Disclaimer: I do not own any of the characters of "Escaflowne," not even Dilandau. Wish I did, but I don't. I don't own anything from "The Slayers." I don't own the Aerosmith song "Don't Want to Miss a Thing" either. It is solely being used to convey the love of Alessa and Hiero, so its their love song here, and it helps set the theme that he will never leave her. I do own Hiero, Alessa, Myrna, and whatever Hiero's last name becomes. I own everything associated with his first life on the Planet Terrian. Ask my permission if you want to use him.

:Special Thanks:

Thank you my loyal fans for staying with me on this story. Without your support, I might not have gotten this far. Thanks Zibbelcoot, Liz, Fallon, MysticMoon, Lady Athena, LSR_7, Lukita Ravenwing, Rudee, Kenta, Madamanga, Neo-Sakura, Kavi-chan, Eternal Pessimist, *mouse, Colerachel, Pandora, to Kami who got in trouble for reading my story late into the night, and all the readers who didn't put their names up (I know some people out there read and don't review….I have done that too).

I am glad you all enjoyed my story so much, and here, as Kami most adamantly begged for, are the final installments of "Seven Angels." Sit back and enjoy….

Epilogue

The World*

United in Steel

~ Fanelia Castle ~

- Ten Years Later -

The current advisors to the royalty of Fanelia watched their queen play with her two children, the twins' tenth birthday coming next month. The woman had aged gracefully, though a few stress marks and wrinkled had begun to appear over the years. Ever since King Hiero had returned from the War of Angels with the Dragon Slayers, they had stopped at nothing to punish Zaibach for the unwarranted slaughter of most of Fanelia, the past advisors and sword master included.

Their queen would be thirty soon, and her aging was showing, especially from the pregnancy she had been diagnosed with a few months before the war with Zaibach came about, taking the woman's husband from her to defend the realm. Her beautiful blue gown hid much of the extra pounds she had been unable to shed a little, the golden crown atop her head most probably used to blind onlookers so they wouldn't notice she was growing old. Strangely though, the king had come back every month to attend to his wife, to ensure she was all right, and he even miraculously arrived, covered with sweat, dirt, and blood when his wife went into labor hours earlier that day.

I could stay awake just to hear you breathing,

Watch you smile while you are sleeping,

While you're far away dreaming.

I could spend my life in this sweet surrender….

I could stay lost in this moment forever.

Every moment spent with you is a moment I treasure….

He stayed for weeks until she was fully recovered, doting over his twin children, a boy and girl. They were the loveliest pair of children anyone had ever seen, both with their mother's hair color, but the blue eyes of their father. Normal blues eyes though, not like the double-colored freakish eyes of their king, but they'd never say that to his face. He was famous for killing one of his own soldiers when he was only a teenager, and they didn't want to anger him in that way at all.

"Oh, Zelgadis, don't pull your sister's hair. Stop that, you little scamp…" Queen Alessa yelped, pulling the short-haired youth away from his curly haired sister. The little princess wasn't in tears, but was scowling at her brother, then kicked him in the shins. "No, Dyna, don't kick. That's rude. I'll spank you both if you don't behave. Your father will be coming back with word on the war any day now. Please behave….for both our sakes." She scolded. Both children looked at each other, then at her, then got giddy little grins on their faces and rushed her.

The advisors were ready to bop the kids on their little skulls for roughhousing in the throne room, but when the queen started laughing, her children's musical laughter mixing with hers, they saw it wasn't a painful situation. They were tickling each other.

"We love you, Mama. Tickle worms! Tickle worms on Mama!" Dyna crooned, her sapphire eyes sparkling with joy. Zelgadis laughed with his twin, helping her attack their mother's ribs without mercy. "Say Uncle, Mama." He chirped.

Queen Alessa laughed and tickled them back, sending them into giggling fits on the floor. "Uncle Mama, squirts."

"It's nice to see you're wasting time, as usual." A cynical voice uttered.

The laughter died, the twins and queen looking towards the doors, the advisors getting over their shock of not hearing anyone enter before doing the same. There stood the General of Fanelia, Dilandau Albatou, taller than he'd been ten years ago, crow's feet under his eyes, but those horrible garnet eyes still held power in them, and a lust for blood and death.

