Of the Fire
by DeamonKatte
UPDATE JULY 26: I decided to make some character changes. My main character was becoming far too negative. Also, I would like to thank bear for pointing it out to me. I will upload the next chapter tomorrow.
Author's notes:
This is a fanfic about a girl who, like Hitomi, is transported to Gaea and thrown into a series of events that could decide the future of both worlds. Yes, I know it's been done. But believe me when I say this one has a twist to it. It will, of course, include my favorite Zaibach General, Dilandau Albatou and a character of my own design.
Here is some general info about the fic:
It has aspects of both the series and the movie.
- All the characters are about 7 years older than they were in the series.
- Dilandau and Celena were not and will never be the same person. They are twins and unrelated to Allen.
- Hitomi is still on Gaea with Van.
- There's no Dornkirk, Folken is in charge.
- All the Dragonslayers are alive and there are more than 15 of them.
- The Dragonslayers will fight with and without Gymelefs depending on their mission. (the series didn't have too much of them on horseback)
- Chesta has his power to 'see.'
The first chapter will most likely not make sense and seem completely unrelated to Escaflowne but please bear with it. Things will be more clarified in chapter two. All comments are appreciated (especially constructive ones).
Disclaimer: If I owned Escaflowne (which I unfortunately do not) there would be some MAJOR plot changes in both the movie and series.
Chapter 1: Gift From the Past
The city streets bustled with activity. Beneath the simmering lights, people were in constant motion; lost in their own recurring world. Amongst them was one not unlike, yet entirely different character. In broad daylight or any other place, this individual might have seemed peculiar or even suspicious. Here, however, none were the wiser.
The dark clad figure walked silently and in deep thought until it reached its destination. Turning a corner, it was shrouded in darkness as the person soundlessly stood, waiting for something. That something turned out to be several more individuals, similar in appearance. One spoke, "Did you bring it?"
"Of course," a voice, distinctly female, replied. This did not lessen the tension in the newly arrived persons. In fact, it seemed to heighten it.
A third voice spoke, "Then hand it over,"
They did not fail to notice the amusement in her voice as she spoke again, "Patience, patience. I will give you your payment as soon as I have the item in my possession,"
Slowly, one of the men pulled out a package from inside his coat. He walked forward until he stood a few feet from the young woman. He, like his companions, wondered if she truly was the one they'd been so cautioned about. More precisely, they doubted it.
From the little light that slivered into the ally, they could make out the form of a young woman. Long dark hair cascaded down her back as she stood, more than a head shorter than the smallest of them. Her face was masked in darkness but her voice showed she must be in her early twenties, if that.
Silently the package and a briefcase were exchanged. A black leather glove was removed, allowing slender fingers to open the package and examine the contents. Satisfied, she replaced the glove and hid the package inside her coat. "The combination is 285U on the left and 847A on the right," she old the eagerly awaiting men. Cursing followed the opening of the briefcase, "What the hell is this? Where's the money?" one of them snarled.
No reply came.
"Where's our pay?" another hissed, reaching inside his coat.
"I would advise against that course of action," she warned, voice glacial, "Your payment is that you leave here with your lives. However, I cannot guarantee that if you draw your weapon,"
The foolish man did not heed the warning and extracted his gun, sealing the fates of him and his companions.
* * * *
She placed the package on the oak desk, "Here it is,"
With graceful movements, she moved to sit in a chair across from him. The ageing man unwrapped the package to reveal a dark blue case. From inside it he took an electronic device. Satisfied, he looked up and gave her a warm smile, "This is the one. Thank you Mina,"
The young woman returned the gesture, "You're welcome,"
"Now, for your next assignment-"
"No," he stopped and looked up at her, "I'm sorry but I can't take anymore assignments," Though her eyes were soft, something he saw when he looked in them told him changing her mind would be impossible.
"I see,"
"I'm sorry," Mina repeated.
"You shouldn't be," He said as he reached inside his drawer, "It is your decision to make. In any case, I have something to give you," she lifted here eyebrows and tilted her head. "It is something your grandfather meant for you to have," Mina immediately snapped to attention, like a deer would. The graying man deposited something on the desktop before her. Reaching for it, she opened the leather case. She eyed him curiously before examining the relic.
It was a medially sized medallion of a metal she did not recognize. In it was carved the intricate design of a bird. Around this was writing in a language she did not understand. Both sides seemed identical.
