~Remember I don't Escaflowne or its characters~
~I'm really really sorry for all you people who begged for the next chapter to be soon, but my
computer got fried and I had to wait several days until it came back on line. Luckily I had the
next chapter ready and all I had to do was convert it into the right format. Again I'm sorry for
the wait.~
The Fate of Two Worlds
By Angel Wings
Chapter 11 ~ Heaven's Tears & Hell's fire
~ Battlefield ~
Prince Chid stared in awe as the planet known as the Mystic Moon became chunks of
burning fire. He could watch in shock as what was left of the planet streaked across the
heavens. He couldn't believe it. A whole world gone in an instant. His blue eyes fell upon the
seeress from that world and for a second Chid's mind was distracted from the issue as he
noticed the girl's pearly white wings. "When did she have those?" thought the young prince.
Chid's heart fell when he saw the girl crying. Her wings shook as uncontrollable sobs escaped
from her mouth. Tears fell from her eyes in a flood and her hands clenched the dirt. She had
lost everyone on that world in a matter of seconds. Chid couldn't even imagine the pain she
was going through at that moment.
Allen saw the light pierce the Moon of Illusions and blast the planet to rocks of fire. His
mouth fell open as his mind soaked in the realization that the Mystic Moon was no more. If he
hadn't seen it with his own eyes he would never had believe it. What had caused such
destruction and devastation? His thoughts were soon tossed aside as guymelef charged him.
He had no time to worry of things when a kingdom still laid in the balance.
As the fires flamed in the stars Dryden could only think, "The prophecy....the prophecy is
coming true...."
Millerina and Celena watched the battlefield through one of the large windows in one of the
castle's top floors. Millerina continued to hold her belly in fear. Did something happen to her
child? Celena on the other hand watched the spill of blood through disgusted eyes. Celena
didn't enjoy watching such familiar scenes, but she was worried for her friends, especially her
brother. She couldn't lose him now....Not when they had gotten so close. Her eyes swept
over the fields of flames and spotted an angel. An angel with snow white wings and honey
locks was kneeling in the mist of the burning earth. Celena mouth dropped as she noticed it
was Hitomi. She watched the girl cry as she stared towards the sky. Curiosity caused the
woman to see what the angel was looking at. Celena couldn't hold back her gasp at what she
saw. A red light consumed the Mystic Moon and blasted it to a thousand burning rocks.
Millerina turned at the woman's gasp and tugged Celena's dress, "Celena what is it?"
Celena just pointed to the sky still in shock. Millerina quickly turned her eyes to the sky and
gasped at what she saw. The Mystic Moon no longer loomed in the vast sky. The young
Queen felt the sense of realization sweep over her. "It had never been Gaea...." she
whispered in utter shock, "It was the Mystic Moon....."
Merle stared in shock as the planet blew apart in the sky. Red fire crossed the sky in a
brilliant glow. The catgirl was leaning upon King Van's balcony. She had gone to the room to
see if he would be there, but he hadn't been to her distress. As the sound of battle raged
outside Merle had run to the balcony to see what was going on. Now she was staring at the
sky watching the Mystic Moon fall away from its present position. Merle felt numb as she
realized how many lives were lost in that instant. The catgirl could only think of one person
though as she thought about those lives. "Hitomi....." the catgirl whispered through her tears.
Kaosu wanted to yell victory, but something stopped him. The power from the pendant had
destroyed the planet that he had hated so much, but the power didn't stop. It only grew in
intensity. It was growing out of control. The man thought he would be able to control it, but
he was discovering he couldn't. He had made a deadly mistake. He tried to release the
pendant, but his hand was frozen shut over the powerful stone. Kaosu noticed the red shield
that had formed around him was now trying to squeeze him. He fought desperately against the
prison that had been made by the power of the Atlantians, but to no prevail. The walls
became so tight around him that they began to squeeze the air out of his lungs. Unbearable
heat began to hiss around the captive. The walls had turned to flames of burning red light.
Kaosu eyes looked out through his chamber and saw his brother running towards him outside
the light of power.
"Help me brother!" Kaosu screamed as pain seared through his body. The silver headed man
ran to the edge of the field of power. He placed hand slowly on the shield and was thrown
yards away. Kaosu knew his death was near and could feel his life force leaving his body
"BROTHER!!!!" was all the man could cry just before the flames of red light consumed him
and led him down the road of death.
Van felt the lives of billions of people vanish in an instant. Just gone, he could no longer feel
them. It had been faint when he had felt them, but now it was just empty.....empty space. He
knew there were no more lives on that world even before he turned up his head towards the
planet. His heart knew they had died. His eyes of flames turned to the heavens and saw the
fiery chunks streak across the sky. His heart seemed to shatter as he felt the wave of sadness
and guilt fall upon him. He stumbled backwards as the waves began to drown him. They were
so strong and powerful that he almost thought the emotions were his and not someone else's.
He knew who it was though. He knew her heart. His eyes turned towards his angel. He could
barely see her through the flames, but she was there.....he could feel her. His heart constricted
as he saw her tears. She was shaking uncontrollably from her sobs. Her pale hands were
clenching the dirt and her wings laid limp. Van heart seemed to crack as he realized she had
lost everything.....her home....her friends....her family....her people....her planet. Everything on
that world that she treasured most dear had been stolen from her, never to be returned. He
didn't even want to imagine how hard it was for her. To loss a grandfather was one thing, but
to loss her entire planet was completely different. His heart went out to her, but she didn't feel
his comfort or kindness. Her sadness was like a wall not allowing his emotions to reach her.
She was lost in her sea of guilt and depression. He had to go to her, but he had no idea how.
The towering flames wasn't keeping him from her, it was her emotions. Van vowed he would
kept her happy before, and he wasn't about to break that promise.
A crashing sound nearby took his attention. His ruby eyes fell on a large piece of flaming rock
that had fallen to the ground. Another crash....Van turned to see another boulder laying in the
ground blazing with flames. Soon the sounds of hundreds of rocks and boulders could be
heard around the kingdom. The king eyes stared as burning rubble began to hit guymelefs,
friends and foes. His white roses were sizzling in flames and his castle walls were battered
with several holes. What was going on? Van heard someone screaming, "look at that sky!" so
his eyes flew to the sky. The chunks from the Mystic Moon were raining down onto Gaea.
