Arg short chapter I know I tried to drag it out I did I didn't want to cut action of too soon so I had to put it in another chapter. I got a couple of ideas going here but I didn't want to put in too much, otherwise it would of seemed just getting to much off track at such an important time
If that makes any sense
Well enjoy. Do I have too much corny going on now that Van and Hitomi are together? Should I bring it down a notch without sound like one of those strictly only romance novel writers? I was really hoping my imagination wasn't as dusty as I thought!
Anyways thanks for reading guys!
EDIT: IVE MADE A BIG REVISION IN THIS CHAPTER WITH KEGRAN AS I DID IT INCORRECTLY (plus I deleted the who story by mistake trying to upload chapter 16 sorry!)
It was peaceful, she looked around the garden. She felt at peace, there was something so familiar about this place. She had been here before, the blue orb hummed above her but this was different, she belonged here. The garden that the orb rested in peacefully was different, but the same it was hard to explain. She had seen it a different way, the surrounding statues were broken, but they weren't now and this is how it…is.
Her hand played in the water below the orb absent mindedly. She was happy, content, and nothing seemed to concern her. It was peaceful; she looked up at the orb that seemed to hum louder at her smile.
"Almi?" A voice so familiar – it took her breath away and pounded at her heart, but that wasn't her name, no it was, yes she was Almi.
She turned to see a young man with blue hair, short, his features sharp. His eyes danced with a white color of life that heightened when his gaze met hers. Her heart raced, she loved him, this feeling so familiar yet so foreign with this man in front of her.
"Leeran!" The name was like heaven to her ears, she knew it, and it was her only treasure in the entire world.
She met him, stood in front of him wanting to touch him but it was inappropriate. I wanted to so badly to touch you! Her mind thought but her she couldn't, no one could know.
"It has sorrowed my heart no to see you over the past months, all seems worth the pain to see your smile now." He bowed to her, she could see his hands tensing at his side, and he was restraining himself as well.
She fumbled for words to extend the conversation while pushing away her thoughts of his embrace.
"How have you been?" She said quietly.
His eyes softened "Conflicted, I am so happy at in Palas, but without you it's saddening."He smiled softly.
"Ah if it isn't Prince Leeran! I see you and Lady Almi are catching up!" A familiar man aged well beyond their eyes entered into the garden. His hair blonde and long, his features broad, he was handsome even if he was older.
"If it isn't Kegran, my friend, its been months!" Leeran approached him and they hugged patting roughly on their backs in a playful manner.
Almi's heart tugged. Her fiancé stood in the company of the love of her life, enduring the secret was to much at time. The two were childhood friends, she could feel it, but she didn't understand it. This wasn't her life, she didn't know these people really, but she felt like she did.
"How is Palas!?" Kegran pulled Leeran away leaving Almi in the garden near the orb. She turned and gazed to it, returning to her duties. Don't stray Almi, it will end in ruin a thousand voices entered her head – the orb warned her again.
Hitomi shot up breathing heavy. She looked around locking gazes with Van. She had fallen asleep in his arms flying towards Austria this is where she was; this was her, not Almi! Who was Almi and why did she feel her and what did she see. It felt like her, she felt like Almi, the hurt the love, the confusion…the orb.
"Are you okay Hitomi?" Van asked startled, she was sleeping so peacefully against him.
"I… yes… just a strange dream." She whispered quietly reaching for her pendant for comfort.
Van reached in and placed his soft lips against her forehead soothing her, she was in his embrace, she could feel his heart beating in her ear. It matched her own. She felt warmth from his emotions, as if the world didn't matter. His love was so strong, it pulsed in her, and she wasn't sure how she could contain it. She blushed again reminiscing on the other night as her skin tingled again with the sensations of wanting him. Leeran her thoughts strangely pulled.
"Hitomi, we are here.." He said quietly gazing ahead.
