I had a dream once. I dreamt a world of laughter, of love, of
amazing adventure. I dreamt a world of broken hearts, great treachery
and greater cruelty. I dreamt a world of great passion and great
wonderment. I dreamt a world of tears, and a world of laughter, and it
was all the same world. I dreamt a world where all stories were true, if
we but had the heart to pursue them.
Little did I know the dream was true.
I waved Makoto over beside me during lunch. I remember doing that
quite vividly (funny, how we remember the most inconsequential things
like that, and often forget the important ones, isn't it? Pardon me, I
tend to ramble sometimes).
"Mizuhara!" I shouted, "There's a free spot over here."
Of course there was a free spot, the science fiction club claimed
this table at the beginning of the year. At Shinanome High, members of
the science fiction club were known for our, ah, eccentricity, and our
knowledge of how-to-make-things-that-go-boom. Needless to say, we
weren't bothered much (especially around exam time, when stress levels
got really high).
"So Makoto," I said, "What're ya doing after school?"
"Sorry Hayashi, I'm busy. There's someone I have to... talk...
to."
I smiled, knowing exactly who he meant. Nanami and Makoto were our
high-school's most famous quasi-couple.
"Ah well, I can always get someone else to help me get the room
ready. The club's meeting today, and if you want to pop in after-- your
talk-- well you're always welcome."
We chatted the rest of lunch away; soon enough school was over.
The meeting was actually more about school politics than anything else.
We decided that if (when) Katsuhiko was deposed, we would nominate
Makoto for school president, and give him our full support.
The meeting finished, the others left, and I stayed behind to
clean up the room. I looked outside, and was surprised to find it was
getting dark; the hours went by so quickly, and yet still so slow.
***
Upon reflection, I now see that Ifurita must have come out of
stasis at that point, and sent us to El Hazard.
Us? Yes, along with Makoto, Fujisawa, Nanami and her brother, I
also went along for the ride. Unlike the others, who landed in different
areas of El Hazard, I landed in a different time. Not so different, a
mere two years earlier, barely a tick and a tock away really. Not so
long in some aspects (certainly not compared to the amount of time
Ifurita spent on Earth now, is it?) but in other ways at least a
lifetime.
I remember my landing spot vividly. Do you wish me to tell you how
many leaves were on each tree? How many blades of grass were on the
ground below? Almost, I almost feel as if I could go into that much
detail; but I will not. The air was clear and fresh-- it felt crisp,
like a new cracker. There was this whole surreal/super-real feel to the
place-- the kind of feeling you sometimes get in an especially vivid
dream. Where was I? Oh yes, my arrival.
I arrived on the edge of a forest with gigantic trees reminiscent
of banyans, but they soared to heights beyond those of a sequoia, and
had the colour of silver birch (I like plants if you must know, so be
quiet and pay attention). To my back was a large, mostly featureless
plain, filled with long stalks of some sort of unidentifiable grain.
I blinked, for the tiniest fraction of a fraction of a moment my
eyes were shut, and in that moment when I closed my eyes I had a dream.
I dreamt myself walking out of the forest and onto the plains, following
a path to somewhere. I dreamt of a town, filled with people wearing
baggy pantaloons made of silk, and sherwanis buttoned up to the neck,
and they were selling, and buying, and working, and living all happy and
sad, but more were happy than sad I think. I dreamt myself going into on
of the stalls on the street, drawing looks with my school uniform, and
coming out with some more appropriate attire. I dreamt all this, all
this and more in that fraction of a second.
I dreamt myself in robes once white but now grey and brown from
the dust of long travel, kneeling before two sisters who held power in
their hands, with lines binding them to the ground, and to a great,
all-seeing Eye behind them. I dreamt a gnarled staff in my hand, tall as
myself, and an almost silver colour; perfect for a traveller to use as a
walking stick, or for a blind man to find his way.
