AN: Here is chapter 14 for your reading pleasure. I had to break up the last chapter into two parts. There is just too much going on at one time I suppose. The chapters are going to be getting longer due to the large amounts of information needed to cram into the next few chapters. You are warned.
Disclaimer: I only own Arathnia, and the characters from there. I do not own Escaflowne, even though I wish I did.
* mark dream sequences.
- mark visions.
The Past, Future, and Somewhere in Between
Chapter 14: Exposed: The Truth Pours Out Pt. 2
In the early morning hours, the only sounds to be heard were the songs of the birds bidding good morning to the world. Folken stood on the temple balcony watching the sun slowly bring life to the valley, bathing it in it's beautiful light. He sighed enjoying the quiet of the early morning hours. It was time where he could be left alone to his thoughts with the promise of little to no interruptions.
"I knew that I would find you out here."
Folken turned slowly already knowing who stood behind him. Galaxia stood in the doorway, her arms crossed over her chest. She wore the same sleek white gown that she had the day before. All the creases and folds from wear had been smoothed out so it seemed new once again. A medallion hung from her neck. It was set in silver and gold, two dragons curled around each other both holding onto a clear coloured crystal in the centre. He could not recall the meaning or importance of it, but she had worn it for as long as he could remember. It was one of her very few possessions that she treasured.
He gave her a firm nod in greeting, "Good morning," He said flatly before turning back around. His emotionless mask feel into place shielding his feelings. He had spent all night preparing himself for the upcoming conversation. Preparing himself for the rejection that was sure to follow. He refused to allow himself to appear weak, especially in front of her.
Galaxia took a couple of steps forward. A moment of silence elapsed between them before she spoke again. "Why do you turn away from me?" She asked softly coming to a stop about three feet from him.
Folken let out a bitter chuckle at this. "And see the hate in your eyes when you tear my heart to pieces as if I was nothing," He mused shaking his head, "No thank you."
She visibly tensed at this. She had not been anticipating such a reaction from her lover. Quickly, she overcame her moment of shock. She pulled her shoulders back standing straight as her lips receded into a thin line. "Is that what you think?" She scoffed shifting her hands down to rest on her hips. "Well Folken Lacour de Fanel, don't write me off just yet," She stated her tone of voice and chosen body language projecting attitude mixing with a flare of arrogance.
Surprise fluttered across Folken's face as he turned once more to face the lithe blonde woman. His wine coloured eyes met her violet ones and he could spot the flicker of emotion beneath her warrior's guise. "You used my real name," He stated shaking off his initial surprise.
She nodded slowly, "Tis' appropriate," She replied with a shrug. "I would never refer to Astra as Princess Brahne, as much as others would assume," She began letting her hands fall to her side. "She will always be Astra Valandra til Valandros, as will you be Folken Lacour de Fanel," She paused tucking her long golden locks behind her ears. "That is the way of things," She added her voice much softer than it had been before.
He eyed her suspiciously, "So you are no longer upset with me?" He dared ask.
Galaxia sighed, "I would not go that far," was her response as she approached the balcony.
"Then why are you here?"
She leaned forward resting her elbows on the railing, looking out at the lightening sky. "Freya came to me last night," She answered not turning to meet his gaze. "I realized that I have been stubborn and foolish," She admitted standing straight. "My rage and distrustful nature does nothing but prove immaturity and ignorance. Freya said that I need to have more faith in you."
He raised a curious eyebrow. This was definitely a new development. "You...You do?"
She nodded slowly, "I am a part of you, as you are of me. Nothing can change that," She stated turning towards him. "We share our blood, we created a life. Our son," She stated slowly walking towards him, closing the distance between them. "A boy needs his father Folken."
He nodded in agreement, "Yes, he does."
She nodded, "Then we are in agreement then. Good," She mused taking a step back. "I wish you had told me the truth sooner for this would have saved both of us a lot of pain and trouble," She half stated, but half scolded.
He bowed his head, "I apologize."
She shrugged, "It doesn't matter now," She dismissed his apology. "What is done is done, there is nothing we can do but push forward," She continued on retaking that step towards him. "I've been up all night thinking and I have decided that it would do more harm than good to throw everything away now," She said reaching her hand out and grasping his gently. "I am still upset and a little angry, but I can also see why you did what you did. You wanted to be forgotten."
"In a sense yes," He admitted lacing his fingers in between hers.
"I can relate," she said looking up to meet his gaze. "My trust won't be as forthcoming as it once was, you do understand that?"
He nodded in understanding relief flood through him at her words, "Yes."
She stood up on her toes to place a chaste kiss on his cheek, her fingers untangling from his. She pulled away and took a few steps back putting more distance between them. "I will see you later," was her brief statement as she turned her heel and left as abruptly as she had arrived.
Bewildered, Folken stared after her in confusion. He had not quite been expecting that kind of reaction from the hot-headed warrior he had grown to love. He sensed that something was not quite right, but he could not put his finger on it.
By mid morning, the Fanelian envoy had arisen. They gathered outside the temple and dinning hall enjoying the comfort that the Holy land seemed to bring to them. However, there is always something to break the peace.
"This place seems familiar," Celena spoke up. Her eyebrows furrowed in thought as she attempted to recall distant and extremely faded memories.
