A/N: HeHeHe long chappie 4 u all to read n i guess its kinda interesting. Contains spoilers for the series and some Allen,Van and Kari abuse. Plz review me thanx u all 4 reviewing, thery're all so nice.
Chapter 6 A Birth-date to remember.
A few days later Hitomi had still not heard anything from Kari or Allen, though it made her feel better that she at least knew where Allen was. She still knew very little about Kari and what she did know made her uneasy. There was more to the stories; but she figured the only way to find out was to ask Kari, she seemed to hold so many secrets for reasons unknown.
The castle had been busy preparing for Chids Birth-date Ball; something he had not really wanted, but he did not seem to have much choice in the matter.
Hitomi learnt from older servants that worked in the castle a mix of information about Kari nothing really of any use but all of it good, everyone in the castle seemed to like her.
"Erm… you are Miss Hitomi are you not?" A cook had approached Hitomi; she was not very old, but not looking her best. Hitomi thought she could be very beautiful if she tried. She had long brown hair in a bun with several strands of grey showing; and bright blue eyes. She resembled Shiarn a lot.
"Yes… I am… is there something wrong or anything?" The cook looked worried also that she had not slept in days.
"I was wondering if it was true, about Miss Kansine."
"I'm sorry I don't know a Miss Kansine," The cooks faced turned then brightened up.
"Shiarn, we… we called her Shiarn… for short you know Shiarn-Akisono Kansine." This cook must be related to Shiarn; she looked mid-forties maybe younger it was hard to tell for she had large bags under her eyes and for the grey in her hair.
"Oh… yes Shiarn I know her are you her…"
"Her mother…" The cook butted in, "… I feel so sorry for Kari." Shiarn's mother started crying. Hitomi comforted her and handed her a tissue. "Th… Thank you Miss Hitomi. Though I would really like to know where Miss Kari is. She must be eating herself up inside." Hitomi thought she was most likely talking to herself then to her. "It's her curse you know; being the Bringer. She has to follow the Elders. Do as they command. She could have helped her. The Princess, but they said 'No'; she had to watch her best friend die and… and now she promised Shiarn a better life. I Must find her… tell her it's not her fault." The cook stood up and ran off before Hitomi could say a word.
Hitomi decided it would be best to see Allen; perhaps Shiarn's mother had been to see him and said anything that Hitomi could use. She was trying to figure out what the two visions she had seen meant and she wanted to know more about Kari and at least try and uncover one of her many mysteries.
As Hitomi walked along the halls she overheard two maids talking.
"Did you hear about Kansine?"
"Yer shame she was so young,"
"I knew Zandrions were trouble from the start."
"Well they're not as bad as those cursed Draconians; at least they didn't destroy their land out of greed!"
"No they just destroy ours because we became too disrespectful." Both women laughed.
Hitomi could not see them and wanted to ask what they were talking about, but that meant revealing she was ease dropping. Though one part of her mind told her to stay and listen the other part told her that what she was doing was wrong and that she should leave… she decided to stay.
"Well Yer but if the stories are true then those Draconians are to blame, messing round in the Zandrions business just because they were jealous."
"Your right can't believe that Miss Alkia likes the king of Fane…" Both women had walked round the corner and walked right into Hitomi.
They were both short, one on the chubby side the other very slim.
"I'm so sorry I didn't mean to ease drop but I've been so confused in the matter." The two ladies just looked at her both wide eyed then laughed.
"Don't worry 'bout it Lady Hitomi, Kansine told us about you; I'm Yan that's San," the chubby one pointed to the woman next to her by the sounds of it, it looked like, Yan, the bigger of the two did not like Zandrions and, San, the one of smaller build did not like Draconians.
"So you say your confused hay!" San stared at Hitomi.
"Erm… well yes. You see Van told me a little about the Zandrions but very little about Kari and her brother."
"What you know her brother." San was up close to Hitomi looking her in the eye, "I hear he's so handsome."
"Oh shut up San!" Yan hit San across the head.
"Hay that hurt. Why do I take all this crap from you huh?" San stood there rubbing her head, then the two started arguing.
Hitomi sighed thanked them for nothing – though she did not really think they heard her – and walked back towards Allens room.
It took Hitomi a while to find his room since he had moved from the small room Kari had seen him in.
