~Remember I don't own Escaflowne or its characters!~
~Hope you enjoy this chapter! Read & then please send your review!~
~This chapter has some interesting action so don't worry you're going to
enjoy this!~










The Fate of Two Worlds
By Angel Wings

Chapter 20 ~ Waking A Legend

~Vision~
Pink feathers littered the ground around her causing her eyes to widen even
more. The feathers were soaked in blood resulting them to turn pink. Her
ears picked up on the sound of someone crying. Emerald tears fell to the
ground as Hitomi spotted the lone being amongst the flames. His raven hair
was matted in sweat and blood and his ruby eyes cried tears of sorrow. His
sword laid on the ground nearby smeared in someone's blood. It was at that
moment Hitomi noticed the body in Van's arms. His shirt was soaked in the
figure's blood from cradling the person close. Hitomi desperately tried to
see the figure's face, but before she had a chance the fire's flames leaped
higher piercing the scorched sky and enveloped both Van and the unknown
person. Fire and brimstone.....death and destruction.....rotting flesh.....
the smell of blood.... screams of pain..... Hitomi looked back down at her
bloody hands and screamed, "NOOOOOOOOOO!!!!"
~End of Vision~


Hitomi jumped in her sleep and her eyelids flew open glancing around the
infirmary room with frantic eyes. Slowly her breathing return to normal and
her blood slowed as she realized where she was. She rubbed the sweat away
from her brow with the back of her hand as she took a deep breathe. Her
pale fingers brushed through her brunette hair trying to relieve the
dampness as she glanced down at the only other soul occupying the room.

Resshi slept soundly beneath the comfort of a warm white blanket as he laid
stretched out on an infirmary bed. His skin was rather pale.....almost as
pale as the white blanket he slept under. His hair was no longer in its low
ponytail, but now his dark locks sprawled over his pillow. The white
blanket barely allowed his torn clothes to be visible for the warm cloth
was pulled all the way up to his upper torso. Large fists clenched the
material of the blanket while he slept.

The young woman rose from her chair that sat next to the bed and rubbed
away the sweat on his brow with a small cloth. The man gave a soft groan
through his slumber, but did not wake. A few stray tears filled Hitomi's
eyes as she looked upon the man's face that was twisted in pain. Carefully
she felt his head to see if the fever had left and she smiled through her
emerald teardrops as she felt cool skin.

Ever since they had return to the Crusade the young angel woman had
remained at her personal guard's bedside. She just couldn't leave him. She
felt completely responsible for his actions for he had given his life up
just because she was a noble and because of it she just couldn't relax
while he laid in the infirmary in pain. More than once she had considered
to use her powers to heal the poor man, but Millerina and Van had strictly
forbid it!

The blonde doctor had informed the two lovers that Resshi would definitely
live and would probably be up and about in a couple of days. The arrow had
only caused him to lose a lot of blood and it would only be a matter of
time till his body replenish the lost amount. Hitomi automatically wanted
to use her powers to help the process along, but Van and Millerina both
agreed the seeress shouldn't take on the unnecessary risk. Hitomi had
nearly killed herself the last couple of times using her abilities. What if
this time she didn't make it?......

After a long discussion Hitomi promised her two love ones she would not use
her powers to help the injured man. However, the young girl refused to
leave the man's side until he woke and she stayed by side waiting through
the long hours. Exhaustion and hunger tugged at her body, but she shoved it
aside. Although she had not eaten since yesterday and she had gotten no
sleep from last night she continued to watch over the soldier.

Several times her mind had slipped into the realm of dreams during her
continuous guard over the man. Upon reaching sleep she would be tossed into
a vision.....the same vision that haunted her several days ago.....The one
where Van was amist the flames holding a body close to his chest. Every
time she saw the image in her head she would wake up with a start just as
the unknown person's face was just about to be revealed. Although the
seeress held no clue on who the stranger was she felt like she knew the
person very well. Unfortunately she would never know until the time was
right.....

"Mi...Mistress Hitomi?...." groaned a small voice disturbing the angel's
thoughts. Her eyes focus on the being before her and saw a gentle face
wrinkled in pain. With a brilliant smile the young brunette woman kneeled
down next to the bed so she could be at eye level with the man.

"It's good to see you awake, Resshi" her voice spoke with care and concern,
"I was worried about you...."

"Me?....." he replied confused, "Why should you worry about a low class
soldier like myself, mistress?"

The girl could have laughed. He still didn't understand. On the Mystic Moon
it was an easy issue to conceive since the time of distinguish classes had
been removed from most of society at the time. Yet here on this world no
one could even grasp the tiniest bit of comprehension of the issue. It was
strange, yet understandable to Hitomi.

Her brunette locks bounced as she shook her head smiling, "Resshi....can
you not see that I do not care if your a soldier or a noble?.....I do not
see your class rank when I look at you.....I see only the person....."

The man looked up at the woman with eyes that begged for knowledge, "And
what do you see when you look at me, Mistress Hitomi?"

A smile of pure joy ran over the beautiful woman face as she brushed away a
few stray hairs from her eyes, "I see a kind man who is extremely kind and
noble. He is someone who I care deeply for as a friend and would be greatly
sadden if he should leave this world now....."

Tears twinkled in the man's eyes as he turned to stare up at the ceiling. A
single tear slipped down his cheek as he took a deep breath. Closing his
eyes of chocolate he relished in the kind words that this woman had spoken.
He felt like his soul would burst from hearing those few words. Oh, how
such small words that were so easily said could mean the world to a lost
soul.....

Slowly the man opened his eyes to gaze at the ceiling and he said,
"Mistress Hitomi, all my life I have been a lower class citizen.....Every
since I was a child I have accepted the fact that I will always be
considered a lower class person,...."

