Battles and Reunions
Michael leaned against the battered remnants of Arch Angel. Tygris was pacing in front of him. That steady sinking feeling that had been with him all night felt like a stone in his stomach. A single word rang in his mind like an endless echo. Failure. It sounded in his mind like a re-occurring shot.
"Michael, you haven't said a word all night. Aren't you going to say anything?" Tygris asked. Michael shook his head. Through the night after Vera's capture and Tygir's betrayal, no one had been able to sleep. Michael himself had not spoken to anyone, despite many attempts to get him to say something. Michael hadn't even left the docking bay, and he had put up a terrific fight when Millerna tried to make him go to the medical room. She had decided that Michael had either gone mad from his despair at seeing Vera captured or he was in shock. Michael knew he was neither. His head was perfectly clear and he could think perfectly fine. His mind just kept wandering back to Vera. The last time Vera had been captured, he had been enraged. He had wanted to pound on something, to break someone in half. But this time, he felt empty, like a part of him was missing. Michael stared blankly at the ceiling of the docking bay. He had only recently been able to confess how he felt about Vera, and he still hadn't really told anyone but Vera herself. It was like Vera was half of his being and now she was gone. Until he got her back, Michael couldn't be whole.
"Michael, clamming up and keeping it all inside is not helping anyone. You have to talk." Tygris said. Michael looked at her and shook his head again. Suddenly Tygris started to cry.
"We both lost something yesterday, Michael." Tygris said, trying to control the sobs. " I lost my father and you lost Vera. And don't try to pretend you and Vera were just friends, because I figured out that you two were a pair a long time ago. I know how you feel. I see it in your eyes. You feel like a you failed, like you messed up and now Vera will suffer. That's not true. I know, and I'll bet Vera knows, you did your best, but there were too many. The greatest guymelef pilot in the world couldn't have gotten through that many enemies. You did your best." Michael turned away.
"And it wasn't good enough." he said, speaking for the first time in over twelve hours. He squeezed his eyes shut and prayed for Vera's safety harder than he had ever prayed in his entire life. I never told her, he realized, I never told her I loved her. She probably knew, but I should have told her all the same. Michael felt a single tear slip down his cheek. Terror for her sake quaked through him.
Merle chose her steps carefully as she walked toward the galley. Her strength was still limited and she was unwilling to run into Dromada. She wasn't feeling particually social at the moment and would probably claw someone's eyes out if she wasn't careful. Her tail swished gracefully behind her as she entered the galley, pleased to find herself alone. She sat and absently twirled the crystal necklace Zam had given her. Forcing memories of him away, Merle shook her head. Living without him was still so new to her, she was still learning how to move on. The door opened behind her and Merle turned to see Chuba entering, a blank expression on his face.
"Was it that bad, Chuba?" she asked. Chuba turned and stared at her as if he had never seen her before.
"I just feel sorry for Michael." he explained. A pained expression crossed his face. "If it had been Tygris, not Vera, I don't think I could have handled it as well as he is."
"Micheal's had experience." Merle said emotionlessly. Chuba nodded and turned to leave. As he walked out, someone else walked in. Merle sniffed the air and Dromada's scent greeted her nostrils. Merle hunched her shoulders and pretended to be very interested in her crystal. Dromada passed by and Merle heard a purr rise in his throat.
"Hello, kitten." he said gently. Merle didn't answer, now used to Dromada's special nick name for her. Every now and then, Merle found herself thinking it was sweet how he gave her a nick name. Merle glanced over her shoulder at the huge tom. He had his back turned to her and was inspecting one of the pantries. He grunted and turned around. Merle guiltily turned her gaze quickly back to the crystal. Dromada walked toward the door, stopping behind Merle. Merle stiffened as she felt his strong arms wrap around her waist. Dromada pressed his cheek against hers.
"Don't pretend you don't know I'm here. I know you knew I was here the minute I walked in." he whispered in her ear. He slowly pulled her out of her chair to her feet. Merle leaned back against him and felt his lips press against her cheek. Merle closed her eyes and sighed. Merle rested her hands on his thick, muscular arms as he gently squeezed her. Suddenly Zam's face rose in her mind, his light brown eyes filled with sadness. Merle stumbled away from Dromada.
"I...I can't do this!" she moaned, holding her head in her hands. She dashed away from the galley with tears streaming down her face, and Dromada staring after her in confusion.
Chuba watched Tygris pace.
"Tygris, you wearing a trench in the floor." he said. Tygris stopped for a second to stare at him then resumed her pacing.
"Tygris, you need rest." Chuba said in a more concerned tone. Tygris didn't respond. "Tygris, stop." he said a little more loudly. Still no response. Losing his temper, Chuba leapt up and grabbed Tygris by the shoulders. "Tygris! Stop!" he yelled. Tygris looked at him, startled. Her eyes filled with tears.
"You've never yelled at me before, Chuba." she said softly. Chuba let his hands drop from her shoulders and stepped back.
"Sorry." he said, shocked at his behavior.
"No. Thank you." Tygris said. She stepped forward and wrapped her arms around his neck. "Thank you, Chuba. Thank you for everything." Chuba was somewhat bewildered by Tygris's behavior but put his arms around her waist and pulled her close. Her chest heaved and Chuba saw she was crying. He stroked her head.
"Ssshhh. It's okay, Tygris. I'm here, and I'm not going anywhere." he said gently. Tygris lifted her tear streaked face to his and looked into his eyes. Chuba felt his heart rip in two. Tygir was going to pay for hurting Tygris. Chuba leaned a little closer and smiled at her.
"Tygris, I..." he started, groping for words. Tygris shook her head and kissed him. Chuba, pleasantly shocked, took his time kissing back. Tygris pulled out and leaned her head against Chuba's chest, purring loudly. Chuba felt his own purr rise in his chest. A dream come true, he thought.
