Fanellia had once been a country of wealth and power. Its people, the Draconians, were great philosophers and traders - the leaders of a golden age on Reath. However, there was a darkness waiting to arise and the unsuspecting Draconians never had an idea of the threat coming towards it.
A dark emperor from the land of Nigel grew envious of the Draconian race's wealth and power. With an underhanded deal with the Goblin Kingdom, the Emperor Dunkirk raised an army and swarmed into the unsuspecting kingdom late in the night. All Draconians in sight were massacred no matter if they were man, woman, or child. In one single night, the once glorious nation was destroyed and it's few survivors were forced to flee.
A few years after Dunkirk's assassination by one of his own generals, whispers arose in the lands around the ruined Fanellia about a young princess who had escaped the carnage and gone into hiding. Only a few years after this the whispers began to tell of a boy king who was born to the escaped princess. These rumors served as a promise to those who listened. One day the Draconians would return to Fanellia and fly its skies once more...
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
Excited and cheerful voices rang over the sunset colored skies as a white dragon flew through the air currents. The three people riding on its back were certainly a strange group to the person who happened to see them. In the back, laughing wildly was a young pink haired girl with a tan fur, tuffs of cream-colored fur at her ankles and wrists, and a slightly striped tail. In front of the C'Tarl cub was a girl with short brown hair, green eyes, and wearing clothing that was not normal for the land she was in. In front of the teenage human girl, was a boy with flawlessly white wings, dark black hair, and brown eyes. In the teenage Draconian's hands, were the reigns for the Ispano Guymelef the three companions rode on.
"Van!" shouted Hitomi over the noise of the wind. "About how much longer till we get to Autozam?"
"Not much longer Hitomi," called Van, as he glanced over his shoulder to smile at his closest friends. "We should be a little after the sun has completely set."
"Alright!" exclaimed Merle excitedly hugging Hitomi a little tighter from behind. "I can't wait to see Zazu again!"
Hitomi looked back and laughed as the cat girl licked her lips slightly. The last time they had been visiting the bird people Merle's instincts had led the cub to pounce on the young boy. Fortunately for both countries, Merle had avoided taking a rather nasty chunk out of the startled boy and instead had settled for licking him on the cheek. The poor boy had been tense whenever Merle was around for the rest of the trip. Not that Hitomi could blame him.
"Lord Van!" shouted the small C'Tarl, making Hitomi jump slightly in surprise. "Look over to the right! There is something over there!"
Van's head was instantly turned in the direction Merle had directed, and his eyes narrowed slightly as he tried to determine the cause of the dark dot on the horizon. His right hand pulled back slightly on the reigns and the Guymelef veered to the right and lifted up into a different air current. In a few moments, what had once been a dot was now a recognizable mass of creatures.
"Van, whoever they are, they aren't nice," called Hitomi, holding him tighter as an empathic shiver ran over her body.
"Hold on you two. I'm going to land and go in on my own for a better look," called Van, glancing back at them in concern. "And this time, don't try to follow me."
Merle's nose twitched in agitation as she recognized the comment had been made for her. Could she help it if everything was so curious? She only wanted to go with her Van to see what was going on. She was just acting instinctively. However, she wasn't able to say anything as the Guymelef suddenly dipped downwards. Both girls cried out in surprise and clutched each other and Van more firmly.
Van tried not to laugh as they descended, enjoying teasing the girls for a moment before pulling up hard on the reigns once more. The dragon Guymelef's neck was pulled upwards and its wings stretched outwards, catching the wind and stopping its controlled fall. Van carefully and expertly guided the Guymelef downwards and the white dragon landed gracefully on a flat ridge near the place they had seen the black mass of creatures.
"I'll be back as soon as I find out what is over there. If there are any problems, run for it," ordered Van softly, getting off the Guymelef and looking up at the girls.
"Don't worry about us Van," urged Hitomi smiling slightly. "We should be fine till until you get back."
"And if anyone tries to come after Hitomi or me I'll take care of them!" exclaimed Merle, flashing her small claws and a large grin at Van.
Van laughed and rose into the air with a flap of his wings, "Be back soon!"
"Bye Lord Van!" shouted Merle, waving her hands enthusiastically while Hitomi quietly smiled and waved as well.
Van didn't look back as he headed for the edge of the ridge. When he came to the edge he folded his wings and dropped to the ground in alarm. Just beyond the ridge was a small army. It was perhaps the most unholy gathering of creatures he'd ever seen. First there were the rabid wolves who normally lived in the dark caverns of Trinity Caverns to the South of Fanellia. More numerous then the wolves, he could see the Goblins and Trolls who were from the far northern lands of Nilbog. Next were the dark elves from the dark continent of Sera across the sea who, while numbering less than the wolves, were by far more deadlier than the Goblins and Trolls.
