Well, this is only a week late. lol. Man, I had so many different things I wanted to add on this chapter, but then I remembered my earlier declaration of keeping the chapters shorter and I kept with it. This one took a long enough time as it is because I had to practically review the entire beginning of "Legends" to get my facts straight. It's an interesting chapter. And I especially loved writing the ending. :) That was a scene I've had planned for several years.
If you see any mistakes, please let me know. I lost my Beta long ago with the passing years and now it's just me editing it. I miss my Beta... *tear*
I hope you enjoy the chapter. This it brought to you by "Two Hearts" by Paper Route. Amazing band.
Well, have at it, then! :)
I'm gonna see him. I'm gonna see him. I'm gonna see him.
Hitomi shrugged her shoulders and frowned at the left breast-plate that connected to the intertwining gold on her arms and back. Despite all the hard work altering, it still hung crooked.
"Uh, Myia, could you tighten this strap more? It's keeps sagging."
The rabbit woman's quick fingers froze over Hitomi's forearm which were currently securing an intricate metal gauntlet to her wrist.
"I tightened it as far as it will go…" she whispered.
Glancing at the mirror, Hitomi sighed quietly. Large bits of gold-plated metal were buckled into thick tight leather on her shoulders and connected to two pieces of breast plates on her front. The breast plates then attached to even thicker leather that wrapped protectively around her middle and swooped down in streams of golden incrusted fabric. It ended a little past her hips. More of the same armor connected to straps on her thighs. Tight, boiled leather pants enfolded her legs along with boot and calf armor. The entire ensemble had a wavering vision of gold and brown hues that twirled and spiraled all over her chest, sides, back, and legs. It was like streaming rivers of metal.
She grimaced at the crooked chest piece. Beautiful as it was, she couldn't see herself being intimidating on a battlefield with half her breast-plate hanging off. This day hadn't started out well and already the daily dose of impeding embarrassment had begun. When the armor had first been brought into her room by Myia and several other multicultural maids that morning, she'd stood there for a good minute tilting the one of the metal plates back and forth in the light from her bedroom window. Millerna had barged in without so much as a knock on the door, squealed loud enough to wake the entire castle, and began rampaging that Hitomi was going to look like the bad side of a Bird Clan's under feather if she didn't stop gawking at it and actually put it on. Hitomi was immediately dragged to the vanity.
That had been hours ago.
Meanwhile, the blond prattled away about 'certain expectations for the future Pilot' and other nonsense. Finally, once the first layer of leather undergarments were bolted to her, Millerna left with the reassurance that Hitomi would be perfect for her big day.
It wasn't really her big day though. Hitomi knew that for certain.
I'm gonna see him. I'm gonna see him. I'm gonna see him. I'm gonna see him.
All of the armor had been manufactured for the previous Pilot and preserved in pristine condition. Even after ninety years, it still shined like new. She was in awe of this magnificent piece of sculpture that would actually be her battle gear.
When she'd first tried it on; however, actually fitting into the armor became the most apparent problem. It had taken the royal tailor several tries with the under- leather to make it properly fit Hitomi's body. Not only was she taller than the first Pilot, but…
Her face still burned with embarrassment at how much the chest region had to be taken in. Apparently, she was widely lacking in the bust department compared to the first Pilot as well. She'd personally seen the Pilot's body when Rutilus borrowed her form to show her the visions of Water's past. But she didn't remember the Pilot having that much of a chest… she hadn't thought to look…
The excitement at finally awakening Rutilus' Guymelef form kind of fell a bit flat. As the smaller man prodded and stretched various leather bits, she hoped at least that she wasn't the only one who would look weird in her new battle attire.
Van was getting fitted for his as well.
Speaking of Van-
She'd hardly been able to talk to him due to the strict training Balgus had given her. Not even a quick 'how are you?' or 'what a pretty day!' passed between them. She also wanted to thank him for all his help to get her accepted. Balgus had given her the rundown on the long and tiring debate that had followed after her pre-trial examination. Her heart had soared when he told her how hard Van had debated. True to the old man's personality, he immediately burst her bubble of happiness by warning her that she was still being held as a potential spy by the Council. The only reason she passed was because they were overruled by Van. He finally pulled rank on her behalf.
And speaking of Balgus and the fitting fiasco-
She'd had training with the old goat right after her rather embarrassing visit to the tailor and – in a moment of weakness –complained the problem to him. She realized too late that she should've never said a word to him. As he roared with laughter, she felt her heart sink to her knees. It was then that he began to insert insults disguised as bossy one-liners –
The first was: "It's mandatory to wear the armor to meet the Golden River, even if she can't figure out which one is Lord Van and which one is you."
Then during sword play: "Why are you side-stepping my sword? It won't hit anything on your chest anyway!" and "You charge like a little boy! Too bad you look like one, too."
