Disclaimer: I don't own Escaflowne....
Dedication: To all who READ, REVIEW, and like my fics...
~*~Chapter 7~*~
~*~Does love for another ever fade?~*~
The sound of dripping water and a harsh stinging in her cheek was the thing that brought Hitomi back to the real world. She groaned lightly and slowly opened her eyes. The room was dark and she found herself laying on something hard. The ground? No. It was a hard, stiff cot that was laying on. She slowly sat up and looked around at her surroundings.
There was a small stool located to her right, and a little table by the cot. She frowned lightly and scratched the back of her head. Her numb fingers found stiff hair that felt crusted with something that fell to the ground in little flakes. There was a searing pain just below her hairline on the back of her neck and she tried to push it away.
She slid her legs over the side of the cot and then stood up. She gasped loudly as her bare feet came in contact with the ice cold stone floor, ' The least they could've done was put a carpet on this damn floor! ', she cursed silently.
She walked over to what looked like a lamp and switched it on. Dim light poured into the room and Hitomi quickly spun around to see where she was. She crossed her arms over her chest and backed up against the brick wall. She clamped a hand over her mouth and nose, so she couldn't inhale the horrid scent of the decaying bodies in the far corner.
She slowly slid to the ground and shook her head, " This can't be happening to me. Where is everybody? Where's Van? Where's that funny looking cat-girl? ", she muttered to the room.
The room answered her with silence, and only silence as she felt something large crawl over her bare toes. She jumped up and then ran towards the cot. She quickly pressed herself flat against the wall, drawing her knees up, she hugged them to her chest and wept quietly as she began to rock back and forth slowly. The dim light from the corner suddenly died out, and she was left alone in the dark with a dozen dead bodies.
***
Allen looked at Millerna. He walked over to her and cleared his throat. Millerna looked up at him, " What is it? Is there something that's the matter? "
He reached out and gently caressed her cheek, " How is he? "
" He's gone...", she replied grimly.
" What! When? "
" Just this morning. ", she informed him quietly.
" Where'd he go? "
" He's in the study with Gabriella and Merle...."
He nodded, " I see. How is he though? The last time you saw him, I mean...."
She frowned lightly, " He seemed alright. The bruise on his cheek disappeared as soon as it came. It's rather disturbing, Allen.."
He frowned as well, " I see. Has there been any word about Hitomi? "
Millerna sadly shook her head, " No. I'm afraid not. The guards....well, most of them have returned with...no word of seeing her, but they have been sent out to look for her again...."
He scratched his chin, " How's Van taking her disappearance? "
" Not that bad actually. I think he's kind of given up on her because she doesn't even remember him..."
Allen knitted his brows together, " Well he shouldn't do that! That's not right of him to do. So what if she can't remember. We could at least try to make her remember....help her through the way, you know? "
She nodded, " Yeah....you might have a point. But the wedding is tomorrow Allen...she's not going to remember just like that!, she snapped her fingers loudly. " And besides, Van isn't going to drop everything just to go look for her, not with
Gabriella hanging off his arm..."
He nodded, " Yeah....I could try to convince him again, even though I don't know what good that'll even do. His head is too thick for anything like this to sink in...."
Millerna frowned, " Hmmm. How about you go see him, while I go and change Leon. Marianne is in her room, reading again. Geez, that child never stops, I swear....", she muttered lightly.
He smiled lightly and watched as Millerna turned and left the room to disappear into the children's room.
***
Van sighed through his lips as he pursed them together tightly. He watched as Gabriella stood there with her arms crossed over her chest, an annoyed look etched on her soft features as she listened to Merle, " Think about it Gabby! You're going to be married tomorrow afternoon. Aren't you happy? ", Merle asked.
Gabriella nodded and looked over at Van. She smiled lightly, " Of course I'm happy, Merle. Why wouldn't I be? "
Merle shrugged, " Lord Van? I'm going to go for a walk. I suddenly don't feel so good, alright? "
Van looked over at her, concern shimmering in his eyes, " Will you be alright? "
' Shouldn't I be the one asking you that question??? ', She hesitated slightly before she nodded. " Yes. Please don't worry about me, Lord Van....just stay here with Gabriella and be happy for once in your life...."
' I'd be a lot happier with...', he frowned lightly. " Alright Merle, if you insist. "
She nodded and left the room quietly. Gabriella sighed lightly and turned fully to look at Van's troubled expression. She bit her lip and walked over to him. Sitting on his desk, she reached over and gently took his hand in her own," What's the matter, Van? You seem troubled by something..."
