~Remember I don't like Escaflowne or its characters~
~Okay its getting really complex, but I promise it has a really interesting plot~



The Fate of Two Worlds
By Rochelle Cassel

Chapter 7 ~ Secrets Within the Words

~ Fanelia ~
Van and Hitomi walked back in silence. Neither knowing what to say. Van was blushing from
his words. He was scared to ask what Hitomi thought about it. Did she understand his
meaning? Did she care for him? Too many questions were running in his mind to let him think
straight. He would speak, but fear of rejection kept his mouth sealed. Hitomi was feeling the
same way. Did she truly understand his words? Did he really care for her? Her voice was
lodged in her throat not willing to come out. She was afraid of embarrassment if she asked
what he meant and had gotten the wrong idea. So the two walked with no words only with
stressed thoughts.

As they were about to enter the castle Merle bursted through the entrance. She was in such a
rush she didn't even see Hitomi and knocked her to the ground. Merle looked down at the
soaked girl, "Oh! I'm sorry Hitomi, but I've been looking everywhere for you two!"

Van smiled at the cat~girl and held a hand out to Hitomi. The honey haired girl graciously
took his hand and was lifted up. She muttered hers thanks and blushed a bit from his affection.

"OOOOhhh! Someone's blushing!!!!" Merle cried mischievously. Hitomi's blush deepen as
she gave Merle an angry stare.

"Merle what do you want!" Hitomi asked hotly. Merle was about to open her mouth when a
huge raindrop landed on her pink nose. The cat recoiled in disgust.

"I'll tell you, but can we be smart and get out of this stupid rain!" she hissed. Van and Hitomi
laughed at how Merle tried to dodge the raindrops. She was jumping everywhere as the
raindrops poured. Her hair stood on end and her ears were set back. Unfortunately Merle
wasn't fast enough to dodge all the little water bombs and was getting completely soaked.
After their laughter had simmered down the three walked into the castle.

As soon as they walked in servants appeared with blankets and wrapped one around Hitomi
and another on Van. Van frowned a little; he hated so much attention. "Merle, what did you
want to tell us?" Van asked as Merle shooed away the servants.

Merle twirled around and smiled, "Dryden's scrolls have arrived and everyone is waiting for
you two in the council chamber."

~ Council Chamber ~
Everyone stood around the large round table. Dozens of scrolls were laid out of the table,
some were spread wide open. Dryden was busily open and closing scrolls checking what
was what. Millerna watched her husband and did her best to help, but she had no idea what
to look for.

When the doors opened to reveal to newly dress people and a young cat~girl smiles broke
throughout the group. Millerina turned away from the scrolls and ran across the room to her
best friend hugging her tightly.

"Oh it's so good to see you, Hitomi" she cried happily. Hitomi blinked back the tears forming
in her eyes as she held the woman close. Hitomi was a little confused though. She felt as if
their was another presence floating over the woman.

"Strange..." she thought.

As soon as Millerina backed up a small form rushed forward and hugged Hitomi fiercely.
Hitomi pulled the young boy from her so she could kneel and give him a proper hug.

"Oh, I'm so glad to see Chid" Hitomi cried through her now spilling tears. Chid also cried as
he held on close to the wonderful woman. He always thought of her as his mother and looked
for her when he felt he needed to express something. To have her gone for so long had been
torture. He had become desperate for her to cuddle him like a child. Although he was a king,
he was still a child. He needed the comfort of a mother.

"Hitomi, I've miss you so much!" he said as he stood back and wiped away his tears onto his
sleeve, "We must talk later on."

Hitomi smiled at him, "Of course, Prince Chid."

Dryden stepped forward and helped Hitomi to her feet again, "It's good to see again, Hitomi.
It seems you have been fairing well at your home world."

A wave of depression passed through Hitomi, but she quickly discarded it. She was here
where she wanted to be. "Yes, I have although I have missed everyone very much over here."

Hitomi was about to say something when she noticed the young blonde lady standing next to
Allen. The woman was very beautiful, but it was her purple eyes that scared Hitomi. They
reminded her of someone from her past. Hitomi turned to the woman, "I'm sorry, but I didn't
properly introduced myself. I am Hitomi Kazanki."

Allen stepped forward, "Hitomi, I would like you to meet my sister, Celena."

