Akira kept on Fania's heel as she walked towards the court yard. Van had requested her to see him there as soon as she awoke. She figured he had something important to tell her so she skipped breakfast to see what he wished of her.

She knew the Kingdom well enough now to not need Akira to take the lead. She learned fast her way around. As well she learned to read him to know if she was headed in the wrong direction.

Fania stopped in her tracks as a odd cat lady stopped in front of her. Her long pink hair was pulled back into a loss ponytail. Fania watched as she twitched her tail back and forth.

"Hitomi?" She asked as she tilted her head.

Fania crossed her arms. "Close."

The cat lady rose to her full height and walked over to her. "You look like her. You must be Fania, Van's daughter."

"And you are?"

She circled around Fania before speaking "Merle. Lord Van is waiting for you."

"I was on my way there before I ran into you." Fania crossed her arms glaring at Merle.

"Yes you are Hitomi's daughter." She smiled before turning and walking in the direction Fania was headed.

"Lord Van!" Merle screeched.

Fania cringed at the sound of her voice as she did so. She stopped in the doorway to the court yard as she watched Merle throw her arms around Van's neck and hug him tightly. Van smiled at her as he hugged her lightly back.

"Morning Merle."

"I came as soon as I heard you had asked for me. I am so happy to see you I have missed you."

"And I you."

Van let go of Merle as he looked at Fania.

"She looks like Hitomi but moves like you Lord Van." Merle said proudly.

"You called for me."

"Well no manners." Merle lifted her nose into the air. "You could at least say good morning to your father."

"I could." She said as she stepped forward. "But I wont."

"Do not feel bad my King. I do not get good manners either. All her teachings and nothing on manners." Akira joked.

Fania looked at him over her shoulder giving him a mean look. "Don't start or my manners will get worse."

Akira bowed to her. "As you wish."

"I asked for you here because your gift I had made for you is here." Van informed her as she returned her attention to him.

Fania turned on her heel as Van pointed east of them. Her eyes widen as she saw a silver guymelef.

Fania looked over her shoulder at Van. "I thought woman were not allowed to pilot them."

"They are not. I decided you will."

"Why?" She turned the rest of the way around to face him. "Why?" She asked again as the silence continued.

"I want you happy."

For once Fania allowed the silence. She forced herself not to walk away. She was not used to people caring. Everything she was taught and had was because her mother wanted it. Nothing was because she wanted it. Now she was given a guymelef for no other reason then she wanted one and Van hoped it would make her happy.

"Thank you." She whispered the word un able to do more.

"Allen will be here soon to begin your instruction."

"Do you have to do anything else to do today?" Fania flinched at her words as soon as they left her month.

Van looked at her confused.

"I mean . . . do you have time to watch my first lesson."

"If you want that then yes."

Fania could not stop herself from smiling. She was always jealous of the other children every time one or both parents came to watch their performance. She always had it in her head that if her parents ever came to see her she would punish them by sending them away but here she was requesting Van to stay and happy that he would.

She unbuckled her sword and handed it to Akira. "Hold this for me while I warm up."

Akira nodded as he took the sword from her. As always Akira eyes never left her as she did her work out. She could not figure out why she was not use to it yet.

"Where are your other guards?" Van asked as he looked around quickly.

Fania shrugged. "I missed placed them."

She saw her father smile as she drew herself a starting line. She had been informed by him during his tail of her mother that Hitomi ran to help her thoughts and emotions. Fania figured it made him happy to see the similarity between her and her mother.

Akira snapped his fingers after she nodded her ready to him. She took off like a bolt dirt kicking up behind her. She knew she would not need to keep count of the seconds for Akira would do it for her. She listened to the beat of her feet hitting the ground. Something she had done so many times before. But this time it was different. She was not hiding behind the activity but enjoying the fact that she was showing Van how good she was at running.

She turned to Akira as she competed her run. "How did I do?" She asked out of breath.

"Ten seconds." Akira informed her.

"Still." She said in irritation as she walked over to where Akira stood, Van now stood beside him.

"Sorry I am late." Allen said as he walked over to them. He bowed to Fania. "Morning. Are you ready?"

Fania nodded her head. "I am."

She took her sword from Akira buckling it on before walking after Allen.

She watched as he showed her how to open the guymelef. She placed her legs and arms where he showed her.

"Now you simply move as you would if you were not in the suit and it will do as you do."

"Alright."

"Close it as soon as I am down on the ground then move your guymelef."

"Ok."

She waited until he was out of the way before doing as instructed. It was like lifting a metal boot as she forced her leg up. She gripped the hand holds hard as she grinded her teeth. After she got her guymelef moving forward it became easier to do so. She loosened her grip on the hands. She pulled up the arms getting the feel for them.

"For now I am just going to have you walk around in your guymelef until you are use to it. Then I will have you fight me in your guymelef."

"Alright."

"Alright all done for now. I will have you walk around again this evening. From now on every morning and evening I will have you pilot your guymelef as well as work your sword."