Van thought, "I better watch out....."
Suddenly an image of his angel crossed his mind. Whirling towards his beloved he spotted a
huge boulder of brimstone coming down from the heavens. His heart fell as he realized its
destination. Its shadow laid over the seeress of the Mystic Moon. It would fall right on top of
Hitomi!
Hitomi wasn't thinking about the world around her. Her senses were dead to everything. The
blood running through her veins had slowed to a crawl. Her mind had shut down. The heart
that had beat in her chest had shattered. Tears fell from her eyes in a flood, but she didn't
noticed. All she noticed was the pain.....the unbearable pain that tore at her soul. Guilt
screamed in her mind, "You let them die...."
"No" Hitomi whispered through her sobs.
"You killed them....."
"No...."
"You did nothing to help them, so you caused their deaths......"
"No...."
"Their blood is on your hands....."
"NOOOOOO!!!!!!!!!" Hitomi screamed painfully.
~Vision~
Hitomi fell into the black sea drowning in her sadness. She didn't fight the dark waves as they
rolled over her head. The girl began to sink deeper into the water not even resisting her fate.
Part of her wanted to drown, to bring justice for her sins against her people. Another part
was screaming at her to fight it, to swim to the top. But she continued to sink with only her
sparkling white wings as a light. "Why should I live?" the seeress wondered as she grew
closer to the bottom, "I have lost everything...." The water pressed against her body agreeing
with her in hoping to crush her. Her mind cried out as she began to disappear into the
blackness, "What do I have to live for?!?!"
Hitomi suddenly spotted a light forming in the water. The light stretched through the dark
vastness brightening the water as if it was a sign of hope. The light glowed a pearly white as it
took shape of an angel. The seeress watched in awe as the light molded into a woman with
white wings.
"Varia...." Hitomi whispered in awe at the angelic woman. The mother of Hitomi's lover said
no words, but held out a glowing hand to the drowning girl. Hitomi stared at the glowing hand
as she slowly reached out to it. The poor seeress hesitated not knowing if she wanted to be
saved, but the hand was so inviting that the angel took hold of it. As their hands clasped the
water swirled around them and formed a tunnel of sweet air. Hitomi stared in wonder thinking
of the Bible story of Moses parting the Red Sea. A small gasp escaped from Hitomi lips as
the rest of the ocean evaporated to thin air leaving the two angels standing in empty white
light.
"You ask, my child, why you should live?" the woman replied as she watched the beautiful
young woman.
Hitomi's eyes pleaded, "Yes, Varia. Why should I live? What is there for me to go back to?"
Emerald tears slipped down her cheeks as Hitomi felt another wave of sadness hit her.
Van's mother placed a hand on the sobbing girl, "What about my son?"
Hitomi started at this, "What?"
The woman repeated, "My son, Van. Did you not return here for him."
A small blush reached Hitomi's cheeks as she stared at the woman. Hitomi bowed her head
humbly, "Well yes, but why would he want me here? He must see me now as a murder,
too.....They probably all do now."
A warm hand lifted Hitomi's chin forcing her to look in the woman's eyes, "No, Hitomi. They
care for you. They know it is not your fault. They want you to return to them. Go to them."
"But Varia...." Hitomi whispered, "I should die.... I wasn't able to help my people....I did no
better than kill them with my own hands. I.....I don't deserve to live....."
"No, my child you do....." came a very familiar voice. Hitomi turned away from the angel
woman and was faced with another angel.
"Grandmother!" Hitomi gasped as she stared back at her relative.
"My child" the woman spoke, "You were destined to take on this task. You must live to fulfill
the prophecy."
"What task, grandmother?" Hitomi asked. For once in her whole entire life the woman
refused to speak. "Please tell me, grandmother...." she pleaded.
"I...I can't or destiny will be changed....." whispered the woman, "The threads of Fate are
dangerous to meddle in if I give you too much information our entire destiny will be
changed..... for better or for worse....."
Hitomi was about to insist when her grandmother took her wrist, "Go back, Hitomi. Go back
to your love. I lost mine years ago, but you don't have to. Go back to him and have a
wonderful life."
Hitomi looked at her grandmother and then at Varia's encouraging smile. Images of Van filled
the seeress mind. A deep longing for being by his side filled her heart. She had to go back...to
him. Hitomi smiled through her tears at the woman, "I will..."
That's when the white light surrounding them turned to a blood red and the two woman
standing before Hitomi burst into flames.
~End of Vision~
The flaming woman vanished and now Hitomi saw the meteor coming straight towards her.
Hitomi no longer had a desire to die. She wanted to be with her love.....she wanted to be
with Van. A scream tore from her throat as the ball of fire came crashing towards her.
Van didn't have time to go over the wall of fire. He wouldn't make it then. As he stared at the
flames he did the only thing he could do. He flew through them. He threw his body through
the flames without hesitation. Flames licked his body and seared his flesh as he pulled through
the inferino. He let loose a small cry as the pain hit his body. As soon as he was completely
through he beat his wings desperately. He had to get to her. He had to save her.
Hitomi closed her eyes not willing to watch her own death. She could feel the heat intensifying
and knew death was close at hand. Suddenly Hitomi felt warm arms wrap around her and
push her aside. The sound of the burning rock crashing to ground roared in her ears and she
smelt the grass burning. Hitomi eyes opened to see ruby eyes staring at her.
Kusari rose into the air. He placed his lips at his communicator and shouted, "Abort! I repeat
abort! Back to the ship! All guymelefs to the ship!"
His eyes turned to his brother who was nothing, but a lump of charcoal now. The red pendant
shined innocently in his brother's black palm and for a second, Kusari considered to go after
it. A smiled played at his lips as a plan began to form. He didn't need to retrieve it. The
seeress would bring it to him. A laugh rang through the air as the angel of black wings flew to
the dark fortress.
