A N: Sorry this chapter took so long, but I was having problems with my other story that I wanted to work out, so I focused more on that one for a while.

Disclaimer: I only own Arathnia, and the characters from there. I do not own Escaflowne, even though I wish I did.

* mark dream sequences.

- mark visions.

The Past, Future, and Somewhere in Between

Chapter 11 The Silver Haired Angel

The Celestial Forest. Never had Hitomi seen such natural beauty. Despite all the warnings, danger, and the mystique surrounding the vast expanse, it did nothing to hinder it's incredible allure. The trees were all, stretching upwards, the canopies blending together in a mass of green foliage. The sun and sky peeked through the paces between the leaves of those trees, lighting up the covered area. Moss covered the protruding roots of the trees as they stretched out from the dirt covered ground only to disappear back into the earth once more. Buses filled the gaps between the large trees making it nearly impossible to see beyond the lush plant-life surrounding them. The forest was still, and quiet. It was almost a little too quiet. The only sounds that could be heard were the rhythmic beats of their footsteps against the hard ground, and he echoing cackle of the birds calling to one another. It seemed as if no breeze could penetrate the sheer density of the large clusters of trees. However, the leaves above still swayed slightly, as if one blew them from their usual resting place.

The group marched on in silence, following closely behind the silver-haired man. Folken navigated through the tangles of branches and around the thick lusters of trees and bushes pulling his rather reluctant horse along with him. Their party dutifully followed the former knight closely, easily keeping up with his slaw and cautious pace. His maroon eyes shifted around the forest scanning for any possible signs of movement signaling potential danger. Everyone was surprised by the alertness of his stance. His broad shoulders were pulled back, straight, proud, and his flesh hand rested upon the hilt of his sword. He was ready to swing into action should the need present itself. The horse at his side made it more difficult to travel through the brush, but he seemed to manage quite well. The horse itself seemed spooked and looked around frantically ready to bolt off at any moment. The beast clearly did not like their location. Despite having no path or map as a guide, Folken expertly led them through the overwhelming undergrowth. This seemed to indicate that he had traveled through this particular stretch of the forest many times over. This helped set Hitomi's mind at ease. There was just something about the older man that just made her trust him. Especially in this particular forest.

Their group was startled as an inhuman screech rang out through the trees. This caused almost everyone to jump at the loud sound. Folken stopped his stride staring out into the forest. It wasn't as if he could see much, but he could definitely see something if it were coming towards them. His garnet eyes were narrowed and his hand now gripped his sword tightly ready to draw at a moments notice. The loud screech sounded again, however, this time it sounded much farther away.

Folken seemed to relax at this fact. This made everyone relax as well. Yukari stumbled forward taking a hold of Hitomi's arm in a tight grasp. Her eyes were wide, and she looked around trying to find the source of the frightening sound. "What was that?" She asked a small hint of alarm evident in her tone. She had spoken loud enough for everyone to hear.

"It was a Roc," General Avanon replied from his spot in front of the thin redhead.

Her jaw dropped, "You mean the rocks talk too!" She exclaimed her eyes wide in shock. Cat people were bad enough, but talking rocks? This strange world was almost too crazy for her.

Merle narrowed her eyes at the older girl and smacked her on the beck of the head. It as obvious that she had been offended by the red head's exclamation. "No stupid!" She hissed her tail puffing up slightly as she spoke.

"Hey that hurt!" Yukari snapped back rubbing the back of her head where Merle's paw had struck her.

Van chuckled in amusement at the two girl's childish behaviour. "Easy there Merle," He stated a small smiled gracing his lips. "Rocs are large birds of prey. One of the largest in fact. They are almost the size of a full grown man," the young king explained as he ducked under a rather thick branch.

"Holy cow! Why does everything here have to be so huge!" She exclaimed exasperated.

Hitomi chuckles running a hand through her tangles brown locks. "There are huge things back home too Yukari, you just don't think about it," She stated rolling her eyes at her friend.

"I know that! But Dragons and giant birds? I mean what the hell is that?" She raged pushing some leaves, from one of the low hanging branches, away from her face.

