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


~Sorry, this took so long, but I promise you will enjoy it!~













The Fate of Two Worlds: The Sequel
By Angel_Wings










Chapter 19: The Pasts of Warriors



~~~ Dusty Plain ~~~
The mysterious lady gently placed the unconscious royal onto the ground as Van knelt by his beloved's side. His hand involuntarily went to brush away a dusty lock of brunette hair from the seeress face causing the stranger to smile. Her red eyes glimmer with knowledge as she stared at the couple. Her ears twitched as she remembered their past history together. They were so in love it made her soul weep out for their troubles. They had been forced into such heartbreak and toils that snared them to destiny. She was glad that they had found peace together through the wars…


Shifting behind her made the red warrior slightly jump. Glancing through the corner of her eye she sized up the crowd. There were far too many eyes here. The crew of the Apparition needed to be dealt with first before anything could take place. The less people who knew about what was going on presently the better. In time all would be known,… just not now…


The young king gave a small glance at the red head as she stood up and walked over to the crowd. Presently he was more worried about his fallen angel than the strangers' identities. They said they were guardians,… but what if they were lying?… Personally Van felt no dishonesty from the two and felt very relaxed with them, but he was still a bit suspicious about them…


Merle silently came to sit next to Van with baby Iris in her arms. Growing closer to her mother seemed to quiet the child's screams and soon the child was fast asleep. The young cat-girl glanced over the injured queen and let her ears fall sadly. Glancing at her brother Merle whispered, "Will she be alright, Lord Van?"


"I hope so…" he could barely choke as he watched more blood seep over the seeress body. With shaky hands he wiped away some of the blood and placed pressure on one of the wounds. If they didn't do something she would bleed to death! As if on cue another pair of hands began to tie strips of cloth around the seeress's wounds. Looking up Van was not surprised to see Sian handling the work with the other guardians right behind her. Quickly bandages were produced and Nazomi, being a healer, began to work on some ointment to help with the injuries, however, the desert maiden had barely begun to create some medicine when the red headed stranger said, "There is no need for that."


Every head turned to look at her as if she were insane. Sian gave a slight frown and commented, "Unless you want our queen to bleed all over the earth then I suggest you help us. Or are you not worried about your queen? That is if you are guardians…"


A small flame burned in the pupil of the scarlet female's eyes as she hissed at their distrust, "I am no liar and what I said was true. Both me and my comrade are guardians."


Nazomi looked up from her patient with narrowed gold eyes, "Are you the last two guardians? Surely he is not Tusno. He does not act like him at all."


The red and white strangers glanced at each other in a wordless conversation. A discussion was spoken between them, but without a sound to be heard. Nodding after a moment of starring at each other the male stepped forward and spoke, "For now live with what you know of us. We wish to wait until Queen Hitomi is awake to discuss everything. At the moment we wish to lessen the eyes about us. With your permission, King Van, we would like to send the crew of the Apparition to Fanelia."


The raven king stared at the woman for a moment, "How can you do that?"


"It is in our power to transport from place to place or others" she said, "If you will give me permission I will do the same thing I did for us to be brought here and bring these individuals to Fanelia."


Van glanced over at the captain and remarked, "It is not my permission to give. Captain Ski must be the one to decide."


Narrowing her eyes on the sea leader the scarlet stranger smirked a knowing smirk. With a playful mock in her voice the woman asked, "Do I have your permission, Captain… Tsuno?…"


The group started at the accusation, well that is except for the crew. A few smiled at the secret being finally revealed, but Ski frowned. Testily he growled, "Thank you so much for blowing my cover out of the water, and yes, I give you permission to send my crew of Draconians to Fanelia."


Nazomi and Zaado gaped at their old friend in complete surprise as Nembus and Sian gave half muffled chuckles. Van smiled at the news not feeling too surprise by the admittance. Something had set Ski off as the one they were searching for… Maybe because every time they had been transported to a different area of the world they had automatically come first into contact with the guardian of the land. It was strange, but that's what had tipped off the young king about the captain…


The scarlet stranger smirked at her revealing and glanced over at her companion who gave a tender smile at her. Ski snorted slightly as he turned to his old friends, Zaado and Nazomi. The two just stared at him as if they had never seen him before. Chuckling at their shock the man crossed his arms and said, "No, welcome? I'm hurt."


Suddenly Nazomi's golden eyes burst into flames and she growled darkly, "You want a welcome?! Well let me show you the proper welcome!!!!"


If smoke would have came out of the desert warrior's ears at that time I don't think anyone would have been surprised… Snarling loudly the maiden stepped forward and punched the unsuspecting sea guardian in the jaw knocking him to the ground. Ski (actually Tsuno) collapsed to the ground on his rear and held his bruised jaw tenderly with a painful grin.


Almost unaffected by the blow the man laughed loudly, "Still the live wire Nazomi I knew!"


The blonde female towered over the injured male with her face growing a flush red of rage as she shouted, "IF YOU DARE INSULT, STRIKE, OR DO ANYTHING AGAINST ME LIKE THAT AGAIN TSUNO I WILL PERSONALLY MAKE SURE YOU VISIT AKUMA THE NEXT TIME AROUND!!!!"


"Oh, how sweet, Nazomi" the captain replied with sweet innocence, "The gift is far to nice to have all to myself. Please you must join me when I go."


The female roared angrily in frustration as she balled her hands into fist and walked over to Zaado. With flames simmering the desert doctor hissed, "I'm not surprise that I overlooked you as being one of the guardian's, Tsuno. You never use to be this obnoxious!"


Spitting out blood the man gathered his feet beneath him and smiled one of those cute lopsided grins, "Well, its been a while since you last seen me hasn't it, Nazomi. People do change over the years, and just think when been given triple the amount!"


The blonde warrior glanced at the man and suddenly smiled at him, the anger lost from her eyes. Sporting a friendly smile the woman handed out her hand to him she said, "I know all too well about that, Tsuno. Though your humor is extremely annoying I must say its good to see you old friend."


Taking her hand the newest arrival pulled Nazomi into an unsuspecting bear hug. Laughing loudly Tsuno squeezed the woman hard into his chest before receiving a sharp knee to the abdomen. The brunette guardian clutched his stomach as he smiled up at his old friend, "Still don't like it when I hug you like that, huh, Nazomi?"


"That's right" she smirked while stepping aside to allow Zaado a turn to welcome their lost partner. Nearby Sian and Nembus stood emotionless to the exchange all too familiar with how the three acted amongst each other. The green maiden felt a small glimmer of jealousy at the small reunion of the musketeers. She often had wanted to be part of that circle and yet had remained on the dusty sidelines. Quietly she stood there wishing she and Nembus could step across the boundary lines of old.


Suddenly Nazomi glanced over at the two lone warriors making Sian jump. Compassion filled the golden orbs as the maiden of the sands nodded a signal to approach. The forest maiden glanced over at the other two men who were busy talking and hesitated. Nazomi nodded again comforting the green angel to step forward. Silently Sian began to walk to them and felt the eyes of Nembus on her back. Stepping forward with an odd and unfamiliar feeling of nervousness in her stomach the guardian crossed the threshold into the elder warrior's circle.


The moment Sian was at her side Nazomi spoke up for the males to hear, "Tsuno? You remember Sian and Nembus, correct?"


Quickly the man swirled around and caught sight of the younger pair. Both older males stared at Sian and Nembus, who had come behind her, with no emotions in their eyes. Nazomi scowled at her companions hoping to spark sudden life into them… Unfortunately the wrong kind of life took form…


"Of course… Sian and Nembus…" Tsuno responded casually, "I'm surprised you two even could survive these centuries by yourself."


Nembus growled in his throat a warning as silver eyes narrowed. Crossing her arms haughtily Sian snarled, "I'm surprised you didn't stepped forward and reveal yourself to us, Tsuno. Were you too afraid of the battle ahead?"


The man's blue eyes sparked fire and he gave a low snarl challenging her to go further, but to the surprise of the other two males Sian merely snorted, turned on her heel, and stormed away. Nazomi quickly grasped hold of the female arms trying to stop their anger, "Please, Sian--"


Angrily the forest female ripped her arm from the other woman's hold and continued away. Nembus stared after his friend for a moment before turning back towards the other men. Scowling the man huffed at the men and swiftly followed his good friend. The two older males gave a low chuckle at the younger ones' anger, but soon quieted as Nazomi glared at both of them.


Clenching her fists to her side the desert woman nearly shouted, "Can't you even try to get along?!"


The white stranger came to stand behind his partner and quietly spoke in her ear. Not tearing her eyes of scarlet away from the guardians' exchange the woman nodded in agreement. Turning away from her the male walked over to the bountiful crew ready to send them to the safety of Fanelia…


Slowly the female stranger walked over to the royal couple. Kneeling on the other side of Hitomi across from Van the woman stared down at the young queen. The White Dragon stared at the mysterious helper with worry for his wife flickering in his rubies. Tenderly the woman placed a delicate hand over the seeress brow and whispered, "I will help you, Lady Hitomi… Do not fear… for you shall live by my the help of my strength…"


Slowly the pale hand of the woman began to glow a beautiful pinkish-red swirling around herself and Hitomi's still body. The white male stopped a few feet away from the group and watched the woman work her powers on the angel queen. The guardians and their squabble became silent as they watched the proceedings in awe. Merle's blue eyes grew wide as the crimson glow reflected in her pupils. Van was so close to the action that his skin began to tingle with life… Slowly Hitomi's skin began to flush to its creamy peach and the wounds began to knit together by invisible stitches. Blood was washed away by unseen water and soon even the fallen maiden's clothes became anew. The scarlet sphere that had begun to form around the two women soon began to fade even before it had a chance to be truly visible.


Shakily the unknown guardian removed her hand from the seeress's brow and weakly looked at her partner. In a drained voice of straining voice she said to him, "It is done… Take the crew to their haven as I rest… When she rises I will rise with her… and then we will speak what is needed to be finally spoken…"


He nodded his understanding making the female smile contently before slumping backwards as she blacked out from exhaustion. Fire locks lifted with a small breeze and for a brief moment several unidentified shadows ran over the mystery woman's skin… exactly the same places Hitomi's injuries had been… Sian eyed the fainted woman carefully feeling suddenly uneasy as something dawned on her…


If they were the two guardians they had never met… then that meant their search was over for the guardians… They were here together… and now it was time to face Dornkirk…






