Sunday, July 27, 2003

His lips on her neck made her skin rise with gooseflesh. Her heart had slowed and settled in a heavy rhythm. Sounds from the outside that drifted into the building fell silent. She could no longer hear the voices of people or the sounds of the marketplace. Her steady breath and her heartbeat had filled her ears.
Her back arched upward, wanting eagerly to meet his touch. She could feel his hand at the base of her shirt and she wished with all her might for him to move his hand just a few more inches. He kissed her again and then her impatience grew intolerable. She gently took his hand and began to slide it upward. She moaned softly into his mouth when she closed his fingers over their destination.

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Sunday, July 27, 2003

In. Out. In. Out.

Her breathing was laboured as she did her best to keep up with the sergeant. All noise was muffled out and it was as if she was underwater, the faint shouts of men triumphant and dying echoing inside her head. The truth of her situation began to sink in and Millerna tightened her grip on Gaddes� hand. She no longer had the protection of her father anymore, she had nothing except the Crusade now. Wanted dead or alive. Gulping, and biting her bottom lip sharply as if to wake herself from this nightmare, Millerna crashed into the solid structure of Gaddes� back as they arrived to the bridge.

No... she groaned mentally. Too fast, it was coming too fast...

Flashes of clothing and Asturian armour whirred across her vision, and she looked around numbly, lost and unsure of what to do.

�Gaddes.... I...� she began hoarsely, widening her eyes to prevent the tears of sheer fear from pooling at the bottom of her violet eyes. �I don�t...�
�Stay close,� Gaddes nodded reassuringly, and for Millerna that was enough. He wrapped a secure hand around the middle of her torso and pressed her against him as he withdrew his sword with his free hand.
�Watch my back will you?� he added, mainly to keep her from thinking too much about the danger of their situation. Too bad she had already had enough time to be mortally terrified. She nodded silently, and as the stony eyes of a soldier skated from Gaddes to the princess, the Asturian withdrew his sword as Gaddes raised his.
CLASH.
The sound was like someone trying to grate a piece of metal, and Millerna winced at the sharpness. The blades sung in the air as the men parried and dodged, each hit predatory and hard. Millerna poked her head up slightly to peek over Gaddes� shoulder, each hit sending a sharp electrical shock against her skin as she slowly retreated and buried her face back into the sergeant's shoulder.

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Saturday, July 26, 2003

Fharr smiled, the expression completely lacking any trace of emotion. "As you wish," he replied in his new master's voice. He stood and regarded the man-creature with calm grey eyes. Formed a link to my mind, have you? Formed a possibly mortal link? We shall see.
He cast a glance at the ship yard. "My mode of transport departs. My terms are simple." He passed back into his normal form, holding the creature's eyes. "When the mission is completed, you grant me transport far from here, at a place of my choice. And," her violet eyes were unreadable, "I want you to tell me your true name. Not your use-name. Your true one. Then I shall make my way to the airships. Do we have an agreement?" You foul, unnatural creature...who puts me back beneath Zaibach's blade. One day, I shall have my revenge on you. Tsien...stay far away from here. This creature's wrath will be terrible when he realizes his companions are slain. Be wary, Tsien.
Be safe.

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Friday, July 25, 2003

He felt her lips push against his with a hunger that made his heart race. A slow flush of heat made his skin tingle and sent tiny shivers up his spine. He pushed her to the ground, his fingers gently twisting in her hair, his tongue sliding into her mouth as he deepened the kiss. The sheer sensation of having her body beneath him awoke something in his he hadn't known was there.
He felt the wall of Dragonslayer armor between them, like a hard shell. Impassable. Cold. But he could feel the heat within him, burning from the inside. And he could feel an answering warmth in her lips, the soft planes of her face.
Hitomi...
He withdrew slightly and opened his eyes. She was flushed, her cheeks just touched with colour. He thought he had never seen anything more beautiful.
Looking steadily into the depths of her emerald eyes, his fingers touched the clasps of the armor. His breath was coming faster. Just looking down at her was painful...he wanted to kiss her again, and harder.
"Hitomi..." he breathed.
Almost against his will, his fingers moved, and the clasps fell open. He wanted to tear it off, break it open, but he slid it gently away. He kissed her again, tasted her, felt her skin beneath his fingertips, and then moved his lips to her throat.

--TV Van would have died of massive nasal hemorrhaging at least two minutes ago. XD XD

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Friday, July 25, 2003

"You begin immediately," replied Escaflowne, "You're first task is to investigate Dornkirk's Stratego. I want to know what he knows and of any clever toys he's creating to get in my way. I shall check up on you at regular intervals concerning your progress. Oh and just a word to the wise..." The man-melef's eyes narrowed dangerously, "I have forged a permanent link into your mind, if you dare deceive me, I shall know immediately. And you will pay for that deception with your life. Unless you want to discover the true meaning of pain and suffering, don't cross me, my dear," Escaflowne stood, "Now, I shall await your valuable information."

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Friday, July 18, 2003

He's...never kissed me like this before...
His touch lit a fire in the pit of her stomach and her cheeks flushed with heat.
Van..
Hitomi's heart thrummed wildly as she felt the gentle pressure of his hands on her shoulders easing her backward. I know...she thought tenderly, I want that too... A sliver of disappointment stabbed though her as the pressure ceased. Her lips pressed against his with greater fervor, encouraging him to renew his efforts. She parted his lips with hers and deepened the kiss further as his hand caressed her hair...
You tell me I'm not a coward, but you're wrong. I am a coward because I want to forget everything. I don't want to think about our destiny. Right now I want to forget. Please, Van, help me forget...just for a little while...

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Friday, July 18, 2003

Van went to his knees. He couldn't stand the sight of her tears. His fingers found her face and cupped it. Her green eyes, luminous with tears, looked into his. Van drew a breath, his fingers gently stroked her cheek. "You're not a coward..." he said, his voice low and quiet. The words came out of him without thought because he knew them to be true. "...you never will be. It's just not in you." They were closer now, and his voice slowly faded to a whisper. Hitomi... "You're..." Words failed him. He kissed her. He tasted the salt of her tears. He brushed them away from her cheeks with gentle fingers.
Suddenly the weary hardships of the day seemed distant, and he found solace in the safe solidity of her shoulders and her lips. Hitomi...only you...
Then he was kissing her harder, his mouth insistent and hungry. The thought of almost losing her burned at the corner of his mind. Yet here she was, safe and warm beneath his hands. Hitomi...
He wanted to push her back and down upon the floor. He had already unconsciously begun to do so, but then he hesitated.
What am I...?
Then he felt her lips pressing upon his, and the thought was shoved away. His hand came up and tangled itself in her short hair.

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Thursday, July 17, 2003

Hitomi sank to her knees before the youth and embraced him, burying her face in the fabric of his uniform. They were spared for now, but this relief was greatly overshadowed by a renewed remorse.
"Van!" she cried choking on her sobs, "I-I'm so sorry!"
She raised her head and looked into his eyes, "I'm so sorry I ran away! I was just-oh it's so stupid..." she gulped in breaths of air in an effort to compose herself. After a few moments her calm returned. She leaned her head against him once more and said softly, "I hate watching you fight... I hate living with the fear that something will happen to you. This may sound crazy, but all I want to do is run away. I want to forget about what we're supposed to do. If only we could hide where no one could find us..." She looked back up at him, "Guess that sounds pretty cowardly." Hitomi felt another wave of emotion threaten to overtake her. Her green eyes once more filled with tears, "Kiss me, Van.."
I can't stand the thought of you leaving me...I just can't...

