Vision Of Escaflowne Fan Fiction ❯ Dangerous Wounds ❯ The New Knight of Caeli ( Chapter 11 )

Author's Notes: Bah, I haven't gotten around to working on this for so long. x__x;. Gomen ne. It's not that I've abandoned the story, really...it's just that either I haven't felt up to full par or I've been working on so many things that I could only get a paragraph here and there on this. But finally...after everyone's patient wait...I got a new chapter up. And since Dalet's two chapters are up for now...you'd expect me to go onto Gatti or Guimel, ne? Well, you're wrong...muahaha. I decided to touch on Chesta again before everyone forgets about him. But, he's not getting two chapters...since he had a whole bunch in the beginning. o_O;. Though, if Chesta's not getting his two chapters...guess who's getting the next one... >D muahahaha. Anyway, rofl...Mouser, you crack me up! Yes...yes, I'm evil and cruel...killing off people. I'm gonna have a whole bunch of fun with this story...buahahaha. o_o;;;...hehe. I hope you enjoy this chapter :D;.

Time had a way of mending all wounds, and within the years that had just seemed to flow by, it had worked wonders in Chesta's life. Not so long after the house burned down, maybe a few rotations or so, Valeria and Caspar got married. It was a beautiful wedding in a fancy chapel with everything and anything a bride could possibly dream of. Chesta had been the ring bearer, having been only nine at the time. That was a day to remember forever...because it symbolized hope and happiness to the youth. It meant that finally...without the shadow of a doubt...things were going to be fine.

After a few years of marriage and just living as a happy family, that was when the new addition was born. Encia Rhionnis Kovacs, named of course after Valeria's departed friend, was the first born daughter to herself and Caspar. And Chesta was more than thrilled to have a little sister. It meant he would have someone to protect again...someone to look up to him. Although his childhood friend Celena never did look up to him, he wanted to protect her with his life. And in that respect, he had failed. So now, he had a second chance with Enci-which was his nickname for his half sibling.

Apart from that, nothing much else occurred. For the remaining two years they spent time growing as a family and before Chesta even realized what happened, he was suddenly a teenager. It felt as though he had been forced to wear shoes that just didn't fit right after being in a pair that were so comfortable to him. He had just gotten used to a normal life as a child and now that was all cut short by awkward feelings and embarrassing problems. He didn't dare tell anyone that he had 'wet the bed' so to speak in the last couple of nights. It was embarrassing enough for him to have to clean up after himself, let alone share it with his parents. Whatever the problem was, Chesta figured it would go away in time.

Thirteen year old Chesta, at that moment, had been playing a game with his two year old sister. Although, it wasn't much of a game. He was just rolling a ball to her and watching her push it back at him. This repeated a few times until Enci grew bored and tried to chew on the toy itself.

Chesta chuckled, "No, Enci, that's not what balls are for. You want your chew ring?"

"Ches-Ches, up!" Tiny arms raised so that she could be lifted by her brother.

He nodded obediently, scooping the child up, "There's going to be a parade today, Enci. In order to celebrate the newest Knight Caeli."

"Parade, yay!" Encia clapped her hands together as best as she could.

"I'm glad your excited about it. It's going to be really fun with lots of people who can march and play instruments at the same time. And then guymelefs and soldiers..."

"And horses?"

"Hm...I don't know. There might be horses."

"Pretty horses..."

"Yeah, I think horses are pretty too. Maybe someday you'll learn how to ride one."

"Yay!" Again those hands clapped.

He laughed softly, "You'd like that, wouldn't you? I'm sure your dad can arrange it, too. He's got lots and lots of money. No matter what the case...you're definitely going to have a better childhood than I did..."

At that point, Valeria emerged in the doorway and offered a faint smile, "Look at you two. You're like the perfect older brother, Chesta."

"M-mom! How long were you there?" He whipped around, shifting Enci's weight in his grasp.

"Not long at all. Why? Are you telling Encia secrets you don't want your dear old mother to know?"

He smiled some, "Of course not."

"Well, good. Now you know it's time for me to change her and lay her down for a nap..."

