The Next Generation 15
Magicman: I'm back again! Today we have a special treat. Dilandau-with-a- cowboy-hat will be singing another little snippet that neither of us owns! Take it away Dilly!
(Dilandau-with-a-cowboy-hat comes onstage with a guitar. He starts playing)
Dilandau-with-a-cowboy-hat: Oh I hate the government, More than you and me. The government took my goldfish. And unplugged my TV.
(Takes a bow)
Magicman: Thank you Dilandau-with-a-cowboy-hat. That's a lot to say, isn't it? Well on with the fic!
"Hey guard!"
The guard who stood outside the door of Hitomi and Dilandau's cell was big, dumb, and prideful. Just the sort to fall into Hitomi's trap.
The large and admittedly ugly man turned and eyed the feisty woman dully.
Hitomi smirked scornfully at the big man. "What's the matter? You need to have a door between us? You don't think you could take me yourself? Hah! You're a joke!"
The guard didn't say anything. He just reached into his pocket, pulled out a key, unlocked the door, stepped into the cell, locked the door behind him, and threw the key through the gaps between the bars. Turning toward Hitomi, he bellowed loudly and rushed toward her, arms outstretched.
Hitomi ducked beneath his grasp and swept his legs out from under him with a circle kick. In less than a second, the guard had gone from perpendicular to parallel with the floor. Hitomi then rammed her knee into the small of the man's back, sending him into the air. Joining her hands, she brought them into his stomach, knockng him into the floor. The guard was still moving feebly, so she kicked him a couple of times and he lay still.
Dilandau got up from his bed and looked at his wife's handy work. "Ouch".
Hitomi grinned and dusted of her hands. "Now for your job."
"Right". Dilandau took the guard's dagger and placed it in the keyhole of the lock. "Remember: the lock is always the weakest part of the cell." Slamming his hand into the pommel of the dagger, the point drove in deep. A cracking sound was heard and the door swung open easily. "Like so."
Hitomi stared. "How the hell did you manage that?"
Dilandau smiled sweetly. "Just something they taught us in Zaibach! Now let's get the hell out of here babe!"
"With pleasure".
The married couple ran through the broken door and into the cellblock. Dilandau ran to another door. "I think this is the door we take." He threw open the door.
Thirty odd men in silver armour holding drawn swords stood in front of the door.
Dilandau closed the door. "We may be in trouble."
***
The leva-barge floated into the massive hangar of the Destiny. The captain landed carefully and shut down the engines. Technicians and mechanics rushed out to inspect the ship for repairs.
The captain turned to his passenger. "Well here you are lady Veers, safe and sound."
Sabrina smiled slightly. "Thank you captain. You have a very fine ship."
The captain smiled back. "It's no pleasure boat, but she does the job." He turned to his first mate. "Help the lady with her bags."
The mate, with the aid of two more men, managed to drag Sabrina's bags onto the flight deck. Sabrina followed them.
A door opened and General Veers entered the hangar. He smiled at his daughter as people scattered out of his path. "Sabrina" the man hugged his daughter warmly. "Welcome back. The Destiny was empty without you."
Sabrina smiled back. "I missed you father!"
Father and daughter left the hangar bay together as servants struggled to drag a particularly heavy bag to Sabrina's room.
"How was your trip to Fanelia?" Veers asked. "I trust King Van treated you with full honours?"
"He was very kind father. And Fanelia is a beautiful country." Sabrina sighed. "It is a shame to leave it so soon."
"Just say the word and you shall visit it again."
Sabrina shook her head. "No, for now I am happy to be home. What happened while I was gone?"
Veers spoke to his daughter about the goings on in the city. While she was visiting Fanelia, the Silver Serpents had finally located the lair of the Pentagram mafia, so called because their symbol of choice was a silver pentagram. Most of the criminals had been killed or captured, and Veers expected a substantial decrease in Solek's crime rate.
"Also, we captured two spies."
Sabrina stumbled momentarily. "Are you alright my daughter?"
"Yes, I'm fine. You were talking about spies?"
"Yes. We caught two of them. Earlier today they tried to escape, but we recaptured them. They're being held in cellblock G if you'd like to see them."
"No, that's alright." Sabrina put a hand to her head. "Suddenly I have a headache. Would you mind if I rested for an hour or so?"