"Alright." Fania said as she got down.

Her whole body hurt as she stretched. Fania expected Van to leave but he stayed and watched as Allen worked with her with her sword.

After she cleaned herself up she walked to the dinning hall and found Van and his wife sitting at the table.

Sintha looked up at her as she entered. "Welcome Fania I was hoping to see you."

Fania looked at Van who shrugged his shoulder slightly.

"I spoke with my father and he agreed to have you at his home so you may stay there to find a husband." Sintha continued.

Fania stopped her jaw dropped. "What?"

"You are old enough to marry I do not see why you cannot go and find a husband in my home land."

"No!" Van said suddenly. "Fania stays here with me." He did not look at Sintha as she spoke.

Sintha lifted her chin. "Then perhaps some nobbles may come here to court her." She suggested.

"I will think on it."

Sintha stood and bowed her head to Van. "As you wish." She turned and waved to Fania as though she was a pesky fly. "Fania later."

With that she walked out of the room.

"Is she trying to get rid of me?"

"Yes."

"So much for her getting over me being here." Fania sat beside Van. "Am I in time to eat with you or do you have to go."

"I will stay."

"Akira are you going to eat?"

"Worrying again about me?"

"You are no use to me starved." She said as she handed him a plate she had filled with food.

"True."

"I am having a celebration in honour of you being here tomorrow night. Please wear a dress to it."

"Yes Van."

Fania made sure to do her work out and piloting early because of the calibration Van was having for her. She had a long bath so she would smell fine for it. She did not mind the idea of the party. She did not like the idea of wearing a dress. She could not remember the last time she wore one.

She stood by her bed looking at the dress. "Like ripping off a bandage." She told herself as she picked it up and put it on.

She looked herself in the mirror hating the dress even more. It was a silver evening gown with white lance along the neck line.

"Perfect dress." One of her attendant Cleara said smiling. "Sir Arcane will adore you in it."

"Who?" Fania asked letting Cleara fuss with the gown.

"He was invited to court you. He is so handsome. You will truly like him."

"Van arranged this?"

"Yes." She said still smiling at the thought.

"Leave me."

She bowed before walking out.

Van had agreed to wait on her being courted until she decided she was ready. As time passed Fania wanted to leave less and less. She did not think anyone truly missed her back on Earth so staying did not bother her. The thought of Van going behind her back like that hurt her more then she ever thought it would. She thought her wants and desires mattered to him. Now to learn she was wrong and he was like everyone else cut very deep.

She opened her window deciding she was not going to go after all. If she went through her door Akira would more then likely try and stop her from running off. She was better on her own. It was safer that way. She punched the window fame angry with herself for allowing herself to get attacked to them. Never again.

Fania grabbed her sword tossing it out the window. It was not easy for her to slip out in the dress. She would have gotten changed first but she figured Akira would check on her due to her taking so long.

She picked up her sword and walked as fast as she could in the dress. She stopped in the garden as a bad feeling choked her. She looked around not seeing anyone. "Breath. No one is there." She told herself as she started forward again.

She froze cold as a large man dressed in black stepped in front of her. She unsheathed her sword as two more men walked into her line of sight also dressed in black.

She screamed as she was kicked in the back. She cursed her dress as she hit the ground there was no way for her to fight them proper in it. The first man took her sword from her kicking her in the face while laughing.

Before he could hit her again Akira sliced his katana along his arm. Fania gasped as his arm was soon covered in blood. In a few moments Akira had injured the remaining men. He jumped back as one sliced Akira shirt open. He growled as he killed the man who had ruined his shirt.

Fania watched wide eyed. She never thought he would be such a magnificent swordsman. It had not taken much for her to take him down. She should have known better for Van allowed him to be her only guard.

Akira turned to her and knelt in front of her. "Are you alright? Are you hurt?"

"No." She said forcing her tears back as he body began to tremble. "You . . . you killed him."

"I had no chose."

She flinched as he placed his hand on her arm. He removed his hand for a moment before placing it back on her arm pulling her to him.

She rested her head on his chest with her eyes closed. She could not get over how solid his chest was.

"How were you able to take them down so fast? It was not hard for me to take you."

"I did not want to hurt you when you went at me so I took it easy on you."

"Oh."

She pressed harder into his chest as he laughed. Enjoying the feel of it.

"This is why I do not wear dresses."

She moaned lightly as he rubbed her back. Fania looked up at Akira their eyes locking on each other's.

"May I have this dance." Akira asked as music started in the distance.

Fania nodded allowing him to position her hands. She could not remember the last time she slowed danced. She reminded herself to relax and allow him to lead. After a few moments her body relaxed. Fania placed her head back on his chest enjoying the sound of his heart beat.

"Fania." Van called as he ran towards them.

She pushed away from Akira as she saw him. "Van I am alright."

Van gave Akira a hard look as Akira moved away from Fania. "What happened?" He demanded.

