Disclaimer: I don't own Escaflowne!!
NEW
Ok
for all of you who have read this these new chapters are just
revised. I'm going through re-reading and just changing a few
grammar mistakes, rewording some sections, and such. Sorry it's
taken me forever to get this updated and to those just reading ENJOY!
Thanks and have a great day!!
Sailor Hope
Chapter One: It Begins
Slowly her cherry red mustang rolled over the gravel sending dust flying up in a violent cloud behind the wheels. Floating back down onto the hood Hitomi sighed, she had just washed the car yesterday. Just as quickly as the thought came though, it left. The castle was within sight now. Staring in awe Hitomi took the building in. Still rolling forward she gazed at the ancient stones, they were in surprisingly good condition, just like her mother had said. Speeding up, the mustang pulled through the gates and into the outer bailey.
The castle was huge, intimidating even. There were two towers off to the left and one on the right. She could see the battlements from the ground and smiled, it must be a wonderful view from up there. Throwing it into park she pushed down on the door handle and stepped out. Shoving her braid off her shoulder she closed her eyes and simply took in the wonderful surroundings. Smiling she inhaled the smell of fields and dirt, heard the beautiful song of the nearby birds, and let the wind run over her sending her golden brown braid spinning wildly.
Suddenly a sharp ring cut through her peace.
Ring!! Ring!!
Sighing Hitomi bent down to pull her bag out of the car. Reaching inside she grabbed her screeching cell phone and flipped it open.
"Hitomi Kanzaki here."
"Oh my goodness Hito are you there yet?!"
Hitomi laughed and kicked her car door shut heading off towards the castle doors.
"Yes Kari I'm here, and it's gorgeous!! It's the medieval castle we've always dreamed of and it's in perfect condition!!"
"Oh yea you're mom called me about 15 minutes ago and said she got another call from the office there in Kyoto. Apparently you're late Uncle had the place taken care of."
"I thought he never set foot on the place?"
"He didn't but he thought it would be a waste to just let it crumble. And get this girlfriend, you've got a butler!!"
Hitomi felt her jaw slip down a little as her friend giggled.
"A butler? You've got to be kidding me!"
"Nope, suit and all. Knock on the door and find out!"
Hitomi walked up the stone steps her hand clenching the cold railing.
"Listen Kari I have to unpack and check things out so I'll call you later tonight."
"Have fun!"
Hitomi snapped the cell phone shut and slipped it into the bag now clinging to her shoulder. Grinning in delight she wrapped her fingers around the large metal handle. She knocked on the door a few times before dropping it and stepping back.
Within seconds the large oak door slid open to reveal an impeccably groomed elderly man, probably in his late 50's. He was in black slacks, white shirt, and a black jacket topped off with a black bow tie. Hitomi resisted the urge to pinch herself, it was like a movie!
"Miss Kanzaki I presume?"
Hitomi smiled and stretched her hand out, "Just call me Hitomi"
The butler wrinkled his nose, ignored her hand, and ushered her in. Hitomi frowned as the man pushed her inside and removed her of her jacket and bag before she could blink. Spinning around to face she him opened her mouth to speak but her words never made it out.
"I'm Charles Miss, I've kept this house up and running for quite some time now. Breakfast is at 8, Lunch precisely at noon and Dinner at 6. Now would you like a tour or would you prefer to explore?"
Hitomi's frown deepened and she considered setting things straight right then and there but her curiosity was getting the best of her. She would let Charles know who was in charge later. After all this was her home for a year.
Spinning back around she folded her hands behind her back and rocked back and forth on her heels smiling from ear to ear. It was a gorgeous home.
She felt like she had just fallen back a few centuries. Throwing a frown Charles way she bolted off down the carpeted hall to her right. Grinning she let the air whip around her face as she passed door after door. There were paintings, tables covered with silks and vases full of roses of every color lining the walls. She ran and ran laughing with pure joy at her new home. Soon she came to an intersection and blinked, she knew she was going to get lost if she wasn't careful. Taking a peek down each of the halls she was delighted to see the beginning of a staircase about halfway down the hall to her right.
So bounding off down the hall she pulled up in front of the staircase. It was beautiful. Gold railings and oak stairs were just what she had always dreamed of. Walking up the stairs she pushed back her excitement as she discovered an entirely new floor.
Gasping she almost couldn't believe her eyes. To the left was an entire wing full of rooms. Taking a few steps to the left she opened the first room. It was huge! But empty. Smiling to herself she decided she'd have to do some shopping with that extremely large bank account her Uncle John had left her, bless the man.
Pulling it close she walked down a ways and pushed open the next door. This room seemed to be a rather large study. One wall was lined with floor to ceiling bookcases and three large fluffy red chairs. Next, over to the right was possibly the largest fireplace Hitomi had ever seen with a large black rug flecked with silver spread out comfortably in front.
