Another Vision of Escaflowne
Disclaimer: Usual disclaimers apply regarding Tenkuu no Escaflowne. The following is an Original Escaflowne fanfiction / fanart. The story, new characters and events are our own creation. Any resemblance with any other fanwork is purely coincidental.
Author : Celena
Editor: Bellsandy
Illustrator: Bellsandy
~~ Delight in the Experience : http://bellsandi.tripod.com/AVE/index.html ~~
~~ Immerse yourself in the Experience : here ~~
:::: Author's note ::::
P-A, DanceGoddess, Ash, KetaSama… and all of you out there, Thank you. This is a thrilling experience and I very much enjoy writing this Saga.
Well, this is it. The quest for the Tomes begin. Hitomi is summoning Van… will he find her?
Please note that the 5 new main characters' pictures and info can be found at the link mentioned above. There is one illustration within chapter 7 posted at that link, and there will soon be one in chapter 8. But I request your aid in this matter. Looks like BellSandy has a hard time choosing from the many scenes of this chapter… Will you be so kind and email me to vote for the scene you wish to see? Let us see if we can not be of some assistance to this wonderful artist…
:::: Celena ::::
Episode VIII
Revelations
The day of the journey had finally arrived. Celena was slowly walking in the courtyard, heading for the airships docking area. She was casually leaning on a fancy wooden carved cane, which the Royal Healer had obliged her to take along.
"It will at least show others you are injured, and prevent any further accidents" he had told her, comprehending she was not very delighted to resort to it.
She was wearing her usual Asturian wardrobe, a long, sleeveless, soft rosy gown with white and blue laces in the back. She had put on long gloves that reached her elbows, and were the same blue as the laces of her dress. Over her gown, she wore a dark crimson cape to protect her from the morning breeze. Which she thought was absolutely pointless, since the air in Fanelia was now warm and summery. She looked up to the crystal blueness of the sky and sighed. The contrast with the lush green of the Fanelian forest was astounding; the two shades of color honoring each other with glory as their gentle radiance seemed to gleam over the land. She was not accustomed to such scenery. Where she came from, the blue sky met the blue sea… She took in a deep breath and savored the perfumed, humid air. It was very different from Palace's fragrance. She enjoyed the variance and smiled.
Celena gazed around. The courtyard was almost empty, only a few samurais were talking aside the castle and two Guymelefs seemed to be patrolling the area near the castle's gates. She soon reached the landing platform. It wasn't very large for most Fanelians did not make use of leviships and the King himself only had a very modest one. It still could welcome three or four airships at a time and larger grounds, outside the castle's gates, were used as harbor for extra airships and Guymelefs.
She hopped gently down the few steps to the docking area, glad to see her wound didn't discomfort her as much as it did days before. Viewing her brother's familiar leviship, she strolled past some of the Crusade's crewmembers who whistled teasingly to her. She smiled to them, knowing the uncouth looking goons had good hearts and were loyal to her brother and their country.
"You want help to get on Lady Celena?" asked the largest among them, gazing at the cane she was holding.
"No, it's okay, Kio. This thing is just for hitting on you guys if you ever get too soft on me!" she replied, shooing him away with her cane.
The crewmembers who witnessed this burst into a raw laughter and watched the 6'6" huge man being driven away by the delicate Schezar female.
Celena boarded the ship and headed for her quarters. The Crusade had almost been completely rebuilt after the Great War, having been severely damaged during the last battle. She knew the area she was staying in was entirely new and the soft wooden walls still smelled of the essence of the outdoors. She reached her room and took off her cloak. She looked through the small porthole and saw her brother inspecting the ship. Her heart made a flip-flop when she saw the man standing next to him. She gazed at them for a moment, her heart beating at the thought of speaking with him again. He was very handsome, and she didn't know of his feelings for her, but he had always been very kind and considerate toward her. She hoped nothing had changed.
She turned and left the small room, she walked through the small corridor and headed outside. She met up with Allen, who was now about to enter the ship, alone. Celena glanced around, frowning as she understood her brother was not with company anymore.
"Celena! How are you? Are you ready to leave?" Allen smiled to her and she could not ignore his charm. She had wanted to stay angry as long as possible with him after he had refused her aid in the quest for the Tomes. But had miserably failed. She looked down to her elegant brother who was still standing on the ground, waiting for her to exit the passageway to enter the airship.
"I am feeling strong, dear brother, I am ready to leave when you are." she replied kindly, smiling to him.
"It won't be long, don't go too far…" Allen warned her, entering the vessel now that she had hopped down.
"I won't, do not worry…" she answered absentmindedly. She started walking around the Crusade, wondering where he had left to… She ignored the crewmembers as they watched her search for him, wondering what the Schezar beauty was looking for. She strolled with gracefulness, despite her injury and the fact she had left the cane on her bed.
Her heart tightened when she got to the back of the airship. The large hatch to the storage area was wide open. Through it she could see Scherazade had been repaired and was kneeling next to the far wall. What really took her breath away was the sight of the Ispano Guymelef. Its prominence washing over her as memories surged in her mind, recollections of battling with all her might, all her hatred and anger with the glorious armor. The sentiments overwhelmed her and she leaned against the ship as the giant's stare seemed to defiantly mock her. She could not hear the crewmembers laughter and exclamations. She was surrounded in blankness.
Escaflowne was looking over her, from the middle of the loading bay, its shining alloy well rested on an overlarge dais. It actually looked like the lord of the place and sickness came to her when remembering the loathing and revulsion she had once felt so deeply towards the dragon resting before her.
She fell to her knees and brought a hand to her throat, certain she was about to be ill as the nausea enveloped her in self-denial. She closed her eyes and put her other hand to the ground for stability. As darkness was slowly encircling her, she felt strong arms envelop her and she was soon embraced in warmth. She smiled at the familiar scent, thanking the Gods it was not her brother that had found her in such a piteous state. She gathered her strength and opened her eyes to meet his. She wanted to show him she was all right, that he did not need to fret with her reaction towards his Guymelef. Saddened that this was the first time they confronted each other since the evening at the lagoon, she realized she wouldn't have the capability to say what she had promised herself to clear up as soon as she would see him again. She gazed into his worried eyes.
"It's alright, Van." she murmured, faintly smiling before losing consciousness.
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"No!"
It was more a command than an answer and Merle frowned.
"Lord Van, please!! I want to come! Please take me with you!" she begged.
The Fanelian King was leaving today and he had wanted to take the time to bid her farewell properly. Taking some time alone with her was the best way of manifesting his affection. They had mounted their beasts and had left riding early in the morning, to watch the sunrise from the valley. The trip had been a silent one, for she was not sure of the right way of presenting her wish, knowing the young King would refuse her.
They had watched the pink, then orange, then yellow sun ascend in the horizon, the dark purple sky becoming buoyant with softer shades of colors. She had locked her arm in his and had rested her head to his shoulder, savoring his closeness. He had sighed heavily, reaching yet again for something under his shirt, but his hand met fabric, nothing else.
"Lord Van..." she had whispered to herself, wondering if he would ever get over the Mystic Moon girl's departure.
They had then mounted once more their horse-like animals and were now riding slowly towards the Capital. She had kept silent and Van knew this was suspicious. He also understood she was very dispirited to see him leave. He had so wanted to cheer her up. When the question was asked, his answer had been harsher than intended, but he remained firm in his decision. He did not wish to have her harmed or in his way. Knowing her in the castle's safety was more essential to him than the joy of her company on his long journey.
"Merle, I do not wish for you to get hurt..." he replied more smoothly.
"I wont! I'll stay out of the way Lord Van. I won't be a bother I promise!" she answered with a hopeful gleam in her eyes.
"I'm sorry Merle, but the answer is no." he said, closing his eyes.
He did not understand what she had said afterwards, anger coloring her words and the hooves of her mount completely covering her voice as she dashed as fast as she could in front of him. He let her go, knowing better than trying to hold back an angry kitten. He looked up to the moons and sighed once more.
"Hitomi, give me strength…" he implored softly.
