~Remember I don't Escaflowne or its characters~
The Fate of Two Worlds
By Angel Wings
Chapter 15 ~ Ship In the Clouds
~Fanelia~
A lone deer stood beneath the shades of the trees that formed the royal of Fanelia
Forest. The animal was grazing upon the sweet grass of the forest floor. The sunlight seeped
between the branches and leaves causing dozens of little spotlights to dance across the grass.
A slight wind played through the grass causing a few blades to sing a whistling sound. The deer
notices the sound, but is undisturbed. Those were sounds of nature which were very familiar to
the deer's ears. It didn't startle her, but the breaking of a twig did. The peaceful creature
brought her head up from the green blades and she gazed over in the direction of the sound.
She began to hear rustling sounds in the brush and stood tense, ready to bolt in a instant.
Voices began to be heard by the doe's sensitive hearing and her ears swiveled about trying to
better hear the noise. The wind changed direction and the deer's nostrils flared. She smelt the
fragrance of two-footers. Her eyes grew wide with fright as she noticed another smell. She
smelt the scent of a large cat. Those beings were to be feared for they hunt her kind. Suddenly
three figures emerged and before the doe even got a real glance at the creatures she bolted and
raced deeper into the forest.
Hitomi barely caught sight of the deer before it disappeared into the depths of the wilderness.
She smiled warmly at where the creature had been. The creature made her think of home.....
Gaea was so much like her home, yet it was so different. It just amazed her each time to think
of the similarities of the two worlds.
The young seeress glanced around at the trees as Merle and King Van appeared along side of
her. Van smiled warmly as the girl glanced behind her at her two companions.
"Which way is it again, Van?" Hitomi asked.
"Straight through those trees there" he replied as he pointed a tan finger at a clutter of pines.
Hitomi nodded when she caught sight of the direction and was about to walk towards it when
a ball of bronze fur rush past her.
Merle raced to the trees and stopped in a cat-like crouch in front of the towers, "Come on!
You two are way too slow!"
Hitomi gave a small laugh and raced towards the cat~girl, "You're talking about a star runner in
track, Merle!"
Van smiled at the two girls, but didn't join in the race. He was just happy watching them enjoy
themselves. It was good to see Hitomi not worry about her duties. Ever since the meeting she
had been on edge. She wanted to leave as soon as possible for the Mystic Valley and refused
to think of nothing else. When Millerina questioned her about her health, Hitomi merely said
that she had no idea how she had magically healed and left it at that. Everyone could tell that
Hitomi was busy worrying about her mission. She had only told the group that they had to
head to the valley and see what would happen. Everyone held such faith in the Hitomi that they
began to make preparations......everyone that is except Hitomi.
While everyone busied themselves with packing up the Crusade and Van working out details
with his advisors, Hitomi went to the fields and sat with the Book of Angels. For hours she
stayed sitting in the long grass reading passage after passage. Van would have gone to her, but
he was too busy getting his advisors to take over while he was away. Only Merle ever got a
chance to talk to the brunette girl and then it had only been to tell her everything was nearly
ready. Now the three of them were walking through the forest to complete a final errand before
the Crusade took off.
Hitomi rounded past the trees with Merle on her heels. The seeress was glad to take her mind
off of the problems at hand for that brief moment. It had become a real burden on her shoulders
and to take it off her mind for a few seconds was a wonderful gift.
She had been busy reading the Book of Angels for the last several hours. It mostly described
creatures of Gaea and old and new prophecies. While she searched for the information that
would lead them to the Mystic Valley she studied the information on the creatures. It interested
her greatly and she soaked it up like a sponge. Her mind became filled with the knowledge of
mystic creatures and she began to compare the facts with the fictional stories that had been on
her planet.
The girl ran through a row of trees and came to a halt as she entered a large clearing. Merle
rushed in behind Hitomi laughing loudly, but came silent as she stared at the area before them.
A rustle behind them didn't take their gazes away as Van also entered in on the scene.
Their eyes stared at a collection of vines and shrubs. Beneath the shade of their leaves a metal
beast shone. The machine looked more like a small hill than the legendary guymelef,
Escaflowne, but to Van's eyes it was a long lost companion.
"Escaflowne....." Hitomi whispered happily. She had already seen him a few days ago, but just
to see him each time made her heart beat a little faster. It was one of the most memorable thing
from the Great War. Every time she saw the great white dragon it made her think of her past
adventure. She had always treasured those memories and kept them close to her heart.
A small red glow emitted from the giant's chest as the group walked closer. It had been at rest
for over two years and now it was day of reawakening. Hitomi and Merle hung back a few feet
as Van strode over to the old friend. The king dug into a small pouch that hung from his belt and
pull out a glowing green energist. With a smile the king lifted the energist to the glowing chest
causing it to lighten the area in a flash of red. Slowly the energist merged into the red globe
embedded in the giant's chest and tiny beams of light struck across the clearing. Hitomi stared in
wonder of the beauty of the ceremony. Merle was frozen as the light filled her eyes.
Soon the light began to dim and three stood in the forest as if nothing had happen. The only
proof of the event was the steady glow of the metal dragon. The young boy stared hard at the
old warrior. It was time to revive the old friend.....
"Escaflowne" the raven haired king commanded, "Rise......I call upon your skill again...."
The giant spoke no words, but replied by shining his energist brightly lighting the area with its
light. Van backed away as a loud rumbling sound was heard. The ground shook causing Merle
to fall backwards. Hitomi stood completely still absorbed in the glowing light. The vines that
held down the metal giant began to shudder as the white dragon began to stand. Plants that
had kept the beast captive for two years began to break against its power. Slowly the dragon
rose to its feet. The vegetation strained for only a few moments before breaking apart allowing
the metal warrior to stand higher than the trees. The three smiled happily seeing an old friend
rise from his sleep.
Everyone stood outside the stone castle in the open field where the Crusade stood ready to
take off. Van was giving a few last commands to his advisors as the final load of supplies was
placed into the storage hanger. Allen stood next to Gaddis and was busy in discussion over a
check over of the systems of the ship. Standing at the entrance of the docking bay stood Prince
Chid as he watched the oversee of his finally guymelefs moving into the metal boat. In the large
docking room on a railing strip stood Queen Millerina and King Dryden discussing how it was
like old times during the Great War. Merle was discussing issues with Celena as they waited
for the time when the Crusade would launch.
Only Hitomi stood quiet and distant. She was leaning against the outer wall of the Crusade
looking into the blue sky. Her mind was far from the errands going on around her. In her arms
was the white leather book held tightly to her chest. She looked up at the spot in the vast sky
where the Mystic Moon had once held its fame and she whispered silently into the wind, "I'm
doing it Varia......I'm doing it for my people......."
The Crusade's docking bay closed and the crew went to their stations. The advisors stood far
off in the field giving plenty of room for the ship to lift off. Allen stood in the control room
watching his crew members work on the panels.
