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


~Sorry, for the delay, but my file corrupted L and I lost over six pages of this chapter! Here's just a reminder to always save your important files in two different places no matter how aggravating it is to do it! Though my chapter is late it is extremely long -- at least 23 pages!!!!!~


~Oh, and I was also mistaken about something. Merle's eyes are actually blue, when I accidentally put green in my explanation of the last chapter. Sorry about the confusion!~


~Hope you enjoy this chapter!~











The Fate of Two Worlds: The Sequel
By Angel_Wings








Chapter 17 ~ Echoes on the Rocks



~~~ Hitomi ~~~
Salt water filled her nostrils and hurled through the barrier of her senses abruptly smarting her awake. The distant sound of creaking whispered in her ears and suddenly she felt unsteady as the world teetered beneath her for a moment. Clinking startled her making her realize she was restrained by something. Groaning softly Hitomi fluttered opened her eyes and scanned her dwellings. She stood within a large iron cell made of firm bars with a small area outside of it and a small door to the right. There were no windows and the only material around was wooden planks that made up the ceiling, floor, and walls. Glancing down at herself Hitomi noticed steel chains draped over her with clamps locked on her wrists and ankles restraining her against the wall. Groaning as her head spun Hitomi wondered where exactly she was and how long she had been out.


"Good you're awake" came a rough female voice. Hitomi glanced to her left and noticed the rest of her travel companions all chained against the wall like she was, each of them unconscious. Van was the closest to her with Merle on his other side. The guardians took the end. About three positions down was Nazomi and she looked at her queen with no expression as she asked, "How do you feel, Queen Hitomi?"


The seeress took a moment to study her physical body for injuries before responding, "Drained… Other than a small headache I feel fine… And you?"


The guardian fought against her restrains angrily making them cackle at her as she hissed, "I just feel… helpless… It's a feeling I rarely experience and I definitely DO NOT enjoy…"


Hitomi nearly chuckled at the comment. The guardians were well trained to escape being capture like their present situation and so their predicament was a little… ironic I guess you could say…


Though it was amusing the seeress refrained from laughing and asked simply, "Do you know how long we've been out? Or where we are, Nazomi?"


"Can't really say on either count," the woman replied in her usually rough voice, "I only awoke about a hour before you did and have seen nothing other than this cramp room. No one has enter or left this room and with no windows to see out of I can't even begin to guess what time it is."


"However, I assume we are on some sort of ship considering how this room keeps swaying back and forth" the guardian snorted at the obvious fact.


Glancing at the group chained to the wall Hitomi muttered absently, "And the others?"


The warrior merely shrugged not concerned, "Fine from what I can tell."


Hitomi nodded softly as she studied her husband carefully for injuries though finding none. She wondered how the others had faired from their trip. Suddenly a thought occurred to the ruler and she turned her eyes back on the only other awake being in the room, "Nazomi, how did you make your… er… signature (I guess you would call it) appear to be human instead of Draconian?"


With a small glance through the corner of her eyes the desert angel replied casually, "It's very easy to do. I used a form of mental shield to block my signature along with the other Draconians within my camp."


Hitomi kept her emeralds locked on the woman before softly asking, "Why did you do it?"


Golden eyes stared at the brunette maiden uncertain if she had heard right. Quietly the seeress repeated the question, "Why did you hide your identity? Even when you discovered who we were?"


Nazomi looked down at the ground hard, not saying anything. The angel queen stared at her wondering if she was refusing to answer. Hitomi offered an explanation, "Was it because you didn't believe who we were?"


"No" the guardian responded automatically as she turned to her queen, "Though I did have my doubts about the truth in your words it was not that which kept me from showing myself."


"Then what?" the seeress prompted hoping to find the truth over the matter. Nazomi turned her eyes to the floor with no emotion written on her face, only a solemn demeanor.


Softly the warrior replied, "I'm… not sure… I've spent my entire life-evading people even during my time protecting the people in the desert… Wars and battles have been part of me for a long time as well… I guess… I guess I was tired of that kind of life… Though I do enjoy a good spar or small battle… I am tired of seeing close ones die around me leaving me to continue alone… The day you arrived with the others it made me realize I was becoming apart of that life again… I have spent several hundred years in the peaceful sea of gold. Though rattled with small battles my life had never felt so free from strife… I guess I was reluctant to return to my old ways… I've change dramatically over the years and do not know if I am the same Nazomi that fought alongside her queen so long ago…"


Silence fell when Hitomi had no response to give. The half-story of the warrior's past gave a hint to the guardians' old lives. The seeress could only wonder what it had been like for all of them. What had happen to each of them?…


"I'm ready to receive whatever punishment you are ready to give, my queen," the guardian replied firmly as she looked her ruler dead in the eye.


Hitomi was a little startled by this confession of sort and asked, "What do you mean punishment?"


Nazomi frowned in confusion, "The one I am to receive for hiding from you when I knew you were my queen."


Emerald eyes locked with gold as a stare off took place. Hitomi shook her head lightly and said, "I'm not going to punish you, Nazomi. You deserve no punishment."


"I failed to be the guard I am suppose to be" the woman replied firmly, "And thus I deserve the punishment I am to receive."


"No, Nazomi" the seeress replied just as equally firm, "You might have made a bad judgment call and a mistake, but you're only human who has her faults. I will not punish someone for such a small error."


The desert woman stared at her ruler in awe. The only person who had never punished her for disobedience was Queen Iris herself. Never did she think she would meet a woman so like the Draconian Queen of her past. Nazomi formed a deep respect for the seeress at that moment.


Suddenly a half-moan startled the two women making them turned to the young king who was slowly rousing. Hitomi tried to draw closer to him instinctively, but she had limited access to him, because of her chains and couldn't even touch him. Softly she called to him, "Van?… Van, are you okay?"


"Yea" he half-groaned, "I think so… just a little dizzy…"


"That's good" Hitomi smiled happily at her husband's good health. Her expression was suddenly washed away by the abrupt banging of a door opening to their right. The three only conscious occupants turned their sights on the only opening in the room and saw three men walk through the door. All of them were young well built men with cream and white uniform on with dark boots. Quickly the trio stepped in and lined up against the wall allowing another to walk in from behind them. It was this next being that drew the attention of the group.


The newest man had spiky brunette hair with a tiny ponytail at the back of his neck. His tan fingers constantly played with the mustache adorned on his face. A large black patch of material went over his left eye with a large scar protruding from both side of the cloth. The one good eye was a sparkling blue that shifted about a lot. Dressed in royal blue pants and a white shirt with a brown leather vest and matching boots the man looked liked the authority of the four. Hanging from his belt was a set of keys that jingled when he walked and a glamorous sword of jewels that screamed of thievery.


Silently the man passed before the uniformed men like a respected leader. Jingling loudly a key was placed into the lock of the cell before a 'clicking' sound was heard and the bar door was opened. Slowly the mysterious man entered the room making a wave of tension pass through the others. Pacing before the chained group with a light the man smirked.


Stopping in front of the desert guardian the man took hold of Nazomi's chin in his palm asking much too sweetly, "Now what are you doing here at sea desert vixen? Have you grown bored of the spice in the dunes?"


Nazomi growled viciously and furiously wrenched her face from his grasp before lunging at him against her chains. Baring her teeth and snarling wildly she looked like a crazed animal scaring the uniformed trio considerable, however, the leader merely laughed at her fury.


"You're quite the spitfire" he chuckled smugly, "Just what I love in a woman."


Nazomi snorted at him angrily before snarling dangerously, "Dare touch me again and I'll make sure to change your ideas about spitfire women!"


Shaking his head lightly the man sneered, "With you in those chains I doubt you could do anything that could possible change my mind."


"Want to bet?!" the guardian hissed angrily. Suddenly a small breeze formed around the two marking a sudden change.


Hitomi new automatically that the woman was reaching into her powers and quickly said, "Nazomi!"


The maiden glanced at her mistress and noticed her queen shake her head almost unnoticeably. Showing off their powers to a potential enemy wouldn't help them at all. Growling the warrior dropped her powers back to its normal level and stuck to glaring at the man before her.


Slowly the leader turned to look curiously at Hitomi with a scowl before walking up to her. The seeress grew tense along with Van and Nazomi as the stranger stared at her with a stern expression. Smirking suddenly the man said to the 'Angel', "I am Captain Ski of the pirate ship, 'Apparition.' May I ask who you all are?"


"Why have you taking us prisoners?" Hitomi asked skillfully avoiding the question.


Though he noticed the change of conversation the man decided to just forget about the question for now and said, "I'm a pirate who happened to suddenly have several unconscious people dumped on my ship. What else was I suppose to do? You could be enemies? There also could be profit from you or some sort of use."