Allen shook his head at her statement. "The Roc isn't even the largest thing out there," He remarked looking up at the green leaves above them.

"What the hell!"

"Yukari calm down," Hitomi stated placing her hands on the red head's shoulder. "You are over reacting my dear friend," She stated following closely behind her best friend.

"I'm sorry, it's just that it's a lot to taken in. It's so different here," She explained looking around at the lush and thriving plant life surrounding them.

Hitomi followed her gaze and couldn't help but wonder if they were ever going to reach some kind of path, maybe even a road. The forest just seemed to go on forever. "I know,"was the seeress' only reply.

The group continued the trek through the forest silently for a few moments. The only sound that could be heard was the rustling of the leaves as they maneuvered their way past them, and the loud thud of their feet as they stepped very heavily on the ground due to the nearly constant change in level as they trekked through the terrain.

"There are actually quite a few things larger than a full grown Roc," General Avanon spoke up, unable to stand the silence anymore. He was usually quite a chatterbox when traveling, and he had been silent for most of this journey. It was starting to bother him. "Well, not including all the different kids of dragons," He mused scratching at the irritating stubble that covered his chin.

"Like what?" Yukari chirped curiously. For some strange reason, she liked to listen to the General's stories. Even though she was unsure whether any of them were true or not. Despite this, he seemed like a rather interesting man. "You got me curious now," She replied sheepishly when he raised his one eyebrow at her.

He chuckled amused by the red head. "Well little lady, you got yer Royal Griffins, Thunderbirds, Behemoths, Sandworms, Treants. The list could go on and on," He explained avoiding bumping his head on another branch. "But the most elusive id the Phoenix," He stated in a low voice.

Merle's ears perked up at this name, "Phoenix?" She inquired tilting her head to the side slightly.

Van scoffed at his General, "Those are a myth. You should know that Mendelev," He stated firmly dismissing the older man's statement. Sometimes General Avanon got too carried away with his stories.

The General rolled his eyes at his young king. "Phoenix's are no myth your majesty. I can assure you that," He stated as their group came to a stop in a small clearing.

"We will rest for a few minutes," Folken stated blandly as he sat down on a rather large rock that sat beneath a very healthy looking tree. He didn't seem to care that her interrupted their conversation.

"What do you mean by that?" Van pressed his General, ignoring his brother's statement. He didn't feel like he needed to rest and would rather keep walking. He did not want to be stranded in the Celestial Forest after nightfall. That was inviting the creatures of the forest to come and make you their next meal. He wasn't about to be murdered because his traitor of a brother needed to rest his feet.

"Because I have seen one," Mendelev stated with a shrug. "A truly magnificent creature, and only a baby too. But also, very fast," He explained sitting down on a large, exposed tree root.

Van chuckled shaking his head. This was definitely one of those instances, "You tell the most unbelievable stories sometimes Mendelev," He stated looking around the small clearing they currently found themselves in.

"It's true!" He cried. "When I was in Caladonna, however many years ago that was, the creature was there and it was injured. The healers there were taking care of it. Poor little thing. But it sure gave Freya a run for her money," He mused a small smile tugging at his lips as he crossed his arms over his chest.

"Ok, ok, I believe you," Van conceded rolling his eyes. Sometimes, it was better to believe the old man.

"What is this place we are heading to anyway?" Yukari asked sitting down on the ground and removing her shoes.

General Avanon turned to look at Folken. "Well Strategos, you know more about it than I do," He stated tossing the question over to the former knight.

Folken sighed sliding off of the rock, standing upright. "Caladonna is the Arathnian..." The silver haired man began.

However, before he could articulate any further, he was cut off by another inhuman screech. However, unlike the last one, it was much closer. This one also sounded small and a tad bit lower-pitched. It did not sound as though it came from any kind of bird. Folken's hand griped the hilt of his sword preparing himself for danger. The next sound that reached their ears was a terrible imitation of that same screech. The voice sounded human, almost childlike. The creature screeched again, but this time it was more of a squawk, like it was imitating the human's screech. This found was followed by a series of clicking type noises.

