Vision Of Escaflowne Fan Fiction ❯ Journey of Fire and Shadow ❯ Part Two ( Chapter 2 )
[ P - Pre-Teen ]
Those who are waiting for the next parody, be glad I haven't strated writing it yet. I've been in a dark mood lately. Partially the reason why I decided to try my hand at this idea. Dark mood, dark fic. Aaaannnyyyways...
For clarification: text enclosed by these ~ are Dilandau's thoughts. This fic is solely from Dilandau's POV, although I might break from that and do a couple trials from the others' POV, but I doubt it. We'll see how it goes. I also decided to spell Chesta's name differently: Shesta. I like this spelling better ^_^
IMPORTANT NOTE: There is mention of Serena in this chapter, but THIS IS NOT A SERENA FIC. This is solely for Dilly-chan. Dilly is Dilly, and will ALWAYS be Dilly. Just the way I like him ^_^ So don't freak out. I think you'll like my explanation of her. This is the way I -personally- like to think of her. Please don't be scared away. Just trust me ^_^
Onward!!!!
PART TWO of A JOURNEY OF FIRE AND SHADOW by Feye Morgan
Migel took the lead once more, Dilandau following, the rest of the Dragonslayers trailing in silence. A part of Dilandau almost wanted to remain in the caves. There surely was so much knowledge to be gained...
Almost.
~Van...~
Dilandau kept a picture of the wretched boy-king fixed in his mind. There was no question of his resolve to go forward. The blood of the Dragon would be his.
~I wonder if the others are having doubts~ Dilandau set his jaw tightly. ~They had better not. They are my soldiers. They are the best. They will make it. They will not falter~
"Here, my lord," Migel said, sliding through a small opening in the passage wall. It was so carefully concealed by the misty grey shadows that Dilandau would have missed it had he not been looking for it.
The inside of the cave was plain and uninteresting. There were no treasures, no scrolls, no physical anomalies to see. A casual traveller would have shrugged and left without a second glance. Dilandau, however, spotted a delicately carved relief of a six-pointed star almost as tall as he was in the rock wall not ten feet from the opening.
The friends stood in silence for a long time, staring at the symbol.
~Entrancing...~ There was something about that star that caught Dilandau.
~Power. Power radiates from this thing like poisonous fumes~
"My lord Dilandau?" Shesta inquired timidly.
The star beckoned to Dilandau, holding his mind like a trap. He strode forward and placed his left hand on the topmost point. It flared with an eerie light, not dissimilar to the one that had entranced Dilandau during the march. But this one had no spell to come with it. Those in the room should have a spell upon them already. Dilandau stared intently at the light, waiting for the opening to appear.
But nothing else happened.
Dilandau frowned.
"Dilandau-sama?" Refina spoke up hesitantly, her voice quavering.
"Hai?"
"Perhaps it sensed that there are more shades in this room. Perhaps..."
"Perhaps we all need to touch the star?" Dilandau finished for her. "Very good, Refina. Dragonslayers, each of you take a piece of the star."
Gatti, Shesta, Viole, Guimel, and Dalet all stepped forward and placed a hand on the remaining points. Migel and Refina hesitated, uncertain, before placing their own hands in the center of the star.
Immediately, the cavern flared with a light so bright that the Dragonslayers had to shut tight their eyes so as not to be blinded. And...was that singing Dilandau heard? Gradually, the brilliance faded, leaving the surroundings the same lifeless grey as before. When the shades opened their eyes, they found their hands covering air. The rock face had vanished. Before them lay a dark passageway, wide enough, interestingly, for all of them to walk shoulder to ghostly shoulder. Mist creeped insidiously across the passageway floor, daring them. The friends looked at each other. Taking a deep breath, they stepped through.
The rock wall reappeared behing them, sealing their path.
~No turning back now~
They walked for some time in the gloom, taking comfort in each other's presence. Though he would never say so, Dilandau could not imagine taking this journey without his Dragonslayers. They were a part of him, inseperable.
Dilandau's soldiers began to get unseasy. Still nothing had happened.
~Did we miss a turn? Was that not the right star?~
Dilandau squinted. Something was ahead. The mist was denser than normal. He held out his hands, stopping his soldiers from going further.
"What the...?"
The mist swirled in the distance, laughing at them. Suddenly a dark shape broke through, heading straight for the shades. Bright eyes gleamed with malice.
A Dragon. No, wait, a Wyvern. Winged serpents without limbs, but carrying a mouth laden with poisonous fangs. Snarling, the creature lunged. Swords appeared in each of the Slayer's hands like magic. Several of them stepped forward, assuming battle stance. Dilandau's instinctual reaction was to do the same, but something held him back. Something was not right. Through his peripheral vision, he saw Migel, Shesta, and Viole hesitate as well.
"Wait." Dilandau's voice caught the Dragonslayers' attention like a steel trap. Ignoring the charging serpent, he continued in the same commanding voice. "The inscription said 'trials of the spirit' and ONLY trials of the spirit. This is the first test. Do NOT fight. Throw down your swords. NOW!" Dilandau let his drop. It vanished as soon as it hit the floor. The others followed suit.
Still the beast charged. Snarling, it opened its jaws wide, exposing its fangs. It was going to hit them...
The Wyvern passed through them like a cold wind, and vanished. It had been merely an illusion woven of the mist.
Guimel let out a rush of breath in relief.
"Thank you, Dilandau-sama," Dalet breathed.
Dilandau said nothing, only resumed the journey, Dragonslayers at his sides.
They all tensed when, after some time of walking, a cavern opened before them. Memories of past travellers whispered death in Dilandau's mind. Oblivion waited for them.
The mist was too thick to tell what was beyond the opening. Remembering the Wyvern, each prepared him or herself, putting their senses on the highest alert.
