Post by Hayate on May 22, 2009 17:50:39 GMT -5
Tales of the Epitaph
Chapter 13: The Weaver Guardian
~ City of Dun Loireag, Kingdom of Mac Anu ~
~ Jinnday, Gorre-Lunae 28, AC2038 ~
*in a standard hospital room at the Dun Loireag Clinic, Kazuto and his friends are seen gathered around Ciel as he lay hospitalized in bed; a thin tube transfuses blood into his body, and as opposed to before, he had a relaxed expression*
Kazuto: …
Shiro: …
Ren: …
Saber: …
Kaori: …
*in the silence of the room, the door creaks open, and a female doctor with short blue hair enters holding a clipboard*
Doctor: …Hmm? Oh. Hello. You’re the ones who brought this boy Ciel in, right?
Saber: And you are…?
Masaki: Dr. Mary Masaki. A pleasure.
Kaori: Is… Is Captain Ciel gonna be…?
Masaki: *looks at clipboard* He’s suffered quite a bit of physical trauma -- lacerations, bone fractures, as well as some massive blood loss… It’s very fortunate you brought him in when you did. …What on Earth could one so young have done to wind up in such a condition?
Shiro: He was attacked by mercenaries.
Masaki: A-Attacked by…!?
Shiro: Please, don’t look so shocked. Ciel here may not look it, but he’s a pretty capable naval captain for the kingdom of Lumina Cloth.
Masaki: Oh, I see. Of course, situations like this should be considered staple in such a profession. …Well, you needn’t worry. As long as Ciel stays put and doesn’t take part in any strenuous activity, he’s expected to be make a full recovery.
Kaori: *sigh* Thank Aura…
Ciel: …Mmm…
Ren: Ah! Everyone, he’s waking up!
*as Ciel slowly opens his eyes, he awakens to the sight of Kazuto and company gathered around him*
Ciel: …The hell are you lot staring at? Do I look like a newborn babe opening his wee eyes for the first time?
Shiro: Heh. And a “top of the morning” to you too, Captain. Glad to see being cut within an inch of your life hasn’t made you any less pleasant.
Ciel: Hmph. Please, this flesh wound? I’ve been in worse scrapes than this.
Saber: Oh, rest assured, Captain, of that we have no doubt.
Ciel: Hahaha!
*afterwards, Ciel sits up in his bed and tells the others of the events surrounding the massacre of his crew*
Kazuto: …What happened yesterday at the southern shore, Captain? Was it really Atrum Neux who slaughtered the Arc-en-Ciel?
Ciel: I dunno if they were Atrum Neux or not. But their ruthlessness certainly reeked of them. That blonde twin-blade…
Nanao: Hehehe…
Ciel: …and the sad-eyed redhead with the scythe…
Mitsuru: …
Ciel: …They showed no mercy. I’d…never seen such harmonious movement.
*Ciel then clenches his teeth and grasps the bedcovers tightly in his fingers*
Ciel: …If only I were stronger… If only I’d reacted more quickly, I could’ve saved my crew…
Kaori: …Captain…
Ren: But how is it you’re still alive, Captain? Your whole crew was murdered, but you were spared?
Ciel: I almost wasn’t spared…if it hadn’t been for her…
Shiro: Who?
Ciel: That girl -- Mitsuru -- was standing right on top of me, poised to dispose of me with her weapon…when out of nowhere comes…
Ciel: *gasp*
Mitsuru: …Die.
*as Mitsuru swings her scythe forcefully downward, Ciel clenches his eyes shut tightly; all of a sudden, the sound of a weapon tearing into human flesh coerces Ciel to open his eyes again; looking up, he notices that a projectile weapon -- a knife or dagger -- had pierced Mitsuru’s chest, and in mere moments, Mitsuru falls back onto the sandy ground*
Ciel: !!!
Nanao: Mitsuru! …Grrrr… Who threw that!?
