Disclaimer: I don't own Escaflowne or any of it's characters
Chapter 6: Visions of the past, present, and future
In the cargo bay Hitomi laid comfortably in the safety of Asland's arms, the crew on the other hand did not share they're peacefulness as they starred nervously at the large dragon now inhabiting their cargo hold.
"You'd think I was a ghost" Asland complained becoming somewhat annoyed at the endless eyes upon him.
"Give them time they are not used to you yet" Hitomi giggled with amusement, but stopped at the look Asland shot her.
"You are going to have to understand how they see you"
"Oh and how is that?" Asland inquired.
"They were raised to fear you just as you fear them" she replied.
"WHAT? I do not fear such, such small creatures!" He protested. Hitomi said nothing just smiled and leaned her head back closer to his face
"I don't!" he continued.
"I'm not arguing with you" Hitomi said closing her eyes. Asland sighed and sank lower to the floor in silent defeat. After a few moments passed he lifted his right arm, placed his head in his palm, and slightly leaned on his elbow his eyes still closed. He opened one eye and gazed down at the young girl
"You know I'm starting to understand why they left you" he said menacingly. Hitomi crinkled her nose at him and jabbed him in the cheek with her elbow, to only receive a chuckle in response.
Kevin smiled and shook his head he could see Hitomi held no racist thought towards the beast. Even if it might take a little longer for him, he wanted to try to except this newly found friend, who was beginning to appear more and more human.
Asland stretched out and closed his eye letting his mind drift into a light sleep though still leaving his guard up even in his slumber. Hitomi curled up closer to Asland trying to sleep also though it did not come to her as easily, her mind was still plagued with worry.
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Van sat on a small stool at a table with Allen and a few others who weren't preoccupied with flying the Crusade. Several bottles sat on the table and a few of the men held small glasses in their hands.
"Did I do the right thing Allen leaving Hitomi behind?" Vans eyes held frustration from the inner battle he had fought sense they had left.
"I think that it was a good decision, a hard one indeed but we all agreed upon it that she would be better off with King Greggory in Valonia" he answered.
"Then why do I feel so bad?" Van said clenching his fist.
"The same reason I feel bad I suppose" Allen replied.
"And what is that?" Van inquired.
"Well, I fear that she shall have waken up and not understand our intensions, and that she would feel betrayed and abandoned. I do not wish her to hold any ill feelings toward us" Allen finished.
"I think maybe you are right, maybe I fear that she shall hate me" Van whispered. Katz walked up to the table and sat down sloppily.
"It's so quiet, boss I never thought I'd admit it, but I already miss her" He said pouring a glass of Valonian Ale.
"I don't think I would be as quick to tease her if she were here" Pyle said with regret.
"Commander Zaibach Guymelef's spotted to the north" shouted Reeden who was looking through the front of the ship; the others stumbled towards their stations.
"Hoy many, and how far?" Allen asked authoritivly.
"There's seven including the Alsidies, they're in firing range Sir" Ort answered. A loud explosion jarred the ship. Millerna burst through the bridge doors.
"What was that?" She shouted. Merle passed her and tackled Van in a panicked embrace.
"Lord Van!" She shrieked.
"They knocked out the main engine!" Kio shouted. Allen glanced out the window to the smoke and shooting sparks.
"Redeem see if you can transfer the remaining power to engines four and five"
"Switching power now Commander" they waited a moment but no change.
"It's not gonna work there's a leak, we're going down slowly, but we're going down!" Gaddes shouted.
"Kio find an opening in the forest and land" Allen ordered.
"The rest of you hold on to something stable we're going in for a crash landing!" Millerna grasped Allen's arm in fear.
"Allen I'm scared" she murmured.
"It's ok Princess. Let's get you to a safer part of the ship. Allen pulled her along with him off the bridge and into one of the smaller rooms where she was joined with Merle, Van then shut and locked the door before she could say anything.
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Hitomi awakened and stretched her arms
"How long till we cached up to them?" She asked them letting out a yawn.
"We're traveling at full speed, the Crusade most likely is only going half our speed providing they have made no landings we should be almost upon them by now"
"So they're near" she said relieved.
"Yes Alborteno is trying to locate them now" Kevin answered softly.
