Ancient Visions
Previously: Van and Shana seem to grow closer while Hitomi runs away. Reports of Cesario soldiers arrive but Van struggles on whether or not to go after Hitomi. He does and rescues her again. They both have a vision of a man dying and wishing destruction and to return.chapter 10
The red light disappeared and Hitomi and Van were left, staring wide-eyed at eachother. They stood still, their arms still reaching out."Was that," Van finally managed to stutter, "Was that Newton I just saw?"
Hitomi gaped at him, mouth open. "You saw it too?"
"A man," Van continued, "A dying man wishing..." His voice trailed off.
Hitomi looked down, pondering the vision. "I know why Atlantis burned now." Her voice slipped out slowly, as if she were thinking aloud, "That was Kasal. I saw him killed in a vision on Earth. And then he made that wish...that the city, Atlantis, would burn if he were defeated." She paused. "But then he wished to return so that means that Kasal is now..."
"Newton," Van stated bitterly. The young king spun around and headed resolutely for the castle.
Hitomi stood quickly and, brushing herself off, called out, "Hey, what about me?"
The harsh tone in her voice irked Van. "What about you?," Van spat out over his shoulder without thinking, "Go ask Allen, why should I always take care of you."
Hitomi stood under the tree, shaking with anger. She stared at Van's back, willing her eyes to bore holes through him. That he kept walking away without turning back angered her further. Pinching her lips together, she began to march after him.
"Van!" she cried angrily, "Wait!"
Van kept walking without looking back. He gritted his teeth, fighting the urge to look back. As he neared the castle door, a slight figure took shape. Van squinted at it.
"Princess Shana!" he called in surprise. Princess Shana stood in the doorway, holding out a large towel serenely. Van threw a glance over to Hitomi. She was standing still, letting the rain wash over her. Her eyes watched him sadly. Van watched as Hitomi swallowed and blinked then bit her lip. She backed up a step then whirled around and rushed back out towards the garden. Van turned back to Shana. She was looking out into the rain, where Hitomi had stood. Her violet eyes were filled with regret and concern. Shana sighed softly and dropped her eyes to the ground.
"Princess," Van asked gently, still standing in the rain, "Why are you here?"
"My lord," the young woman answered in a whisper, "you are king of your country. You know why I am here."
"I don't mean that," he replied, echoing their past conversation, "Why are you here, now?"
Shana closed her eyes, head bowed and sighed, "I am here to see you."
"May I ask a favour of you, princess?" Van said softly.
"Certainly."
"What do you think of the seeress Hitomi?"
Shana sighed softly again, furrowing her delicate brow. "What I think is not important now. I am willing to follow my father in his wishes for me."
"Princess," Van asked, "Are you in love with me?"
The princess pressed her lips together tightly. With an unexpected suddeness, her eyes met his. Her soft eyes flicked away and stared out towards the garden. "I am not the one who loves you," she whispered.
Van stared at her. Anger, bitterness and jealousy flowed away from his mind as the rain washed over him. Shana looked straight at him through the rain. Van could almost hear her demure voice asking him Are you being true to yourself? As the young man stood in the rain, staring into Shana's deep eyes, he suddenly realized how hypocritical he had been over the past days. Shana smiled softly at him. Van smiled gratefully then turned and ran back into the rain.
Shana stood for a few minutes, watching the young man run away. Slowly she turned and headed back into the castle, a soft but sad smile forming the corners of her lips.
Hitomi had stopped running. She stood, panting, underneath the tree in the garden. Rainwater soaked through her hair, matting it to her forehead. Droplets of cold water ran in rivulets from her face, masking the tears that were flowing freely from her eyes. She let out a childish sob, clutching at the trunk of the tree.
"Hitomi!"
She turned and looked up. Van was running towards her. Embarrased, she turned away and hugged the trunk of the tree. Van ran up, and stood close behind her.
"hitomi," he pleaded softly.
Hitomi could not make herself face him. Dropping her arm from the tree, she spoke, trying to keep the tremor from her voice, "Yes Van?"
Van shifted from one foot to the other, trying to decide what to do. He opened his mouth several times but each time he tried to speak, the right words wouldn't come. The young king sighed. Hitomi's shoulders stiffened. Van sensed that she was getting ready to run again. Quickly, though gently, he grabbed one of her hands. Hitomi's eyes flashed open with a start. She felt Van's clammy hand hanging on to hers from behind. She glanced over her shoulder. Van was studying her in concern. He opened his mouth again to speak, but again, no words came.
His mouth dry inspite of the rain, Van whispered, "Hitomi, I..."
Hitomi turned to face Van, slowly lifting her eyes to his. The two stood facing eachother, each holding their breath.
