A note: dilandaus_girl has been kind enough to do a couple pics based on this series: one of Ikiru (at about 15) and one of Celena (at about 17). Here are the links if you're interested in seeing them. I think they look pretty cool! Arigato, Hel-san!

http://www.mediaminer.org/fanart/view.php?id=78316
http://www.mediaminer.org/fanart/view.php?id=82720

"Ikiru," she murmured, pleasant sensations radiating through her.

"Guess again," Dilandau's voice whispered in her ear and she started violently, eyes flying open, instantly wide awake. She jerked around, ending up on her back and glaring up into the large red eyes.

"Dilandau!" she exclaimed angrily, "You can not just pull me down here any time you feel like it!" He smirked, propping his head up with his free hand.

"Yes, I can," he replied smugly and she snarled.

"Well, you can't keep me here," she growled and started to wriggle from under his arm. The pale face sobered and he gently restrained her.

"Don't go," he said quietly. Celena stopped, surprised at his tone.

"What's wrong?" she asked. Dilandau looked away and gave a short sigh.

"You weren't supposed to wake up," he muttered. Celena frowned.

"Either tell me or I'm leaving." He looked back at her, his eyes now hooded.

"I don't want to go to Kyishi."

"Why not?" He didn't reply, just continued looking at her. Celena gave an impatient sound.

"We don't have much of a choice, do we?" she asked, a touch sarcastically. "We can't go back to the du Pays, not now." His face twisted into a scowl.

"Fine," he said shortly, but didn't remove his arm from about her waist. "Just get used to sleeping down here every night." Celena gasped angrily, then calmed herself down, examining his face. He looked really odd, like he was facing something unbearable.

"All right," she relented, and the familiar smirk reappeared. He lay his head down and went instantly to sleep, his arm locking her firmly against him. You continually surprise me, Celena thought as she stared up into the darkness above them, her own slumber banished. Her lips quirked a little. But why should that be a surprise?

She sighed, thinking over the past two days. They were on the road in the Duchy of Hamat, heading towards the Zaibach city to find refuge with Ikiru's family. Ikiru... she smiled, thinking of the redhaired lieutenant. Is this what Keiko felt? she wondered, this strange joy, this unbearable longing? To see him again, to touch his face... Celena suddenly stopped that line of thinking. She had to focus on her present situation. They had taken off in the middle of the night from Kaze-yama with Corporal Yatate as their guide; only Ikiru knowing where they'd gone, and now they were headed for the Zaibach Empire, traveling in the guise of two Red Copper Army couriers. Celena was wearing one of Yatate's uniforms; the outfit was loose enough to disguise her feminine curves, and they were taking the backroads when possible, camping out instead of staying at any inns. The corporal was an efficient yet taciturn man; aside from some necessary conversation, he remained silent, although he had a tendency to stare at her when he thought she wasn't looking. In any case, the trip had gone smoothly enough, so far, and they would be in Kyishi in a few more days. The corporal would hand her over to Ikiru's parents and then...what? Celena frowned. What was her future? She thought forlornly back to her life with Allen. She had been so happy; just living with him had been enough. Or had it been? She didn't know; it didn't matter now, anyway. She'd known the du Pays stay would be temporary, but she hadn't really thought of what she would do with her life once that ended. Then there was Ikiru; Celena smiled suddenly; she couldn't help it: he was so dear to her! But not to Dilandau; her mind whirled as she tried to think of what was to come.

Dilandau's arm tightened around her, then relaxed. She looked over to him: he was fast asleep, the pale features drawn and the silver hair falling over his forehead. One, she thought softly, feeling his faint, constant presence in her mind. No matter what problems he caused her, and he caused her a lot of problems, she was grateful for his presence. Never alone again, she thought, her mind shying away from that terrible fear they both possessed. Her body trembled, some physical memory striving to break through, to reveal the horror of the time she was trapped with the sorcerers, and she fought it, sweat breaking out on her brow. Dilandau muttered and tightened his arm about her again. He's here, she thought determinedly, I'm not alone. Her shaking stilled and at last sleep began to claim her. I'll think about all this later, she decided as she closed her eyes.

* * *

Corporal Kazuki Yatate stirred the coals, causing flames to flare up, watching the young woman sleeping on the other side of the campfire. The delicate face was utterly still; the blanket covering her chest barely moving. She must be with him, he thought, unsurprised. It wasn't the first time he had seen it, nor was she the first he'd seen it in. He dropped the charred stick he was holding and clapped his hands, once, twice; the sharp sound loud in the still night air. There was no response from her; not the flutter of an eyelid, not a twitch of a muscle. Yatate took up the stick again and poked once more at the coals, his face impassive. Here in my possession, he thought grimly, is the most valuable object on Gaia to the Maudoshi.

In the upheaval following the death of Emperor Dornkirk, many factions had strived for control of the Zaibach Empire; the Suzuki clan finally winning out after some of the most brutal fighting in the Empire's history. The Maudoshi, faithful black magic sorcerers to the former Emperor, had been eyed with great suspicion by the new rulers, despite their previous importance to the Empire. The highest circle of sorcerers, led by the powerful Paruchi, had worked hard to retain their caste's position, but it was tenuous at best. The Suzuki had no interest in the Power of Atlantis; they were more old school, depending on the might of their warriors and mechs over the murky power of magic. The Maudoshi's quarters and laboratories had been destroyed in the backlash of Dornkirk's death, and the new Emperor, Kimitoshi, had kept demanding new proofs of the their skills, ignoring their requests for new buildings and funds for their work. Paruchi had decided that the Fate Alteration Experiment would appease the new emperor, but there had been only one semi-successful result, and he had disappeared in the Great War. The Maudoshi had searched as thoroughly as they could for him, but no trace had been found, and the sorcerers continued their struggle for survival in the Empire.

The coals suddenly flared up again, casting a few sparks towards the medic's face. Yatate grimaced. His own connection with the Maudoshi was a bitter one: he had been one of the last of the lower sorcerers to be released in the scramble to keep the caste alive in the new regime; he had joined the Red Copper Army, his extensive knowledge of human anatomy and psychology making his entry an easy one. He had tried to forget his life as a Maudoshi, turning his back on his knowledge of the Black Arts, missing the prestige and wealth but finding a new contentment in his work as a healer.

The corporal looked over to the young woman, still a girl, really, and one corner of his mouth curved upwards. Then you had to come back into my life, he thought ironically. He had never really noticed the Lady Celena Schezar when the du Pays had come to visit the mayor of Kaze-yama; he himself was merely a soldier in the contingent that guarded the visiting Duke of Hamat. But when she had called to him from across the palace gates; when he had clasped her gloved hands and stared into her desperate grey-blue eyes, his mind had frozen in shocked recognition. Yatate's own involvement with the Fate Alteration Experiment had been an important one: as the Maudoshi's psychological expert, it was his task to make sure the children subjected to the FAE made the transition without going insane. A hard task, almost impossible, but he had thought he had had some success with this one, Celena. Or rather Dilandau.

After opening the gates and carrying the unconscious girl up to his bedroom, he had administered the antidote to the poison she had somehow taken, and then he had gone and reported to Lieutenant Ikiru Nishikawa, his commanding officer and the son of his old friend, Uragiru. Yatate frowned at the memory: the lieutenant could put on a good poker face when he had to, but it had been obvious to the medic that he cared a great deal about Lady Celena. This had touched Yatate deeply, since he and Ikiru's father had once been close, and he was willing to forget he had ever recognized the noblewoman. But then Ikiru had asked him to take her, in secret, to his father's house in Kyishi. Again came the ironic smile. It was if someone wanted him to return to the Maudoshi, giving him the key that would assure not only his re-entry, but a chair in the highest circle itself.

The horizon was paling in the East: they would have to start moving. Yatate threw the stick into the fire, then got up and walked over to the young woman. He knelt and muttered a few words in her ear; she immediately stirred, the delicate features twisting a little. The corporal backed away and soon was sitting on his side of the campfire, waiting for her to wake fully, weighing in his mind the pros and cons of the decision he would have to make.

* * *

Ikiru strode down the wooden corridors of the mayor of Kaze-yama's palace, headed for Captain Schilling's command center, a worried scowl twisting his freckled features. The last two days had been hell: Lady Isabella du Pays had been adamant about finding her missing ward, and she was driving everyone to distraction with constant demands for updates on the search for her. Ikiru could understand her anxiety, but it seemed she was more angry about losing her future daughter-in-law than worried about her safety. The lieutenant's scowl deepened: he had no intention of letting Celena go back to the du Pays if she was found. She's mine, he thought, then mentally brought himself up. No, she isn't, Ikiru. Not if she doesn't want to be. Which was another thing that had made the last forty-eight hours an agony: the unbearable thought of losing her. That she was physically safe he had no doubt. Corporal Yatate was one of the finest, most loyal soldiers in his company and an excellent medic. He would get her to his father's house safe and sound, but Ikiru didn't know if she'd still be there when he could get leave to join her. He was certain that she cared for him, but simple caring wasn't enough for a lifetime commitment. He snarled suddenly: and, of course, there was Dilandau. As if he wasn't stressed out enough with the situation, he also had to deal with him. And his own reaction to him. Ikiru suppressed a groan. How could he want the very man who had destroyed his best friend and lover? He hated that sadistic maniac! Yet he was part of Celena, and she was dearer to him than life itself. He could put up with him for her, but he now realized, to his great dismay, that he wanted him as well. It was terribly confusing, to say the least.

The lieutenant stopped before his captain's command center and nodded to the guard stationed outside. The soldier nodded back, then slid open one of the paper doors and went inside. Ikiru waited in the corridor, running one hand through his bright red hair, his face soft as he thought of the young woman. Celena-koi, he thought with quiet desperation, you must stay with me! Nothing else matters! He shook himself, glad that there was no one about to see his sudden blush. Come on, Ikiru, he thought grimly, get a grip. At least she's safe.

The guard returned and beckoned him inside; Ikiru entered the room and stopped before Captain Schilling's chair, snapping to attention as he heard the guard leave and slide close the door. The blondhaired commander studied him for a few moments, his ice-blue eyes thoughtful. Now what? Ikiru thought, as if I don't have enough to deal with. He mentally went over his actions of the last two days: he had gone about his duties as usual; helping out with the search when he could, keeping an ear cocked for any news. He felt a sudden stab of terror: they had been found, Yatate had talked and he was now in some incredibly hot water. Ikiru kept himself at attention, crushing the impulse to speak. There was no sense in jumping to conclusions.

"Lieutenant," Captain Schilling said slowly, "I've just gotten the strangest report from Lieutenant Uganda."

"Sir?" Ikiru asked, flushing. Uganda was in charge of the search; he could feel sweat start to slide down the side of his face. Keep quiet! he ordered himself. You haven't lost her, not yet!

"Yes, he just got done speaking with Philippe du Pays, and that foolish boy claims that you are connected with the man who attacked him." Ikiru inwardly cursed as he felt another wave of blood rush to his cheeks. God, how he hated his constant blushing! But, for once, it was a handy disguise for his reactions. He thought about what the captain had just said. Why would Philippe think that? He had saved him from the man, after all... then Ikiru thought of the night he and Dilandau had fought on the palace grounds. Could Philippe had seen that? It was possible - they had been right outside the du Pays guestrooms. If Philippe had been awoken by the fight, he would have seen them also kissing... Ikiru silently cursed again. What to do? Panic tried to clutch him but he fought it down. He could see Schilling waiting for his reply, one blonde eyebrow arched in mild amusement.

"He's lying," Ikiru said calmly. Captain Schilling laughed.

"That's what we figured," he replied. "That baka will do anything to get attention!" The captain got up and went to his writing desk, which stood along one wall, shuffling through some documents while he sat on the chair before it. "I guess that waking up the entire palace two nights ago with his little sword wound wasn't enough for him," he continued. "Dismissed." Ikiru felt weak with relief, but he merely bowed slightly and turned on his heel, ready to leave. Suddenly he was overwhelmed with the certainty that he would arrive at his father's house too late; Celena would be gone and he would never see her again! He turned back towards his commander.

"Sir?" he asked tentatively. The captain didn't look up from the paper he was studying.

"Hai?"

"Would it be possible to obtain a short leave? I've gotten word from my father that there's a problem at home." Captain Schilling looked up then, an irritated frown on his handsome face.

"Is it serious?" he asked shortly and Ikiru flushed. "Half of the men are out looking for that foolish girl and Yatate's off to Zaibach with our mission updates. We're not on vacation, Lieutenant: we're here to guard the Duke." Ikiru snapped back to attention, suppressing the urge to clench his teeth in frustration.

"It's not serious, sir," he said. The captain turned back to his paper, dismissing him, and the lieutenant turned and left the room. He stalked back down the corridor, his face dark, fighting a rising desperation. Maybe he had overestimated Yatate's abilities to take care of her; what if the corporal discovered Dilandau? The lieutenant rounded a corner and ran into Philippe du Pays, causing the man to stumble backwards a few steps. Ikiru inwardly cursed as he felt his cheeks heat up. Again.

"Watch it, hentai!" Philippe spat, his hand reaching for his katana hilt. Ikiru grabbed him by his jacket front and threw him up against the wall, feeling the satisfying thud of the baka's head against the oak boards. The nobleman gasped as the lieutenant glared into his eyes.

"I should have let him carve you up," Ikiru growled. "Keep on insisting that we're connected and I'll kill you myself. Understand?" Philippe, the blood drained from his face, nodded weakly and he let him go, suddenly disgusted at his own lack of control. He turned and started down the corridor again. There was a faint scrape of steel behind him and he whirled, his katana appearing as if by magic to block Philippe's raised blade. The man hurriedly backed up, but Ikiru easily disarmed him, catching the jewel-encrusted hilt in his left hand while he sheathed his own sword. He tossed Philippe the katana, quelling the impulse to slap him with the flat side of the blade, then turned and continued on his way, feeling that damn desperation rising once again.

