Vision Of Escaflowne Fan Fiction ❯ Reflections Of The Heart ❯ Bird Cage ( Chapter 5 )

*Hoi there, y'all. ^_^ Phew, after spending a week researching, writing and studying, it's nice to get back to typing for fun, you know? I hope you can all forgive me for making you wait so long- if you can't, well, take it up with my Art History Professor!! I've also got an Eng essay coming up, but it shouldn't be too hard, so I should be able to get the next ch out fairly quickly. I hope... But enough about me, right? We're all waiting to see who's gonna kick who's butt, so I'll shut up pretty soon. Hope y'all liked the mini ch, it was fun to come up w/ their pasts. It almost makes me want to do a ficlet on the boyz themselves.... Almost. I think you'll all like what I've got in store for you though....

BWAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAAAAAAAAAAAAA!!!! *cue thunder/lightning*

Sorry, I needed to do that. Anyone come up with the chapter pattern yet? No? Well, send me your random guesses then, my inbox has been pathetically empty.. >.< One last note- remember my last pathetic attempt at a fighting scene? I'm hoping this one is better. If not, tell me what to write, I suck at action and suspense. Shuttin up now, so get out your popcorn, find your mace and sit back and enjoy the catfigh- er, sho-, I mean, chapter! ^_^* Note- rating now increased, due to Dilly's potty mouth. What?? Oh come on, you all knew it would become R sooner or later...

Bird Cage

Cold and calculating blue eyes stared into cool and faded cerulean. The two stood across the room, hands on their swords, ready to draw and trying to see if the other was actually serious about going through with it. The only sounds in the room were the soft clicks of boots on the floor, and the occasional cough given by one of the girls standing to the side of the 'arena'. In fact, the entire force of the 'Hiki's were lined along the walls of one of the smaller ballrooms that was currently serving as training quarters for the girls; all were waiting to see if their captain Refina would 'pummel the bitch into oblivion' like she'd said she would last night. The 'bitch', also known as Celena, stood with a smirk on her face, watching Refina's pacing with obvious enjoyment, which only infuriated the woman more. Refina finally stopped pacing, and stood tall to throw out a challenge.

"So, Schezar, ready to prove once and for all who's the better fighter? You can still back out of it, you know. None of us will let it slip that you're a coward if you're too afraid to go on with it." Celena had to bite her lip to keep her language in check, but gave the girl a pleasant enough smile. With a toss of her head, she flicked her braid over her shoulder, showing Refina how much she *didn't* fear her threats. True, the outfit she'd borrowed from one of the brunettes of the group was a bit different then anything she'd ever fought in before, but she'd manage well enough. She crossed her arms and gave Refina a look that Jajuka would give her if she tried to wheedle someone into giving her her way.

"I've been ready for the past ten minutes. I hope your pacing has made you limber, I'd hate to cut you down before things got interesting just because your muscles are stiff. Come at me at any time you're ready, I'll be waiting right here." She slouched a bit in her stance, seeing it anger the other blonde enough to the point of action. Refina ran forward, a grin on her face and at a speed that almost took Celena by surprise. Almost.

Celena drew her sword in time to block the blow aimed for her main artery, then used Refina's momentum to counter with a swipe of her own. The blades locked for a moment, Refina snarling across the gap at Celena, who was having some difficulty keeping her sword up against Refina's pushing sword.

"Well, Refina, I see you've improved since we last sparred. Not that that's any feat in itself." Refina laughed half heartedly, and pushed Celena backwards. Celena reflexively ducked the next blow aimed for her head, and dodged to the left as Refina swung at her again. "Your moves are the same though. You need more imagination." Refina replied by bringing her fist into the action as well, landing a hit on Celena's shoulder. It jarred her a moment, but the Schezar was able to avoid the quick stab that followed the punch.

"How's that for imagination, Bitch? You gonna stop toying with me, or are we going to keep beating around the bush until we both lose interest?" Celena remained defensive, blocking and parrying as Refina cursed at her with each thrust and jab. A laugh escaped her as she blocked again.

"Please, Refina. We both know you're as tenacious as a bulldog, and you'll never let go til you've beaten me. But I agree, this foolish play is dull. En guard!" With that, she side stepped another swing and began a rapid succession of thrusts, feints, slices and jabs., Refina looked startled for a moment, and almost lost her footing, but her grin quickly returned and she blocked the blows with the same speed before deciding to go on offensive again. Their movements became quick, darting steps that would have looked to an observer to be almost a part in a lively country dance. That is, if the observer could ignore the cursing of the darker blonde and fact that the two 'partners' were attempting to hack each other to bits. One of the onlookers sighed wistfully.

"I wish I had the skill to do that. Then I could beat Refina up myself..."

"Valice, you know if anyone has a chance in Hell in beating her up, it's me!"

"Oh yeah?? You wanna take this outside, ya big prissy lady-wannabe??"

"Yeah, you overgrown turkey winged excuse of a Draconian-!!"

"Valice, Katharine, will you guys shut up? You'll distract them, and I want to see if Captain Refina gets her butt kicked like Migel and Gatti said she would. For goodness sakes!!" The catgirl had her claws extended to a rather dangerous length, and neither girl wanted to be on the receiving end of the talons, so they sulkily complied. The few other girls who had been listening shook their heads and sighed in exasperation, and turned their attention back to the battling women.

