Episode Twenty-Seven: Reckonings

Escaflowne: Dreams of Destiny

Previously On Escaflowne: Dreams of Destiny

The chosen Four head to the location of the Gateway, and all those around them cannot help but begin to feel a sense of foreboding, but is this the cause of a good outcome - or a bad one? It will soon be revealed...

[WARNING: This is a VERY long chapter. To keep this story under 35 chapters (at the most) episodes are getting longer. MUCH longer. Also, thank you to everyone who assured me that the last chapter did not suck, and, for Ayanami_chan, I DID put Merle glomping Van... sort of. Anyway, you know the drill. Romance, Drama, and Action rolled into one! Enjoy!]

// ~ * ~ \\

"Hitomi!" Merle's voice echoed happily in the valley that they were landing in. "Lord Van! Kirei! And, err... who are you?" This was obviously directed at Rallin, who looked around him warily. He felt an irrational sense of fear that one of the Fanelians was going to come up him and start screaming that he destroyed their home...

Not that he didn't. But there were other things to focus his attention on...

Like the way the cat-woman was draping off of Van...

To break his embarrassment, Rallin stepped forward and bowed slightly. "My name is Rallin Ulrain Khristos... and from what I have heard about you, I believe you are Lady Merle?"

The introductions began, and like horses, were off and running.

// ~ * ~ \\

"Are the forces in formation?"

"Yes, General."

"Ready to depart."

"Yes General, but... what if the Gateway doesn't appear? Our forces do not have enough-"

"Silence!" the roar was almost deafening, though Adelphus was only a man, his aura - and anger - seemed to make the outrage even more intense. "We are going when I say we are going. Understood?"

"Yes... General." The soldier slunk away.

Adelphus turned to the COM unit of the ship.

"Steel Force, ready to commence?"

"Affirmative, General."

"Iron Force, all systems a go?"

"Yes, General."

"Silver Force, ready to depart?"

"Affirmative, sir."

"Bronze Force, are we ready to attack?"

"Yes, sir."

"All forces, we are now ready to invade Fanelia - the region of Adon."

***

Van sighed, yet he still allowed Merle to drag him along to the marketplace. As soon as they had settled in, she had dragged him off to 'talk', and instead of coming with, Hitomi simply laughed and said she would go to the school to meet some of the people and children.

His own fiancée, leaving him in the hands of the cat-girl who was once so protective of him, she hated to leave him alone - with anyone!

His cousin and Rallin had not been much help either. They had claimed to have to look at malfunctions in their guymelefs - something Van knew was only to get them out of shopping.

He felt like groaning. At least the people liked Hitomi, which means there probably wouldn't be a lot of resistance to their marriage. But he still hadn't told Merle yet, and there was nothing to be seen on either his or Hitomi's body to signify their soon union - he hadn't been able to get a ring that suited her yet. More likely, he hadn't been able to find one that he deemed suitable.

But perhaps he could make the best of his situation... the smiths in Fanelia put forth some of Gaea's most beautiful pieces...

His secret mission in mind, Van allowed Merle to begin chattering again, absentmindedly storing what she was sure to ask his view on later, as he had done for years.

***

Hitomi laughed as she played with the children. She began by telling stories, and then teaching them hand games, as she had done as a child.

It had been pleasant, allowing herself to let go of her destiny for a few hours, to meet the people and to act as if she had not a care in the world.

She wondered how the shopping was going, smiling to herself, as she went to go find Kirei or Rallin to see if they wanted a duel.

She needed to stay in shape, after all. Not all her energy could be spent waiting for the Gateway.

***

Van had managed to escape Merle for a few moments as he ducked into the jewel smith to inspect their rings. He needed something completely original and unique - just like his Hitomi.

It was by luck that the owner hadn't recognized him (the last thing Van needed was Merle finding him again), and when he had asked for a signature ring, the man proffered the perfect one.

Simple and elegant, yet noticeable without being flashy. It was beautiful and detailed - if you noticed even the smallest things.

A gold band, with a intricate design of feathers, each one somehow impossibly done in diamond and emerald - not stones, but lines of the jewel among each line. It would not be flashy, but it was completely unique - the dealer had done everything to assure him of that.

It was perfect, for Hitomi, the emerald matching her eyes exactly.

"How much," said Van, pointing to the ring.

"200 gold pieces, sir. A deal, this is the only one of its kind."

A steep price even for a wealthy man - but Van was a King.

Plus, it was for his fiancée, for Hitomi.

And to him, no amount of money could ever match what she mattered to him.

"It's a deal."

Van handed the dealer the pouch of money, and tucked the small box into his waist-purse. As he stepped outside, and began walking, he felt a familiar weight hit him from behind and sighed.

"Hello, Merle."

