I have had this first part typed for months. MONTHS I tell you. Then Racing for Freedom came along and just wiped the floor with everything. And now that Racing is complete, I found it high time to get back on this saddle and tame this wild beast - sorry. I'm being a stereotypical Texan with that comment...
Anyways, it's a bit shorter than I would have wanted, but I had to cut if off here or I'd never get it done right. Also, big thanks to Nainari for telling me to stop worry about every detail and just post the thing already! lol. It's good advice.
See you at the bottom!
The waving plants dancing with the prairie breeze brushed on Rederic's long legs as he tromped down a slightly overgrown stone pathway. The open space made Hitomi's heart warm with happiness. Hints from her Hospesland days longingly drifted in her mind and the memories of her father's vineyards made her smile softly. The rows of flowering trees in the spring, the crisp sweet smell of grapes in the summer…
"I think it's funny." She said suddenly turning to a quietly thoughtful Van.
His mahogany eyes glanced at her questioningly. "What's funny?"
"All of the books in my library said Fanelians were desert people. That you wandered from various areas and were practically nomadic. Even General Chester told me that. But from what I see right here this is far from desert wasteland that all the books talked about. This is…" She searched for the right word. "…paradise."
Van grinned and his eyebrows rose. "Paradise?"
She blushed lightly. "Yeah. I sound dumb, right?"
He shook his head. "Not at all. I'm glad you like it. Sounds to me like your books never got past the Silus Mountain Range. Fanelia is bigger than most people realize. The various villages and clans that have settled on the outskirts of the country are all part of Fanelia as well. Each Clan that lives on the land has various responsibilities to their own specific communities, but they all consider themselves Fanelian. They are all my people."
"So, the wandering nomads that the books kept mentioning are just the Clans?"
Van shrugged. "It's your country that wrote the books. You tell me."
A mild rumbling noise caught Hitomi's ears and her golden armor squeaked as she looked behind her. A cloud of dust billowed up on the path. She could barely make out the figures of nine riders racing to catch up to them on the long pathway.
"Guess they finally made it. That took quite a while."
Hitomi caught his bright eye and visibly grimaced. "Maybe leaving them behind wasn't the brightest idea. The Council is probably be mad at me - again."
He sighed. "Don't worry about the Council. They'll always find fault wherever and whenever. I'm sure Balgus won't be too pleased though. I'll let you handle him."
"Oh, how thoughtful of you." She smirked.
"It might help if you try not to run away anymore. Doesn't improve your Pilot image if you are fleeing from the entire riding party with reckless abandonment."
He obviously meant the comment as a joke, but her stomach twisted in embarrassment. "I'll keep that in mind."
"You possess some major flight issues." Van smirked. "Were you born with that trait? It won't help much on the battlefield, you know."
Straightening her back, Hitomi tossed her windblown red hair off her face "It was that old tyrant you left me with!"
Van's grin widened. "So, this is Balgus' fault?"
"I was perfectly fine with confrontation before you shoved me at Balgus and ran away."
He roared with laughter. "I didn't shove you! I left you certainly, but there was no shoving involved at all."
"Well, I am now scarred for life." She cocked her head with a sigh.
"Oh, come on. He couldn't have been that bad."
The redhead felt her teeth clench in response to the flashing memories of her painful travels in the hot desert with Balgus. Immediately her muscles began to ache with the recollection of the terribly long training sessions, the hours traveled on harsh terrain, the never-ending insults of her physical and mental capabilities, the yelling, the fighting, the constant barking of orders…
"Utpote… I hate that word…" she murmured sourly.
Van heard her and coughed quietly into his palm, which that might have been to cover a laugh. "It doesn't always mean 'worthless'. It can also mean 'nameless' if used in the right context. Besides, we all start out as Utpote in training. That's just how Balgus is."
"Even you?" She asked the side of her mouth lifting in speculation.
"Well… not me exactly. But Gadeth, Allen, and Millerna were trained by him and they were all Utpote. They were called that longer than you."
"Utpote wasn't the half of it. When he decided to test me… never mind." Her nose gave a twinge of pain and she reached up to rub it.
"What? What did he do to test you? Did he take you to the top of the Silus near the caves? I used to go there as a boy."
"As a matter of fact, he did."
"And how did he test you?"
"Threw rocks at my face."
The king burst out laughing. His horse blew out his black lips.
"He almost broke my nose!"
