Wow, wow, wow. I can't believe I finally finish this. I have been working on this on and off for at least 9 months now. I would write it, change my mind, re-write it, change my mind AGAIN. But now I think I finally like it the way it is. I am going where I planned. I feel like I've written a TON. This chapter is the definition of one word: FULL.

But don't take my word for it. Try it out for yourselves. Oh, and if you see any mistakes at all in relation to grammar and spelling, please, please, please let me know right away. I changed this so much, it might have some mistakes I missed.

And I want to say a huge thank you to all of you who have been waiting for so long on this chapter. I know it has taken me forever to get this out. But I'll apologize more later.

Read and (hopefully) enjoy!

A breath of tense weariness exhaled from the king's mouth as his dazzling red eyes filled with the lovely brightened morning sky. His vox burned mildly in his retinas as he focused like a hawk on the clear atmosphere with growing anticipation. The window's red curtains hardly fluttered, yet the young man knew what was coming in the distance. He frowned worriedly and caused his large, heavy crown to slip slowly down the back of his dark head. With a sigh, he pulled at his cumbersome, beige robes until he was able to free a glittering gloved hand to reach up and straighten the crown back in the proper place. Leaning forward on his elbow, the king rested his tan cheek on his uncomfortable palm and sighed quietly.

The meeting had ended only a few hours prior and already Van was beginning to question everything that had happened.

His ears pricked as he heard approaching footprints.

"Lord Van, may I speak with you?"

The red eyed man let his dripping vox slowly drain from his eyes. Breathing in deeply, he let the air go slowly.

"I knew you'd be curious about this morning, Allen. I assure you, I have no intention of retracting my deal with the Council." Van answered automatically. He turned slightly to glance back at the tall blond.

"Then why is it you are sighing and frowning to yourself? A bit contradictory, don't you think?"

Van lips thinned. Turning his eyes back to the window, Van shrugged his shoulders uncomfortably. When Van didn't answer, Allen worriedly ran a hand through his hair and combed it like a blond curtain over his shoulder.

"You believe she will be ready for a test from the Council at dusk?"

The blonde's low quiet voice sounded bemused behind him. Van did not turn from the window, but silently welcomed his Vehotus member to come join him at the window sill with a wave of a glittery hand.

"What's the matter?"

"The wind will grow by the hour. I fear a storm is coming." The dark haired man muttered.

He heard the blonde man snort next to him. "So… does that mean you don't believe she's ready? Or you do? I'm confused. I never understand your random philosophical phrases. I don't think they are your strong suit, Lord Van."

Van smirked despite his feelings. "There is no philosophy about it. I can feel a real storm. The weather is going to howl. The thunder will roar. The rain will pour like no tomorrow. And – of course - today of all days…"

"But it is a beautiful day outside." Allen protested, lifting a hand to gesture at the white fluffy clouds that stood out beautifully against the light blue sky. "The sun is brighter than I have ever seen it, the birds are singing everywhere, and the very air feels as clear as glass. How can today be stormy?"

Van shot the man a knowledgeable shrug and turned back to the window.

"You just know?" Allen injected with a small smile.

Van shrugged again, a thin frown settling back on his forehead.

The blonde man said lightly, "I will never understand how you always can predict the weather. I don't even see a dark spot in the sky, yet – according to you - somehow it will storm today."

Van nodded absentmindedly. "It might possibly turn into a twister. Due to hit right before dusk…"

Allen shook his head with understanding. "A twister, eh? Not a good sign."

"No, it isn't." The dark headed man whispered. Lacing his gloved fingers underneath his tan chin, Van sighed with mild irritation.

"Predicting the weather," Allen forced a cheerful smile, "I'm guessing that's an Escaflowne trait?"

"Probably…" The king sighed again, his frown becoming more prominent. "I never really thought about it."

Allen's smile slipped at Van's obvious annoyance. "What's wrong? You look very disturbed. You don't know for sure if there will be a twister."

The dark haired man was silent for a moment. Letting his mind run along the lines of his distress, his thoughts flew back to the chamber from last night. He mentally shuddered at the memories of his weeping session on her nightgown, his fearful excitement at almost kissing her, and his fervent passion for her to be accepted in his country. Shame swept over him and boiled sickly in his stomach.

He was an infatuated fool. Nothing more.

What king behaves like that? A dribbling, slobbering, emotion-driven foolish one.

He had plunged head first into Hospesland to demand help for his country. He had snuck the Pilot out of her own room by himself and traveled in the night back to Fanelia. He had destroyed two of the Zaibach Guymelefs with one blasting Mind Wave and slaughtered Folken – Zaibach's disturbed General – for domination over the skies. He had preached about the loyalty and safety of his kingdom to a group of frightened soldiers on the front line of the Trimane Battle. He had earned the respect of every one. He was skilled and brave. He had vox control to the utmost degree. He played every card a king would play.

On the outside, he was successful.

On the inside, however, instead of his thoughts being concentrated on his country's survival, he shamefully thought only of her. Instead of every cell in his body striving for the destruction of the Northern Kingdom, he worried for her because she was in danger of being rained on during her test.

She was a plague in his mind. She distracted him. She could open his heart to where all his utmost fears and doubts were held. Ever since he had seen her on the porch of that General's house it was like his entire world was thrown into a strange dimension he had no control over.

No, it was before that. She was something he had seen his entire life. As a boy, he would awaken from dreams of her and pass them as mere fits of imagination. She lived in a world so different from his. Hospesland wasn't a monarchy like Fanelia. They had alien laws, rules, rituals, and beliefs. Their Councils held complete power. Decisions and laws were passed with almost painful precision, taking years to even get acknowledged. There was no vox, there was no core, and there were no guymelefs. They didn't even have mix-breeds like Fanelia. The way she was brought up was so incredibly opposite of him. And yet, this was the girl who could make him open up all his fears and doubts.

A simple, Hospesland girl.

He was ashamed at what she could unravel from him. His emotions spilled out for anyone to prey on.

And for that, he was a fool.

"It is nothing, Allen. I just have a lot on my mind."

The blue eyed man lifted one corner of his mouth in a tense smile. He rested his forearms on the window sill and nudged Van with his shoulder. "I would like to help you if I can. I am the captain of your Vehotus, after all. Isn't that what I am supposed to do?"

"It's something I have to take care of on my own."

The blonde man frowned with thought. "Is it Dilandau?"

"No."

"A vision from Guidance?"

Van's eyebrow twitched with irritation.

"No."

"The Council?"

"No."

"The new Pilot?"

Van's red eyes flashed crimson with annoyance as the question hit home.

"I don't want to talk about it!" he stated heatedly, raising his head to glare at Allen.

Allen's smile grew a little more which only increased Van's frustration.

"Do you wish for me to leave?"

"Kind of!"

"No need to get mad. I might be able to help you."

"Well, you can't!"

"You're getting angry. Why?"

"I don't know!"

Van realized suddenly that his hands were shaking. A bead of sweat dripped down his forehead and ran down the tan skin of his cheek. His controlled vox had flared in his anger. The furious raging power– hardly in his management – surged through his entire body.

Van growled in exasperation mixed with embarrassing shame and pulled at his messy hair with his sparklingly gloved fingers. His crown slipped off the back of his black head and bounced noisily on the floor. The red eyed man felt his heart lower in his chest sourly as he heard the gold crown roll across the stone.

She was making him lose control of his own power!

This was all so foolish!

"Your Majesty?" Allen studied Van's mortification and fury with interested eyes. "Why are you angry?"

"I don't know!" Van repeated. "I just am!"

Law, even just talking about her makes me gets unraveled! What is she doing to me!

Allen stayed quiet for a moment. "She's going to be alright, you know? She can take care of herself. The Vehotus are on her side. On your side."

Van closed his eyes and took a deep breath. Giving himself a moment, the dark haired man turned to pick up his fallen crown and place it back on his head. Feeling his anger calm, he let Allen's words of sincere loyalty fill his brain.

"I know," he said finally, once the crown was back in its proper place. "You are the best Vehotus captain any king could wish for."

"The same loyalty and protection that we provide you extends to her."

Van shot Allen a sharp look. "I am not worried for her."

The blonde man smiled with disbelief. "Oh, really?"

"I have no doubt of her power. She could blast a hole in this castle if she was desperate enough to prove herself."

"Oh, get over it. You are worried. You're just not admitting it. Why else would you be watching the weather?"

The king shut his mouth into a small line and pressed his hot face into his gloved hands. With a muffled groan, he pushed on his eyes until he saw stars. His quailing vox subsided unwillingly. The churning in his stomach felt empty and cold as the burning red lava flowed slowly back into his core. He shivered as a chilled breeze rushed in and danced the crimson curtains around the stone window.

"I understand." Allen's smooth sympathetic voice cut in Van's confused misery like a sharp blade. The king snorted in his palms and dropped his robed arms on the windowsill in defeat.

"How could you possibly understand?"

"My Lord," The blonde man placed a sturdy hand on Van's robed shoulder. "You have fallen into this mindset where you think you can live your life by yourself without letting anyone else get close to you. Dilandau wasn't saved and now you are afraid you're next treasured person will get killed. You've lost your father, your mother, and now your 'brother'. You're trying to shut out your feelings and not let yourself love. But from what I'm seeing, you are already in love's desperate grasp. So, you're getting angry and confused because of it. Might I inquire the identity of this next treasured person?"

Van's stomach squirmed as Allen's question rang like bells throughout his head. Love? The next treasured person?

"Love has nothing to do with this." Van muttered, darkly. "And I'm close with my Vehotus, aren't I?"

"But do you let us in? Do you confess your thoughts and feelings?"

"What are we doing now?" Van glared at Allen. "This seems like confession time to me."

"But I forced you to speak. You need someone who you can freely unburden yourself to."

"And you're suggesting that I refuse to accept my feelings for the Pilot because I'm afraid to get close to her? That I'm afraid to get close because she will die?" The dark haired man's eyebrows twitched with irritation. He was starting to regret letting Allen come talk to him.

