Disclaimer: I don't own Escaflowne
A/N Okay I know I'm really sorry that the past two chapters have been like really sad and dark but they are getting better! Yea I know the marauder dude has really bad aim if he couldn't kill Hitomi up close but let's just say hey he was careless and his hand slipped to the side! ^^ Oh and Sereneblaze you're right Hitomi could have spied around but if she did I wouldn't have the plot I do now. Thanks for the reviews and I'm glad you all liked it! Have a great day!!! Sailor Hope
Birds chirped sounding off nature's morning wake up call. The beauty of golden rays bursting through bustles of branches was something of indescribable beauty and Hitomi was grateful for it.
Traumatic incidents can bring souls on the verge of insanity or it can help a person grow. A person can rise above the pain and create a new life in their newfound knowledge. Hitomi had moved on and found for herself a new life in the gypsy camp.
Pushing on her knees Hitomi smiled at the morning glory and stretched in the bright sunlight. Behind her sounds of breakfast and morning grumbles greeted her ears. It was a familiar and comforting sound. Life in the gypsy camp was amazing and with her new friends she couldn't imagine anything better.
Well that was a lie.
Often days haunting dreams of hours spent with Van would taunt and tease her heart. Memories of running around the palace garden with Merle would pop up and pictures of her old life with Millerna would turn her smile upside down.
"Hito-chan!! Where are you!!! We're going into town today!! Darice insists another shopping trip is needed!"
Hitomi laughed at Soren's irritated call and spun around with her bright smile.
"Is Trisha dancing in the market today?" she called back pulling her waist length sandy hair into a braid
Soren crossed his arms in a fatherly manner and gave a heavy sigh.
"Yes and she wants you to come with her"
Hitomi laughed and ran up to Soren. Winking at him she kissed his cheek and gave him a hug.
"Good Morning to you too Soren"
"Between the three of you it's a wonder I'm still sane," he mumbled as Hitomi pushed through the trees and into camp.
Hitomi let the branches fly back and stood to admire the gypsy camp. Heads popped out from canvas tents some from wagon doors as the morning set in. Pots and pans clanked together as some attempted to get breakfast going while others headed off to the river for water. Beads rattled and earrings jingled as the people moved about camp.
Hitomi felt Soren's heavy hand come to rest on her shoulder and turned up to smile at him. He smiled back and pushed her forward.
" Hurry or Trisha will end up turning the camp upside down looking for you"
Hitomi laughed at the truth of it and weaved her way in and out of tents looking for the circle holding Trisha's tent.
As of today it was two years into her new life. She had learned to overcome the fear of traveling into towns, especially Fanelia. However she would not under any circumstances travel into Liara it would end terribly that she was sure of. Besides that life was great. She knew everyone in camp and they all loved Hitomi.
Hitomi was lost in her thoughts and didn't see the man she was about to run into. Luckily the man saw her coming and picked her up just as the ground was about half way to her face.
"Hitomi you really have to watch where you step," he sighed standing her upright
Hitomi shook her head and looked up at her rescuer. He had dark brown eyes and even darker brown hair.
"Sorry Mark," she said still a little dizzy
"Just hurry up Trisha is looking for you again"
Hitomi nodded to her friend and hurried on watching her steps this time.
"Caleb!!! It was you I know it!!!"
Hitomi slapped her hands to her ears to avoid the screaming. Ah, now this was her morning routine.
Hitomi walked up to her group's tents and saw Darice holding her new beaded purse that just happened to be purple and soaking wet. She looked ready to burst.
"Good Morning Darice how are you?"
"Oh don't even start with me Hitomi!"
Hitomi through her hands up and laughed as Caleb strode into the circle wearing the biggest smirk she had ever seen.
"Here we go," Trisha sighed rolling her eyes as she walked up next to Hitomi.
Darice spun to face Caleb and growled, "This was brand new"
"I know, got it in Asturia didn't you? No it was Freid, yes, Freid that's it"
"CALEB YOU JERK!!!"
"SERVES YOU RIGHT ITCHING POWDER ISN'T ALL THAT PLEASANT!!"
"WELL IF YOU HADN'T RUINED MY DRESS THEN THAT WOULDN'T HAVE HAPPENED!!!"
"WELL IF YOU HADN'T MESSED WITH MY BEAR TRAP-"
Hitomi and Trisha quickly ran the other way. Those two could go on for hours just arguing about anything. They loved to pull pranks on the each other and Caleb usually did his in the cover of the night leaving Darice furious in the morning.
Soren was heading towards their tents but heard the shouts and immediately turned on his heel and headed for the river.
Trisha laughed and threw Hitomi an apple and some bread.
"Hurry up Hito-chan we head into Fanelia today some shopping and dancing, I thought we might even stay in town for a day or two"
"Fanelia does have the best Inn's but this wouldn't have anything to do with this being market week and all would it? You know the one where merchants from all over Gaia come to Fanelia-"
"Hitomi just eat and meet me at the front in a half an hour!" Trisha ordered and marched off
Hitomi smiled and bit down on her apple. She was smiling to herself and looked up just in time to see Caleb walk out of their tent circle. He was looking remarkably pleased with himself and straightened his shirt as he walked up to Hitomi.
"You?" Hitomi asked after swallowing.
Caleb nodded, "I'm just too good she can't win anymore"
Hitomi heard the flying apple and side stepped just in time to miss the broken pieces. Caleb stumbled forward and fell to the ground in shock. Feeling the side of his head he whirled around and watched as Darice dusted off her hands and marched away off towards the river.
Growling Caleb brushed the apple pieces off the side of his head and staggered to his feet.
"OW!!" he moaned feeling his head, "That hurt!"
Hitomi looked at the apple pieces scattered on the forest floor and then back up at Caleb's head.
"You just don't mess with a woman and her stuff"
Caleb squinted his eyes and rubbed his head walking off back to their tents.
"Ha ha ha," he mimicked as he crawled into his tent
"She won!"
Caleb stuck his head out of his tent and glared at Hitomi.
"Going to town today you coming?"
"What city?" he called from inside the tent
"Fanelia"
Caleb was out of his tent faster than Hitomi could blink.
"Sure," he casually answered walking past a stunned Hitomi as soon as he had composed himself
Hitomi cocked her head and watched Caleb walk away, "What got into him?" she mumbled to herself throwing her apple core to the ground.
The rest of the morning passed surprisingly peacefully except for Caleb's incessant urges to hurry into town. Everyone knew something was up. Tom and Celia were convinced he was in love, Soren laughed, Mark teased him and Trisha couldn't stop asking who it was. Darice couldn't care less.
Everyone was finally ready to leave but all had agreed to keep Caleb there unless he told them who the girl was.
"Alright if I bring her to dinner tonight will you let me go!!!"
There was a moment of silence before all finally decided that was reasonable enough and let Caleb head into town. His horse kicked up a furry of dust as he rushed off causing Trisha to burst out laughing.
"He's got it bad!"
