When the girl from the mystic moon returned
Chapter 2: will true love save us?
"Brother, must I marry him?" Selena asked Allen as she ran a brush through her hair. Hoping for some way to get out of this stupid marriage thing, she went for the guilt approach. What else could she do? She had tried everything.
Allen looked at up for his glance at the mystic moon. He too had fallen in love with Hitomi, but had lost her to Van. (He as still bitter about the whole thing.) Allen hadn't change in the year Hitomi was gone. He still had his long blond hair and was an excellent swordsman.
"Selena why do keep on asking that? Do you not wish to marry Van?" Allen asked innocently. He knew her little games, she was trying to make him feel guilty. `Well two can play that game.' He chuckled to himself.
"Well, Van's a really nice guy and all, but..." forgive me brother she said to herself before she continued, "it's only been a year since I became Selena again, and I feel as if I hadn't had a chance to be on my own. You have been practically breathing down my neck, giving me no freedom to do anything on my own. And now you want me to be married off so you can have Hitomi all to yourself instead of Van!!!" By the time Selena had finished she was screaming and out of breathe. That was not what she had wanted to say. She had wanted to say that she felt like she was back in Zaibach being ordered around again, but instead the truth came out. Everything that she had been feeling for the whole year. She looked up at her older brother with shock. He was completely white. His eyes died of all colour and he softly replied, "I was just trying to protect you Selena." And with that he bowed and left. Selena had felt as if she had been slapped in the face. She had never seen her brother
like that before. (She was Dilandau when everything else happened. i.e. mom dying, losing Hitomi, etc.)
"Well look on the bright side," she mumbled, "maybe I got through to him." Totally depressed by everything she lied down on her bed and stoked the scar on the side of her face as she watched the rain outside.
Once Allen was out of earshot, he burst out laughing. He hated to see the look that Selena made, but he did an outstanding job.
"It feels like I had no freedom." Allen mocked. "Oh please." But one thing that bugged him was that she said that he was marrying her off to Van so he could have Hitomi. "How did she figure it out?" Allen wondered. "Oh well, in a week, Van and Selena will be married. Selena will be safe and Hitomi will be mine!!!" And with that he skipped off laughing to his room.
***
It had been three days since Hitomi had left and Merle hadn't gotten a chance to talk to Lord Van. It seemed like every minute of his day was busy, from wedding plans, to Fanilea's needs. Lord Van didn't even try to hide his grief. He just trudged around, following his advisors.
"He really went to pieces after she left." Merle said to Katalie. (A 14 year-old cat-girl like Merle who had lived in Fanelia before it burnt, and then returned.) It was in the late afternoon the next day and the two of them were sunbathing of the castle's roof. A favourite place of Merle's. Katalie's long silky red tail batted away a fly while she spoke, "The first time she left or the second time?"
"Both times. The first time he tried to hide it because he knew that's where she belong, blah, blah, blah. But this time... you should of seen him Katalie when Hitomi disappeared into the blue light. He went into hysterics. He destroyed anything and everything that was in his path and ran off into the forest. He didn't come back to castle that night and then next morning when he did, his advisors carried him off to some meeting of some sort. And I haven't been able to speak with him since." Tears gathered in her eyes as she said this. Filing her nails and barley paying attention, Katalie glanced up at the depressed Merle. `She really cares about him.' Katalie thought. `Well they're practically brother and sister.' Sighing, Katalie replied, "Tell me this Merle, does Lord Van know why Hitomi left?"
Merle sighed, "No dummy, because if he did he wouldn't be so down."
"Whoa chill. Don't have a hissy fit." Katalie warned. "What happened before Hitomi disappeared?"
"Well... Lord Van heard Hitomi cry out so we went to see if she was ok. Then she was being carried up towards the Mystic Moon in a blue light. Lord Van screamed for her and she yelled back at him, yah right."
"Ok. What were you guys talking about before Lord Van heard Hitomi cry out?" Katalie asked.
"Um...oh yah, Lord Van's wedding." Merle said proud of herself.
"Does Hitomi know that he doesn't want to get married? And that it's all Allen's and his advisor's idea?" Katalie questioned.
"Well... no. I don't think so. Because she was unconscious and Lord Van didn't get a chance to tell her." Merle slowly said starting to get it. "Then that means that..."
"Hitomi woke up and hear that Lord Van was getting married and thought that he doesn't love her anymore..." Katalie interrupted.
"So she went home totally heart-broken. That would explain the `yah right' she yelled at him." Merle finished. "We have to tell Lord Van!!! He'll be so happy that it was just a misunderstanding!" Merle cried. They both stood up and scampered off to find the King.
***
"Your Majesty, would you please just pay attention and focus." His advisors pleaded.
`Ha. Easy for you to say. The one woman you love didn't just mysteriously disappear into thin air.' He sneered. Ignoring his advisors he turned his glaze towards the Mystic Moon.
"Why did you leave Hitomi? I need you." He whispered.
"Pardon You Highness?" Gurdo the wedding designer asked. Unable to take anymore of this he quickly made up an excuse, "I said that I wasn't feeling well and I'm going to my quarters and get to bed early." And with that he walked out leaving a slightly aggravated Gurdo behind. Once in his room, he flopped down on his bed, where Hitomi had once laid peacefully resting. He closed his eyes and clutched her pendant.
"This doesn't make any sense. Why would Hitomi come back and then just leave. And why did she look so cold and hurt?" Van asked the room. Exhausted, he pulled the covers over him and fell asleep.
It was midnight when Van woke up again. Restless he got out of bed and went the balcony. Staring up at the Mystic Moon a tear slid down his check. He didn't like this, it didn't make any sense. He wanted some answers. Suddenly a blue light emerged from the pendant and surrounded him, lifting him of the ground. Quietly he whispered,
"I'm coming Hitomi."
***
"It's all just a misunderstanding Hitomi. I love you and only you." Van said. Hitomi was back on Gaea in Van's arms. "Oh thank goodness Van. I love you too." Hitomi said with relief in her voice. He embraced her and spread his wings. And they flew off into the setting sun. As the cool wind whipped around body, she shivered and snuggled up closer to Van. He lifted her chin up and lowered his head to...
"Hello!?! Earth to Hitomi!!!" Yukari yelled shaking Hitomi.
"Hu?!?" Hitomi said waking up from her deep sleep. "Oh. It was a dream." She said disappointed. `I really thought that I was back on Gaea with Van and he loved me and only me.' Hitomi thought. `Well get real. Van's getting married. He doesn't love you anymore! So snap out of it!' she yelled at herself.
"Hitomi are you ok? You look pale and depressed. What's wrong?" Yukari asked her.
"Hmmm, oh yah I'm fine. Really." Hitomi lied.
"Well, you don't look ok to me. And you missed your stop. The bus is at the last stop and it's the base of Kutaru Mountain." Yukari said looking out the window. She had missed her stop too and now Amono would be worried about her because she'll be late. `Well I guess I'll have to call him and explain.' she thought. The two girls got off at the stop and said goodbye.
"I better call Amono before he starts freaking. Are you sure that your ok?" Yukari asked her distracted friend.
"Oh yah sure. Have a fun time at the mall Yukari." Hitomi replied absent-mindedly.
"Um Hitomi we're going to the park..." Yukari started, "Oh forget it. See ya Hitomi."
And she turned to find a pay phone. Meanwhile Hitomi went in the opposite direction. A flood of memories came over her.
"This is where I first met Van." Hitomi said as tears threaten to blur her vision. Silently she climbed the path that would take her to the top of the mountain. Once she was at the top, she sat down and watched the sun set. Soon it was totally dark except for the moon outlining everything.
"This is all too familiar." She whispered.
FLASHBACK
*The three of them ran as fast as they could up the narrow path. Yukari on Amono's back and Hitomi running beside him. "We're almost there!" Hitomi yelled. Out of breath the trio collapsed on ground. "We should be safe here." Amono said. But he was wrong. The dragon had followed them up the mountain, with Van close behind.
"HEY! You're fighting ME remember?!?" Van yelled at it. The dragon turned around at breathed fire at him. Reacting quickly, Van put his shield up, blocking the intense heat. While this was going on Hitomi had a horrible vision that he would be killed by the dragon striking him with his tail.
"NO!" Hitomi cried as she ran down the stairs to where Van was fighting the dragon. "HITOMI!" Amono yelled.
"WATCH OUT ABOVE YOU!!!" Hitomi screeched in time for Van to look up and jump back. The razor blade tail just missed him and cut off his armour. Seeing his chance, he slammed his sword into the beast's lungs, killing it. Then he sliced open the chest and reached in to reveal an energist.
"Are you ok?" Hitomi asked coming closer to him.
"Hm." Van looked up remembering that she was there. "Oh, come back to my castle if you want a reward. But don't think that you helped in the dragon slaying."