He then gave a swift kick on each side of his mount with his heels, increasing the animal's pace to a quick trot.
Van felt the wind glide through his untamed coal hair. The morning air was refreshing and aromatized with the scent of the trees and the wilderness. He breathed in as much as he could and only stopped when he felt his lungs were about to burst. He looked up the bluish sky. Dazed with the twin moons, he grunted in frustration as flashes of Hitomi and Celena shuffled in his head. The two seemed to be smiling, then laughing at him. Celena was pointing at him and covering her mouth as Hitomi's features saddened as she looked away.
"Hitomi… please…" he thought, seeing her run away from him.
"Hitomi I'm sorry!" he yelled to the wind as he pushed the beast under him even harder.
When Van arrived at the stables, Merle was not waiting for him. He sighed heavily. He wished for Merle's support and was very annoyed with her reaction. He was concerned for her safety! She should be pleased! He did not have the time or the interest to play her little silly games. He frowned and headed for the airships docking area. Allen would be there, making the final preparations for the journey. He would look things over with him and leave. Whether he saw Merle before he left or not.
As Van neared the Crusade, the loud laughter and voices of Allen's men reached his ears and he smiled at the familiar sound. Those dogs would lighten his mood. When he got closer to them, they got to their feet ad welcomed him. Not as a King would expect to be curtsied, but still, showing more respect then they usually did. Van understood they had trouble picturing him as a sovereign; he was so young and had lived so many adventures with them, who could blame them?
"Your Highness, good to see you again.." said the little one with the red bandana Van remembered to be Reeden. The others exclaimed their merriment and greeted him with pranks and taps on his shoulder. Van wasn't sure if he had detected a note of mockery in their comments but was still glad they accepted him fully as one of their own. He was even a little surprised at his good reaction to their comments. He would have never tolerated such behavior in his presence before Hitomi…
Van left the men to their discussions and headed for the Crusade's loading bay, wanting to make sure Escaflowne was settled and ready to go. When he arrived behind the airship, his blood froze in his veins. The sight in front of him awakened a fear he had learned to ignore.
Dilandau.
The silver hair boy was standing still, as in a deep trance, gazing at the armor sitting in the middle of the loading bay. He brought an arm to the side of the ship for, what seemed to Van, support. He then collapsed to the ground, bringing a hand to his throat. Only then did Van realize, considering the curves on the boy's body, that it was not Dilandau, but Celena. But she was different, her hair was lighter and she bared a scar on her right cheek.
He hurried to her side and got to his knees. Yes, it was Celena. Fragile, warm. He took her in his arms and stared at the wound on her cheek. It was not as long and deep as Dilandau's was, but it was there. A reminder of who she had been. Who she was. Van's eyebrows knitted together as he felt her struggling to open her eyes. When she did, he saw the shame in them and scolded himself for having doubted her.
"It's alright, Van." she murmured, faintly smiling before losing consciousness.
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Allen observed his white owl come soaring from the Fanelian forest and land on the Crusade's high watch post. He grinned to this. The bird always knew when the time to leave was near. When arriving in Fanelia, it had immediately left to explore the woods and was now returning to be part of the adventure. He marveled at his pet's fidelity and whistled to it, inviting it down. The owl obeyed right away and glided towards him on the solid ground, softly landing on the knight's extended arm, flapping its wings to moderate its descent.
Allen brought his other arm up and carefully stroked Natal's head with his gloved hand.
"What a splendid creature" said a delicate voice behind him.
Allen turned and his cerulean eyes met lavish purple ones.
"Priestess," he greeted, bowing and taking her hand in his for a kiss, causing the great bird to spread its wings and fly to a more stable post. Lyla's eyes followed the animal, nervously attempting to ignore Allen's warm touch.
"So you and the Advisor will be joining us after all?" Allen inquired, lifting his gaze to hers.
"Indeed, we seem not able to find the Tome that is said to be hidden within the castle's walls…" she replied, taking her hand from his.
"Who exactly said one of the Tomes was even here?" Allen wondered out loud.
"This question I can not answer. You must trust me with that information." she told him softly.
"I trust you…" he murmured, but knew she could hear.
"ALLEN!" screamed a young yet commanding voice from the other end of the airship.
Allen reacted to the King's alarmed voice as if a jolt of electricity had gone through him. He softly urged Lyla aside and ran towards the scream at the back of the Crusade. He heard his men's footsteps behind him and halted abruptly when he saw his sister's unconscious form in Van's arms.
The King was walking towards him, a deep frown on his face. He met Allen's eyes and looked down to Celena. Allen followed his gaze and gasped. It looked like Dilandau, but it was not him. He rushed to Van and took Celena from his arms. At the change of warmth Celena stirred. She slowly opened her eyes and met ones filled with love and concern. Tears of embarrassment came to her eyes.
"Brother, I am so sorry…" she whispered gently to him.
"Hush…" he replied, bringing her close and burying his face in her hair. Relief washed over him to see she was alright.
"I can stand." she told him, trying to retreat from his comforting embrace.
He reluctantly put her on her feet, but held her close to him for support. The crewmembers were now all around them, Van in the middle of the crowd. They were all silent, trying to understand how she had gotten that scar and why her hair seemed a lighter blond then before. She smiled to them, even while feeling the deep blush coming over her cheeks.
"Now what are you all staring at?" she asked trying to seem as detached as possible. "Go on, get doing what you scumbags usually do!" she ordered them, being more firm and sure of herself.
"Okay guys, you heard the Lady. Don't want her getting that stick of hers and hitting on us do we?" said a persuasive, masculine voice coming from behind the assembled crewmembers.
Celena's heart froze at the sound of his voice. He was there! He knew about her cane? Had he witnessed this? She blushed some more when the group turned to the Fanelian King who, himself, turned to see who had ordered the crew to scatter.
The tall man was wearing his long brown boots, his gray pants and long sleeved white shirt. He had on his green vest with armor plate on his heart. He had his trusted sword on his left hip and had his arms crossed over his chest as he scolded his men.
"Ah Sarge! We just wanted to make sure Lady Celena was okay…" the second largest man known as Pyle muttered.
"Good. Now you know she is, so get your ugly faces out of her view!" the second in command ordered, smiling widely.
The crew obeyed his order and walked away in silence. As he came closer, Celena melted under his smiling expression. He was looking from Allen to her with questioning eyes. Relieved to see he did not know what had happened, she smiled back to him and looked up to her brother with pleading eyes, imploring him not to tell.
"Lady Celena…" Gadeth greeted, taking her delicate hand in his and brushing it with his lips. "Is everything alright? What happened?" he then inquired, looking up to meet her gaze and turning to Allen for answers.
Allen sighed and smiled reassuringly to his kin. He did not understand her distress, he had been certain she had a nice relationship with the Sergeant and wondered why she did not want him to know.
"It's okay, Gadeth. Go see our men and tell them we are leaving. There is no reason to stay any longer." Allen replied simply, avoiding the questions.
Gadeth gave a suspicious glance to Celena before shrugging and leaving in the opposite direction.
"King Fanel!" he simply greeted, as he passed by the King, who was standing next to Lyla. Van nodded to him and looked back to Allen and Celena. The last seemed very tense and Van fought the urge to smile condescendingly to her, knowing too well the burden it was to hide a part of what you are…
Lyla walked up to the pair and put her arms around Celena, glancing at Allen for his approval. He let his sister go and watched the two women walk slowly towards the front of the airship. Celena avoided Van's stare and silently gave thanks to Lyla for her help. Both men watched them leave in silence. Only once Celena was in the Crusade did Allen sigh heavily.
"What happened Van?" he finally asked.
"I'm not sure, I found her staring at Escaflowne, and I think it might have triggered this…" Van replied emotionlessly.
"Why? Why Escaflowne and not you?" Allen asked.
"I don't know. She had been programmed to hate me, but most of the time we fought in our armors…"
"You think seeing the armor did this to her? Did you see the scar?" Allen questioned.
Van grunted. It was HE who had inflicted that wound. It was much more discreet now, but it still was there! On Celena's soft figure. He cursed himself and hoped the scar could disappear. But something told him it was there to stay.
