Disclaimer: I don't own Escaflowne, if I did you bed I'D have a sequel out by now. But alas, I don't, never have, never will unless I suddenly win the lottery a hundred times over. However, the billions of characters are MINE!!! Oh, and do you want any info about the characters? The peeps from the other sites bugged me about it?
A/N: I TAKE TOO LONG! CHOP OF MY BLONDE HEAD IF YOU WANT, BUT THEN YOU'LL NEVER KNOW WHAT HAPPENED!!! Umm... * cough cough * yeah, sooo... Thanks for the reviews, I hope to get a few more before I begin my revising, which will make it much better, if you have any requests for revises mention them now our forever hold your peace... I really appreciate you guys sticking with me through this, despite it's umm... length... I think that almost everyone who's reviewed said they liked it and that makes me feel REALLY GOOD inside. I am planning the sequel already... * The online peeps scream, "HOW CAN YOU POSSIBLY WRITE A SEQUEL TO THIS?!" And hiss at Trunks_Gal * I just can! * Smiles sweetly * When you read the end you'll see why... * Cackles evilly * Well review when you're done, compliments/comments, NO FLAMES! Later! ^_^
Note: Kore kara zutto... itsumademo- Japanese for: For always and forever
Sayonara- Japanese for "goodbye" Doubt I'm spelling it right, I've seen many different ways, same with Arigatou (Thank you)...
Tadaima- Here I am, I'm home
Chapter 40: Our Tale Comes to an End...
Daren sat in silent thought, next to the dead body of his comrade. Keiji's bright cerulean eyes were dull and hollow, his face pale, blonde hair limp. But the unnerving thing was the smile plastered on his lips, wherever he was now, he was happy, Daren was sure of that.
"Keiji, I only knew you for a few days, but still, I'll miss you, my friend. I'll never forget you, Kore kara zutto... itsumademo. Rest in peace."
He closed the boy's eyes and crossed his arms over his chest, picking a flower from a nearby rose garden and gently putting it in his hand.
"Sayonara..." And he walked away, grasping Keiji's note tightly in his fist.
"It's about time you're back." Dilandau muttered as Daren returned.
"Slayer Keiji is dead." Daren replied in a monotone voice.
"We'll notify his family." Dilandau replied in the same relaxed tone.
"For now, we're off to battle." He stood up from the boulder he had been perched, Daren and the others following, Daren shooting glances over his shoulder to Keiji's final resting place until it was but a blur in the distance.
Variel and Shin walked side by side, holding hands for reassurance, a look of fear in both sets of eyes.
'They've never seen someone die before.' Daren realized from the look of shock and horror in those haunted eyes.
"You OK Daren? You look a little pale." Urei inquired, looking slightly worried.
"That was pretty bad back there. How he just died all of a sudden. You must be newbies like Variel and Shin here." He said, gesturing to the slayers behind them.
"I've been in battle before in my old squadron, they thought I had a knack for it and promoted me to the Dragonslayers." A look of pride shined in his eyes from those words.
"My dad was really abusive, joining the army was the only way I could escape from him."
Daren placed a reassuring hand on his shoulder and heard him mumble a muffled, "Thanks."
"Yeah, I was a lady of one of those high-class families in Asturia. Variela Jeté de Lumir. I was betrothed to this one idiot Lord something-or-other, so I ran away with Shin here." She said, hugging the dark-haired boy next to her.
"He was a servant in my family's manor." She smiled up at Shin and they exchanged a brief kiss. It made Daren's heart weep, it reminded him of his and Mira's affection for one another.
"Yeah, well, umm... I don't have some 'inspiring' story to share with you. I'm Prince of Fanelia. Have a wife, a son and a daughter. Went to battle and was kidnapped. Now I'm here. End of my story." Daren said, leaving out the part of finding his mother's planet destroyed and discovering that he had an evil cousin who planned on taking over Gaea.
"Now wasn't that special." Urei commented, rolling his eyes.
"YOU FOUR BACK THERE! QUIT THE JABBERING!" Dilandau barked back at the minors.
"Hey, I think I recognize your last name. Did you ever visit Fanelia?" Daren asked Variel who was still kissing Shin.
Breaking the kiss Variel replied, "I once went to Fanelia with my family, but we didn't go to the royal palace. I remember, mother gave me a few dollars and said I could buy myself something pretty in the marketplace while she and father discussed a trade with some merchants. My little brother Taron and I ran around looking at all the things for sale when we got lost. I guess I cried, I don't remember much, I was very young, only three I imagine. This little boy, he had hair much the color of yours Daren, came up to me and asked me what was wrong. I proudly told him my name, I thought it was a big deal being a Lady who was in need of assistance and he said he'd help me find our parents. It took awhile, but we eventually found them, searching frantically for us. I remember how proud I was of myself for not spending that money and I handed it back to my mother. It was quite foolish of them to just let us wander off like that, but I guess they just wanted us out of their hair for a moment. I turned around and the boy was gone, and I never got to thank him." She ended her memory, and looked thoughtful.
