DisClaimer: I don't own Escaflowne or any of the people in it. Please
don't sue.:0) I have received a lot of emails about the direction the
story is at right now. Don't worry Van & Allen will get theirs.
Dilandau probably won't get his. Hitomi will be pretty pissed. Miguel
is in love, is the object of his interest in love with him too? Any
ideas welcome. email me and tell me about them:0)
-------------------
Chapter 5: Acceptance
-------------------
-This phantasm of falling petals vanishes into moon and flowers...-
-OKYO-
-------------------
Forest near Arzas
-------------------
Hitomi picks herself up of the ground. She recognizes the place.
This first time she landed on Gaea with Van. She gets up and starts
walking toward Fanelia.
I wonder how he is doing. I have missed him so much, has he missed
me? I know it has not been very long since i last saw him, but it feels
like a lifetime ago. Now that i am back i don't think i ever want to
leave again. I hope he feels the same about me. Van I'm coming home....
-------------------
Fortuna Temple
-------------------
" Can you help her " Miguel asked one of the priests. " Does she
want to be helped ? " The priest replied. " Of course why wouldn't
she ?" Miguel retorted. " Well.... we can try. You will have to stay
away from her though. You don't have to leave the temple but you must
not speak to her until such time as her mind is healed. It might be too
much for her mind to handle now " the priest replied. " Ok, anything
to help her " Miguel said looking at her face for a moment.
"This will be your room Atrea " the priest said basically talking
to himself. She sat down on the bed and stared at the wall. Her mind
was blank as was her expression. She wanted to speak but could not.
She couldn't feel anything inside but a void.
-------------------
Fanelia late afternoon
-------------------
Van was doing the usual routine. He waited for reports, ate very
little, hardly slept, and prayed for Atrea's safe return. What he did
not realize was that hitomi was watching him as he internally struggled
with his thoughts.
Hitomi finally got the courage to walk up to him. " Van, you
called?" She asked softly. " Hitomi? " he said as he turned around.
" Yes, Van " she said blushing. " Your really here! " he said and ran
up to her. They talked for hours about the new situation on Gaea. He
left out the parts about his feelings for Atrea though. He felt really
guilty about them. But now that Hitomi was back he could hopefully
forget about Atrea. They still needed to find her. Right now Atrea
was the key to stopping the chain of events that he helped create.
Hitomi said she would try to do everything she could to help him. Since
Allen went back to Austuria, they would be dining alone.
" I sent word to Allen that you have come back " Van said talking
a drink from his glass ". " Really? how has he been doing with Celena
gone?" Hitomi asked him. " He is doing better, once we get all the
problems solved, i think he will be able to accept and heal ". He said
sadly. " Do you have any idea who this Atrea was traveling with ?" she
asked. " No idea at all, my men had never seen him before " Van
replied. " What will you do once we find her ?" Hitomi said. " I am not
sure yet, but i know that we need to find out what she has done, and
keep her here. Maybe we can undo the brainwashing" he said unsure.
" Brainwashing" Hitomi asked very surprised. " Allen and i both think
that she was brainwashed. Why else would she do the things that she
has done. We think Dilandau did it after he killed Celena's mind " Van
replied unsure of himself. " Van, what if she did those things on her
own. Suppose she was never brainwashed and was under her own free will"
Hitomi asked him sympathetic. " In that case we have a big problem
Hitomi. If she commited these acts of her own free will, then she needs
help, badly " he replied.
-------------------
Fortuna Temple ( Miguel )
-------------------
It has been almost a week since i brought her here. I haven't seen
her much. The priest tells me she is making progress. I guess she has
started painting again. Portraits of landscapes, and still life. She
still has not said anything, or responded to anything other than her
canvas. But at least she is coming back. Maybe not to me, but that's
ok. " Would you like to see some of her work " the priest said smiling.
" Yes, i really would " i replied excited. He took me to a room that
resembled a study. There were a lot of paintings in there. One of Gaea,
i think it is spirit lake, and several more i don't recognize. They
must be of earth. Cliffs, rivers, houses, and one of a sky with only
1 moon. They were so beautiful. I never knew her talent was this good.
In fact i have only seen 1 of her paintings from before. I wanted to
see her. I wanted to see for myself she was alright. But the priest
stopped me and told me it wasn't time.
