Welcome, welcome!!! Hello there, fellow readers and writers to another chapter of my story the Vision of Escaflowne: Homecoming. I'm not going to dilly-dally here and I'll just go straight to the next chapter. I'll dilly-dally with all of you at the end of the chapter in my Author's notes. But first the standard disclaimer…

Disclaimer: I do not in any way own Escaflowne, it's characters, themes, etc… I do own any new characters, my themes, etc… So on with the SHOW!!!

Chapter Twelve: Things Are Always More Than They Seem

~ Legend of Ages ~

Mydre left her parent's house early the next morning, hoping that she would be able to reach Xespers by late afternoon. She could've used her latent traveler abilities and teleported there, but the column of light that appeared with each teleportation was too noticeable. Besides she knew that Alger had yet to give up on finding out what she was up to, so she sprinted into the safety of the trees behind her parent's home.

Once there, Mydre closed her eyes and concentrated on unfurling her wings without ripping her shirt. It was a skill that they all learned to do from the time they could make their wings appear. Slowly but surely Mydre's wings emerged through her shirt and extended to their full length. Mydre flapped her wings once to get the kinks out of them, then quickly glancing around to make sure that she wasn't seen Mydre took off and flew close to the tops of the trees towards Xespers.

From his vantage point, Alger watched as Mydre left her parent's house. As soon as he saw her enter the woods behind her parent's home, Alger followed as quietly as he could. He cursed his luck when Mydre eluded his line of sight. As children they had played many times in the thick foliage and he knew the forest like he knew the back of his hand. He searched the wooded area for about an hour before giving up. It seemed that his current mystery would remain unsolved for now.

Exiting the forest Alger decided to pay a visit to Mydre's parents. Knocking on the back door, he was greeted by Trista, "Alger! My, what a surprise. I haven't seen you lately. Why don't you come in?" Trista ushered Alger inside and gestured to one of the seats by the kitchen table as she closed the back door, "You just missed Mydre. Were you looking for her?"

Alger nodded, "Actually I'm not here to see Mydre. I just came to pay a visit to you and Uncle Ulstice."

"How nice of you!" Trista loved playing the hostess and this was the perfect opportunity to find out how Alger felt about Mydre. Two years ago, Mydre had confessed to her mother how she had fallen in love with Alger, which was why she didn't go off to train with him. Secretly Trista wished that Alger and Mydre would find happiness together the way Valtre and Hikari had, "I was just making Ulstice and I some tea. I'll make some for you too and then we can all chat. Ulstice is just upstairs getting ready for the day. He'll be down shortly. You know, I hardly see Mydre anymore either. Have you been working my daughter too hard?"

The kitchen filled with laughter as Alger settled down into the conversation.

~ Early Evening - Xespers ~

Mydre landed softly and quickly retracted her wings. She had been flying all day and now that she had finally arrived there was no use for them. Solemnly, she headed in the direction of the inn where Valtre and Hikari were staying.

"She's here, love." Valtre kissed Hikari's forehead, gently waking her up, "I can feel her. She's looking for us."

Hikari slowly opened her eyes as she woke up to Valtre's words, "We should go and meet her." She began to rise from the bed.

Valtre nodded and began to get their things together, smiling as Hikari began to tidy up the room that they had rented. He pulled his bag onto his shoulders and watched as Hikari did the same. They both ran their eyes over the room once more to make sure that they hadn't left anything. Knowing Mydre, Valtre had already picked out a spot where they would spend the night.

The couple headed downstairs and paid for their room. Quickly they made their way out of the inn and into the neighboring forest. It wasn't long before the silence was broken. "Can you sense her anywhere?" Hikari stopped Valtre from walking any further by softly laying her hand on his forearm.

Valtre looked up to the darkening sky and concentrated. Since birth, he and his sister had shared a bond that most ryujinbito siblings shared. They had within them the innate ability to find each other no matter where the other was. The same ability appeared after two people had been soul-mated. Valtre scowled. He had felt his sister's presence earlier, but now it seemed as if she wasn't even anywhere in the area.