"It's you." She whispered.
"You're the boy from the marketplace, you have those same green eyes." She pointed at him accusingly and Daren looked quite bewildered.
"I don't know what you're talking about. I was rarely allowed to leave the castle, and I was always with a samurai when I was. It couldn't possibly have been me."
"NO! IT WAS YOU! I KNOW IT WAS!" She insisted, her eyes fixed with a fiery glare.
"A Prince of Fanelia does not lie Milady." Daren coldly replied.
"What did you call me?!" She shrieked.
"I am NOT a lady, I AM SLAYER VARIEL! SUCH IS HOW YOU WILL ADDRESS ME!" She screamed at him, engulfed in rage.
"Excuse me, Lady Variela, but it would be simply disrespectful to address a lady otherwise." Daren said, sweeping a bow and kissing her hand.
"UGH! YOU!" She said, slapping him across the face.
"That's not the first, and it won't be the last." Daren said, rubbing his blistered cheek.
"ENEMY ATTACK! ENEMY ATTACK!" Gatty screamed as he ran past them.
Just then, a siege of soldiers appeared on the horizon, shrieking throughout the canyon. They were trapped, they were pressed into a corner, and they were doomed to die against Daren's allies. Daren could run up to them, show him his royal pendant, and be spared, but what about his friends? How dare he call them such when he was thinking of betraying them. No, he would not be a coward; he would stay here and fight, until the very last breath left his body.
"Onward to battle then!" Dilandau shrieked in excitement, leaping joyously into the cockpit of his red Alseides.
The minor Dragonslayers had not yet been trained in Alseides piloting, so they marched proudly in front of the blue and red mechas. A guymelef swooped by, flying into the air to eclipse the sun. Daren looked up to see the familiar metallic soldier he had known since he was quite small. He remembered climbing on its knee or attending family worship services when they would pray for Uncle Folken's spirit, not to mention the spirits of all who had died during The Destiny War.
"It's Escaflowne." He muttered as the white dragon landed, turning into its regular guymelef form.
"Well Van, it's been awhile..." Dilandau cackled, seeming quite pleased.
"Let's settle this once and for all!" The Dragonslayers' melefs formed a circle around the legendary rivals. Although their eldest children were married, it did not settle the hatred brewing in their hearts, and that suited them just fine.
"All right then." Van replied, closing Escaflowne's visor and drawing back his sword.
"Prepare to die!" He screamed as he sprinted forward.
Alseides released a single Crimea claw aimed straight at Escaflowne's cockpit.
"FATHER! NO!" Daren screamed as Escaflowne was about to be hit by the liquid metal. The second before it would hit, Van batted it away with his sword.
They exchanged several blows, back and fourth, both grunting and sweating in frustration, calling out death threats occasionally. Dilandau let out a cry as Van sliced off both of his guymelef's arms. Warm tears crept down Dilandau's pale cheeks.
"GATTY?! CHESTA?!" He screamed in urgency.
"Lord Dilandau." They replied in earnest, coming to their commander's aide.
'What loyalty.' Daren marveled.
'Willing to lay down their lives in an instant for their leader, I hope I can someday be as brave as them.'
The minute the slayers had taken control of the fight, there was a hiss as liquid metal spilled onto the dirt. Lord Dilandau tumbled out, blood coating his red armor, silver hair limp and tangled.
Daren ran over despite his friends' calls of, "DAREN! WAIT UP!"
He kneeled by his commander and Dilandau gave him a lopsided grin.
"You'll be alright." Daren reassured him, calling a healer over.
"Still can't remember the #1 rule Fanel?"
He backhanded the raven-haired boy and muttered, "Boju wa Dilandau-sama." Then the silver haired man lapsed into unconsciousness.
"Hai, Dilandau-sama." Daren replied, smirking before the healers carried the crimson-eyed commander away.
He looked back to the battle when a purple and black Alseides landed between the slayers and Van.
"This is OUR fight Uncle, leave them out of it!" A sickly sweet voice echoed from the cockpit.
'Memoria.'
"Memory?" Van asked in a stunned tone.
"C'mon Van! Only one of us will leave this battleground alive!"
"As you wish." Van replied, thinking his niece had lost her mind.
Sparks flew as Liquid metal met sword. Curses erupted from the cockpits, each getting a knick in every once in awhile. A stray Crimea claw zoomed past Escaflowne's cockpit, headed at Variel.
"VAR! WATCH OUT!" Shin screamed as he knocked her out of the way, taking full impact of the claw. There was a sickening crunch as he was hurtled to the ground.
"SHIN!" Variel shrieked as she ran to him, cradling him in her arms.
"I love you Variel." He whispered.
Soft tears escaped her eyes as she held him closer.
"Don't worry Shin, I'm with you. It'll be OK."
