An
emotion they call love
…Of
two worlds…one destiny…one hatred…one love…
Chapter Three: Unseen Fortunes
The young man walked
around the edges of the forest, searching for his prey. The creature had eluded
him on many occasions, but this time. This time he would catch it. Thinking of
the taste his prey's meat would bring him, he ventured on. Unfortunately his
wily foe had decided not to show itself to him; he kept walking on. He reached
an area where the trees thinned out, leading to the vast meadows of wilderness.
Suddenly, a
brilliant pillar of light came down from the heavens, startling the young
hunter; the bow and arrow in his hands dropped to the floor with a dull thud.
"What the…?" he gasped. The pillar of light deposited a young man with
dark raven hair, and a beautiful young woman with golden brown hair. Not knowing
what to do, he went toward them, puzzled at this scene.
The young man with
the dark raven hair, got up, and offered the girl his hand. She accepted, and
got up. "Ho there!" the dark haired man called out. The hunter hesitated for
a few moments, and then replied back. "Ho!" he cried. "Can you tell us
where we are, exactly?" the dark haired man asked. "Tazarin" the hunter
replied. "Just a league away from here!"
"Thank you!" the
young woman with the honey brown hair called out. The hunter watched them walk
towards his village. Suddenly he heard a small animal noise – his prey! His
attention quickly went into searching for the wily old foe once more.
~~~
Sounds of struggle
were heard as Allen Schezar, Knight of Caelie's sword clashed with those of
the Zaibach palace guards. The guards had been taken by surprise when Van had
disappeared into the pillar of light; Allen had used this to his advantage being
outnumbered to four against one. He parried back and forth with one, his sword
ringing with each thrust. He ducked as two others tried to injure him. "Nice
work boys. Your swordsmanship have improved since the last time I fought a
Zaibach soldier," Allen said, sidestepping a thrust to his stomach. The poor
soldier ran into a wall, groaning and cursing.
His words seem to
have angered the four soldiers, and this caused them to make mistakes.
Personally Allen didn't like to kill anyone unless he had to. And he didn't
think the palace guards should be killed either; the soldiers were protecting
their palace after all. He neatly swung the dull edge of his sword onto the head
of the soldier in front of him, knocking him unconscious.
The door swung open
as more guards came in. "Halt! You are trespassing on Zaibach," one of them
ordered. "Yes. I more or less figured that," replied Allen, sarcastically.
"You're quite outnumbered here, my dear Knight. I wouldn't be mocking if I
were you," a man said. The soldiers parted respectively, and stood in rapt
attention. A man wearing the uniform of a high ranking Zaibach official with
bright green eyes and high cheekbones stood in between the soldiers. He had a
sword hilted to his waist, and he wore an archaic helmet. His face held the
beauty of his youth within, yet his eyes were cold. "I'm sorry to say we
haven't met. Shall we introduce ourselves?" he drawled. "I am commander
Shikorou," he said. "I would say it is almost a pleasure to meet you but
that would be a downright lie," replied Allen. "I've received specific
orders, Allen Shezar. It seems Emperor Adelphus wants me to merely accompany you
out of the palace – unharmed and escort you and your unruly crew members out
of the country" Shikorou said. His tone indicated that he was not happy with
the decision at all.
Allen's eyes
narrowed, but he said nothing. He withdrew his sword. "All right" he said
finally. "I suppose I have overstayed my welcome here," he said. He did a
slight courtesy bow and walked out of the room, followed by the guards. "The
legend of his chivalry is not exaggerated I see" Shikorou commented to the
guard next to him.
~~~
"So they just let you
walk out? Just like that?" Gaddis exclaimed, as the Crusader II passed the
borders of Zaibach. The several floating ships that were following them stopped
at that point and turned back. "Miserable dogs…" muttered Gaddis, watching
them. "Don't worry about it. We've done what we came for. It's time to
return home," Allen said. "Right" replied Gaddis, as he gave the orders to
set sail for Palas, Asturia.
~~~
Asturia was a land of
beauty, where chivalry and honor were regarded higher than any other virtues.
The knights of Caelie were the pride of the nation as was their jewel, Queen
Milerna. The antiquity of the buildings was beautiful, done in marbles and white
stones. The streets were busy with people, hurrying back and forth in their busy
work. Being one of the most powerful nations of Gaea, merchants from all over
the world would come. Parts of the city were destroyed, and were slowly being
repaired. This was a scar Asturia was left with during the Great War. One of
their many grievous scars. Queen Milerna oversaw the construction personally. Every now and then, a knight would come through the streets in brightly
costumed horses making their way to the castle of Palas, where Queen Milerna
ruled.
A strong independent
woman, Queen Milerna's life was tragic. Her hair was golden like the sun, and
her smile made the knees of all the men weak. She was kind, and fair, and ruled
her domain with the help of her closest friend and knight protector, Allen
Schezar.
