Well, well.  Here I am again for another installment of Vision of Escaflowne: Homecoming.  It's been a journey, one that I'm so glad to be taking.  I hope you're enjoying the journey as well.  I don't know yet if this story is going to be either 20 or 30 chapters long (who really knows how long it might be), but I do hope that you won't get bored reading it.  I do enjoy writing for all of you and your wonderful reviews (yes, even the ones that are more critical) are great for me to read and gather inspiration from.  So enough of my mumbo jumbo…I can give you all of that in my Author's notes at the end, but for now the standard disclaimer.

Disclaimer: I do not in any way, shape or form own Escaflowne, its plots, themes, characters, etc.  I do however own everything that I have added, which is an original creation from me.  But I do wish everyday that I was the lucky bastard who thought all this up in the first place.

Vision of Escaflowne: Homecoming

Chapter Fifteen: The Battle For Freyd

~ Landing Pad – Freyd ~

            "They're here!  They're here!" Merle jumped up with excitement as the airship delivering Myami's and the other's guymelefs landed.  She had been on the watch with Tardus for the last two hours and she couldn't believe how excited she was, "I'm going to go get Van and the others." Merle quickly kissed Tardus on the cheek and ran back towards the castle's gates.

            Tardus shook his head as he watched Merle make her way back.  They had sat together talking with each other about themselves and their lives.  The more he had learned about Merle, the more he had found himself falling in love with her.  She was exuberance and vibrancy.  She exuded a sense of excitement and enthusiasm, which Tardus found hard to ignore.  Humming to himself, Tardus walked towards the airship to inspect the guymelefs and supplies that Myami had requested. 

~ Castle Library ~

Hitomi and Myami sat together on the window seat in the library.  They were pouring over two of the tomes that Dryden had yet to look at.  Dryden and Myami had discussed his findings earlier and now they were using his notes, adding to them and making corrections. 

Nearby at one of the tables, sat Millerna, Selena, Yil, Pristelle and Ryley, they were also reading through Dryden's notes, each person putting in their findings onto new pieces of paper.  The group of friends had been at it for two hours and had yet to take a break.  Hitomi placed the tome she was reading down and stood up to stretch, "I'm stiff all over."

"I can agree with that," Millerna groaned as she too stood up to stretch, "I don't know how Dryden does it.  He's been holed up in the conference room with Cid, his general's and advisors since we arrived."

Ryley yawned, "That was three hours ago.  I'm beginning to wonder how he does it too."

"You've only been sitting here for half an hour," Pristelle chided.

"It doesn't mean that I can't be as stiff as Hitomi feels," Ryley playfully pouted at his love.

Ryley's comment earned chuckles from his friends.  Selena glanced at the window, "I wonder how Allen and Van are doing.  They've been with the army since we've arrived."

Hitomi walked over to Selena and patted her shoulder, "I'm sure they're fine.  I saw Van before Myami and I came up here and I can assure you that they're in their element."

"Hey guys!!!" Merle burst into the library, "The guymelefs from the Haven are here!"

Myami stood, saving her place in the tome she was reading, "Fantastic.  Uri was able to get them here."  Myami began to make her way to follow Merle back to the landing pad.  Yil, Ryley and Pristelle stood to follow Myami.  She turned back to the rest of their group, "Millerna-sama, please get Dryden-sama and Cid-sama to come to the landing pad.  I have arranged for some technology to be brought over from the Haven.  Hopefully it will give us an advantage." Myami patted Merle's shoulder, "Please get Van and Allen.  I think they would also like to see what we've brought over.  And Tom-Tom," She winked at her sister, "I have something special for you."

Everyone filed out of the library and set off to do their tasks.  Their curiosity was peeked and they all wanted to see what was going to happen.

~ Landing Pad ~

            Myami arrived with Hitomi, Pristelle, Ryley, Yil and Selena in tow.  "Tardus?" Myami called out.

            "Yeah!" Tardus called out from the inside the cargo bay.  The large cargo bay's doors were wide open and Tardus poked his head outside, "Uri wants to know if you need anything else.  Otherwise he wants to get going."