"I never said anything about the Pilot."

Van stopped. Then he groaned and replaced his head back in his hands.

"I know you are king and everything, but the sooner you learn that women are an important part of your life, the easier existence with them will become." The blonde man gave Van's shoulder a playful punch.

Van blinked at the sudden change of subject. "What in the name of Law are you talking about?"

The blue eyed man shook his shinning blond hair over his other shoulder and cleared his throat importantly.

"In all my years of knowing women, I have come to this conclusion. As farfetched as this may sound, it is the truth: Women really do rule the world. They just haven't figured it out yet."

"What are you blabbing about?" The black haired man rose from his elbows and stared bewildered into Allen's intelligent blue eyes.

"Just trust me on this." Allen said with confirmation. "I think of my sister Selena, Lady Millerna, your mother, Rutilus Flumen, and now Lady Hitomi. And those are only a few examples. We males may have the power on the outside, but women work their will on the inside. And in a way, that is the most dangerous kind of power. As soon as you admit to yourself that you need Lady Hitomi personally, physically, and mentally to win the war, the better off the country will be. This test at dusk is a stepping stone for her in order to find her proper place among us. You've done a good thing convincing the Counsel to test her. Not only for her and Fanelia's sake, but for your own, too."

"So you're saying I'm worthless in this war without a woman?" Van shot back defensively.

"Of course I'm saying that!" Allen snapped back.

Van's mouth fell open in surprise. "Wh-wh…"

"I'm not standing here to bruise your male ego, Lord Van. I'm just trying to show you the realities of life. Look, let me explain. Lady Hitomi is possessed by Rutilus Flumen, the Golden River. The only being in existence that can remotely compare to her is Escaflowne. However, he has a severe weakness that Rutilus Flumen does not. Can you tell me what that is?"

The black haired man gritted his teeth in irritation. "How am I supposed to know?"

"Calm down. Think of how much of an invalid Escaflowne is without Rutilus Flumen. You cannot even pilot him. His energist remains in the Underground Halls with his Guymelef form. Sure, you have his vox power - and apparently weather predicting abilities - but not his full strength. He only contacts you mentally when your connection with him is at its greatest. You needed to find Lady Hitomi in order to make his actual physical form work."

"Escaflowne is just…he's… uh…" The king faltered.

Allen smirked. "Controlled by a female? Face it, women rule the world."

The king stayed quiet for a moment as Allen's words sank in. Could it be true? Women ruled the world?

"How do you know all of this?"

"Lots and lots of experience. Too many women have manipulated and connived ways to ensnare us handsome Vehotus members into webs of love affairs. Sometimes you have to know their ways in order to outwit them. I mean, you've seen the courtiers here, right? They are all insane."

Van couldn't stop the smile that spread slowly across his lips. "And what happens when they figure out they rule the world?"

The blonde man closed his eyes and chuckled.

"Law, help us all."

Hitomi's bright green eyes followed the old man's husky form with an amused expression. Sighing quietly, her training gear clanked noisily behind him as she followed him through a hidden pathway in the trees. The sounds of Fanelia's castle faded easily into the natural ambiance of nature. A bird called above her head in a low song. Her booted feet crunched satisfyingly on the spongy foliage. Bugs of all different shapes and sizes jumped, flew, and croaked around her. A feeling of peace washed over her and she breathed in deep to catch the faint scents of the tall cedar trees.

In spite of all the strange, whirling information, events, and revelations that had hit her in the past several weeks, she truly missed the fresh smell of plants.

I was never made for the desert life in Castra, She thought contently. I could just stay in this forest forever.

A familiar shadow fell over her mind as her constant companion decided to intrude her mind.

Of course, you weren't made for the desert. Your correlation is with water. That was a rather dumb conclusion.

Hitomi smirked. So, it was going to be one of those days, was it?

Good morning, rude water spirit that loves to interrupt my thought process with insults.

Good morning, eccentric girl that needs to stop spacing out and smelling trees like a weirdo.

Her green eyes narrowed and her smile widened at the River's slight.

A challenge.

Good morning, invasive voice that feels she can assault every bit of my privacy with abusive comments.

Good morning, weak human that believes she can offend the mighty Rutilus Flumen without consequences.

Good morning, puddle. Say, where is your body as of late? Oh, wait. You don't have one.

Hitomi felt Rutilus stir inside her mind at that comeback. Maybe she went too far…

Good morning, screwball that is picking a verbal fight with the wrong element!

What are you going to do, huh? Splash water on me?

That would apparently be too much for your weak body to handle! Puny arms, skinny, and a coward in love. That's right. I went there. You're a coward, Hitomi Kanzaki!

I didn't make you pick me! You did that on your own free will! And it's not my fault my genes made me who I am. You, on the other hand, have had centuries to fix your outrageous, fanatical personality! You are so unfiltered with extreme romanticism that I'm surprised you haven't made me jump on Van naked yet!

Is that a challenge! Then I accept!

Figure of speech! Hitomi countered quickly before Rutilus took the idea too far. I'm just saying I wouldn't put it past you!

And you are so normal? Who was the one who followed Van out of your own country?

That was totally your doing! Who was egging me on to "go with him when he comes"?

You ran to him on your own last night! That was not me!

You had me see the vision!

I don't control foresight! I wish I did though! Then you'd have to jump him naked regardless if you felt it was "proper" or not! All this propriety is getting really annoying anyway! Let's say we ditch the old man and you go make out with Van. Law knows the boy needs a good-

-Rutilus! The green eyed girl injected with a gasp. Her face grew bright red. You shouldn't say things like that! And I can't get rid of Balgus! Besides, last night-

-And about last night! The River interrupted like a scolding mother. What the heck was that all about?

I don't know what you're talking about. Hitomi retorted quickly, her cheeks growing hotter by the second.

Oh, really. Think about it, girl.

The redhead sighed in minor defeat as Rutilus made her watch images of the other night in her brain. Candlelight… his dark head pressed firmly against her stomach… his strong tan arms wrapped shaking around her waist…

Hitomi blushed with embarrassment. Okay, okay. I get it!

Riddle me this: Why in Law's name did you not take the chance to kiss him right then? I should have picked a braver pilot. If you're having trouble even grabbing his face then how was I expecting you to stand up in front of an entire army. It was just pitiful to watch the way you just stood there and let him cry on you. That was the perfect moment for you to-

-Rutilus Flumen, don't you say another word! You know there was no way in Gaea I would do anything of the sort last night. Besides, he was upset and vulnerable! I can't take advantage of him like that! Listen to what you are saying! He cried in front of me. Cried. And not only cried, but confided his deepest fears. Do you understand how hard it is for a man to do that? And you want me to feel bad for not planting one on his face?

Are you listening to these excuses that are spewing out? Besides, you were no help at all regardless if he wanted you or not. You fell asleep as soon as he was done crying. And I don't think you understand men as well as you think you do. Any man would WANT to be taken advantage of regardless of the situation!

The situation matters whether you think it does or not!

He wanted you there. Foresight sent you that vision because he needed you to be with him. It was your destiny.

So, it was destiny that we didn't kiss then. Hitomi stated matter of fact. Give it up. You can't win on this argument.

You had so many opportunities to spark at least a little flame of romance. I'm just saying it was a disastrous waste of destiny!

We were in front of his best friend's burial urn, for pity's sake! And I'm sure there will be plenty more 'destiny' moments like last night.

You never know! What if something tragically separates the two of you before you are even able to state your feelings for each other or share a single first kiss! And fate forces you to forever remain separated for a little less than a century. Your spirit wanders the earth, never truly finding its way home back to your beloved. You will constantly long for him as decades pass, but you are unable to even sense his presence until someone picks up your spirit and takes you back to his side! And even then you are limited. Your spirits will never again connect the way they used to. And all those missed opportunities… those times you were apart when you could have been together. You wish you could travel to the wasted minutes and show him how much loved him, verbally, emotionally, physically. You become a tragedy yourself. A shell of wishing and regret.

Hitomi remained in a stunned silent.

I know that the moment wasn't right. I know that you don't think you have to rush your relationship, but you need to understand my point of view before you scold my encouraging behavior. I have your best interest at heart. I don't want you to endure the same harsh misfortune. Weak as you are, you are still my Pilot after all. You never know what destiny has in store for you.

I'm so sorry, Rutilus. I didn't mean to-

-And that's why, after tonight when you blow the roof of this council-test-thing, you are going to sneak into Van's room and-

-Annnd that's when I stop you from talking. Despite your coaxing, I'm still not going to jump him naked.

Come on! You should at least-

I'm not having this kind of conversation. Especially when you're in this state of mind!

Why ever not? Apparently you need it! This is getting kind of ridiculous the way you two are acting. Grow a backbone, will you?

I have no backbone? You're going to tell me I have no backbone? I have to constantly stop you from making me blow up parts of the castle anytime you get upset over something! If I acted like you did, he would be scarred for life and regret ever bringing me to his country. I broke a portrait off the wall just last night! And that wasn't just a small portrait, oh no, it was a huge portrait of one of the kings of Fanelia! And if my unlucky streak wants to continue to pollute my life, I bet it was a portrait of his dearly departed father!

Not my problem. You should control your own strength.

That was your strength! I could never have broken a portrait off the wall in a million years without your presence constantly invading my mind.

Alright, alright. The portrait was my fault. You win.

Good. It's about time I win something. And do you also agree that I did the right thing when I left Van alone last night?

Now that I will NEVER agree to. You're absolutely hopeless.

You still love me, right? The redhead grinned.

Somehow.

Hitomi shook her head and her eyes glittered with affection for the old River. She wondered at the odd relationship they shared. Hitomi had known that she was possessed with the strongest vox spirit imaginable, but she never truly understood or respected the River's long past until now. Despite her complete disregard for social and moral standards, the redhead realized that the water spirit was extraordinary. Her words had spoken of a longing deeper and more passionate than Hitomi had ever dreamed possible. It was almost as if Rutilus was infused with it. Her love for Escaflowne was who she was. And in a tragic mix of fate and destiny, she was forced to be away from him. And even the time spent together was limited in robotic forms that served for man's war. All in all, Rutilus Flumen was a tragic tale. And she was warning Hitomi of the same fate. Could it be possible that destiny would separate Van and herself one day? Just like Rutilus?

