A/N: Wow. I have like 20 reviews. Sweet. Midterms suck.
Dedicated to:Aeka-himme, CSMars, Amarrie, Love Witch, Evangalion-totalfan, Meriadoc-bb, Stormy_Rose, Kiya, Kat, Cev, and of course, SabineballZ
This Chapter: Merle's unknown past, An apparition after a fight, Hormones and Corinations, oh yes, and Dilandau
Bored. She was always bored, even if she was away from home at a faraway place full of danger and peril. They, being the palace servants of Prince Van, gave her a small, cozy room in the middle of the main building of the castle. She could hear people walking outside her window, on the wooden balcony. No doubt servants and hand-maidens cleaning up the castle and bustling about their everyday pointless things. Pointless. Their lives had no meaning, nothing to look foward to! And yet everyday, they get up at dawn to change the sheets, wash the windows, clean the floors, dust the furniture, and cook the meals. Getting up at dawn, and going to bed well past dusk. "How can they stand it?"
Hitomi sighed, leaving her thoughts at the treshold of the door and scanned the room. For being a palace, the rooms were small. Hers consisted of a bed, pushed against the right wall, a desk in the corner on the opposite side of the room, a dresser adjacent to it with a mirror over it, and a tapestry above her bed. The maids had placed her bag by the bed. She slowly squatted next to it, unzipped it, and took out her uniform. Might as well get changed, Hitomi thought, and go to explore or something; I'm going insane being cooped up! Hitomi pulled out various items, a toothbrush, haircomb, cd player, socks..extra shoes...
I don't really honestly think I need to go into detail on how Hitomi got dressed or how fast she got dressed, so you can imagine all you want to. Finished dressing, Hitomi walked over to the shutters and swung them open to allow light through the glass-less window. Sun poured in, warming Hitomi and lighting the dim, dark room. It smelled like mothballs and musk. Taking a look down from two stories up, Hitomi saw guards and nobles zooming about. "What are they up to?"
"Like a bad habit," a voice was talking from above, "Lord Van picks up travellers easily."
"Who's there?" Hitomi called, her eyes intentions their own, looking around for the owner. Suddenly, a head popped out from the roof of the balcony, and it looked a lot like Merle. She clutched onto the ends of the roof and swung herself to land gracefully on the window sill. Slowly, like Hitomi wasn't even there, she licked her hands, her tail swishing back and forth. She was graceful and cunning, yet mischevious and troublesome. Then again, weren't all felines? Her sharp blue crystaline eyes peirced the very souls of all who dared look her way, yet softened around the raven haired boy she was affectionate for. Her heart was surronded by an ice only he could seem to melt.
"Just DON'T get too formal with him," she started, sneering at a curious Hitomi, "you get me?"
"I honestly, "Hitomi stuttered in all honesty (honestly! heh) and disgust, "have NO idea what you are babbling about."
"Lord Van, you dummy," Merle hissed, her claws slowly digging into the wood. She flicked her tail and jumped from the sill to the floor, and waddled over to Hitomi's bag. "Boy, you sure got a lot of junk. Who needs this? What's THIS for?" All the while, pulling random things out of Hitomis' bag and throwing them behind her. Hitomi reached out for her to stop her raid, and as soon as she touched the cat girl, a vision came.
----------------------------------------------------(Episode Four: King of Wine )---------------------------------------------------
Hot. So hot, Hitomi thought, opening her eyes. In horror, she backed away from the sight in front of her. It was a village, pillaged and burning, with a forest behind it. Children were screaming all around, and she could hear the yells of men and women alike. "Screaming? This was no accident." The falling of wood cracked and sizzled. Hoofbeats were heard, shots fired. Chaos didn't allow sightseeing for Hitomi. A large wooden carriage pulled up next to a house, and a man ran up to it, knelt, and stood back up to salute.
There was smoke everywhere, as thick as fog and billowing out of the village. Trees burned down in a matter of seconds, and wild fires broke out from behind and in front. People fled, some on fire and their bodies twisting and dancing as they died. Some fled to the nearby stream to douse themselves, others didn't make it. Children were abandoned as people tried to save themselves. It was a scary, yet so sad sight. The smoke hid the mysteries behind the attack, and answers couldn't be found in the cries of its victims.
"King, Queen, I must advise a retreat! Zaibach is hot on our tail," a man in dark armor which reflected the fires light, was talking to the carriage that was in front of a burning building, "Folken-sama has already gone ahead. Please! I beg you, flee."
"No. Not till everyone is out," a deep voice rumbled from within. Hitomi crept slowly up to the rose-wood carriage, with two steeds to pull it. A white hand pulled away the velvet looking curtains from inside, and Hitomi gasped. It was the same woman from her vision! The one with the black hair and soulful eyes like Van. Peering in, she saw the woman nursing a child around the age of 4. The child much resembled the prince she met, but a smaller and more innocent version of him. "Go ahead, round the survivors. This is the last time Zaibach attacks an allied country."
"My lord," the woman spoke, her voice soft and slightly above a whisper, "hold Van. There's a child over there and I must retrieve it. Please, Lord?"
"Varie...Alright. Please be careful. I," he looked down, his dark hair hanging over his eyes almost ashamed he finished, "love you."
"I will." She gave him a small smile, and handed the small child to her husband. He took the raven-haired child in his lap and held him close, protecting his eyes from the cruel world. Parents try to do that a lot, hide their children, hinder them from growing up and loosing that innocent look to the,. The woman stood and pushed the door open. She gathered up her velvet dress in her right hand and had the first man escort her out of the carriage, and walked over to a crying child. The heat was too much, and the cries grew quieter as more people died, or were saved. "Come here."
"Mommy! Daddy!" the child wailed, tears streaming down her cheeks and stinging her face. Next to the child was two bodies, one charred and black, the other and more cut wounds then anything Hitomi had ever seen. The vision was in black and white, but the child's hair was the only thing with color. Pink. Hot pink. And her small tail swished beneath her as she sobbed, rubbing her eyes. "Wake up. Wake up!"
Varie, as gently as possible, scooped the crying child in her arms and rushed back over to the carriage as the house crumbled. She left the bodies of the childs parents to be disposed of by the earth. "Shh, it's okay. It's okay."
"Merle..." Hitomi whispered, as the vision dissapeared. She took her hand away from Merle, still gripping her pendent, which gleamed. Merle's parents were killed! She was orphaned? Does that mean...
[Scene II]
"What are YOU staring at you creepy foreigner?" Merle spat, stomping her foot down and arms crossed. Hitomi backed away from her, and nearly tripped on something that lay discarded on the floor. Her pendent swung as she regained her balance, catching Merle's attention. "Ohh...pretty stone.."
The cat girl waltzed over to Hitomi, and swiped it out of Hitomis clutch. She swung it in front of her eyes and grinned with satisfaction as a shocked Hitomi closed and opened her hand in an non-believing fashion. Swift. Cunning. Annoying! Hitomi felt a rage build inside of her gut, that certain fire that lay dorment in her."VERY pretty stone. I think I'll keep it!"
"Wha- Hey!" Hitomi called after her as she bolted from the brown-haired girls room and down the narrow corridors. Hitomi followed in hot pursuit, literally on her tail. "Come back here cat-girl! I'll teach ya to mess with an athlete!"