"Nap...nap yuck..." The child frowned.

"Now, Encia...you won't be able to see that parade today if you don't get one..." The mother stepped over, removing the girl from her son's grasp. "Chesta, maybe you could head down to the market and pick up some items? I wrote out a list."

"Sure, Mom. Where did you put it?"

"Out in the kitchen on the table."

"Okay!"

Chesta made his way into the cooking area, looking around for a moment before he spotted that paper. He plucked it up and studied the handwriting, figuring out mentally what each of the items would come to. Once he did so, he headed over to the jar of money, pulling out what he thought would be efficient. Then, he snatched the handle of their grocery basket, slipping out of the house and making his way to the marketplace. While pocketing that money, he took a glance around the scenery and a smile crossed his lips.

Everything was decorated. Banners stretched out across the pathway that was to be used for the parade. Some ribbon and even balloons lined the doors of houses and fence posts. Streamers were tied to some of the local stands, and there were even special booths set up to sell various things that pertained to Asturia and her knights. Chesta was almost tempted to pick up something for Enci, but dismissed the thought before it had much of a chance to take over. He only had a certain amount of money and that was to be spent on groceries.

The thirteen year old rounded the corner, making his way into the normal section of shops. He gathered some fresh bread as well as a sack of flour. A few more ingredients were picked up here and there, and he placed them carefully in the base of his basket. Now, all that was left was to get the eggs his mother needed. Chesta pivoted in that direction, only to suddenly knock into someone...or maybe it was the other way around. Either way, there was still a collision and the next thing Chesta knew was that a mess of papers went flying in every which way. The other boy, about his age, with light brown hair had lowered himself to the ground in order to frantically sweep them up.

"I'm sorry..." Chesta began, kneeling down in order to help.

"Huh?" The other glanced up, making eye-contact for a moment. "Oh...eh...don't worry about it. It wasn't your fault...I wasn't watching where I was going."

"Still, you wouldn't have bumped into me if I wasn't in the way, right? So, it's partially my fault..." The blonde smiled, handing over what he gathered. "Here."

"Thanks..." He sorted through the papers and then pushed himself up to his feet. "All this bustle for the celebration just got to everyone and my head's a bit clouded too, I guess."

"Yeah, I understand. But, it's all okay now."

"Good, heh. Well...see ya."

"Bye!" Chesta offered a wave, before he started off in the other direction.

Though, once he did, he noticed something at the side. Another paper lay face-down in the dirt. His brows furrowed slightly and he inched over toward it, stooping to pick it up. The parchment itself was creased in two places as though it had been tucked away in an envelope previously. Deep azure spheres roamed over the official Zaibach seal and then toward the name it was addressed to...Migel Lavalier. He skimmed over the body, reading about the trials that were to take place in a couple months for the Dragonslayers. It was probably important...so it needed to be returned.

The boy pushed himself upright, springing after where the other disappeared, "Hey! Hey! Migel, wait up!"

"Huh?" He paused in his tracks and glanced toward the other skeptically. "How did you know my name?"

"This..." Chesta smiled, extending the letter. "You dropped this."

Migel's eyes widened and he snatched it quickly, "Thanks...uh...?"

"Chesta," He informed before he canted his head with a smile. "What're the Dragonslayers?"

"Well, haven't you heard?"

The blonde shook his head.

"They're an elite group for Zaibach. A special military force for young, aspiring soldiers. Only the best of the best can make it! Rumor has it that they're only going to chose fifteen to eighteen of them. I'm trying out," He appeared proud.

"Wow...that sounds really neat! Can anyone try out?"

"S'long as you're between thirteen and fifteen. But, you do have to have some sort of skill, y'know."

"Where are these tryouts?" Deluded visions of 'melef-combat and swordplay filled Chesta's head as the questions escaped.

"Way over in Basram, a vacant field. We're all supposed to find a way there on our own..." Migel scratched the tip of his nose briefly.

"And how're you getting there?"

"My, you sure are curious, aren't you?" He chuckled and then shrugged. "Me and my brother along with his friend cleaned out this guy's levi-ship. He said he'd give us a lift anywhere we wanted because of it. I was planning on taking a boat out there, but this just makes it much easier. Hm...Chesta? You said your name was?"

