The Fate of Two Worlds: The Sequel

by angelwings1

For nearly a year Gaea has been in peace, but then never before seen beings with great strength attack Sian's lands. With Joutei & Akuma suddenly sealed away Hitomi is once again forced into war & becomes the only hope left for Gaea..... (V/H fic!!)

7. Secret Leave

~Remember I don't own Escaflowne or its characters!~


~This chapter going to start off the journey around Gaea! Hope you enjoy and please review after your done!!! Do I have to get on my knees and beg????~


~Sorry this chapter would have been posted sooner, but being the clumsy idiot I can sometimes be I accidentally erased five pages from this chapter and had to go back and rewrite nearly the whole thing! I was lucky enough to save the very beginning of the chapter on another disk! I wanted to kick myself for erasing it!~








The Fate of Two Worlds: The Sequel
By Angel_Wings







Chapter 7 ~ Secret Leave


~~~Council Room~~~
Around a circular table of handcraft red oak wood sat the three rulers of the 'Triangular Countries' with two Freid bodyguards, one Fanelian bodyguard, an angel guardian, a cat advisor, an angel prince, and a young couple who were residing in the great city of Fanelia. In the two largest chairs that surrounded the table sat the royal couple of Fanelia as the head speakers. Hitomi now wore a beautiful cream gown that framed her pale body well and made her look a little healthier since it was paler than her skin. Gracefully the queen began to speak showing it was just the beginning of the meeting, "As you all have come to know two days ago there was a horrible mishap at the glass house. This small incident is nothing compared to the sheer enormity of the present circumstances… A war will soon emerge on Gaea…"


Automatically several voices broke in unable to believe what they heard. Dryden was the first, "What?! A war?!"


The blonde youth of the large country of Freid stood up from his chair in disbelief, "Who would want to go to war now?!"


Millerina did not stir from her chair and being the calm one asked the seeress softly, "More importantly who is threatened by this enemy?"


Soon questions were flying through the air in all directions completely directed towards the brunette queen. Only the seeress, her husband, Celena, and Sian remained quiet. The blonde bodyguard and brunette guardian had known the war had come and were not surprised by the words spoken by the ruler. Though Van was just as full of questions as his comrades he was more concerned for his wife's well-being and did not try to overtake her with verbal assaults. Sighing wearily Hitomi raised her hands to signal silence. After a few moments the voices grew quiet and their attention were turned back to the meeting. Trying to regain the words the lovely angel heir continued, "Before I go farther it is best I start from the beginning… Dornkirk has returned--"


"WHAT?!" came a union outcry from the rest of the group including Van, still leaving the speaker, guardian, and Freid bodyguard silent.


Taking a moment for the outburst to settle the seeress continued again for the second time, "He escaped from Hell and attack the immortal ruler there known as Akuma. Taking a large chunk of the Demon King's powers Dornkirk took Hell, Heaven, Akuma, and Joutei into a dark void sealing them away. However before Heaven was taken away Joutei came to me the other day when I was in the glass house. He gave me part of his powers to aid me in the quest that lays before me."


Unable to remain quiet Merle spoke up, "Why did he do that? Why didn't he just stop Dornkirk?"


Hitomi stared down at the surface of the table. She had been wondering about that since the beginning and still she had no answer to give. With each day the question grew more and more aggravating. Lives could have been saved, including her parents', if Joutei had just stopped Dornkirk at the beginning, but for some hidden reason he had not. Unable to answer the question the seeress whispered, "I don't know… I only know that Joutei wishes that I stop him… No one else…"


"Again we ask the question" replied Allen, "Why?"


Shaking her head of chestnut locks the angel replied, "Yet again I have no answer for the question. He did not say and I doubt I can ask him now seeing he has been sealed away. However Joutei did say I was to find the seven guardians and to return to the Mystic Valley. There I'm sure I will face Dornkirk."


Yukari frowned at the whole matter and asked, "I'm sorry, but who are the guardians in which you speak about, Hitomi?"


The young woman of royal birth did not answer, but glanced towards Sian. Catching the gaze of her mistress the guardian rose from her chair and spoke in a proud voice, "I am one of the guardians whom Queen Hitomi speaks of."


Gazing at her mistress the war woman asked, "If you wouldn't mind, my Lady, I will tell the story of the seven chosen ones from our ancient history."


Shaking her head slightly the 'Angel' said gratefully, "That is alright, Sian, but we do not have the time for stories. We must be quick and hurry to finish this meeting so actions may be taken."


Even after this was said the guardian did not sit catching the full attention of everyone in the room. Staring at the brunette warrior the queen silently asked with her eyes what she was doing. In a voice that twanged in guilt the ancient maiden said, "I'm sorry, my queen, but I feel I must… for when I told this story a year ago I left a large amount out…"


Bringing her brow together in confusion the Draconian ruler's eyes of emerald depths stared at her old friend, "Why did you do this?"


Straightening her shoulders the woman replied, "I was under orders by Joutei, himself, to speak of little that might alter the future. The information I held back at our first encounter would have made this new war known too soon. It was best for peace to dwell quietly and not be burden with a dark foreshadowing of the present."


The seeress stared at the woman for a moment as she let the words sink in. The words were more like a riddle and the queen did not fully comprehend the explanation, but believing in her guard she allowed the explanation to remain still and unquestioned. Faithfully Hitomi understood her warrior friend and nodded her approval for the ancient tale. Smiling her thanks the guardian turned to the large audience that sat listening around the table and began the story,


"Years ago when the Draconians were at peace the royal heirs always had a trio of royal bodyguards. For centuries the guards became a tradition for the ruling family and time and time again new guards were chosen when an old one would die or retire from the position. The position was one of the most honorable stations given in our culture, but with it came great sacrifice. The guards were sworn into secrecy where they were concealed beneath the confines of robes and sometimes even masks to hide their identities. New names were given to them and only a first name so their origins could not be discover. It was for protection so that a guard would never be blackmailed with their love ones and their pasts. Their sole duty was to protect the royal family and thus they could have nothing that could hinder them from that duty. The chosen ones were severed from socializing with anyone beyond the ring of the three personal guards and royal family.


For a long time nothing changed about this position and for centuries the Draconians were at peace, until Princess Iris became queen. Her reign began at the same time when the Draconians were beginning to be persecuted by all of Gaea. Fearful for her family and people Queen Iris appointed two more guards. I, myself, was included among the two because Gaeans had killed my family and because I was a very close friend of our queen. Slowly countries all over Gaea began to form alliances and began to strike the Kingdom of Angels, which was located in the Mystic Valley. When an alliance of twenty countries was formed they struck our land. I had been a bodyguard for over two years when the day came for the 'Final Battle'. Unfortunately we, the 'Ring of Guardians', failed and were killed in the battle. Our queen was captured and through her powers she escaped. Sadly she had been weak from the 'Final Battle' and it took her sometime to finally escape and only after she had been tortured nearly to death.


With the population of the Draconians torn in half the Queen created the Mystic Moon to allow the remaining survivors to escape. Terribly the creation of the spectacular world caused her death leaving Lady Iris's daughter, Princess Rachelle, to rule. When plans were made to leave Gaea a third of the Draconians wished to remain on Gaea, refusing to give up their home world. Unable to force them Queen Rachelle decided to allow them to stay, but for a price. If they were to stay they had to go into hiding and not reveal themselves until the time of the prophesied 'Rebirth'."
The famed knight from Freid stared at the woman of long flowing chestnut hair with suspicion, "I remember you talking of such a time when we had first met you, Lady Sian."




