Disclaimer: I don't own Escaflowne!!!
A/N I'm glad you all liked chapter four!!! And Emerald Mist I can't answer you, oh well you all probably all know who Mark is so when you find out in the story just act surprised okay? ^^ Thanks!!! And Magicman don't hit your head!!! Oh boy I'm sorry the cliffhanger wasn't supposed to make you hurt yourself!!! I'm really glad you all like it!!!! Well on with the story!!! Thanks for all the reviews you guys rock!!!
Soren pulled Hitomi into a hug before he pushed her up and winked at her. Hitomi furrowed her brows at him in confusion but turned around to look at the squirming cat in Caleb's arms.
"Merle are you okay?" Caleb asked trying to help her stand up
"Hitomi!!!" Merle screamed ignoring Caleb and launching at the seeress.
Hitomi smiled and opened up her arms biting her lip knowing the two would crash to the ground any moment now. With a loud thud everyone watched as the girls went sprawling to the ground.
"Hitomi! You're Alive!!!" Merle squealed her tail batting back and forth excitedly
Hitomi felt the tears rush to her eyes and blinked rapidly to hold them back.
"Oh Hitomi no one believed me!! But I knew you weren't dead!!"
Hitomi just clutched the cat girl to her chest and smiled leaning into her shoulder. Caleb's eyes grew the size of saucers as he watched the scene. Mark and Trisha had strained to pay attention at the mention of death. Darice was rooted to the ground as she watched the exchange before the words finally sunk in and hit her like led.
"Dead?"
The two friends ignored the rest of the world as Merle pushed back and looked at Hitomi again.
"Oh Hitomi!! This is wonderful!!! Van will-."
Hitomi watched as Merle's smile immediately melted into a frown. Her eyes scrunched and she backed away.
"Hitomi.why?" she whispered shaking her head as if she had just been told the world was crumbling under foot, "You were alive all this time?" her whisper was growing softer, "And you didn't see us? Why Hitomi?"
Hitomi backed up and bowed her head. Everyone was silent as they waited for Hitomi to answer. Soren's lip twitched in sorrow as he watched Hitomi shrink back. Trisha and Darice were exchanging confused looks as Mark settled down next to the fire watching Hitomi solemnly. Caleb was wide eyed and cross-legged on the ground still beyond completely confused at everything going on.
"I thought.."
"You thought what Hitomi!!" Merle snapped the hurt now evident in her voice and body, "What?! What were you thinking!!! WHAT?!?!" She bellowed her eyes shut and hands balled in a fist.
"That it was my fault." Hitomi let out in a tiny whimper
"Your fault?!!!" Merle screamed again
"That you would all blame me," she went on, "I couldn't save Millerna, she died.. and I lived!!" Hitomi's head snapped up and everyone gasped at the tears streaming down her cheeks.
"Tell me Merle Fanel!! Why did I live only to have the sister of my heart to die at my side!!! I was in shock!!" she screamed shaking her head and staring at her hands, "I couldn't do anything I was scared.I didn't know what to do and I thought you would all blame me.I didn't know what to do.I was scared," she finished in a deathly silent whisper
"Blame you?" Merle's question was barely audible as she cocked her head to stare at her friend, "Allen dedicates his life to his work now a days, Aston locks himself away from the rest of world, I've been worried out of my mind looking for you and Van.."
Merle trailed off stepping forward closer to Hitomi, "And Van.. Searched for you for a month before we had to drag him in and make him stop. It destroyed Van." she whispered an unmistakable pain flashing in the cat girls bright blue orbs.
"Hito-chan.It wasn't your fault it ju-"
Hitomi clenched her fists and cried out in anger, "Yes it was!!! I lived Merle!!! I did!!! And I got shot just like Millerna!!! I could have done something!!"
Merle pulled her outstretched hand back towards her chest, "Hitomi if anyone is blaming you it's yourself"
Hitomi slowly raised her head to lock her emeralds with the ocean blue gems.
"You don't understand," she began
"You're right, I don't understand Hitomi!" Merle called out, " We grew up together Hitomi! And never have I had reason to be really angry with you! But Hitomi we thought you were dead!! We have a grave for you! Your funeral was heart wrenching! How do you think that felt! To think you were dead! Slaughtered or raped by those marauders!!"
Hitomi's lips tightened as she shook.
"It felt like someone ripped my heart right out of my chest! Too lose two sisters all in one day! And watch it destroy my brother! You want to know who he blames?!"
Hitomi was silent as she was sure she was going to hear it now, Van was mad because Millerna had died and blamed her.
The entire gypsy camp was dead silent as everyone listened to the raging cat. Caleb was past the confused state and was now standing to comfort his love but Merle pushed his hand away. Soren fought the urge to pull Hitomi away and hug her but knew it would do no good.
