Disclaimer: same as before, would it be a sin just to skip all this? I
mean, Fan Fiction is just that… written by fans for entertainment.
Author's note: I actually have been to the Zao national park, and yes, I went past the gate ( I thought it would be cool to include that experience. And the weather is a bit topsy turvy.
Chapter 1: Return
"Forgive my deception King Van, but it was necessary. The fractions of the Zaibach Empire has been planting spies and assassins in nearby countries and we had to cover for the real reason of your arrival."
Van, in more casual and comfortable clothing, listened solemnly to the young ruler.
"We not only wish to form an alliance, but also a treaty of protection. Zaibach isn't entireliy gone. They're those who have grabbed power and formed empires of their own. They wish to become the new Emperor. One of these in particular as targeted Fried. A week ago, an assassin managed to get past the guards. He tried to kill me in my study."
Chid rolled up his left sleeve to show an angry slash that went from his palm to midway down his forearm. "He came close to succeeding."
Van felt a twinge of sympathy for him. He is so young with so much responsibility weighing down on him. He's having worse a time that I did - so much happening so fast in his life. "How strong are these Zaibach fractions?"
The boy shrugged,
"We're not sure. The empire was strong from the beginning. We know of at least four major providences, all of which have expanded their borders into nearby countries. But they're fighting each other as much as they are their conquests." Chid's bright blue eyes looked up at Van. "We've suffered greatly over the past two months. I'm not sure how to go about negotiating for peace with Zaibach when they are fighting over the right to conquer us. I felt that we needed to have a third party - one that hadn't been in involved - come in and help."
Van stared at the maps laid out before them on the table, noting the positions of the Zaibach attacks. They didn't seem well organized or strategized, a power grab.
"You forget that Fanalia has been involved with Zaibach. We are the reason Dornkirk is dead and the Empire in segments. Are you sure it is a wise move?"
Something almost like pain shadowed Chid's eyes before his gaze slid to the floor. "No, it is the only solution I could find. The neighboring countries don't believe Fried is worth defending or allying with because it is led by a boy and susceptible to defeat. I'm asking you because you have already given me a chance to prove myself during the Age of Darkness."
A thought flashed though Van's mind. "Chid, did you ever think of asking for Allen Schezar's assistance?" He asked softly.
"Yes."
"Did you?"
Chid sighed, "No."
"Why not?"
"Bcause of the rumors. My very hallway echoes with the legend of Allen and my mother. Do you think Fried can be led by an illegitimate child? It may be true, but it must remain a rumor, for Fried"
Van thought about it for a moment and realized the truth of it. The lordship would become victim to a usurper and chaos would rip the country apart. Admiration for the young leader's foresight grew.
"Would you mind if I called for Allen myself? I'll take care to make sure it is know that it is my decision and choice, not yours, therefore removing you from suspicion."
Visible relief swept over Chid's face and he smiled. "Thank you."
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She was falling. Falling though darkness without direction. Instinctively she reached up. There was a burst of white light and swish of wings. She stopped falling. Her shoulders itched but she hardly noticed, her eyes drawn below.
It was a forest, lit only by moonlight and a campfire. Van was there, practicing with his sword, deaf to her call. Dark figures sprung out of the trees and surrounded him. Helpless, she watched him drive them back. He seemed to be winning, escaping, when one shadow slipped behind him and brought the hilt of a sword down on his head. Van crumpled.
Before Hitomi had time to cry out, the vision changed. An elderly man stooped over a desk, pouring over maps and charts, muttering to himself. He was massive, an ultimate warrior past his prime. The man threw down his pen and exclaimed,
"Those fools! They wish to rebuild an empire while they tear it apart." He went to the window nearby and stared up at the two moons. "Mystic Moon, globe of mystery and legend. It is said that you listen to man's cries and answer when you choose." He bowed his head. "I ask you now. Is there no way to create a union between our warring rulers? Will there never be peace and contentment like there nearly was under the Emperor? Will the greed that brought us to our knees never end? Or have we all gone mad?"
