Disclaimer: Yea I don't own Escaflowne or it's characters.

A/N Sorry it took so long to get this chapter out I hope everyone enjoys and this chapter has a violent part with a little description of the violent part so I'm just warning you.

Enjoy

Merle hissed under her breath at the sobbing princess before her. The King rolled his eyes in exasperation.

"Thank you Merle we understand, advisors can sorely tempt a soul to insanity every now and then"

The king turned to glare at his advisors. In truth he himself had just found out 3 days before that his advisors were planning to marry his daughter off. His daughter had been quite happy about it. But King Charles of Laprin was very reasonable and understanding. He was perhaps the only reason Merle could stand Laprin. The king was a kind and strong ally. Unlike his whiny daughter he could hold his head high and move on.

Merle bowed and smiled graciously at the King.

"Your majesty is to kind. Again I am deeply sorry these advisors do tend to get out of hand. If your majesty will permit me I must be heading back."

"You've had a long journey are you sure you wouldn't like a rest?" The king inquired, "I assure you it would be no burden the crew can rest as well."

Merle turned to her left to see Gaddes, he smiled and nodded.

"Thank you very much we would love to"

"I'll have the maids prepare the rooms at once" King Charles dragged away his sobbing daughter and sent the maids to do their work.

Merle sauntered over to Gaddes and leaned against the wall.

"Why did you say yes? I want to get home I can't stand the princesses here." Merle whined to Gaddes.

"Because the crew could use a rest and Lord Van and Hitomi need some time alone."

Merle just sighed he was right; she would have to sacrifice her precious time to endure the princesses and let Van alone. Merle ran her paws through her satin pink hair, curse this countries snobby inhabitants. The maids soon appeared and gestured for Merle and Gaddes to follow. The night fell like a silent blanket over the sky and everyone settled down for dinner in the dinning hall. King Charles unfortunately had 5 daughters and each of them glared at the young cat girl as she sat down. Blessed stars above give her strength this was going to be a long night.



Allen found himself still bent on one knee.

"Now Allen stop with that foolishness! Up off your knee and be gone. Take the lady to see the sights but don't stay out too long." Allen half laughed at Dryden and then offered his arm to Yukari.

Yukari blushed and placed her hand on top of his. Allen opened the door and guided her outside of the Castle to a large carriage that would carry them into town.



Hitomi shivered at the sight and again read the words.

"Turni"

The eerie feeling had returned and upon gazing at the map she gulped. The map itself seemed to be crackling with magic. Jagged and worn lines formed to present a deadly and powerful path. Her emeralds follow the lines up through tiny dots representing caverns and cities. Hitomi had been intently studying the map however Van found himself blushing furiously once he realized he was holding Hitomi. He gently pushed the girl upright and removed his hands. Hitomi noticed the sudden change in the warmth and looked to find Van making his way to the balcony.

"Van don't you want to read" Hitomi called to his retreating figure

"Not really" Van casually responded

Hitomi was stunned and followed him onto the porch. She stood and admired him for a minute. The soft light enhancing his already mesmerizing features. When she broke herself of the trance Hitomi walked up next to the King.

"Why not?" she questioned

"I've seen what objects of great power do to the people here" Van half smiled down at Hitomi

Hitomi got what he was hinting at and rolled the map back up tying the toggles.

"It's just as well left alone" she heaved a sigh "Well what should we do with it?" Hitomi inquired

"Burn it" Van simply replied

Hitomi found herself gazing at the rolled up cloth in her hands. It seemed wrong to just discard something of such importance so easily. I mean people have gone to great lengths to see it protected could they just burn it?

Hitomi uneasily gave the scroll to Van.

"I suppose your right it just doesn't seem like the best thing to do"

Van frowned "Would you want me to go after it?"

"No well I mean someone will find it sooner or later" Hitomi stumbled over her words "I'm just saying wouldn't it be better if we found it and had it destroyed or hidden or something, you know before someone else did"

Van looked over the landscape, glanced at Hitomi, then turned his gaze back to the land. His rough fingers caressed the old worn leather.

"I don't know Hitomi," he said wearily

"It was just a thought" Hitomi defended leaning against the railing with a grunt

Van had to admit the thought of getting to the stone before some sadistic rage filled ruler could grasp it was an appealing thought. It was just the fact that they had the link to such a power that brought a disturbance to his heart. It was slowly seeping through his veins and he felt the uneasy sting of an ever-watchful eye. He knew it was coming again. By now the voice was just annoying. The soft pounding of the wind hit his back and Van began to think maybe he should stay indoors at night from now on. But it was too late, like the mighty waves a crash of emotion raced over every sense in his body. The serene beauty faded and everything became black. A light tapping was heard from behind and Van felt his skin crawl.