"What's wrong with you?" Hitomi yelled, "I thought that you were going to die and I was really scared." She puts her hands to her face as the tears spill out. Van death look softened as he began to say something but a blue light explodes from the energist, surrounding him and Hitomi.
"Amono my hand! Hurry!" Hitomi cried as Amono tries to grab her hand but she manages to grab her pendant instead.
"HELP!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!" she screamed out to her two hopeless friends below. When the light lifted Hitomi and Van were in a field.
"Where are we?" Hitomi asked nervously.
"By the looks of it just outside Fanelia." Van replied.
"Fanelia? Where the heck is Fanelia...." Hitomi started but then she saw the earth and moon hang together in the sky she almost passed out.
END OF FLASHBACK
"Oh Van, I miss you!" Hitomi cried out as the tears finally made their way down her flushed checks. She curled up in ball and fell into a restless sleep. When she woke up it was still dark, but the sun had just start to make its way up the mountain. Hitomi at up and tucked her knees under her chin. She sat there just thinking about Van.
***
Van woke up in a damp field on a mountain. As his eyes adjusted to the light, he saw the sun rising behind the hills. A girl sat a few feet in front of him. Her back was turned to him so he couldn't see her face.
`Who's that?' Van asked himself. He allowed is head to look up at the sky. He nearly jumped up with joy when he didn't see the moon and mystic moon together in the sky.
"I made it." he whispered. His attention went back to the girl when he heard her sigh. Slowly he got up and walked towards her. He couldn't see her well because he had to squint from the sun's brightness. It wasn't until he has right behind her that the girl noticed that someone was behind her. She whipped around and started to let out a scream when Van clamped his hand over her mouth to muffle the scream.
"SHHH! Be quiet, I won't hurt you." Van said softy as he crouched down beside her. The girl shook with fear and her eyes swelled up with tears. He turned around so his back was to the blinding sun. When his eyes finally adjusted to the normal light again he gasped. It was Hitomi!
"Hitomi! Oh Hitomi!" Van cried.
"Van?" she hoarsely whispered. Van released his grip from her mouth and hugged her.
`I found her!' Van cried with happiness.
But Hitomi didn't hug him back. She just sat there numbly, her arms still around her knees.
`Why does he look so happy? And why did he have to come back?' she asked herself. She could feel her heart breaking all over again and fresh tears made their way down her cheeks. And time her tears weren't from being scared, they were from pain and hatred. Suddenly she slapped him. Not excepting it, Van fell back. A red outline of her hand imprinted itself in his cheek.
"Ow! Hitomi what was that for?" Van asked upset.
"How dare you Van Fannel! How dare you come back her to torture me!" Hitomi cried. Confused, Van stared at her. "Hitomi...what are you talking about?"
"Don't play innocent with me! Why are you doing this to me? Why can't you just leave me alone?" Hitomi was now practically screaming at him. She went on and on but Van tuned her out.
`What is with her? Has she gone totally psycho?' Van thought, Noticing that she was still screaming, Van quickly decided to get her out of here before anyone heard her. Standing up he took a big breath as his wings ripped through his back. Hitomi stopped her insane ranting as his beautiful wings unfolded and his shirt ripped to shreds. Reaching down, he grabbed Hitomi under her legs and across her shoulders and flew up before she could protest.
"Van what are you doing? Put me down!" Hitomi commanded when they were soaring above the city.
"Not until you stop screaming and told me why you left suddenly." Van replied firmly. He was determined to get some answers. "Ok Hitomi?"
"Why do I need to tell you? You know!" Hitomi response coldly.
"No Hitomi, I really don't. Why do you think I came here for? I want to know why. Is it because you don't l...love me anymore?" Van asked fearing her answer.
"Why would who care if I love you or not when you have Selena." Hitomi accused.
"I don't LOVE Selena, Hitomi." Van said to what felt like the millionth person. He landed onto a field with tall grass. He let go of Hitomi and she sat cross-legged across from him. Restless, Van laid down on the grass, with his wings still out.
"Then why are you marring her?" Hitomi asked getting mad once more.
"Because it's not my decision." Van said
"How can it not be your decision to marry someone?" Hitomi asked thinking that he was telling her a web of lies.
"Allen suggested it to my advisors and they agreed to it. I had no say in it." Van said exhausted. It felt like someone had drained all his energy.
"So...you don't love Selena?" Hitomi asked slowly. She didn't want to get her hopes up high just so Van could stomp on them again.
"No, and Selena isn't exactly thrilled about the idea either. We both had no say in it." Van said. He sat up and held Hitomi's hand in her lap. "I do, and will always love you Hitomi."
Tears blurred Hitomi's vision as she reached out and hugged him. He gladly hugged her back.
"Oh Van, I was so confused when I heard you say that you were going to marry Selena. It felt like you'd ripped my heart into two. I was so depressed to even think that you didn't love me anymore. And that you had forgotten about me and loved someone else." Hitomi sobbed into his chest.
`That's what happened!' Van thought, `that's why she left. It's all a big misunderstanding.' He cupped his hand under her chin and gently lifted it up so she could see his eyes. Clearing his throat he began,
"Hitomi I love you and only you. And you're the only one that I could ever spend the rest of my life with." Hitomi looked at him and gave a weak smile.
"Really?" she asked, her voice shaking.
"Yes." He said. He smiled and wiped her tears from her eyes. As his hand brushed away a tear from her cheek, she stopped it and put her hand on top of his. She closed her eyes and she felt his wings folding around her. She snuggled closer to him and Van did the same.
`This feels so right.' Van exclaimed to himself. Then as if you cue, the blue light appeared and wrapped the two of them in it. Slowly they felt themselves being pulled up from the ground and carried away. In Van's arms Hitomi sighed happily and mumbled,
"I'm going home."
***
"Did you find him?" Merle asked Katalie as she came into view.
"No. And nothing to tell where he went." Katalie said sadly. It was the next morning after they had figured out why Hitomi left and they couldn't find Lord Van to tell him the news.
"We've been searching all night Merle and my paws are tired. Why can't we just rest for a bit?" Katalie complained.
"No! We have to find him. He's got to be around here somewhere." Merle said determined.
"Awww come on Merle. We've searched everywhere at least twice! It's like he's disappeared into thin air." Whined Katalie. She had taken of her sandals and was rubbing her paws.
"THAT'S IT! KATALIE YOU'RE A GENUIS!" Merle shouted sending her looks of annoyance from the staff at the castle.
"Follow me." Merle whispered as she hopped on to the window ledge and onto the roof.
"That's it Katalie, I know here Lord Van is!" Merle continued once Katalie was up there.
"On the roof?" Katalie asked looking around.
"No! Don't be stupid. When Lord Van wants some answers, he does everything and anything to get them right?" Merle said excitedly.
"Uh-hu" Katalie said as she once more started filing her nails.
"Well then, if you were Lord Van, where you go to get some answers from a girl that disappeared into a blue light?" Merle asked. Katalie stopped filing her nails and looked up,
"To the Mystic Moon!" Katalie cried.
"Yah! Lord Van is on the Mystic Moon! The Mystic...moon..." Merle stopped in mid-sentence.
"What?" Katalie asked at the change of Merle's sudden change in mood.
"If Lord Van's on the Mystic Moon, then when will he come back? IF he comes back?" Merle asked in tears.
"Oh." Katalie replied softly, "Do you think he really would stay there with Hitomi and abandon Fanelia?"
"I really don't know. He loves Fanelia and would do anything for it, but...he also loves Hitomi. And he's already lost her twice and you saw what happened to him." Merle said.
It felt like a bomb had gone off inside her head and heart. "This is all the STUPID, ANNOYING, SELF-FISH, BIG EGOED GIRL'S FAULT!!! IF SHE WOULD OF NEVER OF CAME TO GAEA THEN...." Merle started to rant, but was cut off by a flash of blue light form the corner of her brown eye. Suddenly forgetting about Hitomi and dissing her Merle screamed,
"THE BLUE LIGHT! THE BLUE LIGHT!" She jumped of the castle's roof onto the stable's roof and then onto ground and in the direction for the light. "MERLE WHERE ARE YOU GOING?!? HEY WAIT UP!" Katalie yelled as she followed Merle.
"It's Lord Van! He's back!" Merle screeched.
"Oh! The blue light! Now I remember, Hitomi came and left Gaea in a blue light." Katalie said smacking herself that she didn't figure it out before.
The blue disappeared and left to people holding each on the soft grass.
"Lord Van and Hitomi" Katalie realized.
"LORD VAN! YOUR BACK!" yelled Merle as ran up them and jumped into his arms. Which looked quite interesting considering that he was still holding on to Hitomi.
"Merle? How did you know that I left?" Van asked curiously.
