~ Remember I don't own Escaflowne!~
The Fate of Two Worlds: The Sequel
By Angel_wings
Chapter 31 ~ A New Queen Arises
~~~ Seven Years After the Immortal War ~~~
The pearl roses smelled delicious this midday with the breeze lifting the fragrance through the pathways of the royal garden of Fanelia. The glorious arrangement of the most delicate flowers dwelt in that garden bringing such color and peaceful sensation with their fragrances. Within the maze of vegetation laid a small courtyard with a beautiful, monster fountain in the shape of an angel. The angel stood regal with her wings stretched wide open with her long hair fluttering stonily behind her. From her gray smooth hands she held over her head poured crystal water. As the waterfall plummet into the pool at her feet you could see tiny fish of rainbow colors flicker beneath the surface of the water.
That day there stood on the edge of the cream marble was a pale child dressed in a white silk dress. She looked like the small version of Snow White in every way. Her silky hair that reached to her shoulders was a rich black that contrasted so strikingly against her pale face of milk. Twinkling eyes of red-brown hue shone innocence and intelligence. Pink lips like soft roses smiled softly as she stared down at the rippling water. Giggling the girl dipped her milky hand into the crystal mirror and scooped up a bit of the liquid diamonds. The cool water leaked through the crevices of her fingers tickling her skin. Laughing lightly the girl stared at the liquid. Suddenly a soft glow surrounded her hand while gradually the small bit of water slowed in its leaking. Soon not even a drop left the child's hand even though there was plenty of water still remaining in her palm.
Nearby the courtyard stood a figure enjoying the cool shade beneath shadows of the castle's back archway. The sun was heavy during this time of year and the person within the shade had no desire to scorch. A soft smile could be seen from the person as his eyes watched the youth quietly.
The girl who appeared to be unaware of her watcher was fully concentrating on the water in her hand now. Her eyes of red glittered to green flecks for a moment as the illumination of her hand grew in intensity. Bit by bit the water in her hand swirled and lifted from her palm becoming a watery orb. The light followed the water encasing the liquid in its power. The girl's face broke into a large smile and she excitedly clapped at her success. Laughing merrily the girl waved her hands this way and that making the water ball chase her fingertips. Giggling excitedly the girl twirled letting her dress whip around her. Unfortunately the girl lost her concentration and the great ball of liquid dimmed and collapsed back into the fountain. Upon hearing its splash the girl quickly stopped and looked into the rippling water curiously. Though her toy had left a smile still broke out on her face. She merrily stood up and began to dance along the rim of the fountain as though the disappearance of the orb was some great revelation.
The shadowy figure chuckled lightly and finally stepped out from under the archway and into the light revealing himself. His ebony hair had grown a bit long over the last years and was pulled back into a short ponytail with some unruly bangs still falling over his ruby eyes. Draped in his old attire from the Great War the young king smiled fondly at his daughter as she laughed. Van could not help, but think of how much she reminded him of her mother.
Suddenly little Iris stopped her dancing and turned to her father. The man just smiled warmly content in watching her. The girl's eyes were distant as she looked at her sire as if she was thinking of something. When she posed no movement and was silent it confused the older royal. Van's face grew blank as he wondered what his daughter was doing.
"Tell me again, papa" the girl whispered softly. Her voice was like bells catching on a soft breeze.
The king gave his child a confused look and sat down on the fountain's rim, "Tell you what, Iris?"
The young child no more than seven rotations stared solemnly at her father, "How mother died in the War of Immortals."
Van flinched inwardly at the request. He hated to relive that memory. It brought back a lot of sorrow to his heart. The pain of seeing his wife's body covered in blood still sent a shiver down his spine. Closing his eyes the king saw a sudden flash of his wife lying in his lap in the Mystic Valley. Snapping his eyes back open Van felt his heart twist. It was so hard to think about it. He truly had no desire to go over the tale.
Turning wearily to his daughter the ruler asked softly, "Why do you want me to tell you such a tale, Iris?"
The young girl didn't answer her father, but instead jumped down from the granite fountain. Quietly she came to the king with her eyes blank and her face solemn. The man barely reacted as the princess pulled herself into his lap and pressed her cheek against his chest. Staring up at him she finally replied, "Everyone talks about it. They say mother was powerful during the war. I just want to hear it again."
Van rubbed the girl's ebony hair softly. His eyes grew distant as he whispered, "One must not dwell on the past."
The girl cocked her head slightly as she said, "Yes, but one must also remember the past."
The king looked down at his daughter curiously. It was rather strange. The young princess was extremely intelligent for her age. Yes, she did love books and read constantly, but for some odd reason she had a deeper understanding that her books never could tell her. Her smile always radiated the corridors and she was as playful as any other child, but she was still different from other youth. It was just odd how mature the princess was for her age. Her intelligence and wisdom was rarely seen in a seven-year-old.
Looking into the girl's eyes the king found himself seeing his wife's face. His daughter's eyes had changed to the emerald of Hitomi's and with the child looking up into his eyes it reminded him of so many other times his beloved had done the same. It was uncanny on how similar the two were. Iris was fast on her feet like her mother while a fighter. Her kindness was always there and her thoughts always dwelt on the well-being of others. As he looked down at his offspring he saw the face of his child and of his one true love. He couldn't deny a plea from his beloved or his daughter. Sighing slightly the king looked up at the blue sky watching the summer clouds roll by. His eyes looked towards the heavens quietly as he began in his deep voice, "You know of the story of the guardians and finding each one so I'll just skip to the last battle."
Iris nodded her head as she cuddled closer to her father. Van momentarily glanced down at her before painfully continuing, "No one could reach your mother for Dornkirk had created a barrier between us and her. The guardians and I tried our hardest to penetrate the barrier, but no one could. We were forced to watch your mother be beaten by Dornkirk while we continued to try to get to her."
An image of seeing Hitomi crash to the ground swam in the king's mind as his voice grew strangely low, "We began to give up on trying to save her, but I couldn't stop trying. I had already seen her die once. I refused to stand back and watch it happen again. Remember how I told you how I descended from dragonmeres. Well somehow the powers passed down from that race still mingled in my blood along with the powers of the Draconians."
He turned his eyes back to his daughter, "With Joutei's help he gave me the ability to go help your mother. I was able to penetrate the barrier."
"But she was already badly wounded when I got to her" he whispered sullenly, "By that time it was decided she would reverse the curse place on her to go against Dornkirk while I protected her. Unfortunately, when she did this she was unable to endure the link between her and Dornkirk and the effects of ripping the curse from her body."
Iris looked up her father seeing the ghostly look in his rubies as he stared down at the ground. The little girl gave a soft smile as she ended the story.
"And she gave her life in the name of Joutei" the princess spoke tenderly with pride in her voice, "She suffered so everyone would live and see what she had done this for. What mother did was inspiring that's why the World Treaty was signed by every nation because they saw what she had done and knew that all of us no matter the race or differences had to come together praising Joutei."
Van looked down at the youth quietly with a gentle fondness as he whispered, "Yes, that's very true, Iris."
"True to thy words" spoke a rich female voice bringing the two royals to look up at the woman. The lady was very beautiful with long brown hair that fell to her back and sparkling blue summer eyes. She was dressed in a white dress with the royal emblem of Fanelia on her breast. In her arms was a young boy about six with short brunette hair and hazel eyes.
The young princess's face broke into a smile as she cried happily, "Gaou !"
The boy quickly squiggled out of the woman's arm and raced to his sister. The two embraced and soon began to play a game of tag as they ran around the fountain. Van smiled as his two children and strode over to the lovely woman with a gentle smile.
"Morning, Felicia" the king spoke warmly with a twinkle in his eye, "How are you feeling?"
The woman's smile was sweet as she rubbed her slightly swollen belly, "Well, though I fear soon I will unable to play much longer with those two. In a couple of moons my belly will be too much of a burden to endure."
"Couple of moons?" Van muttered confused, "You're only three moons now."
Her cerulean pools twinkled as she smiled, "Yes, but I was just informed that I am probably having twins by the way I am progressing."
"Twins?!" the king chuckled happily, "Oh, what a blessing!"
The woman laughed lightly with a laugh that chimed like silver bells, "Indeed it is!"
Suddenly in the middle of the children's game, Iris came to a stop to swirl around and stare in the direction of the adults. The girl smiled happily as she exclaimed, "Mother!"
The two adults turned to the girl before noticing the direction of her gaze. The pair turned with the two children to see a young woman appearing from the entrance of the castle.
Van smiled happily, "Hitomi."
The queen smiled back as she came along side him and took his arm. Turning to the other woman the royal maiden teased, "Now, Felicia, what is Benjamin going to think with you spending so much time speaking with my husband."
The woman rolled her eyes quickly as she laughed, "He'd probably be overjoyed to think he wouldn't have to be responsible to watch two children. He nearly had a heart attack when I told him I was pregnant with his first child, but when I told him a day ago we were having twins he nearly had a relapse."
"Twins?!" Hitomi said happily as she took the woman's hands, "Oh, I am so glad for you."
"As am I" the duchess replied, "I just hope my husband will survive long enough to actually meet his children." The queen smiled fondly as she leaned into her beloved's shoulder.
"Oh don't fret" the angel queen replied teasingly, "I thought Van was about to outright die when he heard I was pregnant again." The maiden smiled as she gave her husband a soft kiss on his cheek and the king turned a deep red. His hand ran over her stomach softly feeling the roundness it was developing again.
Just then both Gaou and Iris raced up to their parents and Hitomi quickly scooped up her daughter. Giving her a kiss on the brow the woman smiled at her daughter who soon hugged her neck and gave her dame her own kiss on the cheek. Turning back to the noble the queen replied, "Thank you very much, Felicia, for teaching the children. You have a real knack for teaching."
"I should be thanking you, Queen Hitomi" the woman said bashfully, "It was you who brought my family into nobility."
"It was the least I could do" the seeress whispered with a few tears in her eyes, "You're father, Reeshi, was a good man and deserved to be a true knight. He had stayed by my side for nearly a decade and I refused to see him get less. I am just sad that he is no longer with us."
"As am I" the woman replied with a small sorrow, "but he always was thankful for what you did, Hitomi. He had always wanted to be a knight and I had never seen him happier when you actually knighted him. It was unfortunate only that he had been a knight four years, but he did get his one desire. I'm just glad his heart held out so long to let him live his one dream."
Hitomi smiled warmly as the maiden said, "I take my leave now, your majesties. Good day."
The royal family watched happily as the teacher left for the day. Hitomi sighed contently as she rubbed her nose against her daughter's cheek. The little angel girl squealed happily and cried, "Quit, momma! That tickles!"
The queen chuckled warmly as she asked, "How was your day, little ones?"
"Very good!" the boy at his mother's feet exclaimed, "Today, Lord Nembus taught us to jump on horseback."
"How did you do?" the king asked smiling.
The boy stuck out his chest proudly and stated, "I made nearly every jump!" Hitomi was forced to cover her mouth to keep from laughing at her son's cuteness. Even Van's smile broke a little before he could retrieve it.
"But you should tell them of your first jump" retorted Iris like a true sibling would, "You completely ran into the jump and knock down the poles!"
Gaou scowled up at his sister and snorted, "Well, you didn't even make half the jumps!"
"Alright! Alright!" the queen exclaimed with a bit of laugh, "Enough of that. You know I don't approve of your quarrels. Now you both did very well if you even made one jump. I wasn't even learning to jump at your age!"
Both of the youngsters' faces glowed with hope of a story as they looked at their mother. Luckily, for the queen a new person emerged in the courtyard interrupting the whole conversation.
It was a woman who approached. Draped in brown and green attire was a female warrior with short brunette hair and silver eyes. The little girl clapped her hands together excitedly and cried, "Lady Sian!"
The guardian smiled fondly at the princess and replied, "Good day to you, little Iris. As to the rest of you, I have come to retrieve you for your lessons."
Gaou stepped forward eagerly. He always enjoyed their fighting lessons with the famed warrior. Iris quickly slipped out of her mother's arms and raced to the ancient female. With a huge smile pouring off her face the girl exclaimed, "Will Trista be joining us today?"
Before Sian could answer, a smiling young girl about the same age as Iris and Gaou popped out from behind the maiden. The girl was a mirror image of Sian except her hair was about a foot longer in a beautiful braid. She scampered over to the princess and said, "Of course! I would never miss my mother's own lessons!"
