~Remember I don't own Escaflowne or its characters!~
~So far a lot has happened and yet the story has barely gotten started! Here's another chapter for you to enjoy! Hope you like it and Please review after you're done!~
~Fluff Warning!~
The Fate Of Two Worlds: The Sequel
By Angel_Wings
Chapter 5 ~ The First of Many
~~~Vision~~~
In a fit of rage the demon man lifted a tan palm to the 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.
Hitomi flung herself back from the gruesome image clutching the front of her nightgown in horror. With emerald tears trailing behind the seeress the queen reared back her head to scream.
~~~End of Vision~~~
Hitomi's scream pierced the night air waking her beloved husband that laid next to her. Quickly Van shook his angel's shoulders desperate to wake her from what he supposed was a nightmare. With tears streaming down her face the seeress woke to find herself staring up into her husband's rubies. Falling into a puddle of sobs the woman wrapped her slender arms around his neck and cried into the hollow beneath his chin. Tenderly the king pulled her closer to his bare chest letting her tears slip down his tan skin as he embraced his beloved. Bringing his lips to her pale ear Van whispered softly, "Shhh…. I'm here…. I'm right here…."
Hitomi didn't want to believe that her dream was a vision and so plunging into self-denial she forced herself to believe it was, but a nightmare…. Yes, a nightmare…. Her father was still alive…. He had to be…. Sniffing away her tears the beautiful woman pulled away from her husband as she wiped away the crystal droplets with a pale hand. Looking down at the comforter of their luxurious bed the seeress felt very childish for crying out in her sleep and couldn't look at her king's face.
However a warm hand cupped her cheek forcing her to turn her emeralds to him. Just as Hitomi looked up at her angel she found him kissing her passionately causing her eyelids to grow heavy and slid shut again. Van wrapped his arms around her shoulders pulling her closer to him as her arms automatically went to his neck. Their thighs brush against each other as the two were forced into an awkward state. The way they position themselves was strange, but because of Hitomi's bulging belly it was necessary for them so they might have that blissful moment. Slowly the raven headed man laid his queen back down on her back just wanting to have a moment with her like that. He still could barely contain his sorrow for nearly losing her that day and he desperately needed to hold her again. Hitomi's mind drifted away from her dream for the moment for she had grown lost in their private event. Subconsciously the seeress wondered how she was there in bed or why her husband was acting if she had been gone for centuries, but this was fuzzy in her mind through the pleasure of his touch.
After several moments of their kiss oxygen began a necessary need and both were forced to pull away breathing heavily. Van stared intently at his beloved with guilt gripping his heart as he brushed away stray bangs from the seeress's eyes. With a tender voice the young nobleman whispered, "I'm so sorry you had to go through that, Hitomi, if only--"
Van's apologetic words came up short once he saw the frown on his wife's face. Misinterpreting his intentions the woman grew confused as she thought, 'How does he know about my dream?….'
Not knowing the misunderstanding the young angel king asked, "Don't you remember what happened at the glass house this afternoon, Hitomi?"
The seeress's eyes went wide in realization and she felt her hands grow clammy. Without thinking the 'Angel' brushed her pale fingers through her hair to the spot her head wound laid and felt the rough bandage laying there. Images of the prior catastrophe came back in a tide knocking her into the present. Joutei…. Joutei had called upon her…. told her…. told her Dornkirk was coming…. a swell of power…. a blinding light…. the seven guardians….
Staring at her husband, who looked at her curiously, Hitomi realized her nightmare had been a vision, but was it foreshadowing the future…. or telling of the recent past?….
~~~Lands East of Fanelia~~~
Sukai struggled desperately against the death hold on her face, but could not force her limbs to move. Dornkirk had somehow immobilized her and now was draining the very life out of her. With emerald jewels opened wide the royal Draconian woman could feel the pull on her soul as the essence of her being began to be taken away. She was vaguely aware that her captor was smirking, but her mind was more focused on trying to slow down the dizziness controlling her.
Frantically the woman tried to think of a plan before she died,…. but there was nothing to be done…. Her energy had been dangerously low to start with and now its measurements were only lowering with each moment the transfer continued. Try as she might she did not have the strength to escape his grasp. What could she do any way if she escaped?…. Even if she were able to pull away he would catch her once again and then it would be over…. Already her beautiful wings of pearly white where growing dim and turning a sickening gray hue….
'Where were her friends?' the angel wondered as the world began to grow out of comprehending shapes. Where were Celena and Sian?…. For a moment a part of Sukai didn't care where they were or if they were alive, but that was soon snuffed out as she remembered her loyalty to her close love ones. They were probably hurt or struggling against their own battles. She had to escape this torment! Not only were her friends counting on her, but also her entire race and remaining family! She would never give up on them. New energy flared in the woman as she struggled against her captor. The red sphere though only grew in intensity sending a scarlet glow through the burning town in the night….
~~~Celena~~~
The blonde warrior fell onto her back as the demon knocked her down. Swiftly the Freid soldier brought her sword up to meet the silver blade of her opponent. Golden sparks flew from the impact and faded away to the parched earth. Celena looked up at her opponent's face, but was unable to see anything for the hood was still in place keeping the shadows over the face of skin and scales. Her enemy's wings were stretched out against the night sky making them barely visible. Sharp fangs gleamed savagely in the glow of fires. The trained warrior glared at her adversary with growing rage and kicked the demon hard in the lower abdomen. With a hiss of pain the attacker stumbled back still clenching the black and silver hilt of her weapon.
Celena quickly rose and scanned the village. Most of the villagers had been killed by claw, comet, cattle, or sword and now laid sprawled out over the redden earth. Their bodies were ripped to shreds or burned to crisps. Blood pouring from countless wounds made the scene all the more sickening. People continued to race through town frantic to escape the dark enemies that hunted them. Now it seemed though only one demon continued the attacks on the Draconian villagers….
Disgusted by the corpses the soldier turned her view towards her angel sparring partner. The war angel was battered up, but otherwise was all right. What seemed to be the worst of injuries was that her nose was bleeding and her left eye was very puffing. The poor warrior would probably have a black eye tomorrow. Sian was fighting as hard as she could against one of the demons, but Celena noticed the guardian's bow was nowhere around. Without that vital weapon the forest warrior would be at a disadvantage. Sooner or later she would slow and then the demon would have her. Where was her bow?….
Before the Freid soldier could think her stomach was rammed into by a pitch-black boot sending the poor warrior flying backwards. With a thunderous crash Celena collided into a burning building and landed within the flaming structure. Blonde locks fell over her eyes as the maiden clutched her stomach in pain. Her lavender eyes turned to where she once stood and through the hot tongues of gold she saw her attacker's form. The black being's wings stretched and flickered in anger as the demon began to walk towards its fallen opponent.
Celena quickly glanced around her seeing flames in all directions. The only exit was the one she had created when she crashed through one of the walls. The searing heat forced sweat to appear on the soldier's body as she rose shakily onto her mud boots. Although flames were everywhere and the structure was sure to collapse any moment the maiden of sunshine hair was not worried. More than once she had been in the middle of burning flames, though at that time she had been the direct cause of the fire when she had been a soldier for Zaibach. Clenching her teeth together the warrior clenched the hilt of her blade, which she so luckily had not lost in the fall. Glaring at her adversary the trained soldier swiftly leapt through the massive hole in the building and landed a few feet before the demon. Growling angrily Celena lifted her blade readying herself for her opponent.
The demon hissed incomprehensible curses beneath its dark hood and brought its sword down in a powerful sweep only to be knocked away in a fit of sparks by the Freid soldier's own weapon. In moments the two blades began a wild dance of sparks and swings as the swords tried to overpower each other. Stepping over bloody corpses the fighters continued their battle as their blades gleamed in the moonlight. Smoke curled up from the conflagrations and slowly rose into the night sky. Dark thunderclouds rolled in through the hour of war and the first streaks of lightning shattered in the air with a roar. This was overlooked though for below the black mists were scattered battles privately fought between people who were trying to survive.
Celena dodged a swift cut that sliced just above her head and tried to knock her opponent off its feet, but failed. With a growl the demon jumped backwards narrowly missing a mud brown boot that assaulted its ankles. With a cry the famed soldier dove for her enemy and thrust the sword straight at the demon's chest. For some strange reason the dark figure did not try to evade the on coming attack and took the blow at full force. The blonde maiden grinned victoriously as the sword pierced through the dark clothing and out the demon's back. However this expression was soon washed away as Celena noticed no red blood dripping from the wound, but black ooze that licked the steel blade. The gargoyle figure glared down at the blade and stared down at its dark blood. The maiden's lavender eyes grew wide as the demon grabbed the soldier's hilt and pulled the blade from its flesh. With a growl the mysterious being clutched the injury with both hands letting the dark liquid spill over its claw and hand as it stared down at the gruesome wound.
The sunshine hair whipped across the maiden's face forcing her to brush it away as she continued to stare at the scene before her. Never before had she seen a being bled blackness. These creatures surely were not of Gaea! With a voice filled with shaky wonder the war woman asked, "What are you?…."
The demon's shadowy face snapped towards the war woman angrily and with unbelievable strength struck the woman with the back of its ebony claw sending Celena flying. Crashing to the earth Celena lost the hilt of her blade in surprise from the attack. The poor soldier found herself on her back and with painful motion she rose into a sitting position. Groaning slightly the warrior turned towards her attacker and watched with wide eyes the demon begin to charge her. How could it survive from such a fatal blow?…. No being could have lived through that!….
As the dark being raced towards her Celena was forced to leave the thoughts behind so she might dodge the oncoming being. Barely missing the demon the soldier rolled to the side and watched a pair of dark boots slam to a halt. With the grace of trained warrior Celena leapt to her feet to face her 'very much alive' opponent. Stepping back to put some distance between her and her adversary the blonde maiden felt her back run into something. Glancing behind her the warrior smiled to see her close companion, Sian, with her back against hers. In front of the green guardian stood another dark demon that seemed to be in quite a bit of a rage.
Looking back at her own opponent the blonde soldier asked her dear friend, "How's your fight going?"
Laughing lightly Sian's braid bounced, "Very well seeing I'm still alive. How about you?"
"The same" Celena laughed as she continued to stare warily at the demon before her, "But I lost my sword during the fight so I say time's up."
"Agreed…." replied the forest warrior as she watched her opponent beginning to charge. At the same moment Celena's opponent also charged with both of the warriors stuck in the middle. Roaring in rage the demons raced towards their victims with their dark wings outstretched and blades ready. The guardian and soldier quickly went into fighting stances preparing for the worst, but all of sudden the green warrior flinched. Her thoughts turned towards a humorous idea making a smirk play on her pale lips. Laughing Sian turned around and brought both her elbows under the Freid soldier's armpits. Clutching her friend's shoulders in her pale hands the guardian released her wings making several stray feathers drift from their homes. Before Celena could have had time to protest the brunette maiden beat her wings and lifted both of them into the air out of the dangerous path of their attackers. One might have thought the two demons would have collided like intended and that would be the last we heard of them, but to the dismay of the two close friends they discovered the dark beings were more agile than they gave them credit. Watching in fear the blonde and brunette fighter saw one demon fling itself to the ground moments before the collision. The second beast leapt over the other narrowly missing the fellow demon's head and stretched its wings in midair. With an angry cry the demon beat its leathery wings and flew after their escaping prey.
