AN: Another Chapter for you. I hope you enjoy!
Disclaimer: I only own Arathnia, and the characters from there. I do not own Escaflowne, even though I wish I did.
The Past, Future, and Somewhere in Between
Chapter 20: To Bring Honor to One's Family
Basram was everything that one would call a winter wonderland. Icicles hung from rooftops as decorations. Ice clung to trees and buildings blanketing them in white. Frost coated the windows making them completely opaque. Snow fell from the sky daily, blanketing the lands below with fresh powder. The cold arctic winds would often pick up the fine flakes carrying them in swirls as if they were controlled by some kind of mystical creature.
Hitomi sat at the window of the room that she had been given to share with Yukari within the castle. It had a fantastic view of the city below and the sandy haired teen found it breathtaking. The snow just made everything appear so beautiful. Three days had passed by since their arrival. With the celebration looming ahead, it did not take long for the city to be enveloped in a flurry of activity. Elaborate decorations were thrown about the city in hues of blue and gold. Heavy quilted fabrics hung from rooftops and windows in an effort bring life to the city. The castle seemed to be the only structure untouched from the decorative frenzy that had infected the people of Mideen.
Hitomi watched the activity below with intrigue. In the last few days, she had learned many things about the harsh lives of the people of Basram. They worked long hours rarely taking breaks. They endured the arctic winds and subzero temperature without uttering complaint. Hot admirable and well disciplined they seemed to be. The family dynamics were most interesting. The woman played the more subservient role in the household. They cooked, cleaned, took care of the men as well as care for for the children. The men busied themselves with work in an effort to support their families, most of which were rather large. Some families had six or seven children all squeezed into those small log-cabin houses. Hardships were many, but despite this, they appeared to be happy.
The Ceremony of New Light, that was soon to take place, was a constant curiosity. It was revealed to be a coming of age ceremony for young Basramian women. It was one thing that they were prepared for since birth. It was an event when, mostly nobility, would prepare their young daughters, spending a ridiculously large amount of money, to parade them about. It could be compared to a debutant ball. This was mainly an excuse for the fathers to show off their good fortune at their daughter's beauty, and perfect to showcase them to the men of the land with the prospect of finding the girl's their future husband. It was an old tradition that dated back centuries. The grandiose event took place every three years marked by the end of the winter months. Young girls of various ages and sizes were put on display as if they were precious jewels up for auction to be sold to the highest bidder. These girls ranged in age from twelve, all the way up to nineteen. Only the highest of noblemen could afford the expenses required for the youngest of the girls. The older girls were usually from the lower or working class. The finer and more extravagant garments the girls wore, the better breed and pedigree they possessed. It was the one day in which Basramian girls were treated like princesses.
Hitomi frowned as these particular thoughts ran through her mind. How impersonal it all seemed to be. Love appeared to have no place amongst the general populace. It was all a matter of duty and of convenience. Though they put on a good act, many of the women seemed miserable. It was so sad to see that these woman had been cultivated since birth to play the role of the perfect and doting house wife. Although, some women gave up on this role and took up positions in the country's militia. These strong willed woman were not quite as revered or popular as the more gentile type.
"How barbaric," Yukari stated sitting down beside her friend. "This whole Ceremony of New Light thing is a bunch or horse shit," She began leaning back against the cold stone wall. "Women around here seem to have few rights and just do whatever the men ask them to."
Hitomi shrugged her shoulders. "I agree with you," She replied turning to look at the redhead. "But it's all these people know. To them, it doesn't seem so strange."
Yukari snorted distastefully. "I have too much respect for myself to allow for such a stupid thing," She ranted crossing her arms over her chest. If there was one thing the redhead was passionate about, it was human rights. "Woman here are either slaves or fucking warriors. It is so retarded."
The seeress chuckled at her friend's eloquence. An amused smile tugged at her lips, "Well, it's a good thing that you don't live here isn't it? I don't think the men here could handle you," She added teasingly.
The redhead gave her a playful shove, "And what is that supposed to mean?"
She shrugged smiling at the playfulness of their conversation, "I will let the statement stand for itself."
Yukari rolled her eyes her smirk disappearing. "No offense Hitomi," She began changing the subject, "But I don't understand why you like this world so much. Dragons, giant birds, evil Queen's, war, politics, and blind know-it-all priestess'. It all seems so unreal. It's just too fucked up for me," She announced with unnecessary dramatics.
Hitomi thought for a moment, it was a curious question indeed. One she often found herself asking as of late. "I like it's simplicity," She began shrugging once more. "The feel for nature and what not," She added once her friend shot her a strange look. "I also adore the people, the places, the lifestyle. It's like life is an adventure," She explained with a small smile. She was once again getting used to life on Gaea. It possessed a certain appeal to her where her home on Earth did not. People found her strange, on Gaea, she seemed to fit in more. Perhaps it was the mystique of the parallel world that drew her to it so strongly. Or possibly, was it her secret abilities that she could not yet fully explain.
Yukari shook her head in disbelief. She could not fathom her friend's strange attachment to this world. All she wanted to do was find a way to go home. However, this did not seem to be Hitomi's primary focus. It was extremely frustrating to her. "I don't get it, but whatever floats your boat," She grumbled running her fingers through her hair. "There is something I wanted to talk to you about though. That's why I came up here."
"Sure Yukari, what is it?"
She took a deep breath knowing that this was basically an argument waiting to happen. However, she felt as though she had to meddle and give her two cents about the subject. "I wanted to talk to you about Van," She stated clasping her hands together to keep from fidgeting. It didn't really help.
Hitomi blinked a couple times, staring at her friend blankly. "What about him?" She asked slowly.
"I just don't understand him," Her reply began with a shrug. "What is his deal? Seriously, he can be such an ass hole," She stated with a small huff.
She sighed, nodding in agreement, "I can see where you are getting that from."
"Seriously?" the redhead continued in disbelief. It was obvious that her friend was not seeing the situation at the same angle she was. "How can you like a guy like that?" She asked, but did not wait for Hitomi to respond before continuing on. "I have never met such an indecisive man in all my life. Hell I thought Amano was a pain the ass at times. He's a piece of cake compared to that prick."
