~Remember I don't own Escaflowne or its characters!~
~I hope your interest in my story has peaked and you're dying to read more so you will continually read this. I hope you are enjoying my story so far. Here's another chapter for you to read and I hope you enjoy it as much as the first few chapters. Let me remind readers if you have not read 'The Fate of Two Worlds' (the part before this sequel) than I suggest you do for they have a lot in here that involves what happen in the first part of my ongoing story~
~Thank you for all those who have reviewed so far. I greatly appreciate your encouragement and continue to ask for your opinions. I like to understand how my readers' minds work so I can give them some good stories so…. REVIEW ALREADY!!!!~
The Fate of Two Worlds: The Sequel
By Angel_Wings
Chapter 4 ~ No Chance
~~~Lands East of Fanelia~~~
The green sphere landed next to the three comrades and they watched with great curiosity it's landing. As soon as the star was, but three feet away from the ground the emerald aura faded away and revealed the Warrior of the Forest, Sian. The angel's face was grim in a deep scowl and it was obvious something important was happening. The three friends were full of questions and yet held no voice on which speak with. Sukai finally was first to speak, "Sian, what is going on?"
Snapping her head around at the royal the guardian faced her friends. Her chestnut bangs fell over her silver eyes and she felt the wind pick up slightly. They needed to move quickly, but there were at least three villages in Sian's lands. Getting all of the people out in a short period of time would not be easy. Clenching her jaws together the warrior threw her face into the wind making her bangs part from her face. Her braid danced in the currents of air enjoying the flow. The warrior stared at her people who surrounded the four of them. Their faces were expressed in curiosity and questions, which, at the moment the guardian, could not answer.
Quickly the brunette war woman stepped through her friends and stood on a nearby crate to better see the crowd. Now with this new angle the warrior could see every face and could see every fear etched in their young and old eyes. It was sad to know that these people would see another war after such pleasurable time of peace. With a heavy heart the angel began, "We have little time. Each of you must gathered only what you carry. At most you can bring a animal to share the burden, but be warned. Soon beings will appear to destroy this village and all who remains. It is best you take as little as possible and only what's necessary. We are to head to Fanelia as quickly as possible."
Sukai glanced at Celena and her husband with cold fear gripping her heart. Who was coming to destroy them?…. What was happening?…. What Sian know that did not?…. An old woman with gray streaks of hair in pearly white brought these questions to an abrupt halt as spoke from a mist the crowd, "Why do we head to Fanelia, Lady Sian? Why not hide in the forest?"
The wind teased at the warrior's green clothes as she spoke, "I was told by Joutei, himself, to go to Queen Hitomi Kazanki Fanel of the Draconians to seek aid. She rules Fanelia presently along with King Van de Fanel."
Voices of fear and wonder mingled in the wind and automatically Sian realized the people welcomed the idea. Whatever Joutei or Sian commanded was never argued; it was followed. Nodding to the group she protected over hundreds of years the warrior cried, "Hurry! Gather your belongings and meet back here as quickly as possible!"
Soon dust was being kicked up as people raced to their homes with their children's hands in theirs. The bucket of the village's well was lifted and dropped several times as people desperately tried to take water for the trip. Bundles were already being placed on people's backs as the villagers hurried to gather their things.
Sian turned away from the scene and jumped off the crate to stand before her friends. Celena didn't need to gather her things for what little she had was with the two royal angels' belongings. Rei and Sukai weren't ready to fetch their items though for the sudden evacuation of the village aroused questions lodged in their minds. The retired king faced the guardian, "Whose coming to destroy the village, Sian?"
Glancing at the trio the warrior shook her head, "I do not know, but I do know that they will be attacking the five areas where the Draconians live outside of Fanelia's border."
The blonde maiden frowned at this and asked, "Five? I thought there were seven guardians?"
The war angel began to walk through the bustle of people. Sian was making her way to a messenger to send word to the other two villages about the abandonment of their homes. The couple and Freid soldier were close on her heels as they listened to the answer the woman spoke, "There are seven guardians, but only five of those are to protect the scattered lands where the Draconians live. The other two were meant for other duties of which of have no idea could be. Though we are the seven chosen by Joutei and the royals of the Draconians the last two guardians were never truly introduced the first five."
Celena's hair whipped in her face as she did her best to keep up with her fellow warrior. The piece of melon that was her morning breakfast was quickly discarded as the group made it to the messenger. After a small message was given to a young lad and he rode of on a stallion to deliver it Sukai asked an important question, "How are we to travel to Fanelia, Sian?"
The warrior of long mahogany strains turned to the lady with her eyes of silver swimming in thoughts of the coming danger, "We will fly there. To walk would be too slow and to use the animals would mean we would have to care for them along the way making the trip longer. We can cross more land by soaring through the clouds' cover or staying close to the surface of globe. It's our best chance…."
Nodding the royal looked up at the blue sky thinking of her people, "What will the other guardians do?"
The wind changed directions and the ancient warrior could feel a difference in the air. Her warrior instincts began to scream as she felt a swell of power approaching. Slowly the maiden turned her face in the opposite direction causing her back to turn towards her warrior comrades. Sukai's question was lost in the growing wind along with the surroundings of the village. The guardian bound to the lands surrounding the enchanted forest could hear her heart pounding in her ears. Silky chestnut locks floated in the breeze as the soldier in her grew cautious.
Celena frowned in the same direction also feeling the sudden adjustment in the air. Her eyes scanned the horizon looking warily for an unseen enemy. Sukai took hold of her husband's hand as she felt the kinetic energy flowing through the air. Enormous power was approaching fast and whoever it was the royal was sure they weren't just coming for a quiet visit. The dark ones were coming…. and they were coming to Sian's villages…. amongst all the lands protected by the guardians first….
~~~Fanelia~~~
Soldiers, civilians, and healers rushed to the destroyed glass house fearful for the people who had been occupying its dwellings during the sudden explosion. No one was sure how it happened, but that matter was to be pushed aside for lives were at stake. The glass house was on the castle's royal grounds so surely all had heard the sudden disaster. Just as one would have expected a group of soldiers, along with the Council of Advisors and young angel king, appeared from its back doors and raced to the scene. Van was at the head of the group fearful for the victims. Sadly he was not aware that he's wife was among them.
The angel man's ebony locks danced before his eyes as the remains of the building loomed before him. Most of the structure had caved in and left little standing. It's four corners were the only peaks that pierced the blue sky. It was a mess of bodies, bushes, and glass fragments which no one was sure where to begin working through. Healers desperately made it to the first couple of bodies that were free of debris and began their work as soldiers carefully removed the nearest rubble away to find other victims.
Once Van had appeared he was out of breath so taking a moment to rest the king looked over the scene. It appeared only servants had been within the confine when it had exploded, but how many?…. A life was a life no matter the station…. That was what Hitomi had taught the young king…. And since he had known her he had warmed his heart to the lower class…. Perhaps he had always cared for the commoners (in his own way), but now he more freely opened his feelings to the public….
Finally catching his second wind the royal also known as the White Dragon stepped past the crowd to lend a hand in the search. Just as he made it to the edge of people though a firm palm took hold of his shoulder. Looking back the king noticed his advisors staring intently at him. The lead man, Beowulf, was the one who held back their royalty and said, "My lord, let the soldiers tend to the work. A man of your stature--"
Once the last phrase was said the king felt a buildup of rage fill him. Angrily he shook off the hand and pushed through the remaining people to help along side the soldiers. Van had often had the same discussion with his advisors about helping out in work around Fanelia. Though his advisors always brought the matter up Van refused to seat back and watch others labor around him He had helped rebuild Fanelia after the 'Great War' and he wasn't about to stop helping now….
As soon as the king began to pull away rubble people, one by one, also began to help. They loved their king dearly and seeing him willing to step down from his position, time after time, to work along side them, the commoners, it brought warmness to their hearts and loyalty….
Van ordered a guard to round up any other healers he could find and directed several groups to the other end of the rubble to look in a different section for victims. If they all worked in just one area it would be too cluttered and other victims would suffer. They had to get them all out now! One could suffocate underneath all this debris.
The young king rolled his snowy sleeves up so he could do the task easier. Already the sun's rays began to beat on his back drawing sweat on his brow as he dragged away a large slab of glass from the huge pile. Dust fell up as the glass landed in the dirt and the royal cough for a moment at the cloud before turning back to pile. A sudden thought of his spouse flashed in his mind. She probably was helping in the search, but he wondered where….
Shrugging the thought off the king tried to remember that was unimportant. He could think about Hitomi later when lives weren't on the balance. Grunting the angel tossed a large trunk to the side as his thoughts dwelt on the destruction. What had caused this to happen?…. It didn't appear as if the building had collapse from a structure flaw. Besides this glass house had been the one of first to be built in the beginning. If it had been a structure flaw it would have collapse months ago not nearly a year after breaking soil. So what happened?…. No guymelef was around and no ship was in the air so the building wasn't destroyed by accident or by an enemy?…. The mystery of it all perplexed Van making him nearly miss a bronze hand sticking out of the rubble….
Automatically the king knew it was one of the cat folk that lived in the city. Many crossbreeds, as many Gaeans, call them lived in Fanelia so he took the idea with no mind. It was only when he lifted a piece of metal off the cat-girl did his blood quicken. Van swiftly threw the slab away from the victim as he exclaimed, "Merle!"
With rapid motion the royal began to remove the remains of the covering debris from his foster-sister. Merle seemed all right except for a scraps and bruises. The worst of her injuries was a shallow cut that stretched over her left forearm. Under the dirt and fairly tattered pale pink dress the cat was fine. Van placed his hands on her shoulders and shook them slightly as he called out, "Merle? Merle, wake up!"
Groaning loudly the cat-girl awoke to the hot sun and slowly opened her eyes. Chocolate eye drops stared up at her brother with a smile as she spoke with a parched voice, "Lord Van~sama…."
Taking a deep breath of relief the king felt his heart ease a little, "Are you alright?"
With stiff movements the cat rose into a slight sitting position putting her weight backwards on her paws. Wincing her eyes shut the cat clenched her teeth together, "I believe so…. I am just a little banged up a bit…. Nothing real serious that a good bath couldn't help with…. Besides I'm filthy!"
Chuckling warmly Van helped his dear friend rise from the debris before signaling a healer to make her way to the cat-advisor. Just as an old woman with silver hair arrive by the cat's side Merle's eyes flew towards the rubble with deep distress etching her face. The king cocked his head at his sister confused. The healer went to take the cat-girl's arm to lead her away from the scene so they wouldn't be in the way of the workers, but Merle shook the woman off and hurried over to the pile. The old woman glanced at the cat before looking at her king for help, but he was preoccupied with what his foster-sister was doing. Merle dug through the rubble urgently as though something extremely precious lie beneath its mass. Seeing she was all right the old woman walked away to other victims who were in more need of her attention. Van made his way to the young feline and asked, "What's the matter, Merle?"
The cat's bronze face streamed with tears as the salty liquid mixed with dust and dirt. Desperately the cat cried, "Yukari is under here with--"
The words froze in Merle's throat as she realized what she was saying. Van would have a heart attack if he discovered his wife lie beneath the destruction. However, the damage had been done for the king's fire eyes widen at the few words that had escaped from his sister's mouth. He knew if Yukari was here then that meant…. Taking hold of the cat's shoulders firmly the royal asked frantically, "Merle, where is Hitomi?!"
