~This chapter is when it starts to get interesting. The prophecy comes in!
~Remember I don't own Escaflowne or its characters.
The Fate of Two Worlds
By Rochelle Cassel
Chapter 5 ~ Awareness of the Unknown
~ Fanelia ~
As Van and Hitomi began walking back to the castle, Van informed her about all that had
happened in Gaea after she had left. "After you left we started construction on Fanelia"
Van spoke proudly about his kingdom, "First with townsfolk' homes and shops and then we
got to work on the castle. It took about a full rotation before we got to finishing."
"So fast?" Hitomi asked rather surprised, "I would have thought it take much longer than
that."
Van smiled at her in the moonlight, "So did I, but most of the townsfolk homes had been
completed before, because they had started returning after the fire and rebuilt their own
homes. Gold was taken from the royal treasure to pay for their loses and get them back on
their feet."
Hitomi smiled back at him; his love for his people never ceased to amaze her. She loved
how he was so caring and responsible about them. Hitomi returned back to the
conversation as she heard him continue, "After that we regrew our army and now it is one
of the largest in the Western Hemisphere. Freid holds the largest army with Fanelia as a
close second."
They passed through the gardens and went by the roses which made Hitomi think she was
floating, "While that was going on the countries that were part of the Great War sign a
peace treaty and it held for almost a whole rotation. The countries are all very happy with
the peace and I believe it will hold for very long time."
"When you say the countries of the Great War, what countries do you mean?" Hitomi
inquired trying to better familiarize with Gaea recent history.
"Freid, Austuria, and many other small countries and kingdoms of the Western Hemisphere"
Van turned to Hitomi and stopped in front of her door. Hitomi opened the door and walked
in, but turned around and faced Van before closing it.
"Thank you, Van. I really enjoyed tonight. Thanks for filling me in on everything and
especially for giving me back my grandmother's pendant." She smiled and her eyes twinkled
with happiness.
"The surprises aren't over" he said slyly. Hitomi eyes begged for information as he smiled at
her, "I sent messages to some old friends about your arrival" he reported to her. Her eyes
lite up happily at the news. "Millerna, Dryden, Allen, Celena, Chid.....they should be arriving
tomorrow."
She rushed over and gave him a final hug of thanks. He hugged her back and smiled at the
top of her head, "I knew you would be happy to hear that news." She looked up at him
through tears.
"How could I not be happy? I've been wanting to see them ever since I arrived."
"Well you better get a good nights sleep because they probably will wear you out with all
the questions they'll shoot at us" Van smile widened. Hitomi started when he said 'us'. It
was such a small word, but when he said it about them it made her heart skip. Her heart
wanted that word to be repeated. To be repeated for the two of them made her heart give
a small smile.
"Good night, Van" she whispered as she began to close her door.
"Good night, Hitomi" he whispered back. For a second Hitomi hesitated to close the door.
A sudden fear of not seeing him again kept her from closing it.
"Don't worry, Hitomi" he whispered knowingly, "I'll be here in the morning." She gave him a
smile before closing the door silently. She took a deep breathe and sighed.
"See you in the morning, Van....."
~ Flying Fortress ~
Kusari and Kaosu stood facing each other in the center of the dark throne room, arms
outstretched to each other. In the darkest corner of the room was a pair of deadly purple
eyes watching impatiently. He didn't enjoy the light and had decided to stay where he was
most comfortable....the darkness. There was not a single thought in his mind that understood
what the twin commanders were doing. Ears behind his silver locks pricked as they heard
the deadly cries that echoed within the fames of the walls. His tongue ran over his lips as he
savored the screams that always filled his soul with fulfillment. Closing his eyes he could
almost taste the spilled blood on his lips. Death....the only lust of his being......his only
meaning of life.......the thing he enjoyed most. Every element of his life surrounded the dark
word. Power.... love.... wealth.... noting mattered to him, only the sinister word he could
only get through another dark act. Killing, slaughter, murder......whatever you call the act it
was the same thing. The darkness was the serpent of his mind, gnawing and teasing his mind
of unholy shadows. With the deadly serpent in his mind he could barely keep his sanity. He
knew he was losing his reasoning, but why should he care? Death was all he wanted, who
cared if he lost his mind in the process?
Dilandau felt a sudden warmth in the callous room, causing him to open his hate filled eyes.
His eyes grew wider at what he saw happening before him. Kusari and Kaosu looked
completely calm as the blue sphere of light grew between their hands. Streaks of lightening
exploded every which way from the orb. A wind from unknown source pulled at the two
commanders clothes, trying desperately to rip the garments from their pale skin. Sometimes
the electricity would hit the two men, but neither seemed to be even affected. The sphere
continued to bulge with power and the men were forced to step back. A streak of white
light formed through the center of the energy globe and began to flow the energy of light
through out the room. Cracks in the floor became filled with the light and black stone
glowed from the energy. A shout escaped the lips of the twin rulers lips as the light filled the
room blinding the dragon slayer before he slipped into a coma.
~ Fanelia ~
The dust trailed Hitomi's faded sneakers as she walked through the large 'backyard' of the
castle. Hitomi had woken up late the next morning to discover that Van and Merle were in
a meeting. She had been told by a maid that Van had not wanted to wake her and let her
sleep in. Since there was nothing to do she changed into her only outfit from the Mystic
Moon, a pair of blue jeans and a white t-shirt with a brown leather vest. She wanted to see
what was rebuilt, but didn't want to go into town without a guide so she had decided to
check out the area around the stone castle. She didn't want to disturb someone though so
she tried to avoid the guards. All she had found was gardens, on top of gardens. Every
where she turned she run into more beautiful blossoms. She finally had found a dirt paths
that led away from the royal gardens and led farther away from the castle.
As she rounded a wall of carnations she finally spotted something that brought a smile to her
face. A large stable of beautiful redwood stood at the end of the dirt trail she was walking
down. The gentle noises of horses neighing was like music to her ears. She had to force
herself not to sprint down the path to the beautiful music. Horses were as much as a part
her life as much as track had been.
She had rode horses since she was able to hold the reins. She loved the feeling when the
horse would bolt beneath her or jump over a low fence. Oh how she missed the touch of a
horse gentle nose when she rubbed it. She would ride horses at her grandmother's ranch
(grandmother on the other side of the family) which was just next door to her house. In fact
she had loved horses so much that her grandmother had given her own horse. A dark ebony
mare with a white nose always had waited for her when she run over after school.
Unfortunately when she turned ten her family had moved to the city and she only rode
horses when she visited her grandmother or 'rent' a horse at a nearby stable. Now even the
smell of musky stalls seemed like sweet perfume.
Hitomi could no longer hold back, her feet kicked up dusk as she raced to the building that
surfaced so many memories. Luckily the doors were wide open as if in invitation so she
didn't feel like she was intruding. When eyes saw all the horses she couldn't help, but stare.
There had to be at least a hundred stalls filled with the beautiful creature, and then some.
She slowly walked past each stall studying each horse in turn. They had to be the best
breeds around. 'Would you expect anything less for the King?' Hitomi thought in awe. Each
stall held an identification plate stating the name and breed of each horse, but Hitomi could
not read the writing causing her to frown.
'Why can't I read Fanelian? It just doesn't seem right' thought the confused Hitomi. If she
understood Fanelian speech how could she not understand Fanelian writing. It just didn't
add up correctly. She ran her fingers over the strange figures. The gold plating felt so
smooth beneath her fingertips. The figures were so odd...yet similar to her Japanese
writing.....
A soft neigh brought her back to the stalls surrounding her. Looking behind her at the stall
across from the one she was looking at stood the most beautiful mare she ever seen. Her
coat was a deep raven color that shined in the sunlight pouring from the stall window. Her
mane was tied in dozens of tiny buns giving her a regal look. Hitomi's hand automatically
went to the horse's nose when she notice the single patch of white, a white nose. It was
almost like fate had led her to the mare. It resembled so much like her old horse that it
couldn't have just been coincidence.