Things had gotten very dirty in very little time. Both women were now cursing, and neither were wearing the smirks they'd had earlier. Refina was licking a small cut in her lip, Celena was trying to fight one-handedly as she attempted to stuff a handkerchief up her nose to stop the bleeding in a very un-ladylike way. No doubt her brother Allen or her caretaker Jajuka would both have heart attacks upon seeing this. Luckily for the young heiress, no one had a shadowgraph box about, nor did they think to get one. No one wanted to miss the fight. A loud, single gasp went up as the group of girls watched in morbid fascination as Refina landed another punch in Celena's stomach. The pale blonde girl slumped forward, blinking and trying to regain her breath while avoiding getting run through with her own sword. Her opponent didn't give her the chance to do either, however. Kicking the sword out of Celena's reach, she grabbed the braid and hauled up her victim, a lopsided >due to her now very puffy lower lip< grin of triumph coming to her face. She held her own sword aloft in a sign of victory. All two of the Refina fans in the audience clapped.

"Give it up, Schezar. I won. Admit it. Not only am I more beautiful than you, I'm stronger, faster, and smarter too."

"Damn! I was hoping she'd win. Ah well. Just makes my own future victory over her all the better."

"Whatever. Pay up, Countess, and leave your fantasizing out of it. That's 30 gil."

"What?? Are you raising the stakes after the fights over? You-!!" The good natured bickering of the two friends went unheard by their Captain however, which was probably all the better for them. Refina didn't like it when people openly admitted to not liking her, except when she could use them as a punching bag. It would have been even worse for Katharine, had her commanding officer known she'd bet against her. No, Refina was too busy flaunting Celena's defeat in her face to notice the two.

"How's it feel, Celena? To know that I'm better in every way than you?" Celena let out a forced laugh, making a grunting noise as she tried not to make movements that would hurt her hair roots.

"Well... I admit, you are stronger than me, and faster too. I think I need less time in the garden and more out in the fields chasing rabbits with heavy logs. Beauty is in the eye of the beholder, or so I'm told. But smarter? I don't think so." She jumped up then, catching Refina off guard and twisting in the air as Refina's arm with the sword came down reflexively. The girls watching gasped- it seemed as though Celena would have her head cut off as the blade came dangerously close, however, with another quick movement, she dodged the steel. The sword came down, and was roughly taken from Refina's hand as Celena flipped back to reclaim her own weapon. Refina didn't even move as Celena held both swords up at her throat; she was still staring blankly at the ponytail in her hand.

"YES!!! PAY UP NOW, VALICE!! WHO CALLED IT??? YEAH BABY!!" Refina seemed to snap out of it then, glaring at her subordinate.

"Katharine! Valice! You two are restricted to the castle grounds for a month! Now shut up all of you! Get back to training, NOW!" The last order was roared, and a few of the more timid members made "eep!!" sounds as they fled the room.

Refina was deathly pale for a moment, shock etched on her face. Her gaze kept going from Celena to the lock of hair in her hands, then back. She hadn't expected Celena to allow her hair to get cut- not so drastically, and her obvious bewilderment made her mouth hang open slightly in total disbelief. If Celena hadn't been in the same position less than five minutes ago, she'd almost feel sorry for the girl. Almost.

"You... you beat me."

"I said I would, don't sound so surprised. You've got to give me some credit- I mean, I am the sister of a knight of Caeli, as well as ...hell, I dunno now to explain my relations with Dilandau, but we're close too." Refina's face contorted at the name, and she did a very unwise thing, considering Celena had not one, but two very sharp swords in her hands; Refina pushed them both away and went for Celena's throat.

"I'm going to kill you very slowly, and then I'm going to hide your body where not even the sorcerers can-"

The rest of her littler speech was drowned out by a very loud, "What the FUCK is going on here??" followed by the sound of flesh hitting flesh, and then Refina skidding several feet away from Celena. The latter coughed and sagged against the supporting arms of Dalet and the Hikari girl Katharine, and then she blinked several times to allow the room to reassemble itself from the many blurry versions swimming around the room. She shook her head, let go of Dalet and Katharine, and looked at the one who had so conveniently broken up what would have promised to be a very short victory party.

Dilandau was scowling down at Refina, and shouted at her to get up and report to her rooms to wait to be summoned again. The Captain bowed humbly, shot a glare at Celena, and then ran from the room, cradling a swollen cheek. Dilandau then stormed over to Celena, looking as though he was about to do the same to her, but she held up a hand to lower his, meeting him levelly in a glare.

"Thank you for breaking that little-"

"You shut up. Dalet, Katharine, no one is to disturb us. I must speak with *Ambassador Celena Schezar* alone. Close the doors as you leave." A quick 'yessir' with a bow and the two were gone in a instant. Dilandau picked up the two swords, bringing one's tip to graze her throat.

"Give me one Goddamned reason why I shouldn't slit your throat now, and send your sorry ass back in a coffin to your Brother."

"Because, Dilly!! You know you love me..."

"Don't call me DILLY!"

"Also, if you wanted me dead, I'd be on the death march already."

"What the Hell do you think you were doing? She's twice as strong, twice as fast as you Celena! She's been in training since we got here, and you've been digging in the dirt in that damned garden of yours!! Did you honestly think you could stand up against her?? Did you come here to stir trouble, or make it??" She met his angry gaze again, then turned her back to him.

"I don't see why it's any skin off *your* teeth. I was just trying to show Refina I'm not afraid of her-"

"While becoming a pin cushion in the meantime? You're lucky Allen taught you that move-"

"Do you honestly think Allen would let me near a weapon? I learned that one from Gaddess." He stopped talking at that, then gave her a very hard look- as hard a look as you can give someone's back, that is.

"Gaddess? Why would he go against Allen unless- what do you have?"

She turned and gave him a grin.

"Lots of blackmail fodder, all artfully wheedled out while he was drunk. He even signed a paper saying everything he' d told me was the truth. He owed me big time for keeping quiet about it."

