Disclaimer: Vision of Escaflowne and its characters and likeliness is copyrighted to its respective company(ies). But the characters I created and this story is copyrighted to me.
Rating: PG-13
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FATES' JUDGEMENT
By Cosmos (ml_eclipse@hotmail.com)
Chapter 11: Battle at Cummerson Forest
Part I: Cornered
They were alone against Fate. Their weary souls screamed out for them to stop but they refused. It was their will; it was their hope; it was their love that pushed them forward despite the anguish and the devastation that laid waste to the path of their ultimate destiny. Yet they knew not why? Why these tears? Why this pain? Why this fate?
Van remained ever defiant despite the closeness of death. No longer was he fighting to protect her for his mother and no longer was he fighting for Etheria. Van now fought to protect an innocent soul against a fate that had so cruelly taken his life. He had never truly understood why there was so much sorrow in this world. At first he believed it to be the consequence of people's own selfish and foolish decisions that forced them on a path filled with so much pain, but now he felt uncertain. True, much of the people's grievances stem from the very choices they make—be it wise or not—but one's own fortune also plays a critical role in shaping the future. And it was this Van was determined to end. But can he? Can he change the very thing that shaped his own destiny?
Giving a side-glance to the naïve girl standing close to him, Van thought, If I cannot change mine, I must change hers. Giving a loud battle cry, he launched at the unsuspecting Folken with the blade of his sword directed against his foe's unprotected neck. However, Folken was very well aware of Van's intention, and so he blocked the sudden attack with ease. His black steel blade clashed with Van's golden sword sending dangerous sparks flying all around them. Van's attacks were unrelenting as he took skilful swipes at his opponent without any hint of slowing down. All his training had enabled him to size up his opponents very well, and Van knew Folken was an extremely skilled fighter. Thus, he kept on the offensive to force his enemy to constantly be defending his attacks. Should he slow down, Folken would immediately take hold of the battle and turn it upon him. Nonetheless, this strategy came not without risks. By constantly barraging his opponent with blows, blows that would be extremely deadly should it get through, Van was using up his strength rather quickly. He growled in rage when he saw all his attacks were simply deflected off. He was unable to break through Folken's excellent defenses.
In his frustration, Van mistakenly left a slight opening, which Folken immediately seized. While Van held his sword to the side, ready to swing it back again, Folken did a swift turn bringing his sword all the way around to graze Van's unprotected side. Drawing his sword back to block Van's incoming attack, Folken gazed impassively pass the bloodstained face of his blade toward Van's fiery eyes.
"Van!" Hitomi could not help but cry out with fear when she saw the trail of dark, red liquid drift down the side of his bare chest. But Van did not hear her cry, as he was so immersed in this red field of battle. Even the pain of his wound was not felt. All Van focused on was his opponent dancing so aggravatingly near his sword, and yet go unscathed by its deadly face.
Although The Hunter were merciless in completing their task, they were not without honour. Realizing that this battle was fought between these two archrivals, none of the other soldier's dared to intervene. They have also decided to leave Hitomi be until the battle came to an end. There was much in this battle besides the obvious. This was a fight between two ideals and the outcome would have tremendous impact upon the very event that would inevitably unfold in the near future.
The clashing of their powerful swords rang loudly through the dark forest, reaching alert ears of men racing nearer toward the field of battle. With each sound indicating an ongoing struggle, their paces quickened as they hurried to the possible aid of unknown victims. The passing bars of faint moonlight picked up on a green fabric tied to the head of one of the leading men. His forest-green eyes flashed alertly as he scanned the dark scenery before him. A foreboding feeling rose in his heart accompanied by an instinctive sense of fear of what lay ahead for them once they reached the area from which these strange sounds were emanating.
Van quickly ducked away from the dark blade that whistled through the air toward his head. While in a tuck position, Van lashed out at his opponent's legs but missed when the other man jumped away. Folken took a stab at Van's midsection but the younger man swerved out of reach. Van immediately did a full turn back and slammed his elbow hard into Folken's vulnerable ribcage, forcing the air out of his lungs. He watched as Folken staggered back in surprise then, seizing this short moment of exposure of his enemy, Van spun around and slashed his opponent across the front chest drawing blood in the process. A blow for a blow. Breathing heavily, both men took a step back to size up the other's condition. They were both equally exhausted and equally wounded.
Hitomi watched in horror while the ground immediately below them began to discolour. The land changed from soiled brown to blood red as the life of these two men rained down to stain its innocent face in a crimson curse. The mesmerizing terror that unfolded before her gaze captured all her attention in a hazy blur in which reality and fantasy were indistinguishable. The horrendous clang of their battling swords awakened her from this shocked state.
