Ni-hao! AkaneKitty here. This is 'Where Golden Eagles Fly."
Major Chance Furlong is one of the most respected and feared out of all the Council. Nicknamed the Golden Eagle, since his skill of fencing and flying are unmatched. But, he harbors his own torment. And when it's unleashed at Feral, one must believe in wishes if Feral hopes to win.
Author's notes: This is probably going to be that last update for Epsilon at the present time. I need to get to other stories. But, I think this is a nice temporary stopping point.
Thanks to all who read, reviewed, and give me feedback. I appreciate it, always.
As always, send any comments or questions to AkaneKitty@aol.com. Or, drop me a line in my review section at Fanfiction.net. Enjoy!
Ja ne,
AkaneKitty
**********************
Epsilon:
Where Golden Eagles Fly
**********************
You see, you just have to give up.
Because there are no such things as wishes coming true.
****************************************************
Years ago...
Two figures fence, both parrying and attacking, while a third watches.
After a while, a figure is backed into the wall, and is pined there.
"Oh, well..."
The figure takes their mask off, revealing the face of a pretty she-kat. "I yield. You've beaten me."
The other figure takes their mask off...revealing the face of Chance.
"You're skill has improved...just like your flying." The she-kat says. "You'll be an ace in no time."
"Thank you." Chance says.
The figure walks up, and Chance looks at them. "Felina..."
Felina offers a rose to him. "Believe in wishes, so that they will know your feelings."
******************************************************
And....in the present...
"As with fencing, your skills as a pilot must become second nature. You don't think, you don't react...you *act*. Understand?"
"Yes, sir!"
"...You are dismissed. Morning exercises tomorrow at 0800 sharp."
The pilot unit of SWAT quickly disappears. Major Chance Furlong looks at his watch. He only had ten minutes to change out of his g-suit and get into his fencing uniform.
To get into Chance's unit of SWAT, one had to join the fencing team. Many may grumble at the thought, but it was the only way to get in and stay in the elite unit. Flying, Chance thought, was a lot like fencing. It taught the necessary skills to act...a point he harped on.
Chance was the kat no Duelist ever wanted to face...on his good or bad days. He could wipe the floor with any opponent. But, he didn't fight as often as he could. He needed reasons to fight.
A few minutes later, Jake joins Chance, who was in the locker room changing.
"Hey." Jake says. "There's a lot of talk out there saying that your streak of consecutive fencing victories ends today."
"They said that about out flying me, too." Chance laughs. "I admire their determination, but it's highly unlikely. They're too inexperienced."
Jake looks at him. "By the way, I hear Feral is a good fencer. He has a streak similar to yours."
"All he goes up against are amateurs. He hasn't faced me...yet."
Jake clicks his pen.
"Well, you both are pretty impressive." Jake looks at his watch. "I'd better go. Remember, we have a Council meeting today."
"Impressive, eh?" Chance thinks aloud when Jake walks away. He then opens his locker.
There, hanging on a hook, was a locket attached to a gold chain. He grabs the locket and slips it under his fencing outfit.
"Will I smash the World's Shell?"
*********************************************************
"Major Furlong, you and the other Council members did a fin job representing Epsilon at the regional meeting last week. The other admirals really appreciate it. Thanks to the Council's efforts, we have gotten more national attention."
"Thank you, ma'am."
Later in the day, Chance was talking to Admiral Willingham, interim head of Epsilon. Chance was often called to act as ambassador for Epsilon, due to the fact his reputation spoke for itself.
"Why don't we discuss next year's Council plans after lunch?"
"Yes, ma'am."
"Wait here for a moment."
The admiral leaves, and Chance leans against the wall. A short distance away though...
"You really don't care about the rules, do you? Just where does it say you can bring pets onto the campus?"
Feral rolls his eyes. Admiral Decker took every opportunity to get onto him about something. He had found P-chan in Feral's lunch. "It's not my pet, it's my assistant's. Besides, I was just taking my lunch here. That's not against the rules."
"Buu!" P-chan struggles in Decker's grasp.
"Forgetting that you're bringing a pig to campus is still against the rules!" Decker snaps. "You know that well, Feral!"
Chance perks up. "Hmm?"
Feral shrugs. "No one ever told me that..."
"What is with that insolent attitude of yours? Commander or not...!"
"Buu!" P-chan gets out of Decker's grasp and makes a run for it. Decker chases after him.
"Come back here!"
"Oh brother..." Feral sighs.
"Hello, sir!" Chance calls to Feral.
"Hmm?" Feral turns toward the voice.
"You're Commander Feral, right?"
"Let me guess...you're a Council member aren't you?"
"I'd like to talk to you, sir."
"Well..."
"Feral! Help me!" Decker runs by, chasing after P-chan.
Feral joins the chase, but pauses by Chance. "Sorry. Doesn't seem like I have time right now."
P-chan runs into an office, and the admiral is right behind him. "All right, I've got him cornered! Feral, shut the door!"
