::looks at Nariya's quick exit and follows the lead of her elder sister:: We will make them pay Nariya....we will...::leaps into her guymelef and heads back to Zaibach::

The mission was all but lost. She was not at all interesting in fighting off two angry swordsmen.
"To the melefs!" Nariya cried. She leaped away from Eriya and made for the shelter of the trees. She went more slowly than she could have to draw the King towards her. Nariya gritted her teeth. If the stupid King came after her in the woods, she would show him just how much irritation he had caused her today.
We will not be foiled by the likes of them again, sister! We will make them pay for this!

Van felt a hot rush of anger go through him. "They're Zaibach soldiers!" he snarled. "We have to capture them." Allen's tone had been too calm. He didn't think Van had the skills to catch the cat-girls. Well, if Allen thought Van Fanel was just going to let the beasts get away with what they had done to Hitomi, he was dead wrong.
With a battle cry, Van ran forward, his brown eyes blazing.
You're not getting away from me!

He rode in just in time to see Van's hand close on the hilt of his sword.
"Van!" Allen called in warning. The young King's eyes were dark and full of anger. There was no telling what he would do. The cat girls had retreated with the appearance of himself and the Princess, but they were still a threat. Allen's eyes traveled to where Millerna sat with Hitomi's head on her lap. His heart lurched in his chest.
Allen slid off his horse and took a battle stance beside Van. He stepped close to Van, his eyes never leaving the two cat-girls.
"Van," he said, his voice low and quiet, "We have them now. There is no need to attack."

Ooow...... why does my head hurt? Groggily awakening from her near comatose state she searched her head and-OW!- a mellon sized lump. "I'm a cat girl! Why am i so damned ungracefull!?!" *glares resentfull at the branch that had been supporting her.* "First Van runs after stupid Hitomi - mumble mumble mumble - ACCIDENT PRONE! - mumble mumble mumble - and then I lose him... again." Shaking herself out of what resembled a drunken stupor, Merle attempted to stand. "OW!" *thud*
*glares resentfully at ankle*

Millerna held on tightly as Allen came bursting into a clearing. There she saw Van ready for battle, and Hitomi lying on the ground hear him. Millerna gazed warily at the two cat women, and back to Van. Her gaze lowered to Hitomi, where for the first time she noticed the nasty wound on the girl's shoulder. Forgetting about the dangers nearby, Millerna slid off the tall horse, and ran over to Hitomi. This is all my fault....Millerna's medical skills took over, while she ripped the hem of her skirt, crafting a small bandage for the girl's shoulder. Applying pressure to prevent excess bleeding, and resting Hitomi's head on her lap, Millerna suddenly realized there were still enemies nearby. Looking fearfully up at Van, and remembering Allen, she turned to the two brave men and mouthed the words "What should we do?"

Relief flooded through him. He tried to bring words to his lips but suddenly found that he could not. Her green eyes were large and soft and very, very close.
He fought the urge to wipe a tear from her eye. Her smile was faint with pain.
Hitomi...
Abruptly his eyes darkened. His hands slipped from her cheeks. Eyes burning with rage, Van turned and faced the two beast women. One hand reached out for his sword.

The breeze tugged her long hair, as she watched the figures in the clearing. Eries' eyes slowly looked over all of them, but her gaze was held longest on the young woman who had just been injured. As a figure to watch, she mentally took note of what would most likely be happening.

*This is a poor turn of events...* Eries thought sadly. Unfortunately, certain circumstances kept her from quickly stepping into the fray - mainly her lack of power here. *Politics has no place in this. I will continue to watch.*

The pain was damn near unbearable, but hearing Van's concern for her well-being made her feel much better. She could also hear an intense fear growing in his voice and this fear needed to be assuaged.

She placed her hand over his gloved one, "Van, I'm alright," she opened her eyes and looked up into his, "I'm glad you're alright...I was so scared...," she recalled the image of him lying in a pool of blood on the ground once more. But that didn't happen, and the relief brought fresh tears to her eyes.

"Van.." Hitomi smiled up at him.

Folken was walking through the halls of the floating fortress deep in thought.Where are Chesta and Dilandau? They should have been back by now. I need them to look for the power spot.
Folken looked up as he entered the conference room. The Duke of Asturia gazed up at him. “What news do you bring, Duke?”

