Escaflowne's blade ripped through his enemies, leaving Dilandau reeling after each new blow he landed on his men. He shouted bursts of orders, flank him, fall back. It was no use. Escaflowne did not slow down. He charged forward, unwavering. The relentless assault brought another guymelef to its knees, pilot calling out to Lord Dilandau in his final moments. Sweat dripped off Dilandau's brows as he watched Escaflowne unleash his horrors.
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"Escaflowne is..." Celena began, standing next to the green-eyed girl.
"Black," Hitomi finished. That wasn't Van. His movements were different, animal. Like he had fought for a thousand years without end. Blows glanced off Escaflowne feebly.
"He belongs to the battlefield. He belongs to me." Rich laughter rolled through the bridge. Hitomi looked at Celena then at the crew, who appeared unaffected.
The fine hairs on Hitomi's arms prickled. She shivered, her fears confirmed. It was the pact he made with Escaflowne. It would consume him. "No. What have you done?"
"Hitomi?" Celena touched her elbow.
"My blood becomes yours. Your pain becomes mine. My triumphs now belong to you," she said, voice soft. "Don't you see? Escaflowne has taken control. They're becoming one. If we can't reach him, he may never come back."
"We need to stop Van," Celena said, hand rolling into a fist. "Gaddess, please open the cargo bay." She turned to the dark-haired man, eyes desperate.
"How is that going to help?" he asked.
Allen stepped forward. "See that the bay door is opened." His brow crinkled as he looked at the honey-haired girl.
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Hitomi stood on the edge of oblivion, shielding her face from flying specks of dust. She called to Van endlessly, hand gripping the edge of the doorway. Her skirts fluttered about her erratically. She cursed, turning her face away from the battle. He could not hear her calls.
Celena's smile wobbled as she addressed her companion, "Maybe he'll be alright." Three guymelef wrecks lay crushed against the dirt. Escaflowne held his own against the remaining group of enemy guymelefs. The blonde looked at the red guymelef, biting her bottom lip.
Hitomi stole a glance at the blonde then looked back on the battle. She heard Allen behind her giving orders to keep firing the cannon. Celena weaved her fingers through Hitomi's. Sucking in a tight breath, she let her hands fall to her sides.
"There's nothing we can do for him," Celena said.
Hitomi shut her eyes. "Come back, Van. Don't let Escaflowne consume you."
No one noticed the soft glow of the pendant that dangled from her throat.
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Escaflowne halted, sword pausing mid-motion. The blade lowered, tip grazing the ground. His enemies gawked at him, taking hesitant breaths. Van's face turned upward, eyes clouded. "Hitomi?" The ancient guymelef fell to his knees. She called him. It had to be her.
"Rise and rise again. Slay your enemies. Obey me and fight. Is this not the victory you sought?"
"Come back, Van."
His breath became heady and thick. Escaflowne tugged at his soul, coaxing him to the edge of enslavement. His body ached, vision spotting as he resisted. He fumbled blindly away from Escaflowne's gravity, frantic to reach her voice. He could almost hear her amid the soft chuckles. His sword fell from his grasp.
"Don't let Escaflowne consume you."
"Bind him! Now's our chance," a shrill cry commanded. Liquid metal encased Escaflowne's limbs. Dilandau's guymelef pushed forward to claim their conquest. "You will pay for what you've done."
In his last moment of clarity Van saw a pair of green eyes open, brimmed with hot and wild tears.
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"Allen," Celena called to her brother as she bunched her skirts in her hand. She stepped towards him her pupils narrowing.
"Gaddess, change our course. We're following them," the blond man ordered. His second in command eyed him warily. "I know. It's all we can do."
Gaddess nodded and took his leave.
Hitomi swayed, rocking back and forth, catching glimpses of the ground below. She saw a blade and heard a voice cry out. Leaning over the edge, she wretched. Ziabach had Escaflowne. Gone in one sigh. Why did he let Ziabach have him? Allen steadied her with an arm around her waist. She wiped her mouth hastily as tears coursed down her cheeks.
"Are you alright?" Allen asked quietly. Hitomi rested her forehead against his shoulder. She felt like a husk, hollow and empty.
"We can't keep up with them, can we?" Celena asked, hovering behind them.
Allen glanced back at his sister, countenance grave. It was all the answer she needed. He shook his head slowly. "We have to find the floating fortress. That's where they'll take him. It must be near Freid by now."
Hitomi stirred, head turning to look at the knight. "I can find it," she said quietly, her knuckles white as she clutched Allen's sleeve.
