Adrina awoke with a start. She knew she had been having a nightmare, but she couldn't remember what it was. All she could recall was blood and death. She shook it out of her mind and got dressed quickly, then headed out in search of Folken.
She found him in the control room, where she assumed she would, and joined him on the platform. Outside the window, the first rays of the sun were just bathing the land in pale light. She noticed that they were no longer in Fortona, but appeared to be moving over empty land.
"What's going on?" Adrina asked after noticing that Folken seemed tense.
"Dilandau and the dragonslayers have finally caught up with the Crusade," Folken informed.
"What?" Adrina exclaimed, "You mean he chased them all night?"
"Okay people," Dilandau's voice floated out of the speaker, "the dragon hunting is gonna stop today." The speaker was silent for a moment, then Dilandau screamed, "Attack now!" Sounds of the battle were heard over the speaker as the dragonslayers battled their prey.
"Damn he's fast," Dilandau cursed, "Stealth cloaks!" More screams and crashes as the battle continued. "What Dilandau quaked, "What in the world is happening? He's going crazy!"
For the first time, Dilandau sounded afraid. Adrina hoped that Van was okay and judging by Dilandau's comments, he was. She listened intently as the floating fortress sped on.
"G...Gadi? Chesta? Dallet?" Dilandau cried, "Where is he?" A few whimpers were heard, then Dilandau screamed, "Stay away!"
He's losing it, Adrina thought. She wondered what Van could be doing to make Dilandau break down like that and the possibilities made her shiver. HE really was a different Van from the one she had known in Fanelia.
"Dilandau!" Folken called. The only reply he received was a whimper from the speaker.
"He's not responding sir," the soldier informed.
"Get him back to the Vione as soon as possible," Folken ordered.
"Yes sir!"
"Lady Adrina and I will be in the dining room," Folken told the soldiers, "As soon as Dilandau is spotted, I want to be informed."
"Yes sir," the soldiers agreed. Folken nodded and he and Adrina went to the dining room for breakfast.
They had just finished their meal when a soldier burst into the room.
"Lord Folken!" the soldier began, "Lord Dilandau has just been brought into the hangar."
"Good." Folken stood up and hurried to the hangar with Adrina close behind. When they reached the hangar, they saw the red guymelef against the far wall. There was no sign of the other dragonslayers.
"Where is he?" Folken demanded. The soldier pointed to a catwalk near the open hangar door. Dilandau stood there, gazing out at the blue sky. He looked either deep in thought or completely insane.
"Dilandau," Folken called.
"Yes?" Dilandau replied but didn't turn around. In his hand he clutched a single red rose.
"What happened out there?" Folken asked.
A shiver ran the length of Dilandau's body. "I don't feel like talking about it right now. I just want to watch the sky."
To Adrina, Dilandau's voice sounded different, almost innocent. It was a far cry from the usual shrill screech she had become used to. Adrina exchanged a questioning look with Folken.
"All right Dilandau," Folken agreed, "We'll leave you alone." He turned to a nearby soldier and whispered. "Keep an eye on him." The soldier nodded and Folken and Adrina left the hangar.
As soon as they were out in the hall, Adrina turned to Folken. "What happened to him?"
"I don't know," Folken admitted, "but I'm guessing the loss of the dragonslayers was too much for him and he snapped."
"So Van really killed all of the dragonslayers?" Adrina inquired.
"I assume as much," Folken answered, "But with Dilandau as he is, we may never know what really happened."
They had just reached the control room when a soldier ran up to them.
"Lord Folken!" the soldier cried, "Lord Dilandau is getting worse!"
Folken sighed. "I was afraid of this. Take him to his room and make sure he doesn't leave. Then notify the sorcerers and tell them of his condition."
"Yes sir," the soldier saluted and hurried off. Folken and Adrina continued to the control room where they were heading before the soldier stopped them.
"Is there any word on the other dragonslayers?" Folken asked as they took their customary spot on the platform.
"They were all destroyed," A soldier replied.
"You're sure?" Folken prodded.
"As far as we can tell," the soldier said.
"Damn," Folken whispered.
"Lord Folken," another soldier called, "the sorcerers are on their way and sound arrive around dusk this evening."
