CITY OF INTRIGUE
Was it all just a dream? Or maybe a vision? Thanks to Allen, we were able to rescue Van and Lybra who have been taken prisoner. But what about that man he called his older brother? Lybra was badly injured when we found her, but Van seems upset about her. Is there more behind her story? We're now headed for Palas, the capital of Asturia.
"Ow! You're a bad healer, you know that?!" Lybra shouted at Merle, who tried to clean out the still open wound on her right cheek with a moist cloth. "It's only a cleaning!" the cat-girl complained. "Yeah, well it hurts! Stop wiping so damn hard!" "I've never seen you complain like this before, but I bet it's harder for you, being a woman and all," Allen stated, trying to calm her down. Lybra stared at him. "Allen, I seriously hope you were joking about that one!!" she exclaimed, jumping up. "Calm down! You'll make the injuries worse!" Merle said, grabbing her arm and pulling her down. "Now hold still. You're a soldier, right? You can withstand the pain." Lybra fell silent, which really caught Allen's attention. He's never seen her be this quiet. "Lybra, something's wrong," Hitomi said, standing up. "I'm alright, OK? The sooner we get to Palas, the better," Lybra snapped. "That's it. You're wounds should heal in a few days if you use the ointment I showed you," Merle said, hopping up anxiously. "Now if you'll excuse me, I'm going to find Lord Van."
"Man, that sea air.! It's that air that tells me I'm home!" one of the soldiers exclaimed. "Smells like ocean. We've gone pretty far from Fanelia," Hitomi replied. "Well, at least we can relax a bit from all this running around," Lybra said, stepping away from Van as far as she could until she stood behind Hitomi. "Hey Lybra, if it will make you feel better, I can help you shop around for some new dresses," Merle said. "Dresses? Did you say dresses?!" "What's wrong?" "I don't wear dresses. That's not my style. All they do is trip you up when you're in a hurry!" Lybra shouted. "Geez, sorry for asking!" Merle replied, gripping Van's arm. She then gazed out to the sea in front of the horizon. "Lord Van.it's the ocean! This is the first time I've seen it. Isn't it beautiful?" "Yeah, it's the first time for me, too," the young king replied. "I guess the sea smells the same no matter where you go," Hitomi said. "Allen!" Hitomi looked to her left after hearing the sound of what seemed to be a galloping horse. She then noticed a brown horse with a young woman rider. "Oh no. Please let it not be.!" Lybra exclaimed. Hitomi looked at her in confusion, then back to the rider. She could then make out the golden hair tied back than ran to her shoulders. "Lybra, do you know who that is?" Hitomi asked. "Yes, I do." The rider pulled on the reins and the horse obeyed, stopping. She hopped off her horse as Hitomi gazed at her light pink riding outfit. "The epitome of all feminine wiles." "It's certainly a surprise to have you return unannounced, Allen," the rider said, holding out her hand to him. Allen stepped forward, smiling. "Princess Millerna. Truly the surprise is all mine." Just as a true knight should be to a princess, Allen kneeled and kissed her hand gently. "Why are you dress like that?" "I can't ride a horse in a dress, now can I? Why didn't you send a message ahead? We could have had a proper welcome for you," the fair princess said. Allen stood up, still holding her delicate hand. "My apologies. It's just that we came here in a hurry." Millerna gazed over his shoulder and was amazed when she looked Van in the eyes. "Who's that?" "This is Van Fanel, King of Fanelia." "Oh! I thought that we had met before. When I was young, I went to Fanelia once. Oh Allen, it reminded me of a green emerald!" She took a few steps towards the young king, Lybra stepping back. "Fanelia has such lush forests. It's a beautiful country. The castle had a blue roof, and in the garden behind it, you were with your brother." An image suddenly appeared in the back of Van's mind as she said her words. He did remember a time when he and his older brother were in a garden-before Folken took the rite to become king. "Your brother seemed like such a nice person." Van turned away, a disgusted look on his face. Merle began to worry him, but only Hitomi noticed the saddened look on Lybra face. "I have a favor to ask of you, Princess," Allen said, trying to bring the attention away from Van. "You're asking me? Name it and it's yours!" Millerna exclaimed, taking his hand. "Princess, I think it would be best if I went ahead to the castle." "Oh, that's right. Father did mention that he had something to discuss with you. Please, use my horse." Allen pulled himself up onto the horse. "I'll see you at the castle, then." Within moments, he was nowhere in sight. The knight and the princess. The perfect couple. Hitomi thought. The princess then turned around to get a better look at the crew, but then gasped. "Lybra? Lybra Daemon, is that you?!" Lybra shrieked when Millerna walked towards her, taking her hand. "I didn't recognize you without your armor." "Long story, and I don't feel like talking about it." "But.Lybra.where did you get those scars?" "Another long story I don't feel like talking about." "Those wounds look angry." "And I treated them!" Merle cried. "All by myself!" "Look, can we just go now?" Lybra asked. "Are you sure you're alright? You looked upset back there," the princess asked. Lybra stared down to the ground, as if it was the most fascinating thing she's seen in a long time. Maybe he'll love me if I'm normal. she thought. "Millerna, I have a favor to ask you as well. But I'd like to talk to you in private." "I suppose we should get going, then," the princess exclaimed to everyone, mostly directing her attention to Hitomi. "You there. Could you carry Allen's bags?" Hitomi looked around her in confusion. "Who? Me?" "That's right. I meant you." Van stepped up to her side. "She's not a handmaiden. She's with me." This did not make little Merle happy at all. "No! She's with Allen!" "No, I'm not.!" Just then did Millerna realize that she made a mistake. "Oh, dear. I'm sorry. I saw you wearing those strange clothes and just assumed." "That's an insult to handmaidens!" Merle said calmly in Hitomi's face. "Watch it, kitty!" "We get people from countries everywhere here in Asturia, but I've never anyone like you before," the princess replied, gazing at the young girl. She really did catch her attention. "Yes, I suppose you haven't. You probably don't get many people from the Mystic Mo." she replied before she felt a large weight land on her foot. She looked down at saw that it was Merle's own foot, getting her to shut up. This amazed Millerna even more. Where was she from exactly? She'll have to ask Allen about that. "Well, let's be on our way. Lybra, you said you wanted to ask me something?" "Yes, you see.there's someone I know whom I'd like to get their attention and." "Whoa, whoa, whoa! Lybra, are you saying you're in love with someone?" Gaddess exclaimed in complete shock. "Wow, really?! That's so great, Lybra!" Millerna replied. "That's not what I meant at all!" Lybra grumbled. Damn, she's sharp! "Don't worry, I'm an expert at these situations! When we get back to the castle, I'll find the perfect dress for you!"
