Chapter 21

A Twist of Fate

Van groaned in the all-encompassing, blinding light…his senses reeling. The taste of bile rose, burning his tongue and sickening him. Without warning, the light vanished with a pop. When his vision returned, he looked around wildly, seeing Hitomi, Kusanagi, and Argus missing. "Hitomi…Hitomi!" he shouted. "Where's Hitomi!"

"She's gone," Seras declared, his voice cracking. "So are Kusanagi and Argus. Lord Van, something's happening here that's beyond our control."

"Was that the Pillar of Light?" Tarunga asked.

"Yes," Van answered, his tone betraying his concern for Hitomi. "But I don't know why we weren't taken too. Mephisto has something to do with this. I know it!"

"I'm not so sure," Seras stated. Just then, Tsura burst into the room with Suko Usagi and Takai Himomato.

"Lord Van…several of Kusanagi's students have vanished along with Jin Liu!" Tsura announced.

"What?" Van and Seras asked in unison.

"How?" Tarunga asked.

"We were training in the main courtyard when a brilliant light hit us, blinding us," Takai explained. "When it vanished, so did Danel, Kwan, Tala, Li Mei, Tsung, Saya, and the tigress Jin Liu. Where did they go?"

"Where's Hitomi and Master Kusanagi, Lord Van?" Suko asked, near panic in her voice.

"We don't know," Van said. "But don't worry…we'll find them. I just wish I knew where to start."

"Lord Van…can you still sense Hitomi?" Seras asked.

"Yes…but she is disoriented and very upset," Van stated.

"Where is she?" Tsura asked.

"I don't know," he replied. "She doesn't know where she is. All I can tell is she is somewhere to the northeast of here. Exactly where, I cannot tell. There's too much interference. It's like something is preventing me from knowing exactly where she is." His eyes flamed while clenching his fists. "This is infuriating!"

"Interesting," Tarunga stated. "Isn't that where both Master Kusanagi and Argus said the ruins of Khimerazar were?"

"Yes, they did," Seras agreed. "…And I find it very interesting that we were talking about Khimerazar just before this happened….Lord Van, I don't think Mephisto has his hand in this. I saw the Stone of the Sky God flash just before this happened. I think he's the one who did this."

"But why?" Suko asked.

"I don't know," Seras answered. "But I'm sure we'll find out."

"I'm going after them," Van declared. "I don't care if he is the Sky God or not. He just can't snatch her away like that. Tsura…assemble a team of your best fighters and pilots. We leave within the hour."

"Where are we going?" Tsura asked.

"To Khimerazar to save Hitomi," Van growled. "If it is as dangerous as Kusanagi and Argus say it is, then she's probably in over her head."

"Yes sir," Tsura stated, rushing away.

"Seras…let's go talk to the Ispano. Surely they'll know the exact location of Khimerazar," Van ordered.

"Right," Seras stated, following Van out. Tarunga, Takai, and Suko followed on their heels.

* * *

Mephisto stood in the control center high above the cargo bay where the Atlantis Machine sat. A snarl twisted his features as he gazed out the shattered window at the smoke-filled bay. "General…what happened?"

"I don't know, sire," Yoshitora groaned, slowly getting up. As he looked around, he noticed that three members of his team in the control center were missing. "But we're missing three hands in here." Walking to the control panel, he pushed a button, saying, "All hands report! Report!" Only static answered his call through the speakers.

"Enough of this," Mephisto growled. "Come with me, General. Let's see what's going on down there. You'd better hope the Machine isn't damaged."

"Yes sir," he replied cautiously, following Mephisto out of the control room.

Several minutes later, the large doors to the cargo bay banged, sliding open. The smell of burning ozone and rotting flesh poured out of the doors with the dense blue smoke. Yoshitora and several soldiers coughed on the acrid, fetid gale that poured from the chamber. Mephisto grimaced at the stench. Speaking to the five soldiers with them, he barked, "Recon the machine. Go!"

The soldiers drew their weapons and hesitantly plunged into the dense smoky chamber. A few moments after disappearing into the smoke, a rumbling growl echoed from the chamber, followed by shouts and a roar. One of the soldiers hurled out of the smoke with the lower half of him missing. Yoshitora dodged the bloody corpse as it flew past them, splattering blood on him. "What the hell?" he cursed.

