Sorcerer Hunters Fan Fiction ❯ Perchance to Dream ❯ Promise ( Chapter 2 )

[ 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-Read By: 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, a completely different person.

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: Carrot/Zaha, some Marron/Gateau, and some others I'll add in later.

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


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Haz Knight Zanahoria closed his eyes, knowing that the world would return unchanged when he opened them. The morning was cool after the rain, dawn had come with it's light glinted off the golden horn ornaments of his cowl. A gentle breeze whipped through his battle robes and the feeling reminded him of the past spent here with his family. He could even remember standing here at the exact spot when he was a child: the day of his mother's funeral.

Opening his eyes, Zanahoria found himself facing his mother again... now alongside his brother. It had been several years since he last visited his family after becoming a Haz Knight. He wanted to tell them how much he struggled and strove to accomplish what no one would think possible of him. He wanted them to be proud and encourage him. But how could two gravestones comfort his weary soul?

He remembered how young they were when their mother died; his brother couldn't understand what 'dying' meant at the time. He swore to his father that he would protect his brother at the cost of his own life: his little brother, whom they both held dear to them despite their grudges against one another. However, in the end, it was his brother who gave up his life for him.

Zanahoria never returned home after that. How could he look his father in the eye after failing to keep his promise? His father must have hated him after learning the fate of his youngest and most beloved son. So must have everyone else in the village. So why did he return fifteen years later? It was because the strong feeling of nostalgia had returned to him. A few months ago, he had learned that another family member had joined the Sorcerer Hunter business.

"Who are you?"

The Haz Knight flinched inwardly, but kept his cool at the sound of that familiar voice behind him. His features masked well by the cowl of his uniform, he faced the man he dreaded seeing after all this time. The retired knight, whom these days worked as a Black Smith, looked almost the same as he did fifteen years ago. Well, except for a couple of wrinkles at the corner of his eyes.

Onion Glace just stared as the stranger bowed slightly before. He recognized the familiar insignia on those battle robes. As a former Haz Knight, Onion bowed quickly in return. The older man then placed two bouquets of white lilies at each of the gravestones before facing the warrior.

"I've heard about you from Big Mamma," said Onion. "You must be Milphey's replacement, right? Zana ...er ... Zanho ..."

The Knight just stood there as his senior practically butchered his name before finally correcting him. "Zanahoria."

"Uh ...sorry." Onion gave him a sheepish smile. "So what are you doing here?"

"Paying my respects to your son," answered Zanahoria carefully. "I've never gotten around to do so until now."

Onion arched a bushy eyebrow. "Oh, did you know Marron?"

The Knight nodded silently while averting his gaze. Onion blinked and found himself curious at the other man's distance. There was something familiar about this Haz Knight's voice ... and the Knight himself. Since when did a Haz Knight wear horns on his cowl? The young man just reminded him of someone ... he just couldn't think of whom.

"You have a daughter now," stated Zanahoria, quickly changing the subject. "I believe her name is Sundae?"

"Yeah," Onion beamed with pride. "I got married again after Marron's death... couldn't stand being alone anymore. Sundae's really sweet and smart like her mom ... but she's got my temper. She became a Sorcerer Hunter and my wife and I are so proud of her!"

"Congratulations," the Knight said emotionlessly.

"Do you know my little girl?" asked Onion. "Those boys in her group better not be hitting on her or I'll pound them into a pulp!"

"No, we've never met," he answered. "So, she's your only child now?"

The smile on Onion's face melted away and he actually began to look his age: a weary old man who had lost too much. "No ... I have another son, my oldest. Haven't seen or heard of him since Marron died ... wish I knew if he was doing all right."

The Knight turned away and eyed the flowers Onion had brought. "Why?"

"'Why?'" the older man repeated. "Even though he's a stupid blockhead, he's still my son. Dammit ... why won't he come home?"

From over his shoulder, Zanahoria watched as Onion ran a slightly trembling hand through his short, dark gray hair. The former Haz Knight sighed and tilted his head back, squinting when light blurred his vision. The sunlight had reflected off the golden horns of the knight's headdress and into his eyes. Rubbing his face, Onion was about to ask him why he wear them until catching sight of those umber eyes exposed from the cowl's open slit.

