Disclaimer: I don't own...uh, Escaflowne? *sobs*
Dedication: To all who love me and my stories and to all I love....
~**~Chapter 9~**~
~*~ " I...I love....you, Van...." ~*~
Van sighed heavily. Today was the big day. Today was the day of his marriage to Gabriella. He looked out at the sunrise in the West and then lowered his head. Hitomi was still missing and he stayed up all night wondering where she could be, what had happened to her, and if she was alright.
" Lord Van....? ", a soft voice called from the doorway of the balcony.
Van closed his eyes and didn't turn around, already knowing who it was, " What is it, Merle? "
Merle padded onto the balcony in nothing but a long nightgown. She walked over to stand beside him, " I'm sorry about yesturday.... ", she muttered quietly as she looked out at the sunrise.
Van glanced at her and then shrugged lightly, " It's alright, Merle....I already forgave you as soon as the words slipped from your lips last night.... "
Merle smiled lightly and she bowed slightly, " Thank you.....what are you doing up so early? ", she asked lightly as she looked out at the sunrise again.
" I couldn't sleep last night. Your words kept me up with thoughts about her.... ", Van admitted lightly.
" I see....uh, did they manage to sink in somewhat? "
Van shrugged lightly, " I suppose.... "
Merle's forehead crinkled as she frowned deeply, " Van!! Did they or did they not? "
" Alright, alright! They did....happy? ", Van muttered under his breath as he raked a hand through his hair.
A big grin broke out on Merle's face and she nodded, " Yes! Very.... "
" Why are you up so early? "
Merle shrugged, " I couldn't sleep. I was too busy thinking about your wedding..... "
Van remained silent, but nodded. Merle looked at him, " Something's bothering you, Lord Van.... "
Van nodded again, " Yes.... "
" What is it? You can tell me....I'm here to listen..... ", Merle reminded him lightly.
" I know, Merle. I know. I'm really grateful for that too... "
Merle placed her hands on her hips, " Well? Out with it already... "
" Uh, right....well. What's bothering me is I want to go out there and look for her, but... "
" But what? "
" I can't.... "
" What?! "
Van nodded, " I can't. ", he repeated. " I wouldn't know where to look...there's so many places at where she could be, and I wouldn't know where to start...... "
Merle sighed heavily and then leaned onto the railing, her arm dangling off the side, " Well....I guess you're right. At least you care and actually are thinking of going, instead of not bothering at all.... "
" Merle....I've had her on my mind the entire time. Ever since she arrived, it's been her, and only her.... ", Van whispered lightly as he closed his eyes against the pain of losing someone loved and dear.
Merle's jaw fell open and would've hit the stone balcony, but she quickly snapped it shut, " W-well....that's new to me. Why did you let me get so upset like that last night? "
Van smiled lightly, " Just being the older brother.....that I'm suppose to be.... "
Merle's eyes narrowed slightly and she smirked, " Well, you did a very fine job...making me cry my heart out, making me embarass myself in front of you like that.... "
Van shrugged, " It didn't matter. I knew you had to get that out of your system and you did....you vented your anger out on me.... ", he replied lightly with a smile.
Merle suddenly sighed and Van looked over at her, " What? "
" N-nothing....I was just thinking about her. Today's the big day..... "
Van groaned, " Don't remind me....I have more important things to worry about.... "
Merle nodded, " We all do.... "
Van sighed and then turned to leave the balcony. Merle watched him go, but then called out to him, " Hey! Where do you think you're going? "
Van stopped, " To get ready.....remember? Big day today.... "
" Oh....I guess I'll just leave now... ", Merle muttered as she quickly dropped to all fours and hurried from the room, so Van could get changed.
******
Allen sighed and looked up at the ceiling with his arms behind his head, the light breeze from the open balcony doors caressing his bare chest lightly. Millerna groaned lightly and then cried out in her sleep, before flipping onto her side, putting her back to Allen.
Allen frowned and then reached out to gently rub her back in a soothing circular motion, " Today's the day that fate is decided for that hard-headed King...I wonder what's going to happen.... ", he muttered outloud to no one.
