Nodding slowly, Millerna looked at Eries. "There are cloaks in the stable aren't there?" A nod confirmed her thoughts. "Alright, so I'm riding with Merle?" Millerna fidgeted uneasily. Why is there this....tension in the air? Biting her lip, the young princess felt something flutter in her stomach. We're coming, Allen. Tucking a strand of blonde hair behind her ear, Millerna fixed her violet eyes on Hitomi. There's this feeling in me. Deep down, but it's there, that somehow this is all my fault. And that if anything happens to Hitomi, in some way, it will be my fault. I keep running back to that scene... The look on Van's face when I caused Hitomi's capture. The look as if all was lost. The way I feel about Allen right now. Knowing father... What if he is beheaded before we arrive to the palace? Then all will be lost for me. Millerna spoke aloud. "If anything happens Hitomi, if you feel ill, promise me you'll tell me straight away?" She caught Hitomi's eyes to make the girl realize she was serious. "Promise?"

"As you wish, Lord Folken," Nariya murmured. She bowed her head and then stood up. "We will carry out your commands. We will go to the sorcerers and wait for you. Come, sister," her eyes passed over her younger sibling and moved to Dilandau. A slight smile lifted one side of her mouth. An edge came into her voice. "...this task is meant only for the elite." Then she turned her back on him and left.

Van felt his cheeks getting warm. But he was relieved that he'd have her close by. There was no way he was letting her out of his sight this time.
He squeezed her hand reassuringly. He tried to look calm and composed. "Alright. Once we reach the edge of the city we'll have to go for some stealth, but until then we'll just ride under the cover of the forest. It should be fine for a while." She still looked uneasy. He wondered what had unnerved her so.
He turned to the Princesses, remembering something. "Oh, Millerna and Eries--you might want to get some cloaks or something. You don't want to be recognized until you get to the castle."
He took a deep breath and released Hitomi's hand. He looked at them all in turn. "Saddle the horses," he said. "I'll be out in a minute."
Van went back inside. He made his way up to Merle's room. He didn't like the look in Hitomi's eyes...something was wrong. And she hadn't told him what it was. He was still pondering what it could be when he opened the door.
"Merle, we've got to go. You're riding with Millerna. Here, I'll help you make a good splint..."

Hitomi looked at Van, admiring his calm. She wished she could get that feeling back herself, but something in Escaflowne's voice placed a deep dread inside her, which seemed impossible to get rid of.

I wish he would tell me what's wrong. Maybe he will later.

I probably should go with Van, with my luck I might end up falling off the damn horse if I ride by myself. She walked up to him and took his hand in hers. The moment she touched his hand, she felt her own wariness subside slightly, "You're right," she murmured softly, "I'll ride with you."

Van slowly digested Millerna's information. This is going to be difficult...if we can't even get into it, how are we going to get out of it?
"Ok, we'll ride into Asturia. Millerna and Eries, you two are going to have to get myself and Hitomi into the prison. I don't know what we're going to do about Merle..." Van frowned. She was too hurt to be of much use right now. She needed some time to mend. He looked at Millerna. "Could you take care of Merle when we're there? Somehow...make her your servant or something, or hide her in a closet."
She's really not going to appreciate that...but there's not much else to be done. I can't let her get hurt again.
Van shooked himself out of those thoughts. His manner had to be businesslike. No mistakes this time.
"Millerna, Eries, one of you will have to placate your father when we come in. Make up some story that will be long winded enough for the other sister to get us in. As for the sister that goes to the prison, if anyone asks, tell them you were assaulted and want to find the man who did it. Hitomi and--"
Van stopped. Her face was pale, her hands clasped tight together. "Hitomi? What is it?" Another vision? No, she's still too weak...she shouldn't be doing this...not in her state.
He choked down some worried words and let his manner become businesslike again. "Let's go then. Get the horses. I'll go get Merle. She should ride with you, Millerna." He turned to Hitomi and said quietly,"Maybe you should ride with me."

Hitomi felt a strange feeling pass over her.

No...this cannot be...

Hitomi went cold, Escaflowne? What's wrong? What is it?

Cannot...be...possible...Not another, there cannot be another...

Another what? Tell me. Please, you're frightening me...

Maiden, hurry, you must hurry.

Hitomi swallowed hard she put her hands together to keep them from shaking, "Van, we have to go now please.."

Dornkirk leaned back from his telescope. Another pillar of light had appeared in the sky. But what could it be? He had seen no movement from the maiden or the dragon. Could it be something else? He patched a message to Folken through his comm panel, "Folken, when you're finished, come and see me, I have something else for you to investigate."

