Cintamani
Zaibach has arrived. Balgus says they may not be the last. Being King was difficult to swallow in theory, but now it's all too real. My every move watched, my every word re-interpreted. Everybody waiting for me to trip and fall. And I am to be the epitome of grace? But I'm just a sixteen year old girl.
Part One: Fanelia
Chapter Four: Divide and Conquer
Kaho was a witch, though no one dared to call her that within hearing distance, or in the presence of true darkness. Those closest to her didn't even dare think it. She called herself a Prophetess. And that, at least, was true. But it wasn't all of the truth.
It was in the ninth hour of the day that she fell in her studies, and had to be carried to bed by one of her servants. There she dreamed, and the words came from her mouth, like water over rock, smooth and unending.
"The Dragon is the door. Through it we shall all pass, or break against. He who holds its key, he will be the one to know victory..."
The words continued. A variation of the same theme.
A new age on Gaea was about to begin.
¤ ¤ ¤
In Fanelia, a young girl was getting ready for another busy day.
Balgus had assured her that these talks were best if taken slow, and then advised her to 'feel-out' each of the envoys separately. So, after the entertainment of their meal, she had asked the one named Chesta to meet her after her morning practice for a tour of the castle gardens. Miguel was to dine with her at mid-day. And the Lady Soma had been invited to have afternoon tea with her in the library. Supper was to be served again in the Dining Room, and only then would the three Ambassadors be allowed to converge once more. Under her direction, of course.
She understood the tactics as 'Divide and Conquer', but as Balgus and Romi instructed her on what to do and not to do, she reflected on how much politics was like the art of warfare, and just as dangerous.
¤ ¤ ¤
Divide and Conquer was the Dragon's tactic, but the Slayers, as well as being trained to fight in a cohesive unit, had also been trained in one-on-one combat. Soma was the wild-card, and Miguel and Chesta were left with preparing her for the battle ahead.
It was a pity that her weapon of choice had so fast become useless.
¤ ¤ ¤
"Chesta is it?" she asked, knowing exactly what his name was. The Gaean sun had already risen to half-mast in the sky, but it was dimmer beneath the carefully cultivated trees of the royal gardens. Their branches hung low and heavy with pink blossoms, and the light constantly shifted with the leaves against the wind. The ground beneathe her slippers was soft with grass and moss, and half-wilted petals. This garden was filled with flowers she had no name for.
"Yes, Your Majesty."
"Please, call me Hitomi."
"Hitomi-sama," he said softly, then lowered his eyes, as if he had to somehow find a way to still present her title, even if he didn't speak it. That meant something, she thought, but couldn't figure out what.
¤ ¤ ¤
Windows took up nearly an entire wall, with thick, folding drapes that parted and fell in a graceful velvet wave to the floor. They were emerald in colour, gathered to each side with tasseled gold sashes. The spectacular view of Fanelia's capital framed a small table to perfection. The mid-day sun glowed on the soft-white table cloth, bringing out delicate veins of blue in the dishes. The table was set for two.
The dark haired Ambassador, the one called Miguel, openly appreciated the view. Hitomi picked absently at her food while he seemed to get lost in the distant roadways, and the tiny people that traversed them.
"Fanelia is very beautiful, Your Majesty."
"Please, call me Hitomi."
He closed his eyes and smiled at that, giving one warm nod of his head that was almost a bow. "Hitomi-sama. I hear that there are actual Dragons in the outlying forests." And now his blue, blue eyes regarded her in curiosity. The sunlight made his dark hair almost gold. "Have you seen one before?"
Hitomi nodded, laying her fork down in favour of her drink, only to realize that it was a very thin soup instead of the tea she had expected. She sipped at it steadily, having found something that her stomach was willing to compromise on.
¤ ¤ ¤
Hitomi didn't want tea, or particularly like tea, but she didn't particularly like the Lady Soma Royo much either. In both cases she was willing to pretend. The shelves of books around them were more humble than she had expected, a private collection added to by each prince and king. There were copies of treaties and historical documents on ready display. The originals were kept safe under lock and key, in a separate room all-together.
The Lady Soma commented that the Library was an odd place to serve tea. "Not that I'm complaining, Your Majesty," she added hastily.