* * *

Allen Schezar, Knight Caeli of Asturia, sat at his breakfast table staring at the empty chair to his right. Celena, he thought with soft sorrow, how could I lose you so quickly? She'd returned to him at the end of the Great War, only to leave again after two quick years. Our time was too short, he thought as he rested his cheek on one hand, his breakfast forgotten before him. Then his handsome features twisted into a scowl: damn you, Dilandau! Why did you have to return and ruin our happiness?

"Allen?" He put on a smile and looked to his left: Princess Aries smiled back from her seat at the table. "She's all right," she said softly, reaching one slender hand over to touch his arm. Allen nodded and watched as she returned to her meal, grateful for her quiet presence. He had scribbled a quick note and sent it to her when he and Celena had fled from Asturia, begging her to come to his estate and keep it running in his absence. He had landed back at the mansion a week ago and discovered that, not only had Aries responded to his note, but had actually improved the estate's management. Allen had asked her to stay for a little while longer; he wanted to show his gratitude and he knew that she enjoyed his company. He enjoyed hers as well: they had many similar tastes and his training as a Knight Caeli had elevated him to the level of high nobility, giving them the easy familiarity of equal-caste members. Allen was pretty certain that Aries thought herself in love with him, but he didn't feel the same way about her. He didn't want to hurt her, and so was very careful not to lead her on in any way...

The princess looked up and caught him staring; she blushed, the pink color softening her usually severe features, making her look almost like Marlene. Allen felt his heart twist: after all these years, he still felt pain at the thought of her! He smiled slightly as Aries picked up her teacup and took a sip, covering her embarrassment. Ah, Stern Princess, he thought suddenly, you should blush more often. She was so easy to talk to; he had nearly told her about Dilandau many times during the past week, but had always held back. He couldn't burden her with the knowledge; and he had to protect Celena as much as he could.

His eyes dragged back to the empty chair and his heart suddenly convulsed in pain. Sister! Only she had gotten through the ice that covered his heart after his precious Marlene had left to marry the Duke of Freid. Not Aries, not Millerna, not even Hitomi had truly gotten through; only Celena. Her beautiful face, the innocence that personified her; her devotion to him! He had actually started genuinely smiling again, laughing spontaneously at trivial things; feeling the great void that Marlene had left filling up a little. Celena, without knowing it, had given Allen back to himself. He had eagerly anticipated her coming-out into the noble society he existed in, despite the fact that the end result would be her marrying some incredibly lucky man, taking her from him. But that would have been all right, for they would have always stayed in contact.

But it didn't turn out that way, did it? he asked himself bitterly, vainly trying to crush the intense pain in his heart. That monster had to return, adding two more destroyed lives to his terrible legacy. Allen had had to hide Celena away to escape Van's obsession with killing Dilandau; the Knight Caeli cursed the day he'd decided to tell the King of Fanalia about his return. Now she was in the Duchy of Hamat, living with Gaddes' cousin Isabella and her family, a full three weeks away by airship. The pain suddenly overwhelmed him; Allen leapt to his feet, knocking over his chair and wringing a cry of surprise from Aries.

"I can't take it!" he exclaimed to the princess, who was staring at him, her mouth dropped open. "I've got to see her again, Aries!" She stood and stepped over to him, her face concerned, the large grey eyes worried.

"But, Allen," she said placatingly, "you said yourself that this experience would be good for her. Expand her knowledge of the world and make her a little more independent." Allen suppressed his instant retort: Aries didn't understand. How could she? He smiled down at her with an effort and her face lit up. She trusted him so! He hated to abuse her feeling for him, but his mind was made up. His smile turned warm and he put a gentle hand on her shoulder, causing her to blush again.

"Aries-san," he said softly. "I want to thank you again for all your help. I really owe you."

"It's nothing," she replied, bowing her head, the candlelight gleaming off her gold ear jewelry.

"I just want to check up on her; make sure everything's going all right," he said, continuing his soft tone. "You're the only one I can turn to. May I ask for your help again?" She looked up and he inwardly grimaced at the look in her eyes, hating himself for doing this to her.

"Of course, Allen-san," she whispered, and he took hold of her other shoulder and kissed her brow.

"Domo arigato, Princess," he said, then turned and strode from the room, pushing his guilt away as he headed for his men's quarters. Three long weeks to get to Hamat, but only if he skirted the Zaibach Empire. Allen smiled grimly: he would just have to find a passage through the enemy territory.

* * *

Corporal Yatate held up his hand and Celena obediently reined in her horse, stopping it just behind his. The forest path they had been following for the past two days was wider now; she could see where it merged with a proper road about a hundred meters farther along. The corporal glanced back at her, his kind face worried.

"I'm going to scout ahead," he said. Celena nodded and, after dismounting his horse and handing her the reins, Yatate melted into the woods. The noblewoman waited patiently, listening to the sparse birdsong scattered throughout the trees, trying not to get nervous.

"We shouldn't let him out of our sight," Dilandau growled. "I don't trust him."

"You don't trust anybody," she snarled in response. He smirked.

"That's true," he replied. "However," he continued thoughtfully, "there's something about him. He's familiar, somehow." A squirrel appeared on a branch above her; Celena smiled as it chittered at her.

"Dilandau," she said patiently, "Ikiru said he's trustworthy." That got her a snort of derision.

"Well, then, obviously he must be!" Celena felt her patience starting to unravel. Dilandau had been getting more annoying each day and, after four days of his constant complaints about the weather, the woods, his boredom, and now Yatate, she had had enough. But there wasn't much she could do about it, aside from constantly telling him to be quiet. And that didn't do much good. She drew in a deep breath; the squirrel stopped chiding her and ran back along the branch.

"We're in the middle of nowhere," she started but he cut her off.

"No, we're almost to Kyishi."

"How do you know?" she asked, curious. He scowled.

"I've been in these woods before: they're the border between Zaibach and Hamat. Kyishi is just beyond that intersection in front of us." He didn't elaborate further and she didn't ask him to. Celena really didn't want to know what Dilandau did before he had turned back into her; the sparse descriptions she had gotten from Allen were more than enough. She suppressed a shudder and felt him smile.

"Aren't you the least bit curious, Celena?" he asked softly. "After all, that ten-year blank in your life must be a little frustrating." She frowned.

"No, I don't want to know," she said shortly. He laughed.

"Celena!" he exclaimed. "I am you! You might actually enjoy my habits..." She snarled out loud, clenching the reins and causing her horse to snort and paw its hoof.

"Oh, right!" she shouted at him. "Let's see: burning, torture and killing! My favorite things!" He laughed again and she forced herself to calm down. Just another one of his games, she thought sourly, but I won't be goaded by him! This is only going to get worse, she realized suddenly. What am I going to do?

"Dilandau," she said tentatively and he smirked, then sobered.

"Hai?"

"You have got to get a handle on going to Kyishi. You're driving me crazy." He growled at her.

"I'm fine," he spat. "Besides, Yatate's probably coming back with a troop of soldiers to bring us back to the du Pays." Celena felt a rush of rage.

"Or perhaps to the sorcerers?" she asked darkly, then immediately regretted it as she felt his instant reactive terror. He shuddered, then scowled.

"Bitch," he snarled and fell silent. Celena sighed unhappily and was starting to apologize when Yatate suddenly emerged from the trees next to her. He was alone and she felt a surge of relief, idiotic as it was. She trusted Ikiru's judgment of the man, didn't she? She looked down into the kind face and was reassured. The corporal smiled up at her and she felt Dilandau tense.

"We're almost at the border," Yatate said. "I've found a camping spot nearby; we'll stop there for tonight and tackle the guards tomorrow morning. All right?" Celena nodded and watched while he mounted his horse.

"What's wrong?" she asked Dilandau.

"I'm not talking to you."

"Fine!" she replied impatiently. It'll be a nice change, she added to herself as she followed the corporal into the woods.

They quickly set up camp and, after seeing to the horses, sat down by the campfire. Celena smiled her thanks as Yatate handed her a bowl of food, suppressing the urge to grimace. It was standard army rations; harsh- tasting as millet, but she was pretty used to it by now.

"Ugh," Dilandau said suddenly. "Am I glad you're eating that and not me." So much for peace and quiet, she thought as she got out her chopsticks and began to eat. What was that - a whole hour?

"Is this you talking again?" she asked quietly and felt him scowl.

"Careful, Celena," he growled.

"Look," she said, "why don't you tell me what's bothering you? Maybe I can help."

"Can you turn back time?" he snarled at her. "Can you raise the dead?"

"What are you talking about?" He fell silent again and anger flashed through her. This was so frustrating! She heard a slight noise beside her and snapped her head up, her body unconsciously tensing into battle readiness. It was Yatate; he had gotten up and was now standing beside her. The medic was gazing down at her, his brown eyes calm, and she relaxed.

"We must cut your hair," he said and she gasped in alarm, one hand automatically checking the back of her beret to see if any of the long, curly tresses had fallen out from under it. None had.

"Why?" she asked. Yatate gave her his faint smile once again and she felt Dilandau tense in response, growling in fearful frustration.

"I know you," she heard him whisper, "I know you." Celena felt a stab of terror, but what from? The corporal dropped the smile and frowned.

"I must report to the border patrol when we cross into Kyishi," he replied. "You're being taken as a bishounen among the citizens of Hamat, but the Zaibach military would never approve of such long hair on one of its soldiers. For you to pass as my assistant, it must be short." Celena wanted to scramble away from him, but why? She had never had her hair cut since returning to herself two years ago; something about it struck an old chord of horror. They, the sorcerers, had cut her hair before leaving her alone on the stone floor, leaving her alone for hours on end, ignoring her helpless screams of terror. But why should that affect her now? Celena tried to think, fighting the memory, sweat breaking out on her brow. She could feel Dilandau's own sharp fear compounding her own.

"Please calm down, Dilandau!" she cried down to him. "I don't understand!"

"I don't either," he growled, "But we've got to get away from this man. Let him cut your damn hair, Celena; we'll appease him until we can escape." Celena's mouth dropped open: escape? The rush of tangled emotions flowing through her was too much to handle right now; she resolutely pushed them all away and managed to smile up at the corporal. She was faintly surprised that he was merely gazing at her, waiting for her response: she must have been like a zombie for a good five minutes, yet there was no look of concern or impatience on the stoic features. She nodded at him and pulled off her beret, feeling her hair cascading down her back, crushing a sudden stab of alarm as he pulled out his dagger and sat down behind her. Ikiru, she thought suddenly, he'll bring us to Ikiru's father's house and we'll be safe. A secure warmth flowed through her and she silently took a deep breath, trying not to tremble as she felt her hair being shorn tress by tress.

* * *

"Don't do this, Nishikawa," Lieutenant Uganda said quietly from where he was sitting on his bunk. Ikiru ignored him, continuing to shove some clothes into a dufflebag, pushing them about his violin case. He simply couldn't take the waiting any longer. Celena and Yatate hadn't been found, much to everyone else's frustration, but having that worry laid to rest had only given greater strength to the certainty that he'd miss her in Kyishi. He had to get there, now! He finished packing, slung the bag over his shoulder and turned to the doorway. Uganda was standing there, blocking the way, his dark brown face serious. Ikiru stopped and scowled at him, fighting the impulse to reach for his katana.

"You don't understand," he said shortly. "I've got to get to my father's house." Uganda crossed his arms and frowned back at him.

"Schilling will have my ass if you disappear," he growled. "He doesn't take kindly to his officers going AWOL, and he'll never believe that I didn't know anything about it." The lieutenant grinned suddenly, white teeth gleaming against the dark skin.

"There's somebody there, ne?" Ikiru looked away, blushing, and Uganda laughed.

"You are so transparent!" he exclaimed. The redhaired lieutenant froze, then forced himself to relax. There was no way Uganda knew what was really going on. He gave a short sigh and looked back at him. The lieutenant was leaning up against one side of the door frame now, the grin gone but still smiling at him. Ikiru weighed the odds of drawing his katana and disarming him, and didn't like what he came up with. However, he wasn't going to stay here in Kaze-yama, going out of his mind with worry and losing her in the bargain. Uganda straightened, casually dropping his hand down to his swordhilt.

"You're not seriously thinking about fighting me, are you?" he said, his brown eyes intent on his face. Ikiru snarled.

"You know me too well," he growled. "So let's not waste any more time. I'm leaving and that's that." He stepped back, laying the bag on the floor while grasping his katana hilt, but stopped as Uganda raised empty hands.

"Nishikawa," he said quietly, "Will you just hold on a minute? Do you think you can wait a few more days?" Ikiru scowled at him, drawing his katana a few inches out of its sheath.

"What do you mean?" he asked. "Is this a trick?" Uganda laughed again, shaking his head, and he felt his cheeks heat up.

"You must really want this person!" the lieutenant said. "But, hey, I got orders from Schilling this morning to recall all search parties. The Duke is heading back to the capital city in three days. Take your leave after we get there and keep your good friend Uganda from getting busted back to Private." Ikiru glared at him, thinking it over. The capital city was only a day away from Kyishi by airship, so he'd be there in five days, tops. Celena! he thought suddenly, feeling a sharp pain in his heart. Five days! Uganda was silent, studying his face and frowning, his eyes wary. He'd be hard to defeat without killing, and their commander would punish him severely for letting Ikiru take off. But, five days...