Turning away with a chuckle the man strode over to stand before Sian just as Nembus awoke groggily. The male guardian narrowed his eyes on the captain as Ski took hold of the woman's chin and Hitomi grew tense. With a small groan Sian's opened her eyes momentarily before letting them fall close again. In a swift blow the pirate backhanded the female warrior causing everyone to jump. Automatically the maiden became awake and lunged at her attacker, straining against her chains. Her angry face came mere inches from the man's laughing one. Ski eyed the woman as he chuckled studying her eyes above all before turning away from her and walking back over to Hitomi. Sian growled at the man's back as a red marking became evident on her face.


Van tried to grow closer to his beloved though his chains restricted him. Ignoring the glaring king the captain came to stand a few inches away from the seeress causing everyone to grow very tense. Coming very close to her face the one-eyed man said in a low voice, "I have something that belongs to you…"


Slowly his hand reached into his vest pocket before producing before Hitomi's eyes the royal pendant of Atlantis. Her emerald grew slightly wider as she saw her reflection glow in the scarlet stone. Playfully the pirate swayed the teardrop back and forth as he commented, "This is a very unique stone. There's not a single scratch on it and has such fine gold that I've never seen. More importantly I've never seen one like it. There something very strange about it also though I have no idea what it is… I found it on your neck… Where did you get it?…"


Hitomi looked past the swaying stone staring straight into the criminal's good eye of blue refusing to speak. Annoyed by her defiance the man swiftly took hold her throat in his large fist making several of the group suddenly burst into angry retorts directed at the captain. Sian and Van were the loudest amongst the group shouting out, "TAKE YOUR HAND OFF HER!"


The man ignored them as he growled, "You will tell me or I will hurt you in a way that will make you screaming out the answer!"


Scowling at him the 'Angel' remained silent ready to die with the information. She would never tell a lowlife such valuable knowledge. If she explained where she had gotten the pendant she would have to explain everything about the Draconians and Atlantis. Then their confidential mission would follow. She couldn't speak about it! Frowning Hitomi glared at him making all the more furious. Soon the pendant was replaced into his vest pocket. Unable to hold his rage the man drew his other hand up into the air ready to strike her. There was another round of angry shouts as the man brought down his palm. Fortunately halfway through the motion his attack halted as the seeress replied lowly, "No matter what you do to me… it will be nothing compared to what I have gone through… I promise you that…"


Ski stared hard at her his hand still in the air. The group of angels held their breaths as they waited for him to make up his mind. Finally to the party's relief both of his hands came back to his side. Hitomi gave a small cough, but kept her eyes on the man. Quietly the man stepped back and strode over to the center of the group with a thoughtful glint in his eye. Standing in front center he asked the seeress slyly, "So you won't speak no matter what I do to you, huh?… Well, what if tortured her before your eyes?!"


Quickly the man pointed to the forest maiden making the war woman growl angrily at his psychology. Hitomi stared at the guardian worriedly. She couldn't allow her to be tortured; even if did mean to hold confidential information from someone. Knowing about her queen's kind heart Sian turned her silver eyes to her mistress and shook her head slightly, telling her silently to not give in. Biting her lip the seeress rolled back her shoulders and stood a little taller to show her refusal to speak.


Frowning the man glanced at the individuals shackled to the wall and rapidly grabbed hold of the cat-girl's neck and struck her. Merle whimpered at the blow and slowly let her cerulean eyes fluttered open. Van angrily fought against his chains and growled, "Leave her alone!"


Ignoring him Ski hissed, "What about her?! What if I torture her?! Then will you tell me where you got the pendant?!"


Hitomi stared at Merle sadly knowing she could never ask her to take such an affliction for her. As a single tear slipped down the cat-girl's bronze cheek, however, the advisor hoarsely whispered, "Don't tell him… anything!…"


Seeing that this was getting no where the captain shoved the bronze feline away and stormed to front of the group. Smirking dangerously the man hissed, "You leave me with only one other option! Thomas, bring me the package!"


One of the uniform crewmen nodded shakily before bolting out of the room. While they waited Hitomi felt a deep swell of fear take hold of her heart wondering what exactly he could hold over her head to make her talk. Suddenly the sound of an infant crying reached the group's many ears making the seeress's emerald grow extremely wide. She knew exactly what he had!


Hitomi watched in horror as the crewmember returned with a squealing bundle in his arms. Zaado finally awoke at the sound of her cries being the final one to be conscious again. The seeress, along with the others, grew rigid as they saw it was Princess Iris in the man's clutches. Smirking Captain Ski took the bundle securely in his arms and walked before the crowd while playing with the baby. With playful smugness the man talked to the infant loud enough for all to here, "Don't cry, little one. Now, tell me who are your parents?"


A loud scream came from the flush baby as she called out for her dame and sire desperately. Smirking the man stepped before Sian, the female at the farthest end of the line. The forest maiden growled at the man as he glanced from her to the baby. In an overly sweet tone Ski stated, "Now you really look nothing like the child and though you might be the mother I really doubt you are."


Stepping away from the guardian he stepped before Nazomi as she glared at him angrily. Just as sweetly as before the man said to the infant, "And she doesn't appear to be your mother either."


Next there was Merle and though Iris quieted for a moment she was soon starting her cries again, which seemed even louder than before. Smirking at the cat advisor Ski replied, "I doubted all along you were the mother. Not only are you far too young, but she just doesn't have your ears!"


Chuckling at the cat-girl's angry eyes the man walked over to Hitomi. At the moment the young baby saw the seeress her cries ceased and Iris reached out for her mother with two small, chubby hands. The 'Angel' desperately wanted to scoop up her child from the man's tainted hold, but could only watch in defeat as her little flower whimpered for her. Smirking the man slyly whispered, "Isn't it funny how silent she gets when I'm near you…"


Hitomi stared down at the bundle just begging for this nightmare to end… to hold her daughter in her arms and coax her to sleep… Dangerously the man hissed at the queen, "Now tell me what I want to know or your daughter will have a very short life!"


The emerald eyes of the 'Angel' snapped up at him glaring fiercely as she growled lowly, "You wouldn't dare to kill a helpless child!"


Glaring just as hard at her into her green eyes he hissed, "Are you willing to risk your child's life to prove me wrong?!"


Looking down at her child Hitomi knew she could never do that… even if it was just to prove a bluff when she heard one… She could never put her child's life on the line. The group knew this and let their shoulders slump already aware of what was going to happen next. Hanging her head the seeress felt a few tears slip down her cheek while her bangs shadowed her face. Quietly she whispered her reply, "You win…"


The man smirked triumphantly and handed the infant back to his crewmember as he said, "Good. That's the response I want. Now tell me where did you get this fancy piece of jewelry?"


Closing her eyes the seeress felt her comrades watching her sorrowfully as she whispered, "It has been handed down from my family for generations…"


"Really?…" the captain said as he eyed the pendant carefully, "May I ask who you are exactly then?"


A few tears slipped from her eyes as Hitomi whispered quietly, "I am Hitomi Kazanki Fanel,… Queen of Fanelia and Queen of the Draconians…"


Gasps came from the shipmen as they stared at the maiden. One of the men turned to his captain in shock and stated, "Queen of the Draconians?! How can that be true?!"


"It's not!" Ski retorted angrily at his man making the crewman cringe, "She lies! The Draconian Kingdom fell many centuries ago and no queen ever rose again. The only Draconians left are a few scant groups hiding all over Gaea!"


Hitomi looked up with blurry eyes and pleaded, "If you release me I can prove to you I am who I am…"


The captain angrily flew into the woman's face, "If you dare try to escape, I will not only kill your daughter I will kill all of your companions as well!"


Without flinching at his threat the maiden whispered, "Upon my word I vow not to leave this cell without your permission."


There were several moments of eerie silence as the leader stared hard at the teary eyed seeress before he furiously unlocked her chains. The moment she was free of her chains Hitomi stepped forward waiting as the captain stepped back. A determine plea came from Sian as she shouted to her mistress, "Hitomi, please don't!"


"It's too late to turn back now, Sian" the seeress muttered as the mysterious wind swirled around her. The men stepped back in fear as slowly her brilliant sphere began to surround her. The guardians grew tense as Van grew transfixed with his wife's beauty. Closing her eyes and letting emerald droplets fall two gray wings burst through Hitomi's back startling the spectators. Gray feathers fluttered about drawing attention to their keeper. The display didn't stop there though slowly the royal emblem began to glow on her forehead sending chills down the seamen's spines. Opening her green eyes slowly the maiden stared at her captors sadly. Quietly she whispered, "This is my proof… I came here with no intention of hurting you or any of your crew. I and my comrades are in search of a Draconian known to be hiding in the Azul Ocean…"


Ski stared at her uncertain before whispering, "You're in search of the Water Angel?"


Hitomi stared at him with slight confusion on her face as he continued, "You must be for he is the only known Draconian around these parts. What do you want with him? And how could you possible know of him?"


"If I answer you" asked the seeress quietly, "Will you release me and my comrades?"


The captain stared at the vision before him for several moments before replying calmly, "Agreed."


"Good…" Hitomi whispered quietly, "The answer is to seek out his… help…" Suddenly the show of her power faded away leaving the regular Hitomi behind. Without a word her wings were swallowed back into her flesh and the seeress closed her eyes. Seconds later Hitomi fell forward unconscious…