There was a simple wooden desk in the middle of the room with a large throne like chair, the back raising up a good three feet past the desk itself. More landscape paintings crowded the walls and Hitomi felt the sudden urge to snatch a book from the shelf and curl up in front of the fire place. She would have to ask Charles to teach her how to tend to such a large fireplace.
Pulling the door shut she moved down to the next one to find the room empty. She was going to have to do some serious shopping. Running her hand over the cool stone as she walked forward she opened the next door and gasped. The room was positively charming. There was a medium sized fireplace taking up the wall to her right. Vases and statues lining the top and a closet door taking up whatever the fire did not. In front of her were two large French doors leading onto a balcony with marble railing. Then to her left was a huge Queen sized bed with black velvet curtains on the canopy pulled down to conceal the mattress. She walked over and threw the curtains open smiling. There had to be at least 10 pillows piled at the top all covered with black silk pillowcases. Hitomi stripped away the soft fluffy black blankets and ran her hands over the red satin sheets.
Restraining a squeal she fell face first onto the satin and rolled over grinning. This would be her room. Hopping up she pulled the curtains back and peeked around at the door next to the bed. Opening it she slipped inside to find a luxuriously large bathroom. The cabinets were full of lotions, oils, perfumes, towels and herbs were scattered around in the corners. The alabaster sink and matching cabinets sparkled in the sunlight piercing the wide window above the tub. The tub itself looked like it could be mistaken for a swimming pool and she couldn't wait to test it out. Walking back out into the room she headed out into the hall to continue her search.
Most of the remaining rooms were either empty or in serious need of decorating. But she had only finished the main part, she still had the towers to inspect, not to mention all the land behind her new home.
Skipping down the stairs Hitomi sprinted down the halls, turning left and then turning right. She knew she was lost but it wasn't like there was anyone around to help her. She sighed as she crossed her arms and stared at her current intersection. Forward, left or right.
'I need a map!' she screamed out in her head
A heavy sigh echoed next to her and Hitomi's body stiffened instinctively. A sudden rush of cold air hit her back and Hitomi felt her skin jump to life.
"To the left you daft girl"
A sudden shiver ran up her spine as the deep voice floated in her ears. She had to be hearing things. Charles was the only one here and his voice certainly didn't sound that… alluring.
Pushing down the scream slowly rising in her throat she spun around. But there was nothing was there.
"I said to the left foolish woman!"
Hitomi couldn't repress the squeak that erupted as she flew off down the left hall. She began to wonder to herself, as she sped down the hall like a woman afraid for her life, why it was she was listening to the creepy voice's directions. She didn't have much time to contemplate however, because within seconds she was standing in front of a cozy little living room. She heard the clanking and banging of pots floating towards her just before she hit the couch. Looking to her left she saw the wide entrance leading into the castle's tiled kitchen.
Running left she burst into the kitchen. Charles spun around at her and glared.
"It isn't polite to burst in like that mistress."
Hitomi frowned, "There isn't anyone else in the castle is there?"
Charles face seemed to soften a little, in fact, Hitomi could have swore she saw a smirk start to curl at the corner of his lips.
"Besides a few stray spiders lady you and I live here alone."
Hitomi stood there for a few moments in silence. She couldn't tell if the old man was a liar or not, but she decided to take his word for it. Better to try and get off on the right foot with her butler.
"Why lady, did something happen?"
The right foot was seemingly something he wasn't too concerned with because he definitely smirked that time. Scowling across the kitchen at her house keeper she shook off the last of her jitters.
"No," she snapped, "Nothing happened."
'I'm just being foolish,' she mentally scolded herself marching out of the kitchen
She suddenly didn't feel so hungry. Lifting her emerald eyes up she gazed off down the hall and felt the same chill from earlier prick her skin. Determined not to let childish fantasies ruin her stay she shook off the fear and headed for the door.
She would unpack and settle in.
Then tomorrow she would start her shopping.
Charles smirked to himself as he sliced the carrots and threw them into the boiling pot of water resting on the stove. A light cold air brushed against his jacket and ruffled his stiff gray hair.
"She was in MY room Charles! MY room!"
Charles now chuckled out loud and turned around to face his young master. Wiping his crinkly old hands on the tattered apron he leaned against the counter and shook his head at the young man.
Van crossed his arms over his rather broad chest his muscles flexing with irritation. His unruly midnight locks fell disobediently around his mesmerizing brownish red orbs. He was wearing tan pants and a loose red sleeveless shirt, a long sword tied to his waist.
"I want her out! Today!" he screamed.