"I know it will." He murmured.
"Sleep Shin, I won't leave you." She replied in a gentle tone.
"Why won't it stop?" Daren wondered aloud.
"How many more hearts will be crushed before this ends?" Daren screamed into the cold night air.
"Daren. You have the power to stop all this." A calming voice called out to him.
"Mother?" He exclaimed in surprise.
Yes, it was her. Snowy white wings outstretched, chestnut hair blowing with the breeze, emerald eyes sparkling.
"Daren, my son. I've missed you so." She whispered to the wind.
"Daren, call the dragon within, save your father, save us all."
"But... I can't, mother, I don't know how!" He protested stubbornly.
"It's inside of you Daren, I know you can find us. You're our savior. Rescue Van's life for me. I left my whole world behind just to be with him, it would kill me to lose him."
"I'll do my best." Daren sighed in frustration.
"I know you will, I believe in you, son." She then faded from view, still smiling at him.
"There she goes again." Daren muttered.
"Those Fanel women sure have a racket going with disappearing."
"I guess I know what I have to do now, but I'm not gonna like it."
He put his sword to the side and removed his leather jacket and undershirt. He closed his eyes and concentrated, muttering words no one could comprehend. Then, it happened. Two leathery black wings emerged from his back as he rose higher and higher, his green irises taking over his eyes, until they glimmered completely emerald. Dark scales covered his skin and head, a tail sprung out of his back. He roared and hissed in rage, he was no longer Daren, he was the black dragon of Gaea, sworn to protect its people at all costs.
The black dragon flew over to where the two were fighting.
"What the hell is that?!" Van murmured in disbelief.
"Is the legend coming true?"
"No, it couldn't be..."
"But yes, it is..." He backed away slowly, not wanting to arouse the dragon's anger.
"WHAT ARE YOU DOING?! GET BACK TO YOUR COMMANDER NOW LIZARD!" Memoria shrieked at the dragon that only growled in reply, this was his mission, and it had to be completed.
He began to move forward towards her, each step shaking the ground.
"Wha? What are you doing?! DON'T GET ANY CLOSER!" She screamed, moving backwards with each of his progressing steps.
"It's time you pay for your crimes, Memoria de Zai." The Dragon whispered in a raspy voice.
"NO! I'LL NEVER PAY! IT WASN'T MY FAULT!" She called to the night a lie.
The Dragon reared, and drove his spiked tail through her cockpit. She cried out in pain as it pierced her heart, when it crashed through her visor.
As tears blurred her vision, she remembered those words that had meant the most to her, "Oh Memory, we love you so much." Her Aunt Hitomi had said, hugging her tightly.
"Never forget us..."
Realization hit her at that point.
'They loved me, even when I rejected them. They loved me like I was their own.' Her heart shattered to pieces, until she remembered her heart literally WAS breaking.
"Goodbye brother." She moaned, before collapsing as death overtook her.
"Oh sister! You're finally home!" An angel appeared before her, wings extended, her hand reaching for her.
Memory grabbed her sister's hand.
"Yes sister, Tadaima." She whispered as they flew out of sight into the heavens above.
"C'mon bwother! It's a beautiful day out there!" Squealed the little blonde four-year-old tugging at his shirt as she led him outside.
"Memory... No... What have I done?!" He screamed as he transformed back to his human form.
"I've murdered my own flesh and blood." He muttered in disbelief. He looked at his hands and could envision the blood covering them.
"I am NOT a murderer!" He shrieked in defiance.
"I'm not a murderer." He began to cry at this point. Tears mixing with the blood from scratches on his face.
"Thank you Daren." A small voice called out to him.
"I thank you."
"H-Hope?"
"Yes, that's right brother." She confirmed, beaming at him. For some reason, she was small again, back to that innocent age.
"But... You're..."
"Yes, I'm dead. But the gods have granted my request to see you again."
Daren then noticed the other little girl beside her.
"Memory?"
"Hey Daren." She said weakly, coughing up blood, clinging to her sister for support.
"God Mem, I'm sorry."
"It's all right Daren, I went completely out of control, you were right to kill me. It was all for the best." She managed a small smile at the older sibling she had worshipped as a child.
"How can you say that?! You're dead and it's all my fault..." He looked at his feet, having death on your hands' is not easy to cope with.
"Stop that right now Daren. You saved Gaea, that's all that really matters. You didn't have any choice in it, it was destiny for you to slay me."
"You know what?" Daren asked.
"I don't believe in destiny anymore. We create our own future." He said looking to the stars above.
"Well spoken, but we must continue now." Hope said, interrupting the moment of reflection.
"Yes of course." Memory said, backing behind her sister.
"Daren Sidan de Fanel, black dragon and noble of Fanelia, the gods are pleased with you. You have saved Gaea countless times. You and your parents will never have to bear the weight of Gaea on your shoulders again. It's up to the next generation now. For your services, they will grant one wish. The gods are giving you their powers for your utmost fantasy or desire. This is a once in a lifetime chance Daren, use it wisely." She smiled at him, imagine, her brother receiving such an honor.