Crying softly the cat wished more than anything that she was not the one to bear the message to him. The fear that swam in his rubies was unbearable. How can one say 'Your wife is down beneath the rubble probably dying'. Choking on the words slightly the cat was able to force out, "I was here with Yukari when the explosion happen and Hitomi…. Hitomi was just a few feet away from us…."
Van felt his heart snap at this and his eyes tore away from the shaking form of his closest friend to the large mass of twisted metal, bushes, and glass in distress. His heart began to pound heavily in his ears, as he comprehended what his advisor was saying. His beloved was under the rubble…. probably dying….
Without another word the king lunged at the debris digging through it like a deranged man trying to find a hidden treasure. In a matter of seconds Merle was beside him working through the area that the cat-girl had previously been found in.
Seconds felt like years and minutes were like centuries. Van felt as if he wasn't going fast enough as he dug through the rubble. Each moment was a constant reminder that his love laid beneath it dying. He gasped for air finding none in his aching lungs. Where was she?…. He couldn't find her…. He vowed never to let her go and yet she was dying…. alone…. Tears sparked in his royal eyes and he tried his best to hold them back…. He tried to think of anything else except the present…. Resshi…. Where was Resshi?…. In all sense Resshi was never to leave Hitomi's side seeing that he was her personal bodyguard, but if Van's memory served him well, the young king remembered his love had never enjoyed being followed by the soldier. She had often ordered the soldier to leave her side to seek other matters. The moment of the destruction was probably one of these times she ordered him to leave…. Especially since she was spending time with Merle and Yukari. Hitomi valued her personal time with her friends greatly and often tried to escape the overbearing nobles and soldiers around her by escaping with the two girls to other places…. just like the glass house…. Though strange in Gaea's terms it made perfect sense to Van for he also suffered from never having privacy….
Suddenly a moan came from under the rubble before them and the two family members doubled their efforts to finish ridding the person of debris. Van longed for his beloved and thinking it was she, the king called out, "Hitomi?!"
Soon the matter of metal and glass mixed with vegetation stirred and fell away as the young red head woman pulled her upper body from the pile. Dirt was smeared all over her face and firelocks were matted to her brow. A fairly deep cut ran across one shoulder dripping in red blood. Besides being battered and scratched up the maiden was fine. Her unborn child was later discovered to be unaffected by the ordeal.
Van couldn't help, but be sadden at not finding his wife. Yukari automatically noticed this. Trying her best to be optimistic the lady replied with a hint of humor, "Thanks for caring, Van."
This startled the royal and he quickly went to apologize, but was stopped by the red head as she pulled herself out the rest of the way and towered over their kneeling forms. Trying to contain the fear drilling in her soul the angel said, "Come on. Hitomi shouldn't be far. She was right next to Merle and me."
It didn't take long for word to spread that the queen laid beneath the collapsed building. Most of the victims had been saved with a scant few turning up missing. One of those beings was Hitomi…. The crowd threw themselves at finding their queen. They loved her greatly and to lose her was just…. unthinkable…. It wasn't because she held the unborn heir of the throne or the fact she held special powers…. It was far beyond that…. It was a relationship held between the people and their queen…. She had won their support and love by her actions of kindness and sacrifice…. It was because of that fact that they were so devoted to her…. In that sense nothing else mattered….
The trio of friends was growing frantic. Time was something they did not have abundance of. With each passing moment Hitomi might be losing more air. She was likely to pass out any moment if she wasn't unconscious already. Van felt her heart screaming for his beloved's company. He didn't care if he had to look through the whole pile of ruins he was determined to find her. He just hoped it wouldn't come down to that….
With a joyous cry Merle exclaimed, "I found her!!!!"
Dropping the slab of metal in his hands the king rushed over the area with the young red head woman on his heels. Once they were by the cat-girl's side they spotted Hitomi still half covered by the remains waist down. The queen's eyes were closed and blood dribbled from a small head wound hidden in her mound of brunette hair. Her clothes were tattered to say the least and it obvious she held many bruises. A pearly feather laid close by, but this was overlooked. It was irrelevant anyway…. At the moment the royal woman's wings were tucked snuggly in her back…. The only thing that appeared serious was that the seeress was unconscious….
Van gently pushed Merle aside to remove his wife from the mound of destruction. Carefully with the help of the cat and the woman of red hair the three were able to release their queen. Tenderly the king lifted his wife into his muscular arms holding her close to his chest. Softly the beautiful woman groaned, but did not wake. As people started to surround the royal couple the angel king could only stare down at his wife. Dimly he heard someone call for a healer, but his thoughts dwelt on his beloved. With one arm beneath her shoulder and the other beneath her knees his hands were unable to stroke away the brunette bangs that fell over her closed eyes. Unknowingly a single crystal droplet slipped from one his fire eyes as Van whispered lovingly, "Hitomi…."
~~~Lands East of Fanelia~~~
Sian and Celena stood shoulder to shoulder in the center of the village. Their eyes watched the sky with a growing dread filling their heart. They could feel the battle approaching. Warriors always appeared to have this sense of war. No one could say how, but the finest warriors and soldiers could tell you when a war was brewing. In fact the warriors themselves had no idea how they knew this, but they trusted their instincts and from past history it appeared they were never wrong….
The guardian clenched her bow tightly in her pale fist as she locked her jaw. Forest green and pale lavender clothing fluttered in the breeze in growing suspense. Blonde hair floated in the wind from the ponytail of the knight's sister. Pale fingers grasped the gold and silver hilt of her blade readying herself. They were coming….
Sukai stepped forward next to the two warriors causing the two other women to frown at this. Keeping their eyes ahead Sian replied, "Lady Sukai, you must hurry and leave before they arrive."
Shaking her head slightly the former queen answered, "No, you're going to need me…."
Those words caused the forest warrior to turn to the noble with a scowl, "Milady, I know you could help us, but your safety is more important than ours. Take your husband and gather the villagers. After that head to Fanelia as fast as the wind may carry you."
Lifting her chin a little to show off authority the woman responded, "No, Sian. You can feel it, as can I. Those beings approaching are extremely powerful. You'll need every bit of help you can get including mine…."
The two brunette ladies stared hard at each other both considering their options, which were few. Both could feel the enormity of the power swelling from the ones approaching and the guardian knew the noble was right though she hesitated to admit it. Celena could help in the fray, but would be completely outmatched for she held no powers to assist them. Rei would be no help at all. He had just begun his training as a warrior and was still a beginner at the staff. Holding no royal blood, no powers flowed through his veins. He was in the same position as one of the villagers here. Sighing heavily the forest war woman closed her silver eyes.
"Alright" she said in defeat as she turned to the blonde soldier and nobleman, "Celena and Rei round up the villagers and get out of here immediately."
The Freid soldier didn't like this idea at all and frowned at her comrade, "What? Sian, I can help you. I'm a seasoned warrior--"
With time growing short Sukai interrupted, "We know you are a fine soldier, Lady Celena, but the beings that approach are different…. They hold powers, which you will be unable to fight against. It is best we stayed behind and held them here until you reached Fanelia."
The nobleman looked at his wife in concern and quickly entered the discussion, "But Sukai, what will happen to both of you?"
Sian and the royal lady glanced at each other uncertainly. Neither knew how this battle would go. For all they know they could easily beat their opponents in a few minutes or could die in an instant…. probably the latter…. Sorrowfully the royal angel replied, "Will try to hold up as best as we can. If we have a chance after the villagers have escaped will follow suit and meet you at--"
"I'm sorry to interrupt" a hollow voice of hatred disrupted the conversation making the royal's sentence be cut off. The foursome started and turned their eyes above them where the speaker was. Above them was a man concealed beneath a dark robe of blackness with a hood. Gargoyle-like wings beat lightly in the air with ease as he smirked down at his victims. Black boots were the only thing visible beneath his attire making him seem all the more threatening. Behind him stood seven other beings dressed in the same attire with leathery wings also keeping them afloat in mid-air. The leader's eyes were shadowed, but from his nose down you could see his face. Black scales gleamed menacingly in the sunlight disturbing the four protectors below. What being had scales and pale skin on their hide?….
Before one could think up an answer the being growled, "Where ever you plan on escaping to let me just say you'll never reach your destination…."
~~~Fanelia~~~
The gentle moonlight peeked through the window's snowy curtains and washed over the frail form of the seeress. Creamy bandages were wrapped tightly around the lady's head and held a red spot where the blood had seeped into the material. Hitomi's face was placid and still showing little sign of damage as it kept her beauty. She had been changed into one of her pale rose nightgowns that held no sleeves, but thin straps that ran over her shoulders. The cream comforter was pulled over her to rest just below her chest and over her swollen belly. Other than her head wound the 'Angel' had been fine, even her unborn child seemed unaffected by the event. It seemed a little strange to say the least for the babe to be unfazed by the ordeal since it had been such a terrible accident. They could only guess that the baby was a fighter…. just like its parents….
Van laid next to his wife on their large king-sized bed. He had slipped into his cream night pants and had stayed by his beloved's side since she had been brought to the castle. After she had been taken cared for the king brought her back to their room to rest hoping all she needed was sleep. Sadly that what he needed too, but he could not bring himself to slumber. His heart was aching for his angel. Seeing her injured like this made his protectiveness for her only strengthen. Looking at her pale face the man had to chuckle. Hitomi always got aggravated with him when he got too protective of her. He remembered one time they had an argument about her going on a horseback ride into the forest by herself and she had told him a small parable.
Her sweet voice echoed in his mind tenderly in the memory, "You must hold a dove tightly, but not too tight or you will crush it. You must hold a dove loosely, but not too loosely or it will escape. Van, don't worry about me so much. I'm glad you do, but too much and you'll suffocate me…."
Smiling warmly the royal angel brushed away a few brunette locks from his love's face to better look upon her. She was so wise though she too was learning each day. They worked so perfectly together. Where he lacked in something she would be strong in it. Where she lacked in something he would be strong in it. They were partners in life and together they were a strong unit. Everyday was amazing together and they often indulged in the other's company though duties often stole their extra time away….
Tenderly Van stroked his wife's arms beneath the cover to comfort him during his distress for her. They said she would be alright, but to he couldn't help it. He was fearful for her well-being. Silently the king moved closer to his beloved holding her tightly to him as she slept. His hands ran down her arms and halted at her stomach. The bulge of flesh was still beneath her gown and his tan palm. Closing his eyes he wondered about their child. If they had lost the babe then he would never have forgiven himself, even now he having trouble doing so. Van buried his face in the 'Angel's hair breathing in the deep scent of flowers and orchards.
Slowly the king's thoughts began to drift away as sleep began to crept up on his body. Why did she love him so?…. Van could name plenty of men who had showed obvious interest in his spouse before they were wed yet she had chose him. Once the ceremony had finished no man dared to challenge the white dragon for the seeress…. Arms of warmth locked together around the slim body of the angel woman in a protective embrace as the king finally fell into the realm of dreams along with his mate…. Little did he know that Hitomi was nowhere near the dream realm in her mind,…. but in the realm of visions….