The two happily laughed as Gaou rolled his eyes and muttered, "Girls are weird…"
The two girls turned around and stuck out their tongues with a laugh before racing down one of the garden's paths. Gaou scowled angrily before chasing after them yelling, "Iris! Trista! Get back here!"
The three adults laughed merrily at the children's behavior before turning back to one another. Eyes were twinkling with pure happiness as the queen asked, "How are you, Sian?"
"At peace" the woman muttered lowly with a twinge of joy in her words, "For once my heart is at ease."
Van wrapped his arm back around his wife as he asked, "And Nembus?"
The guardian looked contently at the king as she said, "He is full of happiness. It has been a long time since I have seen such joy in him. We are happy to be able to walk with peace."
"Yes…" Hitomi whispered quietly as her thoughts dwelt somewhere other than where they stood, "Finally… there is true peace…"
~~~ Flashback ~~~
She felt as if her body was empty. There was a dull ache of something missing. Her head was spinning fast and her body felt unable to keep up. Within her soul though there was a hole of something important. The seeress opened her eyes to find blackness surrounding her. Blurs of white and deeper darkness ran through her sight, but she ignored it as the drowsiness of body began to shake off. Her delicate fingers, still blotted with blood, uncurled and stretched. A heavy sigh escaped from her bitter tasting lips that were dripping red.
"Where?…" the woman muttered sleepily, "Where am I?"
"Here in judgment, young one" came a familiar voice of comfort.
Hitomi ran a hand over her eyes momentarily before feeling herself drift slightly forward, "How long have I been here?"
"You have just arrived" growled another being, one whose voice sounded like a serpent's.
The woman reopened her eyes and spotted the two immortals. She had never seen Akuma other than in visions, but now as she found herself confronted with the dark ruler she felt her skin crawl. This being was born of the blackest darkness where pure hate dwelt. It was strange to him flanking Joutei, his complete opposition, and not trying to kill the golden being. Her eyes snapped awake as she muttered sorrowfully, "I'm dead…"
"Yes" the golden immortal conferred in his deep voice with subdued emotions, "I must say I am proud of you, young one."
Blinking back her tears the maiden squared back her shoulders, "Thank you, Joutei. I am glad I was able to help."
The demon king rolled his eyes with a snort, "Oh, please, spare me these emotions. So what if you saved Gaea. Sooner or later war will appear again. You have only won this battle, seeress. There are many more to come."
Hitomi leveled her eyes with the scarlet figure and fearlessly dared an insult, "At least I won."
Akuma bared his teeth and snarled signaling a warning, "Do not cross my patience, seeress. I am the ruler of all darkness and could make the afterlife for you a very unpleasant place."
The woman did not even flinch at the cold threat as she glared at the demon. Her eyes held not a single speck of fear as her features grew sharp. With a small growl the woman said, "I am not afraid of you, Akuma. I challenge that threat."
The demon king's eyes widened in shock at her forwardness. Even now her harshness remained covering up any fear she might -- or might not --- have for him. His teeth grinded together furiously as he snarled, "Well, then I'll just have to carry out that threat."
His clawed hands were thrown up and they started to glow, but the seeress did not budge as she continued to glare at the being. Rage began to build up in the dark ruler at her defiance and electricity sizzled from his fingertips. Joutei suddenly appeared between them causing Akuma to snarl.
"You may be more powerful, Joutei" the demon hissed darkly on the name, "And I may be weakened by I am still able to damage you."
"Enough, Akuma" the god stated with not a hint of fear, "You really should not be agitating your heroine."
"Heroine?" the demon scoffed loudly, "That wench is a play toy nothing more. She is no heroine of mine."
"She destroyed Dornkirk the being who stole your powers, she has returned those same powers to you, and given you a way out of your cell" stated the immortal emotionlessly, "and you dare not call her a heroine?"
Akuma scowled angrily feeling his temper jump another level. He hated when the immortal was able to out speak him. Stubbornly the demon turned his face away and stared at the emptiness.
After waiting for any other sort of response from the demon and seeing none the great immortal turned back to the soul of the seeress. Her eyes had turned away from the two and she was staring at the darkness beneath her feet. All around her floated a billion souls of both angel and devil, but she seemed to be oblivious to this with her thoughts occupied.
Cocking his fiery head the golden figure comforted, "What troubles you, young one?"
Hitomi did not lift her eyes as she muttered sullenly, "Nothing…"
Joutei lifted his head slightly and chided, "Remember, my child, I know all. I need not hear you state what is troubling you, for I already know. I only ask to hold a close relationship with you."
The seeress momentarily glanced at the God mulling over this. It was true that Joutei knew all and he was able to contemplate everything. The only real reason for him to ask was to show he was concerned.
The dead queen turned slightly to her king and stated softly, "It's just that… If you are all-powerful, Joutei, why did you not stop Dornkirk yourself? Why did you not break the seal that encases you here?"
Behind the golden god the demon laughed haughtily, "And you said she had faith in you! HA! Her questions prove of her doubt!" For a second pain raced before the seeress's eyes and she her head in shame.
"Questions prove little of doubt" commented the golden figure wisely, "They prove more of faith then of doubt. Questions only come from believing in me."
Turning back to the seeress the golden giant found the woman lifting tearstained eyes to her king. His flaming hand cradled her cheek and she felt the warmth of love radiate from the great being. Smiling the being whispered, "Do not fret, my child. You're faith is one of the greatest in many centuries."
Hitomi bowed her head with a soft smile and muttered, "Thank you…"
Akuma growled angrily at the whole display and snorted in anger.
"Now" the god proclaimed louder, "As for your questions. First, of all understand, child, that life will always be full of joy and sorrow. To take too much of one is showing no appreciation of the other. Perhaps people will enjoy peace for a few centuries, but sooner or later war erupts for the sake of change. There always a time for peace, but there is always a time for war also. The two go hand in hand. Like the sun in the moon. They are brothers."
Hitomi cocked her head slightly, "I truly do not understand your reasoning, Joutei, but I accept it. Maybe with these years of my time in the afterlife I will come to better understand everything."
"As you wish" replied the God wisely, "But as for the reason I did not intervened is something you may understand. If I had intervened the people might have come to believe in me, but my ways are inconspicuous, my child. I wish people to find faith in me and not the image of me. If I appeared they might think I was only there when I was visible and would do things when I was not visible. If someone else had taken a leap of faith and proven I did exist without the need of me becoming visible it would make a far greater impact. My saving the world is nothing compared to someone believing I would and then seeing it happened."
"Then why stay here" the seeress asked, "Why remain in this dark place, Joutei?"
The god grinned warmly as he placed both his hands tenderly on her shoulders. Her eyes glittered from his illumination as he stated softly, "I wanted you to find bountiful faith in me first before you proclaimed it to world. I never doubted your faith, young one, but I wanted to bring it to a new level. I wanted you to have faith in me even when it seemed there was no hope at all."
She stared up at the God in awe unable to express her amazement. Tenderly she whispered, "This was not just about Gaea learning that we needed to trust in you Joutei. It was also for me to learn something as well… for me to become closer to you…"
"Yes…" the being muttered sorrowfully, "I am sorry you had to endure that, but sometimes the greatest lessons are learned through the greatest storms of life."
Hitomi looked straight into the beings eyes of gold and felt a world of understanding crash down on her from his gaze as if he was downloading his wisdom to her through his eyes. Though she did not completely comprehend what he was saying her heart seemed to. She trusted this being with all her heart. She felt no malice in him at all and no doubt that he would always be there for his people. Nodding her head barely the seeress replied, "I think I understand…"
"Yes…" responded the great being with a warm voice, "but you are still troubled."
Hitomi bowed her head sadly, "It's just…"
"Yes" the god encouraged.
The seeress looked up with pain glimmering in her emeralds, "I miss my family already."
Joutei smiled slightly, "I understand, but you must understand that all beings must die eventually."
"Yes" the maiden responded with a bow of her head, "I accept that. I am just going to miss them terribly."
The golden immortal said nothing as he stared at the woman. Tenderly his hand rested on her brow and brushed away her tears like a father would a child. Hitomi's eyes spilled with the diamonds of her sorrow as she lifted her face to him. Painfully she whispered, "I am sorry, Joutei. I am glad to be here for I am able to be with you in heaven, my king."
Joutei remained emotionless as he nodded. Taking away his hands the god proclaimed, "It is time that all of this is changed."
Hitomi and Akuma grew pensive as they saw the god's hands glow bright. Joutei lifted his palms above as golden fire stretched across the darkness. Blazing flames of yellow ripped through the great void and consumed the blackness. Demons and angels were enveloped in seconds by the fire, but were not burned. As a bellow of flames came her way Hitomi flinched fearfully. In the blink of an eye the fire wrapped around her and she felt a beautiful warmth run over her. The temperature was neither scorching nor damaging, but more of a comforting feel. Her hair whipped around her face and she felt her pores swallow up the delicious fire.
Upon opening her eyes she noticed the entire world had formed a great golden illumination that basked in the glory of Joutei. Gradually the three portals of Judgment stretched open allowing the seeress to see the other side. Through the first portal she saw the world of darkness develop. She saw the black rocks ripped through the ground as lava and fire erupted. Ebony cages for torture stretched throughout the land and a great lake of golden tongues roared.
Akuma smirked at his domain and quickly flew towards it happy to have his kingdom back to rule. His demons began to gather up the condemned souls and dragged them back to the horrible torture of the realm. Many were kicking and screaming as they went.
Turning Hitomi noticed the angels swarming towards the other passageway, the one for Heaven. Behind this entrance the golden roads rolled back over the clouds and crystal seas swam in her sight. Peace and joy reigned in that place. The glimmer of the paradise was tempting to the eye and Hitomi felt herself take a step towards it.
Sadly, though she felt a pull on her heart. Looking to the far left she saw the last portal. It was the way to the realm of the living. She could see the planet of Gaea come into view and gradually Hitomi made her way to it. The images curled together and slowly the scene changed to an aerial view of the Mystic Valley. She never noticed how quiet the realm had gotten or how empty. She was too busy watching the scene drop down to where the guardians and Van laid. She could see him cradling her broken body and she could see his tears. The pain of her death washed from him to her and she felt tears roll down her eyes.
"Young one…" Joutei whispered softly, "No tears…"
Hitomi nodded, but did not brush away the tears. Her heart felt so empty…
Joutei smiled warmly as he placed a golden hand on her shoulder. The seeress finally turned away from the scene and headed towards the pearly gates of the remade Heaven. As her steps grew closer she noticed how warm her body grew. A heat that began in the very marrow of her soul began to swell and reach throughout her body. The light of the paradise ran over body and the dead queen began to glow brightly, but her footsteps faltered as she reached the very edge of the portal. Inside the billion of angels watched her and cheered her name.
"Hail, Lady Hitomi, Angel of Gaea" they cried with love. Their voices mingled together in a sweet praise, but it did little to help the sorrow in the woman's heart. Hitomi bit her lower lip as she noticed familiar faces inside the paradise. She could see her father and mother crying joyful tears with their arms outstretched to her, encouraging her on. Elsewhere the seeress noticed Queen Iris and Queen Rachelle standing side by side giving her smiles of welcome. At the very border of the crowd, grandfather and her grandfather were smiling up at her. Hitomi raised her hand over her heart and let loose a single painful sob. The crowd thought she was overcome with joy, but they had no idea how torturous it was to see this at the brink of her feet.
The seeress frantically whipped around to face Joutei with tears streaming down her face. Wracked with sobs she gasped, "I can't do this."
Joutei stared at her with a blank face as she sucked in a shuddered breath. Clasping her hands together the young maiden cried, "Forgive me, Joutei, for not being happy with the chance of Heaven."
Glancing once at the crowd she noticed they had all grown silent listening to what she was saying. Her emeralds surfaced new tears as she continued, "I just can't leave them. I can't leave them back on Gaea without a goodbye."
Joutei bowed his head slightly and cupped her cheek warmly. His eyes softened considerably as he whispered, "I never was going to keep you here, my child."
Hitomi blinked a few times and sniffed, "What?"
"Your place is back on Gaea as the ruler of the Draconians" the god continued soothingly, "You need to raise your daughter to be the next Angel of Gaea to ensure peace for a thousand years. Though your husband is a good leader he does not have the ability to teach her the powers she inherited from you."
