Chapter 12: The Day An Angel Falls
Celena stepped out of the elevator and glanced about. Their battleground was far more cluttered than she’d anticipated. The lighting was poor: only a few bare bulbs hung from the ceiling, making the line of small square windows the best source of illumination. Shelving units stocked with boxes of dusty texts dominated the tiled landscape, like temple guardians. Celena strode with slow, careful steps through the narrow passage. Her senses reached out ahead of her, searching for some indication of her prey. She heard only Jovey’s soft breath behind her and one other: not Van. She could tell by the smell.
Celena reached the wall and turned, finally spotting Kanzaki Hitomi. The girl was seated at a small round table, clad in he school uniform. She was alone. Celena kept waiting, expecting to detect any other presence. Van’s not here. Where is he?
“I’m glad you came,” Hitomi said. Her tone was a mixture of easily read signals: determination, hope, uncertainty.
“Where’s Van?” Celena demanded, placing a hand on her sword hilt. “Where’s he hiding?”
“He’s not hiding,” the girl replied calmly. “He’s not coming. We wanted to talk to you alone.”
She glared at her sharply--what did she mean? She sought an explanation from Jovey, and was startled to see that his expression matched that of their enemy. “What’s this all about? Why isn’t Van coming?”
Jovey licked his lips and spoke. “He’s doesn’t know we’re here. We want you to listen to us, Celena. We want to help you.”
Yes, that’s right. Jovey will always help me. I’m not alone if he’s here. Celena straightened. “I want him to be here when I kill her.” Hitomi flinched at the words. “I want him to watch her die, right before his eyes. I want him to be helpless.”
“Just like you were,” Hitomi murmured.
“Shut up! You don’t know anything!” Celena pulled her sword from it sheath. “You’re both going to die. Do you understand that, Kanzaki Hitomi? I’ll rid the world of you damn monsters--both our worlds!”
Can I forget?
-Hitomi-
Hitomi shook her head, trying to clear the sudden invasion of the vision on her thoughts. Focus, focus. This is more important now. “Celena, it doesn’t have to be this way,” she continued evenly. “You have your memories back, don’t you? You know what the Sorcerers did to you. They used you--this isn’t your real destiny.”
To this Celena laughed. “This is foolish, even for you. Do you really think I’ll listen to your pathetic speeches? Ha!” Her eyes narrowed abruptly, and her voice lowered. “What the Sorcerers did to me was a blessing--something you could never understand. I don’t regret being Dilandau. Now call Ban here so he can watch when I gut you.”
Hitomi shuddered despite her convictions. Fortunately, Jovey supported her. “Celena, listened to yourself,” he implored. “When you came to me in the forest that day, you were frightened of what was happening to you.”
Celena flinched, just barely. Thank God she listens to him, at least. Jovey, Keep going.
He did, as she’d prayed. “The first day we met, you were happy. You were living a peaceful life, and you never once doubted yourself. It can be that way again.”
The girl stared at him, disbelieving. Her expression began to twist, and her sword lowered. “Jovey…you’re against me?”
“No--I’m trying to help,” he replied immediately. “I was wrong before, because I didn’t understand. But now that I know the truth, I can’t ignore it. You weren’t meant to be this way.”
Celena just stared at him. For the first time she looked utterly lost. But it wasn’t because of what the two implied: it was Jovey. He was speaking against her, an event she’d never experienced. The shock was clear in her eyes. “Jovey. What are you saying?”
“Don’t kill them.” Jovey punctuated each word clearly, as if driving them into her. “Don’t kill Van, or Hitomi. You’ll regret it.”
“What are you talking about?” she demanded, gradually regaining her composure. “It’s my purpose--your purpose--our purpose!”
“The purpose the Sorcerers gave you,” Hitomi interjected. She couldn’t stand by idly in this debate.
“Shut up!” Celena retorted. “I don’t want to hear from a Dragon--you can change your destiny. You have no idea how we feel!”
Can I forget?
-Hitomi-
Stop it, stop it! This is working, and you can’t back down. “Just because they gave you that destiny doesn’t mean you have to accept it. Anyone can--“
The grip on her sword tightened. “Liar! Destiny can’t be changed that easily! I spent three years as a Schezar doll, and I still came back to this, so don’t patronize me.”
In the instant she’d said that, Hitomi saw a glimmer of hope. “You regret it, don’t you?” she murmured. “Having this pushed on you again.”
Celena again flinched, and stared at her with eyes that reflected truth. “What are you--“
“Celena.” This time it was Jovey who interrupted. “What were you like before you met me?”
She paused, switching her gaze between her two accusers. Her confidence was failing. She was depending on Jovey that much, Hitomi thought sadly. Without Jovey, she doubts herself. Did the Dragonslayers really mean that much to her?
