Explanation: Escaflowne and all their characters are property of Sunrise Inc.

Warning: it can contain violent scenes and suggestive topics.


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ESCAFLOWNE "THE DRAGON WAR"
CHAPTER #1
MEMORIES

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Screams, death and desolation...
was the only thing that could bewas listened while everything was
wrapped by the flames. no one, could not escape from the infernal arm of
death, and little by little, whole families died in the great
cataclysm. In the isolation, a lonely figure walked peacefully
in the streets of that great city, a figure wrapped in
a black cloack, and a face hidden in the shades. The only thing that
could be looked were two red points as the flames of a volcano in
place of their eyes.

It was devastating. A small boy, sustained in arms
his motherwho was lay dying after having been horribly hurt as she
bled to die.

People with mutilated members, burnt alive and children looking for
their parents with screams that could penetrate in the heart like
a dagger, wrapped the atmosphere while all that had been
a great city, was destroyed. The figure of the black cloack,
unalterable, as if it was not a living being simply continued
his road making deaf hearings.

Everything goes well... he thought.

At the end they will have what they looked for...

He continued with slow step through the brashes. The sea of flames
was immense and the fissures of the earth swallowed everything around.

Something got his attention. In the highest part of the city there was a
great tree that was being swallowed by the earth, and in it´s center
there was a light that rose to the sky, and in it two figures that
moved away.

They had escaped from the arm of the death.

For now...

He stayed unalterable, observing the place where before had arisen
a pillar of light.

I will allow them to go for now, hethought. They can´t no anithing
aniway

His road continued as if anything had happened. He didn´t care.

After walked a little, he stopped. Somebody was following him.
Perhaps some poor idiots that wanted to be heroes. But they couldn´t
do anithing. and he they knew it.

What they could do? They were only some poor fools unhappy for what was
happening...

Nothing... they couldn´t make absolutely nothing.

But they would try. Although they died in the effort.

Anyway, that was the road toward the liberation. Toward their desire.

It was a pity that they didn't know it...

To his back four people appeared with warrior's armor
and brandishing swords who stopped few steps of where he was.

The figure didn't turn. It was still as a statue. " Turn and look
at us monster!" One told him. Slowly he turned, and the soldiers where
filled with fear...

The figure still had his face wrapped in the shades of his cloack,
but, because of the explosion of some near buildings, they could see
his face for a thousandth of a second. It was so impressive
that soaked deeply in the soul of the poor soldiers. His face was
covered with a mask of metal, with the shape of a skull, and his
look was the death.

Hmmmp... Idiots...

Death is the only route to freedom.

It´s the road toward peace.

Why you deny the unavoidable?

It´s what you were looking for...

Why you are opposing it?

What are you saying? one of the soldiers said...

Our desire is a world where there is not war, nor hate neither sadness.
Whe don´t want total destruction!!!

That´s what you want to believe. Don't you?

Pathetic beings, I pity you.

You manipulate destiny.

And you still don't know what will happen in it.

That is your sin...

What? one of the frightened soldiers asked.

I don´t have to tell you more. Go to your ideal world.

The monster's eyes shone for an instant.

the death screams of the poor's soldiers joined to the
others.

The figure stayed still for an instant. Slowly he turned and
followed his road, leaving the soldiers behind, or at least what
was left of them. Their bodies were completely cut in pieces,
and incinerated.

In the only place that was still intact, in downtown,
a great altar, crowned in their center by a great rosy stone
in it's center, began to shine as if it had been a
second sun.

A column of divine light was formed and rised to the skies,
Opening up step among the clouds, showing for a fraction of
a second the space, while a figure was formed at the end.

I see... They did it... "

Even in their last breath... they still see themselves as gods.

Fools...

His road continued now with a single thing in mind, and his look
fixed toward where the light had come out.

In the great altar, the people that were there, showed their true nature.
White wings as the snow covered their backs, and in their faces the physical
and mental fatigue could be seen, as well as the sadness of seeing everything
wrapped in flames.

When the destruction began, The most illustrious and powerful
inhabitants of the city, made the decision of making their better
work. They knew that they wouldn't see another dawn, it would
be their last effort, but it would be worthy.

Was it really?

Did they know what they were making?

Or did arrogance drived them to madness?

They didn't knew it.

In the center of the great altar, the great master, an old man, with
a long white beard and a tunic, as white as those wings of his back,
fell of downwards. In his hand, there was a small slope with a rosy stone
also, as he breathed difficultly.

He felt a presence to the entrance of the altar. It was him. The angel
of death had already arrived for them.

His aura was full with anger, and with a cold voice said:

Even before dying... you still are idiots.

Because of this, you won't find rest...

Even in the other life.

If to say a word more, his body began to emanate a wicked aura as the
sky closed full with black clouds. A great white light was the last thing
that all saw before everything became dark.

They didn't had the time to scream.

The only one that was still alive, was the great master, but as
he tried to get up, but he fell from the altar to the feet of the monster.

With his few forces he spoke. Who... are you... why... you did this to us...

