Disclaimer: I don't own Escaflowne!! Nor do I own the song 'Love changes
everything' by Aaron Lines.
A/N Okay I just wanted to let everyone know that I'm not trying to steal anything from Aaron Lines. I was listening to his song the other day and I decided to add the title to my little love speech hitomi was going to say. Turns out as I wrote the saying, love changes everything, became a big part of the chapter. So let's all thank Aaron lines for coming up with a very wise quote on love. Hope you all enjoy and I'm glad to see you all loved the last chapter hehehehe ^^ Have a great day!!
Sailor Hope
Hitomi tried to slow her breathing as Van stood in front of her with watery eyes. He was trying to smile, maybe to make her feel better, but it wasn't working.
Hitomi knew she should calm down and just think this through but all her mind kept screaming was
'You're dead!!'
Van turned around to the others, "Get out"
No one argued, not even Dilandu as he shuffled out of the room behind Alexander.
Turning back to Hitomi Van cursed himself and then Shevonie up oneside and down the other. He wished with all his might that he could reach out and hold his angel but he couldn't. And touching would definitely not be a good thing for her right now. The minute he ran his hand through her she'd probably scream and lose control sending her flying down through the stone floor.
"V-Van"
Van didn't know if he possessed all the tears he wished to cry as Hitomi's frightened eyes locked onto his own. He wanted to scream out in sorrow and at the same time bellow with rage.
"V-Van, I fe- I feel," Hitomi started to hiccup, "Van, I-I"
"Ssshhhh love," Van whispered sadly, "Calm down kitten"
Hitomi's hiccups increased, "I'm sorry I jus- I just"
Van shushed her again, "Hitomi don't apologize, oh please don't apologize. Gods this is all my fault so don't apologize."
Hitomi's hands slowly rose until they were level with her eyes.
"I know it feels a little funny at first, not really having skin but it'll go away in a while."
"It's wild," she said softly, her hiccups starting to slow down, "I'm right here but I- I feel like I could just e-explode. Like I could just fly everywhere at once."
Van nodded, "It's because you're getting used to the not so physical realm"
Hitomi gently ran her shaking fingers over her face.
"I'm here but"
Hitomi couldn't seem to finish as she started to tremble. Van watched with sorrowful eyes as Hitomi fought to understand what she was feeling.
"But it feels like you're not here, you feel like air. You don't have much substance so it makes sense while you would feel almost as light as the wind."
"Air," Hitomi mumbled quietly, "I feel like air," she continued quickly taking in all the information
"Air," Van repeated his mind unable to come up with something comforting to say.
He couldn't seem to come up with some tender words that might make her feel a little less frigthened with the whole situation.
"Van"
Van looked up at his brave little angel and felt pride swell up inside as he watched her force down the dread and shock. She was still trembling but she was standing a little straighter. Van couldn't believe he had been blessed with such a courageous woman, it was enough to make him smile. But refraining from such displays of happiness just yet he just stared at his angel, waiting for her to continue.
Swallowing the lump in her throat Hitomi forced down the fear swelling up inside her. She had gotten what she wanted, hadn't she? Van was standing in front of her, his flesh body rightfully returned to him. So she apparently had to pay a price, that being her own flesh.
She had lots of time to worry about these things, later, so forcing down the panic she gave Van the best smile she could muster at the moment. It was time to grow up just a little, she loved Van and she had known from the start that it wasn't going to be a joy ride. So maybe this was a little more than she had expected, she wasn't about to break down into tears. That would only succeed in making Van feel like dirt, and she could already see guilt in his eyes.
Deciding the tears and shock were best saved for later Hitomi clenched her fingers together and focused on making her trembles cease.
"I got you to talk to me," she said smiling weakly.
Van couldn't help but let out a short laugh, "I would have caved if you had asked. You don't like to do things small though do you?"
Hitomi tried to brighten her smile, she was attempting to lighten the mood on the very frightening and serious situation.
"I wanted to do something that would really get your attention, a mere lecture wouldn't do."
"I think I would have preferred the lecture," Van said exhaling deeply
Hitomi felt a little stung, "You aren't happy?"
Van felt more tears bombard the back of his eyes. Here she was, asking him if he was happy when minutes ago she had just found out she was no longer amoung the living. Van was truly humbled by Hitomi, everything she did left him in awe. He didn't deserve her, of that he was sure. But she, for some odd and unknown reason, wanted him.
"Happy?" Van questioned softly stepping closer to his love, "That you love me? Yes. I'll be eternally grateful that someone so lovely as you could ever love me. And under any other circumstance I would be jumping with joy to have my body back. But it came with too high a price."
"Well you can't change it so you'd better start enjoying. I didn't cut my finger for nothing you know," Hitomi said playfully really trying hard to lighten the mood. She wanted Van to be happy, not sad.
Van closed his eyes and leaned forward, "Why?"
Hitomi tilted her head to the side and buried her tears, "Why what Van?"
"I don't deserve you Hitomi," he whispered an angry edge in his voice, "Why do you love me? I don't understand. Why would you do this for me? Why?"