Then with weapon position practice: "Keep your sword point up! Build the muscles in your arms to go with the rest of your masculinity!" and her new favorite: "What are you trying to do with that pose? Seduce me? Sorry to disappoint you, Kanzaki, but I'm not attracted to males!"
That was when she finally snapped. Of course, his reply was: "Cease the complaints! Real men don't complain!"
Needless to say, she also simultaneously had to deal with Rutilus as well.
I can make them bigger, Hitomi! As big as you want! Just name the size! It'll be done in a couple of hours!
The mental picture of two huge balloons on her chest made Hitomi cringe. She'd turned down the offer with as much dignity as she possessed. That's okay, Rutilus. I'll just bear with the burden of a flat chest. Besides, I'm still young! I'm growing!
…yeah… sure… I guess…
"Keep your sword in front of you, idiot child! You have plenty of space there anyway!"
"Old man, I swear…!" Hitomi growled and fixed her slipping pose.
Please… I can help… really…
No, Rutilus!
"You can't blame me that your entire chest went to your fat head instead! Change your weapon to the trident! Can you do that by yourself or do you need me to tell you what a handsome young man you are?"
It had taken every bit of her willpower to keep her core under control. When several lightning cracks sounded over the clear, blue sky, she was fairly certain she was the cause of it.
Despite the emotional and mental draining the armor had caused her that day, when it arrived in her room completely finished and tailored she couldn't help but be amazed at how beautiful it truly was. And it fit her perfectly…
Except…
"I hate this breast-plate!" Hitomi groaned, shifting her shoulders once more.
"I'll look at it in a moment, my lady. Let me finish with your arm first." The rabbit said quickly.
I'm gonna see him. I'm gonna see him. I'm gonna see him. I'm gonna see him. I'm gonna see him.
Myia finished the intricate knot at her wrist and moved to study the part that was causing her complications. "I cannot fix it, my lady. It's unable to tighten further." She whispered fearfully. Her vibrant eyes zipped from Hitomi's back to the door to the closet and back again.
The redhead sighed in the mirror. The three-way combination of Millerna's morning rant, the rabbit's nervous fear, and the never-ending chanting in her head were starting to make her brain sore. Letting out a long sigh, she rubbed at her green eyes with gloved fingers. "Don't worry about that. Just finish up everything else before Millerna comes back and skins us both alive."
Myia gave her a horrified look and Hitomi instantly realized that probably wasn't the most tactful thing to say to a rabbit.
"Oh, Law, I'm sorry, Myia! I didn't mean to-"
"It's a-alright, my lady." The furry girl swallowed audibly and her white fingers jerked as if the sound of her own swallowing scared her. Hitomi wanted to kick herself. Jittery as she usually was, Myia was now visibly shaking.
I'm gonna see him. I'm gonna see him. I'm gonna see him. I'm gonna see him. I'm gonna see him.
Hitomi put her free hand on her forehead and closed her green eyes. She'd tried to keep Rutilus' nonstop recitation in the background of her mind, but – like always – that was never going to happen. The River was there whether Hitomi wanted her or not.
I'm gonna see him. I'm gonna see him. I'm gonna see him. I'm gonna see him.
Sooo, when I place the pendant into the crystal chest thingy, you won't be in my head anymore? She asked trying to keep the hopefulness out of her voice.
I'm gonna see him. I'm gonna see him. Yep! I'm gonna see him. I'm gonna see him. I'm gonna-
And what about if I need to talk to you about something? I'll have to go to your Guymelef form?
-see him. I'm gonna see him. I'm gonna see him. Yep! I'm gonna see him.
Marvelous, the redhead smiled through her growing headache.
I'm gonna see him. But I'll be forced to you if there is a serious threat to your life. I'm gonna see him. I'm gonna see him. Most of the time, I'll be in my other form, unless you take the pendant out of the activation crystal. I'm gonna see him. I'm gonna see him. And then I'll be with you like usual. I'm gonna see him. I'm gonna see him. You'll miss me, right? I'm gonna see-
Rutilus, Hitomi snorted in irritation and the rabbit maid jumped back in fright. Right now, I can't wait to put you in the Guymelef.
-him. Awww! You're sweet. I'm gonna see him. I'm gonna see him. I'm gonna-
The River missed the sarcasm.
And I can't wait for you to be with Escaflowne for as long as possible.
-see him. You're a doll. I'm gonna see him. I'm gonna see him.
She obviously wasn't getting it.
Rutilus, please stop saying the same thing over and over and over and over and over-
I'm gonna see him. I'm gonna see him. What? I can't be excited? I'm gonna see him. I'm gonna see him.
You could try to celebrate more quietly. I really don't want to make a fool out of myself today. Already I'm having issues with this armor. I am going to need all hands on deck here if I'm going to finally make a public appearance without humiliation following it.
