A/N:Woohoo, sixth chapter! Thank you all for the kind words, I appreciate it!
A haunting darkness
A hunting wolf
He is a body with no heart
A dog ordered to tear his foes apart
Chapter 06: Black Dogs
Estelle sat in silence in Rita's small room while the scholarly maid and Yuri packed a few things. The weight of their prior conversation hung over her and the light in her eyes to dim slightly. Yesterday, she had been a noble's daughter without a care in the world. She was battling love sickness, laughing with the house-helpers, and enjoying the peace of Zaphias. Now, she has the weight of keeping that peace on her shoulders.
"Since you're here, that means we have until midnight to follow the Nightingale to its destination." Rita had said that so casually, that Estelle almost didn't believe her. She wished Rita had been teasing her for some reason. She also mentioned something startling.
"Everyone you see in this dream is from the real world, but they gave something up to come here." Again, her tone was that of a schoolmaster speaking facts. It didn't worry her that she had given her memories to come here. If that's true though, then what did Yuri give up? What did Repede sacrifice?
A soft tweet brought Estelle back from her deep thinking. Smiling weakly, she brushed the Nightingale on her shoulder. "Estelle, we need to start out." Yuri called to her from across the room. He had been watching her for a few minutes, and felt bad for her. Within moments of meeting Estelle, he knew she is a kind, innocent person that doesn't deserve this.
"Okay," Estelle pushed her worries aside and smiled brightly at an indifferent Rita, "I'm happy you're coming with us Rita."
She shrugged, "I don't remember why, but I am here to help, so whatever." Rita's eyes widened when Estelle grabbed her hands and shook them. While she was wondering why Estelle would do such thing, she could hear laughter from the pink-haired girl. Honestly, it made her feel strange. "Okay," She removed her hands from Estelle's, "time to leave."
"Woof!" Repede got up from the floor and sauntered after Rita.
"Keep the mutt away from me."
The tough canine growled a little before rolling his eyes at Rita. As if shrugging off her command, he started down the stairs.
"Hmm, it seems he likes you." Yuri's sarcasm didn't go unnoticed. Despite her sharp glare, Yuri shrugged past her and followed Repede.
Estelle quickly followed him, unsure what to say.
"Do you even know where you're going?" Rita asked. Her answer was the song of the Nightingale, as it left Estelle's shoulder and once again started to lead them. The scholarly maid looked at Estelle, "Well?"
"Oh yeah," Estelle forgot they couldn't see it, "I guess I'll lead the way." She walked ahead of Yuri and Repede. It didn't take long for them to descend the stairs and into the dim halls of the castle. The conversation was light between the four of them. Noticing Rita's silence, Estelle decided to try to talk with her, "Um, Rita?"
She looked up from the floor, "What is it?"
"How long have you been a maid here?" Estelle asked curiously. Rita didn't look older than her, so she couldn't have been a maid for very long.
Rita shrugged, "A year or two maybe." She sighed with a hint of frustration, "It's only to keep my room. I spend most of the time researching and stuff."
"How interesting." Estelle smiled in admiration, despite the passive expression on Rita's face. "So that man you danced with, have you know him for very long?" She blinked curiously when Rita's face soured.
Yuri looked back with a knowing smirk, "Oh, you mean Fen?"
"Don't use that pig's name around me!" Rita bit sharply. Clearly put in a bad mood, she folded her arms and looked away. "That jerk's been annoying me since we first met. He started the same day I did."
"You talk about him as if you don't like him." Estelle frowned slightly. From she saw in the Dining Hall, she had assumed Rita and Fen are good friends, if not more. "Both of you moved so smoothly, as if your hearts are closely tied together." She sighed at the romantic thought, recalling a book she had read.
While she was lost in her imagination, Rita looked at her strangely, "You don't get out much, do you." She stumbled when Yuri elbowed her suddenly, "Hey!"
Yuri shot her a stern glance but said nothing.
"Well, being out in the towns isn't exactly proper for a girl of my age and status." Estelle looked down solemnly. It was obvious by her tone that she wished it was not the truth. Though Zaphias is a peaceful place, she was always forbidden to go too far off the property, unless heavily escorted. Smiling through her sad thoughts, Estelle picked up the pace with a bright smile, "Rita, are we getting close?"
The cat-eared maid waited before she answered. Estelle's downcast moment didn't go unnoticed. She shrugged, "From what I can remember. I've only seen the status of the Child of the Full Moon in passing." She caught Yuri looking at her, "What?"
"Nothing, I just haven't heard someone call the statues by that name." Certain Estelle is confused, Yuri decided to elaborate, "The Children of the Full Moon, a series of statues placed around the castle that will unlock the gates to the upper levels." He met Estelle's eyes, "Some think they were made in the image of the Nightingale, a girl that can see the bird of light."
Estelle frowned, "That's confusing," She pointed to the Nightingale, "isn't it called the Nightingale too?"