His eyes turned to her and Hitomi could see a sea of tears thrashing within
his pools of chocolate, "But I have always longed to be called an equal....
I have wanted to be seen not as a soldier....but a person...."

The man's deep voice began to crack with emotions as more tears slipped
down from his eyes, "And you....mistress Hitomi have finally given me what
I have always dream for....to be seen as the person I am.....and not what I
am ranked......I thank you for blessing me with such honorable
distinguish....."

Hitomi smiled through tears as she nodded to the kindhearted man. She had
never felt so appreciated in her life. It made her heart sing with
happiness. Taking a sharp breath of air to hold back the tears she replied
quietly, "You're very welcome...."


After several moments Hitomi left the room to let Resshi rest properly.
Glancing out through one of the window as she passed she noticed stars
twinkling in a dark sky. The young seeress was rather surprised to see the
night had already shadowed the sky. She must have dozed off for a couple of
hours last time she had fallen asleep. Hitomi shrugged off the surprising
fact and wearily made her way down the hall towards her room.

Slowly the girl walked through the corridors of the metal ship still in her
worn track outfit. Her step falls were the only sounds within the long
halls. Without even thinking her feet led her to the dark room of the
docking bay.

She didn't realize she had even enter the vast room until she nearly ran
into one of the large guymelefs. After adjusting to the darkness her
emeralds eyes trailed the features of the different guymelefs. Those large
instruments of war stood everywhere towering above her like guardians.
While staring at their metal bodies she made her way to the legendary
dragon of pale white. The giant was presently in guymelef form and stood
majestically apart from the others at the front of the rows of metal suits.
Her emerald eyes stood fixed on the being remembering how the legend had
transformed into a real dragon days ago.....She wondered how it was
possible for the transformation to occur......

Hitomi suddenly heard footsteps ringing through the hall and without a
moments hesitation she unfurled her wings as they appeared through the
broken material of her track shirt. With swift and silent beats of her
wings like a night owl the angel woman rose onto the shoulder of the large
guymelef. Careful to keep quiet upon the silent warrior she watched a
soldier pass by the entrance of the docking bay. As soon as he disappeared
from view Hitomi let out a soft sigh and leaned against the metal head of
the legend.

Gazing at the dark ceiling she brought her knees close to her chest and
hugged them gentle. At the moment she just wanted to be alone....... The
week of hardships.... stress..... heartaches..... suffering...... It
finally had caught up with her. All the pain she had been able to suppress
for the last days had finally pushed forward. It had been unbearable at the
moment of the destruction of the Mystic Moon, but she had been able to
cover up her grief from her friends. Unfortunately as time progress it was
becoming more and more harder to hold back the overflow of emotions.
Tonight when she had spoken with Reeshi she had felt a swell of longing for
her planet. To be back home and see those faces of her loves ones one last
time. Now the damn had broken and she could no longer hold back the flood
of tears.

Hitomi's head fell in between her knees and soon sobs broke out through the
air. She didn't hold anything back......she let all the tears fall and slip
down the smooth metal surface of the guymelef. The pain that had been held
back in the depths of her soul had broken down all barriers and forced into
her breaking cries. The white wings that glowed in the darkness curled
around her trying to create her own private closure of circling feathers.
Her pale fingers clutched her elbows as she let go of every bit of
suffering that fought within her soul.

The images of her family and friends ran through her mind only reminding
her how desperately she wanted them to be by her side. She silently called
for their names in the darkness longing for their presence.....

A warm hand fell on her shoulder during the downpour of grief causing the
young seeress to turn her tear stained face from her knees and look up into
the face of an angel. Standing above her on the same shoulder of the white
giant stood a royal angel whose wings stood outstretched against the
shadows glowing brightly. His fire eyes were filled with concern as his
face held sad features. Even now he looked the same as she had last seen
him wearing his red shirt and cream pants. Van cupped a pale cheek in his
hand as tears continued to stream down and slip over his tan fingers. Their
eyes locked and the young king could see all the pain searing through her
soul. He didn't need to see it though for he felt every ounce of suffering
from her. The burning of her spirit had been a calling during the night to
him........ and he had responded. Even within the confines of his sleep he
had heard her desperate plea for comfort. Now as he stood looking in to her
sparkling emeralds he felt a desire to relieve her pain.

Hitomi threw herself into her lover's arms and cried into his chest. She
didn't need to tell him what was wrong for his soul knew. Her wet tears
soaked into his red shirt as she wept openly in his hold. Why hide her
distress?.....He could feel her pain...... Her fingers clinched his
familiar old shirt as she sobbed quietly into his chest. Slowly he lowered
both of them to their knees as he held his dear beloved in his secure arms.
Hitomi turned her head away placing her cheek against his chest as more
emerald tears fell. Her eyes stared into space thinking of only the pain as
his chin came to rest on the top of her dark locks while rubies closed.

"Van?....." the girl sobbed quietly.

The young king did not opened his eyes as he replied gently, "Yes, my
love....."

The seeress tried to shove her face harder into his chest and the royal
responded by holding her more firmly. Her voice cracked several times as
spoke, "Does the pain......does the pain ever go away?......."

The king's face slipped into sadness as he remembered how he had suffered
when he had lost his family. His rough hands stroked her hair gently as he
looked up at the ceiling trying to push back the tears that were forming.
The pain from so long ago began to surface once again in his heart and for
that moment no two souls ever understood the pain of lose better than the
couple crying in that docking bay.

Van desperately tried to keep his voice from breaking as he answered his
lover, "It does... but it takes time......"

Her eyes closed and she winced as her soul tore apart, "How long?......"

The young man let the tears spill from his eyes as he placed his cheek
against her brow, "It depends how strong the person is......"

After several moments of silent sobs, Hitomi was able to control her cries
and gentle leaned into her angel as she whispered painfully, "I wish it
would go away......"

