Escaflowne had barely touched down when Merle came flying out of the windmill.
"Lord Van!" she called and ran full speed at Escaflowne as the four of them climbed off the dragon. Suddenly, Merle screamed and came to a halt. She was staring directly at Folken and she narrowed her eyes. "What's he doing here?"
"Merle Kaelie Celone!" Adrina shouted, "How dare you talk about Folken like that!"
"It's okay Merle," Van assured, "he's here to help us."
Merle turned her attention to Van and the smile returned to her face. "Oh Lord Van! I'm so glad you're back!" She ran to him and threw herself into his arms.
"Come on," Van said, still hugging the cat girl, "We'd better get to the castle. Folken, I think it would be best if you waited here until we've explained to everyone what's going on."
"All right," Folken agreed.
"I'll wait here with Folken," Adrina offered.
"Okay," Van nodded, "We'll be back as soon as we can."
Hitomi, Merle and Van made their way to the castle and Folken and Adrina went into the windmill to wait. The first thing she did was climb up to the loft. She picked up her cloak and unfolded it to reveal her sword. She dropped the cloth and hugged the sword tightly.
"I missed you," Adrina said to the sword, "I'll never go anywhere without you ever again!" She hooked the sword and scabbard around her waist and turned back to the ladder. She was surprised to see Folken sitting in the loft with his feet dangling towards the ground. She hadn't even heard him climb up.
Adrina sat next to Folken, her legs hanging over the edge as well. They were both silent for a moment. Finally, Adrina spoke.
"What do you think the Asturian counsel will think of you wanting to become their ally?"
"I'm not really sure," Folken admitted, "I can imagine they will suspect this is a trick to let Zaibach infiltrate them."
"Is it?" The words were out of her mouth before she could stop them. Ashamed that she had doubted Folken, she avoided his gaze.
"No," Folken replied, "Dornkirk has gone too far in order to achieve his goals. And don't' look away, I deserve everyone's suspicions, including yours."
"That's not true," Adrina insisted, "I trust you Folken, and I shouldn't have questioned your motives."
"It's all right," Folken assured.
"Do you think the Asturian counsel will try to imprison you?" Adrina returned to their previous topic.
"It is a possibility," Folken allowed.
"Don't worry," Adrina consoled, "Even if I have to kill every soldier in Palas, they won't keep you as a prisoner."
"We are no longer loyal to Zaibach," Folken reminded, "there is no need for you to protect me anymore."
"I never was loyal to Zaibach," Adrina told him, "I was only loyal to you."
Before anymore could be said, Van, Hitomi and Merle returned.
"The Asturian counsel wants to speak with you immediately," Van informed. Folken nodded and climbed down to the ground, followed by Adrina. The five of them left the windmill and headed down the dusty road to the castle. When they arrived, they were met by three Asturian guards.
"The counsel is ready for you." The guards led them into the castle and down a few corridors. They were stopped outside a huge set of double doors. "You cannot go before the counsel so armed." The guard pointed to Folken's sword.
"Of course." Folken unbuckled the scabbard and handed it to Adrina. "Will you hold this until I return?"
"Yes." Adrina took the sword. "Be careful."
"I'll be fine." Folken leaned down and kissed her forehead, then followed the guards into the room. Adrina went over and sat down on a nearby bench. She was quickly surrounded by Merle, Hitomi and Van. They all stared down at her.
"What was that about?" Merle demanded with a grin.
"What?" Adrina's cheeks burned and she avoided their gazes.
"Is there something you'd like to tell us about what just happened?" Merle prodded.
"It was nothing," Adrina insisted, "just a friendly gesture."
"Very friendly," Merle teased.
Adrina scowled at her but said nothing. By this time, Van had lost interest in the sister's conversation and had sat down next to Adrina, his mind elsewhere. Hitomi sat down on the other side of Van, but her face still held interest in what Merle could force out of Adrina.
"Come on, Adrina," Merle urged, "spill it! What's going on between you and Folken?"
"Nothing!" Adrina declared.
"It didn't look like nothing," Merle grinned.
"It was," Adrina replied.
"You know, that hurts my feelings," Merle started, "I'm your sister. You're supposed to tell me everything."
"Fine!" Adrina conceded. She looked around to make sure no one was listening and whispered to Merle what had happened in Fanelia.
"He kissed you!?" Merle exclaimed.
"Sssh!" Adrina hushed as her face turned bright red. A few of the soldiers nearby and Van and Hitomi were now staring at Merle and Adrina.
