A.n.-While I do greatly appreciate the honor of being put on someone story/author alert or even being added to someones favorites - I would greatly appreciate a review much more. I am not trying to be rude or unkind, but I feel I cannot improve or properly gage anyones reaction on how the story is going without some sort of feedback. Please R&R, often I will return the courtsey.
I apologize for the delay on this chapter however, I had some personal drama to deal with. However, it is longer then normal...does that make up for that wait? :)
Dedication - Litschi, ThePinkMartini, and Laloner. Thankyou all soooo very much for your reviews! They really mean a lot to me, I greatly appreciate all of your encouragement! It really helps me when I start writeing the next chapter! I hope you all enjoy this chapter as much as the last ^_^_^_^_^_^
Vaan Slanzer De Fanel was nervous.
Not that he would ever admit it in a thousand years, but the feeling that curled in his gut and made him pace across the courtyard was certainly not the composed serenity he liked to imagine he exuded. In truth, it was quiet the opposite.
The young King always seemed to have an impatient air about him, and even when one appeared to the center of his attention, his eyes always wandered, his hands fidgeting with his sword, or a quill, or whatever was handy really. It was a flaw that had never been mentioned to him, and one that he felt he hid quiet well.
He was dressed more formally then normal for the occasion, lavender vest with gold buttons, black leather pants and shiny black boots, a long blue cape that stood high at the collar and embroidered with intricately red dragon claws.
His only adornmant of his rank was the deep blue scabbard his sword set in, the sword that all the Kings of Fanalia had carried at the their side. The comforting bump against his hip was a constant reminder of his duty.
The meeting had been long, the time to reach an agreement of action even longer. Nearly a full week had passed until Chid had been able to get everyone to come to an agreement. It was strange still for Vaan to see the boy King that had helped him so long ago grown into a man.
And even Vaan, who didn't like to dwell on such subjects, hadn't been able to shake the feeling of perfect familiarity when he meet the younger King. His blond hair was long, reaching well past his shoulders. The deep, compassionate blue eyes, the strong jaw and perfectly even white teeth, the broad shoulders and towering height. When Allen had come to pay his greetings to Chid he had to turn quickly to hide his reaction.
King Chid looked just like a younger version of the Kinght of Cali.
Seeing them apart of one thing, the fair looks could then be blamed, though feebly, on his mothers contance. Seeing Allen there, shaking his hand, left no room for doubt on just where his ancestry lay. It was a little known secret, and not one that Vaan was comfortable in any way to voice. He'd been careful to avoid talking to the two together the entire week. Least his expression give something away, or worse he shove his foot in his mouth as he was still prone to do from time to time.
The only united voice the counsel had had from the start was that something had to be done about The Order. It didn't take a blind man to see what the goal was, such a massive force being gathered meant only one thing : war. The only question that was left to be answered was which side would strike first.
Allen Shezar had been the first to suggest that the only reason they hadn't been attacked yet was because the Order was still buying town. Something that the Suzaku King had sneered at, his spies had informed them that Order already had over six thousand men, why would they procrastinate with such a formidable numbers?
Allen's answer had been swift, cold and caused utter silence.
"Because they want to be sure they can crush us. This isn't a petty war for territory, for goods or just land. Its an all or nothing. Whoever this Patron Saint is, he's a keen military mind. He will not stop until there is nothing left except The Order."
Vaan moved to stand near the pound, eyes glaring at the pink lotus flowers that floated so peacefully, an impatient hand raking through his wild black hair. Allen's words still echoed through his mind, he couldn't find a flaw in them no matter how hard he tried. For the better part of a week everyone had argued whether to strike first or not at all.
It was Chid who had come to the solution that they'd all deemed fair. Even if they had managed to launch a force now, there was no guarantee they would win or that they would manage to push back The Order's forces. The only solution that was to not only gather intelligence, but if they were able to take the jewel of The Order's cause, they would strike a crippling blow.
It was there that Vaan's attention had snapped closer, for this was the part of the meeting he had been waiting for. The Seer that The Order held was their greatest asset, for it was true that with virtually no resistance they had managed to fist the Lower Kingdoms together like a ball of soft clay. Such a thing was unheard of. Magic was the only reason that they all had been able to agree on that made it possible.
Steal the Goddess that empowered them to fight and they would cripple The Order, and without their Third Eye they would be blind. Victory would be theirs.
Now, this was a brilliant idea on paper. But they had virtually no evidence on where this Goddess was kept. Some said she moved from kingdom to kingdom, some that she kept in a tower in The Order's capital, Rowan.
The only reliable piece of information they had was she was kept close to the Patron Saint, the Order's Emperor. And that was only reliable because it was obvious, of course he would not want her out of his sight. To leave such a valuable asset unguarded would be pure lunacy.
