Disclaimer: No Esca for me thanks, but any original characters are MINE!
A/N: Well, here's the next chapter, enjoy! R&R! ^_^
*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
Chapter 24: A Romance in the Making
"Al-b-ba-t-tou?" Daren stuttered.
"Yes, Albatou. Heard the name before?"
"Um…Well yes…" Thinking of his father's many encounters with the Diabolical Adonis.
"Are you related by chance to…?"
"Yes, I am." She replied, not letting him finish his question, since she knew what it was going to be.
"I presume you were going to ask if I'm related to Dilandau Albatou? Well I am, he's my father."
Daren was speechless with fright at this point and decided not to ask any further questions.
"When Selena Schezar returned to her brother, she was lonely, an outcast. She remembered her other form, my father, Lord Dilandau, using a unique power she held from the fate alteration, she formed a separate body for Dilandau. They fell in love, and eventually were married. I'm the result of that marriage; my brother was too… My late mother died of illness, after having my brother. Father never got over it, and then Philon was killed when he was playing out in the woods by that dragon I just slew. Father drinks more than he used to, he's not stable anymore." She said, sadly shaking her head while Daren thought, 'He never was…'
And Mira continued, "Some of father's Dragonslayers got brought back to life by the Zaibach sorcerers, they help me care for him. Philon was always soft, like mother. He never liked killing, he was a disappointment to father. Father wants me to be the son Philon never was, but I can't live up to his expectations." She sighed.
"But why am I telling you all this?" She smirked.
"Let's hear about YOUR family."
"Well, I have three sisters, a brother, and well my parents. I have an aunt, but she's off on a killing spree somewhere. She likes fighting. That's pretty much it."
"Sounds pretty average to me."
"Yeah, pretty much." He lied.
"So, where are you headed?"
"Nowhere, I just want to get away from my home, I can't stand it any more."
"I understand completely." He replied.
"Why don't you come with me?"
"Can't. Father, would never let me go to Fanelia."
"Why?"
"My mother's brother was murdered there."
"By whom?"
"My poor Uncle Allen, was slaughtered there by their wicked king, Van Slanzar de Fanel. It would be a disgrace to his memory." (A/N: She needs to be enlightened, Van is not wicked, stupid Allen! (I can't believe I'm arguing with my own character) * sigh *)
"Your uncle tried to murder the king, what did you think he'd do? Let him go free?"
"Are you saying that my uncle's an assassin?"
"Well frankly, yes." He replied with confidence.
"Tonight, my blade will meet your flesh!" She challenged him.
"Willingly." He replied, drawing his sword.
Metal met metal as their duel began. Daren kicked out his leg and tried to knock Mira over, but she jumped and almost pinned him, but his sword blocked hers. The clashing and cursing continued long into the night. They collapsed, exhausted long in the cool grass, gasping for air. The two moons shone brightly in the sky, and the stars were brilliant.
"My mother and father used to take me stargazing all the time before."
"Yeah, same here, but then my sister disappeared and we never did anything together anymore."
"Your sister disappeared?"
"Yeah, she's back now, but she was gone for four years."
"That's too bad."
"Yeah. Every night, I'd wish on every star I saw that she'd come home, but it never helped."
"Father used to love me, but now it's like I don't exist, I don't have any other family, they're all dead." She whispered, holding back tears.
"What about your cousin?"
"What cousin?"
"Nhar de Freid Chid."
"My cousin's the Duke of Freid?"
"Yep."
"Wow."
"Come with me Mira."
"Where?"
"To Fanelia, you'll be happy there."
"I can't just abandon my dad, he needs me."
"We could ask Duke Chid for help."
"How could YOU talk to the Duke? No offense Tao, but you're no prince."
'If only you knew…' He thought to himself, 'If only you knew…'
"I have my connections."
"Alright, I've got nothing better to do."
Daren made a bed out of grass and reeds, Mira pulled out a blanket from her satchel for her own bed, and they slept under the moonlight.
*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
The next morning, they started bright and early. It was a lovely day. It took them until noon walking, but they finally reached Fanelia.
'Maybe this wasn't such a good idea, she thinks I'm a peasant, uh on…" Daren saw two guards running towards them.
"Prince Daren, your parents have been worried Milord!"
"Oh no, you're mistaken…" Mira began, but Daren cut her off escorting her up the steps.
"Lero, Narip, thanks." He said in a sarcastic tone.
Then, Hitomi and Van ran towards their son.
"Oh Daren, I was so worried about you! Don't you ever scare me like that again!" Hitomi wanted to hug and strangle her oldest son at the same time.
