~Remember I don't Escaflowne and its characters~
~For all you people who love fluff, this chapter is for YOU!!!!!~



The Fate of Two Worlds
By Angel Wings

Chapter 12 ~ Sing A Sweet Song

~Fanelia~
Magically Hitomi recovered during the night. Her breathing became normal and her skin
deepen in color. Her heart and pulse returned to their regular strength. Merle and Millerina
took Hitomi back to her chamber and changed her out of her torn clothes into a nightgown.
Van stayed by her side all night refusing to leave and Millerina stayed with her until she
stabilized. After the doctor knew the girl was alright she turned to the king and rubbed special
medicines into his skin to help his burns. Once Millerina was finished she gave one finally
check on the sleeping girl before she left the King to watch over the seeress. Millerina smiled
as she closed the door to the chamber. Hitomi could never find a better guardian angel.

All during the night Van watched over her. His eyes watched her sleep during the 'wee' hours
of the night. He laid next to her on her bed with his hand holding warmly to hers. More than
once he brushed his fingers down her rosy cheek. Oh, how he dreamed of this. To sleep in the
same bed and wake every morning to her smile. "Am I worthy to breathe the same air as her?"
he wondered softly. Taking out the familiar pendant he placed the stone with a new chain back
on his angel's neck. Tenderly he placed a kiss on her forehead as the red jewel shone within
the moonlight. Hitomi sighed through her sleep and Van had to smile.

He slowly lifted from his position on the bed and walked over to her balcony. He quietly
opened the double glass doors allowing in a cool breeze. As he walked to the balcony's
railing he turned his eyes to the stars that twinkled in the vast sky. "If I could....." Van
whispered in the night air, "I would give Hitomi the moon and the stars....." Nothing was too
great for his love. The thought of the moon brought his eyes to the lonely globe. It seemed so
alone in the glittering night sky. The space where the Mystic Moon had been seemed dull and
less bright. A sadness fell on the King as he thought about the angel sleeping inside.

Hitomi's dreams were plagued by her love's image. She stood in the surf at a beach. The
sound of the waves crashing against the shore was music to here ears. Her eyes sparkled as he
ran towards her from across the sand. Her giggles filled the air as she saw him rip his shirt off
and dive into the waves. Catching her from behind he tackled her into the water. The two
laughed and had a water war as they chased each other through the surf.

At one moment he caught her and the two held each other close as the salt water licked their
ankles. Their wings bursted from their backs and sparkled in the setting sunlight. Her fingers
brushed away a few wet bangs from his eyes as he stared deeply into her emeralds. Taking her
closed to his wet chest he whispered sweet words into her ears. She sighed contently as he
leaned down to kiss her. Unfortunately she woke before the dream could grow to its climax.

Hitomi opened her eyes to see only darkness. At first she thought it was a vision, but she
began to noticed the familiar shapes of her bedroom. It was close to midnight and there was
barely any light. A cool breeze flowed through the room causing her to pull the covers closer
around her. The girl turned towards her balcony and saw her curtains fluttering in the
moonlight. She felt him. He was there.....there on the balcony. Without even thinking about the
cold she slowly left the bed. Her bare feet made no sound as she crossed the cold stone floor.
She barely realized she was wearing different clothes as she grew close to the balcony. Her
white night gown with spaghetti straps that fell down to her ankles and fluttered in the night air.
Her pale finger took hold of the doors' frame as looked out onto the balcony.

He stood with his back to her. His dark locks lifted in the wind as he stared up at the sky. He
stood in a pair of cream slacks with a loose white shirt. He stood upon the balcony's marble
platform barefoot. His muscles were plainly visible in the moonlight which made Hitomi breathe
lock in her throat. He seemed to not even mind the coolness of the air.

"Van" she whispered into the air. The young boy swirled around and saw a goddess standing
in the moonlight. Her hair shone in the light and her gown floated in the breeze. The twinkling
of her eyes seemed like stars and her smile lifted his heavy heart. To him she was the most
beautiful woman in the world. He couldn't help, but stare at her.