And among those more well known dark creatures were others not so well known. Van grimaced at the sight of the creatures and shook his head slightly in wonder.
"What could have brought all of them here," he paused to watch as groups of different species momentarily hissed or growled at one another only to calm themselves down a second later. "What could they be waiting for? Could they be planning to attack Autozam? Why doesn't Eagle have some his forces here already?"
A slight flash of anxiety washed over Van and he placed his hand over the hilt of his family sword. His mind displayed plausible scenarios of what was going on and one of them was the fateful night Dunkirk surprised the Draconian people and nearly annihilated the entire race. The idea made Van shudder in revulsion and he glowered at the unholy army below. If such was the case, he would not allow Autozam's people to be totally annihilated as his had almost been.
A soft whistle and abrupt rush of air past his right ear drove the young man to turn about sharply and his eyes widened slightly in surprise. He'd been so preoccupied with his thoughts he'd failed to spy one of the enemy scouts. Already the goblin was fitting another arrow to its bow and preparing to fire once more.
Van Fanelle's wings stretched outwards in an instant and his thin body was lifted up into the sky. A split second later another arrow flew harmlessly through the air beneath him and he looked back to see a second had goblin joined the first. For a moment his hand skimmed over the hilt of his sword as he considered fighting back. However, Van knew while he seemed to have the devil's luck, it was better to not test fate more than once. With that final thought in mind, Van's wings gave a graceful flap and he headed for the ledge where he had left his companions and his Guymelef, Escaflowne.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
Shin groaned slightly as light perpetrated his closed eyes. His slowly awakening body ached and he longed to close out the light seeping past his eyelids in the hope of further sleep. In an effort to escape the morning light a few moments longer, Shin began to turn over slightly, only to be stopped by a slight pressure on his right hand. He frowned slightly, drowsily wondering why his right hand wasn't obeying him.
As further awareness crept into his senses he realized his hand was not moving because someone was holding it. Further focusing told him it was someone with a very soft and delicate hand. Curiosity rousing him from his sleep, Shin's eyes flitted a moment and sea blue eyes slowly looked to the right to see a head of soft chestnut hair. His eyes widened slightly as he recognized the person as the young woman he had been searching for.
"Sora!" he exclaimed, sitting upright and grasping her hand in both of his in relief and joy.
The young princess's crimson eyes snapped open and her fair face turned upwards to look at Shin in surprise. Shin smiled broadly at his beloved and he leaned down to capture her mouth in a passionate kiss. When he pulled back she smiled up at him in adoration, a faint blush tinting her cheeks prettily.
"Good morning," she laughed, her left hand going up to his face to gently trace his high cheekbone. "Are you feeling better?"
"Sore, but well," answered Shin, sitting up while continuing to hold her hand. "How about you? Where are we?"
"A Priestess of Ceape and her Elven companion appeared and broke the spell that was cast by Rajura," began Sora softly, as she got up and sat next to him so she could lean against his shoulder. "He had used his illusions to trick all of us into fighting each other. All but myself were knocked out during the battle. Then a small army of birds led by Zazu and a black raven appeared and took all of us to Eagle Vision's castle. We've been here for three days."
Shin listened quietly and silently thanked the god Dilhes for watching over his wind princess.
"What of the Priestess and her companion? Are they here as well?" asked Shin.
"I believe they are in the main banquet hall. The Elf insisted she and the Priestess come along. I suspect the decision was because of the attack. However, I'm not positive."
"I am glad whatever the reason," said Shin softly, wrapping an arm around Sora's shoulders. "I want to thank them for coming when they did. If anything had happened to you again, I don't know what I would have done."
A soft pink tint blossomed over Sora's face and she buried her head into the crook of his neck. However, before Sora could say anything a soft rap turned their attention to the door.
"Princess Sora, may I come in?" called Seiji's voice.
"It's ok, Seiji," answered Shin quickly, casting a suddenly mischievous look down at his now surprised love.
The door opened and Seiji entered quickly, smiling, "Shin! I'm glad you're awake..."
Seiji stopped cold in the center of the room and turned red as he found himself looking at the pair sitting on the bed. He turned around quickly and cleared his throat in embarrassment.
"I am sorry, I didn't know," he choked.
Sora turned crimson and looked at Seiji in astonishment and then at Shin who was trying not to laugh.
"Seiji, Shin is trying to tease you," she said in a voice that showed him her disapproval. "You did not walk into anything."