She began to pepper him with questions about where he had been and WHY had he abandoned her, all she was doing was looking for fabric to make Hitomi clothes, and had he bought anything? And if so, what? For who? Her? Hitomi? His cousin? That new guy... Rallin or whatever?

Van only sighed internally this time, but a single thought caused him to smirk.

I swear to the gods Hitomi, I'm going to get you back for abandoning me to this...

***

The sound of metal clashing in the air was apparent, though the two duelers failed to notice the crowd that had amassed around them.

Kirei Avan de Fanel did though, and though he only acknowledged them through the corner of his eye, this seemed to encourage the spectators all the more, and they watched in open amazement as the duelers went strike-for-strike, blow-for-blow.

He had already fought Hitomi, and nearly lost - it was declared a tie by Rallin, who, for all that he was his best friend, knew nothing of being partial, and a tie it was - because Hitomi had asked to stop, though she was winning, to get a drink.

Him! Tying! Kirei had always been a good swordsman, as good as Allen Schezar (he had beat the night a few times, whenever they actually HAD the chance to duel), and could at least keep up with Van.

But it had taken him years to perfect his craft. And Hitomi (he had finally gotten out of the habit of calling her 'Lady') had only been with a sword a few months - and she could beat him, and Rallin, or at least tie. And she too, could keep up with Van.

Perhaps if the duelers had been different there wouldn't have been such surprise. But this was Lady Hitomi - who had helped to save Gaea - a woman, no less, easily using a sword in battle!

The match had been at least 10 minutes long. Kirei was focusing on that, but his attention was diverted when he realized that the audience was beginning to bow.

Aha, his cousin. The King of Fanelia... and Merle.

The cat-woman that became his friend because Van had isolated them in the wilderness.

Hitomi appeared to have sensed Van, thus swinging her blade in a reverse crescent arc to place the tip at Rallin's throat.

"I win," she said calmly, sheathing the sword at her waist, and walking towards Van.

***

Van smiled as she came towards him, and took a towel from his smirking cousin to hug her tightly, and also to wipe the sweat off her brow.

"So how did you do, Hitomi?" he asked grinning, looking at both Kirei and Rallin - knowing she had fought both. Her skills had progressed quickly, to the point where she could defeat him - once in a while.

"A tie," she said, kissing him lightly (the crowd had mysteriously dispersed now), then nodding to Kirei, "and a win," she added, "as you saw. How was the market?"

"Something I'll get you back for," he replied, a playful edge in his voice. "But we'll have to be alone." This was clearly directed at the three remaining. Namely, Merle who looked interested; Kirei, who looked amused, and Rallin, who too was amused but busying himself with his sword.

They took the hint and left.

"Very well then my King," Van winced at this, "but let me change into something a bit more... appropriate for a Lady such as myself."

At this he swept her up, and, through her giggles, carried her to their room so she could change.

***

What on Gaea could be taking her? Van had been waiting at least half an hour in the larger chamber outside of the dressing room, and yet, Hitomi had not come out.

His patience was about to reach his end when he heard the soft sound of fabric moving as Hitomi entered the room.

What he saw made him speechless.

She was truly a vision.

***

Hitomi seemed to take his silence as disapproval. From the look on her face, she looked crushed.

"You don't like it, Van?" She turned to go back to change again, when she felt him stand up to embrace her from behind, surprising her.

"You're beautiful Hitomi, but, then, you'd be amazing in anything." Van smiled, and kissed her, unable to resist deepening the kiss to make the moment last if just a fraction longer.

She was dressed in a pure white dress, thin strips crossed over half of her back, the bodice form-fitting, and changing with silver and gold embroidery to blend with the bottom of her skirt, which fell like water on her hips, and cut just under the knee, showing off her long legs to perfection.

She was truly an angel to him. And though she was wearing a dress, her sword was still at her side, making her still elegant with an edge.

Still marveling at the wonder that was his fiancée, he stepped back and offered a hand.

"Ready to go?"

She giggled as he tugged her to the window and, taking off his shirt and handing it to her to fold and hold, he brought them so they were standing on the railing of the balcony, let his wings loose, and she gasped as he took off, holding her tight as ever.

// ~ * ~ \\

"Do you think they told anyone but us yet?" Kirei looked up from sharpening his sword to glance at his friend.

"I doubt it," he answered, "they're both too busy. Van has been organizing the citizens to begin returning to Fanelia - most of it is intact, its just the Palace that must be rebuilt. He doesn't want them here when the Gateway appears. Too much of a risk. Besides, Hitomi's been helping him too."

"So they haven't?"

"No. Well no one here, Rallin."

"So when do you think they're going to make their announcement?"

"Better yet, how do you think Merle is going to take it?"