The seeress grabbed the god's hand as her face lithe up. With her emeralds shinning she frantically asked, "Do you mean I'm going back?"
"Yes" the immortal said with a smile, "Besides I wanted your son to grow up strong."
Hitomi started suddenly, "Son?"
Joutei gave a lopsided grin, "You conceived in the desert a few days past. You will bear a son."
The queen brought her hand to her stomach as she whispered, "A son?…"
The golden figure smiled wider as he placed both his palms over her cheeks. His eyes of yellow coals were locked with her emeralds as he whispered, "I know you would not be ready to come just yet. You've been through a great deal in your life, young one, so I decided you deserved to live a full life on Gaea."
Hitomi couldn't hold in her joy and rushed forward and hugged the immortal fiercely. With tears dripping onto his golden flames the seeress whispered a sobbing, "Thank you…"
"It's the least I could do as a reward for giving up your life for me" the immortal whispered back.
Pulling away from the immortal the Angel turned back to the portal. Her eyes caught her mother's and the two smiled warmly at one another. With a burst of joy the seeress shouted, "I promise to return in a few decades."
With flowing water down her cheeks the tearful mother shouted, "Don't worry. Will be right here waiting."
Seconds later a great uproar ensued filling Hitomi's ears as she turned around to face her king. Joutei nodded once before bringing his hands over the woman's head. There came a flash of warmth and color before Hitomi felt the searing pain edge towards her mind and ruptured through her blood.
She felt something warm against her side yet at the same time feeling another warm run over her flesh. Her fingers barely twitched as they felt a thick substance rub against her calluses. A new wet substance, somewhat colder than the prior, hit her cheek just below her right eye. She flinched at the change of temperature and lightly moaned.
Hitomi?…
That voice… so familiar… so warm and gentle…
Hitomi!…
There was some slight movement pressing against her and shifting her body. Something firm ran up her arm and for a moment she felt her body tremor.
Hitomi!…
There it was again... that voice so full of remembrance... It held some sort of importance that she could not pinpoint.
Hitomi…
The smell of grass and field… Another tremor came, this time a little more fierce. She felt herself reaching a sort of pinnacle of awareness.
Please come back to me, Hitomi…
She felt something in her mind clicked and for that brief moment she felt reality return to her mind. A single word flashed in her head screaming to be heard. Barely able to withstand the demands of the cry the woman gave a weak mutter, "Van…"
She's alive! She's alive!
Alive? Was I dead? The seeress felt so disoriented. Her memories were a jumble. Scattered images and half said words emitted in her mind, but they had mingled into one chaotic manifestation that she could not decipher.
We need to get her eyes open or she might go into a coma or worse!
That was a different voice, but it was still familiar some how…
Open your eyes! Hitomi!
She wanted to listen, but her body felt so sore… so full of anguish… Her veins felt dry of energy. A throbbing began to go off through her body racking her bones with pure torment.
I'm sorry to do this, Hitomi! WAKE UP!
An abrupt pounding sensation struck the side her face and all new pain awoke in her senses. Her eyes quickly snapped open as she sucked in a breath of air. All she saw at first were blurs stretched out in her eyesight. She tried desperately to grasp the world flowing through her head and gradually the scenery became as clear as ever… her sight and her memory…
She finally was able to see the warm face of her husband. His eyes were red from past and present crying. Blood was dripping from a head wound hidden somewhere in his unruly ebony, but he showed no suffering. No, he showed pure joy dancing in his eyes and a wide smile. Behind him she spotted the face of Sian grinning from ear to ear as Nembus stood at her shoulder. She knew the other warriors were nearby, but stood out of her range of sight.
Turning to look back at her dear husband she noticed a new wave of tears was running down his face. She felt her face stretch as a tender smile broke out. Weakly she lifted her hand to his face and felt the delicious warmth his body radiated. He desperately covered her hand with his and shoved his nose in her palm as he took a shuddering breath. His eyes of rubies turned to her emeralds with ecstasy. She could not think of anything to say so she settled for a broken, "Hi…"
That's all it took for him to break and crush her to his chest. Her injuries cried out in dismay, but she ignored them as she closed her eyes and breathed in his deep scent. His hand roughly tangled into her hair as he kissed her temple like a desperate man.
Sian let out a wonderful cry and did a perfect spin to face Nembus. Before he realize what was happening she lunged at him and kissed him hard. The poor man was taken so off guard that he just stood there for a while unable to react. Gradually he relaxed and wound his arms around her waist and furthered their kiss. The moment fully showed just how much pint up love and passion had grown over the years of separation.
Folken smiled while Zaado put a brotherly hand on Nazomi. Tsuno rolled his eyes at the affection before muttering, "Love…"
As Van and Hitomi latched onto each other the king pearl armor began to glow. The couples were too busy to take noticed, but the others watched as the metal became a white gas. The vapor swirled gracefully towards the red warrior as they watched in awe. Her hand stretched forward to brush the gaseous display just as it transformed to a solid. Escaflowne found himself in front of his mate on his feet for only a moment before he collapsed in her arms. Frantically Shakaku lowered her mate gently to the ground and noticed his many wounds. The white dragon grabbed hold of her hand as he convulsed from pain.
Shakaku gently brushed away his bloody bangs as she whispered, "It's alright. I'll lend you some strength."
She then lowered his mouth over his and gave him a breath of air. Escaflowne swallowed the oxygen hungrily feeling her powers spread through his lungs. Soon the oxygen met the bloodstream and spread through his veins. Where wounds appeared at the edge of the bloodstream the oxygen would leave the blood cells and consumed the injury. Slowing with the powers of dragonmeres the wounds knit together only to leave a pink scar in their wake. After a few moments Shakaku backed away and collapsed along side her mate. With their hands still clasped together the dragons slept allowing their powers' strain to relax.
Hitomi rubbed her cheek against her beloved's and look towards the heavens. The clouds rolled back and the sunlight pierced her emeralds. For a brief moment the light caught the edge of the clouds and image of the face of Joutei smiling appeared. When she blinked the image was gone, but she felt a warm peace hit her.
Quietly she whispered, "Thank you… Thank you so much, Joutei…"
~~~ End of Flashback ~~~
Afterwards, a great deal changed. The guardians had been transformed to mortals at the last battle of the War of Immortals. They were being allowed to live a normal life finally. Each of the warriors was overjoyed and quickly began to start a new life. Sian and Nembus were married very soon after returning to Fanelia and a year later the forest maiden bore her first child, Trista. Tsuno began to work with the naval ships of Fanelia and became overseer of the work in a couple of years. Nazomi was knighted, but she decided to become a regular citizen and took home in the town. Zaado went into blacksmithing and began to supply Fanelia with all it needed of metal. Shakaku and Escaflowne were asked to stay, but it was decided it was not necessary for them to remain in the great kingdom. Though they were bought guardians the royal couple wanted the dragonmeres to have a normal life together so the dragons left for the old mountain Shakaku lived in. Folken at first had decided to stay at Fanelia because it was his home, but then one day he came to his brother and sister-in-law to say he decided to take some traveling. He felt he needed to make peace with several people whose love ones he had killed when he was with Zaibach. He began a journey of forgiveness.
Well, just when that was settled all the nations decided to sign the largest treaty ever known on Gaea, or on the Mystic Moon. Every nation, kingdom, town, city, and country signed the document of peace in exchange for the great suffering the Draconian Queen had gone through to save their world. It was decided Fanelia would be the reigning kingdom overall of Gaea with smaller subdivision to watch over more distant sections of the world. Fanelia was the judge over all conflicts and since being with the largest army on the face of the planet she was able to punish any injustice or defiance if ever necessary.
Last to come about was the announcement of the second heir to the throne. When Hitomi revealed her knowledge that she was pregnant again with a son Van was ecstatic along with the rest of the world. When the boy came into the world nearly nine months later he was named Gauo in remembrance of Van's father. Mostly for the reason for naming their son that was because the boy had such a striking resemblance to his grandfather. Now both Iris and Gaou began training and schooling at an early age. The princess was going to take the name as Angel of Gaea and Queen of the Draconians after Hitomi and Van's death so the parents wanted to prepare her along with her brother. The family was extremely close and was often seen together on the castle grounds. Hitomi often remembered how she had suffered to bring Iris into the world and nearly lost her a matter of days. Gaou had been her sunshine from birth while Iris had been her hope.
Hitomi would always remember the wars, but for now she was focused on the present…
~~~ Thirty Years Later ~~~
A woman with black hair woven into a hundred braids raced up the stairway. Her boots clinked up the stairs as she desperately fought to get to the top. Behind her she could hear the group at her heels encouraging her to go faster. Her eyes of red flashed green as she heard someone cry, "Hurry!"
She saw the archway ahead and dove for the passageway. Her boots slid a little when she hit the last step, but even for a late thirty old woman she had perfect balance and was able to steer herself to the right. Her green cape whipped behind her as she saw the hallway looming ahead. She stretched her muscles harder as she saw a group standing outside the master chamber's doors. The princess took notice of several familiar faces such as Allen, Sian, Millerina, Nembus, and the other guardians. When she came close to the door the woman slowed down and finally halted just before the great wooden fixture. She heard her brothers and her husband come up just behind her along with Trista and several others. Looking at the aged healer the royal woman asked numbly, "Is she?"
"She's waiting for you" Millerina whispered sorrowfully, "She refused to give up until she saw you and your brothers."
Iris swallowed the lump in her throat and blinked away her tears as she faced the heavy doors. Quickly a pair of soldiers came forward and opened the way for the three royal siblings. Iris rolled back her shoulders and led the way as she softly stepped through the entrance. Her heart began to beat faster as she noticed inside how still the atmosphere was. All three royal heirs had firmly pressed their lips together. It was like the air was scolding them for even breathing. Their boots barely made any noise as they walked through the hallway of their parents' room. The oldest caught sight of the doorway that led to the bedroom and felt her heart jump into her throat. The doors that always had been so welcoming to the eye now seem to be sullen and sunken in with depression.
Swallowing the new lump in her throat Iris looked back at her brothers. Gaou's eyes were shadowed with his brown hair falling over his eyes. Flanking his left side stood Jasper with pearl bangs dropping over his emerald orbs of sadness. It was obvious he had taken quite a few characteristics from their uncle on their father's side. Both had long hair pulled back into ponytails while they were dressed in royal robes. They were each in their late thirties with the exception of Jasper in his early thirties. They were still very young looking with bright faces, but today they look very much their age with the distress plain on their faces.
Iris nodded before turning back to the doors and grabbed the curved silver handle. The doors gave a small creak with her pull and quietly the three walked in. Standing about in the room were their Uncle Mamoru and Aunt Merle with their daughter, Christen. In the far corner sat their aged Uncle Folken with his face in his wrinkled hand. Several of the royal advisors took up the remaining space along with a few close citizens, such as Lady Yukari, Sir Amano, and their two children, Stephen and Aquiline.
It was the king size bed, however, that caught the three siblings' eyes. Sitting on the edge of the mattress was their father. He had grown slightly slimmer in his years, but he still had a muscular build. His hair was a close white-gray that was pulled into a long ponytail while he had acquired a small beard. His red eyes burned brightly like when he was in his teens instead of in his early fifties. He was dressed in one of his more casual garments today, a pair of old faded cream pants with a slightly shredded sleeveless red shirt. It was an outfit he never would let go of no matter how much the children had scolded him for being a "pack rat" (as mother called it). Now as they saw him sitting there with his eyes brimming with tears they were glad they had not gotten rid of the attire. When he wore the outfit it was one of the last few things that made him smile anymore.
Lying in the mist of thick blankets and large pillows was a frail figure. Her hair had grown past her shoulders in the last couple of decades and was a beautiful white like a unicorn's mane. The long silky locks were draped over the many pillows like a wide waterfall of pearl. Her face was only slightly wrinkled from age making her appear only slightly past forty. She was presently dressed in a glorious white nightdress that hid beneath the covers. She was slightly propped up against the multitude of pillows. Her bright emeralds sparkled at the sight of her children and raising a weak hand she called them, "Please, come here. My time grows short."
