Okay, I'm glad that's over with. You know, sometimes I even amaze myself. So, now that the yaoi crisis has been resolved I think it's time we move in a different direction. Now, some of you may have read the previous chapter and when having read the parts where the characters used those "powers", you might have thought to yourself, "OMFG, thz l2m0rz s using X-men stuff. This suxx0rz." Well, if you were a pathetic random lamer on various message boards, that's what you'd be thinking. So, I will attempt to calm you people by explaining the way the Altantean powers work. In other words, I am going to be serious.
Little flying Imp: He's lying. This moron couldn't be serious if his life depended on it. It's not even in his vocabulary.
Hey!! Who said you could speak! Get back in that cage!
LFI: Just try it carrot-top! I'll whip you and your whole family!
You do have a point… Oh, I forgot to mention this little guy, folks-
LFI: Who're you calling little, buster!?
His name's Gobano. He's my recently acquired muse, since I've been having trouble coming up with-
Gobano: Don't you mean "ripping off?"
I said shut it, imp! Like I was saying, coming up with creative material.
Gobano: Whatever, just get on with your explanation, Chaci.
Can't. Out of time.
Dedicated to all of my readers, but especially Youjibaracuda, who's sitting on the fourth row from the front and holding a cute tomato. Oh, and incidentally, Ai-chan , we men don't think about sex constantly, we just think about having a beer and seeing something naked. Get your facts straight before you start pointing fingers, please.
* * * *
The Vision of Escaflowne: Reunion
Chapter 9:
Wings of a Demon
In a secluded part of the Crusade, Dryden Fasa sat quietly leafing through an ancient document that had recently come into his possession. In it contained information that could either save his planet or destroy it. And he was the only available person who could translate it. He always loved being the most important character in the scene. True, Allen might have been handy with a sword, and Hitomi was able to use those strange powers, and even his fiancée, Millerna was an ample medic, but none of them would even have the proper direction of where they were going without him there. This book would be the most vital part of their quest, and they all knew it. It was important that he figure out what it could tell them as quickly as possible.
The first few parts of the book contained some descriptions on what it was they were after. Apparently, the Atlanteans had, over 700 years ago, gone to the Ispano clan with a request. They hadn't mentioned the details, and neither could this book, because some parts of it were too faded and worn to understand what they were trying to tell. Oh well, speed was the important factor here, not knowledge. The Ispano had been asked to build ten armors, made of a special type of material only they could create. It seemed that this metal had the power to amplify… something. What it was made to amplify, Dryden was uncertain of. Oh well. Perhaps he would find out soon enough. Anyway, for transportation purposes, each suit of armor was capable of changing its shape into that of a dragon's with the ability to fly.
"Fair enough," Dryden thought. So they had to find ten lost armors of Atlantis, before their unknown opposition could first. What puzzled Dryden was the next part of the text. The Atlanteans, for some unknown purpose, had constructed ten unique pieces of energist, unlike any that currently existed on Gaea. The book referred to them as "Keys", but Dryden wasn't sure to what yet. According to the book, the Keys were to harmonize with the Armor, but that wasn't all they did. The energists would allow the suit's capabilities to increase, so the pilot would become more dangerous. This was becoming less pleasant word by word. If Dryden wasn't sure what the suit's purpose were, he at least knew that those suits and those energists were a bad combination.
Dryden was so focused on the material that he didn't notice someone else in the room with him. That fact probably would've remained the same if the silent companion hadn't stubbed his foot on one of Dryden's heavy tomes. "Ggh!!" he grunted in pain. He quickly clasped a hand to his mouth and peered back to see if Dryden had him. He had. The young merchant was looking straight at the intruder with a smirk on his face and his chin resting on his hand. "Eheh," he said sheepishly. "Prince Dryden!! How good to see you! I was just-"
"You were just filching some of my better trinkets, weren't you mole?" Dryden finished for him.
The interloper smiled foolishly. He looked like a rather small balding man in his late fifties, except for the fact that his ears and eyes were small and beady. He also had a rather odd snout, which ended in an unusual nose, and no human could have such an odd protrusion. His smile revealed a row of unkempt, uneven teeth, which ranged in size. He was, in truth, not a human at all, but a mole man. "Why Dryden," he began nervously, "I'd never think about stealing from the royal prince of Asturia." He rubbed his sore toe to try and ease its throbbing.
"Never think twice about it, you meant to say," Dryden said, standing up and advancing on the little mole.
The mole was getting a little nervous, now. "Now Dryden, we're men of a trade, right? Merchants in the field, and all that?" he said with an uncomfortable laugh. Dryden kept walking calmly toward him. The mole started to panic a little. Dryden wouldn't do anything serious to the mole, would he? "Dryden?" he asked weakly. The merchant merely pulled his hand back in response. The mole snapped his eyes shut and prepared for the blow. He felt the rush of air, but never felt the contact. "Huh," he said stupidly looking back at Dryden.
The merchant was smirking again and tossing a set of gems to himself. "Never think about stealing from the royal prince of Asturia, huh?" he said. The mole just stared blankly for a minute then realization dawned on his face. He rummaged through his clothes, then sighed in defeat. Dryden tossed the gems up in the air once more then pocketed them. "Don't worry mole. I won't hold it against you."
The mole perked up hopefully. "Really," he said.
Dryden turned around and went back to his desk. "Yes, really," he said. "But I'm very busy and I think that Ort could use some help in the kitchen." He felt the mole stiffen slightly. He turned his head back to the thief and saw he was correct. "Go on," he said with a smile. "Unless of course you'd prefer the alternative…" At this the mole loosened up and backed up out of the room quickly, apologizing all the way. The door clicked shut, and Dryden looked back at the texts and maps of Gaea with a smile.
* * * *
Hitomi stood on the deck of the Crusade, watching Van and Allen spar. When Allen had learned that Van had no memory of his experiences on Gaea, Allen decided it best that Van re-learn the sword. Allen had commented that Van retained the instincts, but instinct alone wasn't going to be enough. "Who knows," he had told her reassuringly. "He might recover the rest of his memory by doing this." Hitomi had to accept defeat at that. She hated the idea of Van fighting, but realized that if it could reawaken who he was, it was acceptable. Well, acceptable enough. She flinched when she saw Van topple from one of Allen's attacks. He had decided to not hold back. They didn't have time to take things slowly, he had told her.
