Escaflowne: Return to Gaea
Part 1
'I can't believe it's been a year today.......'
Hitomi Kanzaki walked along the outside of the school building. It was 3:05, school had just ended. Painful memories had been flooding back all day. It had been one year ago this day that Hitomi had returned to Earth from the beautiful world of Gaea, and left him, her love, with his raven hair and dark eyes. Exactly a year ago, Hitomi had taken part in a great war against the Zaibach Empire. Now, she was back in Tokyo, and although she loved her friends and family, she constantly longed for Gaea.
Hitomi stopped and pulled a small item out of her backpack. It was wrapped in white silk and bound with black leather. Slowly, she untied the leather and unwrapped the silk, revealing a white feather. His feather. From his wings. She grasped the feather between her finger and thumb and stuffed the silk and leather back into her bag. She sat on a nearby bench and placed the feather in her palm.
"Oh Van. I miss you so much." She said as she stroked the feather with her finger.
Hitomi looked toward the sky, expecting to see Gaea's double moons, but she only saw the sun. She sighed as she thought of Van.
"Hitomi!!"
She looked up and saw her best friend, Yukari, standing over her.
"Hi Yukari."
"What's the matter Hitomi? You have been distant all day." Yukari said.
"It was a year today that I left Van. Oh, I miss him so much."
"Why don't you go see him then?" Yukari asked.
"I wish I could, but I can't leave my home. And I don't even know if I could get there." Hitomi replied.
"Everything reminds you of him. You obviously cant live without him. If you don't go back soon, I think you might go crazy." Yukari said.
"Well, I don't know if I could stand to leave him again." Sighed Hitomi.
Yukari gave Hitomi a hug, then looked her straight in the eyes.
"It's your choice. Whatever you do, I'll support your decision, and if you leave, I'll tell your family everything."
"Thank you."
XXXX
Hitomi walked around the race track, the place where she first met Van and was transported to Gaea. She stroked the feather as she walked. Tears fell down her cheeks.
'I want to go back......'
"I want to go back!!!" Hitomi yelled.
Suddenly, a pillar of blue light appeared out of the sky and surrounded Hitomi. She started floating slowly upwards. The feather fell from her hand and floated gently to the ground.
'I'm coming Van.......'
XXXX
"M'Lord, the Asturian party has arrived. They have been shown to their rooms." A Faneilian soldier said.
"Thank you. I shall go there immediately." Van Slanzar De Fanel, King of Fanelia, said.
Van walked down the hallway, his white fur cape billowing open behind him. He slowly made his way toward the Asturian suite, and when he arrived, he was greeted with warm smiles.
"Van! It's so nice to see you again." Said Millerna Astor, Princess of Asturia.
"I see you've been working on re-building Fanelia. It's coming along quite well." Said Dryden, Millerna's fiancee.
"Yes...It is." Van said.
Suddenly, the door opened and Allen Schezar entered, followed by his younger sister, Selena. Allen was a warrior of Asturia, and was sworn to protect Millerna and Dryden.
"Hello Allen." Van said coldly.
"Lord Van. I hope your well." Allen replied, just as cold.
"I've noticed many roses around Fanelia. Roses remind me of Hitomi." Allen said.
A sudden pain overcame Van. He was reminded of how much he missed Hitomi. He clutched Hitomi's pendant which was around his neck.
"Yes, they remind me of her as well."
"LORD VAAAAAAAAN!"
Van turned as the cat girl, Merle, bolted into the room. She leapt into Van's arms and squeezed him tight. Van reached up and unhooked her arms from his neck.
"Merle, you really need to stop that."
"Sorry....." Merle said.
"If you will all exuse me, I have things to attend to. I will talk to you at dinner." Van said.
And with that, he turned and headed out the door.
XXXX
Van raced through the forest on his horse, Phoenix. He left to clear his head, which was clouded with the memory of Hitomi. He rode hard until he cane across a dragon's cave, the place where Hitomi had come to him. He dismounted and looked around. A single rose bloomed in the cave entrance. Van walked over to it and picked it out of the ground. He smelled it, and the sent reminded him of Hitomi so much, it made his heart ache. Inside, Van was falling apart. He hardly ate, hardly slept. Everything brought back painful memories.
