AN- Ok, You know the term, "Spring Break?" It didn't apply to last week. I had two essays one of which has not been started, and three major projects, I addition to three regular-sized hw assignments. I had to do for school; then, working almost everyday. I know I promised I'd get this out sooner, I've just been busy every day and too pooped to do much after I was done... Forgive me!! . That, plus the quality of this chapter isn't great. Sketch is SO gonna stop writing for a while after this fic is done...

No real important stuff to say today, except that the next chapter is going to take FOREVER to get out, simply because it will be about 2 chapter-sizes long.. That, plus the aforementioned assignments and whatnot. If you want it out quicker, I can post the first half, so you won't have to wait a month, but then there will be only ½ a chapter. I was going to make it 2 chapters, except there isn't any good way to cut it up. Hence, if I do two halves, it'll be like I stopped in mid-thought. Lemme know what you all think, and I promise I'll get it done asap!!

For those who asked Q's...

Chi-chan... Umm... Don't count the chickens yet!! Things that have yet to pass might make for a twist ending!! HINT HINT HINT! ^_-- Although, if I could, I would definitely do an ending where Celena opens up a harem and has all the pretty-boys from Escaflowne in it.. Well, except for Allen. As twisted as some of the things in the story are, I don't think they'd stretch *that* far...

Izzy- ....Please don't kill the authoress.... Things will be as they will be!!! And, uh...*puts Chesta in front of her* Chesta will protect me!! You couldn't hurt a face like this, could you?? Chesta- Umm... I have things in the oven I need to check on... Please let me go, SLS...

Geniusgirl- *hugs Mryth* What does everyone have against Mryth??? He can't help how he is!!! Anna... Is ok, I guess. She and Allen get along well, so that's all that's important. As for the BUB, I'll give you a hint- she's right there, beneath your nose.... *cue cool special effects lighting and whispery mystery sounds* As for the "Brother Crap" .. Umm, I'll shut up now and let you read!! Hehe ^_^

WARNING! Extreme Dilandau OOCness!!



Yakusoku wa Iranai

(Promises Not Necessary)



Folken's injuries, while serious, did not end up being life-threatening. He was to stay in bed, moving as little as possible for at least two weeks, and even after that, refraining from strenuous activities. Needless to say, he was not going to go with the others to attack the Souther Continent's armies.

Celena sat with him sometimes, talking and trying to make him take his medicine. They both avoided the whole marriage issue under a silent oath to keep quiet on the subject, and instead spoke of what was known about the forces they were facing. Therefore, many of their conversations consisted of battle strategies, arms and armor, new weapons in development, promising officers and whatever else they could think of. Most of their discussions ended up in long, awkward silences that left one embarrassed and yet unable to think of anything to fill up the horrible stillness. Celena tried, once, to start talking about the gardens she cared for, and Folken readily asked questions. However, neither really cared to talk about primroses at the time, and the conversation died off. Luckily for both of them, the head nurse came in and bustled Celena out.

She amused herself by watching the soldiers arrive from various countries, then bidding them farewell as they departed for the front. She wasn't sure if she was happy that she wouldn't be seeing battle, or if she was saddened by the thought that that part of her life had passed. The soldiers that came were all very different from first appearances, but, being a veteran of sorts herself, she could read their emotions well enough. They were frightened. No one knew what they were about to be facing. No one knew how much of that 'what' was out there. No one knew anything.

Mryth's display of what was clearly magic had scared many of them. The fact that he has disappeared after being hit did little to ease anyone's fears; no one had found a body, therefore it could not safely be assumed that he was, in fact, dead. Facing an army of Mryths was enough to keep even the stoutest of hearts at home. However, there was no longer anymore room to hide. The front traveled higher north by the day, the losses were staggering. Gaia's rivers were running red with blood, and they were their families' last hopes. They would die to protect those they loved.

Celena watched them go; watched those who would decide her fate, and prayed that there would be an end to all the fighting soon.