"What's wrong?" Hikari saw the expression on Valtre's face.

"My bond can't detect her." Valtre frowned.

"Do you like my new trick?" A voice from above them called out.

Hikari and Valtre looked up and saw Mydre sitting on one of the tree branches. Mydre jumped down to the ground and hugged Hikari first. Then she turned to her brother, "I can see that you're stumped on this one."

Valtre walked up to his sister and encased her in a large hug, "You had me worried there." Once he had released her he lightly slugged her shoulder, "Now, how in Gaea did you do that?"

~ Alger's home ~

Alger lay on his bed staring at the ceiling. He had gone home after visiting with Trista and Ulstice. Mydre had been gone the entire day and he still had not heard from her. She was off duty the next two days and unless she told someone, he wouldn't be able to find out where she ran off to. "Damn it, Mydre!" Alger yelled out loud into the silence, "What's going on with you?"

Alger stood and decided to go to the local tavern to meet some other officers for a drink. Ever since his return, he thought that Mydre and him would continue their close relationship. She had been there for him when he and his fiancée had separated. But after that, she had been relatively distant besides the one time when they had met at the tavern. Other than that she always had an excuse. Sure she was still there when he needed someone to talk to, but it always seemed that she had other things on her mind.

As Alger left his house his thoughts shifted to his sister. Mydre had said that Valtre and Hikari would be in Xespers. It took only a moment for Alger to decide that he would visit his sister and brother-in-law instead. Going back inside his home, Alger began to pack his belongings.

~ Shoreline of Ocean of Indemnity ~

"Can you see it?" Valtre pointed out the island to his sister.

Mydre used the telescope that Hikari had provided and stared at the deserted island. "How many times have you been on the island?"

"Twice." Hikari answered. She shivered at the memory, "Each time I've had those visions."

"Have you two ever been deeper into the cave?" Mydre handed the telescope back to Hikari.

"No, not further than the markings at the inside of the entrance. Hikari gets headaches if we step any further." Valtre put a comforting arm around Hikari's shoulders.

Mydre thought for a moment before turning to the couple. "We should rest for the evening. It's late and we can't do anything on that island yet. Why don't we go back to Xespers and rent some rooms? You can show me the markings in the morning."

Valtre and Hikari although surprised at Mydre wanting to stay at the inn rather than camp out, agreed and the trio went back to the same inn that Valtre and Hikari had checked out of earlier that evening.

~ Next Morning ~

Alger rode into Xespers. He had traveled through the night giving no thought to sleep. He had thought to fly but had quickly decided not to when he realized that he didn't want to fly through the night. Alger had then saddled his horse, Crysalis, and set out for the small village.

He reined the horse into the first inn and quickly recognized his sister and Valtre's mounts. "Guess I picked the right inn." Alger smiled to himself and went into the inn to get a room.

Alger entered the inn to see Valtre, Hikari and Mydre sitting in the dining room eating breakfast. Alger grinned. :So this is where she went.: He quickly went to check in and then made his way into the dining room.

Mydre took a sip from her goblet and smiled as Valtre stole a piece of fruit from Hikari's plate. Hikari quickly retaliated by swatting Valtre's hand. "You've got fruit on your plate." Hikari scolded.

Valtre just chuckled and proceeded to steal another piece of apple, "But see you've got more apples than I do and I already ate all of mine."

Mydre laughed, "Can't argue with my brother's logic."

Hikari scowled and then smiled, "Guess not." She shrugged, "So what do you think of the island?"

"Well it certainly is interesting." Mydre began. She sat up and her eyes widened.

Valtre saw her reaction, "What is it?" He then turned in the direction of Mydre's stare. Valtre put a hand on Hikari's shoulder, "Alger's here."

Hikari frowned and turned, "How did he find us?"

"Remind me to ask you why you didn't want me to tell anyone, including Alger. Then I'll tell you how I think he found out." Mydre muttered to the two as she stood and greeted Alger, "Hello Alger!" Mydre plastered on the biggest smile she could manage. "Didn't expect to see you here. Why don't you join us?"