Van stood up and started toward his horse. Suddenly, a pillar of blue light appeared from the sky. Hitomi's pendant from around his neck started to glow.
"What the......"
A figure appeared and floated gently down to the ground.
"Is that......"
Van could see more clearly now. It was a girl. She looked around her as the light faded away. Van couldn't believe his eyes. It was really her! She looked up and saw Van, and tears filled her eyes. They both stood motionless for a minute, unable to believe what was happening. Then they dashed into each others arms.
XXXX
"Van........"
Was the only thing Hitomi managed to whisper as she was wrapped in her love's embrace.
"Hitomi..... how did you get here? Van asked.
Hitomi pulled away and looked into his dark eyes. they were filled with love, confusion and wonder.
"I.....I'm not sure..... I just wished to come back, then I did. "
Van studied her for a moment, gazing at her with his beautiful eyes. Then he smiled.
"Come with me."
XXXX
Hitomi and Van rode in to Fanelia on Phoenix. People in the city bowed and waved and offered gifts to Van as he rode by. He just smiled at them and told them to keep their belongings. Hotimi was amazed by the progress made in Fanelia, the carpenters worked fast. When they reached the palace gates, a soldier walked up to them.
"Lord Van, shall I take your horse to the stable for you?" He asked.
"Yes, please do. "
Van leaped off of Phoenix, then turned to help Hitomi down. She slid off the horse and into his arms.
"Lord Van, if I may ask, who is this lovely young lady you have with you?" The soldier asked. "This is the Lady Hitomi Kanzaki. She will be staying here for as long as she wishes." Van said with a sideways glance to Hitomi.
"Pleased to meet you, Lady." The soldier said with a bow.
"What is your name?" Hitomi asked.
"Rowen."
"I am pleased to meet you to Rowen."
He bowed, then took Phoenix by the reigns and led him toward the stables. Van and Hitomi then headed for the palace. Van went straight to the council room. He opened the double doors and strode in with Hitomi close behind.
"Goodday Lord Van." Bieren, the head council member said.
Godday. I have come to inform you of the arrival of Lady Hitomi Kanzaki. She will be staying in Fanelia, an I expect she be treated like a Queen while she is here." Van said.
"Hitomi Kanzaki? Sounds foreign. Where is she from?" Bieren asked.
"You will address her as Lady, and where she is from is none of your concern. Do you understand? Van ordered.
"Yes your Majesty."
"Very well then. Shall we go?" Van said, turning to Hitomi.
She nodded. Van took Hitomi by the arm and walked out of the room. Van lead her up to the guest suites. He showed her into a large room with a huge, soft bed and a private balcony facing east so she could get sunshine in her room every morning. The view from the balcony overlooked Fanelia, and the sight was breathtaking. Roses filled the room, making the air smell sweet. everything was the best money could buy.
"This room I built for you. I hoped you would come back someday." Van said.
"It's so beautiful."
"The two best rooms in the palace are mine and yours. My room is across the hall and has the same view. Actually, If we both stood out on our balconies, we could see and talk to each other."
"I love it. It's wonderful. Thank you."
"I knew you would like it."
Van took her arm once more, then lead her to the gardens. they walked along the flowers, many of them roses, and talked about Van's forgotten guests.
"They will be exited to see you. Everyone has missed you so much." Van said.
"Really? Well, I can't wait to see them again either. I missed Gaea....."
"Shall we go then? I believe It's time for dinner anyway." Van said.
"all right."
Van and Hitomi made their way up to the dining hall. They were late, so everyone was there already. Everyone looked up as they entered, and at least half the room gasped or started whispering. Millerna and Merle both shot out of their chairs and came over to hug Hitomi. Many other people who had known her before did the same. Out of the corner of his eye, Van saw Allen smirking to himself. Van turned to look at him, but he returned his gaze to his plate. Meanwhile, Hitomi was being swarmed by questions.
"How did you get here?"
"Why are you back?"
"Are you here to be our Queen?"
Hitomi was trying to answer all the questions at once, but Van saw in her eyes that she was overwhelmed.