Dilandau sliced another opponent in two as he heard the command over the intercom. A snarl
came from his throat as he did as commanded. He had been enjoying his spill of blood. His
guymelef changed into flight mode and as he began to rise into the air he saw something that
caught his eye. Inside one of the castle windows stood a blonde woman. To him she didn't
seemed like much, but something about her seemed familiar.....so familiar..... He shook off the
uneasy feeling and followed his fellow warriors back to the docking bay. He would have to
talk to Kusari and Kaosu about it.
Allen ear's suddenly heard cries of victory from his allies. His eyes turned to the sky to see the
dark guymelefs leaving. "Why did they leave?" Allen said absent mindly.
The sound of Dryden's voice sounded over the intercom, "Maybe we scared them."
"No" Allen said coldly, "They had the advantage. Something happened."
"Like what?" Dryden asked thoughtfully.
Allen shook his head not knowing, "I don't know. Either something went wrong or they did
what they had to do....."
A sudden question was heard from Dryden, "Where's Van and Hitomi?"
Van held the frail girl close to his chest even though his burns hurt from her closeness. He
wanted nothing more than to hold her. As her eyes open revealing a pair of sparkling
emeralds Van couldn't help, but stare into them. Neither knew what to say. They only cared
that the other was safe.
"Are you alright?" Van whispered in concern.
Hitomi gave a small groan, "I think so...." Honestly, Hitomi had no idea if she was alright. She
felt sore all over and completely drained. She knew blood was dripping from the wound on
her neck and she felt like she might have broken something, too. In emotional wise, she felt as
if a large burden had been lifted. She felt great sadness for the loss of her world, but she no
longer felt responsible for its destruction. She did however feel a slight twinge of guilt still
running through her blood, but it was so small that it didn't cast a shadow over her any longer.
In time she would be able to live with those death, but right now there were more important
matters to attend to.
Van carefully lifted the girl in his arms and Hitomi made no attempt to resist. She was too
weak to fight him. Plus why should she be denied the pleasure of his hold. Van retracted his
wings with ease, but it took Hitomi a moment to understand how to retract them. With a small
groan the wings retracted into her back with a little difficulty. The king walked over to the
blacken body of their enemy and with no remorse stole the red pendant back. Turning his
back on the body, Van placed the small red jewel into his love's hand with the broken chain
hanging from her fingers. Van strode over to the castle's main doorway where stood several
of his advisors, soldiers, and friends. Chid rushed forward followed by Allen and Dryden as
the two lovers came forward.
"Hitomi, are you alright?" Chid asked full of concern in his voice.
Hitomi smiled down at the young prince, "I'm alright Chid. Don't worry."
Dryden and Allen passed glances with Van showing there was a lot to discuss. Van gave a
small nod saying, "First let us see to our wounds before discuss anything, especially in such
open air." The two men nodded at the king and allowed him to pass with his fragile bundle.
The flames left from the battle slowly began to simmer to the ground. The only signs of war
left behind were sprawled bodies and the smoke fading into the sky.
As the group past through the battered halls towards the infirmary a small cry was heard from
its doorway. Dryden pushed past the group recognizing the cry as his wife's and the group
rushed after him. As the group trickled into the room they saw Millerina sobbing as a nurse
held her hand. Celena and Merle stood nearby with sad expressions on their faces as they
watched the Queen cry. Dryden rushed to his wife's side and took her hand.
"What's wrong?" he asked gently as he brushed away her tears.
"The baby..." the woman sobbed, "I'm going to lose the baby....."
The group in the doorway started at the surprised information.
"Millerina" Hitomi asked, "Your pregnant?"
The beautiful Queen nodded at the young seeress, "Yes, but only by one moon...."
Dryden was falling apart at his wife's words, "what do you mean your going to lose the
baby?"
Millerina looked into her husband's eyes as tears began to once again pour, "when I fell
during the shaking I fell onto my stomach. Somehow the fall injured our child and the nurse
and I believe I will lose or already lost the child." The woman returned to her tears as her
husband held her in his arms trying to comfort her.
Van placed Hitomi onto a nearby bed as the scene played. Hitomi felt the wave of hurt and
sadness flowing from the couple. She thought about all the lives lost on Gaea. She had a great
loss also, and yet she felt she was just as responsible for this life as she was for her people.
"Could everyone leave the room, except Millerina?" asked the battered girl. Van was startled
at her question as where several others. All eyes turned to the seeress wondering why.
"Shouldn't someone be watching you?" Van questioned. Hitomi looked deep into his eyes.
"Please, I need to be alone with her....." Hitomi pleaded. Van didn't want to comply, but he
knew she had her reasons. Everyone slowly left the room with Van trailing behind. He gave a
finally glance at Hitomi before closing the door behind him.
Millerina watched through tears as the young woman rose from her bed with a painful groan
and slowly walked to her. Hitomi took the woman's hand and bowed her head.
"I'm so sorry, Millerina. I feel somewhat responsible for your child...." Hitomi spoke with
deep sadness.
Millerina eyes sparked more tears, but she quickly blinked them away. The blonde queen
looked at the young lady as she spoke, "Dear Hitomi, it should be me feeling sorry for you."
Hitomi lifted her head at this and Millerina could see the girl's sparkling tears in her eyes.
Millerina replied, "You lost everything on your world. I should be more worried about you
than myself."
Hitomi looked at her, "Millerina, you and I have been close since the last time I was here and
we always understood each other's feeling, but believe me when I tell you I have lost a great
treasure, but I grieve for you more than I do for all those people on that world."
Millerina was stared shocked from this and was about to reply, but Hitomi stopped her. "I am
sadden by the great loss, but I feel for you and Dryden because you will loss your child on
account of my mistakes. If I hadn't left the Mystic Moon those people might still be alive,
including the fate of your child. I apologize for this and will do what I can to help....." she
whispered as several tears slipped down her cheeks.
Millerina didn't understand Hitomi last words and could only stare at her. Hitomi closed her
eyes and held the royal stone close to her heart. A small glow came from between Hitomi's
pale fingers as a few tears slipped over its smooth surface. Hitomi could feel the power
surging within the pendant wanting desperately to be let loose. It practically was banging
down the door to be let out. Hitomi reached her mind out to the sealed opening. She felt the
power of the Atlantians radiating from the stone and knew it would be dangerous to open the
door all the way. Her senses brushed over the latch that held down the power and carefully
open the door only a crack. The force of the power though threw the door wide open and
Hitomi lost control.
