Love can Change You 8
A/N: I'm back! Last time, Allen and an army attacked the Vione for the sole purpose of bringing back Hitomi to win the war for them. But Van had other plans, and he tried to kill our psychic heroine! He was driven off, but she was at death's door, requiring blood to live. Blood which came from an unlikely source as Dilandau volunteered to donate. And who should arrive on the scene at this time but Merle! Amidst this chaos, what could happen next? Read and find out!
The Vione's med bay was crowded. There were lots of wounded from the battle that had to be treated. Plus the Dragonslayers were there too. They surrounded two beds in the bay: one held their fallen comrade, the other held their captain. Both were hooked up to tubes and the uninformed observer would have thought both were dying. That observer would have been wrong.
Only one was dying. The other was trying to save her life.
"The operation is ready Lord Dilandau." Viole said.
"Then proceed. No, Wait." Dilandau thought for a moment. He scanned his men before his eyes rested on Refina. One of the only two girl slayers looked on impassively and Dilandau could almost have sworn that she wanted her counterpart on the bed to live. Almost.
"I want three Slayers on guard duty at all time." He pointed them out. "Chesta, Gatti, and Miguel". There. With those three on guard duty and Viole on medical patrol, any attempts at foul play should be strangled handily. "While I'm out of it, no one slacks off, you got that? Or they answer to me!" He waited for the 'Yes Lord Dilandau's. "What are you waiting for?" He growled. "Get on with it!"
Viole stepped forward and put his General under. The gas took affect quickly, and soon the fearsome Dilandau slept like a baby. A pair of nurses on the side advanced and prepared a needle. The needle was connected to a long tube that was hooked up to Hitomi's arm. Soon, blood could be seen dripping down the tube, and into her wrist. Viole looked up. "Its going as expected. You can all clear out now.
The Dragonslayers filed out. Last to leave was Refina. Chesta eyed her suspiciously. Seeing his look, Gatti laughed. "Oh come on! Not even Refina would disobey a direct order from Lord Dilandau!"
Miguel was dubious. "I don't know. If anyone would, it'd be Refina."
"And if anyone would try to kill Hitomi, it'd be her!" Viole chimed in.
"That's what we're here for. Listen: Every one of us dies, before harm comes to them. Our lives mean nothing to prevent that. Understand?" The others looked at Chesta in astonishment. His jaw was set and purpose was in his eyes. He looked like he was protecting his own sister. Which, in a sense, he was. Miguel nodded slowly.
"We'd better set up watches. We don't all want to fall asleep at once. I'll take first with Chesta, and you two rest for a while." Nods of acknowledgement. The two o first watch sat by the patients, while the other two tried to get some sleep.
It was going to be a long night.
***
Folken was deep in thought.
The invaders had been chased off, damage assesment was under way, and he had rescued his bread before it was burned. Everything was as it should be. But something was bothering him. Two somethings actually. Questions that ran round and around his head like rats, gnawing, and gnawing, and gnawing.
How did Van know where to find the Vione?
How did he know that Hitomi was onboard?
Frustrated, he got up and began to pace the halls of his airship. His footsteps echoed along the empty corridors and the echoes seemed to whisper to him 'How? How? How?' He sharply turned on his heel. He needed to relax. And he thought he knew how to do it.
A report had come in, and Folken had been astonished to hear of its contents. No, astonished was not the right word. He had dropped his teapot, spilling the contents across the floor of his quarters.
It seemed that Zaibach soldiers had captured Merle. Guimel to be more precise.
Folken smiled at the thought of seeing his little sister again. How long had it been? Ten years, that was it. 'I wonder how she's changed?' It would be nice to reminisce with someone from Fanelia.
"Is something troubling you lord Folken?"
The strategos turned at the voices in unison. Two leopard girls stood at attention, one gold, and one silver. "Ah! Naria. Eriya. How are you today?"
"We are well lord Folken." They spoke, again in unison. Then Eriya added, "It's too bad though. They wouldn't let us near the battle."
"Perhaps that's for the best."
Naria cocked her head. "How do you mean?"
"One of the Dragonslayers was hurt badly during the fighting. They're giving her blood as we speak."
