El Hazard: Continuations
Chapter 8

Makoto paced up and down the palace grounds. Nanami
had been gone for days. Kauru mentioned something
about her going to see Inari. He only hoped that she
was alright.
He wasn't so worried about Ifurita anymore. She had
been resting for the past few days since their return
from that fateful trip and the best doctors in
Florestica had been attending to her. It seemed like
she would recover in a matter of time but she needed
to rest for now.

Of course after returning from the trip, he and
Ifurita were now heroes for saving Roshtaria. He was
especially happy that perhaps now, people wouldn't be
so prejudiced against her. But everything had been at
a heavy price.

"Makoto?"
Makoto turned around to see Dr. Schtallabaugh standing
behind him, looking as if he had something to say.
"I have news to inform you."
"......"
"You see Ifurita is....that is...she is...."
Makoto's heart pumped faster at the mention of
Ifurita's name.
"I know this sounds strange but Ifurita..."
"Go on."

"She's pregnant."

Makoto's heart seemed to miss a beat for a split
second.

"What did you say?"
"I know it seems impossible but my best doctors were
examining her when we detected a slight irregularity.
After close examination, we came to the conclusion
that she must be pregnant."
*Pregnant? Hmmm....there was that incident half a
month ago.*
Dr. Schtallabaugh eyed Makoto suspiciously. "Young
man, is there something that you're not telling us?"
"......"
He sighed. "Whatever. There seems to be something that
Ifurita's not telling us too. Perhaps she would like
to share that information with you. Perhaps it would
be a good idea to see her sometime later today."

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

She was lying on the bed.
Looking like a goddess of beauty, Ifurita was resting
in a nightgown. Her eyes fluttered when she saw Makoto
walk slowly in the room. It seemed like a glow of joy
was in her as Makoto came up to her.

"I presume Dr. Schatallabaugh told you?"
"Uh-huh."

Silence.

Makoto gently brushed Ifurita's flowing hair. "I'm
just kind of surprised, that's all."

"It took me a while but now I finally understand
everything. Even Kalia knew."
"She knew?"

Ifurita sat upright, resting her back against the
bedpost and began telling her story.
"I finally understood the meaning of the message we
found in the cave. You see, being human is not just a
matter of having a human body but a human soul." She
paused for a while before continuing.
"Before I met you, I was like a shell without a soul;
merely an empty husk. You know, being human means
experiencing the joys and sorrows of being human. You
taught me to love and to care. Throwing myself into
the Eye of God for 10,000 years is not something a
machine would do but a woman in love. Then there was
Kalia. She taught me the meaning of friendship.
Together, the two of you taught me all about being
human."

She reflected on her thoughts for a second; looking up
at the ceiling. Then, she looked Makoto in the eyes
and spoke.
"My creator knew what he was doing. Tell me Makoto, do
you believe in reincarnation?" Without waiting for an
answer, she continued,"I remember this movie we saw
when we were in Japan. It was about these two souls
where no matter how many times they died, they were
fated to keep meeting life after life. As you already
know, I had lived another life before I died and was
recreated into a Demon Goddess. Technically, even
though I was created using human organisms; without a
a heart and soul, I could never been a true 'human'.
After I landed in Japan after my 10,000 years floating
through time and space, that was actually my second
rebirth even though technically, I never 'died.'It was
the birth of a human soul within me. You look
surprised, Makoto. Actually, it's not something that
happened overnight but something that metamorphosized
gradually over the months I have been with you and my
pregnancy would be proof that I can be considered
human."
"And your powers?"
"Shayla Shayla and Kauru have their powers. They are
still human. So nothing has changed. I still have my
powers and probably I don't need any more winding but
I would get my daily energy from food the same way you
do."

Makoto's hands were shaking as he slowly took out a
small colorful case out of his pocket.
"Ifurita...."
"Yes?"
"Will you....will I....I mean...will we..."

Ifurita opened the case and saw the shiny object
nested inside. A ring. She understood and tears
started to flow.
"Of course I will! Forever and ever!" She wrapped her
arms tightly around Makoto. They embraced for a long
time and neither wanted this moment to end.