As Hitomi ran, her skirt swaying from side to side and her hands and elbows moving in perfect sync with her feet and knees. She was graceful as she turned a corner after the feline female. But something, whether by fate or by coincidence, made her look to her right, and a gleam caught her eye. Forgeting about her stone, she skidded to a halt and looked inside this room. It was dark, darker than her own room, with only small cracks that filtered the light. There were tall beams of cinderwood to support the ceiling, and Hitomi saw Van. He was okay, for a jerk, Hitomi thought, kind of cute. His eyes were closed, and a sword aligned with his face in his right hand. He turned it, and opened his eyes at the other figure in the room. His face held determination, as all royaltys do. And for an instance, Hitomi was at awe.
It was Balgus, the samurai master from before who was his companion. He was tall- taller and bigger than anyone Hitomi knew or has seen on television. He had broad shoulders, and big muscles,( as he didn't wear a shirt so Hitomi could see). He had on black pants and had his own sword. Sparring? Van brought his sword to the floor and ran at the man, picking his sword up to strike him. Balgus easily knocked it away and walked up to him, saluting him by bringing a fist to his own shoulder. "You aren't charging aggresively enough, Lord Van!"
"I know.." Van began, casting his eyes at the floor in a pout and in a morbid sneer he continue, "It's just that I don't like mortal..mortal sword combat."
"Lord Van! That's no way for a king to act. You must be skilled in hand-to-hand combat as well as melef combat."Balgus barked. Melef? "It appears we have a visitor."
"Huh? Oh, it's only you." Van sighed, placing his sword back into his hilt. Hitomi heard a meow which caused her to look to her left, her neck craned to see a very smarmy catgirl. Merle was leaning against the wall, smiling and eyes just small slits against her dark skin, as she approached her. Her walk was lethargic and slow, as if she, in a cocky manner, knew something Hitomi did not.
"That's the PROBLEM with you pesky foreigners. You have no manners whatsoever." And Hitomi could have heard her say something along the lines of 'stupid' and 'moron' and other unpleasent terms that one would not use in civilized conversation. Disgusted, Hitomi narrowed her eyes and bit her tounge. Don't say anything, Tomi, nothing at all that you'll regret.
"Hey, catgirl, give me back my pend- What!" Hitomi regained her balance after Merle pushed past her and bounded into Lord Van's arms. She looked down, and in her hand was her pendent. "Good for nothing theif.."
"Here I am Lord Van!" Merle said, her words sugar-coated as she threw her arms around Van. Hitomi felt like she could vomit right there, as Merle did disgust her. She rolled her eyes, oblivious to the fact Balgus had approached her. The darkness casted shadows on everything except two things. One, being Van. The other being Hitomi. Noone noticed. A cold breeze filtered through the stone cracks, chilling Hitomi.
"It seems that we are in debt to you, little lady." He smiled, no smirked. He too took his sword and placed it back into the hilt on his belt. He explained, "Lord Van has told us what has happened, and I vow to you that I will get you home by any means necessary."
"Do you really mean that?" Hitomi asked, her voice full of uncertainty. Balgus nodded and pursed his lips at her doubt of him. Hitomi noticed Van watching her every move, and it made her nervous. His eyes were so distant, so sad. Merle was desperatley trying to get his attention back on her.
"Of course! A samurai never lies."
"...Great." Hitomi replied, as enthusiastically as she could muster. Van was still watching her, ignoring Merle. Hitomi had the urge to get out of there and fast. His eyes made shivers go up and down her spine. She focused her gaze past him, and saw a white figure, licking his lips and reaching out at her. He was as white as the one girl and man she saw back on Earth. He, unlike the others, didn't seem to have anything wrong with him. But that was until she looked at a spear impaled in his white, blood-stained chest. "Who are you?"
"Uhm. Lord Van, who's she talking to?" Merle asked in nothing more than one would call a whisper, eyeing Hitomi in a suspicious manner. Hitomi took a couple of cautious steps toward it. Her heartbeat quickened and her skin felt clammy. The lights seem to run away in fear. Fear of the thing before her that she could not categorize as human. Before Hitomi could blink, the figure rushed at her. She screamed as it went right through her, knocking her back onto the floor. She couldn't breath. She couldn't see. Too quiet. No, she couldn't hear either. Her eyes wouldn't open and her muscles wouldn't move. She was limp in Van's arm, as he picked her up; placing one hand on her back and the other under her thighs. She was incredibly light, and incredibly pale and reminded Van of an angel. To Van, she was the most beautiful creature he had ever set eyes on- shame he would never admit it.
[Scene III]
"Uhh...my head..." Slowly, she opened her eyes and met the face of another white figure. A woman, bent over her like a mother over a sick child. Hitomi flipped, thinking that someone was attacking her like earlier. "Stay..stay away from me!!"
"Shh! Calm down, dear!!" The woman frantically screamed. Hitomi flailed her arms about in effort to shoo the woman off, muttering things like 'offoffoffofffoff!'. Of course the woman was shocked, and thought there was a demon inside of the girl she was attending too. Mental. "Van sent me! I'm a nurse! Please, miss!"
"What? Oh!! Oh my!" Hitomi stopped and stared at the woman, feeling foolish. Her cheeks flushed and she looked down. "I'm so sorry! I thought you were another apparition. So sorry."
"Apparition? Like, a ghost?" The woman, as Hitomi could now see the red cross on her chest, sat down on Hitomis bed in the hospital ward. She took a wet, hot rag from a nearby bowl and ushered Hitomi to lay down so she could apply it. Hitomi nodded stupidly. The light was enough to give Hitomi a migrane, and her head throbbed enough as it is. Hitomi rubbed her temples in effort to scare off the pain. It didn't help at all. She could vaguely recalls names and dates of places she learned in History, and her mind raced to remember what happened only seconds ago. She scrunched her face into a tormented look. "Are you okay dear?"
"What?" Hitomi shook her head and blinked. She felt sick, and weak. She twisted underneath the covers and shivered. The woman, she now noted that she was rather large, bustled about the room, which faintly reminded Hitomi of a Cinderellas Fairy Godmother. Hitomi slightly giggled, and the rosie-faced plump woman replaced the wet towel on her forhead. The woman paid no mind to her patients giggle ( as she thought she was delirious and crazy at it is). The afternoon light filled the room from a window in the corner, above another bed. It was a ramshackled for a castle, and Hitomi noted to ask Van why he didn't spend more for better rooms.
"The corination of Lord Van will take place in an hour, and I want you to get rest!! I need to keep an eye out there, and I can't be in two places at a time, now can I?" The woman smirked, as if she was witty or some sort. Hitomi rolled her eyes and flopped around on the stiff bed. It hurt her back, and she could've sworn that her back was now home to 1000 splinters. "Someone will be in to check on you every half an hour."
"Oh." Hitomi didn't even hear her, or didn't want to hear her. Her thoughts laid on home, of Amano and Yukari, of her mother, of the chaos and trouble she'd face once she got home, and one last thing- the boy with wine eyes. He in his own sense lived his own life, above all, and thinking he was the best thing since slice bread. It infuriated her that he thought she was below him! He carried himself in a way Amano had not, had an awful scowl plastered on his face at all time.
She loved it, yet hated him.
Wanted to see him, yet wanted to avoid him.
Her feelings lumbered toward friendship, and her heart ignored him as an ever possible love.
Or did it?