"…and so, my dear
lady, it would be the best interest of both Asturia and Daedalas if you would
agree to this trade treaty" the courtier went on.
"King Soranium must
think ill of me, Lord Ifer. This was the same treaty as the one that was sent
last week. And the answer is still no" Milerna answered. "But my lady!"
the courtier protested. "That will be all" the Queen said, quite firmly. The
courtier sighed, and grumbling to himself about the injustice of smart women,
headed out of the room. Another courtier came into the room. "My Queen" he
said, and bowed. "The Knight of Caelie and Knight Protector has arrived at the
ports of Palas," he reported. "Very well. Please get my carriage ready"
Milerna answered. The courtier bowed again and left the throne room.
"I hope things have gone
well, Allen. I have missed you," thought Milerna to herself ruefully as she
sat on her throne.
~~~
The Queen's carriage
stopped near the Crusader II as Allen descended from his ship. "My Queen" he
greeted Milerna, bending on one knee. "Rise, Allen Schezar, and welcome to
Asturia once again" Milerna answered, formal. She extended a gloved hand
towards her knight, which was kissed immediately. "Come, Allen. We have much
to discuss in the palace," Milerna told him. Allen nodded.
Soon, the two were
sitting together in a room; Allen told Milerna what happened in Zaibach.
"Hopefully he managed to get to the Mystic Moon" said Allen, as he stroked
his pet owl, perched on his shoulder. "Zaibach soldiers let you go? No
problems? Nothing?" Milerna asked. "Not exactly what I expected but it got
me out of there alive" said Allen. "And I'm glad" said Milerna. "Well
then. I guess we'll just have to wait and see what is to come. Would you like
to escort me for a walk, sir Knight?" she asked, offering Allen her gloved
hand. "With pleasure" he said, as he took her hand and kissed it.
~~~
When they had reached the
village of Tazarin finally, Van had rented a horse and soon the two were on
their way to Palas. The horse's hooves ate up the miles, as forests and
travelers were left behind. Hitomi clung onto Van tightly- and Van didn't
quite seem to mind. She took in her surroundings with a child-like delight, not
quite believing she was back on Gaea, and with Van. She blushed slightly with
that thought, her cheeks flaming with a crimson touch.
It was nightfall by
the time they reached the city of Palas. It was beautiful to see the ancient
buildings under the moonlight. From the streets, the citizens had lit the
candles in the streetlights, giving the place a romanticized, though rather
sleepy look. "Like something out of a postcard" whispered Hitomi, looking
around. "Did you say something?" Van asked. "Me? Oh…nothing" Hitomi
replied. "Palas really seems to have recovered from when I was here last
time," she added. "Yes. Milerna and Allen have really been putting a lot of
effort into rebuilding the city, as I did with Fanelia" Van said. "How are
they?" Hitomi asked. "And Dryden?"
Van smiled gently.
"You'll have to see for yourself," he said, as he pointed to a distance in
front of them. "We'll have to stay at an inn for the night, it seems" said
van. "The 'Golden Lion' should be around that street," he told her. She
nodded, and followed him. It had been a tiring journey.
They walked down a
steep hill, inclining downwards. Hitomi stayed close to Van, unconsciously
holding his arm, as she was afraid being in the dark unexplored streets alone.
His arm felt warm and strong, as she clung to it while walking; Van didn't
seem to mind.
Eventually they
reached a building with a sign with the picture of a lion in gold in the front.
Hitomi guessed that was the inn; they headed for it. "Hitomi, rest in the
taprooms. I'll be in to get us something to eat as soon as I arrange for some
rooms to stay in for the time" Van told her. "All right" replied Hitomi.
She'd read enough fantasy books to know that a taproom was basically a place
where the visitors of the inn sat down to eat, or drink. It usually was filled
with people most of the time, and now was no exception. All kinds of people (and
creatures Hitomi had only imagined) sat in the tables, and the buzz of constant
conversation hung over the atmosphere. She spotted a single empty table, and
quickly sat to occupy it. "I wish Van would get here soon" she though,
feeling uncomfortable around all these people.
"Well, well. Looky
what we got here, boys. A wench to satisfy the cold night for me" a booming
voice called out, followed by some laughter. Hitomi turned around to see three
drunken men standing in front of her table. The one who spoke was the bigger of
the tree. The other two seemed to resemble weasels. "What's your name
honey?" the leader of the trio asked. Hitomi felt scared, but decided she
wasn't going to be pushed around. "It's none of your business" she
retorted, glaring at the man. The man chuckled, and turned to his friends.
"Feisty, ain't she?" and laughed, as of in a private joke. Hitomi decided
she had enough. She got up from her seat. "Excuse me, but please leave me
alone. I don't think I'd care much for your company. Your breath positively
reeks!" she said, her temper flaring up. The man laughed more stupidly, and
reached forth, and touched Hitomi's cheek. Having enough, Hitomi decidedly
slapped the man in the face, taking him by surprise; he got pushed into his two
friends. "You stupid woman!" he yelled, and was about to strike her.
