"What on Gaea were you thinking?" The tall blond knight lectured the very damp youth before him. Van struggled to maintain eye contact with the older man's fierce gaze. Water dripped on the tiled floor, a small pool collecting around him. Hitomi stood next to him, gripping the coat Allen had thrown over her shoulders.
"How am I going to keep you hidden now?" Allen cursed under his breath.
"It was only a matter of time before they found me. We both knew this." Van crossed his arms.
Allen sighed. "This is not something you should take so lightly. It was foolish what you did. Running off into the rain? You were asking to be assassinated." He stepped forward until he was a hands-breadth away from the prince. Allen towered over him, looking down at him with quiet rage. "As long as Fanalia has a king, your country has a future. Think on that the next time you decide to throw your life away."
Van looked away, cheeks flushed. The knight stepped away from him, turning his attention to Hitomi. She fussed with the coat around her shoulders, embarrassed.
"You should be grateful to Hitomi for intervening," he said, then added, "I am only thankful that you were not injured." His eyes softened as he looked at the honey-haired girl.
Van scowled.
"There is also the matter of Escaflowne. If Ziabach spies have discovered you, Asturia is soon to follow. I fear Escaflowne will be uncovered if he remains among Asturia's guymelefs." Allen's tone became somber once more.
"But where else could we hide him?" Van asked, still frowning.
A smile tugged at Allen's lips. "Please, let me take care of it. I have a place in mind."
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Dew still clung to patches of foliage and moss along the forest floor. The morning mist subsided gently. It was a cool morning. The air was crisp but comfortable. Two cat-women meandered through the forest, their posture casual. A pair of gold and silver twins. They carried a collection of weapons with them. Each woman had several bows strung diagonally across their torsos, and they carried sheathed swords, wrapped together with blankets, tucked under an arm or held in hand.
It had been a profitable morning for them. They would sell these arms to the next merchant that travelled through. It was easy work, if you could stomach it. Pilfering bodies of fallen soldiers wasn't ideal, but there were not many ways for them to make extra coin.
"Sister." The silver one gestured to a pair of bodies. She approached them, crouching over the first body, her deft fingers probing for valuables. Her sister's shadow fell across the second body. She hesitated, eyes narrowing.
"This one still lives." She watched the man's broad chest rise and fall, her golden tail twitching indecisively. A critical eye fell to the grievous wound at the man's side. She cringed. A silver hand darted to the man's sheathed sword. She drew it out, revealing a gold and red crest on its hilt. Her eyes widened.
"What should we do?" She returned the sword to its sheath, fumbling in her haste. Her golden-haired twin was at a loss for words.
It was not every day that one encountered royalty.
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Allen Schezar led a patrol of guymelefs through a field as they practised various formations. He ordered them to draw their weapons as he drew his own. The adjustments and repairs to Scheherazade met his approval. The guymelef handled beautifully. He swung his broadsword, testing its balance. Allen smiled. The guymelef drills they ran that morning were successful. His men needed that time to test their guymelefs and ensure they were in perfect working order if they came into combat. Allen strode past an abandoned barn, nodding in satisfaction at his troops.
He stole a glance at the barn and murmured a small prayer. It was his wish that the building's contents would be overlooked. This was the best he could do, for now.
Allen began yelling out a string of new orders when he spotted Gaddess. He ran through the field, weaving around the giant guymelefs around him while he waved a piece of parchment over his head. "Boss! We've got trouble!"
Scheherazade knelt on one knee. The Knight Caeli jumped down from the open cockpit to meet his second in command. His eyes scanned the parchment, face contorting into a pained expression. He crumpled the parchment in his gloved fist.
"I want the guymelefs loaded back on the Crusade," Allen ordered, adding, "We can start where we left off tomorrow."
He clenched his fist tighter around the message. A royal summon. King Aston requested the presence of one Allen Schezar, Knight Caeli, and one Van Slanzar de Fanel, Crown Prince of Fanalia.
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Footsteps clicked rhythmically on the brick road, measured and full of purpose. Allen Schezar led Fanalia's prince to the palace gate, frowning at his scraggly black hair and casual state of dress. The gatekeepers opened the gate wordlessly, expectantly. They exchanged nods with the knight.
"Van, I will address the king for you. I will take responsibility."
Van stopped abruptly, facing his companion. "I will speak for myself. I'm not a child." He gripped his sword hilt. His maroon eyes narrowed.
The knight met his glare with a calculating look. "Very well."
They entered the throne room, walking side by side. King Aston and a handful of his advisors waited for them at the end of the long room. The aging king lifted his chin as they approached. Allen knelt and bowed formally. Van met King Aston's stare.