Trisha and Darice just stood opened mouth at the whole situation. Mark sat with his head in his hands listening to his friend's pain.
"He blames himself! That's who he blames!!"
Hitomi jerked back in confusion, "What?"
"That's right! He blames himself! He feels guilty every day! He feels he should have been there! That he should have been there to die with you two! He plasters on a smile and can't even bare to hear yours or Millerna's names without falling back in his guilt. He just smiles and puts up with Flora, his stupid duties and all those ridiculous meetings.." Merle was on a roll now as she let her pent up anger out
Hitomi froze, he blamed himself? She felt so stupid, worried and sick all at once. She clutched a near by tree as her stomach threatened to empty itself. He blamed himself? And Merle, what had she done? Merle had been so hurt and Van destroyed? The forest was spinning as memories she had pushed away in hopes of living a calm life came flooding back.
Mark's head snapped up.
Hitomi looked up and felt a wave of guilt wash over her. What had she done? She had never meant to hurt Merle so much, she had wanted to keep her happy. Running forward she grabbed Merle in a breath-stealing hug.
"I'm so sorry Merle, I-I was just scared.I didn't know what to do.I didn't want to hurt you I never meant too. I just wasn't thinking"
"No you weren't," Merle whispered squeezing Hitomi back just as hard
The two stood there for who know's how long holding each other crying into each other's shoulders just hugging. Soren smiled at the sight and leaned back against a tree with a smirk. Trisha smiled at Hitomi and turned to Darice with a huge grin.
"I think she solved what she came here to solve," she whispered
Darice nodded happily though her expression was one of longing sorrow maybe with a hint of jealously.
"What about us?" she whispered against Trisha's ear, "Is there any hope for us?" her voice cracked against the question
Trisha's smile faded as her dead eyes gazed at the friends hugging, "I don't know Darice," turning to her friend Trisha sighed, "Not for a while yet, maybe"
Darice nodded slowly, "What about Caleb?" the hint of a smile returning.
"I think maybe sooner than we expected," Trisha said her voice a little lighter
"I think you may be right," Darice agreed smiling at the dumb founded look on Caleb's face.
"Oh Hitomi I've missed you so much please come back with me," Merle smiled looking at Hitomi
Hitomi was just beginning to smile when her lips turned upside down and her eyes rounded in a mix of shock and pain. Turning she looked at Trisha and Darice smiling at her. Trisha had a motherly knowing smile and was nodding as if telling her to go. Darice looked on the verge of tears but smiled.
"Go Hitomi you can always come back and visit, it's sounds like you've been away from home for far too long. You know where to find us."
Hitomi felt her own tears brimming as she turned to Mark.
"Sounds like you have some old friends you need to see, go on Hitomi it's not like we'll be disappearing."
Hitomi's eyes scrunched up in confusion and fear as she turned to Caleb whose lips had finally twisted into a smile.
"Go Hitomi we'll always be your friends," he urged with a huge grin
Hitomi looked back at the four before finally spinning to face Soren who was still leaning against a tree smiling a sad little smile.
"We'll always be in your heart Hitomi, that's what we're here for, we'll always be here for you. But it sounds like you have a few things you need to sort out back home. You've hid here long enough. Don't worry we're always here for you."
Hitomi stared at him for a moment. She wanted to go back with Merle and see Allen, Cheid and Van again. Van..she didn't know how'd she explain everything to him. But Merle was right he wouldn't blame her and he would welcome her back. And deep down in her heart she had always known it. She loved Van, as silly as that sounded she did. She hadn't seen him in a year but she loved him.
It had always been there Millerna had teased her about her having a crush on him when they were little and Hitomi had only blushed and watched Van cough and brush it off. It's okay, it would work out, and her friends would always be here. She could visit them whenever she wanted but right now she had to go back and straighten things out.
Smiling at Soren Hitomi turned to face Merle.
"Alright I'll go back," she whispered
Merle jumped as her tail flew back and forth with happiness. Spinning around she jumped on Caleb and leaned forward capturing his lips with hers. Hitomi giggled unable to stop it as Caleb's eyes shot up ten sizes before he finally realized what Merle was doing and closed his eyes pulling the cat girl closer.
Everyone was watching and smiling as Merle broke the kiss and bounced.
"Oh Hitomi it'll be great! Van-sama will have probably die of shock!! And Allen will rush right over!! Cheid will be so happy! Aston will certainly faint from shock!!!"
Hitomi fought to keep up her smile, she wasn't so sure if she was ready to see King Aston yet. True he had always been a father figure to her but, she just felt awkward even thinking about him. She would tell Merle to avoid giving him the news quite yet when they reached Fanelia's castle.
"Flora will be love you!! And I think Dilandu will even be happy to know you are.back..and.." Merle stuttered slowly turning to face Hitomi her smile suddenly gone her face looking frankly, scared as hell.