The king took his angel's cheeks in his two palms and turned her face
upwards to his. His fire eyes locked with sparkling emeralds and the young
seeress felt a comfort from his soft gaze. His voice was warm and
reassuring, "I promise you, Hitomi......it will go away......you just need
someone to share the burden with.....and I vow I will do everything I can
to fulfill that duty......."

The seeress wound her arms around the hansom man's neck and she brought her
face into the crook of his neck as her cries echo throughout the large
room. His warm arms held her close all night never letting go of his angel.
Even when the two had slipped into a dreamless sleep the two continued to
embrace each other affectionately. Only until the sunlight peeked through
the glass of several windows was the hold broken for the peaceful giant
slowly stirred....



~Volcano~
Within the belly of the earth sleeping amist the molted lava was a large
beast of enormous size. For years the creature had slept peacefully within
its hot chamber of flames. Only during that night did the being finally
stir after centuries of slumber within the lake of lava. The form had been
curled into a ball for so long that as it stretched from its old position
did it feel the stiffness of oversleeping. Its blood red wings tugged to
their full length beneath the bellows of the earth's core stretching. Its
glowing red eyes snapped opened at it felt the presence of a ship lingering
at the edge of its senses. The beast gave a roar as it brought its head of
red scales out of the burning lava spraying drops of the hot liquid in all
directions.

If anyone could have with stood the unbearable heat they might have been
able to see the large lizard finally awaken and would have seen how
beautiful she was. The beast was like any other dragon decorated with
jewels, but because of the lava's light it made the she-beast look like she
had a million sun drops burning over her skin. The most distinguished
feature upon this glorious dragon was the gold emblem imprinted on her
forehead. The emblem was of a gold circle designed in the pattern of
swirling lines. Within the circle of swirling gold laid an angel. This
marking was well known......and well feared......for only one being held
this remarkable emblem and whoever saw this golden marking rarely ever got
a chance to talk about it for this being only showed herself during the
time of feasting......

As the red dragon recognized a fraction of the awareness as a being of her
kind she brought her glowing red eyes upward to slowly focus on the only
entrance and exit of her dwelling place......a hole that led to blue
skies......the opening of a volcano......


~Crusade~
As the dawn arrived and the warm sun woke over the horizon as its ray ran
over the land the Crusade neared a mountain of swirling lava and burning
flames. The mountain was the color of pitch black and sprouted many holes
that spewed with golden lava. Cracks streaking down the dark rock side
contain burning flames that licked the air with steam. Sparks of fire and
lava drops were continuously flung into the air from the mouth of the fire
mountain making it appear all the more beautiful and deadly.

As the sail ship grew closer the gentle white guymelef that stood in
slumber slowly was awaken. Its red energist began to give off a faint glow
showing it was leaving the world of slumber. The green eyes that held no
dark pupils glowed as it had completely shaken away the daze of sleep from
its being.

The giant took a step forward startling the two occupants on its shoulder
from sleep. The angel couple was still in a daze from being awaken so
roughly as the giant continued to make his way to the closed doors of the
docking bay. Van slowly stood and placed a hand against the giant's head to
steady him as he tired to focus on the present. The legend's metal hand
went to the hilt of his sword drawing the blade. Before either of the
angels could act the white guymelef sliced the doors open. The metal parts
were pulled into the sky from the suction of rushing air while the giant
continued forward.

Van held onto his lover's arms as the wind tried to pull the two of them
off of the shoulder of the metal giant. Their hair and clothes flapped
rapidly against their skin showing how strong the wind could be. The young
royal turned his face to the giant and shouted, "Escaflowne! Stop! I order
you to halt!"

However the legend held a deaf ear to his words and transformed into dragon
mode. As the beast completely the change of forms Hitomi and Van found
themselves on the white dragon's back. The young royal lunged for the
controls and pulled hard on them trying to cease the creature's actions.

"Stop, Escaflowne!" the young king shouted again, but the dragon again
ignored his master. The legend's energist shone brightly as the white metal
beast once again transformed to flesh and bone. The two angels froze as
they were caught up in the brilliant display. Sparkling white scales and
silver armor flowed over the beast and soon the two lovers sat on a live
dragon. The energist slowly faded with light and showed the completion of
the remarkable transformation.

The white dragon reared its head and roared loudly before plunging out of
the door with the two angels clinging to its back. Hitomi struggled to
grasp Van's hand as he leaned backwards with a hand still grasping the red
and gold reins. Unfortunately the gush of wind kept her from taking hold of
his tan hand and she slowly began to slid away from her lover. Though they
were losing each other they held no fear for they had been blessed with the
gifts of the Draconians and could easily return to one another in the end.
The rush of wind refused to allow the two to use their glowing wings sadly
for if they angled their wings a certain way their gifts would become sails
and they would have been completely lifted off of the beast. Their only
option was to go back to basics of slowly crawling to each other.

Without them noticing the white dragon charged towards a mountain of
burning flames. The beast glowing green eyes glared at the mouth of spewing
lava. He knew the great creature laid within the hard rock's contents. All
he needed to do was draw her out. Tucking his wings he dove head first
towards the mountain's side while the two lovers continued to struggle to
get a hold of each other's hand.


Allen rushed into the control room of the Crusade shouting orders as he ran
to the nearby window. His blue eyes stared down in shock at the scene
outside as he spotted the three beings flying towards the black mountain of
fire. With a growl the knight turned to the helmsman and ordered, "Take the
ship down closer!"

The man's mouth dropped at the command and Gaddis stepped forward to the
captain. "But sir that's a live volcano! If we go any closer to it the hull
won't hold!" the second-in-command replied.

Allen glanced down at the volcano with a snarl. He couldn't go in his
guymelef. It would never stand up against those intense levels of heat,....
but how was he to help his friends?...... Personally he didn't know if
there was any real danger, but it was obvious the two of them weren't out
there on purpose! The knight clenched his teeth together as he realized he
could only watch and hope his friends would be no danger.....