Vera shifted in her bed. A cold sweat poured down her forehead and drenched her pillow. Her throat was dry and parched and her head throbbed mercilessly. Vera rolled over and struggled in vain to untangle herself from her blankets. Her muscles were stiff and sore. Vera heard something move in the shadows. She snapped her head up to see what. All was silent.
"Is anyone there?" she asked, her voice hoarse. No reply. Something was there, Vera could feel it. Vera swallowed and tried to quell the dizziness in her head. Her strength ran dry and she lay back, closing her eye. Something wet stroked her forehead and Vera snapped her eyes open. A man was leaning over her, a man with pale skin and very light hair, almost white.
"You've finally woken up." he noted, his voice deep and masculine. Vera closed her eyes and opened them again, making sure she was really awake. Suddenly alert, she sat up quickly.
"Who are you? I want answers this time!" she cried. The straightened himself and nodded.
"You'll get your answers. After I get mine." he said. Anxiety enveloped Vera.
"What answers? To what questions?" she asked cautiously.
"They're probably not much different from the questions you want to ask." the man replied. He walked away and sat in a chair. "Shall I begin my half of the interregation?" Vera nodded silently. "Fine. I'll start with this: what's your name?" he asked. Vera swallowed again.
"Vera." she said simply. The man nodded.
"Alright. Now, where do you come from?" he asked.
"Fanelia." Vera replied without hesitation. The man nodded again.
"Right. Beautiful country, I hear. Anyway, my next question is this. Where are your parents? You're obviosly too young to be on your own."
"My parents are probably on our air ship, looking for me." Vera responded.
"Who are your parents?" asked the man, leaning forward. Vera drew herself up.
"Van and Hitomi, King and Queen of Fanelia." she replied confidently. Saddness overcame the man's already sad face.
"Hitomi... Now I remember..." he muttered.
"Can I ask my questions now?" Vera asked urgently. She had the feeling of impending danger. The man nodded. "Who are you?" Vera asked quickly. The man raised his eyes to look at Vera.
"You wouldn't believe me if I told you." he said.
"Try me." Vera dared. The man shrugged.
"My name is Folken Fanel, the traitorous brother of the King of Fanelia, and your uncle." he said in a monotone voice. Vera gasped.
"You? You're the one haunting my dreams?" she asked in disbelief.
"I don't know anything about haunting dreams, but I do know who I am." he said, slightly agitated. It all made since to Vera now. The familiarity of his voice, the strange way Vera felt like she knew him. Vera noticed her surroundings for the first time.
"Where am I?" she asked softly. Folken looked around himself, as if refreshing his memory.
"The rather comfortable cell these rebels gave me when they caught me. I guess they thought that the King of Fanelia would pay for my freedom, but they forgot that if you asked him, I'm dead. He wouldn't pay ransom for me if he knew I was alive either." The way he said it was as if this was a fact that he had long ago learned to live with.
"Dad really thinks you're dead. How did you survive? And why does Dad think he knows you're dead?" Vera asked, pulling her knees against her chest.
"It's a long story, and I won't go into to details. The short version is this: Hitomi saw me lying in my own blood. You would think a girl with her powers would figure out I wasn't really dead. Or maybe I really was for a little while. I don't honestly know how I survived. I just know I did. Hitomi probably told Van what she saw and he would have believed her. Did they not tell you anything about the war?" Folken asked. Vera shook her head.
"A little, but none of the important stuff. I found out some of it on my own." Vera said ruefully.
"How?" Folken asked.
"I saw it in a dream. I have my mother's powers." Vera explained. Folken nodded.
"Yes. Hitomi was our weakness, and Van and his friends greatest strength. She saw what others missed. The girl from the Mystic Moon." he said. "What a girl. She never gave up. Fanelia is very lucky to have her for its queen, and your lucky to have her for your mother." Vera hung her head.
"I know. She's great, strong, beautiful. And here I am, her shadow, never will be as good as she is." Vera muttered. Folken looked up.
"I don't believe that. I see both my brother and Hitomi in you, and you are already coming across as a perfect cross between them. You every bit as good as she is." he said angrily. Vera shrugged. Shouts and heavy foot falls drifted through the door. Vera sat bolt upright.
"What's that?" she asked. Folken shrugged.
"Could be anything. Could be fuel leak, that brat Zensho could be having a tantrum, an explosion, or maybe your friends are here to save you." he said in an unconcerned voice. He leaned back in his chair and watched Vera. "You are defiantly Van's daughter. You look just like him. And your eyes... they must be Hitomi's. I'll bet the young princes go crazy for you." he said. Vera sighed.
"You couldn't have said better. That's why I'm here. Zensho did go crazy for me." she said soberly. Her future was not looking good right now.
"I knew that little brat was insane, but for my neice? Now he's going to get it." Folken threatened. He looked at Vera again. "You're obviously not intrested in him. Is there anyone you are intrested in?" he asked slyly. Vera stiffened unconsciously.
"There is someone." she guardedly.
"You don't look like you're willing to spill your guts on this particular subject, so I'll leave you alone." Folken said. Vera sat in silence, still not quite believing that it was her supposedly dead uncle she was looking at. Suddenly a guard rushed into the room.
"Lady Vera, you'll have to come with me. Prince Zensho requests you prescence." he said gruffly. Before Vera could state her refusal, Folken stood.
"Lady Vera is still sick. She has a high fever and is in no condition to go anywhere." he said firmly. Vera remained silent. The guard shook his head.
"Lord Zensho is very insistent. He also requires Lady Vera bring her sword." he said, his voice as firm as Folken's. Vera felt the tension mounting. She began to look around the room for her sword. She saw it leaning against the chair Folken had been sitting in. It was out of her reach and Folken was unarmed. Even if Vera could get her sword, she was still sick and didn't stand much of a chance with anyone. Helpless rage rose in her throat. Folken suddenly relaxed backing away from the guard.
"Fine. She can go if I can go with her." he said. The guard nodded and reached for Vera's sword.
