And now, I give to you...
The last chapter.
Hitomi! I can see you!
Thunder snarled at the end of Amano's question and she jumped in her seat.
"What did you say?" she asked, her breath catching in her chest.
Her old friend turned doctor gave her a patient smile and he leaned forward to lace his fingers underneath his chin. With his legs crossed comfortably, he gestured to the spiral notebook sitting next to her on the couch. "I was asking about your journal. The nurses have told me you have made good progress."
"Yes, yes, I try to write in it daily. I am thankful I have such a wonderful outlet to express my thoughts and feelings," she answered, with a timid lift on her lips.
Keep cordial. Polite. Amano liked polite-
Hitomi!
Another roar of thunder, this one stronger, louder, more ferocious and she whimpered, her hands automatically clapping on her ears. There were flashes now. Not just the voice, but images. Faces. Mechanical monsters. A yew tree? No! That wasn't her. Oh, god, which one was she? She wasn't the one with the cards. She no longer had her pendant. Or did she ever have a pendant?
She was… she was...
Amano was there in an instant, kneeling on the ground in front of her, his hands on her shoulders. He was saying something, but she couldn't concentrate anymore. She didn't want to upset him. She didn't want to be strapped to the bed again. She didn't want the guards. But it was so clear now. As if a window in her mind had been flung open.
She could see… she could hear…
And then she remembered!
She was the one who saw all of them! Her dreams, the visions! That's right! She was the watcher of them all! She was the watcher! She guided the one to the yew! She gave her the visions of the Strategos! She had shown her how to branch through and see, not with her eyes, but with her mind!
She'd given the wolfess her mind's eye, guided the father, then his daughter… herself… to her soul mate.
And the red eyes… her red eyes…
"Van!" she said suddenly, the name slipping from her lips like a brush of warm wind on a flower.
You remember… You remember me!
The words were cried in relief, ringing harmonically through her mind.
Amano's fingers moved to her hands, slowly pulling them from her head. "Van? What are you talking about? Hitomi, do you need to go to a secluded room? The thunder might disturb you less there-"
"NO!" she cried, and immediately felt the familiar drop of fear. Amano's face, his expression, it was one of surprise - before his forehead crunched in disappointment.
Oh no! Oh, no, no, no! She had to be normal, but she couldn't lose what she'd just gained.
She was torn, confused, and scared.
"I'm-I'm alright. I was talking right? Talking about my journal? I really liked drawing the flowers! Did you see the flower sketch? I used the eraser of my pencil to add shadow and depth and… and…" She was trying too hard! She knew she was! "I am so thankful that… that…"
Glancing down, she saw her hands were still in his. Leaning over her lap, his face close, too close, to hers. Her heart raced in her chest. Her throat tightened making it hard to breathe. She had to breathe. Breathing was normal and she had to be normal because-
I am coming, Hitomi!
She quickly slipped her hands out of Amano's. He was frozen for a moment before standing to head back to his chair. The relief was so great, she caught the sigh before it left her lips. She couldn't sigh and show that she was grateful he'd moved away. She had to be normal. Comfort from her doctor was normal, right? All he'd done was hold her hands. That was innocent and comforting. She had to like it, right?
His office chair let out a small squeak as he sat. She met his eyes and instantly look away. There was a tightness behind his concern. Something she didn't like. Instead, she twisted her gaze to her white shoes.
"So you liked the flowers, huh? I'll have to make another appointment to visit the gardens again." He made a note on his pad, but set the electronic down in his lap as a small smile curled his lips gently. "I thought your sketch of the flowers was exceptional. I always knew you were very talented, Hitomi."
She shook her head dryly, and his smile widened.
"You were always so modest, too."
Hold on!
She wanted to cover her ears again. Wanted to drown out thunder and Amano and the awakening world that was appearing in her mind. The pills… she was taking them! She was a good girl who took her medication! So why was everything pulling at her? Why did every bone in her body scream at her that this was not right!?
She had to be normal!
But she was the watcher! The guide to them all!
No. No, no, no, she would get strapped in the bed again if she acted like this!
I am almost there!
A flash of white burst over her sight and her hands jerked in her lap. Blinking rapidly, a strangled gasp slipped out as her vision cleared to him.
Van.
He was broken, crying, bloody. He was on his knees, his head thrown to the dark sky, his red eyes roaring with loss. His ebony locks tangling, his thin arms wrapped around a still figure of a woman, her eyes closed, her mouth dripping dark crimson. He was shouting, his throat raw and hard. Her green eyes slipped to the white mechanical monster - Guymelef, her mind supplied - kneeling illuminated by the brilliant light of a yew tree.
"I want her! I want Hitomi Kanzaki! I want her alive! I want her to be with me in this lifetime - and the next! And the one after that! Throughout all the different worlds! I want her to be destined to meet me even before we are born! I want to meet her and fall in love with her over and over! No matter the world! No matter the cost! We will be together! Just give her back to me! Give her back to me…"
A wash of a familiar smell - the smell of the field. His smell...
Looking at her hands, she could feel herself changing. Her fear leaving her like water draining down a sink. A laugh escaped her lips.
The dimensions... one by one… they were fixing. She could feel it all. Everything was clicking into place. And the Van she saw make the wish… he was changing, too.
They did it... They actually did it!
But... that wasn't her world. She needed to be in hers.
He was coming!
A pink pendant flickered in her mind and she sat up from her recline on the couch, her eyes slipping past Amano and his unwanted concern. Past the office, the walls, the three-story red-bricked hospital. Hitomi saw the face of the one she wanted to see since she'd left it all behind those long years ago.
The one she thought she'd lost.
He was flying! His messy, long, black hair softly tossing over the caramel skin of his face. Wings, the delicate feathers struggling against the broken, grayscale sky, fought for her.
She stood and Amano followed, a question floating off his lips. She ignored him. Ignored everything except this image that was so clear in her mind.
This was real. And it was destiny.
She walked to the closed door, a confidence building in every step she took. Amano crossed the room, standing in her way with words she no longer bothered to hear. Glancing at him, she hardly cared when he tried to stop her from grabbing the door handle. Amano was simple. A man with a sad past and a hard future. It was a future she was no longer a part of. She belonged somewhere else. And as soon as he touched her, he knew it, too. His fingers touched the back of her hand and he froze. Her clear green eyes locked on his bewildered brown and she turned the handle as his hand slid away.
He might not fully understand, but he certainly felt it.
A simple man cannot stop destiny.
"Goodbye, Amano," she said softly. A touch of compassion for her old friend slipped over her. For what it was worth, he had tried his best to help her. "I hope you give Yukari a call sometime."
The door was open, the hallway was empty, and she was beginning to smile, an honest expression that she'd thought been lost to her. Walking down the whitewashed halls, her legs pushing her to go faster. When was the last time she felt this hope? This beautiful clearness? Her feet broke into a jog, and then a solid run. It was an elation! It was like flying!
When was the last time she ran towards something instead of away?
I am here!
"I know!" she shouted. She laughed and it echoed happily through the halls. She passed closed doors, skidded the turn at the nurse's station, and crossed the recreation room. She passed nurses, guards, patients, janitors - no one noticed her. No one tried to stop her.
Nothing could fight destiny!
The thunder snapped outside a passing window, and she was grinning so happily she could barely see! Past the recreation room, through another hallway, and charging through double doors, she slowed, her breath panting, at the locked gate in front of her. It could only be opened by staff. It was her way out. Her only way out.
"You are as f-fast as ever!" A voice panted. Hitomi whirled on toe to see Amano stumbling to a stop behind her, his hands falling to his knees. His breath wheezed out. His long hair had tumbled out of his smooth ponytail, falling over his eyes. She watched. Waiting.
With a deep breath, he straightened and his hands fumbled in the left pocket of his long white coat. Brushing past her, he walked to the scanner and pressed his keycard against the sensor. The gate clicked with a loud beep and he hurried to open the door.
