Author's note: Sadly I do not own Escaflowne, no matter how many tantrums I go on. Wow! I finished the first chapter earlier than I expected! Go me!! ^_^ Anyway, as you can tell after reading this chapter, next chapter will be a seriously romantic one. Enjoy the fic! And review!
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An
emotion they call love
…Of
two worlds…one destiny…one hatred…one love…
Chapter
One: Return to Forgotten Memories
"Lord Van? Are
you here, Lord Van?" the girl asked, as she looked around the room. The
cat-girl spotted a young man of about eighteen in the room, sitting forlornly on
a windowsill, gazing out into the horizon. "Oh Lord Van" she sighed. She
slowly walked up to the young man, and stood beside him, watching the view below
them.
The city of
Fanelia was beautiful. The buildings were made of white marble, and the streets
were clean and filled with people. The bazaar was busy, and merchants from
different kingdoms cried out for customers to see their worthy merchandise. The
green fields stretched out endlessly behind the city, and the trees in Fanelia
were lush, earning Fanelia the nickname it had been given centuries ago – the
emerald city. But it was not the true beauty of the kingdom. No, if anything it
was the hearts of the people that made the kingdom shine. Their faith in
rebuilding their homes, and keeping peace made the city a place of true beauty.
"It's
beautiful, isn't it?" Van said quietly. "It is, Lord Van. Your parents
will be proud of you," said Merle, quietly. Van did not say anything, but
merely watched his city. His home. The word sounded nice, and comforting, yet it
made him feel so lonely.
Merle watched
the young king of Fanelia. His dark raven hair was just as unruly as ever, and
his muscles had given him a firm description during the war. He had grown
taller, and his brown eyes showed wisdom and growth. He wore a simple red shirt,
and brown pants and the same brooding expression as always.
"You're
still thinking of her, aren't you?" she asked. "I am," he admitted.
"Oh lord Van, when will you give up on her? You have a kingdom to run
and…" she trailed of watching Van. He had stood up, and began to walk
towards the door.
"Lord Van"
she said.
He stopped.
"Merle. There is no other woman in the entire universe who can make me feel
the way Hitomi does" he said quietly. "I know…but the throne" Van
laughed, through it was an ironic laugh. "Come now, Merle! You're starting
to sound just like those annoying advisors," he said. "I am a Fanelian. As a
citizen, I have a right to worry about that, you know" she said.
"I'm not
getting married" he said flatly, and left the dusty room. Merle sighed, and
looked out the window. He was just so…so impossible!! But then, she had seen
what the love he and Hitomi had for each other had managed to accomplish. Too
vividly did she remember the defeat of Dornkirk, emperor of Zaibach, a man who
had tried to control fate and destiny itself. But the powers of love that Hitomi
and Van had defeated him, and freed Gaea and fate from his clutches.
But she had to
be realistic. Hitomi was not going to come back. Van had let her go (which she
thought was a very stupid thing to do) and Hitomi probably had forgotten them.
She sighed and walked out of the room, closing it behind her.
~~~
Van slumped down
beside the tombstone of his brother Falkein. Nearby, Escaflowne stood there,
sitting ominously, covered in moss, and nests of birds. "I hope you're
enjoying the peace better than I am, old friend," he told the guymelef. "All
you have to do is sit and relax for the rest of your days"
The guymelef did
not answer. Van took out the pendant that had once belonged to Hitomi. He swung
it back and forth a few times, watching it keep perfect timing. It was the only
reminder he had of the girl from the mystic Moon. He envisioned what she would
be saying if she saw him moping around right now. "Probably get on with my
life" he mused. He watched the pendant. He had to come to a decision. He got
up. He had gotten an idea. But would it work? He glanced up at the moon that
hung in the sky and then hurried back to the castle.
~~~
A few days
later, the Crusader II had arrived at the ports of Fanelia. "Well boys,
we're here," said Allen Schezar, as he looked out at the scenery from the
window. "Wow! Fanelia's really gotten rebuilt after the war. I'd thought
–"
"Never mind
that," said Allen, as he suddenly went stiff. "Oh sorry boss. Really
sorry" apologized Gadis, quickly. "It's okay," said Allen, as he saw Van
and Merle, and some other noblemen of Fanelia come out to greet them. "Wonder
why King Van wanted us anyway?" asked Gaddis. "We'll find out soon
enough," said Allen.