"Yes, sir!"
Chance watches this with slight amusement.
"Sorry to keep you waiting, Major." Willingham walks up. "Shall we go?"
"Admiral Willingham..."
"Hmm?"
"There was an admiral that went into that office over there." Chance says.
"Oh?"
"Too bad. You see, he just told me that you had agreed to discuss an important matter with him at lunch today."
"Major Furlong, I just told you..."
"I won't repeat myself ma'am. That's all I have to say."
A few minutes later, Willingham was seen dragging Decker away. Feral peeps out of the office.
"So sir, can you talk now?" Chance asks.
"That was close." Feral exhales. "Now, that's a wish that came true!"
***********************************************************
"You're Felina's uncle, right?"
"Yes...Do you know her?"
"...We trained together here...a few years ago."
Both Chance and Feral look out over the Commons, which was bustling with activity. Feral spots Callie tending the roses.
"I see... Felina's doing well at the sister campus, Delta." Feral scratches P-chan behind the ears.
"..."
"I've heard about you from my Enforcers. The great fencing team captain and ace fighter pilot, nicknamed the Golden Eagle." Feral continues. "And, you can get rid of admirals with a single glance."
"Makes me sound like a vigilante." Chance says.
"I don't know if it's true, but I've heard that admirals will clear your path if you look at the wrong."
"Hmm... So even Enforcers know that much about me."
"Is it true?
"Who knows?" Chance shrugs. "But, from what I've heard, you're a great fencer and swordskat."
"No way! Fencing is just a hobby, and I don't like sword fighting all that much." Feral then looks at Chance. "But, now that you mention it, if you're a Council member, that means you're after the Rose Bride."
Chance watches as Callie leaves the glass cage with a bunch of white and black roses. "Do you know why? The reason we're after the Rose Bride?"
"No..." Feral waves to Callie, who smiles and waves back.
"Whoever she... Whoever the Rose Bride is engaged to will gain an awesome power. The Power to revolutionize the world."
"...That sounds great! So, I have this power since I'm engaged to her? It'll come in handy during certifications. I wonder if I could pass it without studying?"
Feral turns back to Chance. "But, you're telling me that you're all serious about these silly Duels over who gets to have Callie?"
"You said it." Chance says. "It's all really silly."
"*Believe in wishes, so that they will know your feelings.*"
"Yes...wishes don't come true."
Feral looks at him. "Looks like we agree then."
An announcement comes over the PA system. "Commander Ulysses Feral, Enforcer number 1: Please report to Admiral Decker's office. Repeat..."
"Great...that jerk just won't leave me alone!" Feral grumbles, but then smiles. "Anyway, I'm glad to see I'm not alone in my thinking. Hope to see you around."
Feral walks off(with P-chan). A few minutes later, Callie comes through, still carrying the bunch of roses. Chance looks at her.
"The power of wishes...huh..."
***********************************************************
"Wow! You're lucky to see the Golden Eagle up close like that!"
"Oh?"
Feral finally had gotten away from Decker, as was chatting with Renee.
"He can be a difficult kat to approach sometimes, very imposing." Renee says.
"Ah..."
"But, he is one of Epsilon's finest! Fencing and flying is second nature to him. He has winning streaks in all his endeavors."
"Really...hate to go up against him."
***************************************************************
"If it cannon break its shell, the chick will die without being born."
" We are the chicks."
" The world is our egg."
" If we don't break the World's shell, we will die without truly being born."
" Smash the World's Shell!"
" For the revolution of the world!"
*************************************************************
At the Council meeting, there is a bulletin board. On it, was a bracket:
Champion:
Ulysses Feral (Wow! Three win streak!)
|
|
------Battle---------------------
| |
Jake Clawson Ulysses Feral (Two win streak)
(My turn!)
--------Battle-------------
| |
(Loser!) Steele Ulysses Feral (He's pretty good!)
(Kat doesn't
know when to
quit)
---------Battle----------
| |
Steele Ulysses Feral (Who is he?)
"I received a letter from World's End." Jake says studying the chart up close. "The next Duel must take place this week."
"I believe Chance and I are next in line." Alisa says.
"Huh? Chance, too?"
"Of course." Alisa takes out a small dagger. "The reason he has a place here is because he has Dueled as well!"
Alisa tosses the dagger at Jake, which strikes the bulletin board besides his head.
"No, I know he's worthy. He has the skill." Jake says, oblivious to the dagger. "But, Chance doesn't have a reason to fight."
"Yes, he does. He wants the power of the Rose Bride to disprove wishes." Alisa tosses another dagger at Jake.
"Eh? Is that true?" Jake moves his head in time, but is still oblivious to it.
"Who knows?" Chance says, back to the board. "But, I'll have to study for certifications on my own without it."
"What's that supposed to mean?"
"But, Major, do you really want to disprove the power of wishes?" Alisa asks, taking out more daggers.
Chance says nothing. Alisa begins to throw the daggers.