He held it for her, stepping aside for her to pass him.
Setting her free.
"Amano-" she started.
"Go." He nodded. "Go, Hitomi. Run and don't look back."
The door was open.
She laughed as she raced through the gate, bursting through the front doors and out into the rain. The wind brushed her, pushed her, and the rain cleaned her. The thunder crashed in the sky.
"Van!" She cried to the heavens. "Van! I'm here!"
There was a crackle from the clouds and lightning shot like a rocket in front of her. It blacked out the world around her and her feet stumbled forward on the wet grass. She fell-
-Straight into open arms.
It took her a moment to realize her fingers were touching warm, wet skin, that large hands were holding her waist steadily. Opening her dazed eyes, she glanced up and caught red ones. A strangled gasp escaped her throat and she flung her arms around his neck. He let out a happy shout and buried his face into her hair. They laughed together, tears blurring the world.
His voice was strained, but his words were honey in her ears. "I have you… you are here…"
"I can feel you, Van. You are real."
She could feel him shaking, the rain pelting down on them from the crying sky. The water mixed with her tears. Mixed with her joy, love, and relief-
"I let you go, Hitomi. I will never… I will never let you go ever again!" There was a touch of bitter anger in his promise. Sadness and self-loathing. She backed away a bit to lovingly touch his beautiful face. He was older. There were lines around his mouth that hadn't been there when he was a young king. Young and wild and fighting. His smile was the same, the curve of his lips that told her he'd always be there to catch her even if the rocks crumbled underneath her feet.
And they had - long ago. She could remember now. Her mind was clear and she was finally safe.
Finally home.
She touched the flecks of gray at his temples in his hair. Her fingers slowly trailed from his face to follow a new scar that ran from his shoulder to his chest. He regarded her with the same slow exploration. His red eyes picking out her thin face, her worn eyes, her pale skin.
His hand slid from her waist to the back of her neck and he lowered his head as she rose up on tiptoe. Her eyes fell shut and she felt his lips press on hers. It was timid. Chaste. Inexperienced, despite their age.
A first kiss.
Breaking away for a moment, they met eyes and a small laugh escaped both of them.
Then their lips connected once more, this time much deeper.
His kiss tossed her thoughts, sang like a pure song from her head to her toes. Her breath caught, her body trembled, and she pressed into him further. He held her gently, carefully, but with a whispering burn of a want so great, her heart raced. His fingers ran through the back of her short hair, his hand on her waist wrapping around her back.
Thunder clapped over their heads and their kiss broke. A pillar of light touched around them. It whited out the world except for his glimmering red eyes. His wings rose up and she let out a laugh of surprised delight as both their feet left her world behind.
Amano watched from the doorway as she left. His arms folded over his white coat, his deep eyes sad.
He remembered the familiar scene of his youth. One that had somehow been swallowed up by time.
How could he have forgotten?
Hitomi woke with a gasp, her stomach uncomfortably tight and her head spinning. Her lungs expanded gratefully before a nauseous twist soured her stomach. She immediately sat up and gagged.
"Here is the bin, love!" Van's deep voice, tight with panic, reverberated in her ears like soft cotton and she gasped. Taking the plastic trash can from his warm fingers and pressing it tightly to her bare chest, her gaze roamed with sickly wonder. She was in a bed, white with red silk accents. There was no shortness of breath, no pain in her back. She remembered him carrying her, the smell and taste of iron overwhelming her senses. She remembered the coldness and eventually his voice growing distant.
And then she was too cold… and she had to let go.
But now… she was here. In a bed. Quite warm. With Van… She pressed the trash can further to her chest as a blush rushed over her cheeks.
She was naked.
Her eyes slipped to rake over his body. He was whole, beautiful, and staring at her like she was the loveliest thing he'd ever seen. His concern was etched on his tan face, the morning sun reflecting in his mahogany eyes.
And for good reason.
"Van?" She whispered, her fingers rising to cover her mouth. And then her nausea got the best of her. She vomited loudly, her heart hammering and her head swimming.
What happened?
"Easy, love, easy. This pregnancy has been difficult on you. We should see if the apothecary can take care of this nausea."
That snapped her to attention.
Still feeling a tightness, she looked at him with shock. "Pregnancy?!" Moving the trash can aside, her eyes looked down and her hand felt a bulge in her lower abdomen. It was so warm, the baby. It was there. And she was here. A part of her knew this was how it was supposed to be. How it had always been… and yet-
"I'm pregnant,' she said softly. "That's… that's right… my little boy."
Van's forehead crinkled with worry and he brushed his hair out of his eyes.
"Are you feeling alright?" He asked, scooting closer to her and the soft covers slipped lower. "Do you still need the bin?"
"I-I think I'm okay now." Hitomi felt her face heat up once more as she handed the trashcan back to him. He was naked, too, and thicker, his tan stomach muscles more defined. He was well fed. She had a flash of a time when he was not. When he was struggling. When he was too thin, too hard. When the world had been against him – and eventually her when she joined him.
And they worked together to fight back.
Had it all been a dream? It couldn't have...
"If you are not feeling well, we could ask your friends to come another day."
Hitomi straightened with a gasp. That's right! She was going to see Yukari and Amano today! She had been looking forward to it for a full month. Goodness, Hitomi hadn't seen them since her wedding! That had been a little more than a year ago!
"No, no! I'm okay!" She smiled and leaned against him. His arm immediately rose to wrap around her back and she settled on his bare chest. A flash of another time hit her - a teasing look, a whisper of longing, a crash of desire-
"Van?" She turned to him with a light in her green eyes and he glanced at her curiously.
"Where is my favorite spot?" She asked with another blush igniting her cheeks.
He gave her confused frown before a different light hit his eyes. His dark hair, still unruly as ever, fell over his face as he nudged her chin with his nose, his lips hitting the side of her neck right below her ear. The gasp that escaped her throat only encouraged him, his hand coming up to stroke her cheek, to run through the back of her hair. The wave of want soared from her head to her toes - but he stopped. When she let out a noise of protest and he laughed.
"This is how you ended up this way." He grinned, his mahogany eyes dancing to her stomach.
"I wouldn't have it any other way." Turning in the bed, her hands came up to hold the sides of his face. She stroked his cheeks with her thumbs, memorizing his face, his jaw, his eyes. Another flash of another life, one that no longer existed, but one that was important. She was holding him like this. Holding his face in her hands, her worry, her fear, her wish for him to live and be happy. Even if she had to sacrifice her love for him. As long as he was happy...
But he was here. He was here with her. And he was happy.
His face grew worried. "Are you sure you are alright? You are behaving rather peculiar. Did you have a vision?"
She didn't answer. Couldn't really answer. Her gaze drifted away from his eyes to his chest. The necklace, the pendant he guarded with his life, the Escaflowne he'd shown her so long ago…
It was gone.
The sunlight brushed through the tall trees lining the majestic walkway. Not a cloud touched the brilliant blue sky. Standing with his arm around his wife, a brush of pride slipped over his shoulders as Hitomi's friend and manager, Yukari Uchida, squealed from the beautiful golden gates to the white stone towers.
"This Palace is beautiful! Even more beautiful than the last time I was here! By the way, I leave you for a year with this guy and you end up pregnant!" Yukari cried as she looped her arm through Hitomi's and pulled her out from his arm. His wife glanced back at him, her happiness radiating through her brilliant green eyes.
Amano stepped forward a bit more elegantly than his girlfriend, pausing to shake Van's hand politely.
The auburn-haired woman continued brightly. "I have missed you so much! I can't believe I am finally here!"
"And I missed you! You should have come to visit Fanelia sooner! There is always an open invitation," Hitomi laughed.