"What did he do?"

"I'm not going to share valuable information like that!! What's the use in blackmail if someone else can use it too??"

"Where'd you get the sword to practice? I'm sure Allen wouldn't dream of letting his dear little sister near anything sharp.... And where was Jajuka during this?" At that, she grinned, and Dilandau had a sinking feeling he knew where she'd gotten the sword, as well as learned some of the moves he'd seen her pull while beating the crap out of Refina. The only reason why he hadn't interfered was because Refina needed someone to humble her arrogant temper, and the fact that it was Celena only made it all the better. Instead of asking more of her, he sighed, then threw her the other sword, which she deftly caught.

"Alright, let's see what other interesting things you learned in your blackmail lessons, shall we? But first, get that damn handkerchief out of your nose."

They parried back and forth for a bit, and Dilandau was happy to see that she'd not been lying about learning new moves. Apparently, Gaddess had taught her a few others for dodging, but Jajuka had made sure that she kept in top shape- despite Allen's insistence that she stick to household affairs. She also admitted to practicing with a few of the knights of Caeli while she was in the city. Millerna had agreed that Celena needed something interesting to do, and had ordered some of the knights to help her improve her skills- but without allowing Allen to find out. There had been a few close calls, but he knew that the danger was one of the things she liked the most about it, and would have been disappointed with her if she had stopped in fear of her brother. He smirked as he listened to her accounts of the past few months, and grinned as she mentioned Allen's latest love-interest.

"Another Princess? What is this; the third, fourth royal skirt he's chased?" She sighed, picking her sword off the floor where he'd thrown it a moment before.

"Fifth, if you count Eries and Hitomi. It's just so irritating- he tells me he'll never love anyone again, and then the next pretty face he sees, he goes chasing skirts like a child collecting pretty pebbles. It's amazing that Chid is my only nephew!"

She went on to tell him more about the capital, as well as the various tidbits of gossip that had flared about the two of them specifically- the fact that he had appeared out of nowhere and then had been allowed partial freedom to do what he wanted had scared some people out of their wits, and others had resorted to coming up with theories about where he'd been hiding. People had speculated that Celena had hidden him somewhere, and while she didn't agree that she had, she also hadn't denied it. That led to some rather interesting rumors; people knew that they had a relationship, but no one knew of what sort, and they didn't have the guts to ask either of them. Dilandau smirked, wondering if Celena had hoped that coming here would add to the gossip and perhaps deepen their suspicions about the rancid love-affair that was 'going on behind Allen's back but everyone knew about it'.

He frowned then, allowing her sword a little leeway as he thought about that. Was that what she wanted? People to think they were having an affair? More importantly, was that what *he* wanted, or did he even care at all? He'd felt her reaction before, and had suspected that Folken had said something very alarming, or else she'd never have thrown such emotion his way in such force. Surprise, suspicion, and jealousy- he didn't know what the heck it was about, but then again, he didn't know if he wanted to or not. What *did* he want? What did *he* think their relationship was? He knew that they were close- he was closer to her than her own brother, but they weren't technically related by blood anymore. He had his own body back, and even his blood type had returned to its former state, although there were still traces of leftover residual from the Sorcerers experiments. They weren't siblings, but they weren't just friends either. How would he reply if someone asked how they were connected?

He must have shown some of his thoughts, or lowered his mental barriers, because Celena was no longer smiling either. She stepped back, panting, and leaned on her sword, never taking her eyes off of him. She looked rather warm in the tight suit, and he raised an eyebrow for a moment, looking over her for the first time. She'd grown in height very little while they were apart, but in other areas...

"Dilandau, why are you looking at me like that? Are you having indecent thoughts?" He snapped back to attention, a scowl on his face. Damn, had he spaced out just then? She was looking at him with an almost wary look, though it wasn't a scolding one. She just seemed a bit cautious at his sudden behavior, and he cleared his throat, sheathing his sword.

"I was just thinking. Why would you think I-"

"You're bright red, for one thing. Honestly, Dilandau, they're just rumors, you needn't get so worked up about them. Why? Do you want to start something?" She sheathed her own blade, then gave him a look that would have made any other man fall to their knees and offer his soul to her at that moment. However, *he* was Dilandau Albatou, and he wasn't affected by her wily woman's ways.

"Do you?" She flushed at that, and giggled, making him mentally roll his eyes. At times, they were almost like twins. At others- like now- they were complete opposites. And- to his chagrin- she didn't reply at once. She looked at him, a smirk on her face, and a look that asked, 'so what would you do if I said yes?'. "Celena?" She sighed, then her eyes grew distant.

"I couldn't do anything that would interfere with your training- it's too important to you, and it's somewhat silly to think we'd be able to meet when we're a several large countries apart. But, they've been... A bit helpful... I'm not asking for your time, but if you could do me a favor..?" His puzzlement and curiosity got the better of him, but he knew from past experience that if he spoke now, she wouldn't continue. So he nodded, though he could tell she didn't really see him do so.

"If.. Anyone were to ask you, if we were..... *involved*, "she said this with a slight blush, and a smile on her lips. "Would you... Not deny or confirm anything? I'd like to-" She cut herself off then, and turned from him, looking up at the half-finished ceiling. "I'd just appreciate if you did. I know it means you'll have lots more rumors about you flying about, but I'm only asking because... Will you?"

"Why?" He tried probing her mind the way she attempted, but she had her own barriers, and he didn't want to force himself on her. Though his curiosity was extremely peaked and he'd need to get his answers fairly soon, he didn't press her for anything. She respected his privacy, he respected hers. But why did she need him to suggest that she was involved with him, but wouldn't tell him why? It bloody irritated him, but he suspected she'd tell him. She shook her head, her voice softer than before.