Millerna smirked and answered him, " You know very well what's going to happen, Allen... ", she replied as she flipped over to face him. " He's going to marry Gabriella and they're going to be unhappy for the rest of their lives.. "
Allen lifted an eyebrow, " Is that so? How do you know? Oh, and good morning to you too.... "
Millerna chuckled and then pushed some hair back that fell in front of her eyes, " I don't know, Allen. I'm just assuming that's what's going to happen if he marries her and not Hitomi....I think he deserves better... "
Allen nodded, " You're right, love. But.....Van can decide for himself. He's a big boy now, remember? "
Millerna sighed heavily and nodded, " Yeah, I know....I know.... "
" What's wrong? "
" Nothing....I was just wondering....since Gabriella asked me. I was wondering if I should just not be her maid of honor....I mean it would be mean, but...I don't know... "
Allen cocked his head to the side as he sat up, " You should....it would be disrespectful towards her if you didn't.... "
Millerna nodded, " I know, I know....it just seems kind of weird.... "
" Why? "
" Well, I was always hoping to be Hitomi's maid of honor, but instead, I'm someone else's that I don't even know nor like.... "
Allen chuckled and then reached out to caress her cheek that was still slightly sleep-flushed, " That's rather funny coming from you....but, hey....if you don't like her, then that's you.... "
Millerna remained silent as she looked at the quilted comforter that lay on top of the both of them. Allen followed her gaze and frowned, " What's wrong? "
" N-nothing....I was just thinking of Hitomi...that's all... "
Allen nodded, " I understand. We all miss her... "
Millerna suddenly snorted, " Well, some of us do.... "
Allen sighed, " You don't have to be mean.... "
Millerna shook her head and reached out to grasp Allen's forearm tightly, " Promise me, Allen. Promise me that you'll go find Hitomi if you feel that something's wrong. Promise me, Allen... ", she begged.
Allen blinked and looked into his wife's scared eyes, " L-love? I'm not getting you here. What do you mean if I feel that something's wrong? "
" I'm getting a bad feeling that something wrong's going to happen... "
Allen nodded, " Alright. I promise you, Millerna Aston Schezar.....that I'll go find Hitomi when I feel that something's wrong... "
***************************
' They're all plotting against you.....be wary youngin'..... ', a soft whispering voice whispered in her ear while she slept.
Gabriella's eyes snapped open and she bolted up in the bed. Her eyes scanned the room nervously and when finding no one there, she let out a large breath of relief as she slumped back against the oak headboard. She lifted a hand up to her head and ran it through her hair, trying to tame it's wildness.
" Nothing's going to happen. Nothing's going to ruin my wedding....nothing! I'll make sure you don't live, Hitomi Kanzaki.... ", Gabriella muttered outloud as she slowly slid out of the bed and got ready for her big day...
************************
' Remember.....Hitomi....remember.... ', the voice whispered into her ear again.
Hitomi's eyes snapped open and she looked around the room. Upon realizing where she really was, she groaned loudly and flipped onto her back on the hard rock cot. She sighed lightly and closed her eyes against the pain that the memories brought back.
' Remember.... '
" I'm trying!! ", Hitomi snapped.
She heard something rustling to her right then something scrape over the floor. Hitomi opened an eye and tried to look through the darkness for the cause of the noise. Finding none she closed her eye and tried to remember. Something slammed shut and Hitomi gasped loudly and jumped up from her cot to her feet.
Something hit the side of her face and she was knocked back down onto the bed. Groaning, she managed to open her eyes and find a large figure towering over her. He reached out and placed something over her mouth and nose. Hitomi inhaled once and then stopped herself after inhaling the strong and power drug that was used to knock people and things unconscious.
Hitomi lashed out with her foot and her fists, only to connect with solid muscle. Hitomi inhaled again and felt her head suddenly go light, as if it were detaching itself from her neck to float to the ceiling - if there even was one. She stumbled forward and a pair of strong arms encircled her waist only to throw her down onto the bed.
' Think!! ', Hitomi shouted at herself in her mind.
Hitomi had to inhale again, she couldn't breathe. As soon as she inhaled she went still on the cot and everything around her went black as she slipped unconscious....
*~* Dream....*~*
So bleak. So cold. So wet too. She walked through the heavy mist that was like a wall, seperating her from something. But what was it trying to keep her away from? Hitomi frowned deeply and hugged her arms to her chest, rubbing her bare arms, trying to keep back the coldness that had already begun to crept into her body.
Hitomi looked around and noticed a boy with raven black hair sitting hunched over, his long legs drawn up to his chest, while his arms hugged his knees to his chin. His head was bowed down deeply as he sobbed quietly. Hitomi felt her heart break for the small boy and she walked over to him
The little boy's shoulders trembled and small sobs were heard everywhere as he continued to cry. Hitomi couldn't take it anymore. She wouldn'! She walked over to him and knelt down beside him, placing a light arm around his shoulders.