Iris felt unable to move at that moment. To see the woman she had been closest to in her life lying there dying from a heart disease just made the princess's entire body lock. The withered hand still remained in the air as the two sons walked passed their sister. Iris was unable to control the sob that broke from her throat then and while her tears ran down her cheeks she flung herself at her mother. Her arms wrapped around the queen's thinned waist as the princess bawled in the maiden's nightgown. Hitomi smiled down at the top of her daughter's head and petted the dark ebony locks. The two young men did their best to keep the tears from slipping from their eyes, but they could not hold them back. They had at least kept themselves from breaking into sobs like their older sister.
The queen looked towards the other of the room and feebly asked, "Could everyone please give us some privacy."
No one could deny the last wish of the queen and slowly the group walked out of the room with her closest love ones trailing behind. Those special individuals took one final moment to say a small goodbye before exiting and, thus bringing a few tears to the dying female. As the last of the guests disappeared and the doors were closed the queen turned back to her family. Van crawled a little closer to his wife and placed an old arm around her shoulders lovingly. Hitomi took a moment to smile up at him before turning back to her children. By then Iris had settled down and was now taking one of the three chairs next to the bed.
Hitomi fiddled with her fingers nervously as she turned to her children. With a soft expression flowing into her face she began fondly, "You are three of the most important people in my life and I am sorry we had such little time together. I am still young for my age to be dying. I might have lasted about twenty more years, but I am not upset that I am leaving now. I was to die a long time ago, but Joutei gave me thirty blessed more years to live instead. I am thankful I have lived this long."
Her children said nothing as they listened to their mother's words. Though they each had felt blessed with their mother's lengthened life they felt slightly cheated be her being taken away not. They felt selfish for desiring her to stay longer and they felt ashamed for being angry with Joutei for taking her now, but as she spoke… they felt a sense of peace… She could have stayed dead at the last battle… Iris would have been raised by only one parent and never had met her brothers. Joutei had given more than they could have hope. They were thankful for that,… but it didn't make the whole situation any easier to accept…
The queen's hand went towards the youngest first, "Jasper…"
The call brought the man to his feet and taking her hand he knelt beside the bed. His emerald eyes were so full of tears now that they streamed like two rivers down his cheeks. Hitomi reached forward and brushed away the tears before taking his cheeks in both of her hands. Smiling warmly she whispered, "No tears, Jasper. You know it's my time. We have had a good time together. You were my baby… my youngest child. I think I spoiled you a little more than your sister and brother because of it. You were so accepting of everyone and anyone. You were my reminder that everyone must be given a chance…"
The man chuckled lightly as he trembled. Her hand brushed back his bangs before she continued, "I have decided that I would bestow you with the power of hearts. You will forever know the true heart of a person by just looking into their eyes. Use my gift well."
The queen closed her eyes and kissed the man's brow sparking a pearl glow from the touch. It quickly dimmed however and the youth gave a painful shudder, "Thank you…"
Hitomi nodded and offered her hand to her other son while allowing Jasper to return to his seat. Gaou came down onto his knees and stared up into his mother's eyes sadly. She rubbed her palm against his cheek whispering, "You were my sunshine. No matter what kind of a day I had you gave me a reason to smile with your silly antics. I bestow upon you, Gaou, the gift of warming the darkest heart."
She came to bow down her head and again kissed her child's brow sparking a light that held for a heartbeat. Sighing lightly the man muttered a sobbing, "Thank you…"
Turning towards the last youth Hitomi felt her heart squeeze on the sight of Iris grown up. She was the mirror image of the woman she saw in the vision of the Pool of Time. She knew now that the guardian that had been there had been her future daughter. Now as she looked upon the woman her daughter had become she had no doubt in her mind that the heir would later become that guardian.
Iris, instead of kneeling, sat on the edge of the bed in perfect reach of her mother. The queen looked upon her daughter proudly seeing the beautiful woman and warrior the maiden had become. It seemed like only yesterday she saw the girl and her two brothers racing through the fields like normal children instead of the royals they were. It had been hard to raise them with a normal life while still keeping them knowledgeable about being royals. But it appeared things had worked out to Hitomi's relief.
"I'm sorry" were the first words breathed out of the queen's mouth catching some confusion. Hitomi took her daughter's hand tightly and continued painfully, "I believe I worked you too hard over the years. I was busy trying to keep the world at peace while teaching you to grow up as the next successor of the throne. Being the Angel of Gaea is difficult enough and to put it on your shoulders at an early age I did not wish, but it was necessary. I'm sorry I must pass on such a heavy burden to you."
The princess frantically grasped her mother's hand close to her chest. Her voice came in sorrowful gasps, "Don't say that. You and father gave us a wonderful life. I may at times have wine about the work and the burden of being royalty and offspring of heroes, but I would not be happier with other parents. You both loved us well and gave as much time as you could to be with us. We are sorry we were not better children."
"No" the queen cried taking her daughter's face in her hands, "No, you were wonderful children. I was blessed to have you three."
Hitomi winced suddenly causing everyone to start. As the queen's hands came to her heart the family members rose from their seats slightly. Iris desperately put her hands on her mother shoulders, "Mother, are you alright?"
The weaken woman pushed away her child's hands and muttered, "I'm fine, but we're running out of time."
The queen's hands went to her neck and lifted the ancient necklace from its resting place at her throat. Though the pendant had been shattered in the Mystic Valley a mere fragment had held onto the chain. Powerless as it was the stone still held emotional importance to the family and had stayed with them for the past decades. Hitomi looked at her daughter and took her child's hand delicately. With a smile on her face the queen whispered, "Iris, you were a symbol of hope to me. As long as I had you I knew Joutei would not leave me because he was able to bring you back to me when there was no hope at all."
Iris blinked back her tears sorrowfully as Hitomi continued slowly, "I will leave this world soon, but as ruler of Gaea I appoint you, Iris Fanel, as my successor for the Angel of Gaea. When I am gone you must watch over the peace of this world and protect all its inhabitants. I have trained you hard for this day and I know when you're children are ready they shall become the new successors."
Slowly the ruler undid the golden chain and brought it around her only daughter's neck. Her fingers delicately clasped the necklace back together as the queen continued softly, "I am proud to be giving such a strong woman my position. I know you shall do well in my place, my little angel."
Iris broke into a sob and grasped her mother's waist frantically as her brothers did the same. Van smiled sadly with his own tears falling down his cheek and completed the family hug. The middle-aged children cried sorrowfully as they knew their dear beloved mother was soon departing from this world. Hitomi shuddered out a breath and whispered a thank you to Joutei exclaiming how blessed she was to have lived so long.
Tenderly the mother pushed her love-ones back so they could see her watered face. She gave a small sniff before whispering; "Now I must ask you to watch over this world in my place. Do not forget one another and do not forget the past. Keep what you remember here close to your heart. Always remember I love you no matter what. Now please grant me a few moments with your father before it grows too late."
Iris nodded with a sniff and being the oldest she led her brothers out letting their parents have their final moments alone. Van watched the door swing close before turning desperately back to his dying wife. His arms surged forward and crushed her delicately to his chest. Hitomi cried wistfully into his warm neck with a small smile playing on her lips. Quietly she teased, "I'm being to think you're going to miss me, Van…"
The king shuddered out a broken laugh, "No, I'm just overjoyed to get rid of you."
Hitomi laughed weakly at the joke before pulling away to look into her husband's eyes of fire. He tenderly took her cheek in his hand as he whispered lovingly, "I don't think I'll be able to go on without you."
Her hands fiercely clamp over his and she whispered sadly, "You need to try. You need to help our children along. They might be ready to take on ruling, but it's going to be a critical time with my death. All of the nations sent their best healers when they heard I had been claimed by a new sickness. When I die all of Gaea will flip upside down. They'll need you."
The poor man bowed his head knowing this was true. He needed to be strong for Gaea. If not for the world than for the family, but he hated to see her go. Her hand pulled his chin back up so her emeralds met his rubies again. Brushing back a few ebony locks she whispered, "I know it's my time to go for if this illness could have been cured it would have been, but Joutei has decided it is time. When it is your time Joutei will call you as well. I'll be waiting for that day."
Suddenly Hitomi grabbed her chest and wheezed painfully. Van frantically grabbed her shoulders trying to steady her as she swayed. Her white bangs fell over her eyes as she whispered painfully, "It's time…"
The man didn't want to believe it was over… that his only love was disappearing from his very arms in seconds, but he could deny the illumination that was abruptly spilling into the room. Slowly his eyes lifted from the dying woman to the gaseous clouds rolling into the chamber. His eyes grew wider as he noticed several golden, transparent figures appear in the glow of pearl. He noticed his parents, Hitomi's grandparents, and Hitomi's dame and sire. Nearby stood the ghost of Resshi and Balgus coming to stand at attention as a last being emerged.
This being was made of yellow flames that lazily flowed behind him. His movements were gradual and regal like a great noble while his vague expression was soft and kind. Quietly this lone person stepped closer to the bed and lifted a hand towards the couple. Feebly Hitomi lifted her hand to the stranger just barely grasping it. Van gaped as he saw the figure step back pulling with him the ghost of Hitomi. The dead shell of the woman fell back as the seeress's fully exited her body. Turning around Van gaped to see his beloved's ghost was a mirror image of what Hitomi use to look like during the War of Immortals. Her face smiled warmly as she faced her dear husband for a final time.
Silently she leaned towards him and whispered, "I love you. Never forget that."
He was barely able to speak his own confession of love before she grew closer and kissed him fully on the lips. It felt strange to be kissing a spirit, but she felt as firm as flesh and as alive as ever. He instinctively reached out to pull her closer, but Hitomi pulled away seconds before he had caught her shoulders. The dead queen looked back at the flaming immortal one last time just before saying a farewell to her beloved, "I'll be waiting up in Heaven for you, Van. Stay strong for me and the children."
"It's time, young one" reminded the Great One softly.
The woman smiled up at her lord and said, "I am ready, Joutei."
The light that swallowing the room grew fierce behind the apparitions calling the spirits home. Turning around the two began to walk towards the great light with the others following close behind. Just seconds before the glow consumed them Hitomi looked back over her shoulder and mouthed a silent, "I love you…"
In the next beat of a heart the scene disappeared and the king was alone with the dead body of his wife. His hand unconsciously went to his wife's limp one and gently squeezed it as he whispered, "I'll see you soon, my beloved."
~~~ Afterwards ~~~
What happens later is really irrelevant to the tale I have told you. Of course, you want to know, however. Well, King Van lived about ten more years, but as many say he was never the same. A fire that had been part of him had suddenly disappeared the day his wife died. He even said the only reason he got out of bed every morning was because he had made a promise to stay strong for his family. Now when he was on his death bed for the same rare disease his wife died of he told everyone he had no regrets for he had lived out his days joyfully. Besides he was about to return to his beloved and at that moment… when everyone was gathered… a strange glow pierced the room. For a brief blink of an eye a ghostly figure could be seen stretching a familiar hand to the king. The children of the dying man leapt from their seats gaping crying, "Mother!"
But just as the words left their mouths and they saw the image of their parents (younger in sight) holding each other everything disappeared and all that was left was the dead body of Van Fanel, King of Gaea.
Several days after the funeral, Princess Iris was crowned Queen and Angel of Gaea. Now as the story goes the planet still rules to this day in peace and for now it shall remain that way. One can never say "they all lived happily ever after" though for a story never truly ends it just continues in a new look… in a new generation,… but that part of the story is not for me to tell. I have told you just a few small chapters of the history book of the universe. Perhaps another day will come for the continuation to be spoken of… perhaps I will one day even tell the time in between that last war and Lady Hitomi's death; however, we shall let this story end here… Perchance we shall meet again to speak of such… until then remember the past, embrace the present, and keep an eye on the future…
Till another time…
THE END…
~ Wow,… I'm finally done… I can barely believe it… *shrugs* Oh well! Now come on and review! I need to hear what you think. Yes, I was very, very tempted to just leave Hitomi dead, but I just didn't have the heart. Besides a lot of you was expecting her to stay dead so I had to put in the twist of her living again! Anyway… I hope you all liked my story and you greatly enjoyed it. I loved writing it and getting reviews. ~
~ Keep an eye out for the arrival of my first original story. Now it is going to be fantasy, adventure/action, but I am not sure if romance will be involved or not. However, I shall be writing a preview for it so keep an eye out for my preview. I shall place it as the 32nd chapter of this story. The story is going to be called "White Raven"~
~ Anyways, farewell, a Merry Christmas, and God Bless!~
The Fate of Two Worlds: The Sequel
By Angel_wings
Chapter 31 ~ A New Queen Arises
~~~ Seven Years After the Immortal War ~~~
The pearl roses smelled delicious this midday with the breeze lifting the fragrance through the pathways of the royal garden of Fanelia. The glorious arrangement of the most delicate flowers dwelt in that garden bringing such color and peaceful sensation with their fragrances. Within the maze of vegetation laid a small courtyard with a beautiful, monster fountain in the shape of an angel. The angel stood regal with her wings stretched wide open with her long hair fluttering stonily behind her. From her gray smooth hands she held over her head poured crystal water. As the waterfall plummet into the pool at her feet you could see tiny fish of rainbow colors flicker beneath the surface of the water.