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The Crusade was quickly approached the ground everyone on the ship seemed to hold there breaths as it struck hard sending everything crashing around inside. The men grasped tightly to the support columns as the glass windows shattered sending waves of dirt and debris pouring in. The Crusade skidded across the ground plowing through the soil till stopping after it hit the muddy shores of a lake Allen pulled himself up and brushed off his soiled uniform. The dust filled air began to clear settling to the floor. He walked slowly to the broken window and looked out he watched as the guymelef's planted they're feet firmly into the ground.
"Is everyone all right" He yelled back to his men, the sounds of glass cracking loudly under the pressure of their weight as they stumbled to their feet filled his ears.
"We're all accounted for commander except for Millerna and Merle; Pyle has gone to get them"
"Van, Allen come out and face me!" Dilandau screamed.
"Boss there's no way seven guymelef's against twelve of us on foot we can't fight them" Ort panicked. Allen rubbed his head.
"What is the status of Scherazade, and Escaflowne" he inquired.
"Their fine Sir but the cargo bay doors are locked in place we have no way of getting them out." Allen is everyone all right?" Millerna shouted running onto the bridge.
"We're fine Princess" he replied with no emotion.
"Lord Van! I was so worried about you!" Merle shrieked running into his arms.
"What do we do Allen, we can't just surrender?"
"No we can't surrender, but we can't fight either" he replied.
"I'll give you thirty seconds to come out and face me before I torch you where you hide!" Dilandau raged.
"We must comply for now"
"But Allen..." Van protested.
"No Van it will not do us any good to make any rash decisions, we can't fight Zaibach dead" Van clinched his sword and nodded his understanding.
"Alright now, I want Millerna, Merle, and Mr. Mole in the back the rest of you keep your guard up and stay close together" Allen unsheathed his sword and gripped it tightly as he walk towards the nearest exit followed by his nervous men.
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Hitomi sat grasping her necklace
"God please keep them safe till we find them" she whispered.
"Sir Davenport, Sir Davenport!" A crewman yelled.
"Yes what is it young man." He inquired.
"The Crusade it's down Sir"
"What?" Kevin gasped.
"It's true" Phobeous yelled while looking through the periscope.
"Let me see" He ordered Authoritivly moving Phobeous out of the way.
"It's about thirty degrees North Sir" Phobeous mentioned. Kevin peered through the lens searching franticly
"Hitomi he's right!" He breathed. Kevin glanced over to Hitomi who was starring out of the windows at the sight far below.
"No" she whispered looking down at the Crusade that lay at the end of a long skid path. She could see several Guymelef's surrounding the crew on the ground. Hitomi began to feel immense heat almost as if she were on fire, but there was no pain. She felt her world spinning around and a flood of visions filled her mind causing her to stumble back.
"No, No I don't want to see this again!" She shrieked in panic.
"Hitomi? What is it?" Asland asked in concern, but he received no reply. Hitomi stood vacantly starring into nothingness. I'm her mind she watched Dilandau massacre them they didn't have a chance to defend themselves. Kevin was shaking her violently trying to awaken her.
"Hitomi" he yelled. Hitomi snapped out of her trance
"they'll kill them we're to late, Dilandau killed them!" She shrieked in panic.
"Jeduis, Blue awaken the Guymelef's we need down there now!" Kevin shouted running over to the others leaving Hitomi's quivering form starring down at the sight below.
"We're to late; we're going to be too late" she whispered. Asland looked at Hitomi's pained and frightened expression as she continued to murmur about failing her friends. Asland looked out the window and could see the lead Guymelef preparing to execute the helpless victim's he then glanced over at the Guymelef's being prepped in the bay. Hitomi was right they would be to late. He rethought what Hitomi said about friendship and a new found courage was building in him. Asland grasped Hitomi in his hands and lifted her off the floor.
"What are you doing?" She asked bewildered.
"You and I both know they won't make it in time child, and extreme times call for extreme measures" he said placing her on his head.
"Hold on for your life this is going to be rough" he informed. Hitomi wrapped her arms tightly around his horn fully understanding his intentions as he approached the ledge.