Austria was as beautiful as she remembered. It seemed renewed from a distance, last she was here a large portion of Austria had been destroyed but Hitomi couldn't tell from the whole view she saw now. A feeling of panic started to fill her, sadness, and worry. She wasn't sure but it didn't seem natural. It wasn't hers, it was theirs. The people they were scared, and confused. She held her breath and closed her eyes; she felt her pendant warm in her hand. It glowed lightly, the feeling started to wane, and she could felt a coldness quickly enter and leave her body causing her to shiver.
"Are you sure you're okay?" She met his gaze, she wanted to cry, it was there all their worry, Austria was scared.
She simply nodded as they approached the dock for Levi and trading ships.
-&-
Mellerna stood as Escaflowne landed, she had seen the approaching military, and Escaflowne dancing toward them on the breezes that came into Asturia. It filled her with courage and then a feeling of regret. It was a shame to see the wonderful Gymeluf, as it only meant war. It was simply put as bittersweet.
Her eyes grew with shock; Hitomi was helped down by Van. She was taller, matured, but her eyes and face could never deceive her. She stood, when did Hitomi get here, when did she end up with Van!
"Hitomi!" She ran to her, with her hands ready to embrace her.
"Mellerna!" She mimicked Mellerna embracing her in a big hug. It felt good; the emotions she could feel from Mellerna were deep comfort.
She pulled and looked back at her and those deep comforting feeling faded, a flash of terrifying expression painted Mellerna's face and heart. My symbol Mellerna knew something, and whatever it was wasn't providing her any comfort. Hitomi shrank away from Mellerna rubbing her arm uncomfortable. Mellerna quickly recovered and he feeling of happiness returned but it didn't help Hitomi dwell on her previous quick flash of emotion.
"It's good to see you." Hitomi mustered the smile that she tried to reinforce with her quiet voice.
"Hitomi, it has been too long, we have to catch up, but right now Van needs to meet with Dryden, Zaibach isn't far from us and there isn't much time." Mellerna grabbed her arm and pulled her with her, knowing Van would follow.
The rounded the corner, and a carriage awaited the arrival. Following Mellerna's lead they entered the carriage and with quickness they were on the way to the Palace.
Dryden stood in the council's room; everyone had left, carrying on with the preparations that needed to be made before this unavoidable battle on the horizon. He felt the urge to throw his glass against the map that hung as a wall tapestry on the far wall, but the winron inside was too old and fine to waste.
"Dryden?" Mellerna came into the room with two very familiar faces following, one that he didn't expect. Hitomi the reason for this war, for this unconfirmed power she did or didn't have. He felt anger brew, all the deaths to come, at her hands, he quickly shook the thought. It wasn't her fault, she would never ask for this – she was Hitomi. He felt guilt, it was all the winron talking, he wasn't thinking straight.
Hitomi's facial expression wasn't one he expected, she looked sad to see him. He wasn't sure but it was like she could read his thoughts, guilt increased.
"Hitomi, I cant believe you are here." Dryden approached her wrapping his arms around her.
"I'm sorry…" She whispered so light he wasn't sure if anyone else heard, he pulled back to look into her large emerald orb eyes.
He wanted to ask her for what but Van was quick to get started.
"Dryden what is left to be done?" Van walked to the large open windows overlooking the city below. The palace was multi leveled, and the room sat on the higher levels, Dryden only felt it appropriate to have meetings while watching Austria below.
"Everyone is in order Van; we were sure something of importance must of come up, as I see, so we went ahead and proceeded." Dryden nodded towards Hitomi understanding.
"Come with me Dryden, I need to speak with you." Van continued towards the door and Dryden followed.
Hitomi stood in her thoughts, not sure of what to do. Dryden blamed her, she could feel it. The anger was overwhelming. She didn't want to be here, everyone was angry, and sad to see her, this is not how it should be at all. She didn't even acknowledge Mellerna as she ran from the room; she needed to be away from people. They couldn't hide their emotions from her, and she didn't want to know anymore. Where was she going to run? She had to fight, stop all this pain and death it obviously had to do with her.