The twins glanced at each other. "Her? That new girl got hurt?"
Folken nodded. "That's why I wanted you to out of the battle. With the prejudices most people feel for your kind, they'd go after you more than the others."
Naria stood up straighter. "They wouldn't lay a finger on me Lord Folken. I wouldn't let them!"
He chuckled. Naria always had been the feistier of the two. Eriya elbowed her sister. "He's just looking out for us, sister. He doesn't want us to get hurt." Naria thought about that and nodded. Eriya added, "We're his only family left."
"Speaking of family, I want to introduce you to someone." He had their attention. "My sister". Eriya's face faulted and Naria laughed. "No family left, eh?"
Ignoring her sister, Eriya stared at Folken. "I thought your brother was all that was left."
Folken nodded. "He is. Merle is my adopted sister. My family found her when she was a baby, and she's been with the family since. It's been ten years since I last saw her though."
"And you're worried about how she'll have changed?" Folken gave in to Eriya's perceptions and nodded. "Just be yourself. It worked on us, didn't it?"
Folken smiled. "It did. And you have more in common with her than me, you know. She's a cat girl too."
***
Merle shivered. She'd been in this cell since just after the attack. What on Gaea had persuaded her to leave the Crusade? 'Concern for Lord Van I guess. He hasn't been the same since last night."
Her stomach growled loudly, interrupting her thoughts. She glared down at it. "Quiet. Let me think!" She hissed. She hadn't eaten since last night, and was famished.
Sighing, the captive cat girl curled up on the hard floor and tried to sleep. It was no use; her stomach was just too loud. Getting up, she walked over to the barred doors of her cells. "Hey!" She yelled. "If anyone's there, I'd like some food please!" No answer came, but the door opened. Merle jumped back as a tall man in a black cloak entered. He smiled. "Food, as ordered". He said, and held up a covered tray which, hopefully, contained food. Merle didn't think about that though. Her eyes were fixed on the face that brought the food and her mind struggled to remember where she'd seen him before.
A/N: I believe Merle never actually saw Folken until he switched sides.
Suddenly it hit her. A voice from the past came to her. "If you watch that sharp tongue of yours, you'll cut yourself." It said. Her eyes widened. It couldn't be! He was dead! She looked into his eyes. Tentatively, she asked, "Folken? Is that you?"
The silver haired man nodded, and opened his mouth to speak. That was as far as he got. The overly excited cat girl had launched herself at him with a glad cry. "Oh, it's so good to see you! How have you been? What happened to you? Where did you go? What happened to your arm? Why didn't you come back home?"
"Whoa, whoa! One at a time!" Folken laughed. "First I'd like to introduce you to some friends of mine!" He beckoned towards the door and Merle was surprised to see to lithe cat women walk in. The silver one- stepped forward, bowing. "Hello. My name's Naria." " And I'm Eriya." The gold one added. In unison, they said, "Any friend of Folken's is a friend of ours."
"And I'm Merle. Nice to meet you!" The three shook hands. Folken set down the tray and Merle's eyes lit when she saw the contents. Food! Delicious food! She barely heard Folken say "Eat as much as you want. We've eaten already." The cyborg nearly lost his other arm as Merle lunged forward.
While she ate, Folken told her what happened the day of the dragon. "...And so, I joined Zaibach." At this, Merle nearly died choking on a piece of cheese and Naria had to hit her on the back.
When she could breath again, Merle gasped. "You joined Zaibach???" Folken nodded gravely. "I felt that I owed something to Dornkirk, to the people of Zaibach."
"But...but why? Why would you destroy your own country?"
Folken seemed to age 20 years at the question. Eriya scowled. "He didn't destroy Fanaelia! Dilandau was in charge! Lord Folken specifically ordered him not to destroy it!" Her sister nodded emphatically and Merle felt ashamed.
"I'm sorry." She whispered. "I didn't know." He didn't answer, so she continued. "All I remember is that Van said you did it. I should've known better."
Folken looked up at her. "It's alright Merle. You couldn't have known." He gave a small smile. "So, what's Van up to these days?"