1 I'm here

It called again, the mesmerizing voice floated on the soft draft filling the never-ending darkness. Van just stood tall and waited for the voice to pass. Something wasn't right this time. Softly the words floated closer and closer, Van felt the image growing and gaining distance. His stomach turned and he knew something was definitely different about this encounter. Looking down he realized his rough hands still held the ancient map. Suddenly he narrowed his eyes and realized what was going on. Almost sluggishly the voice took a form and crept through the darkness melding with the shadows. Taunting eyes traced the young king up and down waiting for him to move.

2 You have something of great importance mighty dragon

Van smirked, he knew it. This time the voice had pulled him directly into a meeting. Meaning the owner of the voice was somewhere near by. Van's hand felt for his sword and stopped at the hilt. He wondered if this creature could hurt him here, wherever this here might be. Still yet he wondered if he could hurt the creature. This created a weary uneasiness in Van. He felt defenseless. So he did the only logical thing at the time.

"Something you can't have" he replied his cold tone matching the icy voice shooting through the darkness

3 Don't be so hasty to judge dragon I only wish to help

"Help with what?" Van demanded burying the map in his tunic.

If a great evil were to grasp that map trouble would most definitely spread over Gaea would it not?

"Which is exactly why you won't touch it"

Van shuddered at the vast wave of cold that swept over the darkness. The voice hissed in annoyance at the King's resistance.

A young King like yourself wouldn't know how to protect such an artifact of power here young dragon let me help you…

Van felt a cold hand brush up against his shoulder and quickly shook it off.

"Don't touch me" he warned shifting in the darkness

Total silence reigned the dark world as Van fought to gain some advantage of sight. But his fight was in vain the black seeped over everything rendering him blind.

4 I shall not ask twice dragon give me the map and all is well

"You'll have to pry it from my hands" Van growled

There was a frustrated sigh followed by the soft hiss again

I will have Turni with or without that map and then dragon you will regret your foolish actions

"I doubt it"

As you will dragon,…. but remember I'm always here….

Van shuddered as he felt the relieving feeling of retreating darkness. The evil black was slowly sliding back into the world it had escaped from. Van watched as his balcony returned and the black faded. Hitomi appeared and the moonlight hit his hair warming him compared to the cold world he had previously been banished to. His vision was slowly restoring and he felt the warm night wash over him. Then it grabbed him. The last bit of darkness pierced his heart and clung to him. Van winced in pain as the mysterious evil gripped his heart. Rubies widened in pain and Van's knees buckled.

Know this dragon….fear me….for there will come a day when we shall meet dragon with my steel in hand and yours with you…. And on that day dragon you and the ones you love will know my wrath!

Van's ears began to ring as the voice screamed out in his head. Thankfully with the last word the knife was removed from its location and the remaining darkness faded into the receding nothingness. His body felt the sudden warmth wash over his limbs and Van turned to see Hitomi hugging him. It was about this time he noticed she had been calling his name.

"Van stop doing that!" she screamed

"I'm sorry" The night wind carried his weary voice to her ears

Hitomi sighed "Just get some sleep"

For what seemed like an eternity Van sat there on his bent knees staring at the balcony door where the darkness had retreated. Fanelia was in trouble. But this time he had the power to stop it. He would get to Turni before this creature disturbing his sleep did. Merle would return in a day or two and he would leave her on the throne. Of course he would end up with a scratch mark here or there in her complaint about being left behind. But she knew Van trusted no other to sit in command in his absence. Allen might be persuaded at keeping Yukari safe in Asturia and Van would set out to find this ancient stone linked to his people. Hitomi would yell and plead to come but Van just couldn't bear the thought of turning his back only to find Hitomi dead when he shifted back.

Van let his rubies fall on Hitomi, how he had missed her. And there was a great possibility that he wouldn't make it back. Allen would kill him for missing his own birthday but he was concentrating on more the purpose of the ball. He was going to tell Hitomi that he loved her and hope to all the ancient ones on Gaea that she loved him back but now it was looking as if he wouldn't have that chance. His large rubies softened as he continued to gaze at her.