When I opened my eyes again, images still swirling in my head from
that iota of darkness, I saw a fallen branch on the forest floor before
me. A fairly straight branch filled with knots, as tall as myself; perfect
to use as a walking stick, or for a blind man to find his way.
I looked around, and listened around, and saw no one, and heard
only the loud silence of a true wilderness at midday. Still marvelling
at the wonders of the forest, they only whetted my appetite to see more,
and so I left the forest, onto the plain and into the path of the sun.
That would have been my first vision, though I did not know it
then, nor would I for some time to come.
***
It came to pass that my dream in the forest turned true. Out on
the plain I found a path, and followed it because I had no reason not
to. The path led to a town, which I arrived at mid-afternoon after a few
days(?) of travel. To be honest, I'm not sure how long I walked; each of
the moments dragged on forever, but the time passed quickly.
Upon arrival, I found myself the subject of many side-long
glances, in the hustle and bustle of the busy market. My clothes,
mainly. Not only were my clothes rather different (okay, I couldn't have
looked more out of place had I worn a clown-suit), but they weren't
smelling too fresh, because well frankly, I had been travelling in them
for several days straight. You try doing that wearing a school uniform
and see how you look.
I draped my jacket around my head, and tied it in place with
(appropriately enough) my tie. Obviously, I had to find some more, ah...
inconspicuous(? no, that's not quite the word I'm looking for, but it
will do, I suppose) attire. I ducked underneath the awning of one of the
stores in the bizarre bazaar (ah-ha. I apologise for the pun, but it
really was waiting to be said) that sold clothes. I had a nice snazzy
number all picked out, the perfect size, and I think I even managed to
bargain it down to a good price, when the unthinkable happened: he
didn't take yen. No terminal to take my debit card either, and even if I
had a credit card, I doubt that would work either. Things could have
gone better.
They could have gone worse, however; I quickly found work at a
small bed and breakfast. Room and board were included in my pay (a very
small room mind you, but since I only needed it for a place to sleep and
the closet, the size didn't bother me), which was otherwise meagre. I was
quickly able to afford some new clothes, and managed to blend in with
everyone else in the town.
For the month I was there I mostly kept to myself, my thoughts
have always been good company for me and I still had much to think
about. I met people though: I talked, I laughed, I made some friends as
I tended the tables-- a social hermit I was not. Still, it felt like this
was a lull, a brief pit-stop before I continued on. Besides, I was
starting to get restless; I wanted to see more of the world. So when I
had the dream, I decided to follow it to where it took me.
I dreamt of those who waited (and knew they were waiting for me
somehow), though they knew it not. I dreamt a palace whose elegant
spires soared into the skies, and whose hanging gardens rivalled those
of Ancient Babylon. I dreamt of two sisters who were night and day, sun
and moon, water and fire. They lived in the palace, and were bound to
the lands around them with lines of light and blood. I dreamt myself
before them, burning by the one's fire, and soothed by the other's
water. I dreamt other things, vague impressions of trickery and pain,
but I could not then and cannot now remember anything more.
I left the next day. I packed my possession, which consisted
mainly of my school uniform and a few changes of clothing. I said my
goodbyes to the couple who owned the place, elderly, they reminded me
much of my grandparents with their kindness and vitality. I wore a
voluminous white robe, which I could also use as a tent if need be, and
took my walking staff.
Through the town I went, making goodbyes to the people I had
befriended, and buying some essentials for my journey. I even managed to
hitch a ride on someone's skimmer who was going my way for a good
portion of the journey. I pitched in with fuel and idle conversation--
an acceptable deal for both sides.
That was how the second vision of the Oracle came about.
***
I approached royal Florestica on foot. My robe was stained from
rain and dirt in meaningless patterns of grey and light browns. The
palace... ah, I could spend five days extolling it's virtues and still
spend another five days lamenting my inability to convey what I felt (I
admit, I am prone to exaggeration at times, but if you had seen the
palace with my eyes that first time, you would know how little I
exaggerate on this). The Taj Mahal looked like a hovel, barely fit for
human habitation, compared to this. The tall spires of purest marble
capped with copper that burned in the setting sun, the balconies with
their gardens, every word I use to describe it detracts from it's
beauty.