"Of course not. I understand perfectly." Veers smiled warmly. "I shall see you at supper then, Sabrina."
Sabrna smiled. "Yes father."
***
Two servants dragged a large suitcase to Sabrina's room and deposited it on the floor.
"There" one of them gasped, wiping his brow.
"That was a heavy sucker, wasn't it?"
"You got that right! I wonder what's in it?"
"No time to check it out. We've got work to do." And with that, the two men left.
As soon as the door closed, something inside the suitcase started banging on it desperately. Whatever it was wanted out. Finally, the point of a dagger stuck through the slat and moved upward, catching the latch. The case burst open.
Setto jumped up and ran for the bathroom. He barely got there in time.
While he was relieving himself, Sabrina entered the room, closing the door as she went. Looking at Setto, she asked, "Are you alright?"
"Other than the fact that I've been locked in a suitcase for eighteen hours without access to a bathroom, yes!"
"Sorry. I didn't think you'd be stowed away with the other luggage."
Stowed away were the exact words.
The day before, when Setto had finally beat his hangover, Sabrina had come to him with an idea. She was sorry about his parents and wanted to help, so she offered to get him inside the Destiny. Setto agreed and was soon hid inside one of Sabrina's bags and on the way to Basram.
Unfortunately, neither of them had counted on the fact that he'd be locked inside for the whole trip.
When Setto was finally done peeing, he sighed in relief. Sabrina pulled a rope, ringing a bell. "What's that do?"
"It summons a servant."
Setto dived behind a couch just as the door opened. "What does my lady require?"
"Bring me some food please."
"Yes milady." The man bowed and left. Ten minutes later he was back with a large tray of food. Bowing again, he left.
Setto came out of hiding. "Could you warn me next time?"
Ignoring the question, Sabrina pushed the tray toward him. "Here. Eat. You must be starving."
"Starving? I could eat a dragon!"
For the next few minutes Setto ate away his hunger. Sabrina stared in fascination.
"How do you manage to eat so much?"
Setto shrugged. "Metabolism?" His teeth tore off another bite of meat. "So, what's the situation?"
Sabrina told Setto everything she knew about the Destiny. "Apparently, your parents are being held in cellblock G. That's the maximum-security wing. It seems that they tried to escape recently."
Setto smiled. "They'd never give in to someone like Veers. They've both been through hell and back. A little imprisonment isn't going to stop them."
Setto took a drink of wine.
Sabrina nodded. "Yes, but death by magic might."
Setto performed a spit take. "WHAT?!" he choked.
"I heard it from some of the crew. Kasar is pressing father to order them killed. He wants to do it personally." She patted Setto on the back. "I'm sorry."
Setto felt numb. "Will your father let that happen?"
"I don't know. Kasar is his friend, but having them as prisoners is very important to him."
Sighing, Setto fell back on the couch. Watching the ceiling he remembered his parents. The sword fighting lessons from Hitomi. The guymelef lessons from Dilandau. How they taught him to read and write and to count. All the words of wisdom they had given him.
One in particular floated through his mind. "Son," said Dilandau's voice, "If there's ever someone who's keeping you from your family, burn him to the ground!"
"Thanks dad." Setto whispered.
"Pardon?"
He sat up. "Sabrina?"
"Yes?"
Setto grinned. "I think I know how we're gonna save my parents!"
***
With the Dragonslayers, Mark, Yukari, and Van in tow, the Vione pulled into Palas' harbour. The whole bunch disembarked, leaving a few technicians aboard.
The mood of the city was strained and tense. It left you with a feeling that chaos was about to explode at any moment. Most of the people were off the streets, but there were still a few people going about their business. They looked at the column of mercenaries and went there own way with a resigned air that seemed to say 'Go ahead and destroy the city. We're used to it by now.'
Before they reached the castle, Yukari and the cat girl trio caught sight of a building with the symbol of the merchants' guild on it. Grabbing Mark, they raced off before anyone could stop them.
"Shouldn't we go after them?" Chesta asked Folken.
"No" the older man replied. "They'll find their way back. For now we've got to get quartered in the castle."
Deeva frowned. "How come they get to go shopping while we have to set up shop?"
"Can you find your way in a strange city?"
