The Ties That Bind
By Siren
A.N.- Hey!!!! Thanks for those sweet reviews, I really appreciate them. You guys are awesome. Jenn, AKA 'StarSky', thank you SO MUCH for loading these chapters for me. And for those sweet people that reviewed, this chapter is dedicated to you. Enjoy, minna-san! ^_^ _______________________________________________________________________
CHAPTER 4 REFLECTIONS IN THE STARS
I open my eyes, and realize that the screams have stopped, and the wieght has been lifted off of me. The sky is clear, and I'm alone. "How are you feeling?" Guess I was wrong about the alone part. I turn my head towards the voice. It's Van, and he looks terrible. Cuts and bruises cover the visible parts of his body. His hair is hanging infront of his eyes, but I know they're filled with unspoken pain. Behind him is the mecha, Escaflowne. It's massive in size. The series really didn't do it justice. "Escaflowne..." I whisper. Van looks up, startled. "What?" My eyes widen as I realize what I said. "Um, nothing." I attempt to sit up, by a sharp pain siezes my side. Wincing, I touch the tender skin. I feel something bulky, and lift my shirt to find a bandage. Hey guys, it's on my upper abdomen, I didn't flash Van or anything...yet. :::mischevious grin::: "You're bleeding internally. I wouldn't be surprised if you had a few broken ribs. Don't move around a lot," he tells me. I shake my head, trying to clear it of fatigue. I wipe my eyes with my hands, and realize the condition I'm in. My side is badly bruised, and my left arm is bleeding. I have a cut above my right eye, but the blood is dry. I look over at Van, sympathy in my eyes. "How are you?" I ask. Van shruggs. "Better than you are." I sigh. Though I already know what happened to Fanalia, I want to hear it from him. "What happened?" I ask softly. Van was silent for a moment, than looked at me. "They attacked. Just like you said they would. I was just crowned king, and then...Zaibach attacked. My mentor, Balgous, was killed. He told me to take Escaflowne and find you. The roof had fallen in, and you were under it. I almost didn't get you out in time," he explains. I can hear the anger and regret in his voice. "I should've listened to you. If I had...than my people wouldn't be scattered to the winds as they are now. And besides that, you are my responsibility, and you were almost killed," he babbles. My face softens, and I place my hand over his. His hands are gloved, but I can feel them tense for a moment, than relax under my touch. "Van, even if you had listened to me, it would've been too late. There was nothing you could do. And you're still their king. They need you to be strong," I say. Van looks at me from under his bangs. I smile gently, and close my eyes. "Where's Merle?" I ask sleepily. I can feel Van tense. Than I remember. Van doesn't meet up with Merle until we reach Asturia. "She...I couldn't find her. I don't know what I'm going to do if she's..." he can't finish the sentence. "Don't worry. You'll see her again. She's fine," I assure him. Looking up at the moon, and at my home, I feel a new sence of determination and responsibility. I have to knowledge to save these people. I can help them. And I will. Fanalia is in ruins because of me. And I won't let it happen again. I won't let any more people die. Not if I can help it. Closing my eyes, I let sleep claim me. ~ ~ ~
I feel someone shake my shoulders gently, and open my eyes to see Van's staring into mine. I like waking up to his face. It's comforting. "Morning," he says with a slight smile. I smile back, and sit up. The pain is worse, but I bear it. "Does it hurt?" he asks. I nodd, but shrugg. "I can handle it." He supports me and helps me stand. I look around, wondering which way Allen's castle was. (Allen did call it his 'castle', right? I lost that DVD disk, and I'm trying to find it.) I hear a twig snap behind us, and look over my shoulder. I see something shine, and narrow my eyes. I think it's the mole-man, but I can't be sure. I hear a low chuckle, and Van turns around. "Who's there?!" he calls. Something flashes by us, and slams into me. My eyes shut tightly in pain. I gasp, holding my side. I can hear Van unsheathing his sword. I slide to my knees, trying not to pass out from the pain. I grimace, and force my eyes open. My head is spinning, and I see Van fighting someone. The enemy has knocked the sword from his grasp, and has shoved Van away. The creature advances toward me, and I can see he is the mole-man. If the situation had not been so grave, I would've laughed. He raises his hand to strike me, and I hear Van call out my name. Waiting for the blow to come, I think of my family and friends. I was so stupid to think that I could survive Gaea, let alone change things. I slowly open my eyes, noticing that I'm still alive. A