~~~ Vision ~~~
Hitomi knelt in the black world. She knelt there not caring what purpose she had here… All she wanted was to be left alone for now… Left alone with her thoughts… Blinking back a few leftover tears the seeress looked down at her palms remembering the blood that had spilled over the pale milk of her skin. The very stench of the bitter liquid clogged her nostrils still…


"Why would anyone forgive me?" the seeress whispered to the emptiness of the dark realm, "I've done such horrible things… yet they still stand by me…"


Flashes of her friends and family ran through her mind as she remembered each of their personal loyalties to her. Allen,… Merle,… Celena,… Mamoru,… Resshi,… so many more… Why did they all have some much faith in her?… A killer?…



'Because…' came a familiar voice, 'they love you…'



Hitomi felt heat flushing her skin and tentatively she looked up at the source. Gold light washed over her body making her look increasingly beautiful in the glow of tiny stars. Standing before her was the being she feared to see at that moment,… Joutei…



"Joutei?…" the seeress whispered surprise, "How can you be here? I thought you were sealed away…"


"That is not important right now, young one" he said gently as his golden form swirled with flames of light, "I came to speak with you…"


Quickly Hitomi became sadden and bowed her head so her bangs would cover her face, "Why do you wish to see me?… I have gone against you by committing a horrible sin…"


Silence came from the other end for several moments before the immortal spoke lightly, "I do not shun you, young one… I am embracing you…"


"Embrace me???…" Hitomi suddenly snapped her eyes back on the being before in total exasperation, "How can you embrace me after what I have done?!"


There was a warm chuckle as the god proclaimed, "Many asked me that, but you are my children and no matter what you do I will forever love you… But why would I shun you for killing the demon known as Ana, young one?… Did I not tell you to destroy the darkness that attacks Gaea?"






~~~ Flashback ~~~
"Go…. My young one…. Find the seven guardians and return to the Mystic Valley…. With their help you can destroy the darkness and rid Gaea of its shadows…. Goodbye…."
~~~ End of Flashback ~~~






Hitomi stared down at the invisible ground letting the forgotten conversation be played back in her mind. With a half-sob the 'Angel' cried, "But I did not kill Ana for the sake of Gaea! I killed her to satisfy my own desire for her death! Is that not enough to be shun for?!"