Hitomi sighed again growing slightly irritated by the negativity. Yukari just did not understand her feelings. "What are you getting at Yukari?"
"I mean that one minute he's totally into you and the next it's like he could care less. It is so frustrating!" She cried throwing her hands up in the air dramatically.
"He's just under a lot of pressure..." She began the explanation, but did not get far.
Yukari scoffed effectively interrupting her friend. "That's no excuse," She spat. "What do you see in him? Tell me because I would really like to know." However, she did not stop there, but kept going on in her tirade. "I mean yes he's good looking, gorgeous really, and yes he is a king, but seriously, you could do so much better," She rambled off trying to get it all out without sounding too condescending. She simply wanted her friend to see reason, not hurt her. Perhaps there was no way around the latter.
"I don't want to argue with you about Van." Hitomi shot back in annoyance. "He's so much different when we're alone," She began slowly thinking carefully to word everything the most truthful manner as possible. "He's more relaxed and open in private. We have been through a lot together. He's saved my life many times and I have saved him just as often," She explained a small, dreamy smile tugging at her lips. She remembered her first admission of her feelings for him in Dornkirk's laboratory. What a fool she had been to not see it before. She had been too blinded by her unrequited love for Allen that she hadn't realized that Van had harbored secret feelings of his own. "There is a lot of history between us," She added after the small pause. "I trust him," was her conclusion with a firm nod of her head.
The redhead snorted distastefully sticking her nose up in the air in a snobbish fashion."He's a jerk," She retorted crossing her arms over her chest to emphasize her statement.
Hitomi nodded slowly. Though she disagreed with her friend's perception of the raven haired king, she could understand her statement. "I am surprised by his behavior," She admitted humbly. "He is not exactly what I expected," She revealed biting her bottom lip nervously. She hated being so direct. "We both grew so much during my last stay here. He seems to be just as stubborn and rash as before. As well as quick tempered," She said suppressing another sigh and tucking her hair behind her ears. "Maybe it's just the stress but I am not sure."
"I say drop him and forget about him."
A frustrated sigh escaped her lips. Her friend was not getting her point what so ever. "I know that you don't understand our relationship, hell I don't even understand it, but please can you just butt out? "She asked taking some offense to her negativity. "I know that you're just looking out for me but I can handle it and I can handle Van. Please don't worry."
"Fine, but don't come crying to me if it all goes to shit.," She cried out in defeat throwing her hands up in the air again as a show of her detachment for the situation.
The door to their room slammed open effectively interrupting their conversation. Both turned to look in the direction of the disturbance. A young girl bolted into the room wasting no time in slamming it behind her. She turned towards them leaning back against the door with an exasperated sigh. She appeared frazzled and slightly panicked. She was fairly you, approximately the same age as Sannah. Her hair was a golden brown color. It was kept fairly short, the ends just coming to rest on her shoulders framing her oval shaped face. Her hazel eyes were wide with panic as she desperately searched the room for something. She was clothed in a tattered blue skirt that was longer in the back than in the front. The front went to her mid-thigh where as the back reached the back of her knees. A metal golden colored belt encircled her waist at the top of her skirt. The center buckle looked like like either wings or horns. It was hard to tell from a distance. Her shirt was brown and looked like a long piece of fabric that was wrapped around her, emphasizing her already substantial chest which was basically popping out. A blue colored top rested underneath to ensure her modesty. Her mid-drift was exposed showing off her flat and fairly toned stomach. She was incredibly fit, verging on muscular for a girl her size. A thick gold tiara rested across her forehead indicating her as a person of high status. All in all it was odd attire for the snowy climate.
Yukari wrinkled her nose at the girl's intrusion, "Who are you?" She asked rudely not appreciating her sudden appearance. She narrowed her eyes at her, inspecting her appearance with deep scrutiny.
It was only then that the girl seemed to notice their presence. A small blush spread across her cheeks as she pushed herself off of the close door. "I'm sorry," She apologized sheepishly. "I didn't know there was anyone staying in here," She explained offering up a small but nervous smile. Her voice was soft but held a slight edge to it.
Hitomi offered up a smile, "It's alright, no harm done," She assured her wiping her hands on her skirt. The room had gotten real hot all of a sudden. At least to her. She cleared her throat, "What's your name?"
The girl looked back at the door, "Neya," She stated as she turned back to look at the girls.
Yukari scoffed distastefully, "That's a weird name," She stated crossing her arms over her chest again.
Hitomi rolled her eyes, "So is Yukari," She retorted mimicking her friend's actions.
"No one asked you," She snapped turning to glare at her best friend.
Footsteps were heard out in the hall and this seemed to send their visitor into another panic. She turned to the two bickering friends. "I was never here!" Neya announced before rushing over to the trunk at the end of one of the beds and throwing it open. It was empty. With a small squeal of triumph, she climbed inside. Closing the lid behind her, she effectively hid herself from view.
Hitomi and Yukari both looked at one another in complete confusion. Both had never met or seen the young girl before and found it rather peculiar that she was determined to find a hiding spot in their room. More importantly, what reason did she have to hide? As they pondered this, the door was thrown open yet again. It was a woman. She was wrapped in a elegant purple gown that hung loosely from her frame. A thick red sash was tied around her waist enhancing her thin body. Her pitch black hair was pulled up into an elaborate bun that was held firmly in place by two chopsticks with pink floral designs running up the sides. Her olive complexion emphasized her exotic appearance. On earth, she would have been considered Asian. A look of impatience adorned her stern countenance as she stepped into the room briskly. She stepped heavy on the balls of her feet.
She glanced at the two girls on the bed her eyes narrowing, "Where is the princess?" She asked her tone and stare screaming nothing but suspicion.
"What princess?" Yukari asked returning the other woman's glare.
