El Hazard: Continuations
Chapter 3

It was the look he knew so well. To anyone else Diva
would have appeared regally calm, but Jinnai knew
better. The fine hands, clenched on the armrests of
her throne, and the strength of her golden stare were
a dead giveaway. "This is a day for celebration, Lord
Jinnai. Our daughter has told me of the victory over
the Dorylae."

"Inari made it back all right, then? Anybody with
her?" Jinnai looked a little worried himself.
"Only the Bugrom escort Groucho sent. She's resting in
her room now. But she did tell me about the battle."

Jinnai preened. "She was brilliant, of course. But
what else could she be, when I've trained her to
follow in my footsteps? As a team, we're unbeatable!
The Dorylae didn't stand a chance."

Diva's brows lowered. "Then is their Queen dead?"
"No, your Majesty," Groucho interjected. "She's
buried, but not dead. And she has a clutch of new
eggs. If she can muster the strength, she'll
eventually dig them out."

"She's okonomiyaki*(Japanese Omelette), Groucho!"
Jinnai snapped. "We roasted her and her eggs with her,
and then the roof caved in! Even if she were still
alive, she'd starve! What's she going to eat?"

"The eggs." Jinnai started at Diva's level voice. "She
would have laid thousands. Well--"she sighed. "At
least we've won breathing space, and proven ourselves
to the Roshtarians...to some of them, anyway."

"Some of them? I don't understand, Diva. What do you
mean, some of them? We just saved their worthless
butts from being the Dorylae's main menu! What more do
they want?"
"There have been incidents, Lord Jinnai. Acts of
vandalism against both sides, spoken threats, isolated
fights between our people and theirs. So far no one
has been seriously hurt, but Roshtaria is no longer as
safe for us as it was."

"Oh, terrific! That's just great! I knew we shouldn't
have trusted them!" Jinnai slammed his fist into his
palm. "We risk our necks for them and this is the
thanks we get! If Makoto Mizuhara weren't on Earth I'd
swear he was behind this!"
"Makoto is not interested in stirring up enmity..."
Diva began.

"Well, funny how good he is at it! Revolutions are his
stock-in-trade! But like I said, Mizuhara isn't here,
so this must be the Roshtarians' doing. They've
treated you Bugrom like dirt for centuries! Why should
you think they'd change overnight, Diva?"

Diva had no answer. She reached for the tray beside
her and handed Jinnai an ornate scroll with the Great
Seal of Roshtaria. "Perhaps you can find the answer
here, Lord Jinnai. Your language is still difficult
for me."
"Huh? What's this?" Jinnai took the scroll and read
it, Groucho looming over his shoulder. "A summit
meeting? With Fujisawa and Nanami as translators? Oh,
they've got to be kidding!"
"But we need to voice our concerns to Lune Venus. And
we need to know where Roshtaria stands!"
"All we're going to find out is where Nanami stands.
She's about as impartial as a Tokyo Giants fan in
Tokyo Dome! There's no way around it. I'll have to go
along and translate for our side."

Groucho's antennae wilted. He looked pleadingly at
Diva, who was ready with her answer this time. "My
lord, I believe our daughter should attend as
interpreter. She should be learning diplomacy as well
as warfare."

Jinnai looked up. "You have some objection to me as
translator?" He meant it to sting.
Diva was unphased. "I do not. But the Roshtarians
probably would. Our daughter would be a
more...diplomatic choice."

Jinnai was rolling up the scroll so tightly he could
have used it as a kendo stick. He gripped it for a
moment, then gave in. "You have a point, Diva. And it
could do Inari good to learn some diplomatic strategy.
Always useful to know how to use words and smiles as
weapons..." He looked up suddenly. "Wait a minute.
There won't be any Roshtarian soldiers there, will
there?"
The Queen blinked. "I-I expect there will be. Why?"
"If you'd seen Inari carrying on with the soldiers
during the Dorylae campaign, you wouldn't have to ask.
Diva, you've got to do something with your daughter."
"Oh, she's my daughter now, is she?" Her mother smiled
slightly. "Don't worry, I've already spoken to her on
the subject. I have told her she is to wait before she
hatches her own clutch."
"And did she listen? Bugrom reproductive instinct
isn't exactly switched off like a light, you know."
(Boy, he thought, do I know.)