"Hitomi, what are you doing? Don't!" Kevin yelled, but it was to late he watched Hitomi and Asland take a deep breath and leap off the platform in a full-fledged dive. Asland doubled his size and forced his wings back waiting for the right moment to brake his fall. Hitomi's eyes were tightly closed and her short hair whipped in the air. She still held her breath being so tense she could not exhale. She forced her eyes open to see Dilandau raise his claw to attack her companions.
"I will not make the same mistake twice" Dilandau spouted, his thirst for blood clearly reflected in his eyes. Dilandau reached for the switch in his Guymelef
"Game over!" He growled as the switch clicked upward sending the liquid metal thrusting out of the five chambers.
"No!" Hitomi screamed causing Dilandau to look just in time to see the enormous beast spreading his wings and ramming him sending the claws off course. Asland's wings hid his face as he ripped the facemask off revealing a frightened Dilandau. His eyes stared at the girl on the dragon's head
"That girl!" He spat reaching for the radio and bringing it to his lips.
"What are you waiting for kill them!" He shouted angrily. The six other Guymelef's began to charge.
"Asland behind you" Hitomi yelled. Asland threw his wings down and thrust himself into the air revealing Hitomi to her companions.
"Hitomi?" Van gasped in a surprised panic.
"Oh God it's Hitomi!" Reeden shouted.
"Asland to the right!" Hitomi instructed.. Asland dodged the dragon slayers blow and came from behind him tearing through the Guymelef's iron shell with his powerful jaws. After he knew the guymelef was down for good he attacked his next victim sending the other four mechas stumbling back away from the beast as it took down their comrade. Asland stood mere yards away from the other mechas glaring at them with his blood boiling with vengeance for Hitomi's pain.
"Hitomi get down and get the other's out of here into the forest" he ordered reaching up to her preparing to pull her down.
"No, I won't run" she protested backing away from his grasp.
"Hitomi I don't have time for arguments" he said sternly.
"No I want to stay, I can be your eyes"
Asland brought his hand down and looked at his enemies who were gripping they're swords preparing for his attack. Asland roared and jumped at them sending the four mechas charging at them with equal force. Asland dove to the right and took out one of the side mechas. One of the others attacked from behind.
"Behind you!" Hitomi screamed. Asland heard her cry, but could not release his hold on his opponent. Hitomi closed her eyes as she saw the sword baring down on them.
"Asland!" She cried.
"No you don't!" Kevin yelled blocking the hit with his sword. Kevin gripped the blade tighter and fought mercilessly with the other mechas. Three other Guymelef's touched down carrying Sir William, Sir Jeduis, and Sir Eric who charged into the fight.
Dilandau managed to break free from the bonds holding him inside the Alsidies. He jumped out and began to sneak around behind the others who were watching the fighting before them.
Hitomi released Asland's horn and gripped her head as a vision overcame her. She stepped backward her foot-hitting nothing but air. Kevin caught sight of her from the corner of his eye, and pushed his opponent away rushing over catching her in his palm. He laid her down in front of Van and Allen who picked her up and carried her away from the battle allowing Kevin to return to his fight.
Allen gently shook her
"Hitomi?" He whispered. Hitomi's eyelids were fluttering as the vision continued to flow through her mind. Dilandau smiled evilly as he stepped out of hiding his sword already unsheathed they were perfect targets. Dilandau raised his sword and began to quietly pickup his pace when Hitomi's eyes snapped open
"Hitomi are you all right" Allen inquired. Hitomi took a moment to place herself; her eyes were on Allen, Van and the others looking down on her. Her eyes drifted away from their faces to Dilandau who was racing towards them.
"Van, behind you!" She cried jumping up. Dilandau let out his battle cry and brought his sword down. Van clasped his scabbard and flipped around before Dilandau could strike. His sword clashed violently onto Van's scabbard. Van used his foot to kick Dilandau off him sending him crashing into a tree. Dilandau stumbled to his feet gripping his sword in front of him. Knowing that he lost his chance to attack he cursed and began to back away slowly.
"Gatti, retreat!" He yelled running and climbing onto one of the slayers mechas. They transformed into flight mode and took off leaving they're opponents in clouds of dust. Kevin and the three others opened the chest plate of their melef's and climbed out.
