Disclaimer: Well if you must needs pry it from me then yes.....I don't own
Escaflowne
A/N Hey I got a review saying that this author has heard tons of praise about me and I can't tell all of you how great that made me feel. I want to thank all of you out there praising my work I don't know who you are but thank you so much. And thank Sailor Star for telling me that and thank you to all my reviewers you make my day ^^ Oh and to Aylee the Dragon sorry Van does like Hitomi it was already in the plot when I was thinking of the story however it's not exactly the 'oh I'm going to marry you tomorrow' thing it has a twist. ^^ Oh and warning this chapter is sad and might be a little depressing. But please Enjoy!
Van sunk into his chair and continued staring at the flames dance over the hearth. The only sound n the massive room was the crackle of the burning wood. Night was heavy upon the prosperous kingdom of Fanelia and everyone had turned in to sleep, except the king that is.
Sighing again he dashed his head against the chair. There were just some things about being a king that he couldn't handle.
Your advisors all but ordering you to get married for instance.
He was young and he knew the advisors pushed off his words calling it foolishness of his youth. He was 17 but he was still king, they didn't seem to see that. He was trying to convince himself he would just have to accept the fact that he would never marry for love.
Clenching his fists he jumped up and stomped over to the window. Still no sign of his guests. That was good for now. Grabbing his sword off the dresser he marched into the hall and up to the roof. His foot touched the roof and he felt the chill run up his spine.
It was cold out tonight but the moon was shining brightly so he would endure the cold for now. It was the perfect time for a little training. No one would bother him and the moon was producing enough light so he wouldn't have to worry about slipping off any ledges. He just began wishing he would have brought a thicker shirt or a cloak to insulate some of his natural and fleeting heat.
Van slowly pulled his sword out of its sheath and let the leather-covering fall to his feet. Brining the weapon about mid way in front of him he sized up the imaginary sparring partner and struck. His heavy blows hit nothing but air but the practice would be good for his reflexes.
Soon the cold didn't seem to phase him, in fact he found it to be quite hot out. Van shed his shirt and resumed his practice. A few droplets of sweat slid down his face stinging his eyes and tickling his skin. Van ignored them and continued with a lunge. Careful not to stumble he slid his right foot forward a little for extra footing and better balance. Turning, he swung at the imaginary partner again and pulled his muscles tight where a sword would have been. Coming around to the left he through all his anger into the shove and sent a blow that would have had a sword flying in real life.
Stopping he leaned against his sword trying to slow his breath.
Merle sat in the shadows as she had been for the last half an hour watching her brother. She had to admit had they not been related she would have likely gone for the king. His muscles flexed in the moonlight as he leaned over and Merle realized just looking at his well honed muscles would likely sent an enemy back a step or two.
Merle let out a purr and watched Van turn around wide-eyed.
"How long have you been there?" he frowned glaring at the shadows
Merle crawled out of the darkness and into the moonlight smiling. She pounced over to Van and threw his shirt in his face.
"Clean up you're all sweaty," she teased
The shirt slid down his face and Merle laughed to see him still frowning.
"It's not nice to sneak up on people," he growled mopping his face with the shirt and throwing it back to the ground
"But you're just my brother," Merle smirked
Van threw her another glare before sheathing his sword and picking up his shirt. Merle stood up and followed him down the stairs into the castle.
"I was there first anyways," Merle defended when they reached the top floor.
"Why weren't you asleep it's past your bedtime Merle"
"Yours too," Merle countered
Van reached over and grabbed his sister in a hug, "Couldn't sleep besides our guests have yet to arrive"
"I couldn't sleep either," Merle leaned against Van's shoulder
"Bad dream?"
Merle looked up and stuck her tongue out, Van just laughed.
"No I just wasn't tired, now go in and take a bath you smell!" Merle opened Van's door and jutted her tongue out in disgust
Van smiled and lightly pulled her tail before shutting his door. Merle jerked her tail away and hissed at the door.
"Good Night Merle," Van called from the other side
Merle gave a loud "harrumph!", turned around and marched into her room tail twitching.
Van smiled and walked over to his washing basin to clean up. Once he was cleaned up he grabbed a white tunic and slipped it on. Vaulting over the back of his large red chair he slid down into the cushions.
'I wonder how Hitomi and Millerna are...'
Actually his thoughts were drifting to more along the lines of what they looked like. He was trying to picture them but he could only pull up pictures of their 6 year old faces and short legs. Van gazed into the fire as he felt sleep settle in. Heavy eyelids came down over dark crimson eyes and his head slumped side ways.
Merle leaned against the doorframe and smiled at the sleeping figure of her brother.
Quietly padding over to his bed she stripped the feather mattress of its quilt. Shaking it out she let it float down over her brother. Kissing his forehead she tucked the blanket down around his shoulders and whispered good night. Merle was just putting her paw out into the hall when she heard the click of horse's hooves. Closing Van's door she dropped to all fours and bounded through the castle.
She burst through the doors just in time to see a carriage flanked with soldiers pull into the courtyard. Smiling she stood up and straightened her dress. The carriage driver smiled and bowed to Merle before climbing down and opening the carriage doors. Merle sucked in her breath and couldn't help the wide grin that pulled on her lips.
The anticipation was proving too much and she rushed over to the carriage and peaked in. Hitomi and Millerna were asleep on the seats and Merle's grin absolutely beamed. Why they hadn't visited sooner she couldn't divine. Van had been busy but they still should have come sooner, 10 years was too long.
"Hitomi....Millerna..." the soft purr filled the warm air of the carriage and Merle grinned bigger when the two stirred and slowly sat up.
Millerna rubbed her eyes and stretched her arms with a yawn. Hitomi sat up and yawned pushing the blanket off her lap. Turning the girls gasped and all traces of sleep were gone.
"Merle?!?" Hitomi practically screamed
"Hitomi!! Millerna!!"
"Merle!!!" Millerna smiled and launched forward hugging the cat girl
Once she finished Hitomi pushed up and took her turn.