"Yeah, Chesta Templeton to be exact!"

"...right. I guess...if you're eager enough and really want to go down, I could talk the guy into letting you aboard..."

"Huh? Really?" A wide smile crossed Chesta's lips. "Yeah! That sounds great! Well...actually, I should okay it with my Mom before anything."

"Yeah and maybe you should think about it a little more yourself. Decide if it's really what you want to do with your life. I'll be around town. My full name's Migel Lavalier...I live a couple houses down from there..." He pointed toward the left side of town. "It's a white house, you shouldn't miss it amongst the brown and grey ones, heh."

"Thanks a lot, Migel."

"Not a problem, Chesta. But, I oughta get going. I have to meet Belle in a bit to watch the parade. I'll see you around!" He waved and took off.

"Bye!" Chesta called after him, only to pause and glance toward his basket to make sure the items were still in tact.

Seeing that everything was perfectly fine, he started off back toward his house, whistling happily on the way there. This was great. He suddenly had perspective for his life. If he could make it in this 'elite group,' he would have enough money to send to his parents. Well, his mother at any rate. And even though Caspar wasn't his legitimate father, he felt more paternal to him than his real dad did. For a moment, he couldn't help but wonder what did happen to him. Did Zaccheus die that day in the fire? Or did he survive? Was he making someone else miserable? Maybe that man was better off dead. Chesta's life certainly was much better not that he wasn't in it.

He shook away his thoughts distantly and then made his way up the steps to his home, swiftly opening up the door. Valeria was at the sink, washing up a few bottles. Her eyes roamed over her shoulder toward her son and she smiled, motioning him to set the basket on the counter. Chesta did as he was instructed, placing it there while his mother dried off her hands and began to sort through the items.

"Mom...I--"

"Chesta..." She double checked the groceries, before lifting her eyes to him. "You forgot the eggs, didn't you?"

"Oh, er, oops. But, I'll get them in a bit. First, I got to talk to you about something," A grin brightened his features.

"Oh? And what would have you suddenly so happy?"

"I want to join a soldier group!"

Valeria blinked and turned to him amidst her item sorting, wearing an unreadable expression, "You...what?"

"I want to join a soldier group!" He repeated with a smile. "The Zaibach Dragonslayers. That's what they're called. I want to try out for them with a boy I met..."

"Boy...you...met? Chesta, have you really thought this through? Joining something so...so..."

"Dangerous?"

"Yes, exactly. Joining something so dangerous just isn't very like you..."

"I've always wanted to do something like this, Mom. Ever since I was little."

"But your sister admires you so much. Can't you find a decent job right here in town? I hear they're always looking for strong, young boys down at the pier..."

Chesta furrowed a brow, stating blandly, "Catching fish is boring, Mom."

"Yes, but it's safe..." Valeria pointed out, disregarding the basket for now as the conversation at hand was much more important.

"This is the chance of a lifetime, though!"

"Chesta..." She sighed and shook her head, depositing one golden ringlet behind her ear. "I just want you to think about this carefully, okay? Don't rush into it because your new friend thinks it's this wonderful idea. Please, just give it some good, long thought, all right?"

"But..." His lips set together, before he decided it was a fair deal. "Okay, I'll think about it real good."

"Thank you, sweety..." The mother moved closer, placing a kiss atop Chesta's forehead. "Now, I think you should head out and get those eggs before the streets get too crowded."

He laughed some and nodded, "Will do!"

So, once again, Chesta headed outside with the empty basket in hand.

It was only a few hours later that everyone began to gather for the parade. Enci woke up refreshed and ready...and after a change of diaper, Valeria allowed Chesta to carry her out to a decent spot on the side of the streets. Caspar and she were close behind, walking arm-in-arm after them. A few children chased each other with wooden swords, turning across Chesta's path, and a cluster of teenagers assembled themselves nearby. An elderly couple approached a stand, buying themselves some nice refreshments as seagulls swooped down from overhead, gliding over the crowd to the port. The city of Palas was full of noise, but all of that noise seemed to hush once the distant sound of drums rose up.