"Stop! Please stop!" She cried in vain because the ears for which these words were meant have been deafened by the rage roaring within his heart.
Van defended himself from a deadly blow sent by his adversary that would have relieved him of his left arm had he been only seconds late to react. Van swung at his opponent's head with his sword, but Folken dove to escape this deadly attack with ease. The dangerous blade whistled over his head taking a few strands of aqua-coloured hair with it. Without breaking his smooth motion, Folken immediately seized the opportunity to attack. He agilely turned around and slammed his elbow into Van's lower back. The forceful blow sent Van staggering forward as the sharp pain ripped through his body. Folken took this opportunity to send his dark sword toward his unprotected enemy but he apparently underestimated his foe. While trying to regain his balance, Van noticed the fatal blade screaming toward him from the periphery of his view. Immediately he changed his body's position to convert the energy of his imbalance into one of equilibrium. Shoving off, Van did a back flip over his adversary's head just as Folken's dark blade stabbed the space his heart occupied just milliseconds earlier. The young man did a slight twist in mid-air to face his opponent on the way down; Van slashed his sword along the length of his rivals undefended back evoking a cry of dire pain. Folken stumbled forward in an attempt to distance himself from his evidently skilful adversary.
Folken could feel the sticky liquid quickly soak the back of his uniform as it dripped down the legs of his pants. Bleeding both in front and on the back, he knew he could not continue this fight much longer. Gazing at the heavily breathing young man standing before him with his sword placed protectively across the space between them, Folken noticed that Van was in no better shape than he but the fire of determination within those young garnet eyes continued to burn ever strong. Folken realized that it was sheer resolve to protect the girl which gave his opponent the strength to continue this fight even as his life bled from his deep wound.
Folken frowned in anger. I did not come here to kill unnecessarily, he thought. He narrowed his eyes in restrained rage before he shouted to the sorcerers, "Seize the girl!"
"No!" Van cried out as he spun around toward Hitomi. Suddenly he saw seven beams of dark blue light racing toward her from the cloaked men surrounding them. Forgetting Folken, Van tried to get to her before the enchanted light could imprison her. Immediately after she saw the sorcerers' attack, Hitomi attempted to escape but her legs refused to obey her command. She stood rooted to the ground as if forced to stand and wait for her verdict by the men who sought her life.
"Hitomi, move it!" Van shouted.
"I can't!" she cried in fear, "I can't move. Van! Van, please help me!"
Anguish and rage scorched his racing heart as Van ran toward her but, at the rate the enchanted lights were travelling, he knew he would not reach her in time. As his legs manipulated his body closer to her, his mind worked feverishly to come up with a plan that might save her. Then it dawned on him.
Reaching with one hand, he tightly grasped the lower part of his blade, which remained clean of his enemy's blood. Pulling the sharp steel through his palm, he made a shallow cut across his hand to draw his own blood thereby empowering his sword with the very liquid that housed his greatest power. His brows constricted slightly as the new wound added more pain to his overly exhausted body. Gripping the hilt of his sword with the other hand, Van swung his arm mightily as he threw his enchanted weapon toward Hitomi, now being slowly choked by the vines of light that have wrapped tightly around her fragile frame.
All the while, he continued to run to her.
The bloodied face of his blade swung in an arc through the tense atmosphere. Its face twinkled with crimson as it cut cleanly through the air toward the one it was intended to protect. The sword pierced the ground only inches from Hitomi's feet and immediately the entire sword began to glow with a strange pale blue light. From the blade, a quarter into the earth, diffused power of the very same hue as it flowed from the sword into the soil surrounding Hitomi. Her pain-stricken eyes were closed as she fought against the dark power that trapped her. Hitomi gasped in surprise when she felt a strange energy touched her feet and slowly rise up her body. At first she expected nothing but pain from this new power; yet to her surprise, this phenomenal energy was warm and soothing like a thick blanket slowly wrapping itself around her. The tightness of the coils of light soon loosened when this protective power enveloped her in its comforting embrace. Hitomi suddenly sensed the essence of this energy, this strength. Van? A brief image flickered through her mind of an individual with beautiful white wings folded over his head, hiding his face. In her mind, she reached a hand toward the beautiful silver feathers but quickly withdrew in surprise when her subtle touch caused them to become pitch black. Why? she asked in a mournful tone.
"Hitomi!" Van's voice pierced through the dark image and brought her back to reality. She opened her eyes to see a face she had come to rely on so much.
"Van," she sighed in relief.
After a quick overview of her physique, Van relaxed a bit with the comfort of knowing that she was all right. Turning around, he grabbed the gold hilt of his sword and pulled it out of the ground. Gripping the sword tightly with one hand while the other held Hitomi protectively against his body, Van assessed their situation with concern. Considering his current physical condition and the sheer number of his enemies (of which there were over twenty), Van realized with a heavy heart that they would not make it out alive.