“We know where Escaflowne is,” the duke said confidently.

Folken nodded at the news. “Good. You remember our agreement?”

“Yes Lord Folken,” he answered.

No!
"No Hitomi! Hitomi!" he cried. He was on top of her, his face close to hers. Her eyes were clenched shut in pain. With a rush of panic he saw blood begin to soak the pale fabric of her dress. "Hitomi! Open your eyes. Look at me!" She had to stay awake. She couldn't close her eyes and just--
"Hitomi!"
Without any thought he dropped his sword and brought both hands to her face. "Hitomi," he whispered.

::Shoots an irritated gaze at hitomi for deflecting what almost seemed like the end of Lord Van:: There's something strange about you, girl. ::To Nariya::I'm sorry I wasn't there for you sister::bows head down in shame:: But I promise...I WILL be a part of finishing what I start next time. I'm sorry I left this all on you. ::whispers very softly in her ear:: Come back to the fortress with me...Folken Sama has been going on about this "Enhanced Luck" alteration. If it's as potent as it sounds, there will be no way fate will let that girl intervene again....

Hitomi watched as Van staggared backward. Just as the catgirl began to move, an image of Van falling to the ground with a gaping chest wound flashed in Hitomi's mind.

No, I can't let that happen!

Before Hitomi knew it she had moved in between Van and the catgirl, shoving Van out of the way. She cried out in pain as the feline's dagger sliced into her shoulder. She and Van hit the ground and rolled over one another several times, before coming to rest a few feet away.

The princess held tightly onto Allen as trees whirred by. I hope Hitomi and Van are fine... Millerna winced at what Van might do to her. Probably a big lecture... I didn't mean to, honestly. Millerna noticed a pink light shining. "Allen... What is that?" If only I had my own horse, or he'd let me ride...

The King!
In a split second Nariya recalculated her spring. No time to kill the female. And maybe the armor wounldn't be able to destroy her if she was wrestling with its master. She didn't know, wasn't sure--
--But it was the only chance she had left.

She had no choice. I'm sorry Eriya!
In a flash she attacked. The King blocked her initial blow with his sword. He hadn't been expecting it but he wasn't defenseless. Well, she had been expecting that. She deflected his sword with her dagger and threw him off balance with a lighting-fast push. He stumbled back a step and she saw her chance.
I have you now!

Sweat was running down his back. God he hoped he was going in the right direction. Where the hell were those blasted cat-girls?
Van ground his teeth and forced himself to keep running. He wouldn't give up. Not while Hitomi was out there!
Suddenly he saw something. There! A pinkish light! Hitomi!
The light was just ahead. The surrounding forest was tinted with a pink glow. She must be in trouble! Without another thought he burst into the clearing.

"Hitomi!"

They were trapped. Trapped with the Dragon and the girl--who now was more of a threat than Nariya would ever have imagined. She watched her warily, and slowly began to circle her. If the armor would not let them leave, she would try to tamper with its power source. She slowly eased into a subtle crouch, watching the Dragon. She would have to be very careful. She did not know how it would respond to the death of its mistress.

I will not let you hurt Eriya or Lord Folken!

Allen frowned. The Princess was little help, but it was enough. He looked off in the direction Millerna had pointed. "I have a feeling that Van's rushing headlong into a dangerous situation. But wherever he's going, it will be after Hitomi."

Allen looked down at the slightly disheveled princess. "You must ride behind me, Princess. It would be unchivalrous of me to leave such a delicate flower out here in the wilderness." Allen extended a hand and swung her up behind him. "Hold on tight. I may need my hands for battle," he said. His eyes were already focused on the forest ahead.

Hold on, Hitomi. I'm coming!

The princess dusted her hands off, and looked up at the Caelie knight. "Hitomi's been taken by those cat twins..." The princess recalled her blunder and looked down guiltily. "Van... I was running after him, but I lost him. I think he's heading that way" continued the princess, pointing vaguely behind her. She winced slightly at Allen's expression, and got up. I didn't mean to do anything. I tried to apologize, and what do I get? Allen pissed off The young princess sighed, and tucked a strand of hair behind her ear.