"What if you want to make your feelings known, using the power to revolutionize the world?" Alisa says, still throwing. "What is you haven't given up on your love? Or, perhaps you want to disprove the power of the Rose Bride?"
"Are we still thinking about her?" Jake asks, oblivious to the fact daggers outlined his body.
"Jake..."
"Must be hard for you....not telling them your feelings..."
Chance sighs. "Yes...I was in love."
*************************************************************
"But...I knew it even then...how I wished I could say my true feelings...now this love can't go anywhere."
Chance walks into his dorm, and his eyes fall onto a class photo of the pilot unit...taken years ago.
" 'Believe in wishes, so that they will know your feelings.' It was she who told me that."
Chance then picks up his letter from World's End. It was not the usual commandments letter, but rather a personal one...
From Felina.
*************************************************************
I knew she didn't say it.
But, I think you were first in her thoughts, Chance.
Even so, I wanted to take her away from you, even it could take both of us away from you. I wanted to be first in your heart, Chance, but who was I to compete? I couldn't fence. I wasn't an ace pilot.
But, she was.
All I ever was a helicopter pilot, whose skills wasn't enough for you. So, if it meant taking everything away from you...I would.
"Did you know? There's someone Chance is in love with. But, it isn't you."
"Huh?"
That's why I took her from you. I was so jealous of your relationship with her...and I wanted you. And, I have no regrets about it.
I told you, 'Believe in wishes, so that they will know your feelings...'
You must hate me for what I've done...
**********************************************
"Thank you for the letter. You seem to be doing well." Chance writes as he pulls on his g-suit. "As I read the words, I realized that my feelings haven't lessened as time passed."
"No matter what happened, the three of us were happy." Chance continues, slipping his locket around his neck. "But, when I see your face, full with happiness, it makes me feel nostalgic...even envious..."
Chance never did finish the letter. It ended up being ripped to shreds.
********************************************************
"Buu! Buubuu!"
"There, there P-chan..."
It was night, and P-chan was having trouble sleeping...he was scared of the dark. So Feral had to take him for a walk. It was the least he could do for Calico...she did make him ice milk, which was becoming his favorite snack.
"Buu!" P-chan buries himself in Feral's arms.
"Jeez...you're so scared of the dark! There's nothing out here!" Feral sighs.
"Buubuu!"
"There, there..." Feral yawns. "P-chan, hurry up and go to sleep! I have to get some sleep, too...Huh? Major Furlong?"
"Thought it was you." Feral says after coming closer to him. Chance was in simple suit, and was sitting near one of the pools that were near the entrance to the forest.
"Oh, it's you, sir." Chance looks up.
"You're not wearing your uniform, so I couldn't tell who you were at first." Feral takes a seat next to him. P-chan had finally fallen asleep.
"Oh?"
"You look really impressive! I can see why they call you the Golden Eagle." Feral says. "You look great in all your uniforms, but I'd bet everyone would be surprised to see you like this. So, what brings you out here at this hour?"
"Commander Mifurr is always talking about your nobility."
"Huh?"
"How did you come to have your ring?"
"Hmm... How can I put this?" Feral looks at his ring. "To be honest, it's because of the Queen."
Chance looks at him. "Queen?"
"A long time ago, when I was little, I meet a Queen. And, she told me something: 'Brave one, never forget your nobility.'"
"And, I remember something else she said: This ring will lead you to me." Feral continues, smiling. "I remember how happy she looked when I comforted her on that day, and that's why I want to be her noble Knight. I guess I wear the ring in the hopes that I'll meet her again."
Chance stands up.
"Sorry, I know it sounds like a strange story." Feral says. "So, I don't believe what the Executive Council says about the Rose Bride having some kind of awesome power. But... I believe we're both linked by destiny and the wish to be something more. I suppose that's the power of the Rose Bride."
Chance then stands in front of Feral. All Feral could do is look at him. "Major?"
In flash, Chance grabs Feral's left paw. "Throw away your Rose Seal!"
Feral couldn't believe what he was hearing. "Huh?"
"You make me sick! This 'nobility' of yours!" Chance begins to try and pry the ring of Feral's claw. "You only have it because some she-kat you liked tricked you into having it!"
"What?"
"Besides, if Dueling for the Rose Bride is silly, then this mush you have for your Queen is just as silly! All it has ever given you is false hope! The only good thing it's given you is this 'nobility'." Chance still struggles with Feral over the ring. "The Rose Seal isn't meant for a kat like you!"
"No!" Feral kicks at Chance, which sends the pilot(and P-chan) backwards to the ground. He clutches his ring. "This is the only link I have to her! I won't throw that away!"
"Then show me that wishes do come true!" Chance yells. All Feral could do is look at him.
"I'll force the proof from you with my sword!"
*****************************************************
The next day...
It was in the afternoon. Soon, Feral would be climbing those steps to the Dueling Arena.
Feral was sitting in his room, staring out the window. He was looking at the forest. For once, he wanted to Duel.