Daren stood in deep thought; he didn't know what to do. He could wish for everlasting peace for Gaea, all the riches in the world.
Then the wish he'd always wanted sprang into his head, 'To not be royalty!'
'No, that's too selfish. Ugh, I don't know what to do...' It hit him just then. The perfect wish, but was he willing to give everything up?
"Sister, I think I know what to wish for." He proclaimed in a determined tone.
"I wish for everything to be the way it was before all this happened."
"Wha? Brother, what do you mean?" Hope asked in bewilderment.
"Look at our world. Half of the people we know are dead or dying. The Mystic Moon has been destroyed. I've been sick of this all along, so now I'm changing that. To create that bright future I always dreamed of. The Gaea we've all dreamed of."
"How far back do you want to go?" Hope asked, dreading the answer.
"When my mother and father were in the clearing, at Escaflowne's tomb."
"B-But Daren. You may never be born! History could completely change! It could be even worse!"
"That's a risk I'm willing to take." He replied confidently.
"If you're sure, I just hope you're made the right choice." Hope sprouted her wings, and she and Memory disappeared from view.
'Mira, I know I'll see you again. Because I love you." He whispered into the cold night air, the wind tossing his raven hair in the breeze.
"Goodbye, my love." Then the world blacked out.
*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
Epilogue:
"Brother. We have finally returned to our homeland. Guard over our country's future here." Van prayed for his brother's spirit as he kneeled by his tomb.
"It seems like so long ago since I first came to Gaea. So, what happens now?" Hitomi stood behind Van as he stood up.
"Everyone's dreams will go on creating Gaea." He walked over to Escaflowne, and looking thoughtful, climbed on its leg and removed its energist.
"Thank you Escaflowne." He looked in gratitude at the guymelef.
"Escaflowne should be kept asleep. It was my brother's wish for a Fanelia... For a Gaea... Where no one would rely on it. I want to see what that world's like Hitomi."
"And I want to see it with you. The truth is, I love it here, I love Fanelia." Hitomi was surprised she could openly admit it.
"If that's what you want than it's perfectly fine with me." He smiled at the girl he loved.
"You know, we can see each other anytime we want, we just have to think of each other."
"Van." Hitomi muttered, throwing herself into his embrace.
"Here Van, keep it safe for me." She said, handing him her pendant.
"I won't forget you even when I'm old, I promise."
Van knew what was coming next and he dreaded it. Both hugged tightly, not wanting to let the other go. Now was his cue, he was supposed to raise Escaflowne's energist into the air, sending her back to her world, but for some reason, he couldn't do it.
"Van, what's wrong?" Hitomi asked, staring at him with those soulful emerald eyes.
"Hitomi... I just can't..." He muttered staring at his boots, not knowing what to say to her.
"Because... Hitomi... I'll never let you go..." It felt a lot better to have let that out, and Van looked up at her, wondering what her reaction would be.
"Oh Van." Hitomi whispered, tears coming to her eyes.
"Please don't cry Hitomi, I can't stand seeing you unhappy." Van said, his amber eyes looking at her sadly.
"I'm only thinking of myself, of course you want to return to your world, it's where you belong after all." He made to lift the dragon heart, when he felt a soft hand, stop him.
"It's not that Van. I want to stay with you. I'll give up everything, just to be with you forever Van." Her gleaming eyes looked at him in a pleading way, afraid of rejection.
"Oh Hitomi, I love you." He said, wrapping his arms around her as they locked lips in an everlasting kiss.
"Hitomi Kanzaki. Will you be my wife?"
"Of course Van, I'm yours forever." She replied, kissing him again.
Van sprouted his wings and Hitomi giggled in surprise as he lifted them high into the air over Fanelia.
"Where are we going Van?" She asked in excitement.
"Home, Hitomi, home." He replied, smiling at her.
"That sounds wonderful to me." She said, snuggling into his chest and falling asleep as her angel flew her away to her new life in this wonderful world of wishes.
