Chapter 4 - Coronation Chaos
Luwan's father paced slowly across the room, while Dornkirk sat silently with his cane in hand. The room was lit with more candles than before.
Dornkirk was an elderly man, around 80 years of age. Attached to both his hands were tubes connected to various I.V. drips, the liquid in them was a neon green colour. His hair and beard were long and white, and his eyes were dark, holding a small glimmer of life inside them. He was staring at the wall across the room, as if it held some great secret it would soon reveal.
The other man was in his mid-thirties, brown haired with a short beard. He continued pacing with a calm and patient look on his face. He turned to Dornkirk with a stern look.
"You never did tell me why you want Van Fanel and the Escaflowne." he said, breaking the long silence between them.
"I require the Escaflowne for my fate alteration machine. And I will need Fanel blood to make it work."
"I thought you already had a Fanel as a captive?"
Dornkirk remained silent at this question.
"It's not just the Fanel blood you need, it's Draconian blood too."
The elder man broke his gaze with the wall, and their eyes met.
"I am very much aware of the fact that Goau Fanel married a Draconian women, and both Van and his older brother Folken have Fanel and Draconian blood in their veins. You wish to seek the power of Atlantis."
Dornkirk closed his eyes and smiled.
"You are quite wise to figure that out…King Hybor."
EEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE
Millerna and Hitomi strolled through the gardens, their arms now linked, as Merle returned to the castle to arrange for refreshments. The sun shined through openings in the trees, butterflies rested upon some beautiful purple flowers that were to the girls right, and birds could be heard singing in the trees above them. Millerna let go of Hitomi's arm, kicked off her shoes and ran to the pond, pulling up her skirt and dipping her toes into the cool water.
"It's been so long since I was last here. I love this place. I wish we had something like this in Asturia."
Hitomi smiled at Millerna.
…A young Hitomi stood in the middle of the beautiful garden, wearing her light pink dress, and her hands behind her back, she looked side-to-side. Her sandy-brown hair waved back and forth with every turn of her little head.
She looked over at at a bush full of flowers, as it began to shake. Out stumbled a young Van, shaking leaves and twigs out of his wild hair with his left hand, while holding a small flower in his right. He looked over to his right and saw Hitomi staring at him. He smiled brightly and ran over to hand the flower to her.
"For you, Arianna. It's the best one out of them all"
She smiled brightly, accepting his beautiful gift…
"Hitomi? Are you alright?"
Millerna's voice brought Hitomi back from her vision. It was the first one she'd had in days. Millerna was now standing in front Hitomi, holding her hands and looking worried.
"I'm sorry, I guess I just got a little overwhelmed with this place."
"You looked like you saw a ghost. You went pale and were staring off into the distance."
It was as if Millerna could see right through her.
"Honestly, it was nothing. This place also reminds me of home a bit."
Millerna still did not look convinced, but she didn't press the matter with Hitomi.
"You must miss your parents. Tell me, where are you from again?"
"Oh, well I'm from…"
"She's from one of the villages east of here." Hitomi was thankful, for once, at the cat-girls timings. Merle was holding a tray with some wine and glasses.
"Oh yes, we passed the villages on our way here. There's a market town that connects them all, right by the main river. What's the market like Hitomi? You must have been there many times."
"Oh no, she's way too busy on her families farm to go to the market, right Hitomi?" Merle was being cheeky again, as she laid the tray down on one of the stone benches next to the Hitomi and Millerna.
"I can answer for myself Merle" leave it to the cat-girl to annoy her to no end.
"Then why don't you?" she replied with a whisper, knowing well she was getting under Hitomi's skin. Hitomi was ready to tell her off.
"Oh, you're a farming family, that explains a lot about you then." Hitomi was taken aback by Millerna's comment.
'Did she just insult me?'
"Ouch, you just got judged" whispered Merle, as if she had read Hitomi's mind.
"Bad kitty!" Hitomi shouted, as Merle ran off, giggling.