"I'll be carrying this." he said. Vera was about protest when Folken grabbed her hands and pulled her to her feet.
"Come on, Vera. Stand up." he said gently. Pain shot up through her legs and Vera cried out softly. "I know it hurts, but there's nothing we can do. I'll help you." he said softly. Vera put her arms around his broad shoulders and he helped her along until Vera's muscles were streched enough to do it on her own. They were led into a broad room with windows that looked down on a far away landscape. The guard kept as far from those windows as possible, but Vera didn't even flinch. She noticed Folken didn't even seem to acknowledge the great distance between the air ship and the ground. Vera pulled herself up and stood straight and tall.
"I'm here, Zensho. It's not like you to keep your guests waiting." she called in mock patience. Zensho stepped out from the shadows. He looked from Vera to Folken, and finally, the guard.
"I told you to bring just the Princess." he said angrily. He marched up to the guard and punched him. The guard cried out and stumbled back. "Get out of my sight!" he yelled, furious. After the guard had left, he turned his attention back to Vera and Folken. "Like the view?" he asked, gesturing to the window. "It's quite high." he was obviously trying to scare them. It's not going to work this way, buddy, Vera thought. She defiantly stood and walked right up to the glass. It's very thin, she noticed, thin enough to knock someone through.
"I'm not afraid of heights, Zensho." she said matter-of-factly. She turned and looked to Zensho and saw her sword leaning against the wall behind him. Vera glanced at Folken and then back to the sword. He nodded and began to work his way toward the weapon.
"Not afraid of heights? Well, you're braver than I expected." he said. He drew his sword quickly. "Now then, let's settle this once and for all. We'll have a little duel. If I win, you become the queen of my vast empire at my side." he said. Vera almost vomitted.
"And if I win?" she asked. Zensho smiled.
"You and your friend go free." he said. Too easy, Vera thought, there's gotta be a catch somewhere.
"Where's the catch, Zensho?" Folken called from behind them. Vera saw her sword in his hand.
"Very clever. You double-teamed me. No catch. The deals just as I said. Now, how about a kiss to close it?" he asked. Vera felt her stomach heave again.
"I'd rather the old-fashioned way of shaking hands." she said, struggling to keep her cool. Zensho extended her hand and Vera took. The two teens slowly shook hands. Vera looked down at their hands to avoid looking into Zensho's evil smile. Our complexions are so different, she noted. Zensho's was white, while Vera's was dark copper. Their hands parted. Something rose in Vera's mind.
"Wait! Before we start, I want to lay down the rules. We'll go on... Austurian Knight's Chivalry. All those rules apply. You know, don't stab your opponet in the back, that kind of thing." she said. Folken nodded in approval while Zensho scowled.
"Fine. Your friend will be the moderator. He'll call what's fair and what's not. I trust you'll rule justly." he said to Folken. Vera's uncle nodded, handing Vera her sword. Vera drew it, knowing she now had an advantage. She knew every rule of Austurian Chivalry, and she also knew every loop hole, every way to cheat without breaking the rules. Since very few people went by the code, but most knew it, hardly anyone could bend the rules like Vera could. Allen had disapproved of her little cheats, but now was one situation that they would benefit her. The two opponets faced off about five yards apart. Folken gave the signal to begin, and the teens rushed each other, meeting at the middle. Wait, Vera thought, meeting at the middle? Michael's mimic trick! Vera's mind raced. It wasn't against the rules. Zensho shoved Vera back with his sword, sending her sprwaling backward. He was stronger than he looked. But so was Vera. Zensho expected her to charge and readied himself to meet her, but Vera sat herself up the same way Zensho did and waited. Zensho stood a little straighter and Vera copied. He moved his sword to the left and Vera copied. Zensho had figured out what was going on by now and was thoroughly confused. Perfect, Vera thought. Zensho tried a few charges, only to find Vera mimicing him, move for move, step for step. Then Vera saw it. A clear path to Zensho's neck. Vera wasted no time, charging immediately and catching Zensho by surprise. Zensho saw his mistake a second too late and tried to correct it. Vera caught him in the shoulder, inches away from her target. Zensho cried out and tried to keep from stumbling backward, but Vera's momentum carried them both towardc the window. Vera remembered how thin the glass was and tried to stop, but the two were tumbling uncontrolably now. They slammed into the glass. Shards of shattered glass stabbed Vera's skin and Zensho's scream rang in her ears. A hand shot through the hole in the glass and grabbed her shirt, ripping it slightly. The hand pulled her up, back into the air ship. Folken looked at her with parental concern on his face.
"Are you okay?" he asked. Vera nodded.
"I'm fine." she said.
"You're bleeding!" Folken cried, pointing to her arm. Vera looked at the wound and suddenly remember the cold steel of Zensho sword slicing her arm.
"I said I'm fine. Let's get out of here." she said. The two of them hurried away from the shattered window, neither one of them looking back. It was because of this that they didn't see a pale hand reach up and grasp the ledge.
Michael stared out the window of the Blade at the air ship the rebels were keeping Vera on. His face was like stone. The group had decided that the Blade was better equiped for aerial battle than the Crusade. He knew that Zensho's men had spotted them and they were trying to figure out a way to keep Vera's rescue from boarding their air ship. The Blade pulled alongside the ship. As they slid to a stop, Michael could read the ship's name. The Black Death. Just the kind of name those monsters would chose. Michael was ready for battle. He was ready. Michael went to the docking bay and waited in silence as the door opened. A rush of air lifted his sable hair and his blue eyes sparkled dangerously. Allen stepped up beside him.
"Keep control of your temper, kid. Don't do anything rash." he said. Michael nodded. He was thinking clearly. He saw the perfect line between point A and point B. He was ready to do whatever it took to find Vera. Tygris manuevered the Blade closer to the Black Death and Van and Allen laid down a board between the two ships. Michael followed them across the board and quickly dashed down the first corridor he saw while the others covered his back. He stopped at a corner and peered around it cautiously. He saw no one. He turned around to make sure no one was following him. When he was sure he was in the clear, he rounded the corner quickly, and plowed right into someone. He fell to the ground and looked up. He saw Vera sitting across from him, obviously the person he run into. Vera's eyes widened.