He looked up at her and cocked his head to the side, " I...I'm just...it's nothing, Gabriella...nothing at all. ", he lied.
She frowned, " You sure? You now look guilty of lying...."
He blinked, " I...I was just thinking about Hitomi...that's all. ", he admitted shyly.
She snorted lightly and then smiled, " You shouldn't worry about her. I think that she went back home to her family....where she belongs and where she'll be happy. "
' But why? Did you have something to do with it? Her sudden disappearance? ', he thought bitterly. " If you think so my dear...I'm now starting to believe that she did go home to spend her time with her family...."
Gabriella nodded, ' Good! '. She smiled lightly as she slid off the desk and sat down on his lap. She wrapped her arms around his neck and rested her head against his shoulder, " Don't worry about her, Van...worry about the future...about us. Think about what it'll be like...having children of our own to watch over as they grow up to become proud rulers, like you and I...", she whispered lightly as she pressed her soft lips to his neck.
' I've already been through the whole parenting thing Gabriella.....I don't want to go through it again, not with....you..', he thought about saying it outloud, but instead he bit his tongue and replied with a different response. " Yes...that would be wonderful, Gabriella.....I'd love to have lots of beautiful children with you......"
She smiled lightly and sat up. She looked at him, and slowly lowered her face to his. Her demanding lips captured his in a kiss that he didn't even want to share with her, but with someone else. He responded to her kiss with just as much demand as he slid his arms around her waist, ' What is she doing to me? I feel as if...I want to be with her....is she some kind of witch? '
Gabriella smiled secretly, ' great! Now all I have to do is try to get him to the bedroom...without breaking the kiss....that is. '
The door suddenly swung open and Allen stumbled into the room. Gabriella ripped her lips from Van's and looked at Allen.
Van peered at Allen over her shoulder. A light blush crept into his cheeks and he frowned, " What is it, Allen? "
Allen quickly closed the door and leaned up against it. He looked at Gabriella and then at Van, " Uh, could I speak with you for just one quick second....in private? ", he asked lightly.
Van looked at Gabriella and she nodded, " Go ahead...."
He nodded and and waited for her to let him free. When she stood up and walked out of the room, Allen closed the door behind her and locked it. He turned back to Van and crossed his arms over his chest, " Alright, Van! What's the meaning of all of this stupidity? "
Van looked at Allen with a slightly shocked expression on his face, " What? ", he held his arms out at his side and gave a little shrug. " What did I do now, Allen? "
" You know what you did, Van Fanel..."
Van sighed as he raked a hand through his hair. He looked at Allen, and walked up to the front of his desk, where he leaned back against it, " I don't understand, Allen. What are you trying to get at? "
Allen frowned, " Are you saying that you don't even remember anything of what happened earlier? "
Van shook his head, " What happened? "
Allen looked at Van, ' He doesn't know. He's dead serious about this...he doesn't even remember......'
Van watched Allen's expression of confusion. He lifted an eyebrow, " Well? What are you talking about? "
" D-don't you even remember Hitomi being kidnapped? "
Van slowly nodded, " Yes, I do....why do you ask? "
" Well....don't you even remember coming into mine and Millerna's room, telling us that you knew she was kidnapped? Don't you remember...being hit by something? "
Van shook his head, " Nope....all I can remember is waking up in your bed with a damp cloth over my forehead, and then trying to leave, but Millerna stopped me and began to ask me all these weird questions like, ' are you feeling better? ' or, ' the bruise is gone now. Does it still hurt? '. "
Allen looked at Van and realized with dread that he was right. ' He didn't even remember a thing about what had happened eariler.' He frowned, " Strange....really strange. Well...how's the search for her coming? "
Van shrugged, " I'm starting to re-think what I just thought eariler in the garden. I think she went home, Allen. She wasn't kidnapped and I also called off the guards who were searching. "
Allen's jaw fell, " What! ", he cried. " You're crazy, Van. I swear...she's probably out there, somewhere and you're here, sitting on your butt, getting married tomorrow and you don't even care about Hitomi's welfare??? "
Van shrugged again," I still care...just...not as much I guess..."
Allen threw his hands up into the air. Frowning he looked at Van, " Van Fenal....I swear...if you don't get those guards back out there looking for her, then I'll just have to go and tell them to do it myself. You understand what I'm getting at? "
Van lifted an eyebrow, " Are you threatening me Allen? "
Allen narrowed his dark blue eyes, " Maybe, maybe not. But do remember this Van, I have six years over you...."
