Date. 02.09.2002 ---UPDATE---
Time. 6.41 pm
Chapter 1
Copyright I do not own The Vision of Escaflowne. If I did, I'd be rolling in the dough. If they made more merchandise, then they would be rolling in even more dough. Don't get me started on that. ^_^* Anyhoo, I do own Kyia, Eli, Ashira, and Sekhmet so don't take them from me.
Author's Notes. ---UPDATE--- Rota Fortunae has been finished for a month or two now and I've been doing some revising. I've noticed a lot of errors *and* a lot of other things that I wanted to expand on but forgot to do. So without any a-do do, here's Rota Fortunae Revised.
The Vision of Escaflowne. Rota Fortunae
Chapter 1. Bless the Wings
* * *
The sun crested over the sharp rocky mountains as it did for countless years. The golden rays reached across the land, touching everything with its warm light. However, it could never reach the valley of Fanelia deep within the mountains until the sun hung overhead; the inhabitants almost never could stop and watch the actual sun rise.
Not like they had any time to.
On this beautiful morning, the new palace was full of bustling people, running back and forth with chairs, tables, food, and more. Some people stood shouting orders while others obeyed.
Kyia couldn't take it anymore. She already had a headache and the screaming yells began to make it pound within her skull. She had to sit down. Otherwise, she was afraid she might bite someone's head off the next time they yelled at her. Leaning her handcrafted wood chair against the wall, she plopped down with a sigh and began to massage her temples.
"Ky!" a harsh voice broke her concentration. "What do you think you're doing?"
Ky looked up to see wrinkled blue eyes staring back at hers. Full of anger... and yet... concern, also. She lifted her dark gray eyes to look upon him.
"Sorry, Father," she apologized. "I just needed to take a breather. I'll get up in a minute."
"No," Eli looked at his daughter. "I mean, what are you doing here? Aren't you supposed to be in the kitchen preparing food?"
"Yeah," she gazed down at the floor again. "I was until the head chef kicked me out because I burned another pot of food."
"Again? That's the second time this week, Ky."
"I guess I wasn't cut out to be a chef." Tears swelled in her eyes. "Not like Mother."
Eli sighed and sank to his knees, drawing Kyia into his arms. "She was the best, wasn't she? Gods rest her soul."
She nodded in agreement, but pulled away, holding her head in her hands.
"You still have that headache, don't you?" Eli asked softly.
"It'll pass."
"That's what you said four days ago." He looked around and leaned in to whisper into her ear.
"Take my job. I'll work in the banquet hall. You go to the King's quarters and air out the bed."
"Won't he get mad at you if there's someone new doing it?" Kyia was puzzled. Her father was a loyal servant to the King for 20 years now, almost His Majesty's entire life.
"He probably won't be there. He needs to get ready for the festivities tonight." He pointed out the open doors to where his rooms were. "Go to the linen closet just to the right and fetch the nice white sheets." With a kiss on her forehead, he turned and walked into the Great Hall.
Ky stood there, watching after him for a second, then sighed.
At least it will probably be quiet in his room, she thought. But I have to change his sheets?
She walked slowly, enjoying the fresh air instead of the hot spicy aroma inside the kitchen. I shouldn't complain about Lord Van. He has done so much more for his people than I will ever do in my life. It was Lord Van who ended the Great War seven years ago. It was Van who broke up the remaining forces of Zaibach and helped plan the Act of Alliance with many other kingdoms of Gaea. It was Van who reunited the people of Fanelia again and rebuilt the entire country. This will be my small contribution and gratitude for what he has done.
She grabbed the sheets from the linen closet and knocked gently on the great doors at the end of the hall. The seal of Fanelia crested the rather new wood. Father was right, she thought. It will be a lot quieter. She turned the knob and stepped inside the King's quarters.
It was nothing like she would ever expect from someone who was wealthy and powerful. The room was extremely large, though simple: an expansive bed, a small table next to it, a desk, and some carved chairs, everything with a tinge of burgundy, Fanelia's color. There were two hardly opened doors that led out to the giant balcony, each covered with a frail lace curtain. The only item that would give the room some character was the hand-woven rug that covered the hard wood floor. It almost told a story. A knight and his maiden surrounded by mystical creatures like dragons and unicorns. Like a fairy tale, Ky thought sadly as she ripped the comforter off the bed. I wish my life were that exciting.
"May I help you?" a male voice asked from behind her. Ky whirled around to see who the voice belonged to, but immediately kneeled when she recognized him.
"I'm sorry, My Lord," she said, falling to her knees, eyes faced downwards. "I was only putting on fresh sheets on your bed and..."
"That's quite alright," Van said, a small smile on his face. "Please, stand up." He put his hand out to accept hers. Ky grasped it, blushing slightly. She couldn't help it. Lord Van was one of the most handsome men in all of Gaea. He wore a simple white linen shirt with his normal, everyday khaki riding pants.
