AN: Well, a couple days turned into three weeksfor the next chapter. Apparently there was a lot more work to do on this than I had originally thought. Oh well, it happens sometimes but at least it's another long majority of this chapter is all one event. An extensive and possibly very bland one. Sorry in advance about that and please bare with me. Just to let you lovely people know, as I am writing this story, I am going back to the first 12 or 13 chapters and re-vamping them. I am not changing anything, just checking for errors and inconsistencies and adding more details. I am also rounding out some ideas. I won't be replacing those for a while so don't worry just yet.
Disclaimer: I do not own Escaflowne, even though I wish I did. Then again, who doesn't? The statements that separate the visions belong to the song 'Lullaby' by Loreena McKennitt. That song was almost the entire inspiration for this chapter. I changed a word here and there, but it is still that song.
The Past, Future, and Somewhere in Between
Chapter 22: The Vision
The preparations to leave Fried began almost immediately. Unlike their other stops, there was no lull where they were left uncertain and did not know how to proceed. It went without saying that Asturia was their next destination. Freid was simply a detour from their master plan. As much of a relief it was to be in friendly territory, their group was not completely out of danger quite yet. The closer they grew towards their goal, the more apprehensive everyone became. It was all much too easy. The whole journey had been way As soon as everyone had awoken and eaten a meeting was to be held. In the process Chid had been informed of what was going on. At least, to the best of the knowledge of the people on hand. All the questions that had been aroused upon their arrival were answered, though with very vague details but it was enough to appease him for the time being. There were much more pressing matter that needed to be discussed.
A few select members of their group gathered in the council room, plotting out their next course of action. The leaders amongst the crowd. These individuals included, Van, Allen, Mendelev, Galaxia, Folken, Gaddess, and Chid with Rah standing closely by his side. These few people were to be the most fundamental forces in their planning. A table had been set up in the far corner of the room so that they would be more comfortable during the unknown length of their meeting.
"We should press onwards as soon as possible," Van stated firmly voicing in opinion on the subject at hand. Out of everyone, it was obvious that he was the most eager to set their plans in motion.
"I agree. It will be much easier to come up with an appropriate stratagem on home soil," Allen added supporting Van's statement, "In our position, Fanelia aside, Asturia is our best line of defense," He offered up as an additional reinforcement.
Galaxia rolled her eyes at this idea. No one had any comprehension of what was truly happening to the world around them. All except for her. They were all stuck in this state of ignorance where they were oblivious to the events transpiring beyond their little unit. It annoyed her to no end, "That is exactly what Queen Brahne is waiting for," She stated not wasting time and placing focus on what truly mattered. Their situation was more dire than anyone cared to acknowledge which proved most frustrating on many levels. Her statement drew everyone's attention. The ferocity of her words had everyone curious as to what exactly she knew that they did not.
Mendelev looked between the other men and then to young woman in their midst, "Am I the only one who finds it odd that Queen Brahne has yet to come after us?" He spoke up asking the main question that had been plaguing him for some time. Sensing that he had been the only one so suspicious, he had cast the thought a side. However, it resurfaced the instant Galaxia spoke of the matter.
"She wants you to make to first move," Galaxia replied casting her gaze onto Van, her answer obviously directed towards the young King. "Fleeing to allied soil is the perfect move," She explained both her expression and her tone of voice taking a much more serious and intense tone. "One that she wants you to make. With news of your 'vendetta' against her spreading quickly, there are fewer places for you to run," She continued on when her words were met with silence. Crossing her arms over her chest she explained further. "Turning other nations against you was all part of her plan. Don't you see that she is herding you in for the slaughter?" She snapped as if she were scolding them all. Her displeasure and frustration was evident. "It is only a matter of time before she strikes."
"Heading to Asturia now, so quickly, is unwise," Folken added coolly supporting his lover's statement in a much less aggressive and confrontational fashion.
Van bit back the growl rising in his throat. "It is a risk we are going to have to take," He informed them, leaning against the wall taking a much more casual pose. His mind was made up. It was going to take a lot to dissuade him from what he knew had to happen. "We cannot achieve anything here."
"Unfortunately I have to agree," Allen commented with a small sigh, "Without Van's guidance and insight into the mess that has been created, Fanelia is left severely weakened. It lacks strength without the truth and it's leader to guide it." Though the Knight's explanation was honest and truthful, it did not stop the argument.
"Stopping in Asturia may cause Queen Brahne to shift her focus and attack there," Folken began the tone of his voice hardening slightly. "Unlikely as it may be, it is a possibility we must also consider," He added loosely wrapping an arm around Galaxia's waist to show his support and alignment in the argument. "We do not need to being unneeded conflict to our remaining allies if we wish to keep them as our allies."
"I think you are being a bit over dramatic," Gaddess spoke up standing faithfully by his commander's side. "Fanelia is being watched over by Princess Eries', and I doubt that Queen Brahne would be bold enough to take on Asturia as well."
Galaxia turned glaring daggers at the dark-haired man. "You have no idea what that witch is capable of," She seethed her eyes turning red around the edges.
"Not that I doubt Princess Eries' leadership," Mendelev spoke up drawing everyone's attention once again."But Galaxia is right. Fanelia has left itself open for attack. Even with the other three General's to lend aide, their chances of survival under a unexpected full frontal assault are slim to none," He explained offering a bit more realism to the situation. He nodded curtly to Galaxia ignoring the heated stare from his King. "At any moment Queen Brahne's forces and or allied kingdoms could take advantage of the absence of Fanelia's ruler and launch a take over in which many unnecessary lives would be lost," He continued his voice becoming a fair bit softer at his next statement. "We cannot allow that to happen."
"That is exactly my point!" She snarled pushing Folken back and wriggling out of his hold. She cast a glare over her shoulder at him before addressing the group again. She did not need his restraining her at this particular moment. "That is the whole reason that she is sending representatives to turn everyone against you," She argued stepping closer to them until she was standing a foot away from the King. "Do you honestly want the lives of thousands of innocent people hanging over your conscience?" She snapped harshly.
Van snorted in annoyance glaring at the older woman. He was not so easily intimidated. "So you are saying that we should simply give up?"
She scoffed at his defeatist attitude. "No," She spat back glaring at him hatefully. "I am saying that we need to think outside of the box. Re-Evaluate the scenario and try to stay a step ahead of our adversary."
Chid nodded in agreement looking up at the adults around him. "It would be most wise."
"Indeed," Rah voiced agreeing with the young Duke at his side.
Van let out a frustrated groan reaching up and rubbing his temples at the headache that was forming rapidly. "We don't have the time for that," He snapped shifting his hands to pinch the bridge of his nose. The pressure helped ease the gentle throb some what. "The longer we sit around and argue, the tighter Brahne's hold becomes. We need to act now and the most logical choice is to move forward."