Joutei cocked his head slightly and spoke wisely, "Perhaps,… but I know your heart, young one… You repent of your wrongdoings… You understand what you did should not have been for lust of blood and thus, your soul cries out for forgiveness…which I gladly give…"


The maiden stared up at him through her tears still feeling uneasy with everything that had happened… Though she was forgiven she felt her heart was shadowed with darkness of evil…


Knowing her thoughts the god smiled as he recalled a past memory, "Do you not remember what I said near a week ago, young one?"


Glancing up at her king the seeress asked, "What was that?"


Joutei smiled again as he graced the maiden's mind with a small flashback…





~~~ Flashback ~~~
"I grant you part of my powers. If your heart is forever true my essence will help you…"
~~~ End of Flashback ~~~






Hitomi blinked several times not quite understanding him. Chuckling at her confusion the god reached out his hand, "Look, young one…"


Following the direction his palm was pointed to the seeress stared down at her chest. Slowly a white glow came from beneath the shirt as Joutei called to the power lying within her soul. Careful to keep most of it embedded the immortal pulled out the white globe showing his powers still remained within her…


"You see, my child" he said in comforting tone, "You still hold the powers I have graced you with… meaning your heart is still pure…"


Tears ran down her cheek suddenly as Hitomi smiled up at her immortal king. Her voice nearly cracked as she whispered, "Thank you…"


