Vision of Escaflowne: Homecoming Chapter Nine: The Calm Before the Storm, an escaflowne fanfic

Well, well, its good to see all of you again. Welcome to another installment of Vision of Escaflowne: Homecoming. I hope you all enjoyed chapter 8. Again I do apologize for all my tardiness, but although I won't offer any excuses because I really should have had it out sooner, I'm still on my computer making the story evolve. Real quick before the show begins, I want to give a shout out to my cousin who just graduated high school, all the best wishes to you. Okay, now on with the show…after the standard disclaimer of course.

Disclaimer: I do not in any way own anything pertaining to Escaflowne, its themes, characters and plots. I do own anything else that comes from my little bit of fiction, my characters, plots and other things.

Chapter Nine: The Calm Before the Storm

~About two hours away from the Gypsy Camp~

"I wonder how the guys are doing?" Pristelle commented as their small set of travelers continued along the worn dirt road.

Myami glanced back at the carriage and down the road they had just traveled over, "I wish I knew. I can't exactly telepathically communicate over such a long distance. I know that they can handle themselves, but I can't help but be worried about them."

"I know what you mean. I can't stand not knowing, especially about Ryley." Pristelle sighed and received a sympathetic look from Myami.

"Young love." Myami batted her eyelashes at Pristelle while puckering her lips.

Pristelle moved in close and swatted the back of Myami's head, "You are so immature!"

Myami laughed, "At least I lightened the mood." Then glancing back at the carriage, "I wonder how Hitomi is doing?" she said to herself.

Merle waved to Myami and nudged Selena in the ribs, "Hey, Myami is looking over our way."

"Hmm?" Selena rubbed her eyes, "How is it that you're still so awake?"

"I've always been a bit of night person. Besides who else is going to drive this thing." Merle answered as she watched Myami slow down to match the carriage's pace.

"How are you guys?" Myami inquired, seeing the fatigue in both of their eyes. "We're not too far from the camp. Once we get there you can get some much needed sleep."

Selena yawned and stretched, "Can't wait. Is there any way we can find out how the others are faring?"

"I don't know. There's no way I can communicate with them over such a long distance. I could've checked on them a couple of hours ago, but I decided that it would be safer to just let things be. I don't want to have started talking to them in the middle of a battle." Myami offered a small smile, "Besides, they are all skilled fighters. Whomever it was that caused all of this trouble in the first place would surely be in for it."

"You're right, Myami-chan!" Merle struck a triumphant pose, "Van-sama and Allen are among the best swordsmen in all of Gaea. Not to mention Dryden, Ryley, Yil and Tardus are there to back them up."

Pristelle crested the top of the ridge, "Hey! We're almost here!"

Quickly the carriage and Myami made their way over to where Pristelle had dismounted. Selena and Merle jumped down off their perch and joined Myami and Pristelle as they peered over the rise. Although it was still dark, they could make out the welcoming campfires that lit the area.

"Wow!" Selena whispered in awe. "It's so large."

Pristelle placed a hand on Selena's shoulder, "You're only seeing part of it. They have constructed a virtual city among the trees and forests of this area. All very well hidden for those that aren't exactly looking for them." She gestured towards the gypsy camp, "The Haven, where we came from, is no where near this size. Where we are shielded by magics, the gypsies use nature."

"I see. How long before we can make it down there?" Merle was excited. She couldn't wait to see the camp up close.

Myami vaulted back onto her horse and stared out into the horizon, "About two hours. Maybe even longer if the road down is as rough as I remember. The carriage might have a difficult time."

"Well then," Selena was already leading Merle back to the carriage, "Let's get going. The sooner we get there, the sooner we can get some rest."

Pristelle smiled, "It'll be good to see Celestas again." She began as the started off on the path once again, "Won't she be surprised to see how much we've all grown up."

Myami chuckled, "Surprises are the best."

With that comment in mind the small band of travelers continued down the slope into the gypsy camp.

~Battlefield~

"It's the CANNON!!!" Tardus yelled out across the field.

Dryden turned to Yil, "What cannon?"