"Lady Hitomi?" The golden head turned towards the voice.
"Oh I'm sorry for intruding. I was just admiring the horses" she apologized. The stable
master walked towards the horse she stood next to and gave the horse a pet.
"That's quite all right, milady" he chuckled, "You are more than welcomed to our stalls. All
doors are opened to you since you are a close friend to the king, but the stalls are opened
to all who wish to enter. Many love to ride and I more than happy to please others."
At once Hitomi fell in love with the man. She reminded him a grandfather. Even his physical
appearance made her think of her grandpa. He was a man in probably his mid-sixties who
was built rather well for his age. His bald head was rimmed with gray hair. A gray mustache
heightened his twinkling blue eyes. He wore rough blue pants with a matching vest over a
white shirt. Deep brown boots gave him the rustic look of a stable hand.
"Thank you very much, sir" Hitomi replied with a small bow.
"Please call me Jasper" he smiled at the polite girl. He saw such life in her it reminded him
of his granddaughter. He hadn't seen her in a long time, but her eyes had always twinkled
just like hers.
Hitomi smiled at his gentle nature, "And please call me Hitomi." They smiled at each other
and shook hands in friendship.
For several hours the two walked among the stalls talking about life and memories. Jasper
told Hitomi about each horse as they pass them. Hitomi spoke of how she met Van and her
life on the Mystic Moon. Before the afternoon was over the two had become very close.
They had shared their hearts with one another in ways close love ones do. Making they
way back to the mare that resembled Hitomi's old horse Jasper asked, "So you love to
ride."
"Yes" she say as stroke the beautiful creature, "I rode for several years. I've always love to
run and horseback riding felt like the next level. I can go so much faster on horse and I
savor every moment upon ones back."
Jasper's blue eyes twinkle, "Would you like to ride one?"
Hitomi's smile never seemed so big as she turned toward him, "May I?!"
"Of course, dear Hitomi" he chuckled, "I would feel honored if someone so renounced road
one of my specially bred horses. All I ask is that you choose the lucky horse."
Her emeralds eyes danced as she automatically knew the horse she wished for, "If you
don't mind, may I ride this mare?"
"Your taken with this mare, I see" he chuckled again.
Hitomi green emeralds never left the mare, "Yes, she reminds me of my horse. My
grandmother had a ranch on the Mystic Moon. I had my own mare that I rode." She closed
her eyes remembering riding in pastures. Her grandmother would watch at the gate and give
her tips on riding. The smell of grass in the wind filled her nostrils. Rushing adrenalin flowed
through her blood. Jasper watched her in wonder. She reminded him so much of his
granddaughter.
"You remind me of my granddaughter" he whispered sadly. Hitomi turned at his comment
and saw tears in the gentle man's eyes.
"Your granddaughter...." she said.
Jasper looked at the row of horses remembering her, "She was so full of life. Every day she
would come ride at me and my wife's ranch. I would hold her reins as she'd sit upon the
horse." He could see her ponytail and her emerald eyes sparkling down at him.
"Grandpa, can't I have the reins?" she would plead.
He would chuckle, "I'm sorry angel, but once your older you'll can ride a horse all by
yourself."
"But grandpa...." she would wine, "I love to gallop really fast and I can't do that with you
walking my horsiee." She pouted unhappily at her loving grandfather.
"Alright. How about if I ride with you. Then we can go real fast." he asked. The young
brunette squealed happily as her grandfather took a seat behind her. She turned around a
gave a bright smile to him just before the two bolted across the field.
"She sounds like a nice girl....." Hitomi's words brought Jasper back from his memories.
He looked at the beautiful young woman and sighed, "She was......"
"Was?" Hitomi asked confused at his statement.
New tears brimmed in the old man's eyes, "I...I haven't seen her since she was little...." He
turned his head humbly not wanting to burden the woman and tired to walk away. But a
gentle hand held his shoulder.
He turned to see sparkling green eyes, "Please, may I know why?" They stared at each
others for several minutes.
Hitomi wondered what possessed her to ask that question. She would never have ask such
a personal question, especially when it was obvious he was hurt from his memories. Luckily
he didn't seemed phased by what she asked. "I was forced to abandon my wife......" he
muttered in disgust.
"Abandon...." Hitomi said in shock. She never would imagine such a kind man would do
such a thing.
Jasper went to a tack wall and pulled off a saddle for the mare, "Zaibach knew me and
wanted me dead. I had thought I had lost them when I decided to marry, but after
twenty-five years of paradise I discovered they had found my trail again. I was afraid for
my family so I left my wife. Before I left I told her what happened and we made a vow to
one day see each other again."
The two walked out the barn with Hitomi's chosen mare close behind. "I escaped and
became the stable hand to reining king's father. I told my king in private my predicament
and he promised always to protect me. Even after his death I have remain loyal to this
family for I had fallen in love with his children and have been very close to them. Although
King Van knows very little of my past he knew me and his father were close and he's
vowed to me that he would protect me like his father once did. I have been very happy
here though I long to see my love once more. One day I will return to her and see my
granddaughter."
"That is a lovely tale." Hitomi whispered more to herself then to him.
Jasper turned to her with a smile, "Well Hitomi if you don't hurry you might not get to ride
the sun is rising high in the sky."
Hitomi smiled and mounted the horse, "Where are the best trails?"
The man pointed a wrinkled finger at an opening in the brush that led into the Royal Forest,
"Take that trail and I promise you will have a remarkable ride."
"Could you please tell Van and Merle I went riding and I will return before lunch?" she
asked never turning away from the view of the trail as if something so perfect would
disappear if she turned away.
"It would be my pleasure, Hitomi" Jasper grinned. Hitomi gave him a thankful smile before
she and the black mare lopped out of the building.
Hitomi's legs squeezed the horse's dark belly urging her to go faster. The mare rushed for
the trail and Hitomi sighed happily at the reaction. She still remembered every lesson she
had learned. The rough feel of leather in her palms felt so normal. Rushing wind that
whipped her hair against her face was her greatest joy. Breathing from the horse sounded
like an old melody. Everything about horseback riding sent her soul racing as if to outrun
the horse itself. Hitomi gave one last squeeze to the mare before the two disappeared into
the shadowy forest.
~ Fanelian Castle ~
Van sat in a large chair with a tall backing at a large round table of dark wood. Sitting
beside him was an aggravated Merle. She wasn't liking this meeting at all and when she
glanced at Lord Van~sama she knew he felt the same. A dozen advisors filled the rest of
the seats all discussing the present situation.
"My lord, we understand that you have a relationship with her and we are happy for you,
but we must warn you. Even though we approve of you finally accepting candidates for
your queen, we must say we are not sure if this 'person' can be a candidate." said the lead
advisor who sat directly opposite of Van.
"Why is she not a good candidate?" Merle hissed trying to keep down her anger. She was
prepared for this discussion, but she couldn't hold back her temper for them not accepting
her friend.
The advisor swallowing knowing this was not going to be the most pleasant meeting. "We
have discussed a little about the seeress" he began as he waved his hands at the other
nervous advisors, "There are several factors that must be present in a royal marriage and
unfortunately Lady Hitomi does not fill any of them."
Van's face was growing red with rage and the advisors cowered in fear of their King's
wrath. Even with his temper rising every second he was able to speak calmly to the
advisors, "And what factors exactly would those be?"
The man wasn't enjoying being the lead advisor right now, "Well....she is not of noble blood.
Even if she were just a low-ranking noble from her world we might have let it slid, but she is
just a commoner."
"My mother was not a noble, but she was allowed to marry my father" he retorted at the
advisor barely controlling his anger from Hitomi being called a commoner.
"Yes, we understand that, but you see my lord we were not the advisor council during your
father's rein and so you cannot judge upon the past marriage of your parents." Van gave a
slow nod knowing they were right. All of the advisors let out a small breathe of air seeing
they would be able to discuss the matter better. "Another factor is she is from another
planet which might cause....some discomfort from the townspeople. They may not accept
her as a Queen."