"Come on let's get you guys inside it's cold out here!"
Millerna walked down the steps while Hitomi folded the blankets. Tom grabbed their luggage and followed the three girls into the palace. Merle ordered the captain of the guard to take care of the rest of the party and he nodded leading the soldiers to the barracks and stables.
Merle linked her left arm with Millerna's and her right with Hitomi's.
"Sorry Van isn't here to greet you but the poor guy fell asleep,"
"It's okay it's late," Hitomi assured her friend, " It's so good to see you again Merle! How have you been?"
"Yea how is life in Fanelia? Van being nice to you?" Millerna pelted the cat girl with questions
Merle just laughed and led the girls up to the royal wing. Putting her finger to her lips she motioned for them to be quiet.
"Van will hear us, yes he's been nice to me and Fanelia is great you should have been here a long time ago. Now go to bed and we'll talk in the morning."
All three hugged and Merle showed them to their separate rooms bidding each good night.
Morning came all to soon for the young monarch. Van stretched his achy limbs and rubbed his neck.
"How long did I sleep for?" he asked no one in particular as he rubbed his sleepy eyes.
When his vision cleared he stared down into his hearth and cursed when he spun and found the sun sliding over the hills.
"Millerna and Hitomi! I can't believe I fell asleep ...." Van continued to heartily curse his own carelessness as he cleaned up and ran down the stairs.
He was turning to head into the courtyard to ask his captain if the guests had arrived when he did a double take at the laughter floating from the dining hall. Letting go of the grip on the stairwell he sucked in all his breath and marched to the dining hall.
He stopped in front of the large oak doors and smiled at the servants standing on either side. They smiled and bowed back.
"Good Morning your majesty"
"Your sister the Lady Merle is entertaining the guests from Liara my lord"
Van mentally thanked his sister and stepped up towards the doors. The servants grabbed the handles and pulled the heavy doors open. The tiny click of the handles twisting silenced the breakfast party and all eyes turned to the young man walking up to the tables.
Van saw his sister and gave her a look full of gratitude. Merle winked back and caught her brother's eyes. Slowly she moved her bright blue orbs to her side, Van followed and felt his eyes unconsciously grow a few sizes. First was Millerna, it had to be her. Her curly golden hair accompanied with ocean blue orbs was a dead give away. She smiled at him and Van couldn't believe how different she looked. Well sure it had been 10 years but she was just so beautiful.
However the tale of her eyes let him know right away that he had lost to Allen. Van groaned before he could stop himself, Allen would never let him hear the end of it. Bringing himself back to reality he smiled at Millerna and then turned back to Merle. Merle captured his eyes again and led him to Hitomi on her other side.
Van felt his chest tighten at the sight of her. This was not the scraggly skinny little girl he had known all those years ago. Attempting control, he made a move to speak but found his body wouldn't cooperate. Hitomi smiled at him and Van gripped the chair in front of him for support.
Good heavens he had never seen someone so beautiful. His eyes unknowingly began their journey at her short brown hair. He mentally slapped himself when his mind began to wonder to thoughts of his hands skimming over the silky strands. Next his eyes locked with her emerald gems and for a second he thought all oxygen intake had ceased. They quickly scanned over the rest of her matured figure and he watched as Hitomi blushed.
Cursing himself for gaping he shook his head and turned back to Merle before he caught another glimpse of Hitomi's entrancing emerald eyes.
"Thank you Merle"
Merle smiled and leaned back in her chair. Van walked over to Millerna and bent to kiss her hand.
"Good Morning Millerna, it is a great pleasure to see you again"
"You too Van, and I'm sorry but about the proposal..."
Van waved away the rest of her words, "I figured you would choose Allen from the start but it was worth a try. I'm sorry my intentions were truly selfish I thought if I was to be badgered into marriage at least I could spend the rest of my days with a friend by my side"
Millerna smiled and felt the tension slip away. "That's not selfish"
Van smiled and then walked around the table to kiss Hitomi's hand. He felt the shivers rush down his spine when she placed her slender fingers in his rough callused hand. He also couldn't help smile when he felt her tremble as he kissed her knuckles.
"Good Morning Hitomi, it's so wonderful to see you again"
Hitomi nodded and gave him a weak smile. Van stood up and took his seat next to Merle. The rest of breakfast passed with much laughter as the friends caught up on all the time missed. As breakfast came to a close though Van thought it better to leave the ladies to their devices.
Standing up and bowing to each of them he pushed his chair in.
"I'll leave you ladies to my sister I'm afraid I don't know how to entertain ladies and I could use some practice in the lists"
Merle stuck her tongue out at him and then turned to her friends, "He just can't stand socializing"
Van glared at his sister and made a quick retreat. He closed the door just as his captain of the guard walked up.
"Saved!" Van cried and stood straight, "Please, James tell me you have something for me to do I know my sister will have me locked up in her solar or dragged to the market if I don't escape soon"
"I'm sorry my lord I just came to ask for your company in the lists"
"Good enough let's go!" Van smiled over at his friend, "Still hoping to best me?"
"My lord your memory fails you, just last week I had you backed against the barrack wall, sword point to your throat"
Van frowned, "I don't know what you're talking about"
"Of course you don't Van-sama"
Van scowled this time but kept silent either way.
Merle led Hitomi and Millerna down the halls, "Well ladies shopping or," Merle let the or linger a second or two as she stopped and stared at Hitomi, "we could go to the lists and watch Lord Van"
Hitomi felt the blush creeping up her cheeks and immediately turned away from her laughing friends.
"Shopping," Hitomi voted once she felt the heat in her cheeks retreating
Millerna and Merle turned to each other, smiled, then turned back to Hitomi. Grabbing both of Hitomi's arms the two guided her off down the hall.
"Alright the lists it is," Merle announced leading the group out a side door
Hitomi rolled her eyes heaven ward and turned to glare at Millerna who only laughed harder.
