The Next Generation 2
A/N: Welcome to chapter two! I'm a little slow to update because I've had big tests this week. But here we go.
The only sounds in the common room were the gentle puffs of the stranger on his pipe. The mist circled around his head, making him look strange and sorcerous. His gleaming eyes peered from the cloud he'd created and drifted around the room, finally coming to a rest on his watcher. She scowled in his direction eyes reflecting the light from outside, body stiff and rigid. She looked as though she were waiting for an excuse to throw him out. His thin lips smirked at the thought as he took another puff on his pipe.
Yukari stared full into this freak show's eyes and caught him smirking. She barely managed to not kill but her fists clenched convulsively.
Both people stared intently at each other, refusing to look away.
Footsteps clattered downstairs, drawing the attention of both antagonists. Dilandau and Hitomi strode into the room, Setto in behind them. The stranger rose from his seat.
"Dilandau and Hitomi Albatou" He said. "It is an honour to meet you in person. I have heard many tales about you, and I wondered if they were true."
Dilandau didn't speak. He just eyed the man suspiciously while Hitomi handled the talking.
"Parts of them are, and parts of them aren't." she said. "That's the way rumours are."
The man smiled again. "I wonder which of them are true." He looked at Setto and Yukari, especially, with annoyance that they were still there. "Is there a place we could talk more.privately?"
Hitomi nodded. Turning, she walked toward a small back room where most of their business was discussed. The stranger followed, and Dilandau was about to do so when Yukari stopped him.
"Be careful dad." She warned. "There's something about that guy I don't like. I can't quite put my finger on it."
Dilandau nodded slowly. "I know what you mean. He almost reminds me of the Zaibach sorcerers." He shivered. "I'll be glad when he's gone." Then he followed Hitomi and the man into the room.
No sooner had the door closed than Yukari and Setto were arguing softly about whom would listen at the keyhole.
***
The small reception room was placed under the office for one simple reason. Anyone in the office would be able to hear what was said below him or her. Other than that, it was an ordinary room with a few chairs and a table.
When everyone was seated, Hitomi asked the first question.
"So, who might you be?"
The man smiled. "Names can be hidden beneath lies and deceit. I've never trusted names. Or the people who hold them".
"However," he said, holding up a hand, "I will tell no lies here."
"Then what is your name?" Hitomi asked patiently.
Pause. "My name is Kasar. Andrakus Kasar. And I am here to hire your services."
Hitomi glanced at Dilandau. "Go on." She said.
Shifting in his seat, Kasar began to speak.
"I serve the people of Basram. The King relies on me for his diplomatic relations. As you know, my country suffered greatly from the Destiny. Many of our young men had gone to join the army, and, sadly, most were annihilated when the Zaibach forces invaded." He spoke dispassionately, as if referring to an ant's hill being crushed. "Our economy was wrecked and our industries foundered. When the war ended sixteen years ago, the people expected things to grow better. They became worse. Food was scarce and many starved to death. The stench of war still hangs over the capital."
He puffed for a moment on his pipe before continuing.
"The king is corrupt and cruel. He has declared martial law to remain in power, and few dare to oppose him." Now Kasar leaned forward. "My master, General Veers is one of those few. He wants only to protect his kingdom and then retire. The current king has issued a proclamation against him, and he needs troops to aid him. Already, countries such as Asturia and Fanelia," Kasar smiled at their obvious discomfort "are moving to aid the king." He leaned back in his chair. "Our time of need is at hand. You could help us, help the kingdom of Basram overthrow a tyrannical despot."
Silence greeted these words. During this silence, Dilandau was thinking that he was getting to old for this.
Aloud, he said, "This is very interesting. Of course we have the people of Basram's best interests in mind. But there are a few matters I'd like to discuss with you."
Kasar glanced at Hitomi. "Is your wife okay?"