" Yeah? Oh well....that's alright for you, because frankly Allen, I don't care....now if you'll just leave my study and go back to Millerna, I can get back to other important stuff...."
Allen smirked, " What? Going back to taking false pleasure from th-- "
" Don't even say it, Allen! I will have you kicked out of Fanelia if you say it....", Van warned.
" witch? ", he finished.
Van clenched his right hand into a fist and glared at him, " Get out! "
Allen stood up straight with his arms crossed over his chest, " I though you were going to kick me out, Van? Not want me to get out. "
" I....I've decided to give you a second chance...even though you did talk poorly about my bride to be..."
Allen snorted. He turned and headed for the door. He unlocked it and then yanked it open. Before he was about to leave he chuckled and then snorted in disgust at Van, " Van, you're bride to be is now missing and just might stay that way for as long as we all shall live...."
He then slammed the door shut behind him. Van blinked hard. He stared at the door and then walked over to the other side of the desk where he sat down in the cushioned chair, holding his head in his hands. His shoulders began to tremble slightly, but no tears were shed.
***
Serge quietly walked into the room and then crossed it to sit himself down in a chair, situated in the corner of the room. Gabriella glided into the room and looked at him. Her long blonde hair was twisted into a braided bun at the back of her head and her emerald green eyes sparkled with unknown mischief in the dim light of the single candle sitting on the table.
She watched him in silence for a few moments before speaking in a soft voice, " Well, Serge? What do you think will happen now? "
He frowned lightly, " What do you mean? "
The dim light began to cast eerie shadows across her face and that made him swallow thickly. The right corner of Gabriella's mouth turned upwards and she crossed her arms over her chest, " What I mean is, what do you plan on doing with Hitomi Kanzaki, now? "
He nodded, " Oh...I guess it's up to you, Highness, on what you plan on doing to her...", he replied softly.
She scratched her chin lightly, " You're absolutely right, Serge. ", she exclaimed. " How about....you go down to where you hid her away from Van's wondering eyes and get rid of her for good? "
His lips turned upwards and he nodded, " Yes, you read my mind, Highness. How would you like me to rid of her? "
She frowned, " Yes...how would I like to see the little bitch die? ", she asked in a amused tone.
" I don't know.....shall I surprise you, highness? "
She nodded, " Yes! Please do...I would really like to see what you have in store for her..."
He lifted an eyebrow and bowed deeply, " As you wish, Highness...."
She nodded and watched him with amused eyes as he left the room. She chuckled lightly until she threw her head back and laughed loudly. She walked out onto the balcony and stared up at the sky, " Well...my time is almost near. By tomorrow night, I will have claimed Fanelia and it's pathetic little King for myself. Once the celebration beings, then I bring in the real fun for the inhabitants of Fanelia and also great pleasure for it's King. "
***
Merle scratched her head gently as she watched in slight amusement as Marianne flipped through her picture book. Millerna silently stepped into the room and walked over to Merle after she closed the door, " Thank you so much, Merle for watching her....I'm sorry I took so long. ", she apologised in a low voice.
Merle looked up at her and nodded, " It's alright. All she did was sit there and flip through the book. That's all...."
" How was Leon? "
She smiled then, " An angel! He never woke up once...but I did check on him to see if he was still breathing, and he was..."
Millerna nodded, " Thank you again, Merle. I would've asked Hitomi, but....she's not here..."
Merle nodded, " Lord Van seems like he doesn't care about her anymore. Do you know why, Millerna? "
" I think I do...I think it's because she doesn't remember him anymore. "
Merle frowned deeply, " That's absurd! That's the most stupidiest thing I've ever heard. Why would he be like that? Doesn't he love her anymore? "
" I think he does....he just doesn't want to admit to it. He's probably scared about loving her and then losing her again. "
Merle nodded, " Maybe....maybe it's just...Gabriella who is shoving ideas into his head. You think? "
Millerna shrugged lightly, " I don't know. I've never really met her yet....."
Merle snorted, " Trust me, Millerna...I don't think you'd think too high and mighty of her if you did. She's nice at times, but at others? Whoa...stay clear..."
Millerna chuckled lightly, " That bad, huh? Then why's he marrying her, and not Hitomi? "
Merle shrugged, " I don't know. I guess because this marriage was talked out between their advisors and they didn't have anything to do with the arrangements..."
