Episode Nineteen: Revelations

Escaflowne: Dreams of Destiny

Previously on Escaflowne: Dreams of Destiny

[In the shortest chapter ever...]
The third key is both revealed and taken, as Hitomi and Van realize where they are and what was to happen. But they can't help but wonder what the Crystal Key will bring them. Kirei and Rallin are still puzzled as to where they are, and WHY they are where they are. But Varie and Folken Fanel have arrived to explain it all to them...

It was only a split-second, and then the beam of light dissappeared, and they were on top of a balcony, the ruins of Atlantis spreading out below their view.

"Just like I remember..." said Hitomi softly, leaning against Van. "But this time I didn't lose you or anyone else, and you're not dead." She reached up and brought her hand lightly to stroke his jaw. "I'm glad we're together now, and that we're safe."

As if forgetting about the four people who had accompanied them, Van wrapped his arms around Hitomi, drawing her close. "As am I," he said softly.

They were broken out of their world by Folken clearing his throat. "Brother, although it is nice to see you finally admitted your feelings to Hitomi," Van blushed at this, "there IS quite a bit to be explained. If we could continue?" Both blushing now, Hitomi and Van nodded - though they didn't separate.

Kirei and Rallin, who had been talking quietly about the beam of light, and what had happened turned to face Van's mother and brother. "Folken, and ah-" Kirei paused. What was he supposed to call the aunt he never knew?

"You may call me Varie," said Van's mother, as if knowing his hidden question.

"Is there a reason we are here?" finished Rallin, as Kirei STILL looked thoroughly confused.

Folken nodded. "There is also a reason why mother and I are here as well. Sit. We will explain, do not worry."

***

An hour later, and all that had been explained to the four was why Varie and Folken were there, and also why they themselves had been sent there. His brother and Hitomi had accepted it without even a question, and Rallin had taken a few minutes to think about it, and then he too had accepted it; noted Folken silently, but his cousin on the other hand...

"How do expect us to believe you? According to history, you are DEAD. And ghosts don't come back!" Kirei, his stubborness to allow something to change his already skewed reality showing, argued.

Actually, on further contemplation, Khristos wasn't REALLY disbelieving - he just wanted proof. Well that's easy, thought Folken, but I suppose I should settle this with Kirei first...

Before Folken could say another word, he heard a loud sound, as compared to the relative silence in the Mystic Valley when no one was talking.

// SLAP \\

Looking at Kirei apologetically, though still with anger, Hitomi Kanzaki of the Mystic Moon lowered her hand. She was annoyed with how long this was taking! Van too, nodded in approval at her action. His Hitomi was never one to sit by and let someone act a fool (remembering their first encounter, Van was tempted to grin). "Kirei Avan de Fanel," she said, her voice calm but an underlying power beneath it, "We have explained countless times. Yes, Varie and Folken are dead, but ghosts CAN come back, as much as you might wish otherwise. They are here to explain the meaning of the keys, WE are here because I am the Keeper, and also because we would have been caught in the blast and died. Now, Kirei, do you understand?"

About to deliver a retort, Kirei looked beyond Hitomi to Rallin who was looking with amusement at Hitomi, and the red mark on Kirei's right cheek, and to his cousin (the one who was alive) who gave him a look that CLEARLY said, If you DON'T understand and begin to argue with Hitomi, cousin, trust me, you don't want to experience her wrath. Kirei nodded in his head in defeat. Lady Hitomi certainly wasn't a weak person - nor was she someone who would hesitate to slap someone - again.

"That I'll understand, but I want proof. How can I be sure that this isn't just a ruse? They could be the enemies for all that we-" Kirei's stubborn voice was interuppted when Hitomi sighed in frustration, and was about to move closer when Folken lifted a hand.

"I'll take care of this Hitomi," she nodded, and moved back to sit close to Van. Folken turn to Kirei again. His cousin WOULD believe, before the war had already been won. "Do you remember how I had black wings during the war," asked Folken, and he then recieved a nod from Kirei. "And also how I lost one arm?" Another nod. "Look here, then. Two arms, restored because I have died, and of substance because my mother and I have been allowed to talk to you, briefly." Kirei reluctantly reached out to touch, and found resistance beneath his hand. Folken spread his wings, and to Kirei's surprise, were pure white. "Black wings mean a Draconian is near his death. I am REAL, not only because of my temporary physical body, but because I have white wings now, since I can no longer die. Before my death, the three members of the Fanel family, myself, Van, and mother were the last three living Draconians. Tell me, Kirei Fanel, do you understand now?"