Alger noticed the fakeness of Mydre's smile and raised a brow in question as he took a seat, "Didn't expect to see you either." Then he turned to his sister and gave her hug, "How are you little one?"

"I told you to stop calling me that." Hikari indignantly replied as she hugged him back, "I'm not a little girl anymore."

Alger just chuckled and gave her a peck on her cheek, then he turned to Valtre and held out his hand, "Long time no see, Valtre. How goes the travels?"

Valtre clasped arms with his brother-in-law, "It's good to see you, Alger. The traveling is great. Hikari and I have discovered so many new and interesting aspects of life these last two years."

"That's sounds great. So what did you get from Mydre?" Alger asked as he stole some bread from Mydre's plate.

Valtre looked to Mydre, not knowing how to answer he was vague, "Oh just some stuff from Mom."

Mydre let go of the breath that she had been holding and smiled at Valtre. Alger noticed and stored that little piece of information. "So when did you get here Mydre? I didn't see your horse in the stable."

"Last night. I flew here." Mydre answered. The tension at the table grew heavier as Alger stared at the other three occupants.

Sighing Alger leaned forward, "So who's going to tell me what the hell's going on?"

After about an hour of explanations the foursome was standing on the beach of the small island. They had come to the agreement that no one else would be told of their adventure to the island, in case they were to anger any of the elders.

"I still can't believe you told Mydre over me." Alger, frustrated at the situation they were in, ranted, "How can you tell just Mydre and not me?" Alger fastened a hurt look to his sister.

Hikari sighed and glanced over at Valtre and Mydre who both shrugged. Seeing as she was not going to get any help she tried to explain, "Mydre has the talent of languages and we were hoping that she could help us translate the writings within the cave's walls. We didn't want to tell you because the less people we told the less likely the elders would find out about this and us."

"But I'm your brother." Alger's frustration deflated at Hikari's logical explanation but he still couldn't help but feel left out, "We all grew up together and I feel as though I don't fit in when I'm not included."

Mydre slapped Alger's back, "Stop whining. We're sorry all right."

"I'll show you who's sorry." Alger muttered and swung Mydre into his embrace, "Since we have that issue resolved, " He pulled Mydre closer to his face, "By the way I'm not a whiner, but you should let me know why you've been avoiding me."

"Me avoiding you?" Mydre gasped. There wasn't a space for a hair to fit in-between them the way Alger was holding her. From the corner of her eye she could see the speculative gazes of Valtre and Hikari. Mydre pushed against Alger's chest, freeing herself from his grasp, "You're my best friend. Why would I avoid you?" Then before Alger could answer Mydre waved away the question, "Besides we don't have time for that right now. We should go and start translating those inscriptions."

Mydre began walking towards the cave dragging her brother with her. Alger shook his head at Mydre's avoidance and then called out, "We're not done, Mydre!"

Hikari came up to Alger and looped her arm through his, "What was that all about?"

"She's the most frustrating person you know," Alger, using his free hand, ran it though his hair, "It all started when Mydre almost beat me out for Captain. Although I have a feeling she LET me have the position."

Hikari could tell that Alger was in the mood for explanation and it would take a good twenty minutes before they would reach the cave. So she began leading Alger in the direction that Valtre and Mydre had taken, "Tell me about it."

"Slow down, Mydre!" Valtre yanked on his sister's arm and was surprised at the strength that she had. "At this rate, you'll be too tired to read the inscriptions." All he earned from his sister was a groan and he was released.

"Fine. I'll meet you there." Mydre began her grueling pace again.

Valtre sighed loudly and ran to catch up to her, "I'm sorry Mydre."

Mydre stopped and plopped herself down on a nearby rock, then placed her fingers at her temples and began rubbing in circular motions, "It's not your fault Valtre."

"I can't even see Hikari or Alger." Valtre stared back at the direction they had come from. "It looks like we have some time before they catch up. Why don't you tell me what's up."