"Cleara told me you had arranged a meeting for me in hopes of me being courted. I got angry and went out my window. I was attacked and Akira saved me."

Van looked around quickly his eyes resting longer on the dead man then any of the injured ones.

"How did you know she ran Akira?" He asked looking at him.

Akira knelt lowering his head. "I checked princess Fania room due to her taking a long time worried something had gone wrong. I noticed she was not there so I tracked her here where she was being attacked. I defended her my King as you instructed me to. I had no chose on killing the man that I did, but the leader lives."

"Good he will be questioned."

"Is it true Van?" Fania asked him anger gripping her. "Did you arrange the meeting?"

"No. I did not. I will speak with Sintha and have the matter dealt with."

Fania looked at him shocked. "But you told her no."

"She wants you gone she will do anything to do so."

"Do you think this is her doing?"

"Could be."

Fania took a deep breath to steady herself for as she anger left her it was harder for her body not to tremble.

"Are you well?" Van asked moving closer.

"No, I feel sick."

Fania did not stop Van as he hugged her. "You should return to your room and sleep."

"What about the calibration?"

"I will inform them you are not well. They do not need to know why. Do not worry."

She nodded unable to speak.

"I will walk you. Akira follow."

"Yes my King." He said as he stood.

The three of them walked in silence back to Fania room.

"Akira you are to stay with her no matter what she is doing. Am I clear?"

"What!" Fania said crossing her arms.

"I do not want you attacked ever again. If Akira is present it is harder for a trap to be set for you. He knows the truth of what is happening he can tell you when a lie is being told. So now no matter what he will be there."

Fania gave Van a deathly look. "No."

"You have no say in this. I have to return to the guests. Go to sleep I will see you in the morning. I will send a medic to see to your wounds Akira. The matter is done." Van turned and walk away before either could speak.

"And people say I am a pain in the ass."

"You are your father's daughter."

"So I have been told."

Fania walked into her room Akira right behind her. "I will not look if you wish to change." He said as he closed the door.

Her heart picked up at the thought of him being right there with her wearing nothing. She so badly wanted to order him out but she knew that he would not disobey Van. She began to tremble again but not for the same reason.

"That . . . that would . . . be good." She stumbled over the words.

"No one will hurt you. You are safe now."

She was safe from being hurt physically. But emotionally was in question. She watched as he turned away from her and knelt on both knees. She quickly undressed and put on her sleeping clothing. As she finished she looked at his back. She had not noticed the back of his shirt was ripped until then. She so badly wanted to touch the exposed skin. Instead she made herself jump into bed.

"I am changed now."

Akira stood and faced her. She looked over his wounds seeing them better in the candle light. "You are badly hurt."

"I will be alright."

He sat by the bed leaning slightly against it.

"Promise?"

"Promise. You should get some sleep."

"I should." She closed her eyes sure sleep would never come to her.

Fania made sure to do her work out and piloting early because of the celebration Van was having for her. She had a long bath so she would smell fine for it. She did not mind the idea of the party. She did not like the idea of wearing a dress. She could not remember the last time she wore one.

She stood by her bed looking at the dress. "Like ripping off a bandage." She told herself as she picked it up and put it on.

She looked herself over in the mirror hating the dress even more. It was a silver evening gown with white lance along the neck line.

"Perfect dress." Her attendant Cleara said smiling. "Sir Arcane will adore you in it."

"Who?" Fania asked letting Cleara fuss with the gown.

"He was invited to court you. He is so handsome. You will truly like him."

"Van arranged this?"

"Yes." She said still smiling at the thought.

"Leave me."

She bowed before walking out.

Van had agreed to wait on her being courted until she decided she was ready. As time passed Fania wanted to leave less and less. She did not think anyone truly missed her back on Earth so staying did not bother her. The thought of Van going behind her back like that hurt her more then she ever thought it would. She thought her wants and desires mattered to him. Now to learn she was wrong and he was like everyone else cut very deep.

She opened her window deciding she was not going to go after all. If she went through her door Akira would more then likely try and stop her from running off. She was better on her own. It was safer that way. She punched the window fame angry with herself for allowing herself to get attacked to them. Never again.

Fania grabbed her sword tossing it out the window. It was not easy for her to slip out in the dress. She would have gotten changed first but she figured Akira would check on her due to her taking so long.

She picked up her sword and walked as fast as she could in the dress. She stopped in the garden as a bad feeling choked her. She looked around not seeing anyone. "Breath. No one is there." She told herself as she started forward again.

She froze cold as a large man dressed in black stepped in front of her. She unsheathed her sword as two more men walked into her line of sight also dressed in black.

She screamed as she was kicked in the back. She cursed her dress as she hit the ground there was no way for her to fight them proper in it. The first man took her sword from her kicking her in the face while laughing.

Before he could hit her again Akira sliced his katana along his arm. Fania gasped as the first man's arm was soon covered in blood. In a few moments Akira had injured the remaining men. Akira jumped back as the one who had kicked her in the back sliced Akira shirt open. He growled as he killed the man who had ruined his shirt.