Zanahoria turned away quickly, hoping the man didn't see too much but it was to late. A strong hand clamped onto his shoulder as Onion was trying to peer at his face. The older man's eyes widened in realization then in surprise as the Haz Knight pushed him back.

"You!" the older man gasped in disbelief.

"I have to go," Zanahoria said absently. He turned away from the man and those gravestones, away from his past.

"You ... you're him," Onion stammered. "Carrot, is that really you?!"

The Haz Knight flinched and Onion knew it had to be true. Before Zanahoria knew what was happening, his cowl was ripped away, exposing him. Those familiar chestnut-colored eyes were wide with shock as the older man pulled him into a crushing embrace.

"It is you!" his father cried joyfully. "Son... I thought I'd never see you again!"

"Pop," the young man whispered. He was stiff with surprise that his father would ever hug him like this. Such an embrace was given only to Marron and back then he was lucky not to be beaten down with insults. Perhaps his father had not loved his brother more than him. Perhaps he loved both his sons equally. There was a dull ache forming under Zanahoria's breastbone.

"God, you've changed!" Onion pulled away a little so that he could inspect his long lost son. "Of course you still look like a kid ... but at least you don't talk like an idiot anymore! You're also a Haz Knight now?! That's great! Wait 'til I tell Sundae... your sister's going to be-"

"No!" Zanahoria broke out of the embrace and glared at his father. "You will say nothing to no one! Do you understand?!"

"Carrot..." Onion protested and actually flinched at the umber, ice-cold glare he received. "What's happened you?"

"Life is what happened and don't call me that," the Knight answered bitterly as he picked up his cowl. "Swear to me you will tell no one of this."

"What?" Onion blinked in confusion. "Why? Wait ... Big Mamma knew and she didn't tell me?!"

"Swear to me," Carrot repeated. "On mother and Marron's graves! Swear you'll never let my name slip out again!"

"Why?" asked his father, looking at his child in disbelief. "Why must you hide who you are? Why do you call yourself another name?"


"I would think it was be obvious, Onion."

Both men whirled to face the intruder and glared. Zanahoria quickly stepped in front of his father while muttering a quick chant to draw up his kekkai. The shock wave of Platina energy sent Onion stumbling back, but the Haz Knight remained standing; his glare growing darker by the second.

"Zaha," the Knight growled the name as if it were an obscenity.

"I knew you would return here eventually." The Sorcerer stepped out from the shadows where he had been watching the two. "Your guilt over that broken promise will always bind you to the past and to me. Now... come."

Come? It was a command a leader would give to his subordinate. Or worse, a master would give to his pet. If looks could kill, Zaha could only wish for a quick and painless death.

"I won't," the Haz Knight hissed vehemently. He shook his head, glare growing deadlier as Zaha opened his hand invitingly towards him. "I won't let you take advantage of me again!"

"Again?" repeated Onion as he stood back on his feet. "What are you saying, Carrot?"

Zanahoria didn't answer nor correct him and the former captain of the Haz Knights smiled. "Advantage of you? If my memory serves me correctly, you were a willing participant ..."

Onion stared in confusion while a little pissed off at being ignored. He was surprised to see the look on his eldest son's face as the Sorcerer took a stepped towards him. The man who had once been called 'Carrot' flinched a little and automatically took a step back. His expression of burning anger and hatred had been briefly extinguished with fear.

Zaha's smile curved like a blade as he added, "Very willing ...no matter how much you screamed."

"Shut up!" the young man shouted, the glare had become murderous despite the fact that he was shivering. Awareness dawned and Onion found himself boiling with molten fury as he pulled out his weapons. The bastard had hurt his son... hurt him in *that* way. There could be no other reason for why Carrot was tensing and continuing to back away as the violet-eyed man took another step closer.

"Your Holy Mother has hidden you well from me," Zaha said with a hint of annoyance. He stopped a few feet away and regarded the young man before him. "I never would have imagined you to be one of her knights. Your control over magic and your kekkai's ability to stand up against Platina is impressive. However, it's a shame all your hard work has been for nothing."