"Never mind that Lord Van! Katalie and me figured out why Hitomi left! It's because she" Merle started but was interrupted by Katalie, "Um, Merle look." And pointed to Hitomi in Van's arms with Merle.
"Oh you already figured it out." Merle said disappointed. She had wanted to tell Lord Van so he could thank her and tell her how smart she was. Van seeing the look of disappointment on her face and guessing why, spoke up, "Well it was very clever of you to figure that out. I thank you Merle for being concerned about me." Van couldn't help but grin when he saw the proud beam on her face.
"Oh please." Hitomi said under her breath.
"Oh, It was really nothing Lord Van." Merle giggled.
Hitomi rolled her eyes at this and Katalie seeing it, dissolved into helpless giggles. But her giggles her stopped when they heard a voice calling them in the distance.
"Your Highness! Your Highness!!" called the voice. As the voice neared the group they could see that the voice belonged to a young boy who looked to be about 10. He finally reached them stopped dead in his tracks when he saw his King with wings. He stood there gapping not sure want to do, but he was quickly reminded when Katalie gave a forced cough. The boy blushed, and bowed deeply.
"Yes, what is it?" Van asked the boy and motion him to rise.
"Lady Selena and Knight Shezar are here and awaiting your presence." The boy said still awestruck. Van stood up from his embrace with Hitomi and Merle and replied simply, "Thank you, tell them I am on my way and I'm sorry to keep them waiting." With that he flipped to boy a coin and watched as the boy smiled eagerly.
"Your too gracious your highness." The boy said humbly. He bowed and then ran off to the castle.
"Well we better get going Hitomi." Van said once the boy had left. "Hitomi?" Van turned around and saw Merle and Hitomi collapsed together on the grass asleep. Katalie giggled.
"She was up all night looking for you Lord Van." She explained. Van sighed and carefully picked both girls up around the waist and flew up into the sky. Katalie stood there annoyed.
"Great, just great. He gives Hitomi and Merle a rid home and I have to walk! And my paws still HURT!" Katalie whined as she scampered off behind them.
***
`What is taking them so long?' Allen asked himself impatiently. He sat bored on a chair in the King's Throne Room. A young, annoying boy had come in about 5 minutes ago apologizing on behalf of the King. And that they would be arriving shortly. `Who's they?' Allen questioned himself. He was about to ask to the boy that, but after Selena nodded and thanked him, he ran off to see who else he could annoy. Allen played with the ring on his finger as he watched Selena out of the corner of his eye. She was sitting peacefully beside him, with her gloved hands folded neatly in her lap. Her eyes wandered outside the open window beside them. The silver and red dress that she was wearing matched her hair that was now just below her shoulders. And to complete the outfit was a dull silver locket that had once belonged to their mother. Inside was a picture of the four of them, just before their father had left.
"That's it!" Allen said frustrated as stood up. Startled Selena tore her eyes from the window and looked at him. Allen couldn't believe what he saw. Selena's eyes were red! Allen began to ask her about it but stopped when he heard someone was entering the room. Selena stood up beside Allen and bowed as Van walked. With him was Merle, Katalie, and Hitomi.
"Hitomi?!?" Allen choked out. Hitomi looked back when she heard her name being called.
"Allen!" she cried. She was about to run about to him, but was stopped by Merle and Katalie giving her dangerous glances. After everyone had been seated, Van's advisors walked in and almost had a heart attack when they saw Hitomi. They quickly calmed down and took their places. Seeing this caused Van to give a sly smile. "Oh the fun is just beginning.' He thought. Remembering himself, Van motioned for Selena and Allen to sit down. As Allen and Selena sat down, Allen noticed that Selena's eyes had gone back to their normal colour.
"Allen it is great to see you again my friend." Van said trying to act cheerful. `HA! Some friend you are Allen!' Van silently thought in his head, still smiling his fake smile. He had seen the look on Allen's face when he saw Hitomi.
"As it is to see you Your Highness." Allen said as equal as fake as Van had done. `Your Highness, HA! He is nothing but a weak boy that sends people to say sorry for you.' Allen thought in his head.
"And Lady Celena...I'm glad that you were able to come to Fanelia. I hope that you will enjoy it here." Van said turning his attention to Selena. He thought that was enough, but a sharp cough from one of his advisors told him otherwise. "I might I add that, that you look rather beautiful today." Van said. He was surprised how easily it been to say that. `But I have to admit, that dress does look good on her.' Van mussed. Shaking his head ever so slightly, Van forced that thought out of his head. He looked at Hitomi who was getting kind of red in the face from hearing this. `Uh-oh. I better cool it or she'll think that I WANT to marry Selena.' Van said. He just didn't understand women at all.
"Thank you Your Highness. I look forward to seeing the many sights of Fanelia." Selena responded back, not wanting to say anymore to her "husband-to-be." But when Allen not so gently elbowed her in her arm she quickly added, "With you accompany if you'd like." Van looked surprised at this last statement. It sounded more like an order than a request. Before Van could even respond to it, one of his advisors spoke for him, "Yes, what an excellent idea Lady Selena. A walk in the Royal Gardens will be a chance for the King to show you around and to talk about the wedding."
Selena only sighed and nodded dully.
"Merle and Katalie will show you to your rooms and bring you to the Gardens after you get a chance to clean up." The advisor said again. And with that Merle, Katalie, Selena, Allen, Van's advisors and a few servants to carry their luggage, exited the room. Leaving Van and Hitomi alone. After the doors were shut by Katalie, winking to them, Van took Hitomi's hands and led her out to a balcony just outside the room. The sun was shining brightly in the mid morning sun, reflecting in Hitomi's intense emerald eyes.
"Hitomi I'm sorry if you got the wrong impression back there when I told..." Van started to say but was cut of by Hitomi putting her finger to his lips.
"Shhhhh. I know Van." She whispered. She then put her arms around his shoulders and rested her head on his chest, closing her eyes. Liking this, Van put his arms around her waist.
`This is how it's suppose to be.' Thought Van happily.
***
"Hitomi back?!?! How can that be? It can't be true. It can't BE TRUE!" Allen said a little too loudly. It was great to see Hitomi again, but her returning wrecked everything.
He paced up and down his room in rage. "This will ruin all my plans! All my carefully thought out plans!" Having enough of pacing he walk to the window ledge and angrily pounded it.
"Ok Allen cool down. Just think of another plan. If you came up with the last one, then there's no reason why you can't think of another one." He said.
"There's still hope." Allen said as a though came to him. "Van's advisor's never really liked Hitomi, so maybe they'll still force him to marry Selena. And then Hitomi heart-broken will have no one to turn to but me." Allen grinned wickedly. "Oh this is even better than my last plan, because now Hitomi will be here to witness the wedding!"
This though alone sent Allen into a fit of laughter.
***
"Thanks a lot Allen. Make me suggest that Van give me a tour of the stupid gardens." Selena said in a very bad mood. She was in the room that Merle and Katalie had showed her to and after a series of pounding the bed she had began to get ready. She tore the brush through her hair not caring that she was ripping some of her hair out. They fell to the ground limp. Looking down at them Selena frowned.
"Lucky hair." She mumbled. Suddenly exhausted she collapsed on the bed.
"Why me? Why does all the confusing stuff have to happen to me?" she asked the room. "I have to marry Van, who isn't to crazy about the idea either, and to boot Hitomi's here. So now there's no way that this marriage could even remotely work."
Suddenly Selena looked up at the door as if waiting for something. After a few seconds, someone knocked on the door.
"Whoa that was weird." Selena said under her breath.
"Selena? Are you ready? It's me, Katalie." A girlish voice said from behind the door.
Sighing Selena got off the bed.
"Yah hang on Katalie. I'll be out in a second." She said with no emotion in her voice. She quickly got changed into another simple dress that was light green with lace trims. Taking a deep breath Selena mumbled, "Here we go." As she walk to the door.
***
"Stupid Selena gets to spend time with my Van." Hitomi sneered. She was stuck in her room much to her displeasure. If she couldn't be with Van then she would of liked to see Fanelia and how the rebuilding was going. But no, Van's stupid advisor had to lock me up like a prisoner. She had already checked the door and it was locked. A knock at the door brought Hitomi back to reality.
"Psst! Hitomi can you hear me?" Merle whispered form behind the door.
"What do you want?" Hitomi hissed back in a bad mood.
"Do you want to spy on Lord Van and Selena?" Merle asked excitedly.
"NO! Unlike you I respect Van's privacy." Hitomi said back to the door
"It will get you out of your room." Merle taunted.
"Fine." Hitomi said icily after a few moments. "Besides I have a right to know what's going on."
"Sure you do." Merle mumbled under her breath.