Allen Schezar knelt in front of the mighty King Aston, the king of Asturia. The throne room was barely fancy at all. Marble walls and floors surrounded him with sapphire blue silk curtains almost enveloping the king. But now was not the time to admire rooms. He had more urgent matters to attend to. "The Zaibach Empire broke our treaty and attacked our fortress. We may be allied countries, but there's no telling when they'll attack Asturia herself. Your decision please, King Aston." There was a long silence afterwards, but something didn't feel right to him. "Are you trying to bring disaster upon my country, Allen Schezar?" The knight couldn't believe what he just heard. The king siding with the enemy after they've been attacked by them! "For one little outpost, you would risk Zaibach's wrath? What have you done!" "Chivalry demands that we protect the king of Fanelia, whose country was destroyed by Zaibach!" Allen protested. "That's not true." Suddenly a figure cloaked in black stepped up to the king. "You seem to be the victim of a misunderstanding, Allen Schezar." The knight thought he looked familiar somehow, but where? "Who is this?" he demanded. Not only was he cloaked in black, but in mystery, evil, and manipulation. "Folken, Strategos of Zaibach," the king replied. Zaibach already has the king in their pocket! He always knew that Zaibach was a master at destroying anything in their path. Especially Dilandau. But this Folken he had never known of and everything was now going his way. "King Aston, Fanelia launched a sneak attack against us," Folken said. "I heard nothing of this attack!" Allen replied. It had to be a lie. It had to be! "Yet it's the truth. If you were to hand over Fanelia's king and his Guymelef, Escaflowne, I'm sure we could overlook this incident. Don't you agree, Allen Schezar? I'd like to avoid any incidents which might endanger our alliance." The Zaibach Strategos glanced at the king, who nodded in agreement. "Excellent. We have an agreement, then." "Allen Schezar, if you truly love this country, you will turn him over at once. Chivalry alone can't protect a country." Allen couldn't take it anymore. His beloved country has fallen to empty promises of forever glory and protection. What was he to do?
"Well, well, what do we have here?" Millerna said as Hitomi stepped out of the dressing room with an elegant soft pink and white colored dress. "That dress looks wonderful on you!" "You look good enough to be a handmaiden," Merle replied. "Are you trying to pick a fight?!" "Oh, you're just being self-conscious," the cat replied before Van silenced her. She really did look wonderful in that dress, which really caught Van by surprise. "You really don't mind? This is such a pretty dress." Hitomi asked the princess. "If someone spotted you walking around in those strange clothes, well, Allen's dignity might be called into question." It's like she's going out of her way to insult me.! Hitomi thought. That was really not princess-like, at least that's what she thought. Hitomi then noticed Millerna's personal maid starting to leave the room, holding something. "Excuse me? Aren't those my clothes?" "That's right. You don't mind us throwing them away, do you?" Millerna asked. "Throw them out? You can't!" she replied, taking her old clothes from the maid. "What's the matter? I can give you as many new sets of clothes as you want." "These.These have a lot of sentimental value. I appreciate what you're trying to do, but I just can't part with these." Van understood completely. Her clothes were one of only a few things she had from her home world. It's understandable. All he has from Fanelia is his sword and the Escaflowne. Millerna didn't understand at all. She had everything she wanted, but knew something was up. "I get the impression that there's a long story behind this. I'll have to sit Allen down later and have him tell me all about it." Millerna stood up from her seat, putting that matter aside. "Lybra? Are you done in there?" "Uh.yes." she replied from the room. "Why don't you come out and have us take a look at you?" "Uh uh! Not way! It's embarrassing!" Millerna then walked into the room. "What are you talking about? That dress is perfect on you. Now come on out. You don't have to be shy," she said. Soon the princess dragged Lybra out of the room. This caught everyone off guard. Lybra in a dress?! Millerna was right though, it did suit her well, with flowing emerald and amethyst colors. Her hair was no longer in a braid, but flowing down to her waist. On her head was a little silver headband that had diamonds trailing from the band and flowing into her hair. "Wow! You look beautiful!" Merle exclaimed. "If you didn't have those scars on your face, I never would have recognized you!" Van, however, seemed to have no interest whatsoever. "Yes, but it's those scars that tells us how hideous she really is." "That's it! I'm getting my sword!" Lybra said, stepping away. Millerna gripped her arm, halting her. "Lybra, that's not the right thing for a lady to do. You're willing to change and you are already half-way there. First was to change your appearance. You no longer look like a soldier, now you look like a beautiful young lady. Next is to change your attitude," the princess explained. "What's wrong with my attitude?" Lybra snapped. "There! You snap at everything you find offensive. Try to be more polite. Don't worry, you'll see what I mean when we go to the bazaar," she said, taking her seat again. "It'll be fun." "Lady Millerna?" Her maid handed her a piece of paper. "This is from Lord Allen." "Thank you. I wonder what it is?" she said, opening it. "It says 'Go down to the bazaar without me.' Gentlemen never keep their word! Well, we'll get bored waiting for him. Shall we go?" The princess and Lybra left the room first. Suddenly, Hitomi caught her duffle bag. "What's the big idea?!" she exclaimed to Van as he walked up to her. "Keep it with you. There's no telling what's going to happen."
