Disclaimer: Alright I'll let you in on the secret if you must know….I…I-I don't own Escaflowne alright there I said it! You happy now!!!

A/N Okay found this that I wrote a long time ago thought I'd try it and see if anyone likes it review and let me know please.

Feathers



Tiny droplets of crystal water tapped the plastic skylight. The deafening silence of the room intensified the pitter-patter into a resonating thumping sound. Searching the house her lungs took in gasps of icy air and released with a loud sigh, she hated being alone. Hitomi loathed it in fact, the silence only hastened her to return. Picking up her tired limbs Hitomi trudged down the soft carpet of the hall to her room. Peacefully resting on top of the oak dresser lay a red velvet box. Carefully her slim fingers caressed the velvet debating whether to unfasten the clasp or run away. Giving in the delicate hand unfastened the tiny golden clasp revealing white silk. Slowly she pulled off the silk to present the long white feather.

Just having it near caused a chain reaction in Hitomi's senses, every muscle in her body tingled pleading with her to return. Quickly she shoved the feather back to its cage and snapped the lid shut. Frowning she scolded herself for such thoughts! She couldn't leave her friends now! Especially with Yukari and Amano's wedding only 2 months away.

Reluctantly the feather was placed in the top dresser drawer as Hitomi slid to the ground. Opening the 3rd drawer down she began tossing the clothes out onto the floor. Once the drawer was empty she found them. In the back corner tied up were her tarot cards. She felt sick just looking at them, she had decided long ago to never take part in choosing the fates of others. It wasn't her place to say and the fact sickened her that she had done it long ago.

Trudging back out to the living room Hitomi threw her body on the couch letting herself sink into the cushions. Her fingers danced on the coffee table for the remote but just as skin made contact with plastic the house went pitch black.

"Great there goes the electricity again!" Frustrated with the predicament she jumped to her feet "That's the third time this week"

Beginning the journey down the hall her legs froze when an unnerving noise reached her ears. A soft snapping sound was emanating from her room, it sounded strangely like leather. As Hitomi turned to her left, a part of her wished she hadn't. Hitomi's gut did a double time as she continued to stare at her front door. It was slightly ajar.

Her lungs retracted rapidly to bring in oxygen faster. The only thing her brain could comprehend at that moment was, don't move. So frozen by the door Hitomi waited. Still the snapping only grew louder with each passing second, the nauseating realization that this wasn't a dream pushed Hitomi forward. The soft sound of wood brushing against wood caught her ears as she heard the dresser drawer slide open. As she neared her room a faint white glow illuminated the hall. Upon reaching the door Hitomi's emeralds fell onto the man's glowing face. He had dark brown hair and blue eyes, he was giving off a sadistic grin whilst his hands retrieved the glowing velvet box.

"Well what have we here? A nice diamond necklace?" he cackled

'A petty thief!! And he's going to take Van's feather!!' Hitomi's mind screamed in anger at the sight

As the thief opened the box the silk fell to the floor revealing the once white feather, that was now oddly a glowing pink. Hitomi gasped taking in the wonderful site. That was enough to give her away though. The thief turned to her.

"So someone is here?" the sadistic man cackled again eyeing Hitomi, "Well little missy this shiny feather yours?"

Hitomi just stood there. The snapping started again and emeralds gazed at the strap of leather in his hand smacking together with each snap of his wrist. Smiling he started advancing towards her.

'Van help me! I can't move, my legs won't move!"

Then it all faded. Her room, the man, her house all melted into a swirling lake before her eyes. The scene transfixed her but before she could regain any sense of what was going on it all went dead as the night.

Hitomi woke up on something soft. Looking around she found it was dark, but not as dark as her house had been, her surroundings were plastered with more of a natural darkness. Then she noticed she was lying on something soft and itchy. Curious hands ran over the softness confirming her inner suspicion, she was lying on grass. The upper half of her body rose putting her in a sitting position only to be met by a harsh wind. The rigor wind blew her short golden hair wildly behind her. Eyelids swiftly covered her emeralds as her senses took in the sweet smell surrounding her. It was the comforting smell of fields on a sunny day…..it was him. Perhaps it was just her imagination but Hitomi swore she could have heard his soft whisper floating in the wind.

Pulling her body up into a standing position Hitomi's gaze drifted around her surroundings. She was in a small field surrounded by vast lush forests. Finally her gaze met with the sky and she gasped in shock. Hanging lazily in the sky were two pearls their glow illuminating the ground below. It was the moon and earth. So as best she could Hitomi took her 17-year-old shaky body and started off towards the forest. She really had no idea where she was going but Gaia nights weren't the friendliest. Shelter was the first priority as she ventured into the forest.

"I wonder how far away Fanelia is" she whispered to the night

A faint smile graced her lips as the thought of seeing her friends crept into her mind.

'I'll get to see Van, Merle, Millerna, Dryden, Gaddes, Cheid and Allen again'

As the young girl made her way through the trees the wind seemed to pick up speed reminding Hitomi how cold it was. Sure, her shorts and tank top were perfect for inside the house on a rainy day, however for a cold Gaia night they simply wouldn't do.

