Authors Notes: This chapter is dedicated to Lynda-chan who is my most vocal
reviewer for Cleao/Orphen scenes. Plus, Lai-sama makes an important
appearance, and I added an Orphen POV. I hope you enjoy the chapter Lynda-
chan!
Warnings: The same as always. I don't own SSO. Nor do I own the Red Death. I've decided not to use the Japanese incantations for spells, unless it's the spell used by Orphen to blast Volcan and Dortin sky high. It takes to much time for me to look up the proper name for each spell. Oh yeah, it's time for taxes. My mom is on the warpath, so until tax time is over my main beta-reader won't be going through my fanfics. However, D- chan had proof read the first part. Thank you D-chan!
"" Conversation
'' Thoughts
// // Passages from letters, books, etc
{} Flashback mode
(Gasp! A new one!) -= =- Dream mode.
"Lai, what do you think you're doing," demanded Hartia as he followed his friend down the hallway. He had first noticed Lai's unusual behavior shortly after Krylancelo had woken up after his ordeal. Lai had been researching in the library constantly. Lai almost never went into the library unless it was empty. Over the past few months however, Lai had been in the library despite the crowds. 'I need to know what Lai is planning to do. He hasn't been acting like normal lately. I'm really worried about him.'
"I'm preparing myself for a difficult spell Hartia," Lai's calm response did nothing to ease Hartia's almost frantic concern. Striding silently down the deserted hall Lai headed towards a section of the Tower that hadn't been used in decades. Dust gathered thickly spreading from corner to corner, covering the gray stone floor like a dusty carpet. Cobwebs dangled limply from the ceiling casting thread like shadows across the walls.
"Lai, the council of Elders hasn't given you permission to cast any spell above level 3," Hartia replied quietly, as he followed closely behind his friend. "You know that the Elders don't like their only Seer risking his life for anything else but for the good of the Tower." 'What are you planning? What is so important to him, that he'd go against the Elder's wishes?'
"Hartia you don't understand." Turning down the hallway on the left Lai tried to ignore his friend's thoughts. Hartia's worried, chaotic thoughts kept on pressing against his mental shields like daggers. 'Hartia, you care too much sometimes. It'll get him into trouble one of these days.'
"You helped me when I needed it the most Lai! Let me help you now. Please Lai," begged Hartia. Grabbing hold of Lai's shoulders Hartia pleadingly stared into his friend's green eyes. 'I care about him to much, to just let him do this without any support.' "Lai.."
A small smile graced Lai's features as he looked at his only friend. "Hartia, I can't tell you what I'm doing right now," Lai whispered softly "but I do need your help with something." Gently pushing Hartia away, he continued down the forgotten hallway. Hartia followed silently behind him, his robes swishing softly against the stone floor. Pausing before a doorway that hadn't been used in several years, Lai turned around to face Hartia.
Ancient runes meandered up and down the frame of the door, like ivy twisting up a wall. Thick ebony engraved with foreign runes, sprawled lazily like snakes across the wide door. At chest height in the center of the door was a heavy silver handle. Grasping the ring in its mouth was a silver dragon with ruby eyes. Oddly, the door handle ring was simple in design; this contrasted sharply against the ornate runes.
"Don't worry, Hartia. I'll come out of the chamber tomorrow morning. I need you to get me to my room, I'll be too exhausted to get there on my own," Lai's calm voice seemed to have soothing effect on Hartia. Lai knew that his Seer voice always had that effect on Hartia. 'Hartia can be too trusting at times. It's part of his charm.' Smiling faintly before reaching for the handle, Lai started to mentally prepare himself for the spell. Pulling on the silver ring Lai slowly opened the door. Creaking loudly the door slide open relieving a dark barren room. Without looking back he strolled into the dark room. A bang echoed forlornly through out the hallway when the door slammed shut.
Pressing his forehead against the door, Hartia softly banged his fist on the door. "I don't understand you Lai," mummers Hartia "but I'll be waiting for you." 'Please come out alive Lai, I don't know what I'd do if he died. I know he is going to cast a white magic spell. Casting a white magic spell that powerful could kill him.' Clenching his fist as helpless rage filled him, Hartia slowly turned to leave. Looking back at the door once before he left, Hartia started to think up an excuse to tell the already angry Elders.
"Light." Casting a ball of white light that softly a few inches above his hand Lai glanced about the empty room. In the center of the room was a dark blue circular tile. Spiraling out from the center tile was a twisting pattern of interlocking blue tiles of varying shades. Striding into the center tile Lai slowly lowered onto the cold floor in a siting position. Closing his eyes Lai dispelled the ball of light. Darkness settled like a heavy cloak over him, and the entire room. Searching for the magical disturbance he wanted, Lai cast the spell.
Tossing and turning restlessly Cleao grasped the edge of the bed covers tightly. Majic slept on the floor at the foot of the only bed, snoring loudly. Dunkley was a small farming town, which could only support one hotel. Oddly, there had been a large inflow of tourists lately, causing the hotel to have only one vacancy left. It had taken some serious convincing to allow the landlady o give them the last room. Luckily bothers and sisters were allowed to sleep in the same room. Majic naturally had been bullied into sleeping on the floor.
