2. Bad Feeling
From the beginning, Merle sensed there was something strange about the girl from the mystic moon.
Merle had kept silent as she watched Van sharpen Escaflowne's sword, the mark of Hitomi's hand clear upon his face. She knew words would only make matters worse.
That silly girl had raised a hand to Van-sama, and for what reason? Van had hurt Hitomi's pride, but she had to learn her place. How could she just stroll into their world and take control?
She didn't understand their struggle and their pain. Van had lost his home and his closest family, he was fighting to make things right again.
Hitomi could never understand that.
And still, as the rain poured down, Van decided to go running after her. She was just a silly girl who didn't belong anywhere near the King of Fanelia. He didn't always need to save her. She needed to learn to save herself.
Merle had sensed that something was wrong the moment she had met Hitomi. She could smell it on her clothes and in her hair. She could see it when Van gave her his precious smile.
But nothing compared to the feeling Merle felt in the pit of her stomach when Van returned desolate, deflated, drenched by the rains.
Hitomi was nothing but trouble. Merle could clearly see it. Why couldn't he?
"Van-sama…" Merle began, but he did not respond. He had a faraway look in his eyes; he was lost somewhere and she couldn't get him back.
"You need to forget her. Forget all about Hitomi, Van!" Merle spoke abruptly and urgently. She just wanted him to understand.
He remained still, unable to meet her eyes.
Merle realized she would have to live with this bad feeling for a long time…