But then that lead to an entirely different problem, why strike at the Goddess when they could simply cut the head off the snake and be done with it?
"Its nice to see you haven't changed, Lord Vaan."A smooth voice interrupted his thoughts.
Van whirled around quickly, his hand clinched his sword's hilt in an automatic reflux. Allen Shezar stood in the archway, as elegant and refined as he had always been. He still wore the blue of Knight of Cali. It had changed only slightly, instead of the puffed sleeves he wore only a dark blue overcoat with a plain white shirt beneath, leather pants with boots. His coat tails trailed down past his thighs.
It was the uniform of the Captain of Knights. It was a position that Vaan knew was well deserved. He was now the number one swordsmen in Gaea, it was only natural that he should hold of a position of such prestige.
Vaan smiled, shrugging, "You haven't changed much yourself. And you can cut the Lord stuff, Allen. We've known eachother for how many years now?"
Allen tilted his head slightly, smirking at the King, "Very true."he replied, crossing the courtyard with a perfect grace that Vaan still had room in his heart to envy.
"So, what brings you here?"Vaan questioned impatiently.
"So, now I need an excuse to speak to an old friend?"Allen quipped.
Vaan grimaced, "You know what I mean."
"Just curiouse if you were thinking about the same thing I was. About the Seer."
Vaan stiffened, eyes the color of faded roses rising to meet Allen's in a clash of cold fire.
"I don't know what you mean."he lied, his thumb absently checking to be sure his sword was clear in its scabbard.
Allen turned to the lotus pond with an inquistive look on his face, he looked at Vaan chiddingly from from the corner of his eye.
"Of course you do. You just proved it, Vaan. What if it was her? After all, you heard the same rumors that I did at the table. Its said that this Seer comes from another world, some say the Mystic Moon. Hitomi never said anything about it being a common trait for the women there to have the gift of Sight."
Damn him for being able to talk about this so calmly!
The thought was mixed with a hot rush of anger and denial, for his words were the same that echoed in Vaan's own mind. Words that he had refused to give form, hadn't wished to confront. Allen, of course, would allow no such smoke in mirrors.
"Hitomi would never condone the things the Order was doing. And ifshe had come back to Gaea, she would have come to me." The statement was a challenge, and showed both men instantly how deep old jealousies still ran.
Allen shrugged slightly, willing to let the topic go for now, "You could be right. But that doesn't change what needs to be done. We have to get the Seer, no matter who she is or isn't. I just want to make sure that you're mind is level enough for the task."
"Idon't have any problem, Allen. Maybe its you that does, why else would you be here dredging up the past? Hitomi is gone, you know it as well as I. Whoever this woman is with the Order she could never hold a candle to Hitomi. Have they assigned the infiltration mission yet?"
Allen crossed his arms, "Of course they did. Its me, and no you're not comeing - "
"Like hell I'm not! The Order is a threat that needs to be handled, I'm not just going to sit back and do nothing!"Vaan interrupted, anger clouding his tanned features.
"That's exactly what you're going to do. You have a country that needs you and no heir, you can't just go traipsing about into enemy territory, Vaan."Allen stared down at the incensed man before him, trying and failing to keep the memory of their first Guymelf battle from his mind.
It was amazing to him, just how little Vaan Fanel had changed in the last few years. He was still just as brash, still so willing to throw himself into a fight without making sure his rear was covered.
"You don't have the authority to keep me out, Shezar. I'm going, and thats the end of the conversation."
"Actually, since I'm the one in charge, I do."
"Like hell, either I go with you or I'll follow but I'm still going to be there."
Allen let out an exasperated breath, "And if you die while were there, Vaan? Who will be left to rule Fanalia? Who is going to take care of your people? Or are you content to let it simply be divided up against whichever hungry ruler manages to get there first?"
Vaan growled low in his throat, unable to come up with a reasonable response to that. It was true, he had no heir and only a direct descendant of his own would be able to fly and pilot Escaflowne. If he died there, and that was a very real possibility, there would be no one left to protect his country.
"And whos going to be there to take over if you fuck it up, Shezar?"he bit out.
Allen chuckled with haughty derision, "While I doubt that can or would happen, Vaan, I plan to have Gaddis and two other men with me. This is a covert operation, the fewer that go the better. But there will be others with me to take over should I fail.
Vaan turned quickly to walk away, seething that he would be incapable of going to strike such a fatal blow to the Order. He felt an unexplainable pull to be the one there to help carry it out.
He paused at the archway, long vines with large white blooms framing him with an almost dramatic picture-esq quality.
