Well here it is the last full chapter of Forgotten Words. It's a long one too. Action, drama, and some surprise guests… my favorite! Speaking of Favorite can you guess which character was my favorite from the series that was not in the main group? He's here! As are his closest friends.
I'll keep this pretty short since I say more at the end, but I did keep my promise to post three chapters in three weeks. They are all self-edited, so I'm sure I missed a lot but hope it is still read able for you. Also You'll see Bold and Italic during a certain character's speech as the inflection in his voice is very unique and I wanted to portray that as best as typed word can. I hope you read his words in that same voice we all know so well... I know I do.
MERRY WHATEVER-YOU-CELEBRATE! AND A HAPPY DEATH OF THE YEAR! Hugs, cookies, and Escaflowne fanfiction for everybody!
Forgotten Words
Chapter 8- Understanding
Van
When I woke up chained, trapped, and face to face with my dead brother I knew my world had ended. Everything that followed only helped to instill the surreal feeling that churned like acid through me. The only thing that kept the dark brooding feelings at bay was… Hitomi, was she finally happy? If she was safe, loved, and 'normal' like she always wanted; then I would be just fine. I had to be.
Escape seemed unlikely now as the ever watchful Stratigos had plans for me. There was the very real threat of becoming like the wingless guard, scared and grounded. That would not happen to me. I'd jump from the fortress before… no that was insane, suicide. Even in my darkest hours I've always had something to live for, something to fight for and I still do.
Though our connection has always been rather one-sided, Hitomi was still there for me to reach out to. I hoped I didn't interfere with her life too much, but when I woke up to the assault of foreign memories my emotions had run away on their own. I felt her answer, or at least I think that's what the wave of calm was. I didn't want her to see me like this. Hitomi would just worry and what could she do a world away? No, this is all up to me. I can't rely on her to save me this time, or ever again.
Without warning the metal door of my prison slides away and a single figure takes only a few steps before casually leaning against the door frame. I can feel blood red eyes burning into my skin as he studies me in a superior, condescending, yet intrigued way. I remember Dilandau well… both from my reality and this one. He never held the whip but left his mark on my skin in the form of swollen eyes, split lips, bruises, and a couple cracked ribs. From the strange memories of this life I do know the albino pilot did not visit me often, but he did enjoy… the 'impact' of his appearances.
The reason for his visit now eluded me. So far I was doing exactly what they wanted me to. The conditions had improved just as Folken said they would, if only just. More, better food was brought to me… and Merle. We were given water, towels, and a basin in which to clean up. Though the only clothing I had was the dirty tan pants I assume are the same as I was wearing… in another life… the improvements in treatment were noted.
I suppose this was all planned to instill a since of trust and maybe gratefulness in me, where through positive reinforcement the prisoner becomes loyal. Not likely.
I am not the same lost tortured kid that has been locked up and abused for nearly two years, and I don't hide that change from my eyes as I meet Dilandau's gaze without fear.
"Oh, is my favorite prisoner feeling better?" The silver haired teen drew out the word 'Favorite' in an amused way that made my skin crawl, but I refused to raise to his bait. His taunting smile grew. "I do hope you have learned some respect after all this time… otherwise it might be difficult… since from now on you work for me."
I know it didn't hide my shock quick enough, as his grin only grew. "Folken wouldn't let that happen!"
"Folken isn't the boss of me, or you for that matter." Dilandau snapped taking an unconscious step towards me before easing back into the taunting manner he had been enjoying. "I only answer to General Adelphose, Strategos may be in charge of this 'project' but I don't belong to him and neither do my Dragon Slayers." With that the albino tossed a black bundle at me, which I caught, even through my confusion I could hear him mumble "not bad reflexes" before he continued.
"Oh yes that's right! Since you will be a 'Special' pilot they have put you under my command. Not that you will be getting a state of the art Alseides, but some antique piece of junk we are traveling back to that burnt out ruble of a country to pick up." I dropped the leather and armor the maniac had thrown at me, I wanted to attack him or yell at his disrespect, but I didn't. He was trying to get a rise out of me. I refuse to give him what he wants so the verbal abuse continues. "You know I've always wanted to have Kings kneel before me I guess I'll have to settle for a prince. A prince of ash and bone, but 'blood' royalty regardless."
Boiling with anger I swallow hard forcing my retaliation back, though the bile he was spewing left a rotten taste in my mouth. He murmured "Controls temper, reasonably." Dilandau was testing me. Despite everything the teen wasn't a fool. He knew if I was to follow his orders I'd have to be predictable to him if not loyal… and loyal was never going to happen. I wonder how this uncontrollable fighter would react if I told him that I knew deep down that he was just a scared, crying, lonely little girl. Without my sword as protection it probably wouldn't go well for me, so I bite my tongue but enjoy the thought to myself no less.