Kirei nodded.

"Then we can continue."

A loud sigh of relief echoed through Van, Hitomi, Rallin, and Varie.

Dryden Fassa of Asturia, though he would give the name Aston to his children, had went a different way from the Knight Caeli after going through a few hallways together. Allen had deigned from talking to Chid (slight queasiness still came to surface at the thought of his origin), not wanting to do anything to endanger the Duke's position at the moment. So, Allen Schezar had headed towards the Crusade, seeking to find Gaddis or one of his other men for a duel.

Dryden however, wanted to see his nephew - not to mention his wife. So he kept walking towards the study. Perhaps they could talk...

"Hitomi, may I see the three keys?" Varie asked this softly. "There is something to explain, but I must see the keys, before I can tell you. She held the keys, looking at them, her lips moving silently. She was reciting something. And then she blinked, and looked up again. "Everyone, including you Folken, please look."

Suddenly from the keys a bright light shot out from the trio of keys, turning into a silver circle that hung in the air before them.

What was it going to show them?

***

Hikeshi Barruchi sat sullenly alone in his chamber on the floating foretress. He had failed. Miserably and quickly at that. Despite his skill, his strategy, his firepower, and his soldiers

He had still failed.

And he would not fail again. He HAD to be sure of that, what Adelphus had said came out blaringly clear. And cruel. When Hikeshi had become Clan Leader it had been at the cost of, as Adelphus had put it, the supposed betrayal of Goshem's finest Clan. He remembered their conversation.

:: Flashback ::

"Are you CERTAIN Barruchi?" Adelphus' voice was wry. "Rallin Khristos and his Warriors are by far the most powerful and tactful of all the Clans."

"But my Lord General, they have FAILED. They did not obtain either of the keys, and they did not destroy the Keeper. Their actions prove that the are traitorous!"

"Ah so?" said Adelphus questioningly. "Do explain."

"General, if they are truly the most powerful and tactful, why would they have not succeeded? In any case, they should be punished for failing."

"Perhaps that is true..." Adelphus paused. "Very well. Your admission does ring true. Summon Khristos' clan here at once. Rallin himself will be dismissed, or become a lesser soldier. Hikeshi Barruchi, you will become lead clan leader. But be warned. Should you fail me..."

"I won't fail." said Hikeshi hotly.

:: End Flashback ::

But he had broken that promise. He, a son of one of the greatest warrior-families of Goshem, and at one point Zaibach, had failed.

But he would make up for that.

He would have to if he wanted to salvage his honour.

***

"What is that?" The silver light had widened, and now showed a picture of what looked like a circular disc - three slots in it, and ornamented with Atlantean writing. At least, it looked like Atlantean writing to Hitomi. Something about prosperity, and then serenity and then... "And what does the writing mean?"

"You recognise the writing Hitomi?" Van sounded surprised. "I didn't know you could read Atlantean."

"You know it then? What does it mean Van? The last time I read it was when we all got warped here and you and Allen disappeared, but this doesn't look the same."

"I recognise it, but I don't understand it. Just something about the keys. Brother, mother, can you explain?"

"Yes. This," said Varie, gesturing towards the circular disc, "is the Gateway."

"Gateway?" asked Hitomi. "Does this mean we have to use the keys to open it and go somewhere else?"

"You do use the keys to open it Hitomi," explained Folken, "but the Gate way doesn't really let you GO anywhere. As the keys brought you away from battles victorious, THESE keys, when put together, will bring the three elements to Gaea that each represents."

"Is that what the words mean then, brother?"

"Yes. The writing says 'Gold for prosperity, to keep Gaea in good health', 'Silver for serenity, to keep Gaea serene and at peace with each other' and 'Crystal for harmony, to keep Gaea out of conflict, and to bring all factors together in outcomes that will bind and keep all at peace.' Once you turn the keys in their designated slots, these elements will spread across Gaea, and according to Fate, bring it to a long period a peace."

"That's wonderful! How do we find the gateway?"

"We're not sure. Maybe you found the other keys. In any case, it will appear to you when the time comes. As the Keeper, Hitomi, it's your duty to unlock the gateway. You must use the keys."

"Then what is our roll?" Rallin's voice was still serious - in fact, neither of the rest of them were sure if they had heard it in any other tone. "Varie, you said that we all had rolls. We know that Hitomi is the Keeper, and know we know what she will do in the final battle. But what about the rest of us. What are we to do?"

