Vision Of Escaflowne Fan Fiction ❯ Journey of Fire and Shadow ❯ Part Seven: Conclusion ( Chapter 7 )
[ P - Pre-Teen ]
By: Feye Morgan 
Anime/Manga: Vision Of Escaflowne Fan Fiction | Genre(s): Supernatural / Drama | Type: Continuation | Uploaded On: 07.05.2003 | Pages: 6 | Words: 5.4K | Visits: 231 | Status: Completed
Anime/Manga: Vision Of Escaflowne Fan Fiction | Genre(s): Supernatural / Drama | Type: Continuation | Uploaded On: 07.05.2003 | Pages: 6 | Words: 5.4K | Visits: 231 | Status: Completed
Another thing I forgot to mention: In this fic, Millerna is older. I really don't like the idea of Millerna and Allen having fallen in love when she's so young. You can disagree with me on this, but oh well. I also am rather uncomfortable with her marrying at fifteen to Dryden, who is a lot older than she is. I know, I know, in medieval society twelve-year olds were married off to men in their fifties (no exaggeration age-wise here *shudders*). So in this fic, Millerna is twenty, not fifteen. Everyone else is their normal age in the series (well...Eires would have to be slightly older too. But that's all).
Disclaimer:
Feye: *flashes thunder and lightning* Halt!! Answer me these questions three!
Allen: Uhh... *confused*
Feye: WHAT is your name?
Allen: *proudly* Allen Schezar of Asturia, knight of Caeli, and-
Feye: WHAT is your favourite color?
Allen: Huh? Um...blue.
Feye: DO I OWN ESCAFLOWNE?
Allen: ...yes?
*screaming is heard as Allen flies over the edge of the ravine*
Feye: Knew he wasn't that bright. Oh, and I DO own the plottline idea, so don't steal it, or I'll sic Fred on you. *smiles amiably*
ONWARD!!!
JOURNEY OF FIRE AND SHADOW: PART SEVEN by Feye Morgan
Dilandau woke with a start as the airship landed somewhat ungracefully at Palas.
~Hrmph. Apparently the pilot has lost his touch~ the silver haired boy thought disapprovingly. Had any of -his- men handled a machine so clumsily, he would have...but that was in the past.
~It is so hard to break old habits~ he thought. But Dilandau knew he was changing. So far he had been quite civil to everyone.
"Come with me, Dilandau," Millerna said as she rose gracefully from her seat. Dilandau clenched his teeth, but maintained a smooth expression. He was not used to being ordered around. But then, he had accepted the Queen's conditions without any qualms only a couple hours before.
~Reconciling two completely different lives is going to be a strain~ the ex-soldier thought, walking beside the Queen.
"Dilandau-sama!" The happy cry reached Dilandau's ears from behind. He turned his head slightly to see Shesta and his friends running towards their former commander. Dilandau permitted himself a tiny smile.
The Dragonslayers walked behind Dilandau and the Queen in silence until they had exited the airship. The albino was suriprised: he had expected a crowd to be waiting for them, what with the passengers being royalty. But the pilot had chosen to land inside the palace grounds. As a result, only a small contingent of soldiers had gathered to receive them. Dilandau grinned inwardly at the expressions on their faces once they recognized the silver-haired boy standing next to their Queen.
"My lady!" one cried in apprehension, and drew his sword. Numerous similar hisses of metal followed as the rest of the ex-Dragonsalyers came into view.
"At ease," the Queen ordered sharply. "I am not being held captive or any such thing. Dilandau Albatou and his men have been granted assylum due to rather unusual circumstances. These circumstances shall be explained in a public address at a later date." Dryden joined Millerna, and the small group descended to the palace grounds. "My first concern is to arrange accomodations for our guests. Captain, you will find eight suitable guest rooms, preferably close to one another and removed from main activity. I'm sure they would all like to rest undisturbed?"
Millerna directed this last sentence at Dilandau, looking for confimation. The albino inclined his head courteously. "That would be preferable, Lady."
The Queen nodded at the Cpatiain, who bowed obediently, and left. The rest of the soldiers formed guard position around the group and escorted the royal couple to the palace. (AN: in my version, Dryden never left Millerna. I think he deserves her more than Allen does. There's a definite, if fine, line between love and infatuation, and guess who I think has which? Just my opinion.)
Dilandau absorbed the sights around him avidly. Dornkirk had never been ostentatious: the capitol buildings of the empire were plain and unadorned. Dilandau, who had grown up in the Vione fortress, had only heard of the richly adorned palace of Asturia. The gold decorations and marble statues filled him with a fascination that was a combination of wonder and disgust. The wonder came from the musician, the disgust from the soldier. (AN: I cannot remember for the life of me what the palace looks like. So I'm improvising. It's my fic! I can do that! Author's liberties!!! ^_^)
Now that the shock of recent events had subsided somewhat with the snatch of sleep Dilandau had taken, his two conflicting lives were beginning to irritate him. There were many parts of his former life that he did not wish to give up. His remarkable skill with a katana was something that he was very proud of. He had no intention of letting his discipline fall lax.
~But how can I keep that part of me without also retaining my many...vices...?~
Dilandau pushed the thought away. He had plenty of time to deal with his problems. At the moment, however, he needed rest. The two hours of sleep he'd gotten on the airship had only further reminded him of how exhausted he was. Exhaustion deprives one of his alertness, and Dilandau knew he could not afford to make any mistakes.
"Dilandau," Millerna's voice broke through his thoughts. "The captain will escort you and your men to your rooms. The day grows late, so I will not trouble you any more today. Tomorrow at eight in the morning a guard will bring you all to me so that I may impart to your men what I have already told you. Hopefully by then I will have more of the finer details worked out. Until then, Dilandau." Millerna inclined her head gracefully. Dilandau bowed according to courtesy, and the Queen departed.
"What was that about, Dilandau-sama?" Gatti asked the silver-haired boy.
"We will be summoned to the Queen's presense at eight o'clock in the morning tomorrow. So don't make any plans for then, and be ready."
The former Slayers nodded dutifully.
"If you will follow me," the Captain said. Dilandau nodded. He could see the apprehension in the soldier's eyes, watching his every move.
~Earning the citizens' trust will be difficult. More likely than not I will never earn it~
Dilandau's eyes wandered over the elaborate decorations as he followed the Captain down the hallway.
His room was simple compared to many in the palace, but Dilandau had never been given accomodations so luxurious. He had his own washroom and shower, a finely constructed writing desk, a small couch even, and a lampdesk. Beatutiful paintings of the Asturian countryside adorned the walls. But what captured the majority of Dilandau's attention was the bed. It was rather large and covered with what looked suspiciously like silk sheets. Part of him felt awkward in the midst of such finery, having been quartered in the Vionne barracks his whole past life, but the other, more exhausted part of him, didn't care.