Dilandau waved carelessly. "She's fine. That's how she gets when she thinks things over." He stretched out on his chair. "Now I'm sure that the trouble is great and the oppression strikes all but the rich, but one of the big questions is.what's in it for us?"
Kasar frowned at this. "Even as we speak, a country is suffering from poverty, starvation, brutality, and crime and you are concerned with money?" Dilandau shrugged breezily.
"You obviously haven't been around mercs very much, have you?" He ran a hand through his hair. "Ask any mercenary in the world for help and they'll say 'I'll do anything, anywhere, for as long as the price is right and not a moment longer'. It's kind of an unwritten code, you know? At any rate" Now it was Dilandau's turn to lean forward, eyes gleaming. "The Dragonslayers is the best damn group of fighters you'll ever see. Not good, not great, not even wonderful. Those boys are the BEST. So they don't work for free."
For an instant, it seemed as though Kasar would attack him. His eyes flared and his lips bent down into the least pleasant frown Dilandau had ever seen. He looked like a man who had killed people and laughed about it afterward. 'Kind of like you' his brain said.
Slowly, Kasar calmed down, though his leather clad hands still squeaked from clenching too hard. "Alright" He said, his voice grating hideously. "What is your price?"
"Well that's the real question isn't it? We go by a sliding scale. First lets take into account weapons and supplies." Dilandau smiled arrogantly at the look on Kasar's face.
While they haggled, Hitomi sat forgotten.
***
Hitomi wasn't asleep. Not technically.
For the past twenty-one years, Hitomi had worked hard to master her powers. Along the way, she had run into many uses for her gift other than fortune telling, and dowsing. When she had found those uses, she had grown sick of not knowing what was in her own head, and vowed to master her mind.
Over the years, she'd become quite good at it. Now she was trying to read Kasar's mind while Dilandau distracted him.
'Trying' being the operative-word. She'd never met a mind so hard to read!
Hitomi's mind's eye struggled to pierce the dense cloud that seemed to surround this man's thoughts. She was pouring all her energy into this act with a single-minded determination that she'd found during the Destiny Wars. All the while her body was growing more and more tired.
As she entered Kasar's mind, Hitomi immediately knew that something was wrong. As she looked at her surroundings, she should have been able to see the person's memories and thoughts. But all that she could see was a great darkness.
"Who is this guy?" Hitomi said to herself, worried. "How is he able to break my mind probe?" She walked across the dark ground, looking for something, anything that would help answer some questions. Nothing. She sighed. "Ah well. It could be worse. "I just hope that he doesn't have any other surprises."
No sooner had she said that, than hands of shadow shot from the darkness and grabbed her arms. Startled, Hitomi struggled and thrashed. It was no use, as more shadow arms wrapped around her legs and torso. And then they began to drag her. Hitomi didn't know where to, but she wasn't about to stick around and find out.
Hitomi concentrated on something bright. Light. Light. Light. If this failed then she was dead.
Suddenly, a tiny spot on her forehead began to shine. Brighter and brighter it grew until it shone with the brilliance of the sun. The shadow hands wavered, trying desperately to keep form. Then they faded into the darkness.
Hitomi smiled. There was another secret unlocked. She focussed on the light and it drove back the darkness of Kasar's mind.
What she saw under the shadows chilled her to the marrow.
Soldiers. Columns and columns of soldiers, all of them marching in regiment all of them under the same banner. But the lies Kasar had spoke now stood out clear as day. These were not the ragged foot soldiers of a rebellion, nor were they soldiers of Basram. These men were bent on one thing: conquest.
Suddenly the scene changed. A tall man stood in front of a large crowd. He shouted his views to them, he told them why they were suffering. He promised them salvation, and they cheered him for it.
The scene changed yet again, now a view of the Basramian castle. The king sat on his throne, weeping into his hands. His people had left him and everything he'd worked for since he became king was vanishing into the wind.
Hitomi could bear no more. She cut off the link to Kasar's mind and opened her eyes.
