Fast enough...? Hehe...

A sudden wail of their daughter woke up Folken and Eries. The little girl was still sleeping in the room connected to theirs just in case, but it's been weeks since she woke them up crying.

"Something is not right." Eries whispered in fear for her child, but by that time Folken was already on his feet and on the way to the door that lead to Vialle's room.

The attacker stopped in midair as the door on his left opened and the prince of Fanelia appeared there. He as not informed that the rooms were linked. And now he was face to face with an angry father of his victim.

The child was still screaming loud and clear and it as only that matter of time till the others who resided in the royal wing woke up, the attacker knew that so he knocked down the cradle and used Folken's distraction to escape.

But as he opened the door and stepped out a sudden pain in the abdomen got him to collapse.

Eries who was now in the room calming her little girl smiled. Young Mamoru Kanzaki stood next to the man who almost killed her daughter with a sword in his had. It was sheathed so she knew the boy did not kill the older man, simply disabled him with a good strong blow in the stomach.

Van awoke as well, as did Allen, Millerna and Chid. Other royalties slept on the floor below theirs and were completely unaware of the commotion that spread as the dead guards were discovered.

By the time he got out of his room Folken was already holding the attacker I the air by his collar. The man seemed shocked by the strength of Folken's metal hand but still he tried to look proud.

"I suggest you start talking." Van said walking closer.

"Yes. Because there is nothing worse then an angry father." Folken threatened but the attacker refused to say a word.

"Perhaps an angry mother." Eries said coldly.

"Now I am truly afraid." The man mocked despite his unpleasant position.

More footsteps were heard and two leopard-women appeared from the darkness. Naria and Eriya were in patrol through the city but ran to the palace as soon as they smelled danger.

"Do you wish for us to interrogate him?" Eriya suggested. The attacker paled.

"Perhaps Merle could assist us." Naria agreed with her sister.

Those who had seen the cat-girl in rage know exactly why the neko is so perfect to gain information.

Folken turned to Van and the young king nodded. Leopard-twins grabbed the man by his hands and were dragging him away when he turned back and let them know "He is coming. This was only to test your incompetence king Van. He will come to claim what belongs to him by his birth."

The dead guards were carried away to be buried and their families informed. Their murder caused more anger then sadness. People knew of the possible fate of the palace guards.

Van personally went from door to door to wake up the royalties from other kingdoms and to inform them about the assassination attempt and that the summit unfortunately must be postponed for their safety.

None objected.

King Styner of Chesario was worried though "Perhaps we should wait till the morning. I don't doubt in your guards and their ability to protect us on the way to the landing planes, but still it is dark outside and the attackers could sneak from any direction."

His wife as holding a small child so his fear was more then reasonable. But Van had no attention to send them through the city.

"During the reconstruction passageways were made that lead from the palace to the landing planes. Just in case." He said calming the king and his queen.

"You expected a attack?" king Biel asked surprised "You must have made many enemies in the war."

"And some after it." Eries mumbled earning a chuckle from her sister.

"The guards will lead you to safety." Van said and the mentioned armed men stepped forward and lead them towards the levi-ships that were waiting ready to lift-off.

When they walked off Millerna turned to Eries and started at her intensely. It annoyed Eries but she refused to obey. She will not abandon her husband just because of the attack. Millerna knew that so she tried a different approach.

"Van! Please explain Eries it's for her and her daughter's safety to come with us." She almost whined.

"No." her sister said back even before Van managed to say a word "This is my home now, Millerna. And I will not turn my back on the people I care for just because-"

"Then do it for Vialle." Van interrupted her "But not only because she is your child and should be safe." He took a deep breath before continuing "If something happens to me your daughter is the next in line to the throne."

"But Folken…" she mumbled when he walked closer and placed a hand on her shoulder.

"I hade my chance." He was serious "I need to know both of you are safe to function properly."

"Beside, someone needs to keep an eye on Millerna as well." Allen added.

"What do you mean by that?" his queen snapped.

"I'm staying here Millerna. Fanelia might need my help." He said calmly but that only enhanced her anger.

"If you are staying then I'm-"

"No sister." Eries tried to calm her down "We are both leaving."

Eries knew her sister quite well and didn't wanted for her to be in danger. Just as Millerna didn't wanted that for her. But they were both stubborn and loyal to the ones they love. But now there were other factors to take in consideration-both of them had a child and that children should be protected.

So with a bit coaxing Aston sisters were sent away to Asturia.

Mamoru was in his room observing as the last levi-ship flied over the eastern mountains. The hinges on the door squeaked announcing a visitor. He turned away from the window and saw Merle standing on the doorway.

"Need company?" he asked and she nodded. Merle was a good friend of his ever since the day they arrived. Mamoru guessed it's because she held deep respect for his sister. Who wouldn't?

"I'm worried." She admitted and sat on the second chair she placed next to the window "They will attack again."

"There are still those who will defend the palace and the kingdom." Mamoru sounded really mature, something that surprised both Merle and himself.

"You too?" she asked smiling "I heard what you did."

"I whacked the guy, that's all. It's not a big deal really."

"Many people think otherwise though." She said back and smiled "Thank you for helping us."

"No thanks needed Merle. I'm doing it because Hitomi said so many good things about this place, and I want to help as she would have if-"

A metal object appeared on the window and scared Merle so she fell of the chair before popping out her claws. Mamoru just laughed.

"It's alright. Really. It's just the holographic device." He said helping her to get up "It's what Hitomi uses to send us messages."

"I heard about that from lord Van. Hitomi send a message to lord Folken once."

"I know. To congratulate him." He moved so that the device flied in the room. Moments later an image appeared. The cloak covered her from head to toes but Merle recognized her voice right away.

"Big news Mamoru. Ingrids are almost done. I'm really happy to see them standing on their own two feet. The coloring process just began. I wish I could show them to you. And to dad. He still thinks that because I designed them they would suck.

To more important issues now. I wanted to send this message yesterday so you could tell him in time, but I guess the late one is good enough as any. Sorry if my mumble confuses you. The Ispanos are influencing me. Pretty soon I'll start talking like them. Like I never-

Ok, forget about that. I'm rambling.

I'm about to ask a favor from you. A small one but to someone else it would mean a lot. Could you please congratulate Van in my name? I know it's his Birthday today, or yesterday, I don't know when the message will arrive.

I would really be grateful. And I'm guessing, or actually hoping, so would he. And let me know in your answer how Vialle is. I wish I could see her. She must be a real beauty.

Bye for now little brother."

"Yeah, lord Van will be very grateful for any news from Hitomi." Merle said "Why don't we go and tell him right away? Or first you send Hitomi an answer. Oh, can I do it? Mamoru?"

Seeing she was being ignored got Merle curious to see what as so interesting. She walked next to the boy and looked in same direction where he was watching. Her cat-abilities helped her to recognize simple lights in the distance as campfires outside of the city walls. And judging by the number of them there was a whole army stationed in front of Fanelia's gates.

"The answer will have to wait." Mamoru said and both of them hurried to find Van. The kingdom was under siege.