Sorcerer Hunters Fan Fiction ❯ Perchance to Dream ❯ Fear ( Chapter 6 )

[ X - Adult: No readers under 18. Contains Graphic Adult Themes/Extreme violence. ]

Perchance To Dream

Written By: Teno Hikari
email: teno_hikari@yahoo.com / tenohikari@cs.com
beta-reader: Sarryn

Disclaimer: I own nothing but this computer and you can't have it!!!

Summary: To permanently seal the Hakaishin, Big Mamma attempts to kill Carrot by putting him into a deep sleep. However, her plans get interrupted and Carrot awakes physically the same; but mentally, the Haz Knight Zahnoria.

Warning: Spoilers for both the TV series and manga. Violence, adult situations (a lemon here and there), and yaoi/shounen ai - you've been warned.

Pairings: mainly Carrot/Zaha


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"All stories are true, some just never happened."
The Sandman - by Neil Gaiman

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Heads turned when a flash appeared just outside the entrance gates. Weapons were poised in defense as the light materializes into a single - solid - shape. The guards narrowed their eyes and raised their spears when a figure stepped forward with golden horns and a long black cloak that moved in the wind like wings. But the figure did not posses wings; they did. A devil at Heaven's gate? No... this was not heaven - and yet to most land dwellers, it was. In the East of Spooner, a city floated just above the clouds; untouched by the Spell Wars that ravaged most of the land.

The winged guards approached the gate with caution as the outsider stood still. Their wariness did not abate until they reached the gate and were able to see this figure clearly. Catching sight of the Holy emblem that marked the front of the stranger's robes, they bowed respectfully. This was no demon. One of the guards moved to open the city gates to let the Holy Knight of Stellar step inside.

"Welcome back to Illyria, sir."

Sunlight glinted off the gold metal of the figure's horns as he turned to face the guards where they kneeled. From the corner of his eye he observed other natives of the kingdom begin to gather. Several pairs of cat-like eyes stared at the wingless outsider before bowing their heads at the sight of the Stellar Church emblem.

"I bring urgent news," Zanahoria spoke clearly as he turned to face their palace. "And wish an audience with your lord."

"Our lord is still recuperating... I'm not sure if..."

"I said the news was urgent," the Knight repeated politely yet firmly. He turned to face the onlookers who quickly looked away, and scanned the crowd for familiar faces. Spies of Torte were everywhere, including a floating city.

"V-Very well, one of us shall send a message to our lord. Please follow us."

Holding back a sigh of annoyance, he nodded his head and followed the guards. He had explained to Chiffon that it would be best to teleport inside the palace to avoid onlookers. Yet the other Haz Knight had been against it, saying it would be quite rude and there was no telling where inside the palace he would teleport. Chiffon had then given him a very long lecture about how the leader of the Haz Knights should behave.

'Wonder why he doesn't want to be the leader... he is the oldest after all. Or is Kahlua older? Can't remember.'

Zanahoria paused when his eyes took in an elderly winged watching his grandchildren attempt to take off from the ground. The children strained on their tip-toes, trying to make their wings flap. One of them managed to get off the ground, giggling at her triumph and her siblings' awe.

"Grandpa, look at me!"

Her wings suddenly stiffened and the little girl fell back on the ground with a thud. Sitting up, she stifled back a sob as her other siblings laughed. Leaning down, the old man helped his young granddaughter to stand.

"There, there, Aisha... you did very well today." The elder glared slightly at the other children. "Better than the rest of you all today."

"Sir?"

The Knight stiffened and turned back to the waiting guards, nodding for them to continue. On they way, they passed the busy market place where he felt even more out of place. All eyes were suddenly on the oddly dressed, horned and wingless stranger.

Illyria had kept itself isolated from most of the world: a neutral city and untouched by the war. The entire population consisted of a race thought to have been destroyed centuries ago: the winged people. How they were 'wiped' off the face of Spooner still remained unknown. Yet how they came back into existence was the reason why they still existed.

Centuries ago, before the war had started, the winged people had managed to blend in with Parsoners and Sorcerers. They used all sorts of techniques, but mainly a combination of magic and science to hide their appearances. In his past as a Sorcerer Hunter, Zahnoria had encountered some of them on his assignments. Without knowing, he was strangely drawn to all sorts of magic users - the winged people especially.

It was not long until a pair - an 'Adam' and 'Eve' of the Winged people - went out into the world and united their people. They were both leaders, and, oddly, were both affiliated with the two main combatants of the Wars. It was because of these ties that the Spell Wars had not touched their race.

He followed his guides up the palace steps until the large entrance doors were pushed open. Immediately a servant girl flew down from above. Under his cowl, Zanahoria raised his head and gazed up at the palace's domed structure. Well, more like a beehive. It was a major disadvantage for someone who was not one of their race.