Van's shirt slid to the dust along with James's. The two took up the wooden practice swords and began. James tapped the end of Van's sword smiling. Van frowned but kept his cool and waited for James to lunge.
Merle led the group out to the edge of lists smiling. She had never seen Van's jaw hit the floor like it did this morning when he saw Hitomi.
"Here we can watch from that bench," Merle bounded over to the bench resting comfortably in the shade of a large Sakura tree.
Hitomi reluctantly followed and sat down on the bench looking anywhere but the lists. She heard the crack of wood against wood and almost shrieked when she heard the swords shatter.
However Hitomi soon found out her body had other plans for her and before she knew it she was watching Van and his partner grab new swords. She gulped unconsciously when she found her eyes following his every move.
Van slid forward and brought his sword down on James's. Again the swords shattered and Hitomi watched as the splinters floated to the ground. Millerna began clapping and the two turned to the audience. Both smiled and threw the wooden hilts in the dirt. Marching over for more practice swords they took up their stances and resumed training.
Hitomi was mortified for some reason. It could have been the fact that Van had just caught her staring at him or the fact that Millerna had clapped on purpose. Turning to Millerna she glared at her blonde friend. Millerna laughed harder and just patted Hitomi's shoulder.
Merle was giggling and Hitomi turned to glare at the cat girl as well. Soon the resounding crack of the swords shattering again filled the lists. The girls looked up and watched as fellow soldiers surrounded the pair and began chattering. They were talking about tactics here and moves there. Merle stood up and turned to the girls.
"Well what should we do now?"
Millerna stood up and opened her mouth to announce shopping when Tom came running up to their sides.
"My lady," he said bowing to Millerna, "I'm afraid we must leave at once"
"What's wrong?" Millerna felt her chest tighten
"I'm truly grieved to cut the visit short but a messanger has just arrived. He comes bearing news of your mother."
Hitomi felt her own chest tighten and stepped forward next to Millerna.
"What about her?"
"I'm afraid she's fallen ill, she fears the worst for herself and wishes for her daughters to return immediately"
Hitomi grabbed Millerna's hand and squeezed. Ever since the own passing of Hitomi's mother the Queen had taken on Hitomi as her daughter. She never attempted to replace Hitomi's mother but she gladly played the role for the young girl. She gave no argument and treated Hitomi just as she had Millerna. Hitomi felt her stomach twist on the verge of retching at the thought of another mother's death.
She barely made it after her real mother's death. Could she handle another one?
Hitomi felt Millerna shake under her hand and knew she was losing her balance.
Hitomi spun around to Merle and wasn't surprised to find Merle standing in shock herself.
"Please give our regards to King Van but we have to go"
Merle shook her head to snap herself out of the trance.
"Yes, of course leave you have to go now hurry," Merle began pushing the girls forward and then stopped to call some servants.
"Servants! Hurry! Get their bags to their carriage! Now! Hurry!"
Millerna and Hitomi practically ran to the front of the castle.
Van frowned as he watched the solemn looks on his guests faces as they left. Millerna looked as if she was going to cry and Hitomi looked sick. His sister had been in shock and then had flown straight to panic. Something was wrong.
Shoving away from the group he ran after the fleeing party. He twisted around the side of the castle just in time to see Hitomi and Millerna getting in their carriage. He started to run up to it when Merle appeared in front of him.
"Let them be Van," her voice was unusually hollow
"Merle?"
"It's their queen mother, she's sick…"
Van looked up as the servants tied the luggage to the back of the carriage. The Liara soldiers flanked the carriage and dust soon filled the courtyard billowing behind the retreating figures.
Van watched as they disappeared into the market and felt the sickness wash over him. He knew what is was like to lose parents. But as he watched the carriage fade away he had a gnawing feeling something was wrong. Blowing it off as nervousness he gave Merle a half smile and vanished back around the castle corner.
Hitomi pulled Millerna closer as the carriage raced through the market. Millerna hadn't said a word since they had received the message. She had merely leaned against Hitomi's shoulder once they entered the carriage. Hitomi hugged her friend and slowly pulled the curtain up to watch the fading picture of the Fanelian castle. She found unfortunately that she couldn't smile at the beautiful site.
Fanelia was such a beautiful kingdom. With such a handsome king.
Hitomi jerked the curtain down and blocked the view.
She was foolish to even dare think a king would have something to do with her. Especially a king ruling such a powerful country. Aston had said she was worthy but she just didn't feel it.
Hitomi turned back to the sad problem at hand and leaned on Millerna's head.
"She'll be okay don't worry Millerna"
Millerna was silent and Hitomi knew she couldn't really do anything in this situation. Each would handle the truth in their own way. So Hitomi pulled a blanket up around them and closed her eyes trying to block out images already flooding her mind. She refused to fear the worst right away she just couldn't.
......
Hitomi stirred and yawned as the carriage bumped under her.
"I must have fallen asleep"
She sat up and slowly lowered Millerna down to the cushions. Pulling the blanket up around her shoulders she leaned back on the other side and pulled the curtains open. It was dark.
"That's strange," she whispered
The more she thought about it the more confused she became. The fact was they should have been home hours ago, well before dark. Trees whipped by as the horses galloped on the forest floor. Hitomi hit the side of the carriage and the company slowed to a stop.
Tom quickly jumped down and came around to the door.
Hitomi leaned out the window and gave him a confused look, "We should have been home by now"
"I'm sorry my lady but regretfully we are lost. I can't talk long lady the forest isn't the safest stopping place for travelers. Especially at night."
Hitomi nodded and closed the curtains, a few seconds later they were moving again. Hitomi didn't think she could possibly sleep anymore but the soft rthym of the carriage soon began lolling her to sleep once again. She felt her eyelids grow heavy with the pull of the dream world.
Her muscles relaxed and all the tension, despite their situation, left her. Conciouness was drifting away when the carriage jerked to an abrupt spot. Hitomi unwillingly flew forward and Millerna sat up with a start.