"No.." she whispered
Hitomi scrunched her eyebrows, "Flora? Who is that?"
Hitomi turned to her side to check to see if Mark was okay, she literally felt the tension flowing from him. He looked like he had just seen a ghost. Frowning Hitomi turned back to Merle.
"Merle who is Flora?" Hitomi's voice was a little louder this time
"The Princess of Williams," Merle clarified still staring at Hitomi miserably
Hitomi jumped, and it wasn't because of what Merle said. She turned and found Soren with his jaw slack and hanging open. Confused she turned and found even Caleb looking like his eyes were about to pop out of his head. Darice was staring at the ground tightening her arms around herself. Trisha looked like she had a knife in her gut and she was staring at Mark.
Mark was angrily kicking the ground his eyes hard and cold. Hitomi unconsciously jerked back at the anger radiating from him.
"Mark are you okay?" she asked carefully
"Yea I'm fine," he said with a curt nod
Hitomi turned back to Merle, "Okay so what is the princess of Williams doing in Fanelia"
Merle hesitated as she grabbed her tail fidgeting with the end.
"Merle."
"She's getting married!!" Merle blurted out immediately clamping her mouth shut
Hitomi felt the sorrow sinking in again, "To who Merle?"
Merle opened her mouth and then shut it.
"Who is she marrying Merle?" Hitomi said a little sterner this time
Merle looked down at the ground, "Van-sama"
Hitomi felt the sudden need to sit down and collapsed next to Mark. "Oh," was all she could manage
"He doesn't want to Hito-chan!!" Merle defended
Hitomi just nodded, that still didn't ease the gnawing sickness attacking her heart. She felt like she was going to be sick again. "Oh," was all she managed again
"Flora doesn't want to marry him either!" Merle tried again, "She fell in love with some guy a long time ago but her parents disapproved!! They spread a rumor saying she got married but he was gone before she could tell him the truth."
Hitomi was dizzy but still managed to feel Mark tense up next to her and despite the blur her senses were becoming she still managed to hear Caleb mutter a "no way" followed by Darice's gasp.
She didn't care though. Van was engaged. Dropping her head in her hands she blinked trying to make sense of the world around her. Not only had she hurt her friends, she had lost any chance with a man she had loved since childhood to her foolish assumptions.
Hitomi felt her stomach flipping when Mark stood up and shakily walked up to Merle.
"Who did you say Flora was engaged to?"
"Van-sama, King of Fanelia," Merle said giving Mark a weird look.
"Oh man," Caleb said from behind the cat girl
Merle spun around and frowned, "Am I missing something here?"
"So she isn't married?" Mark questioned his voice a mix between disbelief and anger
"No," Merle said staring at him hard, "Are you okay?"
"I think I'll be turning in for the night," Mark waved a good night to everyone as he shakily crawled into his tent without another word
Merle stopped and looked after Mark, she was sure she had seen his face somewhere before. She couldn't quite remember but turning back to the silent Hitomi she dropped the thought. His face wasn't one of the priorities now. Getting Hitomi to come back with her despite Van's engagement was number one on her list.
"Hitomi please just come back for a day or two," she begged
"I don't know if that's such a good idea Merle," Hitomi countered putting her head between her knees
"Of course it is," Merle insisted
Hitomi shook her head again, " I don't think so-"
"Hitomi Kanzaki pack your bags or I'll do it for you!" Merle ordered standing up and throwing her hands to her hips.
Hitomi looked up at her friend and opened her mouth to protest when Merle narrowed her eyes.
"I don't care if you don't think it's a good idea. I'm telling you it is and for once someone in this country is going to listen to me."
Hitomi closed her mouth in surprise raising her eyebrows a little. Merle growled in frustration and turned to Soren.
"Which tent is hers?" Merle demanded
Soren smirked at the cat's attitude, "Third one down on the left," he pointed smiling at Hitomi.
Merle marched over to the tent and threw the flaps open, Hitomi watched as the tent shook and rattled barely clutching the branch it was attached to. Hitomi jumped up about to head for her tent when Merle burst out of it her leather bag in hand with all her stuff shoved inside.
Merle looked pointedly at Hitomi, "There! To bad if I missed something we're heading to Fanelia, now."
Hitomi smiled at her friend's determined look and turned back to Soren who only raised an eye at her. Running up she hugged him.
"I'll be back to visit soon," she assured him
"I know," he smiled back wrapping her in a bone-crushing hug
Next Trisha tackled Hitomi with her own lung-squeezing hug, "Don't be a stranger Hito-chan"
Hitomi shook her head, "Wouldn't dream of it."
Pulling back Trisha wrapped her arms behind her back smiling. Darice came up behind her and wrapped her arms around Hitomi's waist.