“I…lived with Allen, and Misshel. He served as a knight and I sometimes attended court.” Celena licked her lips, and shifted nervously. “Every day it was the same--dressing up in silk, and lace, just to attend the same social gatherings. To show off a name--what good is Schezar honor? All it’s earned me is a dozen of empty-headed lap-dog suitors and a charming reputation!”
Jovey smiled faintly, almost fondly. “You loved it, didn’t you?”
Celena recoiled as if assaulted. “Shut up!” she snarled. “You…you’re a traitor! How could you betray me? This is your destiny, too!”
“Calm down,” Hitomi tried to interpose herself. She stood up.
“Don’t move! I’ll kill you if you come near me!”
She stopped, trusting Celena’s words. “Please, Celena, we’re not your enemies. Jovey is doing this because he cares for you. He wants you to be happy again. Is this fight really what you want?”
The blond shook her head violently. “There’s no choice--this is my fate.”
“What about after you’ve killed them?” Jovey didn’t attempt to approach her, but he spoke softly, as if just at her side. “You couldn’t go back to Gaea.”
“What…? I don’t….”
“Fanelia would hunt you done. Allen defending you wouldn’t be enough--we’d all be branded traitors, criminals. You could never go home again, or even to Zaibach; it’s weak, and the people there would sell you out to avoid a war. The people here would avenge Hitomi.” He paused to make sure she was listening. “If you follow this destiny, you’ll have nothing left.”
Celena didn’t respond. She continued to stare at Jovey, indecisive and confused. He took the opportunity to step closer. “Celena, listen to what you’re saying. We don’t want that to happen to you. You can change your destiny.”
She swallowed hard, and whispered, “I don’t know how.”
-Hitomi!-
Hitomi jumped, a bit startled by Van’s sudden pounce on her mind. Only then did she realize that he’d been trying to contact her all along. -What’s going on?- his “voice” rang inside her. -We’re at the Alseides, but Celena’s not here-
Not now, she projected back. She hoped that her short message wasn’t too harsh. She raised her gaze and found both former Dragonslayers watching her. “I’m fine,” she assured. “It’s nothing.”
Jovey nodded, and then turned to Celena once more. “First, we have to get you back to Geaa. Allen will be able to help; he’s found someone who knows exactly what happened to you.”
Good--he didn’t mention the Sorcerer, Hitomi thought to herself, then realized a moment too late that Van was still listening in. -What’s going on?- the king asked sharply. -Who’s with you?-
No one--nothing, Hitomi tried to assure, but he had already caught onto her anxiety. His spirit pushed into her, searching for the truth, and she resisted firmly. Stop it. I can do this by myself!
-Do what? Who are you talking to?-
Hitomi bitterly thought it ironic that he could read her mind most clearly when she didn’t want him to. But there was no denying what she’d done: she had to tell him. Even if it meant angering him. It’s Celena. I’m talking to Celena.
Van’s outpouring of concern and Jovey’s inquiries momentarily flooded her, causing her to withdraw from both. “I’m fine,” she replied in voice and thought. Van, it’s all right. I know what I’m doing.
-No, you don’t understand-
Stop it! You have to trust me. With some effort Hitomi was finally able to force the king away, focusing completely on Jovey and Celena. “Celena, I know it’s been hard. You and Van may never forgive each other, or forget, but you don’t have to fight anymore.”
Jovey cringed: those were the wrong words, as was apparent by Celena’s immediate reaction. “He killed them!” the girl shouted, refreshed in her injustice. “Every one--took everything I had, even Jajuka! Even my sanity!”
Hitomi wanted to yell back, remembering how much pain Dilandau had caused in his battles. Fortunately, Jovey stepped between the two women before an argument could rise. He spoke quietly, seriously, trapping Celena’s attention. “Pointing blame now won’t bring any of them back. They can’t see you from where they are.”
“I’m doing this for them!” she raged back. “I’m fulfilling their destiny, and yours. I--“
Celena broke off suddenly, clutching her torso as if in pain. She raised her head upward, like a wolf about to howl, her eyes wide and mad. Hitomi followed her gaze unwillingly to a small ceiling vent, where a faint glow was seeping out from the gate. “It’s Van,” the blond girl said quietly. Her mouth twisted in a wide grin. “I’ll prove my destiny to you.” She sheathed her sword.
“Celena, wait--“ Hitomi began, but she had already took off toward the stairwell. Jovey immediately gave chase with Hitomi on his heels. All three burst through the door, continuing their race up the flight of stairs to the roof. Hitomi bit back a curse. Damnit, Van.
Up ahead, Celena slammed into the roof door and disappeared from view. Hitomi pushed herself faster, praying that she would reach them in time. Jovey was breathing heavily at her side as they stepped out of the slanting corridor and into the open. She squinted against the western sunlight. The shrieking wind mixed with the cacophony of buzzing street life far below was nearly deafening. Hitomi took a moment to catch her breath before viewing the scene; her heart leapt at the sound of clashing swords. Celena had not hesitated in attacking Van, even before the light pillar had faded completely. Allen attempted to intervene and was almost gutted by the swinging blades. The Knight stepped back, watching helplessly.