I am what you see old man. said the monster while he bent over and brought
his face wrapped the shades about 30 CMS. of the face of the once glorious master.

You are not entitled of making us this. The old man said with his few forces.

Oh. Then... You are entitled of making what you want with life and destiny?
You believe you have the right to modify everything around to make it seem fit?

What are you saying?

A true complete human being doesn't believe in destiny. He makes his own.

You on the other hand, trusted to modify an unknow future.

That makes you pathetic.

Ironically... the shadow continued. Those same desires have me here.

hahahaha... poor fools...

What do you whant...? The old man said, now terrified.

For the time being, your life. Then... mentioned the shadow while lifting his look.

No... you can't...

Seriously? You gave me the power. But the price... was disgusting.

The price?

An innocent life. That sacrifice was my liberation.

A life? Is maybe...? said the old one among teeth... seconds later,
he remembered something and seemed to recognize who was in front of him.

Then... you are... said surprised.

No... he also died.

A roar of a savage animal was listened in the distance,
And it was getting closer. That seemed to bother the shadow.

I have no time left. I must get ready. And you must die.

The old man didn't have time of reacting. The powerful hand of the
monster took him of the neck with diabolical speed, and with
a supernatural force lifted the old man of the floor as if it was a
simple puppet.

The old man knew that he couldn't make anything. But the instinct
made him try to get rid of the superhuman force that was breaking
his neck as if it was made of paper. Soon after was listened
a horrible crack of bones, and the life abandoned him forever.

The shadow threw him contemptuously to the floor and lifted the look
to see the shade of a gigantic white creature flying over the
dark skies.

So... you came back...

His macabre laugh flooded the atmosphere while observing the flying creature.

His laugh became stronger and strongermade, until it become macabre
victory horselaugh while another flying creature, similar to to the
previous one, with the only difference that this was black also
furrowed the skies. Then everything became darkness.

But the penetrating laugh didn't cease...


***********************


Ahhh!! a beautiful and young woman said as she was wakening said exaltedly
on her bed. In her face small drops of perspiration fell. Sighing, she
put one of her small and delicate hands in her face to remove the drops of
her front, while triying to put her mind in order.

A dream. It was only a dream. But it seemed so real...

That city... That people... it must have been...

Hitomi! Hitomi! Get up or you'll be late! mentioned another voice
that came from the exterior. Taking off the hand of her face she answered:
Going mom!

Apparently nobody realized what had happened.
Better... she thought... sometimes became annoying the way they threated her.
like a little girl, because she considered herelf a mature person, still
being 18 years of existence. they seem 100 years with all that had happened.

The room of Hitomi was small and beautiful . The window was to the east,
this way every morning the first sunbeams were their to welcome her every morning.

Hitomi, now calmer, saw toward the window where the rays of light came.
they timidly gave a a bath to here serene face. She had beautiful
and brilliant green eyes, quite short brown hair and figure with a mysterious
beauty, as that of a goddess.

She got up of the bed, now calmer, but still with the image of the dream
in her mind. Trying to not be affect by it, she opened the curtains
to to see the exterior.

It was a beautiful day. There wasn't a cloud in the sky, and the few
people that walked down the street seemed not to be concerned, with
fresh faces and full with desires of living. It was a pity that not always
they seem like this.

To see this, tranquilized her even more. It didn't seem that she just
waked up from a nightmare. After her last experiences, she became
this way. her temperament and humor changed easily.

She saw the clock. It was a little late already. If I don't hurry, I'll
be late again, she thought.

She searched in her wardrobe the school uniform. It was blue and white,
with a long scarf also blue that surround the neck.

Soon after, already dressed, she left their room. She didn't realize
the shade that appeared in one of the walls.

Now, being in her last year of school, Hitomi totally different. She was
higher than before. She measured 1.68 m of height, and the beauty
that 3 years before began to emerge, was in it's highest expression.

She left her hair grew a little. only a little, the difference was
remarkable, her skin was still delicate and soft and fleshy rosy lips,
with serene green eyes completed a face that charmed anyone that saw her smile.

Going down the staircase, she met with her mother who was in the kitchen.

Good morning mom. was the first thing Hitomi told to her mother. The oldest
woman responded her affectionately with another good morning.

They didn't realize... that's good... she thought.

Hitomi when sitting down in the dining room, began to look for something with
her eyes. mother, noticing this, ask her: Are you looking for something?

Where are my dad and my brother?

As if it was a call, a boy appeared in the door of the kitchen. He had
restless aspect, some 11 years old with a face that irradiated a great
happiness.

Good morning mom! Good day Sis!

Good morning son.

Hello, Hitomi answered.

Behind him, a man of short and dark hair, green eyes and a wise face.

Good morning to all! the man exclaimed, while he looked at the girl of their
eyes.

She felt their father's look and saw him in the eyes.

Hitomi... Is something wrong? Her father asked.

Surprised by the question, she denied everithing with the head and
answered him: No... everything's fine...