"Thank you, My Lord," she said, staring into his dark mahogany eyes. They seemed so distant, so ancient, as if they could pierce into her soul.
"Please, no titles today," he said. "Just Van." He gathered the sheets she had dropped onto the floor. "Let me help you."
"Alright," she replied, somewhat confused. Isn't this why kings have servants? So they don't have to make their beds? She gathered two corners of the white linen and threw it over the bed. She smoothed out the wrinkles with her hands and began to tuck in the excess. Van did the same on the other.
"Your father is Eli Tavi?" Ky nodded "And your mother was Delphin Tavi, wasn't she?"
Ky felt a single tear run down her cheek when he mentioned her mother. "Uh... yes," she said, trying to muffle the sound of her grief.
"I remember she used to come out and chat with my mother in the gardens after breakfast," Van reminisced. "She brought out some delicious cookies for my brother and I..." He stopped. "I'm very sorry for your loss, Kyia. If there is anything you need, come straight to me."
"Th...thank you, My... I mean, Van," she bowed, amazed that he actually knew her full name. "That means so much to me."
"You can go now, Kyia," Van stood. "I can finish my bed."
She bowed again and turned towards the great-carved oak doors.
"Will I see you tonight at the reconstruction celebration?" he called after her. She turned to face him, nodded, and continued on her way, gently shutting the door as she left him alone with his thoughts.
* * *
Van threw the scarlet comforter over the smooth, clean sheets and straightened the pillows at the head. Satisfied that he could actually make his own bed, he walked back to the balcony where he was when Kyia first arrived. He watched some on the townspeople preparing the giant courtyard for that night's celebration of completing Fanelia. It only took seven years to do it, he thought unhappily. It should have been done a long time ago.
Not that it was completely his fault that the rebuilding of Fanelia was put on hold for two years. He and Allen Schezar traveled to many another cities to create the Act of Alliance, joining together to help rebuild what the Zaibach Empire destroyed during the Great War. Allen returned to his post along with his newfound sister, Celena. They visited a few times, complementing Fanelia's production. But they haven't seen the finished Fanelia, he thought, excited that his friends were all flying in. Allen, Celena, Queen Millerna, Dryden... even Merle was taking a break from her studies in Kadmos just to visit him. But the one person he wanted there more than anyone was out of his reach...
Van never realized how lonely he truly was until Merle, the last of his true friends, left him. She came up to him one day, completely out of nowhere, saying that she wanted to go to school. Van was surprised that she'd want to leave, but respected her wishes. Now, for two years, the castle was so empty to him. He missed seeing her lying in the courtyard sunning herself. He missed her screams of joy when she saw his face and comforted him. She was the sister he never had and wished he had once again. But he still longed for Hitomi to be by his side.
He sighed and slumped to the ground. His long raven black bangs fell into his eyes. No matter how many times he tried, those stupid bangs continued to cover half his face. His mother said it was a Fanel family trait; his father's hair did the same.
He looked up to the two moons hanging in the sky, the slightly larger one with blue oceans and green land in particular. Hitomi had pointed out which landmass she lived on, but there was too many smaller parts to remember such a small place. He hadn't spoken to her in almost five years. At first, their connection was playful; he'd often come visit her in her dreams and he would see her beautiful smile and sparkling emerald eyes. Then, he could only feel her emotions, and could comfort her when she was sad by sending her feelings of concern. But even that didn't last. Their psychic link deteriorated, leaving Van wishing he had not taken it for granted. Every now and then, he could get a faint sensation of her, but that was all. He grasped the salmon stone about his neck, his last reminder of her. He could remember so fondly the moment she passed it onto him...
---"Here, Van," she had said, looking at the soft grass. "Please take this..."
He reached out as she placed the pendant into his bare hand, its cool exterior feeling odd on his skin. As she lowered it into his palm, her own hand held his gently, lingering momentarily. He didn't know what to do, though his emotions drove him crazy. Pulling her in closer, they stood in the clearing by the memorials, lasting in the moment. She fit so well against him... a perfect match.
And then she was gone.---
He never got to say the things he longed to say... the things he longed to do...
"Hitomi..." he whispered.
A harsh knocking upon the door interrupted his thoughts. Kyia, maybe, with more clean laundry? Another knock pounded against the wood. No, too strong. It must be Palos. He sighed and returned to his room.
An elderly man dressed in royal robes entered the bedroom, accompanied by two servants. He bowed slightly when he saw Van, then stood upright.
"You're not going to be wearing those tonight, are you Palos?" Van pointed to the elegant silk that his Chief Advisor was wearing. "Tonight is as informal as possible. I want all the people of Fanelia to attend to feel as comfortable as possible. Not everyone has such a luxury of wearing such fine cloth to a celebration."