Silence fell on the two as they stood staring at each other from across the balcony. They didn't
need to say words. All they needed was to be there staring into each other's eyes. To see the
stars reflecting into their lover's eyes was sweet bliss.

Van couldn't help, but rush over and take Hitomi into a hug. He buried his face in her hair as
her slim arms held him close. She closed her eyes as his lips brushed up against her ear.

"I thought I lost you" he whispered. His warm breathe tingled Hitomi's neck causing her to
smile.

"Don't worry....." she whispered, "I'm right here......"

Van pulled back, "Hitomi, I....."

Hitomi looked deep into his eyes wanting to hear the words. She longed to hear the words.

"I..." the king tried again and failed. He just couldn't bring his voice to speak of his feelings. He
pulled away from the seeress and turned towards the balcony. Hitomi just stood there feeling a
sudden coldness form around her. She had to hear the words.... She slowly made her way to
Van and placed a gentle hand on his shoulder. He looked behind him at her and met emerald
eyes. Their eyes locked for what seemed like eternity. Neither wanted to break the gaze.

He wanted to tell her so badly it was killing him. Never before in his life had he felt this way for
anyone. He had never felt the emotion before, at least not in this way, but he knew what it
was......it was love. It was love for a woman......no, not for a woman, but for a wife.....a soul
mate.......your other half. Some people searched their whole lives for that special person yet he
had merely stumbled upon her. Oh, how wonderful fate could be to him.

Van couldn't express his feelings through words. He had to share it though. He knew he'd
fumble and screw up the words if he tried to voice his emotions again so he did the only thing
he could do. The king opened his heart to her.

Hitomi felt him open his shy heart and felt the flood of emotions come out. Her eyes closed as
she felt love radiate from him. Her mind swam through the emotions of happiness and longing.
It was so strong that it made her delightfully dizzy.

Opening her eyes she stared into a pair of eyes which were begging to know her response.
With a warm smile she unlocked her heart as well. There could be no mistaking the emotion
emitting from her. It was the same as his.....love. As Van felt her proclaimed her love as well
he felt the large burden on his shoulders lift.

They both closed their eyes and relished in the sweet bliss of feeling the emotions. The
emotions brought such peace and joy to their souls that they wanted to stand like that forever.
The wind swirled around the two as if by magic and caused fragrances of flowers to hover
around them.

Van opened his eyes to see her standing so beautifully in the moonlight that he couldn't resist
any longer. He cupped her warm cheek into his hand and drew his face closer as he closed his
eyes. Hitomi felt his breathe tickle her lips and made no attempt to open her eyes just as his
lips covered hers in a tender kiss. He poured his soul into the kiss showing her how he really
felt. The burning love in the kiss sent sparks running through their bodies. Hitomi arms wound
around his neck as his came to her back. Flames of love and passion burned within the kiss
burning through their souls. Wings of pure white bursted from their backs causing the wind to
catch stray feathers and whirling them around the couple. Van's shirt fell to the ground in
shreds while Hitomi's gown was untouched. As their emotions of love bursted from their hearts
the kiss deepened. His tender touch sent shudders of pleasure through Hitomi. The kiss made
his blood run faster. The very touch was like electricity in their souls. They had never
experienced such pleasure and they knew they would never attain anything more wonderful.
To taste their love's soul was precious and so intimate that they couldn't let go.

And they probably would never have broke it, but the terrible need for oxygen caused them to
pull away. They stared at each other as the stood in the moonlight in each other's arms. They
were breathing hard from the kiss, but they didn't notice the lack of breathe. They only saw the
twinkling stars in each other's eyes. Hitomi brought her fingers to brush away a few stray bangs
from her lover's eyes. Her gentle touch was like fire to his soul. Did she know how it made him
feel when she touched him so affectionately? As her hand moved to his cheek he placed his
hand over hers, neither of their eyes strayed from the gaze. Such a gentle touch sent his heart
soaring. His warm hand brought her fingers to his lips. Closing his eyes he tenderly kissed each
finger in turn. Hitomi sighed as he took her close to his chest. Laying her head on his chest she
was able to hear his steady heart beat. His strong arms held her close and his wings closed
around her in a protecting cage of white feathers.

