AN: Ok! Next Chapter! Woot ^_^ Anyway, thanks for your input on my story, I
always feel loved ^^ and I'm getting giddy but oh well…well, here goes! P.S
~whispers~ starting the singing…please don't kill me 0-o I swear, I only
use songs to enhance the mood! ~ducks rotten fruit and pieces of furniture~
I don't own any of the songs I use, and I may change a few words ^_^"
Megumi of the Moon- Thanks for the comment on the lessons, I was afraid of making them too boring ;-;
1 Shan Duri-ma- Glad to hear from you ^_^
Kouhei Kokuei Odoriko- Heh, don't worry, Rose will stay as she is, pretty much. Glad that you like her character! ^_^
(Flashback)
" Hold on a minute…" The memory surfaced, and she let out a gasp of surprise.
" Escaflowne…."
" No….way!" Rose squealed, excited. 'How cool is this! I mean, obviously mom hadn't made up the whole Gaia thing, but to actually see it…' Clapping her hands girlishly, Rose stared at the machine for a moment longer. 'If only there was a way to get it working…but Van took out the energist to send mom home and…' a light clicked on in her brain. If she could get into his study, she'd probably find an energist lying around somewhere. But…she sighed.
" Even if I somehow DO find an energist, I don't even know how this thing works!" She groaned, frustrated. 'Life isn't fair' she thought sulkily. She tapped her chin thoughtfully.
" That means that the rock is….or was…Folkens grave. How come he let it fall into such a state?" Going back to the rock, she crouched, brushing away some ferns. She could barely make out the carving in the stone. She frowned. This was no way to treat a family member, even if he DID die. He should cherish the family he had, not push it away. Looking back on Escaflowne, she frowned deeper. The machine itself was great, but who controlled it was not. Deciding it wouldn't be a good idea if she kicked the thing because she would have a hard time explaining a broken toe, Rose just let out a cry of anger.
" Stupid machine, letting yourself be controlled by a person like him! Why didn't you just give up? Gone over to the other side and never worked, then mom could have gone home earlier and never been sad, would have been able to let her mind escape this place…" She knelt by Escaflowne's foot, crying. This was all too much. A girl could only handle so much! Pressing a hand to her heart, Rose sniffed, trying to stop herself from crying. 'Why does it hurt so much? Mama said that it would be wonderful. One minute I can't stop thinking about him and everything is perfect, and the next one I'm so mad at him that I want to maim him!' Standing up, she sighed, humming to herself. Rose sat at the feet of Escaflowne, leaning against its shins.
(On My Fathers Wings: Quest for Camelot)
" If you were with me now, I'd find myself with you,
If you were with me now, you're the only one who knew,
All the things we planned to do.
I want to live my life,
The way you said I would.
With courage as my light, fighting for what's right
Like you'd made me believe I could.
(Rose starts walking to the stables as she's singing to herself)
And I will fly on my mother's wings,
To places I have never been
There is so much I've never seen
And I can feel her heartbeat still
And I will do great things
On my mothers wings
(Reaches the stables, goes over to a stall to groom a mare)
This world I'll never see,
My dreams that just won't be
This horses stride, with one days ride
Will have covered more distance than me
I will fly on my mother's wings,
To places I have never been
There is so much I've never seen
And I can feel her heartbeat still
And I will do great things
On my mothers wings.
Someday, with her spirit to guide me,
And her memory beside me,
I will be free
To fly on my mothers wings,
To places I have never been,
There is so much I've never seen
And I can feel her heartbeat still
And I will do great things, On my mother's wings
On my mothers wings.
Rose sighed, finished grooming the mare. She felt restless today. The song helped some, but she still itched to go somewhere. The horse pranced under the brush, picking up on her emotions. Sighing, she rested her head against its flanks.
" There, there, I know how it feels." Giving the mare one last pat, Rose stood and headed back into the castle.
* * * * * * * * * * * *
" Alright. We have come to the agreement that while we'll keep an eye on the old Zaibach capital, nothing hostile will be done?" Chid looked around the table as they all nodded, a bit reluctantly. Van sighed inwardly. The two weeks have had to be the longest council he'd ever been in. Part of him was wary about not doing anything about the movement in Zaibach, but most of him was relieved that it was over. Now he could go home. 'If Rose hasn't burned the place down or driven everybody insane,' he thought good-humoredly. Getting up, a hand on his shoulder stopped him. Looking to the side, he spotted Chid.
" Lord Van, if I may speak to you privately?" He nodded, following Chid and his guards into a study.
" Please sit down." Chid spoke clearly and softly. Van looked at him, concerned. Chid merely shook his head and smiled.
" Don't worry Van, if I puzzled you. I just wanted to catch up with you." Van smiled at him. He sure knew how to give a guy a small heart attack. Van blinked. Chid probably hadn't heard about Rose yet.
" Van, there is one thing I'd like to ask you." He nodded.
" A few months ago, some of my astrologers and I noticed a pillar of light drop in Fanelia. Is Hitomi back?" Van winced at the eager look in his eyes.
" Not exactly Prince Chid. You see, it's a long story." With that, Van started to talk about everything that had happened so far.
When he finally leaned back, Chid was smiling.
" Well, it looks like you have your hands full, Van." Van nodded, sighing. Chid laughed quietly.
" Oh come on, surely she isn't that bad?" Van merely nodded.
" Trust me Chid…she's that bad." Chid smiled, then stood, showing him to the door.
" Well then, we should prepare to leave. I'm sure the party that your advisors are throwing for your return shall be quite interesting." Van groaned. Interesting was a polite way to put it, he was sure. Maybe if he pretended to be sick then he could get out of it. Chid caught his arm.
" Van, two things. If I know what you're thinking, they'd just reschedule. And secondly…" He paused, and then continued, "have a good time at the ball. I'll be watching." With that, Chid left to get packed, leaving Van with the feeling that Chid didn't say what he was planning on saying.
* * * * * * * * * * * *
Rose smiled in the mirror, pulling her hair back into a ponytail, wearing her old jeans and a t-shirt. Van was coming back today, and she didn't want to give the surprise away. The staff were like ants today, running around and putting last minute touches on everything, waiting for the guests to arrive for the party. There was a knock on the door.
" Come in Merle." Rose grinned at herself in the mirror, and then turned to greet her. She blinked, mouth hanging open slightly. Needless to say, it wasn't Merle that stood in the door. Running a hand through his hair, Van chuckled. 'Oh my…breathe! Remember to breathe!' He was gorgeous, wearing a red silk shirt that came to a V in the middle of his chest, with a black vest over top of it, bearing the crest of Fanelia. He also wore black pants, and his hair was mussed up, like he had been standing in an intense wind.
" Thought I'd come early in a different ship to avoid all of the formal crap that usually occurs when I come back from a conference." Rose shook her head slightly, regaining her form of thought. He laughed quietly, looking around.