-= Cleao blinked in surprise at the abrupt change in her surroundings. 'What's going on? This isn't my usual dream..' Surrounded by a greenish black backdrop that shifted across the barren landscape Cleao wondered where she was. 'It feels so real. What!' Turning sharply to her right in shock, Cleao saw Lai standing silently. 'Who is that? He seems familiar. Oh! Now I remember now, his name is Lai.' "What the hell are you doing here?"
"Cleao, be quiet. Time is short, and I have much to tell you," Lai stated, his voice low. Pulling his hood back to reveal his tussled green hair, he gestured for Cleao to sit down.
"I don't understand, Lai. What is going on here," Cleao's asked bewildered, her voice breaking the silence, which echoed faintly around her. A feeling of serenity slowly welled up from with in Cleao, causing her to go silent.
"Listen. You can use magic, Cleao," he told Cleao softly. Waiting a few minutes to allow the news to sink in before Lai went on "there are two types of magic. Most people can use general magic." Pausing to think of the best example that Cleao could understand he smiled softly as the perfect example came to mind. "Krylancelo uses general magic. Personality, power, talent, and several other things determine how specific each general magic user gets, and how powerful."
Cleao's eyes widened at the mention of Orphen's name. Leaning forward to hear Lai better she waited for him to continue. 'I never knew that I could use magic.' "Does that mean I can use magic like Orphen," Cleao asked excitedly. Vivid memories of loud and flashy explosions briefly danced before her eyes.
Shaking his head slightly, Lai continued his lesson as if Cleao hadn't interrupted him. "Cleao, only a few people can use specific magic. You and I both use specific magic. I have the Sight, whereas you have the Sense." Holding up one hand to shush Cleao's questions before she could start, he looked softly at her confused and frustrated face. "The Sense allows you feel magic vibrations. Magic gives off vibrations, and certain people are sensitive to those vibrations. Now pay attention, this is important. I need to teach you how to use a simple spell." Reaching forward Lai placed two fingers on Cleao's forehead.
Cleao's eyes grew even wider in surprise, but she refrained from saying anything. 'If I ever Orphen again, I want to be able to help him! I'll learn how to do this!' Slowly Cleao became aware of a faint humming noise. Everything around her buzzed faintly, but the loudest hum came from Lai. The hum from Lai felt soft and mysterious. Echoing in softer tones the entire room felt the same way. Blinking suddenly she realized that she was giving off vibrations as well. 'This must be what Lai meant by magic vibrations.'
"Now you know what a magic vibration is, you'll never forget what it sounds like," Lai replied. "Or what it feels like. This is certain type of spell called Reveal. Just open your mind, and you can use this spell." Sighing sadly Lai prepared one more spell, exhaustion trickling into his bones like liquid lead. 'Sorry Cleao, but this is for the best.'
"Cleao, the Heavenly Ones created several magical traps. Most of them are triggered by a person's conscious knowledge that they can use magic. To protect you from this danger, you won't remember a thing.." Before he could finish his sentence Cleao interrupted him loudly. 'Right on schedule.'
"What do you mean?! I finally learn magic, and I won't even remember how to use it," Cleao shrieked loudly. Pushing Lai's hand away roughly Cleao jumped to her feet. He stepped back with ease, avoiding Cleao's mad grab for his robe. "Why you no good, lying sorcerer.." Before Cleao could finish, a bright flash of light blinded her. =-
Jerking upright, Cleao sat up in surprise. Holding the covers over her chest she looked around the room. Shaking her head slightly to clear her head, Cleao frowned. 'What just happened?' She couldn't remember her dream, but it had been important. 'Where's Leki?' Absent from his usual place beside her head, Leki was nowhere to be seen.
"Leki? Leki! Leki where are you," Cleao whispered softly, trying not to wake the sleeping Majic. Slipping out of bed quickly, Cleao looked around for Leki. A slight breeze ruffled her nightgown suddenly sending chills down her spine, drawing her attention to the door. "Oh ino./i" Slightly ajar was the door to her hotel room. Stepping over the sleeping Majic carefully, Cleao stepped out of the room and into the empty hallway.
Orphen stared blankly ahead, not noticing his surroundings. Leaning against the guardrail on the hotel balcony, he looked out over the small town of Dunkley. Shivering slightly from the cold night air, Orphen wished he had remembered to put on his cloak before stepping out. Arriving at the sleepy town earlier that day he had gotten himself a hotel room. Resting up at the hotel, Orphen prepared himself for his trip the Ruins of Pyr. 'Whom am I kidding? I just got a hotel room so I can have an excuse not to look for a map to Isymaar. I wonder where Cleao is right now?' Closing his eyes, Orphen let the memories of what happened after he had saved Azalie sweep over him. Brushing against his hand was a small furry animal. With out looking down Orphen absently started to stroke the animal's back glad for that small amount of comfort given to him.
{-= It was cold. He was completely in darkness, and silence seemed to ring around him. Krylancelo looked for something, anything familiar. He couldn't time how much time had passed, or how fast it was passing. 'Where is everyone? Where am I?' "Where is everyone? Cleao? Majic? Azalie? Anyone," Young Krylancelo pleaded to the empty landscape. Fleeting images of people he knew flashed before him.
Azalie appeared before him, a slight smile crossing her concerned face. "Azalie help me," Krylancelo asked softly "please." Azalie mouthed silently 'Thank you Krylancelo.' Azalie stepped back, allowing a new image more room. As the new image grew clearer, Krylancelo aged rapidly from a twelve-year-old boy to his normal age. A warm happy feeling washed over him at the sight before him. 'Is this what love feels like?' "Cleao," he whispered happily. Hugging the image close to him, a true smile crossed his face. Looking over Cleao's shoulder he saw Azalie start fading from view.
