Previously on Escaflowne: Dreams of Destiny
Van, Hitomi and Kirei recover after finding the first key, while in Asturia, at the same time, King Dryden recieves word that Fanelia has been destroyed - again. He sends Allen and his comrades to look for Van and Kirei, also suspecting that the 'mysterious' woman with them is Hitomi, rather than Merle. At this point in THIS episode, Van and Hitomi are still in the forest.
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On a Goshemin Leviship
Rallin stared moodily at the dagger he held in his hand. He had long become fabled in Goshem about his skills with blades, and this dagger he had had for... nearly 10 years now. He seldom thought about when he recieved it - there had been nothing to make him think of it... but now...
Damn you, Kirei. How was I supposed to know you would be fighting for Fanelia? Rallin looked at the dagger after this thought and threw it into the table with a curse. I owe you nothing. Nothing! I don't deserve to feel like... like I betrayed my country.
Rallin was still lost in his thoughts, when Woarin, one of his troops, came into the chambers.
"Lord Rallin, sir, we have recieved word from the General that our sector is to commence onto Asturia, for the battle."
Rallin stayed silent for the moment, and when Woarin was about to repeat, he held up a hand. "I understand. We will leave at once."
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Hitomi and Van walked back to the forest after a bit. When they arrived, they found Kirei looking up at a dark sky. Funny, thought Van, I could see the moons when we left.
His train of thought was broken when Hitomi asked softly, "Who's coming Kirei?"
"A leviship, Lady. I think it is Asturian." Kirei was still staring in the sky.
"And if it isn't, cousin?" Van too, had turned his eyes to the sky, at the same time moving closer to Hitomi, and wrapping an arm around her waist - a touching scene that didn't miss Kirei's attention.
"If it isn't, Van," said Hitomi softly, "we'll have to cope as best we can. The key is on my necklace - they, whomever they may be, will never take it from me."
"Lady," Kirei said, pausing, "is that wise? We have no defense for you should the vessel not be Asturian."
"I can defend myself."
"Hitomi-"
"Van, after this battle, if it even IS going to be a battle, you can teach me to defend myself. I don't want to be a burden to you, OR Kirei."
"All right Hitomi."
"I'll help too, Lady." Then all three averted their gazes back to the leviship, which was now almost complete in its landing.
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"It is them! I can see the Escaflowne, boss!" Reeden's voice was excited as he looked through the spyglass.
"Kio, how much long until the landing?" Gaddis inquired.
"Right about..." Kio shifted, "now."
With a large WHOOSH, the Crusade landed.
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"Well, well your Highness." Allen's voice was wry. "It is very good to see you again." Allen stepped down from the Crusade, all his men behind him, bowing.
"It's very good to see you again, your Majesty." All except Gaddis said this in unison. Gaddis nodded and bowed along with them. Seeing this, Kirei fought a chuckle. His cousin detested being treated as his position commanded - Van had stated, MANY times, that he was not a monarch. He was a soldier. But it wasn't like he would give up his country because of his disposition.
"Allen Schezar." Van's voice was quiet, and although it didn't seem noticable to anyone but he and Hitomi, his grip tightened. But just a bit.
"Allen..." Hitomi's voice was quiet as she looked at the blonde knight. He looks - and acts - exactly the same... Hitomi thought. But... I know I love Van.
"So the rumours were true." Allen smirked. "Welcome back to Gaea - Hitomi."
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Hours later, the group of them were on the Crusade. Hitomi and Van were placed in a room, Kirei beside them. Well, literally speaking, the room with enough room for two was probably meant for Van and Kirei, Hitomi mused as an afterthought, but Kirei preferred his privacy, and Van - well he didn't mind sharing space with Hitomi.
"Are you sure you'll be alright?" Van looked at her worriedly.
"Van, for the third time. YES. I've been left alone on the Mystic Moon dozens of times, and nothing has happened."
"But Hitomi - "
"Go meet with Allen and the others. I'll find something to do, don't worry."
"Hitomi..."
"Van," Hitomi said, smiling, "I'll be fine." She walked up to him, and kissed him lightly, much to his surprise. "I know you'll be back."
"All right." With a last glance at the girl he loved, Van left the room to discuss - war.