"Our Lord said he will speak with you, Knight of Stellar," said the messenger. "However, he has a wound on his left wing and cannot to come down and see you. Your escorts can help you up to the top level."

The two gate guards turned to him as they spread their large, feathery wings before offering their hands. The Haz Knight looked at them for a moment before slowly shaking his head. Stepping back, he wondered if the palace had wards to prevent levitation magic. Shrugging his shoulders, he decided on a different approach.

The witnesses present stared as the Knight seemed to go rigid before bending over. They gasped when two black spikes pierced through his robes armor, moving upwards until stopping between his shoulder blades. Black leathery bat-like wings unfurled, nearly stretching across the room; the talon tops of the huge wings almost scraped against the walls.

For a long moment, the three people before him just stared in wonder; questioning what kind of creature was under those bulky Haz Knight robes. His lips twitched into a small grin of amusement. Oh, if they only knew what kind of 'creature' he was.

Clearing his throat, he gestured to the palace halls above.

"Lead the way."




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Chapter Six - Fear


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"So, those sorcerer hunters have finally left Hordic, have they?" Zaha inquired without looking away from the manuscript he was working on. While reading, he made a gesture with his hand, silently commanding the flickering candle light to stand still. From behind him Nate de Coco nodded as she kneeled before the dark Sorcerer.

"Yes, my lord."

After dipping the tip of his quill into a well of ink, Zaha began to scrawl on a century-old parchment." And our target?"

"All five hunters we've been tailing have a new companion," the blonde teenager answered. "They are heading North... towards Lord Artail's territory."

"It looks like they've been informed of my Platina stones." With his back to her, the Sorcerer grinned. "I will leave this to you."

The girl smiled gratefully at his back before rising to stand on her feet. "Do not worry, Lord Zaha, your guardian spirits will protect your Platina stones."

If the former Haz Knight was worried, he showed no indication of it and continued with his writing. Nate was curious, but resisted the urge to peer over his shoulder for a look. Suddenly, Zaha turned to face her, rolling up the parchment and securing it with his seal. The grin on his face was gone; his eyes were cold and determined.

"Deliver this."

Obediently, Nate took the parchment with a nod. "To whom, my lord?"

Looking at the scroll again, she read her answer that magically appeared on the Zaha's insignia. Large blue eyes widened with shock and disbelief. Nate raised her head to face him, wanting to protest. However, her pleading eyes met with Zaha's back once again.


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Ironically, the storm clouds had returned only a day after their departure from Mount Saint Hordic. Lagging behind a little, the four Sorcerer Hunters followed the other two members of their party with grim expressions on their faces. Their short break was over, and now they were back to work... without the most important member of their team.

In one way, nothing had changed. Their leader was still there with them, walking ahead with the lavender-haired Haz Knight. Yet, after hearing his story, the four teenagers knew better.

Now, a complete stranger was among them in the guise of their former companion. The impossible had happened, as their scatter-brained, skirt chasing, idiotic Carrot Glace had turned into someone completely different. A Haz Knight in training... mentally mature, and just un-Carrot like all together.

The Sorcerer Hunter's earthly toned attire was gone, and replaced with layers of black. He covered himself like Tira, hiding concealed weapons under a heavy black cloak. Never had any of them known Carrot to wear black, not even at a funeral. It made Marron wonder, just how many funerals did Carrot attend in the dream world.

Although the teenagers were quiet, both Millie and Carrot were having some sort of quiet conversation. Quiet conversation. Never again would any of them hear Carrot shout: "HELLO, LADIES!" or "SLEEP WITH ME!" and of course, "I'M NOT GAY!"

Marron speculated that the latter was probably no longer true. Not after Marron heard their father tell Caramel about what Carrot had confessed. The mage respected his brother's privacy and refrained from telling the girls. He just hoped Carrot would tell them soon... and tell them more about the events that changed him.


Stopping in his tracks, Carrot placed a hand on the hilt of his sword after his ears picked up the rustle of wings. Tilting his head up towards the sky, his eyes found the source as a flock of crows flew above the trees. They cawed loudly in union, startling his companions before the winds picked up.

Millie stopped abruptly, turning to look at his friend's eldest son. "Carrot?"



/ "Why?! Why are you doing this?!"

It was raining that night....

"Lord Zaha ordered me too, and so it shall be done."

There was thunder too....

"Stop! I don't want to fight you! I don't want to see anymore people die!"

And screaming....

"So foolish, young one. They deserve to die."

And blood.... \


Umber eyes would not tear away from the sky, not even when rain began to fall, lightly pelting his face. The others stopped and stared, unsure of what to do. Normally, they'd tell Carrot to stop acting like an idiot and move his ass... but never again.

Thunder struck and Carrot winced, gasping as if he were in pain as he squeezed his eyes shut. Lightening and rain. He wanted to scream and cry out and demand why every little thing had to bring back such painful memories.