I am only a little tired, that's all..."

Her father, although not convinced of his daughter's words,
he let her be. Young people... he thought.

Now Hitomi was sure. Their parents noticed what happened to here, but
she didn't felt like talking about that right now. It was not the time.

Breakfast lapsed peacefully. It was always like that. Chats and laughs
among family. it was the best way to begin the day. In spite of
the appearance, Hitomi felt restless thinking of what she saw.

Concluded breakfast, the family said goodbye to each other,
and left toward their respective activities, The mother said goodbye
to the family all from the door of the house.

Seconds later Hitomi came out too and her mother said godbye to her also.

Little she knew it would be the last time...


***************************


Hitomi, went with slow step in the sidewalk and with the look toward the front.
To tell the truth, the dream of the previous night, had affected a lot.
For a moment she thought to say something to her mother, but then it would
concern for the family. "No..." she thought. "Better I leave it this way..."

But... What did it mean? Was it a dream or a vision?

How is it that nobody could do something? asked her asshe remembered the
city that was destroyed... She saw part of that in the past... and
people with wings... without a doubt, the city was...

The questions rotated and rotated around her mind and didn't cease.
Nothing got her attention in that moment. It felt like she was in
another world in that moment. Hitomi didn't realized how another
redheaded girl with dark eyes came closer and step right next
to her.

Hitomi walked a little further until realizing the other girl, and for
the surprise she fell to the floor.

Yukari!

The other girl, you got close to Hitomi until her face was
to about 20 CMS. of her. She had a serious expression, as
of anger, but, then welcomed her friend with an ear to ear smile. "Morning
sleepy head..." Let's go... or we'll arrive late.

Hitomi, seeing her friend began to laugh. Whenever it was with her
it felt well. she made Yukari laugh as well, and later the two girls
were not able to to avoid the unavoidable. The soft laugh became laughter.

A little time later the two girls went walking together. Laughs and more laughs
were mingled in their conversation. It was incredible how they were always togheter

...well, almost.

Hitomi still remembered the first days after her return from Gaea. She behaved
cold and distant toward the people around. it wasn't for less. she had to say
goodbye to the first true love, and she knew, or at least believed
that they will never see each other again.

That submerged her in a deep depression. She hardly left the house and hardly
ate. But the worst was the expression of infinite sadness in their face.
That cheerful girl had disappeared.

At the beginning Yukari thought that it was her fault. "I'm an idiot and a
selfish person" said once while they were Hitomi's room.

Hitomi was surprised with her friend's words. Yukari believed that it was
for its relationship with Amano. Her best friend was talking with tears
in her eyes. She also said that if she wanted, She would abandon
Amano, if that brought to the old Hitomi back.

Nothing was more important for Yukari than Hitomi's friendship. Nothing... they
were almost sisters, they had grown together since they were four years old!
and without a doubt, she preferred to have her as friend that Amano's love.

This was when Hitomi woke up.

She was her the idiot and the selfish person. Her and only her. she was been
destroying herself, and without realizing, was hurting people important for
her. Hitomi, and with a small smile tranquilized Yukari. That was not the
reason. What Hitomi once believed was love, was an illusion, but what Yukari
felt was true, she really loved Amano and she can't intervene in their
way.

It was the moment to continue ahead. The past was gone and no one was able to
to bring it back. She will never be able to return. she will never see him again.
It was the moment to continue ahead. To continue with her life... The thought
seemed ridiculous at the sight.

But deep in her soul, she knew that it would have to be this way. She couldn't
keep lying to herself, and couldn't lie the people around her.

To continue ahead...

He would wanted this way also. That episode of her life was finished.

She should change her attitude. Everyone deserves a chance for happiness.
Why not her? and if she wasn't happy, She was not entitled to take it from
others.

Little by little, as the time passed, she recovered the happiness she once had.
She learned how to live the moment, and to not believe in destiny. She would
live each day as if it was the last of herlife, without worrying about tomorrow.

It was not that her future didn't worried her. She had plans like anyone else,
but she knew that life gives unexpected turns. If you can't make them, it was
necessary to continue ahead.

She learned to not being depressed by life problems, to face them and to get
triumphant above them. She abandoned the old habits of using the Tarot and things
like that way.

She had her destiny in her hands...

Of course she never would forget her past. Who forgets the past tends
to repeat it, she listened some time. But neither onewould live in it. She won't
allow it dominated her as if she was a doll. She couldn't live alone for an
impossible love. No, it couldn't be that way. Although in the bottom of
her heart she had a small hope, the hope of seeing him again, even if is only for
an instant.

To see the person that taught her what was love.

Now she was another normal person...
as any other one...
or, at least...
that's what she thought.

Something that surprised Hitomi of Yukari, was how she could take the relationship
with Amano, if he was so far. Inside her chest, she felt like envy toward her
friend for it. The redheaded one, whenever her friend asked, answered the same way:
I Know he'll return...

Silly girl... she said once... in spite of everything, the faith of Yukari in the
future was huge. It had also spent 3 years from the last time Hitomi
saw him.