"It all started with me almost getting Captain." Mydre motioned for Valtre to sit across from her.

It wasn't until later that the foursome had finally made it into the first inner vestibule of the cave. Valtre and Mydre had decided not to further discuss the situation Mydre had explained to him. Hikari and Alger had returned with the same decision. It was the look that passed between Hikari and Valtre that meant something between their siblings was brewing.

With that in mind, Mydre had gathered some paper and a pen and began to scan the old writings. After a couple of minutes she had her other three companions making etchings of different parts of the walls.

Hours later, Hikari had set up their small picnic lunch of some breads, fruits and cheeses. Mydre sat next to them not really listening to their conversation because she was so engrossed in what she was trying to translate. The writing looked like the ancient writings that were in the texts supposedly written by the race of immortals that once inhabited Gaea, but a lot of the symbols looked different as well.

Sighing, Mydre rubbed her left temple. Without any other texts to reference besides the two she had brought all she could make out were some rudimentary words. Her eyes moved down another set of etchings when she felt her hand being removed from her left side and replaced by two hands on either side of her head.

"Better?" Alger said as he crouched in front of her massaging her temples.

Mydre moaned at the relief. Alger chuckled, "I take that as a yes. How's it going?"

"Not well," Mydre smiled as she removed Alger's hands from her head. She didn't think she could take her headache and Alger's warmth so near to her. It was just too much to bear right now, "I need more references. What I can make out is little and it seems as if it's all arranged in poetic phrases, similar to what the spell casters use."

"So you think it's a spell?" Hikari's face peered over her brother's shoulder.

Mydre nodded, "A binding spell."

"What's it binding?" Valtre asked from his position by the food. His mouth was full of bread and cheese.

Alger sat back across from Mydre and looked towards the back of the cave, "Whatever it is, its back in there."

Valtre stood, "We should explore it then."

"What about me?" Hikari stood in front of Valtre with her hands on her hips, "I get headaches beyond this point of the cave. You're not leaving me behind to explore."

"We need to see what's there, otherwise we won't know what all this means." Valtre pulled Hikari into his arms. "If you can bear your headaches for a bit, we'll be quick. I never intended to leave you behind. You're my seer."

Hikari kissed Valtre's chin and smiled brightly, "Sorry to doubt you."

"No apology needed," Valtre dipped his head and kissed Hikari fully.

"Ahem." Alger, who had stood up and helped Mydre stand, interrupted the couple, "If you can stop mauling my sister, I think the sooner we get to the bottom of this the better. This cave is giving off bad vibes."

Hikari and Valtre both had the grace to blush and separated, still clasping the other's hand. "Let's go then." Hikari chirped.

The foursome ventured deep into the cave. For the first time, Hikari wasn't bothered by headaches and she wondered why. She voiced her observation and that's when they noticed that their pendants were all glowing.

"That's new." Mydre picked her pendant up from its resting-place against her clavicle and peered at its pink glow. "Listen. It's humming."

The other's did the same and listened to the strange hum that was emanating from the jewels. "It gets stronger the closer we are to each other." Alger pointed out.

All this time they didn't realize that they had finally reached the back of the cave. It was Valtre who bumped into the wall, "What the?"

The four looked up to see a being encased in what seemed to be a translucent glass. The pendants began to scream. They all covered their ears as the noise became deafening. The walls of the cavern began to shake.

"What's going on?" Hikari yelled.

"I don't care!" Mydre started pushing them towards the way they came. "We have to get out of here. The whole cave's coming down."

~ Celestas point of view ~

"The downfall of the Ryujinbito race began that day. The being that had risen was the 'false immortal', the 'sibling' of the immortal being that watched over the Ryujinbito. The 'false' one began to plant the seeds of corruption within the minds of the advanced race. Their civilization began to fall apart.