"Who's she?" Van asked, noticing Mira.
"My friend, Mira."
"Mira Albatou." She coolly stated, curtsying.
Van looked like he was going to drop dead after this introduction, but regained his composure.
"Welcome to Fanelia, Lady Mira. I'll tell Hari to make up a room for you."
"Thank you Milord." She replied, giving Daren an icy glare.
Hitomi looked a little baffled, but decided to ignore the problem and add another place at the table.
"Excuse me MILORD." Mira hastily excused herself, tearing down the hall.
"Great, just great." Daren muttered.
"Lord Daren!" Ria cried out excitedly, as she leaped on top of him, licking his face.
"Ria…" He moaned.
"Won't Tavu be jealous if he sees you like this?" Daren asked, knowing her weakness for the blue-haired catboy.
"You're right, Lord Daren!" She said, scrambling to get up.
"We wondered what happened to you, you just disappeared! Var has been moping, she misses Leo, y'know, and as usual, Ruvan has been bored. Hope and Memory have been trying to teach Tion how to do stuff, but they haven't been succeeding…"
"Ria, could you help my guest?" Leo interrupted her.
"What guest?"
"A girl, I met in the woods, her name's Mira."
"Ooh! Lord Daren's got a girlfriend!" Ria squealed.
"C'mon, I don't she's just a friend!" Daren protested.
"Ooh! Are you gonna marry her Lord Daren?" Daren turned a bright crimson.
"Cut it out Ria!" He persisted.
"Oh fine," she reluctantly surrendered, "I'll help your girlfriend!" And with a triumphant smirk, she ran from the blushing Daren. She opened the door to the guestroom Mira was staying in and saw her making dents in the bedpost with her sword.
"What are you doing?" Ria shrieked.
"What's it look like?" Mira replied in a dull tone, making a nice long hack in the wood.
"Ugh! What is wrong with you?" Ria asked in disgust.
"Everyone lies to me. And I'm sick of it!"
"Prince Daren, told me he was a peasant, and I looked like a fool in front of everyone. Does that suit you?" She asked.
"Lord Daren is nice, he hates being a prince! And I think he has a crush on you!" Ria mischievously exclaimed. Mira turned beet red at this remark.
"C'mon, we gotta get you a dress, there's a big ball tonight in honor of Lord Daren's 17th birthday!" Ria exclaimed.
"What color dress do you want to wear?"
"Can't I just wear this?" Mira asked in frustration.
Ria glanced at the black leggings and T-shirt and replied, "If you think I'm letting you out of this room, dressed like that, you're crazy!" She held up several dresses that Mira rejected. They finally settled on a light blue dress that set off Mira's eyes.
"Got your dress, so let's go!" And with a "MEOW!" Ria dashed out the door.
*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
~Half an hour earlier~
"Daren! How could you bring in an Albatou?!" Van exclaimed.
"Geez, it's just Dilandau's daughter, don't hold a grudge, the war's over!" Daren replied, defending his newfound friend.
"Don't let her out of your sight!" Van insisted before leaving the room.
*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
The guests looked oddly at the silver-haired girl. She didn't look familiar, a commoner, no doubt.
"There must have been a mistake on the guest list," several commented.
Mira walked across the room, until she finally reached Daren, who looked like he was going to fall asleep standing up.
"You look lovely," He commented.
She muttered, "I feel like a complete moron."
Princess Siara of Bazram walked over to flirt with Daren. She was a witless girl with frizzy red hair and dull green eyes. She was quite mean and bossy, and had a crush on Daren.
"Hello, Prince Daren," She said in her most obnoxious flattering voice.
"Hello Princess." He said in a bored tone.
"Would you care to dance, Lady Mira?"
"Umm, OK." She replied, as he swept her off her feet, leaving a jealous princess behind.
After awhile, they got very bored, since neither of them enjoyed dancing.
"Wanna go to the training room?" Daren asked after their fifth dance to the boring music.
"Sure, anything is better than this." She replied, and they walked off.
*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
Ria had convinced Tavu to dance with her, and they twirled about the dance floor. Ruvan couldn't dance, so he was sitting to the side, watching, extremely bored. All the princes wanted to dance with Varomi, but she refused, looking out the window in the direction of Asturia and sighing. The twins and Tion were too little to dance, so they had been put to bed early. Van and Hitomi glided across the dance floor; everyone admired their skill and rhythm.
*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
In the training room, Daren unsheathed his sword, Mira did likewise.
