Disclaimer: I don't own Escaflowne or any of it's characters

Chapter7: Finding the Key to a Rebuilt Past

It had been three hours sense the discovery that the once great city of Valonia had been reduced to rubble. In the devastating confusion the Excelsior traveled a couple of miles into Valonia's dense forest and landed in a clearing where they worked to cover the ship hiding it from aerial view. Greggory was now dead the last of the Bonia royal family had been terminated. The 190,000 men, women, and children had been brutally massacred as had happened in Fanelia and Fried only day's into the War. Zaibach had no mercy even for the innocent. The crew of the excelsior stayed aboard accompanied by half the Imperial Knights. The rest were outside sitting on the cool ground around a small fire.

"Allen I was wondering if I could ask a favor of you?" Kevin began shyly. Allen looked up at the older man who had begun to fidget, digging into the ground with a stick.

"What is the favor?" He inquired.

"We're apart of this war now as much as you are. My men and I, with your permission would like to stay and fight beside you. The Excelsior is a fine ship and the crew is the best Valonia has to offer. We want this war to end as much as you and I think even if not a lot we could help" Kevin finished pushing his hair back away from his face. Allen smiled.

"I'd be honored" he said confidently extending a hand of friendship which Kevin accepted gratefully.

"Thank you Allen"

the cargo bay door came crashing down causing the group to jump and look over they're shoulders. When the dust settled Asland's head emerged from the large door cautiously. He stepped out and made his way past them a few yards before dropping to the ground

"If I'd stayed in that cage a moment longer I would have gone mad" he announced.

"Closter phobic" Kevin laughed.

"That and the constant stares of your men are becoming quite an annoyance"

"You can't blame them" Kevin smiled.

"No, I guess I can't" Asland groaned.

"You know I'm curious how long exactly have you lived in Valonia?" Kevin asked curiously.

"Hmmm..." Asland pressed his brows together in thought.

"I believe about 363 years to be exact.

Kevin's eyes widened

"My God how did you ever pull that off?"

"Easy actually I stayed behind the waterfall most of the time. It's actually quite large" Asland replied softly.

"But what about hunting how did you manage that?" Pyle inquired.

"Good God man what do you think I am a monster" Asland sneered yet amused

"I'll have you know I'm a dedicated vegetarian, I do not eat you or any thing else that breathes." Asland proclaimed. Kevin laughed in amusement

"What's so funny, I swear the only human I shall ever understand is Hitomi" he grumbled.

All the people on this world and you befriend the strangest one here" Merle smirked. Asland scowled

"Have I mentioned Kitty that I have been debating on changing my diet" Asland said while nearing her and showing his teeth. Merle shrieked and pounced over to Van gripping onto him tightly. Asland amused laid his head down on his hands and closed his eyes.

Kevin stood and brushed his clothes off unconsciously.

"I'll be back in a while" he said walking away.

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Kevin walked up behind Hitomi who was looking out a small window. So you're awake, I thought you were on bed rest" he chuckled. Hitomi turned at the sound of his voice.

"I was just thinking about my vision" she whispered turning once again to pier out the window.

"You know you had me worried when we couldn't wake you up?" He mentioned softly placing a hand on her shoulder.

"Wanna talk about it?" He added.

"How can I, I don't understand it myself" she whispered.

"Well maybe we can figure it out together" he comforted

"I've never felt my visions before; I'm frightened I don't want to feel that again. The pain it was so real like I was really amidst a real fire that was burning uncontrollably, except I couldn't die" she whispered lower as several tears slid down her face. Kevin embraced her sympathetically.

"It's over now that's all that matters. Come let's get out of this tin can" he said smiling

"What?" She replied bewildered.

"I'm suggesting we go for a walk in the fresh air. It will help clear your mind, and maybe we can develop an explanation for your vision." He said softly.

"What about what Millerna said" she inserted.

"Well from what I can see you don't take her serious anyways besides who's gonna tell?" Hitomi's eyes lightened and she smiled.

"You're right let's go" she replied taking his hand and exiting the room.

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Hitomi placed her hand on a tree and smiled brightly

"It's so beautiful here, even amidst the war. It's beautiful" she praised.

"Indeed it is"

"I think it would be wise if you started at the first of your vision now" he said trying not to sound forcing. Hitomi brushed away her bangs and groaned inwardly.

