Allen's mind raced. He barely held himself back from screaming at Gatsu to get his hands off her. But admitting such affection would be disastrous...he'd just laugh and then he'd... Allen clenched his jaw. He wouldn't let himself think about it. He knew what could happen, oh yes, but he would not let it happen.
Not while I still breathe! he thought fiercely.
"So you've come to this, have you? Parlour tricks and cheap showmanship." His gaze flickered from the oozing cut on his chest to Gatsu's pale eyes. Quietly, with cold certainty, he said, "It won't do any good. She won't give in to you. She's stronger than you think, Gatsu. You won't get anything out of her."
Something flickered in Gatsu's eyes. Allen didn't let anything show. Gatsu's hand had stilled on the strings on Millerna's dress. Allen didn't breathe.
A slow, stunningly genuine smile spread itself across Gatsu's face. He stood up and stepped close to Allen. Very slowly, and with surprising gentleness, Gatsu wiped his bloody blade on Allen's chest. Allen didn't move. Gatsu inspected the now clean blade, smiling to himself. He tilted his head to the side and met Allen's eyes. His smiled widened his expression became overly pleasant. As if trying to break the news to a five year old, Gatsu leaned close and said, "I know what you're trying to do."
Allen's heart froze. Before he could utter a word, Gatsu had whirled and gone to his knees beside Millerna.
"Now Princess," he said conspiratorally in her ear, "The big strong Knight thinks he can manipulate me! How could he think that? He should know by now that I'll always be one step ahead of him." Gatsu shot a wicked look at Allen and slowly and deliberately ran his hand from her waist to her throat. Allen felt a black rage seize him.He snarled,"Gatsu--"
Ignoring him, Gatsu tenderly touched Millerna's cheek. Then he bent and kissed her.

OOC: HAH! How do you like THAT, Allen!

She sat in the shadows of the training room, sharpening her daggers. The scraping sound seemed loud in the silence of the room. Nariya paused for a moment and listened to the faint hum of the Vione around her, and the soft breath of the young one on the floor beneath her. Nariya was perched on one of the metal platforms. The kit was lying on the floor in the middle of the room, still unconscious.
Nariya stared almost blankly at slow rise and fall of the kit's chest. She suddenly wanted her sister to come back. The King's female had been taken away to see Lord Dorkirk, and Eriya had not yet returned.
Nariya wondered with a small stab of guilt what they would do to the girl there.
With a small sound of annoyance, she stood up. Why should she care. It didn't matter. Her task was done. Her loyalty to Folken-sama was what really counted.
Nariya leaped onto a higher platform, where it was darker, and settled down to wait. She drew out her dagger again and began sharpening it slowly, not really focusing on it.
Folken and Eriya.
...The only two people left in this world that matter.

*Glares daggers at the retreating figure of the catbeast and swears under his breath* We have the stupid guymelef, what's the point of keeping Van alive? If he gets out while he's being held in the prison cells, then he'll probably get into the Escaflowne somehow and destroy the ship! *Grumbles about no Stuff Van Statue* I wonder where that beast is taking Van's pet to. If Folken won't let me take one of his beasts and turn it into a coat I'm sure she'll live, all I gotta do is skin her, then how about Van's pet?

*Open's the hatch of his guymelef and steps out* I gotta carry this huge piece of junk with me?! How the hell am I supposed to carry Van as well, I'm not sticking him back in the Escaflowne! *Hops off the hatch door and peers into the Escaflowne's cockpit* This thing is a frickin antique, the controls are so old. *Swears and walks over to Van. Kicks him a couple of times, pulls out his sword, and put's it up to Van's neck.* -_-# It would be soo simple! Grr!! *Sheathes his sword and gets some rope out to tie Van up. Gets back into his guymelef and picks up Van's unconscious body.* Hope this'll work. -_- *Place's the body into the Escaflowne's hand and closes it around him. Change's to flight mode and shoots a crema claw around the Escaflowne. Slowly lifts the heavy load into the air and proceeds to fly back to the Vione.* This is going to be a very long flight back. Hope Folken doesn't mind if I drop the Escaflowne a couple of times, I don't think the claws will hold for that long. *Smirks at the thought of Van screaming his lungs out as the Escaflowne plummets to the ground with him in it's hand.*

[OOC: There! I posted!! HA! I don't suppose anyone knows if there's a website that has direct downloads for "Yami no Matsuei" or "Naruto"?]

Millerna screamed as the dark red liquid trickled down Allen's torso. The man who was restraining her covered her mouth with his callused hands, and she bit his finger. About to slap her, Gatsu intercepted the man, Allen's blood still on his dagger.
"Calm down, Delios" he smoothly seethed. "She'll have her turn." Gatsu whirled around, facing Allen again. A sly smile curled on his lips, and he stepped behind Millerna, keeping his eyes on Allen.
"Get away from me" Millerna spat, but Gatsu was unfazed, and rested his hands on her hips. Millerna thrashed wildly, but the other man kept his firm grip on her. He rested his stubbly chin on her shoulder, and moved his hands from her waist till his arms were wrapped around her. Millerna straightened up like a board, and she lifted her chin slightly.
"My father will never forgive you, you demon" she said, each word like venom. Gatsu laughed dryly. "Not if I blame it on your lover." Millerna felt the world go blurry, and with one last look at Allen, the world went black. Fainting in the man's arms, Gatsu instructed the man to place her just in front of Allen, so that he couldn't touch her, but he could see her.
"What shall I do now? Toy with the knight, or the sleeping princess?" Gatsu bent down beside Millerna, and toyed with the edge of her shirt, staring at Allen with steeled eyes.

Hitomi opened her eyes and sat up. Where am I? In some kind of cell? She rubbed her neck and pulled her knees under her chin. Who was that guy in my dream? What was his name? Dai? He seemed...so familiar to me...the way he looked. But how would I know him? And why am I having dreams as someone named Yuri?
She rose and walked to the barred window. Putting her hands on the bars, she leaned her head against them and closed her eyes, "Van...Please be alright.," an image of the youth flashed in her mind, "I wish I could help you.."
The sound of the cell door opening made her turn. A young man about her age stood in the doorway, "Lord Dornkirk will see you now," he said in a cold voice.

