"On a Wing and a Prayer"
An Escaflowne Fanfiction by aefrae21
To Bring You Back
Author's Notes: It's a year after the end of the Escaflowne TV series. Peace has come to Fanelia, but Van is not at ease. Hitomi returns to Gaea, but not without complications. Two fragile hearts once saved an entire planet, but can they save themselves?
The sun slowly crested the hills of the Fanelian countryside, bathing the recovering nation in a warm haze. Even in this early hour, people stirred into the streets beginning the earliest activities of the day. Smoke poured from scattered chimneys, the forges lit, the day's meals in preparation. Yet, behind the castle walls was a young man who had woken long before sunrise. He raced across the well-trodden field.
Steel glinted against the light as it struck the dummy hard and fast. The wood splintered easily, crumbling into a pile at the young man's feet. He leaned lightly on his sword; sweat dripping from his hair and scalp. With a huff, he wiped his brow and straightened, rolling his shoulders back. The signature red shirt he wore was drenched and clung to his sculpted body. With effort, he pulled it off and let it drop into a pile. Van sighed. This was the only time that was truly his. Soon, the castle would be teeming with life and his day charged with duties and obligations.
Knowing that there would be hell to pay when he returned, he let his white wings burst from his back and slipped away, high into the morning sky. The wind felt cool against his skin and he closed his eyes. "Why do I do this? Everyday I fly away, just because I know they can't find me and I can have some time to think." He passed through some clouds and shook his head. "It's not as though the country isn't recovering. Gaea is settling into the calm now. Granted, there are still some who cannot forget war, but overall, the world is peaceful, isn't it?"
Lazily, Van circled round, stretching his wings wide. "So why then- Why do I feel so-" He closed his eyes, momentarily enjoying the sound and feel of the wind. "-hollow." He pondered. "Was it really the rage of war that made me feel alive? Am I such a monster?" The questions weighed heavily on his mind. "I was made King in a time of war. So how am I supposed to deal with peace? No, that's not it." He pulled his wings in tight and dived. Falling. Falling was exactly the way that it felt to lose yourself; to be empty and lost. But then- then there was her.
"Hitomi." The hesitant word slipped from his lips unbidden. In a whoosh of feathers, Van pulled out of the dive. "That's a name I haven't said in a long time." Maybe not said, but he couldn't deny that he'd thought about her a great deal. Every time he felt really alone, her face always came to mind. "Damn it." He cursed. "Why can't I forget you? You've probably found a life for yourself on your own world, on the Mystic Moon." Van cast a wayward gaze into the brightening sky, searching for the familiar blue orb. The guilt hit him like an iron weight. "Maybe if I- If I hadn't made things so difficult for her, then she'd have stayed? No-"
He laughed. "Hitomi?" he queried the empty sky. "You know, the court is trying to force me to marry? What about you? Do you have a-" Van struggled against the thought. "Stupid. It's only been a year since she left and the whole time, I've been holding on to something that really isn't mine. If only she'd-" Gritting his teeth, he clasped the glowing pendant that was constantly around his neck. "No. I can't force her. If she wants to come back, let it be her own choice." The glow subsided and the stone once again felt cool against his bare chest.
Solemnly, Van turned and headed for the castle, it's enormous structure silhouetted by the now blazing sun.
vvvvvvvvvv
"Hitomi?"
She blinked hard, eyes burning from staring out into the gleaming sky. "Hmm?" Hitomi rubbed her eyes hard.
"You were acting awfully strange. I thought for a moment you were going to disappear."
"Sorry Mom, I think I spaced out there for a minute." She smiled and lightly tapped herself on the head.
"Alright sweetheart. Now, finish your breakfast and hurry on to school. Don't want to be late the first day of the new term."
"I know, I know." She waved a slender arm. "I'm going." Sliding her track bag over her shoulder, Hitomi slipped out the door into the breaking day.
