Again, life took a hold of me and ran. I made extra sure to focus on my story and getting it edited. I hope I don't disappoint. The next several chapters will be completely by scratch from the inner workings of my mind. So hang in there!
Oh, and for the next few chapters: CHARACTER DEATH
You've been warned.
I do not own the Vision of Escaflowne characters or plot; anything new is my own creation.
The walls of her cabin shook with such force that Aimi screamed herself awake, crying out for her mother like a child. Gasping for breath and blinking several times, she placed her clammy hands on the cold metal floor of the room to steady her trembling body. She had dressed hours earlier and crawled to the corner of the room, crying herself to sleep. As she had slept, her mind was dark with evil desires and nightmares leaving Aimi more exhausted.
The sun was approaching mid-afternoon; it's bright yellow rays illuminating the small space. Aimi felt the shutter of the fortress again. We're moving, her thoughts concluded. Eyes darting around the room, her mind alarmed, Aimi braced herself against the wall wearily. Why has the ship moved? She asked rhetorically. Using her palms for balance she slide across the metal walls and stumbled the last few steps over to the porthole window, already knowing what she would observe. The scenery of the forest had changed into the pale blue of the sky. The clouds wispy and white flittered past the glass happily, enjoying their own journey. Aimi's green eyes moved toward the ground as she watched the forest, full of greenery, disappear with the horizon. Oh God no!She thought horrified.
Still in the process of cleaning medical equipment, something she tended to do when nervous, Kallie felt the tremor of the Retributions take off. She closed her eyes and prayed. Please let Folken and Dargas come save us! Her mind had been ill at ease since she met Paruchi. "I hope the carrier reaches Aefron in time," she whispered, looking out through the window. Kallie felt a warm tear gently slide down her soft cheek. Not bothering to wipe it away, she leaned her forehead against the glass frame and whispered. "You better keep your promise Folken, to Aimi and to all of us, please!"
Nathan's head jerked up from his position against the bolted door to Aimi's prison at the rather rough lift off. He leaned against the door in a sitting position one leg propped up, his sword leaning against his shoulder. The feeling of movement in the massive vessel wasn't unlike being on the ocean during a calm day. It rocked slightly; it's massive size barely moving with the wind. He could hear Aimi shifting inside the cabin frantically swearing at the top of her lungs.
Feeling somewhat responsible, Nathan opened the door to ease her feelings. He could see her standing on her tiptoes leering out the tiny window. Her body clothed in the red tunic of a ritual sacrifice and loose satin pants the color of charcoal. Her feet were no longer bare, but clad in tight black leather boots, her pants tucked comfortably in their cuffs. She looks amazing; his thoughts said taking the woman into his mind, not as the sister he thought of her. Aimi spun to look back at him. She looks scared out of her mind. Nathan's thought readjusted to the doe eyed expression of pure fear from the princess's colorless face. "What's wrong?" He heard himself ask.
"I'm afraid to fly," Aimi mumbled, a fiery blush now covering her soft cheeks. "I would rather my feet be firmly planted on the ground."
"Afraid to fly?" Nathan repeated the statement with a chuckle. No wonder she's behaving so childish. He smiled and crossed his arms over his chest.
"It's so immature, but I'm really petrified of being so high," Aimi began to laugh at herself, her wide green eyes meeting Nathan's.
The soldier studied her amused. The memories of Laota running from a hairy-legged spider, screaming bloody murder while trying to climb on top of him. He had only been five at the time and half her size. "My sister was afraid of spiders," Nathan confided to the Dragon Princess. "Probably still is, as a grown woman and Empress, no doubt."
Shivering at the slight tremble of the flying fortress, Aimi's eyes widened. "They don't bother me as much as flying." She admitted shaking her head.
"Are you better now?" Nathan asked.
Before she could answer, the ship jolted causing them both to lose their balance. Landing on the floor against the wall, Nathan gathered himself up and bolted to the tiny window. Something was amiss. Outside he could see a Zaibachian battle cruiser floating towards the Retribution with great speed. It was firing on the fortress, intent on the vessels destruction. Nathan could barely make out the royal seal marking the ship through the clouds.