Fania watched wide eyed. She never thought he would be such a magnificent swordsman. It had not taken much for her to take him down. She should have known better for Van allowed him to be her only guard.

Akira turned to her and knelt in front of her. "Are you alright? Are you hurt?"

"No." She said forcing her tears back as her body began to tremble. "You . . . you killed him."

"I had no chose."

She flinched as he placed his hand on her arm. He removed his hand for a moment before placing it back on her arm pulling her to him.

She rested her head on his chest with her eyes closed. She could not get over how solid his chest was.

"How were you able to take them down so fast? It was not hard for me to take you."

"I did not want to hurt you when you went at me so I took it easy on you."

"Oh."

She pressed harder into his chest as he laughed. Enjoying the feel of it.

"This is why I do not wear dresses."

She moaned lightly as he rubbed her back. Fania looked up at Akira their eyes locking on each other's.

"May I have this dance." Akira asked as music started in the distance.

Fania nodded allowing him to position her hands. She could not remember the last time she slowed danced. She reminded herself to relax and allow him to lead. After a few moments her body relaxed. Fania placed her head back on his chest enjoying the sound of his heart beat.

"Fania." Van called as he ran towards them.

She pushed away from Akira as she saw him. "Van I am alright."

Van gave Akira a hard look as Akira moved away from Fania. "What happened?" He demanded.

"Cleara told me you had arranged a meeting for me in hopes of me being courted. I got angry and went out my window. I was attacked and Akira saved me."

Van looked around quickly his eyes resting longer on the dead man then any of the injured ones.

"How did you know she ran Akira?" He asked looking at him.

Akira knelt lowering his head. "I checked Princess Fania room due to her taking a long time worried something had gone wrong. I noticed she was not there so I tracked her here where she was being attacked. I defended her my King as you instructed me to. I had no chose on killing the man that I did, but the leader lives."

"Good, he will be questioned."

"Is it true Van?" Fania asked him anger gripping her. "Did you arrange the meeting?"

"No. I did not. I will speak with Sintha and have the matter dealt with."

Fania looked at him shocked. "But you told her no."

"She wants you gone she will do anything to do so."

"Do you think this is her doing?"

"Could be."

Fania took a deep breath to steady herself for as her anger left her it was harder for her body not to tremble.

"Are you well?" Van asked moving closer.

"No, I feel sick."

Fania did not stop Van as he hugged her. "You should return to your room and sleep."

"What about the celebration?"

"I will inform them you are not well. They do not need to know why. Do not worry."

She nodded unable to speak.

"I will walk you. Akira follow."

"Yes my King." He said as he stood.

The three of them walked in silence back to Fania room.

"Akira you are to stay with her no matter what she is doing. Am I clear?"

"What!" Fania said crossing her arms.

"I do not want you attacked ever again. If Akira is present it is harder for a trap to be set for you. He knows the truth of what is happening he can tell you when a lie is being told. So now no matter what he will be there."

Fania gave Van a deathly look. "No."

"You have no say in this. I have to return to the guests. Go to sleep I will see you in the morning. I will send a medic to see to your wounds Akira. The matter is done." Van turned and walk away before either could speak.

"And people say I am a pain in the ass."

"You are your father's daughter."

"So I have been told."

Fania walked into her room Akira right behind her. "I will not look if you wish to change." He said as he closed the door.

Her heart picked up at the thought of him being right there with her wearing nothing. She so badly wanted to order him out but she knew that he would not disobey Van. She began to tremble again but not for the same reason.

"That . . . that would . . . be good." She stumbled over the words.

"No one will hurt you. You are safe now."

She was safe from being hurt physically. But emotionally was in question. She watched as he turned away from her and knelt on both knees. She quickly undressed and put on her sleeping clothing. As she finished she looked at his back. She had not noticed the back of his shirt was ripped until then. She so badly wanted to touch the exposed skin. Instead she made herself jump into bed.

"I am changed now."

Akira stood and faced her. She looked over his wounds seeing them better in the candle light. "You are badly hurt."

"I will be alright."

He sat by the bed leaning slightly against it.

"Promise?"

"Promise. You should get some sleep."

"I should." She closed her eyes sure sleep would never come to her.

Fania was unable to speak as the blond woman from before sat down on the end of her bed her ice blue eyes resting on her. Fania turned and looked at Akira confused.

"He cannot see me." The woman informed her.

"I am dreaming."

"No and yes. Your vision is stronger in your sleep."

"Who are you? And what do you want?"

She waved her hand dismissing Fania's words. "That is of no importance."

"Then what is?"

"For me to have you for what I wish."

"What do you wish?"

The woman's laughter chilled Fania. "I will not tell you that. Makes it harder for me to have what I want."

"Which is."

The woman smiled placing her hands behind herself and leaned back slightly. "Other then you which you already know I am not saying again it will make it hard to have."

"Last time we talked I almost died." Fania said angrily.

