<<i'm tired too.>>

^^^^^^^^^^^^^

*stares wide-eyed as she watches the play between Allen, Amano, Yukari, Hitomi, Millerna, Dryden and Van* wow! this could get complicated. *frowns at Van.* i wish Van-sama would forget about Hitomi. all he really needs is me! *juts out her lower lip and walks defiantly over by Van's side. grabs his arm and looks poutingly at Hitomi* Yes! I think we should go to the planning room now! *looks at van* I think we've wasted enough time here!

<<you should like my Van -- Hitomi, not Allen!>>

^^^^^^^^^^^^^

*snickers as she glides out of her guymelf. gives Eriya the innocent eyes* Yes sister?

<<you want to say something?>>

^^^^^^^^^^^^^

*eyes grow wide at Varie's statement about the pendant* Folken! Bring the pendant closer. *peers at it* Must control temper. I want this ghost woman to see that I'm sincere about peace for Gaea. Besides, if I can get my plan to work, then I'll get the correct pendant. *looks at Folken* That's not the right pendant.*says in a tight voice* But no matter. There are more important things that need to be done. I want you to go to Asturia. I want you to smooth things over with the King. I saw two of his daughters on board the Crusade. The king might get the wrong impression of the Flying Fortress mission. *grins* Asturia, after all, is our allies. I want you to change the aura. Make it a feastive one. Use your diplomatic skills, Folken. I hear that one of the king's daughters is bethrol to a ship merchant. A wedding would make everyone forget about this current incident and put them into a better mood. By the way, I want you to smooth things over with the Dutchy of Fried. The wedding festivities will put him and his people in a better mood. Our goal, Folken is peace, not terror. Do whatever is necessary...but restore the confidence in our allies. Understand???

<<that should work...>>

^^^^^^^^^^^^^

*ignores Guimel for the moment. busily replenishes the fuel for the flame thrower as well as the liquid metal in Dilandau's guymelf while softly humming to self* First I DID A GOOD JOB and now this!!! *giggles* I am right up there with Dilandau-sama!!! Who knows? Maybe I will become number one!!! *starts polishing the metal* Uh? Why you say that??? *polishes the feet* What??? Yes I can too become Dilandau-sama's number one Dragon Slayer! Oh yes I can! Hmphf! I don't care what you say. Just be quiet!!! *polishes and returns to humming*

<<those voices again!!!>>

^^^^^^^^^^^^^

*feels a pang of jealousy at Millerna's response to Allen* AHEM. Yes, we need to go to the planning room. What a wonderful idea, Miss Hitomi, Van. Let's go. *gives Allen a look and starts to walk off*

<<let's stick to business, hm?>>

^^^^^^^^^^^^^

*comes popping back up from the shadows* There really aren't any seriously injured people here. There are some pretty badly trashed guymelefs though. But you don't have anything to do here, Millerna-hime.

<<has been busy...>>

^^^^^^^^^^^^^

Hey Viole. *hops out of his melef and starts to repair it* We should start on our OWN Guymelefs first, don't you think? *sighs deeply* There's no way we can get everything done in less than an hour! What are we going to do? We can't let Dilandau-sama down...

<<depressed...>>

^^^^^^^^^^^^^

*sighs and looks over at Allen* Shouldn't we go to your planning room or something? *gives Hitomi a long look* And you need to tell me about my mother. What about her?

<<there's a lot to be cleared up!>>

^^^^^^^^^^^^^

I love it when he smiles!! *docks her melef and hops out of it* Sister!! I need to talk to you! *growls softly and swooshes her tail* It's about what you did back there. Please come out of your guymelef!! *glowers her eyes and looks at her nails* Yes...we need to talk!

<<I'm still mad here!>>

^^^^^^^^^^^^^

Dryden, I think we should go over there and talk to them, don't you think? *sighs as she watches Millerna run over there* Always acting like a puppy, following Allen... There sure are a lot of people here...

<<Millerna, don't embarress yourself!>>

^^^^^^^^^^^^^

*blinks as Yukari compares Allen to Amano* Odd...they do look alike. My, Yukari-chan is quite bold...walking into Allen's face like that... *sees Millerna and smiles* Weird...Yukari-chan and Millerna sound alike... *sighs and clutches her pendant* This is too weird...Amano and Allen, and now Yukari-chan and Millerna...

<<uh what is up with the doubles here?>>

^^^^^^^^^^^^^

*hears Allen and smiles* Allen needs me! Woooww... *frowns slightly when she hears the rest of his speech* Oh, I see...he needs me to help someone... *sighs and walks over to Allen and Amano* Oh my! Look at your head! *takes off the bow Hitomi used to bandage his head* Let's fix you up. *takes some gauzes and bandages out of her bag* I'm going to wrap this around your head...it's going to be a little tight. *wraps it around his head* There! Now, I want you to take this...*rumages around in her bag and finds some powder* It's tasteless. It will ease the pain a bit. *smiles at Amano and looks over at Hitomi and Allen* Are there any other wounded?

<<Allen...you got my hopes up...>>

^^^^^^^^^^^^^

*smiles at Yukari.* You're right. Amano? Right? He does look a little like me. *smiles at Amano. sees that he's hurt. takes his arm to help steady him. looks over his shoulder.* Millerna! *yells* I need you!!! Come quick! This boy is hurt!