Hitomi felt a genuine smile creep onto her features, it wasn't a full grown smile but it was a real smile none the less. She stood there soaking in his words and after an eternity of silence she finally spoke.
"I don't know why Van," she answered honestly, "You know, I remember an old English teacher of mine asking the class to give a definition of love. She wanted us to tell her why love does the crazy things it does; to explain why it makes people do the crazy things they do. And you know what we came up with?"
"What?"
Hitomi's smile brightened, "There is no explanation Van, love defies all definition. Love is beyond description. There is only one thing we really know about love, and that is that love changes everything."
Van could only stare wide eyed at his love as he let her words sink in. No definition? And it changes everything? As he locked gazes with his angel's sparkling green orbs he realized just how true her words were, love had changed everything and he sure as heck couldn't explain it.
What he did know was that he was blessed with a wise, caring, and courageous woman and he wasn't going to ignore the blessing any longer.
"I don't know what I did to deserve you Hitomi," Van whispered the life returning to his eyes, "But I'm never going to let you go."
"I'm glad to hear it," Hitomi whispered back
*~~*
'Love defies all definition, love changes everything.'
Merle faintly smiled as Hitomi's words raced through her mind while she stared at the three other occupants in the room. First glancing at Dilandu her eyes sparkled as he swung his blade forward the metal slicing the air. He was doing his best not to run Folken and Alex through and Merle could see the restraint.
And it was all for Hitomi.
He would never admit it but Hitomi had touched all of their hearts somehow. Dilandu would be forever grateful to the girl who gave him his body back, and maybe he would tell her some day. So as part of showing his appreciation he was refraining from spilling blood, Hitomi wouldn't have liked it.
Then there was Folken. Merle just smiled as she watched her oldest brother lean against his hidden bedroom door in the shadows. He was doing his best to stay out of Dilandu's way and not provoke him. Like she said, Hitomi had touched all of their hearts and she was sure her speech on love had stuck all of them somehow.
Finally turning to her right she couldn't stop the light headed feeling washing over her as she laid eyes on the love of her life.
'Love sure does change everything,' she thought with a hint of bitterness and sorrow
But as she let her eyes roam over Alex's still well built body visions of the other day came flooding into her thoughts. Alex had said he would always love her, and deep down in her heart she knew he always would. But getting to that place where they could hug and kiss again was going to take some time, and bloodshed.
The crisp clip of boots hitting stone jerked Merle out of her reverie. Turning around she ignored the fact that her family hated each other, Hitomi was a ghost, Alex had killed her, and Shevonie was around the corner. Throwing it all away into the deep dark corner where she felt it belonged Merle smiled. It wasn't just any smile either, it came straight from her heart. It was bright, almost blinding and she let all her happiness pour out through it.
Van was in love and all of her family was in the same room without any blood on the floor. Not to mention she was standing on her hard stone floor in her own flesh and blood body. She would worry about all the other stuff later.
"Hey Hitomi," she said cheerfully
Hitomi seemed be in the same mood, forget about all the details for now and just enjoy being next to the ones you love.
"Hi Merle," she replied just as joyfully, "Enjoying your body?"
"Thank you Hitomi," Merle said concealing her sadness, Hitomi had done a wonderful thing for her and she most certainly wasn't going to cry and bawl over how she shouldn't have done it. It would be like throwing the gift in her face and Merle certainly wasn't going to do that.
"You're welcome Merle," Hitomi replied, happy that Merle understood and wasn't going to cry for her loss. She wanted the Fanels and Alex to happy for what she had done, of course she hadn't known she would have to die at the time. But now that she was dead and knew, she wouldn't have it any other way. If this was the way it had to be done then so be it, she wanted everyone to enjoy their bodies now. No more tears, guilt or pity. It would only make dealing with her current situation harder.
And thank goodness for Merle because she saw that immediately.
"I don't want to make things worse, because Hitomi I will be eternally grateful for what you've done for me. I'll never be able to tell, words just can't describe my gratitude. But we've got a problem," Folken said slightly stepping out of the shadows
Van stepped in front of Hitomi making sure not to brush up against her.
"If it's about Shevonie we know she's here."
"She's coming to kill us."
"Well there's a big surprise," Dilandu said sarcastically as he lowered his sword
"She planned this," Folken went on stepping completely out of the shadows now, "She's done something to Millerna."
Hitomi's eyes widened, "Millerna? What? Is she okay?"
Van growled at his brother and narrowed his eyes. Quickly softening his features as he turned around to face Hitomi he gently smiled down at her.
"Millerna's fine, don't worry. Why don't you go down and scare Charles, he'll love it."
Hitomi frowned up at Van, "He will not and don't try to distract me."
"Love," he whispered as he leaned in towards her ear, "This is nothing you need to worry about. You've been through enough, go to bed and rest. You won't need sleep usually but right now I know you're exhausted."
"Am not," Hitomi stated stubbornly but Van saw right through the act.
"To bed, please?" he questioned locking his pleading eyes with her glassy emeralds.
