Disclaimer: The fact that I exist may be true be the fact that I own Escaflowne is not.

Trials of the Seasons

The Start of a War

Walking through the weaponry set throughout the outer kingdom, the soldiers training right out of the inner wall and all the guymelefs that were passing through the elaborate locked drop bridges, a figure hurried to reach the castle. This country of Kiaura was going to war with Fanelia; all were preparing for it. Women, children and the elderly were packing the necessities and hurrying themselves to airships which were to transport them to neighboring countries. All eligible men were out helping to prepare or finely tune the weapons or out with the experienced soldiers to train themselves for combat. The figure passing through came out of the shadows of the guymelefs, unveiling a young woman. One of the four Generals of Kiaura

A war against Fanelia. It was so surreal that only a few weeks ago all had faired well with them, until some disturbing news came from Egzardia.

(A few weeks pervious)

Through the corridors and hallways of the ancient castle of Kiaura noises of metal against metal were heard. Boorish cheers and applause echoed through the entire training court.

A duel was being fought between two soldiers. One was rather massive, while the other was on the thin side of description, both in helmets of angular design as custom in Kiaurian duels. Despite appearances the gaunt soldier held the lead over the other. The more bulky soldier was slow, having trouble keeping up with his opponent on more than one occasion. The large soldier gave his opponent a down slash with his massive sword; however the wiry soldier was long gone before the blow hit. Though it was of too much difficulty to be faster than the larger soldier, the gaunt figure was obviously gifted in speed. Within a quick movement the soldier was behind his large opponent. However his opponent had the insight to be aware of such movements and swung behind him. The wiry figure jumped into the air, dodging the attack, and with greater ease than thought possible landed on the blade wielded by the large solider, balancing himself on it. The massive opponent then swung the sword to send the wiry solder flying off but, in vain. The slim soldier had already jumped off the blade and was behind his opponent with the long sword in hand, pointing and nearly brushing against the large soldier's back.

He won. More cheers and applause exploded from the crowd that was watching them. The winner took of the mask to reveal that the soldier, instead of scared man in his later years, a young woman with brilliant set of green eyes. The loosing opponent took of his mask showing a chubby sportsmanship face. He smiled at the girl and said.

"Guess you beat me again, General." His tone was of good nature. The girl looked at him and said.

"Yes it seems so. I do suggest you quicken your pace. Your strength is a great assist however if you're not careful it can easily be overcome, Orin." She used a somewhat strict yet gentle voice. She was only of the age of 17 and already she was high ranked in the military.

"Ain't no one beating that lass!"

"So she be the one who had challenged ol' General Griffin and managed ta git away withot a scratch?"

"I guess she did make it in the army on her own!"

"I s'uppose t'was bruised egos that spoke of her bein' help by her pa' and the prince!"

The female general ignored all the comments and sheathed her sword. Annoying. She simply thought. The men were the worst companions to be around but, she had heard all these comments before. As the same repetition of words continued throughout her few years as general they all become simply annoying. Then a messenger came through the crowd and ran straight towards the female.

"Excuse me, General Hitomi but General Kanzaki requested an audience with you." The messenger said as he kneeled before Hitomi. Hitomi raised a brow.

"What's the basis of the audience?"

"He stated that there are important matters that must be discussed, Ma'am." The messenger quickly answered. Hitomi eyes slid down half way. She somehow knew what he wanted. She then turned around and said.

"Continue with your training I'll return shortly." She followed the messenger into the walls of the castle to meet General Kanzaki, her father.

(Inside the castle)

A man in his older years sat patiently in a room that was every bit of a general's office; there were documents dispersed about, maps of different countries on Gaea pinned up with knives and candle wax spilled on one entire corner of his desk as a testimony of his long working nights. He was busying himself with different documents when he heard a knock at his door.

"Name and purpose?" The man questioned without looking up from his work.

"General Hitomi Kanzaki. You requested an audience with me." The man's head shot up at the sound of that voice and name.

