He silently ghosted down the prison halls. He would have to kill or incapacitate anyone who saw him, and he wanted to avoid that. He was worried for Millerna and the crew. A faint wry smile pulled at his mouth. I won't make them come all this way for nothing. Besides, this just isn't my day to die.
Allen came to the corner near the melef hangar and peered around. No one yet. But he was sure Aston would be bearing down on them soon enough. The guards Gaddess had incapacitated on the way in would not go unnoticed for long. And then they'd have the castle in an uproar, like a stirred hornet's nest.
Allen's blue eyes narrowed, and his faint smile was grim.
But they won't be expecting me.
He could only hope that Aston had kept his charges of treason unannounced for the time being. He dind't know how many personnel knew that he had been imprisoned, but he could be sure that it hadn't gone unnoticed. Gossip in a castle keep traveled like wildfire. He was well known enough in the duchy to be recognised on sight. Allen ruefully thought about his current state. Well, maybe not immediately. But this 'disguise' wouldn't hold up under close inspection. Which meant that he'd have to do it fast. No sense wasting time now.
Allen let his mouth curl in a cocky mercenary sneer and then turned the corner. His eyes quickly spotted what he wanted. The melef room was not heavily guarded, and the reason for that was that there were usually a dozen pilots on hand, cleaning or training or loitering, whatever. The doors were only twenty feet away and they were already open. Allen made his way past the two soldiers conversing at the door. One of them raised his eyebrows in passing but said nothing.
The King has been dabbling a little more than he has let on, then. Allen skulked like any mercenary would, and the fall of his hair hid his face. He only hoped that it wouldn't be his hair that betrayed him.
He moved in the relative shows of the bay, past the soldiers who were cleaning their melefs or talking. He waited for the inevitable shout that would give him away. This was too easy.
He made sure to look passively interested in all the melefs, but the sight of his familiar melef made him hasten towards it. He might not have much time.
Footsteps behind him. Allen continued to look disinterested and unaware. The footsteps continued to approach. Allen's hand idly settled on the hilt of his sword.
"You there. Mercenary scum."
Allen stopped, only twenty feet in front of the Sherezade. So close. But not enough time if they draw swords on me. Allen didn't turn, and instead disrespectfully kept his back turned to the soldier who had spoken.
There was a slight pause.
"Why are you here?" The voice asked, the tone sharp and steady. Allen shrugged. "Just checking out the melefs in this place." Allen let a slight silence fall into the gap and then said, "This one's different from all the others." he held his breath.
He was suddenly aware that the normal buzz of the hangar had dimmed. There was a stony silence from the one behind him. Allen tensed, hoping he would not find a dagger in his back.
"You came in with Gatsu." It was a statement. Allen wished to face the man to be able to read something in his face, but did not.
"That I did. What do you make of it?" Allen's voice was quietly menacing.
There was a quick shift in movement. "What have you done with--" Hands grabbed his shoulders, yanked him about. Allen whirled, instinctively drawing his sword.Steel clashed against steel. The soldier had quickly blocked. Grey eyes glared into his. Then they wavered and sudden realization came into them.
"...Allen?"
"Halfon," Allen replied evenly.He watched as the grey eyes flicked over him, assessing, understanding. He stared hard into the eyes of a comrade of many years past. He was suddenly aware of the silence around him. There was no way he was getting out of this completely unscathed.
"Why do you draw weapon against me, Allen Schezar?" Allen almost flinched at the mention of his name.
"It is not my wish to oppose you," Allen replied.
"Your betrayal of Asturia was a hard thing to swallow--" Halfon began. Allen cut him off.
"Asturia is betrayed from within."
Halfon gave him an unreadable look and continued. "--but bringing in Gatsu and his men was also a hard thing to understand." Allen paused.
Halfon's gaze was steady and knowing. His eyes flicked to the Sherezade at Allen's back. Allen said quietly, "Treason is not the crime for which I am charged. The price I was to pay was for my silence."
Halfon's gaze flickered only slightly in surprise. Then he said very softly, "Come at me. Now."
Allen didn't hesitate. He broke their stalemate and Halfon slashed at him. Allen parried and deflected the blade. He allowed his opponent to force him back, acting as if he was weary. They came together again, close, their blades grating on each other. "Only a small portion of us doubt the King, but that number grows each day. He tried to keep the merceneries under wraps--" they shoved away and then once again their swords crossed. "--but it failed. I know your innocence, and it only further proves what I know to be true," Halfon grunted. Allen's eyes met Halfon's one more time in perfect understanding. Allen said very clearly, "Beware of Zaibach."
He threw off Halfon's blade and elbowed him hard in the jaw. Then before any of the soldiers could grab him Allen clawed his way up and threw himself into the Sherezade.
You'd better be ready for this, Gaddess!

He was enjoying her closeness immmensely--although his mind was focused on much less enjoyable things. Merle...Millerna, Eries...Allen. Where were they now? What had become of Merle after the silver cat-girl took her? Had Millerna and Eries even got to Asturia, or had the cat-girls just... Van shook off the thought. He forced his mind to be ruthlessly realistic. If it had happened, it had happened. The only thing he could do was bury them--and then avenge them. Van suddenly realized that his teeth were clenched, and he slowly relaxed the muscles. There is nothing that I can do for them here. I have my own mission...and it comes from fate, dammit! You can't fight fate! And Hitomi...she can't escape it. I have to be here for her, so that she can do what she is meant to do. And I... Van drew in a sharp breath through his teeth, but kept his body relaxed. No need to bother her now. She still had much to face...in Freid.
Van squinted slightly against the wind. It would be a little time before they reached the borders. They would still fly swiftly and high for now.
Suddenly she asked him a question that took him completely off guard. He didn't let his surpise stiffen him. Of course she had been bound to ask eventually...but he hadn't been prepared for it. Van sifted through his thoughts uneasily.
Finally he said, "They've always been a part of me. I was born with them." He didn't really want to say more, but he knew that his silence would hurt her.
"...my mother was a Draconian. That's what they call us."
Van stared off into the bright blue sky, his gaze elsewhere. "I've never met another Draconian--outside my family. They are all...gone, killed. No one knows. I've heard legends...but I don't really remember them."
He turned his head and looked at her impassively. "Having these wings could get me killed. Drawn and quartered. Burned. Hanged. The burning is preferred in some places..." he cut off the thought. What are doing? Trying to scare her? Van looked away. He should say something. "It's not so bad anymore," he finished lamely.

Ah, the kit. Remembering the nervous flicking of her tail, the too-familiar fear in her eyes and her fierce devotion to her King, Eriya loathed the idea of turning her over to any ‘ignorant racist humans.’ She saw her thoughts mirrored and amplified in her sister.
She came to a quick decision.
“The king will be more likely to trust us if we return her to him.”

And perhaps it may make it easier for Folken-sama.