A look of confusion washed over Folken's features, and his hand fell from his sword. He turned to his horse, and tied the reins to one of the thick branches of the many low hanging trees. He looked toward Van and General Avanon. It was then that Folken drew his sword. He pressed his index finger to his lips indicating to them that they were to remain silent. Yukari quickly pulled her shoes back on, jumping to her feet. They marched through the brush heading in the direction of the noise. Folken led the way cutting away the brush with his sword, creating as little noise as possible. This strategy seemed to be working quite well.

As the group neared the source of the screech, and that high-pitched clicking sound, they could also make out the rustling of movement, and a low hum which the origin could not yet be determined. A sweet smell assaulted their senses, perking their curiosity further. They forged ahead through the underbrush, taking great care to remain as silent as possible. They did not want to alert more creatures than necessary of their presence. With their slow pace, it took them quite a few minutes to reach the source of the strange sounds. They came to a small cleared area. The bushes were shaped oddly, cut in an unorganized fashion, and the grass was flattened down and dug up in some places. There was a cleared section, surrounded on three sides by these misshapen bushes, where grass and leaves were piled to make some sort of bed. Lavender coloured flowers littered the area, emitting that incredibly sweet fragrance that filled the forest surrounding this area. The trees bore thick scratch marks as well as some charred parts. It was obvious that they were some kind of territorial markings. It seemed that they had wandered into some creature's nesting area.

But the nest was not the most interesting thing. No, it was the young silver haired boy kneeling on the flattened grass. He couldn't have been more than three or four. His eyes were a strange shade of pink, a colour Hitomi had never seen before. But what caught their attention the most, were the rather large snow white wings that jutted from his back. He was a draconian. In front of him was a small creature. It was reptilian in nature with thick black antenna on top of it's head, and beady black eyes. It's scales were a deep shade of purple with a jet black mane of hair that stretched from the top of his head all the way down it's long and slender neck. Translucent wings, like that of an insect, protruded from it's back, fluttering ever so slightly. This created that low humming sound. When the light cause those wings, they shone hues of pink, blue, and green. It was rather beautiful. This creature was small, maybe the size of a house cat. It crouched down on all fours, it's beady black eyes staring at the young boy. However, the boy seemed just as intrigued with the creature, as it did with him.

Folken's expression softened slightly before changing from that cold indifferent mask, to that of concern with a small trace of anger. The boy had yet to notice their intrusion. He was too engrossed with the small purple reptile that emitted that strange clicking noise. Folken sheathed his sword, taking a step into the small area. Even this action did not attract his attention. Folken took another step into the nest. "Tarnum," He stated firmly. This statement peaked everyone's curiosity. He knew this boy somehow.

This caught the boy's attention, as well as the creature's. The creature let out s terrified squeak, and ran into the cover of the misshapen bushes that surrounded the nest. A huge grin spread across the boy's face when he laid eyes on the former knight. "Daddy!" He cried running towards him.

This struck everyone by surprise, especially Van. Folken bent down taking the child in his arms. He easily hefted him up, resting him against his hip. "What are you doing out here by yourself?" Folken asked the silver haired child in a very stern tone of voice.

The boy, Tarnum as it turned out, threw his one hand out pointing to the denser part of the woods. "Salia took us for a walk, and I got lost. I was staying put, I swear I was, but then I found that little guy," He explained quite articulately for someone his age. He pointed in the direction the creature had taken off in. "He was looking for his mommy," He continued as the small purple creature poked it's head out of the cover of the dark coloured bushes.

Folken sighed putting the child back down. "And how do you know that?" He asked gesturing to his wings.

Tarnum shrugged flapping the appendages once before tucking them out of view. "He told me so," He mumbled shoving his small hands into the pockets of his shorts.

Folken raised an eyebrow. He was skeptical of the young boy's claim. The boy just shuffled his feet staring down at his covered toes. A small pout was visible under his rather unruly silver locks. Folken sighed, a small smile creeping up onto his face. He patted the child on the head. "It's okay kid, I believe you."