"She will bide her time and strike when the right moment presents itself," Galaxia insisted growing increasingly annoyed that he did not seem interested in anything that she had to say. "I can assure you that whatever it is that she is planning, we will not know until it is too late. Do not underestimate her."
Van snorted distastefully crossing his arms over his chest again. His body language read nothing but arrogance. However, despite his facade, there was a trace of worry as the image painted by Hitomi's vision flashed within his mind. Dilandau wearing Arathnia's crest seated upon the back of a large dragons. He shook his head to rid himself of these thoughts casting his attention back to the woman before him."I think we'll be fine. I will be fine," He retorted in a very dismissive and condescending tone. The discussion was over.
A scowl drew itself onto her face at his response, "I am serious," She seethed her frustration rolling off of her in waves. "It is sheer foolishness to walk into a trap! Are you that egotistical that you cannot admit that?" She snapped resting her hands on her hips refusing to let the topic drop. In her mind, the only option was to stay put for the time being.
He ignored her last statement, rolling his eyes. "I am aware of the risks and I have assessed our options," He replied in a authoritative tone. "It is in our best interest to move forward with our plans to seek refuge in Asturia before returning to Fanelia." When she opened her mouth to reply he cut her off with a glare. "I have made my decision Galaxia."
She scowled at him as she closed the small gap between them until her face was mere inches from his. He took a step back in an effort to create more space between them. However, his back came into contact with the wall. Silently, he cursed himself. "Your inability to accept that I am trying to help you is extremely frustrating," She seethed venomously, her eyes blazing with suppressed anger. The red hue had spread and covered the total extent of her iris'. "Remember that whether you like it or not I am on your side in this. I do not like it all that much either but I am trying to help your cause to the best of my ability and I think I have done a rather excellent job thus far. It is thanks to me that we were able to stay in Basram," She stated poking him hard in the chest as if to emphasize her point. "Therefore, you do realize, that it is because of me that we have made it this far. You are going to need to learn to trust my knowledge. No one here knows Arathnian laws, customs, or tactics like I do," She ranted before taking a deep breath as well as a step backwards. "No one knows Queen Brahne as well as I do. I would suggest that you pull your head out of your ass and start listening to what I have to say your highness," She snarled before turning her heel and storming out of the room. She threw the doors open with a loud bang, not bothering to look behind her as she disappeared down the hall.
Folken sighed rising from the table, "I will go talk to her," He announced before following after the blonde's hasty retreat.
Gaddess whistled awkwardly in an effort to ease the tension. "Well that didn't go as planned," He commented scratching the back of his neck nervously.
"She's a real piece of work isn't she?" Chid stated scrunching up his nose in distaste. Despite her ferocity and obvious passion for life, the negativity that rolled off of her set the young ruler on edge. He had heard many stories of the young woman, none of them giving any insight to the roaring temper that seemed to rest within her. He didn't like it one bit. She did not seem entirely trustworthy.
"Oh you have no idea," Mendelev added with a chuckle staring down the hall through the opened door where the couple had made their escape. "She's real firecracker that one," He added. He then turned to Van nodding towards him relenting and begrudgingly accepting his lord's decision. "When do we head out your majesty?" He asked running a hand through his pepper hair.
"As soon as possible."
Hitomi sat cross-legged on the foot of her bed, closest to the window. She had placed Freya's pendant in front of her. Since her dream, she had been extremely reluctant to place the blue stone back around her neck. Instead, she kept it with the strange journal she had acquired drawing the conclusion of some kind of connection between the two. The journal sat beside her on the bed. She had pulled her hair up keeping the growing strands out of her face. Her hands rested upon her knees and her eyes were closed as she tried to completely clear her mind. This was all done with the intention to access her abilities on her own rather than to have her visions sneak up on her at random and usually inopportune moments. It appeared to be a fruitless task. For the last hour she had been focusing her energy and preparing herself but nothing happened. Not a single flash, image, or even the faintest sound. The longer this went on, the more her frustration grew making it much harder for her to pull her focus. Still, she continued on determined to succeed. She bottled all her emotions and thought burying them deep inside for later reflection leaving her a blank slate and open to reception.
Another ten minutes floated by before she could no longer handle the failure. She let out a frustrated cry relaxing her posture, "Why is something so simple so impossible!" She huffed pulling the tie from her hair exerting his frustration out on the tiny piece of fabric. She let out a sigh sliding her legs out from underneath her and onto the floor. She retrieved the pendant and slipped it into her pocket. Gently picking up the journal, she placed it on the bedside table for further use or inspection later. Brushing the invisible dirt from her pants she headed towards the window to crack it open. It was sweltering which could have also been a factor in her failure.
There was a loud knock on the door. Tying her hair up with the piece of ribbon once more, she headed to the door to answer it. However, before she could reach it, it opened seemingly on it's own. Hitomi stopped and blinked in surprise for a few moments. She was about to call out when a familiar head of pink hair became visible as the cat girl poked her head into the room.
Relief coursed through her at the sight of her. "Oh, hi Merle," She greeted feeling herself relax somewhat. The last thing she needed was for doors to start opening on their own. She had enough on her plate already, no need to add going completely insane to the list.
Merle nodded her greeting as well. "It's time for dinner," She announced stepping into the room. "I was wondering if you wanted to come and join us," She suggested with a small encouraging smile. "You've been cooped up in here all day, it would do you some good to come out and socialize."
"Actually I was just about to head down myself," She agreed with a smile closing the gap between them as she continued towards the door at a faster pace. "I am not having any luck with my work and I wanted to take a break," She explained sliding her hands into the pockets of her jeans.
Merle smiled back looping her arm around her friend's. "Well let's not keep them waiting. Yukari has been a nuisance and I think your presence would do her a lot of good and keep her focus on you," She explained closing the door before beginning their journey down the corridors towards the eating hall.
She chuckled, "A nuisance how?" She asked finding the thought amusing. The red head could be quite a handful sometimes.
Merle let out an exasperated sigh further illustrating her annoyance towards the girl. "In every which way possible," She replied flatly. "She keeps bothering everyone. Especially Allen's men. Seriously she acts as though she has never seen a man before," She continued on rolling her eyes. Hitomi stifled her laughter in order to allow her feline friend to continue. "If it's not them, it's showing Sannah tricks to disrupt the others. I swear those two are a bloody curse," She complained releasing her arm and scurrying forward at a tad faster pace.
Hitomi simply chuckled again in response finding no words to say. She was used to Yukari's antics. "How is Van?" She asked the cat girl after a few moments of relative silence.
