Vision Of Escaflowne Fan Fiction ❯ Rembrance ❯ Chapter 2 ( Chapter 2 )

Disclaimer: I don't own Escaflowne, and if you really think I do, well, let's just say that you kind of need some help.

Oh yes, dear readers, do not worry that I am not going to continue this fic. I get busy, or I want to rewrite a part, and then MTV aired the beginning of Escaflowne again and I saw the first episode, which changed a few things here. I do not abandon my stories, they are always in my mind, so to speak, but I get busy, or get into something else, or you know, life. Anyway, with that said, I'd like to thank my reviewers. Oh yes, and though I spell words such as 'realise' the British way, I am American. From LA, CA, actually. I live in Germany, and since they learn to write British English, I picked it up instead of having to fight with my English Teacher every time we had a test, and say that favourite can to be spelled 'favorite'. Not to mention that I read a lot of British English versions of books, because that is what is available in Germany, and I got used to seeing that way.

Reviews: Paige Moonsword, Eva Maverx, kje, Lies of Fate, Grrl N, angelwarriar, Van's Girl

With that said, I now present to you:

Chapter 2

I can do this, I can do this. Hitomi thought, pushing through the brush. She knew that her father would be furious at her. Her mother would be sad. Her brother would be confused. Guards would be sent out to look for her. Her name would be posted in every city in riding distance fore nightfall. But she didn't care. She was not to marry a man that was eight years her senior, who she had never really met and who she certainly did not love.

She kept going through the bushes. She had already decided on what to do. She would give herself out as an orphaned peasant who was good with healing and maid's work. Her name would be Marei, her middle name, and when someone took her on, she'd be under the protection of that family, and her father could not do anything to her.

She ducked through the trees. Her knees ached, and she was deadly tired, but didn't care. She knew she had to push on. Using her magic to giver her energy, she ran quicker, leaping over bushes and rocks. She had no idea where she was, and she didn't care. All she knew was that she was at least three hours away from home, and that it would be impossible to find her, as dusk was beginning.

She started to slow down, when she stopped suddenly. The usual stillness of the forest was oddly changed, with birds flapping, and an occasional shout. Now, if Lady Hitomi Marei Kanzaki was smart, or maybe the better word was grateful for her life, she would have kept on running, in the other direction. But, she decided to take it upon herself to investigate.

She gathered up her long skirt, and crept quietly through the trees until she stopped, and almost dropped her pack in shock. A young boy, well, young wasn't the word, he had to be about her age, was fighting against a dragon, and doing a decent job. Hitomi decided that he seemed a bit arrogant, sure of himself, and convinced that he was going to defeat the dragon. Again, she should have fled, but Hitomi decided not to. Afterall, she was free for the first time in her life, with out any manners, servants or others bearing down on her head, and she was going to enjoy it, including indulging on things that would make her mother scream.

Hitomi stood to the side and watched. He parried the dragon off with his sword, and held up his shield to take the blunt of the dragons claw. His swordsmanship was decent, Hitomi decided, but it could use a lot of work. Of course, she was no expert on swordsmanship, but she had seen the soldiers at home practice, and knew what good swordsmanship looked like.

Flash. Hitomi blinked as she saw the dragon's tail come down on the boys head. Such a hit would be deadly, and she knew it was a vision. "Watch out!" She cried out, as her vision began to happen, the boy not paying any attention the tail. The boy turned, stared at her, noticed the tail and brought up his shield, blocking the dragon's hit, or at least attempting to do so. The hit slashed through the boy's armour, and the impact made the boy fall to the ground, and he rolled, up in a minute and plunged his sword into the dragon's heart.

Hitomi watched as the boy pulled out the dragon's energy stone, and slipped it into a pocket, watching the dragon disintegrate. The boy was covered in the dragon's blood, but when he held the heart, the dragon's caracaras and the blood vanished. He wiped his black locks out of his eyes, and glanced up at the sky. "It's almost dark."

"You're very good at stating the obvious." Hitomi said, before realising that she might not want to be noticed. Of course, it was too late as the words slipped out of her mouth.

"Who are you?" The boy glared at her through the darkness. He was probably still annoyed that she had interrupted him. "Where the heck did you come from? This is a sacred Rite, and you interfered. And I could have defeated the dragon by myself, you know. I didn't do it to protect you. If you come to the Palace, I'll give you a reward, but keep quiet about it. I don't need your help."

