~Remember I don't own Escaflowne or its characters!~
~This chapter is a bit long. No its not my longest, but it's up there with
those long ones!~
~If you cried on the last couple of chapters you better get a box of
Kleenex for this one!~
~I know once everyone is done reading this chapter you'll be very excited.
I'm not going to say anything else because it will give it away! Hope you
enjoy!~
~Please review after you finishing reading!~
The Fate of Two Worlds
By Angel_Wings
Chapter 28 ~ A Royal Grave
~Crusade~
Merle rushed over to the blonde queen's side trying to catch her breath.
After Lord Van had ordered her back to the ship the young cat~girl hadn't
wasted time in going down the quarter of a mile route through the frozen
guymelefs. Now her air was gone and she felt her mouth was a desert.
Glancing at her three comrades she saw that her friends were staring at the
sky with worried expressions plastered to their faces,..... but the cat
ignored this. Grasping the pink dress of the young queen the cat gasped,
"Van has gone to save Hitomi....."
Millerina looked down at the cat with confusion clouding her eyes of summer
blue, "Where is Hitomi? I thought she was with Van....."
The head of hot pink shook a response, "She was, but then she went to
confront Kusari--"
Merle's words were cut off by the queen's voice, "She did what?!"
The cat~girl frowned at the lady in surprise, "I said 'she went to confront
Kusari'. What's wrong?"
Two pale hands clutched the bronze shoulders as the royal woman got her
face rather close to cat. The maiden of sunshine locks had fearful eyes as
she urgently asked, "Merle, are they still within the dark fortress?!"
"I suppose...." the cat replied slowly still lost, "What is wrong?"
The knight's younger sister stepped forward as she brought her face into
the sunlight and pointed to the sky. With a voice filled with fear the
woman proclaimed, "The dark fortress is going to crash!"
Eyes like chocolate drops grew wide and snapped towards the vast blue. The
sight of a large black thorn bush burning and swirling in smoke and fire
reflected in the cat's ebony pupils. Her heart almost stopped as she saw
the flames swirling around the ship dangerously. The ship could explode any
minute....
Dryden quickly pressed the button for the communication system and shouted,
"Allen! The flying fortress is crashing and its going to hit the
battlefield in a matter of minutes!"
The knight gasped, "What?!"
"It's true, father!" replied the familiar voice of Prince Chid, "I can see
the fortress through my telescope!"
For a moment there was silence before Dryden asked confused, "Allen.... Who
just said that?....."
Allen felt his mind go numb. What was he suppose to say?..... It wasn't
time to confront the matter just yet...... Gulping down the annoying lump
growing in his throat the knight quickly replied, "There's no time for
that, Dryden. We have to get out of these.... chains....."
The king waited before responding as his thoughts whirled around on the
voice he had heard. If he didn't know any better he could have sworn that
was Prince Chid's voice.
'Strange....' thought the king as he finally replied to the knight,
"Confirmed, Allen."
Struggling with the controls the soldiers began to try one of many attempts
to escape their metal clutches......
Hitomi's mother stared at the dark vessel with a dark cloud over her face.
Gritting her teeth the queen of the angel crowd knew what had to be done.
She never enjoyed this part of her duties, but she knew that she couldn't
let Zaibach live. They would only want revenge after this incident. Turning
to the two friends of her daughter the woman shouted, "Yukari.... Amano....
get everyone out of the path of the fortress and over to the sail ship!"
The red head and the brunette twosome nodded quickly before stretching
their wings. The couple glanced at each other before lifting into the air
and rising over the multitude of angels. Yukari and Amano split up in the
air and soared only a few feet above the heads of their people as they
shouted to them to hurry to the Crusade.
The people were very good at following directions and did not panic as they
realized their lives were in danger. Pearly wings of the million angels one
by one were stretched to their limits and began to beat against the air.
Dozens of Draconians began to lift into the sky in a beautiful flow making
the sight glorious. Mothers took hold of their infants while fathers
gathered their older children. Couples took each others' hands while elders
were help by younger generations. No one was so desperate that people were
run over. All were kind and willing to help others to escape the terrible
path of the crashing ship. It was amazing to see such wonderful people be
so kind to one another during such distress.
Celena's rosy lips hung open as her sparkling lavender eyes drank in the
wondrous scene of angels flying towards the ship. Suddenly a thought
crossed the woman's mind and she glanced towards the guymelefs dotting the
large battlefield. The chains had not been removed! If the clutches didn't
let them go all the soldiers would die! Including the three nations'!
Quickly the blonde maiden rushed to the lead angel and pleaded, "Please
release the guymelefs! Some hold dear friends of ours!"
The angel woman of long brown hair glanced towards Celena with painful
eyes. Quietly the lady replied, "I know..... I will release your
armies,.... but all of the Zaibach army must be destroyed..... so I will
hold them in their clutches......"
The beautiful warrior started, "Your going to just let them die....."
Turning to the field that was finally emptied of angels the woman
whispered, "I must..... Zaibach is too dangerous to let survive..... I have
to do it for my people....."
A hiss of energy flowed through the air and the white chains began to
jingle suspiciously. With a gentle swing of the angle mother's pale arm the
snowy metal pieces crumbled away from a selective group of guymelefs. Hard
metal of snow white coloration became glittering stars that fell to the
earth. The blonde knight gasped at the sudden change as the white stars
faded away. Allen's blue eyes stared at his controls in awe. How had the
woman done that?.... Shaking his golden locks he shook his head to clear
his thoughts. There was no time for anything. The dark fortress was coming
at incredible speed. Slamming his controls into action the famous warrior
cried into Schezard's intercom, "All soldiers regroup at the Crusade
immediately! I repeat all soldiers regroup at the Crusade immediately!"
Hissing with steam hundreds of metal giants began to rush out of the
battlefield leaving behind hundreds of the black guymelefs that were still
held down by white web~like chains. Dryden glanced at the other enemy suits
as he ran with his men through the clutter of beings. As he saw the young
soldiers through the glass of their suits he felt a familiar pang hit him.
He didn't find any joy in the soon deaths of these men. Lives were not
taken lightly.... he had discovered that since he had been a friend of
Hitomi's..... Turning away from the men he hurried to follow the rest of
the group.....
Meanwhile Zaibach soldiers desperately tried to escape their suits, but
with a bit of help from Hitomi's mother the dark guymelefs were sealed
tightly and they were unable to leave their machines. Several of the men
banged on the glass windows of their control chambers as they saw their
lives coming to a close.....
The royal of long blonde carefully watched as the rest of the suits
surrounded the Crusade waiting for the end of Zaibach. Her sky blue jewels
glanced over the giants looking for her three comrades. Unfortunately there
were so many guymelefs her vision was limited to the only the nearest
warriors. Biting her lower lip Millerina prayed that her dear love ones
were alright.
Celena stepped in front of the queen catching the royal woman's attention.
The blonde sister of the famed knight frowned at the sky. Millerina
couldn't help, but ask, "What's wrong, Celena?"
The maiden's frown fell away and her face consorted in fear. Sparkling
lavender eyes stared at the fortress in shock as she cried, "The fortress
is going to hit the Crusade!"
The heart within the pale royal's chest jumped in her throat as she also
turned her view to the sky. It was true. The fortress was going to hit the
Crusade! The ship wouldn't have a direct hit, for the dark vessel would
only hit a portion of the sail ship, but that would be enough to cause
massive explosions! Millerina gasped, "No! There's no way we can load up
all the people and the guymelefs in time! We'll be completely destroyed!"
Celena bit her lip as she desperately tried to think of a solution to the
problem, but before one could have been suggested the queen of angels
stepped forward to the two women. Millerina and the knight's sister turned
to the kind lady hoping she could help. A knowing smile from the woman
showed she would be able to assist them and brought relief over the two
friends. With eyes of sparkling forest green the royal Draconian replied,
"Do not worry, for I can help....."
The female warrior of lavender eyes gave a gracious smile as she said
quietly, "Thank you...."
Hitomi's father quickly stepped forward as he realized what his wife was
about to attempt. Affectionate eyes of brown pools looked at his spouse
with fear as the man asked, "You sure you can do this, Sukai?"
Looking deep into her husband eyes she felt her gaze waver. The love for
her beloved was strong and when she looked into to those eyes she never
could lie to him. With a sad smile she whispered, "Yes, but it will be
difficult....."
Moving away from her husband so he wouldn't stop her Hitomi's mother stood
at the area between the Crusade and the enemy guymelefs. Her husband could
not help her for he was not of royal birth and held no powers. Taking a
step on the large parch field of burnt grass and earth the lady let the
wind tease her hair and flutter her clothes. Sparks of energy ran through
her ebony pupils and her black centers began to slowly glow a deep blue.
Small pebbles began to shake around the royal's feet as her powers began to
swell. The gentle breeze began to roar around the woman causing the dust to
swirl around her ankles. Lifting her hands to the sky Sukai closed her eyes
to concentrate. Pale palms began to glow a brilliant white as she built up
her powers to their peaks. It had been many years since she had last used
her powers, but she had full faith in her abilities..... She knew she could
do this.....
With a cry the woman released the white light and it struck through the air
towards the fiery vessel. The fortress began to glow as the beam of light
hit and slowly the ship began to inch away from its course. Sweat drenched
her brow as her powers were being stretched to their limits. She had never
used her powers on something so large and it stressed her muscles. Growling
the lady pushed as hard as she could against her powers struggling to make
it turn. She had to make it move only a few meters off its present path!
Clenching her teeth she forced the monstrous ship to move.... inch....
by..... inch.....
No one was sure if the fortress would miss the Crusade until the last
moment. When the ship hit the ground it slid across the field narrowly
missing the sail ship. It was so close that Hitomi's mother was only a few
feet from it when it slid in front of her over their enemies. The rush of
air lifted her hair and the dust clouded the area around her.
