Disclaimer: I don't own Escaflowne
A/N So you all want to see how Van reacts? Well I'm glad you're all interested. Hope you love it! And thanks for the reviews you guys and gals are awesome!!! Magicman I know it's impossible but it my story it happens!! Call it a miracle ^^ He didn't miss Hitomi just moved at the last second it didn't hit her heart ^^ Thanks K questions gone so go ahead and read.
Sailor Hope
Hitomi felt her vision swaying as they neared the castle. She was so tired and so wide-awake at the same time. She was going to see Van. The mere thought set her blood on fire forcing her to fan out her shirt. The thought of seeing him again was too much, she wasn't sure how he would handle it but Merle was right, it was still Van. It was still the same boy she had watched grow into a man and it was still the same man who had searched for her for a month even though all possible evidence lead to her death.
In conclusion, she was nervous as hell.
The soft clatter of the horse's hooves on the cobblestone rode echoed off walls and bounced off roofs. The gate was closing in and Hitomi felt her breath quicken and her heart begin to jump. Merle had a royal little smile on looking as smug as ever. Hitomi knew she was enjoying every moment of this. The guards slid the creaky gates open as they saw Merle approaching.
She nodded her head at them and they closed the gates after Hitomi. Merle kept on trotting along but Hitomi pulled up short leaning up to stare at the castle. She felt her heart warm at the sight, this place held a piece of her heart. It always had and the joy that rushed through her at seeing the familiar walls again was unexplainable. Pulling up the reins she started up again following Merle to the castle doors.
Hitomi smiled as she whipped her head back and forth letting the memories flood back at the familiar surroundings. Smiling she jumped off Caleb's horse and untied her book. Turning to the doors the guards came up and led the horses off to the stables. Merle turned to her and grabbed her hand. Clutching her delicate fingers under hers Merle pushed the castle doors open. And Hitomi froze.
It was as if reality was sinking in. She was going to see Van. Whom she hadn't seen in a little over a year if memory served. Merle had convinced her he felt guilty and was certain she had died. If she just marched into his room smiling how would he handle it? Would he shout or fall over from a heart attack. His father had died when he was young, his mother not far behind him. It had broken his heart when his brother had disappeared all those years ago leaving him alone and king.
He had told Merle, Millerna and Hitomi so many times how thankful he was that he had them. Merle's playfulness had always seemed to cheer him up. Millerna's mature state at such a young age had kept the four out of too much trouble. And her, well her support had helped him through.
And he had thought her dead. Hitomi's fingers squirmed as she tried to pull away from Merle's grasp not so sure that Van would take the news well. She began to sweat as her mind sought to bring up every possible thing that could go wrong. She felt the panic and fear sink in as she was pulled along by Merle. Merle literally dragged her up the stairs Hitomi finally giving into the horrified gnawing in her stomach. She was going to throw up as the nervousness ate at her.
A tiny light flowed from Van's study and Merle rushed towards the door throwing herself into it pushing Hitomi in front of her.
"Van-Sama! Look!" Merle squealed
Hitomi closed her eyes and drew in her breath feeling the eyes on her. She couldn't breathe and she couldn't think. Her thought was nothing but a jumble and she knew that at any moment she would break down and bawl.
"Flora!"
Hitomi's eyes snapped open and looked at Van's desk, only to find the girl called Flora. Hitomi gasped and felt the jealously sweep over her. She knew Flora didn't love Van and Van didn't love Flora but for some odd reason it still hurt. Flora had long pale hair and dazzling purple eyes.
She had a slim waist and slender arms, her figure was curved in all the right spots and Hitomi felt herself looking down at her own figure in comparison. Slowly gazing back up at Van's fiancé she felt the despair choke her. How could Van not love her? Everything about the girl screamed grace and beauty.
Flora pulled up her skirts and ran forward pulling Merle into a hug.
"Merle! Where were you?! I was just about to send the guards after you!"
Merle wiggled away, her face twisted with frustration, "Flora where is Van- sama?!" she questioned exasperated
"He was a little worried and went on a so called evening ride looking for you, he should be back soon," Flora smiled pulling Merle back into a hug, "Don't ever do that again!"
Merle hugged Flora back smiling before she caught Hitoim's sullen face. Immediately jerking back she pounced over and pushed Hitomi forward.
"Flora I would like you to meet someone," Merle's evil little smile from Hitomi's side made Flora narrow her eyes in suspicion.
"Merle who is.oh my," Flora was half way through her sentence before her perfect eyes rounded in surprise and recognition, "Merle this looks an awful lot like."
Merle let her chin rest on Hitomi's shoulder, "Flora meet Hitomi"
Hitomi clasped her hands in front of her just staring at Fanelia's future Queen.
"Hitomi?!" Flora gasped, Hitomi could see her chest rising and falling rather rapidly, "THE Hitomi!? As in the dead Hitomi?!!?" she screeched reaching out to touch Hitomi's arm
Hitomi's hard emeralds continued their painful gaze at the princess. She felt Merle shake her head next to her.
"She's not dead as you can see"
Flora looked absolutely amazed as if she had just met the creator of Gaia in person.
"I don't believe it," her harsh whisper echoed off the walls, "Van is going to snap!" she smiled pulling Hitomi away from Merle and grabbing her into her own rib crushing hug.
"I'm so happy to meet you!!" she squealed pushing all the air from Hitomi's lungs.
Hitomi's eyes bugged out as she fought for air before finally being pushed away. Hitomi felt the oxygen race back in and fought to keep her balance as the room began to spin.
"But how are you alive? I thought you were murdered in the attack on the way home?" she questioned furrowing her eyebrows
Hitomi shook her head lightly, "I survived"
"Where have you been all this time?! Van is going to be so happy!!!" Flora screeched again, "Oh I don't care where you've been you'll make Van so happy!!"
Hitomi stood there in amazement the girl seemed to care more for Van's happiness than her own.
