SURPRISE!
I'm back! And here's a new chapter! And I'm so glad we are finally entering the last part of the second book. Dude, guys, once we hit that last book, the ending will be in sight! It'll be almost there and then… someday… I'll be done… Rutilus will be over…
BUT before then, I've got a lot more to take care of and tell you! The adventure isn't over yet! Hope you enjoy the chapter! It's not full of action, but it was sort of a way for me to get back into Rutilus and recap what was happening. Since marriage and finishing Hello, Nurse and now searching for a new job soon, life's been pretty insane.
Enough of my ramble! See you at the bottom, lovelies!
It was a brilliant bright morning. The sky was an amazing azure blue. A cool breeze swept through the trees and flowers; picking up the lovely aromas of their soft leaves and petals. A hundred potential Pilots stood in a line and breathed the refreshing wind with an urge of excitement. Not only did their squad have the day off, but they were also in the Royal Gardens of the Palace. It wasn't every day the common militia got to actually see what was beyond The Great Tunnel that separated the Winged Palace from the rest of Escadelette. Whispering to one another with voices of awe, the lovely wooden cottage housing the last Guymelef was a spectacle in itself. Florals of all types grew around the structure – though it had only been erected several days ago. Winding roses and jasmine. Daisies of all shapes and sizes. Even the large peonies could be seen beginning to bud.
Flower was active and waiting.
And Flower might pick its Pilot today.
"Next in line, please step forward!" The dog-man barked from the wooden bench erected just outside the doorway and a female mouse beside him jumped. Frowning at her partner, she crossed another name from the list and gave the approaching shivering young girl an encouraging smile.
"Do you have your certificate proving you are a vox user?" she said sweetly and the girl nodded. Handing the piece of parchment with trembling fingers, the mouse put another mark. "Oh, you have blue, huh? Are you a descendant of Leon Schezar?"
"Ye-Yes," the girl stammered.
"Well, I see the blue eyes, but your cat tail shows you've got some kitsune magic as well. Don't try to chase me just because I'm a mouse." The woman joked gently and the girl's whiskers lifted with a smile.
"Nata, we have a full line today. Stop talking with the potentials and let's get this over with." The canine grumbled, his fur fingers straightening his glasses. "Send her with the Silent Priest."
"Go ahead and good luck." The mouse pointed a thumb to the red dressed priest with a wink and the girl's blue eyes widened with a strike of fear.
Watching the cat's brown tail go stiff as she walked shakily to the closed doors, the dog exhaled shortly.
"Why are we testing that one? Flower's not going to choose such a coward."
The mouse rolled her eyes and shoved down her wish to snap her sharp front teeth at the canine. "Who knew Rutilus Flumen would pick a Zaibachian for her Pilot. You never know with these Guymelefs. They have understand that goes beyond what we can comprehend."
"I think these Silent Priests should check their helmeted heads once in a while. You were not working during the Trials. You missed that Zaibachian's fight. She took out all four Vehotus like they were nothing. Even the Vehotus Commander, Allen Schezar, got crushed by her."
"I know, and that proves my point." The mouse's soft brown eyes hadn't left the closed doors. "We don't know what will happen next. We live in a world where destiny is paved by the spirits. We live in a world where the world is turned by legends."
"Legends?" The dog scoffed. "What we need is a miracle."
"If the Zaibachian girl is willing to fight for us then I think Rutilus Flumen gave us exactly who we needed."
"Don't be too sure. I bet at the beginning of the first battle she'll leave the field crying."
Suddenly, the doors opened to the cottage and the girl stepped out with disappointed eyes, but a breath of relief on her soft lips.
The mouse nodded to the little cat with a smile and motioned the next soldier forward.
"I don't like it…"
"It is the way of our world, little king. She will fight and there is nothing to be done of it," The voice of Escaflowne spoke in his ear. Guiding the white Guymelef forward in the tall grass, he held the magnificent blade above the helmeted head with the right hand and gave a practice swing. The heavy blade sang through the air like a chorus. "No matter where they put her on the battlefield, she will be more than alright. But these Counselors you speak of... they are her enemy."
"Enemy? I wouldn't go so far as to call them that. Sure, I had to debate with them for over a day to get them to accept her Trials and even then I pulled rank. But she's passed well into my Vehotus. They cannot touch her.
"Yet you say it has made them more difficult?"
"Modocca and Brill have always been difficult. They only want what is best for the country."
"I know not who this Modocca and Brill are, but the name Modocca does not settle well with me. I feel as though there is more to this man and you must keep your eye on him."
"He's strict, but he was Council when my father was on the Throne."
"Where is your father now?" Van went silent and Escaflowne felt his hands twitch on the controls. "You are too trusting, little king. You are used to having a steadfast Vehotus and it has made you weak when you must think of your own safety. I learned from my love that you put yourself in the frontline at the first battle in Trimane. That was foolish."
"We won, didn't we?" Van said through gritted teeth. "I took care of those Zaibach Guymelefs and saved my men's lives because of it."