"That's how he shows affection," the black-haired man said, still chuckling. He waved his white scaled hand in the air as if to brush his comment aside. "You showed up here looking better than ever, so I don't see the problem."
Hitomi felt her face burn with a bright blush as Van's mahogany eyes widened and he cleared his throat.
"I mean-"
"YOU'RE MAJESTY!" Allen's deep voice shouted. Both Van and Hitomi jumped lightly and glanced behind them with a short squeak from their armor. "WE'VE FINALLY CAUGHT UP TO YOU!"
The king stopped his horse and the black animal tossed its head. Hitomi halted Rederic as well. She felt the glittering horse's barrel blow in and out in a disappointed sigh underneath her. Glancing at Van with her cheeks still tinged pink, she felt a similar wave of regret hit her.
Just when he said something interesting.
Why did you stop your horse? Keep going! It's not far! The Temple is so cloooooose…
The redhead exhaled shortly. I didn't stop. Van did. We have to wait for the Vehotus and Council to catch up.
Leave him behind. He'll wait for them by himself. You're almost there…
Have you been listening to a word we've been saying? He told me not to run off anymore.
… Uhhh…
Pay attention!
It was several minutes later that the rest of their travel party finally arrived; their horses panting and foaming on the sides. The clouds of dirt slowly dissipated and everyone joined together in a comfortable trot with Van and Hitomi still in the lead. Avoiding the round of disapproving looks from the Council – Balgus, the worst of them all - and raised eyebrows from Millerna and Allen, Hitomi turned her face to the right to hide her endless embarrassment. Suddenly, Rederic danced to the right as Gadeth wedged his fat pony in between Van and Hitomi.
"Guess what I did on the way up here, Milord?"
"Don't sing it, man. Don't do it." Dryden called out from behind. He was shaking his brown head furiously and his horse tossed its red mane back and forth. "It's not worth it. This is a bad idea."
"You cannot stop the muse. The illuminating glow of my radiant creativity mustn't be quenched. My time to shine… is now." The green man announced dramatically.
"Oh, Law, I'm afraid to ask…" Van groaned. Millerna smiled weakly and Allen just looked away.
Gadeth took a deep breath and then he burst into song:
"There once was a redheaded lady so fair
with eyes so green like a tree.
She marched on out from Hospesland
and Sir Gadeth was all she could see. He winked at Van and the king frowned in return.
The stud in green was happy as pie
when her vox was gold thru and thru.
With her on our side, these Zaibachian guys
will fill their pants up with their poo. Dryden face-palmed and Millerna made a face.
Now listen well and they'll tell you the truth
the girl's power was not hard to miss
es-pec-ially when the green handsome me
could not stop himself for a kiss. Hitomi blushed and Van's frown turned into a glare. Gadeth leaned closer to her and she leaned away. Rederic gave an uncomfortable whicker.
A beautiful maid with powers so great.
How great was she, do you ask?
She rode her horse, the glittering beast
to kick the king down on his a-"
"GADETH!" Millerna shouted in astonishment.
Van's eyes flashed red for a fraction of a second and Hitomi gasped in shock as the green man was suddenly launched off his horse and sent flying backwards through the air. He screeched and his black cape flapped in the airborne breeze as he sailed over their heads. Landing with several unforgiving bounces on the dirty ground far behind the riding party, he slid several feet on his face with his butt stuck in the air. Gadeth's pony disappeared with a flash of green light and Van moved his black steed closer to Hitomi once more. Turning her eyes from the laughing Vehotus to the Fanelian king, she caught his rolling mahogany eyes and blushing face. He brushed the loose strands of hair on his forehead and was obviously trying not to smile.
"Little much on the vox power?" She said shocked. She realized her heart was beating fast and she took several deep breaths to calm herself down.
"Nothing wrong with a bit of pest control."
"I told you he wouldn't like it!" Dryden shouted back to his fallen friend.
"Don't make me think up another verse, Lord Van!" Gadeth's voice echoed from the distance muffled full of dirt.
I'm leaving you in good hands, Hitomi. The River's peaceful, warm feelings washed through her, but she also felt a quiet stream of melancholy. She registered Van's voice talking to the Vehotus and Council, but the rising feelings took all of her attention. I think you'll do really well here without me.
The green-eyed girl sighed as her sadness mixed with Rutilus'.
I won't be always without you. I'll be piloting you into battles, right?