The woman gracefully curtsied and her voice spoke like bells, "Hello, Lady Hitomi. I'm very
glad to meet you. I have heard a lot about you."

Hitomi could have been completely run over and she would never have known at that
moment. Celena?! Allen's sister?! Dilandau!! Hitomi saw images flash before her eyes.

~Vision~
A mirror stood before Hitomi, but instead of her reflection she saw Celena's. Celena stood
with a sad smile on her face. Hitomi couldn't understand why though. She had appeared
happy before the vision. Just then the glass began to crack. Celena didn't even move as the
crack went across the center of the mirror. The crack spread across the surface and divided
several times. Suddenly the glass shattered completely sending shattered pieces in all
directions. Hitomi's arms flew in front of her face to protect her, but she didn't feel any glass
pierce her skin. Slowly she let her arms withdraw from her face and she gasped. The shards
were floating in mid-air like diamonds in the sky. Hitomi slowly reached her hand out to touch
one of the shards, but when she was about to touch it a face formed on it. Her fingers
automatically flew from the piece of glass as the face smiled evilly. A young man with short
silver hair laughed insanely.

"Dilandua!" Hitomi cried shocked. Suddenly all the other glass pieces held his face laughing
menacingly at the poor woman scaring her half to death.
~End of Vision~


Hitomi stepped back at the fright of the vision. What did it mean? She was a little shaken
which caught Allen's eye. Allen knew she saw something, but didn't want everyone to get on
edge so soon after the event early so he quickly changed the subject.

"Hitomi, you grown up into a beautiful young lady" he said as he kissed her hand.
Hitomi blushed a deep red at his words and his gesture.

"Thank you, Allen" she muttered and as soon as she could she took her hand from him, "How
have you been?"

"Very well. I have served as head knight of Freid and always stood as personal guard of
Prince Chid." he spoke proudly. Hitomi smiled at her friends. She was so happy to be back.

Dryden stepped forward, "Well with that done, lets start going through these scrolls."

The group watched as Dryden began searching through the scrolls. After several moments,
Dryden started to become very annoyed at not being able to find what he wanted. As he
grabbed one of the few remaining scrolls left he smiled at the emblem on it's handles, an angel.

He turned to his friends and held up the scroll, "I found it. It's the scroll of prophecy." At his
words everyone immediately gathered around the man. He carefully laid the scroll open on
the table. There were dozens of different passages, all prophecies from the Draconian's
culture. Beautiful drawings were sketched all over the parchment as illustration to go with the
passage. Hitomi stared at a passage' drawings. An angel and a dragon flying together, a white
dragon with white angel wings, and a black dragon with black angel wings. Something about
the drawing interest Hitomi. They seemed very logical to her in some way, "but how?" she
wondered.

Van stared at the passage, "This is about....."

Dryden looked at him, "About what?"

Van's tan fingers brush over the drawings, "It's about my family....."

"Your family?"

Van nodded and slowly read the passage, "There will be a day when a dragon and an angel
will join in union. From their union the angel will bear forth a new creature. A creature of both
angel and dragon will be born into the world. She will bear two sons. After several years the
dragon will die. The first son will fall to the hand of evil and a shadow will come over him.
Thereafter, the angel will die leaving the second son to reign. For the love of his brother the
first will shake off the darkness, but die hence after. Again the second will be alone and reign
over the Kingdom of Dragons."

Hitomi stared at Van as he spoke the words. She could see the tears in his eyes. The passage
was like a part of his soul. It brought such sorrowful memories that it pained him to hear it.
Hitomi placed a gentle hand on his shoulder causing him to look into her eyes. From the
contact between them she was able to sense things a lot stronger than before. She could see
and feel his pain. The strength of his emotions was a hundred times worse. It was so strong it
made Hitomi cry. It was overpowering to her and she was forced to lift her hand from his
shoulder. Nobody saw this, only Van and Hitomi witness the moment. Everyone was too
engrossed in the passage.

"True. It does speak of your family, Van" Allen stated. Van and Hitomi returned to the world
around them. It seemed they were doing this often. They always appeared to be lost in each
other's eyes.

"The dragon would be your father and the angel, your mother" Millerna completed.