Hitomi felt the rush of power overtake her and she lost herself into a vision.
~Vision~
Hitomi could see a ball of light glowing in the center of the abyss. Red swirling light formed
around the white ball and all around the blackness. The red light flowed everywhere in no
particular pattern. It was out of control. Hitomi ignored the power when she felt Millerina's life
force. Hitomi realized the ball of light was Millerina's life. The white ball radiated with life
while inside it a small ball less developed was fading......Millerina's child was dying.
Hitomi rushed over to the orbs of light and placed her palms upon them. The red swirling light
began to swirl around Hitomi, but it was in chaos. She held no control over it. Hitomi reached
her senses out and desperately tried to take hold of the power. If she didn't find a way to
grasp a control over it, it might lead to her death. She could feel the power running through
her, but it was destroying her at the same time. It was drawing her life force out at the same
time. It was squeezing out her life with the more its power intensified. She felt her body
growing weak and her senses were falling short as they tried to restrain the power.
"I can't control it!" Hitomi yelled into the whirling light.
"You Can!" echoed a voice.
Hitomi eyes turned in every direction, but saw no speaker. "Who...?" she whispered.
"You can do it, my child" repeated the unknown speaker.
The seeress turned to see a woman of long flowing brown hair in a white dress. Sparkling
white wings arched from her back. Her eyes were of a sparkling green color similar to
Hitomi's.
A single tear slid down the girl's cheek as she whispered, "Mother?"
The mother walked over and placed her hands over Hitomi's They each stood on opposite
sides of the glowing globe.
"Hitomi believe in yourself. Together we can contain this" the woman encouraged.
"I can't, mother. I can't contain it just yet. I have to save Millerina's child first. I owe it to her"
Hitomi pleaded. She refused to give up just yet. She would do it for Millerina, Dryden, and
their child. She would die trying if she had to. Hitomi's mother looked at her with warm eyes.
"Alright....we'll do it together...." the woman said in a strong voice. Hitomi gave a small nod
before turning towards their task. They both concentrated as hard as they could. Their minds
reached out and took hold of the flowing power. Hitomi and her mother's mind were able to
stop the power from going everywhere, but they were using all their energy to do that. Sweat
brimmed their brows as they struggled with the power. The orb of light that was Millerina's
child began to glow brighter. Hitomi almost lost her concentration as she noticed the change.
Hitomi's mother shouted as the power grew, "We have child stable, but we still need to
contain it back in the seal!"
Hitomi's eyes shut as pain hit her chest. She barely could handle the stress on her mind any
longer. Could she lock the power back behind the seal? She was scared to try. Her life now
hung in the balance. An image of her friends back on Gaea played in her mind giving her the
strength to press on.
"I refuse to die now!" Hitomi cried in pain.
Hitomi and her mother clenched the power and dragged it to its container. They had to put it
back or who knew what would happen. The power slowly was forced into the seal, but it
beat against its holders not willing to return. They struggled desperately, but they were losing
the fight. Hitomi clenched her teeth and threw her senses against the heap of swirling power.
She refused to let it loose onto the world.
"I hold the pendant! I'm the controller!" Hitomi shouted as red chains pulled at her life, "And
you will be sealed back into your source even if it takes my last breathe!!!!!"
As if it feared the woman, the power was sucked back into its container and sealed tight.
Hitomi gave a finally painful screamed as she blacked out.
~End of Vision~
Van and the others stood out the door of the infirmary wondered what was going on in there.
They had heard the two talking at first, though they couldn't understand their words, but now
they heard complete silence. The men glanced at one another wondering what could possible
going on past the door.
A painful scream pierced the air drawing the attention of all the occupants outside the closed
door. Van's heart dropped as he realized it had been Hitomi. Without even waiting Van
bursted into the room with the others close behind. Eyes grew wide when they saw the queen
and Hitomi unconscious.
Millerina laid against her pillow with her hair falling over it like a waterfall of sunshine. She was
sleeping peacefully and seemed to even brighten in additude.
Hitomi was the complete opposite. She had fallen into a heap on the floor. Her skin was
extremely pale, almost white. Her scrapes and bruises were the only color appearing on her
skin. Sweat matted her bangs and her breathing was ragged.
Van rushed to his love side as fear crepted into his soul. His hands fell to her face trying to
turn her head towards him, but his automatically fell away. Her skin was freezing cold. What
happened to his beloved? He couldn't let her die now. The world seemed to fall away as the
thought of death loomed in his mind.
With shaky hands he felt her wrist for a pulse. He let out a loud sigh as he found one, but was
disturped to find it rather faint.
Van looked up to see Dryden waking his wife and everyone else watching the scene from the
doorway.
"Millerina?" Dryden asked gentle. The young queen groggily awoke in her husband's arms.
She placed a hand on her stomach and smiled through tears.
"Dryden" she whispered, "The baby...."
"What, Millerina?" he asked with concern.
Her smile grew as she spoke, "The baby is going to be alright.....Hitomi.....Hitomi saved it...."
Dryden let loose a few tears as he hugged his wife.
When Millerina drew away from the hug she automatically turned to Hitomi. As her eyes fell
upon the unconsicous girl she gasped and jumped from the bed. Dryden tried to stopped her
from over exertting herself, but she ignored him. Her friend was in trouble and she wasn't
about to worry about her well-being.
Millerina carefully checked Hitomi's pulse and heart. Both were fine, but faint. She turned to
the concerned eyes of King Van, "She okay, but unstable. She might....."
Millerina couldn't say the words. She didn't want to say the words, especially to Van.
"She might what?" the young king pleaded.
Millerina looked at the seeress not wanting to see his reaction, "She might not live through the
night......"
