Vision of Escaflowne: Fatal Memories

[ARNeil1832]

Van Fanel was prince of the proud warrior Kingdom Fanelia, and the moment he turned eighteen he left his proud home on a journey to become King. Armed with only a sword, shield and crossbow, he was to slay a Land Dragon. His quest takes him to a massive forest on the Southern border of Fanelia were like his ancestors before him he would enter the Dragons nesting ground. However all is not as it seems, and forces larger and more powerful than any Fanelia has faced before are at work in the shadows of the land. And so the story begins:

They had camped not far from the woods, near a small stream fed by glacial run-off. Merle was still fast asleep when Van, after testing the edge on his sword and crossbow bolts marched off toward his fabled rite of passage. Leaving a small flower plucked from the meadow wrapped around Merle's ear. He hadn't asked her to come, but at times she was impossible to refuse, her own stubborn nature winning out over Van's half-ass orders as a prince.

His heart was in his throat as he crept toward fate, his brother Folken had died here a mere ten years ago, and by all accounts so had their mother not long after. The trees were oddly motionless, no birds chirped away in the morning sunshine, no animals scampered to and fro. It would not be long now the Dragons were reputed to be fiercely territorial, and it was likely to smell him already. His pulsing pounding in his ears Van did not feel like the great warrior Prince he was raised to be. He felt like a terrified man barely out of boyhood, but that feeling steeled his determination and brought his blood to a slow boil. Many of his people thought his family cursed by his mothers heritage, he would prove them wrong. All of them! No man, woman, or child would doubt his courage.

A deep rumbling roar resounded through the trees, the wild echoes making it impossible to determine which direction the sounds were coming from. The noise was still distant but that gave Van no comfort, he could feel the dragons rage.

With a deep inhale, he continued forward climbing over logs and jumping across small ravines. His sword bounced at his hip, and the light crossbow in his hands was loaded and ready. His aim would have to win true as the bolts would do know real harm to the creatures hide, only a shot to the eye or soft skin on the dragons underside would hurt it.

Another roar this one much closer came in from all sides once again, he was ready now. Adrenaline coursing through his veins Van decided to simply hold his ground and wait the beast out, hopefully he would see the massive creature coming toward him. His luck won out as a huge shadowy mass came thundering toward him, eyes glowing with blood lust and primal fury. It was a full grown bull he realized much to his dismay. Oddly in the forest out of mating season it was a good thirty feet long, and obviously put out about something. The dragon was a mottled green with a large frill around it's face to protect it's jugular and the top of the spine. Like all land dragons it lacked the wings of it's larger cousins, but could glide with the membranes attached to it's two powerful legs and tail.

Van was amazed at his own resolve as he fired the crossbow putting a bolt in the creatures belly as it reared to let out another deafening roar. Diving to the side as the beast lunged forward. The bolt stuck, and dragon began to bleed but the wound didn't even slow the creature down as it attacked with it's tail and shrieked in fury. Loading the crossbow again Van moved back from the dragon trying to draw it into the thicker trees to trap it. Focused as he was on the battle he didn't notice another set of eyes watching him.

[Makisan]

Merle stirred at the light touch Van did as he left the flower behind her ear. She groaned, rolling onto her back, flinching as the sunlight fell through the trees and flashed into her face. She huffed, slowly opening her eyes and looking up at the sky. She slowly sat up, running a hand through her hair, looking around.

"Van?" She called, looking around, her ear twitching. She blinked, looking down at her lap, smiling at the flower that fell into her. She picked it up, and smelled it, purring wildly, her tail swaying from side to side in amusement. She slowly stood up, dusting herself off, and walking through the forest, looking around for her childhood friend.

"Oh, Vaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaan," she said loudly, looking around.

[FridaysChilde]

She'd woken in darkness and the smell of green earth, but she did not feel safe. There were other smells; old blood and old bones. Even with her night vision being excellent she could barely make out where she was. Some old growth forest...

She crept slowly, often stopping to listen, ears swiveling back and forth to catch the wave of a sound, a breath of something near by...before moving again. When she found the hollow tree stump she had no qualms about crawling in until the sun rose.

Her brow was sticky with blood, and her mouth dry. Something had happened, but trying to think only caused her head to hurt worse with a pounding pain that radiated out from the cut in her forehead. She'd pray, if she could remember what god, any god, to pray to. Instead she fell into a dose, nestled into the mossy confines of a dragon blasted tree.

What woke her was not birdsong, but the roar of a monster... to near by to run from without being prey. Peeping out she saw the great beast, green and angry and thrashing... and a lone figure standing against it.