"What's going on?" Aimi asked paralyzed with fear on the floor where she'd fallen, the tremor in her body returning.
Turning to look down at her, Nathan smiled. "Looks like the Fanelians have recruited the help of the Empress herself. There is a Zaibachian cruiser firing on the Retribution."
Aimi's green eyes widened as she jumped to her feet, pushing Nathan aside to look out the porthole window herself, her fear of flying forgotten. She could make out the outline of a ship in the wispy clouds as the fortress shifted again. This time both Nathan and herself were braced for the impact. Aimi's eyes turned to the south instantly at the bright light that had occurred before the Retribution was hit. In the shadows of the fortress, Aimi could see the smaller vessel speeding along much faster than the Zaibachian airship. It maneuvered with grace and expertise. "Oh my God" She mumbled aloud, unable to speak more than that.
Nathan looked over the woman's shoulder, his smile broadening. "That's not Zaibachian but I do believe it's an ally!"
"It's the Crusade, Allen's ship," Aimi informed Nathan, looking at the tiny vessel again. "Folken..." she whispered, her breathing increasing. "He's coming for me!"
"Another ship has appeared from the south. What is our course of action Milady?" A soldier relayed to Talon. The priestess closed her eyes and sighed. The Fanelians had finally come for Aimi. "Continue on course," she ordered turning from the windows of the bridge.
Talon had been rather surprised by the battle cruiser of the Empress attacking the Retribution with such extreme ferocity. Laota had to be more than aware that Kallie was on the ship as well as the woman from the Mystic Moon. It wasn't until the Crusade appeared from the south that the priestess realized the Zaibachian ship was only a ruse, something to keep their attention while the Fanelian's slipped through the back door. Tsk tsk tsk, Talon thought. I figured you'd bring the Escaflowne to taunt us with Van Fanel. A thin smile came across her face as her icy blue orbs met her bodyguard's stern face.
"It's time to move forward," Talon stated quietly, approaching the Basramian soldier.
"Move forward?" Brutas's eyebrows shot up in question.
"It's time you meet Master Paruchi," the priestess sung, while gently taking the man's arm.
Laota admired the fortress from her captain's chair. It was massive; nearly four times the size of her battle cruiser. Just how did they get a hold of something like this? She wondered her eyes devouring the vessel. Her thoughts wavered on conspiracy. Laota had been told the priestess was the rebellions sole leader, but the financial backing of such a structure like the floating fortress before her had to be huge. We defiantly don't have the money for it in the royal budget of Zaibach. How in all of Gaea did Talon get the money as a mere second-rate traveling priestess?
Pushing the questions from her mind, the Empress focused on the battle. "Continue our current maneuvers and attack!" She ordered, her hand lifting above her head to send another round of cannon fire.
"Milady," Aefron hurried onto the bridge, holding a letter in his hands.
"What is it?" She asked irritated, her crystal blue eyes still studying the landscape of metal before her.
"Kallie sent me another message," his hazel eyes sparkled. "Apparently, there is another leader to this rebellion. Someone who calls himself Master Paruchi." Aefron paused looking up for the Empress's reaction.
"Paruchi?" Laota's eyes shot towards her emissary away from the vessel they were attacking. "You mean to tell me he's still alive?"
"Yes, and is playing a rather large role in this battle." Aefron answered. He passed the letter to the Empress.
My Dearest Aefron,
Long live the Empress Laota and Zaibach!
This will be my last message to you. I'm afraid my sister has discovered my indiscretions and plans my untimely death. I can only hope that when a rescue comes, you'll find me alive and well.
I have found that my sister enlists the help of a man called Paruchi. I'm not sure who he is or what he has to do with the rebellion, but he seems more to me than a simple healer. He's evil, Aefron. He'll bring Aimi down quickly. He seems to know everything we know and plan to do. You must hurry! Folken might be the only hope we have.
With Speed, Faith and Love,
Kallie
Laota took a breath. The magician Paruchi had been leading the rebellion from the shadows all along. "No wonder they managed to get a fortress the size of the Retribution." She spoke her mind.
"Milady, Paruchi needs to be tried for his crimes, for this rebellion and for the Gaea war." Aefron's hand turned into a fist. "We need to hurry!"