"It must have been my imagination."
vvvvvvvvvvv
"King Van!" The crowd of counselors in front of Van's bedroom door boomed. The King was obviously ignoring them again. They didn't' dare barge into his private quarters, but they generally had Merle as a back up to wake the young man. She was practically his sister; and as such, could waltz right up and roll him out of bed without consequence.
One of the men seemed to be thinking along those lines. "Someone fetch Lady Merle!"
"The Lady has not yet returned from her visit to Freid. I am afraid we are resigned to wait."
Van grinned as he pulled on his favorite pair of khaki pants. The council was sure to hate him today. First, he'd been remarkably late to return this morning. Now, he was making certain to wear comfortable clothes instead of the royal regalia that was usually forced on him. After several long, enjoyable moments of sitting on the bed listening, Van stood and opened the door.
"My liege!"
"Good morning, Sire."
"Please, your Majesty, about the proposal-"
"I won't accept it." Van returned flatly.
"But Sire, you've already turned down twenty perfectly acceptable-"
"I still have six moons, do I not?"
"Yes, but-"
Van straightened up, putting on his best 'King' face. "Then, I have a right to decline." His frown deepened. "If I may, Your Grace, there is no reason to reject these offers so hastily. Fanelia is still recovering and a bond of marriage could significantly help that recovery. A tie with Freid or Asturia could-"
"I have my reasons."
The counselor stared hard.
Van returned his glare, steeling his features. He hesitated a moment, unsure if 'the look' would work this time, but sure enough, the man bowed his head. "I apologize King Van. It was rather rude of me to question your motives. Surely you know what is best for Fanelia. However, I must remind you that as King, it is your duty to look out for your people; and as a counselor, it is my duty to present methods of doing so. I am only considering Fanelia and your best interests. Van went slack-jawed as the man turned and walked away, taking his entourage with him.
"My best interests?" he conceded quietly. "the have the kingdom's best interests in mind, I'm sure. Maybe even mine, but-"
"Council giving you a hard time again eh?"
Looking up, Van spied his long-time friend, sparring partner, and romantic rival. "Allen." He nodded. "What brings you here?" As the knight approached, Van noticed a girl walking close behind him. "And who is this?"
"Have you forgotten so soon, Van?" Allen chimed.
"Celena. It is good to see you again."
"Thank you, Van." She replied.
"Van, busying yourself with all of those silly royal duties; don't tell me your sword has gotten rusty?" Allen prodded, eyeing the King's empty hilt at his waist.
"Oh? Care for a match?" He smirked.
"Gladly."
"The practice yard?"
"Sounds good."
"Now?"
"Naturally."
"Let's go." Allen returned his grin. He had a few things weighing on his mind at the moment. A good duel would make is so much easier to talk. "Why don't you go and have some lunch, sister. We'll be a while." He waved gently.
"Okay. Have fun and don't get hurt." She scowled a little.
"My, my, you've gotten so overprotective."
Celena furrowed her brows until they threatened to erupt in the middle.
"But that face is never going to persuade me, dear sister, I suggest you work on another." He brightly chuckled.
Celena couldn't help herself and after a few quiet seconds, she was laughing too.
vvvvvvvvvv
Sparks flew as their swords collided. Allen pushed down, forcing Van into a defensive stance. He smiled. "Still turning down suitors, Van?"
He stumbled back a step. "What?"
"All of those beautiful women, leaving the castle disappointed-" Allen jumped forward.
Van spun around neatly, slicing at his friend's feet. With cat-like grace, he managed to block and the swords made contact again. "What does that have to do with anything?"
"Van, would you look at yourself?"
He ignored the serious look on Allen's face and lunged forward. His muscles tensed in the effort.
"It's because of her, isn't it?" A blow came so fast that Allen had to use both hands to defend.
"No it's not!" Van shouted.
"Oh?" He grunted. It was clear that Van wasn't focused any longer, his strikes were uncontrolled and random; there was no longer any trace of precision. Allen frowned; his friend was falling backwards in more ways than one. Time to end it. With a quick sidestep, he dodged another wild strike. Van turned, but not fast enough. He looked down to see blood oozing from a cut in his hand. The sword he had been wielding was stuck in the ground a good five feet away. He blinked hard and swallowed slowly, feeling cold steel at his neck.
