Sorcerer Hunters Fan Fiction ❯ Catharsis ❯ Chapter 3
[ Y - Young Adult: Not suitable for readers under 16 ]
By: tenohikari 
Anime/Manga: Sorcerer Hunters Fan Fiction | Genre(s): Action / Angst / Comedy / Hentai / Mystery / Suspense | Type: Continuation | Uploaded On: 09.16.2002 | Pages: 4 | Words: 4.6K | Visits: 279 | Status: Completed
Anime/Manga: Sorcerer Hunters Fan Fiction | Genre(s): Action / Angst / Comedy / Hentai / Mystery / Suspense | Type: Continuation | Uploaded On: 09.16.2002 | Pages: 4 | Words: 4.6K | Visits: 279 | Status: Completed
Catharsis
Written By: Teno Hikari
email: teno_hikari@yahoo.com / tenohikari@cs.com
Beta-read By: Hatsy (bluepard@adelphia.net)
Disclaimer: I don't own Bakuretsu Hunters ... just this story
Summary: After his confrontation with the evil sorcerer, Zaha Torte; Carrot Glace finds himself changing ... but is it for better or worse? Takes place during 'Sorcerer's Revenge' (the second season of the TV series - I believe) after Episode 15 - 'Until we meet again'. I'll try and be as accurate as possible even though I haven't seen the anime or read the manga for a few years.
Warning: Violence, adult situations, and yaoi - you've been warned.
**********
Drowning deep in my sea of loathing
Broken your servant I kneel ...
(Will you give in to me?)
It seems what's left of my human side
Is slowly changing in me ...
(Will you give in to me?)
Looking at my own reflection when suddenly it changes
violently it changes
There is no turning back now you've woken up the demon in me....
-Disturbd 'Down with the sickness'
**********
The first thought that comes to my mind when I wake is: why did I have to wake up?! It's been awhile since I had a restful night's sleep that didn't have any haunting dreams of dark sorcerers and past trauma that I can't even remember. If I couldn't remember it, then it must not have existed, right? Still...that familiar near- death scene plagues my mind: a sword raised above my head. That time on the mountain, I was overcome with terror ... and a frightening sense of deja vu.
"Carrot?"
My eyes lock onto Dotta, who stands at the side of the bed, smiling slightly, but with a hint of worry on her face. I give her a small grin before sitting up in bed ... bed ... who's bed am I in? Am I still at the church? Wait ... when did I go to sleep? My memory is so fuzzy ...
"Morning, Dotta," I say, yawning and stretching my limbs before taking in the unfamiliar bedroom. I think I'm still at the church ... either that or a fancy hotel.
"It's nighttime, silly," Dotta giggles. "You've slept throughout the day. Big Mamma wanted me to check up on you before I went to bed. I'm sorry I woke you."
"Oh ... that's okay."
She looks at me expectantly, perhaps waiting for me to say something perverted, like asking for an invitation to join her. But the thought hadn't even crossed my mind. I slept through the day? Was I really that tired after reporting to Big Mamma and her Haz Knight?
"Ne, Dotta?"
"Yes?"
"Are the others back yet?"
"Uh, no," She shakes her head. "But I'm sure they'll be finished with the case soon..."
"What's it about?" I ask while smoothing over my sleep tousled hair. I really hope they can handle it ... but, then again, they usually do. I'm the only one out of the group who can't handle my own unless the enemy blasts me with magic. Then, for my troubles, I get beaten down once again ... it's not my fault I can't control my transformation.
"Well, there's been disappearances at the town you guys were at last."
"Oh."
"Carrot?" She hovers over me slightly. "Are you okay? Maybe you should go back to sleep."
"I'm fine, Dotta," I tell her, climbing out of the large and comfortable bed. "Just a little hungry."
"I thought so," She smiles. "Dinner is being served in the dining hall, I'll go with you if you want some company."
I smile, pulling my boots on, but leaving the sword and sheath behind. "That's okay. Thanks for the offer, though ... but you should probably go to bed."
"Carrot?"
"Hmmm?"
Dotta reaches out and places a hand on my forehead. "You don't seem sick ... are you sure you're okay?"
"I'm fine," I repeat, assuring the winged girl with one of my wide and goofy smiles. "Just need some food, that'll perk me right up."
"Uh, okay," She is still looking at me as if I have grown a second head. "Don't drink too much, all right?"
"Only enough to get me drunk!" I give her a wink before running out of the room, laughing. However, once I am down the hallway, after turning a corridor that looks familiar, I stop my facade. The smile melts away, and the happy laughter dies in my throat. I really don't plan on getting drunk, not when I'm in this condition and by myself. Maybe Big Mamma will want to eat with me ... does she even eat at all?
Man... I hate being alone. No one to talk to around this place ... and, honestly, I wanted Dotta's company. But, when she mentioned that she was going to bed, I could see the tired look on her face. As far as I know, I believe Dotta is Big Mamma's only servant who does the chores for this place. Just can't picture any of the Haz Knights in their full armor, dusting around Stellar Church.
The main hall doors are slightly open when I reach them. Maybe the others came back, and Dotta wasn't there for their arrival. A smile forms once more on my face, and I'm about to enter until I hear voices...voices that did not belong to any of my teammates. Okay there must be a meeting going on, which means that Big Mamma is busy, and I should probably leave and not bother her. I also don't think she'll be a pleasant dinner companion either, not by the sound of her raised voice. It's weird ... I've never heard Mamma raise her
voice in anger before. She must be really mad ... hopefully not at me. But, why would she be, after telling me she wasn't? Well, I think it's time to go eat ...
