Fenia tried to force her eyes open as she felt her body lifted up but they would not obey her. She moaned in pain as her head throbbed. What little light made it through her closed eye lids hurt. Her stomach turned as she swayed on her feet. Someone took a hold of her arm and steadied her. She did not fight them yet allowed them to lead her forward for she could not get her legs to work fully on their own. She licked her lips. At some point she had bitten her bottom lip. Her throat hurt so she figured she must have been screaming in her sleep from the nightmare which she had.

She figured her teacher held her arm. She must have wondered again in her sleep while she had another dream of that world she often dreamt of. She had hurt herself before a few times while dreaming. She did not always have nightmares of that far away world but she would gladly give up the dreams all together if it meant no more nightmares.

This one had seem so real. Waking in the woods and being accused of being a thief. Being tied up and dragged off in the direction of Fanelia and to whoever this King Van was. But she knew it was just a dream, they always where. She was in the school safe.

"Stand." A man's voice commanded her.

She stopped confused she did not know his voice. He was not one of the teachers and never before had she left the school during one of her nightmares. She began to worry that this time she had and she was with a complete stranger. She began to shake at the idea of being away from the school and with someone she did not know. Most of all in the state she was in. She would not be able to defend herself if it came to that. She was helpless.

"King Van Slanzar de Fanel I have brought the thief to you as requested."

King Van Slanzar de Fanel? Oh no.

She forced her eyes open as she slowly looked up. The man she had met in the woods stood on the left side of another man. His black hair was cut short. His brown eyes stayed locked on her. His lanky body was very welled muscled. She figured that he had been a warrior in his youth. A blue katana the same colour as her own rested at his right hip. A brown leather belt darker in tone then his brown leather pants. His red loose fitting shirt complemented him well.

"We found this on her my King." The commander told him as he held up her pendent.

The man held up his hand as he looked at the pendent. The commander placed it in his hand. Fania relaxed a little as she noted the expression on Van's face turn sad.

"That is mine I did not steal it." She barley managed to say.

"That is still to be decided." The commander informed her.

"Where did you get this?" Van asked her holding it up for her to see.

"My mother gave it to me."

"Your mother?"

She nodded her head. "Along with the sword that was taken from me. I demand to have what is mine returned to me."

Van lowered the pendent walking closer to her. "Who is your mother."

She snorted. "Why do you care?"

"Because there is a chance I know her." Van stopped in front of Fania looking her over more carefully.

Fania tried to step back as he did so, yet a strong hand rested on her back forcing her to stay where she stood.

"Please your parents. Who are they?"

She took a deep breath as her anger began to rise. "Hitomi Kanzaki is my mother. I have no idea who my father is. She never told anyone."

A mix of happiness and sorrow flashed through his eyes. "May I have your name?"

"Fania Kanzaki."

Van smiled. "Fania. She named you after Fanelia." He placed the neckless back on her neck.

"My King." His commander said behind him.

"Silence." He told him over his shoulder. "How old are you?"

"What is it to you?" She enquired.

"Because if I am correct, you are my daughter."

Her knees gave out at his words. Her jaw hung as she stared at him.

"What? But . . . how . . . you knew my mother for real?" She finally made herself say.

"Yes. I met her when I was fifteen. When she was ported here. Do you not know the story?"

"No she never told me." She said not holding in her anger as she pulled on the man who held her. "I am fifteen. Am I yours?"

He smiled happily. "Yes." He placed his hand lightly on her shoulder.

As she looked him over better she saw the similarities between them. Her hair was the same colour as his and just as untamed. She also had his strong build. Her appearance was more like her mother then him but she could see herself in him. Mostly in the way he moved and spoke.

"Let her go. I will tell you everything. I do not understand why she did not."

Fania shrugged her right shoulder as she flexed her body in order to work her stiff muscles.

"Follow me." He told her as he lead her out of the throne room.

They sat alone together in a dinning room at a simple brown wooden table. He had sent his men away before sitting with her. He told them he did not fear her and wished to have time alone with his daughter.

She did not speak as he talked she would save her questions for when he was finished as she had been taught to do.

She sat silently leaning forward in her chair as she looked at her hands after he had finished his story. It was a lot for her to take in.

"We were only together once the night before she left. I never regretted it. I always hoped she would never either."

"She did not give me away out of regret. Her family talked her into it." She whispered. "I was her little princess." She fell silent unable to say more. Her anger and sorrow fighting to break free.

"You have her eyes." He said suddenly.

She flinched at his words but did not look up.

"If you had her hair colour then you would look exactly like her." She could hear the smile in his voice. "Yet you act like me."