She shrugged with a small and tired sigh. "It's hard to tell these days," She admitted shaking her head. "He doesn't share his feelings or thoughts with me all that much anymore," she added sullenly. It was obvious that this fact really bothered her. She had been Van's best friend for as long as she could remember. No one knew him as well as her, and she did not like being shut out.
"How come?" She asked feeling both concerned for Van and sympathy for the cat for being disregarded in such a way. She knew the feeling all too well for the man in question seemed to be doing the same thing to her.
Merle shrugged again, "Beats me," She replied honestly. "Why don't you ask him?" She suggested in a more cheerful tone shooting her a knowing glance. "If anyone can get anything from that man, it's you."
She shook her head, "Oh I don't want to be a bother. I just worry," She explained forcing a smile. "Besides, he's got a lot on his plate right now," She continued on offering up excuses for his distance. Still, it did not make her feel better. If anything it made her feel worse. The way he shut her out was eating away at her. Yes, there were small moments when he would let her in, but it was never for long. She sighed longingly her face falling,"He hasn't really talked to me since we left Basram," She admitted more to herself than the girl beside her. She wanted him to talk to her about things that bothered him, and most of all, she wanted him to need her like she needed him. At least, that's what it felt like.
This seemed like new news to Merle however. "Really?" She asked in surprise stopping her stride completely to stare at her friend with disbelief.
Hitomi shook her head reinforcing the truth of her statement. "Not a word," She added ignoring the stunned look the cat was giving her. Brushing it off she squared her shoulders up and pushed those feelings down into the pit of her stomach. She was not about to let it all get to her. "It's not bothering me all that much, we both have a lot to think about," She lied forcing a smile. She did not need to worry the cat girl anymore.
Merle simply shrugged in reply, "If you say so," She sighed before turning and racing ahead on all fours, bounding down the hall at a quick speed. Soon, she disappeared from view all together.
The seer sighed shaking her head, "Some things never change," She remarked shaking her head at the other girl's hasty retreat.
The hall was alive with chatter as a few members of their group had gathered for dinner. Most were already half-way through their supper when Hitomi arrived only a minute behind Merle. Her face lit up when she saw the cheerful expressions and lighthearted atmosphere surrounding the table. Van, Allen, Mendelev, Yukari, Sannah, and Celena were all positioned in various spots around the table deep in conversation with one another. Snippets of these conversations greeted her as she approached, but she paid little attention to it. It appeared that her presence went virtually unnoticed, which was alright with her. The last thing she wanted was everyone's eyes upon her. Merle took up a place beside Mendelev and began to dish out her own food. Seated at the head of the table was Chid who was oddly silent, his expression serious. She followed his line of vision and was surprised to find it lingering on Sannah. He watched her with curiosity as she ate in silence not paying attention to the people around her. This she found slightly odd but chose to disregard it. She took her own seat beside Yukari.
"Well Howdy their stranger," Yukari greeted with a small wave taking a sip from her glass. "You've locked up so long I figured you must have died up there," She teased stretching across her plate to put her glass down again.
"Ha ha, you're funny," Hitomi replied scanning the table contents debating on what she would eat. "What did I miss?" She asked grabbing a bowl and scooping it's contents out onto her plate.
The red head shrugged, "Not much. It's been real dull around here," She replied with a bored sigh. "Apparently we leave for Asturia tomorrow," she announced recalling the over heard information she had managed to get her hands on earlier.
Hitomi nodded feeling no need to comment as she continued to fill her plate. She didn't notice before but she was starving. Perhaps it had been because her attentions had been focused elsewhere. Pouring herself a small amount of wine, she settled down in her seat vaguely listening to the people around her. Nothing being said peaked her interest however.
"Why do you keep staring at me?" Sannah asked suddenly, staring at the young Duke with annoyance evident in her face. This question drew everyone's attention to the two youngsters bringing all other conversations to a screeching halt.
It was with that statement that Chid's eyes lit up and he bolted out of his seat as if an ingenious idea has just struck him. "That's it!" He exclaimed as the pieces finally clicked together in his mind. His outburst was met with confused glances. He blushed as he felt all eyes upon him feeling slightly embarrassed by the randomness of his interruption. Clearing his throat, he decided to explain himself. "I have been trying to place why Sannah looks so familiar," He explained.
Hitomi stifled a laugh at this. "My guess is that you just figured it out."
He nodded slowly. "I feel foolish for not figuring this out before because it was staring me right in the face," He announced in an almost scolding fashion. He turned to look towards Van, "It was you."
"Me?" Van asked unsure of what the young Duke meant.
"Yes you," Chid clarified satisfaction evident on his features. Finally, he possessed the an answer for the question that had been plaguing him upon their arrival. "I should have noticed this a lot sooner, but you and Sannah share a striking resemblance."
On instinct, both parties turned to look at one another. Sannah scrunched up her nose while Van observed her curiously trying to pick out Chid's claim. After a moment, they both looked away from one another. At the same time, they both uttered a reply, "I don't see it," They both stated in almost perfect unison.
With that said, both turned to stare at one another again. This time, it was more of a glare rather than an inquisitive stare. This caused everyone at the table to chuckle with amusement. "He's right you know," Mendelev observed with an approving nod.
Hitomi smiled taking a sip of wine. "I never really noticed it before, but you two do look an awful lot alike," She confirmed placing the goblet back down on the table.
Sannah turned to her shocked, before shooting a glare at her. By the expression on her face she was either mortified or attempting to to be playful. It was hard to tell exactly. "You are dead to me Hitomi," She stated as a matter of fact before picking up her own goblet and taking a sip.
This caused Mendelev to burst out into boisterous laughter. He reigned it in quickly however once he read the seer's uncertain and confused expression. "Don't worry Hitomi, she said the same thing to me this morning when I refused to tell her another story," He stated picking up a roll and stuffing it into his mouth.
Sannah directed her glare at the older man, pointing her fork at him as if in warning, "And you are still dead to me Mendelev, so you are not allowed to speak of me, or to me" She spat back forcing back a smile trying to look dead serious. It was then it became all too obvious. She was goofing around in order to distract them all and change the subject.
The General pretended to look hurt and placed his hand over his heart in a dramatic fashion. "Oh how you wound me little lady. I can't go on any longer."
Hitomi chuckled lifting her fork and raising it her lips. It was sweet to see the large amount of affection growing between the two. Just as she was about to take a bite of her meal, she felt something wet land on her head. She blinked in confusion looking up at the ceiling while placing the fork down on her plate. Another drop landed on her head. It was cold too. Slowly, and inconspicuously, she ran her hands over her head where the drops had fallen. There was no damp spot. Puzzled, she resting her hands down in her lap.
