Okay everyone here is the second chapter to this story. If you people reviewed for this I thank you...I don't know but FF says I have reviews and when I check it says I have none. So you can see where the confusement lies. Well my past couple of days have been upsetting so this story is going to be on the semi-dark side. Nothing major or bad. Just some swear words but it's nothing you guys ever heard before! As always R&R!!! Oh yeah by the way I still don't own Escaflowne!!!
Hitomi-22
Van -23
Folken-eh...he's old...somewhere in his late 30's early 40's
Allen-30
' '-Thought
" "-Talking
~@~@~-Change of Scenes!!!
~Chapter Two: Bitter Sweet Memories~
"What is it Hitomi?" Folken asked the young queen as she walked into his chambers, failing again to knock. She walked up to him and leaned her body against his and purred slightly into his chest as her hand moved onto his mechanical one. Closing in the distance she kissed him but he did not respond and she frowned at once at this.
"Oh what's the matter Folkie? Aren't you pleased with me anymore? I'm sure your brother would still be interested in my services." She smiled inwardly as she saw the anger flare up in them. "Speaking of your little brother he decided to pay me a visit last night. I must say it was rather ridiculous that he thought that he could easily rid of me. But I surprised him. Oh yes I did." Her eyes gleamed slightly. "That Van thought he had a few tricks up his sleeve but I have more. And was he ever surprised to find out that Qeen Hitori was actually me Hitomi." Her laughter was cackled and Folken thought the girl must have lost her mind.
"Are you telling me the truth? Was Van there last night in your chambers?" He turned back to the table and closed the book he had been studying earlier. Hitomi sighed and walked around the room with little interest. She had been here plenty of times before and today was no different.
"Yes. He was there last night. Tried to kill me you know? You should really train the guards better and get those passages sealed. I don't want another incident like that happening anytime soon." Folken studied her as she touched random pieces of furniture. Her dark emerald green gown brushed the floor gently, the sleeves were cut just about the shoulders and the neck line plummeted to a dangerous level. He wanted to take her then but restrained himself against his own senses. Now was not the time.
"I will have the passages blocked by the end of this week. I'm surprised Van remembered them. I am amazed as well that he tried to kill you. I guess he still wants Fanelia." Hitomi stared at him her green eyes flashing to a darker color.
"Of course he still wants Fanelia! That's why he tried to kill me! That's why he still fights Zaibach, Folken! Did you think it would be that easy to get rid of him? Your own brother and you can't even figure him out." Her lips shaped a cruel smile as her hands dug into the red plush chair that she was holding onto. Folken studied her for a moment before striding close to her. Raising a metal claw he grazed it over her cheek, not afflicting any damage, and she watched him closely. His eyes had taken a cold look to them as his claw neared her lips and pressed deeply into her flesh. Eyes widening she felt the searing pain as the claw punctered her flesh and she tried to back away but he held her in his grip with his good hand. The blood ran down her cheek and chin as the wound went from her upper cheek to her lip.
"Never smile like that again Hitomi." His tone was low and she could hear him growl between his words. He let her go and she pushed away from him holding her cheek.
"Bastard. I will get you for this!" She turned and fled from him her hand already covered with the blood from her bleeding wound. Quickly he regretted harming her. But that smile, that attitude, it was starting to get on his nerves. It was true he did not know his own brother well and the anger flooded through him as he thought of his younger brother, Van. Why couldn't Van just join him? Shaking his head he walked back to his desk. Wiping the blood from his claw he opened the book he had been reading and continued where he last left off.