Hitomi looked back at the catgirl. Just then the same voice as before invaded her mind. When Nariya and Eriya tried to to move, they were stopped abruptly by the fall of a gigantic sword. It split the ground in front of them blocking their path.

Hitomi turned to Nariya and repeated the message just received, "It says, 'We're not going anywhere.'"

[OOC: Been making sure that I still have a place to host these images. Got it all sorted out now.]

"Princess, what are you doing out here? This is no place for a lady." Allen quickly sheathed his sword and asked brusquely, "Where are Hitomi and Van?"

*Notices some strange blue light coming down onto the forest* WTH is that? Some sort of new weapon?? *Stops his razing of the small town and turns flight mode on* I've got to see this! Maybe they can put one of those things on my Oreades. *Grins happily at the thought of such a destructive weapon and flies high over the forest searching for where he last saw the light*

[OOC: *Appears from the depths of darkness* Oh! Umm.. I've been rearranging stuff in my new rooms. *Points and laughs at the Allen avatar* He has a big head. *Vanishes back into the depths*]

The young princess whirled around to see a dark figure on horseback. Releasing a scream, the princess fell. After recovering, and squinting up at the dark figure, she realized it was Allen. "Oh...Allen..." The princess bit her lip nervously, dumbly staring up at him.

OOC: HellOOOOoooOOOooo?

The Dragon wasn't moving! Was it waiting for something? Of course--the King. He would be here any moment.

Nariya hissed at her sister, "Run for the melefs! One of us has to get out of here and warn Lorn Folken!"

Without another word, Nariya whirled on the girl. Her eyes flashed. She snarled, "You're coming with me!"

OOC: Hellooooooooo.....anybody ALIVE???

He galloped hard into the forest. Branches whipped his face as the night rushed by. It was too dark for tracking--all he could do was race to where the light had been. The forest was dense and black. All he could hope for was to come close enough to Van or Hitomi to see or hear them. He wondered with some annoyance what they were doing out here in the first place. Van should know better--no. Allen urged his chestnut stallion to greater speed. Van was the heir to a burned kingdom and a legacy of grief. It was not Allen's right to judge him.

Still, the kid needed some lessons. Lessons which Allen would be more than happy to provide...

Suddenly he saw a flash of something in the trees ahead. He drew his sword, burst out into the open and saw--

"Princess Millerna?!"

How could this be?

It couldn't be real!

Nariya leaped to her sister, who had dropped the girl when the beam of light had pierced the sky. Together they stared up at the thing which had appeared out of the sky. The pink light of the energist was echoed in the girl's pendant. It was her! It was the King's mate who had called this down upon them! Eyes narrow and hard, Nariya stepped between her sister and the thing the girl had summoned.

It was the Ispano guymelef Escaflowne.

The Dragon!

The young princess slowly slowed down, and wandered through the forest barefoot. Fear struck up through her, and she now regretted trying to chase Van. I should have waited till he got back to apologize..., she thought. The sound of the night was eerily quiet, and she saw a pillar of bright light. She was about to head to the light when she heard something.... What was it?? "Van....? Hitomi....? Allen....? Merle.....? Is-is that you?" The princess wrung her hands nervously and stood still and listened.

A flash of light. Allen whirled in the direction of it. He stopped dead, his blue eyes wide.

A pillar of light.

It came to him like a punch in the stomach. It was Hitomi. Hitomi was in trouble. Suddenly there was the sound of hoofbeats. A messenger was riding hard to the castle, disheveled and wild eyed. The man was taken in by the guards, gasping about an attack by a guymelef. Allen's eyes narrowed. Zaibach.

Allen's mind was one of a Knight. He knew that something was very wrong here in Asturia, but that it was only the tip of the iceberg. Allen gritted his teeth. He knew that wherever Hitomi was, Van couldn't be far behind.

He had to get to them first. The pillar had revealed their location and it was only a matter of time before they were found. But how...? Allen's eyes suddenly fell on the stables. He didn't hesitate.

Something jolted through him. Van jerked to a stop. What was...?

A pillar of blinding light seared the night sky. He stared at it for a split second in shock. The pillar struck the forest less than a mile ahead of him. "Escaflowne!" he cried. "Hitomi!" He took off like a shot. If they had hurt her...there would be hell to pay!