"Have fun," Darice whispered shoving something hard into Hitoim's ribs, "Don't forget this"
Hitomi turned around and grabbed the book Darice had got for her. Grasping it she felt a sudden cold wave rush over her and she shivered remembering what she had seen earlier. Looking at the book for a minute she considered leaving it with Darice for now then decided against it. It might hurt Darice's feelings so tucking it under her arm she thanked Darice. Caleb was busying walking Merle to the front so Hitomi walked over to Mark's tent and slid the flap open.
"Hey Mark," she called
Mark was lying under his blankets head resting on his arms chest bare. He lifted his head a little when Hitomi poked her head in a gave her a half smile.
"See you later," Hitomi called from the entrance
Mark nodded, "Yea have a good time Hito-chan"
Hitomi frowned, there was something wrong but she had absolutely no idea what it was. So plastering on a grin again she winked at him her tear- stained cheeks crinkling with her smile. Backing out she turned and looked at her friends one more time.
"This will be interesting," Hitomi said turning to follow Merle smiling walking hand in hand with Caleb.
"Good luck!" Darice called from behind
Hitomi threw a wink over her shoulder and sucked in all her courage stepping forward to follow Merle. Pushing away all worries and problems for a moment Hitomi felt her lips curve in a real smile. Despite all the problems and shocks her just showing up would cause it would be nice to see Van again.
When they reached the front of the gypsy camp Caleb gave Merle one last kiss good-bye before he turned to Hitomi.
"Take care of yourself Hito-chan"
"You too," Hitomi replied pulling him into a hug, "And don't torture Darice too much," she whispered before pulling away
Caleb winked at her, "I'll try," then he helped her up on his horse, "Keep her for now"
Hitomi thanked him and tied her book to the horse's saddle. Pulling on the reigns she turned the brown mare around to face Merle.
"Ready?" Merle asked
"Not really but I don't think I'm ever going to be ready to do this," Hitomi answered honestly
"Let's go then," Merle said with a smirk
Kicking her horse into a gallop Hitomi raced off after Merle the moonlight bouncing off her hair as she raced past trees and forest creatures watching her ride away.
Caleb watched the two disappear in the night's blanket and smiled letting his finger brush against his lips. Congratulating himself on one heck of a night he grinned up at the moon gasping at the time. It was nearly half past midnight if not one in morning. They had been up longer than he had realized. So turning on his heel he whistled quietly as he headed to his tent.
Caleb strode into his friend's circle smiling at the sight. Some day their time would come, they would all end the torturous battle with their inner demons and part to finish at home what Hitomi was about to do. But that was a little ways off for them. Solutions didn't come so easy for some. But still it would be theirs to take, some day.
Trisha leaned against Soren's shoulder as Darice and Caleb started up another one of their usual arguments.
"So you saw a statue of her?" Trisha questioned wrapping her arm around Soren's and squeezing
"Yea it appears they were all friends growing up," Soren replied slipping his arm out of her grasp and wrapping it around her shoulders
Trisha let her gaze drift up to Mark's tent, "I think he handled the news rather well considering the situation don't you?"
"I would have rather had him scream and punch out the tree," Soren replied truthfully
Trisha gave a light laugh, "I know what you mean he's been too quiet he's scaring me Soren."
"You have to give him time"
Trisha shook her head and leaned into Soren's chest, "Thanks for always being here for me Soren"
"Anytime Trish," he whispered kissing the top of her head, "You're tired go ahead and get in bed"
Trisha mumbled something and Soren smiled picking her up and cradling her in his arms. Slowly he walked over to her tent and slipped her in pulling the blanket just up below her chin.
"Thanks Soren," she whispered just before he backed out of the tent.
Soren's gut told him she was thanking him for much more than a simple tuck in at bedtime and he knew what she meant. So with a smile he backed out of the tent closing the flaps.
"Anytime," he whispered turning back to the fire. Frowning at the two arguing at who knows what Soren rolled his eyes and sighed to himself. With all the noise they were making they would likely wake the entire camp. So with a quick stride and strong thrust he grabbed bunches of the two's shirts and pulled them apart.
"Bed time children," he frowned at Darice, "And be quiet about it," he growled turning to Caleb
Darice crossed her arms and giggled as Caleb gulped a, "Sounds like a great idea"
A/N Okay I know kinda short chapter but I just didn't really know how to go about this so I just gave it a shot I hope you all like it. So Hitomi's off to see Van!!! Merle was right! And what's up with Mark? (oh please I'm giving it up you all already know anyways) And Caleb and Merle are in love!!! ^^ What's up with Soren and Trisha?? 0_o and what's the deal with their pasts? Hmmm well you'll just have to review and find out!!! Well Next chapter will be longer! Hope you all like Please read and review!!!