Yukari held her text books close to her as she walked swiftly across the school grounds. Suddenly, she stopped dead in her tracks. The running track! She hadn't been here since Hitomi left. Disappeared was more like it. She held back her tears, and pushed her straight hair from her eyes. Without knowing what she was doing she started to pace around the track gradually. I still can’t believe she’s gone. Not even Amano’s here anymore. He’s in London and I....I have nobody. I’m......I feel....I feel so alone. She couldn’t help but letting the tears trickle from her distressed face as she stared down at the friendship bracelet Hitomi had made for her. Hitomi! I need you here! For some reason her head was drawn to glance upward. Through her blurry vision she saw something blue. She took her delicate hands and brushed the tears away. It was a pillar of blue light ...it looked like the same one that took Hitomi away. Yukari could feel its power pulling her towards the light. “AGH!” Abruptly she dropped all her books and her backpack and she was lifted off the ground along with her purse. What’s going on! She shut her eyes tightly and a moment later the pillar of blue light completely took control of Yukari and she disappeared. All that was left was her text books and her pack. Some time later Yukari opened her eyes to find herself in a different world. She was surrounded by trees of green in what seemed to her...a forest of some sort. Where am I? What’s going on!? This isn’t earth! She jerked up in awareness. Her chocolate coloured eyes once again started to blur her vision.

She walked down the stars very slowly, hearing much of the previous conversation. 'Sorry about that delay, sister. I was in the bath...' Eries silently apologized.

Her own intuition had felt that they would be going home soon. She hadn't been sure if she was right, but sure enough, the king stated they would be heading for Austuria. Eries silently walked down stairs, eyes closed. 'In jail...What are you planning? Fat- No...King Aston? In this circumstance...I do not feel comfortable calling you that. Simply because you aren't acting like him. Like father.'

'And Allen... That fool. What has he done...?'

Eries reached the bottom step, her shoes clicking with each step. "Let us go. And see what has been going on."

Turning her gaze away from Hitomi, she looked up at the ceiling in deep thought. "The entrance to the cells is in the south wing, on the first floor. They're you'll see two doors. One of them leads to the petty criminals. The other door leads to the more offensive crimes..." Millerna caught Van's eye "It's quite hard to get in. It's not very highly guarded, but it's very easy to get lost in the different twists and turns." Her violet eyes fell, and she thought for a moment. "We could try to get Eries to distract father, should he come to check on the criminals... He only checks the offensive ones though" And I should suppose Allen isn't a petty criminal... Oh, father...Why? "I know roughly where everything is...." Okay, so I've been in the cells only four or five times... I'm pretty sure I can navigate us to Allen's cell Millerna looked at Hitomi "Do you remember if the torches near his cell were rusted or not?" Van and Hitomi gazed curiously at her. "Well, father recently extended the jail, so if the torch handles were new, then we would know to go further down or not" she quickly explained. Clasping her hands together, she tilted her head up. Father, don't do anything irrational... Not to Allen....

Folken sat there listening to the dispute between Dilandau and Nariya. He welcomed the interruption as Eriya walked into the room and bowed at his feet. “Now that Eriya is here we may start our meeting."

“I have devised a plan to separate my brother and his companion. Eriya and Nariya are to become Enhanced Luck Soldiers and then make their way to King Aston’s Castle in Asturia. There you are to convince him to arrest Van and anyone else with him. After that you are to find Dilandau, who will be in the forest outside of Asturia. You shall wait in the cover of the trees until you see Van and his friends, then it’s Dilandau’s turn. Dilandau, you are to assault my brother quickly, separating him from this Hitomi girl. Then Nariya and Eriya will dart in quickly, abduct Hitomi and bring her back here for Dornkirk to examine. Dilandau, you will continue to chase Van and his companions into Asturia where they will be arrested.” Folken thought of Dilandau’s tendency to get over-zealous. “And Dilandau, try not to get carried away. We need everyone alive.”

Hitomi leaned up against the nearby wall. Whatever could Allen-san have done that would get him put in jail? I don't get it. Well, looks like we'll just have to bust him out. It shouldn't be too hard with Escaflowne and my new powers, she smiled and tipped her head back.

Over-confidence does not become thee, Maiden.

Hitomi jumped in surprise. She laughed and rubbed the back of her neck when she noticed Van and Millerna staring at her. "Um, thought my back hit something on the wall, hehe."

She returned to her original position against the wall and cast her eyes downward, Great, are all of Van's lectures going to come in stereo now? You're both against me, I swear...

Her eyes narrowed to slits. One hand went to her dagger. "Fighting words, brave soldier. Do you want to face your own death that badly?" she hissed under her breath.
How dare he make such comments...right in front of...! How dare he raise his voice to Folken-sama that way?
Nariya glared at Dilandau. Maybe one of these days she would have the excuse to kill him.