"Well, probably. I mean, it's as if Dilandau had resurfaced for a brief moment, long enough to leave a trace of his passage…" Van replied ruefully.
Allen's shoulders drooped for an instant and he then held himself tall again. Van identified his friend's unaffected mask and shrugged himself. There was nothing either could do.
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As the crewmembers boarded the leviship, Van greeted Lyle who had just arrived on the docking area. He noticed the uneasy expression on his advisor's face and took him aside to find out what he had to tell him.
"We just received a missive from Basram" Lyle told Van, quickly unfolding a parchment and handing it to him.
"What is the meaning of this?" Van inquired after reading the message, anger rising his voice a notch. "They are declaring war on Fanelia??"
"It's a warning, Sire. A very serious warning…" Lyle answered smoothly. "They know nothing of our quest, so all they see is various countries preparing for a possible confrontation…"
"I'm going to Basram." Van announced, folding back the paper and heading back towards the castle.
"You mustn't!" Lyle exclaimed from behind, following the King closely.
"And why not? I am the King of this country! I will not endanger its people because of some dull misunderstanding with another sovereign!"
"It could be a trap!" Lyle warned him.
"I don't care! I refuse to let another war break out!" Van retorted abruptly as he whirled around to face his advisor, his eyes flaming with anger.
Lyle did not back away and held his ground. "You cannot go. If you leave, Shitarr and Kyara will surely hold you captive and use you for the ceremony of redemption! Nothing will save Fanelia if that happens!" Lyle added coolly.
Van kept silent and sealed his hands into tight fists. Closing his eyes, he pondered what he was to do.
"There is nothing honorable or useful about hastily rushing into Basram's grip, Lord Van. There are other ways." Lyle added calmly.
The Fanelian King opened his eyes and looked up to meet Lyle's gaze. "What do you suggest?" he asked more softly, still grinding his teeth.
"Send another missive. A White Messenger of peace. Explain the Quest to the King. Surely he awaits your reaction to his message. Perhaps Shitarr and Kyara won't take the risk in stopping the missive from getting to the King. He would definitely suspect something if he did not hear from you. Shitarr and Kyara probably need to use him in the future, so they might let the messenger through…"
"And if they don't?" the King asked sullenly.
"We'll see to it then…" Lyle replied, focusing on the most important thing to his eyes, keeping the Fanelian King as far away as possible from Shitarr and Kyara.
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The young, newly high-ranked soldier was leaning against the wall of the Basram Royal training arena, supervising the many men training with different types of blades, whips, bows, arrows and staffs. He had watched the men practice all morning and the few that had caught his eye had proven to be disappointing when challenged by him. Of course, he was much more skilled then they, and he had to keep that in mind when evaluating them. One new member of the Basram military was now captivating his senses. A woman! In the army! She didn't even seem older then he did! Short sandy hair, looked like a boy really. Her sword technique was more then acceptable! She had fought off all of the huge morons who had had the stupid idea to jeer at her. She added feminine grace to her movements, which compensated for her lacking in strength.
He sneered at the soldiers who cowered away after a few strikes, not even man enough to finish off the combat they had initiated. He laughed even harder at the ones who did and got the shit beaten out of them. When she was finally done with the last who had challenged her, he followed her to the canteen, several decks away. He approached her silently from behind, she was drinking water in the front of the huge room. She gripped her long dull blade with her right hand as she swallowed the chilled liquid. Her chest and shoulders were heaving up and down with every breath she took. Gewel slowly, silently unsheathed his own shining blade and halted only at an arm's length behind her. He brought his sword up as she put the empty glass down on the table and waited for her to turn before attacking. He was now going to find out just how good she was.
The girl surprised him as she whirled around and he had to block a powerful blow directed for his neck. Face to face she glared at him with her Cimmerian eyes and Gewel was surprised to see no pupil. Only large dark orbs.
"What do you want?" the girl hissed, eyeing his black and white crest, understanding his rank.
"To play a little game." Gewel answered smirking, impressed with the force she pushed her blade against his, inches away from him.
"I'll show you my game!" she shouted, taking a step back and bringing her sword to his side, forcing Gewel to lower his for protection, blocking her second move. Gewel smiled inwardly as many other precise hits came, each with grace and swiftness. He blocked each with ease, but knew most would not have.
He watched her hardened, concentrated expression. She did not seem to be giving all she had. Was it because of who he was? He had noticed the way she had glanced to his chest, and spotted the gold-rimmed emblem of the Basram High Commanders. Well if she wasn't trying now, she was about to. He swiftly blocked her attack to his right and pushed her hard with his own sword, sending her to the ground. He read the surprise in her eyes, but a second later it was gone. She leaped into the air, back-flipped and landed on one of the many stone tables. The canteen was very large, able to feed at least two hundred men at a time. Several stone tables had been placed in two rows. A long passageway between them allowed the soldiers to circulate from the entrance of the canteen to the front, where the food was served.
Gewel joined her and jumped on the table next to the one she was on. He attacked her with intensity and vaulted into the air, approaching her. He was satisfied to see she wouldn't dodge his blow. She was holding her ground and actually sprinting toward him, her blade pointing in his direction. The sharp edged metals collided together with energy and bluish sparks flew to the ground. They continued on for several minutes, Gewel detecting the technique she was using and the way she mastered it. The Commander jumped to the next table and felt her presence close behind him. He calculated his move and dodged her coming blow and sent his own hard strike down upon her. She greeted his hit with her sword and then jumped high in the air, knowing several repeated strikes would give him the advantage. Gewel watched her gracious almost cat-like form leap into the air, her body facing him, eyes not leaving his. He let her retreat and watched her steady foot land three tables away.
Gewel sheathed his sword and crossed his arms in front of his chest. He watched the girl heavily inhaling and glare suspiciously at him. He observed her stance, ready for an assault that he was not going to deliver. She was rapidly catching her breath, still holding her sword high, ready for an attack. Her light brown hair was damp with sweat, her lips curved into a smirk of disdain. Her dark eyes seemed to drink him in, seemed to be as deep as the seas.
"You will be Captain on my team of Dragon Slayers" Gewel simply said.
Her shock was evident, and this made him smile. Realizing she had passed what had just been his qualification test, she relaxed slightly and brought her sword down.
"Tell me your name, girl." he demanded flatly.
"Kuumei, Sir." the girl replied, plainly, knowing her time had come to bow on one knee.
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Van was leaning on the wall of the Crusade's deck, watching Celena gaze over the Fanelian forests bellow. She had insisted she felt well enough to stay in the control room and was now standing in front of the large bay windows, gazing at the scenery before her. Lyle and Lyla were standing on one side of the room, close to Kio who was expertly navigating the airship towards its homeland. Gadeth was softly talking with them, his arms crossed and glancing often to the Lady Schezar with questioning and concerned eyes. Allen was standing tall in the middle of the place, in front of Kio and the rudder. His arms were to his side and he too was gazing solemnly at the scenery, lost deeply in his thoughts.
The wind was blowing harder than usual and one might expect a storm, but the sky was limpid and the horizon clear. Van closed his eyes and thought of the past weeks since he had been on the Mystic Moon. So much had happened. He was joining what could be Gaea's final conflict. He wondered if Hitomi really was the other Keeper and secretly wished she was. It would allow him to see her again. He looked up to Celena. Did she bear feelings for him? He knew he did not. But how to tell her? Van scowled and regretted the kiss he had shared with her, feeling untrue towards Hitomi. He suddenly felt very heavy and felt his soul surrounded by darkness and as he could no longer see or hear what was going on in the control room, he felt Hitomi's presence.
"Why? Why do I feel like this? There is nothing between Hitomi and me…" Van thought closing his eyes again. Seeing Hitomi's sadden expression once more.
"I needed you… you weren't there for me…" she said gloomily to him.
"When? When was I not there for you?" he asked the shadowed figure before him.
Hitomi's form vanished and was replaced by darkness again.
"Why do you not answer her calling?" a soothing feminine voice inquired.
