Ekaterini: Oh, hi everyone!!  What?  Where's Shen?  Um… he's a little er, "indisposed" for the moment-

YOU GET ME DOWN FROM HERE RIGHT NOW BEFORE I TEAR YOUR EYES FROM YOUR HEAD!!!

Ekaterini:  Eh, heh heh…  So, I'm introducing the next chapter for him.

I CAN FEEL THE BLOOD RUSHING TO MY BRAIN, YOU KNOW!!!

Ekaterini: Oh be quiet, you.  You've only been up there for a few hours!  So, anyway I might as well tell you about Andy's cheese before we get started, shouldn't I?

I CAN"T FEEL MY LEGS ANYMORE OVER HERE!!!

Ekaterini: Well, after they brutally kicked the bajeebus outta Shen, I gave them a computer virus that would knock Zage's Laptop outta commission.  All they have to do is find a computer and e-mail it to her.

THEY'RE GONNA COME AFTER YOU NEXT ONCE THEY REALIZE THEY DON"T HAVE ANY HANDS!!!

Ekaterini: Hmmm, that's a good point.  Esca, dear?

Esca Chick: *poking Shen with a stick* Yeah Kat?

Ekaterini: Could you go reinforce the door?  I don't like the idea of a bunch of blood-thirsty cheese storming in for vengeance due to a slight programming flaw.

Esca Chick: Sure thing!!

YOU'RE BOTH DEAD AS SOON AS I GET DOWN FROM HERE!!  DO YOU HEAR ME!? DEAD!!!!

Ekaterini: So, enjoy the chapter and stay tuned for the special Yaoi extra to follow!!

* * * *

The Vision of Escaflowne: Reunion

Chapter 8:

The Mystic Dragon Armor of the Ispano

            Takashi slowly opened his eyes to a place he had never seen before.  Shaking his head groggily he sat up to try and figure out what had just happened.  Then he became aware of just how heavy he suddenly seemed to have become.  This immediately caused him to snap wide awake, as he surveyed what the cause was.  He seemed to be in a cockpit of some sort.  His arms and legs were in the confines of some sort of strange harness, and when he moved them, he could hear something outside move in unison.  Thoroughly puzzled, his mind raced back to what had occurred and why he was here.

            The first thing he remembered was that he was inside the gigantic suit of armor he had found.  This fact caused him to momentarily forget his strange predicament, as he became excited.  It worked.  The suit really worked!!  This proved his theory that Atlantis did exist!  And now he could use this wonderful machine to find it!  He could feel the raw power of his anticipation surging through his veins.  He had to get out and figure out his next move; after all, now that his first step had been completed, he had to devise what to do next.  Searching around, he found a catch.  Flipping it, he heard the machine hiss, and with a clank, he removed his hand and feet from the harnesses and leapt down to the ground.

            It seemed as if he had fallen into a forest of some sort.  The shrubbery was dense, and the foliage extended upward for miles.  He looked back to his suit, which was sprawled across the ground sitting, after a fashion.  Realizing it would be alright to leave it for the moment, he strode ahead, to find some sign or marker that could tell him where he was.

            "I wouldn't do that, if I were you," a voice from behind him said.  Takashi froze.  Turning his head around slightly, he decided to get a better look at his sudden arrival.  Preferably without him noticing.  It didn't seem too effective though, as the stranger continued speaking before Takashi could finish moving.  "Oh come now," he said.  "There's no need for such apprehension.  I mean no harm to you."  Realizing that Takashi wasn't in a situation to argue with the other man, he turned around and was greeted to a sight that received his full attention.

            There, with his back to Takashi, was a man in dark violet robes analyzing the suit of armor Takashi had acquired.  But it wasn't this man's obvious rudeness that shook Takashi.  It was the fact that the man had a pair of white wings trailing from his back.  Takashi was in the presence of another Atlantian; one which was not Van.  Takashi could have almost cried for joy.  Apparently feeling Takashi's eyes in his direction, the other man turned around to look at him.  Takashi noticed this man was much older than he was.  He had steel-gray hair, and an olive complexion with a face that was well defined by the creases it bore.  The eyes were sharp as a hawk's, and Takashi could tell this man was no one to be trifled with.  Takashi would have been a little intimidated, if he hadn't dealt with this man's type before.

            "So you have brought us Agamemnon, have you?" he asked, more to himself than to Takashi.  Agamemnon?  What did that old conqueror from the Greek myths have to do with this?  The man turned his head back to the armor and said "Of all the places to hide it, the Mystic Moon was the last place I would have thought to look.  Well done, Varie."  He said this so softly that Takashi might not have heard it if he hadn't been paying so much attention. 

            He decided it was time to get some answers from this man.  Folding his arms over his chest, he cleared his throat rather noisily so that the old man could hear him.  Turning back to Takashi, he waited for the boy to say something.  "Well," Takashi began.  "I'm happy to see that you recognize that," he said pointing to the armor.  "Now, maybe you'd like to tell me why you know about it, and why you felt I shouldn't leave it."  The other man remained silent for a moment, and Takashi just stared evenly back at him.  Expressing anger or impatience was a sign of weakness to others, and Takashi knew that the first impression was always the most important one.  The old mans eyes traveled down to the ring Takashi wore, then back to the armor, then back to his face.  Takashi remained waiting for some kind of response. 

            "Show me your wings," the man merely replied. 

            This caught him off guard.  How did this old badger know Takashi had wings?  He knew better than to try and play dumb; this old man would see right through him.  Resigning himself, he unbuttoned his shirt and let it fall to the ground.  He then allowed his wings to spread from his back.  Standing there with his wings fully outstretched, he watched as the old man made a circuit, inspecting every inch of his wings.  He could feel the man threading through the feathers and looking at how fast the feathers fell from his back.  After he had inspected both wings completely, the old man walked back around and brought his face directly in front of Takashi's.  Squinting slightly, the old man frowned as he gazed at the younger face before him.  Takashi heard him say "two different colors…"  He sat there examining for a moment more, then stepped back and told Takashi to put his shirt back on. 

            Doing so, Takashi decided to speak again.  "Well, since I seem to have passed your little 'inspection' perhaps you care to tell me where I am, and who you are?" The old man, strangely, gave Takashi a warm smile and proceed to walk back to the machine.  Takashi just felt his eyes narrow and marched after the old man, who had begun to lightly stroke its metallic surface.  "Well?" Takashi asked, with just a trace of impatience in his voice, irritating him that much more.