She ran, finding her way from the palace into the garden. Serantisan! Her mind raced as a looming shadow descended from above. Hitomi felt the first real sense of relief she had since she came to Austria, and it was fleeting. There was screaming, servants and palace guards raced towards her, but not because of her, because of the massive dragon that loomed over her now.
"STOP!" Hitomi screamed sick of all the fear, anger, and sadness. The ground shook slightly and she couldn't tell if it was from Serantisan landing or a small quake with her yelling, but it was quick. Everyone stood, staring at her, stunned. She was sure they thought she was crazy, Serantisan bent her head to Hitomi and pushed against her like a comforting pet, her chest rumbling softly. Its hard I know but Im here Tsuni.
"Thank you" she whispered, and tears started flowing from her eyes.
Dryden and Van watched as the large white dragon lifted from the courtyard. Dryden looked at Van for an obvious explanation.
"She has power Dryden, powers that are simply unbelievable." Van shook his head,
"So it is true then, she's this Tsuni that we've been speculating about." Dryden pushed his glasses up on his nose.
"I want to send her back to Fanelia with an escort." Van looked at him with uncertainty.
"I don't think that would be wise Van, so much could happen, and if she has these powers I think she would be best aiding us, we need all the help we can get."
"Im not putting her in danger Dryden." Van didn't mean for it to come off so snappy.
"I think Hitomi can handle her own Van, she was the rock our last war and she didn't have this power before." Dryden gave him a level look, trying to make him seethe advantage this could have.
"Im not sure she knows this power yet Dryden I get the feeling she cant control it." Van shook his head very disturbed by his comment.
"What exactly have you seen her do?" Dryden turned and they made their way back to the long table running the length of the room.
Van sat at the table and folded his had looking at Dryden seriously. "She can control Escaflowne."
The men were filing into the city, Storius was making his way to the palace where he sure Van was already with Dryden and the other leaders that had been called for aid in Austria. He had seen the white dragon leaving Austria and was sure Van had already sent Hitomi on.
She was powerful, she controlled their Gymelufs and she became a dragon; in all Storius's brief encounters with her, she seemed lost. She was confused and scared he could see it. Given the circumstances he could see her concern, but the warrior in him told her she was too weak to handle this responsibility. She could destroy Gaea with the fear that he saw in her eyes, and he wasn't sure if Van knew what he was doing. Being the loyal to his King was his first nature, he put all his doubts aside and just pressed the faith that Van knew what he was doing.
"General Storius, King Dryden and King Van are expecting you." Gaddess galloped to his side as Storius approached the palace gates.
Storius had the pleasure of meeting Gaddess on a few different occasions. Allen had told him many stories of Gaddess; when they both attended his acceptance ceremony when he was bestowed General Commander of Austria's armies.
"Lead the way General Gaddess."
"Its true, Hitomi is back?" Gaddess didn't look at Storius just continued with his straight face towards the palace.
"Yes it is true." Storius said simply unsure of where this was going.
"Is she the reason for all the Storius?" He was blunt just at Allen had described.
"Yes I believe she is, I have seen some of her power."
Gaddess eyed him waiting for Storius to continue without him having to ask, but Storius didn't reply.
"Do I have to ask?" Gaddess seemed a bit irritated.
"I do not know the information I am allowed to provide without speaking to my king first." He said apologetically.
"Oh cut the formalities Storius, I deserve to know what I am putting my men at war for as much as you. You don't put confidence in your men unless you know it is worth something. I know she is the savior of –"Gaddess was raising his voice and Storius cut him off.
"Don't treat me and if I do not understand. Gaddess she is powerful, I think more powerful than our texts let on, but it is a power for the foundation of this war." Storius tried to hide his uncertain anger.
"Are we going to use this power?" Gaddess couldn't have sounded more detached from the person behind the power, and Storius wasn't sure if he intended it that way or not.