Gatsu threw a wide, humourless smile in Allen's direction. "Let's test the waters, shall we?" he whispered.
Allen's gaze remained hard and cold as Gatsu approached. Gatsu's pale eyes were as clear as a sheet of ice--and just as human. He moved slowly and deliberately, as smooth and casual as a cat stalking his prey.
Allen forced his face to remain impassive. All of his attention was focused on the man coming towards him. He didn't dare to glance at Millerna--any attention he gave her would remind Gatsu that she was there. And Allen wanted all the attention Gatsu had to give.
Come on...show me what you've got.
Allen lifted his chin and stared Gatsu straight in the face as he stepped close. Gatsu smiled pleasantly and cocked his head slightly to the side.
He backhanded Allen hard across the face. Allen's head snapped to the side. He felt warm blood slowly trickle out of his nose. He turned and let his eyes meet Gatsu's. He kept his gaze completely blank.
Gatsu's eyes flickered slightly. And then his smile widened. There was the silver flash of a blade and the sound of cloth ripping. The white undershirt Allen wore beneath his tunic was ripped all the way down the middle. Allen didn't flinch. His eyes never left Gatsu's.
Gatsu flipped the knife in the air, his own gaze trained on Allen's. "Ooooooh, I knew you'd be fun," he murmured, almost to himself. He snatched the twirling knife out of the air.
Allen felt cold steel press against his bare chest. Gatsu breathed in his ear, "Now...since you two are so obviously star crossed lovers...I'll give you a helping hand. You know, just to let the world know she's yours and you're hers." The point of the knife suddenly dug into Allen's flesh. Blood ran down his chest. He didn't make a sound. He met Millerna's terrified gaze across the room.
No matter what happens...
Gatsu smiled and said, "How does the letter 'M' sound?"

OOC: man...just had a bad night at hockey...decided to take it out on Allen. ^^ I'm thinking a rescue would be prudent right around now. Come on Van! Save us! *sniff* [And yes I'm assuming Allen took off his tunic already...no inconsistencies here!]

You cannot help her, Your Majesty, a deep, masculine voice filled the empty space, She has been dead for thousands of your years. She came to Gaea ten thousand years ago to help eliminate a threat very much like the one that exists now.
The woman's arms came down to her sides and a very familiar piece of jewelry became visible. Her emerald green eyes opened and stared into nothingness.
I'm sure that you recognize that necklace, Master Van. I also sense that her face is somehow familiar. Perhaps the answer will come to you in time. How intriguing it is that certain events repeat, how certain people return to complete their destinies. One of these people is Lady Hitomi. She has returned to us to finish something she began millennia ago. You must help her complete this task, Master Van. It is imperative that she live and you live. If her powers are allowed to flourish, she will once again bring peace to this world. You must do everything in your power to see this accomplished. Right now, she is safe, but I cannot guarantee she will be for much longer, the voice paused, I realize that I do not possess your full confidence, but I implore you to believe me. Soon all will become clear...
The voice faded as the woman slowly descended down toward him. A flowing white gown materialized around her as she walked to him. She took his face in her hands and brought it close to her own so close they almost touched. She smiled warmly at him, "Now you must wake, and we can be the people we were born to be once more..."

What...who are you?
She was almost familliar. He could sense something about her that reminded him fiercely of something, but he didn't know what it was. But he almost...felt as if he knew her. She was asking for his help. He reached out a hand to her, his mouth already forming the words that were in his heart.
Yes. I will help you.

She floated above the young king. Her long sandy blonde hair brushed against her waist, her nude form seem to glow against the darkness surrounding them. Her hands were clasped together in front of her chestin a plaintative gesture and her eyes were closed as though she were praying for something with all her might...

Help me...

Yukari. What an unusual name. Well Dornkirk did mention that she was from the mystic moon. Folken thought of how she might have come here. As for getting out of the forest, that might prove to be difficult, seeing as she’d have to like flying. He slowly stood up from his kneeling position. “There is a way out of the forest, but, how are you with flying?” Folken waited calmly for a response.

Blackness.
Silence. No touch. No weight. A growing sense of wakefulness blossomed in the dark. He was floating. He was waiting. For...what...?
There was urgency, somewhere. A terrible urgency. But he couldn't remember what it was. Every time he reached for it, it fluttered like a moth and disappeared back into the blackness. It was like trying to see with one's eyes closed.
What...? Eyes...closed?
He was trying to remember, verging on something, reaching towards the nameless thing that fluttered in the dark, when suddenly he heard something. As the sound touched him he suddenly remembered.
Van Slanzar de Fanel.
He suddenly became aware of limbs, resting motionless in the weightless black.
Trying to see...with my eyes closed...
His eyes slowly came open.
And he realized that he was not alone.

The King didn't get up.
Nariya sheathed her dagger and tucked the kit under her arm again. She leaped forward as Dilandau's melef was reaching for Van's prone form.
He was still alive, and he wouldn't be unconscious for long. Nariya felt a slight tension drain from her muscles. She looked up at the red guymelef. The face plate slid back and Dilandau yelled down at her, "What do you think you're doing, beast! He's mine!"
Nariya glanced up coolly. Her gaze was impassive, but she was watching his movements very closely.
"Leave him, Dilandau. Lord Folken wants him alive. And the purpose of the mission was to capture the Escaflowne. Complete the mission."
Dilandau glared down at her.
Nariya smoothly turned her back and bounded away into the forest. She'd done all she could. It was up to him now.
Several minutes later, she met her sister at the melefs, and they flew away.

Merle...!
Van clenched his eyes shut for a moment and then opened them. His teeth were gritted in frustration. If I leave Escaflowne now, I'll have no way of getting Hitomi back. And that's just what they want. But Merle... Van set his jaw. There really was no choice in the matter.
Escaflowne's cockpit hissed and opened. Van stepped out, his eyes flickering from Dilandau to the cat-girl in the silver one's arms. She was still alive, he could see it. But who knew how long she would remain so...? Van clenched his fists. This decision may damn us all. But by all the gods...I couldn't do it. Couldn't watch her die in front of me.
Van raised his hands in an expression of surrender.
Dilandau laughed. "Fool! To be swayed by such petty tactics!" One guymelef hand shot forward. Van threw himself to the side, but there wasn't much space. The hand slammed into his side and threw him sideways and off of Escaflowne. He tumbed awkwardly through the air for a panic ridden moment. Can't black out can't black out can't--
And then he hit the ground.