Hastily swallowing a lump in her throat, the young Asturian princess gave Allen a winning smile.
"You be careful yourself there" she told him softly, bringing herself together. Determined to ignore the shaky feeling inside her, and the slight buzzing in her ears, the princess, after shooting Allen one last meaningful glance, began to lead the crusade down a series of passage ways. There was a sense of fear beginning to creep up on the party, and Millerna jumped slightly at every noise, afraid it would be a guard or worse, her father. Calm down Millerna. Eries is keeping him busy. Just keep your head focused... And remember. They continued through the damp darkness, when Millerna turned to the men, trying to exceed the same confidence Allen showed, however turning unsuccessful.
"This is the difficult part, usually there are many guards standing through this door. Does... Does anyone have an idea of how to get past them?" she asked, biting her lip, her violet eyes nervous.

Hitomi felt almost giddy as she wrapped her arms around Van. This was the happiness that her grandmother spoke of. It was the most sublime feeling she had ever felt. And she prayed it would never end.
Van... She slowly went through all the things that she loved about him as she snuggled her cheek into his back. His loyalty, his kindness...even his stubbornness. The hair that hung in his face, his eyes, his wings....
His wings...
She rose up slightly and pressed her lips to the youth's ear, "Van...I.. I hope you don't think me too forward for asking about this...but... How did you get your wings?"

He nodded.
"Escaflowne," Van said, raising his voice slightly so that the guymelef could hear. He suspected with an odd sort of twinge that the guymelef had heard far more than that.
He felt like an oaf, but as he rose to take the reins he felt a little shiver of triumph tiptoe down his spine.
Hitomi...she chose me. She said that she-- "Time to take off. We're ready," he said quickly. Van gestured for Hitomi to come behind him. "Hold on to me for the takeoff," he said. He couldn't help the smile that pulled at the corners of his mouth at the sight of her. His head felt light, almost as if he had been spinning. Stupid. Better crush that on the way there, or you'll be melef fodder. But as her arms encircled his waist, he thought better of it. Maybe I'll wait just a little longer...
Escaflowne spread his wings and took several heavy sprinting steps before launching into the air. Van found himself looking down at the place where he knew the dead soldier was. His thoughts darkened and turned to Allen. Even as Escaflowne soared into the blue sky, Van's heart turned heavy in his chest.

Hitomi pulled back slightly, a confused expression in her eyes.
Sorry? What would he say such a thing...after something wonderful like that?
She pressed her cheek against his chest and listened to the steady and strong rhythm of his heartbeat, "When I was in the water, I saw my grandmother. She told me that I had to go back...that it wasn't time for me to die yet. Before I left, she said, 'Go back and be happy with him, even if it is only short-lived. For happiness, no matter the length of time is worth every moment.'"
She sat up and took his face in her hands. Pressing her forehead to his she whispered, "Don't say you're sorry. Don't ever say you're sorry," She lifted her face up and looked into his eyes, "I want us to be happy. To be as happy as we can be. Please, let's make the most of the time we're given. I don't want to feel sad or to have any regrets and I want the same for you. All I ever wanted was to make you happy."
She smiled at the youth, her emerald eyes shining. She straightened up and quickly wiped her eyes, "Now, let's get going."

His mind was blown away. The feeling of her lips returning his kiss was like nothing he had ever felt. It took his breath away, made his heart pound, made him want more. He wanted to hold her tight to his chest. Didn't want to go to Zaibach, plunge her once more into danger. And most of all, he didn't want her to have any more visions, the visions that were her legacy and her curse.
Not you, Hitomi...I won't let...
But he couldn't. Fate, prophecy...vision. Irrevocable, immutable. Future. What had she seen? What could she have seen that could frighten her so, that would make her urge me to--
Van suddenly shoved all thought from his mind. No. This is the moment, right now. She said... A flood of warmth rose in him at the remembrance, tingling slightly. He traced the curve of her cheek with his gloved hand, eyes closed. Memorizing the feel of this moment, impressing it into his memory. Wanting nothing more than to just stay here, never end this.
But this isn't just us. And we both know it.
Van gently broke the kiss, eyes coming open. Her cheeks were flushed, her hair stil damp from the pool. Her eyes slowly came open, the clear emerald colour taking his breath away. Beautiful...
He hadn't realized he'd said the world aloud till he saw her cheeks flush slightly with colour. He felt his own cheeks warm in response. The sight of her so close, still pressed up against him, made him want to kiss her again.
But time would not wait for them. Fate would not hesitate.
"We have to get to Freid." His voice was very quiet. She seemed as fragile as a flower right now, he didn't want to bruise her. Hitomi, Hitomi, Hitomi... Van brutally silenced his thoughts, his mind turning to the task at hand. In Freid...was the sword. And soldiers, probably. Lots of them.
Looking at her now, Van knew he would not hesitate to give his life to protect her. And the thought filled him with something raw and bittersweet: the knowledge that his death...would hurt her.
Van suddenly took her sweet mouth again, for just one more moment, his heart burning, and his mind full of bitterness...resignation.
He withdrew, his brown eyes steady.
"I'm sorry," he said, his voice almost gruff.

He listened to the whole exchange with a heavy heart. He tried desperately not to let himself be consumed with his own pain.
He didn't want that boy to touch her. He didn't want that boy to kiss her.
Damnit! Have I fallen to such a low point in all these years that I can no longer put her happiness above my own?
Her happiness....
When this is all said and done, will she be happy? Have I ever put her happiness first? No, I haven't. I've always put the fate of this world first. Now that her heart has chosen that boy, I'll bestow my powers onto him. And then he will die. And then Hitomi will be miserable for the rest of her days as Yuri was. This course of fate will never allow her to be happy, he paused for a moment and thought, Is that really true? There was something I could have done to make Yuri happy. I could have helped him. But....I didn't. Despite how I respected him and how much I cared for him...part of me.....hated him. Just like part of me hates that boy. It was my own desire that kept them apart and broke Yuri's heart, he fought back an overwhelming surge of remorse. Maybe I can make it up to you this time, Yuri. I want to make that girl happy, and I think I know a way how...

She didn't know what to expect after she said those words. In fact, she never gave much though to it. But as the moments drew by she felt a growing sense of dread and regret.

She should never have told him. She should have known he couldn't handle it.

Hitomi's body tightened, trying to suppress the desire to jump off Escaflowne and run away. To make matters worse, he made her face him as embarrassed as she was.
She braced herself, Here it comes...

The answer she never expected.

She gave a small start has his lips quickly closed over hers. His forcefulness was nearly overwhelming. And distinctly different from what it was last night. Last night he was controlled and confident. Now he seemed erratic, almost desperate. But despite this dramatic change, she like this kiss better. When she thought back on the night before she felt apprehensive, perhaps even a little frightened. Those kisses last night were good, unnaturally good. They were the kind that could make her forget everything, even her name. And the thought of losing control like that was scary.

But this kiss wasn't scary at all. It warmed her cheeks and made her feel safe. She wrapped her arms around him and held him tightly, never wanting to lose the feeling. The feeling of serenity and peace.