Vigorously she rubbed her arms in hopes of warming them up. Closing her eyes Hitomi tried to think of what she was going to do. Her hands stopped the warming motion as she felt something soft brush past her leg. Hitomi's eyes bolted open to see what had touched her but there was only silence. She was about to brush it away as imagination when something brushed past her leg again turning her eyes downward she tried to find the culprit but still there was nothing. But as her gaze returned forward she gasped at the sight in front of her.

She could clearly see what had been brushing against her and they began flying at her in a fury. Her body flooded with joy and worry all at once. The wind was haphazardly discarding long silky feathers everywhere. Again a soft feather hit her leg and she smiled at the sudden comforting feeling that rushed through her body. But her mind began to turn and Hitomi began to wonder why so many feathers were flying this way, something was wrong.

Hitomi forced her leg muscles to strain as she sprinted through the cloud of feathers desperately trying to find the source.

Finally the band of feathers receded a little to reveal a clearing. In front of the patch of grass sat a waterfall quietly pouring into a lake. Off in the distance residing on the edge of the waterfall stood a figure. She could barely see through the still coming feathers though. The only thing Hitomi could think to do was sit and wait, sit and wait for the figure to come down. So her legs gave way and she watched as the feathers continuously floated down caressing her skin. After what seemed like an eternity the figure's wings stretched and he jumped off the cliff. Sudden fear swept through Hitomi's body.

'What if he's not a friendly fanelian? What was I thinking? But these feathers? They're draconian feathers they have to be Vans!!' Hitomi battled with herself

Her body took over and instinct kicked in. Her long legs sprang up and the next thing she knew there was a bush between her the opening. The figure landed and she could see the magnificent white wings. She knew it had to be Van but still her legs refused to move.

He looked different, no longer was he the skinny little boy she had known. This man had well defined muscles that twitched as the wings silently disappeared into his back. His raven hair was unruly as ever and his eyes, well his eyes still the same rubies but different somehow. He uncomfortably bent over and picked up the red shirt slipping it over his tan skin. Before his chest was buried in the shirt Hitomi felt tears reach her eyes at the sight. Covering his entire upper body were scratches.

He had a few scars here and there but mostly just scratches as if he had been whipped. Turning back towards the waterfall his unruly black hair gave in and danced behind him in the wind. With his hair out of his face Hitomi got a better glimpse of his eyes. Her body doubled back as she felt the overwhelming flood of pain and anger resonating from him. The rubies were the mirror into his heart. They reflected sorrow, suffering and loneliness.

Hesitantly he began to walk towards the opening of the clearing. As his boot was about to take the first step out though it twisted and turned back to the clearing. Time froze as his eyes peered through the trees and bushes. Silent and swiftly his hand retrieved the fanelian sword from its leather hilt. Hitomi watched in amazement as he walked straight for her bush. Before she could bring herself from the trance she found a sharp metal point on her nose. Then in a deep calm voice almost not recognizable Van spoke.

"Show yourself"

The tension rose as neither one moved. Finally caving in Hitomi pushed her body up and stepped out from behind the bush. A loud clatter sounded through the forest as the sword hit a rock on its journey to the ground.

With every passing second Van's eyes grew wider, the shock was wracking his body. Every limb was shaking at the sight of Hitomi.

"Hit…hito….Hitomi?" The words barely escaped his lips, his heart wasn't willing to believe the awful realization. She was here. But why now, his heart cried, why now?!?!

Hitomi's faint smile returned as she whispered his name.

"Van….."

The shock in his rubies was abruptly replaced with fear and concern.

"Van?" Hitomi's whisper ventured again.

"No….No Hitomi why did you have to come now…no go back! Hurry leave this place now!" he cried into the silent night

Hitomi was shaken to say the least by his words and reeled back in hurt.

"What are you talking abo-" Hitomi's words were sharply cut off.

The pain quickly spread through her body starting at her shoulder. Turning to gaze at the starting point of the unbearable pain her eyes widened in horror. There lying in her shoulder was an arrow, and it had been on fire no less. The burning sensation was enough to render her to the ground crying.

Emeralds reached the size of saucers as they turned to Van.

"Van…." Hitomi barely got out his sweet name before she fell backwards confusion written all over her face.

"HITOMI!!!!" Van threw his body to the ground at her side.

"Van…..i-it……burns" Hitomi stuttered, trying to speak as best she could but every word intensified the immense pain shaking her body.

Van looked at the arrow and gasped

"No, Not you too! Why you!" The mad scream made Hitomi wonder if Van was alright himself.

The arrow tip was red hot, and burning Hitomi's skin. Gently taking the arrow Van broke off the arrowhead. Wincing from the sudden coldness stinging the open wound sweat began to pour over Hitomi's face. Carefully Van pulled out the rest of the arrow and ripped his shirt trying to wrap up Hitomi's arm.

"I want you to know! You can't have her! I won't let you have her" Van screamed into the night. Hitomi's vision was blurring but up in the treetops she was sure she saw something move.