"That's why people usually refer to you as the Child of the Full Moon." Rita clarified.
"Oh." Estelle looked forward to ponder this, but met the sight of the next great chamber, "Oooh," She expressed her amazement at the dim, yet grandly decorated room. As always, the architecture was equally as beautiful as the other rooms she's seen. Two, white-marble staircases led up to a second level and a large set of double-doors. Between the staircases, the hallway continued on into the shadows. At the room's center, a beautiful, angelic statue stood.
She casually made her way through the dim halls of the castle. Despite her time navigating the pathways, she hadn't seen any signs of life. "Hmm," She looked around suspiciously, "something doesn't seem right." A soft smirk played at her smirk, "What do you think Ba'ul?"
I agree, I can sense a steady flow killer intent.
Her ears twitched at those words. Such a flow of killer intent meant there is going to be a battle soon, "Do you know where it's coming from?"
You'll see, just keep looking forward Judy
Curious, she stopped her advance and kept her pink eyes forward. Up ahead, the hall split left and right. Moments after she stopped, columns of darkly dressed people marched past at a brisk pace. Each had on glowing, red goggles and dark over-coats. She waited until the pack of eight completely marched by before stepping out into the hallway. Judy watched their retreating backs before following.
Be careful Judith
"Aren't I always?" Judy smiled when she heard Ba'ul growl out a groan.
"Oh man, oh man this is not good."
"Kid, you worry too much."
"B-But, s-she told me to find an Eggbear."
"Why are you whispering?"
"Because... it might hear us."
"What's that by your leg?"
"AHHHH!"
Estelle watched the Nightingale circle the statue before landing on the statue's head. "Is that one of the statues we're looking for?"
"Yeah," Rita weaved ahead of Yuri and approached the statue.
"So what do I have to do?" Estelle examined the statue closely, amazed by how pretty it was.
"Get the Nightingale to sing. The statue will light when the song gives it enough power." Rita tried to keep her irritation from showing. Flamboyant as she is, a girl of her intellect must show some form of patience. She watched closely as Estelle began to hum softly. In time, she heard the Nightingale sing with her, as wisps of light collected in the ivory statue's hands.
A wave of warmth washed through Estelle's chest, and settled right over her heart. The feeling was strange, yet comforting at the same time. She could feel her hidden worries lighten, and her smile grew more radiant. Somehow, the song of Nightingale seemed to beat back the shadows lurking around her. Then, just as Estelle started to get lost in the melody, it stopped.
Yuri's ears stood rigid at the sudden stillness that hung thick in the dim chamber. He saw Rita retrieve the book she carried in her bag and instinctively drew his sword. "Estelle," He called out to her, "get behind me."
Repede rushed over to the idle girl and stood in front of her. Yuri noticed Estelle's lack of response and cursed. He rushed to her side and was shocked to see her eyes lifeless. Repede barked back at him, as if saying he'd focus on defending her.
"Okay, I'll leave to you then Repede." Yuri stood up once more when the door at the top of the stairs opened slowly. Within moments, eight men, dressed in dark coats marched through the door. Their glowing, crimson eyes left trails as they descended they occupied the stairs. With a resounding slam, the door behind Yuri and Rita closed, trapping them. "Who are these guys?" Yuri questioned Rita's sour expression.
Glaring daggers ahead of her, Rita spoke in a low voice, "The Commandant's attack dogs."
"Alexei," Yuri's eyes grew angered at the name, but he remained where he was. "How many can you handle?"
Rita removed the a white ribbon from her maid uniform, and revealed a mess of writing on one side of it. "I can take all of them if you can buy me some time." Recalling the contents of her book, she focused her mind on casting a spell. A magic circle appeared at her feet, while her eyes glared towards the door ahead.
Yuri placed his sword on his shoulder, assuming his usual, lax stance, "Shouldn't be too hard." With Repede's help, he should be able to keep them away from Rita. That's what he thought, but Rita knew better.
"Don't get cocky bunny-boy," Rita flicked her eyes towards the second-floor door. Just as she predicted, a ninth man walked into the chamber and looked down on them from the railing. "Meet the head dog himself."
Lowell examined him closely and spotted a pair of black wolf-ears, "I don't remember seeing you around." He spoke up to the unfamiliar man. Yuri noticed that he ignored him and looked at Estelle, "Hey," He barked and stood in his line of sight, "I'm talking to you." Finally, Yuri's dark eyes met the blood-red orbs of the wolf eared man. He instantly saw how dangerous this man is, "Repede,"
"Fetch," He didn't give Yuri time to tell Repede anything, as the eight Attack Dogs pounced.
"Azure Edge!" Yuri quickly fired off his most familiar attack and blew back two enemies. Using the shock of the remaining two coming for him, he quickly used a barrage of fists to knock them back. He then turned towards Repede and fired another Azure Edge, lightening the hound's load.