Had she lost faith?

No... she said to herself. I didn't lost hope. What she did was to continue,
to look for the best thing for her and the future. Or maybe not?

She no longer cared. Nothing of that cared anymore. Everything was in the past.
He had to stay and her to leave. It has to be this way. It was the right thing.

Wasn't it?

Finally they arrived at their destination, The high school.

Near the entrance, Hitomi diminished the step until she stopped,
seeing toward the building. It caused her nostalgia to think that
it would be her last year. Then each one of those that were there would take
a different path in life.

Nothing would be same...

But the change may be sooner than she thinks...


*****************************

Very far from there, beyond the stars, in a place where the earth and the
moon can be seen in the sky, in a calm place adorned by the night, near
a small river that was surrounded of green trees, and illuminated by the
small lights of the fireflies, a young man was sat down in front of a
bonfire. He had the black hair, a little longer than the usual. One of his
eyes was covered, but the other one, just by seeing it, showed the youth's
personality. Eyes full with courage and wisdom beyond the years that he seemed
to have.

His body, perfectly modeled day by day by working under the sun, also
was inappropriate of someone this old. In his chest was a small pendant
and his muscles were marked in a way outside the common thing.

His arms were as steel bands, and his hands, relatively big and
callous. Also for the work? No, it was not only that. Near where he was
a great samurai sword with a royal crest was resting. Van Fanel ... that
was his name.

He used the same old clothes every time he could. To tell the truth he never
liked everything that that is too imposing or attractive. No, was a
person like any other one. Certainly, he was half Riuying, but did it matter?
no... it didn't. The People of his country treated him with a lot of respect
and devotion, not only for the fact that he ressurected their country.
Something difficult counting that Fanelia was a small and humble country.

He didn't care. It was his country, his people, his home. Besides, he preferred
the calm life, without having to fight with anybody. That is the true
life, he thought once.

But he was still alone. All his family had already died, but for the one
moment he didn't have interest of beginning another. Sure, he had Merle and
hispeople, but it was not the same thing.

To think of Merle reminded him the sermon that was waiting him when he go back to Fanelia.
He didn't know the reason but he liked to leave Fanelia and disappear for several days
in the depth of the forest. That made him feel in peace. He really needed that
peace. King's life was difficult, and everyday problems made it more difficult.

He was seeing the bonfire. He didn't knew reason, but whenever he looked
toward the shades of the fire, they suggested him all kinds of fantasies.

7 days had passed since he left Fanelia and went into in the forest.
He never tell anybody when he would leave. Heknew that they would attempt
the impossible to not allowing him to leave.

When he returned from his first trip, Merle screamed him all type of things, and his
court lectured him continually.

He was the last Fanel, and still didn't have any descendants.

After some time they left him alone, maybe because he always returned
well. They knew that only him was crazy enough to enter the forest of
the dragons. They always wondered how he did it...

The forest of the dragons... His mother dissapeared there. Perhaps
he felt her presence and for that reason he liked to be there. even the dragons
respected the young king. He learned thar from his brother Folken.
He taught him that while you keep a calm heart and without conflicts,
those millennial beasts won't harm him , although he walked among them.

He/she stopped to look the flames to lean back in the floor, and elevate his
look toward the night sky. The mystic moon was there.

"It's so beautiful hethought while a small smile in his lips. I wonder how
is Hitomi...

Just as Hitomi, neither Van had forgotten her. Him, also had taken his
own road in life, and felt happy with the people that around him, but
since her departure there was a feeling than somthing lacked.

Something he was never able to explain was the reason he keep practicing
not only the weapons, but also their body. Now he/she was an expert in
the combat to naked hands, and it was one of the best warriors in all Gaea.
although the great war of Gaea had concluded behind many years...

He never knew reason why... It was as if something told him to keep going...

The legendary Gymelef Escaflowne, returned to the stone in the temple of the
dragon. it no longer had anything to make, and was better for it to sleep.
Which was the reason to keep training? He/she never knew it and hoped
to never discover why some day.

He continued looking at the starry sky. Few times he had seen it this way.

We are insignificant he said to himself. A small grain of sand in the great
sea of the universe...

A smile came to his lips. Hitomi... he said in a sigh.

When seeing toward the mystic moon, he always remembered her. How
to forget her? She was unforgettable. Was Pity that she was as unforgettable
as well as unreachable. But it was necessary to continue. The life was
not only a woman.

He took years to understand that.

To think of her filled him with peace. He wanted of all heart that she was happy.
He always wanted that she found someone that took care and protected her,
that one made her the happiest person in the universe. It was a pity that
he could never give her what she needed. It was destiny. Damned destiny,
he said some time ago. It takes away the people and things you love.

But everything was in the past. It doesn't matter anymore...

Nothing matters...

Only his Kingdom.

The dream conquered the young king and fell in a deep sleep. In that moment
a fleeting star crossed the firmament.