<<hey...this boy is hurt!!!>>

^^^^^^^^^^^^^

*eyes grow huge* Folken?? *looks at Dornkirk who is smirking back at her* My son is YOUR man???? *flutters right up to Folken* How can this be??? *looks back at Dornkirk* You can see me, but Folken cannot. *looks at the pendant* Why that's not the pendant from that strange girl. Oh my poor Folken, you've made a mistake.

<<maybe i shouldn't have said that last part outloud>>

^^^^^^^^^^^^^

No orders eh??? *shrugs his shoulders at Jajuka* Well, I guess we have some free time. *sees the Crusade disappearing in the horizon. sigh* That would have been a grand battle. *sneers* I guess I will grab some shut eye. Jajuka! Tell them to take the Flying Fortress back to Zaibach! Wake me up in an hour, that is if Folken-sama hasn't called back. I must rest now. I'm suddenly tired. *yawns and heads down towards the back. steps over the body of the doppleganger. looks back at Jajuka* Have someone get rid of this thing!

<<i hate dopplegangers!!!>>

^^^^^^^^^^^^^

Hey, Shesta. We're going to clean up this mess. Come on, let's go get these worthless Zaibach soldiers to be of some use. *uses a loudspeaker dealie in his melef* Attention, Zaibach soldiers! We are going to repair this ship now! So let's get to work!! *turns it off and looks at Shesta* Let's go find the spare parts.

<<working!>>

^^^^^^^^^^^^^

*feels her heart skip a beat as Allen smiles at her, and smiles back* Yeah, there's a lot of explaining to do. *looks at Merle* My name is Yukari! Hitomi is my best friend. And that... *pulls the dazed Amano by her* is Amano-senpai! Heeeey! *pops up in Allen's face and stares for a moment* Woah! *steps back and looks from Amano to Allen* You guys look a lot alike! *looks back to Allen* You even sound like Amano-senpai!

<<weird!>>

^^^^^^^^^^^^^

I need to discuss some things with Dornkirk-sama. The two of you are free to do as you wish. *smiles at both the cat girls* I will call for you if I need you. Thank you for helping me. *turns his comm to respond to Dilly* It's alright, Dilandau. We have what we needed from the prisoners. There will be time later to capture them. I have no orders for you at the moment, but I may after I speak with Dornkirk-sama. *flicks the comm off and walks into Dornkirk's chamber* Dornkirk-sama! I have brought what you asked. *holds out Yukari's pendant* The pendant of the girl from the Mystic Moon.

<<here it is!>>

^^^^^^^^^^^^^

Miguel! *has teary eyes* Thank you so much!! You've saved my life! *eats the sandwich* Eh? Gatti wants me to what? *realizes Miguel has walked away* Wonder what Gatti wants? *looks around a bit and spots him* Ahhh...I feel so much better now! I hope Guimel isn't too peeved about me hitting his guymelef... *runs in front of Gatti* Shesta here sir! What were Dilandau-sama's orders?

<<back to normal...well as normal as I can get!>>

^^^^^^^^^^^^^

*blinks* What the heck is that idiot thinking? Dilandau-sama asked me to fix his guymelef too... *shakes his head and walks over to the Alseides and sees Dallet* Oi, Dallet! I was sent here, PERSONALLY, by Dilandau-sama to fix Alseides too. So move over...You mental case!

<<what is wrong with you?>>

^^^^^^^^^^^^^

*sees Varie eyeing the door. smirks* so she thinks she can escape me and use her questions as a distraction? try it lady. i want to see what happens. let's just say that you're the experment right now. Of course my dear. Once I can show you what I have plan for Gaea, you might even join me in my efforts.

<<just biding my time lady>>

^^^^^^^^^^^^^

Sighs a sigh of relief at Dilandau's orders to the other dragon slayers. finally, some order will be restored back to the flying fortress. we can regroup. Follows Dilandau to the comm room. I wonder why Folken-sama left so abruptly. What is he up to?

<<wondering what's going on>>

^^^^^^^^^^^^^

*rushes to the comm room and snaps on his comm* Folken-sama!!! The enemy is retreating! Escaflowne rescued everyone we captured!!! What are your orders??

<<now what?>>

^^^^^^^^^^^^^

Your man??? *looks about nervously* I must find a way to get out of here. *starts fluttering closer to the door.* Will everything become clear then?

<<i think i'll leave now>>

^^^^^^^^^^^^^

*hears Gatti's orders* YES SIR!!! *smirks and snaps on his comm so the other dragon slayers minus Gatti and of course Dilandau and Jajuka can hear* Did you guys hear that???? I've been personally requested to attend to Dilandau-sama's guymelf! ME!!!! *giggles and snaps off his comm. quickly parks his guymelf and races over to Dilandau's.* It will be like brand spanking new by the time I'm finished with it. *starts working on it*

<<I get to repair Dilandau-sama's guymelf!!!>>

^^^^^^^^^^^^^

*licks Van's cheek as she hugs him tightly. giggles at Prince Chid's glomp and glomps him back.* I'm so glad that you're safe. I was so worried about you. Oh Prince Chid, I'm so sorry. It was my fault that you got caught. *sees Hitomi and smiles* I'm glad you're safe too. *looks wide-eyed at Yukari* Who are you??