"If she gave you the pendent before she left, then how did it come into her possession in order for her to give it to me?"

"It vanished nine months after she left."

"It returned to her out of it's own will."

"Would seem that way."

"Are you married?"

Van was quit for a minute before answering. "Out of duty. I do not love her as I love Hitomi."

"But you love your wife."

"No. I care about her but I do not love her. I married her and had two sons with her out of duty as King. Love had nothing to do with it."

"Do you love your sons?"

Van was taken back by the question. "Of course. How could I not love them."

She nodded once. "How old are they?"

"Ten and six."

"May I meet them?"

"When they return. They are away with their mother at this moment. She is visiting her father in Asturia. In time you will meet everyone."

"Alright."

"You look pale. Are you well."

She slowly shock her head. "I use to dream of this place. Now I understand why. It was calling to me. I refused to answer. Upon me preying on the pendent this world was finally able to take a hold of me and bring me here. I am here for a reason. Question is what is the reason? My mother was brought here before the war. Lets prey a war is not on its way."

"Agreed. I rather peace for Gaea." Both sat for a moment before Van spoke again. "I will have a room prepared for you and your sword returned to you."

She finally looked up at him. "Thank you. My mother had that made for me. Now that I have seen your sword I know why."

"Yes it looks exactly like my own."

"My mother made sure I was instructed in swordsmanship as soon as possible. I can use all sword types and daggers but the katana is my favourite because of the fact she had sent me the sword. I also know many different hand to hand fighting styles."

"Hitomi made sure you knew a lot."

Fania shrugged. "Only the best for her little princess. She would never allow for me to have second rate to anything or anyone. I can cook and clean, as well as strategies a battle field."

"Do you wish to continue your studies?"

She looked shocked at his question.

"You are my daughter. A princess of Fanelia. You have but to ask and you shell have it."

"Truly?"

"Yes."

"May I learn to polite a guymelef?"

Van laughed. "Woman do not pilate guymelefs."

Fania crossed her arms. "Then I cannot have anything I want Van."

Van frowned. "I do not like that you called me by my name."

"What else would I call you?" The hurt was clear in her voice.

"I was not the one who hurt you. I did not even know you were born." Van was also clearly angry.

Fania stood up looking down at him. "Everything breaks." She told him before walking off.

She knew he was not to blame. She just needed somewhere to place her anger and he was the closest thing.

"Princess."

She turned around to see who had called to her. It was the young boy from the woods. He still had the bruise clear on his face. Akira stopped as he neared her and bowed to her. "Princess, I have requested to guard you."

She laughed. "I beat you up once already. Are you wishing to have another one?"

He stood before speaking. "No my Princess. I simply wish to serve you."

"First off I have a name. Use it." She told him as she turned and began to walk again.

"Yes Princess . . . Fania."

"I guess you are my guide as well."

"Yes."

"I wish to see Escaflowne."

"Would you not rather to go to your room first?

"Why?"

"You have had a long journey. Do you not wish to change first?"

She shook her head. "I do not. There is nothing wrong with what I am wearing. Now take me to see Escaflowne."

"As you wish."

She slowed enough to let him pass her and lead the way.

He lead her to a building outside of the castle surrounded by huge trees. She walked through the door as Akira held it open for her. She stopped as she saw Escaflowne. She slowly walked forward with her hand out. She closed her eyes as she placed her hand on it's leg.

"It is huge." She said in awe. "Van piloted it." She rested her forehead on Escaflowne enjoying the feel of the cool metal. "Amazing. I see now why woman do not pilot them. She would not be physically strong enough to do so."

She lowered her hand as she backed up. Looking over Escaflowne one last time before turning to leave. Akira had the door open for her before she could speak.

"Is there a sparing room?" She asked as she walked past him.

"Indeed."

"Is there a punching bag there?"

"A what?" He asked confused.

She stopped and looked at him. "It is a leather bag about my height filled with sand which hangs from the roof off the ground from a chain."

He shook his head. "No we do not have one of those."

She started to walk again. "I would like one made for me."

"Yes Princess."

She sighed heavily.

"Fania." He corrected himself. "Do you wish to go to your room now?"

"Yes that would be good."

Akira lead her to her room.

She looked around as she followed him. "This place reminds me of a old Japanese castle. It is very beautiful."

"Japanese?"

"Yes, they are a society where I am from."

They stopped in front of a room. It was bigger then her room back on her world. A clothing chest was at the end of her bed. Her sword rested at the top of her bed. A huge window allowed in the light from the setting sun. She walked over to the clothing chest and open it.