Merle trembled at the question, and Folken didn't know what he'd said. Her tail twitched and she clung to her dress. "Is something wrong? Did something happen to Van?"
"Yes. Well.I don't know. Yesterday he was so normal."
"And what about today?" Folken persisted.
Like a dam, her words spilled out.
"Well, like I said. Yesterday he was so normal. He was all worried about Hitomi, but he said to me, 'It's her choice. I will not chain her down.' And things seemed to be fine. But then Allen finds out about where she is. The Gods alone know how he figured it out. But then, he says that she joined Zaibach, and that they should go get her back. Van didn't like the fact that she was with Zaibach, but he refused to agree with it. He would let her decide for herself. Allen said that she could win the war for them. That got Van really mad. 'She's not some tool, some weapon for you to manipulate!' he yelled, 'And she's most definitely not a slave to be chased after for having a will of her own.' Then he stormed off." Merle licked her lips nervously, and Folken urged her to go on.
"Later that night, I was out on the roof thinking. I remembered the fight earlier and decided to go cheer Van up. I headed over to his room. But when I stuck my head down to look in through the balcony door", She shivered. "I saw him being held to the ground. A weird shape was holding him down. I was about to yell for help when 'it' took a needle from its robes, and stuck it into Lord Van's arm. His face went all rigid and I watched the fluid drain into him. Then his face hardened, and the kindness left him. I was scared so I ran." Merle hung her head. "The next day, he was pushing for an attack on you."
Folken was quiet for a moment. It all added up! It was so blindingly obvious, that he smacked himself in the head, causing the cat women to stare. "Of course! THAT'S how they did it!"
"Heh?"
"Huh?"
"Say what?"
"A spy!" He was up and pacing, he was so worked up. "A traitor, to be more precise. But who could it be? Anyone would know where the Vione was. And everyone DID know that Hitomi was here. But why would anyone of Zaibach want to betray their own country?"
"Money?" Merle added helpfully.
Folken shook his head. "No, the people here know what would happen to them if they were caught. Money is too low."
"Power?" Naria chimed in. "Position? Prestige?"
Folken shook his head again. "No. The backers behind this wouldn't trust a traitor with power."
"Family?"
"No".
"Political issues?"
"No".
"A practical joke?"
"I'm not going to dignify that with an answer."
Suddenly Eriya cried out, "Revenge!"
Folken whirled. "Brilliant!"
Merle shook her head. "But who would want revenge against Hitomi?"
Folken smiled. "Oh, I think I know that."
***
Hitomi drifted in a (by now) familiar world. 'I'm about to have another vision.' Was her thought.
She intently watched as the mist parted, revealing a room she knew well. It was the main banquet hall in the castle at Palas. It was empty, except for Van, Allen, and Merle. Allen was talking.
"Van, this is it! We could get her back! She could win this war for us!"
Van just looked at him sourly. "And for that, you're willing to go after her? To drag her back here in chains, if necessary?" Allen nodded. "I won't go along with it. I may not love her, but I respect her decisions. And if YOU love her, like you claim, then you will too."
Allen shook his head frustrated. "I do love her. That's why we've got to get her back. They've already twisted her to their plans. I have it from a source that she's joined their army. That she wears their uniform!"
Merle jumped in shock, and fiddled with her tail. Van wasn't impressed. "So?"
Allen just stared. "So? That's your response? She's on the other side!"
Van glared harshly. "And that's where she will remain. Unless she, and nobody else, chooses otherwise". He sighed and pulled at his hair in frustration. "Look Allen. I'm not thrilled about it either. But lets face it: Bringing her back against her wishes is kidnapping. And if she is a Zaibach soldier, then kidnapping her will be an act of war."
"We're already at war with Zaibach!"
"Not officially. Do you know how bad it will look to the other countries if we started a war without first signing a hundred declarations first?" Van shook his head. "Look, I can't stop you from going. But if you do, then I'm not."
Allen scowled. "She IS on the other side. And that makes her the enemy! If she's not with us, she's against us. And her powers make her a dangerous weapon. We can not in logic allow Zaibach to control that weapon." Allen would have said more, but Van was on him instantly, hands twisting his collar so that it cut off his air supply.