The little boy's head shot up and he looked at her with watery, sad reddish-brown eyes. His eyes suddenly lit up as he laid them onto Hitomi's bruised face, " Y-you came back! ", he cried. " You came back! "
Hitomi blinked and then slowly shook her head, " I-I don't understand...what do you mean, I came back? "
The little boy's lower lip quivered and fresh tears slid down his blood smeared cheeks, " W-we searched everywhere for you. We couldn't find you at all. It was like you had disappeared from the face of Gaea.....but then, here you are, sitting beside me...trying to comfort me.... ", his voice deepened as his boyish features began to grow into those of a man.
Hitomi blinked and jumped up upon seeing his face. The boy looked at Hitomi, cocking his head to the side, " W-what? ", his voice very masculine and deep, but carried a tone of concern. " what has gotten into you, Hitomi? "
Hitomi blinked again and stepped away from him, shaking her head, " I...I don't understand....how do you know my name, Van? "
Van lifted an eyebrow and outstretched a hand to her and she gasped loudly, bringing her hands to her mouth to cover it, to hide her look of surprise as she took another step back from him.
' Remember.... ', the voice whispered loudly, it's words echoing throughout her mind and in the air around her and Van.
Van suddenly nodded, " Yes....remember.... "
Hitomi's hand dropped from her mouth to hang at her sides as she stared into Van's eyes. She blinked and took a step towards him, her hand trembling as she outstretched it to him. Van nodded and never tore his eyes from hers.
' Another step and you're there.... ', the voice whispered, urging her on.
Hitomi nodded slowly and moved her foot to take the last step, but it faltered and froze in midair. A heavy mist suddenly appeared in front of her, blocking her from getting to Van. Hitomi blinked and then looked around. She shook her head.
" I don't understand!! ", she cried out in frustration.
" Remember!! ", Van's steady and sure voice called from the other side of the mist wall.
Hitomi looked at the wall and then slowly nodded, " I'll t-try.... "
" Don't try. Just do it! You have to remember.... ", Van told her.
Hitomi nodded again and then inhaled deeply as she took a step forward. Mist slowly disappeared with every step she took and soon as she took one more step, the mist was all gone. But, she had one more step to take before she could reach the man whose eyes were filled with so much love and encouragement.
She hung back again, uncertain. Her eyes must've betrayed what she was thinking, for Van shook his head hard and leaned over some more, keeping his hand outstretched to her. Hitomi blinked and then looked into his eyes. She outstretched her hand and slowly took the last step, her heart constricting with an undescribable emotion.
Hitomi's fingers slid over Van's and she wrapped her hand around his. Van smiled at her and pulled her towards him, his arms going around her, as he held her hard and close to his body. Hitomi sighed lightly and closed her eyes, the memories of Zaibach, of the fate alteration machine, of their link that they had shared. It was all there.
Hitomi's eyes snapped open and she blinked as she gasped outloud. Van looked down at her, " What's wrong? Y-you don't remember do you... "
Hitomi shook her head and placed a trembling finger to his lips to silence him, " N-no...I remember clearly.....it's just....l-love.... ", she whispered.
Van lifted an eyebrow as he reached up to gently hold Hitomi's hand at his mouth. His soft lips brushed against her fingertip and Hitomi gasped, " T-that's it! "
" What? ", Van asked as he kissed her wrist.
" I...I love....you, Van.... ", Hitomi whispered as she gazed up at him.
Van's lips lingered on her wrist and he looked down at her, " You love....m-me? "
Hitomi nodded, suddenly sure, " Yes! ", she cried. " I love you, Van!! "
A sweet smile broke out onto Van's face as he drapped Hitomi's arm on his shoulder. He bent down and placed his mouth close to hers, " I love you too, Hitomi Kanzaki...I always have and always will.... ", he whispered as he brought his lips down onto hers, sweeping her off her feet as he lifted her off the ground.
Hitomi linked her arms around his neck and kissed him back, passionately and deeply, as she pressed the length of her body to his own. There was a loud hissing sound in the background and suddenly Hitomi and Van were bathed in a bright light, as the wind around them began to pick up, tossing their hair about wildly.