"Your orders are to bring the Seer back alive, correct?"he asked over his shoulder.
Allen nodded, "Of course."
Vaan nodded as he exited the courtyard. One way or another he was still going to get his questions answered. And that, in the end, was what was most important.
It had taken weeks, but now Allen Shezar was close to the capital city of the Order. Rowan seemed to glow under the fading light of the setting sun, and from his vantage point on the top of the grassy cliff, the city's castle stood at the center. Tall and looming over the people below.
They had timed this mission carefully. Waiting a week on the outside borders until they were sure that the Patron Saint had left on yet another campaign. He had his eyes on the Kingdom of Garrow at the moment, and was already salivating at adding yet another kingdom to his fold.
He had left Rowan with a garrison of warriors to protect it, and it was suspected, his Seer as well. At the moment Allen was waiting for Gaddess's return. He was scouting the entrances to the Kingdom now, his information would give Allen the answers he needed on how to best infiltrate the country.
His heart was racing, his muscles already trembling in anticipation. It had been nigh a decade now since he had an opportunity like this. A chance to truly test his skills against a worthy opponent. His time had been spent training the next generation of Gaea that proved themselves worthy to be under his tutelage, attending social functions and sharpening his tongue rather then his blade.
It would be a lie to say that Allen Shezar did not live for moments like this, for the the drums of battle to play so he could dance to their tune. While he did not relish death, did not long for the flames of war licking at his heels and the coppery scent of blood in the air...it was the only time he truely felt alive, completely in his own element.
He had been born to carry the sword. The life of the Warrior was his calling, his destiny, his only purpose.
And he would be lieing if he said that he didn't hope in his heart of hearts that it would be a fight to escape the city of Rowan, to test himself to be sure that the tranquil lull that had passed over Gaea had not fully dulled his skills.
They would move at dawn tomorrow, they had to act quickly. His orders were to capture the false prophet, not to directly engage the Patron Saint. To do so would be an irrevocable first strike and would throw Gaea into utter chaos from which every peasant to solider to king would pay for with their very lives.
And Allen Shezar couldn't bare that on his conscious at any rate. Allen Shezar saw the clear white line, from A - D and all in between. It was that clear focus that had always given him the edge over his foes. He could see the clear line, whereas they were always distracted by everything in between and after.
Allen flicked his sword with his thumb, checking that is was clear in its scabbard before returning his gaze to the star struck heavens.
Dawn was a long time away.
Hitomi was terrified.
It had grown from a small seed as Dilandau had rode away on his white mare to a near paralyzing force that sought to send her whimpering into the fetal position.
Her visions were so much more vivid here on Gaea. Something about this world seemed to amplify her gift into a thundering force to be reckoned with. Before her first 'adventure' on Gaea she had always been lucky if she was even close to predicting what would come.
After that she had been nearly always dead on, it was that more then anything else that had made her put away her deck. It was as though Gaea had tainted her greatest hobby. But the visions did not come there, not like here.
Here she could feel the fire licking their flesh as though it were her own, the sulfur seemed to burn her lungs, their suffering became her own. She felt everything that was to come. But it had only been recently that she had realized just how subjective her visions were.
The future ran like a river, always in motion. Sometimes, things were set and the river would carry on - other times, like brush that fallen into it, the river became clogged, changed its course. In other words, the future could change still depending on the actions of those involved. Just as a pebble thrown in the pound makes ripples, changing the surface, so did free will change her visions.
Twice now she'd had send letters via horseback to Dilandau on his escapades to tell him how her visions had changed and what to do. Letters that had she not sent, perhaps his army would have been overwhelmed. Perhapes he would have died and she could have saved this world.
These were errant thoughts now, however. She had already rolled the dice, her life was tied to his now and vice-versa. She could not betray him without betraying herself. Sometimes she thought that in a weird, perverse way that she had actually managed to fall in love with the silver haired demon. Other times she felt contempt for him, for herself, for everything around her.
She needed him, and despised the weakness that she couldn't help but give into. For the price she made everyone pay around her for those pristine, frozen moments in time when he lay next to her, burning eyes so bright with an emotion he could not name and nor could she.
She had not yet told him of the troubling, confusing visions that came to her on the nights that he left her side - which he seemed to do very often as of late. On one campaign or another. There was a fever in him now, a lust that he had to no choice but to quench or be consumed by it.
It was these secret visions that sent her spiralling down into whimpering terror. Even her hand-maiden Kagome knew nothing of these visions, not knowing one from another. She was only there to see to Hitomi's needs, to write her letters and any other mundane need the honey-haired woman may have.