"Why don't you spare yourself further agony, Van, and hand over the girl," said Folken. "I give you my word that I will spare your life if you do."
"Humph," Van scoffed, "and if you do uphold your word, I still won't give you Hitomi."
"Foolish boy," Folken chastised. "You would so hastily throw away your own existence merely for a girl."
"But we both know," Van said with narrowing eyes, "that she is more than a mere girl, don't we?"
Hitomi looked at Van in confusion but he did not notice. Folken frowned in annoyance.
"Do not involve yourself in something you do not understand, Van. This conflict does not involve you."
"Don't be so sure," Van responded coldly. "I, too, have a mission. That is to protect Infinity. And protect her I will."
Infinity? Hitomi thought in bewilderment. Who is he referring to? Surely it can't be me?
So you know, Folken thought with a somber frown. But why are you protecting what you once swore to kill, Van?
Everyone remained silent while Van's last statement echoed throughout their tiresome minds. This journey had become so long and so full of pain that all now present only desired for its end, but as long as the objective remained standing they could not rest. A burdensome silence rained down upon these worn souls, as the night appeared even darker and more sinister. Here in the middle of this once pristine meadow protected by ancient trees, resided individuals with conflicting intentions of which were neither virtuous nor wicked. One fought for freedom from Fate's imprisonment while the others fought for mere survival of that imprisonment.
Van gave his surrounding a quick scan once again before deciding that the only route of escape was up. He knew that to reveal his heritage would mean greater danger to Hitomi and him but it was a risk he had to take if they were to get out of this alive. Looking down at the frightened girl taking refuge within his strong embrace, Van's stern expression softened. Don't worry, Hitomi, he thought, I won't let them take you. He again returned his gaze to his enemy.
"Hmm?" Hitomi whispered in surprise. She looked up at Van but his attention was occupied. I thought I heard him say something. Just then, he spoke aloud.
"Hitomi," he said while his attention remained ahead, "hold on tight to me."
"But…"
"Just do as I say, Hitomi," Van whispered harshly. "We are getting out of here."
She was about to ask, 'How?' but decided against it. Silently, she wrapped her arms around his waist.
"Tighter Hitomi," he ordered.
Her grip strengthened. Unexpectedly, Hitomi could feel Van's muscles tense-up while his upper back constricted strangely. What is he doing? she wondered. Van's brow knotted in concentration as he commanded his wings to form and release. He could feel the soft feathers immediately form beneath the skin of his back and the force they exerted upon the hidden slit between his shoulder blades. Just when he was about to release them, an unexpected commotion rose in the near distance from behind. They both spun around to see what all the uproar was about. Van's expression was pure shock when he saw the small group of men attacking the thin line of hunters that covered that side of the meadow. Caught off guard, the five hunters were easily defeated while the others unsuccessfully ran to their aid.
"Van!" a man with green bandanna shouted to them, "Hurry, this way!"
"Van?" Hitomi breathed while her grip on him tightened further.
"Come on Hitomi," he said as he grabbed her hand and dragged her toward the stranger. Hitomi ran uneasily beside him as they raced across the meadow toward a small opening this group of strangers kindly created for them. As she ran pass, Hitomi gave a quick, fearful glance at the fallen bodies of The Hunter littering the dark forest floor. Van let go of Hitomi's hand and halted in mid-stride just as they stepped into the dark cover of the forest's thick undergrowth. Gripping his sword tightly, he spun around to face the ensuing foe while barking out his order to Hitomi to continue on running.
"No Van," Hitomi stubbornly refused. "I will not leave you again."
"Hitomi—," he growled but she interrupted him.
"I don't care what threats you throw at me; I will not leave you."
Van's furious expression softened slightly as he gave a soft sigh of irritation at the girl's imprudent obstinacy.
"Foolish girl," he whispered edgily but his voice held a certain gentleness that was barely detectable.
"Come on, Van," one of the strangers called out from ahead. "Don't be a fool; you can't fight all those men by yourself. Let us distance ourselves from them as much as we can. Come on, what are you two waiting for?"
Van's brows constricted in annoyance knowing what Sythe said was most sensible. He re-sheathed his sword and followed the others with Hitomi running easily beside him. Without turning to him, she said, "So who is the fool?"
Van growled in response as his pace quickened. Nevertheless, he noticed that she kept apace with him quite easily.
Hitomi stepped closer to him and whispered, "Van…"
He glanced down at her. His dark expression noticed the concerned look in her eyes.
"…you should see to your wound." She frowned as her gaze fell upon a rather deep gash on the left side of his lower chest, which still bled slowly.
