~Remember I don't own Escaflowne or its characters!~
The Fate of Two Worlds: The Sequel
By Angel_Wings
Chapter 25 ~ Preoccupied
~~~ Dusty Plain ~~~
Hitomi let the breeze ruffle her hair as she stared at the horizon. Her stomach was doing leaps and twists as she thought of the future. As soon as she found the last guardian she would have to face Dornkirk. He scared her beyond anything she could imagine. When she had first met him in the Great War she hadn't been so fearful of him like she was now. Something about him having powers beyond what she could imagine frightened her. Unfortunately, she had no choice in the matter. She had to face him. She would not let another world be destroyed… She would not let history repeat itself… She had already seen Earth destroyed…
Turning around she looked at her travel group of warriors, a king, a princess, and a young advisor. Could she really lead them to victory over a half-god?
The wind swirled around her as she said softly, "We must leave to find the last guardian. Sadly, though I have no idea where he or she could be so if any of you have any kind of information that would be useful please tell me."
The guardians glanced at one another hoping the other would know, but their eyes were blank of such knowledge. That is except one…
"I know where he is," commented Shakaku as stared at her queen. All eyes fixed on the red dragon wondering how she alone knew. Closing her eyes the woman said, "He is in a place that is nearly impossible to go to."
"So its over than" Tsuno whispered defeated as his shoulders slumped, "If we can't get to the last guardian can we still defeat Dornkirk and the demons?"
Shakaku grinned slyly, "I said nearly impossible, Lord Tsuno."
"So there's still a chance," Hitomi asked happily as Van walked up to stand at her shoulder.
"Yes" replied the red female, "But it is extremely dangerous and we cannot all go."
"Where is this place?" asked Sian cautiously as she felt a shadow go over their group.
Shakaku closed her fiery jewels and whispered, "It's in the realm of the dead."
"Realm of the dead!" cried the guardians, "Why would Joutei place a guard in the realm of the dead."
"Because" the red dragon woman replied coolly, "the realm needed protection. You see the realm of the dead can be entered through three openings. Two of those portals were already heavily guarded leaving the third opened to anyone. Traffic through that entrance must be filtered so it was decided for a seventh guardian to be acquired, and thus so it came to be."
Hitomi slowly turned her eyes to the sky letting the wind comb her silky chestnut hair. The blue heavens stared down at her almost as if trying to give her a hint as to where the guardian was. An unspoken direction was whispered on the wind drawing the seeress into the deepest chambers of her mind. For some reason Hitomi felt afraid to leave this calm plain to search for this person. The air was unsettling as if speaking of some future danger in this search. She felt like she shouldn't even go…
"To be perfectly honest, Lady Hitomi" commented the dragon female cautiously, "I wonder if it is even wise to bring you there."
The seeress turned to stare at the woman in confusion as Escaflowne came to stand next to his mate. Wild red hair fell over the dragon's eyes as she casually tossed it back, "The place where the guardian lies can only be accessed by people who have the power to travel through dimensions. Dragons and meres have that ability so Escaflowne and I can go. You, Lady Hitomi, have powers that show no end and I am sure you might be able to go also, but for the rest of the group I sincerely doubt are able to do the trek."
Nazomi's eyes of precious gold snapped onto the lizard couple. Angrily the maiden retorted, "Why the heck not?! You were able to transport us here. Why don't you just do the same?!"
"Because" Escaflowne automatically countered, "It is extremely difficult, even for us, to travel there without putting extreme danger on our lives. Few of the living can travel there and return unharmed. Not one single being who has survived the trip has ever dared to go back again. The consequences of the trip can be your death or even possibly becoming… crippled."
"Crippled?" Merle asked fearfully, "What do you mean by that?"
Shakaku closed her eyes as her bangs fell over them shadowing her face, "I have seen incidents that have left the being that traveled into the land of the dead convulsing or dropped into insanity. Some have come back with half their body dead and limp. The list of injuries to the mind and physical body goes on, but I think that's enough to answer your question."
Hitomi began to wonder if she should even let the Shakaku and Escaflowne go. The red maiden lifted her eyes so the sun reflected in them and quietly whispered, "I have sworn to Joutei and Queen Iris to protect and help you, Queen Hitomi. I will go into the land of the dead to seek out this guardian... I am not afraid."
The seeress stared at her loyal subject feeling terribly guilty. This woman was ready to sacrifice her life for the cause. Hitomi felt her heart pound more painfully with shame. Seconds ago she had been compromising the entire mission because she was worried about her life. If they didn't leave and find this last warrior all might be lost…
"I'm coming, too" Hitomi replied firmly showing her determination, "I need to be there when you make contact with the guardian."
Everyone grew tense feeling a new dread take them. Van was automatically the first one to refuse the idea.
"There is no way I'm letting you do this, Hitomi" he firmly said gripping her shoulders tensely, "You've nearly kill yourself several times on this mission alone and plus your weak right now, but you're ready to put your head in the lion's mouth!"
"Van…" the young woman whispered sadly, "Please, let me do this…"
"Blast it, Hitomi!" the king whispered fiercely, "You're killing yourself with all that you've been doing! I cannot lose you again!"
"I must do this" she replied sorrowfully looking deep into his eyes of fire.
"Yes, she must" came the rough voice of Zaado. His hard face of stone was sullen as he softly whispered for all to hear, "Each of we're unwilling to accept Lady Hitomi as our queen when we first met her. I'm sure the last guardian will be no different, but most importantly I know he will not return… with anyone other than her… he will not come back with… messengers. If he will deny Hitomi is queen do you really believe he will come willing with a couple of dragons who claim to be her messengers?!"
Sian scowled with sadness looming in her posture, "I am afraid I have to agree with Zaado. I think its necessary for Hitomi to go."
The forest maiden stood a little taller, "But I also think she should not go alone."
"We will accompany her," Escaflowne stated firmly so no one would think of disagreeing, "We are the only other ones who can travel through dimensions and can help Lady Hitomi with the trek."
The seeress locked her gaze with her husband and saw the losing fire in his rubies. He knew he was losing the disagreement. Gently her hands came over his that laid on her shoulders and held them together in both of hers. Hitomi stared at her husband fondly forgetting the others for a second. Van quickly brought a tan hand to cup her cheek. His voice was a rough velvet as he whispered fiercely, "You better come back to me in one piece."
Hitomi's eyes sparkled a few tears as she whispered softly, "When have you ever been able to get rid of me?"
That's all it took for the young king's will power to snap. In a violent bear hug the man enveloped his wife in his hold clutching her to his chest. Softly the seeress chuckled in his chest, "Calm down, Van. I'll be alright."
But even she did not let go of him when she said that. Both could smell something in the air hissing of darkness approaching. As they withdrew from each other the seeress turned away from her husband feeling she might break if she kept looking into his eyes. Staring at the dragon couple the queen said in a loud voice to appear strong, "I'm ready."
~~~ Fanelia ~~~
Mamoru sat in the heavy oak chair starring at his companions. Slowly he rubbed his hand over his face while the old group from the Great War and the Sacrifice watched the boy king. The young man's eyes blinked several times before a light sparkled back in them. Wearily he closed his eyes and said softly, "Hitomi and the two dragons will be going into the land of the dead next."
"Land of the dead?" Dryden asked fearfully, "Can they actually do that?"
Millerina sat back in her large chair and replied, "Travel through the realm of dead to save Van also and well Hitomi did die once. I'm pretty confident that she has the ability to do it again."
Bringing his chin into his palm the blonde knight commented tiredly, "So their journey is coming to a close… How much longer will it be before they actually return?"
Shaking his head the substitute king replied, "I cannot say. They still have to find the last guardian and go to the Mystic Valley. When they get there they must destroy Dornkirk and his followers."
Lifting his chocolate eyes to the ceiling the boy thought of his sister and whispered silently in his mind, 'Pleas, be safe, Hito…'
~~~Mystic Valley ~~~
Dornkirk stared at the horizon with a smirk while his four remaining guards knelt behind him. Darkly the emperor whispered, "It is time…"
~~~ Dusty Plain ~~~
Hitomi stood with a dragon at either side of her. The rest stood behind them watching tensely. It had been agreed that the three would only stay in the realm of the dead for a maximum of twenty minutes. Anything beyond that would cause dire consequences to each of them. Shakaku had also warned that when they would travel into the land of the dead their physical bodies would quickly collapse. They could only go into that dimension by leaving their bodies. She had also warned that their bodies must not be disturbed. If they were pushed around too much in the physical realm they might return back to their bodies too soon, sort of like what happen when Merle had awaken Hitomi in the Great War. If that happened they might not find and bring back the guardian in time. Personally none of them wished to return to the dead realm a second time so they hoped to be able to do everything on the first try.
Shakaku closed her eyes and took hold of the queen's left shoulder. Closing his green eyes Escaflowne did the same by grabbing the royal's right shoulder. Hitomi closed her sparkling eyes and let their powers mingle together to achieve a single task. The world became bristled by a powerful wind sweeping around the trio. Their hair flew up high into the air as a small white glow formed around them. The dust turned gold as it twirled around their ankles.
The guardians outside the magical ring were like statues as their eyes focused on their queen. Princess Iris wailed loudly almost above the roar of the wind desperately calling for her mother. It almost seemed she knew her mother was going to leave her and go into great danger. Merle hugged the infant closer to her chest keeping the dust from getting in the tiny one's face. Van stood at the head of the group with his rubies never leaving the figure of his wife.
Hitomi felt her body strained and winced as searing pain hit her. Shakaku had failed to mention how much this would hurt. Her skull felt like it was being pricked with a long knife. The young seeress desperately wanted to clutch her head with her hands, but remembered Shakaku's warning:
"Do not lose contact with me or Escaflowne! We must stay touching each other physically during the transportation of our souls or we could suffer extreme injuries from it or become lost in another dimension. Once we arrive in the dead realm we will not need physical contact, but for now we need to help each other reach the other side."
The young maiden struggled with the pressure laid on her body. She felt as if the air was too thick and pressing down on her. The pores in her pale skin screamed for air as her mouth couldn't fill up with oxygen. Her head was rushing with blood as it pounded in her ears. As her fingers bent into two fists she felt them creak like she was an old woman. Her eyes open, but they could no longer seeing the world she stood in. The deep gray of death plagued her pupils as her body began to drain. She became warm all over as she felt her knees wobble. Invisible needles pricked her skin with fire as she became lost in the tumble.
