Author's Note: These are becoming as frequent as Disclaimers ought to be in
this story…. but nah. Anyway, I'm still writing from scratch, which means I
may go back and rewrite sections. I'll let you know. There is more action
for the action people, and more intrigue into Dilan. What is he going to
do?
Chapter 12: Dark Encounters
Alessandro watched calmly as men ran to secure the Asturian leviship. Looking somewhat like a tethered kingbird, the General was surprised that the pompous Allies only sent one small group to negotiate. He expected a great show of pitiful strength, flaunting the fact that Zaibach, the greatest empire in the history of Gaea, was asking for help from those who tore it to its knees.
But, Alessandro mused, these representatives must be well trusted, and appearances are deceiving. If the outer kingdoms united entirely against Zaibach during the present political chaos, defeat and complete humiliation would be unavoidable. This is what he hoped to cover quietly – this weakness invisible to the power hungry politicians,
Even more shocking was the ambassador party itself. The group which left the leviship consisted of the famed Knight of Caeli, Allen Schezar, accompanied by a younger looking red haired boy, a brown haired, green eyed girl who was looking around the hanger in remembering wonder, and the well- known King Van Fanal, dragon warrior who became Emperor Dornkirk's obsession and distraction. Alessandro frowned inside. What tact was this? Intimidation? With one ship and a woman – were they trying to make a point of their confidence? Or was there a hidden purpose? Long ago during the war, the General learned the advantages of a small strike group-breaching lines that entire armies could not. He made a mental note to tighten security in all the vital areas of the fortress.
-----------------------------------------------
The hanger echoed coldly. Hitomi shivered as she looked around. This place was full of memories - memories that sparked other memories. In her mind's eye she saw a body falling limply, feathers like black snow drifting around it. Van's hand held hers for a moment in reassurance. Approaching footsteps jerked her back to reality.
A massive cloaked figure came into view from the shadow of a guymeleph. For a split second Hitomi let herself believe it was he… no, it wasn't him, but the other man from her vision, the General. She saw Van throw her a concerned glance before breaking away from the group. He bowed.
"My Lord General Alessandro, I thank you for your welcome."
The General scanned the four and the crew of the Crusade in the background. He lingered on Hitomi, but only raised an eyebrow.
"King Fanal, I hope your stay will be enjoyable and profitable for all our countries, though I must warn you that many are opposed to this suggested alliance."
Allen stepped forward. "We are aware of this, sir. My crew is prepared to defend and protect themselves and our allies."
A faint smile traced with weariness crossed Alessandro's face. "Good. Loyalty will succeed often where training and money will not. I will give you time to get settled before telling you why I am going behind the back of Zaibach to save it."
---------------------------------------------------------------------------- ---------
Hitomi sat at her window, absently swinging her half-pendant. She mused about what her future held, what her duty to Van would be. She sighed just as the door opened.
"Hey Hit?"
"Konichiwa, Emilee-san."
Emilee put a look of fake puzzlement on her face. "Who?"
"I'm sorry – Ben Fields."
Emilee smiled and sat in the single chair next to a tiny desk. She winced as her sword clanged against the wood. She still wasn't used to watching out for it. With a sigh of her own, she looked around the room.
The quarters the group had been given were small, but practical. Each room held a single, narrow, bed, desk and chair, with one wall lantern. Hitomi's room was one of the few with the luxury of a window.
"So everything is true."
Hitomi's eyes met her friends. "Hai. Did you not believe me?"
Emilee shook her head. "I believed you, just – I mean, a world hidden by the moon is hard enough to accept, and it I weren't here now I don't think I would believe it."
"But you are still surprised."
Emilee gave her a reproachful look. "Hit, I'm not as young as you. My imagination has become hard. Winged people? I suppose I believed you, but I needed proof."
Hitomi began swinging her half-pendant in its timed arc. Watching it she said, "I'm still not sure why I was brought back. I don't think marrying Van is the entire story. It doesn't add up. We weren't wishing and we came when Zaibach is prepared to ask us for assistance. That isn't like Zaibach. And why were you brought with me?"
