Vision Of Escaflowne Fan Fiction ❯ To Mend the Rose ❯ Dilandau's Sanctuary ( Chapter 8 )
[ P - Pre-Teen ]
By: Feye Morgan 
Dryden, Allen, and Van find the records they had been looking for. Questions are answered, but even more are raised.
Anime/Manga: Vision Of Escaflowne Fan Fiction | Genre(s): Angst / Drama | Type: Other | Uploaded On: 07.10.2003 | Pages: 3 | Words: 2.9K | Visits: 228 | Status: Work In Progress
Dryden, Allen, and Van find the records they had been looking for. Questions are answered, but even more are raised.
Anime/Manga: Vision Of Escaflowne Fan Fiction | Genre(s): Angst / Drama | Type: Other | Uploaded On: 07.10.2003 | Pages: 3 | Words: 2.9K | Visits: 228 | Status: Work In Progress
Disclaimer:
*Feye cackles evilly over a twisted sort of James-Bond-villain-who-wants-world-domination machine*
Feye: MUAHAHAHAHAHAHAAAA!!! In precisely ten seconds, this contraption will activate, effectively procuring the rights to Escaflowne!!!
*Men in white uniforms enter the room*
Men-in-white-uniforms: Feye, why are you playing with the aluminum foil? Did you forget to take your medicine?
Feye: Wha-? No! BEGONE! YOU ARE DISRUPTING MY PLANS FOR ESCAFLOWNE DOMINATION!
Men-in-uniforms: *look apologetically at the readers* We're very sorry about this. She gets bad this way sometimes. *They drag Feye out of the room via straightjacket*
Feye-who-does-NOT-own-Escaflowne: NOOOO!!!!!!!!
ONWARD!
TO MEND THE ROSE: DILANDAU'S SANCTUARY by Feye Morgan
~*~*~*~
The Fassa library was famous throughout Asturia and Fried as the most extensive collection of information in the known lands of Gaea. It was a marvel that no one had ever managed to steal anything from inside; its secrets were rumored to include even some of Zaibach's classified records.
Which, of course, was the entire reason Van and Allen could be found marching purposefully down a long corridor only a few scant minutes after the peace negotiations conference for the day had adjourned. Van hoped that Dryden was at home. When present in the capital, he resided in the large palace. His quarters were set off from the rest of the structures, and were placed neatly adjacent to the famous library.
The guards, recognizing Van and Allen, had let them into the merchant's large mansion. Presumably Dryden Fassa was at home.
The blonde knight knocked sharply at an insignificant side door. He waited approximately three seconds.
"Well, Van, it looks as if he's busy right now," Allen stated brightly, turning around to Van.
He was cut off when the door swung open, revealing a smiling and informally (as usual) dressed Dryden Fassa.
Allen swore inaudibly under his breath.
"Hello! I was expecting you," Dryden grinned. "Come in." The merchant opened the door wider, and beckoned his visitors inside.
Van's first reaction was of surprise. After all that he had heard about the library, it didn't look like much. It was barely three times the size of Van's guest quarters; hardly large enough to contain half of its rumored secrets.
*Then again, all I am seeing is what is on the surface* Van reminded himself. He and Allen took seats opposite to Dryden at their host's request.
"So, what brings you here?" he asked.
Allen glared slightly. "Since you were expecting us, wouldn't you know?"
Dryden laughed. "Oh Allen. Still sore, eh? To answer your question, let me just say that I have ears in unlikely places."
Van and Allen exchanged glances. *Did someone overhear us in the library?* Van wondered. *No. Otherwise Dryden would know why we're here*
"Well? Isn't anyone going to explain?"
Van cleared his throat, and briefly laid out the situation. The merchant fixed his glance on his clasped hands and listened intently. Van could tell the shrewd man's thoughts were racing.
"Hmm. Dilandau and the madoushi. Interesting subject." Dryden studied his fingernails for a few more moments before lifting his gaze to meet Van's eyes. He spoke frankly. "What you have theorized about my father is indeed true. He procured some files concerning the Zaibach madoushi, but how he did so and what exactly the information is, I do not know."
"But do you know where the files are?" Van pressed.
Dryden hesitated. Allen smirked humorlessly. "So," the knight growled. "It's as I thought. You're a merchant at heart, Fassa. What do you want in return?"