A leather-gloved
hand suddenly caught his. "I think you should leave the lady alone" Van's
cold voice told them. "Otherwise it may prove to be unwise for your health"
The man sneered, but stopped when he saw that Van was armed. "Let's go
boys," he growled, giving a glare to Hitomi, and then leaving the taproom.
"Are you okay?" Van asked hurriedly, concerned about Hitomi. "I'm all
right. That big oaf just got on my nerve, that's all. Wench indeed!" she
said, indignantly. The owner of the inn suddenly came rushing towards them,
bumbling forth with apologies. "I'm so sorry the lady had to go through
that! Raol is a bit of a drunk, but he's not that bad. Plus he's one of my
biggest customers." he said. "I am very sorry for this" he apologized once
more.
"It's okay"
Hitomi said, accepting his apologies. "I think I would like to retire now"
she told Van quietly. "Okay" he replied, with a glimmer of worry in his
eyes. He took her hand and led her to the room he had paid for the night.
"Rest for a while. You've been through a lot," he said. Hitomi nodded, and
for a second, their faces came drawn to each other in their first kiss. But
Hitomi blushed, and looked down. "Good night" she whispered and closed the
door, leaving a bewildered Van behind the door.
She sighed, and
walked towards the doors on the other side of the room, and opened them, walking
into the balcony. The scene was breath taking, the sky cast with a velvety dark
purple. The stars twinkled, and a full moon hung low, next to the mystic moon.
'And so I am here again…' Hitomi thought. Unknowingly, her pendant began
to glow once more – engulfing the girl into her visions.
An army, gathered in
the battlefield began to rush towards their opponent, victory in their breaths
and death and war in their hands. Van, his wings unfolded engulfed in a beam of
white light. Escaflowne walked once more, and there was something different
about it this time. Hitomi walked from each image to the other, unable to
comprehend what they meant. What were they telling her? The visions suddenly
shattered like a mirror, each glass falling and shattering into shards around
her; she stood there surrounded by perpetual darkness. "What's going on?"
Hitomi screamed out, her voice echoing forth into the oblivion of the darkness.
A wisp of smoke
began to gather before Hitomi, and a hunchbacked woman appeared once more. Her
face was covered by her robe, and was shadowed to show any features of herself.
All except for her red eyes, glowing through the darkness. It was the same woman
from her visions.
"You!" Hitomi
gasped out. The hunchbacked woman took no notice. "You must hurry Hitomi. Time
is running out. By tomorrow's midnight, the queen of Asturia will cease to
exist" she warned. "What? Milerna? No…! I don't believe it!" Hitomi
cried out. "See for yourself. It is not for me to make you believe things or
not" the woman shrugged. She put out her hand, and a glowing white orb formed,
brimming with energy. It floated from her hand, and the hovered in front of
Hitomi. It disappeared, and the entire area around them changed, shifting into a
scene.
They were in the
rooftop of the palace. Hitomi remembered it well, the night she had spied Allen
and Milerna sharing a forbidden kiss. Milerna was standing there, being led by
the hand by a blonde knight. Allen. Suddenly Allen turned around and with a
flash of his sword, felled the queen with a blown. Hitomi could not believe it.
"That is going to happen?" she stammered, unwilling to believe it. "Yes"
the woman replied. "Do what you wish. But remember. There is a reason for all
this. Whether you chose to have the queen live or not could affect how soon the
ragnarok will befall upon Gaea. Chose wisely" the woman said, as she
disappeared once more.
The vision, ended,
as Hitomi found herself on the bed in her room. The bed was quite comfortable,
and Hitomi had no wish to get up. Yet the sun's rays told her it was time, and
reluctantly she submitted. She got up, and freshening up, opened the door. On
the other side, Van stood there, about to knock. "Good morning" he greeted
her. "Morning" Hitomi replied. They both had decided to forget last
night's events that had brought out the rush of emotions the two had for each
other. "I was just about to ask you if you wanted some breakfast. After that,
we'll be heading out to the palace" Van said. "That sound great" Hitomi
agreed, as the two headed downstairs.
During the course of the
meal, Hitomi told Van about her vision last night. "That is disturbing" he
agreed. "This ragnarok…I can't help feeling I've heard it somewhere
before" he mused. "Whatever we do, we have to help Milerna. We can't let
her just die!" Hitomi said. "We're not. But I'm just not sure I'm
getting this straight. You're saying Allen is going to kill her?" Van asked.
"Yes" Hitomi confirmed. "I don't know what's going to happen but what
I do know is we have to get there. Fast" she told him urgently. "All
right" Van agreed, as he got up. Paying for their bills, Van and Hitomi walked
out of the inn, riding towards the palace once more.
"I don't know
what's going to happen. But I am going to stop it" Hitomi thought,
determined, as the castle came into view…