Hitomi had chosen Kagome from an extensive list of women that had come to apply for the position, approved through Dilandau of course. In her more nostalgic moments, Hitomi knew the reason she had chosen Kagome had nothing to do with her cheery and helpful demeanor and everything to do with her shoulder length red hair, bright amber eyes and smile that quirked on the right side of her mouth. She looked so much like Yukari, they could have been sisters.
In the visions Hitomi was trapped, darkness all around her. Her wrists were bound together, her mouth gagged, she was in a sack of some sort, thrown over someones shoulder like a pack of grain. She could hear voices on the outside, their murmured sounds familiar but slipping away like wind when she tried to focus on them.
It reminded her, vaugly, of her attempted kidnapping by the Gecko Men. But far more desperate. After all, then she had someone to rescue her - who was going to save her now?
Visions of the world were as clear as letters printed on paper, of her own future were always muddled and confused, filled with heavy ink blotches that obscured their true purpose. It was an unfair quirk of fate, she had long since decided, that she could see everyone else's future and yet have such a blind spot on her own.
Someone or something was coming for her though. That much was clear as the sun climbing the sky.
She was going to be trapped and there was nothing she could do about it.
The only reason she had been able to come up with for why the visions stopped when Dilandau was there with her, was that as he was so unpredictable and made most of his decisions at his whim, the attack on her person could only take place when he was apart from her.
Why then had she not tried harder to stop him from leaveing? To warn him of her thoughts? To do something?
The question hung unanswered in her own mind, without even the flimsiest of excuses to grasp and hold tight. Why wouldn't she let him know she was in danger? What would that really accomplish? Besides, would it truly be so bad if she -
Hitomi let out a growl, irritated at her own circular thoughts. It didn't really matter anyway, she had played the hand she was dealt and now she had to let the chips fall where they may. If she was to pay for bringing her lover - was that what he was? - to the heights he needed to fulfilled a lunacy riddled plan for world domination...then that is how it would be.
She thought the words with far more determination then she actually felt.
Hitomi threw the blankets off her body, rising to pace the stone floor of her chambers. Her flimsy white nightgown seemed to float around her and as she whirled around it flowed out dramatically at her ankles. Her eyes rose, inevitably it seemed, to the large gold ornate mirror that hung against the far wall.
She'd be a liar if she didn't say the rooms, the many gowns and jewelery, the satin slippers, the large queen size white silk bed...that all of it didn't make her feel like a princess out of a fairy tale. But then, her life had become like something out of a story. One supposed she should take the creature comforts that came with it and not care.
Hitomi strode across the room, bare feet heavy against the indigo woven carpet thrown across the cold ground. She fell into the small chair before it, placing her hands on the ivory dresser. She tapped her fingers restlessly as she looked at her face reflecting back in the light of the rising sun. Her eyes had dark circles under them, giving her skin an almost waxy look. Glossy hair hung loosely over her shoulders, nearly to her waist now. Emerald eyes seemed shadow, lacking the glow she sometimes observed in them. Usually in the aftermath of waking up and finding a silver haired lord in her bed.
Hitomi ran a tired hand over her face, fingers pinching her nose as she tried to find a way to come to her senses. She felt so lost, trapped even.
Hitomi stood, throwing open the doors and walking down the hallway, uncaring who may see her in her sheer gown. All Guards only looked her direction if they were absolutely forced to - and never once had she seen one drop below her eyes. Not since the first week of her stay in Rowan's castle however.
Even now the picture of that poor soldiars hentai head flying through the air and the the dull thump as his body fell to its knees was imprinted in her memory. And apparently it was still firmly branded in every warrior in the palace as well.
She felt as though ants were crawling under her skin. Something was coming - if only she could see what.
Raking her hands through her hair with frustration she made her way to the Palace gardens. Once there, surrounded by the the pink trees and the calm oasis in the center she began to breath with more ease. The trees were unlike any she had ever seen before on earth. For starters the bark was a beautiful pearl pink that seemed to sparkle in the rising sun, small blue flowers were on every limb in a striking resemblance to the Sakura blossoms she remembered from her home. From Earth.
The oasis was rather large in size and centered exactly in the white stone encased courtyard, green vines stretched up and over them. Rose trees lined the perimeter. Coi fish, one black and one white, circled each other endlessly in the clear water. In the days before Dilandau ruled, the rulers had come here to deliberate important matters. Soothed by the reminder of Yin and Yang, of the rigid balance of their kingdom. The two Coi fish had even been the country's flag.
Now it was a phoinx, and animal that had never existed in myth or story on Gaea - it was an idea that Dilandau had brought with him from Earth. A sort of taunt toward Allen and Vaan she supposed. Or he simply enjoyed the symbolisim, the perfect irony of it all. As he had been reborn and risen from the ashes to burn them all in his wake.