***
Van waited patiently in the gardens for Selena to come. `I hope that she comes soon' Van thought to himself as he played with the single rose his advisors had told him to give to Selena. `I want to get this over with.' He was still wearing the same outfit as before with the exception of a cape attached to his shirt. Sighing he ran his fingers through his dark thick hair. Patients wasn't one of his strong traits. He looked up at the Mystic Moon and wished that Hitomi was here with him. Around the corner Selena walked. Well actually it looked like she was pushed and to prove his theory Van caught a glimpse of Allen's long fem blond hair.
"Lord Van" Selena said humbly and curtsied.
`Whoa.' Van almost said out loud when he saw her. Green really was her colour. Then remembering he bowed.
"Lady Selena. I'm glad that you were able to join me." Van recited what his advisors had told him to say. He then stiffly held out the rose to her.
"Oh it's beautiful! Thank you." Selena gushed reaching out to grab the rose. Van watched her as she gently smelled the flower and placed it in her silver hair.
"Should we get going?" Selena asked once she was done.
"Hu? Oh, yes. Follow me." Van said once he was out of his trance. He held his arm out like his advisors had told him to. Selena looked almost shocked, but quickly recovered and linked arms with him.
`Wow. What a gentleman. Brings me a red rose, my favourite flower and colour and holds in arm out for me.' Selena though with a smile on her face. `But I wonder if this is his advisors doings.'
`Well she's smiling. At least one of us is enjoying this.' Van pondered. After a moment of dead air, they both started to talk at once.
"So how was your trip to Fanelia?"
"How is the rebuilding of Fanelia going?"
"Oh sorry, you first." Van said glad that a conversation was starting.
"How is the rebuilding of Fanelia going? I know during the Great War, Fanelia was brunt to the..." Selena trailed off realizing that her other self, Dilandau had brunt Fanelia to the ground. Van thinking about this before held back his anger.
`It wasn't her it was Dilandau and Folken. She didn't know what she was doing.' Van repeated in his head over and over.
`Way to go Selena!' Selena yelled at herself. Van could see it in her eyes that she looked really embarrassed and depressed at this so he swallowed his pride and spoke up.
"Don't worry about it. It wasn't your fault. You had no control over Dilandau and also Folken commanded you too."
Selena's eyes filled with tears.
"Thank you." She whispered. "Whenever people talk about the destruction that Dilandau did they blame me. No one understands the battle that went on inside me."
"Uh, your welcome." Van said a little uncomfortable. After that they made small talk about the weather, Gaea and other really boring parts they stopped for a rest by the fountain.
"Wow this is a really beautiful sculpture. Is it a Draconian?" Selena asked in awe.
"Yes." Van said hoping that there wouldn't be any other questions. The only people that knew about this wings was Hitomi, Merle and Allen. The people of Fanelia knew that he was to but had no prove that it was actually true.
"So those were the gardens. They were beautiful." Selena remarked. She could see the discomfort in his eyes when she asked about the sculpture.
`Maybe it was his Mother's or something.' Selena thought.
"Yes, they truly are. And you are welcome anytime in them and to make any changes since..." Van said not really wanting to finish the sentence.
"Oh yah, about that." Selena said. She gathered all her courage and let it out, "It's not that I don't like you Van, your really nice and sweet, but I don't love you. And if you ask me this whole marriage thing is totally stupid. And I know that I'm not the one who you want to be with, you want to be what Hitomi." Selena looked at his face preparing for the worse. But instead a huge grin spread across his face. He jumped down from the fountain, picked her up and swung her around.
"That's EXCALTY how I feel!" Van yelled in joy.
"I'm glad Van, but could you please put me down." Selena said with a smile on her face. Van stopped and set her down on the ground.
"So what should we do about your brother and my advisors?" Van asked getting serious again.
"Personally I think that they should marry each other. They seem to think alike." Selena said pretending to be serious. Van burst out laughing.
`This feels good, laughing.' Van said happily.
"But seriously I think that we should just call off the wedding. What good will it do if we are both not happy." Selena said
"Yes I agree. Friends?" Van said extending his hand for a handshake.
"Friends." Selena said taking his hand. "Now come on, lets face the music and tell everybody." And with that the two raced off to the palace.
Little did they know that Hitomi and Merle were rejoicing from their hiding place. And Allen was fuming.
***
Selena and Van were walking towards the throne room when Allen stepped out of the shadows.
"Selena can I see you for a minute in my room." Allen said flatly.
Van looked at Selena worriedly.
"I'll be fine." Selena whispered to Van. Then turning her attention to Allen she nodded to him and followed Allen down the hall into his room.
Once they were in the room and Allen had shut the door, he turned to Selena in rage.
"WHY DID YOU DO THAT?!?!?!?" he screamed.
"Because we don't love each other and it won't be fair to us!" Selena screamed back at him knowing fully what he was talking about.
"SO WHAT?!?! YOU COULD HAVE BEEN THE QUEEN OF FANELIA!!" Allen yelled.
"That doesn't matter. It's never mattered! Well at least not to me!" Selena was getting really mad now.
"It's that Van's fault. He talked you out of it. DIDN'T HE?!?!" Allen grabbed her shoulders and was shaking her hard.
"ALLEN! STOP IT!" Selena screeched. Suddenly Allen stopped. His arms fell limp beside him.
"Selena...I'm so sorry." Allen said in barley a whisper. Selena felt bad for a moment, but only for a moment when she saw the look of pure evil in his eye.
"Allen what's wrong with you!?! This isn't my brother Allen. My brother won't get this upset about a silly thing like this."
"A silly thing like this? No I don't think so. You see my dear sister I had plans. Big plans that involved Hitomi. I love Hitomi more than Van will ever. She belongs to ME!" Allen said harshly. Selena pulled her hand back and smacked him across the face.
"How dare you refer to Hitomi as if she's property!" Selena said in shock that her brother would even say or think that. Allen just smirked.
"Oh no, she slapped me. I feel so threaten." And with that he pulled out his sword and walked to the door.
"Where are you going?" Selena shrilled.
"To find Van."
"Why?"
"Oh lets just say to help him change his mind."
"NO!"
Selena charged at him at full force but Allen was ready for her and hit her with the hilt of his sword. She collided with the floor.
"HAHAHA!" Allen was almost of out the door laughing at her.
"That's it. Your going to pay big...WHAT!!!" Selena's body shock uncontrollable. Her magenta eyes turned red with fire in them.
"NO! PLEASE NOT AGAIN!!!" Selena cried but it was too late. Selena was gone. The person that stood up was Dilandau.
"Heh, Heh, I'm back." Dilandau said in a sing-along voice.
He quickly grabbed Allen's other sword that was resting against the bed. Unsheathing it he charged at him. Allen who had been watching the whole thing suddenly realized what was happening and blocked the attack that would of killed him.
"I'll teach you to push me around. Even if it wasn't my mind!" Dilandau yelled. The same evil grin spear across his face as he attacked Allen again. This time Allen wasn't quick enough to block it and Dilandau stuck him across the head with the back of his sword.
"No." Allen whispered as he fell to the ground. Just before he blacked out he saw Dilandau say
"Don't worry I'll take good care of your Hitomi," and with that he slammed to the door. And everything in Allen's world went black.
***
"Hu? Oh hey Selena." Hitomi was looking out the window when she heard the door opening revealing Selena. After Hitomi had heard that Van and Selena were calling off the wedding Hitomi was as happy as ever. Although there was more hugging form them then she liked.
When Selena didn't answer Hitomi, she got worried.
"Selena are you ok?"
It wasn't until it was to late that Hitomi saw Selena's eyes.
"GASP!" Hitomi hand flew to her mouth, "Selena! Y...Your eyes are...your not..."
"That's right girle. Now come with me."
Hitomi realizing who it was reacted fast.
"NEVER!" she screamed.
"It's not like you have a choice here."
Thinking fast she smacked him in the nose and made a run for the door.
"OW! MY NOSE! WHY YOU LITTLE..." Dilandau cried. He stuck his foot out in front of her. And as Hitomi ran by him she tripped over his extended leg.
"Ouch!" she cried as she hit the floor.
"Like I said, it's not like you have a choice." Dilandau sneered and hit her unconscious with the hilt of his sword. "That was too easy."
He then picked up Hitomi's limp body and carried her to the balcony where he had a gymelef waiting.
As he jumped into the driver's seat he yelled over the noise to no one in particular.
"I ALWAYS GET MY REVENGE VAN!"
***
*I know that the flashback is probably all wrong, I didn't know exactly what they said, and I just basically summed it all up. So don't get mad at me for it. It's not really important to the story, but meh!
Thanx for all the reviews!! I know had spelling mistakes, I'm a horrible speller so just bear with me. Spell check can't get everything right. Also I know some of my terminology is off. I started writing this ff with I first started watching Esca so I didn't know a lot of the little details, and I forgot to change it when I posted it. And don't worry, I know the first chapter was an really over-done version, but don't worry I know where I'm going with all this. This is my FIRST ff so yeah, if it's sucking, sorry. ^__^ DA.