            "Tell him to unload and then he can go." Myami answered as she walked up into the cargo bay.

            The others stayed behind and watched as guymelefs and boxes of supplies were wheeled out.  The guymelefs were impressive.  They had the look of the legendary guymelefs from Ispano, the look of Van's Escaflowne.  The only difference between Van's guymelef and the other's guymelefs was the color.  Myami's and her friend's guymelefs were different colors.  Six guymelefs were rolled out by the time Van, Allen, Dryden, Millerna, Cid and Merle rejoined their group. 

            "They're Ispano guymelefs," Van breathed out as he stood next to Hitomi, "If Kirok's army is this advanced…" Van let his words drift off.

            Allen stared at the impressive machines.  It was truly a rare thing to see such guymelefs.  He thought that Van's was the only one out there of this quality, but he was obviously wrong, "Myami, are these what we can expect from Kirok?"

            Myami walked over to the awe struck crowd and shook her head, "Similar but not Ispano made.  Kirok doesn't know about these machines.  These were gifts from the few Ispanian dwellers that took shelter in the Haven.  Don't underestimate Kirok's army though.  His guymelefs are surprisingly gifted and strong, almost as if they were modeled after Ispano guymelefs." Myami ran her hand over the dark gray guymelef, "The machines that we used while we were a part of Kirok's group can not compare to these, but that was years ago.  Kirok has a way of improving things."

            "How are they compared to Escaflowne?" Hitomi inquired, joining her hand with Van's.

            Tardus finished rolling down the last box of supplies and turned to Hitomi to answer her question, "Van's Escaflowne is one of kind.  Just like these guymelefs are.  I think its up to the user of the guymelef to judge the skill, rather than the guymelef itself."

            "Allen's guymelef isn't from Ispano and he is Van's equal." Selena grinned up at her brother.

            "I may or may not be," Allen smiled at his sister's compliment, "It has been a while since Van and I have battled in our guymelefs."

            Cid grinned, "Seeing this gives me a breath of hope, Myami-san."

            "Wait till you see what I have in the boxes for all of you," Myami grinned and motioned for Pristelle to begin opening the boxes, "The technology that we have is a mix of what we took from Kirok and what our inventors at the Haven produced.  We have machines that will enhance communication and some weaponry that will be of use."

            "What about your surprise?" Hitomi tentatively walked up to Myami.

            Myami nodded to Yil.  Yil, Tardus and Ryley walked to wheel over one of the guymelefs.  Once that guymelef was out of the way, a pale blue guymelef was revealed.  Myami put her arm around Hitomi, "This is Friezha.  It is an ice guymelef that I had the Ispanians work on when I left the Haven.  It is the Haven's gift to Hitomi Kanzaki, heroine of the Great War."

            Hitomi glanced at Myami, then Van.  Tentatively she walked up to the kneeling guymelef and ran her hand against the cool armor, "For me?"

            "Hai, Tom-Tom," Myami grinned at the awe her sister was exuding, "All our guymelefs, including yours can transform just like Van's Escaflowne.  The specialty of your guymelef is ice."

            "Ice?" Van stepped up to Myami and watched Hitomi inspect the gift.

            Pristelle explained to everyone, "All the guymelefs have certain specialties.  Hitomi's is an ice guymelef.  It can produce massive amounts of cold, which radiate through the weaponry.  Her guymelef can change into a panther.  My guymelef is Wisteria, the guymelef of water.  It's the dark blue guymelef.  It is the only guymelef capable of underwater travel.  It changes into a dolphin."

            "My guymelef is the orange one," Tardus began, "His name is Ferral, the fire guymelef.  It changes into a lion."

            Yil patted the dark brown guymelef, "This is Dredge.  He's the earthen guymelef, which changes into a bear."

            "This bright yellow fellow is the wind guymelef Thashius.  He changes into a hawk." Ryley pointed over his shoulder.

            Myami smiled proudly at her friends, and then turned to the rest of the group, "My dark gray guymelef is called Voltaria, the griffin guymelef of the storm.  It can control the lightning of the skies."