"This is true. I will commend you for that. It was the bravery that runs deep in your family's bloodline. I know this bravery well. But it is also this trait that makes you vulnerable to inside attacks. On the battlefield, you know your enemy, but here? In the heart of Fanelia? Can you identify those that might seek to harm you or another?"
"The Vehotus can take care of themselves."
"I speak not of the Vehotus, but of the little Hitomi."
The blade dropped as the king sighed and straightened out of his stance. "You'd rather her on the battlefield than here in Fanelia?"
"My love has fought many wars. She was on the battlefield during the first conflict of man. She knows war in the basic sense of the word. She will take care of the little Hitomi to the best of her abilities. However, she cannot protect her here. The little one is on her own in a strange new place. She has powers she cannot quite manage. And she is now one of the most famous faces in all of Fanelia. She is a legend awaken… but she is not indestructible. Put her in the battlefield and she will win, I have no doubts, but leave her here and she will eventually have a dagger in her back."
"You know of the little kitsune, Merle…" Van murmured raising the blade once more for a side strike. His cheeks reddened with both embarrassment and anger and he swung the sword hard – too hard - he had to stumble to compensate the momentum.
"I know of the little kitsune, Merle." Escaflowne repeated darkly."And her attack was a result of your blind trust and complacency. You take man at face value. You must see the true soul within to really know if that man is worth your faith. Especially in time of war."
"How do I see a true soul within?"
"It is a gift you will need to find inside yourself."
"Helpful." Van rolled his eyes. "So until then, I should trust no one?"
"If you wish to keep remain in this world. Trust no one except for the one chosen by my love. Beloved Rutilus knows the world unlike any other. The little Hitomi will always be trustworthy and loyal to you."
"And you think it's a good idea to go ahead and put the only one I trust in the most dangerous position on the battlefield?"
"Where else would you put her? She is here to fulfill a destiny."
"This means Rutilus will be there as well. Your love will be in danger just as much as mine."
Escaflowne was quiet for a moment and Van heard a weird clang from the Guymelef's helmet as it turned by itself to look at the ground. "Such is the price I pay for my curse. I am a slave to both man and my love. I wait centuries for her to return to me, and when she does, I watch her enter danger. And when she is done, she leaves once more. She disappears into the unknown. The same is for you. Abon Fanel suffered greatly at the hands of fate and destiny."
Van blinked and swallowed a thickness in his throat. "Abon? My great-grandfather? What did he suffer?"
"She will be taken away from you, Van Slanzar de Fanel."
The words hit Van hard and painful. His heart pounded distractingly loud in his ears. The blade in Escaflowne's right hand fell from his fingers to slam into the ground with a thunderous BOOOM.
The first Pilot of Rutilus Flumen left him after the Molocco Wars and Abon was in ruins. He married for politics some years later at the urge of his Council, but he slowly grew into a shell of his former glory. You love the little Hitomi. I see it in your very being. She will leave your side just like my beloved leaves me. Just like the first Pilot of my beloved left Abon. It is the curse we share as the Dragon. We see them walk into danger and then walk away from us once the legend is fulfilled."
"She-she will go away…?"
Escaflowne grew quiet, his apparatuses whirling.
"I tell you this for your own good."
"Curses can be broken, Escaflowne!" Van said with a hard shaking voice. "Curses can't stay forever! There is always a way to break them. We've just got to find out how!"
The White mecha sighed thickly. "I once believed that, little king. I once believed I was strong enough to refuse its binds. I struggled in vain. I know I am entombed. And now you know, too."
"I will free us!"
He heard the tired pity through the switching gears in the Guymelef's body. "You must accept destiny."
"If Hitomi is taken from me then I will find her and bring her back." He said with conviction. "I will find her no matter what the cost!"
"It is not so simple. The world is moved by legends and the little Hitomi is one that will both move it and be tied to it. As is Rutilus and I. As are all of us."
"Trust me. I will find a way. For both of us. For Abon."
The Guymelef was silent for a moment. Then Van heard the deep voice sigh. An unexpected icy wind brushed over the tree tops and invaded the control chamber; the metal turned cold to the king's fingers.
"Abon thought the same when I told him. He tried to fight destiny. He hoped to change the fate laid before him, but then the unthinkable happened for him."
"What?"
"The first Pilot of my beloved died in his arms."
The round table was in the center of the chamber and was spread with the banner of Fanelia: a red flag with a white dragon circling the letter F. Several large scrolls of rolled parchment rested on the surface. A large chandelier was spread on the ceiling; several of the small white candles had blown out due to the cold breeze coming from the large four windows. As she entered the room, she instantly felt the solid chill like she'd Transported to a snowy mountain. Trying not to shiver, Hitomi pulled down the long sleeves of her green dress over her wrists and was thankful for the multiple layers that kept her legs warm. The cold weather had come unexpectedly during the day and had hovered over the city of Escadalette like an unsettling premonition.
It would be only four more days till the armies of Fanelia marched to meet Zaibach- and hopefully her with them.
She was in for a lot of 'firsts'.
Her first time to battle.
Her first time using her full strength.
Her first time to command.
This was her first Vehotus Council.