"Kami-sama! I thought you'd be here."
Hitomi smiled, turning her head to meet the playful gaze of her hand-maiden. Yukari was fresh faced already at this hour, her traditional blue loin cloth eblazened with the silver seal of royalty, the phoenix, and matching tube top bra shimmering and cleanly pressed. Under the hot Rowan sun, ideas of modesty never seemed to form.
Even the gaurds wore as minimal armor and clotheing as possible. It was that, along with the deep brown tan, that always marked an outsider. They were always dressed, it seemed, for a far more modest surroundings. And even if not, farmer's tan they usually carried was more then enough to set them apart.
"I felt in need of a little serenity this morning, Kagome. You know, you still don't have to call me Kami-Sama. Hitomi. Call me Hitomi."
Kagome shrugged daintily, her smile never faltering, "Can't be helped, Hitomi-sama. Are you just missing our lord more then usual, Hitomi-sama?"
Hitomi barked a laugh, her eyes rolling as she turned away from the teenage girl.
"I don't know if you'd really call it missing, Kagome."
The shocked gasp she heard was well anticipated, "Your so mean, Hitomi-sama! Everyone in the castle knows that the Emperor loves you above all his subjects!"
Hitomi let out an unlady like snort, "Values me, there is a difference Kagome."
Kagome shook her head, wonderment on her face, "I don't see how you can See so much, Hitomi-sama, and yet be so blind."
Hitomi rolled her eyes, lips quirking up in a small smile. The girl had no idea what she was talking about, Dilandau in love with her. Hrrmp. She'd be more likely to pigs falling from the sky.
"Well, since your up why don't we go ahead and get along with the day, Kami-sama. I've already got some clothes laid out for you to choose from. You can bathe first and then well paint you."Kagome said, her voice too chipper for the early hour.
Hitomi shrugged, knowing there was no detouring the red-haired teen. She could go along quietly, and make it faster, or argue and through a tantrum about and end up with the same result hours later. Resigned she nodded and made to leave the Oasis Gardens.
Yukari fell into step next to her, chattering on about the latest gossip she'd heard in the kitchens the night before.
If she closed her eyes and softened Kagome's tone, she could almost pretend nothing had changed and she was still on earth. Still listening to Yukari's idle talk. Almost.
Allen Shezar was irritated.
No, more then that. He was irate.
Piercing Rowan's defenses had proved to be an easy challenge. They'd climbed the wall just as the guards were changing all around the city's perimeter. In that five minute window he and his three men had been able to penetrate and assimilate themselves into the city with no bloodshed or cry of alarm. They had managed to sequester themselves in an Inn, the keeper a tall man with a thick neck and dark eyes too close together by the name of Clev.
Fortunately, or unfortunately however one choose to look at it, Clev had been extremely hung over, the night before having been his birthday. So when they'd rung the bell to wake him - though foul mouthed and utterly rude and overcharged them a whole gold coin! - his eyes had been bleary and he'd had a splitting headache.
As such, he bought their story of being traveling merchants, without the slightest question. He showed them their room and then walked away. Seemingly to forget about his three strange guests that had no wagon or horses to show their wares they intended to trade.
Now they sat in the small, wooden room with four beds and only a chamber pot in the corner for bathroom breaks along with a basin full of stale water from the day before, they traded stories over what they knew already and what they had seen.
Each in their own way had thought this would be an easy mission. Go in, blend in, capture and fight your way out. With the element of surprise on their side, how could they lose?
However, since few people even now had been to Rowan and back, they'd not been as prepared for what they would find.
Allen had assumed that it would be like any other kingdom he had been to over the years, well dressed nobles and shabbily clad peasants milling about, Best-men roaming about, merchants selling their wares, the usual.
He had been completely wrong and berated himself for his own hubris in rushing ahead on this mission without waiting for a more detailed report on the inside of the city. Rowan's culture differed so much from what he was accustomed to that it seemed to him he had set foot on the Mystic Moon.
What he saw both appalled and aroused him. Gaddies, Troi, and G'Mal had been quick to agree on that point. Gaddes making the comment that once the Patron Saint was gone he may come here to live and die to the amusement of all but Allen.
Everyone was running around half naked! Yes, it was intensely hot down here in the lower Kingdoms but by the Gods! Have some dignity!
And that wasn't the half of it, the peasant clothes and merchant clothes they wore to hide themselves and their weaponry would do very little good here.
In a land of tan, scantily clad flesh and red hair they all stuck out like a sore thumb. Reason number one for Allen Shezar's poor mood. Though some of the more beautiful figured women that strutted by, a knowing glint in their eye and in the swing of their hips, did soften the blow...a little bit.