" So…um…Rose. How's it going?" He shifted from foot to foot, looking extremely uncomfortable. She shrugged, leaning against her counter.
" Fine, I guess. Bored out of my mind but hey, what else is new?" She cocked an eyebrow at him, wondering why he was so nervous.
" Heh. Right. Um…anyway. Rose….about that argument that we had….I…that is…" He cleared his throat, studying his feet. 'Ah, of course. No wonder. Well, guess I'll give him a break, just this once.' She smiled brilliantly at him.
" It's forgotten Van. I was upset, you were upset, obviously, and we spazzed at one another. It's all good." Blinking at her, Van nodded.
" Well…that's all I really came here for…so…see you around." Waving slightly, he turned and left the room. Rose rolled her eyes, flopping onto her bed. 'He's cute, but sometimes he can be a little tongue-tied.' She giggled, rolling over and falling into a light sleep.
* * * * * * * * * * * *
Dillandu paced the length of the dark room, practically growling.
" Can we do it yet? Come on Folken, let's get it over with!" Several soldiers shook their heads as they walked past him. Folken sighed.
" I realize how eager you are, but we must wait until the evening. In the meantime, we have to assign two people to carry out the procedure." Folken looked at Naria.
" Would you care to be one of them?" Naria bowed, smiling silkily.
" Of course Lord Folken, I am honored that you chose me. Who will act as the second though?" Folken hmmed thoughtfully.
" Well, we need somebody who has a great deal of hate." Dillandu interrupted.
" There's no way that I'm doing it. No way I'm acting as second, so you can forget about it." Folken chuckled. 'Why did I know that he was going to object?' Naria latched onto his arm.
" Lord Folken, why don't you do it? You are closest, and it would be a good match, thus providing a greater chance of achieving the desired outcome." He gave a mental sigh. It would not be well for him to do that, for he had great reservation about performing the act, but if he must then he must.
" Very well. Naria, you shall be the first. I shall act as second. Then, after it is done, Dillandu, that's when you get to have your fun. Get you and the rest of your division ready." Dillandu glared at him, not liking the silent reminder and reprimand that Folken had just given him. Containing his anger, he bowed.
" Fine. I'll inform Miguel that-" Naria cut him off, smirking.
" LORD Miguel." Dillandu clenched his fist, his other hand reaching for his sword. Drawing it out, Dillandu gave his eerie grin.
" Of course. I'll inform Lord Miguel of our decisions. See you when the sun sets." Laughing, he strode out of the room. Folken shook his head.
" Well, at least he can partly control his anger. But Naria, try not to antagonize him so." She bowed.
" Yes Lord Folken." He nodded, looking at the gleaming machine made of twisted cords and pipes. He hoped feverently that the girl would go through the upcoming encounter unscathed.
* * * * * * * * * * * *
Rose reached up and smoothed her hair nervously. Merle flashed a grin at her.
" Don't worry Rose, you look wonderful! Her dresses all fit you and I'm sure she'd have wanted you to use them than have them rot away in a trunk in a storage room." She was referring to Varie. Rose looked at herself in the mirror, her gloved hands twisting. It was a dark forest green with pale green inserts, so pale it was almost white. A white ribbon criss-crossed in the front, cinching it tight enough around her waist to form more of a shape. The sleeves were made of a transparent silk made of the same pale green material, and fell to her fingertips, with a slit from her fingers to her shoulder so that if she raised her arms her sleeves would stay hanging. Her hair was French-braided, Fanelia style, and pinned up with jeweled combs, sparkling whenever she turned her head.
" Merle, I can't do this!" Rose was starting to panic. Merle latched a paw firmly on her arm, unsheathing her claws so that they prickled uncomfortably, but didn't hurt.
" You're coming even if I have to drag you there. We didn't go through these past two weeks for nothing, Lady Rose!" Taking a deep breath, Rose was about to remind Merle about the name, but paused. 'Of course, that's what they'd all be calling me. Drat!!' Merle nodded in satisfaction.
" And remember, if at any time you feel the need to scream, signal to me or Millerna or Allen and we'll distract whoever's annoying you so that you can go outside for a while. But Rose, remember. No. Running. Away." Rose nodded weakly. If she didn't get out there soon she was going to lose her nerve.
" Ok Merle. Let's get this party started." Sending a puzzled glance at Rose at the last phrase, Merle only shrugged. 'Mental note to self, tell Merle about Mystic Moon phrases.' Rose nearly stopped dead in her tracks as they walked, her heart sending ice through her veins. Since when did she refer to home as the Mystic Moon? But, silently, she knew that she had already answered that question.
* * * * * * * * * * * *
" Lord Folken, are you ready?" Naria sent a glance towards him, and he took a breath to compose himself and clear his mind. He could have no doubts if this was to succeed.
" Yes. I'm ready." He raised his voice, giving the order that would throw the entire night into chaos for one child.
" Start the machine."
* * * * * * * * * * * *
(HAH! Thought I'd end it there, huh?? Well, gotcha! This chapter is gonna be super long! Well, for me anyway ^_^"""")
Van looked around the room, suppressing the urge to sigh. This ball was no different than the others that his advisors had set up. It would end with the exact same results as well. Allen stood beside him, grinning at the face Van desperately tried to hold in.
" Not having fun Van? Don't worry, I'm sure things will get much more….interesting…as the night goes on." He smiled secretively. Van frowned slightly. That was another thing that bugged him. All of the staff, guards and his friends had acted as though they knew something that he didn't. And for some reason, tonight that rankled. Oh well. Looking around for Merle, he realized that she wasn't there. That was odd, usually she was the first one to come and greet him. Something was definitely different tonight, and he intended to find out what it was.
* * * * * * * * * * * *
Rose stared at the wood doors, trying not to faint. 'Just breathe, that's all you have to do.' She thought nervously. The guard cleared his throat.
" Um, ma'am? Would you like me to introduce you?" Merle had already gone inside. Rose put on a winning smile, keeping it tender and gentle.
" If you would, sir." He nodded, opening the doors. She hung slightly behind him until he announced her name. Then she would show no fear as she walked in, head held high. 'Gods, I should have been an actress.'
" The Lady Rose Kansaki, Daughter of the Seeress of the Mystic Moon, Hitomi Kansaki, Savior of the Gaian War." What a title, she was going to have a mouthful to say if she had to repeat all of that to every noble she met. As she stepped forward, a strange fuzziness invaded her head, washing away all of her fear and trepidation. She could do this, and she would do it well. It would please her Lord…where did that come from? She had no Lord! Shrugging it off as getting too much into the part, she blushed prettily as murmurs ran through the crowd. She saw Merle off to the side, grinning from ear to ear. Raising her head and giving it just the right tilt, Rose walked towards the throne to make her formal introduction, and to…hopefully…show him what she'd been feeling all this time.
