Author's Note: This particular chapter is dedicated to the eight that reviewed the last chapter:
ladyofmusic, KatsuTami, omgshoes, SpandexTree, Sora Sings, Suils Saifir, thepinkmartini, and Geminia

Disclaimer: I do not own "Tenkuu no Escaflowne," its characters, or its story plot. They belong to their respectable owners and creators.

Memory of Yesterday
Memory X: Misguided Will

Opening the wagon flap, Van carefully picked his way across inside and knelt quietly beside a slumbering person. He smiled tenderly as he gazed at the woman, beautiful to him in every way. Feelings of longing overtook Van, and he wanted nothing more than to simply hold her. But he held himself in check; the last thing he wanted was to lose her to fear. With control and tenderness, the king cupped Hitomi's cheek with his hand and whispered into her ear, "Hitomi, wake up."

"Hm?" Nuzzling into his warm hand, a smile spread across her face as her eyes fluttered opened. As she sat up, Van moved slightly away to give her enough room to stretch. Hitomi rubbed the sleep from her emerald eyes and looked up into a handsome, smiling face. "What is it? Have we arrived already?"

Van grinned at her dazed expression and put his arm around her shoulder to steady her. "Come with me." He helped Hitomi out of the inner wagon and onto the driver's seat. As she comfortably sat beside him, Van directed her attention far away. "Look, the sun is rising just above Fanelia," he whispered into her ear while pointing towards the east.

Just as he said, the sun peeked over the edge of the trees and flattered the emerald forests with its first golden rays. The sky was painted with an array of colors, the clouds shining against the new sunlight and reflecting it across the heavens. And just faintly, the Mystic Moon and its silver attachment dangled barely out of light's reach. Hitomi gasped and clutched Van's hand for support. "It's beautiful."

From his seat, Ecrios watched the pair with a quiet smile. Perhaps his sons should take lessons from Folken in the ways of romance. For the ones with wives, they would improve their relationships; for the ones without, they would finally find one, Ecrios felt sure, if they only learned from the Fanelian.

Hitomi yawned and shivered from the cool morning air, causing Van to slightly frown. "I'm sorry, you must be tired," he apologized while taking off his cloak and wrapping her with it. "I should have let you sleep a little longer."

"No, no," Hitomi blushed while snuggling into the new warmth. She could smell Van's free and manly scent all around her, reddening her cheeks even more. "I'm glad you woke me for this."

"But you look exhausted. You should go back to sleep."

Deciding to take the initiative, Hitomi rested her head against Van's shoulder and closed her eyes. "Just let me rest here for a little and I'll be fine."

Pinking himself, Van said nothing more, wrapped a blanket around them both, and then wrapped an arm around Hitomi's shoulders. He rested his head against hers and closed his eyes with a gentle smile.

Maybe I should take lessons from him, Ecrios chuckled to himself. The head merchant remained quiet, not wanting to remind the affectionate couple that the other wagon drivers and he himself clearly saw them. With a playful grin, Ecrios turned to his driving companions and motioned to them to leave Van and Hitomi alone…at least for another thirty minutes. After that, they were free to be teased to the group's pleasure.

When the sun hit midday, everyone could see Fanelia's finest jewel glittering amidst its luscious jade ambiance. The caravan trailed through the grand open gates of Fanelia's capital, and the merchants arranged their beasts and wagons as orderly as they could in the large square. People gathered all around and prepared for the trading and bartering they would soon do.

Everyone awake at this point, Van and the others began saying their farewells to the merchants and their families. They thanked them for their generosity and kindness over the journey and wished them well and luck throughout their lives. The merchants did the same, thanking Folken, Mamoru, and Gaddes for saving their lives during the raid and keeping their families safe; the women tried to keep the children behaved as they wept and sobbed about losing their playmate Naria and their pretty ladies Hitomi and Celena.

"Who will we play with now?" they sniveled. "Who will sing us to sleep at night?"

"I know your mothers will be more than happy to do that for you," Hitomi smiled with a shake of her head. "Really, it's only been a few weeks and you're so attached! We'll see each other again, you know."

"But it won't be the same!" the children cried out in unison.

Celena and Hitomi looked to each other and giggled. "Well, come and visit Fanelia again soon and you'll find us here. We'll play again."

"Promise?"

"Yes," the two women laughed. Satisfied with the promise, the children ran off to give Naria and Mamoru their final farewells. The young cat girl had mixed reactions when her new friends said good-bye. She felt sad that she would not seem them as often nor play the games they had made together. However, at the same time, she felt relieved that finally they were parting ways. She would no longer have to worry about one of the merchant girls stealing Mamoru away.

"But you know," Lira sighed as she prepared items for her husband's stall, "I'll really miss your singing, Hitomi. You and Celena were a great help with the children too."

Hitomi bowed gratefully. "Thank you, Lira, for everything."

"Oh, no, no," the older woman laughed while hugging both young ladies. "It was definitely my pleasure meeting you girls." Turning back to the items from the wagon, Lira picked up two elaborately dyed tapestries and handed one each to Hitomi and Celena. "Here's something for you girls. It should keep you and your husbands quite warm on those cold nights to come."

Blushing, Celena protested, "But I'm not married."

"Not yet," Lira snickered. "But that's what you're here for, aren't you? Oh, don't worry, dear, you'll be needing it sometime, I'm sure. Just consider it my wedding gift to you."

The other merchant women then approached Celena, all of them remembering the reason why she had traveled from Freid to Fanelia. "Oh! Good luck, darling, with your wedding! I wish you all the happiness in the world!"

"You treat Gaddes right now," one woman warned with a laugh. "Treat him right, and he'll be a good husband to you."

"He better be!" another shouted. "Look at this girl! If that man didn't treat her right, then I would have something to say!"

"Yeah," one mother teased, "you would ask if you could have him instead."

They all laughed together, saying their final farewells and wishing Celena the happiest marriage possible. All that while, Celena wondered about her future and the possibility of her getting married at all. She was twenty-two rotations old. Most women would have been married for a few rotations at that age. And those not married usually had the intent of never marrying. But Celena…she, more than anything else, wanted to start a family of her own. She wanted to be like Queen Millerna: smart, independent, capable, and loved.

Of all things, Celena wanted the unconditional love of a lover. But with the way things were going, that would never happen for her. She had failed at that once, rotations ago—and it looked like she would fail again a second time.

"Thank you for this, Lira." Hitomi hugged her tapestry against her. "I will treasure this."

"Treasure it with the one you love," Lira whispered knowingly while pointing towards Van. Her husband and the young Fanelian walked towards them. "Hold onto him tightly, Hitomi. Don't let him go for anything, okay?"

Hitomi nodded. She did not quite understand what Lira meant but figured that she would in due time. As she watched Van approach, Hitomi thought, I'll have enough time—as long as I spend my days with him.

As they walked towards the women, Van and Ecrios constantly had to stop and redirect their paths due to the enormous amount of people already in the bustling square. At one point, Van accidentally ran into a man and apologized to him. The stranger nearly threw a fit until he looked into eyes that every Fanelian knew so well. "Oh, my apologies, Your Highness! Welcome back home, Lord Van."

Hearing the name, another Fanelian turned and recognized her lord. She bowed respectfully and happily, "Welcome home, Lord Van."

"King Fanel, welcome back," another person quickly added.

Ecrios turned to Van in surprise. "So you're actually the king?"

Before anyone else could greet him, Van quickly pulled Ecrios away to a secluded place between two stalls. In low whispers, the young man said, "Thank you for your kindness and generosity in helping us reach Fanelia safely." He placed a heavy bag of gold and jewels into Ecrios' hands. "And furthermore, thank you for your silence. I know that you knew, but you refrained from telling anyone else."

"Well, when the King of Fanelia is secretly traveling back to his own country, one would think to wisely shut up. But you give me too much credit. I didn't know who you were, but I knew that you weren't some ordinary man."

"Thank you, regardless," Van said while staring at the older man directly into his eyes. "I am very grateful for your trust in us, despite our veiled identities. I'm sorry that we had to lie to you about our reasons for travel."

"Think nothing of it, Your Majesty." At that moment, Ecrios looked towards his wife and caught sight of Hitomi standing with her. A knowing grin spread across his face. "But, if I may My Lord, I would suggest that you keep the songstress with you at all times: perhaps make good of your story here and really make her your wife."