~~~Flashback~~~
Allen took a step towards the beautiful woman with a slight frown, "You spoke of the rebirth before...What do you mean when you say the rebirth?"


The woman turned to man with unemotional eyes and an unreadable face, "The time when the heir will finally come back and proclaim herself as the one destined... For the queen to once again to emerge openly..."
~~~End of Flashback~~~




Guiltily the guardian bowed her head and muttered, "I lied about the 'Rebirth'… There is more to it than that…"


Hitomi looked at the woman feeling a small tinge of hurt in the words spoken, "Why did you lie about it, Sian?"


Turning to her mistress the woman stared straight into the queen's eyes to prove her honesty, "Because the information was again harmful to the future. If I spoke of it the course of time could have been altered and I was sworn to protect such. Most of the information for those days had been hidden from all of you so you, Queen Hitomi, might not choose a selfish path.... for if you knew that you were going to die.... Would you still have done it?... If you knew your path was already chosen for you would you have gladly accepted?... Many consequences could have occurred differently if you had only died for honor and glory... You might not have gained the love from your people because they thought you did it for only yourself… That was why that knowledge was never told...."


Staring back at the woman before her the seeress felt a wave of realization hit her. What if she had known the future?… Just thinking about how many ways the pathway to the present could have changed if she had known that knowledge made her dizzy. If she had known of the attack would she still have gone to the temple and doubled her powers?… She wouldn't have allowed Van to die… She might have still died in the end, but would she have done it for herself or for her people?… The sheer magnitude of the possibilities were overwhelming for a mortal to comprehend, even Sian who was a guardian and knew much of the subject could barely understand the situation. The green angel had manage to deal with the matter of jeopardizing the future by putting full faith in her god, but because of her faith she could barely explain the whole situation to anyone else at the same time. Fortunately the seeress was somehow able to grasp the idea with little work… maybe because her world had been very imaginative in such matters of time and paths of life. Science fiction stories had made a living from the whole thing and television episodes had time and time again dealt with traveling through time and altering the future... perhaps that was what allowed her mind to expand and take hold of the idea. Whatever way it was Hitomi understood the dire consequences of knowing too much about the future and decided to let the matter drop.


Nodding Hitomi signaled the war angel to continue her story leaving several people still confused. Taking another breath of air Sian spoke, "At the time I did not know Lady Hitomi was the new heir to the Draconian throne though I did know the queen who would reign in the year to come. I knew it was going to be Hitomi Kazanki Fanel because Joutei had told I. When you came to the 'Spirit Trees' you had yet to take the name Fanel and thus I was skeptical about whom you were."