Merle giggled. "Adrina and Folken sitting in a tree..."
"Quiet Merle!" Adrina lunged for her sister, but the cat was too fast. She sprang away and loped down the hallway, out of Adrina's grasp. Adrina started to chase her, but gave up quickly.
Merle continued down the hallway and around a corner, shouting at the top of her lungs: "K-I-S-S-I-N-G! First comes love, then comes marriage..."
Adrina sat back down next to Van. She saw him staring questioningly at her and she turned her eyes to the floor. They sat outside in silence for about a half hour before the doors finally opened and Folken emerged. Adrina stood up expectantly.
"How did it go?" she asked.
"Fine," Folken assured, "they have agreed that in return for asylum, I will reveal Zaibach's secrets and aid Asturia in the war."
"That's great!" Adrina exclaimed.
"Right now I'm on my way to a meeting with the generals," Folken told her, "I will see you around dinnertime."
"All right," Adrina agreed and watched as he departed down the hallway with the counsel.
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The next few days were a blur of meetings for Folken and helping the people of Asturia for Adrina. The two barely saw each other except for passing hellos or on the rare occasion when the two were free to share a meal. Van seemed to still be distrustful of Folken's motives and a change had come over Hitomi as well. She seemed depressed and many times while working together in the hospital or passing out food to the orphans, Adrina had caught her staring up at the Mystic Moon.
By the fourth day, things were starting to calm down around Palas in the way of planning and repairing, but the troops were now ready for a Zaibach attack. At dawn, the troops, including Van and Allen, had departed on a mission to Rampant to ask for their allegiance.
Since most of the troops were gone, Adrina and Merle were running around doing errands for Princess Millerna. They helped with the laundry and dishes, then were allowed a break for lunch. Adrina was surprised when Folken joined them.
Folken sat down at the table and the three of them ate their lunch. Afterwards, Folken had to check the reports on the new guymelefs and excused himself after kissing Adrina and waving to Merle. Adrina and Merle returned to their errands after lunch and worked until sunset, when the troops came back. Many of them seemed upset and the sister's sought out Van.
"Lord Van!" Merle called when she saw him. He turned and walked over to her and Adrina.
"What happened?" Adrina inquired.
"Zaibach attacked and destroyed Rampant," Van informed.
"Oh no," Merle breathed.
They turned their attention to Dryden as he approached. "What happened?"
"Zaibach attacked Rampant," Van relayed, "the entire city was burned."
"I see," Dryden said, "Rampant was completely destroyed. We must hold the meeting of our allies here in Palas."
"Yes, that's right. I agree with you Dryden," Van supported, "Zaibach will come at us with everything they've got."
"Yes," Dryden agreed.
"We could launch a preemptive strike," Van suggested, "it's gonna be either us or them."
"Why is fighting the only thing you can think about?" Everyone turned to and watched Hitomi approach.
"What are you saying Hitomi?" Van questioned, "We've got to fight to protect you and everyone else."
"I saw it Van," Hitomi told him, "I know that you enjoyed the fighting!"
Van's mouth dropped open in surprise.
"I really don't want you to protect me if that's what it does to you!" Hitomi cried, "I'm sick of all of it. I'm sick of this whole world."
"Hitomi!" Van called.
"Someone send me back," Hitomi pleaded, "Please! Someone send me back to my world!"
Everyone watched in shock as a blue light surrounded Hitomi adn she rose into the air. Van and Allen both called to her, but the light disappeared and took Hitomi with it.
"Hitomi..." Van murmured.
"Where did she go?" Merle asked.
"She must've gone back to her world," Adrina assumed.
"No!" Allen shouted, "We've got to bring her back!"
"We can't," Van whispered sadly.
After the initial shock of Hitomi's departure, the gathered people began to drift away. Van, Merle, Adrina, Allen and Dryden made their way back to the castle as the sun faded. They met with Millerna in her parlor, and were joined a moment later by Folken. Allen relayed what had happened and Princess Millerna stood in shock.
"Hitomi's disappeared?" she cried.
"Darn it!" Dryden exclaimed, "I just don't get what's going on around here."
"Tell me that Zaibach..." Millerna trailed off.
"It's not possible," Folken assured. Everyone turned to him. "Even with the power of Dornkirk's science, it isn't possible to create a pillar of light." He turned from the window to face the others.
"But where did Hitomi go then?" Millerna questioned.
"She went home." All eyes were now on the young King. "She said she wanted to go back to the Mystic Moon so she...she left."