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Tuesday, July 15, 2003

Everything seemed to be happening in slow motion. The creature moved, a swift blur. NOT HITOMI!
Van didn't block the move--a suprise tactic that he prayed would buy him a moment he needed to disable the creature. The knife streaked in, going for him, and Van was suddenly absolutely sure that it was not going to miss. He had expected the thing's reaction, and gauged his own false misstep, but it was so damn fast.
His sudden change in motion barely seemed to faze it. He threw himself to the side. His eyes were focused on the opening in the creature's defense, the overconfident hole that a deathblow brings, and his own silver blade dove up towards the creature's unprotected shoulder.
Gods!
The knife unerringly passed somewhere near his shoulder and his jaw--if he was dead he didn't feel it yet--as his sword drove into the creature's flesh. The thing's face lengthened and its achingly familiar emerald eyes went wide in utter surprise. Then it fell back, and Van went down on his shoulder, rolling, and stood again, a snarl on his face.
Kill it. Kill it before it can return to its master.
The thing was already on its feet, blood beginning to run down its shoulder, the sight of the blood on 'Hitomi' putting knives in his heart.
Van set his jaw and moved in.

Abruptly, through the veil of battle he heard voices shouting. The creature heard it too, its eyes flickering to the back of the alley. In an explosion of movement it leapt to a second story window and then to the rooftop and out of sight.
The fighter's instinct in him told him to get Hitomi and get out of sight. There were mercenaries and blackmarket scum looking for them, and at close scrutiny, these uniforms would do little.
"Come on!" He grabbed her hand and scurried down another little alley, looking for doors. The voices were close.
Van shoved his way into an old looking building and shut the door.
Whatever energy had carried him here suddenly burnt out, and left behind only ashes. He fought the urge to drop where he stood. He turned and faced Hitomi, wanting with all his soul to just hold her. The relief he felt when he saw her was like weight being lifted from his shoulders.Hitomi...
"Hitomi...thank the gods..."

That was too close...I could feel it...But how close?How close was it really?
As he moved towards her to take her in his arms, his hand unconsciously brushed the side of his throat. His fingers came away bloody.

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Tuesday, July 15, 2003

Folken walked silently down the darkened corridors. His destination was the sorcerers experiment room, but that was far from where his thoughts lay on this night.
His maroon eyes were more solemn than usual, but only two souls would know him well enough to note this change, and they were not present.
Nariya. Eriya.
He did not doubt that their mission had been a success. The twins were the best at what they did, even in comparison to Dilandau's Dragonslayers.
The vision of a familiar castle burning crawled into his thoughts like a spider.
Van.
His brother did not see the vision that lay within Zaibach's reach. THe vision of a world without pain, without war.
His false hand twitched, an odd reflex in an appendage which had no nerves.
It was beginning. There was no way to stop it. He would have to make Van see that.
...And Yukari?
So too, would she see what was necessary for peace to be attained.
A messanger from Dornkirk had briefed him on some new and disturbing details. Escaflowne had somehow become...a man. His family's...no, Van's protector and weapon had somehow gone far beyond Dorkirk's visions and become human formed.
It was not prophesized. It was not right. Folken entered the sorcerer's room with dark thoughts stirring in his blood.
He did not come out for a full day.

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Tuesday, July 15, 2003

The brush of his mind against hers was a warning, an unseen threat.
Fharr smiled, her lips sliding back from her teeth in what could have been a silent hiss. Her violet gaze was almost reptillian. "Then you already know what my answer is."
Before he could utter a word she said with sudden venom, "My oath to Dornkirk is barely worth the breath I spent on it--"
He underestimated me. As you have. And one day you will pay the price."--for I promise my loyalty only to those I find worthy."
She kept her gaze trained on his, her face now smooth and calm. Her gaze was appraising and utterly impassive.
This is a dangerous game... one which establishes the relationsip of slave to master...
It almost made her lips draw back from her teeth.
Tsien...kill them, kill them and be done with this. This man would seek to put us back beneath Dorkirk's blade.
A black fury rose in her at the thought. She quelled it, slammed it back, and for one intangible moment she felt the edge of the man-creature's power--a slippery mass of energy, curling around her. Instinctively as scratching an insect bite, her mind shoved at it.
His eyes flickered ever so slightly. He had felt that. Suddenly the power pressed in stronger.
Fharr's's jaw snapped shut, her eyes became slits. Almost instantly the power began to force its way past her ill constructed barriers and into her mind. Through the pressure, she locked eyes with him in challenge.
Her flesh rippled.
He glared back at the creature with the same hard, disdainful expression it now wore. Then he smiled the smile of a cocky playboy.
"So," He said, his voice slightly tight with strain, "when do I begin?"

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Monday, July 14, 2003

Van!
Hitomi looked on in horror at her malicious reflection. The sight of it enraged her. How dare that monster use my face to torment Van. She felt a strong pang of remorse stab through her as she watched Van's sword clash with the imposter's, It's all my fault. If I hadn't been duped so easily he wouldn't be in this danger now...
Hitomi gasped silently as Van was thrown backward. The imposter laughed mockingly at the youth. The sound of her own voice in her ears was deafening. To hear her voice be twisted into something grotesque and evil hammered away at her control.
Kill it...kill it..
Then the youth lunged forward towards the attacker. Hitomi's hands flew to the side of her face as she squeezed her eyes shut, the sound of the laughter rang in her ears, Kill it, Van....KILL IT!

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Monday, July 14, 2003

Escaflowne's smile faded slightly, "I'm glad you've decided to see reason. My request is rather significant, but for this effort I assure you, you shall be rewarded handsomely. I need someone to keep me abreast of Dornkirk's plans; the movements of his army and the like. A doppelganger would serve as a talented spy would be able to collect very valuable information on his movements. In return, I shall gladly negotiate your reward. Though I regret to inform you, only one kind of answer from you will produce positive results," His eyes narrowed dangerously, "and I'm sure you'd want to choose the most favorable answer for your situation.." Escaflowne gently prodded the outer edges of her consciousness as his smile darkened, "I would hate to see you harmed in any way..."

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Saturday, July 12, 2003

She didn�t move, staring into the man-creature�s eyes, her own gaze utterly impassive. He was confident, kneeling in front of her, vulnerable. He must have good reason for such cockiness. As slowly as she could she straightened herself and met the creature�s gaze squarely. Her eyes, in their natural state, were violet, and as unfeeling as a snake�s. Her nerves were tingling, every inch of her aware of the creature in front of her. She could feel the dark current of anger and fear running deep in her bones.
He went into my mind.
The force of the violation had sent her reeling, and now she mentally closed in around herself, curled inwards, setting up defences.
He was powerful. And she now lay within that power. For that alone, she would have his blood.
Fharr cocked her head slightly and let her gaze become less cool.
Worthy of your offer, am I? We shall see.
�I�m listening.�

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Thursday, July 10, 2003

Good girl. Very good. You couldn't have made things easier for me... He changed his expression to one of mock relief, "I'm glad you're alright," he took a small step toward the girl, "You really had me worried," Escaflowne lifted the hood of his cloak off his face and gazed intently into her eyes, his voice low and husky, "If anything every happened to you...I don't know what I'd do..."
He allowed his desire to show threw his face and took another small step toward her. While she's distracted with that, she may not notice...this.. Escaflowne shifted his area of focus towards his prey, softly prodding at the edges of her mind. Her heart is accelerating. Just one more nudge and...
He closed his eyes, redoubling his efforts and pushed his mind into hers. He thought he heard her utter a gasp. Escaflowne slowly opened his eyes and smiled. The vision of Hitomi had vanished and the creature's true form had taken its place. The doppelganger was slumped on the ground looking up. Her expression was one of shock and dismay.
Escaflowne approached her, his smile never leaving his face, "Well I thought it was time we stopped pretending my dear Fharr. Oh don't look so surprised, I know everything about you. You see, it's quite easy for me to establish a connection with the mind of a doppelganger once I get passed his--or--her defenses," he regarded her with a slight ruefulness, "I must admit, you proved more of a challenge to me than I expected, not many doppelgangers have such focused minds as you," Escaflowne knelt before her and gave her a playfully suggestive smile, "You're a very talented young woman, worthy to be made an offer you couldn't possibly refuse..."

