardacross the face. Soi turned to look at the young maiden again, delicately touching the bruise on her cheek from Miaka's slap, and snickered. "You're not as gentle as you look, Lady Miaka." She turnedher back on the noble and walked until she was a couple yards away fromwhere Miaka stood. "Your secret is safe with me, but--" She faced Miaka again, "You'll have to beat me."
"You're a mage, too?" Miaka questioned.
Soi gave her sword a swish and aimed it right at the maiden's heart. "I am, but who's going to be the one to get caught?"
"Then you're on." Miaka stepped forward and with a small wave of her hand, a bright outline of a sword-like weapon appeared. It became solid and had a silvery aura surrounding it. It was an ordinary-looking sword, only it was a full blade without a hilt and Miaka didn't even need to touch it. The weapon floated in mid-air, looking as if a thin string was connected to her hand. Miaka swung her sword a few times just to get used to it again from so many years of sealing her sword magic away.
"A pretty little court princess, fighting in her nice expensive dress,"Soi observed, noticing that Miaka was wearing her town clothes, in the color of her kingdom.
"Don't underestimate me," Miaka replied. She ran at Soi and swung her magical weapon underhand as if she were handling a real sword.Soi easily blocked the attack. Soon the two were in a technical sword fight, battling as well as any skilled knight would do. Soi managed to make a swipe at Miaka's face, making a long deep gash on her left cheek. The maiden held her hand over the wound. Blood seeped out of the cut and through her fingers, dripping onto the ground. Soi smiled at the damage she had caused and went in for more bloodshed. Miaka stood in fighting stance and blocked Soi's next attack. She managed to swing the cryptic woman's weapon out of her hand. Miaka pointed hers under Soi's chin and said with a triumphant grin, "Ready to give up?"
Soi looked panicked for a second, but then smiled. "Never." Right as she said that, her sword teleported from the ground back into Soi's hand in incredible speed. Miaka was oblivious to this and so Soi was able to make a swipe at the court princess's right side, at her waist, making her cry out in pain and her weapon made of magic vanish. Miaka took a few steps back, holding her side as gore stained her velvet dress and the bright green grass. Soi watched her, laughing, and held her sword out, ready to attack again.
After a moment of taking in the pain, Miaka formed another sword out of her magical powers and swung at Soi, who dodged the attack. Miaka, whowas just as quick as Soi, angrily took a stab at her stomach and succeeded. The sword went through her completely, the end of the blade protruding out of her back. Soi let out a small gasp, her eyes full of pain. "You're very skilled," she rasped, "but not skilled enough." And suddenly, Soi disappeared in a bright blue light.
Miaka stared at where Soi had stood and shook her head in disbelief. How can Soi do that? Doesn't one's magical energy start to fade once they start to lose their energy in battle due to their injuries? The court princess stood in the same place for what seemed like hours. The sword "in" her hands diminished, for it wasn't needed right then. "Soi? Soi, where are you?" Miaka called out. "Are you giving up so soon?" The wound at Miaka's side started to ache again. She winced and went on as if it were nothing. "Where is she?" she murmured under her breath.
Suddenly, Miaka felt a familiar presence behind her and stretched her arms out quickly, creating a green transparent barrier around her just as Soi rapidly jumped at Miaka and took a swing at her neck. The force of the shield caused Soi and her sword to bounce back. She backflipped and gracefully landed on her feet. Miaka turned around and looked crossly at Soi. She formed a sword again and charged at her opponent. They engaged in another swordfight, this time quicker than even the best warriors could've done. Soi lifted her sword above her head and swung down at her enemy's head, but fortunately, Miaka blocked it, using all her strength to push Soi away. Finally, Miaka kicked her in the stomach, slightly grimacing at the pain at her waist as she did so. Soi was sent flying backwards, but she did another backflip and was on her feet once more.
Miaka, in a fit full of rage, let her weapon vanish. Soi looked at her curiously, waiting for her next move. Miaka did a gesture with both her hands and two blades appeared, glowing brightly and energetically. The maiden held the swords together in front of her in an x-shaped figure. The figure changed shape into a circular object, with shards of jagged metal jutting out. Miaka backed up a bit and took a couple running steps. She threw the new weapon straight at Soi, the object twirling like a cartwheel at incredible speed. Soi, with great patience, let it come to her like a butterfly flying into her hand. She produced a dark blue shield in front of her, stopping the weapon in a flurry of sparks and lightning bolts. She quickly sent it back at Miaka, whose face turned from angry to frightened. She barely had enough time to create a weak shield, crossing her arms in front of her with brilliant sparks flying everywhere.
Miaka felt she wouldn't be able to hold it back for much longer. A weapon made of her own magic was never turned against her, and so Miaka didn't know her own strength. The force of it was pushing her back slowly, proving its power. Suddenly, the shield gave away and the object was digging into the skin of her arms. She screamed in pain but continued to force the object away, although she knew it wouldn't do her any good. Finally, Miaka moved to her right and fell to the ground in a heap as the weapon crashed into a tree and vanished. Soi walked over to her still body. Miaka stirred and slowly pulled herself to her feet. Her arms had deep gashes and bruises from trying to defend herself. Blood slid down her arms and stained the ground, painting the clearing red. The elbow-length sleeves of her dress were torn and covered with the warm, sticky substance.
"Just give up," Soi replied sweetly. "You know you're not going to win against me."
"Tamahome would never give up in any battle," Miaka responded weakly, another sword appearing in a silver aura in her hand. She swung at Soi, who quickly put up a shield before Miaka could hit her. Miaka swayed a little from her loss of blood, but tried her best to stay strong. "And neither will I," she finished.
"Just what are you fighting for?" Soi asked. "Your useless little reputation?"
"It's not just that," Miaka answered. "I know your secrets, too."
Soi cocked an eyebrow, amused. "Is that so?" She vanished in her blue light. Miaka gasped in surprise.
"No one's going to believe a useless little noble like you," the ex- knight concluded, her voice seeming to come from every part of the clearing.
"Where are you?!" Miaka yelled. "We are not done!"
"I know, dear. Believe me, I know."
Just then, Miaka felt a sharp knife slash deeply into her back. Miaka cried out and fell forward. She shakily pulled herself off the ground only to be slashed again, only this time in the back of her neck. She collapsed to the ground, too weak to move. Soi laughed and stuck the blade of her sword under Miaka's chin, making the maiden look at her.
"You're losing the duel, as if you haven't noticed," Soi said merrily.
Miaka ignored her and desperately called for her powers to bring forth her sword, but she didn't have enough strength to do so. "No," she whispered, "I can't stop now."