"Your way is foolish, woman!"
I freeze in my tracks. The sounds of my breathing along with the beating of my heart seem to stop all together. That voice, his voice...please, God, let this be a nightmare. It has to be, there's no way he could be here at the church right now!
I lean back a little and peek through the small crack between the open doors. Who is this guy who stalks my nightmares and is now arguing with Big Mamma? My eyes scan around the room and see Mamma standing in the place she's always in, her gentle face is frowning at their 'guest,' whose back is to me. The Haz Knights are fully assembled before her, weapons drawn against the single man who stands in the center of the room. I take in that familiar black cape, the shoulder length dark hair, and forget to breathe again. He's here ... he's really here again ... why aren't they trying to kill him this time?!
"Release them at once!" Mamma commands, her voice threatening. I didn't believe it was possible for her to sound threatening and cold.
Even with his back to me, I can almost see him smiling by the tone of his dark voice. "I will let your lost herd of sheep go ... only if you give me what is mine."
Big Mamma glares at him. "He is not owned by you or anyone else, Zaha Torte!"
Who are they talking about? So, the creepy soul sucking sorcerer has a name after all. Zaha Torte. Why does it sound so familiar? Why does everything seem so damn familiar?! And why the hell can't I remember any of it?!
Lost in my thoughts, that's when I lose my footing while leaning against the door, stumbling noisily into the room and grabbing everyone's attention. Attention I didn't want. Catching myself from falling flat on my face, I look up to see their expressions. Big Mamma looks shocked and horrified, the Haz Knights tense, and the smile that I had pictured on the sorcerer's face got wider.
"Once again you are wrong, Great Holy Mother," Zaha Torte says mockingly. "Carrot Glace belongs to me."
***************
Chapter Three
***************
Violet eyes are on me the moment I wake again. Once I see the owner of those eyes, I scream and try to get away. The problem is, my naked body doesn't want to move as it's pinned down by another body ontop of me . Wait a second... *my* naked body?! Slowly, I tear my gaze away from his and take in the fact that he's not wearing anything else either. My cheeks begin to glow with a red blush as blood rushes to them and down between my legs where my arousal is beginning to stir awake. Oh God.
He leans over me, dark hair brushes against my skin as his lips are millimeters away from mine. Unlike the time at the Inn, the kiss is ensnaring and long, forcing his tongue down my throat as if he wants me to swallow it. His hands are busy too, one threaded through my short black hair while the other is wandering down my stomach to my .... Oh God...Oh God!
I cry out into his mouth while trying to jerk my hips away as his hand closes around me. He pulls his head back, eyes narrowed in silent amusement, and runs a tongue across his warm lips. Breathing heavily as my eyes scan around the room, and I wonder what happened to Big Mamma and the Haz Knights. They aren't there, I'm terrified and relieved at the same time. But, we are no longer in that room ... nor the church. No ... we are ... we are ... back on the mountain. No, not the place where we met, that mountain was destroyed
didn't have stone pillars.
The sound of crackling fire is close by, and he's laying on top of me like that night. But now, he is awake, there are no twinkling stars in the sky and most important: we are both fully naked. His larger frame is pressing me firmly against the soft ground. Soft ... too soft. I look over to the side and notice that it's not the rocky and dirt covered ground we're on, but a bed. Okay ... nudity, a man on top of you, and a bed ... there's something wrong with this picture - all of it's wrong!
"Get off me!" I finally shout after finding my voice.
The amusement on his face doesn't waver. "And why should I do that?" he asks, removing his hand from my groin, to my relief. "I believe you liked the feeling of me against you..."
"I ... I ... I didn't!" I can't see my face, but I know it is glowing red.
"Children shouldn't lie to their elders," he says, glaring a little. "Servants should be punished for lying to their masters..."
I forget the position I'm in for a mere second to scream out my rage. "I'm not your servant, you creep! I don't have 'property of evil sorcerer' on my back!"
He smiles, "Have you checked your lips?"
"Huh?"
An evil grin spreads across his face before he leans his head back down to kiss me again.
'You are mine.'
I let out a loud gasp, and my eyes widen in fear as my legs are parted around his middle. Oh God ... not this! Not with this man! Heart banging against my chest, my vision is awash with red. I'm screaming my lungs out now, thrashing against his grip and flailing my arms around wildly. Strong hands pin my shoulders to the bed, and I lose it. Bearing my teeth like some ferocious, blood thirsty animal, I use my fingers to claw at his face and bring my legs up to kick him in his rip cage. A surprised gasp is torn from his throat
when he is shoved backwards away from me, then I pounce ready to kill...
********
"CARROT!"
I blink and the image of Zaha Torte and that dark and unfamiliar place shatters like glass. White light fills my vision, melting away the red. I find myself simply staring at the stranger who is sitting at the foot of the bed I am sleeping in. Huh? The bed I am still sleeping in? Was it all just a dream? I blink a few more times, looking around the familiar room where I was sleeping at the Church. I'm wearing my clothes, and there's no dark sorcerer in sight. He's not here ... it was just a nightmare ... another twisted fucking ... uhh, wrong choice of words. Then, I start to shake while beginning to hyperventilate, and my eyes start to water. What the hell is happening to me?!
Strong arms encircle my trembling form, and a gentle hand rubs the back of my head. Having no control over my own body, my face buries itself in long locks of beautiful emerald hair. A choked sob escapes my throat while I spill uncontrollable tears to soak into the fabric of his shirt.
"Shhh," the stranger murmurs into my ear while rubbing soothing circles across my back. "It's all right, it was only a nightmare, Carrot. It's okay."