Mephisto cracked an evil smile as the chamber fell silent. "Well, General…seems we've unleashed something with the test. Let's see what this thing is." He stepped toward the smoke, clapping his hands together. A tempest of wind arose, clearing the air. The Atlantis Machine loomed in the center with the partial remains of a dozen soldiers and scientists splattered over the floor, walls, and on the machine. Yet the room was apparently clear of anything else.

"Gods…what did this?" Yoshitora asked, stepping towards the room.

Mephisto arm abruptly shot out, restraining the General. "You don't want to be doing that, General." Blood began dripping on Mephisto from above, drawing his attention. He shoved Yoshitora back and rolled aside as a shadowy dragon landed with a thud where he had been standing. It glowered at Mephisto as Yoshitora scrambled to hit the door release, sealing it.

"So…you have returned to finish what you started eons ago," Mephisto growled. The beast's eyes burned as coals of fire in the air. It roared, breathing blue fire at him. Mephisto clapped his hands again, creating an impenetrable shield around him. "Let's finish this!"

Standing outside the bay, Yoshitora heard the roars and shrieks of mortal combat inside the bay. Then silence reigned. The doors banged and he bobbed on the balls of his feet, ready to flee if the beast came through. For a moment, he held his breath as a blood-soaked figure stepped into view.

"There's not a dragon in existence that I can't defeat," Mephisto cackled, holding a glowing energist in his bloody hand.

Yoshitora looked beyond Mephisto, into the chamber, seeing the disintegrating corpse of the dragon behind him. "What was that thing, sire?"

"An old nemesis I believed long dead," Mephisto hissed. "But his power and soul will be added to my own, strengthening me and our great cause. What puzzles me is how he got in here in the first place?"

At that moment, the second in command under Yoshitora rushed in. "Sire, General…several important members of the crew have disappeared in the last few minutes."

"And?" Mephisto demanded.

"From the reports I've heard, a total of nine people vanished from critical areas of the ship. All the incidents occurred exactly ten minutes ago and those who were present reported a loud crash, followed by a blinding light. When the light vanished, the people were gone."

"Interesting," Mephisto stated. "That's what happened in the control room when we tested the Atlantis Machine. Three of our technicians vanished. Who was it?"

The man shook as he reported, "Four sorcerers assigned to work on the Fate Alteration Engines, three technicians with knowledge of our defenses, and two of your Dragon assassins with their guymelefs vanished without a trace. I can't understand how…"

"Silence, worm!" Mephisto barked, sensing an intelligence behind the disappearances. "Something is going on here. Check the prisoners in the Dragon's Lair, Yoshitora. I'm going to check on something. Lock this bay off. No one approaches the Atlantis Machine without my permission. Something caused the machine to malfunction and I intend to find out what. That's how the dragon got in here. And Yoshitora…" Yoshitora suddenly felt a force wrap around his neck and lift him off the ground, choking him. "I shouldn't need to remind you what I'll do if you don't get this machine working properly. Am I making myself clear?"

"Yes…sire," Yoshitora gurgled while his subordinate backed away.

"Now get out of my sight!" Mephisto roared, hurling Yoshitora against the bulkhead wall. Yoshitora crumbled and his subordinate quickly dragged him away, leaving Mephisto alone in the bay. Looking at the energist, he growled. "I sense that you're behind this, little brother. But you will not stop me. I will be the Dragon King and break the chains of sorrow and destiny." He waved his hand toward the massive doors, closing them. Turning to the Atlantis Machine, he cracked a wicked grin. "The test went better than I thought. I was able to conjure the Pillar. But we lacked the control mechanism and power to properly target it. There was an opposing influence on the machine as well. I must have the Wing Goddess' power in order to fully control the machine and stop this opposing influence."