"What is it Hitomi?" Yukari asked her as she watched her friend's rather bizarre behaviour.
Hitomi glanced at her friend shaking her head," It's nothing," She added before gripping her fork once more. Her mind was playing tricks on her again.
The redhead shrugged, "If you say so."
The conversation around the table continued on as the voices helped ease her somewhat. However, that quickly subsided when she suddenly heard rain. Thick droplets falling and splashing against wet ground. She shook her head but the sound did not waver. Not in the slightest. She looked around at the people in the room, hearing little of their words. Their voices grew fainter and fainter as the pouring rain grew louder. Rolling thunder roared in her ears and she was vaguely aware of people calling her name repeatedly, desperate to catch her attention. It was to no avail.
- The room swirled in a mixture of colour. The walls and people inside melting and giving way to a dense forest. In a matter of seconds, she was standing amongst the trees, alone. The people who had previously surrounded her had all disappeared. She glanced around in confusion when thick raindrops fell on her head soaking the brown locks as well as her clothing. It all felt too real.
Through the rain and thunder, a faint song reached her ears. It was more of a hum. The voice seemed vaguely familiar, but she could not place it. It was then that she noticed a woman walking some distance ahead of her. Her voice echoed through the forest as she glided across the earth. She was very thin, much like the doppelganger she recalled from her first visit to Gaea, with just as little definition. She was just so thin. Her long chocolate coloured hair was pull up into a high ponytail that was pulled forward and hung just before her eyes. One lone lock remained out of the ponytail hanging loosely against her shoulder. Her bangs were cut jaggedly and hung a good two inches above her eyes. Her eyes shined a bright emerald green which stood out against her muted, purple tinted skin tone. Her ears were long and pointed much like an elf's would be. Her lips were full, and rather puffy looking. Purple floral tattoos were etched across her neck and beside her eyes. She was glad in a silk green gown that hung loosely from her thin frame. Cradled in her arms was a small wire cage. Trapped inside was a small squirrel-like creature. Then it clicked. It was the same woman with the heavenly voice from her other vision.
Soon other voices joined in to the chorus as three other women came into view, walking along side her. None of them looked similar to one another. They all stood out amongst themselves as they most likely would in the rest of Gaean society. They did not seem to belong. The four women were like no one she had ever seen of Gaea before.
The tallest woman had orange-red tinted hair which was looped around and laid across her one shoulder. It was held together by a thin string of leather with a bead at the end. Crimson eyes stared blankly ahead as she glided along with the other women at a steady pace. Red circular tattoos adorned her face encircling both sides from hairline to chin but never touching. They came across her eyes in thick strips. She was not as thin as the other woman, more fit. Her skin was tinted orange as if she had spent too much time in a tanning bed. Her face was thin, and long. She was wrapped elegantly in a similar silk gown only this one was deep red in colour. Wrapped around her hand was a small snake striped red and black. It seemed rather content in her grasp.
Along side her, the next woman was a lot shorter. Petite. Her hair was forest green. However it did not look like hair at all. It appeared to look more like feathers. Unlike the other girls, her hair was down, resting on her thin shoulders. She was slightly more full-figured than the other two woman. It appeared as though her entire body was covered in thin, nearly invisible feathers. They were flesh colour with highlights of green, quite a bit lighter than the deep green of her hair. Her eyelashes and eyebrows also appeared to be feathers. Her eyes shined yellow making her appear even less human. The gown that she wore was substantially shorter than the other two women. It came to her mid thigh. Her lips were full and narrow in a more puckered fashion. Perched upon her shoulder was a small green songbird who whistled along happily with them.
The final woman moved the slowest. She followed slightly behind the others. Her hair did not appear to be hair at all. In fact, it look more like and series of elegant fins. These layered fins stretched all the way down to the small of her back. They trailed behind her, floating back and forth with on the air's current just as if it were water. They were hot pink in colour. On the crest of the fin, was a dark blue stain. It stretched out in all directions, thick inky lines. In the centre was a another line with a oval on the end. In that oval was a circle. What it stood for, she did now know. Her ears were long and pointed as well, but more dramatically than the first woman's were. Long and thin whiskers floated out along side them. There were three horizontal slits on both sides of her neck. Gills. Where the fins ended, dark pink scales flowed down covering her legs, arms and she could see them on her chest as well. Her face was more round with a scrunched up nose. She looked like some kind of nymph or pixie. Her blue gown swirled freely around her, never becoming entangled with the fragile looking fins. Her deep ocean blue eyes seemed to sparkle as she gazed in wonder at the heavy rain clouds above. Held in her partially webbed hands was a glass bowl filled with water. Inside was a beautiful opaque fish with an orange hue to it. It looked very much like a gold fish.
The four women continued on with their melody as the forest grew thinner at a rapid rate. Hitomi felt her self being pulled along behind them. It was as if she were being guided by an invisible string, guided by their soothing serenade. She gave no resistance allowing the vision to take it's course enjoying the haunting yet lovely song they generated. However, this was nothing like any of her other visions. It felt foreign to her as if it were not her own. In fact, it felt much like her dream in which she had ended up in Dragonsand. She recalled the strange male voice and his warning. She shuddered closing her eyes and shaking her head to rid herself of the images.
When she opened her eyes once more, the scene had changed completely. They had moved into some kind of stone building. The room she found herself in was large, and shaped in a circular fashion. A circular table rested in the middle of the room. Candles had been set up around the room. In the middle of the table, five candles in an array of colours had been arranged in the shape of a star. Sitting in the middle of the star, was a bowl of water. Each woman approached the table. One at a time, they placed the creatures they had brought along at specific points of the star. The top point remained empty. The animals seemed to freeze in place once they were set down in their correct spot. The redhead produced a sharp dagger from within the fold of her dress. Without a second thought, she stabbed the tip into her index finger, deep enough to provide a substantial amount of blood. She passed it onto the next woman taking her place at the red point of the star where the serpent rested. Each followed suite, slicing their fingers and standing nearest the creature they brought. Still singing, the four women brought their hands forward, tipping their cut fingers over the bowl of water. Slowly, their blood dripped into the water. The droplets swirled together within the water turning it a bright shade of red. Within moments, the bowl began to glow a vibrant white colour.
It was then that Hitomi noticed the man seated at a small desk just beyond the table. He had short, unruly dark brown hair. It was thinning slowly, grey peppering the tips. It appeared as if he run his fingers through it often with it's state of disarray. His eyes were closed, his hands clasped together and resting upon the surface in front of him. His brow was furrowed in concentration. The weathered lines of his face held a stern expression as he focused on whatever task was at hand. He held a regal air about him that could not be explained.