~Physical preparedness will do nothing for us here. Think, Albatou, think~
As one, they entered the cavern.
Dilandau blinked. He was back at the Gate of the Underworld, marching. Spirits surrounded him, pushing relentlessly onward. The same light drew him forward, binding with its draining spell. Only this time, Dilandau looked up, looked at the source of the light, and gasped.
A vision.
He knew what was beyond the march. It was beautiful...
There was peace there. Peace. Something Dilandau had never known, but had longed for all his life, in the deepest recesses of his heart. Beyond the light his sore, tired heart slept serenely. No worries, no hurt, no more pain, just rest...
For a brief moment, all Dilandau wanted to do was follow the light. Follow it, away from Van, away from the madoushi, away from war, away from Gaea, away from life.
~But I cannot have peace~
The thought jerked Dilandau back. The light began to fade. The vision blurred. Dilandau realized sadly that having left life the way he had, he could never have peace in the underworld. There were too many ties left untied, too many things he wished he had done. Too many unresolved issues. Dilandau could not give up now. He forced himself to turn away...
And found himself standing next to his Dragonslayers in the cavern whose opening he had just entered.
~It was all a dream. I never went anywhere. It was a false promise~ Dilandau shuddered inwardly as he realized how close he had come to giving in, and being erased from existance. His eyes opened wide, suddenly remebering his soldiers. He looked anxiously at them. Migel met his gaze with a feeble smile. Refina nodded. Guimel was trembling, but there. Gatti, Shesta, and Viole all opened their eyes just as Dilandau looked at them, and gave him reassuring, if tiny, smiles. There was only Dalet left.
~Open your eyes Dalet. Come on~
Still nothing.
~Wait, is he moving?~ Dilandau thought he saw Dalet's armor shaking. He peered closer. No, not shaking.
Dalet was fading.
~NO!~
"DALET!" Dilandau's voice snapped the oppressive silence. The others flinched, suddenly afraid.
"Dalet!" Shesta chimed in, realizing what was happening.
"DALET DAMN YOU! DON'T YOU DARE GIVE IN!" Dilandau roared. Abandoning his place in the line, he grabbed Dalet by his collar and slapped him.
~Whatever you're being shown, it's a lie! Dalet! Get back here!!!!!~
"Come back Dalet!" Refina yelled.
Slowly, Dalet's edges became solid once more, and he opened his eyes to meet his commander's furious gaze.
"Damn you Dalet, don't you ever do that again," Dilandau hissed.
Dalet blinked, confused for a moment. His eyes opened as large as energists. "Ohmygod ohmygod ohmygod ohmygod ohmygod ohmygod..." he chanted.
Assured that Dalet was sufficiently terrified, the albino resumed his place.
~Now what?~
The Dragonslayers looked to the center of the cavern. Three huge steps led up to a platform. An eerie red glow from something on the platform provided the only color in the cavern.
"Is this it?" Viole asked, bemused. "Is this the way out?"
Dilandau's eyes narrowed. That red light...that had to be the portal to life. But surely their journey could not have been that easy?
They walked to the base of the steps, each of them wary. Exchanging glances, they clasped each other's hands firmly, and stepped in usion onto the first step.
Instantly, Dilandau found himself back on that fateful battlefield, inside his Aldeides. He shuddered when he realized where he was. They had the Escaflowne surrounded on the same rocky hillside where his beloved soldiers met their cruel deaths. Only this time, Dilandau was not petrified when the Dragon began to slaughter his friends. His head was clear. The choice was clear. His slayers, or him? Without thinking, Dilandau screamed at the demon.
"Fanelia! It's me you want you baka! Come and get me!"
Dilandau positioned himself in front of his soldiers. His Angels of Battle would not die this time. Escaflowne charged him. It moved so quickly he was barely able to follow its movements. The world spun as the White Dragon's sword cleaved the Aldeides. White stained with red... The agony of death clutched him once more. Red haze filled his sight. He was falling...
Dilandau opened his eyes, knowing he would find himself still standing on the first step.
~Clever. So. Each of the steps is another test. We pass the tests, we get out. How simple~
Once again, Dilandau checked his companions. This time, everyone was awake and smiling. That test had been easy. All of the Dragonslayers were known for their extreme loyalty, as well as their fighting prowess.
"Onward, then."
Another step...
Dilandau's sight was filled with war. Families torn apart, friends with ties as close as Dilandau and his soldiers broken by slaughter. So many, all falling, never to rise again. Cobblestone streets were stained with crimson. Dilandau watched with horror. None of this had ever bothered him before. Those houses were just kindling, just another job for Zaibach, just another thrill. They meant nothing. Flames gave life, not death. But now...now Dilandau was forced to see himself and his friends in those people whose lives were being broken. And, amidst it all, he saw the red Alseides deal out fire and death.
~Angel of Death~
Then the scene switched and he saw Van and Hitomi, both hurrying to prevent Fried from being destroyed. Their hearts panged with agony, eyes filled with tears when they tried to save their friends, and failed. They were trying to protect those lives he had taken...
It was almost too much. The pain, the guilt. He could have stopped it all. Van was trying to help. Van was the hero. Dilandau was just the worthless killer.
~Ha~
The illusion snapped once again.
~Fanel was as much to blame as me. He fought: he killed. He accepted the burden of war on his shoulders as much as I had. No. Do not try to sink me with this guilt. I have a right to live, despite what I have done. I was not free then. Those madoushi filled my life with pain and suffering. But now I am free. There is good in me. I will finish what I came to do. Van is not innocent. No one ever is.~
Dilandau opened his eyes in relief once again. The others were having a much harder time with this test than the last. Forever and a day passed, until finally only Shesta was left. Slowly, he started to fade, his deeds breaking him. Sweet Shesta...Dilandau had always wondered if the life of a soldier was really suited to his kind nature.