"I remember I was in the middle of a burning city and I could hear the loud cracks of thunder all around me, then there was lightening it struck behind me sending me to the ground. I recall it started to rain I was happy at first, that is until I looked at my hands and saw what it was..." Hitomi paused and looked down at her hands before closing her eyes.

"What was it?" Kevin asked curiously. Hitomi looked into his eyes

"Red rain" she whispered faintly.

"Red rain? Hitomi I don't understand?" He replied confused.

"It was blood Kevin, it was raining blood...The flames consumed me and there was no air the fire had taken it away. I couldn't breath. I thought I was dying. I was so scared" she sobbed letting tears fall down her face.

"Kevin I'm so scared" Kevin slipped his arm around Hitomi's shoulder and pulled her into his arms.

"Hey, it will be ok I promise" he whispered. Hitomi cried till her eyes ran dry, and she was fast asleep in his arm's. Kevin sighed and lifted her up, smiling sadly at her face, as he started walking towards the camp.

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Van looked up at the sound of rustling bushes. He saw Kevin exit with a still form in his arm's

"Kevin what happened!" Van spouted in a panicked tone, raising to his feet.

"It's alright Van she's just sleeping" he smiled walking over to a clear spot on the ground placing her down gently onto the grass retrieving a blanket and spreading it over tucking it tightly around her.

"What were you doing in the forests?" Millerna inquired looking over at them her chin in her palm a stern look in her eyes.

"She needed someone to talk to. We started to discuss her vision, but in the middle of it she broke down. Hitomi said it caused her physical pain, though it is hard for me to understand how that is possible, but no matter, the point is it scared her, it scared her bad." Kevin sighed and leaned back onto a tree. Kevin closed his eyes and ran a hand through his hair. The others stayed silent starring into the fire.

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Hitomi had awoken a while back and her mind was racing. She wanted sleep to come, but it never did. Greggory was dead along with thousands of other innocent men, women, and children she had almost lost her friends, lost Van all in one day. She looked around all of the others had long sense fallen asleep and several of them were sloppily snoring, which brought a tugging smile to her lips. She sat up and pushed the small blanket off her and stretched, as she stood to her feet she inhaled the chilled night air, and crept silently past her sleeping comrades trying not to disturb or awaken them. Hitomi slid by Asland and flinched when her foot connected to a twig on the ground let out a splintering crack. Asland slightly stirred, but never awoke allowing Hitomi to let out a sigh of relief before disappearing into the trees of the forest that seemed to be calling her name. Hitomi's thoughts ran wild and her head began to ache finally after along delay for the loss of Greggory who had been kind enough to befriend her and treat her as his daughter she wept. The smell of smoke was lingering in the air, and was growing stronger the more she walked the air became thick and parts of the blackened ground were still glowing a fiery red and orange, the steam rising from it causing her to sweat. She looked around adjusting her eyes to see her surroundings amongst the darkness, she let more tears fall freely at the sight of the charred city. She stood silently, her feet barried deep in ash on the front steps of the castles remains. She wiped the falling tears off her flushed cheeks and starred into the rubble where a dim blue glow just barely caught her eye. Hitomi dropped to her knees and began to carefully dig through the debris. When her finger found the object in which she searched for she lifted it up and brushed it off with her fingers

"A ring" she whispered. A soft hum emitting from the ring caused Hitomi to drop it and back away.

"What the..." Hitomi shrieked as a light shot out from it revealing some kind of hallow graphic figure with golden wings

"Greggory?" she whispered.

"Hitomi, the key to Atlantis lies with Rose, it shall guide you, and shall summon Trilies the protector of Atlantis. Find the key and you will have the power to destroy Zaibach"

"I don't understand" Hitomi spouted in confusion.

"The light will guide you, good luck child" Greggory's image faded and the light shot into the castle. Hitomi still confused but understanding her task retrieved the ring and followed it's guiding glow into what was left of the ruins. The light illuminated her dark surroundings allowing her to see. She was in the once grand entry. The mural's and portraits were gone and everything was painted an endless black. The floors creaked underneath her and the walls and ceilings cracked and splintered causing her to tense in fear that they might come crashing down on her. She approached a familiar door way and entered. The ceiling was gone she peered up at the nights starry sky, she knew this place, this was in Greggory's chambers. The light had brought her to a dead end, it now reflected of the wall. She approached a charred frame and used her hands to brush off the ash from the small pieces that remained of the once beautiful portrait of Rose Greggory's deceased daughter. The hanging wire snapped and sent the frame crashing to the ground in a heap. After the dust settled her eyes fixed on a small metal door that had been hidden by the large picture. The door was melted off revealing an object the size of a thumbnail inside. Hitomi raised it closer to her face; it was a ring flat on one side and domed with hieroglyphics on the other

