~Remember I don't own Escaflowne or it's characters!~


~Okay here's the beginning of the long journey involved in this story! Do you guys know what's going to happen? Perhaps a clue? Read and find out!~


~Okay, I have to say this: if you haven't read the first part of this story known as 'The Fate of Two Worlds' do so now! You will get really confused in this chapter and in later chapters if you don't read my other story!!! This IS a continuation of that story so if you haven't read it you will be completely lost!!!~


~Hope you enjoy this chapter and please review after your done!!!!!~











The Fate of Two Worlds: The Sequel
By Angel_Wings








Chapter 8 ~ Cloud Warfare


~~~Skies of Gaea~~~
At first all she could see was blue light swallowing her up. Its blue depths were like a wall that could not be broken and for that instant the world was no more until finally it fell away and the stars twinkled back at her. The moment the cerulean blue disappeared from her eyes the seeress was able to catch a glimpse of their surroundings. White clouds were highlighted in a bluish-gray from the night and the thousands of diamond eyes twinkled in the black sky while a full moon dressed in a golden hue glowed brightest amongst them. Hitomi was dimly aware that in the background of the sky laid several tall peaks that poked out from beneath the clouds causing the mists to swirl against the high mountains. The 'Angel' blinked once… twice… before realizing that nothing solid laid beneath her feet. The moment that had hung in the air before finally dropped and the seeress felt the pull of gravity take hold of her and begin to drag her back to the world below.


And so she began to plunge downwards only to be lifted up again when her wings automatically shot out from her back without ripping a single patch of material. The seeress's clothes had been made where slits were provided in the back of any of her attires so that her wings would have easier access at unfurling from her back. Glowing feathers thrust into the sky mingling with the night clouds. Taking several beats of her wings Hitomi lofted herself higher into the air. The air was thinner her and it forced the seeress to take several deep breaths before she felt steady in the sky. Soon a cry pierced through the air catching the angel's attention.


Remembering she was not alone the seeress quickly whirled around and frantically scanned the area for her friends. On turning about the 'Angel' beheld Sian already with her wings spread out against the sky. With the help of the moonlight the seeress could distinctly see her travel companion. The warrior was staring below with a slight smile on her face making Hitomi frown in confusion. On looking down herself the seeress noticed her husband flying upwards from the shadows of the clouds. His wings were dazzling in the light of the moon and stars as he flew to the two brunette maidens. In his strong arms was a rather frighten cat-girl who was clinging to the man's neck for dear life as her chocolate eyes were squeezed tightly shut. Merle's voice carried on the air making Hitomi laugh when she heard her advisor's words, "Next time we do this someone take hold of my hand!!!!"


Van smiled at his foster-sister's handicap of being wingless. Sian and Hitomi softly laughed as the two relatives arrived next to them. Poor Merle growled at their laughter annoyed by her inability to fly. The three angels glanced at one another still smiling slyly before they calmed down and checked where they were. Just as quickly as they had quieted down sudden voices filled the air, but it was not their own voices.


All four friends snapped their heads around at the sound and suddenly noticed dozens of forms rushing towards them. Hitomi squinted at the flying beings trying her best to see if they were friends or foes, but because of clouds overhead and all around them shadows fell over the figures making their features indistinguishable. All they could see were figures, dozens of them, with wings flying towards them at a very fast pace.


Sadly for the four travelers they also could not be distinguished by the approaching horde because of shadows falling over them making the leader of the fliers uneasy seeing four dark forms standing in their path. Technically the escapees could only distinguish three beings before them since Merle and Van seemed to be one person because of their physical closeness to each other. Though the royal couple and guardian's wings were white, in the shadows of the cloud their wings looked a deep gray and their true features were hidden in the darkness. What little light was provided from the stars, for the moonlight was blocked by the blue mists, much you could tell the beings before them were could only be guesses or assumed. So when the fleeing group grew closer and the four people did not move from their path the leader thought automatically they were facing their enemies. Swiftly his hand went to his sword and soon the blade was produced from its scarab with the sound of metal ringing against each other.


Luckily for the travelers Sian was well trained and easily comprehended what the metallic sound meant. Instinctively the guardian pulled out her bow and promptly placed herself in front of her queen becoming a human barrier between the armed being and ruler. Alas, when the warrior did this it appeared to the leader she was rushing him causing him to act on his instincts and swing his blade at his attacker. The silver metal gleamed in a sudden appearance of moonlight showing the war angel the approaching danger in time to lift her own weapon up to block the attack. The sound of metal clang in the air and both fighters grunted at the impact. Hitomi quickly flew back giving the two their room while Van came closer to his wife to give what little protection he could give seeing that he still held his foster-sister in his arms.


Good fortune fell on the two sides though for with the appearance of the moonlight it allowed all to see the occupants of the sky. Sian's eyes of silver gleamed dangerously as she and her opponent held their weapons locked against each other. Hitomi gasped when she noticed her guard's opponent. It was the same man she had seen in her visions, except for the fact that he looked as if he had been in a fight. His armor was dented in several spots and his neck held bruises as if someone had attempted to strangle him. Other than a slight nose bleed the man was obviously all right. Behind him floated a group of angels, at least an estimate of thirty in all. They seemed to had faired better than their supposed leader except for a few who were being carried in their friend's arms being too badly injured to fly themselves.


Sian and the other guardian glared hard at one another at first, baring their teeth at each other like mad dogs before they both blinked and looked harder at their opponent's face. Slowly the green maiden asked, "Nembus?…"


The man of jet-black hair furrowed his brow in confusion as his dark eyes ran over the woman for a moment checking her over making sure he was not mistaken. With a rich baritone voice the armored fighter asked, "Sian?…"