With a snarl Escaflowne pounded his head against the mountain's black
surface causing it to crack. At the sudden crashing between the two large
bodies Hitomi lost her footing and fell of the dragon's back.

"Hitomi!" shouted the young king as his angel plunged towards the earth.
The rush of wind pounded against the woman's wings and she had to struggle
to steady herself into flight. On sight of her regaining her balance the
raven royal breathed a sigh of relief. He still wasn't use to the fact that
his love had wings and he had panic when she had fallen.

The young seeress beat her wings furiously trying to desperately gain
altitude, but the supreme heat was causing to make the job a hundred times
harder. She was fly rather close to the side of the volcano and the heat
seared a few of her glowing feathers. Her wings began to molt and the
feathers fell towards the burning earth. As the glowing white feathers
would come into contact with the black earth they would erupt into flames
from the heat. Sweat poured from the woman's brow as she slowly worked her
way higher. The only problem was as she gain altitude she remain close to
the side of the volcano. She was flying higher gradually exactly like the
mountain side sloped so she remained the same distance from the burning
earth as she soared. Flames higher than skyscrapers loomed dangerously
ahead of her as she neared the mouth of the deadly volcano.

Clenching her teeth she forced her wings to go faster. She had to gain
altitude now or she would go right through the sprays of lava and flames.
If she banked either left or right now she would do so sharply and would go
into a dive losing altitude. If she grew any closer to the volcano's side
she would erupt into flames from intense heat. Hitomi's fists clasped hard
against her side as she forced her body to work harder.

"Think of it as a goal, Hitomi!" she shouted in her thoughts. Her mind
plunged into the familiar tunnel vision she always got during a race. She
only saw the finish line within her sight and would do anything to achieve
the goal set in her mind. Now the goal would be achieving altitude before
she came faced with the flames. Pushing herself as hard as she could she
slowly gained height in the sky......inch by inch......

While Hitomi was struggling to survive Escaflowne continued to throw his
body against the black earth. Van was trying his best to take control of
the white dragon, but the beast was completely focus on some unknown task
and refused to acknowledge his master. Several times Van cried out in pain
from the intense heat. Whenever Escaflowne crashed into the mountainside
the young king would become dangerously close to the flames and the heat
would flush his skin. The flames would lick at the dragon's body, but
luckily because of the dragon's size the flames would not reach his
rider.... only the unbearable heat would....... The heat and flames did not
even cause the beast to flinch for it was a dragon.....a being whose home
was in the hottest places in the world......

As the dragon threw himself at the volcano the beast dwelling in side began
to respond. The red dragon laying within the depths of the lava could feel
the slight tremors from the constant blows from outside. The gold lava
would lap around the creature's exposed neck and head while she gazed at
her entrance. The rest of the being's body laid submerged in the swirling
lava of burning flames. The creature of dreams was not eager to leave its
comfortable surroundings to meet the challenge of the legend that circled
outside, but as the blows continued to rain down on its home she began to
growl with annoyance.

The rocks along the inside walls began to crumble from the shakes and drop
into the lava causing several splashes. As the lava sprays hit her scales
she did not flinch. The dragon snarled as she saw the barest hint of a wing
go past her home's entrance. She knew who laid beyond the mouth and she
knew she relished the thought of taking the legend on, but for the last
centuries she had been at peace. Why should she leave her comforts to take
on the beast outside? At the sudden question a roar rang through her
entrance challenging her. Her dark lips turned into what could best be
called a smirk as she looked up from within the chasm. The creature tossed
back its head letting a deep roar crash out of the entrance and fill the
air.

Upon hearing this cry Hitomi stared intently at the mouth of the fire
mountain as fear shook her soul...... What could have that been?.....

Van's hands clenched the reins a little tighter as he realized that there
was another being here......

Escaflowne ceased his pounding against the dark earth and he watched the
mouth of the fiery mountain waiting for its occupant to emerge.....

Within the hollow chambers of the volcano the female dragon burst from the
lava. Her leathery wings thrust from under the surface of the swirling
orange and yellow lava splashing the liquid in all directions. Its upper
body bursted from out of the burning liquid and one could see the monstrous
limbs containing black claws as they surface. The dragon roared angrily as
she began to leave the warmth of the earth's core. Her wings beat heavily
spraying the burning lava every which way. Her glittering jewels embedded
in her red scales dripped in the fire burning brightly. Her body twisted
and untwisted as she completely removed herself from the pouch of dragon's
blood. The creature of fantasy looked beautiful as she flew out of the
belly of the earth. Lava sprays swirled around her body as flames licked
her ankles. As she rose from the center of the earth the very tip of her
tail withdrew from the hot contents and swirled around removing the
stiffness in its bones. The female beast gave a finally roar as she soared
through the tunnel leading towards the entrance.....towards her victims....

Hitomi did not feel the earth shake, but she heard it. She could hear the
cracking and shift of earth beneath in a deep bellow of anger. Steam
angrily hissed from the cracks and updrafts as the ground cracked. Her
emerald eyes glanced down at the shaking ground and she realized something
was about to happened. As the roars filled her pale ears she turned her
face towards the mouth of the volcano which she was rapidly approaching.
The flames suddenly grew higher than ever and scorched the blue sky. Lava
sprung out like a fountain as a red figure burst through the volcano's
entrance.

The seeress's eyes widen at the beauty of the creature. It was an exact
duplicate of the white legendary dragon except for in the issue of
color,...... but she was glorious. When she soared through the entrance of
the volcano fire and lava drops had spurted from within going in every
direction. The light washed over the red dragon's scales causing the
billions of embedded jewels to twinkle. Her beautiful demon-like wings
arched beautifully as flames licked at them. Black claws of great strength
clutched globes of lava that spilled through her digits like water. The
golden emblem on the red scales of her forehead glowed faintly from the
sudden sunlight. Oh, though her image was what sent many to their graves in
fear it also brought beauty and awe to others......