He was unprepared for her words. For a long moment he didn't breathe, only felt the beat of his heart in his chest, and the faint answering rhythmn of hers.
Hitomi... He couldn't speak. Didn't know what would come out if he did open his mouth. She was so fragile in his arms. He was suddenly afraid he would break her.
Van suddenly felt her stiffen ever so slightly. Without realizing it, he had tensed, and she had sensed it. Shit! What am I supposed to say? I can't...just...say it... He felt a fleeting prick of dismay. I'll lose her if I hesitate...if I screw this up...she'll think I don't like her and...I...dammit!
He felt her withdraw slightly, just the beginning of a horrible mess of hurt feelings and possible outcomes. Van's tension suddenly seemed to flow right to his chest, the energy making his breath short. He was suddenly flushed. He took her shoulders, forced her to face him. Her face was very close to his. Green eyes, so green. Eyes that asked a question yet were afraid of the answer. She was already half certain of her rejection, her gaze wavering.
Van didn't give himself time to think.
He kissed her.
It came so naturally he didn't feel the instinctive urge to stiffen up, push her away. Instead a slow warmth blossomed in his chest. The touch of her, the scent of her, the weight of her pressed on his body made him feel breathless. It was a kiss. Their first---at least for him.
Van brushed away thoughts of Escaflowne--Escaflowne and his kisses.
Surely she'd know the difference between them. Escaflowne was experienced, assertive, confident, passionate... He felt a small twinge of anger.
Damned if I can't...he broke off the thought, cursing himself for being such a jerk. She's not some precious jewel to be won! But there was an odd undercurrent of doubt in his mind, tinged with apprehension. And it wasn't entirely focused on beating Escaflowne's brief legacy.
Hitomi...
And suddenly he was kissing her with all his strength, not caring that he wasn't experienced, not caring that he wasn't the man Escaflowne was. This was Hitomi and none of that mattered. She was here, warm in his embrace, and it almost felt like there was no one else in the world.

OOC: *sniff* cheesy...so painfully cheesy...*sniff* sad how much I enjoy cheese....

She covered his hand with her own, "I didn't think you'd make such a promise. Last night you asked me to believe in you. I did. Now I'm asking the same of you. This isn't a silly request I'm making because I'm frightened for you. I know what's going to happen. And I want to do all that I can to stop it. Even though my reasons are probably as noble as they are selfish," she noticed a curious look come over his features.
Should I go on...?
"Yes, selfish," she felt her cheeks blush in his hands, "Because...when it comes to you I am selfish....and I'm jealous of everyone and everything."
She could feel her heart pounding in her chest. She took his arms and wrapped them around her waist once more. She snaked her arms around his neck and pressed her lips to his ear, "I'd give my life for you too, Van, but not out of obligation. I would do it, because," she took a deep breath and closed her eyes, "I love you.... That's what makes me selfish."

[OOC: Ugh! What teenage girl confesses that way? That's my experience talking again >_>]

Allen shot a glance at his second in command, a glint of mischief in his blue eyes. "I was wondering when you were going to remember that," he said with a straight face. Then his gaze became deadly serious. "I'll have to go in and get it. The guymelef hangar is located on the inner part of the courtyard. The crew will have to be out of the castle before I break the Sherezade free." At the look on Gaddess' face Allen said firmly, "You have to go with them. You get them out. Get to the Crusade."
Allen's eyes went to the Princess. "Millerna," he said quietly, "I trust you to help Gaddess and get the crew get out of this place. Understood?" Millerna's gaze was less dazed than before, but at this her violet eyes became completely clear. Allen passed a gaze over the rest of the crew. Their normal cocky grins were slightly grim. With a confidence he didn't really feel, Allen said, "See you at the Crusade."

Still surprised at this sudden outburst, Van instinctively tightened his arms around her. He could feel her body shivering with the force of her tears. His brown eyes were open and staring, their depths faintly uneasy. ...she's never this shaken up over nothing. Don't kill anyone...? The death of the soldier in the clearing came back to him like a bitter taste in his mouth.
Murdered.
Van drew in a shallow breath through his teeth. He pulled Hitomi close for a moment, just a little too hard. The touch of her hand on the back of his head felt good--too good. He quickly loosened his embrace, slightly embarrassed. But he couldn't leave her like this. He could feel her tears dampening his shirt.
"It's ok," he murmured to her, "It's okay."
His brown eyes stared sightlessly over her shoulder as he moved his hands soothingly up and down her back. What sadistic being saw fit to put this kind of weight on your shoulders? To see the future...to be able to do nothing about it.
After a little her crying eased and Van drew back. He looked into her face, still wet with tears, her green eyes as bright as emeralds. The sight of her so distraught tore at him. Very gently he touched her face, and used his thumb to wipe away a tear.
"Hitomi," he said very softly, his voice almost husky, "You know that I will do everything that I can for you. I would give my life for you." He met her eyes, his gaze steady. "But I can't promise that."

She looked at him too filled with emotion to speak. She threw her arms around his neck and continued to cry, "Please, don't kill anyone anymore, Van, please. If you do something horrible will happen. I've seen it and it's something I won't be able to live with. Please don't kill anyone..."
She ran her hand absently through the hair on the back of his head; her warm breath assaulted his ear. I have to tell him. It's not fair to keep him in the dark anymore. I'll tell him everything when we get to Freid. I don't care if it doesn't matter in the long run. I'm going to do everything I can to save him. Everything.

Folken climbed into the cockpit of the guymelef and sealed himself in. Then he bent the guymelef down onto one knee and gently wrapped one hand around Yukari’s slender body. Standing up slowly he powered up the thrusters and took off into the air, taking care to fly low so the girl didn’t get to cold. He could see the Vione off in the distance.

OOC: To the vione!!

After explaining how the crew and himself had got into the city, Gaddess followed Allen and Millerna down the corridor. I hope Millerna knows where she’s going. He couldn’t help but doubt the princess’ memory right now, given her current state. “We don’t have much time Millerna. Your father will be alerted to our presence soon enough. We have to move faster.” With this they started jogging.

As they ran down the winding corridors, Gaddess never stopped thinking about how they were going to make it to the Crusade once they got out of the dungeons. We could… no… what about… no that wouldn’t work at all. We’d lose at least half of the crew. Different ideas ran into his mind but were immediately rejected. There seemed to be no way for them to all get out alive. Then Gaddess had a somewhat different idea. What about Sherezade?

Gaddess stopped dead, a few members of the crew almost ploughing into him. “Allen. Where’s Sherezade?”

*Suddenly he remembered his plans for his dear Van* Oh crap, what would have been the fun of just killing him off -_-; *He switched to his crema claw and shot out a spear-shaped point at the Crusade* You can't runaway from me! So why bother trying?!

[OOC: Sorry I made it soo short. I thought maybe someone might have wanted to prevent me from grappling to the Crusade or something. *Shrugs*]

*After his whole body had become cold and stiff, a part of his brain seemed to come back to life* ..... *Limbs twitched slightly and a message from the working part of the brain was being sent* FEED...... hunger... *His eyes opened, souless brilliant blue eyes scanned the forest from where he laid looking for flesh* Nnnngguuuhh..(It's supposed to be a zombie moan ^^;) *He slowly got back up and searched around more feverishly for the soft warm flesh that his body wanted* Feeeeeeed....