"Dresses." She said in degust.

"Do you not like them?"

She stood straight crossing her arms. "I do not wear dresses. Ever."

"Do you wish me to find something more fitting for you?"

"Please. Pants, shirts will do just fine."

"Pants? Are you sure?"

She looked at him over her shoulder. "Very sure."

He bowed his head to her. "As you wish. Other things will be added to your room as you buy them for yourself."

"Where is the bathtub?"

"The bathing room is not far from your room. Do you wish for me to take you?"

"Please. I smell bad enough for five people." She laughed.

He smiled at her joke. "There is a towel at the bathing room, your rob will be in the chest."

She nodded as she bent down to dig it out. It was a simple soft blue with the Fanelia royal symbol on it.

"Alright lead the way." She said as she gathered up the rob.

"Princess Fania wishes to bathe." He told a older woman as they headed down the hall. "Prepare it for her."

The woman nodded to him before walking off.

"It should be ready shortly. The water is not far from the bathing rooms. It takes a little to wait for it to heat though."

"Thank you." She said before going into the room he indicated. "You may go now."

"I cannot I have to stay here and wait for you."

"Why?"

"Because I am your personal guard. Wherever you are I must be as well."

She frowned. "You are joking?"

He smiled at her. "No."

She could not get over how much she liked his smile. For a warrior it was very gentle.

"I am going in there without you."

"Of course. I will wait out here while you bathe."

"The whole time?"

"Yes."

She sighed as she entered the room and closed the door behind her. "And people say I am crazy."

She jumped as the door opened. The older woman from before bowed to her. "It will not take long for your bathe to be ready." She motioned to a stole. "You may sit there while you wait."

She sat and watched as the tub was filled. She took her clothing off after she was told the tub was all filled.

"What a day." She said closing her eyes.

At some point she had drifted off into a light sleep. The hot water felt wonderful to her as she laid down in it.

She gasped as she opened her eyes suddenly sitting up in bed.

"Fania, are you alright?"

She slapped him hard as he got close enough to her. "How dare you remove me from the tub and bring me back here."

He rubbed his sore cheek. "That was not me. I did not look at your naked body. You had fallen asleep so I ordered you dressed and brought back here. I carried you here. But I did not take you out of the tub or dress you."

"Oh. I am sorry. I thought."

"You should go back to sleep. You need it."

"I do." She agreed laying back down.

She watched Akira stand by the door before pulling her covers over her and closing her eyes. "What about you?"

Akira looked at her over his shoulder. "I am a light sleeper. I will sleep at your door."

"Do you not want to switch with someone and get some real sleep?"

"No."

"Why not?"

She saw his smile in the faint moon light. "Sleep Fania. Do not worry about me."

She closed her eyes again. The image of his smile still in her mind.

Fania leapt out of bed as the sun warmed her up. She cursed herself for not waking to her alarm clock that was not like her at all. She was going to ba late for class.

She screamed as she tripped over something. Instinct took over as she noticed a young man laying upon the ground being the cause of her tripping. Her leg kicked out and connected with his ribs before she remembered all that had happened.

He cried out in pain gripping his side.

"Morning to you too Fania." He moaned in pain.

Her jaw hung from shock and guilt. "Oh no, I am so sorry. I forgot I was not on my home world. I reacted without thinking."

She stood offering her hand to him. He reached out his right hand and allowed her to help him up. He held her hand in his looking into her eyes smiling slightly. She gasped as she felt her own heat rising letting go of his hand pointing to the door. Her eyes turned cold again as she pulled her emotions in. "Out while I get dressed." She demanded.

He nodded before walking out.

She quickly dressed putting back on her clothing from before refusing to ware a dress or skirt.

She pressed her hand on where her pendent rested as it became very hot. She slipped her hand into her shirt and put her hand on it to pull it off. Her mouth opened into a silent scream as air did not fill her lungs. She fell to her knees as the heat shot through her hand up her arm engulfing her whole body. What was happening? This had never happened to her before.

She tried to stand but was unable to as she saw a small white light. Her heart rate picked up as she saw a tall woman emerge from the light. Her waist length blond hair was loose and waved about her like water stirred by an unseen wind. Her ice blue eyes rested on Fania. Their icy feel turned her body suddenly cold. It felt to Fania as though her heart had stopped. The woman walked around her as she studied Fania.

"I did not call you." Her voice was as cold as her eyes. "Who are you? Where is Hitomi. I called for her not you. How dare you. Now I have to recalculate my plans." She lifted her hand in dismissal of the matter, her skin as pale as ice. "Never mind you will do. You have her blood. And Van's. Your secret is safe with me Draconian." Her smile chilled Fania even more. "Perfect."