That day there stood on the edge of the cream marble was a pale child dressed in a white silk dress. She looked like the small version of Snow White in every way. Her silky hair that reached to her shoulders was a rich black that contrasted so strikingly against her pale face of milk. Twinkling eyes of red-brown hue shone innocence and intelligence. Pink lips like soft roses smiled softly as she stared down at the rippling water. Giggling the girl dipped her milky hand into the crystal mirror and scooped up a bit of the liquid diamonds. The cool water leaked through the crevices of her fingers tickling her skin. Laughing lightly the girl stared at the liquid. Suddenly a soft glow surrounded her hand while gradually the small bit of water slowed in its leaking. Soon not even a drop left the child's hand even though there was plenty of water still remaining in her palm.
Nearby the courtyard stood a figure enjoying the cool shade beneath shadows of the castle's back archway. The sun was heavy during this time of year and the person within the shade had no desire to scorch. A soft smile could be seen from the person as his eyes watched the youth quietly.
The girl who appeared to be unaware of her watcher was fully concentrating on the water in her hand now. Her eyes of red glittered to green flecks for a moment as the illumination of her hand grew in intensity. Bit by bit the water in her hand swirled and lifted from her palm becoming a watery orb. The light followed the water encasing the liquid in its power. The girl's face broke into a large smile and she excitedly clapped at her success. Laughing merrily the girl waved her hands this way and that making the water ball chase her fingertips. Giggling excitedly the girl twirled letting her dress whip around her. Unfortunately the girl lost her concentration and the great ball of liquid dimmed and collapsed back into the fountain. Upon hearing its splash the girl quickly stopped and looked into the rippling water curiously. Though her toy had left a smile still broke out on her face. She merrily stood up and began to dance along the rim of the fountain as though the disappearance of the orb was some great revelation.
The shadowy figure chuckled lightly and finally stepped out from under the archway and into the light revealing himself. His ebony hair had grown a bit long over the last years and was pulled back into a short ponytail with some unruly bangs still falling over his ruby eyes. Draped in his old attire from the Great War the young king smiled fondly at his daughter as she laughed. Van could not help, but think of how much she reminded him of her mother.
Suddenly little Iris stopped her dancing and turned to her father. The man just smiled warmly content in watching her. The girl's eyes were distant as she looked at her sire as if she was thinking of something. When she posed no movement and was silent it confused the older royal. Van's face grew blank as he wondered what his daughter was doing.
"Tell me again, papa" the girl whispered softly. Her voice was like bells catching on a soft breeze.
The king gave his child a confused look and sat down on the fountain's rim, "Tell you what, Iris?"
The young child no more than seven rotations stared solemnly at her father, "How mother died in the War of Immortals."
Van flinched inwardly at the request. He hated to relive that memory. It brought back a lot of sorrow to his heart. The pain of seeing his wife's body covered in blood still sent a shiver down his spine. Closing his eyes the king saw a sudden flash of his wife lying in his lap in the Mystic Valley. Snapping his eyes back open Van felt his heart twist. It was so hard to think about it. He truly had no desire to go over the tale.
Turning wearily to his daughter the ruler asked softly, "Why do you want me to tell you such a tale, Iris?"
The young girl didn't answer her father, but instead jumped down from the granite fountain. Quietly she came to the king with her eyes blank and her face solemn. The man barely reacted as the princess pulled herself into his lap and pressed her cheek against his chest. Staring up at him she finally replied, "Everyone talks about it. They say mother was powerful during the war. I just want to hear it again."
Van rubbed the girl's ebony hair softly. His eyes grew distant as he whispered, "One must not dwell on the past."
The girl cocked her head slightly as she said, "Yes, but one must also remember the past."
The king looked down at his daughter curiously. It was rather strange. The young princess was extremely intelligent for her age. Yes, she did love books and read constantly, but for some odd reason she had a deeper understanding that her books never could tell her. Her smile always radiated the corridors and she was as playful as any other child, but she was still different from other youth. It was just odd how mature the princess was for her age. Her intelligence and wisdom was rarely seen in a seven-year-old.
Looking into the girl's eyes the king found himself seeing his wife's face. His daughter's eyes had changed to the emerald of Hitomi's and with the child looking up into his eyes it reminded him of so many other times his beloved had done the same. It was uncanny on how similar the two were. Iris was fast on her feet like her mother while a fighter. Her kindness was always there and her thoughts always dwelt on the well-being of others. As he looked down at his offspring he saw the face of his child and of his one true love. He couldn't deny a plea from his beloved or his daughter. Sighing slightly the king looked up at the blue sky watching the summer clouds roll by. His eyes looked towards the heavens quietly as he began in his deep voice, "You know of the story of the guardians and finding each one so I'll just skip to the last battle."
Iris nodded her head as she cuddled closer to her father. Van momentarily glanced down at her before painfully continuing, "No one could reach your mother for Dornkirk had created a barrier between us and her. The guardians and I tried our hardest to penetrate the barrier, but no one could. We were forced to watch your mother be beaten by Dornkirk while we continued to try to get to her."
An image of seeing Hitomi crash to the ground swam in the king's mind as his voice grew strangely low, "We began to give up on trying to save her, but I couldn't stop trying. I had already seen her die once. I refused to stand back and watch it happen again. Remember how I told you how I descended from dragonmeres. Well somehow the powers passed down from that race still mingled in my blood along with the powers of the Draconians."
He turned his eyes back to his daughter, "With Joutei's help he gave me the ability to go help your mother. I was able to penetrate the barrier."
"But she was already badly wounded when I got to her" he whispered sullenly, "By that time it was decided she would reverse the curse place on her to go against Dornkirk while I protected her. Unfortunately, when she did this she was unable to endure the link between her and Dornkirk and the effects of ripping the curse from her body."
Iris looked up her father seeing the ghostly look in his rubies as he stared down at the ground. The little girl gave a soft smile as she ended the story.
"And she gave her life in the name of Joutei" the princess spoke tenderly with pride in her voice, "She suffered so everyone would live and see what she had done this for. What mother did was inspiring that's why the World Treaty was signed by every nation because they saw what she had done and knew that all of us no matter the race or differences had to come together praising Joutei."
Van looked down at the youth quietly with a gentle fondness as he whispered, "Yes, that's very true, Iris."
"True to thy words" spoke a rich female voice bringing the two royals to look up at the woman. The lady was very beautiful with long brown hair that fell to her back and sparkling blue summer eyes. She was dressed in a white dress with the royal emblem of Fanelia on her breast. In her arms was a young boy about six with short brunette hair and hazel eyes.
The young princess's face broke into a smile as she cried happily, "Gaou !"
The boy quickly squiggled out of the woman's arm and raced to his sister. The two embraced and soon began to play a game of tag as they ran around the fountain. Van smiled as his two children and strode over to the lovely woman with a gentle smile.
"Morning, Felicia" the king spoke warmly with a twinkle in his eye, "How are you feeling?"
The woman's smile was sweet as she rubbed her slightly swollen belly, "Well, though I fear soon I will unable to play much longer with those two. In a couple of moons my belly will be too much of a burden to endure."
"Couple of moons?" Van muttered confused, "You're only three moons now."
Her cerulean pools twinkled as she smiled, "Yes, but I was just informed that I am probably having twins by the way I am progressing."
"Twins?!" the king chuckled happily, "Oh, what a blessing!"
The woman laughed lightly with a laugh that chimed like silver bells, "Indeed it is!"
Suddenly in the middle of the children's game, Iris came to a stop to swirl around and stare in the direction of the adults. The girl smiled happily as she exclaimed, "Mother!"
The two adults turned to the girl before noticing the direction of her gaze. The pair turned with the two children to see a young woman appearing from the entrance of the castle.
Van smiled happily, "Hitomi."
The queen smiled back as she came along side him and took his arm. Turning to the other woman the royal maiden teased, "Now, Felicia, what is Benjamin going to think with you spending so much time speaking with my husband."
The woman rolled her eyes quickly as she laughed, "He'd probably be overjoyed to think he wouldn't have to be responsible to watch two children. He nearly had a heart attack when I told him I was pregnant with his first child, but when I told him a day ago we were having twins he nearly had a relapse."
"Twins?!" Hitomi said happily as she took the woman's hands, "Oh, I am so glad for you."
"As am I" the duchess replied, "I just hope my husband will survive long enough to actually meet his children." The queen smiled fondly as she leaned into her beloved's shoulder.
"Oh don't fret" the angel queen replied teasingly, "I thought Van was about to outright die when he heard I was pregnant again." The maiden smiled as she gave her husband a soft kiss on his cheek and the king turned a deep red. His hand ran over her stomach softly feeling the roundness it was developing again.
Just then both Gaou and Iris raced up to their parents and Hitomi quickly scooped up her daughter. Giving her a kiss on the brow the woman smiled at her daughter who soon hugged her neck and gave her dame her own kiss on the cheek. Turning back to the noble the queen replied, "Thank you very much, Felicia, for teaching the children. You have a real knack for teaching."
"I should be thanking you, Queen Hitomi" the woman said bashfully, "It was you who brought my family into nobility."
"It was the least I could do" the seeress whispered with a few tears in her eyes, "You're father, Reeshi, was a good man and deserved to be a true knight. He had stayed by my side for nearly a decade and I refused to see him get less. I am just sad that he is no longer with us."
"As am I" the woman replied with a small sorrow, "but he always was thankful for what you did, Hitomi. He had always wanted to be a knight and I had never seen him happier when you actually knighted him. It was unfortunate only that he had been a knight four years, but he did get his one desire. I'm just glad his heart held out so long to let him live his one dream."
Hitomi smiled warmly as the maiden said, "I take my leave now, your majesties. Good day."
The royal family watched happily as the teacher left for the day. Hitomi sighed contently as she rubbed her nose against her daughter's cheek. The little angel girl squealed happily and cried, "Quit, momma! That tickles!"
The queen chuckled warmly as she asked, "How was your day, little ones?"
"Very good!" the boy at his mother's feet exclaimed, "Today, Lord Nembus taught us to jump on horseback."
"How did you do?" the king asked smiling.
The boy stuck out his chest proudly and stated, "I made nearly every jump!" Hitomi was forced to cover her mouth to keep from laughing at her son's cuteness. Even Van's smile broke a little before he could retrieve it.
"But you should tell them of your first jump" retorted Iris like a true sibling would, "You completely ran into the jump and knock down the poles!"
Gaou scowled up at his sister and snorted, "Well, you didn't even make half the jumps!"
"Alright! Alright!" the queen exclaimed with a bit of laugh, "Enough of that. You know I don't approve of your quarrels. Now you both did very well if you even made one jump. I wasn't even learning to jump at your age!"
Both of the youngsters' faces glowed with hope of a story as they looked at their mother. Luckily, for the queen a new person emerged in the courtyard interrupting the whole conversation.
It was a woman who approached. Draped in brown and green attire was a female warrior with short brunette hair and silver eyes. The little girl clapped her hands together excitedly and cried, "Lady Sian!"
The guardian smiled fondly at the princess and replied, "Good day to you, little Iris. As to the rest of you, I have come to retrieve you for your lessons."
Gaou stepped forward eagerly. He always enjoyed their fighting lessons with the famed warrior. Iris quickly slipped out of her mother's arms and raced to the ancient female. With a huge smile pouring off her face the girl exclaimed, "Will Trista be joining us today?"
Before Sian could answer, a smiling young girl about the same age as Iris and Gaou popped out from behind the maiden. The girl was a mirror image of Sian except her hair was about a foot longer in a beautiful braid. She scampered over to the princess and said, "Of course! I would never miss my mother's own lessons!"