A star streaked across the sky, passing between the blue globe and back into the night, startlingly close. The man smiled, shedding decades from his face. "That is your answer then? An omen of good luck. I will take it to heart then, and continue."
Again the image shifted. A building was crumbling rapidly from the inside, imploding. A strange machine burst from the rubble and plowed straight into another structure. A shadow swooped overhead. Hitomi looked up to see Escaflowne transform from a dragon into a warrior's machine and attack the digger.
Another flash, Hitomi was falling, everyone was falling - everyone being Van, Allen, Merle, a boy, and...Emilee? Her shoulder's ached and burned from the strain of.... of.... what?....They were FALLING!!!!!!
Hitomi sat up in bed with a jerk.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------- --------------------------------
Summer.
School was out, exams finished, time to do the things one only had the pleasure of dreaming about doing during studies.
"Hey Hit, you ready to go?"
Hitomi grabbed her small suitcase off her bed. "Hai, Emilee." She opened the bedroom door.
Emilee stood waiting. "Come on, we'll miss the train."
They were going sightseeing. Hitomi and Emilee had become friends beyond a teacher-student basis, following marathon study sessions for her English exam. Sense Emilee had only been in Japan for a year, Hitomi promised to take her on a tour of Japan's country and tourist attractions. They had a lot in common, but Emilee preferred to swim rather that run, and had looked forwards to summer vacation as eagerly as any senior in highschool would.
"I'm curious, Hit, Yukari told me that once you were different, more outgoing. Not always thinking to your self. You left one day, then returned, and you were different. She seemed a little worried."
They were riding the Bullet Train to the Quasi National Park of Zao to see the great volcanic crater. Hitomi had been there once for a field trip and knew that the nature-loving redhead would enjoy it. Meanwhile she eluded the question.
"I went on a sudden journey. It changed my view on life and some things didn't matter anymore when I came back."
After a moment's pause, Emilee asked, "Was a guy involved?"
Hitomi unwillingly blushed, but tried to cover it up. "No."
Another pause, "That happens a lot. Guy and girl meet, everything goes well, but someone pulls back, things that ought to be said, aren't." Emilee sighed and picked up her book, leaning back in her chair, "Just remember this Hitomi," She looked out the window for a moment, "Never say anything you don't truly mean."
---------------------------------------------------------------------------- --------------------------------
Zao was everything Hitomi remembered. Cool fresh air swept the great valley of the volcano and the sky mirrored itself the lake which filled the heart of the mountain. Little pink bell-flowers graced the rocky crevices along the trails and down the mountainside.
Emilee was delighted. She clambered down the rocky trails, heedless of loose gravel underfoot. Hitomi trailed after her, wondering if her American friend ever ran out of energy or enthusiasm. Both wore backpacks because they had planned on touring all day and then going swimming at a nearby fitness building - a full speed day planned mostly by Emilee with no room to return to the hotel.
They reached the peak of the trail and looked down. It was a breathtaking view. Emilee spread her arms, closed her eyes, and took a deep breath. Hitomi giggled,
"You look like that scene out of Titanic,"
Emilee opened her eyes, "Yes, but I'm much better looking." She struck a pose. "Don't you think?"
Hitomi laughed.
"Hey look!" Emilee pointed to a break in the log fence that surrounded the tour observation site. "Come on!" The inexhaustible young woman grabbed Hitomi by the hand and pulled her though the gap, past the fence. Worried, Hitomi tried to stop.
"Emilee, I don't think we're supposed to be down here. Isn't that what the fence is for?"
Her friend ducked behind a low, scrubby brush overhang and sat down on the damp grass.
"We won't stay here long, and we aren't doing anything to hurt the wildlife. I just wanted a better view.'
Reluctantly Hitomi sat next to her. The view was better here - despite the mist that floated in and out.
"The weather here is messed up. It was sunny a minute ago."
Damp clouds had suddenly descended over the valley, still bright with sunlight. Hitomi looked up at the sky. The mist moved. Looking harder, she made out a figure. The mist condensed and she could see a winged person hanging over her, a shadow.
"Van?"
The figure reached down towards her. Hitomi's fingers touched the misty one's. A wind whipped around her and suddenly the light she remembered so well came and lifted her up.
