Chapter 11

Chapter 11

The Dragon's Fury

Mephisto rose from the shrine in the throne room of the Namizar after delivering his ultimatum to Hitomi and Van. The veins in his neck protruded as his dark eyes blazed with hatred and pain. A groan escaped his lips. He hesitated, clenching his chest, which throbbed with icy pain as the dark cloak he wore fell to the floor. "Kusanagi…damn him!" he cursed. "Damn him and that bastard brother of mine to hell…I'll destroy them all!" He straightened up and scanned the throne room, seeing Kuirio unconscious a few feet away with his mark gone from her forehead. His dark eyes blazed with fury as he snarled, "And you, Kuirio…this is the last time you disobey me. Guards!"

The guards entered and bowed. "What do you require, milord?" the sergeant asked.

He pointed to Kuirio's unconscious form and growled, "Take her to the Dragon's Lair and chain her to the central pillar. She'll rue the day she resisted my rule."

"Yes sir," the guards barked, picking up Kuirio.

"Summon Yoshitora also," he added.

"Yes sir," they replied in unison while dragging Kuirio away.

Mephisto walked to the window and looked out over Zaibach with his hands linked behind his back. The pain of his wounds from the battle during the vision fueled his fury. "I'll not underestimate them again. The Wing Goddess is feisty and strong-willed. Her power's growing faster than I expected and her bond to the Dragon King is growing stronger by the moment. I must find a way to separate them."

"You summoned me, milord?" Yoshitora asked as he entered with a bow.

"I did," Mephisto growled icily. "Is the Atlantis Machine secure?"

"Yes sir," Yoshitora returned. "Everything is secure and the troops are returning to the fleet."

"Have the fleet lift off and unleash the Dragon's Fury now!" Mephisto hissed.

"But sire, only half of our troops have returned to the fleet," the general retorted. "It'll take another two hours for them to retreat to a safe distance."

Without warning, Mephisto decked Yoshitora with a backhand left cross, sending him sprawling across the floor. "Don't question my orders, general! Unleash the Dragon's Fury now or I will!" He shook his head, roaring, "Never mind…I'll do it myself!" He walked to the control panel in the center of the throne room and activated the com-link to the fleet. "All ships lift off now…Final Protocol will be engaged in fifteen minutes."

"You can't!" Yoshitora pleaded, rubbing his face as he rose. "That's not enough time to get to minimum safe distance! And what about your forces on the ground?"

"That's enough out of you, general!" Mephisto snapped, stretching out his hand against the general. A concussion wave formed at the end of his hand, traveling to Yoshitora. It sent him hurtling against the wall with a cry, knocking him out. "I'll not have my orders questioned by anyone…including you, general."

The few people left in the city emerged from hiding to see the fleet rising into the sky with an ominous rumble. The ground troops evacuated the city at top speed while the Namizar moved toward the center of the city. The people looked up, seeing the giant glowing crystal pyramid in its base begin to flicker while guymelefs and shuttles swarmed to the fleet like hornets to their nest. When the Namizar reached the center of the city, it hovered at an altitude of two thousand feet over Dornkirk's palace. An eerie hum emanated from the crystal pyramid as it began to shine like the sun. Seconds later, an energy beam unlike anything ever seen on Gaea in ages erupted from the pyramid, striking Dornkirk's palace. It obliterated the palace instantly, setting off a heat flash and concussion blast that pulsed out in all directions from the palace in seconds. It vaporized everything within five-mile radius in less than ten seconds. A fifty-story wall of black fire followed the heat flash, consuming everything out to twenty-five miles. No structure was spared. Buildings, machinery, and people shattered and evaporated as the wave of annihilation raced across the city. A man, his wife, and son saw the flash and before they could blink, their flesh roasted off their bones, turning to dust as the house around them imploded from the shockwave. Their shadows lay burned into the crumbling wall behind them…the only testament that they ever existed. Thousands of Mephisto's legions suffered a similar fate, falling prey to the Dragon's Fury same as the people of Zaibach who hadn't escaped to the mountains.

Mephisto watched the annihilation with a cold gleam in his dark eyes and a sense of satisfaction. "Feel the Dragon's Fury, Wing Goddess, and know what I have in store for the world. I know you can feel its death energy. No one defies me, Wing Goddess…not you, not your Dragon King, or your lap-dog Kusanagi. I'll have my vengeance for the pain and sorrow you inflicted upon me. I'll take your power and both Gaea and the Mystic Moon will feel the ultimate Dragon's Fury unleashed by the Atlantis Machine. Vengeance will finally be mine." He stared into the smoke of the Dragon's Fury with a scowl. "Neither you nor Kusanagi will stop me from taking the Wing Goddess and having my revenge, Van!"

High in the mountains outside of the capital of Zaibach, several scouts of Zaibach's military stared in numbed horror as they watched the Black Dragon's flagship seemingly breathe fire and consume the entire valley where the city was located. Smoke from the destruction rose high in the sky, hiding the sun, while the ground shook. "This is impossible!" one of the scouts cried. "It's gone…the capital is gone. There's nothing left! That weapon's even more powerful than Basram's bomb!"

"We must get word to General Adelphos about this," the leader growled. "They must know what faces them. The Black Dragon even destroyed his own people. Gunnar…take word to the General in Fanelia about this. Take our fastest guymelef to reach them. Go…quickly now! Stay low until you're away from the Black Dragon's forces."