--------------
Van, in one way or another, felt his stomach churn. But, no, he wasn't nervous. What on Gaea, does HE have to be nervous about? He looked at his reflection, and admired his modest armor and kingly outfit. The grand cape that draped off of him, the silver that adorned his every garment. He thought he looked good, and he might as well have a large ego, for he deserved it. He was a known killer, far beyond innocent, but still respected, not feared, by the people. He was a good ruler, and a better fighter. Still young, and still naive, but never the less, he was a warrior and a man. His duties forced him to be mature further than his years, though lacked in the wisdom of woman and other such trivial things.
That girl. She confused him so much. Her face with such soft features, pretty lips, big eyes. Gorgeous green eyes that demanded you to look at them, and could be seen a thousand miles away. Her hair looked as soft as silk, and he ached to run a hand through it just for a little bit. He didn't know why. He wanted to protect her, hold her. She angered him, yet soothed his soul, if only for little bits at a time. He barely knew her, of course, so this was too rushed to be real. He didn't want any woman to worry about him! He could take care of himself and didn't need anyone.
Suddenly, the door burst open. Van stood, and saw a weak Hitomi. He took two steps towards her, in this dark room, and she staggered towards him. His heart lept, as she tumbled foward. His quick reactions kicked in, and he caught her in his arms. Her face was buried in his chest, and he could her the steady thump, thump, thump, of her heart against his. She had most of her weight, which was not a lot, against him, her arms delicatley folded against his chest, her chest pressed against him. Finally, after an enternity, she looked up. Green met brown in a thing Van could only describe as love. He blinked, and so did she. And then they shared a kiss. Her lips were soft, and reminded Van of feathers, and oh how he just wanted this moment to last forever. He closed his eyes, enjoying her and only her.
There was a knock at the door and Van woke up. He shook his head free of the girl and his thoughts, stretching himself agains the wooden chair."Nothing but a stupid dream."
"It's time, my lord." A servant said, opening the door into the afternoon sun. It blazed against his chest, and the light was reflected onto the ceiling.
"Oh. Okay then." And he rubbed the crust out of his eyes, and stood up for a walk to his destiny. He was a king, and shouldn't be thinking of anything but that. He walked down the stone corridor, where he saw the garden and other rooms. This was the last time he'd walk through here as a prince.
It was a nice dream. Stupid hormones. Stupid girl. Stupid eyes that I want to rip out. Stupid, stupid, stupid, stupid.
Stupid Van.
[Scene IV]
The corination was beautiful. Everyone in Fanalia had gathered to see the Head of Church, a crotchity old man with a white beard and glasses, king Lord Van, placing some one thing or another in his hands and saying a grand speech. Noone ever knew what was said, because the man spoke so softly, but they believed it true, and Van heard. That was enough for them all. It was held outside, as the sun set and the heat of the day started to waste away into a cool evening. It was like most normal corinations, with cheering, and applauding, long speeches, cramped legs and other sorts of excitement (kind of like a wedding or when something really big happens that people say is all great and exciting, but you just can't wait to get home and curl up to go to sleep).
The place where it was held was a sight itself. The floor was open, and a soft copper shade and appeared to be studded with marble or some other rich material. High towers stood at the end of the vast stone feild, and in the middle, where a circular pattern ended, Van knelt. His head always low, and the glare from the stones hurt his eyes. The people massed around, and the soilders in formation. All in all, a beautiful sight. And the king with wine eyes accepted the throne, against the moutainistic setting, with trees that swayed in the wind. Wine eyes.
Hitomi, however, did not see the corination. She had been cooped up in the hospital wing, and finally was released as nothing more than a silly girl with thoughts of home. Words filtered through conversation, such as 'cursed place' and 'Mystic Moon' and 'witch'. People stared at her, and pointed, making comments to anyone around to make themselves feel important and smart. She, no matter how many people looked at her, kept her head up and her dignity. She wouldn't let people who sleep with pigs insult her. She was better than that to let whispers and rumon ruin her. All she could think of was wine eyes.
"They're mocking yoooou. Haha." Merle had been, of course, the most annoying of them all. She was the one spreading rumors of how she ate the eyeballs of goats over some guts of something known as 'polysomethingoranother', which appeared to be a cross between a cat and a possum. Who knew? Merle followed her down the corridors, laughing and poking fun at her. She reminded Hitomi of a cat that followed her home one day after school. Never seem to take a hint just to GO AWAY.
"For someone, who on my planet would eat mushed up crap," Hitomi said bluntly," you sure do know how to insult, you little theif."
"Oh please. I'm probably ABOVE you in your world." Merle giggled, and Hitomi was about to take a rock and throw it at her head, until Van appeared out of nowhere. His arms crossed against his chest. He seemed to be brooding, as his eyes were closed (Hitomi saw an eyebrow twitch), and his lips curled upward in a position commonly known as a scowl. He was either in deep thought, or was asleep.
"Merle, don't you have anything better to do?" Hitomi hissed at her, and the cat girl seemed to choke back laughter. Hitomi thought of words like 'pathetic' to classify her then and there. The sun was still setting, shadows dancing around them and following their every move. The wind was soft and warm, caressing them in an earthly embrace. It was the type of weather that spring was known for. Soft winds, laughter of children, birds singing, flowers budding. Corny things like that, but Hitomi couldn't seem to get enough. It always warmed her heart to feel at ease in the wind, even with an annoying cat and a brooding male. She leaned against a stone wall, and it felt cold and rough against her thighs. "How was the ceremony, Van?"
"Okay."
"How are you?"
"Okay."
"How are the wife and kids?"
"Okay."
"Blah blah blah blah blah?" Hitomi finally suggested. Van supressed a stupid smirk, but just lowered his eyes. Hitomi grinned from ear to ear, with an annoyed Merle sulking behind the wall.
"Okay." And it seemed that's how things were going to be around here.
---------------------------------Elsewhere..----------------------------------
A boy, who was older than Van, yet younger than him, sat on a throne of black, thick, obsidian stone. He lounged, head resting in his hands, and his silvery white hair hanging over closed eyes. Where the throne lay was in a cold, damp, and always so dark room, with the only light coming from fire. Fire, which he was always associated with, was his only sanctuary. The only thing he took pleasure in, besides of course killing and death, closley following wine, long walks on the beach, and an occasional sword fight. He only felt warmth in the fire, and everything else made him cold. Not even the rush of death could satisfy that hunger for fire. Noone had even really gotten close to him, because fire is the devils only friend.
He was a soilder, a swift killer, an assasin, a hero and a villian, beautiful and ugly, quiet yet loud. He was a walking contradiction that everyone loved to hate. He even hated himself at times, and sometimes felt there was more to him than him. He took pride in his beauty, but it only goes so far when you're a monster and everyone says you have an ugly soul. But what care did he have of everyone else? All they knew was how to judge and ridicule. They never knew the answers. He just wanted to talk, but the only things that came out were insults and defiance.
He was alone, and could only confide in the darkness in his soul, and the fire. He was cold, but from the outside you couldn't tell. He, like many his age, was old at heart. Lost of all innocence and childhood. He didn't even know the meaning of that word. Many a nights, he would think of his childhood, but it was a blank page. Everything was a blank page.
But don't pity him. Don't. You. Ever. Pity. Him. He's strong, you know. Him, with his silver hair, and his blood red eyes that thirsted for a good battle. Him, with his white skin, and pale complexion. Him, with his built body, yet soft skin. That sharp glare forever etched in his eyes that could cut out your heart. His perfect teeth that he frequently licked with his tounge. He was a dangerous sort of man,( I would say boy but war forces you to age well beyond your years.) And, of course, he would kill and hurt anyone who was in his way, or got on his nerves.