Hitomi soon turned away from the beast for she had realized that she was
soaring straight towards the flames! With a sudden burst of energy the
seeress caught an updraft amongst the intense heat and soared fifty feet
above the flames. The heat was extremely intense as she flew over the
flames that stretched to reach her. Several of her feathers fell away from
her wings and were soon enveloped by the rippling flames. Her wings beat
harder trying to rid herself from the heat of the inferno. As she finally
passed over the mouth of the volcano she let out a deep sigh of relief and
continued to rise as she glanced towards the two dragons.

Escaflowne and the new dragon charged each other as soon as they caught
sight of one another. Both roared as they dove for other and their skin
sparkled from the sunlight. Van hung on for dear life by the red and gold
reins not willing to leave his friend in the time of battle. The red dragon
opened her mouth and shot out a burst of red flames through the air.
Escaflowne angled his wings and barely escaped the blast. Sadly the attack
brushed against his white underbelly and the legend howled as pain seared
through his burning veins. You see the flames of a volcano aren't half the
strength of the fire that is emitted from the throat of a dragon. A
dragon's fire comes from the lava that runs through its blood. The beast
lives in the dreadful heat since its birth and from that period of dwelling
within the belly of the core it learns to deal with the heat. From the
years of experiencing the profound heat the creature matures and slowly its
blood grows stronger with each passing year become more intense than the
lava it dwells in. Because of this gradual growth a creature living in such
a place for so long could grow extremely powerful. That was the issue here
with the red dragon......

This dragon had lived within the depths of the globe's core since its birth
so its flame was extremely powerful. It rarely ever left the home of
dragon's blood except to hunt or to scare of intruders so the she-beast was
usually dormit sleeping centuries away. This female beast was not to waken
until another three hundred years, but because these beings had decided to
go near her home she had become aware of the legendary beast, Escaflowne,
and woken in a rage.

The red dragon did not know the white dragon personally, but she knew from
her interaction with other dragons that this legend was well known and
honored. He was an extremely strong being and would be a formidable
opponent to anyone. Her eyes glinted evilly as she decided defeating such a
great adversary would give her great glory.

As the dragon of red plunged towards the white dragon, Van gasped at the
sight of the golden emblem. Fear crippled his soul as he realized what was
flying before them. His fire eyes grew wide with fright as he muttered, "It
can't be......it can't be!....."

The white dragon groaned in pain as the red dragon crashed violently into
him. Roaring angrily Escaflowne flapped his leathery wings to lung after
his adversary, but with a gentle angle of her wings the red dragon turned
and dodged the male's attack. With a snarl the white dragon flew after the
red beast in a fiery dash.

Hitomi floated about a mile above the ground watching the battle with
concern eyes. She knew she could even try to intervene. She would only be
in danger. She was no match for such large beasts.....or was she?......
Hitomi mind reeled with thoughts......she could use her powers..... but
what would happen?......Would it work or fail her again?......And what if
it nearly killed her?........Could she stand up to such large beasts?......
Would Escaflowne hold himself back?..... Why had he come to the
volcano?..... It just didn't make sense!......

Her pale hands clutched her head as her mind soared. Everything was so
confusing! She had so many questions and no answers! The seeress emerald
eyes turned towards the battle as she desperately tried to make a decision
on what she should do......


The Dryden along with the rest of the group rushed into the control room
shouting, "What's going on?!"

The blue eyed knight did not turn towards the man as he answered, but
merely continued to watch the violent fray going on outside, "Van and
Hitomi are out there with Escaflowne fighting another dragon."

The eyes of chocolate in the head of the king grew wide and quickly asked,
"Is the dragon red?!"

This time the knight did turn, "Yes....How did you know that?!"

The royal merely rushed to the glass ignoring the question. His brown eyes
frantically searched the sky for the beast and once they found her he
stared at her forehead where the golden emblem glowed. Shakily the king
whispered, "Shakaku!"

The knight jumped at the word. It was a name that had laid buried for
centuries. It was rarely spoken and when it was it sent fear in the bravest
men's souls. Allen's blue eyes sparked with fear, "No....That can't be
Shakaku! She was not to awaken until a few more centuries!"

Dryden shook his head as sweat dripped from his brow and growled, "Well it
looks like she decided not to wait!"


Van's foot slipped and the king slid a bit of the dragon's white back. As
the wind tried to fling him of his ride he slowly inched his way back into
his spot behind the dragon's neck. When he was seated again he swirled
around in his position and glanced back at the red dragon who was still
chasing the two of them.

Clenching his teeth in anger and fear he remembered the tales he heard of
this red legend. The red dragon was known as Shakaku, 'angel of fire'.
Though her name meant 'angel' many believed her to be more of a demon. All
of the creature's horrid life had been filled with death and murder.

As the stories go it says that at the beginning of time a female dragon
laid an egg in the center of the planet. Once there the large object was
incubated by the supreme heat for hundreds of years until the young
dragonet hatched from the cream egg. The dragonet was very young and like
all dragons had to sleep several hundred years to mature. As she laid
dormit in the burning core of Gaea the parents of the young offspring set
out to conquer the dragon race. Sadly the pair was destroyed in the year of
the dragonet's reawaking. At the moment of their death the young sensed
this and went into a terrible rage. Without waiting for her time of rewaken
she stormed out of the planet and destroyed the ones who had murdered her
parents. After the destruction she went back into the core of Gaea and
slept for her energy was greatly drained from such great use of her
immature strength. All dragons refused to enter the core of the earth from
then on after for fear of waking the slumbering demon. The red young had
been extremely powerful for age and upon seeing this all fellow dragons
shrank from the core and dwelled in volcanoes instead. For years the red
dragon slept and only awaken to eat her fill. She rarely needed to do,
however, for dragons have a slow metabolism. Their processing of food is so
incredible slow that it takes them nearly a century to digest half of their
consumed food. The only other reason she ever woke from her slumber was
that if anyone dared to grow too close to the entrance of her home. That
passage was never really discovered, but many believed it to be one of the
volcanoes inhabiting Gaea that led a path to the very center of the lava
lake below the surface of the planet. Now it would seem that the group had
just discovered the entrance to the dragon's dwellings.......