A small man with hazel eyes and brown hair nodded, saying, "At once, sir. But how will I get through the defenses at Fanelia?"

"Don't fight them," the leader replied. "Surrender to them without a fight. I know it goes against everything we know, but these are desperate times. You must get word to the General!"

"Yes sir," Gunnar replied, sprinting away.

"Godspeed, my lad," the leader muttered under his breath. Then to the others, he said, "Let's get back to the people. We must stay out of sight of these monsters until we get word from the General." With that, the other scouts followed the leader down the far side of the ridge. As they moved, a Zaibachian guymelef zoomed over their heads, heading toward Fanelia.

"Will Gunnar make it to Fanelia, sir?" one of the scouts asked.

"I certainly hope so, Shao," the leader replied as they moved like ghosts down the rocky slope. "Gunnar's one of our top Dragon Slayers. He should be able to get there without being seen by the enemy."

Suddenly, two large black guymelefs from the Black Dragon's legions flew over the ridge. "Get down!" the leader barked to the others. They dove for cover as the two guymelefs streaked at full speed in the same direction Gunnar's guymelef went. Once, out of sight, the leader rose, followed by his team. "This isn't good," he replied. "I hope Gunnar has enough of a head start on those bastards. Come on…let's go before they spot us."

Meanwhile, back in Fanelia, Hitomi clenched her head with a wail, falling to her knees as they made their way back to the palace. "Something's wrong!" she cried, feeling an incredible surge of death energy wash over her like a tsunami.

Van caught her as he felt the same powerful surge. "What's this?" he growled, his breath hissing between his teeth. "My head feels like it's going to explode!"

"Mephisto…you didn't," Kusanagi groaned, hearing the telepathic cries of thousands of lives snuffed out in an instant.

"Master, are you all right?" Takai asked urgently, seeing Kusanagi stagger, as well as Hitomi and Van.

Seconds later, the wave of death energy passed by, leaving Van's head throbbing. "Hitomi…are you all right?"

"Yes…I will be," she replied weakly with a nod, tears streaming down he cheeks. "But I have a terrible headache now and I'm so weak. I heard a multitude of voices cry out and then a wave of death silenced them. It was horrible."

Seras touched Kusanagi on the shoulder, asking, "Master…was that what I think it was?"

"I'm not sure," Kusanagi replied as everyone looked at him. "The last time I felt a telepathic strike like that was when Mephisto unleashed the Dragon's Fury five thousand years ago." He looked directly at Van, saying urgently, "We must hurry, milord. Time's precious to us."

Van's face reflected Kusanagi's anxiety. "Yes, let's hurry…come." With that, Van scooped Hitomi up and carried her to the palace, followed by Seras, Tsura, Kusanagi, and his students.

As they made their way to the palace with renewed urgency, far across Gaea, two mysterious figures met in a secluded high mountain meadow. From the right side of the meadow, a lion-man standing seven feet clad in red armor crested with dragons approached. At his side rested a long katana with a lion's crest and pummel. His shaggy, golden mane stirred in the cool breeze blowing down off the mountain. From the left side of the clearing, a six-and-a-half foot tigress clad in bluish-gray armor also crested with dragons advanced toward the lion. Her features were sharp and focused; her waist-length hair was silver, and her fur…light orange with dark stripes. Two war swords lay strapped to her back and upon her belt hung two long daggers. She eyed the lion cautiously as they approached each other. Upon meeting in the middle, they gazed at each other for a few moments. Smiles crept across their faces and they embraced.

"Oh Rayden," the tigress cried. "It's so good to see you. It's been far too long."

"It's good to see you too, Jin-Liu," the lion-man, Rayden, replied while embracing her. "I see you received my message."

"I did," Jin-Liu replied, backing away and looking up into the lion's face. "How bad is it?"

"Bad enough," Rayden replied grimly. "Mephisto's escaped and destroyed every country between him and Zaibach. And now he's even used the Dragon's Fury. Surely you felt the death energy from it."

"Yea," Jin-Liu hissed. "I sensed he was particularly angry when he did it too. The Wing Goddess and Dragon King are in great peril. But do we intervene?"

"I think we have little choice," the lion replied. "The Wing Goddess has yet to ascend to her full potential. Plus, she's seen our assistance. We must go to her and the Dragon King. They'll need our help."

"Is Kusanagi here now?" Jin-Liu asked.

"Yes," Rayden replied. "I've sensed him with the Wing Goddess and the Dragon King. All the players are moving into position. It's time we moved to our places as well. The curtain is about to rise and this time, Fate willing, we'll be able to end the curse the Black Dragon has placed upon our worlds. By the way, how are your people, Jin-Liu?"

"We were fortunate," she replied. "Our seers saw Mephisto's move toward us and we hid from his wrath. Not a soul perished in Cydonia…though he did raze everything to the ground."

"He didn't find the shrine then?" he asked.

"No…Mephisto didn't locate it, even though he tore our country to pieces trying to find it," she answered. A sigh escaped her lips. "It's still not easy seeing everything we've built since the Great War destroyed by that demon. We were so prosperous until he came again. We've got to end it this time."

