Disclaimer: I don't own Escaflowne or the characters. . . and all that jazz.

A/N: My computer kinda crashed so I haven't been able to retrieve this story for a while! Sry for the long wait. . .if anyone is still reading this.

Chapter 15: Arrivals and Anger

Cevena jerked awake. The dream had been worse than usual that night. Holding her hands over her chest she cupped the pendant in her palms, slowing down her breathing.

In and out, in and out.

Raj and Tuin slumbered on peacefully beside her although the infant light of the dawn was creeping through the carriage drapes.

Cevena moved quickly and silently out and creaked open the door. She was anxious to find a certain commander and was startled when the door met resistance; something blocked its way.

"Ow. Fck." A familiar voice grunted.

The albino captain sat on the steps of the carriage, his back to the door, keeping guard. He now twisted around to scowl at Cevena.

She was too surprised to notice the glare. Surprise and relief and a tumult of other emotions that she didn't quite understand herself shot through her. How long had he been sitting there?

The shadows under his eyes made him look bruised. And his pallor looked no less translucent than it did the night before. He was clearly over worked and exhausted.

"Dilandau…." Cevena started, the intensity in her own voice startling her.

Then to the utter amazement of both, Cevena wrapped both arms around the captain and hugged him fiercely.

"I'm so glad you're ok and I'm so sorry, for yesterday, I was being stupid-"

God, she was practically blubbering Cevena's inner voice screamed. Hastily, Cevena pulled back.

Dilandau was staring at her; trying to hide his astonishment, for this was the first time any girl had ever hugged him like that.

Now really embarrassed, Cevena stammered.

"I-I mean, for yesterday, the way I treated you, I mean, I still don't think it was right the way you slaughtered those men, but-you know I was hysterical, I mean, not hysterical but I was in shock, you know? And you're practically killing yourself to protect me; working so hard, I mean look at you! And I guess what I'm saying is. . .I should be grateful, I mean I AM grateful. I mean-"

Dilandau cocked his head to the side, looking a little defensive. "What exactly are you trying to say?"

Cevena closed her mouth with a snap, and then opened it again.

"What I'm trying to say, Dilandau, is. . . thanks."

Cevena really couldn't read the expression in the commander's eyes. Without meaning to, she found herself holding her breath. Had she stepped out of bounds with this one? She hoped he didn't take her actions the wrong way. It's not like she has any of THOSE kinds of feelings for him or anything.

Oh shit, he probably did. No, no, no, this was spiralling out of her control, disaster-

"Your welcome."

It was Cevena's turn to stare.

"What?"

The crimson eyes flashed cool amusement.

"I said, you're welcome. You know, I'm not going to fckin eat you or anything if you show some appreciation for me busting my ass for you." His expression changed fractionally, his eyes softening.

"And thanks too. . . you're not as bad as I thought you were. You're still a useless btch, not to mention that fckin dragon's kid, but I guess I could learn to bear with your ugly mug and annoying personality."

Ok, now she was pissed.

Smacking him hard on the arm she retorted, "Hey! Who are you calling a kid? I'm the same age as you, and who are you calling a btch? You're the little btch here! Folken's btch."

Again to Cevena's surprise, the commander actually shot her a warm smile before he strode off yelling obscenities over his shoulder.

God he pissed her off so much, pissed her off and surprised her and confused her.

The procession quickly resumed, the remaining mercenaries and ambassadors shaking off last days events stoically and pushing off for the final stretch toward Fanalia.

Cevena climbed on top of her war stallion, Raj following suit.

"I'm glad you decided to continue to ride outside Cevena, not scared into hiding in that stuffy carriage." Raj's soft, low voice rumbled.

"Oh, it'll take more that a few unruly bandits to scare me!" Cevena laughed a little forcedly.

Dilandau riding a few paces behind her, snorted in reply.


When they reached Fanalia, Cevena was immediately put into a strange and uncomfortable position. Crowds of peasants flocked the sides of the street, staring intently at her, whispering to one another, staring and pointing.

"Daughter of the King. Girl from the Mystic Moon. It's happening again. Destruction. She's returned. Princess. Queen."

The exclamations and murmurings of the crowd drifted up and grabbed Cevena's attention. She was shocked that the people of Fanalia seemed to recognize her for who she was. Maybe she should have hidden in the carriage. Right now, she was like a beacon drawing thousands of moths to the light. Dilandau was shifting about uneasily, and the reaction when the people saw him was even greater and not as quiet.

