Disclaimer: I do not own nor claim to own the characters involved in the Bastard! series, they belong to Kazushi Hagiwara. I only claim ownership of Elira as she is of my own creation as well as any spells that are read here.

Haunting Melodies

Chapter 5 - Mysterious Attraction

Rain drops fell from the clouds that hovered over Metallicana, crimson irises watched as they reached the ground. The rain always made her think back to the day that Kall-su had arrived and it made her smile at the thought as she would have never guessed he would turn out to be such a good friend. She sighed and watched as the waves rolled and crashed against the beach, once more she could hear that voice calling out to her in that foreign tongue. "How I wish I could understand you," she whispered quietly, her voice being drowned out by the downpour. Elira sighed once more and knew that the voice would only get louder if she turned away so she knew that she would have to lull it to sleep. As she had done many times before, she released the energy she felt in her body, her voice carried out over the downpour, weaving through the falling drops that wanted to impede her singing. Elira could feel the water even out and the voice faded away. She finished and watched the calm sea, although the rain never ceased, the voice did. "I guess I'll never know what that voice is saying...at least..not yet." She was satisfied with the answer just as there was a knock on her door. Perplexed, Elira opened it up, and was surprised to Lars standing there. She curtsied and asked, "Your highness this is unexpected. What can I do for you?"

Lars smiled at her courtesy, "There is a celebration for the treaties going so well, perhaps you should come. It would be nice to have someone else to speak to other than princesses."

She smirked at him, "So you're inviting me so that you don't have to agree to any silly arrangements?"

"Yes."

Elira laughed, "I would love to join you but I have no formal at-"

"That's alright. Yoko's coming over with a dress for you to wear." She was going to refuse it but he continued with a smile, "Please Elira. I would very much like for you to come and Yoko will be going as well so you'll have someone else to talk to." Elira smiled and nodded her head, "Great! Yoko will help you and she'll take you there. I have to get ready myself."

"Oh? Armor is not a welcome choice?" Lars walked away laughing just as Yoko appeared from another hallway. "Come in. I've been told already." Yoko grinned while the door shut behind her and Yoko began to work on her hair first. Elira was listening to Yoko explain the customs to her and she absorbed all the information she was given. The pair left together, Yoko was saying how beautiful she looked, and Elira could only shake her head as the dress she was wearing felt thin and seemed to drape over her.

As the pair entered into the celebration hall, the noise assaulted her, Elira squinted her eyes against the cacophony, Yoko helped her to a quieter area until she could adjust, and once she acclimated; Elira smiled at her fiery-haired friend. Crimson irises watched everything before her, mainly how the princesses were throwing themselves as Lars' feet, it made her chuckle.

"Entertaining is it not?"

Elira turned around and smiled, "Abigail! So good of you to come."

"Why yes. Any one who helps save the kingdom are always welcome here. You look marvelous this evening, Elira."

"Thank you. I see that you decided to wear your own fancy attire."

"Correct. But yours looks far better." She laughed with the necromancer as he began to point which princess was which and of what kingdom. When she asked why he was telling her he simply replied with a wink, "To give you a fighting chance." Elira felt bashful and looked away briefly before returning her attention to her mentor.

"Thank you for the information, I'll be sure to use it wisely," she replied with a wink. Abigail laughed at her remark and offered her to dance, she listened to the music, and shook her head. "It's not my melody. Perhaps one will arise before the evening is over." He nodded as she sipped her drink and watched every one and every thing with interest and burning irises. It wasn't long before she noticed Lars dancing with a few of the princesses and she turned her back towards him so as not to see him but to better talk with Abigail. "Abigail?"

"Yes?"

"I'm not sure if jealousy is a good thing..."

The necromancer laughed, "It can be and I think we should have a little fun ourselves. Yoko seems to have gotten herself intoxicated along with Schneider." Elira nodded and listened to the melody, "Is this one of yours?" The amnesic nodded and Abigail was about to lead her to the dance floor but was intercepted by Kall-su. "Well...I suppose you can have the first dance with her, I'll take the next one she fancies." He winked at Elira who smiled in return while she was lead away from him by the Ice Lord and Abigail took her drink from her.

