A/N: I would really like to thank to Emerald Mist for her story Courtesan. It was because of that fic that I got back my urge and inspiration to write again! So Emerald Mist, if you ever get the chance to read this, I dedicate this fic to you. ^^
Disclaimer: Escaflowne is not mine. It belongs to Sunrise. I only own my own characters.
The night sky shined of stars. It was peaceful and calm. Suddenly, a pillar of bright light descended from the sky. The light carried with it a blonde, emerald-eyed girl.
Hitomi's feet landed on the solid earth as the pillar of light disappeared. The blond girl looked around her surroundings, her hand tightly holding on to her duffle bag. It seemed to Hitomi the pillar had dropped her off near the side of a road. Next to the muddy road were the beginnings of forest.
Hitomi turned and looked up at the indigo night sky. Not far in the distant sky, shined two moons. Her Earth and the Moon. Hitomi smiled at the two moons in the sky. "I'm back on Gaea," whispered Hitomi softly, "I'm really back."
"Well, lookie what we have here," said a husky voice. Hitomi turned around as she saw three men slowly coming toward her. Thugs, thought Hitomi.
The man in the middle laughed at Hitomi's frightened face. "Why would such a pretty girl be wandering in the middle of the night?" he asked mockingly. The man to his right chuckled slightly.
Frightened and shocked, Hitomi slowly took a step back. Then middleman suddenly dashed forward and grabbed Hitomi tightly by the arm. Hitomi let out a scream of fear. The man just laughed, "No one's gonna here you out here girlie," he chuckled.
Hitomi was now more frightened than ever. She whimpered in fear as the man drew a dagger from his belt and placed it to Hitomi's throat. "Now, what do we have in the bag?" he asked.
Suddenly, the call of an eagle broke the defining silence. The thug dropped Hitomi roughly on the ground and turned toward the eagle, perched on a tree. "What the hell?" said the thug incredulously.
"Uh boss," said one of the thugs. The thug turned toward where his cronies were looking at. Hitomi heard the three man gasped and she too, turned toward where the three men were staring at.
Not far from the four people, a black hooded figure rode on a coal black stallion. The stallion itself was a magnificent creature. It was strong and bold. Its mane was wild like fire and black like the night sky. A beautifully carved silver piece cover it's eyes.
With its owner, the mighty stallion slowly walked toward Hitomi and the thugs. The three men shuddered as the stallion and it's rider came to them. "A-a Shadow Rider," shuddered one of the thugs.
"Leave the girl and I will spare you pathetic lives," said the hooded rider. At first the three men didn't move. "Th-thank you Rider," said one of the thugs fearfully. Then the three sprinted down the road.
The hooded rider got off the stallion and approached Hitomi. The rider stood before Hitomi before taking off their hood. "What would a girl be doing out here in the middle of the night?" questioned the rider.
Hitomi was quite surprised as the rider removed their hood and brushed the black cape behind their shoulders. The rider that the three thugs ran from was a girl!
The girl was tall and her hair was a dark ruby red, tide into a long ponytail. Her eyes were a dark navy blue. She was calm and she looked gallant. She wore dark brown boots, black pants, and her top some what resembled the top of a brown kimono, without such large sleeve openings. Hung from her belt was a long sword.
"Well?" she asked, "What are you doing here?" She extended her hand, helping Hitomi get up from the floor. As Hitomi dusted herself off, she answered, "I was, um, heading toward Fanelia and um, I got lost."
"A girl really shouldn't be traveling all by themselves," said the rider. Hitomi looked at the taller girl defiantly and answered, "Your a girl."
The taller girl suddenly laughed and smiled down at Hitomi. "I guess you're right," she said, "My name is Arianna Keel, but please, call me Aria," she extended her hand, "Pleasure to meet you---?"
"Hitomi," finished Hitomi, "My name is Hitomi Kanzaki." She shook Aria's hand. The taller girl smiled down at Hitomi. "Where were you headed for again Hitomi?" asked Aria.
"I'm headed for Fanelia," answered Hitomi, "Except I, uh, lost my way. I'm going there to um, meet a friend." Arianna smiled. "What a coincidence, that's where I'm headed for too," said Aria.
The eagle flew onto Aria's shoulder. Hitomi noticed that a rolled up piece of paper was attached to the eagle's ankle. "I'm delivering a message there. Why don't you join me? It would be a lot safer," suggested Aria.
Hitomi smiled. "Thank you," she said, "It would be really nice of you Aria." The black stallion suddenly snorted in disapproval. It stopped by Aria's side, it's eyes looked stiffly at Hitomi.