*Is unable to ignore the cat beast's stupid glare and snaps at her* What's your problem?! I've been cooped up in this damn fortress for almost a month!! *Jabs a finger at Nariya* I can't help it that I'm not patient like you! I just HAVE to get out and do SOMETHING, otherwise I think I'll freaking go insane in here! *Turns back to Folken, starting to get really angry* Don't tell me your going to wait for that other beast! *Rolling his eyes* She'll probably take a week to prep herself up so she can try and get your "loving" attention.

[OOC: WARNING: Rant incoming.

GOD! I hate KFC so much. I don't know where we get all these idiots from. Today, being the opening of Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets and it being Friday, was completely freaking packed! I was the only damn cashier up front because two of our stupid cashiers though it nice to be "sick" today. I had to work with my enemy. Today SUCKED!

That hick(the enemy) was trying me, I can't believe that he's saying crap about me again since what happened a while back. He's just looking to get punched. He was giving EVERYONE grief and they still don't fire him. He's a pathetic piece of shit, I don't know why these people put up with him. Is a comedian at work that doesn't do shit worth more than somebody that does?! I really hate life and people wonder why some of us kill ourselves. -_-;

Oh ya, I'll shut up if you want XD. Just tell me.]

"Yeah. I'm happy now," Van remarked tersely. He turned to Millerna. "Yes, we'll be going to Asturia soon. But we shouldn't go in blind. Tell me what you know about the jail...everything. Layout, location...anything." He paused and then added,"...Why do you think your father imprisoned him?" Allen's an Asturian Knight...the King shouldn't really have any reason to imprison him...unless... His brown eyes darkened. Van glanced up quickly at Millerna, and then his eyes went to Hitomi. Zaibach. But how can I...tell Millerna and Eries their father has betrayed them? I don't know if I can do that...But maybe Millerna knows more than I think she does. He looked at Hitomi again. This could have far reaching implications...Asturia siding with Zaibach...this could mean war. ...Is that why Hitomi came to Gaia? Is her destiny...war?

Millerna woke up from her reverie startled by Van's slightly edgy voice. She turned her violet eyes to Hitomi, and had to agree with him. However she did not say so. "I wonder if Allen's okay..." She looked at Hitomi and added "I mean, I'm sure he's okay. Just whether if he's..." How do I phrase this without worrying Hitomi and making my father seem bad? "Comfortable or not" She added the last sentence with a bit more light heartedness. Feeling a little less stressed, Millerna sunk into a nearby chair, and rested her head on her hands. "So....To Asturia?" Cocking her head to the side, Millerna dreaded the dissapointment from her father. Sighing, she got up, tucked a strand of hair behind her ear, and stated "We better get Merle and Eries"
...And then the Caeli knight.

'What makes you think it's a he?' Oh how stupid!

Hitomi crossed her arms and remarked in an annoyed voice, "What do you mean what makes me think he's a he? Of course he's a he. I know a male voice when I hear one, and his is definitely male, and the presence I felt outside was male too." Hitomi eyed Van curiously, I wonder if he's jealous...because Escaflowne talks to me and not to him. Hmmm, maybe I'll have to pass that along to my guymelef friend at our next meeting, a little smile pulled at the corner of her mouth. "You're right, Van, I should probably be more careful, but some things can't get done without some risk. And it's not like I'm completely alone. Besides how will my powers ever get stronger unless I use them?" She saw a small shadow pass over the youth's features. Hitomi sighed and put her hands up surrendering, "O.K. I won't use them unless I absolutely have to and not without someone else around...I promise. There. Happy now?"

Allen went cold.
Treason? He's charged me with treason? But doesn't that mean...
Blue eyes flinty, Allen said, "What are the grounds for this charge?"
The King leisurely linked his hands behind his back and gestured for the guard. He murmured something to him and then the guard left.
"Well," Aston began, "You were found under mysterious circumstances in a clearing with traces of Zaibach guymelefs. Why didn't they kill you, Allen?" The King's gaze was very calm and very clear. Allen realized that the King knew exactly what was going on--he knew that there had been guymelefs dispatched, he knew the reason for them being in the clearing. Had he sent them...?
"I had nothing to do with the guymelefs, Majesty," Allen said, trying hard to remain civil.
The King uttered a humourless chuckle. "As any traitor would claim, I'm sure."
As the King turned around, Allen was suddenly struck by the blankness in his eyes. This was a man who had lost...and was now willing to do anything to prevent it from happening again. Unwillingly his mind remembered a smiling face... No. Allen flinched from the memory. Suddenly he smiled grimly at the King. "It will not matter what I say, will it?"
The King was motionless for a moment. He said, "No. It will not."
"Then we have nothing more to say to each other. I presume you are planning on holding me here?"
The King only smiled.
He's completely serious. He will find a reason for me to be guilty. He will find a way to silence me. But what is it he doesn't want anyone else to know?
He watched the King's tall figure retreat up the stairs.
He thought, I'll be damned if I'll let myself be executed by my own people. I'll find a way out of here, Aston. You can bet on that.

