An Alliance of Some Sorts
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"Aeries!" Merla cried. The two sisters embraced. "I've missed you so!" she said, weeping a little. Aeries, the younger, was dressed in a clean purple frock that matched her eyes. A crown was perched lopsidedly on her yellow hair. Her round cheeks were sunburned. "Oh, Merla, Merla, Merla!" Aeries sobbed, hugging her older sister's middle. She was about half Merla's size. "I've missed you too!" Merla tousled her sister's hair. "Absence makes to heart grow fonder," she murmured. "Or forgetful!" Aeries said gravely, squeezing Merla's waist harder. "Your Highness," Gaddis said smoothly, kneeling and kissing her hand. Aeries' eyes grew wide. "Oooh, you're the knight Merla likes! You're cute!" Gaddis' smile was concealed by his long hair. "This is Van Fanel," Merla said, "and this is Hitomi." Van nodded at the little princess, and Hitomi smiled. "Oooh," Aeries' eyes got, if possible, even wider. "You've a sword! You've all got swords! Except you," she pointed at Hitomi. "You're pretty."
Hitomi lowered her head and blushed. "Where's cousin Chid?" Aeries asked. "Chid couldn't come, darling," Merla said. "Oh, that's too bad. Father had a whole feast ready for him, and everything. It's okay, though, 'cause now you're here! We-ell, Chid can eat more than all of you put together!" Aeries beamed. Merla looked at Gaddis. "Aeries, Father doesn't want to see me, or my knight. You're going to have to eat all that by yourself," she said sadly. "No!" Aeries cried, stamping her foot. "It's not fair! Father's so mean! I'm gonna go and speak to him!" "Aeries, wait!" Merla called. "Aeries!" No use. The eight-year-old princess marched off to her carriage. "Driver, back to the palace," she ordered.
Hitomi looked at Van. "Why won't her father see her…?" "She's been disinherited because she ran away with Gaddis," Van explained. "He wasn't of royal blood, and that's not allowed. A princess and a knight." "But in my world it's always the princesses that get rescued by knights and they get married and 'live happily ever after,'" Hitomi protested. "Stupid laws. Even now we marry for love, not by blood or for alliances or power!" "For love…" Van murmured. "What did you say?" Hitomi asked. "Ah…when we rebuild Fanelia we're going to have to make some new laws…" Van corrected hastily. He stopped talking, realizing it was the first time he had mentioned life after the war. He'd never thought of it before. All time was spent building up hate for the enemy, planning the next attack, trying to ease the burning words in his mind. Revenge, they hissed.
"Well, where do we go next?" Merla asked Gaddis. "I don't know. Merla, I'm sorry. You should have never run off with me," he added quietly, so none could hear him but Merla. "Nonsense!" Merla scoffed. "I love you, and that's all that matters!" she whispered back. Gaddis grinned. "Maybe a tavern or inn or…say, what's that?"
The party of eleven looked over at an approaching column of soldiers. "Princess Merla, I presume?" said the lead guard. "Yes, that's me. What do you want—Darde?" Merla had recognized the guard. The last time she saw him he had just been a soldier in the ranks. "We've come to fetch you to the castle," said Darde, dropping to his knees. "All of you." Merla smiled. "Come on, all of you. I think Father is finally reconsidering."
"Gaddis Schezar," King Aston boomed. He was an old man now, but his voice was as deep and rich as it had been three decades ago. "I was wrong the first time. I did not want to acknowledge it, but when my youngest, Aeries, came to me and scolded me for keeping her elder sister away from her all these years…I reconsidered. I now welcome you as my elder daughter's suitor. Please, since Prince Chid was unable to attend, enjoy the feast with the young King of Fanelia—your men, and—who are you, young lady?" Hitomi flushed and bowed her head. "Hitomi, sire. Kanzaki Hitomi. Handmaiden to your daughter." She remembered, Van thought with a smile. "Oh. Aeries thought you were a princess of a neighboring country." Hitomi went even redder. "She-she did?" she stuttered. "Well, I can't see how she could have thought that," Aston said, rather rudely. Van scowled. How dare he… Hitomi saw him reach slowly for his Sword and knew what he was thinking. "Me neither, sire," Hitomi said, nudging Van meaningfully. Van crimsoned, dropping his hand quickly to his side. "Thank you, your Majesty," Gaddis said, bowing. "It is an honor. A great honor."
"What were you thinking?" Hitomi demanded during the meal. "I was going to defend your honor," Van replied jauntily, taking a bite of steak. Hitomi sighed.
Gaddis decided to take a stroll out on the castle tower. He saw a dark silhouette framed against the brightness of the moon and Mystic Moon. It was Van, standing on the wall, on one stone. The young King of Fanelia held his Sword high and brought it down with a slash that made the air whine. He held the Sword in that position, breathing heavily. Van closed his eyes and focused all his strength and energy on the Sword. He spun around, whipping the blue blade with all the power he could. Gaddis watched as the King parried with an invisible enemy. He held the Sword up high, letting the torch-light illuminate the blade before bringing it down for a final slash that finished his enemy. Van sighed and began his routine again, moving from stone to stone.
"Van!" Gaddis called, drawing his sword, a grin forming. Van turned. "What d'you want?" he demanded, angry at being interrupted. "I'll be your sparring partner," said Gaddis. Van let a smile of challenge shine on his face before hopping down from the wall. The two took up their positions with each other, each in a fighter's stance. Gaddis raised his scimitar for a salute. Such formalities didn't suit the King of Fanelia, and with a yell Van charged. Clang! Steel struck steel with a loud metallic peal, sparks flying. Van threw his weight on the Sword and kept bashing Gaddis's defenses aside. His skill has greatly improved, Gaddis thought, blocking another of Van's wild whacks, but if he keeps taking such foolish risks, such charges at the enemy, he could get himself killed. Gaddis proved his point when he caught Van's Sword with a deft flick and sent it flying across the paved roof. Van was pinned against a pillar, Gaddis's scimitar touching his neck. Van looked down at his fingers, then at the Sword lying a few feet away.
"I lost," Van said quietly. "Balgus, I'm sorry," he looked away, apologizing to his long dead swordsmaster. "You knew Balgus?" Gaddis asked, sheathing his scimitar. "Yes. He was one of the three master swordsman of Gyeth," Van said. "I know that. Balgus was my swordsmaster," Gaddis said. "What!? He was mine as well." "I heard of his death during the Betrayal," Gaddis murmured, referring to the day that Folken had returned. "Balgus died trying to protect me," Van said softly. "I promised him I'd never lose a sword fight before he died. It seems I've broken that promise. I'm gonna beat you one day, Gaddis Schezar, to make amends. This I swear." Gaddis grinned. "Okay."
Hitomi had come out onto the ramparts to get a breath of air and to get away from King Aston's somewhat impolite way of speaking to her. "Oh, hi, Van!" she waved at him. Van's heart skipped. Arrrrgh. Fanel, you've one last chance or you've definitely lost it! "What are you doing out here?" Van asked. "Drink too much wine?" Hitomi made a face at him. "You know I don't drink that stuff." Look at how the moonlight shines off her face… Fanel! Don't you dare! Van shook his head. "Did you? You look all confused." "Ah…no. I didn't have any, as a matter of fact." "Are you sure? Drinking too much is bad for you. You don't seem to be drunk though."
"That's because I'm not," Van said logically. Gaddis watched the two with a smile on his face. He turned and left. "If you insist," Hitomi sighed. "How are you doing, Van?" she asked. "Fine," Van said shortly. Hitomi sighed again. He doesn't want to talk to me… She was reminded of the day she met him, how he had been so quiet, and mysterious. Van was reminded of the day he met her, too. So talkative. "Eeeeeeeeek!" Princess Aeries shrieked, covering her face. "Princess Aeries!" Hitomi cried, turning. Van retrieved the Sword from the ground. "Eeeww, you were getting all romantic and stuff!" the girl accused. "We were?" Hitomi was surprised. "Yes! You're faces were, like, this close!" Aeries pointed out. She made a motion with her hands and showed them a gap of two inches. "You were talking real quiet, like my sister's knight does when they get all kissy!" Van slid his Sword back into the sheathe. "We were discussing dinner," Van emphasized the word 'discussing.'
"Oh, su-ure," said the little princess, getting a knowing look on her face. "I know what you're up to. That's exactly what Merla says! Same exact thing! Hah! I caught ya!" Van sighed, exasperated. He could see now that there must have been more reasons why Merla left home. "Princess, shouldn't you be in bed?" Hitomi tried to be tactful. "I can't sleep," Aeries grumbled, adjusting her crown so it was more lopsided on her head. "Why not?" Hitomi asked, holding the little girl's hands. "I dunno," said Aeries. "I just like it out here. Well, now I'm going. If ya see Chid again tell him I'm mad at him 'cause he didn't come." Hitomi nodded and smiled. "Okay, now go back to sleep." The princess took her crown in one hand and promenaded back to her room, nose in the air.
Hitomi took Van's hand, and they strolled along the battlements. "It's a beautiful night," Hitomi said softly. Gods…What do I do? Van had never had any experience doing this. The King of Fanelia had spent most of his life roaming the mountains in search of imaginary dragons to fight, or bandits—he and his brother had often gone to the river that ran through Fanelia and fished. Never spoke to a girl—at least, not like this… Van gulped. "Look, earth…" she said. "You think I'll ever go back?" "Maybe," Van said. "If I ever get the chance to, you know I'll have to go. I've got family—friends, there," Hitomi said, almost sadly. Van nodded. "I understand that." "Van, I don't want to leave. I love it here, in spite of all that's going on—I love Merla, Gaddis, Aeries, the whole crew…I know I'd miss you…" she blushed, the red barely visible on her face in the darkness. Van looked at the Mystic Moon, and cursed the fact that it still shone in the sky. Perhaps if it were gone, she'd stay. Perhaps…
"You know what I was doing before that white-haired woman summoned me here?" Hitomi laughed. "Running on the track. I'd seen her before, and the last time I walked right through her and fainted. This time I thought it would be the same. But I crashed right into her. She said a certain Van Fanel needed help. She asked me if I would accept. She told me then that I didn't have a choice. She summoned me here with a beautiful song. I dissolved, Van. Then I was floating above the clouds…whatever holding me up broke, and I fell from the sky onto a group of soldiers—you know the rest." Van nodded. He did know. He had just stuffed a handful of glar into his pockets, and was heading back when he heard a scream for help and ran to investigate. He had found a girl, no older than he, in strange clothing, surrounded by armed guards. Idiotic hothead that he was, he'd not paused to assess the situation and charged right in. The girl fainted, and he couldn't fight and watch her at the same time, so he picked her up and ran for it.
"I remember," Van said. "Hitomi, do you want to learn how to use a sword? I mean, just in case the time ever comes when you need to defend yourself…" Hitomi smiled up at him. "Oh, that's a good idea, but I don't have a sword, or a staff, or anything to fight with, for that matter." "I think King Aston could take care of that," Van said. "We should ask him." Hitomi looked at Van's face, wreathed in shadows, and blushed harder. "Er…Van…" The King looked at her. "What?" "Nothing…" Hitomi closed her eyes as she gave his cheek a quick kiss. "You're really sweet, Van," she said. Van was amused. "Oh, really?" "You'll make a good King, when the War is over." "What makes you think we're going to win? Or that I'll live?" Van asked, in a voice that showed he wasn't really too concerned about what he'd just said. "I…don't know…it just seems…" On an impulse, Van pulled her close to him. "I'm glad you believe," Van said.
"Yuuuuuck!!!" Aeries exclaimed from behind the pillar where she had been hiding. Van groaned inwardly. "I thought you were asleep," he said, chagrined. "Everyone does," Aeries smiled, her eyes lighting up. Hitomi's red face went redder. "We weren't doing anything," she mumbled, like a child caught with her hand in the cookie jar. "Yeah, right!" Aeries said, putting her hands on her hips. "You've got some explaining to do," she said, imitating Merla. "No, we don't," Hitomi said, pushing the little girl back inside. "And you stay inside, or I'll get Van to chop your feet off, okay?" "It's not fair," Aeries protested, planting her feet firmly on the floor so none could move her. "All the grown ups get to sleep real late, and I'm supposed to be in bed by eight every night." "Exactly," Van said, picking the princess up.
"C'mon, Hitomi. We need to put this one to sleep." Aeries squealed as Van carried her down two flights of winding stairs. They met up with Merla. "Aeries! We've been looking for you! Spending time with royalty, huh? Well, come on, it's past bedtime. I'll tell you a story," Merla added. "Ooooh, really!! Let me go, sir," Aeries jumped to the stone floor and curtsied to the King. "G'night!" She took her older sister's hand and they walked off. The little princess's voice could be heard bouncing along the stone walls. "Tell me how you and Sir Gaddis met! Plleeeeaaase!" "We- ell…okay."
Hitomi giggled. "It's getting late now," Van said, "perhaps you should sleep too." "Oh, Van, that's not fair. I'm grown up," Hitomi pouted. "Ah, but I'm a King, and I order you to go to sleep." Hitomi hugged him. "I guess you win on that one. Goodnight, Van," she smiled and ran down the stairs. The grin never left Van's face as he turned and went up the stairs to his room.
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interesting development
no doubt something will come of this
the question is what
Folken sighed and ran his fingers through his pale blue-gray hair. So Van had fallen in love with this Goddess. It would be harder to take her now that he was protecting her with his life. "Sora!" he called, drumming his fingers on the throne. The seer came, gliding on air, light and ethereal. "You called, Folken-sama?" she said in her bell-like voice. "Were you aware of this, Sora?" Folken's voice was low and dangerous. "No, Folken-sama. My visions are cloudy. They have been since the girl was summoned here—she has disrupted the natural way of things, she must go back." Sora brushed her white hair away from her elfin ears. "Yes, I realize that," Folken said. "But she needs to be here to accomplish my goals for me. Go away now, Sora." Sora lowered her head the slightest and concealed her body with a thought, melting into the shadows. The moment she was far away enough she morphed into a dog-woman with glowing yellow eyes. "Folken-sama, you are a fool," she whispered. Sora turned back into a human and glided away.