Heading for the fire across the room, she noticed with surprise that she was the last one to arrive besides Van himself. Millerna stood with Balgus near the back open window; the blonde's black cloak danced in the cold breeze. They spoke quietly together both facing the dismal afternoon. Allen, whom Hitomi hadn't spoken to since the Trials, was sitting in a chair by the corner reading a thick book. A long shelf was at his right filled with scrolls and parchments.
And Gadeth and Dryden were-
Hitomi blinked in surprise as Dryden slapped Gadeth hard across the face.
"You are truly gifted in the arts!" The green man cheered while rubbing his reddening cheek. He bowed low from the waist and instantly straightened up to swing a green-tinged palm wildly at his friend. Dryden ducked and turned it into a low bow.
"Capital, Dryden! Capital! You are a shining example of true Gentlemen!"
"I thank you, sir."
"Shall I try another?"
"I believe it is my turn, chap."
"Well, good-gracious me, forgive my hastiness! Have at me then!"
Gadeth blocked Dryden's swift arm and they both bowed together as one.
Hitomi glanced around the room again with wide eyes. Absolutely no one was paying attention to this madness. Millerna and Balgus still talking. Allen still reading…
Like this was… normal…
Gadeth's arm raised to hit Dryden, but feinted as the long-haired man moved to block. With his other hand, he landed Dryden with a solid smack. Stumbling, Dryden caught himself and stood up with a proud grin stretching on his lips.
"The game has changed, ol' friend. I believe a new direction is in order. You have discovered the secret art of the slap."
"I was taught well… Teacher…" Gadeth bowed deeply.
The door opened and Van entered, effectively putting an end to the two's violently fascinating game. His thick boots halted at the doorway, and his black cloak flipped lightly up his heels as if to wave hello to everyone in the room. The king's face was calm and collected, but his deep eyes flickered from one face to the next. Finally, his mahogany eyes caught Hitomi's and she saw him give her a slight nod. His back straight in his red-collared shirt, he headed towards the round table and sat down in the first seat near the door. Millerna and Balgus instantly moved from their spots to join him while Allen placed a mark in his book and stood up. Gadeth and Dryden gave each other one more bow with promises of the game's soon epic conclusion. The green man flopped in the seat to Van's right and Dryden, replacing his glasses on his nose, took another between Millerna and Balgus.
Hitomi remained where she was, feeling a nervous hitch in her stomach - until she noticed Allen approaching her side.
"Please, Lady Hitomi, you sit here," Allen's large hand motioned to the empty chair on Van's left. She swallowed audibly and gave the blond man a quick smile in thanks – which he didn't return.
"I've have finalized my plans after speaking with the Council and The White Dragon," Van started quietly once everyone was seated. He placed his elbows on the table and laced his fingers against his mouth. "Balgus, if you wouldn't mind, please unroll the northern map."
The old man stood at once and grabbed the nearest and largest scroll. Spreading it over the table, Millerna and Dryden raised to get a better glimpse. Hitomi instantly recognized the landmarks from her lessons on geography. The thick forests covering the northern front were over forty miles away from the Eternus River. The Trimane Pasture, which was also marked on the map, had been circled not too long ago in red ink. Her thoughts flickered to the battle Van had endured back then.
It seemed so long ago. She had been traveling with Balgus across the desert back then…
"Gadeth, please get the markers." Van commanded, breaking Hitomi out of her memories.
"Right-o!" the green man jumped and ran to the shelf Allen was at only several minutes prior. Grabbing a wooden box she hadn't noticed before, he skipped back to his seat and pushed the box towards Van.
Without another word, Van opened the box and began setting pieces over the map. A little black castle, ten statuettes of men riding horses, and six larger humanoid figurines. From her lessons, she identified the castle had been placed where Zaibach's main military stronghold was located, the horsemen, representing their legions, were placed two by two; advancing through the wild forest, and the six large figurines - a strange chill ran down her spine - Guymelefs were following the armies.
"From what we understand, Zaibach has decided to keep their Guymelefs back for the time being. Whether they are saving them for another wave, it remains uncertain. All I can tell you is that we have six to deal with this time."
"Are they the flame suits?" Allen asked.
"There is a new design on the legs." Van answered, motioning to Balgus. The old man picked up another scroll and unrolled it. Van stood and pointed at the back legs of a hand-sketched Guymelef. "A type of technology we have never seen before. Though Zaibach's large numbers are a great threat in itself, the Guymelefs are one of my biggest concerns. The scouts have confirmed they are boldly marching into the Wild Forest Barrier."
"Wild Forest Barrier? I thought they would certainly be headed through the marsh on the western side," Allen spoke up and his finger reached out to point off the map.
"They are confident in their numbers and think they can hit us hard right smack into the Eternus. Once they cross that, they are in our territory." Balgus rumbled. "Keep pushing with the amount of soldiers they have available and it seems like a pretty full proof plan. That's not even factoring the Guymelefs."
"Geez, it's only ten-thousand…" Dryden smirked and scratched the back of his neck.
The room fell completely silent as Van set out more pieces. Eleven white horsemen, five small flags – and one figurine. Hitomi leaned forward slightly in surprise, but remained quiet.
Only one Guymelef figuring for Fanelia? Was she being forced to stay behind after all?