-------------------
Zaibach ( Dilandau )
-------------------
Well Ispano bought the intimate wedding ploy. That's the only
reason that a war has not started. I am not sure what i am going to do
about this. Someone will notice that she is not around. Maybe i can
make up an illness. That she could die from soon. It had better work,
i have no options right now. I can not fight a war without my love.
I need her by my side, unharmed. I miss her so much, and yet she has
disappeared from radar. How am i ever going to bring her back when she
does not want to be found? I already have several men seaching, is it
enough though? I can not accept living without her. It is not really
living.
-------------------
Fanelia ( The next day )
-------------------
" Van, since i have been here you have not mentioned Atrea much,
everytime i say her name you look at the floor and get quiet " Hitomi
asked him. " I'm uh sorry i don't mean too " Van said blushing. " Your
doing it again, is there something you want to tell me "? She asked him
sadly. " No, why don't we change the subject " he said. " NO! WE WILL
NOT CHANGE THE SUBJECT " she yelled at him. " What's your problem " he
said annoyed. " There was something going on wasn't there! " she said
angry. " Fine, yes i was in love with her, she didn't feel the same.
Are you happy now?" he said pissed. Hitomi ran out of the castle crying
and upset. How could he do this to me? I was not gone that long. I
sat around missing him like crazy. Loving him. The whole while he was
pining away for someone else. She cried more, and sat against a tree.
Van was walking up to her " Hitomi, listen..... I was missing you
too. My feelings for Atrea are not the same for what i feel for you. I
was lonely and sad when she came along. I missed you, i tried to use
my feelings for her to replace you. Can you ever forgive me? " He asked
sadly. " Really? " she asked while wiping away her tears. " Right now
you are the only one i want, Hitomi " Van said. She jumped in his arms
and the hugged in the garden. After several minutes they walked hand in
hand back to the castle.
-------------------
Zaibach
-------------------
"Lord" an out of breath gaurd came running up. " What is it now ?"
Dilandau said annoyed. " Fortuna Temple, she was seen going to the
temple about a week ago " the gaurd said exhausted. " You may go, speak
of this to no one " Dilandau replied.
So she is near Freid. I will go and search for her myself. Everyone
is so damn incompitent. I have to do this myself. And he was off toward
Freid.
-------------------
Fortuna Temple
-------------------
" Has there been a change? " Miguel asked the priest. " She is the
same, she says nothing. Don't let that discourage you though. She has
a strong will. It may take awhile " the priest replied. " Then i will
wait " Miguel stated.
-------------------
Fanelia
-------------------
Van and Hitomi taking a walk at night " I can't say, that i can
forget Van. About before " she stated. " I just want you to understand
why i made so many mistakes. You know i do love you, even if i got
misguided. I hope you can forgive me someday " Van said looking at the
ground. " I have already forgiven you, it is just hard to forget. But
if you kiss me, then maybe it will make me forget faster " she said
blushing. He kissed her and they kept walking.
--------------------
Fortuna Temple later that night
--------------------
Dilandau has heard from some of the Freid people that a strange
girl was brought to the temple because of an instability. He knew from
what they had said that it was a good lead to finding Atrea. He was
going to sneak in and see if she was there.If she wasn't, then he would
keep asking questions until he found her. Screw Zaibach, he would not
rule without her.
Atrea was sleeping peacefully. Miguel was sleeping in a chair in
the corner. He did this every night without anyone knowing. He did not
trust anyone. If the priests were to find out, he would be kicked out
in an instant. Both were sound asleep.
Dilandau creeps onto the grounds. He searched for a long time until
he found a hand maid. He questioned her with a sword at her neck for
a long time. Finally he got the information he needed. He knocked her
out and hid her in a closet. He quietly walked up to the second floor.
Avoiding any and all living creatures. Finally the room that was
supposed to be hers. He silently opened the door and tip toed in. A
figure lay in a modest bed in front of him. With the poor lighting he
could not make the person out. He walked closer and saw her face in
the dark. Just as he was about to get closer to her, a voice
whispered " If you touch her, i will kill you where you stand ". The
figure lucked in the shadows.