Yukari scoffed. "You've been busy! Trust me, I totes stalk you online. Amano knows!" Both women glanced back at the tall man at Van's side and he nodded solemnly. "You and King Van are in the media every other day, so how could I not? And this one week I was finally able to get away from the station. I've been getting some heat from them to get dates on your new film schedule, but with you being a queen… way to make life difficult for your manager." Yukari shook her head in awe. "Wow, how insane is it to call yourself a queen!?"
"Not as insane as 'mother' in about four months!" Hitomi giggled and touched the bump in her stomach. "Want a tour?"
"Do I?!" Yukari squealed, grabbing Hitomi's arm to loop in hers. She waved her hand to Amano as she and Hitomi strolled off to the flourishing gardens. "Have a good time, guys!"
Van and Amano quirked their eyebrows at the backs of the giggling women leaving them at the gate.
"Want a tour?" Van asked with a large grin.
"Do I?!" Amano imitated his girlfriend and Van burst out laughing.
As both men entered the Winged Palace, a lovely white feline immediately offered Amano a refreshment. Van gave the lady a kind nod of thanks.
"Oh, Chordata?" The king stopped a moment. The cat lady gave a short bow. "My wife is walking the gardens. Please keep an eye on her."
"With pleasure, Your Highness," she purred and Amano blinked as the woman silently glided away.
They took the large staircase to the second floor. Giant white stone statues lined the edges of the walls, winged angelic women with their frozen hands lifted to the ceiling. Amano's eyes took in the floating chandeliers and the tall windows letting in the mid-morning sun from the east.
They made small talk, walking through the second floor hallways. How Austuria's famous rebel prince, Thaioden Fassa, seemed to be enjoying his freedom in the entrepreneurial scene in Joko. Amano rolled his eyes at that, commenting on how Yukari had practically blown up their kitchen trying to make the latest number one drink at His Highness' new establishment: The Sharpened Sugarcane.
Van laughed, having met Thaioden once or twice through political gatherings. The man was eccentric, but he wasn't one for mincing his words. It was a respectable trait.
The two men entered the hall of portraits and their laughter faded to a calm, silent companionship. Predictably, Amano stopped in front of a large tapestry of an older man with unusual silver hair. He was standing, his body angled to showcase his missing arm in ceremonial armor. A sharp pointed chin, a flicker of pride, his other hand was draped on the navy pommel of a sword buckled at his side. Sitting in chairs in front of him were two feline women, their gold and silver long hair draping like identical curtains over their shoulders. The women were smiling, their lovely faces gazing adoringly from the portrait.
"That's Folken Lacour, right?" Amano asked Van, who stepped up with lips pressed silently.
Mahogany eyes slipping over the familiar pale features of his ancestor, a wrinkle of awe and envy swam inside him. Folken Lacour de Fanel was a legend. One of the most famous monarchs, not just in Fanelia, but in history. Seventy-fourth to reign, it had been his dreams, his visions, that had pushed Fanelia even further in the budding Industrial Revolution that hit the ancient world. He had wisdom beyond his years with his social reforms, his efforts to push trade throughout the developed countries, and his ceaseless attempts to set up a House of Representatives to be a voice of the people.
However, almost everyone wanted to know more about-
"He's the one that tamed the dragon?"
"Yes," Van answered, his lips curling up slightly at the spark of excitement in Amano's eyes.
"It was during his dragon slaying ritual?"
"No, it was after."
"Oh yeah." Amano nodded. "He was saved by the wolf tribe after he lost his arm. Then, he stopped the law for dragon slaying and tamed one. Is that right? Sorry, my history isn't as good as Yukari's."
"Well, that is not quite accurate. He did lose his arm and was saved by the wolf tribe, but he did not abolish the law until he came back from his second try at the ritual. It was a rare thing for the King of Fanelia to need a second attempt at it. Most either succeed or died trying. But Folken Lacour, once he had recovered, announced he was going to try again - and this time, he left his sword behind."
"Are you saying…?"
A full blown smile of pride hit Van's lips. "He went alone and completely defenseless."
"That is badass."
"Quite," Van chuckled. "According to his memoirs, during that first try at the ritual, he found something inside them as he lay dying from his wound. Something that resonated inside his own soul. He connected with them. He wrote that the dragon he was trying to kill actually tamed him that day. They taught him the cruelty of the ritual. That violence beguiled violence. His second try, he was girded with the realization that fear stirred their violent nature. Instead, he came with respect and understanding."
"He didn't kill it for the energist?"
"He did not need to. He went to the outskirts to where the dragons dwelt and was gone for three days. He wrote nothing of what happened. Many state that he showed up at the capitol after those three days riding one of the dragons, but that's been proven to be a fabrication by the peasantry."
"But the dragon did follow him?"
"Yes, he brought a land dragon back with him - unintentionally. Seemed she took a liking to him. It is her ancestors that roam these parts now. Though they are smaller and more domesticated than she."
"But he did ride her?"
"Eventually, but that was years later."
"Wow…" Amano's dark eyes were focused wholly on Van's face with rapid attention. "Your ancestors were amazing."
"Folken Lacour was one of a kind."
"But still. Fanelia is great."
Van bowed his head respectfully. "I am glad you think so." He crossed his arms over his chest as he stared at Folken's face. Tamed by dragons, fighting to the ripe old age of sixty-five for the people, for his country. And he didn't even need the Escaflowne to do it.
"When I was a boy, I wished I could have lived during this time. To see it with my own eyes," Van confessed quiety. "Just to speak with him one on one. You could say Folken Lacour was my childhood hero. Still is."
"You could ask Hitomi to do a reading about it."
That brought out a loud laugh from Van. At the mention of his wife's name, his eyes left Folken's proud face and a gentle shine slipped through.
"Honestly, Amano, I only needed one reading from her. I am worried what would happen if I requested another one."
Amano grinned. "That's very true."
With her arm wrapped around her best friend, Hitomi strolled slowly through the gardens, the blooming flowers filling the air with the scents of her home. Fanelia. She was queen of this beautiful country. Most days, she woke up wondering if this really all had been some vision or dream, but… no, it was all real.
She was married to the King of Fanelia.
Sure, she was already distantly related to the Austurian crown, but, it was as soon as she'd stepped off the plane into Fanelia, she immediately knew she was home. Truly home. This was where she belonged.
Besides, the cards had said so during that fateful reading.
"How have you been? I can't believe it's been this long! How is it being a queen? I bet this is totes cray for you!"
"It's pretty insane." Hitomi nodded, her eyes twinkling at Yukari's "totes cray". "Oh! Do you want to see the new renovations to the Chapellieur al' Dragoon? They just finished a week ago! It's beautiful!"
"Sure!" Yukari chirped as they turned on foot to head out of the gardens. "Have your parents come to see it yet? I remember your dad was gushing for a small piece of the old limestone."
"They are still in Guitoma." Hitomi rolled her eyes. "They'll go to support my brother, but won't come here to see their only daughter."
"Well, your brother is in the championship. I mean, it's not every day someone we know is in the Swordsmen Tournament. Do you think he'll actually place? How cray would it be if your brother becomes an actual Knight of Caeli!?"
"Let's not get too crazy here. He is still a brat."
"He's eighteen! He's qualified!"
"I sense another reality show coming up," Hitomi teased.
Yukari laughed and scratched the back of her neck. "Don't tempt me. One Kanzaki is hard enough to manage."
Crossing in front of the Palace, her friend sighed. "I can't believe one reading brought you all of this! Those tarot cards are no joke. Who'd have thought that old wolfess-"
"You mean Grammy?" Hitomi asked without thinking. Yukari stopped, effectively halting their progress. Catching her manager's eye, she blinked in confusion.
"What?"
"Grammy?" Yukari quirked an eyebrow and snorted a laugh. "Who is Grammy?"