*turning his head to see who had thrown the bladed projectile, Ciel meets the silhouette of a girl with long wavy hair; the girl grasps the hilt of her sheathed blade*
Ciel: …W-Who…?
: Make one false move… *slowly draws blade* …and it’ll be the last move you make…!Nanao: Tch! Just what I need -- another goody-two-shoes who thinks she’s good enough to hold a sword! *draws dual swords* Let’s go, Mitsuru!
*hearing Nanao’s words, Mitsuru picks herself up off the ground and pulls the bladed projectile out of her chest without flinching*
Mitsuru: …Right behind you.
*with their respective weapons in hand, Nanao and Mitsuru dash forward to meet the long-haired girl in combat while Ciel lay motionless on the sand watching; after several minutes, the girl manages to overpower Nanao and Mitsuru to the point where they’re forced to retreat into the northern woods*
: Stop! Get back here!*as the girl gives chase, she passes by Ciel’s fallen body; as Ciel weakly glances up, he verifies her to be the blond-haired girl Kazuto had fought against in the Forest of Pain*
Ciel: …Y-You’re…
Girl: …Forgive me, Captain…
*having given her apology, the blond girl continues to give chase after Nanao and Mitsuru, leaving Ciel as the only living person among a large grouping of corpses*
Ciel: …
Kazuto: That blonde girl I met back at Arche Haokar? Why would she save you?
Ciel: *crosses arms* Well…maybe she felt like she owed me a favor. I was stationed out near Naval Monte a few months ago, and she came up to me needing a ride to Lumina Cloth. I was in a good mood then, so I figured, “What the hell?”
Saber: What was this girl’s name?
Ciel: Hmm… Y’know, come to think of it, she never gave one.
Ren: …
*just then, a strange low rumbling sound puts everyone ill at ease, but this feeling quickly dissolves when the sound is revealed to be emanating from Ciel’s stomach*
Ciel: … *blush*
Masaki: Oh! Hahahaha! After the ordeal you’ve been through, it’s no wonder you’d be hungry. …Oh, Lucia! Could you bring in Mr. Ciel’s meal tray?
: Y-Yes! Right away, Dr. Masaki!*several moments later, a girl about Ciel’s age with long light-brown hair walks in carrying a tray of food*
Girl: Here you go! One tray of food hot off the stove for Mr. Ciel-- W-Whoa! L-Look out! Aah!
*in her haste while entering, the brown-haired girl trips over her own feet and falls over onto the floor; as she does so, the tray of food she was holding goes flying upward until…*
SPLAT!
*…everyone in the room was covered in assorted foodstuffs*
All: …
Girl: *jumps to feet* Aah! I’m sorry! I’m sorry! U-Um…towels! I’ll go get some towels! *sprints out of the room*
Shiro: …And who was that little ball of sunshine…?
Masaki: That was Lucia Lancaster, my assistant here at the Clinic. She can be a handful at times, but I do well to place my trust in her.
Kaori: A “handful”, eh? Hehehe…
*shortly after Lucia’s innocent blunder, she returns with several cloths for Kazuto and company to clean themselves with and remakes Ciel’s meal, which Ciel wastes no time in consuming*
Lucia: *bows* I apologize deeply about before. I can be so clumsy sometimes.
Kazuto: Heh. We’ve been through worse, believe me. Don’t worry about it, Miss Lancaster.
Lucia: Oh, please. Call me Lucia. *turns to Ciel* Are you enjoying your meal, Captain Ciel?
Ciel: *with mouth full* Oh, absolutely! This is some of the best clinic food I’ve ever had!
Lucia: R-Really? I’m so pleased to hear that!
Saber: Well, we should probably let Captain Ciel build his strength back up. Dr. Masaki, Miss Lucia, we leave the captain in your capable hands.
Dr. Masaki: Mm-hmm. We’ll take good care of him.