"Oh, I don't know," Hitomi smiled pleasantly, "I like the Library. It's quiet. And I like the smell of books."
¤ ¤ ¤
"Tell me about Zaibach," Hitomi said, lifting her hand to break a blossom from the tree.
Chesta glanced at her, and it was a curiously surprised look, as if he couldn't exactly believe her interest. She studied the nearly perfect flower in her hand, the petals soft and delicate and pink.
"Zaibach...is very different." How could he actually tell her that he had been to his own country only once, and he had been a child then? The Vione had become the centre of his life very early on. But he did know of the place he pledged his allegiance to, second only to his General.
"Different how," she asked. She brought the flower to her face and inhaled deeply, stroking it slowly down the right side of her cheek.
"Zaibach is a great city, Your Majes—"
"Hitomi."
Chesta quickly nodded, eager to offer appeasement for his small failure. He followed her down the narrow, warn path between the trees. "Zaibach is a great city...Hitomi-sama. There are many buildings and many people. So many people," he smiled then, glancing up into the tall branches, but not as if he were actually seeing them. "When I was a child I remember thinking the streets were like a great maze, and if I strayed too far I would get lost in them..."
He talked of a place that sounded comparatively like her own home, back on the Mystic Moon. Hitomi observed her walking-companion intently, veiling her eyes on him as casual attention.
The pink blossom lay forgotten behind them on the path.
¤ ¤ ¤
Hitomi lifted the undesired tea to her lips and pretended to drink. She really only could take in small sips at a time.
Her conversation with the Lady Soma Royo was much the same. There were small awkward silences, leaving Hitomi to continually remind herself that it wasn't up to her to scramble to fill the pauses. She need only pretend as if she didn't recognize them. Soma grew increasingly nervous as their 'conversation' dragged on. Courtesy said that the lovely Ambassador was not allowed to ask direct questions, not unless the subject was presented or she was invited to.
For the moment, Hitomi was content to let her direct their dialogue.
¤ ¤ ¤
Their words out-lasted their meal. Hitomi leaned her chin upon her hand, listening to her companion with all the rapt attention his words deserved. The mid-day sun had shifted more over the small table, lengthening their shadows that fell across the room. Their dishes sat stacked, pushed off to the side. A servant would be called in later to pick them up.
"You see, Zaibach's ultimate goal is peace between all peoples of Gaea. You can understand that desire, can't you, Hitomi-sama?"
"Of course," she said noncommittally.
"In the interest of realizing this shared dream, Zaibach and The Great Emperor Dornkirk are eager to discuss an alliance with Fanelia. If we were to act on a united front, I know both our nations would benefit greatly."
He paused with that, and during the pause she let the idea that something was off grow inside her head until it took up the space of many of her thoughts. "What do you propose," she prompted, willing him to give her information that would confirm or deny her suspicions. Though she had a strong feeling that he would not.
"Basram, on your southern border, has been intercepting our trade routes along neutral roads. Emperor Dornkirk would like to set up a Fanelia/Zaibach outpost there that will enable us to protect our investments and citizens, as well as push back the pirates. If they are allowed to continue, they may very well begin making their way into Fanelia. I know, as King, you do not want to see that happen."
She knew nothing of Basram or pirates, and what he had said was definitely not enough to base any sort of response on. Sitting up straighter so that her hands slid along the table and folded neatly before her, she gave a look that she hoped was both concerned and wary. "I will need to think on this. And you will need to bring me certified documentation, and statistics."
"I understand. It is never wise to enter into these things rashly. I will send the appropriate papers to your advisor tonight, if that is what you wish?"
She nodded. "Yes. Thank you."
¤ ¤ ¤
She had just returned from her second practice to prepare for the evening meal when Balgus arrived at her door. She was exhausted beyond belief, but, as they saying went, had many more miles to go before she could sleep. She waved him in and asked him yet again if there was no way she could pass on her afternoon practice. At least until this business with Zaibach was settled. Trying to keep her wits about her minute in and minute out was beginning to manifest as the chore it truly was.
Her answer came when he completely ignored her whining and said, "Tell me about them."
Stepping to her wardrobe, she glanced critically over the multitude of dresses assembled there, her thumb and forefinger thoughtfully cradling her chin. "Miguel is the talker of the bunch. Their leader. He gives answers, but he knows what to say and exactly how much to get your interest. Chesta is there for emotional support."
