Mother says it is the Moon Festival tomorrow. A day where people exchange gifts of yummy moon cakes, put in lavishly decorated boxes. I can't wait to share this year with Allen. When I left the Floating Cloud Temple yesterday, I felt like a heavy weight had been lifted from my shoulders.

Master of Grey Rain and some other monks performed the ritual. Candles were lit and they sat in a circle around me, and I was in the middle. The Master himself walked around us, throwing white paper with symbols and letters printed on them, chanting loudly. The rest of them simply hummed. I suddenly felt very cold and shivered, my skin becoming full of goose pimples. Just as my thoughts went to Van I could think no more…

When I awoke I was in a rest room, with the Master of Grey Rain sitting beside the bedside. He told me I had been unconscious for a few hours. He said as he was performing the ritual, there was a strong presence trying to enter the room and stop them. So I told him that although I was trying to keep my mind clear like he said, I ended up thinking about Van…. And then I woke up here. The Master concluded this must have been when I passed out. But he says the ritual was successful, and the nocturnal creature, Van Fanel, will stay away. I was so happy…. Yet empty inside.

Today was a busy day for everyone. Father had been given the day off work, and I was happy we were spending time as a family. Anya prepared the baskets of moon cake for us, and me and mother went to friend's homes and exchanged these gifts. Yukari was especially happy, because Dalet had proposed to her. They were going to marry next spring.

Allen arrived at my home when he had finished; they gave him the afternoon off since today was a day of celebrations. anya had brought him to us in the living room. He presented my parents with a lovely box of moon cake… and gave me a little velvet box.

"What is it?" I asked. I am always excited by presents.

"Ah… now that would be telling." He teased.

I smiled then wrinkled my nose at him. Deftly I untied the ribbon and opened the box, to reveal a crescent moon hung from a fine silver chain, made with crystal. It dazzled even in the oil lamp light.

"It is made from the finest Asturian crystal my lady." Allen bowed.

I looked to my parents and mother smiled, and father even winked at me as if to say 'wow!'

"Shall I put it on for you?" Allen asked.

As he fastened the chain around my neck, I can't help but feel we are getting closer. I trust him more and more each day, plus he can entertain me and buys me gifts. Spending time with him is what I am beginning to look forward too.

Hitomi….

I gasped so sharply it aroused everyone's attention. I smiled to show I am alright. Allen strokes my long hair and gazes into my eyes with longing.

Meet me by the river at midnight tonight….

"Mother, Father, I have something to ask you both."

There was something that I needed to do. And the owner of that voice is not part of my future. He can't and won't be a part of my life.. I want a life with Allen now, and Van Fanel has no right to interfere. My parents are waiting for me to speak.

"I was wondering…. About throwing an engagement party? Since it is only a matter of weeks or so until me and Allen are to be married."

"Hitomi! My little baby is growing up!" Mother threw her arms around me.

"Wow. Well well! I can't deny my daughter this then can I!" Chuckled father. Turning to Allen and me, he said "I will throw a banquet in three days time to celebrate this marvellous occasion."

Just then a strong gust of wind blew all the windows open, the chill of the coldness making everyone shiver like leaves on a tree. Mother held me tighter to keep my warm and I snuggled close. I knew full well that was not any old gust of wind. Even if it was almost the ninth month now. But I saw no tall dark figure standing anywhere in the living room, and felt no eyes on me. I guess the Nocturnal spell really does work.

-----

The party is in full swing and everyone who is anyone is here. The entire mansion was filled with people of all ages, even the other ministers and important people from the Asturian Court had come in Allen's honour. My home was adorned with red and gold decorations, with yellow and orange accents. Fanelia's colours of celebration. My father, my mother and I all stood at the main entrance to meet and greet guests as they arrived. Yukari and her parents arrived with Dalet, who is their future son-in-law. Me and Yukari hugged each other as though we have not seen one another for years and years. Dalet joked to be careful not to suffocate his fiancée. We laughed and I took them inside.

"Sooo how does it feel to have an engagement party?" Yukari squeeled.

"It's great! Why did you not have one?"

"Because I'm not getting married quite as soon as you? Hehe Hitomi, I think love's gone straight to your head!"

"Whatever." But I knew she was only kidding.

Then she suddenly pulled me aside, looking all serious. 'Are you sure about allen?'

Of course I'm sure, I thought to myself. If I wasn't then I wouldn't even be doing this, never mind needing to think twice about it. But I was though…. I was thinking about what I was doing twice at the Floating Cloud Temple. This always happens… I make a decision and then doubt it. That's only when you know it's the wrong one. My conscience told me.

'Yes Yukari. I am a hundred and ten percent sure allen is The One.'