It was almost as if she was talking about a person. A person who had wrapped his ethereal arms around her.
"What makes you think it's a he?" Van said, more harshly than intended. In embarrassment he clenched one hand around the hilt of his sword. "...I mean, that's great that you found Allen..." He raised his eyes to hers. "But you have to be careful, Hitomi. These powers of yours...who knows what they could do to you. You said yourself that you didn't know why you passed out." Van fought back another surge of odd anger as he remembered how she had talked about 'Escaflowne'. He said firmly, "Don't use them without someone else around."
She's gonna get angry with me again. Well, she shouldn't have been so reckless. She just doesn't get it. I have to protect her. And that's going to be especially difficult in this next 'mission.' Allen's in Asturia...in prison. Why would he be in prison? For a moment Van glared at nothing. I don't want Hitomi to be in danger...but it seems I'll have to take her with me...and that really isn't going to go well if she's pissed off at me. He glanced up to judge her mood.

"How did I do it? Well it's a divination technique called "dowsing". Basically, you take any object tied to something like a string and focus on what you want to find. The whatever is hanging on the end of the string should move in the direction in which that thing is located and I figured the pendant would be very useful for that. I was having alot of trouble before and I almost gave up. But then I heard Escaflowne's voice in my mind, telling me I was trying to hard. Then he told me to breath deeply and relax and that the images would come to me. And then..."she paused for a moment recalling what happened next, "I felt the strangest sensation. It was really warm and gentle, almost like a pair of arms around me," she drew her arms around herself to illustrate, "then I swear I heard his voice right behind my ear. Then I opened my eyes I saw everything. Where Allen-san's being kept, what he looked like and all that. That's how I could tell he was alive. It was much more than I was originally hoping for. I was very pleased. Anyway, then I must have passed out again. I swore I heard him say something else before everything went black...Oh, what was it?" She placed her hands on her temples and squeezed her eyes shut, trying to remember. "Something about ten thousand years and waiting..."Hitomi placed her fingers on her lips where she had felt the pressure,"..I wonder what that means..." She let her hands drop to her sides, unable to recall his last words fully, "Oh well, if it's important he'll tell me again. Maybe then I can ask him why I seem to faint whenever he talks to me," She looked at Van and Millerna, "By the way I'm sorry if I scared you, but I needed to go outside to do it properly. Now that we know where we're going, we should get there as soon as possible."

After several minutes, Millerna heard some noise from the lower floor. Getting up quickly, Millerna knocked once more on Eries' door. "Eries! Come down and meet us at the door" Scrambling down the marble stairs, Millerna saw Hitomi nearly run Van over, and excitedly say that Allen was in the Asturian prison. Sighing in relief, Millerna walked over to Hitomi and Van, her violet eyes flickered over Hitomi "Gods, where were you? I was going to have a heart attack, and I think I nearly gave Van one after shaking him awake" She smiled at Hitomi, but was thinking something totally different inside. Now that we have Hitomi back...I guess it means....We look for Allen Playing with the edge of her top, she bit her lip, and looked at her feet, brow furrowed in concentration. Allen's in the Asturian prison? But why would father imprison him? He's one of his best knights...

...Allen.

He watched the Asturian Knight's inscrutable blue eyes. Allen Schezar, one of the greatest Knights of this era. And here he was in jail, by Aston's hands.
He let a slight frown furrow his brow. It wasn't entirely superficial.
The Ispano guymelef had disappeared from the palace--at approximately the same time the pillar of light appeared in the sky. Simultaneously the Fanalian king, Millerna, and Eries vanished...and Allen went into the forest. Is there a connection? I don't know--but it seems the only possible explanation. Allen Schezar must know all or part of it.
The King watched Allen's face. The knight was indeed a gentleman--his face betrayed him not. But today he had met his match.
You don't know what's at stake here, Knight. You know something about the location of my daughters--and I know that you do. And in that simple fact lies all the evidence necessary to carry out what must be done.
He said, "Allen Schezar, you have held up your end of the bargain." Aston made himself look weary. The Knight's eyes flickered briefly. Blue eyes...very blue. Almost familliar... Aston silenced the thought. No distractions now. "The charges laid against you are small in number, but grave all the same. The first is for stealing a royal horse..." Allen's expression became faintly puzzled,
"...and the second is treason."

OOC: so how bout that rescue? ;P

Merle started after Van.
“Lord-Van!” Stupid princess! Stupid Hitomi! Stupid… outside…
argh. She could have at least waited until my ankle was better to get lost!
And of course Van-sama runs off to the rescue again. I mean, the nerve of-

“I’m going back to bed.”

