Disclaimer: I don't own Escaflowne
A/N Enjoy
Telan Treaty
Brick walls flew by in a fury. Hitomi's movement was little, which one would think was good. But in this case it was dreadfully the opposite. Sleep and rest were the last thing on the young girl's mind even as she curled up in Van's protective arms. His breathing was beginning to quicken and she knew her weight was slowing him down. She had insisted on hiding and waiting for him to return but Van would hear none of it.
He had hastily gathered her in his arms and crashed through the geckos blocking the doorway. The castle was already swimming in smoke. Soft hisses whirled with the wind traveling down the halls in every direction. Van skidded to a halt at the end of the hall. The two geckos were rapidly advancing on them. Van began to sweat not because of fear but because of the intense heat bringing up his rear.
The fire had burst into the royal wing and was journeying down the hall, hot on the monarchs trail. Hitomi knew Van couldn't fight with her in his arms. She was about to suggest he put her down when as carefully as he could Van shifted her upper half over his shoulder leaving her legs dangling by his chest.
"Van!!" Hitomi shrieked in surprise
"Not now Hitomi" he urgently replied
There was actually little pain as Van unsheathed his sword and pulled the weapon in front of him. Hitomi was only shocked that Van wasn't going to put her down. He was unwilling to let her go, indeed it was a rough notion but the notion was romantic nonetheless. He cared and that was enough for the time being. However pain did begin to swirl in her shoulder as Van dodged and parried his sword.
She could tell he was restraining from vigorous movements but still her wound throbbed. A squeal was heard followed by two thumps. Then Van slipped his precious bundle back into the comfortable cradle, sheathing his sword at the same time. Hitomi watched as the geckos were swallowed in the fire. It was a nightmare.
"Hitomi *gasp* I'm sorry that *gasp* I did that I hope you ar…." Hitomi put her fingers on his soft lips.
"Van don't waste your air"
Van just smiled down continuing his run. Soon guards began pouring past them in the direction of the fire, water in hand. Van knew they had beaten back the geckos for now and the fire could be extinguished so he slowed down to an unsteady walk.
"Van you can put me down" Hitomi called up. She could see he was tired
Van just wearily shook his head and continued forward towards the spare rooms. Ramming his shoulder into the door it burst open to reveal a tiny room with a bed. There was a small window but it had bars on it.
"This should be a little safer for now" Van choked out in between gasps for air.
"Thank you Van"
Van placed Hitomi down on the bed and collapsed to his knees. He wasn't out of shape, it's just the fear of losing Hitomi again especially to fire that had stirred his adrenaline too much causing him to shake. He had no intention of losing her like he…like he lost Merle. But he'd be cursed if those geckos thought they were going to keep her. Hitomi squirmed in the bed, the silence was nerve racking.
"Van are you okay"
"Yea just fine" Van replied sarcasm dripping from his words.
"Van….what's going on really? I-I mean I know you're hiding something from me"
Van stiffly rose to his feet and turned his angered gaze towards Hitomi. There went that face of steel again.
"I don't know what you're talking about" he lied
The tension between the two grew the only light unfortunately was the glow from the burning castle. The soft red glow fell on Van's rigid face. He was definitely stressed and most definitely lieing. The fire hugh danced across his rubies in the dark. One second…flash another second…then the flash of anger from his eyes lit up as the fire circled his face.
Hitomi almost cowered under his gaze, the fierce anger reflecting in his eyes was alone strong enough to withstand the fire.
"Don't lie Van"
"Hitomi it is none of your concern" Van twisted with his last word and stomped out of the room.
Yes, she was sure of it now, the truth was definitely a soft spot.
Hitomi woke to the distasteful smell of burnt wood and ….other burnt objects she didn't care to think upon. She found that moving had become easier as she sat up in the simple bed. Ooooo that Van, he could be so stubborn. Something was terribly wrong though, his stubborn had turned into yelling and snapping.
"Sometimes I just wish I could slap him" she mumbled to herself.
Her anger flared up as she reviewed yesterday's events. Even the fighting with her in his arms hadn't saved his image this time. Stretching carefully Hitomi slipped out of the covers and turned to face the room. And wouldn't you believe it there in the corner wrapped up in a thin blanket with his sword lying at his thick boots was Van. The sight was touching, a little.
She was still mad at the man. He was beyond incoriagable. But at that same instant that her mind contemplated going over all that he had down wrong again, he shivered. Her eyes softened and she couldn't help but sigh. Tiny locks of raven hair shook at the coldness from sleeping on stone all night.
On his lap Hitomi caught sight of a single red rose and next to it on a crumpled piece of paper were two words. The paper was ripped and the rose was beginning to wilt but the sight broke her heart.
'I'm sorry' was all the paper said and it was all Hitomi needed.
Quietly Hitomi dragged a blanket off her bed and walked over to Van. She shook it out a little and let it float down over him. Hitomi grunted a little as she bent down to pick up his sword. As soon as she touched the sword something grabbed her hand and had her on the ground before she could blink.
"Ah!!" Hitomi cried out mostly in pain rather than shock.
"Oh my gosh Hitomi! I'm so sorry I thought it was someone else"
" I can only hope" Hitomi gasped for air.
The crash to the ground had respectfully knocked every last breath out of her. And just her luck, she had landed on her injured shoulder and the wound was bleeding again, she was sure of it.
The cloth bandaged over the wound began to seep red liquid.
"Hitomi! Oh no I ripped open the wound!"
"I *gasp* noticed"
"Hitomi I'm so sorry" Van's eyes were round and soft like they should be, not the narrowed daggers he had been flashing around lately.
Van gently lifted her into the air and lay her back down on the bed.