"General Albatou….aren't you supposed to be fighting with your Slayers? I didn't think you'd leave a battle so soon just to insult me." Queen Alessa hissed. Dilandau didn't look very bothered and yawned. "I live to insult you, your highness, but there's no need for myself or the Dragon Slayers at the moment. Zaibach surrendered this afternoon. We….won, and I knew we would. Without me, Zaibach is nothing but a third rate country of wimps." Dilandau sighed, his voice weary of even mentioning the blessed event. He seemed annoyed the bloodshed was over. The advisors didn't dare question it, they knew all that bastard loved was killing people, even his own Slayers if need be. They still wondered why their king, despite everything Hiero was and had done in the past, didn't have Dilandau executed for being a maniac and a menace to human life.

Dilandau raised his silvery head up, looking directly at the queen and grinned, then snapped his fingers sharply. The doors behind him pulled outward and his Dragon Slayers, all but Chesta looking older than the last time they had met, which was at least five years ago. Viole and Dalet stood at the back, the golden wedding ring on Viole left hand. He had married Merchant Prince Dryden's daughter Orla during the false peace talks five years ago, the lies of Zaibach giving the young Slayer time to tie the knot with nobility and wealth.

He probably had a son or daughter he was not aware of waiting for him back at Dryden's mansion. His face looked anxious enough, he probably couldn't wait to be released on leave with no wars to fight. Dalet was just stiff faced, rubbing at his hair slightly. The man had always been vain, and probably had found a gray hair or something, or thought he did. The man was barely thirty and worrying about his looks. Nothing lasted forever, so they thought he would just grow up and get used to it.

Chesta was in a little to the left and in front of Viole, while the one called Gatti stood before Dalet slightly, then came Migel and Dilandau stood just in front of Gatti.

Then, a final figure came in, wearing the armor many a Fanelian king, a bit of stubble on his chin, and his face aged from the terrors of war, their beloved, all be it off kilter, King Hiero.

He stood between the Dragon Slayers a moment, pulling off his silver helmet and breathing heavily for a moment. His eyes shut then, and opened slowly as he stepped forth, right towards his wife. He had no blood on the armor, only the tattered and burned cape.

Don't want to close my eyes

I don't want to fall asleep

Cause I'd miss you baby

And I don't want to miss a thing

Cause even when I dream of you

The sweetest dream will never do

I'd still miss you baby

And I don't want to miss a thing

"The war is over, love?" the queen asked anxiously. The king nodded, then looked to his advisors. "I will discuss the damned peace treaty after I have had time with my wife and children, you old bastards. I will meet you all in the war room tomorrow afternoon, no questions asked or I just might forget to tell Dilandau you're off limits for playtime."

The advisors balked at being addressed so crudely, even if that was all their king ever did to them. It was if he were a child in a man's body, a stubborn child. "Did I say move tomorrow! I SAID NOW! Beat it and don't come back in here for the rest of the day, or the royal bed chambers, scram!" King Hiero snapped, whipping his wild double-colored gaze on them.

The men all jumped, tripping over one another as their tried to get out of the room as fast as possible. They sped out the door, getting it slammed on their rears. They stopped running off and leaned their heads against the door. "I don't care if he said go. What they are doing in there can't be so terrible to hear." The tallest of them said, rubbing his gray beard.

Seconds later, a bloodied sword shot through the door and cut off the bottom of his beard. "Oh yes it can, geezer!" their king's voice taunted. The advisors didn't bother to look back as they ran away as fast as their withered legs could carry them.

~

"Ah….now to cancel this stupid illusion. I do so hate looking like crap." Hiero muttered, then lifted his hand," Illusion-Time Vibe, cancel!"

There was a flash of light, like all his illusions were taken off with, then he could see again. He was his true self, young and beautiful, as they all were, except Viole and Dalet. The angels were still in their nine-teen year old bodies, as Gaia had granted to them in that celestial moment they all truly met the Mother Goddess.

Hiero smiled at his beautiful wife, her perfect figure in his view in the lovely dress. He never minded showing his children 'Daddy's magic' so long as they kept it a secret, like their wings. He didn't want his children hurt, so he blamed them not being able to show off their wings on bigotry, unwarranted bigotry. He always called his children's white wings things of beauty, and they were never ashamed.

They liked all his spells, and understood more or less that he, their mother, Dilandau, Gatti, Chesta, and Migel all had a spell in their blood that prevented them from ever growing old. He even told them their Uncle Val Schezar had the same spell, since they all fought bravely in the War of Angels. His kids were smart, just like him and their mother, and very beautiful, but not like their mother.