Hitomi frowned in confusion. "You know Grammy. She's-"
Her vision winked from Yukari's cheerful face to a dark leather tent, the lantern swinging above her head. She was sitting, a tight pain hovering in her knee. Van… he was thin, hard, and stiff, sitting beside her in a dirty, lime green shirt. His hand on a navy sword, he was looking forward at something crouched in the darkness. Swinging her eyes to follow his, there was a curved back, a thick snout full of sharp canines, and yellow eyes gleaming with knowledge no one could fathom. Her head slipped forward so the lantern could illuminate her feral features. Her furs covering her shoulders, she shook her head like a dog, ears flapping, before her lips curled into a dangerous grin.
"You run alone?"
Suddenly, the tent was swept away from her eyes. She was a child, holding onto her father's hand. A figure stopped before them, a wolfess. Her posture straight, her fur brushed and smooth, but her eyes held that sharp yellow. She smiled, her grin softer than the one in the tent, as she wordlessly handed her a silk pouch.
The tarot cards...
The same soul. A different time.
"Grammy…" The vision disappeared and was replaced by Yukari's worried look.
"Are you seeing something?" she asked. "Having one of your trippy times?"
Tossing her bangs out of her face and blinking rapidly to clear the darkness, she chuckled despite the dark image clenching her heart. "It's not a 'trippy time', dummy. It's a vision. And honestly, it's been happening a lot today. It feels like something has changed, but I can't for the life of me figure out what."
"Crap! I gotta get you in front of a camera if you're doing stuff like that! Might not even need a film schedule if you're popping to the brim with visions! We should just keep one permanently on you just to be sure."
"Yukari!" She blushed as they turned on the paved pathway through the trees. "I don't need or want another live broadcast!"
"Why not? It worked pretty well for you the last time. It's been more than a year since your live card reading with Mister Van of Fanelia and the media is still blowing up about it! I mean, just the fact that it happened on live TV, and for him to get the Two of Cups, and for you to announce that you belonged together, and then he kissed you at the end of the episode-" She was already starry-eyed. Hitomi held a small smile and let her manager keep rambling. "-And now we are here with you two married and a little boy on the way! And you're a queen! It was spectacular! Like a real life fairytale! It was the best season finale ever!"
"And it's probably a series finale." The Queen of Fanelia smiled. "With my responsibilities here and the baby coming, I'm just too busy. Besides, I'm just lucky I can keep the media out of the Palace. Van is an expert at dodging paparazzi."
"You miss it. Admit it."
Hitomi was quiet for a moment before reluctantly sighing. "Okay, okay, I'll admit it. I miss using my powers to help others. I might be up for some side jobs that crop up, but to balance my life here and my life as The Fortune Teller would be too much. My home is here. And besides, no one has the Two of Cups to look forward to anymore. Ratings will drop."
Yukari giggled at her side. "That's true. I don't think anything will ever beat that live broadcast."
Heading up the pathway and taking the limestone staircase lined with multi-colored roses, they both stepped onto a fully manicured lawn complete with lovely stone statues and a large spraying fountain. At the back, tucked into the mountainside, the Chapellieur stood gleaming and strong. The wide Corinthian columns were wrapped in draping English vines that trailed to the steps. Thick stained-glass windows lined the outer walls. Hitomi stood proudly as she watched Yukari's jaw drop.
"You did this?"
"It was already in the plans before I showed up. I just… pushed the addendum ahead of other projects." Her green eyes flickered over the Chapellieur al' Dragoon, a sense of satisfaction settling nicely over her shoulders. "I don't know what it is, but I feel like a relic like an Ispano Guymelef deserves to be preserved in dignity. It deserves to have a beautiful home."
Her vision winked again.
It was dark. Nighttime. Ruins. Overgrown and dead. Van was on his knees. Her heart thundered in her ears as his head lifted, his hair trailing off his tan face. He was crying, his throat letting out a roar like a wounded dragon. He was thin again. And broken.
So broken.
Another blink and a gasp, Hitomi saw herself in his arms.
Blood dripping, cheeks pale, body still.
Dead.
The image smoothly washed away back to the sunlit sky and beautiful Chapellieur. Legs shaking, she felt a steady hand pressing on her back, supporting her. Eyes clearing, Hitomi realized it wasn't Yukari holding her up, but a brush of familiar white fur. Turning to the feline gratefully, Yukari was looking on with concern etched on her face
"Are you alright, Your Highness?" Chordata's lovely voice purred comfortingly.
"Yes, Chordata, I am fine. Thank you." Hitomi smiled weakly. She felt a strong kick in her gut and grimaced in discomfort before rubbing the spot on her lower stomach. "I think I might need to sit down. This little boy is trying to kick his way out of me."
"Of course, Your Highness, right this way. I can set up a table here if you wish to take your tea?"
"That would be lovely," Hitomi agreed. As the lady set her gently on a stone bench facing the Chapellieur, Hitomi's hands moved on their own accord to wrap around the white lady's shoulders. She buried her face in the cat's neck. Chordata was stiff for a moment before relaxing into the hug. In that moment, there was a sense of relief that passed between them. Of a strange understanding that something had been accomplished. That all was well and destiny had finally, irrevocably, collided by design.
"Having tea?" A familiar accented voice called from the lower path and they broke their hug to see Van and Amano climbing the steps from the back entrance. Yukari grinned and hurried to Amano, but Van continued to come towards them, a spark of worry in his open eyes. His chest held proud with his immaculate posture, the warm wind brushed the strands of his hair. His cream pressed pants, red button shirt, and shiny leather boots. His body was healthy, strong. His hands confident, but relaxed as they swung with his steps.
"How are you?" he asked as he got closer to her. Chordata backed away with a bow as Van joined Hitomi on the bench. He sat gracefully, every bit the king from a fairytale. She immediately leaned her head on his chest and he wrapped his arm around her waist.
He was warm. He was solid. He was hers.
"I am fine. Just tried," she answered quietly.
And, as her green eyes flicked over their peaceful home, Hitomi could have sworn she saw a large yew tree shimmering amongst the roses.
THE END - or is it...?
BONUS SCENE – Fortune's Kiss (You're welcome. lol.)
The small room was full of stacked furniture, eye-blistering framed posters, and random racks of costumes covered in feathers, fur, and bits of leather. Sitting with forced obedience at the large globed mirror, Hitomi felt like she was baking in an oven. Having been in the uncomfortable fold up chair for the last hour and a half, she wondered if the reason why the makeup artist was continually brushing her face with random brushes was because she was sweating like a sauna. The bags under her eyes, two pimples that appeared out of nowhere on her chin, and tight irritation around her mouth, were slowly smoothed to perfection under the expert ministrations of the flouncy makeup artist, who had announced her name was "Pricilla" and she was "totes excited to be part of this!".
"I have a dedication to making you look on point. I have been watching your show, like, ever since the first episode. You are, like, my GOD. I had a friend of a friend whose cousin tried to do that one thing you do - you know the one - and she totally flopped. FR, she even pretended to have a vision like you do, but her boyfriend, like, totes called her on it."
"I-uh… thank you?" Hitomi mumbled, wondering if that was a compliment or not. "I am-"
"No talking! I'm contouring your chin, fam!" The beautiful woman hissed sassily and Hitomi's mouth closed with a snap. The soft brush flicked around her jawline and Pricilla stepped back with a thoughtful look. "Needs more blending. Oh, I am so excited! I have a growing bet that the Two of Cups is gonna land on Mister Fanelia!"
Hitomi frowned and Pricilla clicked her tongue.
"Don't move your face! And come on! What if Van Slanzar is totes your soul mate!? Isn't it in the introduction of every episode on your show? 'When is the Two of Cups going to appear? Will it be this season? Stay tuned!' I mean, everyone knows how in Season Two you predicted the Two of Cups would someday show you your soul mate. You even drew The Dragon during that one! Who else could be a dragon besides the King of the land guarded by dragons? It just makes too much sense!"
"That card could land on anyone," Hitomi said through her teeth, careful not to move her chin.
