The Next Generation 5

A/N: Alright, before I start the chapter I'm taking this time to resolve an issue that was brought up. No, I don't own the name Veers. George Lucas does. But I thought that this was obvious, seeing as you've all seen the trilogy at least twice. And is it more blatant than Dr. Evil's 'Death Star'? But there's one thing you overlooked. I may not own the name or the actual character, but THIS character is mine! Sheesh! Give me some credit for God's sake! Right. Now, with that out of the way, on to the chapter!





The man stood and watched as his subordinate was tied to the post. Once there, he hung, limply, in his bonds, gasping for breath. Newly opened wounds decorated his skin in random patterns, and his upper appendages were broken in several locations. The man smiled evilly.

He was not a handsome man, Kriggen. His hair was the colour of oatmeal, and it hung in scraggly clumps down his face, obscuring the patch over his eye. His skin was an unhealthy greyish pink, and he slouched in his uniform. But his good eye glimmered brightly with unconcealed malice, and his thin lips formed a smile of anticipation as his henchmen returned, each carrying a torch and a bundle of straw.

As the straw was piled about his feet, the man on the post began to struggle again with the strength of the desperate. "Please General!" He begged. "I beg of you! Don't do this! I'll never fail you again!"

Kriggen strolled easily forward, stopping in front of the weeping captive. He eyed him for a few seconds. Then he snorted. "You should have thought of that before you failed to bring back the targets." He started to turn away but, with desperate strength, the man snapped a rope and clutched his master's cloak.

"No! Please! Don't do this! I've served you faithfully for years. Don't let it end like this!"

Kriggen looked in disgust at the hand attached to his cloak. "Alright". He growled. The man wept in relief.

"Thank you my lord! Thank y-" His hand stiffened as the bolt slammed into his back and entered his heart. The hand clenched tightly for a second. Then it relaxed, and the wide staring eyes became fixed in place.

Kriggen pried off the hand and threw it back to its owner. "Burn the body." He growled to the crossbow man. Stepping back, he watched as torches were flung onto the pyre. The oil doused straw caught easily, and within seconds a raging bonfire was in progress. The body of the subordinate was consumed, his skin crackling in the blazing heat.

Kriggen watched for a moment. Then he turned to a sergeant. "Make sure that the fire doesn't get out of control." He said, and he left the scene.

When he reached his tent, Kriggen walked straight for his cabinet and opened it. Pulling out a bottle of Dragon Breath, (A/N: A popular Gaean alcohol.) he yanked out the stopper and took a long drink. Smiling through the raging fire in his head, he turned and nearly dropped his bottle in surprise.

Andrakus Kasar sat in a chair on the side of the door. His hands were folded in his lap, but the look in his shadow-ridden eyes made Kriggen put down his bottle.

"How many times" He growled, trying to cover up fear "Have I told you not to sneak into my tent like that?!"

Kasar merely smiled. "I did not 'sneak' into your tent." He spoke precisely. "I came in when you started your little.cook out. And I've been waiting since."

Kriggen was not reassured. Sitting down in the chair opposite of Kasar's, he set down the bottle on a small table. "What is it now? Whatever it is, it'll cost more money."

Kasar waved a hand dismissively. "The money doesn't matter. What matters is that you failed. You were supposed to capture the children of Hitomi Kanzaki and hold them until told to release them. Instead, you failed to capture them, and now they go to Fanelia, carrying our plans with them, and they have that prophecy too." He leaned forward. "General Veers is not pleased."

Kriggen leaned forward too. "Tell General Veers that he'll get the kids when I'm good and ready to get them! It's just a damn prophecy! How could it screw up what we've got planned?"

Kasar shook his head. He really hated this man. "If they figure out what it means, and the Dragon is reawakened-"

"Then I quit." Kriggen interrupted. "There is no way in hell, Gaea, or the Mystic Moon that I'm going against the Dragon, even with Basram's help! I fought in the Destiny war! I remember what happened!"