* * * * * * * * * * * *
" Sir Allen, Your Highness. I am pleased to introduce myself." Naria bowed deeply to Folken, who did nothing except reply in a neutral voice that borderlined on boredom and uncaring.
" Rose. You're wearing a dress. That's different." He replied in greeting, trying to push away his doubts. She didn't deserve this.
* * * * * * * * * * * *
Van saw out of the corner of his eye that Allen sent him a surprised look. He was starting to grow nervous. When he saw Rose, his world nearly shut down, and it felt as if cotton balls were swabbing his mind. When he tried, he couldn't even turn his head, much less respond to Rose the way he wanted to. He wanted to tell her that she was beautiful, that she was amazing, but all he said in reply to her greeting was a simple:
" Rose. You're wearing a dress. That's different." He cringed as he saw a slash of pain cross her features before she straightened up, a mask in place. It made him shiver. Struggling, he managed to speak.
" I mean, you do look lovely tonight. I'm pleasantly surprised." Hoping that was the right thing to say, Van was immensely relieved when Rose's features lit up in a smile.
" Thank you Van. You look good too." Allen found the ceiling extremely interesting, and was craning his neck back to study it. He blushed slightly, trying to chase his nervousness away. It was only Rose, after all. Granted, a beautiful, calm, polite and composed Rose, but Rose nonetheless.
* * * * * * * * * * * *
Rose sighed happily in her mind. She nearly left after Vans little statement, but now he was talking to her….sort of. She had the uneasy feeling that he was only avoiding having to talk to any of the other princesses here. She glanced down at the floor briefly before snapping her eyes up. 'Nobles never stare at the floor.' Van smiled at her, resting his elbows on the armrests of his throne.
" Well, I can see that you've changed…you're acting like a noble." Rose shifted from foot to foot, feeling extremely uncomfortable. This wasn't how it was supposed to go!
" Uh, yeah. I figured, I might as well learn if I'm going to be here for a while, right?" She attempted a grin. She glanced frantically at Allen, who cleared his throat.
" Van, don't you think you should ask this Lady for a dance? The musicians are about to start." Van nodded absently.
" Of course. I can teach you as we go, Rose." Standing, he offered his arm. Gulping quietly, Rose rested her arm on top of his and descended the stairs.
* * * * * * * * * * * *
" Alright Naria, wait until I summon you." Dillandu spoke, breaking the silence. Bowing, Naria broke the mind link between her and the machine. She remained, however, because Folken would have felt like an idiot waltzing by himself. Unlike her, he had to maintain control over Van for the entire night, to pull of the plan successfully. He closed his eyes. 'Forgive me…brother.'
* * * * * * * * * * * *
They danced. Van was surprised when the song started and she knew what she was doing, but it eventually faded into grudging approval. And so they danced. But something wasn't right. He felt…different. Rose bit back a sigh. She was probably just overanalyzing the situation. She also felt extremely self-conscious. The princesses were glaring at her with venom, and the princes and other nobles were just staring at her…which triggered an even stronger dose of venom from the other women. 'How did I get myself into this?' Eyes widening slightly, she fought a blush as Van unconsciously pulled her closer to him. 'Ohmygod ohmygod ohmygod…stop it! Quit acting like a little kid…' Still, she allowed herself a small smile.
* * * * * * * * * * * *
Van watched himself dance. 'Am I the only one who knows there's something wrong with that sentence?' He thought unhappily. Somehow, he wasn't in control of what he was doing. Not that he minded right now, he didn't think he'd have had enough guts to ask Rose to dance otherwise, but…it would have been nice to know that he was the one who initiated it, not some…puppet…of him. Then he grew embarrassed. What would Rose think after he pulled her closer to him?!?! There has to be a way out of this! 'But…if the issue was pushed….would I want to?'
* * * * * * * * * * * *
Folken finished the dance with Naria, bowing politely. She curtsied, and then walked away to watch on the sidelines. He cleared his throat, feeling slightly embarrassed talking to air.
" That was a very good dance Rose. I congratulate you. However, I have to go and talk to some ambassadors. Please excuse me." He bowed again, and relaxed his hold on Van just enough so that he could move by himself. All he had to do was talk, for now.
* * * * * * * * * * * *
Rose swirled a glass of fruit punch slowly, the glass caught lazily between two fingers and her thumb as she tried to quench the feelings of anger swirling like the punch in her stomach. Merle and Allen and Chid were there with her, and Millerna and Dryden were dancing.
" Well, that didn't work! He was supposed to stay with y-" Rose cut Merle off, annoyed at herself.
" Never mind Merle. I didn't think that it would soak through his thick skull anyway." Chid tugged on her sleeve to get her attention. She looked down at him.
" Don't worry Lady Rose. He's just distracted because of our council. I apologize. Had I known, then I would have held it off." Rose smiled, crouching to meet him eye to eye, and then she ruffled his hair.
" Don't worry kiddo, I'm sure a council here is far more important than a tomboy." She smiled again, successfully not blowing up at him, stood up and finished her punch, keeping a hold on the glass. The song ended, and Millerna and Dryden came over. Flicking a glance in the opposite direction, Rose saw Van talking with some councilors…and a few princesses. 'Advisors, huh?' Her eyes narrowed until Millerna tapped her on the shoulder.
" Yes Millerna?" The princess smiled gently at her, and Rose sighed in frustration in her mind. 'So he's not talking to me! It's not the end of the world!'
" Rose…even though things didn't exactly go according to plan, I know your mother would have been very proud of you." Rose resisted the urge to close her eyes. Pour salt on the wound, why don't you? Then Dryden spoke up.
" Yes. You're certainly you're mothers daughter." Her grip tightened on the glass stem, and she slammed it down onto the table. 'Ok, that's it!' Rose thought angrily.
" Stop it! Stop comparing me to her! I'm completely different from Hitomi, ok?!?!" They blinked at her, and a few people around her stared at her, but she didn't care.
" Rose…what…" Shaking her head, Rose yelled, clenching her fists at her side.
" CAN'T YOU TELL THAT I'M ADOPTED?!?!?!?!?" There was a silent hush throughout the ballroom because as she yelled, the orchestra decided to end the song it was playing. Rose stood there, eyes wide, as she looked around the ballroom. Murmurs started running through the crowd, and she couldn't take it. Turning, she ran out of the ballroom and into the gardens.
* * * * * * * * * * * *
Van stood in shock as the murmurs settled down when the band began to play again. So, I guess the mystery is solved on why she said she was only 'sort of' Hitomi's daughter.
" Lord Van, some of the princes and people want to talk with you alone." Merle latched onto his arm, looking just as shocked as he was feeling. He nodded, finding his voice, the cotton-swab feeling back in his head again.
" Which room?" With that, Merle half-dragged him into another study. Looking around, he noticed the general that had been unconcerned with the war was there, as well as several others. It didn't look like a formal meeting, as most of them were lounging in overstuffed chairs and chatting idly, waiting for him to show up.