"Van...." she whispered not lifting her head from his chest.

"Hmmmm?" he muttered as he placed his chin on the very top of her brunette locks.

"Why do you think we never told each other how we felt before?" she said as she snuggled
closer.

The king's eyes watched the feathers sparkle in the wind as spoke, "Because we were
scared.....scared for rejection from someone we loved so much....."

Hitomi closed her eyes and nodded, "Yes....I was so afraid you would.....you would not love
me that I couldn't tell you, but I had to come back in one final hope......"

"I'm glad you did....." he whispered into her hair. He breathed in deep her sweet scent of
flowers. To be so close to him like this brought the most wonderful joy in his heart.

They slowly sat onto the marble flooring and leaned against the balcony's railing as Van
cradled Hitomi in his arms. He played with Hitomi's hair as she spoke, "Do you know when I
first started loving you?"

"When?" he asked pleasantly. Hitomi's fingers intertwined with his and she brought it to her
cheek.

"It was when..." she whispered delicately into the sweet air, "you came onto my world....You
were so hansom back then too and my heart was taken with you the moment I first saw you."

"What about Allen?" Van asked as a small jab of painfully memories hit him.

Hitomi closed her eyes thinking about those days, "It was a terrible mistake...." Her words
were full of guilt as she spoke, "I thought I loved him, but I now realize I was in love with you
the whole time. I guess I was desperate to find a boyfriend.... I never had one and every girl
wants one at my age. When you showed no interest in me I guess I flew after Allen. He
seemed more responsive that I gave up my love for you to find love. But no matter what
happened I was still dreaming of your love. I wanted you to love me....not Allen. I should have
never put you through it."

Her hand flew to his cheek as an apologetic gesture. Her eyes filled with tears as she thought
of how her heart might have felt if he had done that to her.

His mouth fell on hers for a moment in a sweet kiss before he replied, "It doesn't matter
now.....Your here....with me.....and that's all that matters....."

A few tears of happiness fell from Hitomi's cheek and he kissed them tenderly away.

"Do you know when I first realized I was in love with you?" he whispered sweetly.

Hitomi smiled, "When?"

His eyes twinkled playful, "When you first slapped me."

The two laughed into the night air at their inner joke. Their laughter was like crystal bells
sounding in the night. Night guards on the castle walls that heard the laughter smiled. To hear
such pleasant sounds during a time of such devastation was good to hear.

Van's laughter ceased as he grew serious, "When you slapped me I realized you were
special....." Hitomi's eyes stared at him as he slowly let his words pour out. "No one ever
dared to strike me and when you did I felt such respect for you...... I never understood I was
feeling love for you at the time, but when I look back that's when I first started loving you....."

Hitomi smiled as he held her closer. Van swallowed the lump in his throat as he continued,
"Hitomi, I know you are in a time of grieving and I shouldn't even think of such things, but
would you do me the honor of being my wife and queen of Fanelia?"

Hitomi took her hand a placed it behind his head and brought his lips to hers. She brought her
soul into the kiss deepening it and Van hungrily tasted her soul.

As he slowly withdrew he gave her an eskimo kiss. "So is that a 'yes'?" he asked playfully with
eyes sparkling.

"Yes, Van" she whispered, "I would love to be your wife. I would love to be with you every
moment of my life..... I guess this what its like to find your soul mate....."

"It must be because I've never felt such love for any woman.....Hitomi...... I pledge my heart
and soul to you....." he whispered as his lips grew close again.

"And I pledge my heart and soul to you, Van......" She whispered just before their lips met
once more in a passionate kiss.