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It was the crackle of the flames that woke him, then the terrible heat. One hand covered his mouth and nose while the other hand fumbled for the bundle of clothing next to his cot, and his sword. He called to his two companions. They were already on their feet, eyes transfixed to the flames that licked the entrance-way and crept across the roof. Smoke billowed into the room, sinister and steady. Gold and silver eyes flashed to him, shining in the firelight.
He muttered a curse as his gaze darted around the room. A glint of metal peeking out from under a cot grabbed his attention. He pushed himself towards it, flipping the cot with a hand. A collection of weapons clattered together. He pulled an axe from the pile and turned to face the wall. Dropping his bundle of belongings at his feet, he began hacking his way at the wooden boards, sweat dripping from his brow.
The two cat-women were instantly at his side, prying back the wooden boards. Together, they put their weight against the opening and tumbled out into the night air. The silver-haired man scrambled to his feet, offering a hand to the twins.
"Lord Folken," the golden-haired sister said, drawing his attention to the men approaching. The cat-women reached back into the hut, grabbing what weapons they could.
Folken stepped forward, his fury building. He stared down the group of men, squaring his stance. Behind him, he heard the sound of blades being drawn. His sheathed sword appeared before him, a golden arm reaching out to hand him the weapon as his companions came to stand beside him.
The men sneered, pulling away from the group. "Two filthy creatures and an injured man." He gestured with an arm to Folken's torso wrapped with strips of linen. "Easily taken."
The aggressors rushed them, their voices fierce. Folken dropped the axe and drew his blade, shifting his stance. He pushed the first man back, parried his attack and sliced through his flesh neatly, blade arching up. His enemy gurgled one last breath as he collapsed. Another man advanced, then another. The twins held their ground, weapons clutched in their clawed hands. They worked together to bring their attackers down. Folken forgot his injury and the pain, his body working through the motions of battle. Soon, the last remaining men retreated, not wanting to face the tall man, faces pale with fear.
Folken wiped his blade on one of his fallen enemies. He turned and found the twins looking at their home as it crumbled amid the flames, hands entwined. Their weapons hung low at their sides like lead weights.
"We have been through worse," the golden sister said tightly.
"I know sister," Naria replied, then added, "It's just...We were happy here, weren't we?"
Eyria nodded. "We can be happy again. You'll see."
Folken walked lightly around them, taking inventory. He had his sword and the pair of pants he went to bed in, nothing more. Weaving in between bodies, he paused now and then to inspect a shirt or a pair of boots. He groaned as he crouched down at a dead man's feet, a hand pressed to the bandage at his side. With his free hand he picked at the laces of the man's boots.
The two cat-women came to stand behind him. A bundle of cloth fell to his shoulder. He pulled it down with a tug, recognizing the tunic as the one he had folded next to his cot.
"It was caught on your sword hilt," one sister offered.
"Thank-you," he said without looking up.
"Where will you go now?" A pair of golden eyes stared down at him.
"I could ask the same of you."
Eyria snickered. "Adon first, then after...Who can say?"
Folken pushed his arms through the sleeves of his tunic and let the fabric fall down his back. He rubbed his brow. "I am headed for Asturia," he told them.
"Asturia? Not Fanalia?" Naria quirked an eyebrow at him.
"My brother is there," he explained. "Fanalia will have to wait."
The sisters shared a glance. "We want to come with you."
Folken looked up at them, his maroon eyes pained. "I wish you wouldn't. If you follow me your lives will be at risk. I already owe you too much."
Naria grinned. "Our lives have always been at risk. We will take first watch. Tomorrow we will travel to Adon. Then, to Asturia."
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Sweet strings of an incomplete melody weaved through a garden surrounded by metal walls. The lone woman tilted her face upwards, eyes closed. She missed the warmth of the sun against her cheeks. She missed the way the breeze caressed her loose silver locks. Her lips moved fluidly as the song crested, her longing on display.
A beast-man approached, his golden mane untamed against the hard lines of his military uniform. His deep empathetic eyes bore into her as he held back a sigh. She did not belong here and neither did he. They were both hostages here, taken from their people, their talents stolen in exchange for the safety of their kin. He approached reluctantly as her song ebbed into its final notes.
How he wished he could stand there, listening to her sing for all eternity. Her voice calmed his weary soul, bringing him back to his homeland, if only for a moment. It was enough to make him hope again.
"Sora," he addressed her, the corners of his eyes crinkling. She looked up at him with clear grey eyes. "The emperor wants to see you."