Suddenly she felt her whole being become light and empty as she realized she was falling. She never felt her knees buckle or her body become unstable as she fell, but she knew subconsciously it had happened. She could almost see her crumbled form upon the ground, as if she had been given a third eye to see with, and see the dragon couple sprawled over the ground beside her. The guardians grew closer to their collapsed bodies as Hitomi drew away from the scene.
Next came the gray world that enveloped her. She felt so light and free as if she held no weight. She was like a feather catching the wind as she fluttered through the air. Her body was slow and seemed to take forever to just move a muscle. Her hands came before her eyes and she noticed how they held a tinge of color into contrast with the gray realm she now was present in. Several times she blinked and the cloudiness in her mind began to flow out. Carefully she stared into the haze searching for something to focus on. Where were Shakaku and Escaflowne? Surely this was the realm of the dead, but where were they?…
"We are here, my queen" came the red dragon's silky voice echoing in the gray fog.
Slowly Hitomi turned to see the dragon pair standing nearby with their wings outstretched behind them. The female was a very pale pink as Escaflowne was an even paler cream. Their bodies were still and fuzzy with the world making Hitomi wonder if she was all right with the dimension travel.
"This is the realm of the dead?" the royal asked bluntly feeling somewhat unfamiliar with this section of the dimension, "I don't remember it being like this exactly."
"This is it" the scaly woman replied with sorrow, "This is the edge of its vastness if you might say. Beyond this there lies, but two things."
Slowly pointing towards the road behind them that Hitomi was facing the dragon female replied softly, "There lies the place where we must go to find the last guardian."
"And there" the woman replied pointing in the opposite direction, "is absolutely nothing."
Hitomi glanced around the fog mumbled, "Strange to think a living being could be in this place."
"Yes" nodded Shakaku heavily, "but I was told by Joutei and Queen Iris that once the time comes for the new queen to find the last guardian I was to guide her there."
Her eyes flashed gray for a moment before turning red again, "I was given strict directions on how to pass into the underworld and where to find the guardian exactly. At the time the guardian did not exist for I was promoted before he was even born, but Joutei vowed that when the day would arrive for a final war on Gaea before the thousand years of either suffering or peace there would be a seventh guardian waiting."
Turning to stare at the bleak horizon that pointed towards that very being Hitomi floated over to the dragon couple. Letting her wings gradually unfurl from her back the 'Angel' replied quietly, "So be it. Guide me to this final warrior, Shakaku."
"As you wish, my queen" the female replied just before swooshing forward. Escaflowne nodded to Hitomi to go ahead before bringing up the rear behind the seeress. They flew towards the endless gray with the young royal wondering what this final guard will be like…
~~~ Dusty Plain ~~~
Sian scowled at the crumble form of her queen before counting the minutes left. The forest woman knew the fearless trio had less than nineteen minutes to return before they would be forced to wake them from the deep slumber. Tensely she glanced over the others noticing their discomfort. They all had begun to find comfortable sitting positions knowing it would be a while before they could expect anything.
Glancing towards the left she saw their king had remained posed at the edge of the circle of the trio. He stared at his wife sadly hating to see how lifeless she was. Merle stood beside him with a sad frown on her gentle face. She knew how much it hurt him to watch the closest person to their heart tread such dangers waters without them able to help. Princess Iris sobbed in her aunt's chest clutching the cat-girl's dress tightly.
Van looked down at his daughter and promptly took her from his sister's arms. Iris automatically let go of her death lock on her aunt and grabbed one of her father's hands. Her tiny fingers reached out and grabbed his index finger immediately shoving it into her toothless mouth. The dragon king stared down at his daughter fondly before letting his eyes turn back sad.
His rubies swept over his limp wife seeing her dead form. Her face was paler than ever and drawn tensely as if she was struggling. Her hands where tight fists kept closed by some unspeakable force. Sweat matted her face and dripped down her brow, but she did not breath. Her chest never rose to take in the blessed air of this wondrous world. She was dead to them and might stay that way if she did not return in time.
Quietly the raven headed man whispered, "Hurry back, Hitomi…"
~~~ Mystic Valley ~~~
Dornkirk took his hood and pulled it down farther over his face. His dark followers came to stand behind him as the wind began to pick up. The dark ground groaned under the feet of the evil beings. As they stared at the red sky from beneath their hoods all could tell something was about to happen. The fallen emperor lifted an ebony claw to the horizon and hissed, "So it shall begin…"
The sky turned dark and scarlet lightning shattered across the ebony vastness. Dark clouds rolled in mysteriously and the sun was blocked out. Their cloaks flapped frantically as the powers of their emperor reached a plateau of strength. A crashing blow of thunder clapped in their ears causing them to flinch suddenly. Gradually the lightning began to strike a single area lighting it with a bloody glow just before the demons. The ground sizzled from the constant attacks against it. Dornkirk stiffened as he saw the lightning become like a shaft of light similar to that of the blue pillar the seeress used.
Fearlessly the leader of the band stepped forward towards the violent and very dangerous place. As he reached the boarder he felt the electricity of his power tingle his skin. The next step took him directly into the scarlet wonder swallowing him into its illumination. The second they could no longer see their leader the cloaked demons too entered the redness leaving behind a world that would soon become a battlefield… their battlefield…
~~~ Realm of the Dead ~~~
Hitomi swooped through the air feeling not even the slightest wind. Their appeared to be no atmosphere and yet she continued to open her mouth and inhale this dead air. She watched as Shakaku lead the way before her as if she knew exactly where she was going. Hitomi blinked several times trying to decipher a road among the bleakness, but found none. How could the red female tell where she was going?
As the time began to stretch on the seeress began to wonder how long they had been in this world. The thought of time seem endless and frozen at once. How were they going to be able tell how much longer they had left wondered the seeress.
Abruptly just as she thought this question a blinding and silent flash overtook the three of them. Hitomi, on reflex, squeezed her eyes shut from the force of the light only to reopen them to see a totally different world. The seeress looked down to see she was standing on solid ground of gray charcoal. Her wings were still outstretched, but they had refused to continue beating. Looking ahead she noticed a distant horizon plagued with pale fog and gray charcoal.
"Where are we now?" the 'Angel' asked numbly feeling uneasy in this world.
Shakaku shook the hair from her pink eyes before speaking softly, "This is just the edge of… I guess you called… civilization. Beyond this point towards the horizon lie the three portals."
"The three portals" Hitomi muttered beneath her breath, "You mean that where this new guardian watches one of those portals."
"Yes" Shakaku replied darkly, "This is a dangerous place remember. If he does not know we are coming and with all that has happened with Dornkirk he might attack us without warning. Though we are near blinded in this haze he has lived in it for several years. He knows how to see things we cannot."
Numbly the seeress nodded feeling dread in the pit her stomach. She nearly jumped out of her skin when she felt the warm hand on her shoulder. Looking up she met the hazy eyes of Escaflowne that showed comfort. Gently the ancient dragon guard comforted, "Do not worry, Lady Hitomi. We are here to protect you and we shall never leave your side."
Hitomi relaxed automatically at his words and nodded her thanks. Turning with a determined look in her eyes the 'Angel' nodded to the female dragon. Nodding a reply Shakaku turned towards the horizon taking quick steps.
Time was important right now…
~~~ Fanelia ~~~
Mamoru constantly was talking keeping the audience surrounding the table fully informed with what was going on across Gaea. The group kept quiet as best as possible allowing the young royal to speak without interruptions. Finally at one point of talking the youth's voice cracked from its dryness and called for a glass of water.
After taking a long sip the boy wondered if there was any way of showing them and not speaking the entire scene to them…
He wondered…
~~~ Realm of the Dead ~~~
Hitomi was tense as they strode through the fog keeping herself extremely close to either Shakaku or Escaflowne. Her steps were soundless and light as they walked. Glancing at her companions she wondered when they would arrive at the portals. She had long since lost the coarse of time… Feeling a need to say something, anything to end this tense silence the royal asked, "Shakaku, how long do you think we've been here?"
The red woman tossed her hair so she could see the queen through the corner of one eye. Quietly the female warrior whispered, "I think we've only been here for a little over four or five minutes."
"WHO DARES TO TRESPASS ON THE REALM OF THE DEAD?!" thundered a voice abruptly, "You are not dead, but living beings!"
The trio tensed up knowing they had suddenly found the guardian they were searching for. The seeress scowled slightly as she felt she knew that voice. The group warily darted their eyes this way and that looking for the being, but were unable to penetrate the thick haze with their eyesight.
A deep snarled came from the depths of the dead realm just before the speaker shouted, "SPEAK THY NAME! OR I SHALL SLIT ALL OF YOUR THROATS!"
Hitomi quickly pushed past the other two knowing silence wouldn't help and shouted loudly, "I am Hitomi Kazanki Fanel, Queen of the Draconians and of Fanelia."
There was a moment of silence before the being hidden behind the fog repeated, "Hitomi Kazanki Fanel…"
It sounded as if the name had sparked some curiosity in the guardian. The group waited, as they knew from his voice growing closer that he was approaching. Shakaku and Escaflowne both hurried to stand in front of their queen protecting her. Hitomi ignored her companions while her emerald eyes were fixed on the fog ahead where she knew the guardian was approaching from. Slowly the being approached allowing his outline to become visible. Taking a single step closer the seeress stared at the form. It was that of some robed male. Gradually one could see that the being was wearing a silver cloak over his face like that of the demons.
As he grew ever-closer Hitomi tried to remember what had been told of this warrior. He had died about two years ago before the Sacrifice and was male. That meant he had died during…
His chuckle echoed in the vastness as a hand reached up to discard his hood, "So you finally got married…"
He had died during the Great War…
Then his hood fell causing Hitomi to gasp. Her emeralds grew wide with surprise, but not without a glint of joy. Happily the seeress cried, "Folken!"