"Hitomi! What's going on!?"
Hitomi pushed herself up off the floor and sat up.
"I don't know hold on"
Hitomi opened the curtain and felt the sudden clench of fear grip her heart. Slowly she pulled the curtains back and turned to face Millerna.
"Hitomi what's wrong?" Millerna's voice was cracking more every minute
Hitomi didn't have the will to lie or the courage to tell her friend what was currently probably the worst situation for the two.
"Hitomi you look like you've seen a ghost what's wrong?!"
Before Hitomi could stop her friend Millerna pulled the window curtain back and gasped. Quickly she jerked the curtain closed and spun to face Hitomi.
The two sat in silence as they heard swords clash and battle cries fill the night air. Metal hit flessh and Hitomi tried not to flinch. Arrows sliced through the air and Millerna jerked when a few arrows pierced the side of the carriage.
The two sucked in all their courage and tried not to let panic overcome them. The left side door swung open and Hitomi moved in front of Millerna. The man grinned revealing his missing or rotten teeth.
"Well looky what we have here fellas!"
Millerna and Hitomi grabbed hands and didn't scream when more men appeared and dragged them from the carriage. Hitomi felt the tears sting her eyes when they stepped into the cool night air. Liara soldiers lay scattered all over the now stained soil. Millerna caught Hitomi's gaze and led her eyes to the body lying next to the carriage door.
Hitomi turned and threw up when she saw the battered body. Millerna didn't stop the tears that slid down her cheeks and frowned when a man trapped her arms and pushed her forward to the ground.
Hitomi was shaking and didn't have the energy to resist when she was pushed down next to Millerna.
The images of Tom's battered and bleeding body flashed through Hitomi's eyes. He had been run through more than once and his hand still clung to the carriage window. Hitomi felt guilt rise up in her at the sight. If she had done something....If she hadn't stopped them maybe this wouldn't have happened.
'Pull yourself together!' she scolded herself and twisted to see Millerna glaring up at their captures.
She had to get Millerna out of her.
"Well who do we have here?"
Hitomi slowly raised her head to look up at the possible leader of the bandit group. He had long black hair pulled back in a braid that fell over his rather bulk shoulders. Twisting her head she felt the fear swell up as she took in the size of the group. There were at least 50 men surrounding the two women.
"I saw that blonde lady back in Liara!! She's the princess!!!"
Hitomi followed the voice to reveal a skinny weasel of a man clutching his bow smiling like an idiot.
"Princess of Liara huh? Country has too many powerful allies couldn't risk ransom. Sorry little ladies looks like you won't be waking to another sunrise."
Hitomi stood and walked up to the man. Standing toe to toe with the rather intimidating leader she gave him her most formidable scowl.
"Let her go and Liara's royals will never know of you. Take me alone. Please."
"Hitomi no!!"
Hitomi turned and smiled at her friend and sister. Facing the leader again she frowned.
The man laughed and pushed Hitomi to the ground. "No"
Hitomi felt the fear take over but was able to pull herself together for a public apperance. Millerna rose to her shaky feet and the two smiled at eachother.
Turning to face the leader they closed their eyes.
"I'll miss you Hitomi"
"You too Millerna"
The men laughed and Hitomi heard the arrows settle in the bows.
"They've got guts Lorus!"
The muscled covered leader let out a hearty laugh.
"That they do! Shame we have to kill them"
Hitomi saw the memories flash in front of her eyes. She was going to die. She would never see the magnificent designs of Liara's palace or the smiling face of Merle aga. She would never again have a picnic with Millerna or a kiss on the hand from Van. She could literally feel Millerna's trembles from where she was standing and the sorrow hit her full force. She wanted to comfort her friend but couldn't find anything that might help in a time like this. Then it struck her, her mother's song. Appropriate she would sing it as she died, the irony was sickening. The song couldn't be finished in their little time so she gathered all her courage for the last verse and parted her lips.
Her shaky voice stunned the men for a minute and everyone silenced as she began.
"My love fight the fog....
Follow the tears and blood...
Listen for the song in the night...
And together we'll fly free..."
An eerie hush settled over the crowd as she finished and Hitomi smiled when she felt Millerna grab her hand. Her trembles had stopped and she was standing tall.
The twinge of the bow in the still forest night was like a tsunami to Hitomi's ears. She clenched her teeth and waited for the sting of an arrow but only felt tears when Millerna cried out in pain. Another snap sounded and Hitomi cried out at the blinding pain that hit her chest. She cried harder when she bit her tongue accidentally.
The two fell to the ground and the men laughed as they mounted their horses.
"Move out men!"
Hitomi coughed and screamed out at the excrutiating pain in her chest. She felt for the arrow and gasped as the warm liquid trickled down her fingers. Madly searching for Millerna's hand she grabbed the cold fingers and more tears slid down her cheeks.
With all the energy she had left she turned over and screamed again. The small line of blood trickling down her chin made Hitomi push closer despite the own pain in her chest. Millerna gave Hitomi one last smile and drew her last breath.
"I couldn't have asked for a better sister"
Hitomi felt the flood of salty tears break through as she watched Millerna's chest fall never to rise again. She couldn't think straight any longer and fell to the ground in tears. Tears for her friend and tears for the pain. The forest treetops began fading into a different kind of darkness. The natural darkness of the night was bright when compared to the pitch black of where she was fading. Sucking in some air her heavy eyelids slid shut.
The birds scattered as the brave pair faded to their deaths. The moon frowned down at the tiny slaughter and as if in honor of the lost innocent souls scattered around in the mud the heaven's cried out.
A/N Oh hey after rereading it I find that my Millerna is yes out of character according to the show. Please don't be mad but that is just the Millerna in my story okay? and I know sorry really depressing but trust me it's not as bad as you think! I'm serious! I know after Feathers it seems like I'm on a depressed streak but I'm not! I promise this just had to happen for the story! But for all those people who hate the really sad stories! ( I do to it's just depressing after a while) but it's not as bad as you think trust me!