Sian growled in frustration as she saw the other demon also leap into the night air to follow them, 'Blast those demons!'
Using all the energy she could muster the green guardian desperately tried to quicken her flight. With their hair and clothes fluttering the two friends frantically tried to evade their predators. Sadly though with the added weight of her fellow fighter Sian's getaway was not fast enough and the dark beings were quickly gaining. Soaring through a cloud of smoke the two warrior friends tried to outmaneuver the growing threat. Sian's dark locks whipped in her eyes on several occasions causing her to grow frustrated with the silky strains. Hissing through her teeth from the stress of the flight the guardian cried, "I can't hold you any longer! They're gaining fast while we try to escape them! I must set you down or we'll both die!"
Celena stared at the ground below scanning the area as she listened to the ancient warrior. She knew her dear friend was right, but she was reluctant to be tossed aside when Sian would have to face both demons. She would never forsake a friend like that! Suddenly the soldier's lavender eyes caught sight of a silver and gold object protruding from the ground below from a mist the fires and bodies. Her face tugged into a joyous smile as a plan snapped into her mind. Quickly the blonde maiden shouted against the rush of air, "Sian! I see your bow down there! If you drop me next to it I can toss it up to you!"
Upon hearing about her weapon the guardian looked down at the planet below and frantically searched for their last hope. Spotting her enchanted bow the war angel wanted to sing with joy. Smirking the brunette maiden shouted back, "No need! All I need is to drop you down somewhere!"
Not completely understanding the logic in the plan the blonde warrior nodded putting full faith in her friend. Sian seeing the soldier's corporation the guardian changed the angle of her pearly wings and dove for the earth below with the demons only a few yards behind them. Celena wrapped her hands around her friend's as the ground below rushed up to meet them. Gulping down her fears the soldier hoped Sian's plan worked. As her bow came into view again the war angel quickly released her senses out towards her weapon until she felt her powers brush against the metal. With a magical cry the guardian called for her bow….
Celena watched in wonder as the metal bow began to glow a brilliant green sparkling in golden stars in the dirt below. With a chime like bells the weapon faded away with the emerald light as though it never was there. Before long the Freid warrior felt a sudden warmth near the right of her face. With her blonde strains fluttering in the breeze Celena turned her lavender eyes to where Sian's fist and Celena's hand were. With growing wonder a green light began to shine from beneath the maiden's fingers causing her to remove her hand for a better look. Gaping in astonishment the woman watched as tiny green beams of light escaped from between the angel's pale fingers. Slowly the light grew in intensity and Celena could have sworn she saw the light bending into a familiar shape.
Without a chance to say a word the soldier felt her friend's hold fall away leaving her in the midair with no support. Holding back a startled cry Celena fell to the world below watching the ground becoming too close for comfort. The fall was too sudden and had caught the sunshine haired fighter off guard. When the knight's sister landed on her feet the landing was unsteady and caused her tumble forward. Rolling through the dirt for several seconds the maiden barely was able to control the fit of dust her fall brought up. At the moment her rolling ceased Celena lifted her dirty face to the sky above to see what was to become of her dear friend….
Sian could feel the power floating in her fist. She could feel the power beginning to adjust itself into the familiar shape of her bow. Moving swiftly the guardian pulled her hands out from under the soldier's armpits and glanced down at her as Celena fell down to the earth. Gritting her teeth the warrior waited for her bow to completely form in her fingers before she turned to attack her pursuers. Slowly the light swelled and grew solid in between her pale fingers before stretching into a long slender frame. In seconds golden lines swirled over green light as the image of the weapon finally appeared. With the chime of bells the silver metal of the enchanted bow washed over the green glow and became the gleaming weapon that was well known to the 'Guardian of the Forest'. Smiling in victory the war angel twirled the bow between her fingers adjusting her hold better just before she turned completely around to the dark faces of the two demons just ten feet from her. Falling backwards allowed the demons not to collide into the green angel, but it also allowed Sian to form two arrows of white light. Turning her bow horizontal like a crossbow the guardian aimed the arrows directly at the two beings. No one even noticed that the sky had begun to turn a tinge of purple marking the approaching dawn. The demons had no time to react when Sian released the light arrows and shouted, "EAT THIS!"
~~~Fanelia~~~
Hitomi and Van emerged from the chamber earlier than usually that morning because of the startling vision from the night. The seeress's head was bowed as the two of them strolled down the quiet hallway. The purple-pink sky announced the morn as the queen glanced out the passing windows to check the time. Her mind was elsewhere though for the vision kept repeating in her head. She had told Van about it and both feared what to think what it meant. At first the ebony headed man was susceptible about the dream and thought little of it, but it was when Hitomi had told him of her painting did he begin to wonder. When it came to things like this his wife could tell of things none could ever think of. It had been a heavy burden on her shoulders for nearly four years and Van desperately wished he could relieve his beloved from the suffering the visions caused. Finally after three years of its tortures the visions faded away and the 'Angel' was finally at peace…. only for that peace to be stolen away again as her life began to prosper…. It wasn't fair! Hitomi deserved nothing she was given from those dark images yet time and time again she was forced into their darkness. Van often thought, 'If only I could wash away the images and give her what they stole from her…. She would never see deaths repeatedly before her eyes and the terrors of war would never befallen in her memories….' It was a sad curse yet it was a helpful blessing…. More than once those visions had saved lives and for that Hitomi was grateful yet she could never grow use to its torments searing at her soul….
Van glanced at his wife and lost himself in her beauty. Her hair shimmered in the morning glow of the approaching sun. The bandage that had been placed around her head had been tossed in the trash. Her milky skin was flawless. The pale lavender dress that went all the way down to her ankles showed off their unborn child proudly. The square collar was trimmed in silver thread and showed off the red stone pendant exquisitely. Long sleeves hugged her slim arms showing off her thin frame wonderfully. Smiling the young king thought how he never could find an outfit that served Hitomi's beauty justice. No matter what the outfit he could never compare it to how beautiful his angel was. Oh, how loved her…. If anyone doubted that then they were blind! How could one deny the love the two royal angels shared?! It was in their looks…. their gestures…. their actions…. their words…. Their love had become a romance in itself and was often told among the people of Gaea. No one truly knows how the people discovered the complete story, but Van and Hitomi have often found themselves listening to the tale from foreigners who wish to find truth in the tale.
Without thinking Van stops at a nearby door deep in thought. Hitomi's hand was still in her beloved's forcing her to halt. Turning around the 'Angel' looks at her husband with confusion sparkling in her emerald eyes. At that moment she took the time to look over her king. The young man of ebony hair that was unruly as always was dressed in a long sleeved red shirt with gold thread that formed Fanelia's emblem over his chest. Mud brown boots that reached to his knees shined majestically in the glowing light. His chestnut leather pants were tucked away into the boots making his pants a little looser than needed so that his muscles were nearly hidden away from sight. However it was obvious through his shirt that his body was well tone. It was his eyes though that Hitomi fancied. His eyes were a strange ruby color and were always sparkling with emotions. Many could not read him as well as she could and it was because she could look into his eyes and see the depths of his soul through them. Finally shaking her head to return to the present Hitomi asked, "Van?"
The young king turned to his spouse at the call of his name and smiled a mischievous grin confusing the woman all the more. Before she could say a thing he pushed open the small door next to him and pulled his wife with him down the dark hall within the doorway. Hitomi laughed lightly when she figured out what he was doing and quickly followed him. The hall was extremely dark, but their memories of walking through it countless times allowed them to pass through it without the need of a torch. Before long they came to a spiral staircase barely lithe with a set of candles in the middle of the flight of steps. Forced to take the steps one by one because of Hitomi's condition the couple rounded up the flight in what they thought was not nearly fast enough speed. However it wasn't long before the two arrived at a red oak door at the top of the flight and proceeded to thrust open the entrance to exit through its entryway. Van stepped into the light and pulled Hitomi after him.
The young woman smiled happily as she found herself on the rooftop of the castle. The morning horizon peeked at her with its golden glow pronouncing the arrival of the sun. The angel woman felt a pair of arms hug her from behind and she lend into them. A familiar pair of lips brushed a kiss on her temple and she released a contented sigh. The thoughts of the painting and vision were lost in the moment. Van buried his nose in her mahogany locks and closed his eyes to enjoy her scent. Shuddering in the blissful feeling the man felt himself go weak in the knees for the woman he held. No matter what the situation it seemed Hitomi had that affect on him and he loved the feel of it. The moment was peaceful as the sunrise began to mark the day while the two lovers watched it happily forgetting about the daily duties and recent worries. Let it drift away for now and let the moment stretch on for with the sun comes the day, but this moment is something no one can steal away.
Hitomi closed her eyes and listened to sound of the land awakening below. The cries of birds chirping awake filled the air and the gentle neighing of horses filled the stable located near the castle. Night watchmen switched positions with the new guards for the morning and the seeress could hear the sound of their armor clattering at their small movements. Already she could sense the servants and handmaidens awaking to do their morning chores. It was time to start the day though Hitomi was reluctant to leave the hold of her husband. With her eyes still closed the seeress quietly whispered, "We need to go…."
The young king looked down at the stone roof in dismay not enjoying the truth at all. The situation between Hitomi's vision and her painting meant something was going to happen. If she had been relieved of the images until now it meant something was definitely occurring and soon. He only wished they had there time together before it had started up. He missed Hitomi. Yes, he had been with her since their marriage, but their days were taken up with their duties. He could never get enough of his beloved.
The young seeress smiled lightly as she turned around in his hold and lifted her husband's chin with a pale hand. His eyes of fire looked deep into sparkling green before their lips met in a tender kiss. Both wishing for their day of privacy, but knowing they would not get it anytime soon. Still smiling the young queen whispered, "I know we're both upset with the circumstances, but we have to remember of our duties…. besides this won't last forever…. we'll have a day together…. just you and me,…. for now lets just enjoy the moment we have here…."
Chuckling lightly the king smiled down at his true love. Her wisdom was so remarkable to him. She had this uncanny way of making a bad situation into something blessed. It was just one of many things he loved about her. Van closed his eyes as he caught his beloved's lips again in a more passionate kiss. The sun was beginning to grow higher in the sky trying to remind the royal couple that much was to be done yet the two lovers ignored it for the moment, again lost in the serenity of the morn.