"Allen Schezar, you have kept your guest from me. I had to find out that the prince of Fanalia was in my country second-hand. From the ranks of Ziabach's military no less. I am not pleased by this," said King Aston.
"I apologize, Your Majesty," replied Allen.
"A lie of omission is still a lie." The king leaned back in his throne. "What other secrets are you keeping from your king?"
Allen continued to kneel, eyes cast down.
The king turned to the black-haired prince. " Van Fanel. Do not make fools of both of us by saying that you are here on a casual dalliance. What brings you to my country?"
"My brother sent me here." Van continued to stand.
"I see. For what purpose?" the king asked, then added, "I am sorry for the fate that has befallen your country."
The lines of Van's jaw tightened. "I'm sure."
Allen looked up at Van, fighting to hold back words. King Aston rubbed his chin, expression mild, awaiting further explanation. When no explanation came, he sat forward.
"You are to come stay at my palace as my guest," said the king.
"I am comfortable with my current accommodations," Van replied
"It was not a request. You are not to leave this palace," said the king, one eyebrow raised. "Allen, you and your household are to accompany him. Return here with them and carry out your duties as you normally would," A pause. "I also want Escaflowne brought here and stored in my guymelef bay for safekeeping."
"Escaflowne?" The Prince of Fanalia crossed his arms. "What makes you think I have him here with me?"
King Aston chuckled then cleared his throat. "Bluffing are we? Very well, we will find it soon enough. I doubt Ziabach would look for it here in Asturia if it were with your brother when Fanalia fell."
"Mere speculation." The Knight Caeli stood. "Is that everything, Your Majesty?"
The older man pressed his lips together in a sharp thin line. "For now."
"We will take our leave then." A stiff bow followed. Allen turned briskly on his heels and walked away. Fanalia's prince lingered for a moment longer, studying the king's perpetual frown, before following in his companion's footsteps.
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"Pack up my things? Brother, what is going on?" Celena Schezar chased after her brother, who marched past her down the hall. Hitomi peeked around the corner at the two siblings, eyes questioning. She took a step forward, hand lingering against a door-frame.
"Have you seen Lord Van?" The voice behind her made her jump.
"What is going on?" she asked.
"That's what I want to know." The cat-girl scampered off, leaving Hitomi to her thoughts.
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"You wished to meet with me?" Asturia's king asked.
Candles illuminated the throne room. They were alone, save for the palace guards at their posts. A tall chestnut-haired man approached the throne and bowed, his cool grey eyes framed by a pair of glasses. He appeared middle-aged, but could pass as a younger man if he were clean-shaven.
"Thank-you for seeing me this late."
King Aston waved a hand dismissively, annoyed. "Because it is late, state your business."
"As you wish." His smile was partially obscured by a moustache. "The empire wants Escaflowne. Perhaps Asturia's king knows of its whereabouts?"
"Prince Van has denied its presence here." The king's gaze washed over the man, appraising. "Lord Albaltou, is it? Have we met before? You seem familiar to me."
"If you surrender Escaflowne to the Ziabach Empire it may forestall war between our two countries." He adjusted his glasses with a forefinger. "I believe we have met before, Your Majesty. A lifetime ago."
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Her chest felt tight. Everything felt wrong. She should not be here. They would find her here. She ran her hand up and down the length of her necklace. Asturia's palace. She was staying as a guest at the Asturian palace. The view from the rooftop was making her dizzy. Everything was so far down. The city was spread out like a spider's web below.
"Hitomi, what's wrong? You've been restless all afternoon," a sweet voice asked. "Allen said it won't be for long." A hand touched her shoulder.
The honey-haired girl turned to face her friend. "Celena, I might have to leave you."
"What are you talking about?" Celena blinked. "I know it's not ideal, being here. Even I feel like I'm being watched." She sighed, stretching her arms up over her head.
"There are those who wish to exploit me," Hitomi explained, voice soft. "If they find me-"
"All the more reason to stay here with me." Celena smiled smugly. "Hitomi, no one is going to come after you here. Especially with Allen around."
Maybe she was right. Maybe there was nothing to worry about. "Perhaps."
"Cheer up. It'll work out," Celena said, giving Hitomi's hand a reassuring squeeze. "Besides, I don't think anyone knows about your gift, save for Allen and the others."
She returned the hand squeeze. Why wouldn't the uneasy feeling pass? It felt like something wanted to pull her somewhere far away. "Celena, if something happens to me please know that it's not your fault. You've been good to me."
"Hitomi, stop. You're scaring me." Celena searched her face with fretful blue eyes. "I know you have your secrets, but please, if you plan on leaving...don't."