The sorrow in Van's eyes made Adrina want to cry. She didn't realize how deep Van's feelings were for Hitomi, until now. He really cared for her and now that she was gone, he was inadvertently revealing those feelings.
"But of course," Van continued, "this is really good news for us, isn't it? Zaibach can't use their fate alteration machine now."
Suddenly, Allen's second in command Gadis, who Adrina had met briefly at their outpost, burst into the room. "Commander! It's the Zaibach army! They've set up a perimeter around our borders!"
Adrina looked up at Folken with fear in her eyes. This was going to be the final showdown and it was very likely that most of them wouldn't survive.
The next day, Asturia was closer to being back to normal than it had been since the attack. Most of the repairs were finished and many of the injured had been healed and returned to their homes. People went about their normal business with smiles on their faces and waved to those they knew. The general population had yet to learn of the perimeter set up by Zaibach. The only people in Palas that were not back to normal were the ones who had to worry about a Zaibach attack. Dryden and the counsel were on edge and the troops waited nervously to be sent to war. Zaibach had not made a move since setting up their perimeter, which caused for more frazzled nerves as they tried to anticipate the enemies intentions.
Adrina had woken up and had breakfast with Folken, then gone to the windmill to check on Van. He had said nothing after they had been informed of Zaibach's attack and Adrina was worried about him. She had told him about her concerns, but Van had told her he was fine. They now sat on the roof of the windmill, waiting for Zaibach's next move.
Finally, Merle couldn't stand it any longer. "Oh Lord Van!" she exclaimed, "Tell me, what's the matter? You don't seem like yourself."
"It's nothing," Van insisted.
"You're thinking about Hitomi, aren't you?" Merle questioned.
"No," Van assured, "no, I'm not."
"That's a lie!" Merle accused, "I've always been by your side Lord Van. I know you better than anyone, even Adrina. You're thinking about her."
Adrina sat aside and listened to Merle speak to her beloved Lord Van.
"You love Hitomi," Merle stated.
Adrina stared open-mouthed as her sister said what she hadn't been able to. Van didn't move and Merle clamored down the side of the roof and latched onto his arm.
"You haven't figured out how you really feel," Merle inquired, "have you Lord Van? To be honest, I've known for a very long time. Hitomi always said that thing, right? That people return your feelings? What you feel will reach her. I know she feels the same."
Van looked up at the Mystic Moon longingly, then shook his head angrily. "You're wrong Merle. I don't love Hitomi. And even if I did, it wouldn't matter. She loves Allen."
"Lord Van..." Merle began.
"I don't want to talk about it anymore!" Van snapped. He jumped down form the roof and disappeared into the windmill. Merle looked as if she was about to cry and Adrina hugged her tightly.
"It'll be okay Merle," Adrina comforted, "He just needs some time to think about what you said."
"I know," Merle nodded, "I just feel so terrible. On one hand, I know Lord Van loves Hitomi and I want him to be happy." She paused. "On the other hand, I hope she doesn't come back. If she does, I'll lose Lord Van forever."
"Love is difficult," Adrina agreed, "but I think deep down you just want Van to be happy, don't you?"
Merle nodded. "Adrina?"
"Yeah?"
"Do you love Folken?" Merle inquired.
Adrina sighed. "Yeah. I do."
"What would you do if it was Folken instead of Lord Van?" Merle asked.
Adrina thought for a moment. "I really don't know. I would want him to be happy, but I know that I could never be happy without him. I guess it all depends on how selfish I am." She looked down at her sister. "I know you want someone to help you with this situation Merle, but the truth is, no one can help you with your decision because no one knows how you feel but you. This is something you have to settle on your own."
"I know," Merle said, "thanks. I think I'm gonna go talk to Lord Van."
"All right," Adrina nodded, "I'm going back to the castle. Let me know how things turn out."
Adrina jumped down from the windmill and started along the dirt road back to the palace. When she reached the city, she was greeted by a few people who had come to know her while she had been in Palas. Most of them were either family members of the people who had been injured in the attack or the injured themselves. After helping an elderly woman get her newly bought goods to her home, she finally made it to the castle. She had been there so many times lately that the soldiers at the gate merely waved as she entered. She waved back and hurried into the castle. She went down a series of hallways and finally stopped outside Folken's room. She knocked softly.
"Come in!" His voice floated through the door and she let herself in. The room was dark, as was usual. The only light was cast by three candles in a candelabra on a table. That was where Folken was sitting, reading some papers. Adrina closed the door behind her and walked over to him.
