Love is our Destiny
Disclaimer: I don't own Escaflowne. Though I do own the characters I created, and all the attitudes! *^_^*
Chapter Four
"A magical bond."
"Merle, see if Van's heart is still beating." Melerna commanded. Merle complied.
"Yes, it is. Is Hitomi's? Melerna?" Merle asked.
"..."
"Is Hitomi's? Melerna?!" Merle repeated the question.
"It is." Melerna answered.
"Then why did it take you so long to answer?" Merle asked.
"Because it's barely there and hard to hear." Melerna answered sadly.
"Oh, no!" Merle said with tears threatening to spill out of her eyes. "No! We just got her back and we're not going to lose her now!" Merle said in a firm voice, tears now falling freely from her eyes.
"Don't worry Merle. The Seeress is strong, and I doubt that our King will let anything happen to her." the cat-man said with a comforting tone as he placed his hand on her shoulder.
"But, he's out like a burnt out candle." Merle stated, still concerned.
"They are together, in the dream world though." The cat-man commented. "The ties they have are stronger than you think. They are bound by destiny." The cat-man said in a wise voice.
"You're right Chris. I'm just worried, that's all." Merle said, giving in to Chris's words and calmness. She looked down at Van and whispered, "Come back soon and bring Hitomi back safely, Lord Van."
__________________________________
"Where am I? What's going on? What is this?!" Van questioned as he floated around the black abyss.
"Van?" he heard a familiar voice say and quickly turned to face it.
"Hitomi? What's going on?" he asked softly.
"I guess our minds became, sort of, connected, and..." Hitomi said as she started to cry.
"Don't cry Hitomi." Van comforted as he held her close.
"But it's my fault you're here. If I hadn't fainted again, we'd still be talking to everyone..." Hitomi started, but was cut off by Van.
"I'd much rather be here with you than to be in a crowded room with them."
"You don't mind being unconscious?"
"As long as I'm with you, I couldn't care less." Van said as he leaned down to kiss her.
"You know I like seeing my son happy as much as the next mother, but, why is he here?" The familiar voice spoke, once more, forcing Van and Hitomi to pull away before they could kiss. Van quickly spun around to see the speaker.
"Mo... Mother?!" Van asked with his eyes very wide.
"Yes, Van." Varie said as she nodded.
"Mother!" Van said as he ran over to Varie and embraced her.
They held one another for a little while until Varie pulled Van away. "You've grown so much, my son."
"I've missed you Mother."
"Hey, I hate to break up this touching moment, but you broke up mine, so let's just call it even. But I was wondering, why are we here?" Hitomi asked very sincerely.
"Well, I noticed you and my son were starting to bond even more than in the war. When I realized this, I thought I'd let you know, but I didn't expect you two to be this strongly bound yet." Varie explained.
"Is this why Van could hear my thoughts?" Hitomi asked as she moved closer to the two.
"Yes. People with abnormal abilities, or blood-lines, can bond with one another if they are soul mates. They can share feelings, thoughts, and in your case, dreams as well." Varie said.
Hitomi and Van looked at each other and then back at Varie, but she was gone.
"Mother? Where did you go?" Van asked.
"Maybe we should go back to everyone now Van." Hitomi said weakly as she wrapped her arms around his neck.
"Well, since you put it that way, I think we could. But wouldn't you rather stay here?" Van said with in a soft tone.
"I can't stay here much longer Van." Hitomi said, beginning to get weak in the knees.
_________________________________
"What's wrong Melerna? What's wrong with Hitomi?" Merle asked, looking over to Melerna who had a worried look on her face. She held Hitomi's wrist in her hand and Hitomi's chest to her ear.
"What's wrong? Tell me!" Merle demanded.
Melerna signed. "Hitomi's pulse is fading and so is her heartbeat. If something doesn't happen soon, they'll..." Melerna's eyes started to get teary.
"They'll what, Melerna?" Merle asked in a quiet tone, fearing the answer.
"They will stop altogether." Melerna blurted out, now crying.
Everyone gasped when she said it. No one could, no one would, believe that Hitomi could be taken away so easily.
"She's a fighter! She won't give up without a fight!" Merle screamed as riviers of tears fell down her face an on to Van's motionless body. "Van will bring her back!"
"She's right! Remember, this has happened before and she pulled through." Allen stated.
"Not only did the little lady pull through, but she pulled the young prince through as well." The mole man mentioned with is usual voice.
"He's got a point. Let's just pray they make it back to us." Prince Chid said in his wise, yet sweet, voice.
"Right." Chris said and everyone seemed to agree.