Allen turned his attention to his baby sister. "Have you been here before?" He asked curiously.
Celena shook her head after a few moments, squeezing her eyes shut tightly. "I am not certain. It is very fuzzy," She replied rubbing her forehead with the back of her hand. "I think it is one of Dilandau's memories," She admitted.
Hitomi nodded in understanding and Gaddes shrugged it off as nothing, "That could explain that," He spoke up not bothered by the admission. Allen however, was a different story.
"Are you feeling alright?" Allen asked placing his hand on his sister's shoulder. Concern was evident on his features as he searched for traces of the former Zaibach warrior. He lifted his hand pressing the back of it to her forehead as if searching for signs of a fever.
Celena let out a sigh of annoyance and brushed his hand off. "I am fine brother," She retorted flipping her long blonde hair over her shoulder. "Just because I mention his name does not mean that something is wrong," She explained rising to her feet. She turned to look at her brother, "You need to accept that I was once known as Lord Dilandau. As much as it pains you, you cannot deny what has happened. I am not a naive and ignorant child. I can live with what I have done. Can you?"
Allen gaped at her surprise for a moment, slack-jawed. He gave her no response. Instead, he calmly stood and walked back into the dinning hall and away from his sister's harsh words.
"That was a little harsh don't you think?" Gaddes spoke up, scratching his neck awkwardly.
"No," Hitomi spoke up from her place across from them. "I think it's about time Allen had a reality check. Things happen, you move on. You can't just sweep it all under the rug and hope it all disappears."
General Avanon shrugged, "The girl is right. We can't keep living in the past. What happened, happened, so keep going," He agreed with a nod towards Celena, a soft and supportive smile on his face.
Celena returned the smile gratefully. "Thank you General Avanon," She turned to Hitomi and nodded thanks as well.
Moments passed by before anyone dared to speak again. It was Hitomi who broke that silence. She let out deep and sorrowful sigh. "I can't see how such a beautiful country could be filled with so much hatred, and so much evil," She remarked solemnly.
"It was not always so young lady," Freya spoke up as she exited the temple door to join them outside. Salia followed closely, but hung back as her mother spoke. "The evil was leeched into the Valandros clan the day King Archibald died and Prince Gue was set to take his father's throne," Freya explained her tone rather flat and informative. "Though he was not the original heir, a series of unfortunate events led him to be in that particular position of power."
Yukari glanced at Hitomi, her eyebrow raised curiously. She could not get over the strange and seemingly ridiculous names they kept stumbling across. "Valandran?"
Freya nodded without hesitation. "Yes, Prince Valandran was Archibald's eldest son. The original heir to the throne of Arathnia." She smiled recalling the strong willed young man she had known.
"How did he die?" Hitomi asked knowing that, that was what the priestess had meant by her previous statement.
"The princess, his sister. She had tagged along on one of the hunts," Freya let out a chuckle. "The little hot head wanted to learn how to shoot a crossbow, but her father forbade it. Valandran wasn't one to follow his fathers rules."
"Doesn't seem like he was too smart," Yukari muttered crossing her arms over her chest.
Freya thought for a moment before shaking her head slightly. "He was just free-spirited, much like his father had been in his younger years. But being the generous and kind man that he was, he had decided to bring his sister along in the hunt," The high priestess fell silent for a moment before opening her mouth to speak once more. "She had wandered too far from the camp into rather dangerous territory. She crossed paths with a black dragon. Hearing his sister's frantic and terrified screams, Valandran rushed in to save her. By the time his men had caught up with him, it was too late. Valandran died protecting her."
Yukari scoffed shaking her head. "What happened to this so called 'princess'."
"You have met," Freya stated turning as if to look at them. "Her name is Nastrata Lilandra Brahne. The Queen of Arathnia, and third in line for the high throne."
Yukari's jaw dropped in disbelief, "No fucking way!"
Hitomi glared at her friend before turning her attention back to Freya. "Is that what you mean by evil?"
"No, the evil did not start with Nastrata. It was her second brother Gue that planted that seed," She answered rising to her feet. "When their father died, it was Gue who was set to inherit his throne. You see there were many years between Archibald's children. Ten separated Valandran and Gue, and nearly eight between Gue and Nastrata. Gue was obviously not the best choice, but by birth right, he was the next in line," She explained clasping her hands together in front of her. "Gue was the origin of the cancerous poison that taints the throne of Arathnia."
Van thought for a moment before finally joining into the conversation. "How bad could he have been?"
Freya shrugged her shoulders back as if it loosen tight and sore muscles. "Gue did not care for his people. No, most definitely not," She continued on licking her dry lips. "Gue wanted power. To have all the nations pulled together and be controlled by only one monarch. A supreme sovereign. To conquer them. He wanted to be this leader and he was willing to plunge all of Gaea into the chaos of war to achieve this."
"So what happened?" Merle piped up, her curiosity peaked by this subject.
Freya crossed her arms behind her back. "Gue was assassination on the eve of his coronation."
"By who?" Van asked his eyes narrowing is suspicion. It was no mystery what ideas and possibilities his mind was entertaining.
She simply shrugged. "No one knows," She fell silent for another moment allowing the information to sink in before continuing on once more. "Everyone has their suspicions. I myself believe that it was an event orchestrated by Queen Brahne in order to stop her brother's plans and protect her people."