"No."
"Well there you go."
Ryoun clapped a hand on the dejected Deeva's shoulder. "I know how you feel buddy. I want to see the sites too."
Gatti smiled with memories. "I'd love to see this place again. It's been.what, two years?"
"No, three. Sashi was only nine the last time we passed by and according to Hitomi he's twelve now."
"Oh yeah. That was when we fought that little border raid with some uppity lord. What was his name?"
"I think it was Cornbutt, or TobaccoAss or something."
"Geez you guys! It was Thistlebottom!"
"Oh".
Folken sighed in frustration. "Will you all stop talking for a bit if I let you go when we arrive at the castle?"
The Slayers all beamed. "Of course Lord Folken."
"Alright then. When we reach the castle you can all explore." Folken raised a metallic finger. "The first person who cheers gets an anal probe the hard way."
Silence reigned until they were inside the castle doors. Folken turned around to tell the men to be off, but they had scattered when they caught sight of the doors. He sighed again. Why did he have to put up with all the crap when Dilandau and Hitomi got their total respect?
A laughing voice interrupted his self-pitying thoughts. "The troops desert you again Folken?"
The cyborg turned and smiled. "Millerna! How've you been?" He hugged the queen of Asturia. "You're even more beautiful than the last time I was here!"
Millerna smiled warmly. "You're lucky Van's your brother. The last man who flirted with me like that he pushed out the second story window!"
It wasn't just flirting, however. Millerna was one of the most beautiful women in Asturia. She had lost the naïve princess look, and wore well the burden of ruling a kingdom.
Folken laughed. "Flirting with his brother's wife is an uncle's privilege!"
"Maybe" Millerna countered, "But you know how jealous he can get!"
The laughter attracted the attention of a twelve-year old boy. He walked into the room and his eyes lit up. "Uncle Folken!"
Van's son Sashi had his mother's eyes and his father's build. His hair was an odd greyish-blue that probably came from Folken. A cheerful lad, he was quiet and introspective. He always wanted to study how things worked.
Folken hugged his nephew. "Hey there, big guy! How are things for you?"
"Quite well! Mother says I can go with Dryden on his next merchant trip!"
"Well that's great!"
Sashi nodded happily.
"Young master!" An aged tutor appeared from out of nowhere. "You must return to your studies!"
Sashi made a face. "Okay". Waving goodbye to Folken and his mother, he dragged his feet out of the room.
Millerna sighed. "He's so young, but he's so smart. Do you know what he said the other day? 'When's Basram going to invade so we can kick their asses and get it over with?' Those were his exact words!"
"And what did you answer?"
Millerna bristled. "I sent him to bed without supper and demanded to know where he got that word from!"
Folken burst into laughter. "It's not funny! A child of twelve shouldn't be using words like that!" He laughed even harder.
Millerna smacked his arm.
"Ow! Okay, okay, I'll stop laughing." Rubbing his arm, Folken said "So, when will they attack?"
Millerna hesitated. "I don't know," she said finally. "For the past week, they've just been sitting there, barely in sight of Palas. I've been having the people evacuate, but some just won't go."
"Well that explains why the city is so deserted."
"Yes. I'm trying to avoid the casualties the civilian population took last time."
Folken nodded sagely. It was a wise precaution. "So, where do you want the Slayers posted?"
Millerna shrugged. "I barely know diversionary tactic means, let alone any complicated battle plan! I can only suggest that you either do as you see best, or ask Van." She looked around. "Speaking of which, where is my husband?"
Folken coughed. "He was with the Slayers when they took off."
Millerna's eyes narrowed. "So he thinks he can get away with not seeing me for a month and then not even giving me a hello, hmm?"
"To be fair-"
"I don't want to be fair! When you see him, tell Van that I'm waiting in our room for him!" Turning, the queen of Asturia flounced of in a huff. But Folken caught the grin as she turned away. Millerna loved acting almost as much as she loved helping people. It was what gave her such flair as a queen.
Folken sighed. It looked like the night was going to get rough for Van.
Good? Bad? Death threat? Let me know please! Now for my heckler's voice! What can Setto's plan be? Will he and Sabrina rescue our favourite semi-psychos? And what sort of torment does Millerna have in store for her husband? Find out next time.on Escaflowne!
