Episode Fourteen: The Beginnings of the Last Key

Escaflowne: Dreams of Destiny

Previously on Escaflowne: Dreams of Destiny

In only one short night, Kirei and Rallin are heading back to Freid, each having unsure thoughts about what will happen in their current situation. Van too, is at peace for the moment, being with the one he loves, and not having to fight. And during all of this, in her dreams, Hitomi talks to Folken...


The guymelefs landed without complication, making a soft thud against the silence of twilight. Kirei paused, before gesturing to Rallin that they should get down from their guymelefs. As they both, seperately began their descent, Kirei saw his cousin, and what he assumed was Lady Hitomi walking towards them.

Kirei turned to Rallin, about to explain that he would explain, when Rallin shook his head. "It is I who they will have questions about. I will explain everything Fanel." Kirei was about to protest again but Rallin stopped him. "What has happened in this war so far has largely been caused in part by myself. If I am even to ask for their forgiveness, and acceptance, I must be the one to ask."

"But..."

"Stop worrying Kirei, they are nearly here."


Hikeshi wanted to curse. Complications with the energistes powering his leviship had forced them to stop, and had made three of his warriors go off to find the Dragon's Graveyard. They had yet to return, and under normal circumstances he would have left without them, but they were his best, and they could not just abandon the leviship.

This is a delay I do not need, thought Hikeshi angrily. It will only be a matter of time before Adelphus finds I have left to attack without his consent, and when he does...

Hikeshi slammed a fist angrily against the side of his melef. The soldiers that were not returning quickly would be punished... severely.


It didn't occur to Hitomi while they walked towards Kirei and his unknown companion that all she was wearing as a flowing nightdress that only went to her knees until she felt a slight breeze hit her legs. Alarmed, she stopped, causing Van to as well.

"What is it Hitomi?" Van looked at her confused, wondering what on Gaea could've made her stop. "Is there something wrong?" Hitomi, blushing, nodded. "Then what is it?"

"My clothes, Van."

Van looked at her, holding her at arm's length. "What's wrong? They're what you wear every night... oh." Although Van had become somewhat accustomed to the length of Hitomi's various garments, it was clear that his cousin had not... Van hugged her, and whispering, said very softly, "Don't worry, you still look beautiful." With that, he tugged Hitomi the rest of the distance to the now grounded melefs.


Just before Van was actually in fron of them, Rallin, not turning aside, but simply asking the question, asked, "Your cousin is the king, no? I've heard of him... but who is the lady with him?"

Kirei gulped. He of all people knew that one of Rallin's past objectives as a Ebony Warrior was to kill the Keeper. But unfortunetley for him, and Rallin perhaps as well, the Keeper just happened to be Hitomi. His cousin's love, and, Kirei was sure, soon-to-be fiancee. He knew that Van loved Hitomi dearly, and if she would stay with him, he wanted her as his wife. These turmoilous thoughts were running through his head when Kirei's train of thought of thought was interuppted and ultimately stopped by two things. Rallin elbowing him in the side, and his cousin's voice.

"Kirei! It is good to see you, cousin. And who is your companion?" Van smiled at the two soldiers facing him, as Hitomi smiled. Nodding to Rallin (though he still had no notion of he was had been), he brought Hitomi forward. "This is Lady Hitomi Kanzaki."

Rallin nearly let his mouth drop open in surprise. This-this woman, who was shorter and much thinner than he, she was the Keeper that had defeated Goshem - and himself - so many times? Before he would faint, Rallin quickly decided on a course of action. Clearing his throat, and his head, he replied respectfully, "It is a pleasure to meet you, your Majesty, and of course a pleasure to have the honour of seeing you Lady Hitomi."

Hitomi blushed, though no one but Van could make it out in the dim moonlight. Blinking at Rallin, she turned to Kirei. "It is too, a pleasure to meet you as well... Kirei, what did you say his name was?"

Rallin cleared his throat bring the Keeper's attention to him again. "I didn't say, Lady. My name is Rallin Ulrain Khristos." Even though he fully intended to be truthful with the ruler of the country he destroyed, and the woman who might possibly control the whole of Gaea's future, he found himself hoping that they did not know his name. Though at one time Rallin had considered them enemies, now... he found himself hoping that they could be friends. His friends.


Hikeshi tapped impatiently on the breastplate of his melef. It closely resembled the former Alseides, though it had been modified. But it was still a tool of war, retaining the metal liquid-claws, the flamethrowers, and the invisible cloak. And, of course, Hikeshi had personalized his Alseides, giving it a large sword. Rather than mass destruction... Hikeshi preferred the beauty of man-to-man, or rather, melef-to-melef combat. Duels. Though Hikeshi had no care for honour, only success and glory. And victory. That was his ultimate goal. If he achieved it with an army, so be it. But, to Hikeshi, the sweetest victory was achieved individually.