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Hitomi stirred, feeling the warm sunlight falling across her face. She sat up, and got out of bed. This time the nightdress Merla loaned her was of more solid material and less flimsy and revealing than the last. Hitomi slipped out of the dress and put her Asturian style breeches on. She shrieked, grabbed a long pillow and hid her body with it. "Van Fanel, don't you knock!?" Van shrugged and walked back out again. Hitomi threw the pillow aside and slid into a fresh blouse that Merla had left her, tying the bright red sash on. "Why don't you knock!" she yelled through the closed door. "You could have caught me naked!"
A teasing smile lit up Van's face as he answered, "How do you know that's not what I was intending to do?" "Pervert!" Hitomi shouted, beginning to giggle. She opened the door a crack. Van's face reverted to a more serious look. "I'm sorry I didn't knock," he said. "But it's time for breakfast and King Aston is waiting."
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Dilandau was not eating breakfast. Eriya had appeared, gaunt-faced and in black robes, to summon him to Lord Folken's side. The cat-woman was still mourning for her sister. Dilandau felt pleased. Death and misery pleased him. They pleased him much. "What do you wish, Folken-sama?" he said, bowing. Though Dilandau hated and despised his commander, he had learned to be cautious around the powerful Folken. Folken sat on his throne with his Seer, the Draconian's Child Sora. Eriya stood on his left, her eyes downcast and sad. "Ah, Dilandau. Sora has informed me that my brother"—he spat the word out—"is staying at the castle of King Aston—Asturia. You know that we are launching a major attack on Asturia, do you not?" "Yes, Lord Folken," Dilandau bowed lower. "Good. I want you to kidnap the girl and bring her to me, alive—use any means possible. However, I am now aware that Van seems to have fallen in love with her"—his thoughts were, Love is a weakness I could use…"—and you can trust him to protect her at all costs. After I stole all from him—his parents, his kingdom, his people, the older brother he knew, he won't be so quick to let me take the one thing left that he cares most about. Succeed in stealing her away, Dilandau, and we've won half the war. Van will be devastated. Now, to avoid any unnecessary bloodshed—for now, that is—you will persuade King Aston that it is only the girl that is causing this war—convince him that if he hands her over, we will spare him the war and enforce our ties with him—this is a promise that we won't keep. Do you understand? If he does not accept, try anything else. Oh, and Dilandau…don't fail me. You know what will happen, do you not?" Dilandau nodded numbly, and backed out of the room. Sora melted away. Only Eriya remained.
"Don't worry, Eriya," Folken said gently, patting her silver hand, "it will be all right. After this war we can go somewhere far, far away—forget all this, live happily ever after." Eriya's eyes lit up. "Really, Folken- sama?" "Yes, Eriya. I swear it. I love you, Eriya," Folken said, and rose to leave. Eriya smiled for the first time since her sister's death. "Thank you, Folken-sama." Folken paused. "No—thank you, Eriya."
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King Aston had met with the Dark Dragon diplomats—the supposed Dark Dragon diplomats, Dilandau and Chesta, another soldier. "So you see, your Majesty," Dilandau said with the utmost grace he could fake, "it is our Lord's will. Would we have another choice, we would take it. To avoid this war…" Aston nodded, his normally ruddy complexion pale. "I understand, gentlemen. I will consider it." The threat of war on my beautiful Asturia…the girl…she is only a handmaiden, perhaps I—no. I see how that young King looks at her. He loves her—it is clear. Give her to the enemy, and I risk Fanelia's friendship. But Fanelia has been destroyed. What chance does it have to be rebuilt? I cannot risk the safety of my people. 'Tis a terrible burden…but I know what I must do. I will hand her over. One will not matter—if this whole war can be avoided. "Your Majesty?" Gaddis Schezar moved from the shadows. "Schezar!" Aston cried. "I overheard, you Majesty. Believe you me, the Dark Dragons won't keep their promise." "But their diplomats assured me—" "With lies, if you'll allow me, your Majesty. Those were not even diplomats. The albino is Dilandau, a soldier in Folken's army. The other I do not know, but you can be sure they are lying. The moment you give Hitomi to them, your side has lost." "I see," Aston said, very unhappily. "But Asturia…" "King Aston, I know you love your country very much," Gaddis said, "but you ought to know that this war cannot be avoided. Your best hope is to send for help from Freid, or Daedalus. Those two countries have strong armies." "I will tell the Dark Dragons no, then," Aston sighed. "Bring me my fastest riders. I must send word to Freid—Daedalus. Thank you, Schezar…" Aston sighed again, and turned his back on the knight.
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Hitomi stared out a window. She sat perched on the ledge, a wide marble structure that jutted out from the wall. Earth was barely visible in the sky, it being sometime around noon. Aeries and Merla had walked off, hand in hand, to the gardens to spend the day together. Gaddis had called Van—he had said he needed to talk. The two had not returned yet. "Mom…Amano…Yukari…Keji…if you can hear me, I miss you all. And Keji, stay out of my room."
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Yukari paused from what she was doing, the batter-covered spoon slipping from her fingers onto the linoleum counter. "What is it?" her mother asked. "That's funny," said Yukari, "I thought I heard Hitomi for a moment. But that's not possible, she's still training on the track."
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Keji jumped, dropping Hitomi's diary. "Sis, I'm sorry, I didn't mean to go in your room!" He ran out of his elder sister's room.
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Amano, undoing his track shoe, halted briefly, one hand on his shoelace. "Hitomi?" He turned around, expecting to see the brown-haired girl.
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Hitomi's mother also heard her daughter. "Why, I thought she was still practicing on the track! Hitomi, are you home?" No answer.
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Hitomi sighed. They can't hear me… She glanced out the window at the courtyard, where Gaddis and Van were talking. The young King was waving his Sword up and down in an agitated manner. Gaddis had both arms out and was trying to pacify the King. "I wonder what Gaddis told him," Hitomi murmured, her face pressed against the glass.
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"What?! You mean the Dark Dragons are here?" Van yelled, grabbing his Sword and waving it up and down. Gaddis held his arms out. "Van—Van…hey, calm down!" "Where are they? Tell me!" "Van—I don't know—calm down, will you!!" Gaddis grabbed the King and made him sheathe the Sword. "Why are they here?" Van grated, refusing to let go of his Sword. "Van, I won't tell you unless you calm down. Understand?" Van nodded. Gaddis whispered something into his ear. "WHAT?!" Van exploded. "You mean they're trying to kidnap Hitomi—again?!" Gaddis seized the King to prevent him from charging off. "Van, you'd better simmer down, or I swear I'll do something drastic—I'll sit on you if I have to. I'm quite heavy, you know." Van struggled against him for a moment, then began to laugh. "I can't imagine it. You sitting on me."
Gaddis grinned, too. The grin was replaced by a more serious look. "There's more. They've forced King Aston into a tight corner. He either hands Hitomi over to them, or they launch a full-scale attack on Asturia." Gaddis was forced to clamp his hand firmly over the King's mouth to keep him from shouting again. "Will you listen to me!" he growled. "The so called ambassadors lied. If he hands Hitomi over, the war will come anyway. I convinced him not to, as this war cannot be avoided." Van went limp. "Let go of me," he said quietly, his voice muffled by Gaddis' gloved hand. Gaddis released the King. "We'll have to guard her," Van said, his voice no longer crazy. "Or we leave immediately, to spare King Aston any further complications," Gaddis suggested. Van considered. "All right—should we pull out right away?" Gaddis hesitated, "Well…Aeries—Merla…they have a lot of catching up to do, being separated these four years…" "You're right, of course," Van said, "I'll watch Hitomi. We'll leave in two days, okay?" Gaddis grinned again. "'Kay."
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Unfortunately, the Dark Dragons had already decided to act. "So you say that the Schezar fellow warned them of our plan," Folken said. Chesta bowed low, his long blue hair hiding his face. "Yes, M'seur Folken." "Well…you did a good job, Chesta. I trust you'll get someone to kidnap the girl, then?" Chesta straightened up, smiling. "Lord, I'd trust no other than myself. I'll get the girl, Folken-sama. I wasn't a thief on the streets for nothing, non. Cunning…that's how to play the game." "Good. You do that, Chesta. Dilandau, take Alseides, stop Van from rescuing his lady-love," Folken added, with a diabolical smile. Dilandau cackled. "I'll do that with pleasure, Lord Folken."
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It was now night of the last day the Abaharaki were to be staying in Asturia. Aeries had wanted to spend as much time with her elder sister before they would be separated again, so the two were out having fun—somewhere. Gaddis was having quite a time trying to avoid the advances of the ladies of the court. "Oh, you have a sword; I'll bet you know how to use it well," a particularly beautiful lady in a shimmering purple gown cajoled. Gaddis smiled, taking her hand and kissing it with his usual smooth grace. "I'm sorry, but I'm already promised to another," he murmured. "You're not the only one who's sorry," the woman said huffily, and waltzed off to find more men to flirt with. Van wore an amused smile as he waited for Hitomi to come down the stairs. Merla had managed to find her a gown, after they had argued a bit. Van remembered the exact conversation.
'Ooh, this one's nice, don't you think, Hitomi?' Merla said, holding up a blue dress. 'Too revealing,' Hitomi grumbled. They went through five other dresses in a similar fashion before Hitomi found a nice one.
'Too fat!'
'Too skimpy!'
'Too bright!'
'That doesn't really look good at al1!'
'Yuuck!'
Merla was ready to strangle the girl when Hitomi exclaimed, 'Perfect!' Hitomi fingered at simple peasant-style tunic—tan-colored, with a stiff, military collar. 'That? But it's too plain, you won't be noticed,' Merla complained. 'That's exactly the point,' Hitomi said. She then showed Merla the dark red skirt. Hitomi held it up against her body to compare. It was long, falling in folds toward the floor, but halted just above her ankles. It wouldn't reveal much, except the fact that she was slender. Merla sighed, and made the purchase. She added that because Hitomi had chosen the clothing, she would choose the slippers to match. After much quarreling, Hitomi and Merla both agreed on a pair of soft, cloth ankle- boots, with a red border that matched that of Hitomi's skirt. Hitomi nodded. Van didn't know much about clothing, but he knew Hitomi would look good in almost anything.
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Hitomi had just slipped into her outfit. She smiled and thought, I should keep this with me, when I go back to Earth. It's so beautiful. She admired herself in the mirror and went to open the door. Hitomi gave a little shriek as Chesta grabbed her by the hair and dragged her back into her room. She struggled, kicking his shins several times. He subdued her, muffled her cries with a greasy rag. "Hah, Lord Folken will be pleased with me," Chesta purred to himself. He threw the window open and gave three shrill whistles that resembled the cawing of a crow. A strange skiff splashed into the castle moat. Hitomi's scream was cut off as Chesta clutched her close to him, and leapt from the window, landing on the roof of the skiff. He threw the hatch open, throwing her down. He bundled Hitomi into a corner and removed the gag. Chesta grasped her wrist and clamped something cold and metal over it. Hitomi gasped—he was chaining her to the wall. "Somebody help me!" she yelled. "No one can hear you, mademoiselle," Chesta said, sounding pleased. He turned to the man piloting the small ship. "Turn her out, Raine." Raine saluted and went to his job, plunging the skiff underwater. Behind them the red guymelef Alseides stood waiting for King Van Fanel of Fanelia to come and attack.
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Van tapped his foot impatiently on the marble. The sound was drowned out by the noise and commotion of the party. "Where could she be?" he said, sounding very bored. Gaddis suddenly leapt up from his chair. "Dammit to all Thirteen Hells!" he cursed. "What's wrong?" Van said. He'd never heard Gaddis use a curse as potent as this one. "I never even considered the possibility—" Gaddis said, walking as quickly as he could away from the table. "What?" Van jogged alongside of him. "Van, did you leave a guard with Hitomi?" Gaddis said, walking faster. The realization dawned on the King. It was now Van's turn to curse. "Yes—but…dammit, I didn't think! Gods…" The two broke into a run, dashing up the stairs that led to Hitomi's room. "Hitomi!" Van cried, anger and fear making his voice high. Blood rushed to his head. He suddenly felt faint when he saw the guard lying slain upon the floor. "Gods, no…Hitomi!" Van threw the door open and saw the classic piece of torn clothing lying on the floor. "No…" he mumbled, reaching out to grasp the bedpost to steady himself in case his knees gave way. Gaddis reached the room a second after the King did. "If we hurry there's still a chance we might catch them," Gaddis said, reacting quickly. "You're right," Van said, pulling himself together. "No use just sitting here."
"I'll get a guymelef from one of the soldiers," Gaddis said. Van ran off in the direction of Escaflowne. He practically slammed his hand onto the energist, and leapt up into the hatch the moment it opened. Van extending his arms through the machinery and grasped the handles. He planted the Sword firmly at his side, then, using the hands of the guymelef, reached for the back of the Escaflowne. He found what he wanted. Van knew it would hurt. He felt around for the hilt and wrenched the sword from the back of the guymelef. Van winced and cried out, but he had to hurry, and he didn't waste another moment on it. "Okay, let's go!" he yelled. Escaflowne pounded out of the 'melef storage area in hot pursuit of the small skiff. Halfway through, though, Alseides came charging out from an alley to block the King's path. "You!" Van exclaimed. Gods…this was all planned, he realized with icy dread, when I'm done with him I won't be in any shape to do rescuing…and even if I make it…it will be to late to get Hitomi. His mind screamed in mental agony, but he knew he couldn't evade the red guymelef. He would have to fight. Dilandau laughed insanely. "Hah, you'll never get her now!"
"Dilandau!" It was Gaddis—in a magnificent Asturian guymelef. "You'll answer to me." Gaddis swung the guymelef's sword and charged. Dilandau had no choice but to defend himself against the knight; the situation was reversed. "Van, get Hitomi!" he yelled as they exchanged blows. Van nodded, though Gaddis couldn't see it, and ran. He winced as the cold, filthy water of the moat ran into his guymelef. Van tilted his head so the water ran under his neck—this way he could still breathe.