The tired albino slipped his tiara from his head and laid it on the lampstand. He unbelted his katana and slipped the weapon beneath his bed. Without bothering to remove any of his clothing, he collapsed on the sheets and buried his head in the pillow. Before another thought could pass through his mind, he fell to sleep.
*~*~*~*~*~*~
The Dragonslayers were just as tired as their former lord. They loitered in the hallways around their rooms to talk before going to sleep. Their excitement and puzzlement defied exhaustion for the moment.
"What do you make of it all?" Guimel asked, fighting off a yawn.
Refina shrugged, dazed by the day's events. "So much has happened. I really can't make sense of it," she replied quietly.
"We all need sleep," Gatti mumbled. Everyone nodded in agreement, but no one moved to retire to bed. The seven friends just stood there, half awake, half lost in a misty dream.
"What are we going to do?" Migel asked. His words were cold water in the face of confusion.
The friends stood uncomfortably in silence. All any of them had ever known for most of their lives was war.
Or was that really true?
The ex-soldiers smiled one by one as each recalled fond memories of their past lives, memories of those whose wishes had raised them back to the light.
Without any further words, the seven smiled, and melted away to rest their tired hearts.
*~*~*~*~*~*
Dilandau woke, his senses on high alert. He lay motionless on the bed, to all appearences fast asleep, but his muscles were tight and quivering. There had been more than one attempt on his life outside of the fury of the battlefield, and the albino had quickly toned his senses to be responsive to even the slightest suspicious noise, even while in the deepest of dreams.
Dilandau waited. Not another sound came, but he was certain someone was there. His face was turned away from the door. Ruby eyes opened slightly, enough to catch the light of Gaea's two moons streaming through the window.
Quick as a wink, Dilandau was out of bed and crouched with his back to the window, letting the light illuminate all but the darkest corners in front of him. His heart pounding, he searched the room with darting eyes.
"Who's there?" he hissed.
~Not that I'm expecting an answer...~
Dilandau frowned. Several minutes passed without a single sound or hint of motion. The albino relazed slightly.
~Maybe I'm just paranoid. Or maybe it was Folken checking up on me without telling. I hate it when he pops into my mind without so much as a by-your-leave. Grrrr...~
Dilandau took two steps away from the window.
~Maybe it was one of my Dragonslayers...ex-Dragonslayers...~
Still cautious, the albino approached the door and opened it a crack, peering out with sharp crimson eyes.
Nothing.
Sighing, Dilandau closed the door and turned to slip back into bed.
A gloved hand muffled his startled cry as his assailant pressed up behind him and held a sharp dagger to his throat.
Dilandau froze.
~Damn. Dilandau, you baka!~
His eyes caught a gleam of something yellow. The albino frowned, and then winced as his attacker applied pressure on the blade. The hand moved from his mouth to pin his arms to his sides. The shift in movement allowed some moonlight to hit the two figures. The yellow substance, Dilandau realized, was a lock of long blonde hair.
"Schezar," the albino whispered.
"Give me back my sister," Allen growled menacingly.
"Or what? Or you'll kill me?" Dilandau's voice, while no louder than a breath, still contained his customary scrcasm and distain.
Allen's arms stiffened, and Dilandau pressed back, attempting to avoid the now dangerously trembling knife.
"No. I'll take you to the madoushi."
Dilandau stopped breathing. His mind filled with a haze of panic.
~Madoushi~
Memories of agony and terror flashed through the horrified boy's mind. Without even knowing what he was doing, Dilandau began to struggle frantically. Allen, startled and afraid of accidentally harming 'Serena', withdrew the knife from the albino's throat. Dilandau saw his chance, and took it. He disarmed the knight with a quick chop to the wrist. He elbowed Allen in the ribs, dug his heel into his instep, and twisted away. Schezar bent almost double, fighting the pain. The terrified boy siezed the moment and scooped his katana from beneath his bed. The steely blade sliced through the silence as it was drawn.
Allen looked up at him through a sheet of golden hair. Their eyes met.
"Serena. Come back. You can overcome him! I know you can!" The knight's voice rose to a yell, making Dilandau wince in spite of himself.
Dilandau walked forward, confidence restored with the familiar smooth hilt in his grasp, and slapped the knight as hard as he could. Caught unprepared for the blow, Allen toppled backwards onto his rear.
"For the last time, I -am- Serena. You are looking at your sister right now. There is no 'other person' hidden inside of me." Dilandau searched his opponent's eyes.
Allen did not believe him.
"Get out." The albino's voice was quivering with fury.
Furious and humiliated, the Caeli knight left, his dark looks promising that this was not the end of the matter.
Dilandau stared at the door long after the blonde had departed.
~What am I going to do about him? He'll never leave me any peace~
And Allen was just one out of thousands he had to convince.
~This can wait until morning~ he thought stubbornly. Grumbling about rude people interrupting long-needed rest, Dilandau laid back in the soft sheets.
It was several long minutes before he could fall asleep again.
*~*~*~*~*~*
A much more well rested Dilandau Albatou walked behind the Captain with his ex-Slayers beside him at eight o'clock the next morning. All were considerably more dressed; the palace maids had left soft linen tunics with a pair of pants, a belt, and a sleeveless cotton overshirt at each of their doors. Dilandau's were in a nice forest green and ebon colour combination.
~Not my favourite colours, but they work~
Millerna Aston was dressed as elegantly as usual, standing welcomingly in the virtually empty palace ballroom. Dilandau ran his eyes quickly over the intricate carvings and tapestries before bowing with his companions to the Queen.
"I hope you all slept well?" she asked with a smile, her eyes running over all of them in turn, but lingering on Dilandau for an instant longer than anyone else.
~Does she know?~ Dilandau wondered. All of his studies on the royalty of Zaibach's enemies had never divulged anything close to Millerna's personality. He had always assumed, from his readings on her, that she was a somewhat precocious girl, but overall an easily manipulated, shallow brat. Quite obviously, he had seriously misjudged her.
Millerna told the ex-Dragonslayers all she had told Dilandau on the airship about the current situation. They nodded, accepting her words without question. If Dilandau was ok with it, so were they.
"I have talked with my advisors, and as much as they didn't like it, they were forced to agree with me. I am certain that my decree will be accepted, if grudgingly, with the rest of the nobility. I am not concerned with the rest of the citizens. They trust me enough. However," Millerna fixed the group with a stern and concerned gaze, "the nobles will try to stir up trouble. Remember that you are all on a sort of probation. Any violent or destructive act, however minor, could be used against you. If enough of the nobility become angry and rebellious, I will be forced to withdraw my grant. Do you understand?"
Dilandau and his companions nodded. ~Such are politics~
Millerna continued. "You will be...provoked...on numerous occasions. Young hotheads will challenge you; fatherless sons will try to avenge their family losses. I am very apprehensive concerning the upcoming 'celebration'. With the delicate issue of Van Fanel's death, you will all be in danger. If you kill someone, even harm them, out of self-defense; enough people might believe you have not changed as you have claimed. Be careful."