"Makoto, I have a question to ask?"
"Hmmmm?"
"We both still have the ability to access each others'
thoughts. I went through some memories of yours a long
time ago and I am aware that when you were in High
School, you often dreamed of marrying Nanami someday.
I am merely curious as to whether you are sure of what
you really want."

Looking Ifurita deep in the eyes, Makoto
spoke,"Ifurita. In life, sometimes people go through a
lot of love and heartache before they find the right
person. Nanami has and always will be one of my best
friends. But I know for certain that the person I want
to spend the rest of my life with...is you."

Looking reassured, Ifurita wept softly for a second
and continued. "I suggest that we plan to have our
wedding after the current crisis is over. I would
really like to invite all our old friends and I think
it would be nice to have Queen Diva and some of our
Bugrom friends also at the ceremony."

Ifurita suddenly remembered an old Roshtarians saying
that went like so:
"When two hearts are joined as one,
The holy contract shall be sealed."

The two sat up talking all night while things stirred
outside the city of Florestica.....



#Beyond the moon, like a searchlight
One after another
Suddenly alighted an angel
So who are you?#
-(Taken from 'Escaflowne')



"I can heal you so you can go into battle."

Alielle was sitting in Ifurita's room while she was
resting. Beside her nice, clean bed were flowers
everywhere, no doubt sent by well-wishers for her role
in saving Roshtaria. Rune Venus and Makoto were also
in the room.
"That is not the point. I can't let Ifurita go into
battle because she's having a b..." Rune Venus began
but was stopped by Ifurita who placed a finger on her
lips. Ifurita turned to Alielle and spoke.
"I am aware of your powers but I am also aware that
your power is limited. and can only use it once a
day." Speaking a little louder, Ifurita
continued,"Wounded civilians and soldiers are pouring
into the capital. These people need your power more
than me. Be proud of the fact that you are doing
something useful to society."

Hearing this, Alielle nodded gently and walked quietly
out of the room. Ifurita turned to Rune Venus and
spoke,"Not many people know of the matter. I for one,
would not like Shayla, Kauru or Nanami for the matter
know something like this as I would like them to
concentrate on defending this nation."
"You know...." Makoto began.

"I already know. I overheard Dr. Schtallabaugh talking
to Makoto the other day." Makoto turned his head to
the direction of the voice to see none other than the
Fire Priestess, Shayla Shayla walk into the room.
"Congrats." She casually shook Makoto's hands and took
his surprise, she gave Ifurita a hug. As the two women
were hugging, Ifurita whispered,"You mean you're...."
"Hush...take good care of Makoto. I have an important
job to do - defending the nation." Having said that
Shayla Shayla walked out of the room. Makoto looked
surprised as this was obviously not the reaction that
he was expecting but it was Rune Venus who spoke
first, "I believe this young lady has matured a lot.
She will be a great Fire Priestess who will be
remembered for years to come."

Fujisawa stared for a long time into the El Hazardian
telescopic gizmo as he gazed into the far-off
distance. Beads of perspiration were dropping down his
forehead as he studied all that he was watching
carefully. He was on top of the highest floor of the
Florestican palace and both Shayla Shayla and Kauru
Taurus stood earnestly beside him waiting for him to
say something.

"Well?"(impatience)
"Ummmm...."

Fujisawa took his eyes away from the telescopic device
and finally set his eyes on the two priestesses.
"It looks bad. The Phantom Tribe's Army is approaching
Florestica very quickly. Not only that, it seems like
their weapons are more sophisticated. (sounding less
than confident) Of course, you must remember that we
lost a lot of our arsenal when Abzahai destroyed our
armory up north not too long ago."
Fujisawa paused, as if trying to think of what to say.
"It looks like it's going to be me and the two of you.
Roshtaria's future is depending on us."
"What about Palnus? You have been training him,
haven't you?"
"That, of course is something which I will have to
discuss with him. In the meantime, let's hope for the
best."

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

On the top balcony of the Florestican palace, Makoto
Mizuhara continued to gaze through his binoculars.