Regarding Hitomi tenderly, Van wondered if he could do such a thing. His efforts thus far had been thwarted by fate. Granted, he had made much more progress with her than the first time he had fallen in love with her. However, just like the first time, destiny seemed to have its own plans. So, Van said what he could only think of at that moment: "If the gods allow it." With a final farewell, Van smiled at Ecrios and shook his hand in thanks. He then went to join Hitomi's side.

"Is everything all right?" she asked him when he reached her. "You and Ecrios suddenly disappeared while walking towards here."

"All is well," the young king answered that set Hitomi at ease. "What's that you have?"

Hitomi pinked and answered, "Lira gave me a parting gift." She did not want to explain to Van what the tapestry was meant for—at least, not while she felt at loss about how she felt for the King of Fanelia.

Luckily for her, Van did not ask anything more and simply smiled, "That was kind of her." He offered Hitomi his arm; and when she took it, he quickly led her through the capital city towards the palace. Naria and Mamoru followed them closely, not wanting to get lost through the busy business and bustle. Celena and Gaddes took their time, already knowing their way around the capital city. They would reach the palace the same time as Van, they were sure.

Sure enough, after darting through the alleyways and avoiding the crowds, the group met at the base of the palace in good condition. After climbing the great stairway that led to the center palace, together they walked into the center courtyard where courtiers and councilors waited anxiously. They had already heard rumors from the market about Lord Van's return. As soon as the king was in view, a happy cat woman leapt into the air.

"Lord Van!" Merle greeted enthusiastically. "You've returned safely!"

"Yes, yes," he laughed while catching her in his arms. Van lifted Merle in the air and spun her around. "I'm back home, Merle." She hugged him with great ferocity, relieved to see her foster brother in one whole, safe piece. Merle, and the rest of the country she knew, would sleep well tonight.

After the long embrace, she looked behind Van and pulled away from the king. "We have guests?"

Remembering his manners, Van quickly introduced, "You already know Celena and Gaddes. They kindly traveled with us from Freid. And I hope you still remember Mamoru since it hasn't been too long ago."

Mamoru smiled at Merle. "It's good to see you again, Miss Merle."

Her mouth dropped and she pointed at the boy in surprise, looking at Mamoru and Van in confusion. "I can understand him now!"

"I'll explain that later." Impatiently and very anxiously, Van then pulled Hitomi forward with little Naria in tow. "And we have two new guests. Merle, allow me to introduce Hitomi and Naria."

After a quick curtsey, Hitomi raised her gaze which caused Merle to slightly gape. The stranger looked exactly as she had the night of Lord Van's rotation celebration, a matured and older Hitomi Kanzaki. No one could deny that she resembled if not exactly look like the Girl from the Mystic Moon: the same colored hair, the same sweet face, the same awkward stance, etc. Seeing this familiar face and green eyes made Merle want to pounce on the girl, just like she had often done eight rotations ago. However, Merle instead politely extended her hand to the woman. "It's very good to meet you, Hitomi, Naria."

"Thank you, Miss Merle."

"No need for that," she grinned somewhat awkwardly. It felt odd to hear "Miss Merle" from Hitomi's lips when she had mostly heard "you darn cat!" so many rotations before. The difference showed Merle exactly how lost Hitomi was, how far away her old friend had gone. "You can just call me Merle—you're older than me, you know." Wanting to ease the tension, she motioned, "You remember Gatos, right?" At the sound of his name, the slate-colored cat man stepped forward with a warm and welcoming smile.

"Gatos!" Hitomi grinned happily seeing a familiar face. She accepted his embrace warmly. "It's so very good to see you again."

"Yes, it's good to see you as well," he said while pulling away to look at her. "You look like you've been doing well for yourself. I hope that you'll enjoy your stay here at the palace." Gatos then turned to the king, trying his best to bite back a grin from Lord Van's jealous and possessive expression. Of course Van would be jealous at the easy atmosphere between Gatos and Hitomi! Chuckling slightly, the cat man said, "Plans are already in motion, Lord Van, to celebrate your return. You should prepare yourself for the banquet as well. The councilmen are already waiting for you."

"Oh, I see." Forcing himself to look away from Hitomi and Gatos, Van turned to his childhood friend and asked, "Will you take care of Hitomi, Merle? I would arrange things myself, but—"

"Yes, yes, you're a very busy person, Lord Van," the cat woman nodded in understanding. "And I'll have the regular arrangements made for Celena and Gaddes. Just go now and meet the councilmen before they worry themselves to death."

Ruffling her pink hair, Van laughed while walking way, "Will do."

Once Van was well out of sight, Merle turned her attention to Hitomi, Mamoru, and Naria. She grinned deviously and eagerly rubbed her hands together while saying, "Now, let's see what we can do with you."

The three smiled nervously.

"Stop fidgeting—you're fine."

"But they keep staring."

"You're an unfamiliar face—of course they're going to stare. Just don't worry about it. No one is going to bite; and if they do, just tell Lord Van and he'll fix everything." Merle chuckled at herself, knowing very well what Van would do if someone was actually mean to Hitomi.

"Hitomi, just take a deep breath and smile," Celena advised with a cheery grin. "No one here recognizes you and they don't know a thing about you. They can't say anything about you because there's nothing to say. Don't worry. As long as you behave as normal, no one will bother you."

"All right." Hitomi did as she was told and tried to remember the proper etiquette for Fanelian court. Earlier while Merle had been dressing Hitomi, Naria, and Mamoru into Fanelian garb, the cat woman and Celena had told Hitomi how she would be expected to act as Van's honorary guest.

"Even though you don't officially have a title, no one should address you anything less than a lady," Merle had instructed while making sure the dress fitted properly. "You're Lord Van's special guest and should be treated with just as much respect as the highest noble in his court."

"But remember to also give respect in turn," Celena had reminded gently. "Because you do not have a rank, you must refer to each noble their proper title with the right honorifics. Otherwise, there will be conflict."

"But," Merle had hastily added, "don't be too concerned about that because not many people will approach you as long as you keep a low profile."

Following that advice, Hitomi had survived dinner without too much problem. She had worried throughout about Naria since the young girl could not eat dinner with the adults. However, Mamoru had said that he would stay with her through the night instead of being at the dinner party with the others. It was better this way, he had said, since he did not feel comfortable being treated as an adult when he was only fifteen years old. Hitomi had felt a little lonely with Mamoru's absence, having grown accustomed to having him by her almost at all times. She had, somehow, began thinking of him as a brother.

So after dinner, every one stood waiting for the next event for Van's welcoming party. But that was where Hitomi's nervousness really kicked in. During dinner, everyone had been busy eating or chatting with the people they knew or recognized. Now, with idle time to spare, people began looking around and many noticed an unfamiliar face amongst the crowd.

With her back-length honey tresses brushed straight and left unbound, Hitomi naturally attracted attention. She wore a long white dress hemmed with a striped red-gold design with a large bow of a matching pattern tied at her waist. By style and grace, she looked and moved like a Fanelian. But by her warm golden glow and her stunning emerald eyes, she was undoubtedly and beautifully alien.

It did not help Hitomi to be standing by Merle and Celena, two women bound to attract attention as well. Although Fanelians loved and adored Merle and were already quite familiar with her, she still remained an exotic specimen to courtiers. Tall, slender, and striped all about her body, Merle the cat woman always had people looking towards her with blatant fascination. Celena garnered attention through her Schezar beauty and nobility, many men wishing to be her knight while many women wishing to be in her place.

Luckily for Hitomi, she did not have to take the stares much longer. A well-dressed servant entered the room and formally announced, "If the ladies would join the lords in the courtyard, we will begin our entertainment for the night."

Obediently, the ladies followed the announcer outside into the courtyard where their husbands, escorts, lords, and king awaited them. Some women immediately went to men's sides: the married ones. Other maidens waited patiently for introductions or for the gentlemen to approach.

Hitomi and Celena remained with the latter group, staying close by each other and meeting some ladies Celena had failed to meet and speak to earlier. Politely, the Asturian noblewoman introduced her friend to the Gaea's nobility and in turn introduced them to her. They all got along well and quickly immersed themselves into a lively and friendly conversation. What Hitomi and Celena did not realize was how close their group stood to Van and Gaddes.