Emilee shifted in her seat. Her sword rattled again and she angrily took it off. "Perhaps to drive both me and Allen crazy."
"You and Allen?"
Emilee glowered at the floor as awareness dawned on Hitomi. "Allen – he… he… "
"Allen kissed me!" She exploded. "He kissed me even though he's been treating me like extra luggage ever sense we got on that flying rock of his."
Silence fell over the room as Hitomi took in this new information. After a few moments she slowly replied, "Emilee, that's how he is. I know how it feels. He – he did the same to me, except he wouldn't let me do anything afterwards because he was afraid of losing me somehow. But he doesn't know how to handle you."
"Handle me?" She stood and began pacing indignantly. "What? He can't handle me because I talk back?"
"Exactly."
She stopped. "Huh?"
"Look, Emilee." Hitomi smiled. "You caught Allen off guard. He's not used to that. He's used to putting women into groups and treating them accordingly, predictably. You don't fit in any of those groups, so he doesn't know what to do."
Emilee threw up her hands. "Great, A confused playboy with an inter- family relation and inter-family relationships is interested in me!"
Hitomi blushed. "You promised not to used that against him anymore."
"I know, I know, but why in Heaven's name can't things be simple anymore?"
Hitomi took her hand. "Whatever happens, whatever reason we were brought here, I think it's good that you two like each other." She smiled. "He needs someone like you. Someone who can stand up against and surprise him. Keep him on his toes."
"Yeah, well if he's not careful I'll stand on his toes."
Hitomi laughed.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------- ----
The hanger was finally empty. Celena scampered from window to window on the Crusade. After sneaking on board in Fried, she managed to stay out of the way of the entire crew. Gaddes was the main problem. He had a knack of showing up in the most unexpected moments, sending Celena scrambling into awkward hiding places. Now her challenge was getting off the Crusade. She couldn't hide in the cargo this time, for none was being unloaded. Tiptoeing through the ship, she searched for an alternative. By chance she wandered to the aft of the Crusade. There in the shadows stood a think metal door, looked with great bars of iron, held by a winding mechanism; her way out. But Celena knew a fifteen or twenty-foot drop lay on the other side. Darting back to the cargo hold, she unwrapped the rope tying down a stack of boxes. It wouldn't be long enough, but she could jump.
Landing on the fortress deck with a loud thud, Celena darted behind the leg of a resting guymeleph. Wide eyed, she waited for someone to investigate. Her hand touched the great battle machine. Faces flashed before her, boys with looks of devotion and admiration wearing dark blue armor. A wave of camaraderie swept over her, but she couldn't remember their names. The warmth was shattered by a half scream, half howl.
"Don't take her!"
Celena jerked away. "Jajuka!" She whispered dazedly.
---------------------------------------------------
Deep down below, Dilan leapt to his feet. "She's here!"
Yumi looked up. "Who?" He stared at his master and saw the twitching smile on his face. "Oh no…"
Dilan grabbed his sword and swept on his cloak. Laughing almost giddily, he ran down the hallway.
----------------------------------------------------
The control deck of the fortress, Empire's Pride, hummed with its usual activity. Silently Alessandro watched, a brooding rock in the flow of duty and assignments. This was one of the critical moments. Then envoy was here, now the task was getting into Zaibach with the same secrecy it took to get out. Someone had leaked information to the enemy. The attack in Fried a week earlier was no coincidence.
Alessandro snorted to himself. But then, who was the enemy? The fractions of the Empire kept up a charade of masks, friendly and enthusiastic on the surface to each other, but full of inner turmoil, self- interest, and most of all, confusion. To win against chaos, he must play these strings correctly, or one of them may break and sever the people from each other forever.
"General!"
Alessandro knew his entire crew by name. "Proceed, Zalin."
The lookout saluted. "Sir, a small fleet of mercenaries is approaching."
Alessandro glanced out the window. Six ships were rapidly catching up. If the fortress had been going close to 75% it's top speed, they could have out-flown them. But presently they were at near stand still. Someone must be leaking information.