He begins to assure me with comforting words that my ears seem to drown out.
My mind just blanks. It's pretty easy to do. Just simply stare ahead at nothing, think nothing, feel nothing. Just shut everything out.
Blank, blank, blankety, blank.
Several minutes filled with blankness later, the taller man pushes me back gently to see my blank stare. He frowns ... where have I seen those aqua colored eyes before? And those crimson lips? Why is he wearing lipstick anyway? Is that a bow in his hair?
"Carrot," He shakes me a little. "Talk to me."
Talk to you? I don't even know you ... I don't know anything anymore.
"Who...?" I ask, wincing as my voice cracks.
"Milphey Yu, a fellow worker for Big Mamma," he answers, reaching back to the night stand and handing me a glass of water.
Water...?
[ "An exchange ... you leave that hot babe to me and I'll get you all the water you want." ]
My muscles turn to jelly and the glass nearly falls out of my hand, but for the stranger...er Milphey. His eyes soften as he helps me drink while I curse my weakness. This guy looks way too girly and very familiar. There's that word again: familiar. Something I should know but can't remember. I think I hate that word.
Realization hits me like Tira's mallet. Before falling asleep the first time at the church, my vision was filled with white ... the same when I awoke from my freaky realistic nightmare. White, the color of purity ... the color of the armor belonging to the leader of Big Mamma's Haz Knights! This guy ... this guy is ...!
"Feeling better now?" he asks, smiling pleasantly while retrieving the empty glass. "You've slept throughout the day, and I came to wake you for dinner."
"Dinner?" I croak. Didn't Dotta tell me the same thing? Or was that part of the dream too? My brain hurts ... "Are the others back yet?"
"No," he answers, standing up from the bed. "But they did complete their mission without much difficulty. I believe you will see them tomorrow when they return to the church."
"Tomorrow?" Why do I feel like a stupid parrot? "Are you sure everything is okay? How come they're not coming back tonight?"
"Because it's almost midnight," says Milphey, "It's late, and they're probably exhausted after their case."
I feel slightly guilty about this. They're out there stopping evil, and I'm here crying like a baby from some bad dream. A hand reaches out towards me, and I follow it towards the Haz Knight's comforting smile.
"You must be hungry," he says, "Please, join me for dinner."
Nodding numbly, I slip my hand into his.
********
"Here you go, Carrot, more sugar this time - just the way you like it."
"Thank you."
Dotta, who is still up at this late hour, happily serves me a third cup of coffee. She has even gone to the trouble of preparing my favorite foods, and it makes me feel even guiltier that I only ate a couple bites. Normally, I would be wolfing down the delicious home cooked meal in minutes ... but I am feeling far from 'normal' these miserable days and nightmare filled nights.
It's not as if I'm starving, I am practically drooling over the food, it's just that eating too much makes you sleepy. After my dream - correction: nightmare - of Zaha in bed with me ... I don't think I ever want to fall asleep again. So now, I am drinking down coffee instead of wine, feeling more awake than ever ... at least I think I'm awake this time...or this is just part of another dream.
"Want some dessert, Carrot?" asks Dotta as she collects my barely touched dinner and frowns on it. "It's Devil's chocolate cake and chocolate chip ice cream."
Sweets sound appealing, but then I get this flash of me running around the church with a huge sugar high and annoying the hell out of everyone. A lot of running around would tire me out quickly ... so ... "No thanks, Dotta."
The winged girl nearly drops the stack of plates she is carrying while staring at me with wide cat-like eyes. "Carrot, are you okay?! You're not acting like yourself! I know you were injured a lot the past few days but ... you're not dying, are you?!"
I almost want to laugh. Dying? Me? I sort of wish I was. I'm acting and thinking strangely. I found out that I may be attracted to men, and I'm having scary dreams of a sorcerer who wants to kill me. Nope, I'm not dying ... just going insane. Milphey clears his throat after taking a sip of his wine, then looks over to Dotta who is gaping at me openly.
She catches the look of disapproval on the Haz Knight's face and flutters out of the dining room to wash the dishes. I take another gulp of coffee, not caring that it's steaming hot and burns going down. The extra caffeine and sugar make me feel energetic enough that I want to run around the entire Spooner Continent looking for pretty women ... hell, even pretty men ...I just need to get out of here and do something before I explode!
Smiling widely, I bounce out of my chair - yes, bounce - and on to my feet. "WellI'mgonnagonowlater!"
"Wait, where are you going?" asks Milphey. I'm halfway out the door in seconds.
Spinning around on my heel so fast that I almost fall over, I turn to face him. Where am I going? Oh, that's right ... I'm going out to ... uh. "Out to get some fresh air," I say a little slower this time. Am I hopping up and down? The Haz Knight gives me a comical expression before rising out of his seat.
"Mind if I join you?"
"Sure! Sure!" I wave impatiently. "Let's go!"
I briefly wonder why this guy wants to hang around with me, especially when I'm in my crazy sugar rush mood. Did Big Mamma ask him to? Or is he hanging out with me because he wants to? All questions seem to disappear from my mind when we step outside of Stellar Church.
"Nice night, ne?" I ask, looking over my shoulder to see him staring at the stars.
He nods in agreement. "Yes."
The stars aren't twinkling like they had been that night on the mountain. They seem dim and far away, almost invisible in the darkness. The cool breeze makes me shiver a little before the sugar in my blood acts up again, reminding me that I'm still in hyper mode. I have the sudden urge to jump into ice cold water again.
Milphey clears his throat. "Carrot?"
"Yeah?" I look around the dark forests surrounding the church and wonder if there is a pond or a lake nearby.