She nodded, " Okay....I'm going to go check on Leon now. Alright? If you want, you can leave...if you're bored just sitting her, that is..."
Merle smiled, " Alright. I need to go and grab some sleep. The wedding's tomorrow and I have to be there to help Gabriella into her gown and other stuff. "
Millerna nodded and then left to go into the children's room. Merle watched as she left and then she quietly slipped out of the room, to make her way down the hall to her own.
***
Hitomi swallowed thickly as she tried not to look at the bodies. She looked down at her tattered night-gown and then sighed lightly, " Why am I here? Who wants me dead? To become like those....people or things over there, laying in the corner on top of each other, with their eyes open and watching me? ", she asked the room.
She sighed again only heavily as she got unbearable silence for an answer again. She leaned her head back against the crude wall and bit her lip, ' I'm hungry. Why can't there be a fridge here or something? When will someone come and give me something to stop my stomach from grumbling like this....', she complained silently.
There was a sudden creaking noise as if a door were being opened and then it was followed by a pair of approaching heavy footsteps. She peered out at the darkness and then swallowed nervously before speaking out in a small, dehydrated voice, " W-who's out there? Have you come to give me some food? Why do you have me here? What did I ever do to you? ", she demanded.
The figure stopped just at the foot of the bed and chuckled lightly, " Your questions will be answered when wanted to be. For now you will remain her and you will remain silent. "
She shook her head and slowly got off the bed and hugged her arms to her chest. The sleeveless night-gown rustled along the ground as she took a step towards the unknown figure, " I want to know now. Who are you and what do you want from me? "
He suddenly smiled, " Something my Queen would never be able to give to me..."
She knitted her brows together and now took a step back, " A-and what would that b-be? "
He took a step towards her with his hand outstretched, " Come now, child. I will not harm you. I have come here to merely ask for some comfort. ", he lied.
She took another step back and realised after feeling the cold wall beneath her back that she was in trouble. She swallowed thickly and shook her head, " I-I don't want any comfort from you...I don't even know you, nor do I even want to. "
He frowned at her stubbornness and then in one complete long stride he found himself standing directly in front of her. He reached out and softly caressed the side of her cheek. Hitomi cringed and her hand shot out to slap his hand away, but he simply caught her hand in his and held onto it tightly. Hitomi swallowed as she peered up into his eyes.
She shook her head, " T-this isn't right. What do you really want? "
He lowered his mouth to her ear, " What I really, Hitomi Kanzaki....is....you. ", he whispered softly as he pinned her to the wall.
His free hand gently trailed a soft line over the front of her night-gown to rest upon her breast. She sucked in a sharp breath and tried to struggle against him, " P-please...don't! "
He chuckled and bent over, pressing his body up against hers, he lowered his mouth to her neck and softly kissed it, " I will do as I please. My Queen has permitted me to do so, and I will do so. Now don't resist me or even think about fighting me, Hitomi. You will be sorry if you decide to do so..."
***
Tony looked over at his grandma and frowned lightly as he turned his attention back to the front door. Hitomi's mother slowly walked into the room and watched him. She sighed and walked over to him. She knelt down and placed a gentle hand on his shoulder, " Come now, baby....it'll be alright. Mommie's going to return. She just went away for a few days..."
Tony looked up at his grandmother with sparkling watery eyes, " I miss mommie....I want mommie back, here with me...", he sniffled lightly.
She nodded, " I know...so do I. Come here, baby...."
She wrapped her arms around his little figure and held him close. This was the third time that Hitomi had gone off to that other place that she had always talked about. Tony sniffled again and then began to cry against her shoulder, " I...miss...mommie....", he wailed between sniffles as he hugged his grandmother closer to him, as if afraid of losing her too.
Hitomi's mother felt her lower lip tremble, but she willed herself not to cry. For the sake of the little frightened boy in her arms. She sighed lightly and gently rubbed his back, ' Hitomi...please, hurry back to us. For his sake...don't leave him hanging like this.....you've got to be alright. I haven't had one word or sign of your being alright and not in any danger. Please Hitomi, say that you've remember the young King, the Knight and your other friends....remember Hitomi! Don't you ever forget them, think of the adventures that you had with them when you travelled to that planet....think of all the good, magical and romantic times that you shared with them. Remember what you told me, Hitomi!! Please! ', she thought, hoping that her daughter was able to hear these thoughts and then rely on them.