Patience, Ikiru, he thought grimly and slammed his sword back into its scabbard

* * *

Yatate dismounted his horse before the housegate of Uragiru Nishikawa, grimacing as he stepped into a deep puddle. It had been raining steadily all day and into the night; the corporal suppressed a frown as he turned to Celena, holding up his reins. The noblewoman silently took them, the short curls that had escaped her beret plastered about the sober face, the grey- blue eyes staring uneasily down at him. Yatate was used to that look; she had been wearing it ever since he had cut her hair the night before. Perhaps she's begun to recognize me at last, he thought grimly. Or Dilandau has. It was inevitable, he knew: even with the massive memory suppression all the FAE children had been subjected to, there were no guarantees. He knew better than any of the other sorcerers how complicated the mind was. He turned away and opened the gate, the hinges squealing a little, suddenly hoping that she would bolt and take this terrible decision from him. Yatate could feel the great pull to rejoin the Maudoshi, to recover the power and respect that he had always taken for granted; but he had also learned to care about humanity during his years as a medic and he knew what would happen to his former charge if he brought her back to the sorcerers.

Run, Celena, he thought suddenly. My back is turned and I could never catch up with you on foot! One of the horses behind him pawed the cobblestones, but that was all. Yatate's lips tightened into a thin line and he climbed the short run of stairs that ended at a large wooden door. He pulled the doorbell rope and waited, casually examining the great stone house before him. It hadn't changed much in the years since he was a regular visitor; he smiled faintly at the memories of playing here as a boy. The door opened, casting a warm, yellow glow upon him, and a middle- aged man looked out, raising his eyebrows at the sight of him.

"Forgive my intrusion," Yatate said and gave a slight bow. "My name is Kazuki Yatate; I'm an old friend of your master. Please inform him of my presence." The man bowed slightly in return and softly closed the door, cutting off the light. Yatate inwardly shrugged at being left out in the rain: just another indication of the new state of the Zaibach Empire. The Suzuki clan was enforcing its reign in a brutal fashion, creating an atmosphere of intense suspicion and a flourishing of bandit gangs, especially in the smaller cities like Kyishi.

"Kazuki-san!" Yatate turned back to the now wide-open door, smiling warmly at the familiar voice.

"Uragiru-san," he said, recognizing his old friend in the forty-year-old, redhaired man standing before him. "It's good to see you, once again." Uragiru smiled and beckoned him within.

"Come, come," he ordered. "You're soaking wet!" Yatate gestured down the staircase, quelling his disappointment when he saw the young noblewoman still waiting at the gate.

"I have a friend of Ikiru's with me; let me get her." The man frowned at the mention of his son's name, the freckled features darkening. Then he smiled again and turned to his butler, who had been hovering behind him.

"Ajina! Bring Ikiru-kun's friend up here and take care of the horses." The butler bowed and started down the stairs. Uragiru stepped to one side and invited Yatate in with a wide sweep of his arm. The medic entered, inwardly smiling at his old friend's quick mood swings. Like son, like father, he thought, trying not to think about the decision still looming in his mind.

Uragiru led the way into his den, waving Yatate into a comfortable chair beside a small table. There was a sake bottle and one porcelain cup on the table; Uragiru quickly found another cup and handed it to him, then picked up the bottle and filled it. The heated liquor warmed Yatate's hands through the porcelain; he nodded his thanks and took a deep swallow. The alcohol warmed his throat as it went down; the warmth spread throughout his weary body.

"Is Lady Celena joining us?" he asked, looking towards the door. Uragiru frowned as he sat down in a chair on the other side of the table, then smiled.

"Ah, Ikiru-kun's friend," he said, taking up his own cup. "No," he added as he took a swallow, his cheeks flushing, "Ajina will bring her to one of the guest rooms and send a maid to her. Jolene, most likely. She will join us for breakfast tomorrow." Yatate felt a stab of irritation, then relaxed. He hadn't really expected to keep her by his side once they made Kyishi, anyway. Relief flooded him; he would not have the chance to take her away from this stone haven - what would be his excuse? He could make his report to the Red Copper post in Kyishi, then head back to Kaze-yama.

"So, what's it been: twenty years?" Uragiru asked suddenly, interrupting his train of thought. Yatate looked up and smiled, enjoying the simple pleasure of reuniting with an old friend.

"At least. You look none the worse for wear. How's Maya doing?" His friend re-filled their cups, smiling broadly.

"She's at Mori Orchestra Hall; another one of her music engagements." The freckled face darkened and the blue eyes glared at the rain-streaked windows. "This weather plays hell with her fingers; Ikiru should have taken her place long ago." He looked over to the medic.

"How is he faring?" he asked. "Do you see him often?" Yatate's eyebrows raised in surprise.

"He's my commanding officer; doesn't he write to you?" Uragiru snorted.

"When the mood strikes him," he replied shortly and took a deep swallow of sake. "Maya says she understands, but I know how hurt she is. He was only supposed to have one year in the military, not a lifetime! Being a baron wasn't good enough for him? Inheriting a first-string seat in the Kyishi Orchestra wasn't good enough for him? Baka." Yatate gulped at his sake, not knowing what to say. The internal strife of the Nishikawa family was none of his affair; but he was a little worried about Celena's stay here, though. Not that Uragiru would toss her out; just perhaps this wasn't the best place for her. As opposed to where you want to take her? he asked himself with a wry, inward laugh. He smiled at his old friend.

"Ikiru is an excellent officer; a lieutenant, now," he said and Uragiru smiled.

"And his violin?" he asked, his voice hopeful.

"He and Lady Celena just gave a concert for the Duke of Hamat," he replied. "They were marvelous." Uragiru's smile broadened, then he scowled and sat back in his chair.

"An inferior use of his talent," he growled, more to himself than to Yatate. The medic finished his cup and his friend immediately refilled it before he could stop him. Yatate's head was buzzing pleasantly, his body suffused with warmth. His smiled again at his friend.

"You'll have a chance to discuss it with him," he said. "He'll be sure to come and visit Lady Celena soon." Uragiru stared thoughtfully at him, then turned to the windows once again.

"Tell me about this friend of his," he said softly.

* * *

Celena sat nervously in a carved wooden chair in the bedroom that the butler, Ajina, had led her to, studying the ornate carpet under her bare feet. A young woman had come soon after Ajina had left her, but Celena had smilingly refused her help in getting ready for bed and she had left, bidding her goodnight. Celena had taken a bath, put on the nightgown the maid had provided and headed for one of the room's sitting chairs, too keyed up to think about sleeping. She could feel Dilandau pacing back and forth, muttering to himself; he had been doing that ever since they had gotten to Kyishi, but when she'd called down to him he had just growled at her. Whatever. In any case, they had made it safely to their destination. She stretched a little, appreciating the warmth from the crackling fire in the hearth by her chair.

"Looks like Corporal Yatate is all right, after all," she said to Dilandau. He snarled at her.

"No, he's not," he said shortly. "I think he's a sorcerer."

"WHAT?" Celena cried, rooted to her chair in sudden terror. Dilandau snorted.

"Relax, Celena," he said. "Something's up, or else we'd be on our way to the Capital City, sedated for easy transport." He stopped pacing. "I can remember back to being seven, except for a few patchy memories; isn't that when you were kidnapped?" Celena started.

"No, I was five," she replied. He growled thoughtfully.

"Then that leaves a two-year gap in our memories. That's where Yatate's from, I'm certain of it." He paused. "When I lost my men, I completely broke down and the sorcerers took me back to their center." He abruptly stopped speaking and shuddered. Celena shivered in response, her mind straining to remember anything past the horrible time of being alone, left on the stone floor, but failing. She began to speak but he interrupted her, growling.

"He may have been there at that time, too, but I don't know." He suddenly screamed in frustration and pain bolted through her head.

"Please, Dilandau, don't do that," she gasped, clutching her head, and felt him try to calm down.

"Damn Allen and his sheltering you!" he suddenly exclaimed. "We have no idea what's going on in the Empire now. Why hasn't Yatate brought us to the Maudoshi?"

"Perhaps he hasn't recognized me," she suggested.

"Oh, that has to be it," he sneered. "Give me a break, Celena. We weren't just some offhand mental study; the sorcerers physically changed you into me." Celena felt a surge of irritation - why did he always have to make her feel so stupid? - and her shaking stilled.

"I'll see what I can find out from Mr. Nishikawa tomorrow," she said and he laughed.

"I'm sure he'd love to talk Zaibachian politics with a woman! No, I'm going out tonight." Celena frowned.

"No, you're not," she started and he growled at her. "Growl all you want, Dilandau," she replied, "but we're not in a position to start exploring just yet." She felt him cross his arms.

"And why not?" he snorted. She made an impatient sound.

"Do I always have to spell these things out to you?" she asked and felt his instant fury. She suppressed her reactive anger: there was no sense in screaming at each other. "Look," she said softly, "Give me one day with the Nishikawas so I can get settled. Trust me." He was silent; thinking it over.

"Fine," he said suddenly, "But get me some clothes. And a katana." Anything else? Celena thought sourly, but didn't reply. A great weariness fell upon her; she got up from the chair and went to the bed. She smiled as she got under the covers: an actual bed! She tried to relax, her mind whirling with the events of the past week, then she smiled again, thinking of Ikiru. This is where he grew up, she thought; soon he'll be here. What a nice thought to fall asleep to. Then she felt Dilandau tugging at her and she scowled.

"What is it?" she asked shortly.

"What do you think?" he answered impatiently. "Get down here." Celena ran her hand longingly along the soft sheets and blankets, then sighed and dropped into the darkness.

* * *

The next morning she found that someone had replaced her uniform with an outfit much like the kind Lady Isabella wore; a kimono, she had called it, along with a pair of sandals. Celena smiled as she got dressed: the kimono was a little big for her, as well as a little short, but it was heaven after the coarse wool of the jacket and pants she'd been wearing for the past four days. There was a soft knock on the door as she was trying to brush the pale-gold curly mop that was her hair; she turned to see an older woman, also dressed in a kimono, standing in the opened door. Celena immediately stood and bowed slightly; the woman bowed back and smiled, her face lighting up and her grey eyes almost shutting in the process.

"Lady Celena Schezar," she said softly. "I am Lady Maya Nishikawa. Welcome to our home." Celena bowed more deeply.

"I am honored," she replied. Mrs. Nishikawa beckoned her forward, and she followed her from the room, trying not to wobble on her too-small sandals as she took the tiny steps required by her outfit's restricting design.

"Corporal Yatate has told us that you are a friend of Ikiru-kun's," the noblewoman murmured as they descended a broad, shallow staircase. Celena blushed, wondering what to say.

"How should I answer that?" she asked Dilandau. He snorted.

"Tell her you're his lover." Celena gasped in outrage, feeling her blush deepen. Mrs. Nishikawa looked back at her and smiled again.

"He also said that Ikiru-kun requested that you stay here until he could come and visit. It's been so long since he's been here! I'm very glad you've come." Celena tried to smile back.

"Mrs. Nishikawa, this must be a horrible inconvenience for you," she started but the older woman just smiled again and continued down the corridor that ran past the steps. They stopped at a pair of closed paper doors and she turned and looked up at her, her grey eyes mild.

"I must say, I've many questions," she said softly, "But I trust Corporal Yatate and he requested that we wait for Ikiru-kun to arrive." Relief flooded through Celena as she bowed deeply.

"Domo arigato, Mrs. Nishikawa," she replied sincerely. The older woman smiled reassuringly and patted her arm, then slid open the doors. They entered into a spacious diningroom, the low table already set up for breakfast, and settled themselves at one corner. Celena sank to her knees a little awkwardly: she wasn't used to the confines of the snug robe-like dress she wore, but she made it to the floor without falling. She took up the damp, heated cloth by her place setting, concentrating on washing her hands to hide her embarrassment.

"After breakfast we'll take a little tour of our home, then go and get you some clothes," Mrs. Nishikawa murmured. Celena lifted her head and smiled shyly at her.

"I am in your debt," she said softly and Dilandau groaned.

"Oh, great," he snarled. "Here we go again."

* * *

Corporal Yatate walked briskly down the street, headed for the Red Copper post at the mayor of Kyishi's palace. The steady rain from the day before had lightened to a steady drizzle, and the medic grimaced as yet another carriage drove by, casting a muddy sheet of water upon the cursing pedestrians. Yatate tried to ignore the crush of people about him, his mind going back to rest upon Celena. He had bidden her goodbye this morning after breakfast, a little dismayed at the look of outright suspicion in the large grey-blue eyes. She had finally recognized him, he realized with an inward sigh. Or he had. She, he, they? Yatate smiled faintly, then stopped with the crowd at an intersection, waiting for a clear space between the heavy traffic. Oh, how wonderful it would be to study them again! How had they managed to stay sane? Obviously both of them were there, inhabiting the same body; something he had never seen lasting for any real length of time in the other children...

The crowd charged forward and he nearly fell, slipping in the muddy cobblestones, creating a chorus of curses about him as he scrambled to keep up. Someone from behind shoved him roughly forward; Yatate wanted to turn but the crush was too great. He scowled, suddenly thinking of his time with the Maudoshi. No walking like any peasant in those days; the sorcerers had always had the best of transportation. The best of everything, come to think of it. The crowd was thinning now as he neared the palace: the many guards outside the gates discouraging all but those with business within. Yatate frowned as he approached the main gate: the Red Copper guards there looked more than ready to draw their katanas, and he was in uniform. He could only imagine the reception a mere civilian met with. He felt his temper fray a little as the guards took their time in letting him in, asking him many questions about his mission; sneering openly at his assignment in the Duchy of Hamat. Finally they let him through and he went directly to the command center. A captain, his desk buried in scrolls and loose sheets of papers, took his report without looking up at him, then dismissed him with a wave of his hand. Yatate snarled soundlessly at the captain's bent head, then turned on his heel and left the room. He had the option of getting supplies at this base for the return journey, but why put up with more insults? He had money; he would acquire what he needed at the Kyishi market, gather his horses from Uragiru and be on his way.

"Well, well, well. Who would've thought I would meet the great Yatate in this backwater city?" The medic froze, then turned and confirmed his suspicion: standing behind him was Foruma, one of the Maudoshi's highest sorcerers, second only to Paruchi himself. Yatate bowed deeply.