"Good," Folken stated.
"And they are bringing Naria and Eriya with them," the soldier added.
"Naria and Eriya?" Folken's face visibly brightened.
"Who're they?' Adrina questioned nonchalantly.
"Zaibach soldiers under my command," Folken informed, "five years ago I left them in Zaibach to train."
Adrina nodded. Despite the fact that Folken didn't mention their genders, Adrina knew they were female. When Folken was younger, Naria and Eriya had been his favorite names. A pang of jealousy swept through her and she turned away from Folken.
"I should meet with Emperor Dornkirk and let him know the situation," Folken commented, "You can wait in your room while I talk to him."
"Why can't I go with you?" Adrina questioned.
"There is no need," Folken assured, "I'll come and get you when I'm finished." With that, he left the room.
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"Sorcerers ship is approaching."
Folken and Adrina stood on the platform in the control room and watched the approaching ship. It was about the same size as the floating fortress and prepared to dock as it got closer.
"We will meet them in the hangar," Folken declared and took Adrina to the hangar. The hangar door was open and Adrina could see the ship docking in the pale light of the fading sun. Once the ship had docked with the Vione, the sorcerers, four of them, hurried into the hangar.
"Where is he?" One of them demanded without greeting Folken.
"It is good to see you again too," Folken smirked.
"We don't have time for your games!" another sorcerer insisted, "Where is Dilandau?"
Folken turned to a nearby soldier. "Take the sorcerers to Dilandau's chamber." The soldier nodded and led the cloak-clad men out of the hangar.
"What's their problem?" Adrina questioned.
"They don't like me very much." Folken's face still held the smug smirk but it turned into a genuine smile when the sound of approaching guymelefs could be heard from the docking tunnel. Adrina stared as two guymelefs emerged from the other ship. The first one was beastlike in appearance and had a long, silver mane hanging down from it's head. The second guymelef was identical to the first except it's hair was gold.
The guymelefs stopped in front of Folken and knelt down. The sound of air hissing out filled the hangar as the control chambers opened and the two pilots hopped out. Adrian was shocked to see they were cats, just like Merle, but older. They both knelt in front of Folken.
"Lord Folken, it is so good to see you again," the gold haired woman professed.
"And it is good to see you two as well," Folken assured. The silver haired cat looked up at Adrina.
"Who's she?" she hissed.
"I'm Lady Adrina of Zaibach," Adrina introduced proudly, "Folken's bodyguard."
"Lord Folken doesn't need a bodyguard now that we're here," the silver haired one sneered.
Adrina was about to counter when Folken spoke. "Naria, Adrina was assigned as my bodyguard by Emperor Dornkirk. Whether you like it or not she is to remain by my side at all times."
"Yes, Lord Folken," Naria growled.
"I have a task for you two," Folken told them. They waited eagerly to hear their assignment. "I want you to locate the Asturian levi-ship Crusade and bring me the guymelef Escaflowne, along with the pilot."
"Escaflowne?" Eriya questioned, "Isn't that the guymelef that destroyed all the dragonslayers?" Folken nodded. "Leave it to us then. We won't fail you, Lord Folken."
"Excellent," Folken praised. The twins smiled and then climbed back into their guymelefs. They turned and reentered the ship they had arrived on, then departed from there. The sound of their guymelefs faded and Folken turned to Adrina.
"We will wait for word from them in the control room," Folken told her. She said nothing and followed him out of the hangar.
Once back in the control room, the two of them stood on the platform and stared out into the dark night sky. They could just make out the twins' guymelefs as they sped away from the floating fortress. The control room was silent as Folken waited for communication from the sisters.
"Lord Folken," a female voice called from the speaker, "we've spotted the levi-ship."
"Proceed as planned," Folken okayed.
"Why do they get guymelefs?" Adrina demanded.
"Who?" Folken asked.
"Naria and Eriya," Adrina clarified.
"Because they are soldiers of Zaibach," Folken answered.
"So am I," Adrina reminded, "Why don't I get a guymelef?"
"You are a Lady of Zaibach, not a soldier," Folken corrected, "and besides, do you know how to pilot a guymelef?"