"I can't stay?" Hitomi tried again
"No, please you don't need to hear this right now. Go, please?"
"Only if you promise to tell me what's going on later."
Van smiled, "Of course."
"I'm serious Fanel, promise?"
"I love you"
"Wrong words Van."
"I promise," Van said smiling softly at his kitten
Hitomi nodded and turned to leave but stopped dead in her tracks. Turning back around to Van she smiled sheepishly at him.
"I don't know if I'm quite ready to walk through walls."
"I'll walk you through," Merle said walking up to her side, "We'll leave all this talk stuff up to the guys, come on"
Van thanked his sister mentally and watched Merle kick the wall and lead Hitomi away from the secret floor.
Once the wall was closed Van turned back to the 3 other men in the room. Catching the glint of Dilandu's sword Van rolled his eyes, preventing bloodshed was going to be somewhat difficult with Dilandu fingering his precious sword.
Scowling at Folken Van growled, "What is wrong with you!? Do you really take pleasure in scaring people?! Nevermind, I don't care. You're just lucky I don't kill you for scaring Hitomi like that especially after the hell she just went through."
Folken wisely kept his mouth shut.
"Now what is this about Millerna?"
"Shevonie's put her under a spell. Millerna was the one who told Hitomi how to break the curse. I'm guessing she didn't tell her everything though, it would explain why Hitomi was surprised when she found out she was dieing. It would also explain why she didn't come to you or Merle to ask for help," Folken said crossing his arms
"We weren't exactly on talking terms at the moment," Van admited regretfully
"I don't think that would have stopped her with something important like this. The problem is that Shevonie is here to try and kill us, permanetly this time. And we need to be careful because she can cage ghosts, meaning she could kidnap Hitomi. She caged me up in Millerna's office, she only dropped the walls when I started to disappear."
"So that means she definitely knows we're human again?" Alex asked
"Yea," Folken said nodding
"We'll take care of her this time, we're prepared now," Dilandu said glaring at Folken
Folken ignored the hidden accusation and kept his gaze on Van, "Van listen, she's still obsessed with getting Alex and killing us. But this time she's mad, she's not just out to get what she wants like last time."
"Why should I believe her lover?" Van snapped
"Van I'm not involved with her anymore, and when are you going to believe that I had no idea what she was doing?!"
"Maybe when she's dead," Dilandu smirked
"Both of you are too stubborn to see the truth!!!" Folken bellowed, " I didn't know!!! I was in the dark and she brainwashed Alex!! We had no idea and we couldn't stop her!"
Van looked unphased, "You expect me to believe that?"
Alex stepped up into the circle the men had created, "No, I can only tell you the truth Van and hope someday you'll believe it. One day I was with Merle walking in the woods and the next I was watching my body move without my will. Shevonie was waving her stupid snake in front of my eyes and I couldn't do a thing about it."
"Convienent," Dilandu sneered
Alex just shook his head dejectedly, "I can't expect you to believe, heck I don't know if I'd believe it were I in your shoes. But there's nothing else I can say. That's what happened."
"I don't care," Van said waving Alex's words away, " What I do care about is breaking this stupid curse!! Hitomi will not stay in her current condition. Now the other question is what to do with a traitorous brother and a murderous friend?" Van growled out angrily
"You let them live," Folken answered
Van turned his scowl to Folken, "I really don't have the patience to deal with you. First you sleep with the enemy and then you run when it gets tough. You're a coward Folken and it's disgusting unfortunately you're still family. But you," Van said turning back to Alex, "are not. I swear I don't know whether I should kill you or let you rot in my dungeon."
"Don't you remember the rest of the curse Van? Who is the only one who can kill Shevonie's immortal self?" Folken questioned
Van ran a hand through his hair. Yea, he remembered. But that didn't mean he couldn't kill Alex once it was over with. Not to metion what he had originally been referring to before Folken had stepped in. What was he supposed to do with both of the traitors until Shevonie was dead?
"I can't do it."
Everyone focused on Alex.
"And why not?!" Dilandu demanded
"Shevonie isn't stupid, she'll put me right back under her spell the minute I come at her with a blade. I'll end up killing all of you again, and that is something I'm not willing to relive."
"Then what do you suggest we do?" Van asked
"I don't know, I'm just saying that me walking up and killing here won't work," Alex insisted
"It has to work! You're the only one who can kill her!" Dilandu bellowed in outrage
Van walked over to Alex and wrapped his fingers around Alex's shirt. Jerking him forward Van gave his ex-best friend his best frown.
"It's going to work, because we're going to break that curse and do you know why? Because as I recall as soon as that witch is dead the curse is broken. That means everyone gets their bodies back and the world will definitely be a better place. Hitomi will have her body back, she will not suffer because of our mistakes."
Shoving Alex away he turned back to his brothers, "Well Folken it's time to start redeeming yourself. You find a way to break this curse, kill that witch, and save Millerna before Shevonie kills her and I'll consider hearing your tale. No matter how sorry it is."