"Foruma-sama," he said respectfully as he straightened. The sorcerer gazed at him, smiling slightly, his thin, drawn face looking as unhealthy as ever.

"So, Yatate, what have you been up to?"

* * *

Celena carefully slid back her bedroom doors, looking cautiously out into the corridor before emerging and closing the doors behind her. The faint light of the waning moons cast a very dim glow, but she could see that the corridor was empty.

"Could you hurry it up?" Dilandau growled. "It's past midnight, and I may have to go to a couple different bars to find anything out." Celena shushed him and padded down the corridor to Ikiru's old bedroom. Mrs. Nishikawa had pointed it out to her during the house tour; there should be some outfits there that would fit Dilandau. She found the doors and slid them open, then darted inside and shut them as quietly as she could.

"All right, Dilandau," she said with quiet determination, "find out what you can and come right back. No burning, no anything that will get us caught. I don't want to fight you." He growled at her, then smirked.

"Why, Celena," he drawled. "You're not tired? I should think with all that shopping and pianoforte practicing and tea drinking, you'd be exhausted!"

"What were you expecting?" she snarled back. "I couldn't ask Mrs. Nishikawa for some time to practice my swordwork!"

"At least then we would have gotten a katana," he replied. Celena felt herself tensing up and forced herself to relax, taking in a deep breath. She could feel sleep trying to overtake her: the mere mental stress of the past five days were taking their toll, but she couldn't be sure that Dilandau would even stay in Kyishi once he got out. I will see Ikiru again! she thought determinedly. It would break his heart if I wasn't here when he arrived. I won't let that happen! She pushed aside her weariness, then slipped out of her nightgown.

"I think it would be best if we were both awake tonight," she said softly and slid down into the darkness.

* * *

Dilandau stretched languidly, enjoying the feel of his muscles pulling, casually looking about the dimly-lit room. After nearly a week, he was out at last! He smiled and flipped his hair out his eyes, then walked over to a wardrobe that stood along one wall, opening the ornate wooden doors and examining the clothes hanging within. Ikiru was a little shorter than him, but his boots should cover the pantslegs well enough. Dilandau pulled out a jacket and pair of pants, both made of some dark material; black in the dim light, and found a pair of boots as well. Marvelous. He got quickly dressed, frowning a little as the jacket sleeves ended a few inches above his wrists, then shut the wardrobe door and looked about once more. He smirked as he spied a katana resting on its holder by the door: he was expecting one to be around. Probably a family heirloom, he thought contemptuously as he took it up and drew the blade from the sheath, testing the edge with his thumb. Ah, razor-sharp.

"Be careful with that," Celena said and he scowled.

"I'll try, especially if I get attacked," he said sardonically. "We couldn't hurt Ikiru's precious katana, can we?" She didn't reply, but he felt her disapproval. He rolled his eyes, then sheathed the sword and went to the windows, opening one and looking down on the narrow lawn that surrounded the townhouse. He was on the second floor: a nasty jump but nothing he couldn't handle if he did it right. Besides, he didn't feel like climbing down the tree outside of Celena's bedroom.

"You can't be serious," Celena said darkly. Dilandau smirked.

"Hang on!" he called, then climbed upon sill, quick as a cat, and leapt off. He lightly landed upon the lawn, then made his way easily to the street: the Nishikawas didn't employ patrolling guards, so all he needed to do was scale their cast-iron fence. He walked down the street, the sheathed katana loosely held in his left hand, scowling as unbidden memories of his time here surfaced. A month he had been stuck in Kyishi; some asinine mission that he was certain Folken had assigned him as a disciplinary measure. Not that his strategy had worked; Dilandau smirked, then scowled again. God, how he hated this city! Four intolerable weeks of unending boredom, except for... He snarled as he turned into a narrow alley.

"Damn you, Gatti," he growled, "How dare you die and leave me alone. Baka. Chesta, Dallet, Guimel: all of you were incompetent!" Incomprehensible sorrow welled up; he fought it, gritting his teeth with the effort.

"So that's it," Celena said softly, and the sadness was overwhelmed with fury.

"Shut up, Celena!" he barked.

"Can't you just..."

"I SAID..."

"Hey, pal, give me your money!" Dilandau drew his katana in a flash and slashed over and down to his right, where the harsh voice had come from, and felt the blade contact flesh and bone. There was a quick, strangled scream, then silence. Dilandau looked to his right: a body dressed in rough clothing lay on the dirty cobblestones, a pool of blood forming underneath it. Celena gasped in horror.

"What have you done?!" she cried and he snorted.

"Relax, Celena," he said condescendingly, "It's just a thief." A thought struck him and he knelt, patting down the body while keeping his ears tuned to the sound of footsteps. There was a small leather bag tied about the neck; Dilandau smirked as he yanked it off and shook it.

"He's been busy tonight," he said with satisfaction as he listened to the clink of metal. "Well, he was."

"Put that back!" Celena ordered angrily and he laughed, wiping his katana clean on the body's tunic before sheathing it.

"Celena, you are too much!" he exclaimed and started to rise, then scowled as he felt her tugging at him. Damn woman: she could paralyze him if she wanted to. How he detested this power she had over him! Dilandau forced himself to calm down, still on one knee, and didn't fight her pull.

"Celena," he said reasonably, "you're the one who keeps harping about how we don't have any money. Well, now we do." He nudged the body with his katana. "He certainly doesn't need it anymore." She shuddered and, really, he had to smile. Celena just wasn't cut out to be a killer, despite her budding skill with a sword. Her tug on him lessened: she was thinking it over. Then it disappeared. Dilandau smirked and rose smoothly to his feet. He felt pretty good - better than he had in days. He headed down the alley, humming a little without realizing it, shrugging away the memory of his Slayers. For now.

* * *

Allen frowned into his wineglass: this was taking too long. He suppressed the urge to find Gaddes and demand that the airship lift off, right now; forget about re-stocking their supplies! They had just landed here, in this small city on the Zaibach/Hamat border, and he really should be celebrating the fact that they had cut right through the Empire undetected. Of course, Zaibach's new rulers had too much on their mind these days to bother with one small Asturian airship. The knight frowned again, thinking over the past week he'd spent flying over the Empire. What a mess Dornkirk had left behind! He didn't envy the Suzuki clan one bit: it would be a long time before the internal strife settled down, if it ever did. He smiled slightly - it's only what they deserved, after all the trouble they caused to the other countries of Gaia. But it was the citizenry who really suffered, and that wasn't a good thing. Allen sighed and drained his glass. There was nothing he nor anyone else could do about it; Zaibach had to settle its own problems. It was still a formidable enemy, its extensive armies still intact and very much a threat to the Alliance. And, of course, now they had the Duchy of Hamat on their side. Allen scowled. He had to get there and see Celena! He was finally on the last leg of his journey: this small city, Kyishi, was only a couple days away from Kaze- yama. This past week had been an eternity; he could feel himself tensing up as he thought of how close yet how far away he still was.

"Well, well, well," he heard a voice drawl to his left. "Allen Schezar." Only one person said his name in that insulting manner: Dilandau! He leapt up into a fighting crouch, his hand clutching his swordhilt, snarling. Dilandau smirked, then threw his own sheathed katana onto the wooden table and took a seat.

"Relax, Celena," he sneered quietly, then crossed his arms and stared at him, the pale lips still twisted into that smug smile. Allen calmed himself, unclenching his hand from the ornate hilt of his sword, and slowly sat back down.

"Well, this makes things easy," he replied smoothly, then glared at him. "I should have known you would come out and ruin my sister's life, once again." Dilandau's smile broadened.

"Now, is that any way to greet your sibling?" he asked. "Buy me a drink, Oniisan." Allen scowled, inwardly debating. Dilandau had grown; he was his own height now, and sat with the deceptive ease that spoke of a truly dangerous fighter. It wouldn't be easy to subdue him; he had been difficult enough to defeat at fifteen. Allen smiled suddenly and summoned the waiter. Dilandau scowled at his order, but remained silent until after the young man had returned with the bottle and disappeared.

"I'll pass," he snarled as Allen filled their glasses and placed his in front of him. "Brandy doesn't always agree with me." He cocked his head to one side and the red eyes became slightly vacant; Allen took a swallow of the strong liquor while watching him. Just what the hell was he doing here, in Zaibach? And was Celena all right? Allen wanted to grab the smug bastard, force him to let his sister out, but he restrained himself. Dilandau hadn't had to show himself to Allen; the two must be still existing together, somehow. Unbelievable, Allen thought sourly. I wonder what they're talking about? He glanced quickly about. The bar was nearly vacant: he had deliberately chosen it for its relative obscurity here on the edge of town. He could see the twin crescents of the waning moons through a skylight above the entrance; soon Gaddes would be joining him to report on the airship's status. Allen sat back, a warm feeling suddenly flowing through him. At least he wouldn't have to face the du Pays in Hamat: here was the object his quest sitting right across from him, now absently turning the wineglass in his hands as he continued gazing off into space. Or, rather, here was the key to his goal. In any case, obviously the du Pays situation hadn't worked out, so Celena would just have to come home with him. Allen smiled at his conclusion; Dilandau suddenly looked sharply at him and scowled.

"So, Allen, what brings you here? Checking up on us? Or are you doing a holiday tour of the great Zaibach Empire?" It was the knight's turn to scowl.

"Is Celena all right?" he asked quietly and Dilandau rolled his eyes.

"Obviously," he replied, a little loudly. "Shall she come out right now and tell you herself? We can give this bar a real show." Allen gasped and jerked his gaze about: no one was looking in their direction, and relief flooded him. He glared at the monster. Dilandau was grinning at him now, the red eyes blazing a little, enjoying his reaction, then he suddenly frowned.

"Fine!" he softly snarled and stood, taking up his katana. Allen rose too, alarmed. What was he up to?

"Celena says she's very happy to see you, but we've got to get back. She'll meet you here tomorrow at noon. All right?" Allen's jaw dropped in shock.

"You're leaving?" Dilandau grinned again.

"That's right, Oniisan," he sneered. "See you tomorrow." He started for the exit, but Allen leapt into his path, his hand on his swordhilt. Dilandau immediately tensed, but didn't draw.

"You're coming with me," the Knight Caeli snarled. "I don't know what game you're playing, but you're not taking Celena from me!" The silver eyebrows rose.

"He's not buying it, Celena," he softly drawled, staring into his eyes. "Looks like you get to come out after all." Dilandau glanced about, then smirked and walked over to one of the high-backed booths that ran along one wall of the tavern. Allen followed, his hand staying on his hilt, suspicious as hell but willing to play along, so long as he could see Celena. The two sat, and, after another quick look at the nearly-empty bar, Dilandau sat back, scowling at him, then Celena sat there, looking as beautiful as ever, even with her hair shortened to a mass of curls on her head. Allen's mouth curved into a broad smile and he leaned forward to kiss her cheek; but he stopped as she crossed her arms and scowled at him. It was the exact same look Dilandau had worn; the knight leaned back and frowned.

"Do you know how dangerous this is?" she demanded. "Why didn't you believe Dilandau?"

"Believe the Monster of Gaia?" Allen asked incredulously. "Dear Sister, I thought he had you trapped!" Her delicate features softened and she reached out her hands to take his.

"Forgive me," she said softly and his heart swelled to overflowing. Her look turned thoughtful. "I'd forgotten that we haven't been together for so long!"

"You'd... forgotten?" Allen asked, shocked. She smiled happily and squeezed his hands.

"So much has happened since you left me with the du Pays! Oh, Brother..." She blushed suddenly and looked shyly at him. Allen stared back, his thoughts whirling.

"I've got so many questions," he said. She opened her mouth, then suddenly turned her head slightly. Dammit, she was talking with him, Allen thought with a stab of jealously. Can't I get just a few moments with her? He pulled at her hands and she looked back at him. "Come to the ship, Celena- san. It's been too long!" Celena frowned.

"No, I've got to get back," she said, her pale face serious. "Dilandau's right - we've got to return now or else they'll find out I'm gone." She smiled sadly. "Poor Brother! I will be here tomorrow at noon, then I'll answer all your questions. OK? Please?" Allen looked into her large grey- blue eyes and crushed the urge to force her to come with him. She was all right; there was a new strength to her that surprised and slightly alarmed him. But she was all right. Allen smiled with an effort.

"Agreed," he said softly.

* * *

Celena sank down to the wooden floor beneath her bedroom window, still dressed in Ikiru's clothes, hugging his katana to her chest. She rested her head against the wall, fighting the fatigue that threatened to overwhelm her. She couldn't fall asleep now: she had to bring these clothes and this sword back to Ikiru's room, and pick up her nightgown. Her lips quirked into a wry smile and the thought of a maid discovering it there - what would his parents think? Her head turned a little and she breathed in the faint scent of him on the jacket she wore. Ikiru...

"Well, this night was a total waste of time," Dilandau growled irritably. "Are you falling asleep?" Celena straightened with a start, clutching the sword with both hands. She stared at the scabbarded blade, suddenly remembering what Dilandau had done in that dark alley, and her hands jerked open. The katana fell onto her lap and she jumped to her feet, feeling a little sick as she watched it tumble to the floor, clattering as it hit the boards. She felt Dilandau roll his eyes.

"Celena," he started, but she cut him off.

"I can't believe you killed that man, just like that," she said. He shrugged.

"Did you think your brother was making up all those stories about me?" he asked. "I was raised to be a warlord, to destroy kingdoms. To destroy anything the Emperor wanted, actually. And I really enjoy it." Celena shuddered, then gasped.

"Allen!" she exclaimed. "Why is he here?"

"He couldn't stay away from Dear Little Sister, obviously," Dilandau snorted. "He's probably come to take us home." Celena started, then frowned.

"I don't want to go back with him," she said, surprising herself. I really don't, she thought. I love him, so much! but I don't need him anymore.