"Protect her people?" Hitomi questioned slightly confused. Were they talking about the same woman that was determined to send them to the slaughter?
Freya just simply nodded. "Yes," was her short and firm reply.
Yukari scoffed, "That miserable old hag? No fucking way!"
"Yukari!" Hitomi cried at the other girl's outburst.
However, Freya did not seem bothered by it. "She was not always bad. As I said before, Gue planted the seed. Nastrata simply allowed it to flourish. I am not exactly sure when it started to go downhill, that is not so clear. All I do know is that she has adopted that evil and had turned it into something much more sinister. In a way, she has become worse that Gue. However, most are blind to her misdeeds."
"Why?" both Yukari and Van asked at the exact moment. The two looked at one another in surprise before turning back to the High Priestess.
"Most remember the trembling little girl who clung to her father's arm even after he died. The scared little girl who was thrown into a position she had not been properly prepared for. The girl who was forced to grow up too fast with no one to guide her way. The brave warrior that clutched the heart of a rust dragon high in the air proclaiming her right to her throne. The most vicious dragon of all. You see much like Fanelia, Arathnia uses the slaying of dragon's as their right of passage," She explained. "Nastrata became queen at thirteen. She was still a child and managed a feat that some of the bravest and strongest warriors could not achieve. This earned her the respect of all the nobles and monarchs on Gaea." It was then that Freya turned her head to look directly at Van. "Your father was particularly taken with the young queen. He was present at her coronation, as was King Aston."
Van's eyebrows knitted together in thought. "My father?" He questioned more to himself than to the woman in front of him. "Taken with Queen Brahne?" He pressed on his eyes darkening as he expected an answer to his questioning statement.
Freya nodded unfazed by his intense stare, "Yes. They were close friends," She confirmed crossing her arms over her chest. "But even your father's influence could not eliminate the madness that had consumed her," She continued sullenly. "What a fool she is."
"So she knew about the corruption, but did nothing to stop it?" Allen stated from the doorway having composed himself and returning to join the conversation.
"Correct."
"My father's influence, what does that mean?" Van pressed on in an effort to retrieve more information from the blind Priestess.
Freya shook her head, "Such a discussion is not meant for the public. If you want more information, I would be happy to enlighten you in a more private setting at a later date," She said turning in the young king's direction. "You must learn patience, especially if you intend to reign over your country for a long period of time."
Van bit back a growl scowling at the older woman. However, he did not utter another word.
"Now this has been a fairly informative conversation, but I am afraid I have more work to attend to, if you'll excuse me," Freya stated with a small bow before walking past the group and heading down the stone staircase.
Salia turned to look at Van, glaring at the slightly younger man. She walked towards him, her face portraying the anger that flashed in her cerulean eyes. "With all do respect Fanelia, I do not appreciate you disrespecting my mother," She spat looking down at him. "If you can not mind your tongue, I will take the liberty of throwing you out myself," She hissed before storming past him after her mother.
Van glared after her before standing and heading back into the temple silent and brooding as ever.
Hitomi looked between her friends and shrugged. "That was interesting," She said in an effort to ease the tension.
Yukari scoffed, "Awkward is more like it."
Merle nodded standing up, "I'll go see if he's okay," She said taking off after Van without another word.
Celena brushed off her skirt and rose from the ground, "Well I believe that this discussion is over. Would anyone like to join me for a swim in the river?" She asked stretching her arms up over her head.
Yukari bolted up excited, "God yes, I am sweating like a pig," She said wiping her brow.
The blonde chuckled before turning to Hitomi, "Are you coming?"
Hitomi thought for a moment unsure. She cast a glance towards the temple where both Merle and Van had disappeared. The image from her dream the night before flashing before her eyes for a brief moment. She shook her head clearing it away before nodding and rising to her feet. "Sure, I could use the distraction."
"Sweet!" Yukari cheer unbuttoning her shirt and throwing it over her head as she raced down the the stairs, "Last one there is a rotten egg!"
Celena laughed grabbing hold of Hitomi's arm as they raced after the over enthusiastic red head.
The sung hung low in the sky at early evening It was close to the tops of the mountains that surrounded the thriving valley. Night would descend quickly once the sun slipped down past those mountains. Still, peace and tranquillity remained giving the valley's inhabitants a sense of security.
Galaxia sat perched a top the white horse, her sheer white dress billowing down it's sides. Folken walked along side the animal, leading it forward with the reins held loosely in his grasp. A content and almost happy smile was evident on Galaxia's face. The sunlight hit her hair making the golden waves shine beautifully. Folken walked steadily ahead glancing back once in a while. Whether it was to ensure the presence of his passenger or to gaze at her lovingly was not so clear. His expression was flat, his mask firmly in place disguising the thoughts plaguing his mind. However, when he glanced back at the golden knight, his expression would soften and that mask would dissolve, although not entirely. His mask would re-appear completely in tact once he turned back around. The gold and silver couple followed the faint dirt path towards the waterfall and crystal pool beneath it surrounded by thick and healthy trees.