"But you're his fiancé," Hitomi burst out before she could stop herself
Flora blew it off like a pesky bug on a hot summer day, "Oh not anymore! He'll have you in that chapel before you can blink! His council can jump off a cliff, my parents as well, for all I care. Van has been so nice to me, I've never met someone quite like him. He's a great friend but I could never make him happy like you can. I've seen his eyes when he speaks of you it's the look I'm sure I have when I remember my Mark."
Hitomi cocked her head, "Mark?"
"Another time," Flora said quickly still smiling to outshine the sun, "We have to get you cleaned up and in bed you have to be rested for the morning. Oh this is going to be wonderful!!"
Hitomi turned and pleaded to Merle with her eyes but Merle just crossed her arms smiling, it seems she agreed with William's princess.
Hitomi turned around and tripped over herself as Flora began shoving her out of the study and down the hall.
"You just rest tonight and tomorrow morning will give Van the surprise of his life!" she giggled happily, "This is so what he needs!" she gushed beginning to pull Hitomi towards her old room.
"Okay Van said this was your room and that's ." Flora's voice stopped abruptly as she pointed to Millerna's turning to Hitomi she wiped another grin on, "Well you just go ahead and get rested I'll have a bath sent for you in just a minute," and with that she shut the door.
Hitomi stood staring at the door for a few minutes trying to contemplate what had just happened. Flora had been in the study instead of Van. Then Merle had smirked as she watched Hitomi stand in shock as Flora had gushed over her. Now she stood in her old room staring at the door in silence. Half of her wanted to jump and scream with joy falling back onto her old bed. The other half was scared beyond belief to turn around and find cobwebs hanging off her old dressers and bed curtains.
However the first half won to an extent and she turned around only to gasp. The room was immaculate. There wasn't a cobweb in sight and her sheets were freshly washed, she could smell the wonderful field scent that seemed to cling to Fanelia, mainly Fanelia's king. She suspected it was a soap for it floated from her bedding and walls.
Her closet doors were slightly open next to the perfectly clean hearth and Hitomi could see dresses freshly washed hanging in the closet. Hitomi had a feeling Merle was involved in this somehow but didn't figure to look a gift horse in the mouth. So quietly padding over to the dresser she slid the top perfectly carved cedar drawer open and smiled at the pajamas laid out.
Slipping her fingers against the silk she let slender hands sink into the material drawing forth a pair of white silky pajama pants with a string to tighten around the waist. And a long sleeved cotton shirt with strings up the front. Walking backwards the clothes slipped from the edge of the drawer and into the air. Hitomi fell back against her old bed and relished in the feel of the soft blankets beneath her back.
Hitomi felt the sleep washing over her just as her bedroom door burst open. Bolting up she saw Merle walk in with the biggest smile she had ever seen.
"How do you like your room?" the cat girl asked bending in front of Hitomi's hearth and throwing a match into the logs lighting the fire. Gently blowing she got the fire blazing before she turned back to face Hitomi.
Hitomi sat there clutching some pajamas as she gazed around the room.
"It's as if I never left," she whispered
Merle smiled even bigger and walked back to the door, "I convinced Flora the bath could wait till morning. Go ahead and go to bed you've got one big day tomorrow. Good night Hitomi, and welcome back it hasn't been the same without you," with that Merle closed the door with a faint click and headed to her own room
Hitomi let her eyes glide from the door to the blazing fire. Pulling off her clothes she slipped the pajamas on and couldn't help but groan at the wonderful feel of silk and freshly cleaned cotton against her skin. Walking into her old bathroom she smiled at the brush still lying on the counter as if she had only left it yesterday. Washing her face she brushed her hair out before padding back into her now nice and toasty room.
Closing the bathroom door she leaned against the wood and watched the flames dance across the stone hearth and cold walls. Her stomach did a flip- flop as she heard the faint clip clop of horse hooves. Rushing to her balcony window she looked down into the courtyard and felt her knees buckle.
She sunk to the ground and watched through the glass door as a tall muscular man with midnight hair jumped off his horse jerking his gloves off in anger as he strode into the castle. Hitomi swung away and leaned against the glass trying to calm her erratic heartbeat. What she hadn't seen was the man's quick glance her way as he marched through the castle doors.
Van slowed his pace as he entered the hall of his castle gripping his gloves in his hands. Blinking he clenched his teeth. Now he was so cold he was seeing things. He could have sworn there had been a faint light coming from Hitomi's old room. If that wasn't enough to get his blood moving there had been a shadow leaning against the balcony doors.
Shaking his head he chided himself for such foolish thoughts and marched up the stairs into the royal wing. He saw his study door open and frowned pushing it open as he strode in.
A tiny gasp filled the silence as Van peered at his betrothed, "Flora?" he asked.
It wasn't so odd that she was in his study, he had left her there. No what was striking was the bright smile on her lips. Her entire being seemed to bubble with pure joy. She locked her purple violets with his rubies for the longest time laughing to herself with pure bliss.
"Flora?" he asked again taking a step forward dropping his gloves on the velvet chair next to the door his fur coat following.
Once he stood in his white long sleeved cotton shirt and his usual tan pants he turned to scrutinize his fiancé a little closer. He leaned against his desk and gazed at her across the distance. She was still smiling to herself almost as if she was in her own world. It looked as if she wanted to tell him something but dared not. He couldn't figure out what was wrong so he stood straighter about to question her when she darted around the desk and hugged him.
"Merle's home Van, she just went for a walk and it took longer than expected, I'm going to bed see you in the morning," she laughed again hugging him tighter.
Van wrapped his arms around her and hugged her back all the sudden fearing for her mental stability, "Alright Flora I think rest would be the best thing right now, I'm going to say good night to Merle. See you in the morning."
With that Flora seemed to float from the room as if she was on cloud nine. Van leaned over watching his fiancé go, something was definitely up but curse himself if he couldn't divine what it was. Putting the fire out in the hearth he walked out of his study and down the hall to Merle's room.