"I'm glad your people made it through all right," Rayden said. "My people weren't so lucky. Mephisto launched a sneak attack upon Zin that even our seers failed to predict. A great many of our people perished and the rest were scattered to the mountains. I barely had time to retrieve the Armor at the shrine before they found it and had to fight my way out of there. He's going to pay for his atrocities, I promise."

"I'm so sorry," Jin-Liu replied, touching him on the hand. "At least you were able to keep him from the Armor. It would've been disastrous if he'd taken it."

"Don't remind me," Rayden growled. "I know full well what could've happened if he got that Armor. So, are your people safe for now?"

"Yes," Jin-Liu replied. "Mephisto's long since moved on. We're starting to rebuild."

"Good," he said with a sigh. "Now here's the question you need to ponder, Jin-Liu. Are you going to side with the Dragon King and Wing Goddess in Fanelia or are you going to stay out of this fight? As for myself, I'm heading to Fanelia immediately. Van Fanel needs our help and I intend to do it while I have the chance to do so. So what about you?"

Jin Liu stood there for a moment, weighing her options. The cool breeze from the mountains stirred her long silver hair. "I'll come with you," she declared after a lengthy pause. "My Armor will stand with your Armor and we'll see this demon destroyed."

"Very good!" Rayden replied with a smile. "I knew you'd come. Now listen to me…I have intelligence that states Mephisto's going for the Power Spot in Freid next. Therefore, since you've decided to help in this fight, I'm going to Freid instead of Fanelia to warn the Duke about the attack. I'll try to help in any way I can. I want you to go to Fanelia in my stead and warn Lord Van what faces him."

"Are you sure you don't need me to come to Freid too?" she asked with a concerned tone.

"No…I'll be fine," he answered, looking her in the eye. "Just get to Fanelia no matter what and warn them."

She nodded and again embraced him. "You be careful, Rayden. Do you hear me?"

He kissed her, saying, "I will. Now go…get to Fanelia at top speed. Time's of the essence and be wary of Mephisto's forces. They're clever and quick."

"I will," she said softly. "May the Dragon Gods aid and protect you in Freid. I'll come as quickly as possible with help."

"I know you will," he answered. "Go now." With that, Jin-Liu turned and walked away. As she vanished into the forest, Rayden muttered, "This isn't going to be pretty. The Dragon King needs to muster all the dragons to deal with Mephisto. Time to get going." He turned and walked back the way he came, vanishing into the woods.

As Rayden vanished into the woods, to the east…far beyond the lands of Freid in the wastes of ancient Torusira, a cloaked man resembling an elf gazed upon the ruined city of Torusira from the top of its wall. His long maroon hair floated in the hot breeze blowing from the surrounding desert. "Hmmm," he murmured, his jade eyes scanning the center of the city in the base of the bowl it was built in. "The castle's here…just as the ancient texts stated." He squatted and touched the wall with his long, slender fingers while gazing at the ruins of the Black Dragon's fallen castle. A screech from above attracted his attention and he looked up, seeing a large vulture circling. A cynical smile crossed his lips as he rose, saying, "Not today, my friend. Seek your bounty elsewhere. I won't be denied…not this close." With that, he moved into the city, heading for the ruins of the Black Dragon's fallen castle.

Meanwhile, on a mountain overlooking Fanelia, two warriors of the Black Dragon stood in front of their guymelefs, gazing at the capital with the Ispano mothership hanging over the palace. A sour expression crossed their faces as they saw the heightened state of alert around the capital.

"Mandarin, what're the Ispano doing here?" asked an armored woman with waist-length golden-blonde hair braided into a long ponytail. A scarlet scorch-mark showed prominently on her deeply tanned forehead. Her maroon eyes kept scanning the valley, drinking in everything.

"I don't know, Kagami," replied an oriental-looking man with a scarlet scorch-mark on his forehead, clad in black armor engraved with dragons. His long, snow-white hair stirred in the breeze as he assessed the situation with his dark brown eyes. He rested his hand on the hilt of his sword at his left side. "But it can't be good for Mephisto. That's for sure."

"So what do we do?" Kagami asked, putting her hands on her hips.

"We proceed as planned," Mandarin replied coolly. "We infiltrate, gather intelligence, and kill Kusanagi, possibly Van Fanel too, and capture the Wing Goddess if the opportunity arises."

"Where's Kusanagi now?" she asked.

Mandarin slapped his hands together and closed his eyes, murmuring an arcane chant. Suddenly, he opened his eyes and declared, "He's in the palace throne room with the King and the Wing Goddess. There're ten strange-looking people with him. Tsura's there too and a man that bears a remarkable resemblance to the Wing Goddess. I have no idea who he is, but I sense he's a dangerous foe…just as dangerous as the King and the Wing Goddess. We're going to have to be careful. We've got one shot to do this. One misstep and we'll be caught or worse."

Kagami folded her arms across her chest and stated blandly, "Can't be any worse than where we are now. Sometimes I just wish he'd just go on and kill me."

Mandarin turned and slapped her brutally, saying, "Shut your trap, Kagami! We live to serve the Black Dragon. Talk like that will put you back in Dragon's Lair! Do you really want to end up back there?"

Kagami's face flushed with anger and she lashed out with a right cross, connecting with Mandarin's jaw. His face jerked to the left from the hit as she shouted, "Don't you ever lay a hand on me again, Mandarin! You do so and I'll split you in two!"