And you can always visit me, too. In fact, I wish you would. I have more to tell you. I'll be taken to the castle now and kept close. Come and see me anytime you want.
Hitomi smiled to herself. Right, I have to know more of the past.
Wait. Probably not anytime you want. Escaflowne and I will want alone time and-
She made a face. Thanks for the warning. I'd rather avoid barging into weird robot love time. I'll knock when I come to see you. Sound good?
Suddenly, the River went still. The redhead frowned inwardly and closed her eyes to concentrate on the origin of Rutilus' feelings.
What? What is it?
Stop closing your eyes, silly! You look like a crazy person.
Frowning at her friend's teasing, she opened her green eyes and stared at the front of the path. She did a small gasp as an enormous, glimmering stone structure surrounded by huge cobblestone walls shimmered in the distance. She didn't know if it was Rutilus or her own excitement that made her heart beat so fast. A tremble of delight and a roar of anticipation hit her like a waterfall. Rederic's shimmering ears twitched and he stamped his foot impatiently. The tremendous urge to run to the temple's gate was almost overpowering.
There it is…
"The Temple of Guymelefs…" she whispered. Van smiled at her and she beamed back at him.
"We've arrived."
All the Vehotus and Council quieted. Even Gadeth, who was still following behind them on his fat pony and brushing his dirty clothes, stopped his streams of soft complaints.
The goof understood.
They were about to walk on sacred ground.
The temple rose like a royal beacon from the expanse; hauntingly beautiful and silent. It was a ghostly ambiance. Her green eyes zipped all over it, studying every shape, every stone. The massive structure was the finest piece of architectural perfection she'd ever seen. Even from far away, the large bricks holding it together looked as though they squirmed with a mysterious magic. The shape of the temple was a long tunnel connected to a circular dome. The dome must have been at least over one hundred feet wide and equally as tall. The great heavy doors to the temple faced the open walkway. A wall of cobblestones surrounded the temple like a pathetic shield. The great monument casted a long shadow over a handful of small brick huts that littered the ground in neat rows along temple wall. As they neared the gates and she saw various tiny gardens being tended to by brown robed figures. She could only assume they were the silent priests.
"It's amazing, isn't it?" Van spoke to her in a whisper. All Hitomi could do was nod. "The temple is older than Fanelia. It was found even before the first clans came to be here. They say this is where Rutilus was first sent when she was made into a Guymelef. Is this true?"
"I'll ask her if you want."
I heard him. This temple is actually quite young. It was part of a minor castle back when the clans were first uniting. I suspect this is all that is left of it, so maybe it isn't as young as I thought.
Hitomi told Van what she said and his face lit up with delight.
"We must record this in the historical scrolls. To have a firsthand account on the history of Fanelia and the elements and how we came to be and intimate details about the other Pilots and leaders at the time and actual accounts of battles fought from long ago. This is just…" he was obviously trying to calm down his excitement, but his mahogany eyes sparkled happily. "…thrilling."
"So, I'm to be a scribe as well as a Pilot?" She joked with a quirked eyebrow. The king grinned and nodded.
I'd be doing all the work!
Should have thought about that when I was debating telling him I can talk to you like this.
"By the way, those are the silent priests?" She pointed at the ever growing figures.
"Yes. It is the sacred duty of the silent priests to keep the temple as ageless as possible. That's why they live on the land around it. Those huts around the temple are their homes."
"Do they ever come to the capital?"
"There hasn't seen a silent priest in Escadelette for more than ninety years."
"Ninety? Why-" Hitomi stopped herself from asking a stupid question. "The last pilot was less than a century ago. Makes sense."
Van smiled. "I should tell you that two of them will be escorting us inside."
"They will?"
"It's tradition. The priests elect two of their highest order to be the first witnesses as well as personal caretakers of the Guymelefs. It's considered one of the greatest honors of a lifetime. They travel with us and take care of them until the war is done and… Rutilus Flumen once again leaves…" Van's voice faltered a bit. She watched him swallow and then give her a small smile. "We will pilot the Guymelefs out and back to Escadelette."
A jolt of excitement and nerves tumbled in her stomach. "I can't believe something like this is actually happening. I feel like I've been waiting for this forever."