Dryden's eyes snapped up to meet Allen's. "Do not think me so shallow, Schezar. I will admit that I had considered asking something in return. Who wouldn't? This is highly dangerous material you are toying with. All I want, however, is merely to be included in this little investigation of yours. Whatever you know, and whatever you plan, you will inform me of it."
Allen raised his eyebrows skeptically. "Really? And why, may I ask, are you willing to settle for so low a price if this is as dangerous as you seem to think it is?"
"First off, I am not without heart. I paid the Ispano for their repair job on Escaflowne without asking anything in return but to join you on your quest. Second, I consider knowledge even more precious and more useful than money at times."
Van nodded. He understood. Unlike Allen, who was still eyeing Dryden skeptically, the young king liked and trusted the merchant.
"I must ask you to wait outside the study while I find the documents. It shouldn't be long."
"Wait," Allen said. "You know where the records are already? Meiden wouldn't have trusted even his own son with the location of those records. -Especially- his own son," Allen added.
Dryden raised an eyebrow. "I will only say that, as you pointed out, I am my father's son." He winked, and ushered them out the door.
"I don't trust him," Allen muttered. The blonde knight paced back and forth in the hall.
"Of course you don't," Van snorted. "You should, though. Think back, Allen. When did he ever do us a wrong turn?"
Allen's only response was to glare down at the young king.
"My point exactly," Van smiled, unfazed.
The door to the library opened, and a grinning Dryden motioned them back in. He was holding several battered and weathered papers.
"Here it is," he said triumphantly. "Ah, wait a second, young king," Dryden chuckled as Van reached for the documents in the other's hand. "First off, tell me the details of what you do know. You gave me an overview, certainly, but not everything."
Van sighed and sat down with his companions. He recounted the day when Allen had come to him with the puzzling military records in hand. He told of Emperor Tsura's obstinate refusal to cooperate, and of his tireless and fruitless research into Dilandau's life. Van finished by rattling off his theory on how Meiden obtained the records now in Dryden's hands, and expressing how -irritating- the whole business was. "I don't understand why Dilandau would desert," Van finished in exhasperation. "From all I've seen and read of him, such behavior is completely uncharacteristic."
Dryden was silent for several long moments while he processed the information. "I think," he said slowly, "from glancing at the title, that this will answer many of your questions." He held the papers out to Van, who took them eagerly...and somewhat apprehensively.
"Would you mind reading it out loud?" Dryden asked mildly.
There was no response from Van. The young king was busy staring in consternation at the heading of the first worn page.
"Oh my god."
[AN: I was SO seriously considering stopping the chapter right here. But then, I figured you would be baraging me with angry reviews demanding to know where I live. Onward, then!]
"What?" Allen asked curiously. He leaned over to look at the paper, and turned pale. Dryden, on the other hand, simply watched the other two with an amused and inquisitive expression.
"Out loud, Van?" Dryden asked again.
Van shook himself, and began to read.
~*~*~*~
DILANDAU'S SANCTUARY
Green, 6th Moon: If They find this, I don't know what They'll do to me. I pray They never do. But if someone is reading this, then They probably have, and I am dead, or worse. To that hopefully fictional person, I am Dilandau Albatou, and I am nine years old. At least, I think I am. I am my sanest now, when I write. Their hold on me is weak. That's why I'm back in this cell, waiting. I hate waiting. I hate it when people make me wait. I wish They'd just be done with me, damn it!
I'll keep this journal in here. There's a loose stone in the cell that They don't know about. They always put me in the same one, and I can sneak paper in here under my clothes. Perhaps writing will help me. If only I coul
Cold. So cold. Oh gods I hurt so much. The pain. My fingers are shaking so badly I don't know how I'm able to write this. They tried to fiddle with my head again. It didn't work. Well, not all the way at least. I fought Them, and I was stronger than They expected. But They made me see things. Horrible visions. It looked so real. I was terrified. I still am. They can make me see things. How do I know what I see is real anymore?
Orange, 10th Moon: Now I am sure it is good to keep this journal. The last entry is completely foreign to me. I don't remember writing any of that. Is it true? They can affect my memory, can't they?
They should be able to, considering what else they've done to me.