~~~Flashback~~~
The guardian glanced at the young raven king curiously and then turned back to her queen. If her memory served her well then she knew what was occurring. Her eyes widen as she thought of the woman's name... Hitomi Kazanki!... How foolish she was! How did she not see?... A smile crossed over the warrior's lips and she stood proudly before her queen. The seeress smiled back happy to see that the woman had changed attitude. Perhaps she might know more about what was occurring...
~~~End of Flashback~~~




"Once I discovered it was the time of the 'Sacrifice' I did my best to assist you with information that could be vital for the future. However a lot of the knowledge I knew had to be concealed to protect you and the near future, for knowing it would have changed the flow of the war ahead" Sian spoke firmly and strong like a scholar. Her words were not her owns, but bits and pieces of what had been told to her and then placed in her own dialect. She did not know at the time she was to be the guide into the present war, but as her story began to grow in length she began to realize her 'special duty' as a guide. Suddenly the story fell short and the guardian turned to the brunette king sitting to her right. Dryden's brow creased in confusion at her stare and only grew deeper when the woman said, "King Dryden, do you carry the 'Book of Angels' with you still?"


The group turned to the man waiting for his answer though not knowing the purpose of such a question. The man nodded slightly before reaching behind his chair where a large leather knapsack laid. Since the time of the 'Sacrifice' no one had known more about the Draconians than Dryden. It was because of this he became the leader in leading the scholars through their study of the ancient culture. One day after two months of study the new nobleman went to the angel queen asking if he could be lent the 'Book of Angels' for study. Because of their friendship and his wisdom Hitomi had been happy to help the man and left it in his care. For the remaining months prior to the present circumstances the book had been rigorously studied, but had barely been looked through since so much was contained in the book.


With tan fingers covered in ink from continual writing the royal pulled out several old scrolls wrinkled from age laying them on the table so he might be able to reach into the depths of his bag. Again and again things were pulled out and the people around the table began to wonder if the sack had a bottom to its endless contents. Hitomi had even begun to wonder if the bag was made of magic for it to contain such large amounts of items in something so small. After a large pile of scrolls, tools, and books had been created on the smooth surface of the table Dryden finally proclaimed, "Here is the book!"


Slowly with careful hands a bundle was produced from the knapsack. It was a maroon velvet cloth tied together to hold its contents by a piece of rope. Nimbly the man undid the knot holding down the cloth. Rubbing against the fabric the rope rustle as it fell away leaving the cloth ready to be pulled back. Slowly to show its importance the king drew back the velvet revealing a white leather book with a gold emblem on its cover. The emblem was the Draconian Crest.


Lifting the item in his trained hands the royal looked at the guardian who lifted her hands to it. Dryden was about to lean over to hand it to her when suddenly the book began to glow. Startled by the sudden brightness the man dropped the book, but the snowy leather never hit the red oak of the table for it remained in the air hovering over the table. Several people gasped at this, save for Hitomi and Sian who had seen this happen before. Leisurely the book drifted towards the angel warrior still brightening the room with its pearly glow. Lowering her hands to the table the guardian watched the illuminated volume halt its hover just a foot before her. As if a mysterious wind of no origin had suddenly blown through the room the book flew open letting its pages flip frantically. Light of whiteness continued to pour from the cover now along with the pages. Without a sound the parchment slowed its movement until the book laid open to a set of radiating pages. Fine gold lines began to ripple over the smooth pages of light before forming rows of ancient symbols written in the language of Draconian. With gold and white light mixing together the glow fell over the guardian's face making her look extremely beautiful in its radiance.


Carefully reading the ancient writings the woman of the long brunette braid spoke the passage glowing before her, "Time will stretch for a rotation in peace over the world of dreams. After a time of slumber the globe will be shaken in an uproar as the eight shadows from the depths of the past will wrench themselves from the bellows of the underworld. Claws of death will try to squeeze the life from the world and take all the essence they can envelop. Oh, 'Angel of Gaea' your time has come to once again give us your aid. Thy 'Ring of Guardians' is your sworn league of protectors. Call to them! Take your people to the haven you have created! Powers envelop you! You face the ultimate terror! Mortality is the terror you face, oh 'Angel' and even now it towers over you! A babe for power! The ground beneath you is harsh and black as a single feather of identical hue falls to the earth announcing death and also proclaiming the time of the 'Rebirth' when life will fall either to darkness or to light for a thousand rotations. Blood already marks the earth and more will fall before the result appears."


As the woman's voice fell silent after finishing the passage the volume dimmed and its radiance snuffed out. With a loud 'thud' the 'Book of Angels' fell onto the red oak surface falling close from the impact. Everyone stared at the book unable to utter a single word for their minds were spinning from what they heard. The emblem of the angel upon the pearly cover seemed to gleam in the sunlight as though innocently saying it was, but a book. However its actions prior to that moment of silence seemed to deem it otherwise.


The emerald eyes of the seeress stared at the book sorrowfully. Since the 'Sacrifice' she had been claimed the holder of the book since she was the heir of the Draconians, but she had never open the volume since that dreadful war. An immense power of unknown origin radiated from the leather item scaring her terribly. Its strange antics of glowing and foreboding prophecies frightened her to look upon its dusty pages. When it was often called for study by the request of Fanelian scholars Hitomi had always dreaded going to the small wooden trunk in which it was kept. Every time her pale fingers brushed against the snowy object the 'Angel' could feel the power swelling in it. The book held no powers in which that could be channeled by any known means, but held an imprinting of how the volume was created. It was created by an extremely impressive being with great capabilities, making Hitomi wonder if Joutei himself had created the book.


However, it was not that underlying dread that caused the seeress to stare at the book so intently, but the words that had been read by its ancient pages. From the beginning when Joutei had called for her assistance two days ago she had felt the longing of a journey grasp hold of her soul. Her present life though pursued her to think of another path to take. Now with the prophecy of the new war and the 'Rebirth' she knew there was only one way to go… no matter how much she hated to do it…


Still watching the 'Book of Angels' the queen declared her decision to the group in a sorrowful voice, "I must leave… I have to stop Dornkirk before he does any more damage…"


Everyone started at this declaration except for the green angel who had already known of this decision since years ago and the prince who had been informed earlier about her leave. Automatically everyone rose from his or her seats perplexed by such a decision and not willing to let the young queen go through with such a resolution. Van took hold of his wife's slender shoulders and fearfully looked into her sparkling eyes in disbelief, "Hitomi, you can't be serious?! That's madness!"


The blonde knight was just as baffled at her words and exclaimed, "Hitomi, you can't possibly be considering such foolishness! Think of your kingdom! You cannot just go running off like during the 'Great War' and the 'Sacrifice'! You have obligations here, to the 'Kingdom of Fanelia'!"


Amano held his wife's hand as the red-haired woman cried, "You can't go! We nearly lost you in the last war! What if this time you are not so fortunate?!"


Blue eyes of the sister-queen stared at the beautiful angel royal unable to believe what she heard, "Hitomi, what are you thinking?! You can't go on such a journey! You might be eight moons already progressed in your pregnancy, but you can still miscarry if you are not watchful! For goodness sake! Think of your child!"


"It's suicidal, Hitomi!" proclaimed the cat advisor as she too was surprised, "To go up against Dornkirk with the powers he now possesses is senile!"


"My lady" cried Resshi, "it is far too dangerous for you!"


The cries of disapproval grew deafening and words began to mingle together forming a mute haze in the seeress's pale ears. She heard no words, but could see their faces looking at one another in censure of her judgment. The world slowed and their words were drown out in an eerie silence only Hitomi could hear. Squeezing her eyes shut and grabbing hold of the table in both hands the 'Angel' cried, "ENOUGH!"


A sudden silence fell on the group and all eyes drifted to the queen who now with her emeralds closed so tightly seemed to be in physical, or possibly mental, pain. Several moments no one spoke as they stared at the speaker unable to form a single vocal in their throats. Even the King of Fanelia couldn't move an inch as they all stared at the lovely maiden of flowing mahogany. The moment hung in the air like a bubble threatening to burst. If a word was dared spoken the silence would have shattered and one can only guess where it could have led to, but as luck would have it the silence was still and unbroken even when the raven royal involuntarily reached out for his wife's shoulder again.


Sadly though the moment was suddenly splintered the moment his tan fingers brush up against her pale figure. A silent sob broke from the woman causing the man's hand to recoil instinctively as if his touch had caused her pain. Slowly the queen's pale face rose so she might look upon the faces of the audience dwelling within the vast council room. Upon seeing the 'Angel's face the group felt a wave of guilt hit them for the seeress's pale facade was stained in the salty water of tears that dripped from her green pools. Her hands clenched the red oak table so fiercely that her knuckles had started to grow white. With a voice more like a sob that nearly broke countless times the Hitomi whispered just loud enough for all to hear, "Do you not think I have thought about my child?… about Fanelia?… about my people?… Those aspects have constantly purged in my mind desperately fighting one another… Since two days ago I have thought of nothing else… Even my slumber had been disturbed with visions that hinder the pathway in which I choose… If it was not my place than I wouldn't even dare consider what I have already chosen,… but I cannot for it is my duty… I have been called upon by Joutei himself to take on Dornkirk and I am not about to go against Joutei… Again and again I have desperately sought for another way so I would not have to place my unborn in such peril, but my search has been in vain for the road ahead is of stone that cannot be changed. If I could I would wait till I had this child before I went on this journey, but that is impossible for time is something we do not have. Dornkirk will strike again as soon as he can for what purpose other than revenge that I can see is unknown. I will not wait on the sidelines and allow more to suffer… My parents have died at his hands! I will stand by an see someone else's parents die before their eyes as have mine!"


Hitomi's voice ended into heavy breathing from the force of her words. An awkward silence again fell over the room and the group's eyes fell downcast in guilt for their outburst. They should have allowed the seeress to speak, but they had cut her off without giving her a moment of air to explain. Shamefully they hung their heads feeling too remorseful to even think of a defense or a counter, though all knew there were none. Slowly the seeress saw their dishearten faces and drank up her sorrow. Taking a deep breath and bringing back her shoulders the queen said, "I understand your concern, but understand I have no choice in this matter to decide whether I must go or not…"


Quietly the faces of her comrades lifted from their view of the table surface and looked upon the host of the meeting. Seeing the strong look on their friends a small glimmer of comfort settled on their sore hearts. Finally able to articulate words again the Austurian King decided to speak first, "Dear Hitomi, please forgive us for our harsh words and disapproval for your decision,… but we all care deeply for you and do not wish to see harm come to you again…"


Nodding softly the woman muttered, "I know…"


With the air calmed from its prior storm the knight of long golden hair spoke, "Alright… If you're leaving Fanelia, Hitomi, than what do you want us to do?"


Smiling at the new corporation the seeress glanced around the group as she said in a playful tone, "Since I am leaving Van will certainly come with me seeing that he rarely allows me away from him."


A few muffled chuckles fell prey to the words causing the White Dragon to blush lightly. Hitomi smiled at her husband fondly enjoying how hansom he looked with the hue of pink touching his tan cheeks. Turning back to the rest of the group the seeress continued, "Since we'll both be away Mamoru will rule temporarily over Fanelia in our absence."


Everyone glanced over at the young prince speechless. No one really could consider if they like the idea or not. Mamoru was the next in line for the throne until Hitomi and Van's child was born, but he was extremely young and not well experienced. Smiling at the looks on the people's faces the angel youth stated to them, "I know you have your doubts. Believe me I had my own when Hitomi and I discussed this earlier…"




