AN: Here is chapter 15, another long one. Some more revelations in this chapter as well as some more necessary drama. A bit of Hitomi and Van fluff for those who missed it. Enjoy.
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 15: Oh How the Might Have Fallen
It was late. A few hours before the sun would rise over the horizon signalling the start of yet another day. Hitomi sat on a boulder near the edge of the cliff that the temple was built upon. She was clad in the thin nightgown she had packed along for the trip to Yukari's. The cool breeze floated through the night adding a chill to the valley, however she did not notice the cold. She longingly look up at the moon she had once called home. How could she go back there and have everything be the same as it had before? Everything just seemed so different now.
"Can't sleep?"
Hitomi jumped turning to see Van standing behind her watching her. "You scared me," She breathed resting her hand against her chest in attempt to settle her rapidly beating heart. She had not been expecting company this late at night. 'How long has be been standing there?' She asked herself.
"Sorry," was his gruff reply. Silence passed between the two for a moment before Van decided to speak again. "I've been looking for you, what are you doing out here?" He asked walking up beside her, following her gaze and looking up at the double mooned sky.
She sighed deeply tucking her hair behind her ears. "Sorry Van, I just have a lot on my mind," She replied wrapping her arms around herself as a chill ran up her spine.
He nodded looking at the ground sheepishly, "It's just, we haven't had much time to talk, well except for that awkward moment in the temple earlier," He rambled on scratching the back of his neck nervously. "Sorry about that I...I got a bit carried away."
A soft smile graced Hitomi's lips. "It's okay Van. I got caught up in the moment too," She assured him blushing at the memory.
Quickly, he decided to change the subject sensing her discomfort. "What did Freya have to say?" He asked noticing her depressed mood.
Hitomi sighed pulling her knees up to her chest. "I don't know where to start," She admitted rubbing her fingers against her forehead as if she had a headache, which was not far from the truth. Her lack of sleep plus her inability to wrap her head around the information that Freya had given her was not helping her in the least.
Van sat down on the ground next to her. "You know you can talk to me, and I'll listen," He stated reaching out and placing a supportive hand on her shoulder. "Start wherever you feel comfortable and we can take it from there," He offered with a soft smile.
She smiled sadly at him tossing the idea around in her head. Perhaps she needed to vent it all. Maybe if she spoke it out loud maybe she would be able to get a better grasp of it all. She gave him a curt nod before taking a deep breath and repeating the story as Freya had told her earlier. She leaned on him, resting her head on his shoulder as she spoke. He sat quietly beside her his arm sliding around her waist as he pulled her closer to him. He just sat with her listening, occasionally asking a simple question or offering a small response. Van was a good listener. That she did not find surprising.
"I just don't know who I am anymore," She confessed once her story was through.
Van shrugged,"No matter what, you are still Hitomi Kanzaki, the girl from the Mystic Moon," He stated gently squeezing her in a short hug.
A smile tugged at her lips as she felt her stomach flutter, "Thank you Van," She stated with a small sigh. "For listening to me. It feels good to share that with someone and get it off of my chest," She mumbled idly playing with the blue pendant around her neck.
He chuckled slightly, the pendant catching his eyes, "That's pretty," He commented. Even in the mild darkness, the pendant shone brightly. The bright blue haze surrounding it just accented it's presence. He gently grabbed it between his fingers lifting it up so he could admire the strange stone. "What is it?" He asked twisting it about observing it from all angles.
Hitomi smiled gently pulling on the chain removing then pendant from his hand. "It's a drag energist," She stated proudly letting it fall back into it's proper place. "Freya gave it to me."
He nodded in approval. "It is beautiful."
She nodded, "I think so too." With that a small, yet comfortable silence settled over the young couple. Hitomi was happy just to sit in his arms, hearing his heartbeat thud in her ear. She closed her eyes and a flash of Dilandau's crazed face caused her to jump slightly and open her eyes again to wash the image away.
Van pulled away slightly meeting her worried gaze. "What's wrong?" He asked.
Hitomi bit her lip, hesitating. Since she came back, she rarely told of her visions. She remembered the havoc it seemed to cause the last time she had been on Gaea. She did not want to repeat that. Still, she felt as though she had to. "I had a vision last night," She said closing her eyes as she replayed the image over and over. "There was this man," She began her voice beginning to shake slightly. "No not a man, it was Dilandau. An older more raw version. He rode a top this giant dragon with curled horns, bearing the Arathnian crest on his armour," She explained feeling her heart thundering in her chest as the fear began to take over.
"That's not possible, Celena was Dilandau," Van said confusion clouding his expression.
Hitomi shook her head, "I have no idea, but it was him. I recognized the insanity and lust for blood in his eyes. He even had the same scar on his face," She admitted with a shudder. Though she did not notice at the time, looking back she could clearly see the dark red stain on the other man's face. "He was riding this giant horned dragon. You came out brandishing your sword at him," She continued on when her love failed to respond to her previous statement. "There was a brief exchange of words and the dragon snatched you up in it's jaws," She rambled on her voice cracking at certain parts.
He pulled her into his lap, pulling her against his chest. He rested his chin on top of her head as he exhaled deeply. "Don't worry about me," He began closing his eyes and enjoying her nearness. "I've faced Dilandau before, and I am still here. Don't dwell on it."