            "Surely this is the advantage that we need," Dryden spoke out loud, "How did Uri arrive here so quickly?  The Haven is at least three days away from Freyd."

            Uri, who had been standing near by the entire time, waved to the group, "This airship is equipped with one of the new inventions from the Haven.  The turbo boost allows for speedier travel, regardless of the weight being towed along.  Unfortunately it uses mass quantities of energist, so it is only used in emergencies."

            Dryden's scientific side was peaked, "I would love to see what else you have at the Haven, Myami-san.  What you've brought here is amazing.  It would truly be an honor to speak with the Ispanians as well."

            "When this is all over, Dryden-sama," Myami patted his shoulder, "The Haven will be open to you."

            Allen placed a hand on Myami's shoulder, "All of this is a blessing.  Let's get them ready.  We don't know how much time we have left before Kirok's forces will arrive."

            Myami nodded, "You're right.  I'm glad that you were able to get here, Uri." Myami hugged her friend, "Go home to Syndel.  She is probably worrying about you right now.  Tell the elders to seal off the Haven.  I don't want anything bad happening to any of you."

            "I'm just glad to help," Uri bowed to everyone and began walking back to the ship.  Everyone waited as Uri lifted off the landing pad and proceeded to leave Freyd. 

            Once Uri was gone, Myami tapped Hitomi, "Let's get you set up with Friezha." Myami then turned to Tardus, "Show everyone how to work the communicators and the other modules that we've brought over."  Finally she turned to Pristelle, "Help Millerna-sama with the rest of the medical equipment we've brought as well."

            Tardus grinned and walked over to Cid, "Cid-sama, these four boxes hold the equipment that should be distributed to the army.  This fifth box is the main receiver which should be set up in the castle."

            "Great," Cid began to help Tardus, Yil, Dryden and Ryley bring the boxes into the castle.

            "These three boxes are the medical supplies," Pristelle grinned as Merle, Millerna and Selena began taking the boxes over to their makeshift infirmary.

            That left Van, Allen, Hitomi and Myami standing in front of Friezha.  "Ready, Tom-Tom?" Myami laid a hand over Hitomi's.

            Hitomi nodded and watched as some of Cid's people began moving the large guymelefs towards the practice field.

~ Six hours away from Freyd ~

            "Freyd can be seen from the etherscope," a tactical officer reported to Chelsea and Tamra as they walked onto the bridge of the ship.

            Tamra strode to the etherscope and peered into its lens, "We're still too far away to see if they've been warned by the Betrayers.  I can only see the outskirts of the city clearly."

            "Any activity?" Chelsea stood by Tamra's side.

            "No." Tamra released the etherscope, "Its still too early to tell."

            "We're still too far away to sense anything either," Chelsea began to pace, "Tamra.  Go ahead and contact Master Kirok.  Tell him we are closing in on Freyd and that we will have possession of the Largaras staff soon.  In the meantime, ask for the specs on the next city that we are to go to."

            Tamra stopped Chelsea's pacing, "Aren't we getting ahead of ourselves.  We don't know what will happen yet."

            Chelsea looked into Tamra gray eyes, so different from her amber ones, "I know.  I'm just getting antsy.  Just report to Master Kirok then.  I'm sure he'll have some other instructions for us to follow as well.  You know how he is."

            Tamra nodded and walked over to one of the communication nodules.  Chelsea rubbed the back of her neck and walked off the bridge.  She could not shake the feelings of anticipation coursing through her.  It had been a while since she had been a part of a full-scale attack.  Chelsea knew that if she did not calm herself, all her training would be for naught. 

            Without further thought, Chelsea decided that she would get some air.  Closing the door to the bridge, Chelsea walked up the steps out onto the main deck.

~ Practice Field – Freyd ~

            "Do I have to make a blood bond like Van does with Escaflowne?" Hitomi inquired as she stared at the energist that her sister handed to her.

            Myami shook her head, "I would not advise that until you are more comfortable fighting in Friezha.  It is true that a blood bond with an Ispanian guymelef enhances the abilities, but because of that blood bond the injuries your guymelef suffers, you suffer as well."