            He turned back to the young man and smiled again.  "Yes," he replied.  "How rude of me not to introduce myself.  I, young man, am called Belshezaar.  And the Agamemnon is a machine that I helped build."  Takashi almost let his jaw fall to the ground.  This old Atlantian built this thing?  Takashi's eyes widened slightly.  "As for your other questions," he continued turning around and sitting on the machine, "I said it would be unwise to leave it here because there are bandits here that steal Guymelefs and sell them." As if on cue, Takashi heard some rustling on the underbrush.

            Several dozen men had entered the clearing.  Takashi could see they all had weapons, and they didn't look too friendly.  One of them advanced forward, brandishing his sword.  "Well what's all this then?" he said.  "It seems as though we've found ourselves a few travelers here, eh mates?"  The others snickered.  The head man turned back to Takashi and pointed his sword at him.  "If I were you pal," he said laughingly, "I'd grab the old man and leave while I had the chance."  Takashi didn't like the suggestion, and felt the need to put this fool in his place.  He backed up to his acquaintance and was about to tell him to stay back, when he noticed the old man had stood up and moved next to Takashi. 

            "You children seem to think you have a superior edge merely because there are more of you here." He said.  It wasn't a question, merely a statement.  Takashi was a bit confused.  This man obviously had no weapons to speak of, and seemed too old to fight off this many opponents.  So why was he insulting them?

            The bandits had apparently disliked being called children, because their grins and snickers had turned to scowls and angry mutters.  Takashi thought the old man was being an idiot, and had no intention of doing anything to support him.  "Watch your mouth you old goat!  Do you want your tongue cut out!?"  the head bandit snarled, pointing his blade directly at the old man.  He just stared back unemotionally. 

            "Such toys aren't going to do you much good, child." he replied.  This made the mutters increase.  "You should depart.  I have no desire to harm you, but I will if so inclined."  At this the bandits laughed.  Takashi had formed the opinion that the man was insane.  He was playing dangerously close to rather violent end.

            The laughter died down and head bandit just grinned wickedly.  "You seem pretty sure of yourself, Grandpa.  Tell you what; we'll go ahead and kill you quickly.  You might actually get lucky enough to knock one or two of us out."  The others readied their blades and prepared for the order.  Takashi's muscles tensed, as he instinctively knew the approaching danger.  The head bandit grinned once more, and pointed his sword straight at the old man.  "Attack!!" he bellowed.  Takashi waited for a moment.  Nothing happened.  The head bandit turned to his fellows.  "What are you idiots doing!?  I said kill him!"  They remained perfectly still, but Takashi thought he saw something odd about them.  The head bandit's scowl deepened.  Then one of the other bandits piped up.  "We… We can't… can't move, Gerald!!"  The head bandit turned back to the speaker in surprise.  Then he looked down at his own legs.  He jerked them angrily, and discovered that he couldn't move, either.  "What in Hell's name is going on!!?" he roared.

            Takashi looked at the bandits in amazement.  As hard as they tried, none could move a single inch.  They all stood there, their legs locked in place.  He looked back to Belshezzar, and saw him looking at the bandits menacingly.  Then Takashi noticed something he hadn't before.  A small pendant that hung from the old man's neck glowed lightly.  Belshezaar had his hand underneath it slightly, and from the way it looked, he was concentrating on the bandits.  It was then that Belshezzar spoke.  "Fools are those who judge based only on appearances.  You should have listened to my warning, children."  The bandits realized he was the one responsible for their sudden paralysis.  The old man's eyes narrowed.  "You should count yourself lucky that I have learned better than to kill you."  The pendant flared, and the bandits were flung back into the trees.  They stood up trembling.  "Now, leave us to our business, and do not interfere with us again."  They fled quickly without another word.  He watched them go, then turned back to Takashi.  He watched the old man more warily now.  "Well, then" Belshezaar merely said.  "I think it would be wise to leave here.  We can go to my castle.  Come along."  He began to walk off, then suddenly seemed to realize something.  "You do not know how to operate the Agamemnon completely, do you?"  Takashi shook his head slightly.  "I see," Belsezaar said.  "Very well, then.  Climb in and do as I tell you."

            Takashi slowly climbed back into the guymelef and brought it into a standing position.  He found the reigns and pulled back on them, as Belshezaar said.  The machine began to his and clank, as gears turned and joints groaned.  Takashi felt the structure of the machine change, and soon found himself on top of the machine on a saddle.  Looking down, he suddenly realized he sat on a black dragon.  No, not a dragon; at least not a real one.  The suit of armor had changed into the shape of a monster from story books.  Its wings were massive and its head glinted coldly in the moonlight.  The tail was long and fierce, and the end branched into three points.  It seemed to be perfectly suited to Takashi.  The old man called up to him, telling him to pull back on the reigns.  Takashi did so, and the dragon reared and flapped it wings violently.  It gained altitude and Takashi smiled coldly as he saw the tops of the trees receding quicker by the minute.  Belshezaar had flown up beside Takashi, and told him to follow.  Takashi turned the reigns, and the two of them flew off into the night.

* * * *

            Allen Crusade Shcezar stood at the bridge of his personal airship, the Crusade.  King Aston had received a report that the Escaflowne had been stolen by some thieves, who most likely planned on selling the guymelef after having done some reworking on it.  In order to recover the hijacked suit, Aston had ordered Allen to recover it and apprehend the criminals. The Caeli had been a bit skeptical about the reason behind the abduction, but wanted to return Van's suit of armor to where it rightfully belonged.  He owed Van that much, since he couldn't do anything to Aston from taking Van's kingdom.  He was so lost in thought that he nearly went head over heels when the Crusade shuddered from an impact.  Hoisting himself up he quickly he called for a report. 

            "Something big hit us on the port side, Captain!!"  Gaddes replied.  Ort had gotten control of the wheel, and was leveling the ship out.  Gaddes continued with his report after checking over Tio.  "It seems that it didn't do anything aside from just give us a good shake though."  He quickly looked out the windows for any sign of their attacker.  Tio was the one who found it, though.

            "Captain!!  It's behind us!" he yelled, pointing.  Allen quickly dashed over to the window to see what was so big that it could cause such a jolt.  What he saw almost gave him one.

