Disclaimer: I don't own Escaflowne!!!
A/N Thanks again for the reviews!!! ^^
The soft pelt of a cool breeze forced the leaves into motion. The haunting melody of flames cackling and wind sliding through branches smothered the forest. Such a sorrowful sight if nature could speak its mind. So many lives, so many vibrant humans, gathered, all together in the harsh frosty night. They weren't there for a friendly gathering. They were there to conserve energy while they could for they would journey into battle in the morning. The moon's soft hue glided over nature's beauty piercing the lush foliage to reach the camp. The sight even saddened the faint provider of light. To see the lively creatures kill each other off was just more than one could bare sometimes. Corruption. Greed. Conspiracy. Power. Lust. They all led to the battles, to the loss of innocent blood. Such gifted creatures were cursed to forever quarrel with those desperately lost in the hunger for a sin it would seem. And the thought itself was truly breath taking. Peace seemed to have been forced into the darkness. Indeed what a sad conclusion that would bring.
Merle stirred on her soft patch of grass and hugged Van closer again. He still wasn't waking and his cold figure scared her but at least he was breathing. Blinking her eyes she lifted her head a little to see King Otis and King Relim sitting next to the fire talking with King Erant. King Otis noticed her first and gave her a half smile. He mouthed an 'I'm sorry' and turned back to the meeting. Merle just smiled, the man still felt guilty even after all he had done to help, he had never turned his back on Fanelia, yet he still felt like it was his fault. He had a big heart. Next King Relim saw Merle moving out from under Van and immediately jumped to his feet to help her up.
"Thanks" Merle managed
King Relim was very young probably made King around the same age as Van, she didn't know but he looked like he was in his early twenties late teens maybe.
"I'm so sorry I didn't make it here sooner Lady Merle" the young man looked truly grieved
"It's ok you got here" Merle smiled
King Relim helped her over to a chair around the fire. Merle glanced around to see the forest filled with soldiers. There were soldiers as far as the eye could see and half of them she recognized immediately. They were gruff with scars and dangerous looking weapons. Some in red and some in blue. This brought a smile to her lips, there was no way King Perlis could stand up to the armies of Rastine and Westin.
Merle turned back to the fire and saw the men smiling at her.
"What?" she asked
Relim's eyes softened and stood and made a low bow, " Forgive us for not coming to your aid sooner"
"Relim I alre-.."
Merle felt a warm hand squeeze her shoulder. Merle's eyes grew possessed with shock and pure bliss. Jerking her head to her back Merle looked up to find Van smiling down at her.
"No apology necessary, you two have always been with us" Van stated
Merle squeaked and jumped up to hug Van. Van smiled as Merle wrapped her arms around him avoiding his right arm. The group watched in happiness as Van and Merle sat down. Merle still refused to let go of Van so Van just ruffled her hair and wrapped his arm around her shoulders pulling her close.
"Van-sama!! You're okay!!!"
Van rolled his eyes, "Here we go with the title again"
Merle just smiled and hugged him again.
" We are glad to see you live Milord what happened in the castle?" King Otis questioned worriedly
Van's grin faded and his eyes turned to the trees avoiding the group.
"Van-Sama? What happened where's Hitomi?" Merle asked, the panic beginning to rise
Van let his arms drop and he stood brushing his pants off. Merle waited her tail nervously twitching back and forth. Van's raven hair swayed in the battering wind. His figure seemed to have tensed up. Not just a few minutes ago he was smiling and Merle had felt the muscles in his form give way and relax to his surroundings. As she watched her brother angrily stare off towards Telan she could see his muscles tighten.
"Van-Sama….." Merle pleaded
"She's gone" he stated
"You don't mean!!!"
"No not dead.." he continued his gruff voice startling the cat Queen
"Then what Van-Sama!?" Merle was panicked now
Van turned to face his sister and she wished he hadn't, his eyes looked so dead, the sparkle was gone and she saw the unshed tears threatening to break away. Even his unruly locks desperately dancing in a fever to cover his face from the group could not hide the pain emanating from his gaze. Merle felt the squeeze in her heart as Van continued to look at her his lifeless eyes pinning her to the log.