"The Mutts have been separated into eleven different factions. Five will cover behind and protect the Eternus River twenty-five miles south. They will remain there and will be notified to join our back ranks if need be." Van moved five of the white horsemen back to a long blue line running down the lower side of the map. "The remaining six will be joining each of you and your men." He moved three flags and three horsemen down a line to the wild forest. "Gadeth, you take the eastern side, Balgus, you'll cover our middle, and Millerna, you'll take the west. Gadeth and Millerna, you are stationed so they cannot outflank us. We cannot have that happen again." With an uncharacteristic seriousness, the green man gave a sharp nod of understanding. Allen twitched a bit beside Hitomi like he wanted to speak up, but remained quiet. The blond woman's back straightened importantly.
With thick gloved fingers, Van plucked up the last two horsemen and two more flags. "Dryden, you are spread to the front at the beginning. We need those archers to take down as many of their numbers as possible. After a signal, you will retreat to the east. Gadeth, you will also be his support. Guard that side because it will be our weakest."
"Got your back, buddy," Gadeth grinned with crossed eyes and Dryden quirked an eyebrow.
"Allen, you are stationed in front of Millerna to the east."
"Yes, Your Highness," the blond man said softly.
He moved the large figurine and the last flag in the very center between Dryden and Allen. Van's arms lowered from the table to his lap. A second later Hitomi visibly jumped as she felt a hand hesitantly touch her knee underneath the table. Her mouth falling open with her face growing crimson, she glanced at him sharply, but he avoided her eyes and said, "The Guymelef, Rutilus Flumen, will be at the front center."
Hitomi felt goose-bumps rise from where his fingers still touched her and her left hand crept to find his. Her heart sped up and a whisper of excitement and fear laced down to her stomach as he gently took her hand and laced his fingers in-between hers.
"Master Plaktu, the Leader of the Mutts, will be with her. The Vehotus Commander's primary goal is keep her eyes on the Zaibach Guymelefs. As mentioned before, they are our biggest threat. Plaktu can cover the frontal assault. Hitomi," He turned to her with a fire in his mahogany eyes. "You are the best weapon we have against them. I am counting on you to take them out. Once you have them destroyed, return to Plaktu and take charge."
Her eyes twisted down to stare at the map, and she made herself nod in understanding. His fingers tightened briefly around her hand before letting her go. The absence of his warm fingertips made the chill of the room even colder and she visibly shivered.
Gadeth frowned. "What about you, Van?"
Balgus let out a low growl, but Van held his hand up to stop him. "I…" his voice caught just a bit. "I will remain here. I have discussed it at full length and it has been decided. I have matters to attend in Fanelia."
"So, Lady Hitomi will lead us into battle?" Allen's deep voice resonated roughly in Hitomi's right ear. She fought the urge to rub it on her shoulder.
"She will." Van nodded, his mahogany eyes still avoiding her face. "She is your Commander and the Pilot of Rutilus Flumen." He said that with such finality, no one else spoke up and Van continued. An hour passed and several more scrolls were rolled out. Close up of the Eternus, another one of the wild forest barriers, another was a larger picture with the whole of Fanelia included. Hitomi tried to listen, but the blood pounded loud and hard in her ears.
She was at the center. The center of the entire plan. The red Guymelefs… she had only studied a portion of their make-up and now there was a new design she had to be ready for. The weight of her responsibility pressed firm and deep inside her.
She had been confident… overly confident…
This was six versus one…
"… The Battle of Wild Forest Barrier is our pushback. We will make them retreat at all costs. It is time for Fanelia to turn the tides. With Rutilus Flumen, not only will we succeed, but we will put an end to Zaibach's might once and for all. You are dismissed until tomorrow evening."
The chairs scraped back and the rest of the Vehotus began standing up. Surprised, she realized the meeting was over. Her red hair brushed into her eyes as she looked over each of her new companions. Gadeth had his usual happy grin and Dryden seemed relaxed - she noticed the long-haired man had started rubbing the back of his neck almost like a nervous twitch. Millerna was silent as she walked from the room; Allen followed her not far behind. Balgus let out a long breath and walked around the table. He side-stepped Gadeth and placed a large hand on Van's shoulder.
"I need to speak with you," he said softly to the king. Van nodded briskly and they turned together to leave the room.
Hitomi stood and her green eyes slipped back to the lone standing figurine at the center of the battle.
Suddenly, a realization hit her.
That one small figurine didn't mean she was alone.
This responsibility wouldn't be just hers.
Rutilus would be there. Hitomi would physically have her best friend with her. A friend who had fought wars since the beginning of the man. A friend who had more battle experience than everyone in the world combined. Hitomi's heart rose a bit more. She'd finally be able to Pilot the legend she had dreamed of. A memory of her childhood flashed before her eyes: sword-fighting the large oak in the middle of the vineyards, wrestling Amano to the ground, reading the legends of her future self in the tiny Praeter Library, dreaming about a destiny, her destiny, every night...
With a smile, she reached over and flicked her finger on the black castle. It fell over with a tiny clink. She would swallow her fear and be what she was born to be.
And it also made the odds six versus two.