Just then the soldiers returned with the energistes.


"Khristos?" Van asked, surprise in his voice. "The name sounds familiar. And your melef looks familiar too. Have we met before?"

Rallin kept his facial expression to a minimum. "I believe so, your Majesty. There is much to explain about what I have done, and who I have been. Lady Hitomi, your Majesty. There is much to explain. Is there a place where we four may talk alone, and without interruption?"

Van appeared thoughtful, turned to Hitomi, whispered something, and, with an approval in the form of a nod, turned again, to face Kirei and Rallin. "We can go to our study, mine and Hitomi's, if that pleases both of you."

They nodded, and our now quartet headed back to Van and Hitomi's quarters.


Dryden of Asturia looked at the parchment. An invitation to Freid, for the Duke's eleventh birthday. I can't believe it been almost half a year since the start of this war, thought Dryden, contemplating the events of the past few months. And the past few years. After the Great War on Gaea, I was so confused. 21 years old and destined to marry a princess who was (at least at the time) in love with a man that SCREAMED arrogance. But who would've thought how things have changed... Dryden put the parchment done, and looked at his hand. ON his ring ringer was a golden wedding band, 4 years old but as shining in his eyes as ever. And that eventually I really WOULD be king of Asturia.

Still dwelling in memories of the past, his thoughts were interuppted when a page appeared at the door. Bowing deeply, though Dryden too, couldn't stand formal address, he said very respectfully. "Your Majesty, shall I give word to the soldiers to prepare a leviship to Freid for his Dukeship's yearly celebration? If so, we will need to leave by morning and-"

Dryden stopped his explanations with the raising of his hand. "Yes, myself and the Queen," Millerna, he amended in his mind, knowing that he couldn't just say her name before someone of "lower" rank (something Dryden had learned VERY quickly their first year of marriage), "shall attend Duke Chid's celebration. Prepare the leviship at once, and have no persons assigned to travel with us, save the nurses. We will be fine. Freid is only a half-day's flight from Palas, and the Commander of the Asturian soldiers is there, Allen Schezar. We will be fine."

The page nodded, bowed once more, than rushed through the hallways. Dryden stood. He had to tell Millerna the tidings of their trip.


It was a quiet walk back to their quarters, Hitomi and Van walking in companionable silence, each stride in sync with each other. Kirei and Rallin on the other hand were conversing, though it was in whispers only they could have heard. It had only been a few minutes when they reached their quarters. Van opened the door, then gestured them in, he and Hitomi entering last. Once they were inside, they looked at each other. Van and Hitomi in both confusion and anticipation, Kirei in nervousness, and Rallin in anxiousness. Where to begin?

***

They sat in silence, before Hitomi laughed. All three men looked at her in surprise. What had happened to cause laughter? Van looked at Hitomi eyes gaining more confusion, and, slightly amused, asked, "What is so funny Hitomi?"

"All this silence, and seriousness! It reminds me of when we were reunited with Folken. I'm sorry for mentioning it Van, but doesn't this remind you of the stretches of silence?" Hitomi smiled apolegetically at Van, before giggling again.

Van smiled back, and pulled her closer, so that she was close against his side. "You don't have to apologise Hitomi. And you are right... this does seem a lot like that reunion. Although... thank the gods that there are not dragons here."

"Yes, that is a blessing. But this is not about us, or memories. This is about Kirei and Rallin, and we should leave it at that." Hitomi smiled as Van nodded. Then, as if agreeing on something in their minds, they turned simultaneously to face Kirei and Rallin.

"So?"


"How close?" said Hikeshi tersely, not bothering with the bowing or manners that no was normally associated with the young man. His nerves were on end now, his entire being now fully aware what Adelphus would to him once he returned to Goshem. Adelphus was certainly a main that thrived on power - and orders. Just like Hikeshi, although he did lack the amount of power and control Adelphus commanded.

The delay of the energistes had cost them, and would cost them in the future. From Goshem, it was only three nights travel by leviship, but with the dilemma of the energistes, they had not even completed a two-day journey. He could not lose time. Unless...

Rumours are spilling that in three day's time, the Duke Freid's birthday is to be celebrated. Many rulers will be in attendance... Fanelia, Asturia, Basram. It would be the perfect time to attack... Goshem could lead a coup de'tat in Gaea. The most powerful countries... Hikeshi smiled. Three days was plenty of time to get to Freid. Now he was in no rush. If he helped to bring Adelphus to power in all of Gaea... The General couldn't possibly punish him then... no?