Sad eyes were followed by a big brought smile. Then she hugged me tight, whispering 'You're like the sister I never had. I will visit at least once a month. And I don't care if you get tired of me!' She laughed.

I am so touched, I just might cry! Just the Allen appears and holds me. Upon noticing my wet eyes he squares Yukari and Dalet.

'Ok… who made her cry before the wedding? You know I can have you arrested for that?' He joked.

Then he drops to one knee… everyone in the entire room stops what they are doing and watches. To suddenly have a hundred eyes and ears on you is extremely daunting. He delves into his pocket to retrieve a red box. Allen opens it to reveal a sparkling princess cut green diamond, sitting on a band of engraved gold. I gasp at the beauty of it, as did some others around me.

'Hitomi… will you marry me, and give me the honour to be your husband?'

I can just imagine me life; in a big house filled with a few children and being with Allen for the rest of my life. For the future I am secure, and everything is as it should be.

'Yes!' and I threw my arms around him. We embraced to thunderous applause. And then a thunderous sound of many running feet rumbled the ornaments around us.

'IN HERE! THIS WAY!' Yelled a man.

There were screams and shocked voices as I clung to allen and watched in fear, as strange men invaded my home. When the captain come through he stopped in front of me. Looking me up and down he made me feel awful. After what seemed like an age he spoke in a rough voice.

'Are you Hitomi Kanzaki?'

"Who are you?'

'Answer me miss. I don't want to have to kill such a pretty thing.' He held a sword to my throat.

'Watch it.' Allen said and slowly removed it from me.

'Who the hell are you?! Barging into my home like that!!'

"Father!'

"Do not worry Hitomi, I am here. I will sort this out.'

'Sir… I think that's him.' A soldier whispered to the captain.

'Are you sir Tanaka Kanzaki?'

'Yes I am."

"RIGHT MEN MOVE IT! WE'VW GOT OUR MAN!!' the captain bellowed.

It all happened so fast. Everything was a blur and it was utter chaos. i watched helplessly and Allen had to hold me back, as my father was being dragged away like a criminal. It broke my mother's heart to see them treat him like that, especially when he did not do anything wrong. She tried to stop them… and then I thought my world really was falling apart… A soldier simply swung his sword at her to silence her… and she fell to the floor. I could not tear my eyes away from her limp body. I screamed so much… Allen was taking me away and I could not reach my mother…

Allen puts me onto a high horse and he sits behind me. He whips the animal so we shoot out from the stables. The wind is lashing my wet face and tears were blurring my vision. All I hear is him saying something about treason and royal soldiers. But what has that got to do with my father?!

I tried and tried to get off but Allen would not budge. I want to know where they were taking my father. I want to know why they were taking him. I want to go back to my mother. I just want to know what the hell was happening.

It seems it is always what I want. I am considerate of others and think of them first, but it seems it is always my will. Learning you cannot always have your own way, whatever your intentions is a hard lesson to learn. The wind made my skin cold where the tears still ran. By now I was sobbing silently, Allen holding me in his arms while taking the reins. After a while we were in the country side, and the sun was setting a bloody red hue cast over the land. The fierce intensity hurt my eyes but still I stared into it.

We came to a stop. There was a big cottage with a brown thatched roof and white walls and a blue door. My whole body was so numb from shock, allen had to help my off the horse and then carried me inside. I clung to him like a frightened child. His strides were steady and even, going through the corridors and into an empty furnished room. He was ready to let me go but I held onto him. Allen is all I have left now… throwing my arms over him I wept uncontrollably. Embracing me he did not take advantage of me, but simply held me. For as long as I needed. No pressure. No questions asked.

Unlike someone else, he cares for and loves me. It is all I need.

The next day I awoke to the sounds of someone banging on the door and loud voices. Angry voices. Pulling my legs close I sat there in my bed, half afraid and half curious. It seemed people were arguiung yet I was unable to make out what they were saying.

Tip-toeing towards the door, I put my ear to the wood and tried to listen. It was not any clearer. Sighing I decided going back to bed was the best option when the door flung open.

I screamed because I was still in my night gown, although thankfully I did not feel exposed. A tall man with a shaven head and common clothes came charging at me. He held a sword at his side which he was bringing up and he got near…

ClAnG!

"JUST WHAT IN THE NAME OF GAEA DO YOU THINK YOU ARE DOING?!" Allen shouted.

I had never heard him raise his voice before, and it made me jump a little. When I opened my eyes I found myself crouching on the floor, with the two men locked in a confrontation of swords above me. Allen came to protect me…

"YOU KNOW WHY….Allen Schezar." The other man snarled. Then looked at me in a way that made goosebumps come up in my skin.

"I'll take you outside." Allen replied.

