The Descended Shadow

by BC-Butch Cassidy-BC

24 years have passed since Hitomi returned to earth but Gaea is not the same place she left behind. War, oppression and death are all commonplace, and in this shadow a new visitor comes from the Mystic Moon... A new story is Dawning, the Descended Shadow!

4. A cry From The Shadows

A VISION OF ESCAFLOWNE
The Descended Shadow
Part IV
A cry from the Shadows

………

Disclaimer – Escaflowne is not mine; the characters and story are the property of Bandai entertainment. The story and characters of 'The Descend Shadow' or 'Shadows of the Past' are the property of Butchs Fan Fiction Forum . Before use of these characters or elements of the story please get permission from Butch Cassidy at butchsvideostop@Tiscali.co.uk

- Visit the Home of 'The Descended Shadow' at www.butchsforum.co.uk.

- Character reference at the end of the Fan Fic. If you forget a character, remember.

………

My first walk, in my first dream,
Could clearly see Eden beyond the sky's
Beautiful and sad is this story I tell,
Of the last one who comes,
It was one day the wind guided him to go,
Like an eagle far above he flew.

Beautiful the melody turned the room into a dream world. Each word drifted into the last, bringing harmony to her voice. Drifting from her lips, a song equal to none other than that of a siren.

Waving from down below, he flew out of sight,
Into the mists of the darkness
Near I dare to walk,
When he left feeling my heart take flight
And to think one day we'll fly, together,
And to think of the places we will share

Her words dissipated into the silence of the room. The light of the single candle twinkled in the young eyes of Nimura, Lying tucked into bed. The singer's voice was that of Merle, sitting watching over him with a smile.
"Please…" He begged her, "Just one more, it will help me sleep better" Shacking her head Merle answered.
"No Nimura, you and I both know if I do that, we'll be here all night" She told him, "And a young lad like you needs his sleep". Nimura continued to complain but Merle ignored his begging. Getting to her feet, she brushed down her dress, straightening the creases that had formed. Lowering she kissed him on the forehead, and secured the covers.
"Goodnight, Nimura" She told him, "I'll see you in the morning"

"Merle" He asked quietly before she blew out the candle,
"Yes" She answered.
"Will we be seeing mother tomorrow" He asked, sadly. Merle watched him gravely,
"Yes Nimura, we will both be saying goodbye to her tomorrow"
"Goodnight Merle"
"Goodnight" Merle said before touching out the candle and walking slowly to the door, pulling it open she looked back onto Nimura, now lying motionless in the bed. She couldn't help but feel sorry for what he had been through.

Sighing quietly she made to close the door but a noise caught her attention. Her ears twitching she looked back into the bedroom, fear peaking inside her. Without further delay she called down the castle hall.
"GUARDS!"

As if responding to her calls the window burst open showering glass across the small bedroom. Two men stepped into the room; their faces shadowed, the only light from the moon, high in the sky above them. Merle charged the men, hissing, brandished a knife. One of the men, with thick black beard, threw her back into a bookcase. Parts of the case collapsed, covering her in books. Nimura screamed, pulling himself free he ran to her, ignoring the men.
"Merle," He cried, pulling books from her

"San', get the child" The bearded man nodded, and lifted Nimura by the scruff of the neck. The harder he fought the tighter the man held onto him. The young bearded man pulled Nimura out of the window, avoiding any of the un-fallen glass.
"Merle!" Nimura screamed from under the mans arm. The second surveyed the room disgusted,
"Pigs"

From outside the window, his partner's voice called back,
"Come on Tal', they'll be here soon" Tal' spat on the floor and lifted an ornamental sword, decorated with the winged dragon from the end of the bed.
"Nice blade" He commented before departing through the window with it in his hand. The room remained silent for a moment before a shaken Von, and three guards ran in. He spotted Merle and knelt down beside her,
"Merle, what happened" He asked, "are you Ok" Her voice no more than a whisper Merle answered,
"Nimura, they took Nimura… Help him" Von Pointed to one of the guards and ordered him,
"You stay here. And you two come with me!" Jumping into a jog Von and the two guards ran from the room, after the kidnappers.

………

Nimura suddenly awoke. Darting his eyes around the room his senses returned to him. He leaned back onto the bed, and wiped the sweat from his forehead. Relaxing, he went over the memory in his mind. He guessed it was only a matter of time before that memory haunted his dreams, returning to Fanel reminded him of too much. He slowly pulled himself out of the bed, and cupped his face in his hands. He felt horrid; there was no worse way to start the day than a bad memory.

The sun beamed through the window, showering him with morning. With a deep breath he consciously took the first steps from the bed. Stopping over the wash bassoon he covered his face with water. Looking up his eyes came into contact with a familiar face. He made a face at his reflection, several cuts reminding him of the 'fun' of the previous day.

Picking up his clothes from where he had unceremoniously thrown them the day before he pulled them on. They where filthy, but he was used to being dirty. A rebel cell was not the first place one would look for clean dress. Crossing the room he threw himself into the chair by the window and looked down into the city below. The early traders starting up their stores and the first people entering the streets. He hadn't noticed it before but there was also a lot of commotion outside his own door.

With a smile he looked up at the ceiling, leaning back comfortably. 'Your king disappearing would cause some upset in a kingdom'. He closed his eyes and let the sun wash over him. For the next few hours Nimura drifted in and out of sleep until voices outside his door caught his attention. Opening his eyes, he looked to the closed door. He couldn't make out what the voices where saying but he could tell at least one was female.

A moment later the voices died away, leaving only the faint sounds of the crowds below. The door was knocked, and he granted entry.
"Come in" He told them tiredly, Sleep or not he still felt like lead. He looked away, returning his gaze to the people below. The door pushed open, and a young lady stepped in, and looked around the room nervously. The second she spotted Nimura a smile spread across her lips. Continuing into the room she greeted him,
"Hello Nimura"

He shot his head round to face her. It was Sadako who stood before of him, looking down upon him in the chair.
"Sadako?" He asked hardly believing his eyes, "How did you escape?" Sadako laughed amused,
"Escape?" She told him shacking her head, "I didn't have to escape; they treat me as some form of guest" Taking a step towards the window she leaned against the ledge, and looked at the city below.
"It's hard to believe these are the same people who attacked us"
"Well they are…" He reminded her, Sadako turned defensively,
"I wasn't suggesting they weren't" She told him, "I just wanna know why they are treating us so nice now"

Nimura grunted,
"Because they have gone to substantiate our story"
"What do you mean?" Sadako asked anxiously.
"I mean that the 'Oh so honourable' King has gone a trip to Zaibach to see it for himself" Nimura answered half mildly; he was far from convinced of Von's good intentions. Sadako became almost ecstatic.
"Von took us seriously?" She asked happily, "That's good news isn't it?" Nimura frowned,
"How do you know about him?" Nimura asked suspiciously, "How do you know about Von and by name?"

"Well…" Sadako started, "…He came to see me yesterday. I never told you, but before I was attacked, I was heading to Fanel" Nimura listened speechlessly. Did this mean that she was working against them? Did this mean that Talús and Sanjiyan were right? Sadako continued,
"My mother had told me stories of Fanelia when I was a child, and most concerning King Von Fanel. This led me to search him out…"

"So" Nimura asked quietly, "You helped them attack us? Give them information maybe?" Sadako jumped back from him horrified by his suggestion.
"Of course not!" She told him angrily, "Them appearing was a coincidence! I had nothing to do with it" Nimura relaxed; if she had had something to do with it she would have no reason to hide it from him now. He believed her,
"Sorry" He apologised, "I only… Sorry"

Sadako took a few steps and sat on the edge of the bed, facing Nimura.
"Don't worry about it," She told him, "When I think of it, it is a bit suspicious" An eerie silence took the room, neither Sadako nor Nimura dared to break it. In the end it was Nimura, who spoke first,
"So was your mother from around here?" Nimura asked hoping to start a new avenue of conversation. Sadako shuck her head,
"No," She told him, "Don't you remember? I came from the Mystic Moon"

Nimura sighed inwardly. 'That crazy story again' he thought before something dawned on him,
"Sadako…. Your mother" He asked, "What was her name?"
"Hitomi" Sadako answered absentmindedly. Unsure what to think, Nimura gawked at her as if seeing her in a whole new light. He couldn't believe it had taken him this long to link the dots.
"You are the daughter of Hitomi Kanzaki?" Nimura stammered, "You are her child?"
"Yes" She answered, taken aback by Nimura's reaction, "What's wrong?"
"Nothings wrong" Nimura told her, returning to his senses, "I'm just a little surprised"
"Why?" Sadako asked suspiciously.
"Why?" Nimura answered, "Because you're the child of a living legend!"

It was Sadako's turn to be shocked; she looked at him as if he had grown horns.
"A what" She spurted out. Nimura remained open mouthed,
"You didn't know? Nobody told you?" Nimura asked, Sadako shuck her head,
"Your mother was very well know here, she has even become a ledged, some believeing she never really existed" Sadako remained silent,
"Your mother was with Von all the way through the great war, 25 years ago. She was even instrumental in the defeat of Emperor Dunkirk," He told her, "And the saving of all Gaia" Sadako couldn't believe her ears; she couldn't believe that her mother had done so much and she was…. A celebrity.
"My mother did all that" She still couldn't believe it. Shacking her head, she looked up at Nimura,
"Being inside is killing me!" She told him, hotly, "Do you wanna go out for a walk or something? Maybe in the gardens?"