With that one look, I was bewitched. I stood unmoving, entranced
as the sun eased itself below the horizon, and darkness enfolded the
land, which, paradoxically, woke me up from my stupor. I found a place
to stay for the night, a tourist trap with souvenirs, and knick-knacks,
and brouchures in the lobby. The rooms were clean, the food was edible,
and the price was cheap; what more could I ask for?
I left in the pre-dawn light, rays from the rising sun carrying
message of my coming to the palace. Unfortunately, by the time I
arrived, mid-afternoon, everyone had forgotten the message, otherwise
there would have been a more grand reception awaiting me (ah-ha-ha. I
still need to work on my Jinnai impression I see). Instead of a parade
welcoming my arrival, I was greeted by two young guards, so new and so
raw I think I saw a string attaching their guns to their wrists, so the
weapons wouldn't get lost.
"What business do you have at the palace?" the clean-shaven one on
my left bellowed. I suspected the reason he had no beard is because he
was not old enough to grow one yet, but there was no real proof. The one
on my right merely fingered his Van Dyke with a slight smile; obviously
he was proud of his chin-growth.
Well now, why exactly did I come here anyway? Beyond just to see
the palace, of course. I closed my eyes to help think of a reply, when I
again saw two sisters: one of fire and the other of water, with lines of
power reaching out from each nerve ending in their bodies, and into the
world. "To see the two sisters who are bound to the land," I replied.
The goateed guard looked at me like I was some kind of lunatic,
but after studying me decided I was harmless. He merely shrugged and
said, "Follow us."
I remember being rather puzzled by that as I watched them head
into the palace. My puzzlement disappeared when I saw two new guards
take their places, so I made a quick dash to catch up to them.
Luckily for me (for I did not know it at that time), that day was
an open court day, where anyone who requested an audience would be
granted with one. Few people took it upon themselves to utilise this, as
for some it meant too far to travel, but for the most part the people
tried to be self-sufficient, and the less interference from the
government they had, the better.
That's the accepted reason. I think the real reason few people
went to an open court day is because of princess Fatora. She was... how
to put this... not as concientious of her role as ruler as her sister
was, shall we say? To be blunt, she did not like to have to interrupt
her past-times to deal with commoners and their "petty" lives. Fatora
was usually in a foul mood on such days, and tended to take it out upon
those who showed up. Then, as now, an angry Fatora was not something
people wanted to deal with (although I have heard that she has started
to become nicer of late. Perhaps now that the possibility of a
replacement for her exists, she finds she has to take her role more
seriously).
However, I digress (I told you I was prone to do so, didn't I? Or
maybe that was I will tell you that later. I get confused about things
like that sometimes).
I was escorted to the main audience chamber, which was large and
airy. The ceiling was so high, I fancied I could make out clouds (there
weren't any, of course, but I would not have been too shocked had
anybody told me there were).
At the far end, on a small dais, were the two princesses, sitting
on plush cushions of incarnadine and gold trim. They were surrounded by
advisors, attendants, and the ever-present guards. A young girl (I found
out later she was Alielle) has busily hand-feeding peeled grapes to a
lounging Fatora.
I approached the dais and knelt on one leg, with my staff in a
diagonal before me and my head down. Princess Lune Venus noticed my
approach, and smiling gently, asked my escorts, "And who is this who
seeks an audience with us?" I'm still not sure if she was using the
royal 'we' or not, but she may as well have been for all the attention
Fatora spared from her grapes.
The guards who escorted me in looked at each other uncomfortably.