Smoke. Fire.
No doubt the work of the Phantom Tribe. And they were
fast approaching the capital of Roshtaria.

"I hope my dear Masamichi's alright."
Makoto and Ifurita gazed around to see that Miz had
also walked up to the balcony and she was surveying
the distance with her naked eye.
"You know. He just had to be the one to be a hero
defending Roshtaria even though it's not his
birthplace."
"I'm sure he will be okay," said Ifurita trying to
reassure her.

"The Bugrom," Makoto suddenly said.
"......."
"They're the ones who could probably save Roshtaria if
only...."
"What are you talking about? (Do you even know what
you're suggesting?)" Miz sounded like Makoto just
suggested that money grew on trees. "As you know,
Katsuhiko...."
"Katsuhiko Jinnai is not technically a Bugrom. He just
happens to be with them and I'm aware that he's a lost
cause as far as asking him for help is concerned. I'm
talking about Diva and Inari." Makoto sounded like he
was teaching a child how to count. "They are
reasonable people and I know they will understand the
importance of unity against a common enemy."

Miz looked dumbfounded. Ifurita however smiled as she
could see clearly now what Makoto was trying to say.

"Doo-doo. La-di-la-la-la."
Ifurita was singing gently to herself. It almost felt
like she was singing to her unborn child.

"That's a pretty song. It's unlike the Western
Classical Music or Japanese pop music that I'm
accustomed to. What is it, Ifurita?"
"No idea, Makoto." Ifurita was patting her abdomen
gently as she continued humming the tune softly. "But
I think it might have been a tune I heard as a child -
uh, I mean from my past life."

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

"They have arrived!"
"The enemy? How? Where?"

Londs was standing near the entrance of the
Florestican palace. Looking older and wiser than he
was when Makoto met him for the first time, he had
been surprised to see one of the Roshtarian soldiers
rushing to the gates.
"Over there. Look."

He didn't see it coming. While he gazed out for a
moment, the soldier took something wooden and hit him
hard on the head from behind. Londs crumpled to the
ground, unconscious as a little blood trickled out.
The soldier merely smiled as his features dissolved to
that of a Phantom Tribesman. Carefully, he opened the
gate and several more of his comrades joined him....

Lady Fatora.
A member of the Roshtarian royal household who
unfortunately for most of her life prefered to spend
her time on frivolous things than important matters of
national concern.
It was just one of thos days and as usual today, she
was scampering around the palace looking for some
palace maidens whom she could have "fun" with.
She stopped dead in her tracks when she saw a familiar
figure lying in the grass near the entrance.
Cautiously, she knelt down and tried to see what she
could do.
*Londs?*
To her shock, she saw a little blood trickling down
his head. Trying her best not to panic, she tried to
see if he was still conscious.
"Are you okay? Please say something."

The figure opened his eyes with great difficulty. He
opened his mouth as he struggled to say something.
"The....Phantom Tribe. They've arrived."
He fell unconscious again.

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

*I'll get these little sons of.....*
Shayla Shayla was looking around the destroyed homes
where a battalion of Phantom Tribe soldiers were
reportedly deployed. She felt a slight sorrow at
seeing some destroyed homes and even greater anguish
at the fact some innocent Roshtarians had to suffer.

She turned briefly and saw them coming at her.

"HYAAA!"
Shayla released her trademark fireball attack at some
Phantom Tribe soldiers. While they hesitated for a
while, Shayla suddenly realized with horror that none
of them were hurt by the flames.

*They're wearing flame-retardant clothes? Is this some
of the new technology the Phantom Tribe's scientists
have been working in secret while in hiding for so
long?*

WOOOSSHH!
A jet stream of water from behind knocked the soldiers
cold saving Shayla Shayla just in time. The Fire
Priestess turned and was never more relieved to see
Kauru Taurus, who had just saved her life. Afura Mann
soon showed up and the three priestesses fought hand
in hand to defend their beloved nation.