For a moment the words didn't sink in. He was still breathless because of his near concussion and Hitomi's sudden affection.
Alive! Allen's alive!
A smile broke out on his face. He hugged Hitomi back, caught up in the wild elation of the moment. "He's alive!" It felt as if a great weight had been lifted from his shoulders. He suddenly lifted Hitomi and spun about.
Wait, what are you doing, Van?
Feeling a little embarrassed, he set her down. He glanced into her emerald eyes and then dropped his gaze. She looked so happy, so flushed and full of life. It made him...nervous or something.
Trying to get back to business, Van asked, "How did you do it, Hitomi? I mean...how could you suddenly just..." his eyes suddenly went to the pendant. "How did you know what to do?"

Nariya gave Dilandau a half-lidded feline look of distaste. Talking that way to Folken-sama...
She reminded herself that he was a...no wait, he wasn't even a good soldier. He kept having mysterious breakdowns, and he was uncontrollable in battle. So then what exactly was he doing here? This kind of mission should only be left to Zaibach's elite--herself and her sister.
Nariya looked up into Folken's face. His expression was, as always, impassive, but she was beginning to read the minute changes in his eyes. He was...worried about something?
Don't worry, Folken-sama, we will complete this mission. She dropped her eyes as her mind added, And hope that someday your eyes will look upon us with something more in their depths...Folken-sama.

*After the relaxing soak in the tub and slipping into some clean clothes, walks out of the bathroom and sees a notice on the ground near the door* Hmm.. probably time for the meeting. *Picks up the notice and throws it into the trash and walks out of his room* Now lets see what this power spot thing is and what he has planned for it. *Walks through the various corridors and into Folken's room. Looks towards Folken* So, what is this whole thing about? Why did you have Chesta come bring me back when I was just about to have some fun? *Pulls out a chair to sit on and glares at Folken. Not appreciating being interrupted from his recreational activity*

"Thank you...Escaflowne," Hitomi smiled and opened her eyes. She quickly sat up and looked around. Why is it whenever he speaks to me, I end up fainting? She rubbed her eyes. Then a sudden realization caused her hand to fly to her mouth, Oh no! How long have I been here? I hope everyone else is still here. Now that I know where Allen-san is I have to let everyone know. She got up and dashed toward the main house. Why is he in the jail of the Asturian palace? Why would the King arrest him? Hitomi made a note to bring it up once she reached the others. She ran around to the main door and pushed it open, nearly knocking Van over. She threw her arms around him and pulled him upright, "Van, I found him. I know where he is!" she placed her hands on either side of his face, her own face beaming with happiness. "He's alive, Van! Alive!" She embraced the youth once more.

Seeing the stress tighten up on Van's face, Millerna simply nodded slowly, and put her hand on his arm. Catching his gaze, she softly said "Don't worry Van. We'll find her" She then made her way to Eries' room. Knocking frantically on the shut door, Millerna heard Eries say "Just a minute" Millerna paced around in a rather undignified fashion outside the hallway, her violet eyes flashing with anxiousness. Eries....Come on! "Are you done yet, Eries?" Millerna called out. After a minute or so, Millerna started to bang rather brutesquely on the door, crying out "Eries! Hitomi is gone! Hurry up!" Tucking a strand of blonde hair behind her ear, she clasped her hands together, leaned against the wall, and slid down to the floor. Gods, keep Hitomi safe...And keep Allen safe too.

"You may rise," Folken said after Nariya spoke. His thoughts wandered to what he was going to have to put her and her sister through. Did they know it wasn't completely safe? What have I done to deserve such loyalty? Why would they want risk their lives for me? he couldn't help but let these thoughts flow through his mind.
"We have only to wait for your sister and Dilandau before we start."

Millerna and Eries.
If there was anything the King would fight for, it was the safety of his daughters. Allen didn't let his face change. I know the kind of things that the King could call upon. The dark markets running deep in Asturia's blood will not be short of men whose occupations rely on the extraction of information. But the question is...will he do it? Will he deem the cause worthy enough? ...Just how deeply is Asturia buried in Zaibach's power?
Allen raised his eyes to meet the King's. He said clearly, "They weren't in the clearing, Majesty. Nor were the rest of the company. I was investigating the location of the light when invisible guymelefs began throwing flame." He watched the King's eyes closely as the information was taken in and digested. Tension was thrumming through him.
Now is the time of judgment. Let's see if Asturia and Zaibach are truly bedfellows...and how far the King is prepared to go.

Nariya entered the room and knelt at Folken's feet. She bent her head. "Yes, Lord Folken. You summoned me?"
She waited, nerves tingling, for his response.

Van gritted his teeth. This was already turning out to be an unpleasant day. He wondered irritatedly just how much worse it could get. He shot a glance at the anxious Princess. "Calm yourself, Millerna. Hitomi's not stupid. She wouldn't go looking for Allen herself. She has no way to find him and no way to get there." Van paused. The pendant. He cursed underneath his breath. She wouldn't have done it. She wouldn't have used her power without someone there with her...! Would she?
He said brusquely, "Alright Millerna, go get Eries and meet me outside the door we came in!" Van turned his attention to Merle. "Come on. Let's go!"