"Listen to me, Van Fanel."
Van stared, eyes blazing.
"I know this is about Hitomi, so don't try to tell me otherwise." He held his sword stiff, gauging Van's reaction. The King didn't blink an eye, but his emotions were printed neatly on his sleeve. Allen had struck the right nerve. "You know, I thought I loved her once?" No reaction. "I won't deny that I was attracted to that strange girl. Maybe I still am." Van tensed. "But she pushed me away. That day-" He paused, lowering his sword. "That day at the bridge, she pushed me away. Ever since then, I cannot picture myself acting on those feelings."
Van stumbled for a reply. Was he hearing correctly? Was this Allen giving up on yet another woman? "Allen?"
"After that day, I knew that it wasn't me that she loved." He sheathed his sword and offered a hand to his friend. "I could never bring Hitomi back."
What on Gaea was Allen babbling about? Van thought as he stood. "But-"
"Ah, Celena! There you are." Allen smiled over his shoulder at the beaming girl.
"Have you two finished?"
"Yes, we were just discussing Van's lady troubles."
Van and Celena blushed a light crimson at the remark. "Allen!" Van scowled.
"Oh! Don't worry, she'll come back, just like I was able to come back to my brother." Celena rushed to her brother's side, grasping his arm firmly.
"Celena, what are you talking about?"
"The lady from the Mystic Moon; Lady Hitomi." Suddenly, she paled. "Oh- oh no- I thought- Well, when brother said- I mean-" Celena frowned. "Please forgive me Your Highness, I didn't realize."
"Come on Celena." Allen wrapped an arm casually around her shoulder. "It's going to be a long trip home." He smiled, and strode away, leaving the King dumbfounded.
vvvvvvvvvv
A mentally weary Van fell back into the soft covers on his bed. It had been a trying day. Not only had he gotten a late start, but he had then been sidetracked by Allen, made to sign papers and write contracts, and on top of it all, he couldn't get Hitomi out of his head. "Every time I have a spare moment today, she's been right at the top of my thoughts. What's wrong with me?"
He stood, muscles creaking with the effort and looked at himself in the mirror. "It's because of what Allen said, right?" He frowned. "What did he mean, 'I could never bring her back?' Not like I could-" Van froze. What if he could? He had the pendant; the link between their worlds, right? Surely, if Hitomi could activate her end of the pillar, Van could- He stifled the thought. Hitomi had her own life on the Mystic Moon. What could she possibly have here?
Still, there had been the one time, just after she left, that he had seen her. Maybe he could catch a glimpse again if he concentrated. Van closed his eyes, his resolve to leave the girl alone weakening. "What could it hurt to try? It's not like it will work." Sighing, he tried to focus on picturing Hitomi.
vvvvvvvvvv
Hitomi felt dizzy. She had been taking an evening jog through the park near the track. It had been a busy day. New teachers, new classrooms; it was still strange being called a 'senior' by her peers. She spotted a bench and wobbled onto it. "I guess I must have pushed myself too hard today." Hitomi peered around. It was odd just how comforting this place was to her. It was naturally dangerous for a young girl to be out this late, alone, but somehow, she wasn't the least bit frightened. "These trees, they remind me of-" Hitomi doubled over. In a moment, the chilling feeling passed. "What was that? It was almost like when I got my visions on Gaea."