"I want to know who can put up with him," Hitomi giggled
"Well we'll find out tonight now let's go"
The small group that wanted to head into town that day finally set off for Fanelia. The walk was short and Fanelia soon came into view.
As soon as the market was in view Darice was gone. Soren set up a booth with Tom and Celia and sent the rest on their way. As soon as the three found a good place Mark pulled out his flute and started up his playful tune. Hitomi had found that dancing with Trisha was a great way to relax. The little children who smiled at the music and laughed when their scarf's changed colors as they spun to the notes was a sight far more entrancing than the rising sun. And it always made Hitomi smile.
The soft melody of Mark's flute flooded the market as Hitomi leaned against the stonewall watching Trisha dance. This wasn't her song to dance to this time; this was where she got to sing. It had taken a few days but finally Mark had learned Hitomi's song and Hitomi now found the song comforting like a large warm blanket. So singing it always brought her joy.
Van smiled as Merle bounced from booth to booth. She loved shopping and Market week was her favorite. She had finally convinced him to come and Van was actually amazed at how many merchants there were in the streets of Fanelia today. He didn't want to shop so he was simply strolling along the streets browsing for a gift for Merle.
Merle still held her childish fantasy of finding Hitomi and would bring it up once and a while. Van would simply walk away; he didn't want to have any part in his sister's fanciful search. It would just reopen old wounds he had long sealed up.
Fanelia was doing as good as a country possibly could and Van was happy. As happy as he could be he guessed. Fanelia was rich and powerful, he had great friends, an ambitious sister and the best allies Gaia could offer.
So he was kind of engaged to the Princess of Williams.. it wouldn't be that bad.
His advisors had been on him to get married for years and after Millerna turned him down his advisors had taken it upon themselves to find him a princess. Unfortunately they found one about 2 months ago. Flora was a wonderful women and he was very fond of her. However that little sliver of his heart fought with all the power it possessed and pushed all women away. It was stubbornly waiting for Hitomi to just stroll up to the castle gates smiling just like she used to.
Conveniently however Flora wasn't interested in Van. She had been madly in love with some man named Mark Travis. Three years ago they had run off to get married but her father had tracked them down and thrown Mark in jail. When he was released 2 weeks later a rumor had spread about Flora being married to some rich lord and Mark had just disappeared.
Flora had locked herself in her room for about a week the crying never stopping. Now three years later her face was stone cold around her family and her marriage to Van was only going to increase her hate. She had been grateful to Van for understanding but since both were stuck with their loves gone for life they had agreed to produce an heir and live out their lives. They would raise a wonderful family and create a prosperous kingdom. They both knew that love for the other was impossible and had regretfully signed the contracts settling their marriage date.
Flora and Merle got along great and whenever Van wasn't around Merle would tell stories of their long gone friends. She even took Flora out to the statues next to Folken's grave one day. Van had caught them and was in more of a temporary shock that Flora was seeing so much of his past than he wanted to let on.
Flora could only smile and rub Van's back in some attempt to comfort him.
All she would say was, "I know Van, I know"
Van was actually grateful that he had ended up with his understanding fiancée. But as he wandered the market he tried to forget all about the castle life and enjoy the bazaar surrounding him.
He was buying a necklace for Merle and a bracelet for Flora when the song whispered in his ear. His head turned and for some reason he was suddenly drawn to the words.
"Life is a journey with love in hand.."
The song hit his heart in a way he just couldn't explain. The melody teased his ears and Van spun in circles searching for the source.
"Secrets kept and hearts broken.."
People crowded the streets as Van struggled through clumps of shoppers in his frantic search for the singer.
"Out in the rain whispers lived..."
Van watched as the crowd came into view. More people than thought humanly possible were shoulder to shoulder silently listening to the beautiful song. Van pushed his way through the first layer but it was just too packed he could only stand and listen as the flute led the singer on.
"Hope was always the true friend, You have captured my love completely"
The words blurred and all he could hear was the soft sound of the woman's voice rising just above the flute. He closed his eyes and felt the market disappear. He was in the fields he played in as a child. Folken spun him in the air and tickled him in the grass. Hitomi, Millerna and Merle ran up and tackled Folken dragging a deep laugh from the elder as all three tickled the older boy.
Hitomi turned to face Van and waved him over, "Come on! Hurry while we got him!"
Van jumped up and Merle scooted over letting Van climb on Folken and join in on the tickling.
Van watched as they all disappeared letting the tiny specks of dry grass swirl around their faces. The market reappeared and Van listened to the last few lines as the woman finished up.
"My love fight the fog, Follow the tears and blood, Listen for the song in the night and together we'll fly free"
The applause was deafening mixed in with cheering and whistling. Van found himself clapping and stood still as the crowd dispersed. Flashes of the groups faces appeared as heads moved this way and that. Van smiled when he saw the a tall black haired lady stretch and shake her hips. Her smile was uplifting on its own and he watched as the beads and bracelets clanked together while she waited for her friends.
The male was packing his flute smiling at his comrades. Van loved the gypsies, they always had an air about them that was just so inviting. They would dance and sing like they hadn't a care in the world.
Then his eyes fell on the singer. The sliver in his heart went hysterical but his mind couldn't register why. She had her long sandy hair in a braid and she was smiling as she twirled in her light skirt. She was linking arms with her friends the black haired woman screaming shopping and Van just stared.
There was something about her that he knew. Her figure the way she smiled but a mental block pushed against his thoughts, he felt like he was beating against a brick wall.
The three walked past him smiling, completely oblivious to his stares.
Van spun to catch a glimpse of her retreating figure and felt the strangest feeling of familiarity. Shaking his head he scolded himself. He hadn't been into the market for 2 years. He couldn't know anyone around here. So turning away from the crowd he marched back up to the booth he had left Merle at.
She was still rummaging through the jewelry when she saw him.
"There you are Van-Sama!!!"
Van half smiled and walked up behind his sister.
"Van-Sama what are you doing?"
"Just hold still Merle"
Van slipped the necklace out of his pocket and snapped it around her neck. Merle squealed and fingered the diamond heart necklace.
"I love it!!" she screamed, "Thank you Van-Sama!!!"
Van steadied himself and sure enough she jumped on him nearly knocking them both to the ground.
"I'm glad," he smiled hugging his sister, "I'm headed back have fun"
Merle nodded her huge bright grin growing every minute. Van kissed her forehead and headed off through the masses to his castle.
Soren had taken a break and wandered the market for a while. Before he knew it he was wandering the forest just outside of Fanelia's palace gardens. The view was gorgeous and he found it very relaxing. The huge crowds always got to him. He could only stand all that noise for so long.
He followed trunks as they rose up into the sky and smiled at nature's wonders. Gazing up the branches he didn't see the statue's in front of him, that is until he hit them head on of course.
He hit the ground with a huge 'thump!' and felt the bump already growing on his forehead. Rubbing his head in pain for minute he didn't see what he had run into. So finally standing up he examined what had caused the already darkening bruise on his head.