"I do not believe Van means to use her aide in this battle if that's what you mean, and Im not sure she knows how to use this power." Gaddess looked at Storius finally his mount halting in front of Storius.
"She can't control it?" Gaddess's face reflected Storius's concern.
"There hasn't been any evidence that shows me she knows what she is doing." Storius gave him a stern look.
Gaddess got the hint and continued onto the castle in silence going over the conversation with Storius in his mind. The rumors he heard of this Tsuni that Hitomi was supposed to be are ones that mothers told their children to go to sleep at night nothing that gave him any concern until recently when the war was on the horizon.
Van stood on the outskirts of Austria, the guards told him the dragon and girl was last seen here, near the river that flowed from the city. He felt guilty; he left Hitomi alone for the last few hours, while Gaddess, Allen, Storius and Dryden went over preparations for the battle tomorrow.
"Hitomi?" He called out
"Van?" She called out; he made his way to the sound of her voice, following the river further away from Austria.
She stood, staring at the horizon, her long flowing hair danced with the gentle breeze that teased it to dance. She had to have obtained new attire from Mellerna sometime today; her dress was a light shade of pink with white lining along the thin straps. He walked up behind her, placing his arms over her shoulders and pulling her closer to him. He rested his head in her hair smelling her and letting this peaceful calm come over him.
"You want me to leave don't you?" Hitomi didn't flinch, she just stared ahead.
"I don't want you to go anywhere Hitomi, but I don't want you in Dilandau's grasp either." He turned her as her body flinched at Dilandau's name. He looked into her large emerald eyes.
"Where do you want me to go Van I have no where! Im not leaving you here to fight without me I can fight!" Her voice strained, she was trying to place confidence she didn't have in it. She didn't know if she could help, she didn't know if she could do anything.
"Hitomi, I want you to go to Fanelia, I can't fight knowing you are in immediate danger." Van pushed away her hair from her face.
"I cant go knowing you're in danger Van, Im not leaving you again!" She couldn't help the tears welling in her eyes. She wanted to just feel her emotions his were making her helpless. His concern and love pushed at her, she wanted to obey him, but her own feelings pushed back at him. She wanted to stay.
"Please Hitomi, I have Kelta awaiting you there, he can help you find out what's going on with you." He placed his lips against her forehead.
She shivered in response. Even if she could create a pillar of light she wasn't leaving his side. She was going to battle against Dilandau, it was because of her and she wasn't going to let anyone risk their life while she ran away. She pulled away from Van, he was being typical Van.
"No Van, no matter how much you push me Im not leaving." She pulled away from him hoping he would take his feelings with him, but those pulsed through her thicker than her own.
His face turned from worried to angry in a quick second "You just want me to stand by while you put yourself in danger Hitomi?" His gripped tightened around her shoulders.
"No, I want you to support me in my decision! I have taken care of myself this far." She bit her lip, she shouldn't have said that. The whole time she was taking care of herself she was wishing he was there to help her. His hurt pushed through to her, she held her hand out as he turned away from her. There was something more bothering him she could feel it, but he was already walking away.
She looked over to Asturia as Van quietly walked from her sight and her breath was taken away, Dilandau was here.
The large bell tolled, everyone probably felt the same chilling feeling with ever time the bell echoed through the city. Van ran across the market to the front gate, Austrian's fled to their homes, and soldiers head to the front lines. The city was in chaos at the alarming sound that tolled above.
The street widened for the incoming traffic to the city as he neared the gate. There were a few Austrians struggling to get into the city away from the chaos that was about to ensue. Soldiers barked orders loading ammunition, and Van proceeded to head for the gate. Escaflowne stood defiantly in the center of the gates opening awaiting him.
"I was wondering when you were going to arrive." Allen stood with his Gymeluf next to Van as he climbed into his cockpit.