"I just don't want to lose you," She nearly sobbed burying her face in his shirt.
"Hey now," He said gently pulling her away from him. He smiled cupping her face in his hands. "Don't worry about me, I'm right here," He replied stroking her cheeks with his thumbs. "I don't plan on going anywhere," He offered to soothe her distressed mind.
He leaned in pressing his lips against hers gently. She smiled against his lips instantly giving in to the attention. She needed a distraction, anything and Van was more than willing to fill that role. His hands slid down her cheeks to rest on her shoulders. She could feel the warmth of his body through the thin fabric of her nightgown which drew her closer. She kissed him back, her kisses needy and desperate. It soon became apparent that his desires were just as demanding as her own as his kisses became more and more insistent. His tongue slipped past her lips rolling against her own.
He laid her down on the ground, hovering over her as his hands slipped beneath the flimsy fabric of her nightgown giving them freedom to roam all over her body. She moaned softly, a faint blush settling on her cheeks. He leaned down recapturing her lips with his own. Her hands slid under his shirt exploring the muscles of his chest with her fingers. She moaned into his mouth as he slid her skirt up over her hips. He shifted sliding his pants down and Hitomi braced herself for what was to come. Her body shook with anticipation as she felt his bare lower half come in contact with her own. With a deep groan rumbling from his throat he slipped himself inside her without any further invitation. She sighed happily and they began to move in that ancient rhythm that both of them were beginning to know so well.
It was still a few hours before any one else dwelling in the valley would awake. Van had carried Hitomi to bed after she had re-dressed and fallen asleep in his arms as they stared up at the stars. He laid her down gently placing the thin blanket over her body to keep her warm. He stood watching her for a few moments, ensuring that he had not jostled her awake. She slept soundly and he felt relieved that she could have some peace. She looked angelic when she slept. A small smile graced his lips as he turned and left the room. He quickly tidied up his appearance before stepping out of the room again with the intentions of hunting down the High Priestess. He had many, many questions he wanted answered. Questions that he knew that only she could give him.
He followed the long corridors of the temple, heading down flights of stairs when he encountered them. He had a faint idea of where he was going, but he could care less about getting lost. It became apparent that he was indeed walking along the correct path. Unbeknownst to him, he was following along the same path that Hitomi had hours before. Soon he found himself walking down the dark hallway towards the dim light shining through the wooden door. He did not bother to knock. As with Hitomi, the door opened for him.
Cautiously, he stepped inside scanning the room as he popped his head inside. Freya stood at the altar table, looking down at a large crystalline ball on a brass stand in the middle of the altar. The energist that had been placed there before had been moved a top the fountain, hovering just above the water. It appeared that the white haired woman stared down at the crystal ball, a steel goblet held loosely in her boney and withered hands. He stood silent and unmoving observing the elderly woman with genuine curiosity. Never before had he met such a wise and selfless individual. Maybe that is why he was so leery. Trust did not come easy when most others would stab you in the back when given the chance.
"What can I do for you young dragon king?" the High Priestess asked not turning in his direction.
Van stiffened at this for it caught him off guard. He was slightly disturbed that the woman in front of him always seemed to know things. Things that she possibly could not know. However, he quickly shook his head remembering why he had come. "I will get right to the point," He stated flatly, not wanting to waste any time. He would not tolerate any interruptions and the more they prolonged this conversation, the higher the chance for interruptions. "I want to know more about my father and his involvement with Queen Brahne," He continued taking another step into the room. "You said that they were very close friends. I want to know exactly what you meant by that," He demanded crossing his arms over his chest impatiently.
She shook her head at his disrespectful and demanding tone, but chose not to comment. "Yes indeed they were," Freya replied placing the goblet down on the altar.
"How close?" He asked leaning against the door frame, watching the much older woman intently.
Freya turned resting the palms of her hands against the altar, leaning her weight onto them. "It was no secret that King Goau of Fanelia fancied the dragon slayer that was Nastrata Brahne," She began the tale, taking great care in choosing her words. She was hoping for a more tactful approach to the subject at hand. "You of all people should understand that completing such a task earns you a great deal of respect."
Van nodded his eyebrows knitting together in thought, "Indeed. Go on."
Freya sighed softly turning her head as if to gaze at the wall. "I do not mean any disrespect towards your father or his throne for he was a good friend of mine, and a great and noble king," She stated rather blandly. "I respected him greatly. However, his final years were spent visiting Arathnia and assisting the Queen with her duties. Mentoring her as it were," She continued before turning her head back towards him. "I do believe that with his help, Nastrata became a much stronger and more charismatic ruler."
"What are you getting at?" Van asked not liking where this discussion seemed to be leading nor the slow approach the old woman was taking.
Freya slid her hands off of the cool stone table top and clasped her hands together in front of her. " I believe that during that time there may have been some indiscretions made by your father that ultimately led to his downfall," She admitted softly.
Van's eyes narrowed at this. He was really not liking the sound of this. "What do you mean?"
Freya let out a sigh turning her entire body around to face him, knowing that his patience was wearing thin. "What I am saying is that King Goau and Queen Brahne shared much more than a platonic relationship."
"Are you implying that my father, my father...and Queen Brahne..."
"Were lovers?" She finished for him raising a questioning brow. When he failed to answer she assumed that she has guessed correctly and nodded. "Yes, I do believe that to be true."