"Do you remember the nightmare you had today?" he asks, brushing curly aqua bangs from his eyes, "Could you tell me about it?"
I turn my gaze away from him so he can't see the deep scarlet blush on my face. Sure, I'll tell you! I was dreaming about having sex with one of our enemies...wanna go swimming? I don't think either Milphey or Big Mamma will like that. They'll probably think I'm infatuated or something...or just insane.
"Sorry," I say after a few minutes. "I was trying to remember but I can't..."
"I see," he says slowly, "How often do your nightmares happen?"
Often? They never stop! Ever since I met that man, he's always in my dreams! Sometimes he trying to kill me, and sometimes ... he's doing other things. Things that make me shudder. But they're just dreams ... dreams can't kill you ... dreams can't rape you ... right?
"Not often," I answer, shrugging my hands into my pockets. I just hope to God that the Haz Knight believes me and doesn't press further. "I'm ... uh ... I'm sorry I attacked you for waking me up."
"That's all right," Milphey places a hand on my tense shoulder. "I was almost worried that you were going to transform."
"Transform?" I blink. "I thought you Haz Knights knew that I can only transform after being hit by magic."
He looks surprised for a moment until a small smile crosses his beautiful features. Look away, Carrot, you're blushing like a tomato again. "So you recognize me?"
"Well, yeah," I shrug. "You're too pretty even covered up in all that armor..."
I slap a hand over my mouth. God, did I just say that?! Did I - the babe hunter: Carrot Glace - just tell another man that he was pretty?! I look up at the sky to see if it's falling. Milphey just makes a small chuckle.
"Thank you," He smiles. "I'm flattered."
You're flattered?! I swallow hard and turn to face him, but not making eye contact. "I meant that you were pretty as a woman, and I wanted to ask you on a date or something before I passed out ... but now you ... you're ..."
"I'm a man," he finishes with amusement clear in his voice. "I'm still flattered, and I wouldn't mind the date. However, my duties for our Holy Mother comes first."
Well, that's a relief to know ... I like women ... I like women ...
"Well, now that your hyperactivity has died down, perhaps we should head back inside..." Milphey turns slightly away from me.
"Uh, you go on ahead," I tell him. "I'll just be out here for a few minutes more..."
For some reason, I can tell that he wants to object for a minute but then simply nods and heads back into the Church. So, I'm alone again. Nothing new, even around my friends I am always alone. My friends, my family, the people I am closest to; hardly know me at all. They think I'm the lazy pervert I show off to the world; well, I guess that's what I want them to believe. Perhaps what I want myself to believe. I've worn this mask for so long that I don't even remember what I look like underneath. The mask is suffocating me now,
and it feels like some unknown force is trying to rip it away...
Yet again, I find myself thinking crazy thoughts. I miss the others ... I miss teasing Marron and Gateau about their relationship ... I miss angering Chocolate and Tira who then beat me to a pulp. Something wet rolls down my cheek. Is it a tear, am I actually crying now? No ... it's not a tear but a drop of rain. I blink as the distinct smell of rain fills my nostrils ... it's been raining for quite some time. My hair and most of my cloths are soaked through ... how long have I been standing out here?!
Thick clouds have filled the sky, thunder and lightning will come soon. I should go back inside the shelter and warmth of Stellar Church. I should go find Big Mamma or Milphey and tell them about these strange feelings and dreams that are plagued by that man. But instead, I find my feet taking me elsewhere ... farther away from sanctuary.
My steps seem to quicken when the simple pitter patter of rain becomes a shower that chills against my heated flesh. I break into the run when thunder strikes, and I'm running deeper into the dark woods while trying to avoid smacking into trees. Finally, I come to a stop at a dead end where boulders protrude above small pools of muddy water that ripple from the falling drops of rain.
A couple of deep breaths later, my feet walk me over to one of those boulders to lean against. The rough surface is darkened and streaked by the moisture, and I couldn't care less as it tries to soak through my shirt. The black material must be water proof, but it doesn't save my other clothes nor myself from the cold chill.
["Just because it has resistances doesn't mean it'll keep you immortal..."]
The old crone's voice repeats itself in my mind as I bring a hand to my head and feel warmth. Oh great, now I'm coming down with a fever. Carrot Glace, you are the biggest moron that ever existed! I can actually see those very words written on my tombstone. Okay ... I really need to get back. My vision sort of blurs for a moment and when it clears I try to remember which path I had taken. Too bad every tree in this forest look identical to each other. Well, damn ... guess I'll have to try and find it.
Too bad my body decides to shut down on me. I trip over my own feet and slam into something solid. A tree? Wait ... when did a trees generate warmth? When did trees start breathing heavily? My fingers dig into the bark which turns out to be grasps of dark fabric? Black cape ... this can't be Milphey, and last time I checked, the rest of the Haz Knights wore deep purple...so who is this?
Looking up, my dazed brown eyes meet violet, and dread washes over me like the rain. "Were you waiting for me, Zaha Torte?"
He smiles his insane, evil smile. "I have been waiting for thirteen years."
My knees buckle with weakness, unable to support my weight any longer. I fall forward into his arms. He makes a noise of surprise before arms encircle me, pulling me into a warm embrace that feels ... ugh ... here's that word again: familiar. He's saying something else, but the heavy rainpour drown the words out, and I'm having difficulty keeping my eyes open. My head rests against his heart as a hand trails down the side of my torso ... this is a dream right? I know that this time it has to be.
A hand tilts my chin up and lips conquer mine, taking over my mouth with his tongue. The arm encircled around my waist pulls me even closer as if to merge our two bodies together. My mind automatically goes blank once again, and I don't even realize that my own tongue is dueling against his. This is a dream right?