She sighed and leaned against the rail. Why was it that she had come to Gaea once again? Was it because she happened to be in the same place Van was when the pillar of light appeared? No, that wasn't it. She remembered the fear she felt when it looked like that man, Takashi was about to crush them with his guymelef. She had summoned that pillar of light, not Van. In all truth, she had no intention of being here right now, to remember everything that had happened. The war, the two cat sisters, Folken, Chid, Emporer Dornkirk… It was all too much for her to want to experience again right now. And to be back here again, to save Gaea from something even more powerful than the Zaibach army? It seemed fate had picked her out for the role of a savior. Well, that wasn't what she wanted. She heard a noise beside her and looked over to see Merle watching Allen and Van as well. She flinched as well when she saw Van fall again.
"Why is Allen being so rough with him?" the cat girl questioned angrily, to no one in particular. Hitomi just closed her eyes sadly. Merle looked over to her, puzzled. "Hitomi?" she asked. "What's wrong Hitomi?" Hitomi didn't move. "Hey, come on. You can tell me." She shook the other girl's shoulder slightly. Hitomi turned around and leaned her back to the rail, looking down at the floor.
"It's really nothing, Merle," she said. "I… I have a lot of things on my mind, and I'm having trouble sorting them out." She looked over when she heard the other girl gasp. She became worried by the cat girl's scared expression. "Merle?" she asked. "What did I say?"
The cat girl looked scared for another moment, then sniffed a little bit and grabbed hold of Hitomi with a cry. "Hitomi!!" she exclaimed. "You're not thinking about leaving Lord Van, are you? You still love him, right?" This kind of reaction shocked Hitomi back into reality. She didn't expect that kind of question from Merle!
She took hold of the cat girl's shoulders and pushed her back. "No Merle," she said softly. "Of course not. I'd never leave Van. I love him too much for that." She smiled and the cat girl sniffed a little bit more. "I only wish Van could remember his feelings for me," she thought to herself sadly. "What I'm thinking about has nothing to do Van, leaving or otherwise," she said aloud. "Okay, Merle?" Merle just sniffed a little more then nodded. Hitomi smiled, then looked down below when she heard Allen yelling for her.
"Hitomi!!" he called up to her. "Gaddes has told me that Dryden's found the location of the first armor. We're meeting at the Bridge."
"All right, Allen! We'll be there in a minute!" Hitomi saw Allen turn to Van and say something, and then saw Van shake his head. Allen just turned and left, while Van just sat there, looking at his sword which lay on the ground. Hitomi just stood there for a moment looking at him sadly, then turned and left. "Van, what were you thinking just now?" Hitomi thought to herself as she left.
* * * *
Dryden stood before his small gathering. Seated before him were Allen, Millerna, Hitomi, and Merle. Van had opted to stay behind, for some reason or another. It made little difference to Dryden how many were here, as long they those here realized that the stakes for the race they were in ran high. Stepping up to a map that was posted up against wall, Dryden began his report on what he had discovered.
"What we are looking at here," he began, "Is something that's more threatening than Zaibach could have ever been." This caught everyone's attention. He paced back and forth in front of the table while he continued. "As it turns out, we're up against the residents of Atlantis. Old ones, who have an extensive knowledge of what we've most likely learned a fraction of by guesswork." He paused for a reaction. He got one.
Allen had leaned forward, eyes widened slighty. "The Atlantians?" he aksed, awed. "What are they after?"
Dryden decided to sit down. Leaning on the table, he folded his hands beneath his nose. "What they are after," he said seriously, "Is no less than the rebirth of Atlantis." The room was silent. Dryden continued. "The Atleans had a great power, one that could give them their every desire. But as we all know, that power was lost and Atlantis was destroyed because of it."
Merle spoke up. "But what does that have to do with what's going on now?"
Dryden turned to the cat-girl. "Everything, pussy cat. The Atlantians, in a move to save the survivors, created Gaea, a world where one's will could influence anything, correct?" Everyone nodded. "Well, some of the survivors apparently weren't happy with their new home; they wanted the old one back. So they decided to reawaken its power."
Millerna decided to speak now. "But Dryden," she asked. "How would the guymelefs restore that power?"
Dryden pushed up his glasses. "I'm glad you asked that, dear. The guymelefs were a special make. Unlike any ever seen before. They were made to harmonize with a certain kind of energist. Ones that are not created by normal means."
"Normal means?" Hitomi asked. "What do you mean by that, Dryden."
"When a dragon eats certain minerals to help it digest food, the minerals are purified and become Drag-energists. Those energist, as we all know, are what power the guymelefs and airships, among other things." He then leaned back in his chair. "However, these energists that are meant for their respective guymelefs are something altogether different. The book doesn't explain the process for making them, but their purpose is to empower something the book refers to as the "Tear of Atlantis."
"That's absurd!!" Allen exclaimed. Everyone turned their attention to him. "We all saw the ruins of Atlantis in the mystic valley. There couldn't have been anything to survive that kind of Devastation. How could they possible hope to restore something that's been gone for ages!?"
Dryden tapped on the desk. "That's where the dragon armor comes into play." Allen gave Dryden a cross look. "I'm sure everyone here recalls the strange effect the Escaflowne had on Van? Well, that's the armor's purpose. By using those energists I told you about, the dragon armor can send the will and life energy of the pilot into another energist, if it synchronizes properly. That life energy can restore the power of an energist."
Millerna spoke up again "So you're saying that the dragon armor pilots can empower a dead or broken energist-"
"-Back to its original state. Which means this 'tear of Atlantis' must be some kind of giant energist." Dryden finished for her. He let this sink in.
Hitomi thought back to when she and the others had returned from the mystic moon. They had seen Varie, Van's mother. She had given Van a green which was round. It had flared to life and sent them to Zaibach, where they had met its insane emperor, Dornkirk. Hitomi had never thought about it before, but they had confiscated both the Escaflowne and that strange energist Varie had given to Van. As she looked back on it, Hitomi now wondered why they had done such a thing…
"If this is true," Allen said, folding his hands, "Then we have to find stop these Atlanteans before they wreak havoc on Gaea." He opened his eyes, and Hitomi was a bit startled by the fierceness in them. "Gaea was nearly destroyed once by that power. I won't stand by and let it happen a second time."
