AN: Yaaayy! Thanks a bunch for the reviews, sorry about them cliffhangers,
I just can't resist ^_^"
Megumi of the Moon- Trust me, I'm glad you review all the time. Gives me happy happy bouncy feelings ^_^ (you know you have too much sugar when…) The next chapter is in the works, just need to organize my ideas…I got a billion of 'em floating around –
Kurtz- Thanks for the encouragement! I like to know that people like my writing ^-^ Even better to know they like my ideas. Yay ^^
Kouhei- Aahh don't die, don't die!! ~types quickly~ I'm writing, see, see?? ^_^"
Rose growled, pacing her room. ' 2 weeks…2 WEEKS and he hasn't even shown any sign of wanting to come…maybe Naria and Folken were right…' Rose shook her head, slamming her fist down onto the small wooden table.
" That does it. Something has to be done, and I plan on doing it! We'll see if he can just waltz in and take me from here now." She grumbled, stalking out of her room in search of Folkens room. Instead, she collided with Miguel as she turned a corner.
" Oh, sorry Rose." Miguel reached a hand down to help her up, which she grudgingly accepted. Looking at him, she noticed slight amusement in his eyes.
" You think it's funny that I fell down?" Rose challenged him, eyes narrowing playfully. He grinned, going down on one knee.
" Of course not my Lady, I…argh!" She pushed him over, laughing, as she walked by him.
" Rose, where are you going?" She looked over at him and had to raise a hand to cover her mouth as she fought to keep from giggling. He remained lying on the ground, waiting for her response.
" I'm going to find Folken. There's something I have to discuss with him." She smiled, helping him up.
" You mean you're staying?" She nodded, which triggered a grin from Miguel. After a small cheer, he spoke.
" Well, I gotta go tell the guys about this. See ya Rose!" He started to jog down the hallway, and then stopped.
" And by the way…Folkens' room is in the other direction." She deadpanned at him.
" Thanks for the advice." Chuckling and feeling better than she had in days, Rose turned around and started walking. 'No more moping around, not anymore. It's time to turn over a new leaf…and turn over to a new side.'
* * * * * * * * * * * *
Folken smiled at the girl in front of him. 'I was right, it didn't take more than a month. Dillandu will be pleased, I'm sure.'
" Are you sure about this? Training will be hard, and you may die." He restrained himself from laughing as she snorted.
" Please. I bet you that I can beat any Dragon Slayer here. Including Dillandu." He raised an eyebrow.
" I'm sure you can. However…" he paused. It was a delicate subject to approach, and if he didn't say it right then he could run the risk of scaring her away. Meanwhile, Rose tapped her foot against the ground.
" What? Think they won't accept me because I'm a girl?" Folken shook his head, pondering. He absently reached up to shift his cloak, and then remembered that he had taken it off to show Rose his arm.
" There will be some…experiments that you must go through in order to become a Dragon Slayer." She raised an eyebrow, instantly cautious. 'So, she's not stupid after all,' he thought gladly. He watched as she leaned both elbows on the table, tapping her chin thoughtfully, eyes narrowed and staring off to some point in space. 'If I were younger, I'd consider courting her. She really can be beautiful.' He thought kindly, almost smiling to himself. He could almost see her coming to a decision in the way her eyes hardened and she sat up straighter.
" Well, as long as you don't change me into a guy," she paused, making a face, " then why not? I mean, it's not like it's going to kill me." Folken nodded, allowing himself a small smile. 'I just hope that the sorcerers don't overdo things.'
" Very well Rose. We'll start immediately. This way, please." As they walked, she made a comment.
" You knew I was going to say yes, didn't you?" There was a hint of accusation in her voice.
" It's good to be prepared for everything."
" Yuh-huh."
* * * * * * * * * * * *
Van sighed, leaning back in his chair. 'Gods, as soon as Rose disappeared they start in with the princesses again,' he grumbled mentally to himself, tuning out the advisors as they babbled on endlessly. He sighed, bringing the chair back down quietly. 'I still don't understand why she left…I miss her, although if she ever came back I doubt I'd ever say it to her face.' He glanced out a window, tapping his fingers against the table.