Caught deeply in a discussion with a visiting noble, Van could not possibly greet Hitomi as he would have liked. When he first saw her enter the courtyard, he had wanted to immediately approach her. However, the Lord of Songi had caught the king before he had a chance. So Van instead tried his best to quickly and politely end the conversation so he could speak to the young woman. Gaddes, on the other hand, had no way of speaking to Celena without feeling awkward around her.

She won't even look at me anymore, damn it. Gaddes thought with a frown, She really still must hate me. He ran a nervous hand through his dark hair while he stole glances at the young woman. Gaddes tried reasoning with himself, telling himself that it was all right for him to stare since he had strict orders to watch Celena and keep her from harm. But apparently she did not want him near her nor wanted to speak with him if she could help it, and staring at her would not help anything. Then again like many of the men present, he could not keep his eyes off of her.

Smiling happily and laughing with the other ladies, Celena looked just as beautiful if not more so as she had during her first party in Asturia. Perhaps the passing rotations had simply matured her beauty, but the fact remained the same: she had Gaddes just as spellbound this nth time as much as she had him the first time. The way she moved in her misty dress, how she spoke and laughed, and how she gazed at a person: Celena was undoubtedly a woman of Schezar blood and had men watching her at every moment. Anywhere, be it Asturia or Fanelia, she captured men's hearts with her fleeting glance.

When Gaddes turned to look at her, Celena quickly turned away and returned her attention to the conversation. From the side of her eyes she saw him stare at her for a moment longer and then walk away. She discreetly followed him with her eyes. What are you doing? Where are you going? Celena could not help but to ask these silent questions while following her guardian. Was he still angry with her? Could he not forgive her for what she had done during their journey? Or… did he still think that she had not forgiven him?

Celena did not have much time to dwell on these thoughts. She bit her cheek in jealousy when she saw three brazen women approach Gaddes.

"Excuse us, sir, but are you new to King Fanel's court?" one asked while holding her arms behind her back. Doing so forced an S-curve in her back, jutting her chest out nicely for the man to admire.

Tasteless, Celena thought from afar. Gaddes won't fall for a cheap trip like that—he's a man of the Crusade, in the name of Jeture. Besides, it only proves that you're no noblewoman.

When Gaddes did not fall for the first's bait, the second woman then took her chance. She shied away from him demurely and murmured sweetly, "We do not recall seeing you in Lord Van's court before." She batted her long eyelashes at him, her full lips somewhat puckered.

Liars too, Celena immediately frowned. Gaddes has been here every time Brother has been; and I know that you recognize the both of them. You're only after Gaddes now because Brother isn't here!

"Um, I just arrived today as his guest."

Emboldened by his response, the second woman gave him a sultry look and nearly purred, "Pray, what nation do you represent, sir?"

Again, Celena thought to herself, how shameless do you have to be to do that?

"I am a sergeant that serves beneath Sir Allen Schezar," Gaddes answered as directly as he could. He took one step back, obviously uncomfortable with the close proximity.

Seeing that her companion was rejected, the third woman took her chance to approach Gaddes and press her curvy body against his muscular arm. Watching with disgust from the distance, Celena nearly bristled at the woman's actions. Right then, Hitomi asked in concern, "Celena, are you all right?" When she followed Celena's heated gaze, Hitomi noticed what her friend passionately watched and she grinned knowingly. "Would you like to rescue him?"

"Who?" Celena turned away from the scene and looked at Hitomi with a guilty expression. "I don't understand what you're talking about."

Looking back at the sergeant sympathetically, Hitomi whispered, "He's giving you the look that's begging you to rescue him."

Celena blushed while refusing to look Gaddes' way. "Whatever he does doesn't concern me. He's an adult and can very well save himself if he needs."

Hitomi sighed while shaking her head. She wondered when Celena and Gaddes would make up. "As you say, Celena."

Embarrassed that she had been caught staring, Celena commanded herself to keep from turning her head. Not only had she been caught by Hitomi, but she had been caught in the middle of being blatantly jealous! And why should she be jealous? She did not feel anything towards…

She could feel Gaddes' gaze on her and wondered when he would look away. Just thinking of him made it difficult for her to breathe.

Unable to simply watch Celena from the distance any longer, Gaddes excused himself from the three attacking ladies and moved towards the Asturian beauty. With more courage than he thought himself capable, he asked her with a bow, "May I have this dance, my lady?"

Even though she immediately felt smug that Gaddes had chosen her over the other women, Celena was also confused and incredibly surprised. What was he doing? Didn't he know what this would mean for them? "Yes, you may."

What was she doing? Didn't she know what this would mean for them?

As Celena's smaller delicate hand touched his larger rough one, Gaddes did not know whether to be grateful or afraid for her acceptance. He had half hoped she would reject him; at least then he would know that she felt nothing towards him and thought of him only as her brother's underling. However, with the beautiful tint of her cheeks and the twinkling look in her ceruleans eyes, Gaddes knew that she never thought so lowly of him.

That fact alone made him elated, knowing that he already stood above many other men in want of the lady's attention. And that was when jealously bubbled inside of him. He did not want any other man to look at her with wanting eyes. Celena belonged to one and one alone.

Damn it, Gaddes thought, I'm a dead man. He kicked himself in the head while he led his partner through the waltz.

He was in love with the one woman he could not have.

While Hitomi watched the two gracefully dance across the courtyard, she heard the ladies nearby sigh, "Of course Lady Celena would be asked first, and no less by Sir Gaddes of Asturia."

"Can you blame her?" another lady giggled. "She's beautiful, kind, and well accomplished. It's no wonder that many men would want to have her as their bride. Anyone less than Sir Gaddes' caliber would be insult."

"Is she that popular with the men?" Hitomi could not help but to butt in.

"Oh, have you never heard?" the elegant courtiers asked while turning to face her. "Aren't you Lady Celena's good companion?"

"Yes, I guess I am," Hitomi admitted shyly. "But Celena has never been one to brag about suitors and whatnot. She doesn't seem very interested in marriage at this point in time."

"No, you're right," the first woman agreed. "She never has been the type to do so. From what I understand, her elder brother, Sir Allen Schezar, is refusing any marriage proposals for his sister until she states that she is ready."

"A bit odd, if you think about it," another sighed while joining the conversation. "She's a bit old to be refusing proposals."

"Not that you could tell by looking at her face," the second lady added.

"She looks as young and as beautiful as ever."

Although she already knew the answer, Hitomi wanted to know if others were aware of the truth. "Has she never fallen in love with anyone?"

The noblewomen looked to each other, each one questioning the other with their expressions. It almost looked like the answer would be no until one spoke up hesitantly, "Well… there was this brief period where she almost became engaged with King Fanel."

Hitomi felt her heart freeze. "What?"

"Oh, yes, I remember that," the second lady clapped in remembrance. "I had nearly forgotten that ever happened. No one speaks about it now, and it happened a few rotations ago."

She was almost too afraid to know… But then again, her curiosity got the better of her, and Hitomi needed to know. "What happened?"

"Well, about four rotations after the end of the Great Gaean War, Lady Celena had an extended stay in Fanelia. She and King Fanel, I believe, had a brief encounter, and the two believed that they were in love. Well, before they could be engaged, Lady Celena ended the entire affair and they parted ways amiably. Nothing else has been said about it since."

"Ah, I see." Discreetly Hitomi placed a hand on her heart and wondered why it thundered so. Why had she felt worried? Why was she still worried? Why had she heard nothing about this before? Was it because she had not been in Fanelia then?

Why was she fighting back her tears?

"Are you here to become King Fanel's bride as well?"

"Huh?" Blinking away her sadness, Hitomi asked, "His bride?"

"Oh, perhaps not?" the lady frowned. "But I was sure that you were a candidate, being treated so specially by the Fanelians. Didn't Miss Merle personally see to everything for you? And you have chambers close to His Majesty's."

"M-m-me?"

The third lady giggled. "Haven't you learned by now that King Fanel treats all of his guests with kindness and special favor? It makes you doubt that he was a fearsome warrior during the Great Gaean War."

"Maybe his personality is soft, but his physique is unquestionably rugged," another commented while fanning herself. Already her cheeks were turning a rosy red. "Truly, King Fanel is undoubtedly one of the most handsome rulers in all of Gaea."