"I'm sorry.. I just can't... not yet. I.." He saw her shoulders slump, and then he realized- albeit a bit belatedly- that she was crying. Shit! What had he said to make her cry? Or was this one of her 'girl things'? He briefly had a flashback of the time when he'd been shared her female form, and recalled how the littlest things could sometimes make you cry at the drop of a hat. He shuddered momentarily, blocking out those memories that made him happy to be male, and then brought his attention back to her. She was Celena though, she didn't cry unless she had a damned good reason!

"Celena, what did I-?"

"Oh Dilandau, it's not you!! I.. I.. " She turned, flung herself into his arms, and began squeezing him in what the people from the Mystic Moon referred to as a 'Bear Hug'- not that there were any people from the Mystic Moon about to tell him that. Another Mystic Moon expression would have defined his actions very well too; a deer caught in headlights. He was frozen as she stood there sobbing on his shoulder, utterly confused and not prepared to deal with anything like this. Panic began to well up in him- what was it he was supposed to do?? What the hell had brought this on?? Where was Chesta when you needed him? Chesta was good with emotion- Dilandau was not. Should he do something? What? Should he try to make her happy, or should he pretend it wasn't happening? What would Chesta do? Minutes ticked by, and very slowly, he raised his hands to her shoulders. She snuggled into his shoulder again, beginning to gain control of herself again. They stood there for several minutes, neither saying anything nor needing to. Well, actually, Dilandau would've liked to know what the Hell was going on, but he could wait for an explanation. He chose to try to fish for it instead.

"Did Allen do something? Do you need me to get rid of him? Did something happen that you're not telling me about? Dammit, Celena, how am I supposed to help you if you won't tell me what's wrong?? Did Refina say something to you-"

"Please, just... just don't ask me anything. N-not yet. I'm sorry I bothered you, Dilandau. Just forget I said anything. Excuse me." She tore herself from his arms, ran across the room, and left a completely baffled and utterly confused Slayer General in her wake. He stood there a moment, not feeling the cold that was returning since she left, and simply staring at the door she'd run through. What had that been all about?? He left feeling rather crabby- mostly because he knew something was wrong with Celena and she wouldn't tell him- and went off to find an ambassador to harass. He *could* force her to tell him what was going on, but he wouldn't. He wasn't a gentleman, but he knew that it was better to let her regain her composure before going after her. If he did at all.

He stopped in the hall, finding himself moving towards her rooms, and he quickly spun on his heels. He needed to think, he needed to get rid of his conflicting emotions.. Hell, he needed to slap someone!! He began to try to think up a reason to go toughen the new recruits when a thought struck him, and he felt better- for the most part. Trying to set aside his feelings and not succeeding very well, he went off to go 'speak' to Refina.

I got to my rooms and found a small crowd outside, waiting for me. Terra, Aerin and several other girls were lounging about the hall, obviously wanting to talk to me. Terra sighed and shook her head when she saw me, opening my door and ushering me to a chair. She pulled out a pair of scissors and went to work, attempting to salvage what was left of my hair. She scolded me for several minutes before the others were able to speak.

"Celena, I know you wanted to beat Refina, but you must take better care of yourself! You're lucky it was only your hair that was cut and not your head. For goodness sakes, Refina is not someone to be taken lightly- I would have thought you of all people knew that. If I had know about this-"

"But you didn't, Ra. C'mon lay off, alright? She's fine, and that's what counts. You're just poed 'cause you were stuck in the library with your musty old books, and no one told you about it. But, if it makes you feel any better, Jajuka will probably chew her out later. I do feel bad about your hair though, Cel. I mean, I woulda made Refina stop- she can't order Ra or me around since we're senior officers in different positions. I also wish I coulda seen the look on her face when you beat her though- Val here says it was priceless." I looked at the girl Aerin pointed to; she was grinning mischievously and winked when we caught each other's eye. So, this was Viole's sister, Valice. She looked little like her brother- their only similar trait seemed to be the purply brown hair with puffy bangs. I gave her a smile, even as Terra muttered under her breath about how she had to play 'mother' for everyone. 'Val' nodded eagerly.

"I misjudged you, Miss Celena! I lost money because I thought you looked too weak to hurt a kitten. Kate here won- she said anyone who was related to Dilly could beat her up!!" The girl 'Kate' flushed, but didn't reply. I looked at her closely, a smile pulling at my lips. She looked rather mousy with her dark brown hair in a tangle of curls, but there was a spark of mischief in her green eyes that made me realize there was more to her than met the eye.

"Were you the one who shouted at the end of the fight?" The girl grinned a little, and nodded. Valice clapped a hand on her friend's shoulder.

"Kate here doesn't say much 'til you get to know her. Then, she'll never shut up!!"

"And between the two of you, no one gets a word in edgewise. I'm Nita, by the way. I keep the peace between the two idiots." The grey cat girl smirked at them both, crossing her arms and looking defiant- despite the fact that she was shorter than them both. The 'two idiots' glared in mock irritation, and another girl stepped into view. She peered at me closely, a hand up to her chin in thought. After a moment, she let out a rather loud cry, which made Terra jump and nearly take out my eye with the scissors.

"What's your type??" I blinked, not quite understanding.

"Excuse me?" Valice 'tsked', and shook her head.

"Ignore Cia, Miss Celena. She thinks she's the God's gift to everyone to find their perfect soul mate-"

"Hey! I got Terra and Biore together, right? And heck, I knew before anyone else that Dalet had a thing for Kat-"

"That's because you were spying on us-!!"