<<introductions???>>

^^^^^^^^^^^^^

*remembers Amano still being carried in Schezade's gigantic hand. gently lowers it to allow the strange boy to get down. once he is safely on the deck, turns and parks his guymelf. looks at Gaddes* I'm afraid that the Schedzade got burned today. That manic...oh well, would you please see that it gets repaired immediately? Oh by the way, see if Van needs the Escaflowne repair too. *Sees Prince Chid hugging Merle. smiles.* That was close! *hears Hitomi's request for a meeting. walks over to her and bows slightly.* I'm so glad you're safe. I think you've made an excellent suggestion. Once the wounded has been attended to, we can gather in the planning room. I will have Gaddes bring us food and drink. We can discuss and, *looks over at Yukari and smiles* explain everything.

<<whew, glad that's over>>

^^^^^^^^^^^^^

Um...you are welcome. I guess if you want to help...*stops and hears her sister* Eries! Oh, we are fine. I ran off, because something had to be done! Otherwise, Dryden and Merle would have burned! *sighs and walks away from her* Dryden, Mr. Moleman, if you see anyone that needs help tell me. I'm going to ask Hitomi if she is ok. Why is Eries such a worry wart anyway? I can take care of myself!

<<I'm ok, Eries!>>

^^^^^^^^^^^^^

Well...perhaps it would be better if everybody heard this. I think we should call a meeting. Of course...*looks around frantically* We need to get Amano-senpai, to Millerna. He's hurt! *sighs and looks up at the sky* And we need to tell Yukari-chan and Amano-senpai about Gaea...

<<let's gather everyone and call a meeting>>

^^^^^^^^^^^^^

Hmmm, Dilandau-sama wants me to work on the guymelefs? Ok, I'll be right down Gatti! *twirls his hair and smirks* I guess we will have to discuss this later! We have work to do! *flys towards the fortress and lands* I'm supposed to work with Miguel eh? Alrighty..where is he? *hops out of his melef and spots Miguel* HEY MIGUEL!!

<<heh, we get to work together!>>

^^^^^^^^^^^^^

Is she? *looks past Allen and sees her sister with Dryden* Oh thank goodness! *runs over to Millerna and gives her a frown* You shouldn't have run off like that! But, I'm glad you are ok. *sees Dryden* Oh my! Are you alright?

<<there you are!>>

^^^^^^^^^^^^^

*glowers at her sister's guymelef* Why that sneaky little... *flicks on her comm* Yes, Folken-sama please tell us your orders. Well least he isn't hurt. I would hate myself... *sighs and turns off her comm* Ooooh, but why should Naria be the one to hold him!! She is going to get it!

<<GREEN with envy? Better make that RED...dear sister!>>

^^^^^^^^^^^^^

New orders from Dilandau-sama... Come on, Shesta. *goes over to a safe in the wall, opens it, and pulls out a sandwich* Here, Shesta. Eat this. It's from my sercret stash... But now I have to go! You're supposed to go with Gatti. I'm going to go find.... *sighs sadly* Viole.

<<why HIM?>>

^^^^^^^^^^^^^

*smiles at Millerna and bows deeply at her* I thank you for your care, my lady. *straightens up and gets serious* What can I do to help you while you help these other people?

<<you shouldn't do it all by yourself.>>

^^^^^^^^^^^^^

*releases Merle and looks at Hitomi with a startled confusion* My mother? I heard her voice... but did Hitomi see her too? What about her?

<<serious.>>

^^^^^^^^^^^^^

*struggles to make his guymelef stand up straight* YES SIR!! There wouldn't be much to repair if you hadn't just smacked my melef though... *flips on a comm contacting all the dragonslayers* Attention! I have orders from Dilandau-sama! The enemy has retreated, and we have things to do! Guimel and Dallet, you two get to work on repairing Dilandau-sama's guymelef RIGHT AWAY! He wants it done fast! Miguel, Viole, you guys start working on the rest of the guymelefs. When Guimel and Dallet are done with Dilandau-sama's melef, they will help you. Shesta, you're going to help me gather some of these other soldiers around here and we're going to help fix the flying fortress. We have to MOVE it! Dilandau-sama says we have less than an hour!!

<<distributing orders>>

^^^^^^^^^^^^^

I'm riding around on a big machine... on a flying ship. What happened to Yukari and Hitomi? *looks around in a daze* H... hello?

<<can any of you people down there hear me?>>

^^^^^^^^^^^^^

Kidnapping children!! *looks shocked* I assure you madam, that I do NOT kidnap children! *hears his comm beeping* Excuse me for a moment, *snaps on his comm, listens to the message, and smiles. looks back at Varie* Ahhhh, my man has just arrived. Once he gets here, you shall see what I mean about saving Gaea.

<<welcome back folken>>

^^^^^^^^^^^^^

*smirks to self knowing that her sister is GREEN with envy that she's the one who is carrying Folken. reaches Zaibach and lands softly. gently lowers hand so that Folken may gracefully exit* We are here Folken-sama. What are your orders?

<<nah nah nah>>

^^^^^^^^^^^^^

*glowers as the Crusade flies away. Smacks Gatti knocking him and his guymelf down.* What are my ORDERS???? YOU IDIOTS!!!!! Look at this place!!!! Look at your guymelf!!!! *turns to Guimel* You! I want you to make sure all guymelfs are repaired and ready to go in less than ONE hour!!! GOT IT!!! *hops out of his guymelf* You can start with mine!!! *turns back to Gatti* And YOU! Clean this mess up!!!!! *looks up at Jajuka* I'm going to the comm room and see what's going on!