Quickly the two pulled their weapons apart and stared back at each other. Sian couldn't help, but laugh lightly, "I knew we would be meeting up with you, old friend, but I didn't expect so soon upon our arrival."


Frowning in confusion still the guardian glanced towards Hitomi and the others briefly before turning back to his old sparring partner, "We?… What are you doing here, Sian? I thought you were suppose to be searching for the queen."


Shaking her head and making her braid bounce the warrior murmured, "Slow as always,… I found the queen a year ago, Nembus, and now I stand beside her as her bodyguard."


The 'Warrior of the Forest' waved a hand towards the seeress's direction drawing the opposite fighter's attention to the pregnant woman. For several moments the armored guardian just studied the maiden with suspicious eyes making Hitomi slightly uncomfortable. The way his eyes looked upon her was as if he deemed her an enemy,… but why would he think that?… Didn't he believe his old friend?…


All of a sudden the man lifted his blade back up, but this time he pointed at Hitomi making the four travelers start. Venomously the dark purple warrior exclaimed, "That is no queen! That is one of the demons in which even now me and my people flee from!"


The man tried to go around his fellow guardian as though to go strike the seeress with his sword. Van automatically leapt in front of his wife. However the armored fighter had barely gotten two feet away from his previous position before Sian took hold of his upper arm in a vice-hold. Angrily the angel man glared back his friend as she looked back him with the same anger.


"Are you mad?" Sian cried viciously, "What are you saying?! Do you not believe me?! When have I ever spoken a lie to you, Nembus?! That is the queen of the Draconians, Hitomi Kazanki Fanel!"


Shaking his arm from her grip the man stared hard at his old companion, but did not attempt to confront the seeress again. Nevertheless Van refused to step away from his wife just yet and kept himself firmly planted before her whiling still holding Merle securely in his tan arms. Both he and the cat-girl frowned at the man wondering why he would doubt the truth. Never taking his eyes off his friend's silver ones the man growled, "It is not that I believe you are lying to me, Sian, if that is who you are--"


"Who I am?!" exclaimed the guardian in disbelief, "Who would I be if I am not the person in which I speak of?!"


Drawing away from the forest warrior the man readied his sword at the brunette fighter and hissed, "If you are not the superior warrior known as Sian, than you must be one of the demons come to destroy me, my people, and all of Gaea! Away from me!"


With that he brought down his sword at his opponent forcing the brunette maiden to bring her own weapon up to block yet another attack from him. Quickly Sian threw the man off and backed away to give her room to speak, "What is the matter with you, Nembus?! Has your mind been destroyed?! I am Sian, 'Guardian of the Forest'!"


Ignoring her words the man struck again making Sian back off once more coming very close to Hitomi and the others. Seeing her new position the war woman got into a fighting stance not welcoming a fight with her companion, but if forced to she would protect her friends to the death. Glaring at her old friend the woman shouted, "Hold, Nembus! Give me a moment at least to plead my case!"


Halting at her plea the armored man suspicious eyed the angel fighter before him as if considering. He glanced behind him an instant and his eyes grew hard again when he turned around. With a thunderous voice he cried, "No, you have proven yourself to be a demon, for your friends approach us even now! You have been sent before us to stall us from escaping your associates! Either stand out of my way or I will kill you with my own sword!"


With that he went to strike again and Sian prepared herself for a blow, but it never came. Sudden cries behind the man forced him to turn away from Sian to see what his people were stressing over. Hitomi suddenly felt a familiar wave of power coming and dread gripped her soul. Swiftly the seeress looked over her beloved's shoulder and gasped as she saw what was rapidly approaching. Dornkirk had already arrived and now he was attacking the group of escaping angels! Eight black forms flew through the scattered Draconians like bullets and tore at them. The demons were so quick that they were mostly ebony blurs passing through a white crowd. They were growing closer to her and her friends and soon they would attack them. Quickly Hitomi exclaimed, "It's Dornkirk, Sian!"


The green guardian frowned and gripped her bow more tightly as her other hand went to grasp the string of her weapon. Turning back around the armored man found himself staring at an arrow of pure white light pointed straight at his chest making him freeze. Sian glared at the man before saying, "Nembus, you fool! Stand aside before those demons get here!"


Startled that she did not attack him the man beat his wings and flew off to the side allowing her full view of her opponents. Narrowing her silver eyes the woman took careful aim fearing that she might injure some innocent bystander. With the demons approaching so fast though she could not shoot a single arrow for they continually ran in zigzag motion making their movement unpredictable. Growling in frustration Sian glanced over her shoulder at her companions and cried, "Take cover in the clouds! Queen Hitomi if you can send these people away from here to Fanelia!"


The 'Angel' nodded and gave a small pull on the raven king's shoulder to signal to him to hurry and follow the guardian's command. Looking back at his angel the White Dragon nodded and both he and the queen, along with the cat advisor, dove for the clouds. Gracefully the two lovers flew downwards in a gentle sweeping motion in such a way that they appeared more as a single flyer than two individuals. Sian quickly turned back her attention to the approaching predators and tried once again to aim her bow at one of the attackers, but to avail. The demons were still too quick to shoot at unless risking an innocent flyer's life. Baring her teeth in rage the guardian growled to her neighboring fighter, "Nembus, how could you be so blind as to think I was an enemy?!"


The man of dark purple kept his eyes on the enemies as he readied his own weapon, "What was I suppose to think? One of the demons looked almost exactly like your friend. I had to be wary of falsehood!"


His words rang in the woman's mind for a moment until the shock of the ignominy hit her. Letting her arrow ease off the crook of the bow the white light dimmed and distinguished allowing the maiden to lower her weapon. She turned to the man next to her who still was watching the eight dark forms and stared at him. With a worried voice the green warrior asked, "What do you mean 'one of the demons looked almost exactly like her'?