This seemed to mean the world to the boy. He looked up before turning to look at the small purple creature as it slowly emerged from it's hiding spot. "You can come out now," He called to it. "You don't have to be scared," He assured it kneeling on the ground once again.

The creature bowed it's head, keeping it's black eyes on their group. It crept back over to the boy, moving it's wings making that low humming noise. Tarnum giggled happily reaching out and petting the small creatures head. It made a happy noise, and butted the boy's hand with it's nose. It was a cute little scene.

General Avanon, knelt down on the grass inspecting one of the lavender flowers that littered the cozy nest. He plucked it from the ground, bringing it up to his nose, inhaling the sickly sweet scent it admitted. He pulled it away from his face feeling slightly light-headed suddenly.

Van stepped into the area, stopping dead in his tracks at the sight of the lavender flowers, along with the small purple creature. "Folken," He called to his older brother as he realized where they were. Both Folken and General Avanon turned to look at the young king. "We need to get out of here," He stated stressing the word need.

Tarnum turned to Folken, taking the purple reptile into his arms. "Can I keep him?" He asked hopefully.

The silver haired man turned his attention back to the child. He sighed, "No Tarnum, he need to stay here with his mother," He stated.

"Seriously Folken, we need to leave," Van repeated gesturing to their surroundings.

Folken rolled his eyes at his younger brother. "What's the hurry Van," He asked picking Tarnum up again.

"Are you currently aware that we are standing in a creatures nest right now?" He asked crossing his arms over his chest. He really did not feel like pissing off an unknown creature at this point.

Folken nodded, "Yes, I am aware of that Van, but I think I know a little more about this forest than you do. We are fairly safe in this nest. It belongs to a..."

Before he could finish his sentence, General Awanon answered for him. "Faerie dragon," He stated brushed the pinkish pollen off of his hands. The whole group, minus Folken, looked at him suspiciously. He held up the lavender flower, "Faylene flowers," He stated simply. "They only grow inside the influence of a Faerie Dragon's magic," He explained tucking the flower away in his bag.

Folken nodded, "Which is why we don't need to worry. Faerie dragons are extremely intelligent. They don't attack unless provoked, and none of us have our swords drawn, so we should be okay if the mother returns," He explained patting the small dragon on the head, which was still cuddled up in Tarnum's arms.

"And how can you be so sure of that?" Allen asked stepping into the clearing. The knight crossed his arms over his chest, raising an eyebrow at the other man.

Folken glared at him, a flash of anger twinkling in his eyes. "Experience," He spat insulted that no one seemed to be taking him seriously. He knew more about Arathnia, and the creatures dwelling within the forest than any of them.

Tarnum looked between the two men with curiosity in his pink eyes. However, the child said nothing. He just stroked the small dragon's head. He appeared to be very deep in thought for such a little guy.

Yukari's small screech is what broke the silence that had fallen over their group. Automatically everyone's attention was drawn to the red head. She stumbled backwards falling down on her behind. Her face was white as a sheet, and a look of pure terror etched onto her thin features. She raised a shaky hand, pointing to the bushes located directly behind Folken. Everyone's gaze followed the arch of her finger following her line of sight. The bushes rushed ominously. A much larger version of the creature in Tarnum's arms poked it's head into the clearing of the nest. Van's hand automatically reached for his sword, but Hitomi placed her hand on his arm to keep him from drawing the metal weapon. Merle hissed in surprise and jumped back her fur standing up on end. The creature stepped into the clearing, revealing a fill grown Faerie dragon.

Unlike the dragon in the child's arms, this one was about the size of a person. The hair a top of it's head was longer and hung down in front of it's beady black eyes. It stood on it's hind legs, it's tail whipping back and forth into the bushes behind it. On it's arms long, sharp, black claws spread out from it's fingers. They hung down in front of it, ready to leap into action if the need presented itself. The dragon's eyes narrowed at the group, however, it's eyes remained locked with Folken's. It flapped it's translucent wings impatiently snorting as it did so. The baby dragon squirmed out of Tarnum's arms and launched itself at, what Hitomi assumed, was it's mother. It tucked itself behind it's legs, sheltering itself from their view.