Zanahoria screamed as another wave of energy ripped through his spirit shield and slammed into him. The young knight hit the ground hard, rolled over and coughed blood. He could hear his father shouting his name but also saw several other opponents enter the battlefield. A new generation of Sorcerer Hunter killers immediately spotted their target. No! He couldn't let them kill his father ... he wouldn't!

"No," Zanahoria groaned as he watched the other man try to take all his attackers on with his set of rusty axes. Even though Onion was once a Sorcerer Hunter and Haz Knight, there was no way he could defeat them at his age now. Using his sword as a crutch, Zanahoria stood back on his feet and quickly gathered his own magic. A chain of red lightning cackled and took care of the band murderers with ease. He didn't even give their deaths a second thought as he collapsed back onto the ground.

"Very impressive," commented Zaha as he raised his hand up to summon his power. The power of the man who was closest to God. "But even as a Haz Knight, you're still no match for me."

The boy squeezed his eyes shut and turned his head away, dreadfully awaited the searing pain to engulf him. Was Zaha right? Had it really been all for nothing? He waited and waited ... until he heard a scream torn from Onion's throat. Umber eyes snapped open to see his father being burned alive before him.

"No," he whispered weakly and tried to stand again. "Pop ... no!"

"Carrot!" Onion yelled in agony as his flesh began to melt away. "RUN AWAY!"

"Father!" Zanahoria gasped as he felt himself being pulled backwards. He took a brief glance over his shoulder to see that the other Haz Knights had appeared and were now dragging him off. He wouldn't have it and tried to struggle out of their grasp. "Let me go! I can't let him die! I won't!"

"DON'T BE AN IDIOT!" his shouted over the excruciating pain. "RUN!"

The younger man could feel himself being dragged off despite his efforts. "No ... please ...no!"

Everything was slowing getting dark as he was being pulled away from that horrible scene and back to the church. His father's dying scream echoed in his ears and would do so for the rest of his life. It was raining again, soaking through his Haz Knight robes. Like that mattered now. Haz Knight or not, Zaha had scored another victory. Zanahoria reached out blindly as if he could turn back time like one would a page in a book.


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Chapter Two - Promise

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"It's really coming down," Gateau observed as he shoved a few dripping bangs away from his face. "I'm gonna kill that idiot if he's off flirting with some girl."

"Take a number," muttered Chocolate. "I'm first in line."

Both Tira and Marron remained silent as they walked close with Onion to avoid the booby traps. They really didn't need anymore trouble with this horrible weather, especially a dark Sorcerer after their leader. The retired Haz Knight stopped and looked around, scratching the back of his head.

"Father?" asked Marron. "We're not lost, are we?"

Both Chocolate and Gateau groaned, but were quickly relieved as the older man shook his head. Onion may look like an older version of Carrot, but at least he didn't act like him. At least not when there weren't any beautiful women around.

"Of course not," assured Onion as he smiled at his youngest son. "I just thought that those guards would be here. I guess they're still scouting around."

"Carrot said he was going to warn them about some uninvited guests," Tira informed him. "I think he was referring to that guy, Zaha Torte."

"Zaha Torte," murmured Chocolate. "That name sounds kinda familiar. Doesn't it Tira?"

"Yeah!" Tira gasped. "You thought so to? I think I heard his name before ... he was a former Haz Knight. Uncle Onion, you must have known him, right?"

Their adopted father looked a little nervous and slowly nodded, "Yeah, I did. Come on, we have to find that moron before we all catch colds."

Gateau let out a loud sneeze. "To late."


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Nate's first reaction when the Sorcerer Hunter threatened Zaha with a sword was to beat him into the ground. However, their Lord had stated clearly and threateningly that the boy was not to be killed. Or at least not fatally injured. Obviously, this was the one they were searching for: Carrot Glace.

The girl's eyes grew large in amazement as Zaha drew his own sword and the two locked in battle. Other than the emotionless Gia Purple, the band of Killers eagerly watched their Lord engage in physical combat for the first time. Their master, being the older and more experienced of the two, held up a perfect defense against his opponent's attacks. However, the young Sorcerer Hunter wasn't completely at a disadvantage being faster and more aggressive.