"It would be wonderful to become his queen." The noblewoman crooned while holding herself. "Just imagine how great it would be to have Lord Van hold you in his powerful arms!"

"T-t-then all of you are here in attempts to become the Queen of Fanelia?" Hitomi stammered in surprise.

"Those of us who aren't married at least," a lady giggled. "But who wouldn't want to be King Fanel's bride? He's handsome, kind, wise, a good leader and a powerful warrior: he has the best traits a man should have." She gave Hitomi a knowing glance. "Isn't that why we're all here?"

"I have no intent of pursuing the crown," she said quietly. "I'm not interested in becoming King Fanel's wife." All Hitomi had ever wanted was her past, her identity. All she need was discovering her true self. And that was the truth… wasn't it?

"Oh, well, you soon will be, I promise," the other woman waved her hand. "No courtier escapes Fanelia without falling in love with her king."

Many of the women nodded while they all turned their gazes toward their coveted prize. "Too bad he only has eyes for the Mystic Moon."

Hitomi turned her gaze towards the King of Fanelia. And even though he returned her gaze, she knew that he was not looking at her.

He has eyes only for that woman… Hitomi Kanzaki.

Excitedly, Mamoru kicked off his shoes while running into his home. He waved a certificate above his head, his latest prize. "Okaa-san, Otou-san," he called out to his parents with a proud smile. "Look, I—"

He found his parents together in the family room, the adults cooing with pride and pleasure over their daughter. "Hitomi, you did it again."

"I'm so very proud of you, Hitomi."

From the room's doorway, Mamoru called out to his parents again. "Otou-san… Okaa-san…"

"Mamoru, isn't your sister amazing?" his mother smiled, finally turning to face her son. "Only her second year of high school and she's broken three school records, two of her own."

"You're lucky, aren't you, Mamoru, to have such an amazing sister?" his father laughed while ruffling his hair. "Since you look a little like her, maybe you inherited the same genes to excel."

When he freed himself from his father's heavy hand, Mamoru looked up and saw that he stood in his classroom now. He remembered that his classmates said similar things. "Hey, you're Hitomi Kanzaki's younger brother, right?" a boy asked with his friends around him. "Do you think I can meet your older sister?"

"Ne, Mamoru-kun, I've always admired your elder sister."

"You're so lucky you're Hitomi Kanzaki's brother!"

"No—no I'm not!" he shouted while pushing his way out of the crowd. He ran for as long as he could until he felt sure no one stood near him. As he lost his breath, he slowed his sprint into a jog, which then eventually slowed to a walk. Even that faded into steps which then became no movement at all. "It's lonely…" The boy fought back his tears while he clenched his fists together. "This existence is so lonely…"

Mamoru felt someone put a gentle hand on his shoulder. It gave him a kind squeeze of reassurance. "Mamoru, I understand how you feel."

He did not have to see to know who spoke. He knew this voice better than anyone—he could never forget this voice. "You can't possibly understand!" he shouted to his sister, throwing her hand off his shoulder. "You don't understand what it feels like, to see Okaa-san and Otou-san always looking for you, always you, even when I'm still there. You've always had someone with you, someone wanting to be with you! Everyone loved Onee-chan!"

His older sister, dressed in a pale yellow sundress, stared at him sadly. She was about to go out, Mamoru remembered. Yukari and Amano had invited her to go out someplace, and she had been about to leave when she saw him at the door. Emerald orbs bore into similar ones and slender, delicate hands reached out to the young man in sympathy. "Mamoru…"

"Don't touch me! I hate you! I hate you, Onee-chan!" He jerked away from her embrace and pushed her away from him. As the push forced her backwards, she fell off the cliff behind them. He reached out to grab her hand but briefly brushed her fingertips as she plummeted into the darkness. "No!"

"Van," the young woman whispered helplessly as tears fluttered from her face. Like a fading white butterfly, Hitomi disappeared into the darkness, leaving Mamoru behind in despair.

He clenched his hand, the hand that wore his sister's precious ring. "I'm sorry, Onee-chan. I'm sorry that I didn't understand—I know." The fifteen-year old grit his teeth together in attempts to hold back his erupting emotions. "I know now. You were the one that was lonely." He held up his hand to look at the silver Fanelian ring. "You were so incredibly lonely, but you kept on smiling. Even though you wanted to be with him, with Van, you had to be separated from him. You were so lonely… but you kept smiling for everyone at home."

Mamoru held his hand against him and closed his eyes at the painful memories. "And now everyone back home is lonely. You're lonely now, too. I'll help you and take you back home. I'll help you get back home and fix everything."

A deep voice warned, "You should be careful of what you will for."

Mamoru turned and faced a tall man. "Who are you?"

Despite the circumstances, Folken smiled slightly, "I'm your other brother-in-law. Well, I guess not quite since Hitomi hasn't married into the family yet. But for all intents and purposes, let's just saw we're brother-in-laws."

"You're the real Folken, aren't you?" Mamoru squinted his eyes slightly and nodded in confirmation. "You look like him, like Van. You have the same eyes and smile."

"Not much different from you and Hitomi," the Draconian said in kind. "You share the same eyes as well, not to mention the same determination to change fate."

"What? What are you talking about?"

"You are calling upon misfortune for the sake of your ill will, Mamoru," Folken warned while stepping closer towards the younger man. "For your desires, for this alternate fate, you will have to sacrifice something, something very dear to you."

"Getting Onee-chan home is all that matters, no matter what I have to give up," Mamoru said almost defiantly. "You don't know how long everyone has suffered because of her absence. You don't know how long she's suffered because she's been gone. She needs to go back! She needs to go back home!"

Folken shook his head with a solemn expression. "This branch of fate you're calling on will be sad." He placed his large hand on Mamoru's head and looked at the boy with great sympathy. "You will be very sad, Mamoru."

A small piece of the future flashed before his verdant eyes.

"Believe in everyone," Folken said. "Like your sister, have faith in those you care about, Mamoru—don't try to solve everything on your own. Don't selfishly wish for another fate. Remember the people in your life."

Mamoru shook off Folken's hand. "No!"

The Fanelian prince looked sadly at the younger boy.

"No!" Mamoru shouted while running away, running deep into the surrounding darkness.

The teen woke up with a start, sitting up in his bed. With labored breathing, he looked all around the room and tried to orient himself. His pulse thundered in his ears while sweat beaded his brow. When he looked out the window and finally saw the Earth and moon in the sky, he relaxed and lied back down into his pillows. "It was just a dream. It was only a dream."

Mamoru sighed as he closed his eyes again to return to sleep. "It was just a dream," he mumbled to himself over and over again, drifting away.

He did not see the white feather resting beside his ear.

A cool breeze flowing into her face, Hitomi closed her eyes and smiled at the refreshing feeling. Naria tugged at her hand, causing the young woman to look down at her ward. "Yes, Naria?"

"Where are we going, Lady Hitomi?" the silver cat girl asked curiously.

"We're going to the orphanage to meet with Nina," the woman smiled warmly while swinging their hands happily. "You can also play with the children there. I'm sure they'll be happy to see you."

"It'll be good to see Sara again," Naria agreed cheerily.

Being in Fanelia again, Hitomi felt the need of seeing Nina. She needed to talk with her rescuer and see if she could decipher recent events. When Hitomi had announced her decision to visit Nina that morning, Naria and Mamoru had immediately volunteered to follow her. The two of them never left her side if they could help it—Hitomi had no idea why. Merle had kindly offered to come with Hitomi, deciding that now was as good as any time to shower the orphanage with gifts. Gatos had wanted to come as well but had duties to fulfill at the gardens.

As of late, Celena had been scarce and no one quite knew where she had retreated to. Gaddes told everyone not to worry and assured them that she was fine; she simply wanted some time to herself. Naturally, the sergeant spent his time watching Celena from the distance and doing his job properly. Celena and Gatos were not the only ones unable to go with Hitomi to the orphanage. Van, even though he really wanted to, could not follow Hitomi and Merle. Being gone from his throne long enough, he had much work to make up and could not spare time for the small visit.

I see less and less of him as time goes by, Hitomi sighed. And I have so many questions to ask him about Hitomi Kanzaki. I wonder if he'll have any time for me.

"You're very close with Nina?" Merle asked, interrupting Hitomi's thoughts.

Turning to the orange cat-woman, the young woman nodded and answered politely, "She's the one that took care of me when I first lost my memories seven rotations ago."