There is nothing I hate more than sitting about, waiting for things to happen to me. There is also nothing I hate more than sitting about, waiting for those I love to run off to do things that will affect me as I sit and twiddle my thumbs. I tried amusing myself by sparring with Anna, but, to be honest, she was awful. Had Gaddess know how horrible she was, I'd have been haunting the halls of Asturia's castle instead of Zaibach's. I couldn't bother the boys- they had much to think upon, and when I visited them, they seemed far away. I suppose they were thinking of their deaths- I know if I'd been in their shoes, I'd of done the same. The only one who really talked to me was Chesta, simply because he wanted me to promise that I would make sure that if anything happened to him, I'd inform his parents, telling them he loved them very much. And to tell his little sister not to worry, because he'd always love her.

I left them all to their rather depressing thoughts, and went off to make myself useful. I decided it would be better if I tried to find something to do, or at least someone more cheerful to speak with.

I ended up with Allen, helping him as he packed his things in his room.

When I'd arrived at his door, he didn't say anything for a long time. He just sort of stood there, and smiled at me like I'd never seen him smile before. A sort of sad smile, wistful and somewhat shaky thing. I walked over to him, and he pulled me in to hug me fiercely.

"You are so beautiful, Celena. When I look at you, I cannot help but think of Mother. You look so much like her..." I hugged him back as well, knowing that this would probably be one of the last times I'd be able to speak with him alone before he left... perhaps the last time we spoke at all.

"I'm sorry we didn't get to spend more time together. Our lives have not been easy, and these past few years together have not always been happy. I've been over protective, wanting to keep you by my side and never lose you again. And yet, I must leave you now, in the hopes that you will be able to go on for many happy years to come." I put a finger to his lips, sniffling a bit as he spoke.

"Hush. They will be happy, for you, your wife and all of my nieces and nephews that have yet to come to be will be there to share it. Allen, I've been selfish and trying, breaking every rule you've laid down. I've been spoiled rotten by your kindness- many others would not have spent the time helping a lost sibling find herself again, nor would they have tried to understand as you have. We've both had our ups and downs, but I would not have changed them for the world." I felt him smile into my hair, and then he drew back, putting both hands on my shoulders. He looked me over critically, then smiled again.

"I am so proud of you, Celena. I know Mother and Father would have felt the same, had they seen you now. You are one of the most wonderful people I have had the pleasure to know in my life, and I'm not saying that because it runs in our blood. You have the potential to do so much with your life; know that whatever it is, I wish you happiness and success. May you find happiness in whatever you do, and with whomever you love. May there always be a light to guide you through the darkness."

"And may you use the same light to find your way home." I replied in a modified version of the rest of the traditional farewell of soldiers. He smiled, and saluted as I did the same.

"Please do me one favor- make sure Anna is safe." I nodded, swallowing hard. Then, I hugged him again- hard- before stepping back and wiping my now-streaming eyes.

"I swear, by my life, no harm shall come to her. Swear to me that you will do everything in your power to come back alive, Allen." He nodded.

"I swear it." Sentiments behind us now, I turned back to the matters at hand.

"Now, Allen, where on earth are we going to fit all of these socks?"



Celena watched in complete dejection as her slayers finished packing their things, and handed her their notes to their families, much as Chesta had done. They put on their bravest of faces, all smartly saluting her and then giving her a great hug before returning to their place in line. She walked up an down, looking over them and nodding as an inspection officer would. When they'd all taken their turn crushing her in an embrace, she stood before them, looking at them in the eyes one by one.

"I want to start off by saying that after this is all done, I fully expect you all to come to my home for the festivities. Anyone who fails to do so will have to deal with not only a very miffed me, but an affronted Queen Anna as well. I know you've all gotten to meet her at least once, and that should be enough to incur fear in all of your hearts."

A quiet chuckle went through the line, though it was easy to see that it was strained. Celena closed her eyes, swallowing. Goodbyes were not easy for her, and she'd already had to part with Allen. Only one more remained for today; one that would be far harder than both of the before combined. She opened her eyes, speaking loudly to try to assert herself.