"Hello," he greeted and kissed her cheek, "Did you speak with Van?" Folken pulled out the seat next to him and motioned for her to sit.
"Yes," Adrina answered and took the chair he offered.
"And?" Folken prodded.
"He's in love with Hitomi," Adrina informed, "but he won't admit it."
"Perhaps it is his way of coping with her departure," Folken suggested.
"Maybe," Adrina admitted, "but I don't think that's the right way to deal with it. He's been like a zombie since she left." Adrina paused and looked up at Folken. "I think you should talk to him."
"I don't think that's a good idea," Folken told her, "he still does not trust me."
"He's still angry with you, I know," Adrina stated, "but you're his brother. He'll listen to you."
Folken sighed. "I can't go until later. I've got to read over these reports and try to fix the problems as soon as I can. The counsel is impatient to have the guymelefs ready in case Zaibach attacks. So far, they have made no move but have sent no word of their purpose either."
"I understand," Adrina nodded, "Would you like me to leave so you can work?"
"No," Folken answered, "I'd like you to stay. Perhaps you can help me decide the best solution for some of these problems." Since they had come to Asturia, Folken had been teaching Adrina about science and how the guymelefs worked. She was a fast learner and could already detect and fix minor technological problems.
"All right," Adrina agreed, eager to help. As Folken read the performance reports of the new guymelefs he had built, Adrina studied him silently. Since leaving Zaibach, Folken had changed significantly. His face was no longer an emotionless mask and he smiled often when he was with Adrina. His disposition had changed, making him seem more like the old Folken and less like the Zaibach sorcerer. Even his hair had grown, causing it to droop down around his face and giving him an almost innocent appearance. Adrina watched him and wondered how he managed to walk down the streets of Palas without having every woman in the city throwing themselves at his feet. To be honest, she had heard a few of the women giggle and whisper when they saw him coming, then wave and smile as he passed.
Her thoughts were scattered as Folken called to her. "What?"
"What do you think about this?" Folken pointed to a section on the paper he was reading.
They worked on the papers for nearly four hours, only stopping once to have a quick dinner. By the time they had finished the sun had gone down and night had fallen outside the draped window. Adrina stretched as Folken stacked the papers up neatly.
"That was a lot of work," she commented.
"Yes," Folken agreed, "but now the guymelefs will be ready for anything Zaibach has in store for us."
Their conversation was cut short by a knock at the door.
"Come in!" Folken called. They were both surprised to see Allen enter with Millerna, Dryden and Aries.
"Folken, I need to as you something," Allen stated before anyone else spoke.
"Go ahead," Folken urged.
"What do you know about Dilandau Albatou?" Allen demanded. He seemed to be very upset.
"Dilandau?" Folken questioned, "I'm very sorry. I don't know much about Lord Dilandau's past. But it seems certain that the sorcerer's are behind him."
"The sorcerers?" Allen inquired.
"Zaibach scientists that answer only to Dornkirk," Folken replied, "They are a very dangerous group of men. Rumor has it that in order to change a person's fate they performed experiments on live subjects. They used kidnapped children."
"You mean Selena was..." Allen shouted, then regained his composure, "they experimented on people?" His face held a look of shock and disgust.
"I'm sorry I can't be of anymore help to you," Folken apologized.
The distressed look left Allen's face and he smiled. "That's all right. Thank you for what information you could provide." He turned and left the room with the rest of his companions.
"What was that all about?" Adrina wondered.
"Perhaps Allen is just gathering information on his enemies," Folken suggested.
"But why was he so upset?" Adrina asked, "And who's Selena?"
"I don't know," Folken admitted, "my theory also doesn't explain why he brought Dryden and the Princesses with him. The women would not be interested in gathering information on Dilandau as an enemy. I suspect there was more to it than Allen let on."
Adrina nodded. "Well, I'd better get back to the windmill. I want to find out if Merle's talk with Van had any affect."
"I'll walk you back," Folken offered.
Adrina agreed and they left his room. They had just exited the castle when Merle came running up to them. She was panting and had a huge smile on her face. Not waiting for their comments, Merle spoke.
"I talked to Lord Van again and he finally admitted that he loves Hitomi and he said he couldn't stand being away from her any longer and he took my advice!" She said all of this in one breath, the smile never leaving her feline face.
"What advice?" Adrina asked, "Merle, what's going on?"
"Lord Van went to the Mystic Moon to bring back Hitomi!"