A wicked smile crossed Mandarin's lips as he rubbed his jaw. "There's my Kagami," he cackled. "Just remember, the Black Dragon can hear our thoughts. Keep that treasonous shit under wraps and don't let me or him hear you say that again."

He winked at her and a cold smile crossed her lips. "Right, Mandarin. We've got a job to do so let's get to work," she crowed.

He nodded and said, "First, let's camouflage our guymelefs." He tapped on a manacle on his left wrist and his guymelef shimmered and vanished. Kagami tapped on a similar manacle on her wrist and her guymelef faded away too. "Okay, let's get going. It's a good ways to the palace." With that, they started down toward Fanelia.

In the palace throne room, Hitomi sat at Van's right hand at the vacant council table. Seras sat to Hitomi's left and Tsura leaned against the table next on Van's left. Kusanagi and his students sat opposite of Van and Hitomi, watching Hitomi sip on a glass of water.

"How're you feeling, Hitomi?" Van asked softly.

"A bit better now," she replied. "I'm still weak, but my strength seems to be returning."

"You should eat something, Hitomi," Kusanagi suggested.

"I will, Soke," she replied. "But right now, you have some explaining to do." She suddenly looked at Seras and added, "So do you, Seras. Twelve years without so much as a note and you suddenly show up on Gaea with the Ispano the same time I do…what's going on, bro? How can I really trust you after such a long absence?"

A sigh hissed through Seras' lips. "I guess I deserved that," he admitted. "It was for your own protection that I stayed away."

"What're you talking about?" Van demanded. "You're her twin brother. You have a sibling connection to her and you abandoned it! Why?"

"Excuse me, Lord Van," Kusanagi intruded. "I can see this is a sore point for Hitomi. Maybe I can shed some light on this."

"You were part of this all along, weren't you Master Kusanagi?" Hitomi accused, her ears flushing as her anger rose. "When were you going to tell me?"

Kusanagi clasped his hands on the table in front of him with a sigh, saying, "Hitomi…you've always been such a free spirit. But yes, I've been part of this all along, longer than you can imagine. However, before we go any further, I think introductions are in order. May I?" Van nodded, leaning back in his chair with his right leg propped up on his left.

Kusanagi stood and stared into Hitomi's emerald eyes. Her anger fluctuated as she stared back. "Hitomi…you recognize everyone here, am I correct?"

She nodded as he broke his stare by looking to the left. "Hitomi…your classmates have always looked to you as a source of inspiration because of your fighting prowess. But now, they've seen the true power you wield…though they've seen only a small portion of it. The battle during the vision shows you have great power and skill, which seems you can only access by instinct in times of crisis. I'm here to take you to the next level…so you can access these powers and skills at will and not injure yourself when you do. The same goes for you, milord. I'll do the same for you. But I'm getting ahead of myself."

He turned to his students and stated while gesturing to Van, "My students…this is Van Slanzar de Fanel, King of Fanelia, pilot of the mighty Escaflowne Hitomi spoke so much about, and most importantly, the legendary Dragon King…leader of the ancient Dragon Clan of Khimerazar. He's our host and we're at his command. Sitting to his right is, of course, Hitomi Kanzaki, his fiancé and the recently awakened Wing Goddess. Sitting next to her is her twin brother, Seras Kanzaki…a face you've seen many times in the dojo. He's the emissary of the Ispano Clan to Fanelia with instructions from the leadership to provide any help Lord Van needs in his fight with the Black Dragon. He is also the Wing God reborn…destined to fight with the Wing Goddess and the Dragon King against the Black Dragon to restore the balance and harmony to both our worlds.

"Standing next to Lord Van is Tsura Seiyuchin…first Samurai of Fanelia and general of all its armed forces. He's a close, personal friend of Lord Van and is married to Van's childhood friend, Merle. You've heard Hitomi speak of Merle in her tales of this place."

Van clasped his hands together in front of his face as Kusanagi made the introductions. His fingers tapped nervously against each other as Kusanagi stated, "My students…the fate of both our worlds sit in the hands of these four people you see before you. Now, Hitomi, would you care to introduce your classmates to Lord Van?"

Hitomi nodded, knowing not to defy Kusanagi at that moment. With a sigh, she scanned the group. Her eyes fell upon Takai Himomato. A wry grin crossed her lips as she asked, "Takai…what's the matter? Are you finally afraid of me now?"

Takai locked eyes with her for a moment, and then cast his eyes down, saying, "I suppose I am after what I saw at the Shrine. I had no idea you could do such things, Hitomi."

She laughed softly, saying, "A few days ago, neither did I, Takai. But I hope to tame these raging elements with the help of Van and Master Kusanagi."

"And help we will," Kusanagi intruded. "Please…continue."

"Very well, Soke," Hitomi answered. She turned to Van and said, "Van…these are my classmates and friends from the Mystic Moon, whom have walked and learned the way of the Warrior from Master Kusanagi, just as I did. Sitting next to Master Kusanagi is Takai Himomato…our dojo's most gifted student next to me. He's Japan's number three swordsman while I'm number two. He never lived it down when I beat him in the tournament." A smile crossed her face as she glanced in Takai's direction, noticing a slight reddening to his cheeks and hearing a rumble of soft laughter from the other students. After a pause, she said, "But I guess I've embarrassed him enough. Sitting next to Takai is Danel Zubriar. As you can see, he's different from everyone else. He's a Basque from a place called Spain." Van eyed Danel with curiosity as Hitomi asked, "Danel…how've you been? I haven't seen you in a couple years."