"Carrot?"

The young man opened his eyes finally and looked at the others. He had to remind himself once again that this wasn't a dream. This was real. Or at least he hoped it was.

"Sorry," he apologized quickly, realizing that he was soaked and continued to walk. "I believe there's some shelter up ahead; we can rest there until the weather clears up."

"Brother..." Marron began as he quickened his pace to walk alongside the older boy. "What is it?"

Shaking his head, Carrot gave him a small smile. "It's nothing."


Either Carrot had increased his pace, or he had slowed his, Marron wasn't sure. He just felt left behind, watching his older brother walk away. He hadn't realized he was shaking when he felt his lover put an arm around his shoulders.

"Hey," Gateau spoke softly. "You okay?"

Leaning against the older man, Marron shook his head. "I would be lying if I said I was. He's so closed off... so unlike the brother I had. I... I'm not sure how to act around him anymore..."

'I know the feeling,' Gateau thought bitterly about his own sibling. "I think he probably feels the same way about us. Come on, the guy's been stuck in a dream world as a Haz Knight... who knows what kind of horror stories they see every day... and I'm not making you feel better aren't I?"

Marron's lips twitched into a smile in response, and the blonde's widened in triumph. "It's gonna be hard," Gateau continued, loud enough for the girls to hear. "But I think he wants you to accept the person he is now."

"You're right," the young man replied a few moments later. "I just wish he'd let me get to know the person he is now."

From ahead, Carrot averted his eyes from the group walking behind and focused on the road the ahead. 'No you don't, Marron. You don't want to know what kind of man your older brother has become...'



It was already pouring when they found shelter: a huge mansion in the middle of the woods. While the others thought it looked comfortable and inviting, Carrot's eyes focused on the star-shaped insignia before darting over to the other Knight. Millie nodded and made some excuse before slipping off.

"Wow, this place looks great!" exclaimed Chocolate. "Is it a hotel, darling?"

Both Chocolate and Carrot stiffened, but the Haz Knight in training only shook his head in response. "Not sure," he answered. "But I've been here before... I wonder if it's still abandoned."

"Well, let's just get in... I'm soaked and..." Gateau was cut off as he looked over to gape at his drenched boyfriend. "Well on the other hand..."

Resisting the urge to roll his eyes, Marron stepped forward but paused to look over at Tira who seemed to be fixated on something else. The others were heading inside, but the girl remained where she was... staring at the trees? He placed a hand on her shoulder breaking Tira from her reverie.

"What's wrong?"

She smiled sheepishly and shook her head. "Oh, nothing... it's just that these trees... they suddenly make me feel nostalgic, not just for Hordic... but for something else... I remember..."

Carrot cleared his throat from where he stood almost impatiently by the entrance gates. "Get inside."

Marron raised his eyebrows in surprise at his brother's command as well as the look of - annoyance? - on his face. Carrot was annoyed with them? It suddenly occurred to Marron, that his brother was much older than they were now. Did he see them as children? Children slowing him down?

Tira didn't seem to take notice as realization dawned on her as well. She pointed to the trees. "Look, Carrot! Zelkova, remember?"

"Get inside," Carrot repeated firmly, ignoring her gesture.

Puzzled, they followed him without another word. As they rejoined the rest of their group, he ordered them to be alert and stay with one another, before walking off.

"Is it me, or is darling angry?" asked Chocolate, staring into the corridor Carrot had taken.

"Well, he still acts like a jerk," mumbled Gateau as he found a convenient stack of towels and began to dry off. "Where did Millie say he was going?"

Toweling his hair, Marron shook his head. "He didn't. Both he and Carrot are acting quite peculiar. It's like they're hiding something from us."

"He's scared."

The group turned their attention to Tira who was still staring at the Zelkova trees from a window.

"Scared?" Gateau blinked. "Of what? You saw him take Zaha Torte on at the church. Why would he..."

"He's not scared of Zaha or any other Sorcerer," Tira cut in. "He's always been scared for us. You know he didn't want us to leave Hordic with him... now that he's a target for many Sorcerer Hunter Killers, our lives are on the line as well."

"Hey!" The blonde frowned. "We were kicking ass long before he was."

"And where were we?" Tira demanded, turning away from the window. "Where were we in his dream world?"

"Tira, calm down," said Chocolate as she stepped up to her younger sister. "We weren't put to sleep, so we couldn't have been in the dream."

"He dreamed of us in it! But can any of you see yourselves in him now? No, because we weren't there when we were supposed to be. We weren't there!"

[ "Then I'm actually dead? Is that why I'm with you guys again?" ]

The group grew silent as they began to understand. They must have died in Carrot's dream world. They had died and left him alone. That was it. Getting too close and feeling the pain of separation once again, that was what Carrot was afraid of now.