" Ah, Lord Van, there you are. We wanted to talk to you about a certain small treason, if you will." That got his attention, and he nodded, sitting in one of the remaining chairs.
* * * * * * * * * * * *
" Lord Folken, is it time?" Folken nodded at Naria, and she initiated the link between her and the machine. He sighed quietly, nodding to Dillandu, who grinned ferally and rushed off to finish the job they would start. Taking a deep breath, Folken spoke.
" Yes, I know. I can't believe that she lied to us for so long! How could she?" Allowing anger to creep into his voice, Folken called up all of the times he had felt anger or hate and channeled it through the link. Naria hung in the shadows, head bowed.
* * * * * * * * * * *
Rose had to talk to him. That is…if she could find him. Wiping her eyes, she ran into Merle. Catching her arm, she asked her where he was. Merle silently pointed down the hall, and Rose nodded, feeling like her head was full of cotton balls. Rubbing her forehead, she took a deep breath as she neared the door. How was she going to explain why she didn't tell them all sooner? 'Van, I'm sorry I didn't tell you earlier, but I didn't want you to toss me out of Fanelia. And besides, I don't remember much of the adoption center anyway. Did I mention that I love you?' She snorted. Like that was going to work. Hearing laughter, Rose crept closer to the door where Van was supposedly having a meeting.
" Heh, yeah, you said it Lord Van. She's a traitor because she didn't tell you. You should kick her out." Her eyes widened painfully, and she leaned against the wall. 'Say it's a joke, please, say it's a joke!!'
" No, I don't think that Hitomi would appreciate that. It doesn't mean that I can't ignore her though. She's nothing but a leech who stays here because she's too afraid to go anywhere else. And did you see her attempt at being a lady? I saw through that in about 30 seconds." They laughed again, and Rose closed her eyes briefly, anger flaring inside of her. But there was no way she was going to confront him now. Hot tears trailed down her cheeks as she pushed off of the wall and ran to her room.
" Kick me out of Fanelia, huh?" Rose slammed her duffel bag onto her bed, grabbing random clothes from her closet and slamming them just as violently into the bag. 'I'm not going to wait around to get kicked out. If that's how he feels, then fine.' After shoving a few toiletries into the bag, Rose strapped her sword around her leg, moving her skirts to hide it. Putting Hitomi's necklace on the counter, Rose picked up her duffel bag and riding boots and stormed out of her room, looking around. No guards. It was just as well that they didn't see her.
* * * * * * * * * * * *
The machine shut down, and Folken sighed wearily, rubbing his forehead.
" Well, it's up to Dillandu and Lord Miguel now." Naria nodded, fiddling with the hilt of her knife.
" Still, you have to feel a little sorry for the child…right Lord Folken?" Naria looked up at him, but he didn't answer. He only looked at the machine, shook his head, and left the room.
" Come on Naria. We have to prepare to meet our guest."
* * * * * * * * * * * *
Van rubbed his forehead as he flopped onto his bed. He felt awful, and it wasn't just because he had a headache after that cotton ball feeling. He shouldn't have said those things about Rose. He didn't even feel that way about her. But how would he explain that? 'Gee, Rose, I know I make fun of you every chance I get and I ignore you, but I really like you and I want you to stay with me in Fanelia.' He snorted. Yeah right. Sighing, he rolled over on his side. Tonight was a total waste. But, as long as Rose didn't find out about the meeting that he had with those nobles then there was no reason to be worried, right? Somehow, that didn't make him feel any better.
* * * * * * * * * * * *
Rose patted the stallions neck. She had affectionately termed this one Tenshi, even though he was pure black. He whinnied, and galloped faster. Rose just clung to the reins, letting him choose where he wanted to go. Glancing to the side, Rose did a double take at the side bushes. Something was running…and keeping up with her. A flash of scales on moonlight calmed her down, but she urged Tenshi to go faster anyway.
After a while, Tenshi slowed down to a walk, his sides heaving. Rose stroked his mane, leaning her head on his neck.
" You know, it's bad for you to run so fast for so long." The horse snorted at her and tossed his head. She laughed quietly.
" Stubborn snarly male." Another toss of the head, and a branch breaking. Looking up, Rose stifled a gasp. A man with blonde hair stepped forward.
" Hello miss. You're Rose Kansaki, aren't you?" She blinked.
" No, you have the wrong person, I'm sorry." She could take this boy easily if he caused trouble. Mom told her about gangs, and she knew exactly how to handle them. More boys stepped out of the woods, surrounding her and Tenshi. 'Uh oh…' One of the boys took the reins of Tenshi.
" I'm sorry miss, but you have to come with us. Please don't make it difficult or we'll have to fight to get you to where you have to go." Rose snorted.
" Listen buddy, I don't have to go anywhere. Leave a girl alone, hm?" The blonde one shook his head.
" I'm sorry, but our Lord ordered us to bring you to him." Rose raised an eyebrow, getting down from the horse. If she stayed up there she was an open target.
" Oh? And who would this Lord of yours be?" The boys looked at one another uneasily, and then at a brown-haired boy, who waved his hand.
" I've formally given up my position. He'll always be our true Lord." 'What the…?' Rose looked around, and then nearly screamed as a voice purred quietly in her ear.
" I'm their lord, and you'll do as I tell you to, otherwise-" the boy didn't finish his sentence as she lashed out, reciting mentally what her instructors told her. "S.I.N.G…stomach,' the boy grunted as her elbow found her target, 'instep,' the others were rushing towards her, and she reached down and loosened her sword, 'nose,' she grunted, driving up and back with her fist, earning a curse, 'Groin!!' She raised her foot and kicked as hard as she could, causing the boy to double over. The others came at her, swords drawn. She smirked.
" Sorry boys, not going down without…" they rushed past her. She blinked. 'Hold on a sec. Something's wrong here.' Spinning, she noticed they were gathered around their so-called leader, who was yelling at them to get back in the fight, along with adding several resounding slaps. They drew back enough for her to see who it was.
" No way!!" She gasped, forgetting where she was. There was a sharp pain on the side of her head, and then there was nothing.
* * * * * * * * * * * *
Dillandu grinned, rubbing his nose.
" Strategos was right, she WILL be a good addition to our group. Pick her up and let's get out of here. She acted just as Strategos said, as well. Foolish girl." Laughing, the group picked the unconscious girl up, setting her across her horse, who was snorting and tossing his head.
* * * * * * * * * * * *
" It's finished, Lord Folken. The girl is in her room, and they expect her to be asleep for around 24 hours." Naria purred, glancing up at him from her kneeling position. He nodded.
" Very good. You may go, but inform me when she wakes." Naria stood, bowing.
" Yes my lord."