The safe viewers by the Crusade watched as the army of dark giants was
plowed over by the large vessel. Smoke frizzled the air and flames lick the
land as the fortress slid over the earth with a howl. No sooner had it
crashed did it lift off again as it flew over the cliff into empty air. For
only a few moments the ship hung in the sky before plunging into the depths
of the Mystic Valley.
Merle felt her soul rip in two as she realized something. With a painful
cry the cat called out, "LORD VAN~SAMA!!! HITOMI!!!!!!"
At that moment a bright light exploded behind the cliffs and thunder
roared. The earth beneath the people's feet shook as the dark vessel
blasted to bits in a fit of fire and smoke. The cat~girl fell to her knees
from the shock waves and stared at the rising black clouds through tears.
Slowly the land stilled and people stood on their feet again as they
watched the cliffs for any signs of life....
No.... They couldn't be dead.... Could they?.....
Sobs began to rack the cat~girl as she thought she had lost her brother
again.... Millerina took a step towards the rise as tears glittered in her
eyes. Where were they?.....
No one truly noticed the large dragon, Escaflowne, land nearby the
starboard of the Crusade for all eyes watched for the Dragon King and Angel
Princess, including the large beast.
Quiet.... All was quiet.... Yukari clutched to Amano's shirt trying to hold
back the tears. Was their dear friend dead? They begged that Hitomi would
be alright although they already knew how their princess faired. People
could only hope and wait for the impossible to happen....
Silently a form began to rise over the cliffs. Everything froze and
breathing slowed as everyone waited for the form to grow closer. As the
people waited the soldiers within the suits of armor began to leave their
machines. The knight quickly ran through the crowd of people to the front
of the group with his son and Dryden close behind. Allen halted beside his
sister as the king went to his spouse's side. Chid stop and flanked the
young cat~girl as he placed an encouraging hand on her bronze shoulder. All
prayed that it was their two friends approaching them.
It didn't take long to wait..... for the being flew through the air with
white wings as his aid. Slowly the form landed a few hundred yards away
from the large group and vessel. Van stared at the large crowd warily. He
wasn't eager to confront his friends during this time of mourning, but he
knew he couldn't avoid them either so he took a deep breath and began to
slowly walk over to the mass of bodies with the fragile package in his
arms.....
Merle gave a happy smile as she saw her brother's form returning and raced
towards him. The rest of the friends were on her heels as she raced across
the burnt earth to their companion. As the young cat~girl grew close enough
to better make out the figure she felt her heart drop like a stone thrown
in a lake. Slowing to a walk the cat watched as her brother walked to them
slowly. The rest of the group also fell short of their destination as they
saw what the king carried....
Held gently in his muscular arms of tan skin was the bloody form of the
seeress. With one arm supporting her shoulders and the other under her
knees the angel woman looked almost like she had only fainted like back in
the Great War,..... but it was obvious it was nothing so simple. The girl's
head laid lifeless against the man's red shirt and her arms hung downwards
towards the ground. Her feet rocked back and forth as the king carried her
to their friends.
As the royal finally reached the group of friends no one could speak.....
for their eyes were all on the dead form of the girl from the Mystic
Moon.....
~Several Hours Later~
On the edge of the cliff was a small mound of dirt accompanied by a small
cross. The small wooden cross was rather crude for such a special grave,
but no one had been able to retrieve a better cross on such short notice.
The wood craving was of dark oak and held marking all over its brown
surface. Burnt into the wood were several lines of symbols, each one made
in a graceful flow of words. If one would have studied the writings you
would have noticed three different languages written across the wood. The
first passage was written in Atlantian..... The second in Fanelian......
and the third in Japanese..... Though there were three passages they all
read the same thing.... and this is what it read:
'Ye who treads by this royal grave please bow your head in respect for the
Princess of the Draconains, Hitomi Kazanki, lies dead here. We leave this
in her memory for those who might pass so they may know what she has done
on this day. With the help of the Atlantians our princess used her powers
to bring us back from the afterlife, but for the gift of our life hers was
taken. Let her be remembered for her strength, kindness, love, and
determination, for she gave everything up for her people, and therefore we
honor her death with great sorrow. Let it been known that if you should
speak her name let it be in glory for she did so much when we did so
little. Farewell, oh princess, and thank you for what you have done. We can
never repay you for your sacrifice. Amen.'
Nearby on the land that laid by the grave stood a multitude of angels and
soldiers. Each angel was mourning with tears in their eyes for their
beloved princess while they hummed an unknown melody for the ceremony. The
soldiers took off their hats and bowed their heads to the grave while they
silently prayed over the mound. At the front of the large crowd stood a
significant group of beings..... each silently saying goodbye to their
dear,..... dear love one.....
~Millerina~
The queen stood next to her husband holding his hand tight as she cried sad
tears. Her blonde locks fell over her eyes blocking her view of the angel's
grave, but she didn't care. To look upon the dirt mound just made the scene
all too real. Silently the woman said goodbye to her old rival,
'Dearest Hitomi,
I wish more than life itself that I could once again look upon your face
and see that smile that always brighten the day. We started off on the
wrong foot many years ago when we fought over Allen,.... but I am so glad
we were able to put it behind us. We miss you, Hitomi.... I know you cannot
come back, but every time.... I look towards the setting sun I see you.....
I see you running back to us with that same smile as though you were never
truly gone..... Goodbye, Hitomi.... Thank you for all that you have done
for me,..... Dryden,.... and our child.....'
The lady glanced at the grave for a split second and the dam broke open
more waves of tears. Bringing her pale hands to her face the woman cried
into her palms as her husband held her tightly.
~Dryden~
Holding his wife closely to his chest in his warm arms the man stared down
at the grave of their friend. He blinked back the tears that threaten to
fall, but even with this obstacle the crystal drops fell down his cheeks.
Glancing towards the heavens the king prayed with a mute voice,
"Hitomi,
I wish did not have to leave us, but I understand what you did. I am so
proud of you. Hitomi, you were like my own daughter. I even went so far as
to keep an eye out for you sometimes like a parent worries about their
child. Thank you for bringing me to Millerina. Though our first wedding was
broken you brought the two of together in our second one. You were not
present at the ceremony, but we dedicated our wedding to you because it was
you who had taught us to love one another in the time of the 'Great War'.
Your love for King Van was unmistakable and we searched for that in our
hearts. Upon finding it we learned we were truly meant to be and thus we
had another wedding in your memory..... Hitomi.... Thank you....'
Closing his rich chocolate eyes the man sighed and held his wife a little
tighter as he mourned for his daughter~like friend.....
~Chid~
The boy clenched his fists together trying to look the noble he was. He had
been taught how to suppress his emotions for diplomatic reasons, but at
that moment nothing seemed able to hold back his sorrow. Blue jewels
glittered a mist a sea of tears as he looked at the small cross that held
his dear love one's name. Saying farewell the prince let loose his
tears.....
'Hitomi.....
Never before have I felt so lost..... When you were around I always saw you
as a guidance and a sister even. You saw the boy within this shell
screaming out to be noticed. You were the only one who could see my
distress of royal living. I never rejected my royal blood, but I never
fully embraced it either. I wanted to have my time of childhood, but with
the death of my parents I was denied such and was forced into the life of a
prince. I want to thank you for your guidance and caring you gave me.... No
gift could have been more useful....'
With that he bowed his head and let quiet sobs rock his small shoulders....
~Allen~
Placing a comforting hand on his son the knight found himself lost. His
dear friend was gone and the small cross was the proof. Never before had he
cried for anyone except his past lover, Marene, but that day he cried for
one of his closest friends.....
'Oh Hitomi,
You should see how many people cared for you. Standing within this field is
enough beings to fill a planet. I want you to know that I have finally
found true love. No, there hasn't been anymore women that have stolen my
heart like I thought had happened with you or between me and Millerina. I
have finally discovered the true essence of love. I once shared it with
Millerina's sister, Marene, and it was because of you that I found this.
When I discovered I was not truly in love with you, Hitomi, I searched my
heart for what love was and I found it. I did not understand at first why I
did not have strong feelings for you until I discovered I would never love
again. Thank you for showing that to me, Hitomi...... You'll never truly
know how grateful I am for you...."
Turning his eyes away from the grave the knight felt another person
squeeze his hand.....
~Celena~
The war woman took hold of her brother's hand holding it firmly in her pale
palm. She stared at her brother's teary face for several moments before
turning her lavender eyes to the blue sky. She had not known the seeress
long, but she had learned a great deal from her...... and that was what she
was most thankful for.....
'Dear Hitomi,
I wish we could have gotten a little closer before you left this world....
I feel I missed a great deal about you that seems to be tenderly cherished
by the one's around me. Although my time was short in your presence I find
I learned more in these last days about you than I learned in the past year
from life..... You showed me to care for someone though their heart was
dark.... You gave without accepting or expecting anything in return......
You did things for people out of pure kindness.... You never lost hope when
all seemed lost..... Those lessons of life give me the strength to press
onward and learned to live on my own two feet when my life was nearly
destroyed years ago when Dilandau took over..... I am glad I was able to
get to know this about you.... and wish we could have gotten closer.....'
Brushing away crystal droplets that shined on her pale cheeks the maiden
hugged her brother's arm for emotional support....
~Merle~
The young cat~girl stood next to her foster~brother who was at the head of
the crowd. Merle let her tears fall not even trying to hold them back as
she stared at the monument. The water in her chocolate eyes blurred her
vision as she though of the angel woman....
'Hitomi.....
I miss you desperately all ready and I know Lord Van~sama feels the
same.... I wish there had been a way for you to survive, but I can see that
nothing would have helped for if there had been a way you would have been
able to accomplish it..... You've always proven to me that you could always
accomplish the impossible..... That's one reason I was always jealous of
you.... that and the fact that Lord Van~sama seemed to care for you more
than me,..... but I have learned over the last two years that I will only
see him as a brother..... Though I still envy the love you two share I do
not hate you.... never think that..... I only wish that one day that I will
find someone that shares that love with me..... Thank you for showing me
everything that life offers and showing me what life is about..... I can
never repay you for that.....'