~~~Demons~~~
Swiftly like wildcats the demons attack in a frenzy. Each was strong and stealthy making their attacks unpredictable and unseen until the last moment. The eight ebony creatures used their claws and fangs as their only weapons doing their best to scatter the group of angels. One could only assumed they were doing this strategy so that the angels couldn't regroup and attack together. Maybe the dark ones were strong, but the were definitely not invincible.


Dornkirk was at the head of the group making his way quicker to the two guardians than his fellow demons. He knew the civilization of Draconians would be easily handled by his minions and had left it up to them, besides he wanted to find the seeress. He knew she was here, for her guardian was there meaning she had finally arrived. How the seeress had arrived without him noticing was something he had to wonder though. The dark emperor was sure she would take a sail ship, but seeing no sign whatsoever of a metal cruiser and seeing she arrived far too soon by use of any known construct forced him to believe she had found another way of transportation. Anxious to begin a confrontation with the skilled pair of warriors ahead the demon ruler thrust more energy into the beat of his twisted wings making him increase his already quick pace.


His eyes of dark mud narrowed as he approached the ancient fighters in his continued zigzag approach. Something was amiss… The blasted 'Seeress from the Mystic Moon' was no where to be seen yet here stood the same guardian he had defeated, but a few days ago. The only way she had arrived here was with the seeress… for Sukai Kazanki had transported the woman to Fanelia, or at least that what the royal had claimed she was doing when she had sent the shaft of blue light down from the heavens. Perhaps the 'Angel' had sent only the guardian to retrieve the other six warriors… No! She couldn't do that because Sian knew herself the guardians would only leave their people if the queen herself had called upon them. She had to be here! Frustrated with the visible absence of the being he so desperately wanted to take revenge upon the Zaibach ruler plowed right through the remaining angels straight for his two opponents.


Meanwhile behind this dark emperor his fellow demons continued their brutal assaults on the defenseless Draconians. Randomly selecting their areas the seven black flyers dove through the snowy group. Soon individuals began to escape the confines of the crowd and seek cover in the clouds. However because of their disperse from the protective clutter of angels they became easy targets and picked off before they got even close to the white mists.


One demon in particular seemed to be a little distracted at one point. Her trained eyes had caught a glimpse of the seeress, king, and cat descending into the shadows of the clouds far off in the distance. Her dark eyes momentarily gleamed as a ray of moonlight passed over her sparkling jewels beneath the cover of her hood. Her scaly claw clenched tightly into a fist and her fangs became evident when she sneered. A deep curling growl rumbled in her throat as she halted her flight. The other demons continued with their attacks either unaware or uncaring about this particular demon's halt. Glancing back at her fellow minions the demon considered calling forth their aid, but soon decided against it for fear they would take the seeress down themselves leaving her without the revenge she desired. Silently like a night owl the dark figure still covered by a black cloak flew towards the direction the seeress and her party had last been seen. Smirking the demon realized they would never noticed she was upon them until it was too late…




~~~Hitomi~~~
Hitomi quickly halted their flight when the three of them had finally reached the shadows. Scanning the area of the battlefield the royal could tell the Draconian people were not faring well. The demons had scattered them very thin and any who dared to leave the crowd were quickly taken down and allowed to plunge downwards to their deaths. Frowning at the horrible scene Hitomi felt a swell of rage take hold of her heart. These beings were merciless! The way they attacked was gruesome to say the least for they ripped their victims apart, but letting them just fall to their death was even harsher! To be unable to fly and have to wait for death like they did was a horrible way to die!


Instinctively Hitomi's hands became fists at her sides and she felt an overwhelming urge to go face the dark predators that were attacking her people. Warmth glowed within her body like fire and for an instant the seeress felt herself grasp hold of that warmth and embrace it,… but she was soon brought back to the present when she felt a sudden physical movement.


The seeress was soon awoken from her sudden rage when she felt the hand of her husband take hold of her shoulder. Turning around slightly to face him Hitomi could see his face was full of concern as he asked, "Are you alright, Hitomi?"


Shaking away the anger that still clung to her soul the seeress murmured a half convincing, "Yes…"


Van stared at her for a moment unsure of what was wrong. A moment ago Hitomi had a sudden fire in her eyes that he had not seen in many years. Whenever Hitomi had grown angry her eyes would always spark with sudden emotions of rage and anger, but today their was something else hidden within the depths of her eyes. It was something beyond what the young king could comprehend, but he could still see the underlining rage that gleamed in his beloved's emeralds. Hitomi had always been a fighter. Never physically, but in a more spiritual way. With such a strong will and open voice she had always been considered a 'spirited one,' but more importantly it was her soul that had always made him notice her as a fighter. Her unwillingness to give up in a bad situation had first made Van realize that in heart Hitomi was a true fighter. Over time her other qualities such as stubborn beliefs and open voice of opinion made him gradually see the essence of a warrior within her. If it weren't for her gentle nature and kindness to others perhaps Hitomi would have been an excellent fighter, but it was not her way. Killing and fighting were not part of her heart though she had all the aspects of a fine warrior. He had longed forgotten of his belief in her capabilities as a fighter until that moment when her eyes had once again gleamed with the same ferocious anger he had seen countless times years ago during both the 'Great War' and the 'Sacrifice'. This time however there was something different in her eyes… that he had never seen before…


Hitomi turned away from her husband and sister-in-law and stared back at the Draconians in fear. She had to call upon the blue light, but could she do it?… Each time she had done it the action had been more the light's doing then her own. She had never truly called upon the blue beam except possibly the time when she had brought everyone to the Mystic Valley during the 'Sacrifice' and even then she hadn't truly called upon the pillar itself, but called to anything to get them to the ancient valley. Could she really call upon the mysterious light?… Taking hold of the scarlet pendant of her people in one hand the seeress knew the only way she could discover if she could was to try…




~~~Guardians~~~
Sian was the first to catch sight of Dornkirk charging the two of them so she quickly placed herself in front of her old friend so the demon wouldn't surprise the unsuspecting guardian. However the green maiden's new position didn't help either of them for Dornkirk merely charged straight at her and shoved into her at such force that she fell backwards straight into Nembus causing all three to tumble down a ways. As soon as they were able the three fighters separated and created a human triangle in midair. Nembus and Sian placed themselves a few feet apart, shoulder to shoulder, while Dornkirk floated about ten yards ahead of them. The two sides glared at one another angrily as the guardians readied their weapons. The dark ruler studied the ancient weapons warily knowing all too well the power hidden within the forged armaments.


Growling the twisted beast shouted, "Those weapons will do you no good!"


The armored man smirked as he saw the uneasiness in his opponent's stare. A gentle breeze ran through his short ebony locks making him look like the warrior he was. In a loud and, probably, overconfident voice the dark guardian cried back, "We will see!"


Bringing his sword into the moonlight better you could see the magnificence of the weapon. The silver blade of the sword was rather large for any normal sword making it look rather menacing for it was nearly twice the regular size of a blade its length. In the center of the blade on both sides the Draconian emblem was etched in a very dark purple. Its hilt was of rich silver twisted with swirls of royal purple-black. Strips of the same color purple-black fell from the hilt. Tied on each strip was a single silver bell. The chimes were for training, so a warrior could learn how to sweep the sword correctly without causing the bells to clink together. It was a very difficult procedure to master and very old so it was a little surprising to see such an old form of weapon before them, but to the three fighters it was very insignificant.