tall man is standing infront of me, and the mole-man is on the ground. He has long blonde hair, and an owl is resting on his shoulder. It's Allen Schezar. The 'heavenly knight'. Heh. I think he looks like a girl, but he just saved my life, so I'm thankful. "Are you alright miss?" he asks. I cock an eyebrow. "Not in the least. Is Van okay?" Allen looks at Van trying to stand, and nodds. "He'll be fine," he tells me. I nodd, and grasp my side. I stand, and sway. I feel a hand grab onto my arm and lean me against its' form. "Van?" I murmer. I look up to see Allen smiling at me gently. Don't worry. I am NOT an Allen fan. Ick. "Let go of her!" Van yells. I look at him. He has picked up his sword, and is holding it angrily. "She is injured and needs immidiet medical attention. I can help," Allen explains. Van doesn't seem to be buying it, because his grip on his sword tightens. I don't think I can stay concious much longer. "Sheathe your sword, or I will be forced to take action," the knight warns. Van's stance doesn't waver. Instead, the young king rushes at Allen, sword raised. Allen kicks Van's sword away, turning to block me from any potential harm. Still supporting me with one arm, he withdraws his sword and strikes Van with it. My eyes widen. "Van!" I scream, reaching out a hand to him. Van falls to the ground limply. I push away from my captor, and fall to my knees next to him. "Van?" He doesn't respond. Allen takes a step towards us, and I quickly snatch Van's sword form the ground. I hold it infront of me, trying to stay awake. "Get away from us," I seethe. Allen ignores me. "You're hurt," he states softly. My eyes narrow. "Take one step closer, and you'll be in a lot more pain than I am," I threaten. Allen reaches a hand out to me. If I act quickly enough, I can remove it from his arm. But I can barely hold up the sword, let alone use it. I feel the exhaustion catch up with me, and begin to cry. The day's events are creeping into my mind, and I feel guilt swell inside of my heart. I drop the sword, and look down at Van's unconcious form. I brush his bangs out of his closed eyes, and bury my face in my hands. I hear Allen kneel infront of me. I lift my face up, knowing I must look like death. "Please make it stop," I beg. Allen puts a hand on my shoulder, and I pass out. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Unnn...I groan, and open my eyes. It's night-time now, and I hear male voices whispering. I only recognize one of them. Allen. "Look who's up," one of the other men say. I frown, and sit up. The pain is a little better, but still bad. "I wouldn't move around much if I were you. We gave you a seditive for the pain, but you'll have to wait for professional help," he tells me. I roll my eyes and throw my legs off the side of the bed. "Thank God you're not me," I say sarcastically. Allen smirks. He watches in amusement as I stand up, and sway a bit. Forcing my body to keep it's composure, I turn to face the man that 'saved' me. "Where's Van?" I ask, not bothering to make small-talk. He smiles. "Van is in the healer's chambers. His wounds were suffinciently less traumatic than your's. You can see him soon." I nodd. Thank God for small favors. I make my way over to the window, and catch one of Allen's crew looking at me. It's Gaddess. My eyes narrow. "What're you looking at?" I ask. He quickly averts his gaze. As I near the window, a wave of nausea sweeps over me, and I lean against the wall for support. Allen approaches me. Great, just what I need: a play- boy knight with the longest hair I've ever seen. Ick. "My name is Allen Schezar, and you don't need to be afraid anymore. You are under my protection," he assures me. I smirk. "Whoever said I was afraid?" Allen looks as though he's thinking of another way to get me to lower my defenses. He shouldn't waste his time. It's not gonna happen. "What's your name?" he asks. "Nicole. But my friends call me Nikki," I tell him. "Well, Nik--" he starts, but I cut him off. "I said my FRIENDS can call me that. You're not my friend, so you can call me by my full name. If you've forgotten it already due to the fact that your hair may be taking up a ton of brain space, it's 'Nicole'." He stares at me in shock, which is fine with me. I didn't like him in the series, and I didn't like him now. I hear his crew snicker, and I smile. "Well than, 'Nicole', can you tell me how you got injured?" Hmm...should I tell him the truth? Ah, why not. "A roof fell on me," I say boredly. "A roof? That's one I haven't heard before. Was the roof in need of repairs?" Obviously my disgusted stare isn't giving this guy a clue. "No. Zaibach attacked Fanalia, and they hit the room I was in. So, because of that, the roof fell in. If you don't understand that, I'll gladly repeat it more slowly for you." More snickers.
