Chapter 9 - A Relaxing Evening
Venus dove and rolled out of the way, but she didn't know if she'd be clear of the giant sword that was headed straight for her. But then that sword clashed with another sword. As soon as she stopped rolling, she turned and looked. Another giant machine was fighting with the other. This new machine had a long blue cape over one large mechanical arm and armor that she thought looked like Austrian armor. She stared at the two giant machines as they found.
Wow, she thought, they move just like people. The new machine then brought its sword down and slashed the sword arm of the other machine off. Then it twirled at put its sword through the gemstone of the bad machine. The blue and black machine fell and stopped moving. The good machine, obviously it was on her side, then turned and faced her. Mina took a step back, a little overwhelmed.
"Mina, are you okay?" A voice asked from inside.
"Huh? ALLEN? Is that YOU?" Mina said.
The machine bent on one knee and a panel opened up near the head. Allen came out and jumped down to Mina.
"Don't tell me you've never seen Sherazade in action before!" Allen joked as he pointed to his guymellef. Mina smiled and laughed.
******* ******
Van and Allen organized the prisoners and sent them off to the holding cells of the Crusade. They no longer had glowing blue eyes, and some of them were screaming for an explanation of why they were there, but most of them just glared at the Asturian soldiers.
Mina, who had de-morphed, accompanied Allen, who was in Sherazade, back to the cargo bay. Allen was holding Mina in one of Sherazade's hands. Mina was having a ball. She kept asking questions about Sherazade and how Allen used it and what it could do. She was fascinated by the idea of having a giant robot copy your exact moves. Allen was concerned about Mina though. She had just fought a battle and he was worried that she was still too weak. She told him she was fine. The combination of her medicine, and unique sailor scout powers, had helped her recovery really fast. She did end up promising to take it easy for a while though.
A couple hours later, after everything was taken care of and the Crusade was back in the air, everyone met in the war room again. Hitomi wanted to try scrying Adellus out again, while her presence was still fresh in everyone's mind. Hitomi and Mina sat across from each other with the map and the pendant between them. Everyone was silent as the pendant made it's way across the map. Then, like before, it starting swinging violently in a circle. Everyone breathed a little sigh of relief when it wasn't their exact location again.
"I can see it." Hitomi said with her eyes still closed. "It's a large cave, in the middle of a dense forest."
"Hey," Van said. "It's just northwest of Palas. That's near the spot where we first fought her."
"She must have been leading us away from it by attacking Merhaven." Mina said as she opened her eyes and sat back. "She's not stupid. She needed to keep us away from her lair. I say we head straight for it. You all saw how strong she was this morning; I don't want to give her anymore time to get even stronger. I was able to fight her but...."
"We'll set a course right away." Allen said. "But I think it's best if we stop in Palas first. We need to drop off these prisoners and then we can stock up on supplies and bring a few more men along. Something tells me we're going to need all the help we can get."
Everyone nodded.
********** ************
They landed in Palas in the middle of the afternoon. Allen left to take care of provisions. Mina and Hitomi wanted to take the opportunity to go through the marketplace. He and Merle decided to tag along. Van suggested they change into some Asturian clothes, just for the sake of not standing out.
Hitomi was wearing a dress very similar to the dress she first wore in Palas. It was a long pink and white dress, sleeveless, with long white gloves. Mina was wearing a similar dress to Hitomi, except it was light blue and white. She also had gloves.
Mina and Hitomi had a wonderful time in the marketplace, thanks to the spending money Van gave them. Mina ended up buying a silk, pale yellow scarf, and Hitomi bought a small crystal-like dragon figurine. They walked around and sampled different foods, played a few games, and even had their sketches drawn.
By the time they returned it was late in the afternoon. They received a message from a steward that Allen was planning on having everyone stay the night. It made sense; there wasn't anything they could do today. The steward also asked them if they would be around for the Moon ball that was taking place tomorrow night. When Mina asked what that was, the steward told them the palace hosted a ball every night there was a full moon. Mina apologized and said they probably wouldn't be back in time.
Mina was back in her room that she first had when she came to Gaea. She had changed back in to her school uniform. She was looking out the window, enjoying the view, when a small boy ran by down in the courtyard.