Hitomi has never seen such a busy sight before, not even back home. She was surprised that everyone could keep track of what they were doing. "What do you think? Exciting, isn't it?" Millerna asked. She and her maid wore lavender cloaks, obviously to keep their identity a secret. "Millerna, I'm going to have a look around, if you don't mind. I'll meet you back at the castle!" Lybra exclaimed before running off into the crowd. It was easy to get lost in this city, there are so many people. Probably more than in the Zaibach Empire. She could hardly believe that she now looked just like them. Not like dressed in armor was a bad thing, but she remembered that Asturia and Zaibach are allies, so the dress was a perfect disguise. Hopefully no one from the empire will recognize her. "Oh my god. I've never seen such an ugly creature since I met King Aston." Lybra whipped around in anger and balled her right first, but then halted when she stared straight into Folken's eyes. "What are you saying?" She then shook her head. "May I ask what you are doing here, Folken?" Lybra asked, trying to be polite just as Millerna said. "I was hoping to have a good day, but then I ran into you." "What? How can you be such an as.I mean.that's awfully rude!" he replied, catching herself from cursing at him. "You can at least be more polite!" "Polite?" he replied, looking at her as if she said the wrong thing. "I can see you've been having a bad day. So I shall leave now." she said, walking past him. "Fine then. Go on and run away." She stopped again and whipped around once more. "You were once nothing but a relentless soldier who wasn't satisfied until blood flows past your feet. Now look at you, you're even more appalling! What is this really all about?" Folken exclaimed. Lybra's fists began to tremble in anger as her eyes narrowed. Folken smiled. "Come on little princess, answer me. It'd be awfully rude if you don't." "What the hell do you want from me then?!" she screamed. Thankfully the bazaar was very noisy that not many heard her scream. If it was quiet, she could have sworn that the whole country would have heard her. Folken walked passed her, heading towards the harbor. Lybra heard him say something as he passed her: "That's much better."
Hitomi gazed at everything around her. "Excuse me, Miss." Hitomi looks up and saw a man that looked like he was half-man, half-dolphin, which really caught her by surprise. "For somebody from the Mystic Moon, you sure surprise easily," Merle said. Hitomi saw another man that was half-human, half-falcon. "What are you doing back there? We're going to leave you behind! Try to keep up!" Van exclaimed. Losing Hitomi and Merle would have been bad on his part, but then something on a small bridge over a small river through the city caught his attention. "Zaibach soldiers!" The two soldiers were conversing about something until they stood at attention as a figure in black approached. "Brother!" "What's wrong, Van?" Millerna asked, until Van disappeared into the crowds. Hitomi, meanwhile, was gazing at the different shops. She stood in front of what appeared to be a jewelry shop, admiring the many kinds of pendants, armlets, pins, necklaces, and other kinds of jewels. "See anything you like, Miss? Feel free to buy anything," the shopkeeper said. Something caught her attention among the jewels, a flat, silver disc. "Where did you find this?" Hitomi asked, taking the disc. "Pretty, isn't it? It'll look great on you. I can make a necklace out of that for you," he said as she pulled out a portable CD player from her bag, placing the disc in it. Does that mean that other people from Earth have been here? She pondered as she heard music. The lyrics were in Japanese, one of the languages from Earth. She listened to the soothing melody for a few seconds until.
Doushiteru kana
Anata no koto
Tsumetai kaze ni.
She saw what appeared to be a massive bolt of power suddenly strike Van. She screamed in fright until she heard a concerned voice. "Hitomi? What's the matter? You seem a little distant," Millerna asked. "Where's Van?!" she demanded. "He went towards the harbor," the princess replied before Hitomi took off. "Hey! What's wrong?!" Merle asked, following her. "Those are two very strange girls," Millerna confirmed.
Van wandered through empty alleys to find his brother. It seemed like a dark, endless maze, and he was getting exhausted, but he couldn't stop. Eventually, he was in the sunlight again and saw Folken walk over a small bridge, but then he looked beyond the mountains and saw what appeared to be a large city. "One of Zaibach's floating fortresses!" Suddenly he saw a black carriage halt in front of his brother. He couldn't let Folken escape that easily and ran across the bridge, stopping halfway across. "Brother!" "Van, are you prepared to come with me?"