The second was that though it was obvious that the huge castle in the center of the large city was the castle and where they would find the so-called Goddess...no one seemed to know exactly -what- she looked out. Apparently, public appearances of their deity was not a common event.
While this was a set-back, it was a minor one. He had already considered this before hand and had taken precautions to account for it. The one everyone seemed to defer too, the most elabtrately dressed, would be his target. He only hopped it wouldn't be the Patron Saints favorite concubine he brought back instead of his target. Allen winced in slightly at the very thought. Gods, he'd never be able to live that down..
"Hey boss?"Gaddess questioned.
"Hmm?"
"The paint, the paint is our way in. We could get some dye too from the local Apothecary, we'd blend - doncha think?"
It was such an obviouse idea that it stunned Allen for a second. A grin spread across his face as he nodded, clapping his long time friend on the shoulder as he did so.
"Brilliant, Gaddess."
Though most of the population was very tan, most still wore various kinds of body paint. Sometimes covering themselves from face to foot with it, others simply drawing intricate patterns while some still wore none at all.
All of them had covered themselves in thick, greasy, gold paint and after drawing up the hoods to their cloaks they were allowed to mingle with the population without causing the slightest ripple among them.
It did not take long for them to get close to the castle. Many of the people had gathered there for devotion and were on their knees to offer their morning prayers to the Goddess that graced their Kingdom with her divinity.
It all caused a smoldering anger deep in Allen's breast. How dare someone decieve countless people by play-acting as a Kami! It was completly without honor! To prey upon the weak and the foolish in this manner, it was a wrong that he would correct at the first available opportunity.
His only regret now was giving his oath to bring back this False Seer alive.
He would rather show all those gathered scrapping their knees on the hard white stones, that their Goddess was flesh and blood and her red was just as brilliant as their own.
He would rather reveal her for the forked tongued harlot that she was.
But his word was his honor, without his honor he would not be able to live. And even though spilling a woman's blood was low, he would have been happy to make the exception in this case.
Brushing aside his resentment into a pit deep in belly, Allen turned his mind to the matter at hand. Five heavily armed guards stood with their arms crossed and alert at the entrances, he didn't doubt their were more in places he couldn't see. He already knew that somewhere around fifty odd men were patrolling the top of the wall, most were archers. It would take only a second for them to let loose an arrow to fell him and the others if they attempted to attack the entrance directly.
Nothing is ever easy...
Allen tilted his head in thought.
Obviously none of the parishioners entered the castle, most likely for fear of one them learning too much about their 'goddess'. So that left only one option. Only soldiers came in through the gate, so soldiers would have to enter.
It would hold off their plan the rest of the day, but before the sun crescents the horizon tomorrow they would have her and already be far outside the Kingdom of Rowan.
Allen smiled feraly at a blank faced Gaddess, who followed his hungry gaze to the soldier who had just been relieved and was heading toward the local tavern.
Kagome was restless.
All day her Lady had been acting strangely, more so then ever before.
Hitomi-sama was a blessing to their country, it was her Eyes that had kept them safe and had allowed the Emperor to help bring others to the glory that had been established here.
Kagome was the daughter of one of the Regents that had betrayed Fool King Dai Lai. The man that had slowly been cheating their kingdom, unjustly breaking the people's backs with his unfair taxes and cruel punishments. It had been a glorious day day when Lord Dilandau had come to save them. He was their Patron Saint.
They were special, it was something that the Rowan people had always known. They were better then the surrounding kingdoms, so much more civil and evolved then the others. His Lordship had proved that it was not arrogance that fueled these thoughts, but simple destiny. After all, he had chosen them, the Goddess had chosen here to be her capital - the first of many cities to be freed.
That she was the one that served the Goddess was still nearly more then she could bear. How had she been chosen among so many other much worthier women? What did the Goddess See about her? What part did she have to play that Kami-sama would have chosen a girl that talked too much, hands shook when she was near Her Lady, was oft to dropping things and stumbling around corners...Why?
It was a question that haunted her.
But even in her most absent of nervous rambling, she would never ever ask that question.
She was too afraid.
Thought she had been dismissed by Kami-sama some hours before and it was nearing the midnight hour, Kagome couldn't erase the dread that twisted her stomach as she recalled the expression on the Goddess's face today.
Something was wrong, something horrible but she had sent no letters to the Patron Saint today and, though she had only played with her dinner, had assured Kagome that she wasn't falling ill.
Kagome threw the covers from her bed and slipped her feet into the small satin slippers near her bed. Though she would never demand her Goddess to tell her what she didn't desire too...she had a feeling that her Lady had yet to sleep as well. Perhaps given the opportunity, she would share whatever burdened her so. Though Kagome shook at the mere idea of hearing what could make a Goddess so very terrified, she would not fail in her duty.
