Vision Of Escaflowne Fan Fiction ❯ Dangerous Wounds ❯ Unexpected Partings ( Chapter 4 )
Anime/Manga: Vision Of Escaflowne Fan Fiction | Genre(s): Hentai / Drama | Type: Other | Uploaded On: 12.01.2001 | Pages: 4 | Words: 5.5K | Visits: 212 | Status: Completed
So, where did that leave the two friends? Well...since it was a hot day in Orange, Chesta and Celena (now seven years of age) went to a little pond to swim, with of course Allen's supervision. He really hated being the one to look out for the two. It seemed he was always stuck baby-sitting his youngest sister, but he knew he had to do so. It was all to help out his mother...and it was all his father's fault.
Not so long ago, Leon declared he was leaving for a bit and would be back soon. 'Soon' changed to weeks and eventually months. It was then that Allen lost faith in him ever returning. Encia was forced to get herself a job and Max was sold to some man named David, because the Schezar's could no longer afford to keep Leon's irresponsible gift around. Irresponsible...now that was one word that described Allen's father lightly. The citizens were a bit more vicious with the names they called him, and Allen didn't blame anyone, for he too held resentment toward Leon for abandoning his family and the people who loved him. It was all for some foolish quest to find the Mystic Valley, and for that Leon Schezar had become quite a celebrity. But, Allen would never forgive him...even if he did return one day.
"Allen!" Celena brought one palm back, pushing some water in his direction. "Why don't you come in?"
The thirteen year old cringed once the splash toppled down over him, "No, Celena."
"Aw...it's really nice..." His little sister ducked beneath the surface, popping up in front of him.
"You just play with Chesta...we're going to have to go back soon."
"You're really no fun, Allen."
Celena leaned back, raising her legs so her body could float. One arm was brought behind her head, followed by the next. These strokes continued, carrying her closer and closer to her friend. Chesta was currently treading water, looking up at the cloudy sky. The girl stopped abruptly in her swim and let her body sink underwater. Immediately, she resurfaced with a mouthful of clear fluid. That liquid was spit forth, hitting Chesta's cheek who reacted in disgust. Celena giggled, moving closer to him...though the pressure of waves attempted to hold her back.
"I think it's going to rain," Chesta pointed skyward.
"Maybe..." Wet hands slapped against the surface of a flat rock. "But I sure hope not. I really don't like the rain..."
"We sorta need it, though. Lots of people's gardens are drying up or something. I don't really know, but I wish I didn't have to go to the marketplace later with my Mom," Chesta watched Celena pull herself up and he swam closer to clutch onto the edge of the stone, just to keep himself up without kicking his legs or what not.
"Yeah...but we'll be able to play tomorrow of course!" She grinned.
"I know, but that doesn't help today..." He commented.
"It'll be fine, Ches. We'll always be friends and there'll be lots of days with lots of time to play!"
"You're right. I know you're right. I just have a weird feeling. I don't know what it is."
Celena peered down at him, and offered a wry grin, "You're such a baby."
"Huh? Why do you say that, Celena?"
"Just because you worry over stupid things..." She snickered and tapped the top of his head. "Baby..."
"Well, if I'm a baby...you're a tomboy," Chesta looked up at her, bobbing up and down with the ripples.
"Baby!"
"Tomboy!"
Both collapsed into a fit of giggles. The wind wandered over them, forcing a shiver to rise up their spines as well as water to splash up roughly against the rock's surface. Little droplets scattered from the crash, plummeting down over the two children. Silence fell over the duo allowing the breeze to whisper with rustling leaves and the swishing waves. Chesta sighed calmly, looking toward Celena for a moment.
"I'll protect you, you know. Always and forever, just like the boy in a book my Mom was reading to me. He vowed to protect the princess and I'll do that for you too, Celena..." A meaningful smile was offered to the girl.
Celena blinked a few times, but those rosy lips curved faintly. Though, the grin drained from sight. No matter how sweet his words were, she felt a need to maintain her touch image, "I think you've read a bit too many fantasy stories. Nothing bad would happen to me, you know."
"Maybe, but I just wanted you to know...if I can help it, I'll always keep you safe."