~Sorry to leave you at a cliffhanger, but that's how I keep people reading. Plus most chapters
are left at cliffhangers. Sorry to leave ya hanging.~
~Hope you enjoyed this chapter! Please R&R and tell me what you think!~
~I'm really really sorry for all you people who begged for the next chapter to be soon, but my
computer got fried and I had to wait several days until it came back on line. Luckily I had the
next chapter ready and all I had to do was convert it into the right format. Again I'm sorry for
the wait.~
The Fate of Two Worlds
By Angel Wings
Chapter 11 ~ Heaven's Tears & Hell's fire
~ Battlefield ~
Prince Chid stared in awe as the planet known as the Mystic Moon became chunks of
burning fire. He could watch in shock as what was left of the planet streaked across the
heavens. He couldn't believe it. A whole world gone in an instant. His blue eyes fell upon the
seeress from that world and for a second Chid's mind was distracted from the issue as he
noticed the girl's pearly white wings. "When did she have those?" thought the young prince.
Chid's heart fell when he saw the girl crying. Her wings shook as uncontrollable sobs escaped
from her mouth. Tears fell from her eyes in a flood and her hands clenched the dirt. She had
lost everyone on that world in a matter of seconds. Chid couldn't even imagine the pain she
was going through at that moment.
Allen saw the light pierce the Moon of Illusions and blast the planet to rocks of fire. His
mouth fell open as his mind soaked in the realization that the Mystic Moon was no more. If he
hadn't seen it with his own eyes he would never had believe it. What had caused such
destruction and devastation? His thoughts were soon tossed aside as guymelef charged him.
He had no time to worry of things when a kingdom still laid in the balance.
As the fires flamed in the stars Dryden could only think, "The prophecy....the prophecy is
coming true...."
Millerina and Celena watched the battlefield through one of the large windows in one of the
castle's top floors. Millerina continued to hold her belly in fear. Did something happen to her
child? Celena on the other hand watched the spill of blood through disgusted eyes. Celena
didn't enjoy watching such familiar scenes, but she was worried for her friends, especially her
brother. She couldn't lose him now....Not when they had gotten so close. Her eyes swept
over the fields of flames and spotted an angel. An angel with snow white wings and honey
locks was kneeling in the mist of the burning earth. Celena mouth dropped as she noticed it
was Hitomi. She watched the girl cry as she stared towards the sky. Curiosity caused the
woman to see what the angel was looking at. Celena couldn't hold back her gasp at what she
saw. A red light consumed the Mystic Moon and blasted it to a thousand burning rocks.
Millerina turned at the woman's gasp and tugged Celena's dress, "Celena what is it?"
Celena just pointed to the sky still in shock. Millerina quickly turned her eyes to the sky and
gasped at what she saw. The Mystic Moon no longer loomed in the vast sky. The young
Queen felt the sense of realization sweep over her. "It had never been Gaea...." she
whispered in utter shock, "It was the Mystic Moon....."
Merle stared in shock as the planet blew apart in the sky. Red fire crossed the sky in a
brilliant glow. The catgirl was leaning upon King Van's balcony. She had gone to the room to
see if he would be there, but he hadn't been to her distress. As the sound of battle raged
outside Merle had run to the balcony to see what was going on. Now she was staring at the
sky watching the Mystic Moon fall away from its present position. Merle felt numb as she
realized how many lives were lost in that instant. The catgirl could only think of one person
though as she thought about those lives. "Hitomi....." the catgirl whispered through her tears.
Kaosu wanted to yell victory, but something stopped him. The power from the pendant had
destroyed the planet that he had hated so much, but the power didn't stop. It only grew in
intensity. It was growing out of control. The man thought he would be able to control it, but
he was discovering he couldn't. He had made a deadly mistake. He tried to release the
pendant, but his hand was frozen shut over the powerful stone. Kaosu noticed the red shield
that had formed around him was now trying to squeeze him. He fought desperately against the
prison that had been made by the power of the Atlantians, but to no prevail. The walls
became so tight around him that they began to squeeze the air out of his lungs. Unbearable
heat began to hiss around the captive. The walls had turned to flames of burning red light.
Kaosu eyes looked out through his chamber and saw his brother running towards him outside
the light of power.
"Help me brother!" Kaosu screamed as pain seared through his body. The silver headed man
ran to the edge of the field of power. He placed hand slowly on the shield and was thrown
yards away. Kaosu knew his death was near and could feel his life force leaving his body
"BROTHER!!!!" was all the man could cry just before the flames of red light consumed him
and led him down the road of death.
Van felt the lives of billions of people vanish in an instant. Just gone, he could no longer feel
them. It had been faint when he had felt them, but now it was just empty.....empty space. He
knew there were no more lives on that world even before he turned up his head towards the
planet. His heart knew they had died. His eyes of flames turned to the heavens and saw the
fiery chunks streak across the sky. His heart seemed to shatter as he felt the wave of sadness
and guilt fall upon him. He stumbled backwards as the waves began to drown him. They were
so strong and powerful that he almost thought the emotions were his and not someone else's.
He knew who it was though. He knew her heart. His eyes turned towards his angel. He could
barely see her through the flames, but she was there.....he could feel her. His heart constricted
as he saw her tears. She was shaking uncontrollably from her sobs. Her pale hands were
clenching the dirt and her wings laid limp. Van heart seemed to crack as he realized she had
lost everything.....her home....her friends....her family....her people....her planet. Everything on
that world that she treasured most dear had been stolen from her, never to be returned. He
didn't even want to imagine how hard it was for her. To loss a grandfather was one thing, but
to loss her entire planet was completely different. His heart went out to her, but she didn't feel
his comfort or kindness. Her sadness was like a wall not allowing his emotions to reach her.
She was lost in her sea of guilt and depression. He had to go to her, but he had no idea how.
The towering flames wasn't keeping him from her, it was her emotions. Van vowed he would
kept her happy before, and he wasn't about to break that promise.
A crashing sound nearby took his attention. His ruby eyes fell on a large piece of flaming rock
that had fallen to the ground. Another crash....Van turned to see another boulder laying in the
ground blazing with flames. Soon the sounds of hundreds of rocks and boulders could be
heard around the kingdom. The king eyes stared as burning rubble began to hit guymelefs,
friends and foes. His white roses were sizzling in flames and his castle walls were battered
with several holes. What was going on? Van heard someone screaming, "look at that sky!" so
his eyes flew to the sky. The chunks from the Mystic Moon were raining down onto Gaea.