"Perlis broke our connection, and he has control of her somehow, I'm not sure but she just isn't Hitomi"
Merle's tail stopped twitching and switched to a solid thump beating the ground "He did what?" she growled
"Hitomi isn't there anymore, mentally" Van finished turning back to the trees rubbing his bandaged arm
"Well let's go get her!" Merle jumped up
Van gave his sister a grateful smile his gaze telling her 'Thanks for the sympathy but it isn't necessary'
"No Van-Sama I'm serious!! Look we have enough soldiers! The rest can follow! We have Rastine"
"Always" King Otis said rising to stand next to Merle
"See! And we helped build their armies so you know what they look like and then we have Westin and Telan!"
"To the end" Relim said resting his hand on Merle's shoulder
"I wouldn't dare run on you in your time of need now Van" Erant said smiling at Van
"And Fanelia and Asturia! Millerna is watching Fanelia for us but she sent her armies"
"I have a few things to settle with this Perlis" Erant smirked
"Let's go get your love" Relim encouraged beginning his stretches "Besides haven't had some challenge around here in a while" his cocky smirk almost got Van to laugh as the young monarch continued stretching
"Then we'll chop up Perlis," Otis evil smile glinted in the sun "Of course not with out you"
Van looked at them and then the armies. He winced in frustration. He didn't want bloodshed, he didn't want fighting and he certainly didn't want Hitomi on the opposite side when it was happening. Van heaved out a sigh and ran his good arm through his unruly hair. King Erant walked up and placed a hand on his left shoulder.
"Van….My wife is in there…" Van shifted his stance to look at Erant. " I was fortunate to marry to the one I love …and the thought of what Perlis has done to her makes my blood boil… and the thought of going into battle with her on the enemies ground makes me shudder…I know what you're going through but if we don't do this now… then we don't know what he will do to them, so use it as your motivation."
Van's face was still twisted in pain as he half smiled at Erant but he understood and this time he wouldn't leave without Hitomi. Bloodshed or not this had to end and it had to end now.
"Alright then let's go find Perlis" Van's voice cracked a little, still uneasy with the thought of battle again.
"A pleasure!" Otis cried
"Can't wait" Relim finished
Merle ran up and hugged Van. When he smiled down at her she scooted up to whisper in his ear.
"We'll get her" then slipped back to her feet and turned to the group, "And we're all coming back aren't we! You wouldn't miss Van-Sama's wedding would you!"
Van's eyes widened and he felt the blush creep up on his cheeks. Suddenly he became very hot. The nice cool breeze substituted as his fan yet the forest air still grew stale with each moment.
The three men laughed and grabbed their sides at the sight of the Draconian King.
Relim managed to speak in between his laughter.
"And miss his face" he gasped laughing again "When Lady Hitomi kisses him! Not for the world!!"
Merle started to giggle this time as Van's entire face became beat red. His eyes grew the size of saucers and he cleared his throat turning away from the group to hide his embarrassment. He was beginning to smile himself when he felt a jolt of electricity run through him. Van doubled over in pain and fell to the ground.
"Van-Sama!!!!" Merle pounced over to him and pulled him into her lap again.
"Something's wrong with…." Another jolt flashed through his blood.
This time the pain shook his bones straight done to the marrow. He began to shake as the pain washed over him again. The excruciating burn scorning his blood caused Van's heart to give a great squeeze letting the monarch know of its displeasure with the turn of events.
"Something's wrong with Hitomi" he managed before the final jolt knocked him unconscious
Merle hugged her brother close and glared up at the three. "Perlis is mine…"she growled
Relim knelt by Merle and helped her carry Van back to the make-shift bed they had created for the king and Merle. "At dawn" Relim comforted "You'll have Perlis at dawn"
Merle's tail swished back and forth with the wind for a few silent minutes. Finally she crawled next to Van and took her shelter under the blanket.
"At dawn" she repeated
Relim smiled and tucked the blankets around the young Queen and her brother.
Hitomi hid in a corner of the room shivering. The sweat slid down her face in abundance. Grunting she stood up again and winced as the salty liquid grazed her cuts. Slits lay scattered over her dress as steam floated off her skin. Perlis laughed as the young girl struggled to stand.
Green emeralds pierced the darkness.