"all right, back to your seats everyone. Lady Hitomi is tired and would like to eat. She has had a long day." Van interrupted.
Everyone returned to their places and Van and Hitomi joined them. Van was at the head of the table, Hitomi to his right and merle to his left. After Merle sat Millerna and Dryden and beside Hitomi, much to Van's dismay, sat Allen. Millerna was mindlessly chattering at Hitomi, filling her in on all that had happened since she had left. Dryden had proceeded to stuff his face of every morsel of food on his plate, and Merle was trying to ask Van a million questions at once. He was answering her questions with simple answers while half ignoring her at the same time. Selena, who was beside Allen, was in a world of her own, as usual. Millerna had then turned on Van and started chatting at him. Allen, seeing this as an opportunity to talk to Hitomi without Van on his back, turned to her and smiled.
"Why if it isn't the beautiful Hitomi Kanzaki, back in Fanelia once again. What brings you here, my Lady?" He said.
"I came for Van." Hitomi stated, not even turning to face him.
"Van huh? Well, that presents a problem."
This caught her attention. She turned to face him. He had a stupid smirk on his face.
"What do you mean?" She demanded.
Allen glanced over at Van, then back to Hitomi.
"I can't say here. Meet me in the garden after sunset and I will tell you everything." He whispered.
Hitomi looked at him for an instant, then turned back to listen to Millerna and Van's conversation.
XXXX
"Goodnight." Van whispered as Hitomi opened the door to her room.
"Goodnight Van."
Hitomi smiled at him then entered her room and shut the door. She went and sat on her bed, trying to figure out if she should go see Allen or not. Finally, she decided that there would be know harm in talking to him so she got up and snuck over to the door. Slowly she opened it and looked out. the hallway was dark and quiet.
'Good, everyone's asleep.'
Hitomi snuck down the stairs and out a side door into the gardens. She walked along for a few minutes, then she caught sight of a dark figure sitting on a nearby bench. They stood up when she got near.
"Hitomi?"
She recognized Allen's voice.
"Yes. Please, don't keep me with chatter, I'm tiered and I want to go to bed. What is it you wanted to tell me?" She asked.
Allen looked up at the sky towards the two moons and sighed.
"You know, the Mystic Moon is really beautiful. Is everything there as beautiful as you?" He asked.
"Allen. Do not keep me here with false flattery. I just said I'm tired and if you don't get to the point I will just leave." Hitomi demanded.
"First, I have a question."
"What is it?"
"Do you hate me Hitomi?"
She looked at him and saw that he was sincere.
"No, I don't hate you. In fact, I think you are a really good friend. I just don't want to give you the wrong idea." Hitomi said.
"Hmm." Allen sighed.
"Why is me being here for Van a problem? Will you please tell me?"
"There are two reasons. One, is because I am still in love with you."
"I figured that, Allen. But you know you don't have a chance.... What's the other?"
"Van is already engaged."
XXXX
A million thoughts swam through Hitomi's mind as she walked back to her room. She didn't want to believe what Allen had told her.
'Van is engaged? It can't be true.....It's not true. Allen is lying to me....' Hitomi convinced herself. When she got back to her room, she headed out onto her balcony. She leaned on the railing and looked out over Fanelia. She could see the stars and the double moons.
'Earth...... maybe I should go back. Then I'll be out of the way.'
Hitomi sighed, then brushed a tear from her face. Suddenly, she heard the sound of a door opening then she saw Van walk out of his room onto his balcony. He turned and saw her, then he smiled.
"Couldn't sleep?" He asked.
"No......"
"Me neither."
Hitomi tore her eyes from Van's loving gaze and looked back out toward a darkened Fanelia.
"Is something wrong?"
Hitomi sighed.
"I heard that you are..... engaged."
Van looked down at his hands which were resting on the railing and searched for something to say.
"I.......I am." He whispered.
"To who?"
"Her name is Kali.......She is from a small city far north of here called Rhanama."
"How....." Was all Hitomi managed to say.
".......The council arranged it with her parents without me knowing about it. We had argued about me finding a Queen many times, so they went behind my back. Now I'm stuck."
"Can't you tell her that you don't want to marry her?"