A/N Hey I got a review saying that this author has heard tons of praise about me and I can't tell all of you how great that made me feel. I want to thank all of you out there praising my work I don't know who you are but thank you so much. And thank Sailor Star for telling me that and thank you to all my reviewers you make my day ^^ Oh and to Aylee the Dragon sorry Van does like Hitomi it was already in the plot when I was thinking of the story however it's not exactly the 'oh I'm going to marry you tomorrow' thing it has a twist. ^^ Oh and warning this chapter is sad and might be a little depressing. But please Enjoy!
Van sunk into his chair and continued staring at the flames dance over the hearth. The only sound n the massive room was the crackle of the burning wood. Night was heavy upon the prosperous kingdom of Fanelia and everyone had turned in to sleep, except the king that is.
Sighing again he dashed his head against the chair. There were just some things about being a king that he couldn't handle.
Your advisors all but ordering you to get married for instance.
He was young and he knew the advisors pushed off his words calling it foolishness of his youth. He was 17 but he was still king, they didn't seem to see that. He was trying to convince himself he would just have to accept the fact that he would never marry for love.
Clenching his fists he jumped up and stomped over to the window. Still no sign of his guests. That was good for now. Grabbing his sword off the dresser he marched into the hall and up to the roof. His foot touched the roof and he felt the chill run up his spine.
It was cold out tonight but the moon was shining brightly so he would endure the cold for now. It was the perfect time for a little training. No one would bother him and the moon was producing enough light so he wouldn't have to worry about slipping off any ledges. He just began wishing he would have brought a thicker shirt or a cloak to insulate some of his natural and fleeting heat.
Van slowly pulled his sword out of its sheath and let the leather-covering fall to his feet. Brining the weapon about mid way in front of him he sized up the imaginary sparring partner and struck. His heavy blows hit nothing but air but the practice would be good for his reflexes.
Soon the cold didn't seem to phase him, in fact he found it to be quite hot out. Van shed his shirt and resumed his practice. A few droplets of sweat slid down his face stinging his eyes and tickling his skin. Van ignored them and continued with a lunge. Careful not to stumble he slid his right foot forward a little for extra footing and better balance. Turning, he swung at the imaginary partner again and pulled his muscles tight where a sword would have been. Coming around to the left he through all his anger into the shove and sent a blow that would have had a sword flying in real life.
Stopping he leaned against his sword trying to slow his breath.
Merle sat in the shadows as she had been for the last half an hour watching her brother. She had to admit had they not been related she would have likely gone for the king. His muscles flexed in the moonlight as he leaned over and Merle realized just looking at his well honed muscles would likely sent an enemy back a step or two.
Merle let out a purr and watched Van turn around wide-eyed.
"How long have you been there?" he frowned glaring at the shadows
Merle crawled out of the darkness and into the moonlight smiling. She pounced over to Van and threw his shirt in his face.
"Clean up you're all sweaty," she teased
The shirt slid down his face and Merle laughed to see him still frowning.
"It's not nice to sneak up on people," he growled mopping his face with the shirt and throwing it back to the ground
"But you're just my brother," Merle smirked
Van threw her another glare before sheathing his sword and picking up his shirt. Merle stood up and followed him down the stairs into the castle.
"I was there first anyways," Merle defended when they reached the top floor.
"Why weren't you asleep it's past your bedtime Merle"
"Yours too," Merle countered
Van reached over and grabbed his sister in a hug, "Couldn't sleep besides our guests have yet to arrive"
"I couldn't sleep either," Merle leaned against Van's shoulder
"Bad dream?"
Merle looked up and stuck her tongue out, Van just laughed.
"No I just wasn't tired, now go in and take a bath you smell!" Merle opened Van's door and jutted her tongue out in disgust
Van smiled and lightly pulled her tail before shutting his door. Merle jerked her tail away and hissed at the door.
"Good Night Merle," Van called from the other side
Merle gave a loud "harrumph!", turned around and marched into her room tail twitching.
Van smiled and walked over to his washing basin to clean up. Once he was cleaned up he grabbed a white tunic and slipped it on. Vaulting over the back of his large red chair he slid down into the cushions.
'I wonder how Hitomi and Millerna are...'
Actually his thoughts were drifting to more along the lines of what they looked like. He was trying to picture them but he could only pull up pictures of their 6 year old faces and short legs. Van gazed into the fire as he felt sleep settle in. Heavy eyelids came down over dark crimson eyes and his head slumped side ways.
Merle leaned against the doorframe and smiled at the sleeping figure of her brother.
Quietly padding over to his bed she stripped the feather mattress of its quilt. Shaking it out she let it float down over her brother. Kissing his forehead she tucked the blanket down around his shoulders and whispered good night. Merle was just putting her paw out into the hall when she heard the click of horse's hooves. Closing Van's door she dropped to all fours and bounded through the castle.
She burst through the doors just in time to see a carriage flanked with soldiers pull into the courtyard. Smiling she stood up and straightened her dress. The carriage driver smiled and bowed to Merle before climbing down and opening the carriage doors. Merle sucked in her breath and couldn't help the wide grin that pulled on her lips.
The anticipation was proving too much and she rushed over to the carriage and peaked in. Hitomi and Millerna were asleep on the seats and Merle's grin absolutely beamed. Why they hadn't visited sooner she couldn't divine. Van had been busy but they still should have come sooner, 10 years was too long.
"Hitomi....Millerna..." the soft purr filled the warm air of the carriage and Merle grinned bigger when the two stirred and slowly sat up.
Millerna rubbed her eyes and stretched her arms with a yawn. Hitomi sat up and yawned pushing the blanket off her lap. Turning the girls gasped and all traces of sleep were gone.
"Merle?!?" Hitomi practically screamed
"Hitomi!! Millerna!!"
"Merle!!!" Millerna smiled and launched forward hugging the cat girl
Once she finished Hitomi pushed up and took her turn.