The revelations of Rallin Khristos' past had certainly surprised Van Fanel, and had stunned Hitomi Kanzaki. He had been part of the enemy. Had being the key word. If the pair had learned anything in the last war, and over the past five years, it was that if a person chose to switch sides, and ask for forgiveness - you should forgive. Though Van himself would admit to no one, save Hitomi, perhaps later on, he regretted deeply denouncing his brother. For a few weeks, he had had a chance, however small it may have been, to get to know his brother. And he hadn't taken it. He knew, that if he and Hitomi forced Kirei to turn away from this... there was a good chance that something irrepprable would happen.

They looked at each other, seeming at a glance to be communicating through eyes alone. In truth, they could hear the other internally, feeling what the other felt at given times.

So what do you think Van? What do we do? Hitomi looked at Van, an intense gaze that was the meeting of emerald and ruby.

I'm not sure. But I think we should let Kirei pick. This does seem very similar to... Folken. And we don't know Rallin. He seems truthful though. Van smiled at Hitomi. I say we give them the benefit of the doubt. If Kirei is okay with Rallin coming with us, then why not?

Hitomi smiled. You're right. It's best to let them choose. You've become thoughtful Van. I'm glad. And there is still something we have to discuss later.

Yes. Later. Smiling reassuringly at each other, they turned back to Kirei... and Rallin.

***

"We're letting you two decide if you want to come with us, Rallin." Hitomi smiled brightly, and Van nodded in agreement. "It would not be fair for us to decide, as we do not know you very well yet."

They looked at each other. Whispers travelled back and forth. Finally, Rallin turned to the young King and the woman from the Mystic Moon. He bowed deeply, and said, "I would be honoured to join you."


After a long night's sleep, and two short days of rest for the Fanelian group, it was time to head to celebrate in Freid for Chid's birthday. It had been nearly half a year since Hitomi had returned to Gaea, and the eve of this was Chid's eleventh birthday. And the sixth year of his rule on Freid. Despite his age, Freid was a well-respected country in Gaea, ranking second in the Gaean economies, Asturia first and Fanelia (before it's ill fate) third. Indeed, Chid had truly succeeded the former Duke, his father, with great accomplishments.

The party had been a whirlwind, Millerna and Dryden arriving only a day before, and Hitomi finally consenting to wear Fanelian dress for her stay. All in all, it was a happy affair. Kirei and Rallin had talked to Chid and Dryden about Rallin, and they had (much to Van's relief) accepted and welcomed him. It was near the end of the celebrations that Van had decided to... propose.

Which was why, at twilight, he was dressing silently in their chambers.


Hikeshi could hardly wait in anticipation. They were so close now, so close to Freid that he could pick up the scent of the oncoming battle. The only thought in Hikeshi's mind?

How far?


"Hitomi, Hitomi. Wake up." Van whispered, holding her shoulders. "Hitomi?"

Hitomi blinked her eyes open sleepily. It had been a fun three days, but at the end she was dead tired. Still, her green eyes opened to look lovingly at Van. "Hmmm? Van? What is wrong?"

"Nothing is wrong, Hitomi. But I would like to see the sunrise with you."

"From the window?"

"No... from a valley. We'll fly there on Escaflowne."

"... Okay, Van. If you'd like to. Just let me change."

After they were both ready, they headed to Escaflowne, and leaving the hangar, began to fly to Van's spot.

***

"We are nearing the Tourain valley, Lord Hikeshi."

"How much longer until we reach it?"

"Two hours."

"Perfect."

***

Hitomi gasped when she saw the place. The valley was so beautiful! A serene place of green, with stretches of flowers gracing the grass, and a crystal blue lake flowing in the middle. She looked at Van, smiling happily. "Van... it's so beautiful. How did you find this place? What is it called?"

"Chid told me about it. And I'm glad you like it Hitomi. And we are in Tourain Valley, on the outskirts of Freid."

"The sunrise is beautiful. Thank you."

Van smiled. Now seemed the ideal time to ask her. There was some nervousness, that was to be expected, but the rest Van was waiting in excitement. Ask her! his mind seemed to scream. He decided to. "Hitomi, there is something I would like to ask you..."

***

"We're here."

***

Just as Hitomi turned around to look at Van, and Van about to commence with his proposal, a large blast of fire exploded just below Escaflowne. Turning in horror, Van carefully placed Hitomi sitting in front of him, shielding her for what seemed to be their deaths. The were surround by Goshem guymelefs. They were about to attacked.


Hello!!!

I'm not quite happy with the middle of the end of this chapter, but I'm DYING to write the "good stuff" as I've dubbed it, so rushed I was. And I'm SWAMPED with homework tonight, so I REALLY shouldn't be doing this, but I couldn't resist. I just love writing. I hope you guys don't mind that this AN is fairly short, I've got tons to do so...

See Ya!

Angelic1090
04.05.2001
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