"Don't worry, My Lord," Palos said, a little annoyed. He did not like Van's decision of letting the so-called "commoners" of Fanelia attend the celebration in the royal courtyard. Van argued that they were the ones that deserved the festivity, having spent seven years restoring their country to its once former state. "I will change before the guests arrive."
Van moved to retrieve a shirt from his armoire. "And speaking of guests," Palos added. "Sir Allen Schezar and his sister, Lady Celena, have just arrived moments ago.
Van removed his white linen shirt and put on his everyday red riding shirt. "Good. I'll be down to meet them in a minute."
Palos nodded and left the room, along with the two silent servants. Van straightened himself up and soon followed.
* * *
Racing down the long corridor, Van smiled and thought to himself. It's going to be like old times tonight. Allen, Celena, and Merle are all going to be here. Except, I wish that *she* were here...
He paused when he reached the front courtyard upon hearing Allen's deep voice and Celena's sweet one. However, both voices did not sound too cheerful...
"...of all the arrogant things you could say, Celena, why did you have to come up with that one?!" Allen yelled, finally coming into view. His long golden hair swayed as he walked up the stairs to where Van stood. Celena was a few paces behind.
"I'm sorry, Brother. I didn't mean for it to come out like that. But you brought this upon yourself, you know!" she protested back. Her pale blue dress was much too long for her, Van noticed; she had to pick up the excess in order not to trip over her feet.
"Oh, so this is my fault now? Really, Celena, you can be so insensitive sometimes." Allen walked past Van, his eyes filled with rage. "Hello, Van. Nice to see you again. I'll talk to you later, but right now, I'll be in my room!"
Celena finally reached a surprised-looking Van at the top of the steps. He stared after him for a few seconds, then turned to his friend. "What was that all about?" he asked her after giving her a soft kiss on her knuckles.
"Oh, he found a gray hair and a wrinkle a few days ago, and I just happened to mention it a few moments before the Crusade landed." She tucked a strand of her silvery locks behind her ear and crossed her arms in front of her chest. "And I thought women were the only ones that got all huffy over their looks."
Van let out a small chuckle. Allen always worried about his appearance.
Celena turned to look at him, surprised at his outburst of merriment. "You're sure in a good mood tonight," she said, smiling. "Any particular reason?"
"I'm just happy that everyone has come back," he replied, looking down at her sparkling sky blue eyes. "It's weird, really. I never realized how lonely I was until...until..."
"...until your connection broke with Hitomi," she finished. She urged him to sit on the steps with her and tell her everything. Van agreed, and the two sat at the top.
"I always thought that someday, she'd come back," he said. "I figured that she'd want to come back to Gaea. I thought she liked it here." He paused. "But it's been seven years since she left, and there's been no evidence of her wanting to return. I've lost her forever."
Celena looked at him with saddened eyes. "Maybe this was never meant to be, Van." She stroked the hair out of his eyes. "This isn't her world. Maybe she feels she doesn't belong here. You told me that she always wanted to go back. She had family and friends back there."
"Maybe..." he mumbled. "But why do I ache so much when I can't see her smile or hear her voice?"
Celena didn't have time to answer his question. Allen stomped up to them from behind.
"Don't let her get too close to you, Van," he said, his tone mocking. "She might fish out a gray hair or two."
"Get over it, Allen!" Celena yelled. Van couldn't help smiling. No matter where they were, the Schezars always managed to fight about the little things. A true brother and sister fight. Suddenly, he wanted to have his own brother back again.
"C'mon, Van," Celena said cheerfully, trying to break the tension. "Let's go get ready for your party!" She gave her hand to help him up from the steps. Van hesitated, then accepted it. He was rather pleased that he and Celena had become good friends over the years. It was awkward at first; he could not believe that this fragile young woman was once the infamous Dilandau, Van's nemesis. Celena felt uncomfortable as well. It was difficult for her to get used to her new surroundings, having been gone for years. However, her old behavior quickly returned and he could see that the remnants of the pyrophile had died the day he turned back to Celena. The day that he realized how he truly felt about... her.
Hitomi. Her name touched his tongue like a sweet spring apple. She said that she wanted to stay on Gaea, but he pushed her away. How stupid I was, he thought. And here, my friend says to get over her and find someone new. Someone can't just replace her like a new possession or something.
He sighed loudly. Celena looked into his eyes, sensing her words still troubled him. She wished she knew how to ease her friend's pain.
"Lord Van!" a deep, masculine voice called from behind them. Van whirled around and glanced down the stairs to see who had shouted his name.
A broad shouldered man walked briskly to meet with the King and company. He was much older than Allen, black hair streaked with silver dressed in fine garments and multiple badges representing general status. A young woman trailed behind him, eyes facing the floor.
"My Lord," he said, trying to catch his breath. "I am pleased I was able to find you. The servants said that you would be around here greeting some friends."