___________________________________
"Hitomi? What's wrong with you?" Van asked, holding Hitomi.
"Bringing you here, even though I didn't mean to, must have taken a lot out of me. We need to go back so I can regain my strength, or I'll..." Hitomi stopped herself. 'I don't want Van to worry.' Hitomi thought.
"Worry about what?" Van asked.
"Oh, I forgot you could read my thoughts. It's nothing, just, let's go back." Hitomi said weakly.
"Yes, let's go back now." Van said. When he did, a bright light appeared above them. "Is that the way out?"
"Um hum." was Hitomi's only reply.
"Then that's where we're going." Van said. With a snap, he sprouted his wings and flew them both into the light.
(Head towards the light. *^_^* Hee hee.)
__________________________________
Hitomi and Van woke up to a silent room. Hitomi was still lying in Melerna's lap and Van in Merle's.
'Why does everyone have their eyes closed? Oh, I feel like I'ne been hit by a truck!' Hitomi asked Van in her thoughts and then complained about the pain she was in.
'I don't know what a truck is, but, I'm sorry you feel like you've been hit by one. As for why everyone has their eyes closed, maybe we should ask.' Van thought back to her.
"What's wrong?" Hitomi asked everyone very weakly, but only Melerna heard.
"Hitomi! You're okay!" Melerna screamed and hugged Hitomi. With those words, everyone in the room opened their eyes.
"Lord Van! You brought her back!" Merle screamed as she hugged Van.
"Melerna, why are your eyes red?" Hitomi asked.
"Oh, I must have gotten something in my eye." Melerna replied.
"That's not true. You had us all scared out of our minds! We thought you were going to die. Your pulse and heartbeat were so vague they were practically non-existent. We've all been balling our eyes out." Allen said. He was right. Everyone there showed signs of recent crying.
"Sorry." Both Van and Hitomi said in unison.
"There's nothing to be sorry for you two. Just, please, don't do that again." Melerna commented as she got up and walked over to Allen. "Hitomi, please, don't be mad, but Allen and I..."
"So, when's the wedding?" Hitomi cut Melerna off as she cheerfully asked the question.
"How did you know?" Melerna asked.
"Well, I did tell you that Allen was the one for you a while back, if you haven't forgotten. Plus, it came up last night before I fainted."
"You fainted last night?! Why didn't anyone tell me? Okay Hitomi. We need to do some tests, just in case it's something serious. First, we need to..."
"Melerna!" Allen interrupted her.
"Yes?" Melerna said, looking at him with loving eyes.
"Maybe we didn't tell you because we thought you would do exactly what you're doing."
"Oh." Melerna looked disappointed as she said that.
"Melerna?" Hitomi asked. Melerna turned to Hitomi with a forced smile, she was still worried about Hitomi's health.
"Yes, Hitomi?" Melerna replied.
"I just wanted to say that, normally, I don't like doctors and try to avoid them as much as possible. But if I ever think anything is wrong with me, I'll definitely come straight to you!" Hitomi said in a cheerful tone that matched her smile.
Melerna smiled a real smile, glad that her friend trusted her so much.
"I'm so glad you trust me, even though I am a doctor." Melerna stated.
"You're more like a doctress." Hitomi said with a giggle.
Everybody began to laugh.
"Doctress Princess Melerna Aston, soon to be Doctress Queen Melerna Shazar. Whether he likes it or not." Melerna said the last part under her breath so only Hitomi could hear.
"Just make sure you take care of my 'big brother' for me." Hitomi whispered back.
"You mean, you're my sister?!" Celena asked. She had been listening in.
"When I first came here, your brother mistook me for you. He's a great brother, if you ask me. You're lucky he's really yours." Hitomi commented sincerely.
"In a way, I wish he really were your brother. Then he would have never tried to make a move on you, my Hitomi." Van said as he came up behind Hitomi and wrapped his arms around her waist, while laying his head on her shoulder.
"Getting a little possessive, aren't you Van." Allen commented.
"Only soul mates, like Hitomi and I, share the bonds that we do. So, I can be possessive, right Hitomi?" Van said very sweetly.
"Uh humm." Hitomi said with her eyes closed, savoring the moment, treasuring being so close to Van. 'Whatever you say Van.'
"I'll take that as a yes." Van said so everyone could hear. 'Mine? All mine? Forever?' Van thought to Hitomi.
'All yours, forever and ever. My angel, Van.' Hitomi thought to Van.
"You two have caused enough excitement for one day. You both eat and finish your breakfast. The rest of us will be outside in the garden, we've got a lot of catching up to do and we need to sort everything out for you Hitomi." Melerna stated.