Hitomi decided it would be best to just be quiet and listen, her lungs were proving to ache more than she had anticipated.
Van sat on the edge of the plain mattress and bowed his head in shame. Her third day here and he had : 1) not protected her 2) yelled at her 3) reopened her wound, which he should have prevented and to finish it off he had failed at getting her back to her planet. It was too late now she would have to wait another year.
Why? Because of the low life gecko's. Them and their cursed spells. Every year an opening would appear so the mystic moon and Gaia could communicate now. He should have told her. If she only knew. Now that spell would keep her prisoner until a full moon next year. The mystic moon was beyond reach of all magic, Hitomi was stuck. Slowly Van lifted his head to face Hitomi who was at the moment struggling to breathe, courtesy of him.
Why couldn't he just tell her? Why couldn't he just ask her for help. Tell her he had screwed everything up and ask for help. Because of his pride that's why. He could never bring himself to tell her what he had done. She would hate him. For sure. If she knew it was all his fault she would kick him and pack up. But to where? She was stuck here now because of him and that stupid treaty! Curse those geckos and their magic! Van's pained eyes gazed at Hitomi who was staring back.
"Tell me Van"
Van just bowed his head in shame.
"No"
"Don't you trust me Van I can help"
"No you can't" Van half laughed, mostly in pity for himself and the fact that she thought she could help.
"I will find out Van" Hitomi was probably pushing the line and she knew it but she had to know what happened with her friends, with her love.
"And I pray I'm not around when you do" Van rose to his feet to leave.
"Why Van….."
"Hitomi stop, leave it or you will loose all that we have" he pleaded again
Hitomi was hurt, so he was just willing to give up their friendship, her affection because she wanted to help. If she only knew, Van saw it in a totally different light. He knew she would give it up if she found out about his treacherous deeds, she wouldn't even look at him. No one else did why would she.
'What have I done' Van chided himself all the way out of the room.
"What happened to you Van? What did you do?" Hitomi whispered to his retreating figure
Hitomi questioned Van's actions and thought of all the possibilities but still couldn't see what would have caused so much trouble on Gaia. As she lay thinking of her beloved the ceiling began to swirl. An intense nausea swept over her and her throat dried up instantly. It was happening again.
*Vision*
It was Van. Not the Van trapped in the current war but Van, her Van. A small smile on his lips as he casually brushed raven hair from his view. He sat in a meeting surrounded by the boring advisors. Merle sat next to him smiling. The cat girl calmly filed her nails zoneing out from the meeting.
Everything seemed like a normal day, the sun shone through many glass windows lighting up the boring room. But as Hitomi's emeralds shifted from left to right she felt her gut turn when her eyes befell upon the creature.
There sat a gecko. Dressed in some form of a suit if you wish and arguing with the advisors. After a few minutes of yelling the world turned upside down for Hitomi. Words became evident as the advisors single filed out of the room.
"So we have a deal King Van" the gecko pleasantly hissed
Van turned uneasily to his sister. Merle just gave him a growl and he shifted back towards the gecko.
"You don't leave me with much of a choice do you!" Van retorted his smile had flipped to a frown.
The evil creature hissed in pleasure.
"You are making the right decision. Now just sign. Your bride will arrive in one week" Van twitched at the mention of the bride.
Hitomi felt a new wave of pain take over. Only this time it was her heart screaming in anguish. He was getting married? Hitomi felt a tiny crystal droplet fall down her face followed by a river of salt water.
"Lord Van please excuse me" Merle angrily rose and strode out of the room, her tail flicking back and forth the entire time.
Van turned back to the hideous creature.
"This goes against my current treaty with the acting countries of Gaia I can't do it!"
"You love your sister don't you Lord Van?" The creature smirked in sadistic pleasure.
"What is your point?" Van snapped back
"We are willing to use other means of persuasion adding to our current ones."
"I'm betraying my friends as it is, I'm warning you. Don't hurt any of them"
"Empty threats milord until you sign." Van glanced back down to the paper.
The scene swirled and ran to the paper. After Hitomi was able to focus she carefully read the words.
'I, Van Slaznar de Fanel, King of Fanelia, Do pledge my loyalty to the new government of Telan, under the current rule of King Perlis. I recognize his overthrow of King Erant and the people of Telan and will help to make this known to all acting countries of the Gaia Peace treaty. I also accept the fact…'
Hitomi froze. The world collapsed she couldn't read the next line she couldn't believe it. This was a lie, it had to be. Her mind went frantic and her heart shattered. The sound of a million glass beads hitting stone rang throughout her ears. It hurt so bad, the pain was more than she could bare. She felt as if a hot knife had plunged into her heart and was being twisted ever so slowly as the time went by. As she read each line. The air rushed past her ears and her vision focused back on the paper. Something wanted her to read it.
'I also accept the fact that the Seeress of the Mystic Moon, Hitomi Kanzaki, the hero of Gaia is to be killed on sight if seen in Fanelia. If she is to return during the once a year opening, when the spell releases at the full moon in the month of March. If she returns then I, Van Fanel, am responsible to carry out her death sentence. I, Van Fanel, agree that nothing more is too be spoken of the Seeress of the Mystic Moon and when she is found I will bring her body to King Perlis. In conclusion I agree to help King Perlis in the fight against the acting countries of the Gaia Peace Treaty if they should resist alliance with the Gecko people. I will also marry Princess Teyan, the daughter of King Perlis. This will allow the acting countries of the Gaia Peace Treaty to come forth and sign a new treaty with the Gecko people.'
1 King Perlis
2 Van Slaznar De Fanel
Hitomi watched as Van scribbled his name under King Perlis. She suddenly had the urge to vomit. Van had signed a contract. He had signed a contract vowing to kill…..her. Hitomi's body began to shake violently.