Yil looked out to the horizon. He focused on the area all the soldiers were coming from. That's when he saw what Tardus was yelling about. "Your majesty. We have to get everyone out of her now!"

Dryden only nodded and gave the command. Soon the soldiers were backing out of the castle. "Get everyone out of the castle. Make sure the area is clear now!"

Van and Allen did not miss the commands. Quickly, using the guymelefs, they began to herd the civilians and soldiers to the forests surrounding the castle, making sure they were out of harm's way. Tardus and Ryley had already joined Dryden and Yil on foot helping the soldiers steer clear of the oncoming blast.

"They mean to destroy the entire castle." Dryden pointed out the obvious to his companions as the evacuated. "When we survive this and get to Myami I will personally make sure you all have the best assistance in your quest. Kirok has gone too far."

Yil nodded in response and turned to see the cannon set itself up to fire.

"Is the cannon ready?" Dorser called out to Nigel.

Nigel peered through the aiming mechanism and gave Dorser a thumbs up, "It's all warmed up and ready to go. I can see all the fools trying to run."

"Let them run. They won't all get away. They mean nothing to us. FIRE!!!"

A bright light emitted out from the cannons long snout. Soon the entire area was lit up as if it were morning and the only sounds that everyone could hear were the sounds of total destruction of Astoria's royal palace.

~Carriage~

"MYAMI!!!!" Hitomi sat up flailing. She had quickly awoken when sudden danger had permeated her senses. Something was not right, "MYAMI!!!"

Millerna awoke to Hitomi's frantic yells and sought to calm her down, "Hitomi! Hitomi-chan!"

"Millerna-sama," Hitomi's senses were returning to normal, "Where is everyone?"

Suddenly the carriage stopped and the door was ripped open, "What happened!?!?" Myami exclaimed as she quickly pulled both Hitomi and Millerna out of the small vehicle. "Tom-Tom, are you hurt? Is everything okay?" Myami was so panicky that she didn't realize that she had been shaking Hitomi as she had questioned her.

Calmly, Millerna pried Hitomi away from Myami and described the situation, "Hitomi awoke screaming for you and that woke me up. As far as I can tell there is nothing physically wrong."

Myami, ashamed of her behavior, ran a hand through her hair. Turning to her sibling, she walked quickly to her and pulled her into an embrace, "I'm sorry, Tom-Tom. You have no idea how worried I was when I heard you yelling. Forgive me."

Hitomi reveled in the feel of being in her sister's arms again. It had been a long time since these arms had comforted her. She took a long look at her sister. She couldn't believe they were together again, "There is nothing to forgive. I am all right." Then Hitomi stepped out from Myami's hug, "But there is something wrong."

"What's wrong?" Merle stepped closer into their circle of friends. Merle, Selena, and Pristelle had long since joined them, but had stood unnoticed until then, "What's going on Hitomi-chan?"

Hitomi sat down near the carriage and massaged her temples, "I don't know. All I know was that I was dreaming and then all of a sudden all I could see were bright beams of light and a castle falling apart."

"Oh my god!" Millerna held a hand up to her mouth, "Was it Astoria?"

"I don't know." Hitomi closed her eyes. "It was so vague." Then she glanced at her companions, "Where are the rest of you?"

"Van and the others stayed in Astoria." Selena explained, "They stayed to defend the castle from the people that attacked you that one day."

Hitomi nodded, "And you are?" Hitomi looked to Pristelle.

"Pristelle, Hitomi-san." Pristelle knelt next to her, "I'm a friend of Myami's."

"Myami?" Hitomi waited until Myami was kneeling too. Any reunion that the sisters may have wanted to have could wait. Right now, Hitomi's senses were flaring with warning, "I sense danger. Please tell me what's been going on."

~Astoria~

Yil watched as the blinding light pierced through the center of the castle disintegrating it into ash. Soon the palace began to crumble and fall. The devastation caused by the cannon could be heard as walls fell and screams echoed into the early morning.

For the most part, the castle was evacuated and many civilians escaped with their lives, but the destruction caused would forever be remembered. Dryden looked to his home and a lone tear escaped his eye. Kirok would pay for the harm he had caused his country. He and Millerna had worked hard to make Astoria flourish and to have that taken away in a blink of an eye made him both sad and furious.

