In the skies above Fanelia's capital, the air shimmered as a black Guymelef appeared from behind a stealth cloak.
The Guymelef docked into a Floating Fortress, and a young man stepped from it, brushing imaginary lint from his pristine uniform.
His white gold hair was slicked back from high cheekbones, a determined chin, and hard blue eyes.
He walked briskly into the Fortress, boot heels clicking on the polished floors. Personnel in the Fortress bowed hurriedly as he passed, unconsciously shielding their necks.
The young man rapped sharply on a large door at the end of the long hallway.
"Enter…" a harsh voice said from inside.
The boy pushed open the door and strode in. He bowed fluidly. "I met the Dragon."
"I know…" hissed the harsh voice, hidden in the shadows of the room.
"You know?" the boy raised his eyebrows, startled in spite of himself.
A rasping laugh echoed around the room, and the boy bowed his head. "Forgive me… I forgot."
"Very well," said the voice. "I am taking measures to ensure that this will not happen again. Whatever is protecting that girl will not be able to do so for long… She will be ready in 7 days."
The boy nodded. "You work fast."
The voice cackled again. "That I do. Do not let this opportunity slip by you again."
The young man nodded again. "It will not happen gain. I promise."
The voice grew cold. "This is your last chance."
The young man emerged from the room. His face was grim, and he cursed under his breath. He stalked through the corridors of the Fortress, until he came to a balcony overlooking the ground they passed over. He leaned on the railing and gripped it tightly, his knuckles turning white.
His mood was so dark, the approaching servant gulped and paused, before tapping the young man on the shoulder. "S-sir? M'Lord Ra-" that was all he got out before the boy's sword swept his head from his shoulders.
The boy looked solemnly down at the body, before wiping his sword on the man's shirt, and storming off.
The young man's mood darkened as he thought of the girl who had foiled all his plans, and caused him so much humiliation and pain. "You will not live for long…sister."
Kaiyari turned over in bed. Something's not right…