Pain surged through Hitomi's side and the after affects of the vision overwhelmed her and she fell backwards into Gaddes's arms letting out a soft cry. Van rushed to where Gaddes laid her down, but she was in a daze and unresponsive to his presence or anyone else's for that matter. A swift breeze blew across them as the Excelsior lowered slowly touching down a few yards away. Asland stepped towards where Hitomi had fallen causing the others to gape in awe at the large creature.
"Hitomi" he breathed in worry.
"That had to be the craziest stunt I have ever seen!" Kevin exclaimed walking up to Asland and placing his hand on his nose
"Warn me next time you're gonna take a nosedive with Hitomi out of a levaship" Asland smiled slightly at the young man. William was passing them when he stopped and nudged Asland with his elbow.
"Hey, what happened to they're just human's attitude we just saw a few hours ago?" He teased.
"You might say I did it for the young lady" he replied softly.
"Would one of you explain what's happening" Allen spouted. Kevin looked at the confused faces of his companions and scratched his head.
"You know that person Hitomi wouldn't tell you about because she wanted to protect him" Everyone's attention was now fully on Kevin.
"What are you getting at?"' Van inquired.
"Well..." Kevin started. Asland moved his headed closer.
"What he is trying to say is I am the one she was trying to protect"
"What?" Van gasped.
"You've got to be kidding" Gaddes spouted
"How is it possible, a dragon?"
Kevin sighed "He saved her that night in the woods with the thief's, if it wasn't for him she would have died. He's been hidden behind Valonia's waterfall for many years. He is the last of the Atlantean dragons, which explains his ability to speak.
"I'll be" Gaddes said in awe. A crash vibrated the ground as the Excelsior's doors opened and the crew poured out.
"Commander is everyone all right?" Josia inquired with a shout.
"I believe so Josia" Kevin looked back at Hitomi
"How is she?" He whispered.
"I need to have to look at her" Millerna replied. Kevin nodded.
"Josia help Millerna with Hitomi, you others let's get Escaflowne and Scherazade out of the Crusade and into Excelsior's bay" Josia nodded and approached Millerna quickly.
"Van, Allen I believe I shall finish explaining later" Kevin said walking away. Allen turned to his men
"You heard what he said let's get moving"
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Two hours had past and they had loaded Escaflowne and Scherazade. The Crusade was hooked to many cables and chains prepared and ready to be towed by Excelsior's powerful engines. Allen and Van started to walk up the plank into the ship but were stopped by Asland's hand blocking they're path.
"What are you doing" Blue asked angrily. Kevin pulled him aside and stepped forward.
"Asland I know you don't care for us..." Kevin stopped his sentence at the sound of Asland's sarcastic laugh that came out no louder than a whisper.
"That young man was an understatement" Kevin brushed his reply off with a slight smile.
"Why did you help us if you hated us so much, why did you help save them?" Asland looked to the ground then back at them with a deep frown.
"I did it for her; I did it because I knew it would kill her if she lost you. I love her to much to have sat by and watch the people which she so greatly cares for perish in front of her, but I can honestly say that there is one thing I don't understand about you" Allen had a questioning look in his eyes
"And what is that?" He inquired. Asland looked deep into Allen's eyes
"Why did you abandon her?" Vans eyes opened wide and his anger began to rise
"We did not abandon her!" He shouted
"We left her behind so that Zaibach could not harm her anymore!" Asland was taken back by the sudden out burst from the until now silent boy. Asland looked the young man over before returning his glare.
"It doesn't matter how you look at it, what matters is she thought she had been abandoned by the people she trusted.
"But..." Van started
"No, you weren't there" Asland spouted
"You didn't see her eyes you didn't hear her cries. You were killing her, unintentionally maybe, but you hurt her. I can not begin to tell you how much she has praised you and tried to convince me to trust you. I am willing to try, believe me I am, but you are making it very difficult. Her eyes... they could have torn through your soul they were so vacant and alone, full of the fear that she would not be able to warn you, and be forced to watch you die. I can tell you one thing I care for her and do not wish to see harm come to her, but she cannot be safe in this war torn world and be happy. She would rather die than be alone. I pray that you will consider my words and make a wise decision" Asland concluded his speech and lifted his hand from they're path and entered the cargo bay leaving the others to enter the ship in deep thought.