On a list of what this boy hates is as follows:
Arrogant, cocky people
People who think they are better than him
Heros
Failure
His own death, or the death of his soilders
When people spoke out of line
And numerous other things. But what he hated most, was most people. He hated the way they didn't care about him, or how he didn't care about them, and other such things about the whole 'caring' crap. He's always wanted someone, a significant other that he could confide it, just so he can pour out his hatred. But until then, he would just have to kill to release his anger.
And when he was told to burn Fanalia down to the ground, and find this 'dragon', he smiled. One of his wicked smiles that sent chills down your back.
Oh, yes, this would be fun.
[Scene V]
Van had been unaware of the attack at first. All he was told that invisible giants had literally squashed a guard, burnt three homes, and was on their way to the castle. In a heat haze, he could vaguely make out shapes that only seemed to kill, fire that only burned innocent lives, and apparently- attack Fanalia. Going through his mind were things like 'why now?', 'why' and of course, 'what am I supposed to do'? He had led Hitomi, following him closely, to Balgus. Around them, people ran yelling things like 'assemble the melfs' and 'get the woman and children out of here'.
She,however, was utterly- totally scared. She tightened her grip on Van, and she could feel his heart beat. He was nervous! That relaxed her to know she wasn't the only one. They had lost Merle awhile back, and were now before Balgus in a battle. She looked out, and it reminded her of Merle's village. Fire, screams, and chaos. The scent of smoke heavy in the air, and stones stained in blood.
Not again.
"Lord Van, take the Lady Hitomi and retrieve the Escaflowne and FLEE, my lord." Balgus instructed, pulling a very large sword out from a hilt that was presented to him. He was in war armor Hitomi noticed.
"Escaflowne?" Van asked, quite offended that Balgus didn't want to let him fight. Balgus was murmering orders to the other generals that had appeared out of nowhere (which later was learned that they were killed in the most ungentlemanly way), as most things do when your heart is running 10x faster than its used to, and when war is going on around you. Hitomi then noticed them. Tall, large metal suits burning down Fanalia. What?
"Yes, in the shrine." Balgus pushed him foward. "Now, GO."
So they ran. She was right behind Van as they ran behind the castle, and up marble steps that seemed hidden in smoke and brush. He opened the large wooden door, and the creak seemed to scare of various things living in the shrine. And laying at her feet was an odd room, with weird machines and moving floors. Van hopped down the stairs that led to the center of the room, and pulled out the dragons heart. And in the middle of the odd room, he held it above his head, closed his eyes and took a deep breath.
"I Van Fanel," he began, voice strong. He cut his finger open by his blade, and blood dripped onto the energist. "King of Fanalia do bind myself to thee, Escaflowne by blood pact. Thou sleeping dragon- awake!"
And it did. Above them, was a rock cacoon. At first, little rocks fell and scattered on the floor, and then there was a sickning crack and parts of the shell started to fall off. As it did, the energist above Van's head began to glow an eerie red. And at last, with one final crick, a large, metal suit fell out elegantly in front of Van. It seemed to kneel before him, and he hopped up from its leg. He touched a big, red large jewel on the chest of the robot, and placed the jewel inside of it. It was gooey one second, then hard the next. After the jewel was set in, a cockpit appeared before Van.
He jumped into it, and scanned. He placed his arms in its controls, and it automatically strapped the rest of him in. There was a whir of bolts, and swish of metal and that familiar click as things fastened. He, in all his glory, was now controlling a guymelef, the large mobile suit of metal Escaflowne. It was gorgeous. Hitomi could see two green jewels that glistened on the shoulders, and the silver color of it all reflected light. The head of the suit seemed to be like a midevil helmet, with the faceplate you can see through. Hitomi knew that Van could move it well because of all of the joints it had. And how could I forget- the royal blue cape that stretched out like wings behind him. At first when he stood, it let out steam of some sort, and when he began to move a current of air rushed past Hitomi.
It was like a large person.
"Great, just like the old tech set. I can do this." Van muttered to himself. He noticed Hitomi staring at him in awe, and why shouldn't she? It was his fathers guymelef- one fit for a king. Van didn't have any trouble at all controlling it. He made it reach behind his back and pull out a sword that extended.
"Wait, what are you going to do?" Hitomi asked, frantic for her 'friend's life. He lumbered foward, akwardly at first. His steps were like thunder in the small shrine.
"Fight them, "Van replied, determind as ever, "with Escaflowne. What are you doing? Get out of here!"
"VAN!" Hitomi screamed, noticing one of those giants entering the shrine and charging for Van. He seemed to be oblivious. "To your left!!!!"
"What?" Van guarded the attack, and parried with one of his own. As soon as he seemed to hit it, it appeared. It, like Escaflowne, was a guymelef- one of those strange mobile suits used for fighting. It however was blue, and a different built. It was more rounded, and possesed an eerie feel to it. Instead of the midevil look, it had a technological look, with a window-type eye for the pilot to see through. And instead of a sword, claws were at the end of the arm, that melted and reformed into a sword. "A guymelef!"
"Got ya!" Van yelled, getting into the adrenaline that battle put into his veins. He swung his sword to the right, and hit another guymelef- sending it backwards and hitting the wall. Parts of the roof crumbeled from the impact, and Hitomi had to dodge them. Then she noticed Balgus jump up on one of the guymelefs and slice through it. He, with his overly large sword, mounted on top of that blue robot, who saved her life.
"Lord Van! Take the Lady Hitomi and FLEE!" Balgus barked at Van.
"I won't turn my back on my enemies!" Van yelled back at him. With a swift motion, he reached the hand of the suit out and gripped Hitomi around her waist. It was like one of those odd roller coasters, that keep your feet dangling. She felt motion sickness, and closed her eyes. Death.
He ran outside, and saw a sight he never dreamt of. What used to be Fanalia was now rubble, burning rubble and the only survivors were on the hill.
Death.
He couldn't believe his eyes, and nearly sobbed aloud. "No."
Destruction.
Balgus was on another guymelef, and what happened next was unpredictable. Another one of those giants appeard out of nowhere, tossing its cloak aside, and aimed its arm right at him.
"Watch out!"
Despair.
It was too late. Balgus turned to look at the other one, and it sent out a silver bolt that was like a lethal arrow. It impaled him through his chest, and sent him sprawling down the guymelef. Hitomi had to hide her eyes, and her hands twitched in fear and shock. His body hit the ground in an odd position, with a thud and crunch. A pool of blood started to form around the samurai, and with his last breath he said to Van, "Flee, my lord, and someday return and rebuild our home. I'm sorry that I failed you."
"Balgus..no."
Death.
Despair.
Destruction.
The other guymelefs seemed to surrond Hitomi and Van, and the heat was almost too much. She was choking. Need to get out. Traumatized. Too much. Are we going to die?
"NO!" Hitomi screamed, and her pendent and Escaflownes chest was absorbed in that same blue light. They dissapeared, back into the sky, leaving their enemies behind in a confused state.
Up on the hill, Merle watched the column ascend.
"LORD VAN!!!!!!!!!!!"
What has just happened was confusing. Noone ever knows what's going in war, and sometimes you just have to hope that maybe it was all just a dream.