Soi took her sword away from Miaka's face and smirked at her. Miaka used every ounce of energy she had to get to her feet, but was too slow compared to the unscratched Soi, who easily stabbed Miaka in the back the same way Miaka stabbed her earlier. The maiden could see the end of the sword sticking out her chest. She watched the blood as it dripped down the skirt of the dress and knew she was dying.
Soi laughed again and twisted the sword the other way, causing Miaka even more pain.The ex-knight pulled her weapon out of her opponent and watched gleefully as she dropped to the ground once more. "What a pity," Soi replied as she turned around and walked away.
Miaka, meanwhile, lifted herself off the ground, although she felt very faint. "I am still a valid fighter," she muttered determinedly.
Soi turned to glare at her and unsheathed her sword again. Miaka readied herself with hers, even though her powers were very weak. Unfortunately, Miaka, who had very many injuries, wasn't quick enough to fight Soi. The former Macabre warrior slashed Miaka's legs in a matter of nanoseconds. This action ripped off part of the skirt as well, revealing newly bloodied legs. The court princess's legs gave out. Miaka struggled to keep consciousness, but the stinging in her wounds was just too much.
"You are very stubborn," Soi murmured, towering over the fallen girl. She circled Miaka, looking to be deep in thought. "You know, I have noticed that your magic is very strong and powerful, but," Soi stopped and lifted Miaka's head up harshly by pulling her hair, "it is very limited. And even if the children of the God of Death don't die as easily as regular humans, I see that you will be a goner. And one more thing," she pulled Miaka's head up even higher, much to the girl's dismay, "You lost the battle. That means you get executed in public, although that wouldn't be necessary because you won't have long to live anyway."
"N-no..." Miaka mouthed painfully.
"Oh, and that handsome boyfriend of yours?" Soi added, pushing Miaka's head back down, "He's going to join you very soon. So don't worry about him being alone." With that, Soi smiled and headed away, leaving the injured noble on the ground. She walked into an invisible portal, sauntering in as if she were going inside a house.
"She can't..." Miaka mumbled, staring after Soi as she left. Miaka turned to the trees, her only way out of the secret clearing. Her legs, which were deeply slashed, were invalid, so she had to use only her arms to pull herself along. "She can't kill Tasuki..."
Her vision was starting to blur. The maiden couldn't tell if it was because she was crying or because she was too frail to see straight. "I have to...reach him...before Soi....gets to him," Miaka murmured to herself, using the last of her might to get to out of the clearing. She started to feel worse than before and knew she couldn't move on. She reached her hand out feebly, as if someone was there to take it and help her through this suffering. "T- Tasuki..."
And lastly, after finally giving up on staying alive, everything around her went black.
* * *
Chelsea couldn't help but be amazed at the gorgeous Artaurion. It was like Countess Nuriko had said. Amazing technology and wondrous structures...
Caranithil and Randir led the way to the house. When they had gotten there and had opened the door, Caranithil spotted her brother standing over something on the long dining table. "Ithilhir? We have company... they come to seek lodging." She let Tomite and Chelsea in. Randir let himself inside and followed the red-haired elf to the dining room.
Ithilhir turned to his sister, who was just entering with Randir. "I was wandering the man's land, in Enigma, and I found this woman passed out in a clearing. You can smell the blood from a distance away. There was also a man not too far from her, but he had already died."
Randir looked down at the brown-haired girl lain out face up on the dining room table. He felt uneasy. She looked eerily familiar to him, even with all the bandages covering all of her numerous wounds. "What were you doing in the man's land?" he questioned.
"I just wanted to check on things. Hear about the latest news. Rumors and stories in those lands are quite interesting."
"Hm, she must be a lady of Subaru's court," Caranithil observed, seeing the costly green dress on her. She smiled.
"We have been taking in many people these days, brother."
"That is so. Didn't you say you brought in more guests?"
"Yes," replied Randir. "They are from Amour as well. Maybe they know her, for one seems to be a knight."
Ithilhir took the comatose noble in his arms. "I've just finished tending to her wounds. Now I shall take this woman to a guest room. Then we will all talk later." He left the room.
Tomite and Chelsea joined Caranithil and Randir in the dining room, looking disturbed. Obviously, Ithilhir had passed them by on his way.
"That woman... that was Lady Miaka!" Chelsea exclaimed. "What happened to her, do you know?"
The elf girl shook her head. "We don't. My brother only found her in northern Engima in that condition. Who is she, by the way?"
"I don't know her well, but I know that she is promised to Master Tasuki of Enigma," Tomite replied. "She is a relative of Empress Subaru's... a niece, I suppose." He looked worried. "I wonder what could have happened to her..."
"I know, I'm really concerned for her," the peasant agreed.
Randir glanced at Chelsea, realizing something was stirring within him as he found himself looking at her more and more. His heart pounded, his face grew hot. Could it be?
And upon seeing this Lady Miaka and Miss Chelsea, he had been getting these strange feelings. Was he remembering them? This Zachary... it sounded very familiar to him. Who was he? Was it.... him?
"Randir!" Caranithil called, snapping him back to his senses. "Come, love, let's prepare some tea for our guests!" She started dragging him to the kitchen.
"Okay," the "wanderer" replied, shooting Chelsea another look. Why did she make his heart beat so fast? What was up with her?
The peasant girl looked back, her eyes containing a little hurt, but most of all, questions.
Neither had noticed that Tomite had wandered off, suddenly feeling unhappy.
* * *
"Can I help you?" Li asked as he looked up from what he was doing in the smith shop. A woman walked in. The young apprentice swore he knew her from somewhere... the startling red hair, the graceful movements, the grecian beauty.
She smiled at him. "Li."
"Um...?" She knew him?! From where?!
Seeing the frantic look on his face, she laughed a little and continued. "Of course... you were only half-conscious that last time I saw you. I am Layla. I was the nurse who tended to you in the Day War."
Oh... "Oh." What did she want?
"What do I want?" Layla looked at him, gently putting a hand on his shoulder.
Li jumped in surprise. Who the... what the... how...?
"I'm psychic, Li. And I've come to warn you... so please take heed." She leaned in closer over the counter, intending on whispering in his ear. "You play a bigger role in this world than you think, my soldier. Soi... she has planned many evil things... but you, my dear... you will be able to stop her."
Li froze for a second, in thought, but then shook his head. "Nonsense, Miss Layla. I'm naught but a smith's apprentice, about to be a journeyman. I'm a peasant--"
"Just remember my words, please," she said pleadingly. She held his hand in both of hers. "Now, you don't have much time to spare. There is a boy... you might know him. Chiriko. He should be in a tavern in Timbergrove. Ask him of when you two were encountered by a girl named Nikki at Occult. Then you two will come up with what to do--"
"Layla?!" Mitsukake came out from the other room. "What are you doing here?"