Dedication: To all who READ, REVIEW, and like my fics...
~*~Chapter 7~*~
~*~Does love for another ever fade?~*~
The sound of dripping water and a harsh stinging in her cheek was the thing that brought Hitomi back to the real world. She groaned lightly and slowly opened her eyes. The room was dark and she found herself laying on something hard. The ground? No. It was a hard, stiff cot that was laying on. She slowly sat up and looked around at her surroundings.
There was a small stool located to her right, and a little table by the cot. She frowned lightly and scratched the back of her head. Her numb fingers found stiff hair that felt crusted with something that fell to the ground in little flakes. There was a searing pain just below her hairline on the back of her neck and she tried to push it away.
She slid her legs over the side of the cot and then stood up. She gasped loudly as her bare feet came in contact with the ice cold stone floor, ' The least they could've done was put a carpet on this damn floor! ', she cursed silently.
She walked over to what looked like a lamp and switched it on. Dim light poured into the room and Hitomi quickly spun around to see where she was. She crossed her arms over her chest and backed up against the brick wall. She clamped a hand over her mouth and nose, so she couldn't inhale the horrid scent of the decaying bodies in the far corner.
She slowly slid to the ground and shook her head, " This can't be happening to me. Where is everybody? Where's Van? Where's that funny looking cat-girl? ", she muttered to the room.
The room answered her with silence, and only silence as she felt something large crawl over her bare toes. She jumped up and then ran towards the cot. She quickly pressed herself flat against the wall, drawing her knees up, she hugged them to her chest and wept quietly as she began to rock back and forth slowly. The dim light from the corner suddenly died out, and she was left alone in the dark with a dozen dead bodies.
***
Allen looked at Millerna. He walked over to her and cleared his throat. Millerna looked up at him, " What is it? Is there something that's the matter? "
He reached out and gently caressed her cheek, " How is he? "
" He's gone...", she replied grimly.
" What! When? "
" Just this morning. ", she informed him quietly.
" Where'd he go? "
" He's in the study with Gabriella and Merle...."
He nodded, " I see. How is he though? The last time you saw him, I mean...."
She frowned lightly, " He seemed alright. The bruise on his cheek disappeared as soon as it came. It's rather disturbing, Allen.."
He frowned as well, " I see. Has there been any word about Hitomi? "
Millerna sadly shook her head, " No. I'm afraid not. The guards....well, most of them have returned with...no word of seeing her, but they have been sent out to look for her again...."
He scratched his chin, " How's Van taking her disappearance? "
" Not that bad actually. I think he's kind of given up on her because she doesn't even remember him..."
Allen knitted his brows together, " Well he shouldn't do that! That's not right of him to do. So what if she can't remember. We could at least try to make her remember....help her through the way, you know? "
She nodded, " Yeah....you might have a point. But the wedding is tomorrow Allen...she's not going to remember just like that!, she snapped her fingers loudly. " And besides, Van isn't going to drop everything just to go look for her, not with
Gabriella hanging off his arm..."
He nodded, " Yeah....I could try to convince him again, even though I don't know what good that'll even do. His head is too thick for anything like this to sink in...."
Millerna frowned, " Hmmm. How about you go see him, while I go and change Leon. Marianne is in her room, reading again. Geez, that child never stops, I swear....", she muttered lightly.
He smiled lightly and watched as Millerna turned and left the room to disappear into the children's room.
***
Van sighed through his lips as he pursed them together tightly. He watched as Gabriella stood there with her arms crossed over her chest, an annoyed look etched on her soft features as she listened to Merle, " Think about it Gabby! You're going to be married tomorrow afternoon. Aren't you happy? ", Merle asked.
Gabriella nodded and looked over at Van. She smiled lightly, " Of course I'm happy, Merle. Why wouldn't I be? "
Merle shrugged, " Lord Van? I'm going to go for a walk. I suddenly don't feel so good, alright? "
Van looked over at her, concern shimmering in his eyes, " Will you be alright? "
' Shouldn't I be the one asking you that question??? ', She hesitated slightly before she nodded. " Yes. Please don't worry about me, Lord Van....just stay here with Gabriella and be happy for once in your life...."
' I'd be a lot happier with...', he frowned lightly. " Alright Merle, if you insist. "
She nodded and left the room quietly. Gabriella sighed lightly and turned fully to look at Van's troubled expression. She bit her lip and walked over to him. Sitting on his desk, she reached over and gently took his hand in her own," What's the matter, Van? You seem troubled by something..."