"I thought you were Hitomi. You will not be harmed this time form us speaking."

"Were those men who attacked me your?"

The woman eyed her.

"I will take that as a yes."

Fania growled as she tried to sit up but was unable to.

"Your mind is awake your body is quite asleep. Lay still and relax. I will not harm you."

"What do you want? Why are you here?"

"To be able to find you better. I will have you one way or another. We are done now."

Fania gasped sitting up in her bed. Akira jumped up and moved over to her.

"What happened?"

Fania placed her hand on her forehead. "Another dream, or vision or whatever you want to call it."

"What did you see?"

"The same woman as before. She is trying to find a way to kidnap me for whatever it is she has in mind. She told me the last time I was hurt was because she was expecting Hitomi and not me."

"So she can hurt you no more?"

Fania shook her head. "I fear if she wills it she could hurt me, or worse kill me."

Akira paled at her words. "King Van must be informed."

"Later please. I do not want to get up yet."

Akira nodded sitting again by the bed. "In the morning then we will inform him but no later."

"Alright."

She closed her eyes again. To her it felt as though she had not slept at all.

"Lady Fania." A man called from behind Fania and Akira as they headed towards the thrown room where Van was.

Fania stopped and looked behind her. The man who had spoken was at least 6 ft. He was not well built she could clearly see he had spent most his days inside. His short blond hair was slicked back. His green eyes were the colour of spring leaves. He was no more then in his early twenties. He bowed deeply to her.

"I am Sir Arcane. It is a true pleasure to meet you."

Fania sighed. "I am off to see my father, please make this fast."

"I heard you were unwell last night." He said walking over to her.

Akira gripped his hilt hard as Arcane moved closer. His jaw tightened and he moved as though he was about to hit Arcane. Akira upper lip twitched as he stepped between Arcane and Fania. He gripped his sword hilt harder.

"Please do not stand so close to the Princess." He warned lifting his sword slightly out of it's sheath.

"It is alright Akira." Fania said as she turned to face Arcane. "Yes I was."

"I am sorry to hear that. I was very hopeful on meeting you last night." Fania rolled her eyes as Arcane took her hand in his and lightly kissed it. "I am so happy to meet you now. May I walk with you?"

"Fine. I do not mind." Fania's eyes flickered to Akira as he snorted at her words.

"I have heard you are quite a Lady. You are into swords, you enjoy watching swords play."

Fania laughed. "I am a swords-woman."

"Ah. And you like guymelefs?"

"I polit my own guymelef. I have not named her yet. My father had her made special for me."

"I see."

"I do not think whoever told you about me was telling you the truth."

"Then please you tell me. I wish to know you."

"AH, for real?"

"Yes."

"I do not think you will like what you learn."

"Try me." He smiled playfully at her.

"Princess Fania we must hurry to your father."

Fania nodded. "Good day to you Arcane. I wish to speak with my father alone."

Arcane bowed again. "Yes my Lady of course. I will call on you later."

"Sure." She said quickly as she turned away from him walking faster the rest of the way to the thrown room.

"He is just hoping to use you for your power."

Fania stopped forcing Akira between her and the wall. "What is it to you who I spend my time with?"

"I am in charge of your safety." He stumbled.

"And what does Arcane courting me in hopes of getting my father's crown have to do with my safety? If he wants my father's crown is it not in his best interest for me to stay well?"

"Yes."

"Then again. What is it to you." She crossed her arms over her chest waiting silently for his answer.

"Nothing."

Fania jaw tightened. "Nothing?" She was shocked with how much that simply word hurt. "Then I shell let him court me."

Before Akira could say anything else she turned on her heel and walked quickly away from him.

"Van. I wish to speak with you."

Van stood up signalling for everyone present to leave.

"I had another vision." Fania informed him as soon as they were alone.

Van paled at her words.

"Do not worry I am alright. She told me that now she knows me she cannot hurt me as she did the first time because she thought I was Hitomi."

"Hitomi?" Van asked confused as he sat in his thrown.

"Yes she thought I was my mother because the trap was for her not me. She will not tell me who she is or what she wants. All I know is that she wants me for whatever it is she is up to."

Van leaned forward resting his hand on his leg. "Your visions are not like your mothers she could only see events. You spoke with her."

"Yes and it was not fun."

"I wish there was a way for me to stop them. Your mother never liked it either."

Fania was silent for a moment before speaking. "Do you think she knows I am missing? I do not think she misses me. But I do wonder if she fears for me."

"I believe she misses you and fears for you. Do you wish to return?"

"No. I have nothing there. But a family I wish I was allowed to be apart of. I have a family here that I can be apart of. No I do not want to leave."

"That news makes me happy."

Fania took a deep breath. "I am going to go and work on my sword. If you need me that is were I am."

"Alright."

Fania jumped as someone took a hold of her arm. Without warning Akira hit Arcane knocking him on the ground. He put himself between Fania and Arcane as he looked down at him.