They began the dance by touching palms to opposite hands first before engaging in the melody and the beat was something that made Elira want to dance. She smiled at Kall-su and whispered, "Thank you for distracting me."

"I could see you were getting uncomfortable because of Lars."

"I was not uncomfortable." The Ice Lord eyed her with a slight smirk on his face and she kept her warm smile, "I was simply jealous of the other princesses as I am not allowed to dance with him."

"That may be true but you are allowed to dance with me all you want."

"I know and I would have relished in your company but you were not to be found."

"That's because I detest these parties and I only just arrived after being convinced by Arshes."

Elira laughed, "I see now." Her white dress conformed to her body but flared out from her hips, when she was spun by Kall-su, the dress flared out to exaggerate the movement. When she wasn't being spun, the dress covered just the very tops of her feet so it appeared as if she was floating across the dance floor. The Ice Lord also noticed that a great many men began to stare at Elira as her hair matched the flare of her dress and clinked ever so slightly because of the beads that Yoko had woven in the end of her braids that pulled some of her hair out of her face.

The melody began to pick up pace and other dancers could not keep up with it, so they fell behind but Elira and Kall-su were able to keep time. She began to feel the heat on her skin but the melody would not let her go and she couldn't fathom why. Yet her feet kept in time with Kall-su's, something that she didn't think possible since he was wearing far more layers than herself. Just as the song peaked, Elira was spun around once more before being stopped by Kall-su since the music had ended. She was breathing in long even strokes and she curtsied to him as he bowed to her; a moment of silence was all they had before the room erupted in applause. Immediately she hid closer to the Ice Lord, he patted her shoulder while maneuvering through the crowd to get her back to the sidelines, she was still breathing heavily but she was smiling.

Ruby eyes twinkled with energy, "Thank you Kall-su, I had a lot of fun." He simply nodded with a small smile on his face as he left to retrieve some refreshments for the two of them. It was then that she found herself alone, there was no one familiar around her, and yet there were many a strange eyes on her. Just by glancing she could tell that many men were staring at her while she awaited the Ice Lord's return. Elira could feel the anxiety creep into her veins, these men were not of Metallicana, they were not friendly to her, and she did not know them. The danger seemed all too real to her but if she left then Kall-su wouldn't be able to find her again so she held her ground, and began to flip through her spell book once more. Wait...Abigail said that the little dragon would return soon. Is this that instance that he was speaking of? It could be, as he is the only one that I can summon but this spell I have now is not a summoning spell...it's something different. Like it would call him here and he'll stay. I'll keep this at the forefront just in case.

Just as she had thought a few men were making their way towards her, their eyes glossy from the alcohol they had consumed and she knew they were dangerous. Nobles... With one incantation in her mind, it was cast. A flurry of water bubbles ran a trail around her before forming into the water dragon she had called earlier except he was not made of water this time. The dragon took its full form, the pale blue scales shimmered green while his orange eyes glowered at the men who were closing the gap fast. Wings spread out and Elira noticed that the dragon was the size of a house cat, the spiked tail was held offensively while the mouth hissed. The men abruptly halted in their path, she moved further back to have more room while the nobles simply stared at her pet that had manifested itself on her shoulders. He was poised, hissing at the men, before taking a deep breath, and shooting a strong jet of water into the chest of the nearest one. It was so powerful it sent the man stumbling back into other people.

The noise brought the attention of the nearby guards, who hurried to help the agonized man. Elira chuckled while Kall-su reappeared and with a simple glare, made the remaining men leave. She thanked him and he stared at the dragon on her shoulders, the glowing orange eyes narrowed to stare at Kall-su while Elira patted the dragon, it purred in her hand, and settled on her left shoulder and wound the rest of his body on her right shoulder.

"Where did he appear from?"

"I called him."

"You summoned him?"