Dryden stood up. "Well said, Allen. Well, since I'm sure everyone seems inclined to do so, I suggest we take action immediately, agreed?" No protests were made. They all knew the danger they were dealing with here. "All right, then. Well, we can go about this two ways. One: we find the Dragon Armors. Two, we locate the Energists. Which will it be?"
"Since the journal doesn't record the locations of the energists, it would be faster to seek out the locations of the Dragon Armors, wouldn't it?'
"So then the dragon armors it is then. I've all ready deciphered the location of the first armor. It's in Freid."
"Then Freid is where we will go. I suggest you start working on the location of the next armor; we have to work quickly. There's no telling how much farther along the Atlanteans are ahead of us."
"I'll do my part, Allen. You just have to make sure we get the armors."
* * * *
After Allen had left, Van had remained seated, looking down at his sword. He didn't want to be doing this. He didn't want to handle a sword, he didn't want to pilot a giant suit of armor, and he certainly didn't want to be saving a world he remembered next to nothing about. Still, the others expected it from him, and he felt that he couldn't say no to them. Doing so would be rude on his part, especially considering the fact that they had welcomed him so openly. Sighing, he took his sword up and gripped it. What kind of person had he been that he knew how to handle a sword this well? It was true Allen had bested him at every turn, but Allen had said Van had lasted much longer than any other opponent he had sparred with. Van focused, then brought the sword up and cleaved the air with it. He then followed through by bringing it around and back up, then swinging it and to the side again. He practiced his word like this for a while; he wasn't certain for how long. He did this without thought, without guidance. He let the sword guide himself. That's what his master Balgus had taught him. Balgus… Van wondered what would have happened if he hadn't died…
The sword nearly flew from Van's fingers. Did he just remember his mentor? He must have, who else could Balgus be? The sword clattered to the floor and Van sunk down and seated himself as he tried to bring up the man's image. He remembered a jagged scar that ran across a face that looked as though it had seen many unpleasantries in its lifetime. He tried hard to recall who Balgus was and why he had taught Van the art of the sword. After concentrating for a few moments though, he gave up. He looked up when he heard a noise from behind him. Standing behind was that girl from before, Celena. Van relaxed a bit. She looked a little nervous, but concerned at the same time. "Are you all right?" she asked. "I saw you collapse to the floor and…" She broke off weakly. Van smiled at her.
"No," he replied. "I'm fine." She looked at him for a moment with an unreadable expression, then made to leave. "No wait," he said. She stopped, but didn't turn around. "Please, just come over here. I want to talk for a little while." She looked a bit uncertain as to whether or not she should do so. "Please?" Van asked again.
Celena hesitated, then slowly walked over to where Van sat and tucked her legs under her. He smiled at her. "There, see? Now," he leaned back and lay on the deck, watching the stars pass by. "What are you doing here? You seem a little out of place on this ship." He turned his head to look up at her.
She looked up at the stars as well as she replied. "I'm following my brother. I go with him wherever he does." Van sat up. Her brother? There were plenty of men on this ship. Which one was related to her?
Van fingered the pommel of his sword. "Who's your brother? Dryden?" She shook her head, and Van could have sworn she had giggled. He looked over at her. She was giggling.
"No, prince Dryden isn't my brother. And since he and my brother don't get along very well anyway, I'm glad he's not." Van frowned. Dryden was the only other one capable of having her for a sister, and if he wasn't it, then that meant that it was only one other person. She confirmed his suspicion with her next few words. "No, Allen Schezar is my brother." Van looked over at her incredulously. Of all people she had to be Allen's sister?
Van leaned up and turned to her. "You're Allen's sister? He never said anything to me about it."
Celena looked down at the deck. "He prefers not to until I've recovered." She said sadly.
Van was puzzled. She looked fairly healthy to him. "Recovered from what?" He asked. "What's wrong?"
Celena remained staring at the floor. "I have memory loss. When my brother found me, I was suffering from some spasms and withdraw. All I can remember is him, and he's never left my side since. I've had some fainting spells, and the doctors have told me that my body is recovering from a severe trauma." She looked over at Van from the corner of her eye. "My brother is afraid that if people knew I was his sister right now, some of his enemies might try to harm me to get at him."
Van nodded. Being a figure in Asturia, it'd be stupid to think that Allen wouldn't have made some enemies somewhere along the line. "So you're here because Allen is concerned for your safety?" Celena nodded. "I see…" Van said. It seemed Allen had a devotion Van had never realized.
"Van, are you out here? We-" Hitomi began, walking out onto the deck. She saw Van and Celena sitting on the deck. Together. "Oh," she said simply.
Van looked over at her. "What is it, Hitomi? Is something the matter?" Hitomi looked from one to the other, then said "Van, I just came back from the meeting. We're heading for Fried to get something from there. I just thought you should know." She turned and made to leave.
Van stood up and tried to stop her. "Hitomi wait!" he cried. She just walked away, ignoring him. He ran off after her and left Celena there looking after his retreating figure. She watched him for a moment more then turned her face upward to look at the stars.
* * * *
Takashi was seated at the table located in the war room of Belshezaar's castle. With him were the pilots of the other three dragon armors: Cyril, a young woman little older than Takashi, with a bored expression on her face and hair the color of a raven. She preferred study to action. She was born after the Atlanteans had come to Gaea, and would rather pursue the investigation of Gaea's ruins than pilot her chosen Guymelef. She was the pilot of the fiery Dragon Armor, Apollyon. She was not one Takashi would have to fear in battle, when the time came. Currently holding the attention of the other three was Daedalus. He was auburn of hair color and olive in complexion. He was a soldier but also fiercely loyal to Belshezaar, despite the fact they held some differences in the older man's plan. He piloted the silver giant, Feigmund. Takashi could perhaps use this man, if he could find a way to get past his undyining loyalty to Belshezaar. And last was none other than Belshezaar himself. His guymelef was the golden armor, Ziggurat.