"Yes, but there is more to the passage...." Dryden muttered, "Years to come another angel
will come, but this one will be from the "Creation". Twin black angels will come from a past
darkness and a world will die to white fire. Oh, regal angel come to our aid. For your kind is
no longer among thou. Take the blood of your descendants and create anew. For the ash has
fallen and blacken over another civilization. If the shadow of the black angels is not lifted the
stars will be the only thing left."

"Strange....." Van muttered, "I don't know of any more Draconians, but if this scroll is correct
then this would probably be the future to come."

"Then more will come or they are already here" thought Celena.

"Yes, but the words are strange" Dryden continued, "they say 'Oh, regal angel come to our
aid'. Regal usually means royal. Perhaps it speaks of you, Van."

Van brow creased in thought, "Probably, but what could it mean? And what is it talking about
when it says 'Twin black angels will come from a past darkness....'? What does it mean 'twin
black angels' and 'past darkness'?

Allen shrugged, "We'll probably find out. It is a prophecy. When it unfolds will discover the
meaning of this passage."

While the group continued to discuss Hitomi began going through the scrolls. Most of them
were of the history of the Atlantians. They discuss mostly of their Gods and powers, but a
number of them spoke of their origins and past events. Her mind soaked in the knowledge of
the scrolls. Their culture was something out of a dream. It talk about supernatural powers and
fantasy beings. To Hitomi it was strange, yet similar to her own world. Though what it spoke
of was not real life on earth, it did sound like the fairy tales that Hitomi heard when she was
little. Gaea itself was a fairy tale. Why did she feel such at home in a world that was the
complete opposite of her world.

Out of all the scrolls one emitted a sad feeling. It laid bury beneath the other parchments, but it
strong feelings of emotions caused it to stand out amongst the pile. She opened the scroll
curiously and gasped at what she saw. There were dozens of drawings of angels be tortured.
They showed them being hanged, burned at stake, and beaten, but the image most used was
an angel having her wings cut off. Such emotions of hate, sadness, and death flowed from the
scroll that Hitomi almost dropped it. Hitomi eyes scanned over the passage. It spoke of a
period of time when the draconians were persecuted for their race. A time when people were
so scared of the Draconians they tortured and killed them.

She suddenly felt something touch her shoulder causing her to jump.

"Are you alright, Hitomi?" Van asked concern. Hitomi didn't answer; she turned and looked to
see the group staring at her.

"We heard you gasp" replied Millerina. Hitomi looked back at the scroll a little shaken.

"It's just that this scroll holds so much emotion it shocked me" Hitomi whispered.

"Holds emotion?" Allen asked confused.

Hitomi nodded not turning away from the writing, "When whoever wrote this they left behind
an...an imprint of emotions. Emotions so strong they made me stumble back." She turned to
Van, "It talks about the persecution of your people."

Van walk behind her to read over her shoulder. His ruby fires scanned over the written words
and felt the rush of emotions over take him. It was like an ocean had swallowed him without
warning and he was literally drowning. He stumbled back and would have fallen if Hitomi
hadn't grabbed his shoulder.

"There is much pain in these words" he gasped after he had steady. Hitomi nodded as another
rush came causing her to become sick with nausea. Her knees buckled and she fell to the
floor, the scroll flew from her hands and clattered to the floor. The parchment roll over to
Allen's feet unrolling more as it did. His fingers closed on it and lift it to his eyes.

He frowned as he took it, "Strange. I feel nothing from it."

Millernia laid a hand on it and nodded in agreement, "Neither do I."

Celena looked at the Seeress and the Kingnd thought, "There is something special about those
two...."

"Please, Allen, read what it says" Dryden replied.