Nembus brought the blade of his sword to his face for a fraction of a second before charging the black monster in front of him. Dornkirk effortlessly escaped the dangerous swipe and backed away to face the warrior. Soon the armored guardian was bringing his blade through the air in multiple swipes, but to his dismay the dark demon easily evaded the attacks as if it were nothing, infuriating the warrior. His attacks quicken in pace forcing Dornkirk to have to finally use some effort to escape from death.


While the two struggled in their fight Sian stood on the sidelines studying the battle warily. Nembus was too close in proximity with Dornkirk for her to shoot an arrow. However the idea of going into the fray using her bow as a blade was not entirely extinguished from the war angel's mind. It was just that she was fearful for harming Nembus. Grinding her teeth together the green guardian felt her hand clenching the ancient weapon. Though she was a superior fighter the chance of hitting her old friend was still heavy against her favor. Sadly she had no choice. Dornkirk was really giving the armored angel a workout. Sooner or later the emperor would tire of playing with the man and then he would easily defeat him. Sian frowned as she twirled her bow into a better grip. With a swift beat of her pearly wings the woman dove towards the two men ready to take the enemy on.




~~~Demon~~~
The demon flew swift and silent through the mist using the clouds a tunnel. Her senses easily directed her to the seeress with uncanny accuracy. If it weren't for the powers she had recently been given to her by her leader the dark figure would never had been able to find her way through the clouds. Sneering the demon found herself growing anxious to arrive to her destination, but fear of disturbing the clouds and alerting her soon-to-be victims she continued to pass through the whiteness in a skillful glide that barely startled the clouds into motion.




~~~Hitomi~~~
Slowly the red drop of blood began to glow a brilliant scarlet lighting up the shadowy area. Hitomi closed her eyes as she held the beacon in two open palms before her. Carefully the seeress released her senses and felt around for the familiar awareness of the blue light. She didn't really know what to expect to happen. She had never done this before so in a way she was rather frighten by what might occur. Anything was possible on Gaea, which she had discovered in the past and because of it the situation made Hitomi nervous. For all she knew she might send all of them accidentally back to Fanelia! Squeezing her eyes closed tighter the seeress locked her jaw determined to make this work. If she couldn't do this,… her people would be slaughtered! Suddenly the same warmth she had felt earlier flowed through her soul. She knew not its origin or what it was, but for some odd reason she longed to grasp it. It was as if it was calling her… Without a moments hesitation Hitomi took hold of what burned within her and felt a sudden surge rack her body.


Van watched intently as his wife held the ancient pendant passed down from prehistoric history. Merle's mud eyes were locked on the sparkling jewel with growing interest. Never before had the cat seen the pendant look so bright. It's glow seemed too brighter than the sun. Somehow the glow was different as if something had changed within the power… The glow was not like a light, but more like a flame. Fire-like tongues flew from the stone swirling around both it and the seeress in a beautiful flow. The flames of light were deepening into a blood red as they formed almost a sphere around the woman. Whenever it looked as if the sphere would become complete a part of it would shrink away and swell again as though it was struggling to grow. The cat clung to her brother, as her eyes grew wide in awe. The beauty of the flames could never be out done for they sparkled with their own reverence and swelled with unknown strength. Such glory…


However Hitomi was oblivious to the show for her mind was elsewhere lost in the burning power that churned in her veins. The seeress felt like her soul was ablaze being consumed by the sheer heat of power. Never before had she encounter such a feeling and to say the least it disturbed her. What was it?… Was it the powers Joutei had given her?… It had to be!… Yet somehow she didn't seemed convinced that was it at all… There was something about the feeling that she couldn't put her finger on it… Like it was something laid on the back of her mind… Like a word forgotten, that's on the tip of your tongue…


The search of the mystery was soon halted as the 'Angel' tried to remember what she was supposed to be doing. She had to make the blue shaft of light appear,… and now before her people all died! Her senses stretched across the sky like a wave and she began to feel the presence of every being within a twenty-mile radius. Every single Draconian within the sky she could feel and could tell them apart individually. She could also sense Van, Merle, Sian, Nembus, and the eight demons. It was like their essences became a beacon of their location and with it she could decipher who they were. With barely a thought in that direction the seeress felt her power fly towards the Draconians in a rush.


Opening her eyes at the sudden release of power the seeress gaped at what she saw. Shooting down from the sky came dozens of blue beams enveloping every Draconian they could find. Clouds fell away at the sheer magnitude of the power emitting from the blue rays of light. The white mist rolled back creating a clearing in the sky where multiple shafts descended. Moonlight highlighted the beams into sparkling sapphire twilight with snowy forms in their centers. Within the confines of each pillar was a single Draconian of insignificant age and health. As the light enveloped them several of the angels cried out in fear at being taken from the sky and tried in vain to escape the cerulean clutches. The only result from the Draconians' efforts was for several glowing feathers to fall from their wings and fall towards the planet below.




~~~Demons~~~
The six demons that had still been attacking the group suddenly stopped in shock to see their mass of victims being stolen from their hope of entertainment. With shadowed eyes the cloaked figures watched angrily as the civilization was lofted into the stars away from their grasp by the blue pillars. One demon in particular was so furious at losing his prey he tried to follow the angels into the sky by flying towards one of the beams in hope of using its transportation qualities, but just as quickly as the angels were suddenly taken up into the blue light they vanished from the surrounding existence. Still in shock the ebony attackers looked back at one another wondering how their joy had suddenly been taken from them.




~~~Fanelia~~~
The group was just about to separate and go to their rooms when a sudden light from the sky halted their actions. Prince Mamoru felt a sudden awareness take hold of his thoughts and followed it with trained-like senses to the source of the feeling. With his friends the youth turned to the starry night and viewed a single pillar of light of huge size fall down from the heavens in a silent sapphire ray. Without a sound a multitude of white figures descended down the shaft together at a slow pace. The group watched in wonder, as the beings were lead to the grounds dwelling the royal gardens.