As he withdrew from the kiss he silently said, "I'm sorry, but I have no ring to give you now.
Nothing would suit your finger though.....for it would never be enough for what I want to give
you...."

"Van" she whispered back, "I don't need to have a ring of gold or silver.... I don't need rubies
or emeralds..... I don't need a diamond to show my union to you.....I only need you and
nothing else......"

"But I must give you a ring" he urged, "I want to give you all that you desire, Hitomi..."

Hitomi thought for a moment as she looked into her fiancé's eyes. A small twinkle sparked in
her eyes as she whispered, "Than Van I want you to give me a simple band of silver."

Van looked down at her not understanding. Hitomi smiled, "It must have no diamonds or
jewels.....just a single band of silver."

"But Hitomi the wedding band is exactly like that...." he replied.

"No" she said, "For on the band place gold etched feathers surrounding the band."

He smiled at her reasoning. She was so different from other girls which made him love her
more. She wanted no gifts or money....just him. He felt such devotion when she refused to
have an elaborate ring that it surged to his heart. He brought his mouth only a kiss away from
hers as he spoke, "Whatever you wish my love...." At that he gave her a kiss that made their
hearts soar and from the trees nightingales sung their song for the two lovers nearby.

They stayed like that till the early hours of the morning. Van held her close as they sat against
the railing of the beautiful balcony. Hitomi head rested against his shoulder as he cradled her in
his arms. Both their eyes were closed as Van hummed an unknown song in Hitomi's ear. His
sweet melody played in the air as the two angels sat in the night as their only viewers were the
stars in the heavens. They twinkled happily as the two lovers held each other tenderly lost in
their own world. Their wings sparkled in the moonlight as the unknown melody played in the
cool night air.....

"What are you humming?" Hitomi voice broke through the air like sweet music.

Van sighed happily, "One of Gaea's folk melodies....."

With her eyes still closed she whispered, "Could you sing it to me?....."

Van smile was as bright as one of the stars in the heaven. He silently thought of the words his
mother had sung when he was a child. His voice carried in the breeze as he sung in his deep
voice the song that had been sung for hundreds of centuries,


"I don't know.....
What words I can say.....
The wind has a way.....
To talk to me.....


The words carried on the wind and reached the royal forest of Fanelia. Within the safety of the
wilderness stood a mother unicorn with her foal. The mother lifted her head from the sweet
grass of the forest and listen to the familiar tune. Her foal glanced at its mother wondering what
had caught his mother's attention. If a unicorn could smile you would have seen a smile play on
the beautiful mare's face of pearl white. She gave a soft neigh and raced from out of the cover
of the trees into a field of flowers. Her child quickly followed happily at the game. The unicorns
neighed happily and leaped through the field. Fireflies flew into the air and the two unicorns
played within the moonlight. The song had stirred something within the mare causing her to
become very giddy.......


Flowers sleep....
A silent lullaby.....
I pray for reply.....
I'm ready.....


A dragon flying in the night sky heard the melody reach its ears and turned its eyes down onto
the sleeping world below. The melody caused his blood to race and the dragon tossed his
head towards the sky giving a loud roar. The dragon flew into the clouds and the flight brought
a great thrill to its heart. The night clouds swirled around the large beast as he flew in and out
of their mists. The moonlight gleamed over the creatures scales causing gems embedded in the
dragon's skin to sparkle. All dragons had jewels in their scales, but no other dragon seemed to
sparkle so brightly that night........


Quiet..... day......
Calms.....me....
Oh, Serenity!....
Someone....please....
Tell.....me.....
Ohhhh, what is it they say?......
Maybe I will know some day......


In the cliffs of a negihboring canyon was a nest of gryphons. The largest of the nest rose as the
song woke it from its sleep. Its mate head lifted, but she did not rise. Their offspring were so
deep in slumber that they didn't wake, but heard the melody in their sleep. The gryphon listen
to the familiar song and stood at attention at the edge of the ledge. His loin tail swishing in the
air in rhythm of the melody and his eagle wings stretched against the night sky. A peaceful
feeling filled the heart of the beast that night as he watched over his family.....