Please....
['You are mine.']
...Someone, please wake me up.
[ Author's Notes ]
Yeah, I know Carrot's being an out-of-character whiny uke. I was in a rush to write this ... evil older sister is coming home for a week and taking over my computer ;_; Anyway, happy 4th of July everyone!
Written By: Teno Hikari
email: teno_hikari@yahoo.com / tenohikari@cs.com
Beta-read By: Hatsy (bluepard@adelphia.net)
Disclaimer: I don't own Bakuretsu Hunters ... just this story
Summary: After his confrontation with the evil sorcerer, Zaha Torte; Carrot Glace finds himself changing ... but is it for better or worse? Takes place during 'Sorcerer's Revenge' (the second season of the TV series - I believe) after Episode 15 - 'Until we meet again'. I'll try and be as accurate as possible even though I haven't seen the anime or read the manga for a few years.
Warning: Violence, adult situations, and yaoi - you've been warned.
**********
Drowning deep in my sea of loathing
Broken your servant I kneel ...
(Will you give in to me?)
It seems what's left of my human side
Is slowly changing in me ...
(Will you give in to me?)
Looking at my own reflection when suddenly it changes
violently it changes
There is no turning back now you've woken up the demon in me....
-Disturbd 'Down with the sickness'
**********
The first thought that comes to my mind when I wake is: why did I have to wake up?! It's been awhile since I had a restful night's sleep that didn't have any haunting dreams of dark sorcerers and past trauma that I can't even remember. If I couldn't remember it, then it must not have existed, right? Still...that familiar near- death scene plagues my mind: a sword raised above my head. That time on the mountain, I was overcome with terror ... and a frightening sense of deja vu.
"Carrot?"
My eyes lock onto Dotta, who stands at the side of the bed, smiling slightly, but with a hint of worry on her face. I give her a small grin before sitting up in bed ... bed ... who's bed am I in? Am I still at the church? Wait ... when did I go to sleep? My memory is so fuzzy ...
"Morning, Dotta," I say, yawning and stretching my limbs before taking in the unfamiliar bedroom. I think I'm still at the church ... either that or a fancy hotel.
"It's nighttime, silly," Dotta giggles. "You've slept throughout the day. Big Mamma wanted me to check up on you before I went to bed. I'm sorry I woke you."
"Oh ... that's okay."
She looks at me expectantly, perhaps waiting for me to say something perverted, like asking for an invitation to join her. But the thought hadn't even crossed my mind. I slept through the day? Was I really that tired after reporting to Big Mamma and her Haz Knight?
"Ne, Dotta?"
"Yes?"
"Are the others back yet?"
"Uh, no," She shakes her head. "But I'm sure they'll be finished with the case soon..."
"What's it about?" I ask while smoothing over my sleep tousled hair. I really hope they can handle it ... but, then again, they usually do. I'm the only one out of the group who can't handle my own unless the enemy blasts me with magic. Then, for my troubles, I get beaten down once again ... it's not my fault I can't control my transformation.
"Well, there's been disappearances at the town you guys were at last."
"Oh."
"Carrot?" She hovers over me slightly. "Are you okay? Maybe you should go back to sleep."
"I'm fine, Dotta," I tell her, climbing out of the large and comfortable bed. "Just a little hungry."
"I thought so," She smiles. "Dinner is being served in the dining hall, I'll go with you if you want some company."
I smile, pulling my boots on, but leaving the sword and sheath behind. "That's okay. Thanks for the offer, though ... but you should probably go to bed."
"Carrot?"
"Hmmm?"
Dotta reaches out and places a hand on my forehead. "You don't seem sick ... are you sure you're okay?"
"I'm fine," I repeat, assuring the winged girl with one of my wide and goofy smiles. "Just need some food, that'll perk me right up."
"Uh, okay," She is still looking at me as if I have grown a second head. "Don't drink too much, all right?"
"Only enough to get me drunk!" I give her a wink before running out of the room, laughing. However, once I am down the hallway, after turning a corridor that looks familiar, I stop my facade. The smile melts away, and the happy laughter dies in my throat. I really don't plan on getting drunk, not when I'm in this condition and by myself. Maybe Big Mamma will want to eat with me ... does she even eat at all?
Man... I hate being alone. No one to talk to around this place ... and, honestly, I wanted Dotta's company. But, when she mentioned that she was going to bed, I could see the tired look on her face. As far as I know, I believe Dotta is Big Mamma's only servant who does the chores for this place. Just can't picture any of the Haz Knights in their full armor, dusting around Stellar Church.
The main hall doors are slightly open when I reach them. Maybe the others came back, and Dotta wasn't there for their arrival. A smile forms once more on my face, and I'm about to enter until I hear voices...voices that did not belong to any of my teammates. Okay there must be a meeting going on, which means that Big Mamma is busy, and I should probably leave and not bother her. I also don't think she'll be a pleasant dinner companion either, not by the sound of her raised voice. It's weird ... I've never heard Mamma raise her
voice in anger before. She must be really mad ... hopefully not at me. But, why would she be, after telling me she wasn't? Well, I think it's time to go eat ...
"Your way is foolish, woman!"
I freeze in my tracks. The sounds of my breathing along with the beating of my heart seem to stop all together. That voice, his voice...please, God, let this be a nightmare. It has to be, there's no way he could be here at the church right now!