"What is this for?" She whispered. The ring grew brighter causing Hitomi to divert her attention to the blue stone. She studied the ring and then the other piece

"I wonder" she thought to herself placing the small circle over the stone. The two pieces let out a click as it snapped into place. Hitomi looked over into the night sky that was turning morning, in the distance you could just barely see the light beginning to peek up. The others would be awakening in an hour or two. She gripped the ring tightly and began to find her way out of the ruins and to the camp.

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Hitomi appeared from behind the brushes and trees, the sun had almost fully risen. She crept past the now fully rested crew and slipped under the blanket she had been under earlier and fell asleep quickly and peacefully. A few minutes past by quickly and the crew was up and about that is except Hitomi who still laid motionless on the ground. Merle pounced on her, which brought out a groan.

"Wake up Hitomi it's morning" Merle chirped.

"Go away!" Hitomi moaned pulling her blanket over her head.

"How long can someone sleep" Merle taunted pulling the blanket off her. Hitomi barely reacted which surprised Merle as she watched her merely turned over and try to go back to sleep though she didn't really have to try.

"Gee Hitomi what happened to you" Merle questioned with a snicker looking at her blackened skin covered in ash. The crewman chuckled at the sight of her

"You smell like smoke" Merle added.

"Just leave me alone" Hitomi said raising up. Hitomi pulled out the ring from her pocket and began studying it trying to under stand the hieroglyphics that encircled it, her eyes drifted to the eight triangles that lined them. Hitomi turned the rim lining the arrows up making 4 diamonds. The ground began to quake underneath her but left the others untouched

"Hitomi what's happening" Millerna shrieked

"Hitomi!" Van yelled. And immense circle of light began to grow in front of her lightening spewing out of it. Aloud rumble was heard and a horse jumped out of the vortex letting it disappear behind it. The enormous beast reared up and wings burst forth from is back. Hitomi now understood a piece of her vision and was drawn to approached the animal.

"Hitomi stop get away from it!" Allen shouted.

"Get back Hitomi!" Van joined in. Hitomi ignored their shouts and continued forward

"Trilies" she whispered

"Protector of Atlantis's power"

"Hitomi what are you talking about!" Merle spouted.

"My God it can't be!" Asland breathed getting some attention from the others.

"He was in my Vision; Greggory told me he was the protector of the power of Atlantis. I summoned him... by accident I think" Hitomi began mumbling to no one in particular.

"Hitomi what does Greggory have to do with this? I don't understand Valonia's gone Greggory is dead" Kevin Questioned sadly

"No Greggory's alive in Atlantis, he evacuated the city before Zaibach attacked" she explained.

"She's lost it" Merle spouted. Hitomi placed her hand on Trilies mussel and the jewel on his bridle began to glow along with her pendant and ring. Hitomi slipped the ring onto her finger and her hand began to tingle and slightly burn as a map etched across her palm in a bright light. The light dissipated and she starred vacantly at her hand

"Greggory is a Draconian, he told me that Atlantis holds the power to destroy Zaibach, we must go there and find Greggory" Hitomi said looking over to the dumbfounded group

"I hold the map" she whispered holding out her palm

"Please you must believe me" she pleaded. Asland stepped forward a glimmer appeared in his eyes

"It's true" he whispered

"Trilies has returned, Atlantis has risen again after 400 years it has been restored" Asland finished a smile tugging on his lip's

"I can go home" he added. Allen approached her grasping her arm and pulling her hand to him looking over the glowing map that seemed to be underneath her skin in her veins.

"I can't believe it" he breathed. Hitomi smiled and looked him in the eyes

"It looks like your going to finish what your father started" she said ironically. Allen looked taken back by her remark almost upset and confused about how she knew his father.

"Get the ship ready were leaving!" he ordered not looking into her eyes. Allen walked away in silence ignoring all who tried to ask him question's.

"You heard what he said let's pack up and move out we have a lost city to find"

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The Excelsior had been flying three hours and none had broken the silence of the room the event's that just happen were overwhelming to they're minds. They headed for Blomeir the capital city of Triton Island that is as far as they could go with the Excelsior, according to the map Atlantis was located somewhere in the middle of the ocean. They would need a sailing ship, sense the Levaship would be

un able to land.