Magicman: I'm back again! Today we have a special treat. Dilandau-with-a- cowboy-hat will be singing another little snippet that neither of us owns! Take it away Dilly!
(Dilandau-with-a-cowboy-hat comes onstage with a guitar. He starts playing)
Dilandau-with-a-cowboy-hat: Oh I hate the government, More than you and me. The government took my goldfish. And unplugged my TV.
(Takes a bow)
Magicman: Thank you Dilandau-with-a-cowboy-hat. That's a lot to say, isn't it? Well on with the fic!
"Hey guard!"
The guard who stood outside the door of Hitomi and Dilandau's cell was big, dumb, and prideful. Just the sort to fall into Hitomi's trap.
The large and admittedly ugly man turned and eyed the feisty woman dully.
Hitomi smirked scornfully at the big man. "What's the matter? You need to have a door between us? You don't think you could take me yourself? Hah! You're a joke!"
The guard didn't say anything. He just reached into his pocket, pulled out a key, unlocked the door, stepped into the cell, locked the door behind him, and threw the key through the gaps between the bars. Turning toward Hitomi, he bellowed loudly and rushed toward her, arms outstretched.
Hitomi ducked beneath his grasp and swept his legs out from under him with a circle kick. In less than a second, the guard had gone from perpendicular to parallel with the floor. Hitomi then rammed her knee into the small of the man's back, sending him into the air. Joining her hands, she brought them into his stomach, knockng him into the floor. The guard was still moving feebly, so she kicked him a couple of times and he lay still.
Dilandau got up from his bed and looked at his wife's handy work. "Ouch".
Hitomi grinned and dusted of her hands. "Now for your job."
"Right". Dilandau took the guard's dagger and placed it in the keyhole of the lock. "Remember: the lock is always the weakest part of the cell." Slamming his hand into the pommel of the dagger, the point drove in deep. A cracking sound was heard and the door swung open easily. "Like so."
Hitomi stared. "How the hell did you manage that?"
Dilandau smiled sweetly. "Just something they taught us in Zaibach! Now let's get the hell out of here babe!"
"With pleasure".
The married couple ran through the broken door and into the cellblock. Dilandau ran to another door. "I think this is the door we take." He threw open the door.
Thirty odd men in silver armour holding drawn swords stood in front of the door.
Dilandau closed the door. "We may be in trouble."
***
The leva-barge floated into the massive hangar of the Destiny. The captain landed carefully and shut down the engines. Technicians and mechanics rushed out to inspect the ship for repairs.
The captain turned to his passenger. "Well here you are lady Veers, safe and sound."
Sabrina smiled slightly. "Thank you captain. You have a very fine ship."
The captain smiled back. "It's no pleasure boat, but she does the job." He turned to his first mate. "Help the lady with her bags."
The mate, with the aid of two more men, managed to drag Sabrina's bags onto the flight deck. Sabrina followed them.
A door opened and General Veers entered the hangar. He smiled at his daughter as people scattered out of his path. "Sabrina" the man hugged his daughter warmly. "Welcome back. The Destiny was empty without you."
Sabrina smiled back. "I missed you father!"
Father and daughter left the hangar bay together as servants struggled to drag a particularly heavy bag to Sabrina's room.
"How was your trip to Fanelia?" Veers asked. "I trust King Van treated you with full honours?"
"He was very kind father. And Fanelia is a beautiful country." Sabrina sighed. "It is a shame to leave it so soon."
"Just say the word and you shall visit it again."
Sabrina shook her head. "No, for now I am happy to be home. What happened while I was gone?"
Veers spoke to his daughter about the goings on in the city. While she was visiting Fanelia, the Silver Serpents had finally located the lair of the Pentagram mafia, so called because their symbol of choice was a silver pentagram. Most of the criminals had been killed or captured, and Veers expected a substantial decrease in Solek's crime rate.
"Also, we captured two spies."
Sabrina stumbled momentarily. "Are you alright my daughter?"
"Yes, I'm fine. You were talking about spies?"
"Yes. We caught two of them. Earlier today they tried to escape, but we recaptured them. They're being held in cellblock G if you'd like to see them."
"No, that's alright." Sabrina put a hand to her head. "Suddenly I have a headache. Would you mind if I rested for an hour or so?"