"Lies!" He shouted angrily pushing himself off of the door frame and marching into the room. "My father would never have betrayed my mother like that! Especially not with that evil witch!" He raged glaring at the Priestess with contempt and intense anger swirling together within his eyes. A dangerous combination.
Freya shook her head sadly. "I am sorry Lord Van. This all must be a shock for you," She began placing a supportive hand on his shoulder. "You were so young during this time," She continued squeezing his shoulder slightly. "There is no doubt in my mind that Goau loved your mother with all that was within him. However, you have to take in the situation that he had put himself into," She focused on pushing out a soothing aura hoping that it would reach the boy. "Nastrata was young, powerful, impressionable, desirable and very, very beautiful. Many kings were ready to give their sons away just so that they could have audience with her and bask in her radiance. Despite seeming older than she was, Brahne was also very naive," She let out a small sigh sliding her hand down Van's arm before letting it fall back down to her side once she sensed his anger had dissipated some. "As easy as it may be, you cannot put all the blame on her. Your father was in the perfect position to take advantage of her and like most men, he made the mistake of giving in to the temptation. His guilt was just as firm as her own, maybe more so since he was much older than she was at the time."
"I can't believe this," Van mumbled shaking his head and clenching his fists tightly at his sides. "Father how could you," He seethed anger flaring up within him once more.
Freya sighed, "You might not like this, but I feel that you need to know the whole story," She said wiping her brow with the back of her hand. "It was rumored, for a short time, that he was Astra's father."
Van's eyes widened and Freya could see the outrage before he shouted. "What!"
Freya held up her hand to silence the young king. "Let me finish before you lose your temper," She scolded as a warning. "That information was quickly proven to be false. Goau had not paid a visit during the time in which Astra would have been conceived," She explained. "Astra's father is another one of Brahne's many lovers."
"Are you sure about that?" Van asked narrowing his wine-colored eyes at the elderly woman before him.
Freya nodded, "Yes. I know for sure. For that, I paid a hefty price," She admitted with a sigh.
"What do you mean?"
She unclasped her hands and reach back untying the cloth that was tied tightly around her eyes. She let the fabric fall from her eyes revealing the damage beneath. Her eyes were pale and glazed over. A long vertical scar stretched from one eye to the next, with each eye also bearing a vertical scar as if someone had taken extra care to ensure the destruction of her vision. "Queen Brahne is the one who took away my ability to see," She stated placing the strip of fabric down on the altar. "I discovered her and her other lover. To ensure my silence of his identity, she robbed me of my sight." She held the fabric tightly in her hands as if aggravated by it. "Apparently my oath of honor was not reassurance enough for her," She muttered grimly.
He shuddered at her appearance. The damage done to her eyes and face was much more severe than General Avanon's. Her eyes were so completely destroyed. He pushed those thoughts away and focused on the conversation at hand. "So you are sure that Astra did not belong to my father," He pressed on trying to remain composed. The deep anger and betrayal he suddenly felt towards his father was suffocating and nearly overwhelming.
"Yes I am certain," She stated firmly. "Besides Van, if Astra were born from Goau, the peace treaty declaring your marriage to her as a stipulation, would not have been necessary," She went on to explain wrapping her arms around herself. "Astra would have already possessed claim to Fanelia's throne. She could have challenged your authority outright and thrown you off if she received enough support."
Van thought for a moment pondering this in his mind before nodding in agreement. "True enough." "If Brahne wanted an heir so badly, why didn't she find a suitable prince or nobleman and wed?" He asked curiously.
"Queen Brahne never wanted to share her throne. Producing an heir was not one of her main concerns." Freya began to explain. "This is why she has never wed. A king is often thought more highly of than his Queen. Nastrata was the sole heir to Arathnia's throne and she wanted it to remain that way. Instead, she took up lovers. During one of her trysts is when Astra came along. Her only child. The only child she will ever bring into this world," Freya continued on.
"How can you be so sure?" Van asked.
Freya shook her head, "Destiny has already dictated this. She was very young when Astra was born. Younger than you are now. Giving birth when one is so young had devastating effects on one's body. She is physically incapable of having another child," was her short explanation. "You would not understand for you are a man."
He nodded, "Is there anything else you have to tell me?" He asked more than ready to leave the conversation at this point.
"Nothing that I can share," She admitted after a moment. "I must honor my oath of silence."
Van gave her a stiff nod before turning heading towards the open doorway, "Thank you Freya."
"Van," She softly called after him. "I would also advise you to be patient with my daughter," She added reaching out and putting a hand on his shoulder. "She can be quite headstrong at times but she means you no harm. She is much like her father had been. As you would know."
"What do you mean by that?"
Freya chuckled, "I thought you of all people would recognize him in her. He was after all, like a father to you."
Van thought for a moment, then his mouth dropped and his eyes widened in shock as realization hit him. It took him a moment before he managed to close his jaw and attempt to speak. How he did not notice the likeness in her face? He stuttered for a moment before uttering the name of the man who had prepared him for his ascension to his throne. "Balgus?" He half stated half asked.
She nodded, "Yes. I told you we were very close. You see as next in line to be High Priestess, I needed an heir and since us Priestess cannot wed, I had to choose a suitable mate as it were. Balgus was the only person who seemed fitting," She admitted allowing her hand to drop back down to her side. "Salia is my pride and joy. My only regret is that I wish Salia could have met him. Please, be kind to her Van."