The sight of Gatsu putting his hands on her drove Allen over the edge. "Millerna!" He strained against the manacles, knowing he couldn't break them. Every muscle in his body was tense. His jaw was clenched so tight it ached. This was true despiration. He had never felt it before--and he never wanted to feel it again. Gatsu smiled and ran his hands down the length of Millerna's torso. Allen gritted his teeth, hating Gatsu so much it burned.
Allen glared at the other's turned back, his eyes unblinking and full if icy intensity. His voice was low and very calm.
"You're nothing Gatsu. You're only a man who torments the weak. You'd never get any real information from anyone without help. You need your men to break them in for you, weaken their spirits, until you can go in and finish the job. You can't even deny it. All you are is a leech who feeds off fear. Nothing more." Allen paused and he realized that the room was deadly silent. His eyes were trained on Gatsu's back, which had seemed to stiffen.
"Just a poor, weak little mercenary...who can't resist his own hungers--or his fears."
Gatsu slowly turned around. His eyes were deceptively calm. He smiled suddenly, his mouth pulling at the rest of his face, which seemed oddly motionless. Allen felt his mouth curve in a grim, humourless smile. "Are you that afraid?"
Gatsu began playing with the dagger in his hands. He said matter-of-factly, "You know, women have a different kind of fear than men. It's higher, more frantic, more shrill. It seems to shatter the air. And most of the time, if you work on them long enough, you can get that kind of fear out of men. But men like you Allen Schezar...oooh, you're a special bunch. Noble and chock full of honour and all that. Men like you...they're the most fun to play with." Gatsu smiled again, wider this time. Because you're just so self sacrificing it's painful. But I always wonder...when you draw the line. When you become so animal that there are no rules anymore." His grin was grotesque. "I wonder when that time will come for you? Will it be through torture? Or..." he threw a significant glance at Millerna, "Or will it be through something else?"
"But really...the question is: Which will be the most fun for me?"

Laughing maliciously, Gatsu turned his gaze onto Millerna. Millerna took an instinctive steph towards Allen, but was jerked viciously back by the man that held her arm. Gatsu then laughed at the knight. "Fool" He held his dagger up to Millerna's throat.
"You are now chained up, and we can do whatever we want with the Princess. Did I ever say I'd give MY word, oh noble knight?" Gatsu spat out the last word as if it were dirt.
I can kill the princess... And the knight... And I can blame the death on the knight. I get pay, and the brat knight and princess are gone. Killing two birds with one stone, you might say...
Grinning cruelly, Gatsu watched the look of horror on Allen's face. He swept Millerna's blonde hair to the side, and bent her neck slightly, pointing his blade to her exposed neck. He kept his eyes on Allen the entire time, while the other man kept his firm hold on Millerna's entire upper body. Millerna caught Allen's gaze, and she shook her head. Believe.

"Eries!"
Aston stood up, his face blank with shock. Eries looked a little worse for the wear, but she was as regal and dignified as ever. The relief Aston felt as his eyes fell on her was undescribable. He felt as if a huge weight had been lifted off his shoulders. He went forward and took her hands, saying, "Eries...where have you been? Were you in the clearing with Lord Van?" And then suddenly he went cold.
"Eries...where is your sister?"
Millerna. Where could she be?Eries must know where she is if they were together...but if they were together...then maybe they both saw Allen.
I must not let her know about Allen. I know that she has an attachment to him...and I...could not bear it if she were to know what I have done. And what I will do.

Millerna. No, Millerna...!
Allen bit his tongue. The thought of these men hurting her...even touching her...it made him want to...He clenched his jaw. His heart was cold in his chest as Gatsu lifted Millerna's chin with his knife.
Allen started forward. "Gatsu--!"
Gatsu didn't turn.
"Oh, isn't this cute. A reunion of lovers is it?" He cruelly grasped Millerna's chin, and looked hard into her violet eyes. "Come to save your Prince, dear Princess?" His hand shifted slowly off her chin and slid down to her collarbone.
"It makes me wonder...just how far you're willing to go." His pale eyes were very close to hers.
Allen's eyes went dark. He strode forward. "Gatsu, stop--"
The closest man slugged him in the stomach. He doubled over, one arm numb from blocking the punch. His gaze didn't waver from Gatsu's turned back.
"She's not what you want, Gatsu!"
His blue eyes met Millerna's for an instant, pleading for her silence, as two of the men grabbed Allen's arms.
Gatsu tossed a glance back at him and sauntered slowly and deliberately towards Allen, flipping his knife in the air. He turned his eyes to the ceiling as he walked. "Not what I want? Not what I want...? I do wonder how you presume to know what I want, Allen Schezar." His pale gaze came to rest on Allen's, his smile oddly satisfied. "But I do know what she wants, and I do know what you want. And that...is quite enough."
He made a gesture with his hand and the men holding Allen moved him back against the wall. There were what looked to be metal manacles half embedded in the wall. Allen tried to jerk an arm out of one man's grasp. Gatsu tsk tsked. "Allen...remember. You gave your word."
Allen stiffened and then became compliant. As he let the men bind his wrists to the wall, his eyes went to Millerna. Gatsu laughed at him. "This is so rich...the brave self sacrificing knight lets himself be forced into an unpleasant situation, while the distraught Princess looks on in horror." Gatsu's gaze was derisive. "How pathetic."

"What is it?" Yuri stared up at the metal giant in awe.
General Dai's brown eyes smiled, "It's Escaflowne."
"Escaflowne? Is it some kind of marionette?" Yuri brushed her long, sandy brown hair back.
"It's armor. You see that up there?" he pointed up to the giant's face, "that's where I sit."
"Oh, it's yours?"
Dai's bronze features darkned, "Escaflowne was a gift, for my services to the Empire."
"Services?"
Ruuh approached the two and spoke, "Master Dai was a great general for the Empire. He won them many battles-"
"At the cost of dozens of lives!" Dai interupted more harshly than intended, he softened and started again, "I now use Escaflowne to atone for what I've done. To try and make things right," he looked up at the giant's face once more, "I know I'll never be truly absolved, but I'll go to my death gladly knowing that it is for this cause. To free the people under the Empire's rule."
"I see.." Yuri lowered her eyes. She raised her eyes, watching his profile. He certainly has integrity, and here I was thinking the worst of him... She felt herself blush.
Dai turned toward her, "Come, I'll show you around the rest of the camp."
They turned to leave, a pinkish glow from her pendant caught her attention.
Maiden...
Yuri gasped and stopped, "Dai-san, did you say something?"
Dai turned around rather confused, "No, I didn't. Why?"
Yuri turned and looked at Escaflowne, "Nevermind, I was probably just imagining things.." Is it me? Or did that armor just speak to me?