There was a hill beside the waterfall that led up to a cliff overhanging the pool below. Folken stopped the horse at the hill, tying the reins to a thick tree branch. He reached his hand up taking a hold of Galaxia's and aiding her in her dismount from the creature's back. She did so swiftly as well as elegantly. The two headed towards the falls together. They looped around the cliff and onto the banks of the pool. With a happy sigh,Galaxia knelt down scooping up some water in her hand and splashing it on the heated skin of her face.
Folken watched her intently. Concentration set on his face as he observed her. A frown pulled at his lips. 'There is so much she must be wondering. There is so much I have to tell her. But how?' He wondered to himself as he watched her sit up and sip her feet and most of her legs into the cool and refreshing water. 'I can't tell her the truth about my past,' he rambled on looking down at the atrocity that was his metal arm. 'No impossible! She would be absolutely disgusted,' He stated within himself, clenching his metal fist tightly in anger. Anger directed at both himself and Zaibach,
Galaxia knew he was with Zaibach, for that is where they had originally met. Now she knew about his true identity as the son of Varie and Goau Fanel, former king of Fanelia. However, she did now know about this failure of his right to the throne. His failure at slaying the dragon, the true loss of his arm. She also did not know of his involvement in the destruction of Fanelia. He betrayed his birthright, his throne. An unforgivable offence in her eyes. She would turn her back on him if she knew the whole truth.
Galaxia sensed the sudden sift in her companion's mood. It both concerned her and confused her at the same time. She tilted her head pondering this, 'He's hiding something,' She thought watching him turn around, his back towards her. 'But what? Why isn't he king? Why won't he be king,' She pondered sliding her feet from the icy cold water. 'It's his birthright as the oldest son,' She wondered slowly walking towards him.
She made her way towards him, careful not to make a sound. He seemed too lost in his thoughts to notice her approach. She watched him for a few moments before a cheeky grin spread across her face. In an act of childishness, uncharacteristic of her, she pushed him hard. This caused him to lose his balance and he fell into the deep crystalline pool. She stood there for a moment before she giggled and turned running away. She disappeared into the trees surrounding the waterfall.
It took a moment for Folken to resurface. Once his head broke the top of the water, he shook his head to rid himself of the water in his ears. He looked around for the golden haired girl, but she was no where in sight. He shook his head again is disbelief. In all the years he had known her, he had only seen her act in such a way very few times, usually with the princess. He swam over to the edge and pulled himself out of the water with little difficulty. He could hear her laugh as she continued to run through the trees almost daring him to come after her. He smirked running a hand through his hair before running after her. However, he knew he would not catch up. She was much faster than him. Instead he took a deep breath allowing his wings to unfurl. He rose into the air, picking up speed as he chased after her. The pursuit only lasted moments. He surged behind her, reaching out and catching her by the waist. She gasped in surprise stumbling at the impact tumbling towards the ground and taking Folken along with her.
The rolled over the grass and down a small hill stopping at the bottom. Folken landed on top of her, his wings spread out to prevent damage from when they had fell and rolled across the ground. It was a risky manoeuvre. He felt slightly nervous at their exposure. He had never allowed himself to unfurl them in front of anyone but a few select individuals. Such precaution he shared with his son. Galaxia had never seen either of their wings as Folken had wished to keep his Draconian ancestry hidden from her to conceal his true identity. Galaxia's eyes widened as she caught sight of the greyish-white appendages. Shock filled her expression as she stared at his wings. She swallowed nervously before reaching up and gently stroking the soft feathers. He looked down at her questioningly. She simply smiled in reply lifting herself upwards and pressing her lips against his. He instantly responded kissing her back as she melted into his embrace. They remained that way for several moments before pulling away from one another.
Galaxia blushed slightly and Folken smirked with amusement. He rose to his feet, holding out his hand for her to take. She did allowing him to assist her. He wrapped an arm around her waist leading her back towards the water fall. She followed without resistance, a happy smile on her face.
Van sat at the bay window in the temple peering out at the waterfall, watching his brother and Galaxia. He sighed longingly as he watched their exchange. They seemed so happy, at peace with one another. Annoyance as well as jealousy filled him. He wanted the same thing. To be happy, the worries of war and danger behind him. Just him and the girl that he loved. A noise behind him caught his attention. He glanced up catching a reflection in the glass of the window. Hitomi stood by the door, hesitating about her entrance.
"I know you're there," Van stated not taking his gaze away from the window.
Hitomi bit her lip nervously as she stepped further into the room, "Sorry, I...I wasn't sure if you wanted some company," She admitted shuffling her feet ready to leave if he desired it.
He sighed leaning back against the small wall of the alcove he was sitting in. Slowly he nodded gesturing for her to come closer. She said nothing as she walked towards him her hands clasped in front of her. He gestured for her to sit in the alcove next to him, which she did without hesitation. She followed his gaze out the window and spotted Folken and Galaxia as they disappeared into the trees around the waterfall.
"They seem so happy," She murmured turning away to look at Van.
He sighed, "Yeah, yeah they do," he agreed after a moment.
She could sense the feeling of envy coming from him. It made her slightly uncomfortable, but she did her best to ignore it for the most part. "What's wrong?" She asked shifting closer to him.
"I wish it could be that simple," He mused resting his hand on top of hers, squeezing it gently. "For us," He added softly.
She nodded in understanding. He was jealous of his brother's relationship with the golden knight. She smiled, "It can be, if you let it," was her delayed response. "You'd never know until you tried."
