Chapter 1

Disclaimer I do not own anything involving Escaflowne.

"You aren't even significant eough to have a rank here," Iskane told the kneeling, trembling boy infront of him. Blood was pooling around the childs face. He was kneeling, you see, his face pressed hard aginst the mess halls metal floor. " Now apologize for wasting food."

" I am sorry for spilling ym rice Iskane-sama," the boy said without raising his head.

Iskane grinned." Now stand and face the hall. Tell everyone your sorry for being an ignorant, useless fool. "

The silver haired boy stood and faced the mess hall. All the boys looked at him expectantly. " I ,Dilandau Albatou, ask your forgiveness for being an ignorant, worthless fool," he said his voice loud and clear. He stared around the room hoping any of the others would say something. He would see to them tonight if they did.

No one spoke. A few of the younger boys even turned their back and finished eating. Iskane however only continued smiling. He was impressed. Dilandau was known for being violent towards the other students. Though the fear he had instilled in them all surpassed the albinos reputation. " Sit by me Dilandau and finish eating," Iskane told him.

He turned slowly and met his senior instructors gaze. Hate and revenge showed is his crimson eyes. He gave a short, curt bow and took the seat next to Iskane,but did not eat. His mouth hurt too much.

-- The same day elsewhere--

" Van!" Merle jumped onto Vans bed ,bouncing happily. Today was her birthday and she wanted to know what Van had gotten her. She was five now and no longer a child!

" Merle its too early! Go back to bed," Van said from under a pillow.

Merle poked Vans side- right where he was tickleish- and screamed into his ear," WAKE UP!"

He rolled out of bed then. He was used to Merle's alarm setting. Almost everymorning she came into his room and they went through this. It was a special day for her though. That much he admitted. Just once he'd like to sleep past the sunrise. Sometimes the birds weren't even up when the kitten would come yelling at him.

" Morning Merle," he said pulling a shirt out of a pile by his bed and sniffing it. Clean. He pulled it over his head.

"So what did you get me Van-Sama? Hm?" Merle bobbed expectantly on Vans bed. She had on a blue dress today. Van recognized it as the one Rilo was making her for her birthday. Atleast he wasn't the only one she had woken up early.

" I like your dress," he said.

" Its from Rilo. She was kinda mad I woke her up but she got happy quick enough," she tugged at a corner of the hem smiling.

" I forgot your birthday Merle. Sorry," Van said then took off running. He knew this wasn't going to be good.

"WHAT!!!!!!!"

He looked back over his shoulder and saw Merle- on all fours- running after him. He stumbled most of the way down the stairs and swung left into the kitchen. Merle was close behind him. He stopped next to the chopping table and smiled wide.

" Happy Birthday!" he yelled and so did everyone else in the room. All the staff and all the generals were there. On the table stood a huge cake decorated in bright orange and yellow flowers.

Merle started crying and wrapped herself around Vans waist. "I'm sorry Van-Sama! Oh thank you so much. Its beautiful. I love it," She said crying.

Behind Van, Balgus laid a big hand on the seven year olds shoulder. Van looked up at the scarred man without fear and smiled. " Thank you for helping me plan this Balgus," the fanelian prince said. Balgus only smiled then picked Merle up from Vans waist. Merle was almost like a daughter to Balgus. The General smiled and threw the kitten into the air and a new round of happy birthdays went with her.

Keda- Short chapter , I know. Sorry. Next one will be better I promise.

Dilandau- First chapter and I'm already bleeding. I'm not liking this.

Keda- Oh hush. Your just jealous that Van got to throw a birthday party.

Van- Yeah . It's cause I'm cool and stuff!

Keda- No its cause your a wuss.

Zell- Don't call me a wuss!

Keda- I'm going back to eating my Instant Lunch.