They hadn't bothered asking me this beforehand. In fact, since the
entrance to the palace, they had not spoken a word to me at all. The one
with the bit of facial hair spoke first. "Er, your majesty," he began,
"actually, we kind of, um... that is to say we...."
I bailed him out of his misery (much to the disappointment of
Fatora, who was watching the poor man squirm with much enjoyment. I was
already beginning to dislike Fatora, but was willing to let a poor first
impression go). I lifted my head, and looked straight into Lune's eyes.
"Hayashi," I said, all innocence and mystery (or so I hoped. I
suspect I sounded rather strange, like someone who wore tin-foil on
their head so nobody could beam thoughts in). "That's my name."
"And why do you seek an audience with us?" This made Fatora
remember why she was here instead of, well, wherever, so she gave me a
dirty look for having the temerity of disturbing her. That made Alielle
miss her mouth with one the grapes, causing Alielle to pout too.
I rubbed the bridge of my nose, and massaged my eyes, closing them
in the process. I dreamt in that moment, which could not have lasted
more than three seconds, and not lasted less than an eternity. In the
dream, I was the only sighted person in a room filled with the blind,
who were all asking me questions about what I saw. I dreamt of storm
winds blowing, of carrion birds feasting on the plains and riding on the
thermals of the coming storm. I dreamt of rivers of blood and fire. I
dreamt of an unblinking eye which cast darkness and destruction about. I
dreamt of a light so bright and so bold it blinded, and was then
replaced by utter darkness. But what touched my heart the most was the
dream of the sister of water, needing someone to talk to: an advisor, a
confidante, a friend.
"A juggler," I said abruptly, standing up just as quick as my
words. "Do you have a juggler? Every princess has to have a juggler.
Common knowledge that. Would you like to see me try?" Without waiting
for a word (which may have been a long time coming, I think I quite
stunned Lune Venus, and piqued some form of interest from Fatora), I
proceeded to produce five, well, I can't call them oranges since they
were cyan, but they were fairly similar in appearance otherwise.
There I was, throwing these five... blues, since they were not
oranges, in the air, and I even managed to catch them again. Oh, didn't
I tell you? Can't juggle, and I never could. The hard part was when they
hit me. On the nose. One after the other. Except for the one which just
hit the ground with a dull thump and rolled away.
Fatora's mocking laughter rang throughout the chamber and into the
halls. My ears must have been red, they felt like they were burning at
least, but I just smiled beautifically; beaming an idiot's grin at
everyone. Lune Venus sighed, although I think I caught the hint of a
smile hidden underneath it. Everyone else drifted off, back into
whatever it was they were doing beforehand.
Almost forgot to mention that when I was smiling I dreamt
something-- two things really. I saw myself handing out smiles and
laughter to people, and I saw words. Words written upon granite in
lightning and fire.
I collected my... blues, the last one was near Lune Venus. As I
bent down to pick it up, I whispered those words, accidentally thinking
out loud.
"'When the Eye of God blinks, the path to the sky will open up,
and the Shadow Nation becomes one,'" I whispered, unknowingly quoting
from a book which I had not yet read.
Lune Venus pulled back, reeling from an unseen blow. "What, how?"
she whispered back. "The Holy Apocalypse. But the only people who know
of it's prophecies are the Sages of Mount Muldoon and those close to the
Royal family."
Fatora looked at her sister strangely for a second, but could not
make out what it was that Lune Venus had said. Fatora shrugged, and went
back to whatever decadence she was planning.
Alielle fed her another grape.
"And I am neither, yet. I think the time of prophecy is close.
Start to make preparations now."
"What are you then if you know this, and yet are not those?
"I think," I said, pausing and quirking my mouth up into an odd
smile, "I think that I am the Royal Jester."
And soon enough I was.
Author crud goes after this colon:
Thus ends the first part of the Oracle, in which Hayashi first steps
into a new land, and travels close to the seat of power.
I'll post the second part in two days, methinks, and part 3 two
days after that.
Redundant request for C&C goes here.
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