Dilandau gritted his teeth, about to lunge forward and shake Shesta.
"Shesta...!"
But there was no need. The blond cherub-faced slayer came back, opening glistening blue eyes. Filled with remorse, but existing.
~Only one more test~
As soon as Dilandau was transported into a vision, he knew that it wasn't real, that it was false. Smiling, he faced what was to come with an attitude that was amost flippant. He would not be tricked. Not this time. His smile soon faded, however.
Van was dying. Normally this was not something that would darken Dilandau's heart. Quite the opposite. But Van was not dying by Dilandau's hand. He had been taken by a mysterious illness. As Dilandau watched, Van passed into shadow.
The albino frowned.
What if Dilandau had gone through all this trouble and pain only to find that Van, the object of his vengeance, had escaped him yet again, this time permanently? Was there then no point to his quest? Even if Zaibach had not lost the war, Dilandau could not go back there. The sorcerers would only take him once more into their clutches. Every other country had an execution waiting for him should he ever dare to show his face. Even Asturia by now had realized that Zaibach was no ally.
~There's no point then. Why bother?~
Dilandau felt himself slipping. The vision darkened. Slowly, he was falling into void.
~All in vain~
Falling...
~There's nothing left for me. Just fade away...~
"Dilandau! Dilandau-sama!"
That voice...where had he heard it before?
Dilandau struggled to recollect his thoughts. Already he felt so cold.
Was there really nothing left? Something tugged at his memory. The Void deepened, trying to hold on.
~Memory...?~
"Diiiillllaaandaauuu!!!"
~My Dragonslayers...they're still with me, aren't they?~
The cold relented slightly.
"Dilandau-sama! Come back! DILANDAU-SAMAAAAAAAAAA!!!"
"MIGEL!" Dilandau cried.
The void vanished, and Dilandau opened his eyes. Migel was staring at him, his face inches away from Dilandau's own, hands clenching his commander's shoulder armor. A look of relief washed over the shade's pale features. Then he froze, and hurriedly let go of Dilandau, dashing back to his place in the line.
Dilandau actually smiled at Migel. There was a moment of silence.
"Domo arigato, Migel."
Migel stared at Dilandau. The Dragonslayers blinked. Dilandau said thank you? That was unheard of. Dilandau himself was surprised.
~We've all been changed somewhat by this~
"We're here," Refina said softly.
"We're here," Gatti echoed, a ridiculous grin plastered on his face.
The source of the red light was a huge glowing energist. Blood-red it pulsed, vibrant with the promise of life. Dilandau had never seen one so big. It was even larger than the Escaflowne's crystal.
"We just...touch it?" Viole asked.
Dilandau was silent. Cautiously the friends approached the Dragon Heart. But before they came within three feet from it, the mist swirled into a pillar before them. Dilandau pushed his Dragonslayers back away from the pillar, retreating a few steps with them. Slowly, the mist began to take a shape...the shape of a man.
Dilandau's eyes opened wide with shock, recognizing the cloaked figure.
"Folken."
Folken smiled.
"Dilandau. I should have guessed."
"You're dead too?"
Folken did not answer. He merely studied Dilandau and his soldiers.
"Congratulations, travellers." Folken's voice took an almost sing-song quality, as if he was repeating his lines from an ancient rite. "You have passed the guardian, and completed the trials."
"So can we go back now?" Refina asked. Folken raised an eyebrow. He did not like being interrupted. Dilandau glanced at Refina. She quite obviously did not care. She had never been admirant of Folken Strategos. Dilandau caught her eye and glared her into silence.
Folken paused before giving an answer. Dilandau's heart froze.
"No."
"WHAT?" Gatti snarled. "Why the hell not? We passed the trials!"
"Yes, you did, Gatti. And you, Shesta, Viole, Migel, Refina, Guimel. But Dalet and Dilandau would have failed without help. You all interfered with each other's trials. Thus, I cannot let you through."
"Damn you! What did you think we were going to do? Let Shesta, Dalet, and Dilandau-sama just fade out?" Migel growled.
Dilandau's voice was sharp. "I do not leave my soldiers behind."
"You left Migel behind, thus leading to his death."
Dilandau's eyes narrowed. "I did not know he was missing until it was too late. Yes, I saw his 'melef go down, but Aldeides are hardy machines. Migel is a good pilot. He should be. I trained him. By the time I had counted my soldiers, Lavariel was already taken. You assume too much, Strategos."
"We help each other. That is our way. If you don't like that, tough," Guimel snapped.
Silence. Then, much to the shades' surprise, Folken laughed. Deep, rich peals echoed in the cavern.
"Well done!" he smiled. "Well done indeed. You passed the final test. The fires of your souls have defeated the shadows of your pasts."
The soldiers stared at him.
"Oh..." Refina looked abashed.
"Now, there is only one more condition. The Lord of the Underworld, who sent me here to confront you (I should have been suspicious when it told me I was the only one who could do this), does not like shades returning to life unwanted, even if they have passed all the tests. So, each of you must have one person living who wishes for your return."
Folken looked expectantly at the travellers. The mist swirled, taunting Dilandau.
~Someone who wishes me alive?~
Shesta smiled. "My brother and my parents."
Folken nodded and smiled.
"My sister, Faia," Refina said.
"Savi. He's a musician I fell in with a while back," Viole explained. "Met him in a bar once. We became pretty good friends."
"My aunt," Guimel said.
"Lady Sienna," Gatti blushed. Refina raised an eyebrow inquiringly.
Dalet and Migel both gave their answers. All eyes turned to the pale albino.
"Jajuka."
"Jajuka died shortly after you. He was killed by Van Fanel."
Dilandau stared in shock.
~Not another! No! Jajuka...~
The Dragonslayers exchanged glances, wondering who this Jajuka was, and why he meant so much to their leader.