Just as silent as it had descended the pillar ascended without a noise before disappearing into the heavens leaving behind the civilization of angels sprawled out upon the stone courtyard. Quickly the group ran to the fallen Draconians shocked by how soon the first arrivals had appeared, but the young prince stayed behind staring off into the stars. With no expression on his face the youth scanned the heavens. Why had he felt that?… Never before had he sense anything on that level, yet just then… for a fraction of the moment… he had felt something… something only someone with special abilities could have sense… Frowning the royal thought of what his sister had once told him…




~~~Memory~~~
"Since we are of royal birth of the Draconians we have abilities that no one else has" her sweet voice rang in his head.


"Like what?" he remembered asking. A silent hesitation followed before his sister had replied, "One day you will see, Mamoru…one day when you have grown older and wiser you will see exactly what I am saying…"
~~~End of Memory~~~




'Was that it?' the prince wondered curiously, "Is this what you were trying to tell me, Hitomi?"
There was no physical answer to the boy's question, but to him he felt as if his question had been given at least a hint at what the resolution was…




~~~Skies of Gaea~~~
Dornkirk halted his punch a mere three inches from the armored guardian's face as he felt the sudden surge of power. Snapping his head around the demon noticed the blue shafts falling down from the heavens taking up the dozens of Draconians that littered the sky. With a start the man of Zaibach thought knowingly, 'She's here!"


He barely got a glimpse of the scene, however, for because of his pause in his attack he left a perfect opening for the pair of guardians. Needing desperately to take the moment where the emperor let his guard down Nembus quickly struck the ruler in the rib with a well-placed knee. Suddenly aware of his mistake the Zaibach leader doubled over in anguish, but no sooner had he done this had he felt a hard fist send a piercing blow beneath his chin making him rear back and go flying backwards.


As Dornkirk began to sail away Nembus flew to stand shoulder to shoulder with Sian. Both warriors turned their eyes to the new clearing of sky where the blue pillars stood only to see the light shoot back up into the sky like an array of bullets. Sian turned to her companion at the disappearance of his protected people and said, "Do not worry, Nembus. They will be well taken cared for… You have my word on that…"


The man of pitch-black eyes stared at the woman for several moments with his face as emotionless as ever. He was one to never truly illustrate emotions or thoughts. He was as pacified as a statue and as hard as one. However the two were very close and Sian could easily read the man's face as easily as one would read a book. The green warrior saw the concern in his ebony eyes and knew he was still uncertain about the whole situation. Who wouldn't be?… How had she first reacted when Hitomi had first crossed paths with her?… Now wasn't the time for suspicions though Sian knew. With Dornkirk and his followers already here the risk to the mission was greatly altered. They had barely started their journey and were already facing their enemy. It was too soon! More than anything they needed the other guardians! Without them they would be slaughtered! Hitomi might be able to take on Dornkirk, but if his minions interfered their was no hope whatsoever for survival. She had to make Nembus see that the seeress was the one true queen!


Desperately the woman turned to her old partner in life and said, "Nembus, when have I ever lied to you?"


The dark warrior was silent, but in his eyes she could see his answer. In his soul he never doubted the green guardian's words and always put full faith into them. Only because of that day's circumstances had he been forced to go against his faith in her. Looking into his black orbs the woman could see the trust he held for her. Taking that as acknowledgement the woman pleaded, "Believe me now, Nembus! She is the queen! I have seen the ancient pendant of our people! She holds it!"


Startled by this the armored one gaped at his friend in utter shock. Barely able to bring forth the words the angel man exclaimed, "She holds the pendant?!"


"Yes!" the angel woman shouted back making her eyes spark and braid dance, "Now if you wish to right yourself of your previous foolish accusations you need to follow the woman's commands… for she is our queen and we are sworn to protect her!"


The dark-purple guardian opened his mouth to speak, but a sudden glow highlighted both the angels drawing their attention to its source. With a thunderous noise a large comet of swirling black flames collided into the two warriors erupting into a fiery blast that sent both of them soaring backwards. Sian felt her clothes and skin sear from the immortal flames and did her best to try and stop her flight. With a bit of struggle the warrior was able to slow herself to a halt just fifty feet away where she had once been. Looking to her left she noticed her comrade had done the same and was glaring straight ahead. Turning to their attacker, the Zaibach emperor, Sian readied her bow.




~~~Hitomi~~~
Feeling the sudden disappearance of all the Draconian citizens Hitomi let the pendant drop from her palms and land softly against her chest. The burning warmth that had previously occupied her soul had vanished the instant the mass of angels had left the sky. What had she felt?… What was it?… With the burning sensation gone she felt a gap in her soul. It was a small hole imprinted in her heart as if she missed the feeling of the power that had been lodged within her. With that feeling of absence she felt also a deprivation of energy. It was nothing serious. She felt only a bit tired out. To the extent of needing a good rest the seeress felt all right. Her energy had just been a little drained by the new experience. Blinking several times the seeress did her best to return to the world around her, but the lingering atmosphere of longing for that feel of power still clung to her.


Van watched Hitomi closely unable to shake off the dread in his heart. He had never felt such power emitting from the seeress before. Was it because Joutei had bestowed more strength and power to her?… That had to be it!… But why did he feel as if there was something more to it?…


The young queen forced an energetic smile to her husband not wanting him to worry about her tiredness, but in vain. The raven angel had already noticed her weak motion and went to say something. His words never left his mouth as a sudden comet of blackness struck him from behind. In a blaze of dark light both he and the cat-girl plummet towards the distant ground with the seeress and a dark being left behind hovering above. The 'Angel' was dimly aware of her two comrades descent to death as she stared at the being before her. Hitomi's mind screamed at her begging for her to dive after them, but her body was frozen to the spot. Her face was gaping in shock as she looked at the person before her. Slapping her hands over her mouth the queen gasped,… for who stood before her… was herself…


Though her physical attributes were twisted with ebony scales and leathery wings the woman was a perfect image of the seeress. The demon's hood had fallen back at her approach and now her face was completely visible. Long hair of chestnut color fell over her black covered shoulders as emerald eyes gleamed darkly. Smirking devilishly the demon woman felt her soul surge as she saw the shock look on her twin's face. Taking advantage of the moment the dark one lunged for the 'Angel' putting the royal in a headlock with her clawed limb before the Hitomi knew what happened.