"N-no..don't go Azalie! Wait for me! I love you Azalie..don't go! Azalie!" 'No! Azalie don't go! You're my only family. I want you to meet Cleao. I need you to meet Cleao!' As he soon as he pleaded for Azalie not to go, Cleao vanished from sight. Shattering like glass the ground under him gave. Dropping into an icy pit Krylancelo struggled to find the two women he loved. "Cleao! Wait! I'm sorry Cleao! I don't know what I did wrong, but I'm sorry! Don't leave me! Cleao! Cleao!!" =-
Orphen jerked upright yelling Cleao's name. Sienna eyes scanned the surroundings, searching for the one he sought. Staring at the strange surroundings, he struggled to remember what had happened. 'I remember now! Where is everyone?' Stepping out of bed gingerly Orphen looked around for clothing. Finding a set of clothes identical to his normal attire neatly folded on a near-by chair Orphen quickly got dressed. 'I need to find Cleao or Azalie! One of them has to be around here somewhere.' Just as he finished getting dressed a familiar face popped his head in.
"Krylancelo! You're finally awake," Hartia exclaimed happily. Before he could continue he was faced with one of Krylancelo's piercing looks. 'Krylancelo is a terrible morning person.'
"Hartia where is everyone? I need to talk to Cleao or Azalie," growled Orphen "now."
"Azalie is currently talking with the Elders," he replied quickly. Moving out of Krylancelo's way Hartia paused. 'I don't want to tell him that Cleao left. He isn't going to take it well.' Skirting around Cleao's name Hartia changed the subject to Majic. "You'll be pleased to know that Majic has been accepted into the Tower of Fang, Krylancelo. I'm to be his teacher."
Storming down the hallway Orphen felt a tiny sense of dread welling up from deep within him. 'Where's Cleao? By now she should be yelling her head off at me for being careless. Either that or for sleeping for so long.' Clenching his fists tightly, Orphen stared straight ahead. 'Azalie should be in the council room.' "I didn't ask about Majic, Hartia. Now tell me where Cleao is." Briskly striding down the hallway that led to Azalie, Orphen franticly fought down rising fear. 'Why isn't Cleao yelling at me? Hartia has avoided saying where she is. Did something happen to her?'
"Krylancelo, Cleao is," Hartia said slowly "Cleao isn't here. She left yesterday." Refusing to look at the hurt he knew was in his friend's eyes he glanced at the ground. Gold eyes filled with a sorrow at his friend's pain.
Orphen's sienna eyes grew wide. Stopping in mid-stride he struggled to keep himself in control. 'No. Cleao couldn't have left like that. She follows me everywhere.' As he thought that, he was hit by the memories of every single rude thing he said to her. 'No wonder she left. Cleao must hate me after the way I treated her. Cleao had tried her hardest to help me, and I just pushed her aside again and again. She must hate me.'}
Orphen continued to stroke the animal's back. It was the only warmth he could feel in the freezing autumn night. 'Cleao I'm so sorry. I tried to protect her from harm, yet at the same time I ended up hurting her. At least she's safe at home with Mariebella.'
Cleao silently crept down the empty hallway. Shivering slightly from the cold night air, she wished she had grabbed her cloak. 'I don't know why I'm going to the balcony to look for Leki. Just a feeling I guess.' Breath coming out like small clouds in the frosty air, Cleao paused at the balcony entryway. What she saw took her breath away.
Leaning against the guardrail that encircled the balcony was Orphen. Leki was sitting on the wide wooden guardrail, wagging his tail happily as Orphen petted him. 'Oh, Orphen. He looks so lost, like a child.' Biting her lower lip, Cleao debated going out to him. 'What do I say to him after all this time? He was wounded, and I just left him without a good-bye because he loved someone else.' Noticing that Orphen didn't have his cloak on, Cleao started to worry about him. 'What are you thinking about Orphen?' Before she could decide on what to do Leki started to yip excitedly.
Leki had felt Orphen's presence in the town miles before entering it. He knew that Orphen was good for Cleao, in more ways then one. Orphen offered several levels of protection towards Cleao. Sadly, humans were idiots when it came to their feelings. Swirling like birds around Cleao and Orphen where feelings of self-doubt, sorrow, loss, and love. If he could only get Orphen and Cleao together, then the problem ishould/i work itself out. Deciding that neither of them would move on their own, and most likely end up freezing to death; he acted.
Breaking out the brooding spell Orphen looked down at the creature he had been petting. "Ugh!" Stepping back in fear and surprise Orphen wondered where in the hell a deep dragon had come from. 'Wait a minute! Isn't that Leki? That means that Cleao is..' Interrupted his train of thought was a familiar voice.
"Stupid sorcerer! Orphen, you're going to turn into an icicle standing out in the cold air like that," Cleao chastised softly from behind him. "What are you doing here Orphen?"
Holding out her arms to catch Leki, Cleao stared at Orphen. 'I wonder why he's here. Is Azalie here as well? No, I irefuse/i to think of Azalie right now.' Leki dashed over to Cleao happily; glad that she was talking to Orphen and glad for her body heat.