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Hitomi knew it was no use screaming. She slumped over, aching, but she wouldn't cry—couldn't—she was too numb. Van… she couldn't help thinking. If only…
***********************
Van heard a faint whisper in his mind. Van… He knew it was Hitomi. He looked around wildly, for some sign. Then he saw it. A small ripple on the water, something he might have overlooked, but for some reason he was drawn to look closer at this ripple. He saw, through the crystal clear waters of the kept-in-good-condition moat, a strange boat, sealed on all sides. Van couldn't help letting a small smile appear. Thank the gods… He slammed his hands forward and directed the guymelef towards the skiff. The impact caused a beam to fall and the pilot fell pole-axed by the wood. Chesta grabbed hold of the dead man to keep himself from falling as something halted the skiff's progress. "Merde…What the…?" Hitomi suppressed wild hopes. It was probably just a malfunction—they would all die now, trapped under this water until the air ran out. But she felt something, a shimmer, almost like an aura… Van held the skiff in his guymelef's huge hands, keeping it from moving forward or backward. He smiled grimly.
Chesta kicked the girl and smiled at her whimper of pain. He wasn't panicking. Not one little bit.
Van lifted the skiff clear of the water, jerking the hatch open with a flick of the guymelef's fingers. Hitomi looked up and saw the Escaflowne, relief flooding through her like a waterfall. "Van…" she murmured, then her vision blurred, obscured by happy tears. "Van!" Van could dimly hear someone calling him over the clank of machinery. The King held the skiff in his guymelef's hands; careful not to crush it with the force he was using to lift it. He placed it with a thud onto the side of the moat, then jumped from the Escaflowne to the wet ground. Van waded to the other side, drawing his Sword.
*********************
Chesta also drew his sword. He smiled a sadistic smile, pulling a lock of Hitomi's hair. "I'll dispose of your rescuer, then we'll kept going, oui?" He was a good swordsman—overconfident. Hitomi had the nerve to stick her tongue out at him. "Wench," he said, "I'll box you well for that." Van leapt into the skiff at that moment. "Don't you dare call her a wench," he said softly—dangerously. Chesta smirked, and spat. Van step- sided to avoid it. Chesta swung his sword at the King. Van was reminded of the earth-dragon he had fought. Dangerous, serpentine, and ready. He responded the same way, a cold, confident smile spreading across his face. And charged. Van hammered heavy blows at the dark-haired soldier. He threw his weight on the Sword, slashing and thrusting. Chesta avoided some of the blows easily, but was forced to block quite a few. Both their hands were feeling the vibrations the hits had caused. Van yelled as he brought the Sword slicing down. Chesta blocked it, and sparks flew as the metal struck metal. Chesta wasn't panicking yet. He was facing a pup, a mere seventeen year-old, and here he was, a master in the art of battle. It was an uneven fight, and he knew it. His hands were aching from each blow that the King sent at him, his sword jarred from the King's Sword, but he wasn't going to give up yet. As Van blocked every blow sent at him, and managed to inflict several wounds on the soldier, cold fear invaded Chesta's heart. He knew now that he might be facing a child, but the skill of that child was definitely something else.
Van allowed the same smile to flit across his face again. He could sense the man's fear, and that itself was…intoxicating. Van felt the familiar song dancing through his veins. Blood. Blood. He fought it down; he needed to keep a cool head or he would lose. Van finally managed to break through Chesta's shields, and held his Sword point at the man's heart. "M'seur, a boon—" Chesta gasped. "Spare me, mercy!" Van's smile grew colder, his eyes more steely. "You, kidnapper?" he said heartlessly. The blue blade of the Sword came flashing down with a force that split the air. Van kicked Chesta's lifeless (and headless) corpse away from Hitomi.
"Hold your wrist out," he ordered, "stretch the chain." Hitomi did so with a puzzled expression, but didn't argue. "Van, what are you…?" Van closed his eyes before smiting the chain with the Sword. The chain parted without a sound, severed smoothly through a link. Van knelt down beside the girl, pulling a small dagger from his belt and began to saw away at the manacle. "Are you hurt? Did he hurt you?" he said as the manacle broke with a snap. He pocketed the dagger. Hitomi buried her head in his chest and wept with relief. "Not—much—" she whispered, overwhelmed. Van saw the bruise on her cheek, how her hair was disheveled, yanked to one side, how the cold manacle had left a red mark on her wrist. Damn him, he thought, but at least she's safe now, and held her until she had no more tears left.
******************
Sora glided soundlessly into Folken's dreams. "You!" he said, turning from the dragon he was slaying. Sora waved her hand and the dragon dissipated with an angry roar. "You see how your past haunts you," she said, and it was not a question. Folken nodded, almost guiltily. "Yes. But what do you want?" "I came to warn you," Sora said simply. "Of what?" Folken demanded. "Your soldiers have failed in their missions," Sora said musically. "The man of the blue-hair lies slain, and your albino lost the fight with Ianthe, the guymelef of the knight." Folken frowned. "It seems Van won't give her up without a fight, then." "It seems?" Sora laughed, bitterly. "You can't physically control her—with force, I mean. Why not try the other approach?" Folken ran a hand through his blue-gray hair. "The other…I see. You would get her to come here of her own free will. Sora, I know you can work miracles, but she won't come—her love for my brother is too strong for her to betray him." "Yesss," Sora hissed, almost snake-like. "But this love can be used to betray them both. I will leave it to your evil mind to think up the rest." Folken nodded again. "Oh, and Folken-sama?" Sora turned. "Don't kill the albino man—he will be of good use later."
The seer glided off, leaving Folken to his nightmare—his own personal demon dragons.
****************
Dilandau was surprised; he had expected to be killed by Folken. His surprise soon turned to suspicion, and he was right to be suspicious. "Ah, Dilandau. Where's the girl? Chesta?" Folken had drummed his long fingers on the throne. Dilandau swallowed. He knelt on the floor. "Forgive me, Folken-sama. The knight got in the way—" "I am aware of that," Folken said calmly. "Dilandau-Albatou. You've failed me twice now—in both attempted kidnappings. I was thinking…you ought to try something else; kidnapping doesn't seem to be your thing." Folken's lips curled up into a wicked smile. "I-I-I—uh—w-wait—" Dilandau cursed himself for that infernal stutter—it always appeared when he was very nervous. And it showed. How it showed. "Next chance you get, when Alseides is repaired, the knight's yours—I'll think of some other way to get the girl. Oh—and one more thing, Dilandau," Folken said, his diabolical smile growing wider. "You failed twice—you deserve a punishment. I could crush you with my psi, torture you within an inch of your life…but I think in the future you'll be useful. So…" he snapped his fingers at two other soldiers. Hector and a man named Lamprey. "Hector, Lamprey, take this man and flog him—one hundred lashes. If he loses consciousness he is to be awaken immediately by salt water. Do you understand?" Hector and Lamprey nodded. Hector was unhappy—Lamprey relishing the thought.
"Master Dilandau," Hector said, as if in agony, "Master Dilandau, I am truly sorry…" Dilandau was suddenly pulled into a vortex…he remembered dimly a younger dog-man apologizing to a silver-haired female, a ten-year old child…then there was a terrible pain and hurt…pain…pain…pain…a voice that was a whimper, 'I-it-it's n-not y-y-your f-f-fault…I-I-I-I d-d-don't b- b-blame you…' Dilandau squared his shoulders, pulled back to events of the present. "It's not your fault, Hector. I don't blame you," he said quietly. Then closed his eyes and waited for the flogging to begin. Hector looked at the youth strangely. Could he be…remembering?
*****************
Van had led Hitomi to Merla's room, and he stood outside the door—a steadfast guard. From within the room there came sounds of hysterical crying, and Merla's soothing voice, and finally the sobs quieted, and at last… Merla opened the door softly. "She's had quite a shock. Poor, poor girl." Van tightened his grip on the Sword, willing himself to act like a King. "She's fine though—right?" Merla nodded. "She's just very tired, and she's had quite a night, quite a night. We ought to leave immediately, if those bastards try any more attempts to take her." Van closed his eyes briefly. "Can I see her…?" Merla hesitated. "Well…I guess so…but she really should be resting…" She walked away, and her footsteps receded.
Van knocked quietly on the door. "Hitomi—it's me, Van. Could I come in?" There was no answer, but he opened the door a crack. Hitomi was lying sprawled out on the bed, still in the same clothing, fast asleep. Her face was tearstained, and her skin pale—the bruise stood out like blood would stand out from snow. He touched her cheek, and she mumbled something that he could hear. A small, exhausted smile spread across her lips as she murmured, "…Van…" Van smiled, and stood there grinning like an idiot, stroking her cheek.
*******************
After the hundred lashes had been dished out, Dilandau was not in a good state. He was feverish, delirious. Hector, always loyal, carried his master back to his quarters, and cared for him, dabbing salve on the wounds, wiping his brow. "Th-thank y-y-you, H-hector," Dilandau wheezed between coughs. Hector looked up. He never showed gratitude before, to anyone, least of all to a slave. Hector wiped Dilandau's brow with a wet towel. He never had that stutter before, either…those exact same words before they took his memory…'it's not your fault. I don't blame you.' I believe he is… Hector smiled to himself. I swore I'd protect her…and I have succeeded…Poor Dilandau…he has lost so much, and knows so little of his own past…
*******************
Gaddis was polishing his new guymelef, Ianthe. It was a sleek machine, sturdy, and most of all, beautiful. He paused as he saw Merla coming across the floor, dropping the dirty rag. "Merla, I'm up here!" he yelled, then waved and smiled. Merla saw him, and she waved back. Gaddis climbed down from the platform. "How is she?" he asked. "All right, I'd say. I had to calm her down first, then she fell asleep. I left Van there guarding the door. Gaddis, why do they need her so much?" "I suspect she fits into their plans somehow," Gaddis said, considering, "that's the reason why she was summoned here in the first place. Accidentally, or intentionally, the one doing the summoning made her meet Van instead of Folken. So now they're trying to get her to their side—by force." "So as long as she stays with us she is in danger," Merla realized. "Even more than we suspect," Gaddis added, "I see how Van looks at her—you know how protective he is, possessive…you do realize that if Van loves her the Dark Dragons will try more than ever to steal her away, because, if they succeed, Van will have lost everything he ever loved, and that by itself might cause him to lose heart—we'd lose the war. Or…there is another way…make him believe she loves another—again, you have our young royal devastated, and again, we'd lose the war. I don't put it past them to try such a dirty move."
Merla nodded. "It's essential that we move fast," Gaddis added, "to find their fortress and defeat them." "This war…father has sent for men from Freid and Daedalus. Why can't we stay? This way our numbers are greatly swelled. We'll have an advantage." "Yes…" Gaddis said reluctantly. "Merla, Merla!" Aeries shouted, running towards them. "I have to go now," Merla said. Gaddis gave her a quick kiss. "I'll think about it, love," he said, and went back to his polishing.
***************
Folken was talking to Sora again. "When should we begin the final battle?" he demanded eagerly. "When the time comes," Sora replied patiently. Folken slammed his fist down on the throne. "I want it to end, Sora! I'll kill my brother, then Eriya and I can go somewhere, put this all behind us…like I promised her." Sora eyed her master coldly. "You and a beast-girl? Folken-sama, do you honestly believe this relationship will work?" Folken nodded. "I'll make it work. I owe this much to her, Sora," he added, sadly. "Her sister has died, and it was I who caused her death. I owe Eriya some happiness. I love her." It was almost as if he was pleading with the seer. Sora normally did not display emotions other than scorn, or hate, but now she allowed herself a warm smile at her master. "Of that I am sure," she said softly. As she melted into the air, she whispered something else to herself. "I only wish I was not. I have seen it…"
******************
Hitomi woke late the next day. She saw Van slumped in a chair, sound asleep. He had apparently insisted on staying with her all night, but sleep would have its way. The events of the day before came tumbling back—the blue-haired soldier, the kidnapping…she almost sobbed aloud. But Van had been there, saved her…again…she dimly remembered someone standing beside her all night…jet-haired … Van stirred, then opened one eye cautiously. "Hitomi," he said. "You're okay." Hitomi smiled. "Yeah, I am," she said softly. Van felt himself being drawn into her eyes…he snapped himself out of it with a huge effort. "Hey, smile for me," he whispered. Okay…why did I ask. Why did I ask. Why did I—
His head moved forward, until their foreheads were touching, then her eyes closed, and…they kissed.
"Er…Van…" Hitomi whispered softly, after they'd broken apart. "What was that?" Van murmured. A kiss, you idiot. Oh, Fanel, I knew you'd screw it up! Hitomi didn't answer; she blushed beet-red. Then Van broke the silence and said, "I hope Aeries didn't see that." Hitomi laughed. Van smiled at her. "If she didn't, could I have another?" "Ah…well…maybe…later?" Hitomi stuttered. "Speaking of later," Van said, recovering, "you really should learn how to use a sword." Hitomi nodded. Van screwed up the courage and kissed her again, quickly. He flushed and ran out the door. Van exploded his wings from his back, tearing his shirt to shreds, but he didn't care, and dove backwards out the window, shouting, "Yeeeeeeeeeeeesssssss!! Score!!"
Gaddis saw a huge white seagull doing cartwheels in the sky and grinned. "It must be drunk," he smiled to himself, not realizing it was the King. He turned and went back inside.
Van did another few cartwheels before landing on the roof of the palace. Gods…I finally did it! Hah! He whooped and threw himself back into the air, the wind singing in his ears. Everything was so perfect. Van flipped himself upside-down, and waved at Hitomi from outside the window. Hitomi blushed, hesitated, then waved back, grinning. "Hi, Van," she mouthed. Van winked. He beat his wings, and shot up into the sky, up…up…until he felt the heat of the sun on his wings. They glowed with golden brightness, then he folded them close to his body and dove down recklessly, pulling up a foot from the green earth.
Hitomi smiled at the King—then she gasped and pounded the glass furiously. Van looked over, seeing Merla and Aeries coming back from the gardens. Gods…they don't know… He held his breath, knowing it would hurt—Van retracted his wings with a gasp of pain. He stood there a moment rubbing his back, then straightened up. "Hello, Princess," Van said, as the little girl came over. Her eyes got big. "Where's your shirt?" she asked. Merla eyed the King with curiosity, but didn't ask any questions. "Er…I—it was dirty…so I…I needed to wash it," Van mumbled, flushing. He half wished his wings were there; they would be large enough to hide his torso. "Why didn't ya just put a new shirt on?" Aeries inquired. Van's ears were red as he answered, "I…don't have another shirt, Princess Aeries." "Well, you should go get one," Merla said. Van muttered an excuse and almost ran away.