"Of course Van-sama, but how would you suggest I get her to leave?" Charles asked politely.
Van scowled at the old man and leaned forward his intimidating frown growing with every inch removed.
"I don't care how you get her out," he growled, "I just want her out!"
"My lord you could deal with her just as you have the others."
"I promised that cursed uncle of hers you fool! I can't go back on my word."
"Perhaps scaring her would be enough to get her to leave."
Van leaned back and bit his lip in concentration.
"Perhaps you're right Charles. Maybe I will have some fun with her."
"As you wish my lord, and don't forget her ladyship is returning this evening."
"I haven't had any fun lately. Maybe this Kanzaki will provide me with some entertainment."
"I'm sure she will my lord"
"Tell Merle I'll be in my tower study."
"Of course my lord."
Charles watched as Van swirled out of view and turned back to work. To the normal eye the young man's disappearance likely would have earned a faint but Charles was used to his master's travel methods.
After all, nothing was dull with ghosts around.
--
Hitomi curled up on the large fluffy chair in the living room gazing out into the fire. Reaching out she wrapped her fingers around her cell phone and flipped it open. Punching in the numbers she began to call home, back to the states. Back to Yukari in San Francisco, California.
The phone rang three times before Yukari finally picked it up.
"Uchida here."
"Hey Kari"
"Hitomi! How is it going?"
Hitomi peeked over the edge of the large chair and sunk back into the cushions, the coast was clear.
"My butler is mean but the castle is wonderful! A lot of the rooms are empty so I get to decorate but don't worry I'll have a room ready for you by the time you get out here."
Van growled to himself as he leaned against the wall and watched the woman stretch out in HIS chair. And what was she babbling about? Another foolish wench was coming? Heaven help him.
"I almost got lost this afternoon, you won't believe how big it is! But I found the best room ever! It's kinda simple actually, no big frilly stuff, well the bed is practically all satin but besides that it's pretty simple. But it's perfect! Oh Yukari you'll love it! It's like stepping back in time."
"I can't wait!" Yukari squealed over the phone
Hitomi spun around in the chair at the sound of footsteps and frowned at the tall shadow marching towards her.
"Yukari it looks like the butler's back gotta go, but I'll call you tomorrow."
"Night Hitomi"
"Good night Yukari"
Hitomi snapped the phone closed slipping it back onto the coffee table and folded her arms over each other on one of the chair's arms. Leaning forward she let her chin sink into her arms and waited for Charles to come into view.
The familiar gray hair popped into sight and he stopped in front of the 19 year old Hitomi.
"It's late mistress"
"Yes it is"
"You should be in bed."
Hitomi rolled her eyes, "Sure mother," she muttered sarcastically unfolding herself and standing up.
Charles just smiled at her.
"I only fear for you mistress."
Hitomi stretched her arms over her head.
"Fear for me? You? Really now."
Charles smirked, "It isn't safe at night mistress."
Hitomi pushed past him, "I'm sure"
"Creatures of the shadows would find you very interesting mistress, I'm sure of it."
"Whatever Charlie" Hitomi called teasingly over her shoulder as she disappeared down the hall.
Van stepped out of the shadows and smirked, "Charlie?"
Charles frowned, "She has spirit my lord, I can see it. I don't think she'll be scared away that easily."
Van scowled at the man, "Well I'll just have to try extra hard. But I don't see this spirit you speak of, you should have seen her this afternoon. The woman practically jumped out of her skin and I was merely helping her! And where is my sister!?"
Charles winced at the bellow, he should have known better than to tamper with the master's temper.
"She'll be here tomorrow afternoon my lord, I'm sure of it. She probably just got caught up shopping."
Van narrowed his eyes at the butler and stormed off down the hall after his castle intruder.
Charles sighed in defeat. This Kanzaki woman looked to have more spine than the others but she most likely wouldn't last, no one did.
--
Hitomi pulled herself up the stairs cursing her stupidity as she stubbed her toe on another step. She had forgot a light and she had no idea where the switches for the lamps were. She was sure she had seen some hanging off the walls earlier today but it didn't do her any good when she couldn't find the switch.
Van stood at the top of the stairs watching his new house companion stumble up the stairs. And he soon found his eyes lingering on her body as it moved up towards him. Her long sandy hair falling over her shoulders, the perfectly curved hips, slim legs, full red lips. In fact she had curves in all the right places it seemed.
'What in the world are you doing Fanel?!' he yelled at himself shaking his head, 'I must be losing my mind'
She was beautiful, he would give her that. But unfortunately beautiful wasn't enough to save her. This was his castle.
Van had been so lost fuming in his thoughts that he hadn't noticed how close Hitomi really was. That was until he felt her walk right through him.