"Well, no," Adrina admitted, "but I could learn. What if I need one someday?"
"You won't," Folken assured. He paused. "Why are you pushing it so much?"
"I just don't think it's fair that they get training AND their own guymelefs and I don't get either," Adrina explained.
A smirk appeared on Folken's lips, "You're jealous of them, aren't you?"
"No!" Adrina insisted.
"Then why are you so adamant about them having guymelefs?" Folken inquired.
"I'm not jealous," Adrina repeated, "especially of them."
"You have no reason to be," Folken stated as the smirk faded, "Your natural skills are much more deadly than anything they could learn."
Adrina smiled slightly at the praise and let the topic drop. The truth was, she was jealous of the sisters and had been ever since she saw how Folken reacted when he heard they were accompanying the sorcerers. Her thoughts were scattered as one of them spoke.
"There it is. Let's take it out."
Van, Adrina thought, if you let them catch you, I'll never forgive you.
Over the speaker, the clash of metal hitting metal sounded as the cats tried to incapacitate Escaflowne.
"His stomach's wide open!" One of them called.
Come on, Adrina thought, you took out all of the dragonslayers Van. You can handle these two.
"What's wrong with him?" One twin inquired.
"He's scared," the other answered, "Dilandau's groups been taken out by this guy?"
"He's been a real disappointment to Lord Folken," the first twin said, "let's finish him off."
Adrina bit her lip to keep the anger she was feeling from spewing out in the form of curses at the cat women. Hearing them talk about someone she loved like a little brother as they were made her wish she were there with her own guymelef. She'd show them the meaning of being scared.
Suddenly, both twins gasped in unison. Adrina looked up at Folken and saw he was waiting anxiously for something to be said. Over the speaker, a faint but very familiar voice cried, "You won't kill him! I won't let you kill Lord Van!"
Adrina laughed out loud. "Merle!"
"What a party pooper," one twin scoffed.
"I know what you mean," the other agreed, "but still, she is a cat. That's enough for today."
The sound of the guymelefs taking off echoed throughout the control room as they headed back to the floating fortress. Folken turned and started off the platform.
"Where are you going?" Adrina asked.
"To bed," Folken informed, "It has been a long day." He turned to the soldiers at the console control panels. "When Naria and Eriya return, tell them I've retired for the night and will speak with them in the morning."
"Yes sir."
Folken exited the control room and headed down the hallway with Adrina beside him. They had almost made it to Folken's room when they saw the sorcerers coming down the hall. They stopped and waited as they approached.
"We are taking him back to Zaibach," one sorcerer informed and motioned behind him. Dilandau was on a stretcher being carried by two soldiers. It was obvious that he had been heavily sedated. He didn't move as they talked.
"Do you know what is wrong with him?" Folken inquired.
"No," the sorcerer said and offered no explanation. "If we can fix him, we'll send him back to you." The sorcerers and the soldiers continued on towards the hangar. Folken and Adrina watched them disappear around a bend, then continued on their own journey.
"Do you think they can help what's his name?" Adrina asked. She didn't really want him to come back, but she felt sorry for him anyways.
"If he can be helped, the sorcerers will find a way," Folken answered. A slight smile traced his lips. "Why? Do you want him to come back soon?"
"No!" Adrina assured, "I just feel sorry for him. I know what it feels like to lose people close to you."
The smile faded from Folken's face. "Death is a part of life. Without such a cycle, life as we know it would cease to exist."
"That still doesn't make it any easier," Adrina countered.
"Good night, Adrina," Folken changed the subject.
"Good night Folken," Adrina called as he entered his room and shut the door. She walked to the next room and opened the door. Because of her admittance to Zaibach, she had been given a better room next to Folken's, should he ever require her assistance during the night. The room was bigger and well furnished, and Adrina liked it. The best thing about it was she was close to Folken.
Adrina turned on the oil lamp near the entrance and closed the door behind her. She unclasped her cloak and tossed it on the couch against the wall. She then sat down on the matching loveseat and pulled off her boots. Once this was done, she stood back up and slipped out of her dress. She grabbed her nightgown off the bed where she had left it and pulled it over her head. Adrina walked next to the bed and turned down the blankets, then climbed in and covered up. She closed her eyes and drifted off to sleep.