I don't know.....
What words I can say.....
The wind has a way.....
To talk to me.....


A centuar and a hyde emerged from beneath the cover of the forest and stood at the border
of the Kingdom of Fanelia. The horse woman took a step forward and smiled at the sweet
melody playing across the fields. While the deer woman placed a hand on one of her small
gold horns carefully humming along with the melody. The melody was well known across the
land and often played within the safety of the trees. The two friends couldn't help, but smile
upon whoever sung the song. For it was well loved among each of their peoples.....


Flowers sleep....
A silent lullaby.....
I pray for reply.....
I'm ready....."


His sweet voice came to a close and Hitomi sighed at the words. There was such meaningful
secrets in the words. The words were so sweet to her ears that a single emerald tears fell
onto her pendant causing it to glow a faint red, but neither noticed the glow for their eyes
were closed and were both too wrapped up in their moment together.

Oh, how he wanted to stay like this forever, but unfortunately the first rays of the sun had
begun to glow over the horizon. Soon his advisors would be at his door and when they
discovered he wasn't there, they would go in search of him. If they found him here in this
embrace what would they think? He could care less what his advisors thought, but he didn't
want to ruin his love's reputation even though nothing occurred between the two.

He pulled back from his embrace and placed a feathery kiss on Hitomi's forehead, "I better
go before my advisor come after me....."

The beautiful woman smiled with a small nod. She understood his reason and also felt it was
best. The king stood up and gracefully lended a hand to his lady. He placed a few stray
bangs back behind her pale ear as he stared into her eyes for one last time. Hitomi eyes
twinkled as she watched the hansom man pick up his shredded shirt and face the sky.

Van gave a finally glance at his lady just before he spread his wings and flew from the
balcony back to his room.

Hitomi watched him until he disappeared over the castle and then turned to the rising sun.
Pink and purple hues painted the sky announcing the morning and for that moment Hitomi
felt her heart at ease. The morniny promised a remarkable day and Hitomi released her
senses out onto the world. What a peaceful feeling the gave her that morning as she stared
at the glowing horizon.

That was until she felt something......something that made her heart shudder. Someone was
scared. She could feel every pore of her body recoil from the frightening emotion. Someone
was terrified..... The seeress felt with her mind in search of the person who could be emitting
such fear. Surprised lingered in Hitomi features as she realized the person was in the castle.
Whoever it was Hitomi felt a longing to cease the person's fear and automatically went in
search for the poor victim.

Hitomi grabbed a house coat from a chair nearby and wrapped it around her. Silently she
opened her door leading into the hallway and listened to her feelings. Her heart led her
down to the right and she followed the trail of fear. Her bare fear padded softly down the
hall as she passed by several bed chambers. As she turned a corner she felt the fear grow
stronger. It was radiating strong from one of several doorways. Hitomi's fingers brushed
along the doors feeling to see which room the person was in. The feeling of fear grew in
strength as Hitomi's fingers came to rest upon Celena's door. A fear loomed behind the door
like a predator waiting.......hiding in wait for its prey. It was sinister and violent. Fear......a
truly terrifying emotion laid beyond the door and for a second Hitomi wondered if she should
turn back.

Without even thinking Hitomi hand turned the knob and opened the door. The seeress felt
the flood of fear flow from within the room. She felt drawn to it like a moth is to a flame. She
always wanted to help her friends in need and if she needed help she would help her. As the
young seeress slowly walked through the sitting room of the bed chamber she felt her blood
run cold. Whatever it was that Celena was fearing it was far worse than anything Hitomi
could imagine. It was so powerful that it made Hitomi shake. What was it? What could
cause such fear in someone's soul?