When the people saw Dilandau, alarmed cries rang out. Angry shouts and screams laced the way around them. They definitely recognized the monster who had lead and spearheaded the destruction of the Old Kingdom. Raj dropped back quickly, reining in beside Dilandau. He whispered urgently in his ear.

"If you are assaulted, Dilandau Albatou, by all means do NOT reciprocate. Give these people no cause or proof that you are the man you once were. Show no violence or hostility. Do not even raise your voice. I'm warning you commander, at any chance, these people would see you dead, or far worse."

Cevena, overhearing felt her heart give little flips of terror. She hoped that Dilandau took Raj's advice, although she couldn't imagine the fire headed captain ever standing down. Perhaps he should be the one riding inside the carriage with Tuin.

The group approached the palace gates. Despite the underlying aura of fear, unease and hostility, Fanalia's beauty exceeded all Cevena's expectation. The country was lush and jade. Trees were abundant and lingered on the edge of every establishment. The markets were lively and bustling with business. Colourful banners decorated houses and wind chimes tinkled like merry laughter. The palace was set against a dramatic backdrop of forested mountains. The crags rose high above and loomed like a protective golem over the entire country.

The palace gates opened suddenly with a great clang and a group of men on horses approached rapidly. The sun glinted brightly off the golden hair of one man in particular. Cevena could feel Dilandau tense as that man rode up with the others.

The lead ambassador of the group climbed gracefully out of the carriage. "Greetings and the Goddess's blessing onto you, King Allen Shezzar of Fanalia. We are the ambassadors of Zaibach, I believe that you received the letter announcing this visit already?"

The man who was now king of Fanalia had long wheat blond hair tied back in a ponytail. Intense eyes the colour of the sky held much intelligence and compassion. He wore nothing to distinguish his rank, a simple royal blue tunic and leather boots. An ornate samurai sword was the fanciest thing this man bore. When he spoke, his voice was smooth and elegant. "I received the letter by messenger indeed. Know that Fanalia accepts and welcomes you all and we are all grateful for the chance to leave a bloody and troubled past behind and to forge a new era-"

Allen broke off his welcome speech with a sharp intake of breath like he'd been punched in the gut. His roving blue eyes had lit upon Dragon Slayer Commander Dilandau Albatou, who had moved in front of Cevena when the group had initially ridden up. Now in plain view, the captain sat tall on top of his stallion. His eyes met Allen's calmly, defiantly.

With a cry of rage, Allen thundered up to Dilandau, dust being kicked up all around him. His sword was in his hand in too fast a motion to follow and he held it expertly less than a millimetre from the albino's pale throat.

Cevena stifled a gasp.

"You dare show your despised face at my very door you bastard!" Allen shouted. Smoothness and grace all gone. His voice was raw and scathing, eyes burning with a rage that matched Dilandau's. The rest of the group watched on in shock and silence. Everyone stood stunned in the face of such anger and emotion.

"You murdering, insane monster. You burned down countless countries and cut down women and children. You slew my sword master and you burned down Asturia. You are wanted by hundreds for the atrocities you and your dragonslayers committed. You dare to return to the land which you lead the destruction of in your cowardly invisible cloaks!" In a quieter yet more furious tone, Allen added, "And I know that you were behind my sister's recent attack! You taint the air you breath you sadistic fck! I'll kill you right now and end your reign of terror. Draw your SWORD!"

With his last word Allen pushed his sword threateningly at Dilandau's throat. The tip broke skin easily and blood trickled down from his neck. Blood on snow. Cevena thought dizzily.

No one moved. Dilandau stared passively past Allen, eyes smoky and dark.

"Good, he's following Raj's advice. If he moves, Allen will skewer him for sure." Cevena thought. She felt her heart thudding in her chest, tight with fear for the captain. Why wasn't anyone doing anything?

Dilandau had been a merciless tyrant; people still hated and feared him. All the ambassadors and mercenaries had no objections to his death. In fact, they probably thought it well deserved. Regardless of the fact that Dilandau had saved all their lives that day in the woods. Rage clogged Cevena's throat.

Even more enraged by Dilandau's passiveness, Allen snarled, "Very well, if you refuse to fight me to your death like a man, than I shall execute you like the vile dog you are. Get on the ground!" The Steward King of Fanalia grabbed Dilandau by the collar and dragged him forward, throwing him onto the gravel road. The grey stallion reared a little in alarm. One of the mercenaries leaned over and grabbed the loose reins.