The words sunk deep in all of them. Next week would come their first test.
The Queen kept Dilandau back while the others left with strict orders from their former commander to relax and not to get into any trouble.
"I have talked with Eires about your apprenticeship," she told him.
Dilandau's ears perked. He waited in expectant silence.
"She put up quite a fuss, but she agreed to do it. If all goes as planned, you will begin the day after the celebration. I can guarentee you that you will not find a better tutor, nor a tougher one. She will push you to the limit."
"Queen Millerna, I have spent virtually my entire past life as a soldier. I am not afraid of a challenge." Dilandau stood straight, back stiff with pride.
The Queen smiled in response. "One more thing, Dilandau."
~Uh oh~
"Has Allen been bothering you?"
~So she did find out~
"My Lady, I can deal with Schezar myself," Dilandau replied stiffly. He was not about to let anyone else deal with his own -personal- problems.
"As you wish."
Dilandau bowed and turned to leave, but the Queen's voice stopped him as he reached the door.
"By the way, the Zaibach Madoushi were all killed in an explosion when the Fate Redirector was destroyed."
~So he was bluffing~ Dilandau felt a great burden of fear lift from his heart.
Dilandau smiled back at her gratefully. He mouthed words of thanks silently, and left.
~*~*~*~*~*
The week passed by quickly. It seemed as if Dilandau had been in the palace only a day before he was dressing for the occasion, only a half hour before the start of the banquet.
~First the banquet, then the speeches, and finally the long, boring dance. Maybe I can slip away then, without any trouble...~
Dilandau had been furnished with more formal attire: a cream silk shirt, tasteful black leather pants, and a gold-embroidered crimson tunic complete with a fancy belt and scabbard for his katana. Dilandau thought the vesture complimented his features quite nicely. His newly polished diadem completed his attire. His silver hair still curled up in the front, the fine silky strands setting him apart from everyone else.
~Even after death, I still look good~
His friends were dressed just as elegantly. The eight made a fine sight, following a servant to the ballroom where the banquet and celebrations were to be held. Most of the guests had already arrived. Heads turned and conversation dimmed noticably when the group entered. Dilandau stood awkwardly, unsure of what to do. Fortunately, the Queen realized his predicament, and began the seating process. This took the attention away from Dilandau...for the moment.
Seating was no easy business. Each position had to be carefully thought out: obviously enemies could not be places next to or across from one another, and Dilandau and his friends' presence had caused multiple migranes for the coordinators. It had all worked out in the end, however, as usual. Dilandau and his companions were seated together with the least politically active of the Asturian nobles.
The banquet was uneventful. Dilandau most certainly enjoyed the food...after Dryden had assured him that there was absolutely no possibility of poisoning.
The speeches, however, were bound to be interesting. Dilandau leaned back in his seat, tense with anticipation, as the Queen strode gracefully to the podium.
"Good citizens of Asturia," she began, her voice easily reaching to the farthest corners of the enormous room, "you have come here for two purposes: to celebrate the end of the Destiny War-" Here Millerna paused to accommodate for the torrent of applause which had erupted. "-and to commemorate the death of King Van Slanzar de Fanel."
Here there was reverent silence. Dilandau noticed more than a few ill glances directed at him and his companions.
"I knew King Van well, although not as well as some. He was a wonderful ruler, filled with a deep caring for his people of Fanelia. We all regret his passing. His ememory will be honored six days hence, at the location of the former palace of Fanelia. The heir to Fanelia will be announced then as well."
The ballroom filled with murmers at that statement. An heir? Fanel had no heir!
"I am sure you are all curious as to who will lead the reconstruction of Fanelia. The details have not yet been settled, so I am afraid that you will all have to wait. Let the rumors fly, as I am sure they must." Here Millerna gave a wry smile, eliciting chuckles from the guests.
"With the Zaibach Empire now fallen, a campaign of peace has begun. There will be no more war, no more battles. I think Gaea has seen enough bloodshed for many years to come." The Queen paused for a moment, letting the words sink in. "This is one of the reasons why I have, as I am sure you already know, granted assylum to the former Zaibach General Dilandau Albatou and his men. You are doubtless wondering why I would harbour such an infamous lot without any hint of a trial of war crimes. Were these normal circumstances, you can be assured that they would indeed be on trial for their actions during the war. However, the situation is far from normal."
No one spoke. The ballroom was filled with dead silence. All attention was fixed on the Queen.
"Some of you may have heard rumors of how King Van was killed, most of them undoubtedly false. However, there should be one rumor among them which contains a rose aura eminating from the pendant of Kanzaki Hitomi, the girl from the Mystic Moon." Millerna smiled at the sudden wave of whispers infecting the audience.
"I see that there is indeed. My public statement tomorrow will contain the full details, but suffice it to say that Dilandau and his Dragonslayers have come back from the dead."
The silence was deafening.
"King Van Fanel killed the Dragonslayers two months ago in battle. No doubt you know this. The seven people attending this banquet (and I know you all know which ones I am speaking of) are from the same elite force destroyed that day. They have come back from the dead. During the final battle of the Destiny War, King Van Fanel slew Dilandau Albatou. He did not keep his accomplishment a secret, I am sure. You all doubtless thought, when you heard that Dilandau was alive, that King Van had simply wounded him, and not fatally. However, Dilandau was, how shall I put it, run through his midsection, thereby severing one of the main arteries of the body. That, as you are all well aware, is a mortal wound. There were several witnesses to Dilandau's death, and all can comfirm what I have just said. Dilandau Albatou came back from the dead." Millerna paused.
"That being so, the eight former soldiers have begun a new life, and their former crimes are of no consequence." Millerna held up her hand to still the angry murmers that broke out. "Hear me. Dilandau has promised me, upon his life, that he has no connection with any of his past deeds. He has assured me as I am assuring all of you, that he shall never again act in such a fashion. He is a guest in Asturia, and under royal protection."
Millerna smiled brightly, and tactfully changed the subject.
"Now then, I do believe the main purpose of this banquet was to celebrate the victory of the Allies." Queen Millerna got no futher, as cheers erupted from the audience. She descended to applause, and with a wave of her hand, the group of musicians began to play. A popular Asturian dance tune filled the air as the nobility rose from their seats and formed partners.
Dilandau gazed at the musicians for a long time, lost in his own thoughts, until he felt a tap on his shoulder. Blinking out of his reverie, he turned, only to be met by a slap in the face. Dilandau's ruby eyes opened wide. Standing two feet from him was an angry young noble with flaming red hair.
"I demand satisfaction from you," the youth snarled. Dilandau clenched his fists, fighting the urge to draw his katana. Instead, the silver haired boy forced himself to be calm.
"I have no quarrel with you," he said smoothly, his face expressionless.
Heads were turning, eyes watching him closely. Dilandau ignored them.