Van stared blankly at her for a moment, his mouth agape. The shock beginning to wear off. He shook his head to rid himself of this. "I will do my best, for Balgus."
She gave him a firm nod, "Thank you. Now go my young king, I believe you will need some time to yourself."
"Indeed," was his only reply before he turned and walked out of the room. 'Father and Queen Brahne,' He muttered to himself as he retreated down the hall towards the rooms upstairs.
It was early morning, just before dawn. Folken had awoken to an empty bed missing the warm body that he had shared it with the night before. Numerous thoughts raced through hid mind as he rose from the bed to start the day. Once he dressed himself, he sought out on his journey to find the golden haired woman. He found her easily enough. She was in the stable. She was dressed in tight black pants that clung to her skin and emphasized her curves. A white silk blouse covered her top half, only buttoned halfway. A thin strapped black top rested beneath the pristine white fabric. He could see the glitter of the medallion as it rested against her chest. Her golden hair was pulled up into a high ponytail to keep the long strand from her face.
He tilted his head, watching her with curiously as she saddled one of the three horses. "Where are you going?" Folken asked leaning against the door frame of the small stable.
Galaxia pulled the straps of the saddle tightly, ensuring that they were securely in place. She did not look in his direction as she spoke. "I am going back to Terra," She replied reaching up and stroking the nose of the white horse. The same horse that Folken had brought along with him. "I may be able to convince Queen Brahne to declare a temporary ceasefire allowing you and your brother's friends a chance to escape," She explained tucking a loose strand of hair behind her ear.
He raised a questioning brow, "Why would you do that?" He asked raising an eyebrow curiously.
Galaxia scoffed retrieving her sword from the table in the corner. She glanced at him as she secured the weapon around her hips. "Do you honestly think that the Queen will allow you all sit here forever?" She let out a mocking laugh, "Not a chance. She will flush them out and kill all who gets in her way, including you," She said firmly locking her eyes with his. After a moment, she let out a small, yet sad sigh, "I can't let that happen," She added shaking her head slightly.
Folken thought for a moment pondering her statement. He knew she was right, as she usually was when it came to Arathnia's royal house, "Is there a chance she will consider it?" He questioned taking a step towards her.
Galaxia shrugged, uncertainty evident in her face. "I am not sure, but if I make a good argument she may." She sighed again, "Something needs to be done about all this," She mused shaking her head disapprovingly. "There is no honour in a fight such as this."
He looked doubtful, but knew that he could not stop her. Once she had set her mind to something, it was nearly impossible to deter her. He sighed watching her as stroked the horses neck before preparing herself to board. He approached her, resting his hand on the small of her back, "Be careful," He stated quietly, leaning in and placing a kiss on her cheek.
She glanced at him, "Don't worry about me," She said stepping up into the stirrup. "I am a big girl, I can handle myself," She added with a grunt as she hauled herself onto the horses back, settling into the saddle. "You of all people should know that Queen Brahne does not scare me," She exclaimed with certainty.
Folken reached up placing a hand on her thigh, "Please," He nearly pleaded, his eyes locking with hers. "Take care of yourself."
Her expression softened and a small thoughtful smile spread across her lips. "I will," was her short reply.
Before he could utter another word, she gave the horse a gentle kick. It lurched into action trotting forward out of the stable at a rather fast pace. Folken followed, watching her as she rode off towards the properly carved path leading out of the valley and back towards the vast city of Terra. He frowned as he watched her disappear amongst the trees, his face streaked with worry. "I hope you know what you are getting yourself into," He mumbled to himself. He shook his head in dismay and headed towards the staircase that led up to the temple.
"And where have you been these last few days?" Queen Brahne asked her eyes narrowing at her knight.
Galaxia dropped to her knees, bowing respectively. "Forgive me my Queen." She said looking down at the floor.
The Queen eyes her suspiciously before sighing and gesturing for her to rise. "No matter," She stated dismissing the subject entirely. "Have you located our quarry yet?" She asked flatly continuing her stride down the hall towards her throne room. She was growing impatient with this waiting game. "I want to know where he is, and I want to know now."
Galaxia nodded falling into step beside her Queen, "Indeed I have your majesty," She admitted with a firm nod. "They have taken refuge in the temple of Caladonna."
"So they have the aide of Freya. Typical," She mused before a wicked smile spread across her face. "Excellent," She purred reaching out and placing a hand on the younger woman's shoulder, "I knew that I could count on you," she added gently squeezing her shoulder. "Your loyalty will be rewarded I can assure you of that," She stated her dark eyes glowing with the thirst for revenge.
"What do you plan to do, if you don't mind me asking your Highness?" Galaxia probed as they passed a group of handmaidens. They bowed meekly to them before rushing past them to their duties.
Brahne let out a sigh of thought as she tapped her chin with her long red fingernail. "Hmmm, so many possibilities," She pondered aloud, a devilish smirk spreading across her thin lips. "I am not sure, perhaps I will arrest them and slowly, but surely, dispatch them all one by one," She mused coming to a halt before the double doors of the throne room. "Ooh, I just cannot decided, so many decisions to make indeed."