" As our lord has apparently refused to listen to our advice on heirs, we shall move on to a more serious note of business," an old advisor continued, amusement in his eyes. As soon as he had Van's attention, the amusement disappeared.
" As instructed, we have been keeping an eye on the Zaibach capital. There is increased movement there, and signs of army training." Van frowned. 'Not again,' he thought angrily.
" How big is the army?" The advisor glanced at his papers, a worried look in his eyes.
" One hundred as of last week." Van blinked. They could easily defeat such a small number.
" But, my Lord…that one hundred has sprung up practically overnight. An alarming increase from the week before that. It's as if they learned something, or that something is drawing men to the capital. If the problem is left, by all considerations and mathematical figures…they could have over one thousand by the end of the month." Gasps and murmurs ran through the room. Van frowned deeply. 'Someone…or something…and been drawing people to the capital. The general civilian population has increased as well. This isn't good.' He cleared his throat.
" Give it one more month, and start gathering armies. Contact Asturia, Fried, and Basram to warn them of the army forming. If nothing happens, then we have nothing to worry about. If something DOES happen, then we'll have the men and machines to deal with it. We won't be caught by surprise this time." His advisors nodded, standing as he did.
" This meeting is dismissed."
* * * * * * * * * * * *
Rose looked at the table with understandable hesitation. 'This is insane…' she thought as the sorcerers watched her. Then she remembered Folken's advice. "You're going to become a Dragon Slayer. Don't show them that you're afraid of them. Their opinion of you is everything." Raising her head, she walked to the table and lay down, wearing a shirt with no sleeves and shorts.
" Do what you need to. I warn you though, if you disfigure me or disable me in any way, shape, or form, I will hunt each and every one of you down until you are all dead." She growled, sending each of them a glare. They merely nodded, smiling, at one another. A sorcerer pulled out a needle, putting it to her arm.
" It will be necessary to put you out for the operation. Count to ten, and then all of your problems will be solved." She closed her eyes, wincing slightly as the needle pumped the clear substance into her bloodstream. She was out cold before she reached the number three.
" Ah, Rose, I see you've awakened." The bleary, fuzzy world that appeared when Rose opened her eyes slowly focused to show Naria sitting in a chair. She had been moved back to her room. She shot up, noticing the different weight of her clothes. Groaning, she clutched her head as a wave of pain in the form of a headache overtook her.
" God, what did those sorcerers do to me? I feel like crap!" She mumbled, stepping carefully off of the bed and looking at herself in the mirror. She wore an outfit similar to Narias, bodysuit bottom included. Instead of demanding pants, as she normally would have, she just shrugged it off. 'Hey, if a cat-girl can waltz around wearing something like this, then so can I.'
" Well, it seems that the first operation went successfully. Congratulations Rose, you start your training tomorrow." Rose blinked.
" Hold on, training for what?" Naria chuckled, showing her fangs.
" Why, training for the assassination of Van Fanel." A flow of rage washed over Rose. Normally she wasn't so angry at him, but now…
" I'm ready. I'll kill that bastard with my own claws if I have to." She blinked, shaking her head. Naria looked at her quizzically.
" Did you just say claws?" Rose blinked again, staring at her hands. They were still the same, nothing had changed.
" Apparently…strange. I meant to say hands." Nodding, Naria left the room with a 'goodnight.' Surprised, Rose glanced out of her window at the fluffy clouds. And the stars. She grumbled, not the least bit tired. 'Memo to me…have Folken arrange any further operations at night so that I'll be able to sleep.' With that, she tumbled into bed and stared at her roof until the early morning sun lit up her room.
* * * * * * * * * * * *
Miguel nodded, bowing to both Folken and Dillandu. He understood the order, but it felt wrong.
" Sir…is this absolutely necessary?" He asked slowly, almost anticipating the blow from his captain. 'Guess not much changes when you die and get brought back to life,' he thought grimly. Rubbing his cheek, he bowed again.