As the vision disappeared the last thing she saw was Merle. Her voice echoed with extreme sorrow, it hurt Hitomi even more to hear the girl's voice. She sounded as if she had been betrayed by her most trusted friend. And she had.
"How could you Van?" Those four words poured from the cat girl's soul as she watched the Gecko's ride away in their carriage. "How could you Van?"
*End of Vision*
Hitomi's body continued to shake as the world came back into view. The plain room with barred windows. Stonewalls and nowhere to run. Her breaths became shorter as she realized what Van had vowed to do. The sickness overcame her again and she bent over the bed into a bin next to the nightstand. Her stomach emptied itself in the bin. And then the water came.
Like the great flood Hitomi's head was starting to pound from the incessant hyperventilating. Everything was becoming fuzzy. Van would kill her. He said he would kill her. A loud ring filled her eyes, the calls of innocent lives. All the innocent blood spilt because the countries didn't want to sign….but Van had.
Then why were they attacking him and where was his supposed wife? It didn't matter though. Her mind wasn't concentrating on that. It was horrified at the fact that in the same castle was the man she loved, and he was set on murdering her.
The wooden door burst open and there he stood. Every muscle in her body froze. Her blood had screeched to a halt and an ungodly pale color was beginning to flush her face.
"Hitomi are you alright?" Van's voice was swarmed with concern but she couldn't move
Silence, Hitomi sat there in shock. Van took a step towards her and her frail body flew into action. The tears stopped and her eyes widened in fear. Her injured body managed to curl up in a corner of the bed, the farthest away from Van.
"Hitomi what's wrong?" His brows furrowed in confusion, she was scared of him.
'Does she know?' Van's thoughts were immediately smothered with some logical side of his brain. 'She couldn't know'
Hitomi became enthralled in the silence, she was seeking sanctuary in the depths of her mind. The shock was too much. Van of all people to betray her. It was an overload and her emotional side couldn't handle it. Then her instincts kicked in. The small warrior part of the gentle Hitomi smashed through, the survival instincts.
It quickly reviewed the situation. Van at some time or another would be sworn to kill her. She had to leave Fanelia and hope Millerna would still have her. Her pained emeralds narrowed at the sight of Van. His muscular arms flexing as he inched closer towards her. His unruly raven hair lazily hanging over his eyes.
The anguish didn't matter anymore and Hitomi's instincts took control. Hitomi struggled to stand. Van rushed to her side causing Hitomi to throw herself back on to the bed and roll to the other side.
"Hitomi! Are you alright?!" Van was confused, she seemed afraid of his touch.
"Stay away from me" Hitomi's voice was shaky but none the less came out in a low growl. Van got the hint, she was mad about something.
"What's wrong?"
Hitomi was currently slipping on some pants and a tunic Van had laid out for her. Gruffly she jerked the blanket off the bed and turned towards the door.
"Wait Hitomi!! Where are you going?!" Van called after her
Van had staggered over the post of the bed and was at her side. Hitomi slowly inched to her right and with quick reflexes drew Van's sword. Shakily she brought the point to his neck. Van stumbled back, what was she doing??!?
"What are you doing?!" Van demanded
"Maybe ….if I kill you first….I can make it to Asturia…unless they've betrayed me as well"
Van felt the world crash down. She knew. But how? Then it hit him like a punch to his chest. His lungs caved in and all air left. What an idiot he was, she had visions last time she was here why wouldn't she now? But of the past.
It didn't matter she knew and Hitomi could see the recognition fill his features. She almost smirked in pleasure, he looked pale. Good maybe he was feeling some small bit of pain. It was nothing compared to what she felt as she read the treaty. But it was something. Hitomi was slowly inching towards the door.
"Hitomi please let me explain the treaty" Van tried
Hitomi solemnly shook her head.
"I-I loved you Van" Oh the torture it was the moment of their dreams and there she stood with a sword to his throat. How life could twist fate to it's liking.
"You….signed a treaty to ….kill me" the last two words came out in the softest whisper Van could have ever imagined yet they hit him like a ton of bricks. Curse himself though. He had signed the treaty but she must not know the whole story. Maybe she did and she just didn't care.
"Hitomi I can explain"
"I won't hear it, I don't know who you are, but I know you are not Van Fanel. Merle probably isn't even with the geckos. She's probably in your dungeon! What?! Van did you turn your sister over too!?" Hitomi screamed
The uncontrollable pain swelled in Van's eyes. Hitomi had hit a soft spot again.
" No" Van growled
"You are in no position to get angry with me! I'm holding the sword!"
"Hitomi you don't know how to use one just please listen to me" Van pleaded
Hitomi pushed the tip of the sword against Van's throat and quickly she sliced to the left. A tiny trickle of blood slid down his neck. The sword clattered to the ground as Hitomi started shaking again. Hitomi's pleading eyes just shot up to Van.
"I-I …I didn't I mean I…." Hitomi took one last pleading look at Van who just reflected his own pained look.
The undesirable stare continued for a minute, the tension burst and Hitomi ran. Van was hot on her heels. She didn't know if to kill her or stop her. But blast that man she would win, love or not she still trained for track and could outrun him any day. But as they sprinted down the halls it seemed that Van had done a little training himself.
Guards gaped as they watched their king chase the Hero of Gaia.
Hitomi kicked open the castle doors and ran through the opening. She could see the field up ahead. If she could loose Van in the grass then she would be home free. Hitomi thought she was gaining ground when she heard a swoosh of soft what sounded like cotton swish in the air. Soft feathers began hitting her cheek.