Unexpectedly, his eyes shot open. His gaze appeared to instantly fall upon her. He seemed to stare at her, like somehow, he knew that she was there. Everything seemed to freeze in time leaving behind only her and the strange man. He stood, and sometime intriguing caught her eye. Around his neck, falling against his chest, rested a glowing blue pendant just like the one Freya had given her. Without a word he turned away from her to face the wall behind him. His gaze travelled up the extensive map that covered the wall behind him. A map of Gaea. It was much larger than she remembered. The two continents draw on the map were labelled, though she could not make out the names due to the distance between her and the wall. He crossed his arms behind his back inspecting the tapestry as if he expected it to reveal something to him. He remained like that before, without warning, he turned to meet her gaze once more. His eyes were intense sending shivers down her spine. Briefly, she wondered if there was a possibility that he could see her just as easily as she was seeing him.
He dropped his hands down to his sides taking side-stepping the desk and a walking closer to the circular table, "Oh for a voice like thunder," He began speaking his voice booming throughout the large circular room. It was deep, firm, and yet oddly comforting at the same time. Perhaps was with the authority in which he spoke. He continued on, gesturing outwards with his hands. "And a tongue to drown the throat of war," his voice had softened slightly.
It was with that tone that she recognized both his face as well as his voice. It was the mysterious man that Freya had been speaking with. The man whose image had resided within the pyre. She gasped in surprise as she came to this realization, her eyes widening. Who was this man and what connection did he have to her?
He stepped towards the four women coming to stand at the empty point of the star that they had left open. He closed his eyes placing his hand over theirs. There was a bright flash of light, and in an instant, the world swirled giving way to a scene much different from the one she had left. However, her connection with the strange man did not falter. She could still feel his presence behind her and his eyes upon her. She shivered. It was almost as if he was guiding her vision. If that were at all possible.
In front of her stood a younger version of Queen Brahne. She appeared to be in her late teens. She was clothed in nothing but a long and flowing white skirt. Her long midnight hair spiralled down to her hips. It was much longer here than it was now. It rested against her bare skin sheltering her indecency from view. She stood in front of a ornate, full length mirror, scowling at her reflection with what looked like complete and utter contempt for the image staring back at her. There was a large pinkish line on her stomach from a deep wound that had long ago sealed shut. However, it was the Queen's back that drew the horrified gasp from her throat.
Along her shoulder blades ran several crisscrossed scars. Fresh scars. It was as if something had been attached to her, crudely sown on by an unskillful hand, and then removed. Ripped off. They ran down towards the middle of her back. It was a rather horrific and gruesome sight. Unexpectedly, the young woman lashed out smashing the mirror with her fist. Hitomi was started by the sudden unpredictable action. Glass shards flew across the room cutting into the Queen's flesh creating substantial gashes and drawing a fair amount of blood from the young girl. All at once, the anger and hatred in her eyes faded leaving behind only a pensive sadness. Anguish soon followed contorting her features. Tears prickled the corners of her eyes and she clenched them tightly in an effort to keep them at bay. A sob wracked her body as she wrapped her bare arms around herself collapsing onto her knees cradling herself in an feeble attempt to soothe the suffocating emotions that seemed to be taking a hold of her. It only took seconds for this to subside. She let out a strangled cry releasing herself, reaching up and viciously pulling her hair in either anger or frustration. When her eyes opened, they glowed and eerie blood red and thick black smoke flowed out of her nostrils. The image was haunting and made Queen Brahne seem much less human.
The man's voice piped up again, "When the senses are shaken and the soul is driven to madness," He narrated as the image twisted before fading into the blackness once more.
Hitomi herself was speechless. There were no words she could think of to describe what she had just seen.
Colour rushed up to greet her as the next image was laid out before her. Long blonde hair was the first thing she noticed. The vivid blue eyes and shockingly slender frame soon followed. Princess Astra in all her glory. Adorned in golden armour much like Galaxia's. She stood in the midst of an active battlefield. All around was fire, blood, and the stench of war that wafted through the air. The young woman armed with a double bladed sword forced her way through a crowd of warriors killing most without hesitation regardless of what colours they wore. Despite the bright colouring, her eyes were dull and lifeless. Stripped of their true beauty. Astra herself looked much worse for wear. Her skin was ghostly pale, veins standing out vividly in an inky blackish hue. Even her hair had lost all of it's shine and colour. It was almost pure white. She tore through both her enemies and her friends mechanically not blinking an eye as blood spattered onto her face.
The is was not the girl that Hitomi had briefly met during their stay in Terra. All the life and light had been sucked out of her leaving a mere husk of herself. Though she was not fond of the younger girl, it still pained her to see her so dead on the inside and possibly on the outside as well. "My God, what happened to you?" She found herself asking the image knowing she would not receive an answer.
"When the souls of the oppressed fight in the troubled air that rages," The man's voice boomed all around her, shattering the disturbing image of the Arathnian Princess. "When the whirlwind of fury come from the throne of God, and the frowns of his countenance drive the nations together," He continued as colours twirled around her, carried on along with an invisible wind. They painted a horrible and disturbing image.
Immediately she was deafened by the thunderous sounds of battle. Swords and other weapons clanged together as they met with brute force. Guymelefs stomped about running at one another in a vicious cycle shaking the earth beneath their feet. Banners and crests from different countries aligned each side, but it was impossible to tell who sided with whom. A wide array of large Dragons had joined in the fray, branded and chained taking on the weapon wielding Guymelefs without hesitation. Their thick scaled protected them from harm and their sharp claws and teeth cut into the metal fighting machines like butter, ripping them to pieces. Screams and battle cries echoed about mingling with the hisses and growls from the dragons and the clashing of weapons to form a chaotic symphony. The symphony of war. The shadow of a large black dragon passed above firing giant balls of fire onto the ground below scorching the earth across the battlefield. It shrieked in delight as the war raged below it and the fire consumed a few of the warriors. It relished in the flood of blood, death, and gore.
Hitomi scanned the scene desperate to find a familiar face. She was relieve to see that she recognized no one. Dead or alive.
"When sin claps his broad wings over the battle and sails rejoicing in a flood of death," was the next phrase the man stated before the scene shifted slightly.
Her relief was short lived as the newest scene was laid out before her. She gasped falling to her knees as a giant knot formed in the pit of her stomach. All the fighting had ceased. Bodies were scattered about some in pieces. The survivors nursed their wounds as the victors claimed the spoils. In the centre of the battlefield rested the broken shell of Escaflowne. The white metal was stained with dirt, gore, and ash. The right arm had been torn clean off, and rested several feet away. It was scrunched up in the middle with jagged teeth marks ripping holes in the metal. Obviously a dragon's doing. The machine itself was crumpled, mangled, and mashed almost beyond the point of recognition. The pilot's chamber had been slashed with sharp claws and bashed in, blood staining the once white metal. Whomever had been inside, surely had not survived the onslaught.