"You summoned me Lord Folken," Chesta said quietly upon entering the room. "

“Yes,I want you to go fetch Dilandau and bring him back here immediately. Before he ruins our plans,” he said calmly.

"Right away Lord Folken," Chesta replied as he turned to open the door.

“Make sure you keep yourself cloaked, and try not to destroy everything while you’re at it,” he added as Chesta was leaving the room.

Hitomi was drifting in and out of consciousness, only vaguely aware of her surroundings. There was something pulling at the edge of her mind, whether it was an impulse or a thought she could not be certain. As the moments passed the sensation grew stronger until it took shape as a voice in her mind.

Call me.. it said.

Call you? I don't understand...Who are you? She asked.

The pendant...focus.. it responded.

Hitomi was no closer to finding her answer, but did as she was instructed. She took the pendant in her hands and began to focus her mind, fighting the sleep relentlessly trying to claim her. The pendant began to emit a pinkish light that grew stronger and stronger.

What's going on? Her thoughts were interrupted by a shriek. Hitomi opened her eyes and looked up in the direction of the scream. Her eyes widened at what hovered in the air before her.

"Escaflowne!" she cried.

He was looking for Hitomi when he realized two things: that Van and his entire entourage was missing, and that the Duke of Asturia had noticed that fact far too quickly. Allen was a gentleman, he understood the rules of the court--and he also understood that the Duke would not immediately have noticed Van's absence if he hadn't been watching for him. Allen smiled pleasantly at the party guests and smoothly cut through them to the exit. Someone was going to have to find Van before the Duke's men did. His fingertips brushed the hilt of his sword.

And that someone was going to be Allen Schezar.

*Lands with a loud "crash" onto a two-story building and proceeds to burn the other buildings to ashes* BURN!! Weak insignificant fools!! HAHAHAHAHAhahahaha!!!!!!! *Forms a large scythe with one of the guymelef's arms and slashes a building in half, sending its shrapnel and debris into the side of another building*

They sped through the trees, leaping from branch to branch, leaving no trail behind them. Nariya was beginning to strain under the effort of holding the girl. She put her discomfort behind her and went on, putting space between them and their pursuers. Ahead of her, Eriya stopped and waited. Nariya smiled and passed off the girl. "Lord Folken will be very pleased. This female obviously means much to the King." Her sister smiled back at her in the darkness. Nariya didn't need to be a mind reader to know what she was thinking. Lord Folken... "Come on, we have to get to the 'melefs--" Suddenly both cat-girl's eyes shot skyward. A guymelef flew overhead. Nariya hissed,"That's Dilandau's unit!"

OOC: Will someone please go to the messageboard? Some clarification on what town this is might be necessary soon...And oooh! I got an Allen to sign up!

The young Asturian princess ran as fast as she could after the young king. She stopped for a moment and took off her heels and continued sprinting after him. "Van! VAN! She kept running, while huffing and puffing... Exasperatedly, she threw her shoes behind her. She thought to herself, I'll get new ones later... Oh, I hope Hitomi's alright... I don't think Van's too happy... The princess made an infuriated noise, and kept tailing the Fanelian king.

Hitomi watched as the ground bounded to and from her. A strange feeling was overtaking her. A desire to sleep, to forget what was happening. "Va-!" she tried to call out his name, but in vain. The night slipped away from her.

"Hitomi! HITOMI!" he cried. The cat-girls leaped away and disappeared into the night. Van sprinted into the forest, his brown eyes burning with anger. How the beasts had subdued Hitomi was beyond him, but he didn't have time to think about it now. Later, when Hitomi was back at his side, he'd think about it. Later he'd also have some unpleasant words with the airhead princess. But not now. "HITOMI!" he yelled again. Give me some direction, let me know where you are. Give me a target, they'll outrun me all too soon. Just give me some sign that you're alright!

*Flying overhead a small remote town near a large mountain. Flips his telescope thingy down and looks around at the towns inhabitants* Hmm.. *Grins evilly at the poorly constructed buildings and the sparse military defense applied* This looks like a nice spot to set ablaze! I doubt they'll be able to get any aid from their neighboring towns on the other side of the mountain! *Cackles insanely as he plummets down to the unsuspecting town*

*watches the cat woman pull Hitomi away. instinctively reaches her hand out for her, but it's too late...* oh dear... van! i'm so sorry! *not sure what to do, slightly nervous* we've got to get her back...