"I'll be damned if those are mercenaries. The formation is too tight." The General snapped. "Prepare for battle. We know what they want. Meleph units Four and Five, prepare to engage. Take out the lead ships."
--------------------------------------------------
Hitomi's pendant flared.
"It's started!" She gasped. Flinging open the door, Emilee and Hitomi waited for a group of soldiers to storm past before entering the hallway.
The Crusade was powering up. The two leapt aboard and Allen caught sight of them.
"You should stay here. It's safer."
"No way." Emilee yelled over the noise of guymelephs. "I'm your student, so I'm going with you."
Hitomi glanced at her in concern. "What about your air sickness?"
She grimly pressed her lips together. "As long as I don't look down, I'll be fine."
----------------------------------------------
The small leviship moved out of the hanger. Surrounded by guymelephs, the Crusade darted towards the advancing enemy. Allen stood next to Gaddes issuing calm, precise orders.
"Let Zaibach throw its punch first. We will follow behind. Get above the second ship to port and come down out of the sun. Prepare to board." He turned to Van. "Lord Van, I would be honored if you led my men in the boarding party. I'll be in the Scherazade."
Van nodded.
Emilee met Allen's eyes firmly. "You," He shook his finger reprimandingly. "Are not to leave the ship. Neither are you, Hitomi."
"But – " Hitomi's eyes were wide.
"It's like you said. They know who you are. I won't let you go out there and give yourself to them." Turning back to Emilee, he silently evaluated her. After an extremely long moment, he said, "If you swear to do exactly what I say, you may come. This is a real battle and I don't want you to get hurt."
Emilee nodded.
"You will stand guard at the bottom of the ramp. Keep anyone from trying to sneak in behind our backs and onto the ship. If it gets too dangerous out there, get on board and close the ramp."
Gaddes spun the wheel. "Hang on!"
Allen sprinted for the hanger, closely followed by Emilee. Timing silently to himself, he braced just as the Crusade slammed on top of the enemy cruiser. Long experience of the crew taught most to hang on; the unaware were thrown to the deck. Emilee fell straight into Allen's back. His arm went around her for a moment, bracing her, but he quickly let go.
Leaping into his guymeleph, he began strapping himself in. Nodding to his waiting crew, he ordered. "Lower the ramp."
The hanger door swung open and opposing soldiers swarmed in, followed by two guymelephs. Emilee drew her sword and suddenly realized she was scared. The air filled with men yelling, clanging weapons, and eventually dying screams. Without thinking, Emilee charged after the crew of the Crusade. Numbly she watched as bodies clashed. One gray-clad fighter slashed down a man a few feet away. He looked up and saw her. Grinning, he raised his sword.
Survive by speed, Allen had said. The man stabbed directly at her chest. Leaping to the side, she blocked his return slash. Shoving down, she swung her sword at his head. The man in gray dropped. Before she could think about what she had just done, another soldier attacked. Managing a defense, she watched for an opening, just as she learned in her few days of training. There – Emilee blocked a downward cut, sliding her opponent's blade away. Driving forward, she slashed across his stomach. He screamed and fell, clutching the wound. Instinctively she knew it was fatal.
Turning, Emilee stared wide-eyed at the chaos. The crew had forced the attackers back into their own ship, leaving the hanger empty except for bodies.
Blood was sprayed everywhere. Outside she saw one flying ship trail smoke as it tumbled out of formation. Allen's guymeleph tossed another of its kind over his shoulder and into the air. It fell silently into the trees. Emilee tried to take a step, but her legs collapsed beneath her. Bracing herself on her sword, she stared at the smeared weapon.