"Let's get one thing straight!" Van growled in absolute fury. "She's not some tool, some weapon for you to manipulate! And she's most definitely not a slave to be chased after for having a will of her own!" He twisted Allen's collar further. "Now, I don't care whether or not you profess to love her, but you will not hurt her. Got it?" With one final twist, he stormed out of the room, leaving a very stunned Merle, and a half- asphyxiated knight.
Hitomi thought as the mists clouded her again. What the hell? One minute Van was trying to kill her, but a minute later, a vision was showing her that he was as normal as ever.
Her thoughts focused back on the visions as the mists parted again. This time, they were in Van's room. He was pacing back and forth across the rug, muttering obscenities. Hitomi smiled at the familiar sight.
Suddenly she felt cold. He wasn't alone. 'Van! Look out!' He didn't here her cry and continued pacing. The icy feeling grew colder, and she would have been shaking if she weren't in a vision. She looked on, fear tightening her heart. Something was going to happen.
Something happened. A shadow leaped from the wall, and Hitomi could only watch in horror as the shape pulled out a syringe. As it injected the fluid into Van's arm and his struggles grew weaker, he managed to swipe a hand across the face, grabbing off the mask. Then his face grew into the face Hitomi recognised from the hangar.
The figure slowly moved its mask back in place. But it was too late. Hitomi knew the figure who had betrayed the Vione and tried to kill her.
"Refina".
Then all was a blackness that lightened as she woke up.
When she woke up, she found a sword pointed at her throat. Following the blade led her to a pair of blue eyes.
"I said I'd pay you back bitch. And I meant it."
A/N: Holy Escaflowne! This is very bad! What happened to the guards? How will Hitomi get out of this? Will Refina actually kill her? Since you all know me, NOT BLOODY LIKELY!!!!! Read on to find out. Same story, same web page!
(Batman theme song, but 'Batman' is replaced by 'Escaflowne')
Terms I would like translated:
Shimatta Diago Tenkuu Bishounen Bishoujo Konnichiwa
A/N: I'm back! Last time, Allen and an army attacked the Vione for the sole purpose of bringing back Hitomi to win the war for them. But Van had other plans, and he tried to kill our psychic heroine! He was driven off, but she was at death's door, requiring blood to live. Blood which came from an unlikely source as Dilandau volunteered to donate. And who should arrive on the scene at this time but Merle! Amidst this chaos, what could happen next? Read and find out!
The Vione's med bay was crowded. There were lots of wounded from the battle that had to be treated. Plus the Dragonslayers were there too. They surrounded two beds in the bay: one held their fallen comrade, the other held their captain. Both were hooked up to tubes and the uninformed observer would have thought both were dying. That observer would have been wrong.
Only one was dying. The other was trying to save her life.
"The operation is ready Lord Dilandau." Viole said.
"Then proceed. No, Wait." Dilandau thought for a moment. He scanned his men before his eyes rested on Refina. One of the only two girl slayers looked on impassively and Dilandau could almost have sworn that she wanted her counterpart on the bed to live. Almost.
"I want three Slayers on guard duty at all time." He pointed them out. "Chesta, Gatti, and Miguel". There. With those three on guard duty and Viole on medical patrol, any attempts at foul play should be strangled handily. "While I'm out of it, no one slacks off, you got that? Or they answer to me!" He waited for the 'Yes Lord Dilandau's. "What are you waiting for?" He growled. "Get on with it!"
Viole stepped forward and put his General under. The gas took affect quickly, and soon the fearsome Dilandau slept like a baby. A pair of nurses on the side advanced and prepared a needle. The needle was connected to a long tube that was hooked up to Hitomi's arm. Soon, blood could be seen dripping down the tube, and into her wrist. Viole looked up. "Its going as expected. You can all clear out now.
The Dragonslayers filed out. Last to leave was Refina. Chesta eyed her suspiciously. Seeing his look, Gatti laughed. "Oh come on! Not even Refina would disobey a direct order from Lord Dilandau!"
Miguel was dubious. "I don't know. If anyone would, it'd be Refina."