Author's note: I actually have been to the Zao national park, and yes, I went past the gate ( I thought it would be cool to include that experience. And the weather is a bit topsy turvy.
Chapter 1: Return
"Forgive my deception King Van, but it was necessary. The fractions of the Zaibach Empire has been planting spies and assassins in nearby countries and we had to cover for the real reason of your arrival."
Van, in more casual and comfortable clothing, listened solemnly to the young ruler.
"We not only wish to form an alliance, but also a treaty of protection. Zaibach isn't entireliy gone. They're those who have grabbed power and formed empires of their own. They wish to become the new Emperor. One of these in particular as targeted Fried. A week ago, an assassin managed to get past the guards. He tried to kill me in my study."
Chid rolled up his left sleeve to show an angry slash that went from his palm to midway down his forearm. "He came close to succeeding."
Van felt a twinge of sympathy for him. He is so young with so much responsibility weighing down on him. He's having worse a time that I did - so much happening so fast in his life. "How strong are these Zaibach fractions?"
The boy shrugged,
"We're not sure. The empire was strong from the beginning. We know of at least four major providences, all of which have expanded their borders into nearby countries. But they're fighting each other as much as they are their conquests." Chid's bright blue eyes looked up at Van. "We've suffered greatly over the past two months. I'm not sure how to go about negotiating for peace with Zaibach when they are fighting over the right to conquer us. I felt that we needed to have a third party - one that hadn't been in involved - come in and help."
Van stared at the maps laid out before them on the table, noting the positions of the Zaibach attacks. They didn't seem well organized or strategized, a power grab.
"You forget that Fanalia has been involved with Zaibach. We are the reason Dornkirk is dead and the Empire in segments. Are you sure it is a wise move?"
Something almost like pain shadowed Chid's eyes before his gaze slid to the floor. "No, it is the only solution I could find. The neighboring countries don't believe Fried is worth defending or allying with because it is led by a boy and susceptible to defeat. I'm asking you because you have already given me a chance to prove myself during the Age of Darkness."
A thought flashed though Van's mind. "Chid, did you ever think of asking for Allen Schezar's assistance?" He asked softly.
"Yes."
"Did you?"
Chid sighed, "No."
"Why not?"
"Bcause of the rumors. My very hallway echoes with the legend of Allen and my mother. Do you think Fried can be led by an illegitimate child? It may be true, but it must remain a rumor, for Fried"
Van thought about it for a moment and realized the truth of it. The lordship would become victim to a usurper and chaos would rip the country apart. Admiration for the young leader's foresight grew.
"Would you mind if I called for Allen myself? I'll take care to make sure it is know that it is my decision and choice, not yours, therefore removing you from suspicion."
Visible relief swept over Chid's face and he smiled. "Thank you."
---------------------------------------------------------------------------- --------------------------------
She was falling. Falling though darkness without direction. Instinctively she reached up. There was a burst of white light and swish of wings. She stopped falling. Her shoulders itched but she hardly noticed, her eyes drawn below.
It was a forest, lit only by moonlight and a campfire. Van was there, practicing with his sword, deaf to her call. Dark figures sprung out of the trees and surrounded him. Helpless, she watched him drive them back. He seemed to be winning, escaping, when one shadow slipped behind him and brought the hilt of a sword down on his head. Van crumpled.
Before Hitomi had time to cry out, the vision changed. An elderly man stooped over a desk, pouring over maps and charts, muttering to himself. He was massive, an ultimate warrior past his prime. The man threw down his pen and exclaimed,
"Those fools! They wish to rebuild an empire while they tear it apart." He went to the window nearby and stared up at the two moons. "Mystic Moon, globe of mystery and legend. It is said that you listen to man's cries and answer when you choose." He bowed his head. "I ask you now. Is there no way to create a union between our warring rulers? Will there never be peace and contentment like there nearly was under the Emperor? Will the greed that brought us to our knees never end? Or have we all gone mad?"
A star streaked across the sky, passing between the blue globe and back into the night, startlingly close. The man smiled, shedding decades from his face. "That is your answer then? An omen of good luck. I will take it to heart then, and continue."