Slowly turning around Orphen gaped at the sight of Cleao. "C-cleao? What are you doing here," he asked in disbelief. 'She can't be here! Last time I checked she was at home with her family! Why would she be all the way out here?' Crossing his arms over his chest Orphen waited for Cleao answer him.
"I asked you first," Cleao tartly replied. The longer she stood next to Orphen, the faster her heart raced. 'I can't believe that he's here!' Old habits started to over, giving her the ability to speak.
At the sight of Cleao, Orphen felt the chill of the night air as if a bucket of ice water had been dumped on his back. With that he realized that Cleao didn't have anything warm on either, and that she shivering slightly. 'What does she think she's doing? She'll freeze to death in that outfit! I can talk to her inside.' "Cleao, we're going to end up freezing to death out here. Let's go inside and talk there ok?" Striding forward quickly Orphen gently took Cleao's hand. Herding her into the hotel he tried to ignore how he felt at Cleao's presence. In the dark of the night, he failed to see Cleao's dark blush.
"O-orphen," complained Cleao weakly. 'I'd forgotten what it feels like to be this close to him.' Shivering from Orphen's presence Cleao fought to compose her thoughts.
'Cleao would have me blasted to Raindust of I took her to my room. I'll just have to take her to the main lounge. If I remember correctly there was a fireplace. She's shivering! Cleao must be colder than I thought.' Picking up his pace Orphen gently dragged Cleao down the hallway. Slowing down the tiniest bit at the stairs Orphen focused on the problem at hand. Dragging the unresisting her into the empty room, Orphen carefully led her over to a lush couch. Pushing Cleao gently into the couch, he then briskly headed over to the fireplace. Bending over slightly Orphen cast a mild fire spell, causing the left over wood to catch fire. Smirking faintly Orphen stood up and walked over to the couch.
Sitting down next to Cleao, Orphen wrapped one arm around her waist pulling her close. 'I hope she doesn't kill me for this. We need to share body heat, not to mention I get to be close to her.' "Before you get decide to kill me for this Cleao, let me tell you that we need to share body heat. Neither of us have any blankets or cloaks, and the fire isn't hot enough yet," he told her quickly. Fighting the urge to blush happily Orphen took the chance to admire Cleao. 'She hasn't changed much since the last time I saw her. Only, her eyes seem sadder somehow.'
Leaning against his shoulder Cleao sighed happily to herself. She had dreamt of a moment like this for long time. For the first since receiving that letter weeks ago at boarding school, Cleao felt truly happy. 'I don't know why he's being so nice, but I don't care. I just want this moment to last.' Flushed slightly Cleao realized that Orphen was leaning closer, with a tender, almost loving look on his face. 'Please have Orphen kiss me. Please have him kiss me. Please.' Before anything could happen a faint thumping noise echoed through the room steadily getting louder. Jerking away from Orphen in surprise, and embarrassment Cleao looked up at the doorway.
Dashing into the lounge at a dangerous speed was a disheveled looking Majic. "Cleao! There you are! What do you think you're doing vanishing on me like that," Majic demanded loudly. Panting heavily Majic raced towards his sister holding two cloaks tightly in one hand. "Cleao I hope you know." Majic's eyes widened at the sight of Orphen. "Master," he yelled excitedly.
"Majic, what are you doing here," Orphen asked. Standing up surprise, Orphen wondered if the world was conspiring against him. 'Majic has the worst timing. It must be revenge for the time I interrupted him and Fiena.'
"Majic," shrieked Cleao "I'm going to kill you for this!" 'Little brothers have the worst timing ever! Orphen was about to kiss me until Majic interrupted!' Standing up rapidly Cleao started to chase Majic around the lounge. Dropping the cloaks in shock, Majic took off running.
"Ahh! Master, please save me! Cleao you can't kill me! I'm family," wailed Majic as he hurried to avoid Cleao's outstretched arms. Ducking around chairs, tables, and comfortable couches Majic franticly avoided his sister. Wincing when he knocked over pieces of furniture he raced around in large circles.
Titling his head slightly to the right side Orphen pondered what Majic meant by family. 'What is he talking about? Those two aren't related. Though, Majic and Cleao do look alike, and act alike.' "Stop it right now," He shouted. Grabbing hold of Cleao by the arm as she raced past him, he halted her murder attempt. "What am I missing here?"
"Majic and I are half siblings, Orphen," Cleao promptly told him. Glaring at the cowering Majic Cleao continued. "Mother told us before she died." Tears formed in the corner of her eye pale blue eyes, threatening to spill over. Rubbing her eyes with her arm Cleao avoided Orphen's worried gaze.
"That's why we're here Master. Cleao and I are looking for a cure for Mariebella," Majic replied. Stepping around a tipped over chair, Majic walked towards them.
"Cure? What's wrong with Mariebella, Majic," Orphen demanded softly, concern in his voice. 'Something is very wrong here.'
"Mariebella has the Red Death Orphen," she whispered softly. "Mother died from the Red Death about a week ago. Shortly afterwards we found out Mariebella had the Red Death as well." Orphen gently took Cleao into his arms trying to comfort her.
"What are you two doing here then? Why aren't you with Mariebella," inquired Orphen. Stroking Cleao's hair with one hand his sienna eyes bore into Majic's worried eyes.
"We're here to learn about Isymaar, Master," Majic replied softly.
'This can't be! How in the world would those two learn about Isymaar? I have a bad feeling about this.'