"I had to find out somehow! Besides, now you don't have to hide it anymore! You should thank me!! If you've got love problems, come see me, and I'll be able to tell you the scoop on your target's love life. I just have a knack for that sort of thing, you know? I can feel the pulse of love in the air, and I can smell love's chemistry. If someone's got a crush, I know about it!" She beamed at the others, making several blush and cough, then turned back to me, once again looking at me closely. "Sooooooooo?? What's your type? Is it true that you and Dilandau had a fling while he was with you in Asturia? Is it true you two ran away together and your Brother brought you back? What about Lord Folken? Is it true that you-"

"Oh for goodness sakes, Cia, enough already!! There you are Celena. I did the best I could, though it's a bit short, even by Zaibachan standards..." I stood and looked in my mirror, happy to get away from questions I didn't really want to answer quite yet. My hair was looking much better- Terra had trimmed it evenly so that it was now the length it had been three years ago after my 'illness'. I smiled, turning to thank Terra.

"You have absolutely no idea how wonderful it feels to have short hair again, Terra, thank you. I can't wait to show Allen- he'll probably throw a hissy-fit." At the mention of my Brother, Cia's eyes lit up and I could tell she was about to ask about my brother's current love life. I had to fight a frown as I thought of his current love interest, and didn't hear all of the girls' question- at least, what she got out before she was silenced.

"And I was wondering if it was true that the Princess decided to-"

"Cia! Please! Enough!!" This time it was another who spoke, a girl with darker skin and dark hair tied in a braid. She seemed more serious than the others- perhaps only rivaled by Terra. Cia looked like she wanted to pout, but shrugged and complied with a grin. Aerin looked at the newer girls in the room, then waved them out. "Lady Celena needs to freshen up. You can all get to know her better later on, when the others are about and Refina's in a better mood- or at least, out of the way. And if I understand correctly, you are supposed to be practicing. You'd better get to it before Lord Dilandau finds you idling about. He'll make you wish you were locked in a room with Refina when she has her monthly." The girls all paled at that thought and ran off with a few varied versions of 'nice to meet you, see you around.' Aerin shook her head and shut the door, a smile on her face.

"They mean well enough, honestly. They just get irritatin after a while... Ralling is one of the few who keeps her head in any situation. Nita acts her age, Kat likes to pull pranks. Val, well, she's nothin like Viole- she's way more outgoing, and Cia... Well, Cia's Cia. She's the one to talk to if you want lots of juicy gossip, but she's got a great sense of who loves who and who's angsting after who and whatnot. Kinda creepy how accurate she can be..." Terra smiled, then shook her head.

"They've all got their ups and their downs, just like the rest of us. I'll introduce you to the rest of the girls later, but right now, we've got to talk." I lifted my eyebrows slightly, not sure of what she meant. Aerin shook her head.

"Don't give *us* that Look, Cel. Somethin's up- Cia ain't the only one who can sense things." Terra gave me a hard look, adding,

"I know tear-stains when I see them Celena. Talk." I was tempted to tell them it was nothing. But how could I? They obviously cared about me, and we'd grown close in the time they'd been at the mansion. Besides, they could give me advice, or at least support that Jajuka could never provide. And Allen...

"Well then, I hope you two are in for a long story, because it's rather complicated..."

Dilandau ran his fingers through his hair, a smug smile on his face. Refina had been show her place, his men were training, and his 'hiki's were off doing.... something. They were out of his hair, and that was all that mattered. He opened the door to his chambers, peeling off bits of clothing as he went. He reached his bathroom with all of his garments thrown asunder, and sunk into the hot water he'd ordered to be prepared for him. He closed his eyes briefly to soak in the wonderful heat that warmed his body and massaged his muscles. In fact, he was almost able to get rid of all his thoughts completely-

"Diiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiillllllllllllyyyyyy!!!"

He shot up, coughing on water that he'd managed to swallow somehow, and grabbed at a cloth to cover himself. He turned to look in the doorway, and found no one to throw the bar of soap he'd picked up for that exact purpose. He froze a moment, then cursed out loud as he realized his bath had distracted him into letting down his mental barriers. He scowled at the soap in his hand, and then put it to good use, lavishly applying the bar to the cloth, and began to scrub away the lather.

//What do you want, Celena? I'm busy.//

*What's more important than me, Dilly? Don't you love me anymore?*

//For Gods' sakes Celena, I won't love you if you interrupt my bath-//

*You're taking a bath? I didn't think you liked the water. Do you need someone to scrub your back? >giggle<*

// Are you trying to be annoying, or is this just a Schezar relapse??//

"..."

//Well?//

*You can be such an asshole sometimes, you know that? I just wanted to apologize for earlier, that's all.* He ducked his head under the water, rubbed his scalp vigorously, then came up, shaking his head to get the water out of his eyes. He lounged back in the tub, staring at a passing bubble cluster in the water as he focused on the conversation he was having. Some might have thought the General had lost his mind as he sat there, staring at the water in which he sat, half-submerged. However, he had his door locked so that no one could disturb him- though no one ever dared anyway...

//If you won't tell me what's wrong, then don't bother me with vague suggestions. I've got enough to deal with without your female issues-//

*Why do you men always assume that you are so much more superior to us women? Why do you think you have any right to control us, or to order us about?? Why don't you ever ask about *my*_ feelings, _*my*_ opinions, _*my*_ needs?? I'm human too, you know! I've every right to choose things for myself, and I don't need you ordering me around-*

//Who said anything about ordering you around? I'm just saying, if you have a problem but you don't want to tell me about it, then don't whine about how you can't. I need to think Celena, so if you don't mind, just shut up. I've got a lot on my mind and your damned nagging is giving me a headache. Can't you just.... Oh I don't know. Was there something else you wanted to ask me, or did you just come to ask for forgiveness?// He could feel her sigh, though he couldn't hear or see it, but the feeling soon passed, and she laughed again.