~~~Lands East of Fanelia~~~
The arrows were perfectly aimed and hit their targets perfectly except the demons weren't stupid…. They were able to move so that the deadly light weapons didn't hit any vital organs…. All three figures crashed to the ground just fifty feet away from the blonde soldier. Thunder crashed above and the wind roared angrily as the storm began to grow more violent. Dust clouded the air obscuring Celena's vision as she rose to her feet. She stood at the edge of the brown cloud unsure of what to do when a figure began to emerge from the misty dust. The blonde maiden automatically went into a fighting stance, but luckily she did not need to. Sian burst from the cloud with her bow in a clenched fist and her chestnut braid bouncing behind her. Without saying a word the guardian raced towards her friend and took hold of Celena's elbow without even stopping. Quickly the blonde soldier began to run along with the guardian and the brunette angel released the woman's elbow so she could run easier. Sian's wings tipped a bit to give her a better ease at racing through the remains of the village.
Celena was confused with her friend's tactics and called out, "Sian! What are we doing?!"
The war woman of long brown hair didn't even glance back at her friend as she answered her question; "We need to get out of here now! We have to get Sukai, Rei, and the villagers and flee before these beasts kill all of us! It's our only option! We can't defeat them!"
Biting her lower lip the knight's sister acknowledged the truth. These beings from the unknown were incredible powerful. Perhaps if there were only two or three they could defeat them, but with eight! To defeat eight beings stronger than a guardian and a royal Draconian put together was impossible. They had to withdraw! Already too many lives had been wasted! No more should be allowed to perish! Nodding her head the blonde warrior double her energy so she might run alongside her comrade. Together the two of them rounded a building to evacuate the remaining survivors.
~~~Fanelia~~~
"So Hitomi, do you know what happened at the glass house yesterday?" asked the young red headed woman. Sitting around the dinning room table were the royal couple of Fanelia across from Merle, Yukari, and Amano eating their morning breakfast in a concern air. The seeress glanced at her friend knowing that question would be the first of many asked. Sighing lightly the queen tried to think up a good reason for not discussing the matter right at that moment. Hitomi just wanted to take time at breakfast to relax. The stress of yesterday's event was still heavy on her shoulders and she just wanted to have the morn to forget about everything…. knowing all too well it would be the complete opposite of what she wished.
The royal woman lifted a muffin of lulu berries to her mouth and took a quick bite before saying; "I rather not talk about the matter until Millerina and Dryden arrive, Yukari, if you don't mind."
Automatically the close friend could tell that the queen was in no mood to discuss it so she let the subject drop. Amano sitting next to the expecting mother of red locks glanced at his dear friend across the table, but kept quiet. After the accident yesterday he and Yukari had been extremely worried for their friend and decided to attend breakfast with Van the next day. They were fortunate enough that Hitomi had waken during the night and now sat in her chair like it was a normal day,…. but it was anything, but normal….
All of them could tell something was going to happen. Yesterday's event had shown them that. Nothing remotely as dangerous had occurred in the past year making the event very odd. No one really knew what it was going on though. Each of them had a piece of the puzzle, but only Hitomi had seen each one. She had no idea what they connected to form, but she knew it meant a war dealing with a man she thought would never darken her life again…. yet he had return and with him destruction. The vision of her father scared her horribly. Would it really happen?…. Was it too late?…. How long before Dornkirk attacked?…. What did he want?…. Revenge…. That seemed like the only logical explanation for his actions on Joutei and Akuma…. and that he wanted power…. So how did he plan to carry out his revenge?…. The ideas already forming in her head scared the life out of her…. She could only imagine what he would do…. How could she stop him?…. She held power in her, but what could she do with it?…. More importantly how was she to control it?…. She had barely been able to use the 'Power of Atlantis' and now with Joutei's powers running through her veins she had nearly killed people…. and then she hadn't even attempted to use the powers given to her…. What if she tried?…. Would she actually kill people if she tried?…. How many would suffer because she couldn't control it herself?…. Even now as she ate she could feel the different flow in her body…. The power was silent for now for some mysterious reason, but how long before it broke free of her hold again?…. How many would die then?….
Hitomi closed her eyes tiredly and placed her forehead in her hands. So many questions were racking her brain that it was torturing her…. What was going to happen?…. She couldn't even begin to think of an answer for that question….
~~~Lands East of Fanelia~~~
Sukai's eyes drifted closed as she felt what was left of her power being drained. Her wings were molting everywhere and the feathers had turned a deep gray. Desperately she clung onto to what was left of her life, but even that was being yanked away from her grasp. The red aura that surrounded her and Dornkirk glowed in her eyes and she began to swim in its scarlet sea. She needed help now before she drowned in its power….
Dornkirk smirked as he felt the transfer nearing completion. Soon he could mark down another person killed on his lists of murders. Growling he clutched the woman's face harder wanting to hurry and finish. He was a rather patient man at times, but after three years of waiting his patience had grown very thin. He wanted justice done now! His only focus was on the being that could destroy him. Hitomi Kazanki Fanel…. She had been the problem since the beginning. Her family had done everything they could to stop him, but even after their deaths he continued…. He would never give up until he saw the last of the royal Draconians dead…. The seeress's mother was barely a threat for she had hardly advanced in her powers, but the seeress herself…. She had gone far beyond anything anyone could have imagined…. Yet she was still inferior to him…. He had Akuma's powers and now her mother's powers…. She could not best both…. even with the power of Joutei as her aid….
Slowly the transfer continued with the red sphere growing brighter with each moment. As the scarlet glow grew brighter Sukai's wings grew dimmer…. Her wings were nearly the lightest shade of black and with it death was approaching…. All the while this was going on something even stranger was occurring…. Dornkirk's leathery wings were outstretched during the draining of the royal's powers, but during the process his wings began to change…. Slowly black feathers began to grow from the leathery skin of darkness. The soft objects did not cover the entire gargoyle wing, but appeared in odd patches making him all the more peculiar. The dark being barely noticed this and wouldn't have cared even if he was fully aware about the matter. What did it matter?!….
Sukai's eyes squeezed shut in pain and her knees buckled. However Dornkirk did not release his hold on her and the crimson light only grew brighter….
Suddenly a white object shot through the air and pierced the Zaibach emperor's shoulder. Roaring in pain the dark being pulled his hands away from the brunette woman's face just seconds before the transfer was completed. Sukai fell to her side with her eyes closed shut and barely felt her long hair fall over her face. Dornkirk glared at the white arrow protruding from his left shoulder blade and went to remove it when suddenly the pearly object exploded while still embedded in his twisted flesh. Crying out in anguish the beast-man stumbled backwards only a few feet from his captive.
Celena and Sian raced to the fallen angel as they saw the man was distracted. The blonde soldier fell to her knees beside the royal lady as the guardian placed herself between them and the dark attacker with her bow ready. Frantically the knight's sister called out the former queen's name thinking she might be dead already.
Slowly Sukai's eyes fluttered open and the lady gave a faint, "I'm alive?…."
With tears brimming in her lavender eyes Celena whispered, "Barely…."
Gently the soldier lifted her friend from the dirt just as the Dornkirk regrouped and headed towards the three. The man's eyes were sparking in rage and his pupils were dark with burning wrath. His wings of feather melded with leathery skin twitched in his growing thunder. The storm overhead looked like nothing compared to what he looked like at that moment. Growling the man said, "Each one of you has just lost what little chance left you had of surviving…."
Celena gaped at the man before them unable to believe Dornkirk was alive. The soldier nearly dropped Sukai at the sight of him, but the royal was able to support herself against the blonde maiden's shoulder. However Sian had little surprise for the being's identity and barely flinches at his appearance. She had known it was he at the beginning and now she was certain of the matter as she glared at the man's twisted face of scales and skin. Though he was physically changing and was barely hanging on to his humanity Sian could recognize the killer a mile away.
The 'Guardian of the Forest' stepped forward to the man she had remembered from beginning of her childhood history and readied an arrow of pearly whiteness. Unfortunately as quickly as the arrow emerged so did the four other demons as they landed softly to the ground forming a circle around the three protectors. Celena glared at the new arrivals as she pulled the angel woman closer to her side. The knight's sister wanted to protect Sukai, but saw no means of survival in their predicament. Sunshine gold locks fell over her lavender eyes as the maiden tried to size up the opponents surrounding her friends.
Lightning crashed in the darken morning sky and thunder hissed in the people's ears. It was a strange morning indeed. Sian glanced through the corner of her eyes at her enemies, checking them out in turn. Each of the lower class figures seemed a bit scratched up, but it was obvious they were far from being defeated. She could see each one of them snarling at them, baring their fangs in rage. They were not happy….
Sukai felt like her life was gone and held nothing left to continue. Her eyes fell on the dead body of her husband and tears slipped down her cheeks. Her life was gone,…. but she had to finish one last thing before she died…. The royal heir turned her sight at Dornkirk and saw him coming closer to the three of them…. Glancing at her two friends she saw neither were paying attention to her, but their enemies…. She couldn't let them, and the remaining villagers, die…. She only hope she had enough strength to do it….
~~~Fanelia~~~
The two queens pulled apart after the short welcoming hug and look back at each other seeing how much the other had change in a short year. Though neither had truly changed in appearance or attitude there was still the difference of what time does to one's soul. A person beliefs are not in question, but how they act upon them. Millerina had become a gentle mother who often indulged more in her family life then her royal life. Hitomi had always been like that from day one, gentle and kind, but now with her child approaching she was becoming more and more like a young mother, anxious. How can one tell?…. You try to figure it out….
Hitomi smiled happily at her old friend, "How are you, Millerina?"
The blonde woman glanced back at her hansom husband who held a small white bundle in his arms. Beneath the folds of a snowy blanket was a small child only a few moons old. His eyes were the color of sky and were large like the blue vastness making it obvious he would win hearts one day just by looking into his eyes. The queen reached out for her son and replied, "Wonderful since Tomi had been born I have never felt better…."
~~~Lands East of Fanelia~~~
"You both…. must escape…" gasped the dying woman in her friend's arms. Celena frowned at the lady that could barely stand. What was she suggesting?….
Discovering the woman's meaning the soldier responded with a firm voice, "We are not leaving you, Lady Sukai! Never in a million years!"
The frail angel grasped the blonde maiden's arm in a pale hand and muttered weakly, "You must…. Hitomi needs you…. and I am only a burden to you in this condition…."
Sian glanced back at her mistress and hissed, "Sukai, I gave a vow to Queen Hitomi that I was her servant and I have kept that for nearly a year. That vow was meant also for her family and I am not about to leave you! We either escape together or die together! There is no other way!"
The royal lady turned her dim emerald eyes to her comrade with a sad expression on her face, "Is that the only reason you are willing to risk your lives to save mine?"
Taking a quick glance at her enemies before answering the guardian replied, "Of course not, Sukai. For over three months I have been working close with you and all three of us have become very close friends. Even if I had not vowed loyalty to your daughter I would still be standing here to protect you…."
