Tales of the Epitaph 8

[Hayate]

Tales of the Epitaph

Chapter 8: The Melancholy Blue

~ S.S. Twilight, on the Crimson Sea ~

~ Sayaday, Gorre-Lunae 23, AC2038 ~

*the S.S. Twilight sails on towards the circular waterfall that sloped inward; from the bow of the ship, Kazuto and company are treated to the sight of a vast island at the base of the falls*

Kazuto: “An island at the foot of a waterfall”… So that’s the city of the Elves…

Shiro: “Island”? This place is as big as a continent…!

Ciel: Aye… Sure is a marvelous sight…

All: …

Crewman: …So…how do we get down there?

Saber: …I don’t believe that to be much of a problem…

All: Hmm?

*glancing straight ahead, the group notices a small army of Elves standing on a floating platform, each of them toting a sword or javelin; an Elf with short light-blue hair steps forward brandishing a sword*

Elf 1: What business have you filthy humans here!? Turn your vessel around and leave at once!

Ciel: *steps forward* My name is Ciel. I am the captain of this ship.

Kazuto: *steps forward* And I am Kazuto Rin Anu-Takeuchi, crown prince of Mac Anu. We mean you no harm.

Elf 2: We care not where you come from! If you don’t leave immediately, we shall-- *gasp*

*at that moment, the group of Elves notices Ren among the party*

Elf 2: A-Alkaid…!?

Ren: …Hmm? “Alkaid”?

Elf 2: …Wait… No, you’re not Alkaid… And yet, you…

Ren: …

*just then, the army lowers their weapons*

Elf 1: …Why have you come to Arche Haokar?

Saber: Our friend here is stricken with AIDA Toxicosis. We desire an antidote.

Elf 2: *turns to face other Elves* What should we do…? The Elder will be furious if we let humans into the city. And besides… *glances at Ren* …That girl… I think she’s a…

Ren: …

Elf 1: …

All: …

Elf 1: … *sigh* Heaven help us… Very well. We shall grant you access into the city.

All: *gasp*

Elf 1: HOWEVER! We’ll be stripping you of your weapons and items for the time being. And unless the Elven Elder says otherwise, you shall be treated as prisoners of Arche Haokar.

Saber: …That is fair. We will abide by your terms.

*over the course of the next few minutes, some of the Elves assist in docking the S.S. Twilight in a large hollow under the surface of the water; meanwhile, the other Elves in the party lead Kazuto and company through a small wooded field towards the Elven city; once through, they’re treated to the sight of a lush, green colony*

Shiro: Wow…

Saber: I’ve…never seen such a beautiful city…

Elf 1: Don’t get too comfortable. The Elder will decide whether you can stay in this city or not. Hmph! Though I don’t see why he should bother! If it were up to me, I’d have slain you rotten humans on the spot!

Kazuto: …

*a short time later, the party consisting of Kazuto, Shiro, Ren, Saber, Ciel, and several Elves relocate to the residence of the Elder Elf; the party sits on their knees before the elderly Elf, also seated on his knees*

Elder: …Who enters?

Elf 1: *sits down next to Elder* …It’s me, Elder.

Elder: Ah, Rhys. It’s always a pleasure to receive a visit from you. …You bring others with you today?

Rhys: Outsiders from beyond the Arche Koeln Falls, Elder. …Humans.

Elder: …Is that so…?

*at that moment, the Elven Elder opens his eyes, revealing them to be of a milky gray color*

Ren: !!! (…He’s blind…)

Elder: ‘Tis been many moons since humans have been inside the city limits.

Saber: …It’s…an honor to meet you, Elven Elder. My name is Saber.

Kazuto: I-I’m…Kazuto.

Shiro: Shiro T. Xion.

Ciel: Captain Ciel of the Arc-en-Ciel crew.

Elder: *nods* …Hmm? How peculiar. I sense the presence of…Alkaid…

Ren: (There’s that name again… “Alkaid”…)

Rhys: The outsiders’ party consists not only of humans, Elder… Among them is a…

Ren: …Renanthera Tengen.

Elder: “Renanthera”… That’s an Elven name… Could it be? Please, child, come closer…

Ren: …

*hesitantly, Ren draws closer to the Elven Elder; the elderly Elf reaches out his hand to touch Ren’s face*

Elder: …Ahhh… Yes, there’s no mistaking it… You are Alkaid’s child, aren’t you?

Ren: !!!

Saber: Excuse my interruption, Elder, but who is this “Alkaid”?

Elder: Alkaid is -- that is to say, was -- one of this city’s most beautiful of Elven women, and the mother of the girl you see before you.