Never had blood looked so red. Before now, this had been a game. Now it was real. Allen had taught her well, but it had still been a game. People died in this game, and died by the lessons she learned. Only, her sparring partners in this arena would never stand back up, smile, and ask for another round of blows. She closed her eyes and fainted.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------- ---------------------
Celena, to avoid the sudden burst of activity, crawled under a large tarp only to have it bury her when soldiers untied it to release a guymeleph. She held still, praying that whoever operated the machine wouldn't step on her. The blast from its flight jet blew her cover away. She scrambled for a more stable hiding place and caught sight of a trap door. Glancing around the hanger, she dragged the heavy metal plating to the side and climbed down the ladder. It took all her strength to maneuver the door back in place.
Inside, Celena couldn't see anything. Turning quickly to discover her surroundings, she nearly lost her grip on the rungs. A horrible feeling of loneliness numbed her hands. Alone. Dark. Where were they? Afraid. Never afraid, but afraid of being alone. Celena's breathing came in harsh gasps as she clung to the ladder. She was not alone, she agued. She had her brother, Jock, and her friends. Celena shook her head and tried to look through the pitch-blackness. Deep down below a cold blue light glimmered. Hesitantly, she began lowering herself down.
It wasn't really that far. When her feet hit the floor of a strange hallway, she gave the black tunnel a final glance before considering her next set of choices. Three hallways, all lit by sickly blue lights. Right – she would stay to the right in hopes of finding a way out of this new labyrinth. Her hand securely on her dagger, she walked down the hall. A hiss made her pause.
"Who's there!"
No one answered. Turning back the way she came, Celena froze.
A cloaked figure stood blocking the way. Face hidden under a hood, the person extended a thin white hand.
"Celena."
Her body began shaking uncontrollably. More images began flickering in her mind, but only partially completed – a blur of things once well known, but as if another person knew them. Yet… Celena couldn't stand anymore. Falling to her knees, she stared up at the man and stuttered.
"I - who - who are you?"
He pushed back the hood and smiled. "Celena, you have come to me."
Celena shrieked and forced herself to stand. Gripping the wall and fighting her rebelling body, she couldn't defend herself from the butt of a sword as it crashed into the back of her head, sending her into more darkness.
Author's note: This is probably the last chapter for a while. Break is over, and it'll be very hard to get more written. I do have it planned, and parts are already done, so don't lose your shirts. I'm sorry for leaving you with two characters down, and in the middle of a conspiracy, but that is how it must be. Thank you loyal readers.
Chapter 12: Dark Encounters
Alessandro watched calmly as men ran to secure the Asturian leviship. Looking somewhat like a tethered kingbird, the General was surprised that the pompous Allies only sent one small group to negotiate. He expected a great show of pitiful strength, flaunting the fact that Zaibach, the greatest empire in the history of Gaea, was asking for help from those who tore it to its knees.
But, Alessandro mused, these representatives must be well trusted, and appearances are deceiving. If the outer kingdoms united entirely against Zaibach during the present political chaos, defeat and complete humiliation would be unavoidable. This is what he hoped to cover quietly – this weakness invisible to the power hungry politicians,
Even more shocking was the ambassador party itself. The group which left the leviship consisted of the famed Knight of Caeli, Allen Schezar, accompanied by a younger looking red haired boy, a brown haired, green eyed girl who was looking around the hanger in remembering wonder, and the well- known King Van Fanal, dragon warrior who became Emperor Dornkirk's obsession and distraction. Alessandro frowned inside. What tact was this? Intimidation? With one ship and a woman – were they trying to make a point of their confidence? Or was there a hidden purpose? Long ago during the war, the General learned the advantages of a small strike group-breaching lines that entire armies could not. He made a mental note to tighten security in all the vital areas of the fortress.
-----------------------------------------------
The hanger echoed coldly. Hitomi shivered as she looked around. This place was full of memories - memories that sparked other memories. In her mind's eye she saw a body falling limply, feathers like black snow drifting around it. Van's hand held hers for a moment in reassurance. Approaching footsteps jerked her back to reality.
A massive cloaked figure came into view from the shadow of a guymeleph. For a split second Hitomi let herself believe it was he… no, it wasn't him, but the other man from her vision, the General. She saw Van throw her a concerned glance before breaking away from the group. He bowed.
"My Lord General Alessandro, I thank you for your welcome."