"She is...very determined. But she is not to blame for
the way she is. We must simply...keep an eye on her."
Diva had caught something in his tone. "Lord Jinnai,
do you regret...what happened between us?"
The honesty of the question caught him off guard. It
took him a moment to reply. "I--I regret how fast it
all happened, Diva. I still haven't caught up with it
all. But I do know that Inari's the best thing I ever
made, and...I made her with you." He looked away.
"I'll go and tell her now, about the meeting." He
turned quickly, and nearly crashed into Groucho.
"Groucho, get out of the way, will you? Do you always
have to be standing where other people are going?" He
stalked out, as Groucho and Diva watched, wide-eyed
and silent.

**********************************

Yassir was testing his arm.

His muscles did not even quiver as he pulled back on
the string, arcing the supple Roshtarian wood. Yes, he
would be able to do it: and this would be the most
important shot of his life.
The signal would be a pennant, flung from the high
palace window. That would mean his friend, a scullion
in the Royal Kitchens, had fulfilled his task, and
their salvation was at hand.
Relaxing the string, Yassir looked over at the bottle
and frowned. It was so small, so plain, and yet the
stranger had fondled it like a statue of gold. "I have
had this for many years," the stranger had said, "but
this is the first chance I have had to use it."

"But why at the summit meeting? And how can you even
be sure this meeting will take place?
"The earther, Nanami Jinnai. In her tavern she spoke
of it with the other earther, Fujisawa."
"You heard this?"
The stranger had paused. "No. It would never do for
her to see me. But you may be sure the meeting will
take place. Now go, and remember your friends in that
spider's web!"

Yassir shuddered. He lifted the stopper from the
bottle and took a sniff. Nothing. At least that was
reassuring. A strong smell would be difficult to
disguise.
Wrapping the bottle in sheepskin and himself, his
quiver and bow in a long, dark cloak, Yassir slipped
out and made for his cousin's home.

********************************

Science. One of Makoto's favorite subjects.
It was no surprise that he would be in the
University's Science Club. He wasn't surprised that
Akira Kanzaki, one of the new students at the
University was recently elected the Vice-president in
the same society. Handsome, charismatic and
intelligent; he was popular and had been elected to
the committees of various organizations.

"...Makoto...."
"Huh?" Makoto Mizuhara turned around to see Akira
calling him in the corridor after class.
"Meet me at the Ancient History Museum near Shinonome
High today at 3 o'clock."
"Hmmm?"
"You like science, right? I have made an interesting
discovery that will excite you for sure. I'll see you
then." Saying that, Akira dashed off.
"Hey wait, I...." Makoto shook his head. *I suppose
that it wouldn't hurt to see him this afternoon. What
would one of the most popular people on campus be up
to on an afternoon like this?*

************************************

Makoto Mizuhara. Likeable guy with a steady girlfriend
called Ifurita(whom not too many people know too much
about her background). Can't seem to do anything
wrong; be it science(his favorite subject) or the
arts. In fact recently, he seemed to be expressing an
interest in painting and music. Seems to have a
brotherly interest in Palnus and Alielle.

This was the profile that would be used by most people
when describing Makoto Mizuhara.

To Akira(G'ran if you preferred), Makoto Mizuhara was
more than that. This was the person with a noble heart
who believed in others even when no one else would do
so. This was the person who saved Ifurita from that
madman,Katsuhiko Jinnai. This was the person too who
had a very INTERESTING talent for activating ancient
El Hazardian devices.

A talent which he intended to use.

Not for evil or anything like that no, no, no. But
because it was there. It was just like asking someone
why they wanted to go to the moon or climb the highest
mountain.

BECAUSE IT WAS THERE.

"...Makoto, meet me at the Ancient History Museum at 3
o'clock...interesting scientific discovery that will
excite you..."

Makoto had seemed bewildered when Akira had said all
of that. But he believed in Makoto. He knew Makoto to
be a trustworthy and reliable guy. And he knew Makoto
believed in everyone.

Akira Kanzaki was in the Museum of Ancient History
looking at some ancient artifacts. He knew that this
particular hour of the day often had few visitors and
he was right again today.
He glanced at his watch. He had been here for 10
minutes now. *Makoto should be here any minute....*
"Sorry, I'm late. So what did you want to show me?"