Hiero quickly ran up to her and lifted her in his arms, kissing her deeply after he twirled her about for a few moments. He had missed this taste for five long, tedious years. Hiero nearly cast Dragu Slave he was so pissed off at Zaibach for not giving up when they should have. The false peace talks pissed him off even more, but it was only Zaibach, Fanelia and Asturia that were dying in this war. Freid had refused to help, being the neutral country that it was. So many innocent people, even in Zaibach, perished because the war was dragged on for so damn long.

The Dragon Slayers had helped greatly in defeating Zaibach, by breaking through the front lines and reaching the center of the capital. They never had to go near innocent people, as much as Dilandau wanted to hold them hostage. Hiero used his shape-shifting abilities as dragons and monsters to scare most of the soldiers out of the war and destroy supplies and guymelefs all the faster while Dilandau tore apart the high-ranking soldiers.

Dilandau had enjoyed that part very much, he'd felt it all through the battle, that bloodlust and great strength of mind and body the general possessed, and for the rest of his life, eternal youth. He'd be beautiful forever, and that pleased him greatly.

Val didn't have the advantage of his illusion spells, for he was back in Asturia now with his mother and baby brother Leon. Val had been told after they got Allen back to the Crusade that Millerna was pregnant. He had been too worried about his father's melted off limb to be mad he wasn't told earlier, and let it slide. Val had fought proudly with the knights of Asturia and the army of Palas alongside Fanelia to defeat Zaibach for their crimes, missing his baby brother's birth. His father had seen it, and that was enough. Val wasn't the father, he felt no need to be with them, but to protect them from Zaibach if it tried to advance for Palas.

Zaibach had nearly reached Fanelia, but Hiero's powers and Val's dragon form pushed them back to their lands, keeping the war where it hurt the bastards the most. Hiero loved relishing the stupid looks on their faces as he in his dragon brother's form and Val in his true dragon form send flames of ice and energy at the asses. He'd never seen so many soldiers wet themselves at once in his life.

He had wished the war hadn't been so long, preventing him from watching his first children of true love grow up as a real father should, but protecting Fanelia took precedence. Then again, he missed his Alessa more than his own offspring. He kissed her for several minutes, until he felt her hitting his shoulder armor for him to stop.

He pulled back, flashing a shy smile. "What?"

She gasped a bit, and chuckled. "Some people need to breathe, you know, Hiero."

He blushed a bit, he wasn't used to female's not aging around him. Val had been born into eternal youth being an ancient dragon, all be it mortal. Val, just like everyone but Hiero, could be killed, which was the only drawback of the eternal wish of the angels. They told him later that they all wanted to be by his side, Dilandau for reasons of always fighting by his side, the Dragon Slayers for the honor of working with him, and Alessa for her eternal love.

Hiero's wish had been somewhat close, it was to never be alone again, not to lose people as his life had been endlessly cursed with. He was glad he finally got that wish granted. Hiero would no longer wish for his own mortality, that wish could never be granted nor the resurrection of innocents lost in the wars.

Hiero would live with this, teaching them all about dealing with eternal life, but not now. Now was a time to celebrate the war being won by the efforts of the Dragon Slayers and the armies of Fanelia and Asturia. He knew those withered old fossils he had hired as advisors would want a celebratory feast to be held soon. Hiero was too damned tired and hungry to wait for guest lists to be made, for Aunt Merle and her kitchen staff that remained to cook bounds of food, and even to change clothes. He was just going to eat what was left in the kitchen with the group, then help his kids to bed, take his wife to their chambers, get cleaned up and go to bed with her. He didn't want any hassles.

"I know….but we got home as quickly as possible. Had to….steal a floating fortress to do it….the best model they had left in Zaibach, the Abyss. It belongs to Fanelia now….well, technically, the Dragon Slayers. It will be their personal base of operations. Dilandau is not fond of such country living." Hiero smirked, hearing the general growl a bit.

"That's reassuring, but no more talk of war, love. Hiero….say hello to our children, they've missed you. All they've done since the last time you were here was ask me where you were. Don't you dare leave home again, kids are hard to raise." Alessa mock snipped, crossing her arms over her supple chest for emphasis.