"The girl has to die too! For the wrong her father tried but thankfully failed to do!"

Now I am angry. First he tries to kill me, then this stranger accuses my father of some injustice. Father is a kind and loving man, firm but fair. He would not hurt a fly. Standing up I looked the bald man square in the eye.

"My father is a respectable man, so please watch what you say."

"Huh…. You dunno squat… do you?'

And before anyone could do anything, came the words no child should have to hear. He said my father is accused of treason and will be beheaded at midday… I grabbed a cloak and ran down the dim corridors and out into the fields. Unlocking the stables I climbed onto a horse and whipped it like I mean to kill it. The animal reared onto its hind legs and whinnied loudly, then it galloped so fast the wind was now whipping my face. Perhaps I should have stayed until he said where my father was being beheaded… But I know where. My gut instinct is telling me to go to Fanelia's Palace. The large empty space in the middle of the valley.

Buildings came into view and soon I was galloping through the cobbled stone streets, the horse's hooves ricocheting off the walls and echoing like the hounds of hell on a rampage. People who saw me were frightened by the sight of a giant horse running towards them, and they ducked and dived to avoid a collision. Soon I had mastered how to run at full speed on horseback through narrow Asturian streets.

I was still in Asturia, and I needed to get back to Fanelia as quickly as Gaea would allow. I can't be late I just can't…. I have to save him…. I must save him…

the trees became green smudged onto a brown canvas, messy and unclear. The wind combed through my long honey hair. I whipped the animal like I mean to kill it, which I did not, to make it run as fast as it can. We were going so fast I was finding I hard to breathe, for the air was rushing through my nostrils and into my lungs, filling them like a broken dam exploding. Still I head on, my will stronger that I had imagined.

I stopped and the horse gave a loud whinny. Here we are; outside the intimidatingly high and tall stone walls of the Fanelian Kingdom. They were so high you could swear they touched the sky. Literally. And there was a tiny glimpse of green just above it, indicating the ginormous tree which sat in the heart of the Palace. What to do? My Father will be beheaded and by the looks of things, it was almost midday.

Just as the grim thought entered my head, the gigantic wooden doors were creaking open. Someone from inside must be leaving. Holding my breathe I waited for my chance. It came in the form of an old man sitting on a horse-cart, obviously a merchant who has just sold his goods. As soon as they were wide enough I bolted in barely getting through the gap. The old man gave a start and his animal reared up in its hind legs. A dust trail followed behind me like a faithful shadow as I hoped I was still able to save my Father. How I was going to do that I had not thought of, but I will have to improvise when the time comes. The streets here were broader, but dirtier and with more hazards like broken pottery dotted about here and there. It was like an obstacle course. Avoiding pools of water and other horrible things slowed me down considerably. People were shouting at me for creating such a racket and were even throwing vegetables at me. I did not care, as I have more important things to worry about. The streets never seemed to end. I kept the sight of the Palace with its huge tree as a focal point, always heading in that direction.

Suddenly there were voices. Lots of loud, angry voices. Slowing down I dismounted my horse. Straining my ear, they were hurling abuse at someone. 'Die! Die!' one said. 'You deserve this you scoundrel!' said another. 'How dare you try and kill the king?!'

Fear gripped me like a snake, suffocationg me with dread. Then another voice made it clear to me if this was the right place. 'You were such a good Minister… you helped my family so much… I just can't believe it… Mr. Kansaki!! Why?!'

Charging through the crowd with all my strength, I bolted right into the centre of the open court yard in the middle of the Fanelian Kingdom, this huge expansive area of land. A wooden platform was in the very heart, and connected to it was a man on his knees, his head lying on another platform exposing his naked neck. They really were going to execute him.

As I broke through a voice gave the command for execution. The axe man raised his weapon ready. Still I tried, praying, begging, Gaea to let me reach my Father and save him. The axe man now lowered it with brute force. Everything seemed to be in slow motion as I realised that I could not save him. I was simply too far away as there was at least a hundred yards between me and him. A scream punched through the otherwise silent air surrounding this morbid moment. It sounded like it came from someone else, as I watched in horror as metal cut through human flesh. My eyes were fixed on the round object that became detached and went rolling off the platform. The prosecution noticed me by then, and ordered for soldiers to capture me. Numbed with shock, every muscle in my body was now limp. Words would touch my ears but could not be processed. now I am truly, utterly alone in this world. I came too late. I could not save my beloved Father.

This was my only thought as rough hands grabbed me and pinned me to the dirt ridden ground. Whispers swooped around me like phantoms of my fears. Words of men being sent to take away my family's every possession. To rid this city of the Kanzaki name. One last thought occurred to me as my hands were tied behind my back .

It was just five days until my twenty first birthday.