Zaha hadn't anticipated his opponent's fervor despite the cold glare on the boy's face. Was this really the idiotic young man he had met on that mountain only a few months ago? Did the boy have this potential all along? If so, then Carrot was also an incredible actor. Not only had he fooled Zaha as well as Big Mama, but also his own comrades. Masked behind that friendly, innocent, and stupid smile was a cold and powerful enemy. A worthy opponent who would make a worthy ally. One who would recognize his ideals. It made Zaha grin with anticipation.

"I will make you mine," he told the young man whose eyes widened slightly at the statement of possession. The Sorcerer's grin grew into a large smile as Carrot tried to fight his emotions and still his hands from shaking. "I swear it."

"Never," Carrot seethed out again, his tone almost inaudible. The Sorcerer Hunter knew that the turned Haz Knight did not want his death, but he desired his opponent's defeat completely. The young man's features darkened as memories and images of unwanted desire flashed before his eyes. "Never again!"

Taking advantage of the older man's confusion, Carrot maneuvered his blade over Zaha's and thrust forward. The older man turned slightly as the sword slid past and perilously close to his throat. Violet eyes narrowed dangerously as he slammed the hilt of his sword against Carrot's ribs. The boy made a choking sound, but refused to let himself retreat as Zaha pushed the blade away from his skin with his sword.

The two combatants broke apart and slowly circled as their audience continued to watch, unsure of what to do. Nate wanted to interfere but knew her master would be against it. The way he looked at the young man made her feel a stab of jealousy. The Sorcerer Hunter had unknowingly captivated her Lord's attention and worse, made him smile. It was a smile of enjoyment that Nate had never seen on her Lord's face during all those years of servitude. She hoped the young Sorcerer Hunter's bones were slowly shattering where the sword had struck.

Carrot sucked in his breath at the pain of his cracked ribs and that was when Zaha lunged. The young man dived, rolling into a crouch, just out of reach of his opponent's blade. Standing on his feet again, the boy parried and pushed forward with renewed strength, ignoring the agony stabbing at his chest. Bringing his sword up, he met a flurry of attacks that pressed him back but did not penetrate his defense. Still impressed, Zaha was not going to pull back his offense and let Carrot devise his own advance.

After a of couple minutes, the pain in Carrot's chest had increased, both distracting and slowing down the Sorcerer Hunter. To his and everyone else's confusion, Zaha sheathed his sword. The older warrior looked over the tired young man, whom was now completely soaked. From the near shivering state that Carrot was in, the Sorcerer knew he had won.

"You are at a disadvantage with no hope of beating me." The rumbling voice held a note of triumph. Zaha then surprised both Carrot and his followers as he held out his hand to the boy. "This battle is over. It's time for you to come home."

The Sorcerer Hunter flinched at the offered hand and a shiver ran down his spine. Earth-brown eyes clouded with fear and the boy's hands began to tremble again. Tearing his gaze away, Carrot squeezed his eyes shut and tightened the grip on the hilt of his sword. Zaha was right, he was at a complete disadvantage ... but it didn't mean he would give up that easily.

Zaha sighed as he watched the boy turn and run into the woods. With a gesture his own pack of hunters went stalking off after their prey. The Sorcerer followed shortly behind and smiled a small predatory smile.

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"Did any of you hear that?" asked Marron who stopped suddenly in his tracks. The group turned to look at the mage. "It was just a moment ago ... I thought I..."

"What is it, Marron?" Chocolate pressed. "Did you hear darling?"

"I ... believe I heard fighting." Marron held up a hand for silence as he strained his ears. The others kept quiet but heard nothing save the rumbling thunder and the heavy fall of rain. Great, the person who had the best hearing of the group was the one they were looking for.

"Could be just the lightning," offered Tira. "I don't hear anything but the storm. Carrot would be screaming his head off if he was in trouble."

"Yeah, but Carrot hasn't been himself since he woke up," said Gateau. "Aside from casting magic and transforming himself ... I don't know what to expect from him."

"Using magic?" Onion repeated as he gestured them to follow him. "Carrot used magic? When?"