Nimura raised his hands in indifference,
"Sure" He told her getting to his feet, "But I need to deal with something first. Meet me in the gardens in say half an hour?" Sadako nodded in agreement,
"Ok, just don't be late" She told him, "I don't like having to wait around" She got to her feet and made her way to the door, opened it and turned to him with a smile,
"See ya there" and closed the door. Nimura sighed, clambering to the door. 'Some prison when they let you walk free'. A moment later he followed her out into the noisy corridor. It really was chaotic.

………

The people of Zaibach are like no other in Gaia, out of the dusts and the sands of their land they created the largest and most advanced nation in Gaia with the help of the self proclaimed Emperor, Dunkirk. There were several large cities in Zaibach but none bigger than the capitol, and original seat of Dunkirk's power. The city however was heavily damaged in the Great War, and was never fully repaired. Today is not as it was, what was a city is now a slum. Both crime and brutality are ordinary practice in this of all cities. Down a cross roads in the centre of the city one such act of brutality was taking place.

"So we finally found you, Uri," One of the soldiers told the man, knelt over on ground before him. The soldier's armour shone while everything around him was black. Pumpose, with long blond hair sighted him as the leader of the pack He was backed up by two other soldiers, their armour less shiny but still impressive. One of them kicked the man on the ground painfully.
"You really gave us quite a run for our money" One of the other soldiers told him. The first soldier stepped forward, cupped the hilt of his sword in his hands and aimed it down over the man.

"I haven't tracked any one man for so long before… You should be proud of yourself," He told Uri, the man lying on the ground.
"Calár, of the four…" Uri sighed, "Just my luck" The first man, Calár, smiled.
"Indeed"

"Don't you know that three on one is uneven" A strong voice came from the shadows. A man hooded in black stepped out, his sword held aloft. The Fanelian royal sword, "Mind if I even the odds a little?"

Calár Laughed heartily,
"Sure" Indicating to his lackies he waved them to attack the cloaked figure. Standing still the cloaked figure effortlessly knocked the first soldier's sword away with a left strike and kicked him in the crotch, sending him reeling back. The second soldier froze up in fear. In his moment of weakness the cloaked figure sliced his sword down his chest tearing through the armour but doing little injury. Both men fell back.

Calár pulled his own sword ready to attack when his opponent's sword caught his eye. He stopped his advance,
"That's the Fan…" He stuttered in disbelief, "Alright, pull out!" His lakies didn't need a second order and were gone in a matter of moments. There leader following. The cloaked man sheafed his sword, and stepped to Uri. He offered his hand. Uri took it and, he lifted him to his feet.

"Thank you…." Uri thanked him; hoping for a name. The cloaked man threw back his hood revealing his short black hair and angular beard.
"The names Von" Von told him. Uri smiled and slapped him on the back.
"I must buy you a drink Von" Uri told him happily.
"No, no…" Von said trying to escape, "…I'm not much of a drinking man"
"Come now, my pride will be hurt if you don't join me!" He told Von, "And I wont take no for an answer"

Defeated Von threw his arms into the air,
"Ok, one drink!" Von told him, "But that's all!"
"Fine… one drink" He answered, "This way I know I good place round here" And together the two men walked out of the cross roads. Von smiled, even in a place like this friendship and pride were not dead… That was good.

………

Clump, clump, clump,
With each step the damp stone made the same familiar sound.
Clump, clump, clump. Sanjiyan stopped for a moment, taking another tired look through the bars of his cell. Although he could not see them he knew that the rest of his comrades where in the same area, but all blocked off from each other by their own confined boxes. It had now been almost 24 hours since Nimura had been separated from them. He was concerned, doubly so because they hadn't taken anyone further to be 'Questioned'. He could only imagine what horrors Nimura was being subjected to and he knew well that his time would come.

Sighing angrily he continued his pacing along the cold stone floor. 'If they are going to do this, I wish they would hurry up. The waiting…' He threw himself onto the hard bed at the side of the room. Lying down he looked onto the black roof.
"I never thought it would end like this"

He must have drifted off because a moment later he looked back towards the bars of his cell and found Nimura looking in on him. He bolted up, focusing to make sure he wasn't seeing things.
"Nimura?" He asked still not believing his eyes. Nimura smiled; happy he had got his attention. Sanjiyan smiled back, jumping from the bed,
"Hurry up, get us out of here!" Sanjiyan told keeping his voice down. He didn't have a clue how Nimura escaped or got to them, and didn't care. All he wanted to know was how they were going to get clear of the city.

"Sorry Sanjiyan, I can't not now," Nimura told him. Sanjiyan could barely believe his ears, 'What was Nimura telling him?' He dropped the smile,
"What do you mean? The keys are right behind you!" He asked angrily. This was no time for games.
"I gave my word" Nimura told him, "And I refuse to go back on it" Sanjiyan didn't have a clue what he was talking about and half of him wanted to keep it that way.
"I think you had better explain yourself, Nimura, and make it quick" Sanjiyan told him taking a further step to the door, and Nimura.

"They claim they had no knowledge of the troubles in Zaibach, and I gave my word until they confirm it I would not attempt an escape" Nimura told him. Sanjiyan passed his hand over the half black beard that had grown since their capture, before confronting Nimura,
"And you believed them?" Nimura shock his head,
"No, I believed someone in particular. Though I can't tell you, any more than that" Nimura told him, "Sanjiyan just trust me"

Sanjiyan sighed,
"Its has all become clear" He told Nimura quietly, "It all comes into the open"
"What has" Nimura asked, quite sure he really didn't want to know.
"You have turned on us" Sanjiyan told him angrily, "What they do offer you a job? Threaten to hurt your new girlfriend?"

Nimura flared,
"HOW DARE YOU!" He yelled angrily at him. Sanjiyan turned his back on him,
"I have no time for turncoats or traitors" Sanjiyan told him calmly
"I am still your leader if you like it or not Sanjiyan!" Nimura told him turning his own back on Sanjiyan, "And if you defy my orders you will have to deal with me personally" Ignoring Sanjiyan Nimura marched towards the door. Each of the prisoners eyeing him suspiciously, having heard his conversation with Sanjiyan. Each had the same thought on their mind, they had a new leader.

……

After having to ask directions from several people Sadako finally found her way back to her room. She had seen big houses before but she had never been in a fully operating palace or castle, and wasn't afraid it admit that the size made her uncomfortable. She had decided to return to her room before heading out to the gardens to meet Nimura. She walked into her room, the light blinding her a moment, because of the relative darkness in the corridor. As her sight returned to her she became aware that she was not alone. Looking up at the massive portrait of her mother, a tall elegant woman stood. Her long hair appeared to glisten in the sunlight.

Sadako was about to ask who she was but realized when she caught eye of the tail escaping from under the dress. She smiled uncontrollable. She knew who this was,
"Merle, I would assume" Sadako asked, startling her. Merle turned immediately as if she didn't even notice she had come in till then. She smiled in recognition.
"And you are Sadako" Merle told her, Sadako also nodded "But tell me how do you know me?"

Sadako's smiled grew further, remembering her mother's very vivid descriptions and stories of the crazy cat girl Merle.
"Out of all the characters in my mothers stories Merle was one of the most spoken of" She told Merle, "And she was always my favourite"
"Please don't talk about me as a fictional character" Merle asked her insulted, "But what do you mean, favourite?"
"I loved my mother stories of you most of all. Especially when you tried to eat her pager" Sadako told her, Merle seemed perplexed,
"Pager?" She asked.
"The small black thing, that beeped" Sadako reminded her, "You try to eat it at the Dragons Graveyard" Merle smiled,
"It wasn't that tasty" She joked. Taking a few steps forward she looked Sadako up and down in great detail. Taking in everything. She saw before her an athletic looking girl, like her mother, with long brown hair, tied into yellow ribbons. She wore what appeared to be a highly dirty T-shirt and jeans. Heightened just slightly taller than Merle. Her face a lot like that of her mothers, though with less of the little girl feel to it.

Merle turned and took a step to the window.
"How is she?" Merles asked quietly, "Is she happy?"
"Yes" Sadako told her, "She is happy, or was before I left" Merle turned back to Sadako with a hollow smile,
"That's good" Merle said, "I'm glad she found some happiness"
"Merle what's wrong?" Sadako confronted her seeing through the hollow smile.
"Nothings wrong" Merle told her attempting to hide the truth, "But more importantly what are we going to do with you?"
"What do you mean?" Sadako asked defensively, forgetting what they had been talking about.

"Well look at you!" Merle told her, "Your filthy" A large, evil smile spread access Merles lips. The smile reminded Sadako of the stories her mother told of the second side of Merle, and the stories of the scrapes she force her into. Particularly ones involving her being forced into horrible dresses! 'What is she planning' Sadako thought watching the smile edge ever larger.