"Please forgive, sir," Van spoke abruptly. "But I didn't catch your name?"
"So sorry," he replied, a smirk appearing on his wide face. "I am General Sekhmet, Lord of the Mafdet Fort near Kadmos." He snapped his fingers and the young woman appeared next to his side. "And this is my daughter, Lady Ashira."
"I'm honored to meet you, My Lady," Van bent down, kissing Ashira's hand. He looked into her eyes, seeing only deep sapphire ones staring back. Her long blonde hair flowed down her shoulders, a cascading waterfall of various gold. She was much smaller than him, only barely coming up to his shoulder. There was something about this woman... something that kept him so preoccupied by just simply looking at her...
She blushed slightly. "As am I, My Lord," she said with a smile.
Van remained fixated upon her until Celena cleared her throat rudely, signaling to him that it was time to break it up.
"Oh, sorry, these are my dear friends, Sir Allen Schezar and his sister, Lady Celena," he said, trying to clear his mind. He turned back to Ashira. "Will I see you at the festivities tonight?"
"Only if His Highness will promise to save me a dance," she answered, a light rose tinge appearing on her cheeks.
"I promise," Van said absent-mindedly, still lost in her eyes.
Her eyes drifted down to the pendant he wore around his neck. "That's a beautiful stone, My Lord."
"Thank you," His hand rose to grasp it, as he has done on countless sleepless nights.
"I wish an audience with you, Sire, tomorrow morning concerning upcoming necessities," Sekhmet spoke up. "And Sir Allen, I wish that you would attend as well."
Allen nodded in agreement. Sekhmet bowed and walked with Ashira following down the hall to where the guests lodged. Van's gaze never left her until Celena stomped on his foot.
"Ow! Gods, what was that for?!" he yelled, rubbing his sore toes.
"What was that all about?" she yelled back, demanding answers.
"Nothing, I was trying to be friendly, that's all."
"Yeah. A little too friendly. You were downright charming! What was that crap about 'promising to dance with me'?"
"I don't know. Maybe she wanted to get to know Yours Truly."
Celena snorted. "I don't think so." Her eyes went cold as she followed the blonde woman and the General. "I'm sorry but I just don't trust her."
Van began to get flustered. "You just told me to forget Hitomi and find someone new!"
"Don't be putting words in my mouth! All I said that she is from the Mystic Moon and you're here on Gaea. You are literally from two different worlds. It would be hard for her to leave everyone behind."
"So what are you saying then?"
Celena sighed. "Just follow your heart, Van. It will tell you what to do." With that, she turned and left Van alone in the hallway.
* * *
Sekhmet closed the double doors as soon as Ashira walked through them. She heard the faint click as he locked them, then started to giggle madly. She ran to the large bed and began to bounce on it.
"I can't believe we just pulled that off!" she said, laughing hysterically. "'Only if Your Highness promises to save me a dance.' What was that all about? How stupid and dense can you be?"
"Shhhh... they can probably still hear you, Ashira," Sekhmet snapped at her. "Do you want to screw this operation?"
Ashira silenced immediately. "But did you see it?" she cried. "The pendant was right there, around his neck! I could have taken it and..."
"And then what? Arrested by the guards and thrown in the Fanelian jail? No thank you! Tomorrow, I will convince Van to consider you eligible to become his Queen. Then, we can just take the pendant AND this retched little country."
"Imagine it, Sekhmet. Become Queen and have the legendary power of Gaea at the same time. I bet they don't even know what its true power is."
* * *
"Gods, Van. I'd forgotten how beautiful this garden is!" Celena bent down and inhaled the sweet perfume of the lily.
"You sure have done some amazing things around here," Allen complemented. It was true, though. Van put so much time and effort into his capital's appearance. The city part was finished first a year ago, then the castle. Van made sure that his citizens had a roof over their heads before he did. The palace was expanded a little bit more, putting in more technologies into it. But it still did not feel complete to him.
"Thank you, Allen," Van replied.
The noonday sun stared straight down on the three, blazing and blinding. It was unbelievable that the winter season would begin in a few colors.
"Now what path is that right there?" Celena pointed at a dirt trail hidden in thick brush.
"That one goes to the family memorial in the glade. I can take you there later if you want. It's quite beautiful. At this time of year, we get..."
A blaze of fire seemed to ignite inside of him, clawing and scratching at him with flames. Van stumbled, landing painfully on his knees. He clutched his chest and groaned. Celena fell beside him, shaking him with concern and fear painted on her face.
"Van! What's wrong!? What happened?"
The pain stopped as abruptly as it had arrived. Van took in long, deep breaths of air and stared at the glowing pendant in his hands.
"Its her. Something's wrong."
* * *
to be continued...
Alright, so not many things have been changed. It was mostly errors that needed definite correcting. But I plan on changing a lot of things in all the chapters, mostly additions.