"You need to hold the sword like this," Van said. His breath was warm and it tickled the nape of her neck. She levered the heavy blade up, just a bit. "Like this?" she asked. "No," Van sighed. He went behind her, took her hands and changed their position. "Like that," he said, "okay?" Hitomi smiled, gripping the hilt tighter. "Okay. Thanks, Van," she added, enjoying their closeness. "Now, the basic exercise is like this. This is the first thing my swordsmaster, Balgus of Gyeth, taught me. It's really a simple move—both defense and attack combined. Useful, occasionally—especially when you're up against a very good swordsman. The greatest swordsmaster fears not the second best, but the worse. Why?" Hitomi knew the answer—her father had given her a riddle similar to this question. "Because the worst one will make the mistake that will create an opening in the greatest's defense," Hitomi answered promptly. Van raised an eyebrow, impressed. "Where'd you learn that?" "My father told me," Hitomi said.
"He must be a great swordsman," Van said. Hitomi fought back a giggle. "Oh no," she said, "we put aside swords a long time ago in our world." "How do you survive?" Van asked. "Aren't there Dragons to be fought—sorcerers…" he trailed off, remembering Sora's words. '…Ages of magic destroyed in a war…' "None such thing," Hitomi said. Van snapped himself out of his reverie. "Well, watch me." He performed the move. "Now you try." Hitomi attempted to copy his movements. "Getting there," Van said. He made her repeat it until he was satisfied.
The sun was setting by that time, melting down the mountains in a rich swirl of reds, golds, and oranges. "Oh, it's so beautiful," Hitomi said in awe. "Back home we never had anything like it." Van just nodded. Please never leave, he thought. Never. "Home," Hitomi sighed, much to his dismay. "I wonder if Mom noticed yet. I know Yukari and Amano would know. It's been so many days since…" "Who's Amano?" Van asked. The name sounded male. He's so possessive, Hitomi thought, annoyed. Every guy she knew. "Just my best friend's boyfriend," she replied, with an edge to her voice. "Why do you care so much?" Van was taken aback. Well, excuse me, but didn't you just kiss me this morning? Why do I care? Gods, isn't it obvious? "It's not like every male person I know is someone I love," Hitomi said. "Just making sure," Van said, as lightly as he could manage.
*****************
Dilandau was better. He sat up in bed, the bruises and wounds still livid on his pale skin. "Hector," he croaked hoarsely, "I've been seeing things…" Hector looked up. "Seeing what, Lord?" "Always a little girl…screaming for her brother…dark shapes, then th-there's th-the p-p- pain…a d-d-dog-m-man, l-l-looked l-like y-y-you…th-they w-w-were h-holding h-h-him b-b-back. C-c-curse th-this in-infernal st-st-stutter!" Dilandau exclaimed angrily. He is remembering! Hector thought. "Hmm, I don't know what to make of it all," Dilandau said, his voice returning to normal. "Lord, do you remember anything more of the dream?" Hector asked. Dilandau nodded, shaking his head as if to clear his memory. "Before all that…a little boy, older—dammit, he looked like that impertinent Schezar!" Hector nodded, and smiled.
******************
"We came here to see Sir Gaddis Schezar, one of the Twelve Heavenly Knights of Caeli," a man garbed in chain mail stated. Van stood firm. "Why Gaddis?" Van demanded. His hand strayed towards his Sword. The large party of soldiers had arrived sometime around nine that evening—he was still tutoring Hitomi then. She stood behind him now, peering over his shoulder. "I am an envoy from Freid. The men you see around me are the soldiers of Freid. Duke Aravis sends his greetings—and apologies, to a certain young King of Fanelia. He hopes to defeat the Dark Dragons." "Really," Van said. They look suspicious. But his apologies to the King of Fanelia—only the soldiers of Freid would know… "Van, what's up?" Gaddis shouted. His long hair blew around him in the wind. "These men say they're from Freid—to help the war," Van yelled. "You are the King of Fanelia?" the man said, in disbelief. "A boy King…" he knelt on the ground. "My men are yours to command, Lord Van Fanel." Slowly, the army behind him sunk to the ground in a mass bow.
"Well that solves any doubts," Gaddis remarked cheerfully. "Rise, all of you. We'll talk to King Aston about all this. Come on, follow me." Van turned to look at Hitomi. The girl was staring after the soldiers, shivering in cool air. "Come on, Hitomi," Van said. He took her hand and they walked off behind the army. "Van, don't Gaddis and Merla know you're a Draconian?" Hitomi whispered. "No." "Why don't you tell them? In fact, why don't you tell everyone?" Van released her hand and turned to face her. "Hitomi—Draconians aren't liked by everybody. In the old days…they used to sell our feathers at very high prices—we were believed to be cursed. Most people still uphold this point of view—besides, if they knew what I was…" "Angels considered demons," Hitomi murmured. "Anyone who sees the wings of a Draconian is fated to die," Van added. "Hitomi—I'm worried. You've seen my…" Hitomi shook her head. "It can't be true." "I hope so," Van whispered. At that moment Aeries came running out to meet them. "Hitomi! Lord Van! Merla and Sir Gaddis want to talk to you!" "Thank you, Princess," Van said. Hitomi trailed after him.
"We can't afford a long drawn wait," Gaddis was saying as the two entered the room. "Apparently the Dark Dragons can't either," Van said as he took a seat. "Why?" King Aston rumbled. "Because if they don't attack soon, we can come and get them. Hitomi knows how to douse—the psychic ability to find things—we can locate them easily. Therefore, they will come soon. Sooner than we think." "Have the men of Daedalus come?" Merla asked. "No," Gaddis replied. "So far we have your men, King Aston—roughly eightscore, right? The soldiers of Freid number around three hundred. I guess that's all Duke Aravis could spare—the Dark Dragons will be targeting them, too. Daedalus is a small country—at the most, fivescore soldiers. We have around twenty guymelefs, counting the Escaflowne. That's about five hundred sixty men, twenty guymelefs, and you have thirteen levi- and air-ships. Enough to hold on." "My strategy," Van said quietly, "is to go and kill Folken, and Dilandau. Without a head, the snake cannot bite, or move." "I'll go with that," Gaddis said. "Same here," Merla said. "Yes, King Van," King Aston agreed. Oh Van, be careful, Hitomi thought.
Within the next five days the men of Daedalus arrived. Recruits from Asturia boosted their numbers to six hundred and two. Hitomi and Van chatted beneath the shade of a willow tree. "I was born fifteen winters ago," Van said. "The son of King Gou—and the Draconian Varie. My father's advisors were totally against it—I've told you the tales about the Draconians. He threw them all out and married her anyway. Mother was so beautiful—she charmed him easily. Folken was born about ten winters before me. Then I came—the next summer, father died." He shook his head to rid himself of the memory. "Mother was devastated. Her health only worsened when Folken left to slay the dragon and never returned. She went out to search for him—but she never found him—and vanished, never to be seen again. Balgus went out to search for her, but she'd gone back to the land of her origin—or been eaten by the dragon—or committed suicide. I kept up hopes that Folken would come back one day, holding the energist, and then Mother would…but that day never came. I came of age—went to try my luck against the dragon. The day of my coronation, after I slew the beast, Folken attacked. Fanelia was destroyed. The castle was burning, everything in flames. Bodies…everywhere. I fought my way out—in the chaos no one recognized me but Balgus. I was wandering around in the mountains, wounded so I was half dead, lost—that's when I met up with the Abaharaki. They formed soon after Fanelia's destruction. I didn't—or didn't want to—remember what had happened, so I didn't tell them who I was. I'm not too sure I really knew myself. The story came out by itself—see, the tattoo—" he lifted his sleeve and showed Hitomi. "It's Fanelia's symbol—my father had one, too. I'll avenge my people by killing Folken—and then try to rebuild Fanelia, with the help of the other countries. We'll be very weak—prone to attack. But we'll make it. Hitomi, I'd love to show you one day."
"Oh, Van," she smiled, "I'd love to see it." If that day will ever come. This battle will decide it all, Van thought grimly, but I'll win—for Hitomi, for Fanelia— "Hey, Van?" Hitomi asked suddenly. "Hmm?" "Don't get yourself killed out there." Van threw her a cheeky grin. "I won't, don't you worry. Hitomi…about your powers…" "Powers?" Hitomi asked. "Visions…you know. There is such a thing called going Within—I don't know how you do it…but Balgus told me once that it's a powerful psychic move—kind of like dousing. I was wondering if you knew it at all." Hitomi shook her head. "I wasn't even aware of this—er…power." Van sighed. Gaddis had wanted him to help inspect the weapons and the soldiers. "I need to go see Gaddis about something," he said reluctantly, and left.
"Well, we're all ready," Gaddis announced. They had checked all the guymelefs for malfunctions—the weapons for cracks—the soldiers for weaknesses. Van rubbed his head. "Ahhh…I need to go have a look at the Escaflowne." He strode toward the massive guymelef, running a tentative finger down its energist. "Tomorrow you and I will see some Dark Dragon guts," he murmured, "you ready?" The energist glowed briefly under his finger, assuring him. Gaddis watched from a distance, noticing the glow. Perhaps the King possessed some magical skill himself. Perhaps he did not. Now they could only wait for the final battle. They were ready.
*****************
Dilandau was fully recovered. He sat within the cockpit of his Alseides unit. "All units stand by!" he roared into the amplifier. Thirty guymelefs were behind him. A veritable army of soldiers behind them. Around six hundred. "Asturia in our sights, sir," Lamprey called. "Okay! Atttaaaaaaaaack!" Dilandau screamed.
*****************
Dawn cracked over the mountains, led by an army of guymelefs and soldiers. Van was inside Escaflowne, ready. "Now or never," he muttered, flexing his hands. He spotted the red guymelef easily. "Dilandau! You're mine!" Van yelled. Dilandau whirled around inside Alseides. He smiled. "Ah, it's the King. Ready to lose?" "Are you!" Van growled. He charged. Dilandau had some difficulty blocking the first attack. Around them men were falling—the city burning. Van's heart was all on the fight. He spun, crushing the energist of another enemy, still avoiding Dilandau's blade. "What's the matter?" Dilandau taunted, after his sword missed the King's guymelef for the fifth time. "Scared?" Van saw red. "No one calls me a coward!" he shouted, and began to hack at Dilandau's defenses. Dilandau's jeering was a mistake. The fury of the King was unbelievable. He sliced a straight line down the side of the Alseides; gears clicked and sputtered underneath the red metal. Dilandau was in a deep trouble and he knew it. :Dilandau!: Folken projected. :Use the fire!: Dilandau cackled. He raised his left arm and pointed—a swirl of fire erupted from the hand of the Alseides. Heading straight for the King.
****************
Hitomi, safe inside the Scherazade with Merla, saw the fire and screamed. "No—Van!" The fire shot in streams all around the Escaflowne—not damaging the guymelef at all. "What?!" Dilandau screeched. Van had acted quickly, shoving the palm of the guymelef into the mouth of the fire gun. He saw the fire all around him…covering everything with a thick sheet of blood red…
'Balgus!' Van ran through the palace. It was in flames. 'No! Balgus!' he shouted. Balgus was defending himself against a group of soldiers. Van grabbed a spear from the ground and ran to help. The spear was knocked from his grip and a sword headed toward his heart…Balgus threw himself in front and took the fatal hit… '…never lose a fight, Lord Van…' he coughed, blood spewing from his mouth and wound. '…swear it…' Van nodded, and ran…all around him…flames…fire…dead…dying…fire…death…everyone he loved was dead…dead…he'd never see them again…fire…flames… dead…death…dying…
Something snapped within his mind.
Van Fanel was no more.
In his place was the Dragon.
Angry.
Hating.
Insane.
He had been consumed.
He was the God of War.
He would destroy.
Blood. Blood.
The Escaflowne glowed night-black—a black that started from its feet and spread rapidly upward. Blood. Blood. Escaflowne sliced one of Alseides arms off. Dilandau could only stare in horrified shock as his guymelef was demolished—arm, leg, part of the cockpit… :Fool, Dilandau! Exit the machine, immediately!: Folken commanded. Dilandau obeyed, sliding painfully from the machine, his limbs bleeding profusely. Escaflowne did not notice. Blood. Blood. It whirled on the men of Asturia and the men of the Dark Dragons. The heart fire within it burned. Escaflowne began to kill. Its sword slashed through buildings, through guymelefs, through soldiers—enemy or friend. "VAN!" Hitomi yelled. She couldn't see him inside any more. Hitomi wrenched herself from Merla's grasp and ran out the airship, onto the battle field.
***************
Folken smiled. "My brother is actually helping me," he murmured.
***************
Hitomi ran until she was between the Escaflowne and the soldiers. "Van!" she cried. High up in the cockpit, the Dragon heard. "Van, please!" Hitomi called desperately. Escaflowne raised its foot to crush her. Then stopped. "Van, come back to me!" she ordered. Escaflowne raised its foot again, and paused, trembling ever so slightly. The cockpit opened and Van leaned out, shaking. "Hitomi—get—out of the—way! I—can't control—It—much—longer—run!" He shuddered hugely and sat back into the seat. The cockpit slammed shut—the Escaflowne began its dance of death again. Van… Hitomi thought, concentrating as hard as she could. Within. Take me Within! she cried mentally. Hitomi was sucked into a world of darkness. "Van?" she asked, quietly at first, then, "Van!" There was a cold that penetrated to the bone, and she shivered, hugging her body with her arms, shrinking her hands into the sleeves of the Asturian uniform. She saw a teenager, black-haired. The boy's eyes widened in recognition. "No!" he cried. "Why are you here! I don't want to return! I don't want to fight! Let me stay here! Get away!" "Van…" Hitomi started to say. "I hate you! Now go!" Van yelled. He ran from her, growing smaller and smaller, more like a child, he vanished. "No! Van, wait!" Hitomi cried, reaching out with one hand. He was gone.