His hand stilled on the bronze handle and he turned to face Hitomi's room across the hallway. His heart was screaming in a fury, so loud he couldn't think straight. His entire body urged him to open Hitomi's door but he only frowned at himself and pushed Merle's door open lightly knocking, "Merle?"
"Van-sama you're home!" he heard the playful cry of his sister before he was tackled to the ground.
"Yes I'm home but where were you?" he scolded putting her at arm's length, "I nearly froze to death looking for you!" with that he pulled her back in his embrace.
"Sorry my walk took longer than expected. But I found something I lost a while ago Van-sama!"
Van smiled at his sister's cheerful voice, "And what is that?" he questioned finding he couldn't be around her without sharing her joy
"I'm tired Van-sama I'll show you in the morning okay?"
Van kissed the top of her head, "Sounds great, good night Merle and next time you wander off tell me please?"
Merle shook her head and bounced off back into her bed. Smiling at Van she winked and settled into the soft comforters. Van closed the door and turned to face Hitomi's door again. Something was telling him to just twist the knob, feed his curiosity just this once. But he frowned at himself again and marched off down to his room. He hadn't been in that room since she had disappeared and he didn't intend to start going there now.
Hitomi leaned against the door and listened as Van said good night to Merle and then marched off down the hall to his room. She was surprised at how different his voice sounded. It was deep and melodic almost hypnotizing, either that or she just hadn't heard it in so long she had forgot what it sounded like.
Once she was sure he was gone she pulled on the handle and let the door quietly swing open. Checking the hall she stepped onto the rug and closed her door racing off down the stairs to the kitchen.
Van stuck his head out into the hall, he could have sworn he just heard someone's door open and close. But as his gaze swept down the hall he saw nothing and brushed it off as paranoia.
Hitomi slinked past cabinets and made sure to evade the guards. Slipping out the back door through the kitchen, she sighed in relief as she strolled into the garden. Oh how she had missed Fanelia's garden it was so peaceful, so beautiful, so everything she loved.
She could see herself rolling around in the bushes with Millerna as they tried to escape Van and Merle. They had been around 5 and they had been playing tag. Hitomi had turned a corner and ran right smack into Millerna sending both of the girls down to the ground rolling. They had been caught in no time thanks to their grunts and cries of pain as thorns jabbed their sides.
Hitomi smiled as she saw the memories float in front of her. Walking through them she closed her eyes and took a deep breath of the enchanting mix of the ever tempting sweet field smell -smothering Van wherever he went- intertwined with sweet rose and lavender.
Hitomi just smiled to herself letting her shirtsleeves billow out slightly in the night wind as she walked along the garden path. She was so caught up in the wonderful bliss being back in Fanelia's garden had produced she completely forgot that Van's room out looked the garden.
Van tied the leather string in a knot around his waist securing the silk pajama pants to his body. Slipping off his shirt he picked his sword up and lay it across the end of his bed. Lazily he sauntered into his bathroom and splashed water into his face sighing against the cold droplets sliding down his jaw.
Grabbing a towel off the bar next to his mirror he dried his face and dropped it on the cabinet closing the bathroom door behind him. The snap and crackle of burning logs filled the large room. Van stretched his arms up above his head and walked to the side of his bed and leaning against it let his knees give way as he fell against the soft blankets.
Hitomi stopped at one of the stony benches overlooking the small lake in the middle of the large garden. There was a gazebo in the middle of it with vines twisting through the windows and railings. Hitomi had always loved that little gazebo, it had been her escape. The tiny rowboat floated on the water bouncing against the earth every once a while scratching the side.
Hitomi let the words run over her tongue in the moonlight. She was so happy in the garden and it was so peaceful it seemed like the perfect place to let her heart sing out its joy.
Hitomi's soft voice carried the notes across the wind letting them fill every corner of the castle garden.
"Life is a journey with love in hand"
A gust of wind picked up the rose petals and lavender blossoms swirling them around in a cloud letting them brush up against Hitomi as her voice mingled with the wind joining the tiny hurricane flying across the sky.
"Secrets kept and hearts broken"
Van rolled over letting his arm cover his head. He felt the wind brush up against his bareback and cursed himself for leaving the balcony doors open. Sitting up angrily he vaulted over the foot of his bed with one quick motion and straightened to close the doors.
The balcony doors clicked shut and he turned to head to bed when his feet sunk into the rug beneath him. Slowly turning back to the glass doors he grasped the bronze handle and pushed it down letting the wind blow the door wide open.
Stepping onto the cold stone he grabbed the railing and leaned over to look in the garden. That's when his ears picked up the faint voice again.
"Out in the rain whispers lived"
He leaned back up and stared out over the lake, he knew that song.
"Hope was always the true friend"
He knew that voice.
"You have captured my love completely"
It was the same song he had heard in the market today. Scowling he leaned back over the railing, why in all of Gaia was that song in his garden?
"And life's journey isn't so hard now"
Van had to admit though the voice was nothing less than angelic. Looking out over to his right he saw her. It was the gypsy singer from the market. But why was she in the garden? In her pajamas no less.
"Thank you for the time we spent"
He could tell it was her by the voice. Her hair was flowing behind her dancing with every roll of the wind. He watched as the woman sat singing staring at the gazebo out in the lake. He couldn't see anymore than the side of her face and he growled in frustration.
"And thank you for the memories made"
There was just something about the woman, it was like a pull, a sort of gravity.
"My love fight the fog"
Leaning back again he hit his fists to the railing. He wanted to meet this mysterious woman.
"Follow the tears and blood"
And more importantly find out why she was in his castle.
"Listen for the song in the night"
He didn't think he had any servants that were gypsies and Van was just sure he had met all the servants. He loved his people and made it his priority to get to know them. Spend time with them.
Leaning over the railing again he heard her voice slowing to an end. Checking on the sides he made sure no one was looking as he gripped the railing with his right arm as he threw himself over the side.
"And together we'll fly free"
Van felt the wind whipping his face as he fell towards the ground. His shoulder blades pulled back and with a stretch he winced as the wings sprouted from his back. With a quick snap of his wings he ceased the decent almost immediately. Making sure the woman hadn't seen him yet he glided to the ground groaning in frustration as the feathers fell around him.