"Well, I think it's--"
Celena was cut off by the rumbling of thunder in the distance. The sky seemed to grow a bit darker and Allen called out for them, saying something about hurrying out of the pond. The two children obeyed and climbed to the nearest bank, rushing over to the elder boy who handed them their towels. Celena brought hers around her waist whereas Chesta draped his over his shoulders. The rain began to fall around them, leaving large indentations in the soft soil. This was accompanied by the little drops of pond water off of both the children's bodies, which all seemed to mesh together for the same purpose-to make the dirt into mud.
It didn't take long for the drizzle to change to a downpour, and icy droplets pelted down heavily, accompanied by a quick flash of lightning. Thunder immediately followed, roaring loudly for a moment and then dying off into nothing. Both Celena and Chesta flinched, raising their towels above their heads in hopes to shield out some of the stingy raindrops. Unfortunately for Allen, he was left with nothing to cover himself from the storm, but that didn't matter as much as getting out of the area.
"Come on! Let's go back!"
The trio took off, racing as fast as they could in order to get back to the safety of shelter. With adrenaline pumping steadily throughout their bodies, it assisted in giving them an extra boost of speed. A brilliant flicker was seen reflecting over the dark, grey clouds. However, there was a different type of crash behind them, followed by the sound of something falling to the ground. Chesta glanced over his shoulder and his lips parted in surprise. One of the larger branches had been knocked down and was currently being consumed by flames. Though, the boy's shoulder was grasped by Allen's hand in order to pull his attention away from the scene as he was forced to continue with the run.
It wasn't long until they got back to the vacant city, but they were still quite a ways from their homes. At least Chesta's was closer. It was in the city itself. The Schezar house was just outside of Palas, buried inside of a forested shield. Normally, that was a good thing, unless of course it was storming. The three continued to race through the area until there came a point where they were forced to part ways.
Chesta halted, calling out to Celena, "Be careful!"
"Don't worry, Ches!" She shouted back over her shoulder, and then clung to Allen's side just to keep up with him.
The blond sprinted up the steps and hurried into his house. He didn't realize just how drenched he got until he was in someplace dry. Excess rain water streamed from golden strands as well as his clothing. All of this collected in a puddle on the floor, and Chesta went pale. He hoped his mother wouldn't get very angry about that. Bare feet dipped into the pool of liquid and slapped against the ground with each passing step. His shirt had grown heavy and the weight was almost encumbering. Chesta drew in a breath, but paused. Something smelled strange.
Those baby blue spheres moved in the direction of the hall where the scent was wafting from, "Mommy?"
Valeria didn't respond, which made Chesta a bit worried. He inched forward, but stopped as his foot sank into something soft. Lowering his gaze, he saw that it was his mother's dress. Looking ahead, he noticed a trail of clothing which led to the master bedroom. Swallowing hard, the youth made his way in that direction and he stopped, seeing smoke billow out through the cracks in the door. The seven year old lay one hand on the wood as he listened, and all he heard was some movement. Though, much to his surprise the knob was turned and all Chesta could do was stare on wide-eyed as the room was revealed to him.
A half-dressed male figure emerged in the doorway and stopped there as his gaze lowered to the boy. The end of a lit cigarette was brought to the man's lips and as he inhaled, the front lit up with burning embers. He drew it back causing some ashes dropped to the floor before Chesta's feet. The horrid-smelling smoke was released in the air, circulating around the young lad and enticing a cough. The stranger smirked and began with a familiar voice.
"Well, hello there, Chesta..."
"W-who...? Who are you?" He regarded him with fear and then looked past him into that room. Valeria was sitting up with only the bed sheets to cover her otherwise nude form. She didn't exactly appear that happy.
"What's the matter, kid? Don't you recognize your old man?"
"Zaccheus..." Valeria began. "It's been years since he's--"
Chesta's heart sank as he interrupted his mother, "D-daddy...?"
"That's right..." Zaccheus kneeled before him, straining out the next words as he pulled the boy into an artificial embrace of affection. "...son. I've missed you. Look at how much you've grown up! But don't worry, kid. Daddy's not gonna miss out on the rest of your life. I plan on making up for all those years we lost."