She found him in the control room, where she assumed she would, and joined him on the platform. Outside the window, the first rays of the sun were just bathing the land in pale light. She noticed that they were no longer in Fortona, but appeared to be moving over empty land.
"What's going on?" Adrina asked after noticing that Folken seemed tense.
"Dilandau and the dragonslayers have finally caught up with the Crusade," Folken informed.
"What?" Adrina exclaimed, "You mean he chased them all night?"
"Okay people," Dilandau's voice floated out of the speaker, "the dragon hunting is gonna stop today." The speaker was silent for a moment, then Dilandau screamed, "Attack now!" Sounds of the battle were heard over the speaker as the dragonslayers battled their prey.
"Damn he's fast," Dilandau cursed, "Stealth cloaks!" More screams and crashes as the battle continued. "What Dilandau quaked, "What in the world is happening? He's going crazy!"
For the first time, Dilandau sounded afraid. Adrina hoped that Van was okay and judging by Dilandau's comments, he was. She listened intently as the floating fortress sped on.
"G...Gadi? Chesta? Dallet?" Dilandau cried, "Where is he?" A few whimpers were heard, then Dilandau screamed, "Stay away!"
He's losing it, Adrina thought. She wondered what Van could be doing to make Dilandau break down like that and the possibilities made her shiver. HE really was a different Van from the one she had known in Fanelia.
"Dilandau!" Folken called. The only reply he received was a whimper from the speaker.
"He's not responding sir," the soldier informed.
"Get him back to the Vione as soon as possible," Folken ordered.
"Yes sir!"
"Lady Adrina and I will be in the dining room," Folken told the soldiers, "As soon as Dilandau is spotted, I want to be informed."
"Yes sir," the soldiers agreed. Folken nodded and he and Adrina went to the dining room for breakfast.
They had just finished their meal when a soldier burst into the room.
"Lord Folken!" the soldier began, "Lord Dilandau has just been brought into the hangar."
"Good." Folken stood up and hurried to the hangar with Adrina close behind. When they reached the hangar, they saw the red guymelef against the far wall. There was no sign of the other dragonslayers.
"Where is he?" Folken demanded. The soldier pointed to a catwalk near the open hangar door. Dilandau stood there, gazing out at the blue sky. He looked either deep in thought or completely insane.
"Dilandau," Folken called.
"Yes?" Dilandau replied but didn't turn around. In his hand he clutched a single red rose.
"What happened out there?" Folken asked.
A shiver ran the length of Dilandau's body. "I don't feel like talking about it right now. I just want to watch the sky."
To Adrina, Dilandau's voice sounded different, almost innocent. It was a far cry from the usual shrill screech she had become used to. Adrina exchanged a questioning look with Folken.
"All right Dilandau," Folken agreed, "We'll leave you alone." He turned to a nearby soldier and whispered. "Keep an eye on him." The soldier nodded and Folken and Adrina left the hangar.
As soon as they were out in the hall, Adrina turned to Folken. "What happened to him?"
"I don't know," Folken admitted, "but I'm guessing the loss of the dragonslayers was too much for him and he snapped."
"So Van really killed all of the dragonslayers?" Adrina inquired.
"I assume as much," Folken answered, "But with Dilandau as he is, we may never know what really happened."
They had just reached the control room when a soldier ran up to them.
"Lord Folken!" the soldier cried, "Lord Dilandau is getting worse!"
Folken sighed. "I was afraid of this. Take him to his room and make sure he doesn't leave. Then notify the sorcerers and tell them of his condition."
"Yes sir," the soldier saluted and hurried off. Folken and Adrina continued to the control room where they were heading before the soldier stopped them.
"Is there any word on the other dragonslayers?" Folken asked as they took their customary spot on the platform.
"They were all destroyed," A soldier replied.
"You're sure?" Folken prodded.
"As far as we can tell," the soldier said.
"Damn," Folken whispered.
"Lord Folken," another soldier called, "the sorcerers are on their way and sound arrive around dusk this evening."
"Good," Folken stated.
"And they are bringing Naria and Eriya with them," the soldier added.