'Who are you and why are you here in my domain?' a voice echoed through Hitomi's mind. Her mouth dropped open in shock. It was obvious by the look on everyone's faces, that she was not the only one to hear the voice. It was scratchy, yet feminine at the same time. The intelligence evident in the dragon's eyes indicated that the voice indeed belonged to the dragon.

Folken was the one to answer her. "I am Folken Strategos. I came in search of my child," He stated clearly, shifting Tarnum in his arms.

The dragon tilted it's head slightly, gazing at the two curiously. She leaned forward, sniffing them slightly before shaking her head. 'You seem to have found him. Leave now, and do not return,' She replied, taking a step forward. 'You do not belong here.'

Folken nodded, "Of course. I sincerely apologize for dishonoring your nesting area," He responded with a slight bow of respect to the creature.

The dragon simply snorted, lowering itself down onto all fours, no longer regarding them as a threat. It's dark beady eyes stared at them intently, waiting for them to take their leave. Folken gestured with his head, and their group slowly began to walk back to where they had been resting. They once again traveled in silence, not wanting to speak. So many questions danced through Hitomi's mind. So many that she didn't even know where to begin. So much had been revealed in such a short period of time that it was so close to overwhelming.

When they reached the clearing, Folken sat Tarnum a top the white horse, untying the creature's reins from the branch he had tied it to. It was only mere moments before they were off again. The silence between the members of their party seemed to intensify with time, and was seemingly persistent. Still, they marched on, following closely behind Folken, and the young boy seated upon the horse. No on wanted to wonder off after their encounter with the telepathic dragon.

They walked for nearly an hour before Van decided to speak. "You have a son?" He asked looking at the silver haired child, who had long ago drifted into the refuge of slumber. How he could stay a top the horse while asleep was a mystery on it's own.

Folken looked back at his younger brother. "Yes," He replied with a nod.

Van snorted. "When were you planning on telling me that?" He asked slightly angry at the secrets that seemed to be multiplying. What more could Folken be hiding?

"It was none of your concern Van. He has nothing to do with you. I didn't want him mixed up in this. He doesn't need to go through some of the things that I have," He replied shoving some tall grass out of his way.

"None of my concern? Things you have been through? You know I can't believe you. You disappear for ten years, then you show up again, but you're my enemy," He began. "Then you supposedly die, then pop up again three years later! I am sorry but, I have been through a lot too, and most of it is because of you!" He raged, growing angrier with each word. "Just tell me when you planned on telling me anything?"

To everyone's surprise, Folken stopped, completely turning around. "I don't have to explain myself to you!" He yelled glaring at his younger brother. "What I choose to tell you, and what I choose to keep secret from you is my business," He raged, those maroon eyes of his darkening dangerously. "Not everything is about you brother."

The two brother's glared at each other for a few moments before Folken turned around and continued to lead them through the brush down an invisible path. Hitomi looked over at Van and shook her head at the scowl that seemed permanently sketched on his face while his brother was around. Allen seemed indifferent, as did most of the group. Yukari just looked tired, and Merle was picking up on Van's emotions and shared his anger towards Folken. However, the one she found the most interesting was Celena. She watched Folken curiously, her head tilting very subtly to the side as if she was trying to figure something out. Something she knew, but she just couldn't remember. Hitomi was sure that it stemmed from her time with Zaibach, but she chose not to address it and drawn attention to the other girl.

After a few more minutes of walking, Folken stepped through the bushes revealing a thin dirt path, that didn't seem to stretch too far behind them. Hitomi felt relieved. The absence of some kind of path had been making her nervous. After the encounter with the faerie dragon, she did not want to get lost and stumble upon any other creatures. She sensed the same kind of relief rolling off of her comrades. Growing tired of the immaturity Van showed when it came to his brother, she decided to take matters into her own hands. She wanted some answers as well.