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

Palnus was lying down on the palace balcony, idly
sunning himself while listening to the sounds of
running water from a nearby fountain. Mr. Fujisawa had
decided to give Palnus the day off today as a reward,
since he had been working so hard on his training for
the last couple of weeks. Palnus had spent the day
doing what he was best at--which included goofing
around and slacking off, with a little bit of
skirt-chasing thrown in for good measure.

Now, it was late in the afternoon, and Palnus decided
to take a quick nap. It wasn't long after he dozed off
when he heard alarmed cries rising from inside the
palace.

"Quickly, we're under attack--"
"Organize the troops, we musn't let them--"
"Have every man able to fight stand by--"

Slightly annoyed at having his nap disturbed, Palnus
walked back inside and decided to see what was going
on. Palnus opened the door that lead to the palace
halls and peeked his head out.

"Hey, what's all the commotion? You guys are loud
enough to wake the dea--"

Before Palnus could finish his sentence, a small group
of soldiers ran past him, knocking him to the ground.
Palnus got to his feet as he watched them run off.
Palnus grumbled to himself as he wiped the dust off
his clothes. "Big dumb oafs! Don't they know it's rude
to trample someone to death?"

Just then, he saw Fatora run up to him. She was as
pale as a ghost, and she seemed to be one step away
from panicking.

"Fatora, what's wrong? Just what's going on around
here?" he demanded.

Fatora's response made Palnus' whole body go cold.

"...They...they got Londs! The Phantom Tribe! They're
here!"

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

An ominous wind blew.
Across the barren landscape, there wasn't any sign of
life. The sounds of animals of the land did not
reverbrate here and all was still. The silence was
only occasionally relieved by the sound of small
insects buzzing.

Movement. Something moved.
Like a phoenix rising up from the ashes of the dead,
something moved momentarily. It stopped again and was
still.

Then it got up. The figure arose. Hesitating for a
moment, it looked around and glanced at the remains of
its opponent lying beside it. Standing erect, the
figure took in the breeze that was blowing in its
face. It was hard to tell from the expression on its
face as to what the figure was thinking about. Happy?
Sad? No one knew?


She had been in a coma for who-knows-how-long. It was
a testament to the prowess of her creators that her
wounds had healed and she had simply regenerated her
energy while lying unconscious all this while. You
might even say that her recovery was nothing short of
a miracle.

The air. It was in the air.
The cries of anguish. The pleas of despair.
People she cared for; people she loved were in danger.


She had to go.

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

The commotion in the gardens had caught the attention
of the people in Florestican Palace. Miz and Dr.
Schtallabaugh were bending over (looking concerned)
and looking over at Londs. Lady Fatora and some of her
courtiers were also standing by the side, looking
rather worried. No one seemed to know what to do.

It was Makoto who first spotted the figures standing
on the palace balcony. Everyone turned their heads in
horror towards the direction of his upraised finger.

The Queen of Roshtaria, Rune Venus was standing there,
looking pale. But she was not alone. Beside her stood
a man and several of his followers, obviously from the
opposing forces. There was a knife pointed menacingly
at her throat and strong arms grabbed her from behind
making it almost impossible for her to move.

"I have to do something," Ifurita began to whisper
into Makoto's ear.
"But...."
"Trust me."

Letting out a sigh, Makoto reluctantly nodded as he
and Ifurita sneaked back into the palace while
everyone's attention was focused on the scene
unfolding upstairs.

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

Walking at the head and command of his troops, Nahato
began the advance of his soldiers into the Roshtarian
capital. As the glare of the sun shone against his
youthful face, the blazing intensity in his eyes was
frightful even to his own troops.......

He was laughing to himself as he approached the gate
of the Florestican Palace with his soldiers behind him
and forced the gate open.

While the main body of his army was busy distracting
Fujisawa and the priestesses outside the capital, he
and a select company of men had infiltrated the city,
sometimes in disguise. For was it not true that the
Phantom Tribe were masters of deception and illusion?
Nahato smiled as four of his most capable men were now
up in the palace balcony holding the Queen hostage.
Soon...very soon, he would show the Roshtarians......


Makoto hesitantly opened the door to the balcony
slowly as Ifurita stood beside him. His heart almost
missed a beat when the door made a slight creaking
noise. Luckily for him, the occupants of the balcony
had their backs turned to him and Ifurita.