Allen gave a small nodded and read what was written, "When people discovered the
Draconians abilities they were intimidated by them, but it was when the Draconians declared
themselves as gods when the people truly fear them. Their fear drove them in to the idea that
the Draconians were to be stopped. From that day forward no Draconian was welcomed in
open arms. They killed in fear and tortured in anger. People went so far as to cut of their
wings to disgrace them. Some would even sell their feathers at high prices. Soon it became
custom to fear and hate the creatures though the Draconians had done no hardship to any
other culture. And the children of angels feared for their lives so they fled to a new land. A
land created by the highest angel in hope to escape from their tortures. But with the land
came a high price, the highest angel, known as the Queen Rachelle, had to sacrifice her life to
create such a glorious place. The culture vanished except for a rare few who wish not to
desert their homelands. And so the Draconians were split into two uneven groups. The ones
who stayed behind quickly divided and hide from the ones who hated them and found refugee
with the ones who pitied them. Some lived complete new lives never speaking of their origins.
While they hid the people continued their search for the creatures. They knew they had
escaped to the "Creation", but it was very far and hard to reach. None had reached the land
except Draconians. The royal heirs of the Draconians always were to uphold the duty of
protecting the land and for 2000 years they have done so. But a day will come when they will
be forced from their sanctuary and brought back to their homelands which only the heir has
the ability to do."

Allen looked up from the paper, "That's all it says."

Dryden sighs, "We have looked for answers and we have only found more questions." He
folded his arms across his chest and frowns, "I say we all take a break from this and get a
fresh start later tomorrow."

The others nodded in agreement and separated. Van and Hitomi walked side by side up to
their bed chambers. Van looked at Hitomi as they walked. She was awfully quiet, although
ever since this matter had started she had been quiet. "Are you sure your alright?" Van asked.

"Yes, Van" Hitomi smiled, "I'm alright. It's just that, that scroll sent me for a loop."

They stopped at her door and Van turned to say goodnight, "I'm sorry if I'm bothering you,
but I can't help, but worry."

"That's sweet, Van" she whispered as their eyes locked. Hitomi could have sworn she saw
Van move closer to her, but it was just for a second and then he was back to where he was
before. It was like it didn't happen.

"Well I'll take my leave. Goodnight, Hitomi." he said with a wistful smile.

"Goodnight, Van" the same wistful smile.

Van waited till the door closed shut behind Hitomi before he turned and left to his quarters.

~ Fanelia's Royal Gardens ~
Hitomi sat beneath a tree of purple blossoms. The huge roots of the tree were so high that
they went past Hitomi's head closing her in her on little room. Several of Dryden's scrolls laid
out before her on the ground. Hitomi had awaken early that morning and had borrowed a few
of his scrolls. Dryden had been the only one up and even though she enjoyed the man's
company like she would any other close friend she felt she needed to be only to read these.
Something within her urged her to learn about the culture. She wanted to know every fact
about, though she knew not why. Perhaps it was the fact that the one she love was from this
culture. Maybe because she wanted to know everything about him drove her into this project.
Or maybe because the culture was of just simple interest. Whatever the reason Hitomi had
decided to spend the morning just with the scrolls.

Hitomi was busy reading a scroll when a twig snapped behind her causing her to swirl around
in her position. There standing high upon a root stood Jasper with his same friendly smile.
Hitomi smiled and let out the breathe she had held back, "Oh, you frightened me."

Jasper's smile turned sad, "I'm sorry. I didn't mean to scare you."

Hitomi shook her hand at the matter, "It's quite alright, Jasper. Please come sit."

His smile once again became bright like sunshine and hopped down from his post and landed
a few feet beside her. "I woke early this morn' and decided to take a walk. I heard a noise
and discovered you to be the source." he said with a grunt as he sat down beside her.

Hitomi smiled at the old man, "I'm sorry if I disturbed you."

"Not at all, dearest Hitomi" he chuckled, "I'm rather glad I found you. I love talking with you.
Although the King gives good conversation, you see me different. You do not see the old
wrinkles and white hair. You see the soul within the person."

Hitomi bowed her head in a humble gesture. "I thank you for your words. They mean a lot to
me." she thanked trying to hold back a few stray tears, "You remind me of a child's
grandfather. You are kind and gentle, but have great knowledge and wise words. Words that
are like poetry to my ears. I thank you for your companionship. Although I must say it is a
friendship that has barely started."

The old man smiled at the young beauty as her words touched his heart.

"Now I must thank you" his eyes brimmed with tears, "You are a kind soul and wish great
happiness for you. I hope you have a long happy life with many children."

"First I need a husband before I can think of such things" she laughed.

Jasper just smiled a knowing smile, "I believe there is someone that this fare maiden already
has in mind."

Hitomi turned bright crimson and she quickly grabbed a scroll nearby. She pretended to be
busy study the contents of it hoping to drop the subject.