" Of course it's necessary. She needs to feel like she's cared for here. It may be the only thing that keeps her here. If her loyalty runs out, we need her to have an emotional attachment. And seeing as she's not quite compatible with Dillandu here, we chose you to perform this duty." Bowing, Miguel turned and left the room. 'Ok, being friends with her I can understand. I mean, it's already happened. But acting as her boyfriend? I think that's pushing things a little bit.' Miguel sighed, looking down the hallway. 'Speak of the devil,' he thought wryly. Rose waved to him, and as soon as she came close enough for him to see what she was wearing, his jaw dropped slightly. Even though the armor was almost identical to Naria's, it fit wonderfully. 'Maybe this job will be easier than I thought.'
" Hey Miguel, what's up?" She asked, smiling at him. He blinked in confusion.
" Um…the ceiling…and I suppose the clouds." His response awarded him with a burst of laughter.
" No, that's not what I meant…what I meant was, how are things going?" He nodded, still slightly confused.
" Nothing much. It's really the same routine around here, day in and day out." He glanced at her uniform and blushed slightly. Proper girls should not be wearing something like that. Apparently she noticed his reaction and grinned.
" Naria says I have to wear it because it will make training easier. Less to sweat in." With another laugh, she walked by him down to the training room.
" Oh man, the boys and I are going to have a hard time from now on." He groaned, mentally bemoaning his fate, while celebrating at the same time. 'My job will DEFINITELY be easier than I thought.'
* * * * * * * * * * * *
Rose yawned, ducking as Miguel swung his sword at her. It had been another week, and she had just been woken up from a sorcerer-induced sleep to train. 'Honestly, this can be so boring!' she thought as she swung her sword up, parrying his next move. 'I wonder what Naria and Folken are up to,' her train of thought continued as she swept her sword upwards and disarmed Miguel, only coming back to the real world when the sword clattered against the ground. Blinking, she noticed that Miguel was rubbing his wrist.
" Oh, I'm sorry…did I cut you?" Without waiting for an answer, she grabbed his wrist and looked at it, frowning. Pulling off his glove, she looked again. There was no scratch, just a red mark. Satisfied, she dropped his hand, running her own hand through her hair.
" Jeez Rose, where'd you learn to fight like that?" She grinned at him, retrieving his sword and handing it back to him.
" Oh, here and there. I've been training since I was young, my mother wanted me to learn it." He nodded, taking the sword. Heading to the door, he chuckled as she walked with him.
" Well, I know one thing. You can kick my butt." She smiled at him again, and then yawned.
" Are you ok Rose?" She nodded, stretching. 'At least these people are concerned about me.'
" Yeah, I'm fine. I had another operation last night, and I'm bushed. Honestly, how many of these things do I have to do?" He shrugged, looking a little nervous. 'Odd,' she thought.
" Hey…Rose?" Miguel stopped walking, and was studying the ceiling of the floating fortress. She paused, looking over her shoulder at him.
" Yes?" He flushed slightly.
" I was thinking…since we have tonight off…" He stopped, now looking at his feet. ' Oh my god, is he doing what I think he's doing?' Her eyes widened.
" I was wondering if you'd, you know, like to go to dinner with me." Miguel said it so fast she had to think for a moment to decipher what he said. Then she went into a state of shock. 'Ohmygod, ohmygod!' She gave herself a mental slap. 'No! We will not go ditzy teenager now! Must think, must be calm!!' She allowed a small smile.
" Uumm…well, I'm not busy…" Another mental slap. 'You're practically the same rank as he is, of course you're not busy! Baka, baka, baka!'
" So…sure!" Miguel smiled, looking as nervous as she felt.
" Ok….I'll come by your room around sunset, alright?" She nodded, smiling slightly. With that, Miguel stood for a moment, and then turned at raced down the hall. Smiling, Rose went back to her room, feeling slightly fuzzy and dizzy. 'So…this is what it's like to get asked out on a date, huh?' Allowing herself a small spin, Rose flopped onto her bed. And then she shot back up into a sitting position.