"If the Dragon were to awaken, then that would be.regrettable. But it would take far more than THAT to disrupt this plan." Kasar stood. "You can decide as you like, Kriggen. But if you want the Dragon's share of the power, then you should stick with us. And the sooner you get them, the better." With a sarcastic bow, Kasar turned and left the tent.

Kriggen smiled and shook his head. Taking another long swig of Dragon's Breath he reflected on how it would feel to finally get his revenge.

'I don't want it too quickly though.' He thought. 'Veers and his lackey are making me rich!'

A/N: The Dragon's Share: a saying. On Earth, it would be 'The Lion's Share'.

After another five hours of riding through the still raging wind, the trio finally reached the capital of Fanelia.

After the guards waved them through the main gate, the wind died as its fury was spent against the thick stone walls, and they could get a look at their surroundings. They were astounded.

The city had recovered completely from Zaibach's attack, and its beauty was even more legendary than Asturia's. Yukari and Setto had last seen it when they were six, and Mark never had. Needless to say, their breaths were taken.

It wasn't flashy or decorative, but it still held that certain charm that could be found in the simpler lands. The buildings were built of polished wood that seemed to shine in the sun, and the buildings of stone solidly dotted the city. It made Yukari think of a beautiful forest dotted with boulders.

As they rode into the centre of town, a wide plaza opened up. Stands scattered all throughout the massive square and merchants and peddlers cried out their wares alongside farmers. Yukari's eyes lit up at this veritable cornucopia of potential prey for her shopping spirit and Setto and Mark had to literally drag her away, kicking, from a display of fine helmets.

"Please let me go!" She cried out, straining against her restrainers. "I just want to see what they have! Let me go! I won't buy anything! I promise!"

"This is the girl who threatened to strangle me if I didn't say that dragons were cooler than unicorns?" Mark asked Setto as they dragged her off.

Eventually, when Yukari had regained control, they passed through the plaza and arrived at the other end. They were just about to leave and head to the castle, when a gruff voice called out to them.

"Yukari! Setto! Come say hello to an old friend! And I do mean 'old'!"

The trio turned in the direction of the voice. A long caravan was parked by the exit of the merchant's square and various wolfmen were busy setting up a stand and unloading their merchandise. Smiling a toothy smile in their direction was a tall wolfman. His fur was long and white, and his eyes were sunken with age. But they were as bright as ever and he strolled over to the group with the surety of a man half his years.

Setto's eyes widened. "Ruhm? Is that you?"

Ruhm's smile grew. "The one and only."

Squealing with delight, Yukari hugged Ruhm fiercely about the shoulders. "Rhum! It's so good to see you!" Setto hurried over and hugged him too, leaving Mark holding onto the horses, and looking bewildered.

When the reunion was over, Yukari introduced Mark. Shifting the reins to his other hand, Mark shook hands with the old wolfman.

"So how'd you join the group?" Ruhm asked.

The trio told the story, interrupting each other at various points. When they were finished, Ruhm's smile had a slightly sneaky tinge to it, as if he knew something the others didn't.

"Oh?" He almost-purred. Turning to Mark, he said, "You should feel special. Yukari really doesn't take to new people. She seems to have taken a liking to you."

Mark and Yukari turned red. "Ruhm!" She snapped glad she was angry. Her flush could have been mistaken for anger, instead of embarrassment. "We met just today! Only a few hours ago, in fact!"

"Yeah!" Mark chimed in. "And she threatened to cut my dick off!"

Ruhm looked impressed. "Is that all? She must really like you then."

By this time, Setto was rolling on the ground with laughter. He shut up quick enough when Yukari and Mark glared death at him. Getting up, he quickly asked Ruhm, "So, what are you up to these days?"

Chuckling quietly, Ruhm proceeded to tell the kids about his trips last year. They listened in suspense when he told the time he'd faced down a land dragon.

"I stood there and glared defiance at the great beast. It howled and screamed its fury, but it would go no closer. At last, it turned and stalked away."

Mark and Yukari stared in admiration. Setto however, asked, "Why didn't it attack you?"