The End
A/N: WOW! I FINISHED IT! IT TOOK FOOOOOOOOOOOREVER! BUT I DID IT! YAY FOR ME! ^_^; Was the ending all right? I tried to make it as sweet as possible, sorry for using the lines from the show; I just wanted to, so sue me. * Lawyers show up * No go away! * Pushes them out the door * Well review and tell me how you liked the fic. I'll be starting the sequel sometime, I'll tell ya here when I do. If you don't want me to then I'll shut up and leave you be though, your reviews will tell me... Think of it this way, I still left a few things open for mystery and to write about, and you'll NEVER know if I don't write a sequel... MWAHAHAHA! Thanks for sticking with me through this; I know it was LOOOOOOOOONG! I need to finish up my other fics and completely revise this one too. I hope you liked it my friends! Arigatou, until we meet again! * Vanishes into the mist. *
~Trunks Gal~
A/N: I TAKE TOO LONG! CHOP OF MY BLONDE HEAD IF YOU WANT, BUT THEN YOU'LL NEVER KNOW WHAT HAPPENED!!! Umm... * cough cough * yeah, sooo... Thanks for the reviews, I hope to get a few more before I begin my revising, which will make it much better, if you have any requests for revises mention them now our forever hold your peace... I really appreciate you guys sticking with me through this, despite it's umm... length... I think that almost everyone who's reviewed said they liked it and that makes me feel REALLY GOOD inside. I am planning the sequel already... * The online peeps scream, "HOW CAN YOU POSSIBLY WRITE A SEQUEL TO THIS?!" And hiss at Trunks_Gal * I just can! * Smiles sweetly * When you read the end you'll see why... * Cackles evilly * Well review when you're done, compliments/comments, NO FLAMES! Later! ^_^
Note: Kore kara zutto... itsumademo- Japanese for: For always and forever
Sayonara- Japanese for "goodbye" Doubt I'm spelling it right, I've seen many different ways, same with Arigatou (Thank you)...
Tadaima- Here I am, I'm home
Chapter 40: Our Tale Comes to an End...
Daren sat in silent thought, next to the dead body of his comrade. Keiji's bright cerulean eyes were dull and hollow, his face pale, blonde hair limp. But the unnerving thing was the smile plastered on his lips, wherever he was now, he was happy, Daren was sure of that.
"Keiji, I only knew you for a few days, but still, I'll miss you, my friend. I'll never forget you, Kore kara zutto... itsumademo. Rest in peace."
He closed the boy's eyes and crossed his arms over his chest, picking a flower from a nearby rose garden and gently putting it in his hand.
"Sayonara..." And he walked away, grasping Keiji's note tightly in his fist.
"It's about time you're back." Dilandau muttered as Daren returned.
"Slayer Keiji is dead." Daren replied in a monotone voice.
"We'll notify his family." Dilandau replied in the same relaxed tone.
"For now, we're off to battle." He stood up from the boulder he had been perched, Daren and the others following, Daren shooting glances over his shoulder to Keiji's final resting place until it was but a blur in the distance.
Variel and Shin walked side by side, holding hands for reassurance, a look of fear in both sets of eyes.
'They've never seen someone die before.' Daren realized from the look of shock and horror in those haunted eyes.
"You OK Daren? You look a little pale." Urei inquired, looking slightly worried.
"That was pretty bad back there. How he just died all of a sudden. You must be newbies like Variel and Shin here." He said, gesturing to the slayers behind them.
"I've been in battle before in my old squadron, they thought I had a knack for it and promoted me to the Dragonslayers." A look of pride shined in his eyes from those words.
"My dad was really abusive, joining the army was the only way I could escape from him."
Daren placed a reassuring hand on his shoulder and heard him mumble a muffled, "Thanks."
"Yeah, I was a lady of one of those high-class families in Asturia. Variela Jeté de Lumir. I was betrothed to this one idiot Lord something-or-other, so I ran away with Shin here." She said, hugging the dark-haired boy next to her.
"He was a servant in my family's manor." She smiled up at Shin and they exchanged a brief kiss. It made Daren's heart weep, it reminded him of his and Mira's affection for one another.
"Yeah, well, umm... I don't have some 'inspiring' story to share with you. I'm Prince of Fanelia. Have a wife, a son and a daughter. Went to battle and was kidnapped. Now I'm here. End of my story." Daren said, leaving out the part of finding his mother's planet destroyed and discovering that he had an evil cousin who planned on taking over Gaea.
"Now wasn't that special." Urei commented, rolling his eyes.
"YOU FOUR BACK THERE! QUIT THE JABBERING!" Dilandau barked back at the minors.
"Hey, I think I recognize your last name. Did you ever visit Fanelia?" Daren asked Variel who was still kissing Shin.
Breaking the kiss Variel replied, "I once went to Fanelia with my family, but we didn't go to the royal palace. I remember, mother gave me a few dollars and said I could buy myself something pretty in the marketplace while she and father discussed a trade with some merchants. My little brother Taron and I ran around looking at all the things for sale when we got lost. I guess I cried, I don't remember much, I was very young, only three I imagine. This little boy, he had hair much the color of yours Daren, came up to me and asked me what was wrong. I proudly told him my name, I thought it was a big deal being a Lady who was in need of assistance and he said he'd help me find our parents. It took awhile, but we eventually found them, searching frantically for us. I remember how proud I was of myself for not spending that money and I handed it back to my mother. It was quite foolish of them to just let us wander off like that, but I guess they just wanted us out of their hair for a moment. I turned around and the boy was gone, and I never got to thank him." She ended her memory, and looked thoughtful.