AN: Well, what did you think? Good, bad, too much angst? (I'm really worried about that…it was a sad chapter ;-;) As always, reviews are greatly appreciated and you can flame but I'll only use them to roast marshmallows! ~holds up a jumbo bag of marshmellows~ See ya next chapter!
Megumi of the Moon- Thanks for the comment on the lessons, I was afraid of making them too boring ;-;
1 Shan Duri-ma- Glad to hear from you ^_^
Kouhei Kokuei Odoriko- Heh, don't worry, Rose will stay as she is, pretty much. Glad that you like her character! ^_^
(Flashback)
" Hold on a minute…" The memory surfaced, and she let out a gasp of surprise.
" Escaflowne…."
" No….way!" Rose squealed, excited. 'How cool is this! I mean, obviously mom hadn't made up the whole Gaia thing, but to actually see it…' Clapping her hands girlishly, Rose stared at the machine for a moment longer. 'If only there was a way to get it working…but Van took out the energist to send mom home and…' a light clicked on in her brain. If she could get into his study, she'd probably find an energist lying around somewhere. But…she sighed.
" Even if I somehow DO find an energist, I don't even know how this thing works!" She groaned, frustrated. 'Life isn't fair' she thought sulkily. She tapped her chin thoughtfully.
" That means that the rock is….or was…Folkens grave. How come he let it fall into such a state?" Going back to the rock, she crouched, brushing away some ferns. She could barely make out the carving in the stone. She frowned. This was no way to treat a family member, even if he DID die. He should cherish the family he had, not push it away. Looking back on Escaflowne, she frowned deeper. The machine itself was great, but who controlled it was not. Deciding it wouldn't be a good idea if she kicked the thing because she would have a hard time explaining a broken toe, Rose just let out a cry of anger.
" Stupid machine, letting yourself be controlled by a person like him! Why didn't you just give up? Gone over to the other side and never worked, then mom could have gone home earlier and never been sad, would have been able to let her mind escape this place…" She knelt by Escaflowne's foot, crying. This was all too much. A girl could only handle so much! Pressing a hand to her heart, Rose sniffed, trying to stop herself from crying. 'Why does it hurt so much? Mama said that it would be wonderful. One minute I can't stop thinking about him and everything is perfect, and the next one I'm so mad at him that I want to maim him!' Standing up, she sighed, humming to herself. Rose sat at the feet of Escaflowne, leaning against its shins.
(On My Fathers Wings: Quest for Camelot)
" If you were with me now, I'd find myself with you,
If you were with me now, you're the only one who knew,
All the things we planned to do.
I want to live my life,
The way you said I would.
With courage as my light, fighting for what's right
Like you'd made me believe I could.
(Rose starts walking to the stables as she's singing to herself)
And I will fly on my mother's wings,
To places I have never been
There is so much I've never seen
And I can feel her heartbeat still
And I will do great things
On my mothers wings
(Reaches the stables, goes over to a stall to groom a mare)
This world I'll never see,
My dreams that just won't be
This horses stride, with one days ride
Will have covered more distance than me
I will fly on my mother's wings,
To places I have never been
There is so much I've never seen
And I can feel her heartbeat still
And I will do great things
On my mothers wings.
Someday, with her spirit to guide me,
And her memory beside me,
I will be free
To fly on my mothers wings,
To places I have never been,
There is so much I've never seen
And I can feel her heartbeat still
And I will do great things, On my mother's wings
On my mothers wings.
Rose sighed, finished grooming the mare. She felt restless today. The song helped some, but she still itched to go somewhere. The horse pranced under the brush, picking up on her emotions. Sighing, she rested her head against its flanks.
" There, there, I know how it feels." Giving the mare one last pat, Rose stood and headed back into the castle.
* * * * * * * * * * * *
" Alright. We have come to the agreement that while we'll keep an eye on the old Zaibach capital, nothing hostile will be done?" Chid looked around the table as they all nodded, a bit reluctantly. Van sighed inwardly. The two weeks have had to be the longest council he'd ever been in. Part of him was wary about not doing anything about the movement in Zaibach, but most of him was relieved that it was over. Now he could go home. 'If Rose hasn't burned the place down or driven everybody insane,' he thought good-humoredly. Getting up, a hand on his shoulder stopped him. Looking to the side, he spotted Chid.
" Lord Van, if I may speak to you privately?" He nodded, following Chid and his guards into a study.
" Please sit down." Chid spoke clearly and softly. Van looked at him, concerned. Chid merely shook his head and smiled.
" Don't worry Van, if I puzzled you. I just wanted to catch up with you." Van smiled at him. He sure knew how to give a guy a small heart attack. Van blinked. Chid probably hadn't heard about Rose yet.
" Van, there is one thing I'd like to ask you." He nodded.
" A few months ago, some of my astrologers and I noticed a pillar of light drop in Fanelia. Is Hitomi back?" Van winced at the eager look in his eyes.
" Not exactly Prince Chid. You see, it's a long story." With that, Van started to talk about everything that had happened so far.
When he finally leaned back, Chid was smiling.
" Well, it looks like you have your hands full, Van." Van nodded, sighing. Chid laughed quietly.
" Oh come on, surely she isn't that bad?" Van merely nodded.
" Trust me Chid…she's that bad." Chid smiled, then stood, showing him to the door.
" Well then, we should prepare to leave. I'm sure the party that your advisors are throwing for your return shall be quite interesting." Van groaned. Interesting was a polite way to put it, he was sure. Maybe if he pretended to be sick then he could get out of it. Chid caught his arm.
" Van, two things. If I know what you're thinking, they'd just reschedule. And secondly…" He paused, and then continued, "have a good time at the ball. I'll be watching." With that, Chid left to get packed, leaving Van with the feeling that Chid didn't say what he was planning on saying.
* * * * * * * * * * * *
Rose smiled in the mirror, pulling her hair back into a ponytail, wearing her old jeans and a t-shirt. Van was coming back today, and she didn't want to give the surprise away. The staff were like ants today, running around and putting last minute touches on everything, waiting for the guests to arrive for the party. There was a knock on the door.
" Come in Merle." Rose grinned at herself in the mirror, and then turned to greet her. She blinked, mouth hanging open slightly. Needless to say, it wasn't Merle that stood in the door. Running a hand through his hair, Van chuckled. 'Oh my…breathe! Remember to breathe!' He was gorgeous, wearing a red silk shirt that came to a V in the middle of his chest, with a black vest over top of it, bearing the crest of Fanelia. He also wore black pants, and his hair was mussed up, like he had been standing in an intense wind.
" Thought I'd come early in a different ship to avoid all of the formal crap that usually occurs when I come back from a conference." Rose shook her head slightly, regaining her form of thought. He laughed quietly, looking around.
" So…um…Rose. How's it going?" He shifted from foot to foot, looking extremely uncomfortable. She shrugged, leaning against her counter.