~~~Fanelia~~~
The group stood in the large marble throne room. Amano and Yukari had been happy to stay a while longer to see their friends from the 'Sacrifice' again. It was almost a complete reunion except for a few missing people. Van placed a strong arm around his wife's shoulders as the group mingled happily for the moment forgetting the true reasons for the visit. Word had already been spoken to the Austurian couple about the terrible event of yesterday and both had been extremely worried, but upon arrival they felt something a mist and automatically waited for later to discuss it. Dryden and Millerina knew Hitomi well and they could see her eyes saying, 'We'll talk later….'
Quickly the group of seven began to fall into a deadly silence and the young brunette queen realize her time was up. Looking into her friends' faces she could see the questions and concern. Hitomi had to 'spill the beans' though she wished she didn't have to….
Sighing heavily the seeress began, "There is a lot we need to discuss…."
~~~Lands East of Fanelia~~~
Sukai turned her tired head to her other comrade. Her vision blurred for a second as she felt herself falling towards unconsciousness. Taking a moment to refocus her sight the woman looked at the maiden of long blonde wisps and asked, "And you Celena? Do you fight for my life only because I am royalty?…."
The young woman's eyes of lavender sparkled with affection as she whispered, "No…. You are my friend, Sukai…."
Turning her eyes towards the dead form of the royal angel, Rei, Celena felt the tears slip down her cheeks as she whispered sorrowfully, "Rei was our friend, too…. We're sorry we made both of you think otherwise…."
Closing her emerald eyes a smile crept over the woman's gentle face, "You two never made us think that…. I just wanted to hear the words before I died…."
Celena and Sian both started at those final words and turned to their mistress in shock. With all the energy she could force into her muscles Sukai pushed the blonde soldier from her side and took several fast steps forward. The forest guardian felt the royal woman's power grow and fear ran through her blood. She had no idea what the mother of her queen was about to attempt, but she knew Sukai's powers were far too low to try anything that wouldn't kill her. Desperately the war angel reached her hand out towards her dear friend and cried, "Sukai! NOOOOO!"
~~~Fanelia~~~
Hitomi slowly let the words roll of her tongue and felt the dead weight of foreshadowing falling on her weak shoulders, "Yesterday, when I was talking with Yukari and Merle at the glass house--"
~~~Lands East of Fanelia~~~
Sukai closed her dark green eyes and lifted her face to the storm above. Dornkirk stared at the woman curious at what she possible could be doing. His fellow demons watched on the sidelines with growing interest. Sian and Celena stood on either side of their friend unable to understand what the royal was doing. The woman's brunette hair floated in the air and the dust swept around her ankles. Wings of light black slowly began to deepen into darkness marking the woman's death forthcoming. Clenching her teeth together to endure the enormity of the stress pulling on her body Sukai's brow became drenched in sweat. Her pale hands slowly lifted to the darken sky and began to glow a pearly hue. Golden streaks roared in the background of the thunderstorm making the scene even more spectacular with the lightning's presence.
~~~Fanelia~~~
Suddenly Hitomi stopped in her words as she felt a small pull on her senses. Oblivious to her friends' confused looks the seeress closed her eyes and used her powers to search for what pulled at her soul. Millerina glanced at Van wondering if he knew what exactly was happening, but the look on his face seemed to tell her he was just as lost as they were. Turning back to her fellow queen Millerina felt a swell of concern overshadow her heart for her friend….
Hitomi listened to her senses carefully…. power…. she felt power…. someone familiar…. using a great deal of power…. but… who was---
Hitomi's eyes flew open and sparkled with disbelief making her friends even more concerned. With a voice barely audible the seeress whispered, "No…."
~~~Lands East of Fanelia~~~
Sian felt her heart ripping apart at the seams…. She couldn't stop her friend she knew…. Sukai was going to die…. The poor guardian felt completely helpless…. She could do nothing to stop her…. But an sudden idea began to form in the green warrior's head giving her hope…. Maybe if she knocked her out she could stop Sukai before she used up all her powers…. Seeing it as her only option the war angel stepped towards her comrade ready to hit her in the side of the head,…. but before she could Sukai's hands suddenly glowed a brilliant blue startling the warrior for a minute. It was that minute that gave the former queen enough time to finish her work.
Suddenly dozens of blue beams hissed down from the sky enveloping people. Surviving villagers began to float into the air with their guide as the shafts of blue light shooting from the black sky above. Celena looked up above her in time just to see one of the pillars wash over her. Slowly the Freid warrior could feel the ground falling away as she began to float into the air. Quickly the maiden looked over at her friend, Sian, and noticed an identical beam surrounding the green angel. The poor guardian beat her wings frantically trying to escape the blue light's hold to stop her dying companion, but in vain. Sian reached out to her former ruler desperately calling out, "Sukai!"
The brunette angel of pitch black wings smile wearily at her two friends and said something neither could hear, but both could feel in their hearts, "Goodbye, my friends…. My daughter died in the past for our people…. Today I make the same sacrifice…. Go to her and lend her your aid…."
With a final blast of power the royal heir sent the last of the battle's survivors into the sky disappearing to the one place they would be safe…. to Fanelia….
~~~Fanelia~~~
Hitomi raced from the group suddenly towards the double doors leading outside the large marble chamber. Her friends were startled for a few minutes causing them to freeze at her actions, but soon followed as they saw the young queen burst open the doors all the while calling out her name. The seeress ran through the corridors passing by several guards who looked at her peculiarly. Wouldn't you be a little curious to know why a pregnant queen was running through the castle's halls?….
Before long Hitomi found herself at the stone building's front doors and flung them open with all her strength. Her frantic run ended just as she came to the bottom of the stairs leading into the castle. Emerald eyes flew to the cloudless sky as if she felt what was coming. Van and the others soon were outside and the young king was the first to confront his wife.
"Hitomi?" the man of ebony locks called out in a worried voice. The angel man looked at his beloved's face seeing her full attention was on the sky. This made him also turn his sights to the blue vastness. Following suit curiously the other people standing nearby turned their various colored eyes to the same direction wondering what the heck was happening. Guards along the wall stared down at the group in confusing stares. What were they doing?….
~~~Lands East of Fanelia~~~
The last of the blue spotlights thinned out of the village and followed their captives into the black clouds. Sukai didn't open her eyes as her hands fell to her side. Without saying a word the woman fell to her knees and tittered for a moment before landing onto her stomach. Her ebony wings fell limp over her extremely pale form and several dark feathers littered the ground surrounding her. The glorious queen…. Sukai Naomi Kazanki…. was dead….
Dornkirk glared at the dead body of the royal angry that she had taken away his victims, but glad that she had died. Growling the dark figure walked over to the center of the village leaving the corpses of the royal couple to decay were they laid with his followers close behind him…. One of the dark beings came to his master's side and hissed in an eerie voice, "What shall we do now? They surely will inform the seeress and then they will start towards the next guardian…."
Without stopping or glancing at his minion the dark ruler replied, "Yes…. so we must decide which one of the seven guardians we will attack next…. Then when they go to find the guardian we will be waiting…."
~~~Fanelia~~~
Suddenly a huge beam of blue light shot down from the empty sky and landed a hundred feet away from the castle's front doorway. Startle cries pierced the air from the kingdom at the sight of the old familiar beam. It had not been seen in over a year and no one could understand why it was there.
Slowly Hitomi walked away from the group approaching the beam with a heavy heart. Dozens of figures began to float down from the top of the beam and make their ways down to the castle's stone courtyard. The group at the stairs gaped at the appearance of the old transporter. Only the seeress knew who was arriving at their doorsteps….
With tears sparking her eyes the 'Angel' continued to the light, her emeralds never leaving the people who were raining down from the heavens. In a matter of moments the people finally landed and the beam thinned before shooting back into the sky. The seeress glanced over the people seeing the terrible shape the arrivers were in.
Van rushed to his wife's side with the others on his heels and gasped at the sight laid out before them. Dozens of people laid sprawled out on the stone courtyard. Most of which were just scratched up with a few minor burns, while some appeared to be close to death. Several had extensive burns that had formed raw patches of bloody flesh over the injured people's bodies. Deep cuts and gashes marked the battle's hardships and dribbled in red liquid. A good portion of the group was unconscious and close to death. It was a sad sight to see….
Quickly Millerina brushed past the rest of the group and knelt down next to the closest bloody body. Her husband raced from the scene calling for healers to emerge. Yukari, Amano, and Merle scattered through out the crowd and flew to aid the people leaving Van and Hitomi at the front of the scene staring at it sorrowfully. The dragon king looked at his wife for answers, but she was quietly surveying the wounded people looking for something. He was so lost…. What just happened?…. They had been talking in the throne room when suddenly they had rushed outside to find dozens of nearly dead people laid out at their front doors…. This day was just getting better and better….
The man's thoughts were interrupted when he saw his beloved hurried over the mass of bodies to the center of the display. Automatically Van followed her with a worry frown etched on his face. Hitomi saw the two warriors right away and swiftly made her way towards them as she watched them help each other to a kneeling position. Sian looked at her surroundings and felt her heart shatter. Celena's warm hand fell on her friend's shoulder trying her best to comfort the guardian. Squeezing her eyes shut crystal droplets slipped down Sian's cheeks as the angel woman's hands became fists. With a frustrated cry the maiden of silky mahogany pounded both her fist onto the gray ground, "NO!"
Her pale fingers spread out and played over the rough surface of the courtyard letting her tears fall and mingle with the dirt creeping between the stones. Gasping for air the woman lifted her head to the sound of approaching footsteps. Upon looking up at the figure never before had Sian wished so terribly that it had not been Hitomi who was the one approaching her. Sucking in a painful sob the warrior lifted herself to her feet with the help of the blonde soldier of Freid. to meet her queen.
Even before Hitomi had seen the tears sparkling in the guardian's eyes she had known the truth, but she had to ask the question. Coming to halt before the two warriors the seeress felt her heart skip a beat. Van came up beside just as the queen asked, "My mother?…."
Those two words were too much for the war angel to handle and a fresh wave of tears formed in her silver eyes. Blinking them back the woman bended her head and closed her silver eyes in hope of blocking them out. Failing miserably the guardian replied silently, "Gone…."
Hitomi felt the world tumble away and the land beneath her quiver. Still weak from the day before the seeress did something she had not done in a very long time. With a feeble cry the young woman fainted right into her husband's arms….
~Wellllllll….. What did you think? Boring? Not Boring? Horrible? Great? Okay? You readers need to tell me!!! Please review! If I get 15 reviews for this chapter I will post the next chapter by Christmas Eve!!!!~
~If I get 15 chapters before Christmas Eve I'll post it Monday, but if I don't you'll guys will have to wait longer because I'm leaving Tuesday morning and probably won't be back till the end of the week meaning I won't be working on the story until I get back. That sounds mean, but I'm telling you people the truth about reviews. Reviews get me excited so I type faster! If I get reviews I'll start typing right away!~
~Another LONG chapter! Whoa! I need to quit that! J Just kidding! This one was nearly 18 pages long! Gosh! It's all because of Writer's block!~
~Hope you're enjoying this story so far!~
~So far a lot has happened and yet the story has barely gotten started! Here's another chapter for you to enjoy! Hope you like it and Please review after you're done!~
~Fluff Warning!~
The Fate Of Two Worlds: The Sequel
By Angel_Wings
Chapter 5 ~ The First of Many
~~~Vision~~~
In a fit of rage the demon man lifted a tan palm to the 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.
