The pair had escaped the castle and sought refuge in a cave already known to Dagran. Whilst there both had benefited from the healing spring, albeit in different ways.
Tifa's bruised body had been rejuvenated, and Dagran had finally come to terms with what he wanted.
They were now on their way back to the bar, would they finally get a little rest, or would trouble await their return?
Chapter 12: Bar Brawls and Understandings.
Back at the bar Lowell and Mirana were in a heated discussion. After the commotion at the ball, the healer had feared it had effected Syrenne negatively, so she had offered to walk the bar owners home and examine her friend. At the bar, her sharp senses picked up on the fact that Dagran had been living there. Immediately after Syrenne had gone to bed, she confronted Lowell who began telling her the truth.
''Why do we have to keep his secret?'' Mirania questioned, raising her voice. ''Look at what happened the last time he had secrets!''
''He is our friend, we can't turn our backs on him.'' Lowell immediately responded, but in a calmer fashion. Trying to placate her. ''Yes, some of his actions where wrong, but that doesn't erase the good he has done for all of us...''
They sat in silence for a moment, staring at each other. It wasn't like Mirania was unhappy about Dagran's return, but it brought back painful memories, and she had a hard time forgiving him for killing the general. He had done so in cold blood and lied about it. It had hurt her deeply, that someone she looked up to had lied so easily to her and the others.
The inactive teleportation circle Yurick had placed on the platform of the stairs emitted a harsh light. Both set of eyes were immediately drawn to the platform where they now found Dagran and Tifa. Despite already knowing he was alive, Mirania still stiffened in her seat. Her blue eyes glued to the pair standing a few feet away.
''You, no wait, you're Leonie from the ball!'' Mirania exclaimed in surprise when it dawned on her. Despite looking a little different, she still recognized her. The faded bruises gave her away too. Her eyes narrowed in suspicion when looking at the pair, ''Is she also apart of your revenge, Dagran?''
''Yes, she is, but Mirania, I can explain... ''Dagran said and slowly descended down the steps with Tifa.
''I've already been informed.'' Mirania answered calmly as her gaze shifting to Tifa. ''Did you know that he murdered an innocent man before you decided to help him?''
''Innocent?'' Tifa repeated softly, her eyes widened at the healer's allegation.
Dagran turned to her with a look of grief on his face, ''Yes, innocent...'' He admitted and brushed his hand through his hair, letting out a deep breath, ''Tonight when I was searching the old prison, I came across Asthar's journal in Therius' room. The facts I found years ago where false, he was innocent. The General was indeed in charge of the group of knights who raided my village, but he did not order the attack. Thornton and some men went there on their own volition. He only took the blame out of guilt because his subordinates went out of control.''
''When there is a life at stake, you have to make sure you know all the facts.'' Mirania said softly, but with a honest brutality.
''I did double check every fact!'' Dagran shouted in his defence. ''Every report I came across through out the years stated his name as the one responsible, as did the people I talked to. How the hell was I to know that it was a lie!?'' he slammed his right fist down onto one of the tables. The wood creaked out in protest, only fuelling the anger inside him. ''And for the record, I did not murder the General, I challenged him to a duel to the death, and he lost...''
''So that makes it all right to you?'' Mirania's eyes coldly glared at her former leader. ''And what's worse, you have involved this woman in your mad schemes. I'm glad Zael is unaware of this, he would be so disappointed...''
''Keep me and Zael out of this! I can't speak for him, but I can speak for myself.'' Tifa raised her voice, pushing past Dagran to stand in front of the healer. Her burgundy eyes hardening. ''I believe in Dagran, he did not kill the General in cold blood. He-''
''Uahhgg...'' Dagran groaned painfully and stumbled back into a wall. He held onto his head, panting heavily. His eyes were glowing red when he finally opened them again. A sinister smile formed on his lips.
''It's the outsider's power!'' Mirania gasped in shock, leaping up from the her chair. ''He still has his powers, just like Zael...''
''Back away from him, girls!'' Lowell barked urgently, his blue eyes glued to his best friend. ''Come on mate, we can solve this in a calm fashion...''
''I'll make you understand...'' Dagran snarled darkly, in a voice that sounded much different from his usual self. The voice sounded dark, cracking up hoarsely. Almost like he was overcome with too many emotions at once. He stretched his arm out toward Mirania. ''Last time I never had a chance to...''
