AMBER & EMERALD

Author's Note:

Yeah, at last I updated! A writer block and the lack of reviews gave me a headache, you know! How am I going to type a fic, then? Nay, just kidding. Enjoy!

Disclaimer: Don't own Escaflowne. You know that already. I'm bored of writing this!

CHAPTER 18: ESCAFLOWNE & DRAGONSLAYERS

"You're just trying to change the topic," Merle pointed out accusingly. "You like Van, don't you? You seem to fancy him."

"No. No. Impossible. I don't fancy over-grown four years old," Hitomi replied calmly, helping herself with another spoonful of ice cream. "Tell me or never."

"Fine," Merle pouted. "Escaflowne is an organization that Van formed. It is a secret organization under Fanelia Corporation. It is more like a group of spies, actually. Escaflowne is trying to stop Dornkirk's desire from activating the Fate Alternator Machine."

"What is that Fate Alternator Machine actually?"

Merle pulled a face. "I don't know the details, but I heard it is a machine that can change the future according to the controller's desire."

"That's awful," Hitomi remarked lightly.

Merle eyed her in suspicion. "You look so calm about all of these."

"Too many surprises can lead someone into this state," Hitomi said, shrugging.

That was when suddenly a loud boom could be heard.

Van appeared in a sudden in front of them, face flushed. "The Dragonslayers attacked," he said, pulling the two girls onto their feet. Merle let out a curse. "Damn them!"

"Who are they?" Hitomi asked as Van pulled them out toward the parking area.

"I'm sorry, Emerald, but—once again—explanations must wait," Van said, guiding them through the smoke and fire. "You sure know that a place that is bombarded by boms is not a good place to talk, don't you?"

Hitomi shrugged. "Sure do, Amber. I'm no lunatic."

"You're dumb, but not crazy. Thanks God."

He earned a sharp thwack on the head for that.

Van pushed the girls into his car before leaping onto the driver's seat. "Put on your safety belts," he growled as he stepped onto the gas pedal deeply. The girls gladly obeyed, seeing that it was going to be a dangerous trip.

Unfortunately, they were absolutely right.

They were just getting out from the parking area when suddenly a red sport car bumped onto them fiercely. "Dilandau," Van cursed. He stepped even deeper on the gas pedal, only to be bumped again on the rear.

The window of the red car rolled down, and a face of a certain albino appeared from behind it. Hitomi knew that maniacal grin, silvery white hair, and blood red eyes.

"Dilandau Albatou," she hissed under her breath.

"Well, well, Van!" Dilandau said, licking his lips. "Care to show me how much you have improved?"

Van gritted his teeth. "Anytime," he replied, bumping the body of his own car on Dilandau's, hard.

"Go to hell, Dilandau!" Van shouted, rolling down his window.

"I am in it already, Fanel!"

The two cars sped off through the streets, and for a moment, Hitomi felt a shiver down her spine.

Definitely not a good omen.

TO BE CONTINUED TO CHAPTER 19

Sorry if this chapter is kinda strange. Can't help it.

R&R! I need some more reviews!

Celon Ierith