Allen overheard two familiar voices playfully bantering back and forth as he walked through the crowded marketplace. The first voice belonged to his dear sister, and the second to her feisty green-eyed friend. His heart ached, looking at his sister. Her short wavy platinum blonde hair bounced as she weaved in and out of the crowds, tugging her friend along by her wrist. He didn't know what to tell her. Their brother, Dilandau, had walked by him in the throne room without so much as a second glance. He had wanted to reach out and grab him so desperately. There could be no mistake. It was him. Questions flooded his mind. How had he come to be a Ziabach soldier?
In a daze, he walked after the two girls. They had not noticed his presence yet. He observed Hitomi lingering at a merchant's stall. She laid a hand on a deck of cards, her eyes grave. Celena did not see her companion sigh as they moved on. The Knight Caeli purchased the cards when the girls were out of his sight, pondering what sort of interest she had in them.
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The air outside was as crisp and clear as the cloudless black sky overhead. The two moons reflected down onto the ocean, company to a hoard of bright stars. Van Fanel did not care to stare at the scenery. He was at a loss as to what came next in his sad little story. Idleness never looked good on him and it showed. A lithe cat-girl watched her Lord sit on the balcony staring off into oblivion. Her tail curled slightly around one of her legs, her ears flattening with worry. He had told her the news earlier that evening. A small hand went to the pouch at her waist, claws brushing a folded letter tucked inside. She pulled it out and looked down at it with a heavy heart.
"Lord Van." Merle placed the letter on his lap. She was unaware of its contents, but she felt it was the right time for her to give this to him. He instructed her to give this letter to Van if something happened to him. Well, something had happened to the king.
"What is this, Merle?" He unfolded the letter and broke the wax seal on the envelope, his thumb gliding along the parchment. It crinkled in protest. Merle watched him read with large eyes.
Brother,
If I have departed from this world, I am sorry. I need you to move forward. Please safeguard our birthright and use it to draw our allies to you. You know the words of the ancient texts as well as I do, brother. All is not lost. I have entrusted this to you. Use it wisely and live well.
Strategos
He read it over and over until he could not forget the words. Folken entrusted Escaflowne to him. Van rose and walked back inside the manor. Merle did not follow. He paused at the first candle that he came upon and let the flame lick the bottom of the letter. Satisfied, he wandered the manor in search of Allen, and found him alone in the dining hall.
"There is something I need to do," Van said firmly. "It can't wait."
Allen looked up at the prince, setting down a glass of wine on the table. "I'm listening."
"I intend to perform the rite of succession." Van's maroon eyes locked on Allen's stormy blue gaze.
The blond man almost smiled, lip curling. "Dragon-slaying. Quite the endeavor. Dragons are scarce in these parts.
"But it's not impossible," the young prince stated.
Allen nodded slowly. "You would have better luck in the mountain regions of this country. Not to mention that you also need supplies." He paused, thinking. "If you are patient I can make arrangements for you. It's not wise to go gallivanting off into the night without some preparation. Especially with Ziabach spies lurking in the shadows."
"I am grateful for your help."
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The battle raged on inside the city despite the flames growing thicker. Fire had spread to the outlying forest, chasing small pockets of Fanalian soldiers retreating. Two such men leaned on each other for support as battle cries became increasingly muted the further they stumbled. Both had suffered battle wounds, patched in haste.
One of the men half-slumped to the ground. "You can get further without me, my Lord Folken. Leave me."
"Balgus, we need to keep moving. I won't leave you," the younger man urged through gritted teeth. He propped the older man up and continued on their path, half dragging his companion. Time became blurred. Night fell over the forest.
Balgus came to a staggering halt, his hoarse breath coming in short spurts. His face was ashen. He dropped to his knees, almost bringing his Lord with him. He looked up to his liege, eyes asking for forgiveness. Folken helped the man to a prone position on the forest floor. He knew they would go no further tonight. Kneeling, Folken gingerly touched the wound at his side. His fingers came away slick with blood, despite having strips of linen tied firmly around his waist. He grimaced. Now that he had stopped moving he was becoming more aware of the pain his wounds were causing him.
What was he to do now? He barely had any strength left. Out of the corner of his eye he thought he saw his mother, Queen Varie, watching him through the forest's foliage. She was clad in a long formal gown, two ribbons flowing freely from her waist, her hair loose. He blinked and realized that it was not his mother, but a woman with long wavy silver hair and sad eyes. His vision became clouded and he felt his voice falter as he tried to call out to the strange woman. The last thing he saw was his fingertips as he reached for her before everything went black.