She nodded, lips set into a thin line.
"I am here to escort you to his receiving room," he told her, eyes searching her face. He had been charged with her care when Lord Albaltou left. From the moment he saw her he knew he would do whatever he could to ease her sorrow. She was too gentle for this place. He worried for her safety daily, for the circumstance of her imprisonment fluctuated with the emperor's whim. A cold cell, the comforts of a guest apartment, or something in between, the choice was Emperor Dornkirk's.
He feared that the next time she defied his will that the emperor would choose an executioner's blade.
She followed behind him, her hands folded in front of her placidly. He often dreamt that he assisted in her escape, but when it came to finally stepping through the final door she would stop, refusing to go any further. She would smile and tell him that she could not leave yet. That she still had a purpose to fulfill.
They came to their destination. He made a short bow. "I will come collect you afterwards," he said.
Sora placed her hand on his forearm. "Thank-you, Jajuka."
He watched her step into the room, his heart skipping a beat. It distressed him to see the doors closed behind her. "Be safe," he whispered as he turned to leave.
She glided across the dark tiles, the way lit by torches. The old man prostrated himself up as she neared, his keen eyes appraising her. He gripped the arms of his chair. "She was wrong. The Dragon is no threat to me."
Sora stopped, her skirts heavy against her legs. "Did you call me here to boast? To call attention to your meaningless victories?"
He smiled, his wrinkles deepening. "Such disobedience. I have come to expect it from you as I expected it from your aunt. Not that it helped her much. I have called you here to enjoy your despair. The Dragon Slayers have captured their quarry. Her prophesies are dust to me now."
She drew in a breath to keep herself from shaking. "Believe what you will. We both know your reign will end."
Emperor Dornkirk laughed, leaning back in his chair. "You do not scare me, girl."
"No. You are scared of something far greater," she said, eyes brazen. "You fear your own mortality."
Dornkirk coughed roughly, his grizzled hand covering his mouth. He sucked in a succession of deep breaths, wheezing.
"The Dragon's blade will fall upon you and your empire will quake and crumble under its weight," she continued, "You will not hold him for long."
"First Escaflowne, then the girl," he said, voice scratchy. He smirked at her. "You thought I didn't know about your precious seer. I've felt her presence. She is the key to locating Atlantis' power."
Sora's face remained serene. "She'll fight you. She will never serve you."
"You seem so confident," he hummed. "My sorcerers might be able to persuade her fate to alter its course. Then, that power will be mine."
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Hitomi leaned over the map spread out over the table. Curious faces observed her from across the table, hushed voices subsiding as her pendant dropped down from her fingers, chain dangling from her hand. An annoyed cat-girl hovered behind the honey-haired girl, tail sticking straight up, hands on her hips. She rolled her large round eyes.
"Do something already," the cat-girl said abruptly. Her comment drew everyone's eyes to her.
Dryden cleared his throat. Celena heaved a sigh, moving towards the cat-girl to coax her away.
Hitomi let the pendant coil to the table, palm resting next to it. She glanced to one side, expression flat. "If you have something that belongs to him, that would help."
Merle's ears perked up. "Why didn't you say so earlier?" she asked with a huff. She rummaged through the pouch at her side, producing a heavy ring ensnared by a black cord.
"Van's signet ring?" Allen queried, folding his arms. "How did you come by such a thing, Merle?"
Merle's tail puffed. "I'm keeping it safe for Lord Van." Meeting Allen's gaze, she shoved the ring in front of Hitomi. "Don't do anything funny with it," she warned.
The green-eyed girl wrapped her fingers around the ring, her thumb absently rubbing against the lines engraved on it. She closed her eyes, pendant rising from the table along with her hand. Exhaling, she steadied her hand, emptying her mind. Her audience watched with bated breath. Slowly, the pendant began to sway, her hand moving away from her numbly. Sweat beaded along her brow.
She soared through a deep canyon to a vast mountain range. Large chunks of rock broke off sheer cliff faces, but instead of tumbling down to the mountain base they fluttered away, up into the air. She turned around the first bend, then the next, until she spotted a colossal mass of black partly obscured by floating rock.
"Where the world crumbles into the sky, that's where the fortress will be," Hitomi said, her clammy hand clamped over Van's ring. She loosened her grip only enough to see the ring glint in the candlelight, nestled in her upturned palm. She wished she had seen him, to see if he was alright.