Hitomi gasped. What an ungrateful little twerp. Walking up to him, she slapped him. "I just saved your life, and you have the gall to get mad at me? A little thanks would be nice."

The boy glared at her, one hand holding his cheek where she had slapped him. It was still a bit red, and stung. "I did offer you an award. And I asked you your name. You should show more respect."

Hitomi glared at him right back. "Marei, and I don't want any reward. I just did it to be nice, something that you definitely didn't deserve, nor understand the meaning of. And, I just don't go and respect anyone. Respect is earned, and what have you done to gain my respect?"

"Marei?" The boy looked confused. He shrugged off the other part, he was more interested in who this girl was, and what she was doing alone in the Farnellian forest. "That's your name?"

"Yes." She answered shortly.

"Well, what's your last name?" He tried again.

"Like it's any of your business." She gathered up her skirts, and reached for her pack. He's certainly one of the most arrogant, stuck up people I've ever met. She wanted to leave, to get away from him. She was getting a headache just from being near him.

"Maybe because it is my business? I asked your name, Marei, your full name. You're bound to answer my questions while you're on my land. So, let's try again. What's your name?" The boy reached out for her sleeve.

Hitomi swirled around, hitting his hand away. "Who do you think you are? We're not on anyone's land, unless you consider this part of the Country of Farnelia. And you certainly don't own the country."

The boy smirked. "I tried being nice you know. You might as well as give me your name." He looked around. "We should probably get moving. A caravan of merchants should come around here soon, and they can bring us to Farel, the capital city."

"Who said I want to go to the Capital City?"

The boy raised his brows. "I did. And don't think you're running away. If you're on Farnellian land, your on my land, and you don't have my permission. Plus, I still want your name."

"I refused your stupid reward, and I don't want anything else, except to get away from your company." Hitomi tried to flee again, but the boy's grip on her sleeve held fest.

"You're not leaving until I get your name, and you tell me why you're in the forest. Plus, you interrupted my ritual and-" The boy stopped, and then grinned. "Perfect. Luhn's here, we can get a ride."

* * *

Hitomi glared at the boy in the cart. They were sitting in the Leader's cart, and the boy was keeping up a going conversation about trading. He had literally pulled her up in the cart after him, and still kept a grip on her sleeve. The cart was placed on a Yaox, an incredibly large animal she had no hope of getting down from unless she had two hands, which was made impossible due to his grip on her shirt.

"-Astoria. And who's the young girl, milord?" If Hitomi had been paying attention, she would have caught the 'milord', but she didn't.

"I don't know, Luhn. She appeared when I was slaying the dragon. Her name's Marei, but other than that, I know nothing." The boy threw a look over his shoulder, watching her. "I'd like to know myself."

Hitomi ignored him. As soon as they got to Farel, she was going to flee. She had no desire to be stuck around this boy. Flash. A city burned, and what Hitomi recognised as Guymelefs wrapped in cloaks of invisibility destroyed it as people ran. She shivered, receiving Van's attention.

"Is something wrong?"

She shook her head. She needed no sympathy of his. If it was a vision, she didn't care. She began to plan her escape. As she was thinking over her escape, the cart jostled, and then stopped. She looked up.

The wooden gates and stone wall surrounding Farel loomed above her. She watched as the guards slowly pulled the gates back, and the caravan entered. She had never been to Farel, except for one visit where she had spent the visit in the coach, and had always wished to see it. It was supposed to be a cultural city, with merchants from all over Gaia. The view was amazing. The journey had taken the entire night, and the sunrise over the Farel was breath taking.

The boy jumped down from the wagon, and ran in the gates, to where a crowd of people were waiting. Cheers broke out, and Hitomi climbed down, hoping to get a better view. "Van! Prince Van!" A small cat girl, probably around thirteen came running up, jumping on the boy. Hitomi made a face. Did that girl just call him 'Prince'?

Her question was answered when four warriors made their way to the front, and all the townspeople bowed down. "Prince Van, you have returned."

The boy, Van, as Hitomi now knew him by, nodded. He fumbled in his pocket, and brought out the ruby red energy stone from the dragon. He held it up in the sky, above his head. The crowds hushed. "I, Van de Farnel, have journeyed into the forest, and there I defeated one dragon, and have taken its energy stone."

The four men, Hitomi guessed them to be Van's four Generals, his Samurai warriors. The Head Samurai bowed down. "It is an honour to serve you, Prince Van."