"You killed my brother," the noble snarled, livid with rage.
"I am very sorry for your loss, but that action is a part of the past life I have left behind. I state again; I have no quarrel with you, and therefore I politley and honourably refuse. If you will excuse me?" Dilandau turned and began to walk away, hoping that the young man would stay shocked long enough to allow him to get -away- from this idiotic ball.
No such luck. Dilandau tensed at the scream of steel being drawn. He whipped around, drawing his own katana just in time to block his opponent's wild swing. It was a matter of seconds for Dilandau to disarm the youth and place the tip of his katana to his throat.
"Go ahead," the noble growled. "Finish me." The guests around the pair were silent, watching, waiting.
"Normally, I would. However, due to your present emotional state, I will spare your life." Dilandau sheathed his katana, and stepped back.
The youth stared at him, fury marring his normally handsome features. "Why?"
Dilandau fixed him with an even crimson gaze. "Because I am more of a gentleman than you."
With that, Dilandau walked away, leaving the noble staring after him in consternation. Dilandau's friends gathered around him, eyes filled with confusion and admiration.
"Dilandau-sama," Refina whispered, awed.
"I's sure you all have better things to do than follow me around," Dilandau said. He acted as if the whole incident had never happened. "Go on! Have some fun!" Dilandau eyed Gatti in particular. The blonde Slayer had his eyes fixed enamoredly on a lovely dark-haired lady several feet away. As the other Slayers wandered off, Dilandau watched Gatti approach her.
"Lady Sienna," he beamed. The lady turned, startled. When her bright violet eyes fell on the young man, her face lit up with indescribable joy.
"Gatti-chan!"
Gatti bowed, and delicately kissed her hand, drawing a giggle out of the blushing lady.
Dilandau smiled. At least one of them had a promising future.
The albino weaved his way through the crowd, avoiding anyone who looked at him with a vengeful expression.
~I need some fresh air~
The palace gardens were located just outside the ballroom. They were a perfect place to take a cooling walk. Dilandau strolled down the path, letting the evening breeze gently ruffle his hair. His eyes wandered to the Mystic Moon. It gleamed eerily in the dark sky. For the second time, Dilandau thought of Hitomi, and wondered how the war might have gone differently if she had stayed.
The albino found a bench and sat wearily down. He leaned back and closed his eyes, letting himself drift off in his thoughts.
|I see you have done it, Dilandau|
~Gah! Folken! Why do you -do- that?~
|I am pleased indeed with your application. I wouldn't have thought you able to walk away from that young man|
~Don't remind me~
|I had hoped you would keep your love of music. Treasure it well, Dilandau|
~Folken?~ Something had been bothering Dilandau for some time now.
|Yes, Dilandau?|
~Why did you help me when you knew your actions would likely result in your brother's death?~
There was a long pause before Folken answered.
|Van needed to face his actions. You realize that the brother I had cherished died when Hitomi Kanzaki left. The test simply made certain of that|
Dilandau nodded mentally, understanding what Folken was trying to say.
|Speaking of Van...|
*Hello, Dilandau*
~GAAAAAAH! GET OUT OF MY HEAD!!!!~
*...*
|Van has joined me in the underworld, and he has, in death, reconciled his past life. And no, you needn't worry; he will not be returning to torment you|
*I am quite content where I am, Dilandau*
~Good~
An uncomfortable pause stretched between them.
~Van?~
*Dilandau?*
Another long pause.
~I forgive you~
The words fell like a long-carried onus from Dilandau's mind.
There was a pause as the brothers smiled.
*I forgive you too, Dilandau*
As he felt the two fade from his mind, Dilandau's heart was at peace. Van would no longer trouble him. He could go on with his life with his vendetta finally laid to rest. He opened his eyes.
~Oh great~
Merle was standing before him.
Dilandau sat up straight, unsure of what to do.
"Pardoned," she spat at him. " You don't deserve it. You deserve to die."
"Merle," Dilandau began. But the tear-streaked cat girl cut him off.
"You KILLED him! How could you, you MONSTER! You aren't worthy to kiss his boots! Do you have any idea how much he meant to me? You couldn't possibly! You have no capacity for love! You're an inhuman beast! I HATE YOU!"
Merle shook from her outburst. She stared at him, loss and rage mixed in here eyes.
"I do understand, Merle. Please, give me a chance." Dilandau motioned for her to sit down. Merle didn't twitch. Dilandau sighed, wondering how on earth he was going to placate the girl.
"I was very close to my Dragonslayers. I still am. When I lost them, I cracked completely. They were my entire world. I believe I am correct in assuming that you had the same relationship with Van?"
Merle nodded dumbly. "He adopted me when my family was killed. He was all I had. Now I have nothing. He was such a good soul. How could you kill him?"
"I didn't kill him, Merle. I had the chance twice to kill him and I did not. I gave him a chance. As much pain as he'd caused me, I gave him a chance at life. But he failed. I know that doesn't make your loss any easier to bear, but I'm asking you to give me the same chance I gave Van."
Merle stared at him, her face expressionless, for a long time. From somewhere unknown, the memory of the vision of a small boy playing a pipe surfaced in her mind.
Slowly, Merle sat down next to Dilandau. The two remained silent for several minutes.
"I can't forgive you," Merle said at last.
"I know. I'm not asking you to yet. Maybe you can someday, but in the meantime please understand what I've told you."
"It's her fault then too," Merle hissed.
"Her fault?"
"That wench from the Mystic Moon. If she hadn't stolen Van, he wouldn't have wasted away. She abandoned him."
Dilandau bent his head. How much different would things have been if she'd stayed? Dilandau thought that he could never begin to imagine.
"Millerna has an idea who would be a good ruler for Fanelia, now that Van is gone."
Merle sniffed. "Yeah? So?"
"Who do you think?"
Merle shrugged her shoulders disinterestedly.
Dilandau eyed her quizzically, and odd expression on his face.
Merle glared at him. "What are you looking at?" she snapped.
"Oh nothing. I'm just imagining you wearing a crown."
Merle's jaw dropped. "You mean...you mean that I'M the heir?"
Dilandau grinned. "A fitting choice, don't you think?"
Merle stared at him as if he'd gone completely insane...again.
"Have you lost your mind?" she shrieked.
Dilandau chuckled, his crimson eyes mischievous.
"Oh, wait. Stupid question. Seriously, how can I be Queen of Fanelia? I'm not even royal!"
"You've been around Van most of your life. You know politics just as well as the next regent. Millerna or Eires can advise you when you have trouble. You have a good head, you're logical when you need to be, and I know you'll have only the best intentions for Fanelia. I can't think of a person more qualified."
Merle was speechless.
"Think on it. If you really don't want to, no one will make you. Now, why don't you go and talk to Millerna? She's the one who will make the announcement, after all."
In a daze, the cat-girl stood, looked at Dilandau for a long moment, nodded slowly, and walked back to the ballroom.