Tifa moved in front of him, ignoring the protests from Lowell. She raised both her arms from her sides to protect the healer. Which seemed to just further agitate Dagran, who growled dangerously at her. He stood looming over her. ''Mirania, walk slowly towards Lowell.'' she gently urged the other woman.
''Move!'' Dagran roared angrily down at Tifa. ''This doesn't concern you!''
''Dagran, listen to me. You have to calm down.'' Tifa said softly, looking up into his red eyes. Slowly, she reached out and took one of his hands. ''I'm on your side, please let me help you...''
''Get out of my way!'' He shouted and dragged her behind him by the hand. Red chains started to appear around him. His sole focus was on his shocked friends. He let his chains slither towards them. ''Now where was I? Ah, I was just about to make you listen, wasn't I?''
''Not like this you aren't!'' Tifa spoke from behind him, shoving him hard to the floor. Completely taking him by surprise. Then she tried to to lock his arm behind his back, but his chains wrapped themselves around her arms. ''Hey, no fair!''
That bought enough time for Mirania to run behind Lowell. He watched as Tifa was wrestled to the floor. Dagran straddling her struggling form. ''Dagran stop this!'' He shouted in vain, his plea falling on deaf ears. When the kitchen door creaked he turned in horror to see Syrenne standing here. ''Love, stay back! He's gone out of control!''
''Please listen to us Dagran!'' Syrenne shouted in panic when seeing one of his hands on Tifa's throat. She let herself be held still by Mirania, her arms wrapping around her. ''Don't hurt her...we don't have to fight! Just calm down and we'll talk...''
''Oh really? Now you want to talk?'' Dagran sneered hatefully, his eyes glowing red, brimming with anger. ''Last time you where all hell bent on killing me, not interested in anything but your own convictions...''
''You where right before, this does not concern her, why don't you release her and take me instead?'' Lowell offered as he walked closer to the man. His hands held upwards in surrender.''
Dagran seemed to agree cause the chains unwrapped themselves from Tifa's arms. ''I don't see a problem with that...'' his lips curled into a evil smirk.
Tifa saw the look on Syrenne's face and decided to act. Her eyes met with Syrenne's and she flashed the worried woman a smile. She clenched her fists and then rammed one right in his stomach, and then she slapped him across the face as hard as she could manage.
''You'll be sorry for that!'' He hissed and pinned her down on the floor again. His hands squeezing her arms roughly. He chuckled in delight as she yelped in pain.
''Let her go, I'm right here.'' Lowell tried to reason with the agitated man. He understood why Tifa had attacked him. It was because of Syrenne and the baby, but he could not stand by and let her sacrifice herself for them. He also did not like the way Dagran or the demon looked at her at the moment, like he couldn't decide between killing her or ravish her. ''If you are still in there mate, fight this thing! Don't hurt Tifa, she has been hurt enough...''
Tifa kept her eyes on Dagran's face. By looking into his eyes she could see that he listened to what Lowell said. The real Dagran was trying to fight through! He struggled to gain control over himself, but he was failing. He readjusted his position and conjured up a barrier around them and then focused his entire attention to her. How can I reach through to him!?
''Fight him, Tifa!'' Lowell shouted as he levitated from the floor. Summoning ice to his fingers. The blue sparks floated around him, forming into a spear. He grabbed onto it, ignoring the cold which bit at the insides of his hands. He hesitated, he did not want to hurt his friend. ''You might die if you don't fight him!''
''Are you the same demon which took over him before?'' Tifa asked the man in front of her. She kept searching his eyes, hoping to see a glimpse of the real Dagran. She figured that if she talked to him, then she might gain time to figure out how to bring him back.
''Yes and no, I'm a part of Dagran. I'm some the suppressed emotions and thoughts he never shares.'' He answered her surprisingly truthful.
''Why haven't you emerged before?'' Mirania asked him softly, her arms loosening around Syrenne.
''When he received the power of the red Outsider, the Outsider channelled all his anger after he was provoked by you all and turned him into that monster. It tainted all of his wishes and desires and even some of his thoughts. The Outsider's powers where too much for him, and thus I was born. I am what was left of that monster, but I am still part of him. I always were.'' He explained.
''Okay, but what is it you want? To be in complete control of him?'' Tifa asked him bluntly, not a trace of fear in her voice. Her gaze was steadfast and trusting. ''Or do you just desire to wreck havoc?''