"I'm sorry Hitomi." Hitomi looked at Millerna.
"I realize that may have come off as a harsh remark. I didn't mean it like that. It's just, you seem quite independent. Like you know how to take care of yourself and handle any situation. Many of the farm girls I've met at the market in Asturia are like that. To be honest I really admire girls like you. Sometimes I feel the urge to speak my mind or handle a situation myself, but I'm either scolded or it's handled for me."
"It can't be easy when you're the princess of a country." she smiled at Millerna, trying to be understanding of the Princess' own situation in life.
"No. It makes it more difficult when you're the youngest and both of your older sisters are quiet and compliant. My mother though says my attitude will mould me into a great Queen someday."
"Queen? I'm sorry, I thought you said you had two older sisters."
Millerna and Hitomi sat on the grass, both barefoot and toes in the pond.
"Usually that is the case, but after I was born, an Oracle proclaimed I would be the best fit to become Queen of Asturia. My eldest sister Marlene was married to the Duke of Freid and my sister Eries is turning down suitors left and right, while my father has arranged for me to marry the son of Asturias wealthiest merchant."
"I'm sorry to hear that Millerna. I hope everything works out for you."
"And I hope things work out with you and Van." she gave Hitomi a cheeky smile, it reminded her of Yukari.
"What do you mean?"
"Why do you think Van brought you to Fanelia?" the cheeky smile seemed to get bigger.
"Because I saved his life!?" Hitomi said, a bit questionably 'And also because neither of us really had a choice… what is she getting at?'
"He hasn't asked you yet, has he?"
"Asked me what?" Hitomi had an idea where Millerna was going with this, but she didn't want to believe it.
"It's not often a commoner saves their reigning prince. And even when it does happen, they're often thanked with a bag of gold, NOT an extended stay at the castle."
'Why do I feel like I should be almost insulted here?'
"Honestly Hitomi, he's going to marry you. There's no other reason why he would bring you here if he wasn't."
Hitomi's cheeks were burning.
'Oh gosh, she has this completely wrong' she thought to herself.
"If that were true, why me?"
"Why not? He's the last of his family bloodline, he's about to become King, he'll need to start producing heirs as soon as he can. Most kings do after all. You saved his life and you are quite attractive. Both he and Fanelia owe you a debt for that. It's pretty self-expanatory."
Hitomi was pretty sure she could hear hissing behind her in the bushes. Merle would likely use her or Millerna as a scratching post later for this.
'If only I could tell her the truth.'
EEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE
"Did you really think I wouldn't recognize my own niece? She's the spitting image of her mother when she first came to Draconia."
Van closed his eyes and smiled, he felt a weight remove from his soul.
"Just like her cousin, Alonnos."
Van opened his eyes wide, shocked and confused.
"What do you mean, about Alonnos? Is he..?"
"Six months ago a pillar of light, just like the two from the night of your dragon slaying, appeared just outside of Asturia, and two young men were brought to Palas. I immediately recognized Alonnos. Like Arianna, he is the spitting image of his own mother. Queen Meiko's identical twin sister, Hanako."
"Hanako?"
"You wouldn't remember her Van, neither would Arianna. She got sick and passed away before either of you were born. Alonnos was only 4 years old. The poor boy. No father or mother. But Eleos had a big heart and he and Meiko took the boy in, he treated that boy like he was his own son."
"So where is he now? Hitomi believes him to be dead."
"He and Theo, the other boy, are in Palas. Theo is training to be apart of my personal guard and Alonnos, is serving as my personal aide. He's been going by 'Alos.' I felt it was best to change his name and keep him close to protect him. After the celebrations are done, you and my niece should come to Palas. I think it would be best if Arianna reunites with her family."
"Hitomi. Her name is Hitomi." Van was stern and protective in his voice.
"She doesn't remember anything about her former life here on Gaea, and I already promised I would return her to the Mystic Moon. If we do come to Palas, it would be best that the only family she reunites with are her brothers."
The room was tense and several minutes of silence went by between them.