Or maybe a vision.
Dedicated to:Aeka-himme, CSMars, Amarrie, Love Witch, Evangalion-totalfan, Meriadoc-bb, Stormy_Rose, Kiya, Kat, Cev, and of course, SabineballZ
This Chapter: Merle's unknown past, An apparition after a fight, Hormones and Corinations, oh yes, and Dilandau
Bored. She was always bored, even if she was away from home at a faraway place full of danger and peril. They, being the palace servants of Prince Van, gave her a small, cozy room in the middle of the main building of the castle. She could hear people walking outside her window, on the wooden balcony. No doubt servants and hand-maidens cleaning up the castle and bustling about their everyday pointless things. Pointless. Their lives had no meaning, nothing to look foward to! And yet everyday, they get up at dawn to change the sheets, wash the windows, clean the floors, dust the furniture, and cook the meals. Getting up at dawn, and going to bed well past dusk. "How can they stand it?"
Hitomi sighed, leaving her thoughts at the treshold of the door and scanned the room. For being a palace, the rooms were small. Hers consisted of a bed, pushed against the right wall, a desk in the corner on the opposite side of the room, a dresser adjacent to it with a mirror over it, and a tapestry above her bed. The maids had placed her bag by the bed. She slowly squatted next to it, unzipped it, and took out her uniform. Might as well get changed, Hitomi thought, and go to explore or something; I'm going insane being cooped up! Hitomi pulled out various items, a toothbrush, haircomb, cd player, socks..extra shoes...
I don't really honestly think I need to go into detail on how Hitomi got dressed or how fast she got dressed, so you can imagine all you want to. Finished dressing, Hitomi walked over to the shutters and swung them open to allow light through the glass-less window. Sun poured in, warming Hitomi and lighting the dim, dark room. It smelled like mothballs and musk. Taking a look down from two stories up, Hitomi saw guards and nobles zooming about. "What are they up to?"
"Like a bad habit," a voice was talking from above, "Lord Van picks up travellers easily."
"Who's there?" Hitomi called, her eyes intentions their own, looking around for the owner. Suddenly, a head popped out from the roof of the balcony, and it looked a lot like Merle. She clutched onto the ends of the roof and swung herself to land gracefully on the window sill. Slowly, like Hitomi wasn't even there, she licked her hands, her tail swishing back and forth. She was graceful and cunning, yet mischevious and troublesome. Then again, weren't all felines? Her sharp blue crystaline eyes peirced the very souls of all who dared look her way, yet softened around the raven haired boy she was affectionate for. Her heart was surronded by an ice only he could seem to melt.
"Just DON'T get too formal with him," she started, sneering at a curious Hitomi, "you get me?"
"I honestly, "Hitomi stuttered in all honesty (honestly! heh) and disgust, "have NO idea what you are babbling about."
"Lord Van, you dummy," Merle hissed, her claws slowly digging into the wood. She flicked her tail and jumped from the sill to the floor, and waddled over to Hitomi's bag. "Boy, you sure got a lot of junk. Who needs this? What's THIS for?" All the while, pulling random things out of Hitomis' bag and throwing them behind her. Hitomi reached out for her to stop her raid, and as soon as she touched the cat girl, a vision came.
----------------------------------------------------(Episode Four: King of Wine )---------------------------------------------------
Hot. So hot, Hitomi thought, opening her eyes. In horror, she backed away from the sight in front of her. It was a village, pillaged and burning, with a forest behind it. Children were screaming all around, and she could hear the yells of men and women alike. "Screaming? This was no accident." The falling of wood cracked and sizzled. Hoofbeats were heard, shots fired. Chaos didn't allow sightseeing for Hitomi. A large wooden carriage pulled up next to a house, and a man ran up to it, knelt, and stood back up to salute.
There was smoke everywhere, as thick as fog and billowing out of the village. Trees burned down in a matter of seconds, and wild fires broke out from behind and in front. People fled, some on fire and their bodies twisting and dancing as they died. Some fled to the nearby stream to douse themselves, others didn't make it. Children were abandoned as people tried to save themselves. It was a scary, yet so sad sight. The smoke hid the mysteries behind the attack, and answers couldn't be found in the cries of its victims.
"King, Queen, I must advise a retreat! Zaibach is hot on our tail," a man in dark armor which reflected the fires light, was talking to the carriage that was in front of a burning building, "Folken-sama has already gone ahead. Please! I beg you, flee."
"No. Not till everyone is out," a deep voice rumbled from within. Hitomi crept slowly up to the rose-wood carriage, with two steeds to pull it. A white hand pulled away the velvet looking curtains from inside, and Hitomi gasped. It was the same woman from her vision! The one with the black hair and soulful eyes like Van. Peering in, she saw the woman nursing a child around the age of 4. The child much resembled the prince she met, but a smaller and more innocent version of him. "Go ahead, round the survivors. This is the last time Zaibach attacks an allied country."
"My lord," the woman spoke, her voice soft and slightly above a whisper, "hold Van. There's a child over there and I must retrieve it. Please, Lord?"
"Varie...Alright. Please be careful. I," he looked down, his dark hair hanging over his eyes almost ashamed he finished, "love you."
"I will." She gave him a small smile, and handed the small child to her husband. He took the raven-haired child in his lap and held him close, protecting his eyes from the cruel world. Parents try to do that a lot, hide their children, hinder them from growing up and loosing that innocent look to the,. The woman stood and pushed the door open. She gathered up her velvet dress in her right hand and had the first man escort her out of the carriage, and walked over to a crying child. The heat was too much, and the cries grew quieter as more people died, or were saved. "Come here."
"Mommy! Daddy!" the child wailed, tears streaming down her cheeks and stinging her face. Next to the child was two bodies, one charred and black, the other and more cut wounds then anything Hitomi had ever seen. The vision was in black and white, but the child's hair was the only thing with color. Pink. Hot pink. And her small tail swished beneath her as she sobbed, rubbing her eyes. "Wake up. Wake up!"
Varie, as gently as possible, scooped the crying child in her arms and rushed back over to the carriage as the house crumbled. She left the bodies of the childs parents to be disposed of by the earth. "Shh, it's okay. It's okay."
"Merle..." Hitomi whispered, as the vision dissapeared. She took her hand away from Merle, still gripping her pendent, which gleamed. Merle's parents were killed! She was orphaned? Does that mean...
[Scene II]
"What are YOU staring at you creepy foreigner?" Merle spat, stomping her foot down and arms crossed. Hitomi backed away from her, and nearly tripped on something that lay discarded on the floor. Her pendent swung as she regained her balance, catching Merle's attention. "Ohh...pretty stone.."
The cat girl waltzed over to Hitomi, and swiped it out of Hitomis clutch. She swung it in front of her eyes and grinned with satisfaction as a shocked Hitomi closed and opened her hand in an non-believing fashion. Swift. Cunning. Annoying! Hitomi felt a rage build inside of her gut, that certain fire that lay dorment in her."VERY pretty stone. I think I'll keep it!"
"Wha- Hey!" Hitomi called after her as she bolted from the brown-haired girls room and down the narrow corridors. Hitomi followed in hot pursuit, literally on her tail. "Come back here cat-girl! I'll teach ya to mess with an athlete!"
