Hey hey!!! Finally got this chapter up!!! Sorry it took so long! Won't delay any longer. Here's the new chappy ^__^ . . . .

Chapter 22: Hidden Identity

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Days passed as King Van and Fanelia's allied armies drew up plan after tactical plan on the best way to defeat Dezir. Each captain had his own method though - Laguna used sheer force, while Dryden preferred a stealthier method; Allen focused on attack, yet Chid on defense; King Van preferred to use a 'surprise and attack' method, on the other hand. So as you can see, there was much dispute over the right method to use to tackle Dezir's army.

But meanwhile, Krystel had a lot more on her mind than just the war. The amulet still hung around her neck, kept a secret from everyone still. No one knew of the strange symbol, or of the dreams she had had.

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At this very moment, Krystel was wandering around the castle, searching for Leon. Unfortunately, due to the extensive size of the castle, she seemed to have gotten herself lost. At present she was walking down a long green corridor, doors set in the walls on either side; all were closed. She continued down the corridor in hope of finding a servant to show her the way.

Suddenly, she noticed one of the doors up ahead was open. Curiosity always getting the better of her, she went in. There was no one inside, but opened letters littered a large mahogany desk at the far end of the room. Walking over to the desk, Krystel saw, amid the piles of letters, one that seemed to be in the process of being written. Next to it lay another letter. This one had different handwriting on it than the first. Perhaps the first letter was replying to this one. She looked at the second letter -

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Gaeina.

Your last report proved very useful indeed. I congratulate you on your continuing success. But do not let your guard down. The king and his band of troublesome idiots are being very cautious, and one slip up will have you found out. And that just wouldn't do now, would it. Continue to report to me with any vital information. We'll have the girl back very soon if you continue to keep me posted. Remember. Do not mess up. This is vital. I need that girl.

Hurry, Dezir

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No! thought Krystel, not Dezir! What were letters from him doing in the castle. And who was this Gaeina? Why was she writing letters to Dezir? Oh, she realised, Gaeina's a spy!! Oh my god!! But who could it be?! A servant? She'd never heard of anyone called Gaeina before. Then again, this castle did have a lot of servants.

A movement from behind startled Krystel. She turned swiftly, only to see the cat servant, Lila.

'Oh, Lila, thankgod,' Krystel said with a sigh, but hurried on, 'quick, you've got to help me find my father, there's a spy!! Here, in the castle somewhere. She's giving information to Dezir, and. . . .' she trailed of at Lila's amused yet somewhat annoyed expression.

'Oh,' purred Lila with a smirk, 'I wouldn't worry 'bout that.'

'What?!' exclaimed Krystel, 'you mean, King Van already knows?' Lila just shook her head, still smiling.

'Oh, no. Daddy doesn't know a thing.' she said gently. But her next words were harsh. 'And won't, if I have anything to do with it!' She grinned, showing white pointy teeth. Raising a black and white striped hand, she revealed her razor-sharp claws.

'What?!' cried Krystel, 'Lila-' but Lila cut her off.

'Ah ah ahh.' she said, wagging a claw. 'Call me Gaeina, Krissie.' Krystel was shocked.

'You?' she cried. 'But I don't understand. They said that when I was kidnapped, you were distraught?'

'Aren't I just the perfect little actress?!' Gaeina grinned. 'Of course, I knew about the whole thing from the start. Why else did you think I read your Daddy's post? Interest?! Ha. No, dear, it was all an act. Oh,' she added, and raised her arm high above her head, 'and say goodbye!!' Gaeina swung her claws at Krystel's face, missing by an inch. She took another swing. This time Krystel wasn't so lucky. Claws ripped through her dress at the stomach, and blood trickled down, staining the green satin dress. Krystel cried out and fell to her knees, clutching her stomach. Raising her claws for the fatal strike, Gaeina stood ready to kill.

Suddenly, footsteps rang through the corridor outside. Someone was coming! Gaeina snarled.

'Next time you won't be so lucky' she growled, and leapt swiftly out of an open window at the end of the room. And with that she was gone. And Krystel knew no more, as she had fainted.

The footsteps drew closer and came into the room. It was one of the other servants, drawn by Krystel's previous cry. Seeing her on the floor, the servant quickly ran out again, rushing to get help.

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Krystel awoke the next morning, lying once more in the hospital bed. Wounds healed, but still sore, she slowly got up and made her way to the main hall. . . .

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The dispute had finally been settled when Krystel walked in. Rushing to help, Leon led her over to a spare seat at the table. The discussion was temporarily abandoned as King Van called for silence.

'Krystel, darling, how are you feeling?' he asked her.

'Ok, Father, but still a bit sore.' she smiled at him.

'Good, dear, now, tell us what happened.'

'Ok,' she said, 'Well, I'd gotten lost in the castle, and I was trying to find someone to show me the way. . . .'

And so Krystel told them all about her episode with the letters and Gaeina. . . .

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Meanwhile, Gaeina had made her rapid escape to Dezir's palace, in the midst of the still damaged town of Mauvais. Now, knelt infront of the granite throne, Gaeina reported all that had happened to a rather miffed off Dezir. As her tale ended, Dezir stood up slowly, his hands in tight fists. He growled.

'Arghhh!!!' he cried, seething with anger, 'Why did you let her get away?! Now that ponce of a king will know everything!' Gaeina cowered at his feet.

'B-b-but sire. She doesn't know anything-' but Dezir cut her off.

'The letters, you imbecile. They're all there. Plus, I don't have a spy to report back now. You certainly can't go back! Argh, what use are you to me now?!' he raised his sword high above his head.

'P-p-please sire. D-don't-' Gaeina cowered, her hands covering her head as she shook with fear. But the sword came down, mercilessly, and cut off Gaeina's beautiful black and white striped tail. She screamed with pain.

'Let that be a lesson to you!' Dezir shouted, 'I will not tolerate incompetence! Now,' he added quietly to himself, as he walked away from the writhing cat-woman, 'where's Scaloss? I hope he has the spell all ready. All we need now, is her. . . .'

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'And then I came here.' Krystel had finally finished retelling her story of Gaeina.

'So, she was a spy,' said Van thoughtfully, 'always thought she was a bit odd. At least she's gone now, probably back to Dezir. And yet, I wonder. How many more of my people have hidden identities? Who do I trust now?'

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Ha ha!!!! What do you think? Not bad, eh!!! But what is Dezir's new plan? How are King Van and co. going to tackle Dezir now? And will Krystel ever tell anyone about Lena and the amulet? All that and more to come!! PLEASE R+R!!!!! Well, Chapter 23 - Sweet Seduction - is on it's way, so see y'all then!!! Peace, love and happy writings!!! Love Alex360 ^___^!!!! Oh, and Happy Easter!!!!