"This will be one heck of a mess," he muttered drawing his wings back inside.
The song had ended and the woman merely sat humming in the moonlight. She looked so peaceful, so calm, so breath takingly beautiful. He stood stunned as the moon washed her pale features in it's light and marveled at how her skin seemed to sparkle. There was just something about her that seemed so familiar.
"My lady," he started hoping to get her attention.
What he didn't expect however was what he got. The woman turned and screamed falling backwards tumbling to the ground. Her eyes were wide and as she sat in the dark a tiny little ball he scowled, he couldn't see anything. He took a step forward to help her to her feet when she sprang to her feet and whipped around so her back was facing him.
"Don't run!" he begged, "I'm not going to hurt you"
Her shoulders shook with a little giggle and Van frowned, what was so funny? He took another step forward and blinked as she disappeared into the garden. He blinked again shaking his head and staring at the spot she had been in. He was sure she had been there but currently there wasn't a single trace of the woman. She had disappeared into the flowers so fast he felt his head spinning.
"What a woman," he whispered slowly turning back to his balcony.
Looking over his shoulder at where she had been he shook his head again, "I need to go to sleep," he whispered to himself checking the garden before pushing the wings from his back and taking flight.
Hitomi clung to the castle wall as she watched the angel wings unfurl from his back. Feathers fell from the wings in a ball and scattered as he landed on his balcony flexing the gifts he called a curse.
Hitomi smiled as the feathers continued floating to the ground. She remembered the first time she had seen his wings. It had been on a picnic. She had been out in the forest near the cliffs picking flowers to take home when Merle had come bursting around the corner laughing, Millerna right on her tail. Merle hadn't seen Hitomi and screamed as Hitomi had lost her balance falling backwards into the cliffs never ending abyss.
The flowers had come falling next to her as she flew into the darkness. Hitomi had screamed and closed her eyes. Next thing she knew she felt strong arms slide around her waist pulling her up against gravity. Hitomi had opened her eyes to see Van weakly smiling down at her as his wings pushed against the wind bringing them higher and higher until he set her back on her feet far away from the cliff's edge.
Hitomi had stared at the angel wings for who knows how long simply running her tiny fingers over the silk feathers marveling at the rare beauty. Van had shuttered as she touched them but she couldn't understand his shame, they were so beautiful. She locked eyes with him and removed her hand. The wings had immediately disappeared into his back as Merle and Millerna came running into view. Merle already knew about the draconian gift but Millerna was fascinated with the wings.
She hadn't seen them since, well except for just now of course. But by all the saints her heart was still ready to jump out of her chest. There she was peacefully singing when next thing you know Van comes creeping up behind her. She was sure her scream had stirred the entire castle.
But as she watched Van stare out over the garden one more time before walking in and closing his balcony doors she didn't care. Being so close to him again had been heavenly.
Even if he didn't know who she was.
The sun slowly pushed the moon down as it slid over the hills shattering the darkness. Hitomi shifted under the sheets as the sun's gleam danced into her room lighting the hearth and door. Jerking a pillow out from under her head she smothered her face with it and pulled the blankets up tighter around her neck.
She felt sleep claiming her, she was just drifting off when her bedroom door burst open and quietly clicked shut. Growling Hitomi sat up straight and chucked her pillow at the intruder.
Flora laughed as the pillow slid to the ground. Rubbing her nose she smirked at Hitomi.
"Not a morning person?"
Hitomi groaned and rolled over pulling the blanket over her head.
"I'll take that as a yes," she beamed pulling the curtains open uncovering the window opposite her bed letting more light shine through.
Hitomi felt the morning heat pierce her blanket and whimpered.
"Just another hour," she begged under the sheets
Flora jerked the blankets off her and shook her finger.
"Nope your bath will be here any minute and then it's breakfast"
'And Van' Hitomi added mentally
Flora seemed to read her thoughts and smiled a yes. She opened her mouth to speak when Hitomi's door opened and Merle came in two servants behind her carrying buckets of hot water.
"Hurry put them in the bathroom and leave and don't you dare tell anyone about this," Merle hissed ordering the servants
The two nodded fearful of the cat's claws and placed the buckets in the bathroom running out of the room as fast as they could. Merle smirked after the fleeing servants and closed the door.
"Well I just heard that Van headed out to the garden this morning. He spent about an hour roaming around the bushes for who knows what before he headed inside and was sucked into another council meeting. So we have an hour to get you bathed, dressed and in the dining room."
Flora and Merle turned and eyed Hitomi cheerfully. Hitomi groaned again and fell back into the bed.
Van massaged his temples as he listened to his council members drone on about finalizing documents and organizing the guest's list for his wedding.
Looking out the window he gazed longily at the market wishing he could somehow escape the council to get breakfast and just disappear.
Hitomi sunk into the hot water and sighed, nothing like a nice warm bath to relax jumpy muscles. She let her hair slide down her back as she ran her hands through it freeing some tangles before completely sinking into the water.
She didn't know how long she soaked in the heavenly water but obviously it had been too long because Merle was soon pounding on the door demanding she get out and hurry to get dressed. Hitomi stood up and pulled a towel from the wall when she caught her reflection in the mirror.
She looked at herself and wondered if Van would recognize her last night's encounter didn't seem to spark any memories. Then she smiled as she got an idea.
Merle stomped angrily outside the bathroom as she heard Hitomi bumping around in the bathroom. She couldn't figure out what Hitomi was doing but she wished she would hurry up.
It took a while but finally the bathroom door swung open presenting Hitomi wrapped in her bath towel. Merle looked up and couldn't help but smile. Flora gasped.
"My goodness!"
"You like?" Hitomi smiled throwing her right arm to her hip
Merle laughed, "He'll HAVE to recognize you now," she said pulling Hitomi towards the closet
"That's what I thought," Hitomi said catching her reflection in her vanity mirror.