Dilandau sighed.
~This war has affected so many people. I wonder if we'll ever get our lives straightened out.~
Dilandau knew what Folken would say. All you can do is try.
~Thank you, Folken~
With another smile, the silver-haired boy who had been given a second chance rose and slipped back towards the bright, shining lights, and the beautiful music.
~*~*~*~*~*~
Well! There you have it! My god that took about...six hours to write! I certainly hope you enjoyed this fic! This is the last chapter, and there WILL BE A SEQUEL. Never fear, Feye Morgan is here! Heh heh. Well, thank you all so very much for reading! Until next time, this is Feye Morgan signing off.
Disclaimer:
Feye: *flashes thunder and lightning* Halt!! Answer me these questions three!
Allen: Uhh... *confused*
Feye: WHAT is your name?
Allen: *proudly* Allen Schezar of Asturia, knight of Caeli, and-
Feye: WHAT is your favourite color?
Allen: Huh? Um...blue.
Feye: DO I OWN ESCAFLOWNE?
Allen: ...yes?
*screaming is heard as Allen flies over the edge of the ravine*
Feye: Knew he wasn't that bright. Oh, and I DO own the plottline idea, so don't steal it, or I'll sic Fred on you. *smiles amiably*
ONWARD!!!
JOURNEY OF FIRE AND SHADOW: PART SEVEN by Feye Morgan
Dilandau woke with a start as the airship landed somewhat ungracefully at Palas.
~Hrmph. Apparently the pilot has lost his touch~ the silver haired boy thought disapprovingly. Had any of -his- men handled a machine so clumsily, he would have...but that was in the past.
~It is so hard to break old habits~ he thought. But Dilandau knew he was changing. So far he had been quite civil to everyone.
"Come with me, Dilandau," Millerna said as she rose gracefully from her seat. Dilandau clenched his teeth, but maintained a smooth expression. He was not used to being ordered around. But then, he had accepted the Queen's conditions without any qualms only a couple hours before.
~Reconciling two completely different lives is going to be a strain~ the ex-soldier thought, walking beside the Queen.
"Dilandau-sama!" The happy cry reached Dilandau's ears from behind. He turned his head slightly to see Shesta and his friends running towards their former commander. Dilandau permitted himself a tiny smile.
The Dragonslayers walked behind Dilandau and the Queen in silence until they had exited the airship. The albino was suriprised: he had expected a crowd to be waiting for them, what with the passengers being royalty. But the pilot had chosen to land inside the palace grounds. As a result, only a small contingent of soldiers had gathered to receive them. Dilandau grinned inwardly at the expressions on their faces once they recognized the silver-haired boy standing next to their Queen.
"My lady!" one cried in apprehension, and drew his sword. Numerous similar hisses of metal followed as the rest of the ex-Dragonsalyers came into view.
"At ease," the Queen ordered sharply. "I am not being held captive or any such thing. Dilandau Albatou and his men have been granted assylum due to rather unusual circumstances. These circumstances shall be explained in a public address at a later date." Dryden joined Millerna, and the small group descended to the palace grounds. "My first concern is to arrange accomodations for our guests. Captain, you will find eight suitable guest rooms, preferably close to one another and removed from main activity. I'm sure they would all like to rest undisturbed?"
Millerna directed this last sentence at Dilandau, looking for confimation. The albino inclined his head courteously. "That would be preferable, Lady."
The Queen nodded at the Cpatiain, who bowed obediently, and left. The rest of the soldiers formed guard position around the group and escorted the royal couple to the palace. (AN: in my version, Dryden never left Millerna. I think he deserves her more than Allen does. There's a definite, if fine, line between love and infatuation, and guess who I think has which? Just my opinion.)
Dilandau absorbed the sights around him avidly. Dornkirk had never been ostentatious: the capitol buildings of the empire were plain and unadorned. Dilandau, who had grown up in the Vione fortress, had only heard of the richly adorned palace of Asturia. The gold decorations and marble statues filled him with a fascination that was a combination of wonder and disgust. The wonder came from the musician, the disgust from the soldier. (AN: I cannot remember for the life of me what the palace looks like. So I'm improvising. It's my fic! I can do that! Author's liberties!!! ^_^)
Now that the shock of recent events had subsided somewhat with the snatch of sleep Dilandau had taken, his two conflicting lives were beginning to irritate him. There were many parts of his former life that he did not wish to give up. His remarkable skill with a katana was something that he was very proud of. He had no intention of letting his discipline fall lax.
~But how can I keep that part of me without also retaining my many...vices...?~
Dilandau pushed the thought away. He had plenty of time to deal with his problems. At the moment, however, he needed rest. The two hours of sleep he'd gotten on the airship had only further reminded him of how exhausted he was. Exhaustion deprives one of his alertness, and Dilandau knew he could not afford to make any mistakes.
"Dilandau," Millerna's voice broke through his thoughts. "The captain will escort you and your men to your rooms. The day grows late, so I will not trouble you any more today. Tomorrow at eight in the morning a guard will bring you all to me so that I may impart to your men what I have already told you. Hopefully by then I will have more of the finer details worked out. Until then, Dilandau." Millerna inclined her head gracefully. Dilandau bowed according to courtesy, and the Queen departed.
"What was that about, Dilandau-sama?" Gatti asked the silver-haired boy.
"We will be summoned to the Queen's presense at eight o'clock in the morning tomorrow. So don't make any plans for then, and be ready."
The former Slayers nodded dutifully.
"If you will follow me," the Captain said. Dilandau nodded. He could see the apprehension in the soldier's eyes, watching his every move.
~Earning the citizens' trust will be difficult. More likely than not I will never earn it~
Dilandau's eyes wandered over the elaborate decorations as he followed the Captain down the hallway.
His room was simple compared to many in the palace, but Dilandau had never been given accomodations so luxurious. He had his own washroom and shower, a finely constructed writing desk, a small couch even, and a lampdesk. Beatutiful paintings of the Asturian countryside adorned the walls. But what captured the majority of Dilandau's attention was the bed. It was rather large and covered with what looked suspiciously like silk sheets. Part of him felt awkward in the midst of such finery, having been quartered in the Vionne barracks his whole past life, but the other, more exhausted part of him, didn't care.
The tired albino slipped his tiara from his head and laid it on the lampstand. He unbelted his katana and slipped the weapon beneath his bed. Without bothering to remove any of his clothing, he collapsed on the sheets and buried his head in the pillow. Before another thought could pass through his mind, he fell to sleep.
*~*~*~*~*~*~
The Dragonslayers were just as tired as their former lord. They loitered in the hallways around their rooms to talk before going to sleep. Their excitement and puzzlement defied exhaustion for the moment.
"What do you make of it all?" Guimel asked, fighting off a yawn.
Refina shrugged, dazed by the day's events. "So much has happened. I really can't make sense of it," she replied quietly.
