Hitomi Watched as Escaflone went down on one knee and the chest opened, out stepped King Van Slazer Fennel of Fanaila. His hair was now long, but was held back in a small, tight ponytail. He smiled warmly at Hitomi and jumped down to the ground. Hitomi ran to him. They met in an embrace, Hitomi felt tears of Happiness run down her face. For a while they just stood there blocking out the rest of the world. Happy just to be together. Then Van looked up to Ry and Jake, " Ry Alea, Criet Alea, well done."
Hitomi turned to see that Ry and Jake/Criet had put their swords away, " Sorry your highness, I had to be sure it was you." Ry stretched her arms above her head, " Finally we can go back to Geia and relax.
" Ry, you know we have more work to do here," said Van.
" Wishful thinking, right guys?" she yelled to the other Gymelfs.
Several yells of agreement came from the people inside.
" Wait a sec," asked Hitomi, " They work with you?" she asked Van.
Van nodded, " Ry is the head of all of Fanaila's military activities," he answered not quite folowing.
" Then why exactly did you kidnap me?"
" In case you don't remember you wouldn't let us get a word out to tell you who we worked for," answered Ry.
"Oh yeah," Hitomi went hot faced.
" Yeah, but knowing these two that doesn't surprise me," said Van rolling his eyes, " Military geniuses, but not one of them is a people person."
" Diplomats, and Military Geniuses?" said Criet amused.
" Geia would be ours for the taking," continued Ry with a laugh.
" I rest my case," Van said. Hitomi just smiled. " Come with me Hitomi," he said guiding her. Then he looked over his shoulder, " Ry take care of Escaflone and the rest of Zaibach's soldiers," he yelled.
" Yes your highness," she answered, " Ah, back to my element." Then she turned around and began to bark out orders.
Criet shrugged, " Like a fish to water," he turned to join Ry.
Van led Hitomi to an area where a limo was parked, then over to it. Van politely opened the door for Hitomi.
Suddanly Hitomi was nearly knocked over by someone. " Hitomi," she herd the person yell. All Hitomi could see was the girl's pink hair.
Then it clicked, " Merle!," yelled Hitomi elated to see the cat-girl. Merle was about twenty now, and looked like an adult, but she still had a michevious air.
" Merle at least let Hitomi into the car," Van said smiling. Merle let Hitomi go, Van got into the car behind her.
" So, how is Faniala?" asked Hitomi.
" You wouldn't believe it," said Merle (Van was too busy just looking at Hitomi to answer) " It's grown so much, we're not just a tiny little kingdom any more!"
Hitomi smiled, Merle was still so Merle-like, " I can't wait to see." she said, then remembered the attacks by Zaibach, " What about Zaibach? what are they after now?" asked Hitomi sadly.
Van snapped out of his trance at the mention of Zaibach, " Some things are best spoken about, by the light of day," he said for a moment detracted form Hitomi and Merle. Merle just nodded, and Hitomi accepted.
" Then at least tell me how you were so . . ." Hitomi paused taking a look at the limo, " situated?"
" We started with one or two people, mostly Ry, Criet, or one of their recommendations, they would gather information or begin to set things up," Van paused, " Then a little less than a year ago Ry and Criet, moved here for most of the time. They proceeded to track you down."
" I see," said Hitomi.
The rest of the ride was spent talking about little things, and memories, and their lives since Hitomi had left.
Then they pulled up to a hotel, " You can stay with us tonight," said Van smiling from the previous conversation. He got out and held the door, Merle put a jacket with a hood on for obvious reasons. She got out next, then Hitomi.
As Hitomi got out Van watched her, just glad to be back with her. Merle had grown up a lot since Hitomi left, but as soon as she saw Hitomi she became the kitten she had once been. It reminded him of their travels nine years ago. Unfortunately even the enemy was the same, but this time they were far more dangerous. He frowned, why did all their meetings have to be because of danger? Had they not already worked hard enough to deserve a happy meeting without trouble? Or were they destined to only fight side by side and nothing more?
*~*~*~*~*~*
Hitomi laid in the hotel room she shared with Merle. It was late and the lights were out. While Merle had almost immediately fallen asleep, Hitomi was still digesting what she had learned tonight.
For one Ry and Criet weren't enemies. This explained a lot, for instance why Hitomi had felt safe after her kidnapping, why she hadn't panicked. This also explained why her pendant hadn't taken her away, she was the safest place she could be. For she had learned that Van and Merle had only just arrived on earth when the attack had begun.