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Millerna carried her small bag over to where Hitomi lay and sat down. She then reached over her and turned Hitomi onto her side lifting her shirt slightly to slide her hand underneath. Millerna moved her hand around slowly pressing down in a few places. She then went over to Hitomi's ribs and Abdomen. Millerna frowned letting out an inner sigh before she removed her hand to unzip her bag, quickly pulling out a small vial and syringe. After filling it she injected the fluid into Hitomi's system. Millerna pulled off the small cloth on Hitomi's head and dipped it once again into warm water, wringing it out before placing it back. She smiled and ran her fingers ran across Hitomi's cheek her blemish was fading away faster than she had expected. She placed her fingers gently on the young girl's neck and pressed down lightly using a small circular motions. The place where Dilandau's finger had curled around her neck were no longer swollen. Millerna satisfied with most of her findings stood slowly. She reached down and pulled a small blanket off the table beside her and spread it out laying it over Hitomi before exiting the room.
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Folken and Dilandau stood silent in the vast room of darkness that's only light came from small torches on the surrounding wall's, this caused an eerie blue light to be cast in the chamber's. They starred at the enormous dome that protruded from the wall, which began to glow a dim orange that grew brighter as it powered up. An image slowly appeared on the screen forming a face.
"Folken" it rumbled.
"Emperor Dornkirk" Folken greeted.
"Folken the dragon still cast's it's shadow over our vision of a perfect future" He spoke sternly.
"You're Majesty; we have run into difficulties. One in particular I think will interest you"
"Oh? And what might that be?" Dornkirk inquired.
"An Atlantean dragon has been found traveling with the Dragon and his company" Folken replied.
"What? That's impossible they have been extinct for hundreds of years" Dornkirk spoke unsure. Dilandau stepped forward
"I saw the dragon with my own eye's he was with that accursed girl from the Mystic Moon!"
"I thought I told you she was to be destroyed!" Dornkirk spouted.
"She escaped with the help of those rebels, but I wish to discuss this girl, I think she would be an advantage to our cause" Dornkirk crinkled his eyebrows in thought
"Explain?"
"She possesses an unexplained power, a power I think we should obtain before destroying her" Folken explained.
"Your point is well taken, capture her and the Atlantean Dragon. When you have the girl use any means necessary to retrieve her so called power" Dornkirk ordered.
"Understood your Majesty" Folken bowed as the screen faded and they were left in darkness.
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Millerna walked onto the bridge and stopped placing herself next to Allen. Kevin turned his attention to the Princess
"How is she" he inquired.
"She's fine, her side is a little enflamed because of the extensive stress put on it, but that should heel if we keep her in bed a few day's" she replied softly. Van sighed in relief to hear she was to be fine.
"Where is she?" He asked
"Hitomi was in one of the vacant rooms, but we just moved her to the cargo hold" Van looked confused
"Why did you put her there?"
"Asland requested it, he wished to be with her" Kevin replied.
"I see" van whispered turning to look out the window.
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Hitomi turned slightly in Asland's arms and opened her eyes slowly.
"Asland?" She whispered. Asland looked down at Hitomi and smiled softly
"So you decided to grace me with your presence?" Hitomi returned the smile at the sound of his voice.
"Where are we?" She asked.
"We're on our way back to Valonia" he replied.
"Hmmm I don't remember...' she then trailed off into an inaudible whisper. Asland chuckled
"Those visions really take a lot out of you don't they?"
"Yes they do" she breathed, slowly raising herself up one arm holding her side.
"And where may I ask do you think your going" Asland said forbiddingly.
"I'm going to find the others" she said setting her feet on the ground.
"Oh no you don't!" He said sternly.
"What do you mean" she asked crossing her arms.
"The young lady I believe her name was Millerna, yes Millerna said that you were to rest" he explained
"But Asland I need to talk to them" she pleaded. Asland sighed inwardly.
"Please Asland" Hitomi's eye's pleaded with his own.
"Go on" he groaned waving her away. Hitomi smiled warmly at him
"Thank you" she whispered walking away.