[ARNeil1832]

Faster faster faster Van! The prince darted backward keeping his eyes locked on his enemies. The dragon charged forward bellowing in rage and desperately thrashing through the undergrowth toward him, his tactic was working, sort of. As the beast came toward him it was slowly becoming entangled but unfortunately that wasn't slowing the damn thing down, it simply powered through any obstacles.

Another crossbow bolt whistled out this one striking the dragon full on in the belly again. A terrible screech of pain filled the air, and Van dropped his weapon to cover his ears.

"AAGH!" he groaned, barely keeping his feet. Rallying the dragon surged forward, it's every step resounding loudly through the forest, colliding with a tree it's massive bulk splintered the ancient cedar, sending dangerous bits of lumber ricocheting throughout around the battlefield and slowly it's charge considerably.

The delay gave Van time to get out of the way, and draw his sword. 'Okay, I can do this' he said to himself, 'how hard can it be?'

'RRRAAARRRGGG'

"Oh fuck" Van charged blade high and ready, and the dragon returned the attack. "fuck fuck fuck"

Diving under snapping jaws Van sliced open a short slit in the monsters belly. Blood gushing from it's wounds the dragon began to slow down, it's breathing was labored and ragged.

"Vaaaaaan!" a soft feminine voice called him from somewhere on the far side of his opponent. 'Oh no'

"Merle get out of here!" he roared, but it was too late the dragon was turning toward her, sniffing the air and thrashing awkwardly in the jaguar-girls direction. Van ran forward his shield unfolding from it's case on his arm. His sword made short work of the wounded monsters tail, severing the last three feet of it he braced himself for the returning attack as it roared in pain and fury.

It was sure to breathe fire now, and Van's only protection was his shield, he had nowhere to run. His thoughts went to his crossbow, but it was too far away discarded on the ground about a hundred yards to left, still loaded and ready. An impossibly deep inhale was followed by a torrent of flame. The heat was nearly unbearable, and worse the fire consumed all the air around him making it hard to draw breath. When the fire subsided his shield was ruined, discarding it he raised his sword again, only to see the dragon preparing to breathe again. He was finished.

[Makisan]

Merle blinked, then watched in horror, watching Van try to withstand the fire. She placed a hand over her mouth, then looked around, trying to find something. She saw his crossbow. She ran toward it, picking it up and holding it tightly. She panicked, looking around, trying to find some place to toss it safely to her friend. She blinked, rushing back into the trees, running around to the side of the dragon that was closet to Van. She ran out of the trees, only to stumble and fall on her face.

"OW!" She cried, blinking and looking up. "Oh jeez oh jeez!" She mumbled, picking up the crossbow again.

"VAN!" She yelled, standing up and holding up at the crossbow, before tossing it to him. She smiled a bit, then screamed as the dragon smacked her back into the forest with it's giant claw. She tumbled onto the ground, rolling a few feet before being stopped by a tree. She groaned, trying to catch her breath, having the wind knocked out of her.

[ARNeil1832]

The crossbow landed firmly in his hand, even as the Dragons tail lashed out and sent Merle sprawling. Her distraction let him get off his shot, a well place crossbow bolt taking the fire breathing future handbag through the eye. His bolt stayed lodged in the beasts eye as it roared in pain and thrashed in rage. Trying desperately to get it out. Seizing the advantage Van charged, opening his opponents belly with a quick decisive cut before driving the blade home, up and into it's core.

A dull remorseful groan filled the forest, as the slain creature toppled over. Blood rushing forth like a small stream from the corpse. Covering Van's arms in the hot fluid. His nose was overwhelmed by the scent of it, exposed innards, vital organs, and blood soaking the soil beneath his feet ruining his clothes made him nauseous. Van didn't like killing in the first place, and all for a stupid stone. Reaching into the dragons chest, he grasped the drag-energist the very reason for his whole journey. Ripping it free he examined his bloody prize, shaking his head before wrapping it in a handkerchief and pocketing it. Suddenly he remembered his friend.

"Merle!" He whipped around dashing toward where he'd seen her go down. "Merle are you alright?"

He found her lying dazed on the ground next a large tree. She was breathing at least, Van thought his relief evident. "Merle can you hear me?"

[Makisan]

"My head... And tummy... Hurt.." she breathed, slowly opening her eyes, trying to focus in on Van. She groawned, slowly sitting up, and leaning into him for support. She clung to his shoulders, smiling a bit.