Merle fur ruffled at the thought that the people would rebuke such a kind person. How
could they not see Hitomi was the only person Lord Van~sama would accept as his queen.
Her sharp claws dug into the chair's grain as she continued to watch the discussion. A
thought rang in to her mind causing her to jump from her seat and catch the attention of all
occupants of the room. Van stared at her hoping she might have an idea to help with this
disagreement for he was losing the discussion.
"What if...." she began happily, "the townspeople accept her as queen. Would that be
enough to let her have the position?" Van smiled seeing her point, the people were the most
important part of any kingdom. If they accepted Hitomi it wouldn't matter if she was a
commoner. She could take her place as queen easily. Van turned to the council hopeful.
Whispers past through the room as the advisors thought over the suggestion. Finally after
what seemed like eternity to Van, the lead advisor spoke, "If....a majority of Fanelians
accept the seeress from the Mystic Moon, we see no reason to oppose the marriage."
Merle cheered happily, but quickly silenced herself when she noticed the stares from the
other advisors. Luckily for Merle, at that moment a messenger arrived in the room.
"Yes what is it?" Van asked. The messenger walked over to the young king and gave a
small bow before speaking.
"The Crusade has arrive with Lady Celena, Sir Allen, Prince Chid of Freid, Queen
Millerina, and King Dryden."
~ Fanelian Forest ~
Hitomi was cheerfully riding down the long dirt path almost a mile away from the castle. The
sunlight that peeked between the leaves of the trees played on her face. The chirping of
birds filled the air as she rode on. She leaped over crystal clear brooks and ran through a
field of windflowers. All during the ride though Hitomi felt something. It was the perfect day
to ride, but something was wrong. Hitomi had a weird feeling running through her blood. It
felt like an awareness that she got from people, but it was different in some way. It wasn't
an awareness.....it was a....a...a calling. Something was calling her.
Her hands pulled the reins back stopping the mare at a bluff. It was faint, but she was sure
that something was calling her. She could hear a voice in her mind. A voice that was
familiar.....The voice was from.....the past. 'Who is it?' she thought confused. The voice
was so faint and muffled that she couldn't understand what it was saying. It didn't matter she
had to find the source of the calling. If they were calling her there had to be a reason why
they wanted her. Her eyes scanned the terrain wondering why she had heard now. When
her emerald eyes fell on the bluff she felt an urge to go to it. 'There' She slipped off the
saddle and tied the reins on a nearby branch of a tree. The sneakers on her feet crunched
loudly on the fallen leaves as she slowly made her way to bluff. Her fingers grazed over the
slope silently studying the texture. The red pendant began to glow as her pale fingers came
to rest on a rock. Noticing the glow, Hitomi knew the rock held some secret. As she
picked up the rock, she couldn't help, but frown. The rock was incredible light for it's size.
It was the size of a basketball and should have been at least thirty pounds, but couldn't be
more than five pounds. When she turned the rock over she realized why. The rock had
been hollowed out to hide a small lever.
Without even thinking Hitomi grasped the handle and pulled it. A large metallic sound
whirred within the slope making Hitomi step back. She watched in awe as the ground split
open and produced a small flight of stairs leading into a dark passage. Hitomi didn't really
like the idea about going into the tunnel, but once the doors had open the voice had grown
louder as if begging her to continue. Taking a deep breathe Hitomi entered the long dark
passage determined to find the source of the voice. She didn't even realize the sun had
already risen to its position for midday.
~ Fanelian Castle ~
Allen and the rest of the group were walking up the steps that led inside the castle. He
hardly could contain his impatience. Like himself, everyone was eager to see their old friend.
Their steps were slow and dignified, but only because they were partically forcing
themselves not to run. Even Celena who had never met the young heroin was anxious to
see her. She wanted to become good friends with her as soon as possible.
The assocorting guards opened the large doors that led to the throne room. In the center of
the room stood the smiling king along with a cheerful Merle. Allen strode over to Van and
the two took each others' wrists in their hands like in a handshake except the shaking of
wrist meant 'bond or friendship'.
"It's good to see you, Allen, but you weren't suppose to arrive until tomorrow" Van stated
still a little surprise at the early arrival.
"Yes, well we were all in Austuria when we got your message and we were eager to see
Hitomi again so we came in the Crusade at full-speed" he tried not to rush through his
words, he had missed Hitomi dearly. He no longer felt for her like a lover for he had long
since realized he only could care for her as a sister. Once Celena had been found his
sorrow heart had healed and he understood why he had cared for Hitomi. He had been
looking for another girl to take the place of his sister. Allen felt foolish for his actions
towards Hitomi earlier. He wanted to set things right with Hitomi and Van. For he knew he
had cause some friction between Hitomi and Van. He vowed to get the two together by the
end of his visit.
Allen looked around the throne room as the other surrounded the two men.
"Where is Hitomi, Van?" Millerna spoke. Van frowned a little for he truly had no idea where
she was. He had just came out of his meeting with Merle when they had entered.
"I don't know right now, but I'm sure we'll be able to find her" he said with a smile and eyes
twinkling, "But first let me all welcome you. King Dryden and Queen Millerina I bless your
marry in hope it will be a long, prosperous, and fruitful one."
Millernia blushed slightly knowingly, but regally curtsied. The proud Dryden stepped
forward and shook wrist with the fellow king, "Thank you, King Van. We hope your
kingdom will grow in the recent success it has taken." Van nodded his thanks as a young
blonde boy stepped forward.
"Prince Chid, I'm glad you could come away from your kingdom to visit your allie kingdom"
Van said with a small bow. Prince Chid smiled warmly at him, "As am I, King Van, but I
would have left even if was the end of the world to see Hitomi."
"As would I...." Van sighed a wistful sigh, "Lady Celena, you're looking well." A young
woman of long sunshine locks curtised to the raven head man.
"Yes, Lord Van, I'm glad to say the horrible incident of years ago is long behind me" she
spoke nobly as if it had been rehearsed a million times. It was obvious from the bags
beneath her eyes that she had long sleepless nights. Even though Van sometimes had
trouble relating to the woman he felt great pity for her.
"Behind us both, mi lady" he said with a bow, "Now let us see if we can retrieve Hitomi."
Just as the words were spoken Jasper walked in. Van smiled at the old man, "Yes, Jasper
can I help you with something."
Van looked at him confused the poor man seemed in deep distress. There was deep
concern in his eyes and tinge of fear, "Forgive me your highness, but I was to inform you
that Lady Hitomi went riding and said would return by midday."
Van suddenly realized why the man was frantic. It was over a hour past midday, but Van
was too scared to think of what the man would say next. "She isn't back yet?"
His gentle blue eyes looked straight at the king's, "I'm afraid not, sire...."
~ Passage ~
Hitomi stumbled blindly through the dark tunnel. Her hands ran against the cold, wet stone
wall. Water would sometimes trickle down from a crack from the ceiling and run down the
wall onto her fingers only causing her to shiver with the coldness. She suddenly had begun
to fear rats and desperately wished she had the small lighter that laid in her bag at the
moment. Even though she couldn't see it, her breathe was the visible vapor that occurred
on chilly autumn days. More than anything else she wanted to turn and run back the way
she came....back to the comforting light. What was wrong with her? She had never been
afraid of the dark before. Even when she was little she felt the darkness was like a warm
blanket to snuggle in when drowsiness crept upon her. But now....the darkness lurked with
sinister shadows that sent shudders down her spine. Something about the darkness sent an
unknown fear through every pore of her body. Every instinct in her body screamed at her
to run, but the voice was still there.....calling. It grew louder with each step and it seemed to
coax her to continue. If the voice wasn't so familiar she might have turned away, but no.
Her courage was beginning to run low and she knew she would soon turn around. 'I wish I
had at least some light' she wished sadly. As if on command the red teardrop began to burn
with intense light. A red aura surrounded the pendant illuminating the narrow passage.