Aria laughed. "Now Magnus. Be nice," she patted the black stallion, "Magnus doesn't really like people much. It runs in his blood. Unlike Tabius." She referred to the eagle that sat perched on her shoulder, nibbling her ear affectionately.
Aria tugged lightly on Magnus' rein and the stallion bent down. She climbed onto the stallion and offered a hand, helping Hitomi onto Magnus. Aria removed the eagle from her shoulder and it flew into the night sky.
Hitomi held on tightly to Aria as Magnus started to run, following the eagle Tabius. "We should reach Fanelia by this morning at this speed," said Aria. As if they were racing the sun, the two girls rode toward Fanelia.
"Hitomi," whispered Aria, "Hitomi, we're here." Hitomi stirred a little as she opened her eyes. She looked past Aria's shoulder and, coming into view, was the Fanelian gate.
Hitomi covered her mouth as she yawned. "I'm really sorry," she said dozily, "I must have fallen asleep." She yawned again. Magnus slowly walked toward the gate. "It's alright," answered Aria, "I'm just surprise you were asleep and you didn't even fall off." Hitomi blushed.
The black stallion came to a halt as he reached the gate. "Who goes there?" called a guard from the lookout. Aria steadied Magnus as she looked up. "Arianna Keel," she answered, "I've brought a message from the eastern continent. I wish to see the royal council immediately."
The guard nodded and proceeded to open the gate. Hitomi suddenly got a feeling that Aria was more important than she seemed. If she can see the royal council so quickly, though Hitomi, She must be an important figure.
Aria tugged on Magnus' rein and the black stallion rode into the country. Through the markets and shops, Magnus ran toward the Fanelian castle. The mighty stallion dodged through women, children, and men. All of them, surprisingly, seemed quite shocked to see Magnus. Many stared wide-eyed at the stallion and it's rider, whispering the words Shadow Rider. I know this horse looks differently from the other Gaean horses, thought Hitomi, But they see Magnus as almost a threat. And they seem to keep mumbling the words Shadow Rider, just like the thugs did. I wonder why?
As they got closer and closer to the castle, Hitomi couldn't help but feel a little nervous inside. Would she be able to see Van? And what will happen to her when she got there? Would Aria just leave her? Hitomi didn't really know. But hopefully, something will happen. Preferably something good.
When Aria got to the castle, she headed toward the horse stall as four men and a girl greeted her. Aria slowly got off Magnus, and helped Hitomi off. She then handed Magnus' rein to one of the men. The black stallion suddenly lifted its front legs in defense, trying to kick the man.
"Magnus!" shouted Aria. She tugged fiercely on Magnus' rein and the stallion seemed to calm down. Oh, I know why Magnus acted that way, thought Hitomi, I almost forgot that he didn't like people. So why does he listen to Aria? Is there something special about her? Maybe it has something to do with the name Shadow Rider.
"Hitomi?" asked Aria as Magnus was slowly led away by the four men. Hitomi's train of thought was suddenly lost as she heard her name. "Oh sorry Aria," apologized Hitomi, "I was just thinking."
Aria gave a kind smile. "No need to apologize," answered Aria. She turned toward the other girl standing there. "Mary, I want you to take Hitomi up to one of the guest rooms. She'll be staying at the castle while she's here," said Aria, "And if anyone asks why she's here, direct them to me understood?"
The maid nodded. "Yes miss," she answered. She turned toward Hitomi. "Follow me please miss," she said shyly. Hitomi turned to Aria before she followed the maid Mary. "I don't know how to thank you Aria," she said.
Aria smiled as she headed inside the castle. "No need to thank me Hitomi," she answered, "It's my pleasure." And then she turned, and headed inside the castle, to deliver some very interesting news to the royal Fanelian council.
Van Fanel sat bored as his council continued to talk about the latest event. With his head on his hand, he stared out the window at the blue Mystic Moon, hanging in the sky as if calling for him. A picture of a particular emerald-eyed girl suddenly popped into his head.
The young King smiled as he continued to stare at the blue Moon, not paying any attention to his council. "Lord Van," shouted Degas Corellas, one of the council members. Van's thoughts were suddenly interrupted as Degas called his name. "I'm sorry Degas," answered Van, "What were you saying again?"
The heavy bearded man sighed heavily. "I'll repeat myself," he answered, "Many rumors has surfaced concerning the Zaibach Empire. It is rumored that the technological country has found a new Ruler, and that the country's army missionaries are being started up. It seems like Zaibach might want to expand again."
Van sighed has he thought about all the trouble Zaibach has caused in the past. "Miss Keel has just returned from her visit to the eastern continent," answered Degas, "Maybe she can give us some insight on this situation."