He started from a light doze. He stared at the rough stone wall of his cell. For a moment there had been...something. He'd felt something. Allen frowned. I must have been dreaming...but it felt somehow familliar. He sighed and sat up. Through the iron bars he saw the single guard shift his stance wearily. Allen eyed the keys on the guard's belt.
At the clearing he had been apprehended and then brought to the castle prison. He hadn't resisted. Now he was waiting to be questioned. Perhaps he could verify Asturia's connection to Zaibach if he played his game right...
Allen sighed. He hoped the others were safe.
Suddenly he heard the sound of the upper door opening. He stood up as the King of Asturia came down the stone steps. Interesting...I'm an important prisoner then.
"Good evening," Allen said pleasantly. His keen eyes caught the slight hesitation in the King's step. The King came towards the cell. "Allen Schezar...I apologize for the...slight unpleasantness of this situation."
"I'd like to know what charges have been laid against me," Allen said evenly.
Aston paused. His eyes flicked over the tall blonde knight. He said, "First tell me where the King of Fanalia and his strange companions are."
Allen feigned ignorance. "I don't know, Majesty. I haven't seen them since they left the party."
The King's eyes changed imperceptibly.
"You vacated the party in quite a hurry, Allen. The forest seems an odd place to venture, even for a knight such as yourself."
"Majesty, I merely went to investigate the location of the pillar of light." Allen paused and his gaze hardened slightly. "...Maybe if you looked closely at the Ispano guymelef you could get some indication of what caused the light." As he watched Aston stiffened ever so slightly. Inwardly Allen smiled. Yes...you have no idea where Escaflowne is. That's what you really want. And you'll go through Van and Hitomi to get it. Well you won't get anything from me.
The King focused his inscrutable gaze on Allen once more. In a low, deadly quiet voice, he asked, "There was evidence of melefs and fire in that clearing. And you were the only one left in it." The King paused and then said, "Allen Schezar, where are my daughters?"

OOC: I know I'm really lazy for smooshing this all together in one post...but it would be pointless to have a million posts of one simple conversation. o__0

Breathless and nearly exhausted, Hitomi fell to her knees, "I can almost see him. I can see his hair, but there's a light behind him so I can't see his face. Damn! What's wrong? Why can't I make this work?"

Thy efforts are too laborious

Hitomi looked up quickly, That voice..."Escaflowne?"

Yes, it is I. Maiden, Thy attempts are too forceful. Do not go to the images. Let them come to thee.

"How do you mean?"

Stand. Hitomi obeyed. Breathe deeply and let the tension recede from thy body. She felt herself relaxing, then a wave of warmth washed over her. A force tightened around her, like an embrace. The voice seemed as though it was right behind her ear, Now...hold up the pendant...and look.

Hitomi opened her eyes. A flood of images invaded her mind. Allen-san... She swooned and covered her mouth, her strength draining. She felt as though she were falling, but slowly. She gently landed in the grass. What felt like the tip of a finger pressed lightly to her lips, Ten thousand years...I have waited so long.... The presence faded as Hitomi lay sleeping in the grass.

Folken walked back through the halls, the full details of his plan forming in his head. When he got to his chambers he sent someone to fetch Eriya, Nariya, and Dilandau. It looks like I will be able to use my plan after all. But I will not like what I have to do.
He sat there reliving events of his past while waiting. It wasn't long before he heard a soft knock on the door. "Come in," he said, his voice lacking emotion.

"I've checked everywhere indoors, and in the stables... I haven't checked out in the estate's forest land though..." Millerna bit her nail anxiously, shifting her weight from one foot to the other. "Should we get Eries? She knows these grounds better then we do..." The Princess threw off her apron, and was fidgeting anxiously, waiting for Van and Merle's response. Dammit Hitomi! Why did you have to wander away? Then it hit her like a freight train. Slowly Millerna caught Van's anxious gaze with her own violet eyes, and she slowly said the words "She...She wouldn't go to find Allen, would she?"

"Aaah!" Van sat bolt upright, narrowly missing smashing his head into Millerna's nose. Eyes wide and nerves thrumming, Van snapped, "What's wrong?" The Princess still had her apron on, he couldn't have been asleep for long. Dammit, when had he fallen asleep?!
Van fixed his brown gaze on Millerna's anxious face. A million negative scenarios slipped through his mind. He said in a low, hard voice, "Millerna. Tell me what's wrong. Now."
And then suddenly it hit him. While she was so uncerimoniously shaking him, she had mentioned Hitomi. ...Hitomi!
The Princess opened her mouth to respond and Van silenced her with his hand. His mind was working quickly. He turned and said to a somewhat sleepy Merle, "Can you walk? We may need your senses." She nodded wordlessly. Van turned back to Millerna. He threw off the covers and stood up. "Tell me where you haven't looked."