Jasper looked over her shoulder at the scroll, "What are you reading?"

A small smile played on Hitomi's lips. She was thankful for the change of subject. "It's some
scrolls about the Draconian history" she replied handing over the parchment. Jasper's old
fingers handle the aged paper carefully. The man and the scroll were both rather similar.
Both old and wrinkled with age. Hitomi smiled at the thought of it.

The old man's eyes suddenly lite up and he smiled at the paper before him.

Hitomi had to ask, "What is it?"

"I know this story" he replied, "It talks about a great warrior. I haven't heard this story in
years."

Hitomi hugged her knees, "Is it a very old story?"

"Nah. It is a story of my time. It one of the newer chronicles" he answered as he unraveled the
scroll the rest of the way.

Hitomi couldn't help, but smile at the man. Although age showed in his physical appearance
he seemed to act more like a little boy. She placed a hand on his arm, "Could you please
read it to me?"

Jasper looked down at the young woman and gave a smile that Hitomi thought only a
grandfather could give. "I would love to tell you this story."

He sat back a little and stretched out his legs. Hitomi got a little closer to look over his
shoulder to see the drawings. The first image was of an angel fly into the sky.

"Years ago a young boy set out into the world in hope of becoming a legend. He travel the
lands searching for adventure and glory, but found none for he was yet to be a warrior and
still rather young. It didn't matter to him, though. He still traveled and practiced for battle.

One day he confronted a dark young man named Isaac. The two exchanged angry words and
suddenly went into battle. Both were young to fighting, but the young boy got the upper hand.
After a day of fighting, the boy disarmed his opponent and shamed him. Isaac vowed revenge
one day and retreated to the land of the Zabaich Empire. There the man spent his years in
corruption and took over the throne through murder of the heir.

While Isaac was busy taking over the empire of Zabaich our young boy became a man. He
learned more about the arts of fighting by befriending the prince of the kingdom of Fanelia.
After he master swordsmanship he set out to find his people, but along the way Isaac returned
with an army. The poor warrior was forced to flee. He went in search of a haven in hope of
escaping the evil man.

He soon discovered he would have to leave his homeland so he traveled to the "Creation".
There he discover the princess and fell in love. The two married and produced a daughter.
They were very happy and he watched his daughter group up into a fine lady, but
unfortunately he discovered Isaac was close behind him. He didn't want to leave his family
though so he stayed in the land of "Creation". He stayed long enough to see his grandchild
come into the world, but was forced to leave when Isaac sent word that he would kill the
man's family if he did not come to him. Desperate for his family the old warrior went as
demanded and offered his life, but the man didn't want it. He wanted his wife and ordered
him to hand her over. The man would never give her up, but he told Isaac to give him a day to
think. Isaac allowed him an hour and placed him in cell. There he told his wife to break the
path between the lands. The woman cried bitter tears as the gate was closed by her own
hands. For it was her duty to protect her people even it meant she was never to see her love
again.

Isaac went into a rage when he discovered the passage closed and order the death of our
warrior, but when the guards went to retrieve the man they found only an empty room.
Through the help of his wife he was able to escape his jail and return to the Kingdom of
Dragons for help.

While the man hid away behind the walls he and his wife waited for the day the prophecy told
of. The prophecy spoke of day when the passage would be reopened by the "Angel". The
two wait for the day hoping they will see each other before they go to the afterlife."

The man slowly turned his eyes to the sun which peeked between the branches. Hitomi
watched him carefully as he stared into space. Something about that story brought back
memories to him Hitomi figured.

"Penny for your thoughts" Hitomi said to him.

Jasper turned away from his thoughts and glanced at Hitomi. How could she always tell
something was up? It was like she could see into his soul. He stared at his old hands
wondering when they had gotten so wrinkled.

"It makes me think of my family...." he muttered sorrowfully.

"How many children did you have?" she asked hoping to bring forth happier memories that
would make him smile.

Again he glanced at her before he spoke, "I only had one....a daughter...."

"She must have been beautiful...." Hitomi thought out loud. She looked towards the sky at the
two moons and thought of her own family.

"Yes, she was...." he sighed, "Just like her mother. She would always have a smile for any
day, no matter the conditions." His fingers brushed up against a flower nearby. After noticing
it, he carefully plucked the flower and smelt it. He turned towards Hitomi, "You remind me so
much of her and her child. They were so much alike." With those words he placed the flower
behind her pale ear.