Gaddis turned to his commanding officer and asked, "What are your orders, sir?"
Allen turned his head of golden strains to the seeress who stood nearby with the rest of the
group.
"Head east...." she replied knowingly.
The knight gave a small nod before turning to his second-in-command, "Unfurl the
sails and start the engines. Head east at twenty-eight knots."
Gaddis smiled and turned to the crew, "Let loose the sails and fire up the generator."
Men scattered around the ship taking on errands. A switch was pulled and a latch was opened
allowing the sails to open in a graceful sweep. Several men rushed around the roof of the metal
ship tying down the sails' ropes. The wind began to pick up allowing the sails to bulge and
began to lift the Crusade off the earth. A pair of men played with some switches and dials and
soon the roar of machinery could be heard. Blades began to turn at the back of the ship
causing it to climb in speed. In a matter of moments the ship was rising into the sky with only a
small group of people watching it sail into the currents of the wind.
The metal sail ship known as the Crusade flew silently through the ocean of clouds with only
the sound of the humming of their machinery disturbing the sky. The group of friends stood in a
small room that held a long table. Allen sat at the head of the table seeing that he was in charge
of the ship. Hitomi sat at the other end with the white book laid open as she riffled through the
pages. A large map of Gaea was sprawled out over the table. Tools for measurements
cluttered a corner of the parchment nearest to Gaddis.
"So...." Allen spoke up first, "Hitomi, which way do we go?"
Carefully Hitomi fingered a worn page of the book speaking as she read, "It says here that you
must first head east to the canyon of the crescent moon."The seeress brought her eyes up from
the words completely confuse, "Where on Gaea would that be?"
Allen brought a hand to his chin in thought, "I know of a canyon that's shaped like a crescent
moon. It's call the Canyon of Gryphons."
"How far are we from it?" asked Dryden excited with the new adventure.
"Only a few hours" Allen replied, "But I should warn you. Gryphons are very protective about
their territory. If we fly too close to the canyon they might attack."
Dryden waved a hand at Allen, "That should be simple enough, Allen. With your skill I'm sure
you will be able to keep those gryphons at bay."
A brilliant smile crossed between the men. Hitomi watched the men with her own smile. The
two men had always had issues between the two of them, especially when it came to Lady
Millerina, but it seemed they had finally set their differences aside and became good friends.
Hitomi was glad to see such good nature over the group. They had all become closer......just
like a large family.....
"Hitomi?"
The seeress jumped, "Huh? Sorry, what did you say?"
Millerina smiled at the girl, "I said what's the next line say?"
"Oh, of course." the girl replied with a embarrassed blush. Van tried to hide his smile once he
noticed the pink flush in the woman's cheeks. She always look so beautiful when she blushed
deeply like that.
Emerald eyes slowly read over the ancient words as her sweet voice spoke, "Once there turn
towards the sunset and make your way through the woods that contains the spirits of the
dead."
Gaddis closed his eyes in thought, "I believe I heard a man once talk about the place. He said it
was a place where dead warriors dwell. They roam the forest trying to find eternal peace. I
really don't know much about it, but I might be able to find the place."
Allen rose from his seat and took a writing instrument that resembled a feather pen and
took a measurement tool. Carefully he began to draw figures on the large detailed map. He
made a small dot not far from the area marked Fanelia and drew a line from it to a drawing of a
canyon marked 'Canyon of Gryphons' .
"Now where is the forest you heard of, Gaddis?" Allen asked as he looked up from the large
parchment.
Gaddis leaned over the table and glanced over the paper. His finger ran over several drawings
sketched on the map until it came to rest on a pair of words...... 'Spirit Trees'.
"There...." the dark haired man muttered. The feather pen gracefully ran over the parchment
creating a line between the canyon and the forest.
The knight's blue eyes carefully studied the distance between the area and made a few
calculations in his head, "If we leave the canyon with no problems and at this speed we should
make it to the forest by nightfall."
For some reason, Hitomi felt herself grow a little disturbed. The idea of walking through
haunted woods at night make her feel.....uneasy..... Her thoughts were washed away as a
warm hand took hers beneath the cover of the table. The girl turned to man sitting beside her.
Van smiled at her showing he would be right by her side. He had sensed her thoughts and had
automatically went to reassure her. Her emerald eyes danced as she looked into his eyes. She
never needed to be afraid with her king around.
Dryden coughed lightly bringing Hitomi back to the meeting. The dozens of eyes staring happily
at the set of lovers caused the seeress to blush again. Hitomi dove back into the passage
hoping to hide the redness in her cheeks.
"It says once in the woods you must call upon past warriors......" her voice became a little
quieter as she read the next line, "Make your way to the mountain of dragon's blood and follow
the 'way of the dragon'....." Her brow creased in confusion. The passage was growing more
and more vague. Hopefully someone would have an idea of what it could mean.
She brought her eyes from the words to see faces that were just as lost. No one appeared to
have a clue on what the line might mean. Everyone thought hard trying to think of different
landmarks that might be known as what was spoken in the book. A silence fell over the group
as they calmly sat thinking.
Hitomi turned her eyes to the map, scanning it for a clue. Her eyes trailed over the marked path
that the Crusade would make and came to rest at a mountain range. It seemed to be the way to
go, but it just seemed wrong to the seeress. Why would a mountain range be known as 'the
mountain of dragon's blood'? She turned away from the drawing and fell on a single mountain
that laid not far from the mountain range. It was drawn in red and had several words written
next to it.
"Allen?" Hitomi voice broke through the silence.
The knight picked up his head and looked across the table at the seeress. She was leaning
over the table pointing at something on the map.
"What is this?" she asked as she stared at the tiny red mountain.
Blue eyes fell on the drawing and calmly replied, "A volcano."
"A volcano...." a thought triggered the girl's mind causing her to rummage through the pages of
the white book. A smile broke across her face as she read, "Volcano's are often where
dragons dwell for the lava that spew from the mountain's belly is what runs through the veins of
these mighty beasts. The lava is often called dragon's blood."
Her eyes danced as she looked at her friends, "I remembered reading it earlier today. That
must be what the passage means when it says 'the mountain of dragon's blood'."
Gaddis chuckled, "Very clever, Seeress. You are a wise woman."
Hitomi smiled her thanks at the praise and proceeded to turn back to other passage as Allen
marked the mountain.
"Follow the 'way of the dragon' and cross the stars" she spoke. Van's head snapped up at the
words.
"I know what that means" the young king replied, "'the way of the dragon' is a constellation. It's
something my father told me. It is known as 'Draken'. It's a tale about how the first dragon was
killed and walked into the sky to the heavens. The path he took is called 'Draken' or 'path of
the dragon'. It leads the way for the dragons so they will reach the afterlife....at least that's what
the legends says."
"So how do we follow it?" Hitomi asked.