~~~Flashback~~~
The seeress watched her brother who had drifted over to the window. Her pale fingers played with her cream comforter nervously unsure how she was to speak of the matter on her mind. Staring at her younger sibling she could once again see the youth in him that he had lost over the past year as Mamoru bathed in the sunlight. He was a smaller version of their father with hair and eye color identical to the fallen king. Similar features marked the boy's face making the issue indisputable that the prince was the son of Rei Kazanki. Though he was dressed like a man and was only a head shorter than his older sibling, he was more a young boy than a man. Yes, he had matured, but at lengths he was merely a young teenager still grasping to his past not quite ready to step forth and go down the road of manhood. The path laid before him, but he was hesitating to place a foot forward and progress onward towards life like all young beings do when they reach their moment of maturity.


Shaking her head to refocus on her situation Hitomi began, "Mamoru, I have something I need to discuss with you…"


Hearing the importance lingering in the words the youth of chestnut strains stepped away from the window enough so his eyes would not be hindered by the sunlight and stood a few feet away from his sister's bed. Her eyes seemed to tell him silently that something dire was happening so he asked, "What is it, Hitomi?"


Unable to drift from the question the seeress sighed and whispered, "I need you to rule over Fanelia while Van and I are away…"


Silence… Mamoru stared at his sister unable to think. Had he just heard right?… Letting the words sink in the prince proclaimed, "What?! Where are you going?!"


Groaning at the question with such a long answer the 'Angel' replied tiredly, "If you don't mind I would rather wait to explain that when we go discuss it with the rest of the group."


Automatically hearing the weariness in his dear sister's voice the youth let the question drop and stared at her as she said, "I needed to ask you this favor though before I left… I need you to watch over Fanelia, Mamoru…"


A sudden panic gripped the boy's heart as he felt the overwhelming responsibility of a kingdom, let alone the greatest kingdom of all Gaea, hanging over his royal head. Almost desperate to decline the offer the sibling proclaimed, "ME?! Hitomi, you can't be serious! I'm only fourteen years old!"


Laughing lightly the seeress muttered, "That's nothing. King Chid started to rule Freid at eleven."


Still the youth wasn't about to give up. The idea of taking on such a responsibility scared the living daylights out of him, "What about experience? Chid was raised a noble since his birth. I just took on the noble life this past year! I don't have the ability to rule a kingdom, let alone Fanelia! And what about the advisors?! They'd never stand for it!"


Running low on words the boy stopped his outcries and straighten himself like a noble should when he remembered his lessons of nobility. Such outbursts from a royal were not welcomed in conversations, even in private ones. The two relatives stared at one another for a silent moment. Hitomi could tell her brother was fearful, not just from his words, but also from the look in his eyes. It was the same look her father would get when he was scared, and that had been so rare for Hitomi to see that when she had first seen this particular look it had become imprinted in her memory.


Slowly the seeress pulled back the heavy comforter and rose from the milk and cream bed. As her bare feet came to the floor her pearly gown fell around her ankles in a gentle sweep making her look like a goddess in the sunlight. Her brother watched as she came and kneel before him so that their faces were at eye-level. With pale hands that mirrored his own the 'Angel' took his hands into hers in a sweet grip. Their eyes locked, chocolate drops with emerald jewels. Smiling the older sister whispered, "Mamoru,… I understand you're scared… I have often been,… especially when I became queen… I had no experience what so ever at anything close to this position I now hold… yet here I kneel before you as one of the most successful rulers of all Gaea. Maybe Van did help me through the days, but I was still scared. Sometimes I still am… It's a big responsibility, but I remember I am not doing this for myself for our people…"


Hitomi's hands switched from holding his younger palms to his firm shoulders as she asked, "Please, Mamoru, will you this?… If not for our people, than for me?…"