"I also want to say that it goes without saying that I love all of you very much. We've been through the worst trials any could present us with, and we persevered through them all. I don't care if Dilandau thinks it's sappy, I'm telling you all right now, that you are the best that can be had on Gaia. Again and again, you have proved yourself, and this time you shall do nothing less than perfection, as you always have.

"And I expect you all to come back, do you hear me? I swear, if any of you so much as think of giving up, I will personally come and give you what for! Don't you smirk, Dalet! I'm serious! I..." She trailed off, biting her lip and then turning around.

"I love you all with all my heart. You are my family, my friends and my knights in shining armor. Promise me you'll take care of yourselves. I...I couldn't bear to lose you again.." The sound of swords being unsheathed brought her around again, and there before her, her Slayers saluted her with raised weapons. Gatti called out in a loud voice that was hoarse with emotion.

"We, the Slayers of Zaibach, do solemnly swear that we shall do all in our power to protect our brothers, and that we shall come back to you if it is the will of the Gods. We also swear that you, Celena Schezar, will be in our hearts and minds as we fight for peace. Long live Gaia! Long live the Lady Celena!!"

"LONG LIVE GAIA! LONG LIVE THE LADY CELENA!!" She smiled at them, then drew herself up as much as she could. As they filed out, she kissed them on the cheek, and then bid them a final farewell. Much too soon, she was alone in the room, still except for her breathing and the beating of her heart.

Her slayers were off to battle.



"I'm sorry. I just can't think of it right now. With everything that's been going on, I know you need an answer, and I'd like to give you one, but I just don't know how I feel right now."

"It's alright, I understand."

"I mean, it's not like I *don't* like you- I really do- but this is such a big responsibility, and I just need some time to think over it before I give you my final decision."

"Celena, I don't mind."

"And, while I appreciate you even thinking about me, I can't help but think that there are so many others that are more qualified than me, and who are much more deserving than myself. People who have grown up, living their lives in courts and going to balls and whatnot. "

"Celena-"

"I can't help but think you should marry a princess of some sort, and not a tomboy who'd rather be out fighting with the knights than inside cooking, cleaning or knitting. Someone refined and elegant; someone who knows what on earth she's doing when in court; someone who can be your ally as well as your companion, and not give you completely off-the-wall ideas or views. And with everything going on as it is, I know you need an answer so you'll know if there is a prospect of heirs before you go off into battle, but I'm not ready for that yet. I.. I'm not adverse to children, I just.. I just don't want any of my own yet. There are so many things I want to do before I get married, and I can't help but think that even if we got engaged, I would no longer be able to do what I wished. And it's *not* you, Folken, it really isn't. It's just me, and my inability to make decisions. I don't mean to make you wait, but it's so hard to-"

"Lady Celena."

Celena stopped her speech and look up from staring at the hand she held in her own in surprise. Folken's burgundy eyes sparkled with mirth, and a slight smile escaped, despite his best efforts to mask it. A flush had risen against her own cheeks in her explanation, and she could feel it hotly across her face.

"Yes, Lord Folken?"

With the same sort of amusement in his voice, he patted her hand as she held his own.

"I am pleased to know that you are giving my proposal as much thought as you are, however, it really will not hurt my feelings in the slightest if you are against the prospect of marrying me." She opened her mouth to reply, then the meaning of his words cut in.

"Are you saying that you do not wish to marry me?" He laughed at her suspicious tones, and squeezed her hand.

"My lady, if you were to marry me on your own accord, far be it from me to try to urge you otherwise. What I simply mean is that, if you do not wish to become my wife, I would hope that we might still be companions at least. I enjoy your company far too much to have you run off, never to speak to me again.

"Yet, your points are all astute and correct; I do need an heir, and it is true that I could marry a princess if I wished. However, I asked you because of two reasons. One, I thought that you might care for me as I for you." Her brows furrowed, not quite in anger, though promising to quickly turn to irritation if his answers were not acceptable.