Hitomi flung herself back from the gruesome image clutching the front of her nightgown in horror. With emerald tears trailing behind the seeress the queen reared back her head to scream.
~~~End of Vision~~~
Hitomi's scream pierced the night air waking her beloved husband that laid next to her. Quickly Van shook his angel's shoulders desperate to wake her from what he supposed was a nightmare. With tears streaming down her face the seeress woke to find herself staring up into her husband's rubies. Falling into a puddle of sobs the woman wrapped her slender arms around his neck and cried into the hollow beneath his chin. Tenderly the king pulled her closer to his bare chest letting her tears slip down his tan skin as he embraced his beloved. Bringing his lips to her pale ear Van whispered softly, "Shhh…. I'm here…. I'm right here…."
Hitomi didn't want to believe that her dream was a vision and so plunging into self-denial she forced herself to believe it was, but a nightmare…. Yes, a nightmare…. Her father was still alive…. He had to be…. Sniffing away her tears the beautiful woman pulled away from her husband as she wiped away the crystal droplets with a pale hand. Looking down at the comforter of their luxurious bed the seeress felt very childish for crying out in her sleep and couldn't look at her king's face.
However a warm hand cupped her cheek forcing her to turn her emeralds to him. Just as Hitomi looked up at her angel she found him kissing her passionately causing her eyelids to grow heavy and slid shut again. Van wrapped his arms around her shoulders pulling her closer to him as her arms automatically went to his neck. Their thighs brush against each other as the two were forced into an awkward state. The way they position themselves was strange, but because of Hitomi's bulging belly it was necessary for them so they might have that blissful moment. Slowly the raven headed man laid his queen back down on her back just wanting to have a moment with her like that. He still could barely contain his sorrow for nearly losing her that day and he desperately needed to hold her again. Hitomi's mind drifted away from her dream for the moment for she had grown lost in their private event. Subconsciously the seeress wondered how she was there in bed or why her husband was acting if she had been gone for centuries, but this was fuzzy in her mind through the pleasure of his touch.
After several moments of their kiss oxygen began a necessary need and both were forced to pull away breathing heavily. Van stared intently at his beloved with guilt gripping his heart as he brushed away stray bangs from the seeress's eyes. With a tender voice the young nobleman whispered, "I'm so sorry you had to go through that, Hitomi, if only--"
Van's apologetic words came up short once he saw the frown on his wife's face. Misinterpreting his intentions the woman grew confused as she thought, 'How does he know about my dream?….'
Not knowing the misunderstanding the young angel king asked, "Don't you remember what happened at the glass house this afternoon, Hitomi?"
The seeress's eyes went wide in realization and she felt her hands grow clammy. Without thinking the 'Angel' brushed her pale fingers through her hair to the spot her head wound laid and felt the rough bandage laying there. Images of the prior catastrophe came back in a tide knocking her into the present. Joutei…. Joutei had called upon her…. told her…. told her Dornkirk was coming…. a swell of power…. a blinding light…. the seven guardians….
Staring at her husband, who looked at her curiously, Hitomi realized her nightmare had been a vision, but was it foreshadowing the future…. or telling of the recent past?….
~~~Lands East of Fanelia~~~
Sukai struggled desperately against the death hold on her face, but could not force her limbs to move. Dornkirk had somehow immobilized her and now was draining the very life out of her. With emerald jewels opened wide the royal Draconian woman could feel the pull on her soul as the essence of her being began to be taken away. She was vaguely aware that her captor was smirking, but her mind was more focused on trying to slow down the dizziness controlling her.
Frantically the woman tried to think of a plan before she died,…. but there was nothing to be done…. Her energy had been dangerously low to start with and now its measurements were only lowering with each moment the transfer continued. Try as she might she did not have the strength to escape his grasp. What could she do any way if she escaped?…. Even if she were able to pull away he would catch her once again and then it would be over…. Already her beautiful wings of pearly white where growing dim and turning a sickening gray hue….
'Where were her friends?' the angel wondered as the world began to grow out of comprehending shapes. Where were Celena and Sian?…. For a moment a part of Sukai didn't care where they were or if they were alive, but that was soon snuffed out as she remembered her loyalty to her close love ones. They were probably hurt or struggling against their own battles. She had to escape this torment! Not only were her friends counting on her, but also her entire race and remaining family! She would never give up on them. New energy flared in the woman as she struggled against her captor. The red sphere though only grew in intensity sending a scarlet glow through the burning town in the night….
~~~Celena~~~
The blonde warrior fell onto her back as the demon knocked her down. Swiftly the Freid soldier brought her sword up to meet the silver blade of her opponent. Golden sparks flew from the impact and faded away to the parched earth. Celena looked up at her opponent's face, but was unable to see anything for the hood was still in place keeping the shadows over the face of skin and scales. Her enemy's wings were stretched out against the night sky making them barely visible. Sharp fangs gleamed savagely in the glow of fires. The trained warrior glared at her adversary with growing rage and kicked the demon hard in the lower abdomen. With a hiss of pain the attacker stumbled back still clenching the black and silver hilt of her weapon.
Celena quickly rose and scanned the village. Most of the villagers had been killed by claw, comet, cattle, or sword and now laid sprawled out over the redden earth. Their bodies were ripped to shreds or burned to crisps. Blood pouring from countless wounds made the scene all the more sickening. People continued to race through town frantic to escape the dark enemies that hunted them. Now it seemed though only one demon continued the attacks on the Draconian villagers….
Disgusted by the corpses the soldier turned her view towards her angel sparring partner. The war angel was battered up, but otherwise was all right. What seemed to be the worst of injuries was that her nose was bleeding and her left eye was very puffing. The poor warrior would probably have a black eye tomorrow. Sian was fighting as hard as she could against one of the demons, but Celena noticed the guardian's bow was nowhere around. Without that vital weapon the forest warrior would be at a disadvantage. Sooner or later she would slow and then the demon would have her. Where was her bow?….
Before the Freid soldier could think her stomach was rammed into by a pitch-black boot sending the poor warrior flying backwards. With a thunderous crash Celena collided into a burning building and landed within the flaming structure. Blonde locks fell over her eyes as the maiden clutched her stomach in pain. Her lavender eyes turned to where she once stood and through the hot tongues of gold she saw her attacker's form. The black being's wings stretched and flickered in anger as the demon began to walk towards its fallen opponent.
Celena quickly glanced around her seeing flames in all directions. The only exit was the one she had created when she crashed through one of the walls. The searing heat forced sweat to appear on the soldier's body as she rose shakily onto her mud boots. Although flames were everywhere and the structure was sure to collapse any moment the maiden of sunshine hair was not worried. More than once she had been in the middle of burning flames, though at that time she had been the direct cause of the fire when she had been a soldier for Zaibach. Clenching her teeth together the warrior clenched the hilt of her blade, which she so luckily had not lost in the fall. Glaring at her adversary the trained soldier swiftly leapt through the massive hole in the building and landed a few feet before the demon. Growling angrily Celena lifted her blade readying herself for her opponent.
The demon hissed incomprehensible curses beneath its dark hood and brought its sword down in a powerful sweep only to be knocked away in a fit of sparks by the Freid soldier's own weapon. In moments the two blades began a wild dance of sparks and swings as the swords tried to overpower each other. Stepping over bloody corpses the fighters continued their battle as their blades gleamed in the moonlight. Smoke curled up from the conflagrations and slowly rose into the night sky. Dark thunderclouds rolled in through the hour of war and the first streaks of lightning shattered in the air with a roar. This was overlooked though for below the black mists were scattered battles privately fought between people who were trying to survive.
Celena dodged a swift cut that sliced just above her head and tried to knock her opponent off its feet, but failed. With a growl the demon jumped backwards narrowly missing a mud brown boot that assaulted its ankles. With a cry the famed soldier dove for her enemy and thrust the sword straight at the demon's chest. For some strange reason the dark figure did not try to evade the on coming attack and took the blow at full force. The blonde maiden grinned victoriously as the sword pierced through the dark clothing and out the demon's back. However this expression was soon washed away as Celena noticed no red blood dripping from the wound, but black ooze that licked the steel blade. The gargoyle figure glared down at the blade and stared down at its dark blood. The maiden's lavender eyes grew wide as the demon grabbed the soldier's hilt and pulled the blade from its flesh. With a growl the mysterious being clutched the injury with both hands letting the dark liquid spill over its claw and hand as it stared down at the gruesome wound.
The sunshine hair whipped across the maiden's face forcing her to brush it away as she continued to stare at the scene before her. Never before had she seen a being bled blackness. These creatures surely were not of Gaea! With a voice filled with shaky wonder the war woman asked, "What are you?…."
The demon's shadowy face snapped towards the war woman angrily and with unbelievable strength struck the woman with the back of its ebony claw sending Celena flying. Crashing to the earth Celena lost the hilt of her blade in surprise from the attack. The poor soldier found herself on her back and with painful motion she rose into a sitting position. Groaning slightly the warrior turned towards her attacker and watched with wide eyes the demon begin to charge her. How could it survive from such a fatal blow?…. No being could have lived through that!….
As the dark being raced towards her Celena was forced to leave the thoughts behind so she might dodge the oncoming being. Barely missing the demon the soldier rolled to the side and watched a pair of dark boots slam to a halt. With the grace of trained warrior Celena leapt to her feet to face her 'very much alive' opponent. Stepping back to put some distance between her and her adversary the blonde maiden felt her back run into something. Glancing behind her the warrior smiled to see her close companion, Sian, with her back against hers. In front of the green guardian stood another dark demon that seemed to be in quite a bit of a rage.
Looking back at her own opponent the blonde soldier asked her dear friend, "How's your fight going?"
Laughing lightly Sian's braid bounced, "Very well seeing I'm still alive. How about you?"
"The same" Celena laughed as she continued to stare warily at the demon before her, "But I lost my sword during the fight so I say time's up."
"Agreed…." replied the forest warrior as she watched her opponent beginning to charge. At the same moment Celena's opponent also charged with both of the warriors stuck in the middle. Roaring in rage the demons raced towards their victims with their dark wings outstretched and blades ready. The guardian and soldier quickly went into fighting stances preparing for the worst, but all of sudden the green warrior flinched. Her thoughts turned towards a humorous idea making a smirk play on her pale lips. Laughing Sian turned around and brought both her elbows under the Freid soldier's armpits. Clutching her friend's shoulders in her pale hands the guardian released her wings making several stray feathers drift from their homes. Before Celena could have had time to protest the brunette maiden beat her wings and lifted both of them into the air out of the dangerous path of their attackers. One might have thought the two demons would have collided like intended and that would be the last we heard of them, but to the dismay of the two close friends they discovered the dark beings were more agile than they gave them credit. Watching in fear the blonde and brunette fighter saw one demon fling itself to the ground moments before the collision. The second beast leapt over the other narrowly missing the fellow demon's head and stretched its wings in midair. With an angry cry the demon beat its leathery wings and flew after their escaping prey.