The silver-haired, gray-eyed Basque replied, "I'm doing well, Hitomi, thank you."

"Were you able to clear up that problem you had back home?" she asked.

"Yes ma'am," Danel responded. "It's taken care of and I'm no longer chained to them. It seems it was my destiny to be here today, as it is with everyone at this table."

"Well spoken, Danel," Kusanagi complimented. "Fate has indeed drawn us from all parts of the Mystic Moon to be part of this."

"That's good," Hitomi said. As her eyes moved to the next person over, she gasped, seeing Saya with a drained, pale complexion. "Saya…are you all right? You look terrible!"

Saya smiled weakly, saying, "I will be, sis. I've been ill and it came to a head just before Master Kusanagi brought us here. If it weren't for him and that dragon, I'd be dead."

Hitomi's eyes snapped to Kusanagi, who stated, "Patience, Hitomi…first the introductions, and then I'll explain everything. Please, continue."

Hitomi frowned, asking, "You're sure you're all right, Saya?"

"I'm going to be okay," she replied. "Please, introduce me to your fiancé."

"Van…this is Saya Nozomi," Hitomi stated. "She's a very close, dear friend I found at the dojo. She helped me become the woman I am now."

Saya blushed as Van leaned forward, looking her in the eye. "You're different from the rest of your companions," Van stated, his gaze making her very uncomfortable. "You've talents that you're completely unaware of and you've a connection to Hitomi. Her thoughts about you are strong and good. I'm aware of how you helped Hitomi grow into the woman we see here. She sees you as both a mentor and a very dear friend. Thank you for helping her in her time of need."

Saya's mouth fell open with astonishment. "Thank you, your majesty. All I did was be her friend."

"And that's what she needed the most in my absence…a friend," Van stated, resting his elbows on the table while staring into her eyes. "I realize now I should've never left her alone that long. However, thanks to you…and to a smaller part, the rest of your companions, she did all right. You have my thanks."

Saya's blush spread to her ears as she shyly replied, "You're welcome, your majesty."

"Saya…there's no need to be embarrassed," Hitomi cooed. "Van and I share a telepathic bond that links us together. He knows what I do and I know what he does. Even though he's a bit rough around the edges, he's a good man and you don't have to be intimidated by him." Saya sighed, the color draining out of her cheeks as Van sat back, breaking his stare with a warm smile.

Hitomi's gaze fell on Suko Usagi next. A broad smile plastered Suko's face as Hitomi announced, "Van…sitting next to Saya is Suko Usagi…Saya's best friend. She's very talented in spear and sword combat."

Suko winked at Van, saying, "It's a pleasure to finally meet Hitomi's mystery man. However, I thought you'd be a bit taller. But you're such a handsome drink of water. I'm at your service, your majesty." She bowed her head with a mischievous smile.

Van nodded to her and noticed Hitomi's face flushing. "I also forgot to say that she's a big flirt too…way too big for her own good sometimes," Hitomi hissed jealously.

Van laughed and patted Hitomi on the hand, saying, "I can see that. It reminds me of someone else I know."

Hitomi's expression lightened. "Yea…I know just who you're talking about."

"I'm sorry, Hitomi," Suko apologized. "Sometimes, I just can't help myself. I'll keep my hands off…promise."

A smile crossed Hitomi's lips. "It's okay, Suko. I'll try not to let it rile me next time you do that." Suko flashed Hitomi a big, friendly smile and nod while Hitomi moved on with the introductions.

"Sitting on the end next to Suko is Kwan Ryu," Hitomi said. "He's Korean and an expert with bo-staffs and twin sabers. He's a bit quiet and stays to himself mostly. But when he speaks, it's wise to listen because he's always right."

Van's dragon gaze fell upon Kwan Ryu and he met it fearlessly. Van inspected the small Korean man in his early thirties closely. Kwan's coal black hair and his Gi uniform were clean and well kept. A power emanated from his tourmaline eyes…a power Van noticed. A smile slowly crossed Van's lips before he said, "I see a dragon before me…a golden dragon with great untapped power. Are you ready to awaken the Dragon Within, Kwan Ryu?"

"Yes, milord," Kwan replied with a knowing smile. "...whenever someone can show me how. I know the Dragon Within and I've tapped his power. But I've been unable to utilize his full potential. Show me how to release the Dragon Within and I will burn the Black Dragon to ashes for his treachery!"

"You have strength and courage, Kwan Ryu," Van stated, having satisfied his probe of Kwan. "And you are deeply devoted to Hitomi's welfare. You're her friend?"

"Yes, milord?" Kwan replied.

Van turned to Kusanagi. "Did you know there was a golden dragon in your midst, Kusanagi?"

"I did, your highness," Kusanagi stated. "Up until now, he wasn't ready to take the final step. After the events of the last couple of hours, many here at this table are ready to accept their destiny."

"Okay, Kwan…I'll show you how to awaken the Dragon Within and teach you to tame and utilize all his potential," Van stated.

"Thank you, milord," Kwan replied.