She ran down the hall the blood dropping to the floor leaving a trail to her guest room where she stayed when she visited Folken at Zaibach. Wet tears slipped down her cheek and she grimaced slightly as some touched her wound. Folken the bastard. She neared the mirror and wash basin and frowned slightly at the ugly wound. She knew she pushed him too far today. Grabbing some cloth she began to clean her wound and as the blood wiped away she saw the length of the scar she was going to have. With each swipe of the cloth a choked sob would ring out from her throat. The wound would not stop bleeding and she felt herself shaking. Her world was slowly crumbling around her. Folken didn't love her anymore. He proved that today by doing this to her face. Van was still desirable. And her heart just skipped when she thought of him. Applying another cloth to the wound she made her way to the bed and sat upon it. Closing her eyes she breathed in evenly and tried to think over her options. She was loyal to Zaibach. She still loved Folken. But then there was Van. 'Oh Van where are you when I needed you the most?' she thought to herself. She looked up quickly as the physician came into the room.
"Folken sent me to tend to your wound." She nodded slowly as the short slightly balding man brought his medical bag over to her. "You know you shouldn't run into such hard objects. I'm surrpised you even fell. You seem so graceful. But my my my your wound is awfully ugly. It will scar you know?" And she listened as he rambled on about her and how she should have been more careful. So Folken had not told them the truth. He told them that she injured herself in a fall. Closing her eyes she ignored the pain that came when the needle went into her flesh to close the wound and she felt him finally put on the bandages. "Now take good care of that and it should heal along nicely. Have a good day Queen Hitori." And the little man bowed before leaving the room as quickly as he had entered. She stood slowly from the bed and let the dress fall from her shoulders, letting it cascade around her feet like a green carpet, and stepped from it. Her naked body gleamed with sweat and she shivered slightly from the night air. She had let her hair loose from it's braid and it flowed around her now. Towards the window she looked out and let the Mystic Moon shine it's warmth over her growing cold body. The breeze caressed her flesh as her face remained impassive. No emotion could be seen as she gazed up into the night sky. Folken entered the room quietly and took a sharp intake of breath when he saw her. Hitomi stood still as if she did not hear him but he guessed that maybe she had not. He approached her slowly studying every feature and curve of her body. His own responded with desire as his eyes gazed upon perfection.
"Hitomi?" She turned and looked at him her eyes filled with sadness and he approached her slowly. She watched his every move as he neared her. The light barely hit him and he approached her in a shadow of darkness. Her heart quickened as Folken took her into his arms and held her against his warmth. "I am sorry for hurting you Hitomi." Those simple words flooded her heart with joy and love for him. He studied his goddess up close and kissed her forehead. But it did not stop there as she raised her head slightly and let his mouth fall upon hers. They kissed each other with such hunger that it surprised both of them. Both wanting for different reasons. One to fill a growing need and the other to fill a need brought about by another. He brought her to the bed and quickly discarded his clothes. Hitomi openly admired his body. Even without a real arm he could still do wonders. And they both filled their needs that night with love making that would make any young heart jealous. As Folken nestled next to her, Hitomi's eyes remained open. Staring at the ceiling she listened to the calm breathing of her lover's chest rising and falling. Hitomi didn't know what to do now. She figured that maybe she wanted Van because she could not have him so long ago. Or maybe she still desired him. But either way she would have to remain Van's enemy as she closed her eyes and fell asleep to rythmic breathing.
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Van's insistant pacing went unnoticed as Allen practiced with his sword. He was the second best swordsman next to Van. After so many years Van had finally learned the ways of controlling the sword and his emotions but something was bothering him today. Van stopped after a few more paces and growled loudly.
"What the fuck? What the fuck is she thinking? She fucking screwed us!" He turned and hit his fist into the brick wall. Drawing blood, he did not notice, as he hit the wall several times. Each time uttering a curse. Each time his breathing became more ragged. Allen watched with fascination as his friend was destroying his hand and watched as the tears that flowed freely down his cheeks. "Hitomi! Why? Why HITOMI????" He screamed out her name as he finished his sentence and he let one final blow bring him to his knees. His hands covered his face as he cried quietly. His beautiful Hitomi. He was still in love with her. After so many years she still affected him. She plagued his dreams with her sweet smile and the way she made him feel. She never shunned his wings but accepted them. He had failed her. In some small way he had failed her. He felt Allen taking his hand and started to cleanse the wound with an ointment as he applied the bandage. Allen never spoke a word. Nor did he show emotion. All he offered was silent comfort.