As Hitomi ran, her skirt swaying from side to side and her hands and elbows moving in perfect sync with her feet and knees. She was graceful as she turned a corner after the feline female. But something, whether by fate or by coincidence, made her look to her right, and a gleam caught her eye. Forgeting about her stone, she skidded to a halt and looked inside this room. It was dark, darker than her own room, with only small cracks that filtered the light. There were tall beams of cinderwood to support the ceiling, and Hitomi saw Van. He was okay, for a jerk, Hitomi thought, kind of cute. His eyes were closed, and a sword aligned with his face in his right hand. He turned it, and opened his eyes at the other figure in the room. His face held determination, as all royaltys do. And for an instance, Hitomi was at awe.
It was Balgus, the samurai master from before who was his companion. He was tall- taller and bigger than anyone Hitomi knew or has seen on television. He had broad shoulders, and big muscles,( as he didn't wear a shirt so Hitomi could see). He had on black pants and had his own sword. Sparring? Van brought his sword to the floor and ran at the man, picking his sword up to strike him. Balgus easily knocked it away and walked up to him, saluting him by bringing a fist to his own shoulder. "You aren't charging aggresively enough, Lord Van!"
"I know.." Van began, casting his eyes at the floor in a pout and in a morbid sneer he continue, "It's just that I don't like mortal..mortal sword combat."
"Lord Van! That's no way for a king to act. You must be skilled in hand-to-hand combat as well as melef combat."Balgus barked. Melef? "It appears we have a visitor."
"Huh? Oh, it's only you." Van sighed, placing his sword back into his hilt. Hitomi heard a meow which caused her to look to her left, her neck craned to see a very smarmy catgirl. Merle was leaning against the wall, smiling and eyes just small slits against her dark skin, as she approached her. Her walk was lethargic and slow, as if she, in a cocky manner, knew something Hitomi did not.
"That's the PROBLEM with you pesky foreigners. You have no manners whatsoever." And Hitomi could have heard her say something along the lines of 'stupid' and 'moron' and other unpleasent terms that one would not use in civilized conversation. Disgusted, Hitomi narrowed her eyes and bit her tounge. Don't say anything, Tomi, nothing at all that you'll regret.
"Hey, catgirl, give me back my pend- What!" Hitomi regained her balance after Merle pushed past her and bounded into Lord Van's arms. She looked down, and in her hand was her pendent. "Good for nothing theif.."
"Here I am Lord Van!" Merle said, her words sugar-coated as she threw her arms around Van. Hitomi felt like she could vomit right there, as Merle did disgust her. She rolled her eyes, oblivious to the fact Balgus had approached her. The darkness casted shadows on everything except two things. One, being Van. The other being Hitomi. Noone noticed. A cold breeze filtered through the stone cracks, chilling Hitomi.
"It seems that we are in debt to you, little lady." He smiled, no smirked. He too took his sword and placed it back into the hilt on his belt. He explained, "Lord Van has told us what has happened, and I vow to you that I will get you home by any means necessary."
"Do you really mean that?" Hitomi asked, her voice full of uncertainty. Balgus nodded and pursed his lips at her doubt of him. Hitomi noticed Van watching her every move, and it made her nervous. His eyes were so distant, so sad. Merle was desperatley trying to get his attention back on her.
"Of course! A samurai never lies."
"...Great." Hitomi replied, as enthusiastically as she could muster. Van was still watching her, ignoring Merle. Hitomi had the urge to get out of there and fast. His eyes made shivers go up and down her spine. She focused her gaze past him, and saw a white figure, licking his lips and reaching out at her. He was as white as the one girl and man she saw back on Earth. He, unlike the others, didn't seem to have anything wrong with him. But that was until she looked at a spear impaled in his white, blood-stained chest. "Who are you?"
"Uhm. Lord Van, who's she talking to?" Merle asked in nothing more than one would call a whisper, eyeing Hitomi in a suspicious manner. Hitomi took a couple of cautious steps toward it. Her heartbeat quickened and her skin felt clammy. The lights seem to run away in fear. Fear of the thing before her that she could not categorize as human. Before Hitomi could blink, the figure rushed at her. She screamed as it went right through her, knocking her back onto the floor. She couldn't breath. She couldn't see. Too quiet. No, she couldn't hear either. Her eyes wouldn't open and her muscles wouldn't move. She was limp in Van's arm, as he picked her up; placing one hand on her back and the other under her thighs. She was incredibly light, and incredibly pale and reminded Van of an angel. To Van, she was the most beautiful creature he had ever set eyes on- shame he would never admit it.
[Scene III]
"Uhh...my head..." Slowly, she opened her eyes and met the face of another white figure. A woman, bent over her like a mother over a sick child. Hitomi flipped, thinking that someone was attacking her like earlier. "Stay..stay away from me!!"
"Shh! Calm down, dear!!" The woman frantically screamed. Hitomi flailed her arms about in effort to shoo the woman off, muttering things like 'offoffoffofffoff!'. Of course the woman was shocked, and thought there was a demon inside of the girl she was attending too. Mental. "Van sent me! I'm a nurse! Please, miss!"
"What? Oh!! Oh my!" Hitomi stopped and stared at the woman, feeling foolish. Her cheeks flushed and she looked down. "I'm so sorry! I thought you were another apparition. So sorry."
"Apparition? Like, a ghost?" The woman, as Hitomi could now see the red cross on her chest, sat down on Hitomis bed in the hospital ward. She took a wet, hot rag from a nearby bowl and ushered Hitomi to lay down so she could apply it. Hitomi nodded stupidly. The light was enough to give Hitomi a migrane, and her head throbbed enough as it is. Hitomi rubbed her temples in effort to scare off the pain. It didn't help at all. She could vaguely recalls names and dates of places she learned in History, and her mind raced to remember what happened only seconds ago. She scrunched her face into a tormented look. "Are you okay dear?"
"What?" Hitomi shook her head and blinked. She felt sick, and weak. She twisted underneath the covers and shivered. The woman, she now noted that she was rather large, bustled about the room, which faintly reminded Hitomi of a Cinderellas Fairy Godmother. Hitomi slightly giggled, and the rosie-faced plump woman replaced the wet towel on her forhead. The woman paid no mind to her patients giggle ( as she thought she was delirious and crazy at it is). The afternoon light filled the room from a window in the corner, above another bed. It was a ramshackled for a castle, and Hitomi noted to ask Van why he didn't spend more for better rooms.
"The corination of Lord Van will take place in an hour, and I want you to get rest!! I need to keep an eye out there, and I can't be in two places at a time, now can I?" The woman smirked, as if she was witty or some sort. Hitomi rolled her eyes and flopped around on the stiff bed. It hurt her back, and she could've sworn that her back was now home to 1000 splinters. "Someone will be in to check on you every half an hour."
"Oh." Hitomi didn't even hear her, or didn't want to hear her. Her thoughts laid on home, of Amano and Yukari, of her mother, of the chaos and trouble she'd face once she got home, and one last thing- the boy with wine eyes. He in his own sense lived his own life, above all, and thinking he was the best thing since slice bread. It infuriated her that he thought she was below him! He carried himself in a way Amano had not, had an awful scowl plastered on his face at all time.
She loved it, yet hated him.
Wanted to see him, yet wanted to avoid him.
Her feelings lumbered toward friendship, and her heart ignored him as an ever possible love.
Or did it?