"Uly-sama, the Duel will be soon. You'd better change." Callie says as she enters to the room.
"Calico..."
"Hmm?"
"Do you ever wish that you weren't the Rose Bride?"
Callie doesn't answer right away. "I like being the Rose Bride."
Feral looks at her. "How can you? Must you always be at someone's mercy?"
"I can't help it. I can't stop being the Bride...no matter if it is the will of my Champion." Callie then looks at the clock on the wall. "You'd better change, Uly-sama."
Callie leaves the room. Feral sighs.
"I hope I'm a good Champion for you..."
*************************************
Later on, Feral climbs the steps to the Dueling Arena for the fourth time.
He was really tired of all the stairs...but not of the Dueling.
He had to win this Duel. Not only for his pride that wounded, but a little part of him wanted to fight for Calico, too.
And, he didn't know why.
****************************************
"I'll just repeat what I said last night." Chance says as Callie pins a red rose to his chest. "If you win using the power of wishes, you are deserving of your conceit."
"Even without the power of wishes, I won't lose to you, Furlong!" Feral replies.
Callie then crosses back to Feral to pin his white and black rose to his chest, and remains by his side. Chance laughs.
"Remember, Feral... There is no rank among us in the Arena. We're equal." Chance then points his sword at Feral. "En guard!"
O Rose of the noble castle..." Callie closes her eyes. A sphere of light appears in front of her chest.
"Spirit of Dios that slumbers within..." Callie continues to chant, the sphere of light growing bigger.
"Harken unto thy Master, and reveal to us now..."
Callie falls backwards, where Feral catches her. Within the sphere of light an elaborate hilt of a sword appears. Feral grabs it and begins to extract the sword.
"...the power to Revolutionize the world!"
The clock tower's bell begins to ring, signaling the start of the Duel. Both Duelists take their stances.
For once, Feral wanted to go on the offensive. So, he charges at Chance. Chance, however, effortlessly parries the attack, let Feral blow by him and almost lose his balance.
"*He is good...*" Feral thinks.
Feral charges again, and Chance parries again with his sword...but this time he pushes Feral in the back with his paw. The Commander is knocked off balance, and falls to the ground.
Chance smiles, bending his sword a little. "Are you all right, Knight? We've barely even started the Duel."
Feral says nothing, standing up. Now Chance takes on the offensive, charging at Feral. Feral barely has enough time to defend himself...the pilot was that fast.
"*No wonder they call him the Golden Eagle...* Feral thinks as he is driven backwards by Chance. " *Strong attack, tight guard...and he's so fast...*"
Suddenly, Chance stops. Feral couldn't believe it.
"Shall we go around a bit more, milord?" Chance smirks.
"Why you..."
Chance lunges with the sword, and Feral scrambles to get out of the way. He then lunges at Chance. Chance parries this and begins to attack Feral.
This time, Feral defends himself better. But, he was getting tired.
After a time of attacking and defending, the two kats go into a stand off of sorts. Feral takes the opportunity to get his breath back. Chance begins to laugh.
"You poor kat. You're already exhausted. But, I will not give up on you!" Chance lunges at Feral, who backpedals. "Where is your power, Knight?"
At that time, Feral feels something physically take over his body...and makes him lunge at Chance.
"What the...! Could this be...?" Chance didn't know what to think. But, then ...he remembers her words.
"*That's why I took her from you... And, I have no regrets about it. You must hate me for what I've done...*"
"* It was you that told me to believe in the power of wishes...But, now I know..." Chance sees Feral sword come closer to his rose. He begins to parry it.
"There are no such things as wishes come true!"
Chance wrenches Feral's sword out of his paws, which goes flying into the air. The momentum causes Feral to fly forward, in which Chance catches him and pushes him to the ground.
"It's over, sir." Chance points his sword at Feral, was trying to get up.
"*What do I do?*" Feral thinks, but a familiar glint above catches his eye. "Huh?"
The Sword of Dios falls straight down in front of Chance...and a red rose slides down the blade.
Chance's eyes widen, and he looks at Callie, begins to walk towards them. "No! That was just an accident! There was no wish involved!"
Feral couldn't believe it either. He just stares at the sword. "Could it be...?"
The clock tower's bells begin to ring.
"One day...they will know your feelings."
Chance looks at Callie, who offers a rose to him.
"Mind your own business!" Chance turns on his heel and walks away.
******************************************************
The next day. Chance sits in front of a lone tree on a hill. From there, could see the whole campus. Alisa joins him.
"And so you still don't think it was the power of wishes?"
"Who knows?" Chance shrugs. "But, if he does have the power to revolutionize the world, then I want to take it with my own paws."
"To finally let them know your hidden feelings?" Alisa stands up and walks away.
Chance says nothing, taking out his locket. He opens it.
"*You must hate me for what I've done...*"
Chance stares at the picture in the locket. In it was a picture of Felina.
"Yes...I hate you... Because I can never tell you how I really feel."