"Who's there?" Van demanded dryly, hating not being able to see who was addressing him. He then gasped as the spirit of his mother materialized before him in her blue dress with wide pink and red bow in the front. Her wings were hidden and she was standing only meters away from him. She was looking down on him with caring eyes, full of love and pride for the son she had left behind so many years ago.
"Mo…Mother?" Van breathed, unsure if she was real or not.
Varie smiled warmly to him. What a handsome man he had become. So strong and bright for his age. It was unfortunate that such young shoulders had to be burdened with such a fate.
"Hitomi is calling you, my son. Why are you not responding? She needs you… as you need her."
Van was taken aback by his mother's words but knew better than question her wisdom. A mixture of wonder and amazement filled his heart as he tried to understand what his mother was doing here now. She had appeared several times to Hitomi, who had visions. But never to him. Only when he was in the Mystic Valley had he had the chance to see his mother, and only very briefly. Why was she here now?
"Mother… what is happening to Gaea?" he questioned, his tone full of concern for his world and its inhabitants.
"Be valiant, my son. Trust Lyle and Lyla, for they will help you with the burdens to come. Find Hitomi, Van. Find her before it is too late."
"Find her? But she won't answer me! I've tried mother!"
"No Van, You have focused on her world. Not on her…"
Van furrowed his eyebrows, trying to understand his mother's words.
"You must concentrate on her Van, not on her possible emplacement. What if she is not where you believe her to be?"
Van's eyes went wide in comprehension. Whenever he had tried to summon Hitomi, he had pictured her in her world, on the Mystic Moon.
"Where…. Where is she mother?" Van almost choked on the words.
Varie smiled to him, knowing he had understood.
"Find her Van, before it is too late…" with her words, Varie disappeared into the darkness which also faded away, letting Van gaze at the floor of the Crusade's deck.
Van lifted his gaze and grasped the fact that Allen, Celena, and the crew had not noticed the building sweat, heavy breathing, and worried expression on his face. But Lyle and Lyla had. They were both staring at him with pleading eyes. When he made a movement to go to the loading bay, they both rushed to his side, Lyle blocking the way and Lyla holding his arm, surprising Van with her strength.
"No." Lyle commanded.
Allen and the others turned, amazed by the sight.
"I must, Lyle. Let me through." Van ordered, wondering if they knew what he was about to do.
"Lord Van," pleaded Lyla "If you go it could give the upper hand to Shitarr and Kyara if they have you both! Please, stay with us!"
"How could you ask this of me? Are you are telling me she is with them?" Van barked, yanking away his arm from Lyla's hard grip.
"We know no such thing, but you must stay far from Shitarr and Kyara Your Majesty, for your people and Gaea's future!" Lyle added, not budging from where he stood, blocking the small corridor to where the guymelefs were stored.
At this point Allen and Gadeth had reached the trio.
"What is going on here?" Allen asked. Not receiving an answer, he gave a knowing look to Gadeth, giving him the signal to interfere if necessary. "Priest, move out of the way, I will not tolerate my guests to act so bluntly with the King."
"Allen, you don't understand…" Lyla said to him softly, putting a hand on his left arm, noticing he had his hand on the hilt of his sword. Hearing her name him without his title pleased him, but knew it was a trick to better get her way.
"Priestess, explain what is going on and let us help." Allen replied smoothly.
Lyla looked up to Lyle, and then to Van. Both kept glaring at each other with utter obstinacy. She knew Lyle would surely use his powers in order to keep Gaea safe, even if it was against the Fanelian King.
"Let him go, Lyle." she implored him with her mind.
"No! We can't allow him to do something as stupid as this." Lyle answered back with his mind, his eyes narrowing on the King's.
"There's nothing we can do at this point, the prophecies are happening Lyle! Look at Allen!" she begged him with her thoughts.
Lyle reluctantly removed his hard glare from Van to turn to the Knight. Having had no answers, Allen had unsheathed his sword and was pointing it towards Lyle's throat. Recollection of a passage from the readings he had had with Lyla, Kyara and Shitarr came back to him "…and the defenders shall protect the keepers from the Guides themselves if their lives or reunion is menaced…"
"Priest, if you will not tell us what is going on, I'll appreciate it if you move out of the way and let the King pass." Allen commanded, his hand steady as his hard stare watched for Lyle's reaction.
Lyle frowned and quickly glanced to his twin. Her eyes were filled with unshed tears and distress, understanding too well they were playing the first act of what would lead to the resurrection of the Atlanteans on Gaea.
"Don't worry, Lyla. Let us have faith in the young King, so we shall let him have his way, find the seeress and return to us." Lyle told her with his thoughts, smiling softly now.
Lyla smiled warmly to him, nodding. This was written, let it happen. Together the keepers were stronger, they would free themselves of Shitarr and Kyara if they ever encountered trouble. Lyle turned to Allen and harden his expression.
"The Fanelian King wishes to leave us, reawaken Escaflowne and go out looking for the Keeper." he told the Knight coolly.
Allen gasped and turned his gaze to Van, who was now ready to push over Lyle to get to the loading bay.
"Is this true Van? You wish to search for Hitomi? Where are you going to look for her?" Allen demanded, not lowering his sword.
"I believe she is already on Gaea Allen. She has been for several weeks. I need to find her before she gets harmed. I wish to bring her back to us. I wish to protect her." Van replied, still looking at Lyle.
Allen slowly lowered his blade, unsure of the proper way to treat the matter. He couldn't go with Van. He needed to escort Celena home… He turned to his sister, who was still standing near the large bay windows, gazing at him with troubled eyes. Allen knew he would never be able to stop Van from trying to find Hitomi.
"Alright then, go. But find her quickly and return soon." he finally agreed.
"Brother no! What if something happens? We should all go…" Celena started but was quickly interrupted.
"WE are going to Asturia Celena." Allen said, not at all amused Celena would try to use the subject to try and get her way.
Celena knew better than to argue and dropped the matter, for now. She quickly glanced to Gadeth who was intently watching Lyle, staying alert for any kind of hostility from this stranger. Lyle waited for Allen to look back at him before slowly moving out of the way.
Van rushed passed him without giving him another thought. He ran in the corridor, passing by several crewmembers who wondered where he was going in such a hurry. They soon followed when they realized the Commander and Sarge as long as several others were all running behind him. Van reached the storage area and jumped on Escaflowne's knee. He opened a small panel from its chest and took out the pinkish drag-energist from the small compartment. He plunged it into the Ispano guymelef's large rose gem and watched as Escaflowne's heart pounded slowly, then stronger and more steadily.
When Allen and the others reached the loading bay, Van had already awakened Escaflowne and was settled in the pilot's cabin, rising the melef to its feet.
"Wait, Van! Tell us where you're going to look for her!" Allen shouted.
But Van did not give any answer. His thoughts were focused on one thing alone. Finding Hitomi. The large doors to the loading bay opened, sending a gushing wind throughout the storage area. Celena gripped her brother for stability and Lyla did the same with the closest crewmember who happened to be Gadeth. Escaflowne leaped into the air and transformed into its flight mode, metamorphosing into a magnificent white dragon. Van stood tall on its back, pulling hard on the handles to guide the splendid guymelef towards an unknown goal. The others watched him go as the colossal beast grew smaller and smaller as it got further.
"It will now happen…" thought Lyla.
"There are other ways to stop Shitarr, Lyla. Do not fret" thought Lyle back as he watched the Fanelian King's figure far away.
"Hold on, Hitomi! I'm coming!" Van thought as he pulled once more on the handles to give Escaflowne more altitude against the hard blowing wind. He closed his eyes and pictured her in his mind. Her lovely eyes, her bright smile, her strong will… He focused on her spirit, calling out to it. He was rewarded with a vision of darkness, with the pendant swinging towards his left. Van opened his eyes and looked to his left. His heart skipped a beat.
"Lyle knew…" he thought angrily as he turned his melef to his left, heading towards Basram.