She smiled at the reflection she had long ago forgotten. Reaching up she fingered her hair and found it felt a little strange now that it was back to it's old length. But her head felt so light and the haircut had given her a renewed confidence. The short boy's cut was just what she needed to settle back into the life she had left behind.
Merle yanked Hitomi's hand again and pulled her away from the mirror.
"Yes Hitomi you did a great job now let's get you dressed!!"
Van slammed the council doors shut behind him and raced off to the dining hall to meet Flora and Merle for breakfast. He had barely made it out of there awake. They would have sooner let him starve, vicious advisors. Straightening his red vest over the white shirt he opened the dining room doors and found the room empty.
"They're late," he whispered to himself walking up to sit at the head of the table
A servant rushed out of the kitchen and bowed to him, Van smiled up at her and watched as the girl blushed.
"Mi'lord?" she asked
"Is breakfast ready? The ladies are just running a little-"
Van turned at the sound of the door opening and smiled as Merle and Flora walked in beaming. He turned back to the servant when he caught the flash of blue out of the corner of his eye.
The servant rushed off to get breakfast as she saw the women approaching and Van mentally recounted. Flora was wearing purple and Merle had been wearing pink so who was the blue.
Pushing his chair out he stood to greet Merle and Flora.
"Good Morning ladies," he said his deep voice ringing off the walls
"Van-sama!" Van felt his sister jump him
"Good morning Van," Flora smiled pulling out a seat to his left
Van frowned, she always sat at his right-
"Hello Van"
Van's head snapped up at the third voice and he froze. The dining room blurred out around her as his eyes took in the sight before him. She was wearing a light blue dress outlined in silver thread giving it a mysterious sparkle in the sun. His heart stopped and his blood froze in the veins. Her dark emeralds smiled back at him as he took in her short hair and curved figure.
Hitomi.
He had to be seeing things as he felt his lungs nearly collapse from shock. Van's rubies bore down on her emeralds as he found he couldn't utter one single word. And he did what any respectable man would have done after seeing the woman he loved come back from the dead.
He fainted.
A/N I hope you like it!!! Please R&R and have a great day!!!
Sailor Hope
A/N So you all want to see how Van reacts? Well I'm glad you're all interested. Hope you love it! And thanks for the reviews you guys and gals are awesome!!! Magicman I know it's impossible but it my story it happens!! Call it a miracle ^^ He didn't miss Hitomi just moved at the last second it didn't hit her heart ^^ Thanks K questions gone so go ahead and read.
Sailor Hope
Hitomi felt her vision swaying as they neared the castle. She was so tired and so wide-awake at the same time. She was going to see Van. The mere thought set her blood on fire forcing her to fan out her shirt. The thought of seeing him again was too much, she wasn't sure how he would handle it but Merle was right, it was still Van. It was still the same boy she had watched grow into a man and it was still the same man who had searched for her for a month even though all possible evidence lead to her death.
In conclusion, she was nervous as hell.
The soft clatter of the horse's hooves on the cobblestone rode echoed off walls and bounced off roofs. The gate was closing in and Hitomi felt her breath quicken and her heart begin to jump. Merle had a royal little smile on looking as smug as ever. Hitomi knew she was enjoying every moment of this. The guards slid the creaky gates open as they saw Merle approaching.
She nodded her head at them and they closed the gates after Hitomi. Merle kept on trotting along but Hitomi pulled up short leaning up to stare at the castle. She felt her heart warm at the sight, this place held a piece of her heart. It always had and the joy that rushed through her at seeing the familiar walls again was unexplainable. Pulling up the reins she started up again following Merle to the castle doors.
Hitomi smiled as she whipped her head back and forth letting the memories flood back at the familiar surroundings. Smiling she jumped off Caleb's horse and untied her book. Turning to the doors the guards came up and led the horses off to the stables. Merle turned to her and grabbed her hand. Clutching her delicate fingers under hers Merle pushed the castle doors open. And Hitomi froze.
It was as if reality was sinking in. She was going to see Van. Whom she hadn't seen in a little over a year if memory served. Merle had convinced her he felt guilty and was certain she had died. If she just marched into his room smiling how would he handle it? Would he shout or fall over from a heart attack. His father had died when he was young, his mother not far behind him. It had broken his heart when his brother had disappeared all those years ago leaving him alone and king.
He had told Merle, Millerna and Hitomi so many times how thankful he was that he had them. Merle's playfulness had always seemed to cheer him up. Millerna's mature state at such a young age had kept the four out of too much trouble. And her, well her support had helped him through.
And he had thought her dead. Hitomi's fingers squirmed as she tried to pull away from Merle's grasp not so sure that Van would take the news well. She began to sweat as her mind sought to bring up every possible thing that could go wrong. She felt the panic and fear sink in as she was pulled along by Merle. Merle literally dragged her up the stairs Hitomi finally giving into the horrified gnawing in her stomach. She was going to throw up as the nervousness ate at her.
A tiny light flowed from Van's study and Merle rushed towards the door throwing herself into it pushing Hitomi in front of her.
"Van-Sama! Look!" Merle squealed
Hitomi closed her eyes and drew in her breath feeling the eyes on her. She couldn't breathe and she couldn't think. Her thought was nothing but a jumble and she knew that at any moment she would break down and bawl.
"Flora!"
Hitomi's eyes snapped open and looked at Van's desk, only to find the girl called Flora. Hitomi gasped and felt the jealously sweep over her. She knew Flora didn't love Van and Van didn't love Flora but for some odd reason it still hurt. Flora had long pale hair and dazzling purple eyes.
She had a slim waist and slender arms, her figure was curved in all the right spots and Hitomi felt herself looking down at her own figure in comparison. Slowly gazing back up at Van's fiancé she felt the despair choke her. How could Van not love her? Everything about the girl screamed grace and beauty.
Flora pulled up her skirts and ran forward pulling Merle into a hug.
"Merle! Where were you?! I was just about to send the guards after you!"