[pic]
"Aeries!" Merla cried. The two sisters embraced. "I've missed you so!" she said, weeping a little. Aeries, the younger, was dressed in a clean purple frock that matched her eyes. A crown was perched lopsidedly on her yellow hair. Her round cheeks were sunburned. "Oh, Merla, Merla, Merla!" Aeries sobbed, hugging her older sister's middle. She was about half Merla's size. "I've missed you too!" Merla tousled her sister's hair. "Absence makes to heart grow fonder," she murmured. "Or forgetful!" Aeries said gravely, squeezing Merla's waist harder. "Your Highness," Gaddis said smoothly, kneeling and kissing her hand. Aeries' eyes grew wide. "Oooh, you're the knight Merla likes! You're cute!" Gaddis' smile was concealed by his long hair. "This is Van Fanel," Merla said, "and this is Hitomi." Van nodded at the little princess, and Hitomi smiled. "Oooh," Aeries' eyes got, if possible, even wider. "You've a sword! You've all got swords! Except you," she pointed at Hitomi. "You're pretty."
Hitomi lowered her head and blushed. "Where's cousin Chid?" Aeries asked. "Chid couldn't come, darling," Merla said. "Oh, that's too bad. Father had a whole feast ready for him, and everything. It's okay, though, 'cause now you're here! We-ell, Chid can eat more than all of you put together!" Aeries beamed. Merla looked at Gaddis. "Aeries, Father doesn't want to see me, or my knight. You're going to have to eat all that by yourself," she said sadly. "No!" Aeries cried, stamping her foot. "It's not fair! Father's so mean! I'm gonna go and speak to him!" "Aeries, wait!" Merla called. "Aeries!" No use. The eight-year-old princess marched off to her carriage. "Driver, back to the palace," she ordered.
Hitomi looked at Van. "Why won't her father see her…?" "She's been disinherited because she ran away with Gaddis," Van explained. "He wasn't of royal blood, and that's not allowed. A princess and a knight." "But in my world it's always the princesses that get rescued by knights and they get married and 'live happily ever after,'" Hitomi protested. "Stupid laws. Even now we marry for love, not by blood or for alliances or power!" "For love…" Van murmured. "What did you say?" Hitomi asked. "Ah…when we rebuild Fanelia we're going to have to make some new laws…" Van corrected hastily. He stopped talking, realizing it was the first time he had mentioned life after the war. He'd never thought of it before. All time was spent building up hate for the enemy, planning the next attack, trying to ease the burning words in his mind. Revenge, they hissed.
"Well, where do we go next?" Merla asked Gaddis. "I don't know. Merla, I'm sorry. You should have never run off with me," he added quietly, so none could hear him but Merla. "Nonsense!" Merla scoffed. "I love you, and that's all that matters!" she whispered back. Gaddis grinned. "Maybe a tavern or inn or…say, what's that?"
The party of eleven looked over at an approaching column of soldiers. "Princess Merla, I presume?" said the lead guard. "Yes, that's me. What do you want—Darde?" Merla had recognized the guard. The last time she saw him he had just been a soldier in the ranks. "We've come to fetch you to the castle," said Darde, dropping to his knees. "All of you." Merla smiled. "Come on, all of you. I think Father is finally reconsidering."
"Gaddis Schezar," King Aston boomed. He was an old man now, but his voice was as deep and rich as it had been three decades ago. "I was wrong the first time. I did not want to acknowledge it, but when my youngest, Aeries, came to me and scolded me for keeping her elder sister away from her all these years…I reconsidered. I now welcome you as my elder daughter's suitor. Please, since Prince Chid was unable to attend, enjoy the feast with the young King of Fanelia—your men, and—who are you, young lady?" Hitomi flushed and bowed her head. "Hitomi, sire. Kanzaki Hitomi. Handmaiden to your daughter." She remembered, Van thought with a smile. "Oh. Aeries thought you were a princess of a neighboring country." Hitomi went even redder. "She-she did?" she stuttered. "Well, I can't see how she could have thought that," Aston said, rather rudely. Van scowled. How dare he… Hitomi saw him reach slowly for his Sword and knew what he was thinking. "Me neither, sire," Hitomi said, nudging Van meaningfully. Van crimsoned, dropping his hand quickly to his side. "Thank you, your Majesty," Gaddis said, bowing. "It is an honor. A great honor."
"What were you thinking?" Hitomi demanded during the meal. "I was going to defend your honor," Van replied jauntily, taking a bite of steak. Hitomi sighed.
Gaddis decided to take a stroll out on the castle tower. He saw a dark silhouette framed against the brightness of the moon and Mystic Moon. It was Van, standing on the wall, on one stone. The young King of Fanelia held his Sword high and brought it down with a slash that made the air whine. He held the Sword in that position, breathing heavily. Van closed his eyes and focused all his strength and energy on the Sword. He spun around, whipping the blue blade with all the power he could. Gaddis watched as the King parried with an invisible enemy. He held the Sword up high, letting the torch-light illuminate the blade before bringing it down for a final slash that finished his enemy. Van sighed and began his routine again, moving from stone to stone.
"Van!" Gaddis called, drawing his sword, a grin forming. Van turned. "What d'you want?" he demanded, angry at being interrupted. "I'll be your sparring partner," said Gaddis. Van let a smile of challenge shine on his face before hopping down from the wall. The two took up their positions with each other, each in a fighter's stance. Gaddis raised his scimitar for a salute. Such formalities didn't suit the King of Fanelia, and with a yell Van charged. Clang! Steel struck steel with a loud metallic peal, sparks flying. Van threw his weight on the Sword and kept bashing Gaddis's defenses aside. His skill has greatly improved, Gaddis thought, blocking another of Van's wild whacks, but if he keeps taking such foolish risks, such charges at the enemy, he could get himself killed. Gaddis proved his point when he caught Van's Sword with a deft flick and sent it flying across the paved roof. Van was pinned against a pillar, Gaddis's scimitar touching his neck. Van looked down at his fingers, then at the Sword lying a few feet away.
"I lost," Van said quietly. "Balgus, I'm sorry," he looked away, apologizing to his long dead swordsmaster. "You knew Balgus?" Gaddis asked, sheathing his scimitar. "Yes. He was one of the three master swordsman of Gyeth," Van said. "I know that. Balgus was my swordsmaster," Gaddis said. "What!? He was mine as well." "I heard of his death during the Betrayal," Gaddis murmured, referring to the day that Folken had returned. "Balgus died trying to protect me," Van said softly. "I promised him I'd never lose a sword fight before he died. It seems I've broken that promise. I'm gonna beat you one day, Gaddis Schezar, to make amends. This I swear." Gaddis grinned. "Okay."
Hitomi had come out onto the ramparts to get a breath of air and to get away from King Aston's somewhat impolite way of speaking to her. "Oh, hi, Van!" she waved at him. Van's heart skipped. Arrrrgh. Fanel, you've one last chance or you've definitely lost it! "What are you doing out here?" Van asked. "Drink too much wine?" Hitomi made a face at him. "You know I don't drink that stuff." Look at how the moonlight shines off her face… Fanel! Don't you dare! Van shook his head. "Did you? You look all confused." "Ah…no. I didn't have any, as a matter of fact." "Are you sure? Drinking too much is bad for you. You don't seem to be drunk though."
"That's because I'm not," Van said logically. Gaddis watched the two with a smile on his face. He turned and left. "If you insist," Hitomi sighed. "How are you doing, Van?" she asked. "Fine," Van said shortly. Hitomi sighed again. He doesn't want to talk to me… She was reminded of the day she met him, how he had been so quiet, and mysterious. Van was reminded of the day he met her, too. So talkative. "Eeeeeeeeek!" Princess Aeries shrieked, covering her face. "Princess Aeries!" Hitomi cried, turning. Van retrieved the Sword from the ground. "Eeeww, you were getting all romantic and stuff!" the girl accused. "We were?" Hitomi was surprised. "Yes! You're faces were, like, this close!" Aeries pointed out. She made a motion with her hands and showed them a gap of two inches. "You were talking real quiet, like my sister's knight does when they get all kissy!" Van slid his Sword back into the sheathe. "We were discussing dinner," Van emphasized the word 'discussing.'
"Oh, su-ure," said the little princess, getting a knowing look on her face. "I know what you're up to. That's exactly what Merla says! Same exact thing! Hah! I caught ya!" Van sighed, exasperated. He could see now that there must have been more reasons why Merla left home. "Princess, shouldn't you be in bed?" Hitomi tried to be tactful. "I can't sleep," Aeries grumbled, adjusting her crown so it was more lopsided on her head. "Why not?" Hitomi asked, holding the little girl's hands. "I dunno," said Aeries. "I just like it out here. Well, now I'm going. If ya see Chid again tell him I'm mad at him 'cause he didn't come." Hitomi nodded and smiled. "Okay, now go back to sleep." The princess took her crown in one hand and promenaded back to her room, nose in the air.
Hitomi took Van's hand, and they strolled along the battlements. "It's a beautiful night," Hitomi said softly. Gods…What do I do? Van had never had any experience doing this. The King of Fanelia had spent most of his life roaming the mountains in search of imaginary dragons to fight, or bandits—he and his brother had often gone to the river that ran through Fanelia and fished. Never spoke to a girl—at least, not like this… Van gulped. "Look, earth…" she said. "You think I'll ever go back?" "Maybe," Van said. "If I ever get the chance to, you know I'll have to go. I've got family—friends, there," Hitomi said, almost sadly. Van nodded. "I understand that." "Van, I don't want to leave. I love it here, in spite of all that's going on—I love Merla, Gaddis, Aeries, the whole crew…I know I'd miss you…" she blushed, the red barely visible on her face in the darkness. Van looked at the Mystic Moon, and cursed the fact that it still shone in the sky. Perhaps if it were gone, she'd stay. Perhaps…
"You know what I was doing before that white-haired woman summoned me here?" Hitomi laughed. "Running on the track. I'd seen her before, and the last time I walked right through her and fainted. This time I thought it would be the same. But I crashed right into her. She said a certain Van Fanel needed help. She asked me if I would accept. She told me then that I didn't have a choice. She summoned me here with a beautiful song. I dissolved, Van. Then I was floating above the clouds…whatever holding me up broke, and I fell from the sky onto a group of soldiers—you know the rest." Van nodded. He did know. He had just stuffed a handful of glar into his pockets, and was heading back when he heard a scream for help and ran to investigate. He had found a girl, no older than he, in strange clothing, surrounded by armed guards. Idiotic hothead that he was, he'd not paused to assess the situation and charged right in. The girl fainted, and he couldn't fight and watch her at the same time, so he picked her up and ran for it.
"I remember," Van said. "Hitomi, do you want to learn how to use a sword? I mean, just in case the time ever comes when you need to defend yourself…" Hitomi smiled up at him. "Oh, that's a good idea, but I don't have a sword, or a staff, or anything to fight with, for that matter." "I think King Aston could take care of that," Van said. "We should ask him." Hitomi looked at Van's face, wreathed in shadows, and blushed harder. "Er…Van…" The King looked at her. "What?" "Nothing…" Hitomi closed her eyes as she gave his cheek a quick kiss. "You're really sweet, Van," she said. Van was amused. "Oh, really?" "You'll make a good King, when the War is over." "What makes you think we're going to win? Or that I'll live?" Van asked, in a voice that showed he wasn't really too concerned about what he'd just said. "I…don't know…it just seems…" On an impulse, Van pulled her close to him. "I'm glad you believe," Van said.
"Yuuuuuck!!!" Aeries exclaimed from behind the pillar where she had been hiding. Van groaned inwardly. "I thought you were asleep," he said, chagrined. "Everyone does," Aeries smiled, her eyes lighting up. Hitomi's red face went redder. "We weren't doing anything," she mumbled, like a child caught with her hand in the cookie jar. "Yeah, right!" Aeries said, putting her hands on her hips. "You've got some explaining to do," she said, imitating Merla. "No, we don't," Hitomi said, pushing the little girl back inside. "And you stay inside, or I'll get Van to chop your feet off, okay?" "It's not fair," Aeries protested, planting her feet firmly on the floor so none could move her. "All the grown ups get to sleep real late, and I'm supposed to be in bed by eight every night." "Exactly," Van said, picking the princess up.
"C'mon, Hitomi. We need to put this one to sleep." Aeries squealed as Van carried her down two flights of winding stairs. They met up with Merla. "Aeries! We've been looking for you! Spending time with royalty, huh? Well, come on, it's past bedtime. I'll tell you a story," Merla added. "Ooooh, really!! Let me go, sir," Aeries jumped to the stone floor and curtsied to the King. "G'night!" She took her older sister's hand and they walked off. The little princess's voice could be heard bouncing along the stone walls. "Tell me how you and Sir Gaddis met! Plleeeeaaase!" "We- ell…okay."
Hitomi giggled. "It's getting late now," Van said, "perhaps you should sleep too." "Oh, Van, that's not fair. I'm grown up," Hitomi pouted. "Ah, but I'm a King, and I order you to go to sleep." Hitomi hugged him. "I guess you win on that one. Goodnight, Van," she smiled and ran down the stairs. The grin never left Van's face as he turned and went up the stairs to his room.
*****************
interesting development
no doubt something will come of this
the question is what
Folken sighed and ran his fingers through his pale blue-gray hair. So Van had fallen in love with this Goddess. It would be harder to take her now that he was protecting her with his life. "Sora!" he called, drumming his fingers on the throne. The seer came, gliding on air, light and ethereal. "You called, Folken-sama?" she said in her bell-like voice. "Were you aware of this, Sora?" Folken's voice was low and dangerous. "No, Folken-sama. My visions are cloudy. They have been since the girl was summoned here—she has disrupted the natural way of things, she must go back." Sora brushed her white hair away from her elfin ears. "Yes, I realize that," Folken said. "But she needs to be here to accomplish my goals for me. Go away now, Sora." Sora lowered her head the slightest and concealed her body with a thought, melting into the shadows. The moment she was far away enough she morphed into a dog-woman with glowing yellow eyes. "Folken-sama, you are a fool," she whispered. Sora turned back into a human and glided away.