Sighing the youth closed his eyes. If it hadn't been his sister he would have definitely refused, but how could he refuse her gentle plea. She had done far more for him than he could ever repay her for. He had to do this… for her… Nodding the youth whispered, "Alright, Hito… I'll do it… For you…"
~~~End of Flashback~~~




The seeress smiled at the pleasant memory before saying with a hint of amusement in her voice, "As for the approval of the advisors… We'll leave them in the dark until we are far from here."


Several smiled at the slyness playing within the meeting. Everyone already knew the advisors would automatically forbid the king and queen leaving and do everything possible from letting them leave, so it was best just not to inform them of this suicidal quest.


"Well" says Chid, "On that happy note I think I'll stay here in Fanelia and aid Prince Mamoru as best as I can."


The two friends of noble birth smiled at one another glad to have the other's company. Hitomi also smiled at the offer. She was glad to see her brother growing so close to her brother-like companion. But the joy was short lived as the blonde knight spoke up, "My apologies, King Chid, but you have responsibilities back in Freid."


Waving his hand at the matter the youngest king ever known replied, "I surely can delay whatever is back home until my return. My advisors are handling Freid as we speak I'm sure my stay here a week or so longer will not damage anything vital. If needed I will immediately return, but until further notice I plan to stay here until King Van and Queen Hitomi return safely back to Fanelia."


Allen smiled at his son's loyalty to his friend and said proudly, "As you wish, King Chid."


Chid gave a playful glare at his father for the knight calling him by his title. He rarely got to hear Allen call him 'Chid' or 'son' and hated it when the man had the chance to say the words and didn't take it. Oblivious to this the redheaded woman quickly stood from her chair again and proclaimed, "Well, I'm coming with Hitomi. There's no way your leaving with out me."


Laughing at her own best friend's devotion the seeress said, "Yukari, you know darn well you cannot come with me in your condition. Didn't we just have a similar argument over me?"


Yukari looked around at the group and then at her growing belly before taking back her place in her chair. Blushing from her stupidity the expecting mother sat back as her husband leaned over a whispered something amusing in her ear causing her to smile. However when taking her seat another had stood. Millerina looked sharply at her fellow queen and said, "You have to be insane to think your going on this journey without me! You'll need a doctor with you at all times, Hitomi, or you'll miscarry for sure!"


Shaking her head the angel queen looked straight at the old rival, "No, Millerina, you just had a child and need to attend to him. Not to mention you have your own country to rule and the fact that bringing Prince Tomi on such a journey will surely not be healthy for him in his early moons."


"But, Hitomi" the blonde maiden insisted, "You need a nurse at least."


A glimmer of light twinkled in the 'Angel's mind as she looked across the table at the bronze feline who was watching the meeting casually. With an amused voice Hitomi said, "How about a catty advisor?"


Merle looked towards her queen on hearing herself been discussed and glanced between the brunette and blonde queen before realizing what they were talking about. Feeling the color in her drain the cat lifted her hands up and cried, "But I'm no doctor! I don't know how to deliver a baby!"


Hitomi couldn't help, but laugh at her advisor making both her emerald eyes and silky locks temporarily dance. The young cat frowned softly at the fact that she was being laughed at for something that was pure truth. The seeress quickly quieted her laughter when she noticed her advisor's scowl, "Merle, I'm not asking you to deliver a baby. I'm just asking you to help me along the journey if I need. I'm not having this child anytime soon so the most you'll have to do is help me with things here and there."


Seeing the silliness of her misunderstanding the cat-girl smiled and sat back in her chair. She was glad she was going on the trip and having the excuse to be by Hitomi's side 24-7 made her feel a little giddy. However this didn't quiet the Austurian queen, "Hitomi, you need a nurse!"


Smiling softly the seeress look over at her royal friend, "I know, Millerina, but Merle is our child godmother and has been preparing for the day when the child will be born. She's just as good as any nurse. If you're still worry about it though give her a few tips for the journey before we leave."


Seeing the stubbornness of her old rival the blonde woman let the matter fall away and sat back down in dismay, though she still thought a real nurse was the wiser idea. Just as quickly as both queens had sat down another stood from their seat. This was becoming a reoccurring habit, it seemed… Celena placed both of her palms against the red oak of the table and hunch over its side looking squarely at the Fanelian angel woman, "Queen Hitomi, let me come with you. I can help protect you and the others on your quest."


The offer was rather inviting, but the 'Angel' knew better. Shaking her head sadly the seeress said, "I'm sorry, Celena, but Dornkirk and his men are quite powerful. I don't think you would stand much of a chance against them when they possess such powers. It would be best if you stayed by your king. Besides Sian will be my protection."
Just as those last words left Hitomi's pale lips Resshi angrily jumped from his chair and roared, "I will not let that woman be your guard, Queen Hitomi! Look how well she protected her villages!"


Everyone to startled by his outburst to say anything just stared back at him in shock,… that is except Sian. Rage boiled in her blood from his harsh claims and furiously the warrior also leapt from her chair. Slamming a flat palm against the table reacting in a loud 'bang' the war angel shouted, "Like you did any better with our queen two days prior to this meeting?!"


The brunette general's face grew scarlet in fury and he threw back his shoulder making his royal blue cape flutter for a moment. Just as vigorously as the guardian had done the soldier pounded his own hand against the table making an identical 'bang' before shouting back, "At least no one died because of my errors!"


Sian's eyes of silver grew dark in immeasurable fury. The woman would not allow anyone to judge her when they knew not the situation. With a voice low from rage the angel growled, "How dare you! You have no right to judge my actions! You--"


"Silence!" roared a rich voice over the angry fighters' words. Van's voice rolled over the two fighters making their words be cut off and extinguished. Both of the warriors glared at each other with their faces deep in scarlet flushes from the heat of their rage. Their near identical mud hair fell over their sparking eyes making them look all the more menacing. Both seemed ready to draw their weapons and leapt over the table at each other making the group still in tension. Breathing heavily from the exertion of their anger the two warriors blinked awake from their antagonism and glanced towards the ebony-haired king. Looking back at each other with daggers flying between their gaze the two fighters slowly sat back down in their chairs recomposing themselves, but continued to glare at one another from their seats. Sighing in relief from the previous tension the king glanced at his wife. She was slightly frowning at both of the fighters. The young queen disliked seeing her friends on such ill ground. Hitomi also found the matter of their fight very inappropriate for their positions, but allowed the fight to pass over seeing there was no time to deal with personal quarrels. Turning back to the group the king replied, "Alright, so we have decided that Hitomi, Merle, Lady Sian, and I will go on this trek alone."


The bearded general's eyes glittered with concern as he turned to his mistress in one final plea, "Please, Queen Hitomi, take me with you. I am your personal bodyguard."


Smiling sadly at her loyal soldier the queen almost found herself breaking down to allow him that privilege, but in the end she shook her head, "I'm sorry, Sir Resshi, but like Celena you would only be an easy target. Besides I want you to stay behind and protect Mamoru incase Dornkirk takes the chance of attacking Fanelia."


In defeat the man quieted his plea. He knew his queen well and could tell there was no way she would allow him now to come along. With no other choice he accepted the ruling, but found himself awaken with a question, "Than how will you travel, my queen?"


That was a slight oversight they had not anticipated. Hitomi's brow furrowed in thought wondering that herself. They couldn't count on the Crusade or any sail ship since they were too large and easily spotted in the air though they might need a ship's aid to deliver the Draconians from their lands to the protection of Fanelia. Letting her mind whirl with ideas the seeress settled back into her chair allowing her hand to drift under her chin in thought. Hitomi began to think of back in the 'Great War' how they had traveled before an image of the white legend passed before her mind. Smiling happily the seeress replied, "That's very simple. We'll take Escaflowne and as for the Draconians who live with the guardians will send word to Gaddis and just send the Crusade to pick them up and bring them to Fanelia."


The mention of the legendary name sent a flutter in everyone's hearts. The white dragon had been heard less and less about over the past months because of his constant absents from the royal forest. The tale of his glory and fame continued to mingle all of Gaea and many would often venture into the restricted areas of the forest just so they might catch a glimpse of the beast. No one was foolish enough to go after the dragon for capturing though for fear of 'rumored' curses that had befallen onto the legend from sour-folks who had one too many run-ins with the snowy creature because of such events like trying to capture the legend.


The group smiled at the name feeling the same peace that came along with the sound of the legend's identity. All welcomed the idea and soon Dryden began to rummage through the pile of scrolls. The king soon pulled out a large roll of parchment for all to see. Pushing aside his other items to make room the man rolled open the paper laying it out over the large round table. Everyone automatically stood and leaned over the side of the red oak furniture to get a better look at the parchment. What laid etched on the large document was a world map of Gaea. Symbols and writings in several languages were scribbled all over the parchment and in several places a special emblem was marked in circled areas.


Hitomi's eyes of emerald depths glanced over the atlas a moment before turning to the green dressed guardian knowing the reason for the sudden appearance of a map, "Sian, where are the other guardians located?"


Slowly the warrior's silver eyes danced over the writings and symbols distinguishing the areas for herself before softly speaking in a voice like that of a storyteller a passage she had once heard, "When the five awoke and were renewed to the realm of the dead in bodies of immortal forms they struck across the globe marking five territories of different variety…"


One of Sian's pale hands ran over the map leisurely as she carefully read a few of the symbols. Everyone's eyes followed her fingers as they halted over a stretch of land that was circled in a green hue and given a crest much like the emblem of the Draconians, except the crest was rather crude because it had been drawn by an ill-experienced artist. Without moving her eyes from the spot beneath her finger the angel whispered, "One went to the forest and dwelt among the dead fighters…"


With the same quickness as before the warrior ran her finger over the parchment south of her villages as if she were drawing an invisible line. All were silent and watching intently as her finger once again stopped, but this time there were no markings to indicate the area of land. All that was there for observation was that the land was in a cream pigment and held blue snowflakes designs across it. Gazing at the land the guardian whispered, "One went to the snowy canyon where the blizzard roars and the beast prowls…"


Again her finger slid over the wrinkled paper to be followed by all the eyes that filled the room. Leaving that white land the pale digit traveled north falling short when it came to the ocean, "One went to the sea where the sirens sing men to their deaths…"


With only a moment hindered on that blue water the finger continued this time to the western hemisphere. Yellowish land ran beneath the digit and Sian halted her motion to say, "One went to the dunes of the desert where the worms travel beneath the sand in hordes…"


On the final land the guardian came to halt on a mountain range located in the very center of all four other locations. Stopping on the spot the angel tapped the center of the region showing the last station of the five guardians. Taking her silver eyes from the map the green maiden turned to her queen who looked up from the atlas as well to meet her friend's gaze. With the same quiet voice Sian said, "And one went to the skies where mountains pierce the heavens and the winds howl…"


For a moment the group just stared at the five locations conversing among themselves what little they knew about the four foreign lands while Hitomi and Sian just stared at each other knowing what there was first destination was. Not even looking back at the laid out parchment the silver-eyed warrior said, "I never knew the last two guardians so I do not know where they dwell precisely, but I know somewhat of the other four. I believe it would be best to head to the guardian who lives in the mountains. He was a dear friend of mine and he will know who I am… He was the other person who was promoted into the 'Ring of Guardians'."


Not stealing a chance to tear away the gaze they had the seeress asked in all seriousness, "What was his name, Sian?"


Staring straight back into her ruler's eyes the guardian replied softly, "His name was Nembus…"