Van thought, "I better watch out....."
Suddenly an image of his angel crossed his mind. Whirling towards his beloved he spotted a
huge boulder of brimstone coming down from the heavens. His heart fell as he realized its
destination. Its shadow laid over the seeress of the Mystic Moon. It would fall right on top of
Hitomi!
Hitomi wasn't thinking about the world around her. Her senses were dead to everything. The
blood running through her veins had slowed to a crawl. Her mind had shut down. The heart
that had beat in her chest had shattered. Tears fell from her eyes in a flood, but she didn't
noticed. All she noticed was the pain.....the unbearable pain that tore at her soul. Guilt
screamed in her mind, "You let them die...."
"No" Hitomi whispered through her sobs.
"You killed them....."
"No...."
"You did nothing to help them, so you caused their deaths......"
"No...."
"Their blood is on your hands....."
"NOOOOOO!!!!!!!!!" Hitomi screamed painfully.
~Vision~
Hitomi fell into the black sea drowning in her sadness. She didn't fight the dark waves as they
rolled over her head. The girl began to sink deeper into the water not even resisting her fate.
Part of her wanted to drown, to bring justice for her sins against her people. Another part
was screaming at her to fight it, to swim to the top. But she continued to sink with only her
sparkling white wings as a light. "Why should I live?" the seeress wondered as she grew
closer to the bottom, "I have lost everything...." The water pressed against her body agreeing
with her in hoping to crush her. Her mind cried out as she began to disappear into the
blackness, "What do I have to live for?!?!"
Hitomi suddenly spotted a light forming in the water. The light stretched through the dark
vastness brightening the water as if it was a sign of hope. The light glowed a pearly white as it
took shape of an angel. The seeress watched in awe as the light molded into a woman with
white wings.
"Varia...." Hitomi whispered in awe at the angelic woman. The mother of Hitomi's lover said
no words, but held out a glowing hand to the drowning girl. Hitomi stared at the glowing hand
as she slowly reached out to it. The poor seeress hesitated not knowing if she wanted to be
saved, but the hand was so inviting that the angel took hold of it. As their hands clasped the
water swirled around them and formed a tunnel of sweet air. Hitomi stared in wonder thinking
of the Bible story of Moses parting the Red Sea. A small gasp escaped from Hitomi lips as
the rest of the ocean evaporated to thin air leaving the two angels standing in empty white
light.
"You ask, my child, why you should live?" the woman replied as she watched the beautiful
young woman.
Hitomi's eyes pleaded, "Yes, Varia. Why should I live? What is there for me to go back to?"
Emerald tears slipped down her cheeks as Hitomi felt another wave of sadness hit her.
Van's mother placed a hand on the sobbing girl, "What about my son?"
Hitomi started at this, "What?"
The woman repeated, "My son, Van. Did you not return here for him."
A small blush reached Hitomi's cheeks as she stared at the woman. Hitomi bowed her head
humbly, "Well yes, but why would he want me here? He must see me now as a murder,
too.....They probably all do now."
A warm hand lifted Hitomi's chin forcing her to look in the woman's eyes, "No, Hitomi. They
care for you. They know it is not your fault. They want you to return to them. Go to them."
"But Varia...." Hitomi whispered, "I should die.... I wasn't able to help my people....I did no
better than kill them with my own hands. I.....I don't deserve to live....."
"No, my child you do....." came a very familiar voice. Hitomi turned away from the angel
woman and was faced with another angel.
"Grandmother!" Hitomi gasped as she stared back at her relative.
"My child" the woman spoke, "You were destined to take on this task. You must live to fulfill
the prophecy."
"What task, grandmother?" Hitomi asked. For once in her whole entire life the woman
refused to speak. "Please tell me, grandmother...." she pleaded.
"I...I can't or destiny will be changed....." whispered the woman, "The threads of Fate are
dangerous to meddle in if I give you too much information our entire destiny will be
changed..... for better or for worse....."
Hitomi was about to insist when her grandmother took her wrist, "Go back, Hitomi. Go back
to your love. I lost mine years ago, but you don't have to. Go back to him and have a
wonderful life."
Hitomi looked at her grandmother and then at Varia's encouraging smile. Images of Van filled
the seeress mind. A deep longing for being by his side filled her heart. She had to go back...to
him. Hitomi smiled through her tears at the woman, "I will..."
That's when the white light surrounding them turned to a blood red and the two woman
standing before Hitomi burst into flames.
~End of Vision~
The flaming woman vanished and now Hitomi saw the meteor coming straight towards her.
Hitomi no longer had a desire to die. She wanted to be with her love.....she wanted to be
with Van. A scream tore from her throat as the ball of fire came crashing towards her.
Van didn't have time to go over the wall of fire. He wouldn't make it then. As he stared at the
flames he did the only thing he could do. He flew through them. He threw his body through
the flames without hesitation. Flames licked his body and seared his flesh as he pulled through
the inferino. He let loose a small cry as the pain hit his body. As soon as he was completely
through he beat his wings desperately. He had to get to her. He had to save her.
Hitomi closed her eyes not willing to watch her own death. She could feel the heat intensifying
and knew death was close at hand. Suddenly Hitomi felt warm arms wrap around her and
push her aside. The sound of the burning rock crashing to ground roared in her ears and she
smelt the grass burning. Hitomi eyes opened to see ruby eyes staring at her.
Kusari rose into the air. He placed his lips at his communicator and shouted, "Abort! I repeat
abort! Back to the ship! All guymelefs to the ship!"
His eyes turned to his brother who was nothing, but a lump of charcoal now. The red pendant
shined innocently in his brother's black palm and for a second, Kusari considered to go after
it. A smiled played at his lips as a plan began to form. He didn't need to retrieve it. The
seeress would bring it to him. A laugh rang through the air as the angel of black wings flew to
the dark fortress.