Allen and Van shared looks of disappointment and surprise. The enemy had a truly amazing weapon. They had the same thought running through their minds. How would they be able to defend against something so utterly powerful.

Tardus leaned on Ryley for support as they watched Astoria's grand palace collapse under the cannon's assault. Tardus cursed himself for not noticing sooner and Ryley stood hoping that such a thing could be prevented from happening again.

The six men stood silently watching the enemy troops quickly begin to clear out and leave Astoria. Each one hated the fact that there was nothing at the moment that they could do. Each one knew that if Kirok were not stopped more cities would fall under his power. Each one understood their loss that morning. And each one hoped that Myami had gotten everyone else out of harms way.

~Gypsy Camp~

It had been a while since Myami had explained the comings and goings of their group since Hitomi's black out about three days ago. Hitomi had taken in all the information and nodded every once in a while in understanding. She had asked questions of everyone and when she was satisfied with the answers she had received she had bid them to continue on to the gypsy camp.

Myami had agreed and once Hitomi and Millerna were safely ensconced within the carriage, the small band of travelers set out once again. As was predicted, the road was rough and it took a little longer than expected.

It was dawn when their group finally reached the entrance to the gypsy camp. The guards greeted them and Myami was immediately recognized. Quickly they were escorted deep within the site towards a small hut.

Myami and Pristelle dismounted and proceeded to assist Millerna and Hitomi out the carriage. Merle and Selena began to help remove the horses from their bindings and led them towards the stables that were provided.

"Myami?" A handsome man approached them, "Is that you?"

Myami turned to the voice and smiled, "Sure is. How are you Garret?"

Garret swung Myami into his arms and kissed her soundly. Myami was caught off guard and could do nothing but respond to his passionate gesture. Merle and Selena were whistling, while Hitomi and Millerna were giggling softly. Pristelle stood watching with an eyebrow raised.

Once Garret had released Myami he held her out at arms length, "You have no idea how long I've dreamt of doing that to you carida."

"Garret," Myami placed her hands around his neck and winked, "Now that you've done it what do you think?"

Garret smirked, "Like kissing my sister." At that comment everyone around them laughed. "You could have been a little bit more responsive."

"I think I responded as much as possible considering the circumstances. Besides, you know you're more of a brother to me than anything else." Myami hugged him, "It is so good to see you."

Garret took the opportunity to whisper into Myami's ear, "Although we could have been more." A blush crept into Myami's cheeks and quickly vanished, but not before Garret could notice. He grinned. Then loud enough for the others to hear him, "It is also good to see you. You and Pristelle have grown into the beautiful women I knew you would both be. Not that you weren't beautiful when I had met you."

"Goodness, Garret." Pristelle mockingly batted her eyelashes, "I think I just might fall at your feet and declare my love for you."

"By all means. You can let Ryley know that you're mine, now and forever." Garret chuckled. That earned him a scowl and a stuck out tongue from Pristelle. Then turning to Myami, "So who are your new friends? Any friends of yours are friends of the Gypsies."

Myami released Garret and introduced him to her companions, "This is Merle."

"Pleased to meet you," Merle shook hands with Garret.

Garret winked in response, "Likewise." Merle couldn't help but blush at the handsome man.

"Selena." Myami added. Bring Garret to stand in front of her, "Her brother Allen is the captain of the Royal Knights of Astoria."

Selena bowed, "Thank you for welcoming us to such a beautiful area."

Garret lifted her hand and laid a soft kiss on Selena's knuckles, causing her face to flare red. "The pleasure is all mine."

Myami rolled her eyes skyward, "Do you always have to lay on the charm? You haven't changed a bit."

"I could say the same for you." Garret smiled. Myami playfully slapped his shoulder.

"This lovely woman here is her Royal Highness, Queen Millerna of Astoria," Myami continued. "Her husband, King Dryden will be joining us later this evening."

"Her highness' beauty lives up to its reputation," Garret bowed, "It is truly an honor to meet you."

Millerna curtseyed, a light blush staining her cheeks, "Please just Millerna will be fine. I too thank you for welcoming us to your home."