Layla held her hand up to him as a signal to wait, and then continued on. "Go now, Li. Take Echo and head to Timbergrove. I will help Mitsukake in your absence."
"You.... will?" Li questioned. What did she know about metal?
Reluctantly, the teenager opened the little gate door leading to the other side of the counter, letting the psychic in. He glanced at Mitsukake's puzzled face and then left.
Surprisingly, Mitsukake didn't stop him. Instead, after Li was gone, he turned to Layla, who was now his temporary assistant. "When will you tell him why you left him as a child?"
She closed her eyes. "I don't feel this is the right time to discuss this, Mitsukake. The fate of our Empire is in his and another's hands now. We must worry about that, first of all."
"I let you let him go. It's rare you even show up at all. I feel I have a right."
Layla quickly disappeared into the back room. "I don't want to talk about this!" She slammed the door shut.
He grumbled something under his breath and went outside for fresh air.
* * *
Li was already in Timbergrove before the first sign of sunset. He didn't quite know what he needed to do. What did he have to do with any--?
"Li!" Halting his horse, the apprentice glanced down to his right.
Sakura.
He regarded her coolly. "Can I help you?" he asked.
"I was here with Julian to check up on the renovations... and I wandered off." She looked away, suddenly remembering all the things she and he have done behind the prince's back. "We seem to find each other in a lot of the same places these days..."
Li hopped off Echo. "So you're still talking to me," he replied.
"Of course I am. We are still friends, aren't we?"
He didn't say anything. He only stared down at the princess before him, recalling how brash he was with her the last time they were together. It was very unlike him to act so aggressively, but Sakura was the only one who made him feel so eager for more. But he had to forget about her. Their romance was star-crossed. Impossible.
"Sorry," he murmured from out of nowhere.
"Sorry?" she repeated.
"For... trying to take you away," he finished. With that, he started to get back on Echo, but Sakura grabbed his arm to stop him.
"Why did you apologize?"
"Isn't that what you wanted from me?" he snapped. "I messed up your relationship with the prince. I was interfering with the final act to solidify our kingdoms' unity... your marriage. I'm a threat to Julian."
"But I knew you were before you said anything... and I didn't stop you to demand an apology... I just wanted to talk to a friend... someone other than Juian or any noble..."
"You were angry with me after the party. Why the change of--"
Sakura cut him off by grabbing the front of his shirt and pulling him down for an earth-shattering kiss. Upon seeing Li, all thoughts of Julian were gone, replaced by a hazy fog of passion.
Li leaned into the kiss, wrapping his arms around her, roaming her back. Neither cared that anyone would see them; they were too caught up in the moment. They didn't want it to end. Ever.
Yet it did, much to their dismay.
"Li..."
Recognizing the voice, Li pushed Sakura away and stared at the new person in horror. "Meilin..."
She was standing a few feet away, her hands clenched at her sides and her teary crimson eyes full of anger and horror. Her gaze darted from him to Sakura, not believing what she was seeing.
Sakura gasped softly. "M-Mei..." She looked questioningly at her fiance's cousin as the latter walked up to the princess quietly. Letting out a growl, she raised her hand and slapped the heiress across the face with all the strength she had.
Sakura cried out and fell sideways, holding her left cheek. She stared up at Meilin, a guilty look in her glassy emerald eyes.
"That was for betraying my cousin and stealing Li," Meilin sneered.
Li kneeled by Sakura, pulling her up. He turned to the crimson-eyed noble. "Meilin..."
"Don't you dare stick up for her!" she yelled. "I've had enough! I've been watching you giving her loving eyes that I've never had! And you were promised to me! Me, Li! I didn't say anything before because I trusted you and I believed in you! I thought you would stay faithful to me!" She proceeded to slap him too, but he was quick enough to catch her wrist.
"I'm... sorry, Meilin," Li apologized earnestly. "I... I..."
"You can't explain yourself, can't you?!" She interrupted, violently pulling her wrist from his grasp. Her eyes fell on Sakura. "Neither of you have a good excuse." The guilty party didn't reply. "Just as well," she continued. She hopped onto the previously abandoned Echo.
"Meilin!" Li protested. "What are you doing?!"
"Only what is right," she replied haughtily. She spurred the horse into a run to the direction of Lea, preventing Sakura and the apprentice from catching up.
The two were left there, stunned.
"What will happen now, Sakura?" Li wondered softly.
"I'm afraid to know," she lied. The truth is, she did know. It just depended on how the story was told. And Meilin could mess it up and this could end in tragedy.
The fact that Meilin was most likely going to tell the emperor suddenly hit her. Her heart sank. Julian... forgive me...
Sakura heard a shifting beside her and turned to see Li walking away. "Where are you going?" she questioned.
He smiled grimly. "I have some business to attend to in Timbergrove..." Sakura just stood there and nodded slowly. Did she think that he was just going to leave her there? "Are you coming or not?" he added.
"Perhaps I should." She caught up to him quickly. But shouldn't they find some way to stop Meilin?
As if reading her mind, Li replied, "I was told that this was very important. I had to leave right away. We'll deal with Meilin and Julian later."
* * *
"I will kill them all, Nakago," Soi said to the sky as she lay on the grass of Lea. "I will do it all... for you." She closed her eyes sorrowfully then, wishing she had a chance to tell him how she felt. This side of her was rarely shown, for she considered it her weakest side, and she wanted to appear fearless and strong.
She must kill the "wolf of flames". She was almost positive it was Tasuki. It couldn't be anyone else. She needed to kill him soon. Her psychic senses told her that she didn't have a lot of time before he and the "star of the blossom's heart" would bring her down.
But those two weren't enough. She wanted the enitre empire dead. So they can see how it felt for her when her home was destroyed... when the one she loved died.
Things were so far going according to plan.
Soi smiled to herself.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
A/N: The end of the chapter!! I (Pitye) tried making them more IC... somewhat. Ah, well.
this chapter, but oh well..... enjoy it anyway! ^_^
Disclaimers: None of the characters from CCS or FY are ours. Only the elves and place names belong to us.
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CARMINA BURANA ~ CHAPTER 8
EGO SUM ABBAS
(I AM THE ABBOT)
By Elcyion Pitye and *Aeris Tiniel Mirime*
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"You did nicely," Soi told Nikki as they walked aimlessly in outskirts of Lea Field. It was autumn already. The year is passing by quickly. This was Nikki's last year of schooling, and she was supposed to start in a week.
The young girl didn't feel proud at all of what she did.