Hitomi was startled to the present as she felt the deadly hold the demon placed on her. Automatically the seeress's pale hands flew to the demon's scaly arm hastily trying to remove the grip she held on her. Sadly the mirror image of Hitomi was far stronger from newly acquired muscles from the year locked up in tortures and power given from her leader. Struggling for release the seeress beat her wings against the dark woman's body, but in doing so the lady merely pressed her knee up Hitomi spine immobilizing her further. With the new weight of the royal the demon was force to beat her wings of leather furiously to keep the two of them aloft. In doing so the demon knew her energy was being wasted. She needed to dispose of the mystic moon maiden quick or suffer worse consequences then having to face her leader's rage for killing the seeress for herself. Their leader had left very important instruction for them when they had grown close to the mountain peaks of 'Androas'. He had said to leave the seeress for him alone, all others were expendable. To face his wrath was worse than Hell, but to kill the seeress was far more important to the demon woman and so she had broken her pledge of allegiance to her leader. It didn't matter if she was destroyed after she murder the woman she now held… She had been dead for over a year and had thought of nothing else during her tortures except killing the person who had sent her to those fiery pits!


The pain in her back intensified as her captor placed more pressure in Hitomi's spine. The seeress's swollen belly became clearly visible for both women to see. Upon the moment the demon's emerald eyes grazed over Hitomi's condition a dark sneer pulled at her face of scale and skin. In a voice much like Hitomi's except hollow and dark the demon woman hissed, "Well… I see you've been busy,… my 'sister'…"


The way the cloaked lady spoke the word 'sister' sent the worst feeling down the seeress's back. More than anything at that moment Hitomi wanted to be far away from her dead clone, yet because of her condition and prior use of powers she did not have quite enough energy to escape the woman's threatening clutches. Fear for the life of her and her child the 'Angel' tried to stall for time. Her guardians would come to aid sooner or later… hopefully… With the little air she had to use from the thin atmosphere Hitomi asked, "What do you want, Ana?"


"What do I want?!" exclaimed the dark creature tighten her grip on the seeress so that Hitomi yelped in pain, "I want the life you stole from me! I want to show you what Hell is like!"


Placing her grip even tighter Ana could tell the seeress's breaths were becoming ragged from lack of oxygen and soon the seeress would pass out,… but it would be too soon. Letting her grip slack just enough for the angel to have access to more air the woman placed her lips right next to her twin's ear, "Do you know what it's like to hear screams continual holler through the darkness?… To have flames forever burn your immortal soul never to be extinguished and relieve you of your anguish?… To forever know your goals are, but ashes of the past to be lost in the wind?!?!?! Maybe I didn't have weakling dreams like you, but I wanted to have the pleasure of spilling your blood! To know I could never even think of achieving such can drive one insane!"


Building with rage the demon tightens her grip again so that Hitomi's access to air was nearly severed from the atmosphere. Fire sparked in the dark woman's emerald eyes as she felt a burning desire to snap the angel's neck, but a more vicious idea sprung into her twisted mind. Smirking like she was the devil herself the woman brought her other hand over her twin's swollen body. Ana felt the unborn baby kick as if to protest the demon's actions on its mother. With a dead voice the demon hissed, "Perhaps if I kill your child you will understand true pain…"




~~~Guardians~~~
Nembus blocked another punch laid out by the Zaibach emperor, but in doing so his side became exposed and with a swift kick the dark purple warrior hunched over in pain. Swiftly Sian took over and went one on one with the demon leader. The two guardians had been going like this for the last few moments. One of them would take on Dornkirk at a time. Whenever the demon struck them or got suddenly winded the other would quickly replace them. However the plan was not working so well. The green warrior could see through the corner of her eye the demon's followers rapidly approaching. When they got there that would be it for them. They could barely handle Dornkirk, if you could call it that since they were getting beat, but if the other seven demons got to them that would certainly end their struggle. Unfortunately there were no options… They couldn't stop Dornkirk… and they surely couldn't stop the other demons… Swallowing the lump in her throat the guardian realized they were about to fall into the worst situation they could possible imagine…




~~~Merle~~~
Merle groggily woke from the blackness that swam in her mind with a groan. Slowly so as to not grow dizzy the cat-girl opened her eyes. It took her several moments to focus on her surroundings and when she did she wish she hadn't. She could see the ground below spinning before her eyes and rapidly growing closer to her. The rush of air stung her eyes, but she did not close them. She was falling! Automatically she tried to cry out, but she felt too weak to even do that. Coughing a few times the advisor continued to fall as the wind pulled at her.


Remembering her friends the cat-girl desperately swung her head around for any signs of her companions. The sight she found though was something she wish hadn't seen. Not, but five feet away from her also plunging downwards to Gaea was her foster-brother. The poor royal was knocked unconscious and was limp in the air. His wings, the hope for their survival, were pointed upward because of the impact of air hitting them almost forcing the man into a dive. His clothes were seared in a few places, but the worse of his injuries was his unconscious state.


Merle felt bitter tears sting her eyes and she quickly blinked them away. Stretching a bronze paw to her brother the cat called out, "Van~sama! Van~sama!"


Her cries seemed hopeless and deaf to waking the ebony king, but she continued. If she did not wake him they would both perish. Glancing down at the world below Merle noticed they were growing dangerously close to the planet surface. Again she reached out to the king, but she was a good foot short of her brother. If only his hand would reach out to her she would be able to grab it, but his arms were placed against his sides from the force of air. Fearing for their lives Merle's voice became shrill with horror as she continued her pleas for her brother to wake.


To her great joy the cat-girl saw her relative begin to stir. Groaning in pain the king moved a hand to head and felt the sudden rushing feeling. Snapping open his ruby eyes the man noticed the oncoming danger. Merle quickly called out to him, "Lord Van~sama! Hurry and open your wings!"


The king merely glanced at the world below one last time seeing they were, but a mile away from the hard ground and stretched out his wings. Automatically his pearly objects slowed his descent like a parachute leaving Merle to continue downwards. Swiftly Van tucked his wings close to his body and soon he was in a slipstream dive for the cat-girl. In a matter of moments she was in his tan arms gliding down to the ground below. Confused by his direction the cat asked, "What are you doing, Lord Van~sama?"


The young king scanned the land below carefully and on spotting a clove of trees descended to its green form. Silently the man landed at the foot of one of the green giants and placed the cat-girl on the ground. Merle frowned at him for not answering her question and was about to scowl him when he said, "I need you to stay here, Merle. I need to help the others and I'm sorry, but I can't do that carrying you."