"How would I take what, Kirei?" A sweet voice rang into the room, and both men turned in horror to see Merle. They knew they weren't supposed to tell ANYONE about the engagement yet and that all three, Merle, and the two engaged would kill them for saying it.

Uh-oh.

// ~ * ~ \\

To Adelphus, this war was disturbingly reminiscent of the last one, the same elements, Fate, power and, ultimately, the interference of the Dragon, and that accursed girl...

Kanzaki Hitomi, was it? Throughout the first war all she had been referred to as the Girl from the Mystic Moon, but he had seen in the late Strategos' notes her name.

The only thing different in this war, aside from the time passed, was the leader of the enemy.

Him. No longer a foolish disillusioned old man who only sought to prove a theory.

No, never like that. Adelphus was a man who wanted power, who thrived on it.

And nothing in this war was going to be allowed to stop him.

Nothing

// ~ * ~ \\

As soon as they landed, Van, allowing his wings to dissipate, pulled Hitomi to crush her to him and kissed her, leaving no room for her to voice her surprise.

They finally broke apart when they ran out of air.

He smirked at her, and she smiled back.

"I assume that was to get me back for leaving you alone with Merle... to shop?" Hitomi's grin grew wider; the unmistakable twinkle in her eyes shining - as well as amusement.

"It wasn't that funny, Hitomi. You got to practice while I got dragged off to market. Do you know how fast Merle shops?"

"I sort of got the idea when we were in Palas. Well... before I ran after you and she began yelling at least."

"But I still managed to complete my mission," Van said seriously.

"Mission? What mission? Do you mean to tell me you told Merle that we were engaged without me?"

"No! Something different."

"What then?"

Suddenly, to Hitomi's surprise, he was on his knees. "Van... what are you doing?"

"Hitomi, I didn't get a chance to propose to you as customary by Fanelia. We didn't have time, and I didn't have all the things I would've liked to make everything perfect."

"Van..."

"I love you Hitomi. And even though you've said the same, I wanted to do this over again, to make this memory perfect. So Hitomi Kanzaki, will you do me the honor of saying yes to being my wife? My Queen? I promise to love you for as long as we both exist. Will you say yes to marrying me... again?"

He held the ring out, and she sank to her knees and hugged him, kissing him over and over. "Of course!"

It was now that he slipped the ring onto her finger. It was this that caused her to look down and gasp. "Van... it's absolutely beautiful."

"It reminded me of you. I'm glad you like it, Hitomi."

After a few moments of bliss, he pulled her up.

"We should get going."

She nodded against him, then smiled. "I suppose we won't have to tell Merle now. She's bound to notice."

Laughing, Van pulled her close, and they took off once again.

***

"What haven't I been told Kirei? Rallin?" Merle looked at either of them, and was beginning to get impatient.

"Err..."

"What is it?" Both men were slowly beginning to back away from the fuming cat. Even if Merle was a person as well as a cat, both had tempers...

That you definitely did not want to be the cause of. Ever. Van had learned that lesson as a young child, and Kirei had learned that lesson particularly, since being stuck with Merle for 3 weeks (yes it took that long for them to learn to at least get along), and Rallin had told her outright that he had no intention of arguing with her.

Thus, the only people who could ever calm Merle down were Van and Hitomi.

And unfortunately for both men, they had gone off.

Oh well. Maybe they could hold off telling Merle anything until the pair returned.

***

"Well boys, we're here."

The enemy had arrived.

"Care of civilians, sir?"

"Leave them out of this. Not all death is necessary... besides we are only after the Four."

"The Four, General?"

"Those who were chosen by Fate to change this outcome. The Knight of Fanelia, the Black Raven - the traitor, to us; the Dragon, and of course, the Keeper."

"What do we do if we find them?"

"Kill them. Not one of them must be allowed to open the Gateway." Suddenly, his mood changed from informing to sternness. "All forces in formation?"

"Iron, confirmed. Ready to attack."

"Steel, affirmative. All weapons and guymelefs are ready to go."

"Silver, established. All soldiers armed and ready to descend."

"Bronze, verified. All systems are a go."

"All forces... LAUNCH NOW!"*

***

"Van!" Hitomi's voice sounded frantic.

"What is it, Hitomi? What's happened?"

"Adon - they're there. Adelphus and the Goshem armies, they're there!"

"What?"

"I didn't even see it, the cards didn't know. But Van we've got to hurry!"

"I don't think I can-"

"Not flight. It'll take too long, and then you won't be able to fight..."

"Then what do we do?"

"I'm not sure Van, not yet. Land us, and I'll come up with a plan. Plus, we have to warn the others."

"How...?"

"Please, Van, trust me. But I don't want you to exert yourself."

They began to descend.

***

Kirei! Rallin!