Authors Notes: This isn't where I had planned to end this chapter, but it was getting too long. So, I'm going to continue it in the next chapter. I hope Lynda-chan enjoyed this. The next chapter will be dedicated to Rocketto Neko.
Warnings: The same as always. I don't own SSO. Nor do I own the Red Death. I've decided not to use the Japanese incantations for spells, unless it's the spell used by Orphen to blast Volcan and Dortin sky high. It takes to much time for me to look up the proper name for each spell. Oh yeah, it's time for taxes. My mom is on the warpath, so until tax time is over my main beta-reader won't be going through my fanfics. However, D- chan had proof read the first part. Thank you D-chan!
"" Conversation
'' Thoughts
// // Passages from letters, books, etc
{} Flashback mode
(Gasp! A new one!) -= =- Dream mode.
"Lai, what do you think you're doing," demanded Hartia as he followed his friend down the hallway. He had first noticed Lai's unusual behavior shortly after Krylancelo had woken up after his ordeal. Lai had been researching in the library constantly. Lai almost never went into the library unless it was empty. Over the past few months however, Lai had been in the library despite the crowds. 'I need to know what Lai is planning to do. He hasn't been acting like normal lately. I'm really worried about him.'
"I'm preparing myself for a difficult spell Hartia," Lai's calm response did nothing to ease Hartia's almost frantic concern. Striding silently down the deserted hall Lai headed towards a section of the Tower that hadn't been used in decades. Dust gathered thickly spreading from corner to corner, covering the gray stone floor like a dusty carpet. Cobwebs dangled limply from the ceiling casting thread like shadows across the walls.
"Lai, the council of Elders hasn't given you permission to cast any spell above level 3," Hartia replied quietly, as he followed closely behind his friend. "You know that the Elders don't like their only Seer risking his life for anything else but for the good of the Tower." 'What are you planning? What is so important to him, that he'd go against the Elder's wishes?'
"Hartia you don't understand." Turning down the hallway on the left Lai tried to ignore his friend's thoughts. Hartia's worried, chaotic thoughts kept on pressing against his mental shields like daggers. 'Hartia, you care too much sometimes. It'll get him into trouble one of these days.'
"You helped me when I needed it the most Lai! Let me help you now. Please Lai," begged Hartia. Grabbing hold of Lai's shoulders Hartia pleadingly stared into his friend's green eyes. 'I care about him to much, to just let him do this without any support.' "Lai.."
A small smile graced Lai's features as he looked at his only friend. "Hartia, I can't tell you what I'm doing right now," Lai whispered softly "but I do need your help with something." Gently pushing Hartia away, he continued down the forgotten hallway. Hartia followed silently behind him, his robes swishing softly against the stone floor. Pausing before a doorway that hadn't been used in several years, Lai turned around to face Hartia.
Ancient runes meandered up and down the frame of the door, like ivy twisting up a wall. Thick ebony engraved with foreign runes, sprawled lazily like snakes across the wide door. At chest height in the center of the door was a heavy silver handle. Grasping the ring in its mouth was a silver dragon with ruby eyes. Oddly, the door handle ring was simple in design; this contrasted sharply against the ornate runes.
"Don't worry, Hartia. I'll come out of the chamber tomorrow morning. I need you to get me to my room, I'll be too exhausted to get there on my own," Lai's calm voice seemed to have soothing effect on Hartia. Lai knew that his Seer voice always had that effect on Hartia. 'Hartia can be too trusting at times. It's part of his charm.' Smiling faintly before reaching for the handle, Lai started to mentally prepare himself for the spell. Pulling on the silver ring Lai slowly opened the door. Creaking loudly the door slide open relieving a dark barren room. Without looking back he strolled into the dark room. A bang echoed forlornly through out the hallway when the door slammed shut.
Pressing his forehead against the door, Hartia softly banged his fist on the door. "I don't understand you Lai," mummers Hartia "but I'll be waiting for you." 'Please come out alive Lai, I don't know what I'd do if he died. I know he is going to cast a white magic spell. Casting a white magic spell that powerful could kill him.' Clenching his fist as helpless rage filled him, Hartia slowly turned to leave. Looking back at the door once before he left, Hartia started to think up an excuse to tell the already angry Elders.
"Light." Casting a ball of white light that softly a few inches above his hand Lai glanced about the empty room. In the center of the room was a dark blue circular tile. Spiraling out from the center tile was a twisting pattern of interlocking blue tiles of varying shades. Striding into the center tile Lai slowly lowered onto the cold floor in a siting position. Closing his eyes Lai dispelled the ball of light. Darkness settled like a heavy cloak over him, and the entire room. Searching for the magical disturbance he wanted, Lai cast the spell.
Tossing and turning restlessly Cleao grasped the edge of the bed covers tightly. Majic slept on the floor at the foot of the only bed, snoring loudly. Dunkley was a small farming town, which could only support one hotel. Oddly, there had been a large inflow of tourists lately, causing the hotel to have only one vacancy left. It had taken some serious convincing to allow the landlady o give them the last room. Luckily bothers and sisters were allowed to sleep in the same room. Majic naturally had been bullied into sleeping on the floor.
-= Cleao blinked in surprise at the abrupt change in her surroundings. 'What's going on? This isn't my usual dream..' Surrounded by a greenish black backdrop that shifted across the barren landscape Cleao wondered where she was. 'It feels so real. What!' Turning sharply to her right in shock, Cleao saw Lai standing silently. 'Who is that? He seems familiar. Oh! Now I remember now, his name is Lai.' "What the hell are you doing here?"