"Of course not. I understand perfectly." Veers smiled warmly. "I shall see you at supper then, Sabrina."
Sabrna smiled. "Yes father."
***
Two servants dragged a large suitcase to Sabrina's room and deposited it on the floor.
"There" one of them gasped, wiping his brow.
"That was a heavy sucker, wasn't it?"
"You got that right! I wonder what's in it?"
"No time to check it out. We've got work to do." And with that, the two men left.
As soon as the door closed, something inside the suitcase started banging on it desperately. Whatever it was wanted out. Finally, the point of a dagger stuck through the slat and moved upward, catching the latch. The case burst open.
Setto jumped up and ran for the bathroom. He barely got there in time.
While he was relieving himself, Sabrina entered the room, closing the door as she went. Looking at Setto, she asked, "Are you alright?"
"Other than the fact that I've been locked in a suitcase for eighteen hours without access to a bathroom, yes!"
"Sorry. I didn't think you'd be stowed away with the other luggage."
Stowed away were the exact words.
The day before, when Setto had finally beat his hangover, Sabrina had come to him with an idea. She was sorry about his parents and wanted to help, so she offered to get him inside the Destiny. Setto agreed and was soon hid inside one of Sabrina's bags and on the way to Basram.
Unfortunately, neither of them had counted on the fact that he'd be locked inside for the whole trip.
When Setto was finally done peeing, he sighed in relief. Sabrina pulled a rope, ringing a bell. "What's that do?"
"It summons a servant."
Setto dived behind a couch just as the door opened. "What does my lady require?"
"Bring me some food please."
"Yes milady." The man bowed and left. Ten minutes later he was back with a large tray of food. Bowing again, he left.
Setto came out of hiding. "Could you warn me next time?"
Ignoring the question, Sabrina pushed the tray toward him. "Here. Eat. You must be starving."
"Starving? I could eat a dragon!"
For the next few minutes Setto ate away his hunger. Sabrina stared in fascination.
"How do you manage to eat so much?"
Setto shrugged. "Metabolism?" His teeth tore off another bite of meat. "So, what's the situation?"
Sabrina told Setto everything she knew about the Destiny. "Apparently, your parents are being held in cellblock G. That's the maximum-security wing. It seems that they tried to escape recently."
Setto smiled. "They'd never give in to someone like Veers. They've both been through hell and back. A little imprisonment isn't going to stop them."
Setto took a drink of wine.
Sabrina nodded. "Yes, but death by magic might."
Setto performed a spit take. "WHAT?!" he choked.
"I heard it from some of the crew. Kasar is pressing father to order them killed. He wants to do it personally." She patted Setto on the back. "I'm sorry."
Setto felt numb. "Will your father let that happen?"
"I don't know. Kasar is his friend, but having them as prisoners is very important to him."
Sighing, Setto fell back on the couch. Watching the ceiling he remembered his parents. The sword fighting lessons from Hitomi. The guymelef lessons from Dilandau. How they taught him to read and write and to count. All the words of wisdom they had given him.
One in particular floated through his mind. "Son," said Dilandau's voice, "If there's ever someone who's keeping you from your family, burn him to the ground!"
"Thanks dad." Setto whispered.
"Pardon?"
He sat up. "Sabrina?"
"Yes?"
Setto grinned. "I think I know how we're gonna save my parents!"
***
With the Dragonslayers, Mark, Yukari, and Van in tow, the Vione pulled into Palas' harbour. The whole bunch disembarked, leaving a few technicians aboard.
The mood of the city was strained and tense. It left you with a feeling that chaos was about to explode at any moment. Most of the people were off the streets, but there were still a few people going about their business. They looked at the column of mercenaries and went there own way with a resigned air that seemed to say 'Go ahead and destroy the city. We're used to it by now.'
Before they reached the castle, Yukari and the cat girl trio caught sight of a building with the symbol of the merchants' guild on it. Grabbing Mark, they raced off before anyone could stop them.
"Shouldn't we go after them?" Chesta asked Folken.
"No" the older man replied. "They'll find their way back. For now we've got to get quartered in the castle."
Deeva frowned. "How come they get to go shopping while we have to set up shop?"
"Can you find your way in a strange city?"
"No."