"Earlier today, father," Marron answered, narrowing his amber eyes in anger. "After Big Mamma tried to murder him."

Chocolate growled under her breath but said nothing and the elder of the group visibly paled.

"S-She tried to w-what?" Marron's father asked in a shaken voice.

"We learned that brother was the reincarnation of the Hakaishin." Marron paused before looking straight into Onion's eyes. "Father, you knew this already... didn't you?"

Numbly Onion nodded.


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Carrot found himself regretting his decision of coming alone yet again. It was hard enough to handle Zaha, but now he was being hunted by the Sorcerer and his own powerful Sorcerer Hunter killers. Taking them out wouldn't have been a problem, if his body wasn't screaming at him. He had overexerted himself as he dodged their barrage of attacks while trying to escape.

Hiding behind a tree, the boy brought up his kekkai and masked it with an illusion spell to buy himself time to heal. He should have known Zaha had granted the band of murderers elemental powers. The woman with the tan had control over the earth and he bet it was her spikes that had killed one of those guards. There was a short and skinny man with a bandanna who had water based powers, which, considering the fact that it was raining, made things worse. The droplets of water had quickly turned into shards of steel and had one sliced deep into his shoulder. Then he got nicked by that emotionless giant who hardly said a thing but could rip men limb from limb. With more cracked ribs, Carrot made a mental note not to get to close to that one again.

His eyes narrowed at the sight of the other two figures that trailed behind. The Sorcerer Hunter quieted his breathing and tried to calm down in order to slow his racing heart. He willed himself to blend into his surroundings as the healing spell slowly mended the torn skin and the cracked bones. It would take twenty minutes in his condition... maybe less if they would leave so he could lower his kekkai.

Holding back a groan, Carrot looked at his normal sword and wished he had his other one to aid him. He missed the black blade that hummed to life at his touch and could slice through anything solid or magic. 'Ugh, where's a demon spawn merchant when I need one?!'

Looking back up, he noticed that the girl by Zaha's side stopped in her tracks. Carrot's blinked in surprise... this girl... he knew her. Nate de Coco, was the youngest of the Sorcerer Hunter Killers and Zaha's most devoted servant. Silent, cold, and ruthless no one would ever suspect how energetic and cheerful she actually was when alone with her 'Lord'. He shuddered at the memory of the jealous rage on her face. Such an action had caused him to painfully remember his cracked ribs. A loud breath escaped his lips before he could stop himself. Nate's eyes pinpointed his location. A blast of energy struck his kekkai and shattered the illusion in seconds.

Carrot cursed himself and quickly brought his arm up to deflect the girl's lightning fast punches. He leapt back in a defensive stance while trying to concentrate. The fact that his arm felt like the bone was ready to break didn't help at all.

Wincing, he extended his hand out and cast a lightning spell that should have taken care of Zaha's minions. However, the Sorcerer had put up his own kekkai and shielded them with ease. At least it bought Carrot a minute to step back while trying to think of another way to defeat them. Using Zoanthropy was the last thing he wanted to do, but he was running out of options.

He stood ready to cast magic on himself, but the hunter Dark Grey used the rainfall to his advantage once again. Carrot managed to shield himself but not before taking a few hits. Staggering backwards, he cried out as a sharp earth spike burst up from the ground and slashed open his side. The giant's punch to his chest followed. Carrot went down hard.

With body exhausted, bruised, and bleeding and with ribs broken instead of cracked, Carrot couldn't find the strength in himself to stand. An inhumanly strong hand grasped his wrists and pulled his body up and off the ground. Hanging by his bound limbs like some caught animal after a hunt, the boy winced as another hand grabbed him by the chin, titling his face forward.

"How surprising," Zaha intoned with what almost sounded like relish. "You've put up an exceptionally good fight even for a trained Sorcerer Hunter."

The young man held back a cry in his throat when the giant who held him squeezed tighter. Pain lanced down his arms. It felt as though that bone-crushing grip would shatter his wrists. Zaha's hand released his chin before he pressing a palm against the boy's forehead. Carrot stilled with his mouth hanging open while trying to think of a spell. The words wouldn't come and the Sorcerer Hunter's senses slowly began to shut down. His eyelids were beginning to feel heavy ... too heavy.