I don't know if he saw my small smirk or if he just didn't like not getting a reaction Dilandau snapped. "Get dressed." Before spinning on his heel, right before the door slid shut behind him I heard. "When you are done 'your majesty', leave your pet here. You better impress me in the training room or I'll have you back in chains."
With the silent Merle curled in the corner pretending to sleep I am as close to being alone as I ever am… and being alone with my thoughts these days have not turned out well. Hesitantly I retrieve the uniform I dropped in my shock before. Truthfully I would never want to be caught dead wearing such a thing, but logically it is actually incredibly beneficial. Dragon Slayers are rarely questioned by anyone other than Dilandau. If there is an opportunity to escape then this might just give me the window I need to do so. I also know Folken would have never approved this, and between Dilandau and my brother I think the easier foe to get past is the silver haired melif' pilot.
Another bonus with the albino trying to rile me up he is a lot more likely to let useful information slip. I shake out the uniform sighing to myself, desperate times… and all that. I do a quick inspection of the uniform; black leather long jacket with a high collar and gold trimmed details, matching leather pants, and a white long sleeve undershirt. The armor was on the bulky side yet still light weight. Blue paldrons, gauntlets, and armored guards that ran the length of the arms but still articulated for movement. I've never noticed before that the majority of the Dragon Slayer's armor only covered the arms and shoulders as if the primary use was intimidation, with a secondary use to help block attacks but offered very little protection for other vital areas. It's almost like saying "Dying is your fault, if you let the enemy in too close."
As much as I don't want to wear this… I have to admit it's clean and will help inforce the impression that I am following orders. I need them to think that I am agreeing to their terms, it is the only way I'll ever be able to 'escape'. The strange memories I have of myself as the 'prisoner' in this reality show me a life I am glad I missed by finding Hitomi. In my real life I suffered a lot of pain both physical and emotional, but nothing like this Van. He was alone in his suffering.
Though he never gave in, never surrendered, always tried to escape when the opportunity arose…. This prisoner prince was a coward. He didn't want revenge… that anger burnt out quickly. He only wanted to get away, to save his own skin, and for that I am ashamed. If he had any information this Van probably would have told them long ago, but since he had nothing they felt he was just being 'difficult'. He would not have agreed to the enemy's terms even to save Merle. His views were so narrow he couldn't see how it would benefit him the way I can. The poor damaged Merle of this world is an extra hindrance, but she is still family, and I refuse to leave her behind.
Now I have to find a way out for the both of us, and Folken made it clear I would be watched very closely.
Merle rolled over in her 'sleep' towards the wall to give me more privacy to change. Since my upper body was already bear I started with the linen undershirt which stuck uncomfortably to the open wounds on my back. The jacket's cool leather would have helped had it not started to heat to my skin so quickly. I prefer less layers and more movement. The long sleeves and high collar will be uncomfortably restricting especially when I have to force this unnaturally thin and out of shape body into sword fighting stances I am familiar with but he is not.
I am lost in thought musing over if I should pretend to be a poor swordsman, or if it would be more beneficial to show 'some' of my skill to try and endear myself to Dilandau's inner circle quicker. As I shed the dirty pants I almost miss that there is a stiff object hiding in my right front pocket. Carefully fishing it out of the discarded fabric I find myself looking at a card. A very specific tarot to be exact, the Tower with its dirt smudged colorful depiction of falling people.
This is the card I was holding when Hitomi's horrible wish was granted. How is that possible? How did it follow me to this terrible reality? Did something similar happen to Hitomi? Could this connect us?
Using my thumb I gently try to rub the dirt away and a shock of electricity surges through me. "Van?!" Hitomi's bright voice echoes in my head.
Trying not to alert any listening ears… Merle, or those otherwise ordered to keep tabs on me, I try to think the words clearly in my head. "Hitomi? Is that you? Are you alright?"
"Van!" The relief in her voice is evident that she heard me clearly. "I am so sorry… I was selfish."
Her voice sounded sad and I had to tell her the words I wanted to say the moment I read her feelings in that painful letter. "No, Please don't apologize. I wasn't any better." I have to pause and force the hard to say words out, but I say them. "I was so afraid to lose you and any chance I had as a family I made you feel trapped."
"You have nothing to apologize for… I hid from you and twisted us both up because I was afraid. You were right that I kept pushing you away. I ruined Millearna and Dryden's wedding I felt ours would turn out worse." Her voice was warm and clear as she finally explained the true reason for her hesitation.