*Sharp as a tack, Dilly ^_^ I want to practice with the 'hikis' every morning while I'm here. I don't want to get rusty-*

//What about your duties as ambassador? Didn't you come here to work for Folken? Or is this just a vacation for you? What are you doing here, Celena? Have you come to meddle in everyone's affairs?//

* I'm here on business, pleasure... and personal matters. Don't bother yelling about not elaborating, Dilandau. Just tell me yes or no." He dropped the cloth back into the water, closing his eyes to try to get a glimpse of what she might be hiding behind her half of the barrier. Glimpses of Allen and a woman flashed before his eyes, then Allen and an elderly man standing in front of Celena. It took her a matter of moments to realize what he was doing, and another to put up the barriers against his probes. But he had seen enough, and his hands were clenched in fists by his side, one breaking the bar of soap in half absently.

//What is Allen DOING, Celena? Why won't you tell me what's going on? Who was that behind him? A sorcerer?//

*Don't be stupid, Dilandau. And it's none of your business, I can take care of it, just give me time. Trust me, alright? I promise, I'll be fine. If not, I'll come to you, I promise. One of the reasons I came here was because I know I'm not alone-*

//-as long as we're together. I know, you've told me several times. ..Can I trust you to come to me if you need me, Celena?// He could almost hear her laugh- he could certainly sense it.

*OF course Dilandau. I've given my word, and I try not to break it unless I've got a really good reason to.^.^ Now that we've gotten that settled, back to the business at hand. Will you let me-*

//Yes. Go show them a thing or two. Have fun.//

*Thank you!!* He felt her leave then, and he sunk back into the water to enjoy the peace while he could before she came up with another hair-brained reason to 'talk' to him. One thing was for certain; when she was around, Celena made things much more interesting.

I had to do some rather boring things before I was able to go meet the rest of the 'hikaris' after I talked to Dilandau. Folken had called us to a meeting, and the old, diplomatic Folken I knew came through at last. He used cunning and skill to get the advisors to agree with what he wanted without actually letting them know that's what he'd done, and the meeting ended with everyone feeling very smug- as though they had won that round.. Folken gave me another of his bizarre cheerful smiles and we had a pleasant chat before he went up to his study to work on papers. I could not help but wonder again how he managed to keep cool in those sort of situations where I'd probably have left the room with several dead ambassadors in my wake. I asked him as much before he went up to his study, stopping him before we parted.

"Folken, are you feeling... alright?" He laughed and gave me a smile, unnerving me even more.

"Celena, I don't know what you're-"

"Folken, please. Dilandau spent enough time around you to pick up on your nuances, and your new personality, while lighter than that of the Strategos, is still not the true Folken he knew on the Vione. I understand why you do it around the advisors, but please, you don' t have to keep up appearances with me. I'd like to think we're old friends, not casual acquaintances, and old friends don't go around wearing masks just for formality's sake. So, go ahead and stop acting cheerful all the time. It's unnerving." He studied me, gave me a very funny look, and began to laugh. I was about to say something I'd probably regret, but he stopped and took my hands, holding them gently.

"I'm sorry, I forget sometimes that you and Dilandau were... so close. He's told me the same thing, in fact, though not as calmly as you have. I think he believes I've 'cracked' under the pressures of ruling. I'm sorry for trying to hide it from you; I will not insult you again in the future." He squeezed my hand, and then turned to look out the window we stood by. He leaned against the frame, staring out over his lands, and yet not really seeing them as he reflected in on himself. He began to talk again- quietly, as though he were speaking to himself, but I could hear him none the less.

"It's much harder than it sounds, ruling a country. You have to worry about what others think, what your actions will effect, who might be angry, who might be your ally. You cannot trust anyone completely, because you never know if when you'll wake up one morning to find yourself at war, or you might find out they're a spy or an assassin, sent to destroy all you've worked so hard to create. I'm doing my best, but I never finished my training for the court. As Strategos, I never needed to know how to make your advisors agree with everything you said, nor did I want to know it. The country is just barely hanging on to making it through the seasons- we were lucky in that Asturia and Basram had such excellent harvests and were willing to sell to us. We're making it, one slow step at a time, but not without mishaps and troubles. The people need a king that never shows his fear, never shows that the misery effects him, and never allows anything in his own life to interfere with ruling his country. That is why I wear my mask, Celena. I cannot let down the hundreds of people depending on me." He shut his eyes then, leaning his head on his hand, and I felt such pity and sorrow for him.

He hadn't really finished his 'king training', and he'd been thrown to Zaibach to re-establish it's stability with nothing to build up from but ruins and upset people from all over. He'd ended the smaller 'tribal' or city-wars to gain power, and he'd put the country back on its feet. But you can't walk when a broken ankle is still healing, and Folken knew that until they were running on their own again, he'd have to play the advisors' fool to get what he needed for his people. It touched me to see how he *did* put aside his own personal feelings, and made do with what he had to keep his country safe.

I walked over to him, and laid a hand on his shoulder, turning him to look at me. He looked down, and I gave him a smile.

"You didn't need to justify yourself, Folken. I'm just worried about you. Please promise me you'll take care of yourself ?" He had a somewhat lost look on his face, but it melted into a smile, and he drew me close into a tight hug.