“Allen-san!” Hitomi ran up to him and snatched his arm. “Why?” she demanded, glancing between him and the fight. Van and Celena broke apart. “Why did you come here? Fighting won’t help anything!”
Allen stared at her in bewilderment at her temper. “We came here to protect you, of course.”
Stupid, stupid men! She shook her head fiercely. “Don’t you see that bringing Van was wrong? They’ll kill each other!”
Just as she was speaking, Jovey acted, running toward the fighting pair. Hitomi tried to shout a warning--if he interfered he could be killed--but didn’t have the time. As she watched, he interposed himself between the combatants; Celena immediately halted her movements to avoid endangering him. “Get out of here!” she shrieked madly, though she made no move against him.
“Stop, both of you,” Jovey instructed. “That’s enough. Van, leave.”
The king recoiled slightly. “But Jovey--“
“Leave. Take Hitomi with you.” He shot the girl a significant glance. “Allen and I will take care of this.” Allen looked a bit surprised at his declaration, but nodded.
Celena, now the closest of them to the door after her and Van’s spinning dance, glared at them all, her eyes narrowed in hate. “He’s not leaving,” she hissed, knuckles whitening around the sword handle. “Not until I’m dead.”
Wait…. Hitomi replayed those words, casting a quick glance at Allen to see if he’d caught the tone in his sister’s voice. Judging by his expression, he must have. She means to die. Even if she wins…. “Celena….”
“Hitomi.” Van reached his hand out to her. The stern gleam in his eyes made it look like a command. “Come on.”
He’s mad, now. Hitomi gulped, letting her hand slip off Allen’s sleeve. How can I explain? I…should have included them from the beginning. If Allen had been here…no. No, I was right. Because if they’d trusted me, this wouldn’t have happened. Despite her mixed emotions--bordering on anger--she started toward him. If anything, we have to think of Celena, she thought deftly. That’s what matters.
She took the kings hand, and felt a tremor go up her arm. Unwillingly she looked into his eyes. Beneath the anger lay hurt, and betrayal. Though she tried not to be affected by it, she felt those same feelings in herself. Why didn’t you trust me? They were thinking the same. Why?
Van looked away and began to lead her toward the roof’s exit. She followed, humbled by the tension between them. I’m sorry, she projected to him, even though she knew he wasn’t listening. I’m sorry. I do trust you, Van. I did this for you.
Celena’s sharp vigil never left them. In order to reach the stairs they first had to pass Jovey, and then her. Hitomi tried to keep from looking. When they passed by the blond girl, however, her gaze danced away from their goal. Celena was shifting.
-Hitomi-
“Do you think you can leave?”
Van’s gait didn’t falter, but his eyes danced back warily. He kept going.
“Don’t you care what I did to your kingdom? Your home? Those sins are unforgivable.”
This time the king did stop. His jaw worked, trying to ignore her hissing voice. He couldn’t bear to look at her but Hitomi took the risk, and gasped softly. Celena’s face was composed of a deathly calm, as if every muscle in it had lost its function. But somehow, her eyes gleamed with more anger and insanity than any worn by Dilandau. Her fists were trembling, her body rigid. And when she spoke, her words sang like an invitation from a demon. “Our destinies meet. You cannot escape this time, Dragon. Because we are both too far to be forgiven. We’re both damned.”
In Hitomi’s mind, Van smiled. He reached out to her and was blurred by the swirling feathers. But in her eyes she saw him twist suddenly in pain, his eyes bulging and mouth gaping wide. “Van?” She took hold of his shoulders and tried to steady him, her voice rising in panic. “Van? What’s wrong?”
Van didn’t speak, as his gaze was focused beyond her. Without warning he snatched her arm and flung her aside, so that she fell onto her back. A moment later she looked up to see Van and Celena struggling sword to sword once more. Both were gasping for breath. Allen and Jovey were rushing forward, but it was obvious that neither knew what to do. Allen quickly helped Hitomi to her feet. “What’s happening?”
“I don’t know. Van--“
Van cried out sharply, and to their astonishment his T-shirt was shredded suddenly by the unfurling of his pair of white-feathered wings. Hitomi stared, shocked. Why? What’s happening? Celena didn’t halt in her assault, and the pair spun, trying to stay clear of the other’s blows. The look Van’s face was one of confusion and desperation; though the wings were weightless and did not hamper his movements, it was clear he had not been the one to call on them.
“Celena, stop this, please!” Allen shouted, drawing his sword. But not even he dared to enter the storm of flashing metal.