Amongst the wreckage and the flames surrounding the Escaflowne, stood many warriors all bearing the crest of Arathnia. Instantly, Hitomi recognized the figure of the dark Princess Astra standing next to the head General Lorelei Lemmar. While Astra was expressionless, Lorelei looked positively giddy. She held her sword tightly in her hand while she shifted excitedly bouncing on the balls of her feet. The other warriors stood behind them, their swords all drawn as well. It was as if they were waiting for something.
The large dragon that had been flying above in the previous scene landed and the ground a few feet away from the destroyed Guymelef. It was then Hitomi got a good look at the creature. It stood mainly on it's hind legs in a very human stance. It's build helped support that. Sharp armoured spikes littered it's neck, arms, back, and legs. It's tattered wings were spread proudly around it. Horns jutted out from the side of it's head curling outward in a demonic fashion. A short horn sprouted out from it's nose adding to the creature's character. The end of it's tail were more jagged spike only these ones were flat. It's glowing red eyes shimmered reminding Hitomi a lot of lava. It was like no other dragon that she had ever seen or imagined before. The ground shook as the enormous creature stalked towards the destroyed metal machine. It seemed as though it were grinning triumphantly. It stepped upon the machine's chest raising it's head towards the sky and letting out a deafening roar. It rippled through the air and causing the ground to vibrate as well. She shivered. It reminded her of the roar of the T-Rex in the movie Jurassic Park. It sounded remarkably like that. At this sound, the Arathnia warriors raised their swords and all shouted in victory vocally celebrating with the dragon.
Tears stung her eyes and she shook her head with disbelief, "No, that can't be true," She said her hands and body shaking as she forced herself not to cry. It would do her no good. "This is just a dream, it isn't real," She reminded herself closing her eyes tightly to clear her thoughts remembering what Freya had taught her. She needed to be a bystander, to rid herself of her emotions. It was much more difficult than ever before.
It was at this precise moment that the man chimed in again, his voice louder and with more enthusiastic anger than before, "When souls are torn to everlasting fire and fiends of hell rejoice upon the slain!" He cried ripping the scene away from her and blanketing the world in darkness.
Never before had Hitomi felt so relieved to see the darkness. The horrible devastation was taken from her which helped ease her anxiety as she took deep breath to settle her shaken nerves. "My god, what are we getting ourselves into," She whispered to herself trying to wrap her mind around the visions that were being forced upon her.
"Oh who can stand?" The man said poising such a question which left the young seer baffled.
One last image shifted into view. A dark haired woman, one she did not recognize. She bore no resemblance to anyone she had seen before. She stood tall, a dangerous scowl resting on her face as she gazed into the bright flames of a pyre. Her eyes were a deep crimson, glowing in the anger and hatred that radiated off of her slender form. Held tightly in her right hand was a ornate black handled knife. Silver spider webs decorated the handle and at the end of the hilt rested a silver spider. She raised her left hand using the dagger to cut through the soft flesh of her palm. She cut deeply drawing a large amount of thick, dark blood. She did this without flinching as if she felt no pain. Tucking her lip back into a thin line, she closed her hand as it to keep the blood in place. She flicked her wrist opening her palm and tossing a large amount of blood into the flames. In a blinding flash they turned a bright green and sickly colour. The colour reflected in the woman's eyes as she smiled in a very sinister way. A shiver shot through Hitomi as the dagger clanged against the stone floor. A dark shadow seemed to settle over her which caused the hairs on the back of Hitomi's neck to stand on end. Whomever this woman was, she was pure evil.
The man chose this exact moment to offer up his next statement, "Oh who hath caused this?" He asked, his voice laced with hatred that was obviously directed at the woman before the flames. "All who can answer at the thrones of all."
The woman's lips peeled back to expose her perfectly white teeth. It was almost as if she had heard the man as well. "I curse you," She spat picking up a bowl and tossing the unknown contents into the pyre as well. The flames swelled up almost touching the ceiling. The woman's voice grew louder, "I curse you mighty throne of Arathnia," She snarled throwing her hands out to the side in a very dramatic way. "I curse you forever!"
"The Kings and the nobles of the land have done it," He continued his voice growing louder and more passionate as he spoke. "Hear it not Heaven, thy Priestess' have done it!" He nearly shouted. The flames extended engulfing the room and the image in a flash of blinding light. Then, it all vanished.
She was once again standing in the middle of the room in front of the man and the four strange, but beautiful, women. The women withdrew their hands, the glow of the bowl fading, the magic spent. The creatures on the table came back into animation and they were subsequently picked up by their respective masters. What significance those animals held was a strange curiosity that she could not even begin to fathom.
The man stared at her from across the room having moved onto the small platform before the map where the desk rested. His expression was grim and stern as glanced over the map. She watched as he ran his hand over the map, stopping when a particular spot began to glow. "Where the boarders meet, it is Valhalla that decides your fate," He stated turning to look at her again. Dropping his hand to the side,the glowing spot remaining. He crossed the dais moving towards her. His pace was slow, casual in a sense. He continued his stride stopping a few feet from her. "Even in our darkest hour, good can overcome evil. No matter how bleak the outcome looks, there is still a flicker of hope."
She stared back at him in confusion. "What are you talking about?" She asked hoping that if she studied his features for long enough that she could place him somewhere.
He rested his hands on her shoulders. The contact made her tense up. "Trust Freya, she is a valuable asset," He stated gripping her shoulders gently.
Surprised by his words as well as his closeness. However, his touch was oddly soothing. Safe. "Who are you?" She asked her voice shaking slightly.
"In time," was his short response as he released his gentle hold on her. He simply smiled warmly before raising his hand up to her eye level. "Time to wake up Hitomi," He whispered leaning in and pressing a gentle kiss upon her cheek. As he did this, his fingers grazed her forehead and a blinding white light flashed in her mind's eye before everything fell into darkness. -
It only took moments for the blackness to begin to fade giving way to the haziness of a half-awake state. The fogginess clouded her in confusion as smooth stone greeted her. Blinking to clear this away, she pushed herself upright into a sitting position. She had been lying down on a bed. It was the most comfortable bed she had ever has the pleasure of resting upon. The blankets were soft, warm, and plush almost like velvet. The mattress was so soft and fluffy that she sank into it. It was like resting upon a cloud. It took her a moment to completely register her surroundings. She was in a bedroom. A rather posh and decorated bedroom. She yawned stretching her arms up over her head dismissing her thoughts reveling in the sense of peace that seemed to fill her. She felt more relaxed and satisfied than she had in weeks. Had she been dreaming this entire time? Was it all just one big figment of her stressed out and over active imagination? She shook her head. It was highly doubtful, but still, it seemed so odd.