Hitomi gasped and spun around in the dark. Van jumped away as she reached out in the air and he watched her shiver before quickly turning around and speeding off down the hall.
It didn't take her long however to realize that she didn't know which room was hers.
"Man," she mumbled
Van smirked and the lights flicked on. Hitomi screamed and spun around as the light flooded the hall.
"Would this help?" he asked dryly
Van glared at the wide emeralds as Hitomi wrapped her arms around herself.
"Who are you?!" she screeched
The glare melted away and Van took a few steps forward.
"Lord of this castle and you are?"
Hitomi's eyes rounded out and she started breathing a little faster.
"I asked you who you were woman?!"
Hitomi gasped and stumbled back a little bit, she recognized that voice. It was the voice from the hallways she had heard that afternoon.
"Charles!!" she screamed
The man laughed and pulled his sword out of its sheath. Hitomi gulped, somehow she had missed that.
"Last time I checked trespassing was against the law."
Hitomi's mouth wouldn't work so she just stumbled back a little more.
"I'm afraid running just isn't going to work."
"What do you want?!"
"I want you out of my castle! NOW!!"
Hitomi tripped over her feet and fell backwards with another scream. Closing her eyes she clenched her fists and took a few deep breaths trying to stop herself from hyperventilating. She was waiting for the blow to come but as she sat there waiting for the cut she started to realize what she was doing.
And all at once her eyes flew open, anger flashing in the emerald gems. She wasn't a coward, this was her house now and she wasn't going to let some jerk walk in here and try to claim her castle. Pushing herself to her feet she glared at the man.
Gathering up her courage she rooted her feet to the ground.
"This is my house, get out!"
The man stopped and tilted his head staring at her dumbfounded for a moment. Shaking himself from the shock it seemed, he lowered the sword.
"Maybe Charles was right after all."
"Charles! You know Charles?!"
For some reason Hitomi wasn't surprised.
The man smirked and raised his sword again, "This is my castle and you will leave, immediately."
"This is your last warning buddy, I know how to defend myself!"
The man laughed and Hitomi felt a shiver run through her as the deep rich voice echoed through her head.
'I'm sure you do little one.'
Hitomi blinked and froze. The man in front of her was decorated with an evil smile and an arrogant pose but she didn't seem to care anymore. Hitomi shook her head and blinked again, she could have sworn she had just heard a voice. Inside her head.
'Something wrong kitten? You look a little shaken.'
Hitomi let a little whimper brush past her lips and could only stare out in fear as the man's deep laughter filled the hallway.
Something was definitely not right.
Semi pulling herself together Hitomi's mind was able to register that she had a problem. Forget the voice, she could deal with that later. Right now she had to get that sword out of this guy's hand.
Sliding forward a little she kicked up meaning to knock the sword out of the man's hand. But her foot met nothing but air, well minus the tingling feeling she felt as it passed over what should have been the man's wrist.
The man let out a particularly foul curse and sheathed his sword. Hitomi brought her leg back down and stood there speechless.
The man then let out a string of ugly curses.
Hitomi could only gape, the man wasn't real! He wasn't substantial! He wasn't there! She had kicked him, she should have made contact but she hadn't. She had passed right through him.
"What are you?" she stuttered out in a fearful whisper
The man glared at her and spun on his heel his legs starting to swirl out of view.
"You're worst nightmare," he grumbled as he disappeared completely
Hitomi's knees buckled out from under her and she felt a tear slide down her cheek. The man had just disappeared. He had vanished. He hadn't walked, run, or jumped, just swirled into dust and poof!
She tried to rationalize it but there was just one word that came to mind to explain the hostile man. And she didn't like the word that came to mind, because she didn't believe in them.
Ghosts didn't exist. At least that's what she had always believed.
--
Van cried out in anger.
"Kitten?!" he bellowed out, "What in the world possessed me to say that!?"
Kicking the chair he growled in frustration as his foot disappeared into the cushions. Jerking his foot back out bellowed in anger again.
He should have been happy that the woman now knew what he was but for some reason he was exactly the opposite. He didn't understand it and he didn't like that. Clenching his fists he turned to face the fire. The wood crackled as the flames licked around the splinters.
The fun would have to wait for some other soul, Van wanted this woman out and he wanted her out now. He couldn't explain it and frankly he didn't care, he didn't need to explain himself to anyone.
The fun and games were over. Tomorrow she would leave or die.
--
A/N Well it seemed kinda rushed I'm not sure so tell me what ya think. This is just an idea it probably won't be like a big adventure thing I was just reading a ghost story and thought hey a Van and Hitomi ghost romance that might not be so bad. So I might change it around I don't know just tell me what you think please. Adios and have a great day!!
Sailor Hope