**********************

Akira Kanzaki.
Makoto didn't know too much about this mysterious
character. It's not very clear where he came from. All
Makoto knew is that he suddenly appeared on his campus
one day as a transfer student. Smart, charismatic and
charming; he soon became a very popular guy in
Makoto's university.

Makoto and Akira did share a common interest in
science so when he invited Makoto to "check an
interesting scientific discovery," of course Makoto
jumped at the chance, even though he had no idea what
Akira was up to.
Before coming over, he had invited Ifurita to meet him
at the Museum of Ancient History. Ifurita seemed
slightly hesitant but agreed...

"Sorry I'm late. So what did you want to show me?"
Akira smiled when he saw Makoto. He did seem slightly
downcast when he saw Ifurita with him. Ifurita was
dressed rather casually in a T-shirt and jeans. Even
when dressed casually, this former ultimate weapon of
destruction still looked stunning.

"Ummm...could you excuse us just for a second?
We..uh...you know, guy stuff."
"Sure, sure, I understand." Smilling, Ifurita waited
outside the Special Exhibit Room.
Akira pointed at the figure. It was tall and majestic
and seemed like a warrior of ancient times. The face
looked stern and the head was wrapped in a turban.
*Why is it this looks so much like a demon g...*

"Makoto, I want you to touch this figure."
"Are you sure that's okay?" Makoto was fidgeting
nervously and pointing at the sign beside it
proclaiming in bold characters: "PLEASE DO NOT TOUCH."
"Don't worry. It's okay."
Hesitantly, Makoto Mizuhara placed his hand on it. He
felt a strange sensation that felt like electricity
rushing through his fingertips. He quickly withdrew
his hand as if it had accidentally gotten burned.
Bending down, Akira picked up the power staff beside
it and placed it into a keyhole at the back of the
figure and started to wind it clockwise diligently.

"Hey! What do you think you are doing?"
There was a tremor and a powerful sensation in the
Hall of Special Exhibits. Outside in the main entrance
to the museum, the old security guard was still
snoring peacefully....

***********************************

"Let's meet this afternoon at 3 o'clock at the Museum
of Ancient History near Shinonome High, okay?"
Makoto Mizuhara. He was Ifurita's life; he was her
everything. He had often asked her about the ancient
El Hazardian ruins that she was found in when they
first met.
To tell the truth, her memory was rather hazy in this
aspect. Or rather through a process scientifically
known as "selective memory," her mind may have
subconsciously chosen to forget many events that had
occured during her miserable 20,000 years of
existence.

Who could blame her? After all, half of that time was
spent destorying cities and causing the suffering and
deaths of many innocent lives. And half of it was
spent in a miserably lonely existence floating through
time and space until she met her final destiny. All
she knew at this moment was that for some strange
reason, a deep sense of dread seemed to be rumbling in
the pits of her soul.

Akira Kanzaki.
She didn't know too much about him except that he was
smart and popular and she had often seen him
after class being surrounded by a bunch of pretty
girls. However, she had always sensed that there was
more to him and there was something that he was not
telling her and Makoto.

"...could you excuse us for a second...guy stuff."
Sure, of course she could excuse them for a second.
Probably talking about macho stuff like racing cars or
contact sports.
Typical guy stuff.

After waiting for what seemed like eternity, she felt
what seemed like a tremor and a burst of light from
the room. She glanced across the hallway as her eyes
lingered past some ancient El Hazardian pottery right
to the entrance of the building. There, the old
security guard was still sound asleep and was probably
daydreaming about his retirement and his pension.
Ifurita entered the hall and was greeted by a strange
sight. Amidst clouds of smoke, a tall figure was
standing with a staff in his hands. He was wearing a
turban on his head. He looked stern and his unsmiling
face betrayed no emotions.
Akira and Makoto were staring in amazement. Makoto
looked slightly downcast but Akira looked excited;
almost like he had discovered the secret of the
fountain of youth.

"Identify yourself! Who are you and what do you want?"
Ifurita demanded.
"My name is Abzahai."
"Y-y-you're a demon god? But that's impossible! In my
memory which contains a lot of history of El Hazard,
there is no mention of you."
"Simply because I have not been used yet. I was
created by Arjah." He said all of this in an almost
robotic voice, completely devoid of emotion.
"Arjah? But he's dead already," Makoto exclaimed.
"Yes, that is right. When you touched me, fragments of
your memory were transfered to my internal system and
I saw how he was obliterated when he foolishly
attempted to destroy Creteria through the manipulation
of their Eye of God."

