Disclaimer: Hey I'm at college now! That means two things, one, I can write more and make not so good grades, or two, do the best I can to write when I can afford to. I personally opt for the second. I'm sorry it took so long, but orientation hit hard, and class followed quickly after. So behold.... the long awaited masterpiece.... I hope.



Chapter 16: Alliances


Hitomi sighed.

For the past three days they had gotten nowhere with the negotiations. The five leaders sat around the conference table with the faces of peace seekers but the voices of accusation. Any foundation of agreement between two parties would quickly be crushed by another. Only Javier, the ex-commander and head of the mining operations, sat and said nothing. The others clearly feared him the most. Like mice fighting in the presence of an owl the would nip at each other but keep one eye on the greatest danger to them all.

She shook her head, musing from her seat in the long outside corridor to the conference room. An owl could be a house pet in comparison. Javier was much colder. Meanwhile, Emilee lay in the Crusade, fevered from poison. Hitomi sighed again, wishing for her older friend's advice. Clutching a dark green cloak around her, she realized that she had mindlessly wandered into the place where two hours earlier they had closed another unproductive day of peace talks.

At the head of the conference hall was a great arched window overlooking the capital city. The light from the window usually lit the massive table standing center at an time of day. Now the light was dim from the cloud cover outside. One dark shadow cut the glow.

Lady Hitomi?

Lord Everant bowed. He was the youngest member of the council and leader of the flatland government. Light green eyes sparkled good-naturedly out from under dark brown hair.

Hitomi bowed in return. My Lord Everant.

To her great surprised, he blushed slightly.

Please, just call me Everant when we aren't in negotiations. I'm not used to being called

Not used to it?

He shook his head before messily running his hand through his hair. I'm no lord. Our real lord was assassinated five months ago. The people chose me to replace him. My father is actually a farmer.

Hitomi smiled. You must be glad that your people put their trust in you.

Everant frowned out the window. I don't know if I can uphold that trust. I'm sure you've noticed how we argue in here. No one wants to take first steps. Whoever killed our lord has tried to do so for me and he's disrupting all attempts for peace. I have survived only because General Alessandro is my friend. He turned abruptly. Lady Hitomi, if indeed everything the legends have told me about you are true, then trust that I will be willing to do anything you say. I only ask that you protect my people.

Taken back, she stuttered. L-legends? I don't know what they've talked about here, but I'll do what I can to help you.

The young man bowed again. Thank you, my lady... and forgive me, He smiled, the blush reappearing, You remind me of my little sister at home.

With that he left, leaving Hitomi relieved but bewildered.

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

Commander Javier!

Alessandro marched through the Capital building, eyes flashing.

Commander, I wish to speak with you.

What is it - General?

The word was spat out like something vile. Alessandro turned, hand on the short sword hidden under his cloak.

I thought I told you that skulking in shadows will get you nowhere.

Do you mean now? Or after I've gathered my information?

I mean now and entire time you've been doing it since the Emperor died. Come out!

The voice sounded mockingly petulant. But it's gotten me this far.

Javier stepped calmly from behind a stone figure guarding the hall leading to the conference room. He had the build of a perfect swordsman, confident in every move. His black hair was slightly unkempt, but covered the scarred left eye, sightless after one particular dual years before. The other glared a steel gray.

I am no longer your student, Alessandro.

The older man sighed. You could have gone much further, had you listened to me.

Javier rolled his good eye, falling back into the old argument. "You and your honor old man. I know what I want and how to get it.

And yet all you are is the commander of a cold wasteland.

The other exploded. The Emperor is dead or I would have gone straight to the top.

Alessandro nodded slowly. To the top, and then just as quickly to the bottom. You cannot best me, no matter what you try for if I had anything to do with your training, I know you have respect for the system. The General stood at attention and barked. Commander Javier of High Mountain Force - I order you to cease all covert actions against the nation at once. I have waited for you to learn from your mistakes, but it seems you are blind to them. My patience is at an end. This will end now or I will commandeer your forces.

Javier snarled. You wouldn't dare!

Oh I dare! Those men served under me before I passed them to you. You cannot stop them and hold your position if I take them back. Alessandro sighed, suddenly feeling very tired. You were once like a son to me. But look at how you've wasted it all.

As he turned away, the General felt a wisp of movement to his left. Without thinking he ducked and rolled. A crossbow bolt whizzed centimeters away from clipping his forehead. Another movement behind him made him curse.

Javier leapt forwards, arms raised. Fumbling for an instant with his hidden weapon, Alessandro twisted away from the blow meant for his neck and drove his own blade through the man's ribs. The Commander staggered back, clutching the handle in his side.

Never - beat - you... He coughed, blood painting his lips. Never - good - enough - damn you... Trying to pull air into punctured lungs, he collapsed.

