.hack//SIGN Fan Fiction ❯ Yasashii Yoake (Gentle Dawn) ❯ Captured ( Chapter 5 )

Yasashii Yoake (Gentle Dawn) By Sakura (aka L-sama no Miko)     5: Captured              ;  An angel with spiky blue hair and wings ran through the fossil littered desert, the red jacket he wore flapping in the wind and exposing his tattooed chest. He let out a loud laugh, happy to have finally been able to get away from his duties in Lios. “I thought they’d keep me cooped up in there forever!” he cried joyfully.   ***************   Tsukasa sat at the edge of the bridge spanning the lava filled room, deep in thought over his guardian’s disobedience, failing to hear the footsteps approaching him. “Something the matter?” a voice asked, “Do you need help?” Looking up over his shoulder, the silver haired priest saw a blue haired angel in red clothing standing nearby, a kindly smile on his handsome face. “I’m Crim by the way. I was just passing by when I saw you sitting here by yourself. Sorry if I’m bothering you, it’s just that you look like you’re in a bit of a fix.” The demon priest rose to his feet, annoyed that his peace was yet again disturbed. “Don’t be shy,” the angel continued, “If you need help, then look no further. Besides I think our meeting like this has to be fate.” Tsukasa turned around and glared at him. ‘Does this guy ever shut up?’ he thought. “By that look on your face, you probably don’t want me here, right? Even so, there’s no reason we can’t get acquainted is there? And anyway, a look like that isn’t normal. I can help you know.” “I don’t need your help,” the priest spat back then quickly warped out of the dungeon, leaving Crim utterly stunned. “Looks like I goofed again,” he said sighing, “Well, if you ever do need help, I’ll be around,” he called, however the silver haired boy could no longer hear him. “Damn! I forgot to tell him how to contact me! Just great Crim, how’re you going to help him know?”   *********************   Meanwhile at Dun Loireag, Mimiru stood staring into space. She too had heard the rumors of the guardian’s attack on four mercenaries the day before. “Hey there, babe,” a burly human merc said, coming up to her, “How about you an’ me team up? Whaddya say? I’d show you a good time.” She whirled around and glared at him, “Get lost!” she spat, brandishing her sword. “Easy, toots, I’m just looking for a partner,” he said, holding his hands up defensively. “Well look elsewhere, I’m meeting someone.” “Ok, ok, I got it,” he said leaving. “Jeeze what at b****,” he muttered under his breath. “Sorry for being late,” Bear said coming over to her. He glanced after the retreating merc, concerned for his friend’s current emotional state. It wasn’t like the usually upbeat and friendly Mimiru to snap at total strangers like that. “Where the hell, you’ve been?” she demanded. “What’s wrong, Mimiru, this isn’t like you.” “I’m just worried about Tsukasa,” she replied. “We don’t know for sure if he’s done anything wrong, and now there’s a bounty on his head.” “It’s not up to us. Laws exist for a reason you know.” “I know, but…” “Tsukasa’s the one who’s disregarding the council’s laws.” “I know, Bear!” she shouted, clenching her fists, “but I’m sure he has a reason for acting like he is. Anyway, if this goes on, people’ll start calling him ‘that’ Tsukasa or ‘that’ demon priest or something. It’ll make him a marked man for the rest of his life, he’ll never be able to go anywhere not even in his own country. And that just disgusts me. I don’t want that to happen.” “It’s all happening to quick,” the taller man said, gazing off at the clouds floating at their feet. “So what should we do?” the bronzed girl asked ruefully. “I’ve been wondering that myself. Mimiru, I ask for you to be a bit more patient. I need just a little more time.” “Sure. Just think faster.”   ***************   “Tsukasa has been hiding ever since?” the cobalt haired angel asked. “Yes my lady,” Silver Knight replied, “We were able to gather a lot of information on him at first, however, we were unable to back it up with actual evidence. And now that the bounty on him has been announced, it has become increasingly difficult to gather any more information. Nor has there been any sign of the demon cleric.” “I just hope we can resolve this quietly,” she said sighing. “Forgive me, Lady Subaru, but my experience says otherwise,” the horned knight replied, “It looks to me that he is lying low due to his newly declared outlaw status. However, I’m sure that once it calms down he’ll…” “He’ll what Silver Knight?” she asked, turning to face him. “I am certain he’ll try to make a move again.” “Then I pray it won’t have to come to that,” she said hanging he head worriedly. Suddenly a multicolored bird landed on her shoulder and whispered into her ear. She stiffened slightly, but was relieved when the bird flew off, not waiting for a reply. “My lady?” Silver Knight queried, noticing the sudden change. “Nan demo nai (It’s nothing),” she said, giving him her best fake smile. “I believe I’ll go take a look at the other cities today.” She started to disembark as the gondola came to a stop at a dock. “Allow me to arrange an escort, my lady.” “Thank you, but it is unnecessary.” “But my lady!” the horned man protested. “I do not wish to be conspicuous Silver Knight. I will go alone.” Sighing, the second in command of the Crimson Knights allowed her to pass. He knew all too well that when Lady Subaru made up her mind about something, there was no making her see otherwise.   *******************   B.T. stood in the monolith littered field, gazing up at the moon, also thinking about the current situation the demon priest had gotten himself into. Suddenly she felt someone watching her. She then began running, weaving in and out between the monoliths. Glancing to her side, she saw the silhouette of an all too familiar demon running along side her. She stopped shortly and raised her staff at one of the monoliths, giving a slight yell. However, there was no one there. She stiffened when she heard the snikt of a blade being drawn and glanced out the corner of her eye seeing the demon’s twin blade inches away from her cheek. “Miss me?” Sora purred into the blonde angel’s ear. “Thanks for the message, by the way.” “I’m not here to fight,” she said, lowering her staff. “Aww, you’re no fun,” pouted the green haired demon. “Get that thing out of my way,” she huffed, hitting the rocky ground with her staff, “You know I can’t beat you, even in a fair fight.” “Oh ho?” he said, sheathing his blades. “Then what did you call me out here for if not a rematch?” “I knew you’d be unable to resist showing up if I called,” she replied smirking. “Maybe I’m like the prize in a box of Cracker Jacks.” “What?” she asked. “You want the prize but you have to by the candy to get it,” he answered backing off. “I hate sweets. I’m offering an exchange.” “It’s not an exchange unless both of us have something of equal value to offer,” he said sitting on a nearby rock. “Alright then call it a deal.” “A one-way one?” “From my side,” she replied, refusing to look at the smug demon. “Hmm… how interesting. So what are you up to, hmm?” “I’m going to lure that priest out of hiding. All you have to do is listen in.” “That’s not really it is it? What do you want from me, my dear miss angel?” “Look, do you want to hear what I have to say to him or not?” “I don’t do deals, you should have known that.” “Oh is that so? You must not have many friends then,” she retorted. “Then we’re the same. By the looks of things, you don’t have many either.” B.T bristled, not liking being reminded of her current marital status – which was none. “If you’re not going to listen, then I’m leaving.” “Why don’t you tell me what you’re going to say to him, hmm?” “Y-You’re such a…” “Bastard?” he finished for her. “That’s just the way I am,” he said proudly, grinning like a Cheshire cat.   *************   The cobalt haired angel paced back and forth in the dungeon’s throne room nervously. She hadn’t told anyone of the meeting in this place and she was worried that Silver Knight would have sent someone to tail her behind her back. She jumped as the doors flew open. “Sorry I’m late,” a blue haired angel in crimson clothing said, entering the throne room. “Those guys back home really know how to keep a person busy. So that’s why I haven’t been around much.” He paused in his rambling when she didn’t acknowledge him. “Was it wrong of me to have called you out like this? I knew it! I was interrupting something right?” He then stopped completely when Subaru’s solemn looking face refused to change. There was an awkward silence between the two angels. He sighed, realizing it was a mistake for contacting her – they didn’t exactly part on good terms the last time, and that was when he left the Crimson Knights. “Sorry for bothering you, I just wanted to see your face again since it’s been so long since I’ve been able to leave Lios. I’ll see you around.” He then began to leave. “Crim, the Shinku no Raikou (Crimson Lightning),” she finally said, “you haven’t changed one bit.” He paused, smiling at her over his shoulder, “Well that’s just me.” She returned the smile with one of her own, albeit a slightly sad one. “I’m sorry for not responding,” she said, as he came back into the room, “I was with Silver Knight at the time.” “Oh. So how’s he doing these days?” “He’s like you, still the same.” “Good to hear. Then the knights are in good hands still. Subaru, what’s wrong?” he asked when her sullen look returned to her face, “What happened?” “I should have remembered,” she replied, turning away, “You never were one to pay attention to the council’s proclamations and announcements.” “So?” “I’m glad you came though, it’ll make it easier for me. I must be going now.” She then started for the opposite doors. “Subaru!” he called, “I may not be the Silver Knight, but I’ll always be there for you, just as anyone in the kingdoms and Lios would. I’d do almost anything for you.” She turned, giving him a grateful smile and a tiny chuckle before going back through the other doors. “You’re still hesitating,” he said, knowing full well she wouldn’t be able to hear him. “Just what is going on Subaru? What’s so bad that you have to be like this?” He began to leave the throne room, him himself no longer having any reason to remain. Then it hit him. “Of course!” he said, silently berating himself. “The council must have made some kind of announcement!”   ***************   The cherub’s field this time was filled with huge thorny plants, each thorn the size of a person’s head. Tsukasa rose to his feet after sitting on a small patch of grass since his meeting with the red clothed angel. He swung his staff at a pair of bushes in frustration. Ever since learning about the bounty on his head and his guardian’s disobedience, the silver haired priest had been forced to constantly warp from place to place as soon as it looked like anyone was coming near. He whirled around upon hearing someone warp in and saw the purple and grey cat hovering above the foot of the sleeping angel’s bed. He gave the cat a smile in greeting. However, it wasn’t returned. The cat would only stare at him, a sad look on her usually cheerful face. “Mother’s mad at me isn’t she?” he asked. <<She is not pleased about the other day, Tsukasa-sama,>> Macha said, grimly. “But… It’s his fault! The guardian wouldn’t listen to my orders!” he protested. “D-Don’t take him away Macha! I-I don’t want you to give him to someone else!” Macha smiled, gently. <<Silly boy,>> she said, <<She’s just concerned because you’re not strong enough yet.>> “Because… I’m weak?” he queried. <<Your heart is weak, Tsukasa-sama.>> “My heart?” <<She is only doing what she feels is necessary to protect this place.>> “But it’s not really worth protecting,” he said, glancing around. He could see no dungeons, no treasures. So why bother protecting such a worthless place? Macha floated over to the demon priest and began whispering in his ear. “Oh!” he cried finally understanding. “I get it now.”   **************************    “You really didn’t have to wait,” the cobalt haired angel said as she returned to Mac Anu. “Of course not, my lady,” Silver Knight replied, “but that demon said he wishes to talk to you about Tsukasa.” Nodding, she allowed the taller knight lead her through the streets of the aqua capital. “Ta-da!” a green haired black clad demon crowed as he did a flip landing in front of them. The horned knight frowned and glared at him for still not showing his commander any respect. Subaru just ignored the flashy demon, tolerating him for the time being. After all he was proving useful. “Silver Knight has told me you have a way to lure the priest out,” she said.  “Yup!” he chirped. “So want me to tell you?” “No thank you,” she answered, walking past him. A rather stunned Silver Knight followed, giving him a look of utter disgust. “So that’s your game,” he mused watching them leave before going his own way.   *****************************   “What’s up?” a scantily clad merc said, sitting next to a beautiful blonde angel. “It’s not like you to call us, B.T.” “I have something to tell you, and I wanted to tell you in person,” she replied. “Oh? Well, what is it?” B.T. waited until a couple of male mercenaries passed by waving hello as they went. “Is it, you know, hush-hush?” The blonde stared at the floating clouds below them. “Someone I know told me this,” she began. “Something about Tsukasa’s monster.” “That dumbbell thingy right?” Mimiru queried. “So that’s what it looks like,” she mused before going on. “Anyway, they said that he’s not the only one with a monster like that.” The bronzed girl gasped. “My friend said he saw a Heavy Blade walking around with that monster following him.” “So what does it mean? You don’t think that Heavy Blade also has amnesia like Tsukasa do you?” “I don’t think so, but it is rather strange.” “Anyway, why tell me?” “Wouldn’t he want to know too?” she asked, a mischievous glint in her emerald eyes. “Yeah, he would,” piped Mimiru, realizing what the blonde was up to. “I’d tell him myself, but I don’t really know how to contact him.” “So any idea where I might find that Heavy Blade?” “He’s always in the same place, as if he’s waiting for something. Maybe Tsukasa?” “So where is it?” The blonde looked around before leaning over to her companion and whispered the keywords into her ear.   ********************   “No doubt about it, that delightful little tale will reach him,” the green haired demon said. “You have a way to contact him?!” the taller horned man asked incredulously. “Sore wa hi-mi-tsu, (That’s a secret)” he replied smirking. Silver Knight grunted irritatedly. ‘Doesn’t he ever get serious?’ he fumed. “Don’t believe me?” the demon assassin asked, “Then there’s nothing more to talk about is there?” He turned to leave. “Matte (Wait)!” called the knight, making Sora pause. “What about after he finds out?” “Must I spell everything out to you, little Silver Knight?” He received another irritated grunt. “Our dear Tsukasa thinks he’s the big man now, so why is that hmm?” “Because of that abomination of his.” “Bingo! Now if there were to be someone else with the same monster, little Tsukasa wouldn’t be so special now would he?” “You’re certain the priest will come to confirm that story?” “Yup!” “Where do you think he’d be going?” “Easy. You sure your knights can handle it though?” “Do not mock the Crimson Knights, demon,” he warned, starting to leave. “Forgetting something are we?” called the green haired demon. The horned knight ‘hmm’ed in response. “I thought that the great Silver Knight valued obedience and rewarded cooperation.” “My thanks,” the knight replied as he continued to walk away. ‘Oh ho,’ mused the demon, ‘not as shiny as your armor are you Sir Knight?’ He began to grin like a Cheshire cat at that juicy bit of news.   ***************    “I can’t help think I made a mistake,” Mimiru said as she and Bear warped into a snow covered field. “We can’t do anything now that we’ve called him,” the painted man countered. “How about we just wait?” “Nah,” she said, heading toward the dungeon, “Let’s check the dungeon first.”   *********************   Meanwhile, a demon and a knight stood upon the dungeon’s ramparts, waiting for a certain silver haired priest to show himself. “Everything is ready, sir,” announced another knight, kneeling behind them. “And the men? Are there enough?” Silver Knight inquired. “We were able to round up two extra squads,” was the reply. The second in command of the Crimson Knights nodded. “Leave one squad here and have one guard the other side,” he commanded. “Yes sir.” “Why the other side?” Sora asked genuinely curious. “Must I spell everything out to you, little demon?” he spat, throwing the demon’s earlier words back at him, smirking. “I have a plan.” “You do, do you?” He attempted to leap off the wall, but the horned man, grabbed hold of him. “Just where do you think you’re going?” he asked. “I’m getting me a front row seat,” he replied brushing him off and flipping down onto the snow covered ground below.   *******************   “Lady Subaru,” a cadet began, kneeling before her. “The captain has commanded we escort you there.” “Silver Knight?” she queried, “Are you sure that’s what he said?”   **********************   Back at the snow field, the green haired demon landed on top of a lonely tower next to the blonde angel who had already been there for some time. “Hello there, miss lovely angel,” he chirped. “Think you can steal Tsukasa away from them?” she asked. “Change of plan, my dear. I’d rather watch,” he replied. “That’s not like you,” she mused. “Oh, they’re keeping watch in another field too. And I believe they’ve got a kekkai (barrier) up around here as well. What I found out is once they catch the priest, they’re gonna send him straight to that other field. Or so it seems.” “Once he’s away from that monster, then he’d be powerless,” B.T. said, narrowing her eyes. “If they do have a kekkai up, then he won’t be able to warp or cast any summoning spells. Looks like they’re not stupid humans after all.” “My my, a compliment? From you?” the demon sneered.   ******************   “So far no Heavy Blade or ‘guardian’,” the female merc said, after returning from the dungeon with her taller partner. “Maybe he went somewhere else,” suggested Bear, “But I’m beginning to believe that your Heavy Blade never existed to begin with.” “Are you saying that she lied to me?” “Looks like it,” he replied grimly. “B-But why?!” “Tell Tsukasa not to come here!” Bear demanded suddenly, startling the tanned girl. “It’s a trap!”   *********************   However, even if Mimiru had gotten hold of a messenger bird, it never would have reached the silver haired demon in time. For Tsukasa had already warped into the kekkai bound field. “Tsukasa!” she called, running over to him, only to have Bear hold her back. Motioning around them, Mirmiru gasped as dozens of armor clad knights lay in waiting, ready to pounce on their prey. “It’s a trap!!!” he yelled, “Leave now!!!” “It’s time for our little show!” cried a blonde angel from high above a nearby tower. B.T. raised her staff. “So be it,” the silver haired priest countered, raising his own staff to summon his guardian. The golden dumbbell appeared above his head, waiting for orders. Suddenly a few chunks of snow fell from the above, alerting Tsukasa to the presence of an enemy. “To arms, men!” called Silver Knight as he appeared, his own weapon drawn. The silver haired boy gasped in fear as he was suddenly surrounded by dozens of knights, each one pointing his sword straight at him. “In the name of the Crimson Knights, we hereby place you under arrest!” shouted their commander. “Come quietly or…” “Back for more I see,” retorted the demon. “What?!” “Did you want to play with my guardian again?” he asked, smirking as he remembered how the monster pwned the armored man. “If that’s the way you’re going to be then, prepare yourself!” The knights slowly inched closer. However, Tsukasa just smiled serenely as he slammed his staff onto the snow under his feet. The dumbbell howled then began thrusting its tentacles at them when the knights began to charge, several giving battle cries. The humans were swatted away like flies, and snow flew in all direction as those remaining dodged out of the way.             “You humans don’t scare me,” sneered Tsukasa, “You’re pathetic. At this rate, I’ll be long gone before you can catch me.” “Circle around him!” Silver Knight commanded, leaping from the dungeon and joining the fray. He dodged the guardian’s tentacle only to lose his footing and slide down the small slope, landing on his rear. “Don’t be stupid!” called Bear, running over to him, “Call your men off!” “I never take an order once it’s been given,” spat the knight. “You’re an idiot!” Mimiru shot back. “Someone, anyone!” cried the horned knight, “bind his body!” “What is the meaning of this Silver Kngiht?!” a cobalt haired angel demanded as she warped not too far from the battle. Curious, Tsukasa turned to see who had interrupted his fun. Amethyst met bronze. He was stunned to see the loneliness hidden deep behind the determination and authority in those eyes. “I don’t recall ever ordering such an attack of this nature!” reprimanded Subaru. She began walking toward the priest. Tsukasa’s guardian then shot another tentacle at her, but one of the knights escorting her, leapt in its path, causing himself to be impaled on the golden appendage. He screamed in agony as the tentacle glowed with an iridescent light. It felt as if his soul was being torn apart. The silver haired priest smirked as the tentacle retreated and the knight fell to the ground very much like a discarded rag doll. There were several gasps from those watching. “Move!!!” cried a new voice. Turning, they saw a crimson clothed angel with spiky blue hair and wings riding a grunty, his spear held in battle formation at his side. “Move before you get trampled!” he called again. “What are you doing here, Lord Crim?!” asked a very surprised Silver Knight. Tsukasa whirled around to face the newcomer and the dumbbell monster shot its tentacles at the angel, who nimbly dodged them, charging ever closer. The silver haired priest gasped, recognizing the man he’d met earlier that day. “This time, it’s your fault,” scolded Crim, “This is what bad little boys get when they go too far. Didn’t your parents tell you that?! It’s time for you to own up to what you’ve done!” He began circling around the stunned demon. He leapt off his grunty and flipped in mid air as the guardian threw a ‘bomb’ at him. He thrust his spear at the boy and Tsukasa blocked the potentially deadly weapon with his staff. However, the force of the angel’s strike sent him flying backwards. The silver haired priest stumbled and landed face down into the snow. “Now!” shouted Crim, “Quickly! Bind him!” The remaining knights rushed and dog-piled him. Several grabbing hold of his arms and legs, rendering him immovable. He began to thrash when he felt not so gentle hands force his head back onto the ground. “NO!” cried the demon, struggling against the knights’ fierce grips. “This has to be a nightmare!” Up on the tower, the blonde angel, grimaced at the sight below. She felt a sharp pain of guilt run through her as she continued to watch the humans’ treatment of the boy. Within moments, the silver haired demon was subdued and warped away to the other field Sora had spoken of. “Tsukasa!” Mimiru cried, rushing over to where he had been moments before only to be blocked again, this time by Silver Knight’s sword. Lady Subaru stared disapprovingly at the sight as the ‘guardian’ let out a mournful howl at its master’s capture before disappearing. The horned knight lowered his sword. “Ninmu kanryou (Mission Complete),” he said, feeling rather proud of himself. He had finally gotten revenge on that brat of a demon for humiliating him like that. The cobalt haired angel glared at her second in command, trying her best to hide the immense fear she felt upon seeing the monster in action for herself.     **********************      &nbs p;        “Let me go you bastards!!” cried the silver haired demon as a heavily armed squad dragged him kicking and screaming through the area’s dungeon. “Get your paws off me you damned dirty humans! Let me gooooooooooooooooo!!!!!!!!!!        &nbs p;    ~TBC!!!~     Sakura: Waaaaaaahhhhhhhhh!!!! My poor Tsukasa!!!!! Damn that Silver Knight!!!! Anyhoo, I neeeeeeeed feedback minna, so don’t be afraid to give me some, ‘k? Oh yeah, if you can get the movie reference at the very end here, you’ll get your name mentioned in the next part. Here’s a hint for you younger folks – it was remade with Mark Walhberg. ^_^