Hitomi was rather shocked by this action, but was overjoyed for the light. Even with the
light though she wanted to hurry out of the strange tunnel so she ran the rest of the way with
the ancient pendant as her guide.
~ Historian's Room ~
The historians were busily working when the one reading the books groaned. The other two
glanced at their comrade while he angrily slammed down the white leather book with the
golden angel, "I have read this book cover to cover, wrote each phrase and tried to
decipher them, and cross-reference with several languages. Yet, I don't know one blasted
thing about this stupid language." The writer chuckled at the man's frustration, "Let us retire
for our midday meal. Perhaps with full bellies we can better think and understand the
language."
The red faced reader turned to him, "No! I refuse to leave this room until I can read one
BLASTED word of this backwards tongue!" The note-taker looked at the artifact analysis
knowingly. The analysis just shrugged and continued on his work. A sigh came from the
writer, "Very well, but if I miss dinner because of you I will bring all of Hell onto you!" With
those words the three historians returned to their work in silence. None notice the golden
emblem of the angel glow on the white leather book.
~ Fanelian Castle ~
"Van, don't worry. Hitomi probably just lost track of time or something distracted her"
Allen said as he tried in vain to calm down the worried king. Van wasn't about to calm
down. He had just gotten Hitomi back and now she had disappeared. His boots pounded
on the ground as he rushed to the stalls for a horse with Allen close on his heels, "Van at
least consider the fact that there is no longer a war and there is no one we know of who
would want to kidnap Hitomi."
As Van reached the building, he waved a hand to a stable hand to fetch him a horse, "Yes,
Allen, we don't know of any new enemies, but that's just it. What if it's a new enemy?"
Allen stared at him contemplating the statement. Van had a point what if a new enemy had
come and taken Hitomi as a ransom of some kind.
"Alright, but I'm coming with you" he demanded as the stable hand appeared with two
stallions.
"As am I" came a deep voice. Allen and Van both were a little surprise at the speaker.
"Hitomi has always been like a daughter to me" Dryden proclaimed, "and I am not about to
let some bloody kidnapper hurt her!" Allen and Dryden waited for Van's reply knowing he
wouldn't refuse both of them.
Van only gave a swift nod before he leaped onto the steed. A horse was produced for
Dryden and he, plus Allen, jumped on their horses. The three men bolted towards the
forest trail as Chid and the three woman watched their fleeting forms. Celena held
Millerina's hand comforting her as Chid stood next to Merle praying and hoping for the
well-being of their dear friend.
The cat~girl did her best to hold back unwanted tears as terrible thoughts cross her mind.
Merle whispered a silent plead, "Hitomi, please come back to us....."
~ Passage ~
Hitomi had been running for only a few moments when she had come to a small door. It
was obvious from the good condition it was in that it was fairly new. The voice was louder
now and more persistent, but Hitomi could still not make out the words that were spoken.
'Who are you?' she begged, 'What do you want? What are you saying?' The voice just
continued with its monotonous chatter as if it didn't even hear. The golden head shook in
disappoint of not getting an answer. Her pale fingers closed on the large metal ring that was
freezing cold causing her to release the door handle. Giving her hands a good rub for
warmth first, she tried again with the handle and proceeded to opening the door. It creaked
loudly causing a screech like sound to travel down the long passage.
The three historians turned in fear at the sound of the door opening. When they saw the
young brownish-gold haired woman step into the light their eyes widen. The necklace she
was wearing was glowing a bright red. Her outfit was very strange and unfamiliar, only
bringing more fear into the three old men.
Hitomi looked around the room and thought it was the worst mess she had ever seen. It
was even worse than her room back home. It was a wonder for anyone to find items in the
room. When her eyes fell on the three bearded men she got confused. Why was she led
here? More importantly, where was here? The four people in that room were about to
jump into questionnaires when a bright light caught their attentions.
The man with the white leather book had wide eyes as the golden symbol began to glow
brightly. Hitomi's red pendant was glowing even brighter now, scaring the occupants of the
room. The book tore away from the old wrinkle hands of the historian and floated in midair.
Hitomi couldn't turn her eyes away from the book. She could hear the voice clearly now. It
was coming from the book. 'A legend speaks.....a legend speaks......blood stained hands....
blood stained hands.....' It kept repeating over in over in the girl's mind as the book flew
open. A white light glowed from the pages of the book as it made its way to Hitomi. The
historian were to entranced by the miracle occurring that they didn't even move an inch.
Small balls of light with white tails swirled around Hitomi causing her to lift from the ground
a few feet. She didn't even notice. The book held her full attention. The pages flipped widely
until they stopped at a page near the center of the book. The words on the page swirled in a
golden pool of light, twisting and untwisting until they formed back onto the page in glowing
gold letters. Hitomi slowly read out loud what was written,
"Legend speaks of a time when a shadow will fall of the world of creation. A
red fire will explode through the world. The last of an entire race will be wiped out in a
heartbeat and the ash will blacken the sky. Brimstone will smite the newborn and souls will
reunite. But with reunion one will fall and another dead walks. Tears and blood swirl.
Power of blood flows deep. Let rain fall from the heavens and let the angels weep. For the
only hope of life again is with the pain of the loss. Blood will stain the hands of destruction."
~ Fanelian Forest ~
Van rushed down the path hearing the stallion's feet pounding in his ears. The horse snorted
ever now and then from the work it was enduring. Dryden and Allen knew better than to
reason with Van. They understood his desperation to find the one he loved, but they wished
they could slow him down a little. As if on cue, the raven king halted his horse at a bluff
where a black mare stood tied. Allen frowned at the mare. Where could Hitomi have gone?
He didn't even get time to ponder the thought for Van had already jumped off his horse and
gone down a entrance in the side of the bluff that neither Allen or Dryden had seen before
until now. The two men hurried off their horses to follow the king to the unknown
destination.
"Van, why do think Hitomi is in here?" Allen asked trying to be reasonable. They didn't
have time to search a cave if Hitomi was in danger.
"I feel her presence" Van replied urgently, "I know she's down this way." The two men
behind the raven headed king glanced at each other confused. Allen and Dryden wanted to
know more about what he meant, but they knew they had better wait till later. Van felt her
and it was faint, but he knew it was because of the distance between them. He had to get to
her, she might still be in danger for why would she come this way?
"I wonder where this leads" muttered Dryden as they ran down the long corridor.
"It leads to a room beneath my castle" Van yelled over his shoulder, "I had it built for the
study of the Mystic Valley. I thought it was best to keep it hidden as though not to rouse
discomfort from the people of Fanelia or other countries. I thought there might be important
information in Atlantian chronicles and got three of the best historians to work on a the idea.
I'm just a little confuse to why Hitomi would go down this passage."
"We'll find out when we find her" replied Allen as they redoubled their efforts to find the lost
girl. A light could be seen from in the distance and Van knew they were coming up to the
room.
When the three men burst into the light they gasped at what was going on in the room.
Hitomi was floating five feet above the ground with a white glowing leather book while three
men with white beards were gaping at her. Her pendant was shining also shining as bright as
the book.
"Hitomi!" Van yelled at the floating form, but the girl didn't respond. Her eyes were dull and
she didn't make any motions. Van knew right away she was having a vision, but he was still
terrified for his beloved. Nothing like this had ever happened.
~ Vision ~
Hitomi was standing once again in the dark abyss. 'Not again! Not this!' she yelled in fear.
Screams came crashing down from the air. Hitomi turned and looked at the sky, 'It's that
vision that I had on the Mystic Moon.' Like before faces of scared people flashed on the
world's surface, then all was silent. A white light shattered the world into a million fire balls
that went crashing towards Hitomi.
~End of Vision~
~ Historians' Room ~
Hitomi's scream pierced the room and sent a bone chilling echo down the tunnel. Her body
went limp and the light from both the book and pendant went dim. The girl, along with the
book, crashed to the ground with a loud thud as the specters stared in shock.
Van rushed to her side and began to shake her. Everyone else cluttered around the two
lovers as the young king yelled into Hitomi's face, "Hitomi! Hitomi!"