Van. . . . . he was older and . . . well, better looking than she remembered. He had changed in other ways, he was now a king, his movements and expressions no longer seemed so. . .. rash. He seemed like he now weighed the pros and cons of his actions. Overall he had grown from a spoiled, brash, prince bent on revenge, to a wise, and thoughtful King. Hitomi smiled to herself at the thought.
While she could read Van like a book Ry intrigued her. Hitomi had seen her be friendly, cold, and sarcastic. Which of these was Ry's real personality, Hitomi could sense that there was far more to the young warrior than what met the eye. Maybe that's why Hitomi liked her, she was a puzzle for Hitomi to figure out.
It was nice to see Van and Merle again, but Hitomi knew that their coming hailed more trouble. All Hitomi knew was that somehow Zaibach had returned, and was after her. What for? She didn't know, but she didn't like the thought of Zaibach powerful again at all.
But even if she, Van, and the rest of Fanalia's forces won against Zaibach there was still the painful decision she would have to make. Whether or not to go back to Giea with Van. At fifteen she was too young to leave her family, her friends and her world, but now was different, or maybe she was still too young? She didn't know if she could leave her world behind, but could she really stand to lose Van again? " Home is where the heart is," is an old quote, but what if your heart rested in more than one place? Hitomi tossed and turned in bed contemplating until sleep finally took her over.
*~*~*~*~*~*
Several gun shots echoed through the gun range. Each one struck the bulls eye perfectly, making little holes in the paper, but the shooter didn't seem to notice as she fired a few more shots.
When Ry had first come to the Mystic Moon she had seen the weapon called a gun. She was convinced immediately that if she and her men were to work here they'd have to learn how to use the weapon, and that she'd have to master it. Just as she'd mastered every other weapon put to her from the enormous Gymelf she piloted to the smallest dagger.
Just because she had learned to use the weapon, and use it well, didn't mean she liked it. It, it killed too easily, it sounded funny to be coming from her, Ry Anivian Alea, Head of Fanalia's Military. The girl who had learned to kill before she could walk. But with a sword or bow or other Gieasan weapons you relied on yourself, not the weapon. You could argue that you depended on a gymelf, but a gymelf was like an extension of the body. The biggest problem Ry had with the gun was it gave power to even the least skilled warrior. Anyone could pick it up and beat the most skilled or experienced fighter. It bothered Ry.
Ry had grown up in the Yieth, the largest battle ground on Giea. It had once been two great kingdoms, now it was nothing. there were no cities left, there were just villages of tents that were semi-permanent. They would stay where they were till some great need or danger drove them off. The militant tribes ruled everything except each other. The militant tribes were always fighting amongst each other. This was the kind of place Ry had grown up in. There was a saying, " If you meet a old man from the Yeith he is either a great warrior, or the friend of one."
Ry broke from her thoughts to find that she had shot out the entire bulls eye, with only one hole from a miss about an inch away. she packed her equipment up paid the man for allowing her to use the range then walked down the dark streets. She wore a trench coat like Criet, in the lining of which they were able to hide their swords.
It was late at night as Ry walked the streets, and she was tired. Even so, being a trained warrior she noticed the group of men surrounding her. ` Not a good idea boys,' she thought with a smirk. She walked on as if she didn't notice them as they surrounded her in the ally.
` Lets see,' she thought as she carefully, and inconspicuously, studied the ally for things she could use, ` fools,' she thought, ` I'll have the advantage in an ally, they can't all attack at once.'
The man that seemed to be the leader stepped out in front of her, " Hey babe, you know it's dangerous being out so late on your own," he said confidently.
" And you know it's dangerous to get me mad," Ry answered as she pushed past the man.
" I don't think so," he said as he grabbed her arm.
" Oh really?" she asked as she turned and gave the man such a look that he cringed away before remembering he wasn't alone.
" Really," he said with sudden confidence.
Ry flashed him another look, he cringed again, " Let me go," she said in a surprisingly commanding voice.
Suddanly Ry caught movement out of the corner of her eye. She ducked and rolled out from between the two shocked men as they hit each other. Ry stood up and brushed herself off then started walking down the ally. The stunned gang recovered and charged at her.
