Switched Destiny - 8

King Fanel is taken prisoner. Hitomi believes she can find him with something called Tarot Cards but she must prove herself to Allen before they go gallivanting all over the world, limping all the way. The girl discloses a bit of intimate knowledge about Allen himself (tragic family history, anger towards his father); Celena is only grateful that the girl didn't reveal - or wasn't given? - that knowledge, the king is rescued, and they finally make it to Palas. (Hitomi doesn’t act any differently toward the Knight so Celena assumes she was not told the secret.)

The Asturian King pretends to be in the Zaiback Stratego Folken's pocket and rebukes Allen publically.

Later, privately, Celena is part of a meeting to decide what to do about the attack; King Aston had believed Allen's claims and he gives the Knight high praise in his actions.

King Aston pits Van against three assassins to show off Escaflowne. Celena agrees with Princess Millerna that it is ridiculous, but he keeps his mouth closed. Allen understands that Merchant Meiden must see the glory of an Ispano guymelef for himself. Besides, Van shows his new maturity in the situation.

Later in the evening Allen attends a dinner party to discuss the matter of the burnings and Fanelia's aid. Both princesses and their significant others attend. She can see the happiness in the Aston family and it brings a smile to her face.

Van receives his aid and prepares to return to his country; he and Celena have a grand sparring session that evening.

Then the harbor and part of the capital burn and it is no secret that Captain Albaltou committed the crime; Van and Allen engage him but are not able to control his damage to the city.

Van and Hitomi escape but do not return. King Aston allows a Zaibackean fleet of floating fortresses to occupy Palas. Fear is felt through the city like the still before a coming storm. Celena understands that King Aston must tread a careful line: Zaiback has technology hidden in their shadowy depths. Allen is given instructions to speed to Freid and warn the Duke of a probable attack.

Late in the evening Celena is awakened from her sleep by a pull. She cannot explain it, only that they must arrive in time. The Crusade immediately sets sail in the direction, Gaddess asking once the question the men won’t ask Allen to his face: Where are they going? Is the boss crazy? They are lucky to happen upon Van and the girls and save them; but Allen is grievously injured and.........

............

............

She awakens to pain and bandages. A healer - Freidian? - is in the room with -

Oh no.

Celena tries to sit up quickly but the pain racks her body.

The healer gently pushes her down, kindness in his eyes. "I will not reveal your secret, Sir Knight. If Ishvara and the Three Dragons have allowed you to pass in your manner this long, it is not my place to dismantle your life and bring your house crashing down upon you. And if you are the same that befriended our beloved Duchess, it would be my pleasure to continue to hide your secret in her honor." He makes a sign that Celena does not recognize. Based upon his statement, she assumes it is an oath-sign.

"Thank you," she breaths.

With some time healing comes. Allen is able to meet with young Duke Chid zar Freid, whose mother had told him grand tales of a blonde Knight Caeli. The Knight was strong and able, but kind and gentle. Celena blushes and thanks Duke Chid for the blessing words. Then the boy turns sad; his mother passed a few years ago. Celena too had been grieved by the news and they share a tender moment. The Duke returns swiftly from his errand and he and Allen plan ways to defend Godashim.

Freid is attacked, this time openly, by Zaiback. They are after something and it tears Celena's heart apart that Duke Mahad had to die for them to get it. Duke Chid shows his maturity when he offers the item up as a peace offering. Fury burns in Allen's heart when Stratego Folken is the one receiving the item.