"No. The council knew they are our allies and placed this decision in front of me. I can either marry this girl and keep the people of Fanelia safe, or I can disagree and break our alliance, risking war."
"What is your decision?" Hitomi whispered.
".....I....I don't know....."
Hitomi turned her back and walked back into her room shutting the balcony door softly behind her.
"Hitomi.....wait!" Van said.
But it was too late. Van could see the candlelight coming from her bedroom go out.
'She really must be mad.... she didn't even yell at me......' Van thought as he stared over at her closed curtains.
He sighed, then turned back to his room for the night.
XXXX
Van got up early and went straight to the council room. He had been laying awake all night thinking of what to do and had finally decided that no alliance was worth losing Hitomi over. He burst through the doors and walked straight up to the council.
"I refuse to marry Princess Kali." He said.
"But your majesty, what about the alliance?" Bieren asked.
"To hell with the alliance. It is no longer important. We have other allies."
"But sir.... you can't just break the engagement like this...."
"Yes I can. I am the King of Fanelia."
"It was that girl, wasn't it? You like her don't you? You have decided to risk war and put your people in danger for some silly girl?"
"That 'silly girl' is Hitomi Kanzaki! Do you have any idea what she has done for Fanelia and the rest of Geia? Without her, Zaibach would rule Gaea and I would not be standing here at this very moment!" "You mean, she is the girl from the Mystic Moon who helped save Gaea one year ago? She was the one who brought peace to us?"
"Yes, she is. And I am in love with her, Bieren. So I refuse to marry to Rhanama."
Bieren stared at Van for a moment. a few other council members were whispering.
"Very well Lord Van. Do as you wish, it is your kingdom. But if we are attacked by Rhanama, don't ask me for help."
"You wouldn't be of much help anyway. Goodday."
Van turned and left a stunned council to go to breakfast. He walked into the dining hall and took his seat. Hitomi was already there, but she didn't look up when he sat beside her. Allen did though. he looked at Hitomi sitting beside him then to Van and smirked.
'So Allen told her.... Van thought.
"Good morning Hitomi." Van said.
Hitomi looked up at Van. Her eyes were full of hurt. He could see that she had been crying. She looked back down to her plate. Van leaned over to whisper to her.
"About last night....... look. We need to talk. Will you meet me in the garden after breakfast?"
Hitomi didn't say anything. Then she nodded.
"Thank you Hitomi..."
XXXX
Van waited in the garden until Hitomi arrived. When she got there, he got up and lead her to a secluded corner in the garden where they could be alone. Hitomi and Van sat on a bench in an akward silence.
Then Hitomi finally spoke.
"Why did you ask to talk to me? Is there something you wanted to say?"
"Well, yes. A lot of things, actually. I also have a few questions." Van said.
"Go ahead. I'm listening."
"Well, ok. First, are you mad at me?"
"No. I'm just disappointed that you didn't tell me and that you haven't chosen your answer yet."
"I'm sorry. I didn't want to hurt you. I should have told you though...."
"It's all right."
"I want you to know that I went to the council room today and demanded that the engagement canceled. I care about you much more than I care about the alliance."
"You did that for me?" Hitomi said looking up at him.
"Yes."
Hitomi smiled at him, but a thought struck her and it faded.
"I......"
"Wait. I have one more question. I was up all night thinking, and.....well.....I have to ask you." Van said.
"Yes?"
"Hitomi.......will you be my wife?"
Hitomi was shocked. she didn't know what to say.
"Van, I was thinking last night as well.....I can't stay here. I'm only sixteen, I have too many things to do still. I need to grow up. I hope you understand. I would love to be your wife more than anything, but I can't. Not just yet."
Van looked away and nodded.
"I understand."
Hitomi knew he was hurt. She wanted to put her arms around him, but knew that would make the pain for both of them worse.
"Van.......I promise I will return one day. I will find a way to come back to you. But you must understand that it won't be for a few years."
Van looked at her and nodded.
"Then I shall wait. Forever if I have to."
Hitomi stood and wiped a tear from her face. The pillar of blue light appeared around her. Hitomi smiled.
As she disappeared, Van heard her voice. She said,
"I promise....."