" Fine, I guess. Bored out of my mind but hey, what else is new?" She cocked an eyebrow at him, wondering why he was so nervous.
" Heh. Right. Um…anyway. Rose….about that argument that we had….I…that is…" He cleared his throat, studying his feet. 'Ah, of course. No wonder. Well, guess I'll give him a break, just this once.' She smiled brilliantly at him.
" It's forgotten Van. I was upset, you were upset, obviously, and we spazzed at one another. It's all good." Blinking at her, Van nodded.
" Well…that's all I really came here for…so…see you around." Waving slightly, he turned and left the room. Rose rolled her eyes, flopping onto her bed. 'He's cute, but sometimes he can be a little tongue-tied.' She giggled, rolling over and falling into a light sleep.
* * * * * * * * * * * *
Dillandu paced the length of the dark room, practically growling.
" Can we do it yet? Come on Folken, let's get it over with!" Several soldiers shook their heads as they walked past him. Folken sighed.
" I realize how eager you are, but we must wait until the evening. In the meantime, we have to assign two people to carry out the procedure." Folken looked at Naria.
" Would you care to be one of them?" Naria bowed, smiling silkily.
" Of course Lord Folken, I am honored that you chose me. Who will act as the second though?" Folken hmmed thoughtfully.
" Well, we need somebody who has a great deal of hate." Dillandu interrupted.
" There's no way that I'm doing it. No way I'm acting as second, so you can forget about it." Folken chuckled. 'Why did I know that he was going to object?' Naria latched onto his arm.
" Lord Folken, why don't you do it? You are closest, and it would be a good match, thus providing a greater chance of achieving the desired outcome." He gave a mental sigh. It would not be well for him to do that, for he had great reservation about performing the act, but if he must then he must.
" Very well. Naria, you shall be the first. I shall act as second. Then, after it is done, Dillandu, that's when you get to have your fun. Get you and the rest of your division ready." Dillandu glared at him, not liking the silent reminder and reprimand that Folken had just given him. Containing his anger, he bowed.
" Fine. I'll inform Miguel that-" Naria cut him off, smirking.
" LORD Miguel." Dillandu clenched his fist, his other hand reaching for his sword. Drawing it out, Dillandu gave his eerie grin.
" Of course. I'll inform Lord Miguel of our decisions. See you when the sun sets." Laughing, he strode out of the room. Folken shook his head.
" Well, at least he can partly control his anger. But Naria, try not to antagonize him so." She bowed.
" Yes Lord Folken." He nodded, looking at the gleaming machine made of twisted cords and pipes. He hoped feverently that the girl would go through the upcoming encounter unscathed.
* * * * * * * * * * * *
Rose reached up and smoothed her hair nervously. Merle flashed a grin at her.
" Don't worry Rose, you look wonderful! Her dresses all fit you and I'm sure she'd have wanted you to use them than have them rot away in a trunk in a storage room." She was referring to Varie. Rose looked at herself in the mirror, her gloved hands twisting. It was a dark forest green with pale green inserts, so pale it was almost white. A white ribbon criss-crossed in the front, cinching it tight enough around her waist to form more of a shape. The sleeves were made of a transparent silk made of the same pale green material, and fell to her fingertips, with a slit from her fingers to her shoulder so that if she raised her arms her sleeves would stay hanging. Her hair was French-braided, Fanelia style, and pinned up with jeweled combs, sparkling whenever she turned her head.
" Merle, I can't do this!" Rose was starting to panic. Merle latched a paw firmly on her arm, unsheathing her claws so that they prickled uncomfortably, but didn't hurt.
" You're coming even if I have to drag you there. We didn't go through these past two weeks for nothing, Lady Rose!" Taking a deep breath, Rose was about to remind Merle about the name, but paused. 'Of course, that's what they'd all be calling me. Drat!!' Merle nodded in satisfaction.
" And remember, if at any time you feel the need to scream, signal to me or Millerna or Allen and we'll distract whoever's annoying you so that you can go outside for a while. But Rose, remember. No. Running. Away." Rose nodded weakly. If she didn't get out there soon she was going to lose her nerve.
" Ok Merle. Let's get this party started." Sending a puzzled glance at Rose at the last phrase, Merle only shrugged. 'Mental note to self, tell Merle about Mystic Moon phrases.' Rose nearly stopped dead in her tracks as they walked, her heart sending ice through her veins. Since when did she refer to home as the Mystic Moon? But, silently, she knew that she had already answered that question.
* * * * * * * * * * * *
" Lord Folken, are you ready?" Naria sent a glance towards him, and he took a breath to compose himself and clear his mind. He could have no doubts if this was to succeed.
" Yes. I'm ready." He raised his voice, giving the order that would throw the entire night into chaos for one child.
" Start the machine."
* * * * * * * * * * * *
(HAH! Thought I'd end it there, huh?? Well, gotcha! This chapter is gonna be super long! Well, for me anyway ^_^"""")
Van looked around the room, suppressing the urge to sigh. This ball was no different than the others that his advisors had set up. It would end with the exact same results as well. Allen stood beside him, grinning at the face Van desperately tried to hold in.
" Not having fun Van? Don't worry, I'm sure things will get much more….interesting…as the night goes on." He smiled secretively. Van frowned slightly. That was another thing that bugged him. All of the staff, guards and his friends had acted as though they knew something that he didn't. And for some reason, tonight that rankled. Oh well. Looking around for Merle, he realized that she wasn't there. That was odd, usually she was the first one to come and greet him. Something was definitely different tonight, and he intended to find out what it was.
* * * * * * * * * * * *
Rose stared at the wood doors, trying not to faint. 'Just breathe, that's all you have to do.' She thought nervously. The guard cleared his throat.
" Um, ma'am? Would you like me to introduce you?" Merle had already gone inside. Rose put on a winning smile, keeping it tender and gentle.
" If you would, sir." He nodded, opening the doors. She hung slightly behind him until he announced her name. Then she would show no fear as she walked in, head held high. 'Gods, I should have been an actress.'
" The Lady Rose Kansaki, Daughter of the Seeress of the Mystic Moon, Hitomi Kansaki, Savior of the Gaian War." What a title, she was going to have a mouthful to say if she had to repeat all of that to every noble she met. As she stepped forward, a strange fuzziness invaded her head, washing away all of her fear and trepidation. She could do this, and she would do it well. It would please her Lord…where did that come from? She had no Lord! Shrugging it off as getting too much into the part, she blushed prettily as murmurs ran through the crowd. She saw Merle off to the side, grinning from ear to ear. Raising her head and giving it just the right tilt, Rose walked towards the throne to make her formal introduction, and to…hopefully…show him what she'd been feeling all this time.
* * * * * * * * * * * *
" Sir Allen, Your Highness. I am pleased to introduce myself." Naria bowed deeply to Folken, who did nothing except reply in a neutral voice that borderlined on boredom and uncaring.