It wasn't until the 'false immortal' was once again sealed by the 'true immortal' with the aid of Valtre, Hikari, Mydre and Alger, who used the same power that had released the being, that the remaining ryujinbito were able to rebuild. In doing so the immortal, which had bestowed every Ryujinbito their birthrights, used up its life force in order to defeat its counterpart. Within the four pendants carried by Valtre, Hikari, Mydre and Alger the immortal sealed the last of all its power. During the battle that had ensued, the pendant carriers also sealed their life forces within the pendants in order to atone for their mistake and to aid the "Guardians" the one's that would wield the pendant's powers in the future should it be needed.

The pendants were then scattered onto the Mystic Moon where a few Ryujinbito were sent to watch over them until they would be needed." Celestas turned to Hitomi and Myami. "Your family is the Guardian of the pendants that the Legend speaks of."

Myami stood up from her perch at the window. Her face set into a grim expression. She went over to Celestas and leaned to softly kiss the elderly woman on the cheek, whispering a thank you. Then Myami glanced at Hitomi, nodded and proceeded to leave the hut.

"She's angry." Celestas stated calmly to the remaining occupants of the hut. "I've withheld all of this from her ever since she first came to us. The dreams have been more vivid now that the two of you are reunited," Celestas turned her blind eyes to Hitomi, "More vivid for me and her."

Hitomi stood kissed Celestas on the cheek and murmured, "Arigato, Celestas. What you've managed to gather about the Legend of Ages has been very helpful." Hitomi moved to leave and find Myami, when Celestas hand grabbed onto her wrist.

"Kirok wants those pendants. Myami knows this. I also know that you have only three. And it is only now that Myami realizes where the fourth one is." Celestas released Hitomi.

Hitomi stared quizzically at Celestas for a moment before rushing out of the hut. A moment of silence passed between everyone before they all began to stand. Each one thanked Celestas and left the hut.

Once they were alone, Garret turned to his grandmother, "Will they be all right?" concern laced his question. Although Myami couldn't return his love, didn't mean that he would stop loving her.

"We can only pray, child." Celestas sighed heavily and motioned for Garret to escort her out of the hut.

~ Island of the Immortal ~

"How goes the operation?" Kirok could be seen sitting idly in his room.

Chelsea was kneeling in front of the large communication screen with her head bowed, "The inscriptions within the cave have been translated. The writings are being sent to you as we speak."

Kirok stood and began to pace, "That's very good. Yarfan has fallen. The next page has been obtained. I'm sending Dorser and Nigel to you. Have them work with the excavation team once they arrive. Tell them that is my wish until I have another assignment for them."

"Yes, master." Chelsea remained in her position. She sensed that Kirok was not yet finished.

"When they arrive there also have them report to me first. Make sure that you and Tamra are in the room. I have a special assignment for the both of you." Kirok smirked.

Chelsea stood and placed her fist across her chest, "As you wish, Master Kirok."

Kirok nodded and severed the connection. Chelsea smiled to herself as she left the communication tent. It was clear that Dorser and Nigel, Kirok's favorites, had fallen from his graces.

"Hope you don't mind," Tamra murmured to Chelsea as she exited, "I overheard the conversation. So the two bastards are being punished?"

Chelsea smirked as she flipped her hair over her shoulder, "Yes. It seems that they've displeased the Master somehow. We'll find out tomorrow what they did. You know how much Master Kirok likes to humiliate others in public."

Tamra fell in step with Chelsea as they walked towards the excavation site, "Are we getting another assignment? This one is getting pretty boring."

"I know what you mean." Chelsea sighed then turned to her friend. Throughout the three years that they had been apart of Kirok's troop, they had worked together to get up through the ranks. Unlike Dorser and Nigel, who were tentative rivals, Chelsea and Deanna had forged a lasting friendship. They were constantly vying for Kirok's favor, both girls deeply indebted to Kirok for taking them in from their days of prostitution.

"Whatever it is Master Kirok's up to, it seems that things are tipping in our favor," Tamra commented, interrupting Chelsea's thoughts.

"It would seem so," Chelsea replied with a grim face. "Come, let us prepare for the imbeciles' arrival and make sure they're coming in for a warm welcome."