I told you I could help you with that, but you said no. I'm gonna see him. I'm gonna see him. I'm gonna see him. But, okay. I understand. I'll be good…
Thank you.
I'm… gonna… see... him… I'm… gonna… see… hi-
THAT DOESN'T MEAN SAY IT SLOWER!
"It's past time, Lady Hitomi! Everyone's waiting for you!" Millerna's shrill echoing voice called from the hallway. Heavy as the solid wooden door was, the blond woman somehow had enough strength to make it slam open and bounce horribly against the back wall. She was dressed in a fitting lavender top and a flowing cream skirt that fell to her feet. On her shoulders flowed the familiar black cloak that all the Vehotus members possessed. Hitomi noticed the purple insignia on the edge of the fabric and a spark of envy run through her. Millerna's long blond hair was curled into ringlets and piled on her head in a stylish, messy fashion. The redhead immediately glanced at herself in the full length mirror again and knew she'd never radiate such a feminine aura.
She hated to say it, but maybe Balgus had a point…
"Wow!" Millerna beamed. She seemed to glide over the mahogany carpet to her. "You look wonderful!"
"I look like a man," Hitomi admitted with a face. "That doesn't matter anyway."
"No, you don't! You look like a fierce woman warrior!" With that said, the blond immediately rushed up, yanked open a drawer to her vanity, and grabbed a large pin. She moved to pull up the breast strap. "This needs to be fixed. It makes you look like your left boob's drooping."
Her green eyes went wide and she snorted with laughter as Millerna grunted and tugged the stiff armor. She put the pin in her mouth and used both of her slender hands to yank even harder. Hitomi had to grab the vanity to keep her balance.
"You're welcome to try. Not even the royal tailor could get it right."
"The royal tailor is an idiot." The blond said through the pin. "I've meant to get him out of here anyway. The man is completely incompetent with women's clothes." She held the fabric together with both hands and motioned at Myia to help her hold it in place while she shoved the pin through the inside layer of the leather. Hitomi winced, expecting to be poked with the needle, but Millerna was careful. Suddenly, the woman let go and stepped back. Glancing into the mirror, Hitomi let out a breath of relief. It looked a lot better when it fit her properly.
"That is so much better. Thank you, Millerna." The redhead smiled gratefully at the blonde's reflection.
"Hmm, you can still see the pin." She stepped back up behind Hitomi and her blue eyes zipped up and down. A crease appeared between her eyebrows. "Maybe if you shift this metal part this way, you could actually have a bit of a figure."
"Is it sad that you're the first one not to say that I look like an adolescent boy in this?"
"It's that entire idiot's fault. I don't know why they'd even risk giving him armor to work with, especially armor as special as the first Pilot's." The blond shook her head with incredulity. She shifted the top piece further on Hitomi's back. With an accepting grin, she said, "And now we'll cover the pin with a bit of this shoulder stuff and you are all set!"
"Thank you, Lady Millerna," Myia whispered and bowed. "I was at a loss on how to fix it."
"It's perfect!" She cheered. "You look glorious! Good job on her hair, Myia. It has a bit of a windblown look which gives her an air of mystery. I like that." She tilted her beautiful head. "It sure has grown an awful lot these past few days."
"Against my will, too," Hitomi mumbled so the blond couldn't hear her. Indeed, her hair was the longest it had ever been since she was fourteen. It fell to her shoulders, flaring out slightly with layers. The thought of cutting it had crossed her mind more than once these past couple of days, especially with so much training. Her hair had flopped into her face too many times for tolerance. Rutilus had put a stop to that by threatening the redhead she'd sing every folk song she knew on repeat. Hitomi took her threat seriously.
At least once you're out of my head you can't bully me anymore.
…see… him… Doesn't mean I can't find other ways… I'm… gonna… see… him… Never underestimate me. So don't even think about cutting it… I'm… gonna…
"Oh, Law!" the blond screeched suddenly and Myia scampered behind Hitomi's bed in a flash. Millerna grabbed her armored elbow and began pulling her roughly to the door. "We gotta go! We gotta go! You're going to be late meeting the travel party at the front doors! Let's go, let's go, let's go!"
"O-Okay," Hitomi stuttered, a bit taken back. She glanced back at the hiding rabbit and called, "Thank you, Myia!"
"The honor is mine, my lady." the rabbit answered back in her quiet voice from behind the bed.
Tripping slightly over the red carpet lining, Hitomi felt her stomach suddenly erupt with butterflies. Her metal and leather squeaked slightly as she rushed to keep up with the lavender woman in front of her.
"Hey, Millerna, the Guymelef temple is outside the city, right?"
"That's right," she called back, holding her skirt with one hand. "We'll ride there with the entire Vehotus and Council."