Shin forced himself to contain his laughter and his face grew serious. It was so easy to forget that while Seiji was his best friend, he was also a Holy Knight from the sacred desert continent of Korin. The Knights of Korin were a holy brand of warriors who were the unofficial peacekeepers in the brighter lands of Suiko, Getsuei, Rekka, the Kard Isles, and Draco. The only lands they held no power in were the dark lands of Sera, the goblin and troll territory - Nilbog, the Elven lands of Erutan, the little known lands of Turdak 'Naer, and the outlaw lands of Acirame. They were holy knights of light who followed in the codes of Morst, goddess of storms and the virtue of wisdom.
"She's right, Seiji. I am only trying to tease you. Please forgive my behavior so we can talk as friends again."
Seiji turned around and gave his friend one final look of disapproval for the joke before smiling slightly. He understood he was being teased and while the teasing was taboo in his own culture it wasn't in Shin's. Shin just seemed to forget some times that the people of Korin believed all forms of affection were meant for the privacy of the home and not for public places. It was only to be expected that not everyone felt the same way. It was a fact he was constantly haven't (having) to adjust to since meeting his friend during the disaster that had destroyed Suiko's southern coastline six years past.
Six years ago a tidal wave had crashed into the western coasts. The people of Suiko, being a sea faring people had been hit the worst, their coastal towns and villages being destroyed with an unknown loss of life. Korin's people had immediately sent relief workers to help the current King of Suiko with aid to the coastal people. Seiji had been second in charge of the efforts from Korin and while he worked, he met Shin. It was an odd pairing they made, Seiji's cool outlook on things and Shin's ever cheerful face.
They worked together for three years till the reconstruction was complete. However, the tragedy had not ended there. The King died of Bronchitis and passed away. Shin was made crowned Prince and his counsel arranged a marriage with a foreign princess. He reluctantly agreed and two weeks later the Princess arrived. Seiji remembered well the first meeting between the two. The Princess Sora of Getsuei was a spitfire and very much against the marriage and told Shin so as soon as he greeted her. However, during the rest of the year Shin very patiently courted the tomboy Princess and by the end of the year both had grown deeply enamored with each other. They announced the wedding would take place in the following year.
Seiji chuckled inwardly as he felt the same amusement he'd felt in watching the courtship. Now as the couple sat before him together, he found himself appreciating the purity of the sight. It was no wonder marriage was so sacred to his people. It was such a precious thing, indeed. Shin smiled at him somewhat embarrassedly now, probably worried as to what his friend was thinking and Seiji laughed slightly.
"Since your grace has decided to rejoin the living, I can give you a message. King Eagle Vision of Autozam sends you both an invitation to dinner this evening in the banquet hall."
"Thank you, Seiji. If you need to return to him with an answer, you can tell him we agree and will be there," answered Sora with a cheerful and somewhat relieved smile.
Seiji laughed and shook his head, "I think you both should be the ones to give him the answer. Since Shin is awake, he can take it to him. He should be in the banquet hall with the Lady Kino and High Priestess Peacecraft."
Shin blinked in surprise, "Peacecraft? As in Relena Peacecraft?"
"Yes," answered Seiji, looking at Shin with a raised brow. "I take it you know of her?"
"I knew her as a small boy. She was the daughter of one of my father's advisors. However, late one night there was a terrible fire and all but she died in it. She left to the local temple shortly after to become a priestess. I didn't know she had made it to High Priestess though," answered Shin, feeling awed by the information.
She'd always been a quiet girl when he'd known her. Quiet, but self-assured. When pressed, she had never been afraid to speak up about her convictions. After her entire family's death, she'd been utterly dramatized and late one night had come to bid farewell to Shin, who she had once confessed as being her one true friend. She had talked with him long into the night about her plan to join a convent for Ceape.
The idea that the blonde haired girl would be a priestess for the goddess of peace wasn't surprising, but it was still rather saddening as she'd been one of his friends. Shin had told her that he bet she would be an excellent priestess. Relena had said her mother had once said the same thing and had hugged him tightly, telling him she was glad he'd been her friend. It was the last time he had seen her. Now she was the highest of priestesses for Ceape. He wondered if she still remembered her friend from so long ago.
"Then maybe you would like to meet with her," said Sora softly, her eyes twinkling merrily. "You two need to catch up with each other."
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
The castle was perhaps the most ordinate one Relena had ever set foot in. Lantis, an Autozamian who took the form of a black raven, had told her a small history of the castle as he had been told by previous rulers. Apparently the people of Autozam had been a people without a home, a group of nomads. Then during the golden age of the Draconians they had been asked by the Draconian King Zashre if they would accept the mountains lands along the north and west of Fanellia as a home in return for guarding their boarders from invading trolls and goblins.