He didn't realize but soon after a cloud covered the sky. It lasted
a few seconds, but later, on his right shoulder appeared a figure. It was
a dragon.

A white dragon.

In his dreams, he was in a room full with mirrors. Each one showed him
in a different way. Some deformed him and other they made him look bigger
or smaller. But one especially got his attention. In it another completely
different image appeared.

In the mirror a youth appeared, seemingly of the same age, and with the same
hair, but this had a scar that crossed his face from the forehead of the left
side and it finished near neck on the right side. His clothes were also
completely different. He didn't hade shirt, in it's place
he had some kind of an armor that crossed him from the shoulder to the belt.
In his chest was a circle of dragons, one black and one white, intertwined.
Its hand, was covered with a black glove, and had a sword of double edge that
shone and formed several colors as a rainbow, and in the hilt had the head of
a dragon. The pant and the boots were similar to those of the young king,
but they were old and ripped, and in his belt he had a blue belt , tied on
a side, and in his back, he had six beautiful white wings.

The surprise was supreme. Who was he?

Him, perhaps?

Never surrender... the character of the mirror told him.

Who are you?

You know it very well Van...

What?

Don't fall in the darkness, or Gaea an the Mystic moon will disappear.

What are you saying?

The strange character ignored his answer.

Answer me!!!!

Your anger can be your doom...

What?

Take Care...

The character leave while Van looked amazed while it disappeared and in its
place appeared his face. He played the mirror with the tip of the fingers.
After that it broke in millions of pieces that crossed him but none harmed
him. They were an illusion.

Then absolute darkness and a light that blinded him for an instant.

He appeared in another place, and what he saw left him speachless.

He was in a desolated place, there was not any signs of life. The sky was
full with darkness and thunders were heard in the distance. In the center
of a great plain, a gigantic metallic structure was there. It had more than 1200
meters of high. It seemed a tower of some kind and it had a strange symbol
in front, and in it's entrance was was a covered person with a black cloack,
with a metal mask in the shape of a skull.

The young king could see beyond the character's eyes. Behind them he
found a world, gray and without life, and behind it the mystic moon could be
seen.

Gaea?

Was the last thing that he remembered.

The following day, at dawn, Van woke up of a fright and noticed the figure
in his arm. What...the... heck?

The day had cloudy sky. Not the light of the sun, neither the mystic moon
could be seen.

The storm was strange. An almost absolute darkness with thunders
that caused a lot of noice. He got up quickly to take his stuff and
return to Fanelia, but something pushed him toward the near river.
Hedidn't know reason but he made it.

In the surface of the river. He could see his noble face. Seconds later,
a lightning illuminated the atmosphere for a thousandth of second. In that
brief instant, he saw something that left him horrified. The face reflected in
the water, was that of the character in the entrance of the great metal tower

After the light ceased, his face appeared again in the water.
But he stayed immobile, stunned by what he had just seen.

He didn't realized when the rain began to fall stronger.

What was that? And the symbol in his arm... What did it mean?


**************************


In other distant place, near the frontier among Basram and Daelus, one
lone figure looked at the horizon. He was covered with an a black armor
and in each of his shoulders he had the figure of what seemed to be
the head of a jackal, with red eyes each one. The helmet also had the
same figure, and on his belt he carried two swords, a normal one,
and another shorter. The armor wascompleted by a red cloack.

When seeing it, it was difficult to know who he was. The helmet covered his
face. The only that could be seen was the nose and his mouth.

The stranger was standing in what seemed to be a Gymelef. But it was not
common a common one. It had three heads, also of jackal, lion body and dragon tail,
black color, with eyes red and sharp teeth and claws that could tear steel apart.

The figure made a desperation sigh. How many time he had to wait? If there
was something he hated was to wait. But it was always this way.

He had waited several years.

Does it matter if he wait a little more?

Soon after a figure materialized in the air, a young and beautiful woman
of black hair and eyes of the same color. Her hair was very long, and she
had a white cloack, and under it, almost no clothes of the same color.

General...

The general, didn't turn to see the recently arrived one. He only mentioned
her name: Alanis... What are you doinn'g here?

As friendly as always... I was sent by the emperor.

Don't he trust me?

It's not that.

I see... answered the mano of the armor. He turned lightly to see to
her, and say: is he ready?

Yes... Why don't you ask him yourself?

I don't trust him...

Me neither, Alanis answered... "but the emperor has many hopes
about him..."

...I know...

It's obvious that he has them... He trained him ... she added.

The general without saying anything, turned to see the horizon again. It was beautiful.
He always wondered why the people didn't appreciate it as much as him.

He wanted that some day all his people could see at what he was looking at.
In his lost look, it was noticed that his thoughts were very far from
there, while Alanis looked at him with indescribable eyes.

Alanis was really beautiful. There were always people that noticed her
and many looked at her with desire and admiration. Many tried to court her,
to conquer it, and even sometimes to prove the delights of her body,
But, her warrior nature, sent everyone away. It was a pity that the one
she loved was in front of her, and didn't seemed to have the most
minimum interest.