And he stumbled backwards gasping out of surprise.
There were statues a little taller than 7 feet each with pictures and plaques at the base. They were breathtaking, very well done. The farthest to the left was a very tall young man with spiky hair and a mechanical arm. He was smiling with his hands behind his back. He was wearing slacks and a long sleeved shirt with Fanelia's royal symbol plastered on the side.
Soren walked over to the statue and bent down to read the plaque at the bottom. It read:
"Folken Fanel, loving brother, blessed son and dear friend. We will miss you and rest assured you will never be forgotten."
Then right below the plaque was a picture. Folken stood in the middle of a great orange field with a little boy on his shoulder. The boy had unruly raven hair blown back by the wind and he was wearing the biggest smile Soren had ever seen while he hugged Folken's head. Then on the other shoulder was a small cat girl smiling just as bright as the boy leaning against Folken's head. Clinging to Folken's left leg was a small little girl with curly golden hair pulled back in a ponytail. She had bright blue eyes that just screamed mischievous. Attached on Folken's right leg was another small girl with short sandy blonde hair and deep green eyes.
There was something about that little girl that Soren recognized but he couldn't put his finger on it, until he read what was at the bottom of the picture:
"We love you" Followed by four little signatures: Van Merle Millerna Hitomi
Soren shook his head and read the signatures again but it was still there. Hitomi.
Moving on to the next statue Soren immediately recognized Fanelia's old King and Queen. They were smiling and hugging. The plaque was carefully carved of tiny feathers and Fanelia's national symbol.
It read: "To our loving parents"
There was no picture simply two names carved in the bottom.
Van and Merle.
He moved to the next one and froze. Two young ladies stood smiling as they leaned against each other. One had long slightly curly hair and the other a short ear line cut just like the two little girls in the first picture on Folken's statue. That wasn't what made him freeze.
He recognized one of the girls. It was Hitomi.
Bending down to the picture he blinked a few times to make sure he was seeing right. The boy who he recognized as Van Fanel king of Fanelia was very grown up now and very handsome. The cat girl he knew to be his sister Merle was taller but her being still radiated "playful"
Millerna he knew to have been the Princess of Liara said to have died a few years back with her best friend on one of the marauders hits. And then there was Hitomi. The same Hitomi he had seen two years ago when he had found her dying on the road.
Her short brown hair and deep emerald eyes.
Van was sitting in the same field that Folken's picture was in. He was smiling like he didn't realize the rest of the world existed, all that mattered to him were the three girls surrounding him. His dark rubies shined and Soren could tell he was clinging to all the girls like a life support. Merle was curled up on his right side leaning against his shoulder holding onto one of Hitomi's hands. Hitomi was lying in the front leaning against Van's chest just below his chin. Millerna was on the other side leaning against Van's shoulder just like Merle she too grabbing Hitomi's other hand.
All were smiling like they were lost in a dream of never ending happiness and all at once Soren understood.
The plaque wasn't like the others this time it was more of a letter.
"To our loving Hitomi and Millerna, We can't tell you how sorry we are that you died alone. Your memories will never die and you will live in our hearts forever. Our tears will never stop for you have touched a part of our souls that can never be reached again. Wherever you are now never forget us. We will never let your stories die. We love you with all our hearts and wish you happiness in death."
Van and Merle had signed the bottom and put a bow on the corner. Soren saw a picture of Hitomi flash through his mind. Why would she leave these friends who loved her so much. At the same time he was wondering, he felt as if he had just intruded on someone's heart.
Hitomi didn't want them to know and she had her reasons. But as he backed up staring at the statue he couldn't help but feel a little of the pain Van and Merle must be feeling. To lose all those loved ones this early in life must be hard.
Turning he headed back to the market. Well now he knew where Hitomi was from, the question was why did she leave.
Trisha spent the rest of the day shopping, dragging Mark along with her to carry the bags. Hitomi had aimlessly walked around the market for hours just browsing before finally heading back to camp just as Trisha, Mark and Darice were arriving.
Mark looked exhausted and Trisha was smiling as she made dinner telling Darice about all her bargains. Darice was happy as ever and handing out gifts she had bought for everyone.
Mark got a new dagger with a sapphire encrusted hilt, which he absolutely loved. Trisha got a new skirt the strange designs sewn with pure gold thread. Darice had actually gotten Caleb a gift, well kind of. She got him a diamond bracelet for his mystery girl she figured he needed all the help he could get. But strangely enough Caleb hadn't shown up yet. Trisha was serving dinner as Hitomi continued to stare up at the starry sky.
Trisha had canceled the hotels in town earlier and promised they would go tomorrow night. Hitomi had to spend an hour convincing Trisha it was okay before Trisha would drop it.
Soren walked into camp with his hands in his pockets a half smile on his face. He turned to immediately face Hitomi and Hitomi looked back in confusion. He looked sympathetic and pained. She couldn't understand and pushed up from her log heading for their fire. Darice jumped up and linked her arm with Hitomi's.
"Okay Hito-Chan I know you like reading I've seen you in those book stores smiling like a kid in a candy store."
Hitomi smiled, "My mother used to read to me when I was young I've loved it ever since"
"Well I hope you like this I wasn't sure what kind of book you would like so I got fantasy. I always thought of fantasy as an escape from the real world and I think everyone could use that once an a while."
Hitomi hugged Darice, "Thanks"
"I haven't even shown you yet!"
"But you thought about me that's enough"
Darice scrunched her nose and dug down in one of her shopping bags. Hitomi watched in amazement as she pulled out a very large book. The binding alone was a work of art. The intricate designs mesmerized Hitomi and reminded her of the palace walls in Liara. She was speechless. Roses and dragons were carved into the gold that seemed to be the book itself.
"Darice it's.gorgeous"
"I thought it looked pretty neat so I thought maybe you might like it. The lady said it was the legend of the umm.. Draconians that's it. It's the complete story of the Draconians."
"Weren't those the winged people?" Mark asked looking up from his food
"Yea, they were hunted by humans because they became to violent. They were swallowed into the mere thought of their power and ended up becoming extinct or very rare," Soren said settling down on a log next to Mark
Hitomi turned the book over in her hands, "The designs are beautiful"
Feather designs were carved everywhere as if someone had just dumped an entire bag full of them. Hitomi pulled on the edge and was shocked to find it stuck.
Darice smacked her head, "Oh sorry I forgot it comes with a key"
Hitomi's eyes widened in surprise, "Wow"
Darice fidgeted in her pocket and finally pulled out the key, or necklace. Hitomi watched as the tiny tear drop stone swayed back and forth. The gold chain sparkled in the moonlight and Darice opened Hitomi's palm and let it wind down against her skin.