Part 1
'I can't believe it's been a year today.......'
Hitomi Kanzaki walked along the outside of the school building. It was 3:05, school had just ended. Painful memories had been flooding back all day. It had been one year ago this day that Hitomi had returned to Earth from the beautiful world of Gaea, and left him, her love, with his raven hair and dark eyes. Exactly a year ago, Hitomi had taken part in a great war against the Zaibach Empire. Now, she was back in Tokyo, and although she loved her friends and family, she constantly longed for Gaea.
Hitomi stopped and pulled a small item out of her backpack. It was wrapped in white silk and bound with black leather. Slowly, she untied the leather and unwrapped the silk, revealing a white feather. His feather. From his wings. She grasped the feather between her finger and thumb and stuffed the silk and leather back into her bag. She sat on a nearby bench and placed the feather in her palm.
"Oh Van. I miss you so much." She said as she stroked the feather with her finger.
Hitomi looked toward the sky, expecting to see Gaea's double moons, but she only saw the sun. She sighed as she thought of Van.
"Hitomi!!"
She looked up and saw her best friend, Yukari, standing over her.
"Hi Yukari."
"What's the matter Hitomi? You have been distant all day." Yukari said.
"It was a year today that I left Van. Oh, I miss him so much."
"Why don't you go see him then?" Yukari asked.
"I wish I could, but I can't leave my home. And I don't even know if I could get there." Hitomi replied.
"Everything reminds you of him. You obviously cant live without him. If you don't go back soon, I think you might go crazy." Yukari said.
"Well, I don't know if I could stand to leave him again." Sighed Hitomi.
Yukari gave Hitomi a hug, then looked her straight in the eyes.
"It's your choice. Whatever you do, I'll support your decision, and if you leave, I'll tell your family everything."
"Thank you."
XXXX
Hitomi walked around the race track, the place where she first met Van and was transported to Gaea. She stroked the feather as she walked. Tears fell down her cheeks.
'I want to go back......'
"I want to go back!!!" Hitomi yelled.
Suddenly, a pillar of blue light appeared out of the sky and surrounded Hitomi. She started floating slowly upwards. The feather fell from her hand and floated gently to the ground.
'I'm coming Van.......'
XXXX
"M'Lord, the Asturian party has arrived. They have been shown to their rooms." A Faneilian soldier said.
"Thank you. I shall go there immediately." Van Slanzar De Fanel, King of Fanelia, said.
Van walked down the hallway, his white fur cape billowing open behind him. He slowly made his way toward the Asturian suite, and when he arrived, he was greeted with warm smiles.
"Van! It's so nice to see you again." Said Millerna Astor, Princess of Asturia.
"I see you've been working on re-building Fanelia. It's coming along quite well." Said Dryden, Millerna's fiancee.
"Yes...It is." Van said.
Suddenly, the door opened and Allen Schezar entered, followed by his younger sister, Selena. Allen was a warrior of Asturia, and was sworn to protect Millerna and Dryden.
"Hello Allen." Van said coldly.
"Lord Van. I hope your well." Allen replied, just as cold.
"I've noticed many roses around Fanelia. Roses remind me of Hitomi." Allen said.
A sudden pain overcame Van. He was reminded of how much he missed Hitomi. He clutched Hitomi's pendant which was around his neck.
"Yes, they remind me of her as well."
"LORD VAAAAAAAAN!"
Van turned as the cat girl, Merle, bolted into the room. She leapt into Van's arms and squeezed him tight. Van reached up and unhooked her arms from his neck.
"Merle, you really need to stop that."
"Sorry....." Merle said.
"If you will all exuse me, I have things to attend to. I will talk to you at dinner." Van said.
And with that, he turned and headed out the door.
XXXX
Van raced through the forest on his horse, Phoenix. He left to clear his head, which was clouded with the memory of Hitomi. He rode hard until he cane across a dragon's cave, the place where Hitomi had come to him. He dismounted and looked around. A single rose bloomed in the cave entrance. Van walked over to it and picked it out of the ground. He smelled it, and the sent reminded him of Hitomi so much, it made his heart ache. Inside, Van was falling apart. He hardly ate, hardly slept. Everything brought back painful memories.