The woman rolled her eyes and scanned the room with her eyes. There was a small bang followed by a curse from the trunk. Instantly, the woman walked towards it. Without warning, she pulled open the lid of the trunk. With a deep and annoyed sigh she stepped back from the storage box crossing her arms over her chest. "Neya, get out of there," She demanded.
The young girl cursed as she pulled herself from the trunk. "But Felicia," She whined, a pained look on her face. "I don't want to do this," She grunted out while she was stepping out of the small confined space to stand in front of the woman.
Felicia let out a frustrated sigh, "Look at you, you are filthy," She snapped brushing some dust off of the young girl's shoulder. "You have known about this Celebration your whole life. As princess of this land it is your duty to follow tradition," She informed her fluffing out Neya's thick hair. She smiled softly, "Now come, Mistress Myrna will have my head if I do not get you down to the preparation chamber in time. They have been awaiting your arrival all morning," She grabbed onto the girl's wrist leading her towards the door.
Neya stopped standing firm, "No!" She shouted stopping her feet like a spoiled child. "I wish to speak with my father first," She insisted resting her hand on her hips.
"Your father is a very busy man Neya. I'm afraid that we don't have to time to..."
"I don't care!" She yelled ripping her hand from her grasp. "Take me to him now!"
Felicia rolled her eyes, "Fine, you win," She sighed in defeat. She stepped back from the girl gesturing to the opened doorway. "Just remember, do not be heartbroken if you dislike the decision he makes on the subject," She piped up in warning.
"It will be fine," Neya snapped in response before stomping out of the room, closely followed by the servant.
Yukari's gaze followed them as they left, shaking her head in disbelief, "It's all they know?" She remarked raising an eyebrow and turning to look at her best friend.
Hitomi shrugged, "There are always exceptions."
"I am sorry Neya, but it is what is expected of you," Godric stated with a sigh as he stood in front of his throne gazing down at his young daughter with disappointment evident in his features. The young girl had come storming into the throne room completely interrupting his meeting with his council and bringing it to a screeching halt. He had been forced to postpone his duties to attend to the matter for it required his immediate attention. He was clearly unimpressed by her lack of decorum and her over apparent display of defiance.
Myrna decided that this was the perfect time to become necessarily involved with the conversation between her son and granddaughter. "The Celebration of New Light is when the young noble woman are paraded about showing off their beauty, poise, and superior breeding," She began reaching out and sliding her bony fingers down the princess' cheek. The young girl winced at her touch. "It is the perfect opportunity for men to observe and potentially choose their future bride. A noble tradition indeed," She confirmed with a stiff nod. "A tradition that dates back centuries."
Neya wrinkled her nose up in displeasure. The idea sounded more like torture than anything. She hated being painted up like a doll and having people stare at her for hours on end. The formalities of court were not her forte. "But what if I don't like any of them?" She asked with a whine. She did not waste any time before adding to her question. "Suitors be damned, I am way too young for this," She stated firmly.
Godric rubbed his temples at the headache forming from his daughter's belligerence. "Tradition demands that you wed or be betrothed before you reach the age of sixteen," He began his reply slowly, taking his time to let the words sink in. "You are nearly fourteen now. We are running out of time."
"A young woman of your caliber should wed a man of royal blood," Myrna piped up again clasping her hands in front of her as if to demonstrate the show of the same poise and grace that was expected of the young girl. "If such a union is not possible, which in your case I find highly probable, a man of high rank and title may be given the honor. Such is the way of things granddaughter," She concluded rather sternly.
The young princess threw her hands up in the air illustrating her aggravation. No one was truly listening to what she had to say. "Grandmother, I don't want to do this! Does no one understand that!" She cried growing more frustrated with the two adults before her. "I do not want to be forced to marry someone simply because it is my duty to do so," She ranted crossing her arms over she chest defiantly. "I want to marry for love!"
Myrna scoffed, "Love has no place in court. There are no excuses girl!" the old woman snapped displeased by the outburst. "You will do as your country expects of you," She continued on pointing her index finger at the girl for emphasis "Your complete disregard for protocol and your actions today have been unacceptable!" She exclaimed raising her voice slightly.
"Mother you are not helping the situation!" Godric snapped interrupting his mother's tirade. Earning a disapproving glare from the old woman, he then turned his attentions back to his daughter. "You are to participate in the Celebration as planned," He announced dismissing her with the gesture of his hand. "I suggest you go and prepare, you have little time left. It begins at noon tomorrow."
A smug look overtook the royal adviser's face. "Report back to me at dawn for your fitting and body work," Myrna stated coldly. "Do not be late, I will not be kept waiting."
"But..." Neya began to protest again.
"I am your father and you will do as I say," He snapped refusing to give her yet another chance to argue. Neya jumped back at the harshness of her father's voice. Seeing this, Godric's expression softened slightly. "If you do not participate, it looks bad upon me and the royal house," He explained his voice taking on a much softer tone. "I will reserve judgement on your request once the event has reached it's conclusion." He assured her with a small smile.
Neya bit her bottom lip knowing that there was no way to win her argument. Despite her desire to disobey, she would never do anything to harm her father's reputation, or disappoint him. Reluctantly, she nodded before turning and marching out of the room without uttering another word. The king let out a deep sigh falling back to sit upon his throne. There was too much on his plate. The preparations for the Celebration, harbouring the Fanelian fugitives against the advice of his council adding tension to his kingdom, as well as the added pressure from Arathnia for Basram to choose it's side in the war. A war he wanted no part of.
"I do not understand why you entertain her objections," Myrna began interrupting his thoughts.
Godric sighed heavily again, "Mother I do not need your lectures at this moment," He responded shooting down any further comments she wished to make on the subject. "I told her that she had no choice in the matter and you know as well as I that she will not go against my orders," He replied calmly. "I do not understand why you feel the need to act so coldly to my children," He remarked resting his chin on the palm of his hand. "Your Grandchildren," He reminded her.
The old woman shrugged, "You've made them soft," She retorted flatly. "If you had raised them properly, they would be more obedient and take their duties as royalty more seriously," She added callously.