Dilandau sliced another opponent in two as he heard the command over the intercom. A snarl
came from his throat as he did as commanded. He had been enjoying his spill of blood. His
guymelef changed into flight mode and as he began to rise into the air he saw something that
caught his eye. Inside one of the castle windows stood a blonde woman. To him she didn't
seemed like much, but something about her seemed familiar.....so familiar..... He shook off the
uneasy feeling and followed his fellow warriors back to the docking bay. He would have to
talk to Kusari and Kaosu about it.
Allen ear's suddenly heard cries of victory from his allies. His eyes turned to the sky to see the
dark guymelefs leaving. "Why did they leave?" Allen said absent mindly.
The sound of Dryden's voice sounded over the intercom, "Maybe we scared them."
"No" Allen said coldly, "They had the advantage. Something happened."
"Like what?" Dryden asked thoughtfully.
Allen shook his head not knowing, "I don't know. Either something went wrong or they did
what they had to do....."
A sudden question was heard from Dryden, "Where's Van and Hitomi?"
Van held the frail girl close to his chest even though his burns hurt from her closeness. He
wanted nothing more than to hold her. As her eyes open revealing a pair of sparkling
emeralds Van couldn't help, but stare into them. Neither knew what to say. They only cared
that the other was safe.
"Are you alright?" Van whispered in concern.
Hitomi gave a small groan, "I think so...." Honestly, Hitomi had no idea if she was alright. She
felt sore all over and completely drained. She knew blood was dripping from the wound on
her neck and she felt like she might have broken something, too. In emotional wise, she felt as
if a large burden had been lifted. She felt great sadness for the loss of her world, but she no
longer felt responsible for its destruction. She did however feel a slight twinge of guilt still
running through her blood, but it was so small that it didn't cast a shadow over her any longer.
In time she would be able to live with those death, but right now there were more important
matters to attend to.
Van carefully lifted the girl in his arms and Hitomi made no attempt to resist. She was too
weak to fight him. Plus why should she be denied the pleasure of his hold. Van retracted his
wings with ease, but it took Hitomi a moment to understand how to retract them. With a small
groan the wings retracted into her back with a little difficulty. The king walked over to the
blacken body of their enemy and with no remorse stole the red pendant back. Turning his
back on the body, Van placed the small red jewel into his love's hand with the broken chain
hanging from her fingers. Van strode over to the castle's main doorway where stood several
of his advisors, soldiers, and friends. Chid rushed forward followed by Allen and Dryden as
the two lovers came forward.
"Hitomi, are you alright?" Chid asked full of concern in his voice.
Hitomi smiled down at the young prince, "I'm alright Chid. Don't worry."
Dryden and Allen passed glances with Van showing there was a lot to discuss. Van gave a
small nod saying, "First let us see to our wounds before discuss anything, especially in such
open air." The two men nodded at the king and allowed him to pass with his fragile bundle.
The flames left from the battle slowly began to simmer to the ground. The only signs of war
left behind were sprawled bodies and the smoke fading into the sky.
As the group past through the battered halls towards the infirmary a small cry was heard from
its doorway. Dryden pushed past the group recognizing the cry as his wife's and the group
rushed after him. As the group trickled into the room they saw Millerina sobbing as a nurse
held her hand. Celena and Merle stood nearby with sad expressions on their faces as they
watched the Queen cry. Dryden rushed to his wife's side and took her hand.
"What's wrong?" he asked gently as he brushed away her tears.
"The baby..." the woman sobbed, "I'm going to lose the baby....."
The group in the doorway started at the surprised information.
"Millerina" Hitomi asked, "Your pregnant?"
The beautiful Queen nodded at the young seeress, "Yes, but only by one moon...."
Dryden was falling apart at his wife's words, "what do you mean your going to lose the
baby?"
Millerina looked into her husband's eyes as tears began to once again pour, "when I fell
during the shaking I fell onto my stomach. Somehow the fall injured our child and the nurse
and I believe I will lose or already lost the child." The woman returned to her tears as her
husband held her in his arms trying to comfort her.
Van placed Hitomi onto a nearby bed as the scene played. Hitomi felt the wave of hurt and
sadness flowing from the couple. She thought about all the lives lost on Gaea. She had a great
loss also, and yet she felt she was just as responsible for this life as she was for her people.
"Could everyone leave the room, except Millerina?" asked the battered girl. Van was startled
at her question as where several others. All eyes turned to the seeress wondering why.
"Shouldn't someone be watching you?" Van questioned. Hitomi looked deep into his eyes.
"Please, I need to be alone with her....." Hitomi pleaded. Van didn't want to comply, but he
knew she had her reasons. Everyone slowly left the room with Van trailing behind. He gave a
finally glance at Hitomi before closing the door behind him.
Millerina watched through tears as the young woman rose from her bed with a painful groan
and slowly walked to her. Hitomi took the woman's hand and bowed her head.
"I'm so sorry, Millerina. I feel somewhat responsible for your child...." Hitomi spoke with
deep sadness.
Millerina eyes sparked more tears, but she quickly blinked them away. The blonde queen
looked at the young lady as she spoke, "Dear Hitomi, it should be me feeling sorry for you."
Hitomi lifted her head at this and Millerina could see the girl's sparkling tears in her eyes.
Millerina replied, "You lost everything on your world. I should be more worried about you
than myself."
Hitomi looked at her, "Millerina, you and I have been close since the last time I was here and
we always understood each other's feeling, but believe me when I tell you I have lost a great
treasure, but I grieve for you more than I do for all those people on that world."
Millerina was stared shocked from this and was about to reply, but Hitomi stopped her. "I am
sadden by the great loss, but I feel for you and Dryden because you will loss your child on
account of my mistakes. If I hadn't left the Mystic Moon those people might still be alive,
including the fate of your child. I apologize for this and will do what I can to help....." she
whispered as several tears slipped down her cheeks.
Millerina didn't understand Hitomi last words and could only stare at her. Hitomi closed her
eyes and held the royal stone close to her heart. A small glow came from between Hitomi's
pale fingers as a few tears slipped over its smooth surface. Hitomi could feel the power
surging within the pendant wanting desperately to be let loose. It practically was banging
down the door to be let out. Hitomi reached her mind out to the sealed opening. She felt the
power of the Atlantians radiating from the stone and knew it would be dangerous to open the
door all the way. Her senses brushed over the latch that held down the power and carefully
open the door only a crack. The force of the power though threw the door wide open and
Hitomi lost control.