Praises were heard from the other three. Hitomi held her ears as everyone started to cheer. She couldn't believe how stupid she had been. It was quite obvious really. The boy's remark about his land, the reward, his Rite…everything. This had to be Prince Van de Farnel, the second born son of King Gaou and Queen Varyie of Farnelia, and only living member of the royal family. Not to mention that the Farnellian custom for ascending the throne was to slay a dragon and bring back the energy stone. Van wouldn't be a Prince any longer, he'd be the King.

Now Court Manners decreed that Hitomi should apologise for her actions, and bow down, but there was no way she was going to do that. This Van, Prince or not, was a pain, and he was going to earn his respect from her. She hopped down off the wagon, and stood to the side, when she noticed that the Head Samurai was looking in her direction.

"And who is this young maiden?"

Van turned. "I met her in the forest. Her name is Marei, and she won't disclose anything else to me. I decided to bring her with."

The man nodded, and walked up to Hitomi, where he bowed before her. "My Lady. What brings you here? I am Vargas, the Head of the Samurai."

Hitomi shook her head. "My name is Marei, and I am no Lady, General Vargas. I am but an orphan, travelling through the woods in order to find a place to stay. I am handy with Healing, and I also can clean and do maid's work." She curtsied deeply.

Vargas nodded. "Nice to meet you, Marei. I'm sure Prince Van will give you a room in the castle, and you'll be our guest?"

Hitomi didn't really want to accept, but there was nothing else to do. She curtsied again. "I'd be honoured, my lord."

Van stood on the side, and watched. Vargas just had to be the gentle man, didn't he? "Of course, Marei, I'd be glad to give you a room." He nodded to someone, and started to leave.

Hitomi sighed at his retreating back. Wonderful. I get to be stuck here with him.

* * *

Hitomi knew that Van wasn't very happy to be there with her, and she felt the same way. She would much rather be somewhere else than here in Farnelia. She sighed, and looked out the window. Van had pretty much ignored her after her arrival. Vargas had come in a few times to look after her, but had never stayed long. Everyone else seemed to ignore her. What would they want with a peasant girl?

She stood, straightening her skirts, and making sure her Tarot Cards were safe in her brassier. It would be awful if she left them. She wanted to get some air, and moved to the window. She pulled her pendant over her neck, and let it hang from her hand. It swung in second tact, and kept perfect time. She knew there was something else special about it, but, her Grandmother would never tell her what was so special, except the fact it seemed magical.

"Hello!" Hitomi screeched and jumped. A cat-girl, the same cat girl from her arrival, was hanging over her window. The cat girl jumped down, and sat on the sill. "Stay away from Prince Van, you hear?"

Hitomi stood there in shock. Blinking, she managed to return to her senses. "Who are you, and whatever do you mean?"

"Merle, and Van's mine. We don't need any outsiders here."

Hitomi huffed. "Well, I didn't ask to come here. If it were up to me, I'd be somewhere else. And my name's Marei."

Merle ignored her, and leaped to the bed. She started to rummage through Hitomi's pack, and then noticed the pendant hanging from Hitomi's hand. She snatched it. "What's this?"

"That's mine, you little cat!" Hitomi reached for it, but Merle pulled out of her grasp.

Merle was captivated by it. "How pretty…thanks!" And she flew out of the room.

Hitomi stood there, processed what happened, and then went running after her. "Hey! That's mine! You flea-bitten sack! Give it back to me!" Hitomi chased Merle through the halls of the Palace, until she stopped when she heard familiar voices.

* * *

Van and Vargas were practising fencing, each with a sword. She watched as Van charged head on, and was blocked. "You must put more strength into it, Your Highness."

"Fighting is too awful for me." Van said, wiping his brow.

"Nonetheless, Highness, you must learn." Vargas looked up, and noticed Hitomi. "I believe you are searched for an audience, Your Highness."

Hitomi curtsied quickly and clumsily, and straightened up. "Oh, umm…"

"Marei." Van turned to her. "How are you? Anything I can do for you?"

"Fine…" Hitomi didn't know what to say. She suddenly got an odd feeling in her head. "And I wanted to-"

"Hey, it was only a joke. No hard feelings, okay?" Merle stood outside the door, pendant in her hands.

Hitomi swirled around. "Give it."

Merle shoved it into her chest. "Here."