~Yarfan~

"That's the last of the old texts." Kwenter whispered to Sithra. They were within the depths of their island civilization. Deep inside the main castle, Sithra and Kwenter could hear the destruction of their homes.

Sithra gathered everything into a large bag, "It would seem that whoever was attacking us made quick work of the barrier. They must wield magic as well as machinery."

Kwenter nodded in agreement, "I can no longer sense the other elders. Besler is the last. He is still holding up with attack magics."

"Most of the populace has been decimated." Sithra's shoulders slumped in despair, "Time is running out. We need to get these texts to the Guardians."

"We still don't know who they are." Kwenter took the larger bag from Sithra and began leading her through the vast catacombs.

Sithra sighed and thought a moment, "We must teleport them to Yelas' brother."

"Yil?" Kwenter frowned, "He was exiled long ago."

"I know, but that doesn't mean that he can not assist us. You know as well as I do that it is just a matter of time before we are both found. From the way the attack is going, it seems that they're out not only to steal the Statue of Lanos, but to destroy our entire existence." Sithra calmly explained, "Yil will be the last of the dark magic masters. He was only exiled because of his gifts, not because he wronged Yarfan."

Kwenter considered Sithra's words. Another loud explosion rocked the world above them and shook the cavernous walls of the catacombs. Kwenter nodded his assent to Sithra, "Come there is a white magic spell I remember. We can teleport all of this material, including a message directly to Yil. I only hope that he will recognize what this is all for."

"If not him, his companions will." Sithra responded, "I've kept an eye on him all these years. There is a woman named Myami. She will assist our son."

Kwenter stopped and turned to Sithra with a small smile, "Then we must hurry. After we send this to him, we can help Besler."

Sithra placed her hand in Kwenter's and the two continued on to cast their spell.

~ Gypsy Camp ~

"Onee-chan!" Hitomi ran to catch up to her sibling. The anger she could feel radiating from her was not a good sign and Hitomi was hoping to at least alleviate some of that anger before anyone else got to her. "Onee-chan!"

Myami could hear her younger sister calling after her, but at that moment she was too hurt and upset to care. Celestas had lied to her all these years. All the assumptions she had made on her own were all carefully dismissed as fallacies whenever Myami had asked Celestas about her visions. It was true that since she had come into contact with Hitomi, the visions had become so clear and vivid that she could have sworn to almost being able to touch the trees and clouds that were a part of the scenery in those visions. But because she was told that the visions weren't true, she had chalked up the newer visions to being just dreams.

Now knowing that everything she had ever experienced in those visions were true, made Myami feel lost. A part of her knew that Celestas had held back from her for her own good. But another part, the part that was currently rearing it's head, felt angry, betrayed, and in need of something to take its feelings out on. Myami's hand fisted at her sides as she quickly jumped onto an available horse in the stable, not bothering with a saddle, and left the security of the camp. She had a lot to think about and she couldn't do any thinking here at the moment. Right now she didn't want to be anywhere near the gypsies.

Hitomi saw where Myami was heading and added more speed to her run. She knew she was too late when Myami came out of the stables on top of a horse. All Hitomi could do was yell frustratingly after her sister, "ONEE-CHAN!!! COME BACK!!!"

Hitomi returned with her shoulders slumped dejectedly. She found their large group surrounding one of the many campfires set up for the upcoming evening. After watching Myami leave, Hitomi walked along the riverbank for an hour before returning to find the others. It was her hope that Myami would be back, but after seeing who was sitting around the campfire her hopes were not confirmed.

She walked quietly up to the group and sat next to Van, who automatically put an arm around her waist and brought her close into his side.

"What happened? Where's Myami?" Van tucked a stray strand of hair behind her ear.

"She's so angry." Hitomi's quiet words disturbed the large group of companions.

Pristelle hugged herself as a chill went up her spine, "In a way I don't blame her. She deserves to be upset."