"Okay, Hitomi…please continue," Van ordered, flashing a pleasant smile at her.

"All right…starting on the opposite end of the table, there's Tsung Chou from a place called Tibet," Hitomi stated. "He's a master of a fighting style we call Shaolin Kung Fu. He can efficiently use any weapon or none in combat. Master Kusanagi brought him to the dojo shortly after I arrived. I and my classmates have learned a great deal from him."

Van's gaze fell upon him. Tsung nodded with a knowing smile. Van cracked a grin. "You're an interesting fellow," Van stated. "You know the pain of war and the sorrow of the dead as I do. Tell me, dragon…why are you here?"

"I'm here the same reason you are, your majesty," Tsung replied. He held out his hand and it burst into a blue flame. Gasps came from the other students, including Hitomi. "I'm here to protect Hitomi and stop the Black Dragon from annihilating all of existence. His madness must be extinguished at all costs." He clenched his fist, extinguishing the blue flame.

Van nodded with a grunt. "We'll talk later, Tsung Chou of Tibet." Tsung bowed as Van noticed the other students staring at Kusanagi with some anger. "I can see you have some explaining to do to your students, Kusanagi. They had no idea Tsung could manipulate elements."

"Of course," Kusanagi stated. "Hitomi, please continue."

She glared at Kusanagi for the apparent deception about Tsung, and then said, "Sitting next to Tsung is Li Mei Xiao of China. She, like Tsung, is an expert in the Shaolin style and has taken as her weapon of choice, the sai. However, she's very skilled with the sword, spear, and the bo-staff. As to whether she has elemental skills like Tsung, I don't know. However, she and I are good friends. I find myself at ease when around her."

Li Mei nodded with a nervous smile as Van looked her in the eye, gauging her skills and intents. "Hmmm…interesting," Van stated. He smiled warmly at Li Mei. "Do not fear me, Li Mei. Your heart is pure and true. A true friend Hitomi has in you. But do you know what I see before me?"

"No, milord," Li Mei answered meekly.

"I see not a dragon, but a powerful tigress willing to fight and, if necessary, kill for those she loves," Van stated. "Hitomi…what card is she?"

Hitomi's heart sank like a stone in water. "Why do you want to know?" she asked softly.

"I think it's important she know who she is," Van stated. "She's still unsure as to who she really is."

Hitomi paused as she looked at Li Mei. A fearful look came over her as she stared into Li Mei's eyes. A similar look crossed Li Mei's face. When the pause stretched out, Van glanced at Hitomi, seeing the look. "You fear to speak the cards, don't you? You think it'll trigger bad things like the last time, right?"

"Yes, Van," Hitomi admitted. "I can see things about people when I see their card…intimate things, good and bad, and I can tell their future from it. I don't want to pull an unhappy future into play for her."

"Hitomi…" Li Mei called out. "I know what you're capable of and I know you don't want to hurt me. But know this…I dread to hear the card that is me. It may show me that my fears are justified or obliterate them. My future, good or bad, isn't in your hands, or Lord Van's hands, or the Black Dragon's hands, or even in the hands of Fate. My future resides in my hands alone with the decisions I make. I live and die by what I do and nothing else. Perchance knowing the card Fate has assigned me may help me stay on the right path and avoid any unhappy future. The only sure thing I know is that when it comes my time to die…I'll die without any regret, knowing I didn't waste my life protecting you and those I love. For me, that's my destiny…to protect those I love to the very end. So please, tell me my card and dispel the fears hindering me. Please, my friend…tell me."

"Now how can you refuse that, Hitomi?" Seras asked. "This is your fate, Hitomi, as the Wing Goddess, to help those who come to you and protect those who can't protect themselves."

Tears streamed down Hitomi's cheeks while she looked into Li Mei's pleading face…seeing tears streaming from her eyes. "Please…tell me," Li Mei begged, hands clasped together and trembling.

Van was about to prod Hitomi into action when she said softly, "Van's right, Li Mei. You're a tigress but more than that, your card is the Queen of Beasts. Power is given to you over all the animal kingdom. Your love for animals allows you to speak to and understand them. But, like Van and I, you'll forever be different from the rest of humanity. Great elemental powers are bestowed unto the Queen of Beasts and you'll have to learn to control them as I'm having to. As of now, your elemental skills are still dormant. But there will come a time when they'll awaken and when they do, be very careful for your dominant element will manifest first and it may injure or even kill you."

A look of extreme relief came over Li Mei as she bowed to Hitomi, saying, "Oh thank you, Hitomi. Thank you so much. I've had recurrent dreams recently of turning into a tiger. Now I know why and I don't fear it. Tell me, how do I awaken those elemental skills you spoke of without them injuring me?"

"Your elemental skills are connected to your Tigress Within," Kusanagi stated. "Awaken the Tigress and your elements will manifest in such a manner that they don't destroy you."

"Okay…when can we do it?" Li Mei blurted out.

Van laughed. "Patience, little tigress. We'll help you. But we must hear what Kusanagi has to say first. Hitomi…let's finish this so we can get down to business."

"Right, Van," Hitomi replied, very relieved that the telling of Li Mei's card turned out well. "Next to Li Mei is Tala Wakanda from the Sioux nation in America. Her people were among the original inhabitants of that continent and her warrior spirit is unconquerable. The tomahawk and dagger are her weapons of choice, though she's very efficient in sword and spear combat too.