"It's a necklace as well"
Hitomi's eyes softened at her friend, "Darice this was too much"
Darice shook her head, "Nah we all need to get spoiled now and then"
"You spoil yourself all the time," Mark smiled
Darice turned around and stuck her tongue at him, "Watch it"
"Open it Hitomi," Soren's deep voice startled Hitomi's thoughts
Shaking her head Hitomi took the pink stone and settled it into the little hole on the front of the book. With a tiny twist the book popped up. Hitomi snapped the necklace around her neck and pulled the heavy cover open.
Everyone watched as Hitomi pulled the cover back to reveal the title page. Feathers lined the edges finally circling the title written in fancy bold letters.
"The Legend of Angels"
Hitomi read the title out loud and sat down on the log next to Soren. Hitomi stared at the page for a minute, afraid if she touched it, it would crumble and disappear. Soren squeezed her arm and urged her on.
Hitomi's slender fingers carefully flipped the page over and narrowed her eyes at the one sentence standing boldly in the middle of the page.
"Life is a journey with love in hand."
Mark looked up and squinted at her, "You're singing now Hitomi? Come on read the book"
Hitomi looked up at him with confusion in her eyes, " I just did"
"What?" Trisha asked handing a bowl of stew to Soren
"It says, 'Life is a journey with love in hand'," she repeated
"Isn't that the beginning to the song your mom taught you?" Darice asked
"Yea"
"Well turn the page," Mark urged on
In great flourishes of marks Hitomi read the beginning of chapter one.
"Our story begins many years ago when Gaia was empty of sin and pain. My people, the feathered angels, were nature's best friend. We had love and peace, we had each other. We had everything that a people could possibly need.
But all in one day we discovered a new ability we were capable of. Power. Unfortunately power brought greed and a hunger for blood and my people became violent.
Hitomi read on about the Draconians downfall and how their own lust for power had brought about their demise. Soon Hitomi's voice vanished as she read the words to herself unaware of the others around her.
"Hitomi?"
Hitomi could hear Soren's voice and raised her head to answer him.
Then she realized she couldn't raise her head. In fact she couldn't move at all. The words on the old and worn pages swirled into black dots and disappeared. Hitomi tried to move but her body wasn't responding. The campfire withered down to a single flame and Hitomi watched as it blew out.
Everything around her disappeared and Hitomi gasped as her body finally cooperated and she looked around. It was blacker than night and she couldn't see a thing.
"Soren!!!"
No one answered.
"Trisha!! Darice!!!"
Still no answer.
"Mark!" she called out in desperation
It was strangely cold and Hitomi began to shiver. Her head was still spinning and throbbing so Hitomi sat down, only to cry out in pain.
The ground was frozen.
She closed her eyes and rubbed her arms. Opening her eyes she gasped again. There was a ground now and it was pure white, for miles around. She didn't know what to do so she walked. Her shoes didn't provide any protection in the freezing snow and Hitomi felt her feet and legs go numb.
Not before long Hitomi looked up and tilted her head to squint at the building in front of her. It rose at least a mile high into the gray sky. It looked old and unstable. Stones were falling off the wall here and there, others just cracked and threatening to.
The base was a tall rectangle which melded into a cone shape. Teardrop stones outlined the edges of the building giving the building a very uninviting look. Honestly it was the ugliest building she had ever seen but she figured it might be a little warmer inside.
The large stone steps were frozen over and slick so Hitomi had to grip to the railing on the side to get up. The stairs however seemed to go on forever and she was getting colder. As the large double doors got closer Hitomi picked up speed.
Finally reaching the oak doors she shoved them open with her shoulder and fell inside pushing the doors closed with her feet. She took a few minutes to catch her breath as she lay on the luckily slightly warmer ground.
She let her fingers run over the floor and found it was marble. Standing up she looked around in awe. The outside may have been shabby but the inside sure wasn't.
Gems of all colors, sizes and types glittered from their snug holes in the wall. Tiny openings in the granite let light shine through bouncing off the stones creating a never ending rainbow throughout the entire building. Hitomi spun around gazing at the gems in amazement. Blues, reds, greens, oranges, yellows, every color she could think off bounced off her arms and legs as she turned.
However it was just one room.
"I don't get it," she whispered, "only one room in this entire building?"
Hitomi stopped and examined the walls. Shrugging she walked up to the gem covered walls to touch the cold jewels and shrieked in surprise as she blinked only to find herself in another room.
She was facing a door made entirely out of obsidian. She focused on the black rock and saw her reflection in the smooth rock. She had her short hair again revealing a long scar on her neck. She went to touch the scar when she realized there was someone else in the room.
Turning around she saw the glass paned windows making up the walls. The room was in a cone shape and a little hole at the tip of the ceiling shot a beam of light straight down to the floor.
Rather to whatever this person was standing in front of. Hitomi flinched at his appearance. His arms and back were both bloody and scratched. What was left of his shirt was next to him on the floor in a pile. She walked up to his side to look at his face but just as his eyes came in view everything went black.
Hitomi felt dizzy and groaned as she fell to the floor. The shrine melted away to a dying camp fire. Soren and Trisha were sitting next to Hitomi, Trisha changing the cool rag every once and a while. Mark and Darice were cleaning up camp and checking on Hitomi every few seconds.
Hitomi was stirring just as Caleb cheerily walked into camp.
"I'm back!" he called walking into their tent circle
No one answered and Caleb frowned to see all of them huddled over by Hitomi's tent.
"Guys I have someone I want you to meet..hey guys?" Caleb turned to his love and shrugged his shoulders.
Turning to the visible heads he counted off.
"Okay Trisha, Mark, Soren, Darice and..hey where's Hitomi?" he asked getting closer to the group.
Hitomi blinked her eyes open and sighed in relief when she saw her friends peering down at her.
"HITOMI!!" Trisha cried out pulling her into a hug, "What happened to you??"
Hitomi just smiled and hugged Trisha back.
Mark and Darice both jumped Hitomi at the same time babbling on about "don't ever do that again" and more "what happened?!?"
Soren pulled his friend from the two and gave her a hug himself. When he was satisfied that she wasn't going anywhere again he pulled back and frowned.
"What happened to you Hito-chan?"
"I don't know-"
Hitomi was cut off by Caleb's voice.
"Hey what's going on what did Hitomi do?"
Hitomi turned around smiling and froze. Caleb narrowed his eyes at the emerald eyed girl and waved his hand in front of her. Everyone watched as Hitomi locked eyes with Caleb's mystery woman. Caleb turned to his love and tilted his head.
"HITOMI!!" Caleb's love screeched her diamond necklace bouncing off her chest as she pitched forward.
Caleb caught her just before she hit the ground pulling her against his chest his eyes wide with fear.
Hitomi groaned and fell back against Soren closing her eyes. Soren looked over at Caleb's love and immediately recognized her, gazing down at Hitomi he gathered that she recognized her as well. Everyone else looked at each other confused beyond belief. Hitomi covered her face with her hands and groaned again.