Then out of the fearful silence came a slimy hissing voice that made Hitomi's body cringe in disgust.

"You mean just like your lady Merle." The voice cackled

"You" Van's voice was now dangerous as he growled to the creature "Will die for your crime. I will see to it personally."

"You are welcome to try anytime" it hissed back tauntingly

Van bent down and drew Hitomi to his chest, leaning forward the miraculous wings shot from his back sending shreds of the shirt to the ground. Van jumped into the air sailing higher and higher. Finally he leveled parallel to the ground and headed towards Fanelia.

"Van ..I…." the pain proved to be too much and everything went black.

When Hitomi woke up she was lying on a soft silk bed. At first she thought it was all a dream and that she was back home. But then the brick walls replaced her wallpapered apartment walls and she realized it hadn't been a dream. Candles lit the luxurious room revealing the illustrations covering the walls. Plants hung from the ceiling relaxing Hitomi a little. Scanning the pictures her emeralds stopped at one picture hanging by the bathroom door.

Looking at it she smiled, the ever constantly hyper Merle was wrapped around Van's arm. Millerna was leaning against Dryden's shoulder. Allen with his bright smile had Cheid on his shoulder. Everyone was laughing including Van who had given it to the joy and was hugging Merle. Looking around his neck she gasped.

"He actually wears it" Hitomi thought out loud.

"Everyday" Hitomi followed the deep voice to the doorway. Van was leaning against the doorframe his sorrowful eyes resting on the group picture.

"Why?" she dared to ask

"Because it's Fanelia's only link to a great heroine" he bluntly stated

"Ohh" Hitomi tried to hide the hurt but the lack of emotion behind his wearing the necklace really got to her.

'You fool… why did you think he would like you he can have any princess in the land… why would he want a girl from the cursed moon…….But..I-I really love him…'

When Hitomi looked up from her thoughts Van was kneeling by the bed looking at her.

"Hitomi are you…okay?" he asked

"Yea…I-Im just fine" she lied " So when did you get that picture done" Hitomi pointed to the group portrait on the wall

"It was 2 weeks after you left, everyone had to get back to their duties so we decided to get a painting done so we could always have some sort of link to each other. Each of us has a copy hanging in our room."

Hitomi just smiled, oh how she had missed them. Her mind was beginning to question the logic of returning home. Just think of all the precious moments she had missed.

Sighing she surveyed the room again when it hit her. Where was Merle?

"Van…where is Merle I would have thought that she would have come bounding in here by now" Hitomi giggled lightly

Van shifted uncomfortably and stood to take a seat in the tiny chair by Hitomi's bed. The silence was overwhelming.

"Van? Are you okay? Come on where's Merle" Hitomi tried again

Van's eyes drifted up towards her face. Hitomi sunk into her sheets as she stared into the rubies, she felt the overpowering feel of guilt, sorrow, loneliness, and anger again.

"She's not here right now" Van stalled

"Well where did she go?" Hitomi inquired

Silence again as Van scowled at the bed sheet.

"I…I-I don't know" Van lied

"What do you mean you don't know? Come on Van you're joking. That's enough now where is she?" Hitomi's voice began to waver with fear

Van's rubies glared at her this time.

"I'm not joking!" He shot back

He was yelling at her. Searching his gems for some sort of comfort she found none. Something was deathly wrong, Van had changed and she wasn't sure if it was for the better.

"Well then…..what…w-what-t happened?"

"Stop asking questions" he spat in contempt

"No I will not Van Slaznar de Fanel! She is my friend too now what happened to her?"

"Enough!!!!" Van's voice rang off the walls and the chair went flying to the other side of the room

This is when the fear overtook her. Struggling to sit up she cried out in pain. Van was immediately at her side.

"Get your hands off me!" she demanded

Van grimaced in guilt as he realized what he had done.

"Hitomi…Hitomi I'm sorry"

Hitomi just glared at him.

"I never should have come back" she spat "I don't know who you are but you are not Van! Van wouldn't yell at me like that! He didn't like violence! You just threw a chair across the room!" Hitomi resenting giving in but the pain was too much and she collapsed back on the bed

Van bowed his head in shame

"Hitomi I'm so sorry….you're right….I don't like…violence but…..Hitomi a lot has happened in 2 years"

Sinking in her own guilt at the harsh words she had just screamed Hitomi decided to talk to him.

"Van what happened? Where is Merle?"

Van's arm twitched at his sisters name, anger flared up in his body and he glared at Hitomi again.

"I've told you already…..she's…not here"

The emotions swirled through his eyes and Hitomi began to fear the worst. What had happened while she was gone?

"What happened"

Van bit is tongue, it was after all Hitomi and she had a right to know. Still the anger was enough to send him over the edge.

" THEY happened" Van replied every word dripping with hatred and contempt

"They who?"

" It started about 2 months."

"What did?" Hitomi questioned

"It started with an attack"

"Is Merle safe?" Hitomi shakily questioned her fear about to burst. Now she knew something was wrong.

"She screamed…….I remember her …screaming"