"Stubborn wench aren't you" Perlis laughed again
Hitomi didn't answer she simply staggered for the door again. The electricity flew through her body, parts of her dress burst into flames and Hitomi bit her bottom lip patting out the flames. Her left hand clutched to the tiny piece of fabric that Van had left behind.
Unknown to Perlis she had kept the tiny cloth and when he had left her alone to tend to his political business the memories had racked her body and mind. He had come running hearing her scream in pain. His fear had shown only for a split second once he realized his grip on her was slipping away. When he burst into his solar it had been too late. Emeralds had found him and the anger was evident. She had gained control of her mind again, but in return she had received a vast amount of physical abuse. The physical pain from breaking his control had left her shaking.
Hitomi had opened up her connection to Van. She was bent on telling him how sorry she was and that she needed serious help, now! But as soon as she opened the link it left her vulnerable. Perlis had laughed and then proceeded to start a series of electric shocks to weaken her further. Since her link was open he had sent the electricity straight through her to Van as well. After Hitomi caught her breath she shut the link and wanted to cry. She hadn't felt any of the shocks Van had taken each one and she could only imagine what condition he was in now.
"Now my dear don't resist, this is pointless just come with me" Perlis offered his hand
Hitomi kicked it away, unfortunately that had been her last bit of energy. The beat seer fell to the floor in a limp ball. Perlis tapped his tongue up in down in a reprimanding motion.
"Now lady look at yourself you can't even stand"
Hitomi felt the salt droplets run down her cheeks. She didn't want to go back with him, but she hadn't the strength to fight him. Slowly Perlis advanced towards Hitomi until he was within breathing distance. Kneeling in front of her he brushed his hand against her cheek wiping away the tears.
"Don't cry lady I'm not that ugly am I" he comforted
"Yes," Hitomi gasped shocked at how much it hurt to talk "You are"
Perlis's soft smile melted to a frown "Well pity to you!"
Perlis angrily rose gripping Hitomi's dress with him. Hitomi didn't have the strength to stand so Perlis dragged her along the ground. Hitomi felt the weakness approaching her, she was so weary and so tired. Just five minutes, she only needed five minutes then she would feel better. She gave a weak cry of pain as a shard of glass sliced her arm open. Perlis continued dragging her along the floor letting the dirt rub into her wound.
The blackness became too much and Hitomi fainted, her last effort before the dark settled in had been to reopen the link to Van, if only for a second she could tell him what she needed to say.
Van awoke to the morning light pelting his face. Dawn. The rock that had placed itself in Van's throat dropped to his stomach in worry. He didn't like anything about this day. Yet it was here and with it all worries of oncoming misfortunes. Van rubbed his head trying to let the whole 'going to war again' thing sink in. Groaning in frustration at the way things were going Van sat straight up. Only to find the soldiers feverently packing up tents and pans. Some stomped out night fires or morning stoves. Others were already on horses ordering their companies. Merle and Relim were packing their horses and chatting. Otis and Erant were putting out the breakfast fires when Otis noticed Van sitting up.
"Lord Van!" he cried happily
Merle immediately stunned by the outburst turned to Van and smiled at him. Running over she smothered him in a hug.
"You're alright!"
"I won't be if you don't get off me!" Van stated struggling for air
"Oh Sorry Van-Sama" Merle scattered off her brother and pulled the apple out of her pocket, "Saved this for ya!" she smiled throwing him the apple followed by a small section of bread and a triangle of cheese.
Van grinned down at the tiny food items then looked back to his sister who only winked at him and bounced off back to her horse. Van suddenly realized just how hungry he was and was very grateful for the food sitting his hands. Eagerly he ate the brief breakfast. Then he folded up the blanket and brushed the dirt and leaves off his clothes. Walking over to his horse he smoothed the blanket on top and stopped when he noticed the little packet tied to the back of his stallion. Opening it up he found a canteen full of water and some more food for the tiny journey they had. Smiling he looked at the small paper attached to the bag. A tiny smile with two thumbs indicated Merle's quick sketch and he smiled at how much his sister cared. Closing the pack he jumped onto his horse and pulled the reins to the left to straighten him out with the rest of the company. Merle and Relim were waiting at the front. Otis and Erant were just riding up to them and all four stood waiting for Van to join them.