"We need to capture General Paruchi first, alive," the empress said smartly. "One thing at a time Aefron, rescuing Kallie and Aimi are our first priorities."
The emissary nodded in agreement. "Quickly!" His eyes studied the steady cannon fire and watched the lack of destruction take place. The cruiser is barely damaging the fortress, Aefron thought, his fears surfacing in his thoughts. Is the mission going to fail? Will they get both Kallie and Aimi away from the rebels? Are they even alive? Taking a deep breath, Aefron glanced sideward at Laota. She was radiating. Gleaming with power and confidence. He'd never seen her at the helm of a vessel, but it was obvious she was a force to be reckoned with.
"Stop staring Aefron, it doesn't become you," her voice shook the emissary to alertness.
"Milady?" He asked, his hazel eyes wide, somewhat embarrassed at being caught.
"Just because your enemy is large and practically indestructible doesn't mean it can't be defeated." Laota said turning to look at him, her brilliantly clear blue eyes softening at his confusion. "Please tell me you haven't forgotten your history?"
Aefron's eyes widened at her words. He had forgotten. The Zaibachian fortress from the Gaea War, the Vione, it had been brought down. No one could remember just what happened, but it crashed into the ocean. "You read your history, your majesty."
"I didn't go through years of schooling to just sit and look pretty," Laota responded, slight sarcasm in her words. "Even if that was the councils wishes."
Standing outside of the Dragon Tamers cell, Paruchi's eyes shifted up and down the corridor. It was void of all crew, they were too busy dealing with the slight damage the damned Empress of Zaibach was causing with her battle cruiser. Your death is coming soon Laota; his thoughts were dark, filled with dreams of blood and pain. Pushing the door open with a low groan, Paruchi witnessed a rather touching scene. A soldier, Laota's brother Nathan, was standing awkwardly off to the side of a small window, allowing the slender woman next to him to peer outside.
"What a touching moment," his voice was cold. The surprised gasp of the woman from the Mystic Moon humored him; he would have his fun toying with her. Paruchi could feel the darkness spiraling around the woman; it would take very little to push her past the point of no return. "It's time to make your appearance Dragon." He spoke steadily, eyeing the weary eyed soldier.
"Who are you?" Nathan spoke up, stepping in front of Aimi protectively.
The old man looked close to death. How can he be a threat? Aimi's thoughts wondered, thinking of how her own grandparents looked younger than the man standing before them.
"It doesn't concern you soldier," Paruchi barked stalking into the room with purpose. He shoved Nathan aside and grabbed Aimi's arm forcibly.
Standing her ground, Aimi attempted to pull from the elders grasp. Dear God, he's so strong, what the hell is this? Her mind was reeling as her eyes darted to Nathan who stood and watched, his mouth gapping open like a fish. "Nathan?" She questioned feeling slightly betrayed.
Stumbling back, Nathan met Aimi's eyes then lowered. He made no attempt to protect Aimi, no move to remove the old mans hand from her arm, he remained neutral.
Smiling the old man turned to Nathan, his mouth twisting in a perverse smile. "Smart man Nathan, now you'll both follow me. Talon and I have something special planned for our little 'weapon' here."
Emotionless, Nathan nodded. His heart was tearing apart while he watched the disappointment and betrayal pass across Aimi's face. He couldn't stop what was going to happen, he didn't have the power. He wouldn't die meaninglessly, by disobeying orders. He was going to see Aimi as far as he was able. Keeping her safe was his only thoughts and being dead wouldn't bring any protection. So he continued to ignore his pained heart and Aimi's confused looks, as he obediently followed both the old man and his adopted sister down the corridor of the Retribution.
Peeking out the window of the medical ward, Kallie kneeled on the metal gurney. She watched the battle cruiser fire upon the fortress again. The large cannons of the Zaibachian airship were now visible. It was causing damage, but not enough to slow the Retribution down from its present course. Aefron, her thoughts called out to her fiancé. Is he on board the Empress's battle cruiser risking his life or is he safe in Zaibach?
Kallie didn't hear the door to the medical ward open. She was so enamored with the battle outside she didn't notice the shifting shadow behind her as it crept up and covered her mouth.