~~~A Few Hours Later in Hitomi and Van's Chambers~~~
Another bundle of items was lifted from the drawer and stuffed into the leather knapsack. Hitomi watched in wonder as the clothes disappeared into the depths of the bag as if they had not even been placed into the knapsack. Like she had suspected Dryden's knapsack had been enchanted and could hold an endless amount of supplies in it. Seeing that they were going on a very long journey and that none knew what to suspect the Austurian king had rounded up several of the bags to lend to the travelers. Now each of them was packing what they needed for the expedition. They had decided to not leave the packing up to the servants for fear their leave of the country would be discovered before they left and not wanting to deal with their advisors they thought this was the best way though none mind the labor.


Turning back to her dresser Hitomi dug into another drawer and retrieved a blanket and several warm clothes considering they would have to travel into cold lands. Her pale hands gathered maps, books, medicines, and other items that might aid the group on their quest. Perhaps the books were a bit much, but Hitomi was still new to Gaea, in a sense, and didn't know all its wonders. She felt better knowing she had material to study in her spare time about the lands they were going to travel.


Suddenly her emerald eyes fell on a maroon bundle tied down by a piece of rope. Hitomi didn't want to bring the 'Book of Angels' for it still frightened her, but Sian had insisted on it, saying that it might have information in there they might need on their quest. Reluctantly the seeress agreed and had been given back the ancient book to her dismay.


Forcing her hands to keep steady the 'Angel' took the book in her hands and swiftly stuffed it into her bag wanting desperately to rid it of her sights. Once the shadows within the knapsack had swallowed the snowy item Hitomi breathed a silent breath of relief. She felt somewhat foolish for her fears of the inanimate object, but she wondered if those same fears weren't foolish seeing that she had a sixth sense for things in this matter. Turning back to the dresser she reached over to pack some of the food provided to her. Merle had snuck into the kitchen and retrieved loads of provisions for the journey and had distributed the amount equally among them.


Hitomi's fingers barely brush a package of dry meat when a tan hand grabbed hers. Slightly startled by the being's sudden grasp the seeress's head swung around causing her brunette locks to bounce. Gasping silently and then laughing just as softly the seeress found herself nose to nose with her husband's tan face. His fire eyes looked deep into hers with love and adoration making Hitomi's heart flutter. She always loved that feeling. Van's warm palm drifted to her cheek caressing it tenderly. Their eyes were lost in each other and they breaths mingled together into a sweet sort of air. Quietly the nobleman whispered her name like it was the most precious thing in the world, "Hitomi…"


The seeress smiled up into his eyes and whispered back, "Yes, Van?…"


Instinctively the king pulled his wife into his secure arms enjoying the warmth he got from the embrace. Pushing aside a few bangs of chocolate from his angel's face he whispered, "You must promise me something, Hitomi, before we leave here…"


Confused by such a statement the queen brow furrowed as she asked, "What is it, Van?"


Looking seriously into his beloved's eyes of swirling emeralds the White Dragon said, "You must promise me that you will not die…"


Warmth took hold of the seeress's soul as she realized her angel was probably going crazy thinking how dangerous their trip was with her in the middle of it all. Smiling the seeress said playfully, "Now Van, how can I promise something like that?"