I lean back a little and peek through the small crack between the open doors. Who is this guy who stalks my nightmares and is now arguing with Big Mamma? My eyes scan around the room and see Mamma standing in the place she's always in, her gentle face is frowning at their 'guest,' whose back is to me. The Haz Knights are fully assembled before her, weapons drawn against the single man who stands in the center of the room. I take in that familiar black cape, the shoulder length dark hair, and forget to breathe again. He's here ... he's really here again ... why aren't they trying to kill him this time?!
"Release them at once!" Mamma commands, her voice threatening. I didn't believe it was possible for her to sound threatening and cold.
Even with his back to me, I can almost see him smiling by the tone of his dark voice. "I will let your lost herd of sheep go ... only if you give me what is mine."
Big Mamma glares at him. "He is not owned by you or anyone else, Zaha Torte!"
Who are they talking about? So, the creepy soul sucking sorcerer has a name after all. Zaha Torte. Why does it sound so familiar? Why does everything seem so damn familiar?! And why the hell can't I remember any of it?!
Lost in my thoughts, that's when I lose my footing while leaning against the door, stumbling noisily into the room and grabbing everyone's attention. Attention I didn't want. Catching myself from falling flat on my face, I look up to see their expressions. Big Mamma looks shocked and horrified, the Haz Knights tense, and the smile that I had pictured on the sorcerer's face got wider.
"Once again you are wrong, Great Holy Mother," Zaha Torte says mockingly. "Carrot Glace belongs to me."
***************
Chapter Three
***************
Violet eyes are on me the moment I wake again. Once I see the owner of those eyes, I scream and try to get away. The problem is, my naked body doesn't want to move as it's pinned down by another body ontop of me . Wait a second... *my* naked body?! Slowly, I tear my gaze away from his and take in the fact that he's not wearing anything else either. My cheeks begin to glow with a red blush as blood rushes to them and down between my legs where my arousal is beginning to stir awake. Oh God.
He leans over me, dark hair brushes against my skin as his lips are millimeters away from mine. Unlike the time at the Inn, the kiss is ensnaring and long, forcing his tongue down my throat as if he wants me to swallow it. His hands are busy too, one threaded through my short black hair while the other is wandering down my stomach to my .... Oh God...Oh God!
I cry out into his mouth while trying to jerk my hips away as his hand closes around me. He pulls his head back, eyes narrowed in silent amusement, and runs a tongue across his warm lips. Breathing heavily as my eyes scan around the room, and I wonder what happened to Big Mamma and the Haz Knights. They aren't there, I'm terrified and relieved at the same time. But, we are no longer in that room ... nor the church. No ... we are ... we are ... back on the mountain. No, not the place where we met, that mountain was destroyed
didn't have stone pillars.
The sound of crackling fire is close by, and he's laying on top of me like that night. But now, he is awake, there are no twinkling stars in the sky and most important: we are both fully naked. His larger frame is pressing me firmly against the soft ground. Soft ... too soft. I look over to the side and notice that it's not the rocky and dirt covered ground we're on, but a bed. Okay ... nudity, a man on top of you, and a bed ... there's something wrong with this picture - all of it's wrong!
"Get off me!" I finally shout after finding my voice.
The amusement on his face doesn't waver. "And why should I do that?" he asks, removing his hand from my groin, to my relief. "I believe you liked the feeling of me against you..."
"I ... I ... I didn't!" I can't see my face, but I know it is glowing red.
"Children shouldn't lie to their elders," he says, glaring a little. "Servants should be punished for lying to their masters..."
I forget the position I'm in for a mere second to scream out my rage. "I'm not your servant, you creep! I don't have 'property of evil sorcerer' on my back!"
He smiles, "Have you checked your lips?"
"Huh?"
An evil grin spreads across his face before he leans his head back down to kiss me again.
'You are mine.'
I let out a loud gasp, and my eyes widen in fear as my legs are parted around his middle. Oh God ... not this! Not with this man! Heart banging against my chest, my vision is awash with red. I'm screaming my lungs out now, thrashing against his grip and flailing my arms around wildly. Strong hands pin my shoulders to the bed, and I lose it. Bearing my teeth like some ferocious, blood thirsty animal, I use my fingers to claw at his face and bring my legs up to kick him in his rip cage. A surprised gasp is torn from his throat
when he is shoved backwards away from me, then I pounce ready to kill...
********
"CARROT!"
I blink and the image of Zaha Torte and that dark and unfamiliar place shatters like glass. White light fills my vision, melting away the red. I find myself simply staring at the stranger who is sitting at the foot of the bed I am sleeping in. Huh? The bed I am still sleeping in? Was it all just a dream? I blink a few more times, looking around the familiar room where I was sleeping at the Church. I'm wearing my clothes, and there's no dark sorcerer in sight. He's not here ... it was just a nightmare ... another twisted fucking ... uhh, wrong choice of words. Then, I start to shake while beginning to hyperventilate, and my eyes start to water. What the hell is happening to me?!
Strong arms encircle my trembling form, and a gentle hand rubs the back of my head. Having no control over my own body, my face buries itself in long locks of beautiful emerald hair. A choked sob escapes my throat while I spill uncontrollable tears to soak into the fabric of his shirt.
"Shhh," the stranger murmurs into my ear while rubbing soothing circles across my back. "It's all right, it was only a nightmare, Carrot. It's okay."
He begins to assure me with comforting words that my ears seem to drown out.
My mind just blanks. It's pretty easy to do. Just simply stare ahead at nothing, think nothing, feel nothing. Just shut everything out.
Blank, blank, blankety, blank.
Several minutes filled with blankness later, the taller man pushes me back gently to see my blank stare. He frowns ... where have I seen those aqua colored eyes before? And those crimson lips? Why is he wearing lipstick anyway? Is that a bow in his hair?
