This is the shortest chapter I ever wrote, but don't wory, I'll make the next one longer. I got an idea for annother Escaflowne story that I might start to write after this one is over, but I'm not quite sure. It's hard to me to imagine Van with someone else but Hitomi so I came out with some really wierd twist on the end.

Oh, and I have a really important question: should Dilandau return or not? It wasn't in my original concept, but I'm willing to bring him back. This chapter might give you an idea I have already made my mind, but all options are still open. It's all up to you.

And now, enjoy!


Allen ran into his sister room, her scream waking him up. She just returned in his life and he wanted to protect her from everything. Even bad dreams.

"Celena, tell me. What did you see?" he sat next to her calming her down as she started to cry.

"I heard voices calling me. I saw fire and destroyed houses." she sob even more "I don't want to dream that anymore."

"I'm sorry Celena. I wish I can do something." Allen said and kissed his sister on the forehead. He stayed next to her till she fall back a sleep.

When her breathing became regular he got up and walked to the window. He was afraid for her. His sister had no memories of the Great War and her role in it. Her role as Dilandau. Now as he looks at her it's seems impossible that this fragile girl that sleep could be responsible for so much damage and death. Celena was kind and cheerful and didn't like fighting.


Merle was standing bellow a tree watching her friend kneeling in front his parent's gravestone. Van was in the same mood since return from Zeibach. She could sometimes hear him mumble about Hitomi and how he never thought she could betray him like that. Merle was really concerned for him. Concerned he might do something stupid that he would later regret. Cause than it could be too late.

"Van!" they both turned as they hear female voice. Three figures walked toward the place they were and Van recognized Allen and princess Millerna, but the girl wasn't familiar. That is until they came closer.

"It is good to see you again princess." he than turned to Celena "Pleasure to finally got to know you."

"The pleasure is all mine." she said smiling even though memory's on the last night dream haunted her. It was the reason they came to Fanelia.

"Van, is there a place we can talk on private?" Allen asked silently, like there was someone eavesdropping.

"Off course. We'll go inside in the meeting room." Van lead them inside while Merle stayed behind sitting opposite of the guymelef that guarded Fanelia.


Celena was sitting just listening as they talked, not understanding a word. They were talking about visions and some sort of cards that were used to predict the future, but all she could hear were these voices out of her dream.

"Where are you? Were waiting…"

"Celena?"

"You belong with us… With those like you…"

"Celena? What's wrong?"

"It is time to wake up what sleeps inside you…"

"Celena!" Allen jelled making his sister to jump in fright "What were you doing?"

"I… I don't know. There were… This voices. Voices from my dream." she shivered and cold sweat appeared on her forehead.

"We should get her to a room to rest." Van suggested but Celena didn't even want to hear about it.

"We have to go. Now!" she got up ready to leave.

"Where?!" they all asked in the same time stopping her from running out.

"This dreams mean something. And there is only one person in this whole world that could help me." she became hysteric.

Allen nodded knowing what his sister meant. They were going to Zeibach "You don't have to go with us, Van. I know it's hard for you."

Van nodded. Allen knew him well. He indeed didn't want to go. Seeing Hitomi again won't do him any good.


They walked outside when Celena asked about Escaflowne. She never saw it but heard a lot about him from Allen and the rest of the Crusade's crew. They were all surprised cause of her sudden interest for the guymelef, even though she who insisted they need to go to Zeibach as soon as possible. But Van couldn't refuse her request so he led them to the place where Escaflowne rested. Allen right away noticed it.

"Escaflowne is active again." Van avoided his friend gaze, and Allen had to control himself not to snap and shout on the king. What was he thinking?

"Can we go now?" Millerna interrupted his thoughts and he begin to walk towards the landing place but stopped after noticing Van wasn't following. The king was standing still, sweat dripping of his forehead. Merle wanted to alarm the whole palace when Van spoke her not to.

"Van!" everyone screamed as a sound of fabric ripping and wings sprout out of Van's back.

"Van. Your wings…" Merle couldn't speak as she saw them.

Feathers flew in front of their eyes as they saw the young king falling on his knees.

"Black… They are black…" Celena slowly spoke seeing the wings slowly falling apart in individual feathers. Feathers black as a night.