"Cleao, be quiet. Time is short, and I have much to tell you," Lai stated, his voice low. Pulling his hood back to reveal his tussled green hair, he gestured for Cleao to sit down.
"I don't understand, Lai. What is going on here," Cleao's asked bewildered, her voice breaking the silence, which echoed faintly around her. A feeling of serenity slowly welled up from with in Cleao, causing her to go silent.
"Listen. You can use magic, Cleao," he told Cleao softly. Waiting a few minutes to allow the news to sink in before Lai went on "there are two types of magic. Most people can use general magic." Pausing to think of the best example that Cleao could understand he smiled softly as the perfect example came to mind. "Krylancelo uses general magic. Personality, power, talent, and several other things determine how specific each general magic user gets, and how powerful."
Cleao's eyes widened at the mention of Orphen's name. Leaning forward to hear Lai better she waited for him to continue. 'I never knew that I could use magic.' "Does that mean I can use magic like Orphen," Cleao asked excitedly. Vivid memories of loud and flashy explosions briefly danced before her eyes.
Shaking his head slightly, Lai continued his lesson as if Cleao hadn't interrupted him. "Cleao, only a few people can use specific magic. You and I both use specific magic. I have the Sight, whereas you have the Sense." Holding up one hand to shush Cleao's questions before she could start, he looked softly at her confused and frustrated face. "The Sense allows you feel magic vibrations. Magic gives off vibrations, and certain people are sensitive to those vibrations. Now pay attention, this is important. I need to teach you how to use a simple spell." Reaching forward Lai placed two fingers on Cleao's forehead.
Cleao's eyes grew even wider in surprise, but she refrained from saying anything. 'If I ever Orphen again, I want to be able to help him! I'll learn how to do this!' Slowly Cleao became aware of a faint humming noise. Everything around her buzzed faintly, but the loudest hum came from Lai. The hum from Lai felt soft and mysterious. Echoing in softer tones the entire room felt the same way. Blinking suddenly she realized that she was giving off vibrations as well. 'This must be what Lai meant by magic vibrations.'
"Now you know what a magic vibration is, you'll never forget what it sounds like," Lai replied. "Or what it feels like. This is certain type of spell called Reveal. Just open your mind, and you can use this spell." Sighing sadly Lai prepared one more spell, exhaustion trickling into his bones like liquid lead. 'Sorry Cleao, but this is for the best.'
"Cleao, the Heavenly Ones created several magical traps. Most of them are triggered by a person's conscious knowledge that they can use magic. To protect you from this danger, you won't remember a thing.." Before he could finish his sentence Cleao interrupted him loudly. 'Right on schedule.'
"What do you mean?! I finally learn magic, and I won't even remember how to use it," Cleao shrieked loudly. Pushing Lai's hand away roughly Cleao jumped to her feet. He stepped back with ease, avoiding Cleao's mad grab for his robe. "Why you no good, lying sorcerer.." Before Cleao could finish, a bright flash of light blinded her. =-
Jerking upright, Cleao sat up in surprise. Holding the covers over her chest she looked around the room. Shaking her head slightly to clear her head, Cleao frowned. 'What just happened?' She couldn't remember her dream, but it had been important. 'Where's Leki?' Absent from his usual place beside her head, Leki was nowhere to be seen.
"Leki? Leki! Leki where are you," Cleao whispered softly, trying not to wake the sleeping Majic. Slipping out of bed quickly, Cleao looked around for Leki. A slight breeze ruffled her nightgown suddenly sending chills down her spine, drawing her attention to the door. "Oh ino./i" Slightly ajar was the door to her hotel room. Stepping over the sleeping Majic carefully, Cleao stepped out of the room and into the empty hallway.
Orphen stared blankly ahead, not noticing his surroundings. Leaning against the guardrail on the hotel balcony, he looked out over the small town of Dunkley. Shivering slightly from the cold night air, Orphen wished he had remembered to put on his cloak before stepping out. Arriving at the sleepy town earlier that day he had gotten himself a hotel room. Resting up at the hotel, Orphen prepared himself for his trip the Ruins of Pyr. 'Whom am I kidding? I just got a hotel room so I can have an excuse not to look for a map to Isymaar. I wonder where Cleao is right now?' Closing his eyes, Orphen let the memories of what happened after he had saved Azalie sweep over him. Brushing against his hand was a small furry animal. With out looking down Orphen absently started to stroke the animal's back glad for that small amount of comfort given to him.
{-= It was cold. He was completely in darkness, and silence seemed to ring around him. Krylancelo looked for something, anything familiar. He couldn't time how much time had passed, or how fast it was passing. 'Where is everyone? Where am I?' "Where is everyone? Cleao? Majic? Azalie? Anyone," Young Krylancelo pleaded to the empty landscape. Fleeting images of people he knew flashed before him.
Azalie appeared before him, a slight smile crossing her concerned face. "Azalie help me," Krylancelo asked softly "please." Azalie mouthed silently 'Thank you Krylancelo.' Azalie stepped back, allowing a new image more room. As the new image grew clearer, Krylancelo aged rapidly from a twelve-year-old boy to his normal age. A warm happy feeling washed over him at the sight before him. 'Is this what love feels like?' "Cleao," he whispered happily. Hugging the image close to him, a true smile crossed his face. Looking over Cleao's shoulder he saw Azalie start fading from view.