"I may not have a choice."
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Night fell over the palace. Hitomi sat on the end of the bed in her room, sheets a crooked mess over her lap. The window was left open, curtains drawn. It was muggy, even with the breeze. Hitomi sighed. It was another sleepless night. With a grumble, she pushed the sheets off her lap. They slid to the floor, creating a silken pool. Celena wanted her to come with her to the Fassa estate for yet another dinner party. She left with Allen hours ago. Hitomi had declined, having no with to surround herself with Asturian nobles and their empty conversation. Not tonight.
She donned a pair of slippers and quietly left the room, a light shawl draped over her shoulders for the sake of modesty. The occasional guard made rounds up and down the long corridors. She walked, unsure where she intended to go. Candlelight glowed softly, lighting her way. She paused at a window, pulling her shawl up with a hand. Her eyes darted to a shadow passing along the rooftop outside. At second glance, the shadow vanished. Passing it off as a bird, she continued walking until she caught another shadow moving in the distance. Hitomi stopped at the next window and stared intently.
A man stared back.
She pulled back, away from the window, but it was already too late. He had seen her, just as she'd seen him. By the time Hitomi thought to look up at him again, he was gone. Heartbeat racing, she hurried back the way she came. As she neared her room, a familiar cat-girl eyed her curiously.
"What's eating you? You look like you've seen a ghost." She licked her paw pretentiously. "Done sneaking around?" Merle shot her a look of disdain. "Don't even think about going into Lord Van's room."
Hitomi ignored her, brushing by her to get to her room. She closed the door firmly behind herself. Her shawl slipped off her shoulders, skimming against the door to the tiled floor. She didn't have time to scream.
A silver-haired youth pressed himself against her, a hand clasped over her mouth. She knew him at once. Celena's lost brother. A slow grin spread across his face, a glint to his feral eyes. "Hello little Birdie. What a happy coincidence this is."
There was a short frantic struggle. Three other men joined him in restraining her. She found her hands tied behind her back roughly. Dilandau maintained firm pressure against her mouth with his hand. He tilted his head, bringing his nose close to hers. A door-lock clicked behind them.
"Funny, I didn't think we would see each other again so soon. I simply must know; how did you manage to escape my crima claw? It was almost as if- never-mind. You are coming with me." His breath was hot against her face.
"Lord Dilandau, what about the rest of our mission?" a brown-haired youth asked. "How are we to carry on with a prisoner? We are on a reconnaissance mission."
Dilandau growled lowly. "I think you and Gatti can handle one little girl between you. Remember your station." He turned and addressed his other comrade, "Dallet, you come with me."
Hitomi thrashed, jostling against the door behind her. She bit out a muffled cry. The doorknob rattled, a voice in the hallway called her name.
Dilandau hissed and pulled her forward. "Gag her."
Footsteps rushed along the hallway. Hitomi found herself gagged hastily and forced through a window by two men. They pushed and pulled her until they unloaded her into a boat floating in a nearby canal. All Hitomi could focus on was the murky black water that surrounded the boat as she wondered how well she would be able to swim with her hands tied.
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Van Fanel had to kick the door in. He had hoped that it was a false alarm. That she was safe, tucked away in bed. Merle was right. The room was empty, windows open, curtains swirling in the night breeze. A shawl lay at his feet. He gritted his teeth, fury bubbling his features.
"I'm going after her," he said, hand at his sword hilt. His hand brushed past the leather pouch at his side.
Merle reached for his elbow. "You can't! Lord Van, the king-"
She was too late to catch him. He was already running.
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Two men dressed in black hauled a lithe short-haired woman out of a boat. They dragged her down a brick road as she kicked and flailed. Groaning, they continued along their path, straining against their prisoner.
"What is Lord Dilandau thinking?" one man asked the other. Dismayed, his companion shook his head sadly.
"She's more trouble than she's worth." Hitomi wriggled against her bonds. "Ah well, once Lord Dilandau tires of her maybe we can still sell her for a decent price." Tears bit at the corners of her jade eyes.
"Let her go, before I cut you down where you stand." A blade glinted in the moonlight. A figure looked down at the would-be kidnappers with a predatory gaze.
Her captors drew their weapons. Hitomi winced at the feel of cold steel against her throat. She stumbled as her captor pulled her back. Terrified, she watched the Prince of Fanalia exchange blows with the enemy. The struggle was short-lived. Van took the upper-hand, parrying a strike and thrusting his sword into a shoulder. His opponent cried out and crumpled to the ground, clutching his wound.
Van advanced, adjusting the hold on the hilt of his sword. The man holding Hitomi hostage swallowed audibly. "Don't come any closer!"