The general sighed and lowered the look. It is incredible... isn't it?
mentioned.

He was still with humor to begin a conversation.

What?

"The emperor. Hardly six years ago, we were a damned race condemned to
extinction... but after his arrival..."

Were we? You lived a lot of time in the world of light... she said with a
mocking smile.

But I paid the price... He said with a cold voice and full with resentment.

I... i'm sorry. She said lowering the look.

Don't worry... it is no longer important.

Yes... thank you general...

The general turned toward where she was, and she felt his look. You know
my name... he mentioned.

At this time you are the general. Alanis said lifting the look toward
his eyes. Without your armor, you are yourself.... until then, I will say your
name.

The general didn't say anything. The silence stayed during some
minutes, and later...

You still haven't answered my question...

Alanis drew a small smile in its face. That meant that he trusted her.
Perhaps there was hope for her.

You're right... In the place where we live there's nothing...

Adon... the forgotten earth ... she added. Incredible that a whole continent is
beyond Asgard...

It isn't a forgotten earth... it's our earth...

Yes... but... now with the emperor we will reborn again...

I hope your right...

What are you saying?

I don't know... but I believe than the emperor is looking for something more.
It seems strange that he want to help us.

also...

yeah?

That man he sent, is one from the damned race. I hope he doesn't give us problems.

Alanis walked toward the general's side and shared with him the view to the
firmament. You are right, but...

But?

Remember that we are also of a damned race...

We are not a damned race... he answered... simply a forgotten one...

That makes us damned... Alanis said closing the eyes.

The Abaharaki... A damned race? The general thought.

Now we'll give them a reason to call us that way, the general said while
closing his fist with fury. He closed it so hard that his own
fingernails got in his hand and began to bleed.

Alanis saw him with eyes of sadness. Do you have a personal reason to do this?
You never speak this way. It was the first time that she saw the general of
like that.

Get in your own bussiness, he answered her coldly.

Alanis no longer spoke more, surprised by its general's answer.
It turned the look to continue seeing the horizon. In that moment, the one
I silence it was much more comfortable.

perhaps don't have none after everything... Alanis thought while he/she escaped
a tear of their eyes. How good that the general didn't see it.

Soon after the silence reining was interrupted by a transmission
coming from an apparatus in the gymelef. The objective it is in place.
Continue with the plan.

The general stayed seeing where the voice had come out... he knew that
this would change the fate of his race forever.

I hope everything goes well.


******************************

In another place, on an abyss not very distant, was another fellow,
with the look toward that that the that deep and dark hole. He
had black hair, and a red bandana in the forehead that flew with the
strong winds that there blew. His body, in spite of being
covered totally for a black suit, showed that he was not a common person.
All his musculature was marked. His face was covered also with another
mask which only allowed to see his eyes.

His look was full with hate and lack of pity, although it was
very familiar.. In the belt loaded a long sword that
had as hilt the head of a dragon.

The stranger didn't seem to be afraid standing in the border of
an abyss of more than 3 miles depth. In that moment,
a gigantic ship of Basram was passing through it.

"My objective...." he thought.

He/she stayed looking fixedly toward the ship, and a voice was listened by means of a
strange apparatus that had position in their ear. Your objective is in position.
It proceeds with the plan. It was the general's voice, But the fellow didn't answer.
It seemed that their mind was in another part, to thousands of kilometers of there.

I repeat... your objective is in position, proceed with the plan.

Are you there imbecile? The exasperated general asked.

Yes... I heard you... answered the stranger with a voice, also familiar.

What's wrong with you Are you doubting?

No... I'm fine.

Better tell you now. One of the old three great masters of Gaea is
in that ship.

Who?

Duncan...

Duncan?

Yes... Duncan.

.............

Alright get going.

ok.

I will take care of the small ships. You only worry about your work.

ok.

Said this, the communication was cut. The fellow without thinking twice, opened his
arms and falled from the cliff to the ship. Any ordinary human being
would not survive such fall, but he fell over the ship, without
any damage.

It is time, he thought...


********************

The ship was enormous, and it was surrounded of several small ships. On
the control bridge, a general of obese port, with mustache. He was the
same one that years behind ordered to throw the bomb on the troops of
Zaibach.

Beside the, there was a 50 year-old man, totally covered with a redo cloack.
He had a serene face and beard, and the eyes closed.

He was completely blind.

Ha!!! the general mentioned with face of satisfaction.

The blind man that was to his side, turned toward him. Does something happen general?

With this new weapon, nobody in Gaea will be able to mess with us. It's even
more powerful than the last one.

The weapons never take to anything good general.

What do you say? You are the last one that can say that. How many people you've
killed with your sword?

Duncan lifted his cloack. Under it, in the belt, his sword was.
Surely less than you.

I don't believe that.

Duncan ignored the last comment. you're not afraid that maybe someone tries to
steal it?

What fear should I have here with one of the great masters in the ship?