Van followed Balgus, keeping his shoulders straight and his hands comfortably laced behind his back. The old man strolled past the hallway and entered the west corridor. Balgus stopped and the king noticed the old man's thick arms had started trembling.
"This is her first battle, Your Highness…"
"I am well aware of that, Balgus," Van answered softly.
"She can hardly Transport let alone take Command."
"That is why I have Plaktu assisting her.
Balgus' voice had tight bark as he turned around and growled, "With all due respect, I don't think it is wise to listen to Modocca on this matter."
"I'm not listening to him," the king responded smoothly. "I made the decision by myself."
"I sat in the meeting, Highness. Modocca insisted on putting her in that position."
"I know he did, and I believe she can handle it."
"She has only just begun command training."
"And yet she has earned the title of 'Commander of the Vehotus', has she not?" The old man's mouth opened to retort, but Van interrupted, "Balgus, I have trusted your judgement since I was a child. You are one of the greatest military minds we have ever produced in this country. You have the experience we need to aid us in this war. I have an impending threat with the Zaibach's Guymelefs and you are deliberately suggesting I do nothing about them."
"Then put me in charge of the Guymelefs." The old man's small eyes tightened. "Put me there instead of her. Have her take my position in the back. She is still young and emotional. Her outburst at the Trials should be enough of an indicator that she is not prepared to take command."
"How will that help?" Van asked sternly, his eyes growing cold. "If I keep holding her back, how will that help Fanelia? When will she finally lead troops on her own? When will she be able to face the demons of battle? I took her from Hospesland to fulfill a legend and I left her with you so she would be ready to become that legend when the time called for it. You saw her progress through the desert. You saw her march with Rutilus Flumen back to Escadalette. You saw her abilities in the Trial Arena! I trust in her and I will put her where I know she can benefit us the most!"
Van hadn't realized he was shouting till he stopped to focus his thoughts. The old man stood silent and still, his heavy shoulders falling. Suddenly, Balgus took a deep breath and several steps toward him. A heavy hand was back on his shoulder.
"I apologize," Balgus said with quiet look. "I should have known how difficult this was for you. I kept seeing her eyes in the meeting… she stared at the map. She's frightened."
"We are all frightened." The king murmured with a sigh. "Probably me most of all."
"Van, I know that you love-"
"That has nothing to do with it," Van spoke up sharply and brushed Balgus' hand away. "My personal feelings and our responsibilities cannot conflict with each other. I spoke with someone who made me realize she is stronger than any of us give her credit for. I have to trust her. Trust that she can protect herself without me. I spoke with her the other day and she told me she was ready. Likewise, Escaflowne reminded me why I have her in this time of destinies. She'll remind herself why she is here. She knows her purpose and her fate. You trained her well, old friend."
The large man bowed his grey head slightly. "I apologize again for my scolding, Your Highness. It was uncalled for."
Despite the deep burn in his stomach, Van's lips curled to a light smile. "I put you behind her to watch her back, Balgus. Keep her safe for me."
The camp was busier than normal. Everywhere, Merle watched as tents were strung down, large camp-fires were doused, and coals buried in the damp soil. Men called, women yelled, and loud clangs of weapons and armor were heard being slung over backs and buckled into waists.
She stopped by one of the larger stretched-leather tents, her long ears twitched back and forth with curiosity.
"Hello, little one," Plaktu's voice came from above her and she let out a yowl of surprise. The bald man was sitting on top of the tent, his hands expertly untying the roped knots that held the structure together. "You may want to move. It will begin to lean in your direction and I don't think you want a face full of dried leather."
Merle nodded and slipped to the side as she watched him move further along the top of the tent. With his thin arms, wire legs, and knobby knees, he almost looked like a spider. Her eyebrows tossed up with that thought.
Maybe he did have a bit of spider in him.
Plaktu glanced at her with a laugh on his lips. "I assure you, little one, I only have tiny bit of spider on my mother's side. I can see the resemblance has caught up with me."
"I… I didn't mean to be rude."
"Not at all! I am what I am! I count my blessings I didn't inherit the more 'hairy' portion of my lineage!"
Her tail rose at his cheerfulness and she walked with him as the long man made his way further down the tent. "What's happening, Plaktu? Why is camp getting stripped and packed?"
The tan man's dark eyes instantly focused on her face and he gave another wide smile. "Ah, yes, little one, you remember our conversation the other day?"
The little pine. How could I ever forget it? She thought with a flicker of pain in her stomach.
"We are headed off to battle. And you're coming with us."
"M-Me?" She took a stumbling step backward and ungracefully slipped on the foliage beneath her paws. "You're bringing me to battle!?"
"We will be in different factions, but yes, you'll be there. You will be with Jajuka's children. The pups demanded it and I saw no reason not to. Bakura has already agreed to keep an eye on you. Good man, that canine…"
Her heart was starting to race in her chest and pound hard against her ribcage. Blood rushed into her head and her vision wavered slightly. "You… you'll be leaving me…"
"Not at all, little one." Plaktu said returning to untying the ropes nonchalantly. "I'll be only a few miles away. You will be just fine."