Van turned to her, "I guess we would follow the direction the path leads, but I don't know if its
towards the north or the south. I can't remember....I just need to see the constellation tonight to
decide."
"Well" Allen said proudly, "We're making excellent progress with this passage. What's next,
Hitomi?"
The girl looked down at the page, "There is only one last line and it says 'when you reach the
place where the sun meets the moon call upon the angels and lite the sky'."
Allen frowned, "I'm drawing a blank on this one. I've never heard of something like that."
"Neither have I" responded Van. Dryden just shook his head showing he had never heard of it
either. Hitomi glanced around at the other occupants of the room and saw they had no idea
what it could mean. A deep sigh left Hitomi's lips as she fell back into her chair.
"We have figured out everything except for the most important line" Hitomi frowned, "Darn...."
Van rose from his seat taking the attention of people seated around the table, "We still have
several days before we even come close to the end of the trail. Why don't we take a break and
relax? In a few hours we'll be arriving at the canyon. While we wait we can check through
scrolls and books for information on this unknown area."
The fellow king also rose, "I think King Van is right. We have a long journey ahead of us.
Perhaps in time the information will be relieved to us. Until then lets take a break."
No one wanted to refuse a break. They had barely started on the journey, but it was obvious it
would be a long and stressful one. Somewhere out there lurking within the same air was a dark
fortress that wanted the death of them all.......
~Dark Fortress~
Dilandau walked into the throne room of the dark black fortress. His red cape fluttered behind
him as he made his way to the platform that held the new commander. Kusari's face was
mostly hidden in the shadows. Only the light of the blue aura floating in the center of the room
brought any light into the dark void. The dragon slayer eyed the blue sphere warily. It's power
was dark and deadly, but it was the controller that scared him. He had been distant before, but
his seclusion had turned to something worse......
For days, the commander had locked himself in the throne room. No one entered and he never
left the dark room. The dragon slayer had past by the room several times hearing the sounds
of the man howling in sorrow. He would hear him curse and swear loudly in the room. More
than once he heard him claim for the life of the Seeress, wanting her death. For hours, the dark
angel would wail mourning his brother's death and then he would switch his emotions of anger
towards the King of Fanelia and the Seeress of the Mystic Moon. Never before had Dilandau
experience such darkness......
Finally after several days of seclusion, the black doors had been opened and the dragon slayer
had been called for. Though Dilandau was more at ease with the doors opened he couldn't
have felt more disturbed at being called by the man who howled in the darkness.
"You called me, Kusari" Dilandau proclaimed as he came to a stop in front of the shadowy
man.
The voice that spoke was different. It sounded different......Kusari's voice had always been
dark, but it now sounded deeper and more sinister as if the devil himself was speaking through
the man.
"They're arriving near the Canyon of Gryphons" the voice hissed, "It is not time to attack them,
but I think we should stir them up a bit....." The shadowy form of the man lifted from the black
twisted chair and step down from the platform. The blue light slowly fell over the man's face
letting the slayer to see the man's eyes. His eyes no longer held life. They had become like
death.......dead and hard. Dilandau shook a little beneath the man's icy gaze.
"Dilandau....." the voice made the soldier's blood run cold and freeze within the veins, "Open
the cells on the bottom floor...."
Dilandau's heart froze. If he had asked for anything else he might have jumped at the
command, but what he asked was something no man even dared to do.
"Kusari" the slayer responded, "Are you insane? You want me to release those......creatures.....
those......demons?!"
"Yes...." the voice hissed through the darkness showing no emotion, "Release them out into the
sky.....they will surely shake up the group that has set out to destroy me....."
Dilandau took a step towards the man shouting as he did so, "Even I'm not stupid enough to
release those things again! They killed more than half my men by ripping them apart! What
makes you think they'll listen to you?!"
The dark man shrouded in shadows merely said, "Release them, Dilandau, or I will feed your
flesh to them......."
The dragon slayer wanted to strike the man then and there, but the thought of the gruesome
death that would result from the act held back his hand. With a growl the soldier dressed in
black and red swirled around and stormed out of the room. The man had gone far past over
the edge......he had fallen to the bottom of the chasm......
The slayer walked out of the room and strode over to the staircase. Only a few torches for light
lite the stairway allowing him to see just the outline of each black step. As he made his way to
the lower levels his ears filled with the unearthly sounds of roaring beasts. The cries brought
chills to his bones and made the hair on the back of his neck rise. They had watchmen stay near
the cells at all times. How could they stand it?
Soon Dilandau found himself at the door that led to last floor that held dozens of cells of the
cursed beast. His hand shook as he turned the handle of the black door. As he entered the
black room he noticed the pair of soldiers' surprised looks at another soul entering the room.
Dilandau put on a firm face and spoke with a deep voice, "Open the cells....."
Both of the men's eyes grew wide at the command. Although the cells where behind a thick
glass wall protecting the soldiers from the beasts it was like signing a death certificate. Those
creatures had always been a burden to the group and to release them brought the worst fright
to their souls.
"Sir?....." answered one of the men, "You want us to release them?....." The poor man's voice
shook violently as he spoke to the man.
"Do you question me?!" the dragon slayer shouted angrily. To question his command was like
asking for your death. These men though were more scared of those beasts than the man
standing before them.
"No....no, sir" the soldier replied and he rushed over to a panel that laid next to the glass wall.
Giving a finally glance at the commander he pulled a latch and flipped several switches. Soon
the sound of cells opening filled the level and every ear that heard the noise sent a dread of fear
through their souls. Though the sound was something they didn't hear often they knew what it
was. It was something that haunted their nightmares.....
The three men went closer to the glass watching as the rest of the cell doors opened allowing
an exit for the dark creatures. For several moments nothing stirred from behind the thick glass.
No sound.....no movement.....nothing..... A hope sparked in the soldiers' hearts as the thought
of all the creatures dead filled their mind, but the hope quickly died as the sound of leathery
skin rubbing against the metal floor filled the dead air.
They were beings shunned by all who saw them. They were demons that had escaped from the
very depths of Hell. The very darkness had been shaped into their forms and the breath of evil
had filled their lungs. Black leather skin ran over their large muscles and carnivorous teeth
drapped their mouth. Claws sharper then any blade were their main weapon. They were
stronger than ten men and hate filled their soul. Dark bat-like wings stretched from their backs
in a sinister posture. Tails of dark skin with a tip shaped like an arrow head swiveled behind
their shadowy forms. Red ruby eyes glowed so brightly that their eyes could be seen through
the darkest night. Their ears were shaped like deer ears and heard the smallest sound. They
looked much like a human being branded with wings and a tail. Their intelligence was unknown
to all for no one had discovered how smart the beings were, but people believed them to be
rather limited in thought. They walked on all fours most of the time, but during battle they would
rise and stand on two feet. They were like the cat-humans on Gaea for their bodies performed
in the same matters as the cat-beings. They were not often seen and that was a great gift for
when their eyes set upon a target they would tear you apart until either the victim was dead or it
was dead.