**********
"Why must it sting so much? My cheek is throbbing." Dilandau asked himself as he casually ran his finger over the bandage, repeating that it stings over and over again. One of his soldiers then noticed some blood peeping through the bandage. "Lord Dilandau, maybe it would be best if you don't touch the wound." "What?!" he said, punching the soldier. "Oh, so you understand the pain I'm feeling, do you?" he screamed, lifting him up by the collar of his uniform. "Forgive me," the soldier replied before he was thrown back to the ground. "My face.he cut my beautiful face!" Dilandau cried. "Lord Dilandau." another soldier said, stepping up. "What now?!" "Lord Folken, he."
"Wait! Lord Dilandau! Lord Folken ordered us not to leave the anchorage!" the soldier exclaimed as the Alcedes approached the doors to the outside. "Who said anything about leaving the Vione?" Dilandau said as his Guymelef knelt to the ground and held out it left arm, aiming at Van. Suddenly a metal claw shot out. "Lord Dilandau is setting his Energist to maximum to shoot out a Crima Claw?" the soldier asked himself. "Bye-bye Van!" Dilandau screamed as the claw shot through the sky. "Reach him my claw! Tear Van to pieces!"
**********
"Why?! Why are you working for Zaibach, Brother?!" Van exclaimed. "Folken of Fanelia is dead," he replied. Suddenly, he brought out his right arm from his cloak.a metal arm. Van gasped in shock. "On that day, when the dragon ripped off this arm, I died. And it was Emperor Dornkirk who gave me life again. He taught me how to live." "What? How?!" "Van.you are my brother. He who shares my blood. I can see into your heart. This world is difficult for a gentle soul such as yours to bear. This world where man fights man. No, where every living thing fights to take the life of another. We kill beasts. We kill dragons. We even kill men! Fighting begets fighting and the slaughter begins anew. Such is the way of the world," Folken explained. "But Zaibach started all the fighting!" Van replied. "We fight to end that conflict. To bring forth a new order. This is a true holy war." "Fighting to bring an end to fighting.? There's no such thing!" "Van, come with me now. Come, so that we may create a new world!" Folken said, holding out his arms. "Brother."
"I've got a bad feeling about this. I've got to hurry!" Hitomi said to herself as she ran through the abandoned alleys. At this point, there was no way she would catch up to him in time, but then she remembered one piece of advice that Lybra said earlier. All they do is trip you up when you're in a hurry! Hitomi threw her duffle bag at Merle and as soon as she caught it, she began to tear the dress until the skirt was above her knees. Immediately, she saw that she began to pick up speed rather quickly. "Van!" she called out as she saw him in the distance. Suddenly, he looked back at the fortress and noticed the sunlight reflecting off of a strange approaching metal. "Watch out!" she screamed, tackling him to the ground. Folken watched as a metal claw broke through the bridge just after she saved him. Hitomi was gasping for breath as she pushed herself off the young king. "Hitomi, you came to save me?" "I can't believe I made it. I'm glad I got here in time," she replied, smiling. Dilandau, how dare you interfere. Folken cursed in his mind. "I see, so this is how Zaibach operates?" Van asked his older brother, stand up again. "This wasn't my intent." "Is that all you have to say?" he growled. Hitomi looked at Folken. That's Van's big brother. That guy from the fortress! "Lord Van!" Suddenly, Merle threw herself into his arms. "Thank goodness you're okay! I was so worried about you! She keeps saying the weirdest things!" Hitomi stood up as soon as she collected herself and saw a large group of soldiers surround them-the Royal Guard. "Grettings, Van Fanel, King of Fanelia. King Aston wishes to see you now." Van look over his shoulder and saw the carriage take his brother away. Maybe there was no hope in getting his long-lost brother back.
"Welcome, Fanelia! My country welcomes you with joy in her heart!" King Aston exclaimed as Van in the Escaflowne stood in the middle of a large coliseum. Everyone was gathered together: Millerna, Allen, Lybra, Hitomi, and Merle to watch the king greet Van. "As proof of our friendship, I would like to put to the test your skill and the power of your Guymelef, Escaflowne." "Don't worry, Allen. I'm sure that Father knows what he's doing," Millerna said. How could Allen trust him? Hitomi gasped as a large golden Guymelef entered the arena, holding a large chain whip. "That's Sajima's Guymelef! He's no knight. He's nothing but a bounty hunter who fights for money!" Allen exclaimed as Van prepared the Escaflowne. Why is my heart pounding? There's something wrong about all this. Hitomi couldn't stop thinking such thoughts as two more Guymelefs entered the arena. "The rumors of its magnificence were certainly not exaggerated. I'm overjoyed to see an Ispano Guymelef with my own eyes," a man stated as he sat next to the king. "You'll be satisfied with just seeing it, Meiden," King Aston replied. "It sets my merchant blood a boil. Still, you can't tell a Melef's worth until you see it in combat. I must say, I'm not satisfied with having those criminals fight him. Wouldn't fight Allen be better?" Meiden replied. The king simply laughed. "Allen can wait his turn. Just wait and see how my way works out." The image of Van being struck down was becoming clearer than before. That bad feeling still hadn't gone away. Is this what that horrible vision was warning me about? "Proof of friendship, huh?" Van muttered as he faced the bounty hunters. Lybra shook her head in disgust. There's no hope for Asturia. Zaibach has them by the leash. Suddenly, Lybra could hear laughter echoing throughout that arena. "Did you hear something just now?" "No. I didn't hear a thing," Merle replied. "Maybe it's just you." "I don't think so," she replied before looking back. Something was creeping with the shadows, something all too familiar to Lybra. Having no other choice, she began to leave the arena. "This has been a painful day."