Hitomi knocked on the doorframe and waited for a reply.
"Yes?" The reply was quiet and Hitomi reconsidered going in but thoughts came into her head.
"I might never find out what I need to know, it has to be now."
Hitomi pushed back the curtain door.
Allen was stood on a balcony that faced the gardens, he did not turn to see who it was.
"Yes?"
"Erm… Allen are you OK… you haven't been seen around for days, I was just a little worried is all and…"
"Hmmm…there's no need to be worried for me Hitomi I'm fine. And I know there's another reason you're here." Hitomi walked across the room; it was very basic with a mattress on the floor, Allen's sword by the side.
Hitomi rested her elbows on the balcony ledge and her head in her hands; she looked up at Allen. He glanced down at her and smiled.
"She's gone to find Shiarn's body, and talk to her brother." Allen looked out into the gardens again; they backed on to a forest probably the direction Kari had gone.
"Oh right… Erm… Allen what is… was that sword. I saw it when looking round Kari's room back in Palas." Hitomi had not meant to say that last part but Allen did not seem to take much notice.
"It's one of few things that can kill a Zandrion. I believe Van told you the basics about them. I very doubt he told you that they don't die from illness or by simple blade." Hitomi stood there thinking about what Allen had said, she looked up back at him; then noticed the gash – it was gone! How?
"Zandrions don't just heal themselves but other people you know? Kari did it before she left." Hitomi was taken aback – was she that easy to read? It was not the first time Allen answered a question that she had pondered on asking.
Allen laughed.
"You're very predictable Hitomi. Anyone ever told you that?" Allen smiled that smile that on any other occasion would make Hitomi forget that mark that she was 'predictable' and smile back but a chill ran down her spine. For reasons unknown Hitomi turned slowly towards the forest.
"Something's coming… I can feel it in my bones!" As Hitomi looked out into the darkness of the forest the trees burst out into flame, and the forest transformed into a vast city engulfed by fire.
Hitomi heard distant screams and a laughter that matched Dilandau's but was filled with more evil than madness. Hitomi ran towards the screams through the fiery city; she ran right though the people that ran in the other direction. Many were struck down by an unseen force that left large deep wounds in their backs that bled heavily. The closer she came to what she believed was the centre of the city the more dead she found; blood covering the floor staining the white burning buildings. She also noticed the wounds became worse some corpses missing limbs faces twisted and burned.
Hitomi reached the centre of the city a man clothed in black holding the sword stood laughing. The laughing stopped and the man turned slowly towards Hitomi' her brain said run but her legs would not move. The man looked right at her and smiled a sinister grin.
Hitomi cried out as the flames danced around her body like a million little snakes - they were snakes, the fiery snakes flicked their tongues at Hitomicreating small burns that sizzled and removed skin. With immense pain running through her body Hitomi cried out once more. Her cries were answered with more pain, more burns the snakes spreading across her body,and the laughter of the man in black robes. Hitomi thought she would pass out or worse.
Hitomi woke slowly hearing Millerna's and Van's voices.
"She doesn't seem to have a fever but that wouldn't explain her temperature and those things she was shouting about?"
"It must have been a vision." Hitomi felt someone sit down beside her on the bed.
She opened her eyes and tried to focus on the person sat beside her.
"Kari?" As Hitomi's eyes focused in the dimly lit room she saw it was indeed Kari sat on the bed. Van, Millerna and Chid were stood by the door along with a few of the council members. Allen she noticed was not in the room.
"So was it a vision?" Merle jumped up on the bed "You know what Hitomi your just as weird as when you left." Merle smiled; jumped off the bed and clung to Vans arm, getting away before Hitomi managed to hit her.
"Hitomi!" Kari looked concerned "I want you to tell me everything about your vision; Hitomi. It's very important I know what you saw." It took a while for what Kari had said to sink in, and brought back the horrors of what she had seen… No felt – she had felt the pain and fear of those people it was unlike any other vision she had had before.
"No…No I wont go through that again." Hitomi whispered gently; she was very close to tears everyone saw. "I don't want too go over it all again. I… I just WANT TO FORGET IT." Hitomi burst out in tears and Van went and sat next to her. Van put his arms round Hitomi and whispered something to her no one else heard, he then asked everyone to leave that included Kari and Merle which did not go down well with either of them.