Van stood up and started toward his horse. Suddenly, a pillar of blue light appeared from the sky. Hitomi's pendant from around his neck started to glow.
"What the......"
A figure appeared and floated gently down to the ground.
"Is that......"
Van could see more clearly now. It was a girl. She looked around her as the light faded away. Van couldn't believe his eyes. It was really her! She looked up and saw Van, and tears filled her eyes. They both stood motionless for a minute, unable to believe what was happening. Then they dashed into each others arms.
XXXX
"Van........"
Was the only thing Hitomi managed to whisper as she was wrapped in her love's embrace.
"Hitomi..... how did you get here? Van asked.
Hitomi pulled away and looked into his dark eyes. they were filled with love, confusion and wonder.
"I.....I'm not sure..... I just wished to come back, then I did. "
Van studied her for a moment, gazing at her with his beautiful eyes. Then he smiled.
"Come with me."
XXXX
Hitomi and Van rode in to Fanelia on Phoenix. People in the city bowed and waved and offered gifts to Van as he rode by. He just smiled at them and told them to keep their belongings. Hotimi was amazed by the progress made in Fanelia, the carpenters worked fast. When they reached the palace gates, a soldier walked up to them.
"Lord Van, shall I take your horse to the stable for you?" He asked.
"Yes, please do. "
Van leaped off of Phoenix, then turned to help Hitomi down. She slid off the horse and into his arms.
"Lord Van, if I may ask, who is this lovely young lady you have with you?" The soldier asked. "This is the Lady Hitomi Kanzaki. She will be staying here for as long as she wishes." Van said with a sideways glance to Hitomi.
"Pleased to meet you, Lady." The soldier said with a bow.
"What is your name?" Hitomi asked.
"Rowen."
"I am pleased to meet you to Rowen."
He bowed, then took Phoenix by the reigns and led him toward the stables. Van and Hitomi then headed for the palace. Van went straight to the council room. He opened the double doors and strode in with Hitomi close behind.
"Goodday Lord Van." Bieren, the head council member said.
Godday. I have come to inform you of the arrival of Lady Hitomi Kanzaki. She will be staying in Fanelia, an I expect she be treated like a Queen while she is here." Van said.
"Hitomi Kanzaki? Sounds foreign. Where is she from?" Bieren asked.
"You will address her as Lady, and where she is from is none of your concern. Do you understand? Van ordered.
"Yes your Majesty."
"Very well then. Shall we go?" Van said, turning to Hitomi.
She nodded. Van took Hitomi by the arm and walked out of the room. Van lead her up to the guest suites. He showed her into a large room with a huge, soft bed and a private balcony facing east so she could get sunshine in her room every morning. The view from the balcony overlooked Fanelia, and the sight was breathtaking. Roses filled the room, making the air smell sweet. everything was the best money could buy.
"This room I built for you. I hoped you would come back someday." Van said.
"It's so beautiful."
"The two best rooms in the palace are mine and yours. My room is across the hall and has the same view. Actually, If we both stood out on our balconies, we could see and talk to each other."
"I love it. It's wonderful. Thank you."
"I knew you would like it."
Van took her arm once more, then lead her to the gardens. they walked along the flowers, many of them roses, and talked about Van's forgotten guests.
"They will be exited to see you. Everyone has missed you so much." Van said.
"Really? Well, I can't wait to see them again either. I missed Gaea....."
"Shall we go then? I believe It's time for dinner anyway." Van said.
"all right."
Van and Hitomi made their way up to the dining hall. They were late, so everyone was there already. Everyone looked up as they entered, and at least half the room gasped or started whispering. Millerna and Merle both shot out of their chairs and came over to hug Hitomi. Many other people who had known her before did the same. Out of the corner of his eye, Van saw Allen smirking to himself. Van turned to look at him, but he returned his gaze to his plate. Meanwhile, Hitomi was being swarmed by questions.
"How did you get here?"
"Why are you back?"
"Are you here to be our Queen?"
Hitomi was trying to answer all the questions at once, but Van saw in her eyes that she was overwhelmed.