The General scanned the four and the crew of the Crusade in the background. He lingered on Hitomi, but only raised an eyebrow.
"King Fanal, I hope your stay will be enjoyable and profitable for all our countries, though I must warn you that many are opposed to this suggested alliance."
Allen stepped forward. "We are aware of this, sir. My crew is prepared to defend and protect themselves and our allies."
A faint smile traced with weariness crossed Alessandro's face. "Good. Loyalty will succeed often where training and money will not. I will give you time to get settled before telling you why I am going behind the back of Zaibach to save it."
---------------------------------------------------------------------------- ---------
Hitomi sat at her window, absently swinging her half-pendant. She mused about what her future held, what her duty to Van would be. She sighed just as the door opened.
"Hey Hit?"
"Konichiwa, Emilee-san."
Emilee put a look of fake puzzlement on her face. "Who?"
"I'm sorry – Ben Fields."
Emilee smiled and sat in the single chair next to a tiny desk. She winced as her sword clanged against the wood. She still wasn't used to watching out for it. With a sigh of her own, she looked around the room.
The quarters the group had been given were small, but practical. Each room held a single, narrow, bed, desk and chair, with one wall lantern. Hitomi's room was one of the few with the luxury of a window.
"So everything is true."
Hitomi's eyes met her friends. "Hai. Did you not believe me?"
Emilee shook her head. "I believed you, just – I mean, a world hidden by the moon is hard enough to accept, and it I weren't here now I don't think I would believe it."
"But you are still surprised."
Emilee gave her a reproachful look. "Hit, I'm not as young as you. My imagination has become hard. Winged people? I suppose I believed you, but I needed proof."
Hitomi began swinging her half-pendant in its timed arc. Watching it she said, "I'm still not sure why I was brought back. I don't think marrying Van is the entire story. It doesn't add up. We weren't wishing and we came when Zaibach is prepared to ask us for assistance. That isn't like Zaibach. And why were you brought with me?"
Emilee shifted in her seat. Her sword rattled again and she angrily took it off. "Perhaps to drive both me and Allen crazy."
"You and Allen?"
Emilee glowered at the floor as awareness dawned on Hitomi. "Allen – he… he… "
"Allen kissed me!" She exploded. "He kissed me even though he's been treating me like extra luggage ever sense we got on that flying rock of his."
Silence fell over the room as Hitomi took in this new information. After a few moments she slowly replied, "Emilee, that's how he is. I know how it feels. He – he did the same to me, except he wouldn't let me do anything afterwards because he was afraid of losing me somehow. But he doesn't know how to handle you."
"Handle me?" She stood and began pacing indignantly. "What? He can't handle me because I talk back?"
"Exactly."
She stopped. "Huh?"
"Look, Emilee." Hitomi smiled. "You caught Allen off guard. He's not used to that. He's used to putting women into groups and treating them accordingly, predictably. You don't fit in any of those groups, so he doesn't know what to do."
Emilee threw up her hands. "Great, A confused playboy with an inter- family relation and inter-family relationships is interested in me!"
Hitomi blushed. "You promised not to used that against him anymore."
"I know, I know, but why in Heaven's name can't things be simple anymore?"
Hitomi took her hand. "Whatever happens, whatever reason we were brought here, I think it's good that you two like each other." She smiled. "He needs someone like you. Someone who can stand up against and surprise him. Keep him on his toes."
"Yeah, well if he's not careful I'll stand on his toes."
Hitomi laughed.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------- ----
The hanger was finally empty. Celena scampered from window to window on the Crusade. After sneaking on board in Fried, she managed to stay out of the way of the entire crew. Gaddes was the main problem. He had a knack of showing up in the most unexpected moments, sending Celena scrambling into awkward hiding places. Now her challenge was getting off the Crusade. She couldn't hide in the cargo this time, for none was being unloaded. Tiptoeing through the ship, she searched for an alternative. By chance she wandered to the aft of the Crusade. There in the shadows stood a think metal door, looked with great bars of iron, held by a winding mechanism; her way out. But Celena knew a fifteen or twenty-foot drop lay on the other side. Darting back to the cargo hold, she unwrapped the rope tying down a stack of boxes. It wouldn't be long enough, but she could jump.