Ruhm looked sheepish. "Well. Truth be told, I had climbed a steep cliff before the glaring."

Yukari and Mark whirled and glared at the laughing ninja. Yukari smacked her brother upside the head. "You really know how to screw up a story, you know?"

"Hey!" Setto protested, rubbing his head. "I prefer stories told like it is!"

"Well I don't!" Mark smacked Setto upside the head too. "Show me a truly honest story teller, and I'll show you a pink and purple dragon."

Yukari nodded fiercely, and Ruhm chuckled again. 'If they're not together yet, then they'll be together soon.' He thought.

Aloud, he said, "If you guys are headed for the palace, then an old dog like me shouldn't keep you waiting. If the rumours are true, Van fired his advisors last week, and with Millerna and the kids in Asturia, he'll need someone to keep him company."

The three thanked the old wolfman, and they were soon on their way again, happy with the world in general and everyone in particular.

This did not last long.

Barely twenty meters from the plaza, a train of nobles, and their servants marched through the street. Copying the crowd, the trio shoved up against the wall, and watched colourfully dressed women, flashily clothed men, and dozens of drab retainers march by.

Yukari watched these people with contempt. 'Pompous and gaudy. Not one of them has any sort of skill, I'll bet.' She thought. Just then, she was bumped by someone from the crowd. Muttering an apology, she pushed back up against the wall.

Apparently, the person who was bumped was either deaf, or too obnoxious to have heard the apology, for a round man with two chins, and armour so ornamental that it looked as though it would break from too much handling.

"How dare you touch me you filthy commoner?" The fat man demanded, jowls quivering. Instantly, the crowd stopped moving as noble, servant, and peasant turned to see what had happened. Within seconds, everyone within a thirty-meter radius was watching the confrontation.

Yukari held up her hands. This was not the time to pick a fight with a nobleman. "Sorry. I wasn't watching where I was going."

The nobleman was apparently feeling waspish. Either that or he liked picking on people smaller than him. "You dare touch me and have the audacity to try and apologise in such a manner? How dare you even look me in the eyes? On your knees now, peasant, and kiss the feet of your better!"

Setto groaned and disappeared down an alley. If he didn't see what happened, then the police couldn't arrest him. Yukari's eyes narrowed.

"With all due respect sir, you are not my lord. Therefore, you are not my better, and therefore, you'll have to accept my apology as it is."

Lord Whatever puffed up in indignation. "I am the better of all beneath me, peasant! All nobility rules every peasant. It has been that way for millennia, and it will be that way for millennia to come." Murmurs of assent came from the nobility of the crowd. "Now that my legitimate rulership over you has been established, you will kiss my feet or face the consequences!"

Yukari started breathing hard. Mark noticed this, and tried to lead her away. "Come on." He pleaded. "Lets go before this gets ugly."

Yukari shook off his hand. "Legitimacy", She hissed through clenched teeth, "That's a big word. Did it concern your father any?"

Several nobles gasped, and one fine lady fainted straight away. Lord Whatever quivered with pompous rage. "You have insulted me, peasant." He slapped Yukari across the face. "I challenge you to a duel, to take place within the hour!"

Yukari's temper broke. She made a fist, and, with a hard right, crashed it into Lord Whatever's jaw. He collapsed, unconscious, to the ground with a sodden thump.

Mark was the first one to move. Having experienced Yukari's temper before, he wasn't overly shocked. When the lord hit the ground, he sprang into action. Standing beside Yukari, he raised her hand and shouted to the throng "The duel is over! I give you the winner!"

This pronouncement was greeted with some confused muttering. Yukari stared at Mark in surprise. Smiling, Mark elaborated. "His lordship said the duel was to take place within the hour. Well, it just did."

"But that wasn't a fair fight!" Shouted some unknown. "They were supposed to face each other on the field, with no advantages!"

"For all he knew, Yukari was an untrained, defenceless woman." Mark countered. "And yet, he challenged her to a sword fight. Is that fair?"