Hitomi felt the rush of power overtake her and she lost herself into a vision.
~Vision~
Hitomi could see a ball of light glowing in the center of the abyss. Red swirling light formed
around the white ball and all around the blackness. The red light flowed everywhere in no
particular pattern. It was out of control. Hitomi ignored the power when she felt Millerina's life
force. Hitomi realized the ball of light was Millerina's life. The white ball radiated with life
while inside it a small ball less developed was fading......Millerina's child was dying.
Hitomi rushed over to the orbs of light and placed her palms upon them. The red swirling light
began to swirl around Hitomi, but it was in chaos. She held no control over it. Hitomi reached
her senses out and desperately tried to take hold of the power. If she didn't find a way to
grasp a control over it, it might lead to her death. She could feel the power running through
her, but it was destroying her at the same time. It was drawing her life force out at the same
time. It was squeezing out her life with the more its power intensified. She felt her body
growing weak and her senses were falling short as they tried to restrain the power.
"I can't control it!" Hitomi yelled into the whirling light.
"You Can!" echoed a voice.
Hitomi eyes turned in every direction, but saw no speaker. "Who...?" she whispered.
"You can do it, my child" repeated the unknown speaker.
The seeress turned to see a woman of long flowing brown hair in a white dress. Sparkling
white wings arched from her back. Her eyes were of a sparkling green color similar to
Hitomi's.
A single tear slid down the girl's cheek as she whispered, "Mother?"
The mother walked over and placed her hands over Hitomi's They each stood on opposite
sides of the glowing globe.
"Hitomi believe in yourself. Together we can contain this" the woman encouraged.
"I can't, mother. I can't contain it just yet. I have to save Millerina's child first. I owe it to her"
Hitomi pleaded. She refused to give up just yet. She would do it for Millerina, Dryden, and
their child. She would die trying if she had to. Hitomi's mother looked at her with warm eyes.
"Alright....we'll do it together...." the woman said in a strong voice. Hitomi gave a small nod
before turning towards their task. They both concentrated as hard as they could. Their minds
reached out and took hold of the flowing power. Hitomi and her mother's mind were able to
stop the power from going everywhere, but they were using all their energy to do that. Sweat
brimmed their brows as they struggled with the power. The orb of light that was Millerina's
child began to glow brighter. Hitomi almost lost her concentration as she noticed the change.
Hitomi's mother shouted as the power grew, "We have child stable, but we still need to
contain it back in the seal!"
Hitomi's eyes shut as pain hit her chest. She barely could handle the stress on her mind any
longer. Could she lock the power back behind the seal? She was scared to try. Her life now
hung in the balance. An image of her friends back on Gaea played in her mind giving her the
strength to press on.
"I refuse to die now!" Hitomi cried in pain.
Hitomi and her mother clenched the power and dragged it to its container. They had to put it
back or who knew what would happen. The power slowly was forced into the seal, but it
beat against its holders not willing to return. They struggled desperately, but they were losing
the fight. Hitomi clenched her teeth and threw her senses against the heap of swirling power.
She refused to let it loose onto the world.
"I hold the pendant! I'm the controller!" Hitomi shouted as red chains pulled at her life, "And
you will be sealed back into your source even if it takes my last breathe!!!!!"
As if it feared the woman, the power was sucked back into its container and sealed tight.
Hitomi gave a finally painful screamed as she blacked out.
~End of Vision~
Van and the others stood out the door of the infirmary wondered what was going on in there.
They had heard the two talking at first, though they couldn't understand their words, but now
they heard complete silence. The men glanced at one another wondering what could possible
going on past the door.
A painful scream pierced the air drawing the attention of all the occupants outside the closed
door. Van's heart dropped as he realized it had been Hitomi. Without even waiting Van
bursted into the room with the others close behind. Eyes grew wide when they saw the queen
and Hitomi unconscious.
Millerina laid against her pillow with her hair falling over it like a waterfall of sunshine. She was
sleeping peacefully and seemed to even brighten in additude.
Hitomi was the complete opposite. She had fallen into a heap on the floor. Her skin was
extremely pale, almost white. Her scrapes and bruises were the only color appearing on her
skin. Sweat matted her bangs and her breathing was ragged.
Van rushed to his love side as fear crepted into his soul. His hands fell to her face trying to
turn her head towards him, but his automatically fell away. Her skin was freezing cold. What
happened to his beloved? He couldn't let her die now. The world seemed to fall away as the
thought of death loomed in his mind.
With shaky hands he felt her wrist for a pulse. He let out a loud sigh as he found one, but was
disturped to find it rather faint.
Van looked up to see Dryden waking his wife and everyone else watching the scene from the
doorway.
"Millerina?" Dryden asked gentle. The young queen groggily awoke in her husband's arms.
She placed a hand on her stomach and smiled through tears.
"Dryden" she whispered, "The baby...."
"What, Millerina?" he asked with concern.
Her smile grew as she spoke, "The baby is going to be alright.....Hitomi.....Hitomi saved it...."
Dryden let loose a few tears as he hugged his wife.
When Millerina drew away from the hug she automatically turned to Hitomi. As her eyes fell
upon the unconsicous girl she gasped and jumped from the bed. Dryden tried to stopped her
from over exertting herself, but she ignored him. Her friend was in trouble and she wasn't
about to worry about her well-being.
Millerina carefully checked Hitomi's pulse and heart. Both were fine, but faint. She turned to
the concerned eyes of King Van, "She okay, but unstable. She might....."
Millerina couldn't say the words. She didn't want to say the words, especially to Van.
"She might what?" the young king pleaded.
Millerina looked at the seeress not wanting to see his reaction, "She might not live through the
night......"
~Sorry to leave you at a cliffhanger, but that's how I keep people reading. Plus most chapters
are left at cliffhangers. Sorry to leave ya hanging.~
~Hope you enjoyed this chapter! Please R&R and tell me what you think!~