---jigglykat
Time. 6.41 pm
Chapter 1
Copyright I do not own The Vision of Escaflowne. If I did, I'd be rolling in the dough. If they made more merchandise, then they would be rolling in even more dough. Don't get me started on that. ^_^* Anyhoo, I do own Kyia, Eli, Ashira, and Sekhmet so don't take them from me.
Author's Notes. ---UPDATE--- Rota Fortunae has been finished for a month or two now and I've been doing some revising. I've noticed a lot of errors *and* a lot of other things that I wanted to expand on but forgot to do. So without any a-do do, here's Rota Fortunae Revised.
The Vision of Escaflowne. Rota Fortunae
Chapter 1. Bless the Wings
* * *
The sun crested over the sharp rocky mountains as it did for countless years. The golden rays reached across the land, touching everything with its warm light. However, it could never reach the valley of Fanelia deep within the mountains until the sun hung overhead; the inhabitants almost never could stop and watch the actual sun rise.
Not like they had any time to.
On this beautiful morning, the new palace was full of bustling people, running back and forth with chairs, tables, food, and more. Some people stood shouting orders while others obeyed.
Kyia couldn't take it anymore. She already had a headache and the screaming yells began to make it pound within her skull. She had to sit down. Otherwise, she was afraid she might bite someone's head off the next time they yelled at her. Leaning her handcrafted wood chair against the wall, she plopped down with a sigh and began to massage her temples.
"Ky!" a harsh voice broke her concentration. "What do you think you're doing?"
Ky looked up to see wrinkled blue eyes staring back at hers. Full of anger... and yet... concern, also. She lifted her dark gray eyes to look upon him.
"Sorry, Father," she apologized. "I just needed to take a breather. I'll get up in a minute."
"No," Eli looked at his daughter. "I mean, what are you doing here? Aren't you supposed to be in the kitchen preparing food?"
"Yeah," she gazed down at the floor again. "I was until the head chef kicked me out because I burned another pot of food."
"Again? That's the second time this week, Ky."
"I guess I wasn't cut out to be a chef." Tears swelled in her eyes. "Not like Mother."
Eli sighed and sank to his knees, drawing Kyia into his arms. "She was the best, wasn't she? Gods rest her soul."
She nodded in agreement, but pulled away, holding her head in her hands.
"You still have that headache, don't you?" Eli asked softly.
"It'll pass."
"That's what you said four days ago." He looked around and leaned in to whisper into her ear.
"Take my job. I'll work in the banquet hall. You go to the King's quarters and air out the bed."
"Won't he get mad at you if there's someone new doing it?" Kyia was puzzled. Her father was a loyal servant to the King for 20 years now, almost His Majesty's entire life.
"He probably won't be there. He needs to get ready for the festivities tonight." He pointed out the open doors to where his rooms were. "Go to the linen closet just to the right and fetch the nice white sheets." With a kiss on her forehead, he turned and walked into the Great Hall.
Ky stood there, watching after him for a second, then sighed.
At least it will probably be quiet in his room, she thought. But I have to change his sheets?
She walked slowly, enjoying the fresh air instead of the hot spicy aroma inside the kitchen. I shouldn't complain about Lord Van. He has done so much more for his people than I will ever do in my life. It was Lord Van who ended the Great War seven years ago. It was Van who broke up the remaining forces of Zaibach and helped plan the Act of Alliance with many other kingdoms of Gaea. It was Van who reunited the people of Fanelia again and rebuilt the entire country. This will be my small contribution and gratitude for what he has done.
She grabbed the sheets from the linen closet and knocked gently on the great doors at the end of the hall. The seal of Fanelia crested the rather new wood. Father was right, she thought. It will be a lot quieter. She turned the knob and stepped inside the King's quarters.
It was nothing like she would ever expect from someone who was wealthy and powerful. The room was extremely large, though simple: an expansive bed, a small table next to it, a desk, and some carved chairs, everything with a tinge of burgundy, Fanelia's color. There were two hardly opened doors that led out to the giant balcony, each covered with a frail lace curtain. The only item that would give the room some character was the hand-woven rug that covered the hard wood floor. It almost told a story. A knight and his maiden surrounded by mystical creatures like dragons and unicorns. Like a fairy tale, Ky thought sadly as she ripped the comforter off the bed. I wish my life were that exciting.
"May I help you?" a male voice asked from behind her. Ky whirled around to see who the voice belonged to, but immediately kneeled when she recognized him.
"I'm sorry, My Lord," she said, falling to her knees, eyes faced downwards. "I was only putting on fresh sheets on your bed and..."
"That's quite alright," Van said, a small smile on his face. "Please, stand up." He put his hand out to accept hers. Ky grasped it, blushing slightly. She couldn't help it. Lord Van was one of the most handsome men in all of Gaea. He wore a simple white linen shirt with his normal, everyday khaki riding pants.