Merle wiggled away, her face twisted with frustration, "Flora where is Van- sama?!" she questioned exasperated
"He was a little worried and went on a so called evening ride looking for you, he should be back soon," Flora smiled pulling Merle back into a hug, "Don't ever do that again!"
Merle hugged Flora back smiling before she caught Hitoim's sullen face. Immediately jerking back she pounced over and pushed Hitomi forward.
"Flora I would like you to meet someone," Merle's evil little smile from Hitomi's side made Flora narrow her eyes in suspicion.
"Merle who is.oh my," Flora was half way through her sentence before her perfect eyes rounded in surprise and recognition, "Merle this looks an awful lot like."
Merle let her chin rest on Hitomi's shoulder, "Flora meet Hitomi"
Hitomi clasped her hands in front of her just staring at Fanelia's future Queen.
"Hitomi?!" Flora gasped, Hitomi could see her chest rising and falling rather rapidly, "THE Hitomi!? As in the dead Hitomi?!!?" she screeched reaching out to touch Hitomi's arm
Hitomi's hard emeralds continued their painful gaze at the princess. She felt Merle shake her head next to her.
"She's not dead as you can see"
Flora looked absolutely amazed as if she had just met the creator of Gaia in person.
"I don't believe it," her harsh whisper echoed off the walls, "Van is going to snap!" she smiled pulling Hitomi away from Merle and grabbing her into her own rib crushing hug.
"I'm so happy to meet you!!" she squealed pushing all the air from Hitomi's lungs.
Hitomi's eyes bugged out as she fought for air before finally being pushed away. Hitomi felt the oxygen race back in and fought to keep her balance as the room began to spin.
"But how are you alive? I thought you were murdered in the attack on the way home?" she questioned furrowing her eyebrows
Hitomi shook her head lightly, "I survived"
"Where have you been all this time?! Van is going to be so happy!!!" Flora screeched again, "Oh I don't care where you've been you'll make Van so happy!!"
Hitomi stood there in amazement the girl seemed to care more for Van's happiness than her own.
"But you're his fiancé," Hitomi burst out before she could stop herself
Flora blew it off like a pesky bug on a hot summer day, "Oh not anymore! He'll have you in that chapel before you can blink! His council can jump off a cliff, my parents as well, for all I care. Van has been so nice to me, I've never met someone quite like him. He's a great friend but I could never make him happy like you can. I've seen his eyes when he speaks of you it's the look I'm sure I have when I remember my Mark."
Hitomi cocked her head, "Mark?"
"Another time," Flora said quickly still smiling to outshine the sun, "We have to get you cleaned up and in bed you have to be rested for the morning. Oh this is going to be wonderful!!"
Hitomi turned and pleaded to Merle with her eyes but Merle just crossed her arms smiling, it seems she agreed with William's princess.
Hitomi turned around and tripped over herself as Flora began shoving her out of the study and down the hall.
"You just rest tonight and tomorrow morning will give Van the surprise of his life!" she giggled happily, "This is so what he needs!" she gushed beginning to pull Hitomi towards her old room.
"Okay Van said this was your room and that's ." Flora's voice stopped abruptly as she pointed to Millerna's turning to Hitomi she wiped another grin on, "Well you just go ahead and get rested I'll have a bath sent for you in just a minute," and with that she shut the door.
Hitomi stood staring at the door for a few minutes trying to contemplate what had just happened. Flora had been in the study instead of Van. Then Merle had smirked as she watched Hitomi stand in shock as Flora had gushed over her. Now she stood in her old room staring at the door in silence. Half of her wanted to jump and scream with joy falling back onto her old bed. The other half was scared beyond belief to turn around and find cobwebs hanging off her old dressers and bed curtains.
However the first half won to an extent and she turned around only to gasp. The room was immaculate. There wasn't a cobweb in sight and her sheets were freshly washed, she could smell the wonderful field scent that seemed to cling to Fanelia, mainly Fanelia's king. She suspected it was a soap for it floated from her bedding and walls.
Her closet doors were slightly open next to the perfectly clean hearth and Hitomi could see dresses freshly washed hanging in the closet. Hitomi had a feeling Merle was involved in this somehow but didn't figure to look a gift horse in the mouth. So quietly padding over to the dresser she slid the top perfectly carved cedar drawer open and smiled at the pajamas laid out.
Slipping her fingers against the silk she let slender hands sink into the material drawing forth a pair of white silky pajama pants with a string to tighten around the waist. And a long sleeved cotton shirt with strings up the front. Walking backwards the clothes slipped from the edge of the drawer and into the air. Hitomi fell back against her old bed and relished in the feel of the soft blankets beneath her back.
Hitomi felt the sleep washing over her just as her bedroom door burst open. Bolting up she saw Merle walk in with the biggest smile she had ever seen.
"How do you like your room?" the cat girl asked bending in front of Hitomi's hearth and throwing a match into the logs lighting the fire. Gently blowing she got the fire blazing before she turned back to face Hitomi.
Hitomi sat there clutching some pajamas as she gazed around the room.
"It's as if I never left," she whispered
Merle smiled even bigger and walked back to the door, "I convinced Flora the bath could wait till morning. Go ahead and go to bed you've got one big day tomorrow. Good night Hitomi, and welcome back it hasn't been the same without you," with that Merle closed the door with a faint click and headed to her own room
Hitomi let her eyes glide from the door to the blazing fire. Pulling off her clothes she slipped the pajamas on and couldn't help but groan at the wonderful feel of silk and freshly cleaned cotton against her skin. Walking into her old bathroom she smiled at the brush still lying on the counter as if she had only left it yesterday. Washing her face she brushed her hair out before padding back into her now nice and toasty room.
Closing the bathroom door she leaned against the wood and watched the flames dance across the stone hearth and cold walls. Her stomach did a flip- flop as she heard the faint clip clop of horse hooves. Rushing to her balcony window she looked down into the courtyard and felt her knees buckle.