Shiro: Ren’s mother? An Elf? Then Ren herself is…

Ciel: An Elf! Well, I’ll be damned!

Rhys: But Elder, wasn’t Alkaid expelled from Haokar for conceiving a child with a human? If so, then…

All: …?

Elder: Yes, Rhys, it is as you say… If this girl is indeed Alkaid’s child, then she can only be…a half-Elf…

All: !!!

Rhys: *grits teeth* …Half-Elf…

Ren: I have…both Elf and human blood?

Elder: You sound confused, child. *smiles* Would you like to know about your parents?

Ren: *gasp* …Y-Yes! I would like nothing more!

Rhys: Elder, what’s the point of--?

Elder: There’s no harm, Rhys. She simply wishes to know about the people who gave birth to her.

Rhys: …Tch!

Elder: *closes eyes* …It seems like so long ago, yet I remember it vividly. Alkaid was among some of the most ravishing Elves this city had ever known. Any man would’ve been blessed to have her as his own. But despite their zealous advances, Alkaid would deny one after another. She had been saving herself for the one whom among all others she truly loved with all her heart. …One day, while she was admiring the falls, Alkaid happened upon a human in the sea, his body carried here by the southern currents. In spite of several others’ protests, she brought the human -- who was just barely alive -- back to her home and nursed him back to health. Once well enough to speak, the human introduced himself as a Mac Anu soldier named Dekar, and he was truly grateful to Alkaid. The man had about him a kind soul, and in the time that Alkaid was caring for him, she had fallen deeply in love with him. And of course, Dekar found himself quite taken by Alkaid’s beauty and purity. But you see, humans and Elves were on very hostile terms at the time, and Alkaid’s relationship with Dekar was greatly looked down upon. She was even threatened with exile from the city should she persist in seeing him. However, Alkaid was stubborn. She defied her Elven peers and continued to see Dekar in secret…until…

Ren: …Until she became pregnant…

Elder: Some time before the baby was born, Dekar had ceased his visits to Arche Haokar. Alkaid was despondent, fearing that an unfortunate fate had befallen her beloved. Also fearing she would be judged for bearing a half-human child, Alkaid began to tell everyone who asked that she was pregnant with a child that was a full-blooded Elf. Regrettably, this facade would only last until the baby’s birth. Once word spread that Alkaid bore a half-Elf daughter…

Elf 1: Ape lover!

Elf 2: Harlot!

Elder: …The verbal -- and at times physical -- abuse Alkaid suffered from the other Elves had ultimately driven her away from Arche Haokar.

Ren: …Mother…

Kazuto: …Ren…

Rhys: Hmph! If you ask me, the whore got what she deserved!

All: *gasp*

Shiro: You take that back!

Elder: Rhys! Stay your tongue!

Rhys: *jumps to feet* I fail to see the point in telling this girl about her birth parents, Elder! Her father was a worthless ape, and her mother was a lying heathen! And even she herself has the blood of those savages running through her veins!

Kazuto: Why, you…!

*Ren slowly rises to her feet*

Rhys: What’s the matter!? Getting riled up over a few coarse words!? Hmph! You humans always did think with your fists instead of your heads!

Elder: That’s enough, Rhys!!!

Rhys: Do you disagree, Elder!? Do you forget what happened not too long ago!? The day I’m forced to relive every single time I step into my home!? Humans and half-Elves -- they’re scum, every last one of them!

*just then, a loud snap-like sound echoes throughout the Elder’s house as Ren lays into Rhys’ face with a sharp backhanded slap*

Rhys: !!!

All: !!!

Elder: …

Saber: M-Miss Ren?

Ren: …You can say what you will about me… You can scorn me, despise me…

*making eye contact with Rhys, Ren is seen with budding tears in her eyes*

Ren: …But when you’re right in front of me, don’t you DARE speak that way about my parents!!!

Rhys: …Grrrr… You bitch!

*reaching out, Rhys takes a firm grip on Ren’s collar; taking this gesture as a threat to Ren’s welfare, Kazuto, Shiro, and Saber jump to their feet as well*

Shiro: Get your hands off her!

Rhys: You didn’t know a bloody thing about your birth parents until several moments ago, and now you’re defending them?!? How dare you!!! What gives you the right to do that?!?

Ren: …

Elder: Rhys. I said, that’s enough.

Rhys: …Grrrr… Argh!