~Yukari~
Her cream and blue uniform floated in the breeze and her red hair lifted
into the air. Her eyes were focused on the cross as she read the lines over
and over. The words just didn't seem to do justice for her best friend. She
wanted to put so much more on the headstone..... so much seemed to be left
out about the young woman....
'My dear friend Hitomi,
Its seemed only yesterday when we became best friends and joined the track
team. I was always pushing you through the races as your coach and you
always shared the glories with me as the student,..... but there was more
to our friendship.... So much more....
We were like sisters that had been separated at birth and brought together
in our early 'teens. From the very beginning we were inseparable. Spending
our weekends together and our school afternoons at the ice cream parlor
finishing our homework together. Most importantly we shared everything. I
feel so bad for not believing you when you told me about Gaea. I never
believed this would happen......
I also want to thank you about bringing Amano to me. He told me you pursued
him to ask me out. Thanks for everything Hitomi..... I'll..... I'll never
forget about you..... I'll never find a better friend....'
Yukari closed her eyes and gasped for air as her tears choked her....
~Amano~
The man wrapped his arms around his fiancé and placed his cheek against the
top of her red locks as he closed his mahogany eyes. The image of his old
crush filled his mind as tears slipped down his cheeks....
'Hitomi..... my dear friend, Hitomi.....
I can still remember the day you ask me to time you as you did a lap around
the track and to give you your first kiss if you broke your record....
That's when it all started, huh?....
As I look over at the king that you told us of I can say you have picked a
good man as your love. He seems like a good man even though he has rarely
spoken since his return.... I only wish you had the chance to spend a life
time with him.... I know I would die if I lost that with Yukari....
Hitomi.... Never forget your friends.... When the time comes the rest of us
will see you in heaven.... Before that though I want to thank you for
bringing me to Yukari.... I know now that I had always loved Yukari.... I
was just afraid..... I'm not sure what..... I guess rejection,..... but you
pointed me to her and I found the love I was looking for.....
I'll always remember you, Hitomi, as one of my dearest friends..... Don't
ever forget me.....
~Sukai~
The woman held her youngest child to her chest as she pet his hair letting
his tears soak into her shirt. Her long hair fell around the side of her
face and trailed over her son's curled up body. The sorrow in the mother's
heart was indescribable. She always knew this day would come, but she had
no idea her daughter would be the 'Angel'..... that was until she return
the second time from Gaea..... Once she had spoken about the world....
Sukai had gone to her bedroom and wept for hours..... She knew her child's
destiny..... She had always known..... She had been taught by her parents
the history of the Draconians and prophecies had always been important for
their future so she was forced to focus on several of the passages. One had
been the story of the Mystic Moon's destruction. At first she thought she
might have been the 'Angel', but after she had two children the idea
wavered. It had been so shocking and terrible to discover her daughter was
the one destined because she knew she would loss her....
Glancing towards the sunset sky that was growing a purplish pink she let
her tears streamed down her cheeks. Though she had wept for over two years
for her daughter it never had been so hard to accept like now..... Blinking
and causing her emerald tears to slip she finally said goodbye to her
oldest child....
'Oh, my daughter....
I wish I could have told you of your destiny..... To reveal to you what
would occur in the future,.... but I was forced to hold my tongue..... I
had to let the future play out..... But that is unimportant right now....
I must say my final farewell.... Hitomi.... I want you know I always loved
you.... When I held you on the day of your birth I had such plans for you.
Of course all parents expect the highest of their first child. While the
years went by and you grew up I watched you with wondrous eyes. I noticed
something special about you. You would have dreams that gave hints of our
heritage and you would say you would hear voices in the night. Sometimes
when you would draw pictures you would make the most creative artwork that
reminded me of stories from our home world. I always suspected you were
connected to the prophecy somehow, but I tried to deny it. I didn't want to
let you go, but I had to when I discovered the truth. I wish you could be
here now and live your life with the man you love.
My daughter.... I love you with all the love a mother could give and I wish
I could hold in my arms once more,.... but I know that will have to wait
till I enter through the gates of heaven.... again.... Hitomi, you were
always strong,.... happy,.... and determined.... I always wanted to be
you.... I was always proud to be your mother.... and I still am....
Goodbye, my daughter.... I will always love you.... no matter what....'
~Mamoru~
The young boy shoved his face into his mother's bosom as his tears poured
down. His brown locks mixed together with his mother's identical strains.
His sister.... Where was his sister?.... His parents had said she had went
to heaven..... What was heaven?..... The place all beings who followed
Joutei went to..... The place he and his family had been at only a few
hours ago,... but why did his sister leave?..... He missed her..... he
missed her terribly..... He wanted his big sister back..... It had been so
hard to lose her both times she had disappeared.... and now when he stood
in a different world he wanted to share with her all he knew.... He was
young and knew little about the information that had been given to the
Draconian race, but he did comprehend a bit of it.....
Turning his chocolate drop~like eyes to the place his sister's grave stood
(not knowing she laid beneath the earth) the boy said a silent prayer....
'Big Sissie,
Why did you leave? I thought we would finish our game of checkers. Do you
like heaven? I liked it there. It was real pretty, but I wish you would
have stayed longer. I missed you so much at home. Then something bad
happened and we all went to heaven. I am still a little confused. I miss
you. I miss going to the beach with you.... throwing the frisbee in the
park.... going for a snow cones on hot days..... and I really missed the
night's you would babysit me. You would always tuck me in and read me any
story I wanted or you would make up your own. Those were the best with the
knights, dragons, and the angel king, but what I really missed was when you
would lay down next to me until I went to sleep as you sang me a song. You
were probably the best sister someone could have.... I always wanted to be
you.... and you never fussed at me when I tagged along with you, Yukari,
and Amano..... Thanks, Hitomi....'
With that the child began to wail softly in his mother's shirt as she
rocked the boy to calm him down....
~Rei~
The middle~aged man stood behind his wife and son with a heavy heart.
Glancing at his family he felt a deep hole burrow into his soul. A huge
chunk had been ripped away from the existence and he felt the torn area was
like a crater of sorrow. The section was the place his daughter had held
all of during her life. It had been torn apart once she had been claimed
dead. Tearing away his gaze from his remaining family he turned his brown
pools of surging tears to the lonely grave upon the dusty rise. As he
stared at the cross of oak he let his heart cry out for his little
Hitomi.....
'Oh, my little one.....
How I miss your smiling face..... The way you saw the positive side of the
worst incident.... The way your voice sounded like tiny crystal bells
playing on the wind.... You were so much like your mother.... I often saw
her shining through your emerald eyes.... I always was so protective of
you.... Do you remember how I would call you my little one?.... You would
always laugh when I said that name and your eyes would twinkle like the
stars.... Oh, how I have missed you.... Please, my little one, be patient
and wait for us in heaven..... When that day should come it will be a day
of rejoicing and sweet hugs..... Goodbye, my little one..... I love
you.....
The only being that paid no respects to the lonely mound was a young royal
of raven hair. Van couldn't think.... couldn't speak..... and could barely
breathe..... His mind had shut down.... his heartbeats slowed to a
crawl.... His life had ended with his beloved's..... When they had buried
her he couldn't watch her bloody form be covered with the earth..... It was
far too painful.... He didn't want to accept her death..... it was so
painful..... His heart felt like it had been shredding to nothing and his
nerves felt numb..... Why her?.... Why now?.... More than anything he just
wanted to hold her..... to feel her close to his chest once again.... His
life was crumbling apart around him.... When that ever occurred he would
turn to her for comfort,.... but what happens when that comfort is stolen
from you?.... right before your eyes?!.....
Van stood at the head of the massive group letting the wind tug at him. No
one deserved it more than he to be at the head. He never looked so
depressed..... Even the last two years away from the seeress there had
always been a glimmer of hope,.... but now there was none..... for his
beloved was dead..... and there was no hope for her return.....
The large crowd began to disperse and slowly make their way to the Crusade
entering by way of the docking bay. Only a single being stayed behind. Van
wanted to stay a little longer to properly say goodbye.... The blonde
knight followed the group, but stopped to glance back at the young king.
For a moment Allen debated whether or not he should talk to the angel king
before deciding it was best to leave the man alone so he might let go of
his love.... Slowly the blonde warrior walked back to his ship with the
heavy grief on his heart....
Once the crowd had finally grown far enough so they could vaguely see him
Van walked over to the grave. Halting at the edge of the mound his fire
eyes ran over the words with sadness. The words only made his heart heavier
as he read. Slowly he lifted a clenched hand to his face. The tan fingers
uncoiled and revealed a small red stone that twinkled in the sunlight.
Within the reflection of the stone he saw her..... Those emerald eyes that
sparkled and that smile that was like the sun.... Oh, how greatly he missed
her.... Closing his fist back over the pendant the dragon king closed his
eyes. Smiling sadly he thought of his love....
'My beloved,
What can I say?.... How can I possible express to you how I feel?..... Do
you sense me anymore?.... Or does the heavens forbid such?.... No words can
truly tell you my feelings, Hitomi,..... but for you I will do my best to
tell you such.....
Oh, my dearest, dearest love.... I feel the world had been darken by your
absence..... The sun no longer shines and the air is cold and lonely.....
The clouds shadow even the light of the stars and moon making it pitch
black in my heart..... An endless rain of tears pour over my body freezing
me to the bone.... The wind whistles in my ear whispering our song in
sadness..... No air can fill my lungs for you were my air.... No life fills
my soul for you were my life.... Time has stilled and all seems to go so
slow.... All the joy of being has drained from my life and I know I can
never find the peace I discovered from you....