"And the second..?"

"I thought that you might prefer marrying myself instead of someone Allen chose for you. Being queen has it's freedoms and it's liberties, but it is a large responsibility. I want you to have time to consider your offer, however, I cannot wait forever. If, for no other reason that I need an heir, also so that my advisors will leave me alone."

"WHAT??" She stood in anger, completely shocked and no longer feeling any sympathy to the man that reclined before her. She controlled herself from going off and doing something she might regret by allowing her fingers to fist tightly by her side. In a very even, if somewhat curt and disgusted tone, Celena cleared her throat and tried to say something that would not end up having her locked up in the dungeons.

"Are you trying to tell me that you do not love me, and only wanted to marry me because I'd consider it? And mostly because you need me to pop out children??" Folken, sensing that at any moment her eyes might glow red and she might have started spitting fire, did the best he could to continue his existence in that plane of reality.

"I do care for you, Celena, but the needs of my country come first. If you are not ready for that kind of commitment, I must then look for someone who is. I just thought we might be happy together, because we have such a strong friendship. I did not mean to offend you, for I do care. It's just-"

"Folken, I bloody 'care' for all of the Slayers. That doesn't mean I'm going to go down the line, proposing to them, or start a harem with them all, just because I want to get away from Allen!! If you think me so simple as that, then you do not know me or my character completely. Obviously, I was quite wrong about yours." She stormed off in a huff, leaving a very abashed and rather unhappy Emperor in her wake. He didn't think he didn't deserve it- he just didn't see why she could accept his reasons to need a queen quickly, and an heir post haste. He *did* care, and he felt badly about the way that went, but hell, sometimes shit happens. He sighed, and poured himself a drink.

'Gods help the man that *does* marry her....'



Celena ran. Not the prissy 'I'm upset leave me alone' girly running that the heroines of Millerna's sappy romances indulged in, but a full fledged 'get in my way and I'll run you through' canter that only those in top condition could achieve. The people who heard and saw her coming were fortunate enough to get out of her way before getting run over. Those who didn't...well, weren't. These poor souls had to make their way up to the infirmary. Luckily for them, the halls leading directly to the said area were clear because of the speeding woman.

Celena sobbed as she blindly threw herself through the halls, seeking solace in the luxurious prison of a castle. Too much had happened that day; too many tears, too many goodbyes. She couldn't take anything else, her world was crumbling all around her and she was helpless to do anything about it.

She stumbled, and fell to the wall, choking on tears and completely out of breath. She began to slide to the floor, but strong hands held her, then lifted her. They helped lead her to a bench a few minutes walk away in one of the quieter nooks of the castle. A handkerchief was offered, which she happily accepted. After drying off her face as much as possible, she threw herself into Dilandau's arms.

"I...*sniff* needed to.. *hic* talk to you... *sniff* anyway...." He held her tightly, remaining silent in order to allow her to continue. She began to regain her breath, and so tried to tell him what upset her so much.

"Oh Dilandau, I feel like such a fool! Folken doesn't love me at all, he just wanted to get married for children..." She broke down into sobs again, and he tightened his grip on her.

"He actually said that to you??" She sniffed, blowing her nose rather in a rather unladylike manner.

"Well... not in those words. He 'cares' for me. I don't want him to bloody 'care' for me! If he wants me to marry him, he should love me!! How can I marry someone who doesn't love me, he just wants someone to have his children?? Someone he can have by his side to help him when he needs them, or to disappear when he doesn't! I can't believe his nerve, making me think that he actually loved me! I'm such an idiot..." Dilandau was silent for some time, then shook his head.

"You misjudge him, Celena. He does care for you, but royals can't marry just for love. There must be trust, fidelity, compromise. You would not do badly if you married him." She stared at him, not believing what she heard.

"You... you're defending him?? I can't believe you're siding with him after all you've said before! I feel like I'm the only one who thinks that marrying for love is important!!"