The energist in his hand began to crackle, making his arm tingle. "You shouldn't have faced me, old friend. I warned you. Now you will take your place with the rest of my family and watch as I destroy all existence." Mephisto's hair began to float as the hand holding the energist began to phase immaterial. He then plunged the energist into his chest with a groan, doubling over. The stone flashed as it disappeared into his chest. His eyes turned black and his face became very dragon-like. Laughter began welling up as he straightened up, stretching his arms to the ceiling. His laughter became a demoniac roar as he transformed into a colossal black dragon with a skull face and the smell of death. Great black bat-like wings unfurled to the ceiling like giant sails. His roar shook the bay. Suddenly, he stopped and looked to the west. A twisted semblance of a smile crossed the dragon's lips. "Ah," he growled in a deep, gravelly voice. "It seems this experiment has netted some unexpected bonuses. The Wing Goddess and my bastard brother have been separated by Fate herself. Oh…this is too sweet. What a wonderful twist of fate! But what are you doing in Khimerazar, Wing Goddess? Why would Fate send you there?"

A very human chill raced through his bones as he realized the answer. A vicious snarl escaped his lips. "The Seal of Khimerazar…it has to be. With that, she could thwart my plans. Damnation!" Mephisto breathed at the far wall with his black fire, melting it. "You will not thwart me, Fate, nor the gods, or the Eternal Council!" Raising his head to the ceiling, he roared, "Hear me, my minions in Khimerazar…rise and attack the Wing Goddess. Capture her, kill her friends, and recover the Seal of Khimerazar for me. Do not stop until she is taken. Go!"

* * *

Standing on the hill overlooking Khimerazar, Hitomi suddenly cringed, falling to her knees with a deep groan of pain and despair. She dropped her sword and clenched her chest, tears dripping on the ground.

"What's wrong?" Saya asked as everyone gathered around. Argus turned his gaze to the east with a troubled look.

As Kusanagi steadied her, she whimpered, "I don't know. I feel death…pain, terror…all at once. It's like my soul was being devoured by a demon. It's terrible…I can't…"

Kusanagi touched her on the side of the head, briefly making telepathic contact. He grimaced, saying, "You don't have to bear this alone, Hitomi. Let us help you. Argus, have you sensed something?"

"I have," he replied, his displeasure evident in his tone. "The Black Dragon has just destroyed and imprisoned the soul of an ancient dragon, stealing his strength and cunning."

Hitomi's gaze snapped to Argus. "Oh my god…is that what that was?"

"I'm afraid so, Wing Goddess," Argus answered.

Hitomi's face suddenly hardened as she picked up her sword. A deep scowl crossed her face. "He's behind this and knows we're here. We have to find the Seal before any of his friends find us."

"That's a wise assumption," Kusanagi stated. "We should get moving."

"Indeed. The sooner we find it, the sooner we can leave," Argus stated. "Kusanagi…under the circumstances, could you release my elements? We're going to need everyone at full strength. With my elements, I could help the Wing Goddess and her friends recover."

Kusanagi looked at Hitomi for permission. "Do it," she ordered. "I'm not completely recovered and neither is Saya. If he can help us, let him."

Kusanagi nodded and touched Argus on the arm. "Release elements." A white glow briefly enveloped Argus as a circle of arcane runes lit the ground around him. "There…that should do it."

Once the glow subsided, Argus felt the surge of his elemental power and knelt down in front of Hitomi. He bowed to her, saying, "Thank you, Wing Goddess. You will not regret this decision."

"Just call me Hitomi," Hitomi returned wearily.

Argus smiled. "As you wish, milady. Now, with your permission, let me help you and your friend." Hitomi nodded, motioning for Saya to kneel next to her. Saya knelt down, putting her arm around Hitomi.

"Don't be afraid, young one," Argus said softly. "This won't hurt." With that, he touched both Hitomi and Saya at the same time. A green glow enveloped them. Kusanagi added his healing element by touching both Saya and Hitomi as well. Instinct took Hitomi and she began singing the folksong of the Dragon clan to energize her ability. The glow suddenly blazed. Within seconds, both Hitomi and Saya were completely restored. Argus released them, saying, "Very well done, milady. You're well on your way to mastering the gifts you have. You have a special connection to Sora's song, don't you?"

"Yes, Argus," Hitomi replied with a relieved smile. "I had no idea how powerful it was until I returned to Gaea. That song was directly responsible for me getting my wings."

"That's very interesting," Argus stated. "But now isn't the time for stories. We have a quest to complete. Is anyone else in need of a healing touch before we get moving?"