"I'm aware that she doesn't remember her life here on Gaea, but we also can't ignore the fact that after all these years she is the one that returns home. Hybor was never meant to take Draconia, and she is Eleos' eldest child and heir. It won't be long before Hybor makes a visit to Fanelia, do you really want to risk her safety if he sees her? He may not have cared to take a second glance at Alonnos, but the second he sees her and even hears the name she uses now, he'll know. 'Arianna Hitomi Kanzaki Dracen' was the name she was given. If she is in Asturia, I can protect her."
Van knew she was right.
"If I bring her to Asturia, I'm the one that tells her everything. She should hear it from someone she at least somewhat knows and trusts."
"Of course."
EEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE
Luwan leaned over the balcony of the floating fortress, staring down at Fanelia. Patience was not one of his strengths, but he was better at it than Dilandau, who was constantly pacing in the hangar, more and more quickly as time went by
Dilandau and Luwan were both tall and slender. Luwan had long brown hair, which reached just past his shoulders. He resembled a younger, beardless version of his father. He wore regular armour and chainmail. Dilandau's hair was short and white, while his armour was painted blood red, matching his eyes.
"I hate waiting. I want to strike now?" Dilandau did little to show his growing impatience.
"Your emperor and my father were clear that we were to wait for Queen Therese and Princess Millerna to leave Fanelia before we strike."
"Why? It's not like they're a part of this. Why do we even need to wait for Van Fanel to become king in the first place?"
"Do you really want Asturia after us for killing their Queen and Princess? Even with the precautions to ensure no one knows Draconia or Zaibach are behind this attack, if it ever got out, Asturia has alliances with almost all the countries of Gaea, we would be at war. And my father has always held a soft spot for his older sister."
Luwan rose from the balcony and walked to Dilandau.
"As for Fanelia, I don't know all the details," Luwan was now looking Dilandau eye to eye.
"But I believe your emperor is interested in the Escaflowne, and only the King of Fanelia can summon it."
Dilandau turned and huffed.
"Those bumpkin samurai better put up a good fight. I hate waiting." And the white haired soldier walked away.
EEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE
Dinner was quiet, everyone was tired from the day and overwhelmed with excitement about the coronation the next day.
Millerna, Merle and Hitomi moved from the gardens and spent the afternoon wandering the market in the city.
Van and Queen Therese drew up a new terms for the treaty between Asturia and Fanelia.
As everyone retired for the evening, Van quietly passed a note to Hitomi asking her to meet him in the gardens in one hour.
The sun was setting, giving the sky a beautiful orange, blue and purple colouring. Van was leaning against the entrance to the garden, wearing a sky blue tunic instead of the white one he wore all day. He turned and smiled when he saw her, and she returned that smile. He offered her his arm, and she gladly took it as they walked to the gardens, both unaware of the Queen and princess watching them from the balcony above.
"How was your day?" he asked her, breaking the silence once they found seclusion by the pond.
"It was… interesting, I guess." She pulled away from Van and observed some yellow flowers.
"Oh?" he sat down on one of the stone benches, watching her.
"Millerna is… different."
"I imagine she probably thinks the same of you." he said with a light laugh.
"Probably." She now looked up at the trees, listening to the sound of birds tweeting.
"How was your afternoon with the Queen?" she turned to look at him.
"It was, enlightening. I will have to go to Asturia in a few days, we made some changes to the original treaty and King Aston himself will need to sign it."
"How long will you be gone?"
"About a week. I was thinking, maybe you'd come with me? I know this place still feels strange to you, I thought you would be more comfortable if you stayed with me."
"That would be nice, Van."
They both smiled at one another and Van got up from the stone bench and walked towards her. He took her hand and led her to a flower bush off to their left. Blue flowers overwhelmed the bush. The colour captivated Hitomi and memory stirred…
…A young Hitomi and Van sat staring at the bush of beautiful blue flowers.
"Mother told me they're meaning is "One who cannot be forgotten."