"If I may be so bold as to make a suggestion," She spoke up eyeing the guards as they pulled the heavy doors open for their Queen.
She turned to look at the knight, "Of course, I am intrigued to hear what you have to say," She replied stepping over the threshold and into the large circular room.
"Perhaps we should postpone our endeavor," She suggested. "Your vendetta against Van Fanel has our forces thinned to the limit. I merely suggest we stop and regroup before seeking him out," She continued with a bow of her head.
The dark haired Queen turned her head to glance at Galaxia, "I see your point, but the longer we wait, the risk that he may escape increases. Especially now since he appears to have the aide of Strategos Folken, as well as the Lady Freya and her subjects." She stated as the doors behind them closed, leaving them alone in privacy. She shook her head, "No, that would not be a wise decision."
Galaxia sighed inwardly. This conversation was not going as she had hoped. The Queen's mind would be hard to sway indeed. "May I ask a favour of you, your grace. If you would be so kind as to grant me the privilege," She asked dropping to her knees in another bow of submission hoping that her flattery would soften the Queen's resolve.
The Queen sighed in annoyance, "You may."
Galaxia stumbled over her words in her mind for a moment, knowing she only had a few moments to spare before the Queen's patience ran thin. She took a deep breath in an effort to keep herself calm in front of the intimidating woman before her. "I was hoping that, in an act of faith and goodwill, that you would allow the Fanelian envoy passage back into Terra."
Brahne's eye widened, her lips pulling into a thin line. "No," She seethed through gritted teeth. "This is a war Galaxia, we cannot give assistance to our enemies. You of all should know this," She scolded shaking her head.
"Please, hear me out before you throw me out," She insisted biting her bottom lip.
The Queen shook her head again, "No, you have asked your favour and it has been denied," She spat narrowing her eyes at the younger woman. "Be gone before you try my temper," She snapped waving at her dismissively.
Galaxia rose to her feet, but stood her ground. She was determined. "I have never asked much of you," She began confidently. "Not in the twelve years that I have stood faithfully by your side supporting your mad quest for domination, but your majesty," She continued on standing firm on her conviction. This seemed the catch the Queen's attention for she turned around to face her subject. "I implore you to see reason. What kind of war is fought with one side possessing no armed warriors?" She pressed on, her confidence growing the more she spoke. "All that I am asking is for you to grant temporary asylum to the Fanelian envoy. Just for a day. Give them a chance to leave and put up a real fight. Tell me, where is the glory in regicide and slaughter?" She asked raising a curious eyebrow as she also crossed her arms over her chest as a show of defiance.
Queen Brahne shook her head disapprovingly, noticing the change in her stance. "I knew it would be only a matter of time before you would ask such a thing of me. Such a request that I cannot allow," She added. "The terms of the treaty with Fanelia were clear. Van Fanel severed our agreement when he neglected those terms. For that I see no reason to allow him any leniency. He has brought this down upon himself," She stated firmly. "He is a fool."
"I understand that, but there are innocent people involved," She reminded her. "Surely you can do something about that. Can't you keep your fight with him and leave the others out of it?" She suggested her confidence escaping her as quickly as it had come upon her.
"Do you see how foolish you are?" She snapped her cold blue eyes narrowing into a glare, "Your pathetic groveling is beginning to irritate me," She scolded taking a step away, turning to gaze up at the twin white thrones. "If I change my mind now, what kind of message is that sending to my people? That their Queen cannot stand behind her decision?" She asked raising an eyebrow in questioning. She did not wait for a response before beginning to speak again. "Never. There is nothing, nothing that I can do. This discussion is over." She stated with finality.
"Can or will not?" Galaxia challenged letting her arms drop back down to her sides. "Listen, I have fought, bled, and killed for your glory and the honour of Arathnia. For the honour and glory of your throne," She reached out, placing a hand on the Queen's arm. "Please Nastrata, I beg of you."
The Queen's eyes flashed dangerously before she reached out, striking the younger woman across the face, hard. "You have no right to refer to me by my first name, is that understood!" She barked narrowing her eyes, her face twisting into a sneer.
Galaxia nodded bowing her head submissively, but not showing any fear or pain despite the intense stinging in her cheek. She had witnessed the Queen's rage at others but had never experience it first hand. "I apologize my Queen, but please hear me out."
Brahne shook her head, "I should have see this coming," She ground out. However, her look of anger suddenly morphed into a satisfied smirk. "Oh I see now," She began with a small chuckle of amusement. "This is about that impudent wretch Folken isn't it?" She asked coyly. "Or should I say Prince Folken," She added emphasizing his proper title.
Surprise quickly filled her, but the blonde knight managed to keep up her relatively calm facade. "You knew?" She asked after a moment.
The Queen glared down at her, "Of course I knew!" She bellowed growing increasingly annoyed with Galaxia's ignorance. "Do you honestly think I am that blind?" She continued on in her tirade. "Folken shares a striking resemblance to his father. In case this fact has slipped your dimwitted mind, King Goau was a dear friend of mine. Of course I would be able to spot his son the moment I saw him you stupid girl!" She raged her eyes glowing echoing her displeasure.
"And you never told me?"
"It was never my job to do so," She stated with a nonchalant shrug of her shoulders. "He knew that I knew. It is him who chose not to disclose this information to you. It was his business, not mine!" She spat glaring at the younger woman. "How dare you speak to me in such a manner. After all that I have done for you. How shameful," She hissed looking her nose down on her.