The purpose for the meeting was to discuss the location of the next Dragon Armor, the Yggdrasil. It was the green armor, and its location had been found by Cyril. She had moved they go immediately to recover it, but Daedalus had been against this, saying that they had to locate the key energist for it, first. The two had argued back and forth a bit before Belshezaar had broken up their squabbling. He asked Daedalus if he had located the Key yet. Daedalus hadn't been certain, but he believed it to be in the country of Freid. Since that was where Cyril had located the green armor, Belshezaar told them to see if in fact the key energist was there. The accepted this and sat down quietly.
When the question came as to how they would attain the energist and the Armor, Belshezaar had thought for a moment for a reply. He then said the best way to do it would be to take a squadron of Fanelian soldiers and head into the Freid mountains where the Armor was rumored to be. Afterward, a second Atlantean, alone, would infiltrate Freid and take the sword. This way they would avoid arousing suspicion and an incident. Daedalus was to be the emissary from Fanelia, and when the question came as to who would be the other one to recover the supposed key, Takashi offered to do it.
"You, Ryoji?" Belshezaar asked, mildly surprised. The other two looked at Takashi. Cyril with indifference, Daedalus with scorn. Takashi paid them no mind. "Why do you wish to do this?" Belshezaar said.
Takashi shrugged. "It would be a good way to test my powers," he simply stated. Daedalus snorted. "And besides, I have not yet acquired a position in the royalty of Gaea. Daedalus," he said, inclining his head to the other man, "serves as the advisor to Fanelia, correct?" Belshezaar nodded. "And Cyril," Takashi continued, looking at the woman, "is one of the scholars of Cesario, is she not?" Cyril looked thoughtful for a moment before giving a curt nod. "So you see, neither of them will be suitable for this. It would require an unknown."
Belshezaar frowned for a moment, then gave his approval. "Very well then. It shall be done." Daedalus protested, but Belshezaar silenced him with a look. "Ryoji, you will wait until Daedalus and his contingent have gotten permission to ascend the mountains of Freid, and then you will go and find the Key energist. Remember that you must keep your wings present. And try to cause as little ruckus as possible, is that clear?" Takashi nodded. "Very well, then. Now, go and retrieve the dragon armor, and return here with it."
Takashi stood in the shadows of the forest, recalling those words. He saw the troop led by Daedalus exit the city, heading for the mountain tops. This was it. Takashi pulled his shawl's hood over his face, and drew his veil up. It really wasn't necessary he disguise himself, but he preferred to reveal as little of himself as possible, if he could help it. Unfolding his wings, he leaped off the ground and soared upward, flying towards Freid's palace, his goal in clear sight.
* * * *
The Crusade was passing over Freid's airspace, while Hitomi stood at the hull of the deck, watching the land drift by. It had taken about two days to reach Freid from Fanelia, and what Hitomi had seen that night had caused some unexpected reactions on her part. Van and Celena, sitting there together? What had they been doing? How long had she been sitting there with him? She brought her mind back to what had happened after she saw them.
Hitomi stormed past the crusade's hallways, making her way to her room. Behind her jogged Van, who had been protesting all the way, trying to get some kind of response out of her. She refused to acknowledge his presence, however; she just stared straight ahead, not turning or speaking to him. She couldn't believe he had slipped out of the meeting to speak with Celena. What was he thinking!?
"Hitomi, please wait!" she heard Van cry. This only made her lean into her strides, lengthening the distance between the two of them. "Hitomi!!" He called out again, this time the trace of an edge in his voice. He was actually mad! At her!! Her eyebrows shot down like they had been dragged by ten ton weights. How dare he get mad at her for something that wasn't her fault!!
It was when she had reached her door that she finally stopped. But it was only so she could swing it open to step inside and get away from Van. Just as she was about to shut it, Van had caught up and stopped it with his hand, glaring down at her. This made her temper skyrocket. "Van, let go of my door." She said shortly. He didn't budge. She tugged on the handle, trying to pry it away from him. He put a hand on her shoulder, and she froze. Apparently, he didn't seem to feel the anger she radiated, or else he would've snatched his away as if burned. She glared up into his face, but instantly regretted it.
He wasn't glaring at her now, just slightly confused. "Hitomi." he said.
Some of her anger receded at that simple word. "What Van?" she asked.
"What's wrong?" he asked. "What did I do that upset you?" at such an obvious question, some of her anger shot back into her. How could he ask her that!? He knew very well what he had done!
"No, he doesn't," a voice inside Hitomi told her. "He doesn't know what he's done, because he doesn't remember what you two were," it continued. At this realization, her anger completely fled from her. Of course. How could he know what he had done to make her so mad when he didn't know anything about their promise?
"…You didn't do anything, Van. I…" she began. He looked at her questioningly. She couldn't bring herself to continue. Instead she switched subjects. "What were you and Celena doing?" she asked quietly. She wasn't sure if she wanted to hear the answer.
"Hmm?" Van asked. "Oh, that. Hitomi, all we were doing was talking. Why?" he replied. She breathed a sigh of relief inwardly. "Hitomi?" Van asked again. She looked back up at him. "Why did you ask me that?" She just stared at him for a moment. Why couldn't she bring herself to tell him that they had loved each other? Perhaps she was afraid of what his reaction would be. How would someone respond to that kind of statement in Van's situation?
After a moment of deliberation, she just shook her head and smile at him. "It's nothing, Van. I was just curious." He looked at her with an blank expression. What was he thinking? "I'm tired, and want to get some rest, all right?" she asked. He nodded, then walked off. She watched him leave, then stood there for a few moments more before she closed the door.
She sighed. Why couldn't she get her mind off of what had happened? Van said they had only talked for a while, so he must have been telling the truth, right? So then why wouldn't that feeling in the pit of her stomach go away?
Van stood at the deck of the Crusade, alongside Allen. The older man was explaining to Van, in an abridged version, what was going on and why they were going to Freid. Van picked up most of it, but didn't understand why it had involved him. His mind was on Hitomi and what had happened a night last night. Why was she so upset at seeing him and Celena together? And why, when he told her what had happened, did she looked uncertain about something? Ever since he had come here, all he could think about was Hitomi and Celena. Celena seemed, well odd to him. She kept to herself, was incredibly timid, and hardly spoke a word to anyone. The fact that she shared the same problem he did made him want to help her, if nothing else.