Van pulled away from her and looked into her eyes, deeply, " You love me? ", he asked again.
Hitomi smiled as her hair whipped in her face, " Yes. I love you, Van Fenal! "
Van cupped her face and showered her with kisses that left trails of fire in it's wake. Hitomi closed her eyes and sighed lightly, ' So this is where I'm meant to be? is this what I've missed over the years? ', she wondered.
" H-hitomi... ", Van's voice came out full of fear and concern.
Hitomi opened her eyes and looked down at him, " V-van?! What's going on? ", she asked as she began to lift higher up into the air, leaving the comfort of his arms.
Van outstretched a hand to her, " Don't go just yet, Hitomi....you mustn't.... "
Hitomi tried to reach out to him, but he was too far down. Something in the back of her throat brought tears to her eyes and pain to her lungs and heart as she immediately brought a hand to her chest and clutched it in pain. She began to cough uncontrollably, and the tears quickly fell from her eyes as something began to sting them.
" V-van!! ", the tortured wail escaped her throat as she disappeared completely, the light becoming to bright for her to handle as she felt the wind rush past her face....
*~*Dream ends....*~*
Hot. Hard to breathe. Damp. Burning in the chest and stinging in the eyes. Hitomi Kanzaki opened her eyes to find the entire room lit up in an orange glow. Dark nasty looking clouds covered the room at a low level and Hitomi clamped her eyes shut against the tears and then pain.
She sucked in a sharp breath and immediately regretted it as soon as the coughs racked her body. She slid from the bed to the floor and laid there coughing for a moment before placing a hand over her mouth and nose. Hitomi slowly rose to her knees and hands as she opened her eyes again.
Thick, hungry looking flames licked the sides of the walls, and at her as she began to crawl along the floor, blinded by tears and by smoke. Hitomi shook her head not wanting to believe any of it. She was going to die. She didn't want to die, not now, not after she was just remembering who her loved one really was.
*******
//Afternoon, Van's wedding.....\\
Van's eyes went wide. He blinked a couple of times to clear the stinging in them, and then went to remove his tux, for he felt like it was cutting off the air from his lungs. Allen glanced at him, " What is it? "
Van's breathing was now ragged and labored as he doubled over slightly, " H-hitomi... ", he whispered.
Allen's brows shot up and bent over to look at the King, " Where? How do you know? Can you tell where she is? "
Van swallowed thickly and beads of sweat rolled down the sides of his face, " Y-yes... "
Allen blinked, " Well? Tell me....I'll go get her.... "
Van nodded his head, " Please...hurry, Allen.... "
" Where is she? ", Allen demanded now.
Van closed his eyes and felt something cool and refreshing wash over him. He stood up ot his full height and shook his head, uttering a loud, " No! "
Allen lifted an eyebrow, " What? no, what? "
Van turned to look at Allen, fear and pain etched clearly in his reddish-brown eyes, " S-she's. -- "
" Shut up!! ", Allen shouted suddenly.
Everyone directed their attention to him, but he didn't care. Van looked at him and nodded, "....gone.... "
Allen shook his head, " Tell me, Van! Where is she? "
Van closed his eyes and whispered, " Warehouse.... "
Someone screamed in the crowd and pointed to black smoke that was rising in the far distance. Allen, Van, and Gaddeth all swung around to look at it. Van gasped, Allen blinked hard, and Gaddeth muttered loudly, " Uh oh.... "
Allen grabbed Gaddeth's arm and began to drag him with him down the aisle. Van watched them go, muttering a quiet prayer that they'd get her out alive, and that they'd get out alive themselves. The crowd gasped and Gabriella suddenly showed up at the end of the aisle, her head bowed and her hands folded neatly in the front of her long, flowing wedding gown, as she began to make her way towards Van and the five priests that stood at the altar.....
(*throws her head back and laughs evilly* MWUHAHAHAHAHAHAHAH......What's going to happen next? will Hitomi be found alive? or burned to a crisp....will Van go ahead and utter those two little words that make the bondage complete? Tune in either tomorrow or next week....MONDAY to be precise for the scope on what happens to our two fated lovers......DUN, DUN, DUNNNNNNNN P.S. It was 7:30am when I started this....and I didn't even get up before I started writing, for I never went to bed....I just thought of all your requests to make the next chapter...and here it is!! ENJOY!!!! ///_^..... Trowa Barton, courtesy of Sam and Stacy....Dilandu and Van-Sama lovers....like I *grins*...///_^ )
Dedication: To all who love me and my stories and to all I love....