Duty to Her came before everything. Even Kagome's own life. That was the oath that she had sworn in blood to the Patron Saint when Kagome had been selected. It was an oath that she had never mentioned to her mistress, though the wide scar on the inside of her right had was an ever present reminder.
Kagome nodded at the two guards at the gateway to the Goddess's rooms, jumping suddenly as they pulled their swords from their scabbard and crossed them into an X before her. The clang seemed to echo all around her. Kagome yelped with angry surprise.
"How dare you! I was coming to check on her Ladyship! She asked me to do so."Kagome lied smoothly, her head thrown back so her amber eyes flared with contempt.
"I'm sorry madam, Her Ladyship told us to tell you she had no need for your services tonight. She went to bed with a headache." The taller guard stated, his hands flexing around the hilt of his sword.
Kagome jerked as though struck, her legs going cold as all the blood seemed to pool away from her body. They were lieing. Just as she had lied so were they. Her fingers tingled numbly, amber orbs blinking rapidly, trying to make sense of the scene before her and failing.
Kami-sama had never barred her entrance from her chambers. Never. Not even one time that Kagome could remember - unless of course, the Patron Saint were with her. Then it was rather obvious that she would prefer to be alone. But, even so, she'd never been outright denied passage.
Kagome swallowed hard, her mind swimming for answers when suddenly the shorter guard shifted, and in the flickering torch light she saw against the fire red hair that was common among her people black. Black as charcoal hair, her eyes flickered away from them to his eyes. They were blue. Startling, clear blue. Down his greased neck and over his flimsy armor.
There. On his right thigh. A white streck, pale white skin like a freshly born baby.
Kagome recoiled away from as though they were vipers, they may well have been. They had seen on her face the dawning conclusions, realization had come to them that somehow they had broken proper protocol. Kagome turned and ran, from the thundering steps behind her she knew they were close at hand.
The outer balcony! I need only reach the balcony!
The thought was laden with the panic that rushed through her very soul, her feet seeming like lead weights she could barely lift even as she knew she was running with everything she had.
She could hear their harsh breath behind her, knew it was only minutes until a beefy hand would wind in her hair and cold steel would peirce the thin veil of her neck.
There!
Beautiful and white in the moonlight, the stars so bright and glimmering was the balcony. Sweat streaked her body even as she gave her final burst of adrenalin to make it.
There! Cool wind on her face! She opened her mouth, ready to shout whatever prepared reply would come.
"GUARDS! GUARDS! IMPOSTER'S! THE KA-"
She made it just the middle of the balcony, her cry echoing in the silent night air.
It was funny, she couldn't understand for a moment why she couldn't speak, why it seemed so important that she must, and why there was a shiny third arm protruding from her chest.
Warm liquid spurted up her lips as the 'arm' was suddenly removed, the night air was deliciously cold against her face, it cradled her in the eternity it seemed to take for her to finally hit the ground. She sprawled awkwardly against the beautiful white marble floor, her eyes fixated permanently on the stars above.
She heard murmered words, other loud sounds too, but they seemed too distant and unimportant to take notice off. She wondered idly if she had been able to do anything to save her Goddess. If anything she had done made a difference.
Was this what you saw my Love, my Goddess, Hitomi? she thought Is this the end you saw for...
The thought trailed away, never to be finished. Kagome Yue D'Blanc, First Hand Maiden to the Patron Saint's Seer, was dead.
Hitomi had known he was there even before she turned from her window.
She'd heard the door open and close, an unfamiliar voice announcing that he had some matters of security to discuss with her Ethereal Highness. That her attention was greatly needed despite the late hour.
She'd felt him coming all through out the day, had not bothered to bathe or undress as she knew tonight would be the night. Perhaps her last night alive. She'd written a letter for Dilandau, had already secured it in her dresser where she knew in his rage when he returned he would find it. She'd written all she knew of his coming battles, and of the visions she had kept from him.
After all, if tonight she died, she wanted him to know all she could provide. She hadn't said the three words she longed to, but she imagined that it didn't really matter. He knew. He had alwaysknown everything eles, so didn't really matter.
She was dressed in her least elaborate clothes, a simple white Rowan style dress with a plunging neckline and a loin cloth. No jewels adjoined her hair or her form, and her hair was long and loose around her shoulders. A dagger was concealed against her wrist, her golden paint covered her from head to toe, and in the light of silver moon she did seem almost otherworldly.
Leather knee high boots adorned her feet, sheathed in each was another small dagger. She wasn't going to go into the long night sweet and compliant. Not this time. She would save herself, or not at all. She took a deep breath to calm her nerves, running her lower lip over her teeth in an effort to distract herself.