"You know, we never settled the score, yesterday…" Mira remarked.
"Let's continue…" He replied, lunging at her.
She blocked his attack and their blades continued to clang against eachother's. She almost knocked his sword out of his hand, but he blocked it. He gave her a knick on the arm, and she bloodied his leg. He almost had her, when they heard the angry disciplining voice from Hitomi's mouth.
"Daren Sidan de Fanel!" Daren cringed at the use of his full name.
"We threw this whole ball in your honor! You should be present for your OWN party!"
"But, it was boring mother." Daren commented.
"Come back this instant Daren, it's not polite to your guests!"
"But Mira's my guest, and she was bored too." He protested.
"Oh c'mon Hon, give him a break." Van commented, stepping into the room.
"You know I would've done the same thing at his age," He continued giving Daren a wink.
"Thanks Dad." Daren commented, as Van began to push Hitomi back towards the ballroom.
"Your dad seems nice." Mira commented.
"Yeah, he's great, mom is too."
"Back to our fight?"
"Nah, wanna go out to the gardens?"
"Sure." And they headed outside.
*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
"Wow, it's beautiful." Mira commented as she saw the moonlit gardens.
"Lovely." She said, inhaling the sweet scent of a blue rose.
Daren picked a light blue flower and gave it to her. She tucked it in her hair. They sat on a bench, admiring the stars.
"There's the hunter." Mira commented pointing to a cluster of stars.
"And there's the dragon." Daren pointed to the group with a yellow star.
"Wow, you don't see that every day." Mira said, admiring the constellation above them.
"That's cupid's arrow, they say it appears over two people when they're falling in love. Sorry, don't ask me why I said that." Daren blushed immensely.
"That's OK." She said playfully pushing him.
"Look at the 2nd moon, it's red. My dad would love it." She whispered.
"So… I'm sure you have a fiancée…" Daren commented.
"Nah, father's never betrothed me, and all the boys in Zaibach are idiots." Mira replied.
"I wouldn't be able to travel around like this if I was engaged."
"We better go back in…"
'Darn if Fanel, don't say that!'
"You're right."
They reached their rooms and said their goodnights, but a catlike figure was watching them, and she grinned, "I've got to get those two together…"
A/N: R&R! Arigato and Sionara! ^_^
~Trunks Gal~
A/N: Well, here's the next chapter, enjoy! R&R! ^_^
*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
Chapter 24: A Romance in the Making
"Al-b-ba-t-tou?" Daren stuttered.
"Yes, Albatou. Heard the name before?"
"Um…Well yes…" Thinking of his father's many encounters with the Diabolical Adonis.
"Are you related by chance to…?"
"Yes, I am." She replied, not letting him finish his question, since she knew what it was going to be.
"I presume you were going to ask if I'm related to Dilandau Albatou? Well I am, he's my father."
Daren was speechless with fright at this point and decided not to ask any further questions.
"When Selena Schezar returned to her brother, she was lonely, an outcast. She remembered her other form, my father, Lord Dilandau, using a unique power she held from the fate alteration, she formed a separate body for Dilandau. They fell in love, and eventually were married. I'm the result of that marriage; my brother was too… My late mother died of illness, after having my brother. Father never got over it, and then Philon was killed when he was playing out in the woods by that dragon I just slew. Father drinks more than he used to, he's not stable anymore." She said, sadly shaking her head while Daren thought, 'He never was…'
And Mira continued, "Some of father's Dragonslayers got brought back to life by the Zaibach sorcerers, they help me care for him. Philon was always soft, like mother. He never liked killing, he was a disappointment to father. Father wants me to be the son Philon never was, but I can't live up to his expectations." She sighed.
"But why am I telling you all this?" She smirked.
"Let's hear about YOUR family."
"Well, I have three sisters, a brother, and well my parents. I have an aunt, but she's off on a killing spree somewhere. She likes fighting. That's pretty much it."
"Sounds pretty average to me."
"Yeah, pretty much." He lied.
"So, where are you headed?"
"Nowhere, I just want to get away from my home, I can't stand it any more."
"I understand completely." He replied.
"Why don't you come with me?"
"Can't. Father, would never let me go to Fanelia."
"Why?"
"My mother's brother was murdered there."
"By whom?"
"My poor Uncle Allen, was slaughtered there by their wicked king, Van Slanzar de Fanel. It would be a disgrace to his memory." (A/N: She needs to be enlightened, Van is not wicked, stupid Allen! (I can't believe I'm arguing with my own character) * sigh *)
"Your uncle tried to murder the king, what did you think he'd do? Let him go free?"