"Michael?" she asked.
"Vera?" Michael muttered in disbelief. Michael crawled over to her and wrapped his arms around and hugged her tightly.
"Not so tight, not so tight!" Vera cried.
"Sorry!" Michael cried. He noticed a fresh wound on her shoulder. "What happened?" he asked, pointing.
"I fought with Zensho. He lost." Vera explained. Michael noticed a man standing over them.
"Who's he?" Michael asked, getting defensive.
"He's a friend. I'll explain later." Vera said, using her good arm to grab Michael and pull him to his feet. Michael grabbed her hand and pulled back down the corridor, the mysterious man at their heels. They emerged in the docking bay, chaos around them. Allen noticed them first and ran over.
"Hey, you found her really qu... What the... What are you doing here?" Allen's voice suddenly grew menacing as he eyed the man behind Michael and Vera. Vera raised her hand.
"Leave him alone, he's with me." she said quickly. Allen acknowledged this but refused to put away his sword, a threat and an insult that the other man ignored.
"Van's not going to like this. He's going to kill you this time." Allen said, addressing the man.
"Then let's hope he actually succeeds this time." the man said, speaking in Michael's prescence for the first time. The group ran toward exit, constantly being joined by allies. Michael gestured for Vera to cross the board before him. Vera nodded and began to cross without hesitation, Michael following. Vera suddenly swayed and Michael put his hands on her waist and held her still. An animal like roar errupted and a tattered and blood-streamed Zensho emerged, blood pouring down his face from a deep cut on his forehead. His black hair was matted and wet and his eyes were pupiless. He plowed through the people at that end of the board and flung himself at Michael.
Vera watched in horror as Michael and Zensho swayed dangerously.
"Michael!" she screamed, reaching out for one of his flailing arms and missing. She held her arms out to her side to regain her balance. She looked up to see Michael leaning dangerously to the left. Time stood still for a moment as Michael and Vera's eyes met. I love you, he mouthed. Vera lunged, reaching out for him. Vera heard no sounds, felt nothing. And then all her sensory input came back in a rush.
"Vera!" Michael screamed as he began to fall. Vera wasted no time. She ripped off her shirt, revealing a black sport bra. She leapt off the board and fell after Michael.
"Vera!" three voices cried in unison. Mom, Dad, and Folken, Vera thought as her wings swooped from her shoulders and folder to her sides. She gained speed and reached for Michael. He saw her coming and reached for her. Their hands met and they wrapped their arms around each other.
"Hang on." she whispered, opening her wings and flapping furiously.
"Whoa! No way, wings!" Michael cried. Vera strained to flap her wings harder. To streaks of color met her eyes, one on the right and one on the left. Vera's father and uncle had leaped after her. Both were bare chested, Folken with black wings, Van with white. Then they noticed each other.
"You!" Van cried, flaring away from Vera and Michael.
"Don't jump to conclusions, Van!" Folken cried.
"Conclusions! I'll tell what the conclusion is! You're dead!" Van screamed. Vera pumped her wings strenuously, straining for every foot of altitude until she was out of earshot of her uncle and father. She reached the Blade's bay and left Michael there, diving down again. She flared her wings a few yards above them and watched for a second. Folken charged Van, who was smaller and quicker, and Van dodged, dealing Folken a kick in the gut at the same time. Folken doubled over and almost forgot to flap his wings, causing him to lose a little alititude. Unable to take anymore, Vera dove down.
"Stop it! Daddy, stop!" she screamed, weaving in and out to avoid the flurry of flying fists. She managed to get between them and shove the brothers apart. They hovered in midair, all but ignoring Vera. "Knock it off, you two! Do I have to send you to separate corners? What did Grandma do when you two fought?" she asked. Just as she had hoped, the brothers stopped trying to get at each other and stared, remembering. Hopefully good times. Vera suddenly felt exhausted. She flapped her wings and rose to the Blade. She landed on her feet, wings disappearing again. Exhaustion overtook her and she fell into Michael's waiting arms.
Hitomi stood at the window and contemplated what had happened. Vera was safe and sound again. Folken was actually alive. He had left after a long talk with Van, saying he would be back. Tygir's face rose in her mind. Zensho was dead, surely the threat was over. Hitomi closed her eyes. She felt a vision rise in her mind...
Vera, Michael, Chuba and Tygris, stood alone in a world of darkness. Fear registered on their faces. Michael slowly wrapped his arms around Vera and pulled her close as Chuba did the same to Tygris. A figure rose behind them, framed by raging flames. The figure was Tygir.
Hitomi opened her eyes. Four teens were to stand alone against a world of evil? How could Hitomi ever let this happen? I don't think I have a choice, she thought to herself.
Dromada was walking down the corridor of the Blade, deep in thought. He passed Merle's room. Suddenly, he stopped. He heard Merle tossing and turning restlessly, moaning something. Then, suddenly, she screamed. "NONONO!!!!!" Merle shrieked. Dromada kicked open the door and ran inside, halting before her bed. Merle was still sleeping, and crying out words. "Oh no...please, stop...no...nonono...NO! ZAAAMMMM!!!!!!" she screamed again. She bolted upright, her eyes wide and tears streaming down her face. Dromada sat on the edge of the bed, and reached his arm out to her. Merle stared at it, then shrank back, as if she expected that the arm would suddenly hit her, hurt her. Dromada drew his arm back. Merle shook uncontrollably, a sob escaping her throat every now and then. Dromada felt her pain, right at the core of his being. Merle was reliving hell in her mind, and there was nothing Dromada could do about it. All Dromada could do was watch the only person in the world that mattered anything to him cry in the night.