She sunk to the ground and watched through the glass door as a tall muscular man with midnight hair jumped off his horse jerking his gloves off in anger as he strode into the castle. Hitomi swung away and leaned against the glass trying to calm her erratic heartbeat. What she hadn't seen was the man's quick glance her way as he marched through the castle doors.
Van slowed his pace as he entered the hall of his castle gripping his gloves in his hands. Blinking he clenched his teeth. Now he was so cold he was seeing things. He could have sworn there had been a faint light coming from Hitomi's old room. If that wasn't enough to get his blood moving there had been a shadow leaning against the balcony doors.
Shaking his head he chided himself for such foolish thoughts and marched up the stairs into the royal wing. He saw his study door open and frowned pushing it open as he strode in.
A tiny gasp filled the silence as Van peered at his betrothed, "Flora?" he asked.
It wasn't so odd that she was in his study, he had left her there. No what was striking was the bright smile on her lips. Her entire being seemed to bubble with pure joy. She locked her purple violets with his rubies for the longest time laughing to herself with pure bliss.
"Flora?" he asked again taking a step forward dropping his gloves on the velvet chair next to the door his fur coat following.
Once he stood in his white long sleeved cotton shirt and his usual tan pants he turned to scrutinize his fiancé a little closer. He leaned against his desk and gazed at her across the distance. She was still smiling to herself almost as if she was in her own world. It looked as if she wanted to tell him something but dared not. He couldn't figure out what was wrong so he stood straighter about to question her when she darted around the desk and hugged him.
"Merle's home Van, she just went for a walk and it took longer than expected, I'm going to bed see you in the morning," she laughed again hugging him tighter.
Van wrapped his arms around her and hugged her back all the sudden fearing for her mental stability, "Alright Flora I think rest would be the best thing right now, I'm going to say good night to Merle. See you in the morning."
With that Flora seemed to float from the room as if she was on cloud nine. Van leaned over watching his fiancé go, something was definitely up but curse himself if he couldn't divine what it was. Putting the fire out in the hearth he walked out of his study and down the hall to Merle's room.
His hand stilled on the bronze handle and he turned to face Hitomi's room across the hallway. His heart was screaming in a fury, so loud he couldn't think straight. His entire body urged him to open Hitomi's door but he only frowned at himself and pushed Merle's door open lightly knocking, "Merle?"
"Van-sama you're home!" he heard the playful cry of his sister before he was tackled to the ground.
"Yes I'm home but where were you?" he scolded putting her at arm's length, "I nearly froze to death looking for you!" with that he pulled her back in his embrace.
"Sorry my walk took longer than expected. But I found something I lost a while ago Van-sama!"
Van smiled at his sister's cheerful voice, "And what is that?" he questioned finding he couldn't be around her without sharing her joy
"I'm tired Van-sama I'll show you in the morning okay?"
Van kissed the top of her head, "Sounds great, good night Merle and next time you wander off tell me please?"
Merle shook her head and bounced off back into her bed. Smiling at Van she winked and settled into the soft comforters. Van closed the door and turned to face Hitomi's door again. Something was telling him to just twist the knob, feed his curiosity just this once. But he frowned at himself again and marched off down to his room. He hadn't been in that room since she had disappeared and he didn't intend to start going there now.
Hitomi leaned against the door and listened as Van said good night to Merle and then marched off down the hall to his room. She was surprised at how different his voice sounded. It was deep and melodic almost hypnotizing, either that or she just hadn't heard it in so long she had forgot what it sounded like.
Once she was sure he was gone she pulled on the handle and let the door quietly swing open. Checking the hall she stepped onto the rug and closed her door racing off down the stairs to the kitchen.
Van stuck his head out into the hall, he could have sworn he just heard someone's door open and close. But as his gaze swept down the hall he saw nothing and brushed it off as paranoia.
Hitomi slinked past cabinets and made sure to evade the guards. Slipping out the back door through the kitchen, she sighed in relief as she strolled into the garden. Oh how she had missed Fanelia's garden it was so peaceful, so beautiful, so everything she loved.
She could see herself rolling around in the bushes with Millerna as they tried to escape Van and Merle. They had been around 5 and they had been playing tag. Hitomi had turned a corner and ran right smack into Millerna sending both of the girls down to the ground rolling. They had been caught in no time thanks to their grunts and cries of pain as thorns jabbed their sides.
Hitomi smiled as she saw the memories float in front of her. Walking through them she closed her eyes and took a deep breath of the enchanting mix of the ever tempting sweet field smell -smothering Van wherever he went- intertwined with sweet rose and lavender.
Hitomi just smiled to herself letting her shirtsleeves billow out slightly in the night wind as she walked along the garden path. She was so caught up in the wonderful bliss being back in Fanelia's garden had produced she completely forgot that Van's room out looked the garden.
Van tied the leather string in a knot around his waist securing the silk pajama pants to his body. Slipping off his shirt he picked his sword up and lay it across the end of his bed. Lazily he sauntered into his bathroom and splashed water into his face sighing against the cold droplets sliding down his jaw.
Grabbing a towel off the bar next to his mirror he dried his face and dropped it on the cabinet closing the bathroom door behind him. The snap and crackle of burning logs filled the large room. Van stretched his arms up above his head and walked to the side of his bed and leaning against it let his knees give way as he fell against the soft blankets.
Hitomi stopped at one of the stony benches overlooking the small lake in the middle of the large garden. There was a gazebo in the middle of it with vines twisting through the windows and railings. Hitomi had always loved that little gazebo, it had been her escape. The tiny rowboat floated on the water bouncing against the earth every once a while scratching the side.
Hitomi let the words run over her tongue in the moonlight. She was so happy in the garden and it was so peaceful it seemed like the perfect place to let her heart sing out its joy.
Hitomi's soft voice carried the notes across the wind letting them fill every corner of the castle garden.
"Life is a journey with love in hand"
A gust of wind picked up the rose petals and lavender blossoms swirling them around in a cloud letting them brush up against Hitomi as her voice mingled with the wind joining the tiny hurricane flying across the sky.