"I know….and you know what I mean by that," he countered jokingly, then went over to their kids, kneeling in front of them," Hello Zel. Little Dyna. Don't you have something for me?"

The kids looked at each other, then smiled. In seconds they were hugging their father and asking for presents. "Hey, not till your birthday, you two. Daddy had a hard day, but he's going to play with the both of you tomorrow."

"But you promised the old men you'd talk with them tomorrow." Dyna piped innocently. Hiero grinned and ruffled her curly lavender hair, admiring the face that looked nearly like his when he was a child.

"Let them wait till the next summer solstice. The old buzzards aren't my pride and joy, you two are. Like I care what they think of me anymore, I am going to spend the day with you and your brother, princess." He told them sweetly.

Dyna squealed happily and hugged her father tightly around the neck. He grimaced a bit, but then just patted her back. He looked to Zel, the same face as Dyna, only the hair was more masculine. He truly looked exactly like Hiero had in his childhood, only with Alessa's hair color. It was the first time one of his kids ever resembled him in the slightest, and it was a very good feeling.

"Ahem!" Dilandau coughed rudely.

Hiero sighed, lifting his kids onto his shoulders. "Yes, Dilandau? Got a frog in your pretty throat?" Hiero teased, Dilandau eyes flaring up. They softened slightly after a moment, Hiero's grin getting to him a little faster than usual. "What are your orders to the Dragon Slayers with the war over, if I choose to obey them." Dilandau uttered, all business now.

Hiero shrugged. "Stay here as the protectors of Fanelia. Zaibach's government may have surrendered, but I doubt any of us will be so easily forgiven for what we did to enforce it. Call it being bodyguards, or hunters of assassins, whatever. You all, and myself, will make all countries that even consider trying to conquer us. I will make Fanelia the most powerful nation….and the Dragon Slayers will only add to it." Hiero stated simply, starting to walk for the door.

"Then you join us." Dilandau said suddenly, just as Hiero was about to pass him by. Hiero stopped and looked at him, his expression blank for a while. He looked at Alessa, who was just a few feet away, her eyes trembling. "Only if Alessa is included. Then you won't be calling her a jinx and useless when you think I'm not listening." Hiero stated crisply. If this bothered Dilandau, it didn't show. He just nodded.

"We'll start training you both once the banquet crap is over and done with. Or rather, just Alessa. She needs more….practice than you could ever require." Dilandau snickered and walked out the door, his Dragon Slayers trailing quietly.

"That….asshole. How dare he say that." Alessa seethed.

Hiero looked back at her again, angling his head a bit. "Honey, not in front of the kids. You want them sounding like their old man?" he teased, then telepathed just to tease further," And I want to get to trying to get in bed with as fast as possible after the darling are asleep and make some much needed recreational noise with you….sweetie.'

Lying close to you feeling your heart beating.

And I'm wondering what you're dreaming,

Wondering if it's me you're seeing .

Then I kiss your eyes,

And thank God we're together!

I just want to stay with you in this moment forever,

Forever and ever!

Alessa cracked a grin, lifting the hem of her dress a bit before coming at him. "I'll show you, you dirty old man." She chuckled. Hiero took hold of the kids and more or less jogged out of the throne room, throwing the illusion spell up again in case anyone was still awake. "Oh, you saucy flirt." He cooed, still ahead of her as she laughed in her pursuit.

~ Kitchen ~

Zelgadis and Dyna looked with open mouths as their father wolfed down his fifth helping of leftover pheasant and turkey meat, smothered in cold gravy and raw potatoes. It had been a while, and Hiero knew they'd seen him eat like this five years ago, but then he'd been given daily meals until the treaty was revealed a trick of Zaibach to get their armies close enough to attack.

He'd had very little good food in him since leaving, and this was just making up for lost time. The others were used to his ravenous appetite, and ate at their own pace, only Dilandau being the one to partake in the vino. Migel was still on Hiero's bad side, and probably always would be. The dumb fool was still in love with Avaris, and that meant doing anything to make Hiero become her so he could be with the long dead beauty. Migel had switched Hiero's wineskin full of water with one of watered down vino, and it had been enough to make Hiero incredibly happy, but he was still pissed off. Dilandau had sat in front of him then as Hiero'd had giggling fits and prat falls for hours, keeping Migel away.

