*~Summoner of Escaflowne's Mystic Eyes~*



Chapter 8



The Wise One/Hermit- A search for the truth and wisdom. Soul-searching.



Was it all just a dream or maybe a vision? ...No it was real . . .the tornado descended upon the kingdom of Fanelia, wrecking and ravaging everything in its path. Merle started saying something and the twister disappeared from sight. I had a talk with both Van and Allen and now it's Yobi's turn.



The light in the conservatory grew dim as Yobi approached his cousin. He heard her talking but upon reaching her he could see that her lips were definitely NOT moving. *What the hell is going on here? Either this planet is crazy, I'm crazy, or Hitomi's a ventriloquist.*

"Yobi this planet isn't crazy, you aren't crazy and the last time I checked I wasn't a ventriloquist." stated Hitomi with a small chuckle.

"Huh? I didn't say anything Hitomi. It's like you read my mind!"

'What are you talking about Yobi?"

"Listen Hitomi. Haven't you noticed something weird is happening? Every time I think I hear you say something you haven't said a word! Even now I didn't say anything but you replied to a comment I made in my head!"

*Does this mean Yobi can read my mind and I can read his? That we're psychically linked? Oh no...!*

"Yes Hitomi I know exactly what you're thinking! What's wrong?"

"Yobi! Don't do that! There are some things a girl wants to keep to herself! Stop being so nosy!"

"Whatever Hitomi. So do we tell the others? I mean this probably has something to do with that damn prophecy thing."

"Yeah...but let's not tell them about it right now. I just want to think about this."

"Sure just let me know when. Now let's get to what I was going to talk to you about before we got sidetracked."

"What is it?" asked an exasperated Hitomi. Yobi really didn't get the message that she wanted to be alone did he? "Well?"



"Hitomi what's up with you? "You've been acting weird since we found you. Did whoever kidnaped you do something to you? What's wrong? I know you're worried about something!"



"It's nothing Yobi. I guess its just strange to be back on Gaea again. You know after everything that happened before its hard to believe I'm here and this time we're going through this again."



"I don't believe you. Listen you might as well as tell me now 'cause I'm going to find out sooner or later!"



"Yobi it's nothing! Now if you'll excuse me I have to see Merle about getting some rooms here 'cause we're going to be here a while" Saying that Hitomi stalked out of the room leaving behind a puzzled Yobi.



*I will find out Hitomi. Something is wrong and one way or another I will find out*

thought Yobi as he followed Hitomi out. When he left the conservatory his previous thoughts of Hitomi's problems left his mind. He saw Celena standing on the balcony that hung above the castle doors and watched the sun's rays gently caress her face. Walking up behind her he asked "What's on your mind?"



"Oh, Yobi! It's nothing I suppose. I was just thinking about all the things I had done as Dilandau. I know that they, Van, Merle and Hitomi, will never completely trust me. I don't blame them for that it's just that I wish I could be normal. I wish Dornkirk had never changed me! I feel like I will have to apologize all my life and I still won't be able to gain anyone's trust!...I'm sorry! I shouldn't be burdening you like this but it feels like I know you..." as she let out her repressed feelings Celena wept.



Yobi stood beside her, startled. What was he supposed to do? He did the only thing he could think of, what every guy in the movies, with a crying girl did. He wrapped her in a hug and said, "It's ok. They'll get over it and forgive you. They already have, it's just hard for them. Besides I trust you. You don't have to apologize to me." he informed her with a small smile.



"Thank you, Yobi. I'm sorry again for doing that. I should go now. Allen will be looking for me. He's been very protective since he found me again."



"Anytime Celena and don't apologize about it! Go find Allen now."



With that Celena left Yobi alone on the balcony to search for her brother. She approached the garden, her mind full of thoughts about the person she had just left.



"Celena! There you are! I couldn't find you anywhere! Don't scare me like that again!"



Celena looked up startled. "I'm sorry Allen. I was out on the balcony."*...talking to the most pleasant boy I ever met.* *sigh*



"You sound tired. Let's go find someone to get us rooms."

Merle stood in the halls of Fanelia's magnificent palace, surrounded by her friends who were in need of rooms. *Why do I get stuck with this job!!* *screech*

"Ok ok!!! Everyone be quiet unless you want to end up in the cellar!!!!!"

The noise coming from Yobi, Celena, Allen and Hitomi immediately stopped.

"That's better. Now follow me and let's find you guys some rooms."

Merle led them down the halls, stopping every now and then to check if a room was empty or occupied. "Ok here's one for Celena." she said pausing at a room beautifully decorated in silver and blue. "You can go right in and ring for one of the servants to bring up your bags."

"What about the rest of us??" asked Yobi.

"Be patient, Yobi. This is a big castle and it may take some time to find us all rooms." replied Allen.

The continued their trek through the halls of the Fanelian castle until they came upon one of the men's rooms. "Allen can stay here. I think this is the closest you can be to Celena without being her sister."

"Ok. Thank you Merle."

The group of three walked father down the hall until a messenger called out from behind them. "Lady Merle! I have a message for you!" He stopped, panting.

"Well what is it?"

"K-*pant*-Ki*pant*..."

"Out with it already!!! I'm a very busy cat girl!!!"

"King Van sent me to tell you that he has a room prepared. It is for you Lady Hitomi, Savior of Gaea."

"Uh...ok. Thanks. I guess he can take me to my room Merle and you two can look for a room for Yobi."

"Ok!" *Wow! Van saved me a lot of trouble!! I have a feeling he still likes Hitomi...hmm...I should do something about that. Help him and Hitomi out a bit. They shouldn't deny their feelings.* Merle then walked away with Yobi behind her.

*So where should I put this annoying boy? I know!!*

Merle led Yobi down the halls in the opposite direction. They passed Allen's room, Celena's room, Hitomi's room, and even Merle's room until they reached a musty part of the castle. "This is your room."

"What!!? You've got to be kidding me!!! It's all old and musty and unused and disgusting!!! Look at all the bugs and rats!!!"

"I'm sorry Yobi but this is all we have left unless you're willing to be isolated or stay under the castle."

"This is all 'cause of the weird planet stuff isn't it?"

"What are you trying to say?? That I put you here on purpose??" asked Merle innocently.

*Arg!!!! She's so frustrating!!*

"Lady Merle!! Lady Merle!! I have another message for you from King Van!!! He said..."



A/N: All I have to say is whatever!!!..do what u want...let me know if u have any suggestions. Email me at IndianBabeIII@hotmail.com ...that's all!!..Peace all! IndianBabeIII signing out!!