"Hey, not so hard!" Hitomi cried out, and Merle leapt to Van.

"Van, protect me, she wants to hurt me!"

"Why would I want to hurt you?" Hitomi placed the pendant around her neck. "You're just an annoying cat-girl."

"Now, Merle, no one's going to hurt you." Van pulled Merle off of him, and turned to Hitomi. "Marei, I trust that you are all right?"

Hitomi nodded. "Yes, Your Highness."

Van nodded, and strode out of the room, Merle running off after him. Hitomi was about to leave as well, when Vargas stopped her. "Wait, My Lady."

Hitomi turned around. "General Vargas, please, I am no Lady. I am but an orphaned peasant girl."

Vargas shook his head. "Do you really think you could fool me? Lady Hitomi, I knew your mother and grand-mother, and recognize your pendant. You quite resemble the two of them."

Hitomi looked at him shocked. "But-"

"But how do I know? I met your grandmother on a journey I made many years ago. Then, a few years later, I went on a journey again, and met your mother. I haven't seen either one in them in years, but I was aware that Lady Malaika had a daughter, Hitomi, and a son, Matthew. And, because of the resemblance of the females in your line, I recognized you."

Hitomi sat down. "General, please-"

"I'm not planning on telling Prince Van, Lady Hitomi. I respect your privacy. What I wish to know is why you have fled your home."

Hitomi sighed, and bunched her skirt up in her hand. "I- I am arranged to be married to someone, and I've never met him before. Not to mention that my betrothed has quite the reputation as a womaniser. And, he's also twenty-three, eight years older than I. I do not love him, and I will not learn to. I had to get away, so I ran away. It was actually Nana's idea, she told me that I should follow my heart. And my heart told me to leave my home."

Vargas studied the young woman. What he knew of Lady Ariadne Rainsen proved Lady Hitomi's words. For, she had even been responsible for the union of Queen Varyie and King Gaou. Lady Ariadne had been a troublesome woman indeed, and combined with her granddaughter, Queen Varyie or anyone else with a strong spirit, Vargas knew that the world wouldn't be so simple anymore. "I understand. What do you plan to do?"

"To find a position as a maid or healer, and hide. There's nothing else I can do." Hitomi sighed. "General Vargas, may I take my leave?"

Vargas bowed deeply. "There is no reason why I would keep a Lady from her wishes."

Hitomi shook her head. "Good bye, General."

Vargas took her hint. "Marei." Hitomi left.

* * *

It was time for Van's ascending of the Throne, his coronation. Hitomi stood off to the side. Van had offered to get her a more fancier dress, probably at Vargas's suggestion, but she had refused. She enjoyed her dress, and she had enough of gowns to last her a lifetime. Van, on the other hand, was dressed in armour, a cape, a helmet covering most of his face, and looked fairly ridiculous. She also knew that Van agreed with her. She had seen him complaining.

She watched Van take the sword, and then bit her lip to keep from screaming as her vision went black. Damn…a vision. The town was destroyed. Invisible Guymelefs fought and destroyed everything. Fires were springing up all over the town. Everything was burning, there were shouts and screams. People ran.

Hitomi suddenly opened up her eyes, trying to stay on her feet. Should she warn the people, or not? It was Farnelia, Hitomi recognised. But still, what could she do to prevent it. It was the vision she had had earlier on her journey there, and Hitomi knew it had significance.

She had made up her mind to tell Van after the celebration, that is, if he believed her. But before she could do anything else, the ground shook. "We're being attacked! Men, to arms, woman and child flee to the hills!" A Samurai warrior rode through the crowds on his yerkle. She watched as the crowd parted. Too late…

*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+* +*+*+*+*+*

Van took the royal sword from the High Priest, and bowed, when he heard the commotion. Turning around, Van noticed that people were running around, and that it seemed as if the town was burning. Burning? He was about to ask what was going on, when Vargas came up to him.

"Majesty, the town is under attack. You must awaken Escaflowne, and flee with Lady Marei."

Van stood there, in shock as Vargas left with the other Samurai to get their Guymelefs. Shaken his head, hearing the screams and clamour, Van ran up to Marei, who was standing there, shaken looking. "Come on, we have to go."

"Go where?" She asked, hurrying to keep up with him. He ran to the stables, and went to a cupboard, drawing out a pair of khaki pants and a red shirt.

"I have to get changed, this outfit isn't going to help me any." He ducked behind a stall, and appeared two minutes later in the outfit she had seen him in when they first met.