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"He refused to meet with you again, did he?" Chiffon inquired, looking away from the floating city as Zanahoria materialized back on the land.

The Captain of the Haz Knights shook his head. "No. We met, but briefly..."

"And?"

Looking down in defeat, the younger knight shook his head. "He won't help us."

"Of course he won't," Chiffon said irritably as they began to make their journey back to Stellar Church. "I don't understand why you even thought of enlisting his aid. He's Torte's minion."

"Was," Zahnoria corrected. "He was Torte's former Guardian Spirit, but not anymore. His country is Neutral; they just don't want to get involved."

Gaining access through the tight magical barrier around the Church, both Knights reverted to their unarmored forms. Chiffon only sighed irritably as they approached the main hall, ready to give their report. He paused before opening the door, looking over at his Captain.

"I knew this would happen."

"So did I, and so did Mother... but we had to try."

"The war is expanding. Did you tell your friend that? Soon it won't matter if you are neutral or not. Any civilization to stand in Torte's way will be destroyed."

"We're still here," Zanahoria pointed out to him. "Sirius is afraid for Illyria, afraid for his people... surely you can understand that, Chiffon."

Out of habit, whenever he prepared himself for a debate, Chiffon removed his glasses and began to clean them with a handkerchief. It was like when people would crack their knuckles in a silent threat before breaking into a fist fight. In their case, it was a battle of wit.

"Running away isn't the answer," Chiffon began. "Those who turn their backs on danger are fools. Those who run from it in fear are cowards."

The older Haz Knight expected the young man to shout or lash at him as the boy would have in the past: stubborn and arrogant just like his father at times. But the older Carrot Glace only smiled.

"Am I a coward in your eyes, Chiffon?"

The question startled him, and Chiffon, who had known the boy almost his entire life, shook his head. Carrot Glace had been many things in his adolescence, but never a coward. He ran away from his problems a lot, but managed to conquer most of them when it mattered.

"No? But I've run away from danger before. Do you remember when we fought the Doom Knights when they attacked Vlaska? I was terrified and ran my ass off from those killer cows..."

"But, Zanahoria... those undead bovine abominations were at least sixteen feet tall and immune to our magic... you ran to divert their attention from the fleeing monks."

"So that doesn't make me a coward, then?"

"No, of course not..." Chiffon sighed in defeat as he knew where this was heading.

"So you see, there's nothing wrong with feeling fearful and running away. Not if it means you can get others out of danger, or try to avoid putting them in its way. If I had stayed to fight those monsters out of fear of being ridiculed as a weak Knight, I would be throwing my life away for nothing. That's a real coward, right there."

Placing his glasses back on, Chiffon smiled almost teasingly. "Why do I feel like you are so much older than I am?"

"You mean 'wiser', don't you?"

"No I meant 'older' as in 'older' looking."

Twitch. "What?! You look old enough to be my father!"

"Is that a gray hair?"

"NOT FUNNY!"

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A small smile tugged Carrot's lips as he sat and watched the rain fall. It was soothing until he remembered where he was, and that he couldn't let his guard down even for a minute. It was rather unsettling, but he couldn't let the others know that. He just hoped that Millie would track the enemy down and signal him soon.

His senses suddenly kicked up when he heard soft footsteps approaching the door. Cautiously he brought his hand to the hilt of his sword underneath the black cloak, eyes locked on to the door. He moved quickly behind the door, slowly unsheathing his sword. The door opened and in stepped a familiar redhead.

"Carrot?"

Silently, his sword dropped back into its sheath, and the young man reminded himself to have an important chat with the others - especially when it came to sneaking up on him. Well in Tira's case, opening a door without knocking first.

"Hmm?"

She whirled around to face him with a stunned expression. "What are you doing behind the door?"

'Trying not to decapitate you.' He gave her a slight smile, "I'm a little tense. This isn't exactly a safe place to be. Well... not with Zaha's minions around. So... what's up?"

Tira fidgeted a little before smiling at him slightly, "I was wondering if we could talk a little. Um, I know it's probably not a good time since..."

His smile automatically told her it was all right before he moved to sit back down. Tira remained where she was. Tense and nervous, she had already forgotten most of what she was planning to say. So instead, Tira remained silent for a few minutes, expecting Carrot to snap at her; he didn't though.

"I remember," he began softly, almost startling her. "I remember that you used to be terrified of stormy weather like this when we were children. Even though it's been so many years, I remember you would wail every time there was thunder."

Tira blushed, looking away. "I was very young then... you always yelled at me and called me a cry baby..."

"I'm sorry."

"No, you... you were right. I cried about everything, was afraid of everything. It took me a long time to face my fears without having someone to hold my hand."

His smile widened. "I was very proud of you."

Tira's glasses nearly flew off her face as she whirled to face him once again. "You... you were?"