A little upset for being a burden the cat pouted, but quickly nodded her understanding. She was not a fighter anyway. She was there just to help Hitomi, not to fight Dornkirk and the others. Van turned to leave, but before doing so he said to his sister, "Climb into one of the trees and stay hidden. Once this is over we'll return for you."


With that the angel man spread his snowy wings and flew back into the sky at an incredible speed. Poor Merle watched her brother leave and felt a deep sadness claim her heart. Quietly the cat-girl whispered, "But what if you don't make it back?"



~~~Guardians~~~
Swinging his sword the guardian of dark armor was able to force Dornkirk to back away from him. At the same time the demon did this Nembus also flew back and got beside his old friend just as the other demons arrived. Swiftly the group of minions dispersed and formed a circle around the two ancient fighters. Like she had been trained to do the guardian quickly placed her back against Nembus's with their wings brushing against each other's and glared back at her opponents.


Sizing up the group Nembus smirked. Leaning back a little the warrior whispered to his friend, "Sian, I'm going to try something. Keep completely still."


Nodding slightly were her silver eyes still on the dark group the woman waited for whatever the fighter had planned. In one rapid movement the ancient warrior of dark armor brought his sword to his face and crossed one arm behind the silver blade. Before the demons could act the emblem engraved into the blade of the enchanted sword began to glow a brilliant lavender. At the same moment this occurred violet lines began to appear across the man's brow. Hissing with power the markings came together on his forehead in the shape of the Draconian crest glowing brightly like the sword did. A mysterious wind pulled at the man's hair and clothes mysteriously showing off the power within the warrior. With each second the light of both emblems grew and soon an aura formed around the two guardians sending a creeping glow over their enemies.


Feeling the power grow from the single warrior Dornkirk growled in hatred, "BLAST!"


At the moment the word left the Zaibach emperor's mouth the aura's light shot off in all directions outside of it's circle and slammed headfirst into the ring of demons. With curses and cries of pain the demons were thrown backwards and off into the clouds leaving behind two still fighters grinning at the results of the attack.


Sian turned around to her comrade and smirked triumph. The armored one just simple gave a soft smile to his old friend as they both stared at each other. Laughing lightly the green maiden asked, "Now why did you wait to do that?"


Chuckling at her the man replied, "I didn't want to waste so much power unless it became necessary."


Rolling her eyes like she was hundreds of years younger than she really was the forest guardian laughed, "That's the Nembus I know. Always waits till its gets really risky to show what he really can do."




~~~Hitomi~~~
The seeress's emerald eyes snapped open wider as she felt her clone pass her hand over her belly. Fear crept into the royal angel as she saw the demon's hand begin to glow a faint blackness. Ana was going to kill her child! Suddenly rage ran through the 'Angel'. Primal instincts passed down from the beginning roared in the maiden's veins. As one might guess a mother is extremely protective of her young, even before their birth. Survival in the wilderness is often determined by later generations making the young vital for a species to continue. Perhaps the seeress was not an animal born in the rough or originated from some four-legged creature, but she held the same reaction as if she had been one. More than anything she was very protective of her child and would defend it fiercely.


It was then that something snapped in Hitomi and suddenly a rush of energy hit her. The unexplainable warmth that had burned in her soul earlier took over again. However the rage building within the seeress chest caused her to be unaware of the searing power racing through her veins. Unknown to the 'Angel' or her captor Hitomi's brow began to turn a soft white hue. A wind not sensed by either of the women swept up around them swirling the clouds and teasing their clothes. Hitomi's short hair lifted revealing her full brow just as white lines began to form on the area of pale skin. In seconds the lines had formed a swirling circle with an angel in their mist forming the Draconian crest. As Ana's hand grew darker with its black powers Hitomi's brow grew brighter with its pure power. Hitomi's blood was singing and she was becoming aware of the burning sensation she had experienced earlier, but she was more focused on the hand that threatening her child.




~~~Guardians~~~
Sian and Nembus got into fighting stances as they noticed the demons regrouping and charging towards them again. Just when the demons got there though a sudden light below the clouds stole their attention. The white fluffiness swirled back and created a clear opening revealing the area where Ana and Hitomi struggled. Sian's first thought was to go aid her queen, but that was soon forgotten when she saw the white crest on her lady's brow. Gaping the warrior gasped, "What the--"




~~~Hitomi~~~
With renew vigor the 'Angel' flung off the demon's hold and beat her wings furiously. Too surprised at her sister's profuse energy Ana was awestruck and froze only to have her twin's wings hit her hard in the face and chest. Quickly both flew apart and the Fanelian queen turned to face her adversary. Hitomi didn't know what she was doing. Part of her was still on the adrenaline burning in her soul. Something about this power controlled her actions… as if emotions strengthen her energy and controlled the use of it… sort of like when one gets enraged…


Without even thinking of what she was doing the seeress stretched out her arms in front of her and placed her palms up facing her clone. Placing one hand behind the other Hitomi looked as if she knew what she was doing. Part of her did, while another part of her was completely confused and barely hanging on to what was happening.


It was as if there were to sides to her. One side of her was the girl that had just taken on the role as queen of Fanelia who was just barely coming along learning with experience. That side of her was the kind person who always tried to escape from conflicts. Not that she was a coward; she just didn't want to see anyone get hurt in them. However her other side was completely opposite. That side of her had always remained dormant. It had been the side Hitomi had feared. The situation wasn't like the subject of the relation of her and Ana or Celena and Dilandau. No, that was a completely different matter. This was different.


One part of Hitomi was the diplomat always looking for better ways other than fighting and wanting to give everyone a chance, but then their was her conflicting side. It was the part of her that always longed for risks and the thrill of adventure. The part of her that always formed her strong will, stubbornness, and open voice. It was the part of her that refused to give up when all was lost. At times this part of her was all right to handle for the intentions were good,… but deeper within this part of her soul laid the darkness that had claimed her once. That darkness had been the fighter within her and all the emotions that formed this part of her: rage, anger, wrath, etc. All her life whenever she had grown infuriated she would act on her emotions and often it got her into trouble. When she had been in junior high she had once knocked out a boy who had been disrespectful to her. He had tried to get too close physically to her and after several times of trying to stop him her anger had gotten the best of her. Before she knew it the guy was laid out on the ground with a black eye and bloody nose. She had escaped the principal's office only because she had reported what the boy had been doing for several weeks. That had only been one of the examples. It was also because of this side of her that she had become a tomboy. The fighter in her just couldn't stand the frilliness of women and often rebuked many of the women's lifestyle. Women were too frail and worrisome in Hitomi's eyes. Often Hitomi had grown frustrated with herself for always fainting during the last wars because it made her look weak, but that had been the fighter within her talking. The other side of her had whispered everything was all right.