The king snorted at the insult, "I raised my children to think for themselves," He argued glaring at his mother. "I love my children, despite their faults, as did I love my wife," He added narrowing his eyes at the woman who had given him life. "Perhaps some reform is in order. I think it is time for Basram to change it's laws regarding marriage and letting the woman have more of a say in their choice for a husband."
"Tradition is important to the people Godric," She informed him not reacting with emotion at his proposition. "To take it away now would cause more damage than anything."
An annoyed groan slipped passed the king's lips. "Is tradition all that matter to you?"
Myrna rolled her eyes at her son's ignorance, "You practically begged me to put forth the arrangements to marry Princess Jenova of Daedalus," She reminded him. "I know you had feelings for her, but that does not escape the fact that you were so adamant because she was royalty and already had a line of suitors wishing for her hand. Do not tell me that tradition is completely lost upon you my son for it clearly is not," She spat crossing her thin arms over her chest. "I would expect the same compliance for any daughter of Basram."
He scoffed, "Of course you would say something like that."
A scowl once again formed upon the former queen's gaunt face. "Mind your tongue. You do not know of what matters you speak of," She snapped back.
"Oh I don't do I?" He challenged rising to his feet. At full height, he towered over the thin and frail form of his mother. "Lest you forget, mother, I have been on that throne for the last twenty-five years," He began pointing his finger towards her in emphasis. "I know as much about Basram's history as you. It is no secret that you married off your youngest sister to King Archibald of Arathnia, a much older man."
She shook her head disapprovingly. "You don't know what you are talking about!"
"I don't?" He inclined raising his brow, "He was in his late twenties and she was only thirteen. What was your reasoning for it? Of course, to solidify connections with Arathnia to make yourself more powerful," He spat in disgust. "You sold out your sister. That is something I do not wish for my daughter," He remarked in an accusatory tone. "I do want her to have some say in the matter."
Myrna shook her head, "That is not the way it works Godric," She seethed her annoyance growing. "Remember that I am a good judge of character. Despite my sister's reluctance, she grew to love Archibald and bore him three children. One of them, you do best to remember, was your best friend," She went on regaining her lost composure. Saving some face she stuck her nose in the air in a slightly pompous fashion. One expression that seemed to mimic Isaac's. "She was a calm and obedient wife and did her country a great honor by marrying Archibald. Do not be blinded by your love for your daughter," She advised him losing her air or arrogance and becoming more serious. "Sometimes you have to choose what is best for your child. They cannot always make the right decision," She sighed looking down at the floor, though hardly humbled. "Neya is a wild and free spirit, it would be best to tame her in now before she becomes too difficult to control."
Godric could feel his anger towards his mother dissolving. Deep down, he knew that she only wanted what was best for his children. Though he did not agree with her, he begrudgingly could see her side of it. He stepped back from his mother scratching at his beard. "Jenova would have never approved of this," He rebutted finding nothing more appropriate.
"Jenova was not a child of Basram, nor is she alive to offer her input," Myrna spat back regaining some of her lost thunder. Her son's submission seemed to add fuel onto the dwindling flames. "Do your best to consider that and be thankful that I am as understanding as this," She commented letting her hands finally drop down to her sides. "You have grown soft in your old age Godric and it does not suite you," She added turning towards the main door and shuffling to the steps of the platform.
"And you have become cold hearted."
Myrna sighed in annoyance rolling her eyes, "Insult me if it makes you feel better," She replied calmly though her irritation was apparent. "You know where I stand on this subject and I expect you to follow my suggestion," She stated glancing over her shoulder as she reached the door to the throne room. He nodded slowly and she turned back around heading through the exit. "No truly noble man would want a wife who displays such disobedience and disregard for her duties," She called behind her before closing the heavy wooden door behind her. She had gotten the last word.
Hitomi was alone. It was not something that usually bothered her all that much, but she found lately that the more time she spent alone, the more time she had to think. Thinking was not her most desired pass time. Since their disagreement that morning, Yukari had been avoiding her. Everyone else seemed to wrapped up in their own worlds to notice her presence. It was rather frustrating. Having spent most of the day locked up in her room, she decided to venture out in search of some company. One could only be alone with their thoughts for so long before they began to grow stir-crazy. She headed down the stone hallway, making her way down to the main level in search of her companions.
The world swirled around her as colours and shaped began to bend and warp into random splotches of color. She gasped in surprise holding her hand out to grip the rail that ran along the stairwell in order to steady herself. The light-headed sensation was not something she could get used to. She closed her eyes tightly a blinding agony seized her head in it's grasp. She carefully eased herself down into a sitting position so that she was more stable preventing her from falling. The stabbing pain in her head failed to dissipate. Taking a deep breath she forced her eyes open.
- Lush, deep green forest surrounded her. It was fairly dark with the canopy blocking nearly blocked the light from reaching the forest floor. It seemed much more like a jungle rather than a forest. Thick vine hung down from the trees and tangled themselves around trees and their branches. It was rich with the smell of dirt and musk. It was hot, almost unbearably so. Though the suns rays could not reach her through the thick canopy, the large leaves acted as a perfect insulator keeping the head perfectly contained beneath them. Hitomi wiped the sweat off her brow as she looked around at the scenery surrounding her. Never before had she seen such a place, neither on Earth or Gaea. With the blink of her eyes, the foliage was pulled back by an unknown force leaving her a clear bath through the underbrush. She was being herded somewhere. By what or by whom she was not sure. However, she allowed her curiosity to her the better of her. She slowly proceeded forward taking great care to avoid the small amount of weeds remaining by her feet. She could hear the plant life slithering back into place behind her with every step she took. It sent shivers up and down her spine. It was as if the jungle around her was alive. She followed the path until the trees began to thin and grow lighter in color. The dark leafy foliage gave way to lighter more airy plants. The more she traveled, the faster everything seemed to be passing by. Too fast.