"Allen!"
said Van, smiling warmly, as he welcomed his guest. " King Van!" said Allen,
equally warmly. "How have you been? How is Lady Celina?" he asked the blonde
knight. Allen smiled. "She is fine, King Van. She has recovered from the war
just fine," he said. "That's good," said Van. Not many people knew the
truth about lady Celina, about how she had been captured by Zaibach at a young
age a long time ago and been turned into the blood thirsty Dilandau. Only Van,
Allen and Queen Milerna's sister knew about this, and they had kept it as a
secret. The noblemen and Merle looked at the two curiously. "Merle. I see you
have grown," said Allen, spotting the cat girl. Merle grinned. "Someone's
finally noticed!" she squealed, delighted. Van laughed. "Come, there's
much we have to talk about" Van said, inviting Allen to his castle.
"Fanelia has
grown prosperous once more, Van. I'm impressed," said Allen, as he looked
around the city, heading for the castle. "It was something to do" shrugged
Van, and said nothing more. Allen gave him a questioning look, and Merle
indicated not to push it. Understanding crossed Allen's handsome face.
Soon they had
reached the castle, and into Van's private rooms. "So Van, what's wrong?
It's not everyday that you have me come all the way from Palas to Fanelia"
he said, making himself comfortable on a chair. "I need your help, Allen,"
said Van, seriously. "I kind of figured that. What do you need me to do?" he
asked. "I need you to help me get to the ruins of Zaibach," replied Van.
"Zaibach?"
said Allen, astonished, and Merle went pale. "Lord Van! Why do you want to go
back to that horrible place?" she asked. "I have to merle. I still have one
unfinished job to do, and it'll be easier if I have your help" he told them.
"Tell me what you're planning to do," said Allen, finally.
Van remained
silent. "To go to the Mystic moon," he said. "But why…?" Suddenly it
hit Allen. "But why Zaibach?" he asked quietly. "Dornkirk had found a way
to make your wishes come true" said Van. "And I'm going to activate his
machines again to help me go to the mystic moon" he said. "Van! Think
rationally. Dornkirk's machines have been mostly destroyed, and
well…Hitomi…I'm not sure if that'll accomplish much," he said. "And
you're not very welcome there anyway" added Merle. "I don't care! I have
to go! If there's even a remote chance, I have to find it" said Van,
angrily. "I'll understand if you don't want to help me. Don't worry. I
can manage on my own," he said.
"Don't be
stupid, Van. Of course we'll help you. Just that…are you sure this is what
you want?" asked Allen. Van looked out the window, gazing upon the mystic
moon. "Yes" he said, sullenly. Merle sighed. "All right then" she said.
"Great!" said Van, beaming at them.
~~~
Soon, after a
few days, the preparations had been made. Van had delegated the responsibility
of the city to some of his most trusted advisors, and told them that he was
making a state visit to Asturia. Queen Milerna had been notified of their true
intentions (she had been more than glad to help) and everything was ready.
"I see you had
the ship built exactly the same as last time, Allen," said Van, as he entered
the Crusader II. Allen laughed. "Well, it wasn't really my decision. The
crew liked the ship too much to have gotten a new one," he explained. He
grinned. "Personally, I quite agree with them" he said. "Welcome back,
your majesty!" most of the crewmembers called out, as they greeted Van. He
grinned, feeling at home with them. They had grown to be friends during the last
war. Van would never doubt their loyalty or courage.
"Well boys,
we've got a long journey ahead of us. We're setting out for the heart of
Zaibach," announced Allen, and suddenly everyone went silent. "Zaibach?"
Gaddis asked, incredously. "Boss, are ya sure?" he said. "I'm sure,"
replied Allen. "Don't tell me you lot have turned into a bunch of yellow
bellies!" he said. "Aww! Come on boss! We're just surprised, that's
all!" said one of the crewmembers. "Well, let's get going then!" said
Van. "Right!" said all the crewmembers at once, and soon the ship took off.