OOC: Tooo laaaaate!

With a sure blow Van deflected the man's sword blade. Without hesitation he lunged forward and drove his sword into the soldier's stomach. It was almost surprising how easily it went in. For an instant he felt the shiver of live flesh on his blade. The man's eyes were open and faintly shocked, his mouth slack and open. Blood smell was in the air, suddenly thick. With a inadvertent guttural sound Van jerked back, his eyes slightly wide.
The man clutched his middle and collapsed very slowly, as if he was boneless and numb. The scent of ale and blood filled Van's nostrils. Van stepped back, his sword falling to his side. The soldier was as good as dead.
He was lying on his front, making thick, short gasping sounds.
Van wiped his hand across his mouth.
His eyes traveled the red-slicked length of his weapon. The sounds the soldier was making faded into the background. Van went forward and wiped the blade clean on the man's tunic. Then he turned his back and walked away.

"Escaflowne," he said as he neared the guymelef. "The sword will not fall into Zaibach's hands." His brown eyes were steady. "You have my word."
His eyes went to Hitomi. With a start he realized that her face was wet with tears. “Hitomi, what’s wrong?” He hesitated for a moment, then climbed up next to her on Escaflowne. He knelt and gently touched her shoulders, still unsure of what to do. “Hitomi?”

A vision of Van's face flashed in her mind.
What must be done.
At that instant his intentions became all too clear, He's going to kill that man. The image from her dream came back to her. The bodies, the castle, and Van. A surge of panic went through her, Van, please don't do it. Please!

"I began to lose myself. I forced my feelings deep inside of myself and I became cold and impassive."

Dai, is that Van's fate? Is what he does now going to affect his future? Will it lead to that end? I can't let that happen! I can't! She got up and began to lower herself down.
"Maiden. Stay here. Don't go back there."
"I have to go back there!" she cried, "I have to stop him. If he kills that man he-!"
"There is nothing you can do."
"That's not true! I can stop him!"
"Hitomi, that boy's fate was sealed the day he was born!" she froze and she heard the dragon sigh. He began again more gently, "His path is already set. Please, let him do what he was born to."
She climbed up onto his back once more. A cold sense of helplessness settled inside her heart. Her vision began to blur with tears. She brought her hands to her face and cried bitterly, "There's nothing I can do. There's nothing I can do to save him!"

Almost unwillingly, Millerna quickly grasped Allen's arm.
"Allen... Wait. I know how to get out of here" Millerna whispered, her tone soft. Her memory of the prison was vague, but she was sure she could navigate the crew out. Anything to get away from this death pit... Accusing thoughts kept travelling back to her father, and Millerna felt a slight anger boil in the pit of her stomach. How dark Asturia really was... How she had lived her life in such naitivity. With resolute eyes, Millerna looked into Allen's own blue ones, and poured her violet gaze into his.
"I'm coming with you... You're...You're right. It's dangerous to stay here. Meanwhile... If I remember correctly..." she trailed off, hiding her true intentions. She took one last forlorn glance at the room, with it's door ajar, and took a deep breath. Goodbye Jasta.

...I'm sorry. "...Go down that corridor, turn left. I'll continue once we get there" she began again, desperately trying to calm her nerves.

Nariya nodded wordlessly, her eyes never leaving Eriya's. It was the most feasable option they had--although it was somewhat distasteful, considering they had spent a fair amount of time tormenting the King.
Her thoughts drifted traitorously to the kit. Couldn't leave her in Zaibach hands while they were gone. Dornkirk and the Dragonslayers--pitiful humans that they were--could not be trusted not to harm her in some way. And Nariya would not have that on her conscience.
Her eyes became dark and preoccupied. Before she was aware of it her gaze had drifted from her sister's. Save the King from the Dragonslayers...
She suddenly realized that her silence had been far too long. Eriya was staring at her and her face was closed, impassive. Nariya felt a slight rush of anger.
"I'll tell the soldiers that we went out looking for Folken-sama. Then if any pilot asks, we heard about Dornkirk's bounty and went after the King ourselves," Nariya said, her tone slightly more clipped than usual. There was a pause. Nariya continued,
"The kit situation will also have to be taken care of."

The soldier's hasty block shivered all the way up his cold-numbed arms. Van gritted his teeth. The guy was heavier than Van was, but he was sluggish. No more direct blows like that one. Allen's face flashed in his mind for a moment, the careful, neutral expression he wore painfully familliar. Van's eyes narrowed. He shifted backwards, watching his opponent. Got to be done. Can't let word of us get back to Zaibach. He suddenly recognized the smell hanging in the air--ale. The soldier was intoxicated. How badly he couldn't judge. The soldier's dark eyes were trained on him, but he was sweating with the effort of keeping himself in control. Did it really matter?
Van's brown eyes went dark and oddly distant.
What must be done.

OOC: Got any last words? *cough* Shish-kabob! *cough* Oh, did I just say that out loud...? XD

"Va-" she reached out for him, but it was too late. He had already taken off toward his target. She heard him cry out and the sound of steel clashing with steel.
Please, don't get hurt, Van...
She wanted to stay with him, but she knew she'd only be a liability. So she followed his instructions and took off for Escaflowne. When she got back to the pool, she found Escaflowne in dragon mode. She took off her shoes and socks and swam across the pool. She climbed up onto his back and lay down. "Escaflowne," she murmured, "What was Van talking about? Do you know anything about a powerful weapon in Freid?"
"The weapon is my sword which is being held at Fortuna temple in Freid. Dornkirk knows that it is there and he wants it as well. That's why we have to get there before he does," the dragon answered.
"I see," she paused, "I hope he gets back here soon."
Escaflowne felt his heart twist painfully inside him at the comment, "Maiden, I have to ask you something."
"Yes?"
"Before we get to the temple, you must resurrect me. When the time is right, I will tell you."
"But how do I do it?"
She must not remember her trance, "Don't worry, you'll know how."
"I see... Um...Escaflowne?"
"Yes?"
"I hope you don't think I'm too forward or anything, but.. What do you look like?"
She thought she heard him chuckle, "I'll leave that as a surprise," his voice softened, "You musn't worry, Maiden. He'll come back. I know he will."

He noted with relief and an odd twinge of disappointment that she was now fully clothed, but it was merely an undertone in his urgency. “Sorry,” he said quickly, helping her up. He noticed his shirt in her hands and went to take it, talking as he spoke. “We’ve got to get to Freid. Zaibach is trying to get ahold of a powerful weapon, and we’re the only ones who can get there in time.” She nodded wordlessly—but there was something else in her eyes. He went to pull his shirt over his head and suddenly realized what it was.
His eyes moved to the forest behind her, scanning. He suddenly became motionless.
“Get to Escaflowne,” he said quietly. Without waiting for a response, Van pulled his shirt on and stepped past her, drawing his sword. A Zaibach soldier alone in the woods?
Van could just make out the man moving in the forest. No real way to tell if he was a scout or not. No time to make sure.
Attack.