Sian growled in frustration as she saw the other demon also leap into the night air to follow them, 'Blast those demons!'
Using all the energy she could muster the green guardian desperately tried to quicken her flight. With their hair and clothes fluttering the two friends frantically tried to evade their predators. Sadly though with the added weight of her fellow fighter Sian's getaway was not fast enough and the dark beings were quickly gaining. Soaring through a cloud of smoke the two warrior friends tried to outmaneuver the growing threat. Sian's dark locks whipped in her eyes on several occasions causing her to grow frustrated with the silky strains. Hissing through her teeth from the stress of the flight the guardian cried, "I can't hold you any longer! They're gaining fast while we try to escape them! I must set you down or we'll both die!"
Celena stared at the ground below scanning the area as she listened to the ancient warrior. She knew her dear friend was right, but she was reluctant to be tossed aside when Sian would have to face both demons. She would never forsake a friend like that! Suddenly the soldier's lavender eyes caught sight of a silver and gold object protruding from the ground below from a mist the fires and bodies. Her face tugged into a joyous smile as a plan snapped into her mind. Quickly the blonde maiden shouted against the rush of air, "Sian! I see your bow down there! If you drop me next to it I can toss it up to you!"
Upon hearing about her weapon the guardian looked down at the planet below and frantically searched for their last hope. Spotting her enchanted bow the war angel wanted to sing with joy. Smirking the brunette maiden shouted back, "No need! All I need is to drop you down somewhere!"
Not completely understanding the logic in the plan the blonde warrior nodded putting full faith in her friend. Sian seeing the soldier's corporation the guardian changed the angle of her pearly wings and dove for the earth below with the demons only a few yards behind them. Celena wrapped her hands around her friend's as the ground below rushed up to meet them. Gulping down her fears the soldier hoped Sian's plan worked. As her bow came into view again the war angel quickly released her senses out towards her weapon until she felt her powers brush against the metal. With a magical cry the guardian called for her bow….
Celena watched in wonder as the metal bow began to glow a brilliant green sparkling in golden stars in the dirt below. With a chime like bells the weapon faded away with the emerald light as though it never was there. Before long the Freid warrior felt a sudden warmth near the right of her face. With her blonde strains fluttering in the breeze Celena turned her lavender eyes to where Sian's fist and Celena's hand were. With growing wonder a green light began to shine from beneath the maiden's fingers causing her to remove her hand for a better look. Gaping in astonishment the woman watched as tiny green beams of light escaped from between the angel's pale fingers. Slowly the light grew in intensity and Celena could have sworn she saw the light bending into a familiar shape.
Without a chance to say a word the soldier felt her friend's hold fall away leaving her in the midair with no support. Holding back a startled cry Celena fell to the world below watching the ground becoming too close for comfort. The fall was too sudden and had caught the sunshine haired fighter off guard. When the knight's sister landed on her feet the landing was unsteady and caused her tumble forward. Rolling through the dirt for several seconds the maiden barely was able to control the fit of dust her fall brought up. At the moment her rolling ceased Celena lifted her dirty face to the sky above to see what was to become of her dear friend….
Sian could feel the power floating in her fist. She could feel the power beginning to adjust itself into the familiar shape of her bow. Moving swiftly the guardian pulled her hands out from under the soldier's armpits and glanced down at her as Celena fell down to the earth. Gritting her teeth the warrior waited for her bow to completely form in her fingers before she turned to attack her pursuers. Slowly the light swelled and grew solid in between her pale fingers before stretching into a long slender frame. In seconds golden lines swirled over green light as the image of the weapon finally appeared. With the chime of bells the silver metal of the enchanted bow washed over the green glow and became the gleaming weapon that was well known to the 'Guardian of the Forest'. Smiling in victory the war angel twirled the bow between her fingers adjusting her hold better just before she turned completely around to the dark faces of the two demons just ten feet from her. Falling backwards allowed the demons not to collide into the green angel, but it also allowed Sian to form two arrows of white light. Turning her bow horizontal like a crossbow the guardian aimed the arrows directly at the two beings. No one even noticed that the sky had begun to turn a tinge of purple marking the approaching dawn. The demons had no time to react when Sian released the light arrows and shouted, "EAT THIS!"
~~~Fanelia~~~
Hitomi and Van emerged from the chamber earlier than usually that morning because of the startling vision from the night. The seeress's head was bowed as the two of them strolled down the quiet hallway. The purple-pink sky announced the morn as the queen glanced out the passing windows to check the time. Her mind was elsewhere though for the vision kept repeating in her head. She had told Van about it and both feared what to think what it meant. At first the ebony headed man was susceptible about the dream and thought little of it, but it was when Hitomi had told him of her painting did he begin to wonder. When it came to things like this his wife could tell of things none could ever think of. It had been a heavy burden on her shoulders for nearly four years and Van desperately wished he could relieve his beloved from the suffering the visions caused. Finally after three years of its tortures the visions faded away and the 'Angel' was finally at peace…. only for that peace to be stolen away again as her life began to prosper…. It wasn't fair! Hitomi deserved nothing she was given from those dark images yet time and time again she was forced into their darkness. Van often thought, 'If only I could wash away the images and give her what they stole from her…. She would never see deaths repeatedly before her eyes and the terrors of war would never befallen in her memories….' It was a sad curse yet it was a helpful blessing…. More than once those visions had saved lives and for that Hitomi was grateful yet she could never grow use to its torments searing at her soul….
Van glanced at his wife and lost himself in her beauty. Her hair shimmered in the morning glow of the approaching sun. The bandage that had been placed around her head had been tossed in the trash. Her milky skin was flawless. The pale lavender dress that went all the way down to her ankles showed off their unborn child proudly. The square collar was trimmed in silver thread and showed off the red stone pendant exquisitely. Long sleeves hugged her slim arms showing off her thin frame wonderfully. Smiling the young king thought how he never could find an outfit that served Hitomi's beauty justice. No matter what the outfit he could never compare it to how beautiful his angel was. Oh, how loved her…. If anyone doubted that then they were blind! How could one deny the love the two royal angels shared?! It was in their looks…. their gestures…. their actions…. their words…. Their love had become a romance in itself and was often told among the people of Gaea. No one truly knows how the people discovered the complete story, but Van and Hitomi have often found themselves listening to the tale from foreigners who wish to find truth in the tale.
Without thinking Van stops at a nearby door deep in thought. Hitomi's hand was still in her beloved's forcing her to halt. Turning around the 'Angel' looks at her husband with confusion sparkling in her emerald eyes. At that moment she took the time to look over her king. The young man of ebony hair that was unruly as always was dressed in a long sleeved red shirt with gold thread that formed Fanelia's emblem over his chest. Mud brown boots that reached to his knees shined majestically in the glowing light. His chestnut leather pants were tucked away into the boots making his pants a little looser than needed so that his muscles were nearly hidden away from sight. However it was obvious through his shirt that his body was well tone. It was his eyes though that Hitomi fancied. His eyes were a strange ruby color and were always sparkling with emotions. Many could not read him as well as she could and it was because she could look into his eyes and see the depths of his soul through them. Finally shaking her head to return to the present Hitomi asked, "Van?"
The young king turned to his spouse at the call of his name and smiled a mischievous grin confusing the woman all the more. Before she could say a thing he pushed open the small door next to him and pulled his wife with him down the dark hall within the doorway. Hitomi laughed lightly when she figured out what he was doing and quickly followed him. The hall was extremely dark, but their memories of walking through it countless times allowed them to pass through it without the need of a torch. Before long they came to a spiral staircase barely lithe with a set of candles in the middle of the flight of steps. Forced to take the steps one by one because of Hitomi's condition the couple rounded up the flight in what they thought was not nearly fast enough speed. However it wasn't long before the two arrived at a red oak door at the top of the flight and proceeded to thrust open the entrance to exit through its entryway. Van stepped into the light and pulled Hitomi after him.
The young woman smiled happily as she found herself on the rooftop of the castle. The morning horizon peeked at her with its golden glow pronouncing the arrival of the sun. The angel woman felt a pair of arms hug her from behind and she lend into them. A familiar pair of lips brushed a kiss on her temple and she released a contented sigh. The thoughts of the painting and vision were lost in the moment. Van buried his nose in her mahogany locks and closed his eyes to enjoy her scent. Shuddering in the blissful feeling the man felt himself go weak in the knees for the woman he held. No matter what the situation it seemed Hitomi had that affect on him and he loved the feel of it. The moment was peaceful as the sunrise began to mark the day while the two lovers watched it happily forgetting about the daily duties and recent worries. Let it drift away for now and let the moment stretch on for with the sun comes the day, but this moment is something no one can steal away.
Hitomi closed her eyes and listened to sound of the land awakening below. The cries of birds chirping awake filled the air and the gentle neighing of horses filled the stable located near the castle. Night watchmen switched positions with the new guards for the morning and the seeress could hear the sound of their armor clattering at their small movements. Already she could sense the servants and handmaidens awaking to do their morning chores. It was time to start the day though Hitomi was reluctant to leave the hold of her husband. With her eyes still closed the seeress quietly whispered, "We need to go…."
The young king looked down at the stone roof in dismay not enjoying the truth at all. The situation between Hitomi's vision and her painting meant something was going to happen. If she had been relieved of the images until now it meant something was definitely occurring and soon. He only wished they had there time together before it had started up. He missed Hitomi. Yes, he had been with her since their marriage, but their days were taken up with their duties. He could never get enough of his beloved.
The young seeress smiled lightly as she turned around in his hold and lifted her husband's chin with a pale hand. His eyes of fire looked deep into sparkling green before their lips met in a tender kiss. Both wishing for their day of privacy, but knowing they would not get it anytime soon. Still smiling the young queen whispered, "I know we're both upset with the circumstances, but we have to remember of our duties…. besides this won't last forever…. we'll have a day together…. just you and me,…. for now lets just enjoy the moment we have here…."
Chuckling lightly the king smiled down at his true love. Her wisdom was so remarkable to him. She had this uncanny way of making a bad situation into something blessed. It was just one of many things he loved about her. Van closed his eyes as he caught his beloved's lips again in a more passionate kiss. The sun was beginning to grow higher in the sky trying to remind the royal couple that much was to be done yet the two lovers ignored it for the moment, again lost in the serenity of the morn.