Only a few minutes had passed after they left the room when van emerged. He looked slowly towards Kari, his hand on the handle of his sword.
"She told you then?" Everyone looked at Kari she wore that almost common expressionless face.
Suddenly shouts and cries mingled as Van drew his sword fast as the eye could see.
"LORD VAN!" Merle, Millerna and chid closed or covered their eyes as Van swung his sword towards Kari's neck.
The trio uncovered their eyes slowly as a gasp was heard, what they saw was imaginable. Kari was stood with her right hand inches away from her neck holding Vans sword between her fingers. Everyone else stood open mouthed as they realized Kari's eyes were closed and had she had barely moved.
As they stood there in amazement Van was bewildered Kari opening her eyes the only thing that brought him back to reality. Only clear to Van; Kari smiled then with one swift movement snapped the tip of Van's swords blade clean off.
Van stepped backwards staring at his pointless sword blade.
"Hmmm…" Kari dropped the sword tip. "Why did you do that Van? Is it because I made you angry? No. Because what I am made you angry." Kari looked Van in the eye. Van so desperately wanted to drop his gave; look away but he could not move. "I suggest you get over it Van. What Hitomi saw was the destruction of Zandria, the pain she felt was felt by every single one of my people. The man she saw is The Chosen One. The man that brought her here. For reasons I'm trying to figure out.What she saw could and most likely will happen to the people of Gaea" Kari stood up straight smiled and walked off leaving everyone mostly in the dark, and shocked. What had Hitomi seen?
Chid went to his room to prepare for his Birth-date Ball, he was happy now Kari had shown up; but was worried; her behaviour was very odd.
As he walked past the dressingtable which stood on the southern wall of his room he noticed a small box with a ribbon bow tied round it. Next to the box was a letter addressed to him.
"Hmmm… What's this?" Chid opened and read the letter which was from Kari – he recognised the handwriting almost immediately.
"Dear Chid,
In this box is a gift, given to me to pass on to you in your second year of reign. This gift is from your mother given to me shortly before she left us.
Chid opened the small box. Inside was nothing more than a little back shiny stone no bigger than an average pebble found on a beach. He read on.
In the box you will find a very precious stone forged by the Zandrion 'Memross' the Elder of memories. When dropped into pure water the Mem-Stone as it is called will reveal its message or memory stored within it.
I myself do not know what your mother stored within the stone, so I ask of you to watch the message alone for it will be personal. Once the stone has been activated it can not be stopped and once the message or memory has finished the stone will crack making it useless. And the message within it gone forever.
I hope what your mother left is of some use to you. You know I will always be there fore you. Kari."
Chid looked at the small Mem-Stone it was so beautiful. As a maid came in to bring some clean water for chid to wash in he asked how much time he had before the guests started to arrive. The maid said he had around an hour so he should get ready or the water would become cold.
When the maid left chid decided to drop the Mem-Stone in the water she had brought . What his mother had left was a message; the message was planed on Chid being older. Kari had indeed followed her instructions but Marlene had no idea Chid would have been so young when he received it.
As the guests arrived Chid hurried to get ready as his council member who had taken over from Boris came to collect him.
"Come my Duke you must receive your guests," Chid looked away. "Do not worry Duke Chid, Lady Alkia is still around, I know you would not have agreed with this Ball if it was not for her." The man smiled and opened the door for Chid. Chid smiled back and began to walk down to the Dinning room turned Ball room.
It was already filling up with people he did not really know. Chid scanned the room; Van and Hitomi were in the corner talking. Hitomi was in a blue dress and Van had not changed, though Hitomi was glad to get out of the jeans and top she had put on back on Earth. She was not sure on how long she had been on Gaea but she figured it had been over a week at least.
Then Chid saw what he was looking for – Kari – talking and laughing with a group of people, she was in her usual white dress but wore a band round her head - to show she was the ruler of the Zandrions so said Chid's right hand man – she looked more beautiful than usual trying to keep the reputation of the Zandrions. Somehow Chid thought Kari felt his gaze as she turned and looked right at him. She smiled and gave a little wave, Chid cocked his head and smiled too; to show she saw her, then she turned and carried on talking.