Hiero knew he'd probably have obliged Migel if he'd asked him to let Avaris out for him. Hiero was very open when he was drunk, he knew that, not once had he learned to hold his liquor, even a thimble of the stuff was too much for his body. It was probably Delphine's fault, partaking in even too much alcohol was considered gluttony and a sin, so Hiero wasn't allowed any without embarrassing side effects.

Migel had tried a few times to get Hiero drunk after that, but Hiero had learned from the first attempt. He always sniffed his wineskin before drinking it. If he smelled even a hint of vino, he brought it to Dilandau and Migel was beaten up by the both of them.

The man was damned stubborn. He'd even caught him a few minutes ago trying to switch glasses with him, to which Hiero slapped his hand and dunked Migel in vino. Migel wasn't in love with him, he could live with that gladly, but he was in love with blind old Avaris, and she was under his control like the rest of the personalities he had absorbed over his long life. That made him very happy, to be in full control again and not have the life sucked out of his soul for a few minutes of being transformed.

He personally wished Migel's senses still pained him, but he was out of wishes right now, miracle wishes anyhow. None of them were weakened by their abilities anymore, with the prophecy at last fulfilled. No more stupid Sora, no more fake Folken or hyper-sexual cat women eating his flesh, no more pains in the ass, aside from Migel's constant questions for Avaris' return.

"LORD HIERO!" a high, nearly sensual voice yelled from the doorway. Hiero cringed, nearly choking on his food, but he forced himself to swallow. 'Make that two pains in the asses."

"Myrna, keimai**, how nice to see you." he said, his tone not really putting much feeling into the words. It didn't matter to Myrna. She ran right into his side and hugged him, getting some blood on her leotard and sun-skirt. Myrna was as busty as Aunt Merle, but ten times more sugary. Aunt Merle was just a mother hen to him most often, taking care of the kids with Alessa and the kitchen with Myrna, who was training to be her assistant still. Myrna lacked the good qualities of a chef and more of a soldier. She was agile enough, and growing strong, but she was still madly in love with him, even if he was married.

Myrna had tried poisoning Alessa one time, to blame it on Zaibach, so Hiero had to control her. Charm spells were handy if the person being cursed with it had a small mind. He'd kept Myrna from hurting Alessa and his kids by putting the spell on her through potions, so she would obey everything he said, and the number one rule was not to harm his family. Simply telling the cat-woman that he would kill her didn't work cause he couldn't.

She was truly all his dear Aunt Merle had left in the world. He'd thought about asking Dilandau to do it, but knowing Dilandau, the general would gloat about it in front of Aunt Merle to get a kick out of the death further. Spells were a stronger suit for him than family. It had kept his family safe from jealous Myrna's antics, and that's all he needed, at least until she met her own kind or died an old maid.

He let her hug him, sighing a bit, but not moving to hug her back. "Go to your room and go to sleep, keimai. You and Aunt Merle are to go to the war room tomorrow and plan the menu for the celebratory banquet next week. Tell your mother before you go to bed. Understood?" He said dryly. She released him in an instant and nodded obediently, then ran out.

"She's a waste of flesh, why do you keep that worthless hair-ball bitch around, Hiero?" Dilandau spat, sucking down another glass of blood-red vino. "It's just for another 50 or so years, or until she meets a cat-boy. I can't kick out my father's only….sort of family. Sides, you'd rather I cook for all of you?" Hiero asked, stuffing his face again.

Dilandau sniffed at the idea, pouring himself another glass of rich vino. "Certainly not," he said, eyeing Alessa slyly," That's weak, sniveling woman's work."

"Say that again, pretty boy!? Maybe I should throw you in the dungeon a while." Alessa hissed, slamming her hand on the table.

Hiero sighed, leaning his hand on his head. "Not this crap again. Not back home for five minutes and you two are already at each other's throats. Give it a rest….please." Hiero snarled, sick to death of their feud. He knew the two hated each other to death, but Dilandau was more open about it, spurring Alessa on into a verbal battle so he'd have an excuse to get rid of her.

Dilandau back down with a grin while Alessa huffed noisily. Hiero just shrugged, there was no way either of them would get along. Not currently, they'd have to wait centuries for the feud to simmer down. 'I hope….perhaps once she learns how to act in combat, it won't be as bad anymore. I don't want to lose any of them, especially not Alessa-chan. I love her so much, and I finally get to keep the love of my life forever….I won't let her die because of inexperience. I will protect her….and them for all times.' He thought gently, looking down at his food, missing the softening look on Dilandau face, the admiration in those garnet eyes.