Van let out a low laugh. "You have no idea. I feel like once I have Escaflowne, I can finally start bringing the fight to Zaibach. I'll have the power to save my people. With the Guymelefs awake…" his words stopped and she glanced at him with innocent curiosity. He ran a gloved hand through his black hair and she stifled a giggle. His hair was becoming such a mess. "This is just… something my people and I have fervently been praying for." He smiled sheepishly. "I'm blessed to be ruling at a time when the Guymelefs are awakened. To actually pilot Escaflowne. My great-grandfather was the last to do it."
Hitomi bit the inside of her cheek and asked, "Are… are you nervous you won't know how to pilot him?"
Van's grin widened. "Terrified."
Together they rode through the threshold of the small wall and their horse's hoofs crunched on the cobble pathway in a dissonant rhythm. A twisting combination of fear and anticipation jostled her and she felt Rederic's skin shift underneath her. The temple doors were nearing. Rutilus was heavily present in her mind, but silent. Hitomi felt a ripple of anxiousness from the River. Inside her chest, her core gave a strange pulse.
One by one, the priests slowly left their various activities and began to gather around the travel party, walking along the sides of the pathway until there was a dozen of them surrounding the group. Seeing them close up, she tried not to stare at their three forked beards. Some were from different clans and not all male. She spotted a woman in the group – judging from the round ears and pointed quivering nose - from rodent clan; her furry chin gathered in three little knots. The doors were huge, larger than anything she'd seen in the castle at Escadallete.
Van's black stallion stopped abruptly and Rederic immediately halted without the redhead's signal. With a quiet exhale, Van dismounted quickly. Before Hitomi could move to get a leg around her horse's backside, the king was ready to gently grab her waist and helped her down. She gave him a small smile and accepted his help. His scaled glove scraped against her golden swirled armor and she prayed it wouldn't get caught somehow.
Knowing Rutilus, the unexpected was always bound to happen when it came to Van.
She breathed in relief as her feet touched down and his hands slid easily off her body. He looked down at her and she nodded.
Standing before the front of the temple, two male priests in heavy robes, one in deep red and the other in a bright gold, walked forward and pushed on the doors. The one in red had a strange white skin that simmered pale silver in the sunlight. Rutilus' priest was obviously human, but he was tall. Almost as all as Balgus.
Together, the two priests slowly graded the temple doors apart. To Hitomi's surprise, the inside the temple was deep ebony black. She frowned looking at the two priests in confusion. To get through the darkness would require at least a torch or two. The robed men had nothing in their hands. They pushed the stone doors all the way open so that a gaping pitch black abyss stood before both her and Van. She started as her vision suddenly wavered and the dark void seemed to ripple. She heard a strange low whisper coming from inside and she suppressed a gasp. The black stretched out beyond the doors like desperate hands. It grasped at the walls, clawed against the ground.
She felt the instant want…
The darkness wanted her…
She took a step closer and felt Van do the same right beside her.
The slivers of darkness crawled out from the doors… it whispered… called… but not for her anymore… for someone a part of her…
She took another step with Van and suddenly the whispering became audible.
Darkness… Complete Darkness… Left alone for so long… Come to me, beloved…
The voice was hypnotic baritone; deep and soothing. Her heart beat sped up and she felt Van's hand grab hers. But it wasn't his gloved scaly hand she felt. She touched his actual skin through the glove. She wondered at the warmth of his touch. It was hot like fire, but it didn't burn her.
It felt wonderful.
I've waited for you, Rutilus…
She realized the voice was coming from her left… coming from Van!
I've come home… after all these years… I've come to you, my love… The words erupted from her mouth. It was Rutilus' voice!
Together, still clasping hands, she and Van followed the two priests into the dark opening of the temple. They waited as the priests slowly closed the doors behind them.
"Well, that was weird…" she said quickly, with a shy cough.
"Yeah…" he grunted back.
The long spacious hallway was no longer pitch black. A small glowing light radiated around them. Blinking in surprise, she glanced at Van – and gasped. He was staring at his armor in disbelief. The white scales had begun to glimmer with a reddish, orange hue. The fiery light wound and snaked in the crevices of each individual scale. He was practically a walking torch. The glow lit up his tan face. His eyes were brushed with hints of scarlet. He flashed them to her and she shook her head in amazement.
"Look at you." He whispered, the red in his eyes growing even brighter.
Lifting her arm that wasn't currently attached to Van, she laughed with delight. The golden armor was in motion; defying all gravity. She raised her arm higher and the liquid metal poured down her elbow like a waterfall. The water rushed around her, twisting down her waist, and climbing around her back. Her entire body coil like rushing waves; spinning, crashing, thrashing, yet swirling with calm, peaceful, serenity. She was water in motion. The light from Van's armor made hers glint like sunlight.