'No!' his mind screamed frantically. 'If I pass out now he wins ... I have to stay ... awake. I have to...'

"Sleep now," Zaha whispered quietly. "When you wake, you shall fulfill my dream."

Carrot closed his eyes.

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"I see," Marron finally said after his father told them about his knowledge of the Hakaishin. The Destruction God had destroyed the world constantly and each time it was reshaped with another's ideals. If this was true, what kind of world did this Dark Sorcerer wish to create? "We have to find my brother before this Zaha Torte does."

"If he hurts my darling..." Chocolate threatened.

It was silent after that as the search party strained their ears to try and hopefully hear Carrot's cowardly screaming. No such luck. They also couldn't find any sign of those guards their teammate had gone off to warn. It was beginning to look hopeless and they decided to turn back and just pray their missing member was at the village already.

"There you are."

The group turned around quickly to face an androgynous stranger behind them. The person was very feminine and pretty looking with long, wavy lavender hair that hung in a ponytail. However, the stranger had some masculine features like the curves of those broad shoulders almost hidden behind a lavender and white cloak.

"I was looking for you guys." He ... or she gave them a warm smile before looking over to oldest member of the group. "It's been awhile, Onion."

The older Glace looked confused. "Milphey? Wow, it sure has. What are you doing here?"

"Just dropping by to say hello, old friend, and..." The man/woman looked around at their party and frowned. "Where's Carrot?"

Onion sighed as he looked around absently. "Good question."


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"Zanahoria.. ."

The cheerful female voice woke him from his nap on top of the grassy hillside. Umber eyes slowly opened before he sat up and let out a loud yawn. Blinking back sleep from his eyes, the Knight turned his head to the teenage girl sitting beside him.

"Sundae?"

She gave him a warm smile, her violet eyes sparkling. "I can't believe you slept this long. You really must be tired from your duties as a Haz Knight."

"No, I'm just getting old," he muttered, brushing off the grass that stuck to his clothing.

"You're not old," Sundae told him, still smiling. "You don't have any gray hair, wrinkles, or any age spots."

"I'm old," he insisted. "Or I just feel like it sometimes."

The young girl wished she could say something to cheer him up but ended up stammering nonsense. Zanahoria seemed to appreciate her efforts when a small smile formed on his face. The two sat there together, silently watching the sunrise and the girl unconsciously found herself snuggling up against him. She pulled back a little, afraid he would disapprove, but the Haz Knight continued to smile before he wrapped his arm around her shoulders.

"I still can't believe that you're forty," she said after the sun had set into the horizon. "I think I want to be a Haz Knight too someday. Must be pretty cool not being able to die and..."

"Don't confuse ageless-ness with immortality," he interrupted. "I can still die like everyone else... just not of old age."

"I know," the girl sigh, her smile gone. "But you'll live as long as you can, right?"

"I'll live as long as I need to," answered Zanahoria. "Our primary objective is to win the Spell Wars no matter what the costs." No matter how many lives must be sacrificed.

"What about... him?" sneered the girl, a glare forming on her youthful face. "You're going to kill him, aren't you?"

"If he can be killed, I would like to. Maybe." The Haz Knight sighed. "As bizarre and twisted as it sounds, that man is my reason for living."

"That is twisted," she agreed. "But after he's dead, you can find another reason, can't you?"

The question had caught him by surprise. He stared blankly up at the night sky. "I... I don't know."

"Well, don't worry about it now," said Sundae, smiling brightly again. "When the war is over, I hope you settle down with someone you can grow old with. Start your own family by having lots and lots of children. You have to promise me that someday you will..."

She trailed off and wondered how far along the 'someday' would be. How long would the war last? Months? Years? Decades? Maybe centuries? The young girl hoped it wouldn't be that long.

"Oh!" she cried, beaming at Zanahoria. "Also, being your sweet and adorable baby sister, I get dibs on names!"

"Sweet and adorable?" he echoed. "I don't think I have a little sister like that..."