~Remember I don't own Escaflowne or its characters.
The Fate of Two Worlds
By Rochelle Cassel
Chapter 5 ~ Awareness of the Unknown
~ Fanelia ~
As Van and Hitomi began walking back to the castle, Van informed her about all that had
happened in Gaea after she had left. "After you left we started construction on Fanelia"
Van spoke proudly about his kingdom, "First with townsfolk' homes and shops and then we
got to work on the castle. It took about a full rotation before we got to finishing."
"So fast?" Hitomi asked rather surprised, "I would have thought it take much longer than
that."
Van smiled at her in the moonlight, "So did I, but most of the townsfolk homes had been
completed before, because they had started returning after the fire and rebuilt their own
homes. Gold was taken from the royal treasure to pay for their loses and get them back on
their feet."
Hitomi smiled back at him; his love for his people never ceased to amaze her. She loved
how he was so caring and responsible about them. Hitomi returned back to the
conversation as she heard him continue, "After that we regrew our army and now it is one
of the largest in the Western Hemisphere. Freid holds the largest army with Fanelia as a
close second."
They passed through the gardens and went by the roses which made Hitomi think she was
floating, "While that was going on the countries that were part of the Great War sign a
peace treaty and it held for almost a whole rotation. The countries are all very happy with
the peace and I believe it will hold for very long time."
"When you say the countries of the Great War, what countries do you mean?" Hitomi
inquired trying to better familiarize with Gaea recent history.
"Freid, Austuria, and many other small countries and kingdoms of the Western Hemisphere"
Van turned to Hitomi and stopped in front of her door. Hitomi opened the door and walked
in, but turned around and faced Van before closing it.
"Thank you, Van. I really enjoyed tonight. Thanks for filling me in on everything and
especially for giving me back my grandmother's pendant." She smiled and her eyes twinkled
with happiness.
"The surprises aren't over" he said slyly. Hitomi eyes begged for information as he smiled at
her, "I sent messages to some old friends about your arrival" he reported to her. Her eyes
lite up happily at the news. "Millerna, Dryden, Allen, Celena, Chid.....they should be arriving
tomorrow."
She rushed over and gave him a final hug of thanks. He hugged her back and smiled at the
top of her head, "I knew you would be happy to hear that news." She looked up at him
through tears.
"How could I not be happy? I've been wanting to see them ever since I arrived."
"Well you better get a good nights sleep because they probably will wear you out with all
the questions they'll shoot at us" Van smile widened. Hitomi started when he said 'us'. It
was such a small word, but when he said it about them it made her heart skip. Her heart
wanted that word to be repeated. To be repeated for the two of them made her heart give
a small smile.
"Good night, Van" she whispered as she began to close her door.
"Good night, Hitomi" he whispered back. For a second Hitomi hesitated to close the door.
A sudden fear of not seeing him again kept her from closing it.
"Don't worry, Hitomi" he whispered knowingly, "I'll be here in the morning." She gave him a
smile before closing the door silently. She took a deep breathe and sighed.
"See you in the morning, Van....."
~ Flying Fortress ~
Kusari and Kaosu stood facing each other in the center of the dark throne room, arms
outstretched to each other. In the darkest corner of the room was a pair of deadly purple
eyes watching impatiently. He didn't enjoy the light and had decided to stay where he was
most comfortable....the darkness. There was not a single thought in his mind that understood
what the twin commanders were doing. Ears behind his silver locks pricked as they heard
the deadly cries that echoed within the fames of the walls. His tongue ran over his lips as he
savored the screams that always filled his soul with fulfillment. Closing his eyes he could
almost taste the spilled blood on his lips. Death....the only lust of his being......his only
meaning of life.......the thing he enjoyed most. Every element of his life surrounded the dark
word. Power.... love.... wealth.... noting mattered to him, only the sinister word he could
only get through another dark act. Killing, slaughter, murder......whatever you call the act it
was the same thing. The darkness was the serpent of his mind, gnawing and teasing his mind
of unholy shadows. With the deadly serpent in his mind he could barely keep his sanity. He
knew he was losing his reasoning, but why should he care? Death was all he wanted, who
cared if he lost his mind in the process?
Dilandau felt a sudden warmth in the callous room, causing him to open his hate filled eyes.
His eyes grew wider at what he saw happening before him. Kusari and Kaosu looked
completely calm as the blue sphere of light grew between their hands. Streaks of lightening
exploded every which way from the orb. A wind from unknown source pulled at the two
commanders clothes, trying desperately to rip the garments from their pale skin. Sometimes
the electricity would hit the two men, but neither seemed to be even affected. The sphere
continued to bulge with power and the men were forced to step back. A streak of white
light formed through the center of the energy globe and began to flow the energy of light
through out the room. Cracks in the floor became filled with the light and black stone
glowed from the energy. A shout escaped the lips of the twin rulers lips as the light filled the
room blinding the dragon slayer before he slipped into a coma.
~ Fanelia ~
The dust trailed Hitomi's faded sneakers as she walked through the large 'backyard' of the
castle. Hitomi had woken up late the next morning to discover that Van and Merle were in
a meeting. She had been told by a maid that Van had not wanted to wake her and let her
sleep in. Since there was nothing to do she changed into her only outfit from the Mystic
Moon, a pair of blue jeans and a white t-shirt with a brown leather vest. She wanted to see
what was rebuilt, but didn't want to go into town without a guide so she had decided to
check out the area around the stone castle. She didn't want to disturb someone though so
she tried to avoid the guards. All she had found was gardens, on top of gardens. Every
where she turned she run into more beautiful blossoms. She finally had found a dirt paths
that led away from the royal gardens and led farther away from the castle.
As she rounded a wall of carnations she finally spotted something that brought a smile to her
face. A large stable of beautiful redwood stood at the end of the dirt trail she was walking
down. The gentle noises of horses neighing was like music to her ears. She had to force
herself not to sprint down the path to the beautiful music. Horses were as much as a part
her life as much as track had been.
She had rode horses since she was able to hold the reins. She loved the feeling when the
horse would bolt beneath her or jump over a low fence. Oh how she missed the touch of a
horse gentle nose when she rubbed it. She would ride horses at her grandmother's ranch
(grandmother on the other side of the family) which was just next door to her house. In fact
she had loved horses so much that her grandmother had given her own horse. A dark ebony
mare with a white nose always had waited for her when she run over after school.
Unfortunately when she turned ten her family had moved to the city and she only rode
horses when she visited her grandmother or 'rent' a horse at a nearby stable. Now even the
smell of musky stalls seemed like sweet perfume.
Hitomi could no longer hold back, her feet kicked up dusk as she raced to the building that
surfaced so many memories. Luckily the doors were wide open as if in invitation so she
didn't feel like she was intruding. When eyes saw all the horses she couldn't help, but stare.
There had to be at least a hundred stalls filled with the beautiful creature, and then some.
She slowly walked past each stall studying each horse in turn. They had to be the best
breeds around. 'Would you expect anything less for the King?' Hitomi thought in awe. Each
stall held an identification plate stating the name and breed of each horse, but Hitomi could
not read the writing causing her to frown.
'Why can't I read Fanelian? It just doesn't seem right' thought the confused Hitomi. If she
understood Fanelian speech how could she not understand Fanelian writing. It just didn't
add up correctly. She ran her fingers over the strange figures. The gold plating felt so
smooth beneath her fingertips. The figures were so odd...yet similar to her Japanese
writing.....
A soft neigh brought her back to the stalls surrounding her. Looking behind her at the stall
across from the one she was looking at stood the most beautiful mare she ever seen. Her
coat was a deep raven color that shined in the sunlight pouring from the stall window. Her
mane was tied in dozens of tiny buns giving her a regal look. Hitomi's hand automatically
went to the horse's nose when she notice the single patch of white, a white nose. It was
almost like fate had led her to the mare. It resembled so much like her old horse that it
couldn't have just been coincidence.
"Lady Hitomi?" The golden head turned towards the voice.