"Hitomi" Van brushed some of her light brown locks longily

"Yes Van" Hitomi's sweet voice replied

Van tried to speak and found he didn't have the words. His body just refused to let him tell her, he got angry at his defying mind and decided there was only one other way to tell her. He carefully brought his callused hands, roughed from his swordplay to caress her cheeks. Hitomi's head snapped up and her green jewels gazed into his.

"Van?…" Hitomi looked confused and was about to ask if Van was alright but soon found he was more than alright. Hitomi's blood heated up and raced through her veins at his touch. Hitomi shuddered at the joy of having Van kiss her and slowly she let her eyelids flutter close. A tingling sensation rushed her senses as Van's soft lips brushed against hers again. She felt light headed as Van tightened his grasp on her in confidence in the fact that she hadn't jerked away yet. Hitomi melted into his arms snaking her arms around his neck. Smiling against his lips Hitomi pushed against his body kissing him back.

Van heard his heart scream in absolute joy as Hitomi curled her arms around his neck. She wasn't pulling away! In fact she was kissing him back. The only disappointment was his body's craving for the oxygen he was depriving it of. Reluctantly Van slipped his lips off of Hitomi's and sucked in the precious oxygen. Hitomi let her head sink against Van's chest as her lungs heaved in much needed oxygen. After the few antagonizing moments of silence Van opened his mouth to try and explain his reasoning.

Hitomi simply placed her finger on his lips and snuggled closer to his chest. Van smiled and brought his mouth down on hers again. Hitomi was to enthralled in Van's touch to care if anyone were to stumble in on them. Van's strong arms brushed up against her side and cradled her closer to him.

Van felt the peace rush through him at knowing that Hitomi cared for him. At least something was curving his way and he'd never let her stray from him. His hands crept towards her silk hair and buried themselves in the soft haven pushing Hitomi's head closer. It wasn't very long before they had to break away for air again and this time Hitomi buried her head in Van's neck and sighed against him. Van couldn't help but smile at how right it felt to have her in his arms. She fit perfectly against him. Letting his lungs take their oxygen again Van waited for his breathing to ease before he wrapped his arms around his precious gift from the mystic moon and hugged her against him.

" I love you," Van whispered against her hair

Hitomi didn't move from her comfortable cradle in his arms.

"I love you too Van," Hitomi smiled

Van leaned back against the railing Hitomi still cradled in his arms and just sat there protecting his treasure. After a while Van heard Hitomi's heavy breathing and knew she was asleep. Van just closed his eyes and sighed in contentment, he couldn't believe she actually loved him back and she was here to tell him. Then it hit him. She'll want to go back home soon.

Van turned to look down at his angel and frowned. He wouldn't let her go this time, he knew it was selfish but he couldn't stand another set of years wondering if she would come back. Van felt a chill race down his spine, the night was certainly cooling fast. Gently he pulled Hitomi into his lap and cradled her against his chest. Standing up he carried her into the room and lay her on the bed pulling the covers over her.

Quietly Van set a chair next to her bed and sat down. The blazing fire sent cackles into the night as the logs burned and cracked under the heat. Van fell asleep holding his love's hand. He would find Turni, come back, and then he would never leave Hitomi again.



Merle buried her head in the soft comforter and groaned. Dinner had been a disaster. Three princesses ended up crying with their sister for her loss and the other two had glared at Merle so long she had the insane urge to check herself over for holes or something. King Charles had apologized and Gaddes had laughed.

Merle stretched out beneath the covers, no she was definitely not looking forward to breakfast. Maybe she could just grab some bread and avoid the whole event. So throwing the covers off she jumped up and pulled the closet doors open. Grabbing a pale pink gown she slipped it on and strolled down to the dining hall. As slowly as possible.

A good half an hour was spent staring at the door. Merle was hoping they would leave and she could eat in peace. So finally sucking in her courage she pushed the heavy oak doors open to find Gaddes and the crew of the Crusade all laughing with King Charles. No Princesses. Merle jumped for joy, her smile was simply radiating. Everyone turned to see her bright big smile and laughed even harder.

"Come Lady Merle, we have breakfast waiting for you and my daughters have eaten long ago. They didn't want to eat with you again I fear."

Merle jumped up again spinning with delight, "Feelings mutual!" she smiled

King Charles laughed again and beckoned her to come sit. Merle danced all the way to the table and sat down next to Gaddes.