Chance closes the locket.
To be continued...
Major Chance Furlong is one of the most respected and feared out of all the Council. Nicknamed the Golden Eagle, since his skill of fencing and flying are unmatched. But, he harbors his own torment. And when it's unleashed at Feral, one must believe in wishes if Feral hopes to win.
Author's notes: This is probably going to be that last update for Epsilon at the present time. I need to get to other stories. But, I think this is a nice temporary stopping point.
Thanks to all who read, reviewed, and give me feedback. I appreciate it, always.
As always, send any comments or questions to AkaneKitty@aol.com. Or, drop me a line in my review section at Fanfiction.net. Enjoy!
Ja ne,
AkaneKitty
**********************
Epsilon:
Where Golden Eagles Fly
**********************
You see, you just have to give up.
Because there are no such things as wishes coming true.
****************************************************
Years ago...
Two figures fence, both parrying and attacking, while a third watches.
After a while, a figure is backed into the wall, and is pined there.
"Oh, well..."
The figure takes their mask off, revealing the face of a pretty she-kat. "I yield. You've beaten me."
The other figure takes their mask off...revealing the face of Chance.
"You're skill has improved...just like your flying." The she-kat says. "You'll be an ace in no time."
"Thank you." Chance says.
The figure walks up, and Chance looks at them. "Felina..."
Felina offers a rose to him. "Believe in wishes, so that they will know your feelings."
******************************************************
And....in the present...
"As with fencing, your skills as a pilot must become second nature. You don't think, you don't react...you *act*. Understand?"
"Yes, sir!"
"...You are dismissed. Morning exercises tomorrow at 0800 sharp."
The pilot unit of SWAT quickly disappears. Major Chance Furlong looks at his watch. He only had ten minutes to change out of his g-suit and get into his fencing uniform.
To get into Chance's unit of SWAT, one had to join the fencing team. Many may grumble at the thought, but it was the only way to get in and stay in the elite unit. Flying, Chance thought, was a lot like fencing. It taught the necessary skills to act...a point he harped on.
Chance was the kat no Duelist ever wanted to face...on his good or bad days. He could wipe the floor with any opponent. But, he didn't fight as often as he could. He needed reasons to fight.
A few minutes later, Jake joins Chance, who was in the locker room changing.
"Hey." Jake says. "There's a lot of talk out there saying that your streak of consecutive fencing victories ends today."
"They said that about out flying me, too." Chance laughs. "I admire their determination, but it's highly unlikely. They're too inexperienced."
Jake looks at him. "By the way, I hear Feral is a good fencer. He has a streak similar to yours."
"All he goes up against are amateurs. He hasn't faced me...yet."
Jake clicks his pen.
"Well, you both are pretty impressive." Jake looks at his watch. "I'd better go. Remember, we have a Council meeting today."
"Impressive, eh?" Chance thinks aloud when Jake walks away. He then opens his locker.
There, hanging on a hook, was a locket attached to a gold chain. He grabs the locket and slips it under his fencing outfit.
"Will I smash the World's Shell?"
*********************************************************
"Major Furlong, you and the other Council members did a fin job representing Epsilon at the regional meeting last week. The other admirals really appreciate it. Thanks to the Council's efforts, we have gotten more national attention."
"Thank you, ma'am."
Later in the day, Chance was talking to Admiral Willingham, interim head of Epsilon. Chance was often called to act as ambassador for Epsilon, due to the fact his reputation spoke for itself.
"Why don't we discuss next year's Council plans after lunch?"
"Yes, ma'am."
"Wait here for a moment."
The admiral leaves, and Chance leans against the wall. A short distance away though...
"You really don't care about the rules, do you? Just where does it say you can bring pets onto the campus?"
Feral rolls his eyes. Admiral Decker took every opportunity to get onto him about something. He had found P-chan in Feral's lunch. "It's not my pet, it's my assistant's. Besides, I was just taking my lunch here. That's not against the rules."
"Buu!" P-chan struggles in Decker's grasp.
"Forgetting that you're bringing a pig to campus is still against the rules!" Decker snaps. "You know that well, Feral!"
Chance perks up. "Hmm?"
Feral shrugs. "No one ever told me that..."
"What is with that insolent attitude of yours? Commander or not...!"
"Buu!" P-chan gets out of Decker's grasp and makes a run for it. Decker chases after him.
"Come back here!"
"Oh brother..." Feral sighs.
"Hello, sir!" Chance calls to Feral.
"Hmm?" Feral turns toward the voice.
"You're Commander Feral, right?"
"Let me guess...you're a Council member aren't you?"
"I'd like to talk to you, sir."
"Well..."
"Feral! Help me!" Decker runs by, chasing after P-chan.
Feral joins the chase, but pauses by Chance. "Sorry. Doesn't seem like I have time right now."
P-chan runs into an office, and the admiral is right behind him. "All right, I've got him cornered! Feral, shut the door!"
"Yes, sir!"