Joutei smiled and allowed the globe to fall back into her flesh. Slowly he began to back away from the seeress and said, "I must leave now… You will see me again very soon, but I will not be part of the battle… Follow my teachings and destroy the darkness that plagues this peaceful world… Bless you, my child…"
Then there was no more…
~~~ End of Vision ~~~





Hitomi faintly opened her eyes and saw the bluest sky of white clouds before her. Contently she smiled as she remembered what Joutei had said. He had forgiven her and told her that her heart was still pure and true… That was enough to snap her back to her reality… To let her see past her depression… She had returned as the normal Hitomi again…


Suddenly a silhouette appeared before her eyes as a gentle voice called out, "Hitomi?…"


The young seeress's smile widened as she whispered a pleasant, "Van…"


Gently he helped her into a sitting position and asked worriedly, "Are you alright, Hitomi?"


"I'm wonderful…" she muttered as she suddenly pulled him to a hug. Van was a little surprised by the hug and fell over at the intensity of her force. Hitomi giggled in his chest as she buried her nose in his scent. It felt so good to have washed away all doubt in herself. Today was new and the sun was high in the air pronouncing the time. Taking quick note of this suddenly Hitomi swiftly jumped up and asked frantically, "How long have I've been out?!"


Nearby Sian was sitting on a large boulder with her legs outstretched before her. Nembus leaned against the monster rock testing the sharpness of his sword on his thumb gently. Casually the forest maiden replied, "You have been unconscious for near half a day."


Glancing around Hitomi noticed the other guardians sitting on the ground beside some other heavy boulders. Ski stood on the rocks looking over at the horizon, his face blank. Hitomi was a little surprised to see the captain there, yet she had a good guess why. Looking over to her left stood Merle with Iris in her arms. Smiling happily the cat-girl said, "Good to have you back, Hitomi!"


The seeress smiled at her dear friend and reached out for the squirming bundle. Joyful to reunite the two Merle passed the princess to her mother. Hitomi cradled the infant to her bosom and smiled down at her daughter, "My little angel…"


A pair of emerald eyes stared up at her and with a wild fail of her arms Iris gurgled to her mother. Hitomi laughed lightly as she brushed the baby's bald head, taking a slight notice that already the infant was growing blonde hair… in a few weeks they would soon know the true color of the child's hair, but for some reason Hitomi could just imagine long raven locks falling from the baby's head…


Van put an arm around his wife as he smiled down at their child happy to have them both safe and sound. Hitomi glanced up and noticed the scarlet female from earlier. Gasping quietly the brunette queen asked, "You?!"


"Yes, my queen" the lady bowed along with a strange white male that flanked her shoulder, "It is time that we all had a very long talk…"


It was about a few minutes later that group formed a large circle ready to begin to understand what exactly what was going on. The scarlet woman sat at what could be considered the head of the group with the white male on her left. Directly across from the two was Van and Hitomi with Merle rocking Iris to sleep. On the left portion of the circle sat the two youngest guardians with the three elders across from them. All eyes were on the strange guardians of red and white waiting anxiously for the information of all to be heard…


Slowly the scarlet woman began with her sweet voice loud enough for all to hear. Looking directly at the seeress the lady said, "You might not recognize us, Lady Hitomi, but you and Van have met us before…"


"That's impossible" Hitomi scowled in confusion, "I've never seen you before yesterday, and him no sooner than when I awoke today."


"I've never met you before either" replied Van frowning at the two just as lost as his wife.


Smiling slyly the woman continued, "But you have."


The white male suddenly stood and stared pointedly at the young king. With a small scowl on his face the man said, "Look at me, Lord Van… Do you know who I am?…"


The young ruler shook his head annoyed, "No, I've never met you."


"Look again" the stranger commanded firmly staring hard at the young raven angel. Van looked hard at the man carefully searching for anything he might have looked over. His outfit really made no sparkle of remembrance in the king's mind, but for some reason the sword did. Something in the back of his mind gnawed away at his logical and suddenly Van stared up at the man's emerald green eyes with his own rubies wider than ever.


Almost to shock to speak Van could barely whisper, "No… you couldn't be…"


The woman and male both smirked, as they knew the king had realized at least who he was. Nodding in triumph the white stranger whispered back, "Yes…"


Closing his eyes the man never let his smile drift from his face. Suddenly his heavy cape began to rustle with life. The group grew tense as they felt a great importance about to occur. With a rush of life the cape burst open into two halves and spanned out behind the white figure. Slowly stretching out about fifty feet a bony structure could be seen. Hitomi gasped along with the others as they realized the cape was actually a set of leathery wings. The red jewel that gleamed so profoundly on the man's chest suddenly glowed brighter than ever washing a pink hue of the group. Impulsively the man's scaly mail began to melt over his pale skin while his creamy armor swirled over his body. His neck grew long and his hair was swallowed into his head. His face was extended into a muzzle and his eyes became solid green. Pointy ears swiveled and a long pointy tongue ran over fangs. His hands became sharp claws and a tail wiped through the air. Gradually through the process he grew to an enormous height and soon he was nearly as big as a guymelef. Armor of cream and gold was over his pearl scales and the ruby stood at the center of his muscular chest. There on four legs with wings spread stood the legendary dragon--


"ESCAFLOWNE!" Hitomi cried exasperated. The guardians, though none of them had ever seen the dragon, knew whom he was from stories spoken during the trip from the royal family. Van stared at his old partner in utter shock still unable to believe that he was his dragon guymelef. They all stared at the legend creature with obvious surprise as the scarlet female smiled at her comrade.


The seeress, the only one able to think through the display, looked over at the scarlet female in confusion. Their eyes locked and Hitomi could tell the woman knew the question searing in her royal mind. Quietly the 'Angel' asked, "If he is Escaflowne, then who are you?"


Not answering her questions with words the mysterious woman of crimson closed her eyes and gradually a symbol began to glow in gold on her brow. With time Hitomi could make out the swirls of lines becoming the crest of the Draconians… For a moment the seeress scowled at the emblem unsure of what it meant when suddenly it dawned on her… Staring at the crest in shock Hitomi remembered there had been only one other being that she had met that had the emblem on their brow in gold.
Gasping loudly the seeress proclaimed, "SHAKAKU!"


Everyone suddenly turned at the name being voiced. The female smirked as her wings spread out before them marking she was also dragon. It was the red dragon that Hitomi, Van, and Escaflowne had fought on the way to the Mystic Valley. Back then the golden emblem had meant nothing really to the seeress, but as she stared at the crest now she began to understand its true nature… Letting the emblem fade from her brow the woman turned towards the white legend and said, "I think that is all they need, Escaflowne. Turn back."


Roaring once the snow-white beast began to reverse the process and return to human heights. Striding over to the red legend's side Escaflowne chuckled, "Do not worry we'll explain everything."


"You better" growled Zaado as he eyed the two dragon people suspiciously. Hitomi gave the guardian a warning glare and the mountain man backed down.


Shakaku ignored this and politely said, "First, Escaflowne will speak because I will only confuse all of you with my old story."


Coming to once again rejoin the circle the white male of dragon blood began with a tale that shock and surprised the group…


Glancing at everyone Escaflowne spoke in a rich and wise voice, "My story begins at the birth of Gaea when the world was new and Joutei brought forth creatures to dwell on its lush lands. Our people are known as dragons now, but before we were nicknamed dragonmeres, beings who are dragons who can transform to a human state. The states we are now in are our human forms, which in the beginning of time we used more often then our dragon forms. Don't think we are different from dragons. No, we are exactly the same in everyway for we are dragons we were just named Dragonmeres in the beginning and over time the ancient name was forgotten as situations transpired…"