Again the image shifted. A building was crumbling rapidly from the inside, imploding. A strange machine burst from the rubble and plowed straight into another structure. A shadow swooped overhead. Hitomi looked up to see Escaflowne transform from a dragon into a warrior's machine and attack the digger.
Another flash, Hitomi was falling, everyone was falling - everyone being Van, Allen, Merle, a boy, and...Emilee? Her shoulder's ached and burned from the strain of.... of.... what?....They were FALLING!!!!!!
Hitomi sat up in bed with a jerk.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------- --------------------------------
Summer.
School was out, exams finished, time to do the things one only had the pleasure of dreaming about doing during studies.
"Hey Hit, you ready to go?"
Hitomi grabbed her small suitcase off her bed. "Hai, Emilee." She opened the bedroom door.
Emilee stood waiting. "Come on, we'll miss the train."
They were going sightseeing. Hitomi and Emilee had become friends beyond a teacher-student basis, following marathon study sessions for her English exam. Sense Emilee had only been in Japan for a year, Hitomi promised to take her on a tour of Japan's country and tourist attractions. They had a lot in common, but Emilee preferred to swim rather that run, and had looked forwards to summer vacation as eagerly as any senior in highschool would.
"I'm curious, Hit, Yukari told me that once you were different, more outgoing. Not always thinking to your self. You left one day, then returned, and you were different. She seemed a little worried."
They were riding the Bullet Train to the Quasi National Park of Zao to see the great volcanic crater. Hitomi had been there once for a field trip and knew that the nature-loving redhead would enjoy it. Meanwhile she eluded the question.
"I went on a sudden journey. It changed my view on life and some things didn't matter anymore when I came back."
After a moment's pause, Emilee asked, "Was a guy involved?"
Hitomi unwillingly blushed, but tried to cover it up. "No."
Another pause, "That happens a lot. Guy and girl meet, everything goes well, but someone pulls back, things that ought to be said, aren't." Emilee sighed and picked up her book, leaning back in her chair, "Just remember this Hitomi," She looked out the window for a moment, "Never say anything you don't truly mean."
---------------------------------------------------------------------------- --------------------------------
Zao was everything Hitomi remembered. Cool fresh air swept the great valley of the volcano and the sky mirrored itself the lake which filled the heart of the mountain. Little pink bell-flowers graced the rocky crevices along the trails and down the mountainside.
Emilee was delighted. She clambered down the rocky trails, heedless of loose gravel underfoot. Hitomi trailed after her, wondering if her American friend ever ran out of energy or enthusiasm. Both wore backpacks because they had planned on touring all day and then going swimming at a nearby fitness building - a full speed day planned mostly by Emilee with no room to return to the hotel.
They reached the peak of the trail and looked down. It was a breathtaking view. Emilee spread her arms, closed her eyes, and took a deep breath. Hitomi giggled,
"You look like that scene out of Titanic,"
Emilee opened her eyes, "Yes, but I'm much better looking." She struck a pose. "Don't you think?"
Hitomi laughed.
"Hey look!" Emilee pointed to a break in the log fence that surrounded the tour observation site. "Come on!" The inexhaustible young woman grabbed Hitomi by the hand and pulled her though the gap, past the fence. Worried, Hitomi tried to stop.
"Emilee, I don't think we're supposed to be down here. Isn't that what the fence is for?"
Her friend ducked behind a low, scrubby brush overhang and sat down on the damp grass.
"We won't stay here long, and we aren't doing anything to hurt the wildlife. I just wanted a better view.'
Reluctantly Hitomi sat next to her. The view was better here - despite the mist that floated in and out.
"The weather here is messed up. It was sunny a minute ago."
Damp clouds had suddenly descended over the valley, still bright with sunlight. Hitomi looked up at the sky. The mist moved. Looking harder, she made out a figure. The mist condensed and she could see a winged person hanging over her, a shadow.
"Van?"
The figure reached down towards her. Hitomi's fingers touched the misty one's. A wind whipped around her and suddenly the light she remembered so well came and lifted her up.