Author's note: The reason no one else was caught in the destruction is because since the government had fallen into such disarray, no one actually lived in the Capital building anymore. Only when Alessandro gathered the leaders together was it put into use again.
Um, I'm also going to do something to Allen that I hope you won't flame me for. I just couldn't help myself when the idea hit me. Like the title says - forgive and forget, but don't forget to review!



Chapter 19: Forgive and Forget


They found themselves sprawled on the ground just outside the city walls. Van pulled himself up and looked around. A heap of shimmering feathers caught his eye and he made his way unsteadily to Hitomi, half afraid of what he might find. She was limp, rolling over easily at his touch - her new wings draped across the ground. He bent to listen for a heartbeat. She was breathing. Van lightly touched her face.



A faint whimper made him sigh in relief. The green eyes opened slowly.

Van? We made it?

He smiled. We made it. I don't know how, really, but we're all here.

Nearby, Emilee, Allen, Jock, and Celena were struggling to their feet. Hitomi groaned and tried to sit up. Her eyes widened.

I have wings!

Awkwardly they flopped against the ground. Van helped her up.

Take it easy, you aren't used to them yet. Don't you remember what happened? You wished for them - we wished for them.

The wings were strangely translucent, the dim light of early morning vanishing into the feathers to be thrown back in trace colors - as if they were made from pearls. Hitomi's new strength had vanished as quickly as it had come, leaving her weak and unbalanced. Shakily she smiled at Van.

I'm going to need some lessons when we go home.

Allen approached them. We need to get back to the Capital and tell Alessandro we're all right. There's not telling how much damage Dilan has done. He smiled. Hitomi, your wings are quite lovely.

Thank you, Allen. She glanced behind him. Where's Emilee?

She ran for the side of the road as soon as she could stand. I think she's getting over her airsickness.

Celena and Jock bounded up, quickly recovering from unconsciousness. Celena gaped.

Hitomi! You've still got your wings!

So I've noticed. She answered drily.

But how?

Hitomi shrugged, wings fluttering slightly. The pendant.

A weak moan prompted Allen to go rescue Emilee who was struggling to stand after throwing up what was left of dinner. Leaning on his arm, she made a face at her former student.

Remind me never to go on another vacation with you - and to never get caught on a roof with a madman behind us.

She smiled. I'll do my best.


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


Alessandro stood by the window behind his presidential desk. For the first time in weeks the sun shone clearly down on the city. He smiled sadly as a thread of dust floated by the view.

Crews were already at work on the rubble left from the West wing of the Capital. The remains of the Fate-human Dilan had been found and buried under a column of black marble in the courtyard as a reminder of Zaibach's dark past. The General was still unclear as to how the members of Fried's Alliance managed to escape. The only eyewitnesses to have seen the building collapse were a bunch of alcoholics and substance addicts who kept babbling about two angels and white light.

The ship which would transport the Crusade to the border would be leaving in two hours. All on board were eager to return, he knew, because of pressing personal matters. Alessandro chuckled to himself. Young folks eager to start a new life together - how he wished he had had that chance. But now...

A knock on the door made him turn. At his consent, it opened and a now familiar red head peeked through.

General sir? They said you wanted to see me.

Alessandro smiled. Lady Emilee, I hope the preparations for your departure are going smoothly.

She smiled in return. Yes sir, we're just waiting for the final check over.

Forgive me for asking, but what do you plan to do once you return?

Emilee looked startled. When I return? Or when we return?

He shook his head. I mean you.

For a long moment she said nothing, studying the foot of his desk. When she did speak, it was hesitant.

I'm not sure. Hitomi is marrying Lord Van, the Crusade will return to Asturia with Sir Allen, and I - I suppose I'll stay with Hitomi until I'm sent back to Earth - the Mystic Moon.

He suspected as much. But do you want to go back?

Want to? She frowned. The entire time I've been here has been wonderful, even with the dangers. But my role has been trivial. I helped your country reorganize itself, but I've been wondering if what I've brought here was such a good idea - this world being so much different from mine. I don't know why this thing about Fate brought me here. I've served no real purpose.

Alessandro raised an eyebrow. Served no real purpose? You've given us a chance to redeem ourselves. You gave us a foundation, now it is our turn to build and decide our own history. And if that is not reason enough, then here is another. He strode around the desk to face her. You brought hope and joy back into one shell of a man. I would not have found the strength to continue my efforts had you not inspired me with your willingness to help others.

Emilee stared up at him in surprise that turned into astonishment when he bent to kiss her on the forehead. He smiled.

If I had a daughter, I hope she would have been exactly like you.

Red-faced, she stammered. T-thank you, sir.

There was a knock at the door.

Come in.

A soldier entered. Sir, Knight Schezar requests that Lady Emilee please return to the Crusade for their takeoff is in one hour.