"Lord Van!" she called and ran full speed at Escaflowne as the four of them climbed off the dragon. Suddenly, Merle screamed and came to a halt. She was staring directly at Folken and she narrowed her eyes. "What's he doing here?"
"Merle Kaelie Celone!" Adrina shouted, "How dare you talk about Folken like that!"
"It's okay Merle," Van assured, "he's here to help us."
Merle turned her attention to Van and the smile returned to her face. "Oh Lord Van! I'm so glad you're back!" She ran to him and threw herself into his arms.
"Come on," Van said, still hugging the cat girl, "We'd better get to the castle. Folken, I think it would be best if you waited here until we've explained to everyone what's going on."
"All right," Folken agreed.
"I'll wait here with Folken," Adrina offered.
"Okay," Van nodded, "We'll be back as soon as we can."
Hitomi, Merle and Van made their way to the castle and Folken and Adrina went into the windmill to wait. The first thing she did was climb up to the loft. She picked up her cloak and unfolded it to reveal her sword. She dropped the cloth and hugged the sword tightly.
"I missed you," Adrina said to the sword, "I'll never go anywhere without you ever again!" She hooked the sword and scabbard around her waist and turned back to the ladder. She was surprised to see Folken sitting in the loft with his feet dangling towards the ground. She hadn't even heard him climb up.
Adrina sat next to Folken, her legs hanging over the edge as well. They were both silent for a moment. Finally, Adrina spoke.
"What do you think the Asturian counsel will think of you wanting to become their ally?"
"I'm not really sure," Folken admitted, "I can imagine they will suspect this is a trick to let Zaibach infiltrate them."
"Is it?" The words were out of her mouth before she could stop them. Ashamed that she had doubted Folken, she avoided his gaze.
"No," Folken replied, "Dornkirk has gone too far in order to achieve his goals. And don't' look away, I deserve everyone's suspicions, including yours."
"That's not true," Adrina insisted, "I trust you Folken, and I shouldn't have questioned your motives."
"It's all right," Folken assured.
"Do you think the Asturian counsel will try to imprison you?" Adrina returned to their previous topic.
"It is a possibility," Folken allowed.
"Don't worry," Adrina consoled, "Even if I have to kill every soldier in Palas, they won't keep you as a prisoner."
"We are no longer loyal to Zaibach," Folken reminded, "there is no need for you to protect me anymore."
"I never was loyal to Zaibach," Adrina told him, "I was only loyal to you."
Before anymore could be said, Van, Hitomi and Merle returned.
"The Asturian counsel wants to speak with you immediately," Van informed. Folken nodded and climbed down to the ground, followed by Adrina. The five of them left the windmill and headed down the dusty road to the castle. When they arrived, they were met by three Asturian guards.
"The counsel is ready for you." The guards led them into the castle and down a few corridors. They were stopped outside a huge set of double doors. "You cannot go before the counsel so armed." The guard pointed to Folken's sword.
"Of course." Folken unbuckled the scabbard and handed it to Adrina. "Will you hold this until I return?"
"Yes." Adrina took the sword. "Be careful."
"I'll be fine." Folken leaned down and kissed her forehead, then followed the guards into the room. Adrina went over and sat down on a nearby bench. She was quickly surrounded by Merle, Hitomi and Van. They all stared down at her.
"What was that about?" Merle demanded with a grin.
"What?" Adrina's cheeks burned and she avoided their gazes.
"Is there something you'd like to tell us about what just happened?" Merle prodded.
"It was nothing," Adrina insisted, "just a friendly gesture."
"Very friendly," Merle teased.
Adrina scowled at her but said nothing. By this time, Van had lost interest in the sister's conversation and had sat down next to Adrina, his mind elsewhere. Hitomi sat down on the other side of Van, but her face still held interest in what Merle could force out of Adrina.
"Come on, Adrina," Merle urged, "spill it! What's going on between you and Folken?"
"Nothing!" Adrina declared.
"It didn't look like nothing," Merle grinned.
"It was," Adrina replied.
"You know, that hurts my feelings," Merle started, "I'm your sister. You're supposed to tell me everything."
"Fine!" Adrina conceded. She looked around to make sure no one was listening and whispered to Merle what had happened in Fanelia.
"He kissed you!?" Merle exclaimed.
"Sssh!" Adrina hushed as her face turned bright red. A few of the soldiers nearby and Van and Hitomi were now staring at Merle and Adrina.