Eriya let her ire show. Dornkirk does not deserve Folken-sama's devotion. Nobody does. “This is not as to his wishes.” Folken-sama does not desire his brother dead! fury coursed through her veins.
He has not returned. How can we warn him if he has not yet returned?!? Looking up, she realized the same questions were plaguing her sister. “We cannot risk alerting Dornkirk.” there appeared to be only one answer. It was temporary, but it was the only way to ensure the safety of all involved.

“We must protect the King.”

*Blinks a couple of times and then looks around* Dude... she disappeared. *Looks around some more and steps out of the bushes* Where'd she go? I could have sworn I seen her.. *A thought dawns on him through his drunken stupour(sp)* o_o Maybe she saw a bear or somethin.. *Pulls out sword and walks around cautiously* Hope the thing ain't around...o_o; I sooo would have scored with her. Besides, I'm a Dragon Slayer after all!

Hitomi rounded the bend as she heard Van cry out her name.
Oh no! Has something happened? Van! Panic seized her. She made the mistake of looking in the wrong direction. When she sensed what was coming toward her, it was too late. She slammed into the youth hard. She cried out as she bounced off him and landed on the ground.
She sat up, winced and rubbed her shoulder, "Van...?"

Allen took Millerna's shoulders, forcing her to look into his eyes. The look in her violet eyes unsettled him for reasons he couldn't name. She had the faraway look of once in deep shock. She should never have been in a situation like this--should never have seen battle like this. Only too aware of the men at his back, Allen leaned close and said quietly, "Millerna. I can't guarantee your safety if you stay here in Asturia. You're vulnerable if you remain. You're the Princess designated to inherit the throne. I can't allow you to stay."
He paused for a moment longer, looking into her eyes, hoping that awareness would snap back into them. But her gaze remained dazed, looking back into that room, back into that battle, seeing her friend dead. Jasta.
"Gaddess." Allen turned to regard his second in command. "Give Millerna the cloak." As Gaddess complied, Allen's gaze swept the hallway, looking over the unconscious mercenaries on the ground. He found what he was looking for. He stripped the mercenary of his tunic. He pulled it over his head. The fabric shifted unpleasantly against the half dried blood on his chest, but it was no matter.
Allen heard someone chuckle and allowed a wry smile to lift one corner of his mouth. He imagined he looked the part of a mercenery now--unkempt, dirty, bloody and grim. Everything fit except for his hair, but there wasn't much he could do about that. He turned back around.
Now. To get out of this godforsaken prison.
"Gaddess, tell me how you got in here and how much time we have. Men, fan out and cover the corridors. You know what to do. We don't want to make a disturbance prematurely."
As the men moved out Allen turned his gaze once more to Millerna. She looked lost and out of place. There was no way he was leaving her behind. On his honour, he would do all he could not to let her see another battle like she'd seen today.
Millerna.

OOC: I'm ALIVE!!!

He'd been thinking hard about his recent blunder of not saying anything when the sound of Escaflowne's movements jerked him out of hs thoughts. He spun around, eyes darting once over to where Hitomi had disappeared. At Escaflowne's words Van went cold. The urgency in Escaflowne's voice struck some deep current of fear in him. The...melef was not one to get excited over nothing.
Van didn't waste time asking how the armor knew.
He took off in the direction of the clearing at a dead run.
"Hitomi!

OOC: UNDEAD! X__X

Hitomi's fearful thoughts snapped Escaflowne from his sleep.
Zaibach? Near Freid? That must mean Dornkirk must know about my sword! Dammit! The metal gaint leaned forward toward Van. His legs moved backward and formed a familiar tail. His head and arms moving to form dragon wings and the head. Fabric came down between the folds of his wings. The dragon spoke to his king, "Majesty, we must get to Freid immediately. The Duke of Freid has my sword. It's a very powerful weapon that must not fall into Dornkirk's hands. We must get to them before he does. Hurry!"

An image of a man flashed in her mind. Hitomi's eyes flew open. She looked around, Someone's here, watching me. A Zaibach soldier. How did he get here? Are they that close by? An acute apprehension filled her. She had to get to Van; she had to warn him. She picked up Van's jacket in one hand and tied it around her waist. I just hope this guy isn't a sprinter... She made her movements slow trying to make them look natural. She stretched her legs slightly and steadied her nerves, mentally mapping out the way back to the pool. He can't catch me... I won't let him... She positioned her body and took a deep breath. A moment later, she was off running back to the pool.

--In the forest--

*Hears some rustling around and a female voice somewhere behind a couple of bushes* Uuuhh...huh huhuhuh *Stumbles around the forest and peeks head slightly through the bushes* DUDE! O_O A hot chick!! She was nekked! *Drools at the image of Hitomiboobies and has a nosebleed* Duuude... I must score with this chick. *Is pretty much engrossed with staring at the once nekked Hitomi* ...Boooobies(Wet t-shirt duuude ;D~)... *Gawks stupidly for a while as Hitomi walks around talking to herself. An evilly perverted glint comes into his eyes, then he stars up at the main picture and drools some more* Hell ya, nippless Hitomiboobies..

[OOC: Just being stupid. :)]

*As he gets up to leave, he picks up a nifty little weapon, he had found after destroying a small tribe of primitive beastpeople, and walks out with a smirk on his face*

--Cutting to Dilly looking around the forests and stuff in his Oreades--

*Landing his guymelef on a high cliff he flips down his scope and searches for any signs of life in the forests* They couldn't have gotten that far away. *Spots some sort of craft flying* Two large levitation rocks.. sideways sails... that must be the ship I heard those soldiers talking about *On Commlink* Miguel, Gatti. I want you two to go into Freid and search for some sort of stupid powerful sword. Also, warn the country to comply with Zaibachs orders... otherwise that place is going down with some Napalm!! *Turns and grins wildly as he aims at the retreating ship and switches all power to the one aiming arm* They could have at least tried to hide themselves... the stupid FOOLS!

She peeked back from around the tree to check once more on Van. He hadn't given her an answer for quite some time. The youth was standing with his back to her, his gaze focused elsewhere.
Hitomi crossed her arms and frowned, "First he tries to peek at me and then he blows me off? What gives?" her irritation quickly gave way to anger, "Fine. Whatever. Let him see what he pleases, I don't care anymore."
She stalked off back toward the camp with a heavy feeling inside her stomach. She still couldn't understand why things had changed so drastcially from last night. Was he teasing her? She shook the thought away, No, that couldn't be possible, he isn't that intelligent. Then what was it? she thought as she crossed over to the small heap of clothes. She picked up her shirt and slipped it over her head. Was it the moment? Was it the danger that we were in? Was it saving me? Or.. Maybe...maybe it wasn't Van at all... Maybe it was me. Images flashed through her mind. His face closing towards hers. The warmth of his breath on her skin. Hitomi brought her fingertips to her lips and closed her eyes, It felt real....but...was it?