"And if anyone would try to kill Hitomi, it'd be her!" Viole chimed in.
"That's what we're here for. Listen: Every one of us dies, before harm comes to them. Our lives mean nothing to prevent that. Understand?" The others looked at Chesta in astonishment. His jaw was set and purpose was in his eyes. He looked like he was protecting his own sister. Which, in a sense, he was. Miguel nodded slowly.
"We'd better set up watches. We don't all want to fall asleep at once. I'll take first with Chesta, and you two rest for a while." Nods of acknowledgement. The two o first watch sat by the patients, while the other two tried to get some sleep.
It was going to be a long night.
***
Folken was deep in thought.
The invaders had been chased off, damage assesment was under way, and he had rescued his bread before it was burned. Everything was as it should be. But something was bothering him. Two somethings actually. Questions that ran round and around his head like rats, gnawing, and gnawing, and gnawing.
How did Van know where to find the Vione?
How did he know that Hitomi was onboard?
Frustrated, he got up and began to pace the halls of his airship. His footsteps echoed along the empty corridors and the echoes seemed to whisper to him 'How? How? How?' He sharply turned on his heel. He needed to relax. And he thought he knew how to do it.
A report had come in, and Folken had been astonished to hear of its contents. No, astonished was not the right word. He had dropped his teapot, spilling the contents across the floor of his quarters.
It seemed that Zaibach soldiers had captured Merle. Guimel to be more precise.
Folken smiled at the thought of seeing his little sister again. How long had it been? Ten years, that was it. 'I wonder how she's changed?' It would be nice to reminisce with someone from Fanelia.
"Is something troubling you lord Folken?"
The strategos turned at the voices in unison. Two leopard girls stood at attention, one gold, and one silver. "Ah! Naria. Eriya. How are you today?"
"We are well lord Folken." They spoke, again in unison. Then Eriya added, "It's too bad though. They wouldn't let us near the battle."
"Perhaps that's for the best."
Naria cocked her head. "How do you mean?"
"One of the Dragonslayers was hurt badly during the fighting. They're giving her blood as we speak."
The twins glanced at each other. "Her? That new girl got hurt?"
Folken nodded. "That's why I wanted you to out of the battle. With the prejudices most people feel for your kind, they'd go after you more than the others."
Naria stood up straighter. "They wouldn't lay a finger on me Lord Folken. I wouldn't let them!"
He chuckled. Naria always had been the feistier of the two. Eriya elbowed her sister. "He's just looking out for us, sister. He doesn't want us to get hurt." Naria thought about that and nodded. Eriya added, "We're his only family left."
"Speaking of family, I want to introduce you to someone." He had their attention. "My sister". Eriya's face faulted and Naria laughed. "No family left, eh?"
Ignoring her sister, Eriya stared at Folken. "I thought your brother was all that was left."
Folken nodded. "He is. Merle is my adopted sister. My family found her when she was a baby, and she's been with the family since. It's been ten years since I last saw her though."
"And you're worried about how she'll have changed?" Folken gave in to Eriya's perceptions and nodded. "Just be yourself. It worked on us, didn't it?"
Folken smiled. "It did. And you have more in common with her than me, you know. She's a cat girl too."
***
Merle shivered. She'd been in this cell since just after the attack. What on Gaea had persuaded her to leave the Crusade? 'Concern for Lord Van I guess. He hasn't been the same since last night."
Her stomach growled loudly, interrupting her thoughts. She glared down at it. "Quiet. Let me think!" She hissed. She hadn't eaten since last night, and was famished.
Sighing, the captive cat girl curled up on the hard floor and tried to sleep. It was no use; her stomach was just too loud. Getting up, she walked over to the barred doors of her cells. "Hey!" She yelled. "If anyone's there, I'd like some food please!" No answer came, but the door opened. Merle jumped back as a tall man in a black cloak entered. He smiled. "Food, as ordered". He said, and held up a covered tray which, hopefully, contained food. Merle didn't think about that though. Her eyes were fixed on the face that brought the food and her mind struggled to remember where she'd seen him before.
A/N: I believe Merle never actually saw Folken until he switched sides.