My dear love,
You were my comfort.... my heart.... my soul.... my life.... my air.... my
water.... my other half.... I can find no other person who can replace you
in my heart.... I could search until eternity, but would never find someone
that comes close to you..... Although I wouldn't never even attempt to look
for another to replace you..... I pledged my heart to you, Hitomi.... and
you alone.... When you died my heart died along with you..... I wish I
could join you in heaven,.... and perhaps I will soon,.... but for now I
will respect your wish for me to keep living..... Although I can not
promise you that I can live my life to the fullest..... because without
you.... I have no life.....'
Slowly the man knelt before the grave and stared down at the mound whilst
he placed the small red teardrop on top of the dirt. The dust swirled
around the royal and the silent grave in sorrow for the lost soul that was
by the lonely mound. Van brushed his fingers through the dirt as tears
sparked in his eyes.
'Goodbye, Hitomi..... I'll always remember you..... and I'll always be with
you....'
With tears streaming down his face the king pushed himself onto his feet.
Forcing himself to turn away from the scene the young man began to make his
way back to the Crusade.....
Little did the man notice that snow had begun to fall from the sky. The
tiny snowflakes began to float down from the sky in a gentle flow to the
ground surrounding the Crusade. Several white globs floated past the man's
face catching his attention. Looking up into the vast blue he watched the
tiny whiteness fall with a confused look never noticing a group of people
were growing closer. All of the seeress's closest love one's formed the
approaching pack.
Allen was at the head and hurrying to his comrade with a frown upon his
face. They had seen the snow and had rushed to meet the approaching royal
to discuss the matter. The hansom knight was the first to reach the angel
king. Looking along with Van at the sky the warrior asked, "How can this be
possible? It is nearly summer....."
The young king opened his mouth to reply to the confused statement when he
heard a familiar voice echo through his mind....
'Oh, Van.... You will always be within my heart as well,.... but do not say
your goodbye just yet..... for it is not the end...... only the
beginning......'
Fire eyes grew wide as the dragon king realized whose voice it was. With a
surprise look on his tan face the hansom man of raven hair whispered,
"Hitomi?......"
Allen snapped his head around at the word and was about to ask something
when a low rumble filled the air. Slowly the ground began to quake beneath
their feet and the snowflakes glistened brightly around them. Van lifted
his head towards the newly made grave and watched in awe as the tiny white
globes began to drift towards the dirt mound.
Quickly the man grasped a snowflake in his tan hand and brought the
glistening object to his face. Light poured from his palm as the royal
realized what he held.... It was not a snowflake,..... but a bead of white
light..... Without a sound the snow white orb lifted from the man's palm to
also make its way towards the grave with the king's rubies following its
path....
As the snowflakes of light grew closer to the mound the shake grew
fiercer.... causing cracks to streak through the earth.... The mound of
dirt shook violently and the cross fell backwards from its lodging in the
dirt. The red stone of ancient blood began to glow as the white snowdrops
began to clutter around it. The clouds overhead began to swirl just like
when the clouds do before a tornado is about to emerge. Suddenly without
warning a brilliant blue beam shot down from the sky from a mist the center
of the swirling mist of clouds and fell directly onto the disturbed
grave.....
Van took a step forward with wide eyes as he felt his blood begin to
quicken, 'Could it be?.....'
"What's going on?!" came a startled cry from little Merle as she dug her
claws into the earth to keep steady.
Before one could answer the mound of dirt broke apart tossing the red
pendant a few feet away and making a large gaping hole into the grave. With
shock faces of disbelief the friends watched as a bloody form was slowly
lifted from the depths of the earth only a few hours after being buried.
The beautiful seeress had not changed. The blood, the cuts, and the severed
wings were still there. Dust and dirt ran over her body showing her time in
the ground. The only difference was that the angel woman was now floating a
few feet over her grave. With her emerald eyes closed the body of the girl
was in a limp stand. Hands by her side and legs falling to the ground she
stood upon air. How she stayed within the sky was impossible for anyone to
tell. Plus how could one think at such a moment?!.....
Slowly the white snowflakes of light swirled around the body in a beautiful
flow while more whiteness fell like rain down the blue beam. The group's
eyes grew wide as the snowdrops made contact with the woman's pale skin and
did something amazing. Once the whiteness brushed up against blood or a
wound the object of redness would glow a brilliant white and then vanish
from existence bringing forth pale flawless skin. One by one the skin of
the seeress's was turn to normal as the spectators gaped. Once the girl's
body was replaced the whiteness flowed to her back. Soon a pair of large
pearly objects began to glow in the air behind the seeress. Glowing
brightly two white wings emerged from the 'Angel's back stretching to their
full length.
The young dragon king felt his heart lifting at the sight and tears
sparkled in his eyes. Slowly the red pendant floated off the ground up to
the glowing angel. The chain unclasped in mid~air and drifted over to the
woman's neck. With a small snap the pendant clasped together and floated
around the seeress's slim neck. Gracefully the white dots danced over the
girl's skin and torn clothes glowing brighter. Dust and dirt fell away in a
gentle cloud as her outfit began to glow a pearly white. Rips and tears
came together as though the fabric had never been broken. Hitomi's short
sleeves grew in length and swept down her pale arms like water. What once
was brown leather pants became a long flowing gown. Boots of chestnut
shrunk into tiny snow white shoes that sparkled in the setting sunlight.
The white sleeves grew longer and flared out at the end as they reached the
girl's wrists. A collar in the shape of 'V' showed off the angel's slim
neck that held the red stone. The seeress's hair fluttered in the wind and
her face was set in a tranquil expression. The white snowdrops began to
slow and finish the last of the show. Gold lines began to dance over the
long dress. Soon the lines of gold began to slow and form a trimming on the
gown while Hitomi's wedding ring twinkled on her delicate finger.
The last of the outfit was completed when a golden emblem shined on the
girl's brow. It was the same emblem that had been on the red dragon's
forehead and on the temple's entrance. The design glowed brilliantly as the
air swirled the white snowdrops around the form. Clothes and hair fluttered
with the wind as the emblem faded away. Replacing the spot of the marking
was a golden tiara that glistened with diamonds and emeralds. In the very
center of this piece of metal was the angel emblem engraved. With this
finally article the outfit was completed.
Slowly the dead girl floated to the ground as the white snowdrops and blue
beam faded away. Once the angel woman's feet touched the ground her eyes
slid open to revealing green emerald depths that sparkled like the stars.
Her wings arched beautiful as she brought her pale hands to her chest.
Tears of crystal water slipped down her cheek as she saw her dearest
friends stare at her,.... but most importantly she cried because she saw
him standing there with the biggest smile she had ever seen. Smiling
through the tears the angel whispered, "I've come back to you, Van....."
With newfound energy and joy the young king rushed over to his beloved, not
even caring that they had an audience. His raven locks flew from the speed
and his clothes fluttered majestically. Dark boots crunched over the scorch
earth as he felt his own tears of happiness fall away from his rubies. As
the man grew closer, only a few feet away, the girl lifted up her arms to
him. Her fiancé swept her up in hug as their eyes closed shut letting the
tears fall. Van just wanted to stay like that forever..... for eternity in
that embrace would have been bliss..... Hitomi pulled away a little so she
could look into his eyes..... Those eyes that sent a shudder of joy down
her spine when she looked into them..... A gloved hand reached forth and
cupped her pale cheek as a tender thumb caressed her skin. It felt so
wonderful,... but yet not complete..... Turning her eyes to glance at the
hand the girl smiled brighter. The young king smiled down at her as he
watched her slowly remove the glove with tender fingers of pale skin,
letting it fall to the ground. Taking his hand in both of hers she replaced
the tan hand on her pale cheek as she closed her eyes at the blissful
touch...... She missed his touch so terribly..... the feel of his skin
against her own.....
It was too much for him..... Any other time and place he could have
waited,.... but having her back in his arms after he thought it was
impossible was torture.... Caring not for the audience that was slowly
approaching the royal brought his lips to hers in a soft kiss as his rubies
also slid close..... Hitomi responded to the feathery touch happily.....
Oh, how she missed him..... Never before had their kiss been so
rewarding..... Hitomi's pale arms slid around her beloved's neck as his
wound around her back..... In the back of their minds voices warned them of
how much they would be reminded of this moment by their friends,.... but
that didn't matter.... What only mattered was that they were reunited once
again...... and that their destines would be joined together soon..... for
all eternity..... perhaps longer.....
Pulling away the angel stared at her king's face as his tears slipped down
his cheek. Affectionately the seeress wiped away the water droplets as she
also let a few stray one's fall down her own pale skin. Lovingly her angel
kissed them away and placed his cheek on her crown while their eyes again
closed.
"Oh, Hitomi...." the raven royal whispered into her hair with deep love in
his voice, "I.... I thought you were....."
"Shhh......" she whispered back softly as she snuggled closer to his chest
indulging in his warmth, "I'm here..... and I'm not going anywhere......"
Just when the friends had finally reached the couple Van pulled away with a
question reflecting in his eyes, "Hitomi..... How did you--?....."
With a knowing smile the girl stared at her fiancé happy to be alive again.
There was so much to explain.....
~Alright! Everybody should be very happy now! This was a very emotional
chapter! Hope you enjoyed it!~
~Next two chapters will explain much of the ending and the visions
incorporated in the story that might still have confused a few of you
readers!~
~Next chapter should be posted in 2 or 3 days. Sorry, but it took all of
today just to get this one posted for the afternoon so I'll have to spend a
lot of tomorrow writing up the next chapter. I have to proof read and check
spelling and then transfer it to a different program which takes up a bit
of time. I'll do my best to post it soon, but Sat I'm going to Louisiana
College for a preview day and won't have the day to work on the story. I
promise you though that the chapter will be up by at the latest Sun.~
~Please review! I want to know what you think!~
~This chapter is a bit long. No its not my longest, but it's up there with
those long ones!~
~If you cried on the last couple of chapters you better get a box of
Kleenex for this one!~
~I know once everyone is done reading this chapter you'll be very excited.