Was it all just a dream? Or maybe a vision? Thanks to Allen, we were able to rescue Van and Lybra who have been taken prisoner. But what about that man he called his older brother? Lybra was badly injured when we found her, but Van seems upset about her. Is there more behind her story? We're now headed for Palas, the capital of Asturia.
"Ow! You're a bad healer, you know that?!" Lybra shouted at Merle, who tried to clean out the still open wound on her right cheek with a moist cloth. "It's only a cleaning!" the cat-girl complained. "Yeah, well it hurts! Stop wiping so damn hard!" "I've never seen you complain like this before, but I bet it's harder for you, being a woman and all," Allen stated, trying to calm her down. Lybra stared at him. "Allen, I seriously hope you were joking about that one!!" she exclaimed, jumping up. "Calm down! You'll make the injuries worse!" Merle said, grabbing her arm and pulling her down. "Now hold still. You're a soldier, right? You can withstand the pain." Lybra fell silent, which really caught Allen's attention. He's never seen her be this quiet. "Lybra, something's wrong," Hitomi said, standing up. "I'm alright, OK? The sooner we get to Palas, the better," Lybra snapped. "That's it. You're wounds should heal in a few days if you use the ointment I showed you," Merle said, hopping up anxiously. "Now if you'll excuse me, I'm going to find Lord Van."
"Man, that sea air.! It's that air that tells me I'm home!" one of the soldiers exclaimed. "Smells like ocean. We've gone pretty far from Fanelia," Hitomi replied. "Well, at least we can relax a bit from all this running around," Lybra said, stepping away from Van as far as she could until she stood behind Hitomi. "Hey Lybra, if it will make you feel better, I can help you shop around for some new dresses," Merle said. "Dresses? Did you say dresses?!" "What's wrong?" "I don't wear dresses. That's not my style. All they do is trip you up when you're in a hurry!" Lybra shouted. "Geez, sorry for asking!" Merle replied, gripping Van's arm. She then gazed out to the sea in front of the horizon. "Lord Van.it's the ocean! This is the first time I've seen it. Isn't it beautiful?" "Yeah, it's the first time for me, too," the young king replied. "I guess the sea smells the same no matter where you go," Hitomi said. "Allen!" Hitomi looked to her left after hearing the sound of what seemed to be a galloping horse. She then noticed a brown horse with a young woman rider. "Oh no. Please let it not be.!" Lybra exclaimed. Hitomi looked at her in confusion, then back to the rider. She could then make out the golden hair tied back than ran to her shoulders. "Lybra, do you know who that is?" Hitomi asked. "Yes, I do." The rider pulled on the reins and the horse obeyed, stopping. She hopped off her horse as Hitomi gazed at her light pink riding outfit. "The epitome of all feminine wiles." "It's certainly a surprise to have you return unannounced, Allen," the rider said, holding out her hand to him. Allen stepped forward, smiling. "Princess Millerna. Truly the surprise is all mine." Just as a true knight should be to a princess, Allen kneeled and kissed her hand gently. "Why are you dress like that?" "I can't ride a horse in a dress, now can I? Why didn't you send a message ahead? We could have had a proper welcome for you," the fair princess said. Allen stood up, still holding her delicate hand. "My apologies. It's just that we came here in a hurry." Millerna gazed over his shoulder and was amazed when she looked Van in the eyes. "Who's that?" "This is Van Fanel, King of Fanelia." "Oh! I thought that we had met before. When I was young, I went to Fanelia once. Oh Allen, it reminded me of a green emerald!" She took a few steps towards the young king, Lybra stepping back. "Fanelia has such lush forests. It's a beautiful country. The castle had a blue roof, and in the garden behind it, you were with your brother." An image suddenly appeared in the back of Van's mind as she said her words. He did remember a time when he and his older brother were in a garden-before Folken took the rite to become king. "Your brother seemed like such a nice person." Van turned away, a disgusted look on his face. Merle began to worry him, but only Hitomi noticed the saddened look on Lybra face. "I have a favor to ask of you, Princess," Allen said, trying to bring the attention away from Van. "You're asking me? Name it and it's yours!" Millerna exclaimed, taking his hand. "Princess, I think it would be best if I went ahead to the castle." "Oh, that's right. Father did mention that he had something to discuss with you. Please, use my horse." Allen pulled himself up onto the horse. "I'll see you at the castle, then." Within moments, he was nowhere in sight. The knight and the princess. The perfect couple. Hitomi thought. The princess then turned around to get a better look at the crew, but then gasped. "Lybra? Lybra Daemon, is that you?!" Lybra shrieked when Millerna walked towards her, taking her hand. "I didn't recognize you without your armor." "Long story, and I don't feel like talking about it." "But.Lybra.where did you get those scars?" "Another long story I don't feel like talking about." "Those wounds look angry." "And I treated them!" Merle cried. "All by myself!" "Look, can we just go now?" Lybra asked. "Are you sure you're alright? You looked upset back there," the princess asked. Lybra stared down to the ground, as if it was the most fascinating thing she's seen in a long time. Maybe he'll love me if I'm normal. she thought. "Millerna, I have a favor to ask you as well. But I'd like to talk to you in private." "I suppose we should get going, then," the princess exclaimed to everyone, mostly directing her attention to Hitomi. "You there. Could you carry Allen's bags?" Hitomi looked around her in confusion. "Who? Me?" "That's right. I meant you." Van stepped up to her side. "She's not a handmaiden. She's with me." This did not make little Merle happy at all. "No! She's with Allen!" "No, I'm not.!" Just then did Millerna realize that she made a mistake. "Oh, dear. I'm sorry. I saw you wearing those strange clothes and just assumed." "That's an insult to handmaidens!" Merle said calmly in Hitomi's face. "Watch it, kitty!" "We get people from countries everywhere here in Asturia, but I've never anyone like you before," the princess replied, gazing at the young girl. She really did catch her attention. "Yes, I suppose you haven't. You probably don't get many people from the Mystic Mo." she replied before she felt a large weight land on her foot. She looked down at saw that it was Merle's own foot, getting her to shut up. This amazed Millerna even more. Where was she from exactly? She'll have to ask Allen about that. "Well, let's be on our way. Lybra, you said you wanted to ask me something?" "Yes, you see.there's someone I know whom I'd like to get their attention and." "Whoa, whoa, whoa! Lybra, are you saying you're in love with someone?" Gaddess exclaimed in complete shock. "Wow, really?! That's so great, Lybra!" Millerna replied. "That's not what I meant at all!" Lybra grumbled. Damn, she's sharp! "Don't worry, I'm an expert at these situations! When we get back to the castle, I'll find the perfect dress for you!"