"I hope you know I won't take the blame for this" he chided before the door closed behind her. The only response Asland received was the sound of a muffled giggle. Hitomi crossed the halls till reaching the doors to the bridge. She opened it and cringed as it let out an ear-piercing creek. Millerna turned to see Hitomi enter the room.
"Hitomi!" She shrieked.
"I had you on bed rest" She protested.
"No, no I'm fine" she whispered stepping down the few steps that led to the main floor.
"Don't give me that" Millerna spouted. Coming up to her and gripping her arm
"you're going back right now!" She said sternly
"Millerna please don't" Hitomi said pulling out of her grasp.
"I have to know" she pleaded.
"Know what Hitomi" Kevin asked approaching them.
"I need to know that when I go to sleep that the next morning when I wake up you'll be there"
"Hitomi, we didn't want to put you endanger again. Zaibach went after you to get to us; we can't risk you anymore" Allen tried to explain. Hitomi looked up to face they're gazing eye's. Her's now glazing over with a fresh set of tears that threatened to fall.
"And when you leave again do you think my visions will leave with you? In case you have forgotten they don't. You'll just leave and I will be haunted every minute asleep and awake by visions of death and destructions, and then what do I do... wait for them to come true, helpless to stop them? You would have saved my life, but you would have cursed my soul" Her tears escaped their prisons and spilled freely over her flushed cheeks.
"You don't know what it's like to watch all of you die over and over each death more horrible than the last. I want to be there, I need to be there!" Hitomi stopped and wiped her eyes.
"I didn't think about... I mean, I didn't realize that..."Van stopped as Hitomi placed her hand up to his mouth an smiled sadly
"There's no need to explain I fully understand why you had to leave. I just need you to understand why I have to be there, that I am apart of this war whether or not you want me to be" Van nodded and ran a hand through his hair
"I'm sorry Hitomi, I promise we won't leave you again" Hitomi leaned over and grasped the railing that surrounded the main bridge
"I'm glad you understand how you feel" she gasped slightly.
"Hitomi I'm taking you back to lay down now" Millerna whispered. Hitomi smiled softly
"All right" She replied taking Millerna's hand whom was now helping her up the steps. After the door creaked closed Millerna sighed
"She's so stubborn!" Van and several others smiled at the remark but did not reply to it.
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Allen sat with the others at the table that was located on the left side of the bridge. A couple of hours had past and they would be passing over the last of the mountains and land in Valonia momentarily.
"Commander do you smell that?" Gaddes inquired. Allen paused and concentrated on the air around him.
"Smoke?" He whispered to no one in particular.
"Are we on fire?" William exclaimed. Murmurs began to coarse through the men
"Oh God, Oh God!" Came an exclaimed gasp of terror that caught everyone's attention. They looked over to see Sir Fredrick Coordone who was standing at the window pointing out, his hand trembling.
"Valonia!" He gasped
"V...V...Valonia's gone!" He barely breathed out. At his words everyone jumped from they're positions and made they're way to his side. What they saw left them speechless. Even though the day was sunny and had been cloudless the sky was blackened and ashen, clouds of deep gray billowed up into the heavens. Below them there was nothing but the bright light the intense heat of the raging flames that now engulfed the city, reducing the castle and homes into burning ruble.
"Oh my God they did it anyways, they burned it anyways!" Van growled clinching the hilt of his sword. Emotions of despair, fear, hate, vengeance, and remorse filled the air like a dense fog. The crashing of the bridge doors being thrown open echoed, and footsteps pounding loudly meeting the ground in quick even strides followed. Hitomi ran in front of them hitting the window with the palms of her hands. She breathed desperately as if she had run forever.
"No" she whispered scratching her nails across the window surface, as her heavy breathing caused pain to coarse through her side.
"Hitomi!" Van called running up to her and grasping her arms tightly, but when her eye's met his he gasped. They did not resemble the emerald depths that he had gazed into countless times. Her eyes were so distant and vacant. The despair, fear, and anguish emitting from them made his skin crawl.
"Hitomi?" He whispered his voice more desperate and concerned
"It's burning...Everything's burning" she breathed. Van waved his hand in front of her face, but her Irises never followed its movements. Hitomi's face was turning pink almost as if she was blushing and her skin was becoming hot to the touch.