Her glowing red eyes gleamed with anger as she opened her mouth to shoot
more streaks of flames at her prey. With quick reflects the king pulled the
reins causing Escaflowne to respond and turn left. The flames hissed a few
feet away from the two flyers as the red beast fired. At the sight that
they were not injured the creature of red fire roared angrily and increased
in speed. The royal glanced over his shoulder again and noticed their
attacker was gaining. Clenching his teeth in frustration the king began to
examine their limited options.

This dragon was more powerful and quicker than Escaflowne obviously and no
flame from the depths of the planet seemed to injure her. Glancing at the
sail ship he wondered if he should lead her towards the metal ship. That
thought was quickly shattered though for the fact was the dragon would
easily tear the ship's sails apart.......but perhaps he could get her close
enough for his friends to get a clear shot.....

With a smile the king kicked his heels into the sides of his white dragon
and Escaflowne increased in speed. The white legend snorted a bit of smoke
and struck upward towards the metal ship with the red dragon close behind.

Hitomi clasped her hands together and said a silent pray as she watched her
lover work his plan, "Dear Joutei, please protect them....."

Van's raven locks flapped against his brow as their speed increased. His
firm hands clenched the red and gold material of the reins as he talked to
himself, "I must get her to fly as close as possible.....but not too close
where she might damage the ship with her flames or claws.....I am just
going to hope and pray that it works....."


Allen rushed to the railing of the platform hanging above the weapons room
and shouted as loud as he could to the men below, "Get the aft guns ready
to fire on the red dragon!"

Several soldiers ran from their present positions to achieve the command as
they yelled, "Yes, Sir!"


Van's ruby eyes squinted against the ferocious wind as they soared
vertically towards the ship. Barely moving the reins the king aline his
dragon to fly about a half a mile away along side the ship. If they went
any closer the wings of the dragons might run against the sails and tear
them to pieces. The king refused to look back and kept his sight on the
metal ship hovering only a mile above them.

As the two dragons flew the young brunette angel and crew members watched
in silent suspense. The metal gun came closer to the opening in the metal
wall and soon a crew member was aiming for the red dragon. As the man's
fingers darted over the control arming the cannon the red legend was
completely unaware of the danger...... for her sight was on the white
legend.

With a rush of air Escaflowne and the young angel king passed the cannon
protruding from the ship's belly. Shakaku flew after them without even
thinking about the metal sail ship. Her mind would not stray from her
objective even for a second. That's when the gunfire was heard and a large
blast of white energy shot through the air directly at the red mistress of
flame.

The dragon never turned her head as the powerful blast came into contact
with her skin. Her body only jolted a little from the shock as she
continued to fly after her prey. The men in the weapons room stared in
shock as the red beast gave not even a cry of pain. There had been such
power in the blast that it would have taken five sail ships at once yet
this demon of fire had barely felt it! The men's hearts filled with fear as
they watched the red dragon increase in speed heading towards her goal.

Van gasped as he spotted the dragon still following them. The red creature
didn't even looked like it was injured! How could that be?......There was
no possible way it could have survived that!......

His thoughts were soon brushed aside as he saw the red dragon becoming
dangerously close to them. With a kick of his rider's heels the white
dragon went into a dive plunging straight for their attacker. The two
dragons let lose loud roars as they flew head on.

The occupants of the control room along with the flying angel down below
watched in suspense as the two dragons were about to collide. There was a
dreadful silence as the scene played out in slow motion....

As the two legends grew close the red dragon waited till the last possible
moment and moved just enough so that Escaflowne would fly right pass her.
When he did so she brought her rows of teeth down into his soft neck. The
white dragon howled in pain as silver blood ran from the wounds where her
sharp teeth made their mark. Shakaku's claws dug into his soft belly
ripping his flesh and the white dragon cried out. At the same moment Van
was doubling over as red scratches ran over his skin. Blood of the same red
color of their attacker poured from the king's wounds and he could no
longer hold on to the reins. He was forced to hold himself on the dragon's
back with his legs alone as the three beings plunged towards the peaceful
globe.

Hitomi's eyes filled with crystal tears as she saw her beloved become
scarred with several gashes. She had to do something.....

Soon the shadow of the three fighters fell over the seeress and she
realized she stood directly in their path. With great haste the angel woman
removed herself from their growing shadow and was just able to do so in
time so she could see the three of them crash into the ground.

Escaflowne and Shakaku flew apart as they hit the hard surface of the globe
in a fit of dust causing Van to nearly fall off from the force. The three
forms laid there for several moments shaken by the great fall. Luckily the
three fighters had landed away from the volcano and now laid about a mile
from its base in a large grassy field.

The red dragon rose slowly and shook her body removing the dust. Her
glowing red eyes focused on her two adversaries and she began to make her
way to them. Escaflowne was unconscious and remain lifeless on the ground.
Van rose from his stomach weakly and painful glared at the approaching
danger. He couldn't escape the fray now. If Escaflowne got injured it would
only hurt him as well and beside he would not forsaken his comrade like
that. The brave king stood up on his dragon's back staring hard at the red
monster that prowled towards them.