"I'm not too bright for you, am I?" She asked jokingly.
"Radiant..."He muttered, his voice low and warm. The red crept further in his eyes as they followed one of the smaller streams that circled her shoulders. She blushed and shook her head.
"That doesn't really answer my question, but I'll take it."
The priests watched stoically, waiting for them to start walking. Hitomi nodded at them and glanced at Van again. The dazed expression in his increasingly scarlet eyes made her shiver. His gaze was intense, but soft; almost as if he was hypnotized. He blinked slowly as a flash of light reflected off her swirling armor and brushed across his eyes. She squeezed his hand and still felt his warm skin on her fingers through his gloves.
Looking forward at the darkness, she took a large step forward and pulled him with her. Van jerked slightly as if waking from a dream and began to walk with her. The priests bowed as they past and joined them a few steps behind. Walking several feet, she jumped in surprise as a small crevice on both sides of the temple walls erupted with a blazing fire and begin traveling all the way down the seemingly endless hallway.
"Whoa!" She squeaked.
"It surprised me too last time I was here." Van admitted. She let her green eyes swivel all around the now lighted pathway. The floor was paved with a stone so smooth, it looked seamless. The light allowed her to glimpse the small decorations that weaved and swirled on the tall walls of the rock hallway. The left side of the wall was sketched with small jagged red and orange notches and slash marks. Obviously this represented Escaflowne. On her right were three continuous waving lines of blue, green and gold that swirled together. Nudging for Rutilus in her head, she was surprised to feel the River strangely melancholy.
Hey, are you okay? You are not how I'd expect you'd be.
The River stirred slightly and murmured, what do you mean?
Well for one, you're not talking my ear off.
I thought you didn't want me to.
Well, I didn't mean stop talking to me altogether. Besides, we won't be able to talk like this for a while.
That's true…
I felt you speak out of my mouth. It was… Hitomi didn't have a word for it.
Sorry about that. Couldn't really help it.
No big deal. Just wondering if you want me to make Van run down the hallway or something.
A small, strange chuckle came from the River. That's alright. Besides…
Besides what? Hitomi frowned lightly as an odd warning bell signaling in her head. You seem kind of strange, Rutilus. I would have thought after all your constant repetitive 'I'm gonna see him. I'm gonna see him' earlier, you'd be practically jumping out of my skull and running down the hallway by yourself.
I'm just… regretting something…
She blinked and her hand twitched slightly in Van's. He glanced at her with a questioning look. Regretting!? What are you regretting? You're about to meet with Escaflowne! What could there possibly be to regret?
… I… I…
You what?
I… should have made Van's hand stick to your waist when he helped you off your horse! That was the perfect opportunity! Now that I won't be with you anymore, I've lost all my chances at-
WHAT?
Then you'd have to walk all the way down with his arm wrapped around-
This is what you're upset about? I… I don't even…
At least I was able to stick your hands together…
"RUTILUS FLUMEN!" Hitomi roared out loud and her voice echoed down the hall. Van jumped in surprise as did the silent priests. Her eyes seemed to burst with gold as she glared down at their conjoining hands and tried to move her fingers.
They were stuck.
She saw his glove pull with her fingers and he gave a slight wince.
"What the-" He frowned thoughtfully and she felt her skin pull as he tried to move his thumb. "What just happened? Why I can't I let go?"
With a fixed smile at Van, she said, "I think the mighty Rutilus Flumen just stuck our hands together."
He stopped walking and she was yanked back slightly. "What?"
Letting out a nervous giggle, the redhead lifted one swirling, golden shoulder in a tense shrug. "She… kind of does that sometimes…?"
"Why would she do that?" He asked. His face was perplexed, but his cheeks had a touch of red to them. He gave their hands another small tug to no avail.
"I wish I could tell you." Hitomi sighed. She felt the River give a wave of deep amusement. "She'll have to separate us when we get into the Guymelef chamber. I apologize on her behalf. She likes to act like a child."
Oh, Hitomi. You are no fun at all…
You better release us in the chamber, Rutilus!
Well, duh.
We were holding hands just fine without you making it awkward.
Where's the fun in it not being awkward?