"My lady, have I said anything to offend you? From the way you are talking to me, I feel as though I've done something wrong." I groan, and roll my eyes. I know everything this guy has done. I could really mess with his mind if I wanted to. But I suppose that would be cruel. "No, Allen, you've done nothing wrong. Just let me see Van." Allen nodds, and motions for his guards to bring someone in. Van enters the room, and I feel like glomping him. He's okay! Well...duh. Of course he is. He sees me, and his eyes brighten a bit. I smile and rush over to him, temporarily forgetting that I'm still bleeding internally. I touch his arm, searching for any new wounds. "Are you okay?" I ask. He smiles slightly, and nodds. "I'm fine. You're the one who's still hurt. Are you okay?" I nodd. "I'm fine. A little woozy, but I'll live." I hear Allen clear his throat behind me, and I groan and roll my eyes. Van looks at the knight, anger burning in his eyes. I smirk. I know how ya feel, Van. "Van Fanel, I presume?" I stare at Allen, and blink. "No, I've just been calling him Van from Fanalia because we like to pretend. Duh! Of course he's Van Fanel!" I yell. Van smiles. I shake my head and look at Van. "That guy is so damn dense," I whisper. The king nodds. "I can tell," he agrees, making me giggle. Allen looks as though he's going to lose his patience, and that only turns my giggles into full-blown laughter. I can tell that Van is trying to restrain himself from doing the same thing. "Van, I have some bad news," the knight says, and Van and I stop laughing. I frown, wondering what it could be. Than I remember, but Allen announces the news. "Fanalia was completely destroyed. I'm sorry." Van stares at Allen in shock. "You're lying," he says in denial. My heart breaks at the look of shock and sorrow on his face. "Van..." Allen continues to explain. "Two of my men were near Fanalia. It was completely devoured by flames." I send Allen a warning look, daring him to continue. He opens his mouth, but I cut him off. "Don't, Allen. If you continue, I'll rip your jaw off." Turning to Van, I touch his arm gently. "Van, it's going to be okay," I whisper. He yanks his arm away, and stares at me furiously. "How do you know?! Your country isn't destroyed! You have a home to go back to! How can you possibly understand?!" he yells. I flinch, pure hurt written on my face. Van just turns and walks away. Allen moves to go after him, but I hold my arm out, blocking him. "He needed to know," he says. But I'm not listening. Van just lost his home... "Nicole." Hearing Allen say my name makes my blood run cold. I know from the series that he had been in allegiance with Zaibach until later. I turn around, and strike the knight. He jerks away, his gloved hand flying to his quickly bruising face. Turning to the door, I follow Van.
2 Be Continued...
By Siren
A.N.- Hey!!!! Thanks for those sweet reviews, I really appreciate them. You guys are awesome. Jenn, AKA 'StarSky', thank you SO MUCH for loading these chapters for me. And for those sweet people that reviewed, this chapter is dedicated to you. Enjoy, minna-san! ^_^ _______________________________________________________________________
CHAPTER 4 REFLECTIONS IN THE STARS
I open my eyes, and realize that the screams have stopped, and the wieght has been lifted off of me. The sky is clear, and I'm alone. "How are you feeling?" Guess I was wrong about the alone part. I turn my head towards the voice. It's Van, and he looks terrible. Cuts and bruises cover the visible parts of his body. His hair is hanging infront of his eyes, but I know they're filled with unspoken pain. Behind him is the mecha, Escaflowne. It's massive in size. The series really didn't do it justice. "Escaflowne..." I whisper. Van looks up, startled. "What?" My eyes widen as I realize what I said. "Um, nothing." I attempt to sit up, by a sharp pain siezes my side. Wincing, I touch the tender skin. I feel something bulky, and lift my shirt to find a bandage. Hey guys, it's on my upper abdomen, I didn't flash Van or anything...yet. :::mischevious grin::: "You're bleeding internally. I wouldn't be surprised if you had a few broken ribs. Don't move around a lot," he tells me. I shake my head, trying to clear it of fatigue. I wipe my eyes with my hands, and realize the condition I'm in. My side is badly bruised, and my left arm is bleeding. I have a cut above my right eye, but the blood is dry. I look over at Van, sympathy in my eyes. "How are you?" I ask. Van shruggs. "Better than you are." I sigh. Though I already know what happened to Fanalia, I want to hear it from him. "What happened?" I ask softly. Van was silent for a moment, than looked at me. "They attacked. Just like you said they would. I was just crowned king, and then...Zaibach attacked. My mentor, Balgous, was killed. He told me to take Escaflowne and find you. The roof had fallen in, and you were under it. I almost didn't get you out in time," he explains. I can hear the anger and regret in his voice. "I should've listened to you. If I had...than my people wouldn't be scattered to the winds