"Please, Hitomi" Van whispered back earnestly, not even considering the absurdity of the vow, "I couldn't live through your death again… We have finally found peace together and I could not bare to see you be stolen from me again… especially now with our child on the way…"


Sorrowfully the 'Angel' smiled at her beloved. Oh, how terrible he must be feeling since all he thinks about was her protection. How can you promise something you have no control over?… However the seeress realized something… Their child… No matter what happened she refused to let a life die… above all their child… If she died… her child would die… and that she would never allow… Placing both of her pale hands on her lover's cheeks the queen stared deeply into his eyes of rubies. His own tan palms ran over hers as she whispered, "Van, I promise you that as long as I hold this child within me I will not die… No one will kill me or our child…"


Feeling a slight sense of relief from those words the king could not bear it any longer and kissed his wife deeply. With their eyes sliding shut Van felt security take hold of him as he felt her lips against his… knowing she was right there and wouldn't leave him… The two never noticed that behind them where one of the large windows stood you could see out towards the beautiful horizon. The sun was falling from the sky and going into the covers of the horizon marking the end of the day and the beginning of the group's journey… for it had been decided that they would leave under the cover of darkness…




~~~A Little While Later in the Royal Gardens~~~
"Where could he be?" asked Merle for probably what was the millionth time. Van scanned the starry sky again to no avail as Hitomi and Sian stood a few feet away from the two relatives.


Frustrated the raven king muttered angrily, "I have no idea where Escaflowne is. I thought he would come when I called him…"


Hitomi glanced towards the edge of the forest thinking of the white legend that dwelled there. Had Escaflowne left again?… Where did that dragon always run off to?… Whenever Escaflowne had been in the forest and Van had called to him he had automatically come in a matter of a few minutes, but today they had waited for nearly an hour with no response from the shadowy trees. It was very simple for the king to call the legend seeing that they were bonded. All Van needed to do was release his senses and call forth the dragon taking, but a matter of seconds. Unfortunately the angel king had found no trace of the beast when using his senses this time and so had decided to call with his limited abilities for his companion. Nothing…


The seeress glanced at the rest of the waiters that stood just beyond the four preparing travelers. All who were present at the meeting during midday were present once again in the central courtyard of the royal gardens. Hitomi could see the uneasiness in their stances. They were anxious for the four journeymen to leave before all of Fanelia discovered. Not that anyone could have stopped them from leaving at this point, but they all wanted to avoid any trouble that night. Tomorrow they would have to worry with the whole castle going in an uproar at the disappearance of their rulers, but tonight they wanted a little time of peace.


Turning away from the spectators the queen turned to the guardian. Sian stood sharply like a true warrior. She had not changed her attire refusing to because it was her royal uniform and did not like the idea of parting from the outfit. The stunning bow of gold and silver was strapped onto her back along with one of the provided enchanted knapsacks. More than once her braid fell over the gleaming weapon as if trying to make sure the item had not escaped. The angel's silver eyes continually were on alert and glancing every which way for signs of approaching intruders who might try to hold them from their journey. In the gentle moonlight you could barely distinguish her bruised arms and her black eye, but you could tell from small movements she made that her body was still slightly sore from battle. Silent the warrior was fulfilling her duty as a guardian and remained a watcher.


Glancing back at Merle and Van gave the seeress a moment to observe them before they left. The young cat-girl was dressed in a cream sleeveless shirt trimmed in pale pink thread making her bronze stripped fur stand out beautifully. Wearing a pair of brown shorts of smooth material allowed the cat good access to wild movement making the outfit formidable attire for running. The outfit wasn't the most attractive design Hitomi had seen, but it was something cat-folks were rather fond of. Being part animals and dwelling on instincts they were prone to wear extremely short outfits so they could have the same amount of movement as if without clothes allowing them to move like a regularly animal of the wilderness. Merle was no exception. Even in the 'Great War' the young cat-girl had worn a rather short dress that had sometimes driven Hitomi up the wall because she couldn't understand how the cat's modesty wasn't affected. On the cat's back was her own knapsack that was extremely light though extremely filled, another aspect of the enchantment upon the bag.


Shrugging it off the seeress looked at her husband and smiled fondly. Van was again wearing his old outfit, the one he had worn all during the 'Great War' and a little during the 'Sacrifice'. It was the same red sleeveless shirt with cream pants and mud boots. The only difference was that it had been slightly altered to fit the king. His form had grown tone during the years of wars and even after the 'Sacrifice' the royal had continued to grow a few more inches. Finally the seamstress had to recreate the favored attire because the old one had been ripped so many time from battle and grown too short for the king that they had no choice. The servants had wanted to make the outfit more elaborate because it was meant for a king, but Van had strictly forbid it seeing that it was one of the few outfits that he felt comfortable in. Hitomi almost snickered when she thought how much he was like one of the guys from earth who would never get rid of a certain shirt or jacket no matter how ragged it got. Though the king was Gaean he was still a guy… Van carried a knapsack meant for both him and Hitomi. He refused to allow the seeress carry a bag because of his overbearing worry for her. He didn't want her to overexert herself, even though she had completely healed from the last few ordeals.


Looking down at herself Hitomi grimaced. She was a tomboy for one thing when it came to dresses, but even when they were going on a journey she had been forced to wear a dress-like outfit because of her pregnancy. Her over swollen belly made it nearly impossible for her to wear any form of pants except ones that went too low or far too high. Hitomi could have really cared less what she looked like or what people thought of her, but even she couldn't stand the way the pants made her appear. Unwilling to wear a dress on their soon travel the seeress was forced to do the only she could do. She wore a long shirt, sort of like a robe, that fell all the way down past her knees while wearing pants beneath it. The outfit looked very much like a dress making the woman grow a little frustrated with her pregnancy. She desperately wished for a pair of shorts or a skirt even like the uniform she had worn in the 'Great War' and the 'Sacrifice'. Sadly she was forced to wear the light blue dress-outfit with chestnut boots. Fingering the short sleeves of her overlong shirt the seeress glanced down at the slits that ran up the shirt meant to allow her room to run. Frowning slightly the 'Angel' wondered how in the world she would be able to run when she had such a condition like this. The outfit reminded her of people who wore such in deserts and special cultures. Finding herself growing frustrated with the chosen attire Hitomi refocused on the present and glanced back at her husband for a sign of the dragon.


Still there were no signs of an approaching dragon so the king frowned and turned back to the group in defeat, "I think we'll have to find another way of traveling. It seems Escaflowne has left Fanelia again."


Merle pouted making her look much younger than she was. She still had some kitten in her. Looking straight at Hitomi the cat-girl asked, "What do we do now?"


For a moment the seeress had no answers to give. Escaflowne had been their soul hope for travel and now with that option stolen from them there seemed they'd have to break down and take a sail ship, but that meant it would take longer and they wouldn't be out of sight. Sighing heavily the 'Angel' was about to answer the cat when the guardian cut her off, "I have an idea."


Everyone turned towards the brunette warrior wondering what possible option she could offer and hoping desperately it was a good one. With her brow furrowed in confusion the seeress asked, "What is it, Sian?"


Turning more towards her queen the war angel replied, "Your mother used the blue beam of light to move us from my villages to Fanelia. What if we use the same transportation?"


The idea was perfect! To use the blue light would be far quicker than Escaflowne or a sail ship could ever travel. Plus if they used the blue shaft of light than when they reached the villages they could transport the hiding Draconians from their homes straight to Fanelia without having to worry about taking time away from their travels. There was just one slight overlook about the matter…


Sadly the seeress looked towards her loyal friend and said, "Sian, that's a fine idea, but when using the beam we need to know where we're going exactly or we might end up somewhere else on the other side of Gaea or somewhere worse."


Smiling wisely the maiden of the long braid simply said, "Nay, all we need is to know the guardian, then we will be led straight to them. Sort of like dowsing with the pendant when you're looking for something."


Hitomi smiled at the wisdom of the woman along with everyone else, but soon frowned in confusion, "How do you know about dowsing?"


Smirking slightly the warrior just kept quiet and let the moonlight sparkle in her eyes. She knew many things for she was ancient and of a very high station. The pendant's uses were well known to her for they were often told about in the ancient chronicles of their people. Time and time again in their written history the pendant had been used for different circumstances.


The seeress watched the warrior for several moments before letting the matter slid away only to be replaced with another, "Sian, even we could use the pendant I do not know what Nembus looks like--"