The race was on and Van, blast him had the advantage of air. But Hitomi wasn't about to lose her life to Van.
'No' she reminded herself 'That's not Van, it can't be'
Hitomi sent a wave of power to her legs and the tiny burst was enough to send Van back a few feet. She could feel the gentle push of wind gaining on her and knew it was Van with his angel wings. Her shoulder wound was too much and she was beginning to slow down. Hitomi started wondering why she was running.
Van wouldn't kill her. Would he? Sure he signed the treaty but he wouldn't really do it would he? In her thinking process Hitomi didn't realize that Van's hands were beginning to wrap around her waist. Panic quickly spread throughout her body and she shift to look at Van. His features told her he was sorry but her mind wouldn't allow it. Her feet were lifting from the ground and she began to struggle.
Van gripped her but before either one of them could look at their surroundings they both went skidding to the ground. Van had immediately turned himself over so his back and wings were skidding taking the brunt of the blow.
Hitomi glared down at him. Yesterday his actions would have touched her but he had vowed to kill her. As they slowed to a stop Hitomi pushed herself off of Van who was desperately trying to stop her. His hand reached up and pulled Hitomi's wrist but he froze when a sword, for the second time that day was put to his throat.
"Let her go traitor" the voice growled at Van
Rubies burned into Hitomi's eyes as Van hesitated then dropped her wrist.
"Now stay where you are and don't you dare follow" the voice was dripping with contempt and Van knew this obviously was a result of the treaty.
"Who are you?!" he demanded
"Not a friend of yours therefore you would do well to do what I say!" the voice spat
The voice was female! What female would be threatening him, and on his royal grounds to boot!
The menacing figure stepped into the shallow light provided by the moon. Golden hair bound in a ponytail glided over down her back. She was wrapped in leather pants and a blue tight fitting tunic. Her eyes gave her away. Blue gems, as crisp as the ocean glared down at Van.
"Celena" Van breathed
"I'll be taking the lady now, wishes from my brother of course he sends you his regards, from prison" she spat
Van twisted his head to the side letting his hair cover his shameful face.
"Lady Hitomi please come with me" Celena offered her hand to Hitomi
Hitomi shifted from one foot to the other trying to decide what to do.
"Who did you say you were?" she shyly asked
"Celena Schezar, Allen's sister, and a long time ago you would have called me Dilandu."
The pieces were slightly coming together now. But why was Celena here and why would she be looking for Hitomi.
"Where's Allen?" Hitomi questioned
Celena jerked her head in Van's direction.
"Ask the king over there" Celena's words dripped with hatred
Hitomi couldn't believe that the situation would get worse.
"Van where is Allen"
"In Prison…with Merle" Van choked out the words
"Tell the lady how he got there" Celena pressed the sword against Van's throat again
Van glanced at Hitomi and then spoke.
"He's there on my behalf"
"How is that?" Celena demanded again
"I sent him there…."
"What?!?!" Hitomi exploded he really had betrayed his friends, he had betrayed all of them.
The world was spinning again for the second time that day. She had to find Merle, that's the only way she could get the real story.
"Celena….Is Asturia safe? For me that is?" Hitomi made a sideway glance to Van.
"It most certainly is, Millerna sent me to get you as soon as our spies got word of you. I'm glad to see you are alive lady."
Hitomi just nodded.
"Fanelia will be beaten back Van. We will see to it! My brother and I personally! You and your backstabbing gecko friends will fall!"
"Celena please why won't anyone let me explain" Van's voice was cracking
"You had your sister thrown in jail" Celena growled "Why should I trust you?!"
"I didn't have her thrown in jail" Van barked "I tried to stop them!"
Celena bowed to Hitomi
"We must get going" Hitomi just nodded again.
"Hitomi please listen…" Van pleaded with his last hope.
"I also accept the fact that the Seeress of the Mystic Moon, Hitomi Kanzaki, the hero of Gaia is to be killed on sight if seen in Fanelia" Hitomi quoted Van's treaty and her senses reached out for his reaction.
An overwhelming wave of guilt and frustration hit her. Van was affected by her words, good.
The two young women disappeared into the night as Van crumpled into a ball in the dirt.
Hitomi was his last hope, she was the one that was supposed to listen. She was supposed to let him tell her what had gone wrong? What no one else knew. But she hadn't and Merle was nowhere around to tell her the truth. Fanelia was doomed, he had failed his people all because of one lie. One secret had been revealed and sent his plans reeling back in his face. Now because of it he had lost his love.
In the dark depths of the stingy dungeon a soft purr floated out of the silence.
"Merle?"
"Yes" came a gruff reply
"Do you have that sword?" a deep male voice pierced the darkness
"I do"
"Good we can make it tonight if the guard is right" A tall man stepped into the light of the dark cage. His blonde hair fell over his shoulders of the traditional knightly clothing excluding the many rips.
Merle stepped into the light next to him. She wore a pale pink spaghetti strap dress, what was left of it anyways. There were slash marks all over her body. Some had healed over yet others were still fresh.
"Allen how bad do you think it is out there?" The rough defensive voice had instantly softened.
"We didn't get to them in time so I don't know Merle, but we'll make it alright" Allen flashed one of his smiles and Merle forced a smile on herself.
"Here he comes" Allen whispered
The cage door creaked open and Merle grabbed Allen's arm.
"We have to do this for our friends." She whispered trying to reassure herself
"We have to do this Gaia" Allen whispered back gripping the cat girls arm.
A bright light filled the dirty cage as a torch was thrust inside.