~~~Lands East of Fanelia~~~
Sian dove out of the way of a small blackish-purple comet that shot through the village. Landing hard in the dirt on her elbows the dust rose around the guardian filling her nostrils. Coughing loudly the warrior rushed to rise and nearly was met with another small comet. The blast was in such close proximity to the forest warrior that it sent her and several villagers flying through the air. With no time to react the victims crashed to the earth sending up more dust. Wincing in pain the brunette maiden lifted herself to her hands and knees. As she did so she glanced at the village's predicament in that matter of a few seconds….
It had been hours since the first wave of attacks and now the sky had turned to a deep black with the moon hanging overhead. Fires had begun to jump from huose to house torching the village in a rage. The dwellers of the town were crying out and screaming…. some in pain…. others in fear…. Cattle had somehow escaped from the fields' fences and now stampeded through the alleys crushing some of the villagers who could not flee from their path. Dust littered the air and clouded the sight of the town's occupants. The eight dark beings flew through the air in a hiss of blackness. They were picking off the villagers one by one. The leader of the group, who had yet to be identify, just hovered above the civilization while his minions did the dirty work as though it was nothing extreme. Children were pulled from their mother's arms and killed on site while fathers were slay before their families. Celena did her best to aid the Draconians, but with no wings to help her into the air or powers to protect them so she was no better off then the villagers.
Desperately the blonde soldier battled with her sword, but their opponents also had weapons of their owns. Each demon, one might call them, held their own swords created from the black essence of powers. With, but a thought the weapon would appear in their palms like raven fire swirling in the design of a double-edged blade before snuffing out to reveal a metal sword with a black and silver hilt. Even without the swords of burning darkness the four fighters were outmatched greatly for the hooded beings held powers of unknown strength. Mostly all they did was toss blackish-purple comets at the four warriors, but that was enough to show their superiority.
Sian raced behind one of the houses and lend against its side to catch her breath. These enemies were quick and powerful. They showed no mercy and though they attacked individually they had a great advantage over the village. The forest war woman carefully looked around the edge of the building and checked the battle….
Celena was doing her best to get the villagers out of the town, but the demons just picked off the stragglers as if they had all the time in the world. Three of the other demons had flew off towards the two neighboring towns to destroy them while this central area was taken down. More than anything Sian wanted to help the other two villages, but no matter how she tried she could not find a way out of the city. The demons, while attacking, continually circled the area daring people to try to escape attacking all those who did. The guardian looked towards the opposite direction of the Freid soldier and saw the royal couple doing what they could. Sukai was shooting off white comets in all directions trying her best to stop the dark ones from hitting the villagers. The royal angel's husband stood nearby her urging the people along while trying to stick close to his spouse.
The green clothed warrior looked towards the sky where the demon leader stood. He remained still and quiet, not flinching an inch. At the beginning he had fired a massive blast at the four protectors scattering them and the villagers. Then he had deployed his seven followers. Now he hovered over the battle watching with an evil smirk across his face enjoying every moment of his superiority. Sian's jaw locked together in a furious rage. He's cold heart angered the guardian and all she wanted was to wipe that smirk of his blasted face! Unfortunately during the first attack the guardian had lost her bow and now had no weapon to aid her. Without it she was crippled and could do little to help….
Suddenly a demon appeared before the brunette warrior hovering just a few feet away from her. The dark being was slim and her skin was pale though covered in ghastly ebony scales. Smirking beneath the hood the dark creature lifted a pitch-black claw to Sian's face. Urgently the guardian dodged the on coming comet narrowly escaping its searing blast. The impact on the building sent the structure in the heap of wood fragments that began to blaze in golden tongues. With a roar of power the war angel was thrown through the air once again to land in the center street. Slamming down hard on her stomach Sian got the wind knocked out of her and she curled up in a fetal position as she squeezed her silver eyes shut. Coughing uncontrollable the warrior tried to endure the spikes of pain running through her scraped up body.
The poor guardian was already full of bruises and scrapes blotted with red patches of blood. Her bangs were matted to her brow and the dirt clung to her flush skin. Rips ran through her green and gold attire marking the present battle. It was not looking well for the guardian and the villagers….
Sian dug her fingers into the parched dirt and forced herself to her knees. Taking in a sharp breath of air another wave of pain hit her body hard nearly making her fall over from the ordeal. Suddenly a loud 'thud' was heard before the angel and with hard eyes of silver the woman opened her orbs to glare at her adversary. The same demon stood before her and the guardian could barely see it, but she saw a pair of feminine lips smirking down at her. Growling in rage the war angel rose sharply and brought a hard upper cut to hit the hooded female in the chin. The being's head fell back at the blow causing her to stumble a few feet backwards. Without giving her enemy a moment to regroup Sian brought a mud boot into the lady's midsection. The guardian smiled when she heard the impact crunch beneath her foot and saw the enemy go flying through the air.
Sian smirked at her opponent who now laid in the dirt. With silver jewels sparking with the thrill of battle the guardian felt her blood quicken. Her adrenaline was starting to rush in her veins causing the warrior to become nearly giddy at the effect of the battle. Glaring down at her fallen adversary the angel felt her pride soar…. only to crash back down when she heard a hollow laugh come from the injured demon….
Gaping in shock Sian watched as the enemy rose steadily from the dusty earth laughing all the while. Baring her fangs in an evil grin the demon growled. Her hood had fallen out of place by a fraction and the guardian of the forest was able to catch sight of a black scaled cheek with a green eye staring at her. Strains of hair too dirty from dust to tell what color they were fell over the one visible eye. Sian felt the blood in face drain away and she was sure her face was paler than ever. How was it possible?…. She had heard the ribs crack inside her opponent and yet she seemed unfazed?!….
Shaking her head from the shock and bringing back some color to her face the guardian charged the demon again. With the annoying smirk on her face the demon waited for her opponent to grow closer to her. Shouting a warrior cry Sian leapt into the air to send a kick straight into the enemy's face. Sadly before the woman could land her attack the demon lifted her ebony claw again and shot a comet straight at the war angel. With a painful cry the guardian was thrown backwards through the air to land roughly on her back. Sliding through the dirt for several moments Sian watched the sky reel above her.
Once she had come to a halt the angel woman tried to rise to her feet. Just when she had gotten to one knee she saw a dark blur rush her. Suddenly she felt something hard make contact with her chin and again she was sent through the air to fall once more into the dirt. Laying on her stomach the warrior's bangs fell over her eyes of silver while her face was parallel with the ground. Without warning the toe of a boot struck her side and the lady cried in pain. Shakily the angel lifted her head to see the dark smirk of her superior.
Perhaps if she had been a villager should would have given up, but Sian was a warrior and chosen guardian of her people. Quitting just wasn't part of her vocabulary. With a grunt the guardian lifted herself onto one palm and foot while she lifted her other hand in the air to keep balance and sent a sidekick flying against her opponent's heels. Unprepared for the attack the demon woman was knocked off her feet. Howling in anger the hooded being landed on her side and quickly pushed herself up with a pale hand. Before she had a chance to face the guardian though Sian kicked her with all her strength right in the jaw sending her soaring once more.
As the guardian saw the demon crash into the parched earth the angel felt herself get a little stronger from the small victory. Growling the dark clothed being rose from the ground with her leathery wings stretching from the rough landing. Smirking Sian got into a fighting stance and shouted, "If you want this village you'll have to kill me first!"
~~~Vision~~~
Hitomi struggled to watch the horrible scene laid out before her mind knowing it was probably important for her to view. She soared over a village torn apart and burning in golden flames without the use of her wings as though she was a spirit floating with the wind. Smoke had begun to scorch the sky. Dark clouds began to roll in from nowhere showing a thunder storm was approaching. Cattle raced through the town crushing the innocent. The seeress was vaguely aware that there were five particular beings of darkness causing the battle, for at the moment the 'Angel' was focused on the four familiar people she knew quite well.
Through the mass of bodies rushing about the burning infernos of buildings stood the blonde warrior doing her best to hold back what look to be a gargoyle in a hood. With her sword as her only aid the soldier battled the beast, but was outmatched. The dark being merely knocked her aside and then proceeded to take down the Draconians with dark orbs of light that hissed with power. Elsewhere Sian was doing quite well against one of the dark creatures in particular. The seeress slightly frowned when she noticed the guardian did not hold her bow. It worried Hitomi to see the protector of the village to be without her personal weapon. Glancing at different parts of the town the 'Angel' spotted the silver and gold bow sticking out of the earth. Turning back to the war angel below Hitomi knew the bow was a good distance away from its owner. Even if the guardian knew where her weapon was there was little chance she would get an opportunity to retrieve it….
Suddenly the seeress's focus changed and now she was looking down at her parents. Her father held a crude staff in his hands as he batted away a feisty demon in the air. The poor man had been forced to break a broom handle to serve as his weapon since he did not have his own personal staff. The man desperately tried to hold back the attacker from his wife and the villagers, but he barely making a difference. The demon was merely toying with him as it flew back and forth before him. Hitomi could see the rage in her father's eyes as she realized the dark creature was speaking to him, probably laughing at him.
About then the seeress noticed her mother. The woman's hair was flying wildly in the rushing wind as she threw countless pearly orbs at another demon. Sukai was doing pretty well at stopping her opponent's attacks from hurting others. With each black orb that was tossed through the air a white one would hit it erupting both in a small blast centered just above the Draconians' heads. Sadly though with every counterattack the royal woman sent it stole a piece of strength from her body while it seemed her opponent had yet to break a sweat. Sukai clenched her teeth together as she lifted both palms and shot a double attack. One hit a dark orb while the other went for the attacking demon. With a roar the pearly glow struck the dark opponent hard in the chest causing the being to plunge towards the ground. Angrily the demon rose in a fit of dust its wings stretching to show of its size. It wasn't out of the battle yet….
The battle continued to rage below as Hitomi view of the scene switched. Her emerald eyes came to focus on the leader of the dark band as he floated over the village with arms crossed. Beneath the shadows of his face there was a grin that sent shiver down the seeress's spine. The pitch-black robe fluttered in the breeze, but continued to conceal the being's identity. The 'Angel' could feel the evil power emitting from his form and it scared her. Each of the hidden creatures had the same power, but this gargoyle had triple the amount they had making him the obvious leader. Hitomi had never felt such darkness from one soul. Probably what scared her the most though was that the being felt familiar….
Without warning the leader of the darkness unlocked his arms and glared down below at someone in particular. Hitomi didn't have a chance to look at whom he was staring at for before she knew it the demon dove through the air to the scene below in a rage. Emerald eyes followed the being's descent until she directed her sight towards his destination. The young queen felt like screaming out as she realized the demon was heading straight for her mother…. and Sukai, along with Rei, was completely unaware of it….
~~~Lands East of Fanelia~~~
Sukai tossed her head forcing her dark locks from her eyes. Clenching her teeth together to dull the growing stress on her body the noble woman brought both her palms up to the sky at the demon. Hissing in pain through her teeth the royal angel released two glowing white auras. One of the pearly orbs collided with a black ball of destruction causing them to erupt into a blast that sparked like a firework. The other attack of whiteness shot the hovering demon square in the chest sending the beast to the ground at the force of the blow. Just as quickly as the creature had fallen it rose from the dust in a dark rage. The sunlight gleamed over half of the hooded figure's face revealing white fangs. Growling the beast stretched its wings to get ready to attack again.