"Well we'll head out today if you're ready Merle"

"I really want to get back to Hitomi and Van, I know I should leave them some time alone but with all that's been happening, I'm really sorry King Ch-…"

King Charles put his hand up, "Please Merle it's Charles, you've known me long enough and Gaddes here tells me of the troubles in Fanelia. Please greet Lady Hitomi for me and tell your brother if there is any more trouble I'm here."

Merle smiled and finished up her breakfast. A portion of the morning flew by as the Crusade loaded on some supplies and pried the flirtatious princesses off their shirts. King Charles was beyond embarrassed and sent them all to their rooms. Merle told him the apologies were unnecessary but he insisted and sent them away with supplies and gifts. Merle waved to him as the Crusade disappeared over the horizon. Gaddes had her assured they were traveling as fast as they could and they would reach Fanelia by afternoon at this speed.

So Merle settled down in her room for a nap hoping to wake up in Fanelia.



Hitomi stirred and sat up to find herself in a large luxurious chamber with a maid bustling about cleaning and dusting. The maid bowed and left. It took Hitomi a minute to realize she was in Fanelia again. It would take her a while to get used to waking up in a castle chamber.

She threw the covers off and stood up to stretch when she remembered the previous night and the blush that lit her cheeks could have passed for a lighthouse. Van had kissed her, she had kissed him and they had confessed their hidden feelings. Looking around she saw a light pale blue dress resting on the end of the wooden posts supporting the magnificent bed. Relenting she put the dress on and brushed her hair. She found some blue velvet slippers and put them on.

She felt spoiled and too much like a princess. But the clothes were nice and warm so she allowed herself to be spoiled for the day. Opening the door she saw maids and servants filling up and down the hall. Worse than morning traffic. So closing the door she stepped in the hall and avoided hitting shoulders or tripping. But half way down the hall the servants stopped dancing in and out of rooms and stood lined up against the walls. The entire hall was empty and everyone was silently waiting for her to make it to the stairs.

Hitomi sighed, they were treating her like royalty and it felt very uncomfortable. So she quickly ran down the hall and gripped the railing as she hopped down the stairs. She reached the bottom step and sighed in relief, Van was standing in the middle of the entrance hall talking with a few servants. They nodded after a few minutes and ran off into the courtyard to do who knows what.

Hitomi smiled up at Van and waited for him to see her. Van sauntered down the hall and was getting ready to head out to the courtyard when he felt a pair of eyes on his back. Turning around he saw Hitomi standing on the bottom step smiling at him. Handing the list off to a servant he made his way over to his angel.

"Good Afternoon Hitomi," he whispered offering up his hand, "Sleeping in?" he teased raising an eyebrow

Hitomi blushed again and Van could only smile, her blush was simply entrancing and he loved it. He pulled her off the stairs and kissed her forehead only brightening the blush. He laughed and wrapped his arm around her waist pulling her with him down the hall.

"Lunch is waiting for you in the dining hall but I wanted you to come out here first," Van said hugging her close.

Hitomi leaned her head on his shoulder and ignored the stares from servants and nobles as they watched the heroin from the mystic moon and their King walk out into the courtyard hugging.

Hitomi gaped at the horses and wagons lined up.

"What's going on Van?" she frowned looking up into his bright crimson eyes

"I'm taking your advice and I'm going to look for Turni," he said waving to the wagons of supplies and soldiers packing their horses.

"You mean we're going to look for Turni," she corrected

Van sighed and turned Hitomi around in his arms.

"No love, I'm going you're staying"

Hitomi frowned at the young monarch, "You can't make me," she challenged

Van's face twisted in hurt, "Hitomi please I'm begging you to stay"

"No Van"

"Hitomi I don't want to make you stay," he threatened

"You don't control me Van," she crossed her arms and backed up

"Hitomi please, it's better if you stay. You can't defend yourself and you would only be in danger"

"You mean I would only be in the way," she corrected

"Hitomi that's not what I meant and you know it," Van sighed running his hand through the unruly raven locks

"Van I-…"

Hitomi was cut off by the bellow of a guard, "MAJESTY!!"

The panting guard rushed up to Van and bowed to Hitomi, " Good Morning Lady Hitomi," before turning back to his king, "Your Majesty the Crusade and Lady Merle are here"

Van nodded and the guard ran back off towards the Crusade. Van gave one last pleading look to Hitomi before heading off towards the Crusade. Hitomi rolled her eyes in frustration and followed after him.

Merle ran down the steps and smiled, "Yea!! I'm home!"