"I was, even though I never showed it," he said guiltily. "When we were growing up together, I considered both you and Chocolate as my little sisters. It didn't matter if we weren't related by blood. As my siblings, I had to be hard with you... I had to watch you get up where you fell."

"But you caught me... several times..."

"Cats land on their feet," he told her. "Not little girls from high tree branches."

"Speaking of trees... did you recognize the Zelkova, outside? Remember they used to be a part of Hordic ... they were Auntie Apricot's favorite..."

"I know."

Tira bit her bottom lip. Of course Carrot would know. Apricot Glace was his mother. Looking down to hide her nervousness - and failing - Tira couldn't help but wring her hands to prepare herself to ask another question. "Do... do you still think I'm a little girl... and as your sister?"

Carrot blinked at the question. Even though he had been expecting it, it still caught him by surprise. Opening his mouth to reply, he was interrupted by a loud, ear-piercing scream.

"Chocolate!"



"Haz Knight Millie Feulli, correct?"

Outside, the gathering of dark clouds had obscured the night sky. Outside the mansion where the Sorcerer Hunters had taken shelter in, two solitary figures faced each other. One of them was the lavender-haired Haz Knight, who had dropped his friendly face to glare inscrutably at the other person before him.

"It's nice to know my name precedes me," Millie spoke almost pleasantly. "And you are?"

From under the headdress that covered most of his face, the stranger grinned. "I am Artail, one of Lord Zaha's Guardian Spirits."

"I take it you know why I'm here already?"

"Indeed."

Artail made a gesture towards the mansion he was standing in front. His grin widened. "Your companions are already under my power, being punished for their rebellion against my lord."


'Artail.'

'Yes, my lord?'

'Do you have them?'

'Yes, my lord. I have the children trapped and the Haz Knight at bay.'

'Excellent. Remember which one I want alive.'

'It will be no trouble. I have them right where I want them.'




As both he and Tira raced to the source of the scream, Carrot saw that the house appeared to be moving. The walls themselves were expanding and then contracting as if alive. His companion at his side took notice as well and shot him a questioning look.

His senses came alive and he moved swiftly, pulling Tira down when he saw the blades coming towards them. Rolling to the ground, and out of the way of the sharp cleavers, Carrot could have sworn he felt the ground move with them.

His ears picking up the sound of scuttling, he unsheathed his own sword and blocked the upcoming attack. Beside him, Tira stood; the innocent red-riding hood was replaced with a whip-cracking dominatrix queen.

"OHOHOHOHOHO!"

The laugh almost made the hairs on Carrot's neck almost stand on end. He loved being back in the waking world again. But then the haunting question suddenly hit him, was the waking world still his?

He put the thought aside to examine later, for now wasn't the time, and rose to his feet to attack. Umber eyes sized up the attacker, a large cloaked figure whose face was wrapped in gauze. Armed with both a pair of cleavers and a scythe, the dark figure advanced.

Narrowing his eyes, Carrot lowered his weapon before casting the redhead a sideways glance. "Tira, take care of him."

"Eh?"

"I know you can take this guy. I need to check up on the others and make sure they're all right."

The younger Sorcerer Hunter blinked again before nodding, turning towards their enemy. She took only a second to become familiar with her surroundings, before spotting a lantern close by. Crimson lips smiled wickedly as Tira sized the dark figure.

"I'll be fine," she said confidently. "Be careful."

"Of course."

With that, Carrot turned and rushed down the hallway to search for the others.

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Illyria was ablaze in the night the autumn season; hell had finally ensnared heaven in its fiery arms... or so the land dwellers believed. The city beneath the floating one just watched aghast, horrified as they heard the screams from the people above. Even though they were born with wings and could fly away, they're escape routes were blocked by an age-old dragon that had suddenly come to life.

Fear paralyzes and asphyxiates its victims; and the black dragon that breathed fire increased the body count.

"What are you afraid of, Carrot?"

The Haz Knight whirled, his armor and cloaks suddenly materializing from out of nowhere. In his later lessons, Zanahoria had been trained to expect the unexpected. Anticipate... but don't become paranoid... most of all, don't let your enemy catch you off guard. It wasn't easy when your 'enemy' could play your emotions like a musical instrument.

From the slit in his cowl, he managed to hide the shock from his face. It was hopeless. Even if it had only been a few seconds, Zaha had already seen the sudden fear in his eyes. Predators used fear as a tool against their prey, immobilizing them just before the kill.

Withdrawing his sword, Zanahoria rushed forward. His speed almost matched Cinnamon Tea's - the Haz Knight who could move as fast as light. The Sorcerer Doctor, however, remained where he was. Calm and smug as always.

Millie had lectured him not to rush blindly into battle without a plan as he once had. But this time he was prepared as he began to chant softly yet quickly beneath his cowl. All he needed was half a minute... and as soon as he saw Zaha raise his hand…

Carrot grinned.