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Wednesday, July 9, 2003

Van set his jaw, steeling himself. Not Hitomi, not Hitomi! But seeing the dark, bloodthirsty expression on her gentle face...it unnerved him more than he would like to admit. It had almost cost him dearly. He felt the real Hitomi behind him, and took comfort in the fact that she did not appear to be hurt.
That was way too close.
But maybe that's just what is necessary.
With one hand, his focus unwaveringly on the creature before him, he forced Hitomi farther behind him, back, away from the battle.
There is no room for distractions here.
He could feel the edge of his exhaustion now--but it was not threatening to overtake him yet. Not yet.
Van looked at the creature, his brown eyes focused like the edge of a blade. Summonding strength to his tired muscles, he surged forward. Time seemd to slow. He watched every motion of the creature's body. It evaded him easily, its slim dagger a bright blur as it moved to counter attack.
Van lunged forward. His foot suddenly slid to the side, setting him off balance.
It was an opening in his defense that no mercenary could resist. He was exposed--side, shoulder, throat.
Here it comes--

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Wednesday, July 9, 2003

Fharr paused, eyes flickering to the airships. Should she respond to the man-creature's call? She was still right on schedule--it would be far too simple just to leave now. What was the man behind her? There was a strange tone to the voice, an unreal vibration. He was something new, something different.
Beware the man of white. That was the warning.
But she desired to see the singular creature which threatened the rule of the grand, overblown, destroying nation that was Zaibach. She glanced back towards the city.
Tsien must be done by now, and will join me soon. This was a simple task for such a reward, but the price was steep.
Fharr's emerald eyes narrowed, became a shade of steely green that Hitomi's gaze had never assumed.
Only a human concern.
Her mouth quirked as she turned and faced the direction the man-thing's voice had come. Time to play.
"I'm sorry," she cried, her voice unsteady and sounding close to tears. "I had a horrible vision at the marketplace...something terrible's going to happen!"
She allowed herself to be visible to the man's eye, looking shaken and out of breath. She was still fifteen feet away. She looked for the man-creature. "Please...I'm frightened... Where's Van?" She looked around in sudden panic. "Where's Van?"

Tsien.

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Monday, July 7, 2003

Escaflowne pressed on determined to capture his prey. He had a vague idea of where she was taking him, though he was sure he would no longer see the structures that were once there. The capitol had grown so much since his last visit he barely recognized it. But it didn't matter; he would adapt to his surroundings when it became necessary to do so.
She led him past block after block until the houses gave way to buildings of crude industry. Escaflowne gazed up ahead, Ah, an airship yard... This is going to be fun...and dangerous...
He watched her duck behind pile of numerous airship parts. He stopped just short of the pile, and quickly caught his breath, Well now, shall we continue this little farce? Allow me to show you what an actor I can be..
He dawned an expression of utmost worry, "Hitomi...where are you? Why do you hide from me? Please don't be frightened. I'm not angry with you; you can tell me anything...you know that. Please come out..."
His pleas were answered by silence.
Escaflowne slowed his breathing and focused on the space around him. He could feel the air move around him and he became fully aware of every moving thing. She was very close and he knew she heard him. Now it was time to see how she chose to respond.

OOC:Kywraith, please check the message board.

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Monday, July 7, 2003

I did not foresee this! Tsien fainted left and stabbed right � intentionally missing Van�s hip by an inch. Hmph. It would appear he has been somewhat overrated. Tsien continued to test his foe seeming in no rush to conclude the confrontation. Finding perverse pleasure in proving his skill Tsien set out to crush the feared Dragon King�s hopes. You will see and fear your imminent death, and that of your loved one.
You will know hopelessness. Seeing that Van had realized he could not win through speed he patiently waited for his one hopeful strike. Common your highness, take the bait. Lagging a little to tempt him Tsien concentrated on his next move. There. Van put his full force into one swing, and instead of blocking Tsien slunk forward morphing into his most recent addition.
Van was left nose to nose with a knife-wielding, smirk wearing Hitomi.
Now. Tsien�s right hand moved forth with uncanny speed into � nothing. �What? The girl did something useful. �so she is capable of doing more than gawking and stuttering. Hitomi had foreseen the deathblow and had pulled Van back into the wall. Tsk. That�s one strategy down, guess I�ll have to try another tactic. Tsien backed off and prepared herself for another round. Her emerald eyes shone up at Van. �Common lover, ready for another go?�

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Monday, July 7, 2003

Something stabbed into him, through him, cleaved him in two, like a lightning strike out of a clear blue sky. A sudden horrible dagger of panic, urgency like he'd never felt before in his life. He uttered a silent gasp, turned, and bolted back in the other direction, not knowing where he was going, just GOING, the horrible blind panic filling mind, heart, and lungs like fire. He no longer felt his feet pounding on the pavement, the burning in his chest, he just ran. He threw himself into the bustle of the marketplace, eyes wild, shoulder making a path for him around the bodies blocking his way. He almost clawed at them, his urgency screaming in his ears. He exploded out into the other side, his feet leading him down a street, and into an alley he had never seen before. Corners, tiny pathways. In his speed he rebounded off walls as sharp turns appeared before him, and still he ran, faster, faster, his mind screaming with something like panic. Too late! Too late! Too late!
There was no time for thought. No time for doubt.
The last corner. He felt it.
He didn't even slow down.
Van exploded into the alley and slammed into the person in front of Hitomi. They went down hard together, Hitomi went flying. The person was already on his feet, almost hissing. Van puts himself between it and Hitomi. His sword slithers out of its sheath. The thing is thin, but strong, it looks� Like him. The eyes looking back at him were his, and for a moment he had the dizzying sensation that he was looking into a mirror. There was a moment of paralysis, and in a millisecond it attacks with a slim, long bladed dagger, a flash of black hair and Dragonslayer uniform. Van thought, oh god he�s--
He swung, and the other Van instantly retreated.
--fast.

For the first time he realized how slow his response to the attack was. Balgus would not be proud, he thought blankly. His legs shiver with near exhaustion. His next thought is the first coherent one he has had in a long time: Fuck.
Suddenly the creature�s knife flashed in, Van missed the block, his sword caught nothing but air. He didn't have time to feel panic. The knife stabs the air just above his left hip. The creature�s arm was suddenly back where it had been before. A sudden mirthless smile twists the lips of the other Van, his eyes fixed on Van's face. He could have killed me without effort. And he will. It�s only a matter of time. My skills are nowhere close to his.
And once he's done, he will finish what he started with Hitomi.
That will not happen. He was not going to give up that easily. Balgus had always said, the only true defeat is giving up. And he would be damned before he gave up his life like that. He would not shame Balgus or Allen...or Folken, by throwing his life away.
But then..?
The dark though came to him again, unbidden, and he drew in a slow breath. For once, I will trust in that which I am trying so hard to change.
Fate.
This is no battlefield � Hitomi didn�t see me die in an alley. His brown eyes were dark as he watched the other Van. He was ready.
Come on then.