Foreseeing where the situation was headed, Sadako bolted to the door. Merle using her feline speed, forced the door closed before Sadako had reached it and locked it. She held the small silver key aloft in her hand. Sadako's eyes widened, realising that her fate had been sealed.

Merle stepped slowly towards her, but Sadako equalled each step with a step back. A few moments later she bumped into the back wall of her room, and Merle continued to approach the smile continuing to grow further.
"There is nowhere to run" Merle told her happily, "Your mother enjoyed these sessions of ours so you may to"

She was trapped.

………….

Nimura leaned back comfortably in the sun. He had come out to meet Sadako, and sat to wait under the central fountain, just beyond the entrance to the gardens. He was constantly being covered in tiny sprays of water, but found they only added to the relaxing feeling. It had been many years since he had been in a garden. There was never much opportunity before; though he had always enjoyed their ability to calm even the most troubled soul.

He could have sat there calmly for hours, the scent of the flowers in his noise and the sounds of the birds in his ears. It seemed he was miles from the rest of the world and the troubles of the castle. With a calm sigh he cleared his mind of all thought, and just drifted in the sea of tranquillity.

It was half an hour later when a nudge on his arm caught his attention. Opening his eyes he could see a person shaped shadow over him, the light of the sun blinding him to any of their features. Nimura Pushed himself up, and they took a step back. Once his eyes had adjusted to the difference of light he looked up at them again. His eyes widened, in abject shock. Sadako looked back at him confused.
"Yes?" She asked, "What's wrong?"

"Who… You… What happened" Nimura asked, not sure weather he was scared or confused. Sadako looked insulted,
"What you don't like it?" She asked waving a hand down herself. She stood in front of him wearing a pale red dress, with one side down her left leg cut down, to allow free movement. Over the top of which she had a purple half-shirt. Her hair had also been changed, left to lie down with only one ribbon holding her front fringe together.
"You sure you don't like it?" Sadako asked Nimura sadly, "She said it was my mothers?"

"No, No" Nimura rebutted, "Its not that I don't like it, it was just a surprise, that's all! No its…"
"Choose your next words carefully" Sadako told Nimura angrily.
"…Nice" He answered quickly. Sadako seemed satisfied by his response and sat down next to him beside the fountain.
"She'll be happy to hear that" She told him quietly now enjoying the spray Nimura felt.
"Who is 'she'?" Nimura asked perplexed, but relaxing again.
"Merle… She came to see me. That's why I'm late" Sadako told him happily, "Oh and sorry about that…"

"You've meet Merle…" Nimura repeated quietly, "Life is becoming a living memory"
"What do you mean?" Sadako asked, Nimura sighed and closed his eyes as if picturing the water that was spraying onto him.
"You remember I told you that my father went missing after attempting to get help for the Ziabachian people" Nimura asked Sadako. She froze paying attention as the serious subject rose.
"I remember," She answered, giving Nimura her full attention.
"Well once he had vanished my mother and I fled here, to Fanel. My father was an old friend of the king, and we believed he could protect us, if those who attacked my father came after us" He told her, "It was in this time that I go to know Merle, and this place."
"If that's true why do you hate Von?" Sadako asked. Nimura angrily opened his eyes, and she realised it might not have been the best question to ask.
"Why do I hate him?" Nimura repeated, keeping his voice calm, "Why? Because he betrayed my father! He betrayed me, and my mother! He could have done something… Anything, but he didn't. Even today he hasn't even come close to finding those who are responsible for my fathers death"
"He failed to protect my father… He failed to protect my mother… " Nimura told her quietly, "And then he failed to protect me"

They both remained quiet for a moment, the noise of the fountain the only break of the silence. Sadako looked at her feet sadly, she wished she had thought before speaking. Nimura got to his feet and without turning to Sadako he asked,
"We came out for a walk, did we not? Shall we go?" Sadako nodded uncertainly before following him out into the castles gardens. As they walked deeper into the gardens Sadako saw some of the most beautiful flowers she had ever seen. Back at home she had never been one for gardens but found herself liking this one; she understood why her mother had liked it.

After a short while she apologised,
"Nimura" She asked quietly. He made am undeterminably noise lead her to believe he had heard her.
"I'm sorry," She told him, "I didn't mean to pry" Nimura stopped suddenly, leading Sadako to think she had said something else wrong. He turned to face her, his face stoned,
"You have nothing to apologise for. It is I who should be apologising," He told her, "I didn't mean to blow up like that and I am sorry. Its just that's a bit of a touchy subject for me"
He gave her a slight smile,
"Tell me, what's it like on the mystic moon"

Sadako relaxed a bit.
"Its not much different than here actually. Our cities though and much bigger, some over 100 miles from one side to the other" She told him, Nimura looked as if he couldn't believe his ears "We also have building made of glass which go hundreds of meters into the sky" Nimura laughed,
"Your pulling me leg" Nimura told her, "Such things are impossible!" Sadako smiled, enjoying this,
"Believe it or not, its true"
"My lord" He gasped, "And what of your Gymelef's. They must be a thousand feet tall!" Sadako shuck her head,
"No, we don't have Gymelef's on earth"
"It must be a peaceful place if the source of all wars is gone" Nimura told her, braking back into his walk. Sadako sighed,
"If only that were true"

"What about family, and friends?" He asked,
"Well mum and I have always lived with Yukari and her husband Amano. They were friends of my mums, and along time back she moved in with them. I guess we never got round to moving out. We had some good times. Never had much time for friends, but I had all the friends I needed right at home" Sadako told him happily, "I guess we are a family even if blood doesn't relate us" Nimura smiled.

"Your mother, was it she who taught you to fight?" Nimura asked, lowering to pick up a flower.
"It was. When I was younger I didn't understand why she did, but I guess I now know. We have no need for swords at home but in Gaia they appear to be a necessity," She told him. Looking back she could see they were quite a bit away from the castle now. When before they were going straight Nimura turned, taking them to the right. Picking up another couple of flowers from the beds to the side of the path he joked.
"Yeah, I couldn't believe that you could beat Sanjiyan. Few of us would have been able to beat him alone, and you took him and several others on at once"

Sadako sighed sadly,
"I don't know… I don't know what happened. When I am really fighting for my life its as if I am fighting out of purely reflex and instinct. I don't know if I even have any real skill"
"Maybe we should check that. You can always have a little test match with me!" He joked, "But on second thoughts that would be useless"
"Yeah," Sadako agreed, "I would beat you in a second"
"What did you say!?" Nimura challenged her.
"Nothing" She told him innocently.

Nimura picked up a last flower before stopping Sadako from advancing. Looking up she noticed that Nimura had stopped her just before passing into a fenced off part of the gardens. Passed a beautifully crafted metal arch lay hundreds of stone memorials and tombstones. It was clearly a Graveyard.
"I will be only a few minutes," Nimura told her coldly before advancing in passed the archway. She watched him enter, and wondered weather she should follow him, but decided against it. Tip Toeing onto the grass she sat herself down under a tree which over looked the Graveyard and the gardens. She closed her eyes for a moment attempting to relax herself but found it hard. Looking around her she picked a Dandelion and started to pull its petals one by one, quietly mumbling to herself. Once she had picked the last petal she leaned back against the tree and looked around the gardens. It truly was a manifest sight, all the different colours reds, blues, yellows, greens, purples, and whites…

It was as she looked over the gardens something caught her eye. A man raped in a black cloak, his hood lowered, revealing brown hair as he kneeled in front of a Grave. He raised his hood, rose to his feet and began away from the Grave. Looking closer she was sure of whom the man was. Pulling herself to her feet she ran from the hill and straight into the Graveyard to catch the man, she was sure it was Géaroid. She couldn't remember the last time she had run so fast in her life. It was only a few minutes later when she reached the Grave but he was nowhere to be found. Instead someone else knelt in front of the Grave. He placed a bundle of flowers in front of the Grave stone. It was shaped in the likeness of an angel rising into heaven. He whom knelt before the Grave turned to face her.

"I asked you to wait" Nimura reminded her, his voice crackled. It was clear from his eyes that he had been crying. Sadako stood frozen to the spot, she didn't mean to…
The text on the Grave caught her eye,

' Kosime'
'Beloved Wife, Loving Mother, and queen in the hearts of all peoples'

The first name on the Grave had been worn away, but Sadako realised who's Grave they stood at.
"Your mother" She stuttered, "This is your mothers Grave?"
Nimura turned back to the Grave,
"It was on the trip to Fanel that my mother and I were attacked by thefts. We fought them off, but she was hurt. She just barely got us to Fanel, but she had fallen into a deep fever. Several days later she died" Nimura told Sadako, "I'm sorry… I didn't want you to see this. I didn't want anyone to see this"

Sadako could just watch him, she wanted to say a hundred kind words, but when she opened her mouth nothing came out. It was as if she had been paralysed, left unable to show the slightest emotion.
"To lose one parent is painful to a child but they can go on. But how can any child be expected to go on when both parents are lost, and at the same time. How?"
Nimura's body was shaking, holding back the tears.
"I wasn't even able to say goodbye," He cried, placing his forehead onto the Gravestone. The Nimura she knew was nothing but a hollow shell. It was the true Nimura that suffered before her. The true Nimura she knelt beside him; unable to offer kind words she hugged him tightly. It was in her embrace that Nimura's true tears began, and he started on the road to healing his true self.