Landing on the fortress deck with a loud thud, Celena darted behind the leg of a resting guymeleph. Wide eyed, she waited for someone to investigate. Her hand touched the great battle machine. Faces flashed before her, boys with looks of devotion and admiration wearing dark blue armor. A wave of camaraderie swept over her, but she couldn't remember their names. The warmth was shattered by a half scream, half howl.
"Don't take her!"
Celena jerked away. "Jajuka!" She whispered dazedly.
---------------------------------------------------
Deep down below, Dilan leapt to his feet. "She's here!"
Yumi looked up. "Who?" He stared at his master and saw the twitching smile on his face. "Oh no…"
Dilan grabbed his sword and swept on his cloak. Laughing almost giddily, he ran down the hallway.
----------------------------------------------------
The control deck of the fortress, Empire's Pride, hummed with its usual activity. Silently Alessandro watched, a brooding rock in the flow of duty and assignments. This was one of the critical moments. Then envoy was here, now the task was getting into Zaibach with the same secrecy it took to get out. Someone had leaked information to the enemy. The attack in Fried a week earlier was no coincidence.
Alessandro snorted to himself. But then, who was the enemy? The fractions of the Empire kept up a charade of masks, friendly and enthusiastic on the surface to each other, but full of inner turmoil, self- interest, and most of all, confusion. To win against chaos, he must play these strings correctly, or one of them may break and sever the people from each other forever.
"General!"
Alessandro knew his entire crew by name. "Proceed, Zalin."
The lookout saluted. "Sir, a small fleet of mercenaries is approaching."
Alessandro glanced out the window. Six ships were rapidly catching up. If the fortress had been going close to 75% it's top speed, they could have out-flown them. But presently they were at near stand still. Someone must be leaking information.
"I'll be damned if those are mercenaries. The formation is too tight." The General snapped. "Prepare for battle. We know what they want. Meleph units Four and Five, prepare to engage. Take out the lead ships."
--------------------------------------------------
Hitomi's pendant flared.
"It's started!" She gasped. Flinging open the door, Emilee and Hitomi waited for a group of soldiers to storm past before entering the hallway.
The Crusade was powering up. The two leapt aboard and Allen caught sight of them.
"You should stay here. It's safer."
"No way." Emilee yelled over the noise of guymelephs. "I'm your student, so I'm going with you."
Hitomi glanced at her in concern. "What about your air sickness?"
She grimly pressed her lips together. "As long as I don't look down, I'll be fine."
----------------------------------------------
The small leviship moved out of the hanger. Surrounded by guymelephs, the Crusade darted towards the advancing enemy. Allen stood next to Gaddes issuing calm, precise orders.
"Let Zaibach throw its punch first. We will follow behind. Get above the second ship to port and come down out of the sun. Prepare to board." He turned to Van. "Lord Van, I would be honored if you led my men in the boarding party. I'll be in the Scherazade."
Van nodded.
Emilee met Allen's eyes firmly. "You," He shook his finger reprimandingly. "Are not to leave the ship. Neither are you, Hitomi."
"But – " Hitomi's eyes were wide.
"It's like you said. They know who you are. I won't let you go out there and give yourself to them." Turning back to Emilee, he silently evaluated her. After an extremely long moment, he said, "If you swear to do exactly what I say, you may come. This is a real battle and I don't want you to get hurt."
Emilee nodded.
"You will stand guard at the bottom of the ramp. Keep anyone from trying to sneak in behind our backs and onto the ship. If it gets too dangerous out there, get on board and close the ramp."
Gaddes spun the wheel. "Hang on!"
Allen sprinted for the hanger, closely followed by Emilee. Timing silently to himself, he braced just as the Crusade slammed on top of the enemy cruiser. Long experience of the crew taught most to hang on; the unaware were thrown to the deck. Emilee fell straight into Allen's back. His arm went around her for a moment, bracing her, but he quickly let go.