"Thank God!" She heard someone cry before she was thrown back slightly by the impact of another person crashing into her. Yukari wrapped her arms around her friend in a tight hug. "I was so scared that you were never going to wake up," She exclaimed dramatically hugging her tighter. If that were possible.
"What are you talking about?" Hitomi asked as more confusion settled around her. She was growing increasingly irritated at the constant state of disarray her mind seemed to be in. In her annoyance, she attempted to shove her friend away in an effort to escape her crushing embrace. "I haven't been out of it that long have I?" She asked as the red head reluctantly let go.
"You have been unresponsive for almost two days," Van stated from the doorway. It was obvious that he had been standing there for most of the exchange between the two girls. "Yukari wanted to try and wake you, but we didn't know what would happen so we figured it was safer to just let you be," He explained walking into the room stopping at the end of the bed. "Merle was certain you'd snap out of it."
Yukari turned to glare at the raven haired man. "Safer my ass," She grumbled crossing her arms over her chest dramatically like a child who did not get their way. Her sulking made it obvious that she was displeased by the decision. She then turned her attention back to her newly awakened best friend. "It was scary," She admitted the annoyance leaving her face entirely. "You were so pale, and your eyes..." She paused for a minute nibbling on her bottom lip as if she were debating something. "They were pitch black," She concluded feeling the need to inform her friend."It's like you weren't even there."
"What?" Hitomi asked completely baffled by this explanation. She couldn't recall something like that ever happening before. At least, no one had mentioned anything like that before. She turned to glance at Van to either confirm to deny her friend's claim.
He nodded firmly confirming this, his expression serious, "It's true."
Hitomi closed her eyes feeling slightly disoriented. Reaching up, she pinched the bridge of her nose to ease the sensation. "Where am I?" She asked before dropping her hand back to her lap and blinking rapidly in order to clear away the tiny spots in her vision.
"One of the guest rooms in Freid," Van answered pushing off of the door frame. "My room," He added before stepping forward to enter the room. "I wanted you to be comfortable. Allen and the others wanted to push forward to Asturia, but Folken, Galaxia, and I thought it would be better if we waited a few days to see if you regained consciousness," He explained without pause coming to a halt at the opposite side of the bed.
"You and Galaxia actually agreed on something?" She asked in surprise holding back the amused chuckle that threatened to come out at his displeased expression.
Van grunted at her statement, but nodded none the less, "Unfortunately," He grumbled crossing his arms over his chest once again. "I did not enjoy it mind you," He admitted his expression grim.
Yukari rolled her eyes at his statement, "You don't like anything," She spat growing increasingly irritated with his presence. She wanted to speak with her friend alone and without the young King butting his nose in.
"You're one to talk," He snorted his distaste tossing a glare in her direction, "You know nothing about me," He spat back feeling the same regarding the situation with the seeress resting upon the bed.
"I know enough," was her snobbish response.
Hitomi rolled her eyes at the obvious hostility between the two. "Can you guys chill out for the time being?" She asked crossing her arms over her chest. "I just woke up from the craziest thing I have ever experienced and I would rather not have to deal with your bickering at the moment," She scolded them shooting her best friend a nasty glare knowing that the hostility was mostly generated from the red head. She was guilty of provoking the King in the first place.
"Fine," She huffed leaning back against the chair, sulking in the fact that she had sided against her.
A tense silence gripped the trio for a few moments no one sure how to propel the conversation forward without offending one another. Van shifted nervously before clearing his throat to speak, "Do you want to talk about it?" He asked cautiously. He knew how much her visions usually impacted her.
She shook her head, "No," was her tart reply. It was obvious to all that she was displeased by their immaturity and aggressive behaviour towards one another. "Of course I don't want to talk about it. What kind of stupid question is that?" She unintentionally snapped. Realizing this she reached up pinching the bridge of her nose, "I'm sorry, I didn't mean to say it like that," She apologized watching both recoil from her harsh words. "I am just a little on edge is all."
Van nodded understanding casting chastising glance towards Yukari feeling as though she started the argument. She simply ignored him. "Do you wish to be left alone?" He asked shifting his feet out of restlessness.
Hitomi glanced between the two again nodding slowly, "I think that would be best for now," She agreed biting her bottom lip as the images from her vision flashed within her mind in rapid succession. "I just, need some time to clear my head," She clarified noting the hurt look on her red haired best friend's face.
Van stepped back accepting this decision. He was about to turn and leave when he abruptly stopped. Reaching into his pocket he pulled out a blue stone attached to an elegant chain. Hitomi recognized it instantly as her new pendant. He held it out to her. "This fell out of your pocket when I carried you here," He explained dropping the gem into her opened palm. "I didn't want it to get lost."
She smiled in thanks clenching it tightly, "Thank you," She said softly bringing her fist to her chest holding the pendant close to her heart. Suddenly, she felt extremely sentimental about the small object she had distrusted so strongly for many days now. Had the man's words been the cause of this sudden attachment?
Yukari cleared her throat as if to remind her friend of her presence. Standing, she held the slightly tattered journal within her grasp. "This was sitting on your nightstand," She said offering it to the other girl. "I thought you might like it back."
Hitomi glanced down at the book unsure of whether to take it or not. Her pause seemed to upset her friend. After realizing this, she slowly reached out and grabbed a hold of it. "Thanks Yukari," She acknowledged placing the volume down in her lap not wishing to hold it for any length of time.
Her friend offered up a grim smile and nodded politely. "We'll talk later?" She questioned nervously as she sidestepped around to the end of the bed heading towards the door.
"Definitely," She smiled in response.
"Take as much time as you need," Van remarked stepping back from her side.
He offered up a small smile before turning and leaving the room without waiting for a reply. Yukari followed gently closing the door behind her. This left the young seer alone with just her thoughts to keep her company. Truly, she did not want to be alone, but at the same time she didn't want any company. Hitomi let out a frustrated sigh and glanced down at the book in her lap. She resisted the strong urge to drop it on the floor and kick it under the bed and just leave it there. Part of her wanted absolutely nothing to do with it, and another was itching with curiosity. What significance did it hold and how did she come to possess it? Perhaps it had something to do with her vision. Something, she had yet to fully understand. All her jumbled thoughts and visions must be leading her towards something. Perhaps there was more to the picture than she had yet to realize. Reluctantly, she picked it up out of her lap and slid out from under the blankets. She had an idea. She needed answers and she could think of only one person who may be able to shed some light on it. Allen.