*finally letting go of Ren’s collar, he storms towards the front door; just before stepping out, he stops*

Rhys: …I want you humans out of this city… Leave, and never return… Unfortunately, I have no say in that matter… Just like back then… I absolutely refuse to let you take anything else from me…

*having said this, Rhys steps out*

Elder: *sigh* I apologize for the boy’s harshness. Arche Haokar came under attack some time ago when some humans penetrated the city walls. It was a merciless assault that cost us several Elven lives -- including Rhys’ mother and father -- as well as my own eyesight.

Ren: …I… I didn’t realize…

Elder: Please, do not have pity on us. Before going sightless, I had seen this world for what it was for hundreds of years. I had seen the human race commit countless acts of cruelty and show little to no disregard towards other living things, including their own kind. My only regret is that I will not be able to watch them as they walk their eventual path toward redemption.

Saber: You still hold faith in us humans even now?

Elder: I do. It may perhaps be my old age, but I strongly believe that all beings placed on this Earth by the almighty Aura are capable of repentance.

Kazuto: …You okay, Ren?

*Ren turns to face Kazuto with reddened cheeks*

Ren: Y-Yes… I’m… Ohhhh…

*all of a sudden, Ren’s legs would give way, and she collapses onto the floor*

All: Ren!

Kazuto: Ren, are you okay!? Say something!

Ren: *panting heavily*

Shiro: *holds hand to Ren’s forehead* …She’s burning up! The Toxicosis must be getting worse!

Elder: AIDA Toxicosis… I take it this was your true reason for coming here?

Kazuto: We heard in Breg Epona that you Elves had found a cure for it! Please, help us save Ren!

Elder: …Mello!

*at the Elven Elder’s call, a young Elf with short black hair enters*

Mello: Need something, old man?

Ciel: …“Old man”…?

Elder: Take these people to see Aylia right away.

Mello: Her? Ugh… Aura must hate me or something… *sigh* Alright, fine.

*Saber takes Ren’s body into her arms, and the party follows Mello out of the Elder’s house*

Elder: …Almighty Aura…be it your will that brought this girl back to our fair colony…?

*with Mello leading the way, the group approaches a large house on the east side of the city; walking up to the front door, Mello proceeds to knock on it*

Mello: Yo, ‘Aylie’! Open up!

*a voice from the other side of the door calls back*

: Who is it?

Mello: You know damn well who it is! Now open the door!

: … *groan*

*as the door opens, the group is greeted by a mature-looking Elf girl with long blond hair and golden eyes*

Elf Girl: Honestly, Mello, must you always-- *gasp*

Shiro: We’re sorry for the rude drop-in like this, Miss, but…might you be Miss Aylia?

Aylia: …

*soon after, the group would relocate to one of the rooms in Aylia’s house; Ren is laid on the bed and covered up to her chest by the bed sheets; the black splotches on Ren’s skin had now progressed to her neck, and she was having difficulty breathing*

Aylia: …AIDA Toxicosis… Never thought I’d see this again… When did she first contract the disease?

Kazuto: Just a few days ago.

Aylia: Then she only has a few more days at best…

*at that moment, the door into the next room over opens, and another blonde Elf girl with indigo eyes appears*

: Aylie? Are you in here? …Oh! There you are!

Shiro: Oh, hello. Who might you be?

Aylia: This is Kaori. She’s a friend of mine who lends an occasional hand whenever I have patients.

Kaori: Hello. It’s nice to meet you all.

Ciel: Likewise, pretty young miss.

Kaori: …Are you treating someone right now, Aylie?

Aylia: Mm-hmm.

Kaori: *approaches bed* …Oh, my… AIDA again…

Aylia: Yes… Luckily, the disease doesn’t seem to have progressed far. *turns to face Kazuto and others* I can help her.

Saber: *sigh* What a relief…

Aylia: Just a moment -- let me finish. You have to understand that it’s been some time since anyone in Arche Haokar fell ill with AIDA Toxicosis. A special herb is required to make the remedy, and since there hasn’t been a demand for it, we’ve never felt the need to restock.

Kazuto: What kind of herb?

Aylia: It’s called the Badhi root, and it grows in the Sins Ran Badhi forest that borders Arche Haokar to the north.

Kaori: …Sins Ran Badhi…

Shiro: Well, alright then! Let’s just pop over to this forest and grab some Badhi root! The sooner Ren’s cured, the better!

Aylia: I’m afraid it isn’t that simple. You all aren’t from Arche Haokar, so it’s only natural you don’t know. Sins Ran Badhi is the deepest, densest forest on Earth. On top of that, it’s home to some of the world’s most vicious beasts. Even the harshest of Elven warriors manage to lose their way in the labyrinth of trees. The grown-ups all call it…the Forest of Pain.

All: …

Kazuto: …Forest…of Pain…

Aylia: You’re determined to save her?