General Arien Kanzaki but, ever since his daughter became a general he had begun to be called by his last name and Hitomi by her first so as to avoid confusion. He hastily cleaned off one of the chairs where more documents were and then went back to his desk and composed himself.

"You may enter." He said in his baritone voice. Hitomi entered and gave the elder a salute and which was return. "Please have a seat." He said as he gestured to the now only paper free chair in the room. With a firm mouth to keep her smile at bay she nodded and grabbed the redeemed chair and sat down.

"You wished to talk to me?" The younger general asked.

"Yes. General Hitomi you are well aware as I am that Prince Terries is arriving tomorrow morning from his journey to Egzardia." He said as he fixed all the papers around him.

"Of course"

"Very good. Now, it seems that the Prince has made a special request that you be there." The older general stated as he eyed his daughter suspiciously.

"Wouldn't that be an obvious job for all the generals Sir?" Hitomi questioned with one brow lifted.

"Yes it would. However, it has been known that you display the tendency of avoiding the ceremonial greeting when the prince ever returns from the other countries. The prince would like to make sure that you're actually there this time. It's not good representation if all is not there to greet him." The older general answered with an accusing look in his eyes. An aggravated look passed over the young general's face but she contorted back to her calm demeanor.

"Very well then, I will make sure to be at the greeting grounds promptly. Is that all?" Hitomi asked.

"Yes, I do believe so."

With that Hitomi immediately began to get up.

"However," He quickly said "I would like to talk to my daughter now." A tender smile broke out on his face. Hitomi then returned the smile, forgetting her previous aggravation and returned to her seat.

"Of course father."

"I realize you may not wish to talk about this but, why is it that you've been ignoring Prince Terries. You two were also close since you were little." Her father had been general long before her time, starting only seven years later in comparison to her. When Hitomi was three, her mother had caught an illness and died. The king and queen had been kind enough to allow Hitomi come along with her father when he had to go to the castle since she never took well to nannies.

Now the king was becoming ill and the queen wouldn't dare leave his side. They needed a secure fort hold for when the young prince would inherit the throne. Thus the prince began to visit many of their ally countries in order to reinstate peace treaties and also to establish himself as the new head of Kiaura.

"Its not that I'm ignoring him intentionally, you should know that. I'm just busying training some of the men here but, don't worry father I will be there to see him arrive." Hitomi answered with a sheepish grin. "But of course that couldn't be all you would like to talk to me about is it father?" Hitomi said with a coy smile.

"Is it so wrong that a father would want to see his daughter every once a week?" He said in a sarcastically sad voice which only made Hitomi smile. Arien look at his daughter.

She almost looks like her mother. He thought. She was not the most alluring female on Gaea, but she wasn't in any way unattractive. Her body had matured like any other young woman but she was on the thin side of it all. Her skin was fair despite all her time training in the sun, her face had lost some of its childish features only to be replaced with the features of a young woman, her facial features were normal but she had wide eyes that were the color of emeralds and golden brown hair crowned her head.

The length of her hair was rather short compared to other women, it only went to the middle of her back and it was always in a braid while every other girl would have their hair as go to their waist at times maybe an inch or two from the waist but nothing shorter than that. In truth, Hitomi had her hair shorter a while back. It at one point was of the length as most men and it took some convincing from General Kanzaki himself for her to let her hair grow out.

Arien smiled at the memory and then said. "You've grown up into a beautiful young lady Hitomi." He made sure to leave the stubborn part out. Hitomi gave him a playful smirk and said.

"I'm not sure about that father." A small laugh escaped her lips as she stood up and walked over to the windows. With her finger she started doing small swirls and circles on the glass. She looked down on her training attire, which was nothing more than black breeches, boots, gloves and a green sleeveless shirt overlapped by a brown leather vest. She would have to wear the bulky armor like clothing when greeting the Prince tomorrow. She was only general for two years but they still had not gotten her proper armor. The older general looked at his daughter and asked.