After the incident with the high school boy Hitomi had force that part of herself to be kept buried deep within the confines of her mind. After several years she thought she had succeeded in banishing that darkness from her forever. Never did she realize she would come against that part again. It had been when Van had been killed in the 'Sacrifice' that the anger had return. The grief had been so unbearable that rage had sparked within her snapping the logical sense she had in two. Emotions became her fuel for action and before she knew it she had murdered someone. Maybe it had been in self-defense when she had killed Ana, but that didn't matter to Hitomi. The horrible mishap had scarred her heart and she vowed never to open up that part of her again. Yet even now she was doing it… letting it take over her body and wielding her actions… and she was unable to control or stop it…


Suddenly just a few inches in front of her palms a small ball of burning white light formed. Swirling in power the orb grew until it was the size of a basketball. Hissing in strength the flaming ball glared at its target. Ana gaped at the power radiating from the snowy item. Never before had she seen that sort of power dwelling in her sister! Too shocked from the scene the demon woman was unable to think of moving from the area far too late. With a cry the ball became a horizontal pillar of light that shot towards the dark figure with great speed. In seconds the light struck Ana tossing her to the side. Smoke trailed her scaly body as the demon howled in pain and began to fall downwards.


The sudden surge of power vanished as soon as the white light extinguished. Hitomi shook with fright at what she had just done and slowly brought her hands to her face. The white hue slowly vanished from her palms leaving pale skin in its absence. The seeress stared at her hands as if she had never seen them before. What had just happened?… How could she have done that?…




~~~Dornkirk~~~
The dark ruler had seen everything… When the seeress had broken free from her captor her powers had caused the clouds to disperse and reveal her location to all. Smirking the ruler felt his blood quicken in anticipation. He had her now… However he noticed one of his minions was falling to their deaths. Frowning angrily the man knew he could not waste a single one of his followers. Glancing over at one of his warriors he gave the minion a signal to go rescue their fellow demon. Without a reply the demon man struck off after Ana in a dive unseen by all, but the leader of the dark band.


Turning back to the guardians the ruler noticed they were still staring at the scene below unable to comprehend what had just happen. Smirking the demon ruler nodded to his other followers. Each one of the cloaked beings smirked or sneered at what was to be done. Stretching their identical leathery wings the group lunged at the two unsuspecting guardians silently.


Both of the ancient warriors realized their mistake a second too late. Snapping their heads around they were just in time to see the demons take hold of their arms. A single cloaked figure took hold of each of their arms and soon they were immobilized. Sian and Nembus struggled frantically, but they were no match against their enemies' strength seeing that two held each of them. Grunting from her efforts Sian growled, "What do you plan to do with us?!"


Dornkirk flew over in front of the ancient warriors with the remaining unoccupied demon flanking his left side. Smirking the leader hissed darkly, "I'm not sure exactly how I'll kill you, but I have plenty of time to think about it since I won't be killing you right away…"


Nembus snorted in disgust, "Coward!"


Shaking his head ruefully the cloaked being chuckled darkly, "Oh no, I'm not scared… I'm just going to be busy killing your queen first…"


Sian's eyes of silver grew wide with fear and soon she began thrashing wildly trying to get to her mistress to no avail. Angrily the brunette warrior cried, "No! I won't let you!"


The dark ruler of Zaibach merely laughed at her empty threat, a deep throaty laugh that could send chills down the most fearless man's back. His laughter faded though as he felt a glimmer of awareness grow on the edge of his senses. Smirking devilishly the ruler turned to his last demon and said, "Go occupy the White Dragon… He is approaching us quickly. Do not allow him to reach the seeress. Kill him if you must, but I would prefer him alive."


In a voice vaguely familiar the demon growled, "As you command," before diving towards the lower atmosphere to cut off the king's approach.


After his followers left the ruler turned his back on the guardians, who struggled desperately in their captors' holds, and dove towards the 'Angel of Gaea.'


Hitomi was completely unaware of the dire situation unfolding above her too busy with her thoughts on the previous event until she heard Sian's voice cry out, "Queen Hitomi! Watch out!"


The seeress barely had enough time to look upwards and see a dark form block out the moon sending a shadow over her. With no time to move Dornkirk easily captured the seeress by clutching her upper arms tightly. Hitomi cried out in pain from his tight grip and frantically tried to fight away from him. Sadly her pregnancy did not allow her to kick very well or very high so she was unable to bat him away. Even her wings could not extract her from his clutches. Glaring into the royal's emerald eyes with his muddy ones the demon hissed, "Now I can possess all that you have, 'Seeress of the Mystic Moon'!"


Swiftly Dornkirk switched the position of his hands from the seeress's arms to her pale cheeks. Eyes wide with fear the seeress stared back at the Zaibach ruler as a red light glowed amongst his fingers and claws. The scarlet hue gleamed in their pupils and soon the transfer began…



















~Ohhhh! I'm evil!!! Now you people are really going to kill me! That was one major cliffhanger! Sorry about that, but like you people have discovered from reading my last story I love cliffhangers and almost every chapter has one!~


~Yeah, I know you people were thinking Dornkirk isn't going to show up until much later chapters, but where would be the fun in that?! What's going to happen? Do you know? I bet you don't! Remember I love twists!~


~Okay!!! Another really, really longer chapter done! 19 pages! I don't even know how I'm keeping up with updates with such long chapters! I'm sure you readers are enjoying this!~


~REVIEW!!!! I NEED REVIEWS!!!! Maybe this cliffhanger will entice you to review! I hope so because I have barely gotten in reviews for the last couple of chapters! Come on don't make me have to beg all the time!~


~When will the next chapter be out???? Hmmmm! I'm guessing Wed. or Thurs. I could try and speed it up, but I want more reviews. L Please review!!!!~