Chapter 9: Old Friends

Hitomi banked around with Van in tow, and landed in front of Escaflowne. "That was scary." Van commented as Hitomi set him on the ground.

"Not as scary as some of the things I've seen Sai do. She's flat-out insane."

***

At the capital of Ziback, *mighty* empress Sai sneezed. *Someone must be talking about me.*

***

Van & Hitomi were flying toward the capital of Austuria, Palas. Van was in Escaflowne, Hitomi was in all dragon form along side. "Hitomi you better switch back or the people might get scared." Van called over to the white dragon along side.

The dragon gave a nod, and Hitomi switched back to her more human form. She landed on Escaflowne's tail, then went up and sat behind Van. "Just like old times, only I'm not a nieve teenage girl, and you're not a brash teenage king. Now I'm battle-trained woman out for revenge for her dead daughter, and you're a seasoned king. The only thing that's the same is our enemy." Hitomi commented dryly.

Van didn't know how to respond.

A few minutes later they landed at Palas, and were greeted by Millerna, Dryden, and Allen. "Van, were glade you made it out alive." Millerna said then noticed Hitomi, but did not recognize her because she had her cloak & lower face covering on, "And who's your Companion?"

Before Van could respond Hitomi stepped up, "It's been along time, Millerna. I'm sorry we couldn't meet again under better circumstances." The cloak covered Hitomi responded.

"Who are you?" Allen asked.

"You better show them." Van said.

Hitomi removed her face covering & the cloak hood, "It's me."

Allen, Millerna, and Dryden looked at Hitomi with suspicious/curious looks.

Seeing this Hitomi sighed, "Reconize the name Hitomi Kanzaki?"

Allen stepped up to Hitomi, "Hitomi, is that you?"

Hitomi nodded, and Allen to hug & kiss her, but Hitomi spun out of his reach. "We have work to do, Allen. But, first I must...I must tell you all of what has happened to me the past 10 1/2 years, and how I became who I am today." Hitomi said, moving to stand next to Van. Van put his arm around Hitomi's waist.

Allen frowned, *You will be mine Hitomi.*