"Have you thought about taking on a husband." Hitomi pulled herself from the window and gave her father a mocking exhausted look.

"Not this again, father, I know you want the best for me but I don't feel the need to take on a husband. You know much better than I do that I don't have very much leisure time to be on the search for one either. Not only that but there's not a lot of men that I would ever consider 'husband' material." The older general couldn't help but chuckle at his daughter's problem with the concept of marriage in her life. He then became aware of the time and straightened up his back.

"I believe that's all the time we have for now, Hitomi. We should probably return to our duties as generals now." He noticed that Hitomi had also straightened herself. Hitomi gave a respectful salute to General Kanzaki as General Kanzaki returned the salute to General Hitomi. Hitomi then turned around and walked out making sure to close the door quietly. When she closed the door she felt a cold air hit her, along with the world of reality.

How sad. She thought. She may be able to show her father a small act of the little girl he's always known but he had no idea how much she's changed. She walked down the hallway hearing nothing but the clicking of her heels on the stone floor.

(Morning)

It seemed as though all of Kiaura was at the greeting grounds to welcome the prince back. Everyone was excited for one main reason. This was the last country to visit in order to properly secure the future of Kiaura. Now, there would be no panic when the King died.

All the soldiers and those of high ranks were stationed properly at their assign spot at the docking deck which was fully embellished for this moment. All of the generals were in their armors; every single one of them stood like statues marveled in order and perfection. Hitomi, despite her wish to be in another place, was no exception. It wasn't long until the prince's ship was in sight. It balanced itself on the high winds before starting its descent. The entire military braced themselves far the harsh heat. The closer the ship came, the harder the winds thrashed about them but no one dared to make the slightest move. The winds soon stopped and immediately the prince stepped out of the ship onto the velvet red carpet that had been set for him. He walked with grace and pride marking each step he took. His eyes were a beautiful shade of violet and his hair was pearl blonde color with wisps off platinum blonde. Hitomi swore she heard all the women 'oo' and 'ah' when a gentle breeze came and gently ruffled his hair. Needless to say, none of the women mind having him around at all. Just like Hitomi, he was 17. When he spotted Hitomi he seemed somewhat relaxed. To which Hitomi could only think.

Well when you send a request to my father for me to be here, then of course I'm going to be here. Stop worrying you idiot.

He then approached the general stationed at the head of the red carpet. The generals immediately and unison saluted to him and he bowed his head in return. Then he said, "I request an audience with the generals and the advisors at noon." The generals and the advisors bowed.

"At your request." They said in unison. He looked at the faces of his generals but his eyes lingered on Hitomi's for a second longer before he went to the carriage that waited him. When he left all the generals then headed for the castle on foot.

(Later on)

Hitomi was walking down the halls with a bag slung over her shoulder. Once again she could only hear the clicking of her heels. The hallways and corridors were only lit with a few sparse torches, making it hard for anyone new to Kiaura to find their way around the castle.

Lucky for me I've been here for most of my life. She thought to herself. She knew where every single brick and slab of stone was. Hitomi then noticed that some light was leaking into the hallways and judging by where it was coming from it was from the garden. Hitomi then turned in that direction and confirmed her suspicions when she saw the garden door slightly opened. She walked up to it and opened it more so that she could pass through. The garden was a wonderful place; the queen took pride in the arrangements of wildflowers she placed here. The garden, however, was only reserved for royalty and others of important consideration. Hitomi closed the door behind her as she walked in. She had a feeling that she knew the one who was in here and even though she would prefer not to meet him she knew that she would have to eventually. She walked around going through the narrow turns and passageways of the plants until she spotted a familiar place. The spot she was in was circled by tall trees making it seem like holy ground with carved marble benches were placed near the trees so who ever would sit there would have shade and a good view. There was also a pond, with stones bordering it, lily pads and fish visible in the water. Hitomi spotted Terries sitting on the ground near the pond watching as all the fish pass by. Hitomi smirked and said. "You know the cleaning maids will have a fit again if you get grass stains on your clothes." Prince Terries smiled when he heard Hitomi's voice.

