Cries of Yesterday

Cries of Yesterday
A Grandia 2 fanfiction
Written by Krisa Kelly a.k.a. Scarlet Shaman © 2004

Chapter Six


The sun was beaming its rays onto the dry ground. It was mid-day and the weather was nothing but beautiful. The sky was pastel blue and the clouds had the appearance of soft cotton wool floating calmly in the sky. There was a mild breeze and this just added the extra effect, it was cool and refreshing but the warmth from the sun contrasted it. Birds flew in the air, not having a care in the world. Everything seemed so perfect…

But it wasn't. Today was a day of tragedy and hurt. It was a day that wouldn't be forgotten ever because the experience was too vivid and malicious to leave. It just stayed still in the mind, not disappearing but not progressing further.

No. Today was not a calm and peaceful day that one could enjoy. Today was dreadful…

Diego was true to his word and had Ryudo, Elena and Mareg (who was still under the effects of the sedative) accompanied off his premises. The guards were hesitant upon giving everyone their weapons back, afraid that as soon as their backs were turned, they would be attacked and possibly killed. But, as Diego had ordered, they had given Ryudo and Elena some strong words of advice and promised that as long as they stayed far away, their little blond friend would live to see the sun set.

Elena had continued to sob uncontrollably but Ryudo had been unwilling to back down. But when the guards were walking away and his sword was begging him to thrust it into their backs, a thought came to him. He was determined to rescue Roan, he had made a silent promise to get the boy out as quickly as he could, but he also wanted to make sure that it wouldn't jeopardise Roan's well-being furthermore. That's where the dilemma came into his mind at full throttle: the longer Roan was with that bastard, the more chance that it could result in Roan being sexual abused more … but … this was where that big but came … but if Ryudo just charged in with his sword in hand, there could be a chance that Diego would be with Roan and it could end in the blond's throat being cut, which is what the guards had told Ryudo that's what WOULD happen IF they ever returned.

Ryudo sighed and looked at the ground; he didn't doubt the scarlet-haired man's words either. He had found out what Diego was like and one less child wouldn't do any harm, not when he could get more. He needed to stop this madman, and not just for Roan's sake but also to make sure that no other children would be subjected to such abuse. Roan was thirteen and because he knew what the blue-eyed lad was like, it sickened Ryudo, but this was also happening to children younger that Roan. He had read it in a news report that a little girl had been found dead with her throat cut after being abducted from her home in Liligue City and raped. True, it was a small chance that it was Diego, but if he could rid the world of one sick man it would help in the long run.

He sneaked a glance towards Mareg; he had yet to wake yet. 'It must be a strong sedative if it can knock out Mareg for so long.'

They, Ryudo and Elena, had been sitting on the ground for the past couple of hours. It was exactly where the guards had left them but they couldn't move because of Mareg. Skye had managed to find them, asking what was wrong and what happened. Ryudo told the bird what happened. Skye offered help and asked whether it would be an idea for him to circle to house and then inform them of the best time for attack. Ryudo had agreed and asked whether Skye could find where Roan was being kept and whether he would be able to rescue him via a window. Elena mentioned about security cameras and Skye said he'd check the whole house out and would report back in a few hours.

While waiting for Mareg to wake, which seemed like ages since they had last been inside the passageway, Elena and Ryudo discussed their plan. At first he had suggested that they go in and make as much damage as possible. Elena said that it wasn't a wise plan and Ryudo surprised her by agreeing, saying that it would make him feel better anyway. He hadn't informed her of the guilt that welled up inside him, the sickening feeling that made his stomach turn. He was the one who decided to take this shortcut and he even remembered the conversation he had with Elena and Roan like it was minutes ago…

-

“Are you sure, Ryudo?” Roan asked, walking to take a look at the rotting sign that named the routes. The wood was a dark brown and the white paint could hardly be made out clearly. “Shouldn't we follow the direction of the signs? We don't know where this leads to; it could be the wrong direction entirely.”

“Trust me; I know what I'm doing. This way is a short cut. You can't get along in life if you follow what others say -- take a risk,” he smirked, sarcastically. He shot a sidelong grin to Elena, knowing that she was agreeing with Roan on this one. “Isn't that right, princess? So, we take this route.”

Elena sighed and turned in a full circle. “It's not like I have much say in the matter, but I recommend that we listen to what Roan has to say. Anything could be down there.”

“Elena, we're not a band of travelling clowns -- no offence, kid. We're more than able to defend ourselves if the big, bad monsters should jump out at us. If there is anything there, we'll knock it down and move along as if nothing happened. Sound peachy enough?”

“I still say that we go the direction that the sign says, but I trust your judgement … somehow.”

“You okay with that, too, Roan?”

“I guess,” he sighed, but smiled suddenly. “It's not like you would endanger us on purpose, would you, Mister Ryudo?”

-

He also remembered what he said when Elena mentioned the sign…

-

“Ryudo?” Elena said softly, causing Ryudo to stop suddenly and scrutinised her with a gaze. “This sign here says that we're on private property and anyone found here will be prosecuted.”