".And the most important factor is the likelihood of survival." Dilandau continued. "Are we going to live long enough to enjoy our money? Or will we be killed in some damn suicide mission?" He looked at Hitomi, who blinked a lot. "Ah Hitomi. You're done thinking. Tell me, will we have the pleasure of working for Mr. Kasar?"
Kasar looked at Hitomi, a frown on his lips. Hitomi shivered as that oily gaze touched her. "No" she whispered. "No, I'm afraid that we can't help you."
Kasar leaned forward again, this time almost threateningly. "Are you sure of that?" He said, drawing the words out slowly. "You would be well rewarded."
"As well rewarded as Veers" Hitomi spat the word "Would be if he won?" She folded her arms. "He'll no help from the Dragonslayers, and that's a fact!"
Kasar said nothing. His face didn't change expression, but he puffed harder on his pipe. He stood with some difficulty, due to his leg. "Then I will have to find the aid we need elsewhere." He bowed his head formally. Hitomi sneered.
"Oh, I don't think you need help. You seem to be well on your way as it is!"
Kasar looked up at her, eyes narrowed, studying. Hitomi glared back. "Get out of Varkas. Now".
Kasar shook his head slightly, as if in regret. Then he turned and limped from the room, shutting the door on his way out. Dilandau wrapped his arms around Hitomi, who had started shivering.
"Gods, what happened? What did you see to make you so upset?"
Hitomi gulped. Then she pulled herself up. When she spoke, her voice quivered in fury. "It's coming again. War is coming again."
***
An hour and three glasses of wine later, Hitomi was feeling better. She'd told Dilandau, Yukari, and Setto about what she'd seen.
"I don't see the problem." Yukari said. "In the last war, didn't all the countries band together to fight Zaibach? Won't they do the same to Basram?"
Setto shook his head. "You're forgetting that Basram was part of the alliance that beat Zaibach. A big part, too."
Hitomi sighed. "We need to talk to Van and Millerna. They have to hear this."
Dilandau stood up. "No problem. We'll just have Folken take us!"
Setto shook his head again. "He's off with the slayers, remember?"
"Besides" Yukari added "We wouldn't get to both countries fast enough."
Dilandau nodded slowly, thinking. Finally he said, "Okay then. I've got an idea. Hitomi and I will go to Asturia, while you two" he looked at the twins "Go to Van. We'll each wait at our respective countries for a message from the others. Then we'll sort out what to do."
Yukari's face split into a grin. She always did love road trips. Setto smiled too. "Don't worry." He said. "We'll tell Van about what happened."
"By the time we're finished, nobody will want to be within kicking distance of Basram!" Yukari added.
Hitomi nodded. They all talked for a while more, and it was decided that Hitomi and Dilandau, having the longer trip, would take guymelefs, while their children would ride horses.
By the time discussions were over, the moon was up. Setto stretched out on the couch while his sister slung up a hammock. Dilandau and Hitomi went to their room at the top of the stairs.
When the door was closed and fastened, Dilandau looked his wife square in the eye. "Do you really think that Basram is a serious threat? I mean, the Alliance overthrew Zaibach!"
"Yes, but Basram has one important thing that Zaibach didn't."
"What's that?"
"The energist bomb." Hitomi shivered. "You remember how powerful it is. THAT was defeated Zaibach's armies more than anything else!"
Dilandau was silent after that. Hitomi sighed. "I'm sorry. That vision I had earlier really freaked me out. That and seeing Kasar's mind."
"Shhh" Dilandau wrapped his arms around his wife. Gently rocking her, he said "It'll be alright. Just watch. When the Alliance steps in then nothing Basram does will be able to save them. And if they do, well, then we go to war. It's as simple as that and nothing for you to get so scared over. It'll be alright."
His soothing voice calmed Hitomi's nerves. Looking into his soft red eyes she sighed and leaned her head against his chest. "You're right. All we can do right now is warn the others."