"Now!" Allen yelled
A/N Okay here ya go I hope everyone likes it and please review it really boosts an author's morale. So maybe I'll get them out sooner with more reviews ;) Thanks to all those who do. Sailor Hope
A/N Enjoy
Telan Treaty
Brick walls flew by in a fury. Hitomi's movement was little, which one would think was good. But in this case it was dreadfully the opposite. Sleep and rest were the last thing on the young girl's mind even as she curled up in Van's protective arms. His breathing was beginning to quicken and she knew her weight was slowing him down. She had insisted on hiding and waiting for him to return but Van would hear none of it.
He had hastily gathered her in his arms and crashed through the geckos blocking the doorway. The castle was already swimming in smoke. Soft hisses whirled with the wind traveling down the halls in every direction. Van skidded to a halt at the end of the hall. The two geckos were rapidly advancing on them. Van began to sweat not because of fear but because of the intense heat bringing up his rear.
The fire had burst into the royal wing and was journeying down the hall, hot on the monarchs trail. Hitomi knew Van couldn't fight with her in his arms. She was about to suggest he put her down when as carefully as he could Van shifted her upper half over his shoulder leaving her legs dangling by his chest.
"Van!!" Hitomi shrieked in surprise
"Not now Hitomi" he urgently replied
There was actually little pain as Van unsheathed his sword and pulled the weapon in front of him. Hitomi was only shocked that Van wasn't going to put her down. He was unwilling to let her go, indeed it was a rough notion but the notion was romantic nonetheless. He cared and that was enough for the time being. However pain did begin to swirl in her shoulder as Van dodged and parried his sword.
She could tell he was restraining from vigorous movements but still her wound throbbed. A squeal was heard followed by two thumps. Then Van slipped his precious bundle back into the comfortable cradle, sheathing his sword at the same time. Hitomi watched as the geckos were swallowed in the fire. It was a nightmare.
"Hitomi *gasp* I'm sorry that *gasp* I did that I hope you ar…." Hitomi put her fingers on his soft lips.
"Van don't waste your air"
Van just smiled down continuing his run. Soon guards began pouring past them in the direction of the fire, water in hand. Van knew they had beaten back the geckos for now and the fire could be extinguished so he slowed down to an unsteady walk.
"Van you can put me down" Hitomi called up. She could see he was tired
Van just wearily shook his head and continued forward towards the spare rooms. Ramming his shoulder into the door it burst open to reveal a tiny room with a bed. There was a small window but it had bars on it.
"This should be a little safer for now" Van choked out in between gasps for air.
"Thank you Van"
Van placed Hitomi down on the bed and collapsed to his knees. He wasn't out of shape, it's just the fear of losing Hitomi again especially to fire that had stirred his adrenaline too much causing him to shake. He had no intention of losing her like he…like he lost Merle. But he'd be cursed if those geckos thought they were going to keep her. Hitomi squirmed in the bed, the silence was nerve racking.
"Van are you okay"
"Yea just fine" Van replied sarcasm dripping from his words.
"Van….what's going on really? I-I mean I know you're hiding something from me"
Van stiffly rose to his feet and turned his angered gaze towards Hitomi. There went that face of steel again.
"I don't know what you're talking about" he lied
The tension between the two grew the only light unfortunately was the glow from the burning castle. The soft red glow fell on Van's rigid face. He was definitely stressed and most definitely lieing. The fire hugh danced across his rubies in the dark. One second…flash another second…then the flash of anger from his eyes lit up as the fire circled his face.
Hitomi almost cowered under his gaze, the fierce anger reflecting in his eyes was alone strong enough to withstand the fire.
"Don't lie Van"
"Hitomi it is none of your concern" Van twisted with his last word and stomped out of the room.
Yes, she was sure of it now, the truth was definitely a soft spot.
Hitomi woke to the distasteful smell of burnt wood and ….other burnt objects she didn't care to think upon. She found that moving had become easier as she sat up in the simple bed. Ooooo that Van, he could be so stubborn. Something was terribly wrong though, his stubborn had turned into yelling and snapping.
"Sometimes I just wish I could slap him" she mumbled to herself.
Her anger flared up as she reviewed yesterday's events. Even the fighting with her in his arms hadn't saved his image this time. Stretching carefully Hitomi slipped out of the covers and turned to face the room. And wouldn't you believe it there in the corner wrapped up in a thin blanket with his sword lying at his thick boots was Van. The sight was touching, a little.
She was still mad at the man. He was beyond incoriagable. But at that same instant that her mind contemplated going over all that he had down wrong again, he shivered. Her eyes softened and she couldn't help but sigh. Tiny locks of raven hair shook at the coldness from sleeping on stone all night.
On his lap Hitomi caught sight of a single red rose and next to it on a crumpled piece of paper were two words. The paper was ripped and the rose was beginning to wilt but the sight broke her heart.
'I'm sorry' was all the paper said and it was all Hitomi needed.
Quietly Hitomi dragged a blanket off her bed and walked over to Van. She shook it out a little and let it float down over him. Hitomi grunted a little as she bent down to pick up his sword. As soon as she touched the sword something grabbed her hand and had her on the ground before she could blink.
"Ah!!" Hitomi cried out mostly in pain rather than shock.
"Oh my gosh Hitomi! I'm so sorry I thought it was someone else"
" I can only hope" Hitomi gasped for air.
The crash to the ground had respectfully knocked every last breath out of her. And just her luck, she had landed on her injured shoulder and the wound was bleeding again, she was sure of it.
The cloth bandaged over the wound began to seep red liquid.
"Hitomi! Oh no I ripped open the wound!"
"I *gasp* noticed"
"Hitomi I'm so sorry" Van's eyes were round and soft like they should be, not the narrowed daggers he had been flashing around lately.
Van gently lifted her into the air and lay her back down on the bed.