"You still haven't told me where we're going!" Hitomi rushed to keep up after Van, who was running to a temple like structure.

"No time now!" Van called back at her, without even glancing at her.

Hitomi stopped running, staring after him. Van was such a pain, she decided, and then hurried to keep up after him. She watched as her came to the temple. "What-" but before she could finish her question, Van had already gone inside. She followed after him, and stared as he walked to the middle of it, and stood on a lowered platform-like stone, which was tiled and painted in many different designs.

He looked at her. "I have to reawaken Escaflowne. Stand back." Holding the energy-stone, he slit his thumb with his sword, and let his blood drip onto the stone. The stone started to glow, and Van trusted it into the air. "I am Van de Farnel, King of Farnelia. My blood should conquer the pact against the evil, Escaflowne. The time has come to reawaken your life spirit, mighty dragon!"

As the glowing increased, a sudden ray of light shone down on Van, creating a wind, that blew his hair around. A large stone levitated before him, and the stone began to chip away, showing a very regal and impressive looking Guymelef. It landed on the ground before Van, kneeling. The ray of light and wind instantly disappeared. "Escaflowne."

Hitomi stared at it. It was beautiful, she decided. She wasn't much one on Guymelefs, but this one was magnificent. Flash. Two Guymelefs fought each other in a background of smouldering buildings and cliffs. Swords clanked, and Hitomi realised one of the Guymelefs was the one who stood before her. She shook her head to clear her vision. What did that particular vision mean?

Van meanwhile went up to the Guymelef, and stuck his energy stone into the pinkish gem on the Guymelef's chest. Escaflowne's heart pulsed, and the Pilot's Seat opened. He started to climb in.

"Wait!" Hitomi called out, pulling up her skirts and hurrying to Van. "What are you planning on doing?"

Van climbed in, and fastened himself in, closing Escaflowne. "I'm going to join the battle."

"But that's ridicu-" Hitomi had to dive out of the way as Escaflowne began to walk. She picked herself up, glaring at Escaflowne, when she stopped. She noticed-there it was again! "Van! Wait!"

Van turned to look, and brought up his sword to block the oncoming Guymelef's par. "To the left!" Hitomi screamed, getting out of the way. She watched as Van blocked. "Watch out!"

When another Guymelef appeared, Hitomi turned. She didn't know why she could see them, was it because of her magical blood? But she didn't care. "Van! Be careful!"

Van fought against the two of the Guymelefs, and blocked one strike, as the other prepared another. "Van!" Hitomi screamed out, and blinked as Vargas came leaping in, blocking the blow. "Vargas!"

"Are you all right, Majesty?" Vargas asked, throwing the blow off of him.

"I'm fine." Van managed to get out before grunting as he parried off another blow.

Flash. Hitomi shook her head. Was that a vision? If so, why was she having so many lately. Before they were always rare. The Guymelef shot a metal spear, and it hit Vargas. She watched the scene happen before her. Escaflowne had left the temple, and Vargas was hurrying after it. She heard Van shout something, something about stopping fighting, and raced out of the temple. She knew what was going to happen next… "Vargas!"

Van turned around, and watched as the spear hit Vargas in the chest, throwing him to the ground. Horror was written on his face, as he stood up. "Vargas! No!" He cried out. Escaflowne kneeled on the ground.

"Majesty, you must flee with the girl, Lady Marei. Hurry, flee!" And Vargas turned his head, and died.

Van kneeled there in shock. His Highest General, a father-like figure to him, one he trusted above all others, a good friend, was dead. "No!" He cried out, and remembering Vargas's last words, he reached for Hitomi. "Come, we must flee!"

Hitomi climbed on Escaflowne's opened hand, and felt it tighten around her. She watched as the enemy Guymelefs began to surround her and Van, who was quite helpless there on the ground. And without thinking, Hitomi wished. "Please! Help us!" Wishing to be free of the other Guymelefs, she watched as her pendant began to glow, causing a bluish pillar of light to create, and watched as it picked up her and Escaflowne, throwing them into the sky.

*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+* +*+*+*+*+*

AN: So, how was it? I hope everyone liked it. Next episode: Hitomi, Van and Allen meet, and what is Allen going to say, when he finds his betrothed running away from home?

Oh yes, if anyone wants to beta-read, I'd love to have someone do it.

Jennie, 10/31/02