Merle giggled. "Adrina and Folken sitting in a tree..."
"Quiet Merle!" Adrina lunged for her sister, but the cat was too fast. She sprang away and loped down the hallway, out of Adrina's grasp. Adrina started to chase her, but gave up quickly.
Merle continued down the hallway and around a corner, shouting at the top of her lungs: "K-I-S-S-I-N-G! First comes love, then comes marriage..."
Adrina sat back down next to Van. She saw him staring questioningly at her and she turned her eyes to the floor. They sat outside in silence for about a half hour before the doors finally opened and Folken emerged. Adrina stood up expectantly.
"How did it go?" she asked.
"Fine," Folken assured, "they have agreed that in return for asylum, I will reveal Zaibach's secrets and aid Asturia in the war."
"That's great!" Adrina exclaimed.
"Right now I'm on my way to a meeting with the generals," Folken told her, "I will see you around dinnertime."
"All right," Adrina agreed and watched as he departed down the hallway with the counsel.
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The next few days were a blur of meetings for Folken and helping the people of Asturia for Adrina. The two barely saw each other except for passing hellos or on the rare occasion when the two were free to share a meal. Van seemed to still be distrustful of Folken's motives and a change had come over Hitomi as well. She seemed depressed and many times while working together in the hospital or passing out food to the orphans, Adrina had caught her staring up at the Mystic Moon.
By the fourth day, things were starting to calm down around Palas in the way of planning and repairing, but the troops were now ready for a Zaibach attack. At dawn, the troops, including Van and Allen, had departed on a mission to Rampant to ask for their allegiance.
Since most of the troops were gone, Adrina and Merle were running around doing errands for Princess Millerna. They helped with the laundry and dishes, then were allowed a break for lunch. Adrina was surprised when Folken joined them.
Folken sat down at the table and the three of them ate their lunch. Afterwards, Folken had to check the reports on the new guymelefs and excused himself after kissing Adrina and waving to Merle. Adrina and Merle returned to their errands after lunch and worked until sunset, when the troops came back. Many of them seemed upset and the sister's sought out Van.
"Lord Van!" Merle called when she saw him. He turned and walked over to her and Adrina.
"What happened?" Adrina inquired.
"Zaibach attacked and destroyed Rampant," Van informed.
"Oh no," Merle breathed.
They turned their attention to Dryden as he approached. "What happened?"
"Zaibach attacked Rampant," Van relayed, "the entire city was burned."
"I see," Dryden said, "Rampant was completely destroyed. We must hold the meeting of our allies here in Palas."
"Yes, that's right. I agree with you Dryden," Van supported, "Zaibach will come at us with everything they've got."
"Yes," Dryden agreed.
"We could launch a preemptive strike," Van suggested, "it's gonna be either us or them."
"Why is fighting the only thing you can think about?" Everyone turned to and watched Hitomi approach.
"What are you saying Hitomi?" Van questioned, "We've got to fight to protect you and everyone else."
"I saw it Van," Hitomi told him, "I know that you enjoyed the fighting!"
Van's mouth dropped open in surprise.
"I really don't want you to protect me if that's what it does to you!" Hitomi cried, "I'm sick of all of it. I'm sick of this whole world."
"Hitomi!" Van called.
"Someone send me back," Hitomi pleaded, "Please! Someone send me back to my world!"
Everyone watched in shock as a blue light surrounded Hitomi adn she rose into the air. Van and Allen both called to her, but the light disappeared and took Hitomi with it.
"Hitomi..." Van murmured.
"Where did she go?" Merle asked.
"She must've gone back to her world," Adrina assumed.
"No!" Allen shouted, "We've got to bring her back!"
"We can't," Van whispered sadly.
After the initial shock of Hitomi's departure, the gathered people began to drift away. Van, Merle, Adrina, Allen and Dryden made their way back to the castle as the sun faded. They met with Millerna in her parlor, and were joined a moment later by Folken. Allen relayed what had happened and Princess Millerna stood in shock.
"Hitomi's disappeared?" she cried.
"Darn it!" Dryden exclaimed, "I just don't get what's going on around here."
"Tell me that Zaibach..." Millerna trailed off.
"It's not possible," Folken assured. Everyone turned to him. "Even with the power of Dornkirk's science, it isn't possible to create a pillar of light." He turned from the window to face the others.
"But where did Hitomi go then?" Millerna questioned.
"She went home." All eyes were now on the young King. "She said she wanted to go back to the Mystic Moon so she...she left."