            Van was intrigued, "So it is not necessary to form the blood bond to activate the guymelef."

            "No," Myami smiled at Van, "How much do you know about Escaflowne?"

            "Not as much as I'd like.  I did get injured in Escaflowne and by good fortune; the Ispanians came and repaired Escaflowne, thus 'repairing' me.  I've searched for many years for more information on the Ispano guymelef, but have come up with nothing but legends about Ispano." Van explained, "The blood bond, can you tell me more?"

            Myami nodded, "The blood bond with the Ispano guymelef enhances the ability of the fighter.  It increases the connection with the guymelef and the operator, which is why I would not suggest for Hitomi to blood bond until she is more adept with Friezha.  The increased connection makes your reflexes the guymelefs reflexes, increasing the speed and agility of the guymelef to match the operator.  There are many benefits of the blood connection." Myami thought for a moment, "After we deal with the immediate threat to Freyd, I will send for Quatheir.  He is one of the Ispanians living at the Haven.  He can tell you more about Ispano and their technology than I can."

            After Van agreed, Allen turned to Hitomi, "So what now?"

            "I guess I have to activate it," Hitomi cautiously stepped up to the guymelef's power center.  Gently she pierced the gel like substance and placed the energist in its center.  Carefully removing her hand, the power center immediately hardened and a soft glow emanated from the guymelef.  The guymelef awoke, the operator's helm opening up and the guymelef's hand extending in front of Hitomi.  "What happened?" Hitomi inspected the guymelef's hand.

            "It is responding to its master's call," Myami answered, "Go ahead and step onto the hand.  It will lift you up to the helm where you can control it."

            Hitomi took a deep breath and stepped onto Friezha's hand.  Gently the hand moved her up to the helm's opening, where Hitomi entered and situated herself.  The opening closed and Hitomi was amazed at the power she felt flowing from the guymelef.  "Now what?" Hitomi asked herself.

            "Try moving it," Allen offered, "Make yourself familiar with the controls."

            The three observers moved back as Hitomi made the guymelef stand.  Proudly the three friends began teaching Hitomi about her new guymelef.

            Inside the castle, Tardus was showing the generals, advisors and friends how to operate the new equipment.  They were absorbing the knowledge well, quickly learning the necessary skills in order to control the communications center.

            "From this main module," Tardus began, "You can monitor all who wear the communication devices.  You can pull up an image of the battlefield and can direct them to where they will be most needed.  It can also serve as an early warning device.  You may see things that the fighters may not be able to see and you can warn them of anything suspicious."

            Ryley continued, "Those that may not be wearing the communication devices, can wear these." Ryley held up a small button like device, "These are transmitters.  They transmit the location of every man on the battlefield.  They pulse for different messages.  One pulse is to advance, two pulses for retreat, and three pulses for new orders.  Also, they work as speakers.  When you activate it for three pulses it allows the people from this module to relay a message for up to 30 seconds.  That should be long enough to offer advice or anything else that may need to be said."

            Dryden perused over the controls and the boxes of devices, "Spectacular."

            "I agree," Cid was inspecting on of the button machines, "General Talax, please distribute the communicators and buttons to the appropriate people.  This is a very good tactical advantage."

            General Talax patted Tardus on the back, "Thank you for such a gift.  We will put it to good use."  He went off to complete the task, the other generals following him as they carried the boxes out to the soldiers.

            The advisors began to set up the main module according to Tardus' instructions, leaving Tardus, Ryley, Dryden, Yil and Cid in the main conference room.

            Taking a seat, Cid motioned to the others to sit as well, "I'm truly grateful for all your help.  Hopefully this will save us unnecessary deaths and destruction."

            "There is no need to thank us," Yil conceded, "We will leave a sample of each device here with you so you can develop your own machinery.  The rest we will have to take with us."

            "That's more than I was going to ask for," Cid stated, "Such technology would be a blessing.  It would surely help with our tradesmen."

            "What now?" Ryley inquired as he leaned back.