Chance watches this with slight amusement.
"Sorry to keep you waiting, Major." Willingham walks up. "Shall we go?"
"Admiral Willingham..."
"Hmm?"
"There was an admiral that went into that office over there." Chance says.
"Oh?"
"Too bad. You see, he just told me that you had agreed to discuss an important matter with him at lunch today."
"Major Furlong, I just told you..."
"I won't repeat myself ma'am. That's all I have to say."
A few minutes later, Willingham was seen dragging Decker away. Feral peeps out of the office.
"So sir, can you talk now?" Chance asks.
"That was close." Feral exhales. "Now, that's a wish that came true!"
***********************************************************
"You're Felina's uncle, right?"
"Yes...Do you know her?"
"...We trained together here...a few years ago."
Both Chance and Feral look out over the Commons, which was bustling with activity. Feral spots Callie tending the roses.
"I see... Felina's doing well at the sister campus, Delta." Feral scratches P-chan behind the ears.
"..."
"I've heard about you from my Enforcers. The great fencing team captain and ace fighter pilot, nicknamed the Golden Eagle." Feral continues. "And, you can get rid of admirals with a single glance."
"Makes me sound like a vigilante." Chance says.
"I don't know if it's true, but I've heard that admirals will clear your path if you look at the wrong."
"Hmm... So even Enforcers know that much about me."
"Is it true?
"Who knows?" Chance shrugs. "But, from what I've heard, you're a great fencer and swordskat."
"No way! Fencing is just a hobby, and I don't like sword fighting all that much." Feral then looks at Chance. "But, now that you mention it, if you're a Council member, that means you're after the Rose Bride."
Chance watches as Callie leaves the glass cage with a bunch of white and black roses. "Do you know why? The reason we're after the Rose Bride?"
"No..." Feral waves to Callie, who smiles and waves back.
"Whoever she... Whoever the Rose Bride is engaged to will gain an awesome power. The Power to revolutionize the world."
"...That sounds great! So, I have this power since I'm engaged to her? It'll come in handy during certifications. I wonder if I could pass it without studying?"
Feral turns back to Chance. "But, you're telling me that you're all serious about these silly Duels over who gets to have Callie?"
"You said it." Chance says. "It's all really silly."
"*Believe in wishes, so that they will know your feelings.*"
"Yes...wishes don't come true."
Feral looks at him. "Looks like we agree then."
An announcement comes over the PA system. "Commander Ulysses Feral, Enforcer number 1: Please report to Admiral Decker's office. Repeat..."
"Great...that jerk just won't leave me alone!" Feral grumbles, but then smiles. "Anyway, I'm glad to see I'm not alone in my thinking. Hope to see you around."
Feral walks off(with P-chan). A few minutes later, Callie comes through, still carrying the bunch of roses. Chance looks at her.
"The power of wishes...huh..."
***********************************************************
"Wow! You're lucky to see the Golden Eagle up close like that!"
"Oh?"
Feral finally had gotten away from Decker, as was chatting with Renee.
"He can be a difficult kat to approach sometimes, very imposing." Renee says.
"Ah..."
"But, he is one of Epsilon's finest! Fencing and flying is second nature to him. He has winning streaks in all his endeavors."
"Really...hate to go up against him."
***************************************************************
"If it cannon break its shell, the chick will die without being born."
" We are the chicks."
" The world is our egg."
" If we don't break the World's shell, we will die without truly being born."
" Smash the World's Shell!"
" For the revolution of the world!"
*************************************************************
At the Council meeting, there is a bulletin board. On it, was a bracket:
Champion:
Ulysses Feral (Wow! Three win streak!)
|
|
------Battle---------------------
| |
Jake Clawson Ulysses Feral (Two win streak)
(My turn!)
--------Battle-------------
| |
(Loser!) Steele Ulysses Feral (He's pretty good!)
(Kat doesn't
know when to
quit)
---------Battle----------
| |
Steele Ulysses Feral (Who is he?)
"I received a letter from World's End." Jake says studying the chart up close. "The next Duel must take place this week."
"I believe Chance and I are next in line." Alisa says.
"Huh? Chance, too?"
"Of course." Alisa takes out a small dagger. "The reason he has a place here is because he has Dueled as well!"
Alisa tosses the dagger at Jake, which strikes the bulletin board besides his head.
"No, I know he's worthy. He has the skill." Jake says, oblivious to the dagger. "But, Chance doesn't have a reason to fight."
"Yes, he does. He wants the power of the Rose Bride to disprove wishes." Alisa tosses another dagger at Jake.
"Eh? Is that true?" Jake moves his head in time, but is still oblivious to it.
"Who knows?" Chance says, back to the board. "But, I'll have to study for certifications on my own without it."
"What's that supposed to mean?"
"But, Major, do you really want to disprove the power of wishes?" Alisa asks, taking out more daggers.
Chance says nothing. Alisa begins to throw the daggers.