~~~ Small Island in the Azul Ocean ~~~
Three women draped in flowing silk stared across the waters watching for approaching vessels. The first maiden was a red head draped in rosy silk. Another was a brunette wrapped in a pale green. The last was a blonde covered in baby blue. For several centuries they had been silent allowing the ships to pass without a gentle tune to call to them. Everyday and every night they stood there watching for the ships to pass on the horizon hoping for strong men to one day come to them, to be their husbands. Little is known about the three sisters and little is known of why or how they every came to this small island. All that was truly known was their name. They were called the 'Sirens.'


For nearly seven hundred years they had stopped singing their enchanting tune so no more lives would be lost on the hard rocks surrounding their island, but they were becoming desperate for husbands and were becoming too anxious to wait much longer, but they refused to sing… not wanting more blood on their hands…


Their song was a spell that would be cast on any man and beckon them to their island. Unfortunately the only way to reach the island was by boat and all who tried to venture to them would crash upon the rocks.


Suddenly one of the sisters noticed a dark form in the sky and in her melodic voice she said, "Look, my sisters. Someone comes!"


"Sweet sister, who could it be?" sung another.


The third, just as sweet, cried, "Perhaps it is a man to become one of our husbands!"


The three women became joyous as they waited for the individual to arrive, but they were all disappointed as a woman landed before them, a woman with black wings. Smirking devilishly Ana hissed, "Dear Sirens, I come bearing gifts to you as a token of my friendship."


"Gifts!" came the youngest of the three, her voice high and playful, "What kind of gifts have you brought us?!"


"Why, yes" came the second oldest, "Do tell us what they are!"


The oldest exclaimed sweetly, "Yes, yes! Do tell!"


Bowing lowly the demon woman slyly replied in mock sweetness, "Why I bring you a ship of men just over the waves!"


"A ship!" the sisters cried out in union, "But they will crash upon the shore and die!"


"No, they won't" lied the dark angel woman, "for the ship is controlled by people with many powers. They will be able to avoid death and any are willing to become your grooms! All you must do is sing to them!"