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"So Goshem has declared war on Asturia as well?" Van's voice was grim as he looked around at Allen and all the others.
"A few days ago. And only on Asturia, and Freid. It seems they are targeting the three countries of the Great War."
"Three? You mean Fanelia as well. But their were four..." murmured Kirei.
Allen looked grimly at the young king, and his cousin. "The fourth country, that of Zaibach was dissolved. Their land - it became part of Goshem."
"Zaibach. Goshem. You mean?" Van's voice was filled with disbelief.
"We are fighting... the same enemy."
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Hitomi dug around in her bag, looking for it. She had a compactable one, and it fit into her bag she usually took it with her... "Aha!" Putting the kendo staff together, she took a deep breath, and started stretching, the staff beside her. Kendo had made her relax on earth, and it had given her both a defense ability and stamina. So she wouldn't give up practicing. Remembering what Yukari had said once when she took it out of her bag in America, Hitomi sighed.
:: Flashback ::
Hitomi had just taken her kendo staff out, showing it to Yukari, the bag she had brought with her, around her waist.
"You manage not only to BRING that bag with you everywhere, but you fit everything in it too. Why?" Yukari smiled and laughed.
"It saves time..." Hitomi said, "and besides, you never know when I'll need it, or could do something."
"Only you Hitomi," said Yukari, "only you could think you'd get whisked off again."
Smiling at the fond memory, Hitomi realized with a pang that she might never see Yukari again. But... for now, she had to practice. Swinging the staff up to the first position, she took a deep breath and begun.
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Five hours later, Van and the other were finally wrapping up their talks. It had been decided, after great debation, that they would head to Asturia. No other real reason really, just that. Van was about to enter his quarters, when he sensed Kirei behind him.
"What is it, cousin?" Van's voice was tired, and he looked at Kirei warily. Somehow, Kirei always had a knack for catching Van at the worst times, and this was certainly one of them.
"Cousin... I was just wondering... from rumour I've heard that Commander Schezar once had... ties with Lady Hitomi?" Kirei's voice was wondering.
"They kissed..." said Van, suddenly brooding. "But..."
"I'm sorry for making you grim, cousin," Kirei apologized, "but... it is in the past. Good night, Van."
"Kirei," he answered, nodding slightly and entering the room.
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Hitomi, although she hadn't been facing the door, had sensed someone coming behind her - pretty sure it was Van. Still, she swung around, kendo staff ready for defense, to meet the intruder. "Van!" she exclaimed, dropping the staff and hugging him in relief.
"Hitomi?" Van sounded both surprised, and... well he was pretty well just surprised. "What were you doing? It looks like sword fighting."
"It's a kendo staff. In Tokyo, and other parts of Japan and the world, it's practiced as a defense art... besides..." Hitomi looked at Van unsurely from her place in his arms, blue-green eyes gazing into his bright ruby ones.
"We'll have to practice sometime." Van laughed, making Hitomi giggle, and, suddenly remembering what Kirei said, paused. He released Hitomi, and, donning a grim look on his face, looked at her seriously, making Hitomi very nervous.
"What... what is it Van?"
"Allen is here."
"I know. But why would you-" Hitomi was silenced by the lack of hope in Van's eyes.
"Hitomi... all I ever wanted for you was happiness... I can't be sure if you'll be happy with me. But with Allen..." Van wouldn't look her in the eyes as he said this.
Hitomi was stunned by his... statement. True, she thought, I did care for Allen years ago. But... I love Van. He must know that. I've told him. But his sacrifice... Taking a step towards Van, she clasped her arms around his neck. "Van... please... I know all you want for me is to be happy. But Van... to be happy... I need you." Hitomi's eyes were filled with tears as she buried her face in Van's shirt.
"Hitomi..." he lifted her tear-streaked face to look at his. "I need you too. And if we make each other happy..." Van smiled at her, "we'll stay together forever, I promise."
Letting themselves go, they kissed - for the second time.
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Hello!
I seem to be building a habit of ending episodes with a kiss lately, I hope no one minds! Please review. Please? *angelic bends down and BEGS*
Oh and as for the kendo staff thing. I'm pretty sure that's what it's called. I needed her to be able to defend herself a LITTLE bit (running is great, but how would attack if you don't know how?)
Angelic