Repede barked a thanks before charging forward and disabling two more. With his canine speed, he snapped around and slashed at the legs of two more foes with the dagger in his jaws. Growling dangerously, he circled Estelle's still form in defense.
"Uh Rita," Yuri stepped backwards when he saw all eight of their opponents get up, "how much more time do you need?"
Lips curled upwards in a strange smile, Rita's eyes flickered, "None," The magic circle underneath pulsed in a crimson light before a barrage of Fireballs left her outstretched palm. The attack forced their attackers on a heavy retreat, many falling to the floor in a smoldering heap. "That's right, you better run!" Rita shook her fist at their backs. However, her feeling of victory was smashed the moment she saw a flood of these darkly dressed men walk into the room.
Having stepped out of the shadows of the passageways ahead, Yuri and Rita echoed Repede's growl of frustration. For the three strange heroes, their awareness of the situation stopped at that very moment.
From above, behind the door that stood behind the leader of these dogs, Judy watched. Her pink eyes widened slightly, before a mysterious smirk of amusement formed on her lips. From her vantage point, she could see the room suddenly become bathed in a strange light. Sparkles fell from above, like a powerful magic she'd never seen before. At the center of it all, was Estelle. She observed with multiplied interest as Estelle stood from her rested position and faced a shadow that suddenly appeared behind her.
Judy, this presence,
"I know Ba'ul," Judy gently silenced her dear friend, "I can feel it too."
In the chamber, now filled with motionless heroes and villain alike, Estelle stood in a stupor. With eyes filled with confusion, she looked at the cloaked man that is now smiling at her. Atop his head, she saw the familiar, black, bunny ears. The smile he held was formed with the lips that had kissed her so heatedly. The cloaked man shared Yuri's face, though the young man stands at her side, still glaring at the masses ahead.
"I don't," Estelle paused in pure confusion, "I don't understand." Her emerald eyes shook when this mirror of Yuri stepped towards her. His lips moved in a way that said that she will. To stop her from uttering a question, his lips covered her in a warm kiss.
It was all there. The familiar warmth, the intoxicating release, and the firm gentleness that kept her breathing heavily in the night. She could feel it all course through her when his lips touched hers. Though it thrilled her to the bone, it also scrambled all certainty she ever held. In a twisted, yet pleasing, way, this mirrored Black Jack gave her a piece of herself she had lost.
A hair away from her lips, she could feel every motion. In a wordless speech, she could feel him say, "I am an oath. Find me twice more, and restore me."
He stole her breath with another touch of his lips, and all went back into motion. She heard Yuri curse the hounds closing in on them, and saw Rita move to begin another spell. All of this seemed murky to her, as her blood still coursed warm from his embrace. Then, like a glass filled until bursting, it all left her in a large explosion of white light.
The man above, leader of Alexei's guard, watched the seen with a blank expression. He did not hide his eyes from the intense light, or curse when he saw his subordinates blown back by an unseen, magical force. However, he did feel the cool sting of a lance being held to his neck.
"Hmm," A smooth voice hummed, "perhaps this is a good time to leave?" Her sweet voice gave a bite to her question. It would disarm any man of aggression.
With a sharp whistle, all of Alexei's guard left into the darkness to be seen another day. Yuri and Rita, on the other hand, couldn't take their eyes off of Estelle. The swordsman quickly caught her when Estelle stumbled, tired from the sudden shock. "Estelle, Estelle say something!" Yuri held her up, though her body seemed to go limp.
"I-I'm," Estelle shook her head, "I'm alright." Her thin frame grew sturdy again, renewed by another wave of this mysterious warm feeling. She grunted uncomfortably when it pulsed to her hands and into Yuri.
The bunny-eared swordsman was surprised himself when he felt his minor wounds heal. "I assume it's one of her powers as the Child of the Full Moon?"
Rita answered with a silent, yet greatly impressed and curious, nod. "Lay her down for a bit. We need to discuss what just happened." To her, Estelle's little display had happened in the blink of an eye. To another, it played out much slower.
"Maybe I can help with that?" All eyes went to the staircase, as a beautiful woman descended to meet them. She held a violet hat with a puffy, white feather in it in one hand, and a black lance in the other. Her smile matched her flawless features, earning a prolonged stare from Yuri. With a smooth stride to every step, she walked closer to them, "I saw the whole thing, so maybe I can explain while she sleeps a little."
While Rita felt suspicious, Yuri didn't see anything wrong with it, "Sure, feel free." He gave her a knowing smile, as if he knew her. He didn't say as much, though he did glance meaningfully at Rita before the woman started.
Nodding, she introduced herself first, "My name is Judith, and this," She motioned to a small lizard that occupied her shoulder, "is my friend Ba'ul."
A/N: More characters and mysteries, all tired together by a few faces. Expect more characters next chapter, and more action. Thank you for reading, and please review!