"Unfortunately, we didn't do enough," the former Macabre resident went on, "we need something much more surprising... something to churn all of their stomachs. Don't you agree, Nikki?"
"I... don't think I can do this anymore," Nikki admitted meekly. She stopped mid-pace, looking down shyly.
Soi held in a breath to keep from lashing out at the teen and stopped too, turning around to face her. "You want to stop, Nikki? Why would you do that? There is so much we can do without those imbeciles in our way!" Staring at her for a while, scrutinizing her, the woman added forcefully. "That boy you like so much won't give you a second glance, anyway, so what's the point in stopping? You have no family nor friends. I'm the only one who is on your side. Remember that."
Nikki's head shot up at the mention of the "boy". "But... Chiriko... he can't stand me. I don't have feelings for him..." Yet, she remembered how nice he had been at Occult Lake. But it could've been just an act. He was probably only nice because there were nobles and his sister around. He had to look polite.
"Isn't that what I just said, Nikki, dear?" Soi pulled her along in the opposite direction, toward Timbergrove. "You must be tired of sticking with me all the time. Go ahead into town and rest. I'll be... around. There are some things I must attend to. You will surely be tuckered out by the end of the day."
Nikki obediently went on her way, disturbed and suspicious about those "things" Soi has to allegedly do. She didn't know what to do about it, but it wasn't like she would ever be able to stop someone as powerful as the ex- warrior.
* * *
"Oh, Fortuna, Tori! You crack me up!" Tasuki exclaimed, slamming his mug of liquor on the table he was sitting at. He was obviously drunk, and obviously not at work when he was supposed to, for it was past time for him to return from break.
"Hah, Tasuki, that was good, wasn't it?" Tori replied in his stupor. Unfortunately, the two most likely didn't remember what they were laughing about. He looked at the time. "Say, isn't it about time we head to the village t'finish up?"
"Ehh, who cares, we got some damn strong people workin' on it," Tasuki replied. "We can hang for a while. Oy, Tetsuya!"
Tetsuya was the most out of it out of the three, and he was flirting shamelessly with some ladies sitting at a round table.
"Hey, you lecher!" Tasuki shouted again. "What'chu doin' over there for, eh? Come talk to y'buddies for once!" He splashed some of his red drink at the Summit knight.
Tetsuya sobered up a bit and threw an empty mug in the fiery-headed knight's direction. "Wait until I tell your sweetheart that you went off drinkin' again!" He turned back to the giddy women he was talking to, when he spotted a boy, no more than fourteen or fifteen standing at the open doorway looking in. He was a year or so too young to be in a rowdy place like this, so this got him interested to see what he was up to. He recognized the teen, too. He had seen him hanging around Sir Tomite a few times.
"So, Sir Knight, can you tell us more adventures?" one of the woman spoke up, giggling..
Tetsuya turned back to his audience.
While the knights were having a good time, Chiriko, who was a bit lonely without anyone nearby, decided to wander around. He ended up at the Primo Vere Tavern, a popular place among locals. He would have chosen to see his friends from school, but they were either staying in Summit for the summer (in the case that they normally resided in Enigma), or they just lived to far away from him.
He shouldn't be at a place like this. It just wasn't like him to be going to a tavern, although Subaru passed only one law regarding alcohol, and that was none younger than fifteen may drink... he was at that border age.
Chiriko stepped in, but barely. He spotted some of the more respected knights inside, like Sir Tasuki, Sir Tetsuya, and Sir Tori, but they seemed to be busy.
He noticed that Tetsuya had looked up at him curiously, but then turned back to the ladies around him.
Chiriko heard a gasp behind him. He turned around, and then half-smiled. Nikki was standing behind him. She looked greatly frightened. "Hello," he greeted calmly. "What brings you to a rambunctious place like here?"
"Well, I didn't... um.." her face flushed. "I was walking by, that's all."
He recalled her neurotic actions back at Occult, but somehow, encountering her now seemed to have a different air. "And conveniently stray from the main path to walk by me?" he shot teasingly at her. "I'm not dumb, Nikki. In fact, I'm quite intelligent for my age. I may be able to become a scholar like Mr. Keisuke or Mr. Chichiri."
"W-What's your... point?" she asked shyly.
"I know that you take a liking to me," he answered, grinning, without a second thought as to why he was being so friendly. "Underneath all that anger you take out on me, I know you do."
She blushed. He was dead-on. "I do not know what you are talking about, Chiriko." She turned away. "I must be going now." She attempted to run away, but he grabbed her arm, suddenly serious.
"It's good you showed up. I need to talk to you about something."
She didn't struggle, so he lead her to the side of the tavern, in a dark, little alleyway between that and Mr. Uruki's bakery.
When they were settled in the hideout, he asked her with one simple word. "Why?"
Nikki realized she was cornered and could not escape from answering him. "Why what?" she asked in a small voice.
"You know exactly what I am talking about," he stated. "Occult Lake. Why did you act the way you did? And why did you try and rat Li, my sister, and me out?"
She didn't want to tell Chiriko anything about her plans with Soi. It would ruin everything. But did that certain everything matter to her?
"Talk to me, Nikki," he reprimanded. "I don't care how stupid or how secretive it is. I just want to know."
"Will you turn me in?" she wondered, looking up at him with guilty eyes.
He frowned. Would he? As much as he would love to have all this behind him and not have to worry about future dangers, he couldn't bring himself to say he would turn the girl in. "I don't know," was all he said.
"That boy you like so much won't give you a second glance, anyway, so what's the point in stopping? You have no family nor friends. I'm the only one who is on your side. Remember that."
Nikki did remember, so she didn't quite trust him. Maybe Soi was right after all. "I can't tell you anything, Chiriko," she said, sounding unsure of herself. "I can't risk being turned in... I can't risk losing my only friend Soi over something like this..."
He gaped at her as if she were mad. "Friend?! You call that woman your friend?!" His voice turned more gentle. "Nikki, you can trust me. Why are you doing this?"
She couldn't look at him. Why was she doing this? What was she proving? That a pariah like her can have a friend? Soi of all people? She knew it wasn't vengeance... she needed to be left alone... she needed time to think.
"I can't talk now, Chiriko. Let me out, please." He didn't budge. She tried ducking under his arm, but he wrapped his arm around her to prevent her escape.
"You aren't going anywhere," he hissed. "I want to know what--"
"Shut up!" she cried, finally snapping. She pushed him away from her and faced him. "I didn't want to tell you because I know you would probably turn me in! Like any other person, I would want to save myself!" She glared up at him. "Why do you care, anyway?! You can't stand me! You were only nice to me because of all those higher-ups around--"
"Nikki!" he shouted over her, silencing her. He looked at her in the eye. "It's not true."
