Author note: Ok, I thought I'd finish in one chapter, but I wanted to tease you.






Chapter 18: Beginning of the Future



Emilee groaned and tossed the gloves she had been slapping against her palm for the last fifteen minutes onto the bed. Her hand went up to run through her hair in frustration.

Emilee don't!

Hitomi pulled her away from the tight twist her friend's hair. You know how long it took to fix that.

Emilee huffed and tried to sit in her dress without crushing it. I just don't see why I have to go to this. I've not been to any public function ever since word got out that I'm a woman. And when I do go out, people stare and whisper.

Hitomi smiled. People would certainly stare and whisper about her now. Pale lavender silk molded gracefully to her figure to be gathered in elegant flounces down the bustle. A fine silver shawl with the density of a cobweb draped over her shoulders, complementing the silver gloves on the bed. Simply elegant, just like Emilee herself. Her hair had proven to be a challenge. After an hour of complaining and fussing, the maids managed to pull the red curls into a long twist that tucked up the back of her head. To hold it in place were two diamond combs, presents from Alessandro who had practically adopted the strange foreigner.

You look absolutely wonderful Emilee. I'm sure Allen won't mind either.

She glared at Hitomi. That's what I'm afraid of. I don't know if that's such a good thing. I don't want to attract his attention.

Hitomi paused. Why not?

Because I'm going back.

A long moment of silence followed before Hitomi moved to sit next to her friend.

Emilee, it's not decided yet. I don't know when the time may come, but that choice is yours and yours alone to make. We are the choices we make in life.

Emilee stared at her. She would make such a good queen. A good queen, mother, leader, and whatever else this world needed. Her place had been found, but what about herself? Allen was... Allen had been hurt by others leaving. He was such a good person, so undeserving of what Fate had given him. What role did she play in his life now? What was her role on Gaia? It was too confusing.

A knock on the door made them put smiles on their faces. When it opened Van bowed. When he looked up, he stared. Emilee couldn't help laughing. Hitomi was breathtaking in a deep emerald gown embroidered with golden patterns of vines and flowers weaving across the bodice and along the hem. Her hair which was now down past her shoulders had been brushed until it shone, curled slightly, and was partly pulled back with a green ribbon. Pale gold gloves covered her slender hands as they clutched her pendant.

Van bowed again.

Stepping into the room, he brought his hand from behind him and held up a simple cornet of gold. As Hitomi blushed he gently placed it on her head before kissing her hand. A similar crown winked on his forehead beneath the heavy bangs. Equally handsome in traditional royal uniform, the King and his betrothed smiled, forgetting the others. Emilee started, realizing someone else was watching.

Allen had followed Van, but she hadn't noticed, attention on the couple. Now it was her turn to stare. Allen had apparently brought his dress uniform. Gold braid highlighted the traditional blue that fitted perfectly across broad shoulders and his long blond hair was tied halfway down his back. Emilee felt her chest tighten strangely when she met his returning astonished gaze. Breaking contact, she stood and picked up her gloves.

Shall we go?

Hitomi smiled at Van, then at the other two, linking her arm with her fiancee's.

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

The celebration had dwindled until only a few stoic guests lingered in the huge ballroom quietly conversing. Emilee wandered out onto the balcony, tired of all the congratulations and bowing. There was only so much thanking one person could take, and only so many dances that she knew without making a fool of herself. Pulling off the gloves that had been irritating her all evening, she hung them over the railing and sighed. In a fit of rebellion, she reached up and pulled out the combs that pulled her hair so tight it gave her a headache. With another sigh of relief the twist fell apart. She smiled at the diamonds, knowing that she would never forget the kind man who had given them to her, saying they once belonged to his mother. Reaching above her head, Emilee stretched with a yawn. It was long past her bedtime.

From the small garden below, Allen Schezar watched from the shadow of a statue. He couldn't help smiling. She was amazingly beautiful, even without the moonlight. Yet even with the smallest habits he was reminded that she came from a world completely different from his own. A fact she used as a shield against him. But tonight he wanted to find out if there could be something between them even with a world of difference.

Emilee's head rested on her arms as she leaned over the rail. Footsteps made her turn and she smiled as Allen approached. He hadn't been around, much to her surprise and secret disappointment. But then they had both been swamped by admirers the entire evening. He bowed.

Lady Emilee.

She grinned and curtsied. Sir Allen. Turning back to the garden overlook she slumped casually against the rail. This has been one long day. I'm glad it's all over.

Allen imitated her. Why's that?

Because then this whole mess will be really over and there will be peace. Emilee yawned again, but hid it with her hand. Sheesh, it's at least two in the morning. I wonder where Hit went.

Somewhere with Van I suppose.