There's a girl in this cell. They just put her in. She hides from me. I don't blame her. She's younger than me by a few years, it looks. She has long golden hair and pretty silver eyes. Silver eyes. How strange. She looks so innocent. I hear something. Why am I writing this? I should be hiding like she is. Oh god. They're coming for me. They're co
Orange 17th Moon: I'll copy this onto my regular journal later, in case I forget. I'll be going back. Even Folken can't stop that. They failed last time too. I keep breaking away from them. Perhaps that's why they found the girl: in case they kill me. They nearly did. I've been in the hospital ward for days now. I can't even remember what they did. I remember in my dreams, though. I always remember in my dreams. They're there...waiting.
I have horrible cuts all over me. My chest is splotchy and so terribly bruised, almost as if I had been bleeding from inside. I probably was. My arm. I can't feel my other arm. It's numb, and in a cast. I don't want to see what's beneath the wrappings. My neck aches. There are swelling marks all over it, like a reaction to an injection. Tonight I'll know for sure. Tonight I'll dream. I know it. The dreams never leave. Especially when I'm alone. I hate being alone.
Red, 7th Moon: Tomorrow is my birthday, or so I've been told. I'll be turning ten. I heard once that some places celebrate birthdays. I dread them. I know what they bring. I wonder what They'll do to me this ti
I hate Them. I hate Them. It wasn't me. It was the girl. They showed me what they did to her. She was lying strapped to a table, tears running down her cheeks. They hadn't sedated her at all, I could tell. Her eyes were clear and focused. It seems They had needed to test a new Fate Formula on her. They injected her with a needle so terribly long in her shoulder. It must have pierced bone because she screamed so loudly. It didn't compare with what happened next, though. She began to convulse, like she was having a siezure. Then her arm bones snapped. Her legs broke, bone by bone. Her throat grew raw from screaming, until no more sound came out. Her mouth stayed open. Thank gods she fainted from the pain before long. I don't know if she lived. They took me away before I could see, and locked me in this cell. I don't think this is done yet. Oh I'm so alone! Please someone help me! Someone take me away from here! Someo
Blue 2nd Moon: The girl's name is Tenshi. She lived. Somehow, she is still innocent. I don't know how. I don't understand it. But she is. I can see it in her eyes. They won't break her.
But she looks so fragile. She started to talk to me last month. That's why there weren't any entries. I spent time talking to her. She didn't mention her past much. No one ever does. She told me she likes flowers. Roses. She said that whenever a rose petal drops, someone goes to a place called 'heaven'. I wonder how she knows that. I can't let Them hurt her. But, I don't know how to stop them.
~*~*~*~
Van paused. The air was heavy with silence. No one spoke for a long time. Even Dryden looked somber. Allen wore an expression of mingled fascination and horror. Van...Van was merely stunned.
"I never knew. I never guessed. No wonder he acted the way he did. He really was driven insane," Van whispered at last.
No one said anything. No one needed to.
After some time, Dryden cleared his throat softly. "What's the last entry?" he asked quietly.
Van bit his lip and flipped through the papers, scanning the entries, and wincing occasionally.
~*~*~*~
Purple 9th Moon: Tenshi is dead. They killed her. They killed her, and I couldn't stop Them. She looked so innocent, even in death with her body all twisted and broken. Folken broke his promise. I can't trust him anymore. He doesn't care. He never cared. I hate him. I hate Them. I hate everyone. I just want to die. But Folken wouldn't let me kill myself. I hate him. I want to put the rose back together. I want to find Tenshi's rose petal. I want to find the petals of all They have killed and put them back together. But I can't. I just want to let go. Just let it all go.
~*~*~*~
Van lowered the papers into his lap and stared.
*Folken...?* What had his brother promised?
"I guess now we know, don't we?" Van whispered. "This is why he left. They must have experimented on him recently, and he snapped."
Dryden spoke up. "But why didn't he leave earlier? After Tenshi died?"
Van frowned, and paged back through the entries. "He never seemed to recall exactly what had happened after they experimented on him. They must have erased his memory of Tenshi. He wrote something about them being able to control minds and memories. Whenever I saw him, he never acted as if he remembered anything of the sort. Surely someone who had gone through all of this would..." Van trailed off, unsure of how to finish the sentence.