The two happily laughed as Gaou rolled his eyes and muttered, "Girls are weird…"
The two girls turned around and stuck out their tongues with a laugh before racing down one of the garden's paths. Gaou scowled angrily before chasing after them yelling, "Iris! Trista! Get back here!"
The three adults laughed merrily at the children's behavior before turning back to one another. Eyes were twinkling with pure happiness as the queen asked, "How are you, Sian?"
"At peace" the woman muttered lowly with a twinge of joy in her words, "For once my heart is at ease."
Van wrapped his arm back around his wife as he asked, "And Nembus?"
The guardian looked contently at the king as she said, "He is full of happiness. It has been a long time since I have seen such joy in him. We are happy to be able to walk with peace."
"Yes…" Hitomi whispered quietly as her thoughts dwelt somewhere other than where they stood, "Finally… there is true peace…"
~~~ Flashback ~~~
She felt as if her body was empty. There was a dull ache of something missing. Her head was spinning fast and her body felt unable to keep up. Within her soul though there was a hole of something important. The seeress opened her eyes to find blackness surrounding her. Blurs of white and deeper darkness ran through her sight, but she ignored it as the drowsiness of body began to shake off. Her delicate fingers, still blotted with blood, uncurled and stretched. A heavy sigh escaped from her bitter tasting lips that were dripping red.
"Where?…" the woman muttered sleepily, "Where am I?"
"Here in judgment, young one" came a familiar voice of comfort.
Hitomi ran a hand over her eyes momentarily before feeling herself drift slightly forward, "How long have I been here?"
"You have just arrived" growled another being, one whose voice sounded like a serpent's.
The woman reopened her eyes and spotted the two immortals. She had never seen Akuma other than in visions, but now as she found herself confronted with the dark ruler she felt her skin crawl. This being was born of the blackest darkness where pure hate dwelt. It was strange to him flanking Joutei, his complete opposition, and not trying to kill the golden being. Her eyes snapped awake as she muttered sorrowfully, "I'm dead…"
"Yes" the golden immortal conferred in his deep voice with subdued emotions, "I must say I am proud of you, young one."
Blinking back her tears the maiden squared back her shoulders, "Thank you, Joutei. I am glad I was able to help."
The demon king rolled his eyes with a snort, "Oh, please, spare me these emotions. So what if you saved Gaea. Sooner or later war will appear again. You have only won this battle, seeress. There are many more to come."
Hitomi leveled her eyes with the scarlet figure and fearlessly dared an insult, "At least I won."
Akuma bared his teeth and snarled signaling a warning, "Do not cross my patience, seeress. I am the ruler of all darkness and could make the afterlife for you a very unpleasant place."
The woman did not even flinch at the cold threat as she glared at the demon. Her eyes held not a single speck of fear as her features grew sharp. With a small growl the woman said, "I am not afraid of you, Akuma. I challenge that threat."
The demon king's eyes widened in shock at her forwardness. Even now her harshness remained covering up any fear she might -- or might not --- have for him. His teeth grinded together furiously as he snarled, "Well, then I'll just have to carry out that threat."
His clawed hands were thrown up and they started to glow, but the seeress did not budge as she continued to glare at the being. Rage began to build up in the dark ruler at her defiance and electricity sizzled from his fingertips. Joutei suddenly appeared between them causing Akuma to snarl.
"You may be more powerful, Joutei" the demon hissed darkly on the name, "And I may be weakened by I am still able to damage you."
"Enough, Akuma" the god stated with not a hint of fear, "You really should not be agitating your heroine."
"Heroine?" the demon scoffed loudly, "That wench is a play toy nothing more. She is no heroine of mine."
"She destroyed Dornkirk the being who stole your powers, she has returned those same powers to you, and given you a way out of your cell" stated the immortal emotionlessly, "and you dare not call her a heroine?"
Akuma scowled angrily feeling his temper jump another level. He hated when the immortal was able to out speak him. Stubbornly the demon turned his face away and stared at the emptiness.
After waiting for any other sort of response from the demon and seeing none the great immortal turned back to the soul of the seeress. Her eyes had turned away from the two and she was staring at the darkness beneath her feet. All around her floated a billion souls of both angel and devil, but she seemed to be oblivious to this with her thoughts occupied.
Cocking his fiery head the golden figure comforted, "What troubles you, young one?"
Hitomi did not lift her eyes as she muttered sullenly, "Nothing…"
Joutei lifted his head slightly and chided, "Remember, my child, I know all. I need not hear you state what is troubling you, for I already know. I only ask to hold a close relationship with you."
The seeress momentarily glanced at the God mulling over this. It was true that Joutei knew all and he was able to contemplate everything. The only real reason for him to ask was to show he was concerned.
The dead queen turned slightly to her king and stated softly, "It's just that… If you are all-powerful, Joutei, why did you not stop Dornkirk yourself? Why did you not break the seal that encases you here?"
Behind the golden god the demon laughed haughtily, "And you said she had faith in you! HA! Her questions prove of her doubt!" For a second pain raced before the seeress's eyes and she her head in shame.
"Questions prove little of doubt" commented the golden figure wisely, "They prove more of faith then of doubt. Questions only come from believing in me."
Turning back to the seeress the golden giant found the woman lifting tearstained eyes to her king. His flaming hand cradled her cheek and she felt the warmth of love radiate from the great being. Smiling the being whispered, "Do not fret, my child. You're faith is one of the greatest in many centuries."
Hitomi bowed her head with a soft smile and muttered, "Thank you…"
Akuma growled angrily at the whole display and snorted in anger.
"Now" the god proclaimed louder, "As for your questions. First, of all understand, child, that life will always be full of joy and sorrow. To take too much of one is showing no appreciation of the other. Perhaps people will enjoy peace for a few centuries, but sooner or later war erupts for the sake of change. There always a time for peace, but there is always a time for war also. The two go hand in hand. Like the sun in the moon. They are brothers."
Hitomi cocked her head slightly, "I truly do not understand your reasoning, Joutei, but I accept it. Maybe with these years of my time in the afterlife I will come to better understand everything."
"As you wish" replied the God wisely, "But as for the reason I did not intervened is something you may understand. If I had intervened the people might have come to believe in me, but my ways are inconspicuous, my child. I wish people to find faith in me and not the image of me. If I appeared they might think I was only there when I was visible and would do things when I was not visible. If someone else had taken a leap of faith and proven I did exist without the need of me becoming visible it would make a far greater impact. My saving the world is nothing compared to someone believing I would and then seeing it happened."
"Then why stay here" the seeress asked, "Why remain in this dark place, Joutei?"
The god grinned warmly as he placed both his hands tenderly on her shoulders. Her eyes glittered from his illumination as he stated softly, "I wanted you to find bountiful faith in me first before you proclaimed it to world. I never doubted your faith, young one, but I wanted to bring it to a new level. I wanted you to have faith in me even when it seemed there was no hope at all."
She stared up at the God in awe unable to express her amazement. Tenderly she whispered, "This was not just about Gaea learning that we needed to trust in you Joutei. It was also for me to learn something as well… for me to become closer to you…"
"Yes…" the being muttered sorrowfully, "I am sorry you had to endure that, but sometimes the greatest lessons are learned through the greatest storms of life."
Hitomi looked straight into the beings eyes of gold and felt a world of understanding crash down on her from his gaze as if he was downloading his wisdom to her through his eyes. Though she did not completely comprehend what he was saying her heart seemed to. She trusted this being with all her heart. She felt no malice in him at all and no doubt that he would always be there for his people. Nodding her head barely the seeress replied, "I think I understand…"
"Yes…" responded the great being with a warm voice, "but you are still troubled."
Hitomi bowed her head sadly, "It's just…"
"Yes" the god encouraged.
The seeress looked up with pain glimmering in her emeralds, "I miss my family already."
Joutei smiled slightly, "I understand, but you must understand that all beings must die eventually."
"Yes" the maiden responded with a bow of her head, "I accept that. I am just going to miss them terribly."
The golden immortal said nothing as he stared at the woman. Tenderly his hand rested on her brow and brushed away her tears like a father would a child. Hitomi's eyes spilled with the diamonds of her sorrow as she lifted her face to him. Painfully she whispered, "I am sorry, Joutei. I am glad to be here for I am able to be with you in heaven, my king."
Joutei remained emotionless as he nodded. Taking away his hands the god proclaimed, "It is time that all of this is changed."
Hitomi and Akuma grew pensive as they saw the god's hands glow bright. Joutei lifted his palms above as golden fire stretched across the darkness. Blazing flames of yellow ripped through the great void and consumed the blackness. Demons and angels were enveloped in seconds by the fire, but were not burned. As a bellow of flames came her way Hitomi flinched fearfully. In the blink of an eye the fire wrapped around her and she felt a beautiful warmth run over her. The temperature was neither scorching nor damaging, but more of a comforting feel. Her hair whipped around her face and she felt her pores swallow up the delicious fire.
Upon opening her eyes she noticed the entire world had formed a great golden illumination that basked in the glory of Joutei. Gradually the three portals of Judgment stretched open allowing the seeress to see the other side. Through the first portal she saw the world of darkness develop. She saw the black rocks ripped through the ground as lava and fire erupted. Ebony cages for torture stretched throughout the land and a great lake of golden tongues roared.
Akuma smirked at his domain and quickly flew towards it happy to have his kingdom back to rule. His demons began to gather up the condemned souls and dragged them back to the horrible torture of the realm. Many were kicking and screaming as they went.
Turning Hitomi noticed the angels swarming towards the other passageway, the one for Heaven. Behind this entrance the golden roads rolled back over the clouds and crystal seas swam in her sight. Peace and joy reigned in that place. The glimmer of the paradise was tempting to the eye and Hitomi felt herself take a step towards it.
Sadly, though she felt a pull on her heart. Looking to the far left she saw the last portal. It was the way to the realm of the living. She could see the planet of Gaea come into view and gradually Hitomi made her way to it. The images curled together and slowly the scene changed to an aerial view of the Mystic Valley. She never noticed how quiet the realm had gotten or how empty. She was too busy watching the scene drop down to where the guardians and Van laid. She could see him cradling her broken body and she could see his tears. The pain of her death washed from him to her and she felt tears roll down her eyes.
"Young one…" Joutei whispered softly, "No tears…"
Hitomi nodded, but did not brush away the tears. Her heart felt so empty…
Joutei smiled warmly as he placed a golden hand on her shoulder. The seeress finally turned away from the scene and headed towards the pearly gates of the remade Heaven. As her steps grew closer she noticed how warm her body grew. A heat that began in the very marrow of her soul began to swell and reach throughout her body. The light of the paradise ran over body and the dead queen began to glow brightly, but her footsteps faltered as she reached the very edge of the portal. Inside the billion of angels watched her and cheered her name.
"Hail, Lady Hitomi, Angel of Gaea" they cried with love. Their voices mingled together in a sweet praise, but it did little to help the sorrow in the woman's heart. Hitomi bit her lower lip as she noticed familiar faces inside the paradise. She could see her father and mother crying joyful tears with their arms outstretched to her, encouraging her on. Elsewhere the seeress noticed Queen Iris and Queen Rachelle standing side by side giving her smiles of welcome. At the very border of the crowd, grandfather and her grandfather were smiling up at her. Hitomi raised her hand over her heart and let loose a single painful sob. The crowd thought she was overcome with joy, but they had no idea how torturous it was to see this at the brink of her feet.
The seeress frantically whipped around to face Joutei with tears streaming down her face. Wracked with sobs she gasped, "I can't do this."
Joutei stared at her with a blank face as she sucked in a shuddered breath. Clasping her hands together the young maiden cried, "Forgive me, Joutei, for not being happy with the chance of Heaven."
Glancing once at the crowd she noticed they had all grown silent listening to what she was saying. Her emeralds surfaced new tears as she continued, "I just can't leave them. I can't leave them back on Gaea without a goodbye."
Joutei bowed his head slightly and cupped her cheek warmly. His eyes softened considerably as he whispered, "I never was going to keep you here, my child."
Hitomi blinked a few times and sniffed, "What?"
"Your place is back on Gaea as the ruler of the Draconians" the god continued soothingly, "You need to raise your daughter to be the next Angel of Gaea to ensure peace for a thousand years. Though your husband is a good leader he does not have the ability to teach her the powers she inherited from you."
