Author's Note: Just a reminder, I do not own Last Exile or any of the characters.

But enjoy anyway

Destiny …

Its' something we're given

We take big chances

Mistakes

Discoveries;

Choices …

But what if destiny were to take a turn?

The Slyvana was on standby: the Guild had pulled back for the day, giving the "Invincible Ship" time to replenish their ammo, food, and other things. In one of the cabins, there was a disturbance.

"Please Luciola don't leave me." Pleaded Dio.

He pulled back on Luciola's arm, embracing him in a desperate hug; anything to keep him from leaving.

"Lord Dio…I must." He said struggling to get free. "I haven't seen my mother in years. It's her Birthday, and she wants me to be there."

"But what will I do while you're away?" Dio asked.

Luciola picked up his bag, and headed towards the door.

"I'm sure there's something for you to do while I'm away."

"But for how long?"

"Just for today."

He opened the door, and he was gone.

The Scion sat on his bunk alone. He drew his knees to his chest and tried to think of a way to have fun; it didn't work. It wasn't the same without his mutual friend. He let out a depressed sigh. He got up fro the bed and left the room.

Walking down the hall of the upper deck, he searched for life; there was none. It was as quiet as…well it was just quiet.

"I wonder what Immelman and his friends are up to." He thought to himself. Such happiness they brought him, especially Immelman; he knew just where to find them.

Meanwhile…

Inside the vanship hanger, Clause Valca was busy working on the repairs of the vanship. The while time he was working, he did not notice that someone was behind him.

"Immelman!" Dio cried happily.

Like he would to Luciola (poor thing), he hugged Clause giving him that really awkward feeling.

"Hey, L-let go!" He said, as he broke loose of Dio's hold.

"Funny, every time I'm close to you always try to avoid me … that makes me sad Immelmman." Dio said. "Besides, it's just a hug between friends."

"Yeah, right." Clause replied under his breath.

He went back to work on the vanship; it was the engine that was giving him trouble. While in yesterday's battle with the Guild, Clause and Lavie were ordered to partake in combat. They flew so high up in the air that trying to shake off the star ships that were chasing them seemed impossible.

Clause pulled the infamous Immelman turn (which wasn't the best decision), and got the engine shot by one of the star ships. Now having to fix the bowling ball–sized hole in the side of the engine, he mentally kicked himself for flying so recklessly. To him, he was a fool because not only did he put himself in danger, he put Lavie in danger as well; they were lucky to be alive!

"Need any help?" Dio asked.

"Nope, not really."

"Oh come on Immelman, I'm sure there's something I can do." He coaxed.

Clause wiped his hands on his flight suit. "Well, its shot…gotta get a new one." He said disappointedly.

" Hey, where's Luciola? He's usually with you." Clause asked, finally realizing that Dio was alone. This made him more nervous than usual.

"He had to go away, but he'll be back. Where's Alvis and the "red-head"?"

"Lavie!" Clause corrected sternly.

"Whatever."

"They're with Sophia up on the top deck." Clause answered.

They were silent for a moment…

"I'm bored." Dio confessed. "I know why don't I hang around with you?" He added, but this time he was full of energy.

" No, I don't think so Di…"

" Come on, there's something I wan to show you!" He said.

He grabbed the boy's hand, and ran to the stairs. Up they went, 1,000 stairs. 30 minutes to an hour later, they finally reached the top. Clause was exhausted from the climb, and just wanted to catch his breath.

"Why couldn't they just install an elevator that goes the rest of the way up?" He asked.

Dio wasn't listening.

"Here we are!" He said.

"But that's the door to the outside."

"So?" Dio asked.

"What's so special about the outside?"

Dio opened the door. The view that stood before them was amazing; they were docked at a transporting station. Huge mechanical devices carrying big heavy crates of ammo, were settled down on the upper deck of the mighty Slyvana.

"Wow!"

"Isn't it great?" Dio asked excitingly.

The two watched the crew, who finally appeared, transport the heavy crates on trolleys and move them downstairs.

"The sky is so beautiful."

"Huh?" Clause was confused. He thought he was talking about the machines.

"So limitless and free." Dio continued.

Clause was clueless, but listened anyway. Luciola would have listened to him if he were here. But he wasn't and he had to make the best of it.

"I would show Luciola this all the time." Dio added.

"Gee, it's not like he's dead Dio, he's just gone for the day."

" I know, but you see I've been with Luciola since early childhood. He's my only friend, my only companion, my only sibling (besides Delphine) … you understand me right?" He asked.

"I guess so." Clause answered, though he wasn't too sure if it was the right one.

Dio continued to look to the sky; marveling the white puffy clouds.

"Hey Dio, I'm going to go now. I have to fill out a form for a new engine." Clause said.

No response came from the Scion.

"Okay, I'll talk to you later then."

Alone once again, Dio took his time watching what surrounded him: the clouds. Hours later, it was getting dark. He was getting cold, and had not eaten. Feeling the chill of the wind, he decided to go back to his cabin and wait for Luciola there.

"Oh Luciola," He silently begged

"Please come home."

He was sitting at the window, looking out into the starry night. Suddenly, the door quietly opened.

"Lord Dio, I'm …"

" LUCIOLA!" Dio cried. He leaped out of his chair, and literally pounced on the poor boy, knocking them both to the floor.

"…Lord Dio." Said a shocked Luciola.

"I've missed you so much, I'm glad you're back!"

Luciola tried to get up, but his master's embrace kept him down. "Great to see you too … now, can you get off me –I can't breathe."

"Um…no."

"Ow!" Luciola was starting to feel very uncomfortable on the floor, especially when his bag (which contained something sharp) was sticking him in the back.

"Just kidding!" Dio Laughed.

Dio got to his feet, as he helped his servant do the same.

"So, how is your mother?"

"fine, but I have some mad nows." Luciola said.

"Oh?"

"Cicada was there, and he talked with me."

"Oh no … what did he say?"

Luciola sat down on his bed, and thought of a way to break this to him.

"He told me that Delphine is almost finished preparing for your Trial with Agoon."

Fear shot through the Guild prince; he had forgotten.

"Five days left." He said gravely.

"Oh Luciola, I'm scared I don't want to go!"

He wrapped his arms around Luciola's waist, and cried. Luciola didn't know what to do, but to console him.

"I'm here for you Lord Dio." He said softly. Dio's sobs were painful. He knew he was going to "die"; they both knew.

" I promise to be with you till …"