"Millerna!" Van called.
"It's so hot" Hitomi barely muttered.
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She was walking inside her mind, buildings were burning and crumbling to the ground. There was no sign of movement or life around her, but the smell of charred flesh and blood filled her senses. The sounds of the flames were muted and crashes of thunder cracked in the heavens. Hitomi looked up as black clouds filled the already smoke enveloped sky. Lightening shot down from the heavens and struck near her sending her to her hands and knees. Rain began to pour down wetting the ground creating streams and rivers. The rain did not extinguish the flames nor did it bring cool relief from the heat. She lifted her hands and looked at them in horror as red droplets splattered continuously on them, and streams poured down the strings of her hair and dripped on to her lips. Her senses screamed in recognition of the substance flooding around her.
"Blood!" She screamed. The flames began to raise around her causing her physical pain never had a vision inflicted her body with pain. She cried out as the flames consumed the last of her air causing her to choke. She peered into the flames as a figure started forming. The thunder cracked, and another bolt of lightening struck the ground in front of her blinding her with its immense light. In its wake was a sword sticking out of the ground the flames reflecting off its golden blade. The figure now fully formed burst forth from flames revealing a white horse with a Maine and tail of pure gold, wings sprouted from it's back and feathers now dispersed through the heavens. It reared up causing Hitomi to push herself away from the enormous creature. The horses golden hooves struck violently against the earth causing it to shatter underneath her. All became dark as Hitomi fell deep into the crevice.
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"What's wrong with her!" Merle cried as she watched Hitomi scream and struggle in what appeared to be a trance. Millerna had already pushed Van away and was trying to awaken her.
"She's burning up! We need to get her out of this now, I think it's killing her!" Kevin glanced across the room over to a large pitcher of water.
"It couldn't hurt" he whispered standing up and sprinting across the floor.
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Hitomi could see a glow coming up from the bottom of the pit. Flashes of pictures surrounded her showing figures with wings and buildings of incomprehensible beauty. She was still falling, yet she appeared to be in a temple of some sort. Before hers stood a man in his 60's with wings of Gold, his snowy white hair whipped in the air, his beard streamed down his chest. He lifted his sword with both hands pointing it to the sky.
"The power of Atlantis" he cried. A great beam of light spewed from its tip. Hitomi's eyes caught the glimmer from an object dangling from his neck.
"My pendant" she breathed. Flames erupted around her again and she was now back in the midst of the burning city. A man walked through her as if she weren't even there and dry through the charred remains. His hand pulled out a small amulet with a pink stone. He turned facing her his dark brown hair flowing down his shoulders. He smiled, but his beard and mustache covered his lips. He stretched out his hand and held out the pendant.
"I Leon Schezar have found the power of Atlantis" he murmured his blue eyes dancing. Chills ran down her spine and everything turned black there was nothing around her she was swimming in the darkness. A light flashed and in front of her stood King Greggory Bonia
"Atlantis has risen" he whispered.
"Greggory" she breathed.
"Atlantis has risen" He was fading as quickly as he had come
"Greggory wait, please wait!" She exclaimed
"Don't go" she whispered, but there was no response. It was cold, the darkness was so cold, but it was a relief from the scorching heat that had been burning her body moments ago. She closed her eyes and breathed in the silence.
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When Hitomi opened her eyes she was met by many distraught faces. Kevin was hovering over her holding a pitcher of water, which contents were now soaking into her clothes. A worried smile now spread across his face. She began to cough and tried standing from the place she lay on the floor.
"Hitomi don't lay back down!" Millerna insisted.
"Are you okay, speak to me Hitomi" Millerna continued while waving the others to get back. Hitomi rubbed at her hands and arms slightly.
"Hitomi?" She looked up at Millerna an concentrated on her voice
"The flames they...they burned, how? It wasn't real" She whispered.
"Commander what do we do?" Allen looked over to the terrified crew most who had just lost their homes and families.
"I don't know, Lord help me I don't know."
AN: Chapter 6 is finished yippie! I hope you liked it. Please review I love knowing what you think flames and all:) I need encouragement to keep writing.
Dragon heart