~~~
The hall was
filled with people and they waited in anticipation for her to come. He stood at
the end of the hallway looking around nervously. 'Would she come?' he
thought. All around him, the people stood waiting, anticipating, and finally –
the door creaked open. She stood there, beautiful, and adorned in white. The
sight of her took his breath away. 'Just a few more moments, and she'll be
with him forever' he thought to himself, as the organ began to play. The girl
walked slowly down the aisle, and stood beside him, smiling gently, serenely.
The old abbot went on with his speech, but he found himself lost in her green
eyes. Finally the abbot began to ask them the questions. "Will you take this
woman to be your queen?" the abbot asked. He said yes. The abbot turned to
her, and asked her whether she would take him as her king. She was about to
answer, when she was whisked away by a beam of bright light.
"Van…!"
she had called out.
"Hitomi!"
"Van!"
"Hitomi!"
Someone was
shaking him. Groggily, he woke up to see right into Merle. "Merle?" he said.
"Time to get up, Lord Van! We're almost there!" she said excitedly.
"Ugh! I was having a dream…" he muttered. "Oh never mind that! Come
on!" she said, grabbing his arm, and pulling him out of bed. "Hold on. Let
me get dressed" he said, as he put on a shirt.
"Van, I see
you've decided to wake up, said Allen, as the two entered the main deck. "It
wasn't my idea," said Van, glaring at Merle. Merle just grinned. "We're
almost at the borders of Zaibach. We're going to have to be careful. We've
got documents that says we're here as world merchants, but you're going to
have to stay out of sight" he said. "I can hide myself when the occasion
arises" said Van. "Good" said Allen. "So who's in charge of Zaibach
now?" asked Van. "General Adelphus. He took direct control over the empire
after Dornkirk's timely demise" said Allen. "From what I've heard,
he's pretty brutal and holds a grudge against all the countries of the allied
forces" he said. "I'm sorry I had to bring you here, Allen" Van said.
"Don't worry about it. I want to see Hitomi back just as badly as you do,"
he said. "She meant quite a lot to us all, that little lady," he said.
"Speak for yourself" said Merle. "Merle?" said Van, questioningly.
"I'm kidding!" said Merle. "Zaibach inspection ship approaching, sir"
one of the crewmembers said.
Sure enough, a
leviship had come across the horizon, approaching them. "Keep your mouths
shut, all of you, and let me do the talking" said Allen. "You got it,
sir," said Gaddis. An inspector in a Zaibach uniform boarded the ship.
"What's going on here? Who are you?" he asked, his voice crisp. "Just a
merchant on his way to sell some good, my dear inspector" said Allen,
courteously. "Hah! Likely story! Cough up the papers, ya Asturian scum!"
spat the inspector. Some of the inspector's faces had gone red, and many of
them looked furious, but Allen kept his cool. "Here you are, documents to
legalize my ship as an international trader of antique weaponry," said Allen.
"All right. I guess this'll do," said the inspector. "But I'll be
keeping my eye no ya lot!" he said. "I'm sure you will," said Allen
coolly. The inspector marched back to his ship, and then took off, and soon it
was lost in the horizon.
"That went
smoothly," said Van, as he came into the room. "I'd thought he would have
at least checked the ship. Where did you get the papers?" he asked curiously.
"Milerna wrote them up for me. A way of giving me a hand in case I needed
it" said Allen. "Oh" said Van. It was obvious that Milerna and Allen were
meant to be, but Milerna had gotten married to Driden, a merchant from Asturia.
But during the war, Dryden had realized Milerna's love for Allen was too pre,
and had broken off the relationship. But whether Allen had gotten involved with
the queen again, was unknown. Van decided not to ask.
"Set sail for
Dornkirk's palace, Gaddis. We're almost at the end of our mission," said
Allen. "Right!" said Gaddis, as the Crusader II changed direction.