"Do you love him?" She froze, then looked away.

"I... I don't know. I like him, yes, but love? And after tonight, I don't even know if I can trust him. I feel like everyone I've ever loved is leaving me, and there's nothing I can do about it!!" Dilandau stood, and pulled her up to walk with him.

"You need to go to your room. You're over-reacting because you're upset. When things have settled down a bit, you'll know what to do. "

"But Dilandau-"

"I was under the impression that you felt helpless. Allow me to help alleviate some of that feeling. When we are gone in the morning, I want you to wear the Hikari's uniform. Being in something other than a dress will help you think, and regain some self control. I don't think I've ever seen you quite this upset before, and you need to pull yourself together. I'll have the girls set one out for you, and see to it that you're given a real sword, not the foolish little dirks they've given the other women. You have a head on your shoulders, Celena. I expect you to use it when we're gone."

Sudden anger filled her, and she pulled her arm from him, stopping in her tracks.

"You shout at me one day that I'm making the biggest mistake of my life in even thinking about marrying someone; tonight, you're telling me to give him another chance! You tell me not to get involved with the affairs of war anymore, then you give me a uniform and a sword, telling me to fight! I cannot understand you, Dilandau!! You contradict all of your words, then become angry when someone doesn't follow them!! What is your problem??"

She gasped as he held her to the wall, flinching as he tightened his grip. He stared directly into her eyes, and she used all her willpower to return his burning gaze. His even voice was low; calm, in a deadly sort of way.

"I have been thinking since the last time we really talked. Many things have passed which I didn't foresee; twists of Fate that seem to toy with our comfortable lives and make us wonder if there is any sense to the madness that is spun into our existence. That damned elf simply opened my eyes to what was going on in front of me. I was such a fool to not see them before..."

"What the devil are you talking-"

"Celena, I doubt that I will survive this battle."

The silence between them was deep, despite the fact that there was less than ten inches between them. He smiled then, and pushed off from the stone. She followed to protest, but he held up a hand to quiet her.

"Logistically, we'll never have a chance in Hell to defeat the troops if they're anything like what our dearly departed ambassador was like. We wouldn't have the chance to get near them before we were blown to bits. You've seen Folken's wounds, you can imagine what even five of Mryth could do to our troops if properly situated. What I'm saying is, we'll try our best, but I think that Gaia's peace will come when the sorcerers have completely taken over." He walked out into a garden, sitting down on the edge of a fountain and looking into the sky.

"I questioned him many times before we landed. Again and again, he answered in riddles, and avoided answers. All he would say was that his brothers and sisters were much stronger than him, and that we would all fall before them unless we are willing to compromise. Celena, *he wasn't lying*. He didn't say those things to try to intimidate, or threaten, or even put up a false bravado. He meant every word he said, and unless we find their weakness immediately after the fighting starts, there won't be enough of us to compromise with."

"Dilandau, Mryth was easily killed! He disappeared after he was hit with two knives!! There is no way he could have survived a hit that hit vital organs from behind!" Dilandau closed his eyes, but not before sending her a sly smile.

"Have you found a body? Can you prove that he is, in fact, no longer existing? No, you can't. Celena, he *let* the daggers fly at him. He saw them coming and deliberately lowered his shields to allow them through. Don't you understand? *He cannot die.* The bruises you saw on him, the cuts and the wounds- any normal person wouldn't have been able to walk after what he'd been through. He limped, but only for effect. *He didn't heal, because he didn't need to.* Celena, Mryth was already dead."

"What?? Where do you get that absurd idea-"

"Is it? Think on it- did you ever see him breathe? Show any kind of weakness? Did you ever once see him sleep, or do something that any living person would need to do? Celena, he's dead, and not from any daggers. Mryth himself said that the Magliss were shadows from long ago. Think of it- How do you kill that which is already dead?" She sank beside him to keep from swaying, and stared horror-stricken at him.