"They're so pretty, Van." Van turned and looked at her.
"I'll give you one before you go back to Draconia, so you'll remember me until we see each other again."
Hitomi turned and looked at him, smiling brightly.
"You're my best friend, Van. I'd never forget you." …
"Is something wrong, Hitomi?" Van was concerned as Hitomi's bright smile had faded to sadness and her eyes seemed lost in a deep thought.
"I… I promised." Tears began forming in the corners of her eyes.
"I promised I would never forget you, Van. And I did. I don't know why, but I did forget you."
As two tears streamed down her cheeks, Van let go of all resistance and pulled her into his arms, she buried her face in his chest.
"You remembered something?" He asked calmly.
"We were children, it was the last time I visited Fanelia, just before… I'm so sorry Van."
'She remembers now' Van smiled, but it was a sad one. She finally remembered something, but he knew he had to keep his promise.
"I'm glad you remembered something, but I will keep my promise to get you back home safely."
Hitomi looked up at Van, and their eyes met. For the first time since she came here, he finally felt familiar to her. He felt almost like… home.
"I promise I'll never forget you again, no matter what happens."
Van let go of their embrace, and holding her hand he continued to the bush of blue flowers. He picked one and turned to her, a smile in his eyes again.
"For you Hitomi. It's the best one out of them all."
She smiled brightly, accepting his beautiful gift.
EEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE
…Smoke rose above the city buildings, as the fire spread quickly, destroying everything in its path. Several cloaked giants appeared out of thin air, raising their arms and unleashing their metallic claws ripping through other armoured giants, soldiers and buildings.
A white haired young man with blood thirsty eyes laughed manically as the city grumbled and its people cried in fear.
Van stood upon a platform, raising the energist he took from the dragon. The white majestic giant appeared, kneeling before Van.
A cloaked giant raised it's arm the white giant, preparing to shoot one of it's metallic claws at it and Van who was inside. The metal claw ripped through the white giants front and Van's agonizing cries rang out…
Hitomi shot up in her bed. Sweat was pouring down her forehead, her heart pounding in her chest.
"Van" she whispered, worry in her voice. She looked over to her left. The blue flower he gave her sat in a small cup of water. For some reason it calmed her down and she fell back onto her bed, draping her right arm over her eyes and she breathed deeply.
'Was that a dream? Or a vision'
She was not sure, but she hoped it was the former and that she would not be plagued with it again for the rest of the night. In the back of her head, as she dozed back to sleep, she thought about her deck of Tarot cards inside her duffel bag.
EEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE
The castle was busy, as maids and servants sprinted through the halls, preparing last minute details for the coronation ceremony. Hitomi was left on her own with Therese and Millerna.
"You're not staying for the dinner?"
"My sister Marlene is sick. She's currently pregnant with her second child and it's been a difficult for her. Mother will accompany me back to Asturia and she will head straight to Freid from there."
"I'm really sorry to hear that, I hope she and the baby will be alright."
"Marlene is strong. I'm sure she will be fine. She just needs her mother right now."
Hitomi understood Therese's words too well. 'I sure could use my mom right now. And dad. I wonder how they're doing'
"Will you be accompanying Van to Asturia after the celebrations?" Millerna sounded hopeful and excited.
"Yes, Van asked me about that last night."
Millerna gave Hitomi another cheeky smile, but said nothing as the women finished their breakfast. It wasn't until Therese returned to her quarters to prepare, that Millerna came up to Hitomi. The girls walked arm-in-arm.
"So?" she asked. That cheeky smile getting bigger.
'It's like she's Yukari's doppelgänger or something'
"So, what?"
"Don't play cute Hitomi, I saw you and Van take a romantic stroll in the garden at dusk."
Hitomi turned away from Millerna, blushing profusely. It didn't make it any better when they arrived to Hitomi's room and found a parcel from Van on her bed.
"Well, look at that. Go on Hitomi, open it." Millerna sat herself on the wooden chair by the window, as Hitomi picked up the parcel.