"It's you." She whispered.
"You're the boy from the marketplace, you have those same green eyes." She pointed at him accusingly and Daren looked quite bewildered.
"I don't know what you're talking about. I was rarely allowed to leave the castle, and I was always with a samurai when I was. It couldn't possibly have been me."
"NO! IT WAS YOU! I KNOW IT WAS!" She insisted, her eyes fixed with a fiery glare.
"A Prince of Fanelia does not lie Milady." Daren coldly replied.
"What did you call me?!" She shrieked.
"I am NOT a lady, I AM SLAYER VARIEL! SUCH IS HOW YOU WILL ADDRESS ME!" She screamed at him, engulfed in rage.
"Excuse me, Lady Variela, but it would be simply disrespectful to address a lady otherwise." Daren said, sweeping a bow and kissing her hand.
"UGH! YOU!" She said, slapping him across the face.
"That's not the first, and it won't be the last." Daren said, rubbing his blistered cheek.
"ENEMY ATTACK! ENEMY ATTACK!" Gatty screamed as he ran past them.
Just then, a siege of soldiers appeared on the horizon, shrieking throughout the canyon. They were trapped, they were pressed into a corner, and they were doomed to die against Daren's allies. Daren could run up to them, show him his royal pendant, and be spared, but what about his friends? How dare he call them such when he was thinking of betraying them. No, he would not be a coward; he would stay here and fight, until the very last breath left his body.
"Onward to battle then!" Dilandau shrieked in excitement, leaping joyously into the cockpit of his red Alseides.
The minor Dragonslayers had not yet been trained in Alseides piloting, so they marched proudly in front of the blue and red mechas. A guymelef swooped by, flying into the air to eclipse the sun. Daren looked up to see the familiar metallic soldier he had known since he was quite small. He remembered climbing on its knee or attending family worship services when they would pray for Uncle Folken's spirit, not to mention the spirits of all who had died during The Destiny War.
"It's Escaflowne." He muttered as the white dragon landed, turning into its regular guymelef form.
"Well Van, it's been awhile..." Dilandau cackled, seeming quite pleased.
"Let's settle this once and for all!" The Dragonslayers' melefs formed a circle around the legendary rivals. Although their eldest children were married, it did not settle the hatred brewing in their hearts, and that suited them just fine.
"All right then." Van replied, closing Escaflowne's visor and drawing back his sword.
"Prepare to die!" He screamed as he sprinted forward.
Alseides released a single Crimea claw aimed straight at Escaflowne's cockpit.
"FATHER! NO!" Daren screamed as Escaflowne was about to be hit by the liquid metal. The second before it would hit, Van batted it away with his sword.
They exchanged several blows, back and fourth, both grunting and sweating in frustration, calling out death threats occasionally. Dilandau let out a cry as Van sliced off both of his guymelef's arms. Warm tears crept down Dilandau's pale cheeks.
"GATTY?! CHESTA?!" He screamed in urgency.
"Lord Dilandau." They replied in earnest, coming to their commander's aide.
'What loyalty.' Daren marveled.
'Willing to lay down their lives in an instant for their leader, I hope I can someday be as brave as them.'
The minute the slayers had taken control of the fight, there was a hiss as liquid metal spilled onto the dirt. Lord Dilandau tumbled out, blood coating his red armor, silver hair limp and tangled.
Daren ran over despite his friends' calls of, "DAREN! WAIT UP!"
He kneeled by his commander and Dilandau gave him a lopsided grin.
"You'll be alright." Daren reassured him, calling a healer over.
"Still can't remember the #1 rule Fanel?"
He backhanded the raven-haired boy and muttered, "Boju wa Dilandau-sama." Then the silver haired man lapsed into unconsciousness.
"Hai, Dilandau-sama." Daren replied, smirking before the healers carried the crimson-eyed commander away.
He looked back to the battle when a purple and black Alseides landed between the slayers and Van.
"This is OUR fight Uncle, leave them out of it!" A sickly sweet voice echoed from the cockpit.
'Memoria.'
"Memory?" Van asked in a stunned tone.
"C'mon Van! Only one of us will leave this battleground alive!"
"As you wish." Van replied, thinking his niece had lost her mind.
Sparks flew as Liquid metal met sword. Curses erupted from the cockpits, each getting a knick in every once in awhile. A stray Crimea claw zoomed past Escaflowne's cockpit, headed at Variel.
"VAR! WATCH OUT!" Shin screamed as he knocked her out of the way, taking full impact of the claw. There was a sickening crunch as he was hurtled to the ground.
"SHIN!" Variel shrieked as she ran to him, cradling him in her arms.
"I love you Variel." He whispered.
Soft tears escaped her eyes as she held him closer.
"Don't worry Shin, I'm with you. It'll be OK."
"I know it will." He murmured.
"Sleep Shin, I won't leave you." She replied in a gentle tone.