………

The happy calls and yells of friends were nearly deafening to Von. Uri had taken him to a small inn near where they had met. The room looked as if it had twice the number of people it should in it, and hearing himself think was even a problem. He had promised Uri he would only have one drink but he was already on his third. With the help of the ale Von and Uri had become like old friends. Even though Von never forgot why he had come with Uri in the first place. He needed information and the source was the best place to start.

"So Uri, this is my first time in the city. Has it always been like this?" Von asked yelling over the crowd, trying his best to sound casual. Uri nodded,
"Ay, I thought Von was no local name, where you from?" He asked, Von laughed keeping up the shard,
"Me? I used to come from Fanelia" He lied to Uri, "But I haven't been there in years. I just go from place to place"
"That explains the name. Guess you parents were fans of young Von Fanel" He asked. Von just nodded,
"So has the place always been like this?" Von asked again. Uri looked saddened.
"Well things were getting better here, but just over a decade ago it just changed and things go a lot worse" Uri told him, "Its hard to think that this used to be a metropolis, now its just garbage"

Von sighed,
"Really? Why did they change?"
"Well, the Alliance placed a new man in charge of the place. He wasn't very nice at all. Was Chid his name?" he told Von, "He's the one still in charge today. You just meet one of his top bullies personally"
"You mean that that Calár works directly with Chid?" Von asked, "And what did you mean one of the Four?"
"My dear Von, are pumping me for information?" Uri joked. Von laughed trying his best to seem innocent.
"Yes, I want all the information I need to turn the alliances mind and help Zaibach because I am really the king of Fanelia" Von said continuing the joke, while actually specking the truth. Uri smiled happily.
"The four? They are like Chid's elite. There are as the name suggests four of them. They do what Chid orders," He told Von, with a laugh "They make the knights of Asturia appear weak!"
"Do you know why he came after you?" Von asked, Uri looked grave.
"I have an idea but can't really go into it" Uri told him, "The question is how they managed to track me down?"
"Maybe its because your very friendly with total strangers" Von joked,

"You know Von, we could use a man like you" Uri told him; Von turned from his half drunk glass.
"Who could?" Von asked, could he have found the link he was looking for.
"You seem like an intelligent man. You can see what's happening here is wrong, can't you?" He asked. Von nodded in agreement.
"Well help us fight them out of here, join us! Join the rebels" Uri asked him in a hushed voice. Von sat shocked, before shacking his head,
"Sorry, I can't" Von told him, "I won't get involved"

Uri just shrugged and smiled,
"Pity but you must do as you must" They talked further into the night, but it was Von several hours later, who asked,
"Hey, you know anywhere good to stay the night round here" Uri looked almost gob smacked by the dumb question.
"Von, you're sitting in an Inn" Looking around it was as if he had just noticed for the first time.
"Oh yes" He answered, "Is it any good?" Uri smiled,
"Id hope so as I'm staying here!"

Calling over the bar tender Von asked for a room,
"Any spare rooms for the night?" He asked,
"Sure, you want one?"
"Yeah, and someone to wake me at dawn" Von told him.
"Not a problem" He told Von before continuing to another young man who was looking for a drink.
"Why you getting up at Dawn?" Uri asked, Von smiled.
"I have to meet a few friends on the outskirts" Von told him, "In fact I don't know the city that well, could you lead me?" Uri bowed in jest.
"It would be my pleasure to lead you, Lord king of Fanelia"
"Well then, we leave at Dawn" Von told him, before returning to his drink.

………

Merle sat, exhausted watching over the top of the large duelling arena, from the royal box. She had been running around the castle like a headless chicken for most of the day. With Von gone it was she who was placed, temporally in charge of Fanel and Fanelia. She had never truly appreciated the amount of work he had to do, until now anyway.

Below her in the arena she watched the large collection of soldiers training. Some were using swords, some spears and others bows, arrows and crossbows. Directing them, in a long velvet blue coat was the head of Fanelia's soldiers. His short black hair frizzy. He was a tall man who boasted authority. He was also the man who headed the attack on the Zaibach rebels.

Yawning Merle stretched, she had more work to do but couldn't face it just yet, she was just too tired. She had hid up in the royal box hoping that nobody would find her. She laughed; Von had once told her if she had to face what he did she would be hid in a closet on the 3rd floor. Not quite but he was near enough right, as here she was hiding.

"I guess I'm not the only one who wanted to escape" A soft voice greeted her. Turning from the arena she saw Alan walk into the box behind her. With a smile she motioned to the seat next to her, and he took it gladly,
"What have you to escape from?" Merle asked snidely, "You haven't got a kingdom to run" Alan laughed, as if seeing something she had missed.
"Please… As a representative of Asturia I have to keep an eye on you to make sure you don't go mad with power, which of course would be bad for Asturia and the alliance" Alan joked, "Lord Queen Merle of Fanelia, launching a campaign to take over the world! That wouldn't reflect well on me," Merle laughed,
"Don't worry Alan; I have no immediate plans to conquer the world"

Alan turned his attention to the soldiers training below them. He smiled,
"Their good men" He told Merle, "They handled their last mission well" Merle didn't respond, just watched them training.
"Personally I don't know what has gotten into Von" Alan told Merle angrily, "I had to throw Darious onto the crusade and get him out of here" Without turning her head Merle asked,
"Why?"
"Why? I refuse to keep him here when the leader of the rebels is walking around the castle!" Alan told her, "Imagine the fun if they had run into each other! I don't care if he is Dawn's son, he had proven himself to be an enemy of the alliance through his actions" Merle turned angrily to him,
"Von would not have gone if he was convinced of that," She told him, "Once he returns we will know. There is nothing to be gained through quick and harsh judgements. Anyway, do you believe that Hitomi's daughter would be with such a man" Alan narrowed his eyes, turning from her,
"It is the same with her, we cannot assume that she is like Hitomi" He told her, "And her actions speck against her"

From one of the far sides of the Arena two people slowly stepped in. This end of the arena opened up into the gardens of the castle. Sadako and Nimura continued to walk forward, deeper. They froze on spotting the Commander, who smiled and walked the short distance to greet them.

"Speak of the devil" Alan said watching Nimura, "I was going to go back to some work but this may be interesting. I just hope Onoír isn't too hard on the boy"

……

Clearing the gardens Nimura and Sadako made their way into a dusty arena. Looking around her Sadako could do nothing but gasp at the shear size of the place. They could see figures inside the arena but couldn't make out what they were doing. Nimura turned to her,
"Thank you" He told her, "I…" Sadako stopped him,
"Don't worry about it, I know what its like to lose someone". He was about to continue when he was stopped dead in his tracked. His face saturated with rage,
"What's wrong?" Sadako asked, he nudged to the blue-coated man heading their way.
"Well if it isn't Mr Kosime, right from his prison cell…" He said to Nimura superiorly, "How's your morning been"

Nimura's fisted hands were shaking his rage.
"God it must really hurt you! Having a father like Dawn Kosime …" He told him, "And then ending up nothing like him. I guess honour and decency are foreign concepts to you. I'd love to chat further, but I do try an avoid talking to traitors to their kingdoms" He turned, and continued back to his men. For a moment Nimura stood there, before following after him, his voice booming across the arena.
"YOU HAVE NO RIGHT TO UTTER THAT NAME!"

"I have no right! You who have spat on his grave! Dishonoured his name! And somehow you have even managed to convince the king of your Lies! Dawn Kosime was a great man and you have no right to his blood in your veins boy!" He yelled back at Nimura, freezing only a stone throw from the rest of his troops.
"Dawn Kosime?" One of them asked,
"This is his child?" Another asked
"Alright lads met the man you were fighting against only 4 days ago! Meet the child who has dishonoured his own name and that of his fathers!"