"Thank you, My Lord," she said, staring into his dark mahogany eyes. They seemed so distant, so ancient, as if they could pierce into her soul.
"Please, no titles today," he said. "Just Van." He gathered the sheets she had dropped onto the floor. "Let me help you."
"Alright," she replied, somewhat confused. Isn't this why kings have servants? So they don't have to make their beds? She gathered two corners of the white linen and threw it over the bed. She smoothed out the wrinkles with her hands and began to tuck in the excess. Van did the same on the other.
"Your father is Eli Tavi?" Ky nodded "And your mother was Delphin Tavi, wasn't she?"
Ky felt a single tear run down her cheek when he mentioned her mother. "Uh... yes," she said, trying to muffle the sound of her grief.
"I remember she used to come out and chat with my mother in the gardens after breakfast," Van reminisced. "She brought out some delicious cookies for my brother and I..." He stopped. "I'm very sorry for your loss, Kyia. If there is anything you need, come straight to me."
"Th...thank you, My... I mean, Van," she bowed, amazed that he actually knew her full name. "That means so much to me."
"You can go now, Kyia," Van stood. "I can finish my bed."
She bowed again and turned towards the great-carved oak doors.
"Will I see you tonight at the reconstruction celebration?" he called after her. She turned to face him, nodded, and continued on her way, gently shutting the door as she left him alone with his thoughts.
* * *
Van threw the scarlet comforter over the smooth, clean sheets and straightened the pillows at the head. Satisfied that he could actually make his own bed, he walked back to the balcony where he was when Kyia first arrived. He watched some on the townspeople preparing the giant courtyard for that night's celebration of completing Fanelia. It only took seven years to do it, he thought unhappily. It should have been done a long time ago.
Not that it was completely his fault that the rebuilding of Fanelia was put on hold for two years. He and Allen Schezar traveled to many another cities to create the Act of Alliance, joining together to help rebuild what the Zaibach Empire destroyed during the Great War. Allen returned to his post along with his newfound sister, Celena. They visited a few times, complementing Fanelia's production. But they haven't seen the finished Fanelia, he thought, excited that his friends were all flying in. Allen, Celena, Queen Millerna, Dryden... even Merle was taking a break from her studies in Kadmos just to visit him. But the one person he wanted there more than anyone was out of his reach...
Van never realized how lonely he truly was until Merle, the last of his true friends, left him. She came up to him one day, completely out of nowhere, saying that she wanted to go to school. Van was surprised that she'd want to leave, but respected her wishes. Now, for two years, the castle was so empty to him. He missed seeing her lying in the courtyard sunning herself. He missed her screams of joy when she saw his face and comforted him. She was the sister he never had and wished he had once again. But he still longed for Hitomi to be by his side.
He sighed and slumped to the ground. His long raven black bangs fell into his eyes. No matter how many times he tried, those stupid bangs continued to cover half his face. His mother said it was a Fanel family trait; his father's hair did the same.
He looked up to the two moons hanging in the sky, the slightly larger one with blue oceans and green land in particular. Hitomi had pointed out which landmass she lived on, but there was too many smaller parts to remember such a small place. He hadn't spoken to her in almost five years. At first, their connection was playful; he'd often come visit her in her dreams and he would see her beautiful smile and sparkling emerald eyes. Then, he could only feel her emotions, and could comfort her when she was sad by sending her feelings of concern. But even that didn't last. Their psychic link deteriorated, leaving Van wishing he had not taken it for granted. Every now and then, he could get a faint sensation of her, but that was all. He grasped the salmon stone about his neck, his last reminder of her. He could remember so fondly the moment she passed it onto him...
---"Here, Van," she had said, looking at the soft grass. "Please take this..."
He reached out as she placed the pendant into his bare hand, its cool exterior feeling odd on his skin. As she lowered it into his palm, her own hand held his gently, lingering momentarily. He didn't know what to do, though his emotions drove him crazy. Pulling her in closer, they stood in the clearing by the memorials, lasting in the moment. She fit so well against him... a perfect match.
And then she was gone.---
He never got to say the things he longed to say... the things he longed to do...
"Hitomi..." he whispered.
A harsh knocking upon the door interrupted his thoughts. Kyia, maybe, with more clean laundry? Another knock pounded against the wood. No, too strong. It must be Palos. He sighed and returned to his room.
An elderly man dressed in royal robes entered the bedroom, accompanied by two servants. He bowed slightly when he saw Van, then stood upright.
"You're not going to be wearing those tonight, are you Palos?" Van pointed to the elegant silk that his Chief Advisor was wearing. "Tonight is as informal as possible. I want all the people of Fanelia to attend to feel as comfortable as possible. Not everyone has such a luxury of wearing such fine cloth to a celebration."