"So you've been staying in Fanelia since then?"

"For some rotations," Hitomi admitted. "When I could, I traveled around Gaea."

"It's a wonder that Lord Van didn't know of you when you lived with Nina," Merle said quietly while staring ahead as she walked on. "You would think that with your similar appearance to Hitomi, he would have figured out who you were rotations ago."

Even though Hitomi knew that Merle meant no harm by her statement, the young woman could not help but to feel stung. Would Van only have approached her because she looked like Hitomi Kanzaki? Would he have regarded her as any other woman if not for her appearance? Was that the only reason behind his kindness towards her?

Her curiosity and mouth getting the better of her, she impetuously asked, "Who exactly is Hitomi Kanzaki?"

"She's a girl from the Mystic Moon that met Lord Van during his ceremony to become king. She somehow followed him to Gaea—she would probably tell you against her will—and helped us with her ability to see into the future, past, and present." Can't you remember at least that much on your own? Merle bit her tongue to control it.

"So she met him during the Dragon Slaying Ceremony?"

"Yes."

"Did they have a good relationship while she stayed on Gaea?"

Despite feeling annoyed earlier, Merle snickered at the memories, a fond smile playing on her lips. "At first, no." She sighed while remembering back to eight rotations ago. Oh, the drama! "They were awkward and at first didn't seem to like each other. But after a while, they seem to get along… eventually, they became something more."

"So then all of the rumors are true?"

"Ha, there's no way that all of the rumors are true."

At least I hope not, Hitomi wished desperately. She did not want to imagine Van being intimate with anyone other than her… Wait, what? Why was she jealous? "Well, the ones about Van being in love with Hitomi Kanzaki—they're true, aren't they?"

"Truer that most things in this world," Merle murmured.

Hitomi fought back the pang in her chest and bravely asked, "How was their relationship before she left?"

"It was…" The cat woman shrugged with a hopeless sigh. "I can't even begin to describe it. It's something very personal between Lord Van and Hitomi, and they knew what they were doing when they parted from each other."

"I see." Hitomi wondered why she still felt jealous even though she had no reason to feel so. She did not know Van very well—and she most definitely did not know the Girl from the Mystic Moon. Hitomi Kanzaki, from what she understood, had been kind, brave, powerful… and ever so dear to one certain king. Honestly, Hitomi had no reason to judge or feel jealous… right?

"And what about you?" Merle demanded. "What's your relationship with Lord Van?"

"Um, I'm not quite sure," she answered stiffly. Shifting her green eyes to the side, Hitomi added weakly, "I think of him as a very good friend."

Feline eyes glared at her suspiciously. "Nothing more?"

"On his part, at the very least," Hitomi replied honestly. She parroted the words she had heard during the party. "He treats me just as kindly as he treats everyone else." She did not want to add that he believed her to be Hitomi Kanzaki, his long lost love. Thinking about that only made her angry and flustered—and only God knew why.

Stopping in her steps, Merle crossed her arms and glared at the honey-haired woman. "Are you sure that's what you think?"

"Why are you being so mean to Lady Hitomi?" Naria demanded in frustration. "Why are you being so rude to her?" So far, she and Mamoru had been quietly listening to the conversation. They were curious and figured that it was not their place to interrupt what seemed an important discussion between the two women. However, when the topic and mood had changed, Naria could not longer hold back her frustration with Merle's grilling.

"I'm not being rude," the older cat answered matter-of-factly. "I'm just trying to figure out her intentions." She then turned to Hitomi with determined azure eyes. "You have to understand: I don't want to see him hurt ever again. He was deeply in love with Hitomi Kanzaki, and when she left Gaea, she took his heart with her. He was devastated when she left him and he's never recovered from it. He can never fall in love again because of what's happened to Hitomi."

"Then what about Celena?" As soon as she said it, Hitomi regretted it.

Merle frowned instantly. "What about her?"

Ashamed by her brashness, Hitomi did not have the courage to look at Merle. "Wasn't he in love with her briefly?"

"Oh, so you heard about that." The Fanelian shook her head while resuming her walk. "He was never in love with her, regardless of what courtiers and rumors say. That should be proof, if anything else, that Lord Van can't fall in love again." Admitting that out loud hurt her as much as she knew it hurt Van. He never wanted to have his heart frozen solid. "They both tried to fall in love but it wouldn't work out for them. No matter how hard he tried, Lord Van couldn't forget about Hitomi, forcing Celena to call it quits. Besides, they both realized that they were just trying to replace each other for someone else."

"I see." If it weren't for Hitomi Kanzaki, Van wouldn't be troubled, Hitomi thought sadly. He probably would have already been married by now—he could have married Celena. Even though Hitomi reasonably knew that Celena would have never married Van, the fact remained that they had been very intimate at one point in time. Why does it hurt me so? She could not help but ask that of herself.

"So whatever you intend for Lord Van, you better know for sure. I won't accept you hurting him just because you were thoughtless or couldn't make up your mind." Oh, yes, Merle thought. Hopefully Hitomi could make up her mind just a tad bit quicker this time around. The cat woman remembered rotations ago when the girl from the Mystic Moon had swung back and forth between Allen and Van, her heart unsure about her true feelings. That was a real pain in the rear, Merle thought with a frown. Really, how fickle can a heart be?

"I have nothing intended for him," Hitomi said seriously. "I'm simply here to find out who I am."

Once again Merle stopped and stared at Hitomi. While deep blue glared into emerald green, the air grew thick and charged with tension. Unsure of what to do, Hitomi held Merle's gaze as steadily as she could. The orange-striped cat woman scowled while turning away. She crossed her arms and walked towards the orphanage.

"I don't believe you."

They did not say anything more. Fortunately for them, they reached their intended destination at that moment. Hitomi and Merle walked inside to meet with Nina and trade formalities while Mamoru and Naria went to go play with the children. As the pair went off to find their supposed playmates, Naria began her rant.

"I can't believe she said such rude things to Lady Hitomi!"

Mamoru laughed at the girl's fury and said to her, "Naria, don't worry about it. Merle didn't mean anything by it—she's just very concerned about Van."

Her silver eyes widened in shock at his words. Why was he defending that awful woman? Did he like her more than he liked Lady Hitomi? Did he not agree with her? Or actually… did he like Merle? Had she offended him by saying those things about the older cat? "But she should know how well Lord Van treats Lady Hitomi and how much she—"

"It's okay, Naria, just relax. She's strong, so this won't do anything to her or her relationship with Van, I'm sure." He petted her head gently and rubbed her ears in the way he knew she liked. "Don't make me worry about you, though, okay?"

Blushing, Naria looked down and let Mamoru continue petting her. He said kind things to her, he did things that she liked… but sometimes she felt more childish with him than anyone else. Mamoru knew how to make her feel less than what she was—he knew how to make her feel hopeless about her feelings towards him.

"You won't make me worry?"

"Okay," she murmured. "I won't."

Taking a deep breath, Hitomi relished the fresh spicy scent of the Royal Fanelian Gardens. She gazed around the moonlit gardens, very impressed by Gatos' work. As she did this, the young woman spotted a familiar blossom growing near the pond in the center of the gardens. "I didn't know that these were here," Hitomi murmured thoughtfully as she picked the large lavender flower and held it to her nose. Smelling the familiar and comforting scent, she thought of the first time she remembered encountering this flower.

It was this scent that had greeted her when she first opened her eyes seven rotations ago. "Do you remember your name?" a warm, gentle voice had asked her.

"Ah—it's Hitomi." She had sat up groggily, disoriented and lost as to where she was.

"Hitomi?" Nina had chuckled. "That's a different one—pretty, but different."

"Where am I?" Hitomi had asked while looking around the small cottage. Was this her home?

"You're on the edge of the Fanlian border, a day's journey away from Castelo." Nina had given her a concerned look. "I found you lying outside with your head cut open and all banged up. Do you know what happened to you?"

"No," Hitomi had answered, the panic finally settling into her. "I don't remember anything."

Yes, she could not remember anything beyond her name and age. Anything else was lost to her, no matter how much time she rested and waited. No one came to search for her, and no one recognized her. Hitomi had spent one rotation in Fanelia in hope she could discover her identity. However, when nothing came to her, she left the Land of Dragons to actively discover who she really was. Van's rotation celebration had been the first time in four rotations she had been in Fanelia.