" I will take what is mine " Dilandau whispered harshly. " There
is nothing here of yours " Miguel whispered back just as harsh. " She
IS mine " Dilandau whispered pointing to Atrea on the bed. " As i said,
if you touch her i will kill you " Miguel whispered. " What are you?
Her keeper perhaps? Do you always hide yourself? Your protection is no
longer required. Leave now and i will not kill you " Dilandau said with
much louder confidence. " You are the reason she is here " Miguel also
said raising his voice. Enough to rouse a sleeping Atrea. " What! i
have never heard such lies " Dilandau stated chuckling. Atrea got up
from the bed, and ran behind Miguel. " Atrea, don't you recognize me ?"
Dilandau said calmly. She said nothing. Miguel put his free arm behind
him leading Atrea to the door. Dilandau assumed an attack posture.
Miguel opened the door to a well lit hallway. Dilandau saw miguel with
a look of surprise.
" You imposter! " Dilandau snarled. " I am afraid you have been
mistaken Lord Dilandau. I am no imposter. Zongi may have intended to
kill me, but failed " Miguel stated. " Lies!" Dilandau retorted. " I
asure you dear Lord that i am in perfect health, i no longer serve you.
I serve my own interests. I will protect her from you as long as i live
on Gaea or any other planet " Miguel said angrily. " So maybe you ARE
Miguel. I will kill you anyway. Hand her over NOW " Dilandau yelled.
Then Atrea whispered " No ". Shock from both the men. " You will take
me no where Dilandau. Because of you i have suffered greatly. I may
have loved you once foolishly, but never again. I am with Miguel now "
she stated. Miguel was surprised. But not as surprised as Dilandau.
Miguel and Atrea backed out of the room and ran away fast with
Dilandau on their tail. They managed to escape him down another hallway
and ran into a vacant room. Miguel opened the window and they climbed
out onto the terrace. By then Dilandau found them as they were almost
to the ground. He followed them. Once outside Miguel ran to the stashed
horse and him and Atrea ran away. Dilandau yelled after them " I will
find you my love. There is no where you can hide.
They both rode fast as the horse would take them. They found a
church, dismounted and causiously entered. Once inside they rested and
began talking. " What you said before about being with me, did you
mean it ? Miguel inquired. " I said that so dilandau would think that.
I wanted him to believe it. I had hoped he would hear me, and go away.
She replied. " Oh i see " he said kinda of sad. " i am still unsure of
myself right now. My emotions still feel a little out of control, but
i am glad we got out of that place when we did. If Dilandau could find
us then anyone could find us " she said. " Are we still friends then "
Miguel hopeful. " Best of. That would never change. I know you had only
my best interest at heart when you took me to Fortuna " she said and
tried to smile. They were not alone in the church though. There was a
minister there as well. He was in another room.
" Ok what are our options Miguel?" she asked him. " I am not sure.
Dilandau will not rest until you are married to him in Zaibach. I am
pretty sure Austuria and Fanelia are searching for you too. Once Ispano
finds out about Ziola, well they will hunt you too " he stated. " I am
sorry i asked " she said with a half smile. " Well lets take care of
these things one at a time. Dilandau is our main problem. How can we
get him to leave you be?" Miguel asked her pondering. " I am not sure
either. The only thing i can be thankful for is this church being here.
Nice and warm. No one will look for us here..... Wait a second! I have
it. You and i can get married by blood pact. That way Dilandau can
never bother me again nor Van. It is perfect. We could never divorce
this way, and so it ensures us all the benefits of protecting us. Of
course there are the side effects, but still we could remain free and
in contact no matter where we are " she said thinking aloud. " Are you
SERIOUS. Have you lost your mind again "? He stated in surprise. " Oh
i'm sorry, i didn't stop to think about your feelings, you will want
to marry someone one day and by doing this it would prevent that. I am
sorry i am being selfish " she said very sorry. " No, it is ok, a
little extreme of a plan, but ok. If you want to do this i am in. After
all, it is in both our best interests to stay alive. One less threat
hanging over our head " he said trying to hide his exitement.
" Really?" she said so happy she hugged him. " Ya really " he said
blushing. Ok then, after a little sleep we can go and find that
minister and be married by blood pact before lunch. Then they found a
good place inside the church to hide, and fell asleep.
don't sue.:0) I have received a lot of emails about the direction the
story is at right now. Don't worry Van & Allen will get theirs.