She had been blaming herself for the attack on Asturia and Millearna's marriage falling apart this whole time. "Zaibach would have attacked without you there… actually they did and the damage was much worse." I couldn't bring myself to tell her the rest. That none of our friends survived the attack here and that Zaibach being the deceivers they were blamed the attack on Basram, since they had used the energist bomb on the wedding ceremony. The second princess Eries was the only living Aston and was still waging a war on a framed enemy. These facts I only knew from Dilandau's gloating during one of our 'sessions'. He was so proud that the only trace of the famous Allen Scheazar was a burnt out shadow on the sidewalk, with the other knights of Caeli in formation. Sick thought, even if he didn't know… Allen was his only 'family'.
"It wasn't my fault?" Her voice shook slightly with emotion but was getting fainter, as if she was farther away.
I knew we were running out of time, but I had to easy her doubts. Doubts that have been plaguing her since the war. "No, it wasn't your fault, Hitomi. You were like a skipping stone causing ripples on the water's surface. Zaibach was a storm making waves. Your ripples disturbed their plans, and that is why they turned their attention to you. Without you here the waves rage uncontrolled."
"Van I'm Sorry. I love you and I want our life back." Her voice was almost too soft to hear now. "Our connection is still strong. There might be a way for us to-"
"Hitomi? To what?" But she was gone. Hitomi couldn't hear me anymore, but I knew we were finally on the same wavelength. It wasn't just about protecting Merle or escaping anymore… it was about making things right. Our destiny was to end the war together, and whether Hitomi and I were meant to be a family after that we couldn't force it without something having to give.
The moment had passed, but I had new hope. Hitomi and I would figure out how to get our lives back, but first I would need to finish getting dressed. That inter planetary conversation took place without pants on. It would have been something embarrassing to explain if it had been a visual communication. What would I have told Hitomi about standing there in a Dragon Slayer Jacket and undergarments only? I stepped into the black leather quickly, not waiting for another interruption to catch me with my pants down… so to speak.
Once everything was fastened; straps, buttons, armor, gloves, gauntlets… this uniform was far more complicated then I was comfortable with. My hair hung long and raged brushing the blue armor in an annoying manner. This would have been a strange sight for anyone who truly knew me, I quickly dismissed the notion of asking Merle what she thought. My Merle would have hissed at me saying something witty about how bad I looked, this damaged creature was not my Merle… she wouldn't know this was all a farce anyways.
It was then I realized I was still barefoot. Was this a test? Was I to walk over nails or beg for the boots to prove my loyalty? Since my prison was still only accessible from the outside I had to knock to exit. The door slid open and a fair haired Dragon Slayer stood in the opening with a sour look on his face and a pair of blue armored boots in his hands. Without a word he dropped the heavy items barely missing my vulnerable toes. "Orders are orders, but we have our eye on you."
A threat then? His words and attitude said that I could dress like them, but I would never truly be a Dragon Slayer. He was right, so that didn't bother me, but to see a person so closely… one I know that I had killed in a fit of dark bloodlust made my stomach churn sickly. I didn't even know his name, but I remember his cries of pain as if they were yesterday not another lifetime.
"What are you waiting for?" He snapped blue eyes keenly watching me from under his straight cut bangs.
Snapping back to present I slid my feet into the boots securing the armor tightly around my calves. Before I am even done the solider has already set off down the passage way. I hurry after his retreating back knowing he wouldn't mind losing me in the confusing twists and turns of the fortress's lay out. I have to give these guys more credit for fighting dressed like this… the amount of extra weight, heat, and restriction this formal style uniform causes was unexpected. Though I fought without any armor, vulnerable to injury, I would chose that any day over this.
An out of shape emaciated body doesn't help matters, and just struggling to keep up with the brisk walking pace I am out of breath by the time we reach the training room.
All eyes turn to me, distain clear on the soldier's faces. A few I recognize faintly as the six that form Dilandau's inner circle. The rest… not so much and I feel as if there are less of these other Dragon Slayers then there was during my war. It's possible a few of them died without my assistance.
Dilandau in his red armor stood out starkly from his minions. Eyeing our arrival he turned from where he was giving a solider with shoulder length brown hair an order. The Slayer in question took a respectful bow to his commander then turned and left without giving me the slightest glance. My curiosity over this was quickly replaced with warning bells going off in my head as the albino stalked over to me and my unhappy guide.
"What took you so long to retrieve him Chesta?" Though it was phrased as a question I knew any answer would be wrong.
"With all due respect commander, he dresses slower than an eighty year old grandmother." The slap that followed was hard enough to snap Chesta's head to the side. No cry of pain or angry retort the solider bent over low in a regretful bow.
"What have I told you about excuses?" The silver haired warrior drawled eyeing the prostrated boy.
"It won't happen again, Lord Dilandau." His head bowed hung until Dilandau motioned he could stand again. Once back upright, Chesta backed quickly away to join the cluster of more trusted Dragon Slayers.
I felt the instinct to block or duck, but knew I had to resist any defensive move a second before the leader's armored and gloved hand impacted the side of my face. Where Chesta had been hit by the palm of the hand I unfortunately received the back. As the metal gauntlet scraped my skin painfully and blood filled my mouth I realized that Chesta had received the softer punishment.