Suddenly it hit her. A voice from the past came to her. "If you watch that sharp tongue of yours, you'll cut yourself." It said. Her eyes widened. It couldn't be! He was dead! She looked into his eyes. Tentatively, she asked, "Folken? Is that you?"
The silver haired man nodded, and opened his mouth to speak. That was as far as he got. The overly excited cat girl had launched herself at him with a glad cry. "Oh, it's so good to see you! How have you been? What happened to you? Where did you go? What happened to your arm? Why didn't you come back home?"
"Whoa, whoa! One at a time!" Folken laughed. "First I'd like to introduce you to some friends of mine!" He beckoned towards the door and Merle was surprised to see to lithe cat women walk in. The silver one- stepped forward, bowing. "Hello. My name's Naria." " And I'm Eriya." The gold one added. In unison, they said, "Any friend of Folken's is a friend of ours."
"And I'm Merle. Nice to meet you!" The three shook hands. Folken set down the tray and Merle's eyes lit when she saw the contents. Food! Delicious food! She barely heard Folken say "Eat as much as you want. We've eaten already." The cyborg nearly lost his other arm as Merle lunged forward.
While she ate, Folken told her what happened the day of the dragon. "...And so, I joined Zaibach." At this, Merle nearly died choking on a piece of cheese and Naria had to hit her on the back.
When she could breath again, Merle gasped. "You joined Zaibach???" Folken nodded gravely. "I felt that I owed something to Dornkirk, to the people of Zaibach."
"But...but why? Why would you destroy your own country?"
Folken seemed to age 20 years at the question. Eriya scowled. "He didn't destroy Fanaelia! Dilandau was in charge! Lord Folken specifically ordered him not to destroy it!" Her sister nodded emphatically and Merle felt ashamed.
"I'm sorry." She whispered. "I didn't know." He didn't answer, so she continued. "All I remember is that Van said you did it. I should've known better."
Folken looked up at her. "It's alright Merle. You couldn't have known." He gave a small smile. "So, what's Van up to these days?"
Merle trembled at the question, and Folken didn't know what he'd said. Her tail twitched and she clung to her dress. "Is something wrong? Did something happen to Van?"
"Yes. Well.I don't know. Yesterday he was so normal."
"And what about today?" Folken persisted.
Like a dam, her words spilled out.
"Well, like I said. Yesterday he was so normal. He was all worried about Hitomi, but he said to me, 'It's her choice. I will not chain her down.' And things seemed to be fine. But then Allen finds out about where she is. The Gods alone know how he figured it out. But then, he says that she joined Zaibach, and that they should go get her back. Van didn't like the fact that she was with Zaibach, but he refused to agree with it. He would let her decide for herself. Allen said that she could win the war for them. That got Van really mad. 'She's not some tool, some weapon for you to manipulate!' he yelled, 'And she's most definitely not a slave to be chased after for having a will of her own.' Then he stormed off." Merle licked her lips nervously, and Folken urged her to go on.
"Later that night, I was out on the roof thinking. I remembered the fight earlier and decided to go cheer Van up. I headed over to his room. But when I stuck my head down to look in through the balcony door", She shivered. "I saw him being held to the ground. A weird shape was holding him down. I was about to yell for help when 'it' took a needle from its robes, and stuck it into Lord Van's arm. His face went all rigid and I watched the fluid drain into him. Then his face hardened, and the kindness left him. I was scared so I ran." Merle hung her head. "The next day, he was pushing for an attack on you."
Folken was quiet for a moment. It all added up! It was so blindingly obvious, that he smacked himself in the head, causing the cat women to stare. "Of course! THAT'S how they did it!"
"Heh?"
"Huh?"
"Say what?"
"A spy!" He was up and pacing, he was so worked up. "A traitor, to be more precise. But who could it be? Anyone would know where the Vione was. And everyone DID know that Hitomi was here. But why would anyone of Zaibach want to betray their own country?"
"Money?" Merle added helpfully.
Folken shook his head. "No, the people here know what would happen to them if they were caught. Money is too low."
"Power?" Naria chimed in. "Position? Prestige?"