Inside was a dress similar to what she wore the day before, but this one was red, with gold-yellow trim and ribbon. It was also short-sleeved, but the skirt was a bit shorter than the other one, just stopping at her ankles. It looked brand new and more stylish.
"Those are the Fanelian colours. Well if he hasn't proposed yet, he certainly will soon. A king does not dress a woman in his countries colours unless he intends to marry her."
"For you Hitomi. It's the best one out of them all."
'Wait, what if she's right?'
"I will keep my promise to get you back home safely."
'There's got to be some other explanation for all of this.'
"Well, I'll leave you to get ready. The coronation will be underway soon." And with that, the blonde-haired princess got up from her seat and left the poor girl embarrassed and confused.
"She really is Yukari's doppelgänger." she said quietly to herself. Only her red-headed best friend would have made such bold comments and then walked away leaving her to her own thoughts. But there was nothing for her to do, but get dressed and ready…
… Footsteps mysteriously emerged in the ground outside the closed gates of Fanelia. A cloaked giant pulled it's arm up, released its metallic claw, ripping through the wooden gate. It marched through and was greeted by armed soldiers who were unaware what destroyed the gate and created footsteps in the ground.
Several arms appeared from under the cloaks, ripping through the soldiers with their metallic claws.
The people of Fanelia scattered in fear.
"Summon Escaflowne, Lord Van." Balgus stood next to Van, dressed in traditional samurai armour, with a blue cap.
"Summon Escaflowne and flee with Lady Hitomi."
Balgus was on the ground, in a pool of blood.
Van screamed in agony inside his white giant, as a metallic claw ripped through him and the giant.
'What was that?'
Hitomi was standing in her room, dressed in the outfit Van had given her. Her heart pounding, her body trembling and a bad feeling brewing in the pit of her stomach.
"Was that a vision?" She said aloud. She remembered her tarot cards, but she didn't have time to do a reading. The bells rang out across the city, it was almost midday and time for the coronation.
She was seated between Millerna and Merle, while Therese sat on Millerna's other side, next to Balgus. Large giants were set in formation for the ceremony, while all of Fanelias samurai were dressed in their traditional armour, but Van stood out from them all. He wore the same white armour as he had in Hitomis vision, a gold dragon on a red backdrop sat in the centre of his breast plate. He wore a white helmet with gold decal and what resembled a unicorn horn at the top… Hitomi held back a chuckle with that one.
Everyone bowed as Van walked along the ceremonial carpet to the elder members of the court. The eldest man held out a blue scabbard to Van, who bowed.
"Van Fanel, King of Fanelia. I present this sword as prove of thy accession."
Van rose, taking the sword.
"Long may you reign."
And all of Fanelia cheered as Van Fanel was now finally King.
EEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE
The soldier watched through his giants scope as Queen Therese and Princess Millerna boarded the leviship that awaited for them at the city gates. He could see King Van giving them a farewell.
"Chesta, what do you see?" the sound of Dilandaus voice was heard over the radio.
"The Queen and princess are just now boarding the Asturian leviship, Lord Dilandau." he replied as maintained his watch.
"Let me know once they are out of site. I'm done waiting, we will strike Fanelia tonight."
"But sir, we have our orders to wait until he summons the Guymelef, Escaflowne."
Chesta and his guymelef were hit from the left side and knocked to the ground. Dilanadau was beside him in his own guymelef.
"I don't care about that." Dilandau was stern.
"If we attack now, he'll likely summon Escaflowne to retaliate anyways. I want some fun. Don't forget to use the stealth cloaks when we get to that run-down mountain side called a 'country'."
"Y-y-yes my lord, f-f-forgive me." Chesta was trembling inside his guymelef.
EEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE
Van and Hitomi continued waving as the leviship passed the valley and out of site behind the distant mountains. The afternoon festivities had already started. Everywhere there were people celebrating, praising Van, their King, and Hitomi, the girl who saved him.