Folken blinked, all he had to do was kill Shevonie, save Millerna, and break the curse and then Van would listen to him? Okay so it wasn't as easy as it had sounded right off.
But considering the fact that he certainly knew he deserved all the hate his family felt for him this was one heck of a deal. He wasn't going to run out on his family this time.
"Done."
Dilandu narrowed his eyes at Folken, "Don't expect me to listen, and," he hissed turning to Alex, "you are just lucky you actually have a use. Or I'd kill you right here."
"I know you're angry Dilandu b-"
Dilandu cut Alex off, "You have no idea how I feel. You killed my family! You destroyed my life!!! Like heck she put a spell on you!!! You're just covering up your affair with the slut!"
Alex's eyes blazed with anger as Dilandu spat out his accusations.
"Alright Dilandu, I've taken a lot of crap from you, from all of you!! And I've been swallowing it because I'm just as angry about what happened as you are! It's not like I don't hate what I did! Even if I couldn't help it I still can't help but feel guilty! BUT! I will not stand here and let you shame Merle! I did not disgrace her by cheating on her with Shevonie! She was my fiance! I LOVE HER!!! And I don't care what you believe! Shame me all you want but leave Merle out of this!!!"
Alex was boiling and decided that he'd better leave before this got physical. Shoving past Dilandu he kicked the wall perhaps a little too roughly, it opened however and he was storming down the stairs within seconds.
Dilandu was seeing red but Van stopped him before he could chase Alex down.
"Leave him alone Dilandu, we need him."
Dilandu jerked his shoulder away from Van's hand and scowled at his brother. The two siblings glared at each other until Folken shoved them apart.
"Let's just worry about this later. I'll start figuring out how to bring her down and you two just try and keep yourselves from killing Alex, okay?"
Dilandu's blood red ruby's flashed as his anger shifted to someone else. Van smirked as he caught the hint in his brother's eyes. Quicker than lightening both brothers brought their fists up into Folken's gut.
Folken gasped and doubled over clutching his stomach as his brothers smirked down at him.
"That's for telling me what to do," Dilandu spat as he turned and walked over to the wall kicking it violently.
"And for leaving us when we needed you," Van added as he turned and followed Dilandu out.
Folken waited for the wall to slam home before he pushed himself upright and smiled painfully.
"At least they can work together on some things," he said to himself as he headed off to his room faintly smiling.
*~~*
Hitomi and Merle made it to the first floor and had broken the news to Charles, he was distressed, to say the least.
Merle seemed to be really talented at cheering people up though and distracted the man by jumping up and hugging him. Hitomi would never forget the look of complete wonder that crossed Charles's face as he had hugged Merle back. It was as if their story was finally sinking in, and Hitomi could have sworn she saw tears well up in the old man's eyes.
The peaceful scene didn't last, not too longer after they had all sat down at the table Dilandu stomped in, his sword still in hand. Charles smiled up at him.
"How are you feeling Lord Dilandu?" Charles asked getting up so Dilandu could take his seat.
"Hungry, I want food, now."
Charles just laughed and set off to get a meal started. Merle smiled at her brother, having her body back was doing wonders for her mood.
"You know now that you mention it, I'm starving," the blonde said turning to Charles
Charles laughed some more, "I'll make a rather large hmmmm," Charles stopped himself and looked out the window. The sun was just starting to rise.
"Breakfast," he finished with a smile and turned back to his task.
Minutes later Van stomped in after his brother and pulled a chair over to the kitchen table next to Hitomi.
Charles glanced over his shoulder, "Hungry my lord?"
Van nodded, "Yes"
"Should I be expecting Lord Folken or any other guests?"
Dilandu just growled at the gray haired man. Merle laughed and her brothers blinked but covered their shock and returned to their scowls.
"I'd say that's a no Charles," Hitomi called out, "Maybe the others just aren't that hungry."
"Hmmmm," was all Hitomi got in response.
It didn't take long for the anger to disappear and bliss to come take over the room. All three recently resurected ghosts were stunned as the wonderful smells started to fill up the kitchen.
"It smells heavenly," Merle said giddly
Hitomi got up and walked over the stove, looking over Charles shoulder she smiled.
"Well that would be bacon, pancakes, sausage, eggs, and I think I can even see some ham in there on a skillet."
Turning back around to the three siblings she giggled a little, they were practically drooling.
"He'll probably get some fruit too, I think I saw grapes and strawberries in the fridge the other day."
The three were still silent as they just let the scents surround them.
"Just be careful, the meat will be hot."
They weren't listening to her of course, and they burnt their tongues, of course. It didn't bother them though, they were too fascinated with the food when it was finally ready to eat. Hitomi couldn't help her giggle as they moaned in bliss at the taste.
They were too distracted and didn't even bother to scowl at her. And as she watched the three eat, relishing the ability to touch, taste, and smell again Hitomi knew that what she had done was worth it.
She had been right, love changed everything.
A/N I hope you all liked, it wasn't very eventful well except for a few nasty words and the brother's hitting Folken. Well thank you all for the reviews and I'll update as soon as I can. Have a great day!!