"all right, back to your seats everyone. Lady Hitomi is tired and would like to eat. She has had a long day." Van interrupted.
Everyone returned to their places and Van and Hitomi joined them. Van was at the head of the table, Hitomi to his right and merle to his left. After Merle sat Millerna and Dryden and beside Hitomi, much to Van's dismay, sat Allen. Millerna was mindlessly chattering at Hitomi, filling her in on all that had happened since she had left. Dryden had proceeded to stuff his face of every morsel of food on his plate, and Merle was trying to ask Van a million questions at once. He was answering her questions with simple answers while half ignoring her at the same time. Selena, who was beside Allen, was in a world of her own, as usual. Millerna had then turned on Van and started chatting at him. Allen, seeing this as an opportunity to talk to Hitomi without Van on his back, turned to her and smiled.
"Why if it isn't the beautiful Hitomi Kanzaki, back in Fanelia once again. What brings you here, my Lady?" He said.
"I came for Van." Hitomi stated, not even turning to face him.
"Van huh? Well, that presents a problem."
This caught her attention. She turned to face him. He had a stupid smirk on his face.
"What do you mean?" She demanded.
Allen glanced over at Van, then back to Hitomi.
"I can't say here. Meet me in the garden after sunset and I will tell you everything." He whispered.
Hitomi looked at him for an instant, then turned back to listen to Millerna and Van's conversation.
XXXX
"Goodnight." Van whispered as Hitomi opened the door to her room.
"Goodnight Van."
Hitomi smiled at him then entered her room and shut the door. She went and sat on her bed, trying to figure out if she should go see Allen or not. Finally, she decided that there would be know harm in talking to him so she got up and snuck over to the door. Slowly she opened it and looked out. the hallway was dark and quiet.
'Good, everyone's asleep.'
Hitomi snuck down the stairs and out a side door into the gardens. She walked along for a few minutes, then she caught sight of a dark figure sitting on a nearby bench. They stood up when she got near.
"Hitomi?"
She recognized Allen's voice.
"Yes. Please, don't keep me with chatter, I'm tiered and I want to go to bed. What is it you wanted to tell me?" She asked.
Allen looked up at the sky towards the two moons and sighed.
"You know, the Mystic Moon is really beautiful. Is everything there as beautiful as you?" He asked.
"Allen. Do not keep me here with false flattery. I just said I'm tired and if you don't get to the point I will just leave." Hitomi demanded.
"First, I have a question."
"What is it?"
"Do you hate me Hitomi?"
She looked at him and saw that he was sincere.
"No, I don't hate you. In fact, I think you are a really good friend. I just don't want to give you the wrong idea." Hitomi said.
"Hmm." Allen sighed.
"Why is me being here for Van a problem? Will you please tell me?"
"There are two reasons. One, is because I am still in love with you."
"I figured that, Allen. But you know you don't have a chance.... What's the other?"
"Van is already engaged."
XXXX
A million thoughts swam through Hitomi's mind as she walked back to her room. She didn't want to believe what Allen had told her.
'Van is engaged? It can't be true.....It's not true. Allen is lying to me....' Hitomi convinced herself. When she got back to her room, she headed out onto her balcony. She leaned on the railing and looked out over Fanelia. She could see the stars and the double moons.
'Earth...... maybe I should go back. Then I'll be out of the way.'
Hitomi sighed, then brushed a tear from her face. Suddenly, she heard the sound of a door opening then she saw Van walk out of his room onto his balcony. He turned and saw her, then he smiled.
"Couldn't sleep?" He asked.
"No......"
"Me neither."
Hitomi tore her eyes from Van's loving gaze and looked back out toward a darkened Fanelia.
"Is something wrong?"
Hitomi sighed.
"I heard that you are..... engaged."
Van looked down at his hands which were resting on the railing and searched for something to say.
"I.......I am." He whispered.
"To who?"
"Her name is Kali.......She is from a small city far north of here called Rhanama."
"How....." Was all Hitomi managed to say.
".......The council arranged it with her parents without me knowing about it. We had argued about me finding a Queen many times, so they went behind my back. Now I'm stuck."
"Can't you tell her that you don't want to marry her?"