Alessandro nodded. I'll send her shortly. Please ask him to wait.

The man bowed and shut the door.

Emilee extended her right hand. In my country we shake hands at meetings and farewells in gesture of friendship. If you don't mind...

The General's hand engulfed her smaller one, but she firmly met his grip with a smile.

Weather you decide to remain on Gaia, or return to your home, I hope you will consider me a steadfast friend, Lady Emilee. Send word if you can.

Her smile dimmed as they let go and she turned to leave. Just as she reached the door he added.

I believe there is another besides myself who strongly hopes you will remain with us.

She opened the door. I know.


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


Hitomi watched Gaddes swat at Jock who kept constantly pestering the Sergeant with questions about the abilities of the Crusade. She smiled to herself. It was finished. The chaos which had brought her to this world years ago had been put into order. The darkness which had overshadowed Gaia was finally brought to the light, and now her destiny was fulfilled. Now she could spend the rest of her life with Van.

Celena managed to pull Jock away from the hassled First Mate and challenged him to a race up the lookout. Following her recovery, Celena had transformed from a pale ghost and obedient sister to a spirited, headstrong young woman, skilled in swordplay that came close to rivaling her brother, and stubborn in exercising her independence. Jock acted un-surprised at the change in his friend, even complementing the silver scar that would forever mark her right cheek. Hitomi almost felt sorry for Allen.

Van trotted up the ramp of the Crusade with a smile.

They just told me a message arrived from Asturia. They're preparing a welcome ceremony when we return. We'll also announce our betrothal.

Hitomi couldn't help blushing. In front of everyone?

Of course. He bent with a surprisingly bold action and firmly kissed her on the mouth. Everyone will have to know eventually.



He grinned and ran down the narrow corridor towards the cargo hold.

Gaddes bellowed from the left levi-stone. We're preparing to re-dock with Empire's Pride. Where's the Commander?


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

Emilee and Allen were silent during the walk back to the Crusade. Leaving the Capital, they began winding their way through the streets. The entire city had been laid out in a grid which made everything look alike, but the floating fortress hanging suspended over the north east made an easy landmark. The Crusade itself could be seen waiting below it atop a landing platform.

Once everyone was on board, the small levi-ship rose smoothly from the ground, circled the city, then docked with the great fortress. Zaibach would transport the Crusade to the border of the Deadlands, then let them continue on their own. Gaddes stretched.

Man! We've been waiting nearly a half-hour. How long does it take to get going?

Reeden shrugged. It's a fortress - not just a levi-ship.

Yeah but they're military. You'd think they'd be more together!

Van spoke up as he returned to the bridge where everyone had gathered. You just want to show off how well run the Crusade is.

Gaddes grinned. Damn straight!

The men all laughed.

With a vibration that ran through every bone in one's body, the fortress began moving. Hitomi smiled as they glided above the city.

The darkness is gone.

Two hours later they were all bored.
Gaddes chased Jock out of the kitchens after he began toying with the midday meal ingredients. Celena came to her friend's defense and began lecturing the sergeant. Van and Hitomi were engaged in conversation about the elements of flight, leaving Allen and Emilee on their own.

After watching clouds go by for an eternity, Emilee stood with a yawn.

All that excitement and now this. What a letdown.

There's always the practice room.

I've had enough of swordplay, thank you.

Allen smiled, unable to resist. Finally admitted that it's a man's duty?

She snorted. Hardly. It's just that getting slashed twice in one month is enough to put me on reserve. Besides, I've learned much more than you think I have.

I hardly believe that.

Of really? She put her hands on her hips, regarding him with a raised eyebrow. Fine then - I challenge you to a match.

He blinked.

I challenge you to a contest - a duel. The General taught me a few tricks while I was holed up in the infirmary.

There was a snicker from behind them. Gaddes stood in the doorway to the bridge, closely followed by Reeden. Allen narrowed his eyes.

Fine. Let's see what you can do.

Give me an hour and we'll meet in the practice room.

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

Celena and Jock burst in on Emilee just as she pulled a shirt over her head. When she could see, she glared at the pair.

Have you heard of knocking?

Celena stood, hands clasped in excitement. Are you really challenging my brother?

Tucking the black top which she had modified to short sleeves and taken in the excess material Austurian males seemed to enjoy, she nodded.

I think it would be interesting to see just how much I've improved. But be sure I don't really think I'll beat him.

Emilee bent to tighten the laces on her soft boots. Jock stared wide-eyed at her slim build.

You do know that the Caeli are the best in Gaia. He asked.

Yep. But, she straightened with a smirk. I'm not from Gaia.

Are you using sharp swords?

Mmmm, I'm going to guess so. We'll see.

Celena glanced at the sheath hanging from her belt. Do you want a tip?