Nariya smiled inwardly.
Oh yes, she had his attention now. Oh yes.
Nariya brought the young one around so that the King could see her. The kit was limp in her hands, but Nariya supported her so that the King could see her face.
She was rewarded by the sight of Escaflowne going totally still. Without letting her eyes waver from where she knew the King's cockpit was, Nariya drew her dagger and pressed it to the kit's throat. Her eyes were icy cold. The message was very clear.
"Leave the guymelef now."

What? The sound of the cat-beast's voice broke through his concentration. Dilandau hissed a curse and felt his temper flare.
"You dare to command me, beast?!" he bellowed. There she was, standing there with a little beast in her arms.
What could she possibly want at a time like this? Just when was having a little fun!
Dilandau suddenly grinned wolfishly and turned his attention back to Van. He felt his blood begin to pound again. He hadn't felt this good since Fanalia!
"Van!" he shouted. "You haven't gone and died on me yet, have you? Not when we were just starying to play!" On the last word Dilandau smashed his fist into Escaflowne again.
"Come on Van! I'll be sooooo disappointed if you die now! You don't want to make me angry, now do you?!"
Suddenly he felt Escaflowne shoved against him, and heard Van say hoarsely, "I'll never give in to you."
"Oh! Is that so! I think you already have, Van! You can't move, I've got you now!" Dilandau cackled.

* * *

Something's here...someone else is here...but who?
Van felt himself beginning to black out and jerked himself back into awareness. He was clinging to consciousness by a thread, but he held on to it with a deathgrip.
Got to get to Hitomi! Can't let Zaibach win!
He gathered his strength, watching Dilandau out of dark, hollow eyes. He still had one hand free, he could somehow--
Another blow came, out of pure viciousness. Even though he was braced for the impact, he couldn't stop a small sound of pain from escaping him.
Damn it! If all they wanted was Hitomi, what did they do to the others? What did they do? Van fought back despair. He could guess what they had done. And he could picture it all too easily... He forced those thoughts away fiercely. Can't think of that. Won't think of it!
"Vaaaaan," Dilandau taunted. "Is that all you've got?" He grabbed Escaflowne's free hand. Van ground his teeth, his jaw aching. The guymelefs were at a stalemate, but Dilandau was still winning. He was still keeping him from Hitomi.
Damn him!
"Get out of the melef, Van, and I'll spare your life," Dilandau suddenly commanded. Van could hear the leer in his voice. "...Or at least I promise not to let you die too slowly."
Oh, how generous, Van thought with a grim sort of humour. Like I'd just--
"Van Fanel!" The voice cracked across the clearing. It was one of the cat-girls, the silver one. What was she--Van felt his heart go cold and plummet to his shoes.
Merle!

The kit went limp. Nariya smoothly gathered her into her arms, her mind elsewhere. Shouldn't be doing this...it's not relevant to the mission...but... She glanced down at the kit's face, her dark eyes troubled.
Abruptly Nariya shook off her uneasiness and hardened her gaze. She held the kit under one arm and leaped into the trees. Branches and leaves flashed by, but her eyes were only focused on what lay ahead.
The smell of smoke and flame suddenly burned her sensitive nose. Fighting back a sound of irritation, Nariya emerged onto the battlefield.
The clearing was burning--a typical end to a confrontation with Dilandau. The hard crashes of blows landing on melef armor assaulted her ears. The Ispano guymelef was shuddering at the onslaught of an unseen enemy. She could hear Dilandau laughing.
The Escaflowne was nearly helpless, she could see the liquid metal impaling its legs and preventing movement. Nariya gritted her teeth.
A poor battle, without any honour at all. He will kill him, and yet the victory will mean nothing. But then...what else is to be expected from such a beast?
Nariya stole a quick glance at the kit in her arms, her eyes unsure. Another crash echoed across the clearing. She looked up at the Escaflowne, her eyes hard, her mind made up.
Nariya ran forward. She stopped almost in front of Escaflowne.
"Dilandau!" she shouted, the command in her voice cutting through the sound of the fire.
If you value this mission Dilandau, stand down!

“Hitomi!”
Merle’s blood boiled. And the sounds of metal on metal, and bursts of flame did nothing to soothe her. “Where are you taking HITOMI!?!?” Merle renewed her struggles and was rewarded with the feel of cold steel against her flesh.

A small smile from her sister spurred Eriya into action. Within moments the girl from the mystic moon was once again limp, but this time with a small trail of blood running down her arm.
“Sister, join me at the melefs.” And with that she was off through the trees - limp Mystic in hand.
Lord-Folken’s daggers work well, and quickly.
When the girl wakes she will be in a cell.

Merle held her glare. Trying to decide between spitting out her name, or spitting on her, Merle merely glared. Feeling rather impatient Nariya twisted Merle’s arm uncomfortably. Letting out a low growl merle answered her. “I’m the queen of Gaea.” Another sharp twist of the arm and the flicker of a dagger being placed against Hitomi’s skin did much to change the kit’s mind. “Merle” she said, with no restrained hostility.

"Silence!" Nariya hissed fiercely. She met her sister's eyes for an instant and then turned back to her captive.
She glared hard into the young one's eyes, her face mere inches away. The kit glared straight back, without fear.
The young one's scratch on her arm stung. Nariya thought, she's willing to protect this King at all costs...The thought brought an odd sense of uneasiness.
And the uneasiness suddenly triggered a rush of anger. "Use the dagger," she commanded her sister. She turned her eyes back to the little one.
"What's your name?" she demanded sharply.
Why did I ask her that...?

The jostling and loud voices stirred Hitomi from her unconscious state. She opened her eyes slightly. She was in the arms of the golden catgirl. Merle...did I just hear them offer to let her go? I have to make use of that somehow. He can lose me, but not her too... "Let her go.." she said as she opened her eyes fully. She looked at the two girls with imploring eyes, "I'll do whatever you want. I'll come with you willingly. Just....please let her go. She's of no use to you. I'm the one you want." She turned her gaze to Merle on the ground, "She didn't mean you any harm, she's just trying to protect me. Please let her go. I'll do whatever you want..." If she can get to Asturia she might be able to help Allen-san and then Van. She looked back at Merle, with an equally desperate look Please, go along with this, Merle, please..

Leave Hitomi? If they think I’ll just leave her with them –her thoughts were interrupted by the crackling of flame- Van-sama! “What are you doing to Lord-Van!?!?!?” Lunging at the distracted cat-girl Merle managed to catch flesh beneath some of her outstretched claws. Continuing to swipe at the enemy her verbal attack was just as unrelenting. “If you hurt Van-sama I WILL kill you! If you hurt Hitomi, you hurt Lord-Van – so I will hurt YOU! On her final word she lunged at her enemy, sadly, her enemy was much quicker than she.
Suffice to say Merle ended up on the ground with a more-than-slightly agitated Nariya on top of her.
Thus was born Merle’s dislike for full-nelsons.