            What he saw was a dark shape with a huge body, much larger than any kind of bird.  It was about a third the size of the Crusade in length, and had enormous wings, like the shape of a bat.  In fact, he began to think at first that it was one until he saw what looked like a giant snake's head come out from it.  His immediate thought was that they had angered some kind of Dragon.  He didn't dwell long on this before his brain had registered the fact that the Escaflowne was able of transforming into a dragon capable of flight.  Realizing they had found their mark, Allen quickly ordered Ort to bring the ship around.  Reeden and Katz were to man the deck anchors to catch the suit.  Everyone quickly scrambled to their tasks. 

            "Heh, who'd have though we'd be doing some dragon hunting, eh?" Katz said jokingly.

            "No kiddin'," Reeden replied, loading the guns.  They both finished the preparation and took aim at the beast.  All of a sudden it swerved to the left, out of their target marks.  Re-adjusting aim, they caught it once more, only to have it veer off in another direction.  The odd part was that it seemed more like the pilot didn't know what he was doing, trying to overcome the turbulence of that altitude but having to rely on guesswork rather than expertise.  The two crew members quickly became increasingly irritated the more this hijacker moved out of their sights.  Finally the dragon had moved back into their range and stayed put long enough for them to get a good shot. Putting their hands on the triggers, they fired.

            Hitomi was scared to death.  "Van!" she cried, "Be careful!  You almost killed us back there!"  Van hung his head slightly at her words.  He had absolutely no idea what he was doing, and the wind resistance up here wasn't making things much easier.  Escaflowne would swerve this way and that, and it was he could do to keep himself and Hitomi from plummeting to the ground.  "Still, I'm glad you able to pull up before we scraped against that air-ship, instead of the Escaflowne," she paused for a moment.  "But still," she thought to herself, "What would an airship be doing here this low?"  She didn't have to wait long for an answer though, as she heard something hit the wings of the dragon.  "What!?" she exclaimed.  "Van, what's happening?  We're not moving!!"  The Escaflowne was being dragged backwards by a pair of anchors.  "Straight towards the airship behind us," Hitomi realized.  Her worry increased as she saw a melef step onto the deck of the ship, sword drawn.

            The Scherezade stepped out on the Deck of the crusade, its sword at the ready.  The Escaflowne, despite all its efforts to avoid it, was slowly being drawn in by the ships anchors.  All he had to do was wait until the dragon was on board, then order the surrender of the Escaflowne and the perpetrators.  If they did not wish to go quietly, then he would have no choice but to force them to surrender. 

            The dragon had reached the deck, and now Scherezade pointed its blade towards the mechanical beast.  "You there!" he commanded.  "In the name of Asturia, I, Allen Crusade Schezar demand that you hand over the guymelef you have dishonorably stolen."  The pilot remained silent.  "Are you refusing to comply with me?"  he asked.  Still no response.  His eyes narrowed.  "Very well then.  Prepare yourself," he said raising his blade for a crushing blow.

            Van tried to grasp the situation at hand.  Apparently, he and Hitomi had been dragged on board the airship behind them, and were now confronted by another suit of armor, this one with a sword in hand.  He quickly tried to figure out a way to change the Escaflowne back into its guymelef mode so he'd have some semblance of a chance to fight back.  Hitomi had said nothing at first, but she had quickly latched on to Van's arm and began shaking it.  "Hitomi, whats…" he began, turning to see what was wrong.  The guymelef had brought it's sword up, preparing to swing.  Van quickly pushed Hitomi out of the saddle and pushed forward on the reigns, trying to see if he could at least break free to fight from the air.  Suddenly he felt the weight around him shift, and the machine quickly resumed its humanoid form.  The guymelef above him had brought his sword down swiftly, preparing to stamp out Van's life.  Without thinking he brought the Escaflowne's hands up and caught the deadly length of steel before it could pierce him.  He didn't have time to think, however, when his opponent withdrew the blade and swung again.  This time though, Van had time to move.  Rolling to the side, he leapt up and shouted at the other pilot.  "Wait, please!" he said, trying to reason with him.  "This is all a mistake!  We're trying to-" 

The other man cut him off.  "Don't try your tricks on me," he said, swinging his sword.  Van leapt backwards, avoiding the blow.  "Now draw your sword!  Honor states that I must fight steel with steel."  Van was baffled.  This man was trying to apprehend him and yet wanted to do so honorably?  He was obviously a dedicated knight or else mocking him.  Van wasn't quite sure which one it was, yet.  The knight charged again.  "I said draw!" he said, with a bit more pressure this time.  Van sidestepped, but was unprepared as the knight swept his blade to the side.  Van braced himself for the blow, but it never came.  Van opened his eyes and gasped.  The Escaflowne had pulled a dagger from somewhere and had used it to repel the attacker's assault.  But how did Van know where it was?

Allen grimaced slightly.  This thief knew more about how to use a sword than he had first believed.  Perhaps it was time that Allen play a little more seriously.  Breaking off his attack, he retreated backwards, then quickly thrust his blade forward, in an attempt to shatter the energist inside.  The Escaflowne quickly stepped to side, its arm receiving the blow instead.  Allen scowled a bit more.  He didn't have time to be playing around with an amateur.  He turned to face the other guymelef.  "Well, it seems you're a bit more skilled than I first gave you," he swung his sword up and pointed.  "But you should know I'm only going to give you so much leeway before I end this.  You can surrender now, or later; it's your choice."

The other suit remained silent for a moment, then the pilot spoke.  "How do I know you won't try to kill me or Hitomi if I do surrender?" he asked.  Allen's eyes widened.  Hitomi?  What did this man know about Hitomi?  Scherezade's head turned in the direction of the person who had jumped off the Escaflowne.  The guymelef's sword dropped to the ground with a deafening CLANG!  The melef immediately dropped to one knee and opened, with Allen hopping out and running to the lone figure.  "Hitomi!!" he called out.  Her head came up at the sound of her name.

Van saw the other suit turn its head in Hitomi's direction.  He tensed, prepared to try and stop it before it did anything threatening.  He was surprised to see the sword drop from its hand and then see the pilot climb out and run towards Hitomi.  Thinking that he was going to hurt her, Van quickly dropped out of his own suit and followed, trying to find a way to beat an armed knight while he himself had nothing to fight with.