"And it hasn't changed," Hitomi smiled fondly while spinning the flower between her fingers. She petted the soft petals tenderly. "The flowers here are as beautiful as ever."

"Do you often walk alone at night?"

Surprised by the voice, Hitomi spun around and faced a familiar man. "Ah, Lord Hiigo… you're here at palace as well?"

"Yes, I came as soon as I heard that His Majesty had returned to Fanelia." He looked left and right, an awkward expression on his face. "Would it be all right if I joined you?"

"Oh, you're more than welcome," Hitomi smiled. She motioned towards another part of the garden as a destination for their promenade. "It's better to walk with someone than to walk alone."

They strolled through the gardens together for a while in silence before Hiigo asked her, "Did you find what you were looking for in Freid?"

"Not exactly," Hitomi blushed sheepishly. She had hoped to find something about her past; however, she had instead discovered something about her future—a future with Van Fanel. But then again, with Van came the possibility that she really was Hitomi Kanzaki, which in turn would solve all of her problems. But there was nothing concrete to that theory. "I'm not quite sure if I will be able to find all of my answers with one visit."

Hiigo felt his heart swell with warm and tenderness when he saw Hitomi's pretty expression. Clearing his throat and turning away, he said, "I wish I could have been more helpful to you."

"No, you were more than helpful, Lord Hiigo."

"Hiigo."

"Pardon me?"

Grinning, the young lord repeated, "Hiigo, please call me Hiigo. There's no need for you to add my title into my name."

"Oh." A little embarrassed, she added, "Well, then please call me Hitomi. I'm not a lady, so it wouldn't be right to be called that in any way. But that's beside the point." She shook her head and said, "You were very helpful, H-Hiigo. You took me to Freid and visited me while I stayed there. You've been more than kind to me, a stranger that doesn't deserve all of this generosity."

"According to who?"

"Well, I—"

"You're entitled to everything just as much as anyone else," Hiigo told her, his hazel eyes lit with passion. "I only wish I could give you everything that you desired."

"T-Thank you." She blushed, wondering how in the world she had warranted Hiigo's kindness and attention. She could not look at him, embarrassed by his directed gaze.

He took her hand delicate hand into his and smiled at her kindly. "You don't need to thank me. It was my pleasure." He kissed the back of her hand tenderly, only causing the heat in Hitomi's face to increase.

"Lord—I mean, Hiigo, I—"

"Ah, there you are, Hitomi," Gatos grinned as he happened upon the pair. "My, you are very hard to find, especially at night. Lord Van has been searching everywhere for you. He would like a word with you right now."

"All over?" Instantly Hitomi felt guilty for having troubled Van. "Has he been searching for me for long?"

The cat man patted the maiden kindly on her shoulder to assure her no harm was done. "He started looking right about when you disappeared after dinner: you'll find him in his study right now."

"Oh, then I'll go to see him right away." She excused herself from Hiigo and went on her way.

Gatos then turned to the Lord of Arzas with an enigmatic grin. "If you will excuse me, Lord Hiigo," the cat man bowed politely. He tried not to snicker at Hiigo's displeased frown. As the beast man walked away, he clutched his fist with a successful grin. Gatos had nothing against the young Lord of Arzas; he really didn't. Despite not being a beast man, Lord Hiigo had governed the beast men territory with wisdom and justice and had good relations with the famous Ruhm. In reality, Gatos greatly admired Hiigo. However, when it came to Van's happiness against Hiigo's, the cat man would side with his king every time. That and Merle's happiness depended on their king's good humor.

Knock. Knock.

"Enter."

"Excuse me, but Gatos said you were searching for me," Hitomi said shyly while stepping into the study.

Van blinked for two seconds before sighing and laughing a little. While he shook his head in amusement, he put away his work and said, "That's funny because Merle said you were looking for me."

The young woman frowned. "You mean… we were tricked?"

"Perhaps," the Fanelian king chuckled a little awkwardly. He wondered why his two friends would do this to him, horribly setting him up with one woman in the world he wanted to impress and win over. If he did not know them as well as he did, Van would have suspected the two cat people had a vendetta to completely embarrass him. However, the king knew better that they were only trying to help him: why so ardently, he had no idea. For sure, he would discover the reason later. Remembering his guest, he motioned to a seat beside him. "I'm sorry that you were called here for no reason. But since you're already here, you're welcome to sit with me, if you wish."

"Oh, thank you." Timidly she sat down beside the king while her eyes absorbed the study's greatness. Although not the largest of rooms, the study had shelves upon shelves of texts and relics. Everything was neatly organized and displayed, every trinket and scroll luring Hitomi's eyes toward them. When she heard papers rustling and shifting, she saw Van moving about the room, putting away the texts she had seen earlier. "What were you reading, Van?"

"Ah, just reports from the surrounding lands and the like—I'm just updating myself with the country's status," he answered while reorganizing everything around him. He mentally sighed at the sight of the mass amount of work he had waiting for him on his desk. "I've been gone for a while, and I need to catch up on my work."

"Oh, I see."

Looking at her with a side glance, Van noticed a strange expression on Hitomi's face. He stopped what he was doing and turned his attention fully onto her. "Is everything all right?"

"Huh?" Hitomi fidgeted in her seat, her fingers fiddling away. "Oh, everything is all right!"

Van raised a suspicious brow. "Are you sure?"

"Of course," she said. "What makes you think otherwise?"

"You seem uneasy, as if you're ready to ask something but afraid to." When he caught her eyes, he knew he had pegged it on the head. Van sat back down and faced Hitomi with a kind smile. "It's all right, you can ask."

"Well… I…" She blushed, unsure if she should bring up this topic. Playing with her long her, she debated whether or not she should say anything. But then again… she needed to know. "Erm… During the welcoming banquet, I-I spoke with many of the ladies from other countries."

Courtiers...oh no. Van worriedly inquired, "Were they kind to you?"

"Oh, yes," Hitomi stammered. She rallied her courage together and quickly blurted out with her eyes closed, "Some courtiers told me that you and Celena were nearly once engaged!" She held her breath as her eyes opened wide. Gods! I said it! I can't believe I said that out loud! What will he think of me?

"Ah." Van frowned, wondering why the fates would so something so cruel to him. Why had Hitomi found out about that, of all things?

"I know it's none of my business," Hitomi murmured while staring at the ground. She dared not look at Van now—if ever again. She felt ashamed for having to ask such a question… and now, she did not even know if she wanted to know the answer. "But I just wondered why the two of you didn't go through with it when you seem like such a good match. Being from a noble house of Asturia, Celena has the status, wealth, and political connection beneficial for Fanelia, and the two of you seem to get along very well." Dear lord, Hitomi thought to herself, Celena really was perfect for him! Who stood a chance against someone like her? "That and Celena is very beautiful." Even as she said it, Hitomi felt her insides cringe with jealousy. Of course Van had been in love with her once. But why—"Why weren't you married?"

When he did not respond for a long while, Hitomi feared she had offended the king. In panic, she turned towards him and quickly apologized, "I'm sorry, I didn't mean to intrude into your personal business. I really shouldn't have said anything. Please forgive me."

"Oh, no," Van said quickly. Snapping out of his daze, he faced her with sincerity and said, "I'm not angry. No, I'm not angry at all. I—I was just trying to answer without you misunderstanding."

"Misunderstanding?"

"Celena and I…we grew very close during one of her visits to Fanelia three rotations ago," the young man admitted reluctantly. Why was he talking about this with Hitomi, of all people? "I had invited her to the palace to relieve her from her distress in Palas. Unfortunately, many of my advisors and subjects thought I had invited her as a possible bride choice."

"Did you not tell them otherwise?"

"They never told me they thought so until it was too late. Had I known sooner, I would have corrected them immediately. But before I could do anything, rumors had spread and everyone believed that Celena and I were in love." He sighed in remembrance and pinched the bridge of his nose. "But when we heard them, we thought why not? I was being pressured to find a wife, she was being pressured to become a proper lady, and we both felt the pains of loneliness. And like you said, she has all of the best traits I could want for a wife: beauty, status, political connection, wealth, and an amiable personality."