She walked down the hall with dignity and grace. However, she also carried an expression of dire resolution on her face. 'Will she be alright? I should have stopped her... But I most likely would not have been able to. Even if I physically tried too...' She walked quickly, not paying attention to the large amounts of people taking note of her return - not on good terms, apparently.

Eries stood in front of the large doors to the throne room. Breathing calmly, she closed her eyes, and pushed open the door, and stepped in.

"Father. We must speak."

Her eyes wide in horror, Millerna recognized the guard as the man dragged him in. Jasta...I'm so sorry... A long time unleashed anger rose within her, and she bit her lip, tears sliding down her cheeks, rosy from the cold. "How dare you hurt one of the King's men!" The man jerked her into the wall "I'd be careful if I were you, Princess. Didn't your father ever teach you your manners? Women are meant to be seen, and not heard." Jasta is the only one who knows the truth! These monsters could... Could blame Allen, if I were hurt. And father... He'd never believe me. He knows how I feel about Allen. He'd say I was just protecting him... She prayed to the gods for Jasta to live. He knows I was unharmed...

...The foolish things some people do for love.

She looked defiantly at a different man who seemed to be the leader, as he casually flipped his dagger in the air. Through slightly chattering teeth, she slowly articulated her words. "I. Will. Not. Leave. This. Room. Without. Allen. Schezar... Alive." The man's eyes glimmered with malice. Slowly approaching her, he used the flat point of his dagger to tilt her chin up. "Oh? And if I have other plans, Princess?" She dropped her gaze slightly, and met Allen's worried blue eyes behind the man. A single tear trailed down her calm face, and she mouthed silently to him "Never give up"

Allen felt a shard of ice stab deeply into his chest.
Millerna!
The incredible relief he felt at seeing her was almost instantly crushed.
He wanted to scream, Get out of here now! Everything felt like it was happening too quickly. Allen met her eyes for an instant across the confused mass of men. She was frightened but resolute, her back was straight and her chin held high. One of men had grabbed her arm.
Allen jerked his gaze to Gatsu. His pale eyes were amused. He was stroking his cheek with the flat edge of the knife. He slowly turned to Allen and smiled.
Allen looked straight into Millerna's eyes, his own eyes hard. He shook his head slightly. Then he turned and faced the men creeping towards him. "You'd better do what she says. The full might of Aston's power will fall on you if you harm her." The door was still open, there was still a chance she could escape--
Gatsu suddenly laughed, flipping the knife in the air. "I don't think your understand the precariousness of your position, Allen Schezar." His pale eyes were unreadable. Millerna suddenly gave a small yelp of pain. The man had jerked her away from the door.
They wouldn't... he thought numbly.
Swiftly someone slipped outside the door. There was the sound of a scuffle in the hall, and then a heavy thud. The man came back in, dragging a guard by the collar. The door closed behind them with a sound that chilled Allen's heart. Millerna look up at him with fear in her eyes.
"Now," Gatsu purred. "Where were we?"
Allen didn't move. He stared hard at Gatsu, his eyes deadly cold. Gatsu tossed the knife in the air and caught it deftly. He pointed the blade in Allen's direction. "Drop that thing you so uncharitably stole from Hodd." There was an unspoken threat in the air, and Allen didn't need Gatsu to spell it out for him.
He met Millerna's eyes in silent apology. I wouldn't be able to live with myself if they hurt you... Allen turned to Gatsu and said evenly, "If you let her go...I'll let you do whatever you want to me. I won't resist. I give you my word as a Knight."

Wrapping a shawl around herself, she walked out into the night to look at her planet. "Her Planet", that's what she had called it ever since she was young. She regarded it in such a way because she was the only one who could see it. At least, that's what everyone else told her. She would often go out at night and gaze up at it, wondering what it was truly called, or if anyone lived there. To her it was so beautiful, so very blue just like the earth.
"Yuri-sama!"
She rolled her eyes at the familiar voice. Why won't she ever leave me alone? I swear she's not my servant, she's my jailer. "I'll be in shortly," she called back over her shoulder. It's a shame Koujirou doesn't believe me, what an honor it would be to have such a planet put on his astrological maps.
"Yuri-sama!"
She squeezed her eyes shut and took a deep breath, suppressing a retort. Once she had fully composed herself she answered in a pleasant voice, "Coming." She took one last look at the other blue planet, I wish I could go there someday...

It was just a simple, innocent request. She had never expected a response. She never expected to be enveloped in a white column of light or to be lifted off the ground and carried up into the sky...

Her eyes flew open. She sat up and took in her surroundings. She was in a tent, a rather barren tent. Only a few affects were there aside from the blankets, which had been laid over her. Voices from outside caught her attention. She cautiously rose from her makeshift bed and crept over to the entrance. Peering between the flaps, she saw a group of men sitting in a circle. She moved her eyes elsewhere and watched another group who appeared to be practicing with their swords. As her eyes moved and took in the surroundings two things became very obvious to her. There were no women or children, only men. A military camp? she thought, but why would I be here? The sole woman in a camp full of men? Why would I be brought to such a place if not for- Her hand flew to her mouth. Fear gripped her heart and her blood ran cold. Kami-sama, it can't be! How could such an awful fate befall me? She wrapped her arms around herself and dropped to her knees. She took deep breath and steadied herself, Well, I'll be damned if I'm going to let my body be used to pleasure these men. She went through the blankets looking for something, anything that could be used as a weapon. She smiled as she unearthed a small dagger from the blankets. She took a position right next to the entrance of the tent. The next man who comes in here will wish he'd never met me.
She froze and braced herself when she heard footsteps approaching the tent. Here he comes.. The man drew back the flap and entered. Without another thought she gave out a cry and flew at the man her dagger held high. He swung around in surprise catching the tip in his bicep. He took her arms in his hands, twisting the arm which held the dagger, until she gave a cry of pain and dropped it.
"I see you're awake," the man said with remarkable calm.
"Let me go! Lecher! I'll never let you touch me!" she struggled against him but in vain.
"'Lecher?' What do you mean?"
"You think I don't know why you brought me here? I'll never let you touch me! I'd sooner die than be your sex slave!"
"'Sex slave!??'" she saw the man blushed and bite down a laugh, "My lady, I'm sorry, but you've misunderstood."
She stopped struggling and asked in a more clam demeanor, "What did you say?"
The man sighed, "I found you on the road to the Empire. That road is full of highwaymen, who would actually do to you the very thing you just accused me of. I thought such a beautiful lady as yourself would be safer here in our camp so I brought you back," he timidly released her arms.
"Sir!" a youth entered the tent, "I heard raised voices are you alright?"
"Ah, Ruuh, Yes I'm fine. She surprised me," he rubbed the back of his neck ruefully.
"Sir, you're bleeding," said the youth in concern.
"Yes I am," he replied, looking down at the wound on his arm, "She's pretty good with a dagger, isn't she? It's alright," he smiled, "everything's fine now."
"Yes, General Dai," the youth nodded slowly and exited the tent.
"General?" the woman asked.
"Yes, I command a faction of the rebel forces that oppose the Empire. Um..may I ask you your name?"
"Oh," she blushed slightly, "it's Yuri, Kirihara Yuri."
"Yuri," the general said softly, "that's a pretty name. Do you remember how you got to the road?"
Yuri frowned, "No, I don't. The last thing I remembered was be surrounded by this white light, and then waking up here."
"Well, we do move frequently from place to place. It helps to hide our location from the Empire. In fact, our next stop is Ashram to get some supplies. We could see if anyone recognizes you there."
"Thank you, I should bandage up that arm for you."
"Oh, it's alright, really."
"No, consider it an apology for misjudging you."
The general stared at her for a moment and then nodded.