"We don't have to," Dilandau replied. "I think we can make it on our own." Celena frowned at the eagerness in his voice. Dilandau being eager about something was not a compelling reason to do it.

"Well, we'll see," she said softly, and felt him grin.

"Whatever you say, Celena," he purred, then yawned. "Bring the stuff back to Ikiru's room and let's get some sleep." Celena suppressed her angry retort - quit ordering me around! - and gingerly picked up the katana. The pale light of the moons gleamed along the black scabbard and winked off the metal cap on the end; she shuddered at the blade's deadliness. What was she thinking, learning how to use this horrid thing? Suddenly she thought of Ikiru, and confusion fell upon her. How many men had he killed? How could he be so gentle with her and yet possess this skill, this... Stop it! she told herself sternly. Ikiru is not Dilandau; stop comparing them! She felt Dilandau lie down on their futon and roll over, surprising her out of her reverie.

"You're not waiting for me?" she asked as she headed for the bedroom doors. He yawned again.

"No, I don't need you down here anymore," he replied sleepily. "Kyishi's not so bad; there's nothing like a little bloodshed to bring a man back to himself." Celena shuddered once again. She listened for a moment then, hearing nothing, slid open the doors and stepped carefully down the corridor, mindful to keep her bootheels off the floorboards. So intent was she on her task that she almost missed the last words he said before dropping off.

"Arigato, Celena-san."

* * *

Yatate waited patiently in Uragiru's den, trying not to think of his meeting yesterday with Foruma. The late morning sun was shining brightly outside; an unusually warm day for mid-Autumn, and the opened windows brought in a light, crisp breeze. The corporal breathed in deeply and felt himself calming. He hadn't told Foruma anything, although the Maudoshi had been quite clever, using many subtle tactics to draw him out. Yatate smiled wryly: the sorcerer was good, but he himself was the psychological expert and had easily seen through his devices. Or had he? The smile fled and he scowled, turning away from the windows, his hand resting casually on his swordhilt. The paper doors slid open and his friend came in, a welcoming smile on his face, his cheeks flushing. Ajina appeared behind him, bringing in a tray with a coffee carafe and cups.

"Come, sit!" Uragiru exclaimed, waving him to a chair and taking one himself. "I was expecting you yesterday evening - is everything all right?" Yatate waited until the butler had deposited the tray on the table between them, poured out two cups and left before replying.

"I met an old comrade," he said as he picked up one of the cups and took a sip. The bitter brew slightly scalded his mouth, but he barely noticed it, his mind locked on his meeting with Foruma. Perhaps he had said something, did something, hell, looked somehow wrong. Damn. Uragiru was chatting away, expressing surprised pleasure at his unexpected guest, her excellent manners, her musical ability, and so forth.

"Maya says she's quite talented, but very reserved," Uragiru was saying. "She certainly seems to be competent, but I think my wife may be a bit too accommodating: she's letting her go out for a few hours today for lunch." Yatate dropped his cup onto the saucer he was holding, the porcelain clinking and the hot liquid pouring over his hands. He barely felt the pain as he jerked his head over to stare at his friend. Uragiru blushed, surprise etched on his freckled features.

"Don't let her out alone!" the corporal exclaimed.

"Why not?" his friend asked, the surprise turning into keen curiosity. Yatate inwardly cursed: he'd forgotten about this aspect of his old friend. What to tell him? He couldn't just ask him to trust him; he was already pushing their friendship with his request to wait for Ikiru's visit to find out about Celena's background. Uragiru must be going crazy, wondering who she was; how she was connected to his son. Yatate forced himself to smile.

"Her constitution isn't the best," he replied smoothly and his friend raised his eyebrows.

"She seems fine to me," he said, then looked thoughtful. "Although Maya did mention that she seemed very quiet today, more so than usual."

"She's probably recovering from our journey," Yatate said quickly. "The weather got pretty bad in the last day."

"Hmmmm," Uragiru said, studying him. "Perhaps she should stay in, for now. After all, she's got plenty of time to explore. Who knows when Ikiru- kun's going to show up?" The corporal smiled and took a swallow of coffee, feeling a vast relief. He was probably being paranoid, but why take chances? Who knew better than he how clever the Maudoshi were? He set his cup and saucer down and rose, his friend following suit.

"I must report back to my unit," Yatate said, surprised at the level of regret he was feeling at leaving. He hadn't realized how much he had missed his friendship with Uragiru; perhaps he could come back when he had a real leave and they could get reacquainted.

"It was good to see you, Kazuki-san," Uragiru said warmly. "Safe journey. And if you see my son, tell him that his friend is here, waiting for him."

"I shall," Yatate answered, then smiled and bowed slightly. His friend bowed back, then called Ajina in and ordered him to bring the corporal's horses around to the front. Yatate thought of his former charge as he descended the steps to the street, comfortable in his decision to let her go but feeling a prick of worry as well. Uragiru will not let her out of the house, he reassured himself; Foruma can't get to her, no matter what I let slip. He turned and looked up to the house entrance. His friend was there, smiling and waving, his cheeks reddened by the breeze. Yatate waved back, then mounted his horse, took the other horse's reins from the waiting butler, and headed towards the border.

* * *

Celena ran her fingers softly along the keys of the Nishikawa's pianoforte, playing the Asturian ballad she and Ikiru had performed together. Had it only been a week ago? Dilandau yawned.

"Is it noon, yet?" he asked impatiently. She shushed him, losing herself in the beautiful melody. He tugged on her, breaking her reverie, and she snarled.

"We've got another hour," she said shortly. "I didn't think you were all that eager to see Allen again." He chuckled.

"I can't wait to see the look on his face when you tell him to shove off," he replied smugly.

"Maybe I won't," she retorted and felt him scowl.

"You must be joking." She smiled a little.

"Got you!" she exclaimed softly. He growled, then fell silent. Celena's smile widened as she began playing again.

"Lady Celena?" Celena looked up, her fingers stilling on the keyboard. Ajina was standing in the music room doorway, his calm face showing polite inquiry.

"Yes?" she asked. The butler bowed.

"Mr. Nishikawa has requested that you remain inside today."

"Why?" Dilandau demanded but she remained silent, merely nodding. Ajina bowed again and departed. "What's the matter with you, Celena?" Dilandau snarled. "Go find out what's going on!"

"Tell me, Dilandau," she said softly, "How would you react if a young woman in your charge just showed up in your receiving room and demanded to be allowed to go against your wishes?" He snarled, then fell silent. "Forget about how lenient Mr. Nishikawa's been about letting me stay here," she continued, "I've noticed that women don't have any more independence here than in Hamat."

"Humph," Dilandau snorted. "What about Allen?" Celena sighed.

"He'll have to wait," she replied softly, then got up and went to one of the windows, looking out at the grey day, a strange relief flooding through her. She didn't realize how much she was dreading seeing her brother, telling him that she didn't want to go with him. She felt a stab of regret: he was going to be very upset when she didn't show up! And worried. But what else could she do? Suddenly she smiled and headed for the doors. There was a writing desk in her room; she'd write him a note explaining as much as she could. Then tonight Dilandau could see him. That should please him, if not her brother: Celena frowned sadly. Oh, Brother, she thought forlornly, how I will disappoint you! But this is my life, and I will live it as I choose.

She had finished her letter and was sealing it up when she realized that she had no means of getting it to him before the evening. Celena gave a sharp sound of exasperation: why didn't she think of that? Allen will go crazy, wondering what has happened to me, she thought with frustration.

"Dilandau," she called down to him.

"What?" he asked irritably. "I cannot believe there's no kendo down here! I'm going nuts!" She smiled tentatively.

"How would you like to try to get this letter to Allen?" She felt him perk up, then he laughed.

"Sneaking out in the middle of the day? Against Nishikawa's wishes? Celena! I'm shocked!" He laughed again.

"Well?" she said, keeping calm with an effort. He chuckled.

"No," he replied, and she could feel him grinning. "Let Allen wait until tonight." Celena ground her teeth, then started as she heard her bedroom doors slide open. She turned to find Mrs. Nishikawa standing there, her round face wreathed in a smile.

"Lady Celena," the noblewoman said softly. "I was hoping that perhaps you would have lunch with me today, since you are free." Celena smiled back, feeling a warmth flow through her. This is Ikiru's mother, she thought as she bowed her head, then followed the woman into the corridor and down to her receiving room, tucking the scroll into her voluminous sleeve, how nice she seems! I've been here two days and she hasn't asked me one question, has been nothing but wonderful.

"I regret that you cannot go out today," Mrs. Nishikawa said gently as they seated themselves at the low table. Celena suddenly reached over and grasped her hand.

"Domo arigato, Mrs. Nishikawa, for taking me in!" she exclaimed. "How can I ever repay you?" The older woman blinked in surprise, then smiled and gave her hand a little squeeze before letting go. Then she bowed her head, arranging her linen napkin on her lap.

"What brings you here, Lady Celena?" she asked softly. "What are you to my son?" Celena froze, her teacup at her lips.

"Now you've done it," Dilandau snarled. "Can't wait to hear this answer!" She shushed him, looking over at her benefactress. Mrs. Nishikawa was spending a lot of time on her napkin, not looking at her, and a sudden calmness settled upon her.

"Lieutenant Nishikawa helped me escape from a marriage I did not want," she said softly, then smiled a little wryly. Sounds like a bad Noh play. Mrs. Nishikawa looked up, her kind face thoughtful.

"And Ikiru-kun?" she asked, her grey eyes looking intently into her own, "How do you feel about him?"

"I love him," Celena replied instantly, then blushed furiously. Dilandau groaned.

"For God's sake, Celena!" he exclaimed. "What are you thinking?" Mrs. Nishikawa blinked again, her mouth opening in surprise, then she smiled suddenly and picked up her chopsticks.

"Well, I think Ikiru-kun will be coming home very soon, then," she said softly and began to eat. Celena gulped down the hot tea, her mind whirling. I love Ikiru? she thought wildly. I do? She could feel Dilandau's disapproval and she inwardly quailed, then sat up straight, thinking about the redhaired soldier, warmth radiating through her.

"I do love him, Dilandau," she snarled down at him, "so get used to the idea." He snorted.

"How precious," he sneered. "Can't wait to see him again!" Celena suppressed a sigh and set her teacup down. The noon sunlight glinted off the fine porcelain, and she thought of Allen, waiting at that small bar, wondering where she was; if she was all right. Celena was suddenly overwhelmed with anxiety: she had to reassure him! She looked over to the older woman.

"Mrs. Nishikawa?" she asked tentatively and the noblewoman looked up and smiled at her.

"Hai?"

"Please, I must go out today. Forgive me for being so mysterious, but I need to meet someone." The kind face became somber; the grey eyes studied her soberly. She felt Dilandau smirk.

"You're asking me to ignore my husband's wish?" the woman asked softly and Celena felt her cheeks heat up. She ducked her head, then lifted it again.

"It's my brother," she replied and Mrs. Nishikawa started. Celena raised her hand as she started to speak and she fell silent, curiosity now on the round features. "He's here, looking for me, and I need to see him and let him know I'm all right." The noblewoman gazed her for a moment, then she smiled.

"I must say," she said, her voice dropping to a whisper, "This is the most interesting lunch I've had in a long time." She reached over and patted Celena's hand. "Tell me where you are going, and I'll show you out after we finish here."

* * *

"This is going to be sooooo much fun," Dilandau smirked as Celena made her way down the street, walking as fast as she could to keep up with the thinning crowd. She snarled down at him, concentrating on keeping her balance. She had never seen either Mrs. du Pays or Mrs. Nishikawa move any faster than a slow walk, and with good reason: kimonos were not made for any kind of quick movement. But at least she wasn't wearing a corset. Celena took in a deep breath as she paused at an intersection, glancing up at the mid-afternoon sun. She was terribly late, but she could see the small tavern up ahead. The crowd was now almost gone; she looked nervously about as she crossed the dusty street. There were a couple of men lounging in the shadowed doorway of a closed shop; thankfully they were across the street. Dilandau laughed.

"Hey, Celena, loosen up your kimono and go say hi! We can play a little before giving Dear Brother the good news!" She shuddered.

"Will you be quiet?" she snapped. "I just hope Allen's still here." She pushed open the tavern's heavy wood door and stepped inside, momentarily blinded by the dark interior.

"Celena!" she heard a voice cry out joyously to her right; she turned and was engulfed in a hug.

"Allen," she gasped. She looked up at him, a smile curving her lips at the sight of his happy, handsome features.

"Come on, come on, come on," Dilandau said, grinning. "Let him have it!" Celena ignored him; she wanted to prolong this moment, to keep that look on her brother's face for a few moments more. She pulled gently away from him, frowning a little when he didn't let go.

"Why are you late?" Allen asked, his features turning somber. Celena pulled again and this

time he loosened his hold upon her, catching her hand as she moved away from him. He drew her to a booth by the door and they sat.

"Forgive me, Brother," she said quietly, "I was delayed." He frowned, his brow furrowing.

"I was going crazy, wondering what had happened to you!" he exclaimed softly, his grip tightening on her hand. Celena shifted uncomfortably in her seat, feeling a wave of guilt. Oh, Allen, she thought, how can I leave you? He was staring at her, his large blue eyes filled with love; she squeezed his hand back, the old warmth and security flowing back into her.

"You are NOT thinking of staying with him," Dilandau suddenly growled. "We want to be free, remember?" Celena started, then snarled down at him.

"Be quiet," she said, and was about to say more when Allen suddenly squeezed her hand, hard. She looked up at him, startled at the pain.

"Stop talking to him," her brother said sternly. "You are with me, now, and you will pay attention to me!" Celena gaped at him in utter astonishment.

"Well, well, well," Dilandau said, then she felt his own surprise as Allen reached over and took her other hand, imprisoning both in his firm grip.