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Clouds were gathering over the capital of the Basram Empire. Lighting inspirited their dark forms and was followed by a low, distant resounding rumble. A young soldier mounted on his horse-like beast and dashed through the city streets to get to the Castle's Royal Shrine. When arriving at the Royal gates, he motioned for the guards to open them and let him enter. He quickly dismounted and ran towards the building on the right of the castle, entering the dusk lighted Temple. He walked hastily to the front of the large room. It was a building made of cold stone and few windows let the mellow rays of the sun enter to heat and light the place. Only one row of 5 stoned benches allowed the Royal family to sit when they would come for prayer. The only brightness came from the few candles lit here and there on the floor, guiding the way towards the alter. There, a shadowed figure sat on a large bronze chair, in the darkness, in complete silence. Only a soft glow radiating from one of the shadow's hands allowed the soldier to confirm the person was really sitting there. He bent on one knee.
"Priestess, a White Messenger has arrived from Fanelia, as you predicted" the soldier whispered, out of breath.
"Really, so soon… How interesting… Is he at the City gates?" the feminine figure inquired, bringing her left hand to her right, gently caressing the large stone of the ring she wore on her finger.
The soldier was intrigued by the brightness of the stone, as it turned from dim purple to a discrete glowing crimson. It was as if some cyclone was trapped in the large gem and the more she stroked it, the brighter the aura became.
"Yes My Lady, exactly as you ordered" the young man, replied lightly, gazing deeply into the ring, as in a trance.
"Perfect. Your assistance is no longer required…" the soft voice told him, as the luminescence of the stone nearly revealed her beauty.
To this, the soldier bowed, and drew his sword slowly, almost as if some unknown presence was guiding his movements. Turning the blade to his chest, he plunged it through his heart and blood oozed from his chest and back, blood also trickling from his mouth before he fell to his side.
"No need for you to tell the King what I am about to do with this White Messenger…" the voice said softly, with a low, sinister laughter.
Kyara rose from her seat and walked towards the dead body, looking down at it with abhorrence "Pathetic" she thought to herself. "Dear Brother, the White Messenger is anxious to meet you at the Great Gates I am sure…" she then thought, putting her brown boot on the laying corpse and pushing hard on it to turn the man on his back.
"I'm already on my way, my dear…" Shitarr's thought reached her and she smiled her evil grin.
"I'll have some cleaning up to do here when you are done…" she then thought, smiling harder as she felt his anger built within him.
"You are hopeless…" he thought, rolling his eyes as he approached the Great Gates of the Basram Capital.
When Shitarr arrived at the City limits, the soldiers posted there saluted him and opened the large metal gates to let him pass. To the Basram guards, Shitarr appeared to be the elderly Priest he was impersonating, but to the Fanelian White Messenger, he looked as he was; tall, strong, malfeasant. The cloaked messenger bowed at the sight of him, understanding this was one of the Elysium Priest Basram was so popular for. He looked up when receiving no welcome from the prestigious man and announced his mission.
"I have a message to deliver to you, from Van Fanel, King of Fanelia My Lord" the Fanelian announced.
"Indeed you do…" Shitarr replied, ignoring the messenger's inquiring gaze. "Rise, let us walk…" he added, putting his hand on the other man's shoulder.
"You are not taking me to the King?" the Fanelian asked, rising and bringing his hood down, revealing his features for the first time. He was a tall man, not quite as tall as Shitarr, but well built and well mannered.
"Not right away, I must speak with you first…" Shitarr answered, pulling him along into the nearby forest.
A new brilliant flash of lightning illuminated the sky above them as they entered the small path within the Basram woods. Shitarr was silently leading the way, not looking back to the confused messenger. His dark coat flapped behind him with the rising winds. The Fanelian messenger had to hold his cape around his shoulders in order not to lose it.
When they were far enough in the forest, Shitarr turned and looked down to the man waiting impatiently for his words. His lips curled into a sinister smile and his soft blue eyes gleamed with an expression the Fanelian could not identify.
"What are we doing here My Lord?" the messenger inquired, lifting his hand to his waist, searching for the hilt of his sword. But it was not there, he was on a mission of peace…
Shitarr cocked a brow "Do you expect to deal with me on your own?" he asked amused.
"I… don't know what is going on here, but you are a very trusted advisor of the Basram Kingdom and I only wish to deliver the missive to the King." the Fanelian announced, taking a step back as he slowly understood the intentions of the man standing before him.
"Don't leave so soon… you are not allowed to see the King." Shitarr told him, reaching behind his back and pulling a round brass rod from his belt, no longer than his hand. He grasped it tightly and the rod glowed a sapphire radiance before growing as long as Shitarr was tall. The High Priest twirled the staff many times and brought it behind him, his legs spread out, positioned in a fighting stance, his left arm stretched to his side. The increasing wind danced with his wild chalky hair and his eyes narrowed on the Fanelian messenger who was now cursing under his breath.
"What is the matter with you? Do you know a war could break out if I don't deliver this scroll!?" the messenger inquired, taking the rolled piece of paper out of his pocket and holding it tightly in front of him.
"Do not worry about a possible war… Be blissful. You are fortunate enough to participate in the resurrection of the God people, the Atlanteans!"
"What? Are you mad? The King would never allow this! Neither rulers would! Who… who are you?" the Fanelian asked, looking around for any possible weapon to defend himself with. He was on a mission of peace, but was still a Samurai, and would die honorably in battle against an enemy.
Shitarr smirked, reading the warriors thoughts and charged, bringing his staff down on the man with impressive speed. The Fanelian reached for a log and blocked the attack, causing the log to shatter to pieces under the strength of the hit. Shitarr swiftly whirled the staff with one had and brought it down upon the other man once more, this time, effectively hitting him in the stomach. The messenger spit blood and fell to his knees.
"So… fast…" he breathed, before falling to the ground.
"That is because I read minds my friend, and therefore can predict your movements…" Shitarr explained, kicking the man on the side, forcing him to turn on his back. Bringing the staff high in the air, the ends of the long weapon gleamed once more their sapphire glow and narrowed to cutting blades and he brought it down with force, deathly stabbing the man in the chest. The Fanelian's blood gushed heavily from the wound and Shitarr gave him one last look before the man beneath him rolled his eyes behind his eyelids, exhaling his last breath.
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Celena gazed at the darkening sky from the bay windows of the Crusade's deck, wondering if they would encounter a storm during their trip. She was thinking of Van and was wishing for his safety. She could easily imagine the worst and was angry with her brother for being so concerned with her own safety. Van probably needed them. She shivered as a familiar warmth neared her from behind. She did not turn, not wanting him to see the slight blush she felt creeping to her cheeks.
Gadeth leaned on the bay window to her right, crossing his arms in front of his chest. His eyes were closed and he was obviously trying to find a way to start the conversation. She peaked at him from the corner of her eyes, wondering what he would say.
"Celena…" he began, sending electricity through her body.
"Celena! He's still calling me Celena! Thank God he's not using the title!" she thought, being afraid the long time they had not seen each other would have changed his behavior towards her. She turned to him and smiled.
"What… happened to your cheek?" he asked slowly, opening his eyes and turning to her.
He caught the look of surprise and confusion in her eyes and regretted the question immediately.
"My cheek?" she repeated, bringing a shaky hand to her face, anticipating what she would find.
Gadeth caught her hand before she could touch the small scar on her right cheek and held it with his own. "Your beauty is unmatched, Celena. Ignore what I said. You are magnificent, as you were when I last saw you…"
Celena flushed some more and looked down. He had always been quite the gentleman around her, always complimenting her and talking softly to her. But this was different. He held her hand, and was gazing contemplatively at her large, shining blue eyes. She looked up and searched his smiling face, wondering if his words spoke the truth about his feelings or if he was trying to divert her attention from her scar.
Her thoughts were soon effectively averted when a slight vibration was felt through out the airship. Gadeth immediately lost his smile and looked out the bay windows, wondering what could have provoked the quake. What he saw strained the color from his face.
"Ehh… Boss…" he managed, slowly taking Celena by the shoulders and getting her away from the window. Celena followed his gaze and brought a hand to her lips to hold back an outcry. She willingly backed away into his arms as she gaped into the enormous yellow eye of the sky dragon that was staring at her. Its large maroon wings were gliding in the unrelenting wind, flying steadily next to the airship.