Dryden nodded. "It would make sense, but that still doesn't explain why he chose to desert."
Van frowned. "It doesn't. They must not have erased his memory the last time. But...what could he have suffered to make him flee like that? Especially with a battle coming up. He was always alive in battle," Van remembered.
"It answers questions, all right. But it raises even more," Allen sighed. "What now?"
"I don't know," Van said wearily. "This...this is horrible." Van gestured at the papers. "I can't believe anyone would do that to children."
"Believe it," Dryden said grimly. "My guess is that that account doesn't cover a third of what they've done."
"They ought to be brought to justice," Van growled. His hands clenched into fists. His face twisted with fury. "We can use this-"
"No we can't," Allen interrupted. "This isn't enough proof. Emperor Tsura will accuse us of writing this ourselves. We'd loose all credibility before the council. We need something more."
"What about Meiden?" Van shot. "He seemed to think that-"
"No, Van," Dryden interrupted. "Allen is right. The council would disregard this. As for Meiden...he planned to use these documents merely to frighten the Zaibach officials, should they ever threaten him. He knew that, alone, the papers could not significantly harm the empire. But the papers could be shown to the empire as evidence that Meiden has more, worse, incriminating evidence. The empire, not knowing how the journal fell into my father's hands, would not be willing to take any chances. Simple psychology. These papers are not enough. In order to bring the madoushi down, we do need something more."
"We need Dilandau," Van said firmly. "He is the key. He has all of the answers."
Allen snorted. "And how do you suppose we find him?"
Providence seemed to be with the trio. At that moment, a knock came on the library door. Dryden frowned. He was not expecting any visitors. He rose, and opened the door a crack to peer out. His shoulders relaxed. He whispered, and then drew back to open the door to admit the person, a surprised expression on his face.
It was one of the guards who had admitted Van and Allen. The man bowed and approached Van.
"Van-sama. A messenger came with this letter. He said it was from Queen Millerna. The Queen believes that you will be interested in a certain turn of events." The guard bowed and handed out the small sealed letter to the king. Van accepted it, his eyebrows raised curiously. He tore open the wax, and unfolded the paper. The young king's cinnamon eyes widened in shock.
"Allen," he said with a small grin, "I think you have your answer."
~*~*~*~
[AN: Wow. That was the longest chapter yet. O_o I hadn't expect it to be that long. *chuckles* That means the next chap will be quite a whopper. Sorry 'bout the cliffie. If it makes you feel any better, Enmu is revealed in the next chapter.
And please review, okay? Pretty please? It doesn't take but a minute! As compared to the four hours it took me to write this. -_-;;
*Feye cackles evilly over a twisted sort of James-Bond-villain-who-wants-world-domination machine*
Feye: MUAHAHAHAHAHAHAAAA!!! In precisely ten seconds, this contraption will activate, effectively procuring the rights to Escaflowne!!!
*Men in white uniforms enter the room*
Men-in-white-uniforms: Feye, why are you playing with the aluminum foil? Did you forget to take your medicine?
Feye: Wha-? No! BEGONE! YOU ARE DISRUPTING MY PLANS FOR ESCAFLOWNE DOMINATION!
Men-in-uniforms: *look apologetically at the readers* We're very sorry about this. She gets bad this way sometimes. *They drag Feye out of the room via straightjacket*
Feye-who-does-NOT-own-Escaflowne: NOOOO!!!!!!!!
ONWARD!
TO MEND THE ROSE: DILANDAU'S SANCTUARY by Feye Morgan
~*~*~*~
The Fassa library was famous throughout Asturia and Fried as the most extensive collection of information in the known lands of Gaea. It was a marvel that no one had ever managed to steal anything from inside; its secrets were rumored to include even some of Zaibach's classified records.
Which, of course, was the entire reason Van and Allen could be found marching purposefully down a long corridor only a few scant minutes after the peace negotiations conference for the day had adjourned. Van hoped that Dryden was at home. When present in the capital, he resided in the large palace. His quarters were set off from the rest of the structures, and were placed neatly adjacent to the famous library.
The guards, recognizing Van and Allen, had let them into the merchant's large mansion. Presumably Dryden Fassa was at home.
The blonde knight knocked sharply at an insignificant side door. He waited approximately three seconds.