~~~ Dusty Plain ~~~
Thunder suddenly clapped in the air startling the group. Van looked into the sky and noticed there was not a single cloud in the vastness. Each of the guardians jumped to their feet feeling a change in the wind. Sian's silver eyes narrowed dangerously as she whispered darkly, "Something isn't right…"
As if to affirm her assessment a scarlet pillar of lightning struck the earth with tremendous force. The ground slightly shook, but nothing too violent. The dust flew into their eyes and they threw their arms before their eyes. Sian snorted as the cloud began to settle and opened her jewels. The forest maiden gasped as soon as she spotted the five black figures.
"Nice to see all of you" the fallen emperor smirked deviously as he showed his sword of darkness.
Instinctively Sian stood before her king and his family bringing her bow out. Tensing into a fighting position the warrior wondered how much worse the situation could get…
~~~ Realm of the Dead ~~~
Hitomi stared up at Folken's familiar face joyfully asking, "What are you doing here?"
Smiling down at his sister-in-law the man said, "I am the seventh guardian you are looking for am I not."
"But how?" the seeress exclaimed dramatically staring into his deep eyes, "I don't understand."
Fondly the man placed two hands on the woman's shoulder before speaking, "After I died in the Great War I was asked by your grandmother to take the position as the final guardian, the Guardian of the Spirits. I was to forever watch the portal leading to the realm where the dead go. On some cases I have even journeyed to Gaea and help bring dead souls here. There are other times where I am seen in dreams or in the physical realm to act as an omen of hatred or death."
Looking up so his eyes met his little sister he whispered, "I had always wanted to speak to Van and you, but I was kept here by my oath to Joutei. I'm sorry."
"No!" Hitomi exclaimed grabbing both of his arms, "Don't be sorry, Folken. I know you wanted to see us. I'm glad I got to see you during the Sacrifice at least. You can't imagine how happy I am to see you… or how Van will be overjoyed…."
Folken's eyes grew distant as he murmured, "Van…"
"Yes…" Hitomi whispered happily before looking down at his arms. Emeralds widened as she noticed his two arms had become exposed from under his cloak when he had grabbed her shoulders. Intently she stared at his right arm gasping, "Folken, your arm!"
The old Zaibach soldier nodded while glancing at his arm. Flesh now replaced the old mechanical arm he had during his life. With a hint of happiness in his words the man said, "Yes, when I came here they took away my old machine arm and replaced it with real flesh."
"Amazing" Hitomi muttered as she stared at his new arm. Her emeralds ran over the flawless tan skin coming to rest on the pair of long wristbands of metal he wore. Both of the gaudlents were silver with the Draconian emblems on them. Each of the metal bands had small slits placed into them. Looking up again Hitomi met the eyes of her new brother and said, "We must hurry."
~~~ Dusty Plains ~~~
The four lower demons streaked forward each taking a guardian leaving Dornkirk to glare at Sian and Van. The duo quickly brought their weapons into fighting angles as they protected Merle and Princess Iris. Glancing over at the dead trio the emperor smirked at the collapsed seeress. Hissing triumphantly the man said, "Good to see I arrived when the darn wench was already under. That means I have sometime before she returns."
Sian clutched her bow as she angrily bended her knees, "What do you want, Dornkirk?! I thought you wanted Queen Hitomi."
"Well of course" the man exclaimed roughly, "But you see I have a interesting idea that will assure me her powers!"
"What?!" Van snapped hotly bringing his blade closer to him.
Dornkirk smirked at the impatient king before whispered evilly, "Oh, you'll see…"
~~~ Realm of the Dead ~~~
"Wait!" Folken said as the dragon couple began to turn around, "We must go further into this realm."
"Why?" Shakaku asked frantically, "We have spent too much time talking already. We only have ten minutes at most left."
"Yes" Escaflowne nodded, "We must hurry and return to the others."
Hitomi ignored their cries and asked quietly, "Why do we need to go, Folken?"
The bluish-white headed man looked into the emerald eyes of his queen and said, "There is someone you must see, Hitomi."
The seeress hesitated knowing they needed to leave. She could already feel her head beginning to spin from staying here so long. The seeress also knew that whatever Folken wanted her to see must be important so she nodded for him to lead the way. The guardian turned quickly and trotted into the fog letting his cloak trail him. Hitomi swiftly went into step behind him while the dragon couple took the rear. Their footsteps never made a single sound…
~~~ Fanelia ~~~
Mamoru knew that he had no idea what he was doing or anything to base his actions on, but he felt the need to do what he was about to do. Something in the back of his mind screamed that he must figure out how to do this. The future told him he must learn this art now before it became time. Closing his chocolate orbs he let his powers fly from his body towards the circled people. No one saw the soft white fog that whirled from the royal's feet and swirl under theirs. Gradually the snowy fog had blanketed the entire floor of the room. Everyone felt their eyes grow heavy and slowly their eyelids dropped. A strange warmth ran over their skin and slowly they each opened their eyes to find themselves starring at another place other the room they had been sitting in.
"Where is this place?!" cried Millerina frantically taking in the scene.
Yukari threw herself back as she saw the bloody fight before her, "Oh my god!"
"Is that Van?! Allen exclaimed as he saw the raven king battle a dark figure in a cloak.
Other cries followed and panic began to grip each spectator before Mamoru could finally shout, "Peace! Peace my friends!"
Everyone froze as their eyes continued to see the battle at the dusty plain. The substitute king spoke softly trying to soothe the group, "What I have done is let you see what I see with my gift. Right now we are looking at the battle being fought on the dusty plain."
Celena blinked several times before whispering, "How can you do this, Prince Mamoru?"
There was silence as the youth turned the idea over in his mind. Almost too silent to be heard the royal whispered, "I am not entirely sure…"
~~~ Dusty Plain ~~~
Nembus roared with the force of his attack as the blade of his enemy met his sword. The demon snarled and plunged all his strength into the force of his blade. The two warriors struggled desperately trying to win the battle. Suddenly Nembus fell to one knee clutching his hilt in two hands. The moment he showed his weakness by doing this the demon released one of his hands of the hilt of his own sword and through a black ball of energy into the male's chest. Howling from the blow the guardian was thrown backwards with the demon flying after him.
Nazomi did a roundup dramatically before coming down on one knee. Snarling as the demon rushed her the guardian pulled out her shockren and unclasped the wondrous weapon into two daggers. When the attacker was a few feet from her the guardian flung one of the blades at the demon. The figure cried out as the weapon lodged in her shoulder narrowly missing her vital organs.
Another demon swooped down from the air narrowly missing Zaado as he kept his ax between him and his attacker. As the warrior realized the being was coming for another attack he carefully began to spin his large weapon, readying for the blow. As the being flew down the wooden end of the handle met the demon's chest knocking the cloaked figure to the ground.
Tsuno twirled perfectly before delivering an impressive thrust of his trident at the demon. Unfortunately the cloaked attacker was limber and did an elegant twist of its body before bringing a sharp boot to the guardian's chin. Poor Guardian of the Waves was flung back as the force of the blow made him go head over heels.
Van saw the sparks fly from his sword as it struck the Zaibach emperor's. The second his blade fell away from his enemy Sian took over yelling her warrior cry. The bow of the ancient warrior sliced through the air only to meet with cloaked man's weapon. Landing on her feet the guardian put her shoulder into the strength of her enchanted weapon. The wind picked up a little and threw back Dornkirk's hood revealing his face fully. The ebony change did nothing for the battle though.
Her brunette bangs fell over her eyes as the forest maiden hissed, "Why are you here?!"
"Impatient, aren't we?" hissed the man darkly before pushing the guardian away. The moment he had thought gained for rest was soon lost as the dragon king rushed forward and began to send volleys of attacks at him. Dornkirk narrowed his eyes as he dodged a blow and blocked another. He knew he couldn't win if two were attacking him at once. Every time one would grow tired the other would take over giving him no time to rest. This had to stop before his exhaustion caused him to stumble though he sincerely doubted it would be anytime soon.
His eyes glow red and his hair flowed as he dipped into his powers…
~~~ Realm of the Dead ~~~
Hitomi slowed down beside her old friend coming to a halt before a large opening in the world. The empty door hung in the air by some unseen force. It was, but a dark circle with no center within dead air. Slowly the seeress edged towards it and reached timidly out for it. Something within its ebony depths seemed to draw her to it. Shakaku and Escaflowne reached the place the family members stood just as Folken roughly warned, "Don't, Hitomi."
The seeress recoiled her hand as if she had been slapped and stared at the royal. Quietly she asked, "What's the matter?"
The man walked forward slowly coming to stand inches away from the portal. Carefully he stared into it as if searching for something. As he continued to stare in his depths the Draconian warned, "If you should accidentally be sucked in, Hitomi, you shall never return. This opening is a one way. Spirits can only enter this way not exit."
Curiously the queen stared at the passage with her eyes sparkling with wisdom, "Couldn't I simple exit out of one of the other portals? I thought there were three openings."
"Well perhaps" Folken muttered still searching in the portal, "But the other openings have been sealed recently by Dornkirk."
"Dornkirk?!" exclaimed Escaflowne growling out his words, "Why would he do that?"
The angel man's shoulder began to slump as his search seemed to be in vain, "Because it was the only place he knew he could keep the Heavens, Hell, Akuma, and Joutei without need of a guard."
Hitomi whirled her eyes on her brother and desperately asked, "Joutei's in there?!"
Folken merely nodded without turning towards the 'Angel' causing Hitomi to once again stare at the portal. She felt a hit of realization grabbed her and the girl whispered, "What is this place?"
The man's eyes suddenly became wide as his search ended before replying quietly, "It is known as simply 'Judgment'…"
Abruptly a glow formed on the other side of the portal catching everyone's eyes. There standing in a whirl of golden flame was the single being that could possible change everything.
Hitomi smiled joyfully before whispering, "Joutei…"
~~~ Dusty Plain ~~~
The battle was not going well for our group. It seemed that they just couldn't match up to the demons. At times it appeared they were going to win, but their hope would soon be stamped into the ground as the demons plowed over them. The guardians were shoved about and the demons cackled with their winning success making the warriors frustrated. Their enemies were playing with them…
Even Van and Sian were having extreme difficulties as they fought the leader. Dornkirk kept using his powers to strengthen growing higher in his level of energy. The dragon king panted as the forest guardian took her turn. Van grimaced as he noticed things were not going well at all…
~~~ Realm of the Dead ~~~
"Why aren't you trying to escape, Joutei?" Hitomi asked as she faced the god, "Why do you stay within there when you most certainly have the ability to leave?"