What? Both men turned around, looking for the voice. It sounded strangely like Hitomi...

It is me, Hitomi! Listen, there's no time. Goshem, Adelphus, they're here. They're coming. Van and I will join the battle as soon as we can. The enemy are after me, and maybe you two as well. They can't be allowed to destroy Adon, or the Gateway. It'll appear soon. Get Ikari and Minuit and try to detain them. Get Merle to get the people out. Do you understand?

Both men nodded at each other, and explaining to Merle what was happening.

All three in the room, the Knight, the Raven, and the cat sped off to do what they did best.

To help to save everyone.

***

"Do you have it yet, Hitomi?" Van looked anxiously at her. They could not leave only 2 soldiers, no matter how good they were, against the 4 armies that Goshem had.

"Yes. Van, your hand?" He held both her hands, and closed her eyes as did she, the pendant no longer around Hitomi's neck, but somehow, impossibly floating between and above them, glowing like a hot coal.

"As we two are bound to Fate, may what has tied together appear!"

The pendant's glow grew brighter.

"Suit of Gaea, great power that was once feared by present enemies, heed our call!"

The light was getting blinding.

"May the power of wishes, eternally an influence in the sands of Fate, grant this request."

The pendant was giving off heat now, as if a fire.

"As the Dragon and she who controls the Keys, the Keeper, and as we who are one, I command this. Escaflowne, suit of Fanelia, gift of the Dragons, appear!"

The pendant was blinding, and then, in a blue flash, Escaflowne appeared - ready to go.

"Let's go!"

The two took off. Heading, as if a jet on what seemed the now far-off Mystic Moon.

***

"Damn it!"

"What is it Fanel?"

"They are STILL coming, if you haven't noticed Khristos. Even with our melefs, and our skills, we can't possibly hold off this many until Van and Hitomi arrive, maybe even until Merle gets the people out. So tell me, Khristos, what are we supposed to do?"

"We fight. What other alternative do we have?"

"Hmph. How is Merle doing anyway?"

"Fine, thanks for asking." Merle's sarcastic voice rang through the COM units of both melefs.

"Oops. Forgot you have a transmitter too. How far?"

"Complete."

"We're free to attack?"

"Feel free. Civilians are clear."

"Let's go."

The two warriors went back into the fray.

***

"Van..." Hitomi was beginning to feel faint. What was happening to her?

"Hitomi?" Van, though his eyes were still fixed on the path ahead, he could sense Hitomi getting weaker. Suddenly, she fell in his arms.

As reminiscent of a previous situation, somewhat similar yet different. "Hitomi! What's happening?"

"The Gateway, Van... it's here."

"What?"

The pendant flared suddenly, engulfing Hitomi.

***

Images of Atlantis, before the great fire.

Van's mother, her wings out as she met her beloved for the first time - his father, wings of white out behind her.

Folken, as a teen, nearly giving up hope as he lost an arm to the dragon he was supposed to slay.

Allen's father handing her grandmother the Pendant of Wishes, the power of Atlantis...

Her grandmother's words, 'If you wish, it will come true. Believe...'

Van, spreading his wings to save her that first time...

The realization of Dornkirk the fact that he did not have the power of wishes...

Only the Atlanteans, the Draconians, possessed it...

But she had it too, she, Hitomi Kanzaki.

But if she had it...

As if in answer to that hidden query, Hitomi went out from that world of flashing images and was in the sky, above the centre of the battlefield.

But she wasn't falling.

Hitomi had wings.

That could only mean...

The keys around her neck were now somehow off the chain, and glowing in a triangle around her. A trinity...

And she was the Keeper.

The keys, and Hitomi, began to glow in a golden light...

The Gateway. It was appearing.

// ~ * ~ \\

TWENTY PAGES!!!

That's how long this chapter is. And I'm actually happy with this one, as opposed to *shudders* the last one. Anyway, the conflict is finally arrived! Not much to say, but remember the next episode is going to about the origins of the keys, the history, and how everything came to be.

And as for Hitomi being a Draconian, remember in an earlier episode that Varie said the Atlanteans were the people who created the Keys and Gateway to begin with. They also created the pendant. In the series, the power of Atlantis, the power that their people had, was the power of wishes. Okay, to me, the only people in the series who used the pendant were Van and Hitomi. This means that only the Draconians had the power to wield its full power - and if you say well what about Leon Schezar, he only made a wish. Anyone could do that. But Van and Hitomi used it to see things, and Hitomi used it to find people.

So there's my explanation. Besides, *SPOILER WARNING FOR THE MOVIE* in the movie Escaflowne: A Girl On Gaea, Hitomi was 'Tsubasa no Kami' or Wing Goddess - and SHE had wings.

Hope you enjoyed,

Angelic1090
06.22.2001