I'm not going to say anything else because it will give it away! Hope you
enjoy!~
~Please review after you finishing reading!~
The Fate of Two Worlds
By Angel_Wings
Chapter 28 ~ A Royal Grave
~Crusade~
Merle rushed over to the blonde queen's side trying to catch her breath.
After Lord Van had ordered her back to the ship the young cat~girl hadn't
wasted time in going down the quarter of a mile route through the frozen
guymelefs. Now her air was gone and she felt her mouth was a desert.
Glancing at her three comrades she saw that her friends were staring at the
sky with worried expressions plastered to their faces,..... but the cat
ignored this. Grasping the pink dress of the young queen the cat gasped,
"Van has gone to save Hitomi....."
Millerina looked down at the cat with confusion clouding her eyes of summer
blue, "Where is Hitomi? I thought she was with Van....."
The head of hot pink shook a response, "She was, but then she went to
confront Kusari--"
Merle's words were cut off by the queen's voice, "She did what?!"
The cat~girl frowned at the lady in surprise, "I said 'she went to confront
Kusari'. What's wrong?"
Two pale hands clutched the bronze shoulders as the royal woman got her
face rather close to cat. The maiden of sunshine locks had fearful eyes as
she urgently asked, "Merle, are they still within the dark fortress?!"
"I suppose...." the cat replied slowly still lost, "What is wrong?"
The knight's younger sister stepped forward as she brought her face into
the sunlight and pointed to the sky. With a voice filled with fear the
woman proclaimed, "The dark fortress is going to crash!"
Eyes like chocolate drops grew wide and snapped towards the vast blue. The
sight of a large black thorn bush burning and swirling in smoke and fire
reflected in the cat's ebony pupils. Her heart almost stopped as she saw
the flames swirling around the ship dangerously. The ship could explode any
minute....
Dryden quickly pressed the button for the communication system and shouted,
"Allen! The flying fortress is crashing and its going to hit the
battlefield in a matter of minutes!"
The knight gasped, "What?!"
"It's true, father!" replied the familiar voice of Prince Chid, "I can see
the fortress through my telescope!"
For a moment there was silence before Dryden asked confused, "Allen.... Who
just said that?....."
Allen felt his mind go numb. What was he suppose to say?..... It wasn't
time to confront the matter just yet...... Gulping down the annoying lump
growing in his throat the knight quickly replied, "There's no time for
that, Dryden. We have to get out of these.... chains....."
The king waited before responding as his thoughts whirled around on the
voice he had heard. If he didn't know any better he could have sworn that
was Prince Chid's voice.
'Strange....' thought the king as he finally replied to the knight,
"Confirmed, Allen."
Struggling with the controls the soldiers began to try one of many attempts
to escape their metal clutches......
Hitomi's mother stared at the dark vessel with a dark cloud over her face.
Gritting her teeth the queen of the angel crowd knew what had to be done.
She never enjoyed this part of her duties, but she knew that she couldn't
let Zaibach live. They would only want revenge after this incident. Turning
to the two friends of her daughter the woman shouted, "Yukari.... Amano....
get everyone out of the path of the fortress and over to the sail ship!"
The red head and the brunette twosome nodded quickly before stretching
their wings. The couple glanced at each other before lifting into the air
and rising over the multitude of angels. Yukari and Amano split up in the
air and soared only a few feet above the heads of their people as they
shouted to them to hurry to the Crusade.
The people were very good at following directions and did not panic as they
realized their lives were in danger. Pearly wings of the million angels one
by one were stretched to their limits and began to beat against the air.
Dozens of Draconians began to lift into the sky in a beautiful flow making
the sight glorious. Mothers took hold of their infants while fathers
gathered their older children. Couples took each others' hands while elders
were help by younger generations. No one was so desperate that people were
run over. All were kind and willing to help others to escape the terrible
path of the crashing ship. It was amazing to see such wonderful people be
so kind to one another during such distress.
Celena's rosy lips hung open as her sparkling lavender eyes drank in the
wondrous scene of angels flying towards the ship. Suddenly a thought
crossed the woman's mind and she glanced towards the guymelefs dotting the
large battlefield. The chains had not been removed! If the clutches didn't
let them go all the soldiers would die! Including the three nations'!
Quickly the blonde maiden rushed to the lead angel and pleaded, "Please
release the guymelefs! Some hold dear friends of ours!"
The angel woman of long brown hair glanced towards Celena with painful
eyes. Quietly the lady replied, "I know..... I will release your
armies,.... but all of the Zaibach army must be destroyed..... so I will
hold them in their clutches......"
The beautiful warrior started, "Your going to just let them die....."
Turning to the field that was finally emptied of angels the woman
whispered, "I must..... Zaibach is too dangerous to let survive..... I have
to do it for my people....."
A hiss of energy flowed through the air and the white chains began to
jingle suspiciously. With a gentle swing of the angle mother's pale arm the
snowy metal pieces crumbled away from a selective group of guymelefs. Hard
metal of snow white coloration became glittering stars that fell to the
earth. The blonde knight gasped at the sudden change as the white stars
faded away. Allen's blue eyes stared at his controls in awe. How had the
woman done that?.... Shaking his golden locks he shook his head to clear
his thoughts. There was no time for anything. The dark fortress was coming
at incredible speed. Slamming his controls into action the famous warrior
cried into Schezard's intercom, "All soldiers regroup at the Crusade
immediately! I repeat all soldiers regroup at the Crusade immediately!"
Hissing with steam hundreds of metal giants began to rush out of the
battlefield leaving behind hundreds of the black guymelefs that were still
held down by white web~like chains. Dryden glanced at the other enemy suits
as he ran with his men through the clutter of beings. As he saw the young
soldiers through the glass of their suits he felt a familiar pang hit him.
He didn't find any joy in the soon deaths of these men. Lives were not
taken lightly.... he had discovered that since he had been a friend of
Hitomi's..... Turning away from the men he hurried to follow the rest of
the group.....
Meanwhile Zaibach soldiers desperately tried to escape their suits, but
with a bit of help from Hitomi's mother the dark guymelefs were sealed
tightly and they were unable to leave their machines. Several of the men
banged on the glass windows of their control chambers as they saw their
lives coming to a close.....
The royal of long blonde carefully watched as the rest of the suits
surrounded the Crusade waiting for the end of Zaibach. Her sky blue jewels
glanced over the giants looking for her three comrades. Unfortunately there
were so many guymelefs her vision was limited to the only the nearest
warriors. Biting her lower lip Millerina prayed that her dear love ones
were alright.
Celena stepped in front of the queen catching the royal woman's attention.
The blonde sister of the famed knight frowned at the sky. Millerina
couldn't help, but ask, "What's wrong, Celena?"
The maiden's frown fell away and her face consorted in fear. Sparkling
lavender eyes stared at the fortress in shock as she cried, "The fortress
is going to hit the Crusade!"
The heart within the pale royal's chest jumped in her throat as she also
turned her view to the sky. It was true. The fortress was going to hit the
Crusade! The ship wouldn't have a direct hit, for the dark vessel would
only hit a portion of the sail ship, but that would be enough to cause
massive explosions! Millerina gasped, "No! There's no way we can load up
all the people and the guymelefs in time! We'll be completely destroyed!"
Celena bit her lip as she desperately tried to think of a solution to the
problem, but before one could have been suggested the queen of angels
stepped forward to the two women. Millerina and the knight's sister turned
to the kind lady hoping she could help. A knowing smile from the woman
showed she would be able to assist them and brought relief over the two
friends. With eyes of sparkling forest green the royal Draconian replied,
"Do not worry, for I can help....."
The female warrior of lavender eyes gave a gracious smile as she said
quietly, "Thank you...."
Hitomi's father quickly stepped forward as he realized what his wife was
about to attempt. Affectionate eyes of brown pools looked at his spouse
with fear as the man asked, "You sure you can do this, Sukai?"
Looking deep into her husband eyes she felt her gaze waver. The love for
her beloved was strong and when she looked into to those eyes she never
could lie to him. With a sad smile she whispered, "Yes, but it will be
difficult....."
Moving away from her husband so he wouldn't stop her Hitomi's mother stood
at the area between the Crusade and the enemy guymelefs. Her husband could
not help her for he was not of royal birth and held no powers. Taking a
step on the large parch field of burnt grass and earth the lady let the
wind tease her hair and flutter her clothes. Sparks of energy ran through
her ebony pupils and her black centers began to slowly glow a deep blue.
Small pebbles began to shake around the royal's feet as her powers began to
swell. The gentle breeze began to roar around the woman causing the dust to
swirl around her ankles. Lifting her hands to the sky Sukai closed her eyes
to concentrate. Pale palms began to glow a brilliant white as she built up
her powers to their peaks. It had been many years since she had last used
her powers, but she had full faith in her abilities..... She knew she could
do this.....
With a cry the woman released the white light and it struck through the air
towards the fiery vessel. The fortress began to glow as the beam of light
hit and slowly the ship began to inch away from its course. Sweat drenched
her brow as her powers were being stretched to their limits. She had never
used her powers on something so large and it stressed her muscles. Growling
the lady pushed as hard as she could against her powers struggling to make
it turn. She had to make it move only a few meters off its present path!
Clenching her teeth she forced the monstrous ship to move.... inch....
by..... inch.....
No one was sure if the fortress would miss the Crusade until the last
moment. When the ship hit the ground it slid across the field narrowly
missing the sail ship. It was so close that Hitomi's mother was only a few
feet from it when it slid in front of her over their enemies. The rush of
air lifted her hair and the dust clouded the area around her.