"I bet if you drew the Two of Cups for his reading, the world would explode into sparkles and glitter and unicorns would suddenly exist!"
Seeing the stars in Pricilla's vibrant blue eyes, Hitomi snorted a laugh. "God, I hope not…"
A loud crash and a familiar "Oops!" announced her manager's appearance. Yukari, straightening the coat hanger the door had banged into, rushed forward with her face alighted in excitement. "We are sold out! I can't believe this! This is my dream come true! Are you not crazy excited!?"
Hitomi opened her mouth, but a growl from Pricilla made her instantly close her lips. Instead, she gave Yukari a quick thumbs-up. Her long-time friend collapsed on a light blue sofa with a loud sigh of happiness. "The King of Fanelia, Hitomi… this is… this is nuts! I can't believe we pulled this off. He is the most eligible bachelor in the world! And he's here! Going to be on the stage with you! While you do a card reading for him! This is almost magical!"
"See? Like unicorns!" Pricilla added with a fluff of a brush across Hitomi's cheek. "You think he likes blondes? Or brunettes? I can pass for a redhead!" She wiggled her hips seductively as she scooped up a bit more cream powder from her spread of makeup on the counter. "And speaking of hair, are we wanting to keep her with… that?" Blue eyes grimacing pointedly at Hitomi's hair, the green-eyed girl frowned, her hands flying to her short strands defensively.
"No, you are not changing my hair. I didn't even want all this makeup! I'm usually natural on my show-"
"Yes, but this is so much different than the show!" Yukari gestured out the door. "You'll be onstage in front of a sold out theatre doing a live reading with the Van Slanzar which will be broadcasted to the world!"
"Urgh," Hitomi groaned, her nerves beginning to twist her stomach tightly.
Yukari, back straightening with the invisible banner of a manager and best friend, clicked her tongue. "Don't be nervous. You are beautiful, charming, and you need to tap into that touch of sassy humor I know lurks in there somewhere. The crowd will love it."
"I've heard he's anything but charming," she said dryly.
"That is his charm! His rudeness is endearing!" Her manager's pocket buzzed and she was out of the sofa chair and to the door faster than a blink. "Finish her up, Pricilla! It's curtain in thirty and we need to have her in her dress and ready for the introduction beforehand."
"Yep!" The blonde chirped.
"This was a mistake," Van muttered for what must have been the tenth time that hour as he leaned his elbow on the armrest and pressed his tan fingers against his forehead. The room was small and cramped with costumes lining the walls. It smelled like musty feathers. A wash of irritation slipped through him, as his body guard and attendant, Chordata, quirked a furry eyebrow from back wall. She crossed her arms comfortably and sighed.
"Your Highness, need I remind you that this was your idea? You wanted answers to your dream."
"You encouraged me. And it is just…" The irritation gave way to the toss of tension that had been twisting inside him since exiting the airport in Austuria earlier that morning. Unknowingly, his legs started bouncing. "I… I will finally meet her… in front of everyone…"
Her lips twitched as if fighting a smile and she licked the palm of her hand to rub against her white cheek. "I would be excited if I were you. You are finally meeting your idol."
"She is not my idol," Van denied darkly, but his stomach twisted further. "I just think she is interesting."
"Interesting enough to religiously watch entire seasons of her show? To keep up-to-date on when and where she will be next? To binge watch past seasons that you've already-"
"Alright! I get it!" Van snapped.
Her palm brushed her face a little harder. She wasn't laughing. She wasn't!
"I just hope this is not all for nothing," he grumbled.
"It won't be. She is a legend. The best of the best. Remember that one reading that-"
"That saved the little boys, yeah." Van sat up straighter as he recalled the episode. That had been one of his favorites. Hitomi Kanzaki had done the impossible - which is something she did almost every episode - and found the secret hideout of a group of serial kidnappers. She had put herself in danger to rescue them. And ultimately, she was given the Hero's Award for her bravery. He read later that she had modestly given the award - and the reward money - to the police force she'd worked with. She had also given the episode's earnings to the families of the little children.
She was generous and kind.
She was, in all words, simply amazing.
Chordata checked her phone and exhaled slowly. "It's almost time, Your Highness. You'll meet her for the introduction and then to the reading. Aren't you excited?"
At those words, Van's heart lurched uncomfortably in his chest. He could tell Chordata was reading his uneasiness like a book.
"Look, I know you are anxious to meet her, but you need to calm down. She is just a person. A normal human woman." The cat left her spot to come forward and stand at Van's side. Her gentle hand rested on his shoulder. "Think of this as just another interview. You've done hundreds of those. You grew up in front of the media. Just another simple interview."
"Interview…" He repeated slowly. "An interview with Hitomi Kanzaki, the Fortune Teller…"
"The vision is important enough for her. You need to know."
"You say that, but the more I think about it, the more idiotic this all seems." He groaned.
The door opened and Van's eyes snapped to the assistant who entered. She took a step back, her arms holding her clipboard to her chest and her face heating up.
"W-We are ready for you, Your Majesty," she mumbled to her shoes. "If you would please follow me…"
Releasing a slow breath from his lips, he willed his heart to stop beating in his throat as he stood from the chair and brushed off his navy suit pants.
"Good luck, sire." Chordata nodded. "And remember: this is an interview. You can handle interviews."
"I can handle interviews," he repeated.
And, straightening his shoulders with his schooled look of disregard falling on his face, he followed the blushing assistant out the door.
It was another five minutes before she was called "totes smexy" and was shimmering in a light green cocktail dress. Strapping short heels on her feet, she glanced at her reflection as Pricilla packed up her gear. Her pink lips curled up. Her heart gave a strange flutter. Despite her comments, Hitomi had to admit she was actually nervous meeting a king. Yes, she was already distantly related to the royal family in Austuria and had met Thaioden at more than one family gathering, but this…
This felt so different.
A reading was usually a very personal thing. Something that wasn't much publicized unless they signed a form to be on her television show. For the King of Fanelia to suddenly announce that he wanted a reading, and from her of all people, her stomach twisted tightly.
The door opened suddenly and Yukari was there. Her phone at her ear, her dark eyes found Hitomi's, and she nodded. Reaching into her jacket, her manager brought out the familiar purple silk sack, the innocent swinging pouch looking like dangerous weapon.
"It's time. And you look awesome, by the way."
"Thanks." Hitomi planted a smile and stood on wobbly legs. Heading to the door, she reached for the pouch, but Yukari pulled them away and stared her straight in the eye.
"Don't be nervous. This is your element. This is your world - not his. You have done a million of these readings. Don't let yourself get intimidated by him. He asked you to read for him. Remember that."
Her heart lifted and a genuine smile grew on her face. "You're a good friend, Yukari."
"The bestest. Now get your butt out there and wow my crowd, please."
Snatching the cards from her manager's fingertips, she ducked out of the door and turned her head give Yukari a confident wink-
And instantly collided with something warm and very solid.
Stumbling back, she had enough time for dark mahogany eyes to rocket into her before a sweaty director with a finger pressing a bud in his ear waved at them.
"Miss Kanzaki, Your Highness, follow me! We need to have the introductions in this room here!"
Tearing her eyes away from the tall man, whose face was so familiar from tabloids, she followed the balding man through another door on the left. The king was silent behind her, his sharp leather shoes echoing in a tight staccato.
"Alright, go ahead inside and sit on the couch side-by-side in front of that camera!"
Thoroughly ushered, they sat together awkwardly as more people filed into the small room. It was neater than her makeup room, but just as bright and hot. The lights baked on them as they both waited for more instructions. Though he was at least a foot away on the white couch, her skin tingled at his closeness. Her fingers fiddled with the pouch straps distractedly while her green eyes searched to look at anything but the guy whose secrets she was about to display to the world.
"You look different from your show."
His voice was low and warm and the words kind of buzzed in her ear.
"This is your element."