*taking their leave of Ciel, Lucia, and Dr. Masaki, Kazuto and company exit the Dun Loireag Clinic to discuss further actions*
Shiro: *sigh* So…what now? All that effort to stay away from Mac Anu, and yet…here we are again.
Kazuto: Not to mention LeGable is right on the other side of Sif Berg Valley.
Saber: Perhaps it’d be best to stay put for the time being. With Captain Ciel grounded and no access to a ship, I don’t see much sense in straining ourselves.
Kaori: You’ve got a point there. Plus, this is my first time in a Mac Anu city. I’d like to take in some of the sights.
Ren: …Hmm?
Kazuto: What’s up, Ren?
Ren: …There’s something I need to take care of. Why don’t we go about our separate business for now and meet up at the inn later?
Shiro: Sounds good to me. Might be a good chance to chat up the Loireag locals.
Saber: Be sure to stay within the city limits, and if anyone from Atrum Neux shows up, don’t challenge them alone.
Kaori: Yes, ma’am!
*with that, the members of the group go their separate ways for the time being; Ren approaches the shadows of the Clinic’s rear wall, glancing around to make sure she wasn’t being followed*
Ren: …
*looking straight ahead, she awaits someone’s arrival; meanwhile, Kazuto pokes his head out from behind the wall and spots her*
Kazuto: (Good… She hasn’t noticed me… I wonder what’s up with Ren today. She’s been acting weird ever since we arrived in this city.)
Ren: …Are you there, Zero?
*responding to Ren’s beckon, Zero appears before Ren in a swirl of cards*
Zero: …You called, my dear Renanthera?
Kazuto: !!! (Zero…!)
Ren: Has the situation in LeGable changed at all recently?
Zero: Oh, I should certainly say so. It would appear that the higher-up in the kingdom have nullified their contract with Atrum Neux.
Ren: *gasp* They have!? You’re sure of this!?
Zero: Indeed… *straightens glasses* …but therein lies a greater threat.
Ren: …Even greater than Atrum Neux…?
Zero: Have you by any chance heard of the individual known as “Kaeion the Adept Rogue”?
Ren: Can’t say as I have.
Zero: He’s a Mac Anu prisoner who was convicted of crimes committed during the Coite-Bodher War. Because of his proficiency in multiple styles of close combat, he came to be known as the “Adept Rogue”. Since Atrum Neux couldn’t get the job done, the kingdom apparently recruited him. …Be careful, Ren. I fear this Kaeion fellow may succeed where Atrum Neux has failed…
Ren: He won’t. I’ll stake my life on it.
Kazuto: (…Ren…)
Zero: Funny you should mention that. I’m surprised to see you’ve returned to this humble little city. How long’s it been now? Four months? Five?
Ren: …Seven.
Zero: How time flies. So…does our little Prince Kazuto know about the young miss?
Ren: No, I…haven’t told him yet. And to be honest with you, I would prefer to never tell him.
Zero: …You have to realize he’ll find out sooner or later.
Ren: …
Kazuto: …
Zero: …Well…I’ll leave it to you. It’s not my place to inform the prince of matters that don’t concern me. I take my leave of you now, dear Renanthera. And be careful around Kaeion. *bows to Ren, then vanishes in a swirl of cards*
Ren: …
Kazuto: …Ren?
Ren: Aah! *spins around* Kazu! H-How long were you…!?
Kazuto: I heard you and Zero talking.
Ren: …You heard us?
Kazuto: Ren… Is there something you’re not telling me?
Ren: I-I…
Kazuto: …
Ren: …
*all of a sudden, the sound of clashing blades grabs Kazuto and Ren’s attention*
Kazuto: W-What was that!?
Ren: It sounds like it came from the plaza!
*Kazuto and Ren sprint towards the city plaza and find Shiro, Saber, and Kaori in battle with the blonde girl who had saved Ciel*
Girl: I’m only gonna ask once more! Where is he!?
Saber: We won’t let you lay a hand on Sir Kazuto!