Hitomi's heart dropped into her twisting stomach. "The Council will be there? But I-"
"The whole country would be here for this if they could." Millerna interrupted. Hitomi couldn't see her face, but her voice sounded like she was grinning from ear to ear. "But the temple is sacred ground and the only ones allowed inside the inner chamber are you and Van. Oh, and the temple priests that take care of the Guymelefs. We will have to wait outside the temple doors for you to Pilot her out. I am so excited! This hasn't happened in almost a century! Rutilus has finally got her Pilot! I can't wait to see her move! I've only heard stories! My grandmother told me long ago that Rutilus Flumen is the most beautiful thing she'd ever seen. You're going to be great!"
Hitomi instantly felt sick. "Oh, Law…" she muttered under her breath. I've never piloted anything in my life! I'm expected to impress Van, the Vehotus, and the Council? The Council only approved of me because Van bullied them into it. I didn't expect them to show up as well.
… him…Count your blessings were they fall, Hitomi. At least now they can see with their own eyes that you are the Pilot. It'll be a nice 'I told you so', that's for sure. And besides, I'll talk you through everything. It's easy! Remember how they piloted in the vision? You'll get the hang of it in no time. I'm… going…
I'm still not reassured. She swallowed a sour taste in her mouth. Her stomach rolled.
… see …Oh, get over it and cheer up! You forget that Van has never piloted before either. You guys are in the same boat. He's probably just as nervous as you.
I feel like I'm going to throw up.
Okay, maybe not.
Shifting his heavy shoulders, Van felt strangely exposed with his long bangs smoothed off his face. He could sense everyone watching him, studying his every expression and every blink. He chewed the inside of his cheek and tried to act nonchalant. He had been tempted to call the whole silly armor thing off and just go to the Guymelefs in regular clothes. Unfortunately, he had been repeatedly reminded by Allen and Balgus that protocol called for the armor… and thus, unpleasant primping. Not that he didn't like the armor. Thanks to his excellent tailor, he fit quite well in it.
He had a strange feeling of restlessness and irritation. Glancing at the staircase to the right, he exhaled slowly. This would be his second trip to the Guymelefs.
And this time, he wouldn't be taking the long walk alone.
Several months after the death of his parents when Van turned seven, he was presented before Escaflowne at the long, circular temple. Even as a small child, he remembered the strange chill of familiarity that had raced down his spine as his feet hit the ground outside the temple. He was greeted by all twelve silent temple priests. Three of them stepped forward and bowed. Van had been told beforehand that they were to act as witnesses to his being chosen. No other person could enter the temple aside from the priests and Van. The rest of the priests stood at the doorway waiting. Van had turned to give his father's Council and Vehotus one last look of determination as the tall doors graded shut with a resounding BOOM.
Glancing at the priests beside him, his seven-year old self had almost laughed at their strange pointed beards. Three long spikes of hair – two on the sides of their cheeks and one on the chin – looked like an upside down trident with a face. Swallowing his snort, he began his journey down the long decorated hallway. Immediately fire erupted on the sides of the temple walls and lighted his straight pathway. He'd felt the humor leave him quite abruptly. The echoing sound of their solid footsteps bounced heavily on the thick stone walls of the main long hallway. He kept his mahogany eyes on the dark chamber in front of him.
That was where Escaflowne was waiting for him.
Finally, after several minutes of walking, he approached the open stone doors to the huge round chamber. As his foot hit the rocky ground, fire blasted into life on stony pillars reaching the tall circular ceiling. His heart had leapt into his throat and he stifled his scream. The two Melefs – the one on the left a gigantic white and the one on the right a brilliant gold – knelt side by side waiting for him at the center of a round chamber. He remembered turning to the three priests. The one in the middle nodded.
Here we go…
As he approached their tall, twisted, metallic forms, he couldn't stop shaking.
What did it mean exactly once he was chosen? Would he be expected to run the kingdom? He was only seven! And then the worst hit him: what if Escaflowne didn't stand at all…?
He had gasped in terror and surprise as a metal grading screeched loudly.
And Escaflowne stood. Rutilus remained kneeling.
Leaving the temple, the Council and old Vehotus were silent as they knelt before him. It had been confirmed.
At seven, he was now the new King of Fanelia.
That was when he was allowed to see the ancient white armor he might be wearing into battle if Rutilus' Pilot was ever found. Both Escaflowne and Rutilus Flumen's pilot armor were always kept preserved in the inner treasury chamber at the castle. He'd never stepped foot inside the treasury at all and now he was allowed to see the most sacred possessions of his kingdom. Being king did have its nice perks after all.
Positioned side by side on the wall, both armors gleamed in the mild torch-light. He'd been impressed with the white, but it was the gold that took the breath out his lungs. The beautiful and delicate patterns on the sides and back were almost spellbinding the way they twisted and flowed together. Even though the armor hadn't been worn for so many years, it was still slightly glowing with the mysterious golden power. Van had wondered briefly if it still contained some hint of vox from the first Pilot.