"What is it doing so close?" Allen gasped, knowing Fanelia was the land of the dragons but not used to having a dragon being so close to his ship. It was flying only meters away!
"Look! There's an other one on the other side!" Kio shouted, holding the rudder firmly in his large hands, his arms shaking with the tremble of the airship.
Allen turned and frowned at the sight of the other sky dragon, which was flying majestically into the dark sky. Its white and blue skin shimmered with every flash of lightning from the clouds, and although it was further away than the other, it was still to close for him.
"I don't understand! Two dragons in one day? Something is up…" Gadeth muttered, still holding Celena close to him. He looked at Allen with questioning eyes, then to Lyle and Lyla who had approached the large windows to have a better view of the flying beasts outside.
"Commander! We have a problem here! Our flying friends are not alone…" Reeden yelled from behind Kio, his eyes glued to the periscope, something out there obviously was wrong.
"What do you see Reeden?" asked Gadeth, leaving Celena's side to approach the periscope and have a look himself. As he pushed Reeden away, his jaw dropped to what he saw.
"Hundreds of them Commander!" Reeden shouted, searching Allen's gaze. "They are all coming from behind us! And fast!" he added, worried.
"What?!" Allen gasped, turning to Gadeth for confirmation, wondering how that could be possible.
"Boss, maybe we should clear the way before they reach us…" Gadeth said, giving back the periscope to the small worried man next to him.
"What is going on? Why are they all flying together? And WHERE are they going?" Celena inquired, yet knowing no one would be able to tell her. She was surprised to actually hear an answer to her question.
"It is the ecosystem of the planet…" Lyle answered.
"Because of the closeness of the Moons, the ecosystem is losing its balance… the dragons are fleeing to eastern grounds… The environment here must not suit them anymore…" he added, glaring at the closest dragon, who was now staring at him.
"This is only the beginning. We shall witness results of the unbalance until the Moons fully cross each other…" Lyla explained.
"How long is this going to take?" Allen questioned, concerned.
"We are not sure… many weeks.. " Lyla answered him.
Another shake was felt through out the airship, this time enough to throw, them backwards, causing Celena to fall to her knees, since she was not close to anything to hold on to.
"Excuse me but they are getting much closer now!" Reeden shouted.
"What is causing these quakes?" Celena asked, trying to get to her feet, feeling another violent tremble. Allen went to her aid, supporting himself on the large windows.
"The dragons. So many at a time provoke harsh gushes of wind, and since they are so close…" Lyla could not continue as the closest dragon fled in front of them and the tip of its tail brushed the levistone on the left of the ship. The collision caused the Crusade to loose altitude to that side, sending everyone off balance as the airship tumbled to the side several degrees, enough to have Celena slide across the control room and into her brother's arms. Kio spun the rudder forcefully to his right and managed to stabilize the airship.
"Gadeth, get us to the ground, I'm going out there. We can't let them approach the airship… that was too close…" Allen ordered.
"Yessir..." Gadeth answered, helping the Commander and his sister up to their feet. "Okay you heard the man! We are landing this baby right now!" Gadeth barked to his men.
Allen rushed to the loading bay and climbed on Scherazade, opening its hatch, he fumbled backwards when he saw the frail kitten standing in the pilot's space.
"What are you doing there?!" he asked, furrowing his eyebrows.
"Hiding?" Merle answered sheepishly, knowing she would get in trouble when Van would see her there.
"Get out!" Allen commanded, pulling her out of his melef and taking place in it.
Merle understood then that something was terribly wrong. Escaflowne wasn't next to Scherazade anymore, and the airship kept shaking.
"What's wrong? Where's Lord Van?" she asked confused, wondering how she had missed Escaflowne's departure. Had she been sleeping that soundly?!
"Go up to the deck and stay there with the others." Allen shouted as he brought Scherazade to his feet, forcing Merle to jump off. He waited for her to leave before opening the cargo bay's door, but when he saw she wasn't moving, yelled to her once more.
"Go Merle! MOVE!" he ordered.
Merle was snapped out of her trance and nodded, turning and running towards the front of the airship. Allen opened the large doors and gasped as he witnessed the many Sky dragons flying all around the airship now. Many had already taken the lead, their speed greatly accelerated by the powerful winds. Scherazade jumped into the air, extending its arms to grip the side of the ship and leaping on top of it. It drew its sword and twirled it expertly with one hand, taking a fighting stance, ready to protect the airship.
Merle arrived on deck, holding herself against the walls in order not to fall. She spotted Lyle next to the large windows and scurried to his side. She clung to his shirt and looked up into his eyes "Lyle! Where is Lord Van?!" she asked confused.
"Merle! What are you doing here? You were to stay in Fanelia!" Lyle gave as an answer.
"I couldn't leave Lord Van… He needs me! Now where did he go?" she questioned again, tears gathering in her eyes.
"The King left many hours ago Merle, off to find Hitomi." Lyle finally answered, his temper cooling down at the sight of the saddened kitten. She was only being loyal to her childhood friend after all…
"What? On the Mystic Moon? What is going on?" she shouted, baffled with the latest events.
She did not get an answer as a terrible quake was felt, sending Lyle and her to the ground, as well as Lyla who was standing close to them. Lyla turned on her back and looked up to the crewmembers who were all holding on tight to anything for support, and then to Celena who was gripping Gadeth's arm tightly. Lyla rested her head against the deck's floor, looking up and catching a glimpse of Sherazade's cape flapping through the large windows.
"Allen… please be careful…" she thought, as Scherazade's blade collided with the roof again, sending another tremble across the airship.
"We are going to have another problem, Sarge…" Reeden shouted "There are many land dragons down there, all running in the same direction as the sky dragons…" he added, not moving his eyes from the periscope.
Gadeth moved towards the windows, holding tightly Celena to him so she wouldn't fall. He frowned as he saw the many dragons dashing through the fields below them.
"This will be a problem when we land…" he said aloud "But we have to land, the Commander won't last for ever up there. And it's better to confront dragons on the solid ground than in the air… Drop altitude, we are going down!" he then ordered.
Celena looked up to him, slightly worried. "Are you planing on going out there?" she asked.
Gadeth glanced down to her with a smile. "We'll have to if we don't want the ship to end up as a total wreck…"
"Altitude at 120!" one of the crewmembers shouted.
"Alright then, lift the propellers!" Gadeth shouted "Katz! Take us down!" he added to the one controlling altitude and speed. "Prepare yourselves, men Once landed we must protect the Crusade from the land dragons down there. If we don't want to stay stranded in the middle of nowhere…" Gadeth added with a grin.
Allen was doing his best to lure the many sky dragons away from the airship. They surrounded the Crusade, several were very close, but most were far enough to seem to be only large birds. The dragons didn't bother with the flying ship and passed next to it as if it wasn't even there. When doing so, they continually either tipped the ship over with one of their wings or tail, or produced an impressive amount of wind current, driving the Crusade to oscillate. Allen silently cursed as one dragon decided to hover directly over the airship, its tail dangerously dangling close to the now lifted propellers.
"If it ever hits even the slightest bit of the propellers, the ship is going to crash!" Allen thought, wondering what the best move would be to have the dragon move along. Scherazade lifted its sword, slightly stinging the dragon's open abdomen. The dragon looked down to see what could be afflicting the slight injury and narrowed its large yellow eyes at the sight of Scherazade.
Scherazade immediately brought its sword down, knowing the dragon had finally noticed it and the airship. The Crusade started losing altitude and the dragon dipped towards it, determined to punish the iron man who had dared touch him.
Scherazade twirled its blade, putting one foot behind the other, bracing for the impact. The green and gray sky dragon dove towards him with its neck retracted preparing to send down a stream of its hot and deathly breath.
"NO!" Allen thought before perceiving the hot air around him and being enveloped in the furious heat of the fire the dragon had release upon his guymelef.