            Dryden stood, "We play a waiting game.  I'm going to go to the library and look over the tomes again.  I've found some interesting things that I want to tell Hitomi and Myami about later.  I suggest that the rest of you either rest or help with the battle preparations."

            At the makeshift infirmary, Millerna was delegating the other women on how to set up the beds for the wounded and prepare the supplies that were already there.  Once that was done, Pristelle went over the contents of the boxes, "We have new gauges to help with the measurement of blood and other such needs.  Then these are bandages that have been soaked and dried with a special compound.  They will make wounds heal faster."

            "This is all great," Millerna helped as they began to organize the rest of the supplies, "I think I'll have to go with Dryden when he visits the Haven.  I would love to see all the medical advances you have there."

            Pristelle smiled, "We have many healers as well, but here this will have to do.  I look forward to when you can see our home.  Since I'm the only healer here, I can't use my magic on everyone.  But these will increase our chances of having survivors."

            "I want to visit as well," Selena added as she helped fold all the bandages, "It would be a pleasure to see such a place."

            Merle fixed one of the beds near them, "Don't forget about me.  I'd love to see where Tardus grew up."

            The women chuckled at Merle's enthusiasm as they continued to organize the insides of the infirmary.

~ Two Hours Later ~ (this section is dedicated to all my readers that love *fluff*)

            Things at the castle and the city had settled down.  All the preparations were complete and the guymelefs and troops were sufficiently hidden from sight in order to surprise the enemy.  This gave everyone an opportunity to rest before the battle.  They did not know when it would begin, but they were all alert and ready.  The large group of friends sat together minus Dryden, Millerna and Cid.  They were inside the safety of the bunker behind the city, where the infirmary was set up. 

            Everyone sitting within the group was coupled together except Myami and Allen.  They were standing next to each other, facing opposite directions.  Allen was leaning against the tree facing the group, while Myami was leaning on the side of the tree facing the expanse of the empty city.

            "It's too quiet," Merle was encased in Tardus' arms.  Tardus nodded as he held Merle close, laying his gray furred head onto her pink hair.

            Pristelle was sitting with Ryley in-between her legs.  Ryley was holding her hands while he had his amber orbs closed, "It is always so calm and pristine before a battle.  I call it the 'Lull of Safety'."

            "'Lull of Safety'?" Selena asked.  She was sitting next to Yil, holding his hand.

            Yil turned to Selena and brushed a silver lock of hair away from her blue eyes, "That's the term we used when we were training together.  This quiet always lulls the defenders into thinking that they are safe.  It is definitely not a safe time."

            Van, who was holding Hitomi in his lap, looked to Allen, "What do you think?"

            Allen glanced over at Myami's back, "I'm not sure.  I don't like waiting though."

            "Onee-chan?" Hitomi yawned from her comfortable position.

            Myami looked over her shoulder, "Hai, Tom-Tom."

            Hitomi grinned at the nickname.  She remembered how much she used to hate it, but now it was a comfort hearing it, "What's going on in your head?  Your thoughts are closed to me."

            "As they should be, Tom-Tom," Myami turned back to the darkening skies of the horizon, "You can not always invade my mind for information."

            "I know.  You just haven't shared your views yet.  I'm just curious," Hitomi looked expectantly at her sister's back.

            "I sense danger.  I'm tempted to have you divine a reading in order to see into what may be," Myami turned around and crossed her arms across her chest, "But I'm not going to do that.  Knowing the outcome might be just as bad as not knowing."

            "Why tempt the change of fate, right?" Tardus intoned.

            Myami nodded, "I'm going down to the front of the city.  The walk will do me some good.  I suggest you take this time to rest.  We may have at the most four more hours.  The urgent feeling I told Tom-Tom about is pulling at me again."

            They watched as Myami walked away.  It was Hitomi's voice that broke the silence, "Something is bothering her."

            "Don't worry about Mya-chan, Hitomi-chan," Pristelle smiled at her friend, "She used to get like this before every battle that we had.  She spends time thinking out strategies then worrying about friends.  She does not like fighting."

            Hitomi, still staring at Myami's disappearing figure, agreed, "I know.  She told me that she only fights when necessary."