"Come on let's get you guys inside it's cold out here!"
Millerna walked down the steps while Hitomi folded the blankets. Tom grabbed their luggage and followed the three girls into the palace. Merle ordered the captain of the guard to take care of the rest of the party and he nodded leading the soldiers to the barracks and stables.
Merle linked her left arm with Millerna's and her right with Hitomi's.
"Sorry Van isn't here to greet you but the poor guy fell asleep,"
"It's okay it's late," Hitomi assured her friend, " It's so good to see you again Merle! How have you been?"
"Yea how is life in Fanelia? Van being nice to you?" Millerna pelted the cat girl with questions
Merle just laughed and led the girls up to the royal wing. Putting her finger to her lips she motioned for them to be quiet.
"Van will hear us, yes he's been nice to me and Fanelia is great you should have been here a long time ago. Now go to bed and we'll talk in the morning."
All three hugged and Merle showed them to their separate rooms bidding each good night.
Morning came all to soon for the young monarch. Van stretched his achy limbs and rubbed his neck.
"How long did I sleep for?" he asked no one in particular as he rubbed his sleepy eyes.
When his vision cleared he stared down into his hearth and cursed when he spun and found the sun sliding over the hills.
"Millerna and Hitomi! I can't believe I fell asleep ...." Van continued to heartily curse his own carelessness as he cleaned up and ran down the stairs.
He was turning to head into the courtyard to ask his captain if the guests had arrived when he did a double take at the laughter floating from the dining hall. Letting go of the grip on the stairwell he sucked in all his breath and marched to the dining hall.
He stopped in front of the large oak doors and smiled at the servants standing on either side. They smiled and bowed back.
"Good Morning your majesty"
"Your sister the Lady Merle is entertaining the guests from Liara my lord"
Van mentally thanked his sister and stepped up towards the doors. The servants grabbed the handles and pulled the heavy doors open. The tiny click of the handles twisting silenced the breakfast party and all eyes turned to the young man walking up to the tables.
Van saw his sister and gave her a look full of gratitude. Merle winked back and caught her brother's eyes. Slowly she moved her bright blue orbs to her side, Van followed and felt his eyes unconsciously grow a few sizes. First was Millerna, it had to be her. Her curly golden hair accompanied with ocean blue orbs was a dead give away. She smiled at him and Van couldn't believe how different she looked. Well sure it had been 10 years but she was just so beautiful.
However the tale of her eyes let him know right away that he had lost to Allen. Van groaned before he could stop himself, Allen would never let him hear the end of it. Bringing himself back to reality he smiled at Millerna and then turned back to Merle. Merle captured his eyes again and led him to Hitomi on her other side.
Van felt his chest tighten at the sight of her. This was not the scraggly skinny little girl he had known all those years ago. Attempting control, he made a move to speak but found his body wouldn't cooperate. Hitomi smiled at him and Van gripped the chair in front of him for support.
Good heavens he had never seen someone so beautiful. His eyes unknowingly began their journey at her short brown hair. He mentally slapped himself when his mind began to wonder to thoughts of his hands skimming over the silky strands. Next his eyes locked with her emerald gems and for a second he thought all oxygen intake had ceased. They quickly scanned over the rest of her matured figure and he watched as Hitomi blushed.
Cursing himself for gaping he shook his head and turned back to Merle before he caught another glimpse of Hitomi's entrancing emerald eyes.
"Thank you Merle"
Merle smiled and leaned back in her chair. Van walked over to Millerna and bent to kiss her hand.
"Good Morning Millerna, it is a great pleasure to see you again"
"You too Van, and I'm sorry but about the proposal..."
Van waved away the rest of her words, "I figured you would choose Allen from the start but it was worth a try. I'm sorry my intentions were truly selfish I thought if I was to be badgered into marriage at least I could spend the rest of my days with a friend by my side"
Millerna smiled and felt the tension slip away. "That's not selfish"
Van smiled and then walked around the table to kiss Hitomi's hand. He felt the shivers rush down his spine when she placed her slender fingers in his rough callused hand. He also couldn't help smile when he felt her tremble as he kissed her knuckles.
"Good Morning Hitomi, it's so wonderful to see you again"
Hitomi nodded and gave him a weak smile. Van stood up and took his seat next to Merle. The rest of breakfast passed with much laughter as the friends caught up on all the time missed. As breakfast came to a close though Van thought it better to leave the ladies to their devices.
Standing up and bowing to each of them he pushed his chair in.
"I'll leave you ladies to my sister I'm afraid I don't know how to entertain ladies and I could use some practice in the lists"
Merle stuck her tongue out at him and then turned to her friends, "He just can't stand socializing"
Van glared at his sister and made a quick retreat. He closed the door just as his captain of the guard walked up.
"Saved!" Van cried and stood straight, "Please, James tell me you have something for me to do I know my sister will have me locked up in her solar or dragged to the market if I don't escape soon"
"I'm sorry my lord I just came to ask for your company in the lists"
"Good enough let's go!" Van smiled over at his friend, "Still hoping to best me?"
"My lord your memory fails you, just last week I had you backed against the barrack wall, sword point to your throat"
Van frowned, "I don't know what you're talking about"
"Of course you don't Van-sama"
Van scowled this time but kept silent either way.
Merle led Hitomi and Millerna down the halls, "Well ladies shopping or," Merle let the or linger a second or two as she stopped and stared at Hitomi, "we could go to the lists and watch Lord Van"
Hitomi felt the blush creeping up her cheeks and immediately turned away from her laughing friends.
"Shopping," Hitomi voted once she felt the heat in her cheeks retreating
Millerna and Merle turned to each other, smiled, then turned back to Hitomi. Grabbing both of Hitomi's arms the two guided her off down the hall.
"Alright the lists it is," Merle announced leading the group out a side door
Hitomi rolled her eyes heaven ward and turned to glare at Millerna who only laughed harder.