The black-haired youth paused, smirking. "Go on. The moment her blood is drawn, your life ends." He continued towards them.
Visibly shaking, the youth slowly withdrew the blade from Hitomi's throat and shoved her forward. She fell into Van's chest. He wrapped an arm around her to steady her. The youth helped his fallen comrade scramble to his feet. Together, they retreated on foot.
Van gently turned the honey-haired girl around, and cut her free from her bonds. Her hands made quick work of releasing herself from the cloth gag at her mouth. "You're not hurt?" His voice was momentarily soft. She shook her head.
"Come with me." Grasping her by the wrist, he dragged her behind him as he stalked away. "We need to get back before they return with reinforcements."
She cringed. "You're hurting me."
He dropped her wrist sheepishly. She followed closely behind him. They paused at a street corner, watching Ziabach soldiers run past. The glance they shared was one of mutual horror. Hitomi saw a Ziabach guymelef further down the road, towering over the quiet city dwellings. Her eyes widened as she witnessed a stream of liquid metal pooling over a building, originating from the guymelef's outstretched arm. A gasp escaped her as the guymelef crushed the building.
Van stepped back, arm stretched out in front of the young woman behind him. "Explosives?"
Hitomi gave him a questioning look. "A guymelef..." Where was Asturia's army? How could they let enemy guymelefs into the city?
"What guymelef?" His eyes did a sweep of the terrain around him.
"The one right in front of us. The one that just destroyed that building." She paused, flabbergasted. He was looking right at it. Why didn't he see it? Realization struck her.
"You can't see it, can you?"
An invisible enemy. The idea was difficult to fathom. More buildings came crashing down as they stood, silent witnesses to the carnage. Van grasped her hand, expression earnest. "I believe you. In return, can you trust me? I can stop them with your help."
She slowly nodded. How much difference they could make she didn't know, but she was willing to try.
Van managed a tense smile as he led her down an alleyway. They stopped. He removed his red shirt and offered it to her. "Here, put this on." He averted his gaze, a light rose dusting his cheeks.
She was still in her nightgown. Her own cheeks began to warm as she accepted the shirt. He waited while she slipped the garment over her nightgown. Maroon eyes flicking up to look at her, he scratched the side of his neck nervously. "I need to carry you. Is that alright?"
Hitomi nodded, stiffly bringing her arms up around his neck as he cradled her. A pair of wings unfurled from his back. She held her breath as the city shrank beneath her. She felt weightless, legs dangling precariously over the open air. Her gut churned.
"Try not to look down if you can help it."
So she looked up, blinking against the summer night breeze on her face. "Where are you taking me?"
"Not far." He hoped he remembered the spot Allen had shown him on the map correctly.
"I hear a call to battle. War. Peace. The cycle rages. It is destiny that you should come before me now, for I am bound to the battlefield."
Hitomi felt a pulse ripple through her. She saw Escaflowne tucked away behind a wall of straw. "There." She extended an arm, finger pointing to a building up ahead. "Escaflowne is there. I can feel his presence."
Van glided down, landing in front of an old run-down barn. He set Hitomi down. She ran ahead of him, stopping at a doorway barred with horizontal wooden boards. Her hands pried at the pieces of wood and found that they came loose easily. They had not been nailed down tight. Van followed her example. Together they pushed the barn door open. Their prize was hidden by bales of hay. Hitomi helped Van pull the bales aside.
Escaflowne looked magnificent and formidable even now, surrounded by straw and dust. Van smiled at the guymelef as he retrieved the drag-energist from the pouch at his side. He produced a small knife and punctured the pad of his thumb without flinching. Blood welled on his thumb and dripped on the pink orb.
"Escaflowne, I make this offering to you. My blood becomes yours. Your pain becomes mine. My triumphs now belong to you. Fight with me." Van climbed the kneeling guymelef and pushed the bloodied energist into a cavity on Escaflowne's chest, his hand passing through a strange membrane.
"I accept. We are now as one."
Hitomi watched with rapt fascination as bright light shone from Escaflowne's chest. The cockpit opened. Van stepped inside. Escaflowne came alive. It rose to its full height, shoulders and head colliding with the rafters and roof above.
A cry pierced the air as Hitomi dodged the falling debris. "What do you think you're doing?" She scrambled for the exit.
"Sorry."
She waited outside, sighing as the barn crumpled when Escaflowne made his exit. "Now what?" she asked, temper rising.
Escaflowne knelt before her, and lowered a hand. "Climb on."
"Come with us, Wing Goddess. Lend us your strength."
She hesitated. What did Escaflowne call her? She looked up at the guymelef, apprehension lingering on her face.