The woman got into a crude fighting stance that she had remembered seeing warriors do and prepared herself. The poor royal was exhausted from the battle and felt her powers reaching their end. Sooner or later her body would give out from the stress of using her powers so profusely. Sukai's clothes were filthy with dust and dirt and were tattered in several places. Red scratches lined her pale skin from close attacks and a line of blood dripped from a shallow cut on her arm. She needed to rest or there would be no way she would see the battle through so the former ruler took that moment to catch her breath.
Sadly she had little time for that for suddenly she was shoved roughly to the ground from behind by some unknown force. Weakly the woman turned her head from her place on the ground and saw a dark figure looming behind her. Emerald eyes narrowed at the being as she felt the power emitting from it. She frowned at herself for being so foolish as to be completely preoccupied by her opponent that she never saw the attack coming. Growling the woman tried to rise to her feet, but was held down by a dark boot of ebony. The hooded figure smirked at the weak attempts his captive made as she tried to escape. With a deep voice of familiarity the holder of the royal angel said, "Sukai…. You are still weak after all these years…. I would have expected more from the mother of the 'Angel of Gaea'…."
Suddenly a staff swung through the air at the base of the demon's neck and for a moment one would have thought the four friends had won, but the thought was soon shattered as the wooden weapon broke into fragments once it met the demon's flesh. The splinters shot off in all directions while the dark figure remained motionless. The angel woman gaped at this in astonishment. How was that possible?…. Fear gripped her soul as she realized they held no power to stop this being….
Slowly the dark figured turned around, still with his foot holding down the angel woman, as he faced the startled brunette man who held what was left of the crude staff. Rei was in utter shock that his attempt to help his wife had failed. His mud brown eyes turned away from the broken weapon and refocused on the leader of the attackers. Gulping down the lump in his throat the nobleman stared hard at the demon not willing to show his fear. Smirking at the fire in the opposing man's soul the beast almost found himself having respect for the man. He was unwilling to give up when he was outmatched. Well, he almost had respect for him,…. but not quite….
In a fit of rage the demon man lifted a tan palm to unsuspecting angel's scarlet shirt. Before Rei had a chance to escape the attack the demon's hand glowed an evil black. With a roar the blast shot from the figure's hand right through the noble's chest. The angel man's mouth went dry as he felt the world swimming beneath him. His adversary's hand fell away from the man's body as Rei's arms wrapped over his chest. Desperately the man tried to breath air into his lungs, but tasted the foul liquid of blood swirling in his mouth. His vision grew fuzzy and images grew incomprehensible as the man's knees buckled. Blood oozed from his chest and slipped over his pale arms as Rei glanced down at his injury. His chocolate eyes grew wide in shock as he noticed a hole where his heart should have been. Unable to gaze upon the gruesome display the man shut his eyes closed and wrapped his arms tighter over the spot. After a moment of dizziness the noble opened his eyes again and looked at his wife. The woman's face was as white as snow and her green eyes showed off the shock in her heart. The couple knew it was the end for the courageous man and neither knew what to think or say.
Feeling his life slipping away the angel said his final words to his love in a weak voice, "I'm sorry…. I love you, Sukai…."
With that the man fell to his side rising a bit of dust. His bangs of mahogany fell over open eyes shadowed by death. Rich blood of the Atlantians slipped from his mouth and fell to the earth marking another casualty of the day. The ground soaked up the liquid and the brown dirt turned to an ugly red of death.
Sukai felt like her heart had died along with her husband. Tears of sparkling emerald fell from her green eyes as she let grief take a hold of her soul. The royal's body went limp and she no longer struggled underneath the foot of her attacker. She didn't care anymore about her life…. for her life was her love…. and he had died….
Smirking the demon removed his boot from the royal's back and Sukai made no move to escape his presence. With victory in his grasp the demon reached down with an ebony claw to clutch the woman's green shirt and pulled the angel to her feet. Still in shock from her husband's death the woman had no will to hold herself up in a standing position so her capture was forced to support her with both hands. Turning her around to face him the demon grinned to show off his fangs.
Sukai felt weak and nauseated, but she was able to focus on the world around her. Slowly the image of captor came into her view as the angel lifted her emerald eyes to the murder. Immeasurable rage lashed out through the woman's soul suddenly as she realized the person holding her was her love's killer. Gritting her teeth together the woman hissed, "Who are you?!"
Though she was in no position to ask question the being decided he would identify himself to the former ruler. With a raven claw the killer pulled back his hood swiftly revealing the rest of his face. Sukai had never met the man personally, but from pictures drawn by her mother and visions she had received in the past the royal Draconian knew who held her and felt the life within her drain. With a voice soaked in shock the lady whispered, "Dornkirk…."
The Zaibach emperor laughed heartily at the surprised look drawn on his victim's face, "You are surprised, Sukai…. Didn't I vow to one day have my revenge?…. Yet you are shocked to see me…."
With a voice barely audible the woman replied, "You're supposed to be dead…."
Chuckling darkly the man brought his face of twisted black scales and tan skin to the lady's and growled, "Yes,… but after nearly three years of Hell one grows tired of the tortures there…. I learned to adapt to my surroundings and soon I discovered I could do something I myself did not deem possible…."
Shaky with fear Hitomi's mother asked with a timid voice, "What was that?…."
Eyes of shadows mixed with brown the man growled, "I can drain beings' energy…. Their powers…. I can even cause immortals to become as weak and powerless as a mortal…."
Emerald eyes grew wide with realization, "You turned Akuma mortal?!"
Hissing in remembering rage the demon man replied "No…. The transfer was not complete. He escaped my grasp just before I had finished and thus he continued to grasp his immortality, but I do hold his powers and you might say that I am now immortal myself…. Or at least partially…."
"Partially?…." the royal asked confused. Sukai desperately tried to keep him busy as long as possible trying to let the villagers and her friends escape though deep down she knew the other demons would never allow it, "How can you be part immortal?…."
Annoyed by lack of knowledge that the royal woman had he snarled, "I have the strength of a god, but I can still be killed…. Once I have gained enough power I will have even immortality…. All I have to do is find your daughter…. By the time I reach Fanelia I now she will be gone…. She will try to round up the 'Guardians of Gaea' and my patience is thin so I will go after her…. I will not wait for her at her castle, but go and find each guardian and destroy all I find there…. Perhaps I will even drain the guardians of their powers, but they don't have nearly as much power as your daughter possesses…."
Sukai felt her blood freeze with what he was suggesting. He was going to go after her entire family! Her people would die along with her daughter and son! Her grandchild yet to be born would never even see the sunlight! No! She could not allow this to happen! She 'would not' allow this! Letting her wheels work in her mind at top speed to think up a plan the royal woman realized she needed more time so she asked the question, "Why do you want my daughter?"
Chocolate eyes sparked in rage at such an absurd question as the demon man growled, "If you are that dumb, Sukai, then I wonder how you ever survived in life! Your daughter is the royal heir of the Draconian throne and holds the last bit of power of our people. As you may recall only the royals of our race were allowed to keep their powers except for myself who held on to what little I could grasp. Though you have a son I have little interest in him. He is still young and his powers are not at there full peak thus he is useless. He will die along with his sister in the end after I am done with her. Other than that obvious fact your daughter holds the sacred pendant from ancient times. It is the source of the greatest power on all of Gaea! Your daughter is the only person who has been able to control it so effectively and thus she is the chandler of its powers. I need only drain her powers and through her I can link into the 'Power of Atlantis', other than that it won't be very difficult to take the awesome power of our people…."
The former queen was becoming desperate. Her mind was becoming numb as she realized she had no options to choose from. Her powers weren't strong enough to take on Dornkirk and surely Sian and Celena would be no help either. The fate of her race laid in the hands of her eighteen year old daughter. In Sukai's mind Hitomi had always been special. Since the time of her birth her daughter had shown signs of powers that no child could ever possess. It was because of that fact that kept reoccurring throughout Hitomi's life that made the royal angel realize her daughter was destined for greatness that she could never possess and never wished to possess. Sukai knew she could do nothing, but she knew Hitomi could…. She had to help Hitomi in some way….
The woman's thoughts were quieted as she realized her captor was smirking at her. Noticing her attention was back on him the dead being said in a hollow voice, "Not only does your daughter hold that great power, but I believe Joutei might have given her even more…."
Sukai had to ask, "How do you know this?"
Looking intently into the royal's eyes the man whispered, "Because when I sealed Joutei away he didn't even fight me…. I was going to take his powers…. Drain him of his essence also, but he leapt into the place I sealed the realm of Heaven and Hell in before I had a chance…. as though he didn't even need to fight me…. I can only assume he has told your daughter of my arrival and has placed his hope in her…. Why her I do not know or care, but I am sure he gave his powers to assist her. How much again I do not know, but it is power none the less and thus I must possess it. Besides myself your daughter is the probably most powerful being in the universe and thus she is my target."
Sukai smirked as a thought crossed her mind. With a firm voice the woman asked, "If she is so powerful can you be certain you can defeat her?"
The look the angel got was something she did not expect. Dornkirk's face showed no sign of fear, but only features of assurance. With a dark voice dripping in power the dark Zaibach emperor proclaimed, "Of course…. She might have power, but she could barely control the 'Power of Atlantis' a year ago…. or so I have been told…. If Joutei has given her powers of his own I wonder how she can possible survive with that raging through her body…. She could die from the stress alone…. I am an experience being who has mastered powers for nearly three years in the underworld…. Akuma's powers were easily controlled and thus I have the greater advantage…. Plus with your power combined with mine I grow stronger…. and the gape between the difference in power, which I doubt there is one between me and your daughter, grows smaller…. if there is one…. In the end I will be the victor and will rule Gaea along with the universe as my dwellings for eternity…."
Once he had expressed what Sukai had been dreading the angel woman urgently tried to wrench herself from his iron grasp, but to no avail. Fear sparkled in her emerald pools as the woman saw Dornkirk about to commence with his plans. Desperate to escape Sukai unfurled her wings stretching them to their full length and beat as furiously as she could with them trying to pull away from his clutches. Dust rose from the wind created from her glowing wings, but she could not remove herself from his steel hold. The Zaibach man growled in annoyance at her struggle and swiftly placed both of his hands (one claw) on her cheeks.
At the moment his palms made contact with her pale cheeks Sukai froze and she felt the sudden pull on her life. Suddenly a red aura began to glow around them and the transfer began. The red light highlighted their features as Dornkirk grinned in victory revealing his fangs. As the first wave of power began to merge with his own the man whispered, "The only thing different from taking your powers from taking Akuma's is that when I finish with the transfer…. you'll die…."