Then there was Hitomi. By all rights, Van had dragged her into this mess. She had stuck by him without a second question, to be sure, but she was his responsibility. She had been harmed and threatened because of him, and that fact always assaulted him at every turn. It was something he couldn't let go, and he had to do whatever he could to protect her, regardless of his own safety. He owed her at least that much. He had been mulling over these two matters for a while when he noticed that Allen had stopped speaking. Looking at him, he saw Allen's face contorted into a mix of disbelief and rage. He then saw that everyone on the bridge shared that look. Wondering what was wrong, he looked at the object of their attention, and saw what was responsible. The palace of Freid was on fire, and the city was in ruins.
* * * *
A short time later, King Chid, as well as a small escort of troops, were speaking with Allen and Van outside the Crusade. Chid's face was very bloody, and he was covered in welts. His left eye was swollen closed, and his arm hung limply to his side. Van noticed how Allen looked like he was holding back some kind of emotion, and wondered why the Caeli knight would be acting in such a manner. He turned his attention back to Chid, who had been telling them what had happened.
"So this person came into the throne room, and demanded to speak to me." He said. "The guards had approached him, saying that it was not right to come before the king without the proper procedure. He just threw them aside." At this the guards faces twisted into a slight frown.
Allen frowned. "What do you mean he threw them aside, Chid? Surely he couldn't be that strong to shove them out of his way." Van had to admit, the idea was a bit inconceivable.
At this, Chid looked confused, as if he wasn't quite sure as to how to explain what happened. "Well, that's what's so strange about it, Allen," he replied. "He didn't touch them at all. It was like he walked past them and they fell away from him. I've never seen anything like it before in my life!" He eyes were wide, as he relived what had happened. "He came up to me, doing the same to the guards who opposed him. When he reached me, he leaned down and asked me where the key energist was."
Allen's eyebrows shot up. "key energist?" he thought. "Highness, did anything seem odd this man when he confronted you?" Allen asked.
Chid thought for a moment, then spoke up. "Well, he was wrapped up in a cloak and veil. Most of his body was covered, and I could only make out his eyes. One was bright silver, the other a gold color with flecks of black. They were cold and fierce. I have not seen such cruelty up close before. The only other odd thing about him were his wings." Van gasped.
Allen frowned, deeper than before. "So it is the Altantians. They got here first." He was angered by the fact that not only had he arrived too late to stop them, but that his son, Chid, was harmed as well. Allen quietly seethed in a roaring fury. "Please, your highness, tell us what happened next."
Chid nodded. "Well, naturally I had no idea what he was talking about, so I told him so. He struck me across the face for that. I continued to say I had no knowledge of any such thing located in Freid. This angered him, and he struck at me, demanding I tell him what he wanted to know." Allen's eyebrows drew down further with every word. "When he realized I was telling the truth, he… he did something. He never moved, but I felt a blow land on my head, and I passed out…" Allen's face was on the verge of betraying him. "When I came to, the guards were all unconscious or dead. The stranger was gone. I never saw what happened."
"I'll tell you what happened!" one of the escorts exclaimed. Allen turned to him. "That winged devil found the door to the treasure sword." Allen was puzzled by this. What did the treasure sword have to do with any of this? "The bastard took the sword, and then examined it. After looking over it for a moment, he set it on the ground and looked at it." At this, the guard began to tremble with fury. "The sword shook while it was on the floor, then began to speed up. It did this for a few moments longer, then it burst apart into pieces!! That demon took the only thing left, the green gem in the hilt, then laughed coldly. He then said 'You humans have no right keeping what doesn't belong to you', and then broke open a wall, and left, flying off on those accursed wings of his!!" the guard spat. "Filthy monsters. I hope every one of those blasted Draconians are razed off the face of Gaea!!"
Allen turned back to Chid. "Your highness, I'm sorry we didn't arrive in time to help you." He bowed formally, and to hide his snarl at his helplessness.
Chid shook his head. "Please, don't Allen. You didn't know. And I doubt you could have done anything had you known." Allen stood up, a resigned look on his face.
"Thank you, your majesty." Allen seemed to have calmed down a bit. "What we came here for, though, is of grave importance." Chid looked at Allen curiously. "We have come to ask permission to climb the mountains of Freid. There's something here we must find, and we have to find it quickly."
Chid frowned again. "The mountains? A garrison of soldiers from Fanelia showed up earlier asking the same thing. What's up there, Allen?"
But Allen had a look of panic on his face. They had already come here? There was no time to lose; it might already be too late!! Allen knelt before Chid. "Your highness, we have little time. Those soldiers are in league with your attacker. They're looking for an important artifact, and must be stopped! Please, grant us passage to the mountain!"
Chid was startled. Allen had never acted with such urgency before. "Yes Allen, of course. But please, take some of my men with you. There were more soldiers than I believe you and Van can handle." Chid was saddened by the fact he had to leave the title "lord" out when he addressed Van, but the young swordsman was no longer the ruler of Fanelia. Allen accepted the escort, and they were shortly on their way to the mountains of Freid, trying to stop their enemies from getting a step closer to reviving Atlantis.
* * * *
Daedalus stood before the massive suit of armor before him. It was a beautiful jade color, and its cloak was an amber color. Instead of a crest, like Escaflowne or Agamemnon, This suit, the Yggdrasil, had two sweeping wings that spread out of either side of it. The gems on the shoulder pads were also amber, giving it the appearance of a large insect. Truly it was the most beautiful of the Dragon Armors. Daedalus wanted to bask in it's presence longer, but he had to get this loaded onto the airship quickly. What was taking Ryoji?
Right on cue, the young man stepped past the guards and walked up beside Daedalus. He removed his veil and hood, and stared up at the guymelef seated on a throne carved out of the rock itself. He stood in awe before it, much like Daedalus did. The other man was glaring impatiently at Takashi, and finally cleared his throat somewhat loudly. Takashi turned to him, fixing those unsettling eyes on Daedalus. "What is it?" he asked.