He sighed flicking his hair from his eyes, "There are a lot of obstacles in our path, unlike theirs."
"Sometimes that just makes it much more satisfying," Hitomi began closing her eyes and letting out a small, yet content sigh. "The more we can endure, what we can overcome would all make it worth it in the end don't you think? That we fought diligently and that it paid off," She rambled opening her eyes again.
Van let out a stiff chuckle, "If I didn't know you better, I would say you rehearsed that. When did you become so wise Hitomi?" He asked playfully.
She smirked, "I have my ways," She added with a small wink. She was happy that despite the small distance Van seemed to be placing between them and the chaos going on around them, that they could act as if it were non-existent.
He leaned forward gently gripping her chin between his fingers, his eyes searching for something in her face. She watched him unsure of what he was looking for. Slowly he leaned forward gently pressing his lips against hers in a soft kiss. Her eyes fluttered closed and she instantly responded. His fingers released her chin and she could feel his body relax as he began to stroke her hair lovingly. He sighed contently into the kiss. Hitomi felt her stomach twist as her heart began to beat a little faster. His tongue slid across her lip and she parted hers without a second thought. He deepened the kiss, wrapping an arm around her waist and pulling her to him. She was more than happy to oblige and melt into his embrace. With him, the world around them ceased to exist. All that mattered was the two of them.
He leaned back, pulling her along with him. She shifted positions as he did this so that she was now straddling his waist. He groaned his arm slipping away from her waist and sliding down her thigh. She felt his hands side back up her thighs resting on her hips as he kissed her harder. She sensed the need and longing radiating off of him which did nothing but increase her own. She felt his hands slide back gripping her backside rather tightly. A gasp escaped her lips as she felt his arousal begin to grow beneath her. It sent a shiver of excitement up her spine. She wanted him.
A cough at the doorway forced the two apart. At the same time, they both turned to search for the source of the sound. Standing in the doorway was Raven, the priestess that they had encountered the day of their arrival. A unimpressed expression clouded her face. Hitomi scuttled back, blushing furiously at the interruption. Van however, did not appear to share her embarrassment. Instead he looked rather annoyed. He shot a glare at the priestess before speaking. "What do you want?" He asked rather rudely.
Raven cast a disgusted look towards Van before shaking her head turning to look at Hitomi, "Lady Freya wants to see you," She stated flatly casting another disgusted look towards Van, "Now," She added before turning and leaving the room as abruptly as she arrived.
Van glared after her. He snorted distastefully, "She's a real piece of work," He grumbled crossing his arms over her chest.
Hitomi shrugged, "She seems alright though," She added rising to her feet. "I best be going, I don't want to keep Freya waiting," She admitted, still blushing furiously turning to hurry out of the room.
She barely took a step before Van reached out, grabbing her wrist gently. "Hitomi, is something wrong?" He asked sensing the unease within her for the first time.
She turned to look at him, her vision from the night before flashing behind her eyes once more. She opened her mouth to speak, but shut it again quickly. She closed her eyes shaking her head to rid the images from her mind. "No, I'm fine," She replied with a soft and assuring smile. Her worries were not his
to bare. She did not want to burden him anymore than he was already. "Really."
He searched her expression as if searching for the lie, however it did not appear he found anything for he did not question her further. He nodded, "Come and find me when you are finished?" He half-stated half-asked uncertainty in his voice.
She nodded, "Of course," She assured him with a small smile.
With that said, he released his hold on her wrist. She looked at him for a few moments longer before heading out of the door and in to the hall where Raven awaited. The priestess gestured for her to follow, but said nothing. Hitomi let out a small sigh, but followed none the less. Raven led her through the halls and down a set of stairs. The temperature was getting cooler the farther they went. Raven stopped near the end of one of the halls opening thin wooden door. There was another set of stairs, then nothing but darkness. Raven grabbed the torchlight from the wall and descended down the rather steep steps without hesitation. Hitomi had no choice but to follow. A long corridor led away from the stairs, a large stone door at the other end. She swallowed the lump that was growing in her throat and slowly followed the older woman's lead.
After several minutes of nothing but their footsteps, Raven decided to speak, "You should be careful," She said flatly.
Hitomi eyes her with confusion before she realized that she was not talking about her meeting with the High Priestess. "What do you mean?" She asked after a moment of pondering.
"Don't give your heart away so freely," She clarified casting a glance back at the young girl. "Love is a complex emotion filled with both joy and sorrow. Remember that behind every opened door, there is a closed one holding secrets that you may not be able to bare," She added coming to a stop at the stone door.
Hitomi had no reply. Everyone in this place seemed to have a habit of either speaking in riddles, or being extremely vague when offering some kind of advice, or information. It was beginning it irritate her. She watched as Raven opened the door gesturing for her to enter. Nervously, Hitomi inched into the room. She winced when she heard the heavy stone door shut, nearly slam, behind her. The sound reverberated throughout the dimly lit stone hallway. She took a deep breath to compose herself. She could make out a thin line of light slipping through the cracks of a wooden door up ahead. After a moment, she calmly proceeded forward. She wrapped her other arms around herself to retain as much of her body heat as possible in the cold stone corridor. This also helped her feel safe and secure. Moments passed her by and before she could blink, she stood directly in from of the smooth wooden door.