"You'd better believe it babe!" Dilandau drawled, with his wolf smile. Hitomi smiled mischievously.
"If I didn't know any better, I'd say that you were coming on to me."
"Well you can't blame me for trying."
"Twice in one day? You've got to control yourself before you turn ME on!" Hitomi leaned up and kissed him hard, tongue probing. When she pulled back, Dilandau's eyes were glazed with lust.
"Oops" She purred. "Too late".
***
Kasar stood at the edge of town. His eyes were on the Slayers' Square and they were narrowed in suspicion. He could have sworn that Kanzaki was reading his mind.
He shook his head. There was nothing he could do now but follow orders.
Pulling a pure white crystal from his pocket, he whispered a few words that most would not be able to understand. In a few moments, a voice spoke to him.
"Was your mission a success?" The crystal pulsed with each spoken word.
Kasar shook his head. "No master. They did not accept the offer."
"I did not expect them to. It's a pity. Such talent among those two."
"Shall I kill them?"
"No. I will handle them when they head for Palas. For now, continue with the plan." The crystal pulsed hot with the speaker's rage. "I don't care what it takes, Andrakus. I will not let myself be beaten like Dornkirk was! I will have my destiny, and no psychic or draconian will stop me!"
After a moment, the crystal cooled, and Kasar knew that his master's rage had cooled too. "What about the children?"
"Forget about them. You have bigger fish to fry."
"They could be a threat-"
"I know that! But we must do this carefully, or we will alert the enemy before we are ready. With any luck, the children will be dead before tomorrow."
The crystal ceased its pulsing, and Kasar put it back into his pocket. Turning he walked off, looking back once. It was a shame he couldn't kill them himself. But he had his orders. Turning away from the town, he stepped out of the city's light and vanished into the darkness.
A/N: I just love those dramatic exits, don't you? Well, now you've seen more of the plot. What will happen next? What evil scheme is Kasar and the freaky voice planning? Find out next time.on Escaflowne!
A/N: Welcome to chapter two! I'm a little slow to update because I've had big tests this week. But here we go.
The only sounds in the common room were the gentle puffs of the stranger on his pipe. The mist circled around his head, making him look strange and sorcerous. His gleaming eyes peered from the cloud he'd created and drifted around the room, finally coming to a rest on his watcher. She scowled in his direction eyes reflecting the light from outside, body stiff and rigid. She looked as though she were waiting for an excuse to throw him out. His thin lips smirked at the thought as he took another puff on his pipe.
Yukari stared full into this freak show's eyes and caught him smirking. She barely managed to not kill but her fists clenched convulsively.
Both people stared intently at each other, refusing to look away.
Footsteps clattered downstairs, drawing the attention of both antagonists. Dilandau and Hitomi strode into the room, Setto in behind them. The stranger rose from his seat.
"Dilandau and Hitomi Albatou" He said. "It is an honour to meet you in person. I have heard many tales about you, and I wondered if they were true."
Dilandau didn't speak. He just eyed the man suspiciously while Hitomi handled the talking.
"Parts of them are, and parts of them aren't." she said. "That's the way rumours are."
The man smiled again. "I wonder which of them are true." He looked at Setto and Yukari, especially, with annoyance that they were still there. "Is there a place we could talk more.privately?"
Hitomi nodded. Turning, she walked toward a small back room where most of their business was discussed. The stranger followed, and Dilandau was about to do so when Yukari stopped him.
"Be careful dad." She warned. "There's something about that guy I don't like. I can't quite put my finger on it."
Dilandau nodded slowly. "I know what you mean. He almost reminds me of the Zaibach sorcerers." He shivered. "I'll be glad when he's gone." Then he followed Hitomi and the man into the room.
No sooner had the door closed than Yukari and Setto were arguing softly about whom would listen at the keyhole.
***
The small reception room was placed under the office for one simple reason. Anyone in the office would be able to hear what was said below him or her. Other than that, it was an ordinary room with a few chairs and a table.