"Yes, Folken, I'm aware that your brother is traveling with the girl. They could be a very dangerous pair if left together too long. The dragon and the girl must not be allowed to flourish. Send word to King Aston that if the King of Fanelia and the girl are discovered in his kingdom that are to be arrested immediately and held until our forces arrive. We will then take the Escaflowne and crush this opposition before it becomes a real threat."

Dornkirk watched Folken bow and walk out. "The prophecy must not come to pass again. We must do all we can to stop it."

Looking sadly at the severly burned fish, Millerna plopped the black fish into the trash can, and made her way up the stairs with some apples. Peering into an open doorway, she smiled in a fond way at Van and Merle. She gently shut the door, and made her way to find Hitomi.
About half an hour later, Millerna still couldn't find Hitomi. She burst into the room where Merle and Van were residing, panting, and said in a distressed voice "Van! Merle! Hitomi's not in the estate! I-I can't find her!" At this point the apples had been long dropped and forgotten. She must have wandered off the estate.... I hope we can still find her When Van didn't stir, as did Merle, Millerna shook the young king vigorously, yelling in his ear "Hitomi's gone" I'm sorry Van for waking you. I know how you feel. Though I may not bear as much as you, I know how you feel when it feels like the world's on your shoulders... She opened her violet eyes wide, continuously shaking Van, while thinking silently in her head Hitomi...Stay close....

*Starts tossing and turning after a couple of minutes of sleep* No! No what are you doing? *Frowns and looks worried while asleep. Pushes something away from him in the dream* Why are you doing this?? I don't want to go in there anymore. *Whimpers slightly* Please don't. I hate it, these experiments. Why?? *Sweat is forming on his body as the nightmare goes on in his head* I just want to go home. I'll be good! I won't ever run away again. *Gasps* No, don't! *Falls halfway off the bed, heart pounding furiously in his chest as he is awaken from the fall. His body and uniform(armor?) partially entangled in the bedsheets*

*Looks around worriedly* What the hell was that about? *Kicks and struggles out of the jumbled up bedsheets and slides off the bed in the action* Dammit. I hope this doesn't happen again. *Feels forehead with his free arm for temperature* Well, I'm not sick, maybe I ate something bad. I know I haven't watched any scary movies as of late. Hmmm... I need to go take a shower. *Looks at the clock on the nightstand - 6:15 am* Geez, I haven't been asleep for very long. -_-; *Finally disentangles(?) himself out of the bedsheets and throws them back onto the bed* I know I'm going to die by the time its afternoon. *Sighs and walks into the bathroom. Closes the door and turns on the faucet of the large Platinum Madison Grande Duo bathtub(I had to look this up XD), letting the warm water flow into the tub while he takes his uniform off*

[OOC: Zaibach soldiers be bling-blingin you know. ^_^;]

Hitomi opened her eyes. She had been dozing off and on for sometime now, but was never able to get back to sleep fully. She got up and crossed to the window to check on her clothes which, to her delight, had dried. She slipped her shirt on and then her jacket. Thinking that there would be people up by now, she decided to go out again. She sniffed the air as she closed the door to her room. A distinct fish smell permeated the hallway. "Well, maybe if I follow this I'll find the kitchen."

She wandered down the hallway a bit and came across an open door. Her curiosity piqued, she peeked inside.

The Fanelian youth lay curled up in a bed, with the little catgirl at his feet. What a peaceful scene. Hitomi felt a twinge of guilt while staring at the boy's peaceful expression. I shouldn't have woken him up like that earlier, only robbed him of what precious little sleep he could get. Her hand unconsciously touched the spot where he had brushed her hair away earlier. The thoughts of guilt gave way to ones of anger. And of COURSE he has no problem getting to sleep with Merle! When he's in a room with me for no more than two hours there's enough commotion to spark an international incident! She sighed silently and leaned warily against the door frame. Ah! Damnit, I'm doing it again. I need to stop this thinking right now. All that matters is this boy's future, not how he feels about me or how I feel about him. What you felt back in that room wasn't anything. He didn't touch you, you imagined all that. He doesn't like you, not like that and he never will. And all you're concerned with is getting this threat taken care of and then getting the hell home. You don't like him. He does not like you. There. End of it. Period. Now, you're going outside right now and you're going to find Allen-san. The hell with breakfast!