Breathing in deeply, the redhead pushed that thought out of her head. She had just gotten to Fanelia. Why would she be leaving anytime soon? She still had another destiny to fulfill before any talk of separation would be necessary.

However, doubts of the future began to ring in her head. What would she do when the battle was over? Would she remain in Fanelia or be returned to Hospesland? And what would happen to Rutilus? Would she be forced to give up her pendant in order for fate to pass the power onto another chosen one?

Now is not the time to think of that. The River interrupted, always reading her thoughts. Foresight will hopefully answer these questions for us. In the meantime, train your body, be strong in heart, and give Van a good-

RUTILUS!

Oh, come on! Must you always interrupt me?

Hitomi thought about it for a moment. I'll try to hug him as much as possible. Deal?

Deal, Rutilus agreed almost immediately. Don't blame me if you might be accidently stuck together for several days with your arms around each other. If that happens, seriously, I didn't do it.

I'm going to regret making this deal, aren't I?

But if your hand accidentally grabs his butt, then I am totally to blame.

The redhead blushed heavily and sighed as she lifted a hand to rub her eyes. Whatever, Rutilus. Just don't embarrass me too much. And no butt touching!

No promises.

Good morning, you crazy, maddening water thing! Hitomi chuckled lightly.

Good morning, you cowardly, smart-mouthed-

"Will you stop making those weird faces and hurry up!"

Hitomi blinked. She hadn't even realized she had stopped walking. And she had completely forgotten about Balgus. The old man was already deep within the trees.

Shaking her red head, she swallowed deeply and sped up to keep Balgus' steady pace through the forest.

"Try not to let your armor clatter so loudly," the old man complained without looking at her. "And try to keep up, will you? We are almost there."

"Almost where?" Hitomi wondered out loud. She was not surprised that her question was thoroughly ignored.

A silence fell between them. Hitomi bit her bottom lip as another minute or two passed.

"So, what kind of training do I have to learn? Am I going to explode stuff? Make things move? Fly?"

"You explode stuff without even thinking and once you gain access to the Golden River's Guymelef form, you won't have to worry about moving things or flying."

"Wait, wait, wait, I'm going to fly?" the redhead gasped, her face lighting up instantly.

Only rough silence answered her.

"Riiiiight…" she said slowly. "So, you're not going to tell me. I got that. And you're not telling me where we are going. I get that, too. But answer me one question: Are you going to throw rocks at me?"

Hitomi watched in amazement as Blagus' scarred face put on an amused smile. "No, Kanzaki, this is not physical training. To impress our Counsel, you'll have to show something a little more useful to them."

"Useful?" Hitomi frowned skeptically. "What do you mean by that?"

"Stop asking! You'll understand when we get there!" Blagus barked, his face switching from amusement to irritation within a split second.

Several more minutes passed as Hitomi followed the old man blindly into the forest. Though she considered her directional skills pretty inept, she found that if she really concentrated she knew exactly the direction they were headed: south-west. But what could possibly be over there? And her armor was getting heavier by the minute. Why couldn't she have ridden Deric? What was this old man playing at making her wander through the forest in her training gear? Was he going to throw cedar leaves instead of rocks this time?

"You've slowed your pace. Keep up, Kanzaki!" The old man thundered.

Again, Hitomi wondered if he had ever learned another voice pitch besides yelling.

"This armor is so heavy!" she complained. "Why the heck do I have to wear it? This is stupid."

"You wear it because you are weak! This armor is your shield for the time being! Be grateful that it is willing to protect an inexperienced, no good, lazy woman!"

"Weak? Really? That's it?" The green eyed girl muttered sarcastically. "You're not going to tell me that my brain is as soft as my muscles and that my high pitched voice sounds just like a prepubescent boy?"

"You also possess a complete disregard for your elders and I think your temper speaks for itself!" Balgus roared. "Now shut your ridiculously loud mouth and keep it closed! I would suggest you practice summoning your sword without catching anything on fire while we are traveling."

"I don't catch things on fire…" Hitomi whispered with a scowl.

Trotting obediently behind the large, old man, Hitomi held out her hand and recalled the burning sensation of her core. It slipped out of her chest easily and ran like shivers of heat down her right arm. Wincing with the painful fire, a bright light flashed, there was a loud, clapping sound like thunder, and her golden blade appeared obediently in her hand. The air around the sword sizzled with power.

Shaking her head in amazement, she marveled at the beautiful weapon. The lighter pink threads on the hilt glinted like shining jewels in the shattered sunlight. Letting her fingers slowly slide down the flat of the sword, Hitomi felt her core jump slightly.

The redhead gasped as she felt a slight burn on her skin. Removing her fingers from the blade, she reached down to retrieve her pendant. It was hot. Sizzling in the air just like her sword.

"Try to keep that summoning quiet!" Balgus rumbled, not bothering to turn his head. "Sounds like a blasted thunderstorm behind me… The entire enemy would know exactly where we were anytime you summoned anything… This is exactly what I'm saying-"

Tuning him out like usual, Hitomi put her pendant on the front of her armor instead of down her shirt. I've burned my breasts too many times for comfort these past few days." She frowned.

I know, I know. I told you I'd make sure to keep the pendant under control, but you have to warn me when you're doing weird things with your vox.

I didn't do anything weird! I just wanted to touch the blade.

Yeaaaah, not weird at all.

Frowning at her sword again, she wondered at the strange heat radiating off the blade.

What could this possibly mean?

Dryden twirled a piece of hair absentmindedly as he leaned casually against the wooden bench. The flowery smell of spring hung softly in the air around him. The garden's colorful blossoms swayed gently in the clear air. Further away, the brown haired man heard the maids' distant gossiping chatter as they hung the laundry on the back clothes line. He crossed his booted feet comfortably and allowed a lazy smile to creep on his tan mouth as he watched a certain green man made the final touches to his experiment.

"This is the big one, Dry-Dry." Gadeth whistled, before backing away slowly from a huge catapult. Dryden shook his head slightly with indifference as his lethargic brown eyes studied the massive wooden contraption that had been secretly built between the tall rose bushes.

"You can't be serious about this." He muttered in boredom. "This is the most ridiculous piece of junk I have ever seen. And your last three experiments have left huge rotting fruit splats on the side of the castle wall. The servants are still trying to build a ladder tall enough to clean it. What makes you think this one will work?"

Gadeth ignored his comment and reached up to massage his healing shoulder. Finally without a sling, Dryden took note of exactly how widely gestured his green friend actually was. Maybe, he's making up for lost usage, Dryden thought with mild curiosity.

"This one should hit her right in the face. It will work this time. I'm sure of it."

Dryden snorted. "She's on the left side of the castle in the training grounds. We are in the gardens. How in the name of Law is it supposed to reach her there? She's more than a quarter mile away."

"It will!" Gadeth smiled mischievously, his eyes glittering in the sun. "I have calculated the angles just so. The geometric equation was easier to figure out once I finally measured the width of those three towers." He pointed up at a certain part of the castle to prove his point. "And since there is no breeze, the wind won't throw off the dynamics."

"Just because there is no breeze here on the ground doesn't mean there isn't any the higher you go, stupid."

The green man roared with laughter. "You think I haven't taken that into consideration, dummy? HA! We will see who is breezier when you lose the bet!"

Dryden sighed. "Gadeth, I already told you I am not coming to Lady Hitomi's test naked."

"You lost the bet and you refuse to cut your hair! It's only fair!"

The bored man waved his hand lazily. "Whatever, I'm still not going naked. And how do you know this will hit Millerna? That's what you said last time."

"Nonbeliever!" Gadeth cried out in mock surprise and hurt. "How dare you insult my skills? I have proved time and time again what an excellent shot my catapults are! And who said anything about 'hitting Millerna'?"

Dryden gestured to the monstrous catapult with raised eyebrows. "And how are you going to find a piece of fruit big enough to not hit her with? That thing is taller than you."

"You're skeptical words are poison in my ears!" The green man said stiffly. "I have the perfect 'cannonball' for my device and this time it isn't fruit!"

"Oh, dear!" the brown man sat up in alarm. "You're not going to get me in that thing!"

"No, no, no!" Gadeth waved his hand in the air with dismissal. He bent to pick a wrench that lay next to the ridged wooden catapult. "You are too easy and predictable. I have bigger prey in mind."

"You have a proper landing for said "prey", right? Last time was a bit messy."

"My calculations are perfect! Trust me."

"Not likely," Dryden muttered quietly to himself as he watched the green man whistle happily and hammer another crooked nail into the twisted contraption.

Suddenly, Dryden felt both intense relief and pity for the poor soul who was to become Gadeth's "prey".

Merle tilted her pink head thoughtfully as she watched the one called Gadeth spin flamboyantly on his right foot and easily pick up a hammer from the scattered tools that spread about the entire area. Watching the unpredictable man, she giggled quietly to herself as he threw the hammer in the air and tried to catch it before it hit the ground. The tool slammed to the stone ground with a vibrating clang.

"Gadeth, stop screwing around. You'll hit someone. Namely me."

A bored sounding voice. That long haired man with the glasses. Dryden Fassa.

"You mean 'stop hammering around'." Gadeth called with a lopsided smile. He ran and swept up the fallen tool with a graceful bend.

"That doesn't even make sense!" Dryden shouted back. He ducked his head as the hammer flew airborne over his head. "Watch it, will you?"

Sir Gadeth. He has a nice smile. The Kitsune thought, studiously. He's so open. There's nothing to hide.

"I hope you aren't going to ruin the pilot's test." Dryden said matter-of-factly as Gadeth picked up the tool once more.

"Ruin the…?" The green man turned to his friend, pretending to be insulted. "Ruin the…? Who do you think I am?"