Screaming in response, Kallie kicked wildly. She attempted to use her elbows as weapons swinging them behind her. They hit the hard chest of someone monstrous and didn't budge. Her blow had down nothing.
"Humph, to think you were a spy for the Empress. Pathetic, really," the dark voice said. Kallie felt the man's hand reach for her neck. She felt his fingers press into the soft tissue at the base of her skull. The pressure point rendered her unconscious instantly.
"You're such a monster Brutas," Talon huffed as her bodyguard lugged her sisters limp form over his shoulder.
"What do they train their spies in Zaibach? How to run?" Brutas chuckled stupidly at his own joke as he followed the priestess down the hallway.
Talon merely ignored her bodyguard as she continued to glide down the corridor, her eyes searching for a particular door. It took her several moments to walk through the labyrinth of hallways and rooms throughout the belly of the Retribution to gain her whereabouts, but she found the large hatch with a slender ladder up to it and smiled. Master Paruchi had asked Talon to meet him on the fortresses top deck, the part of the ship opened to the weather usually accessed by crew members needing to change the mechanics of the ship. It was also the area no one would dare go while in the air.
Pushing the heavy hatch outward, Talon was pummeled with a violent gust of cool wind. The mist of the clouds spat in her face with a severe sting. Why again did Paruchi choose here? Her mind spat out angrily as she found her footing on the deck. Surveying the area, Talon began to understand just why her master had chosen it.
The deck was small, maybe an eighth of the fortress. It was also flat, with the same metal floor the rest of the airship had. Talon could see no barriers keeping a person from falling off the side if the fortress suddenly tilted. The priestess eyed her surroundings more closely, noticing the pivots and bolts that she could grab on to if the Retribution started to sway.
Turning at the thud, Talon watched as Brutas climbed from the safety of the interior. He had tossed her sisters body onto the deck with little effort, his strength never ceasing to surprise her. The priestess eyed the still body of her sister with little remorse. Kallie had proven to be a tragic hero in Talon's escapade, one that would soon be dead.
"Ah, Talon," the familiar voice of her master spoke.
Turning, the priestess was startled to find not only Paruchi, but also the dragon tamer and the soldier. Just what is he up too? Her thoughts wondered, knowing that in due time she'd find out. "Master Paruchi," she responded bowing deeply.
Aimi watched confused as Talon bowed to the old man clutching her arm with a death grip. Her eyes darted between the two, then to the limp body at Brutas's booted feet. Kallie! Aimi's thoughts screamed. She involuntarily took a step forward towards the doctor, towards her unconscious friend.
Pulling her back with a stiff jerk, Paruchi smirked revealing stained yellow teeth behind his wrinkled lips. "Looks like you brought the last player to our little game," his words directed towards Talon.
"What is going on?" Aimi finally asked. She was tired of being left in the dark. She studied the trio of villains carefully. Master Paruchi, he must be the one truly leading the rebellion. Doesn't Talon realize she is just a pawn? And Brutas, what is he in all this?
"In due time child, you'll find out," Paruchi told her, his hand squeezing her arm tighter. "Now come with me."
The old man led her towards the edge of the deck carefully. Aimi stood at the edge paralyzed with fear. Oh God, this is so high, her thoughts were screaming. She felt another hand on her opposite arm; this hand didn't bite into her flesh, like the cold mangled Masters. It was Nathans; he was holding her gently, trying to give her strength. Aimi was confused by the gesture at first; she didn't understand his place, what he was doing there. But after a time, the relief of just having him with her enabled her to look forward and down facing her fear head on.
The dragon tamer could barely make out the encampment below them. If it wasn't for the arena and corral of dragons, she would have missed it. The tiny white tents scattering across the mountainside. Her eyes studied the horizon surrounding the fortress looking for the Zaibachian battle cruiser, the one holding the Empress. The bright light of cannon fire caught her attention instantly. The steady rumbling of the fortress could be felt under their feet, like a miniature earthquake.
"She's a pesky little Empress!" Paruchi said, his cool stare turning to Aimi. "It's time you do something about it, Dragon Princess." He turned suddenly, releasing his grasp on her, and caught Talon by the throat. The priestess barely moved, but surprise was clearly visible in her icy blue eyes. "Give the pendent to the girl!" He ordered sternly, his voice clear and concise.