"Well, Van, it looks as if he's busy right now," Allen stated brightly, turning around to Van.
He was cut off when the door swung open, revealing a smiling and informally (as usual) dressed Dryden Fassa.
Allen swore inaudibly under his breath.
"Hello! I was expecting you," Dryden grinned. "Come in." The merchant opened the door wider, and beckoned his visitors inside.
Van's first reaction was of surprise. After all that he had heard about the library, it didn't look like much. It was barely three times the size of Van's guest quarters; hardly large enough to contain half of its rumored secrets.
*Then again, all I am seeing is what is on the surface* Van reminded himself. He and Allen took seats opposite to Dryden at their host's request.
"So, what brings you here?" he asked.
Allen glared slightly. "Since you were expecting us, wouldn't you know?"
Dryden laughed. "Oh Allen. Still sore, eh? To answer your question, let me just say that I have ears in unlikely places."
Van and Allen exchanged glances. *Did someone overhear us in the library?* Van wondered. *No. Otherwise Dryden would know why we're here*
"Well? Isn't anyone going to explain?"
Van cleared his throat, and briefly laid out the situation. The merchant fixed his glance on his clasped hands and listened intently. Van could tell the shrewd man's thoughts were racing.
"Hmm. Dilandau and the madoushi. Interesting subject." Dryden studied his fingernails for a few more moments before lifting his gaze to meet Van's eyes. He spoke frankly. "What you have theorized about my father is indeed true. He procured some files concerning the Zaibach madoushi, but how he did so and what exactly the information is, I do not know."
"But do you know where the files are?" Van pressed.
Dryden hesitated. Allen smirked humorlessly. "So," the knight growled. "It's as I thought. You're a merchant at heart, Fassa. What do you want in return?"
Dryden's eyes snapped up to meet Allen's. "Do not think me so shallow, Schezar. I will admit that I had considered asking something in return. Who wouldn't? This is highly dangerous material you are toying with. All I want, however, is merely to be included in this little investigation of yours. Whatever you know, and whatever you plan, you will inform me of it."
Allen raised his eyebrows skeptically. "Really? And why, may I ask, are you willing to settle for so low a price if this is as dangerous as you seem to think it is?"
"First off, I am not without heart. I paid the Ispano for their repair job on Escaflowne without asking anything in return but to join you on your quest. Second, I consider knowledge even more precious and more useful than money at times."
Van nodded. He understood. Unlike Allen, who was still eyeing Dryden skeptically, the young king liked and trusted the merchant.
"I must ask you to wait outside the study while I find the documents. It shouldn't be long."
"Wait," Allen said. "You know where the records are already? Meiden wouldn't have trusted even his own son with the location of those records. -Especially- his own son," Allen added.
Dryden raised an eyebrow. "I will only say that, as you pointed out, I am my father's son." He winked, and ushered them out the door.
"I don't trust him," Allen muttered. The blonde knight paced back and forth in the hall.
"Of course you don't," Van snorted. "You should, though. Think back, Allen. When did he ever do us a wrong turn?"
Allen's only response was to glare down at the young king.
"My point exactly," Van smiled, unfazed.
The door to the library opened, and a grinning Dryden motioned them back in. He was holding several battered and weathered papers.
"Here it is," he said triumphantly. "Ah, wait a second, young king," Dryden chuckled as Van reached for the documents in the other's hand. "First off, tell me the details of what you do know. You gave me an overview, certainly, but not everything."
Van sighed and sat down with his companions. He recounted the day when Allen had come to him with the puzzling military records in hand. He told of Emperor Tsura's obstinate refusal to cooperate, and of his tireless and fruitless research into Dilandau's life. Van finished by rattling off his theory on how Meiden obtained the records now in Dryden's hands, and expressing how -irritating- the whole business was. "I don't understand why Dilandau would desert," Van finished in exhasperation. "From all I've seen and read of him, such behavior is completely uncharacteristic."
Dryden was silent for several long moments while he processed the information. "I think," he said slowly, "from glancing at the title, that this will answer many of your questions." He held the papers out to Van, who took them eagerly...and somewhat apprehensively.
"Would you mind reading it out loud?" Dryden asked mildly.
There was no response from Van. The young king was busy staring in consternation at the heading of the first worn page.
"Oh my god."