"Dead?"
"I am sorry."
Dilandau's mouth worked, but no sound came out.
~Van~
"You must come up with another name, Dilandau-sama," Guimel whispered.
"I know, I know!" Dilandau snapped.
~Is there anyone left?~ There was no one he could think of. The madoushi certainly would like it if Dilandau was alive again, but Dilandau would rather fade than name them. Besides, they didn't see Dilandau as a human being with a soul, however tarnished. To them, he was a thing to do tests on.
"You must name someone, Dilandau."
The cavern walls seemed to close in on him. Dilandau's mind searched frantically, delving into every memory, desperately trying to remember one kind look from one person who was still living.
"Here, let one of us go back first! Then that person can wish for Dilandau to live!"
"I am afraid I cannot allow that."
"Why not?" Gatti was angry.
"You all completed the trials together. You started this journey together, and you will finish it together. If Dilandau goes, he must go with you, or not at all."
"That's stupid!"
Folken merely waited, his expression unchanging.
"Dilandau?"
"I...I don't know."
"Master Dilandau no!"
Dilandau shot Migel a dangerous look. "Lavariel..."
"Sorry, Dilandau-sama. It's just...if you don't go, then we won't either. There's nothing for us without you."
~But you must go~
Refina spoke up, ever the fiery slayer, now radiant with fury. "Folken! You know about Dilandau! You must have some idea! Help him curse you!"
Folken hesitated. He turned his head, slightly, as if listening to an invisible presense. Dilandau strained to listen.
Folken straightened. "I will help you, Dilandau. The Lord of the Underworld has given me permisison."
The slayers visibly relaxed.
"Before I died, I left Zaibach, and joined my brother. Dilandau, be silent. Wait until I am finished."
Dilandau shut his mouth. Van...
"I had come upon Allen Schezar alone in some gardens. He looked quite sad, so I asked him what was the matter. He was holding a curious flower in his hand. He told me about his sister, Serena, and how she vanished without a trace. He had been looking for her ever since. Something about this struck me. When I pressed him further, he described Serena to me. Silver-golden hair, blue eyes, angelic disposition, and an unhealthy fascination with fire, which would surely dissipate with time, as all childish fancies do."
Folken paused, and carefully studied Dilandau before moving on.
"I remembered this girl. She was taken by the madoushi the same day Serena vanished. She was the reason I left the sorcerers. I was appalled at what they intended to do to the child, and would not take part in it, though I was powerless to prevent it. What they did was indeed terrible. They performed what they liked to call a Fate Alteration Experiment. Strapping the girl to a table, they altered her genetic code, transforming the five-year old girl into a boy. A boy they named Dilandau Albatou."
The slayers stared at Dilandau. Their loyalty to him never wavered even for a second, but the news shocked them to the core. They knew of the madoushi, but they had never heard anything so terrible.
Dilandau was frozen. The cavern disappeared. The mist closed in on him, crushing, suffocating.
****
"Don't leave me alone! Jajuka!" Dilandau screamed, trying to get to the friendly dog-man, struggling against the black-clad demons who held her.
"No! Serena!"
****
Dilandau fought off the mist, breathing hard, trying desperately to stay conscious. He had never known. Never guessed.
"So...so...is my life a lie? Am I even real?" Dilandau's voice was hollow.
"Never doubt your existence. Yes, you are real. Your soul is the same, no matter your physical appearance. Your mind is the same, no matter what. That is all they changed: your features. Nothing else was touched. Serena's love of fire stayed with you. Even her love of flowers remained. She always liked roses."
~The rose for my Dragonslayers...on the bridge...after their deaths...~
"Serena would have turned out with the same likes and dislikes no matter what, male or female. Your surroundings influenced you to become a soldier, yes, but you and Serena are the same entity. The only shred of a difference is your physical attributes. There are quite obviously differences between men and women, but we can skip over those, can't we? If you changed into a girl now, you would find no difference in your thoughts, mannners and abilities. You are Dilandau Albatou, and will always be Dilandau Alabtou. If you were not, then why would your spirit still retain the shape it is in now?"
Dilandau was silent.
"So...what does this have to do with Dilandau getting back to life?" Refina asked impatiently.
Folken smiled. "I told Allen what happened to Serena. He believes that she can still be recovered."
"'Recovered'?" Dilandau asked dubiously.
"Yes. The fool cannot accept that Serena is the ruthless soldier who loved fire."
"The Serena he thinks he knows never existed in the first place," Dilandau said flatly. "How is that going to get me back?"
"Simple. Allen Schezar wishes you were alive."
"So..."
"Name him."
"Schezar."
Folken smiled, and stepped out of their path. "Return, shades, to the land of the living. Go and be blessed."
The slayers smiled at each other. As if reading each other's minds, the friends each placed their right hand on another's shoulder, and reached for the energist with the left.
"One the count of three," Dilandau ordered. "One, two, THREE."
The energist flared brilliantly. A beam of pure light enveloped them, lifting them slowly up and away from Folken and the Underworld.
"Goodbye, Folken!" Dilandau called.
Before Dilandau and his slayers disappeared, he saw Folken smile and wave.
"Goodbye, Dilandau. And good luck."
*~*~*~*~
Geez, that took me AGES to type. And I didn't even write it on paper before hand. Nope. This was straight writing on the computer. It must've taken me five or six hours ALONE. I don't think I've ever written a chapter this long before. Golly.
Well, I sincerely hope you liked my explanation of Serena. Don't get me wrong, I like fics with Serena and Dilandau as separate entities, but personally, that would never work in my fics. Serena is Dilandau. The only difference between the two are their names and their...physical...differences... So it's Dilandau-san all the way!!!! ^_^
I was going to say something else...but I can't remember what it was. Oh well.