" I don't have anything to wear!!"
* * * * * * * * * * * *
Naria pawed through the bag without disturbing anything as Folken stood to the side. He frowned as she shook her head.
" I saw it on the table. She has to have it somewhere." Naria shrugged.
" It's not in here, and I'm certain that she wouldn't lose it. If she DID have that sword, then she was fated to have it. They don't give themselves to just anybody you know." Folken nodded gravely. He did know…it was one of the few things they found out when they were dead. 'And if she DOES carry the sword…then we have more power on our hands than we can control. Of course, that's only if she knows what it means to own a sword like that…and I don't think that she does.' He sighed aloud, motioning to Naria.
" Let's forget about it for now. If she DOES have the sword, then we'll find out about it soon enough." He frowned as they walked out of Rose's room. 'And if we find out about it when she does…' he didn't finish the thought. 'Lets just hope we find out before she does.'
* * * * * * * * * * * *
Rose spun in front of the mirror. Naria had lent her one of her never-used dresses for the night. It was just a simple sundress, but Naria complained about the feel of her tail pressed against her leg when she sat down. It was a light blue with a red floral pattern on it, and it went to her knees. Rose didn't really have any dress shoes from her duffel bag, so Naria lent her a pair of soft black cloth ankle boots to go with the outfit. Rose let her hair down, and it flared out at her shoulders and then went in at the ends (you know, long anime-hairstyle that we all drool for…. -_-) Sighing happily, Rose ran a hand through her hair one last time, and then headed for her door. Just as she was about to open it, a knock signaled that Miguel was already there. Smiling, she opened the door to let him in. She barely suppressed a giggle when he just stood there. 'Boys are still boys, no matter what planet you're on, I guess.' Smiling, she slid past him and out into the hallway.
" Come on Miguel, you owe me a dinner." What was with her? She NEVER acted THIS happy before. Snapping out of it, Miguel turned.
" Rose, you're just…well…" He gave up, settling instead on a lopsided grin. Offering his arm, he linked his with hers and started down the hallway. She shrugged off her previous concern with another smile aimed at Miguel. 'As long as I have fun, I don't think I should worry about it.'
Rose looked around the restaurant from her seat, fighting to keep her jaw from dropping. It was a large wood and stone manor, with redwood and black lacquer floors. Painted wooden pillars sprouted from the floor, depicting tea houses and the restaurant in gold paint. Thick velvet curtains hung from the windows, and there were candles at every table. The stone seats had thick covers on them, and the tables were spotless.
" Miguel," she whispered to him, slightly nervous.
" Yes Rose?"
" Won't this meal cost a fortune?!?!" He chuckled, then winked at her. She blinked, glancing at the menu, then sweatdropping.
" Don't worry Rose, everything is paid for here by the Zaibach Army. It was a place built by them, and it only serves members of Zaibach and very rich nobles from allied countries. That's why there's not many people here." He smiled at her, then looked at the menu.
" So Rose, what would you like to eat?" Rose rubbed the back of her head.
" Umm….what's most of the food on the menu? I don't know most of the names…" she mumbled, turning a bright red. He laughed, taking her hand, which caused her to go and even deeper shade of red.
" How about I order for you. Don't worry, I won't get you anything disgusting." Rose flashed a relieved smile at him, squeezing his hand slightly before taking it away.
" Thanks Miguel. I owe you one." He tsked at her.
" Don't say you owe me unless you intend to repay the debt some time." He was flirting with her, she wasn't that dumb to realize that. Chuckling quietly, she avoided answering him when the waiter came to their table. Sipping a fruit punch, Rose relaxed and talked quietly with Miguel about small topics, staying away from any mention of war or battles. For once, tonight, she wanted to have fun and truly enjoy herself when she was here.
* * * * * * * * * * * *
AN: I know, I know, another sorta cliff-hanger, gomen! And I seem to be creating more questions than I answer…I hope, anyway. Suspense, suspense, suspense! And please don't hurt me in regards to Miguel…~whimper~ What would an anime be without a good love triangle???