"We all need sleep," Gatti mumbled. Everyone nodded in agreement, but no one moved to retire to bed. The seven friends just stood there, half awake, half lost in a misty dream.
"What are we going to do?" Migel asked. His words were cold water in the face of confusion.
The friends stood uncomfortably in silence. All any of them had ever known for most of their lives was war.
Or was that really true?
The ex-soldiers smiled one by one as each recalled fond memories of their past lives, memories of those whose wishes had raised them back to the light.
Without any further words, the seven smiled, and melted away to rest their tired hearts.
*~*~*~*~*~*
Dilandau woke, his senses on high alert. He lay motionless on the bed, to all appearences fast asleep, but his muscles were tight and quivering. There had been more than one attempt on his life outside of the fury of the battlefield, and the albino had quickly toned his senses to be responsive to even the slightest suspicious noise, even while in the deepest of dreams.
Dilandau waited. Not another sound came, but he was certain someone was there. His face was turned away from the door. Ruby eyes opened slightly, enough to catch the light of Gaea's two moons streaming through the window.
Quick as a wink, Dilandau was out of bed and crouched with his back to the window, letting the light illuminate all but the darkest corners in front of him. His heart pounding, he searched the room with darting eyes.
"Who's there?" he hissed.
~Not that I'm expecting an answer...~
Dilandau frowned. Several minutes passed without a single sound or hint of motion. The albino relazed slightly.
~Maybe I'm just paranoid. Or maybe it was Folken checking up on me without telling. I hate it when he pops into my mind without so much as a by-your-leave. Grrrr...~
Dilandau took two steps away from the window.
~Maybe it was one of my Dragonslayers...ex-Dragonslayers...~
Still cautious, the albino approached the door and opened it a crack, peering out with sharp crimson eyes.
Nothing.
Sighing, Dilandau closed the door and turned to slip back into bed.
A gloved hand muffled his startled cry as his assailant pressed up behind him and held a sharp dagger to his throat.
Dilandau froze.
~Damn. Dilandau, you baka!~
His eyes caught a gleam of something yellow. The albino frowned, and then winced as his attacker applied pressure on the blade. The hand moved from his mouth to pin his arms to his sides. The shift in movement allowed some moonlight to hit the two figures. The yellow substance, Dilandau realized, was a lock of long blonde hair.
"Schezar," the albino whispered.
"Give me back my sister," Allen growled menacingly.
"Or what? Or you'll kill me?" Dilandau's voice, while no louder than a breath, still contained his customary scrcasm and distain.
Allen's arms stiffened, and Dilandau pressed back, attempting to avoid the now dangerously trembling knife.
"No. I'll take you to the madoushi."
Dilandau stopped breathing. His mind filled with a haze of panic.
~Madoushi~
Memories of agony and terror flashed through the horrified boy's mind. Without even knowing what he was doing, Dilandau began to struggle frantically. Allen, startled and afraid of accidentally harming 'Serena', withdrew the knife from the albino's throat. Dilandau saw his chance, and took it. He disarmed the knight with a quick chop to the wrist. He elbowed Allen in the ribs, dug his heel into his instep, and twisted away. Schezar bent almost double, fighting the pain. The terrified boy siezed the moment and scooped his katana from beneath his bed. The steely blade sliced through the silence as it was drawn.
Allen looked up at him through a sheet of golden hair. Their eyes met.
"Serena. Come back. You can overcome him! I know you can!" The knight's voice rose to a yell, making Dilandau wince in spite of himself.
Dilandau walked forward, confidence restored with the familiar smooth hilt in his grasp, and slapped the knight as hard as he could. Caught unprepared for the blow, Allen toppled backwards onto his rear.
"For the last time, I -am- Serena. You are looking at your sister right now. There is no 'other person' hidden inside of me." Dilandau searched his opponent's eyes.
Allen did not believe him.
"Get out." The albino's voice was quivering with fury.
Furious and humiliated, the Caeli knight left, his dark looks promising that this was not the end of the matter.
Dilandau stared at the door long after the blonde had departed.
~What am I going to do about him? He'll never leave me any peace~
And Allen was just one out of thousands he had to convince.
~This can wait until morning~ he thought stubbornly. Grumbling about rude people interrupting long-needed rest, Dilandau laid back in the soft sheets.
It was several long minutes before he could fall asleep again.
*~*~*~*~*~*
A much more well rested Dilandau Albatou walked behind the Captain with his ex-Slayers beside him at eight o'clock the next morning. All were considerably more dressed; the palace maids had left soft linen tunics with a pair of pants, a belt, and a sleeveless cotton overshirt at each of their doors. Dilandau's were in a nice forest green and ebon colour combination.
~Not my favourite colours, but they work~
Millerna Aston was dressed as elegantly as usual, standing welcomingly in the virtually empty palace ballroom. Dilandau ran his eyes quickly over the intricate carvings and tapestries before bowing with his companions to the Queen.
"I hope you all slept well?" she asked with a smile, her eyes running over all of them in turn, but lingering on Dilandau for an instant longer than anyone else.
~Does she know?~ Dilandau wondered. All of his studies on the royalty of Zaibach's enemies had never divulged anything close to Millerna's personality. He had always assumed, from his readings on her, that she was a somewhat precocious girl, but overall an easily manipulated, shallow brat. Quite obviously, he had seriously misjudged her.
Millerna told the ex-Dragonslayers all she had told Dilandau on the airship about the current situation. They nodded, accepting her words without question. If Dilandau was ok with it, so were they.
"I have talked with my advisors, and as much as they didn't like it, they were forced to agree with me. I am certain that my decree will be accepted, if grudgingly, with the rest of the nobility. I am not concerned with the rest of the citizens. They trust me enough. However," Millerna fixed the group with a stern and concerned gaze, "the nobles will try to stir up trouble. Remember that you are all on a sort of probation. Any violent or destructive act, however minor, could be used against you. If enough of the nobility become angry and rebellious, I will be forced to withdraw my grant. Do you understand?"
Dilandau and his companions nodded. ~Such are politics~
Millerna continued. "You will be...provoked...on numerous occasions. Young hotheads will challenge you; fatherless sons will try to avenge their family losses. I am very apprehensive concerning the upcoming 'celebration'. With the delicate issue of Van Fanel's death, you will all be in danger. If you kill someone, even harm them, out of self-defense; enough people might believe you have not changed as you have claimed. Be careful."
The words sunk deep in all of them. Next week would come their first test.
The Queen kept Dilandau back while the others left with strict orders from their former commander to relax and not to get into any trouble.
"I have talked with Eires about your apprenticeship," she told him.
Dilandau's ears perked. He waited in expectant silence.
"She put up quite a fuss, but she agreed to do it. If all goes as planned, you will begin the day after the celebration. I can guarentee you that you will not find a better tutor, nor a tougher one. She will push you to the limit."
"Queen Millerna, I have spent virtually my entire past life as a soldier. I am not afraid of a challenge." Dilandau stood straight, back stiff with pride.