Please oh please review. I didn't think this chapter was all that good. I'm not sure if the atmosphere was described as well, or if the trials were that original. I hope I did ok!!! Please tell me in your review!!! I love you all!!!! ^_^
For clarification: text enclosed by these ~ are Dilandau's thoughts. This fic is solely from Dilandau's POV, although I might break from that and do a couple trials from the others' POV, but I doubt it. We'll see how it goes. I also decided to spell Chesta's name differently: Shesta. I like this spelling better ^_^
IMPORTANT NOTE: There is mention of Serena in this chapter, but THIS IS NOT A SERENA FIC. This is solely for Dilly-chan. Dilly is Dilly, and will ALWAYS be Dilly. Just the way I like him ^_^ So don't freak out. I think you'll like my explanation of her. This is the way I -personally- like to think of her. Please don't be scared away. Just trust me ^_^
Onward!!!!
PART TWO of A JOURNEY OF FIRE AND SHADOW by Feye Morgan
Migel took the lead once more, Dilandau following, the rest of the Dragonslayers trailing in silence. A part of Dilandau almost wanted to remain in the caves. There surely was so much knowledge to be gained...
Almost.
~Van...~
Dilandau kept a picture of the wretched boy-king fixed in his mind. There was no question of his resolve to go forward. The blood of the Dragon would be his.
~I wonder if the others are having doubts~ Dilandau set his jaw tightly. ~They had better not. They are my soldiers. They are the best. They will make it. They will not falter~
"Here, my lord," Migel said, sliding through a small opening in the passage wall. It was so carefully concealed by the misty grey shadows that Dilandau would have missed it had he not been looking for it.
The inside of the cave was plain and uninteresting. There were no treasures, no scrolls, no physical anomalies to see. A casual traveller would have shrugged and left without a second glance. Dilandau, however, spotted a delicately carved relief of a six-pointed star almost as tall as he was in the rock wall not ten feet from the opening.
The friends stood in silence for a long time, staring at the symbol.
~Entrancing...~ There was something about that star that caught Dilandau.
~Power. Power radiates from this thing like poisonous fumes~
"My lord Dilandau?" Shesta inquired timidly.
The star beckoned to Dilandau, holding his mind like a trap. He strode forward and placed his left hand on the topmost point. It flared with an eerie light, not dissimilar to the one that had entranced Dilandau during the march. But this one had no spell to come with it. Those in the room should have a spell upon them already. Dilandau stared intently at the light, waiting for the opening to appear.
But nothing else happened.
Dilandau frowned.
"Dilandau-sama?" Refina spoke up hesitantly, her voice quavering.
"Hai?"
"Perhaps it sensed that there are more shades in this room. Perhaps..."
"Perhaps we all need to touch the star?" Dilandau finished for her. "Very good, Refina. Dragonslayers, each of you take a piece of the star."
Gatti, Shesta, Viole, Guimel, and Dalet all stepped forward and placed a hand on the remaining points. Migel and Refina hesitated, uncertain, before placing their own hands in the center of the star.
Immediately, the cavern flared with a light so bright that the Dragonslayers had to shut tight their eyes so as not to be blinded. And...was that singing Dilandau heard? Gradually, the brilliance faded, leaving the surroundings the same lifeless grey as before. When the shades opened their eyes, they found their hands covering air. The rock face had vanished. Before them lay a dark passageway, wide enough, interestingly, for all of them to walk shoulder to ghostly shoulder. Mist creeped insidiously across the passageway floor, daring them. The friends looked at each other. Taking a deep breath, they stepped through.
The rock wall reappeared behing them, sealing their path.
~No turning back now~
They walked for some time in the gloom, taking comfort in each other's presence. Though he would never say so, Dilandau could not imagine taking this journey without his Dragonslayers. They were a part of him, inseperable.
Dilandau's soldiers began to get unseasy. Still nothing had happened.
~Did we miss a turn? Was that not the right star?~
Dilandau squinted. Something was ahead. The mist was denser than normal. He held out his hands, stopping his soldiers from going further.
"What the...?"
The mist swirled in the distance, laughing at them. Suddenly a dark shape broke through, heading straight for the shades. Bright eyes gleamed with malice.
A Dragon. No, wait, a Wyvern. Winged serpents without limbs, but carrying a mouth laden with poisonous fangs. Snarling, the creature lunged. Swords appeared in each of the Slayer's hands like magic. Several of them stepped forward, assuming battle stance. Dilandau's instinctual reaction was to do the same, but something held him back. Something was not right. Through his peripheral vision, he saw Migel, Shesta, and Viole hesitate as well.
"Wait." Dilandau's voice caught the Dragonslayers' attention like a steel trap. Ignoring the charging serpent, he continued in the same commanding voice. "The inscription said 'trials of the spirit' and ONLY trials of the spirit. This is the first test. Do NOT fight. Throw down your swords. NOW!" Dilandau let his drop. It vanished as soon as it hit the floor. The others followed suit.
Still the beast charged. Snarling, it opened its jaws wide, exposing its fangs. It was going to hit them...
The Wyvern passed through them like a cold wind, and vanished. It had been merely an illusion woven of the mist.
Guimel let out a rush of breath in relief.
"Thank you, Dilandau-sama," Dalet breathed.
Dilandau said nothing, only resumed the journey, Dragonslayers at his sides.
They all tensed when, after some time of walking, a cavern opened before them. Memories of past travellers whispered death in Dilandau's mind. Oblivion waited for them.
The mist was too thick to tell what was beyond the opening. Remembering the Wyvern, each prepared him or herself, putting their senses on the highest alert.
~Physical preparedness will do nothing for us here. Think, Albatou, think~
As one, they entered the cavern.