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Folken stood once again in front of the enormous screen that held Dornkirk's image.

"Stratigoes I have seen our future and it is not as we have planned. I have sensed a strange new power growing with in the Mystic Moon seeress, if she stay's with the dragon she could be our down fall, speed up your plan's for her capture to top priority, the girl is becoming more powerful than we could have ever imagined. Find her now and bring her to me at the capital" Dornkirk ordered sternly.

"Yes your majesty, but what of the dragon?"

"Leave him, we shall take care of him after we have the girl's power"

"Yes Milord" Folken acknowledged bowing.

"Stratigoes before I depart tell Dilandau that the seeress can be found sailing from the Triton Island I have foreseen this" he said calmly. Folken nodded his understanding and left the room as the image on the screen faded.

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Hitomi looked out the window looking out over the approaching Island

"Beautiful" she whispered. The sun shown across the crystal waters that crashed against the sandy shores. The greenery was lush and tropical. Hitomi's eyes lit up with excitement as the Island grew closer and closer. She was finally feeling at peace.

"Raise the propellers and cut our levitation to 20!" Allen shouted

"Yes commander" A crewman acknowledged.

"Pyle prepare the anchors and lower the sails!"

Allen watched as the Excelsior slowly lowered out of the sky and approached Blomier's shipyard.

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Dilandau scratched impatiently against the glass of a bottle with his dagger

"Dilandau" Folken spoke

"What is it Stratigoes" he asked annoyed. Folken emerged from the shadow and walked slowly over to the small table where Dilandau sat.

"We have orders of action from the Emperor himself"

Dilandau jumped from his seat knocking the bottle to the ground shattering it on impact.

"Don't keep me waiting Folken" Dilandau growled in anticipation.

"Dornkirk has spotted the dragon in Blomeir, we are to capture the girl and have her brought to him. Folken explained

"Yes!" Dilandau hissed running towards the doors

"And Dilandau!" Folken started. Dilandau stopped in his tracks and glared back at the older man

"Only the girl, leave Van alone" He spoke sternly and forbiddingly.

"Whatever" came the reply as he disappeared through the doors in the direction of the hanger.

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Hitomi stood holding the ropes that surrounded her letting the wind whip through her hair. A giggle of excitement escaped her lips as a wave washed over the front of the ship drenching her clothes

"Asland isn't this wonderful" she smiled brightly.

"I see no excitement in this" Asland groaned. Hitomi looked over at him he was laying stiffly on the deck of the mighty ship and his arms were crossed over his head, his eyes tightly closed. Hitomi grinned and sprinted down the deck towards the others who were adjusting sails and ropes at the back of the ship. Spotting Kevin she averted her steps and dove into his arms catching him off guard.

"Hitomi!" he gasped.

"Your wet" he chuckled brushing her drenched bangs out of her eyes.

"I thought you needed to cool down" she teased ringing the water from her sleeve over his head. He laughed and pulled her over his head pulling a shriek from her.

"Put me down!" she shrieked. He sat her down and ruffled her wet stringy hair.

"Typical Earth girl, so honoree" he mused. Hitomi giggled and looked over at Allen and Van who along with others were starring. Hitomi sighed and sat down next to William on a crate that was pushed up against the ship's cabin.

"I haven't been at peace in weeks" she whispered leaning back.

"It's good to see the lady with a truthful smile" William grinned.

"Hitomi?" a voice spoke questioningly. Hitomi turned to see Asland peeking around the corner

"What on Gaea is it that you find so wonderful about the ocean.

Hitomi frowned and inhaled sadly.

"Memories, it's only memories" she whispered

"I see" Asland said with understanding. Asland frowned, Hitomi's happy expression had dissipated, his question had brought back memories of her home.

"I still see nothing joyful about rocking back and forth endlessly chilled by large waves pouring over you only to grow colder by the wind blowing" he pretended to grumble. A relieved sigh filled his mind at the sight of an amused smile on her lips. He laid his head down and continued to watch the others carry on endless conversations.

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"Chesta! Ship spotted at 10 degrees north, assume attack formation!" Dilandau ordered.

"I'm coming Van!" He cackled pressing the button to his targeting lens sending it down in front of his eye.