While Yuri wrapped the bandage around the general's arm, she saw his other hand coming toward her. She started as he picked the object dangling from her neck up in his hand, "That's a pretty stone," he said admiring the pinkish glow, "Where did you find it?"
"Oh that? I found it on the beach when I was a child. My father made a pendant out of it for me."
"I see," he murmured absently, "It almost reminds me of another gem stone."
"Oh? Where's that?"
The general smiled, "Once we're done here, I'll show you."

OOC: Another monster post, but I had a lot to say :p

Arriving at the palace, Millerna galloped into the stables, and quickly dismounted her horse. "Talk to father, and tell him a long, winding story. Say everything slowly" she said urgently to her sister. "I have to go find.... Find Allen" She stopped for a moment and looked at her sister. "Good luck" she said, giving her sister a quick hug. Remembering the matter at hand, she rushed out of the stables and into the palace. Going past the throne room into the south wing, she opened the door where she was met by the cold stone walls of the jail cells. Warily taking a torch from the wall, Millerna walked through the offensive criminel's cells. Most of them were asleep, Or dead Millerna thought with a shudder, and she bumped into a guard. Scared to death, she stumbled over her words "I--" What am I supposed to say? A man harassed me and I want to see him? She met the blue gray eyes of the guard suddenly. "Jasta!" she cried happily at her old friend. "Princess Millerna" he said pleasantly. "Jasta" Millerna said in a urgent tone. "Where's Allen?" Jasta's face went pale, and he stuttered "Princess, I cannot reveal that information to you! Allen is held guilty for treason... I am surprised you would want to visit him! He nearly murdered you!" Father, what have you done? "He didn't murder me! He sacrificed his life for the King's daughters! He should be rewarded! Not in a cell!" Jasta's eyes flickered. "H-He's not in a cell..." he said after a moment. Dread rushed through Millerna. "Did...Is he...." "No he's not beheaded....Not yet" Jasta said gravely. After a pause, Jasta continued. "If what you say is true... Then I will lead you to him. But not a word to anyone" Millerna nodded, and Jasta led her through a series of tunnels. He stopped at a door. "Here they 'inquire' him..." He met her eyes knowingly. "I don't know... How much they've done" Millerna hugged Jasta quickly. "Princess" he cried as her hand touched the door handle. "Be careful... Make sure they know you are a princess... Or they might..." he shuddered, and she nodded, her stomach suddenly feelings weightless. They have Allen... Do this for Allen... Shutting her violet eyes fiercely, she opened the door sharply, and the dim room was lit up slightly by the light of her torch. Everything from there seemed to go in slow motion. Allen looked up at her, and she dropped her torch, as it extinguished itself before it hit the ground. A man smiled devilishly and managed to grab her arm, bruising it with his strength, and she cried out in a strangled voice "I command you to stop" "By the order of who?" the man jeered. "By the order of Princess Millerna."

They had him cornered. He didn't have anywhere else to go. Inwardly, Allen cursed, eyes flickering between Gatsu's sadistic smile and the heavy door. He felt sweat trickle down his back. This wasn't looking very good.
He thought fleetingly of the others, and then simply prayed that they would stay out of Asturia and out of Aston's reach.
Allen let himself hunch over, pretending a weariness he didn't entirely feel. He ached in so many places it now seemed as if his body was one collective bruise. But his blue eyes were as alert as ever.
Gatsu chuckled, flipping a slim dagger casually in the air. It suddenly reminded him of Gaddess. What would he do in a situation like this? Allen guessed he would joke pleasantly, smile disarmingly, and then use the dirtiest, most effective fighting styles he knew to leave these mercenary bastards reeling.
I haven't fought like that in a long time. I haven't needed to. But now would probably be a good time to unbury those skills. Sorry, Balgus. Your prize pupil is about to have a slight regression...
Gatsu was still grinning. Two of the larger men came forward, presumably to restrain him. Allen backed up, almost into the corrner, but not quite. He watched warily as they approached. The one on the right threw a slow punch. Allen ducked it, simultaneously lashing out with his leg. The man grunted and fell on his back. Allen whirled just in time to see the second guy's fist come at his stomach.
This is it! was Allen's last thought.
The fist slammed home and Allen instantly curled forward, curling around the pain. But as he went down his hands went into motion. He grabbed the surprised man's shirtfront and dragged him forward while his other hand grasped what he had wanted all along. Allen heard the man's strangled gasp and felt his body stiffen as the long dagger plunged hilt-deep into his stomach. As the man slowly fell to his knees Allen whirled and kicked the other guy in the head. He turned back just in time to see the grin slip off Gatsu's face and drop to the floor. Gatsu's face twisted with rage and he bellowed, "Get him!" Allen took a firm grip on the blade and let them come.
After all, he had nowhere left to go.
Come on, Gatsu!