Michael leaned against the battered remnants of Arch Angel. Tygris was pacing in front of him. That steady sinking feeling that had been with him all night felt like a stone in his stomach. A single word rang in his mind like an endless echo. Failure. It sounded in his mind like a re-occurring shot.
"Michael, you haven't said a word all night. Aren't you going to say anything?" Tygris asked. Michael shook his head. Through the night after Vera's capture and Tygir's betrayal, no one had been able to sleep. Michael himself had not spoken to anyone, despite many attempts to get him to say something. Michael hadn't even left the docking bay, and he had put up a terrific fight when Millerna tried to make him go to the medical room. She had decided that Michael had either gone mad from his despair at seeing Vera captured or he was in shock. Michael knew he was neither. His head was perfectly clear and he could think perfectly fine. His mind just kept wandering back to Vera. The last time Vera had been captured, he had been enraged. He had wanted to pound on something, to break someone in half. But this time, he felt empty, like a part of him was missing. Michael stared blankly at the ceiling of the docking bay. He had only recently been able to confess how he felt about Vera, and he still hadn't really told anyone but Vera herself. It was like Vera was half of his being and now she was gone. Until he got her back, Michael couldn't be whole.
"Michael, clamming up and keeping it all inside is not helping anyone. You have to talk." Tygris said. Michael looked at her and shook his head again. Suddenly Tygris started to cry.
"We both lost something yesterday, Michael." Tygris said, trying to control the sobs. " I lost my father and you lost Vera. And don't try to pretend you and Vera were just friends, because I figured out that you two were a pair a long time ago. I know how you feel. I see it in your eyes. You feel like a you failed, like you messed up and now Vera will suffer. That's not true. I know, and I'll bet Vera knows, you did your best, but there were too many. The greatest guymelef pilot in the world couldn't have gotten through that many enemies. You did your best." Michael turned away.
"And it wasn't good enough." he said, speaking for the first time in over twelve hours. He squeezed his eyes shut and prayed for Vera's safety harder than he had ever prayed in his entire life. I never told her, he realized, I never told her I loved her. She probably knew, but I should have told her all the same. Michael felt a single tear slip down his cheek. Terror for her sake quaked through him.
Merle chose her steps carefully as she walked toward the galley. Her strength was still limited and she was unwilling to run into Dromada. She wasn't feeling particually social at the moment and would probably claw someone's eyes out if she wasn't careful. Her tail swished gracefully behind her as she entered the galley, pleased to find herself alone. She sat and absently twirled the crystal necklace Zam had given her. Forcing memories of him away, Merle shook her head. Living without him was still so new to her, she was still learning how to move on. The door opened behind her and Merle turned to see Chuba entering, a blank expression on his face.
"Was it that bad, Chuba?" she asked. Chuba turned and stared at her as if he had never seen her before.
"I just feel sorry for Michael." he explained. A pained expression crossed his face. "If it had been Tygris, not Vera, I don't think I could have handled it as well as he is."
"Micheal's had experience." Merle said emotionlessly. Chuba nodded and turned to leave. As he walked out, someone else walked in. Merle sniffed the air and Dromada's scent greeted her nostrils. Merle hunched her shoulders and pretended to be very interested in her crystal. Dromada passed by and Merle heard a purr rise in his throat.
"Hello, kitten." he said gently. Merle didn't answer, now used to Dromada's special nick name for her. Every now and then, Merle found herself thinking it was sweet how he gave her a nick name. Merle glanced over her shoulder at the huge tom. He had his back turned to her and was inspecting one of the pantries. He grunted and turned around. Merle guiltily turned her gaze quickly back to the crystal. Dromada walked toward the door, stopping behind Merle. Merle stiffened as she felt his strong arms wrap around her waist. Dromada pressed his cheek against hers.
"Don't pretend you don't know I'm here. I know you knew I was here the minute I walked in." he whispered in her ear. He slowly pulled her out of her chair to her feet. Merle leaned back against him and felt his lips press against her cheek. Merle closed her eyes and sighed. Merle rested her hands on his thick, muscular arms as he gently squeezed her. Suddenly Zam's face rose in her mind, his light brown eyes filled with sadness. Merle stumbled away from Dromada.
"I...I can't do this!" she moaned, holding her head in her hands. She dashed away from the galley with tears streaming down her face, and Dromada staring after her in confusion.
Chuba watched Tygris pace.
"Tygris, you wearing a trench in the floor." he said. Tygris stopped for a second to stare at him then resumed her pacing.
"Tygris, you need rest." Chuba said in a more concerned tone. Tygris didn't respond. "Tygris, stop." he said a little more loudly. Still no response. Losing his temper, Chuba leapt up and grabbed Tygris by the shoulders. "Tygris! Stop!" he yelled. Tygris looked at him, startled. Her eyes filled with tears.
"You've never yelled at me before, Chuba." she said softly. Chuba let his hands drop from her shoulders and stepped back.
"Sorry." he said, shocked at his behavior.
"No. Thank you." Tygris said. She stepped forward and wrapped her arms around his neck. "Thank you, Chuba. Thank you for everything." Chuba was somewhat bewildered by Tygris's behavior but put his arms around her waist and pulled her close. Her chest heaved and Chuba saw she was crying. He stroked her head.
"Ssshhh. It's okay, Tygris. I'm here, and I'm not going anywhere." he said gently. Tygris lifted her tear streaked face to his and looked into his eyes. Chuba felt his heart rip in two. Tygir was going to pay for hurting Tygris. Chuba leaned a little closer and smiled at her.
"Tygris, I..." he started, groping for words. Tygris shook her head and kissed him. Chuba, pleasantly shocked, took his time kissing back. Tygris pulled out and leaned her head against Chuba's chest, purring loudly. Chuba felt his own purr rise in his chest. A dream come true, he thought.