The golden figure let his head fall a little as he proclaimed in a mighty voice that echoed throughout the distance, "I cannot, young one."
Stepping forward the mighty white legend asked, "Why not?"
"Because I am not able to leave just yet" he replied in strong baritone.
"Not yet…" Hitomi muttered beneath her breath confused.
"Is there something that must happen?" asked Shakaku encouraging the god for more information, "Is there something you are waiting for?"
"Yes" the male voice resonated throughout the realm.
"What?" exclaimed the seeress desperately.
"An answer…" the immortal said mysteriously.
~~~ Dusty Plain ~~~
Dornkirk threw the guardian over his shoulder and slammed her into the ground on her back. Sian groaned as the ground cracked under the force of the throw. Leaping right over her came a raging Van bringing his sword down violently. The emperor angrily hit it away leaving the young king's side open. Without meeting a beat the dark figure threw a ray of ebony light at the royal. Van did his best to dodge, but he was so close to his opponent that it didn't take long for the attack to travel. Crying out the young king brought his wounded arm to his chest staining his clothes…
~~~ Realm of the Dead ~~~
Escaflowne suddenly howled and clutched his left arm to his chest. The red dragon and the two royals whirled around with wide eyes. Shakaku was the first the ask, "What's wrong?"
Hissing through clinched teeth the dragon peered down at his limb hidden behind his other arm. Slowly he revealed his torment causing each of them to gasp. His left arm had a long slash from his elbow to nearly his wrist. It was rather shallow for a wound, but it still pumped out a good amount of blood streaming over his pearly scales like rose petals on white silk.
The red female gaped at her spouse whispering, "How could this happen?"
Without taking his eyes off of the horizon the dragon said barely audible, "I think something's happening back in the realm of the living."
Hitomi's eyes widened as she remembered the White Legend and the Dragon King were physically linked to each other. Emeralds reflected her fear as she whispered, "Van…"
~~~ Dusty Plain ~~~
The world seemed to tilt and the guardians were hit hard as bolts of crimson hit them square in the chest. Van and his family were the only ones not struck and stood tensely watching their comrades collapsed to the ground groaning in pain. Sian numbly struggled to get up, but soon crumbled after her weak attempt. The demons hissed with victory as they loomed over their opponents shadowing them. Dornkirk smirked as he, still glowing with powers, advanced on the young king.
Tensing considerably the raven headed man stood tensely while Merle watched from the side with Princess Iris clutched tightly to her bosom. Van angrily growled between clenched teeth, "I will never let you destroy this world!"
Cackling heartily the emperor exclaimed loudly, "You a being with no powers!"
That's what snapped Van's pride causing him to yell with rage and suddenly rush the dark man before him. Dornkirk merely lifted his ebony palm and threw a bit of power at the king. Without even making it close enough to strike the young king was thrown into the air like a rag doll. In a mere second Van crashed into the ground sparking a cry from the cat-girl.
"LORD VAN!" Merle cried fearfully as she watched her brother's body become limp.
Gently his rubies fixed on the emperor as he spat out blood and hissed, "Blast you, Dornkirk…"
The emperor chuckled quietly before turning on the cat-girl who was sobbing. Merle's hair stood on end as she saw the demon leader head towards her. Taking several steps back the girl hissed, "Don't you dare come any closer!"
"Like I'm going to listen to you," the man hissed darkly before streaking forward. Merle never had the chance as she felt a hard fist met her abs. Her mouth fell open as her eyes rolled into the back of her head. As she slowly fell to the ground her hands lost the tight hold on the infant letting the bundle fall from her fingertips. Just before the baby would have hit the earth Dornkirk snatched the child into his arms, but ignoring the advisor. With a loud thump the cat-girl landed unconscious in the dirt.
Holding the infants roughly in his arms the emperor smirked as the infant wailed. Turning to his followers the dark man strode over to the edge of the battlefield directly opposite from where the trio remained unconscious. As they walked past the guardians the ancient warriors made feeble attempts to stop them. Tsuno had been the closest to succeeding for he had grasped one of the demons' ankles, but it was a small victory for the being just merely kicked him in the face escaping his hold.
Sian watched as they began to leave with the young princess none of them able to do anything. Her bangs fell over her eyes as the woman desperately called out to their only help, "Hitomi…"
~~~ Realm of the Dead ~~~
"Hitomi…"
The plea couldn't have been more frightening to hear. If she hadn't heard the voice of her most trusted guard the young queen might have thought the damage to Escaflowne would have been just a fluke (an injury from staying in this realm so long", but when she heard that voice call for her she knew what it meant. The seeress knew automatically they had to return and raced for the horizon yelling over her shoulder, "We must leave now!"
Shakaku and Escaflowne swiftly followed, but Folken held back looking back at Joutei through the opening. There was something left to be said between him and the golden figure. Already the trio had begun to fade into the fog. The man turned slightly to the god and the immortal nodded, "You know as well as I, my follower, that there is more going on in this war then they see."
"Yes, Joutei" Folken whispered lightly before turning to look back at the fog. His sister's form was becoming harder to see. Turning back to the immortal the guardian wondered, "But I do not know what it is."
Joutei began to back away from the opening as though not to give an answer, but just before he completely left the angel man he whispered, "It is a trial…"
Hitomi raced with all the strength she had in her limbs furiously pushing them to strain harder. She knew something was terribly wrong. The cry from Sian still echoed in her ears. What was happening back in the other realm?
Grunting softly the seeress pushed off with her wings seeking the way out. The dragon couple quickly followed bringing their own wings into full spread. Just a few yards behind them came Folken pushing just to catch up with the three. Soon the charcoal ground disappeared leaving only the foggy haze to travel through. Desperately the queen put more energy in the sweep of her wings.
Seconds later Hitomi lost herself and tumbled in a blinding place. Automatically her eyes winced shut. The blood rushed to her head and she seemed to hit the ground hard making her cough. Slowly the queen opened her eyes to see a blue sky…
Tenderly the woman lifted herself up into a sitting position and softly shook her head trying to rid her dizziness. Nearby the dragon pair did the same with their new comrade.
Opening her emeralds without disorientation the woman saw the horror. Everyone she had left behind minutes ago were not laying on the ground splattered in their own blood weakly trying to rise. It was obvious a fight of some sort had broken out here. About a few yards from her laid her own husband trying frantically to rise. Hastily getting to her feet the seeress raced to her husband's side. Bringing his head of raven locks to be cradled in her arms she called to him, "Van! Are you all right?!"
The king softly groaned while squeezing his eyes shut. Clutching his wife's arm Van hoarsely whispered, "Iris!… They got… Iris!"
Hitomi's heart seemed to stop as she whirled her eyes towards the other side of the battlefield. Across the stricken bodies of the guardians the seeress saw Dornkirk, surrounded by his demons, holding her baby… the child she had only bore a few days ago… her only child… Without even thinking the queen let go of her husband who tried to sit up and rushed after the emperor. As she passed the dragons Shakaku vainly reached an arm out to catch her queen shouting, "NO! QUEEN HITOMI!"
Tears began to sprinkle from her eyes like stars as she held her hand out towards her only child yelling, "DORNKIRK! STOP!"
The emperor laughed darkly as he stretched out his wings and lifted into the air with his followers and her precious bundle. Flying just a few feet above the ground the man loomed several yards away from the seeress escaping. Kicking up dirt the queen released her wings as well and soared after the screaming child. Already a ray of red lightning had formed behind the cloaked group swallowing the first of the demons leaving Dornkirk as the last. The evil man of the past flew backwards showing off his prize to the stricken mother.
Hitomi redoubled her effort coming slightly closer to her goal with her fingers stretching for all their worth. With a final beat of his wings the leader of the band allowed himself to glide the rest of the way to his exit. Smirking devilishly the man shouted, "If you want your daughter, seeress, come to the Mystic Valley and give up your powers to me!"
Glancing over his shoulder the man saw his last demon disappear into the scarlet exit. Hitomi's eyes widen as she saw her dear little angel's face. She was all most there…
Smirking with dark intentions the man turned back to his greatest enemy ever and yelled loud enough for all to here, "If you don't arrive before sundown the princess shall die!"
Her pale fingers strained to grasp the infant seeing her hope dying. Her only daughter was being taken away from her by the strongest and evilest man on the planet! Hitomi lunged at the demon emperor crying out, "IRIS!"
Laughing menacingly the man drifted into the crimson ray fading into the light just as Hitomi reached him. Her emeralds filled with sorrow as she flew through his afterimage and the trailing scarlet lightning as it was sucked up back into the sky. Slamming into the ground the seeress slide through the dirt for several feet before coming to a halt. The second she did she whirled her eyes frantically at the sky watching the remains of the dark shaft disappearing into the cloudy sky. As a final flash announced the leave of the demons the woman felt her heart broke.
A tortured sob escaped her throat as she bowed her head. Chestnut bangs fell over her emeralds hiding the sorrow in them, but not concealing the tears that slipped from them down her cheeks. Her fingers tensely clasped the soft dirt letting the soil slip from her fingers. Choking out another sob all the queen could do was whisper over and over, "Iris… Iris…"
~ Well who thought the last guardian would be Folken? Anyone?~
~ Well! Who knew that Iris would be taken? Anyone??? I thought it was pretty predictable!~
~ Anyway what did you think? Interesting? Boring? Great? Stupid? PLEASE TELL ME! I will only post the next chapter if I get ten reviews. I'm sorry that I must force reviews out of you readers,… but *sniff* I'm beginning to think you hate this story!~
~ Now what?! In our next chapter Hitomi must make one of the hardest decisions in her life. If she doesn't give out her powers to Dornkirk before sundown Iris will die! But if she does just that Dornkirk will take over Gaea and rule for a thousands years of suffering! What would use choose?! During this coming chapter the group furiously try to get around the ransom letting Hitomi make the final decision. Wait and find out what she decides in chapter 26: Only Way! Coming soon on August 8th!~
The Fate of Two Worlds: The Sequel
By Angel_Wings
Chapter 25 ~ Preoccupied
~~~ Dusty Plain ~~~
Hitomi let the breeze ruffle her hair as she stared at the horizon. Her stomach was doing leaps and twists as she thought of the future. As soon as she found the last guardian she would have to face Dornkirk. He scared her beyond anything she could imagine. When she had first met him in the Great War she hadn't been so fearful of him like she was now. Something about him having powers beyond what she could imagine frightened her. Unfortunately, she had no choice in the matter. She had to face him. She would not let another world be destroyed… She would not let history repeat itself… She had already seen Earth destroyed…
Turning around she looked at her travel group of warriors, a king, a princess, and a young advisor. Could she really lead them to victory over a half-god?