"Zaibach's really in shambles, isn't it? Said Merle, as she watched the
scenery below from the ship. The cities were in ruins, and the natural beauty
was not much to speak of, as Zaibach was a purely industrialized empire.
"It's sad…all those people. Their homes are all destroyed," said Merle,
as she peered down. "Don't feel sorry for them, little lady. They deserved
it. They followed Dornkirk and this is what the consequence was," said Gaddis.
"I'm sure they didn't realize his true intentions," said Merle, her ears
drooping. "Of course they didn't" said Allen, gently. Van remained silent.
Soon they had
arrived at the capital of Zaibach. "Ready Van?" asked Allen. "Ready"
said Van, as they went in for a landing. Secretly Allen and Van were dropped off
and the Crusader II headed for the markets. "I carry some merchandize just in
case" Allen had explained. The two made it past the guards without being
spotted. "This just seems a little too easy," muttered Van, as they sneaked
past yet another guard. "You're right. But why would anyone want us getting
into the heart of Dornkirk's machines?" Allen whispered back. Van didn't
say anything. His mind was reveling on the fact that he was so close to his key
to the Mystic Moon. "Let's go!" said Allen, as the guard had left the
hallway. They hurried inside and finally had reached a dark room. Van looked
around. It seemed strangely familiar.
"Of course!
This was where he, Allen and Hitomi had once been transported to by Dornkirk's
fate altering device. "Up there!" he said. "Right" said Allen, as he
watched Van sprout his wings. As Van flew up, Allen jumped up, and grabbed
Van's hand. They two flew up to where Dornkirk had once stood. "So now
what?" said Allen, looking around. Van folded back his wings. There was a
sense of gloom that had never left the room. As if Dornkirk's presence was
still there. Whatever it was, it made Van nervous. He suddenly knew where to go.
"This way" he said, as the two ran through yet another door and into a room.
It was pitch black except for the sickly green glow from a nearby machine. The
glow showed the room to be filled with weirdly shaped machines. He remembered
this room well. "This is where Hitomi was," Van said quietly. "When she
waited for me," he said quietly. "Go for it, Van" said Allen,
encouragingly.
Van nodded, and
walked up to the machine. He tried to guess how to activate it, but it just
didn't help. "Ugh!" he said in frustration, banging his fist on to the
panel. "This stupid thing won't work! It's too badly damaged!" he
growled. "Maybe some of the other machines will work. One of them has got
to," said Allen, looking around.
"I…I just
wish I could see Hitomi again…just once more" said Van miserably, as he
leaned on the panel switches. Something began to glow underneath his shirt.
Bewildered, he reached and took out…
"Hitomi's pendant!" said Allen, astonished. But that was
not the true surprise. Suddenly some yells were heard. "Sounds like they
discovered there's some intruders in the palace. Van. Go. I'll handle
them," he told the young king. "Allen, are you-"
"Just go!
Bring back Hitomi, all right?" said Allen. Van nodded. "I promise," he
said solemnly, as the door burst open, and several guards came in. "Allen
Schezar, Van Fanel, you both are under arrest for entering …what the?" The
guards watched mouth open, as a beam of light came down from nowhere, and took
Van up to the heavens.
"Good luck,
Van" said Allen, as he took out his sword.
~~~
The beam of
light cam down from the heavens and deposited the young man on to the ground.
"Ugh!" he grunted, as he felt the ground underneath him. "Allen!" he
said, quickly getting up, but noticed that he was in a different place. Wild
eyed, he took in his surroundings. He was in a meadow, and nearby some hills.
But in the distance, he could see a dazzling city. A city like he had never seen
before. It resembled somewhat like Zaibach when it was in its glory, but had a
more natural beauty. It shone with dazzling lights, like the stars. Happiness
burst forth into Van's heart, and he laughed out aloud, filling the air around
him with joy. He had made it. He had made it to the mystic Moon. To where Hitomi
was. And now he would find her.
"Hitomi, I
swore to you that we would be reunited again, and I will keep my word," he
thought. He put the pendant back underneath his shirt (it had stopped glowing)
and walked towards the city. All he had to do was find her.
"We will be together forever…"