Alessandro leaned over him. You were on your way to kill Everant, weren't you. Couldn't stand that I may have found a replacement for you in my sad life. He looked at the crumpled form of his former student. You never stopped trying. That was your virtue and vice. He tried to pull the sword out but was shoved roughly aside.

Leave it. Javier glared. So - How will you - rule? One man - not good enough.

The General stood, stepping away from the fallen man. I don't want to be Emperor. I want Zaibach to be at peace with itself once more. I'm too old for war any longer.

Taking a final breath, the other spat. Peace died with Him - Nothing will - save...

Several long moments after Javier stopped moving, Alessandro stood over the body, memorizing every line of anger and bitterness in his apprentice's face down to the scar he had given him on the last day of training.

This is what has happened to our young people. No more hope for the future. How dare you - Dornkirk. He straightened and addressed the darkness. Why didn't you shoot me?

The shadows moved and a reptile slithered forth. It hissed.

A power besides that of Gaia has come. I must see if woman was right. Now my people know.

How do you know? What power?

Green eyes glowed. Red star moves to blue star. Bring new world. Lord Javier could not understand.

Realization dawned on him. Alessandro turned and walked down the hall. The shadow gecko picked up the body of his master and curiously noted the two damp spots on his uniform which couldn't be blood.

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

Dark clouds covered the city. Harsh yellow lights gleamed along the roads which netted the people together. Shrouded in gray, the sun was sinking, heralded by a roll of thunder. No one noticed the single profile looking over them with sadness.

Hitomi leaned further over the rail to stare down the endless levels of floors. A sudden wind whipped her hair in her face and tugged at her clothing. The lights below began to scatter.

Hitomi, be careful!

She turned from her study to see Van coming out of the double doors to the rooftop. He paused, shadows covering his face. The work of the past few days weighed visibly on his shoulders, adding to the weight of the heavy blue and white royal attire. She smiled as he approached.

Are you all right Van?

He shrugged, staring at the city skyline. I'd rather fight a straight battle than monitor negotiations. All the thinking and double talking is giving me nightmares.

Hitomi teasingly put her nose in the air. Well of course it would. It's exactly the opposite of what the Van Fanel I know would ever want to do.

Yet here we are. He turned to look at her. Back together despite everything.

She blushed and fingered her half-pendent. A clap of thunder was the only warning before a torrent of water fell from the sky. Both scrambled for the shelter of the doorway, but were thoroughly soaked before making it. Hitomi pulled the hood of her cloak up to partially shield her.

It rained then too.

Van turned when she spoke.

When you sent me away... after I came back. Her green eyes were large as she watched the past in the storm. Allen said he knew you would come back when I was worried. He said it was because he knew I was important to you - that I was...

She suddenly reached out and caught the collar of Van's jacket, pulling him close. He couldn't move as she stood on tiptoe to kiss him full on the mouth, but he didn't let her pull away. The cloak shadowed her face when she ducked her head.

That's when I really knew I had deeper feelings for you, Van. But I still didn't want to admit them.

Van pushed back the hood to reveal a deeply blushing Hitomi. He smiled.

I knew when I saw you on the bridge with him. It rained then too. I never thought I could feel so horrible.

She blinked.

Bringing her face up to his, he whispered. Never run, never hide from me - ever again.

The rain curtained them away from the world, just for one endless moment.

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

Allen paced the corridor listening for any movement from behind the door. It opened as he turned away and Drax Onusa emerged wiping his hands on a cloth. The knight tensed warily.

How is my - apprentice?

The thin sorcerer casually tossed the cloth on the floor before answering. Fine, fine, just a typical poison to corrupt a wound. Had it been a more vital strike or taken longer to treat, the fever would likely have killed your friend. Traditional gecko assassination technique.

Allen bowed. May I see him now?

Onusa raised a thin eyebrow but nodded. Take care, the boy is a bit delirious. He's been calling General Alessandro, grandpa.

Emilee lay in bed, her entire right torso swathed in bandages. Her face was pale where the fever didn't flush it while her eyes drifted slightly out of focus. Allen swallowed, trying not to remember the time when his mother had looked the same.

He greeted.

She smiled and blew at the stubborn lock of hair that always ended up over her left eye. Hey Allen, didn't know if you wanted to see your silly apprentice.

He sat in the chair next to the bed. Of course I do. From what I've heard, you did well for yourself on such limited training.

High praise from a knight of Caeli. Would you mind getting me some water?

Allen poured her a glass from a pitcher on the nearby table. After downing it astonishingly quickly, Emilee continued.