"Emotional support," Balgus cut in incredulously.
She shot him an amused glance. "Not for them, silly. For me. He's supposed to stand around and look innocent and sincere. I'm not buying the innocent act, but...I do believe he's trying to be sincere. He's been very careful in his words." She pushed aside gown after gown, hesitating every so often to look one over.
"A weakness."
She frowned, whether at his comment or her selection of clothes was debatable. "I know, but if he is struggling to be sincere, I don't want to exploit it. However, I'll do what I must to insure the safety of Fanelia. But," she added quickly, "There are levels I will not stoop to."
"I don't doubt you, Hitomi. You should give yourself the same consideration."
She gave him a weak smile of gratitude. "Oh, I know. It's just---if I have to be ruler, then I want to be a good ruler. But it's so hard making decisions for everyone, and trying to make sure they are the right ones." She sighed and reached blindly into the wardrobe, pulling out two dresses. She held them both up for his inspection. She thought nothing of asking such a battle-scarred Samurai which dress she should wear to dinner. He nodded at the frosty green one, with its ribbon of emerald along the skirt and cuffs. It had a square neckline, and tiny jade buttons that glinted in the lamplight. She laid her chosen gown flat across her bed, then replaced the pale blue in the wardrobe to be pulled out at another time.
"Anyway, Soma...Soma was their secret weapon when they still thought they were dealing with a man. But now she's pretty much useless, and moving into liability territory if I have anything to say about it."
"She is their weakness."
Hitomi nodded. "The chink in their armor. She had a purpose, but not anymore. She was nervous when I talked to her alone today." She looked at him meaningfully. "We should focus our attack on her."
"I think the other two will protect her."
"Good. If we give them enough rope, they will hang themselves."
Balgus blinked, he was an imposing man standing on the edge of the light in her room, tall and sturdy, as if nothing could move him. Her time in Fanelia had made him a great comfort to her. "You're picking this all up rather well."
She paused at the compliment that was, then presented him with a small, confused smile. "I am learning from the best."
He stepped forward, and she turned fully to him instantly, knowing he wasted no movement. She looked up at him curiously as he brushed the bangs from her forehead and place a gentle kiss there. "Thank you, My King." And with that completely unexpected bit of affection, he left.
Hitomi stared distantly at her closed door, unease sitting heavy on features that suddenly seemed so much younger. "Don't thank me yet, Balgus," she whispered. "Don't thank me yet."
¤ ¤ ¤
That night she knelt at the foot of her bed and prayed for guidance, her hands clasped tightly over her 'Dragon Charm', as she was coming to call it. She did not speak to any god, but the universe itself. Then she crawled beneathe the sheets and wondered if anyone would answer.
She slept quietly through the night, but she dreamt of chaos. Fanelia was burning, a great pillar of flame that reached into the sky. The castle lay in ruins, and she was locked in a very dark place, the blackness pressing in around her and against her beating hands like the walls of a coffin.
A bird screamed, and she woke instantly, feeling as if the heavy covers of her bed were confining her in. The very first thing on her lips was suspicion.
"Zaibach."
TBC...
Hitomi still has her psychic powers, and they aide her from time to time (like now), but I'm trying to keep them from being the main driving force of the story. This chapter was written purposefully to jump from scene to scene, sort of like a montage had this been a TV show/movie. Because of that I think it's a little shorter than the previous, and following chapters. Also, I briefly introduced a new character, and set in motion one of the main elements of the story. Ehhh, I stated the main pairing last chapter, but not everyone caught it---which doesn't surprise me because it was in the Reviewer's Response section, and I don't always read those through myself. ^_^ The main pairing is H/D. If Hitomi has any real interaction with Van (I'm still in the planning stages for this) it will only be as a friend. Not to offend anybody's preferences, but Hitomi and Van together doesn't appeal much to me. In fact, I personally found their relationship kind of boring in the series. It's just a sort of sad luck that Van's personality is one of those types that doesn't hold my interest. I found Folken and Dilandau far more intriguing. There is just something so enticing about Folken's fragile hope and sadness, and Dilandau's madness and barely veiled loneliness. And a little hint to those H/F fans out there, while this story doesn't go too far into the triangle territory, there will be some Hitomi and Folken subtext. The second part is going to be very busy! ^_~
Reviewer Response
Macky: Thank you very much! Oooh, the game, I didn't think about that one! Still, five is quite a bit...