"You, fit your name, Raven. Determined and mysterious. Your roles as the Raven, Eagle, and Dragon are to head off the people whom seek to harm the Keeper - Hitomi. If either she or the keys are destroyed while she is unlocking the gateway... horrible events may occur."

"Mother, you said that I-"

"You have a special mission. Though the gods did not realize it at first, you are bound to Hitomi in a way that both of you affect the fate of Gaea. My son... you will protect her as you always have. You alone will be the only other to help open the gateway. As the Dragon in the last war, you were a large part of why the outcome changed so drastically so many times. Hitomi was too. And because of that you must..."

"We know," said Van.

"We will succeed. For the sake of all of the people in this world. We will not fail."

"And we will not let them." Kirei spoke stubbornly. "With my duty as a Fanel, I will not allow the King or the Keeper to fall. No matter what."

"And I," said Rallin, more serious than before, "as a knight of Gaea - I will ensure that we will reach that peace."

"Gods go with you then, brother, Hitomi, my friends."

Van, Kirei, and Rallin were engulfed in the beam of light, sent back to their melefs. Hitomi lingered for a moment.

"What is it?"

"Hitomi," said Folken quietly, "if you choose to open the gateway-"

"Of course I will open the gateway! Why wouldn't I?"

"Hitomi, please. Just listen." Folken paused. "If you open the gateway, the path between our world and yours will be blocked off for as long as the peace lasts. You will never be able to return home, and no one will be able to travel there from here. It is part of the crystal key. Outside influences bring conflict - you saw what Dornkirk brought upon Gaea last time, and he was from a different world. This means-"

"It doesn't matter. I may think about it but - I can't sacrifice peace for many people just for my sake."

"Hitomi," said Varie, handing the keys back to her, "we wanted to tell you alone. We can't force you to, you can't, be pressured into a choice you don't want to make. Whatever it is, I'm sure it will be the right choice. Gods go with you. We will be watching."

Hitomi was swept up and sent to where the others were before she could say a goodbye.

***

They were back in Tourain Valley only a few minutes later. Van looked at Hitomi.

"Did they say anything else to you? About what we could to find it?"

Hitomi only shook her head, thinking about finding the gateway, remembering Varie's words. It will appear when the time comes. But what about the rest? What she and Folken had said. About the gateway closing. Hitomi remembered Varie's last words. Whatever it is, I'm sure it will be the right choice.

But what was the right choice?

What was she to choose?

Hello Everyone!

I know I just posted the other chapter yesterday, but I REALLY REALLY wanted to finish this one, so... Here we are! Another day, another chapter. For once, I only changed my title like twice, and at a glance... 'Escaflowne: Dreams of Destiny' will probably only be 25 chapters. Well, I already told you I was planning to have an episode or two between the last key, and the last battle, but I changed my mind. I'm probably going to have Van, Hitomi and company actually LOOK for the gateway, since we've been in Freid for quite a while, and I would like to have the battle in somewhere else.

The next few chapters will definetly be devoted to Van/Hitomi mostly, with maybe a few glances at Kirei or Rallin. Which means... I might actually get a good chance to stick some fluff in there! And also... does everyone remember Van's "question"? I think it appeared at 14, and anyway, I'm dying to find an appropriate time for him to... ask the question.

When we get to that, I MIGHT have something else to ask you, but we're not there yet, and anyway, if I ask it'll spoil the story. As you know, my next Esca-fic will be a prelude to this series, though I DO hope I can write another continuation. The prelude will be called Separate Paths. It WILL be focused on KIREI and RALLIN, so I hope you'll read it. Sincerely. A lot of people wanted to know about their collective pasts in their reviews, so, this is how I tell it. It probably won't be as long as this was though. And about their ages - I didn't realize I only made Kirei (and thus, Rallin) 3 years older than Van in the beginning. I didn't mean to. He is now TWENTY-FIVE years old, (it's easier for me to keep track in the timeline).

That's about all for now, and Episode 20 will be out soon,

Angelic1090
04.16.2001
PS: Thanks to Faye_Valentine00, Ayanami_chan, ~Oki~, and BabySnowAngel who I found out reviewed the last chapter an hour or so after I posted it. You guys are amazing! (And made me REALLY happy!)
PPS: ~Oki~ Hope you had a happy sweet sixteen!