Hitomi marched outside onto the vast grounds of the estate. She pulled her pendant out from her shirt and held it in front of her. Concentrate on him...focus on your feelings and thoughts of him. Wherever the pendant swings should be the direction to go to find him. Allen-san...please show me where you are...

umm…. food…. …. Van-sama… …. Van-sama AND food…. mmmmm…. Merle awoke from her pleasant almost-sleeping-state upon feeling a great weight put on the mattress near her ankle. The dipping of the mattress caused her ankle to fall slightly onto it’s side, thereby causing the uncomfortable jolt that woke her up.
Sitting up she saw something rather worth waking up for. Van was on his knees at the end of her bed with his head and hands haphazardly strewn across the comforter.
Knowing the particular sounds of van in a deep, deep sleep she carefully grabbed him by the armpits and hauled him up onto the bed.
Settling him down under the covers she smiled at his usually tense face. He always used to look this peaceful when he sleeps, but ever since Fanalia…
It’s been awhile since he hasn’t had a nightmare.
I wonder what he’s dreaming about? Noticing how he had snuggled himself down into the mattress she was assured that he wouldn’t be back up for awhile. Leaning over she gave a small lick to his cheek and whispered the words “sleep well Lord-Van” before settling herself back down to sleep.

Van stared at the Princess. Her? Cook?
He suppressed a snarky response. Be civil, Van, he said to himself. She's trying to make peace. He looked down at the apron in his hands, his heart sinking. I don't know how to cook anything except pack food. He shot a glance at Merle. She didn't look too happy about the prospect of creating culinary delights either.
Van yawned and absently covered his mouth. "Come on Merle, let's go find a room and have a look at your foot. You should try to get some sleep...we're going to have a hard day today."
He shrugged at Millerna and put down his apron. "Sorry, Princess." He felt a twinge of guilt at the look in her eyes. "I'll be back in a little while. Good luck with breakfast." He gave her an amused look. At least someone's feeling perky today...

After getting some cold well water, Van helped Merle get to a room. "Lay down and try to sleep. I'll just take a look at your ankle." She lay back and he tucked the covers around her upper body.
He slowly undid the splint. Merle uttered a small sound and bit her lip.
The ankle was swollen and red, but there didn't appear to be any indication of broken bones. He sat down on the edge of the bed and wrapped her ankle in a cool cloth. He smiled at her. "Don't worry. You'll be fine. I'll just stay here a little longer. Go to sleep."
After several minutes, Van felt his eyes getting heavy. He shook himself and re-wetted the cloth. To make himself more comfortable, he got down on his knees on the floor and rested his elbows on the bed. Just a couple more minutes...until she's gone into a deep sleep...then I'll go down and help with breakfast... He yawned again. Jeez, I must be really tired. I'll just rest my head for a minute and...

Millerna entered the kitchen to find Merle on her behind, and Van smiling for the first time she had seen in a long time. Maybe I've been too hard on him... He looks so much more relaxed when he smiles, instead of the looking like the world is on his shoulders.... Millerna cautiously cleared her throat, and looked at Van. Seeing the expression in his eyes, she gave him a meaningful look. I'm not here to tease you Van "It's time for breakfast, don't you think? I'm sure you're all hungry... I'm not the world's greatest cook now, but I'm sure if we all work together we can whip up something at least edible...I think Eries and Hitomi would really appreciate it." The young princess tied an apron around her waist, and balled up two more aprons in her hands, throwing one each to Van and Merle. She grinned idiotically, and couldn't help blurting out "I'm cooking!" Her violet eyes gleamed merrily and she began to walk around a bewildered Van and Merle, humming to herself.

Folken walked into the communications room in time to here Dornkirk call him. “Yes Lord Dornkirk. I am here, and I have some important news for you. There seems to some girl accompanying my brother. My informants tell me that there is something more to her than meets the eye. She appears to be able to summon the dragon.” Folken looked up at the giant screen after relaying his message. Then stared up at Dornkirk's face waiting for a response.

*Looks around for a while, contemplating what he could do for entertainment before Folken calls him for the meeting about the "PowerSpot" thing* I haven't even been told yet what the stupid thing is. *Sighs* They can't keep me cooped up in this place for long. I need something to do.. *Yawns* ..like sleeping. -_-; *Struggles to keep conscious, but falls asleep in his uniform.*

Hitomi stared up at the ceiling immersed in thought. "I hope that vision was just a dream and nothing more," The image of the young king impaled on his sword returned to her. Hitomi squeezed her eyes shut trying to push the image from her mind, "That can't happen. I can't let that happen. Despite my own feelings toward him I have to fulfill Escaflowne's wishes. I should be focusing on that not anything else. I owe it to him...and to Allen-san. He must fulfill his destiny, I can't let my own feelings get in the way of that."

She rose and walked over to the bowl to check on her clothes. The shirt and jacket seemed as clean as they were going to get. Hitomi wrung them free of water and hung them near the window. "Hope these are dry by the time we leave." She looked at the clothes feeling a new resolve building within her, "I can't behave like a kid anymore. No more of this silly schoolgirl crush bunk. I have to be brave and responsible. For the sake of this world and for Van." She wrapped her arms around herself, "Please let that dream, just be a dream...and nothing else. If I fail him...I don't know what I'll do..."