Allen Schezar knelt in front of the mighty King Aston, the king of Asturia. The throne room was barely fancy at all. Marble walls and floors surrounded him with sapphire blue silk curtains almost enveloping the king. But now was not the time to admire rooms. He had more urgent matters to attend to. "The Zaibach Empire broke our treaty and attacked our fortress. We may be allied countries, but there's no telling when they'll attack Asturia herself. Your decision please, King Aston." There was a long silence afterwards, but something didn't feel right to him. "Are you trying to bring disaster upon my country, Allen Schezar?" The knight couldn't believe what he just heard. The king siding with the enemy after they've been attacked by them! "For one little outpost, you would risk Zaibach's wrath? What have you done!" "Chivalry demands that we protect the king of Fanelia, whose country was destroyed by Zaibach!" Allen protested. "That's not true." Suddenly a figure cloaked in black stepped up to the king. "You seem to be the victim of a misunderstanding, Allen Schezar." The knight thought he looked familiar somehow, but where? "Who is this?" he demanded. Not only was he cloaked in black, but in mystery, evil, and manipulation. "Folken, Strategos of Zaibach," the king replied. Zaibach already has the king in their pocket! He always knew that Zaibach was a master at destroying anything in their path. Especially Dilandau. But this Folken he had never known of and everything was now going his way. "King Aston, Fanelia launched a sneak attack against us," Folken said. "I heard nothing of this attack!" Allen replied. It had to be a lie. It had to be! "Yet it's the truth. If you were to hand over Fanelia's king and his Guymelef, Escaflowne, I'm sure we could overlook this incident. Don't you agree, Allen Schezar? I'd like to avoid any incidents which might endanger our alliance." The Zaibach Strategos glanced at the king, who nodded in agreement. "Excellent. We have an agreement, then." "Allen Schezar, if you truly love this country, you will turn him over at once. Chivalry alone can't protect a country." Allen couldn't take it anymore. His beloved country has fallen to empty promises of forever glory and protection. What was he to do?
"Well, well, what do we have here?" Millerna said as Hitomi stepped out of the dressing room with an elegant soft pink and white colored dress. "That dress looks wonderful on you!" "You look good enough to be a handmaiden," Merle replied. "Are you trying to pick a fight?!" "Oh, you're just being self-conscious," the cat replied before Van silenced her. She really did look wonderful in that dress, which really caught Van by surprise. "You really don't mind? This is such a pretty dress." Hitomi asked the princess. "If someone spotted you walking around in those strange clothes, well, Allen's dignity might be called into question." It's like she's going out of her way to insult me.! Hitomi thought. That was really not princess-like, at least that's what she thought. Hitomi then noticed Millerna's personal maid starting to leave the room, holding something. "Excuse me? Aren't those my clothes?" "That's right. You don't mind us throwing them away, do you?" Millerna asked. "Throw them out? You can't!" she replied, taking her old clothes from the maid. "What's the matter? I can give you as many new sets of clothes as you want." "These.These have a lot of sentimental value. I appreciate what you're trying to do, but I just can't part with these." Van understood completely. Her clothes were one of only a few things she had from her home world. It's understandable. All he has from Fanelia is his sword and the Escaflowne. Millerna didn't understand at all. She had everything she wanted, but knew something was up. "I get the impression that there's a long story behind this. I'll have to sit Allen down later and have him tell me all about it." Millerna stood up from her seat, putting that matter aside. "Lybra? Are you done in there?" "Uh.yes." she replied from the room. "Why don't you come out and have us take a look at you?" "Uh uh! Not way! It's embarrassing!" Millerna then walked into the room. "What are you talking about? That dress is perfect on you. Now come on out. You don't have to be shy," she said. Soon the princess dragged Lybra out of the room. This caught everyone off guard. Lybra in a dress?! Millerna was right though, it did suit her well, with flowing emerald and amethyst colors. Her hair was no longer in a braid, but flowing down to her waist. On her head was a little silver headband that had diamonds trailing from the band and flowing into her hair. "Wow! You look beautiful!" Merle exclaimed. "If you didn't have those scars on your face, I never would have recognized you!" Van, however, seemed to have no interest whatsoever. "Yes, but it's those scars that tells us how hideous she really is." "That's it! I'm getting my sword!" Lybra said, stepping away. Millerna gripped her arm, halting her. "Lybra, that's not the right thing for a lady to do. You're willing to change and you are already half-way there. First was to change your appearance. You no longer look like a soldier, now you look like a beautiful young lady. Next is to change your attitude," the princess explained. "What's wrong with my attitude?" Lybra snapped. "There! You snap at everything you find offensive. Try to be more polite. Don't worry, you'll see what I mean when we go to the bazaar," she said, taking her seat again. "It'll be fun." "Lady Millerna?" Her maid handed her a piece of paper. "This is from Lord Allen." "Thank you. I wonder what it is?" she said, opening it. "It says 'Go down to the bazaar without me.' Gentlemen never keep their word! Well, we'll get bored waiting for him. Shall we go?" The princess and Lybra left the room first. Suddenly, Hitomi caught her duffle bag. "What's the big idea?!" she exclaimed to Van as he walked up to her. "Keep it with you. There's no telling what's going to happen."