[OOC: Heelooo?]

Millerna listened in a dazed fashion and nodded numbly as Gaddes produced a dark cloak. Everyone was silent, and the only noise was the shallow breathing of everyone.

"Let Allen have it" she said suddenly. "You....You guys can go without me. That way you won't be stopped. I can find my way out of here..." she added with firm determination in her violet eyes.
Off in the distance was the faint noise of dripping water, and Millerna felt a coldness from within the pit of her stomach spread throughout her body. There was a constant ringing in her head, and a slight buzzing in her ears. Jasta....Jasta....Jasta..... The name was chorused in her head over and over. The fighting... The death.... Millerna felt her hand suddenly reach for Allen's subconciously, and she squeezed his hand slightly in a reassuring manner.
"I can meet you guys..." she thought for a moment. "Would it be possible to meet in the Crusade? It's the safest spot..." Millerna bit her lip uneasily, but she smothered down her feelings and tilted her head up slightly, steeling her violet eyes.

Yukari's heart skipped a beat as she looked up at the guymelef. A twinge of fear hit her. What is that??? Her throat was dry and she was too shocked to say anything. She simply nodded. She didn't know what else to do. If she said she didn't want to go in there then he - She glanced at Folken with her scared and vivid brown eyes - would...would leave, and she would be left on her own in an new world that was so peculiar and frightening to her. She swallowed the vast lump in her throat and gripped Folken's hand more tightly. She was afraid to let go. If I let go now, he’ll leave...and....and I don't want to go back alone.... Hesitantly looked up at him with pleading eyes. "Well then," her voice trembled. She calmed herself down and began once more with confidence. "How... does it work?" It's a stupid question but... at least it will help me understand this .... She looked up at the guymelef again thing?

"I'll get things ready for you, Escaflowne, you'll be staying with Justin from now on," the man smiled down at the boy.
Escaflowne's eyes widened happily, "I can stay here with you? I don't have to stay in the lab anymore?"
"Of course not, you're part of our family now."
"Thank you...Father," he smiled and looked down.
The father left the room and Justin approached Escaflowne, "He's not your father, don't call him that," the boy said coldly.
"What do you mean? He made me. I'm his son just like you are."
"You're not human, you're some kind of creature. You're not like the rest of us, so don't go around thinking that you can do what we do, because you can't," he smirk and stalked around him as if looking at some kind of insect, "Look at him, he doesn't even have wings..."
He shoved the little boy into the wall. He cried out as he bounced off and landed on the floor.
"Stop it!" Sidra cried as she ran over to Escaflowne, "You're being mean! Leave him alone!" she turned and knelt down beside the boy, "Are you alright, Escafowne?"
Escaflowne rose slowly to his knees, he felt something on his face and brought his hand to his cheek, "My face is wet," he murmured as he drew back his hand and looked at the palm.
Justin laughed out loud, "Great, a freak and a crybaby. What was Father thinking?" He strode proudly out of the room.
"Why is my face wet, Sidra?"
It's because you're sad. People cry when they are sad. I cried when Mommy died," she answered softly, "Don't be sad, Escafowne," she put her little arms around his neck, "You're nice and I like you, even if you don't have wings."

I remember how the Atlanteans valued their wings. It was one of their greatest achievements. They were a symbol of omnipotence and power. In Justin's eyes, to not have them would have been a disgrace. But he was wrong; I did have wings, more great and powerful than his own. I just hadn't learned how to fly yet...

*After slipping out of the strange meeting place, he started back to his room to get ready for the mission* That was rather abrupt, something must being going down soon. Van and the Mysticmoon girl are now up for grabs *He grinned slightly* I really have no need for that girl, but I could probably screw her up real bad if she watches what I have in store for Van. Hmmm.. I wonder what Dornkirk needs that sword for? Where the hell am I going to find it in that huge country?

*As he entered his room he pull out his sword from it's sheath, sat down on his bed, and started sharpening it* Maybe I should just send my DragonSlayers out to find the sword while I go after Van. I'm not going to waste my time looking for that thing. *He grinned insanely as he took one swipe at his chair with the sword and split the thing in half*

[OOC: La lala lala.. *Dances around*]

"What is he, Father?" the little boy prodded the young stranger intrusively.
"Now, Justin, remember what Father was working on in his lab? Well this little boy is the end result. He'll be staying with us from now on and will be a part of our family," he pushed the little child who was nervously clinging to him forward toward the other two children.
The little girl ran up to the stranger and stuck out her hand eagerly, "My name is Shidra, what's yours?"
The boy's white face flushed slightly and cast his eyes downward, "Um, well..."
"Sidra is very right, we need to give you a name, don't we? Any suggestions?" the father looked down at the children.
"How about Weirdo?" Justin burst out laughing at his own joke. The father ignored him, "What do you think, Sidra, my dear?"
Sidra tipped her head to the side in thought, "Well...oh, but that's not very good."
"Tell us, please."
"Well I was thinking of that place that went to last summer, before Mommy died..."
"Escavalon?"
"Yes!" she cried happily, "It was so pretty. Mommy was very happy there..."
Well," the man said thoughtfully, "it does have a nice ring to it."
"Wait! What about Escafowne?" she asked.
"Do you mean Escaflowne?"
Sidra nodded, "Yes that's what I said, Escafowne."
"Well that is a very interesting name, Sidra, but--"
"Sir, can I have it?" the young stranger looked up and asked quickly.
"Do you like it?" the man asked, "O.K.," he replied after the boy nodded, "Escaflowne it is."
"Yay!" Sidra grabbed Escaflowne's hand and shook it roughly, "Nice to meet you, Escafowne!"
Escaflowne relaxed and smiled, "Nice to meet you, Sidra."

You gave me a name and taught me what it meant to be happy. Why did things have to end that way? Why?

Hitomi frowned as she saw him spin around away from her, Is he trying to peek despite what I told him?, she thought to herself as she moved back behind the tree, And why is he asking me what's wrong? Could he know I don't have my shirt?, she paused, Nah, probably just a coincidence or something. Unless he's looking for an excuse to come back here. She raised an amused eyebrow, I guess seeing me naked wasn't so awful after all. Maybe he is more of a pervert than I thought he was. Funny, he doesn't seem to give off such an impression. You'd think he'd run away screaming in the other direction at seeing a naked girl because he couldn't handle the sight. Perhaps I misjudged him. Well, it wouldn't be the first time and maybe because we're alone he isn't as nervous as he was. Looks like I'll have to keep a closer eye on him than I thought. Can't go letting him think I'm easy, she cracked her knuckles and then sighed. Well I better tell him what the problem is I guess.
"Uh, well nothing's wrong really," she began sounding more nervous than she intended, "I just realized my shirt is with your jacket. Um...I'll, uh, go back and get it. You stay put and don't move," she added quickly,"My threat remains in effect until I'm completely clothed, you understand?" she peeked back around the tree and waited for his answer.