"Well there you go."
Ryoun clapped a hand on the dejected Deeva's shoulder. "I know how you feel buddy. I want to see the sites too."
Gatti smiled with memories. "I'd love to see this place again. It's been.what, two years?"
"No, three. Sashi was only nine the last time we passed by and according to Hitomi he's twelve now."
"Oh yeah. That was when we fought that little border raid with some uppity lord. What was his name?"
"I think it was Cornbutt, or TobaccoAss or something."
"Geez you guys! It was Thistlebottom!"
"Oh".
Folken sighed in frustration. "Will you all stop talking for a bit if I let you go when we arrive at the castle?"
The Slayers all beamed. "Of course Lord Folken."
"Alright then. When we reach the castle you can all explore." Folken raised a metallic finger. "The first person who cheers gets an anal probe the hard way."
Silence reigned until they were inside the castle doors. Folken turned around to tell the men to be off, but they had scattered when they caught sight of the doors. He sighed again. Why did he have to put up with all the crap when Dilandau and Hitomi got their total respect?
A laughing voice interrupted his self-pitying thoughts. "The troops desert you again Folken?"
The cyborg turned and smiled. "Millerna! How've you been?" He hugged the queen of Asturia. "You're even more beautiful than the last time I was here!"
Millerna smiled warmly. "You're lucky Van's your brother. The last man who flirted with me like that he pushed out the second story window!"
It wasn't just flirting, however. Millerna was one of the most beautiful women in Asturia. She had lost the naïve princess look, and wore well the burden of ruling a kingdom.
Folken laughed. "Flirting with his brother's wife is an uncle's privilege!"
"Maybe" Millerna countered, "But you know how jealous he can get!"
The laughter attracted the attention of a twelve-year old boy. He walked into the room and his eyes lit up. "Uncle Folken!"
Van's son Sashi had his mother's eyes and his father's build. His hair was an odd greyish-blue that probably came from Folken. A cheerful lad, he was quiet and introspective. He always wanted to study how things worked.
Folken hugged his nephew. "Hey there, big guy! How are things for you?"
"Quite well! Mother says I can go with Dryden on his next merchant trip!"
"Well that's great!"
Sashi nodded happily.
"Young master!" An aged tutor appeared from out of nowhere. "You must return to your studies!"
Sashi made a face. "Okay". Waving goodbye to Folken and his mother, he dragged his feet out of the room.
Millerna sighed. "He's so young, but he's so smart. Do you know what he said the other day? 'When's Basram going to invade so we can kick their asses and get it over with?' Those were his exact words!"
"And what did you answer?"
Millerna bristled. "I sent him to bed without supper and demanded to know where he got that word from!"
Folken burst into laughter. "It's not funny! A child of twelve shouldn't be using words like that!" He laughed even harder.
Millerna smacked his arm.
"Ow! Okay, okay, I'll stop laughing." Rubbing his arm, Folken said "So, when will they attack?"
Millerna hesitated. "I don't know," she said finally. "For the past week, they've just been sitting there, barely in sight of Palas. I've been having the people evacuate, but some just won't go."
"Well that explains why the city is so deserted."
"Yes. I'm trying to avoid the casualties the civilian population took last time."
Folken nodded sagely. It was a wise precaution. "So, where do you want the Slayers posted?"
Millerna shrugged. "I barely know diversionary tactic means, let alone any complicated battle plan! I can only suggest that you either do as you see best, or ask Van." She looked around. "Speaking of which, where is my husband?"
Folken coughed. "He was with the Slayers when they took off."
Millerna's eyes narrowed. "So he thinks he can get away with not seeing me for a month and then not even giving me a hello, hmm?"
"To be fair-"
"I don't want to be fair! When you see him, tell Van that I'm waiting in our room for him!" Turning, the queen of Asturia flounced of in a huff. But Folken caught the grin as she turned away. Millerna loved acting almost as much as she loved helping people. It was what gave her such flair as a queen.
Folken sighed. It looked like the night was going to get rough for Van.
Good? Bad? Death threat? Let me know please! Now for my heckler's voice! What can Setto's plan be? Will he and Sabrina rescue our favourite semi-psychos? And what sort of torment does Millerna have in store for her husband? Find out next time.on Escaflowne!