She shook her head, "No, a calling is different. A summon will allow him to appear for a few minutes and then return to his realm. But a calling transports him here. I was anxious because I don't know these people and when those men were advancing towards me, I called him here." The dragon purred while keeping his eyes on everyone around them. She smiled, "I really like him, he's adorable." The dragon chirped a reply while Kall nodded.

"What's his name?"

"Well...I'm not entirely sure but I thought I'd call him Zephyr." The dragon turned its head to Elira and made a sound like a kitten mewing many times. She laughed, "I think he likes it!" The dragon nodded and returned to his regal pose now that he had a name. "It's a strong name just like this little guy since he was so brave." She nuzzled him with the side of her face, "My little Zephyr." The water dragon purred in response.

"Fascinating. Truly fascinating." Elira nodded while sipping her drink and Kall-su had taken to watching the small dragon as it guarded her. "Perhaps when he gets older, he'll be able to speak."

"Dragons can speak?"

"Certain types can."

"Like water dragons?"

"Yes. But not all water dragons, there are many types of dragons out there. This one appears to be an Argonite."

"Argonite?"

He nodded, "An Argonite dragon is one that lives in the ocean near shores of coral. So he has the ability to speak as long as he can be taught."

"Oh! I'll teach him!"

"You have to wait until he's older." She nodded as Kall-su continued to watch the Argonite dragon, it seemed strange that one so small would be able to be called and yet be so powerful. He was able to knock that man down with such a small jet of water. This one is definitely going to grow strong but I wonder if it has to do with Elira. Her powers are also very strong and it would enhance the small dragon as well. It seems that Elira's power will grow Zephyr into a mighty dragon indeed. He'll feed off of her residual energy when she sings and in turn become stronger. Kall-su smiled and when Elira asked him about it, he replied, "Do keep Zephyr with you at all times." When she replied that she intended to do so, he nodded; still keeping that secretive smile on his face.

As the evening progressed, Elira could feel herself getting tired but Zephyr never left her shoulder, he stayed there, and kept a watchful eye on everything. If any one traveled too close to her, he emitted a warning growl, which alerted people to veer away from her. She smiled and nuzzled the little dragon as she walked through the throngs of people with Kall-su. Whenever an opening presented itself with Lars speaking with a princess, she would turn away quickly, Zephyr had picked up on this so when ever there was an opening, he stretched his wings to block her view. She smiled at him, nuzzled him once more, and the dragon purred. Kall-su had watched the entire exchange with fervent interest, he had every intention to tell Abigail of his findings.

Noise began to get louder as the night progressed further with more wine being passed around than she had cared to see. It made the nobles more impaired which did not bode well for those around her, crimson eyes watched everything from a corner as Yoko had spotted Kall-su in order to dance with him. Elira retreated to a safe place with Zephyr on her shoulder, he dozed but did not fall completely asleep, and she stroked the end of his tail that wound around her neck. Once more she watched everything with intensity, more so than others would have done as they were all drunk, and she was only a handful that were sober. Even Lars was intoxicated a little but she noticed that he kept glancing at her in the corner, he had seen her. Her heart fluttered but she calmed it down just as another pair of nobles stumbled across her path.

Willing herself to meld into the wall, she held her breath as they passed by, she let it out and continued to watch everything. Elira sighed, it was not a party that she was accustomed to but since she didn't remember anything, she wasn't sure if she had been to any parties before this one. She sighed, Perhaps I will be able to leave soon... Once more she stayed in her corner, because a wall against your back was safe as enemies could only come from your front. Something from my past? Perhaps or something I have learned while here in Metallicana. Elira held a small smile on her face just as Kall-su and an intoxicated Rushe began to fight over Yoko but the former was simply shaking his head. Poor Kall, he has so much to deal with Schneider but I do wish I could have spent time with Lars. Another time will present itself. The amnesic found it to be almost unbearable with the cacophony of sounds that were on the rise, so she placed one hand on the wall, and allowed it to guide her out of the room. She pushed open one door, squeezed through the opening, and slipped outside into the chilly night air. Elira shivered in spite of herself but chuckled as Zephyr had awakened and looked around.