There was a vote amidst the tribes and it was agreed upon with the addition that the Draconians build them a palace according to their designs in the center of the northern peaks. The Draconians agreed and the Windom Palace was built. Lantis told her the castle was literally chiseled into the mountainside. It was then layered with the finest marble inside and the outside was decorated with the smoothest oak and pine. Not only that, but many of the floors in the main chambers had priceless jewels embedded in them and the richest cloth was used to cover entire walls of chambers.
Since the agreement and the castle's completion, the Autozam people had been loyally protecting the lands of the Draconians. No longer Nomads, they had their own nation and set up a system of government that was ruled by four rulers who held equal power. Eagle was the leader of Quadrate, followed by Lantis, then Geo, and finally the young Zazu. Each held a special power in the government and were apparently wonderful rulers. Relena smiled slightly and traced the carpeted wall of the banquet hall she was now in, waiting for Eagle Vision's arrival.
The young ruler had apparently just awoken today and had invited the travelers to a dinner in their honor. At least, that was what she'd been told earlier this morning when Zazu had shown up at her room to leave the message. Relena moved over to the large stone fireplace and basked her face in the warmth emanating from it. Castles, no matter how well built would always be cold and musky. She smiled ruefully and ran a finger over her rod thoughtfully as she wondered what could be taking Eagle so long.
"Excuse me," said a bright, young voice.
Relena turned her head to see a young, red-haired girl come into the room. Her entire face glowed with youthful energy as she beamed at both Relena and the elf who sat eating some fruit at the large table. Makoto set the fruit down and looked up as the young girl sat down with a plop on one of the chairs and smiled broadly at her.
"Can I help you?" asked Makoto, quirking an eyebrow curiously.
"Are you both the ones who broke the Masho's spell on us?" she asked, looking from Makoto to Relena excitedly. "If you are then I wanted to thank you!"
Makoto blinked in surprise, but Relena laughed, "You're very welcome. You must be the Lady Shido whom Lord Lantis is very fond of."
Hikaru blushed and nodded, "That would be me, but please call me Hikaru. I don't really care for titles. What about you two? I know you are a Priestess of Ceape, and you are an elf, but I don't know your names!"
"I am Relena Peacecraft, High Priestess of Ceape," Relena announced, placing a hand on her chest before pointing to Makoto. "This is Makoto Kino, my body guard and companion. It was she who really broke the spell cast upon yourself and your friends."
Hikaru's eyes shone with admiration and she looked at Makoto in respect, "You must be very powerful!"
Makoto suddenly coughed into her hand, and Hikaru looked at the elf in concern. When Makoto's coughing subsided she looked up at Hikaru with a red tint staining her cheeks. Hikaru smiled slightly and then looked down at her lap suddenly before taking a deep breath and looking up again.
"Why are you and the Priestess here, Miss Kino?"
Makoto blinked in surprise at the sudden shift in conversation, and Hikaru quickly waved her hands before herself as if trying to stop whatever Makoto might assume.
"I'm not complaining about you being here! You did break whatever it was the Masho cast on us. I was just curious about why you were so set on coming here and wanted to know your reasons. You don't think that Masho was trying to kill Lord Eagle, Geo, or Zazu!"
"I am not positive ... Hikaru," murmured Makoto, rubbing her chin thoughtfully. "But I don't think the Masho's goal was to just hurt the Autozam leaders. I think it was perhaps the Princess Sora from Getsuei that he was after."
"Someone else wanted to capture Sora!?" exclaimed Hikaru, looking angry. "Why do all these people want her so badly?"
"Because someone or thing wishes to sacrifice her to Resa at the next solar equinox," said a new voice. "At least that was what the dark mage said when he kidnapped her from our wedding."
Relena turned around instantly and watched as the said Princess was escorted in by the King of Suiko and the knight from Korin. She smiled excitedly and moved forward even as Shin disentangled his arm from the Princess and moved forward.
"Relena! You've certainly grown!" exclaimed Shin, the corners of his eyes crinkling as he smiled broadly.
"As have you Prince Shin," laughed Relena as she hugged him quickly. "Look at you. All grown up with a pretty bride!"
The Princess Sora smiled softly and moved forward at the hinted invitation, "It's an honor to meet you, High Priestess. Shin has spoken fondly of you from when he was a young boy."
Relena laughed lightly and extended her hand to the Princess, "I hope the things you were told were pleasant. The Prince and I often got into some interesting mischief when were younger."
Sora's crimson's eyes crinkled slightly as a somewhat evil smile spread over her face, "Oh really? Maybe we could exchange tales?"
"Sora!" exclaimed Hikaru's bright voice from the table. "How are you!"
Relena hid a laugh behind her face as she watched Shin sigh in relief and then flash a white-toothed grin at her. With a slight bow towards her, he followed Sora to the table. When she glanced back towards the door she was slightly surprised to find the golden haired knight smiling at her.