Kazuto: …Yes. I owe her. She saved my life once.

Aylia: In that case, you’ll need a guide -- someone who’d been inside Sins Ran Badhi once before.

Kaori: Aylie! Allow me to help them!

Aylia: Uh-uh. Out of the question. You’re much too fragile, Kaori.

Kaori: I’m not fragile! I’ve been in the forest several times before! I’m plenty good with a bow and arrow! Plus, my healing skills are sharper than they’ve ever been thanks to you!

Aylia: I have more battle experience than you, Kaori. Do you remember the first time you went up against a Badhi beast?

Kaori: …I… I’m not as delicate as I was back then, Aylie…

Aylia: *smiles* Please, Kaori. My patients are counting on you to take care of them.

Kaori: …Alright… I understand…

*defeated, Kaori returns to the next room, closing the door as she exits*

Aylia: …I apologize for that. As I was saying, I’d be happy to go with you to Sins Ran Badhi to find the Badhi root.

Saber: We’ll be counting on your strength then.

Aylia: *nods* It’s still bright outside, so we have plenty of time to locate the Badhi root before nightfall. If you would, meet me at the forest entrance in 30 minutes.

Shiro: Understood.

*looking over, Kazuto glances at Ren; she was covered in sweat, breathing hard, and her cheeks were blood-red*

Kazuto: … (Hang in there, Ren… Wait for us…)

*a little under half an hour later, Kazuto, Shiro, and Saber await Aylia to join them*

Shiro: …You think this “Badhi root” is really gonna make Ren better?

Kazuto: Huh? Sure, why wouldn’t it? You don’t trust Aylia?

Shiro: Hmm… I don’t think it’s a matter of us trusting her, but rather the Elves trusting us. I dunno if you’ve noticed this, but over half the number of Elves that walk past us give us the evil eye.

Saber: The human and Elven races have shared thousands of years of hostility, Shiro.

Shiro: I know, but…I can’t help but feel this way. Something in the pit of my stomach is telling me we shouldn’t have come here.

Kazuto: …

*just then, a voice calls out from afar*

: HEEEEEY!!!!!

*looking towards the south, Kazuto and company notice Kaori -- now armed in battle gear -- running towards them*

Saber: Isn’t that Aylia’s friend Kaori?

Kaori: I’m so glad you all haven’t left yet-- Aah!

*in her haste, Kaori trips over a rock and falls face-first in the dirt just several feet away*

All: … *sweatdrop*

*picking herself up shortly, she awkwardly dusts herself off*

Kaori: Hehehe…

Shiro: W-What are you doing here, Miss Kaori? Where’s Aylia?

Kaori: The house suddenly had an influx of new patients, and Aylie was afraid to leave me with all of them by myself. So she’s letting me go in her place to help you find the Badhi root.

Saber: …Is that so…?

Kazuto: But…she said you were…

Kaori: …Aylie’s always been better than me at everything: healing magic, archery… I appreciate that she’s always looking out for me…but I wanna take this chance she’s given me to stand on my own for once, to walk with my own two feet.

Shiro: Heh. Well, we’d better not let her faith in you go to waste, should we? Happy to have you with us, Kaori.

Kaori: Thank you! I promise not to disappoint you!

*with that, Kazuto, Shiro, and Kaori begin their trek into Sins Ran Badhi; Saber stays behind momentarily, lost in deep thought*

Saber: …

Shiro: Hey, Saber! You coming or what?

Saber: …Right.

*turning around, Saber walks forward to catch up with the rest of the party; several minutes later, Aylia arrives to find that the group was nowhere to be found*

Aylia: …Hmm? That’s strange… I thought they’d be here by now… Mr. Kazuto? Mr. Shiro? Miss Saber? Where are you? …Huh?

*glancing down at the ground, Aylia discovers the small depression in the dirt where Kaori had stumbled; near the top of the depression, Aylia finds a feather-shaped pendant*

Aylia: …This is Kaori’s… *gasp* She didn’t!

*frantically looking around, Aylia approaches the nearest Elf*

Aylia: Excuse me! Did you happen to see a group of people go into the forest!?

Elf: Huh? Uh…yeah, come to think of it, I did. Like, ten minutes ago.

Aylia: Was there a blonde Elf girl among them!?

Elf: Hmm… Yeah, as a matter of fact, there was.

Aylia: !!!

Elf: Cute little thing. A bit clumsy though. Heh.

*feeling a knot in her stomach, Aylia nervously looks towards the darkness within the forest*

Aylia: …Kaori…!!!

TO BE CONTINUED…