            Hitomi couldn't believe it!  Out of all the people she expected to see, Allen was the last one she had guessed.  With a laugh of delight she ran towards his rapidly approaching form and the two shared a warm embrace. "Hitomi," Allen said.  "It's so good to see you!  How did you get here?  Who brought you?" he asked.  Hitomi pulled away from him slightly and was about to answer him when she saw Van running towards them.  She smiled slightly as he looked from one to the other in curiosity. 

            "Allen," she said.  "It's kind of a long story."  By this time two of Allen's crew members had run over to the group.  They hadn't noticed Van, however.  That or else they were too busy getting over the fact she had returned.  It made her a little embarrassed. "Maybe it would be best if we went inside.  What do you think Van?" she asked. He looked around at the people gathered about him, and gave a very small shrug.

            At the mention of Van's name the others looked like they had been hit with a lightning bolt.  Allen spun around to see for himself that the young king of Fanelia had returned as well.  "Van!" he exclaimed.  "It's you!  You're back!"  He quickly ran and embraced the younger man.  Van merely stood there for a moment before pushing Allen away from him.  "Van…?" he said questioningly.  The other two were looking at Van with confused expressions as well.  Hitomi bit her lower lip nervously. 

            Removing Allen's hands, Van looked over at Hitomi.  "Hitomi, who is this?" he asked.  Allen's eyes widened.  He looked at her for an explanation.  "Do you know this man?" Van asked again.  Turning back to Allen, he asked "Where are we?  And why were you trying to kill me!?"  He asked, grabbing hold of Allen's shirt.  The other two shouted and began to move to help but Allen gave them a stern look, telling them to be still.  They looked uncertain momentarily, then did as they were told.

            Allen turned back to look Van in the face.  Frowning slightly he said.  "Van, what's wrong with you?  I'm Allen Schezar, remember?"  he said, trying to see if Van recognized the name.  Apparently not, because his expression remained unchanged.  "You know me, Van," he continued, trying to figure out what was wrong with his friend.  "We met several years ago, after your country was destroyed by Zaibach."

           Hitomi decided now was the best time to speak up, if any was.  "It's no use, Allen," she said.  He looked over at her.  "Van's memory is gone.  He can't recall anything from before just recently."  He looked back at Van in shock.  He had let go of Allen's shirt, but still watched him warily.  "We should go inside and tell you what happened." Hitomi said.  Allen nodded slightly, and the four of them went inside the airship.

* * * *

            Daedalus was working feverently at his lab.  He had to find the exact location of the next key-energist.  Without it the next Dragon Armor would be useless.  Pouring over maps, he concentrated on the various areas of Gaea trying to find a clear glimpse of the item in question.  Taking out a small vial, he poured some of the contents onto the map, above the picture containing a lake.  Closing his eyes, he held his pendant above this spot and began to concentrate on it.  Soon, he received an image in his mind of the lake bottom.  He looked through the "eyes" of the various aquatic beasts in the depths of the lake, for some sign of the object he sought after.  Seeing nothing, he let his concentration go and his consciousness returned to this room. 

            He sat back and rubbed his eyes tiredly.  He had been searching all night for the energist and had found no luck.  Finding the Dragon armors was relatively easier than this.  They emitted a stronger aura than other Guymelefs did.  So t was simply a matter of locating an area with a strong sense of a guymelef, but few that were actually present in the area.  Finding the key-energists was much more complicated though, because their wavelengths were so similar to normal energists that finding them was extremely difficult.  The fact that there were so many normal energists in Gaea complicated things much more.  He was beginning to wonder if he'd ever find the damn thing. 

            Suddenly his door banged open.  He looked over to it nonchalantly.  In the doorway stood the Count.  He sighed in exhaustion, and looked back to his work, speaking to the count shortly.  "What is it Dukahl?  I'm very busy and don't have time to waste right now."  He waited for the Count to say something.  After a few moments, he looked back up and saw that the count had been joined by several guards.  The corners of Daedalus' mouth turned down slightly.  What was this idiot planning. 

            Count Dukahl had a grin on his stubby little face that was spread from ear to ear.  "There he is, Gentlemen," he said, pointing to Daedalus.  "This man is responsible for letting two prisoners escape and steal the royal guymelef, Escaflowne."  Daedalus' frown deepened.  "Daedalus Torvanus, I place you under arrest under the charged of treason to the crown."  He said, his grin widening.  So, the little maggot had followed him, did he?  Daedalus got up and faced his affronters.  "You're going to come quietly, then?  I'm afraid we can't have that.  If you don't resist, how will I be justified in carrying out a death sentence?" he said, motioning to one of the guards.  He drew his sword with a smirk and advanced. 

            Daedalus gave each of them a level look.  "You truly are foolish, you pathetic excuse for a pig," he replied wearily.  Dukahl's eyebrows shot skyward.  "I really don't have time to do this, but you seem to be begging for release."  He placed his hand beneath his pendant and concentrated on the advancing guard.  He froze in place, every joint locking up.  Daedalus concentrated harder, and the man soldier began to scream.  The others looked on in horror as the helmet the soldier wore slowly contracted, crushing his skull.  The soldier fell in a lifeless heap, as the blood from his head flowed onto the ground.  Daedalus could have done that quickly, but he wasn't in the best of moods right now. 

            The others looked in shock at the bloody mess that was formerly a human.  Their eyes slowly went back to Daedalus' who was staring at them coldly.  They tried to back out the door, but suddenly realized they couldn't move.  Dukahl had begun to sweat profusely.  "Daedalus you bastard!!" he shrieked in panic.  "Release me this instant!"

            "No," he replied shortly.  He strode up to his paralyzed quarry.  "You won't have to remain here for long though," he continued.  These humans really weren't worth the compassion his father was giving them.  "You could have been content to merely sit back and remain on your throne, but I believe that you are not deserving of that title."  Dukahl began to sweat more.  One of the other guards gave a short but loud gurgle.  His head whipped quickly in the sounds direction and his teeth began to chatter uncontrollably.  The guard's chest plate had crushed his chest.  He lay there, head to the side, spread-eagled, and his chest was as flat as a piece of paper.  Dukahl's ever increasing terror grew as the pool of blood from that soldier seeped onto his shoes.  "You see, Count," Daedalus continued, "I don't like humans.  They are very savage and greedy.  If they sense a threat, they snuff it out without remorse.  They live on cruelty and deceit."  Dukahl heard the sounds of bones snapping and turned to see what it was even though his mind didn't have any desire to do so.  It was an involuntary reflex.  The guard had his arms and legs snapped right off by his arm guards and greaves.  He crumpled in a useless heap, like a child's rag doll, the appendages flapping like rubber as he fell.  He convulsed violently before going still.  Dukahl was now very nervous.  He was the only one left.