They were most feared for their malicious additude in battle. They never just killed their
victims..... they slaughtered them..... They didn't kill for food......they would kill just to fulfill the
lust for blood spill.... Even when they killed they did it so horrific that it cause the strongest men
to shudder. Bodies would be torn to pieces over battlefields with blood staining the earth. They
would murder the innocent and steal their heads to bring home to their offspring. People would
be torn apart in such away that their limbs would be spewed over the ground. It was a
gruesome fact, but it was the truth. Hardly anyone survived an attack from these evil creatures.
Slowly one of the dark creature prowled out of its cell. There was barely any light from the
overhead lanterns giving just enough light to see the outline of the dark beast. It walked out on
all fours and sniffed the air with its human-like nose. The ears of the beast swiveled about
listening for any sound. Its tongue tasted the air and he smelt the men behind the glass. His
glowing eyes went to the glass looking past it at the three humans standing safely behind it. The
glass was stronger than the beast and it knew it for it could feel the magic emitting from it. Even
the demon didn't dare to go against the powerful glass for it had been constructed by the
darkest magic.
The creature looked around at the large room filled with cells containing his kind. The room was
very tall and cells were placed on top of each other. Bat wings stretched to their full length as
the creature's muscles tensed. The sharp claws of the beast dug into the metal floor as he grew
angry at being released from its cell only to have no more freedom than he had before. The
large jail room held no exit leaving the creatures still captives.
The beast lifted its head as an image filled its head along with its fellow beings. The creature
watched as the figure of a man formed in its mind. Silver hair gleamed as the man glare at the
beast.
"You will listen to me...." hissed the being, "I am your keeper and you obey whatever I tell
you...."
A growl escaped the creatures' throats. None would obey this being. They were their own lords
and would follow no one. They had no authority to obey except their own leader and he
showed no sign of follow this stupid creature. The lead beast who stood outside the cell
growled menacingly at the form in his head. He refused to obey this creature.....
The man merely smiled at the beast who growled a threat at him. His voice was like a serpent's
"You will obey me..... or......."
Suddenly bolts of electricity ran through the dark demons' bodies. Howls of pains filled the air
as the magic ran through their blood. The lead creature roared a challenge at whoever was
harming his people and brought his wings back to his side. A dark laugh filled their minds as the
painful energy faded from their limbs.
"You will obey me....or you will die from resistance" the voiced hissed, "I have the power to
bring you under my authority through this punishment. Do not cross my path and deny me or I
will strike down so hard that before you hit the floor you will be dead......"
If it were not for the being's power he would have refused his commands, but the threat was a
deadly one and all creatures want to live. The lust for bloody battles were their only purpose
and only want. They would do anything for that......even listen to this dark being.
The lead beast bowed his head showing his obedience. He would do it so he might see another
day of battle.
"Good....." replied the black voice, "Now I want you to do something you and your kind will
greatly enjoy......"
Its ears twitched at the information and its blood rushed with adrenaline as the thought of
spilling blood crossed its mind.
"I want you to fly north....." the man commanded, "Fly till you reach the flying sail ship. Attack
it. Do not harm the ship for I want it to reach its destination, but you may destroy any
guymelefs you want. You may kill whoever you want, but do not kill the seeress. She must stay
alive. You may harm her, but she must live. If you murder her then you will bring down your
own death......."
Dilandau watched with uneasiness as the creatures held still for several minutes. Something was
going on. At first they had growled, then they had howled in pain, and now they were
motionless. What was happening?
A small static voice came over the slayer's intercom, "Open the Hanger II."
Dilandau knew that Hanger II was the exit to the outside for this room. He didn't want to obey,
but he knew better than to deny the man's authority for if he control these demons than he
could control anyone.
The soldier of the red and black uniform nodded to one of the men. Shakily the man walked
over to the panel and pulled a lever. A mechanical sound rang throughout the dark room
catching the attention of the dark demon who stood outside its former prison. The wall at the
end of the cells began to slowly slide away revealing blue skies. The light from the sun slowly
crept in flowing over the beast showing its true form in the light. It lifted its head and its eyes
glinted in the new light. Its muscles tensed as the voice inside their heads made a final
command, "NOW GO!!!"
The creature glanced at the cages seeing the red glowing eyes of his fellow beings. The beast
lifted its head and let a roar ring through the air. Soon the other occupants of the large prison
began to prowl out. The lead beast made his way to the entrance, stopping at the edge of the
floor as he looked out into the sky. The rush of air ran across the demon's face bringing a thrill
to its heart. He glanced back to see most of his people out of their cells. It bared his teeth and
gave another roar as his wings stretched wickedly to their full length. The demon turned to the
sky and jumped into the air. His people followed him, jumping into air with loud roars. Soon
their black forms began to darken the sky as they flew towards the north......towards their
target.....
Within the shadows of the throne room sat a dark form within the dark void. A cynical smile laid
on the man's face as he stared at the glowing blue sphere. As the ball glowed the brilliant blue
coloration an image formed across the surface. The image was of a flying sail ship going through
the blue summer sky. The view on the sphere rushed forward and an image of a girl with short
brown hair and emerald eyes came to the surface. She was staring out at the clouds silently. The
shadowy man spoke only a single word, "Soon......"
~Crusade~
Allen stood next to Gaddis who was handling the helm. Men cluttered the room as they kept
the ship soaring through the ocean of clouds. Everything seemed to be alright. Nothing
appeared to be out of the ordinary until black dots began to form in the sky. Allen frowned
when he saw the dots grow larger. Whatever it was it was coming towards them.
"Gaddis?" the knight asked, "What is that?"
"I don't know, sir" the friend replied as he also stared at the black forms.
The knight walked over to a panel and pick up a telescope off its surface. Quickly the blonde
warrior made his way back to his second-in-command officer while he opened the instrument
to its full length. Bringing the telescope to his eye he carefully focused on the floating forms.
The knight gasped in shock at what he saw causing to catch every man's attention.
"What is it, Captain?" asked Gaddis.
The man replied with a voice that had lost its deepness, but now showed dread,
"Gargoyles......"
~I was going to have this story end earlier, but I've decided to make the story longer by several
more chapters. I've got chapters forming in my head and they will soon be typed down so just
wait and see how this story unfolds!~
~It's starting to get really interesting. Keep an eye out for updates. I'm pretty fast with my
updates since I have a lot of time to dedicate to my story. I'll probably have the next chapter
out by Tuesday afternoon or Wednesday afternoon. It depends if I get writer block and don't
get a lot of homework. I'll try to get it out as soon as possible~
~Okay, people how'd ya like that chapter? Please R&R!~
~Thanks for reading this story. I'm really enjoying your R&R's!