~**~Chapter 9~**~
~*~ " I...I love....you, Van...." ~*~
Van sighed heavily. Today was the big day. Today was the day of his marriage to Gabriella. He looked out at the sunrise in the West and then lowered his head. Hitomi was still missing and he stayed up all night wondering where she could be, what had happened to her, and if she was alright.
" Lord Van....? ", a soft voice called from the doorway of the balcony.
Van closed his eyes and didn't turn around, already knowing who it was, " What is it, Merle? "
Merle padded onto the balcony in nothing but a long nightgown. She walked over to stand beside him, " I'm sorry about yesturday.... ", she muttered quietly as she looked out at the sunrise.
Van glanced at her and then shrugged lightly, " It's alright, Merle....I already forgave you as soon as the words slipped from your lips last night.... "
Merle smiled lightly and she bowed slightly, " Thank you.....what are you doing up so early? ", she asked lightly as she looked out at the sunrise again.
" I couldn't sleep last night. Your words kept me up with thoughts about her.... ", Van admitted lightly.
" I see....uh, did they manage to sink in somewhat? "
Van shrugged lightly, " I suppose.... "
Merle's forehead crinkled as she frowned deeply, " Van!! Did they or did they not? "
" Alright, alright! They did....happy? ", Van muttered under his breath as he raked a hand through his hair.
A big grin broke out on Merle's face and she nodded, " Yes! Very.... "
" Why are you up so early? "
Merle shrugged, " I couldn't sleep. I was too busy thinking about your wedding..... "
Van remained silent, but nodded. Merle looked at him, " Something's bothering you, Lord Van.... "
Van nodded again, " Yes.... "
" What is it? You can tell me....I'm here to listen..... ", Merle reminded him lightly.
" I know, Merle. I know. I'm really grateful for that too... "
Merle placed her hands on her hips, " Well? Out with it already... "
" Uh, right....well. What's bothering me is I want to go out there and look for her, but... "
" But what? "
" I can't.... "
" What?! "
Van nodded, " I can't. ", he repeated. " I wouldn't know where to look...there's so many places at where she could be, and I wouldn't know where to start...... "
Merle sighed heavily and then leaned onto the railing, her arm dangling off the side, " Well....I guess you're right. At least you care and actually are thinking of going, instead of not bothering at all.... "
" Merle....I've had her on my mind the entire time. Ever since she arrived, it's been her, and only her.... ", Van whispered lightly as he closed his eyes against the pain of losing someone loved and dear.
Merle's jaw fell open and would've hit the stone balcony, but she quickly snapped it shut, " W-well....that's new to me. Why did you let me get so upset like that last night? "
Van smiled lightly, " Just being the older brother.....that I'm suppose to be.... "
Merle's eyes narrowed slightly and she smirked, " Well, you did a very fine job...making me cry my heart out, making me embarass myself in front of you like that.... "
Van shrugged, " It didn't matter. I knew you had to get that out of your system and you did....you vented your anger out on me.... ", he replied lightly with a smile.
Merle suddenly sighed and Van looked over at her, " What? "
" N-nothing....I was just thinking about her. Today's the big day..... "
Van groaned, " Don't remind me....I have more important things to worry about.... "
Merle nodded, " We all do.... "
Van sighed and then turned to leave the balcony. Merle watched him go, but then called out to him, " Hey! Where do you think you're going? "
Van stopped, " To get ready.....remember? Big day today.... "
" Oh....I guess I'll just leave now... ", Merle muttered as she quickly dropped to all fours and hurried from the room, so Van could get changed.
******
Allen sighed and looked up at the ceiling with his arms behind his head, the light breeze from the open balcony doors caressing his bare chest lightly. Millerna groaned lightly and then cried out in her sleep, before flipping onto her side, putting her back to Allen.
Allen frowned and then reached out to gently rub her back in a soothing circular motion, " Today's the day that fate is decided for that hard-headed King...I wonder what's going to happen.... ", he muttered outloud to no one.