The male's voice grew low with sorrow remember those ancient days of long ago. The group watched him anxious to know all that was going on. Shakaku nudged him gently comforting him to go on and slowly he began again in a sadden voice, "We were very much like the Draconians with a royal family with bodyguards and ruled a rather large kingdom from the beginning. About fifty centuries before the time of the persecution of the Draconians, though, our king died. The only royal heir, Prince Caster, took the throne without a wife or child. Over the next few years he was constantly forced to pursue relationships to find a mate, however, Caster was very stubborn and often ignored many of the dragonmeres who were eligible women. It was a very stressful time for our people because all of our prior rulers had already had mates and even children before they had taken claim for the throne. Though Caster was in his prime and we were far from suspecting war we were uneasy about not having another to take the throne if something should happen…


"That's about when Caster evaded his guard one day and wandered from our safe borders. He accidentally ran into a human woman during his small venture into a nearby forest and spent the afternoon in her company. He soon became obsessed with her and would regularly leave the kingdom to speak or spend time with her. Finally he did something that was forbidden in our culture. He offered a union to her… One you Draconians call marriage."


Instantaneously Shakaku turned to the group to explain, "You see we, dragonmeres, were forbidden to mate out of our species because of our genes. We are very powerful beings like Draconians and have many powers that aid us. Crossing genes never helps a species especially in a world like ours. Interlacing powers often perspire in drastic consequences that can be fatal or extremely dangerous. Not only can offspring be very difficult to be created, but also their genes differ from their parents making them as some like to call 'freaks' of nature.


When he eloped to the woman without our people knowing it caused a serious friction in our society. A human's genes are very mellow and though the dragon genes dominate over the human's if enough of the recessive genes are brought forth the dragon within the family can be lost through several generations. Thus, that's how it began…


Once Caster pronounced the woman queen the entire kingdom was torn from their seams and a civil war broke out. Many were willing to assassinate the human female seeing it was a logical course of action, but it was a foolish one at that. When Dragons (or meres) mate/marry they do for life in a strange form of bond. The union or bond is strange where if one should die the other will automatically die with them because of the spiritual connection they have together, as if a thread binds them to one soul…


Because they had no other heir to take the throne and forcing the blood-king down from the position was highly dishonorable, the people could not assassinate the woman for fear of their king's death. Some were still loyal to the king, however, and blessed his union although how dishonorable it was. Sadly many were against our king sending the land into an uproar of war. Many were slaughtered over the next few months letting our numbers plummets to meager hundreds when we used to block out the sun with the size of our groups…


Finally when no one could stand the sight of brothers' blood the people scattered leaving behind only the royal family, the only surviving royal bodyguard, and the remaining dragons that were still loyal to the king… All other dragons flew off into the horizon to find places to end their years siring their young…


Too small to become a kingdom again our people call upon the animal folk to fill the land of dragons. They came across many miles to settle for the land was rich and large attracting many, but it was the nature setting of the land that brought the animal folk. Dragonmeres enjoyed their natural surroundings and kept much of it untouched only using part of it for housing and such so many of the animals saw our lands as a beautiful and open place to settle down in, thus the heritage of the dragon lands were forgotten.


Though dragonmeres still populated the land many of them had also mated with humans forming a different kind of folk over several generations. After a few generations a dragonmere was born with no wings and the inability to transform into a full dragon. The child looked physically human, but in blood the infant was still part dragon and still retained bits and pieces of the powers passed down through the race. Few of the dragons that had remained at Fanelia and stayed loyal to our king did not marry humans. Nearly all the ones who did stay there became involved with the human race and soon sired dragonmeres without wings just like the royal family was doing. The few that refused to marry humans began to draw away from the kingdom's society and became loners in the forest that grew around our lands. Gradually the dragons their became protectors of the land, attacking any dragons not of the land and keeping away invaders all the while keeping to themselves.


By the time the persecution of the Draconians came around we looked very different and had several rumors circulating around our strange culture. Unfortunately our dragon heritage was nearly completely lost by the time of the persecution and when that started almost everything was lost…"


"With the changes happening throughout the kingdom and with the war against the Draconians the royal family grew worried…" the red woman whispered in deep remembrance, "Feeling that they were unable to trust anyone except their only remaining bodyguard as their personal protection they decided to do something that none had tried or ever thought of doing…


"Gathering all the wizards they were friends of and any sorcerers who were willing to help them they preformed a enchantment never meant to be cast on a living being of innocence…" continued Escaflowne lowering his voice in a mysterious drawl, "For you see the ancient protector of the royals was growing dangerously close to the end of his years and time had done serious consequences on his body. In truth he was the oldest dragon to ever live and now his time had come to pass on though the royals were desperate for his aid. Thus, they chose to do something none had ever wish to do…"


"The day when the guard turned 5,023 rotations of age the enchantment was placed on him. The seven magical beings were able to lock the dragon's soul in his body and caused his flesh to become hard stone and metal like armor. Though the energist known as his heart dull, depleted of its life force, his soul remained imprisoned in his petrified body."


"Sort of like the powers of Atlantis being sealed in the pendant" Hitomi interrupted to give some sort of help in explaining the enchantment. Escaflowne and Shakaku nodded smiling at the seeress's cleverness.


"Yes" responded the scarlet mere; "They are near identical except for the fact to unlock the guard's soul you had to replace his worn out energist with a vibrant new one. When that would happen his body would become a weapon to be used against all. None were able to stop him and only those that could use his now machine-like body were the royal family. A blood exchange was always needed to replace the energist and so only the blood of the royals could ignite power into the guymelef. Allowing the guard to forever live and stay under the power of his rulers."


Slowly the group eyes grew wide and gradually mouths began to hang open as all focused on the white dragonman of ancient legend. Shakaku gave a pleased smirk as knew they had discovered the meaning in her words. Softly the raven king asked, "Are you saying what I think you are?"


"Yes" the snowy figure replied in his mate's stead, "I am the guardian from long ago that was enchanted for centuries. I am the guardian of the royal family of the forgotten race of dragonmeres and land of the dragons. I am Escaflowne, The White Dragon!"


The group stared at the two figures in complete silence unable to get over their shock. Even Hitomi had a hard time when usually she needed no real effort to regaining composure. A flash of the picture found in the Book of Angels startled the maiden out of her shock… The image of the two dragons,… one white… one black,… Both with angel wings… Turning to her husband the seeress whispered, "Van… do you know what this means?!"


The young raven headed ruler did not turn to face his wife, but just gazed at the figure before him. Quietly he muttered, "Are you saying Fanelia was your kingdom?… And I am…"


"Yes" the White Dragon smiled wisely, "You are not only part Draconian and part human, but you are also part dragon… You are the heir to the throne of Dragonmeres and I am your protector…"