Galaxia dropped to her knees, "Forgive me your radiance," She said, her voice barely above a whisper. She was reverting back to the flattery that she had seen Valoryn Salanzar use to charm his way out of sticky situations with her Queen many times over. She knew the argument was lost and that she would not win. Her heart dropped as she came to that realization. "Have mercy on my weak will and loose tongue," She insisted dropping her gaze to the marbled floor.
"No," Queen Brahne spat brushing past her towards the doors, her long black dress trailing elegantly across the floor behind her.
With what seemed like little effort, she pushed the heavy doors open. She stepped out of the room for a moment speaking with the guards beyond in a hushed voice. In moments Galaxia could heard their retreating footsteps as they rushed to complete whatever task the Queen had assigned to them. A chill ran up her spine as she felt the icy glare of her Queen on her back. A thick and tense silence passed between the two woman for what seemed like hours. An agonizing silence that you became desperate to fill, but could not muster the words in order to do so.
Finally, the dark haired Queen spoke. "I told you when you came here, that once you cross me there is no going back," She stated coldly, her tone laced with anger. "You chose your fate now deal with the consequences of your betrayal," She continued heading to the steps that led up to her throne. "Just be thankful that I graciously decided to spare your life. If it were not for my brother's blood flowing through your veins, I would not be so generous," She concluded in her explanation as she settled into her throne. "You are no longer of use to me."
Galaxia looked up at her in surprise, "Wh...what?" She stuttered out, a jolt of fear rushing through her.
The Queen's dark expression did not change. She heard footsteps and turned her head towards the door. The guards walked into the room, dropping to their knees with their weapons held firmly. Behind them, Astra walked into the room. Her metal mask was missing, her face blank. The only emotion in her eyes was that of concern. For what reason, she did not know. Gracefully, she ascended the staircase taking her seat on the throne next to her mothers. Following behind her was the first General Lorelei. A cocky smirk was plastered onto her face as she sauntered in. She proudly word her battle garb with the Arathnian crest craved into the leather breastplate. Her long dark red hair tumbled down past her shoulder framing her face. It did nothing to make her look less than a warrior. Her mocking eyes glancing down at the knight still kneeling on the floor before her Queen. Generals Sersi zan Pythia and Cortia Verdish soon followed walking side by side. Sersi bore her armour, her long dark hair braided down her back. Her dark brown eyes scanned the room, curiosity shining in those chocolate orbs. Corita's short bright red hair puffed up around her head. Just as the other two generals, she too wore her battle armour. Unlike the others, her expression feigned boredom instead of satisfaction or curiosity. The last General, Virgil Heidegar, walked into the room. Unlike the female Generals, he did not seem pleased with the event that was poised to occur. His expression remained flat, but his eyes betrayed him much like they had with the young Princess. Concern, and regret with a trace of fear. Galaxia and Virgil had grown close in their years of servitude under the Dragon Queen, much like she had with the Princess. Her cousin. She shivered. She could hardly breathe under the intense stares of the people surrounding her. Lastly, Valoryn Salanzar walked into the room. His smug expression spoke volumes of his pleasure at the situation before him.
"Let the court bare witness to this," Queen Brahne stated raising her right hand to silence the crowd that had gathered in the throne room to witness the spectacle. It seemed as though nothing would please them more to see the blonde knight crash and burn. The only exceptions being Princess Astra and Virgil Heidegar. The ebony haired Queen too a breath before casting her eyes downward. "Galaxia Evania Tantuar," She began, her voice loud and echoing throughout the room. "I hereby strip you of your knighthood, your position, duties and your title. You are no longer fit to serve and do not deserve a place amongst my ranks or in kingdom," She stated formally. The finality in her tone was not lost upon the persons in the room.
Galaxia's throat clenched and she could feel her stomach twist into a knot. She took a deep breath to calm herself, but found that it was her undoing. She was unable to hold her tongue any longer, "Aunt Nastrata please!" She exclaimed in desperation as the three female Generals stepped towards her as if to surrounded her. "I beg of you."
"Silence!" She yelled slamming a closed fist down on the arm of her throne. This startled everyone in the room. The generals jumped back crossing their arms behind their backs like the well trained soldiers they were. She glared at the blonde woman on the floor, her eyes boring into her. "You dare go against my orders, and now you want me to give those traitors asylum?" She asked through her clenched teeth. Fury radiated off of her causing everyone in the room to tense. The slightest wrong move could ignite the fuse of the Queen's wrath. They all knew it. Just as soon as the outburst appeared, it vanished. Queen Brahne settled back into her throne looking as stoic as always. Her emotionless mask returning firmly in place, and no faint hint of anything shone through.
It was them that Galaxia could see what she had been blind to for years. Nastrata Brahne was just a husk of her former self. The years had taken their hold on her and turned her once bright soul black tainting it with the same evil that had infected her brother. Power. For the first time in all the years she had served under her, Galaxia could see it as if she was seeing it with new eyes. As if she were a n outsider looking in.
"You brought this on yourself," The Queen stated flatly. "Defy me, and be doomed," She added her eyes narrowing as she spoke. She waved her hand dismissively, "You have one hour. Leave Terra and never return for if I see your face again, I will put you in a pit with a hungry basilisk and we shall see what will play out," She hissed in warning, hatred oozing from the words.