Millerna smirked and answered him, " You know very well what's going to happen, Allen... ", she replied as she flipped over to face him. " He's going to marry Gabriella and they're going to be unhappy for the rest of their lives.. "
Allen lifted an eyebrow, " Is that so? How do you know? Oh, and good morning to you too.... "
Millerna chuckled and then pushed some hair back that fell in front of her eyes, " I don't know, Allen. I'm just assuming that's what's going to happen if he marries her and not Hitomi....I think he deserves better... "
Allen nodded, " You're right, love. But.....Van can decide for himself. He's a big boy now, remember? "
Millerna sighed heavily and nodded, " Yeah, I know....I know.... "
" What's wrong? "
" Nothing....I was just wondering....since Gabriella asked me. I was wondering if I should just not be her maid of honor....I mean it would be mean, but...I don't know... "
Allen cocked his head to the side as he sat up, " You should....it would be disrespectful towards her if you didn't.... "
Millerna nodded, " I know, I know....it just seems kind of weird.... "
" Why? "
" Well, I was always hoping to be Hitomi's maid of honor, but instead, I'm someone else's that I don't even know nor like.... "
Allen chuckled and then reached out to caress her cheek that was still slightly sleep-flushed, " That's rather funny coming from you....but, hey....if you don't like her, then that's you.... "
Millerna remained silent as she looked at the quilted comforter that lay on top of the both of them. Allen followed her gaze and frowned, " What's wrong? "
" N-nothing....I was just thinking of Hitomi...that's all... "
Allen nodded, " I understand. We all miss her... "
Millerna suddenly snorted, " Well, some of us do.... "
Allen sighed, " You don't have to be mean.... "
Millerna shook her head and reached out to grasp Allen's forearm tightly, " Promise me, Allen. Promise me that you'll go find Hitomi if you feel that something's wrong. Promise me, Allen... ", she begged.
Allen blinked and looked into his wife's scared eyes, " L-love? I'm not getting you here. What do you mean if I feel that something's wrong? "
" I'm getting a bad feeling that something wrong's going to happen... "
Allen nodded, " Alright. I promise you, Millerna Aston Schezar.....that I'll go find Hitomi when I feel that something's wrong... "
***************************
' They're all plotting against you.....be wary youngin'..... ', a soft whispering voice whispered in her ear while she slept.
Gabriella's eyes snapped open and she bolted up in the bed. Her eyes scanned the room nervously and when finding no one there, she let out a large breath of relief as she slumped back against the oak headboard. She lifted a hand up to her head and ran it through her hair, trying to tame it's wildness.
" Nothing's going to happen. Nothing's going to ruin my wedding....nothing! I'll make sure you don't live, Hitomi Kanzaki.... ", Gabriella muttered outloud as she slowly slid out of the bed and got ready for her big day...
************************
' Remember.....Hitomi....remember.... ', the voice whispered into her ear again.
Hitomi's eyes snapped open and she looked around the room. Upon realizing where she really was, she groaned loudly and flipped onto her back on the hard rock cot. She sighed lightly and closed her eyes against the pain that the memories brought back.
' Remember.... '
" I'm trying!! ", Hitomi snapped.
She heard something rustling to her right then something scrape over the floor. Hitomi opened an eye and tried to look through the darkness for the cause of the noise. Finding none she closed her eye and tried to remember. Something slammed shut and Hitomi gasped loudly and jumped up from her cot to her feet.
Something hit the side of her face and she was knocked back down onto the bed. Groaning, she managed to open her eyes and find a large figure towering over her. He reached out and placed something over her mouth and nose. Hitomi inhaled once and then stopped herself after inhaling the strong and power drug that was used to knock people and things unconscious.
Hitomi lashed out with her foot and her fists, only to connect with solid muscle. Hitomi inhaled again and felt her head suddenly go light, as if it were detaching itself from her neck to float to the ceiling - if there even was one. She stumbled forward and a pair of strong arms encircled her waist only to throw her down onto the bed.
' Think!! ', Hitomi shouted at herself in her mind.
Hitomi had to inhale again, she couldn't breathe. As soon as she inhaled she went still on the cot and everything around her went black as she slipped unconscious....
*~* Dream....*~*
So bleak. So cold. So wet too. She walked through the heavy mist that was like a wall, seperating her from something. But what was it trying to keep her away from? Hitomi frowned deeply and hugged her arms to her chest, rubbing her bare arms, trying to keep back the coldness that had already begun to crept into her body.
Hitomi looked around and noticed a boy with raven black hair sitting hunched over, his long legs drawn up to his chest, while his arms hugged his knees to his chin. His head was bowed down deeply as he sobbed quietly. Hitomi felt her heart break for the small boy and she walked over to him
The little boy's shoulders trembled and small sobs were heard everywhere as he continued to cry. Hitomi couldn't take it anymore. She wouldn'! She walked over to him and knelt down beside him, placing a light arm around his shoulders.