"Hello Zephyr, it's a little chilly out and I don't have a cloak," she said to the Argonite, the dragon purred and rubbed his face on her cheek. She smiled, "Thank you for keeping me warm my little Zephyr." He purred and gazed around the dark shadows, "We're safe, don't worry." He looked at her skeptically but still kept his guard up as she walked down the stairs, "So much for having fun. One dance was fun but the melodies are not mine." Orange eyes scanned the darkness while Elira paused at the bottom of the stairs, she could hear that voice, she turned her attention towards the direction of the ocean, the beads in her hair clinked in the quiet air, and she gave a small smile. "Okay. I'll sing for you." Elira stroked Zephyr's tail and began to sing that foreign language, this time, she felt a melody rise out of it. Her feet began to move on their own, she danced with no partner, and simply let the melody guide her every move. It was entrancing to watch, Zephyr closed his eyes and fell into the harmony of her voice, and her movements. When she finished, she was breathing lightly, the dragon opened his eyes once more, and the pair immediately turned to see Kall-su standing at the top of the stairs. She looked away embarrassed and the Ice Lord met her at the bottom. "You saw all that?"

"I saw most of it. You shouldn't hide it."

Elira shrugged, "I'm not sure people would appreciate it."

He shrugged this time and asked, "Why did you leave?"

Crimson irises looked into those icy orbs, "It was far too noisy for me and the drunkards were making me uncomfortable."

"I thought you left because of Lars." She blushed and looked away from the Ice Lord who smiled, "I thought so. Is it because he saw you?"

"Something like that."

"It's alright. I'm sure he won't remember anything tomorrow any way." Elira chuckled which made her blush abate but her head turned towards the gates. "Do you hear some one?"

"Not so much some one as some thing. Like wooden wheels somewhere in the distance."

"That's probably the enemy."

She whipped around, "Enemy? Who?"

"A southern kingdom, nothing to worry about."

"If there is going to be a battle then I'm going to help heal those that need it."

Blue irises looked into those ruby eyes as he asked, "Why?"

"Yoko and Geo saved my life, I will do as much as I can to help Metallicana and the people in it as well as those that defend its walls. This feels like home to me."

Kall gave an almost imperceptible smirk, "Alright then. Do you have any offensive or defensive spells?"

"Plenty. The only question is how much offense or defense do you want?"

"Could you protect all of Metallicana?"

Elira thought for a moment to flip through her book and nodded, "Yes. I do believe that I can help with that." Kall nodded which made her smile, it lit up her eyes while Zephyr only watched the two before returning to napping on her shoulder.

"He's not guarding you?"

"Zephyr knows I'm safe with you," she replied while stroking his tail. The Ice Lord nodded and Elira absent-mindedly muttered, "Why do I feel attracted to water so much? More specifically the sea?"

"It's part of you."

She looked at him and nodded with a grin, "I just wish I knew what that voice was saying."

"One day you will. Would you like to dance one more time? This time, in front of Lars?"

Elira blushed briefly and nodded, Kall-su lead her back inside the noisy room just as a happy song began to play. "I like these songs," she whispered. Kall nodded and lead her out on the dance floor, she curtsied to him while he bowed, and the pair immediately delved right into the song. Elira and Kall-su were swirling around each other, it was almost a magical performance as her beads clinked and her shoes tapped on the floor, Elira was spun around a few more times before the music stopped. There was applause and she curtsied to Kall-su. "That was fun."

"He was watching you very intently, I think he's jealous," he whispered. Elira laughed while the pair headed off the dance floor but were intercepted by a few nobles. One of them grabbed her arm, Zephyr hissed, and released a jet of water. The man stumbled back and Elira's brow darted down in anger, Kall leaned towards her and whispered, "Don't use magic here." She nodded so let Kall pull his sword free while stating coldly, "If you touch her again, I'll slice you from nose to naval without a second thought."