The Queen smiled in response. "One more thing, Dilandau."
~Uh oh~
"Has Allen been bothering you?"
~So she did find out~
"My Lady, I can deal with Schezar myself," Dilandau replied stiffly. He was not about to let anyone else deal with his own -personal- problems.
"As you wish."
Dilandau bowed and turned to leave, but the Queen's voice stopped him as he reached the door.
"By the way, the Zaibach Madoushi were all killed in an explosion when the Fate Redirector was destroyed."
~So he was bluffing~ Dilandau felt a great burden of fear lift from his heart.
Dilandau smiled back at her gratefully. He mouthed words of thanks silently, and left.
~*~*~*~*~*
The week passed by quickly. It seemed as if Dilandau had been in the palace only a day before he was dressing for the occasion, only a half hour before the start of the banquet.
~First the banquet, then the speeches, and finally the long, boring dance. Maybe I can slip away then, without any trouble...~
Dilandau had been furnished with more formal attire: a cream silk shirt, tasteful black leather pants, and a gold-embroidered crimson tunic complete with a fancy belt and scabbard for his katana. Dilandau thought the vesture complimented his features quite nicely. His newly polished diadem completed his attire. His silver hair still curled up in the front, the fine silky strands setting him apart from everyone else.
~Even after death, I still look good~
His friends were dressed just as elegantly. The eight made a fine sight, following a servant to the ballroom where the banquet and celebrations were to be held. Most of the guests had already arrived. Heads turned and conversation dimmed noticably when the group entered. Dilandau stood awkwardly, unsure of what to do. Fortunately, the Queen realized his predicament, and began the seating process. This took the attention away from Dilandau...for the moment.
Seating was no easy business. Each position had to be carefully thought out: obviously enemies could not be places next to or across from one another, and Dilandau and his friends' presence had caused multiple migranes for the coordinators. It had all worked out in the end, however, as usual. Dilandau and his companions were seated together with the least politically active of the Asturian nobles.
The banquet was uneventful. Dilandau most certainly enjoyed the food...after Dryden had assured him that there was absolutely no possibility of poisoning.
The speeches, however, were bound to be interesting. Dilandau leaned back in his seat, tense with anticipation, as the Queen strode gracefully to the podium.
"Good citizens of Asturia," she began, her voice easily reaching to the farthest corners of the enormous room, "you have come here for two purposes: to celebrate the end of the Destiny War-" Here Millerna paused to accommodate for the torrent of applause which had erupted. "-and to commemorate the death of King Van Slanzar de Fanel."
Here there was reverent silence. Dilandau noticed more than a few ill glances directed at him and his companions.
"I knew King Van well, although not as well as some. He was a wonderful ruler, filled with a deep caring for his people of Fanelia. We all regret his passing. His ememory will be honored six days hence, at the location of the former palace of Fanelia. The heir to Fanelia will be announced then as well."
The ballroom filled with murmers at that statement. An heir? Fanel had no heir!
"I am sure you are all curious as to who will lead the reconstruction of Fanelia. The details have not yet been settled, so I am afraid that you will all have to wait. Let the rumors fly, as I am sure they must." Here Millerna gave a wry smile, eliciting chuckles from the guests.
"With the Zaibach Empire now fallen, a campaign of peace has begun. There will be no more war, no more battles. I think Gaea has seen enough bloodshed for many years to come." The Queen paused for a moment, letting the words sink in. "This is one of the reasons why I have, as I am sure you already know, granted assylum to the former Zaibach General Dilandau Albatou and his men. You are doubtless wondering why I would harbour such an infamous lot without any hint of a trial of war crimes. Were these normal circumstances, you can be assured that they would indeed be on trial for their actions during the war. However, the situation is far from normal."
No one spoke. The ballroom was filled with dead silence. All attention was fixed on the Queen.
"Some of you may have heard rumors of how King Van was killed, most of them undoubtedly false. However, there should be one rumor among them which contains a rose aura eminating from the pendant of Kanzaki Hitomi, the girl from the Mystic Moon." Millerna smiled at the sudden wave of whispers infecting the audience.
"I see that there is indeed. My public statement tomorrow will contain the full details, but suffice it to say that Dilandau and his Dragonslayers have come back from the dead."
The silence was deafening.
"King Van Fanel killed the Dragonslayers two months ago in battle. No doubt you know this. The seven people attending this banquet (and I know you all know which ones I am speaking of) are from the same elite force destroyed that day. They have come back from the dead. During the final battle of the Destiny War, King Van Fanel slew Dilandau Albatou. He did not keep his accomplishment a secret, I am sure. You all doubtless thought, when you heard that Dilandau was alive, that King Van had simply wounded him, and not fatally. However, Dilandau was, how shall I put it, run through his midsection, thereby severing one of the main arteries of the body. That, as you are all well aware, is a mortal wound. There were several witnesses to Dilandau's death, and all can comfirm what I have just said. Dilandau Albatou came back from the dead." Millerna paused.
"That being so, the eight former soldiers have begun a new life, and their former crimes are of no consequence." Millerna held up her hand to still the angry murmers that broke out. "Hear me. Dilandau has promised me, upon his life, that he has no connection with any of his past deeds. He has assured me as I am assuring all of you, that he shall never again act in such a fashion. He is a guest in Asturia, and under royal protection."
Millerna smiled brightly, and tactfully changed the subject.
"Now then, I do believe the main purpose of this banquet was to celebrate the victory of the Allies." Queen Millerna got no futher, as cheers erupted from the audience. She descended to applause, and with a wave of her hand, the group of musicians began to play. A popular Asturian dance tune filled the air as the nobility rose from their seats and formed partners.
Dilandau gazed at the musicians for a long time, lost in his own thoughts, until he felt a tap on his shoulder. Blinking out of his reverie, he turned, only to be met by a slap in the face. Dilandau's ruby eyes opened wide. Standing two feet from him was an angry young noble with flaming red hair.
"I demand satisfaction from you," the youth snarled. Dilandau clenched his fists, fighting the urge to draw his katana. Instead, the silver haired boy forced himself to be calm.
"I have no quarrel with you," he said smoothly, his face expressionless.
Heads were turning, eyes watching him closely. Dilandau ignored them.
"You killed my brother," the noble snarled, livid with rage.
"I am very sorry for your loss, but that action is a part of the past life I have left behind. I state again; I have no quarrel with you, and therefore I politley and honourably refuse. If you will excuse me?" Dilandau turned and began to walk away, hoping that the young man would stay shocked long enough to allow him to get -away- from this idiotic ball.
No such luck. Dilandau tensed at the scream of steel being drawn. He whipped around, drawing his own katana just in time to block his opponent's wild swing. It was a matter of seconds for Dilandau to disarm the youth and place the tip of his katana to his throat.
"Go ahead," the noble growled. "Finish me." The guests around the pair were silent, watching, waiting.