            "She'll be fine," Van helped Hitomi stand as he stood, "I think we should all take Myami's advice to heart." Van bowed formally to Hitomi, "If you will be so gracious as to accompany me to the gardens?"

            Hitomi grinned brightly and kissed Van's cheek, "I would love to."

            As they began to walk away, Tardus turned to Merle, "They have the right idea.  Would you like to take a walk with me, Merle-chan?"

            "Of course," Merle snuggled into Tardus before standing, "Let's go."

            Ryley stood, followed by Pristelle.  Linking her arm with his Ryley led Pristelle towards his guymelef, "How about you and me do a little soaring?"

            "I can't say no to that," Pristelle kissed Ryley lightly as they too left the group.

            Allen stared at Yil and Selena.  They looked very happy to be in the other's company, and he knew Yil was a good man.  Walking over to the sitting couple Allen laid a hand on Yil's shoulder, "I'm going to go for a walk as well."

            Yil looked up at Allen and understood the look in his eyes, "All right."

            Allen walked away and Selena turned to Yil, "What was that?"

            "He understands that I'm falling in love with you," Yil put his arm around Selena.  Selena blushed deeply, unsure of how to answer Yil's declaration.  She knew that she cared deeply for him, but she was so inexperienced in love that she didn't want to disappoint Yil if she wasn't sure.  Yil smiled, understanding Selena's hesitation.  He knew she needed more time.  With a light kiss on her lips, Yil changed the subject, "Tell me more about Astoria."

            Selena smiled at Yil's understanding and began to tell him more about her home.

            Once in the gardens, Van led Hitomi to one of the benches and had her sit down.  Hitomi looked up at Van.  He was looking at their joined hands.  She took the time to examine him.  Van's hair was getting long again; his midnight bangs brushing against his eyes.  His deep brown eyes, which could change into a deep magenta depending on his moods, that she loved so much held so much emotion in their depths.  Van smiled at Hitomi and Hitomi could not help but think how handsome her beloved was, "Hai, Van-chan?"

            Van released one of Hitomi's hands and caressed her cheek, "Aishiteru, Hitomi-chan."

            Hitomi leaned into Van's caress, "Aishiteru, Van-chan." Hitomi paused sensing something else from Van "Is there something on your mind?"

            "I'm worried about you," Van answered as he sat beside his love, "I know we've already gone over this, but … "

            "I am to stay near either you, Allen, or Onee-chan at all times.  I may have a talent for the guymelef, but we don't want to take any chances," Hitomi quoted Van's earlier request.

            Van chuckled, "I'm sorry.  I must be irritating you."

            "No, I can understand the worry," Hitomi kissed Van lightly, "Unlike the rest of you, I have never actually fought in a battle.  Now that I know I am capable though, I would like to help."

            "I'd probably be the same way if I were you," Van pulled Hitomi onto his lap and leaned back on the bench.  For a moment, Van said nothing as he stared into Hitomi's green eyes.  She still had the same wispy bangs she had had the first time she arrived in Gaea, the only difference now was that her dark blonde hair was longer.  Curling slightly at the tips, Hitomi's hair reached just past her shoulders.  Van took note of how her features had matured and under his gaze Hitomi began to blush.  Van grinned, "You're so beautiful."

            Hitomi blushed an even deeper red, "Thank you.  You're not so bad to look at yourself."

            Van blushed slightly before touching his forehead to hers, "Thanks.  Hitomi-chan?"

            "Hmm?" Hitomi had closed her eyes.

            "Promise me you'll be careful.  Now that I have you again, I don't want to lose you." Van pulled Hitomi tighter into his embrace.

            "I promise.  But you have to promise me the same thing.  I know that you, Myami and the others are blood bonding with the Ispanian guymelefs.  Promise me that you'll be extra careful." Hitomi opened her eyes and held Van's face in her hands, "I don't want to lose you either."

            "I promise," Van answered and then with a smile he kissed Hitomi deeply.