Vera shifted in her bed. A cold sweat poured down her forehead and drenched her pillow. Her throat was dry and parched and her head throbbed mercilessly. Vera rolled over and struggled in vain to untangle herself from her blankets. Her muscles were stiff and sore. Vera heard something move in the shadows. She snapped her head up to see what. All was silent.
"Is anyone there?" she asked, her voice hoarse. No reply. Something was there, Vera could feel it. Vera swallowed and tried to quell the dizziness in her head. Her strength ran dry and she lay back, closing her eye. Something wet stroked her forehead and Vera snapped her eyes open. A man was leaning over her, a man with pale skin and very light hair, almost white.
"You've finally woken up." he noted, his voice deep and masculine. Vera closed her eyes and opened them again, making sure she was really awake. Suddenly alert, she sat up quickly.
"Who are you? I want answers this time!" she cried. The straightened himself and nodded.
"You'll get your answers. After I get mine." he said. Anxiety enveloped Vera.
"What answers? To what questions?" she asked cautiously.
"They're probably not much different from the questions you want to ask." the man replied. He walked away and sat in a chair. "Shall I begin my half of the interregation?" Vera nodded silently. "Fine. I'll start with this: what's your name?" he asked. Vera swallowed again.
"Vera." she said simply. The man nodded.
"Alright. Now, where do you come from?" he asked.
"Fanelia." Vera replied without hesitation. The man nodded again.
"Right. Beautiful country, I hear. Anyway, my next question is this. Where are your parents? You're obviosly too young to be on your own."
"My parents are probably on our air ship, looking for me." Vera responded.
"Who are your parents?" asked the man, leaning forward. Vera drew herself up.
"Van and Hitomi, King and Queen of Fanelia." she replied confidently. Saddness overcame the man's already sad face.
"Hitomi... Now I remember..." he muttered.
"Can I ask my questions now?" Vera asked urgently. She had the feeling of impending danger. The man nodded. "Who are you?" Vera asked quickly. The man raised his eyes to look at Vera.
"You wouldn't believe me if I told you." he said.
"Try me." Vera dared. The man shrugged.
"My name is Folken Fanel, the traitorous brother of the King of Fanelia, and your uncle." he said in a monotone voice. Vera gasped.
"You? You're the one haunting my dreams?" she asked in disbelief.
"I don't know anything about haunting dreams, but I do know who I am." he said, slightly agitated. It all made since to Vera now. The familiarity of his voice, the strange way Vera felt like she knew him. Vera noticed her surroundings for the first time.
"Where am I?" she asked softly. Folken looked around himself, as if refreshing his memory.
"The rather comfortable cell these rebels gave me when they caught me. I guess they thought that the King of Fanelia would pay for my freedom, but they forgot that if you asked him, I'm dead. He wouldn't pay ransom for me if he knew I was alive either." The way he said it was as if this was a fact that he had long ago learned to live with.
"Dad really thinks you're dead. How did you survive? And why does Dad think he knows you're dead?" Vera asked, pulling her knees against her chest.
"It's a long story, and I won't go into to details. The short version is this: Hitomi saw me lying in my own blood. You would think a girl with her powers would figure out I wasn't really dead. Or maybe I really was for a little while. I don't honestly know how I survived. I just know I did. Hitomi probably told Van what she saw and he would have believed her. Did they not tell you anything about the war?" Folken asked. Vera shook her head.
"A little, but none of the important stuff. I found out some of it on my own." Vera said ruefully.
"How?" Folken asked.
"I saw it in a dream. I have my mother's powers." Vera explained. Folken nodded.
"Yes. Hitomi was our weakness, and Van and his friends greatest strength. She saw what others missed. The girl from the Mystic Moon." he said. "What a girl. She never gave up. Fanelia is very lucky to have her for its queen, and your lucky to have her for your mother." Vera hung her head.
"I know. She's great, strong, beautiful. And here I am, her shadow, never will be as good as she is." Vera muttered. Folken looked up.
"I don't believe that. I see both my brother and Hitomi in you, and you are already coming across as a perfect cross between them. You every bit as good as she is." he said angrily. Vera shrugged. Shouts and heavy foot falls drifted through the door. Vera sat bolt upright.
"What's that?" she asked. Folken shrugged.
"Could be anything. Could be fuel leak, that brat Zensho could be having a tantrum, an explosion, or maybe your friends are here to save you." he said in an unconcerned voice. He leaned back in his chair and watched Vera. "You are defiantly Van's daughter. You look just like him. And your eyes... they must be Hitomi's. I'll bet the young princes go crazy for you." he said. Vera sighed.
"You couldn't have said better. That's why I'm here. Zensho did go crazy for me." she said soberly. Her future was not looking good right now.
"I knew that little brat was insane, but for my neice? Now he's going to get it." Folken threatened. He looked at Vera again. "You're obviously not intrested in him. Is there anyone you are intrested in?" he asked slyly. Vera stiffened unconsciously.
"There is someone." she guardedly.
"You don't look like you're willing to spill your guts on this particular subject, so I'll leave you alone." Folken said. Vera sat in silence, still not quite believing that it was her supposedly dead uncle she was looking at. Suddenly a guard rushed into the room.
"Lady Vera, you'll have to come with me. Prince Zensho requests you prescence." he said gruffly. Before Vera could state her refusal, Folken stood.
"Lady Vera is still sick. She has a high fever and is in no condition to go anywhere." he said firmly. Vera remained silent. The guard shook his head.
"Lord Zensho is very insistent. He also requires Lady Vera bring her sword." he said, his voice as firm as Folken's. Vera felt the tension mounting. She began to look around the room for her sword. She saw it leaning against the chair Folken had been sitting in. It was out of her reach and Folken was unarmed. Even if Vera could get her sword, she was still sick and didn't stand much of a chance with anyone. Helpless rage rose in her throat. Folken suddenly relaxed backing away from the guard.
"Fine. She can go if I can go with her." he said. The guard nodded and reached for Vera's sword.