"Normally, I would. However, due to your present emotional state, I will spare your life." Dilandau sheathed his katana, and stepped back.
The youth stared at him, fury marring his normally handsome features. "Why?"
Dilandau fixed him with an even crimson gaze. "Because I am more of a gentleman than you."
With that, Dilandau walked away, leaving the noble staring after him in consternation. Dilandau's friends gathered around him, eyes filled with confusion and admiration.
"Dilandau-sama," Refina whispered, awed.
"I's sure you all have better things to do than follow me around," Dilandau said. He acted as if the whole incident had never happened. "Go on! Have some fun!" Dilandau eyed Gatti in particular. The blonde Slayer had his eyes fixed enamoredly on a lovely dark-haired lady several feet away. As the other Slayers wandered off, Dilandau watched Gatti approach her.
"Lady Sienna," he beamed. The lady turned, startled. When her bright violet eyes fell on the young man, her face lit up with indescribable joy.
"Gatti-chan!"
Gatti bowed, and delicately kissed her hand, drawing a giggle out of the blushing lady.
Dilandau smiled. At least one of them had a promising future.
The albino weaved his way through the crowd, avoiding anyone who looked at him with a vengeful expression.
~I need some fresh air~
The palace gardens were located just outside the ballroom. They were a perfect place to take a cooling walk. Dilandau strolled down the path, letting the evening breeze gently ruffle his hair. His eyes wandered to the Mystic Moon. It gleamed eerily in the dark sky. For the second time, Dilandau thought of Hitomi, and wondered how the war might have gone differently if she had stayed.
The albino found a bench and sat wearily down. He leaned back and closed his eyes, letting himself drift off in his thoughts.
|I see you have done it, Dilandau|
~Gah! Folken! Why do you -do- that?~
|I am pleased indeed with your application. I wouldn't have thought you able to walk away from that young man|
~Don't remind me~
|I had hoped you would keep your love of music. Treasure it well, Dilandau|
~Folken?~ Something had been bothering Dilandau for some time now.
|Yes, Dilandau?|
~Why did you help me when you knew your actions would likely result in your brother's death?~
There was a long pause before Folken answered.
|Van needed to face his actions. You realize that the brother I had cherished died when Hitomi Kanzaki left. The test simply made certain of that|
Dilandau nodded mentally, understanding what Folken was trying to say.
|Speaking of Van...|
*Hello, Dilandau*
~GAAAAAAH! GET OUT OF MY HEAD!!!!~
*...*
|Van has joined me in the underworld, and he has, in death, reconciled his past life. And no, you needn't worry; he will not be returning to torment you|
*I am quite content where I am, Dilandau*
~Good~
An uncomfortable pause stretched between them.
~Van?~
*Dilandau?*
Another long pause.
~I forgive you~
The words fell like a long-carried onus from Dilandau's mind.
There was a pause as the brothers smiled.
*I forgive you too, Dilandau*
As he felt the two fade from his mind, Dilandau's heart was at peace. Van would no longer trouble him. He could go on with his life with his vendetta finally laid to rest. He opened his eyes.
~Oh great~
Merle was standing before him.
Dilandau sat up straight, unsure of what to do.
"Pardoned," she spat at him. " You don't deserve it. You deserve to die."
"Merle," Dilandau began. But the tear-streaked cat girl cut him off.
"You KILLED him! How could you, you MONSTER! You aren't worthy to kiss his boots! Do you have any idea how much he meant to me? You couldn't possibly! You have no capacity for love! You're an inhuman beast! I HATE YOU!"
Merle shook from her outburst. She stared at him, loss and rage mixed in here eyes.
"I do understand, Merle. Please, give me a chance." Dilandau motioned for her to sit down. Merle didn't twitch. Dilandau sighed, wondering how on earth he was going to placate the girl.
"I was very close to my Dragonslayers. I still am. When I lost them, I cracked completely. They were my entire world. I believe I am correct in assuming that you had the same relationship with Van?"
Merle nodded dumbly. "He adopted me when my family was killed. He was all I had. Now I have nothing. He was such a good soul. How could you kill him?"
"I didn't kill him, Merle. I had the chance twice to kill him and I did not. I gave him a chance. As much pain as he'd caused me, I gave him a chance at life. But he failed. I know that doesn't make your loss any easier to bear, but I'm asking you to give me the same chance I gave Van."
Merle stared at him, her face expressionless, for a long time. From somewhere unknown, the memory of the vision of a small boy playing a pipe surfaced in her mind.
Slowly, Merle sat down next to Dilandau. The two remained silent for several minutes.
"I can't forgive you," Merle said at last.
"I know. I'm not asking you to yet. Maybe you can someday, but in the meantime please understand what I've told you."
"It's her fault then too," Merle hissed.
"Her fault?"
"That wench from the Mystic Moon. If she hadn't stolen Van, he wouldn't have wasted away. She abandoned him."
Dilandau bent his head. How much different would things have been if she'd stayed? Dilandau thought that he could never begin to imagine.
"Millerna has an idea who would be a good ruler for Fanelia, now that Van is gone."
Merle sniffed. "Yeah? So?"
"Who do you think?"
Merle shrugged her shoulders disinterestedly.
Dilandau eyed her quizzically, and odd expression on his face.
Merle glared at him. "What are you looking at?" she snapped.
"Oh nothing. I'm just imagining you wearing a crown."
Merle's jaw dropped. "You mean...you mean that I'M the heir?"
Dilandau grinned. "A fitting choice, don't you think?"
Merle stared at him as if he'd gone completely insane...again.
"Have you lost your mind?" she shrieked.
Dilandau chuckled, his crimson eyes mischievous.
"Oh, wait. Stupid question. Seriously, how can I be Queen of Fanelia? I'm not even royal!"
"You've been around Van most of your life. You know politics just as well as the next regent. Millerna or Eires can advise you when you have trouble. You have a good head, you're logical when you need to be, and I know you'll have only the best intentions for Fanelia. I can't think of a person more qualified."
Merle was speechless.
"Think on it. If you really don't want to, no one will make you. Now, why don't you go and talk to Millerna? She's the one who will make the announcement, after all."
In a daze, the cat-girl stood, looked at Dilandau for a long moment, nodded slowly, and walked back to the ballroom.
Dilandau sighed.
~This war has affected so many people. I wonder if we'll ever get our lives straightened out.~
Dilandau knew what Folken would say. All you can do is try.
~Thank you, Folken~
With another smile, the silver-haired boy who had been given a second chance rose and slipped back towards the bright, shining lights, and the beautiful music.
~*~*~*~*~*~
Well! There you have it! My god that took about...six hours to write! I certainly hope you enjoyed this fic! This is the last chapter, and there WILL BE A SEQUEL. Never fear, Feye Morgan is here! Heh heh. Well, thank you all so very much for reading! Until next time, this is Feye Morgan signing off.