It was then – standing in front of those two historical treasures and staring at that beautiful twisting gold - that he was hit with the wavering vision of white light. It cleared to focus on a smiling, little girl. She stood in a simple room filled with books on the wall. A kind looking man had his hand on her small auburn head and was ruffling her hair. She giggled, her green eyes dancing with joy. She looked down at a pink pendant necklace that was slightly too big for her. Her round cheeks were blushing with pride and happiness.
He'd woken on the treasury floor surrounded by concerned grown-ups.
He knew then that Rutilus Flumen's newest Pilot had finally been found. He'd dreamed of her since then. And now…
Sighing, he looked - for what must have been the fiftieth time - at the stairway where Hitomi would appear. Van began tapping his white thigh with a gloved hand in impatience. He hadn't been able to really talk to her properly in days. Well, since the Dilandau urn scene, to be honest. He still wanted to thank her properly for her sudden appearance that night - if it wasn't so horribly awkward to bring it up.
After her pre-trials – he shivered strangely as he remembered the huge swirling funnel that had engulfed her small form - he'd spent the rest of the night and next morning debating with the Council and Vehotus. Finally, blunt from pure exhaustion, he had stood from his chair angrily and did something he'd never tried before - used his rank as king. She had been approved, not by Modocca or Brill, but by him. No other vox could be so powerful. There was no other person who possessed true golden magic. She was accepted as the Pilot and could stand before Rutilus' Melef or he'd have new Council members by the end of the day.
He'd wanted to be the one to tell her, but news of Zaibach's movements on their northern borders kept him completely occupied. He'd seen her several times training with Balgus – a sting of jealousy would run through him – and quite a bit at dinner. She'd always be the first to come and the first to leave. She was under the old man's harsh training, as they all had been long ago. The most he'd been able to give her was a sympathetic smile.
He felt like a fool. Van had dreamed of today; wishing the days would pass quicker until he could properly talk with her again. Van's mahogany eyes focused on Balgus as the grumbling old man paced the long length of the entrance way. Once they got the Guymelefs awaken, Van just needed her to pass one of the trials and she'd be in the Vehotus. Then they could even train together.
But first she needed to show up.
Where was she?
"Maybe she's decided to skip out?" Gadeth said thoughtfully, hooking his thumbs into the pockets of his dark green pants.
"That's not funny, Gadeth," Balgus rumbled, keeping his pacing up. Dryden strolled over to hit him hard in the bicep.
"Ouch, what was that for?"
"Millerna has gone to check up on her. Be patient."
"Did that really require hitting me?"
The brown head smiled lightly. "No, I just really wanted to do that."
The green man rubbed his arm and grinned at him. "I knew you liked it rough."
"I'm going to kill her if she makes all of us wait on her any longer!" Balgus suddenly bellowed out. "Doesn't she realize that this is an insult to the nation of Fanelia? Tardiness will not be tolerated!"
"Is there anything you actually tolerate?" Gadeth asked cheekily. The old man growled and stomped over to the green man. Lifting a thick fist, he punched him in the same place Dryden had.
"Great Law Almighty! What is everyone's problem!? Stop hitting me!"
"Balgus likes to play rough, too, huh?" Dryden grinned and immediately hid behind Gadeth as Balgus growled at him. Van smiled and shook his head.
"Just try to say that again, you little punk!"
Dryden nudged his green friend from behind and said, "I'm going to stand outside with Allen. It might be safer there."
Gadeth's pale face turned pleading. "You're leaving me?"
"Yep." Dryden smirked, left his hiding spot behind the green man, and started walking lazily down the hall.
"Fine! Leave me! Go on!" Gadeth shouted in a wail. "I'll break up with you! I'll do it! Just watch me!" Dryden just lifted a hand in a farewell wave and strolled out the door without looking back.
"We are over now because of this! It's done! I'm going to hate you forever!"
"Shut-up!" The old man barked. He lifted a large fist to punch Gadeth again. The black-haired man ducked just in time.
The goof turned to Van with large, innocent eyes. "I'm getting bullied, Milord!"
Van snorted a laugh. "Have you ever thought maybe you deserve it sometimes, Gadeth?"
"Me? I'm as innocent as yesterday's pudding!"
"Pudding? What does pudding have to do anything? Will you ever make sense?!" Balgus growled. "I think His Majesty deserves a go punching you." Gadeth squealed and took several dancing steps away from Van. The old man continued, his scarred face smiling wickedly. "You want a turn?"
Van let out a laugh. "Actually, I think I do."
It was right then that a flicker of blond hair appeared in his right peripheral vision. Van's mahogany eyes immediately turned from the cowering green man to travel upward on the staircase.