"You'll tell me in due time." Allen told him as he stood and pushed his long blond hair behind him. His blue eyes stared into Van's dark ones and they flashed sympathy. Allen had lost his love Millerna a couple years back and he could remember how Allen had mourned for her. Millerna was killed trying to protect their where abouts from Zaibach. Van regretted never being there for her. Dryden wasn't very happy to hear with the news but he kept them supplied with what they needed. So many people had been lost to both of them. Van had even lost Merle a few months back and that brought about more fresh tears as he thought about his childhood friend. She was a cat girl. Had long pink hair and her eyes flashed with determination as she fought along side Allen and Van. Van wasn't paying attention when a sword that was meant for him was met by Merle jumping in to protect him. The wound was deadly and she died shortly after it was given and she had told him how she loved him and that she was sorry that she wasn't going to be with him any longer. So many losses for a losing war. Van stood up and walked to the window and stared at the Mystic Moon that hung high in the sky before turning and facing Allen.
"You know we failed so many people Allen? Why do we keep fighting? We even lost the Goddess of the Wings to Zaibach. Maybe we should just stop fighting. Give up. You know? Why keep going on when we know that the war will never be won by the likes of us." Allen watched his friend with a sad expression on his face and his eyes flashed some anger but he remained calm.
"Van. We are not giving up this fight that easily. If we do that would mean losing all the hope that people have on us to win. That would mean our friends and family died for nothing. Is that what you want? To take the easy route and just quit? Well Van to let you know I don't plan on quitting anytime soon. I owe it to my sister and to Millerna. I even owe it to Merle. It was I after all who taught her how to fight! Do what you want Van, just remember you will never be happy with your decision and may live in eternity with regret." Allen watched Van as his shoulders slumped and his black hair fell forward slightly hiding his features from him. He knew he was thinking about what he said.
"Allen." Van turned his head to look at Allen and his eyes were cold and distant. "I'm not giving up that easily. I want Fanelia back. And I'll get Hitomi back too. I owe it to everyone who's helped us in this war." Allen only nodded as he left Van to his own thoughts and walked to his own chamber. The young king that he had met when he was younger had definately grown into the man he hoped he would be.
Van watched Allen as he left and collapsed onto his bed. Staring at the ceiling he let old memories run free through his head and ignored the dull throb of his hand. Pain would pass as all things did so he did not worry about it. His mind flashed to Hitomi as a young girl of only fourteen smiling at him as she saw his wings for the first time. Memories ran through his mind of everything that had Hitomi in it until it flashed to the night that he tried to assassinate the Queen of Fanelia. How beautiful and intoxicating she was to gaze upon. He could still feel her lips pressed against his and he groaned slightly as he remembered how he had pushed her away. After everything she had done he still wanted her. Rolling onto his stomach he rested his chin on his crossed arms and sighed loudly. "Why Hitomi?" He asked aloud and silence only answered him. Closing his eyes he breathed deeply and felt the bed shift slightly and felt a cool hand touch his arm. Surprised, his eyes flashed open, and was astonished by the sight of Merle in front of him. Only she wasn't solid. Instead he could see through her.
"How is this possible?" He asked quietly and the figure of Merle smiled and touched her chest where her heart was and pointed to his.
"Because Van my heart belongs to you and I am here to comfort you. All is not lost. Trust in Gaea for she will show you the power and will to win this war. Be prepared when the time comes but it will come unexpectadly. Keep your heart open Van and never shut anyone out. Even if they do seem hopelessly lost to you. I must go now Van. I love you! And will always be with you in spirit." She smiled once more and leaned over and placed a cold kiss onto his forhead. His mouth fell slightly open as he watched her disappear and the bed lifted to it's former weight. Sitting up slightly he wiped the sweat from his face and stared at the spot that he just saw his dead friend sitting. Was it possible? Had he seen Merle? With a slow shake of his head he got off of his bed to continue his pacing to sort his thoughts.