The seeress grabbed the god's hand as her face lithe up. With her emeralds shinning she frantically asked, "Do you mean I'm going back?"
"Yes" the immortal said with a smile, "Besides I wanted your son to grow up strong."
Hitomi started suddenly, "Son?"
Joutei gave a lopsided grin, "You conceived in the desert a few days past. You will bear a son."
The queen brought her hand to her stomach as she whispered, "A son?…"
The golden figure smiled wider as he placed both his palms over her cheeks. His eyes of yellow coals were locked with her emeralds as he whispered, "I know you would not be ready to come just yet. You've been through a great deal in your life, young one, so I decided you deserved to live a full life on Gaea."
Hitomi couldn't hold in her joy and rushed forward and hugged the immortal fiercely. With tears dripping onto his golden flames the seeress whispered a sobbing, "Thank you…"
"It's the least I could do as a reward for giving up your life for me" the immortal whispered back.
Pulling away from the immortal the Angel turned back to the portal. Her eyes caught her mother's and the two smiled warmly at one another. With a burst of joy the seeress shouted, "I promise to return in a few decades."
With flowing water down her cheeks the tearful mother shouted, "Don't worry. Will be right here waiting."
Seconds later a great uproar ensued filling Hitomi's ears as she turned around to face her king. Joutei nodded once before bringing his hands over the woman's head. There came a flash of warmth and color before Hitomi felt the searing pain edge towards her mind and ruptured through her blood.
She felt something warm against her side yet at the same time feeling another warm run over her flesh. Her fingers barely twitched as they felt a thick substance rub against her calluses. A new wet substance, somewhat colder than the prior, hit her cheek just below her right eye. She flinched at the change of temperature and lightly moaned.
Hitomi?…
That voice… so familiar… so warm and gentle…
Hitomi!…
There was some slight movement pressing against her and shifting her body. Something firm ran up her arm and for a moment she felt her body tremor.
Hitomi!…
There it was again... that voice so full of remembrance... It held some sort of importance that she could not pinpoint.
Hitomi…
The smell of grass and field… Another tremor came, this time a little more fierce. She felt herself reaching a sort of pinnacle of awareness.
Please come back to me, Hitomi…
She felt something in her mind clicked and for that brief moment she felt reality return to her mind. A single word flashed in her head screaming to be heard. Barely able to withstand the demands of the cry the woman gave a weak mutter, "Van…"
She's alive! She's alive!
Alive? Was I dead? The seeress felt so disoriented. Her memories were a jumble. Scattered images and half said words emitted in her mind, but they had mingled into one chaotic manifestation that she could not decipher.
We need to get her eyes open or she might go into a coma or worse!
That was a different voice, but it was still familiar some how…
Open your eyes! Hitomi!
She wanted to listen, but her body felt so sore… so full of anguish… Her veins felt dry of energy. A throbbing began to go off through her body racking her bones with pure torment.
I'm sorry to do this, Hitomi! WAKE UP!
An abrupt pounding sensation struck the side her face and all new pain awoke in her senses. Her eyes quickly snapped open as she sucked in a breath of air. All she saw at first were blurs stretched out in her eyesight. She tried desperately to grasp the world flowing through her head and gradually the scenery became as clear as ever… her sight and her memory…
She finally was able to see the warm face of her husband. His eyes were red from past and present crying. Blood was dripping from a head wound hidden somewhere in his unruly ebony, but he showed no suffering. No, he showed pure joy dancing in his eyes and a wide smile. Behind him she spotted the face of Sian grinning from ear to ear as Nembus stood at her shoulder. She knew the other warriors were nearby, but stood out of her range of sight.
Turning to look back at her dear husband she noticed a new wave of tears was running down his face. She felt her face stretch as a tender smile broke out. Weakly she lifted her hand to his face and felt the delicious warmth his body radiated. He desperately covered her hand with his and shoved his nose in her palm as he took a shuddering breath. His eyes of rubies turned to her emeralds with ecstasy. She could not think of anything to say so she settled for a broken, "Hi…"
That's all it took for him to break and crush her to his chest. Her injuries cried out in dismay, but she ignored them as she closed her eyes and breathed in his deep scent. His hand roughly tangled into her hair as he kissed her temple like a desperate man.
Sian let out a wonderful cry and did a perfect spin to face Nembus. Before he realize what was happening she lunged at him and kissed him hard. The poor man was taken so off guard that he just stood there for a while unable to react. Gradually he relaxed and wound his arms around her waist and furthered their kiss. The moment fully showed just how much pint up love and passion had grown over the years of separation.
Folken smiled while Zaado put a brotherly hand on Nazomi. Tsuno rolled his eyes at the affection before muttering, "Love…"
As Van and Hitomi latched onto each other the king pearl armor began to glow. The couples were too busy to take noticed, but the others watched as the metal became a white gas. The vapor swirled gracefully towards the red warrior as they watched in awe. Her hand stretched forward to brush the gaseous display just as it transformed to a solid. Escaflowne found himself in front of his mate on his feet for only a moment before he collapsed in her arms. Frantically Shakaku lowered her mate gently to the ground and noticed his many wounds. The white dragon grabbed hold of her hand as he convulsed from pain.
Shakaku gently brushed away his bloody bangs as she whispered, "It's alright. I'll lend you some strength."
She then lowered his mouth over his and gave him a breath of air. Escaflowne swallowed the oxygen hungrily feeling her powers spread through his lungs. Soon the oxygen met the bloodstream and spread through his veins. Where wounds appeared at the edge of the bloodstream the oxygen would leave the blood cells and consumed the injury. Slowing with the powers of dragonmeres the wounds knit together only to leave a pink scar in their wake. After a few moments Shakaku backed away and collapsed along side her mate. With their hands still clasped together the dragons slept allowing their powers' strain to relax.
Hitomi rubbed her cheek against her beloved's and look towards the heavens. The clouds rolled back and the sunlight pierced her emeralds. For a brief moment the light caught the edge of the clouds and image of the face of Joutei smiling appeared. When she blinked the image was gone, but she felt a warm peace hit her.
Quietly she whispered, "Thank you… Thank you so much, Joutei…"
~~~ End of Flashback ~~~
Afterwards, a great deal changed. The guardians had been transformed to mortals at the last battle of the War of Immortals. They were being allowed to live a normal life finally. Each of the warriors was overjoyed and quickly began to start a new life. Sian and Nembus were married very soon after returning to Fanelia and a year later the forest maiden bore her first child, Trista. Tsuno began to work with the naval ships of Fanelia and became overseer of the work in a couple of years. Nazomi was knighted, but she decided to become a regular citizen and took home in the town. Zaado went into blacksmithing and began to supply Fanelia with all it needed of metal. Shakaku and Escaflowne were asked to stay, but it was decided it was not necessary for them to remain in the great kingdom. Though they were bought guardians the royal couple wanted the dragonmeres to have a normal life together so the dragons left for the old mountain Shakaku lived in. Folken at first had decided to stay at Fanelia because it was his home, but then one day he came to his brother and sister-in-law to say he decided to take some traveling. He felt he needed to make peace with several people whose love ones he had killed when he was with Zaibach. He began a journey of forgiveness.
Well, just when that was settled all the nations decided to sign the largest treaty ever known on Gaea, or on the Mystic Moon. Every nation, kingdom, town, city, and country signed the document of peace in exchange for the great suffering the Draconian Queen had gone through to save their world. It was decided Fanelia would be the reigning kingdom overall of Gaea with smaller subdivision to watch over more distant sections of the world. Fanelia was the judge over all conflicts and since being with the largest army on the face of the planet she was able to punish any injustice or defiance if ever necessary.
Last to come about was the announcement of the second heir to the throne. When Hitomi revealed her knowledge that she was pregnant again with a son Van was ecstatic along with the rest of the world. When the boy came into the world nearly nine months later he was named Gauo in remembrance of Van's father. Mostly for the reason for naming their son that was because the boy had such a striking resemblance to his grandfather. Now both Iris and Gaou began training and schooling at an early age. The princess was going to take the name as Angel of Gaea and Queen of the Draconians after Hitomi and Van's death so the parents wanted to prepare her along with her brother. The family was extremely close and was often seen together on the castle grounds. Hitomi often remembered how she had suffered to bring Iris into the world and nearly lost her a matter of days. Gaou had been her sunshine from birth while Iris had been her hope.
Hitomi would always remember the wars, but for now she was focused on the present…
~~~ Thirty Years Later ~~~
A woman with black hair woven into a hundred braids raced up the stairway. Her boots clinked up the stairs as she desperately fought to get to the top. Behind her she could hear the group at her heels encouraging her to go faster. Her eyes of red flashed green as she heard someone cry, "Hurry!"
She saw the archway ahead and dove for the passageway. Her boots slid a little when she hit the last step, but even for a late thirty old woman she had perfect balance and was able to steer herself to the right. Her green cape whipped behind her as she saw the hallway looming ahead. She stretched her muscles harder as she saw a group standing outside the master chamber's doors. The princess took notice of several familiar faces such as Allen, Sian, Millerina, Nembus, and the other guardians. When she came close to the door the woman slowed down and finally halted just before the great wooden fixture. She heard her brothers and her husband come up just behind her along with Trista and several others. Looking at the aged healer the royal woman asked numbly, "Is she?"
"She's waiting for you" Millerina whispered sorrowfully, "She refused to give up until she saw you and your brothers."
Iris swallowed the lump in her throat and blinked away her tears as she faced the heavy doors. Quickly a pair of soldiers came forward and opened the way for the three royal siblings. Iris rolled back her shoulders and led the way as she softly stepped through the entrance. Her heart began to beat faster as she noticed inside how still the atmosphere was. All three royal heirs had firmly pressed their lips together. It was like the air was scolding them for even breathing. Their boots barely made any noise as they walked through the hallway of their parents' room. The oldest caught sight of the doorway that led to the bedroom and felt her heart jump into her throat. The doors that always had been so welcoming to the eye now seem to be sullen and sunken in with depression.
Swallowing the new lump in her throat Iris looked back at her brothers. Gaou's eyes were shadowed with his brown hair falling over his eyes. Flanking his left side stood Jasper with pearl bangs dropping over his emerald orbs of sadness. It was obvious he had taken quite a few characteristics from their uncle on their father's side. Both had long hair pulled back into ponytails while they were dressed in royal robes. They were each in their late thirties with the exception of Jasper in his early thirties. They were still very young looking with bright faces, but today they look very much their age with the distress plain on their faces.
Iris nodded before turning back to the doors and grabbed the curved silver handle. The doors gave a small creak with her pull and quietly the three walked in. Standing about in the room were their Uncle Mamoru and Aunt Merle with their daughter, Christen. In the far corner sat their aged Uncle Folken with his face in his wrinkled hand. Several of the royal advisors took up the remaining space along with a few close citizens, such as Lady Yukari, Sir Amano, and their two children, Stephen and Aquiline.
It was the king size bed, however, that caught the three siblings' eyes. Sitting on the edge of the mattress was their father. He had grown slightly slimmer in his years, but he still had a muscular build. His hair was a close white-gray that was pulled into a long ponytail while he had acquired a small beard. His red eyes burned brightly like when he was in his teens instead of in his early fifties. He was dressed in one of his more casual garments today, a pair of old faded cream pants with a slightly shredded sleeveless red shirt. It was an outfit he never would let go of no matter how much the children had scolded him for being a "pack rat" (as mother called it). Now as they saw him sitting there with his eyes brimming with tears they were glad they had not gotten rid of the attire. When he wore the outfit it was one of the last few things that made him smile anymore.
Lying in the mist of thick blankets and large pillows was a frail figure. Her hair had grown past her shoulders in the last couple of decades and was a beautiful white like a unicorn's mane. The long silky locks were draped over the many pillows like a wide waterfall of pearl. Her face was only slightly wrinkled from age making her appear only slightly past forty. She was presently dressed in a glorious white nightdress that hid beneath the covers. She was slightly propped up against the multitude of pillows. Her bright emeralds sparkled at the sight of her children and raising a weak hand she called them, "Please, come here. My time grows short."