A/N I'm glad you all liked chapter four!!! And Emerald Mist I can't answer you, oh well you all probably all know who Mark is so when you find out in the story just act surprised okay? ^^ Thanks!!! And Magicman don't hit your head!!! Oh boy I'm sorry the cliffhanger wasn't supposed to make you hurt yourself!!! I'm really glad you all like it!!!! Well on with the story!!! Thanks for all the reviews you guys rock!!!
Soren pulled Hitomi into a hug before he pushed her up and winked at her. Hitomi furrowed her brows at him in confusion but turned around to look at the squirming cat in Caleb's arms.
"Merle are you okay?" Caleb asked trying to help her stand up
"Hitomi!!!" Merle screamed ignoring Caleb and launching at the seeress.
Hitomi smiled and opened up her arms biting her lip knowing the two would crash to the ground any moment now. With a loud thud everyone watched as the girls went sprawling to the ground.
"Hitomi! You're Alive!!!" Merle squealed her tail batting back and forth excitedly
Hitomi felt the tears rush to her eyes and blinked rapidly to hold them back.
"Oh Hitomi no one believed me!! But I knew you weren't dead!!"
Hitomi just clutched the cat girl to her chest and smiled leaning into her shoulder. Caleb's eyes grew the size of saucers as he watched the scene. Mark and Trisha had strained to pay attention at the mention of death. Darice was rooted to the ground as she watched the exchange before the words finally sunk in and hit her like led.
"Dead?"
The two friends ignored the rest of the world as Merle pushed back and looked at Hitomi again.
"Oh Hitomi!! This is wonderful!!! Van will-."
Hitomi watched as Merle's smile immediately melted into a frown. Her eyes scrunched and she backed away.
"Hitomi.why?" she whispered shaking her head as if she had just been told the world was crumbling under foot, "You were alive all this time?" her whisper was growing softer, "And you didn't see us? Why Hitomi?"
Hitomi backed up and bowed her head. Everyone was silent as they waited for Hitomi to answer. Soren's lip twitched in sorrow as he watched Hitomi shrink back. Trisha and Darice were exchanging confused looks as Mark settled down next to the fire watching Hitomi solemnly. Caleb was wide eyed and cross-legged on the ground still beyond completely confused at everything going on.
"I thought.."
"You thought what Hitomi!!" Merle snapped the hurt now evident in her voice and body, "What?! What were you thinking!!! WHAT?!?!" She bellowed her eyes shut and hands balled in a fist.
"That it was my fault." Hitomi let out in a tiny whimper
"Your fault?!!!" Merle screamed again
"That you would all blame me," she went on, "I couldn't save Millerna, she died.. and I lived!!" Hitomi's head snapped up and everyone gasped at the tears streaming down her cheeks.
"Tell me Merle Fanel!! Why did I live only to have the sister of my heart to die at my side!!! I was in shock!!" she screamed shaking her head and staring at her hands, "I couldn't do anything I was scared.I didn't know what to do and I thought you would all blame me.I didn't know what to do.I was scared," she finished in a deathly silent whisper
"Blame you?" Merle's question was barely audible as she cocked her head to stare at her friend, "Allen dedicates his life to his work now a days, Aston locks himself away from the rest of world, I've been worried out of my mind looking for you and Van.."
Merle trailed off stepping forward closer to Hitomi, "And Van.. Searched for you for a month before we had to drag him in and make him stop. It destroyed Van." she whispered an unmistakable pain flashing in the cat girls bright blue orbs.
"Hito-chan.It wasn't your fault it ju-"
Hitomi clenched her fists and cried out in anger, "Yes it was!!! I lived Merle!!! I did!!! And I got shot just like Millerna!!! I could have done something!!"
Merle pulled her outstretched hand back towards her chest, "Hitomi if anyone is blaming you it's yourself"
Hitomi slowly raised her head to lock her emeralds with the ocean blue gems.
"You don't understand," she began
"You're right, I don't understand Hitomi!" Merle called out, " We grew up together Hitomi! And never have I had reason to be really angry with you! But Hitomi we thought you were dead!! We have a grave for you! Your funeral was heart wrenching! How do you think that felt! To think you were dead! Slaughtered or raped by those marauders!!"
Hitomi's lips tightened as she shook.
"It felt like someone ripped my heart right out of my chest! Too lose two sisters all in one day! And watch it destroy my brother! You want to know who he blames?!"
Hitomi was silent as she was sure she was going to hear it now, Van was mad because Millerna had died and blamed her.
The entire gypsy camp was dead silent as everyone listened to the raging cat. Caleb was past the confused state and was now standing to comfort his love but Merle pushed his hand away. Soren fought the urge to pull Hitomi away and hug her but knew it would do no good.