When everyone was seated, Hitomi asked the first question.
"So, who might you be?"
The man smiled. "Names can be hidden beneath lies and deceit. I've never trusted names. Or the people who hold them".
"However," he said, holding up a hand, "I will tell no lies here."
"Then what is your name?" Hitomi asked patiently.
Pause. "My name is Kasar. Andrakus Kasar. And I am here to hire your services."
Hitomi glanced at Dilandau. "Go on." She said.
Shifting in his seat, Kasar began to speak.
"I serve the people of Basram. The King relies on me for his diplomatic relations. As you know, my country suffered greatly from the Destiny. Many of our young men had gone to join the army, and, sadly, most were annihilated when the Zaibach forces invaded." He spoke dispassionately, as if referring to an ant's hill being crushed. "Our economy was wrecked and our industries foundered. When the war ended sixteen years ago, the people expected things to grow better. They became worse. Food was scarce and many starved to death. The stench of war still hangs over the capital."
He puffed for a moment on his pipe before continuing.
"The king is corrupt and cruel. He has declared martial law to remain in power, and few dare to oppose him." Now Kasar leaned forward. "My master, General Veers is one of those few. He wants only to protect his kingdom and then retire. The current king has issued a proclamation against him, and he needs troops to aid him. Already, countries such as Asturia and Fanelia," Kasar smiled at their obvious discomfort "are moving to aid the king." He leaned back in his chair. "Our time of need is at hand. You could help us, help the kingdom of Basram overthrow a tyrannical despot."
Silence greeted these words. During this silence, Dilandau was thinking that he was getting to old for this.
Aloud, he said, "This is very interesting. Of course we have the people of Basram's best interests in mind. But there are a few matters I'd like to discuss with you."
Kasar glanced at Hitomi. "Is your wife okay?"
Dilandau waved carelessly. "She's fine. That's how she gets when she thinks things over." He stretched out on his chair. "Now I'm sure that the trouble is great and the oppression strikes all but the rich, but one of the big questions is.what's in it for us?"
Kasar frowned at this. "Even as we speak, a country is suffering from poverty, starvation, brutality, and crime and you are concerned with money?" Dilandau shrugged breezily.
"You obviously haven't been around mercs very much, have you?" He ran a hand through his hair. "Ask any mercenary in the world for help and they'll say 'I'll do anything, anywhere, for as long as the price is right and not a moment longer'. It's kind of an unwritten code, you know? At any rate" Now it was Dilandau's turn to lean forward, eyes gleaming. "The Dragonslayers is the best damn group of fighters you'll ever see. Not good, not great, not even wonderful. Those boys are the BEST. So they don't work for free."
For an instant, it seemed as though Kasar would attack him. His eyes flared and his lips bent down into the least pleasant frown Dilandau had ever seen. He looked like a man who had killed people and laughed about it afterward. 'Kind of like you' his brain said.
Slowly, Kasar calmed down, though his leather clad hands still squeaked from clenching too hard. "Alright" He said, his voice grating hideously. "What is your price?"
"Well that's the real question isn't it? We go by a sliding scale. First lets take into account weapons and supplies." Dilandau smiled arrogantly at the look on Kasar's face.
While they haggled, Hitomi sat forgotten.
***
Hitomi wasn't asleep. Not technically.
For the past twenty-one years, Hitomi had worked hard to master her powers. Along the way, she had run into many uses for her gift other than fortune telling, and dowsing. When she had found those uses, she had grown sick of not knowing what was in her own head, and vowed to master her mind.
Over the years, she'd become quite good at it. Now she was trying to read Kasar's mind while Dilandau distracted him.
'Trying' being the operative-word. She'd never met a mind so hard to read!
Hitomi's mind's eye struggled to pierce the dense cloud that seemed to surround this man's thoughts. She was pouring all her energy into this act with a single-minded determination that she'd found during the Destiny Wars. All the while her body was growing more and more tired.