"Yes master," Talon responded removing the pendent from her neck after the man released his hold. She dropped the gleaming gem into the wrinkly palm of Paruchi with little fight. She trusted him with her life. He knew what he was doing, even if she didn't.
Paruchi draped his arms around Aimi's neck and clasped the pendent. "Now, prove to me why I shouldn't kill you!" His voice was barely heard above the relentless wind.
With the pendent against her skin, Aimi could feel the call of the energists. Could feel the rage and power emitting from each of the dragons in the forest and the ones captured. Her eyes moved from the battle cruiser to the dragons corralled below. Her thoughts then turned to the guymelefs in the haul somewhere below her. Their energist's emitting the need for her control. Had she touched each of them? Was there a way to destroy the fortress? But what about Kallie and Nathan, were their lives worth the sacrifice? Torn, Aimi's thoughts focused on the old crippled looking man who had caused all of her pain.
Clenching her fists at her sides, her nails painfully biting into her palms, Aimi turned from the view. "No, I will not help you!" She refused, defiance shining on her beautiful face.
Smiling coldly, Paruchi nodded. "I thought as much." The old man looked over his shoulder at Talon and Brutas. "Let me give you some incentive. Kill the doctor, throw her off the side of the fortress," he ordered, his icy stare never leaving the dragon tamers eyes.
"Fire," Allen Schezar called out across the bridge. The last time he'd seen a fortress like the one before him, was when he and his crew had boarded Vione to save Van. His blue eyes stared over the horizon focused on a single fixed point. He could barely make out the Zaibachian battle cruiser attacking the northern end of the flying monstrosity. Don't get yourself killed, his thoughts cried silently to the ambitious empress of Zaibach.
"I can't stand here and do nothing. I need to help," Van spoke up at Allen's side, interrupting the knight's thoughts. "I can take the Escaflowne and try to get inside the fortress. Put a stop to this pointless battle quickly."
Eyes leaving the window before him, Allen turned his head looking at the king next to him. "Van, do you think it's wise? We don't even know where in the fortress Aimi might be." Allen pointed out, his eyes now studying his friend. The fire behind Van's eyes had returned with severity. The knight felt like he was now looking at the naive young teenager he'd first met so many years ago. Always quick to draw your sword Van Fanel, Allen thought humorously.
Van's sienna eyes turned to meet that of his dear friend. "Allen, you can't stop me from taking the Escaflowne and going after that girl. Besides," his eyes shifted to his pacing son. "It's a matter of the heart."
A matter of the heart, Allen laughed mentally. Wars usually are. A smile tugged at the corners of his mouth. He'd noticed the prince wearing a hole in the floor of the Crusade and knew it would only be a matter of time before the young man would bound out of the haul and use his known Draconinan traits to be a one man rescue team. "You better get going!" The blonde nodded toward the exit. "I'll cover you the best I can."
"Thank you," the king said appreciatively. Smiling Van squeezed Allen's shoulder and turned making his way toward the Escaflowne. Van felt his antsy son on his heels instantly, behaving much like a worried dog. "Will you try and stay calm," he scolded Folken.
Sighing his son nodded. It was his first time in battle, and their present situation was partially his doing. "Do you think she's all right?" Folken asked, the excitement and fear building in his stomach.
Van stopped and turned, his face stern, anger just under its surface. He stood even with his son, looking into the young man's eyes. "Folken, you need to concentrate on the upcoming battle. On staying alive. There will be a time to worry about Aimi. But this is not that time. Trust me, I know what it's like to fight for the woman you love," the king finished turning to continue his way.
Somewhat stunned, Folken watched his father walk away from him. He took a deep breath and pushed all his thoughts of Aimi from his mind. Focus on the battle ahead, on staying alive. He told himself repeating his father's words and began to walk forward.
"Folken!" Sarda's voice called out, from down another corridor.
The prince stalled for a moment longer to turn and look at his friend, his brother.
"Come back in one piece!" The feline said revealing a fanged smile. "My mother would have my head if I don't return you back safely."
Lifting a gloved hand to his forehead in a silent salute of response, Folken turned and ran down the metal hall after his father.