He looked up at her and cocked his head to the side, " I...I'm just...it's nothing, Gabriella...nothing at all. ", he lied.
She frowned, " You sure? You now look guilty of lying...."
He blinked, " I...I was just thinking about Hitomi...that's all. ", he admitted shyly.
She snorted lightly and then smiled, " You shouldn't worry about her. I think that she went back home to her family....where she belongs and where she'll be happy. "
' But why? Did you have something to do with it? Her sudden disappearance? ', he thought bitterly. " If you think so my dear...I'm now starting to believe that she did go home to spend her time with her family...."
Gabriella nodded, ' Good! '. She smiled lightly as she slid off the desk and sat down on his lap. She wrapped her arms around his neck and rested her head against his shoulder, " Don't worry about her, Van...worry about the future...about us. Think about what it'll be like...having children of our own to watch over as they grow up to become proud rulers, like you and I...", she whispered lightly as she pressed her soft lips to his neck.
' I've already been through the whole parenting thing Gabriella.....I don't want to go through it again, not with....you..', he thought about saying it outloud, but instead he bit his tongue and replied with a different response. " Yes...that would be wonderful, Gabriella.....I'd love to have lots of beautiful children with you......"
She smiled lightly and sat up. She looked at him, and slowly lowered her face to his. Her demanding lips captured his in a kiss that he didn't even want to share with her, but with someone else. He responded to her kiss with just as much demand as he slid his arms around her waist, ' What is she doing to me? I feel as if...I want to be with her....is she some kind of witch? '
Gabriella smiled secretly, ' great! Now all I have to do is try to get him to the bedroom...without breaking the kiss....that is. '
The door suddenly swung open and Allen stumbled into the room. Gabriella ripped her lips from Van's and looked at Allen.
Van peered at Allen over her shoulder. A light blush crept into his cheeks and he frowned, " What is it, Allen? "
Allen quickly closed the door and leaned up against it. He looked at Gabriella and then at Van, " Uh, could I speak with you for just one quick second....in private? ", he asked lightly.
Van looked at Gabriella and she nodded, " Go ahead...."
He nodded and and waited for her to let him free. When she stood up and walked out of the room, Allen closed the door behind her and locked it. He turned back to Van and crossed his arms over his chest, " Alright, Van! What's the meaning of all of this stupidity? "
Van looked at Allen with a slightly shocked expression on his face, " What? ", he held his arms out at his side and gave a little shrug. " What did I do now, Allen? "
" You know what you did, Van Fanel..."
Van sighed as he raked a hand through his hair. He looked at Allen, and walked up to the front of his desk, where he leaned back against it, " I don't understand, Allen. What are you trying to get at? "
Allen frowned, " Are you saying that you don't even remember anything of what happened earlier? "
Van shook his head, " What happened? "
Allen looked at Van, ' He doesn't know. He's dead serious about this...he doesn't even remember......'
Van watched Allen's expression of confusion. He lifted an eyebrow, " Well? What are you talking about? "
" D-don't you even remember Hitomi being kidnapped? "
Van slowly nodded, " Yes, I do....why do you ask? "
" Well....don't you even remember coming into mine and Millerna's room, telling us that you knew she was kidnapped? Don't you remember...being hit by something? "
Van shook his head, " Nope....all I can remember is waking up in your bed with a damp cloth over my forehead, and then trying to leave, but Millerna stopped me and began to ask me all these weird questions like, ' are you feeling better? ' or, ' the bruise is gone now. Does it still hurt? '. "
Allen looked at Van and realized with dread that he was right. ' He didn't even remember a thing about what had happened eariler.' He frowned, " Strange....really strange. Well...how's the search for her coming? "
Van shrugged, " I'm starting to re-think what I just thought eariler in the garden. I think she went home, Allen. She wasn't kidnapped and I also called off the guards who were searching. "
Allen's jaw fell, " What! ", he cried. " You're crazy, Van. I swear...she's probably out there, somewhere and you're here, sitting on your butt, getting married tomorrow and you don't even care about Hitomi's welfare??? "
Van shrugged again," I still care...just...not as much I guess..."
Allen threw his hands up into the air. Frowning he looked at Van, " Van Fenal....I swear...if you don't get those guards back out there looking for her, then I'll just have to go and tell them to do it myself. You understand what I'm getting at? "
Van lifted an eyebrow, " Are you threatening me Allen? "
Allen narrowed his dark blue eyes, " Maybe, maybe not. But do remember this Van, I have six years over you...."