********************
Hitomi stirred, feeling the warm sunlight falling across her face. She sat up, and got out of bed. This time the nightdress Merla loaned her was of more solid material and less flimsy and revealing than the last. Hitomi slipped out of the dress and put her Asturian style breeches on. She shrieked, grabbed a long pillow and hid her body with it. "Van Fanel, don't you knock!?" Van shrugged and walked back out again. Hitomi threw the pillow aside and slid into a fresh blouse that Merla had left her, tying the bright red sash on. "Why don't you knock!" she yelled through the closed door. "You could have caught me naked!"
A teasing smile lit up Van's face as he answered, "How do you know that's not what I was intending to do?" "Pervert!" Hitomi shouted, beginning to giggle. She opened the door a crack. Van's face reverted to a more serious look. "I'm sorry I didn't knock," he said. "But it's time for breakfast and King Aston is waiting."
**********************
Dilandau was not eating breakfast. Eriya had appeared, gaunt-faced and in black robes, to summon him to Lord Folken's side. The cat-woman was still mourning for her sister. Dilandau felt pleased. Death and misery pleased him. They pleased him much. "What do you wish, Folken-sama?" he said, bowing. Though Dilandau hated and despised his commander, he had learned to be cautious around the powerful Folken. Folken sat on his throne with his Seer, the Draconian's Child Sora. Eriya stood on his left, her eyes downcast and sad. "Ah, Dilandau. Sora has informed me that my brother"—he spat the word out—"is staying at the castle of King Aston—Asturia. You know that we are launching a major attack on Asturia, do you not?" "Yes, Lord Folken," Dilandau bowed lower. "Good. I want you to kidnap the girl and bring her to me, alive—use any means possible. However, I am now aware that Van seems to have fallen in love with her"—his thoughts were, Love is a weakness I could use…"—and you can trust him to protect her at all costs. After I stole all from him—his parents, his kingdom, his people, the older brother he knew, he won't be so quick to let me take the one thing left that he cares most about. Succeed in stealing her away, Dilandau, and we've won half the war. Van will be devastated. Now, to avoid any unnecessary bloodshed—for now, that is—you will persuade King Aston that it is only the girl that is causing this war—convince him that if he hands her over, we will spare him the war and enforce our ties with him—this is a promise that we won't keep. Do you understand? If he does not accept, try anything else. Oh, and Dilandau…don't fail me. You know what will happen, do you not?" Dilandau nodded numbly, and backed out of the room. Sora melted away. Only Eriya remained.
"Don't worry, Eriya," Folken said gently, patting her silver hand, "it will be all right. After this war we can go somewhere far, far away—forget all this, live happily ever after." Eriya's eyes lit up. "Really, Folken- sama?" "Yes, Eriya. I swear it. I love you, Eriya," Folken said, and rose to leave. Eriya smiled for the first time since her sister's death. "Thank you, Folken-sama." Folken paused. "No—thank you, Eriya."
***********************
King Aston had met with the Dark Dragon diplomats—the supposed Dark Dragon diplomats, Dilandau and Chesta, another soldier. "So you see, your Majesty," Dilandau said with the utmost grace he could fake, "it is our Lord's will. Would we have another choice, we would take it. To avoid this war…" Aston nodded, his normally ruddy complexion pale. "I understand, gentlemen. I will consider it." The threat of war on my beautiful Asturia…the girl…she is only a handmaiden, perhaps I—no. I see how that young King looks at her. He loves her—it is clear. Give her to the enemy, and I risk Fanelia's friendship. But Fanelia has been destroyed. What chance does it have to be rebuilt? I cannot risk the safety of my people. 'Tis a terrible burden…but I know what I must do. I will hand her over. One will not matter—if this whole war can be avoided. "Your Majesty?" Gaddis Schezar moved from the shadows. "Schezar!" Aston cried. "I overheard, you Majesty. Believe you me, the Dark Dragons won't keep their promise." "But their diplomats assured me—" "With lies, if you'll allow me, your Majesty. Those were not even diplomats. The albino is Dilandau, a soldier in Folken's army. The other I do not know, but you can be sure they are lying. The moment you give Hitomi to them, your side has lost." "I see," Aston said, very unhappily. "But Asturia…" "King Aston, I know you love your country very much," Gaddis said, "but you ought to know that this war cannot be avoided. Your best hope is to send for help from Freid, or Daedalus. Those two countries have strong armies." "I will tell the Dark Dragons no, then," Aston sighed. "Bring me my fastest riders. I must send word to Freid—Daedalus. Thank you, Schezar…" Aston sighed again, and turned his back on the knight.
*****************
Hitomi stared out a window. She sat perched on the ledge, a wide marble structure that jutted out from the wall. Earth was barely visible in the sky, it being sometime around noon. Aeries and Merla had walked off, hand in hand, to the gardens to spend the day together. Gaddis had called Van—he had said he needed to talk. The two had not returned yet. "Mom…Amano…Yukari…Keji…if you can hear me, I miss you all. And Keji, stay out of my room."
******************
Yukari paused from what she was doing, the batter-covered spoon slipping from her fingers onto the linoleum counter. "What is it?" her mother asked. "That's funny," said Yukari, "I thought I heard Hitomi for a moment. But that's not possible, she's still training on the track."
******************
Keji jumped, dropping Hitomi's diary. "Sis, I'm sorry, I didn't mean to go in your room!" He ran out of his elder sister's room.
******************
Amano, undoing his track shoe, halted briefly, one hand on his shoelace. "Hitomi?" He turned around, expecting to see the brown-haired girl.
******************
Hitomi's mother also heard her daughter. "Why, I thought she was still practicing on the track! Hitomi, are you home?" No answer.
******************
Hitomi sighed. They can't hear me… She glanced out the window at the courtyard, where Gaddis and Van were talking. The young King was waving his Sword up and down in an agitated manner. Gaddis had both arms out and was trying to pacify the King. "I wonder what Gaddis told him," Hitomi murmured, her face pressed against the glass.
*******************
"What?! You mean the Dark Dragons are here?" Van yelled, grabbing his Sword and waving it up and down. Gaddis held his arms out. "Van—Van…hey, calm down!" "Where are they? Tell me!" "Van—I don't know—calm down, will you!!" Gaddis grabbed the King and made him sheathe the Sword. "Why are they here?" Van grated, refusing to let go of his Sword. "Van, I won't tell you unless you calm down. Understand?" Van nodded. Gaddis whispered something into his ear. "WHAT?!" Van exploded. "You mean they're trying to kidnap Hitomi—again?!" Gaddis seized the King to prevent him from charging off. "Van, you'd better simmer down, or I swear I'll do something drastic—I'll sit on you if I have to. I'm quite heavy, you know." Van struggled against him for a moment, then began to laugh. "I can't imagine it. You sitting on me."
Gaddis grinned, too. The grin was replaced by a more serious look. "There's more. They've forced King Aston into a tight corner. He either hands Hitomi over to them, or they launch a full-scale attack on Asturia." Gaddis was forced to clamp his hand firmly over the King's mouth to keep him from shouting again. "Will you listen to me!" he growled. "The so called ambassadors lied. If he hands Hitomi over, the war will come anyway. I convinced him not to, as this war cannot be avoided." Van went limp. "Let go of me," he said quietly, his voice muffled by Gaddis' gloved hand. Gaddis released the King. "We'll have to guard her," Van said, his voice no longer crazy. "Or we leave immediately, to spare King Aston any further complications," Gaddis suggested. Van considered. "All right—should we pull out right away?" Gaddis hesitated, "Well…Aeries—Merla…they have a lot of catching up to do, being separated these four years…" "You're right, of course," Van said, "I'll watch Hitomi. We'll leave in two days, okay?" Gaddis grinned again. "'Kay."
**********************
Unfortunately, the Dark Dragons had already decided to act. "So you say that the Schezar fellow warned them of our plan," Folken said. Chesta bowed low, his long blue hair hiding his face. "Yes, M'seur Folken." "Well…you did a good job, Chesta. I trust you'll get someone to kidnap the girl, then?" Chesta straightened up, smiling. "Lord, I'd trust no other than myself. I'll get the girl, Folken-sama. I wasn't a thief on the streets for nothing, non. Cunning…that's how to play the game." "Good. You do that, Chesta. Dilandau, take Alseides, stop Van from rescuing his lady-love," Folken added, with a diabolical smile. Dilandau cackled. "I'll do that with pleasure, Lord Folken."
*********************
It was now night of the last day the Abaharaki were to be staying in Asturia. Aeries had wanted to spend as much time with her elder sister before they would be separated again, so the two were out having fun—somewhere. Gaddis was having quite a time trying to avoid the advances of the ladies of the court. "Oh, you have a sword; I'll bet you know how to use it well," a particularly beautiful lady in a shimmering purple gown cajoled. Gaddis smiled, taking her hand and kissing it with his usual smooth grace. "I'm sorry, but I'm already promised to another," he murmured. "You're not the only one who's sorry," the woman said huffily, and waltzed off to find more men to flirt with. Van wore an amused smile as he waited for Hitomi to come down the stairs. Merla had managed to find her a gown, after they had argued a bit. Van remembered the exact conversation.
'Ooh, this one's nice, don't you think, Hitomi?' Merla said, holding up a blue dress. 'Too revealing,' Hitomi grumbled. They went through five other dresses in a similar fashion before Hitomi found a nice one.
'Too fat!'
'Too skimpy!'
'Too bright!'
'That doesn't really look good at al1!'
'Yuuck!'
Merla was ready to strangle the girl when Hitomi exclaimed, 'Perfect!' Hitomi fingered at simple peasant-style tunic—tan-colored, with a stiff, military collar. 'That? But it's too plain, you won't be noticed,' Merla complained. 'That's exactly the point,' Hitomi said. She then showed Merla the dark red skirt. Hitomi held it up against her body to compare. It was long, falling in folds toward the floor, but halted just above her ankles. It wouldn't reveal much, except the fact that she was slender. Merla sighed, and made the purchase. She added that because Hitomi had chosen the clothing, she would choose the slippers to match. After much quarreling, Hitomi and Merla both agreed on a pair of soft, cloth ankle- boots, with a red border that matched that of Hitomi's skirt. Hitomi nodded. Van didn't know much about clothing, but he knew Hitomi would look good in almost anything.
******************
Hitomi had just slipped into her outfit. She smiled and thought, I should keep this with me, when I go back to Earth. It's so beautiful. She admired herself in the mirror and went to open the door. Hitomi gave a little shriek as Chesta grabbed her by the hair and dragged her back into her room. She struggled, kicking his shins several times. He subdued her, muffled her cries with a greasy rag. "Hah, Lord Folken will be pleased with me," Chesta purred to himself. He threw the window open and gave three shrill whistles that resembled the cawing of a crow. A strange skiff splashed into the castle moat. Hitomi's scream was cut off as Chesta clutched her close to him, and leapt from the window, landing on the roof of the skiff. He threw the hatch open, throwing her down. He bundled Hitomi into a corner and removed the gag. Chesta grasped her wrist and clamped something cold and metal over it. Hitomi gasped—he was chaining her to the wall. "Somebody help me!" she yelled. "No one can hear you, mademoiselle," Chesta said, sounding pleased. He turned to the man piloting the small ship. "Turn her out, Raine." Raine saluted and went to his job, plunging the skiff underwater. Behind them the red guymelef Alseides stood waiting for King Van Fanel of Fanelia to come and attack.
***********************
Van tapped his foot impatiently on the marble. The sound was drowned out by the noise and commotion of the party. "Where could she be?" he said, sounding very bored. Gaddis suddenly leapt up from his chair. "Dammit to all Thirteen Hells!" he cursed. "What's wrong?" Van said. He'd never heard Gaddis use a curse as potent as this one. "I never even considered the possibility—" Gaddis said, walking as quickly as he could away from the table. "What?" Van jogged alongside of him. "Van, did you leave a guard with Hitomi?" Gaddis said, walking faster. The realization dawned on the King. It was now Van's turn to curse. "Yes—but…dammit, I didn't think! Gods…" The two broke into a run, dashing up the stairs that led to Hitomi's room. "Hitomi!" Van cried, anger and fear making his voice high. Blood rushed to his head. He suddenly felt faint when he saw the guard lying slain upon the floor. "Gods, no…Hitomi!" Van threw the door open and saw the classic piece of torn clothing lying on the floor. "No…" he mumbled, reaching out to grasp the bedpost to steady himself in case his knees gave way. Gaddis reached the room a second after the King did. "If we hurry there's still a chance we might catch them," Gaddis said, reacting quickly. "You're right," Van said, pulling himself together. "No use just sitting here."
"I'll get a guymelef from one of the soldiers," Gaddis said. Van ran off in the direction of Escaflowne. He practically slammed his hand onto the energist, and leapt up into the hatch the moment it opened. Van extending his arms through the machinery and grasped the handles. He planted the Sword firmly at his side, then, using the hands of the guymelef, reached for the back of the Escaflowne. He found what he wanted. Van knew it would hurt. He felt around for the hilt and wrenched the sword from the back of the guymelef. Van winced and cried out, but he had to hurry, and he didn't waste another moment on it. "Okay, let's go!" he yelled. Escaflowne pounded out of the 'melef storage area in hot pursuit of the small skiff. Halfway through, though, Alseides came charging out from an alley to block the King's path. "You!" Van exclaimed. Gods…this was all planned, he realized with icy dread, when I'm done with him I won't be in any shape to do rescuing…and even if I make it…it will be to late to get Hitomi. His mind screamed in mental agony, but he knew he couldn't evade the red guymelef. He would have to fight. Dilandau laughed insanely. "Hah, you'll never get her now!"
"Dilandau!" It was Gaddis—in a magnificent Asturian guymelef. "You'll answer to me." Gaddis swung the guymelef's sword and charged. Dilandau had no choice but to defend himself against the knight; the situation was reversed. "Van, get Hitomi!" he yelled as they exchanged blows. Van nodded, though Gaddis couldn't see it, and ran. He winced as the cold, filthy water of the moat ran into his guymelef. Van tilted his head so the water ran under his neck—this way he could still breathe.