Sailor Hope
A/N Okay I just wanted to let everyone know that I'm not trying to steal anything from Aaron Lines. I was listening to his song the other day and I decided to add the title to my little love speech hitomi was going to say. Turns out as I wrote the saying, love changes everything, became a big part of the chapter. So let's all thank Aaron lines for coming up with a very wise quote on love. Hope you all enjoy and I'm glad to see you all loved the last chapter hehehehe ^^ Have a great day!!
Sailor Hope
Hitomi tried to slow her breathing as Van stood in front of her with watery eyes. He was trying to smile, maybe to make her feel better, but it wasn't working.
Hitomi knew she should calm down and just think this through but all her mind kept screaming was
'You're dead!!'
Van turned around to the others, "Get out"
No one argued, not even Dilandu as he shuffled out of the room behind Alexander.
Turning back to Hitomi Van cursed himself and then Shevonie up oneside and down the other. He wished with all his might that he could reach out and hold his angel but he couldn't. And touching would definitely not be a good thing for her right now. The minute he ran his hand through her she'd probably scream and lose control sending her flying down through the stone floor.
"V-Van"
Van didn't know if he possessed all the tears he wished to cry as Hitomi's frightened eyes locked onto his own. He wanted to scream out in sorrow and at the same time bellow with rage.
"V-Van, I fe- I feel," Hitomi started to hiccup, "Van, I-I"
"Ssshhhh love," Van whispered sadly, "Calm down kitten"
Hitomi's hiccups increased, "I'm sorry I jus- I just"
Van shushed her again, "Hitomi don't apologize, oh please don't apologize. Gods this is all my fault so don't apologize."
Hitomi's hands slowly rose until they were level with her eyes.
"I know it feels a little funny at first, not really having skin but it'll go away in a while."
"It's wild," she said softly, her hiccups starting to slow down, "I'm right here but I- I feel like I could just e-explode. Like I could just fly everywhere at once."
Van nodded, "It's because you're getting used to the not so physical realm"
Hitomi gently ran her shaking fingers over her face.
"I'm here but"
Hitomi couldn't seem to finish as she started to tremble. Van watched with sorrowful eyes as Hitomi fought to understand what she was feeling.
"But it feels like you're not here, you feel like air. You don't have much substance so it makes sense while you would feel almost as light as the wind."
"Air," Hitomi mumbled quietly, "I feel like air," she continued quickly taking in all the information
"Air," Van repeated his mind unable to come up with something comforting to say.
He couldn't seem to come up with some tender words that might make her feel a little less frigthened with the whole situation.
"Van"
Van looked up at his brave little angel and felt pride swell up inside as he watched her force down the dread and shock. She was still trembling but she was standing a little straighter. Van couldn't believe he had been blessed with such a courageous woman, it was enough to make him smile. But refraining from such displays of happiness just yet he just stared at his angel, waiting for her to continue.
Swallowing the lump in her throat Hitomi forced down the fear swelling up inside her. She had gotten what she wanted, hadn't she? Van was standing in front of her, his flesh body rightfully returned to him. So she apparently had to pay a price, that being her own flesh.
She had lots of time to worry about these things, later, so forcing down the panic she gave Van the best smile she could muster at the moment. It was time to grow up just a little, she loved Van and she had known from the start that it wasn't going to be a joy ride. So maybe this was a little more than she had expected, she wasn't about to break down into tears. That would only succeed in making Van feel like dirt, and she could already see guilt in his eyes.
Deciding the tears and shock were best saved for later Hitomi clenched her fingers together and focused on making her trembles cease.
"I got you to talk to me," she said smiling weakly.
Van couldn't help but let out a short laugh, "I would have caved if you had asked. You don't like to do things small though do you?"
Hitomi tried to brighten her smile, she was attempting to lighten the mood on the very frightening and serious situation.
"I wanted to do something that would really get your attention, a mere lecture wouldn't do."
"I think I would have preferred the lecture," Van said exhaling deeply
Hitomi felt a little stung, "You aren't happy?"
Van felt more tears bombard the back of his eyes. Here she was, asking him if he was happy when minutes ago she had just found out she was no longer amoung the living. Van was truly humbled by Hitomi, everything she did left him in awe. He didn't deserve her, of that he was sure. But she, for some odd and unknown reason, wanted him.
"Happy?" Van questioned softly stepping closer to his love, "That you love me? Yes. I'll be eternally grateful that someone so lovely as you could ever love me. And under any other circumstance I would be jumping with joy to have my body back. But it came with too high a price."
"Well you can't change it so you'd better start enjoying. I didn't cut my finger for nothing you know," Hitomi said playfully really trying hard to lighten the mood. She wanted Van to be happy, not sad.
Van closed his eyes and leaned forward, "Why?"
Hitomi tilted her head to the side and buried her tears, "Why what Van?"
"I don't deserve you Hitomi," he whispered an angry edge in his voice, "Why do you love me? I don't understand. Why would you do this for me? Why?"