Forcing myself to mirror the subservient attitude of my guide was one of the hardest things I've ever had to do. Gritting my teeth I bowed low, swallowing blood I wanted to spit in his pretty face. I can only imagine the superior look on Dilandau's face as I submitted myself to him.
"Don't ever keep me waiting again." He drawled, savoring his power over me. "Clean your damn self up, and take to the mat. I need to see what I've got to work with."
On one side of the training room there was an area with towels and water. Most likely used to wash up after practice not before, but then again you never do know with Dilandau and his group. I am not vain so the only thing that concerns me about the scrapes across my cheek is how much they may bleed. Pressing the clean fabric to the wound I am not surprised to see red soaking into what was previously white, but it's not too bad and should scab up soon. I discreetly spit the remainder of blood from my mouth into the now dirty towel.
As cleaned up as I will get without looking like it bothers me, I turn to the center of the room where I assume my sparring partner is already stretching; rotating his shoulders in an easy fluid motion is a guy on the taller side of the group with sandy brown hair and keen blue eyes. I recognize him as the one we captured on our way to Freid. Miguel something or other, I let out a breath of relief I didn't know I was holding. It shouldn't matter but I am glad I don't have to fight one of the soldiers I killed, and the list I did kill is much longer… especially in this room.
I approached him cautiously, but without appearing timid. Any sign of weakness here would be mercilessly exploited. His attitude was nonchalant but his eyes followed me, judged me, searched for an opening and we had not even begun the match yet.
"I didn't know we had started letting girls with in our ranks." He taunted with an easy smirk. "Sorry sweet heart, but we don't have any toy swords for you to play with."
On that note a slight boy with pale curly hair that reminded me of a sheep brought over a sword that matched theirs. Like everything else that had been given to me so far it was identical to the rest of the Dragon Slayers, but didn't suit me at all and they knew it. I could feel the eyes burning into me as I took the sheathed weapon. What did they expect? That I would be too weak to hold it? That I would do something crazy like try to attack in this armed and trained crowd? That I would try and bolt?
Instead I tested the weight, not bad if a little blade heavy, my Fanelian sword was perfectly balanced so it would a take a moment to get used to this one, with its shorter hilt. I fastened the sheath to my belt trying to mirror the way they wore theirs', but knew comfort would make me shift it to a more natural position soon.
Without a word I unsheathe the blade ignoring the sudden intake of breath from those surrounding me. Their hands rested readily on their own hilts almost begging for trouble. In one quick motion I grabbed my overgrown hair in my left hand and used my right to slice clean through the mess. I don't know how it looks, but it felt so much better… even if I had cut it shorter then I used to wear it during the war. I tossed the locks onto the floor intentionally outside the sparing area.
"Much better." I said mostly to myself feeling lighter, more me the King less the Prisoner.
I could see intrigue over taking suspicion in the eyes of a few of the watchers and that told me how I should let this fight play out. I should be good but not at my best, a better swordsman then they expect but not give away my true skill level. I want to beat Miguel but not by much, a draw would be preferable though I might have to wipe that smirk off his face.
"Are you done, or should we get you some makeup and a dress too princess?" I'm not much for taunting my adversaries I prefer to let my skills and blade do all the talking, but I can't attack first and let him think he hit a nerve… even though he hasn't. It will take a lot more than that to get under my skin.
I just shrug, but maintain an easy stance. "With all this talk of my looks I'm surprised you haven't started courting me yet. Sorry you're not my type."
His eyes flash and I see the slight shift in his weight, I know his move before he takes it. A quick transvers step with a powerful diagonal slice. I parry easily sliding just out of range. He follows with a quick jab, and the twist of his blade means the time for jokes has passed, this is business and more then Miguel's pride is on the line.
I continue to counter remaining on the defensive, let him believe he has me out matched… my opening will come. The blades clash loudly and I can feel the reverberations from each impact traveling smartly up my weakened arms. This Dragon Slayer is good, maybe the top fighter here under Dilandau, but not good enough. Despite his attitude he wants this too much and the force behind each attack is growing slightly weaker. I am wearing him down and letting him do all the work. This body is too damaged to just overpower him. I have to outlast Miguel by outthinking him.
His next step falters ever so slightly, and I take that chance to switch my stance pressing forward into his guard. The move is countered quickly, but I know the upper hand is mine. The next attack against me is a desperate attempt to take back control and the overhead swing comes down quickly, but I smoothly flow into a half-sword attack dropping my non-dominate hand down the blunt side of the blade and by shifting the power to the center of the sword I easily throw his weapon aside turning the block into a quick jab with the hilt right at his face. He moves at the last second so I just clip his chin and not smash his nose as I would have otherwise. It still connected and that throws him off balance even more.