"Van," hitomi breathed painfully, "Why -"
Van silenced her by raising his hand and gently touching her face. He softly cupped her face in his hand while gently pulling her forward with the other. Slightly unsure of himself, he leaned foward slowly. Hitomi's eyes widened but she didn't flinch away. Van eased his face closer to hers until they were almost touching, all the while studying her with his deep brown eyes. Softly,and almost fearfully, he touched his lips to hers, letting his eyelids drop. Hitomi leaned back slightly in surprise but Van held her face more tightly and and pushed his lips closer, once again pressing his lips against hers. Van's warm summer smell filled Hitomi's senses and she gradually let her eyes flutter shut. Still slightly unsure, Van kissed Hitomi sweetly but shyly. The young king and the young seeress stood in the rain, letting the water soak them, and shared their first shy kiss.
The small cat girl, followed by Sayjin, rushed up to the soaking wet couple. Van and Hitomi were just entering the castle, wet to the bone and letting the fingertips touch as they walked. Merle spied this instantly. Sayjin sighed softly, smiling knowingly at the pair.
"Hmm...I think," she said with an evil grin, "that you two were-"
"What is the meaning of this?" Rawling bawled ferociously, entering the alcove, "I thought you understood your position."
"Sir Rawlin," Shana said, striding in, "I need to speak with you of my plans."
"But princess," Rawlin sputtered, "What plans?"
"Mine," the young woman replied confidently, "And mine alone. I wish to return to Basram"
"But princess-"
"Enough," Shana commanded, "I am tired of playing this game. I am a princess, not an object." She turned to exit, Rawlin in tow. As she did, she cast a soft look in hitomi's direction - meeting the other girl's eyes for a moment and exchanging a look of gratitude.
Sayjin sighed, a note of satisfaction escaping with it. He turned to the young king. "My lord, your guest?"
"Awwwwww," Merle whined peevishly, "Leave it to a man to forget about his guest. Come on Hitomi, let's get you some clothes."
With that, Merle dragged Hitomi off. Van was left standing with Sayjin.
"lord van," the old warrior began, "I must speak with you immediately."
Van rolled his eyes, "If it's about Hitomi AGAIN -"
"No my lord," Sayjin interrupted gently, "This matter far outweighs that one. we must speak quickly."
Van regarded his most trusted advisor with concern. What could be so great that it caused such a not of panic in Sayjin's voice. Without another word, the two turned to head for Van's study.
Hitomi was facing one of the walls in her room, arms crossed and still in her soaking clothes.
"Merle, I will not wear that. No. Never. Absolutely not."
"Aw come on Hitomeeeeeeeee," merle snickered, "It is so feminine."
Hitomi spun around, hands on her hips. She pointed an accusing finger at Merle, who was holding up a long, puffy, frilly pink dress.
"I will not," she barked, "I will not, I repeat, wear that sorry excuse for a dress. No, no NO!!!"
Merle giggled. "Of course you wouldn't," she sighed with a laugh, "But I do have something for you -- I thought it up myself. It's just like your old one except I had the shirt changed so it's more comfortable -- none of that stiff suit thing anymore."
Merle ducked into a closet and fished out a small box. She tore it open quickly and lifted a set of clothing out, shoving to Hitomi. Hitomi took it and stared. A smile crept onto her awed face.
"Merle," she said to the smug little catgirl, "This is wonderful!" Hitomi held up the outfit. It was a navy pleated skirt (just like her uniforms) and a sleeveless beige shirt. "How can I thank you?"
"Well," Merle replied gruffly, "You can start by not getting it wet - then you can wear it."
hitomi smiled and began to peel off her wet clothes.
Van marched through the hallways, contemplating his next plan of action. It was clear. He had already called for the evactuation of Fanelia. At first he had wanted to stay and fight. But then, remembering not to be rash, he had decided that it would be suicide. THey would flee...for now. The young king reached hitomi's room. Without a second thought, he flung the door open. A shrill shriek greeted him
"Pervert!!!"
Van gaped. Hitomi was clutching bedsheets around her that she had hastily pulled from the bed. Merle was doubled up in laughter. Van just stared, his face slowly becoming very red.
"Well," Hitomi shrieked again, "What are you waiting for? Close the door!"
Van hastily backed out of the room, shutting the door clumsily and slumping against it. He heard Merle's laughter and Hitomi's angry muttering from inside. He tried to force the red in his cheeks away as he saw Sayjin, the castle samurai, Rawlin and the princess approaching quickly.
Hitomi muttered curses to herself as she pulled her new outfit on. Merle sat on the ruffled bed, still giggling.
"One kiss," Hitomi muttered, "One kiss and he thinks he can march in here and-"
"You know what I overheard?" Merle suddenly cut in slyly, "I heard something that Sayjin was discussing with another samurai."
Hitomi pretended not to be interested.
"I heard," Merle said, sidling up to Hitomi, "that Lord Van was thinking of asking you to be his -"
hitomi pushed Merle away, trying to supress a girlish laugh, "We have no time for this!" She began to stalk towards the door.