"Plus it looks like you two need some time alone." Allen added.
Even though both Hitomi and Van had their eyes closed, and didn't look like they were listening, they blushed.
"Let's go everyone. You heard Melerna, we need to sort things out." Merle said with her claws extended to make sure everyone understood.
"Would you like a piggy-back ride Prince Chid?" Chris asked the tired young prince.
"If you'd be so kind." Yawned the Prince.
"I'd be honored to Prince Chid." Chris replied while kneeling, letting the little boy climb on his back.
"Please call me Chid, Mr. Hubbard."
"Please, Chid, call me Chris." Both smiled at one another and Chris walked out with the others, Prince Chid on his back.
Merle brought up the back making sure everyone was out, leaving the couple alone.
When Hitomi heard the door close she opened her eyes and turned around.
"A connection between us, and only us. How much more romantic can it get?" Hitomi asked.
"Yeah, uh... Hitomi?" Van asked.
"Yeah?" Hitomi asked.
"I'm so glad you're ok! I was worried, I almost lost you in there. What happened?" Van asked.
"I used more energy then I had thought, and I was already weak from the first time. But you saved me, and I'm here now, that's all that matters." Hitomi said as she kissed Van on the cheek. "Thank you for saving me, my sweet angel."
"Angel? You call me that a lot. What does that mean?" Van asked.
"A person with wings." Hitomi explained.
"You mean a monster?" Van asked with a hurt tone.
"No, the kindest, sweetest, most heavenly creatures alive." Hitomi whispered to Van.
"Then you're my angel." Van said as they kissed again.
Hitomi broke the kiss. "We better eat. The others are waiting for us." She said.
"Let them wait!" Van whispered softly against her lips before once again taking them with his in another, passionate, kiss.
________________________
A/N: Ok, I need to catch my breath! I nearly had a heart attack! I thought I lost this chapter. Good thing I didn't! I just miss placed it that's all. *^_^* Well, here's chapter 4. When I get 5 more reviews I'll get chapter 5 up as soon as I can. *^_^* I'm warning you now, I'm not a machine so it may take a little longer then the rest that I've posted. I've got to study for exams so it may be a while. Don't worry, it wont take a month, just a week at most. Hopefully! *^_^*
Disclaimer: I don't own Escaflowne. Though I do own the characters I created, and all the attitudes! *^_^*
Chapter Four
"A magical bond."
"Merle, see if Van's heart is still beating." Melerna commanded. Merle complied.
"Yes, it is. Is Hitomi's? Melerna?" Merle asked.
"..."
"Is Hitomi's? Melerna?!" Merle repeated the question.
"It is." Melerna answered.
"Then why did it take you so long to answer?" Merle asked.
"Because it's barely there and hard to hear." Melerna answered sadly.
"Oh, no!" Merle said with tears threatening to spill out of her eyes. "No! We just got her back and we're not going to lose her now!" Merle said in a firm voice, tears now falling freely from her eyes.
"Don't worry Merle. The Seeress is strong, and I doubt that our King will let anything happen to her." the cat-man said with a comforting tone as he placed his hand on her shoulder.
"But, he's out like a burnt out candle." Merle stated, still concerned.
"They are together, in the dream world though." The cat-man commented. "The ties they have are stronger than you think. They are bound by destiny." The cat-man said in a wise voice.
"You're right Chris. I'm just worried, that's all." Merle said, giving in to Chris's words and calmness. She looked down at Van and whispered, "Come back soon and bring Hitomi back safely, Lord Van."
__________________________________
"Where am I? What's going on? What is this?!" Van questioned as he floated around the black abyss.
"Van?" he heard a familiar voice say and quickly turned to face it.
"Hitomi? What's going on?" he asked softly.
"I guess our minds became, sort of, connected, and..." Hitomi said as she started to cry.
"Don't cry Hitomi." Van comforted as he held her close.
"But it's my fault you're here. If I hadn't fainted again, we'd still be talking to everyone..." Hitomi started, but was cut off by Van.
"I'd much rather be here with you than to be in a crowded room with them."
"You don't mind being unconscious?"
"As long as I'm with you, I couldn't care less." Van said as he leaned down to kiss her.
"You know I like seeing my son happy as much as the next mother, but, why is he here?" The familiar voice spoke, once more, forcing Van and Hitomi to pull away before they could kiss. Van quickly spun around to see the speaker.
"Mo... Mother?!" Van asked with his eyes very wide.
"Yes, Van." Varie said as she nodded.