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Monday, July 7, 2003

Tsien slowly walked towards the retreating girl. Lazily twirling her dagger between her fingers she advanced. She finally spoke, and her voice was that of the girl Dornkirk had showed her, this however did not seem to comfort her quarry. �I was expecting more of a challenge for our reward. Freedom is not easily bought from Zaibach.� Her prey had backed herself up against the city wall, the look of disbelief and crushed hope shone brightly in her eyes. Tsien chuckled and morphed into another of his recent acquisitions � The unmistakable voice of a king wafted through the air. �What love, is there someone else you�d rather see before you die?�

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Monday, July 7, 2003

Yukari� last time I saw you, you were with Amano. It hasn�t even been a month but it feels like forever. Yukari, Amano� Gods I miss you.
I miss home.

Hitomi�s reminiscing was terminated by the abrupt cessation of the alleyway. She gazed up at the looming wall before here. Yukari was nowhere in sight. Damn! I got so lost in my thoughts I must have missed her turn somewhere� Yukari, why are you running? What are you doing here? Hitomi roused herself from her thoughts. I�ve got to find her. Pivoting with the intention of taking that last, left Hitomi�s eyes met those of deep chocolate brown.
�Yukari?�
She was surprised that she didn�t feel the need to fling herself at her best friend as she would have expected. Instead she found herself cautiously retreating from the cold calculation present in those normally warm eyes. �Yukari? Is that you?�

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Monday, July 7, 2003

She ran as fast as her legs would carry her, and that was fast. She could hear the sounds of pursuit behind her, but she was unfazed. The older, larger one�he might have been able to catch her if she had not gotten such a head start, but it would have been very lucky. She was fast, and she knew it. The younger one, he was slower, weighed down by the armor, and he was normal. The other, there was something strange about him. She had been warned, and she would heed that wisdom. A tiny smile curved her lips. The airship yard was just ahead. She did smile then, a sly secret smile.
I�m right on time. Everything is going according to plan.
By the time they realize something is wrong, it will be too late.

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Monday, July 7, 2003

He shoved his way into the mass of bodies that clogged the marketplace�s main area, eyes catching the sight of Hitomi�s running figure ahead. He bit back his irritation and focused on following her, trying not to think of his stupidity and her sudden impulsive behaviour. What does she think she�s doing, putting herself in danger like that? What was she�Well what was I thinking, when I was snapping at her like an insensitive jerk?
Come on, just find her, then talk to her.
Damn it! suddenly she was gone, he couldn�t see her. The crowd had swallowed her whole. Van pushed harder, straining to see above the heads of the people. Suddenly, out of the dirty, bustling mass of vendors, Hitomi came flying past him, green eyes fixed on something beyond him. She was gone before he could yell, the crowd closing after her like water. She was going at a dead run, fast, not looking back. �Hitomi! HITOMI!� Van shouted, turning, running into the people around him. He only half heard the curses spouted at him, his whole being was focused on her disappearing back.
What's wrong? The whole situation was wrong.
What�s happened to scare her like that, that she'd take off like that?
"HITOMI!!" Van struggled against the tides of people, saw Escaflowne's tightly controlled yet furious visage for a split second in the crowd ahead, and then the melef was gone, chasing after Hitomi. He ignored the sudden stab of anger in his chest.
The people in front of him suddenly parted. His face had darkened and he had uttered a sound of frustration that he himself hadn't heard. He ploughed through the opening, eyes seeing only where Hitomi had disappeared. His heart was pounding, his mouth suddenly dry. Something was very wrong here. A deep sense of dread grasped him, which could not be dispelled, even as he exploded out of the marketplace crowd and into open space. He ran full tilt, legs pumping, sweat running, but even so he just barely caught sight of Escaflowne's back as the man-melef turned a corner up ahead. The wind streamed by as he skidded round the corner, the air heavy in his lungs, the Dragonslayer armor a weight on his legs. Escaflowne and now Hitomi's backs were in sight. And she was beating the melef! She was a sprinter on her world, he knew that, but he had never expected her to be this FAST.
"Hitomi!" he bellowed. But she didn't turn, he was wasting his breath.
I am not going to lose her. I will NOT. Van found more strength in his legs, and propelled himself faster along the street, veering to avoid stalls and horses and vendors. Ahead of him ran Escaflowne, seemingly tireless. His lungs were afire, and he was far behind, but gaining; but it didn't shake the feeling that something was wrong.
Hitomi. I'm coming, I'm coming...
Why are you running? Hitomi!

Wait for me.

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Friday, July 4, 2003

Perfect.
Fharr watched �Yukari� dash towards him. A moment of eye contact and a nod of a head. This was going to be too easy. Fharr scanned the advancing crowd.
There. He felt the change overcome him.
Securing the dragonslayers cap on �her� head Fharr made her way back east.
Let the game begin.

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Friday, July 4, 2003

Predictable, disgustingly predictable�
Left, right, duck, right, left, dodge, left�
not far to go
She continued west.

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Friday, July 4, 2003

Hitomi was in no mood for the childish antics of an emotionally crippled suitor. This was a mission; he should be able to put aside his juvenile rivalry for the sake of the mission� she was by no means in the mood.
Engrossed in her thoughts she continued to weave her way through the throng of bodies. She quickly became lost in the crowd. �If Van can�t learn to put aside his fears and do what�s right � do what will keep us alive then� Hitomi�s train of thought abruptly ended. no� I must be imagining things. It can�t be.
Can it? Jogging around a stall after the retreating figure the image failed to change.
It is! It�s got to be!

�YUKARI!�

Hitomi�s feat flew.

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Friday, July 4, 2003

The satisfaction rolling off of the man-melef quickly turned to concern. Van, however, no longer cared about the gloating�s of his rival � for he was already perusing the fleeing maiden. �Hitomi! Wait!� His shouts became lost in the white noise of the marketplace, drowned out by the shouts of the multitudes of hagglers and vendors peddling their wares. Hitomi it�s too dangerous to be running off alone!
Argh! When will I learn to control my temper! If anything happens to her because of my damned ego I�ll never forgive myself.

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Monday, June 30, 2003

Hitomi looked from Escaflowne to Van. She saw yet another wave of resentment growing inside the youth at the mere suggestion that his plan was not the best course of action. She sighed to herself, Time for me to diffuse the situation before it erupts again. Why does it always have to be me? Why can't he learn to control his temper- She mentally checked herself as she felt her own ire begin to rise. She turned her eyes to the man-melef and said evenly, "He does have a point, Van. We really should be following him."
She shifted her gaze back to the youth. The resentful expression seemed to be replaced with one of injury. Was he honestly hurt at the fact she agreed with Escaflowne? The very thought made her anger blaze. Without thinking, she spun around on her heel and walked brusquely back towards the bazaar.
She thought she heard Escaflowne's voice calling after her, but she no longer cared. Why did Van have to act like that? Why did he always have to act like some spoiled child?