The other Dagran's lips curled into a wolfish grin, which told them that both her assumptions had been correct. ''You're as clever as you are beautiful, Tifa. I can understand why he likes you, but you don't fit into my plans...you're an obstacle I have to remove or you'll ruin things for me.'' He mused calmly, while one of his chains crept slowly towards her neck.
Lowell had made up his mind, he threw the ice spear across the room. He had aimed for Dagran's back, if his aim was true, it would pierce his heart. It connected with the barrier instead, and exploded into a shower of tiny snowflakes. Whatever relief he felt, he shoved away and focused on calling more magic, ''Mirania, try casting silence on him!''
Mirania nodded and began concentrating. Her feet left the floor, slowly levitating up into the air. Her eyes focused on her target, and her voice was barely above a whisper. Green light appeared out of nowhere under the pair on the floor, but before it could manifest itself: it was bounced off and reflected back at her and Lowell.
''This is not our day!'' Lowell growled angrily as he was struck with silence. His magic bound by an unseen rope. His senses feeling it, but was unable to reach it. ''We can't help you, fight him you stubborn woman!''
''Can I tell you something before you kill me?'' Tifa let her body relax as if she surrendered. Which made him let his guard down and loosened his tight grip on her arms. She broke free and wrapped her arms around him, forcing him down closer to her. Caught off guard as he was, he did not fight her, and the curiosity simmering in his crimson eyes made her bolder.
''If you are a part of him then you also share his feelings...'' Tifa whispered softly before pressing her lips against his. She knew she could not take him down in her condition, and if he was serious in killing her then she had to kiss him before dying. His body tensed at first, then with a growl he responded. Kissing her so fervently and with such passion it stunned her completely.
''Now is not the time for romance!'' Syrenne shouted from the doorway. She noticed that the silence spell had worn off, the green circle was gone. ''Now, Attack the barrier!''
''I said fight, not kiss him!'' Lowell shouted as he levitated into the air again. Magic coming to his call, rushing in great torrents around him. This time he conjured a huge ice block and hurled it with all his strength. It crashed against the barrier with a ugly sound booming in their ears. When the snow-like dust settled, a few small cracks were visible on the see through barrier, growing slowly for every second that passed.
Mirania who had kept a close eye on kissing couple immediately noticed the moment Dagran changed back. Relief blossomed in her heart when the barrier finally disappeared. ''Thank goddess! The chains are retreating!'' she cheered happily, clapping her hands. Her previous anger at her former leader seemed completely forgotten.
Dagran who was once again in control of his mind suddenly tensed. He became aware of his current situation, how he was entangled with Tifa on the floor. Her body pressed so close to his that he imagined he could feel her heart beating. Her soft, moist lips where tentatively playing with his own. The sensation sending his insides into utter chaos. Before things went further out of control, he broke their kiss and untangled himself from her. He felt disgusted with himself when seeing the red marks on her arms. Bruises he had inflicted upon her. He did not even dare to look her in the eye as he got up on his feet. ''I...I-'' he stuttered uncertainly.
''Calmed down now, have you?'' Lowell asked asked sternly, his eyes watching his friend like a hawk, even as he helped Tifa up from the floor.
''I'm sorry...everything was just a big...mistake..I should never have-.'' Dagran mumbled incoherently as he rushed out of the bar. Ignoring the many protests coming from his friends.
A silence settled in the bar after his departure. The thick tension which had occupied the establishment moments earlier had disappeared. The four people scattered in the room seemed at a loss for words. Tifa stood staring down at the floor. Her mind was overwhelmed by everything that had happened that day, but what hurt most was the look of disgust she had seen on Dagran's face. Suddenly she no longer felt safe at all. She felt alone.
''I'll go after him.'' Mirania said after a few minuets, breaking the silence. She met Syrenne's gaze and nodded towards Tifa, gesturing for her to talk to her. Then she left in pursuit of their former leader.
''Tifa, you've had a trying day. Why don't you get some rest?'' Lowell tried gently, hoping to erase the heartbroken look on her face. ''We'll take care of him. Everything will be better tomorrow, I'm sure of it.''
When receiving no response from the fist fighter, Syrenne carefully approached her. ''Let's get you into a nice warm bath before getting you settled.'' she gently wrapped her arm around the silent woman, steering her towards the stairs.