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Chapter 2: will true love save us?
"Brother, must I marry him?" Selena asked Allen as she ran a brush through her hair. Hoping for some way to get out of this stupid marriage thing, she went for the guilt approach. What else could she do? She had tried everything.
Allen looked at up for his glance at the mystic moon. He too had fallen in love with Hitomi, but had lost her to Van. (He as still bitter about the whole thing.) Allen hadn't change in the year Hitomi was gone. He still had his long blond hair and was an excellent swordsman.
"Selena why do keep on asking that? Do you not wish to marry Van?" Allen asked innocently. He knew her little games, she was trying to make him feel guilty. `Well two can play that game.' He chuckled to himself.
"Well, Van's a really nice guy and all, but..." forgive me brother she said to herself before she continued, "it's only been a year since I became Selena again, and I feel as if I hadn't had a chance to be on my own. You have been practically breathing down my neck, giving me no freedom to do anything on my own. And now you want me to be married off so you can have Hitomi all to yourself instead of Van!!!" By the time Selena had finished she was screaming and out of breathe. That was not what she had wanted to say. She had wanted to say that she felt like she was back in Zaibach being ordered around again, but instead the truth came out. Everything that she had been feeling for the whole year. She looked up at her older brother with shock. He was completely white. His eyes died of all colour and he softly replied, "I was just trying to protect you Selena." And with that he bowed and left. Selena had felt as if she had been slapped in the face. She had never seen her brother
like that before. (She was Dilandau when everything else happened. i.e. mom dying, losing Hitomi, etc.)
"Well look on the bright side," she mumbled, "maybe I got through to him." Totally depressed by everything she lied down on her bed and stoked the scar on the side of her face as she watched the rain outside.
Once Allen was out of earshot, he burst out laughing. He hated to see the look that Selena made, but he did an outstanding job.
"It feels like I had no freedom." Allen mocked. "Oh please." But one thing that bugged him was that she said that he was marrying her off to Van so he could have Hitomi. "How did she figure it out?" Allen wondered. "Oh well, in a week, Van and Selena will be married. Selena will be safe and Hitomi will be mine!!!" And with that he skipped off laughing to his room.
***
It had been three days since Hitomi had left and Merle hadn't gotten a chance to talk to Lord Van. It seemed like every minute of his day was busy, from wedding plans, to Fanilea's needs. Lord Van didn't even try to hide his grief. He just trudged around, following his advisors.
"He really went to pieces after she left." Merle said to Katalie. (A 14 year-old cat-girl like Merle who had lived in Fanelia before it burnt, and then returned.) It was in the late afternoon the next day and the two of them were sunbathing of the castle's roof. A favourite place of Merle's. Katalie's long silky red tail batted away a fly while she spoke, "The first time she left or the second time?"
"Both times. The first time he tried to hide it because he knew that's where she belong, blah, blah, blah. But this time... you should of seen him Katalie when Hitomi disappeared into the blue light. He went into hysterics. He destroyed anything and everything that was in his path and ran off into the forest. He didn't come back to castle that night and then next morning when he did, his advisors carried him off to some meeting of some sort. And I haven't been able to speak with him since." Tears gathered in her eyes as she said this. Filing her nails and barley paying attention, Katalie glanced up at the depressed Merle. `She really cares about him.' Katalie thought. `Well they're practically brother and sister.' Sighing, Katalie replied, "Tell me this Merle, does Lord Van know why Hitomi left?"
Merle sighed, "No dummy, because if he did he wouldn't be so down."
"Whoa chill. Don't have a hissy fit." Katalie warned. "What happened before Hitomi disappeared?"
"Well... Lord Van heard Hitomi cry out so we went to see if she was ok. Then she was being carried up towards the Mystic Moon in a blue light. Lord Van screamed for her and she yelled back at him, yah right."
"Ok. What were you guys talking about before Lord Van heard Hitomi cry out?" Katalie asked.
"Um...oh yah, Lord Van's wedding." Merle said proud of herself.
"Does Hitomi know that he doesn't want to get married? And that it's all Allen's and his advisor's idea?" Katalie questioned.
"Well... no. I don't think so. Because she was unconscious and Lord Van didn't get a chance to tell her." Merle slowly said starting to get it. "Then that means that..."
"Hitomi woke up and hear that Lord Van was getting married and thought that he doesn't love her anymore..." Katalie interrupted.
"So she went home totally heart-broken. That would explain the `yah right' she yelled at him." Merle finished. "We have to tell Lord Van!!! He'll be so happy that it was just a misunderstanding!" Merle cried. They both stood up and scampered off to find the King.
***
"Your Majesty, would you please just pay attention and focus." His advisors pleaded.
`Ha. Easy for you to say. The one woman you love didn't just mysteriously disappear into thin air.' He sneered. Ignoring his advisors he turned his glaze towards the Mystic Moon.
"Why did you leave Hitomi? I need you." He whispered.
"Pardon You Highness?" Gurdo the wedding designer asked. Unable to take anymore of this he quickly made up an excuse, "I said that I wasn't feeling well and I'm going to my quarters and get to bed early." And with that he walked out leaving a slightly aggravated Gurdo behind. Once in his room, he flopped down on his bed, where Hitomi had once laid peacefully resting. He closed his eyes and clutched her pendant.
"This doesn't make any sense. Why would Hitomi come back and then just leave. And why did she look so cold and hurt?" Van asked the room. Exhausted, he pulled the covers over him and fell asleep.
It was midnight when Van woke up again. Restless he got out of bed and went the balcony. Staring up at the Mystic Moon a tear slid down his check. He didn't like this, it didn't make any sense. He wanted some answers. Suddenly a blue light emerged from the pendant and surrounded him, lifting him of the ground. Quietly he whispered,
"I'm coming Hitomi."
***
"It's all just a misunderstanding Hitomi. I love you and only you." Van said. Hitomi was back on Gaea in Van's arms. "Oh thank goodness Van. I love you too." Hitomi said with relief in her voice. He embraced her and spread his wings. And they flew off into the setting sun. As the cool wind whipped around body, she shivered and snuggled up closer to Van. He lifted her chin up and lowered his head to...
"Hello!?! Earth to Hitomi!!!" Yukari yelled shaking Hitomi.
"Hu?!?" Hitomi said waking up from her deep sleep. "Oh. It was a dream." She said disappointed. `I really thought that I was back on Gaea with Van and he loved me and only me.' Hitomi thought. `Well get real. Van's getting married. He doesn't love you anymore! So snap out of it!' she yelled at herself.
"Hitomi are you ok? You look pale and depressed. What's wrong?" Yukari asked her.
"Hmmm, oh yah I'm fine. Really." Hitomi lied.
"Well, you don't look ok to me. And you missed your stop. The bus is at the last stop and it's the base of Kutaru Mountain." Yukari said looking out the window. She had missed her stop too and now Amono would be worried about her because she'll be late. `Well I guess I'll have to call him and explain.' she thought. The two girls got off at the stop and said goodbye.
"I better call Amono before he starts freaking. Are you sure that your ok?" Yukari asked her distracted friend.
"Oh yah sure. Have a fun time at the mall Yukari." Hitomi replied absent-mindedly.
"Um Hitomi we're going to the park..." Yukari started, "Oh forget it. See ya Hitomi."
And she turned to find a pay phone. Meanwhile Hitomi went in the opposite direction. A flood of memories came over her.
"This is where I first met Van." Hitomi said as tears threaten to blur her vision. Silently she climbed the path that would take her to the top of the mountain. Once she was at the top, she sat down and watched the sun set. Soon it was totally dark except for the moon outlining everything.
"This is all too familiar." She whispered.
FLASHBACK
*The three of them ran as fast as they could up the narrow path. Yukari on Amono's back and Hitomi running beside him. "We're almost there!" Hitomi yelled. Out of breath the trio collapsed on ground. "We should be safe here." Amono said. But he was wrong. The dragon had followed them up the mountain, with Van close behind.
"HEY! You're fighting ME remember?!?" Van yelled at it. The dragon turned around at breathed fire at him. Reacting quickly, Van put his shield up, blocking the intense heat. While this was going on Hitomi had a horrible vision that he would be killed by the dragon striking him with his tail.
"NO!" Hitomi cried as she ran down the stairs to where Van was fighting the dragon. "HITOMI!" Amono yelled.
"WATCH OUT ABOVE YOU!!!" Hitomi screeched in time for Van to look up and jump back. The razor blade tail just missed him and cut off his armour. Seeing his chance, he slammed his sword into the beast's lungs, killing it. Then he sliced open the chest and reached in to reveal an energist.
"Are you ok?" Hitomi asked coming closer to him.
"Hm." Van looked up remembering that she was there. "Oh, come back to my castle if you want a reward. But don't think that you helped in the dragon slaying."