....Did I ever mention that Folken has a great smile? Well, he does. His face goes soft and for a minute all his worries seem to melt away.. He looks younger, happier, calmer, and so sweet. He's like an entirely different person.. But I'm getting sidetracked. I hugged him back, knowing a hug makes everyone feel better, and we stayed like that for what was longer than probably proper. When he pulled himself free, he looked... different. More at ease, or something. He gave me a soft and brief smile, then kissed me on the forehead before saying goodbye and going up to his rooms.

...Needless to say, I couldn't think much the rest of the day. I decided to postpone my plans to go spend some personal time sorting out my emotions.

Dilandau stood silently behind Folken, looking over the messenger that had been sent from Asturia. Allen had finally realized his sister was missing, and had sent someone over to give her a message. He scowled briefly, thinking over that. Never mind the fact that it had taken the damn knight a week to realize his sister had left the country, to add injury to insult, he'd sent it over with a bloody Magliss!! He could feel a sneer wanting to surface, but it wouldn't do to have the man run off without giving Folken his message.

'Man' Dilandau mentally huffed. 'He looks like an elf or a demon with those ridiculous ears!' The stranger stood then, still bowed slightly as he handed Folken another letter.

"I was given this as well to deliver to you, your majesty. It komes from your Brother and sister-in-law in Fanelia with great tidings. May I kongratulate you on the birth of your nephew?" Folken gave a cry of surprise and delight, and quickly took the letter, thanking the messenger more cheerfully than he probably should have, considering they were on the brink of war with each other.

"Thank you, Mryth, for your services. I am glad to at last have news of my Brother and his wife, as well as their child. Thank you very much for the delivery of this letter, it means very much to me." 'Mryth' took the hint, and bowed lower, causing a snort from Dilandau. The man's amethyst eyes rose and caught him, holding him in a stare for what seemed an eternity. Something inside of him clicked into place, and Dilandau had a very uneasy feeling rise within him, as though he'd met Mryth before, long ago, or had some sort of tie to him. It was gone in a moment though; the Magliss took his leave and silently left the room as Folken poured over the letter from his brother.

"Dilandau! I've got an invitation to see my nephew, interested in coming along?" Dilandau snorted again, crossing his arms and scowling. He was still uneasy about that Magliss, but he'd deal with that later.

"Go to Fanelia, visit Van, and see the prodigy of someone I hunted that caused the deaths of my men? Shall I make cookies for the party afterwards too??" Folken scowled, replacing the letter back in its envelope.

"Fine. I will escort the Lady Celena myself then-"

"What does Celena have to do with this? She has no ties to Fanelia-"

"Except for the fact that she is Asturia's ambassador at the moment, and one of my counselors- albeit temporarily. She is friends with the royal couple, and I have the orders of King Dryden and Queen Millerna themselves to escort her safely to the palace. I plan to leave tomorrow so that we arrive within the week, and I need to make sure she received her own letters from the Magliss. If you do not plan to accompany us, then get a patrol together to join us. Mryth will be joining us, and, while I'm sure he has the best intentions in his heart, I don't think they're the best intentions for us. Now, I must go tell my other advisors-"

"Like hell you do. Go get your papers in order, I'll tell them, then get the men moving. Do you want the girls too, or should I leave them here?" Folken raised an eyebrow, giving Dilandau a steady look.

"You sound as though you've changed your mind. What's the matter Dilandau, don't trust me with Lady Schezar?" Dilandau snorted, heading towards the door.

"You? Hell no. It's *her* I'm worried about. She has a thing for tall, dark and mysterious men, and I wouldn't give her five minutes alone with you. Besides, there are enough people here to man the place; I'll keep Refina and the girls behind, maybe a few slayers as well. I'll work it out. Just go do what you need to do. I'll see you in the morning." He closed the door behind him, leaving Folken to stew over his words.

He found her with that Magliss elf-man, and they were laughing like old friends. Mryth stood respectively to the side as she told him about the gardens below, and how she'd grown many of the same in her own back home. However, Mryth seemed to be watching her closely, though Celena didn't seem to notice. Dilandau growled in the back of his throat, seeing the way the mage was looking over her- and the way he seemed to be satisfied with what he saw. He had the audacity to slip an arm behind her, though she didn't notice, and moved in closer to 'peer' at the flowers, while in reality he was studying her face very closely. To his credit, however, he didn't jump as Dilandau cleared his throat in what seemed scare the living daylights out of Celena. She was wide-eyed until she saw who it was, then she scowled in a way very similar to the look Folken had given him less than an hour ago.

"Dilandau!! What on earth do you think you're-!!"

"You need to get some sleep, we'll be leaving at dawn tomorrow. That includes *you*." He glared at Mryth who gave him a steady stare, then turned to Celena.

"Ms Schezar, we must speak more tomorrow. I am glad to have met you again, and I look forward to our koming konversations. Good evening." He bowed low to her, then saluted with his hand over his heart before turning to face Dilandau. The two locked eyes once more, and again Dilandau had the sharp feeling of forgetting something long ago- something so horrible, he'd forced it from his mind. But he was Dilandau; he had no fear of the past. Mryth seemed to notice the change in his demeanor, then gave a slight smile.

"General." Dilandau stiffened, then nodded, watching as the silver-haired mage left the room. He could feel the hackles on the back of his neck standing on end, and it wasn't because of the magic the man gave off. There was something about him... He nearly flinched as Celena put a hand on his shoulder.

"He reminds me a lot of you." He scowled, turning to look at her. She had a slight smile on her face, then laughed again. "I mean it. You look alike, even if you don't want to admit it. He even does that little sneer-thing you do if something disgusts you." She laughed, and he frowned at her, glaring down. Ignoring the fact that he was actually doing "the little sneer-thing", he motioned at her letters.