~~~Vision~~~
Hitomi stood within a large temple of gray stone. Large stone columns and statues decorated the center of the vast room in which the girl stood in. At the very center of the room stood a statue of a large angel woman in a long robe. Her wings were stretched to their full length arching beautifully from her back. Her eyes were closed while her hands were cupped as if they were holding a small item. Slowly the seeress walked to the significant piece all the while noticing the seven smaller statues of angels that circled the large center one.


One was of a man who held a rather large blade with small bells falling from the hilt. His hair was cropped short and he was dressed in a long flowing robe that hid his feet from view. His features were very life-like though somewhat crude because he was made of hard stone. A small gold plate that was pressed into the base of the statue revealed the identity of the man, which the seeress's emerald eyes read curiously.


"Nembus...the Warrior of the Clouds.... Died serving his people in the 'Final Battle' before the race disappeared."
~~~End of Vision~~~




Hitomi started after the vision thinking thoroughly over the image she had seen. The vision had been a fraction of an old one she had once seen. She had seen the foresight a year ago after the Mystic Moon's destruction and had met Queen Iris in the dream. At the time the seven small statues that had occupied the temple in her vision had been insignificant, but now looking back at the image they meant everything. With the short moment of observing the statue she had been given a crude picture of what the guardian was like. Perhaps it would be enough to allow the beam of light to work… Even while the seeress was considering this, another vision overtook her…




~~~Vision~~~
A lone being dressed in dark purple, nearly the color of blackness, stood on the highest peak of a mountain. His hair was like ebony and well trimmed. Black armor ran over his clothes and a silver lining decorated his attire. His dark eyes were hard from experience, but his heart was soft like a summer breeze. Pale skin well toned from labor and battle was kept well hidden beneath his dark outfit, but if seen you could have seen several battle scars marking it. The man stood on the edge of a cliff that laid above the clouds. Behind was a tunnel that led into the depths of the tallest mountain in the world leading to caverns filled with people of all ages. Silently the man stared across the clouds with the sun peeking through the pearly mist. He had been that way since two nights ago. He rarely slept so the deficiency had yet to take its toll upon his body. The necessaries such as water and food had been brought to him several times by citizens dwelling within the caverns, but he had mostly left the offerings on the side only reaching out for them when his stomach had roared angrily or his throat was screaming for liquid. Still he stood staring across the distance looking at nothing in particular.


Suddenly the angle in which he was viewed changed and soon Hitomi found herself looking into his eyes. Strangely his eyes were black and held no color other than that ebony blackness. His eyes were like bottomless depths of the dark void in which Hitomi often found herself in when she experienced visions. As she stared at the man's eyes she found herself being drawn into their dark pits. Soon the large black pupil like eyes grew pulling Hitomi into it. Before long she found herself within the black depths with the image of the man left behind.
~~~End of Vision~~~




As if the vision had reacted with the ancient stone of blood the pendant, which was always worn on Hitomi's neck, began to glow a brilliant red. Before a word could be spoken or action played into motion a brilliant beam of cerulean blue shot down from the stars and surrounded the four individuals. Each of them were enveloped in the light's glory and their features were highlighted in the blue making them look like a dream. Outside the circle of power the rest watched in awe seeing the blue light again after such a long period of absence from it. They smiled as they watched their dear companions begin to float away from their wonderful presence. Each of them waved their farewells as the four travelers began to journey that would change their lives. Mamoru waved frantically at his sister hoping she would again return from the dangerous mission while his best friend did the same. Allen placed a warm hand on his sister's shoulder trying to comfort them both that their friends would be all right. Dryden and Millerina hugged each other close as their eyes followed their leaving companions. Resshi was silent and sorrowfully watched his rulers disappear into the starry sky. Van took hold of his wife's hand as they floated so high that the world beneath them became almost unable to view. The royal couple looked at each other lovingly both feeling an old thrill fill their souls. For the third time in their lives they were taking another journey through a time of war together. Neither knew what lied ahead and in a sense they were glad for that for it was the unknown that always made them think it was like old times… when they traveled all over Gaea with, but themselves as their guides and their comforts…


And so the light flew towards the heavens and extinguished before the specters below. With the beam gone so were their friends and thus the war truly began…




























~Man, I think I was mean for leaving this chapter hanging at the end like that. What's going to happen? I'm still not completely sure myself, but I'm really good of just thinking stuff up so that's not so bad. I do know the next chapter is going to have some interesting action!~


~Okay! This chapter was *gawk* over 20 pages!!!! My goodness! Am I going overboard?! Every time I write these chapters they just keep getting longer, and longer, and longer, and longer!!!! I need to stop that! Hehehehehe!~


~Next chapter should be out either late Friday or early Saturday. If not by then it should be the next couple of days after that. It deals with how much work I get when I start school again Wed! UGH! I don't want to go back!~


~Okay, people, I'm getting on my knees, *Angel_Wings gets down on bended knees and puts hands together* and I am begging for REVIEWS! I really haven't gotten any reviews for the last chapter so I'm beginning to wonder if anyone except for the few that have sent reviews is actually enjoying this story. I'm not asking for much just a few words on your opinion of how this story is going. PLEASE REVIEW!!!!!! I'm begging!!!!!~