            Merle and Tardus found themselves walking through the empty city.  They had chosen to go the opposite direction of where Myami was headed.  A comfortable silence hung around the pair as they walked leisurely, holding hands.  Merle took the quiet time to study her companion.  His gray fur was soft to the touch.  He had long dark gray hair, which was kept away from his face by a tie and light gray fur covering his wrists and calves.  His skin was as tan as her own and his body was definitely that of a trained warrior.  Tardus' eyes were a beautiful garnet color and they were always clear and direct.  Merle smiled to herself, thinking how handsome Tardus was.

            Tardus noticed Merle glancing every so often at him that he could not help but glance back as well.  He too was taking the time to take in all of Merle's nuances.  Merle was a beautiful cat-woman.  Her body was lithe and athletic and her smile was bright and energetic.  She had a mane of pink and gorgeous light blue eyes. (*note to readers* I can't remember what color Merle's eyes are, can you?  Let me know.)  From their earlier training sessions, he had learned that she too was a force to be reckoned with.  Tardus stopped Merle at the edge of the city.  Turning her to look at him, Tardus gazed into her eyes, "I've never felt this way with anyone before.  When I'm with you, I feel things that I can barely describe to you."

            Merle reached up and caressed Tardus' cheek, "I know what you mean." Merle ran her fingertips across Tardus mouth before wrapping her arms around his neck and kissing him.

            At the bunker, Millerna sat next to her husband, overlooking the tomes.  They had found out the locations of the last pages and deciphered two of the eight books.  Dryden took his glasses off and rubbed his eyes.  They had been researching most of the time that they've been in Freyd.  He put his glasses back on and looked over to his wife. 

            Millerna's flowing golden locks and cerulean eyes always made his heart do a flip.  Dryden smiled to himself as he gazed lovingly at his wife.  She had turned out to be much more than he had thought and he was thanking his stars every day that she had fallen in love with him. 

            Millerna glanced at her husband, noticing that he had stopped reading.  Seeing the look in his deep brown eyes, Millerna raised a perfectly arched eyebrow, "Did I just grow a second head?"

            "Can't I just stare at my incredibly beautiful soul mate?" Dryden countered with a smile.

            Millerna blushed deeply, "Soul mate?"

            "Hai," Dryden moved closer and suddenly swooped Millerna into his lap, causing the books to fall to the floor in the process, "I can't remember what life was like without you."

            "Aishiteru, Dryden," Millerna ran her fingers through her husband's mahogany locks, "What brought this on?"

            Dryden nudged his nose against Millerna's, "Since when did I have to have a reason to kiss my wife?"  And with that Dryden kissed the breath out of Millerna.

            Up in Ryley's guymelef, Thashius, Ryley and Pristelle were soaring through the clouds.  It had been a long time since they had done this together.  Ryley looked over his shoulder at Pristelle, "How do you feel?"

            "Wonderful!" Pristelle exclaimed, "We should do this more often."

            "You're right about that," Ryley turned the guymelef and performed a spiral before straightening out again.  He spied a hill to the north of the city, which was hidden away by the trees.  Maneuvering the large bird like vehicle, Ryley landed his guymelef right at the peak, remaining in bird form.  Helping Pristelle off the guymelef, Ryley held her at her waist, "I'd forgotten how small you are."

            Pristelle turned her sharp sapphire eyes to Ryley's amber ones, "I'm petite that's all."

            Ryley led Pristelle to the area in front of the guymelef and sat down.  Making room for Pristelle, Ryley pulled her down to sit in between his legs.  Once she was settled, he laid his chin on the top of her fiery tresses.

            "What are you thinking?" Pristelle relaxed against Ryley's form.

            "About you and what our children might look like," Ryley played with Pristelle's delicate hands, "I noticed that you finally let Myami in on our secret."

            Pristelle chuckled, reliving the moment (*remember when Pristelle ended up in Ryley's room in chapter five and what she explained to Myami*), "She was upset with me at first, then she gave me the hugest bear hug.  I can't believe it will be soon be three months that we've been married."