Miguel is surprised and not at all pleased. Careless, exactly how I want him. He has no idea how tired and worn thin I am. This body can't take much more, but I push myself through the forms not letting the fatigue show. I let him take the offensive again, and this time when he overextends I drop under the swinging blade and come up inside his guard the sharp tip of my weapon aimed at his exposed throat.
"Enough!" Dilandau's order freezes us both. Miguel looks down shocked to see how close I was to ending him. Quickly he backs away sheathing his weapon, and awaits the next command like a good solider. I on the other hand have lost all my momentum and can barely lift the weapon let alone sheath it. "Guimel, retrieve the sword before the prince there drops it."
The wooly haired boy is back to take the weapon and I let him. It's not like I could fight him off at this point. I used everything this abused body had against Miguel. Not quite my best by a long shot but it was exactly what I needed to play out. I had to appear useful. It's the best way I have to gain any sort of control at this point.
The gathered group is looking at me differently respect maybe, and something else I can't quite place.
"I'm sure you've all heard the rumors that we had a royal prisoner aboard the Vione with us." Dilandau took center stage addressing his men. "Well now you can see the truth. A proper introduction is in order isn't it?"
I couldn't say anything just tried not to let my weariness show. It took everything I had left not to sway on my feet.
Dilandau grinned, but continued anyways. "This is Van Fanel, Prince of Fanelia and your new brother in arms." He then turned his fierily eyes on me. "Oh, and do I ever have plans for you."
My skin crawled, maybe this wasn't such a good idea after all.
Later I was given another chance to freshen up this time from the sweat soaking my overheated uniform. Then I was led by the others who I matched only in outward appearances to a huge crowded mess hall and given a large tray of food. No one really talked to me, they were curious but not accepting, and that was how I wanted it. I don't want to get to know these guys. I don't want to see the people they would have been… had I not ended them while they were all still only fifteen.
Miguel glares at me, but it means little as I focus on my food and try just to regain some sibilance of strength. I will need it.
In my semi-isolation I observe a few key things; the 'normal' Zaibach Soldiers look to the younger Dragon Slayers with a mix of awe and contempt. In the same manner Dilandau is seen with both fear and respect almost equally. As I predicted I am the right age, build, and uniform; to the regular men I look like I belong and if I were to walk through the crowd and out the door as if everything was completely ordinary no one would be any wiser. Well almost no one… despite announcing my addition to his flock the albino commander watches me steadily. He doesn't trust me, but he wants to use me… for what exact purpose isn't yet clear. Am I proof that he is a superior leader? Am I a test of reactions and loyalties? Or am I another sword, another pilot to do his bidding and secure his power with-in the working machine that is the Zaibach military forces?
My musings are interrupted by the arrival of the brunet Slayer that departed on orders before my fight. He leans down to whisper something to his leader. The words are too low for me to make out, but I don't like the merry glint in Dilandau's determined eyes.
He stands and silence falls swiftly not only over our group but of those close to us as well. "Wonderful news." He states clapping his armored hands together, this announcement is directed to his men and he is pointedly ignoring the rest of the audience. "Dalet has reported we have arrived at our destination. We are directly over the ruins of the Fanelian palace. It's time to hunt a dragon and retrieve the Escaflowne Armor for our new friend."
I feel if I'm about to lose all the food I just ate as my stomach churns sickly. That was the plan? Send armored suits to slaughter a dragon, force me to harvest the heart, and wake Escaflowne. Why does the emperor want it so badly? The Guymelifs they have are more technologically advanced, and it was really Hitomi they needed to activate the Atlantis Machine… without her they will always be missing something. Right?
"Isn't it good to be home Van?" Dilandau taunted, and I felt the eyes of the others on me once more.
What did he want from me? "The forest where the dragons nest it more than a days' travel outside the city."
The silver-haired teen laughed as if I'd said something comical, the others followed his lead even if they didn't quite get the joke. "Silly you've been locked away too long. The dragons have claimed Fanelia as their own. They control the city now, not you." He patted me on the shoulder slightly harder then was friendly. Dilandau was having far too much fun at my expense. "All we have to do is land in the rubble and they will come to us. It will be easy pickings. Just like destroying this place was the first time around."
I wanted to make the maniac eat his words, but in this sad state I'd never beat him. I knew that from the beginning though, and the point was to do exactly what I did to Miguel, but on a larger scale… bide my time, the perfect opportunity will come. I don't have to fight Dilandau to defeat him I just have to out maneuver him.
"Chesta, Gatti, Dalet, and Miguel prepare your Alseides for departure." Their commander ordered before turning to me, a grin on his androgynous face. I'm beginning to think he is enjoying this too much. "You'll ride with me to the ground. Miguel would drop you… the others you haven't humiliated yet so I'm not quite sure."