Taking a deep breath Van nudged his horse forward into a light gallop. Checking himself over for his sword Van sighed with some relief that his sword still clung to his side. Merle smiled up at him as he stopped next to her and Relim.
"Is everyone ready?" Van questioned
Otis nodded the faint sound of steel against leather following his gesture. Soon the light yet horrifying sound of an entire crowd of men drawing their swords rang through the forest morning. Erant gripped his reins, sword in hand and faintly smiled at Van.
"Let's do this and be done with it"
Van nodded his head in agreement and slowly turned his horse to the open forest before the armies.
Van shuddered for a moment as he felt the hypnotic voice ring through his ears. 'I love you Van' the connection was cut off as soon as it had opened. Hitomi didn't have enough strength to bear it or she didn't have enough time… The sudden flow of anger wrenched his limbs and curled his fingers. They couldn't wait any longer, for all they knew Hitomi was already gone…physically and that thought was more than Van's poor heart could stand on this heavy morning. With a sudden 'hihya!' Van sent his horse into a gallop and sped off through the trees his friends, family, and the combined armies following.
"Hang on Hitomi, just a little longer and then it'll be over."
The soft whimper escaped her lips. She couldn't help it, there was nothing else to do. The pain plummeting through her blood was too much. Dawn had arrived and Hitomi wasn't even sure if Van had gotten her message. The sharp shooting agony was clouding her thinking. Hitomi's head swayed in a fuzz as she madly blinked trying to focus on her surroundings. Perlis stood in front of her clenching his fists.
"Still you resist me!!" the impatient man roared
Hitomi would have responded had she the energy or stamina. But she didn't. He was seeing to that. She felt the electricity dance at her feet and then tip toe up her leg until it sunk into her waist sending the wave of anguish through her bones again. She didn't know how her body was putting up with it. She did know why she hadn't fainted from the pain though. Perlis held a tight grip on her mind forcing her to stay awake for the entire lengthy lecture.
Hitomi's breaths came out in jagged gasps as her lungs fought for oxygen.
"You think your love will come for you!? He's probably fled to Asturia by now!"
The anger flared in Hitomi and she miracuously managed to whisper.
"He will come…..and it will end"
The sadistic laugh scared Hitomi as her body fought for the rest it so desperately longed for.
"End?!? My dear lady I have just arrived!"
Hitomi felt the cold grip slide around her strands of thought again. Slowly they began to slip away. It was hell all over again. The one strand sat helpless again watching all control over her body fade into the dark cage again. The tears stung as they seeped into her cuts. Hitomi just couldn't prevent them. The tears were inevitable. She was being used and what an awful feeling it was. All control over her body was lost for the second horrifying time in her life. Perlis laughed as her body shook during the process. The eyes remained, those perfect gems of defiance but the vengeful king forced the hopeful thought controlling only the orbs back into the recesses of her mind. Emeralds glared as to grasp onto some remains of dignity but they only stretched out the process further. Perlis smirked as the tiny bit of shredded cloth retreated to the ground fleeing Hitomi's hand. Helpless emeralds watched the cloth fall away and let the new wave of tears flood out. Perlis however had no intention of risking anything this time so angrily he forced the last thought, the remaining control farther into the recesses of Hitomi's mind.
Hitomi sat trapped in her own mind, no longer able to even see what would become of her friends and lover. She could only hear. Not the outside world, just him. The taunting voice of her captor.
"So…you think this is the end" he mocked
Hitomi's last thought took its stand and bellowed out in pure hatred, "For you! Most definitely!!"
The evil cackle rang through the darkness once again.
"Ah no….. my sweet you see this is merely the beginning"
The new wave of fear set in. What if Van and the others didn't stop him? What if Perlis escaped and sent the armies on an escapade chasing them all over Gaia? What would Perlis have done to her by then? The thought sent the hopeful strand shuddering. The thought was in the middle of cringing when the sickening voice came again.
"My lady they arrive"
Hitomi felt her breath shorten, they were here and she was gone to them. It would have been better if Perlis had just ended her life with a simple sword.