"There is no time," he stated squarely before moving on ahead. Hitomi's gaze remained on him but her expression had become so sad. They ran for as long as their legs could go but exhaustion soon revoked them of this significant luxury. After several straight hours of running, they began to slow down to a walk.
Looking behind him, Van stated plainly, "We will not escape them."
"Sure we will," Rad said confidently as he glanced over at Van. "We know this forest like the backs of our hands. They will not be able to follow us so easily."
"Don't be so sure," Van cautioned. "You don't know these men. They are elite soldiers and sorcerers of the mortal world."
"Mortal world?" Cade asked in-between heavy intakes of breath.
Van frowned when he realized he inadvertently let loose some undesired information to these individuals. "Rad, you and the others should have not involved yourselves in this," he spoke quickly to divert their attention.
"No way," Arius spoke up from behind them. Van glanced back at him. His young, innocent light blue eyes steadily returned Van's gaze. "I told you that if you ever needed help, we are here to aid you."
Van frowned. "You don't know what you have just gotten yourselves into."
Hitomi listened to their conversions silently, hidden from the other men by Van's body. Curiosity peaked, she whispered, "Who are these men, Van?"
Her voice immediately drew their attention to her presence among the small group. Arik voiced, "Hey, who's the pretty girl, Van? Is she part of the task you had talked about?"
Hitomi's cheeks instantly reddened at the inference. She thanked the stars that it was too dark for any of them to see.
Van, however, replied nonchalantly, "Yes. She is part of my mission."
"Man," Landen sighed, "I wish someone would lay such a mission on my shoulders."
This time Hitomi was offended by the direction in which this conversation was heading. "My name is Hitomi," she said in irritation, "and I do not appreciate being referred to as some kind of an objective in someone's mission. If you do not have anything kind to say then don't speak at all."
Van watched her enraged expression with slight amusement. She has quite a spirit, he thought.
"Then what are you doing here?" Landen asked. "Why were those men after you?"
Arik whispered aside to Landen, "Maybe a jealous boyfriend." He smirked.
"I heard that," Hitomi fumed then her expression suddenly became solemn and sad. "I wish it was as simple as that," she sighed.
"Why were those men after you, Hitomi?" Rad asked curiously, noting the fallen expression on the girl's face.
"Why don't you ask him?" She pointed to Van.
Rad referred his attention, and his question, to the young man standing quietly aside. Van, however, remained silent with a solemn air. Rad was about to press his question but Hitomi interfered.
"Don't even waste your breath asking. I've tried."
Rad and Cade observed Van thoughtfully. The look in the younger man's eyes and the steadfastness of his lips confirmed Hitomi's word of advice. Van would not answer.
Silence fell over them as the group continued their fast pace through the forest toward the Northwestern region, where a labyrinth of caves weaving through the enormous body of an ancient mountain would provide them some means to hide. Not caring much for the ominous silence, Arik suddenly introduced himself to Hitomi, which sparked a domino effect of introductions from the rest of the group. Van left Hitomi to chat with Landen and Arik as he sought out Rad.
Walking up to the older man, and Sythe who happened to be standing nearby, Van asked, "How much farther before we reach these caves you speak of?"
"At the rate we're travelling," Rad said with a frown, "not until dawn, I'm afraid."
"We can't go much faster," Sythe said as he gave Van a glance. "Especially considering the conditions you two are in." Then he added, "You should take care of that wound of yours, Van."
"Hmmm," sighed Van solemnly. He glanced back at Hitomi with concern evident in his dark eyes. Despite her lively appearance as she conversed with the two adolescence, Van could clearly see fatigue within her dull eyes. The crusted streaks of blood on her cheeks stood out against her pale skin like face painting. His own wound remained relatively fresh but he had no time to care for it now. Fortunately, it had stopped bleeding.
"You care for her a lot, don't you?" Rad asked unexpectedly.
For the first time, Van was caught off guard. He glanced in surprise at Rad for a brief moment while he struggled to come up with a response. In the end, he simply walked away without a reply.
The two older men watched his receding back knowingly.
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Author's note:
Thanks for being patient with me. That extra time gave me the chance to complete the third part of Chapter 11 and more than half of Chapter 12. A little warning to Dilandau fans in the upcoming chapters. In this story, I have removed his psychotic, reasonless side. He still has that slight edge of chaos to him but not the way he was portrayed in the movie or television series. I had to change him in order to have him fit properly into my story. However, I believe that the Dilandau I portray here is not far off from the character in Escaflowne; it is just minus the insensible psychosis. However, I do hope you'll continue to read my story and enjoy the rest of it. Thanks to all who have given this story a review(s) and for the continual support.
Next: Chapter 11: "Battle at Cummerson Forest"
Part II: "Passage to the Skies"
Cosmos 2004