Girl: *brandishes blade* Fine! Then I’m through holding back! Kyaaaaaaah!
*dashing forward, the blonde girl swings her blade down upon Saber and it harshly connects with her broadsword*
Saber: Nngh…!
Kazuto: Guys!
Shiro: Well, it’s about time you showed up! ‘Blondie’ over here’s been wanting to have a word with you, Kazu!
*turning her head just slightly to the right, the blonde girl makes eye contact with Kazuto*
Girl: You…!!!
Kazuto: *gasp*
*with Kazuto now the focus of her attention, the blonde girl turns away from Saber and dashes straight towards him; at the very last second, Ren leaps in front and defends him with her staff*
Kazuto: R-Ren!
Girl: Damn you, Ren! You’re gonna stand in my way again!?
Ren: Please, don’t do this…! It… It doesn’t have to be this way, Sakuya!
*the blonde girl -- apparently named Sakuya -- leaps away from Ren and raises her blade again*
Sakuya: He’s right in front of me, and you’re still…!? …Tch! You leave me no choice then! I will kill him… *dashes forward* …even if I have to strike you down as well!
Shiro/Saber/Kaori: Ren!
Kazuto: REN!!!
Ren: SUVI LEI!!!
*with her staff pointed forward, Ren conjures a magic that freezes Sakuya in place*
Sakuya: D-Damn you…!
Kaori: Whew… That was close…
Ren: *sigh* Forgive me, milady… I never meant for my magic to be used on you in such a way…
Kazuto: Ren, what the hell’s going on here?!? Who is this girl, and how do you know each other?!? And why’s she trying to kill me?!?
Sakuya: …You still haven’t told him?
Ren: …
Sakuya: You would keep him in the dark even now? Go ahead! Tell him! Tell him everything!
Ren: …I… I don’t…
Sakuya: …If you won’t say anything, I will. If anyone deserves to tell him the truth, it’s me.
Ren: N-No, please!
Sakuya: 16 years ago, I was born in LeGable into the Mac Anu royal family. My mother had my future read by a fortuneteller, who prophesied that when I turn 16 years old, I would become the bringer of the end of the world. This sound familiar to you?
All: !!!
Shiro: But…that’s impossible! Kazu’s the one who--
Sakuya: Look at his eyes! They’re green! The heir to Mac Anu’s supposed to have “hair of gold and eyes of azure”! …Now look at my eyes…
Kaori: …They’re blue…!
Sakuya: …My name…is Sakuya Rui Anu-Takeuchi. Crown princess of the kingdom of Mac Anu. …I’m your twin sister, Kazuto!!!
Kazuto/Shiro/Saber/Kaori: !!!
Ren: …
Kazuto: …M-My…twin sister…?
Sakuya: …
*a short time later, the party manages to detain Sakuya and confine her behind the bars of an iron-fence-protected alleyway; with her hands bound behind her back with rope, Sakuya glares at the party through the fence with deep resentment*
Sakuya: …
Kaori: Wow… A twin sister… How exciting! You must be so thrilled, Kazuto!
Shiro: Kaori.
Kaori: Huh? …O-Oh. Sorry.
Ren: …Kazu?
Kazuto: …
Ren: …Please say something to me, Kazu. I wanted so much to tell you about Sakuya, I really did. It’s just…I thought it safer not to tell you about the sister who wanted you dead. I just did what I thought was best to protect you.
Kazuto: “Protect Kazuto”, “protect Kazuto” -- is that your excuse for everything? Tell me something, Ren. Why do you go out of your way to protect me? To protect a person that you know virtually nothing about? Huh? What’s in it for you?
Ren: …I-I was--
Kazuto: Sent to protect me? I know that. But by whom!? Who sent you to me, Ren!? How do I know you weren’t sent by Atrum Neux to observe me!?
Ren: !!!