Hitomi slowly rounded the corner of the sitting room and spotted the large canopy bed in the
next room. Laying in a twist of covers was Celena's shaking form. Beads of sweat covered
her brow as she tossed and turned in her sleep. It was almost funny to see her having a
nightmare when Hitomi thought it was something much worse, but Hitomi couldn't laugh.
The nightmare was far past any dream.... for Celena was terrified to her very soul and
Celena wasn't even waking up. What was going on? No, dream could cause such fear.

Hitomi went to the girl's side and the surge of emotion grew in intensity. Hitomi's eyes
looked down to see Celena's face streaked with tears and the girl mumbling in her sleep. As
the seeress leaned forward her pendant began to glow its faint light over the sleeping girl's
face giving it a reddish hue. Slowly Hitomi placed her palm on the blonde woman's sweaty
forehead. As soon as the two made contact Hitomi was thrown into a whirl of images....

~Celena's Dream World~
Hitomi stared through Celena's eyes seeing what she saw.....feeling what she felt...... and
hearing what she heard...... Hitomi stood in a village raked with burning corpses and
buildings set in flames. Civilians were everywhere running and screaming as soldiers swept
through the village slaughtering whoever was nearby. Some soldiers were on foot killing the
people while guymelefs scorched the town to ashes. Children cried at their dead parents
bodies, blood pouring from their wounds. A woman clung to her husband's bloody corpse
as the crowd swirled around them. Flames lite the night sky into a red glow. Blood and
death could be smelt through the air....

She saw people being slaughtered and people crying for their love ones.

Through it all stood a single form in black and red armor. Flames licked at his body, but he
seemed to be immune to its pain. His eyes stared at the scene around him enjoying every
minute of it. A cackle rang through the air as his head turned to the sky. Then the scene
changed.


She stood in a battlefield. Wildfire burned across the fields as the giant machines of
guymelefs fought. Looking down at her clothes she saw she now wore black and red armor.
A sword was clenched in her hand and she brought it to her face. In the reflection in the
blade was Celena's shocked face staring back at her, but was soon replaced with the evil
grin of Dilandau's. Hitomi grew surprised and dropped the sword to the burning ground.
The scene switched again.....


She was laying on a hard board strapped down by metal clamps on her wrists and ankles. A
bright light shining in her eyes limited her length of vision and allowed her only to see a few
close items. As she looked at her surroundings she saw many tubes and needles. She
spotted her reflection in one of the silvery blocks nearby causing her attention to be taken.
She was staring at the reflection of Celena's scared face as she was as a child. The girl was
obviously frighten and held tears staining her cheeks. Soon the image melted and formed the
scared face of Dilandau. What was happening?

Hitomi heard the sound of people muttering and when she turned her attention to it she saw
shadows loom just outside her line of vision. Gloved hands began to place several needles
into her skin and her screams filled the dark room.
~End of Vision~


Hitomi's hand flew away from the stress girl's forehead a little shaken. She was probably
having these horrible dreams all the time. How could she even get sleep?She felt such pity
for the frighten girl struggling in her sleep. At that moment she wanted to do nothing, but
relieve the girl from her ever waking fear.

That's when it crossed through her mind. She could relieve her from her fears forever. She
had the power to do anything and could easily relieve the girl of her horrible sleep. Slowly
the seeress reached out her hand to the girl's forehead again, but she hovered her hand over
the girl's brow, hesitant. Last time she used the power of the Atlantian's she almost didn't
make it. If she did it again would she be able to contain the power again.....What if her
mother didn't come this time? Did she still dare to do such a great task?

Placing a firm hand on her pendant and taking a deep breath, she placed her hand on the
girl's forehead......She dared.





~Okay. I know I still haven't explained the thing with Dilandau and Celena, but that doesn't
come just yet. I promise though that I will explain. Please don't flame me. :)~
~For all you people who hate fluff sorry about this chapter, but this isssssssssss a v/h fic~
~I feel bad for taking the melody off of 'Outlaw Star', but I couldn't think of a good song
that fit for Fanelia. This just seem to give it something special. Plus I love that song! :)~
~Well how'd ya like this chapter? Please R&R!!!!~