She raised her hand to knock, but the door opened as if someone knew that she was on the other side. Hesitantly, she walked into the room. There was a small fountain decorating the middle of the room. Candle were set up in various places around the room illuminating the rather large, windowless room. Beautiful blue, purple, red, and white gossamer fabrics hung from the ceiling bowing down as if it were as fine as spider's silk. There was a cabinet to the right of her that was filled with orbs and herbs. A wooden broom rested against the cabinet. An altar was set up on the far east wall. Strings of feathers, teeth, hung on the wall and bowls of earth and water decorated the top of the altar strategically placed around dark coloured candles. A statue of a dragon stood at the back of the altar, surrounded by candles and tactfully placed stones. A top the altar, strange symbols had been painted in red upon the stone. One was a large star that took up the majority of the table. What did not escape her notice was the large blue stone that rested in the middle of the altar. It was positioned in the middle of the star. It was not just any stone, but one that Hitomi had seem many times. It was an energist.
"Beautiful isn't it?" Freya's voice echoed through the room. This made Hitomi jump in surprise. This caused Freya to let out a small chuckle. "I apologize my child. I always forget that though I may be attuned to the presence of others, others are not," She stated stepping around the fountain.
Hitomi nodded in understanding. With all that she had witnesses, she was still unsure of the High Priestess' sense of sight. She claimed to be blind, but she never acted or moved in such a way to confirm this fact. "It's alright," Hitomi stated accepting her genuine apology. She turned back around towards the altar, her eyes returning back to the energist. It held a faint glow which made it all the more visually alluring. She could feel the energy pulsing from it. It was a strange sensation. "What is it?" She asked curiously.
"The most prized energist of all." Freya stated reaching out and placing her hand on the energist. "You know where they come from correct?"
Hitomi nodded, "It is a dragon's heart."
A small smile spread across Freya's lips. "Correct," She confirmed sliding her fingers over the rough surface. "Energists are very desired. This one belonged to the rarest of all dragons. An Azure dragon,:: She began as her fingers caressed the stone in an almost loving fashion. "His name was Alteraz. He was my father's dragon," She explained softly. "My father was one of Arathnia's dragon warriors. When my father died, he stayed with our family protecting the valley from dangers. Other dragons and creatures tended to avoid him because he was so large and they were not sure exactly how to handle him. Unfortunately he passed on many years ago," She concluded letting her hand fall down to her side.
"How did he die," Hitomi found herself asking out of curiosity.
"One night he was attacked by a group of nomads passing through the forest. They knew what he was and wanted his heart for their glory. Alteraz had been sleeping when they stumbled upon him. They had managed to get a good stab in before he awoke. This severely weakened him. I heard his cries and came to his rescue. I fought the men off, but the damage was already done. This was before I lost my sight you see. We made it back to the valley, but he collapsed over by the waterfall. I stayed with him until he passed, and I cut out his heart so that he could stay with the people he loved most," Freya spoke without moving or pausing for comment. A sad smile across her lips, "He was a sweetheart deep down."
Hitomi nodded slowly digesting the tale that she had just been told. "By the waterfall..."She mumbled trailing off in thought. For some reason, she believe that held some kind of significance.
Freya nodded knowing that the young girl had caught the significance in her words. "Azure dragons are a very rare find for they tend to live in very deep water," She proceeded to explain. "They are able to hold their breath for hours at a time, maybe days. Man has a hard time hunting them there. Therefore, it is one of the very few places in which they feel completely secure. To see one on land is definitely a sight to behold. They are truly beautiful and majestic beasts," She finished brushing her hands off on the skirt of her dress as if they were covered with dust.
"I am sure," was Hitomi's only response. She was not sure of the meaning or significance of all this pertaining to their situation, but it was interesting to know something new about creatures on Gaea. Creature lore was something she had yet to be educated on. Van seemed absolutely enthralled with all the Dragon information that he had been spouting since their journey had begun.
A comfortable silence fell between the two women for a few moments as Freya shuffled away from the altar. She slowly walked over to the fountain. She rested her fingers on the cold stone basin. "Do you know why I asked you here Hitomi?" She asked turning her head to glance over her shoulder.
Hitomi shivered as goosebumps ran up her arms. That eerie feeling of being stared at sent chills down her spine. She hesitated a moment before replying. "You find me intriguing?" She offered up as her answer feeling awkward under the high priestess' critical gaze.
Freya chuckled shifting her body slightly so that she was more turned towards the girl. This was an effort to make Hitomi feel more comfortable and at ease in her presence. She had sensed the girl's apprehension. "True, but not entirely accurate," She stated reaching up and running her fingers through her white hair.
The change in her body language did the trick and Hitomi felt the unease float out of her. "Why then?" She questioned raising an eyebrow curiously.
Freya moved her head as if she was looking her up and down, inspecting her. "You have spoken with Salia I am assuming?" She commented resting one hand on her hip.
Hitomi felt her cheeks heat up, but she nodded none the less, "Yes I have."
Freya nodded, "Then she told you about the rift between our worlds."
Hitomi nodded again, "She mentioned it yes. She said that it was not meant to be crossed," She replied crossing her arms over her chest.
"That is correct," She agreed dipping her fingers into the fountain. "You see my dear, you are an anomaly of our worlds," She stated swirling her fingers around in the water.