The Fate of Two Worlds
By Angel Wings
Chapter 15 ~ Ship In the Clouds
~Fanelia~
A lone deer stood beneath the shades of the trees that formed the royal of Fanelia
Forest. The animal was grazing upon the sweet grass of the forest floor. The sunlight seeped
between the branches and leaves causing dozens of little spotlights to dance across the grass.
A slight wind played through the grass causing a few blades to sing a whistling sound. The deer
notices the sound, but is undisturbed. Those were sounds of nature which were very familiar to
the deer's ears. It didn't startle her, but the breaking of a twig did. The peaceful creature
brought her head up from the green blades and she gazed over in the direction of the sound.
She began to hear rustling sounds in the brush and stood tense, ready to bolt in a instant.
Voices began to be heard by the doe's sensitive hearing and her ears swiveled about trying to
better hear the noise. The wind changed direction and the deer's nostrils flared. She smelt the
fragrance of two-footers. Her eyes grew wide with fright as she noticed another smell. She
smelt the scent of a large cat. Those beings were to be feared for they hunt her kind. Suddenly
three figures emerged and before the doe even got a real glance at the creatures she bolted and
raced deeper into the forest.
Hitomi barely caught sight of the deer before it disappeared into the depths of the wilderness.
She smiled warmly at where the creature had been. The creature made her think of home.....
Gaea was so much like her home, yet it was so different. It just amazed her each time to think
of the similarities of the two worlds.
The young seeress glanced around at the trees as Merle and King Van appeared along side of
her. Van smiled warmly as the girl glanced behind her at her two companions.
"Which way is it again, Van?" Hitomi asked.
"Straight through those trees there" he replied as he pointed a tan finger at a clutter of pines.
Hitomi nodded when she caught sight of the direction and was about to walk towards it when
a ball of bronze fur rush past her.
Merle raced to the trees and stopped in a cat-like crouch in front of the towers, "Come on!
You two are way too slow!"
Hitomi gave a small laugh and raced towards the cat~girl, "You're talking about a star runner in
track, Merle!"
Van smiled at the two girls, but didn't join in the race. He was just happy watching them enjoy
themselves. It was good to see Hitomi not worry about her duties. Ever since the meeting she
had been on edge. She wanted to leave as soon as possible for the Mystic Valley and refused
to think of nothing else. When Millerina questioned her about her health, Hitomi merely said
that she had no idea how she had magically healed and left it at that. Everyone could tell that
Hitomi was busy worrying about her mission. She had only told the group that they had to
head to the valley and see what would happen. Everyone held such faith in the Hitomi that they
began to make preparations......everyone that is except Hitomi.
While everyone busied themselves with packing up the Crusade and Van working out details
with his advisors, Hitomi went to the fields and sat with the Book of Angels. For hours she
stayed sitting in the long grass reading passage after passage. Van would have gone to her, but
he was too busy getting his advisors to take over while he was away. Only Merle ever got a
chance to talk to the brunette girl and then it had only been to tell her everything was nearly
ready. Now the three of them were walking through the forest to complete a final errand before
the Crusade took off.
Hitomi rounded past the trees with Merle on her heels. The seeress was glad to take her mind
off of the problems at hand for that brief moment. It had become a real burden on her shoulders
and to take it off her mind for a few seconds was a wonderful gift.
She had been busy reading the Book of Angels for the last several hours. It mostly described
creatures of Gaea and old and new prophecies. While she searched for the information that
would lead them to the Mystic Valley she studied the information on the creatures. It interested
her greatly and she soaked it up like a sponge. Her mind became filled with the knowledge of
mystic creatures and she began to compare the facts with the fictional stories that had been on
her planet.
The girl ran through a row of trees and came to a halt as she entered a large clearing. Merle
rushed in behind Hitomi laughing loudly, but came silent as she stared at the area before them.
A rustle behind them didn't take their gazes away as Van also entered in on the scene.
Their eyes stared at a collection of vines and shrubs. Beneath the shade of their leaves a metal
beast shone. The machine looked more like a small hill than the legendary guymelef,
Escaflowne, but to Van's eyes it was a long lost companion.
"Escaflowne....." Hitomi whispered happily. She had already seen him a few days ago, but just
to see him each time made her heart beat a little faster. It was one of the most memorable thing
from the Great War. Every time she saw the great white dragon it made her think of her past
adventure. She had always treasured those memories and kept them close to her heart.
A small red glow emitted from the giant's chest as the group walked closer. It had been at rest
for over two years and now it was day of reawakening. Hitomi and Merle hung back a few feet
as Van strode over to the old friend. The king dug into a small pouch that hung from his belt and
pull out a glowing green energist. With a smile the king lifted the energist to the glowing chest
causing it to lighten the area in a flash of red. Slowly the energist merged into the red globe
embedded in the giant's chest and tiny beams of light struck across the clearing. Hitomi stared in
wonder of the beauty of the ceremony. Merle was frozen as the light filled her eyes.
Soon the light began to dim and three stood in the forest as if nothing had happen. The only
proof of the event was the steady glow of the metal dragon. The young boy stared hard at the
old warrior. It was time to revive the old friend.....
"Escaflowne" the raven haired king commanded, "Rise......I call upon your skill again...."
The giant spoke no words, but replied by shining his energist brightly lighting the area with its
light. Van backed away as a loud rumbling sound was heard. The ground shook causing Merle
to fall backwards. Hitomi stood completely still absorbed in the glowing light. The vines that
held down the metal giant began to shudder as the white dragon began to stand. Plants that
had kept the beast captive for two years began to break against its power. Slowly the dragon
rose to its feet. The vegetation strained for only a few moments before breaking apart allowing
the metal warrior to stand higher than the trees. The three smiled happily seeing an old friend
rise from his sleep.
Everyone stood outside the stone castle in the open field where the Crusade stood ready to
take off. Van was giving a few last commands to his advisors as the final load of supplies was
placed into the storage hanger. Allen stood next to Gaddis and was busy in discussion over a
check over of the systems of the ship. Standing at the entrance of the docking bay stood Prince
Chid as he watched the oversee of his finally guymelefs moving into the metal boat. In the large
docking room on a railing strip stood Queen Millerina and King Dryden discussing how it was
like old times during the Great War. Merle was discussing issues with Celena as they waited
for the time when the Crusade would launch.
Only Hitomi stood quiet and distant. She was leaning against the outer wall of the Crusade
looking into the blue sky. Her mind was far from the errands going on around her. In her arms
was the white leather book held tightly to her chest. She looked up at the spot in the vast sky
where the Mystic Moon had once held its fame and she whispered silently into the wind, "I'm
doing it Varia......I'm doing it for my people......."
The Crusade's docking bay closed and the crew went to their stations. The advisors stood far
off in the field giving plenty of room for the ship to lift off. Allen stood in the control room
watching his crew members work on the panels.