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Hitomi-22
Van -23
Folken-eh...he's old...somewhere in his late 30's early 40's
Allen-30
' '-Thought
" "-Talking
~@~@~-Change of Scenes!!!
~Chapter Two: Bitter Sweet Memories~
"What is it Hitomi?" Folken asked the young queen as she walked into his chambers, failing again to knock. She walked up to him and leaned her body against his and purred slightly into his chest as her hand moved onto his mechanical one. Closing in the distance she kissed him but he did not respond and she frowned at once at this.
"Oh what's the matter Folkie? Aren't you pleased with me anymore? I'm sure your brother would still be interested in my services." She smiled inwardly as she saw the anger flare up in them. "Speaking of your little brother he decided to pay me a visit last night. I must say it was rather ridiculous that he thought that he could easily rid of me. But I surprised him. Oh yes I did." Her eyes gleamed slightly. "That Van thought he had a few tricks up his sleeve but I have more. And was he ever surprised to find out that Qeen Hitori was actually me Hitomi." Her laughter was cackled and Folken thought the girl must have lost her mind.
"Are you telling me the truth? Was Van there last night in your chambers?" He turned back to the table and closed the book he had been studying earlier. Hitomi sighed and walked around the room with little interest. She had been here plenty of times before and today was no different.
"Yes. He was there last night. Tried to kill me you know? You should really train the guards better and get those passages sealed. I don't want another incident like that happening anytime soon." Folken studied her as she touched random pieces of furniture. Her dark emerald green gown brushed the floor gently, the sleeves were cut just about the shoulders and the neck line plummeted to a dangerous level. He wanted to take her then but restrained himself against his own senses. Now was not the time.
"I will have the passages blocked by the end of this week. I'm surprised Van remembered them. I am amazed as well that he tried to kill you. I guess he still wants Fanelia." Hitomi stared at him her green eyes flashing to a darker color.
"Of course he still wants Fanelia! That's why he tried to kill me! That's why he still fights Zaibach, Folken! Did you think it would be that easy to get rid of him? Your own brother and you can't even figure him out." Her lips shaped a cruel smile as her hands dug into the red plush chair that she was holding onto. Folken studied her for a moment before striding close to her. Raising a metal claw he grazed it over her cheek, not afflicting any damage, and she watched him closely. His eyes had taken a cold look to them as his claw neared her lips and pressed deeply into her flesh. Eyes widening she felt the searing pain as the claw punctered her flesh and she tried to back away but he held her in his grip with his good hand. The blood ran down her cheek and chin as the wound went from her upper cheek to her lip.
"Never smile like that again Hitomi." His tone was low and she could hear him growl between his words. He let her go and she pushed away from him holding her cheek.
"Bastard. I will get you for this!" She turned and fled from him her hand already covered with the blood from her bleeding wound. Quickly he regretted harming her. But that smile, that attitude, it was starting to get on his nerves. It was true he did not know his own brother well and the anger flooded through him as he thought of his younger brother, Van. Why couldn't Van just join him? Shaking his head he walked back to his desk. Wiping the blood from his claw he opened the book he had been reading and continued where he last left off.
She ran down the hall the blood dropping to the floor leaving a trail to her guest room where she stayed when she visited Folken at Zaibach. Wet tears slipped down her cheek and she grimaced slightly as some touched her wound. Folken the bastard. She neared the mirror and wash basin and frowned slightly at the ugly wound. She knew she pushed him too far today. Grabbing some cloth she began to clean her wound and as the blood wiped away she saw the length of the scar she was going to have. With each swipe of the cloth a choked sob would ring out from her throat. The wound would not stop bleeding and she felt herself shaking. Her world was slowly crumbling around her. Folken didn't love her anymore. He proved that today by doing this to her face. Van was still desirable. And her heart just skipped when she thought of him. Applying another cloth to the wound she made her way to the bed and sat upon it. Closing her eyes she breathed in evenly and tried to think over her options. She was loyal to Zaibach. She still loved Folken. But then there was Van. 'Oh Van where are you when I needed you the most?' she thought to herself. She looked up quickly as the physician came into the room.