Hitomi decided it would be best to just be quiet and listen, her lungs were proving to ache more than she had anticipated.
Van sat on the edge of the plain mattress and bowed his head in shame. Her third day here and he had : 1) not protected her 2) yelled at her 3) reopened her wound, which he should have prevented and to finish it off he had failed at getting her back to her planet. It was too late now she would have to wait another year.
Why? Because of the low life gecko's. Them and their cursed spells. Every year an opening would appear so the mystic moon and Gaia could communicate now. He should have told her. If she only knew. Now that spell would keep her prisoner until a full moon next year. The mystic moon was beyond reach of all magic, Hitomi was stuck. Slowly Van lifted his head to face Hitomi who was at the moment struggling to breathe, courtesy of him.
Why couldn't he just tell her? Why couldn't he just ask her for help. Tell her he had screwed everything up and ask for help. Because of his pride that's why. He could never bring himself to tell her what he had done. She would hate him. For sure. If she knew it was all his fault she would kick him and pack up. But to where? She was stuck here now because of him and that stupid treaty! Curse those geckos and their magic! Van's pained eyes gazed at Hitomi who was staring back.
"Tell me Van"
Van just bowed his head in shame.
"No"
"Don't you trust me Van I can help"
"No you can't" Van half laughed, mostly in pity for himself and the fact that she thought she could help.
"I will find out Van" Hitomi was probably pushing the line and she knew it but she had to know what happened with her friends, with her love.
"And I pray I'm not around when you do" Van rose to his feet to leave.
"Why Van….."
"Hitomi stop, leave it or you will loose all that we have" he pleaded again
Hitomi was hurt, so he was just willing to give up their friendship, her affection because she wanted to help. If she only knew, Van saw it in a totally different light. He knew she would give it up if she found out about his treacherous deeds, she wouldn't even look at him. No one else did why would she.
'What have I done' Van chided himself all the way out of the room.
"What happened to you Van? What did you do?" Hitomi whispered to his retreating figure
Hitomi questioned Van's actions and thought of all the possibilities but still couldn't see what would have caused so much trouble on Gaia. As she lay thinking of her beloved the ceiling began to swirl. An intense nausea swept over her and her throat dried up instantly. It was happening again.
*Vision*
It was Van. Not the Van trapped in the current war but Van, her Van. A small smile on his lips as he casually brushed raven hair from his view. He sat in a meeting surrounded by the boring advisors. Merle sat next to him smiling. The cat girl calmly filed her nails zoneing out from the meeting.
Everything seemed like a normal day, the sun shone through many glass windows lighting up the boring room. But as Hitomi's emeralds shifted from left to right she felt her gut turn when her eyes befell upon the creature.
There sat a gecko. Dressed in some form of a suit if you wish and arguing with the advisors. After a few minutes of yelling the world turned upside down for Hitomi. Words became evident as the advisors single filed out of the room.
"So we have a deal King Van" the gecko pleasantly hissed
Van turned uneasily to his sister. Merle just gave him a growl and he shifted back towards the gecko.
"You don't leave me with much of a choice do you!" Van retorted his smile had flipped to a frown.
The evil creature hissed in pleasure.
"You are making the right decision. Now just sign. Your bride will arrive in one week" Van twitched at the mention of the bride.
Hitomi felt a new wave of pain take over. Only this time it was her heart screaming in anguish. He was getting married? Hitomi felt a tiny crystal droplet fall down her face followed by a river of salt water.
"Lord Van please excuse me" Merle angrily rose and strode out of the room, her tail flicking back and forth the entire time.
Van turned back to the hideous creature.
"This goes against my current treaty with the acting countries of Gaia I can't do it!"
"You love your sister don't you Lord Van?" The creature smirked in sadistic pleasure.
"What is your point?" Van snapped back
"We are willing to use other means of persuasion adding to our current ones."
"I'm betraying my friends as it is, I'm warning you. Don't hurt any of them"
"Empty threats milord until you sign." Van glanced back down to the paper.
The scene swirled and ran to the paper. After Hitomi was able to focus she carefully read the words.
'I, Van Slaznar de Fanel, King of Fanelia, Do pledge my loyalty to the new government of Telan, under the current rule of King Perlis. I recognize his overthrow of King Erant and the people of Telan and will help to make this known to all acting countries of the Gaia Peace treaty. I also accept the fact…'
Hitomi froze. The world collapsed she couldn't read the next line she couldn't believe it. This was a lie, it had to be. Her mind went frantic and her heart shattered. The sound of a million glass beads hitting stone rang throughout her ears. It hurt so bad, the pain was more than she could bare. She felt as if a hot knife had plunged into her heart and was being twisted ever so slowly as the time went by. As she read each line. The air rushed past her ears and her vision focused back on the paper. Something wanted her to read it.
'I also accept the fact that the Seeress of the Mystic Moon, Hitomi Kanzaki, the hero of Gaia is to be killed on sight if seen in Fanelia. If she is to return during the once a year opening, when the spell releases at the full moon in the month of March. If she returns then I, Van Fanel, am responsible to carry out her death sentence. I, Van Fanel, agree that nothing more is too be spoken of the Seeress of the Mystic Moon and when she is found I will bring her body to King Perlis. In conclusion I agree to help King Perlis in the fight against the acting countries of the Gaia Peace Treaty if they should resist alliance with the Gecko people. I will also marry Princess Teyan, the daughter of King Perlis. This will allow the acting countries of the Gaia Peace Treaty to come forth and sign a new treaty with the Gecko people.'
1 King Perlis
2 Van Slaznar De Fanel
Hitomi watched as Van scribbled his name under King Perlis. She suddenly had the urge to vomit. Van had signed a contract. He had signed a contract vowing to kill…..her. Hitomi's body began to shake violently.