Van grinned back at Allen; however he felt a hint of anger to him. He did have questions surrounding Hitomi, but as she was ok and told Van she left on her own accord he accepted it. He felt as if he wasn't being told the whole story but Hitomi was with him and to be honest it mattered little to him anymore. At this time there was no better person to have fighting on your side than Allen Schezar.
Van could see the small fortresses gaining size quickly. The ground ahead and spanning the horizon was nothing but black forming over the hill sides. He could make out the distinct difference by size between the men and Gymelufs. Van looked around at the men that stood ready for coming Zaibachs. Fear was all he saw, fear from men who had been suddenly uprooted to fight a battle that they knew nothing about. They only knew a force was coming to destroy them and they had to risk their lives for their family, but for what.
He gave Allen a glance that must have been evaluating and coming to the same conclusion he was.
Van moved Escaflowne further forward, turning and facing the massing military that formed the front gate.
"We are all here today because of one thing, and some of you don't know the reason. It would be unfair to ask you to risk your lives without knowing the cause." Van paused, he had their attention the minute he moved Escaflowne, but their eyes gazed at him for answers now.
"They want the Savior of Gaea, they want her power, and with it they can control Gaea, and destroy those who rise against them." Escaflowne pointed to the fortresses in the distance.
"She sacrificed her life five years ago so our world can be at peace, now they threaten us again, but this time they come for her." His eyes blazed with fury.
A below echoed throughout the city, and the men turned to find the source. Serantisan flew over perching herself on the entrance gate roaring defiantly at the oncoming enemy. The men stood in awe at the white dragon standing with them. Hitomi stood from her back; she wore a long flowing white dressed that matched the color of Serantisan perfectly, with a blue cloak that waved with the wind. She took their breath away.
"I'm Hitomi Kanzaki, Im from the Mystic Moon. I stand with you, defending Gaea against the threat that comes from the distance." Hitomi pointed behind her.
"Let it be known that the power of Gaea is with us!" Serantisan bellowed again, but her roar was drowned with the cheering support of the armies below her.
Van gaze Allen a quick glance "So much for your inspiring speech." Allen gave him a sly smirk.
Van watched Hitomi his heart raced when their eyes met finally. Van couldn't help but smile, he had waited five years for her and she turned out to be more of a woman than he imagined. Maybe he had been wrong; his need to protect her overwhelmed him, but it was always Hitomi who had saved him countless times during the war. His feelings overcame his sense, he should have never been angry with her.
Serantisan jumped down and glide to the ground. She landed in front of Escaflowne and positioned herself next to him. Hitomi took a deep breath; the feeling of courage was refreshing. She felt the fear waning. Zaibach was becoming closer, men starting to form features instead of one large mass. She knew it was not their fear she felt, but her own.
Dilandau fists clenched as he approached Austria, there she was. His intense magnifier picked her up on his other possession. Two birds with one stone as Dornkirk would say. Everything was falling into place. He would burn Austria, Fried, and take Fanel's love in front of him. Death is what he wished so long for Van, death at his hands, but now he found a way to make his life feel like a thousand deaths - he would simply take Hitomi.
"Kerch, make sure all forces focus on the dragon and the girl." He called to the man standing behind him, waiting on Dilandau's words.
"Yes Sire." He responded promptly, he turned to the communications module altering the other men.
Dilandau left the command post and made his way to the docking port, he was ready to awake his Gymeluf. This battle would be his finest in his newly constructed Ispano Gymeluf. The Ispano's couldn't do much, he did have a powerful legacy captured, and they need 12 legacies to function their way of life. Without one the Ispano's energy wanes, they were powerless against him. Even thought Grato was not in his clutches now, he was sure the Ispano wouldn't be far from Hitomi not that he was of any use anymore.
As impressive as his Gymeluf looked, it still didn't compare in power to Vans. He lacked the soul binding of the Tsuni, but he wouldn't for long. He would have her power, and after he obtained that, he would have her soul.