"Folken sent me to tend to your wound." She nodded slowly as the short slightly balding man brought his medical bag over to her. "You know you shouldn't run into such hard objects. I'm surrpised you even fell. You seem so graceful. But my my my your wound is awfully ugly. It will scar you know?" And she listened as he rambled on about her and how she should have been more careful. So Folken had not told them the truth. He told them that she injured herself in a fall. Closing her eyes she ignored the pain that came when the needle went into her flesh to close the wound and she felt him finally put on the bandages. "Now take good care of that and it should heal along nicely. Have a good day Queen Hitori." And the little man bowed before leaving the room as quickly as he had entered. She stood slowly from the bed and let the dress fall from her shoulders, letting it cascade around her feet like a green carpet, and stepped from it. Her naked body gleamed with sweat and she shivered slightly from the night air. She had let her hair loose from it's braid and it flowed around her now. Towards the window she looked out and let the Mystic Moon shine it's warmth over her growing cold body. The breeze caressed her flesh as her face remained impassive. No emotion could be seen as she gazed up into the night sky. Folken entered the room quietly and took a sharp intake of breath when he saw her. Hitomi stood still as if she did not hear him but he guessed that maybe she had not. He approached her slowly studying every feature and curve of her body. His own responded with desire as his eyes gazed upon perfection.
"Hitomi?" She turned and looked at him her eyes filled with sadness and he approached her slowly. She watched his every move as he neared her. The light barely hit him and he approached her in a shadow of darkness. Her heart quickened as Folken took her into his arms and held her against his warmth. "I am sorry for hurting you Hitomi." Those simple words flooded her heart with joy and love for him. He studied his goddess up close and kissed her forehead. But it did not stop there as she raised her head slightly and let his mouth fall upon hers. They kissed each other with such hunger that it surprised both of them. Both wanting for different reasons. One to fill a growing need and the other to fill a need brought about by another. He brought her to the bed and quickly discarded his clothes. Hitomi openly admired his body. Even without a real arm he could still do wonders. And they both filled their needs that night with love making that would make any young heart jealous. As Folken nestled next to her, Hitomi's eyes remained open. Staring at the ceiling she listened to the calm breathing of her lover's chest rising and falling. Hitomi didn't know what to do now. She figured that maybe she wanted Van because she could not have him so long ago. Or maybe she still desired him. But either way she would have to remain Van's enemy as she closed her eyes and fell asleep to rythmic breathing.
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Van's insistant pacing went unnoticed as Allen practiced with his sword. He was the second best swordsman next to Van. After so many years Van had finally learned the ways of controlling the sword and his emotions but something was bothering him today. Van stopped after a few more paces and growled loudly.
"What the fuck? What the fuck is she thinking? She fucking screwed us!" He turned and hit his fist into the brick wall. Drawing blood, he did not notice, as he hit the wall several times. Each time uttering a curse. Each time his breathing became more ragged. Allen watched with fascination as his friend was destroying his hand and watched as the tears that flowed freely down his cheeks. "Hitomi! Why? Why HITOMI????" He screamed out her name as he finished his sentence and he let one final blow bring him to his knees. His hands covered his face as he cried quietly. His beautiful Hitomi. He was still in love with her. After so many years she still affected him. She plagued his dreams with her sweet smile and the way she made him feel. She never shunned his wings but accepted them. He had failed her. In some small way he had failed her. He felt Allen taking his hand and started to cleanse the wound with an ointment as he applied the bandage. Allen never spoke a word. Nor did he show emotion. All he offered was silent comfort.