Hitomi has never seen such a busy sight before, not even back home. She was surprised that everyone could keep track of what they were doing. "What do you think? Exciting, isn't it?" Millerna asked. She and her maid wore lavender cloaks, obviously to keep their identity a secret. "Millerna, I'm going to have a look around, if you don't mind. I'll meet you back at the castle!" Lybra exclaimed before running off into the crowd. It was easy to get lost in this city, there are so many people. Probably more than in the Zaibach Empire. She could hardly believe that she now looked just like them. Not like dressed in armor was a bad thing, but she remembered that Asturia and Zaibach are allies, so the dress was a perfect disguise. Hopefully no one from the empire will recognize her. "Oh my god. I've never seen such an ugly creature since I met King Aston." Lybra whipped around in anger and balled her right first, but then halted when she stared straight into Folken's eyes. "What are you saying?" She then shook her head. "May I ask what you are doing here, Folken?" Lybra asked, trying to be polite just as Millerna said. "I was hoping to have a good day, but then I ran into you." "What? How can you be such an as.I mean.that's awfully rude!" he replied, catching herself from cursing at him. "You can at least be more polite!" "Polite?" he replied, looking at her as if she said the wrong thing. "I can see you've been having a bad day. So I shall leave now." she said, walking past him. "Fine then. Go on and run away." She stopped again and whipped around once more. "You were once nothing but a relentless soldier who wasn't satisfied until blood flows past your feet. Now look at you, you're even more appalling! What is this really all about?" Folken exclaimed. Lybra's fists began to tremble in anger as her eyes narrowed. Folken smiled. "Come on little princess, answer me. It'd be awfully rude if you don't." "What the hell do you want from me then?!" she screamed. Thankfully the bazaar was very noisy that not many heard her scream. If it was quiet, she could have sworn that the whole country would have heard her. Folken walked passed her, heading towards the harbor. Lybra heard him say something as he passed her: "That's much better."
Hitomi gazed at everything around her. "Excuse me, Miss." Hitomi looks up and saw a man that looked like he was half-man, half-dolphin, which really caught her by surprise. "For somebody from the Mystic Moon, you sure surprise easily," Merle said. Hitomi saw another man that was half-human, half-falcon. "What are you doing back there? We're going to leave you behind! Try to keep up!" Van exclaimed. Losing Hitomi and Merle would have been bad on his part, but then something on a small bridge over a small river through the city caught his attention. "Zaibach soldiers!" The two soldiers were conversing about something until they stood at attention as a figure in black approached. "Brother!" "What's wrong, Van?" Millerna asked, until Van disappeared into the crowds. Hitomi, meanwhile, was gazing at the different shops. She stood in front of what appeared to be a jewelry shop, admiring the many kinds of pendants, armlets, pins, necklaces, and other kinds of jewels. "See anything you like, Miss? Feel free to buy anything," the shopkeeper said. Something caught her attention among the jewels, a flat, silver disc. "Where did you find this?" Hitomi asked, taking the disc. "Pretty, isn't it? It'll look great on you. I can make a necklace out of that for you," he said as she pulled out a portable CD player from her bag, placing the disc in it. Does that mean that other people from Earth have been here? She pondered as she heard music. The lyrics were in Japanese, one of the languages from Earth. She listened to the soothing melody for a few seconds until.
Doushiteru kana
Anata no koto
Tsumetai kaze ni.
She saw what appeared to be a massive bolt of power suddenly strike Van. She screamed in fright until she heard a concerned voice. "Hitomi? What's the matter? You seem a little distant," Millerna asked. "Where's Van?!" she demanded. "He went towards the harbor," the princess replied before Hitomi took off. "Hey! What's wrong?!" Merle asked, following her. "Those are two very strange girls," Millerna confirmed.
Van wandered through empty alleys to find his brother. It seemed like a dark, endless maze, and he was getting exhausted, but he couldn't stop. Eventually, he was in the sunlight again and saw Folken walk over a small bridge, but then he looked beyond the mountains and saw what appeared to be a large city. "One of Zaibach's floating fortresses!" Suddenly he saw a black carriage halt in front of his brother. He couldn't let Folken escape that easily and ran across the bridge, stopping halfway across. "Brother!" "Van, are you prepared to come with me?"