"A butcher lecturing me on Honour!" Nimura called back coming closer to the soldiers, "You killed my people, and it is you! And people like you who have turned Zaibach into the land it is today! You are not worthy to lick my boots"

Onoír snapped his fingers at one of his soldiers,
"Sword" On command he lowered his sword, hilt first to Onoír. He took it and threw it towards Nimura, coming to a halt in the dust at his feet. Removing his coat he placed it carefully on the outstretched arms of the soldier he took the sword from. Lifting his own sword, he removed it from its sheaf, and placed it carefully on top of the coat. Rising his sword above his face, he challenged Nimura.
"I will not be insulted by scum. I will remind you of your place, and will make you eat those words" He told Nimura angrily, "I believe you are already familiar with a Fanelian blade, are you not" He lowered the sword to his side, the long double handed weapon, Shone like it had never been used, highly intricate deigns covered the blade, none more than the central figure of a black winged angel. Nimura scowled, but picked up the sword from his feet. Holding the hilt securely he fired it to the left, the sheaf clearing the blade and was thrown away.
"You aren't really going to fight him, are you?" Sadako asked into Nimura's ear. She doubted anyone would be really happy if either their prisoner or Commander got badly hurt. Nimura turned to her with a smile,
"I have too, my honour and the honour of my father demands it," He told her, "We'll see who will be eating who's words"

Rising his sword in front of his face Nimura grudgingly marked respect for his opponent.
"I accept your challenge" Nimura called to the Onoír. He turned to Sadako again before advancing to meet Onoír.
"Get back, Sadako" Nimura asked her, "I don't want anyone else hurt," She groaned angrily before taking the steps back he requested, muttering to herself,
"I can take care of myself"

The two men stopped only 3 feet from each other their swords ready for the challenge both of the men wanted to settle, a light wind blowing the dust on the ground into the air. Onoír fired his sword at Nimura, using one hand on the two handed weapon. Nimura blocked it, though he nearly buckled under the shear power of the attack, even with only one hand. Adding his second hand to the blade he slide Nimura's sword from the weapon. With another swing of the blade he forced Nimura to jump back, firing dust into the air. Nimura prepared himself again; it had become clear to him that strength was not going to win him this fight.
"Running scared already" Onoír called, and spat onto the ground, "Are you unworthy of my blade as well as your name?"

Onoír slowly walked forward towards Nimura as if an unstoppable force. Before he got the chance to reach Nimura he launched an attacked. Firing his sword at Onoír frantically he hoped to catch him off guard. He tirelessly blocked each of the strikes. While still blocking Nimura's strikes, Onoír kicked Nimura's legs out from under him. With a painful thud Nimura hit the ground. In the background the soldiers had started to cheer on their commander. He turned angrily to them,
"Shut up!" He yelled, "This duel is not for your amusement!"
Being distracted he hadn't notice Nimura pull back to his feet. Firing his sword with all the power could behind it he fired it at Onoír head. Seeing the blade from the corner of his eye, Onoír blocked it again with only one hand. Holding him there for a moment he scowled at him,
"Are you so weak you have to lower yourself to dirty tricks" And with one push he fired Nimura back.

Returning his full attention to the duel, Onoír faced Nimura off, taking his sword into both hands. Charging, he fired the blade into Nimura's with all his might. With each strike Nimura got pushed further and further back, barely keeping hold of his own blade. With his last strike Onoír forced Nimura's blade to the side and out of his hand. Onoír kicked it away, before grabbing Nimura by the neck, and lifting him off the ground.
"Even your Rebel friend Talus gave me more of a challenge than this… Before I killed him anyway." Onoír Throw Nimura in the same direction he kicked his sword. But before Nimura had cleared him, he kicked Onoír painfully in the chest, sending him recoiling backwards. Onoír grabbed his chest, obviously suffering pain from the hit. He rose his head to look at Nimura,
"That's more like it boy!" He called to him.

From the sidelines Sadako could barely watch, Nimura was losing spectacularly. The main problem was she couldn't tell if he was losing because he was weak or his opponent was just too powerful. Grabbing his blade from the ground Nimura charged Onoír again, fuelled with extra determination. He was going to defeat, and kill him, to avenge Talús. With extra ferocity he fired his sword at Onoír looking for a single weak spot he could exploit. Firing his last strike to the left Nimura entangled his blade with that of Onoír. He forced them into the ground together; securing them there with his foot. With all his strength he fired his fist into Onoír face throwing him backwards and off his feet. His sword pulled free was thrown into the air. It landed tip first in the sand beside Onoír's head.

Nimura approached him. Pulling himself from the ground the only thing Onoír could hear were the whispers of his own men. There was no way that he was going to be humiliated by a rebel. Spitting some blood into the dust he pulled his sword from the ground
"Playtime is over"

Both Nimura and Onoír brought their swords into contact with all their might. On impact Nimura's sword buckled and shattered under the pressure, its shards continuing up into Onoír. Nimura ducked backwards from his sword, it slicing the front of his shirt. The sword shards tore into Onoír's flesh, blood trickling from the wounds. Still reeling from the pain he stepped forward bring his sword to Nimura's neck,
"Death is the only absolute release" He told Nimura attempting to hold back the real pain he was feeling. Raising his leg Nimura kicked him painfully in the stomach; he fell to the ground behind him and dropped his sword, sending up a plumb of dust. Nimura lifted the blade, and held it to his neck. Onoír coughed loudly.
"If you're going to kill me do it!" He yelled at Nimura, "But you will remember to the end of your days, that it was luck that brought you this victory"

Sadako ran up beside Nimura, quite relieved to see he was not hurt.
"Your not going to kill him are you?" She asked anxiously. As if against his better judgement Nimura dropped the blade from his hand.
"Next time I will kill you," Nimura told him, "But without the help of luck" The soldiers started to come to the aid of their captain. Nimura turned to Sadako and began walking from the arena,

"I need a drink"

……

The castle may have been in chaos but the city below was relatively calm. Traders and the people went about their daily business, mostly oblivious to the kings disappearance. The people who did know of the kings disappearance where few, but as all things the rumours had started to circulate among the different bars, inns and taverns across the city. It was after the duel that Nimura and Sadako made their way into the city. He had followed Sadako as she claimed to know of somewhere to go.

"Tell me again how you know of this place Mrs Comes from the Mystic Moon" Nimrua asked, being dragged down the main street.
"Simple, because Merle told me!" Sadako answered angrily, it had been the 3rd time he had asked. Far behind them the castle sat looking down ominously over the city. Once leaving the arena, they had passed down the huge case of stairs that lead from the castle, and its gardens into the city below. She had pulled him through the streets for so long he was about to turn back when she announced,
"Here we are!"

She had grinded to a halt outside a small inn, a basic looking two story building like the rest in its row, nothing special other than it was the only business in a line of houses. A small sign hung above the door, announcing, 'Sarah's Inn'. Shrugging his shoulders Nimura pushed open the door, leaving Sadako to follow him for a change.

As soon as he stepped into the inn he could feel a wonderful homely atmosphere. Although the bar itself was packed with people the rest of the inn appeared to be empty. Hushed voices were exchanged. Sadako came up behind him without him even noticing,
"You get a table, I'll let them know we're here," She told him. He nodded, and made his way to a four-place table by the fire. Sadako fought through the throng to reach the bar. An attractive lady was working at the bar, serving drinks faster than seemed natural. Sadako placed her in her forties. She stopped for a moment before Sadako caught her attention.
"Where is that girl?" She asked angrily, "Really she was only going up to the castle for a minute"

"Excuse Me," Sadako asked, catching her attention. She smiled back,
"Welcome young lady" She greeted Sadako, "What can I do for you?"
"Well when you have time, my friend and I are over there," Sadako told her indicating to the fire at the back of the bar, she nodded,
"Thank you dear," She told Sadako, "I'll be with you as soon as I can" A man at the bar motioned to a glass,
"Another Sarah!" He called happily.
"Just a minute" She told him before grabbing his glass and refilling it.

Sadako fought through the throng again, pulling herself into the deserted part of the inn. Squeezing between the tables and chairs she made it down to the table Nimura had settled into. She sat herself down opposite him facing the fire.
"Sarah will be with us as soon as she can" She told Nimura, he showed no sign that he had heard her, he just kept on looking around the inn. Sadako didn't have a clue what he was doing but just waited for him to notice her return. It was several minutes later that Nimura noticed,
"Ah, your back" He commented, spotting her opposite him. Sadako laughed,
"Not the most perceptive are we?" She asked, he took on a confused face.
"What you mean?" He asked, he didn't have a clue what she meant.
"Just forget it," She told him. Nimura shrugged uncaringly.

"Sadako" Nimura asked, "What are you going to do now?" Sadako remained quiet for a moment.
"What do you mean?" She asked. She had an idea of what he meant but wanted to be sure before answering.
"Well, you have found the people your mother knew, what are you going to do now?" He asked more clearly this time. Sadako looked uncomfortable,
"Well… I think I will probable remain here a while" She told him, "Since my mother returned home, there must be a way… And maybe someone here knows what that way may be" Nimura nodded, his face unchanging.
"What are planning on doing?" Sadako asked, turning the tables on Nimura. He jolted awake as if distracted,
"That goes without saying, I'm heading back to Zaibach. I don't know what any support of Von will do but I doubt it will make much of a real change" He told her sadly, "The people will always need someone to fight for them… And I intend to"
"So our paths will separate…" Sadako started,

"Well what can I get you young love birds" Sadako and Nimura jumped, they hadn't even noticed Sarah come up to the table.
"No, no, no, no, no, we're not…" Nimura started,
"…Like that or anything!" Sadako finished. Sarah smiled,
"Sorry I didn't mean to…" She told them apologetically, "I just assumed, two young kids like you"
"We're not kids" Sadako and Nimura said in unison. Sarah held her hands in front of her,
"Ok, sorry, what is it I can do for you" Nimura leaned back in his chair,