"High Priestess," he greeted, bowing smoothly from the waist. "It is an honor."
Relena smiled and tipped her head in acknowledgement, "I thank you. You are a holy knight from Korin, are you not?"
"I am High Priestess," answered the Knight standing upright once more. "My name is Seiji Date of Halo, the city located in the southern lands of Korin."
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
The Grand Throne Room of Windom was the largest and most ordinate room of the castle. Three large stain glass windows were embedded into the north, east, and walls of the large room. Each depicted a part of history of Reath and stood stretching from floor to the domed ceiling forty feet above.
On either side of the windows were enormous tapestries, six in all. Each pair depicted one of the four matron gods of the Autozam people. On the East wall the tapestries were of Diwn, the god of winds and history, while across from it on the West wall the tapestries were of Gamesse, the goddess of messengers. Finally, on the North wall's tapestries was Cepas, the oldest god who was god of the heavens and beyond.
Above, the dome was just as an impressive sight. Paintings of the gods and goddesses dancing amidst the clouds decorated the ceiling while around iits base were intricate carvings of ivy, painted with gold leaf. Down below, the ground was covered with maple planks and the walls, which could be seen, were plated with long smooth slabs of ivory and turquoise tiles.
Finally, underneath the tapestries and stained glass window on the North wall, there sat four thrones. Each was upholstered in a different colored silk from the islands of Kard in the North East. The one on the far left was green for the North; blue was next and represented the South. After the blue throne was the black silken throne that represented the East, and finally gold silken throne, which represented the West. It was here that the four rulers of Autozam made their decrees from.
Zazu yawned from where he sat on his green throne and stretched his arms back slightly in an effort to shake off the stiffness which had been developing for the past two hours. Silently, he wished for some more excitement. It had been a rush a few days ago when he, Eagle, and Geo had come across the mysterious travelers and he now found himself longing for more adventure.
He glanced over at Geo who sat in the blue throne and tried not to laugh as he realized Geo was slowly but surely falling asleep. He supposed Geo had been up late again researching through the library for any information regarding the Masho who had attacked them. Geo was excellent at finding things out, however, from what Zazu had observed, Geo was not having very much success.
Looking past Geo, his eyes met with Lantis' cool ice blue gaze. He grinned sheepishly and leaned back in his chair. Whenever his attention stayed during the meetings with the advisors Lantis always seemed to know it and glare at him disapprovingly. Zazu braced his head on his hand as he leaned onto the arm of his chair with his elbow. Lantis was the first bird-person ever elected to power in history who wasn't actually from Autozam originally.
Lantis didn't talk much about it, but from things said around he palace, he heard that Lantis had once lived on the continent of Draco in a small city called Cephiro. However, he was banished and somehow he had been led to Autozam along with a young woman by the name of Presea. Lantis and Eagle met by chance and become friends. Ten years later, Lantis, Eagle, Geo, and Presea were elected into office and ruled together successfully.
Then tragedy struck at Cephiro when Presea's twin sister was killed. Presea resigned and returned home. A new election was then held and Zazu was elected as the new member of the Quadrate, the youngest in Autozam's history. Eagle was perhaps the one that held the Quadrate together so well. His compassion, kindness, and perseverance often was what settled disagreements of state and his courage and valor often brought about quick victories against small invasions from the mountainous countries of Nilbog.
An abrupt bang from the grand oak doors to the throne room caused Zazu to jump slightly in his seat and he looked up to see a young man fly into the room in a flurry of white feathers.
"Van my friend! What's wrong?" asked Eagle in alarm getting up from his seat even as Zazu, Geo, and Lantis did the same.
"An unholy army is marching this way! They may attack at any time!" exclaimed Van in a rush, landing on his feet and wavering slightly. "I saw them as I was headed here with Hitomi and Merle! You must organize your warriors as quickly as you can!"
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
Howls, screams, and hisses rent the air as the band of monsters shifted impatiently in their rows, awaiting the sign to charge towards the castle. Astride a sleek black horse the Yami Masho, Anubis sat erect looking up at the castle they were going to being attacking. Two black horses pulling a chariot came up next to him and he looked down at the Gen Masho, Rajura.
"Remember Rajura, the half-breed is mine. It is to be mine as part of my share of the spoils," declared Anubis, looking at the Masho who wore the spider-like armor.
Rajura's remaining eye narrowed, "As long as you remember what we are here to do. Business first, then you can indulge in your perverted pleasures."
Anubis made a small growling noise in the back of his throat and behind him a pack of wolves and wild dogs echoed him.
"I will do my job. You just make sure you do yours," growled the Masho. "The sooner this is over the sooner I don't have to work with some one-eyed human."
Rajura glowered at Anubis but raised one of his scythes, "Then let us begin."