"Hey Merle," Hitomi sighed
A/N Alrighty thanks for waiting so long for this chapter I hope you all like it. I'm off to write more see ya all later!! Please R&R
A/N Okay I know I'm really sorry that the past two chapters have been like really sad and dark but they are getting better! Yea I know the marauder dude has really bad aim if he couldn't kill Hitomi up close but let's just say hey he was careless and his hand slipped to the side! ^^ Oh and Sereneblaze you're right Hitomi could have spied around but if she did I wouldn't have the plot I do now. Thanks for the reviews and I'm glad you all liked it! Have a great day!!! Sailor Hope
Birds chirped sounding off nature's morning wake up call. The beauty of golden rays bursting through bustles of branches was something of indescribable beauty and Hitomi was grateful for it.
Traumatic incidents can bring souls on the verge of insanity or it can help a person grow. A person can rise above the pain and create a new life in their newfound knowledge. Hitomi had moved on and found for herself a new life in the gypsy camp.
Pushing on her knees Hitomi smiled at the morning glory and stretched in the bright sunlight. Behind her sounds of breakfast and morning grumbles greeted her ears. It was a familiar and comforting sound. Life in the gypsy camp was amazing and with her new friends she couldn't imagine anything better.
Well that was a lie.
Often days haunting dreams of hours spent with Van would taunt and tease her heart. Memories of running around the palace garden with Merle would pop up and pictures of her old life with Millerna would turn her smile upside down.
"Hito-chan!! Where are you!!! We're going into town today!! Darice insists another shopping trip is needed!"
Hitomi laughed at Soren's irritated call and spun around with her bright smile.
"Is Trisha dancing in the market today?" she called back pulling her waist length sandy hair into a braid
Soren crossed his arms in a fatherly manner and gave a heavy sigh.
"Yes and she wants you to come with her"
Hitomi laughed and ran up to Soren. Winking at him she kissed his cheek and gave him a hug.
"Good Morning to you too Soren"
"Between the three of you it's a wonder I'm still sane," he mumbled as Hitomi pushed through the trees and into camp.
Hitomi let the branches fly back and stood to admire the gypsy camp. Heads popped out from canvas tents some from wagon doors as the morning set in. Pots and pans clanked together as some attempted to get breakfast going while others headed off to the river for water. Beads rattled and earrings jingled as the people moved about camp.
Hitomi felt Soren's heavy hand come to rest on her shoulder and turned up to smile at him. He smiled back and pushed her forward.
" Hurry or Trisha will end up turning the camp upside down looking for you"
Hitomi laughed at the truth of it and weaved her way in and out of tents looking for the circle holding Trisha's tent.
As of today it was two years into her new life. She had learned to overcome the fear of traveling into towns, especially Fanelia. However she would not under any circumstances travel into Liara it would end terribly that she was sure of. Besides that life was great. She knew everyone in camp and they all loved Hitomi.
Hitomi was lost in her thoughts and didn't see the man she was about to run into. Luckily the man saw her coming and picked her up just as the ground was about half way to her face.
"Hitomi you really have to watch where you step," he sighed standing her upright
Hitomi shook her head and looked up at her rescuer. He had dark brown eyes and even darker brown hair.
"Sorry Mark," she said still a little dizzy
"Just hurry up Trisha is looking for you again"
Hitomi nodded to her friend and hurried on watching her steps this time.
"Caleb!!! It was you I know it!!!"
Hitomi slapped her hands to her ears to avoid the screaming. Ah, now this was her morning routine.
Hitomi walked up to her group's tents and saw Darice holding her new beaded purse that just happened to be purple and soaking wet. She looked ready to burst.
"Good Morning Darice how are you?"
"Oh don't even start with me Hitomi!"
Hitomi through her hands up and laughed as Caleb strode into the circle wearing the biggest smirk she had ever seen.
"Here we go," Trisha sighed rolling her eyes as she walked up next to Hitomi.
Darice spun to face Caleb and growled, "This was brand new"
"I know, got it in Asturia didn't you? No it was Freid, yes, Freid that's it"
"CALEB YOU JERK!!!"
"SERVES YOU RIGHT ITCHING POWDER ISN'T ALL THAT PLEASANT!!"
"WELL IF YOU HADN'T RUINED MY DRESS THEN THAT WOULDN'T HAVE HAPPENED!!!"
"WELL IF YOU HADN'T MESSED WITH MY BEAR TRAP-"
Hitomi and Trisha quickly ran the other way. Those two could go on for hours just arguing about anything. They loved to pull pranks on the each other and Caleb usually did his in the cover of the night leaving Darice furious in the morning.
Soren was heading towards their tents but heard the shouts and immediately turned on his heel and headed for the river.
Trisha laughed and threw Hitomi an apple and some bread.
"Hurry up Hito-chan we head into Fanelia today some shopping and dancing, I thought we might even stay in town for a day or two"
"Fanelia does have the best Inn's but this wouldn't have anything to do with this being market week and all would it? You know the one where merchants from all over Gaia come to Fanelia-"
"Hitomi just eat and meet me at the front in a half an hour!" Trisha ordered and marched off
Hitomi smiled and bit down on her apple. She was smiling to herself and looked up just in time to see Caleb walk out of their tent circle. He was looking remarkably pleased with himself and straightened his shirt as he walked up to Hitomi.
"You?" Hitomi asked after swallowing.
Caleb nodded, "I'm just too good she can't win anymore"
Hitomi heard the flying apple and side stepped just in time to miss the broken pieces. Caleb stumbled forward and fell to the ground in shock. Feeling the side of his head he whirled around and watched as Darice dusted off her hands and marched away off towards the river.
Growling Caleb brushed the apple pieces off the side of his head and staggered to his feet.
"OW!!" he moaned feeling his head, "That hurt!"
Hitomi looked at the apple pieces scattered on the forest floor and then back up at Caleb's head.
"You just don't mess with a woman and her stuff"
Caleb squinted his eyes and rubbed his head walking off back to their tents.
"Ha ha ha," he mimicked as he crawled into his tent
"She won!"
Caleb stuck his head out of his tent and glared at Hitomi.
"Going to town today you coming?"
"What city?" he called from inside the tent
"Fanelia"
Caleb was out of his tent faster than Hitomi could blink.
"Sure," he casually answered walking past a stunned Hitomi as soon as he had composed himself
Hitomi cocked her head and watched Caleb walk away, "What got into him?" she mumbled to herself throwing her apple core to the ground.
The rest of the morning passed surprisingly peacefully except for Caleb's incessant urges to hurry into town. Everyone knew something was up. Tom and Celia were convinced he was in love, Soren laughed, Mark teased him and Trisha couldn't stop asking who it was. Darice couldn't care less.
Everyone was finally ready to leave but all had agreed to keep Caleb there unless he told them who the girl was.
"Alright if I bring her to dinner tonight will you let me go!!!"
There was a moment of silence before all finally decided that was reasonable enough and let Caleb head into town. His horse kicked up a furry of dust as he rushed off causing Trisha to burst out laughing.
"He's got it bad!"