"Give it time." I respond standing to follow him and his men as they prepare to desecrate my homeland once more. Maybe I should volunteer to go with Miguel, they must not know I'm draconian otherwise they'd realize that 'dropping me' would only be to my benefit. No, stick to the plan.
We enter a huge Melif' hanger I vaguely remember the Crusade docking at in the daring rescue a lifetime ago. How easily fate changed. No one is storming in to save me this time. Hitomi… the difference between the life I once fought for and this sad existence.
I can see bright sky above and green trees below through the open bay doors. We must be floating just above the remains of the castle, this exit faces the cemetery and could not have been better placement if I had tried.
With that thought the world shook violently, or so it would appear as the fortress shifted dangerously to one side and the lights flickered sporadically. Nice timing, luck was defiantly on my side for once.
"What the hell was that?!" Dilandau demanded as a siren began to blare overhead.
A static filled voice followed the alarm declaring information. "Now, a fire has been reported in main generator room 3-181-2-Echo. Cause of explosion unknown. All available hands report to emergency stations."
"Lord Dilandau, that's the central generator room." Gatti stated being at the commander's right hand. "It's the closest engineering station to the holding cells.
All Dragon Slayer eyes went to me. I lift my empty hands in a motion proving not only am I un-armed but also under close guard.
Chesta takes a step closer to his leader. "An outside attack then?"
I grasp for bits of information I absorbed while silently eating me meal in a room crowded full of chatting soldiers. "Rebels?" The one word sent a shudder through the group.
"Damn scarred old samurai, just won't fuckin' give up." Dilandau cursed under his breath, grasping the hilt at his waist tightly. My heart leapt, it can't be… Balgus is alive. In this reality he didn't die to save me, instead he lives to fight for our cause. My attention is drawn back to the albino as he starts to head back into the fortress and the unknown disturbance. "Chesta, Gatti, Dalet! Come with me. Miguel, stay with our new friend… If this is a ploy to escape, kill him."
"My pleasure, Lord Dilandau." The Slayer smirked at the order, he must be wishing I'd give him the chance to follow through.
With a nod the red-armored fighter began to jog towards whatever danger lay ahead, three of his best men close at his heels. The last remained watching me, completely on guard.
Through the noise and scurrying troops just the two of us remain still as if the world wasn't collapsing around us.
"How did you do it?" Miguel asked, openly studying my weak battered form.
"Do what?" I asked glad to be far from the excitement, and praying Merle finished the job I gave her without being caught. Everything had fallen into place so well. As I finished dressing in this ridiculous uniform I knelt down in front of the creature my best friend had become. Through a quick explanation her eyes brightened. Upon leaving the cell I left the door open. My guard being relieved as part of the 'kindness' of my captors, the only one who would have noticed would be my guide… Chesta, who in his distaste for me took off down the passageways without checking the security of the remaining prisoner. Merle was to find the nearest machine space without being sighted and rip apart as many wires or hoses as possible, most importantly she was to get the heck out of there before the chaos erupted. The best chance was to return to the cell and lock herself back in. Who would ever blame the timid neko trapped alone inside a windowless, escape proof room?
As much as things seemed to be working out for me at the moment this glorious window of opportunity would not last forever. My back to the open sky I began to take one slow step backwards at a time.
"Don't move another inch." Miguel warned unsheathing his blade.
Another step, and a taunting smirk.
"You're unarmed and without escape." He stated with steely blue eyes and a grim determination.
Another step.
He snapped into action charging for me. Lethal point closing the distance fast. I didn't have time to play with him, so I did the last thing he would expect. Unarmed I charged directly for him, but at the last second I rolled to the side causing his forward momentum to take him right past me. He turned with a sharp glare, and noticed his scabbard was no longer at his waist but in my hands.
"Fool." He ground his teeth. His next attack I parried with the sheath pushing him back and only increasing his anger. There was only so much I could do until he gave me the perfect overhand strike, the exact strike the Slayer seemed so fond of. Just like with the sword, during our sparing session earlier, I switched my grip and countered with a half sword technique though… this weapon was more like using a short staff. He was prepared for my following move protecting his face my target last time, but not my plan this go round. I dropped low slamming the blunt object into his unprotected gut. The air left him in a whoosh, and his eyes rolls backwards sickeningly as my opponent collapsed unconscious in a heap on the metal floor.
That will hurt when he wakes up… if I fail and he does wake up after all.
The hanger had emptied of all personnel before our short lived fight began, and time was running out until someone returned to complicate matters. Conflicted didn't seem to cover my emotions at the moment. Balgus and Folken were both alive in this reality. One fought as I should be, while the other pressed forward towards destruction. A small part of me wished for more time here, just to see my old mentor one last time, but what would I have to sacrifice for that to happen? Hell I knew Balgus wasn't even here right now… It was just me and Merle, but it didn't make me feel any better about what I was about to do. The missed opportunity, but the old samurai would call me a sentimental fool. I can see his one eye glaring at me sharply. "Quit complaining about the things you cannot change. Move forward Lord Van, always keep charging forward." The tightness in my chest lessened.