Dilandau blinked. He was back at the Gate of the Underworld, marching. Spirits surrounded him, pushing relentlessly onward. The same light drew him forward, binding with its draining spell. Only this time, Dilandau looked up, looked at the source of the light, and gasped.
A vision.
He knew what was beyond the march. It was beautiful...
There was peace there. Peace. Something Dilandau had never known, but had longed for all his life, in the deepest recesses of his heart. Beyond the light his sore, tired heart slept serenely. No worries, no hurt, no more pain, just rest...
For a brief moment, all Dilandau wanted to do was follow the light. Follow it, away from Van, away from the madoushi, away from war, away from Gaea, away from life.
~But I cannot have peace~
The thought jerked Dilandau back. The light began to fade. The vision blurred. Dilandau realized sadly that having left life the way he had, he could never have peace in the underworld. There were too many ties left untied, too many things he wished he had done. Too many unresolved issues. Dilandau could not give up now. He forced himself to turn away...
And found himself standing next to his Dragonslayers in the cavern whose opening he had just entered.
~It was all a dream. I never went anywhere. It was a false promise~ Dilandau shuddered inwardly as he realized how close he had come to giving in, and being erased from existance. His eyes opened wide, suddenly remebering his soldiers. He looked anxiously at them. Migel met his gaze with a feeble smile. Refina nodded. Guimel was trembling, but there. Gatti, Shesta, and Viole all opened their eyes just as Dilandau looked at them, and gave him reassuring, if tiny, smiles. There was only Dalet left.
~Open your eyes Dalet. Come on~
Still nothing.
~Wait, is he moving?~ Dilandau thought he saw Dalet's armor shaking. He peered closer. No, not shaking.
Dalet was fading.
~NO!~
"DALET!" Dilandau's voice snapped the oppressive silence. The others flinched, suddenly afraid.
"Dalet!" Shesta chimed in, realizing what was happening.
"DALET DAMN YOU! DON'T YOU DARE GIVE IN!" Dilandau roared. Abandoning his place in the line, he grabbed Dalet by his collar and slapped him.
~Whatever you're being shown, it's a lie! Dalet! Get back here!!!!!~
"Come back Dalet!" Refina yelled.
Slowly, Dalet's edges became solid once more, and he opened his eyes to meet his commander's furious gaze.
"Damn you Dalet, don't you ever do that again," Dilandau hissed.
Dalet blinked, confused for a moment. His eyes opened as large as energists. "Ohmygod ohmygod ohmygod ohmygod ohmygod ohmygod..." he chanted.
Assured that Dalet was sufficiently terrified, the albino resumed his place.
~Now what?~
The Dragonslayers looked to the center of the cavern. Three huge steps led up to a platform. An eerie red glow from something on the platform provided the only color in the cavern.
"Is this it?" Viole asked, bemused. "Is this the way out?"
Dilandau's eyes narrowed. That red light...that had to be the portal to life. But surely their journey could not have been that easy?
They walked to the base of the steps, each of them wary. Exchanging glances, they clasped each other's hands firmly, and stepped in usion onto the first step.
Instantly, Dilandau found himself back on that fateful battlefield, inside his Aldeides. He shuddered when he realized where he was. They had the Escaflowne surrounded on the same rocky hillside where his beloved soldiers met their cruel deaths. Only this time, Dilandau was not petrified when the Dragon began to slaughter his friends. His head was clear. The choice was clear. His slayers, or him? Without thinking, Dilandau screamed at the demon.
"Fanelia! It's me you want you baka! Come and get me!"
Dilandau positioned himself in front of his soldiers. His Angels of Battle would not die this time. Escaflowne charged him. It moved so quickly he was barely able to follow its movements. The world spun as the White Dragon's sword cleaved the Aldeides. White stained with red... The agony of death clutched him once more. Red haze filled his sight. He was falling...
Dilandau opened his eyes, knowing he would find himself still standing on the first step.
~Clever. So. Each of the steps is another test. We pass the tests, we get out. How simple~
Once again, Dilandau checked his companions. This time, everyone was awake and smiling. That test had been easy. All of the Dragonslayers were known for their extreme loyalty, as well as their fighting prowess.
"Onward, then."
Another step...
Dilandau's sight was filled with war. Families torn apart, friends with ties as close as Dilandau and his soldiers broken by slaughter. So many, all falling, never to rise again. Cobblestone streets were stained with crimson. Dilandau watched with horror. None of this had ever bothered him before. Those houses were just kindling, just another job for Zaibach, just another thrill. They meant nothing. Flames gave life, not death. But now...now Dilandau was forced to see himself and his friends in those people whose lives were being broken. And, amidst it all, he saw the red Alseides deal out fire and death.
~Angel of Death~
Then the scene switched and he saw Van and Hitomi, both hurrying to prevent Fried from being destroyed. Their hearts panged with agony, eyes filled with tears when they tried to save their friends, and failed. They were trying to protect those lives he had taken...
It was almost too much. The pain, the guilt. He could have stopped it all. Van was trying to help. Van was the hero. Dilandau was just the worthless killer.
~Ha~
The illusion snapped once again.
~Fanel was as much to blame as me. He fought: he killed. He accepted the burden of war on his shoulders as much as I had. No. Do not try to sink me with this guilt. I have a right to live, despite what I have done. I was not free then. Those madoushi filled my life with pain and suffering. But now I am free. There is good in me. I will finish what I came to do. Van is not innocent. No one ever is.~
Dilandau opened his eyes in relief once again. The others were having a much harder time with this test than the last. Forever and a day passed, until finally only Shesta was left. Slowly, he started to fade, his deeds breaking him. Sweet Shesta...Dilandau had always wondered if the life of a soldier was really suited to his kind nature.
Dilandau gritted his teeth, about to lunge forward and shake Shesta.
"Shesta...!"
But there was no need. The blond cherub-faced slayer came back, opening glistening blue eyes. Filled with remorse, but existing.