--------------
Van, in one way or another, felt his stomach churn. But, no, he wasn't nervous. What on Gaea, does HE have to be nervous about? He looked at his reflection, and admired his modest armor and kingly outfit. The grand cape that draped off of him, the silver that adorned his every garment. He thought he looked good, and he might as well have a large ego, for he deserved it. He was a known killer, far beyond innocent, but still respected, not feared, by the people. He was a good ruler, and a better fighter. Still young, and still naive, but never the less, he was a warrior and a man. His duties forced him to be mature further than his years, though lacked in the wisdom of woman and other such trivial things.
That girl. She confused him so much. Her face with such soft features, pretty lips, big eyes. Gorgeous green eyes that demanded you to look at them, and could be seen a thousand miles away. Her hair looked as soft as silk, and he ached to run a hand through it just for a little bit. He didn't know why. He wanted to protect her, hold her. She angered him, yet soothed his soul, if only for little bits at a time. He barely knew her, of course, so this was too rushed to be real. He didn't want any woman to worry about him! He could take care of himself and didn't need anyone.
Suddenly, the door burst open. Van stood, and saw a weak Hitomi. He took two steps towards her, in this dark room, and she staggered towards him. His heart lept, as she tumbled foward. His quick reactions kicked in, and he caught her in his arms. Her face was buried in his chest, and he could her the steady thump, thump, thump, of her heart against his. She had most of her weight, which was not a lot, against him, her arms delicatley folded against his chest, her chest pressed against him. Finally, after an enternity, she looked up. Green met brown in a thing Van could only describe as love. He blinked, and so did she. And then they shared a kiss. Her lips were soft, and reminded Van of feathers, and oh how he just wanted this moment to last forever. He closed his eyes, enjoying her and only her.
There was a knock at the door and Van woke up. He shook his head free of the girl and his thoughts, stretching himself agains the wooden chair."Nothing but a stupid dream."
"It's time, my lord." A servant said, opening the door into the afternoon sun. It blazed against his chest, and the light was reflected onto the ceiling.
"Oh. Okay then." And he rubbed the crust out of his eyes, and stood up for a walk to his destiny. He was a king, and shouldn't be thinking of anything but that. He walked down the stone corridor, where he saw the garden and other rooms. This was the last time he'd walk through here as a prince.
It was a nice dream. Stupid hormones. Stupid girl. Stupid eyes that I want to rip out. Stupid, stupid, stupid, stupid.
Stupid Van.
[Scene IV]
The corination was beautiful. Everyone in Fanalia had gathered to see the Head of Church, a crotchity old man with a white beard and glasses, king Lord Van, placing some one thing or another in his hands and saying a grand speech. Noone ever knew what was said, because the man spoke so softly, but they believed it true, and Van heard. That was enough for them all. It was held outside, as the sun set and the heat of the day started to waste away into a cool evening. It was like most normal corinations, with cheering, and applauding, long speeches, cramped legs and other sorts of excitement (kind of like a wedding or when something really big happens that people say is all great and exciting, but you just can't wait to get home and curl up to go to sleep).
The place where it was held was a sight itself. The floor was open, and a soft copper shade and appeared to be studded with marble or some other rich material. High towers stood at the end of the vast stone feild, and in the middle, where a circular pattern ended, Van knelt. His head always low, and the glare from the stones hurt his eyes. The people massed around, and the soilders in formation. All in all, a beautiful sight. And the king with wine eyes accepted the throne, against the moutainistic setting, with trees that swayed in the wind. Wine eyes.
Hitomi, however, did not see the corination. She had been cooped up in the hospital wing, and finally was released as nothing more than a silly girl with thoughts of home. Words filtered through conversation, such as 'cursed place' and 'Mystic Moon' and 'witch'. People stared at her, and pointed, making comments to anyone around to make themselves feel important and smart. She, no matter how many people looked at her, kept her head up and her dignity. She wouldn't let people who sleep with pigs insult her. She was better than that to let whispers and rumon ruin her. All she could think of was wine eyes.
"They're mocking yoooou. Haha." Merle had been, of course, the most annoying of them all. She was the one spreading rumors of how she ate the eyeballs of goats over some guts of something known as 'polysomethingoranother', which appeared to be a cross between a cat and a possum. Who knew? Merle followed her down the corridors, laughing and poking fun at her. She reminded Hitomi of a cat that followed her home one day after school. Never seem to take a hint just to GO AWAY.
"For someone, who on my planet would eat mushed up crap," Hitomi said bluntly," you sure do know how to insult, you little theif."
"Oh please. I'm probably ABOVE you in your world." Merle giggled, and Hitomi was about to take a rock and throw it at her head, until Van appeared out of nowhere. His arms crossed against his chest. He seemed to be brooding, as his eyes were closed (Hitomi saw an eyebrow twitch), and his lips curled upward in a position commonly known as a scowl. He was either in deep thought, or was asleep.
"Merle, don't you have anything better to do?" Hitomi hissed at her, and the cat girl seemed to choke back laughter. Hitomi thought of words like 'pathetic' to classify her then and there. The sun was still setting, shadows dancing around them and following their every move. The wind was soft and warm, caressing them in an earthly embrace. It was the type of weather that spring was known for. Soft winds, laughter of children, birds singing, flowers budding. Corny things like that, but Hitomi couldn't seem to get enough. It always warmed her heart to feel at ease in the wind, even with an annoying cat and a brooding male. She leaned against a stone wall, and it felt cold and rough against her thighs. "How was the ceremony, Van?"
"Okay."
"How are you?"
"Okay."
"How are the wife and kids?"
"Okay."
"Blah blah blah blah blah?" Hitomi finally suggested. Van supressed a stupid smirk, but just lowered his eyes. Hitomi grinned from ear to ear, with an annoyed Merle sulking behind the wall.
"Okay." And it seemed that's how things were going to be around here.
---------------------------------Elsewhere..----------------------------------
A boy, who was older than Van, yet younger than him, sat on a throne of black, thick, obsidian stone. He lounged, head resting in his hands, and his silvery white hair hanging over closed eyes. Where the throne lay was in a cold, damp, and always so dark room, with the only light coming from fire. Fire, which he was always associated with, was his only sanctuary. The only thing he took pleasure in, besides of course killing and death, closley following wine, long walks on the beach, and an occasional sword fight. He only felt warmth in the fire, and everything else made him cold. Not even the rush of death could satisfy that hunger for fire. Noone had even really gotten close to him, because fire is the devils only friend.
He was a soilder, a swift killer, an assasin, a hero and a villian, beautiful and ugly, quiet yet loud. He was a walking contradiction that everyone loved to hate. He even hated himself at times, and sometimes felt there was more to him than him. He took pride in his beauty, but it only goes so far when you're a monster and everyone says you have an ugly soul. But what care did he have of everyone else? All they knew was how to judge and ridicule. They never knew the answers. He just wanted to talk, but the only things that came out were insults and defiance.
He was alone, and could only confide in the darkness in his soul, and the fire. He was cold, but from the outside you couldn't tell. He, like many his age, was old at heart. Lost of all innocence and childhood. He didn't even know the meaning of that word. Many a nights, he would think of his childhood, but it was a blank page. Everything was a blank page.
But don't pity him. Don't. You. Ever. Pity. Him. He's strong, you know. Him, with his silver hair, and his blood red eyes that thirsted for a good battle. Him, with his white skin, and pale complexion. Him, with his built body, yet soft skin. That sharp glare forever etched in his eyes that could cut out your heart. His perfect teeth that he frequently licked with his tounge. He was a dangerous sort of man,( I would say boy but war forces you to age well beyond your years.) And, of course, he would kill and hurt anyone who was in his way, or got on his nerves.