She didn't bother to turn at first, quiet obviously giving the impression that she neither cared nor worried for his presence. The former was true, the latter was not.
"So, why don't we dispence with the ilde banter. I think we both know why you're here."
Hitomi's voice was smooth, nearly demure in soft tone if not for the steel that seemed to wind tight under it.
The door shut softly, but to Hitomi it sounded like the door thumping closed on her casket.
"Do you, my Lady?" That voice...
Hitomi froze, turning so slow it seemed to take ages to do so. His hair was dyed an ugly red, his skin stained with the cheapest, greasier gold paint sold at the vendors. But those blue eyes were not the sort she would ever be likely to forget. And that face, he still looked just like Amono, just a bit older - more refined.
"Allen Shezar?"she questioned, fighting to keep the tone of her voice lower, more gravely. Even more thankful now that she had chosen to light not candles, so the shadows and moon would help conceal her. She had played this carefully to her advantage, she knew this room by heart. If she played this right, he would never know who she was. Her secret would be safe.
But did she have the resolve to kill him? Kill this man who had saved her over and over, who wore the face of her first love? Could she do it?
The blade trembled against the back of her forearm. He had years of experience with blades of all kind. What hope did she have of succeeding even if she could harden her heart enough to make the plunge?
He blinked with surprise, his mouth falling open slightly. The expression lasted only a second before smoothing out like the surface of a frozen lake. Offering nothing, but those eyes. The confusion behind them still raged clean and true.
"Very clever, so if you know who I am then you do know why I'm here. You're coming with me."
Hitomi felt her lips quirk up in a sarcastic smile, "You are as arrogant as I thought you would be, Shezar."She sneered the name, moving a half-circle away from him - trying hard to buy time, "Do you really think I would let you take me so easily?"
"No,"He replied smoothly, "But the end result will be the same."
Her heart was pounding like a drum in her chest, adrenalin coursed through her veins to heighten her senses far more then any drug ever had. She could see every line on his face, every glint of his sword as he slowly drew it from its scabbard.
"I don't want to use force, I'd rather not hurt a woman, even a fork-tongued wretch like you. But I will, make no mistake about that."
Anger had always been her resolve, but in this moment she couldn't dredge up even the slightest flicker to help her. Her hands were slick with the sweat of fear, and she knew in her heart of hearts that she would not be able to kill him.
Her gaze flickered to the window and back. Too far away for her to run and jump out of it, he'd catch her for sure. And there was no way she could let herself become his captive. No way at all. God, if he was involved that mean that Vaa-
She cut that off quickly, burying it deep inside herself. Thinking about that was emotional suicide as it was. She had to stay clear headed.
Her head turned at the sounds of swords being drawn and the sudden heavy footfalls outside her door. Her stomach clenched painfully as a single image shot through her mind.
Kagome.
Beautiful, clumsy Kagome.
All awash in white silks stained red as she floated under a star lit sky.
The brief vision left her breathless and the rage she had before sought bloomed readily in her fist. Yes, at one time the man before her had been an ally, an almost lover, a hero even. But now, because of him, an innocent girl would die just for being her friend.
And she knew, more then anything else, that it was true.
And that there was nothing she could do to prevent it.
Allen had taken her split second distraction as his opportune moment and had lunged at her, sword high. With a flick her knife was in her hand and leaning to the side she knocked of his aim with her own blade.
The force jolted down her arm, numbing her fingers so much she nearly dropped the weapon. Hitomi dodged to the side, her body taking a defensive position. For a moment they stood there in silence, sizing each other up.
All at once he was at her again, his sword coming down from the side, as she moved to intercept she realized it was a feint maneuver. She looked up just in time to his knuckles zoom into focus.
She crumpled down like a butterfly, the knife still clutched in her hand. Her vision swam and she fought against the oncoming darkness.
He knelt next to her, fingers probing near her eye where he'd struck her. Pain laced through her skull at a new intensity from his light ministrations.
Kagome.
Vaan.
Dilandau...
The rage and the sorrow exploded in her chest. And moving through the pain she brought the dagger up in an arc and felt it sink into something soft. Warm liquid spilled over her hand, and she heard above her only a guttural grunt.
Stars seemed to dance before her eyes and she felt her grip on the hilt go limp as she was dragged unwillingly into that dark embrace of unconsciousness..
A.n.- Well, how was that? Was that expected or not? The next chapter may or may not be a little later then this due to some personal difficulties of mine. Promise not to make you wait SUPER long or anything though, I promise there will be another chapter. Please review, I'd greatly appreciate it :)