Hitomi smiled at her husband happy for him and hoping to show some comfort if needed. Finding knowledge such as this was always hard for individuals, but for some odd reason Van understood. He had always suspected there was something more to the history of Fanelia and now his suspicions were proven. Smiling warmly at his ancient guard Van welcomed the news though startling it was. It did not matter what sort of blood ran through his veins. He was who he was because of him and not of his heritage. Perhaps he would not rule a kingdom because of his individual being, but he would not let the matters of heritage change his ways. He was Van Fanel, a legend because of what he had done in the past and not who he was the son or born of…


"You may be there king" shouted a voice, "But you are not mine!"


Startled Hitomi along with Van, Merle, and the dragons turned to see Tsuno standing in front of the guardians his left hand in the air. Slowly a light of cerulean blue swirled in his palm making a cloud of aqua. Gradually it grew firm forming a staff with three points at one end like a pitchfork, but curved like a trident. Blue like a summer sky with silver swirls and the emblem of the Draconians on its side was a mighty weapon of power,… the trident of the 'Guardian of the Waves!'


Bringing his weapon to point at Van the man set his glare firmly on the young king as he growled, "I will not serve a false king! You are no Draconian, but a demon like the ones we fight!


"What?!" exclaimed the Dragon King shocked by the guardians' sudden disloyalty, "Why am I like one of the demons?! I have done no harm to you are anyone?!"


"If you are not Draconian," he exclaimed as the warrior threw himself into a fighting stance, "Then you are not my king!"


With a cry he launched himself into the air his trident focused on the male ruler with fury. Hitomi called out to the guardian desperately, "NO! TSUNO DON'T!"


Van stood there shocked beyond his wits as the man came at him. Luckily Escaflowne quickly intervened bringing his famed sword to stop the man's weapon. Eyes of green and blue locked together as Hitomi raced to stand beside her husband staring at the two men warily. Hissing through locked teeth Escaflowne demanded, "Why do you attack your king? So what if he is part dragon--"


The white figure suddenly crashed to the ground by the force of the guardian. Angrily looming over his adversary Tsuno cried, "Draconian he may be, but his right as king is extinguish the moment he holds the blood of the enemy!"


"AGREED!" cried Nazomi as she stepped forward with her disc tilted dangerously in her hand, "Blood of humans does not belong in our rulers!"


Hitomi gasped as she tossed her hands over her mouth in realization. The guardians had never known Van was part human! He had was adorned with angel wings and thus they had assumed he was full-blooded Draconian. It was not the dragon part that they were angry at it was the human factor! The seeress wanted to kick herself for not bringing information sooner to their eyes! Now look what had happened!


Soon a battle broke out as Nazomi and Tsuno took the air with Zaado and Nembus in toe. Only Sian held back uncertain of what to do. Quickly Escaflowne and Shakaku stretched out their own wings and met the angels' attacks. Hitomi stood next to Van sorrowfully as she saw their friends fight one another. Nazomi threw her disc with perfect aim, but Escaflowne struck it with his sword knocking it to the ground. Nazomi had to have a moment to call it back so Tsuno took over and attacked the White Dragon. Meanwhile Shakaku had pulled out her whip and was keeping the two other angels at bay with her lashes. Dodging one of the blows Zaado came and swung his hefty ax. With limberness in her body the scarlet female bent backwards narrowly missing the horizontal cut and quickly brought a foot to the man's chin. The giant was thrown back leaving Nembus to finish it, but Shakaku suddenly made her whip be surrounded in flames. Striking now with fire the angel warrior was forced to back off.


Hitomi stared up at them her heart shattering. In the matter of a heartbeat they had thrown themselves at each other furiously fighting for an ill purpose. All this for what?!… Differences!… The war against the Draconians had been for the same reason and yet the guardians were blinded by their hate for humans to realize their error! The seeress felt her heart cry out as they fought for not for reasonable efforts, or freedom, nor survival… They fought for only the thirst of an opposite's blood! This was no better than murder!


Angrily the seeress felt her anger ignite in her heart and the wind lifted in her ears noisily. The fighters were too busy to notice the sudden change in their queen, but Van and Merle did.


"Hitomi" the cat-girl whispered as the seeress began to glow pearl. Bringing her hands into fists the ruler knew someone had to stop this and she was more than willing.


Van and Merle were nearly about to stop her fearing for their dear one's life when another voice from above shouted, "ENOUGH!"


Suddenly a blast of light shot in the center of the battle, between dragons and guardian bringing an abrupt halt to the feud. Hitomi, startled, turned back to her normal state as she, Van, and Merle stared upwards. Everyone turned to see Sian, angel wings spread, in the center replacing the light arrow she had shot. She stood facing her fellow guardians with a grave expression on her face.


Nembus angrily glared at his closest companion, "Why do you halt us, Sian?! Do you aide the enemy?!"


Narrowing her eyes of gleaming silver on her friend the maiden growled, "I see no enemies here, Nembus! Only a foolish bunch of brainless warriors fighting amongst each other when they should be celebrating the joining of new allies!"


"ALLIES?!" scoffed Zaado as he pointed to the two dragons, "They aid the mongrel king as if he should be praised! If they are with him then they are just as much as our enemies as he is!"


"You are wrong!" Sian exclaimed as Shakaku and Escaflowne relaxed behind the green guardian knowing she was with them, "They are our equals as we are their friends."


"They deserve not our companionship!" roared Nazomi, "They side with 'Man!' The being who slaughtered us and our kind! We fight in revenge against all 'Man' and their wrongdoings!"


"YES!" proclaimed Tsuno with equal force, "They killed us for our differences and now we demand their blood for it!"


"FOOLS!" roared the green maiden at such a level of force that the warriors all flinched. Her eyes of precious metal glittered with rage as the green emblem involuntarily glowed on her brow, "You are imbeciles for what you say! Do you not see the reasoning behind your own words?! Because he holds the blood of an enemy we automatically shun him! Listen to yourselves! We fight them and King Van because HE is different! We have become no better than 'Man' so many years ago!"


They guardians glanced at each other before Tsuno raised his fist angrily and shouted, "We do not fight for that! We fight for vengeance!"


The brunette female glared at her comrade and growl, "You would slaughter someone who has bore the same pain as us!… He bore our pain also! For years he has been forced to hide his wings, as did we! He has come not on this journey to kill us, but to help us and you turn on him the moment you gained knowledge of his heritage! For shame!"


The warriors all started as they realized their mistake in the fight and they looked at each other sorrowfully bringing their weapons to their side. Never before had they thought of what she had just spoken and now they too were ashamed of themselves. Sian scowled at them still and growled lowly, "I am a guardian of Gaea until the end, but I am ashamed of knowing you now from what I have just witnessed…"


Turning her back to them Sian flew to her rulers with the two dragonmeres following close behind. The others gradually landed on the ground remember the shame and truth of her words. Sharply the forest warrior strode over to her king and queen. Bowing on one knee with her arm across her chest, palm over her heart Sian said, "I apologize for my comrades, King Van and Queen Hitomi. I do believe they did what they did in good conscience, but wrongly placed. Please forgive them."


Hitomi glanced at her husband feeling it was his right to give or deny the forgiveness of the guardians. Looking down at the bowed woman Van thought carefully before staring up at the four other angel guardians. With authority in his voice he asked, "Do you, guardians, ask of this or does your fellow warrior speak untrue?"


None move for several heartbeats until Tsuno, the one who had started the fray, stepped forward, head bowed. In a low, shamed voice the man said, "We do beg for this, our king. We plead for the forgiveness of what we have done seeing our wrong. Ple- please forgive us…"


Smiling fondly at her king Hitomi knew his answer. Nodding with a grin the raven headed man replied, "Of course. I understand your nature of doing this. I give you it with all my soul. Take it and remember what you have learned from your loyal guardian."


Van had matured lately in the last year able to look past grudges and mistake to realize no one was perfect. Gladly the guardians came to their king given proper apologizes for their mistakes while Hitomi walked over to Sian. The green maiden humbly rose and watched her fellows greet their king. The seeress smiled faintly as she whispered, "Thank you, Sian, for your intervention. It is good to see your heart has not been poison over the years of hate against our people and 'Man.' Those days are long forgotten and I have seen 'Man' put aside their differences welcoming Van and I. In time all of Gaea will do the same…"