"Don't worry, My Lord," Palos said, a little annoyed. He did not like Van's decision of letting the so-called "commoners" of Fanelia attend the celebration in the royal courtyard. Van argued that they were the ones that deserved the festivity, having spent seven years restoring their country to its once former state. "I will change before the guests arrive."
Van moved to retrieve a shirt from his armoire. "And speaking of guests," Palos added. "Sir Allen Schezar and his sister, Lady Celena, have just arrived moments ago.
Van removed his white linen shirt and put on his everyday red riding shirt. "Good. I'll be down to meet them in a minute."
Palos nodded and left the room, along with the two silent servants. Van straightened himself up and soon followed.
* * *
Racing down the long corridor, Van smiled and thought to himself. It's going to be like old times tonight. Allen, Celena, and Merle are all going to be here. Except, I wish that *she* were here...
He paused when he reached the front courtyard upon hearing Allen's deep voice and Celena's sweet one. However, both voices did not sound too cheerful...
"...of all the arrogant things you could say, Celena, why did you have to come up with that one?!" Allen yelled, finally coming into view. His long golden hair swayed as he walked up the stairs to where Van stood. Celena was a few paces behind.
"I'm sorry, Brother. I didn't mean for it to come out like that. But you brought this upon yourself, you know!" she protested back. Her pale blue dress was much too long for her, Van noticed; she had to pick up the excess in order not to trip over her feet.
"Oh, so this is my fault now? Really, Celena, you can be so insensitive sometimes." Allen walked past Van, his eyes filled with rage. "Hello, Van. Nice to see you again. I'll talk to you later, but right now, I'll be in my room!"
Celena finally reached a surprised-looking Van at the top of the steps. He stared after him for a few seconds, then turned to his friend. "What was that all about?" he asked her after giving her a soft kiss on her knuckles.
"Oh, he found a gray hair and a wrinkle a few days ago, and I just happened to mention it a few moments before the Crusade landed." She tucked a strand of her silvery locks behind her ear and crossed her arms in front of her chest. "And I thought women were the only ones that got all huffy over their looks."
Van let out a small chuckle. Allen always worried about his appearance.
Celena turned to look at him, surprised at his outburst of merriment. "You're sure in a good mood tonight," she said, smiling. "Any particular reason?"
"I'm just happy that everyone has come back," he replied, looking down at her sparkling sky blue eyes. "It's weird, really. I never realized how lonely I was until...until..."
"...until your connection broke with Hitomi," she finished. She urged him to sit on the steps with her and tell her everything. Van agreed, and the two sat at the top.
"I always thought that someday, she'd come back," he said. "I figured that she'd want to come back to Gaea. I thought she liked it here." He paused. "But it's been seven years since she left, and there's been no evidence of her wanting to return. I've lost her forever."
Celena looked at him with saddened eyes. "Maybe this was never meant to be, Van." She stroked the hair out of his eyes. "This isn't her world. Maybe she feels she doesn't belong here. You told me that she always wanted to go back. She had family and friends back there."
"Maybe..." he mumbled. "But why do I ache so much when I can't see her smile or hear her voice?"
Celena didn't have time to answer his question. Allen stomped up to them from behind.
"Don't let her get too close to you, Van," he said, his tone mocking. "She might fish out a gray hair or two."
"Get over it, Allen!" Celena yelled. Van couldn't help smiling. No matter where they were, the Schezars always managed to fight about the little things. A true brother and sister fight. Suddenly, he wanted to have his own brother back again.
"C'mon, Van," Celena said cheerfully, trying to break the tension. "Let's go get ready for your party!" She gave her hand to help him up from the steps. Van hesitated, then accepted it. He was rather pleased that he and Celena had become good friends over the years. It was awkward at first; he could not believe that this fragile young woman was once the infamous Dilandau, Van's nemesis. Celena felt uncomfortable as well. It was difficult for her to get used to her new surroundings, having been gone for years. However, her old behavior quickly returned and he could see that the remnants of the pyrophile had died the day he turned back to Celena. The day that he realized how he truly felt about... her.
Hitomi. Her name touched his tongue like a sweet spring apple. She said that she wanted to stay on Gaea, but he pushed her away. How stupid I was, he thought. And here, my friend says to get over her and find someone new. Someone can't just replace her like a new possession or something.
He sighed loudly. Celena looked into his eyes, sensing her words still troubled him. She wished she knew how to ease her friend's pain.
"Lord Van!" a deep, masculine voice called from behind them. Van whirled around and glanced down the stairs to see who had shouted his name.
A broad shouldered man walked briskly to meet with the King and company. He was much older than Allen, black hair streaked with silver dressed in fine garments and multiple badges representing general status. A young woman trailed behind him, eyes facing the floor.
"My Lord," he said, trying to catch his breath. "I am pleased I was able to find you. The servants said that you would be around here greeting some friends."