"It begins my lady"
Yes, It would have been much better.
A/N Thanks again for the reviews!!! ^^
The soft pelt of a cool breeze forced the leaves into motion. The haunting melody of flames cackling and wind sliding through branches smothered the forest. Such a sorrowful sight if nature could speak its mind. So many lives, so many vibrant humans, gathered, all together in the harsh frosty night. They weren't there for a friendly gathering. They were there to conserve energy while they could for they would journey into battle in the morning. The moon's soft hue glided over nature's beauty piercing the lush foliage to reach the camp. The sight even saddened the faint provider of light. To see the lively creatures kill each other off was just more than one could bare sometimes. Corruption. Greed. Conspiracy. Power. Lust. They all led to the battles, to the loss of innocent blood. Such gifted creatures were cursed to forever quarrel with those desperately lost in the hunger for a sin it would seem. And the thought itself was truly breath taking. Peace seemed to have been forced into the darkness. Indeed what a sad conclusion that would bring.
Merle stirred on her soft patch of grass and hugged Van closer again. He still wasn't waking and his cold figure scared her but at least he was breathing. Blinking her eyes she lifted her head a little to see King Otis and King Relim sitting next to the fire talking with King Erant. King Otis noticed her first and gave her a half smile. He mouthed an 'I'm sorry' and turned back to the meeting. Merle just smiled, the man still felt guilty even after all he had done to help, he had never turned his back on Fanelia, yet he still felt like it was his fault. He had a big heart. Next King Relim saw Merle moving out from under Van and immediately jumped to his feet to help her up.
"Thanks" Merle managed
King Relim was very young probably made King around the same age as Van, she didn't know but he looked like he was in his early twenties late teens maybe.
"I'm so sorry I didn't make it here sooner Lady Merle" the young man looked truly grieved
"It's ok you got here" Merle smiled
King Relim helped her over to a chair around the fire. Merle glanced around to see the forest filled with soldiers. There were soldiers as far as the eye could see and half of them she recognized immediately. They were gruff with scars and dangerous looking weapons. Some in red and some in blue. This brought a smile to her lips, there was no way King Perlis could stand up to the armies of Rastine and Westin.
Merle turned back to the fire and saw the men smiling at her.
"What?" she asked
Relim's eyes softened and stood and made a low bow, " Forgive us for not coming to your aid sooner"
"Relim I alre-.."
Merle felt a warm hand squeeze her shoulder. Merle's eyes grew possessed with shock and pure bliss. Jerking her head to her back Merle looked up to find Van smiling down at her.
"No apology necessary, you two have always been with us" Van stated
Merle squeaked and jumped up to hug Van. Van smiled as Merle wrapped her arms around him avoiding his right arm. The group watched in happiness as Van and Merle sat down. Merle still refused to let go of Van so Van just ruffled her hair and wrapped his arm around her shoulders pulling her close.
"Van-sama!! You're okay!!!"
Van rolled his eyes, "Here we go with the title again"
Merle just smiled and hugged him again.
" We are glad to see you live Milord what happened in the castle?" King Otis questioned worriedly
Van's grin faded and his eyes turned to the trees avoiding the group.
"Van-Sama? What happened where's Hitomi?" Merle asked, the panic beginning to rise
Van let his arms drop and he stood brushing his pants off. Merle waited her tail nervously twitching back and forth. Van's raven hair swayed in the battering wind. His figure seemed to have tensed up. Not just a few minutes ago he was smiling and Merle had felt the muscles in his form give way and relax to his surroundings. As she watched her brother angrily stare off towards Telan she could see his muscles tighten.
"Van-Sama….." Merle pleaded
"She's gone" he stated
"You don't mean!!!"
"No not dead.." he continued his gruff voice startling the cat Queen
"Then what Van-Sama!?" Merle was panicked now
Van turned to face his sister and she wished he hadn't, his eyes looked so dead, the sparkle was gone and she saw the unshed tears threatening to break away. Even his unruly locks desperately dancing in a fever to cover his face from the group could not hide the pain emanating from his gaze. Merle felt the squeeze in her heart as Van continued to look at her his lifeless eyes pinning her to the log.