Hitomi sat up from Van's side and pulled her knees up to her chest and rested her chin onto the tops of her knees, a position she was becoming very fond of, "I know. But she wouldn't even stop when I called her. She left about an hour ago by horse. I spent the last hour thinking about what our situation will be like now."

"We've been talking about that." Selena nodded to Yil.

Yil moved to take a book out from one of two large bags next to him. "While you two were gone, this was 'delivered' to me."

The book and the large bags caught Hitomi's attention. Hitomi heard the difference of tone when Yil had said "delivered". "What do you mean 'delivered'?"

While they began discussing the nuances of their upcoming quest, Allen stood and excused himself from the group. He gave a silent nod to Van and Van understood what was going on. Allen was going to look for Myami. They still had to answer so many questions and they couldn't finish discussing this until she was found.

Hitomi saw Allen leave and sighed. They needed to leave tomorrow morning and she hoped that Allen's stubborn streak would be able to stand up to Myami's. Otherwise who knew when they were going to leave.

~ Lander's Rock - 3 miles outside of the Gypsy Camp ~

Myami lay on the large rock. Nearby, the horse she had rode out to the area was tied to a tree next to the stream, so it would be able to drink and rest before she rode the horse back to the camp. Myami stared out into the sunset, squinting as the light from the sun filtered through the clouds.

Celestas was right when she said that Myami would know where the last pendant was hidden. The majority of the images Myami had experienced had to do with the pendant and it's owner. Since being reunited with Hitomi, Myami had finally been able to see the owner's face and when she had thought the visions to be just dreams, she didn't want to dwell on the dream's meaning. Now that she knew what her dreams actually meant, Myami dreaded what she and the other's had to face.

Judging by miniscule part of the sun that remained over the darkened horizon, Myami guessed that she had been gone at least three hours. The ride out here had taken a lot out of her and her horse and being that she was a good deal away from the camp, Myami quickly decided to sleep first then journey back to the camp before dawn.

Myami sat up and jumped down from the large rock. Checking quickly on her brown steed, Myami wandered around looking for firewood and something to eat.

Allen tracked Myami to a large clearing with an extremely huge boulder in the middle of the clearing. It had taken him over two hours to find her and now Allen was rewarded with seeing her lithe form sitting next to a warm campfire and the smell of something roasting wafting in the air. Allen led his horse towards the beautiful woman.

Myami looked up at the sound of movement. "I was beginning to wonder if they sent someone after me. I didn't expect that you would be roped into doing it."

"You could say that I sort of volunteered." Allen tied his horse next to Myami's and sat down across from her, "It seems that you were anticipating my arrival." Allen pointed to the second rabbit that was roasting.

"They're not that great. And it will be a little bit more before they're done." Myami smiled, "I'm decent, but not the best cook in the world."

"Still mad?" Allen leaned back on his elbows.

"Yes and no."

Allen stared at Myami above the flames of the campfire and raised a brow in question.

Myami sighed, "Yes, because it's hard to get over being lied to. I'm working on that." She took a deep breath and stretched her arms over her head, "And no, because now we all have something important to work on together. It won't help us any if I stay angry."

Allen accepted Myami's explanation. Quietly they ate their supper. Neither person sure if conversation would be acceptable kept the atmosphere silent. The stars had finally come out, gleaming brightly in the sky. The two moons of Gaea hung low in the black blue expanse.

Allen stared at Myami over the bright campfire, the reddish-orange light casting a mute glow upon her features. Myami caught his stare and was glad for the light of the fire. It prevented Allen from noticing the tell tale blush that she knew heated her cheeks. Myami smiled tentatively at Allen. He had been pleasant all evening and surprisingly enough she felt comfortable in his presence. Although they had yet to say one word since the beginning of supper, Myami didn't feel uneasy at all.