Dryden was silent for a moment.

"Just don't hit her with any of your catapults. She's got enough problems."

Gadeth placed his fists ridiculously high on his waist. He tapped his foot on the green grass like a small child.

"I'm not going to ruin it! I can't wait for Lady Hitomi to be in the Vehotus! I promise you, I'm saving any catapult attacks for the Trials. That's when it will really count anyway."

"Well," the brown haired man scoffed. "That is such a relief."

"But for now, she just needs verbal support. A little 'you go, girl!' ya know? The physical support will be later, if you know what I mean…" Gadeth winked suggestively.

Merle gasped loudly. What!

Thankfully, Dryden had gasped along with her.

"Wait… what? Are you seriously saying what I think you are saying?"

The green man smiled furtively. "Possibly… I mean, she's beautiful, right? Why can't I have a shot at the most powerful woman in the world?"

Merle hissed as a strange feeling erupted inside her stomach. A sour, dark heat shot burningly through her body. The kitsune felt a sudden anger at this girl Gadeth was talking about.

Sir Gadeth thought this Lady Hitomi was beautiful, huh?

"I wouldn't go there if I were you, Gadeth," Dryden said seriously, shaking his head. "I think she's already got dibs."

"Oh, yeah? His Majesty the King of Fanelia? He's the biggest coward if I've ever seen one. The best on the battlefield, but the worst with women. I mean, he's got to step it up a notch if he wants an heir!"

"Gadeth, you are calling our monarch 'a coward'? Be careful. This is a bit much, even for you. Just because you are a vehotus member doesn't mean you can insult the king."

Gadeth was quiet for a moment. Merle leaned a little further from the plant. She heard the green man sigh and mutter to himself. She couldn't catch his words. However, she watched him turn from his brown friend and return to working on his large catapult.

"I'm just saying that she should be free territory." He said lowly after a few minutes had passed. "Think about it: this beautiful woman arrived with Balgus and was announced as the Pilot. She looks controversially Zaibachian, yet she's here to fight them. She has golden power and the guts to prove her strength in front of our stick-up-their-butts Council. Not only that, but she is prophesized to save our country from destruction and bring peace back to our lands. I can't say I'm the only one intrigued."

Dryden frowned in confusion.

"What do you mean?"

"Let me just say Lord Van's problems won't end with her acceptance by the Counsel. In fact, achieving approval for the Trials will probably increase her popularity among the male society of Escadelette. Possibly even all of Fanelia."

"You forget that she still looks Zaibachian. It will take a while for the people here to accept her."

"I truly believe that they will change their tunes very quickly…" Gadeth muttered seriously, his eyes tinged with green.

A chosen woman... One that Sir Gadeth adores… Merle thought with another pang of sourness. She leaned away from the bush to wrap her arms around her body. Her white dress clashed horribly with the orange fur. Reaching up, she pulled bitterly on a curly strand of pink hair that hung to her shoulder. A feeling of self-pity and irritation stabbed through her like a blade.

Her memories raced to the other day when the green man had held her close during Dilandau's funeral. Her dreams the night before had been one of the worst yet. They had been nothing but visions of fire, rage, and piercing eyes. With her emotions completely out of control, she could not stop her tears as the flames began to catch on the coffin the next morning. She felt the stares that day, both living and dead. Those from her past, those from the West Infantry, and those of her fellow Kitsune, who was only following orders to keep her detained. The fact that she had been discovered by the black cat had been entirely her fault. And now he was dead, his eyes sweeping on her body like whispers of an unnamed retribution. She felt as if she was floating away with those horrifying, unblinking stares.

And then there were strong arms holding her back down. They wrapped around her like an anchor of complete security. The eyes disappeared one by one. The fire of the coffin faded away into a mild memory. Drowning in tears, the world disappeared into a tinted gray.

Sir Gadeth remained clear, his body a figment of security and peace.

It was the same feeling with Lord Folken.

And yet, it was different. So very different.

Merle pulled the strands of pink hair harder until her scalp screamed for her to stop.

Making friends wasn't her mission though. Even if there were good people in Fanelia, they were still the ones who slaughtered her people with the Canine Clan. They were the ones who orphaned her when she was just a kitten and destroyed her home. Despite Sir Gadeth's kindness, Fanelia had to burn.

It had to be destroyed like her people.

Merle's long ears twitched backward as she suddenly heard the crunch of soft footsteps behind her.

Someone was approaching…

She felt her muscles instantly tense. Her strong legs bent slightly to leap aside in case the intruder was thinking of stabbing her from behind…

"What are you doing here?" A small voice called out to her before she could react. Merle blinked and turned her pink head swiftly.

A small blond boy was looking at her with an innocent smile. He wore a tight green vest and pants that were obviously a size too small for his legs. Merle felt her body calm, but still moved her arms and legs into a defensive position.

"No need to be scared," the boy smiled brighter as if trying to reassure her. He walked slowly closer. "I'm sorry if I startled you. I have seen you around the castle, but never got to say a word to you. You always seem so alone all the time. I've been by to visit your room, but you are never there. I always wonder where you are. A maid told me you might be in the gardens. I'm glad I finally found you. My name is Chid Schezar. My brother is Allen Schezar. He's a member of the vehotus. Someday I'll be in the Vehotus, too. I've been living in this castle for a while now. What about you? What's your name? Where do you come from? You're from the Kitsune clan!"

"You talk a lot." Merle whispered with a skeptical frown. She eased her defense and tilted her head studiously.

"Ha! Yeah, I guess I do." Chid laughed, rubbing the back of his neck in embarrassment. Merle realized she liked that gesture. It was a very open movement. He had his whole entire front exposed. No defense at all.

"I've just been so curious about you. I heard about you in the kitchens. Mrs. Mole has a soft spot for mix-breeds."

"I see…" Merle stated feeling a bit awkward. "It's nice to meet you, I guess."

"You never told me your name?" Chid took a daring step closer, that silly smile still plastered on his smooth face.

The fuchsia haired girl stepped back further into the bushes. Never taking her bright eyes off him, she tilted her head further.

"Merle."

Chid's smile widened even more. "Merle! Like the color of your fur!"

Merle blinked. His unexpected outburst had surprised her. Was this just a way for her to lower her defenses so he could overwhelm her?

The boy straightened his back importantly and said, "Merle means a speckled coat or fur. Usually having black on it."

As if reflex, the kitsune lifted an arm and studied the lines of black hairs running through her orange fur. She had never known that was what her name meant. She had never even thought about it before.

"How do you know that?" Merle asked suddenly filled with curiosity.

The smiling boy lifted his hand and she instantly tensed into a defense.

"Come on and I'll show you. I won't bite. You might though. Or do you claw? Which one do you prefer? I always thought cats liked to claw things. Is that true? Do you claw regularly? Do you ever feel an urge to claw draperies?"

Merle let a small smile fall on her lips.

"Sometimes…"

Chid laughed and reached out. He grabbed her furred hand easily and gave it a slight squeeze. "I'll take you to the library. I'm sure you'll like it there. I do. It's got everything you'd ever want to know. You just gotta find it."

Glancing behind her at the green man, she turned to catch the bright, clear blue eyes of her new acquaintance. Her mission, though ringing clear in her mind, hurt her to think about. Since coming to Fanelia, she had met nothing but kindness and acceptance.

Was she ever going to meet someone she didn't like here?

The forest had grown thicker around her. The wind grew stifled and cold the more they traveled. Overgrown plants began to cling to her armor as if trying to stop her from walking. Brushing past them with the help of her glittering, hot sword, Hitomi noticed the weapon had started to vibrate slightly. As if the place they were approaching actually agitated it. Glanced around for any sign of difference in the scenery around her, Hitomi found herself frowning in confusion.

Nope. Still just trees.

"This is it," the old man growled, stopping suddenly in front of her. Hitomi stopped too, curiosity taking over her once more. She knew better than to ask where exactly they were.

But she decided to ask anyway.

"So… where are we?" She smiled at the anticipated roar.

"Shut up!" Blagus snarled.

Stifling a laugh, Hitomi followed as he continued to walk a little bit more.

And then Hitomi saw it.

Hidden in the leaves of many cedar trees, several thick branches were bent and tangled together to form an archway through the plant life. Another archway lay just behind it. And another. A slightly cleared path followed underneath creating a tunnel of branches and foliage. Hitomi shivered as she stared at the dark walkway…

It felt too familiar, though she knew she had never been here before.

Balgus turned to her and grabbed her arm gently. His eyes looked weird with emotion. She swallowed nervously.

"You have to go alone. This is your path."

"Oh, this is for me? Well, that's…nice." Hitomi said her voice a bit shaky from both cold and nerves. "You sure you can't come with me? Just to throw a rock at me for old time's sake?"

The old man's eyes glinted with humor before he growled and pushed her forward.

"You'll thank me later."

"I'm sure I will."

Breathing deeply, Hitomi clutched both her hands on the pink hilt of her sword as if to protect herself from odd feeling of the archways. The twisted cedar limbs spoke of something untapped. It was so alien to her and yet so strangely familiar. She took several steps closer until she was at the beginning of the first archway. The cold air felt stagnant like a held in breath. What was this place?

Rutilus? She called as her nerves began to twist into fear. Her armored knees knocked together.

Keep going. Everyone with vox has to take this path.

I thought I was supposed to learn Mind Waves and all that nonsense. Why am I going on some spiritual journey through interwoven trees? Seems a bit odd, don't you think?

This place is supposed to help you. Don't be nervous.

Please, be a little vaguer. I think I understand too much. Hitomi said sarcastically through her fright. She shivered as an unexpected wave of cold air washed through the archways. The fierce chill ran through her arms, cooling the heat of her circulating vox magic.

If this is supposed to be so sacred and special, then why do I feel this place is only trying to swallow me in dreadful cold?

You'll understand soon enough.

Hitomi scowled at the answer.

Why does everyone insist on saying that?