Makoto was silent as Arjah continued.
"Let me tell you a bit more about Arjah and my
origins. Thousands of years ago, Arjah was a young
prince of Roshtaria. Unfortunately, he was driven by
anmbition and was evil beyond redemption. He
cold-bloodedly murdered his own parents and then set
his own kingdom into a bloody war that lasted for
years and resulted in the deaths of millions. Because
he was so evil, the people finally rose up against him
and he was put to death."

Abzahai paused for a moment while everyone tried to
digest this new information.
"However this was not the end of the story. Before he
died, he had been studying the black arts. When he
died, his evil soul just wouldn't rest and he
continued to spread havoc throughout El Hazard.
Finally through the combined efforts of the three
priestesses of Mount. Muldoon at that time, he was
sealed off and never heard of again Roshtaria."

"You mean sealed like a genie?" Akira quickly spoke.
Makoto shot him a disapproving glance and Akira said
no more.

"That was until you..." Abzahai pointed to Makoto
Mizuhara. "...you were searching for a way to be
reunited with your beloved Ifurita..." He paused for
effect while looking at Ifurita who was glancing at
Makoto. "..somehow you accidentally revived and
released Arjah from another dimension and he
transported all of you to Creteria. There, he
attempted to destroy innocent lives through his
manipulations. He even offered you(looking back at
Makoto) a chance to be reunited with Ifurita if you
helped him. You turned down that offer which actually
was wise because he would have killed you anyway even
if you agreed to help him with his plans."

**************************

"My name is Abzahai."
Akira had been listening to Abzahai with great
interest. Ifurita had also entered the room and she
seemed stunned as he poured out revelation after
revelation.

Akira(or G'ran to his Phantom Tribesmen) was not a
person who looked evil. In fact, he looked like he
would be more at home hanging out with a society of
nerdy brainiacs and scientific geeks than he would
hanging out with the yakuza.
He did have an illustrious career with the Phantom
Tribe first working under Nahato where he had been one
of the elite group of Phantom Tribe Scientists who had
conducted experiments on the captured Fatora. He
didn't mean to cause any pain to her and he had
constantly urged his colleagues to be more gentle but
he had been told that it was all in the name of
science. Later, he had worked under Lagus. While he
didn't always agree with Lagus' violent ambitions, he
found that working under Lagus gave him more
opportunities to broaden his horizons and explore
things from a scientific perspective.
He had followed Lagus when they went on an expedition
to some ancient ruins near the border of Roshtaria and
the Dukedom of Paralia. There, Lagus had uncovered the
second Kalia. At the ruins, he still recalled being
excited as he smelled the ancient air and just stood
there observing ancient history.
He had also been very excited when they first came to
Japan. So many new things to discover! Learning how to
drive and eating fine Japanese cuisine! And even
though he wasn't particularly fond of the Bugrom and
Diva wasn't aware of it, he had actually made sure
that Diva wasn't harmed physically when he was put in
charge of the group to capture her.

Abzahai had turned to Ifurita and was now speaking to
her in the same monotone.
"While some of Makoto's memories were transfered to
me, I saw some things that were really interesting. I
saw Makoto's battle with Lagus. I have no idea who
this Lagus character is but what really interests me
is this device which he carried and is currently lying
in Makoto's apartment. You also mentioned to Makoto
about having strange recurring dreams. That device
serves as a kind of a key to the questions of the
past. Bring it to the tomb that Kalia was found
and many of your questions will be answered."

Akira was thinking about what he was going to do next.
He had no intention to cause any harm to anyone. He
merely wanted to wake this demon god and bring it back
to his place so that he could study it. It was all in
the name of science.

"I have not finished explaining in case you are
wondering what I was constructed for. Simply put, the
purpose of my existence is for the entire destruction
of Roshtaria."

Akira was stunned. This was not what he was expecting.

