I didn't update this as quickly as I would have liked. Gomen, I have a stupid summer job to contend with so I couldn't write for a long time. Anyway I'm off for two weeks so I'm gonna try and crank as many chapters as I can out before I have to go back.
R&R
Enjoy
"Folken," Emperor Dornkirk's sonorous voice resonated from the immense viewing screen in the dimly lit chamber. The man, to whom he was addressing, stood at attention before the massive projection of his master, staring impassively forwards, scanning the Zaibach Lord's monstrous appearance with deep crimson orbs, "Zaibach's time draws ever closer. Soon we shall reawaken the legendary force, the lost power of Atlantis and the brave new world of which we have so long dreamt will finally come to pass. We must not allow any force to encumber our realization of that dream Folken."
Dornkirk paused briefly, permitting the draconian to mull over his words, before continuing. "A shadow has been cast over the future of the Empire. It must be dealt with if we are to change our fates."
"What will your majesty have done?" The tall man inquired in a deep tone.
"You must capture the dragon Escaflowne." Dornkirk's measuring eyes studied Folken's face; looking for his reaction to the sudden enlightenment, noting recognition. Somewhere beyond cool ruby eyes was an air of uncertainty but it was masked by the tall man's usual grim demeanor. "Do as I have told you, Folken. Capture the Ispano guymelef at all cost."
Folken gave a slight nod of his head, "As you wish, your majesty."
The plains of Arzas were lit softly by a pale glow; the clouds that had been shielding the moon for the better part of the evening had finally disappeared, allowing the light to once again penetrate the darkness. With the diminished obscurity, the seemingly calm planes were cast once more in light, revealing all the activity that was taking place upon them. A powerful wind ripped through the carpet of grass, flattening the stalks to the hardened soil and causing the trees in the bordering forest to wail in protest.
Step by labored step, Van moved across the ocean of blue-gray grass. The fierce wind whipped at his frame, tugging his clothing tight against his body, slowing his pace. The cold bit into his exposed limbs and froze him to the core. His over-fatigued muscles hungered for rest that he would not give. He felt constant discomfort, both from his body and from the piercing cold, but still he lumbered forward, almost in a trance.
He was nearing his destination. Soon it would all be over. Soon all is pain and suffering would pay off. After all, they were merely obstacles on his journey to prove himself. To prove himself to Balgus, to prove himself to his future people, and to prove to himself that he was not weak, that he could face any peril that came his way and come out victorious.
The young prince reached the edge of the forest and stepped inside. He was immediately thankful for the shelter the trees offered from the blistering chill he had braved across the plains. He walked about twenty paces into the woods, stepping over fallen logs and sifting through underbrush until a sudden dizzy spasm forced him to stop. The attack was so intense that he lost his balance, collapsing backwards into a tree. His back connected harshly with the rough surface of the bark and a feeble cry left his chapped lips as he slid down, scraping his tender skin all the way down.
He closed his eyes, wishing that the world would stop spinning quite so fast so that he could focus. All the images before his eyes seemed to mass together into dizzying swirls of color and he wanted nothing more than to fall into darkness. His hands rose to either side of his head, tenderly massaging his temples in hopes of quelling the thunder storm that was crashing in his mind.
"What have we here?"
No matter how softly the words were uttered, Van could feel the painful thud of his headache increase. He looked up to the stranger, head swimming as he did so. With glazed eyes he studied the tall man, noting his exceptionally long golden hair that trailed down his back and his glistening blue eyes that seemed to be calculating, taking him in just as he was doing the same back.
Van was stunned when a white gloved hand reached out to him. "Here, give me your hand."
As much as Van would have liked to accept the stranger's help, he couldn't bring himself to grab the man's hand. Something about his pleasant voice made Van recoil and his stomach churn. It was the sick feeling of pity and Van was tired of it.
"I don't need your help," Van snapped, "I can do it myself."
The warm caring feeling, the blond man had been giving off, quickly changed upon hearing Van's words. "Very well," he stated calmly, pulling back his hand and letting it fall to his side.
Van got to his feet, all the while being watched by the stranger. He swayed a bit but managed to steady himself by leaning an arm against a tree. When the nauseous feeling had subsided, he let his arm drop immediately. His limbs were throbbing and he wished he hadn't gotten up at all but he stayed upright, forcing himself to his full height. He did not want to show how weak he was to this new stranger.
"You don't look so good," the man said amused, "What's you name?"
"None of you business."
The man shook his head. "Maybe not...but I suggest you watch your tone, boy. I do not appreciate being spoken to so rudely. However," he looked to Van, "since it is apparent no one has ever taken the time to teach you any manners...i suppose I can overlook your insolence."
"Y-"
"You shouldn't be here," the stranger broke in, "now that you are up, I suggest you leave the woods immediately. Go home. Snuggle into bed with your little teddy bear and go to sleep. It's most certainly past you bedtime and your mother must be worried sick."
Van's jaw clenched at the intended insult. Fucking bastard, who the hell does he think he is, patronizing me? He'll pay for that. Van reached for his sword.
"Don't," the stranger commanded, "you were unwilling to tell me your name, but I will tell you mine." He glared at Van. "I am Allen Schezar, Knight Caeli of Asturia and as such it is my duty to answer steel with steel." Van gripped his sword, preparing to unsheathe it and lash out at the man. Allen caught his movements and scowled. "I do not play childish games. If you draw, you will die."
"Don't threaten me." Van began pulling his blade from the narrow slip of leather.
"DON'T...DRAW!" Allen boomed, annoyance apparent in is tone. "I have no patience for reckless young men who feel they have something to prove. Now sheath your sword, boy, unless you sincerely have a death wish."
Heat was rising to Van's cheeks. He could feel his blood boiling in his veins as the stranger once again berated him. "That's...it," he cried, freeing his weapon entirely of its holder.
"Foolish boy."
Well that's another chapter. I hope you guys liked it. Let me know if you like the length of the chapters or if you think they're too short. Cause I can always write more if that's what you guys want.
Anyway, REVIEW.
I definitely wanna hear what you guys think of the fic so far.