Van picked himself up off the ground and stood. His back was turned to her. He was glad she couldn't see his burning face. Her hand over his eyes hadn't done much for his imagination and the inner battle hadn't gone all that well. He hoped she hadn't noticed.
But when she'd touched him like that he'd thought--well, he didn't know what he'd thought. Sort of. A faint shiver of memory passed through him. Van shoved it away. He didn't need to be so distracted right now. He didn't need to think that his heart had seemed to go still, that he had wanted to touch her, that he had wanted to...
He heard faint sounds of someone moving around behind him. His face flushed again and he decided that maybe distraction wasn't such a bad idea. He focused on something safe and tangible: Escaflowne. A number of things slipped through his mind at the sight of his familiar melef. And not all of them were charitable.
But his body was still reminding him that even if his mind had forgotten the recent situation, it certainly hadn't. She probably thinks I'm a lech or that I'm a stupid princeling who lives like a monk. Which wasn't true--he'd seen some girls, mostly the daughters of nobles, and they were as delicate and pretty as flowers, but he hadn't really felt anything. They were like Millerna. He personally thought them well bred and docile--somewhat like horses bred for show. There was nothing that drew him to them. They were a show, they were put on display for him by their families. Hitomi was far different from all of them. He betted that she could beat Millerna an day, hands down. She was different from anyone he'd ever known.
But he definitely wasn't a lech. And he wasn't like Allen--he didn't have all the right words and girls didn't just chase after him. But he wasn't a lech! He hadn't been staring at her. He'd averted his eyes very quickly. Van closed his eyes and rubbed a hand over his face. But that didn't mean that the sight of her body wasn't imprinted like a hot brand onto the back of his mind. Van swallowed and stood tall, suddenly conscious of the relative silence behind him. He felt like her eyes were on him. He tensed himself against a sudden deep need to shiver. He didn't know if it was only from the cold.
Van steeled himself and said, “…Hitomi?”
His words seemed to hang in the air. When she didn’t answer immediately he automatically turned around slightly. As soon as he’d done this her words rushed back to him and he almost turned back around. He peered tentatively about, didn’t see her, was read to step forward when the sight of her head poking out from behind a tree brought him to a halt. He whirled back, his cheeks burning hotly. Stupid! Stupid! Now she’ll really think you’re a lech! Why isn’t she dressed yet? Why’s she watching me? Dammit! Ok, this is getting out of hand. Got to master these stupid thoughts of mine. Van fiercely smothered all of his errant thoughts, complete with their distracting images. He didn’t want to be such a naďve, bumbling idiot. The sight of Escaflowne only hardened this resolve. He forced the tension of out his back and shoulders, staring straight ahead.
“Hitomi? What’s wrong?”

She was relieved to hear him answer, at least he wasn't that far gone.
She had to think of a way out of this and fast. Suddenly, an idea came to her. Hitomi looked into Van's eyes,"Van.." she reached over and took his hand gently in her own. She slowly brought his hand close to her face. The redness in his cheeks deepened as his hand nearly touched her. She then leaned her face in closer so that it hovered dangerously near his. His eyes widened slightly and his chest expanded as if he was taking a deep breath and bracing himself for something.
Now! Hitomi thought.
She heard Van utter a startled cry when she brought his hand down firmly over his eyes. She leaned forward and spoke in his ear with a sterness to her voice, "I'm going to get up now and get my clothes. If I catch you peeking at me at all you're dead, understand?" She made a nodding motion with his head for emphasis.
She shifted her hips to move off of him. She stopped abruptly when she thought she felt something out of place beneath her, but ulimately ignored it. She rolled off him, stood up and ran to her clothes. Taking refuge behind a nearby tree, she began to pull on her clothes, Well that was a horrible experience. First time a guy ever saw me naked and he's horrified. I can't be that hideous, can I? I don't get it, what happened last night? Why was he so different? I mean I don't know what he'd do for sure, but I know he wouldn't just turn to stone like that! At least he wouldn't have last night. I wonder if he got hit in the head or something. Oh great..." she sighed realizing she was missing a rather important piece of clothing, "Just great. I left my shirt back at the camp site. She peeked out from the tree to check on Van.

Oh Gods!
The thought went off in Van's head like an explosion. He should have known he was in trouble when he realized that she was wet. He should definitely have known he was in trouble when he realized that she was wet and lacking certain things. And then his stupid body should have responded when he realized that she was falling on top of him and then he wouldn't be in this stupid situation now.
Inwardly he was cursing so much it had ceased to be a choice number of epithets and now was more of a torrent.
Every nerve in him was screaming. He was flat out on his back next to some pool. Hitomi was on top of him. She was naked. Nude. Clothe-less. And warm. God she was warm. And soft and--
WOULD YOU STOP THINKING! DO. NOT. THINK. AT ALL!
He was a stiff as a board. If he could have imitated granite, he would have tried. He didn't dare to breathe or think. Especially think.
Her breasts were pressing against his chest.
He tried desperately to be somewhere else.
Ok, ok, think of something. Think of something NOW. Ok, ok. NO, not that! Van forcefully reigned in his thought processes and focused mainly on breathing. His heart was pounding in his chest and he could feel her heart racing as well. Somehow that should have made him feel better.
It didn't.
He felt her shift on top of him and he stared hard at a distant swirl of cloud, forcing his mind to be vacant of any thought. He didn't need to think of anything at this current moment. He could feel every inch of her that was pressed close to him. He could feel her, yes, and oh gods this was not good at all.
"Van...?" she said.
Van swallowed hard. His voice came out very calmly. He continued to stare off at that intangible cloud swirl as he answered,
"...yes?"
All the while things were flashing through his head. He could move now and throw her off of him. He could sit up--no, bad plan, bad plan--or he could tell her to get off him. Or...
He didn't let his mind play with the alternate option.
Van slowly moved his gaze to her face. If she was as nervous as he was, she didn't look it. The green of her eyes only made things worse. Van swallowed again. Her face seemed very close to his.
Oh Gods...!

Kill the King?
Nariya hissed a small breath out through her teeth. Folken-sama will not be pleased at this new development. Dornkirk is going behind the back of his Strategos. What is he really planning? I must warn Folken-sama.
Nariya turned and crept back along the shaft. Dorkirk's placement of such a hefty bounty indicated that he wanted the King and his female dead badly. Very badly. What could have occured to make him change his strategy so quickly? Nariya emerged from the vent and replaced the covering. She ghosted down the hall to the kit's cell. She met Eriya's gaze as she approached. Nariya knew that her sister could read her like an open book--most of the time. The questions Nariya would have to face about her actions regarding the kit would not be easy to answer. Nariya made a slight motion with her head and went to the training room. The door closed behind them and cloaked the room in darkness.
Nariya turned and faced her twin.
"Dornkirk has placed a bounty of fifty million on the heads of the King and his female. He is sending Dilandau out to hunt down some kind of sword." She met her sister's gaze. She didn't allow any hesitation to enter her voice.
"We have to contact Folken-sama before it's too late. And if he cannot be contacted, we will have to take matters into our own hands."