"Mean!" Sundae gasped angrily. A wicked smile crossed her pretty features as she grabbed onto him, forcing Zanahoria to give her a piggyback ride to the village. "Just for that, you have to name your child Pistachio if it's a boy and Zucchini if it's a girl!"

Zanahoria gave her a wounded look over his shoulder. "Why do you hate my nonexistent children?"

"Hey, I was being serious!" she exclaimed, whapping him on the back of his head. He let out a laugh and she settled down on his back as they walked back. "You will keep your promise, right?"

"I promise," he slurred tiredly.

"Good! If I don't become a Haz Knight and live that long, you'll face the wrath my ghost!" she threatened him. Sundae then caught sight of her only brother wiping away blood with the back of his hand. "What's wrong?"

"I," he began. "I bit my tongue..."


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"Over there!"

The Sorcerer Hunter Killers jerked their heads toward the sudden noise and found themselves facing their so-called prey. Zaha frowned as he caught sight of two familiar faces among the group of children. Their eyes immediately locked onto him. One of the warriors pulled out a pair of axes.

"Let him go, Zaha," Onion demanded calmly.

The Sorcerer Hunters quickly spotted their leader and gasped. Battered and unconscious, Carrot hung over the shoulder of Zaha Torte's tall minion. The bleeding state he was in brought a collective glare from the intruders. Chocolate acted first, transforming into her 'other form'. Her darker side masked her emotions well, but it was clear in her tone of voice that she was out for blood.

"You hurt my darling," she hissed at Zaha and slowly unwound her wire. "Such an act can never be forgiven. Not by Big Mamma and not by you."

"Child," he spoke in an eerily familiar soft tone of voice. "You and your sister are the last I would expect forgiveness from."

Tira flinched before she transformed herself and stepped beside her elder sister. "What's that supposed to mean?!"

The Sorcerer didn't answer, instead he turned, glancing back to the unconscious boy who let out another low groan. "Impossible," he muttered before facing his other two soldiers: Moss Green and Dark Grey. "Take care of them."

"Yes, sir!" sang Moss.

The group scattered away as sharp, earthen lances shot up in the place they had been standing moments before. Gray let out a snicker as he transformed the shower of rain into a shower of spikes. Marron quickly drew out his ofuda and, with a quick chant, turned the falling spikes back into water. Gateau moved to stop the silent giant, who was retreating with Carrot, and found himself thrown back by a powerful kick. He landed in a crouch, his blue eyes met similar ones of a glaring young girl. Recognition struck, along with another high kick to his face before she turned and ran.

"E ...Éclair?!"

Onion chopped away at the high bamboo walls that stood in the way of he and his son's abductors. Moss only laughed from where she stood behind the wall and kept growing it back, infuriating the older man until he whirled his axes for another task. Zaha's female warrior gasped as the Earth cracked open underneath her feet and screamed as the crack swallowed her whole and closed back up.

Grey growled in rage as he kept aiming to hit Milphey and the other two female Sorcerer Hunters, who dodged with ease. The androgynous stranger appeared to be an acrobat and made little taunts at the water warrior. After seeing his comrade, Moss, fall into the earth, he was about to retreat with Nate and the others, but something struck him from behind.

Marron's amber eyes were cold as his phoenix scalded Dark Grey, turning his liquid body into gas. Looking past the fumes, the younger Glace looked horrified upon seeing that Zaha and his elder brother were gone. Cursing under his breath, he and the others pursued.

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Zaha heard the sound of footsteps approaching and mentally swear. He would need stronger warriors than Moss Green and Dark Grey. Perhaps warriors who didn't depend so much on their given powers. He and Nate then stared at Gia when he stopped ahead of them.

The girl was about to open her mouth to question until the blade of a sword protruded out of Gia's right eye. A cackling bolt of red severed the puppet's head from its shoulders, causing the giant to release his bundle and topple to the ground. Carrot landed on his feet before them, his side healed. Now he was slowly mending the broken ribs with another healing spell. The boy glared at them both, his sword clutched tightly in his right hand. Nate was already in an attack position before Zaha stepped forward.

"You bit your tongue to wake yourself up from my spell," observed the Sorcerer who eyed the thin stream of blood trailing down Carrot's mouth. "Indeed you aren't the fool you make others believe you to be, Carrot Glace."