"Not by choice. Is that a good thing?" she asked, turning her eyes on the king. He was openly studying her, leaning his elbow on the arm of the couch to face her better. Dressed in a dark navy suit with a thin red tie, he looked both professional and casual all at once. His ebony hair, though long, was smoothed back, showcasing tan skin and a nice jawline. There was a small curl on his lips as his dark red eyes slipped from her face to her shoulders before traveling, interestedly, to her twiddling hands. She stopped her fingers immediately and she left her cards on her lap to cross her arms over her chest.
"Well?"
"Well, what?" His smile grew a little higher.
"Is that a good thing?" She repeated with a frown.
"Eh, does it matter?" He dismissed, his gaze slipping from her as he brushed off invisible dust on his immaculately pressed sleeve. A kick of annoyance shot through her. Rudeness was endearing? Who was Yukari kidding? This guy was a jerk!
"This is your element."
"I read that you requested me because of some vision. I'm surprised you wanted to make it so public."
"I have nothing to hide," he answered simply. "I need an explanation and you can get publicity. It is a win-win situation."
"My manager agrees, but you're aware we would have come even if you wanted a private reading, right?"
His eyes swung back to her with surprise before he let out a quiet laugh. The king straightened to sit against the backrest properly, still smiling. In doing so, he scooted about six inches closer - not that she noticed. She almost gasped as he suddenly leaned close to her ear and whispered, "And where is the fun in that?"
He backed away and the hot room was sweltering. Clearing her throat with as much dignity as she could muster, Hitomi reached forward for an old pamphlet on the coffee table in front of them and started to fan herself.
"So-so what was your vision?" She wanted to kick herself for that stupid stutter because he was back to smiling smugly.
"You are the fortune-teller. Can you not tell me what it was just by looking at me?"
Her heart hitched in her chest and an awkward laugh escaped her. "Ah-ha, well, you see that's not necessarily how fortune-telling works-"
"Then you are not a true fortune-teller and this has been a complete waste of time." The king's gaze left her to blink disinterested at the people rushing in and out of the door.
"This is your element."
"You didn't let me finish." She shot him her smoothest smile and his eyes narrowed as they zipped back to her face. "That's not necessarily how fortune-telling works, but, trust me, I'll make sure the entire world knows your answer."
"Good! Alright, I think we are ready here!" The sweaty director called out and rushed forward to focus the camera balancing on the coffee table on their faces. Hitomi tossed her make-shift fan across the room and straightened her spine. "Alright, alright now, quiet in this room. Keep it short, Miss Kanzaki. Quick intro, and we are live in three-...two-...one-…"
"Hello, spiritual enthusiasts." Hitomi greeted cheerfully, slipping perfectly into her TV persona. She didn't see the king's eyes snap to her in surprise. "Tonight is the night we have all been waiting for. Joining me on this couch, only minutes before we head up to the stage for his fateful reading, is His Majesty Van Slanzar de Fanel, noted bachelor, heart throb extraordinaire, and quite a nice day job as King of Fanelia." A strange noise escaped his throat and she fought the bubble of laughter in her chest.
"This is your element."
"How are you feeling today, Your Highness?" She turned to him with an air of apathetic politeness and waited. She saw his throat swallow and his back straightened importantly against the backrest. His cheeks; however, were growing a bit red.
"I am very happy to be here-"
"As we all are, I am sure." She cut in swiftly. "Since we received your request for a reading, it has been the talk of the world. You've been very secretive about your motives for it. From what I recall, it was documented several years ago that you even denounced fortune-telling altogether. It's nice that you've turned over a new leaf."
"Yes, well-"
"Personally, I cannot wait for the results. Please join us after these sponsored commercials for the tarot card reading of a lifetime as I, Hitomi Kanzaki, find the key to Van Slanzar's heart."
"Annnd cut!"
With a grin at his bewildered expression, she boldly leaned to his ear and flushed with triumph as his limbs grew rigid. Her hand grazed his arm and she noticed he was starting to sweat on his forehead.
"You're right, Your Highness," she whispered in his ear. "This is way more fun than a private reading."
After the somewhat successful introduction, she had immediately been ushered out of the room, leaving the flustered Fanelian King behind on the couch. Following the attendant, she tried to fight the large smile pulling at her lips. The memory of that small trickle of sweat running from his brow, his cheeks blushing, his words faltering. A bit of a snort escaped her and the attendant, who was leading her to the stage, glanced back curiously. Van Slanzar… he might be a king or a heart throb or whatever, but she figured out his game. Stoic and rude were his only weapons. Bratty king who thought he could play with people.
But, yeah, sure, he was cute. She had to give him that. Even when the reading was complete and they'd go their separate ways, she had to admit she'd have a bit of a lasting crush. He was taller than she thought. His face was handsome enough. And his eyes - oh, his eyes were to die for. Even, strangely enough, that proud countenance. He was a flirt, that's for sure, but he wasn't the best at it. She could knock him off his pedestal.
And she found that fact almost… what was the word?
Irresistible.
Having been successfully deposited just outside the first curtain, a tech came rushing by and pinned on her microphone to her dress. A bead of sweat trickled down her spine and she wondered if all of Pricilla's hard work had been worth it. At this rate she was going to sweat off all her makeup. She wished she'd had the forethought to keep that pamphlet.
Why was it so hot?
Standing just outside the stage, she could see her small, red velvet table was already set up with two chairs facing each other. She took a deep breath and tried to stop the nerves from creeping up on her. Yukari was right, as always. Hitomi was a professional when it came to fortune-telling. This was her comfort zone, her staple. After years with these cards, she had yet to be wrong on any of her predictions. She knew what she was doing. She'd do this for her season finale. Leave off with a bang!
Why did it have to be so damn hot in here though!?
Her gaze flicked to the other side of the stage and she saw the king had appeared. He was speaking to a white cat at his side. His broad back rested against the wall. He had his arms crossed and his head lowered to stare at the floor almost angrily. The cat said something inaudibly and he glanced at her before his lips curled up kindly. The cat's sharp gaze left her king and fell across the stage to hit Hitomi's eyes.
A wash of something strangely familiar slipped through her subconscious. She had seen him like this before - lost, confused, and alone. A white cat at his side… There was something happening… Something that he'd lost…
"Miss Kanzaki?"
But he was normal here? He had his kingdom and his crown. He had it all. He hadn't lost anything, right?
"Miss Kanzaki?"
Or maybe he was waiting to find it?
"Miss Kanzaki! It's time!" Hitomi gasped and glanced guiltily at the director's twitching eyebrows. He was standing in front of her, his hands on his hips.
"I'm sorry!" She cried, straightening her dress and trying to reign in her embarrassment. Wiping the sweat from her forehead, she stepped forward for directions.
"You need to head out there. Just walk to the chair facing you and we will give the signal when it's time to speak. Just as we rehearsed."
"Okay!" She said a bit too loud. Straightening her shoulders, she felt the king's eyes slip on her as she took bold steps forward and a spotlight snapped to illuminate her. A whistle from the audience was followed by a hard applause. Hitomi planted her best smile, waving to the crowd before pulling the chair to take a seat. Resting the purple silk sack on the table, she took a deep breath.
"We love yooooou!"A voice rang out from the crowd and her breath caught as her vision flashed.
She was uncomfortable, but he was doing a wonderful job playing a pirate on stage. She bit her lip. He was very dashing as a pirate. The Sharpened Sugarcane. What a silly name for someone wearing assless chaps…
Her eyes clicked back to the present and she watched as the director held up his hand and a sign clicked on for the audience to be quiet. It was dark and waiting.
Her theme music blasted suddenly through the speakers - so loud she jumped in her seat. Suddenly, the lights clicked on and the audience roared their applause. The theme swelled as she watched cameras sweep over the roaring crowd. Plastering a smile on her mouth, she grinned as another camera slipped forward to focus on her face. From the corner of her eye, she saw the director point his finger at her and she took a deep steadying breath.