"Perlis broke our connection, and he has control of her somehow, I'm not sure but she just isn't Hitomi"
Merle's tail stopped twitching and switched to a solid thump beating the ground "He did what?" she growled
"Hitomi isn't there anymore, mentally" Van finished turning back to the trees rubbing his bandaged arm
"Well let's go get her!" Merle jumped up
Van gave his sister a grateful smile his gaze telling her 'Thanks for the sympathy but it isn't necessary'
"No Van-Sama I'm serious!! Look we have enough soldiers! The rest can follow! We have Rastine"
"Always" King Otis said rising to stand next to Merle
"See! And we helped build their armies so you know what they look like and then we have Westin and Telan!"
"To the end" Relim said resting his hand on Merle's shoulder
"I wouldn't dare run on you in your time of need now Van" Erant said smiling at Van
"And Fanelia and Asturia! Millerna is watching Fanelia for us but she sent her armies"
"I have a few things to settle with this Perlis" Erant smirked
"Let's go get your love" Relim encouraged beginning his stretches "Besides haven't had some challenge around here in a while" his cocky smirk almost got Van to laugh as the young monarch continued stretching
"Then we'll chop up Perlis," Otis evil smile glinted in the sun "Of course not with out you"
Van looked at them and then the armies. He winced in frustration. He didn't want bloodshed, he didn't want fighting and he certainly didn't want Hitomi on the opposite side when it was happening. Van heaved out a sigh and ran his good arm through his unruly hair. King Erant walked up and placed a hand on his left shoulder.
"Van….My wife is in there…" Van shifted his stance to look at Erant. " I was fortunate to marry to the one I love …and the thought of what Perlis has done to her makes my blood boil… and the thought of going into battle with her on the enemies ground makes me shudder…I know what you're going through but if we don't do this now… then we don't know what he will do to them, so use it as your motivation."
Van's face was still twisted in pain as he half smiled at Erant but he understood and this time he wouldn't leave without Hitomi. Bloodshed or not this had to end and it had to end now.
"Alright then let's go find Perlis" Van's voice cracked a little, still uneasy with the thought of battle again.
"A pleasure!" Otis cried
"Can't wait" Relim finished
Merle ran up and hugged Van. When he smiled down at her she scooted up to whisper in his ear.
"We'll get her" then slipped back to her feet and turned to the group, "And we're all coming back aren't we! You wouldn't miss Van-Sama's wedding would you!"
Van's eyes widened and he felt the blush creep up on his cheeks. Suddenly he became very hot. The nice cool breeze substituted as his fan yet the forest air still grew stale with each moment.
The three men laughed and grabbed their sides at the sight of the Draconian King.
Relim managed to speak in between his laughter.
"And miss his face" he gasped laughing again "When Lady Hitomi kisses him! Not for the world!!"
Merle started to giggle this time as Van's entire face became beat red. His eyes grew the size of saucers and he cleared his throat turning away from the group to hide his embarrassment. He was beginning to smile himself when he felt a jolt of electricity run through him. Van doubled over in pain and fell to the ground.
"Van-Sama!!!!" Merle pounced over to him and pulled him into her lap again.
"Something's wrong with…." Another jolt flashed through his blood.
This time the pain shook his bones straight done to the marrow. He began to shake as the pain washed over him again. The excruciating burn scorning his blood caused Van's heart to give a great squeeze letting the monarch know of its displeasure with the turn of events.
"Something's wrong with Hitomi" he managed before the final jolt knocked him unconscious
Merle hugged her brother close and glared up at the three. "Perlis is mine…"she growled
Relim knelt by Merle and helped her carry Van back to the make-shift bed they had created for the king and Merle. "At dawn" Relim comforted "You'll have Perlis at dawn"
Merle's tail swished back and forth with the wind for a few silent minutes. Finally she crawled next to Van and took her shelter under the blanket.
"At dawn" she repeated
Relim smiled and tucked the blankets around the young Queen and her brother.
Hitomi hid in a corner of the room shivering. The sweat slid down her face in abundance. Grunting she stood up again and winced as the salty liquid grazed her cuts. Slits lay scattered over her dress as steam floated off her skin. Perlis laughed as the young girl struggled to stand.
Green emeralds pierced the darkness.