"You'll tell me in due time." Allen told him as he stood and pushed his long blond hair behind him. His blue eyes stared into Van's dark ones and they flashed sympathy. Allen had lost his love Millerna a couple years back and he could remember how Allen had mourned for her. Millerna was killed trying to protect their where abouts from Zaibach. Van regretted never being there for her. Dryden wasn't very happy to hear with the news but he kept them supplied with what they needed. So many people had been lost to both of them. Van had even lost Merle a few months back and that brought about more fresh tears as he thought about his childhood friend. She was a cat girl. Had long pink hair and her eyes flashed with determination as she fought along side Allen and Van. Van wasn't paying attention when a sword that was meant for him was met by Merle jumping in to protect him. The wound was deadly and she died shortly after it was given and she had told him how she loved him and that she was sorry that she wasn't going to be with him any longer. So many losses for a losing war. Van stood up and walked to the window and stared at the Mystic Moon that hung high in the sky before turning and facing Allen.
"You know we failed so many people Allen? Why do we keep fighting? We even lost the Goddess of the Wings to Zaibach. Maybe we should just stop fighting. Give up. You know? Why keep going on when we know that the war will never be won by the likes of us." Allen watched his friend with a sad expression on his face and his eyes flashed some anger but he remained calm.
"Van. We are not giving up this fight that easily. If we do that would mean losing all the hope that people have on us to win. That would mean our friends and family died for nothing. Is that what you want? To take the easy route and just quit? Well Van to let you know I don't plan on quitting anytime soon. I owe it to my sister and to Millerna. I even owe it to Merle. It was I after all who taught her how to fight! Do what you want Van, just remember you will never be happy with your decision and may live in eternity with regret." Allen watched Van as his shoulders slumped and his black hair fell forward slightly hiding his features from him. He knew he was thinking about what he said.
"Allen." Van turned his head to look at Allen and his eyes were cold and distant. "I'm not giving up that easily. I want Fanelia back. And I'll get Hitomi back too. I owe it to everyone who's helped us in this war." Allen only nodded as he left Van to his own thoughts and walked to his own chamber. The young king that he had met when he was younger had definately grown into the man he hoped he would be.
Van watched Allen as he left and collapsed onto his bed. Staring at the ceiling he let old memories run free through his head and ignored the dull throb of his hand. Pain would pass as all things did so he did not worry about it. His mind flashed to Hitomi as a young girl of only fourteen smiling at him as she saw his wings for the first time. Memories ran through his mind of everything that had Hitomi in it until it flashed to the night that he tried to assassinate the Queen of Fanelia. How beautiful and intoxicating she was to gaze upon. He could still feel her lips pressed against his and he groaned slightly as he remembered how he had pushed her away. After everything she had done he still wanted her. Rolling onto his stomach he rested his chin on his crossed arms and sighed loudly. "Why Hitomi?" He asked aloud and silence only answered him. Closing his eyes he breathed deeply and felt the bed shift slightly and felt a cool hand touch his arm. Surprised, his eyes flashed open, and was astonished by the sight of Merle in front of him. Only she wasn't solid. Instead he could see through her.
"How is this possible?" He asked quietly and the figure of Merle smiled and touched her chest where her heart was and pointed to his.
"Because Van my heart belongs to you and I am here to comfort you. All is not lost. Trust in Gaea for she will show you the power and will to win this war. Be prepared when the time comes but it will come unexpectadly. Keep your heart open Van and never shut anyone out. Even if they do seem hopelessly lost to you. I must go now Van. I love you! And will always be with you in spirit." She smiled once more and leaned over and placed a cold kiss onto his forhead. His mouth fell slightly open as he watched her disappear and the bed lifted to it's former weight. Sitting up slightly he wiped the sweat from his face and stared at the spot that he just saw his dead friend sitting. Was it possible? Had he seen Merle? With a slow shake of his head he got off of his bed to continue his pacing to sort his thoughts.
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