Van ran a hand through his night hair and took another deep breath. He amazed himself, being able to tell Hitomi all of this without breaking down and begging her for forgiveness. Of course, even if he wanted her to forgive him, she would not know for what or for why. She still did not remember their old love. "So we spent more time with each other, trying to convince ourselves that we could spend our lives with each other contentedly. But very quickly we realized our mistake. I could never Celena like that, and she could never love me."

A small hope sparked in Hitomi's heart. "Why couldn't you love her?"

"I couldn't forget."

About her, Hitomi felt the silent add on. Her hopeful spark died. Van could never forget about Hitomi Kanzaki. "And Celena did not love you as a lover."

"No," Van added with a sad smile, "she couldn't use me to replace that part of her heart either."

"Do you regret it?"

"I feel like I should, considering how it affected everyone, but I don't. I feel no regrets except that I almost lost myself to a lie. I had lied to myself about my true feelings."

And again, Hitomi felt her jealousy simmer. Could Van ever look at her or think of her as he thought of Hitomi Kanzaki? Was he able to look past her appearance and accept her heart, her feelings for him?

"I'm sorry I've distracted you from your work," Hitomi said while quickly standing up. "If you'll excuse me, I'll be going to bed now. Good night."

Standing up with her, Van grabbed Hitomi's hand before she could run away. "You're welcome to interrupt me any time, Hitomi. If you need anything, please don't hesitate to ask me. I would be more than happy to give it to you."

But not your heart, she thought sadly. Reclaiming her hand, she bowed to the young ruler and said, "Thank you. Good night."

"Good night."

When the door closed shut, Van closed his eyes and groaned in misery. Damn it, he couldn't do anything right!

Hitomi, he begged in his heart, Hitomi, please remember me! I love you still—more than anyone. Please, know that I love you and only you.

The guards smiled and relaxed as they kept their watch over the gates of Fanelia. Without a doubt, with the King safely within their walls, they all felt safer and happier than ever before. King Van Fanel stood as the solid rock that his people depended on, and having him back home lifted a heavy weight from the people.

"Did you see that pretty girl at the market today?" a young man sighed. "Man, she's the most beautiful thing I've ever seen."

His fellow guardsmen laughed at him while keeping their posts. "You're hopeless," one comrade laughed.

"What do you mean?"

"That was Lady Celena Schezar at the market today," his friend chuckled with the others. "Sorry, buddy, but you have no chance in hell at winning a lady like her."

"How do you know it was her?"

"Fair hair, sparkling blue eyes, and the grace of a goddess: yeah, that was her. Not to mention, Sergeant Gaddes was right behind her."

"Damn it," the poor guard sulked. His comrades laughed in good humor and beat his back in encouragement. They told him to keep his chin up and to try again. The gods would surely bless him eventually.

As he listened to their well-meant words, the young guard looked out and squinted at a strange sight. He pointed outwards. "Hey, look at that."

"What is it?"

As they all gathered near the edge of the ridge, one seasoned soldier shook his head in disbelief. "No, it can't be!"

An alarm rang throughout the palace. "We're under attack!"

Alert as ever, Van immediately jumped from his bed and grabbed his sword while running out of his door. Gatos and Merle intercepted him as he reached the end of the hall. "Merle! Gatos! What's going on?"

"The front wall was attacked by three Guymelefs," Gatos reported while gasping for breath. "A flood of intruders entered during the initial attack and are throwing the city into chaos."

"Merle, find the nobles and immediately evacuate the civilians from the city," Van ordered while running back to his bedroom. "Gatos, round up the soldiers and my generals and have the militia armed in their Guymelefs! Repel the intruding Guymelefs from the city."

The cat people followed their king into his chambers, wondering why he had quickly run back to them. "What about the invaders on foot?"

"We'll take care of them one by one," Van responded while digging through his bed chest. He quickly shoved and threw various items out of the chest and searched to the bottom. "Whoever this is, they've broken all treaties with the Alliance; thus, every life within my walls belongs to me." Merle and Gatos shivered at the dark tone of Van's voice. "Do what you want with the mass of them, but I want at least five alive."

"Understood."

As Gatos left his side to convey his king's orders, Van left his room, and he and Merle ran down the palace halls. "Lord Van, where are you going?"

"Why do you think they're attacking Fanelia?"

Merle gave Van a stare. "Huh?"

"There's only one reason why any country would want to attack us, Merle," Van answered. His hand clutched around the item he held. "And I'm going to make sure that she's still with me."

The realization dawned upon the cat woman. "Oh no."

When they reached Hitomi's room, the place was torn asunder, everything in disarray if not in pieces. There was no one there. "Damn it! Hitomi!"

Van ran to the edge of the window and looked out and around. There was no sign of Hitomi anywhere.

"Shit," Van cursed while darting from the room. Merle stepped to follow him but then remembered Van's earlier command. She then turned and went to complete her task and help people to safety.

As she did this, she prayed, "God, please keep Hitomi safe! Please return her safely back to us!"

Running in the opposite direction, Van dashed madly towards the rear of the castle, towards his family's graves. He approached the legendary armor Escaflowne with the deepest scowl on his face.

"Don't make a sound," one of her captors warned.

Hitomi despaired, wondering what would become of her. These men had killer intent in their eyes—and regardless of what they told her now she knew that at the end of this entire ordeal her life would be forfeit.

After her conversation with Van, she had returned to her bedroom to sleep. Just as she had begun drifting off after hours of brooding, her abductors had broken into her room and had whisked her away into the darkness. Now at knife point she followed them silently while praying that someone would notice her absence and rescue her.

"Let's quickly get out of here," one kidnapper grumbled. "We don't know when our time will be up."

As they skittered through the darkened alleyways, they pressed themselves into the shadows whenever someone passed by. The city was in chaos, and people ran right and left to avoid attackers and protecting soldiers; however, the abductors did not want to take a single risk for their mission.

Why is this so familiar? Hitomi frowned while she haplessly followed these men.

"Allen!" She felt overwhelming joy when she saw a Guymelef hand taking off the vessel's roof. It was Allen! Allen had come to rescue her! However, when the roof peeled away, she was met with amber eyes… eyes that she knew so well. Disappointment struck her first, but it was immediately replaced with confusion and touching warmth. Why? Why was it him? Why had he come to rescue her?

Who? Who was it? The young woman reached into her memories to grasp more details. When, Hitomi demanded from herself. When had this happened?

A loud clatter yanked her from her thoughts.

Everyone turned around to see what the noise was. A young man with dark hair stood over a fallen kidnapper. His blade caught the flicker of flames and moonlight, causing everyone to take a step back in caution.

Van! Hitomi cheered inside. Van came to save me!

"Who is this bastard?"

"Doesn't matter! Kill him!"

"ARGH!" In the blink of an eye the young man dashed through his opponents, leaving none alive while he passed.

"Stay back!" the leading kidnapper shouted, pressing the blade's edge against Hitomi's skin and making the woman hiss. A drop of blood trickled down her neck. "Stay back or I'll kill the girl!"

The dark-haired man did not give the offender enough time to do anything while he maneuvered like lightning and struck the man down. Finally free, Hitomi looked up gratefully at the back of her rescuer. Warmth filled her as she knew that he would come to rescue her.

"Va—"

When the young man turned around, Hitomi's spirit sunk when she looked into hazel eyes instead of amber ones. She then also realized that night had disguised dark green hair as black. Even though her life had just been saved, she could not help but to feel disappointed. "Lord Hiigo!"

"Are you all right?" he asked her desperately. "Did they hurt you?"

"I'm all right…" Barely hearing her, Hiigo tore a strip from his tunic and bandaged the cut on Hitomi's neck. She blushed and stammered, "Thank you."

"Come on, we have to hurry back to the palace. I'm sure more have infiltrated the city." He grabbed her hand and pulled her through the secretive shadows. They avoided the larger groups of people fighting or running away and reached the palace in good time.

Once they climbed the great stairs leading to the palace and entered the chaotic court yard, the couple stopped to breathe. "Just a little more," Hiigo encouraged his lady friend. "Once we're inside, we will be at a better advantage."

Hitomi only nodded and ran as well as she could while Hiigo led her by her hand. Although he knew it was not the time, Hiigo could not help but to be impressed by Hitomi's stamina and speed. Without much trouble she kept his pace and did not complain about the speed.

"Lady Hitomi! You're safe!"

Hitomi and Hiigo stopped running in the middle of the hall. "Naria! Mamoru!"