"Hey kid!" She yelled.
The little stopped and walked over. He was standing under the window since Mina was on the second floor.
"Where did you get that ball?" She asked.
The boy was holding a medium sized ball, which looked curiously like a volleyball.
"I got it over in the shed. Ma works in the kitchens and us kids play outside all day. The castle bought us these balls." He said as he held it up. "You can take this one if you want, I can go get another one."
"Really? Thanks!" Mina said as she bent over and took the ball. The boy smiled and ran off. Mina studied the ball. It felt like very worn leather, but she couldn't tell what it was filled with. She tried bouncing it on her wrist and it worked pretty well. Mina left her room and went down stairs and outside in to the courtyard. She started bouncing the ball off her wrists like she would in volleyball practice. A little later Hitomi wandered out and started hitting the ball back and forth with Mina while they chatted. Merle came out and Hitomi and Mina showed her how to play volleyball. Merle loved it. For a while they just hit the ball back and forth to one another.
As the afternoon faded, more people came out to see what they were doing and ended up playing with them. Merle had gone off and found a fish net and a few of them had set it up between two trees. Mina and Hitomi had a real volleyball game going. Eventually Van, Allen, Gaddess, and some of the soldiers were out there with them. Hitomi, Van, and Gaddess (along with a few others) were on one team, and Mina, Allen, Merle (along with a few others) were on the other team. Everyone had thrown off swords and overcoats. Mina and Hitomi were down to their t-shirts and skirts. Allen even borrowed a ribbon and pulled his hair back. Hitomi had helped Mina put her hair into a long braid. A small crowd of palace servants and guests started to form and watch their game. Everyone was having a blast! They were all fast learners and playing pretty well. Mina ended up doing one of her signature flip hits, which impressed everyone, even though Hitomi teased that she was cheating.
The game ended with the sunset and everyone went back to his or her room to change for dinner. Everyone was starving after the game of volleyball. Mina and Hitomi put their dresses back on. Dinner was in great hall and the Head Steward was the host. (**NOTE: Okay, I've avoided this before. I bet you're wondering where Malerna is. Well, let's say she got back together with Dryden and that the two of them and the King are off on a business trip somewhere.**) They had a wonderful meal, with appetizers, wine, vegetables and dessert. The eating and socializing went on in to the night....
********** *******
Van, Hitomi, and Merle walked over to the stables after dinner broke up. They caught up with one other while they brushed and watered the horses. Merle left after the horses were taken care of.
Van and Hitomi were walking around again.
"Are you coming with us tomorrow, Hitomi?" Van asked.
"Of course. I know I'm not a great fighter, but I still might be able to help. Besides, I don't want to be far from you." She smiled and took his hand. Van smiled back.
"Hitomi...have you thought about want you want to do after this is over?"
Hitomi looked down and frowned.
"I don't know Van. I want to stay here with you more than anything, but...."
"But you have a family on Earth." Van finished for her.
Hitomi nodded. Van saw a tear run down her cheek. Van stopped them and turned Hitomi to look at him.
"Listen to me Hitomi. I've had a lot of time to think, and I believe I can understand why you left, even if I was selfish and wanted you to stay. If I could, I'd go back with you in a heartbeat, but I have responsibilities here. The people of Fanelia need me...but I need you."
"Oh Van..."
Van reached over and brought Hitomi into a hug.
"Let's just enjoy the time we have together for now."
Hitomi pulled back and gave Van a kiss. He kissed her back. The kiss lasted for a while.
"Thank you." Hitomi whispered.
Van just leaned over and kissed the top of her head. They continued their walk together.
************* **********
Allen and Mina had wandered off after dinner too, but they stayed inside the palace. Allen gave Mina a tour. She loved every minute of it. They ended up in Allen's suite, which was located on the top floor of the palace. They were leaning against Allen's balcony admiring the view. The moon ahead was almost full. Tomorrow night, like the steward said, it would be full.
"Did you enjoy the tour?" Allen asked.
"Yes, thank you." Mina replied.
"Hmmmm...come to think of it, there is a place I haven't shown you yet."