"An ale please" Nimura told her politely,
"Something light for me" Sadako asked her. Sarah bowed her head,
"I'll be back in a moment," She told them. Sadako followed Nimura's lead and leaned back enjoying the heat of the fire. She let the waves of heat wash over her.
"Is there anything nicer than an open fire?" Sadako asked, Nimura answered,
"It is very nice. But you don't really notice when you're used to them"

Neither spoke again before Sarah had returned with their drinks. They thanked her, glad for a reason to break the unending silence. Nimura and Sadako remained in the inn for the next few hours, talking. It was when the sun had climbing down the sky, and most people had cleared the bar that the door was thrown open. A young lady walked in looking exhausted. She straightened her long blond hair before approaching the bar,
"And where have you been?" Sarah asked clearly upset, Neither Nimura or Sadako wanted to ease drop but they couldn't help but over-hear, "You've had me an your father worried sick about you"

"I'm sorry but…" She told them, "The castle was a mad house. It turns out that all those rumours have been true, Von has left! Not only that but someone beat Onoír in a duel, sending him into hospital!" Sarah stood shocked, out of the small door that lead into a kitchen a tall middle-aged man with black hair emerged.
"Are you sure about this?" He asked her, she nodded sadly. Nimura by the fire lowered his head, as if afraid he would be noticed. He couldn't explain it but the scene before him seemed to be giving him disavow. The man placed his hand on her shoulder to comfort her,
"Are you Ok?" He asked concerned. She nodded,
"I'm Ok daddy," She told him, he smiled reassuringly.
"You take the night off, your father and I can handle things down here" Sarah told her, "Get some rest"
She nodded again and made for the stairs. The hiding Nimura caught the corner of her eye. She froze as if having seen a ghost. Turning her head she looked right into Nimura's eyes, who quickly looked away from gaze. Nimura's attempts to keep hidden had failed as she slowly marched over to their table.
"You, by the fire" She called over, Nimura pretended he didn't hear her, but she persisted.
"You by the fire!" She repeated, Nimura looked up, believing her had no choice. She kept advancing on them, she looked scary. She stopped by the table and looked piercingly at Nimura, avoiding eye contact he responded,
"Yes?"

"Nimura?" She asked, hoping to confirm her suspicions. She had guessed it; he threw his hands up over his face,
"Please don't hurt me!" He called out, "I didn't mean to!" Her eyes lit up like two candles. She threw her arms around him.
"I can't believe its you!" She told him; he didn't have a clue what was going on. He was on the verge of a nervous break down when she realized herself, and stood away. She blushed, obviously embarrassed.
"Nimura?" Sarah commented from behind her daughter, she looked him over closely, "Are you?"

The man came up behind Nimura and placed his hand on his shoulder,
"Ok lad, are you or are you not Nimura?" He asked, "Lets hope so for I don't like people who deceive my daughter" Nimura still didn't know what was going on, and looked to Sadako for support, though she was pretending she wasn't there.
"I am Nimura," he told them, the mans hand dug deeper into his shoulder,
"And your second name?" He asked.
"Kosime, my name is Nimura Kosime," He told them starting to get his courage back, "Would you like to know my parents names too? Maybe my life story?"

The man near enough lifted him out of the chair, before giving him a bone-crunching hug. Nimura was used to people trying to kill him for no reason but being nice?
"Gaddes! You'll suffocate the boy!" Sarah called; leading the man to release his bear like hug.
Nimura stood looking so hopelessly confused it was apparent to all of them,
"Don't tell me you've forgotten us?" He asked. Now that he mentioned it, since he had come into the inn he had had a sickening feeling that he had been there before, though he wasn't sure of when. Sarah's daughter stood forward, looking hurt.
"You've forgotten me?" She asked, "Jennifer"

It was amazing how quickly it dawned upon Nimura. A memory he had all but forgotten resurfaced.
"When I was younger my father brought me here to play. He was your friends," He told them. He motioned to Jennifer, "We used to play together"
"That's right!" Sarah called out happily, "See he hasn't forgotten". Then Nimura realized something was missing.
"But were is Luke?"

It was as if the question had sucked the all the air and life from the room. Gaddes turned,
"I'm glad your back Nimura" he told him, "But I've gotta go" Grabbing his coat he made for the door.
"Daddy don't!" Jennifer called after him, but he ignored her and closed the door. Nimura stood feeling quite guilty of a crime he didn't even know he committed.
"I didn't…" He started before Sarah broke him off.
"Don't worry about it," She told him sitting in the seat next Sadako, "That's just a bit of a forbidden subject at the moment" Jennifer took the seat next to Nimura sadly.

"Ok Nimura, I believe you owe us a story," Sarah told him, "The last thing we heard was you were kidnapped at the castle, and now you come in off the street with this young lady"
Jennifer made a childish face at Sadako as if seeing her for the first time. Sadako made a face back, before Sarah placed her hand on her shoulder.
"But before you start I'll get us another round of drinks"

………

It was late that night when Sadako and Nimura made there way back to the castle. Sarah offered them rooms but they thought people might get the wrong idea if they went missing, especially with Nimura being a prisoner. Returning to his room he could feel how much had changed in just that one day. He had met old friends anew, hospitalized a jerk and said goodbye to his mother. He fell to sleep the moment his head hit the pillow, but it was a troubled sleep. Returning awakened something in him, memories he had long ago buried.

The high-pitched scream of a child echoed through the small compartment.
"San' would you shut that child up!" The booming voice of Tal' called back to his companion. They sat within a small three-man levi-ship, which was being violently shaken. San' fired his hand over the young Nimura's mouth in a vain attempt to silence him, though it only made him fight harder and scream louder. Tal' was about to call back again when the ship was violently thrown to the side. A deafening boom ripped through the ship. Out of the corner of his eye San' could see the much larger Fanelian Levi-ship preparing itself to smash into the side of their ship again.

"What are they trying to do?!" Tal' called out angrily, "Kill the boy"
Forcing the steering-wheel as far as it could go he attempted to distance himself from the Fanelian ship but as hard as he tried the Fanelian ship kept with them.
"Keep back!" Tal' yelled at the ship, knowing rightly they wouldn't hear, and if they could wouldn't listen. To his surprise the ship backed off slightly though it kept with them. It only occurred to him too late what was happening.
"Hold on…" Tal' yelled out being cut off by the loud echoed of multiple impacts. The ship was hit with several very large jolts, giving San' trouble to hold onto Nimura.
"Let go of me!" He yelled, battering the large man.

"They've grappled us!" San' yelled at Tal' stating the obvious. Tal' was already ahead of him,
"We'll see how brave these Fanelian's are!" He called out as if a warning. Understanding San' held tightly onto both the seat and onto Nimura. Thrusting the wheel randomly and violently he hoped to pull them free of the Fanelian ship. The more Tal' pulled the ships the further the strain on the ropes connecting the ships got and the greater the chance both ships would be sent hurling into the ground below.

Taking advantage of San' only having one free hand Nimura pulled at his beard with all his might. He yowled in pain, losing his grip, allowing Nimura to escape his hold. Unfortunately for him, it was at that moment that the Fanelian ship smashed into the side of the ship again, throwing him into the back of the ship. Next several of the ropes that connected the two ships broke leaving the Fanelian's no choice but the jettison the others. With the ropes cut, half the anchor of the ship was gone leaving it hurling uncontrollable toward the earth. Tal' pulled at the wheel with all the strength, somehow forcing it straight, and out of it descent.

Nimura, who was being thrown around the back of the ship, came painfully to a stop. Taking advantage of the stability San' went to fetch his little runaway. Nimura's eyes darted around hoping to find something to fight him off with. Grabbing the sword Tal' had stolen from his room he lifted it as far from the ground as he could.
"Don't come any closer! This is my dad's sword, and I will use it!" He yelled at San', he laughed loudly. With a strike of his hand he threw the sword from Nimura's grip and lifted him under his arm again.
"Let go of me!" He yelled in desperation.

"San', use the javelin, try to get their Levi-Stone!" Tal' called from the front of the ship, anxiously. The Fanelian ship was descending unto them again, "We're nearly back in Zaibach!"
"Just a moment" San' got into place with the small Javelin weapon the ship had. It wasn't very big but if it was targeted right it could bring down the Fanelian ship. He threw Nimura onto the ground beside him,
"If you move, I will personally kill you…" He told Nimura, "And I will let them see it all kid" Nimura had frozen up, he was now truly scared. San' grabbed the control and aimed the Javelin at the Levi-stone of the descending Levi-Ship, he was about to fire when a glare of white caught his eye. The white was of a pair of wings that lay on a man standing on the edge of the ship ready to jump. They were Von's wings, and he stood with sword ready. San' could barely believe his eyes.

"Dear God!" San yelled out at Tal', "There's a Draconian over there!" Tal' turned to see if he was serious.
"A Draconian?!" He called back, "Then forget the Levi-Stone. Kill the beast!" Nimura immediately knew who it was. San' targeted the Javelin,
"Die monster" Nimura may have been scared but just before firing Nimura pushed him, knocking off his aim. The javelin ripped into the side of the ship a mere meter from Vons head. San' fired an angrily glare at Nimura before looking back at the Fanelian ship. In the split second after the javelin hit Von had taken fight and fired himself at their ship.
"TAL' HARD TO STARBOARD!" He yelled, right on command Tal' forced the ship starboard, away from the Fanelian's and Von. San' grabbed Nimura by the neck,
"Loud… and stupid it would appear".