**********************
Hitomi knew it was no use screaming. She slumped over, aching, but she wouldn't cry—couldn't—she was too numb. Van… she couldn't help thinking. If only…
***********************
Van heard a faint whisper in his mind. Van… He knew it was Hitomi. He looked around wildly, for some sign. Then he saw it. A small ripple on the water, something he might have overlooked, but for some reason he was drawn to look closer at this ripple. He saw, through the crystal clear waters of the kept-in-good-condition moat, a strange boat, sealed on all sides. Van couldn't help letting a small smile appear. Thank the gods… He slammed his hands forward and directed the guymelef towards the skiff. The impact caused a beam to fall and the pilot fell pole-axed by the wood. Chesta grabbed hold of the dead man to keep himself from falling as something halted the skiff's progress. "Merde…What the…?" Hitomi suppressed wild hopes. It was probably just a malfunction—they would all die now, trapped under this water until the air ran out. But she felt something, a shimmer, almost like an aura… Van held the skiff in his guymelef's huge hands, keeping it from moving forward or backward. He smiled grimly.
Chesta kicked the girl and smiled at her whimper of pain. He wasn't panicking. Not one little bit.
Van lifted the skiff clear of the water, jerking the hatch open with a flick of the guymelef's fingers. Hitomi looked up and saw the Escaflowne, relief flooding through her like a waterfall. "Van…" she murmured, then her vision blurred, obscured by happy tears. "Van!" Van could dimly hear someone calling him over the clank of machinery. The King held the skiff in his guymelef's hands; careful not to crush it with the force he was using to lift it. He placed it with a thud onto the side of the moat, then jumped from the Escaflowne to the wet ground. Van waded to the other side, drawing his Sword.
*********************
Chesta also drew his sword. He smiled a sadistic smile, pulling a lock of Hitomi's hair. "I'll dispose of your rescuer, then we'll kept going, oui?" He was a good swordsman—overconfident. Hitomi had the nerve to stick her tongue out at him. "Wench," he said, "I'll box you well for that." Van leapt into the skiff at that moment. "Don't you dare call her a wench," he said softly—dangerously. Chesta smirked, and spat. Van step- sided to avoid it. Chesta swung his sword at the King. Van was reminded of the earth-dragon he had fought. Dangerous, serpentine, and ready. He responded the same way, a cold, confident smile spreading across his face. And charged. Van hammered heavy blows at the dark-haired soldier. He threw his weight on the Sword, slashing and thrusting. Chesta avoided some of the blows easily, but was forced to block quite a few. Both their hands were feeling the vibrations the hits had caused. Van yelled as he brought the Sword slicing down. Chesta blocked it, and sparks flew as the metal struck metal. Chesta wasn't panicking yet. He was facing a pup, a mere seventeen year-old, and here he was, a master in the art of battle. It was an uneven fight, and he knew it. His hands were aching from each blow that the King sent at him, his sword jarred from the King's Sword, but he wasn't going to give up yet. As Van blocked every blow sent at him, and managed to inflict several wounds on the soldier, cold fear invaded Chesta's heart. He knew now that he might be facing a child, but the skill of that child was definitely something else.
Van allowed the same smile to flit across his face again. He could sense the man's fear, and that itself was…intoxicating. Van felt the familiar song dancing through his veins. Blood. Blood. He fought it down; he needed to keep a cool head or he would lose. Van finally managed to break through Chesta's shields, and held his Sword point at the man's heart. "M'seur, a boon—" Chesta gasped. "Spare me, mercy!" Van's smile grew colder, his eyes more steely. "You, kidnapper?" he said heartlessly. The blue blade of the Sword came flashing down with a force that split the air. Van kicked Chesta's lifeless (and headless) corpse away from Hitomi.
"Hold your wrist out," he ordered, "stretch the chain." Hitomi did so with a puzzled expression, but didn't argue. "Van, what are you…?" Van closed his eyes before smiting the chain with the Sword. The chain parted without a sound, severed smoothly through a link. Van knelt down beside the girl, pulling a small dagger from his belt and began to saw away at the manacle. "Are you hurt? Did he hurt you?" he said as the manacle broke with a snap. He pocketed the dagger. Hitomi buried her head in his chest and wept with relief. "Not—much—" she whispered, overwhelmed. Van saw the bruise on her cheek, how her hair was disheveled, yanked to one side, how the cold manacle had left a red mark on her wrist. Damn him, he thought, but at least she's safe now, and held her until she had no more tears left.
******************
Sora glided soundlessly into Folken's dreams. "You!" he said, turning from the dragon he was slaying. Sora waved her hand and the dragon dissipated with an angry roar. "You see how your past haunts you," she said, and it was not a question. Folken nodded, almost guiltily. "Yes. But what do you want?" "I came to warn you," Sora said simply. "Of what?" Folken demanded. "Your soldiers have failed in their missions," Sora said musically. "The man of the blue-hair lies slain, and your albino lost the fight with Ianthe, the guymelef of the knight." Folken frowned. "It seems Van won't give her up without a fight, then." "It seems?" Sora laughed, bitterly. "You can't physically control her—with force, I mean. Why not try the other approach?" Folken ran a hand through his blue-gray hair. "The other…I see. You would get her to come here of her own free will. Sora, I know you can work miracles, but she won't come—her love for my brother is too strong for her to betray him." "Yesss," Sora hissed, almost snake-like. "But this love can be used to betray them both. I will leave it to your evil mind to think up the rest." Folken nodded again. "Oh, and Folken-sama?" Sora turned. "Don't kill the albino man—he will be of good use later."
The seer glided off, leaving Folken to his nightmare—his own personal demon dragons.
****************
Dilandau was surprised; he had expected to be killed by Folken. His surprise soon turned to suspicion, and he was right to be suspicious. "Ah, Dilandau. Where's the girl? Chesta?" Folken had drummed his long fingers on the throne. Dilandau swallowed. He knelt on the floor. "Forgive me, Folken-sama. The knight got in the way—" "I am aware of that," Folken said calmly. "Dilandau-Albatou. You've failed me twice now—in both attempted kidnappings. I was thinking…you ought to try something else; kidnapping doesn't seem to be your thing." Folken's lips curled up into a wicked smile. "I-I-I—uh—w-wait—" Dilandau cursed himself for that infernal stutter—it always appeared when he was very nervous. And it showed. How it showed. "Next chance you get, when Alseides is repaired, the knight's yours—I'll think of some other way to get the girl. Oh—and one more thing, Dilandau," Folken said, his diabolical smile growing wider. "You failed twice—you deserve a punishment. I could crush you with my psi, torture you within an inch of your life…but I think in the future you'll be useful. So…" he snapped his fingers at two other soldiers. Hector and a man named Lamprey. "Hector, Lamprey, take this man and flog him—one hundred lashes. If he loses consciousness he is to be awaken immediately by salt water. Do you understand?" Hector and Lamprey nodded. Hector was unhappy—Lamprey relishing the thought.
"Master Dilandau," Hector said, as if in agony, "Master Dilandau, I am truly sorry…" Dilandau was suddenly pulled into a vortex…he remembered dimly a younger dog-man apologizing to a silver-haired female, a ten-year old child…then there was a terrible pain and hurt…pain…pain…pain…a voice that was a whimper, 'I-it-it's n-not y-y-your f-f-fault…I-I-I-I d-d-don't b- b-blame you…' Dilandau squared his shoulders, pulled back to events of the present. "It's not your fault, Hector. I don't blame you," he said quietly. Then closed his eyes and waited for the flogging to begin. Hector looked at the youth strangely. Could he be…remembering?
*****************
Van had led Hitomi to Merla's room, and he stood outside the door—a steadfast guard. From within the room there came sounds of hysterical crying, and Merla's soothing voice, and finally the sobs quieted, and at last… Merla opened the door softly. "She's had quite a shock. Poor, poor girl." Van tightened his grip on the Sword, willing himself to act like a King. "She's fine though—right?" Merla nodded. "She's just very tired, and she's had quite a night, quite a night. We ought to leave immediately, if those bastards try any more attempts to take her." Van closed his eyes briefly. "Can I see her…?" Merla hesitated. "Well…I guess so…but she really should be resting…" She walked away, and her footsteps receded.
Van knocked quietly on the door. "Hitomi—it's me, Van. Could I come in?" There was no answer, but he opened the door a crack. Hitomi was lying sprawled out on the bed, still in the same clothing, fast asleep. Her face was tearstained, and her skin pale—the bruise stood out like blood would stand out from snow. He touched her cheek, and she mumbled something that he could hear. A small, exhausted smile spread across her lips as she murmured, "…Van…" Van smiled, and stood there grinning like an idiot, stroking her cheek.
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After the hundred lashes had been dished out, Dilandau was not in a good state. He was feverish, delirious. Hector, always loyal, carried his master back to his quarters, and cared for him, dabbing salve on the wounds, wiping his brow. "Th-thank y-y-you, H-hector," Dilandau wheezed between coughs. Hector looked up. He never showed gratitude before, to anyone, least of all to a slave. Hector wiped Dilandau's brow with a wet towel. He never had that stutter before, either…those exact same words before they took his memory…'it's not your fault. I don't blame you.' I believe he is… Hector smiled to himself. I swore I'd protect her…and I have succeeded…Poor Dilandau…he has lost so much, and knows so little of his own past…
*******************
Gaddis was polishing his new guymelef, Ianthe. It was a sleek machine, sturdy, and most of all, beautiful. He paused as he saw Merla coming across the floor, dropping the dirty rag. "Merla, I'm up here!" he yelled, then waved and smiled. Merla saw him, and she waved back. Gaddis climbed down from the platform. "How is she?" he asked. "All right, I'd say. I had to calm her down first, then she fell asleep. I left Van there guarding the door. Gaddis, why do they need her so much?" "I suspect she fits into their plans somehow," Gaddis said, considering, "that's the reason why she was summoned here in the first place. Accidentally, or intentionally, the one doing the summoning made her meet Van instead of Folken. So now they're trying to get her to their side—by force." "So as long as she stays with us she is in danger," Merla realized. "Even more than we suspect," Gaddis added, "I see how Van looks at her—you know how protective he is, possessive…you do realize that if Van loves her the Dark Dragons will try more than ever to steal her away, because, if they succeed, Van will have lost everything he ever loved, and that by itself might cause him to lose heart—we'd lose the war. Or…there is another way…make him believe she loves another—again, you have our young royal devastated, and again, we'd lose the war. I don't put it past them to try such a dirty move."
Merla nodded. "It's essential that we move fast," Gaddis added, "to find their fortress and defeat them." "This war…father has sent for men from Freid and Daedalus. Why can't we stay? This way our numbers are greatly swelled. We'll have an advantage." "Yes…" Gaddis said reluctantly. "Merla, Merla!" Aeries shouted, running towards them. "I have to go now," Merla said. Gaddis gave her a quick kiss. "I'll think about it, love," he said, and went back to his polishing.
***************
Folken was talking to Sora again. "When should we begin the final battle?" he demanded eagerly. "When the time comes," Sora replied patiently. Folken slammed his fist down on the throne. "I want it to end, Sora! I'll kill my brother, then Eriya and I can go somewhere, put this all behind us…like I promised her." Sora eyed her master coldly. "You and a beast-girl? Folken-sama, do you honestly believe this relationship will work?" Folken nodded. "I'll make it work. I owe this much to her, Sora," he added, sadly. "Her sister has died, and it was I who caused her death. I owe Eriya some happiness. I love her." It was almost as if he was pleading with the seer. Sora normally did not display emotions other than scorn, or hate, but now she allowed herself a warm smile at her master. "Of that I am sure," she said softly. As she melted into the air, she whispered something else to herself. "I only wish I was not. I have seen it…"
******************
Hitomi woke late the next day. She saw Van slumped in a chair, sound asleep. He had apparently insisted on staying with her all night, but sleep would have its way. The events of the day before came tumbling back—the blue-haired soldier, the kidnapping…she almost sobbed aloud. But Van had been there, saved her…again…she dimly remembered someone standing beside her all night…jet-haired … Van stirred, then opened one eye cautiously. "Hitomi," he said. "You're okay." Hitomi smiled. "Yeah, I am," she said softly. Van felt himself being drawn into her eyes…he snapped himself out of it with a huge effort. "Hey, smile for me," he whispered. Okay…why did I ask. Why did I ask. Why did I—
His head moved forward, until their foreheads were touching, then her eyes closed, and…they kissed.
"Er…Van…" Hitomi whispered softly, after they'd broken apart. "What was that?" Van murmured. A kiss, you idiot. Oh, Fanel, I knew you'd screw it up! Hitomi didn't answer; she blushed beet-red. Then Van broke the silence and said, "I hope Aeries didn't see that." Hitomi laughed. Van smiled at her. "If she didn't, could I have another?" "Ah…well…maybe…later?" Hitomi stuttered. "Speaking of later," Van said, recovering, "you really should learn how to use a sword." Hitomi nodded. Van screwed up the courage and kissed her again, quickly. He flushed and ran out the door. Van exploded his wings from his back, tearing his shirt to shreds, but he didn't care, and dove backwards out the window, shouting, "Yeeeeeeeeeeeesssssss!! Score!!"
Gaddis saw a huge white seagull doing cartwheels in the sky and grinned. "It must be drunk," he smiled to himself, not realizing it was the King. He turned and went back inside.
Van did another few cartwheels before landing on the roof of the palace. Gods…I finally did it! Hah! He whooped and threw himself back into the air, the wind singing in his ears. Everything was so perfect. Van flipped himself upside-down, and waved at Hitomi from outside the window. Hitomi blushed, hesitated, then waved back, grinning. "Hi, Van," she mouthed. Van winked. He beat his wings, and shot up into the sky, up…up…until he felt the heat of the sun on his wings. They glowed with golden brightness, then he folded them close to his body and dove down recklessly, pulling up a foot from the green earth.
Hitomi smiled at the King—then she gasped and pounded the glass furiously. Van looked over, seeing Merla and Aeries coming back from the gardens. Gods…they don't know… He held his breath, knowing it would hurt—Van retracted his wings with a gasp of pain. He stood there a moment rubbing his back, then straightened up. "Hello, Princess," Van said, as the little girl came over. Her eyes got big. "Where's your shirt?" she asked. Merla eyed the King with curiosity, but didn't ask any questions. "Er…I—it was dirty…so I…I needed to wash it," Van mumbled, flushing. He half wished his wings were there; they would be large enough to hide his torso. "Why didn't ya just put a new shirt on?" Aeries inquired. Van's ears were red as he answered, "I…don't have another shirt, Princess Aeries." "Well, you should go get one," Merla said. Van muttered an excuse and almost ran away.