The bespectacled girl just stared at him. "I don't understand. You were so mean to me at school... you scorned me for being from Crag Alps..."
He shook his head and sighed. "Something's changed, I guess. I grew up." He grabbed her hand in his. "I'm sorry... for the way I've treated you."
"You've apologized already. Back... there." Nikki was doubly baffled. Her heart beats for Chiriko, meaning... someone did care about her after all. She didn't need Soi's negativity.
"So, will you tell me what's been going on with you lately?" he asked softly.
In a burst of emotion, she surprised him with a hug. He held her awkwardly, wondering why she became so forward all of a sudden. "Nik...?"
"Yes... I'll tell you everything," she whispered. "Just be my friend, okay? Better than Soi could ever be."
"Of course."
* * *
"Brother! We must be on our way back to work!" Suboshi cried exasperatedly. They were in Timbergrove, helping rebuild the last of the houses. For their lunch break, he and Amiboshi decided to go to a clearing a little further away than where the majority of the workers were. They pretty much had this smaller clearing to themselves.
"Just a minute, Suboshi," Amiboshi answered, searching the grass. "I seem to have lost one of our family heirlooms... that pocketwatch Grandfather gave me."
Suboshi set his mouth in a firm line. "Well, fine, then. You better find that thing. I'll even help. We have more than enough workers, anyway." He looked at the bushes and trees surrounding them. "Maybe it had fallen into the bushes over here." He beckoned Amiboshi toward them. Together, they started the search.
* * *
Meanwhile, Miaka sauntered into the clearing, just missing the twins. She was looking for healing herbs, which were scattered all over the forests of Engima. Tasuki had gotten injured in a playful spar between building houses not too long ago, and Miaka wanted those unnecessary wounds to heal faster. She examined a couple of bushes and picked some leaves off, setting them into a little basket she brought with her. She needn't be in northern Enigma, but she still wanted to anything she could to help the cause.
There was a rustle behind her. She snapped her head to the side, her eyes wary. "Hello?" she called out softly. There was another rustle, coming from the same place. Miaka frowned. She knew she shouldn't have taken this way as a shortcut. What could that be? It's far too much movement for it to be one of the small animals in the woods. Suddenly her head ached horribly and her vision blurred. She cried out a little, holding her head, and blink rapidly. Her vision came back to normal, but the pain in her head didn't go away.
Before she realized it, two monstrosities leaped out at her from the rustling bushes. Miaka screamed and then stared at them in rage. Two grotesque trolls stared at her mockingly. One of them growled loudly. Such creatures do not exist at all in this world, and Miaka knew they were for sure creatures made of some magician. Miaka didn't know any, maybe except for Soi. Soi!
"Soi sent you, huh?!" she cried. One of the ugly, slimy, brown trolls growled in reply. Its yellow eyes bore into her.
Without waiting around, Miaka, seeing the coast was clear, held her arms out in front of her and blasted the trolls with a flurry of white energy. One of the trolls immediately fell back, bloodied and dead, while the other one, who was in the midst of running away and had gained a sickly looking arm wound in the process stared angrily at her, its teeth bared in a snarl.
Miaka's vision blurred again, and she teetered back a little. Her head pounded even worse than before. She yelped in pain, holding her head and doubling over.
When everything was clear again, Miaka immediately looked up to see what the other troll was up to.
Yet, she didn't see any troll. Instead, she found Amiboshi covered with blood on the ground where the monster was supposed to be. He was dead.
"Lady Miaka..." she looked at Suboshi, who was where the other troll was before. She was so confused. What had happened?!
The living twin had never looked at her so lividly. His eyes sparked a great anger and yet was full of sadness at the same time.
"What in Apollyon's name did you do?!" Suboshi yelled, shaking her shoulders wildly despite his arm wound. "What in Hell is wrong with you?!"
"Su...Subo..." she faltered. She was in total shock. She didn't know what to do nor say. She realized that someone had put her in a hologram... making her believe she was killing trolls, but in its stead, she killed someone... another noble.
"You and your evil magic," Suboshi said through gritted teeth, his face close to hers. "Curse you Enigma people. Subaru did a horrible job of passing laws." He forcefully turned her toward his dead brother. "See?! This is what happens when magic is allowed, Miaka!" She struggled, for Suboshi was bruising her, but he didn't give a damn. "You murdered him!"
"How?" was all she could ask weakly.
"HOW?!" he echoed in a rage. He squeezed her arms harder. "Do you really want me to tell you?! I saw your eyes turn red with evil! You are a sinful little wench!" He looked like he wanted to kill her.
Panicked and unable to take it anymore, Miaka teleported him to the other side of Halcyon River, hopefully all the way to New Chalice. She sank down to the ground in grief, too stunned to cry. She was in deep trouble. No matter what she did, Suboshi will find a way to arrest her. She'll never see Tasuki again. Of course, she could kill him as well, but... she just wasn't the type to murder a person. Oh, Goddess, Tamahome, what do I do??
Soi smiled from the branches of the tree she was sitting in. Another accomplishment. Hopefully this turn of events will cause a civil war between Enigma and Summit to break out. Yes, she thought to herself, casting a hologram spell on little Lady Miaka and making her kill one of her Amourites shall do the trick... but now is time for the real deal. Soi jumped down from her tree without a sound, landing several feet behind Miaka. Let's see what you can do, maiden.
"Lonely and scared without your knight-in-shining-armor?"
Miaka whirled around, accidently dropping the healing herbs. She recognized the voice that dripped heavily with evil and scorn immediately. She searched the trees that surrounded the clearing she was in, trying to find the owner of the voice.
Soi.
The maiden watched as the mysterious and dangerous woman slowly stepped toward her. One. Two. Three. Four. Five. Soi was now only about a foot away from Miaka, mischievous grin playing on her seductive face.
"What do you want?" Miaka asked darkly, slowly regaining her energy from the incident earlier. She backed up until she bumped into a tree.
"I wanted some rest and relaxation in this lovely area," Soi explained. "And then I found... you."
Miaka narrowed her pretty eyes at Soi, wondering what she was up to.
"I know your secrets, Lady Miaka," the former Macabre knight and resident replied.
"I have no secrets," answered the court princess defensively.
"You know that magic is forbidden in your kingdom," Soi replied, taking her long, regal sword out of the holster at her belt and stroking it as if it were a pet bird. "And if anyone in Enigma is seen using magic, including any of the royals, then they will be executed--harshly--in public. The most shameful way to die."
"I don't know what you're talking about."
Soi burst into a long laugh. "Don't try and hide it, Lady Miaka. I am quite certain that you are kin to Apollyon, God of Torture."