Cevena held her cry in with a hand, wincing inwardly. Underneath her shirt, the pendant began to glow softly. But Cevena did not notice the rosy light in her distress.

Dilandau pushed himself up onto his elbows, but made no other move. The circle of onlookers remained silent alongside him. If the death of this war criminal was all it took to make an alliance with Fanalia, they would gladly cooperate. No one wanted to risk destroying their new country a chance to be recognized and accepted.

Allen gracefully dismounted from his own stallion, sword still in hand.

"You like burning don't you, Dilandau Albatou? Well, now you can burn in Helles for all eternity." He whispered. Dilandau closed his eyes, but did nothing else. "I am ready to rejoin my Slayers." He said simply. Allen raised his sword up in a shining arc, ready to slice the head off the captain.

Cevena didn't remember what it was that she screamed, whether it was a cuss, whether it was "NO!" or "STOP" or whether it was even in English. Or whether she had screamed first or leapt between the sword and the inert Captain first.

But it was like she had blinked and now suddenly found herself facing the anger of the beautiful, golden former Knight of Asturia and his merciless steel katana.

Collective gasps circled around the ring of observers. Cevena thought she heard Tuin cry her name.

The shocked Knight was a master of the sword and managed to break off his killing stroke. But barely.

Cevean watched the metallic blur and hiss of the sword pass inches from her face. She knew she was a few hairs lighter.

Dilandau grabbed her by her arm and yanked her back violently, trying to pull her behind him. "What the FCK do you think you're doing!" He screamed in her face. Almost at the same time that Allen shouted, "What is the meaning of this!"

Cevena yanked her arm out of the albino's vice grip, stepped decisively in front of him and spread both arms out. She couldn't believe what she was about to do, but she could see no other way. She hoped it worked.

"Do you recognize me, Allen Shezar?" Cevena's mind frantically worked to remember the voice projecting lessons she'd had in Drama class.

Determined jade eyes locked into shocked cerulean ones.

The air crackled with Allen's astonishment.

"It can't be! But I can't forget those eyes! Impossible! The messenger made no mention of this in the letter he bore. . . " Allen rambled on.

A sigh of relief left Cevena's lips. "I am who you think I am. I er- dropped by unexpectedly a week ago. From Ear- I mean, the Mystic Moon."

Allen snapped back into attention. His eyes turned hard. "I believe you. Impossible as it may be, there's no mistaking Hitomi's green eyes. And your raven hair betrays you as the Dragon's get. How you arrived in Gaia I cannot fathom. But I hope you know, honoured lady, that the man you protect at the present moment is a dangerous, despicable criminal who murdered thousands."

Cevena flinched at the icy tone, but didn't budge. After all, she'd had plenty of practice at standing up to furious, ranting males. She could feel Dilandau tense behind her.

"What are you doing, Cevena?" He hissed in her ear through clenched teeth.

Ignoring him, Cevena straightened her back, and took a deep breath.

"I am Cevena Jade Fanel, daughter of Van Fanel, King of Fanalia. My mother is Hitomi Kanzaki, and I have come from the Mystic Moon to see my father's kingdom. That man-" Cevena turned to indicate the commander, "Captain Dilandau Albatou, is atoning for his past atrocities by personally guarding my life and safety. He is my bond servant and body guard."

There were mutterings of disbelief. Cevena desperately raised her hands to hush the people.

"I will take full responsibilities for his actions. I will answer for any trouble that he makes. Please allow him entrance. Please allow for him to repent for his past sins against Fanalia."

Cevena could feel rather than hear Dilandau go very still.

Again, shocked whispers and massive intakes of breath went around the crowd of witness that had by now filled the area.

"I knew it was King Van's daughter." "I'll never forget that girl from the mystic moon's eyes." "Who does she think she is? Allen has been a good King." "That bastard Dilandau is her body guard!" "He'll sooner stick a sword in her back than protect her!" "Atoning for his sins? He can never be forgiven for what he's done." "She has come to reclaim her rightful throne."

Cevena consciously made an effort not to cover her ears with her hands. She clenched them tight in fists; no one would see her trembling. She was just a regular seventeen-year-old teenager. Not some Princess of Fanalia, she hoped no one could see through this façade.