"Why won't it stop?" Daren wondered aloud.
"How many more hearts will be crushed before this ends?" Daren screamed into the cold night air.
"Daren. You have the power to stop all this." A calming voice called out to him.
"Mother?" He exclaimed in surprise.
Yes, it was her. Snowy white wings outstretched, chestnut hair blowing with the breeze, emerald eyes sparkling.
"Daren, my son. I've missed you so." She whispered to the wind.
"Daren, call the dragon within, save your father, save us all."
"But... I can't, mother, I don't know how!" He protested stubbornly.
"It's inside of you Daren, I know you can find us. You're our savior. Rescue Van's life for me. I left my whole world behind just to be with him, it would kill me to lose him."
"I'll do my best." Daren sighed in frustration.
"I know you will, I believe in you, son." She then faded from view, still smiling at him.
"There she goes again." Daren muttered.
"Those Fanel women sure have a racket going with disappearing."
"I guess I know what I have to do now, but I'm not gonna like it."
He put his sword to the side and removed his leather jacket and undershirt. He closed his eyes and concentrated, muttering words no one could comprehend. Then, it happened. Two leathery black wings emerged from his back as he rose higher and higher, his green irises taking over his eyes, until they glimmered completely emerald. Dark scales covered his skin and head, a tail sprung out of his back. He roared and hissed in rage, he was no longer Daren, he was the black dragon of Gaea, sworn to protect its people at all costs.
The black dragon flew over to where the two were fighting.
"What the hell is that?!" Van murmured in disbelief.
"Is the legend coming true?"
"No, it couldn't be..."
"But yes, it is..." He backed away slowly, not wanting to arouse the dragon's anger.
"WHAT ARE YOU DOING?! GET BACK TO YOUR COMMANDER NOW LIZARD!" Memoria shrieked at the dragon that only growled in reply, this was his mission, and it had to be completed.
He began to move forward towards her, each step shaking the ground.
"Wha? What are you doing?! DON'T GET ANY CLOSER!" She screamed, moving backwards with each of his progressing steps.
"It's time you pay for your crimes, Memoria de Zai." The Dragon whispered in a raspy voice.
"NO! I'LL NEVER PAY! IT WASN'T MY FAULT!" She called to the night a lie.
The Dragon reared, and drove his spiked tail through her cockpit. She cried out in pain as it pierced her heart, when it crashed through her visor.
As tears blurred her vision, she remembered those words that had meant the most to her, "Oh Memory, we love you so much." Her Aunt Hitomi had said, hugging her tightly.
"Never forget us..."
Realization hit her at that point.
'They loved me, even when I rejected them. They loved me like I was their own.' Her heart shattered to pieces, until she remembered her heart literally WAS breaking.
"Goodbye brother." She moaned, before collapsing as death overtook her.
"Oh sister! You're finally home!" An angel appeared before her, wings extended, her hand reaching for her.
Memory grabbed her sister's hand.
"Yes sister, Tadaima." She whispered as they flew out of sight into the heavens above.
"C'mon bwother! It's a beautiful day out there!" Squealed the little blonde four-year-old tugging at his shirt as she led him outside.
"Memory... No... What have I done?!" He screamed as he transformed back to his human form.
"I've murdered my own flesh and blood." He muttered in disbelief. He looked at his hands and could envision the blood covering them.
"I am NOT a murderer!" He shrieked in defiance.
"I'm not a murderer." He began to cry at this point. Tears mixing with the blood from scratches on his face.
"Thank you Daren." A small voice called out to him.
"I thank you."
"H-Hope?"
"Yes, that's right brother." She confirmed, beaming at him. For some reason, she was small again, back to that innocent age.
"But... You're..."
"Yes, I'm dead. But the gods have granted my request to see you again."
Daren then noticed the other little girl beside her.
"Memory?"
"Hey Daren." She said weakly, coughing up blood, clinging to her sister for support.
"God Mem, I'm sorry."
"It's all right Daren, I went completely out of control, you were right to kill me. It was all for the best." She managed a small smile at the older sibling she had worshipped as a child.
"How can you say that?! You're dead and it's all my fault..." He looked at his feet, having death on your hands' is not easy to cope with.
"Stop that right now Daren. You saved Gaea, that's all that really matters. You didn't have any choice in it, it was destiny for you to slay me."
"You know what?" Daren asked.
"I don't believe in destiny anymore. We create our own future." He said looking to the stars above.
"Well spoken, but we must continue now." Hope said, interrupting the moment of reflection.
"Yes of course." Memory said, backing behind her sister.
"Daren Sidan de Fanel, black dragon and noble of Fanelia, the gods are pleased with you. You have saved Gaea countless times. You and your parents will never have to bear the weight of Gaea on your shoulders again. It's up to the next generation now. For your services, they will grant one wish. The gods are giving you their powers for your utmost fantasy or desire. This is a once in a lifetime chance Daren, use it wisely." She smiled at him, imagine, her brother receiving such an honor.