            "W..w-w-w-hat-t-t d-do y-y-you m-me-mean you d-don't l-like 'humans'?" Dukahl squeaked.

           Daedalus turned back to him.  "I mean that I am not one, Dukahl." He said.  Wings suddenly sprouted from his back, and Dukahl nearly fainted.  He was facing an Atlantean!  An Atlantean that had him frozen and was about to kill him…  "So," Daedalus said, with a tone of finality, "you can see shat I think of your kind, pig.  Goodbye."  Dukahl felt his breath shorten.  The collar of his robe had begun to constrict, cutting off his supply of air.  Daedalus watched emotionlessly as Dukahl's eye's bulged and his tongue became swollen.  His face changed colors and eventually the collar had pinched so tight that it had cut the fat little man's head right off of his shoulders.  A small bit of blood squelched from the neck, and the body fell to the floor, the head still purple and staring up at nothing with bulging eyes.  Daedalus remained looking at the corpses that littered his doorway before returning to his work.  He had to find the next key-energist.  Nothing else mattered at that moment.

* * * *

            Allen had listened to Hitomi's whole story from beginning to end.  His eyebrows twitched slightly at what had happened to her while they were with Takashi, but aside from that, he did or said nothing.  When she had finished, he closed his eyes for a moment to contemplate.  What she had said was an awful lot to take in.  Someone else from the Mystic moon had been after Atlantis' power?  That was probably the cause of his premonition earlier.  He opened his eyes and looked over at Hitomi.  Her attention was on the door.  Van hadn't come with them at Allen's request.  Since he had someone with a similar problem, he felt it wise that Van not need to go over such things so soon.  Which brought up the matter of what they were going to do now that they had two cases on their hands.  This was becoming very troublesome very fast.

            "Hitomi," he said quietly, causing her to look back over at him.  "Listen; did you recall what this man… Takashi…" he rolled the strange word around for moment in his mind. "Do you know why he wanted to go to Atlantis?  Hitomi shook her head.

            "No, Allen.  He brought us there to show him how to pilot the gumelef he had found," at the mention of this, Allen's countenance fell.  It was still unbelieveable to imagine that a guymelef had somehow gotten to earth.  And the fact that it resembled Escaflowne so closely was even more disturbing.  What did it all mean?

            He heard a small noise and saw Hitomi yawning tiredly.  He had forgotten how late it was.  Standing up, he helped her do the same.  "Forgive me, Hitomi," he said apologetically.  "You must incredibly tired and all I've done is keep you awake with my questions.  Why don't you go off to bed?"  She sighed dreamily.

           "Hmmm… bed.  That sounds very inviting."  She gave Allen a coy look.  "It's nice to see you haven't changed much, Allen."  He smiled at her.  "But you should know you'd only be wasting your time on me this time around."  He laughed and she joined him. 

            "Don't worry Hitomi," he replied warmly.  "The only feelings I have towards you are strictly plutonic."  She just playfully brushed him off and went off to find a vacant room on the airship.  He stood there for a moment longer then sat back down, the event of the night weighing too heavily on his mind to allow any rest.

            Van walked through the halls of the airship Hitomi had said was called the crusade.  Wherever he went there was someone who had exclaimed how good it was to see him and Hitomi again.  He would just smile nervously and pretend to know what they were talking about. Eventually he found himself at the mess hall, where a young girl and an older man were arguing.  "Look Miss Celena," he said.  "You've done plenty, but the captain'll have my head if he finds out that you've been working behind his back!"

            She seemed not to notice the other man's concern.  "Please Teo, let me help a while longer!" she pleaded.  "I want to do something to help you all with, but helping you here is the only thing I know how to do!"  He shook his head again. 

            "I know, and I appreciate it!" he replied.  "But you know that I can't work you for too long or the Captain'll get concerned about you.  The doctors say you aren't strong enough yet to do manual labor for extended periods of time."

            She tried to press her point, however.  "But-" she tried to interject. 

            "Not another word, Miss Celena.  Now you need to get off to bed; it's late."  With that he closed the door on her.  She stood there looking sadly at it for a moment, then turned dejectedly in Van's direction and started walking.  She didn't notice that Van was standing in the middle of the hallway and ended up bumping right into him. 

            She looked up and started to apologize when she noticed who it was she was speaking to.  The girl gave a small yelp and tried to walk off.  Van, puzzled, grabbed her arm lightly to stop her.  She looked at his hand then at him, that slightly scared expression still in her eyes.  "What's wrong?" he asked with concern.  Why was this girl afraid?  He'd done nothing to her before.  She looked away and didn't say anything.  He turned her around to face him.  She had goldish colored hair, pale skin and a crème colored dress with a mid-cut neckline.  She was slightly smaller than he was, though they both seemed about the same age.  "What's the matter?  Did I startle you too much when I bumped into you?"  She shook her head weakly.  "What is it, then?"  she remained silent.  "Well, could you at least tell me your name?" 

            She said nothing, then quietly, so quietly that he could barely hear her, responded "…Celena." 

            He mulled over the name for a moment.  It sounded slightly pleasant, but at the same time familiar.  Thinking about it, his hands slackened a little, and took that opportunity to break free and push past him.  "Hey wait!" he called after her.  But she didn't stop or look back.  In fact, it seemed to Van like she began to run even faster.  He watched her turn the corner, and looked away slightly puzzled.  "What was that about?" he thought to himself.  He heard someone calling his name, and turned to see Hitomi. 

            "I've been looking all over for you," she said walking over to him.  "Allen has some vacant rooms made up for us.  I think we should get some sleep."  She yawned.  Van realized that he hadn't gotten a lot of sleep recently, and decided it'd be good to catch up on it.

            Yawning in reply, he told her to lead the way.  She turned and started to walk off.  He did the same, but looked back down the hall way as he did so.  When they had finally reached their rooms, Hitomi went to one door and looked over at him.  "Goodnight Van," she said with a smile.  "See you in the morning."  He smiled back at her and she entered her room, closing the door behind her.  Van opened his door, then suddenly felt like someone was watching him.  He turned and looked up the hall, to see that girl –Celena, wasn't that what she said her name was?- looking at him.  They watched each other for a moment, then she walked away slowly.  He watched her go, then went into his room to sleep. 