Megumi of the Moon- Trust me, I'm glad you review all the time. Gives me happy happy bouncy feelings ^_^ (you know you have too much sugar when…) The next chapter is in the works, just need to organize my ideas…I got a billion of 'em floating around –
Kurtz- Thanks for the encouragement! I like to know that people like my writing ^-^ Even better to know they like my ideas. Yay ^^
Kouhei- Aahh don't die, don't die!! ~types quickly~ I'm writing, see, see?? ^_^"
Rose growled, pacing her room. ' 2 weeks…2 WEEKS and he hasn't even shown any sign of wanting to come…maybe Naria and Folken were right…' Rose shook her head, slamming her fist down onto the small wooden table.
" That does it. Something has to be done, and I plan on doing it! We'll see if he can just waltz in and take me from here now." She grumbled, stalking out of her room in search of Folkens room. Instead, she collided with Miguel as she turned a corner.
" Oh, sorry Rose." Miguel reached a hand down to help her up, which she grudgingly accepted. Looking at him, she noticed slight amusement in his eyes.
" You think it's funny that I fell down?" Rose challenged him, eyes narrowing playfully. He grinned, going down on one knee.
" Of course not my Lady, I…argh!" She pushed him over, laughing, as she walked by him.
" Rose, where are you going?" She looked over at him and had to raise a hand to cover her mouth as she fought to keep from giggling. He remained lying on the ground, waiting for her response.
" I'm going to find Folken. There's something I have to discuss with him." She smiled, helping him up.
" You mean you're staying?" She nodded, which triggered a grin from Miguel. After a small cheer, he spoke.
" Well, I gotta go tell the guys about this. See ya Rose!" He started to jog down the hallway, and then stopped.
" And by the way…Folkens' room is in the other direction." She deadpanned at him.
" Thanks for the advice." Chuckling and feeling better than she had in days, Rose turned around and started walking. 'No more moping around, not anymore. It's time to turn over a new leaf…and turn over to a new side.'
* * * * * * * * * * * *
Folken smiled at the girl in front of him. 'I was right, it didn't take more than a month. Dillandu will be pleased, I'm sure.'
" Are you sure about this? Training will be hard, and you may die." He restrained himself from laughing as she snorted.
" Please. I bet you that I can beat any Dragon Slayer here. Including Dillandu." He raised an eyebrow.
" I'm sure you can. However…" he paused. It was a delicate subject to approach, and if he didn't say it right then he could run the risk of scaring her away. Meanwhile, Rose tapped her foot against the ground.
" What? Think they won't accept me because I'm a girl?" Folken shook his head, pondering. He absently reached up to shift his cloak, and then remembered that he had taken it off to show Rose his arm.
" There will be some…experiments that you must go through in order to become a Dragon Slayer." She raised an eyebrow, instantly cautious. 'So, she's not stupid after all,' he thought gladly. He watched as she leaned both elbows on the table, tapping her chin thoughtfully, eyes narrowed and staring off to some point in space. 'If I were younger, I'd consider courting her. She really can be beautiful.' He thought kindly, almost smiling to himself. He could almost see her coming to a decision in the way her eyes hardened and she sat up straighter.
" Well, as long as you don't change me into a guy," she paused, making a face, " then why not? I mean, it's not like it's going to kill me." Folken nodded, allowing himself a small smile. 'I just hope that the sorcerers don't overdo things.'
" Very well Rose. We'll start immediately. This way, please." As they walked, she made a comment.
" You knew I was going to say yes, didn't you?" There was a hint of accusation in her voice.
" It's good to be prepared for everything."
" Yuh-huh."
* * * * * * * * * * * *
Van sighed, leaning back in his chair. 'Gods, as soon as Rose disappeared they start in with the princesses again,' he grumbled mentally to himself, tuning out the advisors as they babbled on endlessly. He sighed, bringing the chair back down quietly. 'I still don't understand why she left…I miss her, although if she ever came back I doubt I'd ever say it to her face.' He glanced out a window, tapping his fingers against the table.