Gaddis turned to his commanding officer and asked, "What are your orders, sir?"
Allen turned his head of golden strains to the seeress who stood nearby with the rest of the
group.
"Head east...." she replied knowingly.
The knight gave a small nod before turning to his second-in-command, "Unfurl the
sails and start the engines. Head east at twenty-eight knots."
Gaddis smiled and turned to the crew, "Let loose the sails and fire up the generator."
Men scattered around the ship taking on errands. A switch was pulled and a latch was opened
allowing the sails to open in a graceful sweep. Several men rushed around the roof of the metal
ship tying down the sails' ropes. The wind began to pick up allowing the sails to bulge and
began to lift the Crusade off the earth. A pair of men played with some switches and dials and
soon the roar of machinery could be heard. Blades began to turn at the back of the ship
causing it to climb in speed. In a matter of moments the ship was rising into the sky with only a
small group of people watching it sail into the currents of the wind.
The metal sail ship known as the Crusade flew silently through the ocean of clouds with only
the sound of the humming of their machinery disturbing the sky. The group of friends stood in a
small room that held a long table. Allen sat at the head of the table seeing that he was in charge
of the ship. Hitomi sat at the other end with the white book laid open as she riffled through the
pages. A large map of Gaea was sprawled out over the table. Tools for measurements
cluttered a corner of the parchment nearest to Gaddis.
"So...." Allen spoke up first, "Hitomi, which way do we go?"
Carefully Hitomi fingered a worn page of the book speaking as she read, "It says here that you
must first head east to the canyon of the crescent moon."The seeress brought her eyes up from
the words completely confuse, "Where on Gaea would that be?"
Allen brought a hand to his chin in thought, "I know of a canyon that's shaped like a crescent
moon. It's call the Canyon of Gryphons."
"How far are we from it?" asked Dryden excited with the new adventure.
"Only a few hours" Allen replied, "But I should warn you. Gryphons are very protective about
their territory. If we fly too close to the canyon they might attack."
Dryden waved a hand at Allen, "That should be simple enough, Allen. With your skill I'm sure
you will be able to keep those gryphons at bay."
A brilliant smile crossed between the men. Hitomi watched the men with her own smile. The
two men had always had issues between the two of them, especially when it came to Lady
Millerina, but it seemed they had finally set their differences aside and became good friends.
Hitomi was glad to see such good nature over the group. They had all become closer......just
like a large family.....
"Hitomi?"
The seeress jumped, "Huh? Sorry, what did you say?"
Millerina smiled at the girl, "I said what's the next line say?"
"Oh, of course." the girl replied with a embarrassed blush. Van tried to hide his smile once he
noticed the pink flush in the woman's cheeks. She always look so beautiful when she blushed
deeply like that.
Emerald eyes slowly read over the ancient words as her sweet voice spoke, "Once there turn
towards the sunset and make your way through the woods that contains the spirits of the
dead."
Gaddis closed his eyes in thought, "I believe I heard a man once talk about the place. He said it
was a place where dead warriors dwell. They roam the forest trying to find eternal peace. I
really don't know much about it, but I might be able to find the place."
Allen rose from his seat and took a writing instrument that resembled a feather pen and
took a measurement tool. Carefully he began to draw figures on the large detailed map. He
made a small dot not far from the area marked Fanelia and drew a line from it to a drawing of a
canyon marked 'Canyon of Gryphons' .
"Now where is the forest you heard of, Gaddis?" Allen asked as he looked up from the large
parchment.
Gaddis leaned over the table and glanced over the paper. His finger ran over several drawings
sketched on the map until it came to rest on a pair of words...... 'Spirit Trees'.
"There...." the dark haired man muttered. The feather pen gracefully ran over the parchment
creating a line between the canyon and the forest.
The knight's blue eyes carefully studied the distance between the area and made a few
calculations in his head, "If we leave the canyon with no problems and at this speed we should
make it to the forest by nightfall."
For some reason, Hitomi felt herself grow a little disturbed. The idea of walking through
haunted woods at night make her feel.....uneasy..... Her thoughts were washed away as a
warm hand took hers beneath the cover of the table. The girl turned to man sitting beside her.
Van smiled at her showing he would be right by her side. He had sensed her thoughts and had
automatically went to reassure her. Her emerald eyes danced as she looked into his eyes. She
never needed to be afraid with her king around.
Dryden coughed lightly bringing Hitomi back to the meeting. The dozens of eyes staring happily
at the set of lovers caused the seeress to blush again. Hitomi dove back into the passage
hoping to hide the redness in her cheeks.
"It says once in the woods you must call upon past warriors......" her voice became a little
quieter as she read the next line, "Make your way to the mountain of dragon's blood and follow
the 'way of the dragon'....." Her brow creased in confusion. The passage was growing more
and more vague. Hopefully someone would have an idea of what it could mean.
She brought her eyes from the words to see faces that were just as lost. No one appeared to
have a clue on what the line might mean. Everyone thought hard trying to think of different
landmarks that might be known as what was spoken in the book. A silence fell over the group
as they calmly sat thinking.
Hitomi turned her eyes to the map, scanning it for a clue. Her eyes trailed over the marked path
that the Crusade would make and came to rest at a mountain range. It seemed to be the way to
go, but it just seemed wrong to the seeress. Why would a mountain range be known as 'the
mountain of dragon's blood'? She turned away from the drawing and fell on a single mountain
that laid not far from the mountain range. It was drawn in red and had several words written
next to it.
"Allen?" Hitomi voice broke through the silence.
The knight picked up his head and looked across the table at the seeress. She was leaning
over the table pointing at something on the map.
"What is this?" she asked as she stared at the tiny red mountain.
Blue eyes fell on the drawing and calmly replied, "A volcano."
"A volcano...." a thought triggered the girl's mind causing her to rummage through the pages of
the white book. A smile broke across her face as she read, "Volcano's are often where
dragons dwell for the lava that spew from the mountain's belly is what runs through the veins of
these mighty beasts. The lava is often called dragon's blood."
Her eyes danced as she looked at her friends, "I remembered reading it earlier today. That
must be what the passage means when it says 'the mountain of dragon's blood'."
Gaddis chuckled, "Very clever, Seeress. You are a wise woman."
Hitomi smiled her thanks at the praise and proceeded to turn back to other passage as Allen
marked the mountain.
"Follow the 'way of the dragon' and cross the stars" she spoke. Van's head snapped up at the
words.
"I know what that means" the young king replied, "'the way of the dragon' is a constellation. It's
something my father told me. It is known as 'Draken'. It's a tale about how the first dragon was
killed and walked into the sky to the heavens. The path he took is called 'Draken' or 'path of
the dragon'. It leads the way for the dragons so they will reach the afterlife....at least that's what
the legends says."
"So how do we follow it?" Hitomi asked.