The sisters glanced at each other not truly believing the story provided by the strange looking woman, but they were desperate for life mates and decided to believe in it for just this one time. Standing tall the three sisters began their song, knowing it may take sometime before their spellbinding tune would reach the ears of the ship…






~~~ Vision ~~~
Hitomi stood in her black world just standing there with nothing else to do. How long had she been here she wondered. She was only conscious of several minutes, but could she have been there longer?… Suddenly her brother was beside her as if he had always been there. Silently she stared at him not knowing what to say or expect from this vision… Her brother was dressed in some of his fine garments for what seemed to be an outside hike. Mamoru wore his beautiful pearl silk shirt with a chestnut vest and pants. Black knee high boots and a small circlet finished his attire. For an endless time they just stood before each other wordlessly until the younger sibling finally spoke.


"How are you, Hito?" he asked, his voice echoingly eerily through the vastness.


The seeress stared at him with a small scowl, "Mamoru? Are you actually here?"


"Yes, you could say that…" he murmured as he glanced around their area of privacy, "I'm not exactly sure how it's possible, though…"


The angel queen stared at her brother thinking hard before gasping, "Your powers have begun to develop!"


Mamoru nodded slightly as he glanced again at their surroundings, "Yes, they have, though I'm beginning to wonder exactly what are my special abilities…"


"How so?" she asked absently as she studied him for signs of new maturity. She knew his powers would develop around puberty for him.


His eyes caught hers as he said, "I've been able to see through other's eyes…"


"Other's eyes?" she asked confused, "What do you mean?"


"I've been able to see what they see" he replied, "Not from the past or the future, but what they're presently seeing."


Suddenly the world changed around them and Hitomi found herself standing in an open field of yellow flowers beneath the single oak tree, her brother no where to be seen. Glancing here and there without seeing him the seeress figured she was alone… at least until she heard his young voice speak from above.


"About a few days ago I saw you, Hito, with your new daughter."


Turning her face upwards Hitomi caught sight of her brother sitting up in the branches as if this new scenery where nothing. With a warm smile he commented, "She's very beautiful and naming her after grandmother was a wonderful touch. I think she would have been pleased by your choice."


Leaning against the tree to gaze at the lovely horizon Hitomi spoke quietly, "Perhaps you have some form of telepathy, Mamo."


"Perhaps" his gentle voice filled her ears, "I just wonder what else I can do. Changing the land around us in this world of blackness doesn't seem to connect with my powers."


Hitomi gaped at him with shock plainly evident on her face, "You did this?"


The young prince nodded softly, "I've been doing this in my dreams though the feat seemed hardly part of my powers. I never realized I could do this until this moment when I just thought of the field back on the Mystic Moon. Do you remember it, Hito? The one mother would play with us in…"


A deep sadness played in his last words catching the attention of the seeress. Quietly she stared up at the twinkling stars in his eyes as he stared at the pretend reality surrounding them. Tenderly she whispered up to him, "Mamoru,… Please don't cry… Mother would not wish us to be sad…"


No reply came from above…


"I promise you this" she changed her tactics, "I promise to kill the man responsible for our parents' death!"
"No, Hitomi" he replied firmly catching her off guard, "No matter how angry I am with the murder of our parents I will not kill, not even in revenge, and neither should you…"


The seeress stared up at her brother lost, "Mamoru?"


"Mother always said no life deserves to die no matter what they've done!" he nearly shouted down at her with tears slipping down his cheeks, "A life deserves the chance to reconcile! Thus, I will not kill!"


Suddenly rain began to pour down from the now black sky and though they were beneath a tree rain snuck through the leaves soaking them. Hitomi stared up at her brother as he continued with deep passion, "Mother taught me that and I have always respected that. Though my heart hurts with pain I have never felt I will never stoop down to killing! NEVER!"


Suddenly Hitomi was thrown back by blinding light and she was brought back to the real world…
~~~ End of Vision ~~~




Hitomi's flew up into a sitting position and stared at the wall in front of her for several moments as she caught her breath. A single word was whispered from her lips as she thought of the last vision, "Mamoru…"


Blinking once then twice Hitomi glanced at the room around her. Where was she?… She was sitting up in a small bed carved into the wall. The furniture within the room was all nailed or bolted to the floor. A small desk with a round mirror was across the room with a closet next to it. Beside her was a small night table that held the small knapsack of hers and Van's. By the way she felt the room sway back and forth she easily surmised that she was still on the ship.


Without thinking Hitomi threw back the covers of her bed and stepped towards the door. Quietly her fingers pulled on the wooden handle and slowly the door opened revealing an empty hallway. Stepping into the long corridor the seeress glanced in either direction for life, but found none. Shrugging off her feelings of loneliness the queen began to silently walk down the hall looking for her companions. Though she had no idea where she was going she passed several doors not even giving them a deserved glance as she directed herself towards the exit. She soon was at the bottom of some steps leading to the topside of the vessel. Still without thinking she walked up the short flight and through an opening in the deck floor.


Reaching the deck she spotted the night sky and realized how late it was. The salty air combed through her hair as she wondered how long she had been out. Forgetting the question she glanced around the area. She found herself at the stern of the ship with her back to the main masts and wheel. There leaning against the railings was him…You could see his profile beautifully against the moon with its gentle glow heighten his hansom physique. He was staring at the waters, but his mind was somewhere else.


Smiling Hitomi walked up beside her husband only catching his attention when she was a few feet away. Van was a little startled to see her up and about so suddenly after her faint, but he quickly recovered as he asked urgently, "Hitomi, shouldn't you be in bed?"


She chuckled lightly as she replied, "I'm fine don't worry. I was a little confused when I woke where I was by myself though."


"I'm sorry" he replied softly while his arms came around her waist, "I couldn't sleep with all that's happened and decided I needed some fresh air."


"What has happened since I was awake?" she asked in concern wondering what had befallen, "Where's Iris?"


"Shh…" he soothed softly, "Merle wanted to take care of her while I watched over you. She said the way I kept my entire attention on you I was sure to not even notice if the boat was sinking."


There was a mild chuckle as he breathed in the scent of her hair. Hitomi sighed lightly as his hand rubbed up and down her back. Softly he continued, "Captain Ski was to say the least impressed by your… display… and allowed us freedom, but since we're at sea we are forced to stay on board. The nearest land is a considerable distance away."


"The others?" Hitomi asked next.


"There all fine" he replied uninterested with the subject as his hands drifted to rub up and down her arms, "Right now I would guess they're all asleep ready to begin the search of the next guardian."


"Search?" the seeress asked not sure if she understood.


"Ski offered his services to us for our quest" he replied as he swept his fingers through her silky hair, "Said something about it might be profitable."


"And you trust him?" she asked unsure, "A pirate?"


Van nodded as he stared into her sparkling emeralds, "He's not really a pirate. He said he was just acting like one in case we were enemies. He's really just some captain of a cargo ship that runs the harbors along the coast. Though Nazomi and Sian don't really believe him… I sort of… feel this… trust for him…"


Hitomi pulled out of her husband's embrace a little to lean against the railing on her elbows. Quietly she whispered, "I know what you mean… Ever since I've first come to Gaea… I have discovered bonds set between certain others and me… Sometimes I never understood what I was feeling, but sooner or later I discovered what it meant… First with you… then Merle… Allen… Millerina… All of them… Then when the Sacrifice came to pass… I met Resshi and Sian… It just like… I know who exactly I can trust in an instant… you know?"


"Yeah" the young man replied as he came to look over her shoulder while placing his hands on either side of her along the railing, "And now I feel it with Ski."


Her emerald eyes glanced at him for a second before asking, "Do you think he could be the next guardian?"


Van shrugged uncertain, "That's a possibility, but to me he doesn't fit as a warrior. Perhaps he wears a sword at his side, but he's not well trained in it."


"How do you know?" she asked curiously still scanning the moonlit waters.


"Allen sparred with him" he replied casually, "I didn't watch them for long. I was just passing by the room where they were sparring in and noticed a few things about his movements. He's really awkward with a sword, but it's more than that about him. Though he was harsh earlier he's very laid back and quite humorous. There seems to be little honor or pride in his fighting, more like pure entertainment to him."


"Well…" commented the seeress simply, "Perhaps he isn't the next guardian. Maybe he's just a regular human being after all. He doesn't feel like Draconian to me, or his crew."


"It could be a similar technique to Nazomi's though," Van reminded remembering how he had talked to the female guardian after their release, "Maybe he's doing the same thing."