" Rose. You're wearing a dress. That's different." He replied in greeting, trying to push away his doubts. She didn't deserve this.
* * * * * * * * * * * *
Van saw out of the corner of his eye that Allen sent him a surprised look. He was starting to grow nervous. When he saw Rose, his world nearly shut down, and it felt as if cotton balls were swabbing his mind. When he tried, he couldn't even turn his head, much less respond to Rose the way he wanted to. He wanted to tell her that she was beautiful, that she was amazing, but all he said in reply to her greeting was a simple:
" Rose. You're wearing a dress. That's different." He cringed as he saw a slash of pain cross her features before she straightened up, a mask in place. It made him shiver. Struggling, he managed to speak.
" I mean, you do look lovely tonight. I'm pleasantly surprised." Hoping that was the right thing to say, Van was immensely relieved when Rose's features lit up in a smile.
" Thank you Van. You look good too." Allen found the ceiling extremely interesting, and was craning his neck back to study it. He blushed slightly, trying to chase his nervousness away. It was only Rose, after all. Granted, a beautiful, calm, polite and composed Rose, but Rose nonetheless.
* * * * * * * * * * * *
Rose sighed happily in her mind. She nearly left after Vans little statement, but now he was talking to her….sort of. She had the uneasy feeling that he was only avoiding having to talk to any of the other princesses here. She glanced down at the floor briefly before snapping her eyes up. 'Nobles never stare at the floor.' Van smiled at her, resting his elbows on the armrests of his throne.
" Well, I can see that you've changed…you're acting like a noble." Rose shifted from foot to foot, feeling extremely uncomfortable. This wasn't how it was supposed to go!
" Uh, yeah. I figured, I might as well learn if I'm going to be here for a while, right?" She attempted a grin. She glanced frantically at Allen, who cleared his throat.
" Van, don't you think you should ask this Lady for a dance? The musicians are about to start." Van nodded absently.
" Of course. I can teach you as we go, Rose." Standing, he offered his arm. Gulping quietly, Rose rested her arm on top of his and descended the stairs.
* * * * * * * * * * * *
" Alright Naria, wait until I summon you." Dillandu spoke, breaking the silence. Bowing, Naria broke the mind link between her and the machine. She remained, however, because Folken would have felt like an idiot waltzing by himself. Unlike her, he had to maintain control over Van for the entire night, to pull of the plan successfully. He closed his eyes. 'Forgive me…brother.'
* * * * * * * * * * * *
They danced. Van was surprised when the song started and she knew what she was doing, but it eventually faded into grudging approval. And so they danced. But something wasn't right. He felt…different. Rose bit back a sigh. She was probably just overanalyzing the situation. She also felt extremely self-conscious. The princesses were glaring at her with venom, and the princes and other nobles were just staring at her…which triggered an even stronger dose of venom from the other women. 'How did I get myself into this?' Eyes widening slightly, she fought a blush as Van unconsciously pulled her closer to him. 'Ohmygod ohmygod ohmygod…stop it! Quit acting like a little kid…' Still, she allowed herself a small smile.
* * * * * * * * * * * *
Van watched himself dance. 'Am I the only one who knows there's something wrong with that sentence?' He thought unhappily. Somehow, he wasn't in control of what he was doing. Not that he minded right now, he didn't think he'd have had enough guts to ask Rose to dance otherwise, but…it would have been nice to know that he was the one who initiated it, not some…puppet…of him. Then he grew embarrassed. What would Rose think after he pulled her closer to him?!?! There has to be a way out of this! 'But…if the issue was pushed….would I want to?'
* * * * * * * * * * * *
Folken finished the dance with Naria, bowing politely. She curtsied, and then walked away to watch on the sidelines. He cleared his throat, feeling slightly embarrassed talking to air.
" That was a very good dance Rose. I congratulate you. However, I have to go and talk to some ambassadors. Please excuse me." He bowed again, and relaxed his hold on Van just enough so that he could move by himself. All he had to do was talk, for now.
* * * * * * * * * * * *
Rose swirled a glass of fruit punch slowly, the glass caught lazily between two fingers and her thumb as she tried to quench the feelings of anger swirling like the punch in her stomach. Merle and Allen and Chid were there with her, and Millerna and Dryden were dancing.
" Well, that didn't work! He was supposed to stay with y-" Rose cut Merle off, annoyed at herself.
" Never mind Merle. I didn't think that it would soak through his thick skull anyway." Chid tugged on her sleeve to get her attention. She looked down at him.
" Don't worry Lady Rose. He's just distracted because of our council. I apologize. Had I known, then I would have held it off." Rose smiled, crouching to meet him eye to eye, and then she ruffled his hair.
" Don't worry kiddo, I'm sure a council here is far more important than a tomboy." She smiled again, successfully not blowing up at him, stood up and finished her punch, keeping a hold on the glass. The song ended, and Millerna and Dryden came over. Flicking a glance in the opposite direction, Rose saw Van talking with some councilors…and a few princesses. 'Advisors, huh?' Her eyes narrowed until Millerna tapped her on the shoulder.
" Yes Millerna?" The princess smiled gently at her, and Rose sighed in frustration in her mind. 'So he's not talking to me! It's not the end of the world!'
" Rose…even though things didn't exactly go according to plan, I know your mother would have been very proud of you." Rose resisted the urge to close her eyes. Pour salt on the wound, why don't you? Then Dryden spoke up.
" Yes. You're certainly you're mothers daughter." Her grip tightened on the glass stem, and she slammed it down onto the table. 'Ok, that's it!' Rose thought angrily.
" Stop it! Stop comparing me to her! I'm completely different from Hitomi, ok?!?!" They blinked at her, and a few people around her stared at her, but she didn't care.
" Rose…what…" Shaking her head, Rose yelled, clenching her fists at her side.
" CAN'T YOU TELL THAT I'M ADOPTED?!?!?!?!?" There was a silent hush throughout the ballroom because as she yelled, the orchestra decided to end the song it was playing. Rose stood there, eyes wide, as she looked around the ballroom. Murmurs started running through the crowd, and she couldn't take it. Turning, she ran out of the ballroom and into the gardens.
* * * * * * * * * * * *
Van stood in shock as the murmurs settled down when the band began to play again. So, I guess the mystery is solved on why she said she was only 'sort of' Hitomi's daughter.
" Lord Van, some of the princes and people want to talk with you alone." Merle latched onto his arm, looking just as shocked as he was feeling. He nodded, finding his voice, the cotton-swab feeling back in his head again.
" Which room?" With that, Merle half-dragged him into another study. Looking around, he noticed the general that had been unconcerned with the war was there, as well as several others. It didn't look like a formal meeting, as most of them were lounging in overstuffed chairs and chatting idly, waiting for him to show up.
" Ah, Lord Van, there you are. We wanted to talk to you about a certain small treason, if you will." That got his attention, and he nodded, sitting in one of the remaining chairs.