The red dragon reared it head as it grew close enough and roared in
victory. The dragon's white hide was hers! Her rows of daggers rain down
and the angel king brought his arms up in hope of somehow shielding himself
from the blow.

Shakaku roared angrily as an angel appeared in front of her forbidding her
to strike her victims. Hitomi held her arms spread out as she floated a few
feet in front of the red monster's face blocking her. The red dragon
growled menacingly at the intruder in hope of scaring her off, but the
woman did not budge. Van eyes grew wide as he realized his love was trying
to stop the beast.

"No, Hitomi!" he cried desperately to her, "Don't do this! You'll only get
yourself killed!"

The seeress flipped her hair to look over her shoulder at her love. To be
honest she didn't even know what she was doing. Once she had seen her
beloved in danger she had automatically tried to save him, but now as she
floated inches away from the red danger she wondered what she would do....

With an angry snarl the red dragon lunged at the beautiful angel. Hitomi
waited a few moments before dodging quickly away. As Shakaku's teeth
snapped over empty air she quickly brought her head around towards the
seeress in hope of getting rid of the annoyance. For the moment she would
forget her prey laying within the dirt and allow herself to become
distracted so she might deal with this stupid being.

Hitomi flew and dodged the creature's attacks swiftly, but she was
struggling to keep ahead of the rows of gleaming daggers. Although she was
barely escaping the red monster's dangerous teeth she was able to dodge all
of Shakaku's attacks making the monster all the more mad. The red dragon
used claws, teeth, and tail, but she could not take down the white angel.
Unfortunately for the young woman the dragon had more stamina and sooner or
later Hitomi would grow slower than her attacks.......and then she would
have her......

As the seeress escaped a slash of a claw the dragon swung around and
brought her tail down on the angel. Finally to the dragon's impatience the
attack hit home and Hitomi crashed into the dirt. Dust swirled around the
young woman as she weakly rose. The blow had taken all the air out of her
lungs and now several bruises laid on her pale skin. Wincing she rose to
lift off again, but was soon pushed back down by a large red claw. The girl
ran her fingers over the beautiful glittering scales trying in vain to
remove the beast's claw. Her glowing wings beat furiously against the dirt
trying to escape, but they were held down by the shear weight of the
creature. The angel's emerald eyes widen in fear as the dragon's head came
extremely close to the girl's pale face. The creature's hot breath was foul
and made the young seeress cough several times as the red legend breathed
on her. Its rows of gleaming teeth shone brightly and in the reflection of
her glowing red eyes Hitomi could her see her face filled with fright. The
shadow of the red monster fell over the angel bringing more fear into the
girl's heart as she struggled bringing up dust.

The monster's mouth lunged for the seeress and the young woman screamed.
The scared cry mingled with thunder as a loud roar rang through the air.
The brunette girl stared in surprise as she saw white fire fly pass her
face. A howl of pain filled her pale ears as the giant red claw lifted from
her body. As soon as she was able to Hitomi scrambled out from under the
beast and race away. She glanced towards the direction of the source of the
flames and spotted Escaflowne and her beloved.

There standing proudly was the white dragon with her lover standing on its
back. Escaflowne's wings were outstretched at their full wing span making
him look twice as large. His green eyes glowed in anger as he opened his
mouth revealing a small ball of white flames forming in his throat. With a
roar the white legend released another shot of white fire hitting Shakaku
squarely in the chest. The red dragon fell backwards as the flames seared
her chest. Crashing into the dirt on her back she sent up a cloud of dust.
As soon as the attack ended she gave a painful groan while she rose from
the dirt. Her glowing eyes glared back at the white legend and she roared
angrily at her enemies.

Rushing over to Escaflowne and Van Hitomi stumbled through the dust a
little shaken from the ordeal. At the sight of her release her beloved
jumped off the white dragon's back and ran over to his love. The couple's
feet ran a little faster as they saw each other coming through the dust.
Catching his angel in his arms the two hugged tightly glad that both were
still safe. Hitomi laid her cheek against his chest as his chin fell on the
top of her brown locks. His tan hand ran through her hair enjoying the feel
of letting his fingers run through her silky locks. The very presence of
her close to his chest sent such joy to his heart. Oh, how he would die if
he ever lost her...... It only reminded him that he vowed never to let her
go....

While the two lovers were reunited again the white legend watched with wary
eyes of glowing green the heap of red scales laying not far off in the
dirt. With rage filling her soul the red dragon rose and formed a ball of
red fire in her throat. At the same moment Escaflowne formed a ball of
white fire in the back of his throat. Hitomi and Van turned to see the
shining balls growing in the dragon's mouth and gasped at what was about to
happen. Without even a moment to wait Van pushed his lover to the ground
and placed his body over her protecting her from the coming explosion. As
his wings spread open and covered them he shouted, "Watch Out!"

After the those words caught onto the wind the two dragons released their
fires and let them streak through the air. Within moments of the release
the two burning shots crashed into each. For a split second you were able
to see the two fires mingle together, where red and white flames swirled
together making a single ball of fire, before the two shots caused a
chemical reaction to occur and an explosion erupted. At the force of the
explosion the two dragons where thrown backwards sending up dust and smoke.
The wind raged at the sudden explosion sending bits of earth to land on the
two angels. Van held on a little tighter to his lover as their eyes closed
shut trying to keep the dust from their eyes. Their white wings had to be
flatten against the earth so the wind wouldn't sweep them up in the sudden
rush.

As the dust began to settle the two lovers slowly opened their eyes and sat
up so they might see the results of the explosion. There were still clouds
of smoke swirling around the battle site and so the couple could only wait
till the smoke lifted. It didn't take long though for the two dragons
rushed out from behind the smoke and lunged at each other. Soon the battle
was raging once again......