Smiling back, Allen was relaxed. He couldn't remember the last time he felt at ease with himself. Everything that had happened since Hitomi had left Gaea five years ago had always seemed burdensome. The new relationship with Selena had tentatively built itself into the strong bond that they now shared. His feelings for Hitomi had been an attachment in his mind, until now. Millerna and Dryden had finally gotten together and Allen was happy that Millerna had realized her love for Dryden. Then there was Cid. He knew that Cid was his son, but technically he wasn't Cid's father. From time to time, Allen would check on the growing young man. Cid made him proud.

"What was that smile for?" Myami's words broke through his thoughts.

Allen shook his head, "People and things." Deftly he changed the subject, "So what now?"

"First we rest. Then before dawn tomorrow, we'll ride back to camp and get everyone ready to go." Myami laid back onto her arms, "We need to stop by Yarfan."

"Yil received tomes from the elders there."

"I know. He communicated to me an hour ago. It seems that Kirok has taken the Statue of Lanos and destroyed the city and its inhabitants."

"We were discussing our plans. Kirok is looking for the missing pages of the Ryujinbito spell book. He must want to release the Immortal."

"For what reason? It's not logical to want to do something like that. The Immortal has it's own agenda. Releasing it will only cause chaos."

"Chaos must be what Kirok and his minions are striving for. So why Yarfan? If it's destroyed, shouldn't we be heading out to the next possible target?"

Myami exhaled, "Yil needs to go. We all do. If nothing else, just to check for survivors." Myami turned around, her back facing Allen, "I'm going to sleep for a bit. When I wake up we'll head back to camp."

Allen frowned at the finality of the conversation. She hadn't exactly explained anything to him and because of that he was filled with worry. Allen laid down and closed his eyes. :What have we gotten ourselves into?:

~ Gypsy Camp ~

Hitomi lay next to Merle and Selena. They had settled down to bed after they had talked about their upcoming plans. Van had walked her to the tent and was about to kiss her goodnight, when Selena interrupted them. Selena had apologized and embarrassed about her actions, excused herself as she closed the tent's door. Hitomi had sighed and lightly pecked Van on the cheek. Van smiled warmly at her as she went into the tent.

Now laying there, Hitomi wondered what Van, her sister and Allen were all doing.

Tom-Tom?

Hitomi's eyes flew open. Onee-chan?

Hai. I need you to do me a favor.

What is it? Are you okay?

I'm fine, Tom-Tom. Allen found me and he's already sleeping. Either that or he's just being very quiet.

What's going on?

We're going to be leaving when Allen and I arrive in the morning. Tell Yil that we're going to stop at Yarfan first.

Is that all? Hitomi smirked to herself. Are you and Allen behaving yourselves?

Myami groaned, Tom-Tom! Now what kind of dirty thoughts are going through your mind? Then she grinned, I take that back. Since you're together with Van now, you must have a lot of dirty thoughts.

ONEE-CHAN!

Tom-Tom! Not so loud!

You deserved that.

Yeah, I know. Anyway, get some rest. We have a lot to do.

At that moment Hitomi yawned, All right. Be safe.

I will. Good night, Tom-Tom.

Wait, Onee-chan? He has it doesn't he? Hitomi couldn't help but ask the question that had been bugging her all afternoon.

Myami sighed. She had been hoping to avoid this subject until tomorrow.

Onee-chan, are you still there?

Hai. Myami thought for a moment longer before answering her sister. Yes, Tom-Tom. He has it. That will be last thing we go after. And I know you want to ask questions, but not now, okay?

All right, Onee-chan. Good night.

Good night.

~ End Chapter Twelve ~

Author's note - You're gonna all kill me aren't you!!!! I know I didn't update for like forever...but I'm gonna take my time from now on. Can't blame me for editing over and over again. Just want the story to flow right.

Anyway, I hope you all liked this chapter. Don't forget to review please. Last I checked I was up to 91 reviews and I'd still like to see the 100 review mark….then maybe 150….but that's wishful thinking at this point.

Thanks so much for reading. Thanks so much to all the loyal readers that have been patient with me. And thanks so much for being a fan.

Till next time, everyone. Stay tuned for Chapter Thirteen: The Path We Must Take

Ja ne,

Jayli