~Elements of the Mind~
8
Large mahogany eyes stared questionably at Hitomi, searching her bright green eyes for answers. Unfortunately all Hitomi could do was stare back with the same lost look on her face. Tension hummed in the air as the threatening clouds began to gather and the wind picked up it's pace.
"Who burnt Fanelia?" Van repeated as panick crept into his voice, "Who?" The expression on his face was pain and desperation flashed in his eyes with such intensity that Hitomi had to turn her head.
"I don't know Van." She finally answered.
Van turned his questioning gaze to Shakaku. "Do you know what happened?"
She visibly cringed at his question and began to nervously ring her hands together. "Van…I…" She began but stopped and reached for Taishin's hand. The wind howled across the plain blowing Shakaku hair and robes around her and lightening reflected in her ice blue eyes. " I burnt Fanelia." She finished. "Taishin and I."
As if on cue the clouds opened their floodgates and torrents of rain drenched the earth. Lightening flashed across the dark ominous sky dancing its celestial dance and then thunder sounded the drums of the storm's wild beat.
"Why?" was all Van was able to stutter before he slumped to his knees.
Tears streamed down Shakaku's face. "It was an illusion," She explained, "It was the only way you'd be willing to fight. I'm sorry Van, I am so sorry." She crouched to the ground and gently cupped his face in her hands. "Please believe me Van, it was the only way."
Taishin and Hitomi stared on in silence, both uncertain of what to do. Shakaku stood and walked slowly towards Taishin. "Come now, we must get out of the rain." He nodded solemnly .
"Van, I am sorry as well. I am every bit responsible for this lie as Shakaku." With that said he took Shakaku's hand and began to lead her to the shelter of the forest.
Cold water rolled down Hitomi's face and hair and she fought to keep the water out of her eye. She blinked hard. Her thin dress was soaking wet and cold. She wrapped her arms around herself shivering all the while.
"Van, I am sorry." She murmured but her words were lost in the sound of the rain and storm.
"I can't believe what I am hearing," Van thought," Taishin and Shakaku. How could they? How could they put me through that again? The pain, the sadness, the guilt! How could they be so cruel and unfeeling? And now Fanelia is safe but what must my people think of me? Do they think I have abandoned them? Or do they think I am dead? And what…what about Merle? What about her grief?" Van pulled his knees up to his chest and placed his head in his hands, oblivious to the chaos of rain and wind that spun around him. Oblivious to the cold, wet girl that stood shivering watching him and waiting for him.
The darkest hour is the hour before dawn
A small fire burned brightly under the protection of a foliage roof. Taishin and Shakaku sat silently around the glowing fire, each allowing themselves to become mesmerized by the dancing flames. Around them darkness loomed just beyond the warmth of the fire as night had drawn her cloak across the land a few hours ago.
" Do you think they're alright?" Taishin questioned, snapping Shakaku out of her daze.
"Yes." She replied before turning her eyes to the fire once again.
"Can you see it?"
"See what?"
"The fire." Taishin inquired.
Shakaku didn't remove her eyes from the glowing flames. "Always."
~*~
Rain continued to fall although the thunder and lightning ceased. The constant pitter-patter of the rain had a hypnotic and calming affect as the clouds swirled in the heavens above. The moon now replaced the sun and one could catch a fleeting glimpse of the celestial orb whenever a cloud passed.
Hitomi remained standing, silently shivering. She wasn't sure what to do but at the moment she would have killed for an umbrella and some dry clothes! The sound of her own teeth chattering brought her out of her reveries. " This is ridiculous!" She decided, "If we stay out in this weather for much longer pneumonia will kill us, not Nekura!"
With that in mind Hitomi cautiously approached Van, who hadn't moved since he'd dropped to the ground unceremoniously. She placed a hand gently on his shoulder. "C'mon Van, it's cold and it's we-" Hitomi pulled her hand back suddenly like she'd been burnt. "He's not wet!" She observed, highly disturbed by this discovery. "But how in the world?"
Van looked at her expectantly. Hitomi's cheeks turned pink, embarrassed by her rude behavior. "Umm, we should find shelter." She stammered. He nodded slowly before standing. Curiosity was getting the better of her. "I don't mean to sound rude but how is it that you're completely dry?"
Van gave her a side wards glance and she could have sworn that she saw a hint of a smile in his eyes. "It's my magic." He replied, "Let me show you." She looked surprised as Van simply waved a hand over her. And to her amazement she was dry!
"I've come to terms with all this and I've decided to except my place as the guardian of the west." Van declared. He reached into his pouch he pulled out something she had never seen before. It was a golden seashell. Van closed his eyes tightly in concentration and the shell began to glow a brilliant blue. Within seconds Van held an ornate deep blue kitana that was nearly identical to that of Taishin, Shakaku and Hitomi's.
"And, I am sorry Hitomi. I've been acting really childish about all this and I guess…thank you as well, for putting up with me." Van looked sheepishly at Hitomi.
She smiled cryptically at him. "Anytime Van. Now let's get out of this storm and find the others!"
~*~
Tiashin and Shakaku sat wordless around the fire. Taishin poked the fire with a stick, sending sparks flying out of the flames only to die an honorable death when they met the damp earth. He looked up when Hitomi and Van emerged out the darkness.
Van was the first to speak. "I forgive the both and you, and I realize that you did the right thing in the long run. I'd also like to apologize for my rash and somewhat childish behavior. I don't think my temper tantrum helped anyone."
Shakaku beamed. She'd been so worried that he might leave once he'd discovered that his country was safe. "Thank you for understanding!"
"Finally all the guardians gather!" declared a high pitched girly voice from the darkness of the woods. The group immediately assumed battle positions ready for whatever might be coming their way. "Hehe, you guys are silly! I'm not here to hurt you! Now lets get moving, my master will be so happy that you've finally arrived!" With what sounded like the clap of her hands all four guardians disappeared from their camp.
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Alright, against popular opinion I am not dead! I'm just a little slow…sorry! Summer is here so hopefully I will be able to write more and post more often. Thanks to all who reviewed! I love you guys! Till next time folks! ^_~ Chihiro
Disclaimer ~ Escaflowne does not belong to me (ahhh poop) but I do own my original characters!
Don't forget to review everyone!!! Please!!!!!!!! ^^;;