"You need to hold the sword like this," Van said. His breath was warm and it tickled the nape of her neck. She levered the heavy blade up, just a bit. "Like this?" she asked. "No," Van sighed. He went behind her, took her hands and changed their position. "Like that," he said, "okay?" Hitomi smiled, gripping the hilt tighter. "Okay. Thanks, Van," she added, enjoying their closeness. "Now, the basic exercise is like this. This is the first thing my swordsmaster, Balgus of Gyeth, taught me. It's really a simple move—both defense and attack combined. Useful, occasionally—especially when you're up against a very good swordsman. The greatest swordsmaster fears not the second best, but the worse. Why?" Hitomi knew the answer—her father had given her a riddle similar to this question. "Because the worst one will make the mistake that will create an opening in the greatest's defense," Hitomi answered promptly. Van raised an eyebrow, impressed. "Where'd you learn that?" "My father told me," Hitomi said.
"He must be a great swordsman," Van said. Hitomi fought back a giggle. "Oh no," she said, "we put aside swords a long time ago in our world." "How do you survive?" Van asked. "Aren't there Dragons to be fought—sorcerers…" he trailed off, remembering Sora's words. '…Ages of magic destroyed in a war…' "None such thing," Hitomi said. Van snapped himself out of his reverie. "Well, watch me." He performed the move. "Now you try." Hitomi attempted to copy his movements. "Getting there," Van said. He made her repeat it until he was satisfied.
The sun was setting by that time, melting down the mountains in a rich swirl of reds, golds, and oranges. "Oh, it's so beautiful," Hitomi said in awe. "Back home we never had anything like it." Van just nodded. Please never leave, he thought. Never. "Home," Hitomi sighed, much to his dismay. "I wonder if Mom noticed yet. I know Yukari and Amano would know. It's been so many days since…" "Who's Amano?" Van asked. The name sounded male. He's so possessive, Hitomi thought, annoyed. Every guy she knew. "Just my best friend's boyfriend," she replied, with an edge to her voice. "Why do you care so much?" Van was taken aback. Well, excuse me, but didn't you just kiss me this morning? Why do I care? Gods, isn't it obvious? "It's not like every male person I know is someone I love," Hitomi said. "Just making sure," Van said, as lightly as he could manage.
*****************
Dilandau was better. He sat up in bed, the bruises and wounds still livid on his pale skin. "Hector," he croaked hoarsely, "I've been seeing things…" Hector looked up. "Seeing what, Lord?" "Always a little girl…screaming for her brother…dark shapes, then th-there's th-the p-p- pain…a d-d-dog-m-man, l-l-looked l-like y-y-you…th-they w-w-were h-holding h-h-him b-b-back. C-c-curse th-this in-infernal st-st-stutter!" Dilandau exclaimed angrily. He is remembering! Hector thought. "Hmm, I don't know what to make of it all," Dilandau said, his voice returning to normal. "Lord, do you remember anything more of the dream?" Hector asked. Dilandau nodded, shaking his head as if to clear his memory. "Before all that…a little boy, older—dammit, he looked like that impertinent Schezar!" Hector nodded, and smiled.
******************
"We came here to see Sir Gaddis Schezar, one of the Twelve Heavenly Knights of Caeli," a man garbed in chain mail stated. Van stood firm. "Why Gaddis?" Van demanded. His hand strayed towards his Sword. The large party of soldiers had arrived sometime around nine that evening—he was still tutoring Hitomi then. She stood behind him now, peering over his shoulder. "I am an envoy from Freid. The men you see around me are the soldiers of Freid. Duke Aravis sends his greetings—and apologies, to a certain young King of Fanelia. He hopes to defeat the Dark Dragons." "Really," Van said. They look suspicious. But his apologies to the King of Fanelia—only the soldiers of Freid would know… "Van, what's up?" Gaddis shouted. His long hair blew around him in the wind. "These men say they're from Freid—to help the war," Van yelled. "You are the King of Fanelia?" the man said, in disbelief. "A boy King…" he knelt on the ground. "My men are yours to command, Lord Van Fanel." Slowly, the army behind him sunk to the ground in a mass bow.
"Well that solves any doubts," Gaddis remarked cheerfully. "Rise, all of you. We'll talk to King Aston about all this. Come on, follow me." Van turned to look at Hitomi. The girl was staring after the soldiers, shivering in cool air. "Come on, Hitomi," Van said. He took her hand and they walked off behind the army. "Van, don't Gaddis and Merla know you're a Draconian?" Hitomi whispered. "No." "Why don't you tell them? In fact, why don't you tell everyone?" Van released her hand and turned to face her. "Hitomi—Draconians aren't liked by everybody. In the old days…they used to sell our feathers at very high prices—we were believed to be cursed. Most people still uphold this point of view—besides, if they knew what I was…" "Angels considered demons," Hitomi murmured. "Anyone who sees the wings of a Draconian is fated to die," Van added. "Hitomi—I'm worried. You've seen my…" Hitomi shook her head. "It can't be true." "I hope so," Van whispered. At that moment Aeries came running out to meet them. "Hitomi! Lord Van! Merla and Sir Gaddis want to talk to you!" "Thank you, Princess," Van said. Hitomi trailed after him.
"We can't afford a long drawn wait," Gaddis was saying as the two entered the room. "Apparently the Dark Dragons can't either," Van said as he took a seat. "Why?" King Aston rumbled. "Because if they don't attack soon, we can come and get them. Hitomi knows how to douse—the psychic ability to find things—we can locate them easily. Therefore, they will come soon. Sooner than we think." "Have the men of Daedalus come?" Merla asked. "No," Gaddis replied. "So far we have your men, King Aston—roughly eightscore, right? The soldiers of Freid number around three hundred. I guess that's all Duke Aravis could spare—the Dark Dragons will be targeting them, too. Daedalus is a small country—at the most, fivescore soldiers. We have around twenty guymelefs, counting the Escaflowne. That's about five hundred sixty men, twenty guymelefs, and you have thirteen levi- and air-ships. Enough to hold on." "My strategy," Van said quietly, "is to go and kill Folken, and Dilandau. Without a head, the snake cannot bite, or move." "I'll go with that," Gaddis said. "Same here," Merla said. "Yes, King Van," King Aston agreed. Oh Van, be careful, Hitomi thought.
Within the next five days the men of Daedalus arrived. Recruits from Asturia boosted their numbers to six hundred and two. Hitomi and Van chatted beneath the shade of a willow tree. "I was born fifteen winters ago," Van said. "The son of King Gou—and the Draconian Varie. My father's advisors were totally against it—I've told you the tales about the Draconians. He threw them all out and married her anyway. Mother was so beautiful—she charmed him easily. Folken was born about ten winters before me. Then I came—the next summer, father died." He shook his head to rid himself of the memory. "Mother was devastated. Her health only worsened when Folken left to slay the dragon and never returned. She went out to search for him—but she never found him—and vanished, never to be seen again. Balgus went out to search for her, but she'd gone back to the land of her origin—or been eaten by the dragon—or committed suicide. I kept up hopes that Folken would come back one day, holding the energist, and then Mother would…but that day never came. I came of age—went to try my luck against the dragon. The day of my coronation, after I slew the beast, Folken attacked. Fanelia was destroyed. The castle was burning, everything in flames. Bodies…everywhere. I fought my way out—in the chaos no one recognized me but Balgus. I was wandering around in the mountains, wounded so I was half dead, lost—that's when I met up with the Abaharaki. They formed soon after Fanelia's destruction. I didn't—or didn't want to—remember what had happened, so I didn't tell them who I was. I'm not too sure I really knew myself. The story came out by itself—see, the tattoo—" he lifted his sleeve and showed Hitomi. "It's Fanelia's symbol—my father had one, too. I'll avenge my people by killing Folken—and then try to rebuild Fanelia, with the help of the other countries. We'll be very weak—prone to attack. But we'll make it. Hitomi, I'd love to show you one day."
"Oh, Van," she smiled, "I'd love to see it." If that day will ever come. This battle will decide it all, Van thought grimly, but I'll win—for Hitomi, for Fanelia— "Hey, Van?" Hitomi asked suddenly. "Hmm?" "Don't get yourself killed out there." Van threw her a cheeky grin. "I won't, don't you worry. Hitomi…about your powers…" "Powers?" Hitomi asked. "Visions…you know. There is such a thing called going Within—I don't know how you do it…but Balgus told me once that it's a powerful psychic move—kind of like dousing. I was wondering if you knew it at all." Hitomi shook her head. "I wasn't even aware of this—er…power." Van sighed. Gaddis had wanted him to help inspect the weapons and the soldiers. "I need to go see Gaddis about something," he said reluctantly, and left.
"Well, we're all ready," Gaddis announced. They had checked all the guymelefs for malfunctions—the weapons for cracks—the soldiers for weaknesses. Van rubbed his head. "Ahhh…I need to go have a look at the Escaflowne." He strode toward the massive guymelef, running a tentative finger down its energist. "Tomorrow you and I will see some Dark Dragon guts," he murmured, "you ready?" The energist glowed briefly under his finger, assuring him. Gaddis watched from a distance, noticing the glow. Perhaps the King possessed some magical skill himself. Perhaps he did not. Now they could only wait for the final battle. They were ready.
*****************
Dilandau was fully recovered. He sat within the cockpit of his Alseides unit. "All units stand by!" he roared into the amplifier. Thirty guymelefs were behind him. A veritable army of soldiers behind them. Around six hundred. "Asturia in our sights, sir," Lamprey called. "Okay! Atttaaaaaaaaack!" Dilandau screamed.
*****************
Dawn cracked over the mountains, led by an army of guymelefs and soldiers. Van was inside Escaflowne, ready. "Now or never," he muttered, flexing his hands. He spotted the red guymelef easily. "Dilandau! You're mine!" Van yelled. Dilandau whirled around inside Alseides. He smiled. "Ah, it's the King. Ready to lose?" "Are you!" Van growled. He charged. Dilandau had some difficulty blocking the first attack. Around them men were falling—the city burning. Van's heart was all on the fight. He spun, crushing the energist of another enemy, still avoiding Dilandau's blade. "What's the matter?" Dilandau taunted, after his sword missed the King's guymelef for the fifth time. "Scared?" Van saw red. "No one calls me a coward!" he shouted, and began to hack at Dilandau's defenses. Dilandau's jeering was a mistake. The fury of the King was unbelievable. He sliced a straight line down the side of the Alseides; gears clicked and sputtered underneath the red metal. Dilandau was in a deep trouble and he knew it. :Dilandau!: Folken projected. :Use the fire!: Dilandau cackled. He raised his left arm and pointed—a swirl of fire erupted from the hand of the Alseides. Heading straight for the King.
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Hitomi, safe inside the Scherazade with Merla, saw the fire and screamed. "No—Van!" The fire shot in streams all around the Escaflowne—not damaging the guymelef at all. "What?!" Dilandau screeched. Van had acted quickly, shoving the palm of the guymelef into the mouth of the fire gun. He saw the fire all around him…covering everything with a thick sheet of blood red…
'Balgus!' Van ran through the palace. It was in flames. 'No! Balgus!' he shouted. Balgus was defending himself against a group of soldiers. Van grabbed a spear from the ground and ran to help. The spear was knocked from his grip and a sword headed toward his heart…Balgus threw himself in front and took the fatal hit… '…never lose a fight, Lord Van…' he coughed, blood spewing from his mouth and wound. '…swear it…' Van nodded, and ran…all around him…flames…fire…dead…dying…fire…death…everyone he loved was dead…dead…he'd never see them again…fire…flames… dead…death…dying…
Something snapped within his mind.
Van Fanel was no more.
In his place was the Dragon.
Angry.
Hating.
Insane.
He had been consumed.
He was the God of War.
He would destroy.
Blood. Blood.
The Escaflowne glowed night-black—a black that started from its feet and spread rapidly upward. Blood. Blood. Escaflowne sliced one of Alseides arms off. Dilandau could only stare in horrified shock as his guymelef was demolished—arm, leg, part of the cockpit… :Fool, Dilandau! Exit the machine, immediately!: Folken commanded. Dilandau obeyed, sliding painfully from the machine, his limbs bleeding profusely. Escaflowne did not notice. Blood. Blood. It whirled on the men of Asturia and the men of the Dark Dragons. The heart fire within it burned. Escaflowne began to kill. Its sword slashed through buildings, through guymelefs, through soldiers—enemy or friend. "VAN!" Hitomi yelled. She couldn't see him inside any more. Hitomi wrenched herself from Merla's grasp and ran out the airship, onto the battle field.
***************
Folken smiled. "My brother is actually helping me," he murmured.
***************
Hitomi ran until she was between the Escaflowne and the soldiers. "Van!" she cried. High up in the cockpit, the Dragon heard. "Van, please!" Hitomi called desperately. Escaflowne raised its foot to crush her. Then stopped. "Van, come back to me!" she ordered. Escaflowne raised its foot again, and paused, trembling ever so slightly. The cockpit opened and Van leaned out, shaking. "Hitomi—get—out of the—way! I—can't control—It—much—longer—run!" He shuddered hugely and sat back into the seat. The cockpit slammed shut—the Escaflowne began its dance of death again. Van… Hitomi thought, concentrating as hard as she could. Within. Take me Within! she cried mentally. Hitomi was sucked into a world of darkness. "Van?" she asked, quietly at first, then, "Van!" There was a cold that penetrated to the bone, and she shivered, hugging her body with her arms, shrinking her hands into the sleeves of the Asturian uniform. She saw a teenager, black-haired. The boy's eyes widened in recognition. "No!" he cried. "Why are you here! I don't want to return! I don't want to fight! Let me stay here! Get away!" "Van…" Hitomi started to say. "I hate you! Now go!" Van yelled. He ran from her, growing smaller and smaller, more like a child, he vanished. "No! Van, wait!" Hitomi cried, reaching out with one hand. He was gone.