"You certainly still have the same effect on women." At that comment all the women smiled and another blush overtook them all. Myami and Pristelle giggled. Finally Myami brought Garret over to Hitomi, "Last but not least, this is my sister Hitomi." Myami walked over to her placed an arm around Hitomi's shoulders.

Garret arched a brow, "Sister?"

"Hai." Hitomi bowed, "We have just found our way back to each other."

Once Hitomi straightened, Garret compared the two sisters, "The resemblance is remarkable. Same emerald eyes and facial structure. If only you had the same hair color, you would be twins."

Myami shared a smile with Hitomi, "We know. Don't forget Hitomi has to grow another three inches to be at my height."

"Onee-chan!" Hitomi cried out. Then a sly smile crept across her face, "Well at least I'm not as fat."

"What!?!" Myami promptly began to mess with Hitomi's hair.

Garret laughed out loud and disengaged the two siblings, "Ever the immature one." He directed that at Myami, then turning to Hitomi, "Then I will consider you a sister as well, Hitomi-chan." Garret came forward and lightly embraced her.

Hitomi found that she liked this man and returned the hug in kind. He seemed to pulsate kindness and compassion. "Is this your boyfriend, Onee-chan?"

Garret released Hitomi and laughed, "There was a time I wished that I was. But alas, to this day I still am not."

Hitomi gave a questioning stare to Myami as if to say, "Why not?"

"It's a long story," Myami put up her hands, "One that I will be glad to tell, but not right now." Myami began to lead everyone towards the small hut, "Right now, there is someone that I want you to all meet." She opened the door to the hut and ushered everyone inside, including Garret. "Everyone, this is Celestas."

Celestas lifted her face to the voice. Her blind eyes looked to the group almost as if she could really see, "I've been expecting you child."

Myami knelt next to Celestas and wrapped her arms carefully around the elderly woman, "I've missed you."

"As I you." Celestas motioned for Myami to stand. Her voice suddenly took a serious note. "I've been anxious for you to arrive. Something has happened to your friends. There is danger approaching."

~On the road to the Gypsy Camp~

Six dreary faces rode in silence as they journeyed on towards the agreed meeting place. It had been a long night and an even longer morning as the rebuilding of Astoria's land had been set in motion.

Dryden left the head of Astoria's royal council in charge of the restoration. He had left his kingdom with a heavy heart but with a strong purpose. Kirok had struck out at his home and Dryden wouldn't stand for it. He had already sent warnings to the surrounding kingdoms as had Van for his kingdom. Everyone would be on the watch for Kirok's lackeys. Since it was sure that Kirok would not attack Astoria again, Dryden had also sent his army's assistance to Freyd. Any available army man was sent in the hopes of helping their ally country.

Tardus, Ryley and Yil were all looking forward to rejoining Myami, Pristelle and their new friends. They were also looking forward to seeing Celestas again. But deep down each man felt terrible about the loss they had suffered, especially Tardus.

Tardus felt that because he had lost his temper he had not fulfilled his duty in protecting Astoria. Although Ryley and the others had assured him that he could not have prevented such a catastrophe, Tardus carried the burden of Astoria's loss.

Ryley knew that nothing could have prevented the cannon from firing, unless they had seen it sooner. But that could not be considering the massive battle that had taken place. No one could have foreseen the cannon. Ryley's face became impassive. He couldn't even make Tardus feel even a little bit better. It wasn't Tardus' fault that Astoria had fallen but he was placing all the blame on his shoulders.

Yil rode next to Dryden, taking his duty of protecting the king very seriously. Ever since Allen had given Dryden into his care, Yil found himself shadowing the king. He felt for the king and his loss of Astoria, but for now the best Yil could do was protect him and his wife. And that Yil would do to the best of his ability.

Allen rode quietly next to Van. This morning they had set off after commands were given to the many guards and peoples of the kingdom. The only major damage to the kingdom was with the castle and it's surrounding homes and stores. The west entrance was also demolished as well as it's surrounding area. About half of Astoria survived the onslaught. He was saddened at the powerful city's downfall, but he also knew that it would be rebuilt, stronger and more beautiful than it was before.