* * * *

            Takashi and Belshezaar were in a vault located in the lower levels of his castle.  The citizens that resided here numbered a total of fifty three hundred, and when Takashi had asked what they were doing here, Belshezaar had replied sadly, "There are my people."  Takashi remained silent after that until they had arrived at their destination.  Holding up his pendant, Belshezaar focused his attention on the door.  With a click, it swung open, and Takashi found himself in a massive underground chamber.  But what inside the chamber was what caught his breath.  Three suits of armor were seated around seated in massive thrones that seemed to be carved out of the rock itself.  One was a beautiful golden color, and white cloak dangling from its shoulders.  Takashi had doubted he had ever seen so much gold all at once before.  Another was a bright flaming ruby color, with a flowing cloak the color of dawn draped around it.  The last was silver in color, and it had a cloak with a slightly violet hue adorning it.  All three closely resembled Takashi's with some minor differences here or there. 

There were ten thrones in all, and seven were empty.  Below each of these was a small pedestal, one for each throne.  Beneath the three that housed the guymelefs were three small green orbs.  They could obviously fit in the palm of your hand, and of them glowed faintly, casting shadows that danced across the walls.  Takashi was completely overtaken by the spectacle before him.  Belshezaar walked up beside him and chuckled lightly.  Takashi shook himself back into reality and looked slightly embarrassed.  Belshezaar chuckled again.  "Don't be so embarrassed.  I had the exact same reaction when I saw them the first time.  I sometimes wonder if the Ispano knew more about building Guymelefs than we did."

            Takashi looked at the old man questioningly.  "Ispano?"  he said slowly.  What a strange word. 

            Belshezaar laughed again.  "I'm sorry," he chortled.  "I forgot you weren't from this planet originally.  It will all be explained in due time."  He then turned back to the suits of armor and went to one of the vacant seats.  "Now, let us see…" he muttered.  He went from one to another, and stopped at the left of the golden one.  "Ah, here it is," he exclaimed.  "Now, for the suit.  Takashi, help me.  I'm afraid something so large requires more willpower than I can muster."  Puzzled, Takashi walked over to the old man.

            "What do you want me to do?" Takashi asked.  Belshezaar pointed to Takashi's ring.

            "Hold that up and begin to concentrate.  Focus on bringing the Agamemnon here."  At Takashi's look, Belshezaar said "Trust me.  If you focus all of your willpower into it then I know you will be able to bring it here."  Takashi just looked at the old man like he was crazy, but figured he'd humor him.  Bringing his ring up, he focused on the read stone in the center.  Concentrating all his will into it, he focused on brining his suit to this chamber.  He was slowly drawn into a mesmerized state when he saw a pendant in his mind, with the same red stone as his ring's and, he suddenly realized, the one around Beshezaar's neck.  The pendant began to swing back and forth, and Takashi began to feel his mind move with the pendant.  It was like that for a while, until he heard a noise, and saw a pillar of blue light erupt from the ground.  Takashi was taken aback, and was even more surprised to see his guymelef appear from out of nowhere.  Did he actually do that?  "Yes, you did.  Well, with a little bit of help," Belshezaar said, holding up his pendant.  At the look Takashi gave him, Belshezaar smiled.  You said that aloud; didn't you hear yourself?"  Takashi shook his head.

            "Well, no matter," he held out one of the green orbs to Takashi.  "Take this, and place some of your blood onto it."  It had ceased glowing, now.  Takashi took hold of it, and pulled out his ornamental dagger.  Pricking his thumb, he let some blood slide onto the orb.  It flared momentarily, then shined silently.  "Just as I thought," he said looking back at Takashi.  "You, young one, are an eklego."  His voice quickened in anticipation.  Takashi was more confused than ever.

            "I am chosen?" he inquired.  "Chosen for what?  I don't understand.  Tell me what you mean."  Belshezaar

quickly turned away from the from the Agamemnon.

            "For the most noble of causes.  They re-birth of Atlantis, our home!!"  Takashi's ears perked up.  "Place the enregist in your hand into the Agamemnon, Takashi."  He said pointing to it.  "That energist is the key to re-awaken Atlantis' power, and you will be on of the ten to perform this task."  Takashi looked up at the looming armor before him.  Passing Belshezaar, he removed the Energist that his scientists made, and placed his new one inside the machine.  The red gem on the guymelef's left breast glowed lightly for a moment, then began to pulse, like a heartbeat.  Like his heartbeat, Takashi realized. Belshezaar spoke once again.  "Agamemnon has chosen you;  you, my boy are destined for great things."

            Great things…  The old man had no idea…

* * * *

                  Hitomi, Van, Allen, Dryden, and Millerna were all seated around a table in the Crusade's room.  Dryden and Millerna had finished listening to Hitomi's story and were both reacting accordingly.  Dryden had leaned back in his chair, glasses pushed up and hand on his chin, his brain working over every aspect accordingly.  Millerna was watching Dryden, waiting for some sign that he had decided on what to do.  Finally, he opened his eyes and gave a wry half smile.  "Well," he said, "It seems that all I've managed to think of is that my first guess as to Aston's motives were incorrect."  Hitomi and the others all groaned.  "Hey now," Dryden said.  "I may be the smartest man in Gaea, but there are some things even I can't figure out." 

            Allen placed his chin in his palm and muttered.  "Now if only you'd focus on that fact more often."

            Dryden looked over at Allen with a smirk.  "Beg your pardon, Calei?" he retorted.  "If you have any suggestions, feel free to say something."  At this, Allen looked back at the merchant son and steepled his fingers on the table. 

            "Well, since Van left, I've had a strange feeling.  Like something was going to happen," he said.  The others paid close attention.  "It's only grown since then, and I have a feeling that it won't be good for Gaea if it's allowed."  Everyone else seemed to agree on this fact.  "The only problem lies in finding out what the cause behind this is."  He looked over at Millerna.  "Whatever it is, I'm sure it has to do with your father's strange behavior as of late."  Millerna nodded.  Ever since the meeting that day a month ago, King Aston had become more withdrawn, even towards his daughters. 

            "Well," said Van.  "Now that we have something to go on, does anyone know where we should start?"  the others didn't seem to have much of an idea.  Hitomi, who had remained quiet during the meeting, spoke up.