Sian nodded silently, but her eyes were shadowed with deep emotions as she stared at her comrades… Shadowed by memories of the past…


The group suddenly turned to the dragons as Escaflowne coughed for attention. Stepping forward the scarlet female showed it was time for her tale to be told. Smiling softly Shakaku spoke in her elegant voice of wisdom, "Now it is time for my story… I am not the same as Escaflowne… my tale is different…"



Slowly the words rolled off of the woman's tongue in a spell like music catching everyone's attention at once. With tender grace cradling her words the scarlet warrior spoke a tale that had not be revealed for over thousands of years…



"It was during the first years of the Draconians' persecution that I became what I am today. Many tales and rumors have been spun around me, but only Joutei, my old friends, and I know the truth of my heritage…


It was said that my parents were murdered and I seek vengeance on all who come near me, but that is false knowledge for I do not remember my parents well… Only that they were descendants of those who had fled our homelands because they did not agree with our king's union to a human…


When I was young I grew rebellious against my parents not joining in their belief against our king and left our home to seek other dwellings… I was hot headed and very rash, but I was still very clever in my youth and survived throughout the years of my own. One day I was flying over the mountains of Boras when I noticed a figure lying near dead in a clearing. Most would have ignored the fallen female and would have continued on their way, but I was a curious one and landed next to her.


She was covered in her own blood and her wounds were many, but it was her pearly wings that drew me closer. Carefully I studied her and sniffed her strange scent for a near hour lost in bewilderment and wonder. Finally she awoke and shrieked in fear at the sight of me. She looked to be no more than twenty rotations in human terms and her hair once a brownish-gold was now dirty with dried mud as was her clothes. She begged for her life, but I merely laughed, 'Why would I want such a scrawny half-ling such as yourself. I don't even know what you are (seeing I was sheltered by my parents from most of the world) and know not if you are good to eat."


Perhaps my humor relaxed her for she spoke softly and said she was one of the angel people called Draconians. I told her I still had no idea what she was so she spoke her history to me in a sweet song that I forever hold in my heart, but I will not sing it today for it is not the time for song. No, let me continue. With the revealed past of the girl I pitied her people and grew rather fond of her. The next couple of hours were spent by speaking of our history and exchanging knowledge of the world around us. It wasn't long before I transformed into my human state. She grew overjoyed at our likeness and soon we were great comrades… Soon she explained to me that she had been chased by humans who had persecuted her people for the last decade and that she had only escape because of her wings… Unfortunately she had been seriously wounded and had fallen from the sky only a mile from the initial attack.


By then a clash of men arrived and surrounded me and her pointing their weapons at my newly acquired angel friend… I grew angry with them and demanded why they sought to kill her. They gave me lame excuses for their hunt on her and even went so far as to ask for my aid thinking I was human also, causing my rage to soar. Letting my anger take hold I denied their offer and transformed back into dragon startling all the men. Terrified for their lives upon seeing my fury of flame they shot arrows and swung swords at me, but I keep them at bay. It was when they tried to kill my new friend that my rage truly grew uncontrollable. Angrily I rushed the men driving them away, but not without consequences. I had been pierced in the heart by a lucky bowman and fell to the ground bleeding terribly. My angel friend rushed to my side, but saw she could do nothing. Frantically she told me she would get help and flew off into the sky for many hours. I began to think she might never return…


"When the sun's mighty belly had grazed against the distant horizon blocked from my view because of the forest top the sky grew pink and purple with the first few stars appearing in the highest point of the vastness. By then a pool of blood had swelled around my limp form licking at my already scarlet scales. The arrow felt heavy in my chest and with every breath I took I felt pain storm through my veins. I felt that each moment was my last…


"Then… she appeared… It was not the same woman I had so recently become acquainted to, but another… Her hair was long and dark like the bark of the trees found in Lustro. Her skin was a beautiful paleness making her hair frame her beauty well. Dressed in a silver mail as protection and white garments that was loosely worn over it she appeared to be the most beautiful angel I had been graced to ever see, though she was only the second to be seen with my red eyes at the time.


"With soft, soundless steps she approach me, her green eyes of the fairest grass trained on me wisely as if she held no suspicion of me, but careful of trickery. Coming, but a few strides away from my head she knelt and looked straight into my eyes as if she could read my heart by doing so. Tenderly in a whisper like that of the winds she asked, "Why did you save her?…"


Ignoring her question I painful hissed, "Who are you?"


"I am a friend of the female Draconian you saved today" the woman answered stepping around the question, "But I wish to know why you saved her?…"


I fixed my eyes sharply on her at the mention of my angel friend and asked, a little too urgently, "Is she alright?"


The angel smiled faintly, "Yes,… because of you she will sleep tonight under the stars ready to wake with the dawn…"


My soul was at ease then and I let go of life softly muttering, "Then I have no need to remain here… I sleep an endless sleep tonight…"


"Why do you give up your life for the angel girl?" the woman asked curiously cocking her head to one side so that her tresses fell in an elegant wave, "You are a dragon, are you not?… Why save one of different species?… A stranger at that?…"
I gave a small snort at the irrelevance of the inquiry, but answer any way, "I do not abandon others. I might be of leather and scales while she's of feathers, but I will not let another die. Besides the men had no right to kill such an innocent being."


Smiling widely her face was light a new light in the growing dusk. Standing fully erect now the woman spread her arms out and brought her face to the now dark sky of twinkling lights allowing the moonlight to send a silver spotlight over her. The breeze swirled around her as she said, "For the life of another you sought to keep so I will keep yours in return."


Delicately she placed her hand over my brow and soon I felt a surge of energy blast through my dying body sending my pores on fire and my throat once more kindled unseen blazes. My wings stretched as a white glow appeared beneath the woman's hand and I lifted myself from the ground without a single injury. Spouting fire into the air I cried, "Shakaku lives another day! Let all of Gaea be warned that I still fly the heavens!"


Looking down at the woman after my outburst I quietly brought my head to the ground and said, "I thank you upon the bottom of my soul. Not only for my own life, but also for my friend. May I ask the name of our rescuer?"


Laughing like the sound of chimes she said, "Yes, you may indeed. I am Lady Iris, Queen of the Draconians. I bless you with all my being, Shakaku. You have saved a good friend and assistant of mine who I was very frightened for when were separated in battle… In return I give you a gift--"


"No, your grace" I replied as I stood tall looking down at the royal before me, "You have given a life in exchange for a life and I will ask no more. Your debt is repaid and I will take my leave of you now."


Turning around I got ready to fly, but her gentle, yet firm, voice rooted me to the ground, "Hold. Perhaps our exchange is complete, but I give you surplus of reward in exchange for only justified trade."


Turning my head so my left eye could see her I asked curiously, "And what sort of barter would that be?"


"Why the help of a stranger for another" replied Iris, "You willingly gave your life for a being who was not of you and thus I feel obligated to hand you a repayment."


"None is needed" I replied hastily, not enjoying the praise from such a high politic. Trying yet again I turned to go, but again her voice held me.


"Do not worry, Shakaku" she called, "I will give you not treasure or items to fulfill this reward. I give you only recognition. Step to me and lower your brow."