"Woah! Look!" Merle screeched, pointing to the front of the ship, seeing the scorching flames lick the large windows.
"Get us down fast Katz!" Gadeth warned, taking a step back.
When the air cooled around Scherazade, Allen opened his eyes and bend just in time to avoid the diving dragon. The melef got back up to its feet just as swiftly and spun to face the dragon that was preparing to turn around, to hit once more the melef. Allen glanced down. They were still very high in the sky and falling overboard was not an option. He would have to kill the dragon if it didn't give up soon. He gazed back up and saw the dragon dangerously charging towards him. Scherazade brought its sword high and awaited the enraged beast. When it was close enough, he lifted the blade energetically, transpiercing the dragon's neck before it could exhale its lethal breath. The dragon opened its eyes wide and growled in pain as it landed heavily on top of the Crusade and Scherazade, pinning the melef down on its back.
The women on the bridge screamed in terror and this time all fell to the floor as the airship was dangerously plunging down from the sky, not able to support the weight of both the dragon and the guymelef. Other sky dragons flying above the airship watched it go down upon the land dragons below. Some dodged the airship and avoided being hit. None slowed their pace, the importance of their journey greater than the curiosity of seeing the leviship crash.
The dragon's body slowly lifted and shifted to the side, as Scherazade pushed its way out of under the large dying beast. Allen quickly understood they were about to crash and pushed the dragon off the airship, watching it drop to the nearing land bellow. The Crusade slowed its descent but the ship was too close to the ground and it landed harshly in the large field, sending dirt, bushes and high grass fly several feet in the air. The ship also hit several land dragons as it reduced speed and finally came to a halt, leaving a path of destruction behind it.
Gadeth grunted as he shakily lifted himself from over Celena, who was furiously blushing underneath him. Before the impact he had lowered her to the floor and had shield her from any harm with his body, pinning her solidly so she wouldn't get injured further.
"Stop this at once! Don't think of this now! Can't you see he's hurt!" she thought to herself. "Gadeth! Are you alright?" she managed through only a whisper.
"Yeah…" he smiled down to her, slowly getting up and rubbing his shoulder.
"Is everyone all right?" he asked, helping Celena to her feet. He looked around, all on the bridge nodded or answered affirmatively.
"Good thinking Katz, rising the pressure before crashing… it minimized the impact…" Gadeth told the man who was blinking questioningly at him.
"Sorry Sarge, but I was on the floor when the dragon fell off… I couldn't reach the control panel…"
"What? But how? The airship really slowed down… I saw the instruments showing an increase in pressure and altitude!" Kio mentioned, leaning over the rudder.
Merle helped Lyle up and looked up to the three men, turning to the windows as something caught her eye…
"Hmmm… there's…. a dragon… watching us…" she said cautiously, gently backing away to the solid wall.
Lyla put a hand over Celena's shoulder, urging her to step back as well.
"Okay Men… Do your stuff… " Gadeth ordered, nodding to Reeden to gather the others bellow. He then turned and said to the women and Lyle : "You guys stay here.. you'll be safe." he flashed a quick glance to Celena and turned to join the others outside.
Lyla looked up to her brother, holding on tightly to Celena who obviously wished to follow the men against the menacing beasts outside.
"Now it's my turn." he thought, glancing at Lyla as he untied the sash covering his shoulder and tossed it to the side.
"What are you doing? Where are you going Lyle?" Merle shouted, watching the older man hurry outside to join the others. "Wait! You'll get hurt! You're a council member not a Samurai! LYLE!" she ran after him but was tugged forcefully by the tail.
"HEY! What's the big idea?!" she turned and her gaze spotted the hand holding on tightly to her. She gazed up to Lyla who was nodding to her negatively.
"But he'll get injured! Merle told the woman, jerking her tail away from the Priestess's grip.
"No he won't, Merle. Lyle can defend himself quite well…" Lyla said soothingly.
Merle's ears twitched as she stepped next to the window to see the men outside. The large dragon lurking near them earlier had been driven away by Scherazade. The large Guymelef was acting now as a shield to the few men standing behind it as a large land dragon released its flaming breath upon them. Merle felt Lyla and Celena close behind her as she searched for Lyle out in the fields.
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Scherazade quickly jumped off the Crusade's roof when Allen spotted his men charging aggressively against the approaching dragons. Not many dragons even noticed them, all racing by the airship without even looking at it. But certain beasts, more lost in their alarm to flee, insisted on wanting to run over the Crusade, forcing the crewmembers to retaliate with force. Allen rushed in front of his men when he realized a large dragon was ready to spit its blaze over their heads. Scherazade got there just in time to block the flames, shielding the men standing behind it.
When the dragon finished, it fixed on at Scherazade with a nasty glare, ready to jump at its throat. Allen spotted two other dragons heading his way. At their pace, they would definitely stumble across the Crusade. Sweat dripped over his eyebrow from the heat of the previous combustion as he looked around him, all his men busy fighting other incoming dragons. How was he going to stop the other two dragons with this one attacking him? Scherazade lifted its sword, ready to confront the dragon as it leaped into the air towards the great guymelef. It almost instantly fell to the ground with a loud resounding, as if restrained by an imaginary chain. Allen blinked his surprise, as the dragon hit its head on the ground, evidently dazed by the impact.
"Did it trip over something?" he thought doubtfully, and gawked at what he saw over the dragon, its head still on the grassy field; Lyle was holding tightly to its tail, refraining the beast from attacking Allen.
"Allen GO!" Lyle yelled, not lessening his grip and gesturing towards the other two dragons that were moments away from diving over the airship.
"How? That's impossible!" Allen thought, amazed by Lyle's strength. He put his wonders aside and Scherazade jumped over the slowly awakening dragon, dashing towards the threatening ones running their way. It brought up its sword high over its head and vaulted in the air, crouching its legs and descended upon the first dragon, its large keen blade easily piercing the hard scales on the dragon's back. This caused for the beast to howl in pain, its green ooze gushing onto the melef's chest. The land dragon jerked Scherazade upward before falling to the ground.
Allen did not wait a second longer and took out Scherazade's blade from the dead flesh and threw it with all his strength towards the second dragon that had already passed by. The sharp sword reached its target seconds before it got to the Crusade, half of the blade penetrating the dragon's skin, killing it instantly as its blood poured from the deep stab. Allen breathed heavily and looked back to Lyle.
The man was fighting the dragon barehanded. Allen saw the dragon charge towards Lyle, its jaws wide open, ready to sink its acute fangs into Lyle's flesh. He was astonished as he witnessed Lyle steady himself on the ground, bracing for the impact, his arms stretched out in front of him. When the dragon reached him, Lyle caught his snout with his hands, forcing the threatening jaw to close, hiding away the menacing cutting edges. With its speed and strength, the dragon pushed Lyle backwards several meters, Lyle's feet not leaving the ground, lifting a cloud of dust as he tried to bring the beast to a stop. His hands stayed on the dragon, preventing it from opening its mouth. Lyle grimaced as he stretched his legs in an effort to stop the dragon's assault, his feet digging in the ground to his ankles in the process. Lyle gritted his teeth as they finally came to a halt and twisted the dragon's head and neck with energy, forcing it to fall on its back. Lyle jumped over the squirming creature, reaching for the blue jewel on his left leathery armband.
He pushed on the jewel, releasing a hidden, speeding dagger from under his armband. He caught it in his hand before it went flying in the air and dug it into the open, unprotected skin of the dragon's belly. This caused the dragon to wiggle harder and it managed to roll to its feet, but Lyle held fast to the vulnerable flesh as he was swung with the dragon's movement, hanging upside down.. His long silver braid brushed the ground as the dragon carried him away in its fury. He dug the dagger further until it reached its goal. Lyle let go of the trenchant blade as his arm was now halfway into the dragon's guts. He grabbed its heart and swiftly pulled it out, muttering a silent prayer for the dying dragon. As he drew out the drag-energist from the dragon's belly, dark, rich, green gore spurted all over his body before the dragon collapsed on top of him.