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Celena had always been naturally curious of the comings and goings of her older brother. It was only natural. He was her only remaining kin. Her brother was normally straightforward with where he was going and when he would be back, but this evening there was no mention of him going anywhere tonight. This was very perplexing to Celena as her dear brother marched down the hall wearing his formal military attire. Her first tip-off was that he had eaten a very light supper this evening, and the second was Gaddess' appearance. For Gaddess to be here was not unusual, however he was as nicely dressed as Allen was.
She pretended nothing was amiss as Allen walked by her room, but as soon as she heard his footsteps going downstairs, she snuck down the hall and into her brother's chambers. It only took a moment to spot an invitation on his desk. The invitation was addressed to both her brother and herself. A royal ball. Her face lit up with glee at first, then she frowned. Why did her brother not tell her there was a ball tonight? He must have forgotten. Or he didn't want to bother with chaperoning her and risk her going off on her own as she had the last affair they had gone to. She scoffed at the idea.
Celena found Hitomi asleep on the couch in the guest bedroom. The poor girl had not been sleeping well lately, but this was more important than sleep.
"Hitomi, wake up!" She nudged the girl's shoulder. "We have to get ready."
She awoke with a groan, her eyes the color of a swamp. "What is it now? Ready for what?"
"We're going to a ball tonight."
Hitomi closed her eyes and groaned again.
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The raven-haired prince walked alone in the manor's garden, night settling peacefully overhead. It was still difficult, the waiting. However he felt less restless knowing he would not have to wait for long. He knew he needed this time to gather strength for the trial ahead of him. It was quieter than usual tonight. Allen had left the manor with Gaddess. Palace business, he had told him. Not long after he watched Celena and Hitomi step into a carriage together, dressed in evening gowns. The more he saw the honey-haired girl dressed as a noblewoman would the more he forgot that Celena found her in the forest. He was watching her carefully these days.
He heard a rustle of cloth behind him. The prince turned cautiously, hand at his sword hilt.
"Merle," he called. No answer. There was nothing behind him, save bushes. He relaxed the hand on his sword.
"You have found her at last."
Goosebumps prickled his skin. She was behind him, the mystery woman whom he had seen in the Fanalian palace; the woman no one had seen but him. His mouth felt instantly dry. He gaped at her. She possessed an otherworldly beauty that entranced and terrified him.
He swallowed a hard lump in the back of his throat. "Who have I found?" the prince stammered.
"The seer. I can feel her presence." The woman remained serene. "She is in danger. Dornkirk searches for her. He must not find her."
He blinked. Dornkirk was the Emperor of Ziabach. "Do you mean Hitomi?"
Her eyes became solemn. "The dragon armor must also be kept from him. Dragon, you must promise to keep them out of his reach."
Van felt numb. More questions swirled around his tongue. "Who are you?" The question slipped by his lips without thought. He wanted to know so much more than her identity. He wanted to know why Dornkirk would want Hitomi, if that was who this woman was talking about. He wanted to know what Escaflowne had to do with any of their plans.
"Promise me that you will protect her and the dragon armor." Her eyes pleaded with him. "Promise me."
He knelt on one knee formally. "I, Van Slanzar de Fanel, do solemnly swear on my honor that I will let no harm come to the girl. I promise to safeguard Escaflowne and use his power to crush Ziabach and avenge Fanalia."
"Thank-you." She smiled softly.
Van continued to kneel as he watched her fade. He no longer felt alone in the quiet of the garden. She would be watching him. Supporting him. He murmured a small prayer. He needed all the help he could get.
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Outwardly, Allen Schezar smiled politely as he mingled among Asturian nobility and old acquaintances. Inwardly, the Knight Caeli looked on with contempt. King Aston was hosting a Ball at the palace. Ziabach was threatening Asturia with war, but here was Ziabach's military elite attending an Asturian Ball they were invited to.
"He's stalling them." Gaddess leaned towards Allen, his hand on his shoulder. He spoke in low tones.
"Entertaining the enemy," Allen uttered with disdain.
Allen continued to greet and make small talk with the other guests. One could barely tell the country was on the brink of war. The music was light and cheerful and there were many smiling faces of noblemen and women dressed in all their finery. Men and women danced effortlessly around the ballroom. Every hue of dress imaginable swirled across the ballroom floor. Palace servants spread themselves out among the crowd, offering drinks and refreshments. King Aston had spared no expense.