Divine Discontent: Er, so sorry about the wait! ^_^ Well, I had a day off from work and decided I would get several updates up. I had meant to get last chapter out a lot sooner, but I got distracted by RL (isn't it supposed to be the other way around?? ;-D) Anyway, here's the continuation, one week to the day. Thanks for reviewing! :-)
Ziggy: I like some AU's, as long as they are not like the ones you described. Which, unfortunately, means I only keep up with around a handful of fics within this fandom. I am so glad my story has managed to catch your attention, and hasn't fallen into some of those old clichés. Thank you truly for your praise, an author (even/especially a fanfic author like myself) loves nothing more than to hear that someone feels like their creation is unique and worthwhile! ^_^ Thank you.
Feathers of Snow: Honeypot: *grin* Thank you Thank you! *bows* I think Hitomi is relatively the same as she was in the series, only now she doesn't have Van/Allen to hide behind---and necessity brings a lot of her hidden strengths out. A lot of responsibility has been heaped upon her (an entire Kingdom and more!), and she is trying to make the best of her situation. I think much of her insecurities in the series came from her not knowing exactly where she stood with both Van and Allen, or even the scheme of things. Let's face it, neither of them were very clear about their intentions towards her. Not to mention she was a modern teenager thrown into a fantastical, dangerous, and often old-fashioned world. Thinking of myself in such a situation, she was probably a lot braver than I would have been. :-D Hmm, the pairing's not so much of a surprise anymore I guess. I've decided to go with the main pairing of Hitomi/Dilandau, but other pairings may crop up from time to time. That's just the set one. And yep, you are completely right, Escaflowne is Hitomi's guardian. But later on we find that this guardianship thing between them is actually a two-way street. Thanks for reviewing! ^_^
NeverEndingQuest: *proudly waves her Anti-Celena/Dilandau banner* They really are icky, IMO. I don't think I can point out exactly where most of my aversion to them comes from...*shrugs* I agree about there not being enough D/H fics, which is sad because they are such a dynamic pair. They compliment each other very well. I think I've read a total of two D/C fics, but I hated the pairing so much that I couldn't make myself read anymore. I believe the reason I like Celena so much is because her character wasn't explored very far in the series, and that gives me free-reign to turn her whichever way I want. The version of Celena I create in this story is...well...let's just say, she is definitely Dilandau's sister. But while she will be a main character in later parts, she will still only be a secondary character compared to Hitomi. I hope she doesn't annoy you too much! ^_^
Ferai: Thanks! I hate it, but thanks anyway! ;-D A job is a job, after all, as one of my co-workers is always saying. Hitomi was definitely kinda wimpy in the series, but I really can't blame her. I'm not sure my courage would hold up if I were in her situation. The passion, angst, and violence is coming! Yay! *is itching to get right into it, but is holding herself back* Thanks for the luck! ^_^
tamuril telrunye: You are welcome, and thank you very much! *blushes* I doubt I'll ever be as good as Tolkien, but thank you for saying so! ^_^
SabineballZ: All will be revealed! Eventually...mwahahaha! :-D Okay, getting out of Evil Author mode---thank you so much! I actually thought about making Van and Escaflowne one creature, but decided not to. I'm still iffy on what Van's role in the story will be, I think I might bring him in in the second part, and if I do he will be of royal blood...though there will be a twist on that. Unfortunately, so far it doesn't look as if Van and Hitomi will be together as anything more than friends. I think they make very good friends. Anywho, thanks for letting me know your thoughts on my fic! I greatly appreciate it!
Bronwen Stx: Thank you! I'm definitely having fun setting Hitomi up as a strong female lead! The best stories, I think, have confident and strong female main characters. Er, sorry to say, but while there may be a slight triangle involving Hitomi and Folken, Van won't be paired with Hitomi. There are so many Van/Hitomi fics, and I wanted to do something unique. I hope that doesn't disappoint you too greatly??
Anthius: Yep! Dilandau/Hitomi it is! Teehee! ^_^
Thanks everybody for reviewing! Please let me know what you think about this chapter! ^_^