"Stubborn wench aren't you" Perlis laughed again
Hitomi didn't answer she simply staggered for the door again. The electricity flew through her body, parts of her dress burst into flames and Hitomi bit her bottom lip patting out the flames. Her left hand clutched to the tiny piece of fabric that Van had left behind.
Unknown to Perlis she had kept the tiny cloth and when he had left her alone to tend to his political business the memories had racked her body and mind. He had come running hearing her scream in pain. His fear had shown only for a split second once he realized his grip on her was slipping away. When he burst into his solar it had been too late. Emeralds had found him and the anger was evident. She had gained control of her mind again, but in return she had received a vast amount of physical abuse. The physical pain from breaking his control had left her shaking.
Hitomi had opened up her connection to Van. She was bent on telling him how sorry she was and that she needed serious help, now! But as soon as she opened the link it left her vulnerable. Perlis had laughed and then proceeded to start a series of electric shocks to weaken her further. Since her link was open he had sent the electricity straight through her to Van as well. After Hitomi caught her breath she shut the link and wanted to cry. She hadn't felt any of the shocks Van had taken each one and she could only imagine what condition he was in now.
"Now my dear don't resist, this is pointless just come with me" Perlis offered his hand
Hitomi kicked it away, unfortunately that had been her last bit of energy. The beat seer fell to the floor in a limp ball. Perlis tapped his tongue up in down in a reprimanding motion.
"Now lady look at yourself you can't even stand"
Hitomi felt the salt droplets run down her cheeks. She didn't want to go back with him, but she hadn't the strength to fight him. Slowly Perlis advanced towards Hitomi until he was within breathing distance. Kneeling in front of her he brushed his hand against her cheek wiping away the tears.
"Don't cry lady I'm not that ugly am I" he comforted
"Yes," Hitomi gasped shocked at how much it hurt to talk "You are"
Perlis's soft smile melted to a frown "Well pity to you!"
Perlis angrily rose gripping Hitomi's dress with him. Hitomi didn't have the strength to stand so Perlis dragged her along the ground. Hitomi felt the weakness approaching her, she was so weary and so tired. Just five minutes, she only needed five minutes then she would feel better. She gave a weak cry of pain as a shard of glass sliced her arm open. Perlis continued dragging her along the floor letting the dirt rub into her wound.
The blackness became too much and Hitomi fainted, her last effort before the dark settled in had been to reopen the link to Van, if only for a second she could tell him what she needed to say.
Van awoke to the morning light pelting his face. Dawn. The rock that had placed itself in Van's throat dropped to his stomach in worry. He didn't like anything about this day. Yet it was here and with it all worries of oncoming misfortunes. Van rubbed his head trying to let the whole 'going to war again' thing sink in. Groaning in frustration at the way things were going Van sat straight up. Only to find the soldiers feverently packing up tents and pans. Some stomped out night fires or morning stoves. Others were already on horses ordering their companies. Merle and Relim were packing their horses and chatting. Otis and Erant were putting out the breakfast fires when Otis noticed Van sitting up.
"Lord Van!" he cried happily
Merle immediately stunned by the outburst turned to Van and smiled at him. Running over she smothered him in a hug.
"You're alright!"
"I won't be if you don't get off me!" Van stated struggling for air
"Oh Sorry Van-Sama" Merle scattered off her brother and pulled the apple out of her pocket, "Saved this for ya!" she smiled throwing him the apple followed by a small section of bread and a triangle of cheese.
Van grinned down at the tiny food items then looked back to his sister who only winked at him and bounced off back to her horse. Van suddenly realized just how hungry he was and was very grateful for the food sitting his hands. Eagerly he ate the brief breakfast. Then he folded up the blanket and brushed the dirt and leaves off his clothes. Walking over to his horse he smoothed the blanket on top and stopped when he noticed the little packet tied to the back of his stallion. Opening it up he found a canteen full of water and some more food for the tiny journey they had. Smiling he looked at the small paper attached to the bag. A tiny smile with two thumbs indicated Merle's quick sketch and he smiled at how much his sister cared. Closing the pack he jumped onto his horse and pulled the reins to the left to straighten him out with the rest of the company. Merle and Relim were waiting at the front. Otis and Erant were just riding up to them and all four stood waiting for Van to join them.