As she entered Kasar's mind, Hitomi immediately knew that something was wrong. As she looked at her surroundings, she should have been able to see the person's memories and thoughts. But all that she could see was a great darkness.
"Who is this guy?" Hitomi said to herself, worried. "How is he able to break my mind probe?" She walked across the dark ground, looking for something, anything that would help answer some questions. Nothing. She sighed. "Ah well. It could be worse. "I just hope that he doesn't have any other surprises."
No sooner had she said that, than hands of shadow shot from the darkness and grabbed her arms. Startled, Hitomi struggled and thrashed. It was no use, as more shadow arms wrapped around her legs and torso. And then they began to drag her. Hitomi didn't know where to, but she wasn't about to stick around and find out.
Hitomi concentrated on something bright. Light. Light. Light. If this failed then she was dead.
Suddenly, a tiny spot on her forehead began to shine. Brighter and brighter it grew until it shone with the brilliance of the sun. The shadow hands wavered, trying desperately to keep form. Then they faded into the darkness.
Hitomi smiled. There was another secret unlocked. She focussed on the light and it drove back the darkness of Kasar's mind.
What she saw under the shadows chilled her to the marrow.
Soldiers. Columns and columns of soldiers, all of them marching in regiment all of them under the same banner. But the lies Kasar had spoke now stood out clear as day. These were not the ragged foot soldiers of a rebellion, nor were they soldiers of Basram. These men were bent on one thing: conquest.
Suddenly the scene changed. A tall man stood in front of a large crowd. He shouted his views to them, he told them why they were suffering. He promised them salvation, and they cheered him for it.
The scene changed yet again, now a view of the Basramian castle. The king sat on his throne, weeping into his hands. His people had left him and everything he'd worked for since he became king was vanishing into the wind.
Hitomi could bear no more. She cut off the link to Kasar's mind and opened her eyes.
".And the most important factor is the likelihood of survival." Dilandau continued. "Are we going to live long enough to enjoy our money? Or will we be killed in some damn suicide mission?" He looked at Hitomi, who blinked a lot. "Ah Hitomi. You're done thinking. Tell me, will we have the pleasure of working for Mr. Kasar?"
Kasar looked at Hitomi, a frown on his lips. Hitomi shivered as that oily gaze touched her. "No" she whispered. "No, I'm afraid that we can't help you."
Kasar leaned forward again, this time almost threateningly. "Are you sure of that?" He said, drawing the words out slowly. "You would be well rewarded."
"As well rewarded as Veers" Hitomi spat the word "Would be if he won?" She folded her arms. "He'll no help from the Dragonslayers, and that's a fact!"
Kasar said nothing. His face didn't change expression, but he puffed harder on his pipe. He stood with some difficulty, due to his leg. "Then I will have to find the aid we need elsewhere." He bowed his head formally. Hitomi sneered.
"Oh, I don't think you need help. You seem to be well on your way as it is!"
Kasar looked up at her, eyes narrowed, studying. Hitomi glared back. "Get out of Varkas. Now".
Kasar shook his head slightly, as if in regret. Then he turned and limped from the room, shutting the door on his way out. Dilandau wrapped his arms around Hitomi, who had started shivering.
"Gods, what happened? What did you see to make you so upset?"
Hitomi gulped. Then she pulled herself up. When she spoke, her voice quivered in fury. "It's coming again. War is coming again."
***
An hour and three glasses of wine later, Hitomi was feeling better. She'd told Dilandau, Yukari, and Setto about what she'd seen.
"I don't see the problem." Yukari said. "In the last war, didn't all the countries band together to fight Zaibach? Won't they do the same to Basram?"
Setto shook his head. "You're forgetting that Basram was part of the alliance that beat Zaibach. A big part, too."
Hitomi sighed. "We need to talk to Van and Millerna. They have to hear this."