Apollyon was considered the anti-Fortuna. He represents all evil, and supposedly black magic, according to Hikitsu. Miaka froze, unable to think of anything to say. Soi went over to the appalled maiden and looked at her square in the eye. "And the God of Death is the rival of your beloved Fortuna, Goddess of the Moon. If you are kin to Apollyon, then you will be punished severely, for you all fear that he and his children will destroy this world mercilessly and painfully if you don't stop them." She shot a calm yet menacing look at Miaka. "And I know you are one of him. I saw you kill an innocent victim with your magic."
"Untrue," Miaka rasped. She lifted her hand and slapped the woman hardacross the face. Soi turned to look at the young maiden again, delicately touching the bruise on her cheek from Miaka's slap, and snickered. "You're not as gentle as you look, Lady Miaka." She turnedher back on the noble and walked until she was a couple yards away fromwhere Miaka stood. "Your secret is safe with me, but--" She faced Miaka again, "You'll have to beat me."
"You're a mage, too?" Miaka questioned.
Soi gave her sword a swish and aimed it right at the maiden's heart. "I am, but who's going to be the one to get caught?"
"Then you're on." Miaka stepped forward and with a small wave of her hand, a bright outline of a sword-like weapon appeared. It became solid and had a silvery aura surrounding it. It was an ordinary-looking sword, only it was a full blade without a hilt and Miaka didn't even need to touch it. The weapon floated in mid-air, looking as if a thin string was connected to her hand. Miaka swung her sword a few times just to get used to it again from so many years of sealing her sword magic away.
"A pretty little court princess, fighting in her nice expensive dress,"Soi observed, noticing that Miaka was wearing her town clothes, in the color of her kingdom.
"Don't underestimate me," Miaka replied. She ran at Soi and swung her magical weapon underhand as if she were handling a real sword.Soi easily blocked the attack. Soon the two were in a technical sword fight, battling as well as any skilled knight would do. Soi managed to make a swipe at Miaka's face, making a long deep gash on her left cheek. The maiden held her hand over the wound. Blood seeped out of the cut and through her fingers, dripping onto the ground. Soi smiled at the damage she had caused and went in for more bloodshed. Miaka stood in fighting stance and blocked Soi's next attack. She managed to swing the cryptic woman's weapon out of her hand. Miaka pointed hers under Soi's chin and said with a triumphant grin, "Ready to give up?"
Soi looked panicked for a second, but then smiled. "Never." Right as she said that, her sword teleported from the ground back into Soi's hand in incredible speed. Miaka was oblivious to this and so Soi was able to make a swipe at the court princess's right side, at her waist, making her cry out in pain and her weapon made of magic vanish. Miaka took a few steps back, holding her side as gore stained her velvet dress and the bright green grass. Soi watched her, laughing, and held her sword out, ready to attack again.
After a moment of taking in the pain, Miaka formed another sword out of her magical powers and swung at Soi, who dodged the attack. Miaka, whowas just as quick as Soi, angrily took a stab at her stomach and succeeded. The sword went through her completely, the end of the blade protruding out of her back. Soi let out a small gasp, her eyes full of pain. "You're very skilled," she rasped, "but not skilled enough." And suddenly, Soi disappeared in a bright blue light.
Miaka stared at where Soi had stood and shook her head in disbelief. How can Soi do that? Doesn't one's magical energy start to fade once they start to lose their energy in battle due to their injuries? The court princess stood in the same place for what seemed like hours. The sword "in" her hands diminished, for it wasn't needed right then. "Soi? Soi, where are you?" Miaka called out. "Are you giving up so soon?" The wound at Miaka's side started to ache again. She winced and went on as if it were nothing. "Where is she?" she murmured under her breath.
Suddenly, Miaka felt a familiar presence behind her and stretched her arms out quickly, creating a green transparent barrier around her just as Soi rapidly jumped at Miaka and took a swing at her neck. The force of the shield caused Soi and her sword to bounce back. She backflipped and gracefully landed on her feet. Miaka turned around and looked crossly at Soi. She formed a sword again and charged at her opponent. They engaged in another swordfight, this time quicker than even the best warriors could've done. Soi lifted her sword above her head and swung down at her enemy's head, but fortunately, Miaka blocked it, using all her strength to push Soi away. Finally, Miaka kicked her in the stomach, slightly grimacing at the pain at her waist as she did so. Soi was sent flying backwards, but she did another backflip and was on her feet once more.
Miaka, in a fit full of rage, let her weapon vanish. Soi looked at her curiously, waiting for her next move. Miaka did a gesture with both her hands and two blades appeared, glowing brightly and energetically. The maiden held the swords together in front of her in an x-shaped figure. The figure changed shape into a circular object, with shards of jagged metal jutting out. Miaka backed up a bit and took a couple running steps. She threw the new weapon straight at Soi, the object twirling like a cartwheel at incredible speed. Soi, with great patience, let it come to her like a butterfly flying into her hand. She produced a dark blue shield in front of her, stopping the weapon in a flurry of sparks and lightning bolts. She quickly sent it back at Miaka, whose face turned from angry to frightened. She barely had enough time to create a weak shield, crossing her arms in front of her with brilliant sparks flying everywhere.
Miaka felt she wouldn't be able to hold it back for much longer. A weapon made of her own magic was never turned against her, and so Miaka didn't know her own strength. The force of it was pushing her back slowly, proving its power. Suddenly, the shield gave away and the object was digging into the skin of her arms. She screamed in pain but continued to force the object away, although she knew it wouldn't do her any good. Finally, Miaka moved to her right and fell to the ground in a heap as the weapon crashed into a tree and vanished. Soi walked over to her still body. Miaka stirred and slowly pulled herself to her feet. Her arms had deep gashes and bruises from trying to defend herself. Blood slid down her arms and stained the ground, painting the clearing red. The elbow-length sleeves of her dress were torn and covered with the warm, sticky substance.
"Just give up," Soi replied sweetly. "You know you're not going to win against me."
"Tamahome would never give up in any battle," Miaka responded weakly, another sword appearing in a silver aura in her hand. She swung at Soi, who quickly put up a shield before Miaka could hit her. Miaka swayed a little from her loss of blood, but tried her best to stay strong. "And neither will I," she finished.
"Just what are you fighting for?" Soi asked. "Your useless little reputation?"
"It's not just that," Miaka answered. "I know your secrets, too."
Soi cocked an eyebrow, amused. "Is that so?" She vanished in her blue light. Miaka gasped in surprise.
"No one's going to believe a useless little noble like you," the ex- knight concluded, her voice seeming to come from every part of the clearing.