Hitomi felt a genuine smile creep onto her features, it wasn't a full grown smile but it was a real smile none the less. She stood there soaking in his words and after an eternity of silence she finally spoke.
"I don't know why Van," she answered honestly, "You know, I remember an old English teacher of mine asking the class to give a definition of love. She wanted us to tell her why love does the crazy things it does; to explain why it makes people do the crazy things they do. And you know what we came up with?"
"What?"
Hitomi's smile brightened, "There is no explanation Van, love defies all definition. Love is beyond description. There is only one thing we really know about love, and that is that love changes everything."
Van could only stare wide eyed at his love as he let her words sink in. No definition? And it changes everything? As he locked gazes with his angel's sparkling green orbs he realized just how true her words were, love had changed everything and he sure as heck couldn't explain it.
What he did know was that he was blessed with a wise, caring, and courageous woman and he wasn't going to ignore the blessing any longer.
"I don't know what I did to deserve you Hitomi," Van whispered the life returning to his eyes, "But I'm never going to let you go."
"I'm glad to hear it," Hitomi whispered back
*~~*
'Love defies all definition, love changes everything.'
Merle faintly smiled as Hitomi's words raced through her mind while she stared at the three other occupants in the room. First glancing at Dilandu her eyes sparkled as he swung his blade forward the metal slicing the air. He was doing his best not to run Folken and Alex through and Merle could see the restraint.
And it was all for Hitomi.
He would never admit it but Hitomi had touched all of their hearts somehow. Dilandu would be forever grateful to the girl who gave him his body back, and maybe he would tell her some day. So as part of showing his appreciation he was refraining from spilling blood, Hitomi wouldn't have liked it.
Then there was Folken. Merle just smiled as she watched her oldest brother lean against his hidden bedroom door in the shadows. He was doing his best to stay out of Dilandu's way and not provoke him. Like she said, Hitomi had touched all of their hearts and she was sure her speech on love had stuck all of them somehow.
Finally turning to her right she couldn't stop the light headed feeling washing over her as she laid eyes on the love of her life.
'Love sure does change everything,' she thought with a hint of bitterness and sorrow
But as she let her eyes roam over Alex's still well built body visions of the other day came flooding into her thoughts. Alex had said he would always love her, and deep down in her heart she knew he always would. But getting to that place where they could hug and kiss again was going to take some time, and bloodshed.
The crisp clip of boots hitting stone jerked Merle out of her reverie. Turning around she ignored the fact that her family hated each other, Hitomi was a ghost, Alex had killed her, and Shevonie was around the corner. Throwing it all away into the deep dark corner where she felt it belonged Merle smiled. It wasn't just any smile either, it came straight from her heart. It was bright, almost blinding and she let all her happiness pour out through it.
Van was in love and all of her family was in the same room without any blood on the floor. Not to mention she was standing on her hard stone floor in her own flesh and blood body. She would worry about all the other stuff later.
"Hey Hitomi," she said cheerfully
Hitomi seemed be in the same mood, forget about all the details for now and just enjoy being next to the ones you love.
"Hi Merle," she replied just as joyfully, "Enjoying your body?"
"Thank you Hitomi," Merle said concealing her sadness, Hitomi had done a wonderful thing for her and she most certainly wasn't going to cry and bawl over how she shouldn't have done it. It would be like throwing the gift in her face and Merle certainly wasn't going to do that.
"You're welcome Merle," Hitomi replied, happy that Merle understood and wasn't going to cry for her loss. She wanted the Fanels and Alex to happy for what she had done, of course she hadn't known she would have to die at the time. But now that she was dead and knew, she wouldn't have it any other way. If this was the way it had to be done then so be it, she wanted everyone to enjoy their bodies now. No more tears, guilt or pity. It would only make dealing with her current situation harder.
And thank goodness for Merle because she saw that immediately.
"I don't want to make things worse, because Hitomi I will be eternally grateful for what you've done for me. I'll never be able to tell, words just can't describe my gratitude. But we've got a problem," Folken said slightly stepping out of the shadows
Van stepped in front of Hitomi making sure not to brush up against her.
"If it's about Shevonie we know she's here."
"She's coming to kill us."
"Well there's a big surprise," Dilandu said sarcastically as he lowered his sword
"She planned this," Folken went on stepping completely out of the shadows now, "She's done something to Millerna."
Hitomi's eyes widened, "Millerna? What? Is she okay?"
Van growled at his brother and narrowed his eyes. Quickly softening his features as he turned around to face Hitomi he gently smiled down at her.
"Millerna's fine, don't worry. Why don't you go down and scare Charles, he'll love it."
Hitomi frowned up at Van, "He will not and don't try to distract me."
"Love," he whispered as he leaned in towards her ear, "This is nothing you need to worry about. You've been through enough, go to bed and rest. You won't need sleep usually but right now I know you're exhausted."
"Am not," Hitomi stated stubbornly but Van saw right through the act.
"To bed, please?" he questioned locking his pleading eyes with her glassy emeralds.