"And finally, there's Keiji Nagara from Hokkaido, Japan. He's Japan's top archer. I've seen him nail the bull's-eye with a longbow at a hundred fifty yards. He's also really good with a spear. However, his weakness is his own ego. He thinks there's nothing he can't handle…whether it be in combat or in relationships. He reminds me a lot of Allen when I first met him."

Van's eyes narrowed, focusing on Keiji. "Is that so?" Van returned. "Is there nothing you can't handle, Keiji Nagara?"

"Nothing up until now, your highness," Keiji replied softly. "I'm still reeling from what happened at the Shrine. If I hadn't seen it for myself, I'd say yes I could. But now, I'm not so sure. Magic is a foreign concept to me, as it is to many of my friends. However, I'll adapt and learn from Master Kusanagi and anyone else who'll teach me these strange new ways."

"At least you're honest," Van stated. "It bodes well for you to be honest to Hitomi and I. We can sense your intentions. Just remember that before you start flirting with our women. Many have seen sorrows you can't imagine so don't get involved with them unless you mean it. They don't need any more needless sorrow. There's more than enough sorrow coming with the Black Dragon."

"Yes, your highness," Keiji replied in a humbled tone. "It's not my intention to hurt any of your people. I'll behave. Besides, I've seen a new way of battle that I want to learn. With it and my present skills, I'll do whatever I can to help protect Hitomi from this Black Dragon."

"We shall see," Van stated, leaning back and clasping his hands in front of his nose. His gaze then shifted to Tala and his eyebrow rose as he stared into her gray eyes. Her eyes had the look of a wolf. "Tala Wakanda," he said, lowering his hands and leaning forward slightly.

"Yes, milord Fanel," she replied fearlessly. "How may I be of service?"

"I see a wolf before me…a very powerful wolf," he stated. "But there is something strange about your spirit. It's something I've never encountered before. You're a wolf, but you're also a dragon…the most unique dragon I've ever encountered." He stared into her eyes and she met the gaze fearlessly. "You have great power, Tala Wakanda, great untapped power. Tell me, do you have a mark on your left shoulder just above your heart that resembles a dragon?"

"Yes, milord," Tala answered, shocked he knew about the mark. "But it's not like a normal dragon. It looks like a crossbreed of a Tibetan Dragon with a giant wolf. It's a birthmark and it's caused me to be an outcast amongst my tribe. I was constantly tormented by my peers and shunned by the elders because they said it was the mark of the evil one. My father disowned my mother and me when he saw the mark, leaving her to raise me alone. When I was three, three men killed my mother while I watched and I was put in foster care, where my torment continued without ceasing. By time I was eleven, I couldn't take the abuse any longer and ran away. I spent five years on the streets alone and forgotten…forgotten until the day Master Kusanagi entered the alley I called home. He saved me that day and brought me to Japan. He gave me purpose and the will to live. He's the closest thing I have to a father."

"That's an interesting tale, Tala," Van stated softly. "Later, when we have time, I'd like to hear your story in full."

"Of course, milord," Tala replied.

Van looked into her eyes, down into her soul. He marveled at her strength and control. "Let me show you something, Tala," Van stated, standing up. He promptly removed his shirt, baring his well-developed chest and a large dragon-shaped mark across his upper chest. Gasps erupted from the students, including Hitomi.

"I knew it," Kusanagi breathed. "He has the mark of the Dragon King! He IS the Dragon King!"

"You see this mark?" Van asked, pointing out the large dragon mark on his chest. It was of such detail that it looked like a tattoo. "I didn't always have this mark. Six months ago when I awakened to my elemental power, this mark appeared. It's apparently the mark of my bloodline that appears upon the awakening of my dormant elements." He put his shirt back on and looked into Tala's eyes, saying, "Your mark's an identifying mark as to who you really are. You're bloodline is marked, as is Hitomi's and mine. Hitomi…what's her card?"

After a few moments of tense silence, Hitomi said softly, "She's the Queen of Serpents, Van, and like Li Mei, her elements are still dormant." Hitomi looked Tala in the eye, saying, "Everything I said about Li Mei applies to you too, Tala. However, the Queen of Serpents is known to be a harbinger of retribution and judgment. I fear to say what you're capable of. I know your life has been full of pain and suffering and you want revenge on those who treated you badly. However, you must remember Master Kusanagi's teachings and not let the darkness that's touched you flourish. If you turn to the Darkness like the Black Dragon did, your fate will be his and Van will be forced to destroy you. He doesn't want to, but will, if he must, to protect me and everything he holds dear. Do you understand?"

Tala sighed deeply. "Yes, Hitomi. I do. It's been the friendship you and the rest of my classmates have given me that's kept me from succumbing to the darkness."