They were both silent for a moment before Allen straightened to ask her the question which had plagued him for weeks. Emilee sensed what he was doing and abruptly pushed away from the rail.

Well, if that's so, I guess I'll go back.

Allen caught her hand. The look of pain in her eyes confused him. Was she afraid of him? Emilee afraid of him? May I have the final dance?

She still held her distance. There's no music.

It doesn't matter. He insisted. I never had the chance tonight.

Emilee paused and for a moment he thought she'd refuse. Finally she nodded.

His arm went around her as they stepped into a slow waltz. Gently they danced to unheard music, stepping and turning as if they had danced together every day of their lives. She wouldn't look up at him but he could feel her breath flutter against the side of his neck. Shifting his hand to draw her slightly closer, he felt her back tense and saw her swallow nervously. His own heart was beating faster than a waltz should have effected it. Without warning she tripped. Allen caught her easily but she pulled away.

I'm sorry. Her head was down. I'm really tired. I think I ought to go to bed.

His heart sunk. Of course. I'll walk you to your room.

She didn't argue.

The entire walk back to the floor in the Capital that had been theirs was silent. When they reached her door Emilee turned the handle and pushed. Frowning, she tried again.

Try pulling.

She giggled. Oh yeah, if you can't push, then pull.

The door opened.

Allen reached forwards and closed it, the motion bringing him directly behind her. He could smell her hair, a sent of something that reminded him of the wind.

For some reason I have this feeling that I won't have another chance to say this if you leave right now.

She turned abruptly to face him, eyes wide. Allen, once I told Hitomi never to say anything you don't truly mean. Don't you say anything. Just don't. I've heard all I need to know. I've heard enough to know that this is not what you want.

So was that it? You hear rumors. I've hardly done half the things people say I have.

But you've done them. Her shield went up. How can I know I'm not a part of them? I won't be used, Allen Schezar, and not even you can convince me otherwise.

Her finger jabbed accusingly at his chest but he saw past her words. She didn't want to add to his past. She wasn't afraid of him, but for him. She didn't want to leave him with another mark against the Schezar name. Her selflessness made him falter, but he pressed on.

Taking her hand, he smiled. You could never be used. In all my life I've never met a more independent woman, one with such strength or beauty.

She jerked her hand out of his and turned back to the door. Stop it Allen. I don't want your fancy words. I don't want it.

He couldn't help himself, she was so close. He leaned down and kissed her neck. She shivered. Taking it as a good sign, he gently pulled her hair to the side and found the place where her heartbeat pulsed against his lips. Gliding upwards, he traced the thin scar along her jaw and murmured,

What don't you want?

Her flushed face finally looked up at him and he knew the shield was down. Eyes bright, Emilee stepped back, pressing herself to the door.

I don't want you to be hurt anymore. She touched his chest over his heart. I don't want you to fall in l-love with me if I -

Before she could say it Allen pressed his mouth to hers to cut her off. He felt a tear wet his fingers as he held her, but wouldn't let her pull away. All he could do was try and show her how much he loved her despite everything. His heart soared when she met his kiss with her own.

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

A nearly animalistic howl made the guard wince. He groaned and wondered how in the world he was assigned such a painful job. The person in the dungeon had been screaming and howling for the past two hours.

Just shut up or lose your voice already. He muttered.

His companion glanced over. You tired of this as much as I am?

Yeah, how long has he carried on like that?

Since he woke up. Before, he just sat like a zombie. Then something set him off.

The man sighed and tapped his spear against the floor in boredom.

You see that new equipment they brought in yesterday?

He looked up. You mean that stuff they plan to tunnel water in with?


The other guard lit a cigarette. Look like moles. Pretty impressive things though. Heard that they can drill right through limestone.

Huh! I wonder how many energists it takes to keep them going.

Probably enough -

A sudden scream made both of them cover their ears. The first guard picked up his spear.

I've had enough of that. Would you mind if I shut him up for a while?

The man smiled.



He opened the heavy metal door and went in. The screaming stopped and a thud echoed down the corridor. The remaining guard smiled again before taking a pull at his tobacco. The door shut behind him and he said,

Hope you didn't work him too good cause the General wouldn't like that.

You won't have to worry about that for long.

The guard had enough time to look up and see a bloody spear lance him through the forehead.

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

Celena rolled over in the darkness. It was warm and pleasant here - a haven from the world. With a noise of contentment, she curled into a ball.



She frowned. That voice - her mind tried to remember.



Who was it? The warmth began seeping away.

Celena, I'm coming.

Cold laughter broke over her body like ice water. She woke with a shriek.