"They should know by now that I never care about stains or what not." He said in his kind voice. He turned his head and looked at Hitomi. "Thanks for actually being there this time."

Hitomi's eyes darkened slightly as she thought about the comment she made in her mind earlier that day. "Hey what are friends for? Besides, father would have gotten upset with me if I hadn't." Hitomi said as she waved the question off with a fake smile. Terries obliviously smiled at her and looked at the bag she had hanging over her shoulder.

"What do you have there?" he asked pointing to the bag. Hitomi looked at it and said.

"There was a sale today in the market. Father likes Kyberries and I know a cook hand that's always willing to make a very nice dessert for me when I provide the ingredients. Though taking one or two out from the group shouldn't hurt." She pulled out a dark pinkish red, orange spotted fruit that seemed the size of her fist and tossed it to Terries as she pulled one out for herself. Terries caught the fruit and took a bite out of it allowing the green juices to flow.

"Eating a Kyberry and relaxing in the garden. I miss those days when I could do that almost all the time." He said as he licked off the juices on his lips. He watched Hitomi as the juices dribbled down to her chin once she took a bite out of it.

"Come now. You've eaten piscus here too." She said jokingly as she used her hand to wipe off the trails of the juices before it stained her shirt. Terries smiled at Hitomi before looking back out to the pond.

"Remember when we were little and use to play here?"

"Oh, you remember something here other than eating Kyberries all day?" Hitomi said sarcastically. Terries laughed a bit but went silent as he waited for her reply. "Yeah I remember. We did some rather unthinkable things. Though, I must say that it was quite funny when I was finally able to push you into the pond." She said with an amused smile.

"Did you forget that I pulled you in right after?" Terries said with a coy smile. Hitomi gave a dry smile as she ignored the memory or mainly just the last part of it. "Our parents scolded us for ruining out clothes." Terries said as he laid himself on the ground.

"That's right we were allowed to go to the Silver Moon Ball." Hitomi said as the detail dawned on her.

"After we had begged them to let us go too. No wonder they were angry." Terries laughed. A huge smile was on his face as he laid down on his back, his mind going back to the years of his childhood. Hitomi just went and sat on one of the benches. There was something bothering her. She placed her head in her hand.

"So how did it go at Egzardia?" She questioned. Terries rolled over on his stomach; his smile wiped clean from his face.

"Why must you bring that up in here?" He asked with an exhausted voice.

"It is by no means a crime to ask a simple question, especially considering that I am one of the four generals and this information may be pertinent to the future of Kiaura." She answered with a serious face. Terries sighed and stood up.

"You could just wait until the meeting that's one of the main reason I asked for it." He said as he looked at her with imploring eyes. Hitomi nodded then stood up and starting walking out. Terries raised an eyebrow and said. "Surely you're not going to stop at that are you? I thought you were going to pry the information out of me Hitomi. It's what you always do." Hitomi looked at him, her stern eyes telling him all.

"I understand that my habits as a child have embedded themselves in you; however, I have no reason to lower myself and beg for information that I will receive in just time. I'm an adult and general now and I am of a much more matured mind, until the meeting your Highness." The tone that she used was very unfamiliar to Terries and never once when they were alone had she ever use formalities with him. Hitomi noticed the confused and upset look that Terries had. He was far too easy to read. Hitomi turned her back to him and said. "Forgive me. I've just been thinking too much for my own good it seems." Terries didn't say anything, not sure whether to let it go at that or do something. However, Hitomi wasn't going to give him an option. She took long strides out of the garden and back into the castle walls; the meeting was in an hour.

(At the meeting)

The generals and advisors sat at the table in the room the prince had requested. In total there were nine advisors and four generals. Prince Terries sat himself at the head of the long table. He then surveyed the room and everyone in it.