Van's shirt slid to the dust along with James's. The two took up the wooden practice swords and began. James tapped the end of Van's sword smiling. Van frowned but kept his cool and waited for James to lunge.
Merle led the group out to the edge of lists smiling. She had never seen Van's jaw hit the floor like it did this morning when he saw Hitomi.
"Here we can watch from that bench," Merle bounded over to the bench resting comfortably in the shade of a large Sakura tree.
Hitomi reluctantly followed and sat down on the bench looking anywhere but the lists. She heard the crack of wood against wood and almost shrieked when she heard the swords shatter.
However Hitomi soon found out her body had other plans for her and before she knew it she was watching Van and his partner grab new swords. She gulped unconsciously when she found her eyes following his every move.
Van slid forward and brought his sword down on James's. Again the swords shattered and Hitomi watched as the splinters floated to the ground. Millerna began clapping and the two turned to the audience. Both smiled and threw the wooden hilts in the dirt. Marching over for more practice swords they took up their stances and resumed training.
Hitomi was mortified for some reason. It could have been the fact that Van had just caught her staring at him or the fact that Millerna had clapped on purpose. Turning to Millerna she glared at her blonde friend. Millerna laughed harder and just patted Hitomi's shoulder.
Merle was giggling and Hitomi turned to glare at the cat girl as well. Soon the resounding crack of the swords shattering again filled the lists. The girls looked up and watched as fellow soldiers surrounded the pair and began chattering. They were talking about tactics here and moves there. Merle stood up and turned to the girls.
"Well what should we do now?"
Millerna stood up and opened her mouth to announce shopping when Tom came running up to their sides.
"My lady," he said bowing to Millerna, "I'm afraid we must leave at once"
"What's wrong?" Millerna felt her chest tighten
"I'm truly grieved to cut the visit short but a messanger has just arrived. He comes bearing news of your mother."
Hitomi felt her own chest tighten and stepped forward next to Millerna.
"What about her?"
"I'm afraid she's fallen ill, she fears the worst for herself and wishes for her daughters to return immediately"
Hitomi grabbed Millerna's hand and squeezed. Ever since the own passing of Hitomi's mother the Queen had taken on Hitomi as her daughter. She never attempted to replace Hitomi's mother but she gladly played the role for the young girl. She gave no argument and treated Hitomi just as she had Millerna. Hitomi felt her stomach twist on the verge of retching at the thought of another mother's death.
She barely made it after her real mother's death. Could she handle another one?
Hitomi felt Millerna shake under her hand and knew she was losing her balance.
Hitomi spun around to Merle and wasn't surprised to find Merle standing in shock herself.
"Please give our regards to King Van but we have to go"
Merle shook her head to snap herself out of the trance.
"Yes, of course leave you have to go now hurry," Merle began pushing the girls forward and then stopped to call some servants.
"Servants! Hurry! Get their bags to their carriage! Now! Hurry!"
Millerna and Hitomi practically ran to the front of the castle.
Van frowned as he watched the solemn looks on his guests faces as they left. Millerna looked as if she was going to cry and Hitomi looked sick. His sister had been in shock and then had flown straight to panic. Something was wrong.
Shoving away from the group he ran after the fleeing party. He twisted around the side of the castle just in time to see Hitomi and Millerna getting in their carriage. He started to run up to it when Merle appeared in front of him.
"Let them be Van," her voice was unusually hollow
"Merle?"
"It's their queen mother, she's sick…"
Van looked up as the servants tied the luggage to the back of the carriage. The Liara soldiers flanked the carriage and dust soon filled the courtyard billowing behind the retreating figures.
Van watched as they disappeared into the market and felt the sickness wash over him. He knew what is was like to lose parents. But as he watched the carriage fade away he had a gnawing feeling something was wrong. Blowing it off as nervousness he gave Merle a half smile and vanished back around the castle corner.
Hitomi pulled Millerna closer as the carriage raced through the market. Millerna hadn't said a word since they had received the message. She had merely leaned against Hitomi's shoulder once they entered the carriage. Hitomi hugged her friend and slowly pulled the curtain up to watch the fading picture of the Fanelian castle. She found unfortunately that she couldn't smile at the beautiful site.
Fanelia was such a beautiful kingdom. With such a handsome king.
Hitomi jerked the curtain down and blocked the view.
She was foolish to even dare think a king would have something to do with her. Especially a king ruling such a powerful country. Aston had said she was worthy but she just didn't feel it.
Hitomi turned back to the sad problem at hand and leaned on Millerna's head.
"She'll be okay don't worry Millerna"
Millerna was silent and Hitomi knew she couldn't really do anything in this situation. Each would handle the truth in their own way. So Hitomi pulled a blanket up around them and closed her eyes trying to block out images already flooding her mind. She refused to fear the worst right away she just couldn't.
......
Hitomi stirred and yawned as the carriage bumped under her.
"I must have fallen asleep"
She sat up and slowly lowered Millerna down to the cushions. Pulling the blanket up around her shoulders she leaned back on the other side and pulled the curtains open. It was dark.
"That's strange," she whispered
The more she thought about it the more confused she became. The fact was they should have been home hours ago, well before dark. Trees whipped by as the horses galloped on the forest floor. Hitomi hit the side of the carriage and the company slowed to a stop.
Tom quickly jumped down and came around to the door.
Hitomi leaned out the window and gave him a confused look, "We should have been home by now"
"I'm sorry my lady but regretfully we are lost. I can't talk long lady the forest isn't the safest stopping place for travelers. Especially at night."
Hitomi nodded and closed the curtains, a few seconds later they were moving again. Hitomi didn't think she could possibly sleep anymore but the soft rthym of the carriage soon began lolling her to sleep once again. She felt her eyelids grow heavy with the pull of the dream world.
Her muscles relaxed and all the tension, despite their situation, left her. Conciouness was drifting away when the carriage jerked to an abrupt spot. Hitomi unwillingly flew forward and Millerna sat up with a start.
"Hitomi! What's going on!?"