"Allen?" Celena asked, a strange fear shivering through her. He was staring, no glaring at her now, the formerly handsome face distorted in anger.

"I think you've been away from me for far too long," Allen said grimly. "You're coming home."

"Let me out," Dilandau ordered. "NOW."

"No," she replied, suddenly feeling very calm. "You won't be able to breathe, much less move in this dress, and what good will that do?" She gasped as her brother squeezed her hands, not painfully this time, and she looked up at him. The blue eyes were imploring, now; the fine features pleading.

"Celena," Allen said softly, "I need you back in my life. Please."

"But what about my life?" she asked quietly and he started.

"What?"

"My life," Celena repeated. "Aren't you interested in what I've been doing? Do you even care what has happened to me since you left me in Hamat?" He studied her, frowning, the blue eyes darkening with anger. She didn't like this new look on his face; she could feel Dilandau tensing up as well. She pulled her hands slightly but her brother didn't let her go.

"Obviously things haven't gone well," Allen finally said. "And it appears that you can't control Dilandau at all. You're coming home." Celena felt a flash of anger.

"No, I'm not!" she exclaimed and tried to stand, but he restrained her, his strength far outmatching her own. She felt a sharp tug on her from Dilandau.

"I can get us free, Celena," he said urgently. "Let me out!"

"I was hoping you would be reasonable," Allen said with soft steel, "but I see that that monster has you cowed." Celena snarled at him.

"How dare you say such a thing! You don't know anything about us!" She started to slip down into the darkness, hoping that Dilandau would be able to break them free, but suddenly her brother had caught her up in his strong embrace, pressing a cloth to her mouth and nose.

"SHIT!" Dilandau shouted. "Fight it, Celena - don't leave me alone!" A pungent odor assaulted her and she plunged into an unfamiliar darkness.

* * *

Ikiru stared up at his family's house, taking in the worn crest over the door in grim silence, feeling the evening chill through his uniform. How long had it been since he'd visited? He couldn't remember; perhaps a year ago. His heart was speeding up, and not just because he would see Celena again. Father, he thought darkly. It will be so wonderful to see you again. Then he smiled softly at the thought of his mother - how he missed her! Guilt stabbed him: he had not been very faithful in his writing to her; he had simply been too busy. Oh, that's a great excuse, Ikiru, he snarled to himself. A cold wind whipped by and he hunched his chin into the collar of his jacket, hesitating at the foot of the stairway. He had been so frantic to get here, but now he stood rooted to the cobblestones, one hand resting on the opened gate, staring up at the wooden door. It opened and he started, blushing. It was his father, dressed to go out; Ikiru didn't have time to move before he saw him.

"Ikiru!" Uragiru exclaimed, his freckled features flushing as he scowled and crossed his arms. Ikiru scowled in return as his father glared down at him, feeling the old rise of resentment. So he hadn't followed the carefully laid out life his father had made for him: it was his life, wasn't it? Uragiru would never understand his reasons for staying in the military; he would never believe that mere emotional pain would be sufficient to make this city unbearable to him. When had his father ever had anything go wrong in his life?

"Father," he said steadily, crossing his own arms and staring up at him. There was a slight commotion behind Uragiru and his mother pushed around him, her face wreathed in a happy smile. Ikiru grinned in response, feeling his heart overflow.

"Mother!" he said happily and started up the stairway, catching her up in a hug a few steps from the top.

"Ikiru-kun!" she gasped and hugged him back.

"All right, all right," Uragiru said impatiently and Ikiru stiffened, pulling himself from his mother's arms. She let him go reluctantly, then retreated to the doorway, smiling warmly at him. His father turned to face her.

"Not very proper, Maya," he snarled softly. "We're outside, for God's sake!" Maya bowed her head, still smiling slightly, then vanished within. Uragiru turned back to Ikiru and scowled once again.

"And you," he growled, "Who would have thought that the great Lieutenant Ikiru Nishikawa would ever condescend to visit his parents?" Ikiru felt his cheeks heat up as rage burned through him. You haven't changed, he snarled inwardly, then calmed himself down. He drew himself up, then bowed. "Forgive me, Father," he said formerly. "It is an honor to see you again."

"Hmph," Uragiru snorted, then suddenly smiled and nodded his head in response. He turned sideways and swept his arm towards the open doorway.

"Welcome home, Son," he said warmly. "If I had known a pretty young noblewoman would have brought you back, I would have gotten one for you long ago." Celena! Ikiru thought, flushing. She must be here! He restrained himself from charging inside, demanding to see her, right now!, rather turning towards his father as he climbed the last of the steps.

"Corporal Yatate brought Lady Celena here, then?" he asked. Uragiru's smile turned into a grin as he followed him in, waving to the hovering Ajina to take Ikiru's duffel.

"Hai," he replied. "Let's go to my den and your mother will bring her to us." Ikiru followed him, relaxing a little. But he wasn't fooled by his father's seeming warmth towards him: Uragiru was always warm towards those who did what he wanted. So, you think I'm here to stay? the redhaired lieutenant thought sourly, studying the proud back as they entered the den. Father, I seem destined to disappoint you. Uragiru waved him to a chair and they sat. He studied him, frowning.

"Well, Son, Yatate told me that you're doing quite well." Ikiru tensed: this was merely the calm before the storm of his father's disapproval.

"Hai," he replied shortly. "My commanding officer is quite pleased with me." Uragiru flushed angrily.

"And what about your mother?" he demanded. "Doesn't her pleasure mean anything to you?" Ikiru felt the blood rushing to his cheeks Damn it! He fought from springing to his feet.

"Father!" he growled. "We've been over this, how many times? I can't stay here!" The older man snarled at him.

"You have an obligation to us!" he shouted, jerking out of his chair. "Do you think your mother can keep playing forever? And what about our family title? You would toss that all away, throw us into the mud, just for your own selfish reasons!" Ikiru jumped to his feet, feeling his rage boil over.

"I lost them!" he shouted back. "First Michiko, then Viole! I lost them both and how can I stay here, where everything I see reminds me of them?" Uragiru blinked, then suddenly looked thoughtful.

"That was so long ago. Michiko and her family moved to the Capital City soon after you joined the military. Viole was buried two years ago; you attended his funeral." Ikiru's heart twisted, the old pain wrenching through him, and he collapsed back onto his chair, clenching his hair in his hands.

"I know," he groaned. "The pain just won't go away."

"Oh, for God's sake, be a man about it!" Uragiru suddenly shouted. "I knew your mother coddled you too much!" Ikiru fought the sudden, insane impulse to leap to his feet, draw his katana and attack him. He gritted his teeth instead, glaring at the ornate rug under his feet, trying to relax.

"So, now what?" his father growled. "You've dragged this young woman here from God knows where, and what do you plan to do with her?" Ikiru looked up, his mouth opening in surprise. He really hadn't thought past seeing her again...

The sound of the doors sliding open brought Ikiru to his feet, his gaze jerking over to the entrance. His mother was standing there, alone, mild worry creasing the round features.

"We've seemed to have lost our guest," she said slowly. Ikiru's heart froze: she was gone!

"Celena!" he gasped. Maya darted forward and put a placating hand on his arm, smiling reassuringly.

"She's only been gone a few hours," his mother said softly. "I know where she went; we will find her." Ikiru grimaced determinedly, ignoring his father's sudden irritated look directed at his mother.

"Please," he said quietly. "Tell me where she is."

* * *

Dilandau hugged his knees tightly to his chest, resting his forehead upon them, trying to keep from shaking and failing. Alone... So alone... Terror engulfed him.

"Damn you, Celena," he whispered. "Damn you." Suddenly, pure fury swept through him and he jerked his head up, turning it to glare at the still form that lay on the futon beside him. He screamed and leapt upon her, grasping the slender shoulders and violently shaking her.

"Wake up! Wake up!" he shouted. She remained out, her presence completely gone, and he suddenly let her go, wrenching his hands from her to clutch his hair. God! He couldn't take it! He threw back his head and howled, pouring all his fear and anguish in the sound, then dropped down, his hands falling on either side of the delicate features, hoping, praying that she would wake. She didn't. Fighting down that overwhelming horror, Dilandau softly took her face in his hands.

"Please, Celena, please," he pleaded. "Don't leave me alone." He closed his eyes and focused, searching, searching for her, and at last he felt her! Very, very faintly, but she was there. Dilandau's eyes few open; he jumped up from the futon, then stood utterly still, fear stabbing at him once again. Was she still there? Hai! He smirked, flipping the damp hair from his eyes.

"Time to give Dear Brother Allen a visit," he snarled, the great eyes turning deadly. He quickly knelt beside the futon and caressed the pale, still cheek, then straightened and looked up, slitting his eyes against the sudden pinprick of light that appeared above him.

* * *

He came up with instant agony around his wrists: Allen must have tied Celena to the bed that Dilandau was currently lying upon. The kimono that she had been wearing was still upon him; the obi was cutting him in two, but untying it could wait. He looked over and smirked: the knight was smart, but he was still thinking of his sister as a single person. While Celena could never reach her bonds, but it was no problem for Dilandau with his greater height. He slid himself up a little and untied one wrist with his teeth, then freed the other within moments. It was completely dark in the room, but he could see two silhouettes through the paper doors. He yanked loose the obi, then silently slipped to the floor, his ears pricked for any indication that he'd been heard. The two men were talking; their voices too low for him to make out, so he crept up to the doors, smiling as he recognized Allen's medium tones.

"What's our status, Gaddes?"

"Almost ready, Boss," the second silhouette said. "But..."

"What?" Allen asked, his voice impatient.

"Are you sure you're doing the right thing? I mean, do you really want Lady Celena back this way?"

"Gaddes," Allen said thoughtfully, "I really think Dilandau's taken over her mind. How can anyone coexist with that monster? He's obviously in control." Dilandau snarled soundlessly: if only! He checked on Celena: she was still on the futon, her faint presence still there, and relief flowed through him. Then a sudden confusion fell upon him. He needed her to be with him, but he didn't want her to just exist in his head. He actually enjoyed experiencing her life, at times. He growled softly, impatiently pushing the confusion aside, and focused back on the two men just outside. Allen was spouting some more nonsense about himself. Dilandau smirked. Well, not really nonsense, after all. Allen knew him pretty well; or rather, he knew him from before.

"I'm not going to argue with you about this, Gaddes," Allen finally announced and stood. Gaddes bowed his head slightly, his form stiff with disapproval. "Get back to the ship. We'll meet you in an hour."

"Hai, Boss," Gaddes growled and left. Dilandau reached for doors, then dropped to one side as he saw Allen's silhouette turn and approach. He glanced over to the empty bed: it was along one side of the room, not immediately in view of the entrance. The doors slid open and he tensed, waiting until the knight was inside and heading for the bed before leaping.

"Ahhh!" Allen cried out as Dilandau tackled him from behind, sending both men crashing to the floor. The knight's hand went for his katana but Dilandau beat him to it, drawing the blade and holding it to Allen's throat as he wrapped the golden hair around one hand and pulled his head back.

"Hello there, Oniisan," he whispered, feeling Allen tense underneath him.

* * *

Allen gritted his teeth, determined not to gasp for breath. Dilandau was kneeling on his back, driving the air out of his lungs, but he'd be damned if he show weakness in front of him! Bastard! he thought redly as his head was pulled a little further back, feeling the monster's breath score across his ear. He should have known that he wouldn't knock out along with his sister.

"Celena!" he gasped, almost sobbing, utterly convinced that she was gone forever. Dilandau growled.

"Give it a rest," he snarled into his ear. "You showed your loving care for her in the bar, remember?" The razor-edge of his katana pressed gently against his throat but didn't go farther. "You are incredibly fortunate, did you know that?" Dilandau said softly. "If it weren't for Celena, I would use that hour you just gave yourself. Can you guess what I would do?" Allen could hear the suppressed eagerness in his voice, just under the fury, and his own rage rushed through him. He tensed up even more, but Dilandau merely twisted his hair a little and the knight forced himself to relax.

"What now?" he asked calmly. "Are you going to kill me? Go ahead: I wouldn't want to live, knowing that my beautiful Celena is just another plaything for you to torture." Dilandau snarled suddenly and he felt the monster's body start shaking in greater rage.

"Celena," Dilandau muttered, "Wake up and let me kill him!" Allen jerked in surprise: let him? - and felt the blade ride with his movement. The knight immediately scowled. Damn, he's quick, he thought, and relaxed again.

"You need her permission?" he asked quietly. Dilandau abruptly got off of him and he carefully got to his feet, warily eyeing him, taking in the smirk that now twisted the white features.

"Surprised, Oniisan?" Dilandau sneered.

"Astounded." He backed up to the bed as he slowly approached him, the katana's point poised at his throat. Sweat glided down his face as he felt the cold metal touch his skin and stop.

"Listen, Allen," Dilandau snarled. "You may be a Knight Caeli, but I have no problem with slitting your throat while you sleep. Go to your airship, return to your mansion and screw whomever you're currently keeping there. Do anything else and I won't wait for Celena to recover from your brotherly touch before killing you." Allen snarled soundlessly back at him, but what could he do? He studied him, still wondering at his plea to Celena.

"Just tell me - you're not hurting her?" Dilandau rolled his eyes, the katana's point not moving a millimeter.

"Seriously, do you ever listen to anyone but yourself?" he asked, frustration tingeing his voice, then he slowly grinned and looked him over.

"Now, be a nice Oniisan and lend your little brother your pants and boots before you go."

* * *

Foruma sat at his desk at the palace grounds, frowning slightly as he gazed out the window. The evening sky was clouding over, blocking out the starlight and threatening rain. The Maudoshi turned his head away as the doors slid open. It was a guard, the man's face reddened by the outside cold.

"Well?" he asked. The guard bowed.