The ship suddenly jolted, nearly leading San' to lose his footing. Looking up at Tal' he could see the wheel had lost all control and was spinning at an unstoppable pace. Tal backed off, grabbing onto a seat.
"Grab onto something" He ordered his friend. San' grabbed the first seat he could and held on tightly to the squirming Nimura. Far above them the Fanelian ship got smaller and smaller. It wasn't long before the ship smashed into some rock on the ground bouncing them back into air, only to fall again. San's head smashed into the side of the wall. Nimura held on with all his might.

The next few minutes were some of the longest in Nimura's life. He just held on until the ship came to a complete stop, half buried into the sands of the desert. He sat petrified, refusing to move, afraid the ship may start moving again. He eventually left the unmoving men, grabbed his father's sword and made his way into the desert. Nimura's life in Zaibach had begun.

Back in Fanel Nimura awoke quite unpleasantly. He swiped the sweat from his brow, and darted his eyes around the room for the second time that day. Unlike before his room was pitch black, only the light of the moon beaming. He lay back, and closed his eyes again in an attempt to return to sleep. He sighed angrily,
"Unpleasant memories"

He was not the only person not having an ideal night as else were in the castle Sadako was also awake.

………

When Sadako returned to her room she tried to get to sleep, but found it nearly impossible. She tossed and turned for ages before giving up, lighting a candle, and sitting down beside the window. Looking out she could see the flicker of other candles throughout the city, others who couldn't sleep. She sighed,
"So our paths are to separate?" It had only been just over a week since she had meet Nimura but she felt they had formed a tight friendship. He was also the only friend she had in Gaia, what would happen to her when he left? She shock her head,
"It doesn't matter!" She told herself, "When Von gets back he will tell me how to get home, and then it won't matter"

She pulled herself out of the chair and decided the best way to get to sleep would be to use some energy. So she changed into something more appropriate and sneaked out of her room. With her candle held aloft she tiptoed through the corridors, making sure she remembered the way back to her own room. As she walked she could barely believe she was in the same place, it was amazing how much it had changed in the few short hours into nighttime. All along the corridors painting and sculptures threatened in the darkness.

A short while later she found a small staircase leading upwards, with moonlight greeting her. Creeping up the cold stone stairs the light brightened until she found herself on the castle battlements. She clenched her arms as the cold air really bit into her. Wishing she had brought a coat, she prepared to turn back when another candle caught her eye.

Only a few meters from her a man stood, the candle seated on the edge of the battlement. He stood with his eyes closed taking in the cold breeze of the night air. His long blue coat standing out even in the dark. Sadako recognized the man and made her way back to the doorway into the castle. A small gust of wind threw his long blond hair back. Sadako involuntarily shivered; opening his eyes he turned to face her.
"Mrs Kanzaki" He greeted her, "Good evening" She thought better than to try and slip away when he had seen her.
"Good evening" She returned the greeting.

"Where are my manners I haven't introduced myself?" He remembered, commenting coldly, "I am Alan Shazar"
"I know who you are," She reminded him matching his cold tone of voice, "You had already introduced yourself"
"Oh yes, so I have" He said mock surprise in his voice, "If you would excuse me" He marched to the doorway she had just come from,
"Why do you hate me so?" Sadako asked, sensing the hostility in him. He froze, and answered before continuing on.
"Because you remind me of something I lost long ago"

A moment later he was gone and Sadako was left on the battlements alone, with only the moonlight and her candle for company. When she eventually returned to her room she fell asleep almost immediately but the question still rolled round in her head,
"What had he lost?"

………

Sadako woke early the next morning. She had never been a heavy sleeper and the bight morning sun woke her. It was a beautiful day and the sun was shinning unbelievable brightly. She washed her face and dressed in a rush. Days as beautiful as these were not to be wasted inside. The moment she had crossed into the corridor it became clear that chaos had returned to the castle. Several servants and advisers nearly crashed right into her on her way out of the castle. A moment later she had entered the tranquillity of the gardens.

She jogged happily into the gardens, but came to a halt not too far from the castle. There was nobody else in the gardens yet. Moving onto the grass she sat under a tree and began to dose, in the early morning heat. Although her body looked calm, her mind was a buzz of activity.

Her thoughts turned to Von. It may only have been several days since he left but she couldn't help but wonder if he was alright. She was so angry with him for what happened in Zaibach… Had she been unfair? She hadn't even seen it for herself, could it be that she was being deceived? And if she were would Von be angry with her for sending him on a wild goose chase? She shuck her head angrily, trying to throw the thoughts right from her mind. She trusted Nimura… but why? Why did she trust him?

She let the question buzz around her head awhile but she couldn't come up with an answer. She shouldn't trust him! But she did, why? She shuck her head again. It was too early in the morning for unsolvable questions! She tried her best to strip her mind of all thoughts and just to relax in the warmth but found it almost impossible. The same question coming back at her, why?

If there wasn't a direct reason was there another factor that was affecting her judgement. Maybe she liked him? For the third time shuck her head, she liked him as a friend but nothing beyond that. After further mind battles she decided to agree to disagree and name it fate. Fate lead her to trust him.

With it resolved she leaned back comfortably again and enjoyed the sun. Over time the sun moved, and her shade disappeared. Enjoying the direct sun she didn't move. It was only later when she was shaded again she opened her eyes. She could see multiple figurers silhouetted against the sun.
"Who's there?" She asked, unable to make them out. They started to laugh quietly,
"What luck" One of them commented in a clearly male voice. She lifted herself from the grass,
"Who's there?" She asked again not finding it funny. She froze when she felt the tip of a blade against her side. Her heart started to pound, she had nothing to fight with.
"Get up" The man who spoke before ordered her. The voice seemed familiar. She pulled herself to her feet at sword point
"What do you want with me?" She asked, but before the words had even left her mouth her question was answered. The man was Sanjiyan, the men the rest of the rebels minus Nimura.

"We have our reasons little girl" He taunted her, "Not so tough without your sword are you?" The group laughed with him.
"Its always good to have a hostage… You know for bargaining reasons" Sanjiyan told her, "Not to mention some of the guys don't have the fondest of feelings for you" One of the smaller rebels came up behind Sanjiyan, and put his hand on his shoulder.
"Let me kill her" He asked hopefully. Sanjiyan removed his hand.
"Nobody kills her" He told him, and turned to Sadako, "And if you don't give us any trouble we may let you go"

"I have one question," She asked confidently.
"Shoot" Sanjiyan answered.
"What makes you think that if I'm skilled with a blade I won't be skilled without one," She told him,
"Wha…." He started before she kicked the sword clean out of his hand. Continuing the momentum she kicked him in the side, right into the wound she had given him, seven days before. He fell to the ground clenching his side. Turning she ran at the castle with all speed.
"Get Her!" Sanjiyan yelled, pulling himself back to his feet.

One of the rebels charged her with great speed and grabbed her by the shoulder. Using herself as an anchor she threw him off to the side, but she too lost her balance and painfully skidded to a halt in the stone path. She tried to get off the ground immediately but the rest of the rebels were on her. Three of them grabbed her and held her in place; no matter how much she fought she couldn't get them off her. The smaller rebel from before came up to her with his sword.
"This is for Acér," He yelled ready to bring his sword down on her. He did not however as another sword pierced through him. He screamed out painfully before dropping his sword. The sword within him was removed and he fell to the ground. Sanjiyan stood behind him with the blooded blade.
"I said no one is killing her" Sanjiyan told him before turning his attention to Sadako,
"You had to make this difficult didn't you" He cleaned the sword and held it to her neck with one hand, the other clenched onto her wrist.

"Alright lets go" Sanjiyan told them making their way, very visibly into the city below them with a sword to Sadako's neck

………

At Dawn Von was awakened and within minutes he and Uri started across the city. Because it was early morning most people still slept, so they kept themselves quiet and tried to avoid any major built up areas. It was several hours later when they made it out of the city to the north. Uri looked around him, seeing nothing but the concrete of the city turning to the sands of the Desert.

"You sure your friends are coming?" Uri asked Von. He was surprised to find Von had leaned down and pulling some wood from his bag he lit a small fire. Using his coat to block the smoke he started to form smoke signals. Uri couldn't believe his eyes,
"What are you doing?" He asked. Von stood back from the fire, finished his first signaling.
"Sending a message to my friends" In the distance a small speck lifted from a far off rock face. Uri became aware of the increasing noise as it came closer to them. It was a levi-Ship.

The ship slowly lowered itself and landed behind Von,
"Who are you?" Uri asked, now knowing the traveler story couldn't be true. Von smiled,
"I told you, in the bar" Von said, "I am Von Fanel, and I came here for all the information I could get. To turn the alliances mind and help Zaibach" Uri remained frozen in shock. Von took the few steps to the ship and jumped on, turning he added,
"And I thank you for your help"

The door closed, the ship lifted off and Uri was left to wonder weather he had imagined the whole thing, or he had just got drunk with one of the leaders of his enemies and asked him to join up with them. He wasn't totally sure himself.