The cat girl ran to her caretaker with tears in her eyes. "Lady Hitomi! I was so worried when we couldn't find you!"

Holding her tightly, she whispered, "It's all right now, Naria. I'm fine."

"We should find Van," Mamoru suggested with a sword in hand. Already he had met with two intruders and had dealt with them to the best of his efforts. He had wiped the blood off onto his pant leg. "He's out rounding up the intruders and defending the people right now with Escaflowne, but it would help him to know that you're safe now."

"Then let's go."

Right then, more enemy soldiers appeared. When Hiigo looked carefully, he saw that they were all from Basram. "Look, there she is!"

"I'll hold them off!" Hiigo shouted while pushing Hitomi behind him. "Make sure you reach Lord Van safely, Hitomi!"

"Hiigo, I—"

"Come on!" Mamoru grabbed his sister's hand and yanked her onwards. He felt uncomfortable with the atmosphere between the two people. "We have to go!"

Turning back, Hitomi yelled, "Return safely, Hiigo!"

He smiled. "I'll return solely for you."

Facing forward, Hitomi ran on with Naria and Mamoru. In between strides, she asked, "Do you know what's going on right now?"

"A couple of Guymelefs attacked the gate as a distraction while a number of solders infiltrated the city," Mamoru replied instantly while he followed Naria through the palace. "While some kidnapped you, others began attacking civilians. Van right now is defending the city outside."

A roar was heard, and the three stopped at a window to look outside. In the skies, a white flash sped overhead and dove towards the edge of the city. "Escaflowne," Hitomi gasped.

"Hold onto me tight, Hitomi! Escaflowne, go faster!"

"Come on!" Mamoru urged. He had seen another vision from the past, a vision of Van and Hitomi and Allen flying together on the white dragon. He felt shivers run down his spine as more images of Escaflowne flashed through his mind. He saw what it saw through the Great Gaean War. Why? Why am I seeing this? Mamoru demanded while he ran with his sister and Naria. He tried to hold back his pain when he saw in his visions the carnage Escaflowne had caused. I'm taking One-chan away from all of this, Mamoru thought. I'm taking her back home!

When they turned the corner, they were met with a party of intruders. Having already been spotted, Mamoru drew his sword and pushed Naria and Hitomi behind him. "I'll take care of these guys. Run and look for Van—I'll meet up with you then."

Hitomi opened her mouth to protest, but Naria grabbed her lady's hand and pulled her away.

"Naria!" the woman exclaimed.

"Mamoru will meet us later," the young girl reasoned more for herself. "We'll just get in the way, so we need to find Lord Van!" She kept herself from crying. "We need to trust Mamoru, Lady Hitomi!"

An image of a young woman appeared in Hitomi's eye. She gasped at how identical they looked to one another.

"Believe in the people you love, Hitomi."

Obaa-san? Hitomi shook her head. No, it was impossible. She could not even remember what her parents looked like. But why—why did she know? Why did she know that had been her grandmother? And why had she called the woman "Obaa-san?"

"Believe in Mamoru, Lady Hitomi!"

"Okay!"

They met with a group of men, each one wearing a Basram insignia. Instinctively Hitomi drew Naria behind her and guarded the little girl away from the soldiers.

While the soldiers slowly approached them with their swords drawn, they muttered amongst themselves, "They blew the signal. All of the forces are drawing back now. What are we going to do?"

"We have our orders," the captain growled as he led his men towards the two defenseless girls. "If our nation can't have her, no one gets her." While the two men grabbed Hitomi from the sides, a third lifted his sword high above his head.

At the end of the hall, Mamoru saw the sword poised to strike. "No!"

The Basram soldiers turned their attentions towards the boy from the Mystic Moon. When they saw his sword, they immediately charged. Unfortunately for them, Mamoru had been practicing and had more than enough skill and experience now to strike them down without too much difficulty. He fought as fast as he could to reach Hitomi before the man brought down his sword.

"Hitomi!"

"Agh! Damn bitch!" the swordsman yelled as his weapon clattered to the floor. In a burst of desperation, Naria had leaped onto the man with the sword and had bitten his wrists to save her caretaker. The silver cat girl clawed at him fiercely, doing all she can to get him away from Hitomi.

Mamoru would have helped but two more men came at him and diverted his attention.

"Run, Lady Hitomi!" Naria yelled while leaping away from the scratched up man. "Run away!"

Recovering from the surprise attack, the Basram soldier growled and picked up his sword. "Damn brat!"

Hitomi felt her blood freeze as everything happened in slow motion. "NO!"

Mamoru turned just as it happened.

"No…"

He pulled his sword out from the last man and screamed down the hall, "NARIA!"

"Serves you right, little bitch!" the Basram soldier cackled while jerking his sword out of the tiny body. The silver cat girl flew into the wall due to the man's force. He would have stood there gloating for his murder a little longer until Mamoru stabbed him in the back, straight through his heart. Ignoring all of the fighting, Hitomi quickly ran to her ward, frightened mindlessly at the amount of blood staining the girl's blue dress and her fair fur.

"Naria!" Hitomi cried while cradling the girl in her arms. "Hold on, just hold on a little, okay?" She ripped off a quarter of the fabric off the bottom of her dress and pressed the fabric against Naria's wound. "Just stay with me, all right? Oh, gods, there's too much blood!"

"Lady Hitomi," the little feline mewed as she fluttered her eyes open, "are you all right?"

"Sh, don't say anything. Just keep your strength. You'll be fine."

Her eyes began drooping, keeping them open now being too much of a struggle. "Lady Hitomi, thank you."

Mamoru lifted Naria's head and allowed Hitomi to focus on closing the wound. "Naria! Naria, don't you dare! Don't you dare die!" His emerald orbs, like his elder sister's, welled up with tears. "Damn it, Naria! Stay with us!"

"Mamoru," she whispered so faintly, "I'm sorry. I really wanted to spend more time together. So I wish with all of my luck that I'll get to see you again."

"Don't say that!" he shouted while shaking his head. Mamoru desperately grabbed her hand and squeezed it tight. "You're going to be fine! When you get better, we'll get to spend lots of time together!"

"I'm happy to have met you." She sighed heavily and closed her eyes. "Thank you. Good bye."

"No, wait! Wait! Naria!" Her hand fell limp in his hands. "NARIA!"

"No…. no… no!" Sobs consumed Hitomi as she cried over the girl's body.

A group of men turned the corner and pointed at Hitomi with victorious expressions. "Look, there she is! Let's get her and get out!"

"NO!" Mamoru stood up and rushed at the Basram intruders, the air filling up with the scent of sparks and blood. His anger fueled him while he struck down each man, the intense hate unsatisfied by the pouring blood. "DIE! ALL OF YOU BASTARDS JUST DIE!"

I couldn't protect you! Mamoru cried. I couldn't save you! Because of me, you're gone—just like last time, you're gone because of me! He continued cutting down every man until no one but him remained standing. Bodies lied lifelessly on the ground around him in a large ring.

"Hitomi!" Sprinting from the end of one hall, Hiigo went to her side. "Hitomi, are you all right?" He then looked at Mamoru and the mass of dead around the young man. "What happened? What's going on? Are you all right?"

"You're too late," Mamoru murmured tonelessly.

"Too late?" Hiigo looked from the spiritless Hitomi to the trembling Mamoru. "Too late for what?"

Mamoru did not answer him. Instead he threw his sword aside and slammed his fists against the ground. The tears would not stop and freely poured down his face as he screamed out his heartache. "AAAAAGGHH! NARIA!"

Eriya jumped, clutching her hands to her chest.

Turning away from his advisors, Chid looked to the golden cat girl. "Eriya?" The Duke of Freid panicked when he saw the young girl wipe tears from her face. He put his hands on her arms and demanded worriedly, "Eriya, what's wrong?"

"I don't know… The tears just won't stop," she sobbed into her hand. With her other hand she clutched at her heart. "I feel like something important just left me. I'm sorry, Chid, but I just can't stop."

"I'm sorry," he whispered, pulling her into an embrace. He held her tightly in hopes to ease her sobs. "I wish I could comfort you better, Eriya, but right now we must prepare ourselves to depart."

Through her tears, she managed to voice, "Where are we going?"

"We're going to Fanelia."

"Fanelia?"

"Yes… war is about to begin."