As he circled the crowd, Allen overhead a nobleman singing praises about an 'exotic creature' to another nobleman. His eyes wandered in the direction the two nobleman faced. He almost had to look twice. Hitomi was standing off to the sidelines, gloved hands folded neatly in front of her. She was dressed in deep jade, a golden chain with a ruby teardrop pendant dangling from her throat. The way she pursed her pink lips was most becoming. She looked bored, unaware of the male attention she was receiving.
His blue eyes darted hopelessly around the ballroom, searching for his sister. It was no use. He took a deep breath, steeling himself. "Gaddess, I want you to find Celena. I will meet you both at the entrance."
"Sure boss."
Allen approached Hitomi. "I am surprised to see you here."
"Celena brought me here. I hope I haven't offended anyone. I don't have an invitation." Her emerald eyes searched his face.
He laughed. "I do not see any offended faces." He paused. "Where is my sister?"
"A man asked her to dance. She said yes." Hitomi frowned.
"I see." A nod. "Then I had best take you with me. It's a crime to leave such a beauty standing alone like this." He offered her his arm. Hitomi's cheeks colored, but she accepted.
An older man approached them, smiling in greeting through a dark burly beard. "Good evening, Allen Schezar."
"Meiden Fassa, Good evening," Allen replied.
"My, what a lovely companion you have on your arm. I don't believe I have seen you at court before, Miss."
"This is Hitomi. She has been travelling with me and Celena."
"May I ask the Lady Hitomi to dance?" He extended a hand to her.
"I apologize Meiden. I have already promised the Lady her first dance tonight." Allen punctuated the sentence with a dashing smile.
"Ah, there will be other opportunities." Meiden inclined his head.
"Of course." Allen led Hitomi away towards the dance floor.
"I don't know how," Hitomi whispered softly.
Allen chuckled lightly, expecting this. "I will lead, and we will start slow."
She was grateful that her feet were obscured by the long dress she wore. Allen was true to his word, they danced slowly with great patience on his part. He gently led her around the ballroom floor. They were not the most graceful couple on the dance floor, but they danced passably enough.
Allen bent down to her ear. "I wish you would make your intentions known. You were right about Fanalia."
The music came to a pause. Everyone stopped to applaud the musicians. Hitomi walked away from the knight. She did not wish for an interrogation. He followed closely behind, careful not to touch her. "Please forgive my rudeness. I did not intend to upset you."
She looked back at him, her eyes narrowing. "If you wish me to leave, I am willing to."
"Hitomi, you have misunderstood me. I only hoped you would talk a little about yourself. I want to know more about this young woman who has walked out of the forest and into my home." He looked apologetic.
"A lovers' quarrel?" a feminine voice behind them teased.
Allen did not look pleased. "Celena." He shared a glance with Gaddess, who stood beside her.
"I'm sorry that we have arrived late brother, but someone forgot to deliver my invitation." Allen's sister did not seem phased.
"I did not wish for either of you to attend." The knight's expression was stern.
Celena folded her arms in front of her. "Fine. I think we've had our fun."
"I will escort you both home." He motioned for them to follow.
Reluctantly, Celena linked her arm with Hitomi's and followed Allen to the ballroom entrance. Their pace slowed as an influx of guests came through the open doors. Guests chattered amongst themselves as they walked, their voices rolling together in a jumble. One voice among them rang clearer than the others to Celena's ears. A familiar voice that she couldn't place. Her eyes scrutinized the other guests as they walked by, attempting to pair the voice to a face. Her eyes were drawn to a group of sharply dressed young men, Ziabach insignia worn on their arms. They were gathered around their silver-haired leader who was issuing orders even at this social gathering.
Celena stopped. The grip on Hitomi's arm tightened. "It can't be…" Hitomi heard the pale-haired girl utter under her breath. A hand came to rest on Celena's mouth.
The tall blond knight in front of them also stopped in his tracks. He turned to face his sister and said something to her, his face frantic. Hitomi didn't hear what he had said, as she was focused on Celena, who was trembling visibly. Unshed tears bit at the corners of her soft blue eyes.
The foreign soldiers sauntered past them, without another glance. Celena reached for the silver-haired youth with an unsteady hand.
"Dilandau." she cried, stepping away from Hitomi.
A pair of wine-red eyes looked back. "Yes?" His tone was sharp. He peered down at the two women, curiosity piqued.
Allen stepped forward. "Good evening, Lord Albaltou." He put a hand around Celena's shoulders. "It's alright," he spoke softly to his little sister. "I think you have startled her. She is not used to seeing such an infamous officer as yourself."
Dilandau smirked. "What a strange little thing." His expression was haughty. He shrugged and walked away without further interest. His dragon slayers trailed behind him.