"N-no..don't go Azalie! Wait for me! I love you Azalie..don't go! Azalie!" 'No! Azalie don't go! You're my only family. I want you to meet Cleao. I need you to meet Cleao!' As he soon as he pleaded for Azalie not to go, Cleao vanished from sight. Shattering like glass the ground under him gave. Dropping into an icy pit Krylancelo struggled to find the two women he loved. "Cleao! Wait! I'm sorry Cleao! I don't know what I did wrong, but I'm sorry! Don't leave me! Cleao! Cleao!!" =-
Orphen jerked upright yelling Cleao's name. Sienna eyes scanned the surroundings, searching for the one he sought. Staring at the strange surroundings, he struggled to remember what had happened. 'I remember now! Where is everyone?' Stepping out of bed gingerly Orphen looked around for clothing. Finding a set of clothes identical to his normal attire neatly folded on a near-by chair Orphen quickly got dressed. 'I need to find Cleao or Azalie! One of them has to be around here somewhere.' Just as he finished getting dressed a familiar face popped his head in.
"Krylancelo! You're finally awake," Hartia exclaimed happily. Before he could continue he was faced with one of Krylancelo's piercing looks. 'Krylancelo is a terrible morning person.'
"Hartia where is everyone? I need to talk to Cleao or Azalie," growled Orphen "now."
"Azalie is currently talking with the Elders," he replied quickly. Moving out of Krylancelo's way Hartia paused. 'I don't want to tell him that Cleao left. He isn't going to take it well.' Skirting around Cleao's name Hartia changed the subject to Majic. "You'll be pleased to know that Majic has been accepted into the Tower of Fang, Krylancelo. I'm to be his teacher."
Storming down the hallway Orphen felt a tiny sense of dread welling up from deep within him. 'Where's Cleao? By now she should be yelling her head off at me for being careless. Either that or for sleeping for so long.' Clenching his fists tightly, Orphen stared straight ahead. 'Azalie should be in the council room.' "I didn't ask about Majic, Hartia. Now tell me where Cleao is." Briskly striding down the hallway that led to Azalie, Orphen franticly fought down rising fear. 'Why isn't Cleao yelling at me? Hartia has avoided saying where she is. Did something happen to her?'
"Krylancelo, Cleao is," Hartia said slowly "Cleao isn't here. She left yesterday." Refusing to look at the hurt he knew was in his friend's eyes he glanced at the ground. Gold eyes filled with a sorrow at his friend's pain.
Orphen's sienna eyes grew wide. Stopping in mid-stride he struggled to keep himself in control. 'No. Cleao couldn't have left like that. She follows me everywhere.' As he thought that, he was hit by the memories of every single rude thing he said to her. 'No wonder she left. Cleao must hate me after the way I treated her. Cleao had tried her hardest to help me, and I just pushed her aside again and again. She must hate me.'}
Orphen continued to stroke the animal's back. It was the only warmth he could feel in the freezing autumn night. 'Cleao I'm so sorry. I tried to protect her from harm, yet at the same time I ended up hurting her. At least she's safe at home with Mariebella.'
Cleao silently crept down the empty hallway. Shivering slightly from the cold night air, she wished she had grabbed her cloak. 'I don't know why I'm going to the balcony to look for Leki. Just a feeling I guess.' Breath coming out like small clouds in the frosty air, Cleao paused at the balcony entryway. What she saw took her breath away.
Leaning against the guardrail that encircled the balcony was Orphen. Leki was sitting on the wide wooden guardrail, wagging his tail happily as Orphen petted him. 'Oh, Orphen. He looks so lost, like a child.' Biting her lower lip, Cleao debated going out to him. 'What do I say to him after all this time? He was wounded, and I just left him without a good-bye because he loved someone else.' Noticing that Orphen didn't have his cloak on, Cleao started to worry about him. 'What are you thinking about Orphen?' Before she could decide on what to do Leki started to yip excitedly.
Leki had felt Orphen's presence in the town miles before entering it. He knew that Orphen was good for Cleao, in more ways then one. Orphen offered several levels of protection towards Cleao. Sadly, humans were idiots when it came to their feelings. Swirling like birds around Cleao and Orphen where feelings of self-doubt, sorrow, loss, and love. If he could only get Orphen and Cleao together, then the problem ishould/i work itself out. Deciding that neither of them would move on their own, and most likely end up freezing to death; he acted.
Breaking out the brooding spell Orphen looked down at the creature he had been petting. "Ugh!" Stepping back in fear and surprise Orphen wondered where in the hell a deep dragon had come from. 'Wait a minute! Isn't that Leki? That means that Cleao is..' Interrupted his train of thought was a familiar voice.
"Stupid sorcerer! Orphen, you're going to turn into an icicle standing out in the cold air like that," Cleao chastised softly from behind him. "What are you doing here Orphen?"
Holding out her arms to catch Leki, Cleao stared at Orphen. 'I wonder why he's here. Is Azalie here as well? No, I irefuse/i to think of Azalie right now.' Leki dashed over to Cleao happily; glad that she was talking to Orphen and glad for her body heat.
Slowly turning around Orphen gaped at the sight of Cleao. "C-cleao? What are you doing here," he asked in disbelief. 'She can't be here! Last time I checked she was at home with her family! Why would she be all the way out here?' Crossing his arms over his chest Orphen waited for Cleao answer him.