Daedalus glowered. "Well," he began, "Did you find the energist or not?" Takashi smirked and placed a hand into his robes. He withdrew a small green energist, holding it up in his gloved hand. It glinted in the light of dusk.
"Is this what you're referring to, Daedalus?" he asked, eyeing the other Atlantian. "Yes, I found it. It was in the handle of a sword the humans below were keeping." He tossed it to Daedalus and turned around.
"Where are you going Ryoji?" he demanded. When Takashi didn't acknowledge him, Daedalus asked again, louder. "I said where are you going, misos drakontas?" Takashi stopped and stood still.
"Did you just call me a half breed?" he asked dangerously. Daedalus just snorted in response. "I'm going to retrieve my Armor from the airship so we can load this one on board, unless of course you think you can move it by yourself." He added, half turning his head to Daedalus. The other man frowned at Takashi's words. "I didn't think so," he said with a smirk, and went off to equip his guymelef.
Takashi strode out past the guards and to the airship. Why did Daedalus call him a half breed? He was a full Atlantian, wasn't he? Daedalus was only trying to irk him. Let the miserable bastard try. Takashi had his own plans in mind for Belshezaar's son, and by the time he was through, Daedalus would be made a fool. He was almost inside the airship when he heard one of the guards shout. He turned to what the guard had seen and his face contorted in rage. Someone had found them and their airship was currently descending to their location. He quickly dashed into their own ship and climbed into the Agamemnon. These interlopers were foolish enough to interfere with them, were they? He hoped they had the sense to leave before anything drastic happened. A fight on these close quarters would be dangerous. The massive suit of armor stood up and marched out of the airship, towards the cave which housed the Yggdrasil.
Gaddes stood overlooking the scene below at the helm. Another airship was docked at the cliff entrance, with a good 3 dozen soldiers at guard. To make things worse, he saw a guymelef step out of it and into the cave. Allen's voice came in over the com-pipes. "Are you in position, Gaddes?" he asked.
He grabbed the pipe and shot into it. "Aye, captain. We're right around the side of the mountain. It's a good thing Chid lent us those soldiers, there's a ton of troops down there." He looked out again. They had noticed the Crusade, and were rushing to the intercept point where it would land. "You ready for disembark, Captain?"
The voice came in from the other side of the pipe. "Yes. Go ahead and open the bay doors, Gaddes." Gaddes turned back to the controls and flipped a switch that caused the bay doors below to open up. The Scherezade, Allen's personal Guymelef, stepped out and with a leap, fell towards the cliff below. It landed in a crouching position, scattering the soldiers from it, and then stood up and advanced into the cave, after the other Guymelef. Gaddes watched it go in, wishing his Captain luck. He then spoke into the com-pipe again and spoke into it, addressing everyone on board. "All hands, prepare for combat! We'll be landing shortly and there's a not-so-welcome reception for us." With that, he turned his attention back to piloting, and brought the ship in for a landing.
Van stood ready at the door, alongside the other members of the Crusade. Truth be told, he didn't want to be here, he felt he wasn't ready yet for combat. Allen had persuaded him not to go out in the Escaflowne, because the enemy was sure to have their own Guymelef they were going to use to retrieve the Dragon Armor. So, Allen went off to get it, and possibly fight off the enemy armor. Van in the meantime, was to help defend the Crusade alongside its crew members. Allen had enough confidence in Van's fighting ability to do this, though Van wished he himself had that same confidence. The doors opened, and they all rushed out to the fray.
Scherezade stepped through the opening of the cave, scanning the cave. Straight ahead of him, he spotted two Guymelefs, one sitting on a throne, the other picking it up to move it. Scherezade stepped forward and drew its sword. "Back away from that armor," Allen commanded, raising his sword. The other guymelef, a black one, Allen noticed, paused and looked over at him.
"Well, it seems we have a new guest," The pilot said. It slowly lowered the armor and turned to face Scherezade. "This is an Atlantian affair, human. You have no business here." It advanced toward him. "I won't hesitate to fight you, human. Now leave." Allen frowned.
Scherezade stepped forward as well, going into a battle stance. "I won't stand down. Honor forbids it." He then dropped his voice slightly. "And I know what you plan to do with that, Draconian."
At that, the other pilot laughed. "Do you? I somehow doubt it." The guymelef reached up behind his back, grasping something. "But if you to duel, as honor would demand, far be it from me to back down." He then drew a dagger from his back, then with a hiss, the blade extended, becoming a long sword. Allen then realized what he was dealing with; this was a dragon armor, and he was fighting an Atlantian. Still, he couldn't let this man walk away with the guymelef. Allen prepared himself for the encroaching battle.
The man beside Allen's opponent shouted up to the armor, however. "Ryoji, stop this!! We have no time for trivial fights!" The pilot of the armor seemed to disagree with the other man, as he laughed again and folded his arms up, so that his sword was horizontally parallel with his chest. Allen frowned; he had never encountered this fighting stance before. Still, he knew better than to let his opponent attack first, so he threw all his strength into his first charge.
Takashi expected the attack and quickly stepped backward just as his opponent brought the blade up. It was mere inches from his face, and Takashi quickly thrust his own sword forward to the enemy. He saw it coming, however, and quickly stepped to the side, while he brought his sword up and slashed vertically. Takashi leaned away from the slash and brought his own sword down for another blow. His study of kendo had served him well, though he had no idea he would ever actually use it. It had been for sport for him. His enemy was becoming more aggressive, now though. He had Takashi on the defensive, raining down blows that Takashi was matching almost too slowly. It was time to switch tactics.
Allen quickened his strikes, swinging each blow in rapid succession. He had backed up Ryoji into a corner and continued to strike at him. He was confidant he would win this match. He was bout to strike Ryoji's sword out of his hand, when the other guymelef struck out, changing Allen's attack into a defending maneuver. Before Allen had a chance to counter attack, the dragon armor rammed him, launching him away. Allen shook off the momentary grogginess, then looked up and saw something that made him gape. The enemy guymelef had taken on a new stance. This time he held his sword pointed straight out, feet planted close together, while his left hand was raised into the air. Allen had never seen this style either. What did it mean for him?