"They're coming! It's starting!" The group of children in front of them shouted excitedly, leaping up and down.

"See horses?" Enci glanced up at her elder brother.

"I'm not sure, but I hope so. Just for you!" Chesta grinned down at her.

Just then, the approaching band grew closer. Trumpets carried a fanfare over the crowd and the beat was kept by the constant pound of drummers. Different instruments added a flourish of sound to create the majestic melody. Chesta made it a point to pick out each woodwind and tell his sister about them (which avidly seemed to catch the two year old's interest). The music quieted a tad once the players made their way further up and they were followed by a few of the palace guards, who held Asturian flags high above them.

"That's our flag...right there, Enci. See, the blue represents the beautiful bodies of water that surround our country and the gold stands for the--"

"Horses!!"

Chesta blinked, glancing toward the horse-drawn carriage that was coming up. This one held Meiden Fassa, the country's prime merchant, and his only son Dryden as well, however, he didn't appear all that thrilled. He merely sat with his nose in a book while Meiden did all the waving. Enci clapped her hands together quickly with a bright smile. At least she had gotten to see her horses.

Behind them, a line of guymelefs started to appear. These were the ones that were piloted by the Knights of Caeli. It was a great honor to be bestowed with one...as only twelve knights at one time can possess the title. Secretly, Chesta couldn't wait to see the new Knight Caeli. He wouldn't be in a guymelef or anything like that...but simply on a low flying levi-ship. At least that was what they had done a few years back, when the other one was named. And on this levi-ship, the new Asturian guard would more than likely be accompanied by King Aston himself.

So, several 'melefs later, he saw it...the edge of the steadily moving airship. Well, this signified the end, so unfortunately for Enci that meant no more horses. Chesta just hoped she was happy with having seen them once. He smiled down toward the girl and then motioned forward.

"This is it. The new Knight Caeli..."

"Pretty dresses..." The baby looked after the three Asturian princesses, who sat at the bow.

Marlene Aston, the oldest, was waving to the crowd with a bright smile on her lips. It was said that she was the fairest of the three with her sun-kissed, golden locks and elegant features...all accompanying her charming personality. Only the luckiest of man would be given the hand of Marlene. To her left was the second eldest, Princess Eries, possessed the same heir of indifference that Dryden had earlier. Her flaxen locks didn't seem to hold the same curl and her features didn't possess the same kindness and beauty as her older sister. Many considered her the oddball of the line...simply pretty...but not as gorgeous as Marlene, or spirited as the last. And finally, the youngest Millerna was imitating Marlene, waving a gloved hand toward all of the spectators. She was about the same age as Chesta, maybe a few months older...although Millerna seemed much younger. Behind the princesses was King Grava Aston, who sat proudly on an elaborately decorated throne, scratching his double chins and casting a lazy eye toward his daughters.

And finally, near the back, the knight stood with a gallant stance. The hilt of a sword was resting on the floorboards and he leaned his weight on the sheathed weapon, locking his gaze ahead of himself (and one would swear on Marlene). His form was clad in the typical Caeli uniform and bright strands of yellow gold fluttered about in the passing breeze. He looked familiar somehow...and Chesta watched the ship as it nearly passed by before he handed Enci to his mother absently and pushed through the citizens to get a better look.

Once Chesta was in the best possible spot, his gaze locked on the figure, I know I've seen that face before...but where...?

He suddenly gasped. Allen. "It's Allen!"

Images of his childhood, of his playtime with Celena and of Allen's supervision replayed in his mind rapidly. Allen Schezar had almost seemed like a role-model to him and even more so now. After Encia Schezar's death, Allen just mysteriously vanished. No one knew enough to even make a rumor. But somehow, he came back. He came back and achieved one of the greatest titles in all of Asturia. Chesta's brows knit together in resolve. He knew exactly what he had to do. And it involved going through with those trials to become a dragonslayer. He had to follow in Allen's footsteps and do something great with his life, though little did he know that in the future that would render him and Allen sworn enemies.