He came so fast. All I could do was defend myself and try and predict his next move by his body like you said. Even after I tricked him into forgetting about me, all I could do was make threats and get myself poisoned. I suppose you'll never teach another woman after me. It's just that -

He held up a hand to stop her babble. Emilee, you did fine. In fact, I'm rather proud of you.

Emilee reached a shaky hand towards the pitcher. When she missed, Allen refilled her glass and gently held it as she drank. After she finished, she sank back against the pillows with a sigh.

The great sword master must care for the fake student. Looking down at her mummified arm, she frowned. How can you be proud? I've annoyed you ever since we started this trip. I can hardly hold a sword decently, and I still don't know why I'm even on your world.

Allen set the glass down and moved to take her other hand.

Emilee -

She jerked away. Don't do that.

He frowned. How can you say that you've annoyed me? After what happened... After what we -

Allen, I don't think starting something now is such a good idea. I don't belong here. Hitomi and Van are together for a reason. This is their work. When it's done, I may go back.

He didn't move, but his eyes spoke volumes. I hope you'll stay and see Gaia as it really is - a beautiful planet that can become anyone's home.

Emilee didn't answer and for a long moment they sat in silence. When she finally did speak, it surprised him.

So how are the negotiations coming along?



She smirked. Yes, you know - the whole work thing?

It took Allen a moment to rearrange his thoughts. They aren't going so well. No one cares to sign a contract that puts them under another's authority. They all want to be either in complete control, or on an even keel with everyone else.

Liberty and justice for all...

He nodded. Exactly, except I really don't think it'll work.

No wait!

Emilee sat up abruptly and recited, We the people of the United States, in order to form a more perfect union, establish justice, insure domestic tranquility, provide for the common defense, promote general welfare, and secure the blessings of liberty to ourselves and our posterity, do ordain and establish this constitution for the United States of America. I got it!

Allen stared blankly at her as she jumped out of bed. The fever quickly caught up and sent her stumbling across the floor. He barely made it in time to catch her and lead her back.

That sounds wonderful, but where did you get it?

Excited, Emilee began waving her hands around. It's the Constitution of my country. They made it to create an independent government from a hierarchy. This is great! I need to see Hit! I can help!

Allen tucked her back under the covers as she continued prattling.

We can use the Declaration of Independence! We can use our system to help theirs! We -

With a sigh, he put a hand over her mouth.

I'll go find Hitomi.

As the door shut behind him, she called out another request.

Could you bring the bag I brought here too?

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

Drax Onusa paced the leangth of his private rooms. He longed for a bath, having just delt with Ebi, the weasely port manager and merchant. The man always made him feel greasy after talking with him. Alessandro better be right. If this deal with the coastland fell through, then there would be no hope of persuading the others to listen to reason. But then, if Alessandro were killed in his confrontation with Javier, they all might as well roll over right now and admit defeat.

The ex-sorcerer huffed to himself. But then, the fool of a man didn't know how important he was to the peace. The General just thought himself as a figurehead that could be easily replaced when really he was the foundation. Onusa smirked to himself. That's why he was so easy to believe in - why the people and soldiers loved him. Alessandro made his way on his own, just like he hoped his country would without Dornkirk.

Onusa? What are you doing?

What the - ?

Onusa spun around to face Dilan. How did you get in here?

The creature merely tilted it's head and smiled - a hidious mockery of a smile.

I walked. Not hard. What are you doing?

I'm thinking. Now go back to your room and stay there. I'm going to have to speak to your gaurds.

Gaurds are asleep. I found the keys and wanted to walk. What are you thinking?

Onusa growled. I'm thinking about how things have become dismal in this world, and how pathetic things are.

Or how pathetic you are.

He stopped pacing.

Dilan's face lost the empty look of one unable to think and became snarling mass of hate.

Pathetic. You - are - pathetic. He reached down to a dark bundle at his feet and held it up. Onusa couldn't help cringing.

The broken body of an old man dangled pitifuly from the creature's hand. It was the caretaker he had assigned to Dilan years ago, only now his face was a bloody mess and jaw hung limply open, snapped from it's hinges. With cold casualty, Dilan dropped the body.

I know everything. I know you are betraying the Maker. I know Alessandro is allying with the enemy. I know that my time has come to come out.

Drax Onusa opened his mouth and yelled.

Guards! Come quickly there's an intruder!

Dilan smiled, Soon to be your master. I will find HER!

Without a sound, he opened the door and slipped out. A short commotion followed outside, followed by an agonized yell. When one soldier came panting in, Onusa already knew the answer.




Author's note: I am so close to the end I can taste it!
So what do you think so far? The next chapter is going to skip some political details because I'm tired of dealing with them, but I don't think it'll take away from the story. I don't think this was my best quality, but I just had to get it out.
Please review me!!! Please please please......
Thank you all who already have, you've kept me going so far!