The sorrow in Van's eyes made Adrina want to cry. She didn't realize how deep Van's feelings were for Hitomi, until now. He really cared for her and now that she was gone, he was inadvertently revealing those feelings.
"But of course," Van continued, "this is really good news for us, isn't it? Zaibach can't use their fate alteration machine now."
Suddenly, Allen's second in command Gadis, who Adrina had met briefly at their outpost, burst into the room. "Commander! It's the Zaibach army! They've set up a perimeter around our borders!"
Adrina looked up at Folken with fear in her eyes. This was going to be the final showdown and it was very likely that most of them wouldn't survive.
The next day, Asturia was closer to being back to normal than it had been since the attack. Most of the repairs were finished and many of the injured had been healed and returned to their homes. People went about their normal business with smiles on their faces and waved to those they knew. The general population had yet to learn of the perimeter set up by Zaibach. The only people in Palas that were not back to normal were the ones who had to worry about a Zaibach attack. Dryden and the counsel were on edge and the troops waited nervously to be sent to war. Zaibach had not made a move since setting up their perimeter, which caused for more frazzled nerves as they tried to anticipate the enemies intentions.
Adrina had woken up and had breakfast with Folken, then gone to the windmill to check on Van. He had said nothing after they had been informed of Zaibach's attack and Adrina was worried about him. She had told him about her concerns, but Van had told her he was fine. They now sat on the roof of the windmill, waiting for Zaibach's next move.
Finally, Merle couldn't stand it any longer. "Oh Lord Van!" she exclaimed, "Tell me, what's the matter? You don't seem like yourself."
"It's nothing," Van insisted.
"You're thinking about Hitomi, aren't you?" Merle questioned.
"No," Van assured, "no, I'm not."
"That's a lie!" Merle accused, "I've always been by your side Lord Van. I know you better than anyone, even Adrina. You're thinking about her."
Adrina sat aside and listened to Merle speak to her beloved Lord Van.
"You love Hitomi," Merle stated.
Adrina stared open-mouthed as her sister said what she hadn't been able to. Van didn't move and Merle clamored down the side of the roof and latched onto his arm.
"You haven't figured out how you really feel," Merle inquired, "have you Lord Van? To be honest, I've known for a very long time. Hitomi always said that thing, right? That people return your feelings? What you feel will reach her. I know she feels the same."
Van looked up at the Mystic Moon longingly, then shook his head angrily. "You're wrong Merle. I don't love Hitomi. And even if I did, it wouldn't matter. She loves Allen."
"Lord Van..." Merle began.
"I don't want to talk about it anymore!" Van snapped. He jumped down form the roof and disappeared into the windmill. Merle looked as if she was about to cry and Adrina hugged her tightly.
"It'll be okay Merle," Adrina comforted, "He just needs some time to think about what you said."
"I know," Merle nodded, "I just feel so terrible. On one hand, I know Lord Van loves Hitomi and I want him to be happy." She paused. "On the other hand, I hope she doesn't come back. If she does, I'll lose Lord Van forever."
"Love is difficult," Adrina agreed, "but I think deep down you just want Van to be happy, don't you?"
Merle nodded. "Adrina?"
"Yeah?"
"Do you love Folken?" Merle inquired.
Adrina sighed. "Yeah. I do."
"What would you do if it was Folken instead of Lord Van?" Merle asked.
Adrina thought for a moment. "I really don't know. I would want him to be happy, but I know that I could never be happy without him. I guess it all depends on how selfish I am." She looked down at her sister. "I know you want someone to help you with this situation Merle, but the truth is, no one can help you with your decision because no one knows how you feel but you. This is something you have to settle on your own."
"I know," Merle said, "thanks. I think I'm gonna go talk to Lord Van."
"All right," Adrina nodded, "I'm going back to the castle. Let me know how things turn out."
Adrina jumped down from the windmill and started along the dirt road back to the palace. When she reached the city, she was greeted by a few people who had come to know her while she had been in Palas. Most of them were either family members of the people who had been injured in the attack or the injured themselves. After helping an elderly woman get her newly bought goods to her home, she finally made it to the castle. She had been there so many times lately that the soldiers at the gate merely waved as she entered. She waved back and hurried into the castle. She went down a series of hallways and finally stopped outside Folken's room. She knocked softly.
"Come in!" His voice floated through the door and she let herself in. The room was dark, as was usual. The only light was cast by three candles in a candelabra on a table. That was where Folken was sitting, reading some papers. Adrina closed the door behind her and walked over to him.