The wind swirled around her as she said softly, "We must leave to find the last guardian. Sadly, though I have no idea where he or she could be so if any of you have any kind of information that would be useful please tell me."
The guardians glanced at one another hoping the other would know, but their eyes were blank of such knowledge. That is except one…
"I know where he is," commented Shakaku as stared at her queen. All eyes fixed on the red dragon wondering how she alone knew. Closing her eyes the woman said, "He is in a place that is nearly impossible to go to."
"So its over than" Tsuno whispered defeated as his shoulders slumped, "If we can't get to the last guardian can we still defeat Dornkirk and the demons?"
Shakaku grinned slyly, "I said nearly impossible, Lord Tsuno."
"So there's still a chance," Hitomi asked happily as Van walked up to stand at her shoulder.
"Yes" replied the red female, "But it is extremely dangerous and we cannot all go."
"Where is this place?" asked Sian cautiously as she felt a shadow go over their group.
Shakaku closed her fiery jewels and whispered, "It's in the realm of the dead."
"Realm of the dead!" cried the guardians, "Why would Joutei place a guard in the realm of the dead."
"Because" the red dragon woman replied coolly, "the realm needed protection. You see the realm of the dead can be entered through three openings. Two of those portals were already heavily guarded leaving the third opened to anyone. Traffic through that entrance must be filtered so it was decided for a seventh guardian to be acquired, and thus so it came to be."
Hitomi slowly turned her eyes to the sky letting the wind comb her silky chestnut hair. The blue heavens stared down at her almost as if trying to give her a hint as to where the guardian was. An unspoken direction was whispered on the wind drawing the seeress into the deepest chambers of her mind. For some reason Hitomi felt afraid to leave this calm plain to search for this person. The air was unsettling as if speaking of some future danger in this search. She felt like she shouldn't even go…
"To be perfectly honest, Lady Hitomi" commented the dragon female cautiously, "I wonder if it is even wise to bring you there."
The seeress turned to stare at the woman in confusion as Escaflowne came to stand next to his mate. Wild red hair fell over the dragon's eyes as she casually tossed it back, "The place where the guardian lies can only be accessed by people who have the power to travel through dimensions. Dragons and meres have that ability so Escaflowne and I can go. You, Lady Hitomi, have powers that show no end and I am sure you might be able to go also, but for the rest of the group I sincerely doubt are able to do the trek."
Nazomi's eyes of precious gold snapped onto the lizard couple. Angrily the maiden retorted, "Why the heck not?! You were able to transport us here. Why don't you just do the same?!"
"Because" Escaflowne automatically countered, "It is extremely difficult, even for us, to travel there without putting extreme danger on our lives. Few of the living can travel there and return unharmed. Not one single being who has survived the trip has ever dared to go back again. The consequences of the trip can be your death or even possibly becoming… crippled."
"Crippled?" Merle asked fearfully, "What do you mean by that?"
Shakaku closed her eyes as her bangs fell over them shadowing her face, "I have seen incidents that have left the being that traveled into the land of the dead convulsing or dropped into insanity. Some have come back with half their body dead and limp. The list of injuries to the mind and physical body goes on, but I think that's enough to answer your question."
Hitomi began to wonder if she should even let the Shakaku and Escaflowne go. The red maiden lifted her eyes so the sun reflected in them and quietly whispered, "I have sworn to Joutei and Queen Iris to protect and help you, Queen Hitomi. I will go into the land of the dead to seek out this guardian... I am not afraid."
The seeress stared at her loyal subject feeling terribly guilty. This woman was ready to sacrifice her life for the cause. Hitomi felt her heart pound more painfully with shame. Seconds ago she had been compromising the entire mission because she was worried about her life. If they didn't leave and find this last warrior all might be lost…
"I'm coming, too" Hitomi replied firmly showing her determination, "I need to be there when you make contact with the guardian."
Everyone grew tense feeling a new dread take them. Van was automatically the first one to refuse the idea.
"There is no way I'm letting you do this, Hitomi" he firmly said gripping her shoulders tensely, "You've nearly kill yourself several times on this mission alone and plus your weak right now, but you're ready to put your head in the lion's mouth!"
"Van…" the young woman whispered sadly, "Please, let me do this…"
"Blast it, Hitomi!" the king whispered fiercely, "You're killing yourself with all that you've been doing! I cannot lose you again!"
"I must do this" she replied sorrowfully looking deep into his eyes of fire.
"Yes, she must" came the rough voice of Zaado. His hard face of stone was sullen as he softly whispered for all to hear, "Each of we're unwilling to accept Lady Hitomi as our queen when we first met her. I'm sure the last guardian will be no different, but most importantly I know he will not return… with anyone other than her… he will not come back with… messengers. If he will deny Hitomi is queen do you really believe he will come willing with a couple of dragons who claim to be her messengers?!"
Sian scowled with sadness looming in her posture, "I am afraid I have to agree with Zaado. I think its necessary for Hitomi to go."
The forest maiden stood a little taller, "But I also think she should not go alone."
"We will accompany her," Escaflowne stated firmly so no one would think of disagreeing, "We are the only other ones who can travel through dimensions and can help Lady Hitomi with the trek."
The seeress locked her gaze with her husband and saw the losing fire in his rubies. He knew he was losing the disagreement. Gently her hands came over his that laid on her shoulders and held them together in both of hers. Hitomi stared at her husband fondly forgetting the others for a second. Van quickly brought a tan hand to cup her cheek. His voice was a rough velvet as he whispered fiercely, "You better come back to me in one piece."
Hitomi's eyes sparkled a few tears as she whispered softly, "When have you ever been able to get rid of me?"
That's all it took for the young king's will power to snap. In a violent bear hug the man enveloped his wife in his hold clutching her to his chest. Softly the seeress chuckled in his chest, "Calm down, Van. I'll be alright."
But even she did not let go of him when she said that. Both could smell something in the air hissing of darkness approaching. As they withdrew from each other the seeress turned away from her husband feeling she might break if she kept looking into his eyes. Staring at the dragon couple the queen said in a loud voice to appear strong, "I'm ready."
~~~ Fanelia ~~~
Mamoru sat in the heavy oak chair starring at his companions. Slowly he rubbed his hand over his face while the old group from the Great War and the Sacrifice watched the boy king. The young man's eyes blinked several times before a light sparkled back in them. Wearily he closed his eyes and said softly, "Hitomi and the two dragons will be going into the land of the dead next."
"Land of the dead?" Dryden asked fearfully, "Can they actually do that?"
Millerina sat back in her large chair and replied, "Travel through the realm of dead to save Van also and well Hitomi did die once. I'm pretty confident that she has the ability to do it again."
Bringing his chin into his palm the blonde knight commented tiredly, "So their journey is coming to a close… How much longer will it be before they actually return?"
Shaking his head the substitute king replied, "I cannot say. They still have to find the last guardian and go to the Mystic Valley. When they get there they must destroy Dornkirk and his followers."
Lifting his chocolate eyes to the ceiling the boy thought of his sister and whispered silently in his mind, 'Pleas, be safe, Hito…'
~~~Mystic Valley ~~~
Dornkirk stared at the horizon with a smirk while his four remaining guards knelt behind him. Darkly the emperor whispered, "It is time…"
~~~ Dusty Plain ~~~
Hitomi stood with a dragon at either side of her. The rest stood behind them watching tensely. It had been agreed that the three would only stay in the realm of the dead for a maximum of twenty minutes. Anything beyond that would cause dire consequences to each of them. Shakaku had also warned that when they would travel into the land of the dead their physical bodies would quickly collapse. They could only go into that dimension by leaving their bodies. She had also warned that their bodies must not be disturbed. If they were pushed around too much in the physical realm they might return back to their bodies too soon, sort of like what happen when Merle had awaken Hitomi in the Great War. If that happened they might not find and bring back the guardian in time. Personally none of them wished to return to the dead realm a second time so they hoped to be able to do everything on the first try.
Shakaku closed her eyes and took hold of the queen's left shoulder. Closing his green eyes Escaflowne did the same by grabbing the royal's right shoulder. Hitomi closed her sparkling eyes and let their powers mingle together to achieve a single task. The world became bristled by a powerful wind sweeping around the trio. Their hair flew up high into the air as a small white glow formed around them. The dust turned gold as it twirled around their ankles.
The guardians outside the magical ring were like statues as their eyes focused on their queen. Princess Iris wailed loudly almost above the roar of the wind desperately calling for her mother. It almost seemed she knew her mother was going to leave her and go into great danger. Merle hugged the infant closer to her chest keeping the dust from getting in the tiny one's face. Van stood at the head of the group with his rubies never leaving the figure of his wife.
Hitomi felt her body strained and winced as searing pain hit her. Shakaku had failed to mention how much this would hurt. Her skull felt like it was being pricked with a long knife. The young seeress desperately wanted to clutch her head with her hands, but remembered Shakaku's warning:
"Do not lose contact with me or Escaflowne! We must stay touching each other physically during the transportation of our souls or we could suffer extreme injuries from it or become lost in another dimension. Once we arrive in the dead realm we will not need physical contact, but for now we need to help each other reach the other side."
The young maiden struggled with the pressure laid on her body. She felt as if the air was too thick and pressing down on her. The pores in her pale skin screamed for air as her mouth couldn't fill up with oxygen. Her head was rushing with blood as it pounded in her ears. As her fingers bent into two fists she felt them creak like she was an old woman. Her eyes open, but they could no longer seeing the world she stood in. The deep gray of death plagued her pupils as her body began to drain. She became warm all over as she felt her knees wobble. Invisible needles pricked her skin with fire as she became lost in the tumble.