Hitomi quickly sighed and muttered, "Personally I really don't want to think about it. I'm tired from everything and tired of becoming suspicious of people. I am so tired of wars… and people dying…"


Suddenly tears slipped down her cheeks unnoticed by her, but not by him. Slowly he turned her around and delicately brushed away her crystal droplets with a rough thumb. Hitomi looked up at him unable to hold back a small sob, "I'm tired of my friends being hurt because of me… I'm tired of my visions… I'm tired of fighting… I'm tired of the powers that burn within me… I'm tired of seeing my parents' death before my eyes…"


Silently he took her into his arms and enveloped her in a comforting embrace as her emotions crumbled. Maybe it was the small fight with her brother or perhaps the tiredness of her body, but whatever the reason she suddenly broke down and cried into his warm chest still mumbling, "It was my fault they died… If I hadn't brought them back to life… They wouldn't have die such an agonizing death… My father would never have been killed and my mother wouldn't have been forced to save the people at Sian's villages… My fault… all… my fault…"


Pulling her away from him Van forced the maiden to look up into his face. The turmoil of tears in her eyes made his heart squeeze painfully. Firmly he said to her, "Hitomi, it wasn't your fault. Your parents were proud of your decision. Think about it… Would your brother be alive if it wasn't for you?!"


That small piece of knowledge kept the maiden from shattering. Just barely, but it was enough. Unfortunately the pain was still there and it was harsh on her heart. Sniffling back her tears Hitomi rubbed her face in his chest wanting to find the comfort he always could give her. Running his fingers through her hair he whispered tenderly to her, "Joutei wanted you to do this for your people. He has faith in you and not once have you failed that trust. Your people love you more than you can imagine, Hitomi. I have never been ashamed of you. Never once. I'm more ashamed of myself than you."


The small comment suddenly drew the seeress out of her depression as she pulled away from him and asked quietly, "What?"


Van cursed himself mentally for letting it slip. He didn't want to burden her more with his own troubles. She had enough as it was, but it was too late. He couldn't just brush off her question. Sighing lightly he replied, "During the last battle, I felt… worthless…"


"I don't understand" Hitomi replied quietly staring up at him.


"I couldn't protect you, Hitomi" he said just as quietly, "I have no gifts or powers that can help protect you, even though I have forever vowed to do so. You're better doing the job than I am…"


There was moment of silence before the maiden replied firmly, "So what?"


"Huh?" Van said confused at her reaction.


Quickly she wrapped her arms around his neck as she looked deep into his eyes, "Van, I don't care what you can do as long as your right beside me. All during the Great War I felt like a sore thumb that was your weakness in battle. You were always flying to my rescue and having to save my life. I never thought much about how well I could protect you, but I always was right there in case you needed me."


Taking his face roughly into her palms she said firmly, "Don't you see?! I don't care if you can or cannot be able to protect me. Knowing your willing to die for me is far better than what I could hope for. You've die for me once already and I you… not because we were 'able to, ' but because we wanted to…"


Van stared at her proudly feeling such devotion and love from her as he whispered, "I know… I've discovered that, too… and more than anything else I can never deny how much I love you… Hitomi Kazanki Fanel…"


"Van…" she whispered back just as lovely.


Quietly he pulled away from her and dug into his pocket. Soon the familiar red teardrop was produced before her face making her smile softly. Tenderly he unlocked the chain and lifted it to her neck while speaking, "After we were released Ski gave this back to us. I've been waiting to put it back on you, Hitomi… You look so beautiful in it…"


Lifting her hair she helped him lock the chain back and soon she was fingering the small stone between her fingers. Looking up into his fire rubies she grew lost in his gaze and they both felt the pull between them. Van smiled softly as he cupped her face in his hands. Their eyelids grew heavy as their lips grew closer, coming together in a sweet kiss full of innocence. Slowly her hands ran up his chest to come around his neck while his own slid to her waist. Before long the kiss became more than innocent and into passion between two lovers.





~~~ Main Mast ~~~
Sian skillfully placed her feet one before the other as she stepped across the main mast's highest point, right where the sails dropped off from a long horizontal pole. Ropes were cast everywhere around her to help people from falling, but she ignored them. Focused completely on her movements the war angel brought her arms into a fighting stance. The boat rocked back and forth, but she already had become accustom to its motion. With prefect figure the woman struck out at the air with a hard fist. A kick followed and then an upper cut. There was a moment where the boat moved, but she was not fazed by it and quickly did a roundup coming to land easily on her feet with slightly bent knees. Gracefully the guardian pulled off her bow that had been strapped to her back and brought it before her like a sword.


Closing her eyes of silver the woman remembered her fighting techniques carefully. For a few moments she was motionless, but then she suddenly flew into a voile of techniques, fighting against an invisible enemy. Her movements were strong and powerful, but it was the passion that sent beauty into all she did. She fought not for perfection, but for a desire buried in the deepest part of soul,… a part of soul that was thought to be long dead…


Suddenly movement behind the woman caught her attention and her eyes flew open, but she did not turn around. Carefully she studied the signature behind her before closing her eyes again. Sian spoke a little more roughly than she usually did as she spoke, "What do you want, Nazomi?"


Slowly the other female stepped out of the shadows and leaned against the main mast casually with arms crossed as she eyed her fellow warrior. The desert maiden simply replied coolly, "I came to ask you a few things."


The other woman merely snorted at the response as she continued her practice session, "You never cared to talk to me before."


There was a shrug of the shoulders as the newly acquired soldier replied calmly, "Maybe things change."


"And maybe things never change" the green angel growled angrily as she put a little more effort in her strokes of her blade. Now Sian's movements became a hostile rage, no longer containing the desire of her soul.


Nazomi's gold eyes narrowed angrily, "You judge me too easily, Sian. I only came here to talk, not start a fight with you."


For once the other female did not give the warrior a short remark like she had so often done and simply turned around with her bow at her side. The two women stared at each other tensely knowing each other to a limited extent. Sian and Nazomi had never been close. Though they were the only females of the Ring of Warriors they had always been separated. Perhaps a certain sex seeks out friends in the same sex pool, but sometimes it doesn't always work like that. Women seek out women for friendship and men seek out men. Neither of the women, however, needed the companionship of another female to feel complete (Not romantically speaking). At the very beginning the two warriors had stepped on each other's toes already drawing heavy lines in the ground showing the boundaries of their relationship. They considered themselves acquaintances and perhaps even allies, but they would never see themselves as friends (or at least that what they thought).


Finally the forest maiden muttered, "Fine. What do you want to know?"


The tension fell and the desert woman asked bluntly, "What do you think of Ski?"


Sian stared at her skeptical, "Is that all you wanted to ask?"


"Just answer the question!" the warrior replied hotly not liking the interrogation she was getting.


Personally Sian could care less why the woman wanted the information. All she wanted was to be left alone again to practice. Uncaring the forest maiden replied casually, "I don't like him at all. For one, he's a complete imbecile who had the audacity to strike me. Second, he's a failure as a warrior. He can't even hold a sword correctly. Third, he's a coward who willing to hide behind the lives of innocent children."


Turning back around sharply the warrior's long braid danced in the wing like an agitated snake. Sian roughly asked, "Now if that is all I will go back to my training."


Without waiting for the other woman's approval Sian went back into a fighting stance before slicing her bow through the air. Nazomi stared at her back for a moment before finally speaking up, "Why do you dislike me so?"


Sian swirled around angrily and glared at the older one, "Me dislike you?! Who was the one to judge who first?!"


The golden-headed soldier bit her lip in remembrance before hissing, "That is in the past."


Not turning away just yet the other woman replied roughly, "To me it is not! Though centuries have past we are still the same people we were before, Nazomi!"


"I can't accept that" she responded coolly, "Days ago you had no problem talking to Noi, but when my true identity is revealed you back away from me as if I am fire."


Sian turned around leaving her back to face the other, "At that time you had been someone else, and not the true Nazomi I remember."


Angrily the warrior growled, "Blast it, Sian! I am the Nazomi I once was! Can't you see that people change! I have! It took me nearly several hundred years, but even I can change!"


Nothing came from the tense forest warrior as the desert maiden continued, "I've spent hundred of years alone with the few people I had to protect. Years of hiding and seeking Joutei's guidance have not been done it vain! Do you know what I have learned?!"


Still there was silence on the other end as Nazomi nearly shouted, "I found out that even though I was the elder of you and Nembus, that I had more experience than either of you could put together the two of you were still Draconians!"


Slowly Sian turned to face her female acquaintance with obvious curiosity of where this was going. Bringing her voice back to a normal level the desert woman continued, "I have always stood for the Draconians. I will always fight for our people and yet I still fight against you and Nembus as if the wars are with you… I will not fight against you anymore, Sian… I have put down the grudges I placed on both of you not even caring if you are willing to put them beside as well… All I ask is for you to meet me halfway…"


"So what are we then?" Sian asked bluntly, "I really don't know if I can be a friend to you just yet, Nazomi. Too much went on in the past for me just to forget and put aside. My heart long ago turned hard and rough."


"Let us just tolerate each other than" Nazomi stated, "We don't have to be close just yet. Let's just get along so we can do our duties correctly and protect our royal family."


Sian stared hard at the other female thinking hard. They truly needed to cooperate now. This was not the time for centuries old arguments and grudges. At the last battle such disagreements had nearly cost the life of their queen. Sian sighed sharply before muttering roughly, "I don't know if I can, but I will try if it means I can help Lady Hitomi."


Smiling for once in a very long time Nazomi replied quietly, "I agree to those terms."


Silence came on both of them as they found themselves at a loss for words. When suddenly a distant song came to their ears. It rolled out from the sea and played on the nearby rocks of a small isle no more than fifty feet wide. The song was sweet and melodic with no words, but it held a sickening tune that became heavy stones in both of the women's stomachs. Looking out across the dark waters Sian asked quietly, "Do you hear that?"


Nazomi gazed out across the horizon looking for the source of the melody, "Yes…"