"Naria and Eriya?" Folken's face visibly brightened.
"Who're they?' Adrina questioned nonchalantly.
"Zaibach soldiers under my command," Folken informed, "five years ago I left them in Zaibach to train."
Adrina nodded. Despite the fact that Folken didn't mention their genders, Adrina knew they were female. When Folken was younger, Naria and Eriya had been his favorite names. A pang of jealousy swept through her and she turned away from Folken.
"I should meet with Emperor Dornkirk and let him know the situation," Folken commented, "You can wait in your room while I talk to him."
"Why can't I go with you?" Adrina questioned.
"There is no need," Folken assured, "I'll come and get you when I'm finished." With that, he left the room.
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"Sorcerers ship is approaching."
Folken and Adrina stood on the platform in the control room and watched the approaching ship. It was about the same size as the floating fortress and prepared to dock as it got closer.
"We will meet them in the hangar," Folken declared and took Adrina to the hangar. The hangar door was open and Adrina could see the ship docking in the pale light of the fading sun. Once the ship had docked with the Vione, the sorcerers, four of them, hurried into the hangar.
"Where is he?" One of them demanded without greeting Folken.
"It is good to see you again too," Folken smirked.
"We don't have time for your games!" another sorcerer insisted, "Where is Dilandau?"
Folken turned to a nearby soldier. "Take the sorcerers to Dilandau's chamber." The soldier nodded and led the cloak-clad men out of the hangar.
"What's their problem?" Adrina questioned.
"They don't like me very much." Folken's face still held the smug smirk but it turned into a genuine smile when the sound of approaching guymelefs could be heard from the docking tunnel. Adrina stared as two guymelefs emerged from the other ship. The first one was beastlike in appearance and had a long, silver mane hanging down from it's head. The second guymelef was identical to the first except it's hair was gold.
The guymelefs stopped in front of Folken and knelt down. The sound of air hissing out filled the hangar as the control chambers opened and the two pilots hopped out. Adrian was shocked to see they were cats, just like Merle, but older. They both knelt in front of Folken.
"Lord Folken, it is so good to see you again," the gold haired woman professed.
"And it is good to see you two as well," Folken assured. The silver haired cat looked up at Adrina.
"Who's she?" she hissed.
"I'm Lady Adrina of Zaibach," Adrina introduced proudly, "Folken's bodyguard."
"Lord Folken doesn't need a bodyguard now that we're here," the silver haired one sneered.
Adrina was about to counter when Folken spoke. "Naria, Adrina was assigned as my bodyguard by Emperor Dornkirk. Whether you like it or not she is to remain by my side at all times."
"Yes, Lord Folken," Naria growled.
"I have a task for you two," Folken told them. They waited eagerly to hear their assignment. "I want you to locate the Asturian levi-ship Crusade and bring me the guymelef Escaflowne, along with the pilot."
"Escaflowne?" Eriya questioned, "Isn't that the guymelef that destroyed all the dragonslayers?" Folken nodded. "Leave it to us then. We won't fail you, Lord Folken."
"Excellent," Folken praised. The twins smiled and then climbed back into their guymelefs. They turned and reentered the ship they had arrived on, then departed from there. The sound of their guymelefs faded and Folken turned to Adrina.
"We will wait for word from them in the control room," Folken told her. She said nothing and followed him out of the hangar.
Once back in the control room, the two of them stood on the platform and stared out into the dark night sky. They could just make out the twins' guymelefs as they sped away from the floating fortress. The control room was silent as Folken waited for communication from the sisters.
"Lord Folken," a female voice called from the speaker, "we've spotted the levi-ship."
"Proceed as planned," Folken okayed.
"Why do they get guymelefs?" Adrina demanded.
"Who?" Folken asked.
"Naria and Eriya," Adrina clarified.
"Because they are soldiers of Zaibach," Folken answered.
"So am I," Adrina reminded, "Why don't I get a guymelef?"
"You are a Lady of Zaibach, not a soldier," Folken corrected, "and besides, do you know how to pilot a guymelef?"
"Well, no," Adrina admitted, "but I could learn. What if I need one someday?"