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Monday, June 23, 2003

Escaflowne met the youth's gaze,"Fortuna is just beyond the capitol. It can be seen once we cross to the other side of the city. In the temple lies my sword. The sword is located in a shrine deep within the temple. Only I know its location, none of the priests do. A ward guards the door to the shrine and can only be awakened by me."
He paused and shifted his eyes to the street, "If I remember correctly there is an unknown entrance near the east side of the temple. I don't believe it is still in use."
The man-melef took a few steps back toward the street, "Oh and by the way, it might be a better idea if I walked in front of you since I know the way to the temple and the two of you would look more competent in your guarding abilities. I am your prisoner after all." He turned and looked at Van askance and gave a wry smile.

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Sunday, June 22, 2003

That was too close.
Van tried to force the tension away from his muscles. He could almost feel Escaflowne's irritation. He didn't need to look into the man-melef's face to know that.
Van looked up the street. The area in the front of the gate was open enough to allow for melef passage, but it branched off into several smaller streets. The capital of Fried was busy--they were already getting glances from the passers by. The uniforms would not aid them in trying to find obscurity, that was for sure. Van steered them towards a smaller street, away from the milling people heading towards the marketplace. The street was small, mostly populated by garbage and gods knew what else. Van turned down into a nearby alley. As long as they moved far enough away from the gate, they would be okay. They hadn't been in the open long enough to draw attention to themselves.
They came to a stop. Got to be all business. This is what we're here for. After we get this, I have to go back...for Allen, for Merle, for Millerna.
Van said, "We can get around in theseuniforms, but we're definitely not going to pass unnoticed in the open. We need to get to Fortuna quickly before any other Zaibach soldiers spot us and start asking questions. So we have to separate slightly. Escaflowne, you'll probably have to follow us. I'd also like to know what we're looking for in there. Alright? Oh, and...where is Fortuna?"
He looked at Escaflowne, making sure his gaze was steady.
His eyes flicked momentarily to Hitomi. The mere sight of her softened the edge in his gaze. A sudden thought passed through his mind.I have to talk to her...before we wade into something we might not be able to get out of. I have to try... Then another, darker thought hit him. Its simplicity was disturbing. He shook it off immediately and concentrated on Escaflowne.

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Tuesday, June 17, 2003

The kit's narrowed eyes indicated more clearly than words that the message was abundantly clear.
Spitfire.
The word came to Nariya suddenly. She ignored it. She hissed, "Fine.". Before the kit could move she had grasped her and brought both her hands behind her back. Her caught her sister's eyes. Eriya came forward and tied the kit's hands with twine. To her credit, the little one made only a short noise and did not struggle.
The fastest way to the melefs was through one of the main corridors. They meant they had to be quick--before anyone asked too many questions they had to be in the air.
"Come," Nariya commanded. She saw the kit's hair bristle slightly. Nariya spun her about and glared into her face. "Do you want to save your precious Van-sama or not?"

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Tuesday, June 17, 2003

We're being boarded. Goddamn Asturian stubbornness!
Gaddess bit back a colourful string of curses. He could hear the sounds of men outside the ship, and the hollow bangs of boots on the Crusade's hull. No time to check if the Boss made it inside--he can take care of himself.
"Come on, Princess," Gaddess said, turning to the frightened Asturian heir. He smiled disarmingly, the warmth in the expression not quite making it to his eyes. He glanced down the hall quickly and then looked steadily into her violet eyes. "Don't worry Princess, just stay behind me and you'll be alright. Now come on, stay close." His eyes were already roving down the hall. His sword was drawn and ready. The ship rocked slightly. Suddenly the sounds of battle reached his ears, the clashes of metal on metal.
Shit! They've reached the bridge!
Together he and Millerna scurried down the hall. THey came to a corner, and with a quick motion he pressed Millerna to the wall. He rounded the corner and came face to face with a surprised Asturian soldier. With two parries he deflected the man's blade and set him off balance. Gaddess slugged him in the face. He blocked the blow of the downed guy's partner, a man almost the size of Gaddess himself, as he threw himself in Gaddess's direction. He was forced back. The man caught his hand as he tried to hit him. Gaddess glared into the soldier's hazel eyes. Stalemate. Or was it?
"Sorry mate," Gaddess grunted. He let the man drive him back into the nearest wall. THen he kicked at the man's ankle with his left foot and drove his right knee hard into his groin.
As Gaddess' back banged against the wall, the soldier made a sort of high pitched, gutteral exclamation, his eyes comically wide. He dropped like he'd been hit with a brick.
Gaddess stepped over him and looked down the hall. No one else coming. "Guess no one taught you that one in training, did they?" he remarked almost to himself, his eyes still on the empty hall.
The soldier made a sort of wheeze.
Gaddess turned, his brown eyes faintly sympathetic.
"You'll thank me for this later."
He kicked the man in the head.
He grabbed Millerna's hand. "Come on, we've got to get to the bridge!"

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Sunday, June 8, 2003

Escaflowne slowly let the air out through his gritted teeth, That could have ended very badly. Damned fool! How dare he put her in that kind of danger! Those guards could have killed her! His face twisted with rage beneath his hood, I swear if he pulls another stunt like that I-! He mentally checked himself giving the youth's actions more thought, But that idea did work... It would appear that the Fates are with us even if the odds are not. I just pray things stay that way...

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Sunday, June 8, 2003

The Caeli knight stumbled back and forth desperately trying to keep his footing as he made his way to the bridge.
What has happened? What have we struck?
The Crusade lurched hard to starboard nearly sending Allen backward. He slammed up against the wall of the corridor and his injuries screamed in protest. While frantically brushing his mane of blond hair out of his face he heard voices shouting from the outside.
Allen's blood ran cold, "Another ship," he whispered, "we're being boarded...." Dammit! Scherezade is immobile and the Crusade's too damaged to out run anything. I only have one option left... Allen quickly drew his sword and surged ahead once more.
If I die this day I die as a Caeli knight. I shall die with honor protecting my ship, my crew...and my Princess! Allen's blue eyes narrowed as the doorway to the bridge came into view. Millerna...I will protect you...as long as I live!

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Sunday, June 8, 2003

Clinging to Gaddes as if he were a life support, Millerna panted as she slid her shoes from their splayed out position to a solid plant, regaining her balance.
"I think I'm fine," she nodded, and noticing the genuine concern in those chocolate brown eyes, Millerna felt protected, safe. Well, safe as one could feel in the current situation. There was a great groaning noise, and the ship veered slightly, the rumbling shaking the princess's head violently. Gaddes slamming his foot down to balance himself as he brought Millerna in tighter with his left arm, his free hand burning as he smacked it against the wall. Losing his footing he began to slide backwards, the unforgiving wood burning his palm from the friction as Millerna yelped in fright.
"Hold on," one of the men called out as the floor continued tilting, the turbulent shaking increasing steadily. Suddenly the ship slammed horizontal, and Millerna fell back as Gaddes followed, the men in the ship dropping like dominoes. Grunting slightly, Millerna shifted on her elbow, propping herself up, and just as she was about to attempt to stand there was another large thump, as if the ship had hit something solid. A hissing noise was audible in the ship, then a great whine as another bang signalled someone was boarding.
"Who is it?" Millerna questioned aloud, and pushing her back slightly with his hand, quieting her, Gaddes stood to investigate.