Violet eyes narrowed in confusion as his platina magic struck armor and fabric, which fell heavily to the ground. He heard the sound of the boy's quick footsteps and turned quickly, avoiding the slashes that would have severed his arms. Placing a hand on the hilt of his own sword, Zaha smirked as he sent another blast towards his attacker. Luckily, the Knight avoided it, performing a back flip and launching himself into the air.

"I thought attacking from behind was beneath you."

The Captain of Stellar's Knights landed on his feed, stepping back as the two combatants began to circle. Silently they measured each other's strengths and weaknesses.

"Killing from behind is beneath me," the younger man corrected, his eyes never leaving Zaha. "I was only planning on 'disarming' you."

The Man Closest to God laughed at his answer.

"Amusing as ever."

"Besides," Zanahoria continued. "You were the one to attack me from behind first."

Sword unsheathed, Zaha attacked, forcing the young Knight to defend himself. Swords met, blades clanging against one another as each wielder moved to pierce through the other's defenses. The sound of their duel echoed across the vast landscape, where several miles away a battle had ended.

Quiet. Too quiet... which meant... Zanahoria shook his head and refused to grieve. No. Now wasn't the time. Later definitely, but not now, and never in front of him.

"Ah, but you've mistaken," Zaha spoke conversationally despite the fact they were engaged in combat. "I was merely asking you a question."

Zanahoria dived out of the way of a lunge and rolled to his feet, parrying another blow.

"You ask that one quite often," the teenager almost growled in frustration as he tried to press through his enemy's defense. "It's beginning to annoy me."

"Ah, but your answers keep changing."

The way they dueled, it was almost like a waltz. Both were competent swordsmen who had honed their skills throughout their long existence. They moved with grace on the battlefield, more like partners than combatants. Although, it was a bit difficult to determine who was the lead. Both partners - opponents - were struggling for dominance.

"The first time I asked, your answer was that you feared nothing," said Zaha. "Of course that was back when you were a young, idealistic fool... although that's hardly changed now."

Teeth clenched, the Knight held back a cry when Zaha's blade began to easily decorate his arms with bloody scratches and cuts.

"The second time," the Sorcerer Doctor continued. "You answered that you feared being alone."

Pulling back, the youth knew he couldn't afford using a healing spell on himself. His enemy could decide to switch from weapons to magic. Although it really didn't matter, Zaha was powerful enough to use both at the same time. It always infuriated Zanahoria, knowing the older man was just playing with him. Always playing...

"The third time, you answered that you were afraid of yourself..."

Zanahoria gasped as he saw the swirl of light around Zaha's hands, and then the forming crystal spears being launched at him. Too many... too fast. He wouldn't be able to dodge them all in time... nor would it be wise to transform in order to escape. Bracing himself, he managed to cast the strongest shield spell he could with his little time.

The first couple of spears to slam against his shield ricocheted off. Gritting his teeth, Zanahoria struggled to remain standing as the second wave came stronger and faster than the first. Unfortunately, his shields were starting to crack, and, by the fifth wave, shattered.

He didn't have time to scream as he felt those spears impale him, ripping through skin, flesh, muscle, and bone. Slamming into the ground, Zanahoria struggled to breathe, if not stand. Blood poured from his open wounds, seeping into the wet earth below him.

'Is this it?' he wondered as the sound of his frantically beating heart grew louder than the advancing footsteps. 'Have I... have I lost... to him?'

A cry of pain escaped his throat when he felt those sharp impaling crystals wrenched out of him, then tossed aside carelessly. A healing spell was on him instantly, closing up open wounds and snatching him away from death once again. The younger man shuddered as the Sorcerer Doctor towered over him.

"Is that what you're afraid of?" Zaha asked amusingly, kneeling down to look his prey in the eye. "That not even death can take you away from me."


-----------------------


"DARLING!"

Carrot gasped as he found Chocolate, who was running from a tidal wave. It hadn't completely registered in his mind yet as he shielded the young woman, kicking down a closed door from its hinges. Mounting it as if it were a raft, he gestured for her to do the same.

"What happened?" he asked over the roaring water as their raft was swept up in the currents. Carrot had managed to grab a portrait he'd spotted hanging from the wall, and began using it as a paddle. As absurd as the whole scene looked, he began to steer them down towards second floor.

"I don't know," Chocolate panted, still clinging to him. "I-I was just taking a shower... and this water came out of nowhere!"

Keeping his feet firmly planted on the door, he securely wrapped an arm around the redhead's waist, before leaping off. Jumping again from the second stair case railing, Carrot landed in a crouch holding his bundle close to his chest. They both took a moment to catch their breath while listening to the flood of water continue on its course down another hallway.

"D-Darling?"