As the vision disappeared the last thing she saw was Merle. Her voice echoed with extreme sorrow, it hurt Hitomi even more to hear the girl's voice. She sounded as if she had been betrayed by her most trusted friend. And she had.
"How could you Van?" Those four words poured from the cat girl's soul as she watched the Gecko's ride away in their carriage. "How could you Van?"
*End of Vision*
Hitomi's body continued to shake as the world came back into view. The plain room with barred windows. Stonewalls and nowhere to run. Her breaths became shorter as she realized what Van had vowed to do. The sickness overcame her again and she bent over the bed into a bin next to the nightstand. Her stomach emptied itself in the bin. And then the water came.
Like the great flood Hitomi's head was starting to pound from the incessant hyperventilating. Everything was becoming fuzzy. Van would kill her. He said he would kill her. A loud ring filled her eyes, the calls of innocent lives. All the innocent blood spilt because the countries didn't want to sign….but Van had.
Then why were they attacking him and where was his supposed wife? It didn't matter though. Her mind wasn't concentrating on that. It was horrified at the fact that in the same castle was the man she loved, and he was set on murdering her.
The wooden door burst open and there he stood. Every muscle in her body froze. Her blood had screeched to a halt and an ungodly pale color was beginning to flush her face.
"Hitomi are you alright?" Van's voice was swarmed with concern but she couldn't move
Silence, Hitomi sat there in shock. Van took a step towards her and her frail body flew into action. The tears stopped and her eyes widened in fear. Her injured body managed to curl up in a corner of the bed, the farthest away from Van.
"Hitomi what's wrong?" His brows furrowed in confusion, she was scared of him.
'Does she know?' Van's thoughts were immediately smothered with some logical side of his brain. 'She couldn't know'
Hitomi became enthralled in the silence, she was seeking sanctuary in the depths of her mind. The shock was too much. Van of all people to betray her. It was an overload and her emotional side couldn't handle it. Then her instincts kicked in. The small warrior part of the gentle Hitomi smashed through, the survival instincts.
It quickly reviewed the situation. Van at some time or another would be sworn to kill her. She had to leave Fanelia and hope Millerna would still have her. Her pained emeralds narrowed at the sight of Van. His muscular arms flexing as he inched closer towards her. His unruly raven hair lazily hanging over his eyes.
The anguish didn't matter anymore and Hitomi's instincts took control. Hitomi struggled to stand. Van rushed to her side causing Hitomi to throw herself back on to the bed and roll to the other side.
"Hitomi! Are you alright?!" Van was confused, she seemed afraid of his touch.
"Stay away from me" Hitomi's voice was shaky but none the less came out in a low growl. Van got the hint, she was mad about something.
"What's wrong?"
Hitomi was currently slipping on some pants and a tunic Van had laid out for her. Gruffly she jerked the blanket off the bed and turned towards the door.
"Wait Hitomi!! Where are you going?!" Van called after her
Van had staggered over the post of the bed and was at her side. Hitomi slowly inched to her right and with quick reflexes drew Van's sword. Shakily she brought the point to his neck. Van stumbled back, what was she doing??!?
"What are you doing?!" Van demanded
"Maybe ….if I kill you first….I can make it to Asturia…unless they've betrayed me as well"
Van felt the world crash down. She knew. But how? Then it hit him like a punch to his chest. His lungs caved in and all air left. What an idiot he was, she had visions last time she was here why wouldn't she now? But of the past.
It didn't matter she knew and Hitomi could see the recognition fill his features. She almost smirked in pleasure, he looked pale. Good maybe he was feeling some small bit of pain. It was nothing compared to what she felt as she read the treaty. But it was something. Hitomi was slowly inching towards the door.
"Hitomi please let me explain the treaty" Van tried
Hitomi solemnly shook her head.
"I-I loved you Van" Oh the torture it was the moment of their dreams and there she stood with a sword to his throat. How life could twist fate to it's liking.
"You….signed a treaty to ….kill me" the last two words came out in the softest whisper Van could have ever imagined yet they hit him like a ton of bricks. Curse himself though. He had signed the treaty but she must not know the whole story. Maybe she did and she just didn't care.
"Hitomi I can explain"
"I won't hear it, I don't know who you are, but I know you are not Van Fanel. Merle probably isn't even with the geckos. She's probably in your dungeon! What?! Van did you turn your sister over too!?" Hitomi screamed
The uncontrollable pain swelled in Van's eyes. Hitomi had hit a soft spot again.
" No" Van growled
"You are in no position to get angry with me! I'm holding the sword!"
"Hitomi you don't know how to use one just please listen to me" Van pleaded
Hitomi pushed the tip of the sword against Van's throat and quickly she sliced to the left. A tiny trickle of blood slid down his neck. The sword clattered to the ground as Hitomi started shaking again. Hitomi's pleading eyes just shot up to Van.
"I-I …I didn't I mean I…." Hitomi took one last pleading look at Van who just reflected his own pained look.
The undesirable stare continued for a minute, the tension burst and Hitomi ran. Van was hot on her heels. She didn't know if to kill her or stop her. But blast that man she would win, love or not she still trained for track and could outrun him any day. But as they sprinted down the halls it seemed that Van had done a little training himself.
Guards gaped as they watched their king chase the Hero of Gaia.
Hitomi kicked open the castle doors and ran through the opening. She could see the field up ahead. If she could loose Van in the grass then she would be home free. Hitomi thought she was gaining ground when she heard a swoosh of soft what sounded like cotton swish in the air. Soft feathers began hitting her cheek.
The race was on and Van, blast him had the advantage of air. But Hitomi wasn't about to lose her life to Van.