Without needing further instruction. Galaxia rose to her feet, forcing herself to hold her head high. She mustered up the strength to hide the pain and betrayal she felt. She turned, pushing past the female generals and out into the hall. She could feel anger begin to swell within her, however it was not directed towards the Queen. She could only find one person at fault for the position she now found herself in. Van.
The Queen watched her niece leave with a scowl on her face. 'How dare he turn her against me,' She hissed inwardly clenching her fist. 'They will pay, they will all pay. Even you dear niece.' She vowed silently. She snapped her fingers. "Valoryn!" She barked turning her head sharply to gaze at her faithful servant.
Instantly, he took centre stage as he bowed deeply, "Yes your radiance."
She sighed rolling her eyes. She was in no mood to handle is overenthusiastic flattery. "Fetch me Agrael.. I am in need of one of his...pets," She commanded tossing her dark waves over her shoulder.
Valoryn bowed deeply again stepping away from the dark haired queen. "Yes your radiance. Right away," and with that he rushed out of the throne room eager to fulfil her request.
Queen Brahne's eyes narrowed as she tapped her blood red fingernails against the stone arm of her throne. She scowled pulling her lips into a thin line, "How dare you turn your back on me Savanna," She snarled as rage began to fill her once more. "You will rue the day that you double crossed me niece. Yes, you shall pay indeed."
"And you just let her go!" Van yelled at his older brother articulating his fury. It had been hours since Galaxia had left and they had only just discovered her appearance. The young king was livid.
Folken rolled his eyes at Van's outburst. He was not pleased with Galaxia's hasty exit as well, but there was nothing he could have done about it. "She is free to do as she pleases," Folken retorted narrowing his eyes, "She was no prisoner here, nor am I her keeper," He spat back in annoyance. He was growing tired of his brother's outbursts.
"She could lead Queen Brahne right to us!" He pressed on refusing to drop the subject.
He shook his head in response to that statement. "Believe me, she had no intention of doing such a thing," He assured his brother. "I know you cannot see it, but she is trying to help you Van. If anyone can sway Queen Brahne's decision it is Galaxia," He concluded with a firm nod.
Van scoffed in disbelief, "I will believe that when I see it. I don't trust her!"
"But I do!" Folken exclaimed. He shook his head anger flashing in his eyes, "You should learn to hold your tongue brother. You must not be so quick to judge someone's motives when your own are not so black and white," He spat scolding his younger short-tempered brother.
"What do you mean by that?"
A loud screech interrupted their somewhat heated discussion. Their attention shifted upwards to the source of the inhuman sound. Up in the sky, descending into the valley at a rapid pace was a golden coloured dragon. It shrieked again as it got caught in the upwind causing it to loose it's balance. The dragon's wing crumpled and the creature crash landed onto the ground several feet away. It skittered along the ground digging a groove into the earth below it. He was fairly small for a dragon. Van scowled at the creature, rushing over to the dragon with his hand clutching the hilt of his sword preparing to draw at a moments notice. A hurt dragon, was a dangerous dragon. The creature seemed to groan as it pushed itself back up onto shaky legs.
"Van no!" Folken cried rushing over towards the dragon and his younger brother. He stepped between the two preventing any harm to come to either one. Van glared at him, but dropped his hand from the sword. Folken let out a breath of relief before turning around to look at the injured dragon. He recognized the creature instantly. "Something is wrong," He said walking towards it without hesitation.
The dragon looked back at him, recognition flashing in it's cerulean coloured eyes. It reeled back letting lose another loud and painful shriek as it flapped it's wings frantically. However, it did not try to fly away. Folken winced as air assaulted his eyes. He squinted against the gust and reached up grabbing a hold of the reins securely fastened to it's cheeks. "Gharza," He grunted roughly pulling on the thick straps of leather. "Calm down," He ordered not the slightest intimidated by the dragon's sudden outburst.
"Gharza?" Yukari stated a disgusted look on her face. It was obvious that she did not approve of this particular name. She stood far back away from the dragon, but did not appear frightened by it either.
"You know this dragon?" Both Van and Hitomi asked at the same time. They glanced at each other before turning back to the scene before them.
Folken pulled on the reins again, but the dragon pulled back making him slide forward. "Yes," He ground out before pulling with all his strength. The dragon let our another shriek as it stumbled awkwardly forward, landing on the ground with a thud shaking the earth beneath it. This seemed to settle it down. It let out a pained moan, shifting it's wings and laying them on the ground on either side of him.
"He's just a young one," Salia piped up brushing past them and rushing to the dragon's side. She glared at Folken. "You could have hurt him," She scolded running her hands over the reptile's head petting him. Her touch seemed to help soother the whimpering beast. Salia scowled at the reins. She reached out gripping them tightly in her hands before shifting her eyes to his shoulder. A branded scar was visible a top the scales, discoloring them. It was still fairly fresh. "A dragon rider's dragon," She stated with disgust tracing her fingers along the metal pegs that were forced through the scales of his cheek and through the bone. Folken seemed to pay her no mind as he looked around the area as if her were looking for something, or someone.