" As our lord has apparently refused to listen to our advice on heirs, we shall move on to a more serious note of business," an old advisor continued, amusement in his eyes. As soon as he had Van's attention, the amusement disappeared.
" As instructed, we have been keeping an eye on the Zaibach capital. There is increased movement there, and signs of army training." Van frowned. 'Not again,' he thought angrily.
" How big is the army?" The advisor glanced at his papers, a worried look in his eyes.
" One hundred as of last week." Van blinked. They could easily defeat such a small number.
" But, my Lord…that one hundred has sprung up practically overnight. An alarming increase from the week before that. It's as if they learned something, or that something is drawing men to the capital. If the problem is left, by all considerations and mathematical figures…they could have over one thousand by the end of the month." Gasps and murmurs ran through the room. Van frowned deeply. 'Someone…or something…and been drawing people to the capital. The general civilian population has increased as well. This isn't good.' He cleared his throat.
" Give it one more month, and start gathering armies. Contact Asturia, Fried, and Basram to warn them of the army forming. If nothing happens, then we have nothing to worry about. If something DOES happen, then we'll have the men and machines to deal with it. We won't be caught by surprise this time." His advisors nodded, standing as he did.
" This meeting is dismissed."
* * * * * * * * * * * *
Rose looked at the table with understandable hesitation. 'This is insane…' she thought as the sorcerers watched her. Then she remembered Folken's advice. "You're going to become a Dragon Slayer. Don't show them that you're afraid of them. Their opinion of you is everything." Raising her head, she walked to the table and lay down, wearing a shirt with no sleeves and shorts.
" Do what you need to. I warn you though, if you disfigure me or disable me in any way, shape, or form, I will hunt each and every one of you down until you are all dead." She growled, sending each of them a glare. They merely nodded, smiling, at one another. A sorcerer pulled out a needle, putting it to her arm.
" It will be necessary to put you out for the operation. Count to ten, and then all of your problems will be solved." She closed her eyes, wincing slightly as the needle pumped the clear substance into her bloodstream. She was out cold before she reached the number three.
" Ah, Rose, I see you've awakened." The bleary, fuzzy world that appeared when Rose opened her eyes slowly focused to show Naria sitting in a chair. She had been moved back to her room. She shot up, noticing the different weight of her clothes. Groaning, she clutched her head as a wave of pain in the form of a headache overtook her.
" God, what did those sorcerers do to me? I feel like crap!" She mumbled, stepping carefully off of the bed and looking at herself in the mirror. She wore an outfit similar to Narias, bodysuit bottom included. Instead of demanding pants, as she normally would have, she just shrugged it off. 'Hey, if a cat-girl can waltz around wearing something like this, then so can I.'
" Well, it seems that the first operation went successfully. Congratulations Rose, you start your training tomorrow." Rose blinked.
" Hold on, training for what?" Naria chuckled, showing her fangs.
" Why, training for the assassination of Van Fanel." A flow of rage washed over Rose. Normally she wasn't so angry at him, but now…
" I'm ready. I'll kill that bastard with my own claws if I have to." She blinked, shaking her head. Naria looked at her quizzically.
" Did you just say claws?" Rose blinked again, staring at her hands. They were still the same, nothing had changed.
" Apparently…strange. I meant to say hands." Nodding, Naria left the room with a 'goodnight.' Surprised, Rose glanced out of her window at the fluffy clouds. And the stars. She grumbled, not the least bit tired. 'Memo to me…have Folken arrange any further operations at night so that I'll be able to sleep.' With that, she tumbled into bed and stared at her roof until the early morning sun lit up her room.
* * * * * * * * * * * *
Miguel nodded, bowing to both Folken and Dillandu. He understood the order, but it felt wrong.
" Sir…is this absolutely necessary?" He asked slowly, almost anticipating the blow from his captain. 'Guess not much changes when you die and get brought back to life,' he thought grimly. Rubbing his cheek, he bowed again.