            "I think I might have an idea," she said.  The others turned to look at her.  "Last night, a woman came to me.  It was-" she began.  She stopped before saying it was Van's mother.  Van didn't have any idea what he was yet, and Hitomi felt he wasn't ready for that information yet.  "…It was a woman dressed in old robes.  She said the Ispano would hold the information we would need."  Allen and Dryden frowned. 

            "The Ispano?" Allen asked.

            "They're mechanics, not gurus.  What would they know about this problem?"  Dryden finished. 

            Millerna stood up.  "I think we should follow Hitomi's advice," she said.  The others looked at her.  She just looked right back.  "Well, have any of you ever found her to be wrong?" she asked.  The others shook their head after a moment's thought.  "So then I think we should go see the Ispano."

            "There's one slight problem, though, sweetheart," Dryden said, leaning on the table.  They all looked at him.  I doubt Aston's going to just let us waltz off on some quest we don't even know anything about yet."  Everyone seemed to see his point.  "Especially you, princess." He said.  "After what happened during the Gaean War, I'd be surprised if he'd so much as let you out of the castle again." 

            During the Gaean war, Millerna had snuck away from the castle follow Allen and help him.  Her father had fallen gravely ill, and only when she had arrived back safely had his condition improved.  Now he had kept a close eye on Millerna, and refused to let her go anywhere without a full guard. 

            "We can find a way, I'm sure!"  she protested.  "You aren't going to leave without me.  In case someone gets hurt, you're going to need me in order to treat them."  This was true.  Millerna was a skilled medic, as she had proven several times during their journey. 

            She walked towards the doors.  Turning around, she said "Well, I suggest that we get a move on.  Who knows how long we have before this unknown crisis hits Gaea.  So you should start thinking of an excuse we can use to leave, right Dryden, Allen?"  With that she opened the doors and left.  The two men in question were left only to stare after her for a moment. 

            "She's always doing that," Allen muttered.

            "Doing what?  Getting her way?"  Dryden replied.

            "That very thing," Allen said. 

* * * *

            A few hours later, The Crusade was several dozen miles away from Asturia.  Allen and Dryden had told the king that there was a medical emergency that the doctors in Cesario needed Millerna to assist with.  Aston had been a bit wary at first, but Allen had swore that he would accompany her, and Dryden promised that he wouldn't let his beloved go anywhere without him.  This seemed to soothe king Aston, and he allowed Millerna to see to Cesario's emergency.  So the three of them found themselves (along with Merle; she could tell they were up to something) traveling to a safe distance to call the Ispano's repair ship. 

            Deciding this was far enough, Allen called for the ship to come to a halt.  It did so, and the seven of them went down to the hangar where the Escaflowne and Scherezade were being kept.  Dryden climbed up the white armor and located the signal device for the Ispano.  Pressing it, they sat back and waited as an enormous portal opened up and an equally enormous ship dropped through it.  They all proceeded inside where the Ispano waited for them.

            Dryden conversed with a small creature in a blue cloak that covered its body.  The only distinguishing feature of the thing was the fact that it had whiskers protruding from its cowl.  The others watched patiently as Dyden talked to it.  It seemed they had concluded, though, because Dryden walked up to them.  "They said they only repair Guymelefs.  Information about transactions is kept strictly confidential to respect the patron's privacy."  He folded his arms across his chest and frowned.  "Little rodents wouldn't even accept my offer to pay for the information."

           The others looked helpless.  Now what could they do?  Hitomi knew that Van's mother had told her the truth though.  She walked up to the Ispano, ignoring the other's stares.  Kneeling down, she looked at it straight in the eye.  "Please sir," she said.  "This is terribly important to us.  We have to know if you know anything about what we've told you…" the Ispano merely shook it's head and pointed at her.

            "Ispano not give," it told her.  "Ispano repair, no more.  You no need repair, you leave." It said, the cowl that muffled its voice making sound more gruff.  Hitomi thought for a moment. 

She then thought of something.  "Varie Fanel was the one who told us to see you," she said slowly.  At the mention of Van's mother's name, the Ispano's whiskers quivered slightly.

            "Varie?" it said slowly.  "Know Varie?" it asked pointing at her.  She nodded.  It seemed to be thinking. After a moment, it turned around then looked back at her.  "Follow," it merely said.  She smiled and motioned for the others to follow.  Their diminutive guide led them along various corriders and large areas where countless Ispano clan members worked diligently over a multitude of guymelefs.  Eventually he stopped in front of a large iron door.  He opened it and pointed inside.  "You go," it told them.  "Talk."  It then turned and left, presumably to assist its comrades.  The others all walked in and found themselves in the presence of an old Ispano, who was seated in a chair reading a book.

            "Yes, what is it?" it asked, not looking up from its book.  "I'm very busy, so unless it's very important, go away."  The group was a little surprised.  It was the first time they had heard an Ispano speak in full sentences.  "Well," it continued, "Out with it now, don't just stand there like children in a candy store.  Close your mouths and sit down!"  They quickly did as they were told.  "Now, what seems to be so important that you'd need to take time out of my busy schedule to speak with me, hmm?" it said, placing a gloved finger inside of the book it was reading and pulling it's eyes away. 

            Hitomi cleared her throat nervously.  "Well, sir… uh… we were just wondering if you knew a girl by the name of Varie…"  she said rather reluctantly. 

            "Varie?" it replied, whiskers quivering.  "Yes, Yes…  200 years ago that was."  Hitomi blinked.  Varie was over two hundred years old!?  "She and group of her friends had approached us with a rather peculiar offer."  It paused momentarily to take out a pipe, lighting it, the Ispano continued.  "They said they needed a set of Guymelefs.  Important and rare ones, at that.  Made out of a substance that, ah let me think…  Can't seem to quite recall…  But anyway, those ten Guymelef we built for them were so intricate it took us quite a while to construct them.  When they were finished, Varie's friends had told us to hold on to them 'Until the time was right,' they had said.

            "Well, about a year later, Varie had come to us again.  We noticed this time that she had come alone, and was carrying a strange bag.  Couldn't be sure of what but if I remember right, they were little green balls."  At the mention of this, Van's eyebrows rose slightly.  "She had come to us to ask a favor.  She asked for us to hide the dragon armors across the planet, at locations she had chosen specifically.  We thought it odd, and the others had wanted to refuse her request.  But I felt something odd about this request, so I talked to her personally."  By this time the rest of the room was silent and those present were listening attentively to what the old Ispano had to say.  He blew a ring of smoke before proceeding.  "As it turned out, those friends of hers had had us build those Guymelefs for a specific purpose.  One, she told me, that would threaten all of Gaea if it was allowed to be carried out.  Well, she wanted to prevent this, even if it meant going against her allies.  So, out of a respect I had developed for her, I agreed to help her."  Hitomi couldn't believe it!  Varie had helped to construct these things?  "She also said that eventually, someone would come here.  I suppose that is you," he finished pointing his pipe at them.  They nodded.