Hitomi sensed that something was not right. Her stomach twisted into a tight knot as a vision flashed in her minds eye. A scaled winged beast. It was red and green in color with narrow eyes and a long snout. Jagged and crooked teeth filled it's mouth. It's leathery wings flapped quickly, narrowly avoiding trees as it pursued something. Someone. Hitomi blinked, the image disappearing. Her eyebrows furrowed in thought. 'What was that?' she wondered to herself before looking back to Folken. Worry was etched onto his face as he gave up his visual search. "What's wrong Folken?" She asked sensing the alarm radiating from him.
He turned to look at her, fear and concern evident in his features. This was very unlike him. "Gharza belongs to Galaxia," He stated running his fingers through his hair. "She was in training to be a dragon rider," He explained bending down and lifting a severed chain that appeared to be attached to the creature's leg. "She had captured this one herself. Gharza never would have left Terra without her," He explained clenching the metal links tighter in his grasp.
"Why?" Van asked stepping closer to them, stepping closer since the threat of the dragon appeared to be neutralized.
Folken turned and glared at his younger brother. "You should know the ways of the rider's," He scolded before turning his attention back to the chain. "The dragon and the rider share a bond," He continued to explain without much of a pause. "Galaxia took great care to earn Gharza's friendship. She spent a lot of time with him and and about the city. Taming him. He is still a juvenile, but he is reliable," He explained inspecting the chain closer. "It was cut," He mused his expression falling.
"What does that mean?" Merle asked her ears perking up with curiosity. She never had taken the time to learn about the Dragon Rider's, nor had she ever been so close to a dragon before. It all seemed very fascinating to her.
"The dragon's are kept in a secure location," Folken stated turning to glance at the cat-girl. "It is a cave within the mountain that supports castle Terra. Only the riders, and the monarchy are allowed inside," He remarked. He held up the severed chain for the others to see. "This means that Gharza was freed and that he did not escape. Someone let him go," He announced dropping the chain as it if had burned his fingers.
"And what does that mean?" Van asked stepping closer to his older brother echoing his close friend's question.
He let out a sigh looking down at the ground before raising his head to meet his brother's intense and scrutinizing gaze. There was a hint of anger and regret in Folken's eye, but he seemed to hide it well. "It appears that someone, or something let him do. Which means that something had happened to Galaxia." He stated darkly.
Hitomi sucked in a breath the image of the creature flashing in her mind again. Was it possible that it had something to do with the golden haired knight? "I hate to ask this as well," She spoke up attempting to read the emotions on his face, but found that he had put his mask on once more, "but what does that mean Folken?" She asked delicately. She did not wish to upset him.
He turned glaring at her. She shrank back not expecting the intense display of animosity. "I do not know," was all he could say before turning around and heading back towards the temple.
No one dared to follow.
Galaxia gasped pushing herself forward through the passage way. Her whole body ached and the rocks around her scratched at her skin and ripped her tattered clothes even more. Her wounds greatly slowed her down, but her breathing became heavier and her head began to swim. Her mouth was dry, which just seemed to make everything worse. The dizziness made it much harder for her to navigate through the thin passageway that led back into Caladonna. Still, she forced herself to continue. Just a little farther and she'd be safe. She'd be back in holy land, and Brahne could do not more harm to her. Her body was slowing as she could feel the burn of the poison. The rapid beating of her heart was doing nothing but aide it's journey through her system. She knew it was her who had sent the creature after her. She knew that if she did not make it soon, she might not survive. This was a fact that she could not bare. Her life was not over just yet. She grimaced as the wounds in her back screamed in pain. She ignored it and pushed forward determination set onto her features. She let out a relieved sigh when she spotted light shining through the thin crevice. She proceeded onward, unwilling to give up despite her body's agonizing protests.
Galaxia squeezed through that last crevice, slipping out of the hidden passageway and into the valley of the holy land. She rested her hand on the warm stone surface, taking deep breaths in order to calm her racing heartbeat. Sweat poured down her forehead, coating her skin with it's sheen in order to cool down her rapidly rising body temperature. She bent over the rock beside the crack, falling to her knees. She lurched forward as her stomach jumped. She coughed as her stomach pushed all it's contents back out onto the ground. Her back throbbed painfully as her chest heaved until nothing else could come out. All of these symptoms of toxic shock. When she finished voiding her stomach she leaned back against the stone wall in an effort to cease the dizziness that clouded her brain. However, when her stop failed to have the effect she desired, she forced her tired limbs forward in an effort to reach the temple. It wasn't that far from her location, she could see it clearly and was determined that she could make it. However, she only made it a few feet before her legs finally gave out. They crumpled beneath her and the golden hair warrior crumbled to the ground and everything turned to darkness.
The former knight's fall did not go unnoticed. A moment after her collapse, Jack, Raven's pygmy dragon stumbled across her unconscious form. He danced around her for a few moments, sniffing and prodding her with his nose in an effort to earn a response. When she failed to made no movement or noise he looked around for danger. He could smell her fever, and the poison surging through her veins. Once he made sure the coast was clear and no danger would befall her upon his absence, he bolted across the valley towards the temple in search of his master. In search of help.
AN: Well that was a lot of randomness in my opinion. Sorry about that. This chapter was originally much longer, but there was a big part that I could move to the next Chapter, so I decided to leave it off there. A couple of intriguing characters will be popping up next. Hope you stay tuned.
Next: Into the Forest.
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