" Of course it's necessary. She needs to feel like she's cared for here. It may be the only thing that keeps her here. If her loyalty runs out, we need her to have an emotional attachment. And seeing as she's not quite compatible with Dillandu here, we chose you to perform this duty." Bowing, Miguel turned and left the room. 'Ok, being friends with her I can understand. I mean, it's already happened. But acting as her boyfriend? I think that's pushing things a little bit.' Miguel sighed, looking down the hallway. 'Speak of the devil,' he thought wryly. Rose waved to him, and as soon as she came close enough for him to see what she was wearing, his jaw dropped slightly. Even though the armor was almost identical to Naria's, it fit wonderfully. 'Maybe this job will be easier than I thought.'
" Hey Miguel, what's up?" She asked, smiling at him. He blinked in confusion.
" Um…the ceiling…and I suppose the clouds." His response awarded him with a burst of laughter.
" No, that's not what I meant…what I meant was, how are things going?" He nodded, still slightly confused.
" Nothing much. It's really the same routine around here, day in and day out." He glanced at her uniform and blushed slightly. Proper girls should not be wearing something like that. Apparently she noticed his reaction and grinned.
" Naria says I have to wear it because it will make training easier. Less to sweat in." With another laugh, she walked by him down to the training room.
" Oh man, the boys and I are going to have a hard time from now on." He groaned, mentally bemoaning his fate, while celebrating at the same time. 'My job will DEFINITELY be easier than I thought.'
* * * * * * * * * * * *
Rose yawned, ducking as Miguel swung his sword at her. It had been another week, and she had just been woken up from a sorcerer-induced sleep to train. 'Honestly, this can be so boring!' she thought as she swung her sword up, parrying his next move. 'I wonder what Naria and Folken are up to,' her train of thought continued as she swept her sword upwards and disarmed Miguel, only coming back to the real world when the sword clattered against the ground. Blinking, she noticed that Miguel was rubbing his wrist.
" Oh, I'm sorry…did I cut you?" Without waiting for an answer, she grabbed his wrist and looked at it, frowning. Pulling off his glove, she looked again. There was no scratch, just a red mark. Satisfied, she dropped his hand, running her own hand through her hair.
" Jeez Rose, where'd you learn to fight like that?" She grinned at him, retrieving his sword and handing it back to him.
" Oh, here and there. I've been training since I was young, my mother wanted me to learn it." He nodded, taking the sword. Heading to the door, he chuckled as she walked with him.
" Well, I know one thing. You can kick my butt." She smiled at him again, and then yawned.
" Are you ok Rose?" She nodded, stretching. 'At least these people are concerned about me.'
" Yeah, I'm fine. I had another operation last night, and I'm bushed. Honestly, how many of these things do I have to do?" He shrugged, looking a little nervous. 'Odd,' she thought.
" Hey…Rose?" Miguel stopped walking, and was studying the ceiling of the floating fortress. She paused, looking over her shoulder at him.
" Yes?" He flushed slightly.
" I was thinking…since we have tonight off…" He stopped, now looking at his feet. ' Oh my god, is he doing what I think he's doing?' Her eyes widened.
" I was wondering if you'd, you know, like to go to dinner with me." Miguel said it so fast she had to think for a moment to decipher what he said. Then she went into a state of shock. 'Ohmygod, ohmygod!' She gave herself a mental slap. 'No! We will not go ditzy teenager now! Must think, must be calm!!' She allowed a small smile.
" Uumm…well, I'm not busy…" Another mental slap. 'You're practically the same rank as he is, of course you're not busy! Baka, baka, baka!'
" So…sure!" Miguel smiled, looking as nervous as she felt.
" Ok….I'll come by your room around sunset, alright?" She nodded, smiling slightly. With that, Miguel stood for a moment, and then turned at raced down the hall. Smiling, Rose went back to her room, feeling slightly fuzzy and dizzy. 'So…this is what it's like to get asked out on a date, huh?' Allowing herself a small spin, Rose flopped onto her bed. And then she shot back up into a sitting position.