But the festivities didn't last more than a few hours, as the sun began to set into the evening…
…A stealth-cloaked guymelef pulled it's arm up, releasing its metallic claw, ripping through the wooden gate.
The people of Fanelia scattered in fear.
Balgus was on the ground, lying in a pool of blood
Van screamed in agony inside his guymelef, as a metallic claw ripped through him and the Escaflowne.
All of Fanelia was burning…
… "Hitomi? Are you ok?" Van was almost shouting at her, and shook her back to reality.
"What's wrong? Say something?" There was terror in his face, it reflected the same terror that was all over Hitomi's.
"Van, something is wrong. Someone is going to attack Fanelia."
Before he could even respond, a thunderous crack was heard through the streets up to the castle. The wooden gate had been ripped apart. And something giant and invisible was damaging the road step-by-step. Foot soldiers approached the damage, but could not see the enemy, until a guymelef arm appeared out of thin air and slammed against several men, crushing them.
Another arm appeared and it pushed out several metal claws that merged into one sharp blade, wiping out the remaining men.
Van quickly grabbed Hitomi and pulled her back inside the castle.
"Send out the garrison and melef units." cried one of the samurai.
Several guymelefs came, but the invisible enemy had the upper hand and ripped through each one with their metallic claws.
A red guymelef arm appeared and shot flames all over the lower town, setting everything ablaze. Dilandau laughed diabolically as he watched the townspeople frantically running for their lives.
"That's right, run, run away from the flames as your homes burn to ash."
Van and Hitomi reached the barracks, where they ran into Balgua. He handed Van the red energist.
"Take this and Lady Hitomi to the shrine. Summon Escaflowne and flee while you can, my King." he ordered calmly.
"You want me to flee from my enemy? They've set Fanelia ablaze? I'm going to stay and fight beside you!" Van's anger and intent were crystal clear.
"Go now, Lord Van. Get yourself and Lady Hitomi to safety!" He was stern but remained calm. Van reluctantly obeyed and pulled Hitomi behind him as they ran to the shrine. He stopped at the armoury first, and handed Hitomi a long-sword.
"Take this!" he said sternly as they continued on to the shrine.
"You're not expecting me to fight, are you?" She shouted to him.
All around them were explosions and the sound of melefs and buildings being destroyed. They finally reached the shrine, where a large platform sat in the center of the room. Above it was a large stone shaped like an egg, and the Fanelian crest, which resembled the crown of a dragons head, was painted in the center of the back wall. In the center of the crest was the same gold dragon emblem that was on Van's chest plate. He quickly discarded his Samurai armour.
"No, but it's so you can protect yourself. Once I summon Escaflowne it's possible they'll challenge me. I won't be able to protect you."
He was down to his tan pants and red tunic. With the energist in hand, he walked to the center of the platform. Hitomi saw him lift the sword a few inches out of the scabbard, and traced his thumb along the blade. She didn't see that Van placed his cut thumb onto the energist, allowing his own blood to soak into it, before he raised it into the air.
"I, Van Fanel, new King of Fanelia, bind myself by blood pact to thee, Escaflowne."
The energist began to glow.
"Now, sleeping dragon, awake!"
The parts of the platform began to turn, creating a pink pillar that rose from the platform to the large stone above Van. It began to crack and and disintegrate, and Escaflowne descended, bowing to Van. He climbed up to a large pink gem held by a three-talon claw on Escaflowne's left side, and placed the energist inside of it. It began to pulse like a heart, and the cockpit to the guymelef opened. Van jumped into the chamber, his arms and legs each finding their designated place to pilot the giant.
"It's just like the old text said. I can do this."
The cockpit closed and gears and sprockets began to move, as Van lifted his legs in the cockpit to move the Escaflowne up. Escaflowne's arms moved with his arms, and every step he took, Escaflowne took as well.
"Van!" Hitomi called to him.
"Please, just be careful."
He smiled. "Don't worry, I'll get us out of here."