"I see the perplexed looks on your faces. Let me
explain. Before he was put to death, Arjah constructed
me secretly to wreck vengeance on Roshtaria. He had
some of his followers hide me in the Eye of God. And
as I have travelled from the Eye of God to Earth, I
have acquired the means for inter-dimensional travel
and hence travel to El Hazard will not
be a problem for me."
"Stop! You don't have to...your master is already
dead!!!"
Makoto lunged at Abzahai's staff. Nothing happened and
after a few seconds, Makoto drew back as Ifurita
placed a hand on his shoulder in comfort.
"I see that you are trying to do to me what you did
with Ifurita and Kalia. Unfortunately that won't work
with me. Arjah believed that a person with emotions is
weak and hence, I have no feelings. Even when
seriously injured, I cannot feel any pain. And I have
no soul for you to access. I was constructed with only
one purpose: the ultimate destruction of Roshtaria and
once my task has been accomplished, I will
self-detonate. Do not attempt to stop me. If you do
so, it
will be at your own risk."

Akira couldn't belive that this was all happening. A
bright light was surrounding Abzahai. He lunged
towards Abzahai only to feel a searing sensation and
his body was enveloped in bright light. That was the
last thing he ever felt in his
life....

**************************************

Makoto Mizuhara had been listening intently to Abzahai
pour out revelation after revelation. He had been
shocked to hear about his plans for the ultimate
destruction of Roshtaria. He had to do something so
without thinking, he lunged forward and grabbed the
staff...

(Ever been in an empty soundproof room where it is all
dark? Where no light seeps in through any openings and
where no objects exist to create any sounds? That was
how Makoto felt when he touched Abzahai.
Dark, deathly silence. Nothing.
It was very different from the sensation he felt when
he had touched Ifurita and Kalia.)

"I see that you are attempting to do to me what you
did with Ifurita and Kalia...do not attempt to stop
me...at your own risk."

Akira had lunged at Abzahai and the whole room was
covered with bright light. It had only lasted a few
seconds and after that, both were gone and all that
remained was some smoke.

"What happened to Akira? Is he alright?"
"Makoto, I'm afraid not. Based on my analysis, the
atoms of his body were shattered on contact with the
force. To put it simply, our friend does not exist
anymore. I am sorry but there's nothing we can do for
him."

Makoto looked stunned. He was quiet for a while.
Taking hold of Ifurita's hand gently, he said,"Let's
go before the security guard thinks that we stole the
statue. I need some time to think of what we should
do. Maybe Kalia can help."

**********************
Tunisha was barely a dot on the map.
Located near the North-eastern border of Roshtaria, it
was a small village with a population of around 300.
The villagers were mostly farmers making an honest
living cultivating the crops around the region. Their
village was rather isolated from the other cities
mostly due to the mountainous region and thick jungles
nearby so news from Florestica often took days to
reach them.

Today was different. It was the beginning of something
that would forever be etched into the memories of
future generations of Roshtarians.

By the dusty road, the first people to spot the figure
were the children. Tall and solemn-looking with a
turban on his head and a power staff in his hands, he
looked like a messanger of death.
He surveyed the landscape without flinching an eyelid
as startled villagers began to point at him. His power
staff began to glow and charge as he positioned
himself and took careful aim at the small village of
Tunisha.

Then it was all over. All that remained were
smouldering houses and incinerated dust. Survivors: 0

Abzahai felt no remorse at what had just happened. How
could he? He was designed without any feelings or
emotions. He was a machine designed solely for the
purpose of the destruction of Roshtaria.
And that would just be the beginning. His targets
would gradually be bigger and his energy discharge
would grow more powerful day by day until, like a
massive time-bomb, he would ultimately destroy all of
Roshtaria. Once that was achieved, he would
self-destruct, having served the purpose of his
creator.
Abzahai flew off into the sunset. After all, tomorrow
was another day....

**************************


The procession moved slowly and regally through the
high, arched corridors of the palace. Diva looked
around her and sighed. "I fled through these corridors
with you in my arms when you were an infant, Inari.
Such a short time ago..."

Inari was too excited to catch the wistfulness in her
mother's voice. "Oh, Mama, I can't believe Papa let me
come to this meeting! And I can't believe he didn't
come himself! How did you manage it?"
"I did not 'manage' it, Inari. It was your father's
decision," Diva replied smoothly. "He said he would be
glad enough to avoid his sister as long as I was here
to watch over you."

The Bugrom princess groaned. "Babysat again? When is
Papa going to trust me?"
"When you're a Queen with a hive of your own."
"But Mama, in Papa's country women chase after men all
day long!"