"I want to know who can put up with him," Hitomi giggled
"Well we'll find out tonight now let's go"
The small group that wanted to head into town that day finally set off for Fanelia. The walk was short and Fanelia soon came into view.
As soon as the market was in view Darice was gone. Soren set up a booth with Tom and Celia and sent the rest on their way. As soon as the three found a good place Mark pulled out his flute and started up his playful tune. Hitomi had found that dancing with Trisha was a great way to relax. The little children who smiled at the music and laughed when their scarf's changed colors as they spun to the notes was a sight far more entrancing than the rising sun. And it always made Hitomi smile.
The soft melody of Mark's flute flooded the market as Hitomi leaned against the stonewall watching Trisha dance. This wasn't her song to dance to this time; this was where she got to sing. It had taken a few days but finally Mark had learned Hitomi's song and Hitomi now found the song comforting like a large warm blanket. So singing it always brought her joy.
Van smiled as Merle bounced from booth to booth. She loved shopping and Market week was her favorite. She had finally convinced him to come and Van was actually amazed at how many merchants there were in the streets of Fanelia today. He didn't want to shop so he was simply strolling along the streets browsing for a gift for Merle.
Merle still held her childish fantasy of finding Hitomi and would bring it up once and a while. Van would simply walk away; he didn't want to have any part in his sister's fanciful search. It would just reopen old wounds he had long sealed up.
Fanelia was doing as good as a country possibly could and Van was happy. As happy as he could be he guessed. Fanelia was rich and powerful, he had great friends, an ambitious sister and the best allies Gaia could offer.
So he was kind of engaged to the Princess of Williams.. it wouldn't be that bad.
His advisors had been on him to get married for years and after Millerna turned him down his advisors had taken it upon themselves to find him a princess. Unfortunately they found one about 2 months ago. Flora was a wonderful women and he was very fond of her. However that little sliver of his heart fought with all the power it possessed and pushed all women away. It was stubbornly waiting for Hitomi to just stroll up to the castle gates smiling just like she used to.
Conveniently however Flora wasn't interested in Van. She had been madly in love with some man named Mark Travis. Three years ago they had run off to get married but her father had tracked them down and thrown Mark in jail. When he was released 2 weeks later a rumor had spread about Flora being married to some rich lord and Mark had just disappeared.
Flora had locked herself in her room for about a week the crying never stopping. Now three years later her face was stone cold around her family and her marriage to Van was only going to increase her hate. She had been grateful to Van for understanding but since both were stuck with their loves gone for life they had agreed to produce an heir and live out their lives. They would raise a wonderful family and create a prosperous kingdom. They both knew that love for the other was impossible and had regretfully signed the contracts settling their marriage date.
Flora and Merle got along great and whenever Van wasn't around Merle would tell stories of their long gone friends. She even took Flora out to the statues next to Folken's grave one day. Van had caught them and was in more of a temporary shock that Flora was seeing so much of his past than he wanted to let on.
Flora could only smile and rub Van's back in some attempt to comfort him.
All she would say was, "I know Van, I know"
Van was actually grateful that he had ended up with his understanding fiancée. But as he wandered the market he tried to forget all about the castle life and enjoy the bazaar surrounding him.
He was buying a necklace for Merle and a bracelet for Flora when the song whispered in his ear. His head turned and for some reason he was suddenly drawn to the words.
"Life is a journey with love in hand.."
The song hit his heart in a way he just couldn't explain. The melody teased his ears and Van spun in circles searching for the source.
"Secrets kept and hearts broken.."
People crowded the streets as Van struggled through clumps of shoppers in his frantic search for the singer.
"Out in the rain whispers lived..."
Van watched as the crowd came into view. More people than thought humanly possible were shoulder to shoulder silently listening to the beautiful song. Van pushed his way through the first layer but it was just too packed he could only stand and listen as the flute led the singer on.
"Hope was always the true friend, You have captured my love completely"
The words blurred and all he could hear was the soft sound of the woman's voice rising just above the flute. He closed his eyes and felt the market disappear. He was in the fields he played in as a child. Folken spun him in the air and tickled him in the grass. Hitomi, Millerna and Merle ran up and tackled Folken dragging a deep laugh from the elder as all three tickled the older boy.
Hitomi turned to face Van and waved him over, "Come on! Hurry while we got him!"
Van jumped up and Merle scooted over letting Van climb on Folken and join in on the tickling.
Van watched as they all disappeared letting the tiny specks of dry grass swirl around their faces. The market reappeared and Van listened to the last few lines as the woman finished up.
"My love fight the fog, Follow the tears and blood, Listen for the song in the night and together we'll fly free"
The applause was deafening mixed in with cheering and whistling. Van found himself clapping and stood still as the crowd dispersed. Flashes of the groups faces appeared as heads moved this way and that. Van smiled when he saw the a tall black haired lady stretch and shake her hips. Her smile was uplifting on its own and he watched as the beads and bracelets clanked together while she waited for her friends.
The male was packing his flute smiling at his comrades. Van loved the gypsies, they always had an air about them that was just so inviting. They would dance and sing like they hadn't a care in the world.
Then his eyes fell on the singer. The sliver in his heart went hysterical but his mind couldn't register why. She had her long sandy hair in a braid and she was smiling as she twirled in her light skirt. She was linking arms with her friends the black haired woman screaming shopping and Van just stared.
There was something about her that he knew. Her figure the way she smiled but a mental block pushed against his thoughts, he felt like he was beating against a brick wall.
The three walked past him smiling, completely oblivious to his stares.
Van spun to catch a glimpse of her retreating figure and felt the strangest feeling of familiarity. Shaking his head he scolded himself. He hadn't been into the market for 2 years. He couldn't know anyone around here. So turning away from the crowd he marched back up to the booth he had left Merle at.
She was still rummaging through the jewelry when she saw him.
"There you are Van-Sama!!!"
Van half smiled and walked up behind his sister.
"Van-Sama what are you doing?"
"Just hold still Merle"
Van slipped the necklace out of his pocket and snapped it around her neck. Merle squealed and fingered the diamond heart necklace.
"I love it!!" she screamed, "Thank you Van-Sama!!!"
Van steadied himself and sure enough she jumped on him nearly knocking them both to the ground.
"I'm glad," he smiled hugging his sister, "I'm headed back have fun"
Merle nodded her huge bright grin growing every minute. Van kissed her forehead and headed off through the masses to his castle.
Soren had taken a break and wandered the market for a while. Before he knew it he was wandering the forest just outside of Fanelia's palace gardens. The view was gorgeous and he found it very relaxing. The huge crowds always got to him. He could only stand all that noise for so long.
He followed trunks as they rose up into the sky and smiled at nature's wonders. Gazing up the branches he didn't see the statue's in front of him, that is until he hit them head on of course.
He hit the ground with a huge 'thump!' and felt the bump already growing on his forehead. Rubbing his head in pain for minute he didn't see what he had run into. So finally standing up he examined what had caused the already darkening bruise on his head.
