Destiny's Fool

Second to last chapter, oh noes.

:D

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No one said anything in protest as Kit told Holy that he was, indeed, going to continue their journey to stop Melanie. However, the look on everyone’s faces was a strange mix of relief and sadness.

Kit tried not to think about it as he ate his breakfast. Instead he played with his magic, not using any of it but shifting it around inside of his body. He discovered it was somelike a new emotion. It wasn’t physical, but it could be felt.

Kit said this to Jinn, but the response came from Gate.

“That’s because it is,” Gate said, “It’s just an emotion you have a lot of control over.”

“How is that possible?” Kit asked, hesitant because he didn’t want to learn a whole lot of magic theory at that moment since he’d spent most of the morning doing just that.

“All your emotions have physical forms,” Holy said, “When you’re sad, the sadness turns to tears. When you’re happy, a smile or a laugh. When you’re angry, it enhances your physical abilities, even if it’s a slight change.”

“I see,” Kit nodded.

“Learning magic, Kid?” Dalune asked.

Kit did his best not to glare at Dalune. He was still slightly bitter of his and Branret’s breakup, even if he had Jinn now.

“Trying to,” Kit replied.

“You know, we could make it to the Flying Palace by the end of the day,” Rose said, “Which means we may be starting the attack as soon as tomorrow.”

“Not at the breakfast table,” Branret said quietly.

“Why not?” she asked.

“Because…” Holy glanced at Kit.

Kit understood now. They had guessed as much as he and Jinn had. That Kit would likely die by saving the planet.

“It’s fine,” Kit said, “I don’t know why everyone looks so upset.”

“Kit, you could die!” Branret said suddenly, standing.

Kit looked at him evenly. He was surprised by how emotional Branret sounded, but he supposed that was unfair. Even if they were no longer boyfriends, that didn’t change the fact that they would always be friends.

“I could,” Kit nodded, “I don’t want to. I’m so scared, if I think about it too long, I can’t move. Then I think of all the things I won’t be able to do and how short my life was and how little I spent living it and I’m filled with regret. Then I start realizing I could run away if I wanted to, and then I feel sick because I want to so much but I know I’d never be able to live with myself if it did. So, Branret, please, don’t tell me that I might die. I’m very aware.”

Everyone was silent.

“That was the bravest thing I’ve ever heard someone say,” Holy whispered.

Rose looked like she was struggling with something before she spoke. “I don’t think the Little One will die,” she said simply.

All eyes turned to her, particularly Jinn’s hopeful ones.

“He has a light about him,” Rose said, “A light that’s more powerful than Destiny. Right now, it’s not a very strong light. But it will be such an amazing little light when he becomes a man. If destiny intends to kill that light, I imagine even destiny will fail.”

Kit smiled a little. “Thank you, Rose,” he said.

“My name is Marie,” she said.

Jinn dropped his fork. “So you did have a name!” he said, “Why didn’t you tell me instead of just letting us call you Desert Rose?!”

“Because where I come from,” she replied, “Giving your name is a sign of great trust and friendship. We had only just met.”

“Do I have to call you Marie?” Holy whined, “I got used to Rose.”

“You can call me either,” she replied.

Kit chuckled. “If everyone’s nearly through, we should go if we want to be at the Flying Palace by tomorrow.”

Everyone glanced at each other, then prepared to move out. Kit got up to help, but Jinn tugged him back down.

“I don’t know if I can do this,” Jinn whispered.

“Hey, when it come to pity contests, I totally win,” Kit said and kissed him on the forehead. Jinn just closed his eyes and let him go.

~:~

They had been traveling most of the day, Holy occasionally dragging Kit away from Jinn to talk to him in a hushed voice. Jinn would cast them unhappy, annoyed glares when they did this, which would make them laugh with each other.

Kit had to admit, despite what lie ahead, he was having a good time. They took some time to take a break and Gate asked Kit to come with him, showing him some things about using a sword.

However, he had to have his arms around Kit to show him certain things and Holy dragged Gate away in a jealous fit.

Branret tried to be as nice as possible to Kit, obviously a little guilty. He even tried to keep Dalune from hanging off of him for Kit’s sake.

The sun was halfway down the sky as they started up a steep hill. Kit reflected that in a lot of ways, he was lucky to be able to do this with his life. Instead of sitting at home each day, trying not to make friends, he was able to meet people like these and perform a deed like this.

For the past few days, starting with being dumped by Branret and winding down to where he was just then, something inside of him had been grinding into place. In that moment of peace, it clicked into place.

Which may explain why he was scared when they reached the top of the hill.

“Oh God…” Holy said softly, having been the first to see.