Don't want to close my eyes,

I don't want to fall asleep,

Cause I'd miss you baby,

And I don't want to miss a thing!

Cause even when I dream of you,

The sweetest dream will never do,

I'd still miss you baby,

And I don't want to miss a thing!

~ 500 Years Later ~

- Fanelia Castle Throne Room -

King Vlandir Oracus de Fanel sat upon the throne, listening to the sound of guymelefs and soldiers' footsteps pounding outside as his army was marching off to war. His army, not the foolish children Dragon Slayers his ancestor Hiero Scorchava de Fanel once employed, and kept employing over the centuries, till now. He was proud of himself, he would succeed with his military brilliance and power as the current king over the New Order of Zaibach. He didn't need mere boys with swords fighting for him, he was a man, a true king, unlike his ancestors. He would not be called a coward, some pathetic weakling hiding behind armed children instead of using his own blade to defend his kingdom.

The people would praise him now for banishing those brats once and for all, seeing that their king was a strong and brilliant man. He made all the right choice, sending his son and wife off to Freid for safekeeping and getting the best generals money could buy from Asturia, Daedalus, and Egzardia. He didn't need whelps with only a reputation for no mercy, he needed intelligence and wisdom of season warriors, not pups.

"Your highness….another messenger from the Dragon Slayers has come. He wishes to speak with you." a guard suddenly sounded. The king looked up with angered blue eyes, his cyan hair shimmering a bit, a bit of gray hinted at his temples. "Ach, two messengers wasn't enough to ask for reconsideration. Three isn't any better! I am about to make Fanelian history and they won't just leave. But send him in and I'll give the brat the same I gave those other boys, Dalet and Viole I think." The king growled.

The guard nodded and opened the door fully, a young man stepping through with very pale green hair, a minty color and the hair was curly like sheep.

"King Vlandir of Fanelia. I have been sent as a final request of your reconsideration. It is not too late to ask for our assistance in defeating Zaibach again. You won't win your way, sire." The boy said, his voice shy and soft.

The king grinned, the boy was weak like a child, probably would break at the slightest breeze, so he stood up swiftly and glowered at him. "What is your name, boy?" he hissed out

The boy shifted uncomfortably. "Guimel Cady, sire. What is your reply?" the boy replied. Vlandir just grinned wider and laughed, pulling out his sword and pointing it at the boy. Guimel visibly shivered. "Then, Dragon Slayer weakling Guimel Cady, I will tell you what I old the other two messengers before you. Asturia and all the other countries agree with me, the Dragon Slayers are nothing but juvenile delinquents with swords and your general is nothing by a vain joke to us. Tell him that, you are all banished from Jotunheim forever. You get out or I will alert the other countries that you must be forced out. Is that clear?!" the king roared.

Guimel backed up and nodded, turning about swiftly. "Your highness….may I say something of my own free will?"

The king sneered at the boy's back. "Yes, but make it quick. I have a war to attend to."

"Have you ever considered Fate being against someone if they cast her children out of their Paradise? Even bloodthirsty?" he asked, his voice almost teasing.

"Are you implying you tainted brats are Fate's children because of your reputation. What do you hope to gain by such slanderous accusations, boy!?" he roared

Guimel turned slightly, lifting his right pointer finger up and wagged it at the king childishly. "That's a secret." The youth said slyly and left, leaving the king dumbfounded by the confusing response.

~ Floating Fortress Abyss ~

-Training Room -

"Come on, Demitrius, you're faltering again. Do I have to sever a limb to make you protect yourself?" Dilandau laughed mockingly. Alessa growled at him, not sounding threatening, but her eyes were all she needed for that.

He loved spurring her on, taunting her, it made her stronger, working harder to shut him up. She'd never be as strong as him or even surpass him, no one but Hiero had that honor. It had taken a long time to get her body in shape for sparring matches and actual battles. She'd picked up a few body scars from both, the ones Hiero wasn't in time to close. It meant she was a seasoned warrior, but not the best. A true warrior never got a scratch in battle, the less they had, the stronger they were.