And he stumbled backwards gasping out of surprise.
There were statues a little taller than 7 feet each with pictures and plaques at the base. They were breathtaking, very well done. The farthest to the left was a very tall young man with spiky hair and a mechanical arm. He was smiling with his hands behind his back. He was wearing slacks and a long sleeved shirt with Fanelia's royal symbol plastered on the side.
Soren walked over to the statue and bent down to read the plaque at the bottom. It read:
"Folken Fanel, loving brother, blessed son and dear friend. We will miss you and rest assured you will never be forgotten."
Then right below the plaque was a picture. Folken stood in the middle of a great orange field with a little boy on his shoulder. The boy had unruly raven hair blown back by the wind and he was wearing the biggest smile Soren had ever seen while he hugged Folken's head. Then on the other shoulder was a small cat girl smiling just as bright as the boy leaning against Folken's head. Clinging to Folken's left leg was a small little girl with curly golden hair pulled back in a ponytail. She had bright blue eyes that just screamed mischievous. Attached on Folken's right leg was another small girl with short sandy blonde hair and deep green eyes.
There was something about that little girl that Soren recognized but he couldn't put his finger on it, until he read what was at the bottom of the picture:
"We love you" Followed by four little signatures: Van Merle Millerna Hitomi
Soren shook his head and read the signatures again but it was still there. Hitomi.
Moving on to the next statue Soren immediately recognized Fanelia's old King and Queen. They were smiling and hugging. The plaque was carefully carved of tiny feathers and Fanelia's national symbol.
It read: "To our loving parents"
There was no picture simply two names carved in the bottom.
Van and Merle.
He moved to the next one and froze. Two young ladies stood smiling as they leaned against each other. One had long slightly curly hair and the other a short ear line cut just like the two little girls in the first picture on Folken's statue. That wasn't what made him freeze.
He recognized one of the girls. It was Hitomi.
Bending down to the picture he blinked a few times to make sure he was seeing right. The boy who he recognized as Van Fanel king of Fanelia was very grown up now and very handsome. The cat girl he knew to be his sister Merle was taller but her being still radiated "playful"
Millerna he knew to have been the Princess of Liara said to have died a few years back with her best friend on one of the marauders hits. And then there was Hitomi. The same Hitomi he had seen two years ago when he had found her dying on the road.
Her short brown hair and deep emerald eyes.
Van was sitting in the same field that Folken's picture was in. He was smiling like he didn't realize the rest of the world existed, all that mattered to him were the three girls surrounding him. His dark rubies shined and Soren could tell he was clinging to all the girls like a life support. Merle was curled up on his right side leaning against his shoulder holding onto one of Hitomi's hands. Hitomi was lying in the front leaning against Van's chest just below his chin. Millerna was on the other side leaning against Van's shoulder just like Merle she too grabbing Hitomi's other hand.
All were smiling like they were lost in a dream of never ending happiness and all at once Soren understood.
The plaque wasn't like the others this time it was more of a letter.
"To our loving Hitomi and Millerna, We can't tell you how sorry we are that you died alone. Your memories will never die and you will live in our hearts forever. Our tears will never stop for you have touched a part of our souls that can never be reached again. Wherever you are now never forget us. We will never let your stories die. We love you with all our hearts and wish you happiness in death."
Van and Merle had signed the bottom and put a bow on the corner. Soren saw a picture of Hitomi flash through his mind. Why would she leave these friends who loved her so much. At the same time he was wondering, he felt as if he had just intruded on someone's heart.
Hitomi didn't want them to know and she had her reasons. But as he backed up staring at the statue he couldn't help but feel a little of the pain Van and Merle must be feeling. To lose all those loved ones this early in life must be hard.
Turning he headed back to the market. Well now he knew where Hitomi was from, the question was why did she leave.
Trisha spent the rest of the day shopping, dragging Mark along with her to carry the bags. Hitomi had aimlessly walked around the market for hours just browsing before finally heading back to camp just as Trisha, Mark and Darice were arriving.
Mark looked exhausted and Trisha was smiling as she made dinner telling Darice about all her bargains. Darice was happy as ever and handing out gifts she had bought for everyone.
Mark got a new dagger with a sapphire encrusted hilt, which he absolutely loved. Trisha got a new skirt the strange designs sewn with pure gold thread. Darice had actually gotten Caleb a gift, well kind of. She got him a diamond bracelet for his mystery girl she figured he needed all the help he could get. But strangely enough Caleb hadn't shown up yet. Trisha was serving dinner as Hitomi continued to stare up at the starry sky.
Trisha had canceled the hotels in town earlier and promised they would go tomorrow night. Hitomi had to spend an hour convincing Trisha it was okay before Trisha would drop it.
Soren walked into camp with his hands in his pockets a half smile on his face. He turned to immediately face Hitomi and Hitomi looked back in confusion. He looked sympathetic and pained. She couldn't understand and pushed up from her log heading for their fire. Darice jumped up and linked her arm with Hitomi's.
"Okay Hito-Chan I know you like reading I've seen you in those book stores smiling like a kid in a candy store."
Hitomi smiled, "My mother used to read to me when I was young I've loved it ever since"
"Well I hope you like this I wasn't sure what kind of book you would like so I got fantasy. I always thought of fantasy as an escape from the real world and I think everyone could use that once an a while."
Hitomi hugged Darice, "Thanks"
"I haven't even shown you yet!"
"But you thought about me that's enough"
Darice scrunched her nose and dug down in one of her shopping bags. Hitomi watched in amazement as she pulled out a very large book. The binding alone was a work of art. The intricate designs mesmerized Hitomi and reminded her of the palace walls in Liara. She was speechless. Roses and dragons were carved into the gold that seemed to be the book itself.
"Darice it's.gorgeous"
"I thought it looked pretty neat so I thought maybe you might like it. The lady said it was the legend of the umm.. Draconians that's it. It's the complete story of the Draconians."
"Weren't those the winged people?" Mark asked looking up from his food
"Yea, they were hunted by humans because they became to violent. They were swallowed into the mere thought of their power and ended up becoming extinct or very rare," Soren said settling down on a log next to Mark
Hitomi turned the book over in her hands, "The designs are beautiful"
Feather designs were carved everywhere as if someone had just dumped an entire bag full of them. Hitomi pulled on the edge and was shocked to find it stuck.
Darice smacked her head, "Oh sorry I forgot it comes with a key"
Hitomi's eyes widened in surprise, "Wow"
Darice fidgeted in her pocket and finally pulled out the key, or necklace. Hitomi watched as the tiny tear drop stone swayed back and forth. The gold chain sparkled in the moonlight and Darice opened Hitomi's palm and let it wind down against her skin.