"No. The council knew they are our allies and placed this decision in front of me. I can either marry this girl and keep the people of Fanelia safe, or I can disagree and break our alliance, risking war."
"What is your decision?" Hitomi whispered.
".....I....I don't know....."
Hitomi turned her back and walked back into her room shutting the balcony door softly behind her.
"Hitomi.....wait!" Van said.
But it was too late. Van could see the candlelight coming from her bedroom go out.
'She really must be mad.... she didn't even yell at me......' Van thought as he stared over at her closed curtains.
He sighed, then turned back to his room for the night.
XXXX
Van got up early and went straight to the council room. He had been laying awake all night thinking of what to do and had finally decided that no alliance was worth losing Hitomi over. He burst through the doors and walked straight up to the council.
"I refuse to marry Princess Kali." He said.
"But your majesty, what about the alliance?" Bieren asked.
"To hell with the alliance. It is no longer important. We have other allies."
"But sir.... you can't just break the engagement like this...."
"Yes I can. I am the King of Fanelia."
"It was that girl, wasn't it? You like her don't you? You have decided to risk war and put your people in danger for some silly girl?"
"That 'silly girl' is Hitomi Kanzaki! Do you have any idea what she has done for Fanelia and the rest of Geia? Without her, Zaibach would rule Gaea and I would not be standing here at this very moment!" "You mean, she is the girl from the Mystic Moon who helped save Gaea one year ago? She was the one who brought peace to us?"
"Yes, she is. And I am in love with her, Bieren. So I refuse to marry to Rhanama."
Bieren stared at Van for a moment. a few other council members were whispering.
"Very well Lord Van. Do as you wish, it is your kingdom. But if we are attacked by Rhanama, don't ask me for help."
"You wouldn't be of much help anyway. Goodday."
Van turned and left a stunned council to go to breakfast. He walked into the dining hall and took his seat. Hitomi was already there, but she didn't look up when he sat beside her. Allen did though. he looked at Hitomi sitting beside him then to Van and smirked.
'So Allen told her.... Van thought.
"Good morning Hitomi." Van said.
Hitomi looked up at Van. Her eyes were full of hurt. He could see that she had been crying. She looked back down to her plate. Van leaned over to whisper to her.
"About last night....... look. We need to talk. Will you meet me in the garden after breakfast?"
Hitomi didn't say anything. Then she nodded.
"Thank you Hitomi..."
XXXX
Van waited in the garden until Hitomi arrived. When she got there, he got up and lead her to a secluded corner in the garden where they could be alone. Hitomi and Van sat on a bench in an akward silence.
Then Hitomi finally spoke.
"Why did you ask to talk to me? Is there something you wanted to say?"
"Well, yes. A lot of things, actually. I also have a few questions." Van said.
"Go ahead. I'm listening."
"Well, ok. First, are you mad at me?"
"No. I'm just disappointed that you didn't tell me and that you haven't chosen your answer yet."
"I'm sorry. I didn't want to hurt you. I should have told you though...."
"It's all right."
"I want you to know that I went to the council room today and demanded that the engagement canceled. I care about you much more than I care about the alliance."
"You did that for me?" Hitomi said looking up at him.
"Yes."
Hitomi smiled at him, but a thought struck her and it faded.
"I......"
"Wait. I have one more question. I was up all night thinking, and.....well.....I have to ask you." Van said.
"Yes?"
"Hitomi.......will you be my wife?"
Hitomi was shocked. she didn't know what to say.
"Van, I was thinking last night as well.....I can't stay here. I'm only sixteen, I have too many things to do still. I need to grow up. I hope you understand. I would love to be your wife more than anything, but I can't. Not just yet."
Van looked away and nodded.
"I understand."
Hitomi knew he was hurt. She wanted to put her arms around him, but knew that would make the pain for both of them worse.
"Van.......I promise I will return one day. I will find a way to come back to you. But you must understand that it won't be for a few years."
Van looked at her and nodded.
"Then I shall wait. Forever if I have to."
Hitomi stood and wiped a tear from her face. The pillar of blue light appeared around her. Hitomi smiled.
As she disappeared, Van heard her voice. She said,
"I promise....."