Dagran ran down the hill towards the creek. He had come too close to hurting his friends and Tifa. The woman who had had risked everything to help him. And how had I repaid her? I hurt her and practically forced myself on her.
He had fought the other him. He had tried to gain control again. It had felt so strange, like he stood outside his body, watching as someone else controlled it. Or like a pupped being forced by invisible strings. The only good thing about the situation was that he at least knew what it was now. He did not need to fear turning into a monster, but that did not make it less scary. He knew he had issues, but how was he to stop this from happening again?
Tifa...His thoughts returned once again to her. He could still feel the ghost of her lips on his. How wonderfully right it had felt. Her hesitant and a somewhat clumsy kisses effected him more than any other kiss he ever received. What a mess he had made between them! A mere hour ago he had decided to wait before he was a free man before pursuing her. Before he started something between them.
''What should I do?'' He murmured out loud and sad down with his back against the oak tree. He wrapped his arms around his knees, gazing down into the glittering water. The moon's reflection swayed onto the water's surface.
Memories of his childhood flashed in his mind. How happy he had been as a small child, until it all had been taken away from him. In one night, his whole life had changed and everything he held dear had been ripped from him, ''Why could I have not died with my family? If I had things would never have become so messed up...'' He whispered sadly, and for the first time in years – he let himself cry.
Mirania stood silently behind him. His body shook with grief she had never seen before. Her fearless leader who never showed his sorrows or troubles ,were sitting before her crying silently. The strong man, who she always though could never let anything get to him had finally broken down. Her anger was gone, she could see that he really regretted his actions. That he grieved over the wrongs he had committed.
Two years ago she thought he had used them to gain his revenge, but the truth was that it did not concern them. His revenge was between his own conscience and and the promise he made to his family. Mirania bent down and laid a gloved hand on his shoulder, ''I still feel saddened about the general, but I now see that you are sincere and that you made a mistake. I also believe that Asthar would understand.''
''Mirania...'' Dagran murmured embarrassedly, brushing away his tears before looking up at her. Compassion shone in her blue eyes. ''I'm sorry you had to see...that.''
''I'm not, I think I understand you a bit better.'' She replied sweetly and sat down next to him. She smoothed out her dress, and focused her gaze on the water. ''I'm sorry that I took you for granted, all those years. You were always so strong and confident, always putting our needs before your own.''
''I'll do anything for my family.'' He simply answered her, like that one sentence would explain everything. ''I tried to let go of my past but I can't rest until my family's murderer has been punished. I never wanted all of you involved into my personal mess.''
Mirania grabbed his hand and squeezed it comfortingly. She looked into his eyes and gave him one of her rare smiles. ''That's what you did wrong. Had we known we would have wanted to help you. Stop playing so strong and let others help you, OK?''
''I see that now.'' Dagran said smiling at his friend. ''I promise to try.''
''Good.'' She rose onto her feet and brushed of some dirt from her skirts as he also stood up. Their eyes met once more and this time no uncertainty remained between them. The air had been cleared. ''We'd best get some rest, it's been a long day. I'll try to come by tomorrow.''
''I'll see you around.'' He replied and headed back up the hill. When he approached the house, it was dark and no lights were on. He walked through the kitchen door and locked it behind him. Then he continued out into the bar and up the stairs, into his room. Not a sound came from Tifa's room, so he quickly stripped and crawled into bed.
Moonlight shone through the window, bathing the room in a feint light. His thoughts once again returned to the woman sleeping in the other room. Despite what happened tonight, he decided to stick to his plan. He was not in a position to get involved with someone right now, and he refused to risk hurting her again if he went out of control again. He no idea how he would face her in the morning, but that was tomorrow's problem. Maybe it's best if I avoid her for the time being?
Dagran heard the bathroom door open, so he quickly turned on his side pretending to be asleep. He watched through half closed eyes at the woman standing in the door way. He could not see her face very clearly, but he understood that something was wrong. She was panting like she was hyperventilating, and he also noticed that she was fully dressed. Tifa took a few uneasy steps forward, her balance seemed slightly of, but she regained it quickly. She stood there a few more seconds before carefully walking out of the room.
Damn it! I should go after her, but I can't. I'm sorry Tifa, but you're safer not being around me right now...
What would the consequences be from this eventful evening? Would Dagran be able to remain in control of the beast which lurked within him, and could Tifa cope with everything that had happened tonight?