"Carrot," He shakes me a little. "Talk to me."
Talk to you? I don't even know you ... I don't know anything anymore.
"Who...?" I ask, wincing as my voice cracks.
"Milphey Yu, a fellow worker for Big Mamma," he answers, reaching back to the night stand and handing me a glass of water.
Water...?
[ "An exchange ... you leave that hot babe to me and I'll get you all the water you want." ]
My muscles turn to jelly and the glass nearly falls out of my hand, but for the stranger...er Milphey. His eyes soften as he helps me drink while I curse my weakness. This guy looks way too girly and very familiar. There's that word again: familiar. Something I should know but can't remember. I think I hate that word.
Realization hits me like Tira's mallet. Before falling asleep the first time at the church, my vision was filled with white ... the same when I awoke from my freaky realistic nightmare. White, the color of purity ... the color of the armor belonging to the leader of Big Mamma's Haz Knights! This guy ... this guy is ...!
"Feeling better now?" he asks, smiling pleasantly while retrieving the empty glass. "You've slept throughout the day, and I came to wake you for dinner."
"Dinner?" I croak. Didn't Dotta tell me the same thing? Or was that part of the dream too? My brain hurts ... "Are the others back yet?"
"No," he answers, standing up from the bed. "But they did complete their mission without much difficulty. I believe you will see them tomorrow when they return to the church."
"Tomorrow?" Why do I feel like a stupid parrot? "Are you sure everything is okay? How come they're not coming back tonight?"
"Because it's almost midnight," says Milphey, "It's late, and they're probably exhausted after their case."
I feel slightly guilty about this. They're out there stopping evil, and I'm here crying like a baby from some bad dream. A hand reaches out towards me, and I follow it towards the Haz Knight's comforting smile.
"You must be hungry," he says, "Please, join me for dinner."
Nodding numbly, I slip my hand into his.
********
"Here you go, Carrot, more sugar this time - just the way you like it."
"Thank you."
Dotta, who is still up at this late hour, happily serves me a third cup of coffee. She has even gone to the trouble of preparing my favorite foods, and it makes me feel even guiltier that I only ate a couple bites. Normally, I would be wolfing down the delicious home cooked meal in minutes ... but I am feeling far from 'normal' these miserable days and nightmare filled nights.
It's not as if I'm starving, I am practically drooling over the food, it's just that eating too much makes you sleepy. After my dream - correction: nightmare - of Zaha in bed with me ... I don't think I ever want to fall asleep again. So now, I am drinking down coffee instead of wine, feeling more awake than ever ... at least I think I'm awake this time...or this is just part of another dream.
"Want some dessert, Carrot?" asks Dotta as she collects my barely touched dinner and frowns on it. "It's Devil's chocolate cake and chocolate chip ice cream."
Sweets sound appealing, but then I get this flash of me running around the church with a huge sugar high and annoying the hell out of everyone. A lot of running around would tire me out quickly ... so ... "No thanks, Dotta."
The winged girl nearly drops the stack of plates she is carrying while staring at me with wide cat-like eyes. "Carrot, are you okay?! You're not acting like yourself! I know you were injured a lot the past few days but ... you're not dying, are you?!"
I almost want to laugh. Dying? Me? I sort of wish I was. I'm acting and thinking strangely. I found out that I may be attracted to men, and I'm having scary dreams of a sorcerer who wants to kill me. Nope, I'm not dying ... just going insane. Milphey clears his throat after taking a sip of his wine, then looks over to Dotta who is gaping at me openly.
She catches the look of disapproval on the Haz Knight's face and flutters out of the dining room to wash the dishes. I take another gulp of coffee, not caring that it's steaming hot and burns going down. The extra caffeine and sugar make me feel energetic enough that I want to run around the entire Spooner Continent looking for pretty women ... hell, even pretty men ...I just need to get out of here and do something before I explode!
Smiling widely, I bounce out of my chair - yes, bounce - and on to my feet. "WellI'mgonnagonowlater!"
"Wait, where are you going?" asks Milphey. I'm halfway out the door in seconds.
Spinning around on my heel so fast that I almost fall over, I turn to face him. Where am I going? Oh, that's right ... I'm going out to ... uh. "Out to get some fresh air," I say a little slower this time. Am I hopping up and down? The Haz Knight gives me a comical expression before rising out of his seat.
"Mind if I join you?"
"Sure! Sure!" I wave impatiently. "Let's go!"
I briefly wonder why this guy wants to hang around with me, especially when I'm in my crazy sugar rush mood. Did Big Mamma ask him to? Or is he hanging out with me because he wants to? All questions seem to disappear from my mind when we step outside of Stellar Church.
"Nice night, ne?" I ask, looking over my shoulder to see him staring at the stars.
He nods in agreement. "Yes."
The stars aren't twinkling like they had been that night on the mountain. They seem dim and far away, almost invisible in the darkness. The cool breeze makes me shiver a little before the sugar in my blood acts up again, reminding me that I'm still in hyper mode. I have the sudden urge to jump into ice cold water again.
Milphey clears his throat. "Carrot?"
"Yeah?" I look around the dark forests surrounding the church and wonder if there is a pond or a lake nearby.
"Do you remember the nightmare you had today?" he asks, brushing curly aqua bangs from his eyes, "Could you tell me about it?"
I turn my gaze away from him so he can't see the deep scarlet blush on my face. Sure, I'll tell you! I was dreaming about having sex with one of our enemies...wanna go swimming? I don't think either Milphey or Big Mamma will like that. They'll probably think I'm infatuated or something...or just insane.