* * * * * * * * * * * *
" Lord Folken, is it time?" Folken nodded at Naria, and she initiated the link between her and the machine. He sighed quietly, nodding to Dillandu, who grinned ferally and rushed off to finish the job they would start. Taking a deep breath, Folken spoke.
" Yes, I know. I can't believe that she lied to us for so long! How could she?" Allowing anger to creep into his voice, Folken called up all of the times he had felt anger or hate and channeled it through the link. Naria hung in the shadows, head bowed.
* * * * * * * * * * *
Rose had to talk to him. That is…if she could find him. Wiping her eyes, she ran into Merle. Catching her arm, she asked her where he was. Merle silently pointed down the hall, and Rose nodded, feeling like her head was full of cotton balls. Rubbing her forehead, she took a deep breath as she neared the door. How was she going to explain why she didn't tell them all sooner? 'Van, I'm sorry I didn't tell you earlier, but I didn't want you to toss me out of Fanelia. And besides, I don't remember much of the adoption center anyway. Did I mention that I love you?' She snorted. Like that was going to work. Hearing laughter, Rose crept closer to the door where Van was supposedly having a meeting.
" Heh, yeah, you said it Lord Van. She's a traitor because she didn't tell you. You should kick her out." Her eyes widened painfully, and she leaned against the wall. 'Say it's a joke, please, say it's a joke!!'
" No, I don't think that Hitomi would appreciate that. It doesn't mean that I can't ignore her though. She's nothing but a leech who stays here because she's too afraid to go anywhere else. And did you see her attempt at being a lady? I saw through that in about 30 seconds." They laughed again, and Rose closed her eyes briefly, anger flaring inside of her. But there was no way she was going to confront him now. Hot tears trailed down her cheeks as she pushed off of the wall and ran to her room.
" Kick me out of Fanelia, huh?" Rose slammed her duffel bag onto her bed, grabbing random clothes from her closet and slamming them just as violently into the bag. 'I'm not going to wait around to get kicked out. If that's how he feels, then fine.' After shoving a few toiletries into the bag, Rose strapped her sword around her leg, moving her skirts to hide it. Putting Hitomi's necklace on the counter, Rose picked up her duffel bag and riding boots and stormed out of her room, looking around. No guards. It was just as well that they didn't see her.
* * * * * * * * * * * *
The machine shut down, and Folken sighed wearily, rubbing his forehead.
" Well, it's up to Dillandu and Lord Miguel now." Naria nodded, fiddling with the hilt of her knife.
" Still, you have to feel a little sorry for the child…right Lord Folken?" Naria looked up at him, but he didn't answer. He only looked at the machine, shook his head, and left the room.
" Come on Naria. We have to prepare to meet our guest."
* * * * * * * * * * * *
Van rubbed his forehead as he flopped onto his bed. He felt awful, and it wasn't just because he had a headache after that cotton ball feeling. He shouldn't have said those things about Rose. He didn't even feel that way about her. But how would he explain that? 'Gee, Rose, I know I make fun of you every chance I get and I ignore you, but I really like you and I want you to stay with me in Fanelia.' He snorted. Yeah right. Sighing, he rolled over on his side. Tonight was a total waste. But, as long as Rose didn't find out about the meeting that he had with those nobles then there was no reason to be worried, right? Somehow, that didn't make him feel any better.
* * * * * * * * * * * *
Rose patted the stallions neck. She had affectionately termed this one Tenshi, even though he was pure black. He whinnied, and galloped faster. Rose just clung to the reins, letting him choose where he wanted to go. Glancing to the side, Rose did a double take at the side bushes. Something was running…and keeping up with her. A flash of scales on moonlight calmed her down, but she urged Tenshi to go faster anyway.
After a while, Tenshi slowed down to a walk, his sides heaving. Rose stroked his mane, leaning her head on his neck.
" You know, it's bad for you to run so fast for so long." The horse snorted at her and tossed his head. She laughed quietly.
" Stubborn snarly male." Another toss of the head, and a branch breaking. Looking up, Rose stifled a gasp. A man with blonde hair stepped forward.
" Hello miss. You're Rose Kansaki, aren't you?" She blinked.
" No, you have the wrong person, I'm sorry." She could take this boy easily if he caused trouble. Mom told her about gangs, and she knew exactly how to handle them. More boys stepped out of the woods, surrounding her and Tenshi. 'Uh oh…' One of the boys took the reins of Tenshi.
" I'm sorry miss, but you have to come with us. Please don't make it difficult or we'll have to fight to get you to where you have to go." Rose snorted.
" Listen buddy, I don't have to go anywhere. Leave a girl alone, hm?" The blonde one shook his head.
" I'm sorry, but our Lord ordered us to bring you to him." Rose raised an eyebrow, getting down from the horse. If she stayed up there she was an open target.
" Oh? And who would this Lord of yours be?" The boys looked at one another uneasily, and then at a brown-haired boy, who waved his hand.
" I've formally given up my position. He'll always be our true Lord." 'What the…?' Rose looked around, and then nearly screamed as a voice purred quietly in her ear.
" I'm their lord, and you'll do as I tell you to, otherwise-" the boy didn't finish his sentence as she lashed out, reciting mentally what her instructors told her. "S.I.N.G…stomach,' the boy grunted as her elbow found her target, 'instep,' the others were rushing towards her, and she reached down and loosened her sword, 'nose,' she grunted, driving up and back with her fist, earning a curse, 'Groin!!' She raised her foot and kicked as hard as she could, causing the boy to double over. The others came at her, swords drawn. She smirked.
" Sorry boys, not going down without…" they rushed past her. She blinked. 'Hold on a sec. Something's wrong here.' Spinning, she noticed they were gathered around their so-called leader, who was yelling at them to get back in the fight, along with adding several resounding slaps. They drew back enough for her to see who it was.
" No way!!" She gasped, forgetting where she was. There was a sharp pain on the side of her head, and then there was nothing.
* * * * * * * * * * * *
Dillandu grinned, rubbing his nose.
" Strategos was right, she WILL be a good addition to our group. Pick her up and let's get out of here. She acted just as Strategos said, as well. Foolish girl." Laughing, the group picked the unconscious girl up, setting her across her horse, who was snorting and tossing his head.
* * * * * * * * * * * *
" It's finished, Lord Folken. The girl is in her room, and they expect her to be asleep for around 24 hours." Naria purred, glancing up at him from her kneeling position. He nodded.
" Very good. You may go, but inform me when she wakes." Naria stood, bowing.
" Yes my lord."
AN: Well, what did you think? Good, bad, too much angst? (I'm really worried about that…it was a sad chapter ;-;) As always, reviews are greatly appreciated and you can flame but I'll only use them to roast marshmallows! ~holds up a jumbo bag of marshmellows~ See ya next chapter!