"Are you saying that my uncle's an assassin?"
"Well frankly, yes." He replied with confidence.
"Tonight, my blade will meet your flesh!" She challenged him.
"Willingly." He replied, drawing his sword.
Metal met metal as their duel began. Daren kicked out his leg and tried to knock Mira over, but she jumped and almost pinned him, but his sword blocked hers. The clashing and cursing continued long into the night. They collapsed, exhausted long in the cool grass, gasping for air. The two moons shone brightly in the sky, and the stars were brilliant.
"My mother and father used to take me stargazing all the time before."
"Yeah, same here, but then my sister disappeared and we never did anything together anymore."
"Your sister disappeared?"
"Yeah, she's back now, but she was gone for four years."
"That's too bad."
"Yeah. Every night, I'd wish on every star I saw that she'd come home, but it never helped."
"Father used to love me, but now it's like I don't exist, I don't have any other family, they're all dead." She whispered, holding back tears.
"What about your cousin?"
"What cousin?"
"Nhar de Freid Chid."
"My cousin's the Duke of Freid?"
"Yep."
"Wow."
"Come with me Mira."
"Where?"
"To Fanelia, you'll be happy there."
"I can't just abandon my dad, he needs me."
"We could ask Duke Chid for help."
"How could YOU talk to the Duke? No offense Tao, but you're no prince."
'If only you knew…' He thought to himself, 'If only you knew…'
"I have my connections."
"Alright, I've got nothing better to do."
Daren made a bed out of grass and reeds, Mira pulled out a blanket from her satchel for her own bed, and they slept under the moonlight.
*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
The next morning, they started bright and early. It was a lovely day. It took them until noon walking, but they finally reached Fanelia.
'Maybe this wasn't such a good idea, she thinks I'm a peasant, uh on…" Daren saw two guards running towards them.
"Prince Daren, your parents have been worried Milord!"
"Oh no, you're mistaken…" Mira began, but Daren cut her off escorting her up the steps.
"Lero, Narip, thanks." He said in a sarcastic tone.
Then, Hitomi and Van ran towards their son.
"Oh Daren, I was so worried about you! Don't you ever scare me like that again!" Hitomi wanted to hug and strangle her oldest son at the same time.
"Who's she?" Van asked, noticing Mira.
"My friend, Mira."
"Mira Albatou." She coolly stated, curtsying.
Van looked like he was going to drop dead after this introduction, but regained his composure.
"Welcome to Fanelia, Lady Mira. I'll tell Hari to make up a room for you."
"Thank you Milord." She replied, giving Daren an icy glare.
Hitomi looked a little baffled, but decided to ignore the problem and add another place at the table.
"Excuse me MILORD." Mira hastily excused herself, tearing down the hall.
"Great, just great." Daren muttered.
"Lord Daren!" Ria cried out excitedly, as she leaped on top of him, licking his face.
"Ria…" He moaned.
"Won't Tavu be jealous if he sees you like this?" Daren asked, knowing her weakness for the blue-haired catboy.
"You're right, Lord Daren!" She said, scrambling to get up.
"We wondered what happened to you, you just disappeared! Var has been moping, she misses Leo, y'know, and as usual, Ruvan has been bored. Hope and Memory have been trying to teach Tion how to do stuff, but they haven't been succeeding…"
"Ria, could you help my guest?" Leo interrupted her.
"What guest?"
"A girl, I met in the woods, her name's Mira."
"Ooh! Lord Daren's got a girlfriend!" Ria squealed.
"C'mon, I don't she's just a friend!" Daren protested.
"Ooh! Are you gonna marry her Lord Daren?" Daren turned a bright crimson.
"Cut it out Ria!" He persisted.
"Oh fine," she reluctantly surrendered, "I'll help your girlfriend!" And with a triumphant smirk, she ran from the blushing Daren. She opened the door to the guestroom Mira was staying in and saw her making dents in the bedpost with her sword.
"What are you doing?" Ria shrieked.
"What's it look like?" Mira replied in a dull tone, making a nice long hack in the wood.
"Ugh! What is wrong with you?" Ria asked in disgust.
"Everyone lies to me. And I'm sick of it!"
"Prince Daren, told me he was a peasant, and I looked like a fool in front of everyone. Does that suit you?" She asked.
"Lord Daren is nice, he hates being a prince! And I think he has a crush on you!" Ria mischievously exclaimed. Mira turned beet red at this remark.