Van turned to her, "I guess we would follow the direction the path leads, but I don't know if its
towards the north or the south. I can't remember....I just need to see the constellation tonight to
decide."
"Well" Allen said proudly, "We're making excellent progress with this passage. What's next,
Hitomi?"
The girl looked down at the page, "There is only one last line and it says 'when you reach the
place where the sun meets the moon call upon the angels and lite the sky'."
Allen frowned, "I'm drawing a blank on this one. I've never heard of something like that."
"Neither have I" responded Van. Dryden just shook his head showing he had never heard of it
either. Hitomi glanced around at the other occupants of the room and saw they had no idea
what it could mean. A deep sigh left Hitomi's lips as she fell back into her chair.
"We have figured out everything except for the most important line" Hitomi frowned, "Darn...."
Van rose from his seat taking the attention of people seated around the table, "We still have
several days before we even come close to the end of the trail. Why don't we take a break and
relax? In a few hours we'll be arriving at the canyon. While we wait we can check through
scrolls and books for information on this unknown area."
The fellow king also rose, "I think King Van is right. We have a long journey ahead of us.
Perhaps in time the information will be relieved to us. Until then lets take a break."
No one wanted to refuse a break. They had barely started on the journey, but it was obvious it
would be a long and stressful one. Somewhere out there lurking within the same air was a dark
fortress that wanted the death of them all.......
~Dark Fortress~
Dilandau walked into the throne room of the dark black fortress. His red cape fluttered behind
him as he made his way to the platform that held the new commander. Kusari's face was
mostly hidden in the shadows. Only the light of the blue aura floating in the center of the room
brought any light into the dark void. The dragon slayer eyed the blue sphere warily. It's power
was dark and deadly, but it was the controller that scared him. He had been distant before, but
his seclusion had turned to something worse......
For days, the commander had locked himself in the throne room. No one entered and he never
left the dark room. The dragon slayer had past by the room several times hearing the sounds
of the man howling in sorrow. He would hear him curse and swear loudly in the room. More
than once he heard him claim for the life of the Seeress, wanting her death. For hours, the dark
angel would wail mourning his brother's death and then he would switch his emotions of anger
towards the King of Fanelia and the Seeress of the Mystic Moon. Never before had Dilandau
experience such darkness......
Finally after several days of seclusion, the black doors had been opened and the dragon slayer
had been called for. Though Dilandau was more at ease with the doors opened he couldn't
have felt more disturbed at being called by the man who howled in the darkness.
"You called me, Kusari" Dilandau proclaimed as he came to a stop in front of the shadowy
man.
The voice that spoke was different. It sounded different......Kusari's voice had always been
dark, but it now sounded deeper and more sinister as if the devil himself was speaking through
the man.
"They're arriving near the Canyon of Gryphons" the voice hissed, "It is not time to attack them,
but I think we should stir them up a bit....." The shadowy form of the man lifted from the black
twisted chair and step down from the platform. The blue light slowly fell over the man's face
letting the slayer to see the man's eyes. His eyes no longer held life. They had become like
death.......dead and hard. Dilandau shook a little beneath the man's icy gaze.
"Dilandau....." the voice made the soldier's blood run cold and freeze within the veins, "Open
the cells on the bottom floor...."
Dilandau's heart froze. If he had asked for anything else he might have jumped at the
command, but what he asked was something no man even dared to do.
"Kusari" the slayer responded, "Are you insane? You want me to release those......creatures.....
those......demons?!"
"Yes...." the voice hissed through the darkness showing no emotion, "Release them out into the
sky.....they will surely shake up the group that has set out to destroy me....."
Dilandau took a step towards the man shouting as he did so, "Even I'm not stupid enough to
release those things again! They killed more than half my men by ripping them apart! What
makes you think they'll listen to you?!"
The dark man shrouded in shadows merely said, "Release them, Dilandau, or I will feed your
flesh to them......."
The dragon slayer wanted to strike the man then and there, but the thought of the gruesome
death that would result from the act held back his hand. With a growl the soldier dressed in
black and red swirled around and stormed out of the room. The man had gone far past over
the edge......he had fallen to the bottom of the chasm......
The slayer walked out of the room and strode over to the staircase. Only a few torches for light
lite the stairway allowing him to see just the outline of each black step. As he made his way to
the lower levels his ears filled with the unearthly sounds of roaring beasts. The cries brought
chills to his bones and made the hair on the back of his neck rise. They had watchmen stay near
the cells at all times. How could they stand it?
Soon Dilandau found himself at the door that led to last floor that held dozens of cells of the
cursed beast. His hand shook as he turned the handle of the black door. As he entered the
black room he noticed the pair of soldiers' surprised looks at another soul entering the room.
Dilandau put on a firm face and spoke with a deep voice, "Open the cells....."
Both of the men's eyes grew wide at the command. Although the cells where behind a thick
glass wall protecting the soldiers from the beasts it was like signing a death certificate. Those
creatures had always been a burden to the group and to release them brought the worst fright
to their souls.
"Sir?....." answered one of the men, "You want us to release them?....." The poor man's voice
shook violently as he spoke to the man.
"Do you question me?!" the dragon slayer shouted angrily. To question his command was like
asking for your death. These men though were more scared of those beasts than the man
standing before them.
"No....no, sir" the soldier replied and he rushed over to a panel that laid next to the glass wall.
Giving a finally glance at the commander he pulled a latch and flipped several switches. Soon
the sound of cells opening filled the level and every ear that heard the noise sent a dread of fear
through their souls. Though the sound was something they didn't hear often they knew what it
was. It was something that haunted their nightmares.....
The three men went closer to the glass watching as the rest of the cell doors opened allowing
an exit for the dark creatures. For several moments nothing stirred from behind the thick glass.
No sound.....no movement.....nothing..... A hope sparked in the soldiers' hearts as the thought
of all the creatures dead filled their mind, but the hope quickly died as the sound of leathery
skin rubbing against the metal floor filled the dead air.
They were beings shunned by all who saw them. They were demons that had escaped from the
very depths of Hell. The very darkness had been shaped into their forms and the breath of evil
had filled their lungs. Black leather skin ran over their large muscles and carnivorous teeth
drapped their mouth. Claws sharper then any blade were their main weapon. They were
stronger than ten men and hate filled their soul. Dark bat-like wings stretched from their backs
in a sinister posture. Tails of dark skin with a tip shaped like an arrow head swiveled behind
their shadowy forms. Red ruby eyes glowed so brightly that their eyes could be seen through
the darkest night. Their ears were shaped like deer ears and heard the smallest sound. They
looked much like a human being branded with wings and a tail. Their intelligence was unknown
to all for no one had discovered how smart the beings were, but people believed them to be
rather limited in thought. They walked on all fours most of the time, but during battle they would
rise and stand on two feet. They were like the cat-humans on Gaea for their bodies performed
in the same matters as the cat-beings. They were not often seen and that was a great gift for
when their eyes set upon a target they would tear you apart until either the victim was dead or it
was dead.