Lars had gotten up from his seat, he wanted to do something to help but found that his judgement was impaired at the moment, he stumbled, and fell back into his seat. He rubbed his head while watching through bleary eyes. The prince felt anger at himself for being so foolish and drinking when the visiting princesses told him to. He ground his teeth together, desperately wanting to wield Heavy Metal to protect Elira but he noticed that her crimson eyes twinkled at him, almost in humor at his state, and he immediately felt his face flush. Lars turned away rubbing his cheeks but still watching her from the corner of his eyes, once she turned away, he turned his gaze back on her form.

Elira put a hand on Kall's sword to lower it, she looked at the nobles, smiled, curtsied, and turned away from them. As she tried to press through them, they blocked her path, she still smiled at them, while she cast a spell. A large water sphere appeared in front of her, others around her body, as a noble tried to get close, the water bubble shoved itself against his abdomen, he fell to the ground, and Elira simply walked through the throng of people unharmed. Kall-su chuckled at her ability while she stood in the doorway of the exit, she curtsied to everyone who had stared, and disappeared down the dark hallway with bubbles trailing after her.

-::::::-

There were many groans around the castle, she had woken up with the sunrise, she was in Geo's chambers, she told him that she would deal with all the people that day with Zephyr. Just as she was finished with a small boy, he hugged her, and thanked her many times before asking if he can pet the little dragon. She looked at Zephyr, the Argonite put his head towards the small boy, the child was ecstatic but careful, when he had his fill, he thanked the dragon and the healer before darting out of the room to tell his friends that he pet a dragon. She laughed, stroked Zephyr under his chin, and called for the next one to come in. She was surprised to see the prince, she immediately stood, curtsied, and motioned for him to sit. He groaned and asked her what she could do for a hangover. Elira laughed, "One moment." She moved foward, his gaze was locked on her chest and the low-cut dress she wore, he felt her palms against his temples, and he closed his eyes at the soothing coolness that emanated from those hands. "All done."

Green eyes fluttered open, he felt cured, "Thank you Elira. You're a blessing."

"I'm not supposed to cure hangovers but I have a hunch that you need a straight head today yes?" She winked at him which made him laugh. "I thought so."

"Can I watch you?" She nodded but he paused to stare at Zephyr who was eyeing him suspiciously. "Who is this regal one?"

"Zephyr, I called him last night to protect me. He's an Argonite."

"Ah, a very clever water dragon. Pleased to meet you Zephyr." The dragon simply nodded his head once to the prince who laughed and took a seat behind Elira in the corner to watch her. He also noticed that Zephyr gauged everyone that entered the room, he decided if they were too close to Elira he would simply shoot a jet of water at their shoulder to let them know that he was watching them. The patients came and went, all happy and grateful to Elira, he watched as she was more careful with the children, and especially with the toddlers that were injured. A soldier entered, there was an arrow in his shoulder, she immediately sat him down, Lars leaned forward to get a better look.

"Please stay still, I need to break the bolt and then pull it through." The soldier nodded, she placed a piece of rolled leather in his mouth, "Bite down as hard as you can and don't let go." The man nodded and she snapped the wood, quickly she pulled it free. The soldier groaned and bit down on the leather, she placed a damp cloth over the wound on both sides, it glowed bright blue before fading out. Leather was removed from his mouth, he moved his shoulder while Elira touched his shoulder to stop his movements. "It may feel healed but it isn't. I simply stopped the bleeding and allowed your body to heal naturally. Keep it in a sling." She turned to the table behind her where Lars was sitting, she fashioned a sling for the man, his arm was placed in it, "Remember. Don't move it for two weeks. It needs to rest, I'll make a poultice for you."

The amnesic began working on the poultice while Zephyr watched the soldier, once it was finished, she strapped it to the spot where the bolt was pulled out, "Keep it there. Feel free to wet it as water will help it heal." The man nodded, thanked her graciously, and left. Elira stood in the entryway and noticed that there was no one else left. "Oh? I'm finished." She turned to look at Lars over her shoulder, "Is there anything that you would like to do Lars?"

He was speechless as she had called him by his name without any title, he immediately grinned, and replied, "Let's go to the gardens." She smiled and nodded as she left a note for Geo that she was finished and would be back in an hour.