Allen turned to Van. They had fought side by side during the siege and he had welcomed the camaraderie. Allen found himself smiling at the picture the two of them made. How much they had grown the past years. Allen's smile turned slowly into a frown. Yes they had both grown, but with a new threat and Hitomi still lingering between them things were still uncertain.

Van's brow was creased in thought. He had already sent word to Fanelia about the possible attack from Kirok's men. He had also sent word for Fanelia to send over its best carpenters and builders to help with Astoria's plight. What was worrying Van now was Hitomi's welfare. Before they had left, Myami had assured Van that things would be fine. But now he was not as sure. It wasn't that he didn't trust Myami. It was just that with the outcome of the battle being what it was, he couldn't help but worry.

Van had seen the destruction that the enemy wielded and he found himself wondering if even Escaflowne could have withstood its fury. Van sighed and fingered his pendant. Not knowing if Hitomi was awake or not he let his mind wander towards hers. He whispered into her thoughts, "We're coming, Hitomi-chan."

~Celestas' Hut~

"Van?" Hitomi whispered out, interrupting the ongoing conversation.

They had been talking about the visions that Celestas had been receiving over the past three weeks. There had been much talk about the legend of the eternal one, a being neither good nor evil, but rather almost like a gateway to the future, a key. Celestas had explained as much as she could but it still led to more questions, questions that she did not have any answers for.

Celestas' ears perked up at Hitomi's quiet inquiry, "What is it child?"

"It's Van." Hitomi spoke up so everyone could hear her, "I can hear him. He's okay. He and the others are on their way here."

Pristelle laid a hand on Hitomi's shoulder, "Can you contact them? Let them know that we're okay and ask them what happened."

Hitomi nodded and tried. After a couple of moments, Hitomi found that she could not extend her powers as much as she thought, "I can't. All I can do is receive right now. It seems that I'm still a little bit weak from the overload."

"Then you should get some rest." Myami stood to take her sister to their guest hut, "We can talk again later."

"I'm fine," Hitomi gave a glare to Myami and stood with her arms crossed across her chest. She didn't want to be treated like a child.

Myami, now in full big sister mode, pulled rank, "I'm the older one and I say that we ALL need some rest."

Hitomi turned and saw that in deed the others were tired. Merle had already drifted off and was snoring softly on Selena's shoulder. Selena was trying to keep her eyes open but wasn't faring very well. Millerna was valiantly putting up an effort and still managed to hold her regal baring. Pristelle looked as Myami did, tired but ready for anything. Hitomi sighed. She wasn't yet used to having an older sibling, since she used to be the oldest. But then if the roles were reversed she realized that she would do exactly the same thing. "All right." Hitomi conceded.

"Still not used to me yet, eh Tom-Tom?" Myami smiled warmly as she placed an arm around Hitomi's shoulders, "Don't worry after we all get some well-deserved rest we'll spend some time together before Van and his group get here okay?"

Hitomi nodded and that elicited a large yawn. Celestas heard the reaction and smiled, "It is a fine group of ladies that you've surrounded yourself with, Mya-chan."

"I know." Myami bent to kiss Celestas' cheek, "Till later." After Celestas nodded, Myami turned to Garret, "Give me a hand."

Garret quietly began to lift Merle into his arms and took the lead. All the women said their "thank yous" to Celestas and proceeded to follow Garret to their hut.

Celestas watched the door close with unseeing eyes and a small frown overtook her delicate features. Quietly she offered up a prayer, "Guardians of Gaea, please help these children of light for the darkness grows near and there are no answers to guide them."

~9 hours later~

"Are we almost there?" Ryley asked of Tardus.

Tardus grunted as a response then sighed at the look of exhaustion on Ryley's face. They had been riding hard in order to reach the Gypsy stronghold in less time. As it was they were just half an hour away, working their way down the narrow and steep slope into the campsite. It was true that they were all exhausted, but it couldn't be helped. The others needed to be informed of what had occurred and each man needed to assure himself that the women were safe.