"I did good, right?" She asked, looking up at him

[ARNeil1832]

Her hands on his shoulders and hopeful little smile made Van laugh out loud. She was okay, even if there was some pain Merle was going to fine. "Yes you did, you were brilliant, now come on let's get out of here"

As Van hoisted Merle to her feet the dead dragons body began to dissolve, burning and crumbling into ash. The blood and gore that soaked Van's clothes turned to steam and with a faint hiss it was gone. Within moments only the energist remained.

Van waited patiently for Merle's sense to return, and when she seemed slightly more steady he asked "Can you walk or am I going to have to carry you back to Fenalia?"

[Makisan]

She looked up at him, and leaned into him more.

"Oh! I feel so weak!" She teased, acting as over-dramatic as ever. She snickered, then pulled away, stretching a bit. "I can walk, Van." She stuck her tounge out at him, dusted herself off, fixed her dress, and walked along side him, looking around.

"...Do you miss her, Van?" She asked.

[ARNeil1832]

"Miss who?" Van asked looking away and playing dumb. He didn't want to think about it really, all that mattered was re-establishing himself as Fenalia's ruler. Mourning his loses was merely a distraction from what he had to do, he was no stranger to lose, and pain. It didn't matter, he'd be fine. As always. With this new energist Escaflowne would walk again, and his people would feel safe, secure. At peace. "C'mon Merle"

Van started to walk away slowly, crossbow in hand and sword sheathed at his hip. He was tired but oddly content. He felt strong, and he was proud of Merle's quick action.

[Makisan]

She looked at him, then sighed, following after him

"I miss her," she murmured, rubbing her arms.

It was hours, before she whined and fell to her knees on the trail.

"My feet huuuuurt!" She cried, looking up at him. "VAAAAAN!" She cried, as he kept walking away from her.

[ARNeil1832]

"I did offer to carry you" Van said slowing down and turning back toward her. "And yes Merle I miss her too"

Walking back to her Van helped her up off the dusty winding trail.

"We could stop for lunch if you want, it's still early and we've made good time"

[Makisan]

Merle whined, leaning into him. She pouted at him, then looked at the sky. "Weeee need a place to stay for a few hours.. It's gonna rain a bit..." She said, looking at him. She sighed, standing up straight and wandering into the forest.

"Hey, Van.... What do you think she's doing?" She asked, bending over and picking up a few sticks for firewood.

[ARNeil1832]

"I don't know probably going to that school thing she talked about..." Van sighed, "Or off with that boy she liked before she came here"

He knew he was being overly negative, but it came with the territory of having lost the woman he loved to a giant beam of light. They'd been through so much and still she'd decided to go home. He supposed he couldn't really blame her. He might've done the same if he'd been stuck on the mystic moon afterall.

"But I think we might have to face the fact that she isn't coming back, and with Zaibach in ruins, Dornkirk dead, and one of the largest armies of men and Melefs under Alan's control I guess fate just doesn't think we need her" his voice was monotonous and disinterested as he busied himself with making lunch, but he knew his pain couldn't hide from Merle. She was after all his nearest and dearest friend, and had known him for far to long to be deceived by his half-hearted attempt at indifference.

[Makisan]

She dropped the wood in front of Van, placing her hands on her hips. "You are a terrible liar. Stop trying to act tough with me," she demanded, glaring at him. She huffed and stormed off going to find more firewood.

She wandered off a good half mile, before discovering a small little river. She looked around, then started to strip down. She needed a bath. She stuck her foot in the water, shivering, as it was cold. She purred loudly, sitting down in the river and relaxing

[ARNeil1832]

Merle was clearly unhappy with him and stormed off to find more wood. He didn't really understand what he had done to upset her but he was sure she would be back shortly. Starting a small fire, more for warmth and comfort than cooking as their food was all salted or otherwise prepared for traveling, Van began to warm the dried meat he brought along. Merle preferred her food hot to his knowledge, though he had been wrong before.

However as time passed and she didn't return Van began to wonder where she had gotten too. It was not like her to stray very far, though if she had found something interesting she was quite possibly experimenting with it. Her cat-like ears came coupled with an intense curiosity. And so he went in search of his companion. Dousing the fire with a few hand fulls of dirt.

"Merle" He called softly. Tromping through the trees he heard a small stream. Maybe she was getting water? Stepping out of the brush he saw her dress lying on the rocks, and a fully naked Merle splashing about in the water.

"Lunch is ready" he announced loudly. Grinning at her. It wasn't the first time he'd seen her naked of course. They had lived together for years, it was simply the first time he had seen her naked in the past three or four years, and the changes had been... significant.

[Makisan]

Merle looked up at him when he said lunch was ready. She grinned, and stepped out the water, her body glistening with water, pink nipples hard due to the cold. She had grown into a very shapely figure, her hips wide, waist small.