~~~Lands East of Fanelia~~~
The arrows were perfectly aimed and hit their targets perfectly except the demons weren't stupid…. They were able to move so that the deadly light weapons didn't hit any vital organs…. All three figures crashed to the ground just fifty feet away from the blonde soldier. Thunder crashed above and the wind roared angrily as the storm began to grow more violent. Dust clouded the air obscuring Celena's vision as she rose to her feet. She stood at the edge of the brown cloud unsure of what to do when a figure began to emerge from the misty dust. The blonde maiden automatically went into a fighting stance, but luckily she did not need to. Sian burst from the cloud with her bow in a clenched fist and her chestnut braid bouncing behind her. Without saying a word the guardian raced towards her friend and took hold of Celena's elbow without even stopping. Quickly the blonde soldier began to run along with the guardian and the brunette angel released the woman's elbow so she could run easier. Sian's wings tipped a bit to give her a better ease at racing through the remains of the village.
Celena was confused with her friend's tactics and called out, "Sian! What are we doing?!"
The war woman of long brown hair didn't even glance back at her friend as she answered her question; "We need to get out of here now! We have to get Sukai, Rei, and the villagers and flee before these beasts kill all of us! It's our only option! We can't defeat them!"
Biting her lower lip the knight's sister acknowledged the truth. These beings from the unknown were incredible powerful. Perhaps if there were only two or three they could defeat them, but with eight! To defeat eight beings stronger than a guardian and a royal Draconian put together was impossible. They had to withdraw! Already too many lives had been wasted! No more should be allowed to perish! Nodding her head the blonde warrior double her energy so she might run alongside her comrade. Together the two of them rounded a building to evacuate the remaining survivors.
~~~Fanelia~~~
"So Hitomi, do you know what happened at the glass house yesterday?" asked the young red headed woman. Sitting around the dinning room table were the royal couple of Fanelia across from Merle, Yukari, and Amano eating their morning breakfast in a concern air. The seeress glanced at her friend knowing that question would be the first of many asked. Sighing lightly the queen tried to think up a good reason for not discussing the matter right at that moment. Hitomi just wanted to take time at breakfast to relax. The stress of yesterday's event was still heavy on her shoulders and she just wanted to have the morn to forget about everything…. knowing all too well it would be the complete opposite of what she wished.
The royal woman lifted a muffin of lulu berries to her mouth and took a quick bite before saying; "I rather not talk about the matter until Millerina and Dryden arrive, Yukari, if you don't mind."
Automatically the close friend could tell that the queen was in no mood to discuss it so she let the subject drop. Amano sitting next to the expecting mother of red locks glanced at his dear friend across the table, but kept quiet. After the accident yesterday he and Yukari had been extremely worried for their friend and decided to attend breakfast with Van the next day. They were fortunate enough that Hitomi had waken during the night and now sat in her chair like it was a normal day,…. but it was anything, but normal….
All of them could tell something was going to happen. Yesterday's event had shown them that. Nothing remotely as dangerous had occurred in the past year making the event very odd. No one really knew what it was going on though. Each of them had a piece of the puzzle, but only Hitomi had seen each one. She had no idea what they connected to form, but she knew it meant a war dealing with a man she thought would never darken her life again…. yet he had return and with him destruction. The vision of her father scared her horribly. Would it really happen?…. Was it too late?…. How long before Dornkirk attacked?…. What did he want?…. Revenge…. That seemed like the only logical explanation for his actions on Joutei and Akuma…. and that he wanted power…. So how did he plan to carry out his revenge?…. The ideas already forming in her head scared the life out of her…. She could only imagine what he would do…. How could she stop him?…. She held power in her, but what could she do with it?…. More importantly how was she to control it?…. She had barely been able to use the 'Power of Atlantis' and now with Joutei's powers running through her veins she had nearly killed people…. and then she hadn't even attempted to use the powers given to her…. What if she tried?…. Would she actually kill people if she tried?…. How many would suffer because she couldn't control it herself?…. Even now as she ate she could feel the different flow in her body…. The power was silent for now for some mysterious reason, but how long before it broke free of her hold again?…. How many would die then?….
Hitomi closed her eyes tiredly and placed her forehead in her hands. So many questions were racking her brain that it was torturing her…. What was going to happen?…. She couldn't even begin to think of an answer for that question….
~~~Lands East of Fanelia~~~
Sukai's eyes drifted closed as she felt what was left of her power being drained. Her wings were molting everywhere and the feathers had turned a deep gray. Desperately she clung onto to what was left of her life, but even that was being yanked away from her grasp. The red aura that surrounded her and Dornkirk glowed in her eyes and she began to swim in its scarlet sea. She needed help now before she drowned in its power….
Dornkirk smirked as he felt the transfer nearing completion. Soon he could mark down another person killed on his lists of murders. Growling he clutched the woman's face harder wanting to hurry and finish. He was a rather patient man at times, but after three years of waiting his patience had grown very thin. He wanted justice done now! His only focus was on the being that could destroy him. Hitomi Kazanki Fanel…. She had been the problem since the beginning. Her family had done everything they could to stop him, but even after their deaths he continued…. He would never give up until he saw the last of the royal Draconians dead…. The seeress's mother was barely a threat for she had hardly advanced in her powers, but the seeress herself…. She had gone far beyond anything anyone could have imagined…. Yet she was still inferior to him…. He had Akuma's powers and now her mother's powers…. She could not best both…. even with the power of Joutei as her aid….
Slowly the transfer continued with the red sphere growing brighter with each moment. As the scarlet glow grew brighter Sukai's wings grew dimmer…. Her wings were nearly the lightest shade of black and with it death was approaching…. All the while this was going on something even stranger was occurring…. Dornkirk's leathery wings were outstretched during the draining of the royal's powers, but during the process his wings began to change…. Slowly black feathers began to grow from the leathery skin of darkness. The soft objects did not cover the entire gargoyle wing, but appeared in odd patches making him all the more peculiar. The dark being barely noticed this and wouldn't have cared even if he was fully aware about the matter. What did it matter?!….
Sukai's eyes squeezed shut in pain and her knees buckled. However Dornkirk did not release his hold on her and the crimson light only grew brighter….
Suddenly a white object shot through the air and pierced the Zaibach emperor's shoulder. Roaring in pain the dark being pulled his hands away from the brunette woman's face just seconds before the transfer was completed. Sukai fell to her side with her eyes closed shut and barely felt her long hair fall over her face. Dornkirk glared at the white arrow protruding from his left shoulder blade and went to remove it when suddenly the pearly object exploded while still embedded in his twisted flesh. Crying out in anguish the beast-man stumbled backwards only a few feet from his captive.
Celena and Sian raced to the fallen angel as they saw the man was distracted. The blonde soldier fell to her knees beside the royal lady as the guardian placed herself between them and the dark attacker with her bow ready. Frantically the knight's sister called out the former queen's name thinking she might be dead already.
Slowly Sukai's eyes fluttered open and the lady gave a faint, "I'm alive?…."
With tears brimming in her lavender eyes Celena whispered, "Barely…."
Gently the soldier lifted her friend from the dirt just as the Dornkirk regrouped and headed towards the three. The man's eyes were sparking in rage and his pupils were dark with burning wrath. His wings of feather melded with leathery skin twitched in his growing thunder. The storm overhead looked like nothing compared to what he looked like at that moment. Growling the man said, "Each one of you has just lost what little chance left you had of surviving…."
Celena gaped at the man before them unable to believe Dornkirk was alive. The soldier nearly dropped Sukai at the sight of him, but the royal was able to support herself against the blonde maiden's shoulder. However Sian had little surprise for the being's identity and barely flinches at his appearance. She had known it was he at the beginning and now she was certain of the matter as she glared at the man's twisted face of scales and skin. Though he was physically changing and was barely hanging on to his humanity Sian could recognize the killer a mile away.
The 'Guardian of the Forest' stepped forward to the man she had remembered from beginning of her childhood history and readied an arrow of pearly whiteness. Unfortunately as quickly as the arrow emerged so did the four other demons as they landed softly to the ground forming a circle around the three protectors. Celena glared at the new arrivals as she pulled the angel woman closer to her side. The knight's sister wanted to protect Sukai, but saw no means of survival in their predicament. Sunshine gold locks fell over her lavender eyes as the maiden tried to size up the opponents surrounding her friends.
Lightning crashed in the darken morning sky and thunder hissed in the people's ears. It was a strange morning indeed. Sian glanced through the corner of her eyes at her enemies, checking them out in turn. Each of the lower class figures seemed a bit scratched up, but it was obvious they were far from being defeated. She could see each one of them snarling at them, baring their fangs in rage. They were not happy….
Sukai felt like her life was gone and held nothing left to continue. Her eyes fell on the dead body of her husband and tears slipped down her cheeks. Her life was gone,…. but she had to finish one last thing before she died…. The royal heir turned her sight at Dornkirk and saw him coming closer to the three of them…. Glancing at her two friends she saw neither were paying attention to her, but their enemies…. She couldn't let them, and the remaining villagers, die…. She only hope she had enough strength to do it….
~~~Fanelia~~~
The two queens pulled apart after the short welcoming hug and look back at each other seeing how much the other had change in a short year. Though neither had truly changed in appearance or attitude there was still the difference of what time does to one's soul. A person beliefs are not in question, but how they act upon them. Millerina had become a gentle mother who often indulged more in her family life then her royal life. Hitomi had always been like that from day one, gentle and kind, but now with her child approaching she was becoming more and more like a young mother, anxious. How can one tell?…. You try to figure it out….
Hitomi smiled happily at her old friend, "How are you, Millerina?"
The blonde woman glanced back at her hansom husband who held a small white bundle in his arms. Beneath the folds of a snowy blanket was a small child only a few moons old. His eyes were the color of sky and were large like the blue vastness making it obvious he would win hearts one day just by looking into his eyes. The queen reached out for her son and replied, "Wonderful since Tomi had been born I have never felt better…."
~~~Lands East of Fanelia~~~
"You both…. must escape…" gasped the dying woman in her friend's arms. Celena frowned at the lady that could barely stand. What was she suggesting?….
Discovering the woman's meaning the soldier responded with a firm voice, "We are not leaving you, Lady Sukai! Never in a million years!"
The frail angel grasped the blonde maiden's arm in a pale hand and muttered weakly, "You must…. Hitomi needs you…. and I am only a burden to you in this condition…."
Sian glanced back at her mistress and hissed, "Sukai, I gave a vow to Queen Hitomi that I was her servant and I have kept that for nearly a year. That vow was meant also for her family and I am not about to leave you! We either escape together or die together! There is no other way!"
The royal lady turned her dim emerald eyes to her comrade with a sad expression on her face, "Is that the only reason you are willing to risk your lives to save mine?"
Taking a quick glance at her enemies before answering the guardian replied, "Of course not, Sukai. For over three months I have been working close with you and all three of us have become very close friends. Even if I had not vowed loyalty to your daughter I would still be standing here to protect you…."