"Thank you for joining us today on this momentous occasion for the Season Finale of The Fortune Teller!" Applause hit and she waited until it died somewhat. "For those of you watching from your television or smart devices, this is a live broadcast - something I've only done once in the past. There will be no commercial interruptions. No breaks until the reading is complete. However, it is not the style of the reading, but who I will be reading for: Van Slanzar de Fanel, King of Fanelia!"
More applause and she grinned. Behind her, she knew the king had made an appearance, walking slowly and waving at the crowd. As he crossed around to join her, his gaze flicked towards her and another bright flash crossed her eyes.
Flashlight in the darkness. The soldiers were patrolling. They were everywhere. Oh, god! Hiding behind a rock! They were trapped! He needed to fly-
"Thank you, Miss Kanzaki. I am honored to be here." The king's voice boomed over the speakers and woke her from the darkness. The bright hot lights of the stage hit her once more and she nodded, distracting her shaking fingers by releasing the cards from the pouch. What was that? What… what was she seeing? What was this? There was fear between them. A fear for their lives and for each other? But they were here?
Her mind was confusing her. Jumbling into something that was happening or had already happened… or maybe it was going to happen?
Realizing that a bit of time had passed since she'd last spoken, she cleared her throat quickly. "You honor me by asking for a reading. I have several spreads I can use, but you requested a simple Celtic cross. A very detailed choice. Let's see if I can get to the bottom of your problem, Your Highness."
The lights dimmed - which she was grateful for - and a spotlight slipped over the table. Though it was only two feet wide, there was a weird separation she felt as she expertly shuffled the deck in her hands. His fingers, laced together gently on the tabletop, were both too close and too far away for her liking.
"This is your element." She reminded herself. But even then those words fell flat. There was something strange about this reading. Something both exciting and scary at the same time.
Pushing down the tightness in her chest, she set the cards in front of him.
"For the basic Celtic cross, I need you to cut the deck, Your Highness," she said, trying to keep authority in her voice. She watched him swallow, his eyes focusing on the cards. He reached with slender, long fingers and cut the deck in half. As soon as his hand was gone, she plucked up the cards, straightening them in her small hands.
Breathe, Hitomi… breathe…
"Now, take a nice deep breath. Relax your mind, Your Highness," she instructed softly, attempting to follow her own advice. Her eyes, trying to go to his face, fell somewhere around his neck and shoulders.
Another flash - A horrible wound on his shoulder. The flesh ripped away by sunken teeth-
She snapped back to the cards and pulled the first one, wishing this reading was already over. With these random visions popping up, this was going to be a hard reading.
A live broadcast was beginning to not be as fun as originally thought.
She set the first card before him. King of Swords. Hitomi let a small smile fall on her lips. This one was easy. The understanding filled her like usual and she let the wavelength of the card's magic take over.
"Your present: The King of Swords. You can be misunderstood as uncaring, but you actually listen deeply, watch closely, and speak last. The King of Swords is a card of logic and hard reasoning. To follow dreams is a hard road for you, but in your heart, you know you have to - b-because logic has failed you." She stopped a moment. Her vision was flashing again. Closing her eyes, she heard the audience whisper audibly to one another. But her sight tossed to a table near a large window. It was stacked with books. A broad-shouldered back in a grey t-shirt was bent over an overstuffed, tattered journal, his hand writing nonsense words in flawless cursive.
"Give that back to me! It was my father's journal!" She shouted and her hand flew to her mouth at the cries from the crowd. Her eyes snapping open, she blushed in horror as she stared at the king's surprised face. Whipping her eyes away, Hitomi stammered and fiddled with the deck in her hands. "I-I'm sorry! I saw something. You standing over a table with books. You had something of mine. This will clear up soon. Don't worry."
Plucking the next card, she set it on top of the King of Swords.
Oh, god...
She fought the card's magic, but she knew it was fruitless…
"Your challenge: The High Priestess." The gasps were everywhere and she knew her cheeks were on fire with embarrassment. The High Priestess had appeared multiple times throughout her show. Almost always, she appeared in the role of Advice. Hitomi had said on several occasions that The High Priestess represented herself, guiding those that needed her the most to their desired outcome, but…
She had never appeared as a challenge before. And if she represented Hitomi… that meant she was the King of Fanelia's main problem…
Live broadcasted, too.
Great. Just… great.
The cards spoke with her channeling. "There are many of you and many of me, but I will always be the one to guide you. No matter what, I am here. You see me through dreams, but have never met me. That is because I come to you in different ways. No matter where you go in this world, there I am also. This worries you. Frightens you. Your logical mind can't figure it out, but you are also attracted to-"
Hitomi forced her mind to stop and cut the wavelength of the card's magic. This was weird, and beyond humiliating. She was a professional! She knew what she was doing…
Why were the cards doing this to her? The audience was dead silent, not a cough or sneeze in the full theatre.
"Any-anyway," she blustered, her eyes staring determined at the table. "Moving on."
That got the crowd's attention. A chorus of "nooo!" came forward and she felt a bit of her TV persona slip back into place. Smiling with a small wave, she said, "We have a ton more to uncover." The king was silent, his hands still laced. And she didn't say another word as she drew the next card.
"Your past: The Hanged Man." This one was safer. Maybe… "You feel as though your hands are tied. You have had dreams, but you are scared to ask for help because the only one to help is the very challenge itself-" Well, there it is. She was the High Priestess and his Challenge. Fantastic. "It has been through a disregard of pride, you have come forward to meet your Challenge."
Her eyes finally lifted and she met his dark red gaze. She expected to find surprise within him. Humiliation or anger. But instead, she got a thoughtful look. One of contemplation and consideration. His handsome face was steady and waiting. As if he already knew all of this. His expression made her throat tighten and her heart race.
How could he be so calm? She was thoroughly mortified.
Ready to move on. Next card.
"Your future: The World. There has been an awakening. A decision will be made and a wish granted, but-" She groaned suddenly as a sharp pain snaked across her spine. Her breath caught and it hurt. A hand flying to her chest, she coughed roughly and tasted iron.
The king flew out of his chair so fast, it clattered backwards on the theatre floor. The crowd was crying out as he came forward, knelt beside her, and gently placed a hand on her back to steady her. Hitomi pulled her fingers away and saw crimson blood staining her skin. Looking into his eyes with fear, his face close to hers, she realized he could see it, too. His tan skin was paler, his hand trembling against her. The tight worry was laced in his every expression.
"You've seen this before, haven't you?" she whispered to him, scrambling for a breath now that her lungs were working again. The blood on her hand disappeared slowly as the vision faded away. He didn't answer her, but instead, closed his beautiful eyes for a few seconds before standing back up and moving back to the other side of the table to right his chair. She felt cold as he left her.
Cold…
The cards, which had been somewhat forgotten in the wake of these mysterious visions, shifted in her shaking fingers. Hearing the crowd yelling, Hitomi's eyes caught a flash of a redhead backstage and knew she needed to do some damage control stat.
"I apologize. I am getting a lot of weird signals with this reading. This has been one of the most complex one's I've ever done." She smiled at the camera, though shakily, and felt a relief as the audience settled down. Looking at the king, whose face was still touched with concern, she gave him one of her bright smiles. "This is quite the fortune you have here, Your Highness. We are almost halfway. What other surprises do you have in store for us?"
Feeling the control slip back into her corner, she took a deep breath and withdrew the next card - and she felt the blood rush from her face.
If coughing vision blood in her fingers and telling a king that she was the source of all his problems wasn't enough, this certainly took was the top. She held the card in her hand, frozen, not wanting to reveal it. But the camera zoomed in on her and there was no hiding it.
Putting the card down above the Challenge, she rushed to pull the magic from the card. There really wasn't much to say that wouldn't already be showcased. Live broadcasted for the world to see.