As she walked away she grabbed a broom that was leaning against a door in the ally. She silently watched as the men gained on her, then when they were right behind her. She moved quickly shoving the end of the broom into the wall then bracing herself against the other. One after another the men hit the broom and fell. Ry twirled the broom and set it by the door. Then just walked off. She had work to do.
Hitomi turned to see that Ry and Jake/Criet had put their swords away, " Sorry your highness, I had to be sure it was you." Ry stretched her arms above her head, " Finally we can go back to Geia and relax.
" Ry, you know we have more work to do here," said Van.
" Wishful thinking, right guys?" she yelled to the other Gymelfs.
Several yells of agreement came from the people inside.
" Wait a sec," asked Hitomi, " They work with you?" she asked Van.
Van nodded, " Ry is the head of all of Fanaila's military activities," he answered not quite folowing.
" Then why exactly did you kidnap me?"
" In case you don't remember you wouldn't let us get a word out to tell you who we worked for," answered Ry.
"Oh yeah," Hitomi went hot faced.
" Yeah, but knowing these two that doesn't surprise me," said Van rolling his eyes, " Military geniuses, but not one of them is a people person."
" Diplomats, and Military Geniuses?" said Criet amused.
" Geia would be ours for the taking," continued Ry with a laugh.
" I rest my case," Van said. Hitomi just smiled. " Come with me Hitomi," he said guiding her. Then he looked over his shoulder, " Ry take care of Escaflone and the rest of Zaibach's soldiers," he yelled.
" Yes your highness," she answered, " Ah, back to my element." Then she turned around and began to bark out orders.
Criet shrugged, " Like a fish to water," he turned to join Ry.
Van led Hitomi to an area where a limo was parked, then over to it. Van politely opened the door for Hitomi.
Suddanly Hitomi was nearly knocked over by someone. " Hitomi," she herd the person yell. All Hitomi could see was the girl's pink hair.
Then it clicked, " Merle!," yelled Hitomi elated to see the cat-girl. Merle was about twenty now, and looked like an adult, but she still had a michevious air.
" Merle at least let Hitomi into the car," Van said smiling. Merle let Hitomi go, Van got into the car behind her.
" So, how is Faniala?" asked Hitomi.
" You wouldn't believe it," said Merle (Van was too busy just looking at Hitomi to answer) " It's grown so much, we're not just a tiny little kingdom any more!"
Hitomi smiled, Merle was still so Merle-like, " I can't wait to see." she said, then remembered the attacks by Zaibach, " What about Zaibach? what are they after now?" asked Hitomi sadly.
Van snapped out of his trance at the mention of Zaibach, " Some things are best spoken about, by the light of day," he said for a moment detracted form Hitomi and Merle. Merle just nodded, and Hitomi accepted.
" Then at least tell me how you were so . . ." Hitomi paused taking a look at the limo, " situated?"
" We started with one or two people, mostly Ry, Criet, or one of their recommendations, they would gather information or begin to set things up," Van paused, " Then a little less than a year ago Ry and Criet, moved here for most of the time. They proceeded to track you down."
" I see," said Hitomi.
The rest of the ride was spent talking about little things, and memories, and their lives since Hitomi had left.
Then they pulled up to a hotel, " You can stay with us tonight," said Van smiling from the previous conversation. He got out and held the door, Merle put a jacket with a hood on for obvious reasons. She got out next, then Hitomi.
As Hitomi got out Van watched her, just glad to be back with her. Merle had grown up a lot since Hitomi left, but as soon as she saw Hitomi she became the kitten she had once been. It reminded him of their travels nine years ago. Unfortunately even the enemy was the same, but this time they were far more dangerous. He frowned, why did all their meetings have to be because of danger? Had they not already worked hard enough to deserve a happy meeting without trouble? Or were they destined to only fight side by side and nothing more?
*~*~*~*~*~*
Hitomi laid in the hotel room she shared with Merle. It was late and the lights were out. While Merle had almost immediately fallen asleep, Hitomi was still digesting what she had learned tonight.
For one Ry and Criet weren't enemies. This explained a lot, for instance why Hitomi had felt safe after her kidnapping, why she hadn't panicked. This also explained why her pendant hadn't taken her away, she was the safest place she could be. For she had learned that Van and Merle had only just arrived on earth when the attack had begun.