<<Folken has new orders???>>

^^^^^^^^^^^^^

Sees Eriya and Naria taking off, heading back towards Zaibach. squints and sees Folken in Naria's hand. "Dilandau-sama! I believe we shouldn't pursue the Crusade. Folken-sama is heading back to Zaibach. He must have gotten new orders. I think we should to the same."

<<enough all ready!>>

^^^^^^^^^^^^^

*about to park the Schezade when hears Millerna is missing* What? *looks at Eries* You can't find Milleran??? GRRRRRRr *looks over at Dryden and mumbles darkly* First you bring Merle into the middle of a battle and now, you can't keep an eye on your own financee?? *sees Millerna dressing Dryden's scratches. breathes a sigh of relief and turns back to Eries. bows slightly* Your sister is safe, your highness. She is administering to Dryden's cuts.

<<doh!>>

^^^^^^^^^^^^^

*rolls her eyes at Dryden* I'll have none of that! *grabs her bag from the Moleman* Thank you. Where did he pull that out of? Oh well. You are hurt and I'm going to help you. Then I shall check on the others. Hold still, this could sting a little. *applies some ointment on the cat scratches* There we go! Now, I'm just going to put this bandage on...*puts the bandage on him and stands up* There you go. Good as new. *blushes at bit and walks over to the Moleman* Let's check on those other people, ok!

<<you are a stubborn patient Dryden!>>

^^^^^^^^^^^^^

Merle! *runs over to the cat girl and hugs her* Oh thank goodness! I...I...I thought you were dead!! *blinks back a few tears and smiles at her* But you aren't!! I'm so happy!!

<<Merle you are ok!!>>

^^^^^^^^^^^^^

STUPID, STUPID, Shesta!! When I find him....*jumps out of his damaged guymelef* Grrr...look at it!! There is smoke everywhere! If it wasn't for Viole, I would have died... *walks over to Gatti and kneels before Dilandau* I'm sorry sir, but my guymelef is damaged. Do I have permission to put it in the docking bay and repair it?

<<Shesta you are dead buddy!>>

^^^^^^^^^^^^^

Phew!! Thank goodness we are back! Oh, but he stole your necklace Yukari-chan. I wonder why... *smiles and watches Merle glomp Van* Yukari-chan, that is Merle. Yes, she is a cat girl. A kinda possevive one at that, but she is really nice. I would introduce you...but she is busy at the moment! Ne, where is Amano-senpai? He's hurt!! *remembers about Varie* Oh..I almost forgot. *runs over to Van* Van, I need to talk to you. It's about your mother.

<<good to be back on the Crusade!>>

^^^^^^^^^^^^^

*pulls Millerna's bag out from under his cloak* Right here, my lady. *gives her a big grin, showing his missing teeth* I'm glad that I can be of service!!

<<just don't ask why I had it.>>

^^^^^^^^^^^^^

*slides off of Escaflowne and stands on the Crusade, in awe by her surroundings* Wow... just... wow... *stares in a fixed fascination at Merle, who is glomping/being glomped by Van* Hitomi-chan.... is that... a cat girl?

<<woah...>>

^^^^^^^^^^^^^

*gives Millerna a half-hearted smile* My lady, it always makes me feel better just to see your lovely face. *winces* I... had a panicked cat to deal with. That's how I got injured. But I'm sure there will be others that will need your wonderful skills more than I do. *waves an arm over towards the returning guymelefs* You see?

<<don't waste your time helping me...>>

^^^^^^^^^^^^^

*stares over at Dallet and Viole with a disturbed look, but goes over to Dilandau and Jajuka* Dilandau-sama! The enemy is retreating! What are your orders, sir? Do we pursue?

<<still ready to fight!>>

^^^^^^^^^^^^^

Merle! *hops out of Escaflowne and glances back to see if everyone's there* Where's the guy...? *sees Amano on Shezarde* Whew. *grabs Merle up into a big hug* You aren't supposed to be here, Merle! You're lucky you didn't get hurt...

<<chiding his kitty>>

^^^^^^^^^^^^^

*sniffles at Millerna. heart leaps as Escaflowne lands on the Crusade. ignores everything and everyone else and takes off running towards the huge guymelf* LORD VAN!!!!!

<<you're okay!!!!>>

^^^^^^^^^^^^^

*eyes widen and gasps* i'm listening to the ramblings of a madman. i must be careful with him. Oh good sir, *speaking softly* I too want peace for Gaea, but there's something I don't understand. How can the kidnapping of children save my world??

<<he's craaaazy>>

^^^^^^^^^^^^^

*glowers at Dallet's guymelef* WHAT? What did you just say? I don't think I heard you right. Your excellent swordmanship skills?? Ha! Don't make me laugh!! They left because of MY skills!! *twirls his hair* Not only were they amazed by my beauty, but they cowered in fear at the way I handle the sword. Not you. *smirks and flys closer to Dallet's guymelef* And I'm going to tell Dilandau-sama that!