Merle leaned in closer to Hitomi's face, her expression a tangle of scrutiny and rage. "What is that supposed to mean?" She snatched the ring from Hitomi's hand. "Riddles won't help us find him," she hissed.
"Hush, Merle," Allen said, eyes transfixed to the spot Hitomi held a finger to on the map.
"That's..." Dyden began, hand to his chin.
"A levistone quarry." Allen smiled at the honey-haired girl. "The perfect place for a Ziabach floating fortress to hide."
"What a strange gift," Millerna remarked. "How do you know that Van will be there?"
Hitomi averted her gaze, balling her pendant in her lap. "It's a hunch," she replied as she withdrew her finger from the map.
Merle's eyes narrowed. "You would have us rush out blindly on a hunch? Lord Van's life is at risk." She extended her claws as she slammed her hands against the table.
"I believe in her." Allen stood, towering over the cat-girl. Merle's ears lowered as she retracted her hands, slinking away from the blond knight. He looked to Dryden next, his gaze hardening. "I'm afraid this is where we leave you on your journey home."
"It would seem so," Dryden replied.
"Allen," Millerna said quietly, lavender eyes looking up at the knight.
"Please have a safe journey, princess." Allen bowed curtly, hand steadying the wound at his side.
"But you could need a healer," she reasoned.
"I would not risk you in this endeavour. We will make do," Allen replied.
"He's right," Dryden said, then added, "The risks outweigh the benefits." His gaze passed fluidly between his bride-to-be and the knight. "However, I have an interest in the prince. I will wait for you here," he said, pointing to the map. "There is a town there that I am well acquainted with. We will wait until midday tomorrow."
Allen nodded. "Alright."
"Be careful," Millerna said as she stepped forward. "All of you."
"Thank-you, princess. For everything." Celena threaded her arm through her brother's, her eyes gathering emotion as she watched Gaddess escort them away.
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Red eyes scrutinized the ancient guymelef towering over him. "Do you think he's dead?" the silver-haired youth asked the cloaked man beside him.
They stood on a metal bridge, level with Escaflowne's midriff. "I doubt it," the man replied.
Dilandau sneered. "We tried opening the cockpit. There is no release mechanism." He looked up at the older man. "I hope you're right. I want to make him burn for what he did to my Dragon Slayers." His gloved hand made a tight fist.
"You will have your opportunity. I have summoned the sorcerers. They will deal with this black Escaflowne," he said, then added, "Come, we have to prepare ourselves for the battle at hand."
Taking one last look at the dormant guymelef, Dilandau followed after his father.
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Van travelled through a world of shadow and light. With every step he took, with every turn he made, his despair deepened. There was no up or down in this place, no backwards or forwards. Only more shadows and illusions.
"You still resist me. Why?"
"Show yourself." Van turned, searching for the source of the voice.
"Do you not seek revenge? Justice for your homeland? Answer me, Prince of Fanalia."
The black-haired youth turned again, chasing echoes and swirls of light. "Of course. But not like this. Never like this," he replied hoarsely. "Release me. There are those I need to protect."
Footsteps approached. The outline of a man appeared, stepping through the shadows. Van watched with terrified fascination as the giant man came to stare down at him with fierce intensity. His eyes shifted from vibrant green to blood-red, then faded to a startling purple. They continued to change colours, eyes unblinking. "You are bound to me. You spoke to me of triumph in your vow, not those who needed your protection." The man's white shoulder-length hair rippled as he spoke. "You are more like your brother than I expected."
Van blinked at the man. "My brother?"
"He came to me, asking me to help him protect Fanalia. I refused to make that pact." The man crossed his well-muscled arms.
Maroon eyes widened in disbelief. "You refused him?" the black-haired prince growled.
"His vow was unworthy. I never could protect what mattered most to me. I have no wish to relive past failures." He took a step forward. "Your vow invoked a fire in me. A vow worthy of warrior kings."
Van's jaw tightened. Was this why Folken had entrusted Escaflowne to him? Not because he wanted to safeguard Escaflowne, but because he had failed to make a blood pact with him? "If my vow was so worthy then why are you holding me captive?" he asked.
The man smiled. "Your freedom lies at the feet of your vanquished foes. Even the Wing Goddess could not disagree." He extended an arm to the Fanalian prince. "Join me. Honour our blood pact. Claim your victory, and your freedom." His smile widened.
Van stood, hesitant to move. He criticized the offered limb. Either choice was a cage and they both knew it.