"Come on."
She came this far, had she not? Hitomi clambered onto Escaflowne's hand and soon found herself standing on his shoulder. Would she learn to regret this?
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Allen Schezar ordered his troops to advance. They had to protect the Asturian people from this chaos. It came from nowhere. Flames had consumed buildings. Rubble littered the streets. Bodies of Asturian soldiers and citizens were piling, but where was the enemy? Another guymelef fell to its knees, overcome by a mysterious force. Allen charged in Scheherazade, sword striking in a giant arch. His sword met only air.
Scheherazade lurched forward as something struck it from behind. Regaining balance, Scheherazade turned and thrust its sword out. Again it met nothing. Allen produced a guttural noise in frustration.
He turned his head at the sound of cheers behind him. What he witnessed was astonishing. Escaflowne cut through enemies with ease, dealing death with each blow it took.
"Escaflowne!" The Knight Caeli heard one of his soldiers shout.
Allen brought his guymelef closer to the battle. As Escaflowne cast another blow, Allen saw Hitomi perched on the guymelef's shoulder, pointing and shouting. Her presence demanded respect, despite her unusual state of dress. It was impossible. How did she come to be here, in the middle of this conflict?
A red guymelef materialized in the middle of the road. "What are you waiting for? Crush him!" The commander of the dragon-slayers strode forward. "Do I have to do everything myself?" His guymelef's crima claw shot forth from an arm. He exchanged blows with Escaflowne.
"Dilandau." Hitomi lost her focus. She braced herself for another blow. Allen maintained his position, blue eyes transfixed.
"You have my name, little Birdie, but do I have yours?" A cackle rolled from his lips. "How rude!" He lunged forward with his weapon once more.
Escaflowne stepped back, blocking the strike. The enemy's weapon morphed into a club. Dilandau raised his weapon and struck again.
Van grunted, straining under the weight of the blow as he blocked it with a sword.
"Only you would get this carried away gathering intelligence." A voice sounded over Dilandau's intercom.
Flipping a switch, Dilandau sighed. "But father, I found Escaflowne." His club morphed into a shield as Escaflowne struck a blow against him.
"You were not to involve the citizenry."
Escaflowne pushed the red guymelef back. Allen brought Scheherazade forward, sword drawn. "Dilandau, stop! This is your home!"
Dilandau sneered. "What do you know of my home?" His weapon changed back into a sword. Escaflowne's blade met his.
"You are my brother!"
The red guymelef took a step back. "Brother? You are mistaken. My brother is dead!" His breathing became rapid and shallow.
Van took this opportunity and drove his sword into his opponent's shoulder, popping the joint open. The Knight Caeli flinched.
"Dilandau, retreat. Pull your men back. We've made a deal with King Aston. They will bring us Escaflowne in exchange for a ceasefire."
Asturian guymelefs marched towards them. They pointed their weapons at Escaflowne gravely. "Lower your weapon, by the order of King Aston!"
"What?" Fanalia's prince asked. The red guymelef limped to the sidelines.
The guymelefs formed a complete circle around Escaflowne. Hitomi winced. How were they going to fight their way out of this situation?
"You're letting him get away?" The guymelefs stood placidly as the red guymelef left the battlefield. "He's the enemy, not me." Van kept his weapon at the ready. The circle of guymelefs around him drew closer.
Hitomi shut her eyes. Why was this happening? If only they could fly away and escape. It seemed a fleeting thought until she heard Escaflowne chuckle.
"Ask and I shall obey."
"Van! Escaflowne can fly! Command him!" Hitomi addressed the Fanalian prince.
"What?"
"Just do it!"
"Escaflowne, take flight!" Van shouted with a pinch of hesitation to his voice.
Escaflowne began to tremble as its components shifted. Hitomi jumped into the cockpit as it opened. She fell into Van's lap. He gaped at her in awe. Escaflowne had transformed into a dragon, and he held the controls.
The guymelefs that surrounded them fell back. Van manipulated the controls, two large handles attached to long metal cables. Escaflowne took flight. When Palas was far below them the Fanalian prince let out a long overdue breath.
"Well, we made it." Van spoke softly to his companion, once again aware of their proximity.
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AN: Thanks for reading! I have to admit, I'm not entirely confident with this chapter. I spent a lot of time re-writing and second guessing myself, so I hope it turned out okay.
lttle grl- Your highlight reel was very amusing! Thank-you for the giggles.
TBlaze- Thank-you for your continued support! Stay tuned for the love triangle angst. It'll be a few chapters (I think), but I will get there! LOL
Guest- I am flattered. Thank-you for your encouragement!
Anyhow, take care everyone!