Diva raised her eyebrows. "And what do you know of the
women of your father's country?"
"I know all about them, from Papa's sacred books. The
ones he brought back with him about the great Earth
hero, Tenchi."

"Mmmm. But you are not an Earthwoman, Inari. You will
be a Bugrom Queen one day, and you must look to your
future. Now, your father has spoken to you about this
meeting tonight?"

"Yes, Mama." Inari winced, remembering how Jinnai had
walked into her room to find her slipping in through
the window. He hadn't looked too convinced by her
story of seeing a mysterious figure in the grounds,
and not wanting to disturb the guards. Of all the
people she knew, her father was the hardest to lie to
- he was too good at it himself.

"Then I expect you to obey. The future of our people
may be decided tonight." They stopped before a
towering pair of gleaming, gold-chased doors. The
Roshtarian guard bowed, then swung the door wide to
admit them.

"Queen Diva and Princess Inari of the Bugrom Empire!"
he announced.
Within the great chamber, moonlight from the high
windows mingled with torchlight to create a soft,
dreamy glow. There was a long, low table piled high
with glistening fruits, gleaming, glazed meat, fish
and fowl, golden loaves and silky-iced cakes. Ivory
place settings, with tall wine goblets and crystal
water goblets stood awaiting the honoured guests. The
very few Roshtarian attendees were already there: Sir
Londs, Mr. Fujisawa, and Nanami, secretly delighted
that her brother had not come.

Rune Venus, resplendent in her emerald robes of state,
strode forward. "Greetings, Queen Diva. On behalf of
the people of Roshtaria, I offer thanks for your
coming to this table of peace."

Mr. Fujisawa translated into Japanese, and Inari
translated for her mother.

Diva nodded her head slightly. "On behalf of the
Bugrom people, Princess Rune Venus, I thank you for
your hospitality, and for your offer of peace." Inari
repeated her mother's statement, word for word, to be
relayed back by the schoolteacher, who was trying very
hard not to catch Inari's eye.

Rune Venus indicated the cushions around the table.
"Will it please you sit, Queen Diva?"

Diva bowed again, and she and Inari settled gracefully
onto the cushions, while the other Bugrom moved back
to stand a few paces behind them. Rune Venus, Sir
Londs, Mr. Fujisawa and Nanami took the remaining
places. The remaining Roshtarian guards fell into
ceremonial stance, and the servants began to glide to
and fro. Inari winked surreptitiously at Fujisawa,
mouthing a silent, "Remember!" He coughed slightly,
trying to hide his embarrassment.

The princess of Roshtaria began. "Queen Diva, our
peoples have lived at odds for many years, but after
this conflict with the Dorylae, we can see how it is
possible for us to work together for the common good."
Inari beamed. "Yes, Papa was brilliant, wasn't he! And
I was too! Do you know how we--"

Diva silenced her with a sharp look as Fujisawa looked
flustered and Nanami snorted. "Inari, translators do
not converse," she said quietly. "They simply repeat.
Now tell me what the teacher said."

Crestfallen, the girl obeyed. Diva raised an eyebrow.
"I would very much like to believe that is possible,
Princess Rune Venus. But you will understand that
after what we have suffered over the centuries, the
Bugrom will not easily trust the Roshtarians."

"What you have suffered!" gasped Londs, when he heard
the translation. "You have raided our villages,
attacked our people-"

Rune Venus raised her hand. "Mr. Fujisawa, you will
not repeat that. Sir Londs, I speak for Roshtaria. You
will hold your peace." She turned again to Diva. "By
the same token, Queen Diva, trust does not come easily
from our side. Especially with regards to your Grand
Marshall...whom I see has not come tonight. Is he as
eager for peace as you are?"
"He is my Grand Marshall, but I am Queen and Mother of
the Bugrom. They follow me alone. And he, too, is
ultimately subject to my will."

Inari blinked, forgetting herself. "Is that true,
Mama?" she whispered.

"In more than you know," her mother whispered back.
"Now translate."

As they whispered, Nanami leaned in to her teacher.
"Do you believe that? My brother has to follow her
orders too?"
"Comes with the territory, kid. Your husband'll find
out one day, too." Before Nanami could reply, he
snapped back to repeat Inari's statement.