The green eyed girl felt the River stir with amusement. Facing the first archway, Hitomi shook her head clear as another blast of cold air raced through her armor all the way to her skin. Swallowing, she decided that no matter what lay at the end of it, this spiritual journey will bring more answers.

Squaring her shoulders, she lifted her booted foot and took a crunching step under the first archway.

Allen watched from the bright window as a blonde woman far below rallied in her squad of dagger trainees. He could just make out her long blond hair through the spikes of torches that lined the entire training area. She was obviously upset about some of their performances, but from what Allen could tell, they had drilled their maneuvers perfectly. He leaned further to catch what she was yelling.

"Just practicing the same old techniques isn't enough! You have to improvise. You carry a weapon that requires strategy, quick thinking and precise understanding of who you are fighting. If your enemy has a spear, learn to throw accurately or swerve past the reach of his weapon. Don't settle for full on dagger to sword combat. You'll die. Now is the time for improvising! I want to see some creativity here!"

Allen smiled. She sure was something.

"Yo, Allen! Just the blond I wanted to see!"

Allen groaned inwardly as the familiar voice echoed through the hall despite the open windows. Turning swiftly away from the window, the blond man quickly walked the opposite direction of the voice.

Maybe if I ignore him he'll go away.

No such luck.

"You are such a good walker, Allen. You just keep strolling along like I didn't say anything to you at all!" Gadeth laughed loudly. "Listen, I need you to come with me for something."

"No."

"Aw, come on. You don't even know what it-"

"I don't need to know."

"But what if it's really, really, really-"

"I said no!"

"-really, really, cool? You don't know, do you? Missed opportunities are the-"

"No means NO!"

"-cause of nightmares. Do you want bad dreams because you refused me?"

"That doesn't make sense."

Gadeth snorted. "Of course, it does! Just like if you tickle the hoe with a soil, and it will harvest a laugh!"

Allen stopped walking. "…I think you have that all backwards."

The green man shrugged. "Potato, tomato."

"Potato…? Whatever, never mind. Why do you want me to come with you, Gadeth?" Allen groaned. "I don't want any part of your schemes."

"There is no scheming about it! Trust me!"

"Trust you?" Allen scoffed. Catching the dark haired man's delighted eyes; he searched for truth behind his words. There was nothing there except excited mischief.

"Have I ever trusted any of your plans?"

Gadeth stopped as if to consider. "Actually, I don't think you have. Why is that? My plans are so brilliant!"

"Almost as brilliant as completely destroying Lord Van's first Royal Welcoming with feathers, or how about as brilliant as showing up nude for the Trimane Battle as a distraction plan?" Allen muttered.

"It'd totally work. Naked is not only the half of it! Trust me on this-"

"I already said I don't."

"Okay, so you don't have to trust me, but you need to come. Millerna will be so disappointed if you didn't."

"Lady Millerna?" Allen frowned with both curiously and skepticism. "What does she have to do with anything?"

"She has everything to do with it! It's for her that I'm asking you to come!"

Glancing back into Gadeth's dark eyes, Allen frowned wonderingly. "Why would she ask you to get me when she is training on the grounds?"

Gadeth's eyes widened in surprise. The surprise immediately vanished as soon as it appeared and was replaced by a sly smile. "How very perceptive of you, Schezar."

"She's kind of training right below us." The blond rolled his blue eyes. "It's not hard to figure out that she has no idea what you're doing. Which is pretty normal most of the time anyway. Give it up, Gadeth. You really have no talent for lying."

"Some say that's a good trait, you know." Gadeth's smile grew a bit. "And who said she wasn't a part of my plan?"

"Well, probably not consciously, anyway."

Allen shook his head and continued on his way, turning his back on the green man.

He had taken quite a few steps away before Allen heard the words that made his very skin grow cold with fear.

"DRY-DRY, INITIATE PLAN B!"

And the last he saw was the stone floor as darkness covered his eyes and mind.

The sounds of the forest seemed intensified as soon as she took the first step. Standing under the first archway, Hitomi heard the sharp cries of the wind, the singing waves of streaming air that gently pushed the leaves of the trees above her. The wind tugged at her feet, her arms, and her hair as if wishing her to enter further. Hitomi concentrated on her steps as she followed the encouraging windy presence.

An irritated hiss issued from the golden blade of her sword. She jumped in surprise at the sound.

Did my sword just hiss at me?

Hitomi's eyes widened. Rutilus?

No answer.

The river wasn't there. Not even a pressure on her mind.

Keeping her green eyes forward, she kept walking, allowing her other senses take over. The whispering airstreams parted between the tall intertwined cedars above her head. Hitomi let these be her guide as she concentrated on this new sensation. It was a feeling of utter cold oneness. Hitomi was herself, but not herself. She was with the chilled wind that pushed her along through the archways. She was the thoughts of the cool green grass below her feet and the thoughtful contemplations of the birds above her. A sense of complete understanding enveloped her as she felt the world connect to her every thought and feeling. They understood her as she understood them. Not knowing or caring what will happen, she swung her aggravated sword through the air. She heard it cut through the wind above her head like an axe through wood…

The wind… it sang to her.

Hitomi imagined herself dancing in the soft breeze, carried by the streams as if a leaf in the wind. The wind pulled her faster through the deep archways. A straight path into the unknown.

Placing the flat of the blade in front of her face, she put fingers against its smooth surface once more. Her power core opened easily in her chest and she blinked in surprise. The power was pleasant, like a welcomed friend. The vox didn't burn and rush out with fearful ferocity, but coursed through her with almost casual ease. It took it's time, carefully filling each crevice of her body with a delightful warmth. The sensation made goose flesh rise on her arms and the hairs on her neck stand up. She still felt the coldness of the world around her, yet her vox kept her warm.

Almost like it was keeping her safe.

Underneath her fingers, her sword began to vibrate slowly. The wind blew fiercely at her clothes, sucking her deeper and deeper within the archways. Her feet began to move faster, stumbling along the uneven ground of the forest. Taking her hand off the blade, the golden eyed girl ran with the wind, or maybe she was the wind.

One more archway…!

Within seconds of passing under the last archway, Hitomi's golden eyes closed against a painful shock of light. She could see nothing but shimmers of unpleasantly dazzling stars. The light against her face was mind numbingly blind. She staggered forward to her knees, panting.

Reaching out with her left hand, she blindingly tried to touch the twinkling stars. They were everywhere.

"What is this?" Hitomi cried out, closing her watering eyes. "Am I still in the forest?"

Swallowing, Hitomi stood shakily and slowly opened her eyes.

And what she saw took her breath away.

It was everywhere!

Water in its clearest brightest form.

The air held water! The sky held water! The world was nothing but shimmering pools of it! Water sang beautifully as it ran through the stems of plants. The trees practically danced with it.

It was all around her!

Smiling at the brilliant jewels around her, Hitomi easily led her golden vox trickle through her arms and out of her fingertips. The sparkling water droplets swirled closer to her. Letting the power past her right hand onto her sword, the weapon roared as the golden vox touched its shimmering blade. She held it up to the sky and a flash of electricity sparked off the end . Drawing on the water that surrounded her, she imagined all the water coming to her blade, building on it, lengthening it, strengthening it, solidifying all together…

The glittering stars slowly heeded her call. They moved as one through the air and connected with her blade. She breathed in deeply and opened her delighted golden eyes as a flash of watery wind danced with her hair and clothes. Lifting her sword into the sky, Hitomi almost laughed as the sword let off another electrical shock. The thunderclap was so deafening, she wondered if others back in Fanelia could hear her. Clouds had begun to form in the sky above, darkening with each passing moment. For a second, Hitomi felt a sense understanding. The wind, the plants, even the weather was another part of the energy she saw. Another thing water could control. Just a different branch.

But still connected.

As the water collected onto her weapon, she felt her vox rush out of her hand. The shimmering water droplets coagulated faster and faster. Her weapon's roar had slowly lowered into a tense whisper that spoke quietly in a language Hitomi didn't understand. The hilt – which was beginning to lengthen - burned lightly in her hand, but did not hurt her skin.

Suddenly, Hitomi felt the world grow completely silent around her. Everything stood still as if waiting. Looking around her in confusion, she had only enough time to gasp in fear before lightning from the sky struck her body.

"Where… where am I?" Allen muttered, his eyes swimming the blackness for light. It was there, but just on the top and bottom of his eyelids.

"Law's poop! He's awake!" he heard Gadeth curse out. "Quick, Dry-dry, lift the lever."

"This is completely irrational." Allen's head cleared a bit at the familiar drawling voice. "He won't make it across the tower."

"That's why I had you tie his arms and legs together. It's more cannonball that way."

"And you promise there is a landing spot?"

"Why would I ever think of doing this if there wasn't? Little Allen has always been a personal favorite of mine?"

Allen felt his heart clench in fear. He tried to open his eyes, but it was still dark. Blindfolded.

Realizing he was laying on his back, he noticed his knees were up to his chin. His left wrist was bound to his left foot as his right wrist was bound to the right. And both his feet were tied together.

He indeed looked like a cannonball.

"Wait!" He yelled out, blindly. He tried to wiggle onto his side, but walls on both sides were preventing him from doing so. "What am I in? What are you doing?"

"Something you will thank me for later!" Gadeth called out. His voice sounded like it was further behind him.

"Dryden!" Allen called in desperation. "Dryden, please! Whatever he is doing, make him stop!"

He listened as the brown haired man sighed. Dryden was standing close to his left side.

"I'm sorry, Allen. It was either you or me. I choose you."

"I'm not going to stand for this." Allen yelled. Reaching inside, he cracked his core at his chest and let the blue heat engulf his senses. Traveling the power to his tied hands, he felt his blue power snap weakly at his binds.

"Good luck, Schezar." Gadeth shouted. His voice was still behind him. "Those binds were made especially by me."

"W-wait, please!" Allen cried. His power burned his hands, but did nothing for his freedom. The binds seemed to drink his vox as it rushed through his arms. He couldn't even summon his sword like this.

"Don't do this!"

"You should have just gone with me peacefully, Allen."