~Only one more test~
As soon as Dilandau was transported into a vision, he knew that it wasn't real, that it was false. Smiling, he faced what was to come with an attitude that was amost flippant. He would not be tricked. Not this time. His smile soon faded, however.
Van was dying. Normally this was not something that would darken Dilandau's heart. Quite the opposite. But Van was not dying by Dilandau's hand. He had been taken by a mysterious illness. As Dilandau watched, Van passed into shadow.
The albino frowned.
What if Dilandau had gone through all this trouble and pain only to find that Van, the object of his vengeance, had escaped him yet again, this time permanently? Was there then no point to his quest? Even if Zaibach had not lost the war, Dilandau could not go back there. The sorcerers would only take him once more into their clutches. Every other country had an execution waiting for him should he ever dare to show his face. Even Asturia by now had realized that Zaibach was no ally.
~There's no point then. Why bother?~
Dilandau felt himself slipping. The vision darkened. Slowly, he was falling into void.
~All in vain~
Falling...
~There's nothing left for me. Just fade away...~
"Dilandau! Dilandau-sama!"
That voice...where had he heard it before?
Dilandau struggled to recollect his thoughts. Already he felt so cold.
Was there really nothing left? Something tugged at his memory. The Void deepened, trying to hold on.
~Memory...?~
"Diiiillllaaandaauuu!!!"
~My Dragonslayers...they're still with me, aren't they?~
The cold relented slightly.
"Dilandau-sama! Come back! DILANDAU-SAMAAAAAAAAAA!!!"
"MIGEL!" Dilandau cried.
The void vanished, and Dilandau opened his eyes. Migel was staring at him, his face inches away from Dilandau's own, hands clenching his commander's shoulder armor. A look of relief washed over the shade's pale features. Then he froze, and hurriedly let go of Dilandau, dashing back to his place in the line.
Dilandau actually smiled at Migel. There was a moment of silence.
"Domo arigato, Migel."
Migel stared at Dilandau. The Dragonslayers blinked. Dilandau said thank you? That was unheard of. Dilandau himself was surprised.
~We've all been changed somewhat by this~
"We're here," Refina said softly.
"We're here," Gatti echoed, a ridiculous grin plastered on his face.
The source of the red light was a huge glowing energist. Blood-red it pulsed, vibrant with the promise of life. Dilandau had never seen one so big. It was even larger than the Escaflowne's crystal.
"We just...touch it?" Viole asked.
Dilandau was silent. Cautiously the friends approached the Dragon Heart. But before they came within three feet from it, the mist swirled into a pillar before them. Dilandau pushed his Dragonslayers back away from the pillar, retreating a few steps with them. Slowly, the mist began to take a shape...the shape of a man.
Dilandau's eyes opened wide with shock, recognizing the cloaked figure.
"Folken."
Folken smiled.
"Dilandau. I should have guessed."
"You're dead too?"
Folken did not answer. He merely studied Dilandau and his soldiers.
"Congratulations, travellers." Folken's voice took an almost sing-song quality, as if he was repeating his lines from an ancient rite. "You have passed the guardian, and completed the trials."
"So can we go back now?" Refina asked. Folken raised an eyebrow. He did not like being interrupted. Dilandau glanced at Refina. She quite obviously did not care. She had never been admirant of Folken Strategos. Dilandau caught her eye and glared her into silence.
Folken paused before giving an answer. Dilandau's heart froze.
"No."
"WHAT?" Gatti snarled. "Why the hell not? We passed the trials!"
"Yes, you did, Gatti. And you, Shesta, Viole, Migel, Refina, Guimel. But Dalet and Dilandau would have failed without help. You all interfered with each other's trials. Thus, I cannot let you through."
"Damn you! What did you think we were going to do? Let Shesta, Dalet, and Dilandau-sama just fade out?" Migel growled.
Dilandau's voice was sharp. "I do not leave my soldiers behind."
"You left Migel behind, thus leading to his death."
Dilandau's eyes narrowed. "I did not know he was missing until it was too late. Yes, I saw his 'melef go down, but Aldeides are hardy machines. Migel is a good pilot. He should be. I trained him. By the time I had counted my soldiers, Lavariel was already taken. You assume too much, Strategos."
"We help each other. That is our way. If you don't like that, tough," Guimel snapped.
Silence. Then, much to the shades' surprise, Folken laughed. Deep, rich peals echoed in the cavern.
"Well done!" he smiled. "Well done indeed. You passed the final test. The fires of your souls have defeated the shadows of your pasts."
The soldiers stared at him.
"Oh..." Refina looked abashed.
"Now, there is only one more condition. The Lord of the Underworld, who sent me here to confront you (I should have been suspicious when it told me I was the only one who could do this), does not like shades returning to life unwanted, even if they have passed all the tests. So, each of you must have one person living who wishes for your return."
Folken looked expectantly at the travellers. The mist swirled, taunting Dilandau.
~Someone who wishes me alive?~
Shesta smiled. "My brother and my parents."
Folken nodded and smiled.
"My sister, Faia," Refina said.
"Savi. He's a musician I fell in with a while back," Viole explained. "Met him in a bar once. We became pretty good friends."
"My aunt," Guimel said.
"Lady Sienna," Gatti blushed. Refina raised an eyebrow inquiringly.
Dalet and Migel both gave their answers. All eyes turned to the pale albino.
"Jajuka."
"Jajuka died shortly after you. He was killed by Van Fanel."
Dilandau stared in shock.
~Not another! No! Jajuka...~
The Dragonslayers exchanged glances, wondering who this Jajuka was, and why he meant so much to their leader.
"Dead?"
"I am sorry."
Dilandau's mouth worked, but no sound came out.
~Van~
"You must come up with another name, Dilandau-sama," Guimel whispered.