"Where are you?!" Miaka yelled. "We are not done!"
"I know, dear. Believe me, I know."
Just then, Miaka felt a sharp knife slash deeply into her back. Miaka cried out and fell forward. She shakily pulled herself off the ground only to be slashed again, only this time in the back of her neck. She collapsed to the ground, too weak to move. Soi laughed and stuck the blade of her sword under Miaka's chin, making the maiden look at her.
"You're losing the duel, as if you haven't noticed," Soi said merrily.
Miaka ignored her and desperately called for her powers to bring forth her sword, but she didn't have enough strength to do so. "No," she whispered, "I can't stop now."
Soi took her sword away from Miaka's face and smirked at her. Miaka used every ounce of energy she had to get to her feet, but was too slow compared to the unscratched Soi, who easily stabbed Miaka in the back the same way Miaka stabbed her earlier. The maiden could see the end of the sword sticking out her chest. She watched the blood as it dripped down the skirt of the dress and knew she was dying.
Soi laughed again and twisted the sword the other way, causing Miaka even more pain.The ex-knight pulled her weapon out of her opponent and watched gleefully as she dropped to the ground once more. "What a pity," Soi replied as she turned around and walked away.
Miaka, meanwhile, lifted herself off the ground, although she felt very faint. "I am still a valid fighter," she muttered determinedly.
Soi turned to glare at her and unsheathed her sword again. Miaka readied herself with hers, even though her powers were very weak. Unfortunately, Miaka, who had very many injuries, wasn't quick enough to fight Soi. The former Macabre warrior slashed Miaka's legs in a matter of nanoseconds. This action ripped off part of the skirt as well, revealing newly bloodied legs. The court princess's legs gave out. Miaka struggled to keep consciousness, but the stinging in her wounds was just too much.
"You are very stubborn," Soi murmured, towering over the fallen girl. She circled Miaka, looking to be deep in thought. "You know, I have noticed that your magic is very strong and powerful, but," Soi stopped and lifted Miaka's head up harshly by pulling her hair, "it is very limited. And even if the children of the God of Death don't die as easily as regular humans, I see that you will be a goner. And one more thing," she pulled Miaka's head up even higher, much to the girl's dismay, "You lost the battle. That means you get executed in public, although that wouldn't be necessary because you won't have long to live anyway."
"N-no..." Miaka mouthed painfully.
"Oh, and that handsome boyfriend of yours?" Soi added, pushing Miaka's head back down, "He's going to join you very soon. So don't worry about him being alone." With that, Soi smiled and headed away, leaving the injured noble on the ground. She walked into an invisible portal, sauntering in as if she were going inside a house.
"She can't..." Miaka mumbled, staring after Soi as she left. Miaka turned to the trees, her only way out of the secret clearing. Her legs, which were deeply slashed, were invalid, so she had to use only her arms to pull herself along. "She can't kill Tasuki..."
Her vision was starting to blur. The maiden couldn't tell if it was because she was crying or because she was too frail to see straight. "I have to...reach him...before Soi....gets to him," Miaka murmured to herself, using the last of her might to get to out of the clearing. She started to feel worse than before and knew she couldn't move on. She reached her hand out feebly, as if someone was there to take it and help her through this suffering. "T- Tasuki..."
And lastly, after finally giving up on staying alive, everything around her went black.
* * *
Chelsea couldn't help but be amazed at the gorgeous Artaurion. It was like Countess Nuriko had said. Amazing technology and wondrous structures...
Caranithil and Randir led the way to the house. When they had gotten there and had opened the door, Caranithil spotted her brother standing over something on the long dining table. "Ithilhir? We have company... they come to seek lodging." She let Tomite and Chelsea in. Randir let himself inside and followed the red-haired elf to the dining room.
Ithilhir turned to his sister, who was just entering with Randir. "I was wandering the man's land, in Enigma, and I found this woman passed out in a clearing. You can smell the blood from a distance away. There was also a man not too far from her, but he had already died."
Randir looked down at the brown-haired girl lain out face up on the dining room table. He felt uneasy. She looked eerily familiar to him, even with all the bandages covering all of her numerous wounds. "What were you doing in the man's land?" he questioned.
"I just wanted to check on things. Hear about the latest news. Rumors and stories in those lands are quite interesting."
"Hm, she must be a lady of Subaru's court," Caranithil observed, seeing the costly green dress on her. She smiled.
"We have been taking in many people these days, brother."
"That is so. Didn't you say you brought in more guests?"
"Yes," replied Randir. "They are from Amour as well. Maybe they know her, for one seems to be a knight."
Ithilhir took the comatose noble in his arms. "I've just finished tending to her wounds. Now I shall take this woman to a guest room. Then we will all talk later." He left the room.
Tomite and Chelsea joined Caranithil and Randir in the dining room, looking disturbed. Obviously, Ithilhir had passed them by on his way.
"That woman... that was Lady Miaka!" Chelsea exclaimed. "What happened to her, do you know?"
The elf girl shook her head. "We don't. My brother only found her in northern Engima in that condition. Who is she, by the way?"
"I don't know her well, but I know that she is promised to Master Tasuki of Enigma," Tomite replied. "She is a relative of Empress Subaru's... a niece, I suppose." He looked worried. "I wonder what could have happened to her..."
"I know, I'm really concerned for her," the peasant agreed.
Randir glanced at Chelsea, realizing something was stirring within him as he found himself looking at her more and more. His heart pounded, his face grew hot. Could it be?
And upon seeing this Lady Miaka and Miss Chelsea, he had been getting these strange feelings. Was he remembering them? This Zachary... it sounded very familiar to him. Who was he? Was it.... him?
"Randir!" Caranithil called, snapping him back to his senses. "Come, love, let's prepare some tea for our guests!" She started dragging him to the kitchen.
"Okay," the "wanderer" replied, shooting Chelsea another look. Why did she make his heart beat so fast? What was up with her?
The peasant girl looked back, her eyes containing a little hurt, but most of all, questions.
Neither had noticed that Tomite had wandered off, suddenly feeling unhappy.
* * *
"Can I help you?" Li asked as he looked up from what he was doing in the smith shop. A woman walked in. The young apprentice swore he knew her from somewhere... the startling red hair, the graceful movements, the grecian beauty.
She smiled at him. "Li."
"Um...?" She knew him?! From where?!
Seeing the frantic look on his face, she laughed a little and continued. "Of course... you were only half-conscious that last time I saw you. I am Layla. I was the nurse who tended to you in the Day War."
Oh... "Oh." What did she want?
"What do I want?" Layla looked at him, gently putting a hand on his shoulder.
Li jumped in surprise. Who the... what the... how...?