Iris felt unable to move at that moment. To see the woman she had been closest to in her life lying there dying from a heart disease just made the princess's entire body lock. The withered hand still remained in the air as the two sons walked passed their sister. Iris was unable to control the sob that broke from her throat then and while her tears ran down her cheeks she flung herself at her mother. Her arms wrapped around the queen's thinned waist as the princess bawled in the maiden's nightgown. Hitomi smiled down at the top of her daughter's head and petted the dark ebony locks. The two young men did their best to keep the tears from slipping from their eyes, but they could not hold them back. They had at least kept themselves from breaking into sobs like their older sister.
The queen looked towards the other of the room and feebly asked, "Could everyone please give us some privacy."
No one could deny the last wish of the queen and slowly the group walked out of the room with her closest love ones trailing behind. Those special individuals took one final moment to say a small goodbye before exiting and, thus bringing a few tears to the dying female. As the last of the guests disappeared and the doors were closed the queen turned back to her family. Van crawled a little closer to his wife and placed an old arm around her shoulders lovingly. Hitomi took a moment to smile up at him before turning back to her children. By then Iris had settled down and was now taking one of the three chairs next to the bed.
Hitomi fiddled with her fingers nervously as she turned to her children. With a soft expression flowing into her face she began fondly, "You are three of the most important people in my life and I am sorry we had such little time together. I am still young for my age to be dying. I might have lasted about twenty more years, but I am not upset that I am leaving now. I was to die a long time ago, but Joutei gave me thirty blessed more years to live instead. I am thankful I have lived this long."
Her children said nothing as they listened to their mother's words. Though they each had felt blessed with their mother's lengthened life they felt slightly cheated be her being taken away not. They felt selfish for desiring her to stay longer and they felt ashamed for being angry with Joutei for taking her now, but as she spoke… they felt a sense of peace… She could have stayed dead at the last battle… Iris would have been raised by only one parent and never had met her brothers. Joutei had given more than they could have hope. They were thankful for that,… but it didn't make the whole situation any easier to accept…
The queen's hand went towards the youngest first, "Jasper…"
The call brought the man to his feet and taking her hand he knelt beside the bed. His emerald eyes were so full of tears now that they streamed like two rivers down his cheeks. Hitomi reached forward and brushed away the tears before taking his cheeks in both of her hands. Smiling warmly she whispered, "No tears, Jasper. You know it's my time. We have had a good time together. You were my baby… my youngest child. I think I spoiled you a little more than your sister and brother because of it. You were so accepting of everyone and anyone. You were my reminder that everyone must be given a chance…"
The man chuckled lightly as he trembled. Her hand brushed back his bangs before she continued, "I have decided that I would bestow you with the power of hearts. You will forever know the true heart of a person by just looking into their eyes. Use my gift well."
The queen closed her eyes and kissed the man's brow sparking a pearl glow from the touch. It quickly dimmed however and the youth gave a painful shudder, "Thank you…"
Hitomi nodded and offered her hand to her other son while allowing Jasper to return to his seat. Gaou came down onto his knees and stared up into his mother's eyes sadly. She rubbed her palm against his cheek whispering, "You were my sunshine. No matter what kind of a day I had you gave me a reason to smile with your silly antics. I bestow upon you, Gaou, the gift of warming the darkest heart."
She came to bow down her head and again kissed her child's brow sparking a light that held for a heartbeat. Sighing lightly the man muttered a sobbing, "Thank you…"
Turning towards the last youth Hitomi felt her heart squeeze on the sight of Iris grown up. She was the mirror image of the woman she saw in the vision of the Pool of Time. She knew now that the guardian that had been there had been her future daughter. Now as she looked upon the woman her daughter had become she had no doubt in her mind that the heir would later become that guardian.
Iris, instead of kneeling, sat on the edge of the bed in perfect reach of her mother. The queen looked upon her daughter proudly seeing the beautiful woman and warrior the maiden had become. It seemed like only yesterday she saw the girl and her two brothers racing through the fields like normal children instead of the royals they were. It had been hard to raise them with a normal life while still keeping them knowledgeable about being royals. But it appeared things had worked out to Hitomi's relief.
"I'm sorry" were the first words breathed out of the queen's mouth catching some confusion. Hitomi took her daughter's hand tightly and continued painfully, "I believe I worked you too hard over the years. I was busy trying to keep the world at peace while teaching you to grow up as the next successor of the throne. Being the Angel of Gaea is difficult enough and to put it on your shoulders at an early age I did not wish, but it was necessary. I'm sorry I must pass on such a heavy burden to you."
The princess frantically grasped her mother's hand close to her chest. Her voice came in sorrowful gasps, "Don't say that. You and father gave us a wonderful life. I may at times have wine about the work and the burden of being royalty and offspring of heroes, but I would not be happier with other parents. You both loved us well and gave as much time as you could to be with us. We are sorry we were not better children."
"No" the queen cried taking her daughter's face in her hands, "No, you were wonderful children. I was blessed to have you three."
Hitomi winced suddenly causing everyone to start. As the queen's hands came to her heart the family members rose from their seats slightly. Iris desperately put her hands on her mother shoulders, "Mother, are you alright?"
The weaken woman pushed away her child's hands and muttered, "I'm fine, but we're running out of time."
The queen's hands went to her neck and lifted the ancient necklace from its resting place at her throat. Though the pendant had been shattered in the Mystic Valley a mere fragment had held onto the chain. Powerless as it was the stone still held emotional importance to the family and had stayed with them for the past decades. Hitomi looked at her daughter and took her child's hand delicately. With a smile on her face the queen whispered, "Iris, you were a symbol of hope to me. As long as I had you I knew Joutei would not leave me because he was able to bring you back to me when there was no hope at all."
Iris blinked back her tears sorrowfully as Hitomi continued slowly, "I will leave this world soon, but as ruler of Gaea I appoint you, Iris Fanel, as my successor for the Angel of Gaea. When I am gone you must watch over the peace of this world and protect all its inhabitants. I have trained you hard for this day and I know when you're children are ready they shall become the new successors."
Slowly the ruler undid the golden chain and brought it around her only daughter's neck. Her fingers delicately clasped the necklace back together as the queen continued softly, "I am proud to be giving such a strong woman my position. I know you shall do well in my place, my little angel."
Iris broke into a sob and grasped her mother's waist frantically as her brothers did the same. Van smiled sadly with his own tears falling down his cheek and completed the family hug. The middle-aged children cried sorrowfully as they knew their dear beloved mother was soon departing from this world. Hitomi shuddered out a breath and whispered a thank you to Joutei exclaiming how blessed she was to have lived so long.
Tenderly the mother pushed her love-ones back so they could see her watered face. She gave a small sniff before whispering; "Now I must ask you to watch over this world in my place. Do not forget one another and do not forget the past. Keep what you remember here close to your heart. Always remember I love you no matter what. Now please grant me a few moments with your father before it grows too late."
Iris nodded with a sniff and being the oldest she led her brothers out letting their parents have their final moments alone. Van watched the door swing close before turning desperately back to his dying wife. His arms surged forward and crushed her delicately to his chest. Hitomi cried wistfully into his warm neck with a small smile playing on her lips. Quietly she teased, "I'm being to think you're going to miss me, Van…"
The king shuddered out a broken laugh, "No, I'm just overjoyed to get rid of you."
Hitomi laughed weakly at the joke before pulling away to look into her husband's eyes of fire. He tenderly took her cheek in his hand as he whispered lovingly, "I don't think I'll be able to go on without you."
Her hands fiercely clamp over his and she whispered sadly, "You need to try. You need to help our children along. They might be ready to take on ruling, but it's going to be a critical time with my death. All of the nations sent their best healers when they heard I had been claimed by a new sickness. When I die all of Gaea will flip upside down. They'll need you."
The poor man bowed his head knowing this was true. He needed to be strong for Gaea. If not for the world than for the family, but he hated to see her go. Her hand pulled his chin back up so her emeralds met his rubies again. Brushing back a few ebony locks she whispered, "I know it's my time to go for if this illness could have been cured it would have been, but Joutei has decided it is time. When it is your time Joutei will call you as well. I'll be waiting for that day."
Suddenly Hitomi grabbed her chest and wheezed painfully. Van frantically grabbed her shoulders trying to steady her as she swayed. Her white bangs fell over her eyes as she whispered painfully, "It's time…"
The man didn't want to believe it was over… that his only love was disappearing from his very arms in seconds, but he could deny the illumination that was abruptly spilling into the room. Slowly his eyes lifted from the dying woman to the gaseous clouds rolling into the chamber. His eyes grew wider as he noticed several golden, transparent figures appear in the glow of pearl. He noticed his parents, Hitomi's grandparents, and Hitomi's dame and sire. Nearby stood the ghost of Resshi and Balgus coming to stand at attention as a last being emerged.
This being was made of yellow flames that lazily flowed behind him. His movements were gradual and regal like a great noble while his vague expression was soft and kind. Quietly this lone person stepped closer to the bed and lifted a hand towards the couple. Feebly Hitomi lifted her hand to the stranger just barely grasping it. Van gaped as he saw the figure step back pulling with him the ghost of Hitomi. The dead shell of the woman fell back as the seeress's fully exited her body. Turning around Van gaped to see his beloved's ghost was a mirror image of what Hitomi use to look like during the War of Immortals. Her face smiled warmly as she faced her dear husband for a final time.
Silently she leaned towards him and whispered, "I love you. Never forget that."
He was barely able to speak his own confession of love before she grew closer and kissed him fully on the lips. It felt strange to be kissing a spirit, but she felt as firm as flesh and as alive as ever. He instinctively reached out to pull her closer, but Hitomi pulled away seconds before he had caught her shoulders. The dead queen looked back at the flaming immortal one last time just before saying a farewell to her beloved, "I'll be waiting up in Heaven for you, Van. Stay strong for me and the children."
"It's time, young one" reminded the Great One softly.
The woman smiled up at her lord and said, "I am ready, Joutei."
The light that swallowing the room grew fierce behind the apparitions calling the spirits home. Turning around the two began to walk towards the great light with the others following close behind. Just seconds before the glow consumed them Hitomi looked back over her shoulder and mouthed a silent, "I love you…"
In the next beat of a heart the scene disappeared and the king was alone with the dead body of his wife. His hand unconsciously went to his wife's limp one and gently squeezed it as he whispered, "I'll see you soon, my beloved."
~~~ Afterwards ~~~
What happens later is really irrelevant to the tale I have told you. Of course, you want to know, however. Well, King Van lived about ten more years, but as many say he was never the same. A fire that had been part of him had suddenly disappeared the day his wife died. He even said the only reason he got out of bed every morning was because he had made a promise to stay strong for his family. Now when he was on his death bed for the same rare disease his wife died of he told everyone he had no regrets for he had lived out his days joyfully. Besides he was about to return to his beloved and at that moment… when everyone was gathered… a strange glow pierced the room. For a brief blink of an eye a ghostly figure could be seen stretching a familiar hand to the king. The children of the dying man leapt from their seats gaping crying, "Mother!"
But just as the words left their mouths and they saw the image of their parents (younger in sight) holding each other everything disappeared and all that was left was the dead body of Van Fanel, King of Gaea.
Several days after the funeral, Princess Iris was crowned Queen and Angel of Gaea. Now as the story goes the planet still rules to this day in peace and for now it shall remain that way. One can never say "they all lived happily ever after" though for a story never truly ends it just continues in a new look… in a new generation,… but that part of the story is not for me to tell. I have told you just a few small chapters of the history book of the universe. Perhaps another day will come for the continuation to be spoken of… perhaps I will one day even tell the time in between that last war and Lady Hitomi's death; however, we shall let this story end here… Perchance we shall meet again to speak of such… until then remember the past, embrace the present, and keep an eye on the future…
Till another time…
THE END…
~ Wow,… I'm finally done… I can barely believe it… *shrugs* Oh well! Now come on and review! I need to hear what you think. Yes, I was very, very tempted to just leave Hitomi dead, but I just didn't have the heart. Besides a lot of you was expecting her to stay dead so I had to put in the twist of her living again! Anyway… I hope you all liked my story and you greatly enjoyed it. I loved writing it and getting reviews. ~
~ Keep an eye out for the arrival of my first original story. Now it is going to be fantasy, adventure/action, but I am not sure if romance will be involved or not. However, I shall be writing a preview for it so keep an eye out for my preview. I shall place it as the 32nd chapter of this story. The story is going to be called "White Raven"~
~ Anyways, farewell, a Merry Christmas, and God Bless!~