The council room door suddenly burst open, and Aria walked in. All the other council members stared at the red-haired girl as she sat down in an empty seat, opposite of Van. "It's nice to see that you're back Aria," said Van with a smile. Aria gave a small smile and a nod of acknowledgement to the young King.
"Miss Keel," said Haden Mashid, another council member, "What news do you have for us? What is going on in the eastern continent?" Aria shifted her eyes, slowly eyeing each of the council members before setting them on Van.
"Zaibach is expanding, just like the rumors said," she answered darkly. Mumbles and gasps were exchanged as the court went into shock.
Aria, eyes still focused on Van, continued, "I haven't yet seen what their new ruler looks like, or even their name at that, but whoever they are, they're very smart. Many of the dominant countries have already fallen in line with Zaibach. Basram, Ravel, Kingsmere, Daniya, and Luxor, just to name a few."
"What about our allies? What do they think about this?" asked Degas. Aria gave a heavy sigh. "Since the last Great War, not many of the countries want to stir up a war again. They think it would cause bloodshed, and they don't want that to happen," answered Aria.
"I agree," said Van, "There has to be away to prevent a war without bloodshed." Aria's eyes narrowed as she looked solidly at Van. "I'm afraid it's not that simple Lord Van," said Aria, "Zaibach is messing with something, something very very powerful. Much more powerful than any guymelef, I assure you."
Aria looked at Van, then she sighed. "I think it would be good to conclude this meeting for today," said Aria, "It would be good for us to all rest and have something to eat. It is still very early."
"Yes, I think that would be a good idea," said Van. And slowly, the council departed. But the concern surrounding the re-birth of Zaibach is causing fear and doubt into their hearts. And all wondered, what is the powerful something that Zaibach is playing with, and who is its new Ruler?
Hitomi crashed onto the bed as soon as the maid had left. She was tiered and exhausted. Hitomi closed her eyes as the peaceful darkness surrounded her.
Suddenly, the vision of fire and flames enter her calm sleep. Hitomi stood, untouched by the fire as she saw Fanelia and all of Gaea burning into cinders.
Hitomi looked around, trying to find any signs of life. "Help!" she called out, "Please, is anyone there!" Slowly, figures started to form around Hitomi. They were the bodies of her friends, staring at her helplessly. Millerna, Allen, Prince Chid, Merle, and Van. They looked softly at Hitomi before disappearing.
"No," whimpered Hitomi as tears streamed from her eyes. She covered her face with her hands in fear and anguish. "NO!" she shouted.
She sat up irruptedly in bed. Her breath was in gasps, and sweat was dangling from her forehead. As Hitomi started to calm down, she looked around the empty room, and from the window, came the dim light of the evening sun.
I must have slept through the entire day, thought Hitomi. She slowly lifted her hand and placed in on her cheek. She sighed heavily as she noticed some food and a note by her bedside table. Hitomi pick up the note. It's from Aria, thought Hitomi.
There are some food by your table. If you are still hungry, the kitchen is down the hall to your right. I will talk to you in the morning. If you need me, ask Mary. She knows where my room is. Hope you are sleeping well.
Aria
Hitomi smiled. She's such a good friend, though Hitomi. She placed the note back onto the table and took a glance at the food. She sighed as she got up from the bed. Hitomi wasn't really that hungry.
She walked out of the room and down the hall. Her head looked to the ground as the thought about the new dream she just had. The vision of the flames and fire. It was terrible. But what did it all mean? There was still the puzzle of the mysterious voice, and now this? Hitomi wasn't really prepared for all of her visions to come back so soon. Even after all this time, she still couldn't control her visions.
"What is wrong with me?" whispered Hitomi. Her head lifted as she looked down the hall. At the end of the hallway, staring out of the window was a young man. He wore a lanky red top, beige pants and brown boots. His hair was raven black and his eyes seemed as if they were searching for something in the sky.
Hitomi's eyes widened as she focused on the raven hair man. His hair, his eyes, his face. It can't be, thought Hitomi. But it was. It was Him. "Van!" cried Hitomi.
TBC
I'm so bad. Another cliffhanger. So? What do you guys think about it so far? I know, I know. The Zaibach strikes back idea has been used a lot I know. But trust me, mine has a twist. It has a lot to do with mystical, mythological, and magical stuff. Watching Lord of the Rings over and over again is a big help. I kind of get a lot of my ideas from that fic. Just little details, that's all. Well, I hope you guys are going to continue to read my fic. By the second book, it's going to get a lot more darker. Please read + review everyone! ^^
I'd like to thank the following people: STC, FritzyLuna, Atashi Komatsu, Isy Okolo, zephyr, and star of darkness. Thanks for reading my fic! ^^