"Aren't you going to open your mail? I'm sure your brother has plenty of things to tell you." She stopped laughing, and looked down at the letters.

"Yes, he did." He raised an eyebrow, a feeling of foreboding coming over him. She wasn't about to cry again, was she? He could only take crying women so long, and even though it was Celena, he still had a limit.

"He said he had a surprise for me when we meet in Fanelia. Apparently he's coming to make sure I get home safely, and to chew me out about leaving in the first place. Mryth told me he didn't figure out I had gone until I had nearly landed here. How's that for brotherly love?" Dilandau scoffed, and shook his head. He wasn't prepared for what she said next.

"He.... also said that he's found someone who has accepted my hand." He stared down at her, shock and disbelief evident.

"Your hand? As in, marry you?" She nodded, biting her lip, but not replying. He grabbed her by the arms and shook her with more force than he meant to, making her give a gasp of bewilderment.

"Why didn't you TELL me, Celena?? Are you just going to shrivel up and die like some simpering female, or are you going to fight it?? If you let him marry you off without raising your hand, you'll deserve whatever he gives to you. I swear, I'll-" She cut him off, fire in her eyes.

"I don't need any help from you!! The only reason I'm telling you this in the first place is because Terra and Aerin thought I should. Of course I won't marry whoever he sends my way!! I've been able to get rid of five suitors already on my own, so I've no need for your help!! But try to see it my way- my adoring brother suddenly decides that it's time to marry me off, and he begins to throw every available male my way in the hopes that one will sweep me off my feet. I'll never let him choose my husband for me, but think about it, Dilandau. One of the few people you've trusted tries to throw you off to the wild dogs. Don't you think you'd be upset as well??" Things clicked into place, and he snapped to attention.

"You mean when we were sparring, that was... ?? And you've been suggesting that we've...?" His face was that of confusion, and she was doing a very good imitation of his 'defy me and die' look. He was confused because he didn't know if he should try to snap her neck for driving him mad, or hold her close to comfort him. It passed fairly quickly though. Dilandau Albatou did NOT give hugs to people.

"Did I really have a choice?? It was the only way to keep them at bay, by suggestion things. If you were in my shoes, you'd have done the same thing, Don't tell me you wouldn't!!" He looked at her blankly, but he was beginning to have new respect for the woman in front of him. Manipulating rumors to suit her needs, and defying her brother at the same time. He loved it. Allen must have hated it. He met her challenging look with a grin.

"Oh, I would have done the same thing. But do you know what will really make them talk?" He said this as the moved down to whisper by her ear, breath warm on her cheek. Her expression altered slightly to take on a wary look.

"What?"

"This." He bent down to kiss her even as she opened her mouth, and her eyes flew open as they made contact. She tried to step back, but he held her closer, not allowing her to escape. He held her for several moments (she began to wonder if he even *needed* to breathe), when he let her go, giving her the air she needed. He still held her close, however, and she flushed in anger and embarrassment as he grinned down at her. It looked like a rather feral grin to her, and she wasn't sure if that was a good thing or not. (Actually, she was pretty sure it was a bad thing. She was just indecisive as to if it was a good thing that he kissed her, or something that would earn him a kneeing below the belt.) She wasn't quite sure about anything, and she frowned, trying to form words but nothing came out. Finally, her mouth clicked shut in defeat. What the Hell had brought that on?? She decided not to let him get the upper hand though, and grasped for something completely apropos to say- she ended up saying:

"D-Dilandau???" He grinned, and bent again, catching her before she could duck out of the way. His grip on her arms was rather painful, but when he did draw back, she was able to get out of his grasp. She promptly slapped him, and shouted in his face

"WHAT THE F-"

"Careful, Celena. There's not telling what the girls might think if you say something now." She turned her head slightly, and heard the gasps and muffled footsteps of what could only be several of the 'hiki's running away. Instead, she hissed at him, blush burning her cheeks.

"What the hell do you think you're doing??"

"I'm helping you out. If we're not seen making some scenes, how will you avoid Allen's choice husband for you? You've blacklisted my name long enough without me knowing it, now, you have to pay me back." He dodged another swipe of her fist, and allowed her to storm off in the directions of her room without so much as saying goodnight. He grinned to himself, going off to find a drink to take to bed with him. He loved pissing her off, and kissing her seemed to be one of the best ways to do it. His tongue licked his lips as he moved down the hall, silent as the shadows around him. He could still see her eye's flare in anger, and feel the heat of her cheeks burn against his own skin. He let out a chuckle, scaring away the few servants who were about. He'd have his fun for a bit, before he finally left her alone. Dragging what little respect was left of his name in the mud was not going to get you on the good side of the Slayer's General. He let out a nearly-maniacal cackle as he reached the door to the wine cellars. He'd spend the rest of the evening thinking up ways to 'strengthen the rumor' , and enjoy the three day journey to Fanelia they'd be embarking on in the morning. Sometimes, it was good to be considered the villain!

..AN- and Dilly's being devious.. Again. Is it just me, or is this story really sucking big-time?? -_-;;; I'll finish it, yeah, but I think I liked TTG better... And poor Mryth!! He's got such a big part and yet no lines... And Dilly's being a jerk. I don't like the end of this chapter, what can I do to fix it??? Lemme know, asap, k? Also, quick note-changed Mryth's dialogue, anyone notice? His "c"s are now "k"s, in honor of all the FF8 fics I've been reading. It fits with him, donchathink? Ja!!