Suddenly she felt her whole being become light and empty as she realized she was falling. She never felt her knees buckle or her body become unstable as she fell, but she knew subconsciously it had happened. She could almost see her crumbled form upon the ground, as if she had been given a third eye to see with, and see the dragon couple sprawled over the ground beside her. The guardians grew closer to their collapsed bodies as Hitomi drew away from the scene.
Next came the gray world that enveloped her. She felt so light and free as if she held no weight. She was like a feather catching the wind as she fluttered through the air. Her body was slow and seemed to take forever to just move a muscle. Her hands came before her eyes and she noticed how they held a tinge of color into contrast with the gray realm she now was present in. Several times she blinked and the cloudiness in her mind began to flow out. Carefully she stared into the haze searching for something to focus on. Where were Shakaku and Escaflowne? Surely this was the realm of the dead, but where were they?…
"We are here, my queen" came the red dragon's silky voice echoing in the gray fog.
Slowly Hitomi turned to see the dragon pair standing nearby with their wings outstretched behind them. The female was a very pale pink as Escaflowne was an even paler cream. Their bodies were still and fuzzy with the world making Hitomi wonder if she was all right with the dimension travel.
"This is the realm of the dead?" the royal asked bluntly feeling somewhat unfamiliar with this section of the dimension, "I don't remember it being like this exactly."
"This is it" the scaly woman replied with sorrow, "This is the edge of its vastness if you might say. Beyond this there lies, but two things."
Slowly pointing towards the road behind them that Hitomi was facing the dragon female replied softly, "There lies the place where we must go to find the last guardian."
"And there" the woman replied pointing in the opposite direction, "is absolutely nothing."
Hitomi glanced around the fog mumbled, "Strange to think a living being could be in this place."
"Yes" nodded Shakaku heavily, "but I was told by Joutei and Queen Iris that once the time comes for the new queen to find the last guardian I was to guide her there."
Her eyes flashed gray for a moment before turning red again, "I was given strict directions on how to pass into the underworld and where to find the guardian exactly. At the time the guardian did not exist for I was promoted before he was even born, but Joutei vowed that when the day would arrive for a final war on Gaea before the thousand years of either suffering or peace there would be a seventh guardian waiting."
Turning to stare at the bleak horizon that pointed towards that very being Hitomi floated over to the dragon couple. Letting her wings gradually unfurl from her back the 'Angel' replied quietly, "So be it. Guide me to this final warrior, Shakaku."
"As you wish, my queen" the female replied just before swooshing forward. Escaflowne nodded to Hitomi to go ahead before bringing up the rear behind the seeress. They flew towards the endless gray with the young royal wondering what this final guard will be like…
~~~ Dusty Plain ~~~
Sian scowled at the crumble form of her queen before counting the minutes left. The forest woman knew the fearless trio had less than nineteen minutes to return before they would be forced to wake them from the deep slumber. Tensely she glanced over the others noticing their discomfort. They all had begun to find comfortable sitting positions knowing it would be a while before they could expect anything.
Glancing towards the left she saw their king had remained posed at the edge of the circle of the trio. He stared at his wife sadly hating to see how lifeless she was. Merle stood beside him with a sad frown on her gentle face. She knew how much it hurt him to watch the closest person to their heart tread such dangers waters without them able to help. Princess Iris sobbed in her aunt's chest clutching the cat-girl's dress tightly.
Van looked down at his daughter and promptly took her from his sister's arms. Iris automatically let go of her death lock on her aunt and grabbed one of her father's hands. Her tiny fingers reached out and grabbed his index finger immediately shoving it into her toothless mouth. The dragon king stared down at his daughter fondly before letting his eyes turn back sad.
His rubies swept over his limp wife seeing her dead form. Her face was paler than ever and drawn tensely as if she was struggling. Her hands where tight fists kept closed by some unspeakable force. Sweat matted her face and dripped down her brow, but she did not breath. Her chest never rose to take in the blessed air of this wondrous world. She was dead to them and might stay that way if she did not return in time.
Quietly the raven headed man whispered, "Hurry back, Hitomi…"
~~~ Mystic Valley ~~~
Dornkirk took his hood and pulled it down farther over his face. His dark followers came to stand behind him as the wind began to pick up. The dark ground groaned under the feet of the evil beings. As they stared at the red sky from beneath their hoods all could tell something was about to happen. The fallen emperor lifted an ebony claw to the horizon and hissed, "So it shall begin…"
The sky turned dark and scarlet lightning shattered across the ebony vastness. Dark clouds rolled in mysteriously and the sun was blocked out. Their cloaks flapped frantically as the powers of their emperor reached a plateau of strength. A crashing blow of thunder clapped in their ears causing them to flinch suddenly. Gradually the lightning began to strike a single area lighting it with a bloody glow just before the demons. The ground sizzled from the constant attacks against it. Dornkirk stiffened as he saw the lightning become like a shaft of light similar to that of the blue pillar the seeress used.
Fearlessly the leader of the band stepped forward towards the violent and very dangerous place. As he reached the boarder he felt the electricity of his power tingle his skin. The next step took him directly into the scarlet wonder swallowing him into its illumination. The second they could no longer see their leader the cloaked demons too entered the redness leaving behind a world that would soon become a battlefield… their battlefield…
~~~ Realm of the Dead ~~~
Hitomi swooped through the air feeling not even the slightest wind. Their appeared to be no atmosphere and yet she continued to open her mouth and inhale this dead air. She watched as Shakaku lead the way before her as if she knew exactly where she was going. Hitomi blinked several times trying to decipher a road among the bleakness, but found none. How could the red female tell where she was going?
As the time began to stretch on the seeress began to wonder how long they had been in this world. The thought of time seem endless and frozen at once. How were they going to be able tell how much longer they had left wondered the seeress.
Abruptly just as she thought this question a blinding and silent flash overtook the three of them. Hitomi, on reflex, squeezed her eyes shut from the force of the light only to reopen them to see a totally different world. The seeress looked down to see she was standing on solid ground of gray charcoal. Her wings were still outstretched, but they had refused to continue beating. Looking ahead she noticed a distant horizon plagued with pale fog and gray charcoal.
"Where are we now?" the 'Angel' asked numbly feeling uneasy in this world.
Shakaku shook the hair from her pink eyes before speaking softly, "This is just the edge of… I guess you called… civilization. Beyond this point towards the horizon lie the three portals."
"The three portals" Hitomi muttered beneath her breath, "You mean that where this new guardian watches one of those portals."
"Yes" Shakaku replied darkly, "This is a dangerous place remember. If he does not know we are coming and with all that has happened with Dornkirk he might attack us without warning. Though we are near blinded in this haze he has lived in it for several years. He knows how to see things we cannot."
Numbly the seeress nodded feeling dread in the pit her stomach. She nearly jumped out of her skin when she felt the warm hand on her shoulder. Looking up she met the hazy eyes of Escaflowne that showed comfort. Gently the ancient dragon guard comforted, "Do not worry, Lady Hitomi. We are here to protect you and we shall never leave your side."
Hitomi relaxed automatically at his words and nodded her thanks. Turning with a determined look in her eyes the 'Angel' nodded to the female dragon. Nodding a reply Shakaku turned towards the horizon taking quick steps.
Time was important right now…
~~~ Fanelia ~~~
Mamoru constantly was talking keeping the audience surrounding the table fully informed with what was going on across Gaea. The group kept quiet as best as possible allowing the young royal to speak without interruptions. Finally at one point of talking the youth's voice cracked from its dryness and called for a glass of water.
After taking a long sip the boy wondered if there was any way of showing them and not speaking the entire scene to them…
He wondered…
~~~ Realm of the Dead ~~~
Hitomi was tense as they strode through the fog keeping herself extremely close to either Shakaku or Escaflowne. Her steps were soundless and light as they walked. Glancing at her companions she wondered when they would arrive at the portals. She had long since lost the coarse of time… Feeling a need to say something, anything to end this tense silence the royal asked, "Shakaku, how long do you think we've been here?"
The red woman tossed her hair so she could see the queen through the corner of one eye. Quietly the female warrior whispered, "I think we've only been here for a little over four or five minutes."
"WHO DARES TO TRESPASS ON THE REALM OF THE DEAD?!" thundered a voice abruptly, "You are not dead, but living beings!"
The trio tensed up knowing they had suddenly found the guardian they were searching for. The seeress scowled slightly as she felt she knew that voice. The group warily darted their eyes this way and that looking for the being, but were unable to penetrate the thick haze with their eyesight.
A deep snarled came from the depths of the dead realm just before the speaker shouted, "SPEAK THY NAME! OR I SHALL SLIT ALL OF YOUR THROATS!"
Hitomi quickly pushed past the other two knowing silence wouldn't help and shouted loudly, "I am Hitomi Kazanki Fanel, Queen of the Draconians and of Fanelia."
There was a moment of silence before the being hidden behind the fog repeated, "Hitomi Kazanki Fanel…"
It sounded as if the name had sparked some curiosity in the guardian. The group waited, as they knew from his voice growing closer that he was approaching. Shakaku and Escaflowne both hurried to stand in front of their queen protecting her. Hitomi ignored her companions while her emerald eyes were fixed on the fog ahead where she knew the guardian was approaching from. Slowly the being approached allowing his outline to become visible. Taking a single step closer the seeress stared at the form. It was that of some robed male. Gradually one could see that the being was wearing a silver cloak over his face like that of the demons.
As he grew ever-closer Hitomi tried to remember what had been told of this warrior. He had died about two years ago before the Sacrifice and was male. That meant he had died during…
His chuckle echoed in the vastness as a hand reached up to discard his hood, "So you finally got married…"
He had died during the Great War…
Then his hood fell causing Hitomi to gasp. Her emeralds grew wide with surprise, but not without a glint of joy. Happily the seeress cried, "Folken!"