I stepped to the very edge of the open hanger bay feeling the wind pulling at me like an old friend. Removing the card I had kept tucked safely away until now I closed my eyes, reaching out towards Hitomi with my heart and mind which for once were in complete harmony. Her answer was strong and immediate. Closing my eyes I could see her clearly. Lean and thin in her school uniform, face pale and tired… but eyes so very sure and bright. She stood on the edge of a tall building, her school perhaps. Like me she stood on the precipice of something dangerous and wonderful at the same time. She saw me as I am now; wearing an ill-fitting Dragon Slayer uniform, hair roughly chopped and uneven, but I knew she saw me as the king… the man I am meant to be.
Hitomi spoke to me then, holding the damaged ace of dragon card tenderly to her chest. "I know you want to save the world Van, but I want you to know that it's okay… if you only save one person, and it's okay if that person is you."
"You are my world." I told her clearly even though my lips never moved. "I have wasted too much time, and yet there is nothing I would change in this reality or any other as long as it brought me back to you."
"I wish for my life back." She said tears welling up in her large emerald eyes. "I wish you landed right in front of me while chasing a dragon. I wish I saved your life for the first time of many that night. I wish that I had been swept away to a world at war and a king without his country." Her voice shook with emotion.
I picked up where she faltered pouring my deepest wishes, fears, and hopes out for her… for myself. "I wish I had met an impossibly stubborn girl the night of my rite if dragon slaying. I wish we had been forced together by fate, to save each other from more than just mortal danger. I wish I had fought for her harder than she would ever know." My voice cracked, and I'd like to think it was from the welling power I could feel building between us… but it wasn't complete there was something holding me back. If I couldn't fix it and fast, the power along with our chance would be gone.
"Van!" A voice called out to me, one I'd longed to hear for years, but dreaded the moment I woke up here. I opened my eyes to see Folken, alone but approaching me none the less. I moved closer to the sharp drop hovering over the ruined world below. My heels hung over the edge, just barely keeping my weight and balance still perched on the floating fortress. Though I was looking at my brother with my eyes I could still see Hitomi on her very own ledge. She nodded to me knowing I needed to do this.
Folken froze where he stood, eyes measuring the chances that I go over the edge. "I once had a brother that wished for me on his tenth birthday." I spoke clearly so the wind behind me didn't swallow the words before they could reach him.
His eyes widened a fraction. "So you found the diary." Folken tucked his metallic arm under his cloak as if hiding it would make the appendage less real. "Are you proud little brother that I turned out to be such a failure?"
"What are you talking about? Hitomi… the girl in Mother's visions predicted this would all happen." Confused my focus wavered and Hitomi's image began to fade along with bits of the power we had built between us. I took a deep breath pulling on our connection which still burnt brightly, the girl came back into focus, but the power still trickled away. I didn't have much time, but I needed to talk to Folken… something I had avoided in my reality. Something I deeply regret.
"There was no girl. Only mother constantly pushing." The man I barely knew looked sadly at me, and the spare memories clicked into place. In this world Hitomi never warned mother about Folken's sad fate. It must have happened for her after the war. Instead this Folken did not grow up with a happy supported childhood, constant pressure was always put on his thin shoulders. In my world Mother must have taken a more supportive role trying to prove the vision wrong. Here she was far more critical of any short comings… assuming fate had chosen Folken. I never saw him smile, and he never had time to read stories or play with me. "I did everything I could do to protect you. Van, I still am just trying to protect you."
"Protect me?" I asked trying to fit the pieces together.
Folken's stony front begins to crumble and pure emotion fills his deep voice. "I couldn't save myself, but I could save you by creating a new world. A world without war, without pain, without loss. I hid mother's diary to save you from a dark destiny." His tattoo lined eyes pleaded to me in a way his words never would.
"I never asked you to change the world for me Folken!" As I spoke a weight seemed to lift from my shoulders, the regret I carried over things I had left unsaid out of spite began to dissolve. Folken disappearing, abandoning me after his failed hunt. His work for Zaibach that not only destroyed our country, but tried to destroy me in the process of 'changing the world'. "All I ever needed was you as my brother. I've lost you too many times to never have a chance to tell you. Despite everything I love you, and I forgive you."
This sad pain filled man would never find the peace he craved. "Van, if you try and escape Zaibach will hunt you until the ends of this world and beyond. You will never be free of them, and one way or another they with destroy you." His eyes had turned hard as he spoke, and though I knew he had heard me the words I had longed to say were more for my benefit. If this worked he'd be dead once more and if it did not work… then I would be the one to expire today.