"Nothing yet, Foruma-sama," he said respectfully. Foruma dismissed him with a wave of his hand then turned back to the window with a scowl. Yatate, he thought darkly, what have you hidden in Kyishi? There was something here, something, or someone: that the sorcerer had no doubt. Around the careful small talk of their meeting, he could sense the corporal keeping something back, something he desperately didn't want him to know about. So, after they had parted, the sorcerer had had him followed. This had borne no fruit, frustratingly, but he hadn't been surprised. Yatate was a sneaky bastard, after all. Foruma was nothing but thorough, however: after they had followed the corporal to the border, he had stationed a lookout at the house where he had kept his horses.

He suppressed a smile as he watched a guard walk by outside. Yatate had been their best sorcerer of the lower rank; his work in the FAE had been amazing. Foruma scowled deeply: the FAE... Paruchi was frantically working to find something else to impress Emperor Kimitoshi, but the Maudoshi had no other accomplishment that would measure up to it in impressiveness. Dilandau, he thought darkly. We created the perfect vehicle of destruction, and you let yourself be killed. Baka!

"Sir?" he heard behind him. He turned his head with a soft growl. It was another guard, this one showing spots of rain upon his dark uniform.

"What?"

"That soldier who had entered the Nishikawa house has left it and is now headed for the edge of town." Foruma's lips twisted; from what he had heard from earlier reports, this was obviously the son of the household; he was most likely just going out for some entertainment. However...

"Keep an eye on him," he said, turning again to the window, listening to the soft plink of rain against the glass.

* * *

Ikiru turned away from the barkeep, his freckled features twisting into a scowl. The man hadn't seen Celena, nor Dilandau; the soldier suspected that he spent his shift not seeing anyone, including himself. Where did she go? His mother was certain that she hadn't taken off, although she wouldn't explain why. Ikiru smiled reluctantly: Father had gotten pretty upset at Mother's defiance of his rules, but they had been together for far too long for his anger to last.

A patron pushed his way to the bar, rudely shoving the redhaired soldier to one side, and Ikiru's hand automatically went to his katana hilt as he looked the man over. The patron steadfastly ignored him, calling to the barkeep while waving an empty glass, and Ikiru turned away again, feeling his frustration rise as he glanced over the slowly-filling bar. Where could she be? He had to assume she had made it here - it had been in the middle of day, so the chances of something happening to her on the way over were slim. Hopefully. Ikiru's hand clenched on his swordhilt, his teeth grinding. Celena-koi! She had to have made it here! Calm down, Ikiru, he thought grimly. Think this through. Her brother, Allen Schezar, was an Asturian knight. He must have come here by an airship, probably his own, and where was the closest dock to this bar? His face grew determined as he remembered: there was a small airship dock less than a kilometer away. It wasn't much, but it was a start. He worked his way through the crowd to the exit, breaking free just outside of the bar. It was raining steadily; Ikiru grimaced and turned his collar up, then got his bearings and started off for the dock. The sidewalks of the main roads were filled with night revelers who were both cursing the rain and shouting with laughter; the alleyways would be quicker, if more dangerous. Ikiru smiled grimly: it would be a release to engage directly with someone, despite the delay; but he couldn't think of that. He had to find her! Surely she wouldn't return to her homeland without at least seeing him one last time...

He was about a block or two from the dock, moving quickly but quietly through a dark, narrow alley, the rain running in narrow streams down his face, when he heard someone laugh up ahead of him. He stopped, his hand gripping his katana hilt, a strange mix of feelings coursing through him as he recognized the voice.

"Dilandau," he said, watching as the man stepped from the deep shadows, his smirk twisting his pale lips. Ikiru blinked: he was strangely dressed; his pants and boots contrasting oddly with the woman's kimono he wore, a swordbelt encircling his lean waist. The silver hair was plastered down upon his head; the great red eyes were blazing with malicious glee. Oh, damn, he thought as he felt an unbidden wave of desire surge through him. The blood rushed to his cheeks as Dilandau lazily looked him up and down, his smile broadening.

"Out for some fun, Ikiru?" he asked. "Forgotten about Celena already?" Ikiru snarled, his hand immediately on his katana hilt. Damn him! he thought redly as Dilandau tilted his head back and laughed. Must this bastard always be playing games?

"You're almost as much fun as Chesta was," Dilandau said pleasantly and stepped forward. Ikiru stepped back, his body tensing. Dilandau grinned, then the pale features suddenly twisted into a look of concern.

"Really, Ikiru, what are you going to do? You don't want to hurt Celena, do you?" he said, his eyes wide. Ikiru stared at him, his mouth dropping open in shock as he realized his dilemma, and Dilandau smirked, stepping forward again. Ikiru retreated again and stopped, his back touching the alley wall. "Feeling a little trapped, Lieutenant?" Dilandau asked and suddenly jumped forward, planting his hands on either side of his head, leaning forward until his face was only centimeters from his own, his body almost but not quite pressed up against him. Ikiru's heart doubled its speed; he fought to keep from gasping as he stared into the great red eyes, striving to keep from crossing that so-short space to his mouth with his own. Dilandau was grinning again, knowing exactly what was going through his mind, and Ikiru suddenly felt a flash of intense rage, drowning his desire. He put his hands on his chest and shoved him back, smiling grimly at the look of astonishment that appeared on the pale features.

"How I pity Celena!" he exclaimed, "You must be a living hell to her." The great red eyes blazed in fury and Dilandau drew his katana with a scream. Ikiru drew as well, but he was already upon him, crashing him back against the alley wall, his blade against his throat. Ikiru stared into those fiery eyes, his body tensing but not really afraid.

"Kill me if you must," he said quietly. "Just tell Celena I love her." Dilandau snarled, the sharp edge pushing gently into Ikiru's skin, then he stepped back and slammed his katana into its scabbard.

"I think she's heard that enough already," he snorted, crossing his arms and glaring at him. "Really, Ikiru, don't you have any self-control?" Don't I have!?! Ikiru's mouth dropped open, then he jerked up his katana, growling. Dilandau laughed. Giving a short, exasperated sigh, Ikiru sheathed his sword. Yes, definitely a living hell, he thought sourly.

"Dilandau." The voice shivered through the cold air from no readily noticeable direction, just loud enough to be heard over the rain. Ikiru looked about, his katana instantly in his hand as he searched for the speaker, but stopped in astonishment when his gaze came upon Dilandau. The man had turned dead-white, the great red eyes sparking with terror, not seeming to breathe as he stood frozen in the middle of the alley.

"Sss..Sensei," Dilandau whispered. What's wrong? Ikiru wanted to ask but instead stepped forward and jerked him to the alley wall, putting him behind him as he continued to search about. There was no one in sight.

"What is going on?" the redhaired soldier growled to himself, then tensed as a short, hooded figure approached, his steps silent on the wet cobblestones. Two thin hands reached up and pushed back the wet cloth, revealing a thin, grey face with large, haunted eyes. Ikiru instinctively stepped back, crowding Dilandau behind him; he could feel him shaking and again confusion flooded through him. Who is this man? he thought as he leveled his katana at him. The figure stopped, a smile slitting the grey lips.

"Well, well, well," the man said softly. "You've certainly turned out to be a disappointment, Dilandau."

"F-Forgive me, Sensei," Ikiru heard whispered behind him and felt the trembling increase. He gently jabbed Dilandau with his elbow, still trying to grasp this incredible change in him.

"Come on," he said in what he hoped was a reassuring voice. "He's just one man, and we're armed." The unhealthy face broke into raspy laughter.

"He knows better, Ikiru Nishikawa; and you will, too." Ikiru snarled, his grip tightening on his swordhilt.

"You're not impressing me, old man," he replied. The figure grinned, revealing sharp teeth that glowed dimly through the rain.

"Wake up, Celena," Dilandau said softly behind him. "Wake up, wake up, wake up, wake up..." Fear stabbed him - was she all right? - and he almost turned about, but the man ahead of him suddenly moved forward. Ikiru slashed his katana down and across.

"Back up or die," he snarled, but the man's grin merely broadened as he gestured with his right hand. A contingent of soldiers appeared, crowding the narrow alley from both sides, their brandished katanas gleaming wetly. Ikiru checked the odds and silently cursed, throwing down his sword with a growl. Suddenly he felt Dilandau slip to the ground behind him; he turned and knelt onto the wet cobblestones, fear stabbing him once again.

"Hey," he said, but then his brow furrowed in confusion. If he had fainted, it was like nothing the lieutenant had ever seen: he was utterly still; barely breathing as he lay with the rain pouring down upon him.

"Such a disappointment," Ikiru heard the man say behind him.

* * *

Celena jerked awake, sitting up and looking wildly about. She was in their room, on the futon - next to her lay Dilandau, curled into a fetal position.

"Dilandau?" she called softly, but he didn't wake. It would probably be better to let him sleep, she decided, remembering the terror he had gone through the last time she had fainted. Allen! she thought suddenly, rage burning through her, battling her disbelief. Did he really knock her out? She got up and off the futon and stared upwards, caution now cooling her blood. How was she going to convince him to let her go? She had never seen this side of him before: would she be able to get free of him? Ikiru! she thought. Hopefully he hadn't come home yet; she would have to explain him to her brother. Perhaps then Allen would understand and bring her back to Kyishi, if they had even left yet. The pinprick of light shown above her; Celena rose towards it, marshaling her arguments.

She was in a small, bare room, lying in a wooden bunk on a thin mattress; dim light seeping through a grill set in a massive wooden door. Her eyebrows rose: this seemed a little extreme; how dangerous did Allen think she was? Dilandau, she thought suddenly, he must be worried about Dilandau. Relief flooded her, washing out the rising uneasiness. She got out of the bunk, stumbling a little: why in the world did Allen put these oversized pants and boots on her? Celena stopped on her way to the door: what was going on? Her clothes were soaked; she could feel water dripping from her hair.

"Dilandau!" she called down, fear quickening her heart. He didn't answer, merely curled up tighter. "Dilandau!" she shouted, "Where are we?" She started back to the bunk, intending to drop down to him and get some answers, but the heavy sound of the door opening behind her caused her to spin around and back up to the wall. Harsh light glared in; she squinted, one hand automatically coming up to shield her eyes.

"Who's there!" she called out, surprised at how strong her voice sounded, since her heart was now hammering and her body shaking. She forced herself to calm down, feeling the cold wall hard against her back and suddenly wishing she had a katana in her hands. A figure appeared through the glare: a soldier, dressed in the Red Copper army uniform. Relief pricked at her, then disappeared as the man roughly grasped her arm and began to pull her out of the room.

"HEY!" Celena cried, more angry than scared. She began to pull back, but realized that he was much stronger than her and stopped fighting him. He looked at her in surprise, then loosened his grip a little but continued to pull her along. They left the room and went down a long stone corridor, meeting no one. Celena hurried along, holding up her pants with her free hand while trying to keep up with the soldier's long strides, her attention focused upon Dilandau. He was there; his presence very strong, but he wasn't responding. Celena frowned: she really could use his help right now.

"Dilandau!" she called down as she and the soldier ascended a staircase. "Please, talk to me. I need you!" She felt him stir slightly, then lift his head.

"It's over, Celena," he whispered. "They have us." Panic stabbed at her and she fought it off.

"They?" she asked uncertainly, hoping against hope that it wasn't who she thought it was.

"The Maudoshi." Rage engulfed her once again: after all they had been through, now they were going back to the sorcerers!?!

"Allen?" she asked. There came a very faint snort of derision.

"Like he could keep us. I was heading for the bar when... when..." He stopped talking. She gritted her teeth, stepping quickly to keep up with the soldier. They were walking down another long corridor; again, no one was in sight. She covertly looked him over: he was armed, a sheathed katana swaying at his left hip, but he wasn't wearing any armor. He looked about fifty and was steadfastly ignoring her, his right hand gripping her arm firmly as he propelled her along. And why shouldn't he ignore her: she was merely a young girl, right? No threat at all. Celena inwardly snarled.

"We're getting out of here," she growled down to Dilandau. He didn't respond: she could feel the terror radiating from him as he tucked his head back down. She felt a pang of sympathetic fear, but fought it down. "Listen to me, Dilandau!" she shouted. "We're not going back! Now help me!" She felt him raise his head again.

"Celena," he said quietly, "this is the Maudoshi..." She snarled, cutting him off.

"I don't see any Maudoshi around right now, do you? Only this soldier. Now, how do I get away from him?" The grip on her arm tightened painfully; she looked up to see the man scowling at her. Celena suddenly realized that she was dragging her feet; she immediately picked up the pace, trying to keep her face calm. It wasn't easy: her rage was quickly fading beneath a growing desperation. She didn't know what she would do if Dilandau wouldn't help her.

"You know, I don't think he knows who you are," Dilandau said suddenly, faint interest in his voice. "Or rather, who we are." She felt him slowly smile. "Let me out," he ordered with deadly eagerness.

"We want to get away, not kill him!" she exclaimed. He snarled back at her.

"We don't have time to debate this, do we? Let me out and I'll get us out of here!" Celena could feel him tugging sharply at her; she resisted his pull, stumbling as the soldier pulled her around a corner and up a short flight of stairs. How soon before they would reach their destination? They had to get away! A wave of sorrow flooded through her; she looked up at the man, taking in the rugged features, the slightly greying dark hair.

"Forgive me," she whispered and dropped into the darkness.

* * *

Dilandau didn't waste time: he twisted down and over, jerked the soldier's katana from its sheath and slashed through the man's middle, turning his face away from the spray of blood.

"Could you have warned him any better?" he snarled down at her as he stepped out of the way of the falling body. She didn't answer; he could feel her sitting cross-legged on the futon, hiding her face in her hands. He rolled his eyes. "Celenaaa."

