"Would they really come here?!" Chid cried out in worry. He sat in his throne while various rankings of men sat all around him. Allen was kneeling across from him.
"With Dilandau's personality fully restored, he has been able to find the remaining dragon slayers and Zaibach allies. I am certain that he will try to take out Escaflowne and everything associated with it."
"Majesty, we must protect the city!" A monk urgently said. Chid leaned back in his throne and closed his eyes.
"I thought all the fighting would stop. Hasn't anyone learned anything from the last great war?"
"I am sorry to bring such remorseful news to you, Majesty." Allen bowed his head in shame.
"No. It is not your fault, Allen. Shess," Chid turned to a man clad in a black robe and long, silver hair. He stood beside the young ruler with his eyes partly closed. He looked as though he was in his 60s.
"Yes, M'Lord?"
"Evacuate the city at dusk. Lead the civilians into the forest to the south."Chid's voice was hesitant. "Ready the knights and prepare for battle."
"Yes, your Grace," the old man replied with a bow before leaving the large room.
Hitomi stood just outside of the room, eavesdropping on the meeting. The old man passed by her and bowed his head politely. She smiled at him, a little nervous that he may make her known. But he did not. Her eyes glimmered with worry as she peered back into the room.
"What is your plan, Allen?" Chid rested his child-like hands in his lap. Allen stood and was silent for a few moments.
"Protect the city. Fight." Van's voice echoed, disturbing the silence. Hitomi followed it and saw him leaning against a pillar behind the other men. His arms were crossed. He looked as though he had not slept in days.
"Fanelia, do we have any idea how many would come to attack?" Chid asked.
"Your Grace," Allen said. "We don't know for sure. But there will be enough to cause a great deal of damage. I suggest you leave with your people."
"No. I will not leave my home. My father died protecting this land. I will do the same." Chid's tone was strong. He stood up and Hitomi could feel a strange aura about him. "If I must die, then let my time come."
"But Majesty, you're only a..." Allen started to plead.
"A child? King Allen Schezar of Asturia, I have not been a child since that fateful day when my father was killed by Zaibach. I refuse to abandon my country when she will need me the most."
He...he sounds so mature...Hitomi thought.
"Let him do what he wills, Allen," Van said. Allen spun around with a furious glare at Van. "This is his country. Not yours. If he sees that it is best for him to stay, let him stay."
"But...I..." Allen frowned. "If you were to perish in this meaningless battle, there would be no one else to rule Freid..." he faced Chid again and lowered his head.
"I know you worry for me and my people, Allen. But I remember you telling me that sometimes one must believe with all of their heart. It is a stronger form of courage. You must believe in me, please." Chid walked towards Allen. The knight-turned-king knelt immediately as Chid stood before him.
"Of course, your Majesty. Forgive me."
Chid's face softened into a boyish smile.
"Forgiveness is not needed here. Please rise," he asked. Allen stood and smiled down at him. Hitomi watched them. Her eyes widened.
They...they're related...aren't they? Yes. That's right...Hitomi's mind flashed a distant image in front of her.
"Chid is the result of my forbidden affair with Princess Marlene."
Allen? Hitomi thought as the memory of them standing on the roof of this same castle appeared. I...I really was here in this world, wasn't I?
"Alright. Everyone prepare for battle. When do you estimate the attack, Allen?" Chid walked back to his throne and sat.
"Two days at most, Majesty." Allen replied.
"Then make all necessary preparations. In two days, we fight. This meeting is adjourned."
Hitomi gasped and slunk herself from the doors, as the men made their way in her direction. She dashed down the hall a bit, pretending to be innocently walking by. Allen came out first, looking very worried.
"Oh! Hello, Allen." Hitomi said, trying to sound sincere. "Is something wrong?" He stopped and looked at her with a half-smile.
"Nothing you need to worry about. Why aren't you with Millerna? I thought she was going to visit the market?"
"Oh...I...I didnt feel like joining her, I guess."
"Still feeling ill? Do you remember anything, yet?" Hitomi shook her head.
"Odd bits and pieces. But that's all. I'm sorry," she frowned. He placed a hand on her shoulder.
"No. Don't apologize. I'm sure it will come back to you."
"Thanks, Allen." Hitomi replied as Van exited the room behind Allen. "Ah...Van?"
Allen turned and looked at Van. The two shared a cold stare before Allen excused himself, passing Hitomi and leaving the area. Van looked at Hitomi with a sad expression.
Does he hate me? Hitomi asked herself. "I...Are you alright? I was worried about that fight before..."
"I'm fine." Van replied quickly.
"Good..." Hitomi lowered her gaze a little. A feeling of awkwardness started to come over her.
"Hitomi..."
"Yes?"
"I'm sorry." Hitomi looked up at Van again, puzzled from his words.
"What for?"
"I'm sorry for yelling at you on the ship. I didn't mean to act like that. I haven't been myself lately."
"It's alright, Van. I should be the one apologizing to you..." Van's ruby eyes shimmered in the sunlight from outside. For a moment, everything froze for Hitomi. Those eyes...
Those eyes hold so much pain...so much sadness and loneliness...I remember those eyes...Hitomi thought. A quick image of her holding a dying Van in her arms flashed before her eyes.
"Hitomi? Hitomi?" Van's voice snapped Hitomi out of her trance-like state.
"Huh?" She said, looking into his face.
"Are you okay? What happened? Did you see something?"
"I saw a horrible image, Van. I haven't had things like this happen to me in years. You..."
"I what?"
"You...you were dying..." Van took a step back.
"I..."
"You were bleeding badly...I...I couldn't save you..." Tears were rolling down her cheeks. Van took hold of her and held her tightly. "Why...why are these things happening to me? Why can't I remember anything?" Hitomi wept on Van's shoulder. She felt his hand touch her hair and run his fingers through it, stopping at her back.
"Hitomi...I'm sorry. I didn't realize how much pain you've been in since you returned." Van's voice was soothing to her. He mentioned before that their love saved Gaea. Did she really love him? "Once this battle is over with, I'll take you somewhere and we can really talk. Maybe then you'll remember."
"Okay." Hitomi sniffled and rubbed her eyes lightly as the two let go of each other. Her stomach began to growl. Van smiled a little.
"Maybe you should eat something. You'll feel better," he said. Hitomi nodded.
"Good idea. Um...where's the cafeteria?" Van rose an eyebrow.
"What's a cafeteria?"
"Um...where you eat?" she replied. I guess cafeterias don't exist here...
"Ah, you mean the dining hall. Why don't you follow me, Hitomi?" Chid voice chirped in before behind the two.
"Majesty," Van bowed slightly in respect. Hitomi glanced over at Van and did the same. Chid smiled.
"It's alright. You don't need to be so formal with me," the young ruler said with a chuckle. He turned to Hitomi. "Would you like to join me for lunch? I'd like to speak with you."
"Um...sure..." Hitomi replied.
"If you excuse me," Van bowed and Hitomi followed his leave with her eyes.
"Come with me," Chid said and took Hitomi's hand. She looked down at him and smiled.
"Alright."