Hitomi pushed herself up off the floor and sat up.
"I don't know hold on"
Hitomi opened the curtain and felt the sudden clench of fear grip her heart. Slowly she pulled the curtains back and turned to face Millerna.
"Hitomi what's wrong?" Millerna's voice was cracking more every minute
Hitomi didn't have the will to lie or the courage to tell her friend what was currently probably the worst situation for the two.
"Hitomi you look like you've seen a ghost what's wrong?!"
Before Hitomi could stop her friend Millerna pulled the window curtain back and gasped. Quickly she jerked the curtain closed and spun to face Hitomi.
The two sat in silence as they heard swords clash and battle cries fill the night air. Metal hit flessh and Hitomi tried not to flinch. Arrows sliced through the air and Millerna jerked when a few arrows pierced the side of the carriage.
The two sucked in all their courage and tried not to let panic overcome them. The left side door swung open and Hitomi moved in front of Millerna. The man grinned revealing his missing or rotten teeth.
"Well looky what we have here fellas!"
Millerna and Hitomi grabbed hands and didn't scream when more men appeared and dragged them from the carriage. Hitomi felt the tears sting her eyes when they stepped into the cool night air. Liara soldiers lay scattered all over the now stained soil. Millerna caught Hitomi's gaze and led her eyes to the body lying next to the carriage door.
Hitomi turned and threw up when she saw the battered body. Millerna didn't stop the tears that slid down her cheeks and frowned when a man trapped her arms and pushed her forward to the ground.
Hitomi was shaking and didn't have the energy to resist when she was pushed down next to Millerna.
The images of Tom's battered and bleeding body flashed through Hitomi's eyes. He had been run through more than once and his hand still clung to the carriage window. Hitomi felt guilt rise up in her at the sight. If she had done something....If she hadn't stopped them maybe this wouldn't have happened.
'Pull yourself together!' she scolded herself and twisted to see Millerna glaring up at their captures.
She had to get Millerna out of her.
"Well who do we have here?"
Hitomi slowly raised her head to look up at the possible leader of the bandit group. He had long black hair pulled back in a braid that fell over his rather bulk shoulders. Twisting her head she felt the fear swell up as she took in the size of the group. There were at least 50 men surrounding the two women.
"I saw that blonde lady back in Liara!! She's the princess!!!"
Hitomi followed the voice to reveal a skinny weasel of a man clutching his bow smiling like an idiot.
"Princess of Liara huh? Country has too many powerful allies couldn't risk ransom. Sorry little ladies looks like you won't be waking to another sunrise."
Hitomi stood and walked up to the man. Standing toe to toe with the rather intimidating leader she gave him her most formidable scowl.
"Let her go and Liara's royals will never know of you. Take me alone. Please."
"Hitomi no!!"
Hitomi turned and smiled at her friend and sister. Facing the leader again she frowned.
The man laughed and pushed Hitomi to the ground. "No"
Hitomi felt the fear take over but was able to pull herself together for a public apperance. Millerna rose to her shaky feet and the two smiled at eachother.
Turning to face the leader they closed their eyes.
"I'll miss you Hitomi"
"You too Millerna"
The men laughed and Hitomi heard the arrows settle in the bows.
"They've got guts Lorus!"
The muscled covered leader let out a hearty laugh.
"That they do! Shame we have to kill them"
Hitomi saw the memories flash in front of her eyes. She was going to die. She would never see the magnificent designs of Liara's palace or the smiling face of Merle aga. She would never again have a picnic with Millerna or a kiss on the hand from Van. She could literally feel Millerna's trembles from where she was standing and the sorrow hit her full force. She wanted to comfort her friend but couldn't find anything that might help in a time like this. Then it struck her, her mother's song. Appropriate she would sing it as she died, the irony was sickening. The song couldn't be finished in their little time so she gathered all her courage for the last verse and parted her lips.
Her shaky voice stunned the men for a minute and everyone silenced as she began.
"My love fight the fog....
Follow the tears and blood...
Listen for the song in the night...
And together we'll fly free..."
An eerie hush settled over the crowd as she finished and Hitomi smiled when she felt Millerna grab her hand. Her trembles had stopped and she was standing tall.
The twinge of the bow in the still forest night was like a tsunami to Hitomi's ears. She clenched her teeth and waited for the sting of an arrow but only felt tears when Millerna cried out in pain. Another snap sounded and Hitomi cried out at the blinding pain that hit her chest. She cried harder when she bit her tongue accidentally.
The two fell to the ground and the men laughed as they mounted their horses.
"Move out men!"
Hitomi coughed and screamed out at the excrutiating pain in her chest. She felt for the arrow and gasped as the warm liquid trickled down her fingers. Madly searching for Millerna's hand she grabbed the cold fingers and more tears slid down her cheeks.
With all the energy she had left she turned over and screamed again. The small line of blood trickling down her chin made Hitomi push closer despite the own pain in her chest. Millerna gave Hitomi one last smile and drew her last breath.
"I couldn't have asked for a better sister"
Hitomi felt the flood of salty tears break through as she watched Millerna's chest fall never to rise again. She couldn't think straight any longer and fell to the ground in tears. Tears for her friend and tears for the pain. The forest treetops began fading into a different kind of darkness. The natural darkness of the night was bright when compared to the pitch black of where she was fading. Sucking in some air her heavy eyelids slid shut.
The birds scattered as the brave pair faded to their deaths. The moon frowned down at the tiny slaughter and as if in honor of the lost innocent souls scattered around in the mud the heaven's cried out.
A/N Oh hey after rereading it I find that my Millerna is yes out of character according to the show. Please don't be mad but that is just the Millerna in my story okay? and I know sorry really depressing but trust me it's not as bad as you think! I'm serious! I know after Feathers it seems like I'm on a depressed streak but I'm not! I promise this just had to happen for the story! But for all those people who hate the really sad stories! ( I do to it's just depressing after a while) but it's not as bad as you think trust me!