Before long, she had reached the edge of the forest. Before her rested an entirely different scene. Green hills and full and sparing trees peppered the land. Bright colored fruit grew from some of the trees and strangely colored birds occupied the branches singing cheerfully to one another. Flowers bloomed in fields adding much needed color to the greenery. A river pulsed through the land carving it's way through the trees disappearing from view. On the other side of the river, there was a small bank of land which gradually turned into a vast mountain range. It looked so peaceful here. Resting a fair distance from both her and the river's shore, was a small village. Small thatched huts were built rather far from each other, scattered about at random. In the center rested a fire circle. Embers smoldered within producing a small amount of smoke. The dark tendrils curled and floated away on the light breeze that blew through the clearing. Seated upon a large boulder next to the fire pit was a shadowed figure. She stepped closer, eager to discover the identity of the figure before her.
It was the silhouette of a woman. She could not make out any features of her face due to the intense sunlight that burned behind her. A soft and peaceful song floated around her and in an almost hypnotic voice, the woman sang, "Peace to they who come, peace to all they who come," She sang poignantly.
Her voice was so soothing that Hitomi could feel herself beginning to relax after those two simple, yet wonderfully executed, lines. The woman possessed and angelic singing voice. High pitched and filled with harmony and with a softness that could soothe the soul of any savage beast to hear the melody. She began engrossed in the melody wishing to hear more. However, the small moment of bliss was over before she had time to truly enjoy it.
The word before her shattered into a million pieces like tiny shards of glass. Hitomi was left with another, more vivid, image in it's stead. She was brought back into the holy land of Caladonna, deep in the under levels of the stone temple. She could see Freya standing over the fountain, candles set up all around the edge of the bowl burning brightly. In the dim light, she looked so old and frail. Much older than she was sure to be. She tossed in some unknown powder and fire began to rage on the surface of the water, hovering slightly above the glistening surface. A face formed within the flames, however it was distorted making unable to identify. It could have been anyone but she had a feeling it was someone of great importance. The only thing she knew for certain was that the face belonged to a man.
Freya's mouth contorted as it formed words that she could not hear, speaking to the image in the flames. Moments passed by before the spoken words were audible. Her tone was low and her words chosen very carefully, "Her powers are unstable," She began, "She has yet to gain control of them," She continued with a heavy sigh. Hitomi could tell that the priestess was referring to her. She watched as Freya reached up to grasp the pendant around her neck, "I fear that she will do unable to do so before it is too late."
The flames curled up as the image within sighed, "You must trust her Freya," The man replied. The voice sounded familiar. It was deep yet oddly soothing. She could not recall where, but she knew she had heard this man speak before. "And yourself," He added slowly.
"She is beyond my skill level," Freya argued reaching up to rub her temples with her free hand. "She is more powerful than I, what could I possibly teach her?" She asked him, her voice almost pleading for an answer.
"Do not fret," The man assured her, "If you cannot help her, you know what to do."
Freya seemed extremely flustered by his response. She sighed clutching the pendant tighter. Hitomi could see blood trickling down her hand where her fingers wrapped around the stone. "But how?" She asked again her voice fill with uncertainty.
The man's reply was short , "Point her in the right direction. She will find her way."
Releasing the pendant in defeat she nodded in understanding, "Of course. Thank you." -
Hitomi came crashing back down to reality. She bolted up up in the chair looking around the room in confusion. Last she remembered she had been walking down the staircase. She shook her head trying to clear her foggy mind. She was sweating profusely. She had not even attempted to sleep yet, but she knew there was no way it would be coming now. Too many questions were raised from that strange life-like dream. She growled in frustration. Her powers were becoming more of a hindrance than a help. Although, she noticed as they drew closer to their goal, the more frequent her visions seemed to become. The indescribable pain was a new experience that was certain. Never before had her abilities caused her so much grief. She leaned forward resting her head in her hands taking deep and calming breaths. Her heart was pounding in her chest at the adrenaline, caused be her vision, coursing through her veins.
"I just want to go home," She whispered quietly to herself. Her stomach twisted into knots and she could feel the sweat dripping down her forehead to her brow. "I wish I could just forget all this," She continued talking with herself. "Why did I even bother to come back? No one seems to want me here," with that being said, she scoffed. "Oh right, because your in love with a pig-headed teenage king who doesn't know who or what he wants," she grumbled wiping the thick sweat from her skin.
"Mamoru, Mom, Dad..." She trailed off realizing what she had said. The memory of Freya's revelation finally hit home. The father she had grown to love and care for on Earth was not her real father. He was not the man who provided the instrument of her birth. It had taken a long time for the reality to fully strike her, but it crashed down hard. She looked down at her hands in confusion, "God who am I?" She found herself asking. Of course, she received no response.
With a sigh she rose from the chair she had somehow curled up in. A book tumbled off of her lap falling onto the floor. She bent over to pick it up, but the image of the silhouetted woman flashed through her mind as her fingers grazed the leather volume. She jerked her hand away as if the tattered volume had somehow burned her. She ignored it, kicking it aside and leaving the book on the floor. She stood upright tucking her hair behind her ears. She reached down to clasp the pendant around her neck. It was strangely warm. Almost too warm. Slowly she reached back undoing the clasp. Holding it in her hand, she looked down at the blue stone. The image of Freya and the man's face in the flames weighed heavily on her mind. She scowled tossing the pendant aside. It clanged onto the floor, skidding underneath the desk. Until she got some answers regarding the high priestess and the man in the fire, she was not going to wear it. She grabbed a heavy woollen sweater from the wardrobe in the corner before quietly exiting the room. She wandered down the dark, barely lit halls down to the main floor. She had only one destination in mind. The courtyard. The cold night air was sure to do her some good.
She shivered as the frosty night air surrounded her, wrapping her in it's arms. The heavy sweater provided minimal protection, but it was not too terrible. It was snowing lightly, peppering the cleared stone walkway with droplets of white. The wind blew softly blowing the flakes about making them dance as if to keep the serenity. Hitomi let out a loud sigh of contentment. It was a beautiful night.