Arcane looked up at them in shock. "I am sorry I did not mean to scare you."

"Akira! What do you think you are doing? You had to know it was Arcane. Why did you hit him?"

Akira continued to stare at Arcane without answering.

"Move so he can get off the floor." Fania commanded.

Akira snorted doing as he was told.

Arcane stood and dusted himself off. "You have a jumpy guard."

"I do not know what came over him."

Arcane smiled taking Fania's hand lightly placing a kiss on it. "I understand his need to protect one such as you. You are very lovely."

Fania blushed as she took her hand back from him. "Thank you."

Arcane held out his arm to her. She smiled looping her arm through his.

"I heard you were on your way to the sparing room."

"I am."

"May I join you? I would truly enjoy watching you."

"Are you not of the belief that woman should never fight?"

"I believe a woman has a right to be who she truly is."

Akira rolled his eyes as he followed behind them. Fania ignored him.

"Always a pleasure to meet someone who believes that."

"Tell me how long have you been sword fighting?"

"Since I was six. I have been told I am grand one on one but need work when fighting more then one opponent."

"I am sure in time you will be grand at that as well. I hear you are your father's daughter and he is quite the warrior."

"Thank you. I hope to be."

Arcane stood by the door and watched as Fania worked with Allen on her swordsmanship.

At the end of the lesson Fania stopped and turned towards the entranceway as she heard Arcane clapping.

"Well done Lady Fania." Arcane said as he walked towards her. "That was very well done."

"Thanks." She lifted her hand as Akira pushed himself off the wall and started towards her.

"May I walk with you?"

"Now? I am covered in sweat. I would not make a fun buddy at the moment."

"Then I shall wait until you have cleaned yourself. I do not mind."

Fania smiled. "Alright. Wait for me in the garden."

Arcane bowed before turning and walking away.

"What do you think of him Allen?"

"I hear he is a very nice man." Allen answered her. "As with everyone be careful what you tell him. But I do not think you have to fear him."

"Thanks." She said before walking to her room.

"What is wrong?" Fania asked Akira as they reached her room.

"Nothing." He said in a low voice as he opened her door.

She closed her door placing Akira between the wall and her. "You do not like him being around do you?"

"I am just doing my job guarding you."

"Turn away so I can clean myself." She ordered anger flashing through her.

He did as he was told. Neither spoke as she changed into a dress. She ignored him as she opened her door. He kept at her side as she walked fast to the garden.

She walked over to Arcane as soon as she saw where he sat on a wooden bench.

"You look beautiful." He informed her as he kissed her hand lightly.

"Thank you."

"Shall we walk."

"I would like that."

She lopped her arm throw his allowing him to lead her down a path.

"So tell me about yourself Princess."

"Well I went to a very fine school and learned many different things."

"I take it you are not an easy woman to court." He smiled at her rubbing her hand with his thrum.

She smiled at him. "That I am not."

"I am up to it. I hope you enjoy my company as much as I feel I will enjoy yours."

Arcane looked at Akira as he snorted. "I am a Lord of my own lands. I know your father's wife. I grew up with her. If it was not for her I would have never known of you. I am so happy she told me of you." He continued ignoring Akira's cold look.

The hours passed as they walked talking about random things.

"Princess."

"Yes Akira." She stopped speaking with Arcane to look at him.

"The hour is late it is time to retire for the night."

"May I take you to your room?"

"No." She said slipping her arm from his. "I will walk alone."

"As you wish. I will call on you tomorrow."

"Alright. Good night."

"Night."

Fania turned and headed for her room. As soon as they were alone Akira closed her door hard and took a hold of her arm. "He does not care about you. He is using you. He wants the power that goes with you."

"What do you care." She said pulling away from him.

"More then you think."

"Everything breaks!"

"Not everything."

"What do you mean?"

Akira opened his mouth as though to speak but said nothing.

"Akira!"

She watched in shock as he left her room.

She quickly changed as she realized he was not returning.

"Where is Akira?" She asked her guard outside her door.

"I do not know Princess."

Fania ran to Van's thrown room. She stopped in the doorway as she heard her father talking with Akira.

"Why did you hit Lord Arcane?"

"I was doing my job as her guard."

"Arcane told me you saw him clearly when you hit him."

"I . . . I did my King."

"Then why did you hit him?"

Akira lowered his head.

"You care for her do you not?"

"I cannot take watching other men court her." He said suddenly. "She needs a new personal guard."

"No." Van said simply. "You are perfect."

"I cannot. I beg you."

"Why?"

"Because . . . because I . . . I love her."

Van did not seem surprised by his words.

Fania gripped the frame of the door as her legs wavered under her.

"I cannot court her because of my states. I am begging you release me from her guard."

"No."

"Why not."

"Because you love her no harm will come to her as you guard her."

Fania pushed herself away from the door taking off at a dead run. She simply ran not picking a direction. She could not believe what she had heard. He loved her. Truly loved her. She did everything she could think of to make sure she never loved and was never loved by anyone it was better that way. Now here Akira was telling her father that he loved her.