~Cliffhanger! Cliffhanger! Please don't flame me! I know you people are going to go "WHY DID YOU STOP?!?!?!" but like I said before I love doing cliffhangers! It makes the story all the more interesting and suspenseful so you better get use to it. Please review! I really need more reviews!~
~WHOA!!! This chapter was 17 pages long!!!! I didn't mean to make it that long. In fact is was going to be longer, but I decided I wanted to stop it here first. I hope you like the extra long chapter. All my chapters are going to be pretty long since a lot of stuff is going to happen. Hope you enjoyed this chapter and will enjoy future chapters! Please review!~
~Next chapter should be done by Friday or Saturday. Could be faster if I get a lot of reviews!!!! *hint! hint!*~
~I hope your interest in my story has peaked and you're dying to read more so you will continually read this. I hope you are enjoying my story so far. Here's another chapter for you to read and I hope you enjoy it as much as the first few chapters. Let me remind readers if you have not read 'The Fate of Two Worlds' (the part before this sequel) than I suggest you do for they have a lot in here that involves what happen in the first part of my ongoing story~
~Thank you for all those who have reviewed so far. I greatly appreciate your encouragement and continue to ask for your opinions. I like to understand how my readers' minds work so I can give them some good stories so…. REVIEW ALREADY!!!!~
The Fate of Two Worlds: The Sequel
By Angel_Wings
Chapter 4 ~ No Chance
~~~Lands East of Fanelia~~~
The green sphere landed next to the three comrades and they watched with great curiosity it's landing. As soon as the star was, but three feet away from the ground the emerald aura faded away and revealed the Warrior of the Forest, Sian. The angel's face was grim in a deep scowl and it was obvious something important was happening. The three friends were full of questions and yet held no voice on which speak with. Sukai finally was first to speak, "Sian, what is going on?"
Snapping her head around at the royal the guardian faced her friends. Her chestnut bangs fell over her silver eyes and she felt the wind pick up slightly. They needed to move quickly, but there were at least three villages in Sian's lands. Getting all of the people out in a short period of time would not be easy. Clenching her jaws together the warrior threw her face into the wind making her bangs part from her face. Her braid danced in the currents of air enjoying the flow. The warrior stared at her people who surrounded the four of them. Their faces were expressed in curiosity and questions, which, at the moment the guardian, could not answer.
Quickly the brunette war woman stepped through her friends and stood on a nearby crate to better see the crowd. Now with this new angle the warrior could see every face and could see every fear etched in their young and old eyes. It was sad to know that these people would see another war after such pleasurable time of peace. With a heavy heart the angel began, "We have little time. Each of you must gathered only what you carry. At most you can bring a animal to share the burden, but be warned. Soon beings will appear to destroy this village and all who remains. It is best you take as little as possible and only what's necessary. We are to head to Fanelia as quickly as possible."
Sukai glanced at Celena and her husband with cold fear gripping her heart. Who was coming to destroy them?…. What was happening?…. What Sian know that did not?…. An old woman with gray streaks of hair in pearly white brought these questions to an abrupt halt as spoke from a mist the crowd, "Why do we head to Fanelia, Lady Sian? Why not hide in the forest?"
The wind teased at the warrior's green clothes as she spoke, "I was told by Joutei, himself, to go to Queen Hitomi Kazanki Fanel of the Draconians to seek aid. She rules Fanelia presently along with King Van de Fanel."
Voices of fear and wonder mingled in the wind and automatically Sian realized the people welcomed the idea. Whatever Joutei or Sian commanded was never argued; it was followed. Nodding to the group she protected over hundreds of years the warrior cried, "Hurry! Gather your belongings and meet back here as quickly as possible!"
Soon dust was being kicked up as people raced to their homes with their children's hands in theirs. The bucket of the village's well was lifted and dropped several times as people desperately tried to take water for the trip. Bundles were already being placed on people's backs as the villagers hurried to gather their things.
Sian turned away from the scene and jumped off the crate to stand before her friends. Celena didn't need to gather her things for what little she had was with the two royal angels' belongings. Rei and Sukai weren't ready to fetch their items though for the sudden evacuation of the village aroused questions lodged in their minds. The retired king faced the guardian, "Whose coming to destroy the village, Sian?"
Glancing at the trio the warrior shook her head, "I do not know, but I do know that they will be attacking the five areas where the Draconians live outside of Fanelia's border."
The blonde maiden frowned at this and asked, "Five? I thought there were seven guardians?"
The war angel began to walk through the bustle of people. Sian was making her way to a messenger to send word to the other two villages about the abandonment of their homes. The couple and Freid soldier were close on her heels as they listened to the answer the woman spoke, "There are seven guardians, but only five of those are to protect the scattered lands where the Draconians live. The other two were meant for other duties of which of have no idea could be. Though we are the seven chosen by Joutei and the royals of the Draconians the last two guardians were never truly introduced the first five."
Celena's hair whipped in her face as she did her best to keep up with her fellow warrior. The piece of melon that was her morning breakfast was quickly discarded as the group made it to the messenger. After a small message was given to a young lad and he rode of on a stallion to deliver it Sukai asked an important question, "How are we to travel to Fanelia, Sian?"
The warrior of long mahogany strains turned to the lady with her eyes of silver swimming in thoughts of the coming danger, "We will fly there. To walk would be too slow and to use the animals would mean we would have to care for them along the way making the trip longer. We can cross more land by soaring through the clouds' cover or staying close to the surface of globe. It's our best chance…."
Nodding the royal looked up at the blue sky thinking of her people, "What will the other guardians do?"
The wind changed directions and the ancient warrior could feel a difference in the air. Her warrior instincts began to scream as she felt a swell of power approaching. Slowly the maiden turned her face in the opposite direction causing her back to turn towards her warrior comrades. Sukai's question was lost in the growing wind along with the surroundings of the village. The guardian bound to the lands surrounding the enchanted forest could hear her heart pounding in her ears. Silky chestnut locks floated in the breeze as the soldier in her grew cautious.
Celena frowned in the same direction also feeling the sudden adjustment in the air. Her eyes scanned the horizon looking warily for an unseen enemy. Sukai took hold of her husband's hand as she felt the kinetic energy flowing through the air. Enormous power was approaching fast and whoever it was the royal was sure they weren't just coming for a quiet visit. The dark ones were coming…. and they were coming to Sian's villages…. amongst all the lands protected by the guardians first….
~~~Fanelia~~~
Soldiers, civilians, and healers rushed to the destroyed glass house fearful for the people who had been occupying its dwellings during the sudden explosion. No one was sure how it happened, but that matter was to be pushed aside for lives were at stake. The glass house was on the castle's royal grounds so surely all had heard the sudden disaster. Just as one would have expected a group of soldiers, along with the Council of Advisors and young angel king, appeared from its back doors and raced to the scene. Van was at the head of the group fearful for the victims. Sadly he was not aware that he's wife was among them.
The angel man's ebony locks danced before his eyes as the remains of the building loomed before him. Most of the structure had caved in and left little standing. It's four corners were the only peaks that pierced the blue sky. It was a mess of bodies, bushes, and glass fragments which no one was sure where to begin working through. Healers desperately made it to the first couple of bodies that were free of debris and began their work as soldiers carefully removed the nearest rubble away to find other victims.
Once Van had appeared he was out of breath so taking a moment to rest the king looked over the scene. It appeared only servants had been within the confine when it had exploded, but how many?…. A life was a life no matter the station…. That was what Hitomi had taught the young king…. And since he had known her he had warmed his heart to the lower class…. Perhaps he had always cared for the commoners (in his own way), but now he more freely opened his feelings to the public….
Finally catching his second wind the royal also known as the White Dragon stepped past the crowd to lend a hand in the search. Just as he made it to the edge of people though a firm palm took hold of his shoulder. Looking back the king noticed his advisors staring intently at him. The lead man, Beowulf, was the one who held back their royalty and said, "My lord, let the soldiers tend to the work. A man of your stature--"
Once the last phrase was said the king felt a buildup of rage fill him. Angrily he shook off the hand and pushed through the remaining people to help along side the soldiers. Van had often had the same discussion with his advisors about helping out in work around Fanelia. Though his advisors always brought the matter up Van refused to seat back and watch others labor around him He had helped rebuild Fanelia after the 'Great War' and he wasn't about to stop helping now….
As soon as the king began to pull away rubble people, one by one, also began to help. They loved their king dearly and seeing him willing to step down from his position, time after time, to work along side them, the commoners, it brought warmness to their hearts and loyalty….
Van ordered a guard to round up any other healers he could find and directed several groups to the other end of the rubble to look in a different section for victims. If they all worked in just one area it would be too cluttered and other victims would suffer. They had to get them all out now! One could suffocate underneath all this debris.
The young king rolled his snowy sleeves up so he could do the task easier. Already the sun's rays began to beat on his back drawing sweat on his brow as he dragged away a large slab of glass from the huge pile. Dust fell up as the glass landed in the dirt and the royal cough for a moment at the cloud before turning back to pile. A sudden thought of his spouse flashed in his mind. She probably was helping in the search, but he wondered where….
Shrugging the thought off the king tried to remember that was unimportant. He could think about Hitomi later when lives weren't on the balance. Grunting the angel tossed a large trunk to the side as his thoughts dwelt on the destruction. What had caused this to happen?…. It didn't appear as if the building had collapse from a structure flaw. Besides this glass house had been the one of first to be built in the beginning. If it had been a structure flaw it would have collapse months ago not nearly a year after breaking soil. So what happened?…. No guymelef was around and no ship was in the air so the building wasn't destroyed by accident or by an enemy?…. The mystery of it all perplexed Van making him nearly miss a bronze hand sticking out of the rubble….
Automatically the king knew it was one of the cat folk that lived in the city. Many crossbreeds, as many Gaeans, call them lived in Fanelia so he took the idea with no mind. It was only when he lifted a piece of metal off the cat-girl did his blood quicken. Van swiftly threw the slab away from the victim as he exclaimed, "Merle!"
With rapid motion the royal began to remove the remains of the covering debris from his foster-sister. Merle seemed all right except for a scraps and bruises. The worst of her injuries was a shallow cut that stretched over her left forearm. Under the dirt and fairly tattered pale pink dress the cat was fine. Van placed his hands on her shoulders and shook them slightly as he called out, "Merle? Merle, wake up!"
Groaning loudly the cat-girl awoke to the hot sun and slowly opened her eyes. Chocolate eye drops stared up at her brother with a smile as she spoke with a parched voice, "Lord Van~sama…."
Taking a deep breath of relief the king felt his heart ease a little, "Are you alright?"
With stiff movements the cat rose into a slight sitting position putting her weight backwards on her paws. Wincing her eyes shut the cat clenched her teeth together, "I believe so…. I am just a little banged up a bit…. Nothing real serious that a good bath couldn't help with…. Besides I'm filthy!"
Chuckling warmly Van helped his dear friend rise from the debris before signaling a healer to make her way to the cat-advisor. Just as an old woman with silver hair arrive by the cat's side Merle's eyes flew towards the rubble with deep distress etching her face. The king cocked his head at his sister confused. The healer went to take the cat-girl's arm to lead her away from the scene so they wouldn't be in the way of the workers, but Merle shook the woman off and hurried over to the pile. The old woman glanced at the cat before looking at her king for help, but he was preoccupied with what his foster-sister was doing. Merle dug through the rubble urgently as though something extremely precious lie beneath its mass. Seeing she was all right the old woman walked away to other victims who were in more need of her attention. Van made his way to the young feline and asked, "What's the matter, Merle?"
The cat's bronze face streamed with tears as the salty liquid mixed with dust and dirt. Desperately the cat cried, "Yukari is under here with--"
The words froze in Merle's throat as she realized what she was saying. Van would have a heart attack if he discovered his wife lie beneath the destruction. However, the damage had been done for the king's fire eyes widen at the few words that had escaped from his sister's mouth. He knew if Yukari was here then that meant…. Taking hold of the cat's shoulders firmly the royal asked frantically, "Merle, where is Hitomi?!"