~~~ Nembus ~~~
The guardian stood beneath the mast watching his close friend go through her regular practice session. Usually the two would spar for practice, but tonight she had decided to go by herself. Being a little hurt by her sudden 'lone wolf' attitude Nembus had felt no joy in practice and decided instead to see how far she was in her own personal training. As he stood in the shadows of the wooden pole he could see the woman take graceful sweeps at the air and perfect flips and dives. Her training was really paying off he noticed as his dark eyes followed her. The grace of her movements was hypnotizing drawing him into the display. Every step of her foot, every twist of her wrist, and every twirl of her body did not escape his eyes. Beauty was with her and the glory surrounding it did not leave.


Nembus shifted as he noticed a dark shadow appear behind his old comrade. It only took him a second to be brought back to ease as he recognized the signature up there. Obviously Sian had as well for she had turned around and started talking to Nazomi. The angel whose armor had been replaced on his body glared up at the two. He had never liked Nazomi very much. Something about her had always caused his skin to automatically crawl at her approach. He knew little of her past and personally could care less. Nazomi had always been rude to them because she was older. Now with only one and half decades between them while centuries were in all of their ages the numbers sounded very unimportant, but the grudges were still there making their relationships bitter and coarse. It would take sometime before either side was willing to relent.


Suddenly a sweet melody came upon the wind catching on Nembus's ears. Slowly he turned towards the sea in a wondrous trance-like state. He listened carefully to the melodic tune and lost himself. His black eyes glazed over and slowly his feet began to step towards the side of the ship…






~~~ Zaado ~~~
The lumbering giant tossed in his sleep feeling uneasy on the large vessel. He was unused to the rocking of the sea and couldn't help, but be tense as the floor waned beneath him. Lucky enough for him he didn't feel nausea from the whole experience, just uneasy. Finding no welcome of sleep the guardian rolled onto his back and placed his hands behind his head. Since there release he had barely seen Nazomi. Him and her had been like close siblings when they had been under Queen Iris. Once the chains had been unlocked the two had eagerly welcomed each other in a hearty handshake and bear hug. They had been good friends for a long time and had missed each other's company over the separation of everyone.


Though they were still the same people Zaado noticed a definite change in the woman's demeanor. She seemed a lot warmer and less rough around the edges who was willing to restore burned down bridges. A while ago she had come to him asking what he thought of the other two present guardians. He had easily responded saying they were 'young, juvenile, brats' like he had done in the past, but this time her reaction to his response was a small frown than usually smart remark to go along with it. Something had happened in the desert during these last hundred years that had caused her to change so dramatically… He never thought he see the day when Nazomi would willingly welcome the other younger warriors…


Suddenly a haunting melody seeped in between the wooden planks swirling in the man's ears. His eyes, which had been so pleasantly closed, flew open revealing the glaze over look they held. With zombie-like motions he lifted from his bed and walked towards the door, his beautiful ax left behind to lean against the hard wall…






~~~ Merle ~~~
The young cat-girl laid the infant in the small basket that had been provided by the crew of the ship to substitute for a cradle. Merle smiled at the sleeping baby feeling very relieved to finally have gotten the newborn to bed. Van had been no help to her at all! He was too worried about his wife to even consider his daughter. It made him look like a bad father, but in truth he was being an excellent husband. The truth made the young cat-girl nearly gag at the romance. Personally she was still very young and a little prejudice against boys, mostly because she felt no ideal guy could every replace Van in her heart. Yes, the boy king had been her crush during the Great War, but finally at the beginning of the sacrifice she had finally come to terms with her feelings. Her love for her brother was only a crush and no more. She would forever love him as a close friend and brother, but in the terms of romance there was none. Sighing Merle bounced onto her bed and wrapped the covers around her body. With a small smile she drifted off into the first stages of sleep.