"I'll be carrying this." he said. Vera was about protest when Folken grabbed her hands and pulled her to her feet.
"Come on, Vera. Stand up." he said gently. Pain shot up through her legs and Vera cried out softly. "I know it hurts, but there's nothing we can do. I'll help you." he said softly. Vera put her arms around his broad shoulders and he helped her along until Vera's muscles were streched enough to do it on her own. They were led into a broad room with windows that looked down on a far away landscape. The guard kept as far from those windows as possible, but Vera didn't even flinch. She noticed Folken didn't even seem to acknowledge the great distance between the air ship and the ground. Vera pulled herself up and stood straight and tall.
"I'm here, Zensho. It's not like you to keep your guests waiting." she called in mock patience. Zensho stepped out from the shadows. He looked from Vera to Folken, and finally, the guard.
"I told you to bring just the Princess." he said angrily. He marched up to the guard and punched him. The guard cried out and stumbled back. "Get out of my sight!" he yelled, furious. After the guard had left, he turned his attention back to Vera and Folken. "Like the view?" he asked, gesturing to the window. "It's quite high." he was obviously trying to scare them. It's not going to work this way, buddy, Vera thought. She defiantly stood and walked right up to the glass. It's very thin, she noticed, thin enough to knock someone through.
"I'm not afraid of heights, Zensho." she said matter-of-factly. She turned and looked to Zensho and saw her sword leaning against the wall behind him. Vera glanced at Folken and then back to the sword. He nodded and began to work his way toward the weapon.
"Not afraid of heights? Well, you're braver than I expected." he said. He drew his sword quickly. "Now then, let's settle this once and for all. We'll have a little duel. If I win, you become the queen of my vast empire at my side." he said. Vera almost vomitted.
"And if I win?" she asked. Zensho smiled.
"You and your friend go free." he said. Too easy, Vera thought, there's gotta be a catch somewhere.
"Where's the catch, Zensho?" Folken called from behind them. Vera saw her sword in his hand.
"Very clever. You double-teamed me. No catch. The deals just as I said. Now, how about a kiss to close it?" he asked. Vera felt her stomach heave again.
"I'd rather the old-fashioned way of shaking hands." she said, struggling to keep her cool. Zensho extended her hand and Vera took. The two teens slowly shook hands. Vera looked down at their hands to avoid looking into Zensho's evil smile. Our complexions are so different, she noted. Zensho's was white, while Vera's was dark copper. Their hands parted. Something rose in Vera's mind.
"Wait! Before we start, I want to lay down the rules. We'll go on... Austurian Knight's Chivalry. All those rules apply. You know, don't stab your opponet in the back, that kind of thing." she said. Folken nodded in approval while Zensho scowled.
"Fine. Your friend will be the moderator. He'll call what's fair and what's not. I trust you'll rule justly." he said to Folken. Vera's uncle nodded, handing Vera her sword. Vera drew it, knowing she now had an advantage. She knew every rule of Austurian Chivalry, and she also knew every loop hole, every way to cheat without breaking the rules. Since very few people went by the code, but most knew it, hardly anyone could bend the rules like Vera could. Allen had disapproved of her little cheats, but now was one situation that they would benefit her. The two opponets faced off about five yards apart. Folken gave the signal to begin, and the teens rushed each other, meeting at the middle. Wait, Vera thought, meeting at the middle? Michael's mimic trick! Vera's mind raced. It wasn't against the rules. Zensho shoved Vera back with his sword, sending her sprwaling backward. He was stronger than he looked. But so was Vera. Zensho expected her to charge and readied himself to meet her, but Vera sat herself up the same way Zensho did and waited. Zensho stood a little straighter and Vera copied. He moved his sword to the left and Vera copied. Zensho had figured out what was going on by now and was thoroughly confused. Perfect, Vera thought. Zensho tried a few charges, only to find Vera mimicing him, move for move, step for step. Then Vera saw it. A clear path to Zensho's neck. Vera wasted no time, charging immediately and catching Zensho by surprise. Zensho saw his mistake a second too late and tried to correct it. Vera caught him in the shoulder, inches away from her target. Zensho cried out and tried to keep from stumbling backward, but Vera's momentum carried them both towardc the window. Vera remembered how thin the glass was and tried to stop, but the two were tumbling uncontrolably now. They slammed into the glass. Shards of shattered glass stabbed Vera's skin and Zensho's scream rang in her ears. A hand shot through the hole in the glass and grabbed her shirt, ripping it slightly. The hand pulled her up, back into the air ship. Folken looked at her with parental concern on his face.
"Are you okay?" he asked. Vera nodded.
"I'm fine." she said.
"You're bleeding!" Folken cried, pointing to her arm. Vera looked at the wound and suddenly remember the cold steel of Zensho sword slicing her arm.
"I said I'm fine. Let's get out of here." she said. The two of them hurried away from the shattered window, neither one of them looking back. It was because of this that they didn't see a pale hand reach up and grasp the ledge.
Michael stared out the window of the Blade at the air ship the rebels were keeping Vera on. His face was like stone. The group had decided that the Blade was better equiped for aerial battle than the Crusade. He knew that Zensho's men had spotted them and they were trying to figure out a way to keep Vera's rescue from boarding their air ship. The Blade pulled alongside the ship. As they slid to a stop, Michael could read the ship's name. The Black Death. Just the kind of name those monsters would chose. Michael was ready for battle. He was ready. Michael went to the docking bay and waited in silence as the door opened. A rush of air lifted his sable hair and his blue eyes sparkled dangerously. Allen stepped up beside him.
"Keep control of your temper, kid. Don't do anything rash." he said. Michael nodded. He was thinking clearly. He saw the perfect line between point A and point B. He was ready to do whatever it took to find Vera. Tygris manuevered the Blade closer to the Black Death and Van and Allen laid down a board between the two ships. Michael followed them across the board and quickly dashed down the first corridor he saw while the others covered his back. He stopped at a corner and peered around it cautiously. He saw no one. He turned around to make sure no one was following him. When he was sure he was in the clear, he rounded the corner quickly, and plowed right into someone. He fell to the ground and looked up. He saw Vera sitting across from him, obviously the person he run into. Vera's eyes widened.