"B-But Plaktu! My power! You won't be there to stop it! The voices!" her breath was beginning to come in short gasps as her panic overtook her. "I can't stop what I'm doing if I have it! I don't want it! Please, please, don't leave me alone!"
With the grace of a jumping spider, the thin man leapt from the tent's roof and landed right before her. He knelt in the dirt and placed his long hands on her shoulder.
"Who are you, little one?"
"Merle…" she whispered through a trembling mouth.
"That is not what I asked," he shook his head gently. "Who are you?"
Suddenly, the large pine jumped into her memory. She shook her head and her pink hair flickered into her dark eyes. "I'm not the pine tree. Not yet. It's… it's too soon."
"It's never too soon to become who you truly were meant to be, Merle."
The kitsune blinked in surprise as he used her name for the first time.
"Try to use your power." He said to her with the large grin. "Tap into it."
"I-I can't," she shook her head slowly with her eyes wild in fear. "You've got it blocked. It's under control."
"No, my sweet cat, you have had your abilities ever since I left that first night in the tent. I haven't been holding them back from you. You have. You've suppressed them. Feared them. You have blocked yourself from them. You have remarkable abilities that many kitsune can barely scrape the surface of, and yet, you fear them so much you repressed them from yourself."
"I've had my powers… this entire time…" she hissed to herself in shock. "You haven't been blocking me at all."
"Nope, not at all."
Her ears flattened as she glared at him. "Then why did you tell me you were!? You lied to me!"
The man shrugged and patted her shoulders once before standing up once more. "I saw no reason to tell you. You needed rest and a clear head. You needed to see people who are not here to harm you, but to help and comfort and provide. You have friends here. Friends you can trust and maybe even come to love."
"Love. I only have loved one person in my life and he was the killer of my people." Merle hissed and a dark, weird heat ignited inside her mind. "I will never love again."
"Oh, the many broken hearts of the young men in this camp. I hear them shattering as you say the words." The long man chuckled before jumping back to the tent. He landed on all fours on the thick fabric and climbed back up to keep untying the ropes from the support poles. "You are truly one of a kind, my little one. Someone as innocent as you will surely find peace within herself and rise like the giant you were meant to be."
His eyes hadn't change back since his playtime with the dog-man, but he found that he didn't mind. He sat in the heavy chair, his head slightly tilted; his silver hair slung around his shoulders. A burning fireplace stood to his right and he stared at the flames wonderingly.
The flames were hot and bright and painful. So many times, Dilandau wondered why he liked them. He loved watching the flickering fire change color and shape over the brown wood. He liked watching it slowly eat away; rendering something once so alive into complete ash.
"It is time, brother," the deep voice of Folken came from behind his head.
"Oh," the silver-man said softly, his red eyes not leaving the fire. "Where are we headed?"
The General smiled.
"To get fitted into your armor."
Megria woke with a gasp, her flyaway red hair tossing over her eyes. The familiar surroundings of her dark bedroom swam into focus and she tried to settle her breathing. Brushing her thick locks back with a shaking hand, she shivered, drawing her legs closer to her body in the little straw bed.
The dreams were coming every day now. Every single night was the same man. The same dark voice speaking to her. She could still taste the slice of fear pierced his spine as he charged into battle. His long black hair tossed into a greying wind as he pointed a heavy lance at his unseen enemy. And then the voice calling to her:
Leave before the winter sets…
Unthinkingly, her hand trailed down to touch the pink jewel that hung from her neck on a thick cord. It had always given her comfort on nights like these, but, as her fingertips touched the warm pendant, her heart grew even more troubled. The pendant, which had come from the broken mirror she'd brought home long ago, had been her treasured companion since the day her father had set the jewel into a makeshift necklace. She wore it tucked safely under her shift – father always told her the merchant crowds were a thieving lot.
She didn't need his lecture. She'd grown up with those swindlers. Now sitting at a comfortable seventeen years old; despite her looks – a baby-faced little redhead – she was quite the pickpocket in her own right.
The mysterious man from her dreams brushed to her mind once more and she pushed off the covers to stretch.
"Leave before the winter sets..." she whispered to herself with a scoff. Megria stood to open her small shutters from the window. How could she leave this place? The tiny cottage was creaky, leaky, and rotting, and yet – if she had the chance to build a new house, she'd probably build an exact replica of this. This old dirty place was more than home for father and her.
It was a memorial of memories.
Tucked safely in the woods a good mile from the Merchant's Passway, it was easily avoided by traveling salesmen. Plenty of game, wild plants, and…
A stooped figure crossed the tiny clearing and she smiled softly. Father was already up and setting out their gear for the hunt. Autumn was setting closer and closer. The deer were ripe for the picking. They would have plenty to set them for the winter, but…
Leave before the winter sets…
Her stomach jolted and she gasped as a chill of feverish heat laced down the back of her neck. Frozen with her green eyes wildly looking around the room, she waited for the voice.
It was silent except for the singing grasshoppers outside.
"What is wrong, my daughter? Not another one of your visions, is it? Has the weather shown you a late winter in your dreams?" her father smiled brightly with a short cough.