The safe viewers by the Crusade watched as the army of dark giants was
plowed over by the large vessel. Smoke frizzled the air and flames lick the
land as the fortress slid over the earth with a howl. No sooner had it
crashed did it lift off again as it flew over the cliff into empty air. For
only a few moments the ship hung in the sky before plunging into the depths
of the Mystic Valley.
Merle felt her soul rip in two as she realized something. With a painful
cry the cat called out, "LORD VAN~SAMA!!! HITOMI!!!!!!"
At that moment a bright light exploded behind the cliffs and thunder
roared. The earth beneath the people's feet shook as the dark vessel
blasted to bits in a fit of fire and smoke. The cat~girl fell to her knees
from the shock waves and stared at the rising black clouds through tears.
Slowly the land stilled and people stood on their feet again as they
watched the cliffs for any signs of life....
No.... They couldn't be dead.... Could they?.....
Sobs began to rack the cat~girl as she thought she had lost her brother
again.... Millerina took a step towards the rise as tears glittered in her
eyes. Where were they?.....
No one truly noticed the large dragon, Escaflowne, land nearby the
starboard of the Crusade for all eyes watched for the Dragon King and Angel
Princess, including the large beast.
Quiet.... All was quiet.... Yukari clutched to Amano's shirt trying to hold
back the tears. Was their dear friend dead? They begged that Hitomi would
be alright although they already knew how their princess faired. People
could only hope and wait for the impossible to happen....
Silently a form began to rise over the cliffs. Everything froze and
breathing slowed as everyone waited for the form to grow closer. As the
people waited the soldiers within the suits of armor began to leave their
machines. The knight quickly ran through the crowd of people to the front
of the group with his son and Dryden close behind. Allen halted beside his
sister as the king went to his spouse's side. Chid stop and flanked the
young cat~girl as he placed an encouraging hand on her bronze shoulder. All
prayed that it was their two friends approaching them.
It didn't take long to wait..... for the being flew through the air with
white wings as his aid. Slowly the form landed a few hundred yards away
from the large group and vessel. Van stared at the large crowd warily. He
wasn't eager to confront his friends during this time of mourning, but he
knew he couldn't avoid them either so he took a deep breath and began to
slowly walk over to the mass of bodies with the fragile package in his
arms.....
Merle gave a happy smile as she saw her brother's form returning and raced
towards him. The rest of the friends were on her heels as she raced across
the burnt earth to their companion. As the young cat~girl grew close enough
to better make out the figure she felt her heart drop like a stone thrown
in a lake. Slowing to a walk the cat watched as her brother walked to them
slowly. The rest of the group also fell short of their destination as they
saw what the king carried....
Held gently in his muscular arms of tan skin was the bloody form of the
seeress. With one arm supporting her shoulders and the other under her
knees the angel woman looked almost like she had only fainted like back in
the Great War,..... but it was obvious it was nothing so simple. The girl's
head laid lifeless against the man's red shirt and her arms hung downwards
towards the ground. Her feet rocked back and forth as the king carried her
to their friends.
As the royal finally reached the group of friends no one could speak.....
for their eyes were all on the dead form of the girl from the Mystic
Moon.....
~Several Hours Later~
On the edge of the cliff was a small mound of dirt accompanied by a small
cross. The small wooden cross was rather crude for such a special grave,
but no one had been able to retrieve a better cross on such short notice.
The wood craving was of dark oak and held marking all over its brown
surface. Burnt into the wood were several lines of symbols, each one made
in a graceful flow of words. If one would have studied the writings you
would have noticed three different languages written across the wood. The
first passage was written in Atlantian..... The second in Fanelian......
and the third in Japanese..... Though there were three passages they all
read the same thing.... and this is what it read:
'Ye who treads by this royal grave please bow your head in respect for the
Princess of the Draconains, Hitomi Kazanki, lies dead here. We leave this
in her memory for those who might pass so they may know what she has done
on this day. With the help of the Atlantians our princess used her powers
to bring us back from the afterlife, but for the gift of our life hers was
taken. Let her be remembered for her strength, kindness, love, and
determination, for she gave everything up for her people, and therefore we
honor her death with great sorrow. Let it been known that if you should
speak her name let it be in glory for she did so much when we did so
little. Farewell, oh princess, and thank you for what you have done. We can
never repay you for your sacrifice. Amen.'
Nearby on the land that laid by the grave stood a multitude of angels and
soldiers. Each angel was mourning with tears in their eyes for their
beloved princess while they hummed an unknown melody for the ceremony. The
soldiers took off their hats and bowed their heads to the grave while they
silently prayed over the mound. At the front of the large crowd stood a
significant group of beings..... each silently saying goodbye to their
dear,..... dear love one.....
~Millerina~
The queen stood next to her husband holding his hand tight as she cried sad
tears. Her blonde locks fell over her eyes blocking her view of the angel's
grave, but she didn't care. To look upon the dirt mound just made the scene
all too real. Silently the woman said goodbye to her old rival,
'Dearest Hitomi,
I wish more than life itself that I could once again look upon your face
and see that smile that always brighten the day. We started off on the
wrong foot many years ago when we fought over Allen,.... but I am so glad
we were able to put it behind us. We miss you, Hitomi.... I know you cannot
come back, but every time.... I look towards the setting sun I see you.....
I see you running back to us with that same smile as though you were never
truly gone..... Goodbye, Hitomi.... Thank you for all that you have done
for me,..... Dryden,.... and our child.....'
The lady glanced at the grave for a split second and the dam broke open
more waves of tears. Bringing her pale hands to her face the woman cried
into her palms as her husband held her tightly.
~Dryden~
Holding his wife closely to his chest in his warm arms the man stared down
at the grave of their friend. He blinked back the tears that threaten to
fall, but even with this obstacle the crystal drops fell down his cheeks.
Glancing towards the heavens the king prayed with a mute voice,
"Hitomi,
I wish did not have to leave us, but I understand what you did. I am so
proud of you. Hitomi, you were like my own daughter. I even went so far as
to keep an eye out for you sometimes like a parent worries about their
child. Thank you for bringing me to Millerina. Though our first wedding was
broken you brought the two of together in our second one. You were not
present at the ceremony, but we dedicated our wedding to you because it was
you who had taught us to love one another in the time of the 'Great War'.
Your love for King Van was unmistakable and we searched for that in our
hearts. Upon finding it we learned we were truly meant to be and thus we
had another wedding in your memory..... Hitomi.... Thank you....'
Closing his rich chocolate eyes the man sighed and held his wife a little
tighter as he mourned for his daughter~like friend.....
~Chid~
The boy clenched his fists together trying to look the noble he was. He had
been taught how to suppress his emotions for diplomatic reasons, but at
that moment nothing seemed able to hold back his sorrow. Blue jewels
glittered a mist a sea of tears as he looked at the small cross that held
his dear love one's name. Saying farewell the prince let loose his
tears.....
'Hitomi.....
Never before have I felt so lost..... When you were around I always saw you
as a guidance and a sister even. You saw the boy within this shell
screaming out to be noticed. You were the only one who could see my
distress of royal living. I never rejected my royal blood, but I never
fully embraced it either. I wanted to have my time of childhood, but with
the death of my parents I was denied such and was forced into the life of a
prince. I want to thank you for your guidance and caring you gave me.... No
gift could have been more useful....'
With that he bowed his head and let quiet sobs rock his small shoulders....
~Allen~
Placing a comforting hand on his son the knight found himself lost. His
dear friend was gone and the small cross was the proof. Never before had he
cried for anyone except his past lover, Marene, but that day he cried for
one of his closest friends.....
'Oh Hitomi,
You should see how many people cared for you. Standing within this field is
enough beings to fill a planet. I want you to know that I have finally
found true love. No, there hasn't been anymore women that have stolen my
heart like I thought had happened with you or between me and Millerina. I
have finally discovered the true essence of love. I once shared it with
Millerina's sister, Marene, and it was because of you that I found this.
When I discovered I was not truly in love with you, Hitomi, I searched my
heart for what love was and I found it. I did not understand at first why I
did not have strong feelings for you until I discovered I would never love
again. Thank you for showing that to me, Hitomi...... You'll never truly
know how grateful I am for you...."
Turning his eyes away from the grave the knight felt another person
squeeze his hand.....
~Celena~
The war woman took hold of her brother's hand holding it firmly in her pale
palm. She stared at her brother's teary face for several moments before
turning her lavender eyes to the blue sky. She had not known the seeress
long, but she had learned a great deal from her...... and that was what she
was most thankful for.....
'Dear Hitomi,
I wish we could have gotten a little closer before you left this world....
I feel I missed a great deal about you that seems to be tenderly cherished
by the one's around me. Although my time was short in your presence I find
I learned more in these last days about you than I learned in the past year
from life..... You showed me to care for someone though their heart was
dark.... You gave without accepting or expecting anything in return......
You did things for people out of pure kindness.... You never lost hope when
all seemed lost..... Those lessons of life give me the strength to press
onward and learned to live on my own two feet when my life was nearly
destroyed years ago when Dilandau took over..... I am glad I was able to
get to know this about you.... and wish we could have gotten closer.....'
Brushing away crystal droplets that shined on her pale cheeks the maiden
hugged her brother's arm for emotional support....
~Merle~
The young cat~girl stood next to her foster~brother who was at the head of
the crowd. Merle let her tears fall not even trying to hold them back as
she stared at the monument. The water in her chocolate eyes blurred her
vision as she though of the angel woman....
'Hitomi.....
I miss you desperately all ready and I know Lord Van~sama feels the
same.... I wish there had been a way for you to survive, but I can see that
nothing would have helped for if there had been a way you would have been
able to accomplish it..... You've always proven to me that you could always
accomplish the impossible..... That's one reason I was always jealous of
you.... that and the fact that Lord Van~sama seemed to care for you more
than me,..... but I have learned over the last two years that I will only
see him as a brother..... Though I still envy the love you two share I do
not hate you.... never think that..... I only wish that one day that I will
find someone that shares that love with me..... Thank you for showing me
everything that life offers and showing me what life is about..... I can
never repay you for that.....'