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Tuesday, June 3, 2003

Gaddess let out a whoop as the Crusade cleared the heavily populated area of the city. "Come on boys! We're getting the hell out of here!" The ship shook as the Sherezade pulled itself farther onto the ship. "Get down to the bay and open it for the Boss," Gaddess ordered the two nearest men. They nodded. "Tio. Take the wheel. The Boss will be here in a second. He'll tell you where we're headed."
Gaddess hurried down the corridors. "Princess Millerna?" He poked his head into the room where he had told one of the men to take her. "Hey, Millerna?" There was no one there.
Gaddess scratched his head. He stepped back out into the hall, thinking, Boss'd kill me if he came in from a battle like that and didn't know where his lady was, and nearly bodychecked the Princess of Asturia.
"Agh!" Millerna let out a surprised noise. Gaddess grinned and put a hand to his heart in exaggerated relief. "Jeez, Princess! What are you trying to do? Kill me?"
Suddenly the ship tilted sideways, sending Gaddess against the wall. He caught Millerna as she lost her balance and fell towards him. The ship rocked again, and Gaddess found himself with his arms wrapped around her, keeping them both steady. He felt her heart racing. "What the hell's going on?" he muttered, half to himself. He began to ask, "You alright, Princess?" When the ship violently jerked to the opposite side. He hit the wall solidly with his shoulder, saving Millerna from being crushed by his weight. This tactic would have been okay if appendage used to cushion the impact hadn't been the arm those crazy merceneris had slashed. Gaddess grimaced.
Boss'd better be inside the bay by now--those felt like grappling gear.
Gaddess looked down at the woman in his arms. She'd been through a hell of a lot today. "Princess--" he began. Then he softened his tone. "--you okay?"

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Tuesday, June 3, 2003

Nariya felt her fur rise slightly in reponse to her sister's tone. They did not disagree often, and it was usually very trivial. But she felt a hiss rising in her throat, whether it be from irritation at her sister, or irritation from the situation in general. But she knew she and her sister were infallable when they stood united, and this was not an optimal time for dissension. She crouched down next to Eriya and siad in a flat, clear tone, "You will come with us. We will go to our guymelefs and you will ride with us. If you make a sound, we kill you. If you try to escape, we kill you. We are faster, we are stronger. We will catch you if we desire it. Is this clear?" The kit flinched at her tone, but Nariya could see the defiance in her eyes. Beside her, she could see her sister's tail twitch in growing annoyance.
"Is this clear?"

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Tuesday, June 3, 2003

Van steeled himself and bellowed back, "Our business is with this outlaw. We are under orders to move him into custody as soon as possible--"
"You still did not answer my question, soldier! What is your business here? There are enough archers with thier marks on you to drop you where you stand. Are you friends or foes of Freid?" Van didn't flinch. Fabricating orders which might not coincide with ones that the lookouts had heard might be a very telling sign that they were not real--oh, wait.
Van raised his eyes to the lookout's position, thinking, If I screw this up we are as good as dead, but here goes nothing...
"Are you blind? Or do you always treat superiour officers with such disrespect?"
He felt Escaflowne's arms tense up. He ignored it, kept his eyes focused arrogantly on the lookout's position. The lookout's features appeared to blanche.
"We are Dragonslayers, come to Freid on orders from Lord Dilandau of Zaibach!"
Van hoped that the mention of Dilandau's name would keep the gatekeeper in check. He assumed the psychopath's reputation was well known by Freid's forces. No one sane would want to cross paths with him or his elite forces. Van ground his teeth together and prayed.
The lookout made a motion with his hand. A shaft of ice went through Van's heart. Was that the order to fire, or...? With a distant sound of gears and chains, the gates began to swing open. Van breathed otu a sigh of relief. He exchanged a quick glance with Hitomi. Her face was slightly pale. "Come on," he said. He ignored Escaflowne out of necessity. Together, they passed between the gates of Freid and into the city.

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Wednesday, May 28, 2003

Hitomi felt her heart beat wildly in her chest when she heard the lookout's question.
Come on... You can't show your fear. You have to be strong. Hitomi forced the expression out of her face.
Hitomi...Escaflowne's voice echoed softly in her mind, Don't be afraid. I'll never let anything happen to you. Ever.
I know that, Escaflowne. Thank you. She felt herself begin to calm down.
Just hold on to my arm. Hold on and don't let go...

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Monday, May 26, 2003

It wasn't as hard as he'd thought. Saying it. And it was worth it all jus to see her face, eyes bright, shining... But he had the distinct impression that she was very amused by the whole thing. He immediately began to stiffen slightly, but then...
the past life. It made him uneasy. He had no recollection of being anyone else but himself. And how did that mean anything anyway? What did she...how much did she remember...how much did it really matter? There is a cycle here...one that decrees that she and I will be separated. By death. Mine. But that will be broken. I have sworn it.

He felt his own cheeks warm with blood.She was looking at him, and her very heart seemed to be in her eyes, shining up at him. Hitomi...
But he could't speak for a moment, his mind thinking, wandering, starting to race, wondering about how he culd say this, how he could propose it, how she would take it, if she would understand it--
Handfasting. He had never wanted to ask anyone else. Maybe he never would, maybe he never would have to ask anyone else--
Hitomi, will you...?
Sudden footfalls.
Van was snapped out of his thoughts, suddenly oddly shaken. Escaflowne. He fought off the urge to tighten his arms about Hitomi's shoulders, and instead faced the ex-guymelef with a calm disposition. He felt a familiar rush of irritation as Hitomi pulled away, but quelled it with some effort. He stared closely at the man, remembering suddenly that he had been acting pretty funny five minutes or so ago.
Hey...what is that smell...?It smells kinda like...
"Shit, my Lady?" Escaflowne remarked in explanation.
Van narrowly choked back an amused sort of bark. Instead he settled for a discreet cough. A disguise? Well, I personally would have settled for some nice clean dirt...though I'm not really objecting right now. he wondered if Escaflowne had picked that thought up.
Oh gag me, Van thought in annoyance, as Escaflowne spouted forth moe of his bloody flattery. He's almost worse than...Allen. He cracked several knuckles and then crossed his arms as Escaflowne and Hitomi finished their pleasant little exchange.
Although he would have liked to know jsut what the man-melef had done to the two Slayers, he wasn't about to say anything right now. He kenw he was being an idiot. But he also wasn't about to do anything about it.
For the sake of appearance he flanked Escaflowne's undguarded side, even though he wanted to walk next to Hitomi. This had better work, he thought sourly. He caught himself. No time for that now. The sword...the temple. The power that Dornkirk is looking for is in there. The power that we have to get to before he does. Already there have been...costs. Allen. Millerna. Eries.
Merle.

I won't fail them.
He wiped his face clear of any trace of his thoughts.
THe gates that bordered Fried suddenly loomed into view. The watchtower guards would spot them at any time now. They probably already had. Van walked head up, shoulders square. He was a Dragonslayer. And even though a Dragonslayer was not the most beloved status...it was better than wanted fugitive.
Here goes...
Before he could bellow an inquiry, the watchman yelled first.
"You, there! What is your business here?"

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Monday, May 26, 2003

"....O.K." said Merle, scared to death. She tried to calm herself and suddenly remembered how hungry she was, after all, she hadn't eaten in awhile.

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Sunday, May 25, 2003

Eriya followed her sister out the door. The kit was housed on the minimum-security floor. The only guard that she and her sister need worry about were the ones posted at the entryways on either side. Eriya and her sister quietly slipped inside the kit's cell. The young cat's head shot up as they entered, her own natural defenses rising to the possibility of physical conflict. Even though this irritated Eriya greatly, she begrudgingly admired the kit's attitude in such dire circumstances. But she also was not going to let that attitude hinder her efforts.
Eriya leaned forward, her eyes narrowing, "Listen, you," her voice came out nearly hissing, "I'm only going to say this once, do you hear? You're going to have to listen well, if you want to live.