"I'm psychic, Li. And I've come to warn you... so please take heed." She leaned in closer over the counter, intending on whispering in his ear. "You play a bigger role in this world than you think, my soldier. Soi... she has planned many evil things... but you, my dear... you will be able to stop her."
Li froze for a second, in thought, but then shook his head. "Nonsense, Miss Layla. I'm naught but a smith's apprentice, about to be a journeyman. I'm a peasant--"
"Just remember my words, please," she said pleadingly. She held his hand in both of hers. "Now, you don't have much time to spare. There is a boy... you might know him. Chiriko. He should be in a tavern in Timbergrove. Ask him of when you two were encountered by a girl named Nikki at Occult. Then you two will come up with what to do--"
"Layla?!" Mitsukake came out from the other room. "What are you doing here?"
Layla held her hand up to him as a signal to wait, and then continued on. "Go now, Li. Take Echo and head to Timbergrove. I will help Mitsukake in your absence."
"You.... will?" Li questioned. What did she know about metal?
Reluctantly, the teenager opened the little gate door leading to the other side of the counter, letting the psychic in. He glanced at Mitsukake's puzzled face and then left.
Surprisingly, Mitsukake didn't stop him. Instead, after Li was gone, he turned to Layla, who was now his temporary assistant. "When will you tell him why you left him as a child?"
She closed her eyes. "I don't feel this is the right time to discuss this, Mitsukake. The fate of our Empire is in his and another's hands now. We must worry about that, first of all."
"I let you let him go. It's rare you even show up at all. I feel I have a right."
Layla quickly disappeared into the back room. "I don't want to talk about this!" She slammed the door shut.
He grumbled something under his breath and went outside for fresh air.
* * *
Li was already in Timbergrove before the first sign of sunset. He didn't quite know what he needed to do. What did he have to do with any--?
"Li!" Halting his horse, the apprentice glanced down to his right.
Sakura.
He regarded her coolly. "Can I help you?" he asked.
"I was here with Julian to check up on the renovations... and I wandered off." She looked away, suddenly remembering all the things she and he have done behind the prince's back. "We seem to find each other in a lot of the same places these days..."
Li hopped off Echo. "So you're still talking to me," he replied.
"Of course I am. We are still friends, aren't we?"
He didn't say anything. He only stared down at the princess before him, recalling how brash he was with her the last time they were together. It was very unlike him to act so aggressively, but Sakura was the only one who made him feel so eager for more. But he had to forget about her. Their romance was star-crossed. Impossible.
"Sorry," he murmured from out of nowhere.
"Sorry?" she repeated.
"For... trying to take you away," he finished. With that, he started to get back on Echo, but Sakura grabbed his arm to stop him.
"Why did you apologize?"
"Isn't that what you wanted from me?" he snapped. "I messed up your relationship with the prince. I was interfering with the final act to solidify our kingdoms' unity... your marriage. I'm a threat to Julian."
"But I knew you were before you said anything... and I didn't stop you to demand an apology... I just wanted to talk to a friend... someone other than Juian or any noble..."
"You were angry with me after the party. Why the change of--"
Sakura cut him off by grabbing the front of his shirt and pulling him down for an earth-shattering kiss. Upon seeing Li, all thoughts of Julian were gone, replaced by a hazy fog of passion.
Li leaned into the kiss, wrapping his arms around her, roaming her back. Neither cared that anyone would see them; they were too caught up in the moment. They didn't want it to end. Ever.
Yet it did, much to their dismay.
"Li..."
Recognizing the voice, Li pushed Sakura away and stared at the new person in horror. "Meilin..."
She was standing a few feet away, her hands clenched at her sides and her teary crimson eyes full of anger and horror. Her gaze darted from him to Sakura, not believing what she was seeing.
Sakura gasped softly. "M-Mei..." She looked questioningly at her fiance's cousin as the latter walked up to the princess quietly. Letting out a growl, she raised her hand and slapped the heiress across the face with all the strength she had.
Sakura cried out and fell sideways, holding her left cheek. She stared up at Meilin, a guilty look in her glassy emerald eyes.
"That was for betraying my cousin and stealing Li," Meilin sneered.
Li kneeled by Sakura, pulling her up. He turned to the crimson-eyed noble. "Meilin..."
"Don't you dare stick up for her!" she yelled. "I've had enough! I've been watching you giving her loving eyes that I've never had! And you were promised to me! Me, Li! I didn't say anything before because I trusted you and I believed in you! I thought you would stay faithful to me!" She proceeded to slap him too, but he was quick enough to catch her wrist.
"I'm... sorry, Meilin," Li apologized earnestly. "I... I..."
"You can't explain yourself, can't you?!" She interrupted, violently pulling her wrist from his grasp. Her eyes fell on Sakura. "Neither of you have a good excuse." The guilty party didn't reply. "Just as well," she continued. She hopped onto the previously abandoned Echo.
"Meilin!" Li protested. "What are you doing?!"
"Only what is right," she replied haughtily. She spurred the horse into a run to the direction of Lea, preventing Sakura and the apprentice from catching up.
The two were left there, stunned.
"What will happen now, Sakura?" Li wondered softly.
"I'm afraid to know," she lied. The truth is, she did know. It just depended on how the story was told. And Meilin could mess it up and this could end in tragedy.
The fact that Meilin was most likely going to tell the emperor suddenly hit her. Her heart sank. Julian... forgive me...
Sakura heard a shifting beside her and turned to see Li walking away. "Where are you going?" she questioned.
He smiled grimly. "I have some business to attend to in Timbergrove..." Sakura just stood there and nodded slowly. Did she think that he was just going to leave her there? "Are you coming or not?" he added.
"Perhaps I should." She caught up to him quickly. But shouldn't they find some way to stop Meilin?
As if reading her mind, Li replied, "I was told that this was very important. I had to leave right away. We'll deal with Meilin and Julian later."
* * *
"I will kill them all, Nakago," Soi said to the sky as she lay on the grass of Lea. "I will do it all... for you." She closed her eyes sorrowfully then, wishing she had a chance to tell him how she felt. This side of her was rarely shown, for she considered it her weakest side, and she wanted to appear fearless and strong.
She must kill the "wolf of flames". She was almost positive it was Tasuki. It couldn't be anyone else. She needed to kill him soon. Her psychic senses told her that she didn't have a lot of time before he and the "star of the blossom's heart" would bring her down.
But those two weren't enough. She wanted the enitre empire dead. So they can see how it felt for her when her home was destroyed... when the one she loved died.
Things were so far going according to plan.
Soi smiled to herself.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
A/N: The end of the chapter!! I (Pitye) tried making them more IC... somewhat. Ah, well.