<<you ain't bad...I AM!>>

^^^^^^^^^^^^^

Oh Allen-san! I'm glad you are back! *rushes up to him* You see...Millerna is lost somewhere on the ship, and I can't seem to find her. Please help me look for her!

<<Millerna is missing btw...>>

^^^^^^^^^^^^^

Merle! Calm down...it's gonna be ok! *pats the kitten's head* Let me look at you. Hmmm, no scratches...no burns. Ok, you look fine. *gives the cat girl a hug* I'm sure Van-sama is alright. *feels a something huge landing* That could have even been him! Or a another guymelef. See Merle...*looks over at Dryden* OH MY!! LOOK at you!! *sees numerous scratches on him* Well come on, you need to be bandaged up! *looks at Moleman* Mr. Moleman, do you happen to know where my bag is?

<<playing doctor>>

^^^^^^^^^^^^^

Is very relieved at seeing Dilandau backing off. "You did right Dilandau-sama!" Glares at Allen's retreat. "See how they run from you? You will get your chance again, Dilandau-sama. I am sure of it." Sees the Escaflowne escaping. "And you will get your chance with the Escaflowne too. Unfortunately, today is not the day."

<<patience dilly-boy, patience>>

^^^^^^^^^^^^^

*laughs with glee at Varie* Don't be afraid my dear. *snaps on his comm and calls two of his guards* Gentlemen! Do you see anyone else in the room besides me? *giggles at the blank expression* I thought not! Dismissed!!! *turns back to Varie* I'm afraid that only I can see you. You're just a ghost to everyone else. *hears Folken's comm.* What??? He got the pendant?? Oh what a great day this is turning out to be!! *looks at Varie* Excuse me for a moment. *snaps on his comm and address Folken* Good work!!! I shall wait for your return. *turns back to Varie* Where were we??? Oh yes. What am I you ask??? I am the savior of Gaea from it's own destruction! Hang around my dear. One of my men is bringing back the final key to Gaea's ultimate destination. You will soon see your precious planet going to new heights!

<<I'm not crazy>>

^^^^^^^^^^^^^

*sees the guymelfs retreating back to the Crusade* WAHOOOO!!! WE WON!!! WE WON!!!!! *smiles at Viole* Did you see them retreat??? It's because of MY excellent swordmanship skills!!!! They're leaving because of ME!!!!

<<oh yeah! i'm bad!!!>>

^^^^^^^^^^^^^

*can't believe what just happened. the second she feels dornkirk letting go of her, flutters out of his reach. twirls around and is shocked to see a withered old man hooked up to a massive network of tubes and cables.* Wha??? What ARE you and why have you brought me here???

<<>>

^^^^^^^^^^^^^

*stares blankly at Eriya and her demands* Uh?? *sees the Escaflowne retreating. hears Van* Hitomi is okay??? But what about Prince Chid?? *notices that Prince Chid is with Hitomi. breathes a sigh of relief. starts heading back towards the Crusade ignoring Dilandau's taunts. sees two other people on the Escaflowne; recognizes the boy that resembles him. sees Amano about to fall off Escaflowne's cape. hurries over and catches Amano just as he looses his grip. leaps onto the Crusade* Is everyone accounted for?? Gaddes! Get us out of here!!!

<<a hasty retreat!!!!>>

^^^^^^^^^^^^^

*squeezes eyes tightly closed and holds on. feels herself being pulled upward. dares to look (again). breathes a sigh of relief at seeing Millerna and the Moleman pulling the rope. hops off from Dryden's back as soon as Dryden climbs about the Crusade. starts to cry.* There's a...a...headless...WHAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA *tries to control herself* And...and...*sob* that...that manic has...fire...and *sniff* the Schezade almost squashed us...and...and WE DIDN"T FIND LORD VAN!!!!!! WHAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA

<<Lord Van!!!!!!!!>>

^^^^^^^^^^^^^

Allen is here? *looks around and sees the Schezade* Ahhh! So much fire!! It's hot... *turns her head away from the flames* Wait a min! I forgot to tell Van about his mother!! *about to yell at him but stops* I can't right now..he wouldn't hear me. He's to busy flying anyway. I'll wait until we land... *sighs and clutches the pendant* Oh Varie..I hope you are ok! I'll make sure we will save you!

<<Good to be escaping..but Varie needs help...>>

^^^^^^^^^^^^^

I am in my guymelef!! *snorts and turns off the comm* NO FAIR!! How come she gets to hold Folken-sama? She was the one that almost wrecked the whole ship!! *starts to pout and watches Dilandau stop his flame thrower* I stop the destruction of the Flying Fortress and she gets to hold Folken-sama...grrrrr... *glowers and growls softly* I'm going to give her a serious tail whipping... *turns on her comm* Sister..*purrs* Please hurry up! I can't see you yet...You..little...

<<I'm more than peeved here!>>

^^^^^^^^^^^^^

Foooodd? Did you say food? *hops out of his guymelef and rubs his hands together* Mmmmm, I'm in the mood for a turkey sandwich. No, even better a whole turkey!! *grins a little pyschoticly at Miguel* Can..can we get some now..?? I smell barbaque!! YUMMMMMM!!

<<So hungry and sooo out of it!>>

^^^^^^^^^^^^^

*graps the rope with his claw-like hands and pulls as hard as he can* We've almost got them, my lady! *manages to pull Dryden over the edge* Hey! I've got ya! Oh.. you have some baggage on your back! Little cat girl?