You never know... Duncan answered lowering the face. Duncan, was much younger,
but was also a great friend of the old Balgus. From young he had the old man
as his ideal, as the maximum thing to what could aspire. His blindness had
not been an impediment, on the contrary, he learned how to see with
the eyes of the mind, even better that the normal ones.

Overcoming that impediment, little he imagined that he would become
one of the tree masters. It was his dream come true. Several
years later, in the beginning of the great war he found out the destruction
of Fanelia and the death of Balgus, but, although he felt a lot the death
of his friend, he refused to fight. He never liked wars and
preferred to step aside.

Now he was the personal guardian of the supreme General of Basram, place of
his birth. Although he never liked the decision of using the bomb
to destroy enemies and allies equally, he also though: "If there wasn't
been for that, perhaps we may have lost the war.

A bad excuse, but an excuse anyway.

Near the entrance steps were heard...

The door opened up, and a youth, some 15 years old entered. She was very small, as
1.55 of height, black Hair and gray eyes, but without a doubt, seemed an
angel of the skyes. " ...Papa " said directing her eyes toward's the general.

Diana... what are you doing here? The general told to the girl of his eyes.

Nothing! she said with cheerful voice. I was only walking by.

Well, the general mentioned. Then come, come closer, told her while opening his arms.

The girl, overflowing of happiness she came closer toward herfather , but she
wasn't able to arrive, because a strong shake moved the ship violently.

...What the...!!!???? the general mentioned.

A soldier that was of guard, screamed: General!! The ships!!!

The general, ran toward a huge window in front the control bridge

What he saw left him horrified. On another part of the cliff, fireballs appeared
and they were demolishing the 15 ships that supposedly were there to protect
their valuable load.

"What the heck..."

The girl named Diana sunk in the floor. She got closer to the window, and
put her hand in it. After seeing what was happening, she fainted.

Duncan was unalterable. There is somebody inside the ship... mentioned.

What? how do you know it?

I only know it. Followed act he turned and gave the back to the general and
his daughter unconscious. It will be better than they escape. The only thing
that you can do here is die.

And he was right. In the panic caused for the destruction of the ships, someone
was able to get in. The soldiers that were there, when seeing the intruder
attacked him, but the stranger seem death itself.

Seconds later screams, and then total silence...

The figure walked unalterable on the bodies. His sword, covered with blood
keep walking leaving a rail of blood.

Few steps later he stopped as he saw with calm eyes how another figure appeared.

...Duncan.

Who are you? asked the stranger with a voice as calm as death.

...mi name's Duncan, What do you want here stranger?

Duncan... mentioned the fellow in a low voice . Seeing the man that was
in front of him noticed that his eyes were closed.

Are you blind? he asked him with confused voice.

Yes...

The stranger showed confusion in his look. He didn't know what to do.
He had never fought with somebody having advantage. It was not his style.
He was a murderer, but he have a certain sense of honor and never
would fight with a blind man. But this was great master
of Gaea... Well... two now... and one later...

I never liked to fight with advantage, the fellow mentioned, while
he, untied the red bandana that always had in his head and with it
hecovered his eyes.

I don't want to fight.

If you don't fight you'll die.

I'll die anyway...

Yes... but... at least you will die in the battlefield, With honor
and pride...

...many people would like to die like that.

Strange to hear that coming from a murderer like you.

Perhaps I am a murderer... But I don't do it for fun. I have
a purpose. After completing it I'll die also.

Until then...

Duncan was surprised by his voice. It is so similar to the one of...

He was not able to finish his thought. The stranger ran toward him with
fury and with a diabolical speed took out his sword. The old warrior was
surprised. His speed was impressive. He had never seen someone like
this monster.

Not even Balgus...

He was hardly able to take out his sword to receive his enemy, He could
not believe the force of the stranger. It was superhuman, unnatural.
No human being could do this. For the first time in many years, Duncan
remembered what was fear.

In that moment hedidn't know what to do.

The only thing that he knew...

Was than, for first time in many years...

He would lose a battle and at the same time...

...knew than he would die.

But he had to make something. He could not let that murderer to arrive to the
bridge of the ship. If he couldn't stop the monster, nobody can. He had
that to do something.

If he has todie... He would take this one with him...

But it was an almost impossible task. He hardly could stand to the fellow's
embates. Not only his speed and force were incredible. His ability too.
he seemed to read each one of his movements and every time Duncan attempted
an attack the stranger responded him with other more effective and dangerous.

He had to do something. Quick. In his desperation one of his hands loosed the
sword for brief instants, and threw a punch that gave the intruder in the face
and sent him flying in the airs and colliding with a wall, which, because of
the impact, cracked.

The stranger, now something stunned, felt how Duncan, at great speed came
closer, aside his sword and with the fists in front, gave him with fury several times.

Duncanhad resigned to not use his sword. Perhaps without it he could hurt the intruder.
It was obvious to him than this one could tear him apart if he uses it.

After several blows against the wall, itbegan to crack more and more.
Finally, after several blows, the wall gave and the stranger was expelled to
the other side surrounded by clouds of debris and stone pieces.