~Yukari~
Her cream and blue uniform floated in the breeze and her red hair lifted
into the air. Her eyes were focused on the cross as she read the lines over
and over. The words just didn't seem to do justice for her best friend. She
wanted to put so much more on the headstone..... so much seemed to be left
out about the young woman....
'My dear friend Hitomi,
Its seemed only yesterday when we became best friends and joined the track
team. I was always pushing you through the races as your coach and you
always shared the glories with me as the student,..... but there was more
to our friendship.... So much more....
We were like sisters that had been separated at birth and brought together
in our early 'teens. From the very beginning we were inseparable. Spending
our weekends together and our school afternoons at the ice cream parlor
finishing our homework together. Most importantly we shared everything. I
feel so bad for not believing you when you told me about Gaea. I never
believed this would happen......
I also want to thank you about bringing Amano to me. He told me you pursued
him to ask me out. Thanks for everything Hitomi..... I'll..... I'll never
forget about you..... I'll never find a better friend....'
Yukari closed her eyes and gasped for air as her tears choked her....
~Amano~
The man wrapped his arms around his fiancé and placed his cheek against the
top of her red locks as he closed his mahogany eyes. The image of his old
crush filled his mind as tears slipped down his cheeks....
'Hitomi..... my dear friend, Hitomi.....
I can still remember the day you ask me to time you as you did a lap around
the track and to give you your first kiss if you broke your record....
That's when it all started, huh?....
As I look over at the king that you told us of I can say you have picked a
good man as your love. He seems like a good man even though he has rarely
spoken since his return.... I only wish you had the chance to spend a life
time with him.... I know I would die if I lost that with Yukari....
Hitomi.... Never forget your friends.... When the time comes the rest of us
will see you in heaven.... Before that though I want to thank you for
bringing me to Yukari.... I know now that I had always loved Yukari.... I
was just afraid..... I'm not sure what..... I guess rejection,..... but you
pointed me to her and I found the love I was looking for.....
I'll always remember you, Hitomi, as one of my dearest friends..... Don't
ever forget me.....
~Sukai~
The woman held her youngest child to her chest as she pet his hair letting
his tears soak into her shirt. Her long hair fell around the side of her
face and trailed over her son's curled up body. The sorrow in the mother's
heart was indescribable. She always knew this day would come, but she had
no idea her daughter would be the 'Angel'..... that was until she return
the second time from Gaea..... Once she had spoken about the world....
Sukai had gone to her bedroom and wept for hours..... She knew her child's
destiny..... She had always known..... She had been taught by her parents
the history of the Draconians and prophecies had always been important for
their future so she was forced to focus on several of the passages. One had
been the story of the Mystic Moon's destruction. At first she thought she
might have been the 'Angel', but after she had two children the idea
wavered. It had been so shocking and terrible to discover her daughter was
the one destined because she knew she would loss her....
Glancing towards the sunset sky that was growing a purplish pink she let
her tears streamed down her cheeks. Though she had wept for over two years
for her daughter it never had been so hard to accept like now..... Blinking
and causing her emerald tears to slip she finally said goodbye to her
oldest child....
'Oh, my daughter....
I wish I could have told you of your destiny..... To reveal to you what
would occur in the future,.... but I was forced to hold my tongue..... I
had to let the future play out..... But that is unimportant right now....
I must say my final farewell.... Hitomi.... I want you know I always loved
you.... When I held you on the day of your birth I had such plans for you.
Of course all parents expect the highest of their first child. While the
years went by and you grew up I watched you with wondrous eyes. I noticed
something special about you. You would have dreams that gave hints of our
heritage and you would say you would hear voices in the night. Sometimes
when you would draw pictures you would make the most creative artwork that
reminded me of stories from our home world. I always suspected you were
connected to the prophecy somehow, but I tried to deny it. I didn't want to
let you go, but I had to when I discovered the truth. I wish you could be
here now and live your life with the man you love.
My daughter.... I love you with all the love a mother could give and I wish
I could hold in my arms once more,.... but I know that will have to wait
till I enter through the gates of heaven.... again.... Hitomi, you were
always strong,.... happy,.... and determined.... I always wanted to be
you.... I was always proud to be your mother.... and I still am....
Goodbye, my daughter.... I will always love you.... no matter what....'
~Mamoru~
The young boy shoved his face into his mother's bosom as his tears poured
down. His brown locks mixed together with his mother's identical strains.
His sister.... Where was his sister?.... His parents had said she had went
to heaven..... What was heaven?..... The place all beings who followed
Joutei went to..... The place he and his family had been at only a few
hours ago,... but why did his sister leave?..... He missed her..... he
missed her terribly..... He wanted his big sister back..... It had been so
hard to lose her both times she had disappeared.... and now when he stood
in a different world he wanted to share with her all he knew.... He was
young and knew little about the information that had been given to the
Draconian race, but he did comprehend a bit of it.....
Turning his chocolate drop~like eyes to the place his sister's grave stood
(not knowing she laid beneath the earth) the boy said a silent prayer....
'Big Sissie,
Why did you leave? I thought we would finish our game of checkers. Do you
like heaven? I liked it there. It was real pretty, but I wish you would
have stayed longer. I missed you so much at home. Then something bad
happened and we all went to heaven. I am still a little confused. I miss
you. I miss going to the beach with you.... throwing the frisbee in the
park.... going for a snow cones on hot days..... and I really missed the
night's you would babysit me. You would always tuck me in and read me any
story I wanted or you would make up your own. Those were the best with the
knights, dragons, and the angel king, but what I really missed was when you
would lay down next to me until I went to sleep as you sang me a song. You
were probably the best sister someone could have.... I always wanted to be
you.... and you never fussed at me when I tagged along with you, Yukari,
and Amano..... Thanks, Hitomi....'
With that the child began to wail softly in his mother's shirt as she
rocked the boy to calm him down....
~Rei~
The middle~aged man stood behind his wife and son with a heavy heart.
Glancing at his family he felt a deep hole burrow into his soul. A huge
chunk had been ripped away from the existence and he felt the torn area was
like a crater of sorrow. The section was the place his daughter had held
all of during her life. It had been torn apart once she had been claimed
dead. Tearing away his gaze from his remaining family he turned his brown
pools of surging tears to the lonely grave upon the dusty rise. As he
stared at the cross of oak he let his heart cry out for his little
Hitomi.....
'Oh, my little one.....
How I miss your smiling face..... The way you saw the positive side of the
worst incident.... The way your voice sounded like tiny crystal bells
playing on the wind.... You were so much like your mother.... I often saw
her shining through your emerald eyes.... I always was so protective of
you.... Do you remember how I would call you my little one?.... You would
always laugh when I said that name and your eyes would twinkle like the
stars.... Oh, how I have missed you.... Please, my little one, be patient
and wait for us in heaven..... When that day should come it will be a day
of rejoicing and sweet hugs..... Goodbye, my little one..... I love
you.....
The only being that paid no respects to the lonely mound was a young royal
of raven hair. Van couldn't think.... couldn't speak..... and could barely
breathe..... His mind had shut down.... his heartbeats slowed to a
crawl.... His life had ended with his beloved's..... When they had buried
her he couldn't watch her bloody form be covered with the earth..... It was
far too painful.... He didn't want to accept her death..... it was so
painful..... His heart felt like it had been shredding to nothing and his
nerves felt numb..... Why her?.... Why now?.... More than anything he just
wanted to hold her..... to feel her close to his chest once again.... His
life was crumbling apart around him.... When that ever occurred he would
turn to her for comfort,.... but what happens when that comfort is stolen
from you?.... right before your eyes?!.....
Van stood at the head of the massive group letting the wind tug at him. No
one deserved it more than he to be at the head. He never looked so
depressed..... Even the last two years away from the seeress there had
always been a glimmer of hope,.... but now there was none..... for his
beloved was dead..... and there was no hope for her return.....
The large crowd began to disperse and slowly make their way to the Crusade
entering by way of the docking bay. Only a single being stayed behind. Van
wanted to stay a little longer to properly say goodbye.... The blonde
knight followed the group, but stopped to glance back at the young king.
For a moment Allen debated whether or not he should talk to the angel king
before deciding it was best to leave the man alone so he might let go of
his love.... Slowly the blonde warrior walked back to his ship with the
heavy grief on his heart....
Once the crowd had finally grown far enough so they could vaguely see him
Van walked over to the grave. Halting at the edge of the mound his fire
eyes ran over the words with sadness. The words only made his heart heavier
as he read. Slowly he lifted a clenched hand to his face. The tan fingers
uncoiled and revealed a small red stone that twinkled in the sunlight.
Within the reflection of the stone he saw her..... Those emerald eyes that
sparkled and that smile that was like the sun.... Oh, how greatly he missed
her.... Closing his fist back over the pendant the dragon king closed his
eyes. Smiling sadly he thought of his love....
'My beloved,
What can I say?.... How can I possible express to you how I feel?..... Do
you sense me anymore?.... Or does the heavens forbid such?.... No words can
truly tell you my feelings, Hitomi,..... but for you I will do my best to
tell you such.....
Oh, my dearest, dearest love.... I feel the world had been darken by your
absence..... The sun no longer shines and the air is cold and lonely.....
The clouds shadow even the light of the stars and moon making it pitch
black in my heart..... An endless rain of tears pour over my body freezing
me to the bone.... The wind whistles in my ear whispering our song in
sadness..... No air can fill my lungs for you were my air.... No life fills
my soul for you were my life.... Time has stilled and all seems to go so
slow.... All the joy of being has drained from my life and I know I can
never find the peace I discovered from you....