Leaping into his guymeleph, he began strapping himself in. Nodding to his waiting crew, he ordered. "Lower the ramp."
The hanger door swung open and opposing soldiers swarmed in, followed by two guymelephs. Emilee drew her sword and suddenly realized she was scared. The air filled with men yelling, clanging weapons, and eventually dying screams. Without thinking, Emilee charged after the crew of the Crusade. Numbly she watched as bodies clashed. One gray-clad fighter slashed down a man a few feet away. He looked up and saw her. Grinning, he raised his sword.
Survive by speed, Allen had said. The man stabbed directly at her chest. Leaping to the side, she blocked his return slash. Shoving down, she swung her sword at his head. The man in gray dropped. Before she could think about what she had just done, another soldier attacked. Managing a defense, she watched for an opening, just as she learned in her few days of training. There – Emilee blocked a downward cut, sliding her opponent's blade away. Driving forward, she slashed across his stomach. He screamed and fell, clutching the wound. Instinctively she knew it was fatal.
Turning, Emilee stared wide-eyed at the chaos. The crew had forced the attackers back into their own ship, leaving the hanger empty except for bodies.
Blood was sprayed everywhere. Outside she saw one flying ship trail smoke as it tumbled out of formation. Allen's guymeleph tossed another of its kind over his shoulder and into the air. It fell silently into the trees. Emilee tried to take a step, but her legs collapsed beneath her. Bracing herself on her sword, she stared at the smeared weapon.
Never had blood looked so red. Before now, this had been a game. Now it was real. Allen had taught her well, but it had still been a game. People died in this game, and died by the lessons she learned. Only, her sparring partners in this arena would never stand back up, smile, and ask for another round of blows. She closed her eyes and fainted.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------- ---------------------
Celena, to avoid the sudden burst of activity, crawled under a large tarp only to have it bury her when soldiers untied it to release a guymeleph. She held still, praying that whoever operated the machine wouldn't step on her. The blast from its flight jet blew her cover away. She scrambled for a more stable hiding place and caught sight of a trap door. Glancing around the hanger, she dragged the heavy metal plating to the side and climbed down the ladder. It took all her strength to maneuver the door back in place.
Inside, Celena couldn't see anything. Turning quickly to discover her surroundings, she nearly lost her grip on the rungs. A horrible feeling of loneliness numbed her hands. Alone. Dark. Where were they? Afraid. Never afraid, but afraid of being alone. Celena's breathing came in harsh gasps as she clung to the ladder. She was not alone, she agued. She had her brother, Jock, and her friends. Celena shook her head and tried to look through the pitch-blackness. Deep down below a cold blue light glimmered. Hesitantly, she began lowering herself down.
It wasn't really that far. When her feet hit the floor of a strange hallway, she gave the black tunnel a final glance before considering her next set of choices. Three hallways, all lit by sickly blue lights. Right – she would stay to the right in hopes of finding a way out of this new labyrinth. Her hand securely on her dagger, she walked down the hall. A hiss made her pause.
"Who's there!"
No one answered. Turning back the way she came, Celena froze.
A cloaked figure stood blocking the way. Face hidden under a hood, the person extended a thin white hand.
"Celena."
Her body began shaking uncontrollably. More images began flickering in her mind, but only partially completed – a blur of things once well known, but as if another person knew them. Yet… Celena couldn't stand anymore. Falling to her knees, she stared up at the man and stuttered.
"I - who - who are you?"
He pushed back the hood and smiled. "Celena, you have come to me."
Celena shrieked and forced herself to stand. Gripping the wall and fighting her rebelling body, she couldn't defend herself from the butt of a sword as it crashed into the back of her head, sending her into more darkness.
Author's note: This is probably the last chapter for a while. Break is over, and it'll be very hard to get more written. I do have it planned, and parts are already done, so don't lose your shirts. I'm sorry for leaving you with two characters down, and in the middle of a conspiracy, but that is how it must be. Thank you loyal readers.