Crying softly the cat wished more than anything that she was not the one to bear the message to him. The fear that swam in his rubies was unbearable. How can one say 'Your wife is down beneath the rubble probably dying'. Choking on the words slightly the cat was able to force out, "I was here with Yukari when the explosion happen and Hitomi…. Hitomi was just a few feet away from us…."
Van felt his heart snap at this and his eyes tore away from the shaking form of his closest friend to the large mass of twisted metal, bushes, and glass in distress. His heart began to pound heavily in his ears, as he comprehended what his advisor was saying. His beloved was under the rubble…. probably dying….
Without another word the king lunged at the debris digging through it like a deranged man trying to find a hidden treasure. In a matter of seconds Merle was beside him working through the area that the cat-girl had previously been found in.
Seconds felt like years and minutes were like centuries. Van felt as if he wasn't going fast enough as he dug through the rubble. Each moment was a constant reminder that his love laid beneath it dying. He gasped for air finding none in his aching lungs. Where was she?…. He couldn't find her…. He vowed never to let her go and yet she was dying…. alone…. Tears sparked in his royal eyes and he tried his best to hold them back…. He tried to think of anything else except the present…. Resshi…. Where was Resshi?…. In all sense Resshi was never to leave Hitomi's side seeing that he was her personal bodyguard, but if Van's memory served him well, the young king remembered his love had never enjoyed being followed by the soldier. She had often ordered the soldier to leave her side to seek other matters. The moment of the destruction was probably one of these times she ordered him to leave…. Especially since she was spending time with Merle and Yukari. Hitomi valued her personal time with her friends greatly and often tried to escape the overbearing nobles and soldiers around her by escaping with the two girls to other places…. just like the glass house…. Though strange in Gaea's terms it made perfect sense to Van for he also suffered from never having privacy….
Suddenly a moan came from under the rubble before them and the two family members doubled their efforts to finish ridding the person of debris. Van longed for his beloved and thinking it was she, the king called out, "Hitomi?!"
Soon the matter of metal and glass mixed with vegetation stirred and fell away as the young red head woman pulled her upper body from the pile. Dirt was smeared all over her face and firelocks were matted to her brow. A fairly deep cut ran across one shoulder dripping in red blood. Besides being battered and scratched up the maiden was fine. Her unborn child was later discovered to be unaffected by the ordeal.
Van couldn't help, but be sadden at not finding his wife. Yukari automatically noticed this. Trying her best to be optimistic the lady replied with a hint of humor, "Thanks for caring, Van."
This startled the royal and he quickly went to apologize, but was stopped by the red head as she pulled herself out the rest of the way and towered over their kneeling forms. Trying to contain the fear drilling in her soul the angel said, "Come on. Hitomi shouldn't be far. She was right next to Merle and me."
It didn't take long for word to spread that the queen laid beneath the collapsed building. Most of the victims had been saved with a scant few turning up missing. One of those beings was Hitomi…. The crowd threw themselves at finding their queen. They loved her greatly and to lose her was just…. unthinkable…. It wasn't because she held the unborn heir of the throne or the fact she held special powers…. It was far beyond that…. It was a relationship held between the people and their queen…. She had won their support and love by her actions of kindness and sacrifice…. It was because of that fact that they were so devoted to her…. In that sense nothing else mattered….
The trio of friends was growing frantic. Time was something they did not have abundance of. With each passing moment Hitomi might be losing more air. She was likely to pass out any moment if she wasn't unconscious already. Van felt her heart screaming for his beloved's company. He didn't care if he had to look through the whole pile of ruins he was determined to find her. He just hoped it wouldn't come down to that….
With a joyous cry Merle exclaimed, "I found her!!!!"
Dropping the slab of metal in his hands the king rushed over the area with the young red head woman on his heels. Once they were by the cat-girl's side they spotted Hitomi still half covered by the remains waist down. The queen's eyes were closed and blood dribbled from a small head wound hidden in her mound of brunette hair. Her clothes were tattered to say the least and it obvious she held many bruises. A pearly feather laid close by, but this was overlooked. It was irrelevant anyway…. At the moment the royal woman's wings were tucked snuggly in her back…. The only thing that appeared serious was that the seeress was unconscious….
Van gently pushed Merle aside to remove his wife from the mound of destruction. Carefully with the help of the cat and the woman of red hair the three were able to release their queen. Tenderly the king lifted his wife into his muscular arms holding her close to his chest. Softly the beautiful woman groaned, but did not wake. As people started to surround the royal couple the angel king could only stare down at his wife. Dimly he heard someone call for a healer, but his thoughts dwelt on his beloved. With one arm beneath her shoulder and the other beneath her knees his hands were unable to stroke away the brunette bangs that fell over her closed eyes. Unknowingly a single crystal droplet slipped from one his fire eyes as Van whispered lovingly, "Hitomi…."
~~~Lands East of Fanelia~~~
Sian and Celena stood shoulder to shoulder in the center of the village. Their eyes watched the sky with a growing dread filling their heart. They could feel the battle approaching. Warriors always appeared to have this sense of war. No one could say how, but the finest warriors and soldiers could tell you when a war was brewing. In fact the warriors themselves had no idea how they knew this, but they trusted their instincts and from past history it appeared they were never wrong….
The guardian clenched her bow tightly in her pale fist as she locked her jaw. Forest green and pale lavender clothing fluttered in the breeze in growing suspense. Blonde hair floated in the wind from the ponytail of the knight's sister. Pale fingers grasped the gold and silver hilt of her blade readying herself. They were coming….
Sukai stepped forward next to the two warriors causing the two other women to frown at this. Keeping their eyes ahead Sian replied, "Lady Sukai, you must hurry and leave before they arrive."
Shaking her head slightly the former queen answered, "No, you're going to need me…."
Those words caused the forest warrior to turn to the noble with a scowl, "Milady, I know you could help us, but your safety is more important than ours. Take your husband and gather the villagers. After that head to Fanelia as fast as the wind may carry you."
Lifting her chin a little to show off authority the woman responded, "No, Sian. You can feel it, as can I. Those beings approaching are extremely powerful. You'll need every bit of help you can get including mine…."
The two brunette ladies stared hard at each other both considering their options, which were few. Both could feel the enormity of the power swelling from the ones approaching and the guardian knew the noble was right though she hesitated to admit it. Celena could help in the fray, but would be completely outmatched for she held no powers to assist them. Rei would be no help at all. He had just begun his training as a warrior and was still a beginner at the staff. Holding no royal blood, no powers flowed through his veins. He was in the same position as one of the villagers here. Sighing heavily the forest war woman closed her silver eyes.
"Alright" she said in defeat as she turned to the blonde soldier and nobleman, "Celena and Rei round up the villagers and get out of here immediately."
The Freid soldier didn't like this idea at all and frowned at her comrade, "What? Sian, I can help you. I'm a seasoned warrior--"
With time growing short Sukai interrupted, "We know you are a fine soldier, Lady Celena, but the beings that approach are different…. They hold powers, which you will be unable to fight against. It is best we stayed behind and held them here until you reached Fanelia."
The nobleman looked at his wife in concern and quickly entered the discussion, "But Sukai, what will happen to both of you?"
Sian and the royal lady glanced at each other uncertainly. Neither knew how this battle would go. For all they know they could easily beat their opponents in a few minutes or could die in an instant…. probably the latter…. Sorrowfully the royal angel replied, "Will try to hold up as best as we can. If we have a chance after the villagers have escaped will follow suit and meet you at--"
"I'm sorry to interrupt" a hollow voice of hatred disrupted the conversation making the royal's sentence be cut off. The foursome started and turned their eyes above them where the speaker was. Above them was a man concealed beneath a dark robe of blackness with a hood. Gargoyle-like wings beat lightly in the air with ease as he smirked down at his victims. Black boots were the only thing visible beneath his attire making him seem all the more threatening. Behind him stood seven other beings dressed in the same attire with leathery wings also keeping them afloat in mid-air. The leader's eyes were shadowed, but from his nose down you could see his face. Black scales gleamed menacingly in the sunlight disturbing the four protectors below. What being had scales and pale skin on their hide?….
Before one could think up an answer the being growled, "Where ever you plan on escaping to let me just say you'll never reach your destination…."
~~~Fanelia~~~
The gentle moonlight peeked through the window's snowy curtains and washed over the frail form of the seeress. Creamy bandages were wrapped tightly around the lady's head and held a red spot where the blood had seeped into the material. Hitomi's face was placid and still showing little sign of damage as it kept her beauty. She had been changed into one of her pale rose nightgowns that held no sleeves, but thin straps that ran over her shoulders. The cream comforter was pulled over her to rest just below her chest and over her swollen belly. Other than her head wound the 'Angel' had been fine, even her unborn child seemed unaffected by the event. It seemed a little strange to say the least for the babe to be unfazed by the ordeal since it had been such a terrible accident. They could only guess that the baby was a fighter…. just like its parents….
Van laid next to his wife on their large king-sized bed. He had slipped into his cream night pants and had stayed by his beloved's side since she had been brought to the castle. After she had been taken cared for the king brought her back to their room to rest hoping all she needed was sleep. Sadly that what he needed too, but he could not bring himself to slumber. His heart was aching for his angel. Seeing her injured like this made his protectiveness for her only strengthen. Looking at her pale face the man had to chuckle. Hitomi always got aggravated with him when he got too protective of her. He remembered one time they had an argument about her going on a horseback ride into the forest by herself and she had told him a small parable.
Her sweet voice echoed in his mind tenderly in the memory, "You must hold a dove tightly, but not too tight or you will crush it. You must hold a dove loosely, but not too loosely or it will escape. Van, don't worry about me so much. I'm glad you do, but too much and you'll suffocate me…."
Smiling warmly the royal angel brushed away a few brunette locks from his love's face to better look upon her. She was so wise though she too was learning each day. They worked so perfectly together. Where he lacked in something she would be strong in it. Where she lacked in something he would be strong in it. They were partners in life and together they were a strong unit. Everyday was amazing together and they often indulged in the other's company though duties often stole their extra time away….
Tenderly Van stroked his wife's arms beneath the cover to comfort him during his distress for her. They said she would be alright, but to he couldn't help it. He was fearful for her well-being. Silently the king moved closer to his beloved holding her tightly to him as she slept. His hands ran down her arms and halted at her stomach. The bulge of flesh was still beneath her gown and his tan palm. Closing his eyes he wondered about their child. If they had lost the babe then he would never have forgiven himself, even now he having trouble doing so. Van buried his face in the 'Angel's hair breathing in the deep scent of flowers and orchards.
Slowly the king's thoughts began to drift away as sleep began to crept up on his body. Why did she love him so?…. Van could name plenty of men who had showed obvious interest in his spouse before they were wed yet she had chose him. Once the ceremony had finished no man dared to challenge the white dragon for the seeress…. Arms of warmth locked together around the slim body of the angel woman in a protective embrace as the king finally fell into the realm of dreams along with his mate…. Little did he know that Hitomi was nowhere near the dream realm in her mind,…. but in the realm of visions….