At the bottom of the hill, waiting for them, was an entire army. They all wore the same armor as the men from the different suits, except they had no paint, which made them regular soldiers. There were hundreds of them. Some were on horses, some were on foot. They had a variety of weapons.

In front of them, smiling, was Lorenz. His black, silky hair was blowing in a sudden cold breeze.

“What do we do?” Branret hissed.

“Let’s go meet them,” Kit suggested.

Everyone except Rose stared at him like he’d gone insane. Kit just met them with a look to say he was serious.

“Look, I’m going,” Kit said, “Go or stay.”

With that, he started walking towards the army.

Jinn cursed and quickly followed him, but the others lingered back. Finally, Holy sighed and chased after, followed quickly by Gate and Rose. Branret chased them down just behind, Dalune reluctantly joining him.

Kit marched up to the army until he could be heard by Lorenz and vice-versa.

“Welcome, Traveler,” Lorenz called, “We were waiting.”

Kit said nothing, just met his eyes and kept walking. A ripple of surprised chatter flew across the army as they all glanced at one another. In any battle, you don’t just walk up to the enemy. However, Kit did just that until he was an arm’s reach away from Lorenz.

“The last time I saw you,” Lorenz mused, “You weren’t quite so brave.” His eyes traveled up until he saw Jinn, who had followed Kit closely. “And you… You have a debt to settle with me.”

Jinn just sneered.

“We need to go by,” Kit said calmly.

Nervous chatter coursed through the ranks, the men within earshot passing along what was being said to those who couldn’t hear. Did Kit know something they didn’t? If he wasn’t afraid of the army, did that mean he could destroy them?

“What makes you think I’ll let you?” Lorenz asked.

“Because I doubt you want to die,” Kit said.

Lorenz laughed, followed by a few nervous cackles from his men. He smirked at Kit with a look of pure malice.

“I don’t think that’s the problem for me,” Lorenz said, “You on the other hand.”

“Why are you so stupid?” Kit asked suddenly, smiling, “Why are you so intent on defying destiny? Haven’t you figured it out? How I survive each encounter that your Dark Queen throws at me? How it is that I’m still alive with three of your strongest men on my side?”

“You’re lucky,” Lorenz said, his smile fading.

“Even if it’s false, I have destiny on my side,” Kit said, “I’m supposed to get by you and reach Melanie. I’m supposed to destroy her, possibly at the cost of my own life. The only thing that could change that is if I choose not to, and my mind is made up. That is why you will let me by or die.”

Lorenz narrowed his eyes. His men were now building to a dull roar as the speech was being passed from ear to ear.

“Shut up!” Lorenz shouted, “You.” He glared at Kit. “Maybe you’re right. Maybe lightning will strike us all if we try to kill you. Maybe fate has decreed you the destined savior of this world. But you said it yourself. If you were to decide not to do this, it wouldn’t be done. So…”

Without warning, Lorenz ran forward. Kit thought he was running towards him, but suddenly, Jinn shoved Kit out of the way and Lorenz didn’t pause even for a moment. Instead, he charged Jinn and drew a dagger from his belt.

Jinn was taken so offguard that he could only raise his hands in a feeble defense. Lorenz drove the knife into Jinn’s side and carefully whipped around, getting behind Jinn and wrapping one arm tightly around Jinn’s throat.

“Jinn!” Kit shouted, scrambling to get to his feet.

“Stay on the ground, Traveler,” Lorenz said, “Unless you want him to die before you even hear what it is I have to say…”

“You cowardly, empty-headed bastard…” Jinn hissed, then gave a sharp scream as Lorenz retaliated by jamming his knee into the knife wound.

Kit hovered between sitting and standing, trying to decide what to do. However, he forced himself to remain calm and very slowly stand on his own two feet.

He glanced at his other companions, who stood aways back. They all seemed tense and ready to strike should the oppurtunity arise, but stayed where they were.

“You’re right,” Lorenz said, “You control your destiyn by simply choosing not to follow through. But what’s keeping this elf alive?” Lorenz jerked Jinn who growled. “If I killed him, it may still be possible for you to save this planet. But can you stand to see him die? You have a choice. Follow through with your destiny, or save his life.”

Kit stared. Lorenz had figured it out. Lorenz knew how to stop destiny. And Kit had told him exactly how. All it required was the ability to change the mind of the one who was destined. To make them decide against that path.

“Kit…” Jinn said carefully, “If you just… if you just tell him you won’t follow through, you and I could… and then I won’t die and… and more importantly, you won’t die… So just…”

Kit closed his eyes. The part of him that had clicked into place was threatening to topple. He took several deep breaths and closed his eyes.

“I need a decision,” Lorenz said.

“Kit, I’m not being cowardly!” Jinn shouted, “but this way, you can live and no one can blame you!”