"I can't stay?" Hitomi tried again
"No, please you don't need to hear this right now. Go, please?"
"Only if you promise to tell me what's going on later."
Van smiled, "Of course."
"I'm serious Fanel, promise?"
"I love you"
"Wrong words Van."
"I promise," Van said smiling softly at his kitten
Hitomi nodded and turned to leave but stopped dead in her tracks. Turning back around to Van she smiled sheepishly at him.
"I don't know if I'm quite ready to walk through walls."
"I'll walk you through," Merle said walking up to her side, "We'll leave all this talk stuff up to the guys, come on"
Van thanked his sister mentally and watched Merle kick the wall and lead Hitomi away from the secret floor.
Once the wall was closed Van turned back to the 3 other men in the room. Catching the glint of Dilandu's sword Van rolled his eyes, preventing bloodshed was going to be somewhat difficult with Dilandu fingering his precious sword.
Scowling at Folken Van growled, "What is wrong with you!? Do you really take pleasure in scaring people?! Nevermind, I don't care. You're just lucky I don't kill you for scaring Hitomi like that especially after the hell she just went through."
Folken wisely kept his mouth shut.
"Now what is this about Millerna?"
"Shevonie's put her under a spell. Millerna was the one who told Hitomi how to break the curse. I'm guessing she didn't tell her everything though, it would explain why Hitomi was surprised when she found out she was dieing. It would also explain why she didn't come to you or Merle to ask for help," Folken said crossing his arms
"We weren't exactly on talking terms at the moment," Van admited regretfully
"I don't think that would have stopped her with something important like this. The problem is that Shevonie is here to try and kill us, permanetly this time. And we need to be careful because she can cage ghosts, meaning she could kidnap Hitomi. She caged me up in Millerna's office, she only dropped the walls when I started to disappear."
"So that means she definitely knows we're human again?" Alex asked
"Yea," Folken said nodding
"We'll take care of her this time, we're prepared now," Dilandu said glaring at Folken
Folken ignored the hidden accusation and kept his gaze on Van, "Van listen, she's still obsessed with getting Alex and killing us. But this time she's mad, she's not just out to get what she wants like last time."
"Why should I believe her lover?" Van snapped
"Van I'm not involved with her anymore, and when are you going to believe that I had no idea what she was doing?!"
"Maybe when she's dead," Dilandu smirked
"Both of you are too stubborn to see the truth!!!" Folken bellowed, " I didn't know!!! I was in the dark and she brainwashed Alex!! We had no idea and we couldn't stop her!"
Van looked unphased, "You expect me to believe that?"
Alex stepped up into the circle the men had created, "No, I can only tell you the truth Van and hope someday you'll believe it. One day I was with Merle walking in the woods and the next I was watching my body move without my will. Shevonie was waving her stupid snake in front of my eyes and I couldn't do a thing about it."
"Convienent," Dilandu sneered
Alex just shook his head dejectedly, "I can't expect you to believe, heck I don't know if I'd believe it were I in your shoes. But there's nothing else I can say. That's what happened."
"I don't care," Van said waving Alex's words away, " What I do care about is breaking this stupid curse!! Hitomi will not stay in her current condition. Now the other question is what to do with a traitorous brother and a murderous friend?" Van growled out angrily
"You let them live," Folken answered
Van turned his scowl to Folken, "I really don't have the patience to deal with you. First you sleep with the enemy and then you run when it gets tough. You're a coward Folken and it's disgusting unfortunately you're still family. But you," Van said turning back to Alex, "are not. I swear I don't know whether I should kill you or let you rot in my dungeon."
"Don't you remember the rest of the curse Van? Who is the only one who can kill Shevonie's immortal self?" Folken questioned
Van ran a hand through his hair. Yea, he remembered. But that didn't mean he couldn't kill Alex once it was over with. Not to metion what he had originally been referring to before Folken had stepped in. What was he supposed to do with both of the traitors until Shevonie was dead?
"I can't do it."
Everyone focused on Alex.
"And why not?!" Dilandu demanded
"Shevonie isn't stupid, she'll put me right back under her spell the minute I come at her with a blade. I'll end up killing all of you again, and that is something I'm not willing to relive."
"Then what do you suggest we do?" Van asked
"I don't know, I'm just saying that me walking up and killing here won't work," Alex insisted
"It has to work! You're the only one who can kill her!" Dilandu bellowed in outrage
Van walked over to Alex and wrapped his fingers around Alex's shirt. Jerking him forward Van gave his ex-best friend his best frown.
"It's going to work, because we're going to break that curse and do you know why? Because as I recall as soon as that witch is dead the curse is broken. That means everyone gets their bodies back and the world will definitely be a better place. Hitomi will have her body back, she will not suffer because of our mistakes."
Shoving Alex away he turned back to his brothers, "Well Folken it's time to start redeeming yourself. You find a way to break this curse, kill that witch, and save Millerna before Shevonie kills her and I'll consider hearing your tale. No matter how sorry it is."
Folken blinked, all he had to do was kill Shevonie, save Millerna, and break the curse and then Van would listen to him? Okay so it wasn't as easy as it had sounded right off.