**********
"Why must it sting so much? My cheek is throbbing." Dilandau asked himself as he casually ran his finger over the bandage, repeating that it stings over and over again. One of his soldiers then noticed some blood peeping through the bandage. "Lord Dilandau, maybe it would be best if you don't touch the wound." "What?!" he said, punching the soldier. "Oh, so you understand the pain I'm feeling, do you?" he screamed, lifting him up by the collar of his uniform. "Forgive me," the soldier replied before he was thrown back to the ground. "My face.he cut my beautiful face!" Dilandau cried. "Lord Dilandau." another soldier said, stepping up. "What now?!" "Lord Folken, he."
"Wait! Lord Dilandau! Lord Folken ordered us not to leave the anchorage!" the soldier exclaimed as the Alcedes approached the doors to the outside. "Who said anything about leaving the Vione?" Dilandau said as his Guymelef knelt to the ground and held out it left arm, aiming at Van. Suddenly a metal claw shot out. "Lord Dilandau is setting his Energist to maximum to shoot out a Crima Claw?" the soldier asked himself. "Bye-bye Van!" Dilandau screamed as the claw shot through the sky. "Reach him my claw! Tear Van to pieces!"
**********
"Why?! Why are you working for Zaibach, Brother?!" Van exclaimed. "Folken of Fanelia is dead," he replied. Suddenly, he brought out his right arm from his cloak.a metal arm. Van gasped in shock. "On that day, when the dragon ripped off this arm, I died. And it was Emperor Dornkirk who gave me life again. He taught me how to live." "What? How?!" "Van.you are my brother. He who shares my blood. I can see into your heart. This world is difficult for a gentle soul such as yours to bear. This world where man fights man. No, where every living thing fights to take the life of another. We kill beasts. We kill dragons. We even kill men! Fighting begets fighting and the slaughter begins anew. Such is the way of the world," Folken explained. "But Zaibach started all the fighting!" Van replied. "We fight to end that conflict. To bring forth a new order. This is a true holy war." "Fighting to bring an end to fighting.? There's no such thing!" "Van, come with me now. Come, so that we may create a new world!" Folken said, holding out his arms. "Brother."
"I've got a bad feeling about this. I've got to hurry!" Hitomi said to herself as she ran through the abandoned alleys. At this point, there was no way she would catch up to him in time, but then she remembered one piece of advice that Lybra said earlier. All they do is trip you up when you're in a hurry! Hitomi threw her duffle bag at Merle and as soon as she caught it, she began to tear the dress until the skirt was above her knees. Immediately, she saw that she began to pick up speed rather quickly. "Van!" she called out as she saw him in the distance. Suddenly, he looked back at the fortress and noticed the sunlight reflecting off of a strange approaching metal. "Watch out!" she screamed, tackling him to the ground. Folken watched as a metal claw broke through the bridge just after she saved him. Hitomi was gasping for breath as she pushed herself off the young king. "Hitomi, you came to save me?" "I can't believe I made it. I'm glad I got here in time," she replied, smiling. Dilandau, how dare you interfere. Folken cursed in his mind. "I see, so this is how Zaibach operates?" Van asked his older brother, stand up again. "This wasn't my intent." "Is that all you have to say?" he growled. Hitomi looked at Folken. That's Van's big brother. That guy from the fortress! "Lord Van!" Suddenly, Merle threw herself into his arms. "Thank goodness you're okay! I was so worried about you! She keeps saying the weirdest things!" Hitomi stood up as soon as she collected herself and saw a large group of soldiers surround them-the Royal Guard. "Grettings, Van Fanel, King of Fanelia. King Aston wishes to see you now." Van look over his shoulder and saw the carriage take his brother away. Maybe there was no hope in getting his long-lost brother back.
"Welcome, Fanelia! My country welcomes you with joy in her heart!" King Aston exclaimed as Van in the Escaflowne stood in the middle of a large coliseum. Everyone was gathered together: Millerna, Allen, Lybra, Hitomi, and Merle to watch the king greet Van. "As proof of our friendship, I would like to put to the test your skill and the power of your Guymelef, Escaflowne." "Don't worry, Allen. I'm sure that Father knows what he's doing," Millerna said. How could Allen trust him? Hitomi gasped as a large golden Guymelef entered the arena, holding a large chain whip. "That's Sajima's Guymelef! He's no knight. He's nothing but a bounty hunter who fights for money!" Allen exclaimed as Van prepared the Escaflowne. Why is my heart pounding? There's something wrong about all this. Hitomi couldn't stop thinking such thoughts as two more Guymelefs entered the arena. "The rumors of its magnificence were certainly not exaggerated. I'm overjoyed to see an Ispano Guymelef with my own eyes," a man stated as he sat next to the king. "You'll be satisfied with just seeing it, Meiden," King Aston replied. "It sets my merchant blood a boil. Still, you can't tell a Melef's worth until you see it in combat. I must say, I'm not satisfied with having those criminals fight him. Wouldn't fight Allen be better?" Meiden replied. The king simply laughed. "Allen can wait his turn. Just wait and see how my way works out." The image of Van being struck down was becoming clearer than before. That bad feeling still hadn't gone away. Is this what that horrible vision was warning me about? "Proof of friendship, huh?" Van muttered as he faced the bounty hunters. Lybra shook her head in disgust. There's no hope for Asturia. Zaibach has them by the leash. Suddenly, Lybra could hear laughter echoing throughout that arena. "Did you hear something just now?" "No. I didn't hear a thing," Merle replied. "Maybe it's just you." "I don't think so," she replied before looking back. Something was creeping with the shadows, something all too familiar to Lybra. Having no other choice, she began to leave the arena. "This has been a painful day."