The child tensed up as he said those words. Something just didn't seem convincing about any of this, but at the moment all Chesta could do was remain silent. He should have been happy. He should have been glad to have his father back! But, that just didn't come so easily. He was sure that he could make himself love the man and care about him. It might take sometime, but for the moment, he hesitantly brought his hands back around Zaccheus, sending a glance toward his mother. He certainly hoped that things had changed...
The storm passed right overhead, moving along as Celena and Allen rushed up the hill toward the house. A smile of relief was spared between the two Schezar's, and they headed through the field, blades of grass whipped Celena's ankles. She began to fall behind her brother which forced the thirteen year old to slow some. He sent a glance back at the girl and then motioned forward.
"Celena, hurry up! If we just run a little more we'll make it. Stay close to me, we'll get there quicker!"
"A-all right!"
Those siblings picked up their pace and the youngest started to slow down again. Panting heavily, she knew she should have put her all into the sprint, but she was just getting so tired. They had gone from the pond all the way to their house, and they were so close to safety that Celena didn't see the need to run any longer. Her dash slowed to a jog and finally to a walk as she watched Allen move up ahead of herself. He reached the porch, whereas she was still about halfway through their front yard. The girl sighed, starting up to a jog once more, but something prevented her from going any farther.
A large hand was placed over Celena's mouth to stop any screams that might have escaped, and her form was dragged back against a black cloak of some sort. Fear danced it's way throughout her body, making her blood run cold in her veins. Once she finally realized what was going on, muffled cries were released against the man's palm and she started to struggle. Her heart beat furiously...she was so close to home, this wasn't right! Allen hadn't even noticed she was gone, but maybe she could get away. Celena struggled with all her might, though her breath caught in her throat as a sharp pain surged up her spine. Slowly, her will to get away ceased. Everything swirled and circled around within her view, but it all faded into darkness...and the loud claps of thunder could barely be heard once her body went lax.
* * *
"Has the girl awakened yet?"
"No...not a stir or motion."
"The drugs should have worn out by now."
"You don't think we killed her, do you?"
"Of course not. She's still breathing and her body is functioning normally."
"Perhaps you just used a bit too much..."
Two men clad in black stood around the cell where Celena Schezar rested. They absently checked food containers and then scanned over a few reports.
"What should we do with this one?"
"There is a highly risky fate alteration experiment that we've been meaning to try...this girl...the Schezar's youngest daughter would be perfect to test it on. When they are older, the experiment fails, but perhaps if we tried at a young age...the results would be different."
"Hm...perhaps. Do we need to keep her stabilized for now?"
"Yes, we must do what is possible to keep her tranquil. Once she awakens I have an idea of who we can send, but we also must help make the transition before the actual fate alteration goes into affect."
Celena twitched somewhat, letting out a soft cry of pain. Her muscles were sore and her head was searing with agony, but she dismissed it as some sort of illness. Or maybe it was from running that much in the rain the other day. Yes, that must have been it, and she was probably so fatigued that she just dropped right off to sleep. Celena pushed herself up slowly and cringed as little painful twinges leapt over her body in various spots. She felt a bit disoriented and dizzy, but one shaky hand rested against her forehead. Those eyes opened and her vision was a bit blurred. It cleared up, however, coming into focus on two men in strange, dark coats with green collars. She gasped, inching back as far as possible, only to hit a wall behind her. That gaze darted around frantically and she struggled to scream or call out for help, but her body wasn't capable of producing such sounds-she was far too weakened from those chemicals that were circulating throughout her bloodstream still.
"Celena..." One began in a tone that was meant to be soothing, but came across as haunting instead.
"Everything is all right. We'll keep you safe. Don't worry about anything." Said the other.
"You should just relax and rest. You were hurt very badly and you need to keep your strength up."
"Here...we'll get you some food. You must be simply famished."
The cloaked men turned their backs on her and started toward the exit. Though, a frightened Celena watched them for a moment before she scooted forward, "W-wait, please..."
They paused, looking toward her.
"Where am I...? Where is this place?" She asked timidly.
"You are on the floating fortress Vione..."
"It is a part of Zaibach...which is where we are currently heading toward."