Shiro: Alright, Kazu, calm down. I know you’re stressed out over all this, but--
Kazuto: Or maybe my father sent you as an informant! To monitor my actions so that he’ll always know where to find me! Well!? Is that it!? I’m sick of all these secrets, Ren! What else are you keeping from me?!?
Ren: …
Kazuto: WHY AREN’T YOU SAYING ANYTHING?!?!?
Saber: Sir Kazuto, compose yourself! You’re acting irrational!
*just then, Kazuto draws his sword and points it towards Ren*
Ren: *gasp*
Shiro: Kazu, have you completely lost it!?
Kazuto: I want the truth, Ren!!! And I want it now!!! Just who the hell are you?!? Who sent you?!? ANSWER ME!!!!!
Ren: …
Sakuya: …My mother.
*then, all eyes were on the constrained Sakuya*
Sakuya: …My mother sent Ren to protect you.
Shiro: Mother? …Queen Gardenia?
Sakuya: No. Not my biological mother. My adoptive mother. The woman who took me away from LeGable when I was born.
All: …
Kaori: Please put your sword away, Kazu. Give Ren a chance to explain.
Kazuto: … *sheathes sword*
Saber: …If you please, Miss Ren.
Ren: … *nods* …After the Coite-Bodher War resulted in the deaths of everyone in Carmina Gadelica, I was alone. Brother Kaga, my mother and father -- they were all gone. And the city was left in ruins. I’d lost all will to live. …But just before I gave up all hope, my brother Kaga -- just barely alive -- found me. As soon as I saw the condition he was in, I knew he’d be dead in a matter of minutes. As he lay on the ground dying, he said to me…
Kaga: Ren… I want you to keep living… Live the life that I couldn’t… A life untainted by war… A life untainted by needless bloodshed… Keep living… Grow up… Watch the world grow with you… Die of a ripe old age… And on your deathbed, look back upon the world with satisfaction and approval… Can you do that for me…Ren…? I don’t want you…to die hating the world… Please, Ren…
Ren: …My brother’s dying wish returned to me the hope that I’d nearly lost. I wanted to live. Desperately. I couldn’t stay there in Carmina Gadelica. So after giving my brother a proper burial, I made for LeGable to the south, taking with me only his sword and magic staff. And there I lived, blended amongst the destitute populace, doing whatever I could to survive. For three years, I lived as such. Then…one day, I bumped into a woman who was apparently making her way out of the city. She was cradling a newborn baby girl in her arms. The woman’s name was Risa Fujino. And the baby she was holding…was Sakuya.
Sakuya: …
~ Atrum Neux Headquarters ~
*in the HQ building of Atrum Neux, Beatrice is seen exasperatedly pacing back and forth; nearby, Kyuzo and Hartz watch*
Beatrice: Ooh! That damn green-haired bastard! How dare he do this to me! Trading me in for a stupid convict! ARGH!!!
Kyuzo: Wow, boss, I’ve never seen you this riled up… I gotta admit, it’s turning me on a little… *gets hit with a harisen* Ow!
Beatrice: Oh, shut the hell up, you good-for-nothing!
Kyuzo: Grrrr… Spiteful old hag…!
Hartz: Considering how notorious this Kaeion is, with him now in Mac Anu’s employ, it’s to be expected that we be tossed aside as obsolete.
Beatrice: “Obsolete”, my ass! I’ve suffered too many humiliations at the hands of a bunch of kids to just roll over and play dead!
Hartz: …What do you propose we do? Assassinating the crown prince would be meaningless if we get nothing out of it.
Beatrice: …Which is why…we’re not stopping with just the prince.
Kyuzo: Hmm? Just what are you gettin’ at now?
Beatrice: Sakaki’ll have no choice but to pay us if we…eliminate the competition. …Hartz. Kyuzo. Head for Dun Loireag. The prince and his cronies are bound to bump into Kaeion soon. When they do… *smirk* …kill ‘em all.
TO BE CONTINUED…