The army hushed ominously as the scythe raised and then as Rajura allowed it to fall, as one they surged forward.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
Makoto listened with polite curiosity as she and Seiji talked. Starting from the day of a wedding that would have taken place for the Prince and Princess, Seiji expertly recounted every event as they had happened up until waking up within Windom castle. After Seiji was finished, Hikaru had quickly picked up the tale to fill in how Sora had been rescued by herself and how the Princess was eventually reunited with the Prince.
Then it had been Relena and her turn to speak, and Relena had very willingly told everything, although Makoto was not certain if Relena should be so free with them about her mission. When Relena reached the part of the tale where she and Makoto had gone to Windom with the wounded, the four listeners looked on both Relena and Makoto in awe.
"High Priestess, may I ask a question?" asked the Princess softly.
Makoto watched closely as Relena nodded hesitantly and then looked back at the Princess who looked slightly unsure of herself.
"How," she began slowly, "will you know who the chosen ones are? I know you have the poem from Tahane, but being realistic about it, how will you know if the person is truly the chosen one?"
Makoto's ears twitched slightly as she looked over at Relena in interest. She had asked the question of her one night as they traveled but Relena had been unable to answer at the time. Relena had told her she would not know until Tahane or Ceape revealed it to her. Makoto had been satisfied with the answer and not asked any further questions. However, it had been a week since she had asked the priestess, so perhaps Relena had received an answer to the question by now.
"Two nights hence Tahane spoke to me while I slept," began Relena softly, her eyes growing unfocused as she seemed to recall the dream. "I was walking in a dark room when suddenly a sphere of light appeared before me. A voice rang out from the sphere - I can only guess it was Tahane - and told me the light would reveal all. Then I heard the prophecy of the chosen and awoke."
"Do you have any idea what this 'light' is, High Priestess?" inquired Seiji.
"I'm afraid not. I can only pray for a second vision so I may have further understanding," answered Relena with a soft sigh. "I fear if I do not understand these things soon terrible things will come of it."
Makoto watched her charge sympathetically and was about to make a suggestion regarding the castle library when a frantic padding of feet came rushing for the door. Instantly Makoto was to her feet and she pulled her bow off the back of the chair. A split second later and arrow was fitted to the bow and the string was pulled back and trained at the door. Looks of surprise were shared among those seated at the table, but Makoto ignored them even as the doors were flung open.
"Lord Zazu?" inquired Relena in surprise.
"The castle is under attack by a small army of creatures from Nilbog," said the youth, his eyes wide with worry. "I am to warn you to stay in here where it is safer."
"Nilbog!?" exclaimed Hikaru, looking guilty. "That means they had to cross through Triground Valley! I shouldn't have stayed away from my post for so long."
Zazu's worried face vanished only to be replaced by a more serious one, "It's not you fault Lady Hikaru. You are not the only defender of the valley. You cannot blame yourself for this."
Makoto stepped away from the table and kneeled next to Relena's seat.
"Makoto?" inquired the priestess, looking at her in concern.
"I am going to go find out exactly what the situation is," whispered Makoto, searching Relena's face for any signs of disagreement. "You should be safe if you remain with the Holy Knight. However, I will stay if you so request."
Relena looked at Makoto a moment and then nodded, "All right. Please be careful, Makoto."
Makoto smiled and stood to her feet. Quickly making sure her bow and quiver were securely on her back as well as her sword securely on her hip Makoto turned towards Zazu.
"Lord Zazu, would you be so kind as to lead me to a location where I might observe what is going on?"
Zazu looked at her in concern a split second before taking note of her weapons. She was the one to break the Masho's spell before. Zazu could only trust she would be fine. Without a word he transformed into his bird form of a falcon and rose into the air.
"Please follow me, Lady Kino," requested Zazu, hovering a moment in one place before speeding off down the corridor beyond the door.
Makoto didn't bother replying, but took off in a light sprint behind the young bird. Taking notes of where she was being led for later use, she continued to follow him throughout the inner halls of the castle. However, soon the sounds of battle caused her ears to twitch in alertness and a dark sense of foreboding began to grow.
"We're almost to the balcony, Lady Kino," announced Zazu, sounding rather excited for a ruler who's domain was under attack. "When we get there, I shall be leaving you to fight. You should be fine on your own, right?"
"I should be all right," answered Makoto and inwardly placed what the boy was so excited about.
'I have a strong feeling this is his first large battle. He must see this as an opportunity to prove himself to the rest of the Quadrate. Even the Elven young feel the excitement for their first battles.'
Zazu slowed as he went through an open door and Makoto had to stop as she found herself on the large open balcony. The boy falcon gave a small war cry and vanished below the horizon of the railing and Makoto quickly dashed over to the rail and looked down. Her Dark Elven blood tingled within her body as the dark forces below fought.