~~~Fanelia~~~
The group stood in the large marble throne room. Amano and Yukari had been happy to stay a while longer to see their friends from the 'Sacrifice' again. It was almost a complete reunion except for a few missing people. Van placed a strong arm around his wife's shoulders as the group mingled happily for the moment forgetting the true reasons for the visit. Word had already been spoken to the Austurian couple about the terrible event of yesterday and both had been extremely worried, but upon arrival they felt something a mist and automatically waited for later to discuss it. Dryden and Millerina knew Hitomi well and they could see her eyes saying, 'We'll talk later….'
Quickly the group of seven began to fall into a deadly silence and the young brunette queen realize her time was up. Looking into her friends' faces she could see the questions and concern. Hitomi had to 'spill the beans' though she wished she didn't have to….
Sighing heavily the seeress began, "There is a lot we need to discuss…."
~~~Lands East of Fanelia~~~
Sukai turned her tired head to her other comrade. Her vision blurred for a second as she felt herself falling towards unconsciousness. Taking a moment to refocus her sight the woman looked at the maiden of long blonde wisps and asked, "And you Celena? Do you fight for my life only because I am royalty?…."
The young woman's eyes of lavender sparkled with affection as she whispered, "No…. You are my friend, Sukai…."
Turning her eyes towards the dead form of the royal angel, Rei, Celena felt the tears slip down her cheeks as she whispered sorrowfully, "Rei was our friend, too…. We're sorry we made both of you think otherwise…."
Closing her emerald eyes a smile crept over the woman's gentle face, "You two never made us think that…. I just wanted to hear the words before I died…."
Celena and Sian both started at those final words and turned to their mistress in shock. With all the energy she could force into her muscles Sukai pushed the blonde soldier from her side and took several fast steps forward. The forest guardian felt the royal woman's power grow and fear ran through her blood. She had no idea what the mother of her queen was about to attempt, but she knew Sukai's powers were far too low to try anything that wouldn't kill her. Desperately the war angel reached her hand out towards her dear friend and cried, "Sukai! NOOOOO!"
~~~Fanelia~~~
Hitomi slowly let the words roll of her tongue and felt the dead weight of foreshadowing falling on her weak shoulders, "Yesterday, when I was talking with Yukari and Merle at the glass house--"
~~~Lands East of Fanelia~~~
Sukai closed her dark green eyes and lifted her face to the storm above. Dornkirk stared at the woman curious at what she possible could be doing. His fellow demons watched on the sidelines with growing interest. Sian and Celena stood on either side of their friend unable to understand what the royal was doing. The woman's brunette hair floated in the air and the dust swept around her ankles. Wings of light black slowly began to deepen into darkness marking the woman's death forthcoming. Clenching her teeth together to endure the enormity of the stress pulling on her body Sukai's brow became drenched in sweat. Her pale hands slowly lifted to the darken sky and began to glow a pearly hue. Golden streaks roared in the background of the thunderstorm making the scene even more spectacular with the lightning's presence.
~~~Fanelia~~~
Suddenly Hitomi stopped in her words as she felt a small pull on her senses. Oblivious to her friends' confused looks the seeress closed her eyes and used her powers to search for what pulled at her soul. Millerina glanced at Van wondering if he knew what exactly was happening, but the look on his face seemed to tell her he was just as lost as they were. Turning back to her fellow queen Millerina felt a swell of concern overshadow her heart for her friend….
Hitomi listened to her senses carefully…. power…. she felt power…. someone familiar…. using a great deal of power…. but… who was---
Hitomi's eyes flew open and sparkled with disbelief making her friends even more concerned. With a voice barely audible the seeress whispered, "No…."
~~~Lands East of Fanelia~~~
Sian felt her heart ripping apart at the seams…. She couldn't stop her friend she knew…. Sukai was going to die…. The poor guardian felt completely helpless…. She could do nothing to stop her…. But an sudden idea began to form in the green warrior's head giving her hope…. Maybe if she knocked her out she could stop Sukai before she used up all her powers…. Seeing it as her only option the war angel stepped towards her comrade ready to hit her in the side of the head,…. but before she could Sukai's hands suddenly glowed a brilliant blue startling the warrior for a minute. It was that minute that gave the former queen enough time to finish her work.
Suddenly dozens of blue beams hissed down from the sky enveloping people. Surviving villagers began to float into the air with their guide as the shafts of blue light shooting from the black sky above. Celena looked up above her in time just to see one of the pillars wash over her. Slowly the Freid warrior could feel the ground falling away as she began to float into the air. Quickly the maiden looked over at her friend, Sian, and noticed an identical beam surrounding the green angel. The poor guardian beat her wings frantically trying to escape the blue light's hold to stop her dying companion, but in vain. Sian reached out to her former ruler desperately calling out, "Sukai!"
The brunette angel of pitch black wings smile wearily at her two friends and said something neither could hear, but both could feel in their hearts, "Goodbye, my friends…. My daughter died in the past for our people…. Today I make the same sacrifice…. Go to her and lend her your aid…."
With a final blast of power the royal heir sent the last of the battle's survivors into the sky disappearing to the one place they would be safe…. to Fanelia….
~~~Fanelia~~~
Hitomi raced from the group suddenly towards the double doors leading outside the large marble chamber. Her friends were startled for a few minutes causing them to freeze at her actions, but soon followed as they saw the young queen burst open the doors all the while calling out her name. The seeress ran through the corridors passing by several guards who looked at her peculiarly. Wouldn't you be a little curious to know why a pregnant queen was running through the castle's halls?….
Before long Hitomi found herself at the stone building's front doors and flung them open with all her strength. Her frantic run ended just as she came to the bottom of the stairs leading into the castle. Emerald eyes flew to the cloudless sky as if she felt what was coming. Van and the others soon were outside and the young king was the first to confront his wife.
"Hitomi?" the man of ebony locks called out in a worried voice. The angel man looked at his beloved's face seeing her full attention was on the sky. This made him also turn his sights to the blue vastness. Following suit curiously the other people standing nearby turned their various colored eyes to the same direction wondering what the heck was happening. Guards along the wall stared down at the group in confusing stares. What were they doing?….
~~~Lands East of Fanelia~~~
The last of the blue spotlights thinned out of the village and followed their captives into the black clouds. Sukai didn't open her eyes as her hands fell to her side. Without saying a word the woman fell to her knees and tittered for a moment before landing onto her stomach. Her ebony wings fell limp over her extremely pale form and several dark feathers littered the ground surrounding her. The glorious queen…. Sukai Naomi Kazanki…. was dead….
Dornkirk glared at the dead body of the royal angry that she had taken away his victims, but glad that she had died. Growling the dark figure walked over to the center of the village leaving the corpses of the royal couple to decay were they laid with his followers close behind him…. One of the dark beings came to his master's side and hissed in an eerie voice, "What shall we do now? They surely will inform the seeress and then they will start towards the next guardian…."
Without stopping or glancing at his minion the dark ruler replied, "Yes…. so we must decide which one of the seven guardians we will attack next…. Then when they go to find the guardian we will be waiting…."
~~~Fanelia~~~
Suddenly a huge beam of blue light shot down from the empty sky and landed a hundred feet away from the castle's front doorway. Startle cries pierced the air from the kingdom at the sight of the old familiar beam. It had not been seen in over a year and no one could understand why it was there.
Slowly Hitomi walked away from the group approaching the beam with a heavy heart. Dozens of figures began to float down from the top of the beam and make their ways down to the castle's stone courtyard. The group at the stairs gaped at the appearance of the old transporter. Only the seeress knew who was arriving at their doorsteps….
With tears sparking her eyes the 'Angel' continued to the light, her emeralds never leaving the people who were raining down from the heavens. In a matter of moments the people finally landed and the beam thinned before shooting back into the sky. The seeress glanced over the people seeing the terrible shape the arrivers were in.
Van rushed to his wife's side with the others on his heels and gasped at the sight laid out before them. Dozens of people laid sprawled out on the stone courtyard. Most of which were just scratched up with a few minor burns, while some appeared to be close to death. Several had extensive burns that had formed raw patches of bloody flesh over the injured people's bodies. Deep cuts and gashes marked the battle's hardships and dribbled in red liquid. A good portion of the group was unconscious and close to death. It was a sad sight to see….
Quickly Millerina brushed past the rest of the group and knelt down next to the closest bloody body. Her husband raced from the scene calling for healers to emerge. Yukari, Amano, and Merle scattered through out the crowd and flew to aid the people leaving Van and Hitomi at the front of the scene staring at it sorrowfully. The dragon king looked at his wife for answers, but she was quietly surveying the wounded people looking for something. He was so lost…. What just happened?…. They had been talking in the throne room when suddenly they had rushed outside to find dozens of nearly dead people laid out at their front doors…. This day was just getting better and better….
The man's thoughts were interrupted when he saw his beloved hurried over the mass of bodies to the center of the display. Automatically Van followed her with a worry frown etched on his face. Hitomi saw the two warriors right away and swiftly made her way towards them as she watched them help each other to a kneeling position. Sian looked at her surroundings and felt her heart shatter. Celena's warm hand fell on her friend's shoulder trying her best to comfort the guardian. Squeezing her eyes shut crystal droplets slipped down Sian's cheeks as the angel woman's hands became fists. With a frustrated cry the maiden of silky mahogany pounded both her fist onto the gray ground, "NO!"
Her pale fingers spread out and played over the rough surface of the courtyard letting her tears fall and mingle with the dirt creeping between the stones. Gasping for air the woman lifted her head to the sound of approaching footsteps. Upon looking up at the figure never before had Sian wished so terribly that it had not been Hitomi who was the one approaching her. Sucking in a painful sob the warrior lifted herself to her feet with the help of the blonde soldier of Freid. to meet her queen.
Even before Hitomi had seen the tears sparkling in the guardian's eyes she had known the truth, but she had to ask the question. Coming to halt before the two warriors the seeress felt her heart skip a beat. Van came up beside just as the queen asked, "My mother?…."
Those two words were too much for the war angel to handle and a fresh wave of tears formed in her silver eyes. Blinking them back the woman bended her head and closed her silver eyes in hope of blocking them out. Failing miserably the guardian replied silently, "Gone…."
Hitomi felt the world tumble away and the land beneath her quiver. Still weak from the day before the seeress did something she had not done in a very long time. With a feeble cry the young woman fainted right into her husband's arms….
~Wellllllll….. What did you think? Boring? Not Boring? Horrible? Great? Okay? You readers need to tell me!!! Please review! If I get 15 reviews for this chapter I will post the next chapter by Christmas Eve!!!!~
~If I get 15 chapters before Christmas Eve I'll post it Monday, but if I don't you'll guys will have to wait longer because I'm leaving Tuesday morning and probably won't be back till the end of the week meaning I won't be working on the story until I get back. That sounds mean, but I'm telling you people the truth about reviews. Reviews get me excited so I type faster! If I get reviews I'll start typing right away!~
~Another LONG chapter! Whoa! I need to quit that! J Just kidding! This one was nearly 18 pages long! Gosh! It's all because of Writer's block!~
~Hope you're enjoying this story so far!~