Now what was she to do?

She stopped leaning against a tree breathing heavily. Her heart beat hard in her chest. Fania closed her eyes as she let her body slide down the tree.

"Are you trying to let harm come to you?" Akira asked as he stood over her.

"How do you do that?" She asked opening her right eye.

"I have spent a lot of time with you. I have a good idea how you react to what."

"Sit with me."

Akira smiled. "Is that a order?"

"No." She said looking up at him.

Akira lowered himself down beside her. She closed her eyes leaning against him.

Akira sat up as he saw Allen come into view.

"Akira." Allen called out. "Good she is with you."

"Uncle." Akira flinched at his relaxed speaking. "I apologize Allen."

"Do not worry Akira."

Fania glanced at Akira confused. "Allen is your Uncle? How? His sister is younger then him."

Akira paled as Fania stood moving closer to where Allen dismounted his steed.

"I can explain."

"No time for that now." Allen said taking her arm gently. "Now Fenia I need you to look at me and listen to me."

Fania frowned at Allen placing her right hand on her stomach. "Allen?"

Allen took hold of her other arm locking his eyes on her's. "Van is missing. You are now Queen. We need you to never leave my side until we get this in order. Sintha is demanding your head. She believes she should be next after Van and her son should rule not you."

Fania legs gave out, her eyes never left his.

"Fania stay with me." He said shaking her slightly.

"My father is missing and they are fighting over his crown." She cried tears flowing down her cheek. "He might be alive and well. And their fighting for nothing. He is missing not dead!" She used Allen's arms to pull herself straight. "Should we not wait to see if he returns, or found?"

"Fania someone has to rule until he does. You have to remember his family line is known for vanishing or dying young."

"So! I will not give up until I find him!"

"Fania. My Queen you are needed here."

"To do what, sit on my ass?" She shook her head hard.

"Please. For now your father's people need you here. Please for your father stay here."

She took a deep breath. "Fine."

"I came a head of your guards to talk to you. They will be here soon."

Fania wiped her tears away as Allen removed her father's sword from the saddle and placed it in her hands. He fell to his knees placing his forehead on her feet.

"Queen of Fanelia I place my life before your's and will serve you."

She looked at Akira confused. Akira mimicked what she had to do. She bit her lower lip hard drawing blood. She placed her right hand on his shoulder tasting her blood as she spoke.

"I except your service Knight. Stand."

Allen rose to his feet bowing his head with his right fist over his left side of his chest. "I thank you Queen Fania de Fanel."

She nodded her head wanting to scream and run, but forced herself to stay.

She flinched as Merle bounded to her stopping at her feet.

"My Queen." Merle cried tears flowing. "I place my life before your's."

"I except." She stumbled over her words as she placed a trembling hand on Merle's right Shoulder.

Merle jumped to her feet throwing her arms tightly around Fania crying hard.

Fania hugged her back trying hard not to cry as well.

"He is gone Fania. We cannot find him anywhere. Where is he? We have to find him."

"Agreed. But Allen thinks I should not run off. My Father's people, my people need me."

Merle nodded her agreement unable to speak. Fania carefully removed Merle's arms from around her neck.

"Why me? Why not Sintha?"

"She is so mean." Merle said her tail twitching. "No one likes her. Everyone would be very upset if she was Queen. You cannot allow it Fania you have to make sure she never becomes Queen."

Fania nodded once. "Alright. I will do my best." Fania frowned. "I do not have to go Dragon hunting do I?"

Allen laughed. "No my Queen. In honour of Lord Folken Dragon slaying is no more."

"Good. Because I do not like the idea of Dragon slaying."

They fell silent as the royal guard rode over to her.

"It is time to return my Queen." Allen said indicating to his horse. "I will walk so you may ride."

Fania made herself not argue as she mounted the horse. She rode slow enough for Allen to keep up she did not trust anyone else but him and Akira at this moment. If she got killed there would be no one to find her Father. She knew deep down he was still alive. She had to find him, but first her duty to his and her people. She wanted him to be proud of her. She wanted him to know how well she ruled while he was gone. She would do what was needed of her first then find him.

Everyone bowed or knelt who saw her as she passed greeting her as their new Queen. She could clearly see Merle was honest with her that no one wanted Sintha to rule.

She waited until Allen took a hold of her horse's bridle before dismounting. Allen handed the horse over to a stable boy before stepping to Fania right side. Akira moved to her left. They entered the castle and walked to the thrown room never missing a step.

Sintha glared at Fania as she entered the thrown room. Sintha sat in her Father's thrown.

"I am Queen." Sintha announced.

"You are not Queen. I am. Now remove yourself from my thrown or I will kill you."

Sintha paled at her words her jaw hanging. "You would never."

Fania took a hold of the hilt of her Fahter's sword. "Try me."

Sintha slowly stood up moving out of Fania way as she sat on her Fahter's thrown.