Van. . . . . he was older and . . . well, better looking than she remembered. He had changed in other ways, he was now a king, his movements and expressions no longer seemed so. . .. rash. He seemed like he now weighed the pros and cons of his actions. Overall he had grown from a spoiled, brash, prince bent on revenge, to a wise, and thoughtful King. Hitomi smiled to herself at the thought.
While she could read Van like a book Ry intrigued her. Hitomi had seen her be friendly, cold, and sarcastic. Which of these was Ry's real personality, Hitomi could sense that there was far more to the young warrior than what met the eye. Maybe that's why Hitomi liked her, she was a puzzle for Hitomi to figure out.
It was nice to see Van and Merle again, but Hitomi knew that their coming hailed more trouble. All Hitomi knew was that somehow Zaibach had returned, and was after her. What for? She didn't know, but she didn't like the thought of Zaibach powerful again at all.
But even if she, Van, and the rest of Fanalia's forces won against Zaibach there was still the painful decision she would have to make. Whether or not to go back to Giea with Van. At fifteen she was too young to leave her family, her friends and her world, but now was different, or maybe she was still too young? She didn't know if she could leave her world behind, but could she really stand to lose Van again? " Home is where the heart is," is an old quote, but what if your heart rested in more than one place? Hitomi tossed and turned in bed contemplating until sleep finally took her over.
*~*~*~*~*~*
Several gun shots echoed through the gun range. Each one struck the bulls eye perfectly, making little holes in the paper, but the shooter didn't seem to notice as she fired a few more shots.
When Ry had first come to the Mystic Moon she had seen the weapon called a gun. She was convinced immediately that if she and her men were to work here they'd have to learn how to use the weapon, and that she'd have to master it. Just as she'd mastered every other weapon put to her from the enormous Gymelf she piloted to the smallest dagger.
Just because she had learned to use the weapon, and use it well, didn't mean she liked it. It, it killed too easily, it sounded funny to be coming from her, Ry Anivian Alea, Head of Fanalia's Military. The girl who had learned to kill before she could walk. But with a sword or bow or other Gieasan weapons you relied on yourself, not the weapon. You could argue that you depended on a gymelf, but a gymelf was like an extension of the body. The biggest problem Ry had with the gun was it gave power to even the least skilled warrior. Anyone could pick it up and beat the most skilled or experienced fighter. It bothered Ry.
Ry had grown up in the Yieth, the largest battle ground on Giea. It had once been two great kingdoms, now it was nothing. there were no cities left, there were just villages of tents that were semi-permanent. They would stay where they were till some great need or danger drove them off. The militant tribes ruled everything except each other. The militant tribes were always fighting amongst each other. This was the kind of place Ry had grown up in. There was a saying, " If you meet a old man from the Yeith he is either a great warrior, or the friend of one."
Ry broke from her thoughts to find that she had shot out the entire bulls eye, with only one hole from a miss about an inch away. she packed her equipment up paid the man for allowing her to use the range then walked down the dark streets. She wore a trench coat like Criet, in the lining of which they were able to hide their swords.
It was late at night as Ry walked the streets, and she was tired. Even so, being a trained warrior she noticed the group of men surrounding her. ` Not a good idea boys,' she thought with a smirk. She walked on as if she didn't notice them as they surrounded her in the ally.
` Lets see,' she thought as she carefully, and inconspicuously, studied the ally for things she could use, ` fools,' she thought, ` I'll have the advantage in an ally, they can't all attack at once.'
The man that seemed to be the leader stepped out in front of her, " Hey babe, you know it's dangerous being out so late on your own," he said confidently.
" And you know it's dangerous to get me mad," Ry answered as she pushed past the man.
" I don't think so," he said as he grabbed her arm.
" Oh really?" she asked as she turned and gave the man such a look that he cringed away before remembering he wasn't alone.
" Really," he said with sudden confidence.
Ry flashed him another look, he cringed again, " Let me go," she said in a surprisingly commanding voice.
Suddanly Ry caught movement out of the corner of her eye. She ducked and rolled out from between the two shocked men as they hit each other. Ry stood up and brushed herself off then started walking down the ally. The stunned gang recovered and charged at her.
As she walked away she grabbed a broom that was leaning against a door in the ally. She silently watched as the men gained on her, then when they were right behind her. She moved quickly shoving the end of the broom into the wall then bracing herself against the other. One after another the men hit the broom and fell. Ry twirled the broom and set it by the door. Then just walked off. She had work to do.