The little boy's head shot up and he looked at her with watery, sad reddish-brown eyes. His eyes suddenly lit up as he laid them onto Hitomi's bruised face, " Y-you came back! ", he cried. " You came back! "
Hitomi blinked and then slowly shook her head, " I-I don't understand...what do you mean, I came back? "
The little boy's lower lip quivered and fresh tears slid down his blood smeared cheeks, " W-we searched everywhere for you. We couldn't find you at all. It was like you had disappeared from the face of Gaea.....but then, here you are, sitting beside me...trying to comfort me.... ", his voice deepened as his boyish features began to grow into those of a man.
Hitomi blinked and jumped up upon seeing his face. The boy looked at Hitomi, cocking his head to the side, " W-what? ", his voice very masculine and deep, but carried a tone of concern. " what has gotten into you, Hitomi? "
Hitomi blinked again and stepped away from him, shaking her head, " I...I don't understand....how do you know my name, Van? "
Van lifted an eyebrow and outstretched a hand to her and she gasped loudly, bringing her hands to her mouth to cover it, to hide her look of surprise as she took another step back from him.
' Remember.... ', the voice whispered loudly, it's words echoing throughout her mind and in the air around her and Van.
Van suddenly nodded, " Yes....remember.... "
Hitomi's hand dropped from her mouth to hang at her sides as she stared into Van's eyes. She blinked and took a step towards him, her hand trembling as she outstretched it to him. Van nodded and never tore his eyes from hers.
' Another step and you're there.... ', the voice whispered, urging her on.
Hitomi nodded slowly and moved her foot to take the last step, but it faltered and froze in midair. A heavy mist suddenly appeared in front of her, blocking her from getting to Van. Hitomi blinked and then looked around. She shook her head.
" I don't understand!! ", she cried out in frustration.
" Remember!! ", Van's steady and sure voice called from the other side of the mist wall.
Hitomi looked at the wall and then slowly nodded, " I'll t-try.... "
" Don't try. Just do it! You have to remember.... ", Van told her.
Hitomi nodded again and then inhaled deeply as she took a step forward. Mist slowly disappeared with every step she took and soon as she took one more step, the mist was all gone. But, she had one more step to take before she could reach the man whose eyes were filled with so much love and encouragement.
She hung back again, uncertain. Her eyes must've betrayed what she was thinking, for Van shook his head hard and leaned over some more, keeping his hand outstretched to her. Hitomi blinked and then looked into his eyes. She outstretched her hand and slowly took the last step, her heart constricting with an undescribable emotion.
Hitomi's fingers slid over Van's and she wrapped her hand around his. Van smiled at her and pulled her towards him, his arms going around her, as he held her hard and close to his body. Hitomi sighed lightly and closed her eyes, the memories of Zaibach, of the fate alteration machine, of their link that they had shared. It was all there.
Hitomi's eyes snapped open and she blinked as she gasped outloud. Van looked down at her, " What's wrong? Y-you don't remember do you... "
Hitomi shook her head and placed a trembling finger to his lips to silence him, " N-no...I remember clearly.....it's just....l-love.... ", she whispered.
Van lifted an eyebrow as he reached up to gently hold Hitomi's hand at his mouth. His soft lips brushed against her fingertip and Hitomi gasped, " T-that's it! "
" What? ", Van asked as he kissed her wrist.
" I...I love....you, Van.... ", Hitomi whispered as she gazed up at him.
Van's lips lingered on her wrist and he looked down at her, " You love....m-me? "
Hitomi nodded, suddenly sure, " Yes! ", she cried. " I love you, Van!! "
A sweet smile broke out onto Van's face as he drapped Hitomi's arm on his shoulder. He bent down and placed his mouth close to hers, " I love you too, Hitomi Kanzaki...I always have and always will.... ", he whispered as he brought his lips down onto hers, sweeping her off her feet as he lifted her off the ground.
Hitomi linked her arms around his neck and kissed him back, passionately and deeply, as she pressed the length of her body to his own. There was a loud hissing sound in the background and suddenly Hitomi and Van were bathed in a bright light, as the wind around them began to pick up, tossing their hair about wildly.
Van pulled away from her and looked into her eyes, deeply, " You love me? ", he asked again.