Daren stood in deep thought; he didn't know what to do. He could wish for everlasting peace for Gaea, all the riches in the world.
Then the wish he'd always wanted sprang into his head, 'To not be royalty!'
'No, that's too selfish. Ugh, I don't know what to do...' It hit him just then. The perfect wish, but was he willing to give everything up?
"Sister, I think I know what to wish for." He proclaimed in a determined tone.
"I wish for everything to be the way it was before all this happened."
"Wha? Brother, what do you mean?" Hope asked in bewilderment.
"Look at our world. Half of the people we know are dead or dying. The Mystic Moon has been destroyed. I've been sick of this all along, so now I'm changing that. To create that bright future I always dreamed of. The Gaea we've all dreamed of."
"How far back do you want to go?" Hope asked, dreading the answer.
"When my mother and father were in the clearing, at Escaflowne's tomb."
"B-But Daren. You may never be born! History could completely change! It could be even worse!"
"That's a risk I'm willing to take." He replied confidently.
"If you're sure, I just hope you're made the right choice." Hope sprouted her wings, and she and Memory disappeared from view.
'Mira, I know I'll see you again. Because I love you." He whispered into the cold night air, the wind tossing his raven hair in the breeze.
"Goodbye, my love." Then the world blacked out.
*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
Epilogue:
"Brother. We have finally returned to our homeland. Guard over our country's future here." Van prayed for his brother's spirit as he kneeled by his tomb.
"It seems like so long ago since I first came to Gaea. So, what happens now?" Hitomi stood behind Van as he stood up.
"Everyone's dreams will go on creating Gaea." He walked over to Escaflowne, and looking thoughtful, climbed on its leg and removed its energist.
"Thank you Escaflowne." He looked in gratitude at the guymelef.
"Escaflowne should be kept asleep. It was my brother's wish for a Fanelia... For a Gaea... Where no one would rely on it. I want to see what that world's like Hitomi."
"And I want to see it with you. The truth is, I love it here, I love Fanelia." Hitomi was surprised she could openly admit it.
"If that's what you want than it's perfectly fine with me." He smiled at the girl he loved.
"You know, we can see each other anytime we want, we just have to think of each other."
"Van." Hitomi muttered, throwing herself into his embrace.
"Here Van, keep it safe for me." She said, handing him her pendant.
"I won't forget you even when I'm old, I promise."
Van knew what was coming next and he dreaded it. Both hugged tightly, not wanting to let the other go. Now was his cue, he was supposed to raise Escaflowne's energist into the air, sending her back to her world, but for some reason, he couldn't do it.
"Van, what's wrong?" Hitomi asked, staring at him with those soulful emerald eyes.
"Hitomi... I just can't..." He muttered staring at his boots, not knowing what to say to her.
"Because... Hitomi... I'll never let you go..." It felt a lot better to have let that out, and Van looked up at her, wondering what her reaction would be.
"Oh Van." Hitomi whispered, tears coming to her eyes.
"Please don't cry Hitomi, I can't stand seeing you unhappy." Van said, his amber eyes looking at her sadly.
"I'm only thinking of myself, of course you want to return to your world, it's where you belong after all." He made to lift the dragon heart, when he felt a soft hand, stop him.
"It's not that Van. I want to stay with you. I'll give up everything, just to be with you forever Van." Her gleaming eyes looked at him in a pleading way, afraid of rejection.
"Oh Hitomi, I love you." He said, wrapping his arms around her as they locked lips in an everlasting kiss.
"Hitomi Kanzaki. Will you be my wife?"
"Of course Van, I'm yours forever." She replied, kissing him again.
Van sprouted his wings and Hitomi giggled in surprise as he lifted them high into the air over Fanelia.
"Where are we going Van?" She asked in excitement.
"Home, Hitomi, home." He replied, smiling at her.
"That sounds wonderful to me." She said, snuggling into his chest and falling asleep as her angel flew her away to her new life in this wonderful world of wishes.
The End
A/N: WOW! I FINISHED IT! IT TOOK FOOOOOOOOOOOREVER! BUT I DID IT! YAY FOR ME! ^_^; Was the ending all right? I tried to make it as sweet as possible, sorry for using the lines from the show; I just wanted to, so sue me. * Lawyers show up * No go away! * Pushes them out the door * Well review and tell me how you liked the fic. I'll be starting the sequel sometime, I'll tell ya here when I do. If you don't want me to then I'll shut up and leave you be though, your reviews will tell me... Think of it this way, I still left a few things open for mystery and to write about, and you'll NEVER know if I don't write a sequel... MWAHAHAHA! Thanks for sticking with me through this; I know it was LOOOOOOOOONG! I need to finish up my other fics and completely revise this one too. I hope you liked it my friends! Arigatou, until we meet again! * Vanishes into the mist. *
~Trunks Gal~