Van fought off another opponent, and watched the cave carefully. Why had Allen not come out yet? Had he started a battle? Was he fighting at this moment? Allen could get out of it, right? What if he couldn't? Van considered going back into the ship and using the Escaflowne to give Allen a hand, but rethought it almost immediately. More than likely he would only get in Allen's way. But the more he thought about it, the more worried he got. What if Allen was fighting the person who had destroyed Freid? If that were the case, Allen would need a hand. Van was thinking about this so hard he hadn't noticed the soldier behind him almost cut him in half. The blood filled gurgle he made as a flying knife tore into his throat alerted Van to his presence. The soldier slumped down, the knife sticking out of his voice box. With a terrified look at the gruesome sight, Van turned back and looked at Teo, who had brought his hand back up and give Van a grin. "Try to stay more alert, Van. Allen'd be pissed if we let you die on the battle field." He then turned his attention back to the fight. Van just nodded dumbly. Maybe it wasn't a good idea to hang around these men for too long, either.
Scherezade stood up and twirled it's sword around to get a better grip. The other guymelef was still standing in that odd form. Allen knew he was dealing with an experienced swordsman, here, so he had to be more cautious here on out. He slowly began to circle around. The other armor followed suite, circling in the opposite direction. Allen watched his enemy carefully. He looked for an opening, but saw none. This enemy was perfectly alert. Allen decided the only way to get an opening was to make one. Thinking quickly, he dashed in and brought his blade up. The enemy quickly slanted his own sword across his chest, preparing for the strike. Bingo. Allen quickly let off his feint and swung his sword around to the other guymelef's exposed side. The enemy deflected it, but not fast enough to stop it from damaging him. The sword sank in and wounded the metal. Allen could hear the pilot gasp slightly in pain. It seemed this suit had the same flaw the Escaflowne's did. This gave Allen some heart. Maybe he could pull out of this after all.
Takashi winced from the impact of the blow. A second later he gasped in pain. Looking down at his side, his eyes widened in amazement. A small trickle of blood was making a growing spot on his clothing. He smirked. So what Belshezaar said was true. The armor and the pilot were linked. When on got hurt, the other did as well. This didn't change much, it just meant that he'd have to do better. He looked up as the other pilot brought his sword around for a hard swing. Takashi gracefully stepped in close, catching Allen off guard. Swinging his sword from one hand to the other, he struck out at the confused pilot. Clearly the people of this planet had never seen fencing before, or else Allen would have reacted accordingly to such a maneuver. While kendo was more traditional and he had entered it only for fun, his father had insisted that a man of class know how to fence. Takashi had soon grown to like the style, because of the elegant grace it gave to its students. Allen had launched into a quick volley of strikes, trying the same maneuver. Takashi was ready this time. It was why he had switched styles. Kendo relied on strength and power, while fencing made use of speed and agility. He quickly turned away all of Allen's blows, and managed to graze Scherezade's shoulder. The cloak bore a wide rip in it from Takashi's blade. Allen retreated a few steps and looked down at the wound. "Hmph," he thought with a wry smile. This guy was the first person to actually score a hit on him aside from Van. "Maybe it's time I stopped fooling around," he said to himself.
Allen quickly flipped his sword around, and with a speed unlike that he bore earlier, he lunged at Takashi. The fierceness of the attack surprised him. He was quickly put on the defensive once more. Breaking off, he quickly countered Allen's offensive, only to discover the knight was no longer in front of him. Somehow he had moved around beside him. Takashi's quick reflexes were what kept him from loosing the fight right there. The two locked swords, and strained their power against each other. Allen did something Takashi didn't expect, though. Bringing his fist up, he slammed it into Agamemnon's chest. Takashi was momentarily stunned, and Allen stuck with all his might against the armor's chest piece. Takashi leaned away, dodging the blow, but once again with that incredible speed, Allen swung the flat of the blade straight into Agamemnon's stomach, knocking it off its feet. "Dammit!!" Takashi shrieked as his guymelef toppled.
Scherezade advanced forward, prepared to finish the fight, when suddenly Allen discovered the joints had locked up. Allen pumped the harness controls as much as possible, but Scherezade refused to obey his commands. It was then he heard the other man speak. "Ryoji, I have him. You need to take the dragon armor and load it onto the ship."
Agamemnon got up and swung its head to the other's direction. "You should stay out of this, Daedalus!!" Takashi roared. "This is my battle!" The other man, Daedalus, merely shook his head.
"You're battle is unimportant and finished. It's obvious this one is better than you are," he said. After a moment of thought, he corrected himself. "That this human is better than you are." This invoked a feral growl from Takashi. "Now, go over there and take the armor, and load it into the ship, understand?" His tone indicated Daedalus would take no more backtalk. Why wouldn't Scherezade move!?
Agamemnon turned back to Scherezade and stared at him for a moment. Allen could feel the hatred emanating from behind the guymelef's facemask. Without a word, its blade retracted and Takashi slammed it back into its holding place on the guymelef's back. Storming past the frozen Scherezade, he marched over to the Yggdrasil, hoisted it up, and carried it outside to the awaiting airship. The other man walked past Allen's guymelef, and went straight out, following the retreating dragon armor. Before he left, he turned back to Scherezade. "I must congratulate you. I've never seen a human with your skill before. Maybe our path's will cross again, and I shall be the one to fight you."
"Maybe," Allen said simply. The other man smirked, and then left.
* * * *
Hitomi had been watching the battle outside for some time, while Merle cheered Van on. "Yay!! Go Van-sama!! Kick those soldier's butts!!" She grinned fiendishly and twitched her tale back and forth. "Wow, he's doing great! Those lessons from Allen came in handy, didn't they Hitomi?" She looked over at the brown headed girl. "Hitomi?" Merle asked again. Hitomi was watching the battle in a detached manner. Her mouth was slightly open, and her eyes were half open. Merle crept over and waved a hand in front of Hitomi's face. "Hello? Hitomi?" she said.