Celena appeared confused. She heard a little about Zaibach in passing conversations at home, but nothing that really stuck out in her mind. She knew Zaibach was responsible for the advancements in the city, but other than that she really hadn't a clue of anything important the place had done. Her gaze lowered and she sighed, feeling rather homesick already. Apparently the two took her momentary silence as a cessation in the questions and they went to leave once again. The youth heard their heels click against the floor and she glanced toward them quickly. She didn't want to be by herself.
"Do my mother and brother know I'm here?" She quickly blurted out.
"Yes, Celena...we've informed them..." The lie was so well-spoken and hidden by tone that the girl had no choice but to believe it.
It was then that the caped men made their exit swiftly, without even waiting for another word from her. Celena's eyes flooded with tears and she reached through the slotted bars calling out in vain, "Stop...please!"
Neither returned which forced a frightened sob to rise up, "Please...come back! Don't leave me alone in here...I'm scared. Please come back! Please...?"
* * *
Quite a few cold nights had passed before they arrived in that Zaibach capital. Celena had been passed off from sorcerer to sorcerer and talked about like she was some sort of object rather than a human life. But, the girl didn't dare speak up against it. She was far too intimidated to do so. If only Chesta could have seen her-scared to death. He would have had a good laugh since she was supposedly the tougher of the two. Celena really missed Chesta...and her family. Often times when she was alone, she thought back to them and how wonderful it would be when she got back. Maybe they would even have a special party. When she imagined all of those things, it felt so warm and real, but eventually she had to face the cold reality that she wasn't home...and she was trapped in that scary place with all of those creepy sorcerers.
It didn't take Celena long to realize that no one knew where she was nor did anyone in that Zaibach place care about her. She cried herself to sleep at night, sometimes so loudly that it hurt, and the only response she had ever gotten was a simple order to be quiet. It was then that she resorted to her memories to keep her from breaking down completely. But each day that passed by forced her hope to diminish. And as each miet went along, she began to question whether or not she would ever return to the safety of her home.
That day in particular, many sorcerers seemed to be lurking around. It was morning, but it certainly didn't feel like morning with all the shadows that consumed the small chamber where Celena was being contained. Only one single candle burned dimly on a stand; the flame had already consumed a majority of the wick. Celena watched that quietly from her spot in the corner. She was seated on a bunched up blanket, which wasn't exactly the most comfortable thing in Gaea.
A hideous buzz sounded outside the room and the door slid open. Celena turned to look toward the entrance calmly. There was only silence save the steady shuffle of sorcerers boots. Two of the men moved over to her side, grasping her arms to prevent any unnecessary movement, and the girl blinked sending a few confused glances toward the men. Two more moved behind her and one wrapped their fingers tightly around Celena's free curls of ashen blonde. A whimper sounded in her throat and she begged and pleaded for them to stop which no one seemed to listen. She heard the ring of metal scraping against some sort of hilt material, and the blade of the sword came close to her face, the flat end pressing to her cheek. It forced her to hush due to mainly fear alone, and that was apparently the desired result. The one holding her hair tugged it back even more, forcing the girl to wince.
"Please don't pull--" Celena began to beg.
"Quiet, little girl..." A voice berated.
Then it happened. What they had been sent to do. Celena felt the pain of each strand being separated roughly in the man's grasp. It was over in an instant, but the youth regarded the floor in horror as lengthy, golden coils dropped in crisscross patterns over the next. The flesh of her exposed neck raised with tiny bumps as it was then unprotected by the normal mass of hair. The four left her there in shock, closing the door behind themselves. Celena brought quivering fingers forward to touch the pile of her own curls; the other went back to touch the cropped surface of what still belonged to her. They cut her hair...they destroyed it. She had been growing it for years so it could be as beautiful as her mothers, and in just a matter of mere seconds, it had all been torn from her. Everything had been taken away, and all Celena wanted at that moment was someone who could comfort and care about her.
"Don't leave me alone!" She shouted out the words a tad more angry than upset. But, her voice cracked and shook with emotion as she repeated those very words. "Don't leave me alone!"