As Millerna raced through the corridor to the side staircase, Hitomi slowed her steps to take a deep breath and try to relax her skyrocketing nerves. She walked out to the threshold of the stairs and she let her green eyes feverishly searching for a familiar tan face. A leap of excitement rushed through her as she spied him standing on the far edge of the entry way rug smiling at a green covered man: Gadeth, no doubt.
He looked like a god. She instantly knew she was in Millerna's debt for fixing her armor.
His usual long black hair was combed off his face and smoothed back into a small ponytail at the back of his head. She had never been able to properly study his tan jaw line before with all that hair in the way.
She found that she really, really liked it.
The armor he wore was a brilliant white. While her shoulder piece twisted with gold all around her shoulders and down her back, his had layers of white metal that overlapped each other all the way down to his waist. They looked an awful lot like scales. More white scales covered his thighs, legs, and feet. His black cloak was strapped on his armor and hung happily down his back.
Taking several steps into the hallway, she saw him look at her and do a double take. A prideful feeling filled her. She couldn't stop the brilliant smile that spread on her face. The corners of his cloak immediately fluttered up as if waving merrily at her. Turning away from the green man, Van took several steps towards the stairs. Clanking down the steps at a bit of a faster pace, she gasped as a huge hand suddenly grabbed her gauntleted arm and pulled her.
"You are late, brat!" A large scarred face zoomed into hers with small accusing eyes.
She groaned.
Leave it to Balgus to ruin the moment.
"I'm here now, old man."
"That is no explanation!"
"You want a detailed account?" she asked her eyebrow twitching in irritation. "As you well remember, there were a bit of wardrobe malfunctions to clear up. I only got the armor back this morning." Balgus let her go and crossed his arms. She mirrored him, scowling.
"And doesn't she just look like the pretty painting?" A dark head appeared on the floor between Balgus' feet and they both looked down bewildered. Gadeth laced his fingers under his chin and fluttered his eyelashes up at her. "Very much a Pilot. I can see why the Golden River would pick someone as beautiful as you."
Hitomi felt her face heat up. She glanced back at Van and he was shaking his head with a palm on his face.
"Get out, you pest!" Balgus snarled and lifted his big boot to stomp on the green man's head. Gadeth smirked and instantly vanished as the foot hit the carpet with a heavy thud. Over the old man's huge shoulder, she saw Gadeth running with arms flailing to the open doorway.
"You should have punched him when you had the chance, Lord Van," the old man rumbled to Van. The king's armor squeaked slightly as he walked up to join them.
"There will be plenty more opportunities, I'm sure." Van laughed. Suddenly, she felt his gloved hand grasp hers. She had barely enough time to breathe properly before he looped her arm around his.
"I'll take it from here, Balgus."
"Hmph," the old man snorted. Turning back to follow where the green man had disappeared, he called, "Don't forget how to summon your horse, brat!"
Hitomi sighed tiredly. Then she felt Van's arm tighten slightly on hers.
Looking at him quizzically, she saw a small blush on his face.
"You look good in that armor." He mumbled with his mahogany eyes on the floor.
"Thank you…" she replied, her heart beating to burst. Law, she'd missed him.
He inhaled and smiled at her. "Well, Miss Pilot, let's get going, shall we?"
"Lead the way, Mister Pilot," she laughed.
Together they walked towards the open door together and they both squeaked in their armor with every step.
Horse hoofs clopped loudly on the cobble stone walkway and echoed within The Great Tunnel. The redhead could hear the spattered sounds of various conversations between the Council and Vehotus behind her. She was slightly happy that the two of them led the group a little ways ahead of the rest. She'd finally have the opportunity have some form of conversation with him.
After walking out of the castle doors together – and Rederic and Van's black horse immediately appearing side by side waiting – Van walked her to her horse and had actually lifted her onto the glossy back as if she weighted nothing at all. Though Balgus had taught her how to mount her horse backwards, forwards and mid-gallop, she found the gesture quite gentlemanly. She'd felt her stomach twist happily, even when Gadeth had cat-called at them. A loud thud and an "ouch" later confirmed he'd been punched.
Riding side-by-side with him gave her the sense of destiny. The twisting nerves she had felt before were now humming happily in her belly.
This was where she was supposed to be.
Right beside him.
Law, that armor looked good on him. He was absolutely stunning in it. The darkness of his hair contrasted perfectly with the glimmering white scales. His tan skin almost glowed in the torch-light of the Tunnel.
"You look like a dragon," she commented. Van blinked as if startled out of deep thoughts.
"I do?"
She laughed. "I guess that's kind of the point being Escaflowne's Pilot and everything."
"Thanks," he smiled.
They fell into a peaceful silence.
Glancing around the curving walls, she was reminded of the markings on the walls and ceiling. A sudden thought popped in her head and she asked without thinking. "Hey, Van? Where is Hanlen's legend on this Tunnel?"
He frowned wonderingly at her. "Hanlen's? I wasn't aware you knew about him."