Celena began to sob quietly, hiding her face in her hands. The knight sent Gaddess home for the night, telling him not to worry and that he would contact him tomorrow. The knight led the two women away.
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In front of the manor the two siblings engaged in a screaming match. Hitomi looked on, at a loss for words.
"You knew he was here! You knew and you didn't tell me!" Celena's voice was hoarse from straining. "He's our brother, Allen!"
"He doesn't recognize us, Celena! What would you have me do?" Allen shouted back.
"Bring him home!" Her eyes were red, and her hair disheveled.
"Of course," the knight said sarcastically, his face still. "Why didn't I think of that? We will speak of this tomorrow, sister." He entered the manor.
"I always have to wait!" Celena screeched, tears flowing anew. "Wait for father to come home. Wait for mother to get better. Wait for my brother to make the decisions." She stomped away from the manor. "I won't wait anymore. I am going to bring my brother home!" She picked up her skirts, kicked off her impractical shoes and began to run.
Allen cursed under his breath and chased after her. Hitomi watched the siblings run into the night. This wasn't her business or her fight. She decided to wait for them inside. They would need time alone.
Celena was breathless when her older brother reached her, but she still had strength enough in her to hit and kick as her brother tried to stop her. She got a few good hits in before he pulled her up over his shoulder. "That's enough!" She heard him bark.
She cried until there were no more tears. Her eyelids felt heavy and thick. There was no more fight left in her. Her arms hung limp down her brother's back.
"We won't have the reunion we were hoping for." Allen smoothed her hair away from her face as best he could with one hand. "I'm sorry. You have missed him far more than I."
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There was a knock on Hitomi's door. She opened the door gingerly to find Allen standing before her. He looked pale and haggard. "May I come in?"
She nodded. He stepped into the room and took a seat on a couch. Hitomi sat on a chair across from him. There was a small parcel in his hands, which he set down beside himself. He slowly removed his gloves from each hand, pulling from the fingertips methodically. "I'm sorry you had to see that." A hand went to his collar, loosening it. Hitomi now noticed a small bruise forming on his cheek.
"It's fine." She looked away when she caught a small flash of his collarbone as he unbuttoned the first two buttons of the white shirt he wore.
"Celena's sleeping." He looked relieved. "Hitomi, will you stay here with us?"
She blinked.
"It's selfish of me to ask this of you, but I think Celena needs you here. Especially now." He offered her the small parcel. "I bought something for you. I hope you find it to your liking."
Their fingertips brushed as the parcel exchanged hands. She held her breath as she removed the paper wrapping to reveal a small lacquered wooden box. She opened the lid. The inside of the box was lined with red cloth. Nestled inside was a stack of cards. Hitomi recognized them instantly. She looked at the knight warily.
"They're tarot cards. People use them to tell fortunes," Allen explained.
"I know what they are." Hitomi touched the pendant at her throat. She had a set before. Her grandmother had given them to her, only to have her mother take them away.
Allen cleared his throat. "I'm sorry. It was a poor choice." He stood and turned to leave.
"No! It isn't like that." She shook her head, honey strands of hair catching the light. "They reminded me of a sad memory," she said, looking embarrassed. "Thank-you."
Turning to face her, he smiled. "In that case, please use them to create happy memories." He reached down to tuck a piece of hair behind her ear. "I meant the compliment I paid you earlier tonight. You are quite the beauty. Good-night, Hitomi."
Hitomi's cheeks flushed. She waited until Allen closed the door behind himself before allowing herself a small smile. It was a strange gift, but she felt it suited her. She would use them well.
Allen lingered just outside Hitomi's door. He rubbed the back of his neck and sighed. What had gotten into him? He had wanted to kiss her just now. His finger came up to touch his lower lip. Of all the things he should be thinking about, it wasn't that. He continued to chastise himself as he reluctantly walked away from her door.
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She was dreaming.
Her vision came into focus. She wore a short grey dress. A hand went to her pendant. Sharp lines were everywhere. The smell of exhaust and metal made the air stale. There was no breeze here. Noises came from every direction, metal grinding on metal. Something rattled beneath her feet. She steadied herself with a hand to the cold smooth wall. She wanted to throw up. What was this place? She needed to get out of here.
"Wake up!" Her voice rang metallically down the narrow corridor in front of her. She squeezed her eyes shut, then opened them again.
"Wake up!" She tasted bile in her mouth. This place was suffocating her. She wanted out.
Blindly, she began running. An endless maze of metal walls and corners stretched out before her. The honey-haired girl shivered, but she didn't stop running.