Jumping out of bed, she paused to gain her bearings. Someone had brought her to a rather luxurious room with carpet, vanity, and large four-poster bed with curtains. The moons shone through double glass doors with a false sense of serenity. For a moment she thought she heard thunder. The rumble grew louder and didn't break. Going to the doors, she looked out.

A small balcony viewed the city streets. Celena's eyes narrowed. A cloud of dust drifted from behind a building one block away. The rumble grew in volume. She could hear laughter in the back of her mind. With a massive crash one corner of the building exploded and a machine crawled through the debris. What looked like massive iron teeth rotated on its head, grinding and chewing its way through brick, stone, and metal stripping. Moving on huge, metal-plated wheels, it trundled down the street towards her. She smiled sadly.

One chance is all I can give you. I have too much to live for now. If only you were able to understand that.

Running to the door, she shouted for Jock. Farther down the hallway a door opened and he stuck a sleepy head out.



Jock, we need to get out here right now. Where's my brother?

In the third room on the left after the fountain, why?

Celena couldn't help glaring for an instant. You need to stop asking so many questions when something drastic is going to happen.

Jock blinked when she set off at a run. Hey, wait for me!

Celena gave one courtesy knock on her brother's door before slamming it open.


The room was dark, but she caught a glimpse of blond hair behind a tall chair facing the fireplace. Allen, we have to get out of here. Dilan is coming.

The name broke through whatever musings he was lost in and he turned, shocked.



Before she could repeat herself, the room vibrated, then shook violently.

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

Emilee! Lady Emilee! Wake up!

Clutching a robe around her nightgown, Emilee unlocked her door. As she did the floor beneath her feet seemed to heave, tossing her square on her backside.

What the Hell?

Allen, Celena, and a boy she thought she remembered as Jock managed to stay on their feet outside. Celena helped her to her feet.

Dilan is back. He's got some sort of machine and is tearing this side of the Capitol to pieces.



We've got to get out of here now! He's after all of us.

A tremendous crash signaled the destruction of the staircase as the machine proceeded to tear the lower floor into rubble. Allen looked over his shoulder.

We can't go back the way we came. The only way out is up.

Emilee winced at the loud groaning of the digger. Where's Hitomi and Van?

Waiting for us.

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

The rooftop shuddered again. Emilee yelped as the tiles beneath her feet began to break loose and slide. Allen grabbed her by the arm and pulled her up to the top.

It's not going to last much longer. He yelled.

Crashes of collapsing rooms beneath them reaffirmed his prediction. Van's wings burst from his shoulders, tearing the black sleep-shirt he wore.

I'll fly you down.

Hitomi shook her head. There's not enough time. You couldn't get everyone separately and you can't take us all at once. I won't leave them.

She looked at her friends huddled together on a doomed roof, six stories above a hard ground. Emilee was pale, fighting her fear of hights with Allen's arm securely around her. All her friends - newly found and redeemed Celena, mischievous but loyal Jock, and Van.

Hitomi turned to find him looking at her with painful understanding. She tried to smile. I love you Van.

Something sparkled around his neck. Van! The pendant!

Taking her half she held it up. Realization and hope flared between them with the light that shone as the two halves met.

Emilee, Allen, Celena, and Jock watched in awe as the light slowly condensed around the pair, gathering further behind Hitomi. A shimmering, luminescent outline of wings formed and slowly solidified. They flexed and Hitomi arched her back, her eyes closed. In a shower of golden sparks, the wings burst from their invisible casing and beat the air.

Hitomi cried.

Strangely natural in flight, new strength seemed to have taken hold of her. She bent and lifted Emilee to her feet.

Celena, grab hold. Van, take Allen and Jock. Don't try to fly, just
glide.

Without hesitation she picked up Emilee, regardless that she was a good deal heavier than her. Celena tentatively latched on to her back, carefully avoiding contact with the strange magical wings. With a small scream from Emilee, they leapt from the rooftop. After a bit more embarrassment and less grace, Van followed.

Immediately they dropped, air rushing past their ears unnervingly until Van caught an updraft. Despite slowing down, they were still falling far too quickly. His shoulders ached with the strain and he could see Hitomi struggling to stay up. A creaking groan made him glance behind.

The wing of the Capital, gutted by the mining machine, was giving way to destruction. Slowly, with a screeching rumble, the building imploded. Halfway through its collapse, it seemed to pause and change its mind, spewing chunks of rock, wooden beams, tiles, and glass into the sky. At the heart of destruction a tormented being in the final act of hopeless devotion met his end as the overworked machine exploded.

Van yelled, feeling the shock wave sweeping him helplessly towards the rooftops in a deadly rush.

Wish Hitomi!




Author's note:
Wow! I did a cliffhanger! Well, I suppose it's predictable what happens next, but it's still fun to do. I was too tempted to wait. Help me break 40 reviews please!