Dilandau probably won't get his. Hitomi will be pretty pissed. Miguel
is in love, is the object of his interest in love with him too? Any
ideas welcome. email me and tell me about them:0)
-------------------
Chapter 5: Acceptance
-------------------
-This phantasm of falling petals vanishes into moon and flowers...-
-OKYO-
-------------------
Forest near Arzas
-------------------
Hitomi picks herself up of the ground. She recognizes the place.
This first time she landed on Gaea with Van. She gets up and starts
walking toward Fanelia.
I wonder how he is doing. I have missed him so much, has he missed
me? I know it has not been very long since i last saw him, but it feels
like a lifetime ago. Now that i am back i don't think i ever want to
leave again. I hope he feels the same about me. Van I'm coming home....
-------------------
Fortuna Temple
-------------------
" Can you help her " Miguel asked one of the priests. " Does she
want to be helped ? " The priest replied. " Of course why wouldn't
she ?" Miguel retorted. " Well.... we can try. You will have to stay
away from her though. You don't have to leave the temple but you must
not speak to her until such time as her mind is healed. It might be too
much for her mind to handle now " the priest replied. " Ok, anything
to help her " Miguel said looking at her face for a moment.
"This will be your room Atrea " the priest said basically talking
to himself. She sat down on the bed and stared at the wall. Her mind
was blank as was her expression. She wanted to speak but could not.
She couldn't feel anything inside but a void.
-------------------
Fanelia late afternoon
-------------------
Van was doing the usual routine. He waited for reports, ate very
little, hardly slept, and prayed for Atrea's safe return. What he did
not realize was that hitomi was watching him as he internally struggled
with his thoughts.
Hitomi finally got the courage to walk up to him. " Van, you
called?" She asked softly. " Hitomi? " he said as he turned around.
" Yes, Van " she said blushing. " Your really here! " he said and ran
up to her. They talked for hours about the new situation on Gaea. He
left out the parts about his feelings for Atrea though. He felt really
guilty about them. But now that Hitomi was back he could hopefully
forget about Atrea. They still needed to find her. Right now Atrea
was the key to stopping the chain of events that he helped create.
Hitomi said she would try to do everything she could to help him. Since
Allen went back to Austuria, they would be dining alone.
" I sent word to Allen that you have come back " Van said talking
a drink from his glass ". " Really? how has he been doing with Celena
gone?" Hitomi asked him. " He is doing better, once we get all the
problems solved, i think he will be able to accept and heal ". He said
sadly. " Do you have any idea who this Atrea was traveling with ?" she
asked. " No idea at all, my men had never seen him before " Van
replied. " What will you do once we find her ?" Hitomi said. " I am not
sure yet, but i know that we need to find out what she has done, and
keep her here. Maybe we can undo the brainwashing" he said unsure.
" Brainwashing" Hitomi asked very surprised. " Allen and i both think
that she was brainwashed. Why else would she do the things that she
has done. We think Dilandau did it after he killed Celena's mind " Van
replied unsure of himself. " Van, what if she did those things on her
own. Suppose she was never brainwashed and was under her own free will"
Hitomi asked him sympathetic. " In that case we have a big problem
Hitomi. If she commited these acts of her own free will, then she needs
help, badly " he replied.
-------------------
Fortuna Temple ( Miguel )
-------------------
It has been almost a week since i brought her here. I haven't seen
her much. The priest tells me she is making progress. I guess she has
started painting again. Portraits of landscapes, and still life. She
still has not said anything, or responded to anything other than her
canvas. But at least she is coming back. Maybe not to me, but that's
ok. " Would you like to see some of her work " the priest said smiling.
" Yes, i really would " i replied excited. He took me to a room that
resembled a study. There were a lot of paintings in there. One of Gaea,
i think it is spirit lake, and several more i don't recognize. They
must be of earth. Cliffs, rivers, houses, and one of a sky with only
1 moon. They were so beautiful. I never knew her talent was this good.
In fact i have only seen 1 of her paintings from before. I wanted to
see her. I wanted to see for myself she was alright. But the priest
stopped me and told me it wasn't time.