He had taken in her uncharacteristic stoic face, her slumped shoulders, and her stumbling steps. Long hunts were their favorite, yet she was not her usual happy self.
'N-Nothing, father, I have had no visions of late. I am just tired." She stammered straightening her back with a quick exhale. Brushing past a tree branch, she pressed her right hand to her chest for the fifth time that hour.
"You have a problem with your top button?" He asked.
"What?"
"Your hand has been touching your vest." He pointed with the tip of his bow.
She glanced down as if surprised. Lowering her hand swiftly, her face began to blush. "I have a strange heat inside my breast. It hurts on occasion…"
A laugh escaped his lips and she blinked in surprise. "Megria… please tell me this day is not already coming…"
"Day?" her eyebrows rose.
"The day you'd become aware."
"Aware?" her eyebrows rose even higher.
"I guess that fisherman you spoke to the other day would be a proper suitor. He'd keep us supplied with food over the long winter and you know how much I love trout."
"Father!" she said sharply. "What in Law are you speaking? Suitors?"
"You're at the age, my daughter."
"B-But I…"
Leave before the winter sets…
She stopped walking and her chest gave a strange twinge.
"Daughter?"
Turning to him, her green eyes flickered with a touch of gold.
"I… I cannot marry the fisherman, Father. He's older than you!"
"I was poking fun," her father laughed. He suddenly broke into a hard cough that lasted several minutes. Pounding on his chest with a fist, he shot her a watery grin. "Looks like the winter is moving faster than your love life, daughter."
"He has a deep chill," the weapons merchant said solemnly. Standing up from her father's bedside, the kind man bowed to the young girl with sadness in his eyes. "I'm sorry, Megria, but it is doubtful he will make it through the night. You can hear it for yourself. It sounds like his chest is completely full." The man offered a metal knob that was strung around his neck and the redhead shook her head.
"I thank you, Gere. You have been steadfast since he fell ill."
"Your visions and dreams have saved Helena and I numerous times. It is the least I can do, sweet child."
The redhead gave a tired smile. "Please, go back to the Merchant City and get some rest before the same happens to you. I'll be with him."
"You need rest yourself, child," the man said softly. "I can stay the night."
"I insist. I wish to be with him… until the very end..."
"Very well, child. I'll come with the sun on the morrow."
"I thank you again, and please give Helena my best. I will need her help shortly once… once this is over…"
The older man bowed once more and made a move to leave. The doorway opened and the freezing autumn chill washed inside the drafty cottage. "Megria, you are welcome to travel south for the winter with Helena and I. We love you just as your father loves you. We are willing to take you with us for as long as you need."
Leave before the winter sets…
"You are headed south, Gere? There are threats of invading Molocian's from the Yawning Channel to Fanelia. It is too dangerous."
The man shrugged. "It'll be warmer and more profitable to sell down south. Merchants with weapons sales thrive the best during wartime, you know."
Despite the chill and her father's rasping breaths behind her back, Megria gave a trembling smile. "I will give you my answer once my father passes, dear Gere."
He died within the hour of Gere leaving.
She dug the grave herself in the night. She cleaned her father's body. She wrapped him with the thick blankets they used for winter, placed two coins over his eyes and one in his mouth, and kept his face uncovered for Gere's return in the morning. Deep into the warm golden glow of the fire, she stared hard into the shallow face of her beloved father. He had been her life in this wooden glen of seclusion and isolation. And she had been his. Together, they had been each other's confident and companion.
She was alone now. All alone.
Her fingers unthinkingly dug in her collar to pull up the smooth pink pendant that her father had made for her. Fiddling the stone, she let her head fall on the quilts covering his pale body and prayed for tears.
She couldn't cry. It was strange how her deep her sadness and loss was, and yet she couldn't express it out loud.
Several minutes later, Megria fell asleep.
The darkness was deep and impenetrable. She felt as if she was covered in a shadowy fog; unable to escape or call for help. But there was something strange about this darkness. As overwhelming as it was, she wasn't afraid of the blackness. In fact, she welcomed it with open arms. With a smile, she stood before the darkness.
"I will go and do what you say. I have nothing holding me back." Mergia said softly.
"Fate has called you to a task, my little Pilot. You have a greater destiny before you. Leave before the winter sets and join him."
Megria knew who the voice spoke of. The man with the long black hair and shining horse. The man with the thick broadsword pointed to the Yawning Channel in the south...
In Fanelia...
Hitomi woke from the vision with a sense of deep sad understanding. Sitting at the feet of the Golden Guymelef, her green eyes stared forward in the lovely chamber. The pendant hanging from her neck glowed a brilliant pink.
It was her destiny like it was mine. We are both the same. We lost our families for the sake of Fanelia.
You are both like her and different from her." Rutilus answered softly."You both are strong, but she was hard. So much harder than you. She had an unwavering mind that allowed my Foresight to come through. She was torn by the passing of her father, but she didn't dwell on it. She used it as strength.