"Yes you are"

Merle turned to see Van smiling at her. She ran up and gave her brother a hug.

"How did it go?" he asked hopefully

"King Charles understands completely, apologized profusely, and even sent gifts home with us," Merle grinned

"That wasn't necessary"

"He also offers his aid if anything else happens with the Hitomi situation," Merle said straightening her dress

"I always have loved that ally," Van laughed a little and turned to Gaddes

"Gaddes I was wondering if you wouldn't mind setting out again"

Gaddes leaned against the Crusade and smiled, "What would you like me to tell Allen?"

Van smiled at his friend, "To keep Yukari safe in Asturia I'm heading out on a treasure hunt if you want to call it that"

"Sure, we'll leave right away the crew is anxious to be back in the air anyways," Gaddes stood up and hit the hull of the ship, "Pack em up and move out!"

The crew didn't respond they simply started the engines up again, "Where too?!" Tio called from the bridge

"Asturia!" Gaddes called up running up the steps

"Bye Merle! Bye Van"

The two waved as the door closed and everyone cleared as the dust flew up. A few minutes later the Crusade was off and over the hills again.

Merle stopped waving to the disappearing ship and turned to Van, "So when are we leaving?"

Van sighed again, "You are staying here and I'm going on a trip"

Merle growled and thrust her hands to her hips, "I'm not going to stay!" she protested

"That's exactly what I said," Hitomi added walking up to stand beside Merle

"Merle I need you to stay and watch the throne. I want Fanelia in once piece when I get back."

Merle opened her mouth but shut it after a few seconds and jutted out her bottom lip. She knew Van was right and he wouldn't trust anyone else save herself, Hitomi, or Allen on his throne. Hitomi didn't have the experience with the manipulating advisors and Allen was off sight seeing with her friend. So Merle blew out her anger and let it ruffle her bangs.

"Alright Van-sama," she caved

"Thanks for understanding and please keep Hitomi safe," he turned to frown at the seeress.

Hitomi stomped her foot and marched up to stand toe to toe with Van.

"I'm not staying!" she countered

"Yes you are"

"No I'm not!"

"Hito-.."

"No, I'm coming with you Van"

Van folded his own arms over his chest and scowled at his love for a few minutes. She stared right back. Finally the young king conceded.

"Alright go get your lunch we leave tomorrow morning," he said letting his shoulders fall

Merle laughed and latched onto Hitomi's arm, "Let's go get some food!"

Van smiled as he watched the two most precious things in his life disappear through the doors and into the castle. Turning he basked in the afternoon sunlight enjoying the shallow breeze tugging at his tunic. The fear gripped his heart again as he remembered the threats from the previous night.

Know this dragon….fear me….for there will come a day when we shall meet dragon with my steel in hand and yours with you…. And on that day dragon you and the ones you love will know my wrath!

He heard the acid like words ring through out his mind and he spun to look at the doorway where Hitomi and Merle had just disappeared. He felt the sun grow cold against his back and froze. Not again. So it didn't only happen during the night.

'Great' he mentally grumbled

The sun disappeared and he felt the warm comforting heat of the sun vanish to be replaced by the burning scorch of fire. He spun in every direction and watched the people run from their crumbling homes. Fire blazed up in intimidating pillars all around him. Roofs fell victim to the dancing flames and walls crumbled under the fiery pressure. He ran through the streets of the village and came to the castle. Smoke escaped through the windows in great streams. He looked to the doors and saw Merle run out, fur singed and carrying two babies. She gave them to some nobles and raced back inside the castle.

Fear gripped his heart as he watched her appear once again dragging a bleeding and burnt noble this time. Settling him in the courtyard she stopped to breath before covering her mouth and dropping to all fours again. The smoke was getting thicker and he could now see the flames jumping at the doorway.

Merle held her breath and jumped into the taunting fire. He waited and felt the sickening feeling wash over him. Merle was taking longer this time and he ran up to the doorway himself. He looked in and could see Merle bounding down the stairs with another baby in her arms. She jumped through the flames and dodged falling beams. She ran straight through him and handed the baby off.

Turning back around she ventured back in sweat dripping. He watched her vanish into the flames again and gasped at the splinting beam hovering over her head. She was standing in the middle of the fire straining to hear the faint sounds of anyone else in trouble. Van called out a warning but Merle never heard him. He watched as the beam broke off in a flaming fury and pin Merle to the ground. No one heard her screams over the flames and the castle crumbled into flames and dust.