Hitomi froze. Should I not have said that?
How should I know? Who cares anyway?
Well, I don't want to seem strange. I'll have to tell him I talk to you.
And where's the problem with that?
It's… weird! I have a voice in my head that I talk to. I'll sound like a raving lunatic.
Hitomi. Think about this for a second. You both have been having crazy visions ever since you were kids. He will completely understand that me talking to you through your mind is a natural process of being my Pilot.
"Ever since I got here, I've been fascinated to know what kind of legends are on these walls. Would you tell me some?" Hitomi evaded.
Stop being a coward and just tell the guy. Geez.
"Sure, but I'm curious to how did you knew about Hanlen." He quirked a dark eyebrow at her. With all that hair out of his face, she noticed that his forehead slightly wrinkled when he did that.
He won't let the subject drop. I like him.
Not now, Rutilus!
"It's kind of… strange…" she admitted. "I'm not sure if you knew this about Rutilus' Pilots."
"Strange? Now I have to know." He smiled at her. "It can't be as strange as suddenly appearing in a green field in the middle of a battle."
She breathed deeply to steady herself. "It's really stupid…"
I'm not stupid!
Not now, Rutilus!
He waved a thick hand to keep her talking. She sighed. "Balgus knows, but no one else does. You see, I've had Rutilus with me ever since I left Hospesland."
"I thought that was a given. She resides in the stone, right?" Van gestured to her chest where the necklace lay on top of her armor. It was slightly pulsing with her increasing heartbeats.
"Well, it's kind of different from that. She… talks to me…"
Van shrugged. "Escaflowne talks to me. Why is this so abnormal?"
Escaflowne talks to him!?
Hitomi visibly winced at the shout.
"What's wrong?" the king frowned. "You just jumped."
"Rutilus just yelled in my head. I hate it when she does that."
Van's mahogany eyes widened. "Wait, she just said something? The Golden River?"
"I… kind of have one-on-one conversations with her. I talk with her all the time."
"All the time? Even now? Truthfully?"
She felt her heart pound uneasily. Swallowing, she nodded.
He sat back and his black horse nickered in annoyance, blowing out its lips. "That's so…"
"Weird? Strange? Abnormally bizarre?" she supplied with a grimace.
"Amazing!"
The redhead blushed with the unexpected praise.
"You actually talk to her. You actually fully talk with her. I didn't realize you could do that. The Legendary Rutilus Flumen has full on conversations!"
"You really think it's amazing?" She asked shyly, trying to hide her apparent pleasure. "I'm so glad. I thought you might think I was mental or something."
His eyes turned warm and he shook his head. "I'd never think that. I'm actually kind of envious. You said she talks to you all the time?"
"To be honest, she hardly shuts up." Hitomi grinned.
Hey!
It's true.
They passed through The Great Tunnel and trotted out into the main city. A path had already been cleared for their small march to the southern gate. Hitomi tried to avoid the gasps and whispers of the multi-colored people around her. Van didn't seem to notice. He was too full of questions.
"So, Rutilus Flumen told you about Hanlen?"
"Actually she's told me a lot more than just Hanlen's story." Hitomi admitted. "She shows me the scene as if I was there. It's sort of like a vision."
"Shows you scenes? Visions of what?"
"Ummm, the beginning, I guess?"
"The beginning? The beginning of what?"
Van had started repeating her answers in question form.
Shrugging her shoulders, she said hesitantly, "Everything? Look it is kind of hard to explain. She's in the process of telling me… well… the beginning of… you know…"
"No. What does she tell you?"
A slight wind picked up and she absentmindedly brushed her hair out of her face in thought. "Everything. I've seen the beginning of the world, Van. Law, Elements, the beginning of man, Rutilus Flumen's golden river, Escaflowne's dragon form, the fall of…" she trailed off looking at his face. "What's wrong?"
His mahogany eyes couldn't grow any wider. His expression was a mix of shock, amazement, and disbelief.
It was kind of funny looking.
"So, you basically know how the world began?"
She nodded. He gave out a weak laugh and his mahogany eyes trailed off of her face. He stared in a daze at his horse's dark neck.
"Are you okay?"
"I'll let you know once I start breathing properly again. I never knew Golden River could talk to you like this. Escaflowne only speaks to me during life threatening moments or when I need to call upon a large part of vox magic."
She snorted. "Yep, she's my friend I carry around in my brain."
"Has it always been this way? Ever since the pendant came to you?"
"She first talked to me right before I met you in Hospesland."
His eyebrows went up in surprise. "She did? How? Through your mind?"
"She talked to me in dreams. She told me to go with you that night you came for me in Hospesland."
Van laughed with understanding and rubbed his tan jaw. Her green eyes watched his hand. "I've been meaning to talk to you about that night. You were going to whack me with a lamp!"