Jin Liu gently pushed Li Mei forward, saying, "Li Mei needs a touch. She's still feeling ill from the teleportation."

"No…no, I'll be all right," Li Mei balked. "Just give me a few…" A nasty wave of vomiting stifled her words while driving her to her knees.

"You don't look okay to me," Tsung Chou retorted sympathetically.

Argus knelt next to Li Mei, saying, "There's no shame in asking for help when you need it, little one. And you need not fear me. I won't hurt you. You have a great destiny as the Queen of Beasts. Please, let me help you."

Li Mei looked up weakly at Argus while wiping her mouth with the back of her hand. A shocked look came over Hitomi's face at Argus' comment. "Oh…okay," Li Mei whispered. "I'm at the point now that I'll do anything to get rid of this nausea."

Argus touched her and the telltale green glow encompassed her for a few moments. To her surprise, she felt the nausea and fatigue vanish in seconds, replaced with clear mind and a surge in her strength. Her eyes grew wide and her mouth dropped open in astonishment. "There…all done," Argus beamed. "See…you're healed and now know in your heart that I'm a friend, don't you?"

A smile crossed Li Mei's lips. She bowed to the Drakenite King, saying, "Thank you, Argus. You have taught me a valuable lesson this day. I shall take it to heart."

"You're most welcome, Li Mei Xiao of China," Argus replied pleasantly. "Whenever you ever need anything, let me, Hitomi, or Master Kusanagi know. We're here to help you discover your destiny and release the Tigress within. Now, is there anyone else who needs a touch?" When no one stepped up, he said, "Good…we're ready to begin."

"Then let's get to it," Hitomi declared. Kusanagi helped her up as Kwan and Tala helped Saya up. Hitomi looked at Saya, asking, "Feeling better now, Saya? Are you up for a little adventure?"

"You bet, Hitomi," Saya replied. "And thank you. Thank you all for whatever it was that you did to make me feel better."

"It was our pleasure, little one," Argus chimed with a smile. "In time, you'll discover your power too. Now come on. Let's go. I would suggest that no weapons be drawn unless absolutely necessary. The dragons of this land are protectors and will not attack unless provoked."

"He's right," Hitomi said to everyone. "I saw it when Van and I met Folken in Fanelia after Van destroyed Folken's floating fortress. The dragons only attack when confronted with aggression. Just remember that if you're confronted with a land dragon."

"Okay," Kwan said. "Does anyone have any idea where to start looking for this seal?"

Hitomi felt a twinge in her telepathy, drawing her attention to the main citadel. "I think we should start there." She pointed to the ruined castle, adding, "Argus suggested that I follow my visions and dreams, so that's what we're going to do. Besides, I feel something calling to me from the castle."

"Okay…we have an objective," Kusanagi said. "Argus, you take up the lead. Danel, Tsung, and I will bring up the rear. The rest of you watch our flanks. Let's get going. I sense it's not safe to stay in one place for too long."

"I agree," Argus said, stepping up to Hitomi. "Before we move out, I have something of yours, milady." He held out his hand with the dragon ring he'd given her before the Pillar snatched them away. "You must have dropped it in the chaos when the Pillar took us. Please, take it and put it on. It will protect you."

"Thank you, Argus," Hitomi replied softly, taking the ring and sliding it on her right ring finger. "I don't remember when I dropped it." An eerie tingling sensation raced throughout her body, causing a shiver. Her mouth fell open as she stared at the ring as it glowed softly like the Stone of the Sky God and her grandmother's necklace. Astonishment covered her face as she gazed into Argus' reptilian eyes.

"Yes, Hitomi…you can feel it now, can't you?" Argus asked. "Your ancient memories are stirring. Don't repress them. Let them come out. The ring is designed only to obey the Wing Goddess. It will protect you."

"It's so strange," Hitomi whispered, staring at the ring on her finger. "I feel like I've been living in a dream up to now and now I'm beginning to wake up. I'm feeling sensations that I've never felt before and for some strange reason, I'm not afraid. Weird."

"Your ancient memories are being stirred," Kusanagi said. "…and they're leaking into your conscious mind now. It's time for you to discover who you really are, Hitomi. Come…the Seal of Khimerazar awaits."

"Yes…let's do this," Hitomi agreed. "It's time for me to find my answers. Argus."

