Vision Of Escaflowne Fan Fiction ❯ Return To Innocence ❯ By Way of the Ocean ( Chapter 9 )

[ Y - Young Adult: Not suitable for readers under 16 ]

That smile. All she could concentrate on was that calming, innocent smile. And the owner of that smile was on Gaea, and she had no idea of how to get there. She had been called once again, but how was she to answer. What was she going to do.

She looked up at the sky. She could see the Moon, but nothing else. It had been a brief vision. The veil had been temporarily lifted for her eyes only. Now Gaea was once again invisible the all life on Earth. She sighed and looked down at the sidewalk. The crowd was thick and in a massive hurry to get to where they were going. Again Hitomi felt like she was left out. She didn't know where she was going. She knew where she was needed, but it was impossible to get there. One of those 'can't get there from here' scenario's. She kept on walking, taking no notice of those pushing past and around her except for maybe the occasional shoe.

Just then something caught her eye. It was a small rock that had been kicked across the concrete sidewalk. She stopped in her tracks much to the annoyance of several passers by. She watched it roll unevenly towards a doorway. She looked up at the sign in the shop window. Fine Second Hand Jewelry. Then she felt it. A small pulse that attracted her to this small pawn shop. It seemed to be pulling her through the doorway. She gave up any thought of fighting, the feeling was too strong. She had to follow it wherever it took her.

She followed this inaudible beckoning to the very back of the front room to a locked display case. She looked at the contents therein. Everything was flawlessly polished and sparkling. Amazing to think that it was all second-hand. Then her eyes where drawn to the very center of the case. She bent over slightly to look closer. When she saw it she felt the need to faint or scream or something to let out her utter and complete astonishment. Instead she just stood hunched over the display case, eyes wide. There, in the very center of the assorted bobbles, was a ruby pendant, now laced on a beautiful silver chain, but all she could concentrate on was the jewel. It was still perfectly smooth, still thin and long, it's slight oval shape catching the light and seemingly absorbing it. It looked aflame.

"Anything of interest, Miss?"

Hitomi looked up an elderly looking gentleman, although he was very tall and only slightly peppered brown hair, but his face showed his age. Gentle wrinkles graced the corners of his eyes and mouth, small folds of leathery skin collecting below his jaw line.

"Yes, that ruby pendant. How much?"

"Two hundred-fifty."

"I'll take it." she said looking back down at the necklace. She fumbled to get into her napsack and find her wallet. Thank goodness she had remembered to bring it. She pulled out her credit card and handed it to the man. She didn't pay attention really to anything that he did until he handed her fancy plastic bag with her purchase in it. She grabbed it and whispered a thank you. Amazing she was able to emit any sound, let alone form intelligible words. She hurried out of the little store and through the crowds on the streets.

She only slowed when she was by the ocean. She walked along the sidewalk while she took the small box out of the bag and opened it. There it was; the essence of Escaflowne. Further proof that everything had been real. But how had it gotten here? On Earth? She stopped. No one was around to complain, not that it mattered if there had been. She was too engulfed in her own thoughts.

The ocean lapped at the cliff she was standing on. She was a little afraid of the water, especially the ocean. It was so wild and unpredictable. She was safe up on the cliff, standing on the sidewalk, the road beside her. She leaned on the railing for she was becoming tired with all that had happened. She decided to open up to the ocean, it's rhythmic movements filling her ears. Yes, the ocean too was calming.

Suddenly a new sound entered her mind, disrupting her peace. It was very odd. Almost like the sound of joints cracking, and a flapping sound. She turned her gaze from the oceanic view to the road behind her. She screamed horribly.

There in the middle of the road was Escaflowne. It's hulking mass towering over her, even though it was on bended knee. It's massive cape was flying behind it in the breeze.

"This can't be." Hitomi stuttered.

Then the giant began to move. It's enormous hands was reaching out for her. Hitomi screamed again, frantically crawling up the guard railing backwards. Then she was falling. Again she screamed at the top of her lungs, right up until she hit the water. Then all was darkness. Fluid and relaxing darkness.

***

The darkness started to recede. She could still hear waves. No, she could still feel waves. The cold water washed over her legs. Hitomi was suddenly aware that she was lying down on something solid. Land. She opened her eyes. It was sand. She was on a beach. She tried to get up, but her muscles screamed at her to stop moving so quickly. She accepted this wordless advice and proceeded to move slowly. Once in a sitting position she looked up. It was now very dark out, the sky was extremely cloudy. Then she saw a shadowy figure kneeling in front of her. A memory flashed through her head of a giant kneeling, reaching for her. She screamed though her throat was raw and all that came out was a raspy squeak. She tried to crawl away but her body prevented this quick movement once again.

"Shh. Shh. There's no need to be frightened. I'm here to help you."

It was a young man with blonde hair and bright eyes. She only stared at him, frightened to her wits end. He had a strange tattoo on his forehead. It seemed to be red, and made it look like his forehead was bleeding. But it was obvious this wasn't the case.

"It's alright. Please, don't be afraid. You can trust me." he extended his hand to her. And for some reason she accepted it. He carefully helped her to her feet, and gave her a reassuring smile.

"You're safe now." he whispered to her. And once again the world turned black and all she was left with was the sounds of the ocean.




A/N: I know. Another short one. Sorry, but it'll all play out perfectly. Just have faith. Those of you who have seen anything Escaflowne will know who this kind stranger is. And to those of you who don't, you soon will, so don't despair. All in good time.

Thank you all so much for your reviews and all of the encouragement I have been receiving from you all. If it weren't for you, I would have let this story die a long time ago.

Thank You!

~Tabitha, The Mad Hatter