However, she was quick to discover that she was not alone. Seated on the stone well, which rested in the center of the courtyard, was Celena. In her hand, she held the stem of a delicate white flower. It closely resembled a lily. The other girl was staring intently at the plant as if it held all the answers to her questions, yet refused to divulge her with it's knowledge. The frustration flowed off of her in waves, rippling out to all that surrounded her. Celena growled crushing the small and brittle blossom in her hand. Something was definitely laying heavy on her mind. Hitomi almost did not want to disturb her and leave her alone with her thoughts. Unfortunately, her curiosity got the best of her. She slowly proceeded forward stepping cautiously on the stone path as to not slip on any ice that had formed. The last thing she needed was fall and hurt herself because of her clumsiness. Sometimes Celena could have a very volatile temper. She would rather refrain from adding to her current level of aggravation. Carefully, she sat down on the well beside the blonde.
Celena looked at her with surprise and not anger as she had expected. For that, Hitomi was relieved. "What are you doing out here?" Celena asked opened her hand and dropping the crushed flower petals onto the ground. They were whisked up by the winds and carried away along with the gentle snowflakes, blending in. "It's freezing," She added flatly.
She simply shrugged in response, "I could ask you the same thing," She answered softly. She had not spent a lot of time with Celena. There were many other things that preoccupied her time as of late, but she felt as though she could consider the other girl a friend. The blonde shot her an annoyed look due to the slight sarcasm laced inside her reply. Hitomi returned it with a warm and friendly smile. "I can't sleep," She admitted replying to the earlier question.
The other girl nodded stiffly. "Me either," She agreed casting her eyes upwards at the flecks of white marring the dark night sky.
Hitomi followed her gaze, her smile falling from her face. It seems she was not the only seeking solace from her own thoughts, although, the blonde seemed far more troubled than herself. A tense silence settled over them as the obvious insomnia issue failed to be acknowledged by either party. After a few minutes, Hitomi took it upon herself to jump start a conversation. "What's bothering you?" She asked tentatively.
Celena's head snapped back down to look at the seeress beside her. She eyes her with faint curiosity before deciding to speak. "Ever since Terra, I have been having these intense flashbacks," She began running a hand through her lengthy blonde hair. "They do not make any sense to me, but I feels so familiar it irks me. It's strange, but I know that it must be Dilandau," She stated firmly. It was obvious to tell that she believed all her problems began in the Arathnian capitol. "They are often hazy and scattered, shifting rapidly, but it is extremely unnerving."
Hitomi did not blame her, in fact, she fully agreed with this idea. Nothing had been going their way since they had journeyed to the high kingdom. Concern etched across her face. Celena having intense Dilandau flashbacks was certainly a bad omen. She recalled her vision of the attack on Asturia and shuddered. She had her doubts before but it had been Dilandau alright, although, perhaps not in Celena's form. She had shared little resemblance to the man perched a top the horned demon. It made her wonder what could have happened to trigger these troublesome recollections. "Have you told Allen?" She asked softly resting her hand on the other girl's arm as a show of support. She wanted to let her know that she was there for her and that she believed her.
She flinched at the contact before slowly easing away from her touch. She shook her head in reply. "No," She shot back rather abruptly. "I don't want him to make a big deal about it," She snorted folding her hands in her lap as she began to fidget nervously. It was obvious that it was difficult for her to discuss such matters. "He has enough worries without his little sister pestering him about her nightmares."
Her eyebrows shot up in surprise, "Nightmares? That bad?" She asked slowly earning a nod in return. She frowned. "I am sure that he would like to know if it was bothering you so much."
Celena shrugged nonchalantly. It was moot point that fell on deaf ears. "I know that I am in control," She insisted shooting her an annoyed look. "I am no threat to anyone, nor are the flashbacks so why burden my brother with such knowledge," She stated raising a perfectly valid point.
Hitomi could see the other girl bracing herself for a comeback. She let out a small sigh of defeat letting her companion know that she was going to drop the subject. "If they get worse, will you tell him?" She asked instead.
She nodded in response, "Of course." She shifted slightly, settling into a more comfortable sitting position. "Now that I have told you what is on my mind, it is your turn to reciprocate," Celena stated with a smug smile. "What is keeping you up at night?" She asked nudging the other girl's side with her elbow. "Does it have something to do with Van?"
She shook her head, "No." She fired back with complete and utter certainty. This had absolutely nothing to do with Van.
Celena was taken a back by her abrupt reply, but paid it little mind. "Then tell me what is going on. Perhaps I can provide you with some advice, or maybe just put your mind as ease," She suggested shifting her position on the well so that she was turned more towards the other girl. She flashed her a friendly smile coaxing her to confide in her.
Hitomi sighed scratching the back of her neck nervously. "Well, as you know, I have been having visions," She began wrapping her arms around herself as a gust of heavy cold wind brushed passed her. Celena nodded, but did not offer anything to say. Without a vocal response, Hitomi continued on. "They are fairly similar to yours actually, although not necessarily nightmares."
The blonde eyes her curiously, "Go on."
"Well, it's just that they are growing increasingly erratic," She continued uncrossing her arms and folding them in her lap. "I can be in one place, then one hits me, and when I come out of it I'm in a completely different place than I was originally," She admitted sheepishly. It all sounded kind of silly when spoke a loud. Especially in comparison to the similar nature of Celena's much darker problem. Hers seemed so trivial. "They hit me at random and with searing pain that I have never experienced before," She added in a rush with a small and uneasy chuckle. "It's so strange."
"Perhaps you are stressing to much," Celena suggested after a small moment of silence as she pondered the spiel Hitomi had just delivered. "Do you have any indicators as to when you have a vision?"
She nodded, "Searing pain and swirling images that are never coherent," She explained kicking her feet back and forth knocking her heels into the bricks. "I just get so sick of them. It's torturous. You are always on edge cause you never know when one is going to come at you," She remarked looking up at the sky.
"Have you ever tried inducing one yourself?"
Hitomi turned to look at the other girl, blankly. "What do you mean?" She asked in confusion.
"Like try and summon one yourself," the other girl clarified as she shifted her position. "They hit you at random more often than not, but have you ever sat down and been able to pull one to you?" She questioned reaching down and picking another one of the white flowers.