Things were progressing much differently inside the Kingdom of Arathnia. As the General's and the Ambassador returned from their missions speaking to the leaders of the nations of Gaea, she began to prepare for the final steps of her scheme. If all went according to plan, Fanelia would be hers in only a matter of days.
It was a beautiful day in Terra. The sun rested high in the sky offering little less that boiling heat. Still, that did not stop the Queen from conducting her business out in the gardens. She stood pacing along the length of the courtyard, a young dark haired teen following her stride with a clip board in hand and reading proposals out loud for her. Every so often the Queen would stop and sign a document either voicing her approval or dismissing the requested proposal. Standing amongst the flower and plants, upon the stone walkway, was Arathnia's fourth General Virgil Heidegar.
"So you are saying that you have serious doubts about the stance of Freid?" She questioned glancing down at something the teen had pointed out on the clip board.
Virgil nodded, "Yes," He confirmed clasping his hands together in front of him. "Duke Chid expressed to me that he would like no part in this war and remains a neutral party," He continued on in his explanation. "However, it is my theory that when pressed Freid will stick with it's allies, namely Asturia."
"Has Asturia given her reply?" She asked grabbing the quill from the girl and providing her signature on the document in question.
"Yes your Majesty, General Verdish made the journey and met with King Dryden. He too stated that he wanted nothing to do with the war. He made that point very clear," He added firmly.
She turned to look at him, "You're implying that he could easily be swayed?" She questioned tilting her head to the side slightly. The was a rustle of papers as the young teen flipped the page on the clipboard attempting to be as efficient as possible.
He nodded confirming this, "That is exactly what I am saying."
A dark chuckled escaped her lips as a conniving smirk formed on her lips. Such a revelation made gears and machinery in her mind begin to turn. "Perhaps King Dryden isn't as big of a fool as I had originally perceived him to be," She commented grasping the clip board in her hand once more to steady it. "I believe some persuasion is in order," She remarked with a chuckle as she scribbled her signature once again.
"Your Majesty!" Lorelei announced as she bounded into the gardens interrupting their conversation. Her long red hair was windblown and unkempt. She had been riding for days in an effort to get back to Terra as soon as possible. Of all the General's she had travelled the farthest to her assigned destination.
Queen Brahne sighed releasing her hold on the clip board and handing the quill back to her assistant. "What news do you bring me Lorelei, and it better be good," She snapped in her annoyance. She hated being interrupted almost as much as she hated waiting. It did not help that Lorelei was vastly becoming her most despised Generals. Her boastfulness and conceit did not serve her well as it had Galaxia. She turned to stare at the younger woman, crossing her arms over her chest to further illustrate her annoyance.
The General bowed graciously before returning to her proper posture. "Faniela's party has reached as far as Freid," She began slowly, breathing heavily. It was obvious that she had run all the way from the dragon caverns below to the palace courtyard. "It is only a matter of time before they reach Fanelia. Perhaps it is time we intervene?" She commented raising a questioning brow.
Queen Brahne drummed her long nails against her arm as she pondered her General's request. She nodded slowly accepting her suggestion, "Yes it is time," She announced slowly stepping forward out of the garden and onto the stone walkway. "We must begin more aggressive tactics. Bring me Agrael," She ordered pointing at the redhead. "I have something special planned for our dear Fanelian friends."
"Of course your radiance," Lorelei replied bowing dramatically once more before making a hasty retreat from the bright sunlight bearing down on the courtyard.
Virgil said watching as Lorelei practically ran off in search of the dark warrior. "Your Majesty, forgive me for being as bold as to suggest that we simply just let them be," He spoke up turning his attentions back to the woman whom he had sworn to serve. "It would be more honorable to face them on an even playing field. Our forces are already much stronger than theirs," He continued on when he received no resistance. "What difference would it make?" He added with a shrug.
"Foolish Virgil," She begun with a tired and disappointed sigh, "You and Galaxia seem to read from the same play book," She commented shaking her head disapprovingly as she dismissed her assistant. The young girl trotted by disappearing along with Lorelei. "Do not make me question your loyalties boy. I did you a favor taking you in," She pointed out allowing her hands to fall down to rest at her sides. Her eyes narrowed as a thought struck her, "Tell me Virgil, do you pity them because you were born Fanelian?" She asked suspiciously. It would all be too perfect. Her own General an instrument used by the King to manipulate her into allowing her guard down and to let her enemies escape unscathed.
He bowed shaking his head sensing her train of thought, "No your highness, I feel nothing for them," He replied looking down at the stone beneath his feet. "I serve you and the throne of Arathnia, no one else," He stated with conviction.
She placed a hand on his shoulder, squeezing it. He winced at the pressure, "Good," She spat glaring at him. He swore he could see a faint reddish glow within her eyes. "Keep it that way," She added pulling away and leaving him alone in the courtyard. "I don't need you turning your back on me too," She called over her shoulder without a second glance.
He let out a deep breath that he had not even been aware that he was holding. The Queen's presence was stifling at the best time, now it was particularly unbearable. The tension in the air was heavy and spoke volumes about the gravity of the situation she had put them all in. Every statement needed to be made with extreme caution for her unpredictable temper was explosive and often unwarranted. He watched her turn the corner before he shuddered at the burning sensation left upon his shoulder where she had touched him. It was obvious by her tone and expression that her words were more of a threat than a warning and he was going to take it in that context. However, the seriousness of the threat and the events that had unfolded and were being plotted left him questioning his decision in joining with Arathnia's militia. He let out a sigh glancing up at the sky before turning and heading back towards the dragon caverns below. Perhaps a ride would help clear his troubled thoughts.
AN: We're almost half-way guys! I know that the lyrics don't clearly depict the scenes that I have painted, but it was a less literal interpretation. I did the best that my mind would allow. Music plays a big part in my writing process. I craft scenes to it as well as I write while listening to the play list that I have created for this story. This is how I remain inspired to keep writing, of course with your help also. Hopefully this wasn't too all over the place for you guys. I am trying to paint a picture here people. I'm not sure when the next chapter will be up. I am still toying around with some ideas for it so, as always, thank you for your extreme patience. I am doing my best to push through these chapters to get to the real juicy stuff.
Next: The Descendants of Atlantis
Response to Reviews:
Joss-31: I have always loved their relationship too. Glad you are finding the story interesting. It's getting a bit harder for me to write as of late, but I am hanging on for dear life. I want to finish this while I have all the ideas fresh in my mind.
New Moon Promise: Thank you for the review and I am so glad that you like this story. I work very hard on it.