Trisha and Darice just stood opened mouth at the whole situation. Mark sat with his head in his hands listening to his friend's pain.
"He blames himself! That's who he blames!!"
Hitomi jerked back in confusion, "What?"
"That's right! He blames himself! He feels guilty every day! He feels he should have been there! That he should have been there to die with you two! He plasters on a smile and can't even bare to hear yours or Millerna's names without falling back in his guilt. He just smiles and puts up with Flora, his stupid duties and all those ridiculous meetings.." Merle was on a roll now as she let her pent up anger out
Hitomi froze, he blamed himself? She felt so stupid, worried and sick all at once. She clutched a near by tree as her stomach threatened to empty itself. He blamed himself? And Merle, what had she done? Merle had been so hurt and Van destroyed? The forest was spinning as memories she had pushed away in hopes of living a calm life came flooding back.
Mark's head snapped up.
Hitomi looked up and felt a wave of guilt wash over her. What had she done? She had never meant to hurt Merle so much, she had wanted to keep her happy. Running forward she grabbed Merle in a breath-stealing hug.
"I'm so sorry Merle, I-I was just scared.I didn't know what to do.I didn't want to hurt you I never meant too. I just wasn't thinking"
"No you weren't," Merle whispered squeezing Hitomi back just as hard
The two stood there for who know's how long holding each other crying into each other's shoulders just hugging. Soren smiled at the sight and leaned back against a tree with a smirk. Trisha smiled at Hitomi and turned to Darice with a huge grin.
"I think she solved what she came here to solve," she whispered
Darice nodded happily though her expression was one of longing sorrow maybe with a hint of jealously.
"What about us?" she whispered against Trisha's ear, "Is there any hope for us?" her voice cracked against the question
Trisha's smile faded as her dead eyes gazed at the friends hugging, "I don't know Darice," turning to her friend Trisha sighed, "Not for a while yet, maybe"
Darice nodded slowly, "What about Caleb?" the hint of a smile returning.
"I think maybe sooner than we expected," Trisha said her voice a little lighter
"I think you may be right," Darice agreed smiling at the dumb founded look on Caleb's face.
"Oh Hitomi I've missed you so much please come back with me," Merle smiled looking at Hitomi
Hitomi was just beginning to smile when her lips turned upside down and her eyes rounded in a mix of shock and pain. Turning she looked at Trisha and Darice smiling at her. Trisha had a motherly knowing smile and was nodding as if telling her to go. Darice looked on the verge of tears but smiled.
"Go Hitomi you can always come back and visit, it's sounds like you've been away from home for far too long. You know where to find us."
Hitomi felt her own tears brimming as she turned to Mark.
"Sounds like you have some old friends you need to see, go on Hitomi it's not like we'll be disappearing."
Hitomi's eyes scrunched up in confusion and fear as she turned to Caleb whose lips had finally twisted into a smile.
"Go Hitomi we'll always be your friends," he urged with a huge grin
Hitomi looked back at the four before finally spinning to face Soren who was still leaning against a tree smiling a sad little smile.
"We'll always be in your heart Hitomi, that's what we're here for, we'll always be here for you. But it sounds like you have a few things you need to sort out back home. You've hid here long enough. Don't worry we're always here for you."
Hitomi stared at him for a moment. She wanted to go back with Merle and see Allen, Cheid and Van again. Van..she didn't know how'd she explain everything to him. But Merle was right he wouldn't blame her and he would welcome her back. And deep down in her heart she had always known it. She loved Van, as silly as that sounded she did. She hadn't seen him in a year but she loved him.
It had always been there Millerna had teased her about her having a crush on him when they were little and Hitomi had only blushed and watched Van cough and brush it off. It's okay, it would work out, and her friends would always be here. She could visit them whenever she wanted but right now she had to go back and straighten things out.
Smiling at Soren Hitomi turned to face Merle.
"Alright I'll go back," she whispered
Merle jumped as her tail flew back and forth with happiness. Spinning around she jumped on Caleb and leaned forward capturing his lips with hers. Hitomi giggled unable to stop it as Caleb's eyes shot up ten sizes before he finally realized what Merle was doing and closed his eyes pulling the cat girl closer.
Everyone was watching and smiling as Merle broke the kiss and bounced.
"Oh Hitomi it'll be great! Van-sama will have probably die of shock!! And Allen will rush right over!! Cheid will be so happy! Aston will certainly faint from shock!!!"
Hitomi fought to keep up her smile, she wasn't so sure if she was ready to see King Aston yet. True he had always been a father figure to her but, she just felt awkward even thinking about him. She would tell Merle to avoid giving him the news quite yet when they reached Fanelia's castle.
"Flora will be love you!! And I think Dilandu will even be happy to know you are.back..and.." Merle stuttered slowly turning to face Hitomi her smile suddenly gone her face looking frankly, scared as hell.