"I asked you first," Cleao tartly replied. The longer she stood next to Orphen, the faster her heart raced. 'I can't believe that he's here!' Old habits started to over, giving her the ability to speak.
At the sight of Cleao, Orphen felt the chill of the night air as if a bucket of ice water had been dumped on his back. With that he realized that Cleao didn't have anything warm on either, and that she shivering slightly. 'What does she think she's doing? She'll freeze to death in that outfit! I can talk to her inside.' "Cleao, we're going to end up freezing to death out here. Let's go inside and talk there ok?" Striding forward quickly Orphen gently took Cleao's hand. Herding her into the hotel he tried to ignore how he felt at Cleao's presence. In the dark of the night, he failed to see Cleao's dark blush.
"O-orphen," complained Cleao weakly. 'I'd forgotten what it feels like to be this close to him.' Shivering from Orphen's presence Cleao fought to compose her thoughts.
'Cleao would have me blasted to Raindust of I took her to my room. I'll just have to take her to the main lounge. If I remember correctly there was a fireplace. She's shivering! Cleao must be colder than I thought.' Picking up his pace Orphen gently dragged Cleao down the hallway. Slowing down the tiniest bit at the stairs Orphen focused on the problem at hand. Dragging the unresisting her into the empty room, Orphen carefully led her over to a lush couch. Pushing Cleao gently into the couch, he then briskly headed over to the fireplace. Bending over slightly Orphen cast a mild fire spell, causing the left over wood to catch fire. Smirking faintly Orphen stood up and walked over to the couch.
Sitting down next to Cleao, Orphen wrapped one arm around her waist pulling her close. 'I hope she doesn't kill me for this. We need to share body heat, not to mention I get to be close to her.' "Before you get decide to kill me for this Cleao, let me tell you that we need to share body heat. Neither of us have any blankets or cloaks, and the fire isn't hot enough yet," he told her quickly. Fighting the urge to blush happily Orphen took the chance to admire Cleao. 'She hasn't changed much since the last time I saw her. Only, her eyes seem sadder somehow.'
Leaning against his shoulder Cleao sighed happily to herself. She had dreamt of a moment like this for long time. For the first since receiving that letter weeks ago at boarding school, Cleao felt truly happy. 'I don't know why he's being so nice, but I don't care. I just want this moment to last.' Flushed slightly Cleao realized that Orphen was leaning closer, with a tender, almost loving look on his face. 'Please have Orphen kiss me. Please have him kiss me. Please.' Before anything could happen a faint thumping noise echoed through the room steadily getting louder. Jerking away from Orphen in surprise, and embarrassment Cleao looked up at the doorway.
Dashing into the lounge at a dangerous speed was a disheveled looking Majic. "Cleao! There you are! What do you think you're doing vanishing on me like that," Majic demanded loudly. Panting heavily Majic raced towards his sister holding two cloaks tightly in one hand. "Cleao I hope you know." Majic's eyes widened at the sight of Orphen. "Master," he yelled excitedly.
"Majic, what are you doing here," Orphen asked. Standing up surprise, Orphen wondered if the world was conspiring against him. 'Majic has the worst timing. It must be revenge for the time I interrupted him and Fiena.'
"Majic," shrieked Cleao "I'm going to kill you for this!" 'Little brothers have the worst timing ever! Orphen was about to kiss me until Majic interrupted!' Standing up rapidly Cleao started to chase Majic around the lounge. Dropping the cloaks in shock, Majic took off running.
"Ahh! Master, please save me! Cleao you can't kill me! I'm family," wailed Majic as he hurried to avoid Cleao's outstretched arms. Ducking around chairs, tables, and comfortable couches Majic franticly avoided his sister. Wincing when he knocked over pieces of furniture he raced around in large circles.
Titling his head slightly to the right side Orphen pondered what Majic meant by family. 'What is he talking about? Those two aren't related. Though, Majic and Cleao do look alike, and act alike.' "Stop it right now," He shouted. Grabbing hold of Cleao by the arm as she raced past him, he halted her murder attempt. "What am I missing here?"
"Majic and I are half siblings, Orphen," Cleao promptly told him. Glaring at the cowering Majic Cleao continued. "Mother told us before she died." Tears formed in the corner of her eye pale blue eyes, threatening to spill over. Rubbing her eyes with her arm Cleao avoided Orphen's worried gaze.
"That's why we're here Master. Cleao and I are looking for a cure for Mariebella," Majic replied. Stepping around a tipped over chair, Majic walked towards them.
"Cure? What's wrong with Mariebella, Majic," Orphen demanded softly, concern in his voice. 'Something is very wrong here.'
"Mariebella has the Red Death Orphen," she whispered softly. "Mother died from the Red Death about a week ago. Shortly afterwards we found out Mariebella had the Red Death as well." Orphen gently took Cleao into his arms trying to comfort her.
"What are you two doing here then? Why aren't you with Mariebella," inquired Orphen. Stroking Cleao's hair with one hand his sienna eyes bore into Majic's worried eyes.
"We're here to learn about Isymaar, Master," Majic replied softly.
'This can't be! How in the world would those two learn about Isymaar? I have a bad feeling about this.'
Authors Notes: This isn't where I had planned to end this chapter, but it was getting too long. So, I'm going to continue it in the next chapter. I hope Lynda-chan enjoyed this. The next chapter will be dedicated to Rocketto Neko.