"Come to me," a voice boomed.
A door creaked open behind her. She walked towards it and found herself staring at an old man in a dark brown robe standing atop a cliff. The sky was dark. No stars to be found in the sky. Flashes of lightning illuminated the way.
"Come to me." He beckoned with a hand.
Her heart thumped madly against her ribcage. This felt wrong. She shouldn't be here.
"Wake up!" she screamed, gripping the sides of her face in horror.
"Help me. Help me restore the power of Atlantis."
"No!" Her jade eyes widened in fear. "It must be left dormant. It's not for human hands. It's not for anyone anymore."
"Who are you to deny me? I will find you and you will serve me." The man's voice rolled with the thunder.
Something behind her shoved her through the door, laughing wickedly. She stumbled forward, knees hitting the dirt. "No!" Her hands clawed at the closed door behind her.
"Serve me or die."
The ground quaked beneath her. She stood and faced her aggressor. "You can't have me." Her feet began sinking into the ground. She panicked and attempted to find better footing. The ground crumbled away around her.
A pair of brilliant white wings burst open, feathers streaming up, mingling with her outstretched arms. It wouldn't matter, she would fall anyways.
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Van Fanel walked out into the balcony. It was the dead of night, the manor was still. He had awoken suddenly and found sleep eluded him. Stretching, he walked to the railing and rested his forearms against it. Van stifled a yawn. The cool air felt good against his face.
A creak echoed above him. The prince turned to search for the source of the noise. His heart dropped. A girl, barefoot and dressed in a flimsy white nightgown, stood on the roof above him. She stood at its peak, her back facing the edge. Her short light brown hair swayed in the breeze as she took another step back, closer to her death.
"Hitomi?!" Van gaped at her. "Come down from there!"
She tipped back, a flourish of white linen against the night.
"Shit!" There was no time. Van scrambled to the corner of the balcony and used the railing to launch himself towards the falling girl. A pair of wings instantly unfurled from his back as he became airborne. As he neared her, a storm of feathers exploded around the girl.
He caught her in his arms and held her close to his chest. Her body was limp. They landed. Van knelt on the ground, still clinging to the girl on his lap. His hand shaking, he touched her cheek, eyes transfixed.
She was Draconian.
But something wasn't right. One of her wings was contracted and was smaller than the other. It clumped together and quivered, attempting to open. Hitomi moaned softly, her lips parting. He let out a long breath he'd been holding.
With her wing as it was she would not be able to fly, Van could see that. What happened to her? Empathy for the girl softened his face.
"Hitomi." His fingertips nudged her shoulder, the pendant around her neck rolled as she moved. The nightgown hung loose on her shoulders. "Hitomi."
She stirred in his arms, eyelashes fluttering. Her jade eyes were far away, still trapped in a dream. "I was falling," a small voice stated.
"Are you hurt?" Van's hands gripped her shoulders. She didn't seem concerned. Her wings twitched and retracted as quickly as they had spread, gone from view in a sigh.
"It doesn't matter." A tear dropped down her cheek. "Better to fall than to be captive."
"What happened, Hitomi?" He shook her lightly, eyes intense.
They honey-haired girl blinked. She looked up at Van with eyes unclouded. More tears fell from her eyes as she took in Van's bare shoulders and the strong pair of wings enveloping them.
"You…" Hitomi pushed herself up and away from him. Van released her, expression worried. "Stay away," she warned. Discovering the back of her nightgown was in shambles, she pressed the fabric up to her chest to keep it from falling.
Van's wings vanished from sight. He inched away from her. "What were you doing up there? You could have died!" The prince looked away. "Your wings…what happened to them?"
Her bottom lip trembled. Her expression hardened. She made a fist as she stood. "Don't follow me." Without explanation she left, walking toward the manor.
His feet itched to follow her. He wanted to tell her that it was alright. That he wouldn't tell anyone. That she could trust him. That she could rely on him.
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A muffled squeak of a door hinge opening broke the quiet of the dark room. Celena almost opened her eyes. Most likely it was her brother ensuring she was safe in her bed. Soft pitter patter of feet resonated across the floor. Celena opened an eye to find Hitomi lifting a corner of her blanket. She stepped into the bed next to her and wrapped her arms around the pale-haired girl.
"I'm scared now," the green-eyed girl confessed, her face against Celena's shoulders. The blonde turned to face her unexpected guest.
"I am too." Celena felt tears gather in her eyes as she held the girl closer.
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AN: Thank-you for the reviews and views everyone. TBlaze, thank-you for the encouragement. ^.^ Anyhow, please read and review!