Fania's body fell back into nothingness as the woman vanished.

Van rested his ear on Fania's chest holding in his tears and terror which threatened to choke him. She was breathing barely and her heart beat was very soft but it was there. What scared him so much was the fact that her eyes stared in fear at nothing, her jaw hung open and she went from fever hot to ice cold. He had seen this before with her mother. He had almost lost Hitomi the same way. His heart would be crushed if he lost Fania.

"Do not leave me now that I have you." He whispered as he rubbed her skin in hopes of warming her.

He picked her up and carried her close to him. "Run ahead and start a fire. She needs to be warmed up." Van ordered Akira as he grabbed blankets before running out the door with her.

He loved his sons, he cared about his wife, but Fania was his and Hitomi's daughter making her more important to him then anyone. He had preyed for Hitomi to be returned to him and he was granted Fania. He would do everything to make sure he never lost her. She was the closest he would ever get to having Hitomi back. Like hell he would let her go.

He placed her carefully on the hard stone ground in front of the fire putting blankets over her going back to rubbing her skin.

Van cried out in relief as Fania took a proper breath. Her heartbeat and breathing returning to normal. She moaned lightly as he wrapped his arms around her. He allowed himself to cry a little as he hid his face on her shoulder. He had forgotten true fear of losing someone. He forgot how much it truly hurt. How wonderful of a feeling it was to love. Her being there reminded him of how everything felt. All those lost emotions. How wonderful.

"Van." Fania gasped. "You are hurting me."

He loosened his grip on her looking into her eyes. Hitomi's eyes.

"Sorry." He said simply.

He wanted so badly to give her a kiss on the forehead but thought better of it.

"Van. Is everything alright?" A formulary voice asked.

Van looked over his shoulder to see a tall well built man with long blond hair dressed in a white shirt and black pants standing behind him.

"Allen." He forced himself to release Fania placing her down gently on the floor.

She had closed her eyes falling a sleep.

"Who is this?"

"She is why I requested you to come here. She is Fania Kanzaki. Hitomi's and my daughter."

Allen gripped his sword hilt hard stepping closer to see the young woman better. "She looks like Hitomi."

Van nodded. "She has not been here very long. I sent for you as soon as she arrived. I cannot trust many with this secret but I know I can trust you."

Allen nodded once. "Always. Is she guarded?"

"By Akira."

"He is a good one to have on the task."

"Agreed." Van slowly stood watching Fania the whole time. "We have much to talk about Allen. Akira take my daughter back to her room. Call for me if anything goes wrong."

He nodded. "Yes my King."

Fania woke in her bed. She tried to sit up but was unable to for her body hurt to much. She flopped her head to the side. SHe blinked a few times to clear her vision as she stared at Akira as he knelt by her bed.

"Are you well?" He asked her as he stood up.

"I am in a lot of pain. I do not understand why."

"Do you wish for your father?"

She was silent for a moment. "Yes, but no."

He looked at her confused.

"What happened?"

"You fainted and would not wake. You looked scared the whole time. Your body went from fever hot to ice cold. You were not breathing proper. We do not know why."

She carefully made herself sit up putting her legs over the edge of the bed. She put her hand on her forehead as her head began to spin and hurt.

"The vision. She did this to me." She whispered. "Where is Van?" She asked Akira as she carefully looked up at him.

"Do you wish for him to be brought here?"

"No." She stood up on unsteady legs. She waved him back as he moved forward. "Take me to him."

Fania followed after Akira she refused his help as they walked to the thrown room.

She stopped as she saw Van talking with a tall blond man.

"That is Allen." Akira informed her before she asked.

Both Van and Allen looked towards them at the sound of Akira voice

Akira bowed. "My King. I have brought Fania here at her command."

Fania rolled her eyes at Akira. Allen raised his eyebrow while Van smiled slightly at her reaction.

"Rise and come forward."

Akira did as requested.

"It is good to meet you Princess." Allen bowed deeply to her.

"I have a name you know."

"And she likes it if you use it." Akira said smiling.

Fania shot him a irritated look over her shoulder while Allen laughed.

"I see."

She snorted ignoring them both. "I came to show you I am well before going to the sparing room to practice my sword." She told Van.

"I have spoken with Allen and he has agreed to instructed you in swordsmanship."

Her eyes flickered towards Allen before going back to Van. "Wonderful."

"He has also agreed to teach you how to pilot a guymelef because I cannot bring myself to do so."