"The plan was never to escape, but to make things right." Peace fills me and the power surged back stronger than ever even without a pendent or energist to amplify it. I smiled broadly letting all the pain, fear, regret and hatred go.
Bringing the tarot card to my lips I see as she Hitomi mirrors my actions, kissing the damaged card. Together we take that last step into the wind. As I fell backwards I could see Folken run to the edge sheading the top of his robe in the attempt to release his wings, wanting to jump after me. Something in my eyes stopped him and my brother collapsed on the ledge calling my name; shirtless, wingless, and with his mechanical arm in clear view.
Likewise in Hitomi's world a girl with vibrant red hair and tear rimmed eyes runs to the ledge crying her name. "Good Bye Yukari, my friend." My green eyed girl calls up as she falls backwards, a serene smile on her face even though only I can hear her at this point.
Speeding towards the ground dangerously we both close our eyes pulling on shared memories and powerful feelings. I have to fight the urge to shred the uniform jacket with my wings, and Hitomi too fights the natural instinct of panic and self-preservation. As we plummet, wind whistles loudly in our ears, but we hold on to our hope and the single wish with all our hearts.
"I wish for my life with Hitomi."
"I wish for my life with Van."
Bright light surrounds us, cradles us in its warmth. Unlike the last time the power touched us there was no pain, only comfort. Reaching out through the light I can feel my hand close around a slender one. Hitomi threads her fingers through mine and together we are lifted away from certain death and the biggest gamble of our lives.
Even with eyes tightly shut I pull Hitomi's form to me wrapping my arms around her in a protective embrace. I can feel her bury her face in my chest, and for the first time since I let her go after the war do I feel complete.
The light dissipates and it takes me a moment to feel the soft grass beneath us. Hitomi begins to slowly shift, not away… but into a more comfortable position, as her large belly is pressed against me and I can feel the thump of the child moving within.
The child! I shoot upright concern and wonder foremost in my mind. We are back. Not just to our reality but to everything it details. I feel whole, healthy and strong unlike the prisoner. Hitomi on the other hand glows with the beauty only pregnant women carry. I help her sit up, but the moment she is stable my hands go to her stomach.
"He's alright." Hitomi smiles warmly laying her hands over mine. "I was worried too since he didn't exist where I was sent, but I think only our minds went to that alternate reality. Our bodies stayed here, safe. It was how we felt all the changes of that life."
"Was it just a horrible dream?" I asked looking around us for the first time. We sat in front of the cemetery memorials, the grass around us flattened down in a circular pattern as if a great wind twisted only over this spot. The colorful tarot cards forming a protective ring around us, minus only two cards it seemed.
"No, I think it was real for us. I don't know what would have happened if we had decided to stay there." Hitomi held up her card which miraculously was undamaged. The rip in the paper face was fixed as if it had never existed.
I held my card out to her, not a smudge of dirt or crease on it at all. Something else had changed in the card. The two falling people were somehow closer, holding hands as they fell from the great height.
Her slender fingers brushed mine momentarily taking the card from me. Even as she tucked the tarot away I could feel the warmth lingering through my glove. "I-"
Hitomi cut in her voice firm and warm. "Please don't apologize, I think we both kind of needed to see how much better our lives are together."
"I was going to say I never properly asked you to marry me." Giving her a lopsided smile, that only grew with her embarrassed flush. "With everything that has happened, I just assumed there wasn't an answer other than yes. I know now this has to be something you really want."
Tears welled in her luminous eyes, so I chose to continue. "Hitomi, you make me not just want to be a better king, but a better man. Please honor me by becoming my wife."
The silence stretched between us, as she looked down biting her lip. My heart dropped like a stone, then Hitomi glanced up into my eyes, joy written clearly on her face and a teasing smirk on her lips this time. "I didn't hear a question."
"Will you marry me?" The words came out more sure and confident then I felt.
Her smile grew with the soft warmth in her eyes, love flowed from that one look and I knew the answer before she spoke. "Yes, Van. I will."
To Be Continued…
A/N
Well that was the last official chapter. There will be an epilogue hopefully posted at New years to wrap up all the lose ends. I originally planned on having the wedding at the end of this chapter but it was dreadfully long. That and so much more will be in the final instalment.
You could stop here… but I wouldn't recommend it. The main story like is done though. Hitomi and Van together and in harmony. I have always loved them together, but I feel it wouldn't be a relationship of convenience, as neither of them are particularly good at sharing their feelings. It would be rocky at times but if they worked at it then there was nothing they couldn't face together.
One of my best reviews summed Van up perfectly. "A melancholic, thoughtful young man, who is handicapped by his social inaptness and his temper." Spot on. Exactly what I was going for.