"C'mon, we gotta get you a dress, there's a big ball tonight in honor of Lord Daren's 17th birthday!" Ria exclaimed.
"What color dress do you want to wear?"
"Can't I just wear this?" Mira asked in frustration.
Ria glanced at the black leggings and T-shirt and replied, "If you think I'm letting you out of this room, dressed like that, you're crazy!" She held up several dresses that Mira rejected. They finally settled on a light blue dress that set off Mira's eyes.
"Got your dress, so let's go!" And with a "MEOW!" Ria dashed out the door.
*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
~Half an hour earlier~
"Daren! How could you bring in an Albatou?!" Van exclaimed.
"Geez, it's just Dilandau's daughter, don't hold a grudge, the war's over!" Daren replied, defending his newfound friend.
"Don't let her out of your sight!" Van insisted before leaving the room.
*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
The guests looked oddly at the silver-haired girl. She didn't look familiar, a commoner, no doubt.
"There must have been a mistake on the guest list," several commented.
Mira walked across the room, until she finally reached Daren, who looked like he was going to fall asleep standing up.
"You look lovely," He commented.
She muttered, "I feel like a complete moron."
Princess Siara of Bazram walked over to flirt with Daren. She was a witless girl with frizzy red hair and dull green eyes. She was quite mean and bossy, and had a crush on Daren.
"Hello, Prince Daren," She said in her most obnoxious flattering voice.
"Hello Princess." He said in a bored tone.
"Would you care to dance, Lady Mira?"
"Umm, OK." She replied, as he swept her off her feet, leaving a jealous princess behind.
After awhile, they got very bored, since neither of them enjoyed dancing.
"Wanna go to the training room?" Daren asked after their fifth dance to the boring music.
"Sure, anything is better than this." She replied, and they walked off.
*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
Ria had convinced Tavu to dance with her, and they twirled about the dance floor. Ruvan couldn't dance, so he was sitting to the side, watching, extremely bored. All the princes wanted to dance with Varomi, but she refused, looking out the window in the direction of Asturia and sighing. The twins and Tion were too little to dance, so they had been put to bed early. Van and Hitomi glided across the dance floor; everyone admired their skill and rhythm.
*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
In the training room, Daren unsheathed his sword, Mira did likewise.
"You know, we never settled the score, yesterday…" Mira remarked.
"Let's continue…" He replied, lunging at her.
She blocked his attack and their blades continued to clang against eachother's. She almost knocked his sword out of his hand, but he blocked it. He gave her a knick on the arm, and she bloodied his leg. He almost had her, when they heard the angry disciplining voice from Hitomi's mouth.
"Daren Sidan de Fanel!" Daren cringed at the use of his full name.
"We threw this whole ball in your honor! You should be present for your OWN party!"
"But, it was boring mother." Daren commented.
"Come back this instant Daren, it's not polite to your guests!"
"But Mira's my guest, and she was bored too." He protested.
"Oh c'mon Hon, give him a break." Van commented, stepping into the room.
"You know I would've done the same thing at his age," He continued giving Daren a wink.
"Thanks Dad." Daren commented, as Van began to push Hitomi back towards the ballroom.
"Your dad seems nice." Mira commented.
"Yeah, he's great, mom is too."
"Back to our fight?"
"Nah, wanna go out to the gardens?"
"Sure." And they headed outside.
*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
"Wow, it's beautiful." Mira commented as she saw the moonlit gardens.
"Lovely." She said, inhaling the sweet scent of a blue rose.
Daren picked a light blue flower and gave it to her. She tucked it in her hair. They sat on a bench, admiring the stars.
"There's the hunter." Mira commented pointing to a cluster of stars.
"And there's the dragon." Daren pointed to the group with a yellow star.
"Wow, you don't see that every day." Mira said, admiring the constellation above them.
"That's cupid's arrow, they say it appears over two people when they're falling in love. Sorry, don't ask me why I said that." Daren blushed immensely.
"That's OK." She said playfully pushing him.
"Look at the 2nd moon, it's red. My dad would love it." She whispered.
"So… I'm sure you have a fiancée…" Daren commented.
"Nah, father's never betrothed me, and all the boys in Zaibach are idiots." Mira replied.
"I wouldn't be able to travel around like this if I was engaged."
"We better go back in…"
'Darn if Fanel, don't say that!'
"You're right."
They reached their rooms and said their goodnights, but a catlike figure was watching them, and she grinned, "I've got to get those two together…"
A/N: R&R! Arigato and Sionara! ^_^
~Trunks Gal~