But considering the fact that he certainly knew he deserved all the hate his family felt for him this was one heck of a deal. He wasn't going to run out on his family this time.
"Done."
Dilandu narrowed his eyes at Folken, "Don't expect me to listen, and," he hissed turning to Alex, "you are just lucky you actually have a use. Or I'd kill you right here."
"I know you're angry Dilandu b-"
Dilandu cut Alex off, "You have no idea how I feel. You killed my family! You destroyed my life!!! Like heck she put a spell on you!!! You're just covering up your affair with the slut!"
Alex's eyes blazed with anger as Dilandu spat out his accusations.
"Alright Dilandu, I've taken a lot of crap from you, from all of you!! And I've been swallowing it because I'm just as angry about what happened as you are! It's not like I don't hate what I did! Even if I couldn't help it I still can't help but feel guilty! BUT! I will not stand here and let you shame Merle! I did not disgrace her by cheating on her with Shevonie! She was my fiance! I LOVE HER!!! And I don't care what you believe! Shame me all you want but leave Merle out of this!!!"
Alex was boiling and decided that he'd better leave before this got physical. Shoving past Dilandu he kicked the wall perhaps a little too roughly, it opened however and he was storming down the stairs within seconds.
Dilandu was seeing red but Van stopped him before he could chase Alex down.
"Leave him alone Dilandu, we need him."
Dilandu jerked his shoulder away from Van's hand and scowled at his brother. The two siblings glared at each other until Folken shoved them apart.
"Let's just worry about this later. I'll start figuring out how to bring her down and you two just try and keep yourselves from killing Alex, okay?"
Dilandu's blood red ruby's flashed as his anger shifted to someone else. Van smirked as he caught the hint in his brother's eyes. Quicker than lightening both brothers brought their fists up into Folken's gut.
Folken gasped and doubled over clutching his stomach as his brothers smirked down at him.
"That's for telling me what to do," Dilandu spat as he turned and walked over to the wall kicking it violently.
"And for leaving us when we needed you," Van added as he turned and followed Dilandu out.
Folken waited for the wall to slam home before he pushed himself upright and smiled painfully.
"At least they can work together on some things," he said to himself as he headed off to his room faintly smiling.
*~~*
Hitomi and Merle made it to the first floor and had broken the news to Charles, he was distressed, to say the least.
Merle seemed to be really talented at cheering people up though and distracted the man by jumping up and hugging him. Hitomi would never forget the look of complete wonder that crossed Charles's face as he had hugged Merle back. It was as if their story was finally sinking in, and Hitomi could have sworn she saw tears well up in the old man's eyes.
The peaceful scene didn't last, not too longer after they had all sat down at the table Dilandu stomped in, his sword still in hand. Charles smiled up at him.
"How are you feeling Lord Dilandu?" Charles asked getting up so Dilandu could take his seat.
"Hungry, I want food, now."
Charles just laughed and set off to get a meal started. Merle smiled at her brother, having her body back was doing wonders for her mood.
"You know now that you mention it, I'm starving," the blonde said turning to Charles
Charles laughed some more, "I'll make a rather large hmmmm," Charles stopped himself and looked out the window. The sun was just starting to rise.
"Breakfast," he finished with a smile and turned back to his task.
Minutes later Van stomped in after his brother and pulled a chair over to the kitchen table next to Hitomi.
Charles glanced over his shoulder, "Hungry my lord?"
Van nodded, "Yes"
"Should I be expecting Lord Folken or any other guests?"
Dilandu just growled at the gray haired man. Merle laughed and her brothers blinked but covered their shock and returned to their scowls.
"I'd say that's a no Charles," Hitomi called out, "Maybe the others just aren't that hungry."
"Hmmmm," was all Hitomi got in response.
It didn't take long for the anger to disappear and bliss to come take over the room. All three recently resurected ghosts were stunned as the wonderful smells started to fill up the kitchen.
"It smells heavenly," Merle said giddly
Hitomi got up and walked over the stove, looking over Charles shoulder she smiled.
"Well that would be bacon, pancakes, sausage, eggs, and I think I can even see some ham in there on a skillet."
Turning back around to the three siblings she giggled a little, they were practically drooling.
"He'll probably get some fruit too, I think I saw grapes and strawberries in the fridge the other day."
The three were still silent as they just let the scents surround them.
"Just be careful, the meat will be hot."
They weren't listening to her of course, and they burnt their tongues, of course. It didn't bother them though, they were too fascinated with the food when it was finally ready to eat. Hitomi couldn't help her giggle as they moaned in bliss at the taste.
They were too distracted and didn't even bother to scowl at her. And as she watched the three eat, relishing the ability to touch, taste, and smell again Hitomi knew that what she had done was worth it.
She had been right, love changed everything.
A/N I hope you all liked, it wasn't very eventful well except for a few nasty words and the brother's hitting Folken. Well thank you all for the reviews and I'll update as soon as I can. Have a great day!!
Sailor Hope