"I know, I know!" Dilandau snapped.
~Is there anyone left?~ There was no one he could think of. The madoushi certainly would like it if Dilandau was alive again, but Dilandau would rather fade than name them. Besides, they didn't see Dilandau as a human being with a soul, however tarnished. To them, he was a thing to do tests on.
"You must name someone, Dilandau."
The cavern walls seemed to close in on him. Dilandau's mind searched frantically, delving into every memory, desperately trying to remember one kind look from one person who was still living.
"Here, let one of us go back first! Then that person can wish for Dilandau to live!"
"I am afraid I cannot allow that."
"Why not?" Gatti was angry.
"You all completed the trials together. You started this journey together, and you will finish it together. If Dilandau goes, he must go with you, or not at all."
"That's stupid!"
Folken merely waited, his expression unchanging.
"Dilandau?"
"I...I don't know."
"Master Dilandau no!"
Dilandau shot Migel a dangerous look. "Lavariel..."
"Sorry, Dilandau-sama. It's just...if you don't go, then we won't either. There's nothing for us without you."
~But you must go~
Refina spoke up, ever the fiery slayer, now radiant with fury. "Folken! You know about Dilandau! You must have some idea! Help him curse you!"
Folken hesitated. He turned his head, slightly, as if listening to an invisible presense. Dilandau strained to listen.
Folken straightened. "I will help you, Dilandau. The Lord of the Underworld has given me permisison."
The slayers visibly relaxed.
"Before I died, I left Zaibach, and joined my brother. Dilandau, be silent. Wait until I am finished."
Dilandau shut his mouth. Van...
"I had come upon Allen Schezar alone in some gardens. He looked quite sad, so I asked him what was the matter. He was holding a curious flower in his hand. He told me about his sister, Serena, and how she vanished without a trace. He had been looking for her ever since. Something about this struck me. When I pressed him further, he described Serena to me. Silver-golden hair, blue eyes, angelic disposition, and an unhealthy fascination with fire, which would surely dissipate with time, as all childish fancies do."
Folken paused, and carefully studied Dilandau before moving on.
"I remembered this girl. She was taken by the madoushi the same day Serena vanished. She was the reason I left the sorcerers. I was appalled at what they intended to do to the child, and would not take part in it, though I was powerless to prevent it. What they did was indeed terrible. They performed what they liked to call a Fate Alteration Experiment. Strapping the girl to a table, they altered her genetic code, transforming the five-year old girl into a boy. A boy they named Dilandau Albatou."
The slayers stared at Dilandau. Their loyalty to him never wavered even for a second, but the news shocked them to the core. They knew of the madoushi, but they had never heard anything so terrible.
Dilandau was frozen. The cavern disappeared. The mist closed in on him, crushing, suffocating.
****
"Don't leave me alone! Jajuka!" Dilandau screamed, trying to get to the friendly dog-man, struggling against the black-clad demons who held her.
"No! Serena!"
****
Dilandau fought off the mist, breathing hard, trying desperately to stay conscious. He had never known. Never guessed.
"So...so...is my life a lie? Am I even real?" Dilandau's voice was hollow.
"Never doubt your existence. Yes, you are real. Your soul is the same, no matter your physical appearance. Your mind is the same, no matter what. That is all they changed: your features. Nothing else was touched. Serena's love of fire stayed with you. Even her love of flowers remained. She always liked roses."
~The rose for my Dragonslayers...on the bridge...after their deaths...~
"Serena would have turned out with the same likes and dislikes no matter what, male or female. Your surroundings influenced you to become a soldier, yes, but you and Serena are the same entity. The only shred of a difference is your physical attributes. There are quite obviously differences between men and women, but we can skip over those, can't we? If you changed into a girl now, you would find no difference in your thoughts, mannners and abilities. You are Dilandau Albatou, and will always be Dilandau Alabtou. If you were not, then why would your spirit still retain the shape it is in now?"
Dilandau was silent.
"So...what does this have to do with Dilandau getting back to life?" Refina asked impatiently.
Folken smiled. "I told Allen what happened to Serena. He believes that she can still be recovered."
"'Recovered'?" Dilandau asked dubiously.
"Yes. The fool cannot accept that Serena is the ruthless soldier who loved fire."
"The Serena he thinks he knows never existed in the first place," Dilandau said flatly. "How is that going to get me back?"
"Simple. Allen Schezar wishes you were alive."
"So..."
"Name him."
"Schezar."
Folken smiled, and stepped out of their path. "Return, shades, to the land of the living. Go and be blessed."
The slayers smiled at each other. As if reading each other's minds, the friends each placed their right hand on another's shoulder, and reached for the energist with the left.
"One the count of three," Dilandau ordered. "One, two, THREE."
The energist flared brilliantly. A beam of pure light enveloped them, lifting them slowly up and away from Folken and the Underworld.
"Goodbye, Folken!" Dilandau called.
Before Dilandau and his slayers disappeared, he saw Folken smile and wave.
"Goodbye, Dilandau. And good luck."
*~*~*~*~
Geez, that took me AGES to type. And I didn't even write it on paper before hand. Nope. This was straight writing on the computer. It must've taken me five or six hours ALONE. I don't think I've ever written a chapter this long before. Golly.
Well, I sincerely hope you liked my explanation of Serena. Don't get me wrong, I like fics with Serena and Dilandau as separate entities, but personally, that would never work in my fics. Serena is Dilandau. The only difference between the two are their names and their...physical...differences... So it's Dilandau-san all the way!!!! ^_^
I was going to say something else...but I can't remember what it was. Oh well.
Please oh please review. I didn't think this chapter was all that good. I'm not sure if the atmosphere was described as well, or if the trials were that original. I hope I did ok!!! Please tell me in your review!!! I love you all!!!! ^_^