<<so your mission was accomplished?>>

^^^^^^^^^^^^^

*clings tightly to the cape of Escaflowne* This is a dream. It's all just a dream.. not real... My head hurts... maybe I'm hallucinating? Everything is wavy... *feels his grip slipping*

<<ohhh... that rock to my head really hurt...>>

^^^^^^^^^^^^^

*holds lightly to the guymelef, then flips on his comm again* Dornkirk-sama! I have obtained the pendant. Unfortunately, the girl herself has escaped. I am bringing the pendant to you, as requested.

<<on my way...>>

^^^^^^^^^^^^^

*sidesteps the cat-girls melef, and rushes up through the hole he made going down* I really hope that everyone has a tight grip... *bursts out into the fray of the retreating battle* ALLEN! I've got her!! Let's GO!

<<gotta go...>>

^^^^^^^^^^^^^

*pulls Shesta completely away from the battle* SHUT UP! I am NOT your lunch! Now keep your trap shut and get your sorry hide OUT of your guymelef. *hops out of his and waits impatiently for Shesta* I'm going to get you some food before you die. Or get one of the rest of us killed.

<<gonna hurt you...>>

^^^^^^^^^^^^^

*curses* OUCH! *winces and clings to the swaying rope* as if it wasn't bad enough to be suspended over a death-drop, now I have little SPEARS in my back? Mmmmmmph! *feels the rope being slowly tugged up* There's someone up there helping us out... good! We need it! *struggles to continue going up* I'm almost there!

<<almost...>>

^^^^^^^^^^^^^

*glowers at Jajuka* GRRRRRRRRRRRR he's right! *curses under his breath.* All right Knight of Asturia! You get away this time. But the next time we meet, you WON'T be so lucky!!!!!

<<drat, drat, and double DRAT!!!!>>

^^^^^^^^^^^^^

Yes Folken-sama!!!! oh, he asked for ME to take him back to Ziabach. be still my heart *snaps on her comm to her sister* Eriya!! Quickly sister, into your guymelf! We are taking Folken-sama back to Ziabach! *smirks* Well I am taking Folken-sama back, you're just escorting. *ignoring Escaflowne, walks over and gently reaches down to allow folken to get into her guymelf's hand. softly curls her fingers in order to allow him to hold on.* I'm ready Folken-sama! *takes off*

<<nah nah nah...I"M carrying Folken-sama!!!>>

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*sweatdrops* Giant Meccha? Yukari-san, this is Escaflowne! The greatest guymelef in all of Gaea! *hangs onto Hitomi for support* Ne, Hitomi-chan, are you ok? *notices she is staring in the jail cell they were in* We..did escape...so why are you looking over there?

<<you didn't forget something in that awful cell did you?>>

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Wha...the? Why is the ship moving? *looks down and sees Dryden and Merle swaying on the rope* Gaahh! Moleman, help me pull them up!! *grabs a hold of the rope and starts to pull* Oh god, please hang on...don't die!

<<This isn't good...>>

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Nods his head in agreement with Eryia. "Dilandau-SAMA!!!! You must cease the flame thrower!!!" Rushes to his side. "Forgive me Dilandau-sama but if we burn the Flying Fortress and everyone aboard, what will Folken-sama say? Dornkirk-sama? We have a mission to accomplish remember? We cannot kill our own."

<<please listen to me dilly-boy!!!!!>>

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*grabs the rope and squeezes her eyes shut feeling the sheering heat of Dilandau's flames!* Oh Lord Van!!! Where are you? *feels herself swaying, dares to open her eyes and sees herself and Dryden now swinging on the rope, high up in the air as the Crusade pulls away from the Flying Fortress. Turns and clings to Dryden, letting go of the rope and sinking her claws, unconsciously, into Dryden* AAAAIIIIIIEEEEEEEEEEEEEE

<<WE'RE GOING TO DIE!!!!!!!!>>

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*flys back to Dallet's position* You ok Dallet? *notices Gatti is going sword happy and does a sweatdrop* Heh...let's go help Gatti over there...*whacks some more people* Hey look! The Crusade is leaving!! We're winning!! YES! Dilandau-sama will make us his favorites Dallet!!

<<whoohoo!! we are winning!>>

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*lands in the middle of Dilandau's and Allen's battle* What you thinking!! Don't fight here you fool, you could blow up the whole fortress and Folken-sama!! *whips around and looks at Jajuka* Get that pyro off!! We are going to die at this rate!! *extends her claws and points them at Allen* GET OFF!!! Oh Folken-sama...please be ok...and sister, where the heck are you?

<<ever hear of don't rock the boat?>>

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*falls down as the ship is having issues* Where did Millerna run off too? *looks frantically around and only sees Gaddes* Could you please steer us away from the fighting? I think if we stay here we are going to get killed!! *sees Gaddes nod his head and orders his men to take the Crusade further away from the flying fortress* Good...least we won't die that way...now to find Millerna!

<<Millerna, you better be ok..>>

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*clings to Amano with one hand, and Escaflowne with the other* Hitomi-chaaaaaan! What's the deal with the meccha?? *gulps at the sight of Naria* That one doesn't look friendly!! Oh boy, this place is action packed!