It had occurred to them that they would be able to telepathically communicate to Myami what had happened, but they weren't as adept in telepathy as she was and they needed to be closer. Van had tried using his connection with Hitomi and when she didn't respond, Van figured that she was still recovering. With no way to communicate with their group, it had been decided that they would reach the campsite as quickly as possible.

Now that they were almost at their destination, the sextet of men could feel the weight of their burdens steadily increasing. Dryden couldn't find an easy way to explain to Millerna what had happened to their kingdom. Tardus couldn't bring himself to accept the failure of the night before and he couldn't find a way to tell Myami. Van didn't know how to break the news to Hitomi after everything that had happened to her. Yil was unsure of his role during the battle. He didn't know if what he had done would be considered a failure or an actual victory in Myami's mind. Allen wondered how Selena would take all the news and weighed all the options that were left to them. Ryley didn't want to face Pristelle with everything that had occurred.

Despair gripped the travelers as they were spotted.

"They're here!!" A gypsy man called out as the riders made their way into the encampment.

~2 hours earlier~

Myami sat on a large rock near the base of the river that ran through the camp. She had been awake after napping for about three hours. She could not shake the feelings of uneasiness that had invaded her mind after their conversation with Celestas.

After her short but restful sleep, Myami wandered around the camp reacquainting herself with the surroundings. Garret had joined her for a time and they caught up on each other's lives. Garret had explained how the gypsies had begun spreading themselves throughout Gaea. He had also told her many anecdotes about his life. Myami had to smile. He had had some very colorful adventures.

Garret had left a short while ago, promising to bring back some food and to pick up where they had left off. Myami had yet to eat all day and Garret had noticed it when during their conversation, Myami's stomach growled loudly. He had laughed then kissed her forehead as he stood to leave. Now alone for some time Myami began to wonder if Garret had gotten sidetracked.

Myami smiled to herself. Yeah, a pretty face probably sidetracked him, knowing that he couldn't resist the urge to flirt. Ever since she had known him he had been that way, it was part of his charm. Sighing Myami picked up her guitar. Strumming to make sure the strings were in tune, Myami closed her eyes and thought of a song. That was how Hitomi found her elder sibling.

Hitomi had woken up twenty minutes ago and bumped into Garret. She had found out from him that Myami had been awake for a while now and that she was waiting for him to return to the river where they had been sitting and talking. He handed Hitomi the food he was holding and instructed her to go find her sister. When Hitomi had asked if Garret had wanted to come along, he shook his head and said something about them needing to spend time together. Smiling in encouragement he directed her where to go.

Hitomi walked on the path that led to the river and smiled at her surroundings. It was utterly peaceful here, as if the Great War had not effected its inhabitants. She valued the forest's innocence and almost wished she still held some of that peace. Quietly she entered the glen, which Garret had told her that her sister was awaiting his arrival. Peeking around the tree, Hitomi caught sight of Myami.

Myami's eyes were closed as she strummed lightly on her guitar. Hitomi watched silently as Myami began to play a song. The melody enraptured Hitomi and she sat down to lean against the tree as she listened to Myami's words.

(This is Duncan Sheik's Barely Breathing…I do not own this song…but I do love it.)

I know what you're doing, I see it all to clear
I only taste the saline when I kiss away your tears
You really had me going, wishing on a star
But the black holes that surround you are heavier by far
I believed in your confusion, you were so completely torn
Well it must have been that yesterday was the day that I was born
There's not much to examine, there's nothing left to hide
You really can't be serious if you have to ask me why
I say good-bye...

'Cause I am barely breathing
And I can't find the air
I don't know who I'm kidding
Imagining you care
And I could stand here waiting
A fool for another day
But I don't suppose it's worth the price, worth the price
The price that I would pay

Everyone keeps asking, what's it all about?
I used to be so certain and I can't figure out
What is this attraction? I only feel the pain

There's nothing left to reason and only you to blame

Will it ever change?

I've come to find
I may never know
Your changing mind
Is it friend or foe?
I rise above
Or sink below
With every time
You come and go
Please don't come and go

Myami finished her song and breathed a small sigh. She had remembered so many things singing that song. Placing the guitar down softly, she pulled her knees up to her chest and laid her chin on them. "Dorser…" Myami whispered.