Allen's oceany eyes were wide with disbelief once again. He stared at Cevena. Although Van had given him the Kingdom of Fanalia, this girl had a valid claim for it. She was of Draconian blood. Could she even perhaps be able to pilot the Escaflowne? He could not understand why she protected Dilandau like this though. What were her motives? Nevertheless, she had to be treated with respect. If not because she was heiress to a kingdom, then because of his deep friendship and history with her parents. He would have to push down his overwhelming hatred of Dilandau Albatou for now. For now.

Allen turned a dark glance towards the albino. Bastard. The thought of that man being inside his sister made him sick. The thought of her being trapped within him made him want to gut him right there. The thought of him hurting her made a red film glaze over his mind. Blood lust.

Cevena watched his face, holding her breath. Everyone awaited the King's decision.

"Your every wish is my command, my Lady Fanel. No Knight could ever refuse the gracious request of a lady. For you-" He knelt on one knee and took Cevena's hand, kissing it. "I will give Dilandau a probationary pardon. We shall see how he behaves. For the time being, we will allow him to enter the palace walls. I hope he remains true to you, Daughter of Van."

The Knight's lips were like butterfly wings dancing across the back of her hand. Cevena resisted the urge to yank her hand back, and even more to rub at the spot that he had kissed. Excuse me! But on Earth, guys don't kiss hands anymore unless they're pervy freaks. What a play boy. How was she supposed to react?

"I er- thank you, Allen Shezar." Cevena decided against a curtsy. She awkwardly bobbed her head and stepped back.

Allen quickly snapped orders for chambers to be prepared, dinner to be readied. Tours would be arranged and messengers would pass out a meeting schedule. Personal servants would be assigned to each ambassador. For Cevena however, Princess of Fanalia, a special suite would be provided. Next to Allen and Millerna's own chambers. Dilandau would be in a small servant room attached to Cevena's.

Allen introduced a small hazel eyed servant girl named Milar and then invited Cevena to come to his personal chambers to talk after she had freshened up.

Everything was arranged in a highly organized and brisk manner. Tuin had raced up and hugged her, asking if she was all right, Raj rumbling his concern alongside hers. Cevena had mumbled something and then they had been forced to follow the rest. Most of the party looked disapprovingly on her now, some even in disgust. Cevena had hardly time to process what she had just said and done when the train of ambassadors continued on into the pearly white palace.

She whirled to face Dilandau who hadn't moved from behind her since she had unexpectedly leapt between Allen's blade.

Dark crimson eyes were smouldering.

"Why the fcking hell did you do that?"

Cevena was used to his acidic questions by now. She looked him over quickly, the blood was still running down his neck. That was a nasty cut.

"Are you alright?" She answered his question by changing the topic. The truth was she didn't know what had made her do it. And she didn't trust herself to answer.

"Of course I'm alright. A pussy like Allen can't do shit to me." He retorted.

"Hmph, I'm sure your bleeding neck agrees with you." Cevena rolled her eyes.

Dilandau scowled. But then a completely different expression crossed his face. Cevena's insides lurched and her heart paused.

Cevena quickly gave him a playful punch, her nervousness making it a little harder than she'd intended. "Hey, how did you put it again? It's ok to show a little appreciation for me busting my ass for you?"

Dilandau gave her a soft shove back. "Was that supposed to hurt?" He growled at her.

He looked solemnly at her then though. "Well, I think you're seriously screwed up in the head to do that for me, but since you did it. . . well. . . thanks."

Cevena looked at him. She grinned awkwardly. "I told you that I'm not my parents, I'm me. And you don't have to act like we're enemies, 'cause we're not. I hope I've established that at least with you."

"Not enemies you say?" He gazed thoughtfully at her. "No, I guess not, since I don't really want to kill you anymore. . . but we're certainly NOT friends. " He shrugged. "I don't know WHAT the hell you are to me. . . c'mon, lets get going."

He dusted himself off, and followed the rest of the entourage in. The blood on his neck had dried. It was flaky brown on his milky skin.

Cevena sighed, she had hoped that he would have opened up to her enough to call her a friend. After all she'd done for him. Well, at least he didn't want to kill her anymore. Whoo hoo. She trailed after him towards the ivory and gold palace.

The crowd remained restless with Allen's decision however. People muttered angrily, they wanted to see Dilandau punished. Tortured maybe; hanged. They dissipated grumpily as the delegation of Zaibach entered the palace gates and the large copper and brass bars closed with a resounding crash behind them.