The old warrior collapsed in the floor with interrupted breathing. Perhaps
damaged him, he thought.

But he was mistaken. The stranger, now with the clothes ripped, was standing
in front of him. He had not suffered any damage, but his aura was full with
fury.

You shouldn't have done that, said with a cold voice

Duncan didn't lift the face. Although he was blind, he always showed his face to
anyone who spoke to him, but that time he was afraid. a lot.

The stranger threw his sword to the floor, while coming closer, to the
once glorious master Duncan, now resigned and about to face his final destination.

But the old warrior had a last chance. His sword was close. When
this monster come closer he would nail it without a doubt. The perfect plan.

Was it really?

When the stranger was brought near, Duncan lifted its sword to thread it
in his enemy's chest, but this one, almost lazily, moved aside
and gave a strong blow to his arm, pulling it up definitively.

Duncan felt the dying pain, while his arm flew with the sword and fell to
several meters. Then turned to see the fellow while taking with his
other arm the great wound in his shoulder.

You still don't understand, do you?

Q... who are you? said Duncan with agony.

The stranger answered him with a powerful roundhouse kick that made fly the old
one in the air and to spit several teeth.

Duncan, was almost unconscious, but his pride and dignity made him get up
once again.

You make honor to your fame. The stranger said.

Then he hit the old man again, this time in the stomach. The effect
was saliva and blood coming out the defeated one, and some of it fell
in the assasin face.

Disgusting...

Duncan already in the floor, almost unconscious without orientation and
almost without life, listened how the stranger took his sword from the
floor and lifted it to finish him.

Tell the demons in hell I said hi.

The only thing that could be heard was something falling in the floor.


*****************

In the control bridge, the general was protecting his daughter, still
unconscious when hebegan to hear steps. Duncan?

Duncan?

...no answer.

Duncan? he asked for last time.

No... mentioned another voice.

The stranger was in the entrance. He had the bandana again in the forehead, and
was carring something in his hand. Duncan is no longer here... he mentioned...

What?

The stranger came closer without saying any word, while he trowed to the feet
of the general what was in his hand. It was the deformed head of the once glorious
Duncan.

Terrified, the general saw the fellow, with an undecipherable look. This
had with eyes, not full with hate like before, but a sad one, looling the scene
of the general protecting his daughter.

Attack him!!! Screamed to the soldiers that were there.

The soldiers took out their swords, but trembled from terror when they saw the murderer.
They knew it would be the last moment of their lifes, but they should try. They
should protect their general.

The murderer not even took out his sword. Their eyes gave a gleam of light, and of its
body came out energy. Seconds later, the soldiers fell without life.

What you did to them?

I removed their souls. They won't suffer anymore.

Who are you? the general asked.

But he ignored the question. Leave and I'll forgive you're life, said with
lost eyes. Your daughter wouldn't like to be left without her father...

Don't you think the same? General?

In that moment the girl woke up. She didn't see the bodies of the poor soldiers,
but to the fellow in front.

Dad...

Go Diana...

But dad...

GO NOW!!

The girl saw how her father ran toward the stranger with his sword in the air,
and also how the stranger snatched it from to him with naked hands and with the
same blade crossed his forehead.

DAD!!!! DAD!!!!! she screamed with desperate voice.

He should have listened to me... the fellow said while he had the sword incrusted in the
front of what was now the moribund general. This with his last encouragement,
pulled up the mask of the stranger, and later felt without life in the floor.

The girl seemed to recognize the stranger's face... Master... Van. Then she fell
again unconscious.

The stranger went toward Diana. He lifted her smoothly in arms,
he had never killed a woman, and this would not be the first time. No... Van is
dead... but he still doesn't know it...


*************************

In earth Hitomi and Yukari left the school, in their typical
and happy chats, but, few blocks away from school, The time
seemed to became slower and slower.

For their horror he/she looked how to their friend it also passed him the same thing.
Each step that gave went more and more slow, and it seemed that he/she chatted him
in slow camera. After some seconds, everything stopped totally.

What... what's happening here...

It was not only Yukari. Everything had stopped. only she could move.

Hitomi felt a presence behind of her, and turned the look quickly.

It was him.

The shadow of death that was in her dream.

Hitomi was paralyzed. The terror made her to sweat cold, while
the shadow, walked toward her with slow step and stopped in front of her,


He opened his cloack, and everything became darkness.

Everything began to normalize. People moved again with normality,
and the time took its normal course. But something was... off...

Yukari searched her friend and desperation took possession of her.

Hitomi was no longer there.



***********************************************************************************
***********************************************************************************

Welcome to the Dragon War.
You doubt and comments will be welcome.
Also... I'll post only this chapter in fanfiction.net if you want to read
the whole story go to http://go.to/raptor_ge

Gustavo Armas
raptor_ge

PD: This is so PRELIMINARY version it is possible that it changes it a moment to
another. Another thing, im not perfeKt, so if there's any errors in the script
tell me.