For one moment Nariya locked gazes with the King's female. Green eyes stared back into hers. There was something about this girl. Something she couldn't place... In an instant she had leaped back into the shadows--out of the path of the King's sword. Nariya met her sister's gaze and gave her a feral smile. "Mate or not, Lord Folken will love to know what she's doing in the company of his dear brother."

At the sound of Millerna's voice Van shot an instinctive glance behind him. Simultaneously there was an explosion of movement in front of him. There was a flash of gold and suddenly the gold beast woman was standing between him and Hitomi. "Hitomi!"

*giggles and runs away from allen flirteously. runs out side and sees van, hitomi, merle, and two cat women. approaches van's side cautiously, but keeps her distance at the same time* Uh....Van? Hitomi? Merle?

Hitomi moved away from Van slightly, "I don't know what you mean. Van, be careful, who knows what they are up to." OOC: We have another character on the way soon, guys, don't fret :p.

A figure materialized out of the shadows behind Eriya. Nariya smiled and stepped soundlessly up next to her sister, her golden fur shining in the moonlight. She drew out her daggers and twirled them. "We don't want to intrude, Fanalian King, my dear sister and I are merely the messengers of Lord Folken." Her feral eyes found Hitomi and her smile widened. "And who is this?" She raised an eyebrow. "Your mate?" OOC: Nope, everyone *is* dead. ^^ It's a graveyard out here.

*Walks down the dimly lite hallway of the Zaibach flying fortress, Vione, and enters the large hanger for his and his Dragon Slayers' guymelefs* Hmm.. I think I'll go out for a while and find some town to destroy. I don't think Folken will notice me gone since its soo quiet around here. *Walks along the railing to his guymelef, Oreades, and seats himself in the cockpit. Opens up the hanger and flies out.*

OOC: *Knocks* Anyone alive? o_o

In one movement Van pushed Merle and Hitomi behind him and drew out his sword. He took a step toward the beast woman and snapped, "What do you want?"

::slinks out into the light as if out of nowhere:: Exactly. It's too dangerous indeed ::evil giggle::

Van pulled Hitomi back towards the castle, with Merle in tow. He moved them hurredly to the shadow of a large tree and then turned on them, his brown eyes dark. "You two shouldn't be leaving the palace!" He snapped. "It's too dangerous out here for you."

*Slumps comfortly into the large recliner in his room and looks at his surroundings* Hmm.. WTH did that come from? *Spots a fish tank on a table near the far end of a wall. Walks over to it and studies the plant/animal life* I don't remember this being here. -_-# Probably one of my DragonSlayers did this. *Frowns at the thought. Moments pass as he watches the little fishies for a while.* >_<## There's nothing to do here!!! Where's all the wars and the destruction?! *Kicks the door to his room open and walks out angrily*

Hitomi sighed with relief and Van immediately sheathed his sword. "Sorry, Merle, we didn't know it was you," said Hitomi. "You shouldn't be out here, Merle, it's not safe, there are Zaibach soldiers everywhere," Van said looking around. "Van's right. We should get back to the palace as soon as possible. Come on," said Hitomi taking Van's arm.

A sword? Pointed at.. me? Moi? Watashiii? ;_; How could you, Van-sama?! How could you! *Seeks refuge behind Hitomi-chan* At least Hitomi is nice to me. Maybe it's just a girl thing. *peers* Nee, Hitomi? What's going on here?

I never intended to stay. I was just passing through. ::Runs off::

*Glares* I'll throw my daggers anywhere I want, beast. Get out of my chambers already or I'll make sure the daggers hit their intended target. *Pulls out a few more daggers*

Hitomi and Van walked back through the darkened hall back to the dining room. But as they were walking Van stopped short behind her,"There's something here, I can hear it," he said and drew his sword. Hitomi moved close to him, peering in the blackness and straining her ears. Just then Van saw something move, "Stop right there!" He pointed his sword at the shadow. "Van, it's Merle!" Hitomi cried.