"Hello," he greeted and kissed her cheek, "Did you speak with Van?" Folken pulled out the seat next to him and motioned for her to sit.
"Yes," Adrina answered and took the chair he offered.
"And?" Folken prodded.
"He's in love with Hitomi," Adrina informed, "but he won't admit it."
"Perhaps it is his way of coping with her departure," Folken suggested.
"Maybe," Adrina admitted, "but I don't think that's the right way to deal with it. He's been like a zombie since she left." Adrina paused and looked up at Folken. "I think you should talk to him."
"I don't think that's a good idea," Folken told her, "he still does not trust me."
"He's still angry with you, I know," Adrina stated, "but you're his brother. He'll listen to you."
Folken sighed. "I can't go until later. I've got to read over these reports and try to fix the problems as soon as I can. The counsel is impatient to have the guymelefs ready in case Zaibach attacks. So far, they have made no move but have sent no word of their purpose either."
"I understand," Adrina nodded, "Would you like me to leave so you can work?"
"No," Folken answered, "I'd like you to stay. Perhaps you can help me decide the best solution for some of these problems." Since they had come to Asturia, Folken had been teaching Adrina about science and how the guymelefs worked. She was a fast learner and could already detect and fix minor technological problems.
"All right," Adrina agreed, eager to help. As Folken read the performance reports of the new guymelefs he had built, Adrina studied him silently. Since leaving Zaibach, Folken had changed significantly. His face was no longer an emotionless mask and he smiled often when he was with Adrina. His disposition had changed, making him seem more like the old Folken and less like the Zaibach sorcerer. Even his hair had grown, causing it to droop down around his face and giving him an almost innocent appearance. Adrina watched him and wondered how he managed to walk down the streets of Palas without having every woman in the city throwing themselves at his feet. To be honest, she had heard a few of the women giggle and whisper when they saw him coming, then wave and smile as he passed.
Her thoughts were scattered as Folken called to her. "What?"
"What do you think about this?" Folken pointed to a section on the paper he was reading.
They worked on the papers for nearly four hours, only stopping once to have a quick dinner. By the time they had finished the sun had gone down and night had fallen outside the draped window. Adrina stretched as Folken stacked the papers up neatly.
"That was a lot of work," she commented.
"Yes," Folken agreed, "but now the guymelefs will be ready for anything Zaibach has in store for us."
Their conversation was cut short by a knock at the door.
"Come in!" Folken called. They were both surprised to see Allen enter with Millerna, Dryden and Aries.
"Folken, I need to as you something," Allen stated before anyone else spoke.
"Go ahead," Folken urged.
"What do you know about Dilandau Albatou?" Allen demanded. He seemed to be very upset.
"Dilandau?" Folken questioned, "I'm very sorry. I don't know much about Lord Dilandau's past. But it seems certain that the sorcerer's are behind him."
"The sorcerers?" Allen inquired.
"Zaibach scientists that answer only to Dornkirk," Folken replied, "They are a very dangerous group of men. Rumor has it that in order to change a person's fate they performed experiments on live subjects. They used kidnapped children."
"You mean Selena was..." Allen shouted, then regained his composure, "they experimented on people?" His face held a look of shock and disgust.
"I'm sorry I can't be of anymore help to you," Folken apologized.
The distressed look left Allen's face and he smiled. "That's all right. Thank you for what information you could provide." He turned and left the room with the rest of his companions.
"What was that all about?" Adrina wondered.
"Perhaps Allen is just gathering information on his enemies," Folken suggested.
"But why was he so upset?" Adrina asked, "And who's Selena?"
"I don't know," Folken admitted, "my theory also doesn't explain why he brought Dryden and the Princesses with him. The women would not be interested in gathering information on Dilandau as an enemy. I suspect there was more to it than Allen let on."
Adrina nodded. "Well, I'd better get back to the windmill. I want to find out if Merle's talk with Van had any affect."
"I'll walk you back," Folken offered.
Adrina agreed and they left his room. They had just exited the castle when Merle came running up to them. She was panting and had a huge smile on her face. Not waiting for their comments, Merle spoke.
"I talked to Lord Van again and he finally admitted that he loves Hitomi and he said he couldn't stand being away from her any longer and he took my advice!" She said all of this in one breath, the smile never leaving her feline face.
"What advice?" Adrina asked, "Merle, what's going on?"
"Lord Van went to the Mystic Moon to bring back Hitomi!"