She shook her head, "No. I've never thought about it actually," She confessed turning the idea over in her mind. It did not seem like it would be impossible. The again, how would she go about such a task? "I've been trying to distance myself from my visions and take a more objective stance to them."
"And how is that working out for you?"
Hitomi scoffed, "Horribly." With a sigh, she tucked her hair behind her ears, "It's hard when you've grown so attached to the people around you and you are forced to watch it all fall apart knowing that there is nothing you can do to stop it. It doesn't help that everything I know is being questioned and turned upside down," She rambled on chewing on her fingernails. It was a nervous habit that she had not indulged since she was much younger.
The blonde girl nodded in understanding, wrapping an arm around her shoulders. It was awkward, but Hitomi appreciated the gesture. "I know what you mean."
"I am just so sick of all this," Hitomi exclaimed forcing her hand back down into her lap. "All the uncertainty, danger, and the fear..."
"I think we all are."
Van pulled his coat tighter around him as he looped around the courtyard avoiding the two conversing girls. He did not wish to draw any unwanted attention to himself. All he desired was to be alone. Sleep had eluded him for hours as he had lied up in his bed. This mostly due the to strange fact that his body felt as though it were on fire, burning from the inside out. His immediate reaction was to inspect the healing burn on his leg. However, it was clean. No signs of puffiness or infection of any sort. The rapid spike in his core temperature was a complete mystery and did nothing to help ease his mind. Sweat coated his skin even out in the frosty night temperature. He still felt as though he was boiling. No matter what he tried, the sweltering heat of his body refused to subside. This definitely did not help soothe his troubled mind. In fact, it raised a great deal more questions than answers. He stuff his hands into the pockets on the thick coat silently cursing his decision to wear the heavy and bulky garment in the first place. It just helped retain the heat.
A faint whistled tune was carried across the winds. It fluttered about assaulting his ears with the sweet song. It was a melody he was all too familiar with. The tone was heavy with melancholy as it drifted past him and out into the snow covered night. He stopped completely in his tracks as the faint tune caught his attention. Slowly, he closed his eyes to listen. The peaceful Fanelian theme was like heaven to his ears. He had not heard it breathed so beautifully in such a long time. It had a soothing effect and seemed to make all his problems melt away and hide in the recesses of his mind. It was exactly what he needed. Hesitantly, he opened his eyes looking around for the source of the sound. He was alone.
"Who is that?" He asked himself before stopping and taking another listen.
Pinpointing the direction it was coming from, he headed towards the point of origin. One thing he knew for certain. The voice uttering the sound was distinctly female. He could tell by the high pitches that the whistled tune flowed out. He was getting further and further from the castle, much farther than he had originally intended. He followed a flattened path in the snow that led up towards the mountains. Diligently, he followed the gentle whistle determined to find the source of the sound. Nearly ten minutes passed him by trudging through the snow, cursing under his breath at the nuisance of the icy powder. After clearing a small hill, the young king discovered what he sought after.
Upon a ledge, a fair distance ahead, he could see the deep blue of Aza's scales. He laid on the ground curled up into a large ball. His head was perked up, alert as always. Standing on a boulder beside him was Sannah. She rested one hand on his neck using him for support. She was gazing up at the two moons in the sky, mindlessly whistling that sweet tune that had captivated Van. She looked calm and relaxed under the stars despite her inappropriate attire for the cold weather. She didn't seem to be paying it no mind. Slowly, Van approached making sure to walk lightly as to not startle the young girl. The snow cushioned his footsteps which made it easy for him to draw closer without being detected.
He stopped a few feet from them. "Where did you learn that?" He asked after observing her for a few moments.
She jumped slightly surprised by his sudden appearance. Aza turned his head growling at the intrusion, obviously displeased. Van bowed his head slightly as a show of submission to the large creature. His time in the library in Caladonna had reminded him of all the information on Dragon mannerisms that he had apparently forgotten. He chose to respect the creature in hopes of making peace with it. If Sannah was truly going to stick around and be part of their group, it would be best if they could mend the bridge between them. Aza merely snorted at his gesture but showed no further displays of hostility. This was a good sign. It was a step in the right direction.
"Where did I learn what?" She asked ignoring the dragon at her side and sitting down on the boulder, crossing her legs in a very lady-like fashion.
"That song," He clarified taking a few steps closer to her. "Where did you learn that song?" He pressed on persistently.
She tilted her head to the side slightly and a thoughtful expression came over her face before she shrugged her shoulders. "I don't know," She admitted softy playing with the ends of her long raven coloured hair. "I've just always known it," She added realizing how vague her answers always seemed. How could the king trust her if she always seemed so guarded. "I must have heard it somewhere," She offered up sheepishly.
Van's eyebrows furrowed in thought as he pondered this information. It simply did not make sense. Sannah lived in the opposite direction of Fanelia. The likely hood of her hearing the melody out and about in the forest just did not seem plausible. Still, she knew every note and whistled the tune beautifully without a mistake. He chose not to dwell entirely on the subject, especially if she couldn't give him any explanation. It was then that he noticed her attire. Her shoes were missing, leaving her barefoot, and the only clothing she wore was the navy blue dress she had been given. Though he himself did not feel cold, he could not imagine that she could be warm out here in the freezing snow. "Aren't you cold?" He asked raising a curious brow.
Sannah shrugged as if she were not bothered at all, "I don't get cold very often," She explained calmly. "I've always been warm. The cold just makes me want to sleep," She added shifting nervously her fingers fidgeting in her lap.
Van glanced over at Aza. Spread out on the ground was a thick heavy pelt. The dragon's tail wrapped around it protectively creating a small nest of sorts. There was thick blanket folded and resting on the pelt, ready for use. Her intentions were clear, and though he did not approve he knew there was no way he could dissuade her. "Why don't you sleep in the castle?" He questioned taking a more tactful approach.
Her reply was immediate, "It's too stuffy. I need the night sky above my head. It's comforting."