Glancing down at their clasped hands once more, she shook her head and smiled. She met Van's red eyes and felt a strange jolt of nervousness hit her stomach. The embers of his white scaled armor illuminated his skin, making it radiate a beautiful bronze. She cleared her throat and turned her head to hide her growing blush. "Come on. The sooner we get to the chamber, the sooner I can get rid of this crazy spirit in my head."
"I would have never thought Rutilus Flumen would be a practical joker."
"You have no idea."
They walked in uncomfortable, but mildly compatible silence occasionally tugging on each other's hand to see if the River had let them go yet. Suddenly, as they neared the back doors to the round chamber, a huge something to the right caught Hitomi's eye.
"Whoa! Is that a Guymelef?"
"Flower," Van replied. "It's not as big as ours, but it is still perfectly operational. It's the only Guymelef besides Escaflowne and Rutilus we have left. It is on the side of Rutilus because it loves her. The silent priests put it as near to the chamber as they could."
"Why couldn't it be in the chamber with them?"
"Rutilus Flumen is her master." He said simply.
Flower…
The Guymelef was amazingly enormous. If this was small-sized, Hitomi would probably never be able to reach Rutilus' ankle, let alone her cockpit. A chapel had been dug in the wall to accommodate the metal monster; however the space was just big enough for it to stand and that was all. The corners of the chapel curved outward slightly with a grayish hue to the stone. An empty dark green activation jewel sat dully on light lavender armor. The cape of the Guymelef was a steely gray and almost had a tarnished looked about it. Kneeling with its limps hanging low by its side, Flower's empty helmet gave off a feeling of quiet sadness. Despite the spotless floor it rested on, the Guymelef looked almost abandoned. The golden designs of Rutilus swiveled around the chapel, occasionally mixing with the gray before continuing on its way down the hall.
Trying to dismiss the melancholy feeling, her green eyes focused forward and there it was. Hitomi and Van stopped as one several yards away from the front of the most decorative doors she'd ever seen in her life. Burst of red and orange as real as fire; mixes of gold and blue swirling like water; it shimmered practically in sync with their armor. The silent priests jumped forward without any warning and began to push the doors apart.
The sound of stone scraping on floor was the only thing that echoed in the long hallway. As the beautiful doors separated, the redhead felt her hand immediately drop of Van's.
Escaflowne…
An unexpected burn hit her green eyes. In the middle of the large round chamber. Kneeling next to her true love, Escaflowne.
Rutilus' Guymelef form.
Noise, echoes, memories.
There was a fire within her, outside of her, and all around her. A burning fire that she'd both escaped, created, and battled. The smoke filled den of her mother and father. The screams of suffering from her people as she hid, a little kitten, from the carnage. She'd thought she was safe. She'd thought her Master had grasped her from the raging inferno. She'd only convinced herself that she was safe. But the burning was always there. Always waiting and watching. It took a while, but the burning found her again. Dilandau's face full of agony. His silver eyes looking at the carnage she'd created on the battlefield. The twisted bodies of his Western Infantry, his men. His wailing voice and silly attempts at fighting her hold on his mind. She'd tortured and burned his mind that day. And then she'd physically burned another. She almost choked at the memory of smoldering black fur sizzling in the suffocating dungeon. She'd become the fire; infiltrated, killed, deceived, and lied. The beautiful black wings, feathers that once covering her. Protected her. He wasn't here to protect her from the fire anymore… The fire she'd created on her own. He wasn't here because he trusted her with a mission. And this mission was all noise, echoes, and memories within her now. This mission was lies.
She was a good kitten. She loved him. She wanted to please him.
Her mind was twirling, spinning, jumbled. Death… death of her clan by the Canines? Death from Zaibach? Death from her Master? He'd lied to her? Who was the liar? Fanelia was her enemy. But Zaibach was the liar? Her Master was her savior, but he'd created the destruction of her people? He'd killed them? She had been…
Deceived… betrayed…
The burning whispered in a strange voice. It snaked through her brain and roared in her chest.
But she loved him! She was devoted to him! Chid was lying. She silenced his lying mouth easily. It was so easy. He was so weak. But he was also kind. Gadeth was kind, too. The king – Van Fanel – he was kind. They were all so kind to her. And her Master… her Master… was the liar…?