She decided that she should head home. "It was just a bit of lightheadedness from running." Hitomi told herself. "That's all." As she walked, the chill went away and was replaced with an almost warm feeling. "What is with me today? I spaced out on Mom this morning, now I get tired after just a short run. Maybe I'm getting sick?" The trees thinned out as Hitomi stepped out of the green grass and onto the paved streets that would lead her home.
vvvvvvvvvv
Van was stunned. "There was definitely a response. Something happened." He recalled Allen's earlier words. 'He' couldn't bring Hitomi back. Maybe he was implying that Van could do it? Celena's remarks troubled his mind as well. Hitomi would come back. "Well am I supposed to call her or will she just show up in fifty years?" The thought made him angry. Hitomi wouldn't just forget him, she promised! "What good is this pendant, no, what good am I if I can't bring her back?" he mumbled. Van tried to focus on his task again. It was just like when Hitomi first taught him dowsing. 'Think of the person you want to find. Concentrate on them, their features, their personality.' Think of Hitomi's chiding remarks and brave determination. Think of her concerned frown and bright, happy smile. Think of her worried eyes, her blush-
vvvvvvvvv
Hitomi stumbled. "It's not just my imagination is it?" She looked up at the moon, slowing her walk. "Something's calling me-" A moment's focus and her heart leapt in her chest. "I know this feeling." She turned the corner slowly. "Van?"
'Hitomi' Van smiled. 'I can feel you there, can you hear me?'
"Van?" She tried again. Slumping a bit, she sighed. How foolish for her to expect him to be there waiting. "I must have been imagining it.
The girl's image began to waver in his mind. 'Hitomi? Can't you hear me? Can't you see me?'
Quietly, she ignored the persistent thrumming in her ears. "Stop it. He's not coming. He's not here. He's happy on Gaea. Just leave me alone!"
Though he couldn't hear her, Van knew that she wasn't happy. 'Something's wrong, she's yelling. Does she not want to see me?' The image remained and Van stared silently while the girl paused, then started to run.
"I just want to go home." Hitomi whispered, wiping her eyes. Why was she crying? She just ignored it and ran blindly. Her body knew the way home, even if tears blurred her eyes. Something shined in the corner of her eye and she stopped to look up. Her stomach dropped to her knees and she staggered forward.
"Hitomi!"
The headache hit her before the speeding car. She crumpled against the hood and rolled off to the side. Lying cold against the pavement, Hitomi could feel her breath slowing. Something warm was running near her head, but she couldn't see it. It must have been blood. She could hear the car door open and close. People were gathering around her, but they all faded into the muted gray background. Hitomi closed her eyes and smiled. Maybe it was only an illusion, but it felt real enough. "Van-" she breathed.
vvvvvvvvvv
"No." Van stumbled backwards. "It's not true, please, this can't be happening." He panicked. "It's my fault- I-" His mouth was dry. "I called to her, and it hurt her- then she- she- No!" He screamed, grabbing his hair roughly. "Hitomi!" He yelled, louder and with greater ferocity than any battle cry, bolder than any thing he had done in his life. Van just screamed.
vvvvvvvvvv
An ambulance siren flared in the distance and the crowd moved in to inspect the damage. Suddenly, there was a flash of blue light. Those who could keep their eyes open thought they saw an angel descend and lift the girl into the air. When it dimmed, the crowd surged forward again stopping almost immediately. A thunder of gasps and cries erupted; for the girl's mangled, bloody body had vanished.
vvvvvvvvvv
Amidst his fury, Van became vaguely aware that there was a weight pushing against him. His eyes squinted; he tried not to look, but the sickly, broken form of Hitomi had materialized in his arms. "No. Why now." Van attempted to stop the flow of tears, but it was completely futile. His cheeks were damp in moments. "Hitomi." He reached for her face, but it was cold. He drew back. "Please." Looking up at the sky, he pleaded again, "Please, don't let her die- I can't-" Lifting her wasn't an option, and there was no one nearby to help her; no healers, not even an apprentice.
In the dim light of the fading sunset, Van shivered. Hitomi was going to die in his arms, and it was all his fault. "Please," he whispered to no one, "Don't let her die. I'd give everything for her, just please-" Van's voice cracked with pain, "Let her open her eyes again. Let her forgive me for this, for the past, for everything. No. If I cannot be forgiven it doesn't matter. I just- I just want her to live. I'd do anything, give anything to let her live."
'Van-'
His head shot up. "Who's there?"
'Van, we can save her.' The gentle voice cooed.
"Who-" The room had faded away into a blue haze. Before him stood a figure that he thought he'd never see again. "Mother?"