"Please," she whispered, not lifting her head. "Just get us out of here." Dilandau started to speak, then stopped, smiling slightly. He knelt and unfastened the soldier's swordbelt, buckling it about his own waist as he straightened. Then he continued down the corridor, the katana held lightly in his hand. There were voices coming from up ahead, through an open door a few meters up on the right-hand side. Dilandau looked about, suppressing a snort of disgust: the corridor was bare, not even a table to hide behind. The voices were not getting any louder though; he hugged the wall and slowly slid forward. Perhaps he could get past... He froze, terror slicing through his body as he recognized one of the voices. Foruma! Dilandau fought to keep from wailing, sweat sliding down his face. Damn this paralyzing fear! Terrible images crowded upon him from his time with the Maudoshi: pain, searing pain and terror and it never seemed to end...

"Celena!" he gasped, "Get up here!" And he tumbled into the darkness.

* * *

Celena gagged as she pressed herself against the wall: the smell of the splattered blood upon her was overwhelming. There was a soft clink as the point of the katana hit the floor; her fingers tightened convulsively about the slowly sliding hilt as another wave of nausea struck her.

"For God's sake, Celena," Dilandau said shakily, "Get over it and get us out of here!" She bit back her angry retort, calming down, then sidling cautiously over to the open door. She peeped around the edge. There was a short man dressed in a dark, cowled cloak sitting in an ornate chair by a rain-streaked window. He was scowling at another cloaked man who stood a little to one side, facing him.

"Sensei," Dilandau whispered and she shushed him, trying to make out their conversation.

"Uragiru Nishikawa is a powerful man in Kyishi," the standing man was saying, and Celena started. "We can't dispose of his son like he was a transient." Her blood froze.

"Silence!" Dilandau shouted and she forced back her reactive cry, softly gasping instead as she pulled her head back around the opening and cringed against the wooden wall. Ikiru!

"Let's get out of here!" Dilandau snarled; despite his tone, she could feel his tightly-controlled terror, and she was suddenly extremely glad that she couldn't remember their time with the Maudoshi. But she wasn't about to abandon Ikiru.

"No, Dilandau," she said, then winced in pain as he howled furiously at her. "You know I won't leave him here."

"Celena, you have no idea how bad it was, and will be," he stated darkly, and she shuddered, her body shaking as some memory strove to break through. Then she steadied herself, straightening up and stepping a little away from the wall, clearing her mind.

"Hush," she said, listening intently. Dilandau snorted, then fell silent, allowing her to make out the voices once again.

"Where is that soldier? He should have been here by now." That was the seated man - Sensei, Dilandau had called him. She felt him shudder, then grow still, listening. There was a snort of laughter from the other voice.

"Perhaps he got lost," he replied dryly. "I wouldn't be surprised: what else can we expect from this backwater city?"

"It is regrettable we don't have our own men here; but who knew he was even alive?" There was a soft rustle of cloth, then a footstep. "Think of it, Kuaru! Emperor Kimitoshi will be ours!" The voice was closer now and Celena poised herself to run, her grip tightening about the katana hilt, then she stopped. There were no more steps; apparently the sorcerer had merely gotten out of his chair. She shuddered at the sound of his voice: it was full of such dark intent!

"At last," Kuaru replied, his tone matching the other's. "And we have Yatate to thank for it."

"THAT SON OF A BITCH!!" Dilandau screamed and pain blasted through her head. Celena fought from crying out, her free hand shooting up to clutch her head.

"Just barely," she managed to hear the first sorcerer say sourly. "Imagine the nerve of that baka: thinking he could hide him from me!" There was more footsteps, now heading towards the opening, and Celena flattened herself against the wall, praying that the slim door would shield her from their view. The two men appeared before she could draw in a breath; she felt Dilandau sink to the futon, hugging his knees tightly to his chest. But at least he was still looking up, she thought a little desperately, still suppressing his fear. She didn't think she could deal with his terror if she had to fight. Her mind whirled: fight? Her hand brought the katana up slightly as she stared wide-eyed at the cloaked backs of the sorcerers. Then cautious relief flooded her: they were turned away from her - facing the long corridor on the other side of the doorway.

"All right," the shorter sorcerer said, "Take care of this Nishikawa problem. You know the procedure - just erase the last four hours from his memory."

"Hai, Foruma-sama," Kuaru said formerly, then started down the corridor. The other sorcerer turned back into the room, and Celena relaxed a touch. Now, she thought, while he's walking back to his chair. She slipped past the opening, mindful of her oversized boots, and followed the dark-cloaked figure that walked heedlessly ahead of her.

"If you want to save Ikiru," Dilandau said suddenly, "you'll have to kill this one." Celena studied the dark figure that was now descending a stone staircase, her hand clutching the swordhilt with painful strength.

"Why?" she asked. "Can't I just knock him out?" Dilandau growled.

"This isn't a game!" he snapped. "You barely know how to use a sword to fight with; knocking someone out is completely different." She set her jaw, careful to keep her heels off the stone steps. "You have to use the hilt, to start with," he continued, speaking quickly now; she could feel his fear increasing at the thought of actually attacking the Maudoshi.

"All right, all right!" she exclaimed, pushing the problem away for now. "Please calm down." He did, shuddering, and she nearly missed the sorcerer turning down a corridor that opened on the left. She looked about: they were in an area that had the more traditional wooden doors, set about a half a meter into the stone walls. She edged silently up to the intersection: she could hear footsteps and a voice speaking. She nearly gasped as she took a quick look around the corner and almost brushed her nose against Kuaru's cloak: he had stopped just after turning into the cross-corridor.

"You! Sergeant!" the sorcerer barked as she pulled her head back and pressed against the wall next to him, trying to calm her heart. There was a rush of footsteps, then a rustle of cloth and the soft scrape of a sheathed katana brushing the ground.

"Hai!"

"Bring Prisoner 256 to my chambers."

"Hai!" Celena backed up and into a door alcove that lay behind her as the Maudoshi turned and continued down the original corridor. Three soldiers appeared from the left, taking the cross-corridor, their hands on their swordhilts and their faces grim. Celena's eyes followed them, then she looked down the corridor at the retreating sorcerer.

"Well, well, well: whom to follow?" Dilandau asked, his voice a faint copy of its usual mocking tone.

* * *

Ikiru sat on his bunk, holding his head in his hands as he tried to slow his whirling thoughts, ignoring the chill of the wet uniform against his skin. Who was that man? Obviously someone of high respect - the soldiers had followed his every command with complete obedience, despite the fact that he hadn't explained why they were taking a fellow soldier prisoner. Also the fact that they had taken him and Dilandau to the palace grounds: hardly a secret location. So the man must be in the government; and Dilandau knew him. Ikiru got to his feet and began to pace, keeping warm while he thought about what Viole had written to him about the Dragonslayers. An elite unit, very special ops, headed by a young man who had no past, someone who his best friend had idolized instantly. What had Viole said about the first day he and his fellow Slayers had met Dilandau? Something about a small group of black-robed figures, observing them, a powerful group who were close to the Emperor and had accompanied their new commander. Was the black-robed man from that group? Ikiru stopped suddenly, his freckled features wondering.

"Magic," he said out loud. How else to explain Celena's and Dilandau's very existence? There were rumors, or rather there had been rumors of a dark branch of the government, answerable only to Emperor Dornkirk. The Maudoshi. Ikiru scowled: this man, this group must have created Celena and Dilandau, and of course they would want their creation back. Ikiru's hands clenched into fists: never! Dilandau's reaction was enough to convince the lieutenant that the experience would be a horrible one for him. And Celena. He went to the door, knowing it was futile but determined to find a way out, trying to peer out of the close-barred grill. He heard the tramp of boots: three men, soldiers most likely, headed his way. Suddenly there was the clash of steel; muffled shouts and bodies falling heavily to the floor. Then one almost silent pair of boots quickly approached his door. Ikiru backed away as they stopped before the opening, hearing a key turn in the lock as he went into a fighting stance, suddenly wishing he'd paid closer attention to Viole's karate lessons. Then he straightened in surprise as the door swung open: Dilandau stood there, heavily spattered in blood, the great red eyes blazing and a wide grin on his face, the katana in his hand dripping blood on the floor. He was holding a sword in his other hand; this he tossed to the gaping lieutenant. Ikiru caught it, cautious relief flooding through him.

"You're all right," he said. The silver eyebrows rose.

"Why, Ikiru," he smirked, the insane glow fading from his eyes, "I didn't know you cared." Ikiru scowled, feeling his cheeks flush. He pushed past him, looking down the corridor. He felt fingers caressing his ear and he jerked his head away, glaring at him.

"Celena's very happy to see you," Dilandau said pleasantly. "In fact, if she wasn't trying to heave her guts out right now, she'd probably be telling you herself." Celena-koi! he inwardly cried, then pushed his reactive joy away. There wasn't time for that now, as that smirking bastard well knew.

"Come on," he snarled, striding down the corridor, avoiding widening pools of blood around the three bodies that lay blocking their path. He knew his way around: his father had used his influence to ensure his first (and supposedly only) tour of duty would be here in Kyishi. There was a little- used gate, over by the guards' barracks; past it a stone wall was the last barrier to the city streets. He could barely hear Dilandau following behind him; the man moved as lightly as a cat. Once they cleared the bodies, he broke into a run, hoping that they wouldn't meet anyone. There were enough dead tonight.

"Keep close," he growled.

"I'll try, Ikiru," Dilandau answered, right in his ear, and rage overwhelmed him. He whirled on him, automatically raising his katana to the white neck. Dilandau tensed, his eyes glittering as he stared down at him.

"Do you want to escape that man?" Ikiru asked darkly. "Your sensei? Stop playing games!" Fear sparked in the great red eyes, then they blazed in fury.

"How dare you..." Dilandau snarled, then blinked. "Shut up, Celena!" Ikiru stepped back, lowering his katana, and glanced up and down the corridor. No one in sight, yet. He looked back at Dilandau, who was scowling, his eyes holding a far-off gaze and his fingers tightening around the hilt of his sword. Ikiru reached out and softly grasped his arm.

"Come on," he said urgently. Dilandau's eyes cleared; he glared down at him, then suddenly grinned.

"Whatever you say, Ikiru," he said.

They made the gate without incident; Ikiru suspected the late hour had a lot to do with the empty corridors they had passed through. He stopped at the exit from the palace, looking carefully about. The rain had finally stopped; the merest slivers of the moons gleamed wetly off the metal bars of the gateway, three meters away. No one was in sight.

"All right," he said quietly, then stepped out into the pale light, hearing the door shut and lock behind them. He took two steps forward, listening intently for anyone approaching, then started back as a figure stepped in front of the gate, feeling Dilandau clutch the back of his jacket. Great, just great, Ikiru thought as the figure moved a pace forward, revealing the short, grey-faced man from the alley.

"Such an obvious exit, Ikiru," the sorcerer sneered lightly. "I expected more from an officer of the great Red Copper Army." The lieutenant flushed as he brandished his katana, but he was relieved that the sorcerer appeared to be alone. There wasn't room to hide a troop of soldiers nearby; he strained his ears but heard nothing but the ragged breathing at his ear. The Maudoshi was standing before him, a perfect target, leaning slightly to the right as he supported himself on a thin metal cane.

"Out of the way," he ordered. The man smiled, straightening as he raised his cane. Suddenly Ikiru felt the shaking fingers clutching his jacket grow still and smaller; the ragged breathing soften and lower to his shoulder. No, Celena! he inwardly shouted, don't come out now! He lunged forward, out of her grasp, his katana outstretched. The sorcerer brought his cane forward in a smooth arc and met his blade. Hot/cold numbing sensation bolted up his arms, a feeling like he'd never had before; he cursed as the sensation flooded through him, paralyzing his limbs and crashing him into darkness.

* * *

"Ikiru!" Celena cried and ran to the fallen form, dropping to her knees and putting her hand on the still features, her grip tightening on the katana she still held.

"He's alive," came the bored voice behind her, and she stiffened. She felt Dilandau shudder, his knees drawn up and his head tucked under his arms.

"Run, Celena," he said in a low tone. "Please." Celena heard the Maudoshi take a step forward, getting closer to her; she could feel Dilandau's terror radiating through her. Her fingers clutched at Ikiru's jacket front, feeling the sweat run down her face, and she ducked her head, gritting her teeth in sudden rage.

"Is he going to be all right?" she asked Dilandau. She felt him jerk his head up.

"For God's sake," he suddenly snapped, his fear changing into annoyance. "He's only knocked out; can't you see him breathing? Really, Celena!" She snarled back down at him, then started as she felt a hand on her head, cold fingers running through her curls.

"We've been looking for you for so long," Foruma said above her. "It's about time you returned to us." Celena gasped in fury: that possessive touch; that patronizing tone! She launched herself upward, knocking the man over and landing on top of him, her katana coming up to rest against the thin neck as the metal cane went skidding across the stone pavement. The sorcerer froze, his grey face a mask of astonishment. She bared her teeth, pushing the blade against him.

"No one owns me!" she cried. "No one tells me where to go; what to do! NO ONE!!" The man's sparse eyebrows rose, then he muttered some syllables. She heard Dilandau wail inside of her, his fear returning with overwhelming force, but she shrugged it off, her lips twisting into snarl.

"Stop it," she barked and his mouth dropped open in surprise. "You may terrify Dilandau, but not me. Now, I'm going to let you live, but only because I've seen enough death tonight." She heard a faint groan behind her but it was quickly drowned in the sorcerer's outraged snarl. Then he calmed down, the thin lips smiling.

"What are you going to do?" he asked. "Even if you change your mind, Kuaru knows you exist; nothing will stop us." Celena stared down at him, trying not to give in to a sudden wave of despair. Then she felt Dilandau stand up and cross his arms, a shadow of his smirk twisting his features.

"Tell him it's a big world; they won't find us. And if they do, we'll kill them. In fact," he said with sudden eagerness, tugging on her, "why don't you let me out and I'll..." Suddenly t