Celena collapsed into sobs beside the strewn out strands, burying her face in her forearms. Shoulders heaved with each cry that was released from her body and tears rolled over her arms, hitting the ground to leave splotches of moisture behind. Those shortened locks created a halo around her hidden face, and then she felt the warmth of a strong hand press down comfortingly on her shoulder. She gasped, immediately snapping her attention upward. A strange, yet somewhat comforting smile crossed the beastman's 'lips'-if they could even be called that. He was a cross between a dog and a human with glistening tan fur and floppy ears. But, Celena was almost captivated by the creature's eyes; there was something almost comforting within them.
"Poor little thing..." He began soothingly, and his soothing tone was the natural type. "They cut your hair didn't they?"
She couldn't speak at the moment, mostly because she was just so broken up and confused. But, she dipped her chin once in response, resting those tear-filled eyes on his own.
"It will grow out again. Just give it time..." He smiled once more.
Celena watched as he released her shoulder and then extended a tray in her direction. She still wasn't quite certain of what to do or say.
"You mustn't be afraid..." The beastman spoke as though he could sense her inner thoughts. "My name is Jajuka."
"J-Jajuka?" She repeated the name, receiving a nod from him.
That platter was set down before her and she slid closer to it, looking over all the various foods. She smiled, a real smile...something that almost felt foreign to her because it had been so long since she last felt happy. She couldn't even recall when she had grinned for the final time; it was just something so easily taken for granted. But, she reached forward to grasp the fork and scooped some of the pasta up on it to the best of her ability, peering at a few that rolled off the end of the prongs and back into the bowl. Some sauce splattered up, but the food was take in gratefully, and Jajuka offered a warm look as he rose to his full height. Celena was amazed at how tall he actually was. He could probably snap those sorcerers in half so easily, yet there was a gentle heir about him. One that the girl felt calm around and also found herself trusting in. Maybe, things wouldn't be so terrible after all.
Weeks passed by, but Celena didn't seem to notice all that much. She looked forward to seeing Jajuka each day and hearing the stories he had to tell her about his life or Zaibach. Everything he said was fascinating and he just knew so much. There was a garden in the Capital; a nice little place with plants and flowers. Jajuka knew all about them and seemed to have a tale to tell about each tiny insect or weed. When she was around him, everything seemed all right. He made her laugh and made her happy. He provided a reprieve to the loneliness she was feeling, but most importantly gave her hope that one day she would return home and live a normal, happy life with her family.
The other day was what really made her believe in the elder caregiver. They had been talking about Celena's fears and embarrassingly enough, she admitted to being afraid of the dark as well as being left alone. He had asked her if she felt alone around there and she had told him that she did sometimes. The girl explained how much she missed her family and Chesta which was what made Jajuka promise to bring her home. Celena had every faith in him and trusted that promise that was to be carried out that morning. She almost tingled with excitement as she watched the door expectantly. Ears were trained to pick up every little sound, but most of the time she was disappointed as the footsteps outside just passed right by. Luckily, her wait didn't last much longer as he had vowed, the beastman emerged in the doorway.
"Jajuka!" Celena exclaimed, rushing forward to throw her arms around him.
The force of the impact sent him stumbling back somewhat, but he chuckled, bringing one paw lightly over her golden strands, "Yes, Celena. I'm sorry I couldn't get here sooner."
"You're here though. That's what really matters."
"Were you afraid I had forgotten you? That I wasn't going to come back to get you?"
"I...maybe."
"Celena, you know I would do whatever is in my power to keep you happy. And I strongly believe that being home with your family is what would really do just that..."
"I...I'm really going to miss you, Jajuka."
"Don't worry, Celena. We won't have to say our good-byes just yet. Come along now. We really must hurry...and when we are out in the halls, you must remain absolutely silent."
"Of course."
Celena slipped one small hand into the massive paw, and allowed Jajuka to guide her out of the room. Upon instinct she leaned closely against the beastman, feeling a great sense of security in his warmth. She couldn't believe it was finally happening. After such a long and terrible time, Celena would be going back to the comfort of her home. She could almost smell the burning logs in the fireplace and feel her mother's phantom embrace around her body while she and Allen exclaimed through joyful tears just how much they had missed her. And there was Chesta! Sweet and innocent Chesta...who stood by sobbing, apologizing on end about how he couldn't fulfill his promise to protect her. Celena felt the warm saline build up in her eyes just at the imagined scene. It would be so wonderful to be back home.