They were most feared for their malicious additude in battle. They never just killed their
victims..... they slaughtered them..... They didn't kill for food......they would kill just to fulfill the
lust for blood spill.... Even when they killed they did it so horrific that it cause the strongest men
to shudder. Bodies would be torn to pieces over battlefields with blood staining the earth. They
would murder the innocent and steal their heads to bring home to their offspring. People would
be torn apart in such away that their limbs would be spewed over the ground. It was a
gruesome fact, but it was the truth. Hardly anyone survived an attack from these evil creatures.
Slowly one of the dark creature prowled out of its cell. There was barely any light from the
overhead lanterns giving just enough light to see the outline of the dark beast. It walked out on
all fours and sniffed the air with its human-like nose. The ears of the beast swiveled about
listening for any sound. Its tongue tasted the air and he smelt the men behind the glass. His
glowing eyes went to the glass looking past it at the three humans standing safely behind it. The
glass was stronger than the beast and it knew it for it could feel the magic emitting from it. Even
the demon didn't dare to go against the powerful glass for it had been constructed by the
darkest magic.
The creature looked around at the large room filled with cells containing his kind. The room was
very tall and cells were placed on top of each other. Bat wings stretched to their full length as
the creature's muscles tensed. The sharp claws of the beast dug into the metal floor as he grew
angry at being released from its cell only to have no more freedom than he had before. The
large jail room held no exit leaving the creatures still captives.
The beast lifted its head as an image filled its head along with its fellow beings. The creature
watched as the figure of a man formed in its mind. Silver hair gleamed as the man glare at the
beast.
"You will listen to me...." hissed the being, "I am your keeper and you obey whatever I tell
you...."
A growl escaped the creatures' throats. None would obey this being. They were their own lords
and would follow no one. They had no authority to obey except their own leader and he
showed no sign of follow this stupid creature. The lead beast who stood outside the cell
growled menacingly at the form in his head. He refused to obey this creature.....
The man merely smiled at the beast who growled a threat at him. His voice was like a serpent's
"You will obey me..... or......."
Suddenly bolts of electricity ran through the dark demons' bodies. Howls of pains filled the air
as the magic ran through their blood. The lead creature roared a challenge at whoever was
harming his people and brought his wings back to his side. A dark laugh filled their minds as the
painful energy faded from their limbs.
"You will obey me....or you will die from resistance" the voiced hissed, "I have the power to
bring you under my authority through this punishment. Do not cross my path and deny me or I
will strike down so hard that before you hit the floor you will be dead......"
If it were not for the being's power he would have refused his commands, but the threat was a
deadly one and all creatures want to live. The lust for bloody battles were their only purpose
and only want. They would do anything for that......even listen to this dark being.
The lead beast bowed his head showing his obedience. He would do it so he might see another
day of battle.
"Good....." replied the black voice, "Now I want you to do something you and your kind will
greatly enjoy......"
Its ears twitched at the information and its blood rushed with adrenaline as the thought of
spilling blood crossed its mind.
"I want you to fly north....." the man commanded, "Fly till you reach the flying sail ship. Attack
it. Do not harm the ship for I want it to reach its destination, but you may destroy any
guymelefs you want. You may kill whoever you want, but do not kill the seeress. She must stay
alive. You may harm her, but she must live. If you murder her then you will bring down your
own death......."
Dilandau watched with uneasiness as the creatures held still for several minutes. Something was
going on. At first they had growled, then they had howled in pain, and now they were
motionless. What was happening?
A small static voice came over the slayer's intercom, "Open the Hanger II."
Dilandau knew that Hanger II was the exit to the outside for this room. He didn't want to obey,
but he knew better than to deny the man's authority for if he control these demons than he
could control anyone.
The soldier of the red and black uniform nodded to one of the men. Shakily the man walked
over to the panel and pulled a lever. A mechanical sound rang throughout the dark room
catching the attention of the dark demon who stood outside its former prison. The wall at the
end of the cells began to slowly slide away revealing blue skies. The light from the sun slowly
crept in flowing over the beast showing its true form in the light. It lifted its head and its eyes
glinted in the new light. Its muscles tensed as the voice inside their heads made a final
command, "NOW GO!!!"
The creature glanced at the cages seeing the red glowing eyes of his fellow beings. The beast
lifted its head and let a roar ring through the air. Soon the other occupants of the large prison
began to prowl out. The lead beast made his way to the entrance, stopping at the edge of the
floor as he looked out into the sky. The rush of air ran across the demon's face bringing a thrill
to its heart. He glanced back to see most of his people out of their cells. It bared his teeth and
gave another roar as his wings stretched wickedly to their full length. The demon turned to the
sky and jumped into the air. His people followed him, jumping into air with loud roars. Soon
their black forms began to darken the sky as they flew towards the north......towards their
target.....
Within the shadows of the throne room sat a dark form within the dark void. A cynical smile laid
on the man's face as he stared at the glowing blue sphere. As the ball glowed the brilliant blue
coloration an image formed across the surface. The image was of a flying sail ship going through
the blue summer sky. The view on the sphere rushed forward and an image of a girl with short
brown hair and emerald eyes came to the surface. She was staring out at the clouds silently. The
shadowy man spoke only a single word, "Soon......"
~Crusade~
Allen stood next to Gaddis who was handling the helm. Men cluttered the room as they kept
the ship soaring through the ocean of clouds. Everything seemed to be alright. Nothing
appeared to be out of the ordinary until black dots began to form in the sky. Allen frowned
when he saw the dots grow larger. Whatever it was it was coming towards them.
"Gaddis?" the knight asked, "What is that?"
"I don't know, sir" the friend replied as he also stared at the black forms.
The knight walked over to a panel and pick up a telescope off its surface. Quickly the blonde
warrior made his way back to his second-in-command officer while he opened the instrument
to its full length. Bringing the telescope to his eye he carefully focused on the floating forms.
The knight gasped in shock at what he saw causing to catch every man's attention.
"What is it, Captain?" asked Gaddis.
The man replied with a voice that had lost its deepness, but now showed dread,
"Gargoyles......"
~I was going to have this story end earlier, but I've decided to make the story longer by several
more chapters. I've got chapters forming in my head and they will soon be typed down so just
wait and see how this story unfolds!~
~It's starting to get really interesting. Keep an eye out for updates. I'm pretty fast with my
updates since I have a lot of time to dedicate to my story. I'll probably have the next chapter
out by Tuesday afternoon or Wednesday afternoon. It depends if I get writer block and don't
get a lot of homework. I'll try to get it out as soon as possible~
~Okay, people how'd ya like that chapter? Please R&R!~
~Thanks for reading this story. I'm really enjoying your R&R's!