"I Fania Kanzaki de Fanel daughter of Van Slanzar de Fanel, claim the thrown of my birthright. Any who challenge?" She glanced around the silent room and Sitha's who head hung in defeat. "I am your Queen. Let it be known."

"I feel like a thief in the night." Fania leaned over and whispered to Akira and Allen.

Both of them smiled at her words.

Fania was shocked when everyone present but Sintha cheered. She was relieved that they were happy about her being Queen. She was sure Sintha had her followers but it would take a bit for them to gather. More then enough time for her to figure out how to stop them.

It was along day for Fania as she sat on the thrown greeting everyone one by one as their Queen.

"How did my Father do this?" She asked as she stretched. "I am so bored I could hit my head against a wall."

"You are young. You will get use to it." Her adviser informed her. "Your Father was the same way at your age. It took him much time to get use to his role as King."

"Queen Fania." Arcane called as he entered the thrown room.

Fania rolled her eyes. "Here we go." She said low enough for him not to hear. "Yes Sir Arcane?"

He knelt at her feet kissing her hand lightly. "I grieve your Father he was a good man. I am so sorry to hear of your loss. I must return to my home. If you wish to see me again I shell gladly return. I known now is not the time to court you Queen Fania. So I shell leave, but I do hope to hear form you in the future. I truly did enjoy our time together."

Fania watched him in confusion as he rose to his feet. "I thank you Arcane. Perhaps in time I shell."

"I thank you Queen Fania." He smiled before bowing his head.

"Depart and be well."

"Thank you." Arcane turned and left.

"What a lair." Akira said crossing his arms.

"Not now." Fania told him.

"What if he is the reason for Van being gone." Merle cried.

Fania shook her head. "No. He is not."

"How can you be sure?"

"Trust me Merle."

Merle nodding her head her sorrow clearly on her face.

"I wish to retire for the night." Fania said standing.

"Yes my Queen." Allen said bowing deeply. "You have to go to your Father's rooms." Allen whispered in her ear.

She closed her eyes tightly for a moment before opening them again. She wanted to go to her room, lay on her bed and cry herself to sleep. Not her Father's room and be kept up all night because of her sorrow, but she knew now was not the time to argue.

She walked in silence to her Father's sleeping room. She placed her hand on the door for a few seconds before opening it and entering his room. Allen stayed outside with the other guards while Akira entered with her.

She unbuckled her Father's sword holding it against her chest. She saw her sword hung up by the window.

"Do you not want to sleep on the bed?" Akira asked as she laid down on the floor.

"No." She choked out the word.

Akira sat near her watching her silently.

"Akira?"

"Yes."

"Lay with me."

He said nothing as he laid behind her taking her into his arms as she faced him never letting go of her Father's sword. He held her tight as she began to cry.

"I am one of Zaibach's many experiments." Akira informed her as her crying lessoned. "I am Dilandau's son. I do not know who my mother is. I never met her. They tried to make me pure evil. They did everything they could to make it so. Van saved me. Showed me kindness. He believed in me when no one else did. I owe him everything. I would gladly die for him. Now that Dilandau is Celena I have seen her twice. She is a very gentle person. As Dilandau, he was not nice to me. I am having a hard time forgetting. My Uncle Allen is kind to me as well and understanding with me staying here with Van."

"How old were you when my Father saved you?"

"Four. Van saved me not long after your mother left."

"You were so young." She whispered as she looked up at him.

"Yes."

Fania sighed before speaking. "I do not hate my mom. I try. But I do not. I was five when I was sent to Canada for schooling. Her parents thought that if I was far away from her she would not be as tempted to come and get me. She was told if she saw me or sent me gifts I would be cut off and have nothing. She let me go so I would never be without. Cast out she could have never given me a good life. I know she married into a good family because my life improved but she would have not been able to marry if she had kept me."

Fania paused as she wiped the tears from her eyes. "I can remember her so well. Sitting with me on my bed telling me tales of a brave King in a far away world. I thought it was just bed time stories. She never told me any names. But she looked so happy when talking about the brave King. I had no idea she was telling me about my Father. She called me her Little Princess. I had no idea. I just thought it was a nickname."

Akira held her tighter as she placed her hand on his shoulder.

"Akira?"

"Yes."

"Never leave me."

She moaned softly as he kissed the top of her head. "I would die first."

Fania gasped as she looked up at him.

"I love you Fania."

She gently ran her finger along his face. "And I you. I love you."

"Get some sleep Fania. Tomorrow is going to be another long day."

She nodded her agreement as she snuggled into him.

Fania turned around a few times as she found herself in a strange metal room.

"Father!" She screamed as she saw Van in a steel cage hanging from the top of the room. "Father!" She screamed again. "You do not hear." She clenched her fists in anger. "A vision. I cannot talk to you."

She looked around again in hopes of learning his location. "Ice Queen! Where are you? What do you want?"

"You." Chilled laughter caused Fania to tremble. "Come to me if you dare."