"Tala, of everyone here, you have the most ghosts to deal with," Van stated. "The past haunts you continually. It's caused a deeply ingrained sense of mistrust of all people in you. Even now, you call Hitomi and your classmates your friends, but you still hold back part of yourself, fearful that they'll eventually betray you. You must release the fear and hatred spawned by your past. Believe it or not, I was much like you after Zaibach destroyed Fanelia. It took Hitomi's love to get me to let go of my hate. You must do the same. There's a King of Serpents waiting for you and his love will help you become one with yourself and your wolf dragon. Until you let go of this deep, ingrained hatred of all people, I cannot show you how to awaken the Dragon Within. To do so will not only cause you great harm, but also harm to everyone whom you've come to care about. It could cause you to follow the road the Black Dragon took. I cannot, in good conscious, allow that to happen. You have such great potential. However, I'm not going to allow you to use it for destructive purposes. Yet, we will teach you to use your elemental powers properly when the time comes. Do you understand?"

Tala's head sagged as tears welled up, running down her cheeks. "I understand, milord. I'm not ready for such power."

Van suddenly rose and walked around the table to her, kneeling down and taking her by the hand. "Both Hitomi and I can sense and feel your pain and sorrow. What we're saying is that before we can help you awaken the Dragon Within, we'll first help you dispel the ghosts that are haunting you. Then we'll show you how to awaken your Dragon. But there is something you can do to help us."

"What's that?" Tala asked softly in a shaky tone.

"Remember that you aren't alone in this," Hitomi stated. "Van…show her."

Van nodded. "Please, trust me. This may feel a little weird to you." He touched her on the side of her face with his hand, pressing slightly with his fingertips against her temple. His eyes flashed with fire and Tala suddenly saw Van's hurt and torment from the Destiny War. A gasp escaped her lips as tears gushed, dripping off her chin. A few moments later, he broke contact and she collapsed into his arms, sobbing. "It's okay," he said softly in her ear. "Now you know I told you the truth when I said I knew what you went through." Her sobs quieted as she looked into his chocolate eyes. "We'll help you purge these demons…for if you don't, the darkness that's festering in your heart will call out to the Black Dragon, and he'll lure you away with false promises of redemption and revenge. Should you be touched by his evil, resist it with all you have, otherwise he'll prevail and you'll fall into darkness."

"Yes, milord," Tala replied, wiping her eyes. "I see it now. Please help me."

"Of course, Tala Wakanda," Van stated, patting her hand as he rose. Seconds later, he returned to his seat and said, "This goes for everyone else. If you harbor any form of darkness in your heart, the Black Dragon will exploit it. He's a master of exploiting the darkness within people. This much I sensed in our encounter during the vision. Therefore, before any of you can awaken the Spirits Within, you must first face yourself and your own weaknesses. We'll do all we can to help you. But ultimately, it's you who must dispel these demons…not Hitomi, or I, or even your teacher, Kusanagi. It's you who must do this. I suspect your teacher already knows this, am I right?"

"Yes, Lord Van," Kusanagi stated. "It is as you've said. I'll show all of you the test in due time. But now that we all know each other, it's time I told my story, starting with why I came."

Van leaned back in his seat next to Hitomi, saying, "Any time, old man."

Kusanagi rose cast his gaze over everyone present. "Where're your friends, Yukari Uchida and Susumu Amano, Hitomi? They should be present to hear this. By fighting the dragon, they became part of this, so they should be present to hear what I have to say."

"How did you know they're here?" Hitomi demanded.

Kusanagi smiled. "Because I sensed them when the Pillar came for you after Van killed that dragon. Just be patient, the answers you want are forthcoming."

"Tsura…does Merle know where they are?" Van asked.

"Merle and Hitomi's friends are in the east corridor coming toward us," Tsura stated, sensing Merle's whereabouts.

"Tell Merle to bring them here," Van ordered.

"As you wish," Tsura stated. A few moments later, he added, "They'll be here momentarily. Do you wish Merle to stay as well?"

"Yes," Kusanagi stated. "Fate has willed for everyone with close ties to Hitomi to hear what I have to say." Tsura nodded with a rumble.

Moments later, Merle opened the doors to the throne room, escorting Yukari and Amano in. "You call, honey?" Merle called out to Tsura.

"Yes, Merle," he replied. "Take a seat with Yukari and Amano. Master Kusanagi has something important he wishes to share with us."

"Okay," she replied. "Come on, you guys." Merle, Amano, and Yukari sat down at the table next to Tsura. Yukari and Amano stared at Kusanagi with his golden wings.

"Now that everyone's here, would you please tell us what's going on?" Hitomi demanded.

"Of course, Hitomi," Kusanagi stated. "No more avoiding your questions. I shall start by telling you the course of events that brought us here."

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A/N: Everything is moving. The Black Dragon's storm is coming and the players are moving into position. What will Kusanagi say and how will Hitomi and her friends receive it? We shall see. I'd like to thank everyone who has kept up with this story and offered reviews…even those who didn't offer reviews too. I know some of you out there are eager for a little more romantic action between Van and Hitomi. Just be patient a little longer. It's coming very soon. I promise. Van's not going to let Hitomi go without a fight. Just watch and be ready for anything as this drama unfolds. I hope you like it.

One more note of interest: For those of you who're interested, I've posted a story called Old Ghosts on under the same penname I'm using here…BeowulfCaverias. It's in the horror section there and tends to trend a bit more to the dark side than what I've written here. Feel free to take a look if you like. Old Ghosts is, however, not as dark as my story Elfen Lied: Requiem of Annihilation and it's only going to be three chapters. It's truly a short story in the traditional sense. Chapter one of Old Ghosts is posted now and for those of you who do take a look, reviews are always welcome.

Beowulf Caverias