"Michael?" she asked.
"Vera?" Michael muttered in disbelief. Michael crawled over to her and wrapped his arms around and hugged her tightly.
"Not so tight, not so tight!" Vera cried.
"Sorry!" Michael cried. He noticed a fresh wound on her shoulder. "What happened?" he asked, pointing.
"I fought with Zensho. He lost." Vera explained. Michael noticed a man standing over them.
"Who's he?" Michael asked, getting defensive.
"He's a friend. I'll explain later." Vera said, using her good arm to grab Michael and pull him to his feet. Michael grabbed her hand and pulled back down the corridor, the mysterious man at their heels. They emerged in the docking bay, chaos around them. Allen noticed them first and ran over.
"Hey, you found her really qu... What the... What are you doing here?" Allen's voice suddenly grew menacing as he eyed the man behind Michael and Vera. Vera raised her hand.
"Leave him alone, he's with me." she said quickly. Allen acknowledged this but refused to put away his sword, a threat and an insult that the other man ignored.
"Van's not going to like this. He's going to kill you this time." Allen said, addressing the man.
"Then let's hope he actually succeeds this time." the man said, speaking in Michael's prescence for the first time. The group ran toward exit, constantly being joined by allies. Michael gestured for Vera to cross the board before him. Vera nodded and began to cross without hesitation, Michael following. Vera suddenly swayed and Michael put his hands on her waist and held her still. An animal like roar errupted and a tattered and blood-streamed Zensho emerged, blood pouring down his face from a deep cut on his forehead. His black hair was matted and wet and his eyes were pupiless. He plowed through the people at that end of the board and flung himself at Michael.
Vera watched in horror as Michael and Zensho swayed dangerously.
"Michael!" she screamed, reaching out for one of his flailing arms and missing. She held her arms out to her side to regain her balance. She looked up to see Michael leaning dangerously to the left. Time stood still for a moment as Michael and Vera's eyes met. I love you, he mouthed. Vera lunged, reaching out for him. Vera heard no sounds, felt nothing. And then all her sensory input came back in a rush.
"Vera!" Michael screamed as he began to fall. Vera wasted no time. She ripped off her shirt, revealing a black sport bra. She leapt off the board and fell after Michael.
"Vera!" three voices cried in unison. Mom, Dad, and Folken, Vera thought as her wings swooped from her shoulders and folder to her sides. She gained speed and reached for Michael. He saw her coming and reached for her. Their hands met and they wrapped their arms around each other.
"Hang on." she whispered, opening her wings and flapping furiously.
"Whoa! No way, wings!" Michael cried. Vera strained to flap her wings harder. To streaks of color met her eyes, one on the right and one on the left. Vera's father and uncle had leaped after her. Both were bare chested, Folken with black wings, Van with white. Then they noticed each other.
"You!" Van cried, flaring away from Vera and Michael.
"Don't jump to conclusions, Van!" Folken cried.
"Conclusions! I'll tell what the conclusion is! You're dead!" Van screamed. Vera pumped her wings strenuously, straining for every foot of altitude until she was out of earshot of her uncle and father. She reached the Blade's bay and left Michael there, diving down again. She flared her wings a few yards above them and watched for a second. Folken charged Van, who was smaller and quicker, and Van dodged, dealing Folken a kick in the gut at the same time. Folken doubled over and almost forgot to flap his wings, causing him to lose a little alititude. Unable to take anymore, Vera dove down.
"Stop it! Daddy, stop!" she screamed, weaving in and out to avoid the flurry of flying fists. She managed to get between them and shove the brothers apart. They hovered in midair, all but ignoring Vera. "Knock it off, you two! Do I have to send you to separate corners? What did Grandma do when you two fought?" she asked. Just as she had hoped, the brothers stopped trying to get at each other and stared, remembering. Hopefully good times. Vera suddenly felt exhausted. She flapped her wings and rose to the Blade. She landed on her feet, wings disappearing again. Exhaustion overtook her and she fell into Michael's waiting arms.
Hitomi stood at the window and contemplated what had happened. Vera was safe and sound again. Folken was actually alive. He had left after a long talk with Van, saying he would be back. Tygir's face rose in her mind. Zensho was dead, surely the threat was over. Hitomi closed her eyes. She felt a vision rise in her mind...
Vera, Michael, Chuba and Tygris, stood alone in a world of darkness. Fear registered on their faces. Michael slowly wrapped his arms around Vera and pulled her close as Chuba did the same to Tygris. A figure rose behind them, framed by raging flames. The figure was Tygir.
Hitomi opened her eyes. Four teens were to stand alone against a world of evil? How could Hitomi ever let this happen? I don't think I have a choice, she thought to herself.
Dromada was walking down the corridor of the Blade, deep in thought. He passed Merle's room. Suddenly, he stopped. He heard Merle tossing and turning restlessly, moaning something. Then, suddenly, she screamed. "NONONO!!!!!" Merle shrieked. Dromada kicked open the door and ran inside, halting before her bed. Merle was still sleeping, and crying out words. "Oh no...please, stop...no...nonono...NO! ZAAAMMMM!!!!!!" she screamed again. She bolted upright, her eyes wide and tears streaming down her face. Dromada sat on the edge of the bed, and reached his arm out to her. Merle stared at it, then shrank back, as if she expected that the arm would suddenly hit her, hurt her. Dromada drew his arm back. Merle shook uncontrollably, a sob escaping her throat every now and then. Dromada felt her pain, right at the core of his being. Merle was reliving hell in her mind, and there was nothing Dromada could do about it. All Dromada could do was watch the only person in the world that mattered anything to him cry in the night.