[AN: I was SO seriously considering stopping the chapter right here. But then, I figured you would be baraging me with angry reviews demanding to know where I live. Onward, then!]
"What?" Allen asked curiously. He leaned over to look at the paper, and turned pale. Dryden, on the other hand, simply watched the other two with an amused and inquisitive expression.
"Out loud, Van?" Dryden asked again.
Van shook himself, and began to read.
~*~*~*~
DILANDAU'S SANCTUARY
Green, 6th Moon: If They find this, I don't know what They'll do to me. I pray They never do. But if someone is reading this, then They probably have, and I am dead, or worse. To that hopefully fictional person, I am Dilandau Albatou, and I am nine years old. At least, I think I am. I am my sanest now, when I write. Their hold on me is weak. That's why I'm back in this cell, waiting. I hate waiting. I hate it when people make me wait. I wish They'd just be done with me, damn it!
I'll keep this journal in here. There's a loose stone in the cell that They don't know about. They always put me in the same one, and I can sneak paper in here under my clothes. Perhaps writing will help me. If only I coul
Cold. So cold. Oh gods I hurt so much. The pain. My fingers are shaking so badly I don't know how I'm able to write this. They tried to fiddle with my head again. It didn't work. Well, not all the way at least. I fought Them, and I was stronger than They expected. But They made me see things. Horrible visions. It looked so real. I was terrified. I still am. They can make me see things. How do I know what I see is real anymore?
Orange, 10th Moon: Now I am sure it is good to keep this journal. The last entry is completely foreign to me. I don't remember writing any of that. Is it true? They can affect my memory, can't they?
They should be able to, considering what else they've done to me.
There's a girl in this cell. They just put her in. She hides from me. I don't blame her. She's younger than me by a few years, it looks. She has long golden hair and pretty silver eyes. Silver eyes. How strange. She looks so innocent. I hear something. Why am I writing this? I should be hiding like she is. Oh god. They're coming for me. They're co
Orange 17th Moon: I'll copy this onto my regular journal later, in case I forget. I'll be going back. Even Folken can't stop that. They failed last time too. I keep breaking away from them. Perhaps that's why they found the girl: in case they kill me. They nearly did. I've been in the hospital ward for days now. I can't even remember what they did. I remember in my dreams, though. I always remember in my dreams. They're there...waiting.
I have horrible cuts all over me. My chest is splotchy and so terribly bruised, almost as if I had been bleeding from inside. I probably was. My arm. I can't feel my other arm. It's numb, and in a cast. I don't want to see what's beneath the wrappings. My neck aches. There are swelling marks all over it, like a reaction to an injection. Tonight I'll know for sure. Tonight I'll dream. I know it. The dreams never leave. Especially when I'm alone. I hate being alone.
Red, 7th Moon: Tomorrow is my birthday, or so I've been told. I'll be turning ten. I heard once that some places celebrate birthdays. I dread them. I know what they bring. I wonder what They'll do to me this ti
I hate Them. I hate Them. It wasn't me. It was the girl. They showed me what they did to her. She was lying strapped to a table, tears running down her cheeks. They hadn't sedated her at all, I could tell. Her eyes were clear and focused. It seems They had needed to test a new Fate Formula on her. They injected her with a needle so terribly long in her shoulder. It must have pierced bone because she screamed so loudly. It didn't compare with what happened next, though. She began to convulse, like she was having a siezure. Then her arm bones snapped. Her legs broke, bone by bone. Her throat grew raw from screaming, until no more sound came out. Her mouth stayed open. Thank gods she fainted from the pain before long. I don't know if she lived. They took me away before I could see, and locked me in this cell. I don't think this is done yet. Oh I'm so alone! Please someone help me! Someone take me away from here! Someo
Blue 2nd Moon: The girl's name is Tenshi. She lived. Somehow, she is still innocent. I don't know how. I don't understand it. But she is. I can see it in her eyes. They won't break her.
But she looks so fragile. She started to talk to me last month. That's why there weren't any entries. I spent time talking to her. She didn't mention her past much. No one ever does. She told me she likes flowers. Roses. She said that whenever a rose petal drops, someone goes to a place called 'heaven'. I wonder how she knows that. I can't let Them hurt her. But, I don't know how to stop them.