Carrot stiffened and quickly remembered that Chocolate had just gotten out of the shower, and that his hand was still touching her bare skin. Without looking at the other Sorcerer Hunter, he removed his damp black cloak, and placed it around her shoulders. Standing up, he took a look around to make sure another assailant wouldn't sneak up on him.

"Dar...Carrot," Chocolate repeated, his cloak wrapped around her. "What's going on? What is this place?"

"Artail, not a 'what' but 'who'," Carrot replied, finding another hallway that he hoped would lead him to the last two hunters. He turned to face Chocolate, smiling a little when he saw she still carried her wire. "Tira is down the hallway, right from the staircase. Go back her up."

The young woman stepped towards that direction then turned to ask Carrot a question over her shoulder, but Carrot was already gone.



Marron gritted his teeth as he tried to hold his concentration, trying to keep himself balanced on a sharp spike with his toe. He had been careless. But seeing his brother, hurt and covered in blood, it was impossible to hold back. Marron had panicked and rushed forward, right when a trap door was sprung underneath him.

Trying to calm his breathing, he attempted to hold in a little longer but legs were beginning to feel numb. The sharp side of the metal spike had managed to cut the part of foot where he had landed. The white mage finally realized the sides of spike were covered with poison. He could only hope that the others would find him quick. Marron doubted he could remain balanced for long.

He jerked his head up when he heard the sound of movement. Looking back, his amber eyes widened as an archer statue aimed at him. Holding back a groan, Marron tried to reach for an ofuda, but that nearly broke his concentration. Squeezing his eyes shut, he waited for the archer's arrows to hit him...

... It never came.

"Marron!"

"Brother...?"

His eyes snapped open as he looked up to see Carrot leaning over the trapped door with a hand extended towards him. A smile tugged at his lips as he reached upwards. Their fingers brushed, but neither sibling could move any further. Perspiration ran alongside Carrot's temple as he strained to reach his little brother.

"Brother... it's okay..."

The older boy's eyes widened in terror as he saw the young man beginning to waver. "DON'T YOU DARE!"

Carrot lunged forward, grabbing hold of Marron's wrist, and began to pull them back up.

"Don't you dare give up! I'm not loosing you - any of you - again!"


-----------------------


Zanahoria made a small grunt of pain as Zaha pulled back with a moan before withdrawing from his battered body. Smirking, the older man changed their positions where they lay on the grass. He pulled the injured young man to straddle his waist. As one hand move to stroke the boy's back, the other began to heal the wounds caused by their previous fight.

He chuckled when the Knight glared angrily at him, "What's with that face? You don't look very happy... or are you still upset you lost another game to me?"

"It isn't a game!" Zanahoria spat angrily. "People died... people died because of you! Why the hell would I be happy about it?"

Unfazed by the other's outburst, Zaha lazily trailed his hand down the younger man's body. His fingers brushed up the back of Zanahoria 's thigh until they found the sticky release that was still leaking from the younger man's body. Smiling, he plunged those fingers back into his prey, watching the shock/pleasure/pain displayed on the youth's face.

"You enjoyed it..." Zaha murmured blissfully as he watched the Knight's face heat up.

"You... you raped me!"

"Did I?"

Growling, Zanahoria writhed to try and escape those probing digits. A cry of pleasure was ripped from his throat when those fingers found that spot inside him - the one that always made a jolt of pleasure shoot up his spine - and began to assault it. The young man had been tortured before, he knew this was the worst of it.

"A-Again?"

"Hmm...why not? I believe I deserve a reward for my two victories in one night."

"I hate you."

The older man's smirk widened as the boy on top of him began to whimper, making his arousal awaken with desire. Moving his free hand, he grasped Zahnoria's hips to position him. Withdrawing his fingers, he released a small sigh as he lowered that slim for down.

The two both cried out in ecstasy as they were joined once more, not only by body, but mind as well. Without waiting for the younger man to adjust to his length, Zaha begin to move. Plunging in and out, he conquered the Haz Knight again, relishing the tight heat that enveloped him.

"M..more… please..."

Reaching up, Zaha tangled his fingers in the boy's spiky black hair. "Hhmm... you've cut it again; you know I like it when grown out..."

"Go to hell!" Zanahoria snapped angrily as he increased their pace. He hated this. Loved this. It utterly confused him, and he wished the Sorcerer Doctor had left him to die. He tried not to wince when the hand in his hair fisted.

Pulling the boy's head closer, Zaha's expression became serious. "Not without you."

It didn't last long before they both climaxed once again. Feeling all his strength drained from him, Zanahoria collapsed on the other's chest, trying to catch his breath... along with some common sense. Taking a few minutes to regain himself, Zaha wrapped his arms around the boy once more, holding him possessively.

"I hate you..." Zanahoria whispered.

The former Haz Knight let out a yawn as he stretched his limbs. "Still?"

"Always."