"What's wrong with you?" Hitomi yelled, "I thought that you were going to die and I was really scared." She puts her hands to her face as the tears spill out. Van death look softened as he began to say something but a blue light explodes from the energist, surrounding him and Hitomi.
"Amono my hand! Hurry!" Hitomi cried as Amono tries to grab her hand but she manages to grab her pendant instead.
"HELP!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!" she screamed out to her two hopeless friends below. When the light lifted Hitomi and Van were in a field.
"Where are we?" Hitomi asked nervously.
"By the looks of it just outside Fanelia." Van replied.
"Fanelia? Where the heck is Fanelia...." Hitomi started but then she saw the earth and moon hang together in the sky she almost passed out.
END OF FLASHBACK
"Oh Van, I miss you!" Hitomi cried out as the tears finally made their way down her flushed checks. She curled up in ball and fell into a restless sleep. When she woke up it was still dark, but the sun had just start to make its way up the mountain. Hitomi at up and tucked her knees under her chin. She sat there just thinking about Van.
***
Van woke up in a damp field on a mountain. As his eyes adjusted to the light, he saw the sun rising behind the hills. A girl sat a few feet in front of him. Her back was turned to him so he couldn't see her face.
`Who's that?' Van asked himself. He allowed is head to look up at the sky. He nearly jumped up with joy when he didn't see the moon and mystic moon together in the sky.
"I made it." he whispered. His attention went back to the girl when he heard her sigh. Slowly he got up and walked towards her. He couldn't see her well because he had to squint from the sun's brightness. It wasn't until he has right behind her that the girl noticed that someone was behind her. She whipped around and started to let out a scream when Van clamped his hand over her mouth to muffle the scream.
"SHHH! Be quiet, I won't hurt you." Van said softy as he crouched down beside her. The girl shook with fear and her eyes swelled up with tears. He turned around so his back was to the blinding sun. When his eyes finally adjusted to the normal light again he gasped. It was Hitomi!
"Hitomi! Oh Hitomi!" Van cried.
"Van?" she hoarsely whispered. Van released his grip from her mouth and hugged her.
`I found her!' Van cried with happiness.
But Hitomi didn't hug him back. She just sat there numbly, her arms still around her knees.
`Why does he look so happy? And why did he have to come back?' she asked herself. She could feel her heart breaking all over again and fresh tears made their way down her cheeks. And time her tears weren't from being scared, they were from pain and hatred. Suddenly she slapped him. Not excepting it, Van fell back. A red outline of her hand imprinted itself in his cheek.
"Ow! Hitomi what was that for?" Van asked upset.
"How dare you Van Fannel! How dare you come back her to torture me!" Hitomi cried. Confused, Van stared at her. "Hitomi...what are you talking about?"
"Don't play innocent with me! Why are you doing this to me? Why can't you just leave me alone?" Hitomi was now practically screaming at him. She went on and on but Van tuned her out.
`What is with her? Has she gone totally psycho?' Van thought, Noticing that she was still screaming, Van quickly decided to get her out of here before anyone heard her. Standing up he took a big breath as his wings ripped through his back. Hitomi stopped her insane ranting as his beautiful wings unfolded and his shirt ripped to shreds. Reaching down, he grabbed Hitomi under her legs and across her shoulders and flew up before she could protest.
"Van what are you doing? Put me down!" Hitomi commanded when they were soaring above the city.
"Not until you stop screaming and told me why you left suddenly." Van replied firmly. He was determined to get some answers. "Ok Hitomi?"
"Why do I need to tell you? You know!" Hitomi response coldly.
"No Hitomi, I really don't. Why do you think I came here for? I want to know why. Is it because you don't l...love me anymore?" Van asked fearing her answer.
"Why would who care if I love you or not when you have Selena." Hitomi accused.
"I don't LOVE Selena, Hitomi." Van said to what felt like the millionth person. He landed onto a field with tall grass. He let go of Hitomi and she sat cross-legged across from him. Restless, Van laid down on the grass, with his wings still out.
"Then why are you marring her?" Hitomi asked getting mad once more.
"Because it's not my decision." Van said
"How can it not be your decision to marry someone?" Hitomi asked thinking that he was telling her a web of lies.
"Allen suggested it to my advisors and they agreed to it. I had no say in it." Van said exhausted. It felt like someone had drained all his energy.
"So...you don't love Selena?" Hitomi asked slowly. She didn't want to get her hopes up high just so Van could stomp on them again.
"No, and Selena isn't exactly thrilled about the idea either. We both had no say in it." Van said. He sat up and held Hitomi's hand in her lap. "I do, and will always love you Hitomi."
Tears blurred Hitomi's vision as she reached out and hugged him. He gladly hugged her back.
"Oh Van, I was so confused when I heard you say that you were going to marry Selena. It felt like you'd ripped my heart into two. I was so depressed to even think that you didn't love me anymore. And that you had forgotten about me and loved someone else." Hitomi sobbed into his chest.
`That's what happened!' Van thought, `that's why she left. It's all a big misunderstanding.' He cupped his hand under her chin and gently lifted it up so she could see his eyes. Clearing his throat he began,
"Hitomi I love you and only you. And you're the only one that I could ever spend the rest of my life with." Hitomi looked at him and gave a weak smile.
"Really?" she asked, her voice shaking.
"Yes." He said. He smiled and wiped her tears from her eyes. As his hand brushed away a tear from her cheek, she stopped it and put her hand on top of his. She closed her eyes and she felt his wings folding around her. She snuggled closer to him and Van did the same.
`This feels so right.' Van exclaimed to himself. Then as if you cue, the blue light appeared and wrapped the two of them in it. Slowly they felt themselves being pulled up from the ground and carried away. In Van's arms Hitomi sighed happily and mumbled,
"I'm going home."
***
"Did you find him?" Merle asked Katalie as she came into view.
"No. And nothing to tell where he went." Katalie said sadly. It was the next morning after they had figured out why Hitomi left and they couldn't find Lord Van to tell him the news.
"We've been searching all night Merle and my paws are tired. Why can't we just rest for a bit?" Katalie complained.
"No! We have to find him. He's got to be around here somewhere." Merle said determined.
"Awww come on Merle. We've searched everywhere at least twice! It's like he's disappeared into thin air." Whined Katalie. She had taken of her sandals and was rubbing her paws.
"THAT'S IT! KATALIE YOU'RE A GENUIS!" Merle shouted sending her looks of annoyance from the staff at the castle.
"Follow me." Merle whispered as she hopped on to the window ledge and onto the roof.
"That's it Katalie, I know here Lord Van is!" Merle continued once Katalie was up there.
"On the roof?" Katalie asked looking around.
"No! Don't be stupid. When Lord Van wants some answers, he does everything and anything to get them right?" Merle said excitedly.
"Uh-hu" Katalie said as she once more started filing her nails.
"Well then, if you were Lord Van, where you go to get some answers from a girl that disappeared into a blue light?" Merle asked. Katalie stopped filing her nails and looked up,
"To the Mystic Moon!" Katalie cried.
"Yah! Lord Van is on the Mystic Moon! The Mystic...moon..." Merle stopped in mid-sentence.
"What?" Katalie asked at the change of Merle's sudden change in mood.
"If Lord Van's on the Mystic Moon, then when will he come back? IF he comes back?" Merle asked in tears.
"Oh." Katalie replied softly, "Do you think he really would stay there with Hitomi and abandon Fanelia?"
"I really don't know. He loves Fanelia and would do anything for it, but...he also loves Hitomi. And he's already lost her twice and you saw what happened to him." Merle said.
It felt like a bomb had gone off inside her head and heart. "This is all the STUPID, ANNOYING, SELF-FISH, BIG EGOED GIRL'S FAULT!!! IF SHE WOULD OF NEVER OF CAME TO GAEA THEN...." Merle started to rant, but was cut off by a flash of blue light form the corner of her brown eye. Suddenly forgetting about Hitomi and dissing her Merle screamed,
"THE BLUE LIGHT! THE BLUE LIGHT!" She jumped of the castle's roof onto the stable's roof and then onto ground and in the direction for the light. "MERLE WHERE ARE YOU GOING?!? HEY WAIT UP!" Katalie yelled as she followed Merle.
"It's Lord Van! He's back!" Merle screeched.
"Oh! The blue light! Now I remember, Hitomi came and left Gaea in a blue light." Katalie said smacking herself that she didn't figure it out before.
The blue disappeared and left to people holding each on the soft grass.
"Lord Van and Hitomi" Katalie realized.
"LORD VAN! YOUR BACK!" yelled Merle as ran up them and jumped into his arms. Which looked quite interesting considering that he was still holding on to Hitomi.
"Merle? How did you know that I left?" Van asked curiously.
"Never mind that Lord Van! Katalie and me figured out why Hitomi left! It's because she" Merle started but was interrupted by Katalie, "Um, Merle look." And pointed to Hitomi in Van's arms with Merle.