Hitomi smiled as her hair whipped in her face, " Yes. I love you, Van Fenal! "
Van cupped her face and showered her with kisses that left trails of fire in it's wake. Hitomi closed her eyes and sighed lightly, ' So this is where I'm meant to be? is this what I've missed over the years? ', she wondered.
" H-hitomi... ", Van's voice came out full of fear and concern.
Hitomi opened her eyes and looked down at him, " V-van?! What's going on? ", she asked as she began to lift higher up into the air, leaving the comfort of his arms.
Van outstretched a hand to her, " Don't go just yet, Hitomi....you mustn't.... "
Hitomi tried to reach out to him, but he was too far down. Something in the back of her throat brought tears to her eyes and pain to her lungs and heart as she immediately brought a hand to her chest and clutched it in pain. She began to cough uncontrollably, and the tears quickly fell from her eyes as something began to sting them.
" V-van!! ", the tortured wail escaped her throat as she disappeared completely, the light becoming to bright for her to handle as she felt the wind rush past her face....
*~*Dream ends....*~*
Hot. Hard to breathe. Damp. Burning in the chest and stinging in the eyes. Hitomi Kanzaki opened her eyes to find the entire room lit up in an orange glow. Dark nasty looking clouds covered the room at a low level and Hitomi clamped her eyes shut against the tears and then pain.
She sucked in a sharp breath and immediately regretted it as soon as the coughs racked her body. She slid from the bed to the floor and laid there coughing for a moment before placing a hand over her mouth and nose. Hitomi slowly rose to her knees and hands as she opened her eyes again.
Thick, hungry looking flames licked the sides of the walls, and at her as she began to crawl along the floor, blinded by tears and by smoke. Hitomi shook her head not wanting to believe any of it. She was going to die. She didn't want to die, not now, not after she was just remembering who her loved one really was.
*******
//Afternoon, Van's wedding.....\\
Van's eyes went wide. He blinked a couple of times to clear the stinging in them, and then went to remove his tux, for he felt like it was cutting off the air from his lungs. Allen glanced at him, " What is it? "
Van's breathing was now ragged and labored as he doubled over slightly, " H-hitomi... ", he whispered.
Allen's brows shot up and bent over to look at the King, " Where? How do you know? Can you tell where she is? "
Van swallowed thickly and beads of sweat rolled down the sides of his face, " Y-yes... "
Allen blinked, " Well? Tell me....I'll go get her.... "
Van nodded his head, " Please...hurry, Allen.... "
" Where is she? ", Allen demanded now.
Van closed his eyes and felt something cool and refreshing wash over him. He stood up ot his full height and shook his head, uttering a loud, " No! "
Allen lifted an eyebrow, " What? no, what? "
Van turned to look at Allen, fear and pain etched clearly in his reddish-brown eyes, " S-she's. -- "
" Shut up!! ", Allen shouted suddenly.
Everyone directed their attention to him, but he didn't care. Van looked at him and nodded, "....gone.... "
Allen shook his head, " Tell me, Van! Where is she? "
Van closed his eyes and whispered, " Warehouse.... "
Someone screamed in the crowd and pointed to black smoke that was rising in the far distance. Allen, Van, and Gaddeth all swung around to look at it. Van gasped, Allen blinked hard, and Gaddeth muttered loudly, " Uh oh.... "
Allen grabbed Gaddeth's arm and began to drag him with him down the aisle. Van watched them go, muttering a quiet prayer that they'd get her out alive, and that they'd get out alive themselves. The crowd gasped and Gabriella suddenly showed up at the end of the aisle, her head bowed and her hands folded neatly in the front of her long, flowing wedding gown, as she began to make her way towards Van and the five priests that stood at the altar.....
(*throws her head back and laughs evilly* MWUHAHAHAHAHAHAHAH......What's going to happen next? will Hitomi be found alive? or burned to a crisp....will Van go ahead and utter those two little words that make the bondage complete? Tune in either tomorrow or next week....MONDAY to be precise for the scope on what happens to our two fated lovers......DUN, DUN, DUNNNNNNNN P.S. It was 7:30am when I started this....and I didn't even get up before I started writing, for I never went to bed....I just thought of all your requests to make the next chapter...and here it is!! ENJOY!!!! ///_^..... Trowa Barton, courtesy of Sam and Stacy....Dilandu and Van-Sama lovers....like I *grins*...///_^ )