Mina watched as Allen jumped on to the railing and jumped up to the roof. He looked over and winked at Mina as he offered his hand. Mina smiled, hiked up her dress, and jumped on to the railing, and then the roof, in two easy jumps.
"I always seem to forget that about you." Allen said as he laughed. He took her hand and they carefully made their way up, but not all the way to the top so they could be seen, but in between on a flat part. They sat down.
"I like to come up here and think." Allen told her. "It gives me privacy and time to clear my head."
"I used to do that as Sailor V." Mina said. "I would just sit on the rooftops sometimes, looking at the city."
"Sailor V...?"
Mina told Allen about her days as Sailor V. She also told him more about her adventures with the scouts. But then Mina was quiet.
"Allen, I'm going to have to go back when all this is over."
Allen looked at her in shock.
"Oh... you don't want to be here with me anymore?"
"No Allen, please don't think like that. I love it hear with you and I wish that I could stay. It's just...my duties as a Sailor Scout. I have to go back to protect the Princess."
Allen was about to say something then stopped. He sighed.
"I guess I can understand duty. I have dedicated my life to it after all."
They were quiet, and then Mina started crying. Allen was a little surprised to see her cry, she being a tough soldier and all.
"Oh Allen, it's not fair! I've finally found someone...someone I love...and I can't stay here with you."
Allen pulled Mina to him.
"Shhhh...it will be okay." He said as he smoothed her hair. She stopped crying but was lightly sobbing.
"Mina, I love you too. I know it seems crazy, since we've only know each other for almost a week now, but you complete me."
Mina giggled. She couldn't help picturing Dr.Evil and Mini-me in her head. (Hehe)
Allen leaned over and kissed her. The kiss was saying enough for both of them.
NOTE: Tada! Chapter 9 is done! The big battle is coming up so hold on to your seats gang! I've got a bunch of surprises in store! And action! Please continue to review my story! I love your reviews! I want to take this time to thank Phantom Angel for writing such an amazing story that it inspired me to write this one, and for her encouragement and support. And I want to thank my friend Emily for introducing me to Escaflowne and helping me with ideas. THANKS GUYS!
Venus dove and rolled out of the way, but she didn't know if she'd be clear of the giant sword that was headed straight for her. But then that sword clashed with another sword. As soon as she stopped rolling, she turned and looked. Another giant machine was fighting with the other. This new machine had a long blue cape over one large mechanical arm and armor that she thought looked like Austrian armor. She stared at the two giant machines as they found.
Wow, she thought, they move just like people. The new machine then brought its sword down and slashed the sword arm of the other machine off. Then it twirled at put its sword through the gemstone of the bad machine. The blue and black machine fell and stopped moving. The good machine, obviously it was on her side, then turned and faced her. Mina took a step back, a little overwhelmed.
"Mina, are you okay?" A voice asked from inside.
"Huh? ALLEN? Is that YOU?" Mina said.
The machine bent on one knee and a panel opened up near the head. Allen came out and jumped down to Mina.
"Don't tell me you've never seen Sherazade in action before!" Allen joked as he pointed to his guymellef. Mina smiled and laughed.
******* ******
Van and Allen organized the prisoners and sent them off to the holding cells of the Crusade. They no longer had glowing blue eyes, and some of them were screaming for an explanation of why they were there, but most of them just glared at the Asturian soldiers.
Mina, who had de-morphed, accompanied Allen, who was in Sherazade, back to the cargo bay. Allen was holding Mina in one of Sherazade's hands. Mina was having a ball. She kept asking questions about Sherazade and how Allen used it and what it could do. She was fascinated by the idea of having a giant robot copy your exact moves. Allen was concerned about Mina though. She had just fought a battle and he was worried that she was still too weak. She told him she was fine. The combination of her medicine, and unique sailor scout powers, had helped her recovery really fast. She did end up promising to take it easy for a while though.
A couple hours later, after everything was taken care of and the Crusade was back in the air, everyone met in the war room again. Hitomi wanted to try scrying Adellus out again, while her presence was still fresh in everyone's mind. Hitomi and Mina sat across from each other with the map and the pendant between them. Everyone was silent as the pendant made it's way across the map. Then, like before, it starting swinging violently in a circle. Everyone breathed a little sigh of relief when it wasn't their exact location again.