"Release me! I'm warning you!"

"But you immediately said no."

"Dryden, stop him!"

Allen's breath was ragged as he listened for the two men. He heard nothing but silence. His senses were completely blinded. He wrestled vainly against his bonds once more and leaned his pale, sweating face on the wall next to him. Struggling to force the blindfold down by scraping his forehead against the wood, he managed only a fraction before he heard the words that made his heart stop.

"Countdown to launch."

Rubbing his head even more on the wall, he freed his right eye. The other was still completely covered.

Good enough.

Allen took all that was going on in a glance.

He was in some sort of wooden contraption that looked complex and dangerous. The part he laid in was a small bucket of some sort. He realized that he could reach the toes of his boot to the rim. His bonds were a sharp wire that had an eerie green glow. Racing his blue vox against the wire, he both saw and felt the blue snap at the binding and disappear like a vapor.

Dryden stood still at his left and was watching with brown eyes mixed in pity and relief. He lifted a corner of his mouth in a guilty lopsided smile and nodded at Allen.

"Three-"

Turning his head, tried to rise up and look past the edge of the bucket at the voice behind him. But to no avail.

"Two-"

His heart hammered painfully. "What is going on? Why are you counting?" He called hopelessly.

"One-"

And then the realization hit Allen like a slap in the face.

"I'M IN A CATAPULT!" He roared in panic and twisted even harder on his bonds. His blue vox flared dangerously, and he tried to cover the contraption with his power. His vox turned to vapor just like his binds.

He saw Dryden smirk and raise a hand to wave.

Allen's voice caught in his throat as the twanging sounds of ropes suddenly sounded behind him.

"LAUNCH!"

Her eyes were shut. Her brain was functioning. She was lying on her stomach with her arms and legs spread out like a starfish. She was breathing the sour smell of burnt grass. There was an uncomfortable sizzling sound that appeared to be coming from her clothes. Her head felt like it had cracked open. Her right hand was tightly clenched on a smooth, cool, pole. It felt like it was humming in her hand.

The thing in her hand whispered quietly. Opening her greenish eyes, Hitomi turned her sore head till she was able to look at the pole curiously.

Her long, shimmering weapon was no longer gold, but a smooth clear glass. It looked like crystallized air. As if the wind itself had turned solid.

And she no longer held a sword; however, but a...

"Trident." Hitomi whispered thickly, her eyes focusing on the spiky three prongs that branched off at the top. "It's a trident. I have a trident. I have a trident in my hand. Why do I have a trident in my hand?"

Wait. Why was she on the ground again?

The monstrous sound of thunder rang over her head.

Oh, yeah. I got hit by lightning.

Hitomi studied at her new weapon with a sense of confusion. Her skin felt alive against the glittering heat of the weapon.

"I have a trident." She said simply, flexing her hand on the smooth surface of the pole. "My sword transformed into a trident. I got struck by lightning and now I have a trident."

The trident whispered as if to answer her. Hitomi blinked and frowned.

"I don't understand you. You keep whispering to me, but you're going to have to speak up."

Suddenly, the realization of what just happened hit her.

Hitomi sat up quickly. The vertigo that hit almost made her swoon back on the ground. Breathing deeply to steady herself, she lifted the trident off the ground and studied the clear surface. The trident shivered in her palm. It whispered something quietly.

"Okay, okay, okay, okay, Hitomi, figure this out. There were archways. You went under them. You saw the world connected and all that spiritual mumbo-jumbo. Then you walked under the last one. The world turned to sparkles. You heard stuff. Saw more things connect. Figured out the sparkles were invisible drops of water that were everywhere. You then made the droplets join on your sword for some reason as it hissed at you angrily, and… then you got hit by lightning."

Shaking her head, Hitomi frowned and continued her mental checklist. "You've just now woken up, and somehow you are alive with a talking trident instead of a sword."

The trident whispered again. The words completely undecipherable.

"Look, weapon-thing, you are really going to have to speak up if you want me to hear you."

It glittered brightly at her. Hitomi didn't know what to make of it.

Pushing herself up shakily, the redhead tested her legs. She wobbled a bit, but seemed steady enough.

"Progress." Hitomi cheered weakly for herself, turning to face where she had come from. "Okay, now to go baaaa-"

She trailed off her sentence in shock. The ground around her was completely incinerated. The trees, which had danced with her before, stood as bare, burnt skeletons. Several branches were still on fire. There was a perfect circle of obliteration surrounded her. It was as if a fireball as big as a house landed right where she stood. The silence was deafening.

"No… no…" the green eyed girl breathed, her horror climbing. Tears of disbelief slowly trailed down her pale face. "I can't have done… what happened?"

Closing her crying eyes to block out the sight, she didn't see the flash of navy as Balgus transported beside her. There was complete silence around her. It was as if every sense was gone. The sounds she had once heard, the smells of cedar and foliage, the sensation of being tied to the entire world…Everything was burnt and gone.

"I thought I told you to summon your sword, not a trident."

"Balgus!" Hitomi yelped as more tears leaked out of her eyes. Turning to the old man, the redhead threw her arms around his thick body and sobbed. "I… look at this… I…did it!"

The old man stood with his arms inelegantly in the air moment. His face screwed itself into complete confusion and discomfort. Finally, he wrapped her small, trembling body in his huge arms and grumbled, "Watch out with the trident. You could have jabbed me, idiot. What are you blabbering about-"

"Look at what I did!" she howled into his thick leather armor.

Balgus glanced slowly around him and frowned. "And I'm supposed to be seeing…?"

"Look at it! It's all dead!" Her harsh sobs racked her body.

Breathing in a deep sigh, the old man lifted a large, calloused hand and awkwardly patted the top of her head.

"He-hey now…" he mumbled uncomfortably. "Just… calm down, will you? Nothing is dead."

"But it…" Hitomi blubbered thickly, lifting her head from his big chest to look at the trees. She gasped loudly at the sight of fresh green. The cedar trees swayed beautifully in the windy breeze. The tall grass grew around her feet and gracefully touched the bottom of her knees. Nothing had happened.

"Wh…wh…" She seemed unable to speak.

"See? Your precious trees are in perfect… tree… ness." He reassured awkwardly, his face displaying his discomfort.

"Everything was burnt! I swear!" Hitomi's wild green eyes zipped around the forest with disbelief. "It… it's all okay, though."

"Yep. Everything's okay."

"The trees are still here."

Balgus growled with irritation. "I think we have safely established the plants around us are just fine."

The green eyed girl blinked at his sudden temper. It almost seemed to wake her.

"Balgus, what are you even doing here? I thought it was important for me to be here alone."

The old man turned a light shade of red before training his small, scarred eyes on something on top of her head. "I-I came to check on you when I saw the storm clouds moving in over the arches. The storm brewed so suddenly that I thought it couldn't have been coincidence. And then that lightning struck and I…"

"Worried about me?" Hitomi asked in a hushed voice.

"If I had known you'd go all hallucinating, psychotic, and huggy on me, Kanzaki, I wouldn't have sent your scrawny butt in there in the first place." The old man roared, his face turning a dark purple.

Hitomi couldn't help it.

She snorted so hard it hurt her nose. The laughter shook her entire body.

"What?" the old man snarled in defense. "You think something's funny?"

"I think you are hilarious!" Hitomi giggled and wrapped her arms tighter around his waist.

"Stop that!" Balgus roared, his arms lifting once more into the air. With his elbows sticking uncomfortably in the air, he used his hands to try and pry her off.

"Get off of me, you stupid girl!"

"You'll have to transport away from me!" The green eyed girl smiled. "Can't do that while I'm hugging you, can you?"

Growling, Balgus slowly lowered his arms to his side. He was sulking under his breath. Hitomi caught the words, "hate clingy people," and giggled again.

It was as if time decided to move in slow motion. The world was suddenly just gone. And he was floating, flying high in the sky, like a tied up bird. He felt the wind push against him as he soared through the atmosphere like a blue streak of light. He actually heard the long strands of his blond hair whipping the sky. Every thought was gone. Every feeling was wiped away.

Allen's one eye just stared in blank shock as he watched his progress. He was more than halfway up the stone wall and still climbing. Vaguely, he reasoned that the more he went up, the more chance he had of not surviving this calamity that had befallen his misfortunate person.

And still he climbed. He was almost above the three towers. And headed straight for the middle one.

As if by some saving grace, the wind became much harsher closer to the towers. The wind pushed him more to the right as Allen opened his mouth to scream. He barely scraped by the middle tower.

The wind seemed to almost carry him as he leveled out his altitude.

The climbing had reached an end.

Before relief could even become an option, his stomach – which he had thought he had left somewhere on the ground – lurched in both panic and gravity as he began his deep descent.

Flapping his tied hands in vain, Allen shrieked as he began to spin uncontrollably. He saw the sky and ground mush together in a blurring whirl of green and blue. His hair completely covered his face and then fell flat on his back. He was rolling like a true cannonball down from the sky.

Allen knew he was looking at certain death.

Closing his blue eye in utter acceptance, Allen made a quick prayer to Law that Gadeth and Dryden would somehow pay for their crimes. Preferably by torture and violent catapulting into a rocky mountainside. He felt his heart settle for death, which he knew should be coming at any moment.

I hope Millerna has a happy life.

His breath caught in his stomach and fell somewhere near his feet. A fierce throbbing sickness filled his throat. His spinning, his tumbling, his fall – had suddenly stopped. An odd pain erupted from his neck, back, and legs. Allen's blond hair swung innocently back and forth on top of his head. Daring to open his eye, he saw the world upside down.

Which made him throw up.

"Al-Al-Al…" he heard a whimpering voice cry out.

He steadied his breathing and forced himself to open his eyes.

The world still blurred through the tears of his unfortunate flight, Allen felt a wave of sickness once more. He knew he was losing consciousness and was grateful for the darkness.

The last he saw was a flash of long, curly, blond hair.