<<kinda having fun>>

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Princess! *freaks out* Oh, don't go so close to the edge! It's dangerous! *tugs at her dress* Can't we go back with your sister?? She's... er... not safe either, but still!

<<she's more sensible...>>

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*clings to the pendant he stole from Yukari in his hand* Go ahead, Van. Take them. I have what we need. Naria...? *smiles and flips on the comm so only Naria can hear* Naria. It's alright. You can let Escaflowne go. But come, take me to Dornkirk-sama. I have something for him... By the way, where is your sister?

<<aren't the two of you always together?>>

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Yikes! *continues to swing at the advancing enemies* Guimel, Shesta, and Miguel aren't fighting anymore? So it's just me, Viole, Dallet, Jajuka, and Dilandau-sama left?? Gah! These odds suck! But.. *smirks* I AM one of the best swordsmen in Zaibach! I'll show you why I'm Dilandau-sama's second in command!! *goes a little whack happy with his sword*

<<HAH!>>

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*gets back to his feet. roars at Jajuka* STOP!!! I DON'T NEED YOUR HELP IN DEFEATING THE SCHEZADE!!! grrrrrrrrr *powers up his flame thrower and shoots again.*

<<take that allen!!!>>

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*comes to his senses when Jajuka attacks him. regains his balance just before the Schezade crashes into his own ship sidesteps Dryden and Merle as they scramble towards the Crusdade* What??? *turns and sees Jajuka in his guymelf coming at him for a second blow. barely has time to defend himself. pivots and charges Jajuka, however is disturbed by the vision of his sister.* What could all of this mean?

<<Engarde Jajuka!!!!>>

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*is staring in shock at Folken's arm when suddenly is grabbed from behind* Uh??? *turns head and sees the same evil old man she mistook for a good spirit* What?? What do you want??? Let me go!!!! *turns back and sees Hitomi staring at her horrified* HELP!!!!! *the holding cell fades and now sees a strange room, filled with tubes, electrodes and panels.* AAAAAEEEEEEIIIIIIIII

<<HELP!!!!>>

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Ahh...*stares at Naria's guymelef* Where the heck did she come from? Oh no...Van can't fight if we are all on Escaflowne Van!! Put us down! We will run out of your way! *stops and stares where Varie is...notices she is dragged away by Dornkirk* VARIE! VARIE! CAN YOU HEAR ME? *looks back up at Escaflowne* Van!! Your...Great how do I put this? Your dead mother has been kidnapped by Dornkirk? I better wait until he gets rid of that guymelef......ummm never mind...

<<what a mess we are in!>>

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Good! They got the rope! HURRY UP!!! Good grief, can he climb any slower? Wait...are they hurt? Are you hurt?

<<come, on man! CLIMB!>>

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*feels himself teleporting, but just his mind, like an out of body experience. sees the holding cell materializing before him.* ha ha ha, it's working! it's working!! now to grab the pendant. *eyes widen when sees that hitomi is no longer in the cell, but in Escaflowne's powerful hand.* Drat!!!! *notices Varie.* hmmmm, i wonder. *grabs varie from behind and teleports back to his chamber. laughs with glee seeing that varie has teleported back with him.*

<<HAHHJAHAHAHAAHAA>>

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*sees the smoke coming out of Guimel's guymelf* Wow! That must have been a powerful blow! *notices Miguel dragging Shesta away.* Yikes!!! Shesta's hurt too??? Man! These guys must be very powerful enemies! Uh?? *swings at another one of the Crusade's guymelfs.* No Way!!! No! You can just shut up about that! *ducks just in time to avoid his head being chopped off* No!!! I won't run away!! Dilandau-sama is counting on me!!! *pivots and gets sideswiped* YES I KNOW!!! IF YOU WOULD JUST SHUT UP THEN I CAN CONCENTRATE ON FIGHTING!!!!

<<darn these voices>>

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Okay... *grabs Amano and Yukari as well* Come on! We're getting out of here! *turns around to see Naria* I can't fight with all these people crawling around on Escaflowne! What the heck am I gonna do??

<<stuck>>

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*grabs ahold of the rope and grabs the scurrying kitten with his other arm* I don't know where this rope came from, but it's a way out! *starts to try to climb the rope*

<<away from the fire...>>

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*ignores both her sister and jajuka and crashes through everything, knowing only that folken may be in danger* oh my poor folken-sama, i have failed you! *sees the Escaflowne hovering over folken* Oh NO!!! Folken-SAMA!!!! *draws her claws*

<<don't hurt my folken-sama!!!>>

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*blinks* Uh...hang on a second Dallet! *flys down and grabs a hold of Guimel's guymelef before it crashes* Phew...that was close! *drops him lightly on the fortress* Gotta go and help Dallet!! Though he looked alright to me...man he is weird!

<<saving Guimel here!>>

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*smoke coming out of lots of controls* Viole!! Ignore Dallet!! I really need help!! Thanks to that moron Shesta...my melef is really screwed! VIOLE!! STOP GAWKING!! HELP ME! *starts to crash towards the flying fortress*

<<I'm going down here...>>

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That was great Van-sama! *realizes Hitomi has picked him up* Thanks Hitomi-chan. What...about him? *looks at Folken* Are we going to leave him there?

<<To leave or not to leave Folken...>>

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Coming! *runs over to Escaflowne and hops in his hand* Van, these are my friends, Amano-senpai, and Yukari-chan. *points at both of them and grabs Prince Chid* I got you Chid-ouji! *looks up at Escaflowne's face* Ok, let's get outta here!