" Yeah? Oh well....that's alright for you, because frankly Allen, I don't care....now if you'll just leave my study and go back to Millerna, I can get back to other important stuff...."
Allen smirked, " What? Going back to taking false pleasure from th-- "
" Don't even say it, Allen! I will have you kicked out of Fanelia if you say it....", Van warned.
" witch? ", he finished.
Van clenched his right hand into a fist and glared at him, " Get out! "
Allen stood up straight with his arms crossed over his chest, " I though you were going to kick me out, Van? Not want me to get out. "
" I....I've decided to give you a second chance...even though you did talk poorly about my bride to be..."
Allen snorted. He turned and headed for the door. He unlocked it and then yanked it open. Before he was about to leave he chuckled and then snorted in disgust at Van, " Van, you're bride to be is now missing and just might stay that way for as long as we all shall live...."
He then slammed the door shut behind him. Van blinked hard. He stared at the door and then walked over to the other side of the desk where he sat down in the cushioned chair, holding his head in his hands. His shoulders began to tremble slightly, but no tears were shed.
***
Serge quietly walked into the room and then crossed it to sit himself down in a chair, situated in the corner of the room. Gabriella glided into the room and looked at him. Her long blonde hair was twisted into a braided bun at the back of her head and her emerald green eyes sparkled with unknown mischief in the dim light of the single candle sitting on the table.
She watched him in silence for a few moments before speaking in a soft voice, " Well, Serge? What do you think will happen now? "
He frowned lightly, " What do you mean? "
The dim light began to cast eerie shadows across her face and that made him swallow thickly. The right corner of Gabriella's mouth turned upwards and she crossed her arms over her chest, " What I mean is, what do you plan on doing with Hitomi Kanzaki, now? "
He nodded, " Oh...I guess it's up to you, Highness, on what you plan on doing to her...", he replied softly.
She scratched her chin lightly, " You're absolutely right, Serge. ", she exclaimed. " How about....you go down to where you hid her away from Van's wondering eyes and get rid of her for good? "
His lips turned upwards and he nodded, " Yes, you read my mind, Highness. How would you like me to rid of her? "
She frowned, " Yes...how would I like to see the little bitch die? ", she asked in a amused tone.
" I don't know.....shall I surprise you, highness? "
She nodded, " Yes! Please do...I would really like to see what you have in store for her..."
He lifted an eyebrow and bowed deeply, " As you wish, Highness...."
She nodded and watched him with amused eyes as he left the room. She chuckled lightly until she threw her head back and laughed loudly. She walked out onto the balcony and stared up at the sky, " Well...my time is almost near. By tomorrow night, I will have claimed Fanelia and it's pathetic little King for myself. Once the celebration beings, then I bring in the real fun for the inhabitants of Fanelia and also great pleasure for it's King. "
***
Merle scratched her head gently as she watched in slight amusement as Marianne flipped through her picture book. Millerna silently stepped into the room and walked over to Merle after she closed the door, " Thank you so much, Merle for watching her....I'm sorry I took so long. ", she apologised in a low voice.
Merle looked up at her and nodded, " It's alright. All she did was sit there and flip through the book. That's all...."
" How was Leon? "
She smiled then, " An angel! He never woke up once...but I did check on him to see if he was still breathing, and he was..."
Millerna nodded, " Thank you again, Merle. I would've asked Hitomi, but....she's not here..."
Merle nodded, " Lord Van seems like he doesn't care about her anymore. Do you know why, Millerna? "
" I think I do...I think it's because she doesn't remember him anymore. "
Merle frowned deeply, " That's absurd! That's the most stupidiest thing I've ever heard. Why would he be like that? Doesn't he love her anymore? "
" I think he does....he just doesn't want to admit to it. He's probably scared about loving her and then losing her again. "
Merle nodded, " Maybe....maybe it's just...Gabriella who is shoving ideas into his head. You think? "
Millerna shrugged lightly, " I don't know. I've never really met her yet....."
Merle snorted, " Trust me, Millerna...I don't think you'd think too high and mighty of her if you did. She's nice at times, but at others? Whoa...stay clear..."
Millerna chuckled lightly, " That bad, huh? Then why's he marrying her, and not Hitomi? "
Merle shrugged, " I don't know. I guess because this marriage was talked out between their advisors and they didn't have anything to do with the arrangements..."