Noise, echoes, memories…
Her soft pawed feet slowly stepping out of the castle doors and down the pebbled pathway. They'd find Chid's body soon, still breathing, but unresponsive to their touch. She'd shut him in his mind. Tilting her head thoughtfully, she wondered why she hadn't killed him. It was her nature to kill because of the fire, right? And the little boy was noise. Nothing but noise. She blinked as the sun pierced through the overhanding trees and blossomed warmly on her furry face. Stumbling briefly, she kept walking, wishing the shadows would cover her. The sky was so peaceful, beautiful, and bright. Such contrast to what reality was. The bright sky was everything the world wasn't. This world was crooked. Evil. Twisted by liars. Everyone and everything around her. Burning and crooked.
"The Guymelefs…" she breathed out as she kept walking down the pathway. To where? Her legs seemed to move forward on their own accord as she unwillingly placed one foot in front of the other continuously. "They'll be back here tonight. After the gold and white are awakened, I can destroy them if I stay here at the castle. Doing that to Chid has threatened my mission. I must go back and finish the job. Kill him. Get rid of the body. Wait for the Pilots. Dismantle the Melefs. Kill the Vehotus. The king. That new girl. Then I'll be back with Mast-" She cut her sentence off and stumbled to a stop as a shudder of fierce burning roared to life inside her chest.
This was who she was. She was a tool for her Master. She loved her Master.
Clenching her dark eyes shut, she wanted to howl with the fire. She wanted to claw and bite and scream. She wanted to kill. The burning traveled to her eyes, bringing a small yowling mew from her throat. The gravel crunched beneath her paws as she started to run faster, pushing herself with the flowing rage that was quickly enveloping her mind. With a giant leap, she clawed over the large, iron gate, flipped her body easily over the top, and landed catlike on the pathway. Her gaze traveled briefly back to the beautiful castle behind her. More than likely, they have discovered Chid and that old mouse. It was too late to turn back. It was too late to continue her mission. The burning spurred her on once more and her feet immediately moved her further into The Tunnel.
Noise, echoes, memories… The loud comforting purr in her mother's chest. The deep, boisterous laugh of her father. Her brothers and sisters and uncles and cousins sitting around the hearth-fire, welcoming her home. Cuddling her. Her Pride and Clan…
She wanted her mother and father.
She wanted her childhood.
She wanted to be free. Free of the burning. But it was leading her out of the city. She was being called by something she didn't understand.
Increasing her speed, Merle dropped to all fours and plunged herself into the guiding heat.
Pillars burst with fire, igniting in the round chamber in ferocious licks of flame. Unlike the black that had greeted her at the beginning of the hallway, the spirit of Escaflowne remained silent, obviously waiting. Rutilus was still now. Silently waiting as well. Van took a step forward and Hitomi blinked her tear-filled eyes and followed. Both of the Guymelefs had shinning steps tall enough to reach their activation jewels and cock-pits. Escaflowne's armor was whiter than clouds, more radiant than the finest silver. The long red cape moved without the wind. His huge body seem to soak the flames of the pillars around him. His large metallic hand was grasping Rutilus' gold fingers gently.
Just like the vision she'd seen several nights ago.
Rutilus' large unmoving body was both frightening and awe-inspiring. The spirit that had joked with her, pulled pranks on her, laughed with her, cried with her, and loved her… possessed such a massive and awesome form. No wonder she was worshipped. No wonder she was cherished by Law. No wonder she was considered the most beautiful, the fairest, the loveliest. The gold – just like Hitomi's armor – never stopped swirling in the light. The elegant round shape of her helmet, the graceful sweep of her smooth shoulders. She wasn't metallic at all. She was constantly in motion. Her beautiful deep purple cape draped long and low on the ground, trailing the floor majestically.
They both drew closer, their pitiful little footsteps hitting the ground awkwardly.
I am unworthy of you. You are so different from the visions you gave me. You are so much more beautiful in real life.
I'm a monster.
The redhead could hear Van's unsteady breaths. She wanted to hold his hand again for support, but he suddenly stepped away from her and made his way quickly in front of Escaflowne. She watched his red eyes scan the still Guymelef above him.
Suddenly his voice called out in the echoing chamber.
"Stand for me, Escaflowne. As your chosen Pilot, I have come for your aid."
A grumbling crunch loud enough to shake the walls resounded from the very core of the white Melef. Escaflowne dropped Rutilus' slender fingers and a squealing hiss erupted from the back as he slowly rose from his bended knee.
He stood tall and proud. Looking at the King, the chills of admiration for him tingled all over her body.
Van was the real deal.