'No' she reminded herself 'That's not Van, it can't be'
Hitomi sent a wave of power to her legs and the tiny burst was enough to send Van back a few feet. She could feel the gentle push of wind gaining on her and knew it was Van with his angel wings. Her shoulder wound was too much and she was beginning to slow down. Hitomi started wondering why she was running.
Van wouldn't kill her. Would he? Sure he signed the treaty but he wouldn't really do it would he? In her thinking process Hitomi didn't realize that Van's hands were beginning to wrap around her waist. Panic quickly spread throughout her body and she shift to look at Van. His features told her he was sorry but her mind wouldn't allow it. Her feet were lifting from the ground and she began to struggle.
Van gripped her but before either one of them could look at their surroundings they both went skidding to the ground. Van had immediately turned himself over so his back and wings were skidding taking the brunt of the blow.
Hitomi glared down at him. Yesterday his actions would have touched her but he had vowed to kill her. As they slowed to a stop Hitomi pushed herself off of Van who was desperately trying to stop her. His hand reached up and pulled Hitomi's wrist but he froze when a sword, for the second time that day was put to his throat.
"Let her go traitor" the voice growled at Van
Rubies burned into Hitomi's eyes as Van hesitated then dropped her wrist.
"Now stay where you are and don't you dare follow" the voice was dripping with contempt and Van knew this obviously was a result of the treaty.
"Who are you?!" he demanded
"Not a friend of yours therefore you would do well to do what I say!" the voice spat
The voice was female! What female would be threatening him, and on his royal grounds to boot!
The menacing figure stepped into the shallow light provided by the moon. Golden hair bound in a ponytail glided over down her back. She was wrapped in leather pants and a blue tight fitting tunic. Her eyes gave her away. Blue gems, as crisp as the ocean glared down at Van.
"Celena" Van breathed
"I'll be taking the lady now, wishes from my brother of course he sends you his regards, from prison" she spat
Van twisted his head to the side letting his hair cover his shameful face.
"Lady Hitomi please come with me" Celena offered her hand to Hitomi
Hitomi shifted from one foot to the other trying to decide what to do.
"Who did you say you were?" she shyly asked
"Celena Schezar, Allen's sister, and a long time ago you would have called me Dilandu."
The pieces were slightly coming together now. But why was Celena here and why would she be looking for Hitomi.
"Where's Allen?" Hitomi questioned
Celena jerked her head in Van's direction.
"Ask the king over there" Celena's words dripped with hatred
Hitomi couldn't believe that the situation would get worse.
"Van where is Allen"
"In Prison…with Merle" Van choked out the words
"Tell the lady how he got there" Celena pressed the sword against Van's throat again
Van glanced at Hitomi and then spoke.
"He's there on my behalf"
"How is that?" Celena demanded again
"I sent him there…."
"What?!?!" Hitomi exploded he really had betrayed his friends, he had betrayed all of them.
The world was spinning again for the second time that day. She had to find Merle, that's the only way she could get the real story.
"Celena….Is Asturia safe? For me that is?" Hitomi made a sideway glance to Van.
"It most certainly is, Millerna sent me to get you as soon as our spies got word of you. I'm glad to see you are alive lady."
Hitomi just nodded.
"Fanelia will be beaten back Van. We will see to it! My brother and I personally! You and your backstabbing gecko friends will fall!"
"Celena please why won't anyone let me explain" Van's voice was cracking
"You had your sister thrown in jail" Celena growled "Why should I trust you?!"
"I didn't have her thrown in jail" Van barked "I tried to stop them!"
Celena bowed to Hitomi
"We must get going" Hitomi just nodded again.
"Hitomi please listen…" Van pleaded with his last hope.
"I also accept the fact that the Seeress of the Mystic Moon, Hitomi Kanzaki, the hero of Gaia is to be killed on sight if seen in Fanelia" Hitomi quoted Van's treaty and her senses reached out for his reaction.
An overwhelming wave of guilt and frustration hit her. Van was affected by her words, good.
The two young women disappeared into the night as Van crumpled into a ball in the dirt.
Hitomi was his last hope, she was the one that was supposed to listen. She was supposed to let him tell her what had gone wrong? What no one else knew. But she hadn't and Merle was nowhere around to tell her the truth. Fanelia was doomed, he had failed his people all because of one lie. One secret had been revealed and sent his plans reeling back in his face. Now because of it he had lost his love.
In the dark depths of the stingy dungeon a soft purr floated out of the silence.
"Merle?"
"Yes" came a gruff reply
"Do you have that sword?" a deep male voice pierced the darkness
"I do"
"Good we can make it tonight if the guard is right" A tall man stepped into the light of the dark cage. His blonde hair fell over his shoulders of the traditional knightly clothing excluding the many rips.
Merle stepped into the light next to him. She wore a pale pink spaghetti strap dress, what was left of it anyways. There were slash marks all over her body. Some had healed over yet others were still fresh.
"Allen how bad do you think it is out there?" The rough defensive voice had instantly softened.
"We didn't get to them in time so I don't know Merle, but we'll make it alright" Allen flashed one of his smiles and Merle forced a smile on herself.
"Here he comes" Allen whispered
The cage door creaked open and Merle grabbed Allen's arm.
"We have to do this for our friends." She whispered trying to reassure herself
"We have to do this Gaia" Allen whispered back gripping the cat girls arm.
A bright light filled the dirty cage as a torch was thrust inside.
"Now!" Allen yelled
A/N Okay here ya go I hope everyone likes it and please review it really boosts an author's morale. So maybe I'll get them out sooner with more reviews ;) Thanks to all those who do. Sailor Hope