Nariya landed in a smooth crouch, directly in front of the young one. One hand was on her dagger. She looked up into the kit's face, her dark eyes blank and narrow. The little one had her fists balled and looked ready for a fight.
Nariya suddenly hesitated.
Her eyes flicked to the splint on the little one's ankle and back up to her face. Nariya's eyes changed. Her hand shifted off the hilt of her dagger.
"It's all right, young one. You don't have to worry. You can go free now. We won't hurt her."
She turned to Eriya. "Get the girl to the melefs. I'll go check on--" There was a sudden roar and the faint crackling of flame. Nariya felt a wave of irritation pass through her. Lord Folken told him not to get carried away!From here she could hear the heavy thuds and crashes that usually accompanied a melef battle.
She thought in irritation,Dilandau had better not kill him... And then a wicked smile lifted one corner of her mouth. In fact, I wish the King the very best of luck!

It was odd, seeing the young cat-girl so obviously distraught and injured. It had been awhile since she had seen another of her own kind. Following the strangers gaze from the girl she now knew as Hitomi, to her still unsheathed dagger she realized her reason for worry.
“Don’t worry young one, I didn’t cut her.” Re-sheathing her weapon she adjusted her hold on the limp body. “She is merely unconscious.”
Her next words were accompanied a silver streak arcing towards the prone youth. “As you will soon be.”

We have two of your brothers companions Lord-Folken. The power of Luck has made us unstoppable.

OOC: Ack! three in a row… I think talking to myself is finally gonna come in handy…

Staying on the horse was proving to be more difficult than usual. Hitomi, it would appear, was not as smooth a rider as Van. When it seemed that she could hold on no longer the horse slowed momentarily, allowing her a firmer grasp on the saddle. The rest was brief, however, for the horse began again at an even faster pace. Merle had no warning before she was nearly trounced upon by a very swift cat-girl.
Looking up only in time to see Hitomi slump over and the sheen of a blade Merle was thrown to the ground by the abrupt halting of the horse’s movement. Scrambling up off her back Merle witnessed the golden cat-girl carry a decidedly unconscious Hitomi up the nearest tree.
“Hitomi!”

Charging through the trees Eriya cut off the frightened horse and it’s equally frightened passengers. Unsheathing her dagger she perched on an overhanging branch as the horse approached. The animal, feeling danger faltered in a moment of indecision before re-doubling its efforts.
A little closer
Leaping down, dagger in hand, the golden cat-girl landed on the back of the horse, firmly holding the now, limp body, of the girl known as Hitomi. Grabbing the mane of the horse and bringing it to an immediate stop she slung the unconscious girl over her shoulder and retreated up into a tree.

Holding the thin leather reins tightly, Millerna leant forward, the wind blurring her vision. Her hood was on the brink of falling off, but she kept riding towards the palace. She warily eyed the horse that was riding just in front of her, a long curtain of blonde hair flying. Trees whirred by her, and she bit her lip. They came to a shallow river, and Eries looked at her. "We can cross it" she yelled. But Millerna wasn't paying attention to her. Dropping her reins, she stared at the nothingness behind her. In a hoarse whisper, Millerna said "Where are Hitomi and Merle?" Keep riding Van's voice echoed in her head. She looked up at the sky. I have faith. Faith in that they will be alright. Feeling her heart drop slightly, she slowly crossed the river, cold water splashing at the horses legs. Once over, she kicked the sides of the horse gently, and it continued galloping faster and faster. Come on.... Almost there..... Millerna whispered softly to the horse's neck. After a moment, she noticed the number of cabins and small houses started to grow. We're in Asturia!

I'm almost there, Allen...

For one breathless moment Van stared after Hitomi, his fists clenched at his sides. There was nothing he could do now but fight. But the appearance of Escaflowne had done more than just raise his adrenaline—his blood was singing in his veins, his heart was thumping, and he could feel the tension thrumming through him. But there was else there too.
Bloodlust, Balgus had called it. The call of battle, the call of war and bloodshed. He don’t know if that’s what it was for sure…but there was something here, something more. He didn’t look to see where the others were. He had to trust in them for now. They had their mission—and he had his.
Van’s eyes narrowed and the brown colour seemed to burn. He threw himself into the cockpit and Escaflowne closed around him, the familiar metal embracing him, becoming one with him. Van felt his heart hammering in his chest, and yet his mind had focused only on what lay before him: the open field.
For one more moment he felt doubt claw at him, tasted the dread in the back of his throat, and he reached back and drew Escaflowne’s long sword. He gripped it hard, knowing the damage it could do. And then he banished it all from his mind—the dread, the doubt, the fear for Hitomi and the others. This was for them, and he would protect them until his last breath. Van’s faced the field, eyes scanning. But he couldn’t wait for Dilandau’s attack. He had to make his move now!
He crashed forward, sword at the ready. I can’t see him coming. Where will he be?
There was a flash of silver out of the corner of his eye. Van jerked the sword up just in time to deflect a blast of tendrils of liquid metal. At the same time something slammed into Escaflowne’s side, throwing him off balance. Van caught himself and slashed at the origin of the metal. The blow landed on something—but not the guymelef itself.
Shit!
Van swung again and caught only air. Heavy melef footsteps thudded into the ground. He couldn’t place the location of the sound. He turned, trying to find the—
Blows smashed into the base of Escaflowne’s torso. Van reeled from the impacts, raising the sword in reflex. A metal scythe slashed out of thin air and he caught it with the edge of the sword. He barely heard the thunderous sound of metal on metal. Sparks flew out from the impact. Van thrust one hand forward and his groping metal hand found something solid. He threw the full weight of Escaflowne against his opponent, and felt a surge of triumph as he felt Dilandau take one step back. The two melefs strained against each other for a moment. Van heard himself grunting with the effort but it didn’t matter. He would take this melef down! This one who had destroyed Fanalia…who had burned his homeland, left hundreds dead and homeless…he…would not…let him escape!
With an animal scream Van shoved Dilandau back and brought his sword down. It collided with the metal scythe and suddenly he heard Dalandau laughing. He raised his eyes just in time to see flame explode into his face.

Through the roar of the flame he could hear him screaming BURN! BURN! The heat seared him, and he suddenly he couldn’t breathe. Van gasped and did the only thing he could-- he struck at the flamethrower. The first whack did nothing but the second sent Dilandau off balance and Van surged forward. The clearing was on fire, and the red colour was suddenly embodied in metal form as Dilandau’s guymelef materialized out of thin air.
“Come on, Van!” Dalandau jeered, “I’m right here! Come and get me!” Van’s eyes blazed, and he tried to slash the guymelef across the chest. Dilandau cackled and raised the liquid metal.
“What’s wrong Van? Can’t seem to hit me?!” Metal exploded out of the holes, crashing into Escaflowne’s arm and throwing the blade off its intended target.
Dilandau was shrieking, “I’ll get you! I’ll get you! And then you’ll burn and I’ll dump your ashes in Fanalia so you can join your worthless kingdom in death!” Van’s eyes went black with rage. And for a moment there was nothing but anger—no Hitomi, no Merle, no Millerna, no Allen. For that moment there was just Dilandau and him. And Van thought, I am going to kill you.