Taking a deep breath Van nudged his horse forward into a light gallop. Checking himself over for his sword Van sighed with some relief that his sword still clung to his side. Merle smiled up at him as he stopped next to her and Relim.
"Is everyone ready?" Van questioned
Otis nodded the faint sound of steel against leather following his gesture. Soon the light yet horrifying sound of an entire crowd of men drawing their swords rang through the forest morning. Erant gripped his reins, sword in hand and faintly smiled at Van.
"Let's do this and be done with it"
Van nodded his head in agreement and slowly turned his horse to the open forest before the armies.
Van shuddered for a moment as he felt the hypnotic voice ring through his ears. 'I love you Van' the connection was cut off as soon as it had opened. Hitomi didn't have enough strength to bear it or she didn't have enough time… The sudden flow of anger wrenched his limbs and curled his fingers. They couldn't wait any longer, for all they knew Hitomi was already gone…physically and that thought was more than Van's poor heart could stand on this heavy morning. With a sudden 'hihya!' Van sent his horse into a gallop and sped off through the trees his friends, family, and the combined armies following.
"Hang on Hitomi, just a little longer and then it'll be over."
The soft whimper escaped her lips. She couldn't help it, there was nothing else to do. The pain plummeting through her blood was too much. Dawn had arrived and Hitomi wasn't even sure if Van had gotten her message. The sharp shooting agony was clouding her thinking. Hitomi's head swayed in a fuzz as she madly blinked trying to focus on her surroundings. Perlis stood in front of her clenching his fists.
"Still you resist me!!" the impatient man roared
Hitomi would have responded had she the energy or stamina. But she didn't. He was seeing to that. She felt the electricity dance at her feet and then tip toe up her leg until it sunk into her waist sending the wave of anguish through her bones again. She didn't know how her body was putting up with it. She did know why she hadn't fainted from the pain though. Perlis held a tight grip on her mind forcing her to stay awake for the entire lengthy lecture.
Hitomi's breaths came out in jagged gasps as her lungs fought for oxygen.
"You think your love will come for you!? He's probably fled to Asturia by now!"
The anger flared in Hitomi and she miracuously managed to whisper.
"He will come…..and it will end"
The sadistic laugh scared Hitomi as her body fought for the rest it so desperately longed for.
"End?!? My dear lady I have just arrived!"
Hitomi felt the cold grip slide around her strands of thought again. Slowly they began to slip away. It was hell all over again. The one strand sat helpless again watching all control over her body fade into the dark cage again. The tears stung as they seeped into her cuts. Hitomi just couldn't prevent them. The tears were inevitable. She was being used and what an awful feeling it was. All control over her body was lost for the second horrifying time in her life. Perlis laughed as her body shook during the process. The eyes remained, those perfect gems of defiance but the vengeful king forced the hopeful thought controlling only the orbs back into the recesses of her mind. Emeralds glared as to grasp onto some remains of dignity but they only stretched out the process further. Perlis smirked as the tiny bit of shredded cloth retreated to the ground fleeing Hitomi's hand. Helpless emeralds watched the cloth fall away and let the new wave of tears flood out. Perlis however had no intention of risking anything this time so angrily he forced the last thought, the remaining control farther into the recesses of Hitomi's mind.
Hitomi sat trapped in her own mind, no longer able to even see what would become of her friends and lover. She could only hear. Not the outside world, just him. The taunting voice of her captor.
"So…you think this is the end" he mocked
Hitomi's last thought took its stand and bellowed out in pure hatred, "For you! Most definitely!!"
The evil cackle rang through the darkness once again.
"Ah no….. my sweet you see this is merely the beginning"
The new wave of fear set in. What if Van and the others didn't stop him? What if Perlis escaped and sent the armies on an escapade chasing them all over Gaia? What would Perlis have done to her by then? The thought sent the hopeful strand shuddering. The thought was in the middle of cringing when the sickening voice came again.
"My lady they arrive"
Hitomi felt her breath shorten, they were here and she was gone to them. It would have been better if Perlis had just ended her life with a simple sword.
"It begins my lady"
Yes, It would have been much better.