On a list of what this boy hates is as follows:
Arrogant, cocky people
People who think they are better than him
Heros
Failure
His own death, or the death of his soilders
When people spoke out of line
And numerous other things. But what he hated most, was most people. He hated the way they didn't care about him, or how he didn't care about them, and other such things about the whole 'caring' crap. He's always wanted someone, a significant other that he could confide it, just so he can pour out his hatred. But until then, he would just have to kill to release his anger.
And when he was told to burn Fanalia down to the ground, and find this 'dragon', he smiled. One of his wicked smiles that sent chills down your back.
Oh, yes, this would be fun.
[Scene V]
Van had been unaware of the attack at first. All he was told that invisible giants had literally squashed a guard, burnt three homes, and was on their way to the castle. In a heat haze, he could vaguely make out shapes that only seemed to kill, fire that only burned innocent lives, and apparently- attack Fanalia. Going through his mind were things like 'why now?', 'why' and of course, 'what am I supposed to do'? He had led Hitomi, following him closely, to Balgus. Around them, people ran yelling things like 'assemble the melfs' and 'get the woman and children out of here'.
She,however, was utterly- totally scared. She tightened her grip on Van, and she could feel his heart beat. He was nervous! That relaxed her to know she wasn't the only one. They had lost Merle awhile back, and were now before Balgus in a battle. She looked out, and it reminded her of Merle's village. Fire, screams, and chaos. The scent of smoke heavy in the air, and stones stained in blood.
Not again.
"Lord Van, take the Lady Hitomi and retrieve the Escaflowne and FLEE, my lord." Balgus instructed, pulling a very large sword out from a hilt that was presented to him. He was in war armor Hitomi noticed.
"Escaflowne?" Van asked, quite offended that Balgus didn't want to let him fight. Balgus was murmering orders to the other generals that had appeared out of nowhere (which later was learned that they were killed in the most ungentlemanly way), as most things do when your heart is running 10x faster than its used to, and when war is going on around you. Hitomi then noticed them. Tall, large metal suits burning down Fanalia. What?
"Yes, in the shrine." Balgus pushed him foward. "Now, GO."
So they ran. She was right behind Van as they ran behind the castle, and up marble steps that seemed hidden in smoke and brush. He opened the large wooden door, and the creak seemed to scare of various things living in the shrine. And laying at her feet was an odd room, with weird machines and moving floors. Van hopped down the stairs that led to the center of the room, and pulled out the dragons heart. And in the middle of the odd room, he held it above his head, closed his eyes and took a deep breath.
"I Van Fanel," he began, voice strong. He cut his finger open by his blade, and blood dripped onto the energist. "King of Fanalia do bind myself to thee, Escaflowne by blood pact. Thou sleeping dragon- awake!"
And it did. Above them, was a rock cacoon. At first, little rocks fell and scattered on the floor, and then there was a sickning crack and parts of the shell started to fall off. As it did, the energist above Van's head began to glow an eerie red. And at last, with one final crick, a large, metal suit fell out elegantly in front of Van. It seemed to kneel before him, and he hopped up from its leg. He touched a big, red large jewel on the chest of the robot, and placed the jewel inside of it. It was gooey one second, then hard the next. After the jewel was set in, a cockpit appeared before Van.
He jumped into it, and scanned. He placed his arms in its controls, and it automatically strapped the rest of him in. There was a whir of bolts, and swish of metal and that familiar click as things fastened. He, in all his glory, was now controlling a guymelef, the large mobile suit of metal Escaflowne. It was gorgeous. Hitomi could see two green jewels that glistened on the shoulders, and the silver color of it all reflected light. The head of the suit seemed to be like a midevil helmet, with the faceplate you can see through. Hitomi knew that Van could move it well because of all of the joints it had. And how could I forget- the royal blue cape that stretched out like wings behind him. At first when he stood, it let out steam of some sort, and when he began to move a current of air rushed past Hitomi.
It was like a large person.
"Great, just like the old tech set. I can do this." Van muttered to himself. He noticed Hitomi staring at him in awe, and why shouldn't she? It was his fathers guymelef- one fit for a king. Van didn't have any trouble at all controlling it. He made it reach behind his back and pull out a sword that extended.
"Wait, what are you going to do?" Hitomi asked, frantic for her 'friend's life. He lumbered foward, akwardly at first. His steps were like thunder in the small shrine.
"Fight them, "Van replied, determind as ever, "with Escaflowne. What are you doing? Get out of here!"
"VAN!" Hitomi screamed, noticing one of those giants entering the shrine and charging for Van. He seemed to be oblivious. "To your left!!!!"
"What?" Van guarded the attack, and parried with one of his own. As soon as he seemed to hit it, it appeared. It, like Escaflowne, was a guymelef- one of those strange mobile suits used for fighting. It however was blue, and a different built. It was more rounded, and possesed an eerie feel to it. Instead of the midevil look, it had a technological look, with a window-type eye for the pilot to see through. And instead of a sword, claws were at the end of the arm, that melted and reformed into a sword. "A guymelef!"
"Got ya!" Van yelled, getting into the adrenaline that battle put into his veins. He swung his sword to the right, and hit another guymelef- sending it backwards and hitting the wall. Parts of the roof crumbeled from the impact, and Hitomi had to dodge them. Then she noticed Balgus jump up on one of the guymelefs and slice through it. He, with his overly large sword, mounted on top of that blue robot, who saved her life.
"Lord Van! Take the Lady Hitomi and FLEE!" Balgus barked at Van.
"I won't turn my back on my enemies!" Van yelled back at him. With a swift motion, he reached the hand of the suit out and gripped Hitomi around her waist. It was like one of those odd roller coasters, that keep your feet dangling. She felt motion sickness, and closed her eyes. Death.
He ran outside, and saw a sight he never dreamt of. What used to be Fanalia was now rubble, burning rubble and the only survivors were on the hill.
Death.
He couldn't believe his eyes, and nearly sobbed aloud. "No."
Destruction.
Balgus was on another guymelef, and what happened next was unpredictable. Another one of those giants appeard out of nowhere, tossing its cloak aside, and aimed its arm right at him.
"Watch out!"
Despair.
It was too late. Balgus turned to look at the other one, and it sent out a silver bolt that was like a lethal arrow. It impaled him through his chest, and sent him sprawling down the guymelef. Hitomi had to hide her eyes, and her hands twitched in fear and shock. His body hit the ground in an odd position, with a thud and crunch. A pool of blood started to form around the samurai, and with his last breath he said to Van, "Flee, my lord, and someday return and rebuild our home. I'm sorry that I failed you."
"Balgus..no."
Death.
Despair.
Destruction.
The other guymelefs seemed to surrond Hitomi and Van, and the heat was almost too much. She was choking. Need to get out. Traumatized. Too much. Are we going to die?
"NO!" Hitomi screamed, and her pendent and Escaflownes chest was absorbed in that same blue light. They dissapeared, back into the sky, leaving their enemies behind in a confused state.
Up on the hill, Merle watched the column ascend.
"LORD VAN!!!!!!!!!!!"
What has just happened was confusing. Noone ever knows what's going in war, and sometimes you just have to hope that maybe it was all just a dream.
Or maybe a vision.