~~~Lands East of Fanelia~~~
Sian dove out of the way of a small blackish-purple comet that shot through the village. Landing hard in the dirt on her elbows the dust rose around the guardian filling her nostrils. Coughing loudly the warrior rushed to rise and nearly was met with another small comet. The blast was in such close proximity to the forest warrior that it sent her and several villagers flying through the air. With no time to react the victims crashed to the earth sending up more dust. Wincing in pain the brunette maiden lifted herself to her hands and knees. As she did so she glanced at the village's predicament in that matter of a few seconds….
It had been hours since the first wave of attacks and now the sky had turned to a deep black with the moon hanging overhead. Fires had begun to jump from huose to house torching the village in a rage. The dwellers of the town were crying out and screaming…. some in pain…. others in fear…. Cattle had somehow escaped from the fields' fences and now stampeded through the alleys crushing some of the villagers who could not flee from their path. Dust littered the air and clouded the sight of the town's occupants. The eight dark beings flew through the air in a hiss of blackness. They were picking off the villagers one by one. The leader of the group, who had yet to be identify, just hovered above the civilization while his minions did the dirty work as though it was nothing extreme. Children were pulled from their mother's arms and killed on site while fathers were slay before their families. Celena did her best to aid the Draconians, but with no wings to help her into the air or powers to protect them so she was no better off then the villagers.
Desperately the blonde soldier battled with her sword, but their opponents also had weapons of their owns. Each demon, one might call them, held their own swords created from the black essence of powers. With, but a thought the weapon would appear in their palms like raven fire swirling in the design of a double-edged blade before snuffing out to reveal a metal sword with a black and silver hilt. Even without the swords of burning darkness the four fighters were outmatched greatly for the hooded beings held powers of unknown strength. Mostly all they did was toss blackish-purple comets at the four warriors, but that was enough to show their superiority.
Sian raced behind one of the houses and lend against its side to catch her breath. These enemies were quick and powerful. They showed no mercy and though they attacked individually they had a great advantage over the village. The forest war woman carefully looked around the edge of the building and checked the battle….
Celena was doing her best to get the villagers out of the town, but the demons just picked off the stragglers as if they had all the time in the world. Three of the other demons had flew off towards the two neighboring towns to destroy them while this central area was taken down. More than anything Sian wanted to help the other two villages, but no matter how she tried she could not find a way out of the city. The demons, while attacking, continually circled the area daring people to try to escape attacking all those who did. The guardian looked towards the opposite direction of the Freid soldier and saw the royal couple doing what they could. Sukai was shooting off white comets in all directions trying her best to stop the dark ones from hitting the villagers. The royal angel's husband stood nearby her urging the people along while trying to stick close to his spouse.
The green clothed warrior looked towards the sky where the demon leader stood. He remained still and quiet, not flinching an inch. At the beginning he had fired a massive blast at the four protectors scattering them and the villagers. Then he had deployed his seven followers. Now he hovered over the battle watching with an evil smirk across his face enjoying every moment of his superiority. Sian's jaw locked together in a furious rage. He's cold heart angered the guardian and all she wanted was to wipe that smirk of his blasted face! Unfortunately during the first attack the guardian had lost her bow and now had no weapon to aid her. Without it she was crippled and could do little to help….
Suddenly a demon appeared before the brunette warrior hovering just a few feet away from her. The dark being was slim and her skin was pale though covered in ghastly ebony scales. Smirking beneath the hood the dark creature lifted a pitch-black claw to Sian's face. Urgently the guardian dodged the on coming comet narrowly escaping its searing blast. The impact on the building sent the structure in the heap of wood fragments that began to blaze in golden tongues. With a roar of power the war angel was thrown through the air once again to land in the center street. Slamming down hard on her stomach Sian got the wind knocked out of her and she curled up in a fetal position as she squeezed her silver eyes shut. Coughing uncontrollable the warrior tried to endure the spikes of pain running through her scraped up body.
The poor guardian was already full of bruises and scrapes blotted with red patches of blood. Her bangs were matted to her brow and the dirt clung to her flush skin. Rips ran through her green and gold attire marking the present battle. It was not looking well for the guardian and the villagers….
Sian dug her fingers into the parched dirt and forced herself to her knees. Taking in a sharp breath of air another wave of pain hit her body hard nearly making her fall over from the ordeal. Suddenly a loud 'thud' was heard before the angel and with hard eyes of silver the woman opened her orbs to glare at her adversary. The same demon stood before her and the guardian could barely see it, but she saw a pair of feminine lips smirking down at her. Growling in rage the war angel rose sharply and brought a hard upper cut to hit the hooded female in the chin. The being's head fell back at the blow causing her to stumble a few feet backwards. Without giving her enemy a moment to regroup Sian brought a mud boot into the lady's midsection. The guardian smiled when she heard the impact crunch beneath her foot and saw the enemy go flying through the air.
Sian smirked at her opponent who now laid in the dirt. With silver jewels sparking with the thrill of battle the guardian felt her blood quicken. Her adrenaline was starting to rush in her veins causing the warrior to become nearly giddy at the effect of the battle. Glaring down at her fallen adversary the angel felt her pride soar…. only to crash back down when she heard a hollow laugh come from the injured demon….
Gaping in shock Sian watched as the enemy rose steadily from the dusty earth laughing all the while. Baring her fangs in an evil grin the demon growled. Her hood had fallen out of place by a fraction and the guardian of the forest was able to catch sight of a black scaled cheek with a green eye staring at her. Strains of hair too dirty from dust to tell what color they were fell over the one visible eye. Sian felt the blood in face drain away and she was sure her face was paler than ever. How was it possible?…. She had heard the ribs crack inside her opponent and yet she seemed unfazed?!….
Shaking her head from the shock and bringing back some color to her face the guardian charged the demon again. With the annoying smirk on her face the demon waited for her opponent to grow closer to her. Shouting a warrior cry Sian leapt into the air to send a kick straight into the enemy's face. Sadly before the woman could land her attack the demon lifted her ebony claw again and shot a comet straight at the war angel. With a painful cry the guardian was thrown backwards through the air to land roughly on her back. Sliding through the dirt for several moments Sian watched the sky reel above her.
Once she had come to a halt the angel woman tried to rise to her feet. Just when she had gotten to one knee she saw a dark blur rush her. Suddenly she felt something hard make contact with her chin and again she was sent through the air to fall once more into the dirt. Laying on her stomach the warrior's bangs fell over her eyes of silver while her face was parallel with the ground. Without warning the toe of a boot struck her side and the lady cried in pain. Shakily the angel lifted her head to see the dark smirk of her superior.
Perhaps if she had been a villager should would have given up, but Sian was a warrior and chosen guardian of her people. Quitting just wasn't part of her vocabulary. With a grunt the guardian lifted herself onto one palm and foot while she lifted her other hand in the air to keep balance and sent a sidekick flying against her opponent's heels. Unprepared for the attack the demon woman was knocked off her feet. Howling in anger the hooded being landed on her side and quickly pushed herself up with a pale hand. Before she had a chance to face the guardian though Sian kicked her with all her strength right in the jaw sending her soaring once more.
As the guardian saw the demon crash into the parched earth the angel felt herself get a little stronger from the small victory. Growling the dark clothed being rose from the ground with her leathery wings stretching from the rough landing. Smirking Sian got into a fighting stance and shouted, "If you want this village you'll have to kill me first!"
~~~Vision~~~
Hitomi struggled to watch the horrible scene laid out before her mind knowing it was probably important for her to view. She soared over a village torn apart and burning in golden flames without the use of her wings as though she was a spirit floating with the wind. Smoke had begun to scorch the sky. Dark clouds began to roll in from nowhere showing a thunder storm was approaching. Cattle raced through the town crushing the innocent. The seeress was vaguely aware that there were five particular beings of darkness causing the battle, for at the moment the 'Angel' was focused on the four familiar people she knew quite well.
Through the mass of bodies rushing about the burning infernos of buildings stood the blonde warrior doing her best to hold back what look to be a gargoyle in a hood. With her sword as her only aid the soldier battled the beast, but was outmatched. The dark being merely knocked her aside and then proceeded to take down the Draconians with dark orbs of light that hissed with power. Elsewhere Sian was doing quite well against one of the dark creatures in particular. The seeress slightly frowned when she noticed the guardian did not hold her bow. It worried Hitomi to see the protector of the village to be without her personal weapon. Glancing at different parts of the town the 'Angel' spotted the silver and gold bow sticking out of the earth. Turning back to the war angel below Hitomi knew the bow was a good distance away from its owner. Even if the guardian knew where her weapon was there was little chance she would get an opportunity to retrieve it….
Suddenly the seeress's focus changed and now she was looking down at her parents. Her father held a crude staff in his hands as he batted away a feisty demon in the air. The poor man had been forced to break a broom handle to serve as his weapon since he did not have his own personal staff. The man desperately tried to hold back the attacker from his wife and the villagers, but he barely making a difference. The demon was merely toying with him as it flew back and forth before him. Hitomi could see the rage in her father's eyes as she realized the dark creature was speaking to him, probably laughing at him.
About then the seeress noticed her mother. The woman's hair was flying wildly in the rushing wind as she threw countless pearly orbs at another demon. Sukai was doing pretty well at stopping her opponent's attacks from hurting others. With each black orb that was tossed through the air a white one would hit it erupting both in a small blast centered just above the Draconians' heads. Sadly though with every counterattack the royal woman sent it stole a piece of strength from her body while it seemed her opponent had yet to break a sweat. Sukai clenched her teeth together as she lifted both palms and shot a double attack. One hit a dark orb while the other went for the attacking demon. With a roar the pearly glow struck the dark opponent hard in the chest causing the being to plunge towards the ground. Angrily the demon rose in a fit of dust its wings stretching to show of its size. It wasn't out of the battle yet….
The battle continued to rage below as Hitomi view of the scene switched. Her emerald eyes came to focus on the leader of the dark band as he floated over the village with arms crossed. Beneath the shadows of his face there was a grin that sent shiver down the seeress's spine. The pitch-black robe fluttered in the breeze, but continued to conceal the being's identity. The 'Angel' could feel the evil power emitting from his form and it scared her. Each of the hidden creatures had the same power, but this gargoyle had triple the amount they had making him the obvious leader. Hitomi had never felt such darkness from one soul. Probably what scared her the most though was that the being felt familiar….
Without warning the leader of the darkness unlocked his arms and glared down below at someone in particular. Hitomi didn't have a chance to look at whom he was staring at for before she knew it the demon dove through the air to the scene below in a rage. Emerald eyes followed the being's descent until she directed her sight towards his destination. The young queen felt like screaming out as she realized the demon was heading straight for her mother…. and Sukai, along with Rei, was completely unaware of it….
~~~Lands East of Fanelia~~~
Sukai tossed her head forcing her dark locks from her eyes. Clenching her teeth together to dull the growing stress on her body the noble woman brought both her palms up to the sky at the demon. Hissing in pain through her teeth the royal angel released two glowing white auras. One of the pearly orbs collided with a black ball of destruction causing them to erupt into a blast that sparked like a firework. The other attack of whiteness shot the hovering demon square in the chest sending the beast to the ground at the force of the blow. Just as quickly as the creature had fallen it rose from the dust in a dark rage. The sunlight gleamed over half of the hooded figure's face revealing white fangs. Growling the beast stretched its wings to get ready to attack again.