-------------------
Zaibach ( Dilandau )
-------------------
Well Ispano bought the intimate wedding ploy. That's the only
reason that a war has not started. I am not sure what i am going to do
about this. Someone will notice that she is not around. Maybe i can
make up an illness. That she could die from soon. It had better work,
i have no options right now. I can not fight a war without my love.
I need her by my side, unharmed. I miss her so much, and yet she has
disappeared from radar. How am i ever going to bring her back when she
does not want to be found? I already have several men seaching, is it
enough though? I can not accept living without her. It is not really
living.
-------------------
Fanelia ( The next day )
-------------------
" Van, since i have been here you have not mentioned Atrea much,
everytime i say her name you look at the floor and get quiet " Hitomi
asked him. " I'm uh sorry i don't mean too " Van said blushing. " Your
doing it again, is there something you want to tell me "? She asked him
sadly. " No, why don't we change the subject " he said. " NO! WE WILL
NOT CHANGE THE SUBJECT " she yelled at him. " What's your problem " he
said annoyed. " There was something going on wasn't there! " she said
angry. " Fine, yes i was in love with her, she didn't feel the same.
Are you happy now?" he said pissed. Hitomi ran out of the castle crying
and upset. How could he do this to me? I was not gone that long. I
sat around missing him like crazy. Loving him. The whole while he was
pining away for someone else. She cried more, and sat against a tree.
Van was walking up to her " Hitomi, listen..... I was missing you
too. My feelings for Atrea are not the same for what i feel for you. I
was lonely and sad when she came along. I missed you, i tried to use
my feelings for her to replace you. Can you ever forgive me? " He asked
sadly. " Really? " she asked while wiping away her tears. " Right now
you are the only one i want, Hitomi " Van said. She jumped in his arms
and the hugged in the garden. After several minutes they walked hand in
hand back to the castle.
-------------------
Zaibach
-------------------
"Lord" an out of breath gaurd came running up. " What is it now ?"
Dilandau said annoyed. " Fortuna Temple, she was seen going to the
temple about a week ago " the gaurd said exhausted. " You may go, speak
of this to no one " Dilandau replied.
So she is near Freid. I will go and search for her myself. Everyone
is so damn incompitent. I have to do this myself. And he was off toward
Freid.
-------------------
Fortuna Temple
-------------------
" Has there been a change? " Miguel asked the priest. " She is the
same, she says nothing. Don't let that discourage you though. She has
a strong will. It may take awhile " the priest replied. " Then i will
wait " Miguel stated.
-------------------
Fanelia
-------------------
Van and Hitomi taking a walk at night " I can't say, that i can
forget Van. About before " she stated. " I just want you to understand
why i made so many mistakes. You know i do love you, even if i got
misguided. I hope you can forgive me someday " Van said looking at the
ground. " I have already forgiven you, it is just hard to forget. But
if you kiss me, then maybe it will make me forget faster " she said
blushing. He kissed her and they kept walking.
--------------------
Fortuna Temple later that night
--------------------
Dilandau has heard from some of the Freid people that a strange
girl was brought to the temple because of an instability. He knew from
what they had said that it was a good lead to finding Atrea. He was
going to sneak in and see if she was there.If she wasn't, then he would
keep asking questions until he found her. Screw Zaibach, he would not
rule without her.
Atrea was sleeping peacefully. Miguel was sleeping in a chair in
the corner. He did this every night without anyone knowing. He did not
trust anyone. If the priests were to find out, he would be kicked out
in an instant. Both were sound asleep.
Dilandau creeps onto the grounds. He searched for a long time until
he found a hand maid. He questioned her with a sword at her neck for
a long time. Finally he got the information he needed. He knocked her
out and hid her in a closet. He quietly walked up to the second floor.
Avoiding any and all living creatures. Finally the room that was
supposed to be hers. He silently opened the door and tip toed in. A
figure lay in a modest bed in front of him. With the poor lighting he
could not make the person out. He walked closer and saw her face in
the dark. Just as he was about to get closer to her, a voice
whispered " If you touch her, i will kill you where you stand ". The
figure lucked in the shadows.