as they are now. And besides that, you are my responsibility, and you were almost killed," he babbles. My face softens, and I place my hand over his. His hands are gloved, but I can feel them tense for a moment, than relax under my touch. "Van, even if you had listened to me, it would've been too late. There was nothing you could do. And you're still their king. They need you to be strong," I say. Van looks at me from under his bangs. I smile gently, and close my eyes. "Where's Merle?" I ask sleepily. I can feel Van tense. Than I remember. Van doesn't meet up with Merle until we reach Asturia. "She...I couldn't find her. I don't know what I'm going to do if she's..." he can't finish the sentence. "Don't worry. You'll see her again. She's fine," I assure him. Looking up at the moon, and at my home, I feel a new sence of determination and responsibility. I have to knowledge to save these people. I can help them. And I will. Fanalia is in ruins because of me. And I won't let it happen again. I won't let any more people die. Not if I can help it. Closing my eyes, I let sleep claim me. ~ ~ ~
I feel someone shake my shoulders gently, and open my eyes to see Van's staring into mine. I like waking up to his face. It's comforting. "Morning," he says with a slight smile. I smile back, and sit up. The pain is worse, but I bear it. "Does it hurt?" he asks. I nodd, but shrugg. "I can handle it." He supports me and helps me stand. I look around, wondering which way Allen's castle was. (Allen did call it his 'castle', right? I lost that DVD disk, and I'm trying to find it.) I hear a twig snap behind us, and look over my shoulder. I see something shine, and narrow my eyes. I think it's the mole-man, but I can't be sure. I hear a low chuckle, and Van turns around. "Who's there?!" he calls. Something flashes by us, and slams into me. My eyes shut tightly in pain. I gasp, holding my side. I can hear Van unsheathing his sword. I slide to my knees, trying not to pass out from the pain. I grimace, and force my eyes open. My head is spinning, and I see Van fighting someone. The enemy has knocked the sword from his grasp, and has shoved Van away. The creature advances toward me, and I can see he is the mole-man. If the situation had not been so grave, I would've laughed. He raises his hand to strike me, and I hear Van call out my name. Waiting for the blow to come, I think of my family and friends. I was so stupid to think that I could survive Gaea, let alone change things. I slowly open my eyes, noticing that I'm still alive. A tall man is standing infront of me, and the mole-man is on the ground. He has long blonde hair, and an owl is resting on his shoulder. It's Allen Schezar. The 'heavenly knight'. Heh. I think he looks like a girl, but he just saved my life, so I'm thankful. "Are you alright miss?" he asks. I cock an eyebrow. "Not in the least. Is Van okay?" Allen looks at Van trying to stand, and nodds. "He'll be fine," he tells me. I nodd, and grasp my side. I stand, and sway. I feel a hand grab onto my arm and lean me against its' form. "Van?" I murmer. I look up to see Allen smiling at me gently. Don't worry. I am NOT an Allen fan. Ick. "Let go of her!" Van yells. I look at him. He has picked up his sword, and is holding it angrily. "She is injured and needs immidiet medical attention. I can help," Allen explains. Van doesn't seem to be buying it, because his grip on his sword tightens. I don't think I can stay concious much longer. "Sheathe your sword, or I will be forced to take action," the knight warns. Van's stance doesn't waver. Instead, the young king rushes at Allen, sword raised. Allen kicks Van's sword away, turning to block me from any potential harm. Still supporting me with one arm, he withdraws his sword and strikes Van with it. My eyes widen. "Van!" I scream, reaching out a hand to him. Van falls to the ground limply. I push away from my captor, and fall to my knees next to him. "Van?" He doesn't respond. Allen takes a step towards us, and I quickly snatch Van's sword form the ground. I hold it infront of me, trying to stay awake. "Get away from us," I seethe. Allen ignores me. "You're hurt," he states softly. My eyes narrow. "Take one step closer, and you'll be in a lot more pain than I am," I threaten. Allen reaches a hand out to me. If I act quickly enough, I can remove it from his arm. But I can barely hold up the sword, let alone use it. I feel the exhaustion catch up with me, and begin to cry. The day's events are creeping into my mind, and I feel guilt swell inside of my heart. I drop the sword, and look down at Van's unconcious form. I brush his bangs out of his closed eyes, and bury my face in my hands. I hear Allen kneel infront of me. I lift my face up, knowing I must look like death. "Please make it stop," I beg. Allen puts a hand on my shoulder, and I pass out. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Unnn...I groan, and open my eyes. It's night-time now, and I hear male voices whispering. I only recognize one of them. Allen. "Look who's up," one of the other men say. I frown, and sit up. The pain is a little better, but still bad. "I wouldn't move around much if I were you. We gave you a seditive for the pain, but you'll have to wait for professional help," he tells me. I roll my eyes and throw my legs off the side of the bed. "Thank God you're not me," I say sarcastically. Allen smirks. He watches in amusement as I stand up, and sway a bit. Forcing my body to keep it's composure, I turn to face the man that 'saved' me. "Where's Van?" I ask, not bothering to make small-talk. He smiles. "Van is in the healer's chambers. His wounds were suffinciently less traumatic than your's. You can see him soon." I nodd. Thank God for small favors. I make my way over to the window, and catch one of Allen's crew looking at me. It's Gaddess. My eyes narrow. "What're you looking at?" I ask. He quickly averts his gaze. As I near the window, a wave of nausea sweeps over me, and I lean against the wall for support. Allen approaches me. Great, just what I need: a play- boy knight with the longest hair I've ever seen. Ick. "My name is Allen Schezar, and you don't need to be afraid anymore. You are under my protection," he assures me. I smirk. "Whoever said I was afraid?" Allen looks as though he's thinking of another way to get me to lower my defenses. He shouldn't waste his time. It's not gonna happen. "What's your name?" he asks. "Nicole. But my friends call me Nikki," I tell him. "Well, Nik--" he starts, but I cut him off. "I said my FRIENDS can call me that. You're not my friend, so you can call me by my full name. If you've forgotten it already due to the fact that your hair may be taking up a ton of brain space, it's 'Nicole'." He stares at me in shock, which is fine with me. I didn't like him in the series, and I didn't like him now. I hear his crew snicker, and I smile. "Well than, 'Nicole', can you tell me how you got injured?" Hmm...should I tell him the truth? Ah, why not. "A roof fell on me," I say boredly. "A roof? That's one I haven't heard before. Was the roof in need of repairs?" Obviously my disgusted stare isn't giving this guy a clue. "No. Zaibach attacked Fanalia, and they hit the room I was in. So, because of that, the roof fell in. If you don't understand that, I'll gladly repeat it more slowly for you." More snickers.
"My lady, have I said anything to offend you? From the way you are talking to me, I feel as though I've done something wrong." I groan, and roll my eyes. I know everything this guy has done. I could really mess with his mind if I wanted to. But I suppose that would be cruel. "No, Allen, you've done nothing wrong. Just let me see Van." Allen nodds, and motions for his guards to bring someone in. Van enters the room, and I feel like glomping him. He's okay! Well...duh. Of course he is. He sees me, and his eyes brighten a bit. I smile and rush over to him, temporarily forgetting that I'm still bleeding internally. I touch his arm, searching for any new wounds. "Are you okay?" I ask. He smiles slightly, and nodds. "I'm fine. You're the one who's still hurt. Are you okay?" I nodd. "I'm fine. A little woozy, but I'll live." I hear Allen clear his throat behind me, and I groan and roll my eyes. Van looks at the knight, anger burning in his eyes. I smirk. I know how ya feel, Van. "Van Fanel, I presume?" I stare at Allen, and blink. "No, I've just been calling him Van from Fanalia because we like to pretend. Duh! Of course he's Van Fanel!" I yell. Van smiles. I shake my head and look at Van. "That guy is so damn dense," I whisper. The king nodds. "I can tell," he agrees, making me giggle. Allen looks as though he's going to lose his patience, and that only turns my giggles into full-blown laughter. I can tell that Van is trying to restrain himself from doing the same thing. "Van, I have some bad news," the knight says, and Van and I stop laughing. I frown, wondering what it could be. Than I remember, but Allen announces the news. "Fanalia was completely destroyed. I'm sorry." Van stares at Allen in shock. "You're lying," he says in denial. My heart breaks at the look of shock and sorrow on his face. "Van..." Allen continues to explain. "Two of my men were near Fanalia. It was completely devoured by flames." I send Allen a warning look, daring him to continue. He opens his mouth, but I cut him off. "Don't, Allen. If you continue, I'll rip your jaw off." Turning to Van, I touch his arm gently. "Van, it's going to be okay," I whisper. He yanks his arm away, and stares at me furiously. "How do you know?! Your country isn't destroyed! You have a home to go back to! How can you possibly understand?!" he yells. I flinch, pure hurt written on my face. Van just turns and walks away. Allen moves to go after him, but I hold my arm out, blocking him. "He needed to know," he says. But I'm not listening. Van just lost his home... "Nicole." Hearing Allen say my name makes my blood run cold. I know from the series that he had been in allegiance with Zaibach until later. I turn around, and strike the knight. He jerks away, his gloved hand flying to his quickly bruising face. Turning to the door, I follow Van.
2 Be Continued...