"You won't," Folken assured. He paused. "Why are you pushing it so much?"
"I just don't think it's fair that they get training AND their own guymelefs and I don't get either," Adrina explained.
A smirk appeared on Folken's lips, "You're jealous of them, aren't you?"
"No!" Adrina insisted.
"Then why are you so adamant about them having guymelefs?" Folken inquired.
"I'm not jealous," Adrina repeated, "especially of them."
"You have no reason to be," Folken stated as the smirk faded, "Your natural skills are much more deadly than anything they could learn."
Adrina smiled slightly at the praise and let the topic drop. The truth was, she was jealous of the sisters and had been ever since she saw how Folken reacted when he heard they were accompanying the sorcerers. Her thoughts were scattered as one of them spoke.
"There it is. Let's take it out."
Van, Adrina thought, if you let them catch you, I'll never forgive you.
Over the speaker, the clash of metal hitting metal sounded as the cats tried to incapacitate Escaflowne.
"His stomach's wide open!" One of them called.
Come on, Adrina thought, you took out all of the dragonslayers Van. You can handle these two.
"What's wrong with him?" One twin inquired.
"He's scared," the other answered, "Dilandau's groups been taken out by this guy?"
"He's been a real disappointment to Lord Folken," the first twin said, "let's finish him off."
Adrina bit her lip to keep the anger she was feeling from spewing out in the form of curses at the cat women. Hearing them talk about someone she loved like a little brother as they were made her wish she were there with her own guymelef. She'd show them the meaning of being scared.
Suddenly, both twins gasped in unison. Adrina looked up at Folken and saw he was waiting anxiously for something to be said. Over the speaker, a faint but very familiar voice cried, "You won't kill him! I won't let you kill Lord Van!"
Adrina laughed out loud. "Merle!"
"What a party pooper," one twin scoffed.
"I know what you mean," the other agreed, "but still, she is a cat. That's enough for today."
The sound of the guymelefs taking off echoed throughout the control room as they headed back to the floating fortress. Folken turned and started off the platform.
"Where are you going?" Adrina asked.
"To bed," Folken informed, "It has been a long day." He turned to the soldiers at the console control panels. "When Naria and Eriya return, tell them I've retired for the night and will speak with them in the morning."
"Yes sir."
Folken exited the control room and headed down the hallway with Adrina beside him. They had almost made it to Folken's room when they saw the sorcerers coming down the hall. They stopped and waited as they approached.
"We are taking him back to Zaibach," one sorcerer informed and motioned behind him. Dilandau was on a stretcher being carried by two soldiers. It was obvious that he had been heavily sedated. He didn't move as they talked.
"Do you know what is wrong with him?" Folken inquired.
"No," the sorcerer said and offered no explanation. "If we can fix him, we'll send him back to you." The sorcerers and the soldiers continued on towards the hangar. Folken and Adrina watched them disappear around a bend, then continued on their own journey.
"Do you think they can help what's his name?" Adrina asked. She didn't really want him to come back, but she felt sorry for him anyways.
"If he can be helped, the sorcerers will find a way," Folken answered. A slight smile traced his lips. "Why? Do you want him to come back soon?"
"No!" Adrina assured, "I just feel sorry for him. I know what it feels like to lose people close to you."
The smile faded from Folken's face. "Death is a part of life. Without such a cycle, life as we know it would cease to exist."
"That still doesn't make it any easier," Adrina countered.
"Good night, Adrina," Folken changed the subject.
"Good night Folken," Adrina called as he entered his room and shut the door. She walked to the next room and opened the door. Because of her admittance to Zaibach, she had been given a better room next to Folken's, should he ever require her assistance during the night. The room was bigger and well furnished, and Adrina liked it. The best thing about it was she was close to Folken.
Adrina turned on the oil lamp near the entrance and closed the door behind her. She unclasped her cloak and tossed it on the couch against the wall. She then sat down on the matching loveseat and pulled off her boots. Once this was done, she stood back up and slipped out of her dress. She grabbed her nightgown off the bed where she had left it and pulled it over her head. Adrina walked next to the bed and turned down the blankets, then climbed in and covered up. She closed her eyes and drifted off to sleep.