"It's a necklace as well"
Hitomi's eyes softened at her friend, "Darice this was too much"
Darice shook her head, "Nah we all need to get spoiled now and then"
"You spoil yourself all the time," Mark smiled
Darice turned around and stuck her tongue at him, "Watch it"
"Open it Hitomi," Soren's deep voice startled Hitomi's thoughts
Shaking her head Hitomi took the pink stone and settled it into the little hole on the front of the book. With a tiny twist the book popped up. Hitomi snapped the necklace around her neck and pulled the heavy cover open.
Everyone watched as Hitomi pulled the cover back to reveal the title page. Feathers lined the edges finally circling the title written in fancy bold letters.
"The Legend of Angels"
Hitomi read the title out loud and sat down on the log next to Soren. Hitomi stared at the page for a minute, afraid if she touched it, it would crumble and disappear. Soren squeezed her arm and urged her on.
Hitomi's slender fingers carefully flipped the page over and narrowed her eyes at the one sentence standing boldly in the middle of the page.
"Life is a journey with love in hand."
Mark looked up and squinted at her, "You're singing now Hitomi? Come on read the book"
Hitomi looked up at him with confusion in her eyes, " I just did"
"What?" Trisha asked handing a bowl of stew to Soren
"It says, 'Life is a journey with love in hand'," she repeated
"Isn't that the beginning to the song your mom taught you?" Darice asked
"Yea"
"Well turn the page," Mark urged on
In great flourishes of marks Hitomi read the beginning of chapter one.
"Our story begins many years ago when Gaia was empty of sin and pain. My people, the feathered angels, were nature's best friend. We had love and peace, we had each other. We had everything that a people could possibly need.
But all in one day we discovered a new ability we were capable of. Power. Unfortunately power brought greed and a hunger for blood and my people became violent.
Hitomi read on about the Draconians downfall and how their own lust for power had brought about their demise. Soon Hitomi's voice vanished as she read the words to herself unaware of the others around her.
"Hitomi?"
Hitomi could hear Soren's voice and raised her head to answer him.
Then she realized she couldn't raise her head. In fact she couldn't move at all. The words on the old and worn pages swirled into black dots and disappeared. Hitomi tried to move but her body wasn't responding. The campfire withered down to a single flame and Hitomi watched as it blew out.
Everything around her disappeared and Hitomi gasped as her body finally cooperated and she looked around. It was blacker than night and she couldn't see a thing.
"Soren!!!"
No one answered.
"Trisha!! Darice!!!"
Still no answer.
"Mark!" she called out in desperation
It was strangely cold and Hitomi began to shiver. Her head was still spinning and throbbing so Hitomi sat down, only to cry out in pain.
The ground was frozen.
She closed her eyes and rubbed her arms. Opening her eyes she gasped again. There was a ground now and it was pure white, for miles around. She didn't know what to do so she walked. Her shoes didn't provide any protection in the freezing snow and Hitomi felt her feet and legs go numb.
Not before long Hitomi looked up and tilted her head to squint at the building in front of her. It rose at least a mile high into the gray sky. It looked old and unstable. Stones were falling off the wall here and there, others just cracked and threatening to.
The base was a tall rectangle which melded into a cone shape. Teardrop stones outlined the edges of the building giving the building a very uninviting look. Honestly it was the ugliest building she had ever seen but she figured it might be a little warmer inside.
The large stone steps were frozen over and slick so Hitomi had to grip to the railing on the side to get up. The stairs however seemed to go on forever and she was getting colder. As the large double doors got closer Hitomi picked up speed.
Finally reaching the oak doors she shoved them open with her shoulder and fell inside pushing the doors closed with her feet. She took a few minutes to catch her breath as she lay on the luckily slightly warmer ground.
She let her fingers run over the floor and found it was marble. Standing up she looked around in awe. The outside may have been shabby but the inside sure wasn't.
Gems of all colors, sizes and types glittered from their snug holes in the wall. Tiny openings in the granite let light shine through bouncing off the stones creating a never ending rainbow throughout the entire building. Hitomi spun around gazing at the gems in amazement. Blues, reds, greens, oranges, yellows, every color she could think off bounced off her arms and legs as she turned.
However it was just one room.
"I don't get it," she whispered, "only one room in this entire building?"
Hitomi stopped and examined the walls. Shrugging she walked up to the gem covered walls to touch the cold jewels and shrieked in surprise as she blinked only to find herself in another room.
She was facing a door made entirely out of obsidian. She focused on the black rock and saw her reflection in the smooth rock. She had her short hair again revealing a long scar on her neck. She went to touch the scar when she realized there was someone else in the room.
Turning around she saw the glass paned windows making up the walls. The room was in a cone shape and a little hole at the tip of the ceiling shot a beam of light straight down to the floor.
Rather to whatever this person was standing in front of. Hitomi flinched at his appearance. His arms and back were both bloody and scratched. What was left of his shirt was next to him on the floor in a pile. She walked up to his side to look at his face but just as his eyes came in view everything went black.
Hitomi felt dizzy and groaned as she fell to the floor. The shrine melted away to a dying camp fire. Soren and Trisha were sitting next to Hitomi, Trisha changing the cool rag every once and a while. Mark and Darice were cleaning up camp and checking on Hitomi every few seconds.
Hitomi was stirring just as Caleb cheerily walked into camp.
"I'm back!" he called walking into their tent circle
No one answered and Caleb frowned to see all of them huddled over by Hitomi's tent.
"Guys I have someone I want you to meet..hey guys?" Caleb turned to his love and shrugged his shoulders.
Turning to the visible heads he counted off.
"Okay Trisha, Mark, Soren, Darice and..hey where's Hitomi?" he asked getting closer to the group.
Hitomi blinked her eyes open and sighed in relief when she saw her friends peering down at her.
"HITOMI!!" Trisha cried out pulling her into a hug, "What happened to you??"
Hitomi just smiled and hugged Trisha back.
Mark and Darice both jumped Hitomi at the same time babbling on about "don't ever do that again" and more "what happened?!?"
Soren pulled his friend from the two and gave her a hug himself. When he was satisfied that she wasn't going anywhere again he pulled back and frowned.
"What happened to you Hito-chan?"
"I don't know-"
Hitomi was cut off by Caleb's voice.
"Hey what's going on what did Hitomi do?"
Hitomi turned around smiling and froze. Caleb narrowed his eyes at the emerald eyed girl and waved his hand in front of her. Everyone watched as Hitomi locked eyes with Caleb's mystery woman. Caleb turned to his love and tilted his head.
"HITOMI!!" Caleb's love screeched her diamond necklace bouncing off her chest as she pitched forward.
Caleb caught her just before she hit the ground pulling her against his chest his eyes wide with fear.
Hitomi groaned and fell back against Soren closing her eyes. Soren looked over at Caleb's love and immediately recognized her, gazing down at Hitomi he gathered that she recognized her as well. Everyone else looked at each other confused beyond belief. Hitomi covered her face with her hands and groaned again.
"Hey Merle," Hitomi sighed
A/N Alrighty thanks for waiting so long for this chapter I hope you all like it. I'm off to write more see ya all later!! Please R&R