"Beautiful, isn't it?" asked a dark voice from behind her.
Makoto turned around on her heel, green eyes glowing slightly as she fought her darker instincts. It would be a dangerous thing to loose control now, especially because of him.
"Hello, Halfling," crooned Anubis, smiling sadistically as he slipped out of the shadows of the doorway she'd recently followed Zazu through. "Are you ready to have a real battle now?"
Makoto didn't have a chance to give an answer as the Masho hefted his deadly No-Dachi and charged forward. She gracefully ducked below the first slash with a forward roll and as she came back up onto her feet her hands pulled out and opened her bow in one smooth motion. Even as Anubis turned around for a second pass, Makoto leaped backwards away from the reach of his sword and landed firmly on the railing, an arrow instantly fitted and released from the bow. Moving almost faster than was visible to the naked eye, the Yami Masho's sword shot upwards to hit the arrow, redirecting iits flight.
Using her distance as an advantage, Makoto shot a second and third arrow at Anubis in rapid procession. The Masho's knees bent abruptly and then straightened as he leaped up into the air. A half dozen shurikan appeared in his armored hand and Makoto began to run down the railing, holding an arrow in her bow ready to shoot. For every step she took a shurikan embedded itself in the wood behind her. She glanced back and taking a split second to aim, shot her arrow at the pursuing Masho.
"Stop running and fight!" screamed Anubis, eyes glowing red from within the shadows of his helmet. "Koku Rou Ken Ankoku Cho Uhigiri!"
Makoto felt the ground tremble and leaped high into the air as the ground beneath her erupted in a black web of energy. The energy followed her upwards, seeking to snag her legs and she was forced to abandon her bow and arrows so she could grab hold of the castle wall and pull herself upwards, flying safely out of the energy's grasp. Reaching the next level of the castle, she flipped over the railing of its balcony and landed gracefully. With a slight frown adorning her face, she reached to her scabbard and pulled out her sword.
A dark shadow passed overhead, and Makoto looked up to see the Masho falling towards her, his sword coming down in a vertical thrust. Performing two single-handed back springs she lifted her sword and rushed towards him as he ran towards her. Their swords met in a clash of sparks and both fighters were repelled backwards from the force. Makoto landed hard on one knee and barely had time to lift her blade before Anubis was pressing down on her with his own.
She grunted as she shoved him away and rolled under one of his swings only to thrust upwards at hum. Her thrust nicked his shoulder plate and he passed her by without an injury. Silently, she wished she had more armor than the simple chest plate and right shoulder guard.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
Hikaru breathed a slight sigh of relief as she came into a room she recognized. She was worried she would be lost in the endless labyrinth the Autozam called a castle until the battle was over. However, from the open door across the room she had just entered, the battle was still going on full tilt. She had been trying to catch up with Makoto and Zazu, but she had not anticipated them to move as quickly as they obviously had. Now she could only hope to locate them outside.
With a couple dozen strides across the room, she exited onto a balcony. The sounds of battle echoed from beyond the balcony and she moved to the railing to look over, only to find herself looking at a shurikan deeply embedded in the rosewood railing. A second was near by and her crimson eyes quickly traced their way down the railing over a couple dozen shurikan. Near the end of the long balcony the shurikan had discontinued down the railing and a large hole was in the balcony with a black glowing ring around it.
The hair on the back of Hikaru's neck rose and her eyes narrowed in concentration a moment. A second later the light armor and cape she wore appeared on her body in a burst of flames and Escudo, her sword, appeared in her hand. With a simple leap, she shot up along the castle wall until she caught hold of the next balcony railing and flipped herself over onto solid ground. The sound of two swords clashing caused her to jerk her head to her left reflexively and she winced slightly at the resulting twinge in her neck.
She didn't have time to dwell on it though, because a second clash sounded and two people seemed to almost ricochet off each other directly in front of her. One she instantly recognized as Makoto, however the other person was a partial mystery to her. All she could deduce was the person Makoto was fighting was a Masho.
The long No-Dachi held in the Masho's hand flashed in the dying light of the sunset and for a moment Hikaru thought Makoto's sword flashed in answer. Then the two fighters shot towards each other again and sparks jumped from the blades as they collided, parried, and pushed off each other. However, instead of going head to head a second time, Hikaru watched in fascination as Makoto brought her sword parallel to her face in an upright position. Green eyes glowed on either side of the sword and a hint of red seemed to swirl behind them.
"Supreme Thunder Dragon!"
Lightning from the skies shot down and onto the blade in Makoto's hands and Hikaru gasped in surprise. The Masho tensed and Hikaru watched Makoto bring her sword around herself in an arc and then make a sudden thrust with her sword. Almost instantly a ball of electricity erupted from the sword and the face of a dragon could be clearly seen.