She increased her pace, falling into a awkward step next to Folken. He was so much taller than her, and the distance between his steps was much longer than hers. She looked over at the silver haired boy sleeping a top the snow white horse, and she couldn't help but smile. "He's cute," She stated honestly. For some strange reason, she wanted him to feel more comfortable around them.

"Thank you," He replied mechanically.

Hitomi frowned. Despite his bland response, she decided to continue trying to converse with him. For some strange reason, she felt some strange connection with the older man. She couldn't explain it, but it was there still. "How old is he?" She asked with a warm smile.

Folken looked up at the boy, his eyes softening a bit. "He is about six. He's rather small for his age, but that hasn't stopped him," He remarked a ghost of a smile appearing on his face. "He's smart."

"And his name is Tarum?" Hitomi asked tucking her hair behind her ears. She was rather pleased that he felt comfortable enough to tell her these things.

"Yes it is."

"That's an Arathnian name isn't it?" General Avanon piped up. It seemed as though the General was on the same wavelength as her.

He nodded, "Yes, his mother is Arathnian," He explained wrapping his horse's reins around his arm o keep a better hold of the fidgeting animal.

"What does it mean?" Hitomi asked crossing her arms over her chest. A cold chill was creeping over the forest, and they were quickly losing the light of day. Soon it would be too dark for them to continue their quest. The thought alone made her mind wander to the safety of the forest.

"Brave warrior," He stated looking up at the pinkish hue that had overtaken the sky over top of the green leaves above them. Folken's eyes narrowed, "We need to find a safe place to camp. We won't make it to Caladonna before dusk, and we cannot be wandering around the forest in darkness," He explained looking around at the foliage surrounding them.

"And how do you suggest we do that?" Van asked raising an eyebrow at his older brother.

Folken sighed, "Well have to find a clearing, and set our stuff down," He began turning off of the path, through a small separation of the bushes. It seemed as though someone else had traveled through there recently. "We could take turns keeping watch, to alert the others of danger should it arise."

Van shook his head, "Whatever you say," He grumbled following him through that separation and into the forest once more. "Whatever you say."

AN: Well I decided to leave it off there. Quite a bit longer than I had originally anticipated, so that was good. Sorry it took so long to get this out, but I was trying to focus on my other story, and I got stuck and very discouraged, along with a lot of personal things getting in the way. I would like to thank all the wonderful reviews I have received for this story, your support helps me a lot. I appreciate every single one. I never anticipated that this story would be received as well as it has, and I have all of you to thank for that. I have every intention to finish this story, so if I go a while without updating, do not fret! I am probably stuck on something, or just busy. I wouldn't want to let you down.

Anyways, new characters coming in the next chapter, with some pivotal roles to play in this story. More stuff to be relieved, and more information on Folken, and some insight on how Van is feeling about all this. I would love to hear some of your thoughts on this stuff lol. I always wonder what my readers think is going to happen next.

Next: Sanctuary: Caladonna.

Response to Reviews:

Rainy Soshi ~ Lol thanks. I hate trying to read a story, and it being so badly written that I can't even get passed the second paragraph before hitting the back button. I try to make it as well written as I can, so I am glad you appreciate it.

Ashlie ~ I have to say, your review gave me the biggest smile I have had in a long time. I am glad you are enjoying it. I've been watching Escaflowne for almost ten years now, and I think I got the characters personalities pretty well, and I hope I have done them some justice. As for Celena, I don't think she could be normal with all that's happened, and I don't think she could be insanely crazy either. It's kinda fun to play around with her. Anyways, I hope you enjoyed this chapter, and I hope you'll keep reading.

StillADreamer ~ I am so glad you are enjoying this so much. I find it rare to get hooked on a story, and when it happens to me I get all giggly and stupid, as well as excited. There aren't too many great stories out there, and I am honored that you think mine is one of them. I hope you continue reading, and taking the ride along this roller coaster of drama and adventure. Thanks for reading.

Aye-no-hah ~ Thanks, I really hope you enjoyed this chapter. And I am very sorry for the long wait on the up-date. I don't like updating before I have my other story ready to be updated as well. So I am very sorry if you've been disappointed.