"Thank you" she blushed humbly. Jasper smiled at the girl and stood up.

"Come. The day is young. Let me show you around the castle" he said as he held out his hand
to her.

She took his hand gratefully, "Thank you for the offer, but I have already seen the royal
grounds."

His smile brighten, "Well have you seen the inside of the castle?"

Hitomi's smile grew just as bright, "No. I've been waiting for a kind young gentleman to offer a
tour."

"Well would you mind if a kind old gentleman show you around?" he chuckled and held out
his elbow.

"Absolute not, kind sir" Hitomi giggled as she linked her arm with Jasper's and held the scrolls
in the others.

The two laughed as they made their way to the castle's double doors. Neither noticed the
pair of twinklin eyes that watched them from overhead.


Van smiled as the two disappeared into his castle. He had waken with the sunrise and would
have visited Hitomi, but he didn't want to wake her. After watching the sunrise he realized
Hitomi stood beneath a tree in the gardens not far from his balcony. He couldn't force his
eyes to leave her. Every movement she made was as graceful as a swan's. Although her outfit
was strange on these lands they were beautiful on her. He lend over the balcony with his eyes
watching the beautiful woman. Oh, how he wished to tell her how he felt.

It was then that Jasper had appeared on the scene. Van smiled at how well they got along.
The old man had always been apart of Van's family and always been protected by his father.
Van really never knew why except he was escaping from his enemies. It didn't matter he had
always held a special place in Van's own heart and Van was more than willing to protect him.
Jasper was a friend he would never turn away.

After the two had left his sight Van stripped off his night clothes and got into his royal
garments. Van couldn't help, but give a little snort at putting on such stuffy clothes. He was
about to place a hand on his sword to put on when suddenly the castle shook violently
sending both him and his sword to the floor.


A sad melody played across a field of daises during that morning. The flowers swayed in the
breeze in rhythm of the music. A woman with silky blonde hair stood on a small mound near
the center of the meadow. She wore a long lavender gown that floated in the silent wind that
blew through the grass. The woman was playing a small blue and white ocarina with her eyes
close. Her soul was part of the music. Every note was played so precise and sorrowful that it
could make the strongest man cry. As the music came to an end, Celena let a few tears slip
down her cheeks. The ocarina left her lips and she looked across the daises thinking of past
memories.

Allen saw her from a far and quickly strode over to his sister. Celena knew he was coming,
but she continued to look across the field. He walked right up behind her, but said nothing.

"I thought I had placed it behind me, but I haven't....." she whispered, "I can forget the wars
and fires.....it's the countless lives I can never forget."

Allen bowed his head with close eyes remember images from several battlefields, "Yes, every
kill is hard. No matter the life taken away, but it is worse when an innocent is lost."

Celena swirled around and snapped, "How would you know?!" Allen stumbled back
surprised at her outburst.

"Celena, I--"

"Don't even say you know how I feel, because you DON'T!" she shouted in his face while
tears streamed down her face, "Do you know what it's like to never have a peaceful sleep?!
Every time I dream I dream of people dying at my hands and scorching fire that consumes
whole kingdoms. Do you know what's it like to always shake with memories when you hold a
weapon?! Do you see people burn to death whenever you see a flame?! When the world is
silent can you still hear the people's scream?!"

She turned away in revulsion at her own self. Her fists went to her sides as she wept. She was
sobbing so hard now that her body was shaking, "I do.....I do all the time..... It never stops. I
see the dead everywhere. They want my life to end. The beg for revenge and ask of my death.
Only Hitomi can possible understand what I feel....., but she wouldn't even know the complete
issue. Perhaps no one will understand.........."

Celena was suddenly wrapped by a pair of warm arms. Her tears stopped as she heard the
gentle voice, "Celena, my sister, I tell you I don't understand, but I'll try my best. Celena I will
until the day I die to find some help for you."

Celena looked at her brother's kind face and a new wave of tears fell from her eyes. She
shoved her face into his chest and her tears were soaked up in the material of his shirt. He
held her close as she cried, "I'm sorry, brother......I'm so sorry....."

"It's okay......I'm here.......I will always be here......"