Suddenly the feline's ears twitched as soft melody invaded the room. Scowling at being disturbed from falling asleep the cat-girl tuned her hearing towards the bewitching tune. Automatically the cat-girl flattened her ears against her head as she hissed at the song. Something about that melody made her fur stand on end. Something just wasn't right about it…


By this time Iris had been awoken by the tune and begun to empty her lungs with a shrill cry as if to show her own discomfort for the song. Merle rolled her eyes angrily as she leapt towards the basket. Gathering the infant in her arms the advisor rushed out the room deciding it was best to tell Van about the melody…






~~~ Royal Couple ~~~
As their kiss grew longer the song grew louder finally reaching the pair of ears located near the edge of the ship. Slowly the two royals pulled away and glanced towards the sea. Hitomi scowled at the tune feeling an automatic disliking towards the mysterious melody. Her emerald eyes flashed a moment, as she knew something was very wrong. The seeress suddenly took note of men going towards the side of the ship in a deep trance.


"Strange…" Hitomi muttered to herself wondering what could be going on. Amongst the group of men she spotted Nembus and Zaado making their way through the crowd. Not far behind them was Ski no better off then they were.


Van abruptly pulled away from her catching the seeress off guard. His once comforting warmth became replaced with a sudden chill. He strode away from her just like the others in a trance-like state. Hitomi raced after him crying, "Van! Stop!"


Something wasn't right! Something was going on! Running before him Hitomi spread out her arms signaling him to stop. Her emerald eyes grew wide as she noticed his own rubies were glazed over… as if he was having some sort of reaction to the song… Too surprised by this Hitomi didn't move out of the way in time to evade the spell-bounded king. Being irresponsible for his actions Van pushed past the young queen causing her to fall over roughly to the hard deck. Ignoring the aching in her body from the fall Hitomi propped herself up onto her elbows and stared at her husband's back whispering sorrowfully, "No, Van…"


A warm pair of hands suddenly pulled the young queen up to her feet and Hitomi glanced over to see Sian and Nazomi standing nearby. The brunette warrior nodded to her queen as she released the pale woman's arm before saying, "Something very wrong, Queen Hitomi. The men are all acting very strangely."


"So it would seem…" Hitomi muttered the obvious, "What could it be?"


"I have no idea," replied the guardian as she eyed the men with silver jewels, "But surely it can't mean anything good."


"What about sirens?" asked the desert angel casually as she narrowed her own gleaming jewels on the growing crowd.


Sian frowned automatically at the suggestion while Hitomi's brow just furrowed in confusion. A little roughly the forest angel replied, "You can't be serious. Those beings were considered to have died ages ago. No one has heard from the trio in centuries."


The young queen glanced at both guardians as Nazomi answered calmly, "It would make since. There's a strange melody in the air and the men are all acting strange."


"Wait a minute" Hitomi interrupted the two much older women, "What are sirens?"


Nazomi crossed her arms annoyed with everything forcing Sian to answer the question, "The Sirens are known as three nymphs or some form of magical women who live on a tiny island of their own that is surrounded by hundreds of rocks. It is said that they sing to draw men to them for marriage. Unfortunately all that venture towards their shores crash against the rocks before they can even step foot on their island. Their song has been claiming hundreds of lives."


"How sad…" Hitomi muttered mournfully as she saw the men trying to jump overboard to reach the three deadly maidens. Without warning the ship suddenly pitched to the side causing everyone to fall over. Grappling to stay put on the deck Hitomi lifted her eyes towards the helm to see one of the men frantically turning the wooden wheel towards the direction the song was coming from. The seeress gasped as she realized they would be heading towards the dreaded island and surely crash to their deaths.


Jumping to her feet the royal angel called out to the only two people left to help her, "Sian! Nazomi! We have to kept the ship from heading towards the sirens!"


"What's your plan, Queen Hitomi?" Nazomi asked desperately as she swayed on the deck.


Turning towards the helm the seeress shouted, "Sian, I want you to take control of the helm while, Nazomi, you keep the men from jumping over!"


"Understood!" the women cried in union as they raced towards either's destinations leaving Hitomi to think of what else should be done. What could be done in a situation like this?… As the 'Angel' contemplated this Merle ran up to Hitomi with a squealing Iris in her arms.


Panting heavily the cat-girl was happy to see her sister alright, but with so much going on she was forced to ask, "What's happening, Hitomi?!"


Ignoring the question the seeress turned on her heel and ran towards the main mast while shouting over her shoulder, "Take care of Iris for me, Merle!"


The cat-girl frowned at the fleeting form of her queen and shouted like the young child she was, "HEY THIS IS YOUR KID, NOT MINE!!!!"


Furiously Hitomi pushed her powers to her back and released her wings. Pounding them against the air the maiden showed her urgency as she flew into the air. Quietly she said to herself I have only one idea that can stop this. Bringing her hands to cup her pendant Hitomi released her powers letting the red glow of the stone envelope her.


The men all plowed by each other determined to get to the sirens. Their eyes gleamed with the magical spell of the song as they trampled over one another to reach the bow of the boat. The sweet melody of tuneless chatter was their background pounding at their ears herding them towards the dangerous goal of the three sisters. It drove them into their blind gallop striving them onward towards the end…


Sian flew with winged feet towards the man that clung to the helm. Growling she leapt at him taking him down in a single tackle. Squirming away the guardian rose to the wheel and latched on desperately. She had to get the ship heading in the opposite direction! Putting her shoulder into the turn of the wheel the warrior felt the vessel tilt towards the right making a sharp turn. Sian smirked at her victory, but it was short lived when suddenly someone punched her in the jaw sending her flying backwards. Grabbing her aching chin the woman looked up to see several men grabbing the helm and turning the ship back towards the sirens.


"BLAST!" the woman yelled against the wind as she began racing towards the men again. Carefully she measured her distance and leapt over the crewmen right into the center of their group. Angrily she elbowed one of the shipman hard in the stomach before bringing another's head into her knee. The third was dealt with a swift kick in the side.


Sian stood over the unconscious bodies smugly before noticing a dozen new attackers lumbering towards her. Snarling in annoyance the guardian twirled around and grappled with the steering wheel just as the men arrived taking her down. They struggled for the helm desperate to make their wills the ship's. Sian struck several of the spell bounded men with hard fists, but only a few would fall to her dismay. Pushing past the remainders Sian took hold of the helm again along with two other men. Straining the guardian pulled at the wheel urgently forcing it to turn right, but no matter how hard she pulled the two men wouldn't allow it. Together the two males kept the boat going into a straight line right for the sirens while the angel struggled to correct their error. Shouting in anguish Sian pulled at the helm, her muscles straining. Soon a loud cracking could be heard and then the helm broke in apart, leaving nothing to steer with…


Nazomi were beating men left and right trying to hold them back, but being the lone fighter against several dozens just didn't cut it. Growling the woman began to strike wildly at the men trying to make them fall unconscious so there would be less individuals to deal with. Unfortunately as she began to lash out at the males they turned around and returned the favor by striking her down. Falling to the ground with a few bruises and cuts the guardian growled at her show of weakness. Struggling to rise the woman desperately wished for some help….


And then…


There came another sound…


A sound that pierced through the enchanted melody…


A sound that awoke the men from their trance long enough for them to listen to the new song being sung for them…




"I don't know…
What words I can say
The wind has a way