Aimi watched in horror as Brutas picked up Kallie's limp form. He walked stiffly to the edge of the fortress and prepared to toss the woman overboard. "Please!" Her voice gasped.
Turning at the woman's plea, Paruchi halted Brutas with a wave of his hand. "Are you going to help us?" He asked again.
Studying the elder closely, Aimi knew that no matter what she decided Kallie was going to die. The man before her was in total control of the situation, a completely insane monster. "I'll do anything you want. Just don't hurt her please." She told him what he wanted to hear. "I'll help you if you let her go." She whispered, her voice being carried off in the wind.
Sucking in her breath, Talon noticed the Crusade soaring above the Retribution. Its haul was standing wide open, the Escaflowne moving inside. "Master Paruchi," her voice was slow. "The Escaflowne," She finished, feeling the dropping of her stomach. "They are making their move."
Turning at the priestess's words, Paruchi looked upward. The legendary guymelef was standing in an almost celestial light, its metal body reflecting the afternoon suns rays. "Van Slanzer de Fanel, Lord of Fanelia, lets see how your 'dragon' handles ours," his voice was soft, almost sweet. His icy blue stare found the young woman standing next to him looking up in hopeful excitement. "Take control of the Escaflowne," he ordered, his eyes absorbing the terror that suddenly flashed across the dragon tamers face.
"What?" Aimi looked up at the elder next to her. He was glaring coolly, expectantly. "I…I can't," her voice stuttered fearfully.
Smiling, the priestess began to plan. She doesn't know if she can. But Milo told me she had touched the Escaflowne. That she had formed some kind of bond and was put into a trance. Talon silently thanked the Goddess for getting the information from Milo before she had him killed. "You've touched the Escaflowne, haven't you? Can you not feel its power calling out to that trinket around your neck?" Talon's soprano voice rang out over the powerful gusts of air.
The power! The power of the Escaflowne, Aimi's thoughts were clear and focused as she watched the mechanical armor transform into the bone-like dragon of the pendent's memories. If flew effortlessly, Van directing the guymelef with reins. She could feel the call of the pendent to the machine. She could feel the power of the legendary Escaflowne flow through her body. How can I pretend not to feel the waves of the energist energy coursing through me? She wondered to herself. Aimi watched the machine closely, trying not to connect, to bond with an ally. Her eyes settled on Van, she focused on him; his movements, his control, his beating heart, the same organ beating in time with the energist in the legendary armor.
Her eyes barely registered the passenger standing next to the king. He had been ignored due to her focus. Folken? Her mind questioned, recognizing his dark hair, strong arms, and broad chest. His dark eyes were weary, almost concerned. Aimi felt herself stray from the desire to control the guymelef as she focused on the man she loved. "No, I can't feel the power," she lied. Her own words surprising her, she had to save them both. Get away from here! Her thoughts called to him, to the Escaflowne. This caused the machine to jerk back toward the Crusade away from Retribution; away from the direction Van was pulling it.
"Please Aimi," Nathans voice broke Aimi's thoughts, watching the movement of the Escaflowne against its pilots will. He'd seen Folken on the Escaflowne too. He knew both Van and his son would be fine if the dragon princess took control over the guymelef. They had Draconian blood; their wings would save them. Something he assumed Folken had never told her. Nathan wanted to shake Aimi and tell her to just give in to Paruchi, to save Kallie's life, to stop fighting an unwinnable battle.
Looking at the kind soldier who still held her arm gently, Aimi felt the wave of betrayal overwhelm her. Why is he doing this? Her mind asked, her eyes pleading him to stop begging her to fight for the enemy. His clear blue eyes were searching her face, trying to tell her something, she didn't understand. "I can't," she whispered regret lacing her words. She pulled from his grasp and turned to the old man. "Don't you understand, I can't…I can't overpower Van," Aimi sputtered. "The blood bond is too strong!" It was her final lie. Swallowing hard, Aimi couldn't keep eye contact with the elder; the man knew she was being false.
Smiling coldly, his eyes rigidly staring at the pathetic woman, Paruchi lifted his arm. "I am not that stupid girl! Kill the doctor Brutas," his voice was cool, arrogant, seeping with malicious intent. What will it take to bring out the darkness I know is in your heart? Paruchi wondered.