"I can see it." Hitomi said with her eyes still closed. "It's a large cave, in the middle of a dense forest."
"Hey," Van said. "It's just northwest of Palas. That's near the spot where we first fought her."
"She must have been leading us away from it by attacking Merhaven." Mina said as she opened her eyes and sat back. "She's not stupid. She needed to keep us away from her lair. I say we head straight for it. You all saw how strong she was this morning; I don't want to give her anymore time to get even stronger. I was able to fight her but...."
"We'll set a course right away." Allen said. "But I think it's best if we stop in Palas first. We need to drop off these prisoners and then we can stock up on supplies and bring a few more men along. Something tells me we're going to need all the help we can get."
Everyone nodded.
********** ************
They landed in Palas in the middle of the afternoon. Allen left to take care of provisions. Mina and Hitomi wanted to take the opportunity to go through the marketplace. He and Merle decided to tag along. Van suggested they change into some Asturian clothes, just for the sake of not standing out.
Hitomi was wearing a dress very similar to the dress she first wore in Palas. It was a long pink and white dress, sleeveless, with long white gloves. Mina was wearing a similar dress to Hitomi, except it was light blue and white. She also had gloves.
Mina and Hitomi had a wonderful time in the marketplace, thanks to the spending money Van gave them. Mina ended up buying a silk, pale yellow scarf, and Hitomi bought a small crystal-like dragon figurine. They walked around and sampled different foods, played a few games, and even had their sketches drawn.
By the time they returned it was late in the afternoon. They received a message from a steward that Allen was planning on having everyone stay the night. It made sense; there wasn't anything they could do today. The steward also asked them if they would be around for the Moon ball that was taking place tomorrow night. When Mina asked what that was, the steward told them the palace hosted a ball every night there was a full moon. Mina apologized and said they probably wouldn't be back in time.
Mina was back in her room that she first had when she came to Gaea. She had changed back in to her school uniform. She was looking out the window, enjoying the view, when a small boy ran by down in the courtyard.
"Hey kid!" She yelled.
The little stopped and walked over. He was standing under the window since Mina was on the second floor.
"Where did you get that ball?" She asked.
The boy was holding a medium sized ball, which looked curiously like a volleyball.
"I got it over in the shed. Ma works in the kitchens and us kids play outside all day. The castle bought us these balls." He said as he held it up. "You can take this one if you want, I can go get another one."
"Really? Thanks!" Mina said as she bent over and took the ball. The boy smiled and ran off. Mina studied the ball. It felt like very worn leather, but she couldn't tell what it was filled with. She tried bouncing it on her wrist and it worked pretty well. Mina left her room and went down stairs and outside in to the courtyard. She started bouncing the ball off her wrists like she would in volleyball practice. A little later Hitomi wandered out and started hitting the ball back and forth with Mina while they chatted. Merle came out and Hitomi and Mina showed her how to play volleyball. Merle loved it. For a while they just hit the ball back and forth to one another.
As the afternoon faded, more people came out to see what they were doing and ended up playing with them. Merle had gone off and found a fish net and a few of them had set it up between two trees. Mina and Hitomi had a real volleyball game going. Eventually Van, Allen, Gaddess, and some of the soldiers were out there with them. Hitomi, Van, and Gaddess (along with a few others) were on one team, and Mina, Allen, Merle (along with a few others) were on the other team. Everyone had thrown off swords and overcoats. Mina and Hitomi were down to their t-shirts and skirts. Allen even borrowed a ribbon and pulled his hair back. Hitomi had helped Mina put her hair into a long braid. A small crowd of palace servants and guests started to form and watch their game. Everyone was having a blast! They were all fast learners and playing pretty well. Mina ended up doing one of her signature flip hits, which impressed everyone, even though Hitomi teased that she was cheating.
The game ended with the sunset and everyone went back to his or her room to change for dinner. Everyone was starving after the game of volleyball. Mina and Hitomi put their dresses back on. Dinner was in great hall and the Head Steward was the host. (**NOTE: Okay, I've avoided this before. I bet you're wondering where Malerna is. Well, let's say she got back together with Dryden and that the two of them and the King are off on a business trip somewhere.**) They had a wonderful meal, with appetizers, wine, vegetables and dessert. The eating and socializing went on in to the night....