"Oh I'm sorry for intruding. I was just admiring the horses" she apologized. The stable
master walked towards the horse she stood next to and gave the horse a pet.
"That's quite all right, milady" he chuckled, "You are more than welcomed to our stalls. All
doors are opened to you since you are a close friend to the king, but the stalls are opened
to all who wish to enter. Many love to ride and I more than happy to please others."
At once Hitomi fell in love with the man. She reminded him a grandfather. Even his physical
appearance made her think of her grandpa. He was a man in probably his mid-sixties who
was built rather well for his age. His bald head was rimmed with gray hair. A gray mustache
heightened his twinkling blue eyes. He wore rough blue pants with a matching vest over a
white shirt. Deep brown boots gave him the rustic look of a stable hand.
"Thank you very much, sir" Hitomi replied with a small bow.
"Please call me Jasper" he smiled at the polite girl. He saw such life in her it reminded him
of his granddaughter. He hadn't seen her in a long time, but her eyes had always twinkled
just like hers.
Hitomi smiled at his gentle nature, "And please call me Hitomi." They smiled at each other
and shook hands in friendship.
For several hours the two walked among the stalls talking about life and memories. Jasper
told Hitomi about each horse as they pass them. Hitomi spoke of how she met Van and her
life on the Mystic Moon. Before the afternoon was over the two had become very close.
They had shared their hearts with one another in ways close love ones do. Making they
way back to the mare that resembled Hitomi's old horse Jasper asked, "So you love to
ride."
"Yes" she say as stroke the beautiful creature, "I rode for several years. I've always love to
run and horseback riding felt like the next level. I can go so much faster on horse and I
savor every moment upon ones back."
Jasper's blue eyes twinkle, "Would you like to ride one?"
Hitomi's smile never seemed so big as she turned toward him, "May I?!"
"Of course, dear Hitomi" he chuckled, "I would feel honored if someone so renounced road
one of my specially bred horses. All I ask is that you choose the lucky horse."
Her emeralds eyes danced as she automatically knew the horse she wished for, "If you
don't mind, may I ride this mare?"
"Your taken with this mare, I see" he chuckled again.
Hitomi green emeralds never left the mare, "Yes, she reminds me of my horse. My
grandmother had a ranch on the Mystic Moon. I had my own mare that I rode." She closed
her eyes remembering riding in pastures. Her grandmother would watch at the gate and give
her tips on riding. The smell of grass in the wind filled her nostrils. Rushing adrenalin flowed
through her blood. Jasper watched her in wonder. She reminded him so much of his
granddaughter.
"You remind me of my granddaughter" he whispered sadly. Hitomi turned at his comment
and saw tears in the gentle man's eyes.
"Your granddaughter...." she said.
Jasper looked at the row of horses remembering her, "She was so full of life. Every day she
would come ride at me and my wife's ranch. I would hold her reins as she'd sit upon the
horse." He could see her ponytail and her emerald eyes sparkling down at him.
"Grandpa, can't I have the reins?" she would plead.
He would chuckle, "I'm sorry angel, but once your older you'll can ride a horse all by
yourself."
"But grandpa...." she would wine, "I love to gallop really fast and I can't do that with you
walking my horsiee." She pouted unhappily at her loving grandfather.
"Alright. How about if I ride with you. Then we can go real fast." he asked. The young
brunette squealed happily as her grandfather took a seat behind her. She turned around a
gave a bright smile to him just before the two bolted across the field.
"She sounds like a nice girl....." Hitomi's words brought Jasper back from his memories.
He looked at the beautiful young woman and sighed, "She was......"
"Was?" Hitomi asked confused at his statement.
New tears brimmed in the old man's eyes, "I...I haven't seen her since she was little...." He
turned his head humbly not wanting to burden the woman and tired to walk away. But a
gentle hand held his shoulder.
He turned to see sparkling green eyes, "Please, may I know why?" They stared at each
others for several minutes.
Hitomi wondered what possessed her to ask that question. She would never have ask such
a personal question, especially when it was obvious he was hurt from his memories. Luckily
he didn't seemed phased by what she asked. "I was forced to abandon my wife......" he
muttered in disgust.
"Abandon...." Hitomi said in shock. She never would imagine such a kind man would do
such a thing.
Jasper went to a tack wall and pulled off a saddle for the mare, "Zaibach knew me and
wanted me dead. I had thought I had lost them when I decided to marry, but after
twenty-five years of paradise I discovered they had found my trail again. I was afraid for
my family so I left my wife. Before I left I told her what happened and we made a vow to
one day see each other again."
The two walked out the barn with Hitomi's chosen mare close behind. "I escaped and
became the stable hand to reining king's father. I told my king in private my predicament
and he promised always to protect me. Even after his death I have remain loyal to this
family for I had fallen in love with his children and have been very close to them. Although
King Van knows very little of my past he knew me and his father were close and he's
vowed to me that he would protect me like his father once did. I have been very happy
here though I long to see my love once more. One day I will return to her and see my
granddaughter."
"That is a lovely tale." Hitomi whispered more to herself then to him.
Jasper turned to her with a smile, "Well Hitomi if you don't hurry you might not get to ride
the sun is rising high in the sky."
Hitomi smiled and mounted the horse, "Where are the best trails?"
The man pointed a wrinkled finger at an opening in the brush that led into the Royal Forest,
"Take that trail and I promise you will have a remarkable ride."
"Could you please tell Van and Merle I went riding and I will return before lunch?" she
asked never turning away from the view of the trail as if something so perfect would
disappear if she turned away.
"It would be my pleasure, Hitomi" Jasper grinned. Hitomi gave him a thankful smile before
she and the black mare lopped out of the building.
Hitomi's legs squeezed the horse's dark belly urging her to go faster. The mare rushed for
the trail and Hitomi sighed happily at the reaction. She still remembered every lesson she
had learned. The rough feel of leather in her palms felt so normal. Rushing wind that
whipped her hair against her face was her greatest joy. Breathing from the horse sounded
like an old melody. Everything about horseback riding sent her soul racing as if to outrun
the horse itself. Hitomi gave one last squeeze to the mare before the two disappeared into
the shadowy forest.
~ Fanelian Castle ~
Van sat in a large chair with a tall backing at a large round table of dark wood. Sitting
beside him was an aggravated Merle. She wasn't liking this meeting at all and when she
glanced at Lord Van~sama she knew he felt the same. A dozen advisors filled the rest of
the seats all discussing the present situation.
"My lord, we understand that you have a relationship with her and we are happy for you,
but we must warn you. Even though we approve of you finally accepting candidates for
your queen, we must say we are not sure if this 'person' can be a candidate." said the lead
advisor who sat directly opposite of Van.
"Why is she not a good candidate?" Merle hissed trying to keep down her anger. She was
prepared for this discussion, but she couldn't hold back her temper for them not accepting
her friend.
The advisor swallowing knowing this was not going to be the most pleasant meeting. "We
have discussed a little about the seeress" he began as he waved his hands at the other
nervous advisors, "There are several factors that must be present in a royal marriage and
unfortunately Lady Hitomi does not fill any of them."
Van's face was growing red with rage and the advisors cowered in fear of their King's
wrath. Even with his temper rising every second he was able to speak calmly to the
advisors, "And what factors exactly would those be?"
The man wasn't enjoying being the lead advisor right now, "Well....she is not of noble blood.
Even if she were just a low-ranking noble from her world we might have let it slid, but she is
just a commoner."
"My mother was not a noble, but she was allowed to marry my father" he retorted at the
advisor barely controlling his anger from Hitomi being called a commoner.
"Yes, we understand that, but you see my lord we were not the advisor council during your
father's rein and so you cannot judge upon the past marriage of your parents." Van gave a
slow nod knowing they were right. All of the advisors let out a small breathe of air seeing
they would be able to discuss the matter better. "Another factor is she is from another
planet which might cause....some discomfort from the townspeople. They may not accept
her as a Queen."