My dear love,
You were my comfort.... my heart.... my soul.... my life.... my air.... my
water.... my other half.... I can find no other person who can replace you
in my heart.... I could search until eternity, but would never find someone
that comes close to you..... Although I wouldn't never even attempt to look
for another to replace you..... I pledged my heart to you, Hitomi.... and
you alone.... When you died my heart died along with you..... I wish I
could join you in heaven,.... and perhaps I will soon,.... but for now I
will respect your wish for me to keep living..... Although I can not
promise you that I can live my life to the fullest..... because without
you.... I have no life.....'
Slowly the man knelt before the grave and stared down at the mound whilst
he placed the small red teardrop on top of the dirt. The dust swirled
around the royal and the silent grave in sorrow for the lost soul that was
by the lonely mound. Van brushed his fingers through the dirt as tears
sparked in his eyes.
'Goodbye, Hitomi..... I'll always remember you..... and I'll always be with
you....'
With tears streaming down his face the king pushed himself onto his feet.
Forcing himself to turn away from the scene the young man began to make his
way back to the Crusade.....
Little did the man notice that snow had begun to fall from the sky. The
tiny snowflakes began to float down from the sky in a gentle flow to the
ground surrounding the Crusade. Several white globs floated past the man's
face catching his attention. Looking up into the vast blue he watched the
tiny whiteness fall with a confused look never noticing a group of people
were growing closer. All of the seeress's closest love one's formed the
approaching pack.
Allen was at the head and hurrying to his comrade with a frown upon his
face. They had seen the snow and had rushed to meet the approaching royal
to discuss the matter. The hansom knight was the first to reach the angel
king. Looking along with Van at the sky the warrior asked, "How can this be
possible? It is nearly summer....."
The young king opened his mouth to reply to the confused statement when he
heard a familiar voice echo through his mind....
'Oh, Van.... You will always be within my heart as well,.... but do not say
your goodbye just yet..... for it is not the end...... only the
beginning......'
Fire eyes grew wide as the dragon king realized whose voice it was. With a
surprise look on his tan face the hansom man of raven hair whispered,
"Hitomi?......"
Allen snapped his head around at the word and was about to ask something
when a low rumble filled the air. Slowly the ground began to quake beneath
their feet and the snowflakes glistened brightly around them. Van lifted
his head towards the newly made grave and watched in awe as the tiny white
globes began to drift towards the dirt mound.
Quickly the man grasped a snowflake in his tan hand and brought the
glistening object to his face. Light poured from his palm as the royal
realized what he held.... It was not a snowflake,..... but a bead of white
light..... Without a sound the snow white orb lifted from the man's palm to
also make its way towards the grave with the king's rubies following its
path....
As the snowflakes of light grew closer to the mound the shake grew
fiercer.... causing cracks to streak through the earth.... The mound of
dirt shook violently and the cross fell backwards from its lodging in the
dirt. The red stone of ancient blood began to glow as the white snowdrops
began to clutter around it. The clouds overhead began to swirl just like
when the clouds do before a tornado is about to emerge. Suddenly without
warning a brilliant blue beam shot down from the sky from a mist the center
of the swirling mist of clouds and fell directly onto the disturbed
grave.....
Van took a step forward with wide eyes as he felt his blood begin to
quicken, 'Could it be?.....'
"What's going on?!" came a startled cry from little Merle as she dug her
claws into the earth to keep steady.
Before one could answer the mound of dirt broke apart tossing the red
pendant a few feet away and making a large gaping hole into the grave. With
shock faces of disbelief the friends watched as a bloody form was slowly
lifted from the depths of the earth only a few hours after being buried.
The beautiful seeress had not changed. The blood, the cuts, and the severed
wings were still there. Dust and dirt ran over her body showing her time in
the ground. The only difference was that the angel woman was now floating a
few feet over her grave. With her emerald eyes closed the body of the girl
was in a limp stand. Hands by her side and legs falling to the ground she
stood upon air. How she stayed within the sky was impossible for anyone to
tell. Plus how could one think at such a moment?!.....
Slowly the white snowflakes of light swirled around the body in a beautiful
flow while more whiteness fell like rain down the blue beam. The group's
eyes grew wide as the snowdrops made contact with the woman's pale skin and
did something amazing. Once the whiteness brushed up against blood or a
wound the object of redness would glow a brilliant white and then vanish
from existence bringing forth pale flawless skin. One by one the skin of
the seeress's was turn to normal as the spectators gaped. Once the girl's
body was replaced the whiteness flowed to her back. Soon a pair of large
pearly objects began to glow in the air behind the seeress. Glowing
brightly two white wings emerged from the 'Angel's back stretching to their
full length.
The young dragon king felt his heart lifting at the sight and tears
sparkled in his eyes. Slowly the red pendant floated off the ground up to
the glowing angel. The chain unclasped in mid~air and drifted over to the
woman's neck. With a small snap the pendant clasped together and floated
around the seeress's slim neck. Gracefully the white dots danced over the
girl's skin and torn clothes glowing brighter. Dust and dirt fell away in a
gentle cloud as her outfit began to glow a pearly white. Rips and tears
came together as though the fabric had never been broken. Hitomi's short
sleeves grew in length and swept down her pale arms like water. What once
was brown leather pants became a long flowing gown. Boots of chestnut
shrunk into tiny snow white shoes that sparkled in the setting sunlight.
The white sleeves grew longer and flared out at the end as they reached the
girl's wrists. A collar in the shape of 'V' showed off the angel's slim
neck that held the red stone. The seeress's hair fluttered in the wind and
her face was set in a tranquil expression. The white snowdrops began to
slow and finish the last of the show. Gold lines began to dance over the
long dress. Soon the lines of gold began to slow and form a trimming on the
gown while Hitomi's wedding ring twinkled on her delicate finger.
The last of the outfit was completed when a golden emblem shined on the
girl's brow. It was the same emblem that had been on the red dragon's
forehead and on the temple's entrance. The design glowed brilliantly as the
air swirled the white snowdrops around the form. Clothes and hair fluttered
with the wind as the emblem faded away. Replacing the spot of the marking
was a golden tiara that glistened with diamonds and emeralds. In the very
center of this piece of metal was the angel emblem engraved. With this
finally article the outfit was completed.
Slowly the dead girl floated to the ground as the white snowdrops and blue
beam faded away. Once the angel woman's feet touched the ground her eyes
slid open to revealing green emerald depths that sparkled like the stars.
Her wings arched beautiful as she brought her pale hands to her chest.
Tears of crystal water slipped down her cheek as she saw her dearest
friends stare at her,.... but most importantly she cried because she saw
him standing there with the biggest smile she had ever seen. Smiling
through the tears the angel whispered, "I've come back to you, Van....."
With newfound energy and joy the young king rushed over to his beloved, not
even caring that they had an audience. His raven locks flew from the speed
and his clothes fluttered majestically. Dark boots crunched over the scorch
earth as he felt his own tears of happiness fall away from his rubies. As
the man grew closer, only a few feet away, the girl lifted up her arms to
him. Her fiancé swept her up in hug as their eyes closed shut letting the
tears fall. Van just wanted to stay like that forever..... for eternity in
that embrace would have been bliss..... Hitomi pulled away a little so she
could look into his eyes..... Those eyes that sent a shudder of joy down
her spine when she looked into them..... A gloved hand reached forth and
cupped her pale cheek as a tender thumb caressed her skin. It felt so
wonderful,... but yet not complete..... Turning her eyes to glance at the
hand the girl smiled brighter. The young king smiled down at her as he
watched her slowly remove the glove with tender fingers of pale skin,
letting it fall to the ground. Taking his hand in both of hers she replaced
the tan hand on her pale cheek as she closed her eyes at the blissful
touch...... She missed his touch so terribly..... the feel of his skin
against her own.....
It was too much for him..... Any other time and place he could have
waited,.... but having her back in his arms after he thought it was
impossible was torture.... Caring not for the audience that was slowly
approaching the royal brought his lips to hers in a soft kiss as his rubies
also slid close..... Hitomi responded to the feathery touch happily.....
Oh, how she missed him..... Never before had their kiss been so
rewarding..... Hitomi's pale arms slid around her beloved's neck as his
wound around her back..... In the back of their minds voices warned them of
how much they would be reminded of this moment by their friends,.... but
that didn't matter.... What only mattered was that they were reunited once
again...... and that their destines would be joined together soon..... for
all eternity..... perhaps longer.....
Pulling away the angel stared at her king's face as his tears slipped down
his cheek. Affectionately the seeress wiped away the water droplets as she
also let a few stray one's fall down her own pale skin. Lovingly her angel
kissed them away and placed his cheek on her crown while their eyes again
closed.
"Oh, Hitomi...." the raven royal whispered into her hair with deep love in
his voice, "I.... I thought you were....."
"Shhh......" she whispered back softly as she snuggled closer to his chest
indulging in his warmth, "I'm here..... and I'm not going anywhere......"
Just when the friends had finally reached the couple Van pulled away with a
question reflecting in his eyes, "Hitomi..... How did you--?....."
With a knowing smile the girl stared at her fiancé happy to be alive again.
There was so much to explain.....
~Alright! Everybody should be very happy now! This was a very emotional
chapter! Hope you enjoyed it!~
~Next two chapters will explain much of the ending and the visions
incorporated in the story that might still have confused a few of you
readers!~
~Next chapter should be posted in 2 or 3 days. Sorry, but it took all of
today just to get this one posted for the afternoon so I'll have to spend a
lot of tomorrow writing up the next chapter. I have to proof read and check
spelling and then transfer it to a different program which takes up a bit
of time. I'll do my best to post it soon, but Sat I'm going to Louisiana
College for a preview day and won't have the day to work on the story. I
promise you though that the chapter will be up by at the latest Sun.~
~Please review! I want to know what you think!~