Kit knew Jinn didn’t care about his own life. He cared about Kit’s. That made his decision harder. Maybe it would be better to let Jinn die. That way he wouldn’t suffer from having to lose Kit.


Except, he’d get over Kit eventually. He was immortal anyway. Eventually Kit was going to die and Jinn was going to keep living.

But at least they would have that much…

“GODDAMNIT!” Kit shouted someone, “Do you know what fate is?! Do any of you?! You don’t know anything about destiny or fate! You think you do! But don’t you get it yet?! Destiny can be changed by a million things. I might’ve squashed the wrong bug and now I’m not destined to save this world! Why is everyone assuming that any of this is going to work?! I’m sick of everyone telling me how things are going to turn out if I make this decision! If I make that decision! And I absolutely refuse to choose between my lover and this planet!”

“Then he’s dead,” Lorenz shrugged.

“You wish!” Kit growled and suddenly, Lorenz’s hand pulled together and were bound by a weak spell. Kit’s spell.


It wasn’t much, but it was enough for Jinn to duck and turn around with a hard kick that sent Lorenz to the ground. The men in the army lurched a little but didn’t attack, uncertain.

Jinn landed on the ground, one hand clamped over his side. Rose walked over and grabbed him, pulling him away from the army.

“Little One, coem here,” she said.

Kit didn’t listen.

Kit turned to the men in the army. “Do you understand what destiny is yet?!” he shouted, “It’s what you choose! It’s the decision you decide to make. Three of those people who are standing behind me were supposed to be destined to serve Melanie and look where they are!! Working to bring her down! Sometimes, the choices we make don’t lead to what we want… But… But…” Kit sighed. “But at least if you make the choice that has the most honor, you have a chance at making a difference. At least deciding to do the right things means you’ll live without regret…”

The army didn’t move and Lorenz stood up in a fury. Kit glared at him as he stormed towards Kit, grabbing him by the forearm.

“You are a pest,” he hissed.

Kit paused and spit, hitting him directly in the face. Lorenz growled and backhanded the blone haired boy.

“Kit!” Jinn struggled to get away from Rose but she held him back as she tried to heal his wound.

Kit stood up and suddenly charged, tackling Lorenz. Lorenz was surprised, but it took little effort to flip their positions and pin Kit down.

“Don’t you see?!” Kit shouted to the army, “You’re taking orders from a man who plans on destroying your planet! This world will die if nothing’s done! Instead of trying to save it, you follow orders to live for tomorrow! But what will happen when there is no tomorrow?! Anyone your trying to protect, including you, your family and all your friends, will be gone!”

The men in the army were nearly shouting at one another, the words that Kit had said being passed backwards among them.

“That won’t work,” Lorenz said, holding a second knife to Kit’s throat.

Suddenly, Lorenz stopped and froze in place, leaning in closer to Kit.

“You are…” he whispered, “You are… I hate you… and I hope you rot in hell…”

Kit slowly looked down and saw the point of a sword sticking right through Lorenz’s chest. He even felt the hot blood begin to spatter across his own chest.

Suddenly, Lorenz was shoved off and Kit looked up at Gate, who pulled his sword from the dying Lorenz.

“This boy is right!” he shouted to the army, “Look how much loyalty you have for this man! You just watched him die! It’s not him you should look out for! It’s yourselves! Your futures! Before, it seemed we had no choice but to serve or die for Melanie! This boy has taken on an army alone and without even raising a weapon, he has won. I see the doubt in your eyes! I know who it is you want to cheer on! You want to cheer on the child who will save us all! So why do you face him as your enemy when you should follow him as his allies?!”

“We’re scared,” one man said, being honest.

“So is he,” Gate said, quieter, “And he still won against all of you.”

With that, Gate held his hand to Kit who took it and stood.

“Thank you,” Kit whispered and turned, running to Jinn. Rose was just allowing him to stand when Kit got there. Jinn grabbed Kit and held him tightly.

“God, you really are going to do this, aren’t you?” Jinn whispered, his throat tight.

“Yes,” Kit whispered.

Nearby, the men of the army either stood, uncertain, or lay down their weapons and walked away. Some, however, walked to Gate, asking him questions or ready to serve.

“We shouldn’t have survived that,” Holy said softly, kneeling next to Kit.

“Don’t say that,” Kit replied, “If it shouldn’t have happened, it wouldn’t have.”

~:~

After Kit had captured Lorenz’s corpse in the proper card – The Hanged Man -- about one fourth of the men who had faced them before offered to stay and help. Gate dealt with this, Holy helping him out.

The rest of them set up camp, Jinn’s arms wrapped tightly and protectively around Kit. The elf didn’t speak much, just clung to his lover, as though he was afraid if he let him go that Kit would vanish.