"Sorry," I say after a few minutes. "I was trying to remember but I can't..."
"I see," he says slowly, "How often do your nightmares happen?"
Often? They never stop! Ever since I met that man, he's always in my dreams! Sometimes he trying to kill me, and sometimes ... he's doing other things. Things that make me shudder. But they're just dreams ... dreams can't kill you ... dreams can't rape you ... right?
"Not often," I answer, shrugging my hands into my pockets. I just hope to God that the Haz Knight believes me and doesn't press further. "I'm ... uh ... I'm sorry I attacked you for waking me up."
"That's all right," Milphey places a hand on my tense shoulder. "I was almost worried that you were going to transform."
"Transform?" I blink. "I thought you Haz Knights knew that I can only transform after being hit by magic."
He looks surprised for a moment until a small smile crosses his beautiful features. Look away, Carrot, you're blushing like a tomato again. "So you recognize me?"
"Well, yeah," I shrug. "You're too pretty even covered up in all that armor..."
I slap a hand over my mouth. God, did I just say that?! Did I - the babe hunter: Carrot Glace - just tell another man that he was pretty?! I look up at the sky to see if it's falling. Milphey just makes a small chuckle.
"Thank you," He smiles. "I'm flattered."
You're flattered?! I swallow hard and turn to face him, but not making eye contact. "I meant that you were pretty as a woman, and I wanted to ask you on a date or something before I passed out ... but now you ... you're ..."
"I'm a man," he finishes with amusement clear in his voice. "I'm still flattered, and I wouldn't mind the date. However, my duties for our Holy Mother comes first."
Well, that's a relief to know ... I like women ... I like women ...
"Well, now that your hyperactivity has died down, perhaps we should head back inside..." Milphey turns slightly away from me.
"Uh, you go on ahead," I tell him. "I'll just be out here for a few minutes more..."
For some reason, I can tell that he wants to object for a minute but then simply nods and heads back into the Church. So, I'm alone again. Nothing new, even around my friends I am always alone. My friends, my family, the people I am closest to; hardly know me at all. They think I'm the lazy pervert I show off to the world; well, I guess that's what I want them to believe. Perhaps what I want myself to believe. I've worn this mask for so long that I don't even remember what I look like underneath. The mask is suffocating me now,
and it feels like some unknown force is trying to rip it away...
Yet again, I find myself thinking crazy thoughts. I miss the others ... I miss teasing Marron and Gateau about their relationship ... I miss angering Chocolate and Tira who then beat me to a pulp. Something wet rolls down my cheek. Is it a tear, am I actually crying now? No ... it's not a tear but a drop of rain. I blink as the distinct smell of rain fills my nostrils ... it's been raining for quite some time. My hair and most of my cloths are soaked through ... how long have I been standing out here?!
Thick clouds have filled the sky, thunder and lightning will come soon. I should go back inside the shelter and warmth of Stellar Church. I should go find Big Mamma or Milphey and tell them about these strange feelings and dreams that are plagued by that man. But instead, I find my feet taking me elsewhere ... farther away from sanctuary.
My steps seem to quicken when the simple pitter patter of rain becomes a shower that chills against my heated flesh. I break into the run when thunder strikes, and I'm running deeper into the dark woods while trying to avoid smacking into trees. Finally, I come to a stop at a dead end where boulders protrude above small pools of muddy water that ripple from the falling drops of rain.
A couple of deep breaths later, my feet walk me over to one of those boulders to lean against. The rough surface is darkened and streaked by the moisture, and I couldn't care less as it tries to soak through my shirt. The black material must be water proof, but it doesn't save my other clothes nor myself from the cold chill.
["Just because it has resistances doesn't mean it'll keep you immortal..."]
The old crone's voice repeats itself in my mind as I bring a hand to my head and feel warmth. Oh great, now I'm coming down with a fever. Carrot Glace, you are the biggest moron that ever existed! I can actually see those very words written on my tombstone. Okay ... I really need to get back. My vision sort of blurs for a moment and when it clears I try to remember which path I had taken. Too bad every tree in this forest look identical to each other. Well, damn ... guess I'll have to try and find it.
Too bad my body decides to shut down on me. I trip over my own feet and slam into something solid. A tree? Wait ... when did a trees generate warmth? When did trees start breathing heavily? My fingers dig into the bark which turns out to be grasps of dark fabric? Black cape ... this can't be Milphey, and last time I checked, the rest of the Haz Knights wore deep purple...so who is this?
Looking up, my dazed brown eyes meet violet, and dread washes over me like the rain. "Were you waiting for me, Zaha Torte?"
He smiles his insane, evil smile. "I have been waiting for thirteen years."
My knees buckle with weakness, unable to support my weight any longer. I fall forward into his arms. He makes a noise of surprise before arms encircle me, pulling me into a warm embrace that feels ... ugh ... here's that word again: familiar. He's saying something else, but the heavy rainpour drown the words out, and I'm having difficulty keeping my eyes open. My head rests against his heart as a hand trails down the side of my torso ... this is a dream right? I know that this time it has to be.
A hand tilts my chin up and lips conquer mine, taking over my mouth with his tongue. The arm encircled around my waist pulls me even closer as if to merge our two bodies together. My mind automatically goes blank once again, and I don't even realize that my own tongue is dueling against his. This is a dream right?
Please....
['You are mine.']
...Someone, please wake me up.
[ Author's Notes ]
Yeah, I know Carrot's being an out-of-character whiny uke. I was in a rush to write this ... evil older sister is coming home for a week and taking over my computer ;_; Anyway, happy 4th of July everyone!