"What if you want to make your feelings known, using the power to revolutionize the world?" Alisa says, still throwing. "What is you haven't given up on your love? Or, perhaps you want to disprove the power of the Rose Bride?"
"Are we still thinking about her?" Jake asks, oblivious to the fact daggers outlined his body.
"Jake..."
"Must be hard for you....not telling them your feelings..."
Chance sighs. "Yes...I was in love."
*************************************************************
"But...I knew it even then...how I wished I could say my true feelings...now this love can't go anywhere."
Chance walks into his dorm, and his eyes fall onto a class photo of the pilot unit...taken years ago.
" 'Believe in wishes, so that they will know your feelings.' It was she who told me that."
Chance then picks up his letter from World's End. It was not the usual commandments letter, but rather a personal one...
From Felina.
*************************************************************
I knew she didn't say it.
But, I think you were first in her thoughts, Chance.
Even so, I wanted to take her away from you, even it could take both of us away from you. I wanted to be first in your heart, Chance, but who was I to compete? I couldn't fence. I wasn't an ace pilot.
But, she was.
All I ever was a helicopter pilot, whose skills wasn't enough for you. So, if it meant taking everything away from you...I would.
"Did you know? There's someone Chance is in love with. But, it isn't you."
"Huh?"
That's why I took her from you. I was so jealous of your relationship with her...and I wanted you. And, I have no regrets about it.
I told you, 'Believe in wishes, so that they will know your feelings...'
You must hate me for what I've done...
**********************************************
"Thank you for the letter. You seem to be doing well." Chance writes as he pulls on his g-suit. "As I read the words, I realized that my feelings haven't lessened as time passed."
"No matter what happened, the three of us were happy." Chance continues, slipping his locket around his neck. "But, when I see your face, full with happiness, it makes me feel nostalgic...even envious..."
Chance never did finish the letter. It ended up being ripped to shreds.
********************************************************
"Buu! Buubuu!"
"There, there P-chan..."
It was night, and P-chan was having trouble sleeping...he was scared of the dark. So Feral had to take him for a walk. It was the least he could do for Calico...she did make him ice milk, which was becoming his favorite snack.
"Buu!" P-chan buries himself in Feral's arms.
"Jeez...you're so scared of the dark! There's nothing out here!" Feral sighs.
"Buubuu!"
"There, there..." Feral yawns. "P-chan, hurry up and go to sleep! I have to get some sleep, too...Huh? Major Furlong?"
"Thought it was you." Feral says after coming closer to him. Chance was in simple suit, and was sitting near one of the pools that were near the entrance to the forest.
"Oh, it's you, sir." Chance looks up.
"You're not wearing your uniform, so I couldn't tell who you were at first." Feral takes a seat next to him. P-chan had finally fallen asleep.
"Oh?"
"You look really impressive! I can see why they call you the Golden Eagle." Feral says. "You look great in all your uniforms, but I'd bet everyone would be surprised to see you like this. So, what brings you out here at this hour?"
"Commander Mifurr is always talking about your nobility."
"Huh?"
"How did you come to have your ring?"
"Hmm... How can I put this?" Feral looks at his ring. "To be honest, it's because of the Queen."
Chance looks at him. "Queen?"
"A long time ago, when I was little, I meet a Queen. And, she told me something: 'Brave one, never forget your nobility.'"
"And, I remember something else she said: This ring will lead you to me." Feral continues, smiling. "I remember how happy she looked when I comforted her on that day, and that's why I want to be her noble Knight. I guess I wear the ring in the hopes that I'll meet her again."
Chance stands up.
"Sorry, I know it sounds like a strange story." Feral says. "So, I don't believe what the Executive Council says about the Rose Bride having some kind of awesome power. But... I believe we're both linked by destiny and the wish to be something more. I suppose that's the power of the Rose Bride."
Chance then stands in front of Feral. All Feral could do is look at him. "Major?"
In flash, Chance grabs Feral's left paw. "Throw away your Rose Seal!"
Feral couldn't believe what he was hearing. "Huh?"
"You make me sick! This 'nobility' of yours!" Chance begins to try and pry the ring of Feral's claw. "You only have it because some she-kat you liked tricked you into having it!"
"What?"
"Besides, if Dueling for the Rose Bride is silly, then this mush you have for your Queen is just as silly! All it has ever given you is false hope! The only good thing it's given you is this 'nobility'." Chance still struggles with Feral over the ring. "The Rose Seal isn't meant for a kat like you!"
"No!" Feral kicks at Chance, which sends the pilot(and P-chan) backwards to the ground. He clutches his ring. "This is the only link I have to her! I won't throw that away!"
"Then show me that wishes do come true!" Chance yells. All Feral could do is look at him.
"I'll force the proof from you with my sword!"
*****************************************************
The next day...
It was in the afternoon. Soon, Feral would be climbing those steps to the Dueling Arena.
Feral was sitting in his room, staring out the window. He was looking at the forest. For once, he wanted to Duel.