The boy shrugged, the corner of his mouth lifted in a half weary smile. "We never are what we look like," he found himself repeating a certain Necromancer's words. "But you already know what I am, as I know what you are."

"And what do you think I am?" Zaha asked amused, not caring in the slightest that the approaching footsteps were getting louder.

"You are the man closest to God," Carrot answered in a matter-of-fact tone. Before the Sorcerer could smile the boy quickly added, "As powerful as you are, it doesn't make you God. Nor does it give you the right to force another Apocalypse. If this world was truly evil, it would have already been destroyed."

Zaha glared and wrapped a hand around the hilt of his sword. "Don't waste my time with absurdities, child."

The half smile on Carrot's face became a full one as he dropped his hand from his chest and used both hands to hold his sword up. "I will never realize your ideals, Zaha. You waste your own time."

The Sorcerer was about to comment, but those footsteps had suddenly stopped. Nate whirled to face the Sorcerer Hunters once more. Both Zaha and Carrot's gaze remained locked onto each other. An eerie calm settled between them. Zaha released his grip on the hilt and lowered his hands to his sides.

"You're just like that woman," the Sorcerer accused. "We could argue these matters indefinitely and never reach agreement."

"Then I suppose we'll have to agree on disagreeing," Carrot said brightly.

Zaha frowned at him and took a step forward. "That doesn't solve anything."

"True," the boy sighed. He appeared to look calm despite the fact that he was nervous and now rooted to the spot. Before he could do or say anything more, Zaha pierced his personal space and captured the Carrot's lips with his own.

Nate and the other observers to the conversation gaped with disbelief. What was more surprising than Zaha's boldness to kiss Carrot was the fact that Carrot wasn't fighting it. The young man was neither freaking nor lashing out in hysteria. A couple of the witnesses even had to pinch themselves just to make sure they weren't imagining the whole thing.

Carrot's eyes glazed over and, unconsciously, he tilted his head closer. It wasn't until he felt teeth scrape against his bleeding tongue that the young man pushed away. He covered his mouth as if it might jump the older man's face. Zaha pulled back and wiped the smear of Carrot's blood from his lips with the back of his hand. He grinned at the boy before stepping past him.

"That doesn't solve anything either," Carrot replied quietly.

"Don't be to sure," the Sorcerer told him before he gestured to Nate to follow.

Like the obedient servant she was, the girl trailed behind her master but not before giving Carrot a venomous glare. It was after the two were out of sight that the others finally became animated once again. Marron was quickly at the older boy's side, inspecting his wounds. Well, the physical ones anyway.

"Brother, are you all right?" Marron asked. "Carrot, look at me."

Carrot slowly complied but saw violet eyes instead of his little brother's amber ones. They weren't dark like Zaha's eyes, but lighter in color like another's. The Sorcerer Hunter let out a silent, strangled cry as he collapsed on to his knees.

"Carrot!" Onion gasped as he knelt down and saw what he never expected to see from his eldest son: tears. "What the hell is the matter with you?!"

"I... I," Carrot whispered brokenly, his hand still at his mouth as if he were now resisting the urge to vomit. "I can't do it ..."

"Do what?" Marron demanded as he tried to get his brother to stand again.

The boy squeezed his eyes shut and shook his head.

"Keep my promise."

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Dotta entered the main hall and was about to make her report on the Sorcerer Hunter's whereabouts from Milphey, including the good news that Zaha Torte had retreated from Hordic and two of the Sorcerer Hunter Killers were dead. The smile faded from the winged girl's face at the sight before her.

"Big Mamma!"

The Saint was kneeling on the marble floor, tears running down her face while hands covered muffled sobs. Dotta flew to Big Mamma's side and rested a hand on her shoulder. The older woman continued to cry while choking out apologies and Carrot's name together.

"Big Mamma," Dotta repeated softly, looking both worried and afraid. "What's the matter? What's wrong?!"

"Carrot," the woman cried into her hands. "That dream ... that dream I gave you ... what have I done?!"


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End of Chapter Two


Uhhh... review? Please?