Merle fur ruffled at the thought that the people would rebuke such a kind person. How
could they not see Hitomi was the only person Lord Van~sama would accept as his queen.
Her sharp claws dug into the chair's grain as she continued to watch the discussion. A
thought rang in to her mind causing her to jump from her seat and catch the attention of all
occupants of the room. Van stared at her hoping she might have an idea to help with this
disagreement for he was losing the discussion.
"What if...." she began happily, "the townspeople accept her as queen. Would that be
enough to let her have the position?" Van smiled seeing her point, the people were the most
important part of any kingdom. If they accepted Hitomi it wouldn't matter if she was a
commoner. She could take her place as queen easily. Van turned to the council hopeful.
Whispers past through the room as the advisors thought over the suggestion. Finally after
what seemed like eternity to Van, the lead advisor spoke, "If....a majority of Fanelians
accept the seeress from the Mystic Moon, we see no reason to oppose the marriage."
Merle cheered happily, but quickly silenced herself when she noticed the stares from the
other advisors. Luckily for Merle, at that moment a messenger arrived in the room.
"Yes what is it?" Van asked. The messenger walked over to the young king and gave a
small bow before speaking.
"The Crusade has arrive with Lady Celena, Sir Allen, Prince Chid of Freid, Queen
Millerina, and King Dryden."
~ Fanelian Forest ~
Hitomi was cheerfully riding down the long dirt path almost a mile away from the castle. The
sunlight that peeked between the leaves of the trees played on her face. The chirping of
birds filled the air as she rode on. She leaped over crystal clear brooks and ran through a
field of windflowers. All during the ride though Hitomi felt something. It was the perfect day
to ride, but something was wrong. Hitomi had a weird feeling running through her blood. It
felt like an awareness that she got from people, but it was different in some way. It wasn't
an awareness.....it was a....a...a calling. Something was calling her.
Her hands pulled the reins back stopping the mare at a bluff. It was faint, but she was sure
that something was calling her. She could hear a voice in her mind. A voice that was
familiar.....The voice was from.....the past. 'Who is it?' she thought confused. The voice
was so faint and muffled that she couldn't understand what it was saying. It didn't matter she
had to find the source of the calling. If they were calling her there had to be a reason why
they wanted her. Her eyes scanned the terrain wondering why she had heard now. When
her emerald eyes fell on the bluff she felt an urge to go to it. 'There' She slipped off the
saddle and tied the reins on a nearby branch of a tree. The sneakers on her feet crunched
loudly on the fallen leaves as she slowly made her way to bluff. Her fingers grazed over the
slope silently studying the texture. The red pendant began to glow as her pale fingers came
to rest on a rock. Noticing the glow, Hitomi knew the rock held some secret. As she
picked up the rock, she couldn't help, but frown. The rock was incredible light for it's size.
It was the size of a basketball and should have been at least thirty pounds, but couldn't be
more than five pounds. When she turned the rock over she realized why. The rock had
been hollowed out to hide a small lever.
Without even thinking Hitomi grasped the handle and pulled it. A large metallic sound
whirred within the slope making Hitomi step back. She watched in awe as the ground split
open and produced a small flight of stairs leading into a dark passage. Hitomi didn't really
like the idea about going into the tunnel, but once the doors had open the voice had grown
louder as if begging her to continue. Taking a deep breathe Hitomi entered the long dark
passage determined to find the source of the voice. She didn't even realize the sun had
already risen to its position for midday.
~ Fanelian Castle ~
Allen and the rest of the group were walking up the steps that led inside the castle. He
hardly could contain his impatience. Like himself, everyone was eager to see their old friend.
Their steps were slow and dignified, but only because they were partically forcing
themselves not to run. Even Celena who had never met the young heroin was anxious to
see her. She wanted to become good friends with her as soon as possible.
The assocorting guards opened the large doors that led to the throne room. In the center of
the room stood the smiling king along with a cheerful Merle. Allen strode over to Van and
the two took each others' wrists in their hands like in a handshake except the shaking of
wrist meant 'bond or friendship'.
"It's good to see you, Allen, but you weren't suppose to arrive until tomorrow" Van stated
still a little surprise at the early arrival.
"Yes, well we were all in Austuria when we got your message and we were eager to see
Hitomi again so we came in the Crusade at full-speed" he tried not to rush through his
words, he had missed Hitomi dearly. He no longer felt for her like a lover for he had long
since realized he only could care for her as a sister. Once Celena had been found his
sorrow heart had healed and he understood why he had cared for Hitomi. He had been
looking for another girl to take the place of his sister. Allen felt foolish for his actions
towards Hitomi earlier. He wanted to set things right with Hitomi and Van. For he knew he
had cause some friction between Hitomi and Van. He vowed to get the two together by the
end of his visit.
Allen looked around the throne room as the other surrounded the two men.
"Where is Hitomi, Van?" Millerna spoke. Van frowned a little for he truly had no idea where
she was. He had just came out of his meeting with Merle when they had entered.
"I don't know right now, but I'm sure we'll be able to find her" he said with a smile and eyes
twinkling, "But first let me all welcome you. King Dryden and Queen Millerina I bless your
marry in hope it will be a long, prosperous, and fruitful one."
Millernia blushed slightly knowingly, but regally curtsied. The proud Dryden stepped
forward and shook wrist with the fellow king, "Thank you, King Van. We hope your
kingdom will grow in the recent success it has taken." Van nodded his thanks as a young
blonde boy stepped forward.
"Prince Chid, I'm glad you could come away from your kingdom to visit your allie kingdom"
Van said with a small bow. Prince Chid smiled warmly at him, "As am I, King Van, but I
would have left even if was the end of the world to see Hitomi."
"As would I...." Van sighed a wistful sigh, "Lady Celena, you're looking well." A young
woman of long sunshine locks curtised to the raven head man.
"Yes, Lord Van, I'm glad to say the horrible incident of years ago is long behind me" she
spoke nobly as if it had been rehearsed a million times. It was obvious from the bags
beneath her eyes that she had long sleepless nights. Even though Van sometimes had
trouble relating to the woman he felt great pity for her.
"Behind us both, mi lady" he said with a bow, "Now let us see if we can retrieve Hitomi."
Just as the words were spoken Jasper walked in. Van smiled at the old man, "Yes, Jasper
can I help you with something."
Van looked at him confused the poor man seemed in deep distress. There was deep
concern in his eyes and tinge of fear, "Forgive me your highness, but I was to inform you
that Lady Hitomi went riding and said would return by midday."
Van suddenly realized why the man was frantic. It was over a hour past midday, but Van
was too scared to think of what the man would say next. "She isn't back yet?"
His gentle blue eyes looked straight at the king's, "I'm afraid not, sire...."
~ Passage ~
Hitomi stumbled blindly through the dark tunnel. Her hands ran against the cold, wet stone
wall. Water would sometimes trickle down from a crack from the ceiling and run down the
wall onto her fingers only causing her to shiver with the coldness. She suddenly had begun
to fear rats and desperately wished she had the small lighter that laid in her bag at the
moment. Even though she couldn't see it, her breathe was the visible vapor that occurred
on chilly autumn days. More than anything else she wanted to turn and run back the way
she came....back to the comforting light. What was wrong with her? She had never been
afraid of the dark before. Even when she was little she felt the darkness was like a warm
blanket to snuggle in when drowsiness crept upon her. But now....the darkness lurked with
sinister shadows that sent shudders down her spine. Something about the darkness sent an
unknown fear through every pore of her body. Every instinct in her body screamed at her
to run, but the voice was still there.....calling. It grew louder with each step and it seemed to
coax her to continue. If the voice wasn't so familiar she might have turned away, but no.
Her courage was beginning to run low and she knew she would soon turn around. 'I wish I
had at least some light' she wished sadly. As if on command the red teardrop began to burn
with intense light. A red aura surrounded the pendant illuminating the narrow passage.
Hitomi was rather shocked by this action, but was overjoyed for the light. Even with the
light though she wanted to hurry out of the strange tunnel so she ran the rest of the way with
the ancient pendant as her guide.