Grinning, Brutas looked down at the flimsy form of the doctor in his arms. Kallie was an attractive woman. Not the caliber of her sister, but unique in her own way. "I could have had some fun with you," he said chuckling as he approached the side of the deck. Sighing, Brutas heaved the woman over the side of the Retribution in one throw.
Folken could see a small group of people standing on the roof of the fortress. What in all of Gaea are they doing? His mind asked.
"Folken, who are they?" Van's voice interrupted his son's thoughts.
"I think its Aimi," Folken said, squinting to get a clearer view. He recognized the woman, her long, slender body dressed in sacrificial red. He could see her talking to an older man, a man that appeared to be close to his last years, hunched over in stature. He then noticed Nathan's red head, his hand grasping Aimi arm tightly. Folken's eyes wandered the deck and found Brutas, holding what looked to be a life sized doll.
"What are they doing?" Van called out over his shoulder, his eyes scouting the horizon ahead of them, evading the rapid fire coming from the fortress.
To Folken's horror, the Basramian soldier was throwing the familiar doll off the side of the fortress. "Oh Goddess!" He screamed. "We have to save her!"
Instantly Van reacted. He took the Escaflowne down under the fortress, flying quickly to catch the falling woman. The king didn't know who she was, but who ever it was had upset the rebellions leaders. "The Escaflowne won't go much faster," Van said, feeling the lift against the wings.
"I'll get her," Folken said breathlessly, the familiar pain of skin and fabric ripping as his wings spread open.
Screaming, Aimi dashed to the side of the deck to where Brutas watched his handiwork semi-interested. Dropping to her knees she crawled to the edge and looked down. As far as Aimi could see, there were clouds. The white misty tendrils of cloud cover lifted over the fortress like the tide. "Oh God, Kallie! I'm so sorry," Aimi sobbed. She felt the tears pool in her eyes, refusing to fall. "No, no, no!"
Clenching her jaw, the dragon tamers fist tightened and she slammed them on the metal surface. Turning, Aimi stood and glared at the old man in front of her. "How dare you!"
Watching with little alarm, Paruchi could see the darkness building around the woman. It was a beautiful beginning to what he was starting. If this is what one dead friend does to you? He thought, his icy stare moving to the red haired soldier standing next to him, a slow merciless smile creeping on his face.
"I will never help you," Aimi screamed at him. Her anger rising.
Nathan watched with worry. The pendent around her neck was darkening; the usual pink was fading to a unholy black. "Oh no," he said aloud. "Aimi!" His voice raised above the rushing winds. Her eyes barely glanced in his direction. They were fading, darkening. He had to do something. He couldn't stand and do nothing anymore, he couldn't lose her, he'd promised that much to Folken.
Without thinking any further, Nathan strode to the woman's side. He placed himself between the Dragon Princess and the elder, his back to the enemy. "Aimi!" He said her name again, more urgently. "Come back to me," Nathan cried out, shaking her by the shoulders.
Taking the precious time he had, Paruchi walked softly towards the couple. He pulled the sword from Brutas's belt silently and in one single fluid motion he turned the blade and plunged it into the back of the soldier.
Gasping, Nathan looked down at his abdomen. He could see the blade of the sword sticking through him, covered in his own thick crimson blood. He had always known this would happen. The moment he befriended the beautiful woman from the Mystic Moon, he'd marked himself for death. A smirk formed on his lips through the horrible pain, his blue eyes darting to Aimi's face, which now seemed to relax. Her eyes returning to the beautiful green he loved, filled with recognition of him. He'd managed to pull her from the darkness, pull her from her own demise, at the cost of his life.
All right…don't hate me. A lot of you are big fans of Nathan's but you'll understand why I have done what I done…at least I hope you will. I know I am leaving a rather large cliffhanger. It's going to be this way for a little bit. At least until I can get the next installment finished, which I will begin either tonight or tomorrow. I've written some of it by hand, most is still up in my head. It's about sorting details and making things flow. Please feel free to review...or read the story again. I read the prior chapter every time I put a new chapter up...to try and keep it the same or similar and flowing just a perfectly from one to the next.