Shakaku swung her tail and hit the white dragon hard in the side sending
him flying. Automatically the white legend let out his wings and charged
the red dragon. Escaflowne brought his tail down on the female's back
causing her to roughly hit the dirt. Before she could rise another streak
of white fire shot through the air hitting her hard in the back. Her eyes
winced in pain as she brought her eyes to focus on the attacker. Above her
in the air floated the white lizard as he brought down his flames. The
white dragon refused to cease fire and shot the white flames in a
continuous flow against the red legend's back not allowing her to rise. As
the flames of white fire smashed into her back scales tearing at her flesh
she desperately tried to get up, but the force was so strong that she
barely could stand without falling. Her scales of glittering jewels were
literally torn from her skin from the intense pressure and revealed soft
unprotected flesh. Red blood began to pour from her injury and sweep over
the rest of her scales. Her red head reared up in pain as she howled into
the sky. Her claws of black bone dug into the earth as the unbearable wave
of pain hit. Shakaku's eyes slid shut in a wince as she clenched her jaws
together trying to endure the suffering. She couldn't take much more of
this.....

Using all her strength she brought up her wings in a wall of red leathery
skin trying to protect herself from the flames of the white inferno. At
first it seemed her wings acted like a sufficient barrier, but after a few
moments of torture the white fire torn through one of her wings creating a
large hole. With this new entrance the fire was able to seep through and
once again hit the red dragon's bloody back. The red dragon snarled angrily
as she realized she could do nothing except surrender. Shakaku lifted her
head weakly and bugled a call of defeat in hope he might let up. At the
sound of her call of surrender the white legend closed his mouth causing
white flames to lick at his lips at the sudden closure.

Escaflowne's glowing eyes watched the injured dragon carefully, not quite
ready to let his guard go down. His muscles rippled under the thousands of
tiny scales filled with white jewels. The beautiful wings that stretched
from the scales on his back were out at full length trying to show his
adversary that if she dared to attack again she was going against a strong
male. His long and powerful tail twisted behind his heavy form like a
stinger ready to strike at any moment. The sharp claws that protruded from
his white digits dug into the earth giving him the possible friction he
might need if he necessarily had to hold his ground in the moment of an
attack.

The red dragon legend know as Shakaku slowly gathered her limbs and stood
weakly. As she brought herself to her full stance of a stand she brought
her wings of holes to fold against her back. The sharp claws she held
slowly relaxed showing no signs of a threat. Her large tail laid on the
ground running over the soft dirt slowly back and forth. Her red eyes
stared at the white male with sudden interest confusing her opponent.

Shakaku was an old dragon who was at least two billion years old and in the
many years of her life she had never met another dragon who she could not
defeat. Yet here stood one of her own kind that had defeated her with ease.
The thought of another dragon beating her brought rage to her soul, but it
also caused curiosity to run through her lava blood. Heres stood, possibly,
the only being who could ever defeat her. The thought intrigued her.....
never before had she lost a battle.....until this day when the white legend
came to her home and interrupted her sleep..... This beast had caught her
attention and now he had gotten respect from her. No one had ever achieved
that......Perhaps she would allow them safe passage through her land of
fire......But if they should so much as harm her land she would bring down
such great torment on their lives that they wish that she had killed
them.....

With a turn of her head towards the sky she gave a roar and then leapt into
the air. Escaflowne watched with uncertainty as the red dragon soared
towards the live volcano. She flew a little disoriented because of her
injured wing, but she was able to make her way back to her home. His
glowing green eyes soften as he saw the red legend cast a backwards glance
towards the group. Her eyes glowed with pride as she watched the white
legend stare after her. Perhaps he would return again and then they would
fight once, but for now.....let him pass with his companions.....she would
give him that......so let him take it.....

She circled the mouth of the volcano one last time as she gave a finally
roar of farewell towards the white legend before plunging once again into
the depths of the earth.....

Hitomi shakily rose from her position with the help of Van and dusted off
the dust from her clothes. As he watched her remove the dirt he couldn't
help, but feel the need to hold her. The young royal forced himself to hold
back though for she was busy with cleaning herself off and did not wish to
interrupt her, but when those emerald eyes turned towards him he could no
longer hold back. His tan arms went around her protectively giving into his
crave of her presence. The young woman smiled and brought her arms of pale
skin to wrap around his neck. Their cheeks met each other as their eyes
slid shut enjoying the feel of the warm embrace. It always made her feel so
much better to be in held in his strong arms.....

After several moments of the embrace Van pulled away and looked deeply into
his fiancé's eyes.

"Do you mind never doing that again?....." he asked playfully as he looked
deep into her soul. Hitomi's soft laugh was like beautiful bells ringing in
the air. Her green emeralds looked up twinkling playfully back.

"Where ever you go I go, Van......" she replied affectionately as she
brushed away a few of his stray ebony locks from his rubies, "I rather die
than let you leave my side....."

He placed his forehead against hers as he whispered, "Than you know exactly
how I would feel if I ever lost you......"

Hitomi felt a smile form over her face as she continued to stare in to his
charming eyes. Oh, how she always felt like she was dancing in the clouds
when she looked into those firery depths.....

They stayed like that in silence holding each other......... indulging in
the joy of their happiness. Neither knowing that somewhere within the dark
skys forming over Gaea lurked Kusari who was watching everything from his
dark throne room.....His eyes of blue ice glinted happily as he stared at
his blue sphere. They were growing extremely close to their destination.
Soon the gate leading to the Mystic Valley would be reopened and he would
achieve his goal.......And the seeress had no idea what would soon
occur......

















~How did you readers like this chapter? Come on and tell me! Please
R&R!!!!!!!!~
~Okay the next chapter is going to be probably the final chapter before the
entering of the Mystic Valley. After chapter 21 it's going to get really
interesting! So keep an eye out for updates!~
~The next update will probably be late Monday or Tuesday if not sooner!~