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Thursday, May 22, 2003

Escaflowne sighed as he watched the youth depart, Well that was a thoroughly rotten encounter. And again he leaves infuriated with me. Why do I honestly try to be civil with that boy any longer? Oh, the hell with it!
He knelt down once more next to the final piece of his costume ensemble. He bent forward toward it and shuddered. Come on, be a man and just do it! It will all be over soon...
He reached down and touched the object and then uttered a pitiful moan.
"Why me? Whyyyy?"

Soft footfalls in the brush stirred Hitomi from her reverie. She looked over in their direction, "Escaflowne."
The ex-guymelef emerged from the undergrowth. He was shrouded in a dirty, white cloak. The hood of the cloak was pulled down, concealing the top half of his face. He spoke in a smooth voice, "Am I interrupting you?"
It was hard to ignore the strong undertone of sexual suggestion in his question. Hitomi blushed and pulled away from Van, "N-no. You weren't- You weren't interrupting anything!" She laughed and rubbed the back of her neck.
"Good," the original tenor of his voice remained, "I would hate to walk in on anything...important." After a slight pause his voice then resumed its normal tone, "Well, I'm all ready to go. If you would, My Lady, could you put these restraints on me? I'm having difficulty doing it myself..."
"Oh, of course," said Hitomi more happily than she intended. As she approached Escaflowne her hand flew involuntarily up to cover her mouth and nose, "Escaflowne...you...you smell like.."
"Shit, My Lady!?" he replied boisterously, "Why thank you, this was the crown jewel of my disguise. As you can see I am so pale it would be difficult for me not to attract attention. So I figured I would go out of my way to do so," his voice softened, "Besides with me smelling the way I do, everyone will do their damnedest to stay ahead of the stench, that is, except for my armed escort," he gave a devilish laugh, "Oh, come now, My Lady, you must make those bonds tighter. They mustn't be so loose they slip off my wrists."
"But I don't want to hurt you," Hitomi protested as she tried to tighten the restraints around Escaflowne slender yet powerful wrists.
"Hitomi...there is no way you could ever hurt me."
She stopped short and looked up at him. Blushing in spite of herself, Hitomi finished fastening the restraint, "There."
Escaflowne wiggled his wrists, "Ah very good, shall we be off then?" He walked up to the road followed by Hitomi, "Take my arm," he murmured to her he then turned his head, "Well my plan is this: If anyone asks us who we are. You two are escorting me to see Lord Dilandau. I have information as to the whereabouts of the sword they are looking for. He looked at Van, "You do the talking," he then turned to Hitomi, "I think it would be best if you stayed quiet, My Lady. Even though now you look like a boy, you'd have trouble sounding like one."
"But-" Hitomi began.
"I'm sorry, Hitomi, but you sound too lovely and feminine to pass for a boy, even for one whose voice has yet to change."
"Oh fine. Be that way," she pouted. She looked around for a moment, "Say, where are those Dragonslayers you knocked out?"
Escaflowne's lips curved into a malicious smile, "Oh..don't worry they'll wake up in a few hours. In the most undignified of positions..."

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Thursday, May 22, 2003

Folken sat back wearily from his work. He had been toiling over his pet project for hours it seemed. He decided it was time to take a break. There were times where even he needed one. And there was that girl to check on as well...
He silently made his way up through the corridors to the medical wing of the fortress. Yukari's room was towards the end of the wing. The area was dark, secluded and rather uninviting. Folken made a mental note to get the young girl better accommodations when he had the chance.
"Miss Yukari? May I come in?" The door to her room hissed open. To Folken's relief the girl was awake and aware of her surroundings. However he sensed a deep apprehension that has not passed since they had first met. Despite his assurances, Yukari was still frightened and alone.
I have to let her know she isn't alone...
"How are you feeling?" he asked as he sat down at the foot of her bed.
Yukari smoothed her red hair back, "I'm o.k. I was wondering where you went..." Her eyes fell, "You've been gone for a long time..."
"My apologies. I was working. There are instances when I'm working that I lose track of the time. I will try to not let that happen in the future."
Yukari leaned back on her arms, "So what's going to happen to me now?"
"Well as soon as you're feeling up to it, I'll take you to meet Lord Dornkirk."
"Who is Dornkirk?"
"He is the leader of our nation, Zaibach. He also has a great interest in you, Miss Yukari. He believes you can help us actualize our dreams."
Yukari was visibly taken back by this, "Me? Help you actualize your dreams? How can I do something like that? I'm not that special."
"But you're wrong, Miss Yukari. You are very special. You have a power that no one else on this world possess."
"And what power is that?"
"The power to change the future."
Yukari gave Folken a wry smile, �I think you�re going to be disappointed in me, Folken-san. I don�t have any power like that. I can�t help anyone, not even my best friend when she needed me the most..� Her eyes moved to the wall and she spoke in a soft, low voice, �I�m useless.�
Folken slowly rose from his seat on her bed and walked up to her. He placed his left hand gently on her shoulder. She turned and looked up at him, he in turn gazed intently into her eyes, �No one in this world is useless, Miss Yukari. Those who feel that way merely have not found their true purpose yet�. I hope you find yours here with us� With me�� He saw a blush rise in her cheeks and he quickly drew his hand back, �Excuse me, I will notify Lord Dornkirk that you are awake and take you to him,� he gave a small bow, �I shall return soon.�
He heard her murmur a �goodbye� as he departed. He sighed as he made his way back down the corridor. She�s too young to be mixed up in all this, an image of his younger brother flashed in his mind, far too young�..

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Wednesday, May 14, 2003

Allen brought Schezerade's enormous sword downward and through a stone wall.
The soldiers below were in chaos. Scurrying to quickly get into their own guymelefs while trying to successfully dodge the tons of brick and mortar falling down on their heads.
I hope you've made it to the ship, Gaddess, I'm counting on you! The knight stumbled out from the hole he had made and ran into the courtyard, savagely swinging and blocking the blows of incoming guymelefs.
"Dammit! I don't want to take this out into the city!" He shot a quick look to the roof of the castle. The Crusade was still docked there. At that moment Allen was struck with a perfectly insane idea

"MAJESTY!" a guard practically screamed as he came charging into the throne room, "Allen Schezar! He's! He's!"
"Out with it!" Aston demanded. All the guard could do was frantically point to an outside window. The king of Asturia carried himself over and looked outside. His face went ashen at the sight of Schezerade scaling the castle's outer wall, "That...fool.." he whispered hoarsely.

"Gaddess, I hope you can see me," sweat poured down Allen's face.
"HOLY SHIT"! Tio hollered, "LOOK OUTSIDE!" The crew of the Crusade ran to a window and gazed down below.
"What's going on out there?!" Gaddess shouted.
"It's the boss!" Tio cried, "He's climbin' the castle wall up to us!"
"SHIT!" Gaddess reiterated, "Fire up the levy stones and open the sails. We're gettin' out of here!"
"Aye, Sir!"
"Here's what we're gonna do. Lower the altitude!"

Allen looked up to see the Crusade hoist anchor. It floated away from its docking position and moved downward. Here they come... Schezerade reached out it's massive hand.

"Everyone! Brace yourselves!" Gaddess cried. Just then the ship lurched hard to port as the guymelef's hand closed around the lower wing. Allen did his best to stabilize his hold as the ship rose into the sky. When they were finally across the bay, he his heartbeat began to slow.