They slowly walked.
Closer.
And closer.

"Stay where you are!!!!"
Makoto and Ifurita were speechless when one of the men
turned towards him.
"Move one step closer and your queen gets it."
His dagger startled to caress Rune Venus' neck slowly
while she just closed her eyes.

She looked at Makoto and spoke in a soft but
commanding voice,"My life is not as important as the
people of Roshtaria. It's okay if I give up my life as
long as the people are free and liberated. Do what you
must!"

"No, your highness! Roshtaria doesn't have anyone else
capable of ruling. Without you, the kingdom will
collapse and fall!" Makoto glanced over the balcony
was surprised to hear that it was Lond's voice. Even
though he was weak and he was still lying in the
gardens downstairs in pain, his emotional-sounding
voice was still strong enought to be heard upstairs.

Makoto knew there was only one thing for him to do and
he had to do it.....

The next few seconds seem to move very slowly but they
would forever be etched in Ifurita's memory. Throwing
the power staff that he had been carrying all along to
Ifurita, he ducked down. Ifurita grabbed her staff
with sure deftness and as the Phantom Tribesman began
to react, she was quicker.

A red flower on the ground.
Blurred voice yelling.
People moving.>

She fired a clear shot which passed through Rune
Venus' cloak causing a small hole which missed her
skin but hit the man holding her from the back at his
abdomen. He let out a soft cry as he dropped the
dagger and fell into a pool of his own blood.

Like a world-class sprinter, Makoto picked the falling
Rune Venus by his arms and deftly let out a swift kick
at the shin of one of the men who reacted and sent him
sprawling down in pain.


Nahato who was watching all of this from downstairs
was displeased. "It doesn't matter, men. Their
soldiers are still in the battlefield fighting and the
palace is sparsely defended. With this number of men
and with our more sophisticated weapons, we can still
take the throne. (and I will crown myself the
ruler....) Advance......"


Nahato never had a chance to see what hit him.
A flash of light from above, like the lightning wrath
of the heavens tore down and hit him in the chest. He
was down and his corpse crumpled to the ground before
he even knew what hit him.

Nahato's men looked up in shock as they glanced
upwards to the direction of the light. A young girl
with short, white hair was standing in mid-air as she
held her power staff upright while looking down at
everyone.Pointing to the Phantom Tribe soldiers with a
stern look, she started to open her mouth.
"I am the Demon Goddess Kalia. Your leader is gone. I
have no quarrel with you men so I suggest you all
leave this place before I change my mind. Now,
LEAVE!!!!!"

Without even looking back, the soldiers exited the
palace quietly. Without a strong leader to lead them,
they knew that the war was over.
Seizing this chance, Ifurita turned to the tribesmen
still on the balcony and spoke to them in a loud
voice,"The same goes for you people. Leave NOW!!!"
Without arguing, they walked downstairs and slowly
trudged out of the courtyard without a word.

Kalia turned her gaze towards the direction of the
palace balcony. Her frown slowly gave way to a
widening smile. She turned her direction towards the
balcony and flew there.


Tears were streaming down Ifurita and Kalia's faces as
they hugged first before Kalia also hugged Makoto.
Makoto looked happy but a little puzzled.
"I...I'm happy that...but I thought..."
"Me? How I survived? My creators designed me well.
It's a long story but I'm just happy to be together
again with people I really care for."

Rune Venus smiled at the scene as an emotional Kalia
and Ifurita hugged each other once again. *If former
enemies can be best of friends, then perhaps the land
of El Hazard has hope for its future.*

The reunion scene was interrupted by the cries of
Makoto who was looking through his binoculars.
"This is unbelievable." He was waving excitedly as he
gestured frantically towards the horizon. Rune Venus
only saw some faint figures in the distance but the
rumbling noise far way seemed to be getting bigger.
"The Bugrom. The Bugrom!!! They're attacking the
remaining flanks of the Phantom Tribe Army from one
end and our Roshtarian troops are attacking from the
other end causing the enemy to be trapped in the
middle!!!"