"You snuck in my room!" She shot back. "What else was I supposed to do?"
"What did she say exactly?"
"Exactly?"
"To make you come with me and leave Hospesland." He clarified.
Go with him when he comes…
"Go with him when he comes."
He grinned. "I see. And here I came, huh?"
"She told me before I saw you actually. Even before that day we first met on General Chester's porch. I just didn't realize it until I saw you." She sighed with the memory. "Wow, that day on the porch seems like years ago. So much has happened since then. I never would have expected to be riding on my power generated horse to awaken legendary mechanical monster to help save a foreign kingdom. Life sure does throw its little surprises."
"I actually have wanted to tell you something. I came to Hospesland under the pretense of gaining aid for the war. In actuality," he blushed slightly, "I was coming to get you. I just didn't know it yet. Balgus and…" -his voice caught a bit- "Dilandau thought I was insane. They kept telling me that shouldn't have come. That I could have just sent Allen to do the job. Even I didn't know what I was doing till that day I saw you." He cleared his throat. "And then, I just understood. I knew you needed to come. You were what I was looking for." He glanced at her. "And now here we are."
"And now here we are." She repeated. Boldness filled her and she reached out to touch his scaled arm briefly before she chickened out. He let go of his horse's dark mane and grabbed outstretched hand with gloved fingers. She gasped, but he face remained slightly impassive as he hooked his hand around hers.
She hardly heard the conversations behind her fall into quiet whispers. Her heart was in her throat. Every fiber of her being was concentrating on him.
"It's a good thing you are such a fast learner," Van said mildly, giving her fingers a small squeeze. He didn't let go. "You've mastered a lot in such a short amount of time."
"According to Balgus, I have the brain power the size of a small rodent." She answered trying to swallow. She wondered if her mouth was working properly.
"Balgus' opinion doesn't count." The mahogany-eyed man chuckled good-naturedly.
"I haven't figured out transportation yet."
"It's easy. I'll show you sometime."
How is he so calm? He's holding my hand in front of his entire city! This is embarrassing.
You know you love it!
A thought crossed her mind and she straightened her shoulders to gain courage. "I've learned something about transportation that I've been meaning to ask you about."
"What's that?"
"That night in Hospesland, you didn't need to pick me up to transport me through that gate. You could have just grabbed my shoulder. Care to explain why you felt it was necessary to sweep me off my feet?"
Van flushed, but he smirked at her. "What? You didn't like being in my arms?"
Her mouth dropped open and she wondered if all the blood in her face would make her pass out.
That's not fair!
He's good at this!
Not now, Rutilus!
"You are insufferable! Just answer my question!"
"I was making sure you wouldn't freak out when I transported us, that's all." He answered simply.
"Oh and casually carrying a stranger in your arms is your way of keeping the peace?"
"Squirming breaks my concentration. You didn't seem to mind."
"Oh, really? And how do you know that?"
He laughed and gave her hand another squeeze. "Well, what about you? I've actually got something I've wanted to discuss about that night as well."
"And what's that?"
"What did you tell the guard that night to make him open the wall gate?"
The redhead sucked in a breath and her head immediately pounded. Small beads of sweat erupt on her hairline.
"I-I-I don't…"
Now it was Van's turn to smirk. "I'm waiting…"
Oh, crap.
Oh, crap, indeed.
"I… said… that…"
"Yes?"
"That… we… were…"
"Keep going."
"Thatwewererunningawaytogetma rried…" she murmured under her breath turning her face away from him.
"I'm sorry? What was that?" Van let go of her hand and pretended to cock an ear at her.
"Oh, look, we are at the Southern Gate. Let's ride quickly to the temple, shall we?" She laughed nervously and nudged Rederic hurriedly. His shimmering ears went forward and he immediately broke out into a swift gallop. She heard Van shout, but she encouraged Rederic to run faster. Passing under the archway and out of the city, she listened to the pounding hoofs of the black horse following behind her.
And with that, she led the way down the long dirt path to the Guymelef temple.
I didn't want to end it here, but I decided that you guys have been waiting long enough for it. This next part will be reeeeallly good. Be excited.
I've been painting a lot and working on an independent book as well as Energy-Heart and this. Add my stupid job in the mix and you got one very busy Blue. Whew. I actually think I'll be putting EH on hold and concentrating on the next chapter for this. I'm finally getting into my old plans and it's going to be seriously fun to write! I can't wait! :)
For those of you who have always stuck by this story and still review even now, I want to say that you are the most inspiring fans anyone could ever have. You cherish this story and it's all any author could ask for. To see how much love you guys have for this is truly humbling. I cannot describe how wonderful each and every one of you are! I try to reply to every single non-anonymous review I get. I love to hear all your thoughts and reactions and I appreciate every single word of encouragement and critic. Van's feathers for EVERYONE! *tosses white feathers in the air to fans*
blue...