"Please forgive, sir," Van spoke abruptly. "But I didn't catch your name?"
"So sorry," he replied, a smirk appearing on his wide face. "I am General Sekhmet, Lord of the Mafdet Fort near Kadmos." He snapped his fingers and the young woman appeared next to his side. "And this is my daughter, Lady Ashira."
"I'm honored to meet you, My Lady," Van bent down, kissing Ashira's hand. He looked into her eyes, seeing only deep sapphire ones staring back. Her long blonde hair flowed down her shoulders, a cascading waterfall of various gold. She was much smaller than him, only barely coming up to his shoulder. There was something about this woman... something that kept him so preoccupied by just simply looking at her...
She blushed slightly. "As am I, My Lord," she said with a smile.
Van remained fixated upon her until Celena cleared her throat rudely, signaling to him that it was time to break it up.
"Oh, sorry, these are my dear friends, Sir Allen Schezar and his sister, Lady Celena," he said, trying to clear his mind. He turned back to Ashira. "Will I see you at the festivities tonight?"
"Only if His Highness will promise to save me a dance," she answered, a light rose tinge appearing on her cheeks.
"I promise," Van said absent-mindedly, still lost in her eyes.
Her eyes drifted down to the pendant he wore around his neck. "That's a beautiful stone, My Lord."
"Thank you," His hand rose to grasp it, as he has done on countless sleepless nights.
"I wish an audience with you, Sire, tomorrow morning concerning upcoming necessities," Sekhmet spoke up. "And Sir Allen, I wish that you would attend as well."
Allen nodded in agreement. Sekhmet bowed and walked with Ashira following down the hall to where the guests lodged. Van's gaze never left her until Celena stomped on his foot.
"Ow! Gods, what was that for?!" he yelled, rubbing his sore toes.
"What was that all about?" she yelled back, demanding answers.
"Nothing, I was trying to be friendly, that's all."
"Yeah. A little too friendly. You were downright charming! What was that crap about 'promising to dance with me'?"
"I don't know. Maybe she wanted to get to know Yours Truly."
Celena snorted. "I don't think so." Her eyes went cold as she followed the blonde woman and the General. "I'm sorry but I just don't trust her."
Van began to get flustered. "You just told me to forget Hitomi and find someone new!"
"Don't be putting words in my mouth! All I said that she is from the Mystic Moon and you're here on Gaea. You are literally from two different worlds. It would be hard for her to leave everyone behind."
"So what are you saying then?"
Celena sighed. "Just follow your heart, Van. It will tell you what to do." With that, she turned and left Van alone in the hallway.
* * *
Sekhmet closed the double doors as soon as Ashira walked through them. She heard the faint click as he locked them, then started to giggle madly. She ran to the large bed and began to bounce on it.
"I can't believe we just pulled that off!" she said, laughing hysterically. "'Only if Your Highness promises to save me a dance.' What was that all about? How stupid and dense can you be?"
"Shhhh... they can probably still hear you, Ashira," Sekhmet snapped at her. "Do you want to screw this operation?"
Ashira silenced immediately. "But did you see it?" she cried. "The pendant was right there, around his neck! I could have taken it and..."
"And then what? Arrested by the guards and thrown in the Fanelian jail? No thank you! Tomorrow, I will convince Van to consider you eligible to become his Queen. Then, we can just take the pendant AND this retched little country."
"Imagine it, Sekhmet. Become Queen and have the legendary power of Gaea at the same time. I bet they don't even know what its true power is."
* * *
"Gods, Van. I'd forgotten how beautiful this garden is!" Celena bent down and inhaled the sweet perfume of the lily.
"You sure have done some amazing things around here," Allen complemented. It was true, though. Van put so much time and effort into his capital's appearance. The city part was finished first a year ago, then the castle. Van made sure that his citizens had a roof over their heads before he did. The palace was expanded a little bit more, putting in more technologies into it. But it still did not feel complete to him.
"Thank you, Allen," Van replied.
The noonday sun stared straight down on the three, blazing and blinding. It was unbelievable that the winter season would begin in a few colors.
"Now what path is that right there?" Celena pointed at a dirt trail hidden in thick brush.
"That one goes to the family memorial in the glade. I can take you there later if you want. It's quite beautiful. At this time of year, we get..."
A blaze of fire seemed to ignite inside of him, clawing and scratching at him with flames. Van stumbled, landing painfully on his knees. He clutched his chest and groaned. Celena fell beside him, shaking him with concern and fear painted on her face.
"Van! What's wrong!? What happened?"
The pain stopped as abruptly as it had arrived. Van took in long, deep breaths of air and stared at the glowing pendant in his hands.
"Its her. Something's wrong."
* * *
to be continued...
Alright, so not many things have been changed. It was mostly errors that needed definite correcting. But I plan on changing a lot of things in all the chapters, mostly additions.
---jigglykat