"Pardon?"
"There is a reason that you can pass between both worlds so freely." She began cupping some water into her hand and turning to walk back towards the altar. "You see Hitomi, the blood of Gaea runs through your veins."
Hitomi looked at her in confusion. "What do you mean?" She asked perplexed by the conversation.
"You were born of both worlds," She explained dropping the water onto the energist. It began to glow more intensely. Freya turned and headed towards the cabinet next. "Your father on the Mystic Moon is not your biological father."
"I don't understand."
"I am not surprised," She commented opening the cupboard. She reached inside, resting her hand on several of the crystal orbs inside before selecting a red and white opaque one. "You see Hitomi Kanzaki, your real father was from Gaea. He was a seer. Not just any seer either. He was trained here in Caladonna with my sister lady Magda many, many years ago," She explained more in depth as she walked back over to the altar.
"My father was from Gaea?" She repeated slowly.
Freya nodded, "Yes my child, indeed he was."
Hitomi stumbled back in shock, her back hitting the stone wall behind her. "I don't believe this. How is such a thing possible?" She asked.
"He was assigned to study the rifts and attempt to find a way to link our two worlds. This idea was spawned from Dornkirk's mysterious arrival. From what I understand from his research, it takes a great deal of energy to open the portal. Emotions are key. They possess a lot of energy in one concentrated form. That is how Dornkirk came to Gaea. His desire to know the principles of fate. Loneliness was the same reason your grandmother came to Gaea years ago. That feeling of longing, loss. That is when she received the pendant that Leon Schezar gave to her. The same pendant that now hangs around Van Fanel's neck."
"If what you are saying is true," Hitomi began nervously nibbling on her bottom lip."Then it was my destiny to come to Gaea?"
"Yes my child. It was you who opened the rift which brought Van Fanel and the land dragon to you. Although subconsciously. You felt insecure, trapped in your life and going no where. You felt as though something were missing in your life. A void that needed to be filled. Am I correct?"
Hitomi did her best to hide the shock at the undeniable truth of Freya's statements. She had never disclosed that information to anyone. How she had met Van, or about the emotional rut she had found herself in before her first trip to Gaea. "How do you know all this?" She asked suspiciously.
Freya raised her finger and tapped her temple three time. "You are not the only one in this world who possesses clairvoyant abilities dear one," She replied strategically placing feathers and teeth around the altar. "Van Fanel shared the same emotional burden, that is why you two were brought together."
Silence passed between the two women as Freya muddled about the altar. This gave Hitomi some time to absorb the information that was being thrust upon her. So much of her life on Earth had been a cover for the truth. How much did her mother know about Gaea? Did she know anything at all? Who was this man whom Freya claimed to be her father? So many of these questions were racing through her mind, at lightning speed, but she was unable to voice any of them. She shut her eyes and pinched the bridge of her nose before shaking her head to clear some of the questions. "Could my father see these...these...visions?" She asked the concept of having another father foreign to her.
The High Priestess nodded, "Yes," was her blunt reply. "The blood that you two share is where your abilities lie. This is why you were so drawn to those old tarot cards of yours, as well as that pendant now in Van's possession. The one your grandmother entrusted to you. That same energist pendant that called to your father and drew him into your world where he came across your mother," She explained as she reached back undoing the clasp of the pendant that hung from her neck. "He spent a fair amount of time in your world after that."
"I know this is a redundant question, but how do you know all this? You couldn't possibly see visions of all things that have already come to pass," She remarked.
Freya chuckled, "Well you are right about that one. Though I do see some past events, it is not where my skills lie. My abilities are more centred around future events," She admitted brushing a stray hair from her face. "Your father told me," She confirmed her attention focused on the energist resting on the altar. "He was the one who trained me in my third sight when I had lost my eyes. He was the best at his craft, the greatest seer that has ever been known to this world. His abilities were vastly superior to my own. We grew very close him and I," She confessed positing the necklace in a particular way around the energist.
"What was his name?"
"Ryland," She began, resting her hand on the glowing stone. "Ryland Talanar, the Master Seer. Keeper of the Rift," She continued on as the energist electric blue glow began brighter. Hitomi could feel the energy irradiating from both the stone and the High Priestess. She was beginning to grow curious as to what she was doing. "He played a key role in Arathnian politics as Queen Brahne's adviser for a few years," She revealed removing her hand from the stone and turning to walk back to the cabinet.
"Where is he now?"
Freya shrugged, "No one knows for certain," She revealed opening the drawer of the cabinet and retrieving a couple of tools. They appeared to be a hammer and chisel. "He fell out of Queen Brahne's favour many years ago when he warned her of the dangers of aligning herself with Emperor Dornkirk. It was not exactly what she wanted to hear. She cast him out and no one has heard of him since. Rumours tell that he perished long ago," She stated picking up the chisel and carefully positioning it in one of the grooves on the energist.
A thought struck Hitomi and her eyes opened wide as the realization hit her. "So he could still be alive?" She asked hopefully.