" I don't have anything to wear!!"
* * * * * * * * * * * *
Naria pawed through the bag without disturbing anything as Folken stood to the side. He frowned as she shook her head.
" I saw it on the table. She has to have it somewhere." Naria shrugged.
" It's not in here, and I'm certain that she wouldn't lose it. If she DID have that sword, then she was fated to have it. They don't give themselves to just anybody you know." Folken nodded gravely. He did know…it was one of the few things they found out when they were dead. 'And if she DOES carry the sword…then we have more power on our hands than we can control. Of course, that's only if she knows what it means to own a sword like that…and I don't think that she does.' He sighed aloud, motioning to Naria.
" Let's forget about it for now. If she DOES have the sword, then we'll find out about it soon enough." He frowned as they walked out of Rose's room. 'And if we find out about it when she does…' he didn't finish the thought. 'Lets just hope we find out before she does.'
* * * * * * * * * * * *
Rose spun in front of the mirror. Naria had lent her one of her never-used dresses for the night. It was just a simple sundress, but Naria complained about the feel of her tail pressed against her leg when she sat down. It was a light blue with a red floral pattern on it, and it went to her knees. Rose didn't really have any dress shoes from her duffel bag, so Naria lent her a pair of soft black cloth ankle boots to go with the outfit. Rose let her hair down, and it flared out at her shoulders and then went in at the ends (you know, long anime-hairstyle that we all drool for…. -_-) Sighing happily, Rose ran a hand through her hair one last time, and then headed for her door. Just as she was about to open it, a knock signaled that Miguel was already there. Smiling, she opened the door to let him in. She barely suppressed a giggle when he just stood there. 'Boys are still boys, no matter what planet you're on, I guess.' Smiling, she slid past him and out into the hallway.
" Come on Miguel, you owe me a dinner." What was with her? She NEVER acted THIS happy before. Snapping out of it, Miguel turned.
" Rose, you're just…well…" He gave up, settling instead on a lopsided grin. Offering his arm, he linked his with hers and started down the hallway. She shrugged off her previous concern with another smile aimed at Miguel. 'As long as I have fun, I don't think I should worry about it.'
Rose looked around the restaurant from her seat, fighting to keep her jaw from dropping. It was a large wood and stone manor, with redwood and black lacquer floors. Painted wooden pillars sprouted from the floor, depicting tea houses and the restaurant in gold paint. Thick velvet curtains hung from the windows, and there were candles at every table. The stone seats had thick covers on them, and the tables were spotless.
" Miguel," she whispered to him, slightly nervous.
" Yes Rose?"
" Won't this meal cost a fortune?!?!" He chuckled, then winked at her. She blinked, glancing at the menu, then sweatdropping.
" Don't worry Rose, everything is paid for here by the Zaibach Army. It was a place built by them, and it only serves members of Zaibach and very rich nobles from allied countries. That's why there's not many people here." He smiled at her, then looked at the menu.
" So Rose, what would you like to eat?" Rose rubbed the back of her head.
" Umm….what's most of the food on the menu? I don't know most of the names…" she mumbled, turning a bright red. He laughed, taking her hand, which caused her to go and even deeper shade of red.
" How about I order for you. Don't worry, I won't get you anything disgusting." Rose flashed a relieved smile at him, squeezing his hand slightly before taking it away.
" Thanks Miguel. I owe you one." He tsked at her.
" Don't say you owe me unless you intend to repay the debt some time." He was flirting with her, she wasn't that dumb to realize that. Chuckling quietly, she avoided answering him when the waiter came to their table. Sipping a fruit punch, Rose relaxed and talked quietly with Miguel about small topics, staying away from any mention of war or battles. For once, tonight, she wanted to have fun and truly enjoy herself when she was here.
* * * * * * * * * * * *
AN: I know, I know, another sorta cliff-hanger, gomen! And I seem to be creating more questions than I answer…I hope, anyway. Suspense, suspense, suspense! And please don't hurt me in regards to Miguel…~whimper~ What would an anime be without a good love triangle???