Though, her thoughts broke once she felt Jajuka's sudden halt in step. Celena blinked up at him, tilting her head as he sniffed a few times in a couple directions. His eyes widened and he looked toward the girl, shaking his head slowly.
"We're not alone..." Jajuka whispered to the blonde, squeezing her hand softly.
Celena moved a bit closer to Jajuka's protection, glancing around warily. Faster than they could even blink, they were surrounded by sorcerers and soldiers who all seemed to have known just where to find the two. The beastman demonstrated his loyalty to the young girl, stepping a bit in front of Celena as he bared his teeth and snarled menacingly toward them all.
"Let her go! She wants to go home...she is only a child!" He pointed out.
"This child is part of an important experiment," One sorcerer spoke up.
"We knew you would try to interfere.."
"That is why we were one step ahead of you, beastman."
"I believe we are ready to go through with the fate alteration."
"Grab the girl and hold back the dog!"
Once the order was called out, two sorcerers easily snatched Celena away while the soldiers commenced beating Jajuka for his treachery. The beastman writhed in pain, but took his lashings without so much as a scream. The girl watched this in fright and attempted to break free from the grips that only tightened the more she struggled. Jajuka looked toward her with sad eyes, conveying his apology for not being able to help her like he had promised, but she shook her head, fighting with every ounce of energy to get to him. She wanted to help...just like he had helped her.
"Stop it! Stop it! You're hurting him! Jajuka!" Celena screamed out the words, twisting her arms desperately so that she could be freed.
"No, Celena!" Jajuka looked toward her and the others, raising one paw helplessly. "Let her go!"
"She is no longer of your concern, Jajuka," The main sorcerer narrowed his eyes. "Take him back to be punished! Now, as for Celena...bring her to the labs. We will begin the process now..."
* * *
"So the fate alteration went well...?" Questioned a gruff voice, belonging to a man who was so aged that it was almost frightening. Tubes were interwoven along parts of his body, branching off to connect to a huge machine of some sort.
"Indeed, Emperor Dornkirk. The process itself went well and all that is left is to find a place for the creation for the time being..." The cloaked men bowed their heads in respect.
One hand fished back in the center of the group, grasping a hold of a child's shoulder and shoving him forward, "May we introduce Dilandau Albatou."
Dornkirk observed the boy closely. The child really appeared too unflawed to be real. Certainly one would expect deformities when it came to a procedure such as this. But, no. There were none. Shimmering silver locks had been parted neatly down the front, descending down to about his ears with a few out-curled bangs. Milky, unblemished skin could only be compared to the surface of porcelain. His frame was that of a boy's, though there really wasn't that much of a difference between genders' body structures at that age. What was most notable about this 'Dilandau' was his eyes. Twin ocular orbs glittered like finely polished garnets, catching the dim light and reflecting it with all their glory.
"He appears normal..." Dornkirk remarked.
"We can assure you that he is. Every inch of his body functions like that of a normal boy his age. All except his mind. He is unable to speak just yet. But, I think if we put him under the command of one of the generals, he can be trained into a perfect soldier." The sorcerer stated.
Dilandau glanced between the two, and then narrowed his eyes somewhat, tugging his shoulder free from that hand. He didn't want to be held against his will, mainly because he wasn't going to run off anywhere. His gaze wandered around the room unknowingly, taking in all the huge machinery with amazement. He hadn't ever seen anything like that before. At least not to his knowledge. The only thing he recalled was waking up on some sort of table with blinding lights and those sorcerers standing around him, commenting about how the operation had been successful. He had been prodded and poked, and in all honesty it irritated him on the inside. But, the boy didn't know what to do about it. He was confused as to many things, and the most current of those was why he was even there.
"Dilandau..." Dornkirk begin, looking toward the lad.
Those crimson spheres shifted in the old man's direction, signifying that he knew his name.
"You were born of this world only a few hours ago and have many things to learn yet. In several ways, I will be the one to teach you. I am Dornkirk...the man who will someday alter fate using the power of Atlantis. And you, Dilandau Albatou, shall provide me assistance in completing my ideal. You will become a strong soldier under General Finley's command. I see great things for you in the future, young Dilandau. Do not disappoint me."