The Masho brought his blade up vertically before his body and braced his legs as the attack rushed at him. For an instant, Hikaru thought she had seen the Masho's eyes glance towards her. The attack struck home, however it was apparently ineffective as the dragon was deflected to the left. Makoto's eyes widened in horror and Hikaru's eyes widened as she watched the attack come hurtling towards her, large crackling jaws opened wide to engulf her. Half afraid of the incoming pain, she closed her eyes tightly.
However, just when she was certain the attack was going to hit her when there was a soft brush of air against her face and a soft grunt. Hikaru's eyes snapped open and her mouth opened in wordless surprise. A young man with white wings was using his bare hands to literally hold back Makoto's attacks.
"What are you waiting for warrior! Do something!" exclaimed the young man, sounding incredulous.
Hikaru nodded, although she knew the young man wouldn't be able to see her and circled around him quickly. Taking note of where the Masho was, she raised her sword.
"Crimson Lightning!"
A ball of lightning/fire flashed from the tip of Escudo and lashed out at the Masho who had been standing stunned. However, upon seeing the attack the Masho raising his sword to defend himself. What he had not counted on though was Makoto coming up swiftly from behind and grasping his arms so he could not defend himself. Hikaru watched in satisfaction as the attack hit home a moment after Makoto leaped away.
Unfortunately, what the fire had his was a dark brown cloak. The Yami Masho had vanished. There was a brilliant flash of light behind her and she found herself remembering her rescuer.
"Sir!" she started only to change her mind about what she was going to say when she found her savior was safe. "Are you all right?"
"I should be find," answered the young man and looked past her towards Makoto. "How about you? Are you alright?"
When Makoto did not answer Hikaru turned around to observe the elf standing with her eyes closed and face turned heavenward.
"Makoto?" inquired Hikaru, walking towards the elf.
Suddenly a cold chill passed over Hikaru's body and somehow she knew whatever she was now feeling Makoto was as well.
"Relena and the others," stated Hikaru, her crimson eyes slightly unfocussed at the strange feeling.
"Someone is in trouble," inquired the young man.
"Hikaru, we must get back to the others," urged Makoto, breaking from her daze and looking at Hikaru gravely. "I don't fully understand, but I feel we need to get back to the room now."
"I'll go with you," said the white winged rescuer, laying a hand on Hikaru's arm.
Hikaru and Makoto both looked at the young man a moment and he smiled slightly, "I can help."
Makoto made a non-committing noise in the back of her throat but headed towards the door to the castle.
"I guess you are all right," laughed Hikaru, following after Makoto. "I am Hikaru Shido, a Dragon Knight from Triground Valley. You can call me Hikaru."
"It is a pleasure to meet you Hikaru. I am Van Fanelle, Draconian King from Fanellia. You may call me Van if you wish, I don't generally ask people to call me by my full title."
Hikaru looked over at Van in surprise but nodded, "All right."
"Are you two coming?" exclaimed Makoto looking back at them from a few yards ahead.
"That is Makoto Kino, an elf from Turdak Naer," informed Hikaru, picking up her pace. "She is actually pretty cool once you get to know her."
Van chuckled, "I kind of figured that. Erutan elves are never that gruff, and the dark elves would be downright rude."
Makoto looked back at them, an unreadable expression in her eyes, "We should hurry. The fighting outside is slowing, and something dark is in the castle."
TBC
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Crossover Characters (In order of Appearance) |
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Van (Escaflowne) |
Makoto (Sailor Moon) |
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Hitomi (Escaflowne) |
Zazu (Rayearth) |
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Merle (Escaflowne) |
Geo (Rayearth) |
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Shin (Yoroiden Samurai Troopers) |
Lantis (Rayearth) |
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Sora (Digimon) |
Eagle (Rayearth) |
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Seiji (Yoroiden Samurai Troopers) |
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Relena (Gundam Wing) |
Anubis (Yoroiden Samurai Troopers) |
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Hikaru (Rayearth) |
Rajura (Yoroiden Samurai Troopers) |
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Japanese Phrases |
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"Koku Rou Ken Ankoku Cho Uhigiri" - Black Wolf Sword Leaping Darkness |
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For those familiar with Yoroiden Samurai Troopers, this is Anubis/Cale's original attack. |
Author's Note: I would like to thank Girl-Chama for being my beta reader for this chapter. ^_^ She has been a great help and encouragement to me while I wrote this particular chapter. As always, please review my story. I want to know if people are reading it other than the two people who have taken the time to review! I might have the next chapter out sometime in the next two weeks, so keep your eyes open. Ciao!