"So… a trident?" Balgus inquired with a quirked eyebrow. He led her on the path out of the woods and rolled his eyes for the millionth time at her left hand which was clamped fiercely on his tunic.

"Yeah," Hitomi smiled. She looked at the new weapon again resting in her right palm with an odd feeling of satisfaction. It whispered quietly, either to itself or to her. She didn't care anymore.

"Care to share what happened in there?" The old man mumbled, obviously embarrassed for wondering.

"I don't know anymore." Hitomi muttered, shaking her red hair out of her eyes. "I was connected to everything, Balgus. I was everywhere and yet I was just me. I passed under the last arch and suddenly everything was all sparkly. I realized it was all water. Everything was water. It was everywhere. And it obeyed me too. I had control over everything around me. Then I got struck by lightning and-"

"WHAT?" Balgus roared stopping dead in his tracks. He turned to face her so violently that Hitomi actually let go of his tunic in surprise.

"I got struck by lightning." She said as if it was the most normal experience in the world.

The old man let out a gasping breath. "You-got-struck-"

Hitomi rolled her eyes. "By lightning, yes. I've already said that."

"No wonder you were hallucinating."

"Why," Hitomi frowned curiously. "Are many people hit by lightning?"

"Well, those that have kind of die, Kanzaki."

"So, you think it was a prophetic thing that I was struck and lived?"

Balgus was quiet for a moment. "Actually, I think it was probably a vision. Either that or dumb luck."

"Wow, I guess I just used up all my luck for the rest of my life then." The redhead whispered to herself. Shivers ran down her legs and arms.

"Okay, after the lightning, then what happened?"

"I woke up with a trident and everything was dead around me. The plants, the trees, even the dirt had turned into ash. All that I had been connected to… gone."

"That's… not very reassuring." The old man sighed. He slowly began to walk once more. Hitomi reached out and grabbed his tunic again. This time he didn't seem to care.

"What was that place, Balgus?"

"It is one of the most spiritual places in Fanelia. Those archways were said to have been made by the four elements before their passing. It is also written that Law himself blessed the ground for all those who possess vox magic. Every single individual that has been discovered to have a core will walk through those archways. It can unlock visions, power, even weapons. It seems to have done all three to you."

"I get a triple helping of spiritual weirdness. Go figure." Hitomi snorted a laugh.

Both Hitomi and Balgus tensed as the sky cracked with thunder. She felt the old man shiver slightly and speed up his pace.

"A storm is coming in fast. Your test will be soon. This is a bad sign."

The redhead blinked. She had completely forgotten about the test.

"What will I be expected to do at this test? I still don't know how to transport."

Balgus sighed, his beady eyes glancing up at the tumbling clouds. "Mind wave, shield control and swordplay. That is the basics that they are wanting. I would try to remember that connection that you felt. It will probably come in handy. I'm sure that it is some untapped power you haven't used yet."

Hitomi shot the old man a look of surprise. "Wait. What? Untapped? You mean,-"

Balgus' scarred eyebrows raised into a thoughtful expression. "You are not using your full strength. That connection you saw, the water everywhere. The fact that you were struck by lightning and didn't even get scratched is a sure sign."

"But you said it was a vision!"

"I said it 'could be a vision'. I don't know, Kanzaki. The more I think about it, the more I believe there is a huge power we have yet to uncover with you. Too bad you're so weak."

The green eyed girl smiled lightly.

"Yeah, too bad, huh?"

"Allen? Allen, can you hear me?" Millerna whispered quietly, brushing his blond hair out of his face.

She had used her purple glowing daggers to slice off his bonds. Though the bonds sucked up her vox magic, the razor sharp blades easily cut through. His wrists were red and scratched, but he looked otherwise unhurt. Gently untying the cruel blindfold, Millerna had gently wiped away the tears that had streaked down his face after he had been violently sick. Glancing with lavender infused eyes at the torch just above her head, she couldn't believe the type of luck this man had. The greenish wire that held his hands and feet together had somehow snagged itself on one of the pikes saving him from certain death. As he swung right above her completely unconscious, she could hardly stop herself from screaming in panic and rage. Thankfully, she had held her composure until several of the soldiers were able to get him down. She dismissed the training immediately and set one of the guards for a physician.

Though the physician said he was fine and needed rest. Millerna refused to have him moved into the castle until he woke up. So, his head lay in her lap, the rest of his body sprawled on the grassy lawn. He looked perfectly oblivious to the world.

Allen's skin was a gray tint, but he seemed to be better. She stroked his long hair with her gloved fingers, admiring how the strands caught the light perfectly.

"Gadeth will pay for this, Allen. I swear it." Millerna growled under her breath. "He will never hurt you like this again. I swear."

She waited a bit for him to respond. When he remained still, she continued in a low voice: "You seem so peaceful when you're unconscious. It's as if you weren't even shot 70 feet in the air." She couldn't help the small giggle that escaped her. "What an odd way to make an entrance. I mean, you were practically flying towards me. We train soldiers for any type of surprise attack, but I have to admit… I almost lost it there."

The blond girl gently brushed his closed eyes with a finger. "Stupid Gadeth. I know he could have killed you, but I think he probably had this all planned to an exact. He knew you'd land on the torch right above my head. And he knew…"

She felt his body stir a bit. Suddenly, he let out a low moan.

"Allen?" she called, putting her small hand on his cheek. "Are you okay?"

"Uuuuuggghhh…." Allen whispered.

"Just lay still. I've got you, okay?"

"Millerna?" he said weakly.

"Yes, yes, it's me."

"How did I…?" Allen's blue eyes opened slowly as if to adjust to the world.

"You were shot by one of Gadeth's catapults and got hung on a pike right above my head. I got you down, took off the wire that held your hands and feet, and had a physician look at you. You should be fine."

"But…" Allen looked completely lost. His blue eyes were a haze of confusion and bewilderment.

Millerna sighed and stopped stroking his hair. "Just rest, okay? I've got you."

"No don't…" he whispered, frowning slightly.

"No don't, what?" she whispered back, leaning a bit closer to his face. Her face blushed slightly and her heart sped up.

"Keep doing that. To my hair."

Millerna's blush grew as she smiled into his brilliantly blue eyes.

"Okay."

Dryden let a small smirk stretch across his mouth as he watched Millerna stroke Allen's hair affectionately. Placing his arms on the window sill, he leaned further down to try and catch what she was saying. Allen looked unconscious, but Millerna was speaking quite a bit. Snorting quietly, he had to hand it to Gadeth. He was the true definition of "meaningful madness".

He may be utterly insane, but he got results.

"Trust me." Gadeth always said those words. Maybe he was worth trusting after all.

"She seems to be happy."

Speak of the devil. Dryden thought, turning as his crazy friend joined him at the window sill.

"I was wondering where you skipped off to after the launch." The brown haired man stated lazily.

"No you weren't. You ran here as soon as Allen left the ground. You wanted to see if he was really going to survive."

"I have to admit the thought of him becoming a stain on the ground crossed my mind."

"Look how serene this is." Gadeth said with a sigh. "Holding his head in her lap, brushing his hair with her fingers. It's like a storybook."

Dryden raised an eyebrow at Gadeth. "I thought you had a bit of a thing for Millerna. You're okay with Allen having her?"

Gadeth smiled mischievously. "When did I ever say I had a crush on Millerna?"

"How about all those times you shot her with fruit? Or the time you made me sneak in her room to steal undergarments? Or the time you climbed that tree to watch her change and Allen caught you. He almost punched you for that one-"

"Irrelevant!" Gadeth announced, lifting his arms to stretch his back. "I always knew that she and our little Allie would be together. I shot her with fruit to make Schezar jump to her defense. I had you steal undergarments because women's underwear possesses the best elastic bands in the country. I made my best catapults out of those. And as for the peeping on her, you remember how he sat under her window for the next three weeks in order to guard her? She had no idea any of that happened."

Dryden blinked. Suddenly, everything made sense. "So, all this time… you didn't care about Millerna at all? You shot her with fruit to make Allen stop you from shooting fruit? You peeped on her so that Allen would be more protective of her? You launched Allen across the entire castle to make Millerna care for him and create a patient/nurse relationship? And to further their budding relationship, it would be fueled by their united goal: killing you?"

The green man grinned widely and draped a long arm around Dryden's shoulders. "You really do understand me. That's why you're my best friend, Dry-Dry."

"You're… you're…" Dryden was speechless.

"An insane genius. I know." Gadeth answered for him.

A moment passed where Dryden both admired and feared his odd friend. Then he suddenly remembered something.

"So, when you said you were going after the Pilot, that wasn't true? You're just trying to get Lord Van and Lady Hitomi together?"

A mysterious smile replaced Gadeth's brilliant grin as he focused his eyes down on Millerna. It looked as though Allen had finally come to his senses.

"Just trust me." He whispered through his smile.

The darkened sky casted an ominous temperament and filled the wind with a wailing howl. Clouds raged in massive forms over the angry atmosphere and growled thunder back and forth in fury. The green blades of grass danced in ripples under the brilliant sway of the trees. A song of frenzy wind bellowed in the swirl of the storm. The weather's aggravation increased tenfold and blew its terrible fuming cold at the walls of a large arena.

The Trial Cathedral – formed in a two hundred yard wide semi-circle – was formed out of massive cemented granite stones. Fused together with expert hands, the wind beat without avail on the fortress. However, the weather could teach a lesson on those inside of the circle.

The rumor of the pre-trial session – and where it was being held – had rung through the country like a bugle trumpet. The weather's drastic behavior only served to increase the citizens' delight and anticipation for the future of the country. Dust and sand flew in waves over the crowd of lucky spectators from the local houses of Fanelia's capital city, Escadallete. Despite the terrible conditions, many of the citizens – young and old – had filed into the huge structure; unable to stop themselves from viewing history in the making. Many used cloths to shield their faces from the wrath of the furious sky. Lightning roared from another infuriated cloud, the pressure to rain builting noisily in the background.