Rune Venus listened intently. "This is important for
us to know," she said, then saw that the servants had
entered with a large silver flagon of wine. "Ah, the
ceremonial wine is here. Let us drink a toast to the
success of our meeting tonight."

A female servant glided among the guests, filling
their goblets, but when she came to Inari, the
princess covered her glass. "Oh, I almost forgot.
Could I have please have water, instead? Papa said I
wasn't to drink while I was translating and he'd
probably hit the roof if I disobeyed him."

The servant blinked, until Fujisawa translated. He
smiled at Inari. "Tough luck, kid. Guess we can't
drink and drive, eh?"

Rune Venus called for her guest to be served water,
and then the whole company raised their goblets. "To
an end to the fighting between both our peoples -
forever." They all drank, and the servant refilled for
them. The musicians, hovering in the background,
plucked at strings, jangled bells and blew gently on
flutes as the long curtains billowed in on the soft
breeze. Everyone waited for Lune Venus to signal the
start of the feast, but she was too interested in
continuing the conversation. "We are very glad to hear
it, Queen Diva. It is important for us to know where
the true power behind the Bugrom Empire lies. For
these talks to have any meaning - "

"Mama?" Inari whispered. "Mama, are you all right?"

Diva's eyes had glazed over and she was swaying on her
cushion. Sweat had broken out on her forehead, and the
goblet shook in her hand. She tried to speak, but
couldn't. It felt as though liquid fire were racing
through her very veins.

The others were already rising. "Inari, what is it?"
Fujisawa demanded. "What's wrong with her?"

"I don't know! Mama!" Diva groaned and sank backwards
into her daughter's arms, where she lay quivering. Her
face was deathly pale, her breathing shallow.

Lune Venus motioned to her servant. "Send for Dr.
Shtalbaugh! At once!"

The servant turned to obey, when suddenly an arrow
came whistling through one of the great windows and
struck deep into the wooden table. Lune Venus swung on
the guards. "Find that archer! At once!" she cried.

The Bugrom were crowding around Diva and her frantic
daughter as the Roshtarians stared at the arrow. A
scroll of paper was tied to the shaft. "What is this!
Sir Londs, what is that paper?"

The knight nfurled it and gasped. He showed it toLune
Venus, who gave a soft cry of horror.

"What is it?" demanded Inari in Japanese. "Mr.
Fujisawa, tell me what it says!"

But Nanami, too shocked to think, replied without
thinking. "Death to the Bugrom! Roshtaria forever!"
Inari looked at her stricken mother, then at the wine
dripping from her mother's fallen goblet. "The wine!
It was poisoned!" she gasped.

Even though she spoke in Bugrom, Fujisawa realized her
meaning. He spoke in Japanese, trying to calm her.
"That's ridiculous, Inari. We all drank the same wine,
and we're fine!"

She stared at him, wide-eyed. "Of course you are!
Because it is poisonous to Bugrom!" she screamed.
"Look at my mother! And I would have drunk it too, if
it hadn't been for Papa! He was right about all of
you, all along! You - you can't be trusted!"
"Inari-" Fujisawa was moving towards her.
"Stay back!" She bared her fangs and sprang onto the
table, scattering the plates and dishes. Even the
Roshtarian guards jumped back at the sight of her.
"Chico, take mother! We're getting out of here! We're
getting out of Roshtaria! And if you try to stop us--"
she glared 'round at them, wild-eyed, "we'll take as
many of you with us as we can!"

The Bugrom surrounded Chico and Diva like a shield as
they moved towards the doors. The Roshtarian guards
moved towards them, but Lune Venus stopped them. "Let
them go! We can'tstop them, not now. But please, Mr.
Fujisawa," her voice tightened with anguish,"tell
them! Tell them I promise this was not an aggression
of the Roshtarian people and whoever did this will be
punished!"

He did, and as Inari paused at the door, he called to
her. "Sweetheart, you've gotta trust me!"

Then the door clanged shut behind er,and with it all
their hopes for peace.

For a moment they all stood, listening to the echoes
of the clacking feet hurring away. Rune Venus was
about to turn to Londs, when a messenger burst in from
the other side of the room, panting desperately.
"Majesty, forgive me. I bring you the most terrible
news..."

"We know," Rune Venus said sadly. "Leave them be."

"Leave them be?" The messenger was too horrified for
protocol. "Majesty, there is no one left to leave! The
village of Tunisha is..."