I was hesitant first, but like I said before I was a curious one and longed to see what she might do so I relented and did as she asked. She must have known my curiosity for a saw a small smirk grace her pale lips as I did so. Again for the second time beneath that night sky she placed her palm over my brow, but this time no power flew through my blood. Instead a burning sensation ran into my hard scales making me jump at such heat. Throwing back my head I growled suspiciously, "What have you done?!"


"Look into the pool of crimson before you, Shakaku" she replied calmly pointing to a small puddle of my own blood.


Furiously I looked into the liquid and noticed the angel emblem on my brow making me grow all the more filled with rage. Snapping my eyes on her I near shouted, "You have branded me!"


"Nah" she replied with a soft chuckle, "I have given you a small token. It is the emblem of my people. Let it be known that you are a friend of us and no harm will ever fall upon you from us. This is my gift, though I fear that it might also send you into peril. To bear our mark might send 'Man' against you for they like us little, and lesser our allies."


I snorted proudly, "Let them see this emblem! I have already claimed war against their kind for the mistreating of my friend and Draconians! This only strengthens my bond to you all."


"Then so be it…" she said and that was how I became friends with the angels…


However, it was many centuries later before my service became extremely important to Gaea… For during the time of war against my angel comrades I did what I could to assist. I fought any battle with them whenever I found one and protected angels when I saw them being done wrong. Unfortunately I was unable to help in the Final Battle for it was the time of hibernating for dragons my age and when I awoke I found the old queen dead, my dear friend gone, and her people no where to be found. For several months I searched for any sign of my angel friends, but the only ones I could find were scant bands of the Draconians rushing to live in hidden dwellings… Thus I mourn the lost of the queen, the lost of their homelands, the lost of their fallen, and also the lost of the first angel I ever knew and formed a bond with… I soon went on a rampage destroying cities in my grief and soon a legend was built about me though none truly grabbed the truth of my tale…I regret to say my destruction caused many to go against the dragons and soon we became the hunted and killed when one could kill us…


It was the eve of my coming of age when the apparition came to me… I stood on the mountainside of the volcano I had claimed as my home and was roaring to the sky announcing my maturity when suddenly I saw a figure in pure white stand before me… She was the angel that had saved me many centuries ago, but today she looked mysteriously different. Though she still wore elegant snow her hair was now stripped with hints of silver and her emeralds were etched with almost unnoticeable wrinkles. Age had taken hold of her body, yet she seemed far to well for one who would presumable be two thousands rotations now.


"What form of treachery is this?!" I cried as I lowered my belly to the ground ready for an attack though none came.


Instead the woman gently laughed, "I am surprise, Shakaku (Angel of Fire). Do you not remember the one who saved your life all so many moons ago?"


"Yes" I replied suspiciously as I kept my fiery jewels set on her, "But even though you resemble her quite well you can not be her. She's been long dead, her people have disappeared, and thus she no longer walks this planet's lush ground."


"And so I don't" she replied with her voice giving off a melodic echo, "I stand before you as a ghost from the past come to bid your help. I am Iris, the fallen queen of the Draconians."


For a moment I was hesitation unwilling to believe her, but for some reason I found my soul relenting and gave up my hard demeanor for a welcoming one. My body relaxed and I exclaimed warm salutations to her, but it was she who mostly spoke that evening explaining her sudden presence back on Gaea.


"As I have said before, Shakaku" she said seriously, "I have come for your aid."


"How can I be of service, old friend?" I asked in a throaty purr knowing there was concern in her voice.


"I need to ask for your help in a most important matter" she replied urgently, "It is so dire that I receive your help that I was sent from the afterlife to find you by my god, Joutei."


"Joutei?" I whispered in awe letting the ancient word roll of my tongue clumsily. My old comrade had spoken of him and had explained to me of their religion. I personally believed the same after her witnessing and was very much astounded to hear that the 'One' called upon me. I was just a young dragon after all…


She, in Joutei's stead, offered me a position to be a guardian of Gaea. She spoke that there were already five Draconians who had taken similar positions, but after many centuries it had been decided two others would be needed. Because of my friendship and loyalty to the angel folk I had been selected as a choice and because of other reasons, which I was never told until several years ago, gave ample encouragement for my promotion. I will not speak of the reasons just yet. When I accepted the generous offer I was put into a deep sleep and I fell into the bellows of the volcano to slumber until the day I would be needed. My aging slowed tremendously and I stayed in a waking dream where I spent my slumber in the dream world discovery knowledge from Joutei himself. I was told of my purpose amongst other things and then I was left in the paradise of my dreams to bask in until the time would be for my awakening… Several times I was said to have awaken, but they were only rumors and old tales passed down to scare young children…"


Stepping towards Hitomi suddenly the female continued, "But that is not all. I had learned also in my dreams the name of my friend and where she had gone. I discovered she had left for the Mystic Moon and had lived a long life bearing many children… Her name was Rachelle…"


Hitomi stared at the woman as Shakaku said quietly, "I had unconsciously protected the princess of your people at the time. I protected your ancient grandmother, Lady Hitomi…"


The seeress smiled at her feeling comfort come from knowing her ancestors had such a kind friend in the time of such torment. Suddenly however Hitomi scowled and asked, "I am somewhat confused though… Sian told me a king promoted the sixth guardian and that the warrior had been male…"


The forest maiden shrugged her shoulders, "I thought that was true, Queen Hitomi. For that's what Joutei told me when I grew curious one day."


"Yes, he did" chuckled Shakaku; "He did it so my tracks would be hidden well. I wanted no one to know who I was so I ask him to do that when I took the position so long ago…"


Coming to stand alongside his the red one the White Dragon said, "And those are our stories… but there is more to tell… for as you know I have been away from Fanelia for the last week… That is because I was completing my union here to Shakaku… We are mates… I would have arrived to your side the day you called me, Lord Van, but I was many miles away and could only catch up with you last night… We have waited long to speak ALL of this to you and today we ask to stand by your side as you continue your quest… For there remains a single guardian to find…"


"We welcome your aid joyously" Hitomi said as smiled at them feeling even better knowing that not only had they found Tsuno, but Escaflowne and one of the two remaining guardians who they knew nothing about.


As they shook hands with their new allies Sian suddenly asked for their rulers' attention. Looking at the royal couple the maiden of green said, "I have discussed it with the other guardians… and we have decided it is time for our own stories to be revealed… We are finally ready to share our pasts for the first time since we have ever become guardians of Gaea…"



















~Okay, so Ski is really Tsuno (*sarcastic* like none of you saw THAT coming). Also those two strangers are really Escaflowne and Shakaku?! And Van's part dragon?! Did any of you figure that out?! I thought it would be an interesting twist. One begins to wonder why Fanelia is so called guarded by dragons so my mind got to working and thus this occurred. Anyway what going to happen next? Almost everyone is assembled and now the guardians are about to revealed their pasts!!! What is hidden in the shadows of their memories that only Joutei and Iris know (she was the one who gave them the positions remember)? The next chapters will be a lot shorter and come out a lot quicker because I have decided I wanted to see what you thought of each guardian in turn so the next chapter will be the story of Zaado and then the next will be the story about Nazomi, and so on and so on. Soooo is everyone ready to find out why the guardians are like they are? And why each was so willing to leave their lives to become individuals with no identities? Find out about them in the next five chapters starting with chapter 20: 'Tale of the Snowfall'~