As the camera zoomed in, the realization hit the crowd. Bellows of excitement erupted so loud, she knew she was going to have hearing problems later. The king, Van Slanzar, met her eyes in surprise before a flicker of understanding crossed with amusement brushed over his features. He knew what this meant. He looked almost proud to see it. As if he had been telling everyone all along that this card belonged to him.
And stupidly enough… it did.
"Above: Two of Cups," she said, trying to regain some of the dignity she'd just found. No one could hear her voice, even through the microphone. The roaring crowd wouldn't settle and Van - no, the king's lips curled into a smile of suppressed laughter. She rolled eyes at him as they waited for the audience to calm. She crossed her arms and tapped a finger against her forearm with impatience while he fought his smirk and laughed at her with his eyes. It was ten minutes of awkward before the crowd took their seats. It was another five for the cheeringto completely stop.
"Above: Two of Cups," she said again and this time, the audience was utterly still, their ears straining on her every word. "Destiny chained to destiny. The card of absolute bonding. Soul mates crossed through time and space. This is your ultimate goal in your struggle. Your goal is to… be with me."
The screams started back up and, instead of paling, her face became tomato red. Van - no, the king - was laughing now, his hand covering his mouth. He reclined in his chair and grinned at her - which only made her blush more.
"Okay, okay, okay! Quiet down, everyone!" She tried, but the crowd wasn't done cheering.
"I wonder what would have happened had I opt for a private reading, eh?" Van's voice tossed over the speakers and the audience roared with laughter.
She tried to scowl, but a small giggle escaped her instead. Shaking her head, she pressed her hand against her forehead and exhaled sharply. "Well, this has been quite a turn of events. If everyone could please settle down, I might actually live through this reading with my dignity intact."
"My, my, you are a challenge." The king grinned cheekily, and she did not think it was sexy. Many in the audience cat-called and she turned to the camera with a pointed look.
"Quality comedic television from Mister Fanelia, over here."
"You set the scene well enough for it," he retorted, still smirking.
She glanced at him and a flash tossed in her mind. A hot kiss on that smirk. She hated it, but she loved it. Shaking her head and forcing the vision away before she could drown in her blush, Hitomi wondered how in the world she was going to finish this reading without utterly destroying her public image.
"Moving on!" Hitomi announced, practically yanking the card from the pile in her hand. A wash of relief filled her.
"Below: Eight of Cups: There is fear of vulnerability. There was a dream of being a stranger in your own lands. You were in a world you no longer belonged. You fear that world. That unfamiliarity. Because there, you feel as if you have no one left."
The card was serious and she knew it from the way the smirk instantly washed off his lips. He slowly stopped reclining and sat forward with his hands laced back on the table. A tightness appeared around his eyes. He had seen something in this vision. Himself - he was all alone in this world. But-
She drew the next card to avoid his tense face and a small smile flicked on her lips. "Advice: The Star," she said quietly. The image of the white feline at his side came forward. She was there now. Watching over him, taking care of him from backstage. "Forces to reconnect one's soul with the divine. Unlike the High Priestess, this person is close to you. Loves you as family and friend. It is because of their guidance that you are here today. They watch over you. Trust the Star to light your path to the- to the…" She faltered as the magic pushed the words through her lips. "…to the Two of Cups."
A collective gasp and more cheers came forward, and she felt that smirk back on his lips. This time, she looked fully into his face. It was strange, and yet completely certain. As he looked at her and she gazed back at him. She had boasted that she'd never been wrong on a reading before and it was completely true.
Two of Cups and all.
His features still held a taste of cheekiness, but she found that she didn't quite mind it. As a matter of fact, his little sparky personality was really starting to grow on her. The audience settled for the last three cards. She took the next one from the pile.
"External Influences: Eight of Swords. A warrior. Running through a harsh world. He belongs with the Eight of Cups. With the vulnerability. He is being tested on how strong he is. How long he can last. It is a test of wills. And when the time comes, he will be faced with a question. Ultimately, this question will change our path."
The king blinked, his smirk, once again, leaving his lips. The crowd was quiet now. There was something that would potentially separate them. A choice had to be made. Two outcomes? Standing up without thinking, she reached over and placed her hand on his laced fingers. The vision slipped over her eyes and brought him along, too. He was sitting before her, but they were also sitting side by side.
The darkness of a ruined castle loomed before them. They sat together as fear rained over their heads. His hair was different, longer, draping in his shallow face. His nice suit was ripped from him and replaced by torn pants and a bare chest. His concave stomach, bleeding wounds, and thin chest broke her heart. His eyes tossed over her and she realized she was wearing a t-shirt and torn jeans. Her knee spiked with pain and there was a stickiness on her face. She was dirty and tired.
But he was looking at her like she was the most beautiful thing he'd ever seen.
"I am alive," he said softly to her. His hand left hers to guide softly to her cheek. She leaned into his palm and closed her eyes just as his lips drew nearer-
The theatre was bursting with noise.
It rang in her ears as her vision snapped back to reality and she blinked in frozen shock. Van's hand had somehow found her cheek and his lips were ghosting hers - just like the vision. His eyes widened with panic and he let her go to swiftly plop back on his chair. He crossed his legs, his fancy loafer swinging like a pendulum in the air and his cheeks tinged red. Likewise, Hitomi took her seat with a straight back, her breath falling uneven and hard, but forcing her body to behave in dignity.
Her mind, however, was a complete mess.
She's almost kissed him… they'd almost kissed on live television. How in the- why in the-? Who or what or when was that vision? Why was she doing this? Refusing to look at the king, she plucked up another card and didn't wait for the crowd to settle down.
Hopes and Fears: Ace of Swords. There is a sacrifice and you worry that the price is too much. But… it is not you who will have to pay. As long as you follow The Star, find the High Priestess, and understand what you are to do, you shall prevail."
The crowd barely heard that one. That was okay. She was ready to get this over with.
But as she drew the last card, she wanted to slam her face on the table. Seeing her expression, the audience quieted somewhat - waiting. Van - no, the king - waited, too. Watching her with eyes lit.
"The Outcome… The Lovers."
It was ridiculous, and she knew it. It was stupid, and she knew it. But she dropped the card in it's spot and stood from her chair. He followed, scooting his chair back. The terrible thunder of applause dulled as they moved around the table to meet each other.
In this space. In this time.
At last, they had found each other. As if designed by destiny.
His fingers reaching for hers, she knew she should be embarrassed, that she was in a crowd of thousands of people, but she didn't care. This was him. This was Van Fanel. And she knew him from the moment she'd taken a breath in this world. She knew him from lifetimes before. She will always know him, search for him, be with him. And he would search for her. He would come for her.
Their hands touched, he pulled her close, and the world was electric as his lips met hers.
Voted as the most exciting moment to happen on live television, Fortune's Kiss, as the episode was called, aired every single anniversary for the King and Queen of Fanelia. This was her last episode as The Fortune Teller. Eventually, Hitomi Kanzaki did small cameos on local channels and continued to help with investigations in her free time.
A reporter once asked her if she would do another reading for her husband - considering that first one was so famous. She laughed and shook her head with these words: "There is nothing left to find out. He is mine and I am his."
THE. END.
It's a nice long chapter that (hopefully!) tied everything up in a nice neat little bow. What a fun journey this was. I have grown so much as a writer with this story. I'm sad it's over, but I'm so happy, too. Because this story deserved to end properly. And I like to think I did it. Thank you to everyone who has followed this from the beginning or just found this story or forgot it was a thing and then suddenly found it again. :) You guys kept me going. And I have every single one of you to thank.
And now, over 211,000 words and three years later, I say farewell to you "Be Ready". You were truly a joy.
I hope you guys tune in for the next insane saga that takes over my imagination. I have other completed works if you want to check those out, too.
Also, Rutilus. I guess it's time to pick that torch up again. *rolls up sleeve* Here we go.
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