Folken shook his head again. "No. The backers behind this wouldn't trust a traitor with power."
"Family?"
"No".
"Political issues?"
"No".
"A practical joke?"
"I'm not going to dignify that with an answer."
Suddenly Eriya cried out, "Revenge!"
Folken whirled. "Brilliant!"
Merle shook her head. "But who would want revenge against Hitomi?"
Folken smiled. "Oh, I think I know that."
***
Hitomi drifted in a (by now) familiar world. 'I'm about to have another vision.' Was her thought.
She intently watched as the mist parted, revealing a room she knew well. It was the main banquet hall in the castle at Palas. It was empty, except for Van, Allen, and Merle. Allen was talking.
"Van, this is it! We could get her back! She could win this war for us!"
Van just looked at him sourly. "And for that, you're willing to go after her? To drag her back here in chains, if necessary?" Allen nodded. "I won't go along with it. I may not love her, but I respect her decisions. And if YOU love her, like you claim, then you will too."
Allen shook his head frustrated. "I do love her. That's why we've got to get her back. They've already twisted her to their plans. I have it from a source that she's joined their army. That she wears their uniform!"
Merle jumped in shock, and fiddled with her tail. Van wasn't impressed. "So?"
Allen just stared. "So? That's your response? She's on the other side!"
Van glared harshly. "And that's where she will remain. Unless she, and nobody else, chooses otherwise". He sighed and pulled at his hair in frustration. "Look Allen. I'm not thrilled about it either. But lets face it: Bringing her back against her wishes is kidnapping. And if she is a Zaibach soldier, then kidnapping her will be an act of war."
"We're already at war with Zaibach!"
"Not officially. Do you know how bad it will look to the other countries if we started a war without first signing a hundred declarations first?" Van shook his head. "Look, I can't stop you from going. But if you do, then I'm not."
Allen scowled. "She IS on the other side. And that makes her the enemy! If she's not with us, she's against us. And her powers make her a dangerous weapon. We can not in logic allow Zaibach to control that weapon." Allen would have said more, but Van was on him instantly, hands twisting his collar so that it cut off his air supply.
"Let's get one thing straight!" Van growled in absolute fury. "She's not some tool, some weapon for you to manipulate! And she's most definitely not a slave to be chased after for having a will of her own!" He twisted Allen's collar further. "Now, I don't care whether or not you profess to love her, but you will not hurt her. Got it?" With one final twist, he stormed out of the room, leaving a very stunned Merle, and a half- asphyxiated knight.
Hitomi thought as the mists clouded her again. What the hell? One minute Van was trying to kill her, but a minute later, a vision was showing her that he was as normal as ever.
Her thoughts focused back on the visions as the mists parted again. This time, they were in Van's room. He was pacing back and forth across the rug, muttering obscenities. Hitomi smiled at the familiar sight.
Suddenly she felt cold. He wasn't alone. 'Van! Look out!' He didn't here her cry and continued pacing. The icy feeling grew colder, and she would have been shaking if she weren't in a vision. She looked on, fear tightening her heart. Something was going to happen.
Something happened. A shadow leaped from the wall, and Hitomi could only watch in horror as the shape pulled out a syringe. As it injected the fluid into Van's arm and his struggles grew weaker, he managed to swipe a hand across the face, grabbing off the mask. Then his face grew into the face Hitomi recognised from the hangar.
The figure slowly moved its mask back in place. But it was too late. Hitomi knew the figure who had betrayed the Vione and tried to kill her.
"Refina".
Then all was a blackness that lightened as she woke up.
When she woke up, she found a sword pointed at her throat. Following the blade led her to a pair of blue eyes.
"I said I'd pay you back bitch. And I meant it."
A/N: Holy Escaflowne! This is very bad! What happened to the guards? How will Hitomi get out of this? Will Refina actually kill her? Since you all know me, NOT BLOODY LIKELY!!!!! Read on to find out. Same story, same web page!
(Batman theme song, but 'Batman' is replaced by 'Escaflowne')
Terms I would like translated:
Shimatta Diago Tenkuu Bishounen Bishoujo Konnichiwa