But Hitomi wasn't listening. She was watching the battle unfold. She saw Van fighting, then saw a monstrous shape emerge from the cave. It's serpentine neck outstretched, and it roared with a tremendous ferocity. Everyone turned to see the black dragon emerge from the cave. Its wings flapped, and the reptilian head bobbed around the battle field looking for something. It came to rest on Van, and its eyes narrowed. With another roar, it made its way to Van, who was paralyzed by it. It came to a halt before him, then with a quick strike of its head, it lunged at Van. The young king only had time to widen his eyes before his life was cut off. He collapsed in a puddle of his own blood, his head nowhere in sight. The black dragon licked its lips and then spread its wings and gave another furious roar.
Hitomi came to with a start. Van was going to die out there unless Hitomi could warn him. She pushed past Merle who gave a cry, then watched Hitomi run off. She jogged through the hallways of the Crusade. Coming to a stop in front of the doors, she looked around for some type of device to open it. Seeing nothing, she began to panic, and hit the door several times trying to get it to open. Dammit, she didn't have time for this! Van would die in a few moments if she couldn't do anything to stop it! In frustration, she kicked the bay door, and to her surprise, it opened. Had she not been so focused on her mission, she would have noticed that Merle had opened it up from the bridge. She dashed out, and was greeted to a sight that caused a blade of ice to strike her heart. Coming out of the cave was a guymelef carrying the dragon armor they were after. However, it wasn't the fact Allen had failed that filled her with fear. It was the fact that the dragon armor was being carried by a black guymelef, similar to the Escaflowne. Takashi had followed them to Gaea.
Agamemnon stepped out into the daylight again to be greeted with a sight he hadn't expected. The soldiers from Fanelia Daedalus had brought were engaged in a fight with the troops from the other airship. He looked around amid the chaos going on and saw something that made his day. There, in his line of sight, was Van. He owed that boy a thing or two, and now was the time to collect. He grinned malevolently as he focused his energy on his ring. If what that girl had said was true, then Van had no memory of anything, including the fact that he could fly. He'd send Van straight off the cliff, careening to a death on the plains below. Takashi couldn't think of a better death for the young boy. He glared at Van, directing his power at him with everything he could muster.
Hitomi felt something stirring in the cockpit of Takashi's armor. She didn't know what he was up to, but she knew that he was aiming it straight at Van. Thinking quickly, she dashed straight at him. He looked at her incredulously as she dashed up to him. Throwing her full weight into her strides, she leapt at him. Time seemed to slow to a crawl. A gust of wind erupted from Takashi, heading straight for Van. She was leaping at him, shoving him out of the way. He fell for what seemed like an eternity, until his head finally hit the ground. She was hit with the blast intended for Van, and she felt it pushing her for miles, until it knocked her off the cliff. She heard Takashi scream a curse, and the fighting around them stop, as everyone watched her fall off the cliff. In panic, she flung out a hand, hoping, praying someone would catch it. But she was too far away from the side of the cliff. With a cry, she called out to Van, hoping he would hear her. He dashed to cliff. "HITOMI!!!" he yelled, trying to catch her outstretched hand. But the distance between them was far too great. He watched her panic stricken face plummet away from him, as she fell like a rock. He looked uncertain for a split second, then leaped off the cliff after her, arms to the sides so that he shot towards her like a bullet. He had let go of all rational thought now. All that mattered was saving her. He had managed to catch up to her now, and righted himself as he took her in his arms. Without a second thought, the back of his shirt tore open as two pure white wings unfolded from his back. He used them to soar back up, and gently alighted on the cliff face.
Hitomi cautiously opened her eyes and looked around. She then realized what had happened and who was holding her and she gasped. He put her down, and she backed away from him a little, to get a good look at him. His wings were outstretched, and he was smiling at her. She smiled back. He looked like the Van she knew this way, and could have spent forever looking at him. His expression soon changed though, from one of joy and assurance, to one of shock and fear. Looking at his back, he gasped seeing the wings extending out of them. He looked back at her with panic in his eyes. "What…?" he simply asked. Hitomi tried to walk to him. She was afraid this would happen. He backed away from her, however. She tried to advance more, but a rough arm had pulled her back.
Looking up at who it was, she saw one of Chid's guards glaring daggers at Van. "Don't get too close to him miss," he said, never taking his eyes off of Van, who looked more confused and scared by the moment. "He's a Draconian monster, one of the ones who destroyed our city!" At this, he pointed his spear at Van, who took another step back.
"That's ridiculous," Hitomi protested, trying to break free of the guard's iron grip. It wasn't any use, however. "Van's no monster! He's the king of Fanelia! He saved Gaea!" The guard remained unswayed, however. And to Hitomi's fear, the other Freid guards had drawn their weapons and were advancing on Van.
"He is a monster, look!" he exclaimed, pointing at Van's wings. Van looked back at his wings again fearfully. "He bears the wings of a demon!! The same ones the attacker who destroyed Freid bore! He's a Draconian, and we have no idea what he'll do to us!!"
By now, the other guards were awfully close to Van, who had reached the edge of the cliff. The Crusade's crew were trying to stop the guards, but they wouldn't listen. They were all exclaiming how Van was a demon, a draconian monster. A filthy beast who would kill them all. Van was a wreck by now, and before the guards had a chance to do anything, he gave an ear-splitting cry and launched himself off the cliff, soaring away from the enraged guards. "No!!" Hitomi yelled, finally breaking away from the guard. She ran to cliff face. "Van!" she called out to his retreating form. "Van come back! Plaease!!" she cried. As his winged form grew smaller and eventually disappeared, she slumped to the ground in despair. "Van…" she said to herself.
But it was too late. He was gone.
* * * *
Let's see, I wonder what kind of torment I can inflict on these people for the next chapter? Maybe I'll have Van committed. Nah, a nut house is too good for him. Well, anyway, now you can see why it took me so long to update, so I hope you enjoyed it.
Gobano: Hah!! You liar! You only wrote the damn thing tonight!
Didn't I tell you before to shut. UP!!?
Gobano: Bring me some blood sacrifices and maybe I'll do so.
All I've got is this bag of skittles.
Gobano: SKITTLES!!!? How long must you haunt meeeeeeeeeee!!!!!?
Okay… So anyway, stay tuned for more of the story! Bye-ee!!