He found that he had no rebuttal to the statement. He could clearly see her point. Her entire life was spent within that forest, of course she would feel much more comfortable sleeping outdoors. Quickly, they fell into a slightly tensed silence. So many questions nagged at his mind, but he did not know here or if he should start. Stalling for time, he shrugged his jacket off, folding it neatly over his arm
"What was your mother's name?" He tested reasoning that he could not put off his curiosity.
"I don't know," Sannah replied shaking her head with a small sigh. "I only knew her as mother," She mumbled looking down at her chipped and broken fingernails. They were always jagged and torn up because she used her hands so much. They were rough and calloused, not like other girl's hands. No, her hands were more like a man's. She observed this quietly picking at the thick skin with annoyance. Sometimes she wished she seemed more feminine.
"How did she die?" He asked slowly finding himself more interested in the facts about her life than he had been before. The young girl always seemed to be filled with such surprises. His question had caught her off guard and she had jumped when he brought it up. Van watched her sensing her discomfort. "If you don't want to talk about it..." He began cautiously.
"Protecting me," She replied effectively cutting him off in mid-sentence. "I was chasing a butterfly," She began a small nostalgic smile spreading across her lips. "I was always curious. Too curious I suppose," She added with a tiny sigh. "It was so pretty," She continued on with the story after a small pause. "I remember every detail of it's sheer violet wings and pale yellow spots that glittered in the sunlight," Her smile disappeared as quickly as it had appeared. "I followed it quite a ways and I wandered too far," She admitted softly shifting her hands and playing with the hem of her skirt. "I crossed paths with a horrible creature."
"What kind of creature?" He asked raising a curious eyebrow.
She shook her head, her hair falling out from it's place behind her ears. "I don't know what it's called," She as she appeared deep in thought, recollecting. "It looked like a big cat," the preteen began her brows furrowing in deep thought as she drew up the hazy image in her mind. Slowly, she continued "with dragon wings. It also had this long spiky tail with a... pointy thing on the end," She added struggling with her words near the end.
"A stinger?" Van offered up.
Sannah jumped on his suggestion."Yeah!" She exclaimed, almost excitedly, jumping up to her feet. "That was the word I was looking for."
He nodded conjuring up the exact image of the creature in his mind. There was no mistaking a description such as that. Only one monster bore such an appearance. "It's called a Manticore," He informed her. "They dangerous. Extremely territorial. They have a very potent venom in their stinger making them highly poisonous."
She nodded slowly a pained look forming on her face."I know," She admitted softly. "I was only about five. I had no idea what danger I was in," She continued on with her story timidly. It was easy to tell that it was hard for her to talk about. Still, like a trooper, she pushed through it. "Mother had been looking for me and found me staring up at the creature. She pushed me out of the way just as the...stinger...came down," She continued on stumbling over the new word. "It hit her, deep in the shoulder. Aza showed up seconds later and managed to kill the creature, but it was too late," She paused looking down at her lap refusing to make any kind of eye contact. "She died in my arms."
He could feel her sadness and placed a comforting hand on her shoulder. She leaned into the touch accepting his support. "I'm sorry that you had to go through that," He remarked after a few moments of silence passed between them.
She sighed deeply, "I have relived that moment nearly every day," she remarked casting her gaze back up to the two moons above. "If only I had been a bit more leery, if perhaps I was not raised with a big dragon protector. Maybe I would have been afraid. Maybe If I would have stayed closer to my mother's side, maybe if I had been less adventurous, my mother would still be alive."
"Shoulda, coulda, woulda," He found himself saying.
Sannah looked at him with complete and utter confusion. "What?"
He smiled recalling this exact same conversation with Hitomi a couple of days before. It was strange how she easily brushed off on him. "It means don't stew about the things you can't change," He explained slowly making sure he correctly described the saying as Hitomi had. He was met with a blank stare. He could feel his cheeks heating up under the young girl's gaze. Nervously he scratched the back of his neck. "Hitomi taught it to me," He added ensuring that he had not concocted the bizarre saying from his own imagination.
She nodded in understanding, "Makes sense." Easily, she slid from the boulder her bare feet hitting the snow covered ground with a dull thud. She did not even flinch. "You should get back to the castle," She commented walking towards the small nest crafted by the dragon's tail. "Don't want everyone in a panic when they can't find you," she added picking up the neatly folded blanket and clutching the bundle to her chest.
He shrugged, "It's too warm," He admitted nonchalantly. "I am actually quite comfortable out here. That is if you wouldn't mind some company, at least for a little while longer."
A small smile tugged at her lips as she shook her head, "No, not at all"
AN: So that is another chapter behind me. I kept this chapter longer on purpose to craft it just how I liked it. This was a hard one. It also took me a long time to write. This is one of my longest chapters. I have this annoying habit of writing chapters in several pieces. My problem is always bringing those pieces together. It is very frustrating sometimes. Though I do have a lot of pieces for later chapters written already, and I think of more awesome ideas as I go along. That will be a big help later on. I have been working on a lot of back story for some of the characters. If you have any questions or confusion about certain things feel free to ask so that I can put it there. I am so excited to get moving and get this story going and share all the hard work with you. Anyways, thanks for taking the time to read this installment.
Next: Passage to Fried.
Response to Reviews:
Joss-31: Thank you so much for the review. I really appreciated your input. You actually reminded me of issues I had kind of forgotten about. The whole Hitomi's father thing was a spur of the moment idea that I kinda just ran with and haven't really thought about how she'd feel about that. I need to get on that I think. We still have quite a few chapters until the real shit hits the fan so I can promise that there will be some good Van and Hitomi moments. Affectionate ones, some lemony, and some not.
PrefersFiction: I am so glad you liked it. Not quite so much drama in this chapter, but I am sure that you can see it beginning to build by now. Trust me, writing a long and complicated story is very frustrating and not without it's challenges. I am lucky that I can push through my slumps and get moving. I don't know how my ideas blossom into the gigantic chapters, but I am extremely proud of it and am pleased that all my hard work does not go unrecognized.