Merle stood and giggled, pointing her finger at Hitomi, "You like!"
Hitomi threw a pretend hateful look and Merle and swung the door open. She was greeted by the serious faces of the castle samurai, Rawlin, Shana and the bashful (trying to look serious) face of Van. Hitomi shuffled out, looking down and blushing just slightly.
"Your attire is very nice," Shana said softly, ignoring Rawlin's spiteful attitude.
Van looked sheepishly at Hitomi, giving her a lopsided grin. Hitomi wrinkled her nose at him. He tried to smile, but he felt himself blushing again as he noticed how Hitomi's new beige shirt and skirt flattered her. He turned away sheepishly.
Sayjin tried to supress a knowing grin. "My lord," he said, "the plan?"
"Ah yes," Van cleared his throat, suddenly very grave, "Hitomi, Merle - We are leaving Fanelia this instant."
Hitomi and Merle stared at him.
"Allen's leviship, the Crusade, is prepped and ready to go. Most of the citizens have already been evacuated."
The company began to walk briskly out of the castle.
"Reports of an army of guymelefs have reached us," Van continued, "Red guymelefs of Cesario - heading straight for us."
The company reached the courtyard where allen and his crew were waiting.
"Van," Allen called, "We're ready."
Van nodded. "Let's go."
"But-" hitomi began.
"No," Van said, turning to her, "We cannot fight them. There are hundreds. Our army couldn't stop them -- we'd only be wasting lives."
Hitomi looked down, realizing that Van was right- at the same time wondering at how wise he had become. An idea began to form in the young woman's mind. She rushed over to Shana and clasped her hands suddenly. Shana blinked in surprise.
"Princess," hitomi pleaded, "You are a noble of Basram, a country advanced in technology and weapons. Will you help us?"
"Hitomi!" Van scolded.
Hitomi ignored him and continued to clasp the princess' hands. Shana looked down at Hitomi's pleading green eyes and her own violet eyes softened. Shana reached out an elegant hand and stroked hitomi's face affectionatley.
"Yes, lady Hitomi," Shana answered resolutely, "I, princess of Basram, swear to do everything in my power to protect this land -- for your sake."
Hitomi smiled at the princess. The others stared at the odd pair in wonder. Then, sudden sounds of an explosion caused all of them to look up. The gates of Fanelia were in flames. A loud explosion to the left rocked the ground -- the left wing on the castle was burning, then melting under the spray of a red guymelef.
"We're too late!" Allen cried as the sky began to glow red.
"Yes!" A cold voice rang out directly above them, "You are too late!"
Wind rushed around them as a huge white guymelef landed unexpected in front of them. Rawlin cowered, Sayjin straightened, Allen reached for his sword, Shana stiffened, hitomi widened her eyes in fear and Van marched forward.
"What do you want Newton," Van demanded, "Or should I say Kasal?"
Newton, from the cockpit of his guymelef laughed, "I am Newton but I am also Kasal - born back into this world to complete my wish. To rule the new world with the ancient power of Atlantis! And," he added with a smirk, "To repay you for your crimes against me."
Van gasped. What did he mean? The company stared up at the towering guymelef with a mix of awe and hatred.
"Look upon the might of my guymelef Alkemis as you perish!"
Alkemis raised its arm at them. Van reached for Hitomi, knowing that escape was now hopeless. Newton laughed.
A sudden blinding blue pillar of light appeared around Van and Hitomi. They stared around them, as the blue light intensified. Hitomi cried out as they were lifted from the ground. The others watched, petrified as Van and Hitomi disapeared into the sky.
Newton cursed. Then he looked down at the others, "At least I'll have you!"
Shana stepped forward regally. "I swore to the seeress," she proclaimed steadily, "that I would protect this land, and I will. you will witness the power of Basram."
Head bowed, she lifted her arm out straight in front of her, palm down. A small circle on silver on her hand (that no one had noticed before) began to glow, creating a rush of air that blew Shana's raven black hair back from her determined face. Suddenly she snapped her head up and opened her eyes. The wind rushed in a circle around all of the others and slowly formed a crystal sphere around them that lifted off the ground. Alkemis shot it's metal spray onto it but it did not penetrate. Shana flicked her hand and the sphere sped away into the sky, taking all of them high above Newton's reach. Then the princess concentrated again and the air was filled with strange silver griffens that attacked the guymelefs, destroying many of the red ones at once. As the sphere sped away, carrying Allen and the crew, Rawlin, Sayjin and Merle to safety, Shana slumped to the crystal floor. She looked back.
"I have done my part," she whispered to noone, "Hitomi, seeress, now do yours."
THe others gazed upon the sight of Fanelia burning, wondering what had become of its young king and the seeress of the mystic moon.
"Hitomi?" he cried out softly.
to be continued