"Magnify to 30" he whispered. Dilandau smiled evilly at the sight of the sandy brown haired girl who sat basking in the sun's rays.

"I've got you!" He growled vengefully.

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Hitomi stood and left the back deck heading for the cabin door disappearing behind a corner. She walked down the narrow steps that led into the fairly large room beneath her. She was almost to the bottom when a large jolt sent her flying down the rest of the way crashing to the floor. She heard shouts from above and the ship seemed to have gained a large quantity of weight

"What's going on!" She gasped stumbling to her feet on the now slanted floors. Hitomi began to pull herself up the stairs using the stair rail when a deafening roar was heard

"Asland!" She cried trying to go faster. She reached the top and burst through the doors in a dead sprint she stopped abruptly when she began to turn the corner.

"No, not again!" She breathed in an exclaimed whisper. Dilandau stood with a Dragon slayer by his side and two others pinning Asland down who now had a large muzzle around his snout.

"Give us the girl and we'll be on our way" he ordered. Hitomi was taken back by his words they wanted her. Allen stepped forward gripping his sword

"Not a chance in Hell Dilandau" he spoke calmly

"Come now Allen one girl for a whole crew, that's more than fair I think" Dilandau said casually.

"You heard us the first time" Van growled before Allen could give his answer.

"I'm not a very patient man and you have reached my last thread" Dilandau hissed

"Give her up or I shall sink this ship!" Dilandau's eyes were flaming his finger twitching near the trigger.

Hitomi stood in fear. They would never give her up willingly they would take the chances in battle, but finding Atlantis was the only way to defeat their enemy. This could not be done if they were dead. Hitomi reached up and retrieved the pendant from around her neck then removed the ring from her finger and breathed in deep trying to suppress her fears and doubts as she turned the corner and crept forward.

"So be it fools" Dilandau raged raising his claws

"I'll take her by force then"

"No!" Hitomi cried sprinting forward.

"Hitomi!" Van shouted running towards Hitomi who tossed something in his direction causing him to pause and catch the items in his hands

"What the..." Van looked at the ring and pendant in his hand

"No...Hitomi No!" He shouted.

"Van, find Greggory, find him for me" she pleaded fear clearly etched on her face.

"Hitomi what the hell do you think your doing" Kevin shouted.

"Dilandau!" Hitomi called upwards upon reaching the Guymelef.

"Well, well look what we have here" Dilandau smirked.

"Leave them alone. If it's me you want then here I am. I give myself freely to you" she shouted closing her eyes at the sight of the crima claws bursting from they're chambers. The cold liquid metal quikly wrapped around her body lifting her into the air. She let out a gasp as the metal tightened slightly crushing her thin body, causing her to struggle to breathe. Hitomi could see Van's pain filled eye's gazing up at her

"I'm sorry" she whispered closing her eyes.

"I will be back!" Dilandau promised as the Guymelef's transformed into flight mode and thrust off the deck with great force and flew into the cloudless sky's carrying Hitomi and Asland away. "Hitomi!" Van cried as he gripped the objects in his hand vengefully.

"What do they want her for" Kevin almost growled.

"I don't know but were going to get her back!" Van said through gritted teeth.

"What do we do? What about Atlantis?" Reeden questioned.

"They won't kill her they want her for something what that is I don't know. The only way that we can help them is if we do as Hitomi wished and find Greggory, find Atlantis" Allen said trying to portray the calm leader though inside he was at war.

"But how can we work this thing?" Van said fumbling with the ring in frustration.

"We don't necessarily need the map right now. We still have forty miles till we reach the last point seen on the map, that's forty miles to figure it out" Allen comforted putting his hand on his shoulder.

"Why does she always have to do this" Van said with his anger rising.

"Would you have done the same thing?" Kevin asked looking over at Van through now glistening eyes.

"Yes of coarse, but that's different"

"How?"

Van paused in silence not knowing how to respond to the question. Kevin approached closer to Van's face

"How? It's not any different in any way. The people she cared for were endanger she could bring a stop to it so she did the only way she could, just as I or any of you would have" Kevin finished. Van nodded walking away, he looked across the sky and vowed silently

"We'll come for you Hitomi I promise."

AN: Chapter 7 is finished yeah now to start on eight it's the story that never end (smiles)

I'm sorry if it makes no sense but I'm trying here. Please, please (on hands and knees kissing your feet) please review I'll even except flames with open arms :)

Dragon Heart