Kit stroked Jinn’s hair, similiarly silent. At this point, he knew what he had to do, but he felt deeply for Jinn. He didn’t want to leave Jinn behind.

Kit lead Jinn off after a moment and the two made love. There was none of the usual teasing or antics from Jinn. It was a truly passionate and simple act.

When Jinn had finished and dismounted, Kit drew him closer, holding him tightly. After awhile, the two of them got dressed and sat together, staring up at the stars despite how cold the night was.

“How can you expect me to do this, Kit?” Jinn asked, “I can’t. You say you win the pity contest, but you’ll be the one who lived his life according to standard and I’ll be here, alone. I know its your life, but I’ll be the one to suffer. I know that’s selfish, I know it is… but I’ve only been able to love you for a few days. Is it selfish to ask for love for a lifetime…?”

“No,” Kit said softly, “It’s not selfish. It’s something everyone deserves. As amazing and wonderful as love is, even the cruelest, most evil person deserves love. You deserve love, Jinn.”

“Then why can’t I have it?” Jinn asked.

“I guess I can’t say I’ll always be with you,” Kit said, “Because I never really thought that was true. I understand why people say that, but it’s not the same to the one left behind.”

“Say you won’t go,” Jinn replied.

“I will, Jinn,” Kit replied.

“If you love me, you won’t,” Jinn whispered.

“Now you are being selfish,” Kit replied.

Jinn was silent.

“I’m going to go tonight,” Kit said, “Because Lorenz was right. My life is protected, but yours isn’t. Or anyone else’s. So I have to go alone.”

“No,” Jinn said, “You said that we can change destiny just by deciding to? Well, I decide to not let you go.” Suddenly, he pinned Kit down by the shoulders. “I’m keeping you here.”

“Jinn, if Lorenz couldn’t, why do you think you could?” Kit asked.

Jinn was silent. “What makes your decisions so much more important than the rest of us?” Jinn asked, “Why does your decision to save this planet win out against their decision to ruin it?”

“Because,” Kit said simply, “My will is stronger than theirs.”

“Well, my will is even stronger,” Jinn said.

“I know it is,” Kit said, “Which is why I have the utmost faith that you’ll be able to escape.”

Jinn paused and frowned. He opened his mouth to ask what Kit meant, but suddenly there was a card between he and the blonde. The Star.

There was a blast of light and Kit closed his eyes, a single tear running down his face. Jinn was nowhere to be seen and the card was black.

Kit carefully stood up and walked over to where Holy had fallen asleep. He knelt down and shook him awake.

“Mm,” Holy rubbed an eye. “What is it, Kit?”

“Holy,” Kit said, “You’re the best friend I ever had.”

Holy blinked and sat up. “What are you talking about?” he asked.

“I wanted to thank you for everything you’ve done for me,” Kit smiled, “If it wasn’t for you, I wouldn’t have grown up at all.”

“No problem…” Holy frowned, “Are you feeling okay?”

Kit chose to not reply. “Holy, take this,” he said, handing him Jinn’s card, “And guard it with your life. Don’t let anything happen to it. Please.”

Holy took it. “One of the used tarot cards?” he asked, “I don’t understand, what…?”

“Just do this one thing for me?” Kit said, “Please, it’s more important than you’ll realize. I need you to take it…”

Holy started to ask another question but stopped himself. “All right, Kit,” he replied, “I’ll take it. But promise to explain it to me eventually?”

“You’ll find out soon,” Kit replied, “Bye, Holy.”

“Bye, Kit,” Holy said, clutching the card and slipping it into the inside of the jacket he was wearing. He laid down to continue to sleep, but paused.

“… Goodbye…?” Holy said to himself, “Why goodbye?”

Suddenly, all the connections were made in Holy’s quick-witted mind. The card was very important to Kit. It held someone inside of it. Therefore whoever was inside of it was important to Kit.

The only people who could actually be in the card that Kit would be concerned about was himself, Gate and Dalune.

“And Jinn,” he said to himself. As soon as he said it, his eyes went wide. Kit had said goodbye. Meaning he was leaving. And there was only one place he’d go.

And only one person who stood a chance of stopping him.

Holy slowly took the card in one hand and stared at it. Underneath the blackness, he could barely make out the words “The Star.”

Without warning, the card grew hot, causing Holy to give a small cry of surprise, backing away as suddenly, Jinn fell to the ground, the card next to him. The elf was unconscious, but his hand grasped as if reaching for something.

“Alone…?” Holy said softly, “Can he do it alone…?” Holy paused and smiled. “Of course he can. Look who I’m talking about.”

With that, he went to get Jinn a blanket.