A long red tent with see-through fabric was placed on the front row of the spectator's stands. The covering had been quickly bolted to the stone ground for fear of blowing away with the crying wind. Though the terrible twists of airstream beat with exasperation on the tent, the ten people residing inside it hardly focused any attention on the flapping noise around them.

For their undivided concentration was focused on the figure standing before them.

A lone figure clad in tan leather armor was the only standing object in the storm. Feet spread apart with a steady grip, boiled leather gloved hands clenched themselves in determination. A simple helmet, smooth and almost shapeless, covered the figure's facial features from the audience. The thick tunic felt heavy and unneeded on the figure's small shoulders and arms. A tightly fastened belt around her waist glittered dangerously with the ever present lightning strikes. Little legs and thighs shook slightly with the weight of the amour and mental pressure. The sandy wind mercilessly whipped itself on the figure as if trying to cruelly rip this annoyance from its anchor. Another strike of lightning caused a loud scream to sound from the chilled crowd.

However, the figure still continued to stand tall and strong. Almost as if roots themselves had sprung from the figure's feet and dug a foundation into the sandy earth below.

The tan armored figure's gleaming eyes stayed trained on the crimson tent in front of her. The ten figures inside were hardly moving. From what she could see, a brightly green individual was stationed on the far right of the tent. Every other person was a shadowy murkiness in the mix of the billowing red curtain. She tried desperately to find a particular characteristic mop of messy dark hair, but blinked with resignation after several minutes.

He was there. She knew he had to be. This was all his idea to begin with.

"Hitomi Kanzaki of Praeter, Hospesland," A loud male voice cried over the storm. A crash of thunder sounded punctuated the sentence. Though the speaker came from the red tent, the agitated wind pushed his words all around the arena making his sentences hard to interpret.

Hitomi swallowed. This wasn't Van's voice. This was Modocca's.

The granule voice rose a little louder.

"You are here to-" Another crash of thunder. "-and portray your skills in the art of Mind Wave, sword technique and shielding. We are here to inspect your talents and deem you worthy to participate in the Trials or not."

The sky roared another bolt of lightning. Hitomi sucked in a breath as the crowd cried out once more in shock. From the sound of the horrible crash, the lightning was very close. Her heart scampered all through her chest.

"I am not afraid." She muttered to herself, straightening her posture a little more. "I have survived a lightning strike before. It will not hit me."

"You will begin- thunder- ready."

Swallowing down nervous bile, Hitomi lowered her head in understanding to the red tent. Raising her right hand slowly to the sky, she opened her core and let the hot golden vox run up her arm.

A flash of bright twinkling light hit her glittering, gold eyes as the world around her shimmered once more. The light, the water, was everywhere around her. She kept her right arm raised, but now she lifted her left as well. The sky cracked with power.

Her pink pendant glowed spectacularly against her armor.

"Come to me." Hitomi whispered to the twinkling lights. "Come to me now."

A swirl of water vapors immediately heard her call. Lightning roared horribly close now. But she was not afraid.

The lights moved quickly, surrounding her completely with their brilliance. She was in a circle of water. Completely incased.

Hearing thunder roar, she smiled through her helmet as her golden sword appeared in her right hand. A part of the circle of water began to close in on her left, forming a long pole: her clear trident.

She held the two weapons in the air, understanding the connection once more. The earth, the trees, the wind, she was one with it all. The lights of water vapor continued to gather around her, becoming incredibly denser. Letting her vox magic flow freely, Hitomi could see the darkened sky battle itself. Turning golden blade of her sword to face the ground, she stabbed the earth suddenly.

The lightning blast was so loud and vibrating, it shook the very core of the concrete structure. Her golden sword seemed to sing with power as the lightning danced along its hilt. Hitomi could still hear the screams of the audience as the thunder clap subsided. Feeling the energy of the lightning gathering inside her, she let go of the handle on her sword and placed both hands on the trident. The water circled her violently, gathering, solidifying, and almost lifting her off the ground.

With a laugh, Hitomi thrust the head of her trident into the air and made the water around her spin faster. She was in complete control, yet she had no idea how she was doing this.

The water was her will.

The lightning was her power.

She was the raging storm.

The water around her suddenly roared to the sky like a tunnel. It rushed to the heavens like a backwards waterfall with her completely dry in the middle. The clouds parted slightly to give way to the channeling stream. She breathed deeply and reached down to grab hold of her sword once more. Lifting it to join her trident, Hitomi smiled as she released the energy inside her core from the lightning. The electric light shot out the end of her sword to join the column of water in a swirling of dangerous beauty. It branched along the water streams, crackling violently. She remained in the middle of the battling vortex for several minutes. The waves of beautiful sparkles circled around her.

Her arms shook with the power. The golden vox raced terribly down her entire body and burned ferociously. Knowing the test was complete; Hitomi closed her eyes and allowed herself to relax. She mentally pushed the core down and slowly lowered her arms. As she did, the swirling tunnel of water began to retreat from the sky and fall back to the arena. The lightning subsided leisurely and the branches of electricity fizzled out bit by bit.

Sucking the golden vox back into the core in her chest, Hitomi lowered her weapons completely to her side and let the water rush down onto herself and the crowd. She saw the two flashes of light through her closed eyelids as her weapons disappeared from her hands. The clouds joined in the falling water by finally releasing a drizzling rain.

Opening her now golden tinted green eyes, the red head finally glanced around her. The crowd was completely silent. All of the figures in the rain drenched tent were moving around, either in anger or shock, she couldn't tell.

Suddenly, the tent parted and a familiar figure rushed out to meet her.

"Come with me. Your test is done." Balgus rumbled tensely as he grabbed her arm and forced her to move to the entrance area. As she left, Hitomi heard a small "WHOOO!" erupt from the crowd. It was followed by the screams and shouts of applause. She wanted to turn to wave, but Balgus had a deadlock on her arm.

"What's going on? Why are you pulling me out of there?" She called at him. He yanked her underneath the open portcullis and placed a thick hand on the wall. A barely outlined door opened as he pushed.

A secret passageway.

"In here!" Balgus roared as he shoved her through. He pulled a switch on the side of the wall which closed the door and utterly shut out the noise of cheering outside. A lit torch flickered close to their heads and remained the only source of light. The passageway traveled further, but Balgus stopped and pulled her to face him.

"Okay, I'm here. Can you talk to me now?" Hitomi asked angrily as she yanked off her helmet. She knew her hair was sticking out in every direction and she tried to calm it down with gloved fingers. Electric sparks snapped at her hands. The lightning might be gone, but she was still carrying plenty of static.

"How in Law's name was that display of horror Mind Waves, shielding, and swordplay?" He barked in her ear so loud, she wondered if he it was possible for him to be louder than thunder.

"I did what I felt like." She said simply.

"And what made you think that was a brilliant idea? You nearly blasted off half the arena!"

"Well, I…" Hitomi mumbled, feeling a bit faulty. "Perhaps I shouldn't have done that. I just wanted to make a splash."

"We thought we were going to die!" Balgus shouted.

"I did what I felt was necessary. I did exactly what that spiritual place showed me! I collected the water and controlled lightning! What use to me are swordplay, Mind Waves, and such when I have the entire weather in my control?"

"It was a display to show control, idiot! You looked like a time-bomb out there! You didn't need to unleash hell! You needed to prove that you are in complete control of your vox! The water and lightning was absolutely nightmarish! You created a twister!"

Hitomi was dumbstruck.

"I created what now?"

"You had an entire twister all around you! And the lightning! And the weapons! And-"

"Balgus," Hitomi couldn't help the smile. She placed her arms around the old man. "You were worried about me again, weren't you?"

"Stop doing that!" He shouted loudly and hugged her back fiercely. "You scared me so much! I thought you were going to die in all that water and lightning! The only reason I didn't rush out there sooner was because I had to hold Lord Van back from jumping out there to save you!"

Her green eyes opened wide as she registered what he had said.

"Wait," she said as she pushed the old man back a bit so she could see his eyes. "What did you say?"

"I didn't say anything!" Balgus grumbled not looking at her.

Hitomi felt her heart leap in her chest and her stomach gave an odd lurch.

"Where's Van? Can I see him?"

"No, he's probably leaving the arena to discuss your test in the Counsel Chamber. I'd wait till they give the verdict on you to talk to him. No doubt, he's going to be fighting really hard for your case."

"Once again, he's helping me." Hitomi shook her head. She felt like a failure.

"We may pull through this yet. Just let the king work. He'll figure something out."

A vision of Van the night before filled her mind. His tan arms wrapped around her waist in the candle light. His dark hair hanging good-naturedly in his bright mahogany eyes.

I will hug him as tight as possible the next time I see him, she promised herself.

"Let's head back to the castle and get you cleaned up." Balgus rumbled. He put a hand on the top of her head and the air cracked as the static jumped. "We have to make you presentable again. Your hair is going nuts."

"Since when do you care how I look?" Hitomi laughed at his reaction.

"Since you suddenly became a personal lightning rod! Do you think any sane man would want that for a wife?"

"Show me a sane man and I'll believe you." Hitomi countered.

Balgus remained quiet as he led the way out of the passage and back into the rain.

I really hope you enjoyed the chapter. I feel like it was extremely discriptive. But I needed it to be. Hitomi's got some new stuff happening to her and I can't just say, "There was lightning and it 'snap-crackled-and-popped'." I mean, I guess I could say that, but where's the fun imaging? I had to go to my local Barns And Noble in order to sumbit this because the internet is currently out at my house (curses, At&t... curses), so I'll try to reply to your reviews as soon as that comes back online.

I want to say a huge thank you again to everyone who has reviewed over this long period and told me they would wait for more. I seriously worked on this chapter for so long! It wasn't as easy to write as the last chapter (which was basically nothing but Van and Hitomi romance - the most easiest thing to write ever).

Stay tuned for more. Will Hitomi be okay after the Council meets? Will she hug Van and get stuck to him for days like Rutilus said? And what's happening in Zaibach as well as Hospesland? These will be answered (hopefully by next chapter). :)

Thanks again everyone for reading!

blue...