Unexpectedly, they both shuddered back and winced as a loud thundering sound graded against their eardrums. Hitomi had to stop herself from covering her ears as a familiar deep baritone boomed in the temple.
"I will stand for you, little human, but you may not enter me. My love must be by my side as promised in our contract."
It was a voice she'd only heard in her visions. It was a lot more powerful in real life.
"Hitomi," The king was glancing back at her with eyes full of burning, scarlet red and she swallowed down a lump in her throat. Taking several steps closer to the unmoving golden monster, she felt her core leap in her chest and break open instantly. The rushing heat of magic was practically overwhelming, but she held herself tall and strong. The pulsing vox sloshed and raged like a whirling tempest. In the back of her mind, Rutilus was stirring with the magic; however, her emotions were blanketed from the redhead's senses. Reaching up, Hitomi touched the pendant and finally felt Rutilus' feelings: a swell of unbridled excitement… and strong mixture of sadness.
This was their farewell.
She took several more slow steps forward.
It's time to put you back where you belong, my sweet River.
It's been quite the journey.
In all my years as a child, I would have never thought I'd ever see such amazing sites. I still can't believe that this is my destiny. This is where I am supposed to be. With this magic and beauty and... I've experienced so much with you.
And you have even more to experience. This isn't goodbye forever. You are my Pilot after all.
Hitomi sensed that the tear that escaped out of her right eye wasn't just from her. It rolled swiftly, leaving a hotter than normal trail on her cheek.
Promise me one thing and seriously, try to keep this promise.
Anything.
Don't be a pansy all the time. Confess your feelings for Van before I have to leave in search for another Pilot again. Please, promise me you won't waste these moments you have.
She snorted with laughter and it echoed in the chamber. She saw Van quirk an eyebrow at her in confusion. Letting her golden eyes study his regal posture and handsome face, she smiled at him and he grinned back at her curiously.
I promise.
Then my search is over!
The gold-eyed girl couldn't stop the gasp from escaping her lips as her mind rushed with intemperate heat and burst down her body. The wild magic traveled down her arm to where her fingers touched the small pink pendant at her chest. The vox pooled out of her skin and roared into the necklace like a tidal wave.
And just like that. The familiar pressure was gone. An aching residue of the vox heat made her muscles tremble. Taking a deep breath, Hitomi lifted her shaking arms and unclasped the delicate necklace from around her neck. Holding the sparkling pink stone in her gloved palm, she held back her tears and stepped closer to Rutilus' Guymelef.
"The search is over. I have come."
The screeching crunch of Escaflowne's helmet moved to follow her. She climb the steps with steady legs, the pendant held in her palm for all to see. Reaching the last step, she turned to face the bright illuminated gold of Rutilus' activation jewel. The pendant began to pulse and the jewel joined in, the magic flickering brighter and brighter.
Her hand was outside the solid crystal. Then it seemed to liquefy as she pressed her hand inside. The pendant immediately disappeared from her palm and she withdrew her hand.
And it was done.
"Escaflowne…" Rutilus' voice was deeper, larger than she'd ever felt before. It trembled her to the core.
"Rutilus…" Escaflowne answered. His knee dropped with a ferocious thud on the stone floor and large crater underneath him split the ground.
Hurrying down the steps, she glanced at Van and he came to stand beside her with a look of radiant pride.
Both cock-pits clicked open simultaneously with a vaporing hiss.
"After you, Ms. Pilot." Van whispered in her ear. She caught his vibrant crimson eyes in her own and she knew she'd find a way to keep her promise to Rutilus.
After all, this was her destiny.
And thus, they are awakened.
I've had lots of projects waiting on the backburner and I actually just started another one today. It's Cardcaptors Sakura, but now that I've read it through, I'm not sure I like where I took it. I have a plotline ready, but if feels weird to me. I might take it down and redo it. I'm not sure first person present tense is my style. I'm definitely a past tense kinda gal. But enough about grammar.
I hope you enjoyed the chapter! I've already started the next one. After this next one coming up, I'll have to sit down and really work out some good scenes I've had planned for YEARS. It's going to take a lot of hard drive plunging to surface all those ideas I had.
Yes, that's right, people. We are entering Trial mode soon... Be excited. Be very, very excited.
And with that, I tip my hat to those who have always loved this story and have waited so patiently for this chapter. If you want, I'll make Gadeth make up another verse to his song. I truly missed his insanity.
Cheers!
blue...