AN: This is the starting of my sequel. I wanted 2 post it so people would know I was really going 2 do it. I will keep posting more after I fix the holes in my mind. 2 many things going through there at the moment. Enjoy.



DISCLAIMER: Once again I own nothing but, Faith's words. Nope, no owning Escaflowne for me, although I'd love 2.



True Strength Eternally



Hitomi watched as the rain poured down outside the window. She was thinking about how happy she had been when a loud clap of thunder caused her to jump involuntarily. Two strong arms wrapped around her joined by a head which, began planting tiny kisses on her neck.

"Scared?"

"No, not really. Just thinking about how happy I am right now." She said as she turned to face her love.

"I'm glad you're happy Hitomi. I wouldn't want it any other way."

"Are you happy Van?" She asked. Van smiled and kissed her.

"Of course I'm happy. I have everything I could ever want." He said. Just then a knock was scarcely heard.

"Speaking of which. Come in Faith." Hitomi said as she sat up in the bed. The door cracked open to reveal a small child with long black hair and deep green eyes. .

"Mommy, I'm scared. Can I sleep with you and Daddy tonight?" Faith asked as she flashed a cute puppy face. Van and Hitomi looked at each other then back at their daughter.

"I don't see why not." Van said as they made room for the little girl who ran full tilt across the room. She snuggled under the covers and giggled.

"I thought you were scared?" Hitomi asked.

"I am but, not when I'm with you. You and Daddy keep the voices away." Faith said. Hitomi looked over Faith's head at Van who, at the time, was looking at her.

"What voices do you hear Faith?" Van asked.

"I dunno, just voices. They don't really say much. They need to speak up so I can hear them. It's not polite to mumble." Faith said as she yawned.

"Go to sleep Faith, it's late and you have a busy day ahead of you." Hitomi said. Faith scrunched up her little face at the thought of what awaited her in the morning.

"Do I have to go? It's so boring and all those old, stuffy nobles always pinch my cheeks. It hurts." She pouted. Van had to laugh at his daughter's innocence.

"Unfortunately, we all have to go. There's no avoiding it. If there was a way, I would have found it." Van said. This earned a playful whack from Hitomi.

"Both of you, stop playing around and get some sleep. I will not have a cranky daughter and an even crankier husband on my hands tomorrow. I don't think Millerna will like it either." Hitomi said. With that the group fell silent and slipped into a peaceful sleep. Well at least three of them.



~~Hitomi's dream~~

Hitomi walked through a field of flowers with Faith in tow. The sun shone down on them making the day more beautiful. Faith had run in front of her and was picking flowers.

Suddenly, the sky grew dark and it began to rain. Faith had stood up and ran from Hitomi and the field.

"Faith! Faith come back!" She yelled. It was no use the child was gone. The field they were in was gone and there was only darkness. She was alone now.

"Faith? Faith! Somebody, please answer me!" She begged. Faith then appeared before her but, there was something different about her. Something odd and scary.

"Help me." Faith cried as she disappeared.

~~End Dream~~



Hitomi awoke with a start. She looked around the room then her eyes settled on the delicate figure beside her. Moving some loose strands of black hair from her eyes, Hitomi leaned down to kiss her daughter's forehead. She was deep in thought now and couldn't possibly sleep.

Grabbing her robe, she snuck out onto the balcony to watch the sunrise. She couldn't forget the dream she had and she was beginning to wonder if it was a vision. It shook her to think of such a thing for, it was about her daughter. She barely register the two arms that wrapped around her.

"What's wrong?" Van asked upon seeing her worried expression.

"I...I had a dream." She said. There was no point in hiding anything from him. He would know that there was more to it than that.

"A dream? Why does this worry you so?" He asked.

"I think it was a vision. It was so real Van." She said as she turned to face him. He pulled her close to him and rubbed her back.

"What did you see?" He asked.

"I was in a field of flowers with Faith then a storm came and she disappeared. It got dark and there was so much emptiness there. I called out for her but, she never came. When she finally did, she..." Hitomi stopped short, afraid of the next words to come.

"What Hitomi? She what?" Van asked.

"She cried to me to help her. It doesn't make sense Van. Why would I have a vision now?" She asked not wanting to know the reasons.

"Maybe...maybe it was just a dream Hitomi. You haven't had a vision in years." Van said as he tried to calm her down.

"I hope you're right Van. I really do hope you're right." She said. They continued to watch the sunrise in silence.

"Mommy! Daddy!"

Van and Hitomi were brought back from their moment when Faith came to hug their legs.

"Good morning sweetie. Sleep well?" Hitomi asked.

"Uh-huh. The voices woke me up." Faith said.

"What did they say Faith?" Hitomi asked with worry in her voice.

"They were calling my name. I thought it was you." Faith said.

"Listen to me Faith. If the voices say anything to you again, I want you to tell me ok? It's very important that I know." Hitomi said.

"Ok Mommy. Can you do my hair today?" Faith asked.

"Of course. Go down to your room and I'll be right there." Hitomi said. Faith bounded out the door in a flash after that.

"Do you think she has your gift too Hitomi?" Van asked.

"I'd like to say no but, I'm beginning to lean toward yes. I don't want her to have to go through that. It's still hard on me when I see them." Hitomi said.

"Don't worry Hitomi, whatever happens we'll get through it together." Van assured her. She smiled and kissed his cheek.

"I should go before she wakes everybody else up." She said as she left the balcony.

"I'll find you later." Van called back.

"I'm sure you'll hear us." She said as she left the room.

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TO BE CONTINUED.