'Hiero and me being the acceptation. Childhood scars don't count. Those spur future warriors on to perfection….he is perfectly chaotic….and I am just simply the perfect soldier, as it always will be. I wish he'd get back to the Abyss already. I've given that fool descendant of his plenty of time to reconsider his foolish banishment proclamation.…how dare that simpleton of a king turn against after all we've done to protect their pathetic country!!' He thought, his anger flaring at that thought and his sword came crashing down on Alessa. Her sword went flying and she landed on her ass.

"Lord Dilandau!" she yelled, breaking his train of thought. He looked at her for a few moments, then started laughing. "Oops, did you fall down….little miss? Dear me, I hope it hurt. That's what you get for screwing up so much." Dilandau spat, putting his sword away as she got up.

Alessa said nothing, only glowered at him. She knew what he'd do to her if she talked back he'd slap her a good one. It was a rule: No one spoke back to Dilandau for any reason for treatment. Hiero spoke back plenty, but he never reacted to being hit. He always acted the same, and it was nice to see someone who didn't back down like a wimp among his men. Chesta still couldn't take hits well, and nor could Migel, but Gatti took them with better stride, still shooting him dirty looks after being struck. Alessa had only been struck once, long ago when they had all just met. After that, she never wanted to feel that pain again. She'd just give him dirty looks or get near Hiero for support.

'Just like a woman….so weak. I wonder if there are any women out there who can tolerate what my men do. Hmmph….more like fear, toleration is what Hiero gives me.' he thought, watching Alessa pick up her sword, then face him again. "At least you don't give up, Demitrius." He offered, pulling his sword out as well.

"She'll never give up." A soft voice called from the entrance. He looked away from Alessa and saw Guimel standing there, looking a little pissed off. It was hard to tell at times, but that way he always looked like a stubborn child who didn't get his way.

"Well, at last you have returned, Guimel. I gather the king didn't agree to reinstate us." Dilandau said, a statement, not a question.

"No, Lord Dilandau, I tried many times, but he refused to open his eyes to your offer. And, I discovered that every country in Jotunheim is against us. We have been banished by them all. The war hasn't started yet, but Zaibach was closing in when I hit the forest. Fanelia and Zaibach will be fighting in close quarters within a few hours, at best, sir." The youth said, standing at attention.

"Pity….on them really. I guess we'll get ready to depart Jotunheim in a few hours then," he sighed, almost slyly content with the reply," Dragon Slayers, you have three hours of leave before we depart for the eastern continent, our new home. Anyone who is not within the Abyss by then will be left behind to swim there. Understood, men?"

"Yes, Lord Dilandau." Every Slayer replied.

"Slayers Demitrius, Gatti, Chesta, Val, Guimel, and Migel, you remain here for a brief meeting, the rest of you go do what you must in three hours. Not a second less." Dilandau added. The only three Dragon Slayers not mentioned nodded, saluted and ran out of the room.

Dilandau eyed Guimel, who was still standing at attention, with a nervous smile. "Take that face off already. It doesn't suit you." Dilandau ordered. Guimel smiled and stuck his arms out. "Phase Guimel! Leave me!" the youth said, and in a flash of light, he was Hiero again.

"Dragon Slayer Hiero Vendetta, at your service, Dilandau. I play Guimel's role well, hmm?" Hiero smirked, mock saluting, then blowing a kiss to Alessa. To Dilandau disgust, she caught it and planted it on her mouth. He grunted at the display, the looked back to Hiero sternly

"Why did it take you three days to deliver one message?" Dilandau asked, stone-faced.

Hiero shrugged. "I was born there….I used Viole, Dalet, and Guimel's form finally to try and get him to try and reconsider, but he wouldn't even budge. If I had not kept asking, I wouldn't have found out that we have been banished by all countries. I was protecting your interests, and mine." Hiero replied nonchalantly, eyeing Dilandau, then Alessa and Val.

"Hmmm, well, that is interesting to know. Saves us precious time indeed, but don't take so long next time. Your wife screws up moves even toddlers could perform without you around." Dilandau snickered.

"Creep…." Alessa yelped. Dilandau looked at her, angered by the response, but Hiero was between them in seconds. "We have three hours until departure, Dilandau, don't waste it on petty argu….ments." Hiero let out, taking the slap meant for Alessa.

I don't want to miss one smile….

I don't want to miss one kiss….

I just want to be with you,

Right here with you, just like this….

Dilandau sneered, then smirked, looking around Hiero to say to Alessa. "Shape up. He won't be with you every waking moment. Try and depend on yourself for once, woman."