"Mother!" Van said as he ran over to Varie and embraced her.
They held one another for a little while until Varie pulled Van away. "You've grown so much, my son."
"I've missed you Mother."
"Hey, I hate to break up this touching moment, but you broke up mine, so let's just call it even. But I was wondering, why are we here?" Hitomi asked very sincerely.
"Well, I noticed you and my son were starting to bond even more than in the war. When I realized this, I thought I'd let you know, but I didn't expect you two to be this strongly bound yet." Varie explained.
"Is this why Van could hear my thoughts?" Hitomi asked as she moved closer to the two.
"Yes. People with abnormal abilities, or blood-lines, can bond with one another if they are soul mates. They can share feelings, thoughts, and in your case, dreams as well." Varie said.
Hitomi and Van looked at each other and then back at Varie, but she was gone.
"Mother? Where did you go?" Van asked.
"Maybe we should go back to everyone now Van." Hitomi said weakly as she wrapped her arms around his neck.
"Well, since you put it that way, I think we could. But wouldn't you rather stay here?" Van said with in a soft tone.
"I can't stay here much longer Van." Hitomi said, beginning to get weak in the knees.
_________________________________
"What's wrong Melerna? What's wrong with Hitomi?" Merle asked, looking over to Melerna who had a worried look on her face. She held Hitomi's wrist in her hand and Hitomi's chest to her ear.
"What's wrong? Tell me!" Merle demanded.
Melerna signed. "Hitomi's pulse is fading and so is her heartbeat. If something doesn't happen soon, they'll..." Melerna's eyes started to get teary.
"They'll what, Melerna?" Merle asked in a quiet tone, fearing the answer.
"They will stop altogether." Melerna blurted out, now crying.
Everyone gasped when she said it. No one could, no one would, believe that Hitomi could be taken away so easily.
"She's a fighter! She won't give up without a fight!" Merle screamed as riviers of tears fell down her face an on to Van's motionless body. "Van will bring her back!"
"She's right! Remember, this has happened before and she pulled through." Allen stated.
"Not only did the little lady pull through, but she pulled the young prince through as well." The mole man mentioned with is usual voice.
"He's got a point. Let's just pray they make it back to us." Prince Chid said in his wise, yet sweet, voice.
"Right." Chris said and everyone seemed to agree.
___________________________________
"Hitomi? What's wrong with you?" Van asked, holding Hitomi.
"Bringing you here, even though I didn't mean to, must have taken a lot out of me. We need to go back so I can regain my strength, or I'll..." Hitomi stopped herself. 'I don't want Van to worry.' Hitomi thought.
"Worry about what?" Van asked.
"Oh, I forgot you could read my thoughts. It's nothing, just, let's go back." Hitomi said weakly.
"Yes, let's go back now." Van said. When he did, a bright light appeared above them. "Is that the way out?"
"Um hum." was Hitomi's only reply.
"Then that's where we're going." Van said. With a snap, he sprouted his wings and flew them both into the light.
(Head towards the light. *^_^* Hee hee.)
__________________________________
Hitomi and Van woke up to a silent room. Hitomi was still lying in Melerna's lap and Van in Merle's.
'Why does everyone have their eyes closed? Oh, I feel like I'ne been hit by a truck!' Hitomi asked Van in her thoughts and then complained about the pain she was in.
'I don't know what a truck is, but, I'm sorry you feel like you've been hit by one. As for why everyone has their eyes closed, maybe we should ask.' Van thought back to her.
"What's wrong?" Hitomi asked everyone very weakly, but only Melerna heard.
"Hitomi! You're okay!" Melerna screamed and hugged Hitomi. With those words, everyone in the room opened their eyes.
"Lord Van! You brought her back!" Merle screamed as she hugged Van.
"Melerna, why are your eyes red?" Hitomi asked.
"Oh, I must have gotten something in my eye." Melerna replied.
"That's not true. You had us all scared out of our minds! We thought you were going to die. Your pulse and heartbeat were so vague they were practically non-existent. We've all been balling our eyes out." Allen said. He was right. Everyone there showed signs of recent crying.
"Sorry." Both Van and Hitomi said in unison.
"There's nothing to be sorry for you two. Just, please, don't do that again." Melerna commented as she got up and walked over to Allen. "Hitomi, please, don't be mad, but Allen and I..."
"So, when's the wedding?" Hitomi cut Melerna off as she cheerfully asked the question.
"How did you know?" Melerna asked.
"Well, I did tell you that Allen was the one for you a while back, if you haven't forgotten. Plus, it came up last night before I fainted."