"NOOO!" Allen yelled, rushing to the dragon to lift it off the Priest. He stopped dead in his tracks as he saw the dragon move and being pushed aside by a completely soaked Lyle. His long bangs hid his eyes, he was breathing heavily, his chest going up and down as he held on tight to the energist in his left hand.
"How could he have lifted the dragon on his own? How can this man be so strong?" Allen thought as both men watched the dragon and its blood beginning to evaporate, the dragon rapidly disintegrating, fusing with the field. Lyle's dagger fell from the dragon's now disappearing belly to the ground bellow. He bent and grabbed his dagger, folding back the hilt over the blade and sheathing it back under his left armband.
Lyle looked around and sighed. The land dragons had all passed, and the Crusade's crew had managed to protect the airship from further damage. He looked up to the sky and fell to his knees, relief washing over him. Scherazade bent on one knee and Allen jumped out of it, looking around and making a swift analysis of the damage to the Crusade and his crew's well being.
"No injuries." Gadeth told him, approaching the Commander as he sheathed his sword. He walked alongside of him towards Lyle. Allen stretched a hand to the man kneeling on the ground, helping him up, his mind burning with the question he wanted to ask.
"Because I wished for it." Lyle answered him, his eyes inspecting the Crusade as he heard the unspoken thoughts.
"Wished for it?" Allen inquired, intrigued.
Gadeth gazed at both men, unaware of Lyle's exploit.
"The power of wishes is strong within the Elysium clergy. My strongest wish was to develop strength." Lyle explained.
"So you only have to wish of something for it to happen?" Allen asked, amazement in his voice.
Lyle chuckled. "No, it is not that easy. It took me years to acquire this power, and one can only develop very few… special talents like this."
"Have you any more special talents like this one?" Allen asked sarcastically.
Lyle did not answer and walked away towards the broken-down airship.
Allen silently cursed. Why did this man keep so many secrets? He frowned to Gadeth who was simply lifting his shoulders in resignation. Small drops fell from the dark sky, sprinkling lightly over them as the crewmembers gathered next to the airship, not minding the cooling shower and taking in the dreary sight of several dead dragons surrounding the Crusade. They could still feel the ground tremble as the other land dragons fled further away.
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Gewel narrowed his eyes as he inspected the newly recruited team that was now forming his Dragon Slayers. Kuumei and he had evaluated and tested many soldiers over the afternoon and had finally decided upon 6 superior fighters, all had excellent sword technique and could pilot guymelefs admirably.
Kuumei was still unsure of her purpose but followed her leader's orders and helped him test soldiers. She felt alive only when she had her sword in her hand and had welcomed the pretext to shamelessly whip some ass. She had enjoyed humiliating the soldiers who had thought themselves better than she, easily winning every challenge she had had during the afternoon.
Gewel crossed his arms over his chest, strolling silently in front of the men who were standing in a row, Kuumei among them. His gaze met every one of theirs, pausing before every man, waiting for them to lower their gaze before passing on to the other, establishing this way his supremacy and dominance. When he finally reached Kuumei, she gazed into his stingy gray stare. He mystified her in many ways. Who was he to become highly ranked at such a young age? Where did he learn to fight like he did? He seemed intelligent and rational, was an exceptional combatant yet he was a man, and most men she knew had flaws. She was anxious to discover his…
Gewel grinned as she maintained her dark eyes on his. She was not going to lower her gaze. Which did not mean disrespect; but spirit, boldness, audacity… he had chosen well. His calculate mind had planned on finding a second in command fit to eventually take his place if something should happen to him. He did not plan on failing his mission, already scheming his first move against the Fanelian King. But Gewel preferred to foresee all possibilities. He had mastered that faculty and was sure going to use it wisely. He saw the slight confusion that flashed in her fearless stare as she scrutinized him evenly.
His eyes did not leave hers as he slowly, meaningfully licked his lips, lifting his hand to her chin, his gloved fingers gently caressing down her neck to the middle of her collarbones. He smiled as she looked away, slightly flushing. He knew it was more out of rage than shyness, but the goal of having her look away first was attained. He couldn't have let himself look away first.
"Well, men…" he said as he took several steps back to see all of them at once. "You are now member of the Elite group of Dragon Slayers. I, Gewel Kianty, will lead you to your greatest glory yet. I have chosen you for your many abilities as soldiers. You shall honor me and your country in combat." he paused and looked at Kuumei who was still looking away, fists clenched at her sides.
"Kuumei! Divide these men into pairs and have them train. I'll be waiting for you in my quarters when you finish getting them set up…" he said, turning and leaving the training area.
Kuumei sighed heavily, wondering what he wanted from her. She knew the small touch earlier had not meant anything to him. He had done it for other reasons… reasons she did not know. He had wanted her to feel uncomfortable… she did not know why. She shrugged and turned to the men. She quickly paired them up, making sure the evenly skilled were put together, making sure the challenges would be great. She informed them that she would be back the next day to fight with them again, and that the improvement had to be noticeable. The men saluted her and started their heavy exercises.
Kuumei left the training section and headed for Gewel's quarters. She brushed her short sandy hair with her long fingers, letting her bangs drop back in front of her dim eyes. She groaned as she thought of the events of the past weeks. She was one of the King's personal assassins and she had left several weeks ago on a special mission. She had missed her target and had fallen from a roof in the Capital City. When awaking, she had no memory of the past events. None whatsoever. She couldn't even remember her name. She was laying in one of the small beds of an infirmary within the castle gates and the Royal Sorcerers had informed her of what had happen and she was amazed she had no recollection of it. The fall had damaged her memory and none could be certain when and if it would ever return.
The High Commanders had taken her off the assassins team, sending her back to the military squad. She knew she had shed blood before, when training with the other soldiers. She had to stop herself from killing her opponents when sparring and it was getting harder to restrain herself with every passing day. She had been growing tired of fighting meaningless soldiers and was almost glad Gewel had found her. Perhaps there was going to be some action now that she was Captain of the Dragon Slayers…
As she approached the door to his rooms, she heard the young man's voice travelling across the hallway.
"I will obey my King and follow your orders if it is his wish, but I warn you I know my mission and how to accomplish it. I will have my way in achieving the King's command."
Kuumei heard a slight chuckle and approached the door quietly, peeking inside. Gewel was standing, his right hand on his hip, the other hovering over the hilt of his sword. He was addressing two elders who Kuumei knew to be the Royal advisors. The aged Priest laughed softly as he put his shriveled hand on Gewel's shoulder.
"We will not get in your way, I assure you, but we will need to speak with the Fanelian King before you murder him…" the Priest said softly, with his raspy voice.
"Murder Fanelia?" Kuumei thought astonished, eyes widening.
"Yes, he shall be arriving soon. We wish for you and your men to capture him, but let us see him before you do anything…" the short, old Priestess told him, slowly rising from her chair and heading for the open door. Kuumei moved to the side, swiftly opening the door next to his and entering the dark room, leaving a crack in the door to watch the elders leave.
"How do you know he is coming?" Gewel asked suspiciously.
The two elders turned and smiled. "Why, young one, we are Priest and Priestess of Elysium. We have been serving the King for over 40 years. Our knowledge has never been question by the King himself. Why should it be by you?" the Priestess inquired coolly.
Gewel hesitated and responded, his hand resting on the hilt of his sword now. "I… I see you as you are…" he said gazing directly into Shitarr's light blue eyes.
Shitarr's rich laughter filled his room "Of course you do!" he replied very matter of factly. He then lost his smirk and glanced at Kyara who was standing by the door, a wide smile on her face.
Gewel was surprised with the man's answer but remained emotionless, He watched the tall, young man turn and leave with the white haired beauty. Once they were out of the room Gewel frowned. He did not have time to think of what had just happened as he heard a slight knock on his door. He lifted his gaze to meet Kuumei's who was frowning just as much as he was.
"Just what is the Dragon Slayers' mission Gewel?" she asked him flatly.
"Funny you should ask… There has just been a slight change of plans…" Gewel answered her, inviting her to close the door behind her.
Which she did, with a loud resounding noise that echoed through out the long, dark empty hallway.
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