"No.." she whispered
Hitomi scrunched her eyebrows, "Flora? Who is that?"
Hitomi turned to her side to check to see if Mark was okay, she literally felt the tension flowing from him. He looked like he had just seen a ghost. Frowning Hitomi turned back to Merle.
"Merle who is Flora?" Hitomi's voice was a little louder this time
"The Princess of Williams," Merle clarified still staring at Hitomi miserably
Hitomi jumped, and it wasn't because of what Merle said. She turned and found Soren with his jaw slack and hanging open. Confused she turned and found even Caleb looking like his eyes were about to pop out of his head. Darice was staring at the ground tightening her arms around herself. Trisha looked like she had a knife in her gut and she was staring at Mark.
Mark was angrily kicking the ground his eyes hard and cold. Hitomi unconsciously jerked back at the anger radiating from him.
"Mark are you okay?" she asked carefully
"Yea I'm fine," he said with a curt nod
Hitomi turned back to Merle, "Okay so what is the princess of Williams doing in Fanelia"
Merle hesitated as she grabbed her tail fidgeting with the end.
"Merle."
"She's getting married!!" Merle blurted out immediately clamping her mouth shut
Hitomi felt the sorrow sinking in again, "To who Merle?"
Merle opened her mouth and then shut it.
"Who is she marrying Merle?" Hitomi said a little sterner this time
Merle looked down at the ground, "Van-sama"
Hitomi felt the sudden need to sit down and collapsed next to Mark. "Oh," was all she could manage
"He doesn't want to Hito-chan!!" Merle defended
Hitomi just nodded, that still didn't ease the gnawing sickness attacking her heart. She felt like she was going to be sick again. "Oh," was all she managed again
"Flora doesn't want to marry him either!" Merle tried again, "She fell in love with some guy a long time ago but her parents disapproved!! They spread a rumor saying she got married but he was gone before she could tell him the truth."
Hitomi was dizzy but still managed to feel Mark tense up next to her and despite the blur her senses were becoming she still managed to hear Caleb mutter a "no way" followed by Darice's gasp.
She didn't care though. Van was engaged. Dropping her head in her hands she blinked trying to make sense of the world around her. Not only had she hurt her friends, she had lost any chance with a man she had loved since childhood to her foolish assumptions.
Hitomi felt her stomach flipping when Mark stood up and shakily walked up to Merle.
"Who did you say Flora was engaged to?"
"Van-sama, King of Fanelia," Merle said giving Mark a weird look.
"Oh man," Caleb said from behind the cat girl
Merle spun around and frowned, "Am I missing something here?"
"So she isn't married?" Mark questioned his voice a mix between disbelief and anger
"No," Merle said staring at him hard, "Are you okay?"
"I think I'll be turning in for the night," Mark waved a good night to everyone as he shakily crawled into his tent without another word
Merle stopped and looked after Mark, she was sure she had seen his face somewhere before. She couldn't quite remember but turning back to the silent Hitomi she dropped the thought. His face wasn't one of the priorities now. Getting Hitomi to come back with her despite Van's engagement was number one on her list.
"Hitomi please just come back for a day or two," she begged
"I don't know if that's such a good idea Merle," Hitomi countered putting her head between her knees
"Of course it is," Merle insisted
Hitomi shook her head again, " I don't think so-"
"Hitomi Kanzaki pack your bags or I'll do it for you!" Merle ordered standing up and throwing her hands to her hips.
Hitomi looked up at her friend and opened her mouth to protest when Merle narrowed her eyes.
"I don't care if you don't think it's a good idea. I'm telling you it is and for once someone in this country is going to listen to me."
Hitomi closed her mouth in surprise raising her eyebrows a little. Merle growled in frustration and turned to Soren.
"Which tent is hers?" Merle demanded
Soren smirked at the cat's attitude, "Third one down on the left," he pointed smiling at Hitomi.
Merle marched over to the tent and threw the flaps open, Hitomi watched as the tent shook and rattled barely clutching the branch it was attached to. Hitomi jumped up about to head for her tent when Merle burst out of it her leather bag in hand with all her stuff shoved inside.
Merle looked pointedly at Hitomi, "There! To bad if I missed something we're heading to Fanelia, now."
Hitomi smiled at her friend's determined look and turned back to Soren who only raised an eye at her. Running up she hugged him.
"I'll be back to visit soon," she assured him
"I know," he smiled back wrapping her in a bone-crushing hug
Next Trisha tackled Hitomi with her own lung-squeezing hug, "Don't be a stranger Hito-chan"
Hitomi shook her head, "Wouldn't dream of it."
Pulling back Trisha wrapped her arms behind her back smiling. Darice came up behind her and wrapped her arms around Hitomi's waist.