<<good to be out of that cell!>>

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*waits with anticipation as his scientists finish up with the Enhancing Rod.* Is it ready??? Good!!!! NOW LEAVE ME!!!!! *rubs his hands together and powers up his NOSE* now let's see what this baby can do!!!!

<<getting ready!!!!>>

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*is surprised to find himself suddenly on the floor of the flying fortress.* What??? *is equally shocked at seeing allen about to deliver the deadly blow. gets prepared for it, but notices that allen hesitates.* Heee heee heee, big mistake knight of Asturia. *jumps back to his feet when sees Jajuka attacking Allen* STOP!!! *roars at jajuka* I've said this one is MINE!!! I can handle him!!!!!!

<<sort of ungrateful>>

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Sees allen dodging the flames. Oh well, if Dilandau-sama must create havoc, at least he can do is hit his mark. Eyes grow huge when the flames disappear and Dilandau is now on the ground. What happened? Heart stops when sees Allen about to deliver the deadly blow. Flies towards Dilandau with all of his might. Oh no! Dilandau-sama!!!! Doesn't know why, but is grateful Allen hesitated. Arrives and knocks the staring knight of Asturia with his sword. "Engarde!"

<<i'll save you dilly-boy!!!!>>

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*flatens himself on the floor of the flying fortress, away from Dryden and Merle. sees Dilandau's feet. takes his sword and with all of his might, swings at Dilandau's ankles knocking his guymelf down with a horrible crash. quickly jumps back up to his feet. hovers over the fallen dragon slayer with every intention of jamming his sword right in the chest of the guymelf, destroying the owner. but hesitates. a picture of celena flashes through his mind.* uh?? *ignores it and is ready to try plunging his sword again. again sees Celena, as if she was in a field of flowers smiling at him.*

<<Celena???>>

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AAAIIIIIIEEEEEEEEEE *jumps down with Dryden narrowing dodging the flames. peeks over Dryden's shoulder and sees the Crusade's hatch opening up* Quick!! Dryden!!! There's a rope!!! *runs for her life!!!!*

<<VAN-SAMA!!!! HELP!!!!!!>>

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*turns and sees Folken's metal arm complete with claws and needles* Oh my gosh!!! *flutters back to Folken* Oh my dear boy, what have they done to you???

<<Folken...are you a robot???>>

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What???? *swings and bangs another one of the Crusade's guymelfs out of his way. looks at Viole* What makes you think *he says as he tries to fend off two more guymelfs but failing miserably* that I need help??? *swings again and dodges and near fatal blow.* What are you waiting for??? HELP ME VIOLE!!!!!!!!

<<being scarcastic>>

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*jumps backwards from Folken and sees the bars suddenly punched in* A... A giant hand? *swallows but decides to go anyway* Kanzaki! Yukari! Let's get out of here! *grabs ahold of Yukari around her waist and pulls as he stumbles for the door*

<<dizzy...>>

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*gasps as he hears Varie talking to him from somewhere, sounding very far away* Mother... save Folken? From what? *looks down into the cell, and sees Folken fighting with the people in there* Doesn't look like he needs help... *punches through the bars with one hand* Hitomi! Come on! We're leaving!!

<<tch. Forget Folken!>>

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A...a..ah! Dryden and Merle are down there! They are going to BURN to death!! *races by her sister and yells at Gaddes and the crusade crew* Do something!! Dryden is going to die!!! *watches them turn the Crusade towards them* Eries, we must help them! *runs away from her and towards the docking bay* Where is some rope? Here is some!! *Opens the hatch door and throws down the rope* Dryden!! Grab this!! Can he hear me? Can he see the rope? Did it reach him...? Is he...ok..?

<<taking charge here!>>

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*watches Miguel drag Shesta away* What an idoit! Oh no...Guimel's and Dallet's guymelef's don't look too good. *flys over to them* Hey guys!! Can you still function? *wacks another enemy down and swirls to face them* Hey, can you hear me?

<<geez....talk to me guys!>>

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SISTER!! WAIT FOR ME!! *goes after her and turns on her comm* Sorry Jajuka! I'll make sure she gets out of her guymelef....*switches the wave length and contacts her sister* NARIA!! Stop that!! If you continue, you could bring down the whole fortress, and Folken-sama!! Let us park somewhere!! *sees fire* What the? What if Folken-sama is there?

<<aaahhh!! Don't be so hasty sister!>>

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I..I..I'm sorry, Guimel....*stomach growls...but ignores it* Ooooh...Miguel, lemme go! I can fight...*hears him mentioning food* FOOD? DOKU? WHERE? *starts to drool* You know...you remind me of a nice turkey and cheese sandwich....

<<not right in the head...>>

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Help Dryden? But how? We can't fight Millerna...and we could get hurt...*stops and looks out the window* Oh my...*sees Dryden and Merle in the middle of huge flames* Millerna...*notices she sees that too* This isn't good...I recongize that look in her eyes...

<<oh dear....>>

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Do something? Like what? VAN!!! HELP US! *runs over to Folken and grabs his non metal arm* Stop it!! Enough violence already!! What would your mother think?

<<I'm helping Yukari-chan!! I'm helping!>>

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