Emilee looked at her, remembering the stories she had heard about the confrontation two days before. Hesitantly, she nodded.

Allen favors direct attacks. He doesn't tend to play around.

For a moment, Emilee thought about it, then smiled.

Right. Well, let's get this show on the road.

The two youngsters followed her through the Crusade towards the practice room. They whispered to each other behind her back, but she ignored them, concentrating on trying to remember everything she had learned. In all honesty, she had no idea what made her challenge Allen. Some frustrated impulse she supposed. But after what had happened at the dance?

Emilee blushed, then immediately reprimanded herself. Now wasn't the time to think about that, unless she wanted to be distracted and made a fool. When she reached the door to the practice room, she paused. Voices, lots of voices, vibrated through the corridor. Bracing herself, she entered.

The entire crew of the Crusade waited. When they saw her standing frozen in shock, they began chanting and stomping their feet. Annoyed, she shot a glare at Gaddes who grinned in a corner. Someone yelled.

Go Ben!

Laughter followed. Allen, wearing only his white shirt, black pants and boots, turned from speaking from Van. His long hair had been tied halfway down his back. Their eyes met for a split second before he gave her a sweeping bow. Emilee raised an eyebrow, and returned the gesture. With that, they set about their personal business in preparing for the duel.

Celena, who had vanished for a moment, returned with a glass of water and a towel. Handing the water to Emilee, she said.

The swords are going to be dull, but still sharp enough to cut if you aren't careful. Is that okay?

Emilee sipped, then stretched her arm muscles. I'll be more afraid of Allen missing one of my blunders. I trust him not to hurt me.

Taking a blade from Gaddes who would be the mediator, she turned to Allen.

Let's try not to deck each other, okay?

Allen drew his own sword. In front of everyone, he took her chin in his hand and pressed his mouth against hers, inciting whistles and cat calls from the crew. She pulled back, red-faced but smiling.

Oh you are just asking for a beating, Sir knight.

As I've heard you say, bring it on'.

They circled. Emilee eyed her partner, scrolling through everything she knew about Allen's fighting technique. He liked direct attacks, however she was willing to bet he would wait for her to move first and see what she could do. His stance was perfect, there would be no way to get around his sword - not yet that is. She bit her lip in concentration, then wished she hadn't. She could still taste...

Allen's eyes laughed at her. He attacked, right foot first, blade sweeping across at shoulder level. She blocked, bringing her sword vertical to the side of her head. On impact, she tilted her blade, letting the momentum slide his up and off, thus throwing him off balance. She smirked. He had expected her to duck. His reflexes were excellent, recovering from the slip in an instant. In that instant, she moved to the right, forcing him to keep moving.

Stepping in, she thrust. When he parried, twisting his sword and trying to disarm her, she gritted her teeth and broke his twist by brute strenght. Before he could realize what she had done, her sword made a beeline for his left shoulder. Blocking reflexively, Allen took a step back. She pressed on, attacking quickly, but he wouldn't give any further. In a quick exchange, both tried each other's defenses. Emilee had to break away first.

This time Allen pursued with a trick of his own. Striking at her head, he rebounded off of her block and returned to swing at her side. Her blade flashed in an arc, deflecting the first and the second blow. Sliding his sword past her body, she moved in, thrusting. Allen, eyes wide in surprise, was forced to twist to the right to avoid it, the point of her sword leaving a small tear in his shirt. The crew applauded.

Emilee didn't wait for a return. Spinning, she caught his sweep to the left, turned her sword in such a way that they locked, pinning the blades against the hilts. Panting, she smiled at him.

Ready to admit I've gotten better?

He looked at the tear in his shirt. I admit underestimating you again. I'll have to remember to stop doing that.

Unlocking the swords, he snaked his blade towards her leg. Blocking vertically, she was unprepared for the second strike at her head. This time she did duck, but when he came back, she wasn't there. A movement to the left made him duck as a blade swished by. But he didn't escape entirely. The tie which held his hair back fell to the ground, along with a handful of blond strands - a good sized handful. Emilee stood by in shock.

Gaddes gaped. Uh, Commander...

Allen sighed and felt the back of his head. She hadn't cut everything, he was relieved to note. A good chunk was gone halfway down his back, making in impossible to hide. What was left draped in two wings on either side. He turned to face the others.

Emilee was extremely red in the face. Hitomi was vainly trying to hide the smile creeping out from behind her hand. Celena, however, was not so discreet.

Allen got a hair cut! She shrieked with laughter.

The room exploded.





Author's note:
I hope people don't kill me for that. I got to wondering how Allen managed to fight with all that hair and then wondered how to get him to cut it. No offense to fans, but I think he could do with a little trim. Can't you see him with a ponytail? I think it would be cool.
Anyway, one more chapter and I'm through!!! Stay tuned! Oh, and please review.