            At the edge of the city, Myami sat against a tree.  She had a clear view of the obvious point for attack and in a way she was keeping watch.  She had been alone for an hour now and content to continue being alone.  Closing her eyes, Myami extended her powers to check up on everyone.  They seemed to be doing fine and were all taking her suggestion to rest to heart.  What surprised her was that she had not actually been alone.  Myami smirked, "Allen, you can come out now."

            Allen emerged from behind one of the many tents that filled the small area, "I thought you would have found out sooner."

            Myami just shrugged.  She watched as Allen approached her and settled himself down in front of her.  Myami raised an eyebrow at the blonde man, "Why didn't you just show yourself?"

            "Didn't want to disturb you," Allen winked at Myami, "Besides it gave me time to watch you with your guard down."

            Myami gave him a questioning gaze.  Allen reached for one of Myami's hands and kissed her knuckles, "I wanted to spend some time with you."

            Myami felt the warmth creep up her arm from where Allen had placed the kiss on her hand.  She could feel the heat sneak into her cheeks.  Her green eyes stared into Allen's crystal blue eyes and she sighed.  Staying silent, Myami leaned closer to Allen and reached out to push a stray strand of hair behind his ear.  Taking her time, Myami traced the contours of his face with her fingertips.  He was an incredibly handsome and charming man.  When he truly wants to be. Myami thought to herself. 

            Continuing her perusal, Myami took in the way the sunset was highlighting his hair and the way his smile made her feel as if she were a young maiden with her first suitor.  Myami shook her head of her wayward thoughts and leaned back into the tree, taking her hands back from Allen.

            It was Allen's turn to give Myami a questioning look and deciding to take the initiative, he moved closer to Myami, trapping her against the tree and in between his legs.  Again, Myami lifted an eyebrow but still said nothing.  Pulling her knees up to her chest, she gave Allen the room he needed.  Smiling, Allen reached behind Myami's head and undid the ribbon holding her hair.  Myami's midnight black tresses fell around her arms.  She had forgotten how long it had become. 

            Playing with the tips of her hair at her elbow with one hand, Allen lifted his other hand to brush away the hair covering the left side of her face, "You are a mystery to me, Myami.  You were right when you said that Hitomi and you could pass for twins.  No one can deny that you two are sisters.  The same emerald green eyes, the same facial structures, but not the same expressions." Allen paused for a moment then continued, "And your hair as black as a moonless night, so different from Hitomi's dark blonde locks.  I can't figure you out."

            Myami closed her eyes as Allen let his hand rest where her neck met her shoulder, "Maybe I'm not as complicated as you make me out to be.  Maybe you have already figured me out, but you just can't place me."

            Allen grinned and moved closer till his chest was resting against her knees.  Moving his face even closer he stopped when their noses touched, "Maybe.  But neither can I deny what I know I feel for you."

            Myami opened her eyes and found herself staring directly into Allen's blue gaze, "Then kiss me." She whispered.  And he did.

~ Three Hours Later ~

            "We've certainly hauled ass to get here," Tamra commented as Freyd's capitol came into clear view from the bridges windows.  The city was quiet in the night.  Some lights lingered but it was obvious that the city was about to fall asleep.

            "The perfect time to get here," Chelsea stated from behind Tamra, "Let's get to the guymelefs.  We have a mission to complete."

            Tamra nodded and followed Chelsea to the guymelef bay.  By the sun's rise, the city and the Largaras Staff would be theirs.

End Chapter Fifteen

Author's Notes:

Hope you liked that everyone!!! I added fluff for all my fluff loving readers and now we will see them fight for what they hold most dear.  Please read and review.  I have no idea how many people have been reading, but I only received one review for the last chapter so far and I do know that I have a lot more reviewers than that.  I can say that I'm disappointed but I'm allowed to.  I'm the writer for God's sake.  Anyway… like I always like to remind you, "After you READ… PLEASE REVIEW!!!"

I know I'm a pain in the butt.  Sorry about all of that.  Once again, thanks for reading and letting me know what you think.  I also hope that I haven't bored you.  And if you aren't bored, please stay tuned for my next chapter.  Chapter Sixteen: And All The King's Men

Thanks!!! Ja ne,

Jayli