'Van, my darling.' She smiled. 'You would give anything? You would face any consequence?' Her face turned deadly serious. 'You would let her face the consequences as well?'
There was no hesitation when he spoke, "Anything, if she could live. I don't care what becomes of me."
'I see that there is no room for argument, and Hitomi hasn't much time left.' She said.
"Just tell me how! Tell me, Mother, what can I do?" Van's fury was barely contained. If he could help her, even if it meant his life, he would do it. Did he love her that much? Love? He pushed the thought from his mind. That didn't matter. It was his fault and he would resolve this no matter what. It was his duty.
Varie smiled inwardly. Her son's eyes were an open book. 'For the young lady to survive, she will require something of yours.'
"Anything. Name it." He replied swiftly.
'Your blood.'
"Blood?"
'Yes. For you carry on the blood of the draconians: blood containing the power of Atlantis. That blood is strong. You are strong. You must share that strength with her.'
"How, Mother? Just tell me how!"
She raised a pale hand to silence her son. 'My son, I cannot lie, there will be great pain-'
"I don't care. Just tell me what to do. I want her to live."
Seeing his resolve, she continued, 'Very well. Take hold and let her draw from your strength.'
"But how do I do that-"
Varie was fading fast. 'I am sorry, but this is all the time that I can give.'
"Mother!" He reached out for her.
'Take care my son.'
"Mother!" And she was gone.
vvvvvvvvvv
The world swirled again, this time turning dark and cold. Van rubbed his arms and his breath puffed in the chilling air. Hitomi was nowhere to be seen. "Hitomi?" Van called. There was no reply. Steadily people appeared around him and the young King twisted to avoid being tread on. "Who are you- Hey!" Van had to hold up his arms to block the large man walking almost on top of him. When there was no impact, he let down his guard and turned. This was not a good idea. As he did, he saw the man, still walking and watched as a child appeared through him. "What?" he jumped.
Realization dawned at last. "They're spirits; souls walking on to their destiny. How did I get here? Am I dead? No," he said with relief, "I'm not dead, if I was, I'd be walking blindly just like the rest of these people." Van observed the zombie-like crowd. If Hitomi was anywhere in this group, he'd have to find her fast.
Van waded through the crowd, which wasn't so hard because the people were like curtains; they only provided a small resistance. Calling her name as he went, Van searched in vain. "Damn it." He cursed. "Where are you Hitomi?" There was a flash across his vision and Van felt the familiar tug of the pendant at his neck. "This way." Jogging soon turned to running blindly, ignoring the chill and the overall oddity of the situation. It had only been a minute, but it felt like an eternity to Van.
"Hitomi?" He paused, the pendant stopped it's pulling, and he reluctantly opened his eyes. "Hitomi, gods, what have I done?" The once lithe and strong girl looked like a shadow, eyes blank and unfocused. Her steps dragged at the would-be ground and she tottered from side to side. Thankfully, her wounds weren't bloody and bruised. Here, they were only cuts and patches of rough skin. Silently, Van reached for her. His hand passed right through hers. "No. Hitomi? Please!" He tried again.
"You have to wake up, please it's not your time to go!" Pleaded Van. "Hitomi, wake up!" He lunged forward and caught her in a tight embrace. Hitomi's body solidified and her head turned. Eyes, still cold and empty, started to tear and watery droplets trickled down from their corners. "Hitomi!" He had but an instant to feel the elation. Daggers of pain swarmed through his system. Everything convulsed in a wave of sudden and shocking force. Everything hurt. Van struggled to stay conscious, but the pain was too great. He blacked out.
vvvvvvvvvv
A/N: Hallo all! Well, this was intended to be a one-shot, but- if I left it as one, it'd be about thirty pages long. So, I decided to break it up into chapters. I know I should finish one story before I start another, but the plot bunnies wouldn't allow it. "Wish of Snow" requires me to get back into that storyline and those events and I promise I will! For now, I hope you can enjoy this story and have a little patience.