Dilandau stood up. "No problem. We'll just have Folken take us!"
Setto shook his head again. "He's off with the slayers, remember?"
"Besides" Yukari added "We wouldn't get to both countries fast enough."
Dilandau nodded slowly, thinking. Finally he said, "Okay then. I've got an idea. Hitomi and I will go to Asturia, while you two" he looked at the twins "Go to Van. We'll each wait at our respective countries for a message from the others. Then we'll sort out what to do."
Yukari's face split into a grin. She always did love road trips. Setto smiled too. "Don't worry." He said. "We'll tell Van about what happened."
"By the time we're finished, nobody will want to be within kicking distance of Basram!" Yukari added.
Hitomi nodded. They all talked for a while more, and it was decided that Hitomi and Dilandau, having the longer trip, would take guymelefs, while their children would ride horses.
By the time discussions were over, the moon was up. Setto stretched out on the couch while his sister slung up a hammock. Dilandau and Hitomi went to their room at the top of the stairs.
When the door was closed and fastened, Dilandau looked his wife square in the eye. "Do you really think that Basram is a serious threat? I mean, the Alliance overthrew Zaibach!"
"Yes, but Basram has one important thing that Zaibach didn't."
"What's that?"
"The energist bomb." Hitomi shivered. "You remember how powerful it is. THAT was defeated Zaibach's armies more than anything else!"
Dilandau was silent after that. Hitomi sighed. "I'm sorry. That vision I had earlier really freaked me out. That and seeing Kasar's mind."
"Shhh" Dilandau wrapped his arms around his wife. Gently rocking her, he said "It'll be alright. Just watch. When the Alliance steps in then nothing Basram does will be able to save them. And if they do, well, then we go to war. It's as simple as that and nothing for you to get so scared over. It'll be alright."
His soothing voice calmed Hitomi's nerves. Looking into his soft red eyes she sighed and leaned her head against his chest. "You're right. All we can do right now is warn the others."
"You'd better believe it babe!" Dilandau drawled, with his wolf smile. Hitomi smiled mischievously.
"If I didn't know any better, I'd say that you were coming on to me."
"Well you can't blame me for trying."
"Twice in one day? You've got to control yourself before you turn ME on!" Hitomi leaned up and kissed him hard, tongue probing. When she pulled back, Dilandau's eyes were glazed with lust.
"Oops" She purred. "Too late".
***
Kasar stood at the edge of town. His eyes were on the Slayers' Square and they were narrowed in suspicion. He could have sworn that Kanzaki was reading his mind.
He shook his head. There was nothing he could do now but follow orders.
Pulling a pure white crystal from his pocket, he whispered a few words that most would not be able to understand. In a few moments, a voice spoke to him.
"Was your mission a success?" The crystal pulsed with each spoken word.
Kasar shook his head. "No master. They did not accept the offer."
"I did not expect them to. It's a pity. Such talent among those two."
"Shall I kill them?"
"No. I will handle them when they head for Palas. For now, continue with the plan." The crystal pulsed hot with the speaker's rage. "I don't care what it takes, Andrakus. I will not let myself be beaten like Dornkirk was! I will have my destiny, and no psychic or draconian will stop me!"
After a moment, the crystal cooled, and Kasar knew that his master's rage had cooled too. "What about the children?"
"Forget about them. You have bigger fish to fry."
"They could be a threat-"
"I know that! But we must do this carefully, or we will alert the enemy before we are ready. With any luck, the children will be dead before tomorrow."
The crystal ceased its pulsing, and Kasar put it back into his pocket. Turning he walked off, looking back once. It was a shame he couldn't kill them himself. But he had his orders. Turning away from the town, he stepped out of the city's light and vanished into the darkness.
A/N: I just love those dramatic exits, don't you? Well, now you've seen more of the plot. What will happen next? What evil scheme is Kasar and the freaky voice planning? Find out next time.on Escaflowne!