The night dragged and guests began to leave. No one had really been able to talk to each other as Kari was kept talking by many people, Van stayed close to Hitomi for he was still worried for her health. And Allen was rarely seen at all. However as the moons hung in the sky and the stars shone Chid noticed Kari walk out into the gardens.
Kari walked through the gardens slowly humming a tune to herself softly. She stopped mid-hum as she came to the fountain and saw Allen sat on the side. Allen stood as he saw her approach.
"I haven't seen you much lately Schezar, Mrs Kansine wanted to thank you." Allen looked at Kari in sadness and disbelief. "She did." Kari half heartedly laughed, "Shiarn adored you, she wouldn't want you be sad and neither do I," Allen looked somewhat shocked at Kari's last words. "It doesn't do her memory any justice. She wouldn't want us to be upset; she would want us to have a picnic on her grave." Allen laughed then smiled.
"Your right but… it's not just that Kari." Kari moved closer to Allen, she knew him so well yet thought Shiarn's death was the only thing on his mind. What was this other thing?
Allen had his back to Kari watching the water trickle in the fountain.
"Allen?" Kari put her hand on his arm and looked for an answer upon his face. Allen took his gaze off the water and turned away from her.
"Marth… Marth told me you were leaving for Zandria after everything on Gaea has been sorted." Kari just stood there in silence then looked away, Allen saw her reaction and realised it was true; she was going to leave. Kari reached for Allens hand and looked at him with such sad eyes. Holding hands, standing in front of the fountain Kari and Allen were unaware of Chid watching them hiding behind the safety of a large bush.
Chid did not want to ease drop but when he heard that Kari was leaving he wanted to know why; with out Kari putting on a face. He knew she would tell Allen the truth straight out. Chid watched as Kari and Allen embraced each other, then he remembered, Zandrions could read minds. Chid thought considering her past with Allen they were most likely used to having slight conversations.
"Please stay Kari." Allen was holding Kari round the waist and she had her arms on his shoulders her hands locked together.
Kari looked towards the fountain.
"I've told you; the only real thing keeping me here is Chid. But he has to go it alone. I promised I would be there for him until his start of reign and two years during. Marlene said he would be ready." Kari smiled and laughed as she noticed Allens gaze had not moved from her face.
Chid bit his lip as he watched his real father kiss the woman he so admired, his mothers best friend. Chid could not believe his eyes, this man was his father, Marlene had told him so in the Men-Stone. In that moment he hated Allen for betraying his mother he hated him for never saying a word and he hated Kari for lying to him. But that moment passed as he remembered something else his mother had said, that she had fallen in love with the Duke; and cared for him very much. That she never regretted being with Allen and that the Duke loved Chid as his own.
"No!" Chid snapped back to Kari and Allen as he heard that slight whisper. She had pulled away from their embrace. Chid moved closer to hear what Kari was saying. "I can't… I mustn't… I don't want you to get hurt!" Kari started to cry and ran off towards the castle not noticing Chid. Allen started to go after her but he did see Chid and stopped.
"Chid…" Chid thought saying something like he knew about his mother and him as Allen knelt down, but he decided not to for he realized it would not change a thing. Chid could never have a father son relationship with him.
Chid was about to say something when they were surprised by a loud painful cry and the sound of breaking glass. Allen and Chid ran towards the castle, when they arrived solders were already flooding the area and they noticed a window was completely shattered.
"BACK OFF!" A shout came from the centre of the soldiers and they began to drop down like flies.
As they fell Allen and Chid saw what had coursed the window to shatter.
"KARI!" Chid stepped forward only to be held back by Allen.
"No. Chid you mustn't go to Kari, she'll be fine. You have to get somewhere safe; this man is very dangerous. You hear me?" Chid looked back at Kari than nodded, Chid ran off as Allen took a sword from one of the fallen soldiers. The man began to walk towards Kari.
"HAY! ZARON!" The man known as Zaron turned and faced Allen with an evil grin.
"Well; well; well; Schezar. Like my handy work?" Zaron indicated to the soldiers and to Kari.
"Yer well I've gotten a lot better too and I'm not afraid of you like Kari is." Zaron laughed a menacing laugh.
"Well you SHOULD BE!"
Zaron was fast as lightning, drew the Black Bladed sword and manoeuvred over the dead towards Allen in half a breath. But Allen was ready for him and blocked his attack, unfortunately Zaron was strong pushing Allen to the ground; Zaron stood over him.