"I have gathered everyone in this room here for a very important reason. This is about Fanelia. From my trip to Egzardia I've heard the news that Fanelia now has an alliance with Zaibach. Prince Folken Fanel chose to become King of Zaibach and marry Princess Merle leaving his younger brother, Prince Van Fanel, the throne of Fanelia. We are already aware that Fanelia is allied with Asturia but now that Princess Marlene Aston has been married to the Duke of Freid, this has begun an unthought-of list of countries joining the Fanelian alliance. Daedalus has also joined the alliance to avoid any battles with Freid as well as Basram and Fanelia is already getting three more countries to join their alliances. Our alliance is only made up of Dardunlles, Egzardia, Taerus, Larinet, Yuccas and ourselves. Each day more kingdoms are joining Fanelia's alliance. Had tensions between Fanelia and us not been so hazardous perhaps this could be overlooked. However, we could never agree with their cruel and unorthodox ways no matter how many join them. They refuse to compromise with us and they have violated many of our laws and there have been bloodshed between both of our citizens. I ask now whether or not we should prepare to go to war with Fanelia." He announced.

Immediately, upset remarks exploded from everyone's mouths. Fanelia had been getting rather aggressive over the years ever since Queen Varie's unfortunate death. Now that they found out that they had an alliance with Zaibach it only showed that Fanelia was getting worse. Zaibach was a country that was full of assassins and advance technology, for Fanelia to join Zaibach would indeed increase their power. Though there were some countries that were neutral it wouldn't be long until Fanelia had them in their hands. Hitomi then noticed her father stood up and say.

"No matter what happens we can't afford to make an alliance with Fanelia, had it been before the unfortunate death of Queen Varie of Fanelia perhaps we would, but the ways that they now lead and do things is something we can not ever agree upon." Everyone agreed with him, however some had some worries. Collin stood up.

"Milord, you know better than we do about are situation with Fanelia. It's true that there seems to be no other way but war. However, we've only have a few countries that have joined our alliance and considering all the countries that are allies with Fanelia we might be outnumbered! Think of the casualties. We simply must persist with a new treaty with them. One that will let bygones be bygone but strictly adhere to the laws from here on out." He said in his aged tensed voice. There were some that considered the idea but many others who immediately disagreed. Amongst the chatter General Teret Riven then stood.

"That's a valid idea, however, you know our pride as a country. We can not let their crimes against go unpunished. The citizens will not let bygones be bygones. I suggest that we get some of the neutral countries to side with us if we can get enough countries Fanelia might not attack us, we're only a little alliance now and it's obvious that they just might to put out the small fire before it becomes a blaze of inferno. If we act quickly and become an alliance that would equal Fanelia's power then they might leave us alone and the same for us. No one is stupid to attack one who is equal, it may cause damage to us but it would also do damage to them. Fanelia will surely leave us alone and we would have stated nothing that would upset our people." The stoic general announced. Saradin looked at General Riven.

"Or it just might make them feel the need to attack us. It's common that when a man sees anything that may be a threat to him he will either make friends or attack to feel a sense of security. Since Fanelia has changed so much we can't exactly expect that they'll acknowledge us and leave us alone they just might attack the moment we get as powerful as they. If they're successful, no one would dare to challenge them" The old man croaked through his aged lips. Hitomi sighed. This was a very difficult situation.

Just what are we going to do?

(Back to the original time)

The meeting had ended there and was to be decided at another time. However the day that another country had joined the alliance of Kiaura they were attack with the enemy waving a Fanelian flag. The attack left 5 of Kiaurian soldiers dead. It was proven that Fanelia indeed planned the attack. This was the final offense. Soon war was declared between Fanelia and Kiaura including those who allied with them. The young woman, General Hitomi, hurried to the castle. Her father wanted to see her before the start of the war.

Sereneblaze