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Hitomi's heart beat madly against her ribcage in anticipation. They had reached the mountain range. Gaddess stood at the helm, Allen close behind. A levistone swept by the bridge's view. The honey-haired girl heard a soft gasp from her blonde companion. Merle also watched the levistone with awe.
"I'm sorry," Celena said, lowering a hand from her mouth. "The only levistones I've seen are the ones strapped to the Crusade." She smiled. "It seems impossible, doesn't it? Like a dream."
Hitomi nodded. "I've only read about them in books."
Celena looked at her in surprise. She had always seen Hitomi as an outcast who left her village, shunned because of her unusual gift. She saw her as a girl with practical skills like trapping small animals, collecting firewood, and making camp. She never pictured her as someone who would be taught how to read or write. Celena made no comment, looking back at the levistones floating past the bridge window.
"Careful now, Gaddess," Allen said, eyes wary. "The terrain is getting narrow."
"Relax, Boss." Gaddess smiled. "I know what She's capable of and what She isn't."
Ort pulled back from the periscope and looked at Allen. "We've found the fortress," he said, running a hand over his bald head. "We need a plan of attack. It'll be difficult enough navigating with all these stones flying about."
Allen looked through the periscope, brow furrowed. The shock of black was overwhelming. He narrowed his sights on an open bay door, most likely the guymelef hanger. "We'll stay along this cliff and drop down next to the guymelef hanger." He invited Gaddess over with a gesture. Gaddess looked through the periscope. "We shouldn't go directly into the hanger as I'm sure there will be soldiers there waiting for us. We'll make our own way in with the help of our cannon and take our chances. If anything, it will disperse the soldiers as we prepare to enter. Ort, ask Teo to find those grappling hooks and bring them to the cargo bay."
Gaddess stepped away from the periscope and slowed the Crusade's advance, hugging a cliff wall as they approached the fortress. "Pyle, heat the levistones," he ordered. He smiled as the Crusade began her decent. "We're almost in position."
"Good. Let's get the cargo bay door open," Allen said. He turned to Pyle. "Load the cannon and wait for my word."
Pyle nodded and made his leave. The bridge became so silent a pin-drop could have been heard. A shadow fell over the bridge as they neared their destination. Celena and Hitomi shared a glance.
"We're ready," Teo's voice announced over the intercom. "Katz is here with us too."
"The cannon is loaded," Pyle reported.
Gaddess nodded to his captain.
"Fire the cannon," Allen ordered, intercom in hand.
A boom sounded, rocking the bridge. Gaddess, helm gripped with both hands, turned the Crusade, wheel spinning.
Celena pulled Hitomi away by the hand. "Come on," she urged. Merle followed behind the pair. They found themselves in the cargo bay, staring at a gaping hole in the fortress. Two lengths of rope flew across the distance between the Crusade and the fortress, grapples catching. After a tug, the crew-members dug in their heels and tied the rope off.
Allen and Gaddess entered the cargo hold, Allen leaning on a walking stick. They scanned the entrance they created, taking in the enemy bodies strewn along the debris. "We got lucky," Allen noted.
"We don't have long," Gaddess said, giving his captain a sidelong glance. "I want you to stay with Celena and Hitomi. With your injury, I don't think you could come out of this unscathed."
Allen sighed, then nodded. "Fine."
Gaddess approached Celena, pulling a dagger from the pocket at the outer aspect of his leg. He pressed the hilt into her palm and closed her fingers around it with his hands. "What we're about to do...has its risks, Celena. If Ziabach soldiers try to board, cut the ropes."
Celena gaped at him, cheeks pink. "Gaddess."
"Don't hesitate," he urged her, squeezing her hand.
Allen cleared his throat. "I'll take care of it," he said, eyebrows raised at his second-in-command.
"Right," Gaddess replied, scratching at the back of his neck nervously.
"We're up," Ort announced, twirling a pair of daggers in his hands.
With that, the men crossed over into enemy territory. Gaddess went with them, leaving Celena stunned, hand out, dagger hilt gripped tightly. Her mouth parted slightly, unspoken words caught in her throat. Allen watched as his men advanced, hand at the sword at his hip.
Hitomi stood back, mind racing. They wouldn't have much time. They didn't know where they were keeping Van. She closed her eyes. A clawed hand nudged her. Hitomi looked down to find a cat-girl judging her, eyes blinking.
"What's with you? You don't look good," Merle said, tail flicking behind her.
She was right. A knot had formed at the bottom of her gut, tight and cold. Hitomi sucked in a breath, face pale. Corridors and passageways flew past her, twisting and turning, stopping at a bridge hanging in the air. She blinked. Escaflowne was there, black smudged against a grey backdrop.