Suddenly the sky darkened, the wind howled, and a huge rumble echo through the sky.
Before either of the two siblings could act the earth cracked and shuddered beneath them
causing a large bottomless pit.


Merle crouched on the roof of the castle as low as possible. A large bug that looked almost
exactly like a butterfly except for the color changing wings sat sunbathing nearby. Merle's
cat-like tail swish back and forth in anticipation. Her eyes never left the fluttering creature as
she inched forward. Catish ears were intently listening in on her prey making sure it didn't fly
away. Merle was ready for the attack.

Unfortunately just as she lunged forward a terrible noise roared through the atmosphere
scaring the insect into the air. Merle completely missed her victim and slid dangerously close
to the edge of the roof. Luckily her claws dug deep into the wooden roof stopped her at the
very edge of the drop. The castle shook violently scaring Merle terribly. She whimpered as
she hung onto the boards for dear life. When the shaking stopped a great object blocked the
sun casting a shadow over the castle. Merle turned to see what possible could be big enough
to block the out the sunlight. When her eyes fell on what was there she gasped.


Millerina stood at her bed chambers large windows. The glass doors laid wide open allowing
in the wonderful fragrance of wild flowers fill her room. She sighed content at he happiness.
Her eyes fell downward as her hand fell gently onto her stomach. She smiled happily a what
she had discovered earlier that week.

She felt strong arms wrap around her and she fell lovely into their warmth. She felt the warm
breathe of her husband at her ear, "How you doing?"

She turned around his arms and laid her head on his shoulder, "Very well. I thought it would
be worse than this."

He chuckled lightly, "Oh, you never know. You've only been pregnant for one moon."

Dryden looked down at the top of her wavy golden locks. Her hair falling over his shoulder
made it look like a golden waterfall going over a cliff. He petted her hair lovingly as he
breathed in the scent of her perfume.

"What would you like, Dryden? A boy or girl?" she muttered sleepily.

Dryden wondered that himself. It had been something on his mind lately. "To tell you the truth,
my love. I really don't care. I have always wanted the joy of a child, but it never mattered
whether it be a daughter or a son."

She smiled agreeably, "I completely understand. It doesn't matter to me either. Just to have
this child is enough for me."

The two hugged and stared into each other's eyes with deep love surging between them. They
kissed tenderly, but the kiss was soon broken when the shaking and roaring started.


Chid was eating some breakfast in the large dining room while studying over some official
papers. Several guards stood nearby guarding the king in replace of Allen. Chid had ordered
Allen to go be with his sister, because Allen would rather die than leave his side. He knew
Celena was still having a hard time and needed the comfort of her brother so he forced Allen
to leave his King's side.

Chid wanted to go talk with Hitomi, but he didn't know if she was awake yet so he decided to
wait and eat before he go look for her. His spoon dipped into the mixture of mashed berries,
honey, and milk in the fragile bowl. He lifted the food like any noble did. Sometimes he
wanted to just have one meal where he didn't have to put on a show. He sighed and went to
grab his cup of milk when the walls and table shudder causing the glass to fall shatter onto the
marble floor. Chid covered his ears as a loud blast echoed in the room.


Jasper continued to described the paintings as he and Hitomi made their way up the stairs of
gray stone. Hitomi fingers ran against the wall as she walked. It was something she had done
ever since she was a kid. Any place that she went to that was new she had to feel it. To know
it and remember it. She never wanted to forget anything she learned. "I'll never forget" she
thought as they continued.

Jasper led her to a sitting room and was explaining several different features of the room when
Hitomi heard something. It wasn't a thing. It was words. Words that held a special meaning
beneath them. They came from no where, but then they came from everywhere. Hitomi didn't
have a vision, she just heard the words ringing in her head.

"We're coming.....we're coming for you....." Hitomi turned around for a speaker, but saw
none.

Jasper noticed her distraught, "What's the---"

He was suddenly cut off when thunder rang throughout the building and the castle shook
knocking him and Hitomi off their feet.




~I know its a cliffhanger, but I love cliffhangers. Almost all my chapters are cliffhangers so
you'll have to forgive me.~
~Having you figured anything out yet? I feel I'm giving way too many clues.~
~Tell me what you think! :) Please R&R! :)