Van backed away in horror and turned to see the village again. What he had missed was the market. Sounds of battle floated over the crackling of the fire and he raced off to the market. Swords battled against swords and arrows sliced through the air. He gasped at the sight and watched black shadows dance behind unsuspecting victims and drag them to their death with a dagger or short sword.

Searching the ground he fell to his knees when he saw Allen and Hitomi standing back-to-back swords in hand fending off the opposing soldiers. Where Hitomi learned to fight he didn't know but he was suddenly very grateful. Gaddes and the crew of the crusade where dragging fallen soldiers up inside the crusade to fly them out of there.

Slowly one by one he watched as Fanelian soldiers fell. No allies were showing up and that had him worried, why wouldn't his allies be showing up? Didn't they know what was going on? He tried to avoid that thought. Surely his allies would know and show up to help. But what if they never knew about the attack until it was too late. He turned back to concentrate on Hitomi and Allen. His heart screamed at him to look down and as soon as he did he scolded himself for listening. Yukari was lying by Hitomi's feet, still and bleeding. Van had the sinking feeling that's why Hitomi looked so enraged. She lunged forward and ran one of the soldiers through. He was quickly replaced by another and Van could tell they were getting tired.

Then it happened, the weariness of battle settled in and Allen slipped. The shadows took the opportunity to attack and stabbed the blonde in all angles. Allen gasped and spun to face Hitomi before he fell.

"Run," was all he said before falling to the dirt.

His once shiny golden hair was mingled with the dirt and with his last strength he pulled Yukari over towards him. The swords embedded in his stomach crumbled to dust and he gritted his teeth as the blood rushed out through the open wounds.

Van felt his stomach screaming violently and knew he was going to throw up. But Hitomi was still alive. He looked up to see tears flying down her cheeks.

"Allen…Yukari…" she looked up towards the castle piled in a heap of flames and knew Merle was gone.

Slowly she backed through the dying battle. Shadows surrounded her and she dropped her sword. Van couldn't watch but found his eyes wouldn't move, he gasped in horror as he found nothing in his body was cooperating. He was literally frozen to the spot to watch his love die.

Cursing at the lady he knew to be responsible for this he reluctantly watched the shadows pounce on Hitomi. They fumbled and bumped together for a few minutes before jumping off their prey and scattering. Van felt the tears slip down his cheeks as his eyes surveyed the damage. Her hair was matted with dirt and blood and the knives crumbled to dust from every side of her stomach. The blood pooled around her and the unbearable pain and rage ate at him. He screamed out in a bloodthirsty painful cry he was sure Dilandu would have envied. And it all disappeared.

The flames vanished and he blinked to find himself in the courtyard again. He fell to his knees and threw up. He couldn't hold it in. What he had just seen was more than his mortal body could handle. So he sat there bent over and let the tears fall as the scene's washed through his mind.

He heard rapid footsteps approaching him and felt slender fingers rub his back. He heard Merle barking out orders to get water, cloths, and a healer. Van caught his breath and leaned back. Merle was immediately wiping his face and Van could only sit there and fight to catch his breath. He soon realized he was leaning against Hitomi and closed his eyes searching for her hand. Her fingers found his and he squeezed. The healer was waved away and the mess was cleaned up. But Van wouldn't move.

He grabbed Merle before she could leave and hugged her. Merle hugged him back and Van sat there for a few minutes hugging his sister and squeezing Hitomi's hand.

After a few moments Hitomi broke the silence. Her voice came out in a choked whisper.

"Van what happened?"

Van shook his head violently he didn't want to remember what he had just seen. He hugged the two closer and shook off the memories.

"Nothing," he lied

Hitomi and Merle knew he was lying but they didn't want to press him, it seemed to have done enough damage already. So helping him to his feet the three made their way across the courtyard.

Van froze at the doorway and looked inside, and for a few seconds thought he saw the flames dancing through the halls again. Shaking it off he walked inside and let Merle and Hitomi lead him to his room.

He would get Turni and stop this mad woman before any of that happened.

He hope and prayed with all his heart he would.



The shadows laughed, "I'll have that map even if I have to take him one piece at a time"

The laugh echoed through the halls as the shadow sauntered down the steps and across the courtyard into forest.

"I will have that map"

A/N Sorry it took so long to update but I've been working on the other stories and school and stuff but here it is finally and I hope you enjoy it.