Hitomi's eyes snapped to Celena and the dagger in her hand, then to her brother standing next to her. Allen would not let her go without argument. She didn't have time for that. "Merle, distract Allen," she told the cat-girl gravely.
"But why?" Merle asked, hands on her hips.
"I know where Van is," she said, lowering her voice. "Allen will try to stop me. I need to get by him."
Merle's ears perked up. "Lord Van? I'm coming with you."
"Suit yourself."
The cat-girl approached the blond knight, Hitomi behind her. She stood in front of Allen, head tilted to one side. "Hey Allen," she blurted, nose crinkling.
Hitomi touched Celena's arm. "May I?" she asked, gesturing to the dagger. The blonde handed her the dagger without question, unaware that Hitomi had her skirts balled into a fist.
"Yes Merle?"
"Your shirt, it's come undone." Merle pointed, causing Allen to look down.
Sneaking around Celena, the honey-haired girl quickly hopped over the divide. The moment her feet hit the uneasy territory of the Ziabach floating fortress she ran as fast as her legs would allow.
"Hitomi!" both siblings cried out in alarm.
"Hey, wait for me," Merle called, moving forward.
Celena launched herself at the cat-girl, engulfing her in an embrace. The struggle caused the pair to collapse in a billow of skirts and fur. "Not you too," the blonde uttered with new-found resolve.
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Panting, Hitomi stopped at a shadowed alcove. Dagger in hand, she lifted her skirts and made a series of strategic cuts. The sound of ripping cloth permeated the hallway. She continued on her path, leaving a puddle of cloth behind her.
She encountered Gaddess and the other crew-members as she neared her goal. They called to her between blows they exchanged with Ziabach soldiers. She ignored them, glad the soldiers were occupied. Gaddess and the others would take care of them. Hitomi stopped at the narrow bridge, gaze sweeping the guymelef hold.
Escaflowne was there, dark and ominous. It stood near the center of the bridge. He was not alone. A cloaked figure stood in front of the guymelef. Hitomi's heart dropped. Steeling herself, she made her way across the bridge, dagger held out ahead of her.
The bald man grinned, pointed teeth on display. "Are you lost, little girl?"
"Get away from him," Hitomi demanded.
A cackle rolled from his mouth. "Do you know what I am? What I can do to you?"
She raised her dagger and let out a roar, flying at her target. The man stumbled back, arm raised. Hitomi slashed his forearm, blood welling at the cut. Clutching his arm, the man seethed. She kept her weapon raised as she advanced. To her astonishment the man stepped back and then retreated.
She turned her attention to Escaflowne. Lowering her dagger, she stepped toward the guymelef. "Van, you can come out now."
Silence. The air was cold against her shoulders. Hitomi rested her palm against the ancient guymelef. "Please, come out. You have to fight. You can't let them win."
She gritted her teeth in frustration. He couldn't hear her. Shaping her hand into a fist, she tapped the black armour. "Can't you see that you're killing him?" She looked up at Escaflowne's face. "He promised you his blood and to share your pain. This is how you answer?"
Hitomi stepped away from the black guymelef. "Escaflowne, I command you to release him. Let him go." Her pendant warmed against her skin. The shadow drained from Escaflowne, its former brilliance restored. She breathed a sigh of relief. "Van," she called.
Further down the bridge, a man watched her with hopeful longing. "Yuri, is that you?" he asked.
She turned, green eyes wide with bewilderment. Trembling, she dropped the dagger. "It can't be," she whispered.
The man approached, slow and cautious. "No, not Yuri. Hitomi," he said softly.
"Leon," Hitomi said, voice laced with confusion. She grabbed the railing behind her, waiting for her world to dissolve at her feet.
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AN: Yes, I know. This chapter is overdue. Sorry about that. I think I took this plotline in a weird direction. Near the beginning of the anime series Van is kidnapped by Ziabach, but for whatever reason I felt its place needed to be here in this storyline. Hopefully it doesn't feel disjointed. And yes, I know this is an awful cliff-hanger. At least, I felt it was when I was writing it. Anyways, I hoped you enjoyed. Please review if you feel so inclined!
Guest- Thank-you for your review! I hope I didn't let you down. :)
Tblaze- Oh my goodness, I really wish you had logged in so I could have PM'd you instantly to tell you that you were right. I got really excited when you got it right. It made me write like a crazy person. Thank-you so much for your review. I'm still gushing.
Take care everyone! Until next time!