"What's this?" Mina's soft voice interrupted the silence.
"Something your grandfather asked me to give you when you left. I do not know where he obtained it, but he left this letter as well," He placed a sealed envelope where the medallion's case had just lain. Mina took both and placed them inside her coat. "Thank you, for everything," an understanding glance was exchanged as she stood headed for the door. "Goodbye," It came as a whisper.
"Goodbye, and I hope we meet again,"
She paused briefly and gave him a sad smile.
The door closed before he could say anything more.
* * * *
The door of the pitch-black apartment opened, sending in a beam of light, before closing. Mina flicked the light switch, illuminating a lavish hotel room. A couch of white leather contrasted with the dark blue carpet as the crystal glass table glistened in the light. Blue curtains drawn over high windows billowed, as did the papers on a polished ebony desk. She, however, ignored these and all other splendors of the room as she dropped the coat on the nearest chair and headed for the bedroom.
Mina quickly stripped of her clothing and moved for the bathroom, wrapped in a fluffy bathrobe. Some time later, she emerged, as did the cloud of vapor from the scalding downpour she bathed under.
The shower had calmed the emotions the medallion brought forth. She remembered seeing it now, as if in a dream. All Mina knew was that it had been a family heirloom. With a sigh, she headed towards the nearly empty walk-in closet on the opposite side of the room.
After drying her hair, she donned the previously selected outfit – a pair of black leather pants and a red silk blouse that was off her shoulders with long sleeves reaching over her hands. With that, she put her leather boots and coat back on. The boots reached to just below her knees while the coat covered about a fourth of her thighs and tied closed with a leather strap. After giving the room one last check over, Mina called for a cab and left.
* * * *
Some time later, she entered a relatively large nightclub. The atmosphere was that of smoke and dark but it suited her just fine. Mina walked to the back of the room and sat in one of the high stools. Presently, the bartender came for her order.
"Tequila Sunrise," she said. Whether he should have or not, the bartender did not ask her for ID; he did not even pause to think of it. She smiled inside; of course he wouldn't, not after the first time…her drink arrived and she paid for it.
Mina had finished half of it before reaching inside her coat for the two items that had been on her mind since earlier that evening. She drew out the letter first and slowly opened it. She took another sip before reading…
My Dearest Granddaughter,
I wrote this in hopes of clarifying a number of questions you might have.
The medallion you received with this letter is a family heirloom that has been passed down in our family for centuries. It was intended that I give it to you personally but circumstances prevented that. Keep it with you always; it is of more value, in more ways than one, than anything you have ever seen before. It is a key, a solution, and an answer to problems and questions yet to arise.
Always remember what I taught you and never let your training go. You are undoubtedly the most skilled person I have ever had the honor to know. Keep these skills and this knowledge and pass them on. You are the only one now who can.
Mina, there is so much you have yet to learn about your heritage. You will with time, however. Always be strong Granddaughter. No matter what hardships you face, fight for what you care and desire. Always follow your emotions and instincts. They will never fail you.
Most of all, be yourself. Do not allow anything to control or define who you are. You are in control of your life, no one else. The Mina Seriiyan I raised was full of life, happiness, intelligence, and cunning. You brought a joy to my life like a bright star in the darkest of nights. Never let anything take those qualities away from you.
It is with all my love and caring that I bid you goodbye and wish you the best.
Love always,
Grandfather
Mina could feel her eyes filling with tears. But she would not cry. Swiftly wiping them, she placed the letter into her coat and drew out the medallion. For a long time, she just studied it, as if to memorize every detail of it. When she was satisfied, Mina fastened the relic around her neck. It was heavy, but the weight was reassuring, almost soothing.
She took her time in finishing her drink, taking it to think over all the things that had occurred in the past couple of months. Presently, she stood and headed for the doors of the club.
She didn't get far, however. Halfway across she began to hear singing. But this song was nothing like she'd heard before it was…dismissing it as the latest entertainment of the club, Mina continued towards the doors. As she walked, however, the song began to increase in volume and intensity. It reached a point where she became dizzy. Grasping for the nearest steady object, Mina tried to find the source of the song. She had no success as the room seemingly began to spin. She barely had the time to think before whatever was supporting her evaporated and she plummeted.
End Chapter
Next chapter is coming tomorrow.