********** *******
Van, Hitomi, and Merle walked over to the stables after dinner broke up. They caught up with one other while they brushed and watered the horses. Merle left after the horses were taken care of.
Van and Hitomi were walking around again.
"Are you coming with us tomorrow, Hitomi?" Van asked.
"Of course. I know I'm not a great fighter, but I still might be able to help. Besides, I don't want to be far from you." She smiled and took his hand. Van smiled back.
"Hitomi...have you thought about want you want to do after this is over?"
Hitomi looked down and frowned.
"I don't know Van. I want to stay here with you more than anything, but...."
"But you have a family on Earth." Van finished for her.
Hitomi nodded. Van saw a tear run down her cheek. Van stopped them and turned Hitomi to look at him.
"Listen to me Hitomi. I've had a lot of time to think, and I believe I can understand why you left, even if I was selfish and wanted you to stay. If I could, I'd go back with you in a heartbeat, but I have responsibilities here. The people of Fanelia need me...but I need you."
"Oh Van..."
Van reached over and brought Hitomi into a hug.
"Let's just enjoy the time we have together for now."
Hitomi pulled back and gave Van a kiss. He kissed her back. The kiss lasted for a while.
"Thank you." Hitomi whispered.
Van just leaned over and kissed the top of her head. They continued their walk together.
************* **********
Allen and Mina had wandered off after dinner too, but they stayed inside the palace. Allen gave Mina a tour. She loved every minute of it. They ended up in Allen's suite, which was located on the top floor of the palace. They were leaning against Allen's balcony admiring the view. The moon ahead was almost full. Tomorrow night, like the steward said, it would be full.
"Did you enjoy the tour?" Allen asked.
"Yes, thank you." Mina replied.
"Hmmmm...come to think of it, there is a place I haven't shown you yet."
Mina watched as Allen jumped on to the railing and jumped up to the roof. He looked over and winked at Mina as he offered his hand. Mina smiled, hiked up her dress, and jumped on to the railing, and then the roof, in two easy jumps.
"I always seem to forget that about you." Allen said as he laughed. He took her hand and they carefully made their way up, but not all the way to the top so they could be seen, but in between on a flat part. They sat down.
"I like to come up here and think." Allen told her. "It gives me privacy and time to clear my head."
"I used to do that as Sailor V." Mina said. "I would just sit on the rooftops sometimes, looking at the city."
"Sailor V...?"
Mina told Allen about her days as Sailor V. She also told him more about her adventures with the scouts. But then Mina was quiet.
"Allen, I'm going to have to go back when all this is over."
Allen looked at her in shock.
"Oh... you don't want to be here with me anymore?"
"No Allen, please don't think like that. I love it hear with you and I wish that I could stay. It's just...my duties as a Sailor Scout. I have to go back to protect the Princess."
Allen was about to say something then stopped. He sighed.
"I guess I can understand duty. I have dedicated my life to it after all."
They were quiet, and then Mina started crying. Allen was a little surprised to see her cry, she being a tough soldier and all.
"Oh Allen, it's not fair! I've finally found someone...someone I love...and I can't stay here with you."
Allen pulled Mina to him.
"Shhhh...it will be okay." He said as he smoothed her hair. She stopped crying but was lightly sobbing.
"Mina, I love you too. I know it seems crazy, since we've only know each other for almost a week now, but you complete me."
Mina giggled. She couldn't help picturing Dr.Evil and Mini-me in her head. (Hehe)
Allen leaned over and kissed her. The kiss was saying enough for both of them.
NOTE: Tada! Chapter 9 is done! The big battle is coming up so hold on to your seats gang! I've got a bunch of surprises in store! And action! Please continue to review my story! I love your reviews! I want to take this time to thank Phantom Angel for writing such an amazing story that it inspired me to write this one, and for her encouragement and support. And I want to thank my friend Emily for introducing me to Escaflowne and helping me with ideas. THANKS GUYS!