Many of the nobles nodded. The uppity one didn't respond. The rest just moved along, leaving Lord whatever and his retainers behind.

Mark took Yukari's hand and started walking swiftly. "Let's hurry before they decide I'm just blowing smoke." He said quietly. Yukari nodded and hurried along too.

Finally, when they were alone in the streets, they stopped, gasping for breath. Mark was panting, but smiling. "Not.the way you'd.pictured.getting to the castle, eh?"

Yukari nodded. "Why did you.help me like that?"

The question hit Mark like a brick. "Well.I.uh.You helped me first." He managed to stammer.

Yukari's eyes were unreadable. "I could have been killed by those nobles. If they were a little smarter, they'd have called the guards. You kept both of those things from happening. I owe you." She suddenly smiled. "Remind me of that, okay?"

Mark was speechless. Slowly he became aware that he was still holding onto Yukari's hand. It was warm and soft. Suddenly, she blushed and they both let go quickly.

Yukari hid her hand behind her back, and Mark became engrossed with a bug crawling across a window.

Silence reigned for minutes before the timely arrival of Setto.

The young ninja broke the ice by stumbling through a bush, swearing softly at the thorns. Thankful for a diversion, the other two whirled on him.

"Where the hell were you?"

"Why did you just leave us like that?"

Setto's eyes widened in surprise, as they continued to rant at him. 'What's got into them?' he thought.

***

After long minutes of screaming, they finally got on their way again. They gathered up their horses and led them to the castle. A few guards waited at the main gate.

"Hold." One commanded, holding up his spear as if to bar their way. "Who are you and why do you seek entrance into the royal palace?"

Setto stepped forward. "We are here to see king Van on business that is private to him."

The guards looked at each other. The leader spoke again. "Why should we believe you?"

Setto shrugged. "You shouldn't, of course. I've always believed that mistrust is a quality to admire within guards. But tell Van that Setto and Yukari are here."

The guards looked at each other again. The leader nodded and another ran off. Turning his attention to the trio, he said "If you will follow me, I'll direct you to a place you can wait for his majesty." Without waiting for an answer, he turned on his heel and began to march.

***

It turned out that the room was across the courtyard, down a long hall, through several turns, and past a library. Another guard had taken their horses, and Yukari was grumbling about what they were doing to Reaver.

When inside the room, the guard left without a backward glance, and the three were left alone in a large cold room, with a few chairs and not much else.

Setto sighed. "I guess all we have to do now is wait for van to arrive."

No sooner had he spoken those words than Van did indeed arrive. Over six feet tall, Van's face hadn't changed a bit, except for his eyes which were wiser. In his youth, he was a hot head who wouldn't hesitate to lunge into trouble. As a man, he gave you the feeling that you could trust him.

"Yukari! Setto!" Van smiled warmly. Coming over to them, he shook their hands excitedly. "How have you guys been?"

"Oh not too bad" Yukari said. "Apart from two assassination attempts, a plot, and some imbecile challenging me to a duel, things are pretty good."

The smile wiped from van's face. He studied her intently. "What kind of plot?"

Setto shook his head. "We've no idea. We don't see much reason behind the assassins either."

"Who'd be trying to kill you?"

Yukari shrugged. "All we know is that something weird is going on in Basram." She shivered. She had that cold feeling again. Setto nervously rubbed his hands together.

"Basram? That's strange. The-"

Suddenly Setto dove forward, knocking Van to the ground. Just in time too. Had he been a little slower, the dagger would have slammed between his ribs.





A/N: Yes! Another cliffhanger! I was starting to miss those! ^^ Aaaaw! Love is in the air! You can probably guess what I've got in store for those two. And who's the Dragon? I'll give you a hint. It's obvious. Yes Pyro Ninja, Setto classifies as a ninja. But will the good guys live through this latest assassination attempt? Find out next time.on Escaflowne!

Dilandau with a cowboy hat: Goodnight folks!

A/N: Hey! You ruined my ending speech!