Disclaimer: I don't own Escaflowne!

It's been a while, hasn't it? Sorry to those who've been waiting for this!

Enjoy!


"Bali, remember, don't talk to anyone besides those you buy from, take as little time as possible, and come straight home, all right?"

Aoi's lecture was worried, wary and stricter this time.

"Is it because of what happened two weeks ago?"

"Yes, dear. I don't want you to get hurt, but if someone tries to kidnap you, fight them with all your strength, Bali. Don't let them take you anywhere you don't want to."

"Okay Mom, I promise!"

He ran to the marketplace, doing his usual errands. But as he was going to head home, a pair of men in armor came up to him. He saw their weapons and started to back away.

"Come with us, son. There is someone who wishes to speak to you."

He shook his head. This wasn't looking good, so he'd either have to fight or flee. Fighting would scare the people around him, so he had one choice left. He turned and ran, going as fast as he could. Since he was small, he could fit through gaps that the men had to shove through. He was able to lose them before he reached the forest, so he could get back home in peace.


Aoi looked up worriedly at her husband as he pulled his tunic over his head.

"Folken, what are we going to do? Soldiers tried to capture Balgus today."

He turned to her and sat down on the bed. He cradled the flower on her necklace. "We won't worry about it, because if he has to go to town again, then one of us will go down with him."

"But what about our cover? After all this time—"

He placed his finger to her lips. "In disguise, of course. Almost no one knows about you, so all you would have to do was wear a cloak to cover your features. Myself, on the other hand, I might have to wear a mask, dye my hair, and wear clothes that I don't usually wear."

"All right, I accept this plan. But—"

"No buts, Aoi."

"What if—"

"No what ifs, either. Now let's prepare."


Bali went out again, but this time he was unaware that his parents were hiding in different places, keeping watch, just in case someone tried to take him again. Aoi was the most worried, because what would everyone do if they knew she could be the queen of Fanelia? Her, the one who had hid with the elder son of the late king of Fanelia for ten years? I don't know what to do if they do capture him. Will I fight the people Folken fought so hard to save at the very end of the war? That I nearly died for? I'll have to, so that my son can stay ignorant.

But Aoi's hopes were in vain. Nearly the instant he entered the marketplace, several different soldiers circled him. She knew she had to help or else he would be taken. She ran over and took hold of him, the men jerking back because it had looked like she'd just appeared out of nowhere.

"Who are you?" one demanded.

"Who are you that you think you have the right to try and take my son when you haven't a reason to?!" she countered, knowing that they probably didn't have a solid cause.

"He was caught stealing from several stands a few days ago."

"Liar! My son wasn't here a few days ago! He was at home!"

"I'm afraid we must take him in for questioning."

"If that is so, then I'm coming too, because he's too young to be out on his own."

She lifted her little boy up, Bali blinking in confusion. "Mom? What's happening?"

"Hush. Let Mom take care of this."

They were brought, as Aoi feared, to the council chamber, but Van wasn't there. She instantly covered Bali's face with part of her cloak.

"Who is this woman?" one of the councilors demanded.

"The boy's mother, sir. She insisted on being with him."

"So this is Lord Fol—"

"Do not say another word!" she shouted, covering up the name with the volume. "My son will not hear such lies from people who don't know anything about his heritage!"

"Why are you being so loud, Mila—"

"Don't call me that! I am not the wife of a prince or any noble! I am the wife of a woodcutter! Why would I ever be called by any title like that?"

"If you would let us explain, we will let you know that this husband of yours isn't just a normal woodcutter."

She put a spell on Bali's ears so he wouldn't be able to hear before she snapped, "Prince Folken died ten years ago in the act of killing Emperor Dornkirk! My son couldn't be the offspring of him because he is only nine, not ten!"

"And how would a wife of a woodcutter know such news?"

"I happen to be a friend of Lord Van, that's how. Now leave me and my family in peace or you'll regret it."

"If you are a close friend of Lord Van, why hasn't he chosen you as his bride instead of waiting so long?"

"Because I love my husband and we were engaged to be married a year before the event actually happened."

"Then why do you hide your son if he is the son of a mere woodcutter?"

That got her. If she was telling the truth, she would have to show Bali to them and the cat would be out of the bag, and if she was lying, it would be known the instant she refused to show her son's face to them. I'm trapped either way, so I guess that I'll have to do it the hard way. "I cannot show you his face."

"Well then, maybe a night in the dungeon will convince you."

She was pulled through the hallways and then pushed into a cell, sitting down and uncovering her son's head. He was shivering a little because of the cold, but she covered the rest of him while pulling out an extra-high whistle, one that was meant for Folken to hear. One she only used when she was in trouble.

He arrived at the window a few moments later, before murmuring, "You seem to be in a pinch, my dear."

"Yes, I am. Get me out please?"

"Of course."

She reached out to him and as if by magic, she and Bali appeared on the outside of the castle. Like wraiths, they slipped out of the castle walls, before heading back to their cottage.


I think that was expected, since Folken does know the Fanelian castle like the back of his hand.

Will someone review my story...please?