"Hmmm… you have gotten better. Great. I would hate to kill you with out a fight first."
"Well if it's a fight you want." Allen moved a little than kicked Zaron off him with full force. Though he knew it would only allow him too get up before Zaron was ready to fight again.
"Allen!" Van came running out followed shortly by Hitomi and Merle. Allen stood in Horror as he saw the grin grow on Zaron's face and his attention diverted to the King.
"NO VAN. GET OUT OF HERE!" Allen ran over the bodies to get to Van but he did not get far before Zaron intervened.
"Don't ruin my fun Schezar." With that Zaron sheathed his sword. Allen halted. The enemy turned andfaced Allen. With his arm out stretched and palm facing Allen an immense force hit him fast and hard sending him flying like a fly that's been swatted. Allen was lifted off the ground by this unseen force.
"ALLEN!" Everyone shouted as they saw Allen disappear out of sight.
"Lucky he braced himself," Zaron said almost impressed.
"You BASTARD!" Van charged at Zaron and stuck his sword into Zaron's back. However Zaron had moved so was facing Van and he got him in the stomach.
Van looked up as Zaron smiled then hit Van sending him into a near by wall. Zaron looked down at the sword and slowly pulled it out. He looked towards where Kari was now standing, holding the bloodied sword in his hands.
"I guess I'll have to finish that filthy Draconian off later."
"Not if I can help it." Suddenly a golden staff appeared from a small cylinder she held. Then a Blade appeared on one end. To Hitomi's dismay the blade was only plain but it shimmered with each step Kari took.
"You ready Alkia?" Zaron dropped the sword he held and drew the stolen sword out of its scabbard.
"You better believe it." Kari readied herself as Zaron charged.
As black blade hit golden staff a loud screech echoed in the night. Hitomi and Merle covered their ears and cringed, as the sound travelled through them. As Hitomi closed her eyes she saw that vision she had hoped had been the past. The vision of Kari falling beneath a blade.
Hitomi opened her eyes to find Kari bleeding heavily from her arm and her staff in half; she had several small cuts and grazes also – probably from where she had dogged an on coming attack. Hitomi found it hard to concentrate as each time black blade came in contact with Kari's staff that same screech travelled through her. She felt worse with each excruciating blow feeling it shake within her bones.
In-between the screeches Hitomi heard yells of pain coming from Kari. After agonizing minutes the screeches stopped, and so did the yells. Hitomi opened her eyes and realized she was on the floor; Merle by her side. Not moving! But that was not what made Hitomi Panic Kari was laid on the ground in a very bloody dress. Her dress was torn and she no longer looked like the majestic vision of beauty Hitomi has seen back in Quintez.
Zaron was stood with his back to Hitomi. Then Kari moaned and began to move in an attempt to get up but was grabbed and thrown into a wall. Hitomi gasped as she actually went through the wall, the bricks and cement falling on top of her. Hitomi wearily stood; her bones ached and her ears rung. Zaron advanced towards Kari, Van was out cold. Allen was… well she did not want to think, Hitomi was the only chance Kari had of survival. Hitomi staggered over the dead bodies of the soldiers trying her best not to step on anyone, she watched as Zaron pulled Kari out of the rubble by her neck. Hitomi could see Kari was still alive and struggling to getfree of Zaron's grip.
Hitomi panicked than stepped on part of Kari's staff - the half with the blade – as she picked it up she felt a tingle in her fingers. She stood for a second watching Zaron slowly squeeze the life of her.
Hitomi looked at the blade than ran towards Zaron. Hitomi thrust the blade with all her might into Zaron's back.
"AAAARRRRGGGGHHHHH!" Zaron yelled at the top of his lungs and dropped Kari, as soon as Kari fell to the ground, Hitomi let go of the staff.
Just as Van came back into consciousness, a large pillar of light cast down from the skies bathing the three in light sending them off somewhere.
Where? Van had no idea.
A/N: how was that ... not too bad i hope... review, review
Disclaimer: I do not own Escaflowne or anything to do with it. But i do own Kari n a few other ppl that turn up like poker n maria(the list is very long ish) so plz dont use them wiv out asking (y ne one would i have no idea)