………

If there was one thing that Sadako rarely had to deal with in her life it was being Helpless. She would always have a way to deal with every situation if the need should arise. It was since she came to Gaia that she had been feeling it more and more. She was marched with the rebels at sword point all the way through the streets of Fanel. Most of the people in the streets kept there distance, but even if they wanted to do something what could they do?

It had been in resent years with the relative peace in the inner alliance that having guards at each of the walls of Fanel had been dropped. Situations like this one were not a normal thing in Fanel, and any of the guards or soldiers who saw the rebels had no choice but to stand aside. A dozen on one was an un-winnable fight. Sadako like them knew very well that people would be coming from the castle; the question was whether they would come in enough time.

They had just cleared the second wall when Sanjiyan reminded them,
"Keep your cool, we're nearly there"
"Remind me Sanjiyan what were my orders to you?" A voice came from the walls gatehouse. Each of them froze and turned to see the man the voice came from, each knowing whose voice it was.
"I don't follow the orders of traitors," Sanjiyan answered, spotting Nimura leaning comfortably against the wall, wearing a long black cloak.
"Weather you believe me to be a traitor or not is irrelevant" Nimura reminded him, "I am your leader… And if you want to change that you must follow tradition"
"A lecture on tradition from a turn-coat and dirt-blood, don't sicken me Nimura" Sanjiyan told him angrily, "We were once friends but if you do this I will not go easy on you.
"That's good" Nimura told him, "For neither will I" Nimura drew his father's sword from inside the cloak. Sanjiyan threw Sadako at the other rebels, bringing his own sword into play. They grabbed onto her allowing her no time to fight them off.
"Sadako, are you alright?" Nimura asked, ignoring Sanjiyan. She nodded sadly. She didn't want to watch this, she didn't want to see him doing this, weather it was for her or his honour she didn't want it. Sanjiyan threw himself at Nimura, attacking wildly with his sword, from above.
"DON'T IGNORE ME CHILD!" He yelled angrily. The sparks from the sword impact lit up the dark gatehouse. Nimura fired his sword back and swung at Sanjiyan's legs.
"IM NO CHILD SANJIYAN!" He yelled at him, pressing the attack, he attacked left,
"Times have changed! I'm not that weak little boy any longer!"

Taking the last strike of Nimura's blade as an anchor Sanjiyan twisted round and attacked him while his sword was still down. Nimura jumped back barely avoiding his blade, he raised his own again to prepare for further attacks. Sanjiyan swung his sword clearly to remove his opponent's head, Nimura ducked the attack. He removed a knife from his sleeve and sliced it at the level of Sanjiyan's forehead. He leaned back allowing Nimura's knife to pass through air. Hoping to catch Nimura off-guard he jabbed his sword at his mid section. Nimura jumped to the side allowing the sword to embed itself into the wall.

Jumping Nimura kicked him back away from his weapon, which was still in the wall. Pulling the blade from the wall Nimura stood with two swords on none.
"Ready to give up?" Nimura asked, Sanjiyan scowled,
"Not a chance!" He yelled back, motioning to the rebels one of them threw him a sword. He caught it out of mid-air and prepared to launch an attack on his now better-armed opponent.

Taking advantage of the confusion with the Nimura Sanjiyan fight Sadako elbowed one of the rebels. Grabbing his sword she threatened the others. Each drawing their swords they prepared to fight her. Both Sanjiyan and Nimura had turned their attention to Sadako and the rebels.
"Forget her!" Sanjiyan yelled at them, "Just go!" They didn't move, just looked at each other, not sure if they had heard right,
"I said GO!" Sanjiyan yelled again. This time they turned tail and ran for the main gates of the city. With them gone Sadako turned to help Nimura.
"Stay back!" Nimura told her, "This is something I have to deal with, don't get involved!" Sadako wasn't happy about it but she listened to his request. She nodded.

"Just us then" Nimura commented, circling his opponent. Sanjiyan smiled,
"You know, I never did get you back for throwing off my aim" Sanjiyan told him,
"What?" Nimura asked confused, Sanjiyan used that moment to attack, firing his sword with all his might at his old sword. The sword was thrown right out of Nimura's hand and into Sanjiyan's.
"Two for the price of one" Sanjiyan taunted, "That was always your problem Nimura. You have always been too easily distracted" Sanjiyan came at him with both swords. Nimura tried to fight off the attacks from the two swords but before long Sanjiyan had crossed his defences and kicked him to the ground. Sanjiyan stood over him confidently, his blade held to Nimura's neck, and dropped the other.
"Nimura, is this a good time to tell you I always went easy on you?"

Nimura gritted his teeth in rage. He had not only been beaten but he had been beaten and humiliated by the man he until recently called a friend. Had he made a mistake trusting Sadako?
"Checkmate" Sanjiyan told him raising his sword to bring it down. Sadako had seen enough. Ignoring Nimura's request she ran to his aid, but he dropped the sword before she had reached him. Twein. A howl of pain filled the air, Nimura had closed his eyes, but when he opened them he found Sanjiyan streaming blood from his shoulder, his sword on the ground. An arrow had passed into his shoulder.

"Nice Shoot" A happy female voice commented from high above them. Looking up Nimura saw Merle standing with one of the soldiers from the pervious day, armed with a fired bow.
"You hurt Nimura?" She asked. The archer armed another ready for use.
"Other than my pride I'm fine" Nimura answered, pulling himself to his feet. Glaring up at the walls Sanjiyan yelled,
"Cowards! Fighting from a distance without honour!"

Merle went white at the sight of him.
"Kill him!" She ordered the bowman. Without hesitation he aimed and fired. The arrow however missed its mark. Nimura, whom the arrow barely missed as well, threw Sanjiyan from its sight. He touched his shoulder,
"Go!" He told him urgently keeping his voice down.

Sanjiyan jumped to his feet and ran to the final city wall, nursing his injured arm. The archer prepared another arrow.
"Leave him!" Nimura yelled up at Merle. She turned shocked towards him.
"Do you know who that was?!" She told him, "He was one of the men who kidnapped you!"

All the air appeared to be sucked out of Nimura.
"Sanjiyan was one of the ones who kidnapped me?" He repeated unable to believe it.

End of Part Four
……

Butch Cassidy
22/02/04
……

Author Message:
Once again here we are as another part of The Descended Shadow is released. I believe this chapter has given some indication to where this fan fiction series is headed. I hoped to fit a lot of character development, history and good old action into the one part, but the question is did I succeed? You tell me! You're the reader! I love Reveiws so please review! Even if it is telling me I'm terrible, (But if I'm terrible why are you still reading at part 4?) As always, if you liked the Descended Shadow try Shadows of the Past. Shadows follows the same single running storyline as the Descended Shadow but from Hitomi's return 20 years past. To get the whole story you should really read both, but I'm no preacher, each can be enjoyed on their own.

As I warned in part III, this chapter was larger than most of them, coming to 32 Pages! Now I'm tired?, I NEED SLEEP!!! I hope to have Part V (5) out in late March as I have shelved other side projects of mine to focus a lot more on this series. I must, or I won't finish it, and I've barely started! I'm starting to think I'm writing a novel, but without the big fat cheque at the end :-)

Anyway for more fun information on the series visit my website, Butchs Fan Fiction Forum . The site also has concept art, history and many other fan fctions. You could waste several minutes in a worse place! Hope to see you there, and I will see you on the release of Part V (5). Oh how time flies,
Butch Cassidy

Cast #Ref part IV (Alphabetical) –

OC – Original Character
NC – New this chapter

Acér - A member of the Zaibach rebels, killed by Sadako in 'P2'
Alan (OC) – Knight of Celia, friend to Von and Merle.
Calár (NC) - One of the four (Not said what that is), Alliance soldier in Zaibach
Dawn – Nimura's father (#Ref Shadows of the past)
Darious – A student of Alan's, infiltrated Zaibach rebels in 'P2'
Gaddes (OC) – Originally member of Alan's crew. Now married to Sarah
Georoid – Mysterious black cloaked man, first appeared in 'P2'
Hitomi (OC) – Sadako's mother, originally from earth
Jennifer (NC) – Sarah and Gaddes's daughter. Childhood friend of Nimura
Luke (NC) – Sarah and Gaddes's son. Not in Fanel. Family refuse to comment
Merle (OC) – Close friend and confidante of Von, mother-like figure to Nimura
Onoír – Head of Fanelia's armies, advisor to Von. Lead attack on rebels (P2)
Sadako – Hitomi's daughter, epicentre of the series
Sanjiyan – friend of Nimura', but turns on him believing him to be a traitor
Sarah – Owner and runner of Sarah's bar. Wife to Gaddes, old friend of Dawn's
Talús – Member of rebels, old favourite for leadership, killed by Onoír (P2)
Uri (NC) - A man Von meet in Zaibach, offered him membership in the rebels
Von (OC) – King of Fanelia. Need I say more?

End.