She looked at him in shock then happiness. "Thank you."

He nodded. "You are welcome. You will know as soon as it arrives for you. For I have to have one made special for you."

She stepped forward about to hug him then catch herself. She did not need to let herself to get close to him for heart break always came with it.

Van looked at her confused as her eyes turned cold again. "Thank you." She simply said.

With that said she turned and walked off with Akira at her side.

"I will start your lessens early tomorrow." Allen called after her.

She stopped at the sound of his voice and turned to face him. "I will make sure to be prepared."

"I will see you then."

"Tomorrow." She turned back around and continued to walk.

After they were far enough away she spoke again. "Mind leading the way to the sparing room."

He smiled as he took the lead.

"Thank you god." She said as she spotted the punching bag she had requested before.

Like running the punching bag helped her think and feel better.

"Hungry?" Akira asked.

She jumped at the sound of his voice. She had not realized how long she had been there. She whipped her forehead with her hand. She was drenched in her own sweat. Her heart beat hard in her chest.

"King Van asked for you to join him but if you do not wish to I can have your food brought to you."

"He offered that?" She asked as she stretched.

"No. I simply know how you can be."

She dropped her hands at her side at his words not knowing what to say.

"You might want to clean up first."

"I might." She said walking past him.

He followed her to her room and waited at her door as she went in. She smiled to herself as she closed the door seeing a ice blue silk shirt and black leather pants on her bed. Next to it was a light purple evening dress. Without a second thought she changed into the shirt and pants. She brushed her hair quickly not bothering to look in the mirror which was as tall as her which was bought for her at her request. It was not her taste it was to pretty with it's white wooden frame with roses carved on it. She figured Akira had nothing to do with picking it out.

Akira stood as she left her room. She spun in a circle as though she was in a dress. She lightly waved her hand at him and said in a jesting voice. "Do I not look pretty?"

"Always."

She stopped her joking as he turned and walked in the direction of the dinning room. She said nothing more as she followed him. What would she say? She was not good at that kind of stuff.

Van looked up at them as they entered. Beside him sat a woman near his age. She had long hair the colour of sand. It was as straight as she sat. Her hazel eyes never looked up from her food as she ate.

Two boys sat with them. The oldest on Van's right and the youngest on her left. Both the boys had her colour hair. The oldest had Van's eyes while the youngest had her's. Both of them did not look at her. She felt very unwanted.

"Sintha, Tania and Mika, this is Fania." Van spoke with pride as he introduced her.

All three looked up for only long enough to say hello before going back to their meal.

Van indicated to the chair beside Tania. "Please sit."

Sintha shot her a cold look. Fania had to force herself not to walk out. She sat where Van wished her to Akira closer to her then normal. Before she had a chance to try any of her food Akira took a bite of everything then took a sip of her wine. She looked at him in shock as he did so. She knew he was to put his life on the line for her but seeing him do so was very different then hearing about it. She could not get over how close he was as she ate her food.

"How was your day?" Van asked her as he finished his meal.

"Good. Thank you for seeing to the punching bag. It helped."

Van nodded placing his arms on the table and leaning forward. "I am happy to hear that."

"I saw Escaflowne. He was amazing. Do you miss it?"

"Some days. But I rather the peace that comes with not piloting him."

"I understand that." She looked at Sintha hoping if they talked it would change her opinion of her. "Do you enjoy it here? Must be different from your home."

Sintha did not speak to her she simply stood up "Boys follow me." The three of them walked out ignoring her.

Fania frowned. "What did I do?"

Van shrugged his shoulder. "You are a threat to her."

"How?" She asked confused.

"You are my eldest."

"But I am a girl."

"True. But if you pushed it the thrown could be yours and who ever you marry will be King. Not my sons."

"But, does that not mean I would have to get rid of my brothers?"

Van crossed his arms. "Yes."

She looked at him in horror. "I would never do that."

"It does not matter to her. She wants you gone. So Akira has to stay closer to you. While Allen is here he will help guard you. I am adding to your guard until she relaxes enough for me to lower it back to just Akira."

"I am going to hate that fast."

"I am sorry."

"Not your fault. Rather be kept alive."

Van stood. "I do not mean to be rude but I must cut this short I have work to do."

"Alright."

"Good night Fania." Van said to her as he stood.

"Night Van." She replied.

He took a deep breath but let it go.

"Why do you use his name?" Akira inquired.

She took the glass cup and let go of it. Akira took a step back as it shattered. "Everything breaks."

He looked at her sadly but said nothing as she sat and gazed out the window.