To talk to me





Sian slowly turned her eyes above to stare at the singer in awe…




"Flowers sleep
A silent lullaby
I pray for reply
I'm ready…



Nazomi looked pass the heads of the enchanted men in pure wonder of the display above…



"Quiet day
Calms me
Oh, Serenity
Someone please
Tell me
Oh, what is it they say
Maybe I will know someday…."



Merle smiled up at the seeress in pride as she whispered to the infant whimpering in her furry arms, "Look, little Iris. Look at your mother…"



"I don't know…
What words I can say…
The wind has a way
To talk to me



Van amongst all the men was the first to blink awake and stare up into the sky at the beautiful display. With tender affection the king whispered, "Hitomi…"



"Flowers sleep
A silent lullaby
I pray for reply
I'm ready…"



Hitomi started the song over as she floated up in the air amongst the ropes, sails, and masts. Her hands cupped around the hovering red stone as it glowed like a small star. It's red hue washed over the seeress sending her into a beautiful scarlet array. From the pebble sized stone came wisps of pearly glow that flowed from not only the teardrop, but from Hitomi herself. With her dark gray wings against the black sky and surrounded by red and white glow her beauty could not be measured. Her voice was as pure as her heart and flowed with such perfect harmony that it sent a wave of realization through the crowd. Like fires in the night, tiny stars erupted from the 'Angel's hands floating downward like gentle snow. Each tiny white star touched one of the enchanted men making the spell upon them abruptly break.


Slowly each man began to wake, one by one. They glanced at one another wondering what had happen to all of them. Van, within the very center of the group, pushed his way through the men making his way to his beloved. As he made his way to the queen so did the guardians. Nazomi shoved through the crowd and soon came along side Zaado and Nembus who were also frantic to get to their queen. Sian quickly came to Merle's side watching as the queen lowered herself to the deck just as the others reached the edge of the crowd.


Quickly Van rushed up to his dear angel queen and swept her up in a crushing hug asking urgently, "Are you okay, Hitomi?!"


The seeress smiled at his concern and whispered softly, "I'm alright, Van. I'm okay."


Uncertainly the White Dragon released his wife studying her to be sure. Playfully the seeress replied, "Don't worry. I'm just a little tired."


Just a little?! Hitomi felt lightheaded and the world was spinning around her. The ground seemed unsteady and her vision blurring. Her power level was still dropping and slowly coming to a dangerous level… A 'little tired' truly did NOT describe her health, but telling anyone around her about that would only make matters worse she knew.


Sian stepped forward drawing attention to herself unexpectedly. Everyone eyed the guardian as the brunette warrior spoke, "Queen Hitomi, there is still a dangerous situation. The helm has been broken and our present course is heading directly towards the sirens!"


A silent panic fell on the group as they realized they had nowhere to turn. Nembus gruffly asked the obvious question, "Then what do we do?…"


"It doesn't matter" came a dark voice from above, "For you'll die long before you reach their island!"


Everyone turned their eyes above them to see a dark silhouette hiding in the shadows of the sails. Slowly the figure flew into the light and revealed her identity although one did not need to be told who she was. That voice gave her away…
Growling quietly the seeress whispered, "Ana…"


The dark twin floated in the air with her leathery wings as her tool. Smirking the demon hissed, "Hello, dear sister. It's good to see you again. I've come to finish what I've started. Not just with our last battle together, but with you fouling up my plans involving the sirens."


Hitomi frowned angrily at her twisted sibling unable to control her rage suddenly. Something about Ana always seemed to get beneath her skin driving her into battle. The two cloned sisters were perfect examples of good and evil. Mostly it was that drove her mad… Knowing there was a small part of her in there that related to the monster above made her want to bring a knife through her own heart. She was no killer! She was not responsible for the massacre at Sian's old villages! Knowing a part of her could succumb to such evil darkness drove the 'Angel' to the brink literally taunting her with this knowledge. Growling the seeress felt an overwhelming urge to stamp out the darkness within her… to stamp out Ana!…


The words of her brother suddenly rang in her ears pleading for her not to do what she was so willing to do…



"No matter how angry I am with the murder of our parents I will not kill, not even in revenge, and neither should you…"



Stepping away from the others the seeress shouted loudly at her cloned sibling, "If it's me you want, Ana, then fight me!"


The demon woman smirked at the offer, thirsty for a battle with her sister.


"NO!" cried Sian frantically, "You mustn't! You promised me you wouldn't!"


"No!" Van always shouted, "I won't let you do this! You don't need to fight her, Hitomi! Let the others handle this!"


Turning around Hitomi sadly faced the guardian with the young king and said with deep pain in her chest, "I'm sorry…"


Glaring back at the sky the seeress muttered, "But this is personal…"


"Are you ready, sister?" the demon taunted as she crossed her arms impatiently, "Or must I come down there and get you?!"


Hitomi glared at her other half angrily feeling her fist tighten next to her hips. Slowly the wind grew around her marking that she was raising her power level. The deep burning of rage in her soul began to bubble urging her power to go even higher. Never before had her power level ever gone so high… and all because of her fury… her fury for Ana… Suddenly beams of red light shot everywhere from the pendant sending the ship into a fiery glow. Dark feathers circled her and her clothes fluttered noisily while she locked her jaws together. Straining at the electrifying pressure pounding throughout her body Hitomi let her eyes squeeze shut and bared her clenched teeth. Her pores felt they themselves were on fire and her bones seemed to disappear. Above the ship black clouds blocked the moon and the stars letting only the light of the seeress be the illumination for the new stage. Lightning struck through the heavens a half mile over Ana. The distant flashes ran over her scaly face making her appear even more malicious. The 'Angel' stressed her wings to the maximum length, a good twenty feet. Suddenly the emblem of the Draconians burned on her brow like a fire white. Hitomi's eyes snapped open revealing that they had changed from emerald to colorless again. Abruptly a flash of white light silently enveloped the scene startling everyone for a moment in shock… before the thunder of the sonic boom occurred... Falling backwards everyone blinked through the dots in their eyes and saw the seeress in a glow of white light. Strains of gold and red swirled around her from the pendant, but it was the flaming pearl aura that took up much of the glow.


Scowling at her sister the seeress shouted, "I'm ready when you are, Ana!"


"Nice show!" the demon hissed slyly, "But I can do that too!"


To the shock of the seeress and spectators the dragon scaled woman released a howl letting her power level skyrocket. Hitomi frowned as she felt her sister's level of strength crawl towards her own plane of power. Black lightning swirled around the creature of darkness and her wings stretched to their brink. It didn't take as long for the demon to reach the amount of power the angel had. And when she did she looked just as powerful. On her brow was the mark of Zaibach and eyes became solid black as she stared down her sister.


Roughly Ana shouted, "You see, dear sister, I am just as powerful as you! Tonight we learn who is the true Hitomi Kazanki!"


Growling at the comparison of the truth the seeress beat her wings and struck off into the air. As she rose into the sky in turbulence of thunder and lightning she silently pleaded, "Forgive me, Van, Sian, and Mamoru… I'm so sorry that I have to do this!"


With that the angel quickened her pace to face her inner demon…






















~Yep, a very aggravating cliffhanger once again! Sorry about that. In the next chapter Hitomi faces off with Ana for the finally time. Can Hitomi beat Ana? Or will she learn that the darkness within her is stronger? And then when two new faces appear on the scene has Hitomi and the others found two of the guardians? Could one of these new people be Tsuno, the Guardian of the Waves? Or are they enemies to be avoided?… Read and find out in chapter 18: 'For the Price of One' coming soon on April 17th (Wed)~