"Have fun," Darice whispered shoving something hard into Hitoim's ribs, "Don't forget this"
Hitomi turned around and grabbed the book Darice had got for her. Grasping it she felt a sudden cold wave rush over her and she shivered remembering what she had seen earlier. Looking at the book for a minute she considered leaving it with Darice for now then decided against it. It might hurt Darice's feelings so tucking it under her arm she thanked Darice. Caleb was busying walking Merle to the front so Hitomi walked over to Mark's tent and slid the flap open.
"Hey Mark," she called
Mark was lying under his blankets head resting on his arms chest bare. He lifted his head a little when Hitomi poked her head in a gave her a half smile.
"See you later," Hitomi called from the entrance
Mark nodded, "Yea have a good time Hito-chan"
Hitomi frowned, there was something wrong but she had absolutely no idea what it was. So plastering on a grin again she winked at him her tear- stained cheeks crinkling with her smile. Backing out she turned and looked at her friends one more time.
"This will be interesting," Hitomi said turning to follow Merle smiling walking hand in hand with Caleb.
"Good luck!" Darice called from behind
Hitomi threw a wink over her shoulder and sucked in all her courage stepping forward to follow Merle. Pushing away all worries and problems for a moment Hitomi felt her lips curve in a real smile. Despite all the problems and shocks her just showing up would cause it would be nice to see Van again.
When they reached the front of the gypsy camp Caleb gave Merle one last kiss good-bye before he turned to Hitomi.
"Take care of yourself Hito-chan"
"You too," Hitomi replied pulling him into a hug, "And don't torture Darice too much," she whispered before pulling away
Caleb winked at her, "I'll try," then he helped her up on his horse, "Keep her for now"
Hitomi thanked him and tied her book to the horse's saddle. Pulling on the reigns she turned the brown mare around to face Merle.
"Ready?" Merle asked
"Not really but I don't think I'm ever going to be ready to do this," Hitomi answered honestly
"Let's go then," Merle said with a smirk
Kicking her horse into a gallop Hitomi raced off after Merle the moonlight bouncing off her hair as she raced past trees and forest creatures watching her ride away.
Caleb watched the two disappear in the night's blanket and smiled letting his finger brush against his lips. Congratulating himself on one heck of a night he grinned up at the moon gasping at the time. It was nearly half past midnight if not one in morning. They had been up longer than he had realized. So turning on his heel he whistled quietly as he headed to his tent.
Caleb strode into his friend's circle smiling at the sight. Some day their time would come, they would all end the torturous battle with their inner demons and part to finish at home what Hitomi was about to do. But that was a little ways off for them. Solutions didn't come so easy for some. But still it would be theirs to take, some day.
Trisha leaned against Soren's shoulder as Darice and Caleb started up another one of their usual arguments.
"So you saw a statue of her?" Trisha questioned wrapping her arm around Soren's and squeezing
"Yea it appears they were all friends growing up," Soren replied slipping his arm out of her grasp and wrapping it around her shoulders
Trisha let her gaze drift up to Mark's tent, "I think he handled the news rather well considering the situation don't you?"
"I would have rather had him scream and punch out the tree," Soren replied truthfully
Trisha gave a light laugh, "I know what you mean he's been too quiet he's scaring me Soren."
"You have to give him time"
Trisha shook her head and leaned into Soren's chest, "Thanks for always being here for me Soren"
"Anytime Trish," he whispered kissing the top of her head, "You're tired go ahead and get in bed"
Trisha mumbled something and Soren smiled picking her up and cradling her in his arms. Slowly he walked over to her tent and slipped her in pulling the blanket just up below her chin.
"Thanks Soren," she whispered just before he backed out of the tent.
Soren's gut told him she was thanking him for much more than a simple tuck in at bedtime and he knew what she meant. So with a smile he backed out of the tent closing the flaps.
"Anytime," he whispered turning back to the fire. Frowning at the two arguing at who knows what Soren rolled his eyes and sighed to himself. With all the noise they were making they would likely wake the entire camp. So with a quick stride and strong thrust he grabbed bunches of the two's shirts and pulled them apart.
"Bed time children," he frowned at Darice, "And be quiet about it," he growled turning to Caleb
Darice crossed her arms and giggled as Caleb gulped a, "Sounds like a great idea"
A/N Okay I know kinda short chapter but I just didn't really know how to go about this so I just gave it a shot I hope you all like it. So Hitomi's off to see Van!!! Merle was right! And what's up with Mark? (oh please I'm giving it up you all already know anyways) And Caleb and Merle are in love!!! ^^ What's up with Soren and Trisha?? 0_o and what's the deal with their pasts? Hmmm well you'll just have to review and find out!!! Well Next chapter will be longer! Hope you all like Please read and review!!!