I… I can't be like that, Hitomi confessed. I shut down when my father got ill. I shut out my dreams and you guiding me. I finally felt the call again once I left that house and Praeter. Amano taking me to the Castra Providence was either fate or really good luck. I wasn't going unless he forced me – which he did. Hitomi leaned her head back against the mecha and a soft smile hit her lips. Amano… I wonder how he's doing back in Hospesland. And Yukari. I left without saying anything to anybody except for Grison. I hope they are doing well.
You are special in your own right. You are not hard like Megria, yet you can think clearer than she could. You use your endless inquisitiveness to constantly look for different answers for the same question. Your emotions – admittedly sometimes a bit much – Hitomi made a face – are a strength. Youuse them to keep courage. And even with tactical advantage.
Tactical advantage? How so?
Oh, don't give me that! I've seen you use those tears on Balgus plenty of times. Rutilus laughed quietly. That big oaf can barely stand to see you cry. But regardless, remember your Trial fight with Allen. You actually got wounded by him and I felt, even from here, how much vox you manipulated. It was startling for me, but when you told me what happened... I can see why I chose you this time around. You are what is needed.
Megria's hard personality was needed when she was your Pilot?
Rutilus was quiet for a moment. She was perfect. My little Megria was the one that set my legend in stone. She accepted her fate with a tough attitude. She proved Rutilus Flumen was not just a dream, but something real. She… was probably a bit too tough for her own good at the end of it all…
What do you mean? Hitomi asked curiously. Was she a problem after the war was over? Did something happen to her because she was so headstrong?
There's that inquisitiveness again. Rutilus' laugh sounded forced. You'll know in due course. Can't spoil the story, now can I? Speaking of which, you've wasted enough time here. You better get back to command training.
The red-headed girl nodded and reached up to tuck a bit of hair behind her ear. Standing, she brushed the white skirts of her dress and suddenly stopped. Can you answer me one thing? She tilted her head thoughtfully before turning around to look at the giant mecha kneeling before her.
What's that?
What was Megria's family name? The vision tells me nothing.
A whisper of amusement filtered into Rutilus' voice. You wish to know if she is related to you.
Hitomi blushed lightly and felt her heart beat a little harder with embarrassment. Yeah… I mean, we both look the same and… I don't know… I've always wanted to know if there was a chance. Father never told me how he met my mother. It's… stupid, I know, but my mother's a mystery to me. I hardly think about her and yet… she might be my link in this story. I got you from her, so it just… makes sense…
The river was silent once more. Hitomi knew her friend way too well to fall for this silly dramatic pause, so she waited patiently. Finally, she heard Rutilus take a deep breath and whisper slowly in her mind.
You want to know her name? Her full name...?
That's what I just said, yeah, She rolled her green eyes. What was it? Not Kanzaki, I guess, but maybe something I can look up in the Library or something.
Of course, I can tell you her last name. It was: Nooooooo spoooooileeerrrs…
"N-No spoilers!? Rutilus, you are a mean, mean spirit thing!" Hitomi shouted angrily out loud and Rutilus roared with laughter. "You won't tell me, will you?!"
Nope! Gotta wait for the entire story.
Ahhh, man! You are so annoying! Here's your Melef body back! I gotta go to class!
Oh, come on! Don't be like that!
Unclasping the necklace, Hitomi held the pink pendant out and a slow evil grin spread on her face.
"Alright, you crazy river, I'll wait for the entire story. Just know, next time I hang out with Van some details might just completely slip my mind…" Her green eyes widened innocently. "Oh, wait, didn't he hold my hand underneath the table during the Vehotus Council yesterday? I just don't remember all the specifics of that… Shame. Oh, well, it wasn't important anyway!"
With a triumphant laugh, she climbed the steps and plunged the necklace into the Guymelef's activation jewel. Running down the steps still giggling, she heard Rutilus clanking with stiff arms.
"Get back here, you little minx! You get back here and tell me everything that happened! Don't you dare think about leaving without-"
"NO SPOILERS!" Hitomi shouted as the large chamber doors slammed behind her.
She could still hear Rutilus fuming as she walked away.
Many, many things in this chapter, but the best of them all: THE RETURN OF THE GENTLEMEN'S SLAP!
We have now learned the first name of the First Pilot of Rutilus Flumen. More of her story will be revealed in the next chapter, but it will be put on hold since I've got a big event coming up with a BATTLE and everything. Lol. We have their positons, we have upcoming drama, and the pieces keep moving closer and closer together. I am quite pleased with myself.
LET THE BATTLE OF WILD FOREST BARRIER… not begin… not just yet because I'm not ready still *scrambles to keep papers in order*. Ahem… ALMOST BEGIN SOON!
Hey, at least I don't have to do the Trials anymore, right?
…Wait… I said that Selena was going to challenge to be in the Vehotus?... *scans three different papers and face pales in horror* noooooo…
Anyways, yes, I am currently on the lookout for a new job (shhhh, don't tell my current job that). Kind of bad things have happened here and it's just going down the crapper from here on out. If you want specifics, PM me, other than that, I'm back in Rutilus mode once more!
Predictions? Thoughts? Loved it? Hated it? Wish I'd stop writing forever? Won't know unless you tell me. As always, here's my shout out to everyone who has stopped by for this latest chapter. You guys rock my world!
Love for all,
Blue…