"Yes, milady," he replied with a bow. "Stay close to me. Everyone ready?" The team took up position and the team moved out with Hitomi shadowing Argus, heading for the citadel.

* * *

Van suddenly looked to the northeast as he waited for the leader of the Ispano to come to the balcony overlooking the bay where the Escaflowne was being upgraded. The bay was strangely silent.

"What is it?" Tarunga asked, noticing the strange look on Van's face.

"Something has happened to Hitomi," he replied. "She's no longer afraid and seems to be unusually calm."

"Can you sense where she is?"

"No…but she believes she is at Khimerazar."

"Are you sure?"

Van glared at Tarunga, and then his look faltered. "I'm not sure. There's so much interference." A grave look crossed his face. "No…Hitomi."

As he spoke, Seras returned with the Ispano leader. They saw the look on his face and Seras asked, "Is there a problem, Lord Van?"

"You know there is, Seras!" Van snapped. "The interference between Hitomi and I has all but cut us off. Where is Khimerazar? I have to go after her!"

"Khimerazar cursed land, Fanelia," the Ispano leader declared.

"I don't care!" Van blurted out. "The Pillar took her to Khimerazar. That is what I sensed just before I lost contact. She believes she is in Khimerazar. I have to get to her before the Black Dragon gets her. I'm sure he knows where she is too."

"Be calm, Fanelia," the leader returned. "Someone tampers with Fate. But Fate resists the manipulation and casts its own will into mix."

"Where is Khimerazar?" Van insisted.

"Your past buried in Khimerazar, Dragon King," the leader said. "Pleasant it will not be. But Fate calls you to your past. Go to Khimerazar you will and with it, Escaflowne."

The Ispano leader's words caused Van to pause a moment. "The upgrade is finished?" he asked.

The leader pointed to the bay where the Escaflowne sat. "Yes, Fanelia…upgrade finished. Come and see."

They walked to the edge of the balcony and looked at the new Escaflowne. "Listen closely, Fanelia…Ispano install new lighter, stronger dragon armor surfacing on Escaflowne…it three times as strong as before. Weak points in old model reinforced. Withstand extreme heat, ice, and magic strikes much better. Pilot/Armor interface streamlined and enhanced with neural contacts. Response time much quicker now and Armor now has power to channel Dragon King's elements. But take care not to channel too much power. Too much elemental power can burn out Armor's magic interface.

"Secondary blade added and stored on back next to primary weapon. Release for blades tied to neural interface and handles of blades in case of malfunction. Blades also made of new alloy, much stronger and durable, capable of directing and defending from magical assaults. Lastly, Ispano reinforce and enhance energist unit. Here, Fanelia…new heart for Escaflowne." The Ispano leader reached into his robe and pulled out an energist the size of a large softball. Handing it to Van, he added, "This is special energist from ancient dragon of great power. Use it well and learn of the dragon. It can teach you many things. But be warned, Fanelia...Ispano cannot guarantee work with your draconian blood. Many variables involved with Draconian blood…too many to anticipate. Will you accept risk?"

"Yes," Van replied. "I'll take full responsibility."

"Then Escaflowne is ready," Ispano leader declared. "Khimerazar lie 450 miles north-northeast of here. Proceed with care, Fanelia. We withdraw for now. When you need us, Kanzaki knows how to contact us."

"Thank you," Van said, shaking the Ispano leader's hand. "We will be in touch. Seras, Tarunga…let's go and get Hitomi."

"Yes, Lord Van," Seras and Tarunga said in unison. They followed Van off the balcony, leaving the Ispano leader standing there.

"Fate of both worlds now set in motion," the leader mumbled. "Now we see which Fate the Wing Goddess chooses for us."

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A/N: The heat is now on. Fate has separated Van and Hitomi and the Black Dragon seems to have some connection to it. What exactly did the test of the Atlantis Machine do? Will Hitomi find the seal and escape Khimerazar before Mephisto can find her? Will Van, Seras, and Tarunga reach her before Mephisto? Keep reading to find out.

I'm pleased to say it didn't take me as long to get this chapter out. I'll try to keep updating at a reasonable pace. As always, reviews are welcome. When reviewing, be honest, but kind.

Beowulf Caverias