~~~ Dusty Plain ~~~
Thunder suddenly clapped in the air startling the group. Van looked into the sky and noticed there was not a single cloud in the vastness. Each of the guardians jumped to their feet feeling a change in the wind. Sian's silver eyes narrowed dangerously as she whispered darkly, "Something isn't right…"
As if to affirm her assessment a scarlet pillar of lightning struck the earth with tremendous force. The ground slightly shook, but nothing too violent. The dust flew into their eyes and they threw their arms before their eyes. Sian snorted as the cloud began to settle and opened her jewels. The forest maiden gasped as soon as she spotted the five black figures.
"Nice to see all of you" the fallen emperor smirked deviously as he showed his sword of darkness.
Instinctively Sian stood before her king and his family bringing her bow out. Tensing into a fighting position the warrior wondered how much worse the situation could get…
~~~ Realm of the Dead ~~~
Hitomi stared up at Folken's familiar face joyfully asking, "What are you doing here?"
Smiling down at his sister-in-law the man said, "I am the seventh guardian you are looking for am I not."
"But how?" the seeress exclaimed dramatically staring into his deep eyes, "I don't understand."
Fondly the man placed two hands on the woman's shoulder before speaking, "After I died in the Great War I was asked by your grandmother to take the position as the final guardian, the Guardian of the Spirits. I was to forever watch the portal leading to the realm where the dead go. On some cases I have even journeyed to Gaea and help bring dead souls here. There are other times where I am seen in dreams or in the physical realm to act as an omen of hatred or death."
Looking up so his eyes met his little sister he whispered, "I had always wanted to speak to Van and you, but I was kept here by my oath to Joutei. I'm sorry."
"No!" Hitomi exclaimed grabbing both of his arms, "Don't be sorry, Folken. I know you wanted to see us. I'm glad I got to see you during the Sacrifice at least. You can't imagine how happy I am to see you… or how Van will be overjoyed…."
Folken's eyes grew distant as he murmured, "Van…"
"Yes…" Hitomi whispered happily before looking down at his arms. Emeralds widened as she noticed his two arms had become exposed from under his cloak when he had grabbed her shoulders. Intently she stared at his right arm gasping, "Folken, your arm!"
The old Zaibach soldier nodded while glancing at his arm. Flesh now replaced the old mechanical arm he had during his life. With a hint of happiness in his words the man said, "Yes, when I came here they took away my old machine arm and replaced it with real flesh."
"Amazing" Hitomi muttered as she stared at his new arm. Her emeralds ran over the flawless tan skin coming to rest on the pair of long wristbands of metal he wore. Both of the gaudlents were silver with the Draconian emblems on them. Each of the metal bands had small slits placed into them. Looking up again Hitomi met the eyes of her new brother and said, "We must hurry."
~~~ Dusty Plains ~~~
The four lower demons streaked forward each taking a guardian leaving Dornkirk to glare at Sian and Van. The duo quickly brought their weapons into fighting angles as they protected Merle and Princess Iris. Glancing over at the dead trio the emperor smirked at the collapsed seeress. Hissing triumphantly the man said, "Good to see I arrived when the darn wench was already under. That means I have sometime before she returns."
Sian clutched her bow as she angrily bended her knees, "What do you want, Dornkirk?! I thought you wanted Queen Hitomi."
"Well of course" the man exclaimed roughly, "But you see I have a interesting idea that will assure me her powers!"
"What?!" Van snapped hotly bringing his blade closer to him.
Dornkirk smirked at the impatient king before whispered evilly, "Oh, you'll see…"
~~~ Realm of the Dead ~~~
"Wait!" Folken said as the dragon couple began to turn around, "We must go further into this realm."
"Why?" Shakaku asked frantically, "We have spent too much time talking already. We only have ten minutes at most left."
"Yes" Escaflowne nodded, "We must hurry and return to the others."
Hitomi ignored their cries and asked quietly, "Why do we need to go, Folken?"
The bluish-white headed man looked into the emerald eyes of his queen and said, "There is someone you must see, Hitomi."
The seeress hesitated knowing they needed to leave. She could already feel her head beginning to spin from staying here so long. The seeress also knew that whatever Folken wanted her to see must be important so she nodded for him to lead the way. The guardian turned quickly and trotted into the fog letting his cloak trail him. Hitomi swiftly went into step behind him while the dragon couple took the rear. Their footsteps never made a single sound…
~~~ Fanelia ~~~
Mamoru knew that he had no idea what he was doing or anything to base his actions on, but he felt the need to do what he was about to do. Something in the back of his mind screamed that he must figure out how to do this. The future told him he must learn this art now before it became time. Closing his chocolate orbs he let his powers fly from his body towards the circled people. No one saw the soft white fog that whirled from the royal's feet and swirl under theirs. Gradually the snowy fog had blanketed the entire floor of the room. Everyone felt their eyes grow heavy and slowly their eyelids dropped. A strange warmth ran over their skin and slowly they each opened their eyes to find themselves starring at another place other the room they had been sitting in.
"Where is this place?!" cried Millerina frantically taking in the scene.
Yukari threw herself back as she saw the bloody fight before her, "Oh my god!"
"Is that Van?! Allen exclaimed as he saw the raven king battle a dark figure in a cloak.
Other cries followed and panic began to grip each spectator before Mamoru could finally shout, "Peace! Peace my friends!"
Everyone froze as their eyes continued to see the battle at the dusty plain. The substitute king spoke softly trying to soothe the group, "What I have done is let you see what I see with my gift. Right now we are looking at the battle being fought on the dusty plain."
Celena blinked several times before whispering, "How can you do this, Prince Mamoru?"
There was silence as the youth turned the idea over in his mind. Almost too silent to be heard the royal whispered, "I am not entirely sure…"
~~~ Dusty Plain ~~~
Nembus roared with the force of his attack as the blade of his enemy met his sword. The demon snarled and plunged all his strength into the force of his blade. The two warriors struggled desperately trying to win the battle. Suddenly Nembus fell to one knee clutching his hilt in two hands. The moment he showed his weakness by doing this the demon released one of his hands of the hilt of his own sword and through a black ball of energy into the male's chest. Howling from the blow the guardian was thrown backwards with the demon flying after him.
Nazomi did a roundup dramatically before coming down on one knee. Snarling as the demon rushed her the guardian pulled out her shockren and unclasped the wondrous weapon into two daggers. When the attacker was a few feet from her the guardian flung one of the blades at the demon. The figure cried out as the weapon lodged in her shoulder narrowly missing her vital organs.
Another demon swooped down from the air narrowly missing Zaado as he kept his ax between him and his attacker. As the warrior realized the being was coming for another attack he carefully began to spin his large weapon, readying for the blow. As the being flew down the wooden end of the handle met the demon's chest knocking the cloaked figure to the ground.
Tsuno twirled perfectly before delivering an impressive thrust of his trident at the demon. Unfortunately the cloaked attacker was limber and did an elegant twist of its body before bringing a sharp boot to the guardian's chin. Poor Guardian of the Waves was flung back as the force of the blow made him go head over heels.
Van saw the sparks fly from his sword as it struck the Zaibach emperor's. The second his blade fell away from his enemy Sian took over yelling her warrior cry. The bow of the ancient warrior sliced through the air only to meet with cloaked man's weapon. Landing on her feet the guardian put her shoulder into the strength of her enchanted weapon. The wind picked up a little and threw back Dornkirk's hood revealing his face fully. The ebony change did nothing for the battle though.
Her brunette bangs fell over her eyes as the forest maiden hissed, "Why are you here?!"
"Impatient, aren't we?" hissed the man darkly before pushing the guardian away. The moment he had thought gained for rest was soon lost as the dragon king rushed forward and began to send volleys of attacks at him. Dornkirk narrowed his eyes as he dodged a blow and blocked another. He knew he couldn't win if two were attacking him at once. Every time one would grow tired the other would take over giving him no time to rest. This had to stop before his exhaustion caused him to stumble though he sincerely doubted it would be anytime soon.
His eyes glow red and his hair flowed as he dipped into his powers…
~~~ Realm of the Dead ~~~
Hitomi slowed down beside her old friend coming to a halt before a large opening in the world. The empty door hung in the air by some unseen force. It was, but a dark circle with no center within dead air. Slowly the seeress edged towards it and reached timidly out for it. Something within its ebony depths seemed to draw her to it. Shakaku and Escaflowne reached the place the family members stood just as Folken roughly warned, "Don't, Hitomi."
The seeress recoiled her hand as if she had been slapped and stared at the royal. Quietly she asked, "What's the matter?"
The man walked forward slowly coming to stand inches away from the portal. Carefully he stared into it as if searching for something. As he continued to stare in his depths the Draconian warned, "If you should accidentally be sucked in, Hitomi, you shall never return. This opening is a one way. Spirits can only enter this way not exit."
Curiously the queen stared at the passage with her eyes sparkling with wisdom, "Couldn't I simple exit out of one of the other portals? I thought there were three openings."
"Well perhaps" Folken muttered still searching in the portal, "But the other openings have been sealed recently by Dornkirk."
"Dornkirk?!" exclaimed Escaflowne growling out his words, "Why would he do that?"
The angel man's shoulder began to slump as his search seemed to be in vain, "Because it was the only place he knew he could keep the Heavens, Hell, Akuma, and Joutei without need of a guard."
Hitomi whirled her eyes on her brother and desperately asked, "Joutei's in there?!"
Folken merely nodded without turning towards the 'Angel' causing Hitomi to once again stare at the portal. She felt a hit of realization grabbed her and the girl whispered, "What is this place?"
The man's eyes suddenly became wide as his search ended before replying quietly, "It is known as simply 'Judgment'…"
Abruptly a glow formed on the other side of the portal catching everyone's eyes. There standing in a whirl of golden flame was the single being that could possible change everything.
Hitomi smiled joyfully before whispering, "Joutei…"
~~~ Dusty Plain ~~~
The battle was not going well for our group. It seemed that they just couldn't match up to the demons. At times it appeared they were going to win, but their hope would soon be stamped into the ground as the demons plowed over them. The guardians were shoved about and the demons cackled with their winning success making the warriors frustrated. Their enemies were playing with them…
Even Van and Sian were having extreme difficulties as they fought the leader. Dornkirk kept using his powers to strengthen growing higher in his level of energy. The dragon king panted as the forest guardian took her turn. Van grimaced as he noticed things were not going well at all…
~~~ Realm of the Dead ~~~
"Why aren't you trying to escape, Joutei?" Hitomi asked as she faced the god, "Why do you stay within there when you most certainly have the ability to leave?"