Celena didn’t answer; her piercing eyes were only for Van. They were wild and mad like a beast’s, and her lips were parted, as if baring fangs. She struck relentlessly, speaking curses through the blade, her silence frightening her opponent more than curses. Hitomi watched, paralyzed, her brain repeating her own name over and over through Van’s lips. Her stomach began to twist, and then burn, and she gripped her midsection in pain. What’s happening?
Again the blades met and held, growling as they shifted against each other. Celena pulled back suddenly--she didn’t retreat, but stepped sideways, allowing his own strength to push him forward. He swung his sword as a counter, but by then she was already in motion, somersaulting past him. His blade barely missed the top of her head as she passed. She was back on her feet in an instant, and her arm moved in a smooth arch, guiding her weapon. It passed through the base of Van’s wings as if they were no more than phantoms, and drew a long, shallow incision along his shoulder blades.
Van gritted his teeth, determined not to cry out, but then a jolt of pain struck through him such as none he ever felt. He dropped to his knees from the intensity--his wings were flapping and twisting awkwardly, as attempting to pull away from his injured body. He wrapped his arms around his ribs and choked on an agonized moan.
Celena took a step back, watching with a glint of morbid satisfaction as her prey shuddered on the ground. Hitomi wasn’t sure what to do--the Dragonslayer was making no move to end her crippled prey. With a deep breath she stepped forward, ready to kneel at Van’s side; he was suffering far too much for so superficial a cut. “Van, what’s going--“
“Hitomi!”
Allen’s warning came too late. Hitomi lifted her head just in time to see Celena barreling down on her, to feel the thin, blood-starved fingers curling around her uniform collar. She was hauled ungraciously to the feet and dragged several feet back. Cold steel pressed against her throat. Celena did not speak or even seem to be pleased with capturing the girl, but she held her tightly as her prize.
“Celena--“ Allen began, but she cut him off.
“Shut up. Van, get up.”
Van glared at the woman hatefully as he struggled, still in pain, to his feet. He brandished his sword with one had while the other stayed wrapped around his middle. “Let her go, Celena. It’s me you want.”
“That’s right,” she spat. Her sword pressed closer against Hitomi’s neck; the hostage closed her eyes and tried to remain still. “If you want her to live, take your sword, and ram it through your heart.”
Hitomi gasped, but Van didn’t make a move--an appearance he was fighting very hard to maintain. Behind him, Allen and Jovey looked on in horror. “Even then, you wouldn’t leave her,” the king said quietly, his voice firm but laced with frustration.
Celena regarded him appreciatively. “Hm. You’re right, of course.” She shifted her hand over the sword hilt. “So you might as well watch.”
Van charged, covering the space between them in a few long strides. Celena abandoned her captive for the fight; she grabbed Hitomi’s wrist and flung her behind her, toward the roof’s edge. Hitomi stumbled, sent off balance by the sudden movement. She spun, her feet tangling over each other, trying to regain her footing. She could hear swords clashing; the battle’s sounds were swallowed then by shrieking wind. At last she’d regained some balance, and put her foot down to steady herself. She struck empty air.
Oh God….
Several voices called to her, but they were also dwarfed in volume by the crying, maddening sounds of the city far below. Her wide eyes saw only Van, his face contorted in a look of horror. She was falling. The wind beat against her back as if trying to support her without success. Her arms flailed, reaching for something or someone to hold onto. Van leapt at her, but he wasn’t fast enough, and their hands never connected.
The king wasted not time; he jumped after her. His wings spread to their fullest, but already Hitomi could see that they had lost most of their volume. The feathers were shedding in bright clumps, flung to the breeze. Hitomi watched, her heart in her throat, as the wings separated, swirled, and disintegrated into dust.
“Van!” Oh God, please, this can’t be happening. Van was still plummeting after her, now wingless. And in his face she saw fear like none he’d ever shown before. I’m going to hit first, some tiny, logical corner of her mind explained. He’s going to watch me die. No--I can’t die. The world was spinning around her, blurred streaks of gleaming steel and sun-stained blue. The wind and the city were rising to suffocate her. Van was reaching for her, even knowing he couldn’t save them. Hitomi reached back, knowing the same. I can’t die yet, not this way, her mind cried. Her fingers brushed Van’s, and she twisted, clasping his hand tightly. I can’t let Van die. Because I can’t forget….
The skin of Hitomi’s back began to tingle, and then burn. The pain that had building inside her began to rage, hot and violent, before erupting outward from her shoulder blades. She shrieked, uncomprehending of what was happening to her. And suddenly the wind ceased to howl, and the outlines of buildings sharpened. She wasn’t falling. Van’s hand in hers had become a weight as he dangled from her grip.
We…we’re not falling. But…how? And then Hitomi’s heart nearly stopped as she saw several pure white feathers drifting past her eyes.