"I doubt it, but it is a possibility," She agreed with a curt nod. "He was always the resourceful kind," She added with a small smirk. "You are just like him you know," She continued turning her head in her direction. "Curious, kindhearted, and fairly level-headed," She paused for a moment, "You have his eyes you know. That is how I know for certain you are the daughter he foretold to me. He told me that one day you would appear in the lands of the dragons," She mused recalling her teacher's riddle like speech. "Had I known that the daughter he spoke of would be end up in Fanelia, I may have sought you out myself upon your first visit to Gaea," She stated turning her eyes back to the tip of her chisel, repositioning it.
"He knew I existed?" She stated disbelievingly, shaking her head to try and keep a grasp on all the information being laid out before her.
"Oh Yes. He has had vivid visions of you since your birth," She explained sliding her hand over the blue energist once more. "He kept a journal where he would sketch images from his visions and take notes. There were many about you," She confessed tilting her head. "He used to read them to me. I was one of the very few people he felt that he could trust. I felt honoured that he held me in such high regard," She added before mumbling a small verse to herself that sounded as though she were speaking in tongues. This last quite a few moments, the energist's glow enhancing and become brighter because she ceased.
To Hitomi's surprise, she picked up the hammer and slammed it down on the chisel. A small chunk of the energist chipped off and landed on the stone table top with a clink. Freya laid the two instruments back down before picking up the shard, blowing on it to rid it of the blue dust left behind. She then picked up a metal file and began to smooth out the rough edges. She rolled it around the metal plank crafting it into a crystalline point. She ran her fingers over is, a smile giving away her satisfaction with her handiwork. She wandered back over to the cabinet opening the glass doors and retrieving a small wooden box. She set it back down on the altar before opening it. She sifted through the contents for a few moments before finding what she so desired. Hitomi watched with curiosity as she fiddled with the shard for a few moments before closing the box.
Freya turned to face Hitomi holding the bright blue shard in her hand, only this time it was fashioned into a pendant. It was much like her old one. Freya held it out to here, "Here," She said taking a few steps and closing the distance between them. "I want you to have this." Hitomi eyed the pendant closely. It was beautiful and still held that electric blue glow. She unhooked the clasp and held it out towards her. Hitomi pushed off of the wall and turned around letting the High Priestess drape it around her neck. Instantly, Hitomi felt warm and protected. "I infused this with protective magic, as well as part of my influence. As long as you wear it, we are linked. You can call on me if need be and I will answer, " She explained fumbling with the clasp having a small amount of difficulty getting it to hook. "You hold tremendous power Hitomi, if only you knew how to use it," She stated easing her hand back down to her sides.
Hitomi looked down at the pendant around her neck, twirling it around between her fingers, "Could you teach me?"
"I teach the daughter of Ryland Talanar? It would be a great honour," She replied with a deep bow which caused Hitomi to blush deeply. "Unfortunately, our time runs short," She confessed clasping her hands together in front of her. "I feel as though our time to part ways is drawing nearer and nearer. There is one thing, and one thing only that I can teach you and it is the most important lesson you will ever be taught."
Hitomi nodded. "I am ready."
Freya rested her hands on the young girl's shoulders. "Hitomi, your visions are subjective. You see parts of certain events, but you do not see the vision as a whole. That is the flaw in your abilities. You see things piece by piece, not as one. This makes it a lot harder to understand the meaning of your visions. This ties in with the main fault of your power. You allow your emotions to rule you. You are guided by them. To be a true seeress, a skilled clairvoyant, you must learn to be a bystander. No emotional ties can play forth in your vision. If they do, the results can be catastrophic. You saw that back in the Destiny Wars, just as you are beginning to see it now. You must learn to be nothing but a vessel for your visions. A vessel and nothing more. That is all I can offer you at this point in time."
Hitomi's eyebrows furrowed in both thought and confusion, "But how do I do that?"
Freya shook her head, resting her hands on the young girl's shoulders. "These things are complicated. This is something you have to learn on your own. This all depends on you. When we meet again, which I assure you we will my child, I may have something more to offer you. Until such a time arrives, work on channelling your visions and controlling your emotions," She continued on sliding her hands down Hitomi's arms and allowing them to fall away to rest at her sides. "If you fail, they will be your downfall. Goodnight Hitomi Kanzaki," She concluded with a courteous bow.
Hitomi nodded sensing that her presence was no longer require, nor desired. She bowed as well, "Thank you Freya," She said before turning to head out the door.
"Oh and Hitomi," The High Priestess called after her. "Remember, the future is not always set in stone. People's choices are constantly changing which can effect the outcome of certain futures," She stated her face unreadable.
With that said, Hitomi left the room without another word. She had a lot to think about.
AN: Another chapter put behind me. Folken always seemed like such a doomed character. I wanted him to have more happiness in his life. We are slowly beginning to scratch the surface of the events that are going to unfold and secrets that will be revealed. Stay tuned if you want to know what happens next. Also I am trying to get onto an update schedule. I am not sure if it will work, but I am trying to update once a week. I know I will be able to deliver for the next couple of chapters, but after that I have no idea. I hope it all works out. Anyways, enough of my rambling. Please REVIEW and let me know what you think.
Next: Oh How the Might Have Fallen
Response to Reviews:
PrefersFiction: Haha I am glad I surprised you. Expect some more Van and Hitomi fluff in the next chapter. There is some I can assure you.
Aye-know-hah: I am glad that you had not quite given up hope. I just got stuck in a rut, but I think I got my muse back.