“Could explain the lack on monsters then, but it's too late to turn back now. We need to set up camp for the night. Who's going to know that we were here? It's not like we're being monitored or anything like that.”

“But we should respect the law, Ryudo,” she said, fidgeting with the long frills on her costume.

“Laws are meant to be broken, Elena,” he smirked. “That's why they're put there.”

“Ryudo!”

“Elena, it's not really a law. It's just some guy who doesn't want to share … nothing is going to happen to us as long as I'm here, I guarantee it. Besides, what's the worst that can happen? Now come on, it's getting dark and I'm sure you're tired … you haven't been nagging as much as you usually do.”

-

That had practically jinxed it, hadn't it? What's the worst that could happen? It was the kind of thing you say at a wedding after the groom gets the jitters but does show only to have the bride late. Then the best man remembers that he left the rings at home and has to, for the time being, lend them his ring as well as the maid of honour's. Then, at the reception, the best man decides to spill a couple of home truths about the groom. But all in all, the weather was perfect. It couldn't get any worse…

When they -- or rather he -- had decided to take the shortcut, Roan had tried to convince him otherwise, as did Elena, but they trusted him. He told them that nothing would happen as long he was there, like he could protect them from any evil they would encounter. Ryudo shook his head and closed his eyes. 'You're right, Roan, I wouldn't deliberately endanger any of you, but my stupidity managed to fuck all that up! I said take a risk -- this isn't what I had in mind!'

Ryudo lay on his back and watched the clouds pass peacefully across the sky. It was silent -- Elena had stopped crying. She had still be teary eyed, but didn't cry. Maybe she just didn't have the energy to cry anymore? Ryudo had ignored her for most of that time. He knew that she was upset and it was her way of dealing with the pain but his way was entirely different. He wouldn't cry or anything like that. Keep it inside and don't let the other know what you're feeling. That's the rule he lived by and had never strayed from it.

A small and irritated growl drew Ryudo from his reverie, and he turned his head to see Mareg waking from the strong sedative. The kind-hearted beast-man stood up and looked around before growling loudly, snarling as he equipped his weapons. Ryudo pushed himself up as he nodded to Mareg.

“You all right?” he asked out of habit.

“I am well, but…”

Ryudo knew what Mareg was going to say. Now he was awake, they would be able to rescue their smallest companion.

“It's sorted. Once Skye returns to tell us what's happening, we'll go and rescue Roan.”

“What is the plan of attack?” he asked.

Ryudo had discussed what they going to do with Elena, but he had had several brainstorms since their last conversation. He was going to go by this his way, it was the least he could do for Roan.

“We decided it was best that cause a distraction, but nothing too large that would instantly rouse suspicion. That will be yours and Elena's job, so you can discus it between yourselves about what you will do. While that is going on, I'll head through a nearby window, avoiding all security with Skye's help, and get Roan out of that building as soon as possible. But if I happen to meet up with that red-haired man, I won't hesitate to kill him!” he said, sternly, standing up and scouting the air for Skye.

Elena stood and looked at Ryudo, her hands wrapped protectively around her staff.

“Ryudo, that's not what we discussed earlier,” the Songstress pointed out.

“I know, but I've decided to chance the course of action.”

“But it could--”

“Listen, Elena!” he shouted, but shook his head and took a breath. “I'm just doing what I believe is the best way of getting Roan out of that hellhole quickly! If you two cause a distraction, it will give me enough time to find Roan. And I believe that it would quicker for me to get him than either of you two -- no offence.”

Elena closed her eyes, sighed softly. “But, Ryudo…”

The Geohound glared, making Elena wince subconsciously. He looked at the sky again, waiting patiently for his flying friend to appear so they could continue with his plan. He knew Skye wouldn't let him down, he could rely on him in any dire situation, and so far this was one of those situations. He checked himself over to make sure that his equipment was right and he was ready for a fight, mentally and physically. He drew his sword and held it high, reflecting the light.

“You won't stop me, Elena, I hope you realise that. Either you're doing this my way or you're not doing it at all! Now, if you want to stay here, that's fine with me. Mareg will just have to act as a distraction alone.” He turned to Mareg. “Would that be all right with you, Mareg?”

“Of course, I will do whatever is within my power to help bring Roan back. I do not mind acting as a distraction.”

“Right, we'll go as soon as Skye shows.”

Elena looked on as the two continued their conversation. She tried to intercept but Ryudo ignored her. But he wouldn't ignore her this time.

“Ryudo!!” she shouted, waving her hands and tapping him hard on the shoulder. It was successful in gaining his attention and he stood with his arms crossed, annoyed. “I didn't say that I wouldn't act in aid of your idea, I was merely stating that I was not accustomed with it. I didn't expect you to chance it, but I will go along and cause a distraction with Mareg.”

Ryudo nodded. “Good, I didn't really want to leave you behind because you could be a real help to us.”

“You know that I would never turn my back on a friend in trouble, especially not Roan.”

“Good. Here's Skye!” he said, pointing upwards where Skye was flying towards them.

To be continued…