He moved toward her, intended to gently lift her up and carry her out, when a soldier and two invisible guymelefs. The soldier ran at Hitomi, his sword lifted in the air ready strike her down. She blocked the attack with her sword.
"Hitomi!" Van raced the Escaflowne towards her. She continued to hold her defence, but her opponent was strong…
…A stealth-cloaked guymelef pulled it's arm up, releasing its metallic claw towards Escaflowne…
As the vision ended, Hitomi looked up just as the wind blew and moved the invisible guymelefs cloak just enough for her to see it.
"Van! Dead ahead!" she cried, and she put all her strength into pushing her opponent off. He slide back and prepared to charge again.
"What?" Van moved his eyes from her and looked straight ahead, just as the invisible guymelef brought up it's arm and began to release it's metallic claw. Van swiftly pulled Escaflowne's sword from it's back, and he jumped to the right and out of the way of the claw, as Escaflowne's sword grew. The claw surely would have hit him and Escaflowne in the front of the ribs if he hadn't dodged it, instead it pierced the Fanelian crest on the wall.
Hitomi prepared for her opponents strike and blocked it again, both hands firmly gripping the pommel. Their swords collided again and her opponent used his strength to try and push her back again. She held her ground.
Van raised Escaflowne's sword and jumped forward towards the invisible guymelef, striking it vertically from the front. Grey liquid sprayed from the wound and the melef collapsed.
Hitomi's opponent was distracted enough, she was able to push him back again, with a blow to his unprotected lower stomach, using her elbow. He held his stomach with his left hand, and swung his sword at her with his right, aiming for her left side. She dodged it with a twirl and came around to her opponents back, slashing through him with her sword. He howled in pain as he collapsed to the ground.
Her heart pounded so hard in her chest, she thought it was going to burst. For the first time in her life she spared against someone who intended to kill her and she took a life to defend herself. She stood in a state of shock.
"Hitomi!" Van shouted from the cockpit, but she did not hear him, she only stared at the men who laid dead before her. Neither of them noticed the arm appear right behind Van, ready to strike him through the back.
"Hitomi! Snap out of it! We've got to go!" she still did not budge. He reached out to her with Escaflowne's hand.
"Hitomi!" he called once more.
"Lord Van, watch out!" Van turned just as Balgus, with his great sword in hand, managed to cut off the melefs arm just before it struck. Hitomi looked up as Van ran toward to where the arm fell, and slashed at the air, hitting another invisible guymelef, which also sprayed liquid and crumbled to the ground.
"Lord Van, we have to go now."
Van nodded and turned back to Hitomi, Escaflowne's hand outstretched to her.
"Climb on, I'll carry you."
She silently obeyed and grabbed one of the melefs fingers and Van gently shut the hand around her. He followed Balgus out of the shrine and both he and Hitomi were horrified at the sight before them.
Bodies and destroyed melefs laid scattered everywhere as the city was on fire. Van collapsed Escaflowne to it knees.
"Fa…Fanelia." tears formed in his eyes.
"Oh no, Fanelia!" Hitomi couldn't form tears, she was too shocked by everything she saw.
Several guymelefs suddenly appeared out of thin air, surrounding Escaflowne, Van, Hitomi and Balgus. Dilandau's red guymelef was in the center, facing Escaflowne. He moved the melefs arm to signal to capture Escaflowne, when Balgus ran towards him, ready to strike him down. One of the blue guymelefs lifted it's arm and shot a metallic dart at Balgus. The force pushed him back to Escaflownes feet. Balgus laid there in a pool of blood.
"Lord Van…" he began weakly.
"No! Balgus!"
"…Flee… Lord Van… Come back… someday… rebuild…Fanelia…"
It was too much. Hitomi had enough, she no longer wished to be amongst all this destruction. Tears finally streamed down her face and she wished with all her heart that she and Van could get far away from this place.
"BALGUS!"
As Van cried out and Hitomi wished, Escaflowne's pink gem and Hitomi's pendant glowed simultaneously. They were once again spirited away by a pillar of light.