            He sat up and made his way slowly over to the bookshelf.  Muttering to himself, he looked through various books until he found the one he was looking for.  "Ah here it is," he said.  Hobbling back to his guests, he held it out to them.  Varie told me that when you showed up I was to give this to you."

            Dryden stood up and took it from the old Ispano.  Looking it over, he asked "What is it?" 

            With a groan, the old creature turned and made his way back to his seat.  "It's a diary," he stated.  "It has the location of all of the armors we hid, so I think you'll need it."  He sat himself down with a grunt.  "You should be quick about it, however."  They all looked to him at this remark.  "I have heard that three of the armors had gone missing.  I'd say that Varie's old friends are already on the move."  They thanked the old Ispano for his help, and left, preparing to search for the remaining dragon armors. 

* * * *

Ekaterini:  Okay, Shen, we let you down.  Now hold up your end of the bargain.

*mumbles*

Esca Chick: Pardon?

I said… You want some yaoi?  I'll give some yaoi, you sick puppies.

* * * *

            Van wandered down the hallway of castle Fanelia.  He was completely depressed because he had just caught Hitomi having sex with Allen in the other room.  And Van thought that little tramp was faithful to him!  Well, he'd show her!  He could find much better!  With a new found resolve, his pace quickened and went out to find someone else in his life.

            Dilandau was completely distraught.  He had come all the way here to express his feelings for the one he loved, but now that he had made it this far, he had lost his nerve.  What if Van laughed at him?  What he sent Dilandau away?  He just couldn't take the pressure and that's when he sank down onto one of the benches in the courtyard.  How could he do something like this? Suddenly the doors banged open and Dilandau looked up.  There stood Van, of all people!  His heart raced at seeing that beautiful face.  It was all Dilandau could do not to jump up and say what he felt right there.  "Oh no!!" he thought.  "I think he saw me!  What am I going to say to him!?"  His knees started to buckle from nervousness.  It was too late, though; Van was coming his way.

            Van saw Dilanda standing in the courtyard.  As Van looked at the silver haired Dragon Slayer, he thought perhaps Dilandau could help him with his problem.  He was certainly handsome enough to attract a woman's eye or two.  Come to think of it, he was kind of cute…  "Did I just think that!?" Van thought to himself.  Pushing it off as a reaction to what Hitomi did to him, he went down and joined Dilandau on the bench.  Seeing that Dilandau was nervous about something, Van leaned over.  "What's wrong, Dilandau?  Something bothering you?"

            Dilandau absently folded and unfolded his hands.  "Well… yes.  I MEAN- ummm… maybe…"  Van was confused.  He had never seen Dilandau act like this before.  Putting a hand on Dilandau's shoulder, he asked what he was so fidgety about.  Was Dilandau… blushing?  "Well, it's just that… I have these feelings for someone…" he replied. 

            "Oh?" Van asked.  "Do I know him?"  Why did he have that hopeful tone in his voice?  Surely he wasn't expeting Dilandau to-

            "Well, um," Dilandau began, "Yes, yes you know him.  Quite well, as a matter of fact…"

            "Oh, I see," Van replied, slightly disappointed, though he couldn't figure out why.

            "Well, there's this guy, see…" Dilandau continued.  Van never even batted an eyelash.  Maybe Dilandau could go through with this after all!  He decided to push forward.  "And I have really strong feelings for him…"  Van nodded.  "I mean, REEEEAALLY strong feelings for this guy…" he said.  Van just watched him attentively.  "The thing is, I don't know if this guy has the same feelings for me."  He looked at Van from the corner of his eye.  "In fact, I'm sure he doesn't, because he's with a girl, right now…"  He looked for some sign of realization on Van's face, but there was none.  "What should I do?  I can't keep these feeling bottled up forever!" he finished, grabbing hold of Van's arms.

            Van blushed slightly.  He had never seen Dilandau this way before.  It kind of… excited him… for some reason.  Looking Dilandau in the eyes (God does he have the softest eyes.  And red too.  Red's my favorite color) he said "Well, Dilandau… My best solution is for you to just tell the man how you feel."  This seemed to light up Dilandau's face.  Jumping up, Dliandau gave loud call to express his joy.  Jumping back down, he took hold of Van's hands and brought his face up to the other man's.

            "Van, I'm so happy you said that," Dilandau said.  Van felt himself blush a little more.  "Because you see now I feel freeto tell you my true feelings…"

            "Dilandau…" Van said.

            "Van.." Dilanda replied. "I.."

            "Yes?"

            "I want…"

            "Yes!?"

            "I want to…"

            Yes!!?

            "I WANT TO TOAST YOU LIKE A NEW YEARS PARTY IN ITALY, YOU BLACK HAIRED LITTLE PANSY!!!" Dilandau yelled, whipping out a state of the art flamethrower and tunring it out Van.  He then began to laugh maniacally.  "MWAHAHAHAHAHH!!!!!  Moero Moero!!

            "YOUSICKLITTLESONUVABITCHIKILLYEW!!" Van yelled, while still on fire.  Whipping out his sword he swung it forward and sent Dilandau's laughing head (which was still going, and going, and going…) out into the vastness of space, where it exploded due to the enormous vacuum. Van toppled onto Dilandau's now lifeless body, and the two slowly burned together into one unrecognizable heap of charred and stinky human flesh.

The End

Yow-WEE!!! That was unexpected, wasn't it, girls?

Ekaterini: V-Van sama…

Kat?  You okay, honey?

Esca Chick:  Dilandau sama… uuugghhhh…. *faints*

Well, that's no good…  Well, I said they'd regret their actions from earlier…  Oh well.  Bye now!!

*Runs out, then runs back in*

Oops, I think I forgot something!

*Grabs Kat's homemade Van and Dilandau plushies and rips their heads off.  He then puts them back on each other bodies, and backwards*

There, all done!  I'd better scoot before Kat comes to…