The golden figure let his head fall a little as he proclaimed in a mighty voice that echoed throughout the distance, "I cannot, young one."
Stepping forward the mighty white legend asked, "Why not?"
"Because I am not able to leave just yet" he replied in strong baritone.
"Not yet…" Hitomi muttered beneath her breath confused.
"Is there something that must happen?" asked Shakaku encouraging the god for more information, "Is there something you are waiting for?"
"Yes" the male voice resonated throughout the realm.
"What?" exclaimed the seeress desperately.
"An answer…" the immortal said mysteriously.
~~~ Dusty Plain ~~~
Dornkirk threw the guardian over his shoulder and slammed her into the ground on her back. Sian groaned as the ground cracked under the force of the throw. Leaping right over her came a raging Van bringing his sword down violently. The emperor angrily hit it away leaving the young king's side open. Without meeting a beat the dark figure threw a ray of ebony light at the royal. Van did his best to dodge, but he was so close to his opponent that it didn't take long for the attack to travel. Crying out the young king brought his wounded arm to his chest staining his clothes…
~~~ Realm of the Dead ~~~
Escaflowne suddenly howled and clutched his left arm to his chest. The red dragon and the two royals whirled around with wide eyes. Shakaku was the first the ask, "What's wrong?"
Hissing through clinched teeth the dragon peered down at his limb hidden behind his other arm. Slowly he revealed his torment causing each of them to gasp. His left arm had a long slash from his elbow to nearly his wrist. It was rather shallow for a wound, but it still pumped out a good amount of blood streaming over his pearly scales like rose petals on white silk.
The red female gaped at her spouse whispering, "How could this happen?"
Without taking his eyes off of the horizon the dragon said barely audible, "I think something's happening back in the realm of the living."
Hitomi's eyes widened as she remembered the White Legend and the Dragon King were physically linked to each other. Emeralds reflected her fear as she whispered, "Van…"
~~~ Dusty Plain ~~~
The world seemed to tilt and the guardians were hit hard as bolts of crimson hit them square in the chest. Van and his family were the only ones not struck and stood tensely watching their comrades collapsed to the ground groaning in pain. Sian numbly struggled to get up, but soon crumbled after her weak attempt. The demons hissed with victory as they loomed over their opponents shadowing them. Dornkirk smirked as he, still glowing with powers, advanced on the young king.
Tensing considerably the raven headed man stood tensely while Merle watched from the side with Princess Iris clutched tightly to her bosom. Van angrily growled between clenched teeth, "I will never let you destroy this world!"
Cackling heartily the emperor exclaimed loudly, "You a being with no powers!"
That's what snapped Van's pride causing him to yell with rage and suddenly rush the dark man before him. Dornkirk merely lifted his ebony palm and threw a bit of power at the king. Without even making it close enough to strike the young king was thrown into the air like a rag doll. In a mere second Van crashed into the ground sparking a cry from the cat-girl.
"LORD VAN!" Merle cried fearfully as she watched her brother's body become limp.
Gently his rubies fixed on the emperor as he spat out blood and hissed, "Blast you, Dornkirk…"
The emperor chuckled quietly before turning on the cat-girl who was sobbing. Merle's hair stood on end as she saw the demon leader head towards her. Taking several steps back the girl hissed, "Don't you dare come any closer!"
"Like I'm going to listen to you," the man hissed darkly before streaking forward. Merle never had the chance as she felt a hard fist met her abs. Her mouth fell open as her eyes rolled into the back of her head. As she slowly fell to the ground her hands lost the tight hold on the infant letting the bundle fall from her fingertips. Just before the baby would have hit the earth Dornkirk snatched the child into his arms, but ignoring the advisor. With a loud thump the cat-girl landed unconscious in the dirt.
Holding the infants roughly in his arms the emperor smirked as the infant wailed. Turning to his followers the dark man strode over to the edge of the battlefield directly opposite from where the trio remained unconscious. As they walked past the guardians the ancient warriors made feeble attempts to stop them. Tsuno had been the closest to succeeding for he had grasped one of the demons' ankles, but it was a small victory for the being just merely kicked him in the face escaping his hold.
Sian watched as they began to leave with the young princess none of them able to do anything. Her bangs fell over her eyes as the woman desperately called out to their only help, "Hitomi…"
~~~ Realm of the Dead ~~~
"Hitomi…"
The plea couldn't have been more frightening to hear. If she hadn't heard the voice of her most trusted guard the young queen might have thought the damage to Escaflowne would have been just a fluke (an injury from staying in this realm so long", but when she heard that voice call for her she knew what it meant. The seeress knew automatically they had to return and raced for the horizon yelling over her shoulder, "We must leave now!"
Shakaku and Escaflowne swiftly followed, but Folken held back looking back at Joutei through the opening. There was something left to be said between him and the golden figure. Already the trio had begun to fade into the fog. The man turned slightly to the god and the immortal nodded, "You know as well as I, my follower, that there is more going on in this war then they see."
"Yes, Joutei" Folken whispered lightly before turning to look back at the fog. His sister's form was becoming harder to see. Turning back to the immortal the guardian wondered, "But I do not know what it is."
Joutei began to back away from the opening as though not to give an answer, but just before he completely left the angel man he whispered, "It is a trial…"
Hitomi raced with all the strength she had in her limbs furiously pushing them to strain harder. She knew something was terribly wrong. The cry from Sian still echoed in her ears. What was happening back in the other realm?
Grunting softly the seeress pushed off with her wings seeking the way out. The dragon couple quickly followed bringing their own wings into full spread. Just a few yards behind them came Folken pushing just to catch up with the three. Soon the charcoal ground disappeared leaving only the foggy haze to travel through. Desperately the queen put more energy in the sweep of her wings.
Seconds later Hitomi lost herself and tumbled in a blinding place. Automatically her eyes winced shut. The blood rushed to her head and she seemed to hit the ground hard making her cough. Slowly the queen opened her eyes to see a blue sky…
Tenderly the woman lifted herself up into a sitting position and softly shook her head trying to rid her dizziness. Nearby the dragon pair did the same with their new comrade.
Opening her emeralds without disorientation the woman saw the horror. Everyone she had left behind minutes ago were not laying on the ground splattered in their own blood weakly trying to rise. It was obvious a fight of some sort had broken out here. About a few yards from her laid her own husband trying frantically to rise. Hastily getting to her feet the seeress raced to her husband's side. Bringing his head of raven locks to be cradled in her arms she called to him, "Van! Are you all right?!"
The king softly groaned while squeezing his eyes shut. Clutching his wife's arm Van hoarsely whispered, "Iris!… They got… Iris!"
Hitomi's heart seemed to stop as she whirled her eyes towards the other side of the battlefield. Across the stricken bodies of the guardians the seeress saw Dornkirk, surrounded by his demons, holding her baby… the child she had only bore a few days ago… her only child… Without even thinking the queen let go of her husband who tried to sit up and rushed after the emperor. As she passed the dragons Shakaku vainly reached an arm out to catch her queen shouting, "NO! QUEEN HITOMI!"
Tears began to sprinkle from her eyes like stars as she held her hand out towards her only child yelling, "DORNKIRK! STOP!"
The emperor laughed darkly as he stretched out his wings and lifted into the air with his followers and her precious bundle. Flying just a few feet above the ground the man loomed several yards away from the seeress escaping. Kicking up dirt the queen released her wings as well and soared after the screaming child. Already a ray of red lightning had formed behind the cloaked group swallowing the first of the demons leaving Dornkirk as the last. The evil man of the past flew backwards showing off his prize to the stricken mother.
Hitomi redoubled her effort coming slightly closer to her goal with her fingers stretching for all their worth. With a final beat of his wings the leader of the band allowed himself to glide the rest of the way to his exit. Smirking devilishly the man shouted, "If you want your daughter, seeress, come to the Mystic Valley and give up your powers to me!"
Glancing over his shoulder the man saw his last demon disappear into the scarlet exit. Hitomi's eyes widen as she saw her dear little angel's face. She was all most there…
Smirking with dark intentions the man turned back to his greatest enemy ever and yelled loud enough for all to here, "If you don't arrive before sundown the princess shall die!"
Her pale fingers strained to grasp the infant seeing her hope dying. Her only daughter was being taken away from her by the strongest and evilest man on the planet! Hitomi lunged at the demon emperor crying out, "IRIS!"
Laughing menacingly the man drifted into the crimson ray fading into the light just as Hitomi reached him. Her emeralds filled with sorrow as she flew through his afterimage and the trailing scarlet lightning as it was sucked up back into the sky. Slamming into the ground the seeress slide through the dirt for several feet before coming to a halt. The second she did she whirled her eyes frantically at the sky watching the remains of the dark shaft disappearing into the cloudy sky. As a final flash announced the leave of the demons the woman felt her heart broke.
A tortured sob escaped her throat as she bowed her head. Chestnut bangs fell over her emeralds hiding the sorrow in them, but not concealing the tears that slipped from them down her cheeks. Her fingers tensely clasped the soft dirt letting the soil slip from her fingers. Choking out another sob all the queen could do was whisper over and over, "Iris… Iris…"
~ Well who thought the last guardian would be Folken? Anyone?~
~ Well! Who knew that Iris would be taken? Anyone??? I thought it was pretty predictable!~
~ Anyway what did you think? Interesting? Boring? Great? Stupid? PLEASE TELL ME! I will only post the next chapter if I get ten reviews. I'm sorry that I must force reviews out of you readers,… but *sniff* I'm beginning to think you hate this story!~
~ Now what?! In our next chapter Hitomi must make one of the hardest decisions in her life. If she doesn't give out her powers to Dornkirk before sundown Iris will die! But if she does just that Dornkirk will take over Gaea and rule for a thousands years of suffering! What would use choose?! During this coming chapter the group furiously try to get around the ransom letting Hitomi make the final decision. Wait and find out what she decides in chapter 26: Only Way! Coming soon on August 8th!~