Her anxiety faded from her mind when he put his hands on her shoulders and told her he wasn't angry. She noticed him looking at her strangely. There was something in his eyes. She sensed as though he wanted to do something, but somehow couldn't.
Whatever it is, I wish he would do it. I would really like to be held right now...
Just then he pulled his hands away. Almost as if it was painful to touch her. Hitomi looked with concern at his face, which had gone bright red. "Van..? What's wrong?" she reached out to him, but he backed further away. I don't understand. Why does he have that shocked and wild look on his face? What have I grown another limb, or something? Oh-! Realizing too late that she had leaned too far forward she couldn't stop herself. She toppled over onto Van, knocking him on his back. Her forehead smacked the ground between his head and shoulder. "Ohh," she reached up and rubbed her forehead, "I'm sorry, Van," she uttered an embarrassed laugh, "I guess I'm a little weaker than I thought I'd be." I need to get up right now. But why does this feel so nice? I can feel his heart beating. His skin feels so warm and soft against mine.... Wait a minute. Why would I be feeling his skin against my...? Her eyes widened in horror, I was taking a bath before... Oh God....

I'M NAKED!!

I'M NAKED AND I'M ON TOP OF VAN!!!

Hitomi froze, No wonder why he was looking at me like that. I doubt he's ever seen a naked girl before let alone had one on top of him. She noticed his body had gone completely rigid beneath her. A rigidity that seemed almost unnatural. Oh no... What do I do now? How do I get myself out of this one? She went red from head to foot. I have to get up....I have to. But... I'm so scared! What if he freaks out on me? Well...I think that's already happened.... Oh, this has to happen eventually... She slowly raised herself up until she could look down at his face. He eyes were like two large vacant pools. She swallowed hard, "Van..?"

OOC: And what are Van's thoughts going to be on this new development? :p

OOC:S till catching up, people! I've fallen a little behind!

He couldn't speak. His arms had come around her. She was breathing, she was warm beneath his hands, she was beating with the pulse of life.
Hitomi.
He could barely believe it. His hands were touching her bare flesh, and he could feel the life beneath his fingers. The dread in his heart faded a little. She suddenly shivered against him. The movement snapped him out of his mental inertia.
She was saying something, something about him being angry with her, something about singing. Van didn't catch all of it, but he did understand the gist of it. The sharp pain at the understanding gave him pause.
She shivered again and suddenly pulled away from him slightly. His silence had been too long. Van hesitated. The desire to take her in his arms again was almost overwhelming. His eyes searched her face. Van felt his cheeks getting warm and angrily forced it back.
She must be waiting for me to say something...she must be realizing what a true flaming idiot I am...I should be saying something gallant...damned Allen would know exactly what to say, and Escafl-- Van shoved Escaflowne from his mind's eye, cursing silently.
Hitomi's next words brought him up short.
Without thinking Van took her shoulders. "Don't." Her green eyes came up to meet his. She was startled. Whatever he had been about to say faded from his lips.
"...Just don't," he said again, his voice suddenly quiet. He dropped his eyes, and his voice came out husky. "I'm not angry with you."
The urge to take her and hold her close came to him again. Van stiffened slightly. He stole a glance at her. Her green eyes were clear and her hair was wet and hanging in her face. Van felt his chest get tight. She was still very close to him, and her proximity only increased the longing. His eyes followed a drop of water from her hair as it dripped to her collarbone and then went down...
Van's face flamed.
He jerked his hands away from her as if he had been burned. She's...she's...
Naked.

OOC: I wanted to add more, but I thought it might be good to let Hitomi have her own thoughts about this development. ^___^

Dornkirk flipped the commlink switch, “Send word to every mercenary you can find. To whoever brings me the heads of the king of Fanelia and the girl from the Mystic Moon, fifty million.
“Fifty million sir?” cried the communications officer.
“Yes. Fifty million.”
"Yes, sir!" the officer disconnected the line and sighed, "Wow, he must really want them dead."

He then switched on the video screen device to his right. The screen flickered and came to life showing him the dimly lit room that held Dilandau. He saw the youth jump in surprise when he turned his head to look at the wall.
"Good morning to you, Dilandau. I have a mission for you and your men. It is a special mission, so you must take great care. In the country of Freid, there is a sword. A very special sword with great power. I want you to retrieve that sword for me and bring it back here. You are also to tell Freid, that if she dares to offer any assistance to the king of Fanelia and the girl, it will be considered an act of war against Zaibach. And Dilandau,” he paused, “if you should see the king of Fanelia or the girl on your way to Freid, you have my permission to kill them both."

OOC: Wow, how would you like walking around with a bounty like that on your head?

*After putting something on, he opened the door and the soldier was still standing there* What the hell are you still doing here?? Didn't you get the message? Go run off somewhere before I cut your throat! *Annoyed at the soldier's stupidity, he brandishes his sword*

"Si-sir, Lord Dornkirk is having me guide you to the meeting room he has set up." *The soldier waited nervously, looking around at the hallway as to not anger Dilandau more*

*Rolling his eyes in a childish manner, he motioned for the soldier to lead the way* I would have been able to find him anyways, why does he insist on me having a stupid guide. *Shrugging to himself he followed the soldier, who kept as far away as he could from him and his sword* Geez, what's with this soldier. He has no backbone whatsoever and we're using people like him in the Zaibach army? I wouldn't be surprised if we dispatched part of the army to siege some little town and the unit getting defeated by the townspeople! *Dismissing his thoughts, he continued on until the soldier finally stoped at an unmarked door. He walked inside the dimly lit room and took a seat at the table, the door closed silently while the soldier went off somewhere* Oh greeeat, there's nobody here. I get to wait for him. Another loooong wait, don't they understand I have no patience?! *Gritting his teeth, he put his feet up on the table and slouched back while he waited for Lord Dornkirk*

Escaflowne sighed, "I figured it would only be a matter of time. I've been influencing her dreams, it would make sense for her to start to influence mine," a wry smile passed over his features, "How ironic she would remind me of home. Course...whenever I see her, I still think about it..."
An oppressive wave of remorse nearly overtook him, "No...No! What happened to her wasn't my fault. I didn't do anything wrong. They all turned against me. Even she did!"
The brick street was replaced with a field of green and beyond stood the great tree. The silhouette of a young boy sat against the large trunk, holding his head in his hands. A like silhouette of a young, winged girl swooped down from the sky and landed next to the boy. She held a flower in her hand and then gave it to the boy.
"I thought she could see past my differences. I thought she understood me. But when the time came she stood against me, along with everyone else. That person I cherished, revered and loved. Her words hurt more than any knife's point ever could.
Escaflowne knelt down as the little girl ran up to him. Her green eyes bright and happy. Her sandy blonde hair tousled by the breeze.
"I suppose the greatest irony of all is having to see this face over and over again," images of Yuri and Hitomi flashed in his mind, "Why won't you just let me be? Sidra..."