"But.... That would mean it's futile to fight at all!!" Dilandau shook his head, eyes now bright and watching her.

"No. The sorcerers have found some power source to tap in order to maintain their Magliss soldiers. Mryth said the sorcerers bound themselves to the Magliss to make their magic stronger. Which means, that in order to sustain himself, a Magliss soldier draws his magic from the sorcerer he's bound to. The sorcerers must have something that they are drawing on. Find that, and we find a way to stop them. It is doubtful, however, that they will leave this source unguarded and unprotected. It will take all we have to get through, and even then, we might not be able to destroy it." Celena sighed, and stared down at her feet.

"I wish everything wasn't so complicated. I feel as though I've been spinning about my whole life, and suddenly, someone has stopped me in mid-turn. I don't know which way to look, where to go, what path to follow. How can I sit here as you go off to certain death? Why do you have to sacrifice yourself if you don't even think you'll succeed??"

"Because there is always the chance that I will. And I must go to try for that chance." She stood, and walked a few feet away.

He watched her as she stood, and came up behind her as she stared at the moon above.

"Celena.... don't marry Folken if you don't love him. But promise me on thing." She turned to look at him, and he held her face in his hands.

"What?"

"No matter who you marry, who you love, promise you'll never forget me."

"What?" He leaned down, and brushed his lips against her own. She gasped, but he pulled away before she could respond. She was about to step back, but he held her in his arms.

"Celena, I love you." She smiled shakily, despite herself.

"...If this is how you'd treat someone you felt was like a sister..."

"No. No more games, Celena. There isn't time anymore. I don't love you as a sister. You are my other half, my reason to continue, my light in the darkness. If that light was to fade through a fault of mine- by not protecting you, I would be destroying myself in turn. I don't expect you to think of me as a lover- Gods know we've had enough fights that it's a miracle we still speak to one another. I only ask that you remember me- if I don't come back, the worst thing that could happen is to be forgotten. It's worse than death. Remember me as a friend, remember me as a fool. Just don't... don't forget." He stood there before her, quivering with emotion, and she looked at him for a full moment before responding.

"Dilandau... Fine. I promise , but you must promise me something." He raised an eyebrow, an unreadable expression on his face.

"..Yes?"

"Promise me.... that you won't leave me alone."

He started a moment, then shook his head.

"You're not alone..."

"Not if we're together, right?"

"Right."

He kissed her again, and she wrapped her arms around him, drawing him closer. He kissed her fully, trying to both show her the feelings he felt but could not speak while at the same time etching this moment into his memory forever. Long after they broke apart, he would still be able to feel her warmth, smell her scent, and taste her kiss.

When they stepped back from one another, Dilandau saluted her with a smile that she'd never seen on his face before. She returned the salute with a wavering smile of her own, and watched him melt into the shadows.

"Goodbye..."

It would not be until she'd almost fallen asleep that she would realize that he hadn't promised a thing.



















..........

Yes, and there you have it. You can tell this chapter was written in two parts- one part, I was in a good mood, the other... not so good. If anyone knows some humorous stories on ff.net, I'd appreciate them. I had a really, *really* bad day... and the week doesn't promise to get better...

And on that cheery note, let me also say that this is where it gets darker. I guess it's good that I'm in a bad mood, so that the next chapter will be as angsty as it's supposed to be.... Even though Dilandau and Celena have come to a sort of agreement, and Folken's being an asshole, things in the next chapter could very well be the deciding factor of who gets the girl.... (Celena will have to forgive Folken first though- that in itself might take a book)

Let me know if any of you are confused Mryth/Magliss-wise. I'm going to try to completely explain everything in the next chapter, but if it doesn't work there, I'll do the rest of my bizarre idea in the AN w/ the epilogue.

And remember, tell me what I should do about the next ch. One massive and time consuming but all at once thing; or two stop-in-the-middle-of-a-thought chapters that come out quicker? You decide!!

That being said, I'm going to bed. Review, it'll brighten my day.... please?