"Uly-sama, the Duel will be soon. You'd better change." Callie says as she enters to the room.
"Calico..."
"Hmm?"
"Do you ever wish that you weren't the Rose Bride?"
Callie doesn't answer right away. "I like being the Rose Bride."
Feral looks at her. "How can you? Must you always be at someone's mercy?"
"I can't help it. I can't stop being the Bride...no matter if it is the will of my Champion." Callie then looks at the clock on the wall. "You'd better change, Uly-sama."
Callie leaves the room. Feral sighs.
"I hope I'm a good Champion for you..."
*************************************
Later on, Feral climbs the steps to the Dueling Arena for the fourth time.
He was really tired of all the stairs...but not of the Dueling.
He had to win this Duel. Not only for his pride that wounded, but a little part of him wanted to fight for Calico, too.
And, he didn't know why.
****************************************
"I'll just repeat what I said last night." Chance says as Callie pins a red rose to his chest. "If you win using the power of wishes, you are deserving of your conceit."
"Even without the power of wishes, I won't lose to you, Furlong!" Feral replies.
Callie then crosses back to Feral to pin his white and black rose to his chest, and remains by his side. Chance laughs.
"Remember, Feral... There is no rank among us in the Arena. We're equal." Chance then points his sword at Feral. "En guard!"
O Rose of the noble castle..." Callie closes her eyes. A sphere of light appears in front of her chest.
"Spirit of Dios that slumbers within..." Callie continues to chant, the sphere of light growing bigger.
"Harken unto thy Master, and reveal to us now..."
Callie falls backwards, where Feral catches her. Within the sphere of light an elaborate hilt of a sword appears. Feral grabs it and begins to extract the sword.
"...the power to Revolutionize the world!"
The clock tower's bell begins to ring, signaling the start of the Duel. Both Duelists take their stances.
For once, Feral wanted to go on the offensive. So, he charges at Chance. Chance, however, effortlessly parries the attack, let Feral blow by him and almost lose his balance.
"*He is good...*" Feral thinks.
Feral charges again, and Chance parries again with his sword...but this time he pushes Feral in the back with his paw. The Commander is knocked off balance, and falls to the ground.
Chance smiles, bending his sword a little. "Are you all right, Knight? We've barely even started the Duel."
Feral says nothing, standing up. Now Chance takes on the offensive, charging at Feral. Feral barely has enough time to defend himself...the pilot was that fast.
"*No wonder they call him the Golden Eagle...* Feral thinks as he is driven backwards by Chance. " *Strong attack, tight guard...and he's so fast...*"
Suddenly, Chance stops. Feral couldn't believe it.
"Shall we go around a bit more, milord?" Chance smirks.
"Why you..."
Chance lunges with the sword, and Feral scrambles to get out of the way. He then lunges at Chance. Chance parries this and begins to attack Feral.
This time, Feral defends himself better. But, he was getting tired.
After a time of attacking and defending, the two kats go into a stand off of sorts. Feral takes the opportunity to get his breath back. Chance begins to laugh.
"You poor kat. You're already exhausted. But, I will not give up on you!" Chance lunges at Feral, who backpedals. "Where is your power, Knight?"
At that time, Feral feels something physically take over his body...and makes him lunge at Chance.
"What the...! Could this be...?" Chance didn't know what to think. But, then ...he remembers her words.
"*That's why I took her from you... And, I have no regrets about it. You must hate me for what I've done...*"
"* It was you that told me to believe in the power of wishes...But, now I know..." Chance sees Feral sword come closer to his rose. He begins to parry it.
"There are no such things as wishes come true!"
Chance wrenches Feral's sword out of his paws, which goes flying into the air. The momentum causes Feral to fly forward, in which Chance catches him and pushes him to the ground.
"It's over, sir." Chance points his sword at Feral, was trying to get up.
"*What do I do?*" Feral thinks, but a familiar glint above catches his eye. "Huh?"
The Sword of Dios falls straight down in front of Chance...and a red rose slides down the blade.
Chance's eyes widen, and he looks at Callie, begins to walk towards them. "No! That was just an accident! There was no wish involved!"
Feral couldn't believe it either. He just stares at the sword. "Could it be...?"
The clock tower's bells begin to ring.
"One day...they will know your feelings."
Chance looks at Callie, who offers a rose to him.
"Mind your own business!" Chance turns on his heel and walks away.
******************************************************
The next day. Chance sits in front of a lone tree on a hill. From there, could see the whole campus. Alisa joins him.
"And so you still don't think it was the power of wishes?"
"Who knows?" Chance shrugs. "But, if he does have the power to revolutionize the world, then I want to take it with my own paws."
"To finally let them know your hidden feelings?" Alisa stands up and walks away.
Chance says nothing, taking out his locket. He opens it.
"*You must hate me for what I've done...*"
Chance stares at the picture in the locket. In it was a picture of Felina.
"Yes...I hate you... Because I can never tell you how I really feel."
Chance closes the locket.
To be continued...