She nodded, " Okay....I'm going to go check on Leon now. Alright? If you want, you can leave...if you're bored just sitting her, that is..."
Merle smiled, " Alright. I need to go and grab some sleep. The wedding's tomorrow and I have to be there to help Gabriella into her gown and other stuff. "
Millerna nodded and then left to go into the children's room. Merle watched as she left and then she quietly slipped out of the room, to make her way down the hall to her own.
***
Hitomi swallowed thickly as she tried not to look at the bodies. She looked down at her tattered night-gown and then sighed lightly, " Why am I here? Who wants me dead? To become like those....people or things over there, laying in the corner on top of each other, with their eyes open and watching me? ", she asked the room.
She sighed again only heavily as she got unbearable silence for an answer again. She leaned her head back against the crude wall and bit her lip, ' I'm hungry. Why can't there be a fridge here or something? When will someone come and give me something to stop my stomach from grumbling like this....', she complained silently.
There was a sudden creaking noise as if a door were being opened and then it was followed by a pair of approaching heavy footsteps. She peered out at the darkness and then swallowed nervously before speaking out in a small, dehydrated voice, " W-who's out there? Have you come to give me some food? Why do you have me here? What did I ever do to you? ", she demanded.
The figure stopped just at the foot of the bed and chuckled lightly, " Your questions will be answered when wanted to be. For now you will remain her and you will remain silent. "
She shook her head and slowly got off the bed and hugged her arms to her chest. The sleeveless night-gown rustled along the ground as she took a step towards the unknown figure, " I want to know now. Who are you and what do you want from me? "
He suddenly smiled, " Something my Queen would never be able to give to me..."
She knitted her brows together and now took a step back, " A-and what would that b-be? "
He took a step towards her with his hand outstretched, " Come now, child. I will not harm you. I have come here to merely ask for some comfort. ", he lied.
She took another step back and realised after feeling the cold wall beneath her back that she was in trouble. She swallowed thickly and shook her head, " I-I don't want any comfort from you...I don't even know you, nor do I even want to. "
He frowned at her stubbornness and then in one complete long stride he found himself standing directly in front of her. He reached out and softly caressed the side of her cheek. Hitomi cringed and her hand shot out to slap his hand away, but he simply caught her hand in his and held onto it tightly. Hitomi swallowed as she peered up into his eyes.
She shook her head, " T-this isn't right. What do you really want? "
He lowered his mouth to her ear, " What I really, Hitomi Kanzaki....is....you. ", he whispered softly as he pinned her to the wall.
His free hand gently trailed a soft line over the front of her night-gown to rest upon her breast. She sucked in a sharp breath and tried to struggle against him, " P-please...don't! "
He chuckled and bent over, pressing his body up against hers, he lowered his mouth to her neck and softly kissed it, " I will do as I please. My Queen has permitted me to do so, and I will do so. Now don't resist me or even think about fighting me, Hitomi. You will be sorry if you decide to do so..."
***
Tony looked over at his grandma and frowned lightly as he turned his attention back to the front door. Hitomi's mother slowly walked into the room and watched him. She sighed and walked over to him. She knelt down and placed a gentle hand on his shoulder, " Come now, baby....it'll be alright. Mommie's going to return. She just went away for a few days..."
Tony looked up at his grandmother with sparkling watery eyes, " I miss mommie....I want mommie back, here with me...", he sniffled lightly.
She nodded, " I know...so do I. Come here, baby...."
She wrapped her arms around his little figure and held him close. This was the third time that Hitomi had gone off to that other place that she had always talked about. Tony sniffled again and then began to cry against her shoulder, " I...miss...mommie....", he wailed between sniffles as he hugged his grandmother closer to him, as if afraid of losing her too.
Hitomi's mother felt her lower lip tremble, but she willed herself not to cry. For the sake of the little frightened boy in her arms. She sighed lightly and gently rubbed his back, ' Hitomi...please, hurry back to us. For his sake...don't leave him hanging like this.....you've got to be alright. I haven't had one word or sign of your being alright and not in any danger. Please Hitomi, say that you've remember the young King, the Knight and your other friends....remember Hitomi! Don't you ever forget them, think of the adventures that you had with them when you travelled to that planet....think of all the good, magical and romantic times that you shared with them. Remember what you told me, Hitomi!! Please! ', she thought, hoping that her daughter was able to hear these thoughts and then rely on them.