"Hhhmm... but you still love me, don't you?" Zanahoria didn't reply as Zaha let out a small chuckle. "So fickle, my Carrot Glace; but one of the reasons..."

[ No... don't say it...]

"... Why I love you."

-----------------------


"Gotcha!"

Car rot let out a small sigh of relief as Gateau moved behind him, helping Marron up. From the look of it, the older Sorcerer Hunter had encountered trouble on the way to them. He was covered with some bruises and scratches on his bared upper body, but none of them looked too serious. The white mage, on the other hand, needed a good healing spell and fast.

"Don't worry," Carrot said softly as he began curing Marron's body of the poison, along with healing his wound. "You're going to be all right."

Holding his lover to his chest, Gateau smiled as he saw him begin to look healthier. Slowly, Marron opened his eyes, and smiled up at him. Grinning back, Gateau looked up and around, glaring at their surroundings.

"What in the hell is this place?"

Pulling back, Carrot stood and looked out a nearby window.

"Artail."

"What?"

"Who."

"Okay. .. who?"

"One of Zaha Torte's Guardian Spirits."

"Where?"

"Here."

Gateau blinked and began to look annoyed as Carrot began to play with what appeared to be a woman's bracelet. "Here? What are you talking about? Where?"

Turning his head, Carrot grinned wickedly, startling the other boys. "You'll see..."



Millie looked down at his right arm and smiled. Looking back up to face Artail, the Guardian Spirit was smirking, practically daring him to attack. Still smiling, the Captain of the Haz Knights, was suddenly holding several red feathers.

"What are you planning?" Artail demanded. The Lavender haired knight smirked as he threw the feathers, hitting his targets around the other man. Glowing brightly, the feathers created a circle around Artail, sealing him in place.

Gasping in shock, Artail sneered at his enemy. "If you kill me, you kill them."

Clasping his hands together, Millie began to chant. "Oh, I'm not going to kill you," he assured the Guardian Spirit. "You're just going to have some bad indigestion..."



The Sorcerer Hunters gasped in surprise as they were reunited once again. Whatever this mansion was, it was beginning to deteriorate. All solid surfaces were no more and they found themselves floating in clear fluid.

"What the hell?!" Gateau demanded as he tried punching his way through the walls with no success.

"Calm down," Carrot advised the group of teenagers. "It will all be over soon."

Confused, they were about to inquire until red beams shattered the windows and struck Carrot at full force. Holding up his hand to keep the others at bay, he moved to stand once more. Another hit. Staggering backwards, the teenager concentrated hard to make sure he absorbed every single blow until they became painless.

"Whose magic is that?" Marron whispered as he and the others stared at Carrot's transformation in wonder.



The phoenix tore open the darkness with its light, screeching for release as everyone heard Artail scream in agony. Light and color blinded the Hunters as they were tossed onto the surface, feeling as if they had been in the dark for hours. As Millie approached them, his smiled up at the mythological bird that burned Artail - half man, half monstrous earth worm - alive.

As the hunters got to their feet, leaning against the Zelkova trees outside, they watched in awed fascination as the massive bird circled above them. In its beak, the Platina stone was held tightly while Artail was reduced to putrid ashes. Stretching out its bright red feathers, the Phoenix fanned away the smoke and the stench of decay. The fiery avian controlled the fire and kept it from spreading.

"A phoenix...Suzaku?" Marron wondered.

"No."

He turned to face Millie and found the Haz Knight shaking his head. "The original Phoenix, whom the God Suzaku was descended from, he has no name, but was one of the Hakaishin's original forms."

Marron stared. "The God Suzaku was... but... but how? I-I mean, the Phoenix is a God of rebirth..."

* Destruction and Rebirth are in a cycle, the two of them are related... just as we are, little brother... *

"Carrot!"

Gateau rubbed his temple. "How the heck are you talking in my head?"

* I've always been able to in the past. But as a human, you haven't been able to hear me. *

"Well, cut it out!" the older Sorcerer Hunter snapped. "It's creeping me out!"

* Very well *

With a flash of light, Carrot was back in his human form, standing before them and looking very exhausted. Millie moved quickly, catching the boy as he fell into his arms. The two men smiled at one another, before turning back to the group.

"So," Carrot began, yawning a little. "Everyone ready to go? Next time, you guys can pick the hotel."




"Mama?"

The Saint lifted her head, looking over at the winged girl standing before her. Dotta swallowed as her large blue eyes stared at the scroll of parchment in the older woman's hands. Looking up, she saw Big Mama looking back down at her hands and struggled to speak.

"Dotta..."

"Y-yes, Mama?"

"Millie, Carrot and the others... call them back as soon as possible."


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Author's Note

Longest chapter I ever wrote! I mean this really took me all summer to finish - how sad am I? Sorry if it sounds rushed... because it really was. I was determined to finish it this week, if not, I never would have. Now, review me!