He moved without any thought. He attacked with a flurry of hard, powerful blows, throwing himself forward, moving with all the agility and strength Escaflowne had. He heard Dilandau laughing and it only spurned on the frenzy. He forced the red melef back, shoved him off balance, brought the sword down hard on the melef’s shoulder.
Dilandau staggered back, tried to block, and went invisible. Van didn’t hesitate. He attacked where he had seen the melef last, and felt some blows connect. Yes!
I’ll protect them. I’ll stop you from killing ever again. I’ll stop you!

And then suddenly there was nothing before him but air. He didn’t know where the melef was. Breathing hard, heart thumping, Van turned, scanning the clearing.
And suddenly he heard Dilandau laughing. He went cold.
“It’s too late!” Dalandau cackled. “You’ve lost, Van! You’ve lost! They’ve taken her! You’re too late!”
Fear lanced through him. His eyes went wide. No…he can’t mean--
“Hitomi!” He turned around frantically, trying to see where they’d—
Liquid metal shot out the darkness, slamming into Escaflowne’s legs. Van realized numbly, It was a diversion. All they really wanted was—
SLAM.
Escaflowne shuddered with the blow. The liquid metal scythe appeared out of nowhere and forced his sword down. Van strained against Dilandau’s strength, jaw clenched, thinking frantically, No! Hitomi! Hitomi! I have to—
But his thought was obliterated as Dilandau’s melef drove its fist into the cockpit—right into Van’s chest. Van gasped for breath as the fist descended again.
And again.
And again…

OOC: *collapses and dies of brain hemmorhage* X__X

Hitomi ducked down to avoid the branches. She clung to the reigns with all her might. Where did they go? They were right ahead of me a few minutes ago. Damn! I have no idea where I'm going and I have no time to find the road again. Why couldn't we have stayed on the main road? I was never good with shortcuts, even when coming home from school. This forest better dump out somewhere!

She turned her attention back to the path when she thought she saw something move in the bushes. The horse screamed and reared backward. "Merle!" Hitomi cried. She reached back with her hand to keep the catgirl on the horse. The horse landed back on the ground with both riders still present. Hitomi looked down trying to find the source of what scared the horse. She was soon greeted with a pair of cat-like eyes. The silver catgirl emerged from the bushes. "You!" Hitomi cried. She backed the horse up a few steps and road off in another direction.

They've come for me. I'm sorry Allen-san, but it looks like I won't be able to help you either...

“My name?” Yukari ineptly stares at Folken. She did not know what to think of him. Somehow she had an eccentric feeling not to trust him. But.....but he seemed like such a gentlemen that part of her could not resist. Gaia??? What? Where on Earth is this? No, the question is....is this even ON Earth and how...how did I get here? Occupied with her thoughts she dazed out for a bit, stepping slightly back. Where are my manners? He asked me my name...I – I should answer him. Reluctantly she stepped a few steps closer to the polite stranger. “My name is – “ she stopped, holding back the lump in her throat. “My name is Yukari Uchida.” She thought back of the words Folken spoke. Dangerous??? The words ringed in her head like a bell.“I....I don’t know how I got here and- I was just walking home from – and .....” Yukari trails off. Why am I telling him all this? “Is there a way out of this forest? It’s very......dangerous, as you said... I guess....”

From her place in the shadows Eriya witnessed the descending of what could only be Escaflowne. Her eyes locked with Nariya’s, and at her command they dashed towards the clearing. With our enhanced-luck there is no way we will be unsuccessful. We will capture the girl for you Lord-Folken. The golden cat-girl signalled to her sister upon hearing the sounds of approaching hooves. Lord-Folken, we will not fail you again.

Merle was going to be feeling a little guilty for ignoring Millerna. But, at the moment she was a little pre-occupied. Ack! Branch! *ducks* Ack! Bra- *ducks* Ack! *ducks* A- I think I’ll just stay down now….. Curled up and clinging to the backside of a galloping horse, frantically evading a forest full of trees… Merle had a moment to reflect:
I feel bad for not answering the princess… But I KNOW Van-sama would want me to take care of Hitomi; and there is no way I can do that if I’m behind the princess.
I’ll do whatever I can to keep Hitomi safe.
With a renewed sense of purpose Merle attempted to cling even harder to the hind-side of the speeding horse.

A white light flared in the sky. Under the cover of darkness beneath the trees, it was like the sun had emitted a pulse of radiance. Nariya's eyes flashed to her sister's.

"It's begun."

As one, they leaped to the ground and raced away into the gathering dark. Today, sister, we will make them pay for ever crossing us! She felt the power of the Luck running through her veins. It sent her adrenaline pumping, brought spring to her step, and filled her to bursting with power. Rushing, raging, roaring power! Nothing could stop them now!
"Come sister!" Nariya cried. "There's no way we can lose!"

“I am sorry if I have startled you,” Folken said calmly. “My name is Folken Fanel. I was just passing over the forest and saw you here," he gestured to the clearing around them. "This is not the place for a beautiful lady, such as yourself. It is very dangerous for anyone.” He was stressing the fact that it was dangerous here so that she would not want to be left alone. It seemed to be working.

“As for where you are. You are in Gaia.” He attempted a concerned look as he continued to speak. “Are you all right? You look frightened.” He took a slow step backwards. “I assure you that I will not harm you.” Folken bent down on one knee to bring himself closer to her level. “May I know your name?”

She gazed down at him, not wanting to move. She blinked her eyes several times fighting back tears. The least he could have done was hold me first. I could have really used that right now. I feel like I'm going to fall apart. He has to live through this...he just has to. Come on, get a grip you can't lose control now. She looked at him a few moments more and then took a deep breath.

Ready.

Closing her eyes and lacing her fingers together she began to concentrate. Escaflowne, please help us. Come forth and protect your king. The pendant glowed brightly and a white column of light rose up to the sky. The white guymelef reached out from it and slowed settled to the ground. The princesses started off as fast as they could for Asturia. Hitomi regarded Van with a solemn expression, "Good luck." She knocked her heels against the horse and disappeared down the road.