"You fainted last night?! Why didn't anyone tell me? Okay Hitomi. We need to do some tests, just in case it's something serious. First, we need to..."
"Melerna!" Allen interrupted her.
"Yes?" Melerna said, looking at him with loving eyes.
"Maybe we didn't tell you because we thought you would do exactly what you're doing."
"Oh." Melerna looked disappointed as she said that.
"Melerna?" Hitomi asked. Melerna turned to Hitomi with a forced smile, she was still worried about Hitomi's health.
"Yes, Hitomi?" Melerna replied.
"I just wanted to say that, normally, I don't like doctors and try to avoid them as much as possible. But if I ever think anything is wrong with me, I'll definitely come straight to you!" Hitomi said in a cheerful tone that matched her smile.
Melerna smiled a real smile, glad that her friend trusted her so much.
"I'm so glad you trust me, even though I am a doctor." Melerna stated.
"You're more like a doctress." Hitomi said with a giggle.
Everybody began to laugh.
"Doctress Princess Melerna Aston, soon to be Doctress Queen Melerna Shazar. Whether he likes it or not." Melerna said the last part under her breath so only Hitomi could hear.
"Just make sure you take care of my 'big brother' for me." Hitomi whispered back.
"You mean, you're my sister?!" Celena asked. She had been listening in.
"When I first came here, your brother mistook me for you. He's a great brother, if you ask me. You're lucky he's really yours." Hitomi commented sincerely.
"In a way, I wish he really were your brother. Then he would have never tried to make a move on you, my Hitomi." Van said as he came up behind Hitomi and wrapped his arms around her waist, while laying his head on her shoulder.
"Getting a little possessive, aren't you Van." Allen commented.
"Only soul mates, like Hitomi and I, share the bonds that we do. So, I can be possessive, right Hitomi?" Van said very sweetly.
"Uh humm." Hitomi said with her eyes closed, savoring the moment, treasuring being so close to Van. 'Whatever you say Van.'
"I'll take that as a yes." Van said so everyone could hear. 'Mine? All mine? Forever?' Van thought to Hitomi.
'All yours, forever and ever. My angel, Van.' Hitomi thought to Van.
"You two have caused enough excitement for one day. You both eat and finish your breakfast. The rest of us will be outside in the garden, we've got a lot of catching up to do and we need to sort everything out for you Hitomi." Melerna stated.
"Plus it looks like you two need some time alone." Allen added.
Even though both Hitomi and Van had their eyes closed, and didn't look like they were listening, they blushed.
"Let's go everyone. You heard Melerna, we need to sort things out." Merle said with her claws extended to make sure everyone understood.
"Would you like a piggy-back ride Prince Chid?" Chris asked the tired young prince.
"If you'd be so kind." Yawned the Prince.
"I'd be honored to Prince Chid." Chris replied while kneeling, letting the little boy climb on his back.
"Please call me Chid, Mr. Hubbard."
"Please, Chid, call me Chris." Both smiled at one another and Chris walked out with the others, Prince Chid on his back.
Merle brought up the back making sure everyone was out, leaving the couple alone.
When Hitomi heard the door close she opened her eyes and turned around.
"A connection between us, and only us. How much more romantic can it get?" Hitomi asked.
"Yeah, uh... Hitomi?" Van asked.
"Yeah?" Hitomi asked.
"I'm so glad you're ok! I was worried, I almost lost you in there. What happened?" Van asked.
"I used more energy then I had thought, and I was already weak from the first time. But you saved me, and I'm here now, that's all that matters." Hitomi said as she kissed Van on the cheek. "Thank you for saving me, my sweet angel."
"Angel? You call me that a lot. What does that mean?" Van asked.
"A person with wings." Hitomi explained.
"You mean a monster?" Van asked with a hurt tone.
"No, the kindest, sweetest, most heavenly creatures alive." Hitomi whispered to Van.
"Then you're my angel." Van said as they kissed again.
Hitomi broke the kiss. "We better eat. The others are waiting for us." She said.
"Let them wait!" Van whispered softly against her lips before once again taking them with his in another, passionate, kiss.
________________________
A/N: Ok, I need to catch my breath! I nearly had a heart attack! I thought I lost this chapter. Good thing I didn't! I just miss placed it that's all. *^_^* Well, here's chapter 4. When I get 5 more reviews I'll get chapter 5 up as soon as I can. *^_^* I'm warning you now, I'm not a machine so it may take a little longer then the rest that I've posted. I've got to study for exams so it may be a while. Don't worry, it wont take a month, just a week at most. Hopefully! *^_^*