" I will take what is mine " Dilandau whispered harshly. " There
is nothing here of yours " Miguel whispered back just as harsh. " She
IS mine " Dilandau whispered pointing to Atrea on the bed. " As i said,
if you touch her i will kill you " Miguel whispered. " What are you?
Her keeper perhaps? Do you always hide yourself? Your protection is no
longer required. Leave now and i will not kill you " Dilandau said with
much louder confidence. " You are the reason she is here " Miguel also
said raising his voice. Enough to rouse a sleeping Atrea. " What! i
have never heard such lies " Dilandau stated chuckling. Atrea got up
from the bed, and ran behind Miguel. " Atrea, don't you recognize me ?"
Dilandau said calmly. She said nothing. Miguel put his free arm behind
him leading Atrea to the door. Dilandau assumed an attack posture.
Miguel opened the door to a well lit hallway. Dilandau saw miguel with
a look of surprise.
" You imposter! " Dilandau snarled. " I am afraid you have been
mistaken Lord Dilandau. I am no imposter. Zongi may have intended to
kill me, but failed " Miguel stated. " Lies!" Dilandau retorted. " I
asure you dear Lord that i am in perfect health, i no longer serve you.
I serve my own interests. I will protect her from you as long as i live
on Gaea or any other planet " Miguel said angrily. " So maybe you ARE
Miguel. I will kill you anyway. Hand her over NOW " Dilandau yelled.
Then Atrea whispered " No ". Shock from both the men. " You will take
me no where Dilandau. Because of you i have suffered greatly. I may
have loved you once foolishly, but never again. I am with Miguel now "
she stated. Miguel was surprised. But not as surprised as Dilandau.
Miguel and Atrea backed out of the room and ran away fast with
Dilandau on their tail. They managed to escape him down another hallway
and ran into a vacant room. Miguel opened the window and they climbed
out onto the terrace. By then Dilandau found them as they were almost
to the ground. He followed them. Once outside Miguel ran to the stashed
horse and him and Atrea ran away. Dilandau yelled after them " I will
find you my love. There is no where you can hide.
They both rode fast as the horse would take them. They found a
church, dismounted and causiously entered. Once inside they rested and
began talking. " What you said before about being with me, did you
mean it ? Miguel inquired. " I said that so dilandau would think that.
I wanted him to believe it. I had hoped he would hear me, and go away.
She replied. " Oh i see " he said kinda of sad. " i am still unsure of
myself right now. My emotions still feel a little out of control, but
i am glad we got out of that place when we did. If Dilandau could find
us then anyone could find us " she said. " Are we still friends then "
Miguel hopeful. " Best of. That would never change. I know you had only
my best interest at heart when you took me to Fortuna " she said and
tried to smile. They were not alone in the church though. There was a
minister there as well. He was in another room.
" Ok what are our options Miguel?" she asked him. " I am not sure.
Dilandau will not rest until you are married to him in Zaibach. I am
pretty sure Austuria and Fanelia are searching for you too. Once Ispano
finds out about Ziola, well they will hunt you too " he stated. " I am
sorry i asked " she said with a half smile. " Well lets take care of
these things one at a time. Dilandau is our main problem. How can we
get him to leave you be?" Miguel asked her pondering. " I am not sure
either. The only thing i can be thankful for is this church being here.
Nice and warm. No one will look for us here..... Wait a second! I have
it. You and i can get married by blood pact. That way Dilandau can
never bother me again nor Van. It is perfect. We could never divorce
this way, and so it ensures us all the benefits of protecting us. Of
course there are the side effects, but still we could remain free and
in contact no matter where we are " she said thinking aloud. " Are you
SERIOUS. Have you lost your mind again "? He stated in surprise. " Oh
i'm sorry, i didn't stop to think about your feelings, you will want
to marry someone one day and by doing this it would prevent that. I am
sorry i am being selfish " she said very sorry. " No, it is ok, a
little extreme of a plan, but ok. If you want to do this i am in. After
all, it is in both our best interests to stay alive. One less threat
hanging over our head " he said trying to hide his exitement.
" Really?" she said so happy she hugged him. " Ya really " he said
blushing. Ok then, after a little sleep we can go and find that
minister and be married by blood pact before lunch. Then they found a
good place inside the church to hide, and fell asleep.