"Oh you already figured it out." Merle said disappointed. She had wanted to tell Lord Van so he could thank her and tell her how smart she was. Van seeing the look of disappointment on her face and guessing why, spoke up, "Well it was very clever of you to figure that out. I thank you Merle for being concerned about me." Van couldn't help but grin when he saw the proud beam on her face.
"Oh please." Hitomi said under her breath.
"Oh, It was really nothing Lord Van." Merle giggled.
Hitomi rolled her eyes at this and Katalie seeing it, dissolved into helpless giggles. But her giggles her stopped when they heard a voice calling them in the distance.
"Your Highness! Your Highness!!" called the voice. As the voice neared the group they could see that the voice belonged to a young boy who looked to be about 10. He finally reached them stopped dead in his tracks when he saw his King with wings. He stood there gapping not sure want to do, but he was quickly reminded when Katalie gave a forced cough. The boy blushed, and bowed deeply.
"Yes, what is it?" Van asked the boy and motion him to rise.
"Lady Selena and Knight Shezar are here and awaiting your presence." The boy said still awestruck. Van stood up from his embrace with Hitomi and Merle and replied simply, "Thank you, tell them I am on my way and I'm sorry to keep them waiting." With that he flipped to boy a coin and watched as the boy smiled eagerly.
"Your too gracious your highness." The boy said humbly. He bowed and then ran off to the castle.
"Well we better get going Hitomi." Van said once the boy had left. "Hitomi?" Van turned around and saw Merle and Hitomi collapsed together on the grass asleep. Katalie giggled.
"She was up all night looking for you Lord Van." She explained. Van sighed and carefully picked both girls up around the waist and flew up into the sky. Katalie stood there annoyed.
"Great, just great. He gives Hitomi and Merle a rid home and I have to walk! And my paws still HURT!" Katalie whined as she scampered off behind them.
***
`What is taking them so long?' Allen asked himself impatiently. He sat bored on a chair in the King's Throne Room. A young, annoying boy had come in about 5 minutes ago apologizing on behalf of the King. And that they would be arriving shortly. `Who's they?' Allen questioned himself. He was about to ask to the boy that, but after Selena nodded and thanked him, he ran off to see who else he could annoy. Allen played with the ring on his finger as he watched Selena out of the corner of his eye. She was sitting peacefully beside him, with her gloved hands folded neatly in her lap. Her eyes wandered outside the open window beside them. The silver and red dress that she was wearing matched her hair that was now just below her shoulders. And to complete the outfit was a dull silver locket that had once belonged to their mother. Inside was a picture of the four of them, just before their father had left.
"That's it!" Allen said frustrated as stood up. Startled Selena tore her eyes from the window and looked at him. Allen couldn't believe what he saw. Selena's eyes were red! Allen began to ask her about it but stopped when he heard someone was entering the room. Selena stood up beside Allen and bowed as Van walked. With him was Merle, Katalie, and Hitomi.
"Hitomi?!?" Allen choked out. Hitomi looked back when she heard her name being called.
"Allen!" she cried. She was about to run about to him, but was stopped by Merle and Katalie giving her dangerous glances. After everyone had been seated, Van's advisors walked in and almost had a heart attack when they saw Hitomi. They quickly calmed down and took their places. Seeing this caused Van to give a sly smile. "Oh the fun is just beginning.' He thought. Remembering himself, Van motioned for Selena and Allen to sit down. As Allen and Selena sat down, Allen noticed that Selena's eyes had gone back to their normal colour.
"Allen it is great to see you again my friend." Van said trying to act cheerful. `HA! Some friend you are Allen!' Van silently thought in his head, still smiling his fake smile. He had seen the look on Allen's face when he saw Hitomi.
"As it is to see you Your Highness." Allen said as equal as fake as Van had done. `Your Highness, HA! He is nothing but a weak boy that sends people to say sorry for you.' Allen thought in his head.
"And Lady Celena...I'm glad that you were able to come to Fanelia. I hope that you will enjoy it here." Van said turning his attention to Selena. He thought that was enough, but a sharp cough from one of his advisors told him otherwise. "I might I add that, that you look rather beautiful today." Van said. He was surprised how easily it been to say that. `But I have to admit, that dress does look good on her.' Van mussed. Shaking his head ever so slightly, Van forced that thought out of his head. He looked at Hitomi who was getting kind of red in the face from hearing this. `Uh-oh. I better cool it or she'll think that I WANT to marry Selena.' Van said. He just didn't understand women at all.
"Thank you Your Highness. I look forward to seeing the many sights of Fanelia." Selena responded back, not wanting to say anymore to her "husband-to-be." But when Allen not so gently elbowed her in her arm she quickly added, "With you accompany if you'd like." Van looked surprised at this last statement. It sounded more like an order than a request. Before Van could even respond to it, one of his advisors spoke for him, "Yes, what an excellent idea Lady Selena. A walk in the Royal Gardens will be a chance for the King to show you around and to talk about the wedding."
Selena only sighed and nodded dully.
"Merle and Katalie will show you to your rooms and bring you to the Gardens after you get a chance to clean up." The advisor said again. And with that Merle, Katalie, Selena, Allen, Van's advisors and a few servants to carry their luggage, exited the room. Leaving Van and Hitomi alone. After the doors were shut by Katalie, winking to them, Van took Hitomi's hands and led her out to a balcony just outside the room. The sun was shining brightly in the mid morning sun, reflecting in Hitomi's intense emerald eyes.
"Hitomi I'm sorry if you got the wrong impression back there when I told..." Van started to say but was cut of by Hitomi putting her finger to his lips.
"Shhhhh. I know Van." She whispered. She then put her arms around his shoulders and rested her head on his chest, closing her eyes. Liking this, Van put his arms around her waist.
`This is how it's suppose to be.' Thought Van happily.
***
"Hitomi back?!?! How can that be? It can't be true. It can't BE TRUE!" Allen said a little too loudly. It was great to see Hitomi again, but her returning wrecked everything.
He paced up and down his room in rage. "This will ruin all my plans! All my carefully thought out plans!" Having enough of pacing he walk to the window ledge and angrily pounded it.
"Ok Allen cool down. Just think of another plan. If you came up with the last one, then there's no reason why you can't think of another one." He said.
"There's still hope." Allen said as a though came to him. "Van's advisor's never really liked Hitomi, so maybe they'll still force him to marry Selena. And then Hitomi heart-broken will have no one to turn to but me." Allen grinned wickedly. "Oh this is even better than my last plan, because now Hitomi will be here to witness the wedding!"
This though alone sent Allen into a fit of laughter.
***
"Thanks a lot Allen. Make me suggest that Van give me a tour of the stupid gardens." Selena said in a very bad mood. She was in the room that Merle and Katalie had showed her to and after a series of pounding the bed she had began to get ready. She tore the brush through her hair not caring that she was ripping some of her hair out. They fell to the ground limp. Looking down at them Selena frowned.
"Lucky hair." She mumbled. Suddenly exhausted she collapsed on the bed.
"Why me? Why does all the confusing stuff have to happen to me?" she asked the room. "I have to marry Van, who isn't to crazy about the idea either, and to boot Hitomi's here. So now there's no way that this marriage could even remotely work."
Suddenly Selena looked up at the door as if waiting for something. After a few seconds, someone knocked on the door.
"Whoa that was weird." Selena said under her breath.
"Selena? Are you ready? It's me, Katalie." A girlish voice said from behind the door.
Sighing Selena got off the bed.
"Yah hang on Katalie. I'll be out in a second." She said with no emotion in her voice. She quickly got changed into another simple dress that was light green with lace trims. Taking a deep breath Selena mumbled, "Here we go." As she walk to the door.
***
"Stupid Selena gets to spend time with my Van." Hitomi sneered. She was stuck in her room much to her displeasure. If she couldn't be with Van then she would of liked to see Fanelia and how the rebuilding was going. But no, Van's stupid advisor had to lock me up like a prisoner. She had already checked the door and it was locked. A knock at the door brought Hitomi back to reality.
"Psst! Hitomi can you hear me?" Merle whispered form behind the door.
"What do you want?" Hitomi hissed back in a bad mood.
"Do you want to spy on Lord Van and Selena?" Merle asked excitedly.
"NO! Unlike you I respect Van's privacy." Hitomi said back to the door
"It will get you out of your room." Merle taunted.
"Fine." Hitomi said icily after a few moments. "Besides I have a right to know what's going on."
"Sure you do." Merle mumbled under her breath.