~ Historian's Room ~
The historians were busily working when the one reading the books groaned. The other two
glanced at their comrade while he angrily slammed down the white leather book with the
golden angel, "I have read this book cover to cover, wrote each phrase and tried to
decipher them, and cross-reference with several languages. Yet, I don't know one blasted
thing about this stupid language." The writer chuckled at the man's frustration, "Let us retire
for our midday meal. Perhaps with full bellies we can better think and understand the
language."
The red faced reader turned to him, "No! I refuse to leave this room until I can read one
BLASTED word of this backwards tongue!" The note-taker looked at the artifact analysis
knowingly. The analysis just shrugged and continued on his work. A sigh came from the
writer, "Very well, but if I miss dinner because of you I will bring all of Hell onto you!" With
those words the three historians returned to their work in silence. None notice the golden
emblem of the angel glow on the white leather book.
~ Fanelian Castle ~
"Van, don't worry. Hitomi probably just lost track of time or something distracted her"
Allen said as he tried in vain to calm down the worried king. Van wasn't about to calm
down. He had just gotten Hitomi back and now she had disappeared. His boots pounded
on the ground as he rushed to the stalls for a horse with Allen close on his heels, "Van at
least consider the fact that there is no longer a war and there is no one we know of who
would want to kidnap Hitomi."
As Van reached the building, he waved a hand to a stable hand to fetch him a horse, "Yes,
Allen, we don't know of any new enemies, but that's just it. What if it's a new enemy?"
Allen stared at him contemplating the statement. Van had a point what if a new enemy had
come and taken Hitomi as a ransom of some kind.
"Alright, but I'm coming with you" he demanded as the stable hand appeared with two
stallions.
"As am I" came a deep voice. Allen and Van both were a little surprise at the speaker.
"Hitomi has always been like a daughter to me" Dryden proclaimed, "and I am not about to
let some bloody kidnapper hurt her!" Allen and Dryden waited for Van's reply knowing he
wouldn't refuse both of them.
Van only gave a swift nod before he leaped onto the steed. A horse was produced for
Dryden and he, plus Allen, jumped on their horses. The three men bolted towards the
forest trail as Chid and the three woman watched their fleeting forms. Celena held
Millerina's hand comforting her as Chid stood next to Merle praying and hoping for the
well-being of their dear friend.
The cat~girl did her best to hold back unwanted tears as terrible thoughts cross her mind.
Merle whispered a silent plead, "Hitomi, please come back to us....."
~ Passage ~
Hitomi had been running for only a few moments when she had come to a small door. It
was obvious from the good condition it was in that it was fairly new. The voice was louder
now and more persistent, but Hitomi could still not make out the words that were spoken.
'Who are you?' she begged, 'What do you want? What are you saying?' The voice just
continued with its monotonous chatter as if it didn't even hear. The golden head shook in
disappoint of not getting an answer. Her pale fingers closed on the large metal ring that was
freezing cold causing her to release the door handle. Giving her hands a good rub for
warmth first, she tried again with the handle and proceeded to opening the door. It creaked
loudly causing a screech like sound to travel down the long passage.
The three historians turned in fear at the sound of the door opening. When they saw the
young brownish-gold haired woman step into the light their eyes widen. The necklace she
was wearing was glowing a bright red. Her outfit was very strange and unfamiliar, only
bringing more fear into the three old men.
Hitomi looked around the room and thought it was the worst mess she had ever seen. It
was even worse than her room back home. It was a wonder for anyone to find items in the
room. When her eyes fell on the three bearded men she got confused. Why was she led
here? More importantly, where was here? The four people in that room were about to
jump into questionnaires when a bright light caught their attentions.
The man with the white leather book had wide eyes as the golden symbol began to glow
brightly. Hitomi's red pendant was glowing even brighter now, scaring the occupants of the
room. The book tore away from the old wrinkle hands of the historian and floated in midair.
Hitomi couldn't turn her eyes away from the book. She could hear the voice clearly now. It
was coming from the book. 'A legend speaks.....a legend speaks......blood stained hands....
blood stained hands.....' It kept repeating over in over in the girl's mind as the book flew
open. A white light glowed from the pages of the book as it made its way to Hitomi. The
historian were to entranced by the miracle occurring that they didn't even move an inch.
Small balls of light with white tails swirled around Hitomi causing her to lift from the ground
a few feet. She didn't even notice. The book held her full attention. The pages flipped widely
until they stopped at a page near the center of the book. The words on the page swirled in a
golden pool of light, twisting and untwisting until they formed back onto the page in glowing
gold letters. Hitomi slowly read out loud what was written,
"Legend speaks of a time when a shadow will fall of the world of creation. A
red fire will explode through the world. The last of an entire race will be wiped out in a
heartbeat and the ash will blacken the sky. Brimstone will smite the newborn and souls will
reunite. But with reunion one will fall and another dead walks. Tears and blood swirl.
Power of blood flows deep. Let rain fall from the heavens and let the angels weep. For the
only hope of life again is with the pain of the loss. Blood will stain the hands of destruction."
~ Fanelian Forest ~
Van rushed down the path hearing the stallion's feet pounding in his ears. The horse snorted
ever now and then from the work it was enduring. Dryden and Allen knew better than to
reason with Van. They understood his desperation to find the one he loved, but they wished
they could slow him down a little. As if on cue, the raven king halted his horse at a bluff
where a black mare stood tied. Allen frowned at the mare. Where could Hitomi have gone?
He didn't even get time to ponder the thought for Van had already jumped off his horse and
gone down a entrance in the side of the bluff that neither Allen or Dryden had seen before
until now. The two men hurried off their horses to follow the king to the unknown
destination.
"Van, why do think Hitomi is in here?" Allen asked trying to be reasonable. They didn't
have time to search a cave if Hitomi was in danger.
"I feel her presence" Van replied urgently, "I know she's down this way." The two men
behind the raven headed king glanced at each other confused. Allen and Dryden wanted to
know more about what he meant, but they knew they had better wait till later. Van felt her
and it was faint, but he knew it was because of the distance between them. He had to get to
her, she might still be in danger for why would she come this way?
"I wonder where this leads" muttered Dryden as they ran down the long corridor.
"It leads to a room beneath my castle" Van yelled over his shoulder, "I had it built for the
study of the Mystic Valley. I thought it was best to keep it hidden as though not to rouse
discomfort from the people of Fanelia or other countries. I thought there might be important
information in Atlantian chronicles and got three of the best historians to work on a the idea.
I'm just a little confuse to why Hitomi would go down this passage."
"We'll find out when we find her" replied Allen as they redoubled their efforts to find the lost
girl. A light could be seen from in the distance and Van knew they were coming up to the
room.
When the three men burst into the light they gasped at what was going on in the room.
Hitomi was floating five feet above the ground with a white glowing leather book while three
men with white beards were gaping at her. Her pendant was shining also shining as bright as
the book.
"Hitomi!" Van yelled at the floating form, but the girl didn't respond. Her eyes were dull and
she didn't make any motions. Van knew right away she was having a vision, but he was still
terrified for his beloved. Nothing like this had ever happened.
~ Vision ~
Hitomi was standing once again in the dark abyss. 'Not again! Not this!' she yelled in fear.
Screams came crashing down from the air. Hitomi turned and looked at the sky, 'It's that
vision that I had on the Mystic Moon.' Like before faces of scared people flashed on the
world's surface, then all was silent. A white light shattered the world into a million fire balls
that went crashing towards Hitomi.
~End of Vision~
~ Historians' Room ~
Hitomi's scream pierced the room and sent a bone chilling echo down the tunnel. Her body
went limp and the light from both the book and pendant went dim. The girl, along with the
book, crashed to the ground with a loud thud as the specters stared in shock.
Van rushed to her side and began to shake her. Everyone else cluttered around the two
lovers as the young king yelled into Hitomi's face, "Hitomi! Hitomi!"