With that, Dilandau left, Hiero left to hold back his sputtering wife so she wouldn't anger him further.

~ Over the Ocean ~

- Nightfall -

- Alessa and Hiero's Chambers -

Hiero got dressed slowly, looking at his sleeping wife covered only by the white sheets of their bed, her armor and clothing on the chair. He stopped once his pants were on and walked over to his tinted window, looking out at the glass-blackened expanse of the ocean. He hadn't seen the ocean much since being in Gaia, only when Allen and Millerna were gone did he get the chance to see the ocean.

He pushed open their window and stared outside, letting the cool salty air blow through his shimmering sapphire hair and bare chest. It had been a lovely 500 years protecting Fanelia as its Dragon Slayer warrior, not its king. That had been a tedious affair, all that royal rules and polite crap he didn't like. His son survived the Dragon Slaying task well, walking away with a burn scar on his right leg. His daughter married off to Chid's only son and become a fine queen.

Zelgadis had turned out nearly like Hiero, only within the boundaries of mortality. Hiero had adored his children all their lives, but leaving them behind was the hardest thing. He had to go eventually so his son could be king, so he had to fake his and Alessa's deaths so the people would think that they were gone. Zelgadis and Dyna knew their parents were alive, and understood they were only going away so they could rule the country without problems.

Alessa came back into Fanelia after a century had passed, after a lot of training aboard the Abyss, and became a part of the Dragon Slayers group, the first female member. Hiero had taken the form of Guimel then, so he could remain watching over his homeland and the other angels as well.

I just want to hold you close,

Feel your heart so close to mine,

And just stay here in this moment,

For all the rest of time!!!!

He changed from Guimel, to Dalet after another century. Dalet had died in battle after he'd reached his 60th birthday, still strong and still fighting, but crushed that his beauty was gone. He still had the mystic blood within him from Sora's tampering, as did Viole. So Dalet practically begged him as he was dying to absorb him, so he wouldn't have to go back to the walk of death. Hiero had done it at the last moment, as Dalet's terrible gash had started to gush.

Viole lasted to a ripe old age of 93 and a grandfather, and had stopped fighting when his body could no longer take the stress twenty years earlier. Hiero had come to say good-bye, but Viole asked, not begged, to become a part of him, so he could always serve Dilandau, even after death. Hiero waited hours until accepting, and asking Dilandau if it would be all right.

He had the lost Slayers inside him now. He could hear their voices thanking him and talking to him. He even saw them in his dreams, interacting with all the other good personalities, or the indifferent ones. They would never leave either, but he'd wished Guimel had had a choice about his merging with him.

It was all well and done, it couldn't be changed, and they were safe inside him. He had an eternal love and friends, none would age, and he would protect them forever and beyond just to see them breathe.

Don't want to close my eyes,

I don't want to fall asleep,

Cause I'd miss you baby,

And I don't want to miss a thing!

Cause even when I dream of you,

The sweetest dream will never do,

I'd still miss you baby,

And I don't want to miss a thing!

Alessa made a tiny cry in her sleep, moaning a little as she pulled the covers over her a little more. The breeze was probably chilling her, so he shut the window. He stepped over to her bed and kissed her on the cheek. "I love you….my angel of the night. I will always love you, don't ever forget that, angel. Never forget that. I'll never leave you or anyone behind, I swear it." He whispered to her, settling down beside her. He wrapped his arms about her carefully and pulled her close enough so he could feel the rise and fall of her chest.

Don't want to close my eyes….

I don't want to fall asleep….

I don't want to miss a thing….

"Don't ever forget….I am your eternal love." He whispered, watching her sleep, never blinking once with his double-colored eyes as the floating fortress silently floated onward.

End of Part 2!!

*The World card represents Fanelia and the Dragon Slayers prospering from the war and achieving all of their hearts' desires over time. It is also them taking pleasure in life as they have always dreamed and flourishing after so much pain and horrible events, at last finding their own beautiful solutions in their eternal life.

**Keimai means little sister in Japanese.

* Important Notice *

This story is dedicated to Zibbelcoot for inspiring me to actually write this story. I thank her for the confidence she had in me. Thank you from the bottom of my heart, Zibbelcoot-sama.

Onto the Ending Theme!!!!

Stay tuned for Part 3," The Final Vision of Escaflowne: Shadow Cage," this Fall.