"Onee-chan?" Hitomi stood and walked closer to her sibling, "That was beautiful. It sounds like it comes from personal experience." Hitomi plopped herself down on the rock next to Myami, offering some bread and cheese. "Garret says that he's sorry it took so long and he figured that we would want to spend some time together."

Myami laid her cheek on her knees as she faced Hitomi, "I've missed you."

"I've missed you too." Hitomi copied Myami's position and smiled, "Now that I've found you again, I regret all the years that we've been apart." Hitomi paused, "So who was that song about?"

"A regret." Myami sighed and accepted Hitomi's offering. After taking a bite and swallowing she responded, "A large regret. One that I hope I don't have to have again."

Hitomi gave Myami a questioning gaze, but decided not to push the issue. "So tell me about your life."

Myami and Hitomi spent their time filling in the gaps. They shared with each other everything that they could think of: secrets, stories, past loves, and future hopes. Garret smiled from the shadows of the trees and turned to walk back into the camp. He was glad that things were going well for the two sisters.

~Back to the present~

"They've arrived!" the watchtower called out to the inhabitants of the encampment.
Garret had just come out from the surrounding trees when he heard the call go through their home. He nodded his head to the watchtower, signaling them to welcome their guests. Quickly, he made his way to Celestas' hut and entered, "Grandmother, the rest of Myami's group have arrived."

Celestas stood and held out her hand to Garret, "Come, lead me to them."

Garret complied and led the older woman out to meet their guests.

"Millerna-sama! Millerna-sama!" Selena raced across the open area of the campsite with Merle trailing behind her, "They're here!"

Millerna looked up from her conversation with the children of the village and began to stand. Turning to the children, Millerna smiled, "It seems that we'll have to continue our story another time. My husband is here and I need to go see him now. Why don't we continue later tonight after dinner?"

The children all nodded and after they said good-bye they scattered every which way across the village. It was about that time that Selena and Merle had reached her.

"Why…did…we…have…to…run…all…that…way?" Merle bent over, placing her hands on her knees, while she caught her breath.

Selena, who was in much the same position, smiled, "Cuz…they're…here."

Millerna giggled at the two young women, "Well since they're here, why don't we go and greet them."

Merle and Selena nodded and walked with Millerna to the front of the camp.

"Pristelle?" a small head popped into the large hut where Pristelle was seeing to some sick individuals.

Pristelle looked up from an injured leg, "Yes?" When she noticed who it was she smiled encouragingly, "What can I do for you Fliser?" Pristelle motioned for the child to come to her as she began to work her magic on the injured person's leg.

"Garret sent me here to let you know that the rest of your traveling party has arrived." Fliser puffed his chest out proudly at how well he had reiterated the message.

"Ryley too?" Pristelle couldn't contain her excitement. She had been so worried since their conversation with Celestas that, like Myami, she did not sleep long. At Fliser's nod, Pristelle finished her incantation and instructed her patient to remain off the leg for another day to allow the spell to do its job. Standing, Pristelle turned to the child, "Let's go then."

Fliser grabbed the beautiful woman's hand and led her out to the front clearing.

~End Chapter Nine~

I know, I know…what a way to end it just when it was getting good. How will the guys explain what happened? How will they find a way to head off Kirok, Dorser, Nigel and their followers? Will they find out more about the Eternal One and what do all the pieces mean?

All this and more will be answered in further chapters. At least now Hitomi is awake and the two sisters are reunited. Now that the group is whole again, they can finally begin the quest that has been calling to all of them since the beginning.

Thanks to all my readers and reviewers. It's what you say that keeps me going so please REVIEW!!! It's so important that you do.

I'm no longer setting deadlines for myself because school has started again and with grad school, work and home life, I already have a lot on my plate so I'll get the next chapter out as soon as humanly possible with my schedule.

I hope that none of you have lost any interest. I do so hope that you're all still reading and that it's not too disappointing that I can't get out chapters every two weeks like I used to. Thanks again and feel free to e-mail me too, jayli123@rocketmail.com

Till next time…Chapter Ten: So Many Questions, Not Enough Answers

Ja ne,

Jayli