The woman got into a crude fighting stance that she had remembered seeing warriors do and prepared herself. The poor royal was exhausted from the battle and felt her powers reaching their end. Sooner or later her body would give out from the stress of using her powers so profusely. Sukai's clothes were filthy with dust and dirt and were tattered in several places. Red scratches lined her pale skin from close attacks and a line of blood dripped from a shallow cut on her arm. She needed to rest or there would be no way she would see the battle through so the former ruler took that moment to catch her breath.
Sadly she had little time for that for suddenly she was shoved roughly to the ground from behind by some unknown force. Weakly the woman turned her head from her place on the ground and saw a dark figure looming behind her. Emerald eyes narrowed at the being as she felt the power emitting from it. She frowned at herself for being so foolish as to be completely preoccupied by her opponent that she never saw the attack coming. Growling the woman tried to rise to her feet, but was held down by a dark boot of ebony. The hooded figure smirked at the weak attempts his captive made as she tried to escape. With a deep voice of familiarity the holder of the royal angel said, "Sukai…. You are still weak after all these years…. I would have expected more from the mother of the 'Angel of Gaea'…."
Suddenly a staff swung through the air at the base of the demon's neck and for a moment one would have thought the four friends had won, but the thought was soon shattered as the wooden weapon broke into fragments once it met the demon's flesh. The splinters shot off in all directions while the dark figure remained motionless. The angel woman gaped at this in astonishment. How was that possible?…. Fear gripped her soul as she realized they held no power to stop this being….
Slowly the dark figured turned around, still with his foot holding down the angel woman, as he faced the startled brunette man who held what was left of the crude staff. Rei was in utter shock that his attempt to help his wife had failed. His mud brown eyes turned away from the broken weapon and refocused on the leader of the attackers. Gulping down the lump in his throat the nobleman stared hard at the demon not willing to show his fear. Smirking at the fire in the opposing man's soul the beast almost found himself having respect for the man. He was unwilling to give up when he was outmatched. Well, he almost had respect for him,…. but not quite….
In a fit of rage the demon man lifted a tan palm to unsuspecting angel's scarlet shirt. Before Rei had a chance to escape the attack the demon's hand glowed an evil black. With a roar the blast shot from the figure's hand right through the noble's chest. The angel man's mouth went dry as he felt the world swimming beneath him. His adversary's hand fell away from the man's body as Rei's arms wrapped over his chest. Desperately the man tried to breath air into his lungs, but tasted the foul liquid of blood swirling in his mouth. His vision grew fuzzy and images grew incomprehensible as the man's knees buckled. Blood oozed from his chest and slipped over his pale arms as Rei glanced down at his injury. His chocolate eyes grew wide in shock as he noticed a hole where his heart should have been. Unable to gaze upon the gruesome display the man shut his eyes closed and wrapped his arms tighter over the spot. After a moment of dizziness the noble opened his eyes again and looked at his wife. The woman's face was as white as snow and her green eyes showed off the shock in her heart. The couple knew it was the end for the courageous man and neither knew what to think or say.
Feeling his life slipping away the angel said his final words to his love in a weak voice, "I'm sorry…. I love you, Sukai…."
With that the man fell to his side rising a bit of dust. His bangs of mahogany fell over open eyes shadowed by death. Rich blood of the Atlantians slipped from his mouth and fell to the earth marking another casualty of the day. The ground soaked up the liquid and the brown dirt turned to an ugly red of death.
Sukai felt like her heart had died along with her husband. Tears of sparkling emerald fell from her green eyes as she let grief take a hold of her soul. The royal's body went limp and she no longer struggled underneath the foot of her attacker. She didn't care anymore about her life…. for her life was her love…. and he had died….
Smirking the demon removed his boot from the royal's back and Sukai made no move to escape his presence. With victory in his grasp the demon reached down with an ebony claw to clutch the woman's green shirt and pulled the angel to her feet. Still in shock from her husband's death the woman had no will to hold herself up in a standing position so her capture was forced to support her with both hands. Turning her around to face him the demon grinned to show off his fangs.
Sukai felt weak and nauseated, but she was able to focus on the world around her. Slowly the image of captor came into her view as the angel lifted her emerald eyes to the murder. Immeasurable rage lashed out through the woman's soul suddenly as she realized the person holding her was her love's killer. Gritting her teeth together the woman hissed, "Who are you?!"
Though she was in no position to ask question the being decided he would identify himself to the former ruler. With a raven claw the killer pulled back his hood swiftly revealing the rest of his face. Sukai had never met the man personally, but from pictures drawn by her mother and visions she had received in the past the royal Draconian knew who held her and felt the life within her drain. With a voice soaked in shock the lady whispered, "Dornkirk…."
The Zaibach emperor laughed heartily at the surprised look drawn on his victim's face, "You are surprised, Sukai…. Didn't I vow to one day have my revenge?…. Yet you are shocked to see me…."
With a voice barely audible the woman replied, "You're supposed to be dead…."
Chuckling darkly the man brought his face of twisted black scales and tan skin to the lady's and growled, "Yes,… but after nearly three years of Hell one grows tired of the tortures there…. I learned to adapt to my surroundings and soon I discovered I could do something I myself did not deem possible…."
Shaky with fear Hitomi's mother asked with a timid voice, "What was that?…."
Eyes of shadows mixed with brown the man growled, "I can drain beings' energy…. Their powers…. I can even cause immortals to become as weak and powerless as a mortal…."
Emerald eyes grew wide with realization, "You turned Akuma mortal?!"
Hissing in remembering rage the demon man replied "No…. The transfer was not complete. He escaped my grasp just before I had finished and thus he continued to grasp his immortality, but I do hold his powers and you might say that I am now immortal myself…. Or at least partially…."
"Partially?…." the royal asked confused. Sukai desperately tried to keep him busy as long as possible trying to let the villagers and her friends escape though deep down she knew the other demons would never allow it, "How can you be part immortal?…."
Annoyed by lack of knowledge that the royal woman had he snarled, "I have the strength of a god, but I can still be killed…. Once I have gained enough power I will have even immortality…. All I have to do is find your daughter…. By the time I reach Fanelia I now she will be gone…. She will try to round up the 'Guardians of Gaea' and my patience is thin so I will go after her…. I will not wait for her at her castle, but go and find each guardian and destroy all I find there…. Perhaps I will even drain the guardians of their powers, but they don't have nearly as much power as your daughter possesses…."
Sukai felt her blood freeze with what he was suggesting. He was going to go after her entire family! Her people would die along with her daughter and son! Her grandchild yet to be born would never even see the sunlight! No! She could not allow this to happen! She 'would not' allow this! Letting her wheels work in her mind at top speed to think up a plan the royal woman realized she needed more time so she asked the question, "Why do you want my daughter?"
Chocolate eyes sparked in rage at such an absurd question as the demon man growled, "If you are that dumb, Sukai, then I wonder how you ever survived in life! Your daughter is the royal heir of the Draconian throne and holds the last bit of power of our people. As you may recall only the royals of our race were allowed to keep their powers except for myself who held on to what little I could grasp. Though you have a son I have little interest in him. He is still young and his powers are not at there full peak thus he is useless. He will die along with his sister in the end after I am done with her. Other than that obvious fact your daughter holds the sacred pendant from ancient times. It is the source of the greatest power on all of Gaea! Your daughter is the only person who has been able to control it so effectively and thus she is the chandler of its powers. I need only drain her powers and through her I can link into the 'Power of Atlantis', other than that it won't be very difficult to take the awesome power of our people…."
The former queen was becoming desperate. Her mind was becoming numb as she realized she had no options to choose from. Her powers weren't strong enough to take on Dornkirk and surely Sian and Celena would be no help either. The fate of her race laid in the hands of her eighteen year old daughter. In Sukai's mind Hitomi had always been special. Since the time of her birth her daughter had shown signs of powers that no child could ever possess. It was because of that fact that kept reoccurring throughout Hitomi's life that made the royal angel realize her daughter was destined for greatness that she could never possess and never wished to possess. Sukai knew she could do nothing, but she knew Hitomi could…. She had to help Hitomi in some way….
The woman's thoughts were quieted as she realized her captor was smirking at her. Noticing her attention was back on him the dead being said in a hollow voice, "Not only does your daughter hold that great power, but I believe Joutei might have given her even more…."
Sukai had to ask, "How do you know this?"
Looking intently into the royal's eyes the man whispered, "Because when I sealed Joutei away he didn't even fight me…. I was going to take his powers…. Drain him of his essence also, but he leapt into the place I sealed the realm of Heaven and Hell in before I had a chance…. as though he didn't even need to fight me…. I can only assume he has told your daughter of my arrival and has placed his hope in her…. Why her I do not know or care, but I am sure he gave his powers to assist her. How much again I do not know, but it is power none the less and thus I must possess it. Besides myself your daughter is the probably most powerful being in the universe and thus she is my target."
Sukai smirked as a thought crossed her mind. With a firm voice the woman asked, "If she is so powerful can you be certain you can defeat her?"
The look the angel got was something she did not expect. Dornkirk's face showed no sign of fear, but only features of assurance. With a dark voice dripping in power the dark Zaibach emperor proclaimed, "Of course…. She might have power, but she could barely control the 'Power of Atlantis' a year ago…. or so I have been told…. If Joutei has given her powers of his own I wonder how she can possible survive with that raging through her body…. She could die from the stress alone…. I am an experience being who has mastered powers for nearly three years in the underworld…. Akuma's powers were easily controlled and thus I have the greater advantage…. Plus with your power combined with mine I grow stronger…. and the gape between the difference in power, which I doubt there is one between me and your daughter, grows smaller…. if there is one…. In the end I will be the victor and will rule Gaea along with the universe as my dwellings for eternity…."
Once he had expressed what Sukai had been dreading the angel woman urgently tried to wrench herself from his iron grasp, but to no avail. Fear sparkled in her emerald pools as the woman saw Dornkirk about to commence with his plans. Desperate to escape Sukai unfurled her wings stretching them to their full length and beat as furiously as she could with them trying to pull away from his clutches. Dust rose from the wind created from her glowing wings, but she could not remove herself from his steel hold. The Zaibach man growled in annoyance at her struggle and swiftly placed both of his hands (one claw) on her cheeks.
At the moment his palms made contact with her pale cheeks Sukai froze and she felt the sudden pull on her life. Suddenly a red aura began to glow around them and the transfer began. The red light highlighted their features as Dornkirk grinned in victory revealing his fangs. As the first wave of power began to merge with his own the man whispered, "The only thing different from taking your powers from taking Akuma's is that when I finish with the transfer…. you'll die…."
~Cliffhanger! Cliffhanger! Please don't flame me! I know you people are going to go "WHY DID YOU STOP?!?!?!" but like I said before I love doing cliffhangers! It makes the story all the more interesting and suspenseful so you better get use to it. Please review! I really need more reviews!~
~WHOA!!! This chapter was 17 pages long!!!! I didn't mean to make it that long. In fact is was going to be longer, but I decided I wanted to stop it here first. I hope you like the extra long chapter. All my chapters are going to be pretty long since a lot of stuff is going to happen. Hope you enjoyed this chapter and will enjoy future chapters! Please review!~
~Next chapter should be done by Friday or Saturday. Could be faster if I get a lot of reviews!!!! *hint! hint!*~