***
Van waited patiently in the gardens for Selena to come. `I hope that she comes soon' Van thought to himself as he played with the single rose his advisors had told him to give to Selena. `I want to get this over with.' He was still wearing the same outfit as before with the exception of a cape attached to his shirt. Sighing he ran his fingers through his dark thick hair. Patients wasn't one of his strong traits. He looked up at the Mystic Moon and wished that Hitomi was here with him. Around the corner Selena walked. Well actually it looked like she was pushed and to prove his theory Van caught a glimpse of Allen's long fem blond hair.
"Lord Van" Selena said humbly and curtsied.
`Whoa.' Van almost said out loud when he saw her. Green really was her colour. Then remembering he bowed.
"Lady Selena. I'm glad that you were able to join me." Van recited what his advisors had told him to say. He then stiffly held out the rose to her.
"Oh it's beautiful! Thank you." Selena gushed reaching out to grab the rose. Van watched her as she gently smelled the flower and placed it in her silver hair.
"Should we get going?" Selena asked once she was done.
"Hu? Oh, yes. Follow me." Van said once he was out of his trance. He held his arm out like his advisors had told him to. Selena looked almost shocked, but quickly recovered and linked arms with him.
`Wow. What a gentleman. Brings me a red rose, my favourite flower and colour and holds in arm out for me.' Selena though with a smile on her face. `But I wonder if this is his advisors doings.'
`Well she's smiling. At least one of us is enjoying this.' Van pondered. After a moment of dead air, they both started to talk at once.
"So how was your trip to Fanelia?"
"How is the rebuilding of Fanelia going?"
"Oh sorry, you first." Van said glad that a conversation was starting.
"How is the rebuilding of Fanelia going? I know during the Great War, Fanelia was brunt to the..." Selena trailed off realizing that her other self, Dilandau had brunt Fanelia to the ground. Van thinking about this before held back his anger.
`It wasn't her it was Dilandau and Folken. She didn't know what she was doing.' Van repeated in his head over and over.
`Way to go Selena!' Selena yelled at herself. Van could see it in her eyes that she looked really embarrassed and depressed at this so he swallowed his pride and spoke up.
"Don't worry about it. It wasn't your fault. You had no control over Dilandau and also Folken commanded you too."
Selena's eyes filled with tears.
"Thank you." She whispered. "Whenever people talk about the destruction that Dilandau did they blame me. No one understands the battle that went on inside me."
"Uh, your welcome." Van said a little uncomfortable. After that they made small talk about the weather, Gaea and other really boring parts they stopped for a rest by the fountain.
"Wow this is a really beautiful sculpture. Is it a Draconian?" Selena asked in awe.
"Yes." Van said hoping that there wouldn't be any other questions. The only people that knew about this wings was Hitomi, Merle and Allen. The people of Fanelia knew that he was to but had no prove that it was actually true.
"So those were the gardens. They were beautiful." Selena remarked. She could see the discomfort in his eyes when she asked about the sculpture.
`Maybe it was his Mother's or something.' Selena thought.
"Yes, they truly are. And you are welcome anytime in them and to make any changes since..." Van said not really wanting to finish the sentence.
"Oh yah, about that." Selena said. She gathered all her courage and let it out, "It's not that I don't like you Van, your really nice and sweet, but I don't love you. And if you ask me this whole marriage thing is totally stupid. And I know that I'm not the one who you want to be with, you want to be what Hitomi." Selena looked at his face preparing for the worse. But instead a huge grin spread across his face. He jumped down from the fountain, picked her up and swung her around.
"That's EXCALTY how I feel!" Van yelled in joy.
"I'm glad Van, but could you please put me down." Selena said with a smile on her face. Van stopped and set her down on the ground.
"So what should we do about your brother and my advisors?" Van asked getting serious again.
"Personally I think that they should marry each other. They seem to think alike." Selena said pretending to be serious. Van burst out laughing.
`This feels good, laughing.' Van said happily.
"But seriously I think that we should just call off the wedding. What good will it do if we are both not happy." Selena said
"Yes I agree. Friends?" Van said extending his hand for a handshake.
"Friends." Selena said taking his hand. "Now come on, lets face the music and tell everybody." And with that the two raced off to the palace.
Little did they know that Hitomi and Merle were rejoicing from their hiding place. And Allen was fuming.
***
Selena and Van were walking towards the throne room when Allen stepped out of the shadows.
"Selena can I see you for a minute in my room." Allen said flatly.
Van looked at Selena worriedly.
"I'll be fine." Selena whispered to Van. Then turning her attention to Allen she nodded to him and followed Allen down the hall into his room.
Once they were in the room and Allen had shut the door, he turned to Selena in rage.
"WHY DID YOU DO THAT?!?!?!?" he screamed.
"Because we don't love each other and it won't be fair to us!" Selena screamed back at him knowing fully what he was talking about.
"SO WHAT?!?! YOU COULD HAVE BEEN THE QUEEN OF FANELIA!!" Allen yelled.
"That doesn't matter. It's never mattered! Well at least not to me!" Selena was getting really mad now.
"It's that Van's fault. He talked you out of it. DIDN'T HE?!?!" Allen grabbed her shoulders and was shaking her hard.
"ALLEN! STOP IT!" Selena screeched. Suddenly Allen stopped. His arms fell limp beside him.
"Selena...I'm so sorry." Allen said in barley a whisper. Selena felt bad for a moment, but only for a moment when she saw the look of pure evil in his eye.
"Allen what's wrong with you!?! This isn't my brother Allen. My brother won't get this upset about a silly thing like this."
"A silly thing like this? No I don't think so. You see my dear sister I had plans. Big plans that involved Hitomi. I love Hitomi more than Van will ever. She belongs to ME!" Allen said harshly. Selena pulled her hand back and smacked him across the face.
"How dare you refer to Hitomi as if she's property!" Selena said in shock that her brother would even say or think that. Allen just smirked.
"Oh no, she slapped me. I feel so threaten." And with that he pulled out his sword and walked to the door.
"Where are you going?" Selena shrilled.
"To find Van."
"Why?"
"Oh lets just say to help him change his mind."
"NO!"
Selena charged at him at full force but Allen was ready for her and hit her with the hilt of his sword. She collided with the floor.
"HAHAHA!" Allen was almost of out the door laughing at her.
"That's it. Your going to pay big...WHAT!!!" Selena's body shock uncontrollable. Her magenta eyes turned red with fire in them.
"NO! PLEASE NOT AGAIN!!!" Selena cried but it was too late. Selena was gone. The person that stood up was Dilandau.
"Heh, Heh, I'm back." Dilandau said in a sing-along voice.
He quickly grabbed Allen's other sword that was resting against the bed. Unsheathing it he charged at him. Allen who had been watching the whole thing suddenly realized what was happening and blocked the attack that would of killed him.
"I'll teach you to push me around. Even if it wasn't my mind!" Dilandau yelled. The same evil grin spear across his face as he attacked Allen again. This time Allen wasn't quick enough to block it and Dilandau stuck him across the head with the back of his sword.
"No." Allen whispered as he fell to the ground. Just before he blacked out he saw Dilandau say
"Don't worry I'll take good care of your Hitomi," and with that he slammed to the door. And everything in Allen's world went black.
***
"Hu? Oh hey Selena." Hitomi was looking out the window when she heard the door opening revealing Selena. After Hitomi had heard that Van and Selena were calling off the wedding Hitomi was as happy as ever. Although there was more hugging form them then she liked.
When Selena didn't answer Hitomi, she got worried.
"Selena are you ok?"
It wasn't until it was to late that Hitomi saw Selena's eyes.
"GASP!" Hitomi hand flew to her mouth, "Selena! Y...Your eyes are...your not..."
"That's right girle. Now come with me."
Hitomi realizing who it was reacted fast.
"NEVER!" she screamed.
"It's not like you have a choice here."
Thinking fast she smacked him in the nose and made a run for the door.
"OW! MY NOSE! WHY YOU LITTLE..." Dilandau cried. He stuck his foot out in front of her. And as Hitomi ran by him she tripped over his extended leg.
"Ouch!" she cried as she hit the floor.
"Like I said, it's not like you have a choice." Dilandau sneered and hit her unconscious with the hilt of his sword. "That was too easy."
He then picked up Hitomi's limp body and carried her to the balcony where he had a gymelef waiting.
As he jumped into the driver's seat he yelled over the noise to no one in particular.
"I ALWAYS GET MY REVENGE VAN!"
***
*I know that the flashback is probably all wrong, I didn't know exactly what they said, and I just basically summed it all up. So don't get mad at me for it. It's not really important to the story, but meh!
Thanx for all the reviews!! I know had spelling mistakes, I'm a horrible speller so just bear with me. Spell check can't get everything right. Also I know some of my terminology is off. I started writing this ff with I first started watching Esca so I didn't know a lot of the little details, and I forgot to change it when I posted it. And don't worry, I know the first chapter was an really over-done version, but don't worry I know where I'm going with all this. This is my FIRST ff so yeah, if it's sucking, sorry. ^__^ DA.
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