"Okay, I'm coming!" She said, grabbing her dress and pulling it on as she walked over to him.

"What is for lunch?" She asked, looking up at him. Her pink hair was wet and her ears were flattened against her head.

[ARNeil1832]

"Your favorite" Van said with mock excitement "Dried venison, and hard bread, served warm with a side of oats and wild berries"

Their little camp wasn't far away, but Van was moving more slowly than he had on the walk to the stream. Trying to hide his hard on and move naturally was awkward and his pace slowed. He was quite relieved when he could finally sit down and didn't have to worry about Merle seeing him like that. She'd been his friend since before either of them could walk, he wasn't supposed to be attracted to her.

She seemed to be in a better mood since her "bath" though. She bounced along happily enough after him despite the semi-edible meal that awaited them.

[Makisan]

She sat across from Van, her legs at her side. She looked at him, smiling at him a bit. "Well, YOU wanted to come out here and slay a dragon," she said, watching him, before looking up at the sky. "I could have brought that meat you love so much from the villiage if you weren't in such a hurry." She teased, giggling a bit.

She pulled her knees up to her chest, sighing softly. Her dress opened a bit, showing off her little white pair of panties. She poked at the fire with a stick, then looked at Van. "I Think the meat is done."

[ARNeil1832]

"I Think the meat is done."

"Yeah" Van muttered handing her an even portion of the food as her panties came into view. Why was she all of sudden so exciting? "And it's not like I really wanted to slay the dragon, but with Balgus gone and our veteran soldiers all dead, Fenalia needs a military commander and a commander needs a melef..."

He left it at that. She knew he was apprehensive of using Escaflowne again, the last battle he had been in... had nearly been his undoing. The battle lust that had consumed him was beyond his control, and if Hitomi hadn't been around he wasn't sure what he may have done. He forced the thought away. Hitomi was gone now, and he had to get passed it. Escaflowne wasn't some uncontrollable monster, it was a machine, a powerful extension of his own body. On the topic of extensions his dick was finally softening as his dark thoughts bubbled to the surface and he relaxed.

When he was done eating he looked across the fire at Merle. "Do you just want to call it a day and relax here? Or should we press on?"

[Makisan]

She looked up at him, her eyes wide. She was drifting off and his voice woke her up. "Hnnn?? We can call it a daaaaaaaay," she said, as she yawned, laying on the ground, curling up. "I'm tired," she murmured, looking up at him, her eyes slowly closing.

[ARNeil1832]

"Alright that's cool, try and get some sleep I'll set up the tent" Van busied himself preparing the shelter and trying to keep her alluring form from his mind. Did he really suddenly find Merle attractive? Or was he using her to fill the void Hitomi had left? He wasn't about to let his best friend become some object he used to make himself feel better. When the Tent was up, he lay out their traveling blankets and rolled an extra one into a pillow for himself. Merle's usual curled sleepy posture made one a little awkward for her so he decided she be okay. He lifted her easily into his arms, trying not to wake her and carried her into the tent laying her down in the soft nest of fabric and covered her in blanket.

He found himself completely unable to sleep. They were both exhausted of course. The battle with the Dragon had drained them considerably, and a hard day hiking homeward hadn't made things any easier. But he was restless now, and striping off his shirt he began to practice forms with his sword, his gleaming blade cutting through the air with a soft whistle. The days rapidly fading light sparkling in the shadows of the forest.

[Makisan]

A couple of hours went by before Merle woke up. She slowly sat up, peeking outside the tent. "Van?" She whispered, stepping out of the tent, yawning. "Come to bed, it's late." She said, stretching. The shoulders of her dress were down, showing off what little cleveage she had. She walked over to him, standing behind him, laying her head on his back, reaching up and placing a hand on his, pushing his arm down.

"Just lay down. You'll fall asleep," she whispered, nuzzling his back, taking his hand and pulling him into the tent. "We can't get a good start and be home by nightfall if you sleep in late tomorrow," she cooed, yawning

[ARNeil1832]

"Merle I'm fine... really" Van said, feeling her arms around him felt good. Comforting and warm. "But fine, your right"

He followed her without protest into the tent, tucking her back into the blankets before laying down and staring at the fabric of the ceiling. It was no good. He was simply to restless. Tossing and turning he tried to distract himself long enough to fall asleep but to no avail.

[Makisan]

Merle stirred again, sitting up and looking at him. "Van..." She crawled over to him, and laid her head on his chest, nuzzling it.

"Just lay down... Think about her," she whispered. She was wide awake now. She drew a little circle on his stomach with her finger, then sighed.