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Wednesday, May 14, 2003

Gaddess felt a distant rumble through the floor. The light fixtures shook gently. "Boss... We're out of time!"
He grabbed the princess and hoisted her over his shoulder. He took off as fast as he could force himself to move.
"Looks like the boss made it to Schezerade. We gotta get the hell out of here now! Run, Everyone! Just RUN!"
Gaddess found himself taking the lead while the rest of the crew followed and occasionally stopped a pursuing soldier. The chase grew colder the higher the ascended in the castle. Looks like the boss is givin' 'em hell down there, he's drawin' the threat away from us. They reached the roof. Gaddess felt the beginnings of relief wash over him and a new determination founded, I promise ya, Boss, we're all gettin' outta here alive!

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Tuesday, May 13, 2003

She looked at the youth with pleasant surprise. I don't understand, five minutes ago he ran away from me, now he's back telling me he loves me. I wonder if Escaflowne might have said something to move him into action. But I'll ask him that later, now isn't the time.
She smiled tenderly up at the youth, "This might come as a surprise to you, but I already knew," she laughed when she saw Van's look of triumph turn to puzzlement. She turned her face to the side, "When I fainted in front of you and Escaflowne I had another dream. This was another past life dream. I was out looking for you; you'd wandered away from a party that was being thrown in your honor. I was going to bring you back, but I also wanted to tell you something. I wanted to tell you that I was wrong about something," she sighed and wrapped her arms around herself, "You see, back then it was much harder for us. I couldn't tell you how I felt because I was already married to another man and you were so honorable, you'd never betray someone like that. At least that's how things started. But the more time we spent together, the deeper my feelings grew and the harder it became to stay silent. I went looking for you that night to tell you how I felt because I couldn't stand it anymore. When I found you, I told you I was wrong. Before you asked me if I was happy. I told you yes because I thought that I was happy with my life on earth. But the truth was, I wasn't happy. I didn't love my husband. I loved you. I loved you so much that I didn't care what anyone else thought of it; even you." She smiled sheepishly, "I remember shouting that I loved you at the top of my lungs because at first you didn't want to hear it. But then you gave in, probably to keep me from making an even bigger fool of myself."
Hitomi turned back to Van and slipped her arms around his waist, pressing her cheek into his chest, "You threw away your honor, one of the things you held most dear, for me as I did for you. I would do it again in a moment if I had to. But luckily, we don't have that problem this time around," Hitomi felt herself blush, "I didn't even have a boyfriend when I left. I was looking to get my first kiss from an older boy, but that wasn't meant to be," she looked up into the youth's eyes, the blush still deep in her cheeks, "I was meant to be here with you, Van.."

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Monday, May 12, 2003

Van smoothly turned away and walked back in Hitomi's direction. Outwardly, he was calm. Inwardly, he seethed. He clenched his fists, pausing for a moment to let his breath out through his teeth. He let his eyes close and stood completely still for a moment.
His jaw tightened. Can't continue things like this. Condescension after condescension and then me ending it all by being pissed off. He drew in a deep breath and then let it out slowly. He still relished the thought of punching Escaflowne in the face, but...
It's not his fault entirely either.
Van's eyes slowly came open.

He entered Hitomi's clearing to find her where he had left her. She looked up as he approached. He found her gaze and held it. "Listen...Hitomi..." He resisted the urge to runa hand through his hair. Instead he stepped close to her and gently took her arm. He looked away a little sheepishly for a moment, but then his eyes rose to meet hers.
"Look, I'm sorry, about today. Maybe not just today. But I...I'm still not used to..." What kind of lame excuse...? She has told you she loves you. What more do you...? He felt his face begin to unconsciously smooth out, blanken. He shook it off.
Van looked deep into her eyes and said quietly, "I love you. I love you. With everything that I am. Even...if I don't always show it." For a moment he just searched her eyes for what she might be feeling. He wasn't sure what to do. Then he went with what seemed right. He lifted her chin and gently pressed his lips to hers. His hands rose to cup her face. Hitomi... He broke the kiss, slowly opened his eyes and looked at her. For a moment he waited for a sense of threat that never came.
Yes! A smile suddenly broke out on his face.

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Thursday, May 8, 2003

Escaflowne gave a start and whirled around on the youth, strategically placing himself between the youth and the item he had been examining.
"Why aren't you with Hitomi?" He demanded a bit more harshly than he intended, "You're never supposed to leave her side." He saw a rather guilty expression cross Van's features. The ex-guymelef uttered an irritated sigh and seized the youth by his chin. Looking into his eyes, Escaflowne saw the final moments of Van's last conversation with Hitomi.
"Hm," Escaflowne released Van, "If I were in a more amiable mood, I'd laugh outright. Can't take a hint even from fate, can you? Better fix that soon, or she may begin to doubt your belief in her beauty. But I shouldn't say that, should I? If you're not ready for that sort of thing, that's fine. Some people are never truly comfortable with their own feelings and desires; you shouldn't be faulted for that. But be that as it may, we have more immediate matters in which to attend. Please go back to Hitomi and wait with her. I'll be along in just a few minutes.

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Thursday, May 8, 2003

Hitomi uttered a weary sigh as the youth ducked out of sight. Well, at least that's over.. I don't understand him. If he thinks I'm beautiful then why is he afraid to look at me? Is he afraid of himself?
Hitomi shed the controversial piece of underwear and slipped the shirt over her head. She slid her arms into the jacket and was pleased to discover her hunch had been correct. The clasps fastened easily and left no hint of the female form it concealed. I thought the bra was the problem. Well, good that's taken care of. She slid the sword into her belt. I hope I won't have to use that, she thought with unease. She looked back around the tree, "Van? Where did you go?"

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Tuesday, May 6, 2003

Van froze. He didn't think. He didn't breathe. Face face face face face... Not trusting himself to make a noise which wouldn't resemble some sort of squeak, Van was left with hand gestures. This was made difficult, however, by the immobilization of his entire body. He tried to draw air into his constricted lungs, in hopes of making some sort of nonchalant statement. It didn't work.
Okay now that I've been standing here like a complete perv and saying nothing, I have to say something..ANYTHING...and then get the hell out of here. Okay Van, think. Only a few words, don't look anywhere but her eyes, and then turn and walk very slowly away, like nothing is wrong...
He focused his gaze hard on her, trying not to look miffed. SHe looked very calm. Why did she always look so calm?? Peripheral vision was a problem. A big one. Stupid eyes.
"...so girl's underwear is a...problem. Well that's...too bad..didn't know that...ahem...well, I'll be right over there if you hear anything okay so I'll meet you in a few minutes." On the last word he gave her a very brief nod and then turned his back to her, but in that slpit second as he turned his eyes caught every inch of bare flesh. At that point half of his blood rushed to his face, and the other half...
Van fled.

Idiot! Idiot! Van jammed his arms into the uniform, trying to keep his face from flaming. He pulled it on, did up the clasps and was ready in half the time it had taken him to put on his pants. He stepped out onto the road as a Dragonslayer in full gear, and went looking for Escaflowne. He found him crouching near a tree.
Van frowned.
"What are you doing?"

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Tuesday, May 6, 2003

After quietly securing a cloak for himself, the ex-guymelef starting looking for the next item on his list. He walked for a stretch in the woods until he spotted what he needed near a tree. He approached the tree and knelt down next to his find. His handsome face contorted in disgust, "The things I do for this accursed planet...."