~*~*~*~
Van paused. The air was heavy with silence. No one spoke for a long time. Even Dryden looked somber. Allen wore an expression of mingled fascination and horror. Van...Van was merely stunned.
"I never knew. I never guessed. No wonder he acted the way he did. He really was driven insane," Van whispered at last.
No one said anything. No one needed to.
After some time, Dryden cleared his throat softly. "What's the last entry?" he asked quietly.
Van bit his lip and flipped through the papers, scanning the entries, and wincing occasionally.
~*~*~*~
Purple 9th Moon: Tenshi is dead. They killed her. They killed her, and I couldn't stop Them. She looked so innocent, even in death with her body all twisted and broken. Folken broke his promise. I can't trust him anymore. He doesn't care. He never cared. I hate him. I hate Them. I hate everyone. I just want to die. But Folken wouldn't let me kill myself. I hate him. I want to put the rose back together. I want to find Tenshi's rose petal. I want to find the petals of all They have killed and put them back together. But I can't. I just want to let go. Just let it all go.
~*~*~*~
Van lowered the papers into his lap and stared.
*Folken...?* What had his brother promised?
"I guess now we know, don't we?" Van whispered. "This is why he left. They must have experimented on him recently, and he snapped."
Dryden spoke up. "But why didn't he leave earlier? After Tenshi died?"
Van frowned, and paged back through the entries. "He never seemed to recall exactly what had happened after they experimented on him. They must have erased his memory of Tenshi. He wrote something about them being able to control minds and memories. Whenever I saw him, he never acted as if he remembered anything of the sort. Surely someone who had gone through all of this would..." Van trailed off, unsure of how to finish the sentence.
Dryden nodded. "It would make sense, but that still doesn't explain why he chose to desert."
Van frowned. "It doesn't. They must not have erased his memory the last time. But...what could he have suffered to make him flee like that? Especially with a battle coming up. He was always alive in battle," Van remembered.
"It answers questions, all right. But it raises even more," Allen sighed. "What now?"
"I don't know," Van said wearily. "This...this is horrible." Van gestured at the papers. "I can't believe anyone would do that to children."
"Believe it," Dryden said grimly. "My guess is that that account doesn't cover a third of what they've done."
"They ought to be brought to justice," Van growled. His hands clenched into fists. His face twisted with fury. "We can use this-"
"No we can't," Allen interrupted. "This isn't enough proof. Emperor Tsura will accuse us of writing this ourselves. We'd loose all credibility before the council. We need something more."
"What about Meiden?" Van shot. "He seemed to think that-"
"No, Van," Dryden interrupted. "Allen is right. The council would disregard this. As for Meiden...he planned to use these documents merely to frighten the Zaibach officials, should they ever threaten him. He knew that, alone, the papers could not significantly harm the empire. But the papers could be shown to the empire as evidence that Meiden has more, worse, incriminating evidence. The empire, not knowing how the journal fell into my father's hands, would not be willing to take any chances. Simple psychology. These papers are not enough. In order to bring the madoushi down, we do need something more."
"We need Dilandau," Van said firmly. "He is the key. He has all of the answers."
Allen snorted. "And how do you suppose we find him?"
Providence seemed to be with the trio. At that moment, a knock came on the library door. Dryden frowned. He was not expecting any visitors. He rose, and opened the door a crack to peer out. His shoulders relaxed. He whispered, and then drew back to open the door to admit the person, a surprised expression on his face.
It was one of the guards who had admitted Van and Allen. The man bowed and approached Van.
"Van-sama. A messenger came with this letter. He said it was from Queen Millerna. The Queen believes that you will be interested in a certain turn of events." The guard bowed and handed out the small sealed letter to the king. Van accepted it, his eyebrows raised curiously. He tore open the wax, and unfolded the paper. The young king's cinnamon eyes widened in shock.
"Allen," he said with a small grin, "I think you have your answer."
~*~*~*~
[AN: Wow. That was the longest chapter yet. O_o I hadn't expect it to be that long. *chuckles* That means the next chap will be quite a whopper. Sorry 'bout the cliffie. If it makes you feel any better, Enmu is revealed in the next chapter.
And please review, okay? Pretty please? It doesn't take but a minute! As compared to the four hours it took me to write this. -_-;;