"Secrets kept and hearts broken"
Van rolled over letting his arm cover his head. He felt the wind brush up against his bareback and cursed himself for leaving the balcony doors open. Sitting up angrily he vaulted over the foot of his bed with one quick motion and straightened to close the doors.
The balcony doors clicked shut and he turned to head to bed when his feet sunk into the rug beneath him. Slowly turning back to the glass doors he grasped the bronze handle and pushed it down letting the wind blow the door wide open.
Stepping onto the cold stone he grabbed the railing and leaned over to look in the garden. That's when his ears picked up the faint voice again.
"Out in the rain whispers lived"
He leaned back up and stared out over the lake, he knew that song.
"Hope was always the true friend"
He knew that voice.
"You have captured my love completely"
It was the same song he had heard in the market today. Scowling he leaned back over the railing, why in all of Gaia was that song in his garden?
"And life's journey isn't so hard now"
Van had to admit though the voice was nothing less than angelic. Looking out over to his right he saw her. It was the gypsy singer from the market. But why was she in the garden? In her pajamas no less.
"Thank you for the time we spent"
He could tell it was her by the voice. Her hair was flowing behind her dancing with every roll of the wind. He watched as the woman sat singing staring at the gazebo out in the lake. He couldn't see anymore than the side of her face and he growled in frustration.
"And thank you for the memories made"
There was just something about the woman, it was like a pull, a sort of gravity.
"My love fight the fog"
Leaning back again he hit his fists to the railing. He wanted to meet this mysterious woman.
"Follow the tears and blood"
And more importantly find out why she was in his castle.
"Listen for the song in the night"
He didn't think he had any servants that were gypsies and Van was just sure he had met all the servants. He loved his people and made it his priority to get to know them. Spend time with them.
Leaning over the railing again he heard her voice slowing to an end. Checking on the sides he made sure no one was looking as he gripped the railing with his right arm as he threw himself over the side.
"And together we'll fly free"
Van felt the wind whipping his face as he fell towards the ground. His shoulder blades pulled back and with a stretch he winced as the wings sprouted from his back. With a quick snap of his wings he ceased the decent almost immediately. Making sure the woman hadn't seen him yet he glided to the ground groaning in frustration as the feathers fell around him.
"This will be one heck of a mess," he muttered drawing his wings back inside.
The song had ended and the woman merely sat humming in the moonlight. She looked so peaceful, so calm, so breath takingly beautiful. He stood stunned as the moon washed her pale features in it's light and marveled at how her skin seemed to sparkle. There was just something about her that seemed so familiar.
"My lady," he started hoping to get her attention.
What he didn't expect however was what he got. The woman turned and screamed falling backwards tumbling to the ground. Her eyes were wide and as she sat in the dark a tiny little ball he scowled, he couldn't see anything. He took a step forward to help her to her feet when she sprang to her feet and whipped around so her back was facing him.
"Don't run!" he begged, "I'm not going to hurt you"
Her shoulders shook with a little giggle and Van frowned, what was so funny? He took another step forward and blinked as she disappeared into the garden. He blinked again shaking his head and staring at the spot she had been in. He was sure she had been there but currently there wasn't a single trace of the woman. She had disappeared into the flowers so fast he felt his head spinning.
"What a woman," he whispered slowly turning back to his balcony.
Looking over his shoulder at where she had been he shook his head again, "I need to go to sleep," he whispered to himself checking the garden before pushing the wings from his back and taking flight.
Hitomi clung to the castle wall as she watched the angel wings unfurl from his back. Feathers fell from the wings in a ball and scattered as he landed on his balcony flexing the gifts he called a curse.
Hitomi smiled as the feathers continued floating to the ground. She remembered the first time she had seen his wings. It had been on a picnic. She had been out in the forest near the cliffs picking flowers to take home when Merle had come bursting around the corner laughing, Millerna right on her tail. Merle hadn't seen Hitomi and screamed as Hitomi had lost her balance falling backwards into the cliffs never ending abyss.
The flowers had come falling next to her as she flew into the darkness. Hitomi had screamed and closed her eyes. Next thing she knew she felt strong arms slide around her waist pulling her up against gravity. Hitomi had opened her eyes to see Van weakly smiling down at her as his wings pushed against the wind bringing them higher and higher until he set her back on her feet far away from the cliff's edge.
Hitomi had stared at the angel wings for who knows how long simply running her tiny fingers over the silk feathers marveling at the rare beauty. Van had shuttered as she touched them but she couldn't understand his shame, they were so beautiful. She locked eyes with him and removed her hand. The wings had immediately disappeared into his back as Merle and Millerna came running into view. Merle already knew about the draconian gift but Millerna was fascinated with the wings.
She hadn't seen them since, well except for just now of course. But by all the saints her heart was still ready to jump out of her chest. There she was peacefully singing when next thing you know Van comes creeping up behind her. She was sure her scream had stirred the entire castle.
But as she watched Van stare out over the garden one more time before walking in and closing his balcony doors she didn't care. Being so close to him again had been heavenly.
Even if he didn't know who she was.
The sun slowly pushed the moon down as it slid over the hills shattering the darkness. Hitomi shifted under the sheets as the sun's gleam danced into her room lighting the hearth and door. Jerking a pillow out from under her head she smothered her face with it and pulled the blankets up tighter around her neck.
She felt sleep claiming her, she was just drifting off when her bedroom door burst open and quietly clicked shut. Growling Hitomi sat up straight and chucked her pillow at the intruder.
Flora laughed as the pillow slid to the ground. Rubbing her nose she smirked at Hitomi.
"Not a morning person?"
Hitomi groaned and rolled over pulling the blanket over her head.
"I'll take that as a yes," she beamed pulling the curtains open uncovering the window opposite her bed letting more light shine through.
Hitomi felt the morning heat pierce her blanket and whimpered.
"Just another hour," she begged under the sheets
Flora jerked the blankets off her and shook her finger.
"Nope your bath will be here any minute and then it's breakfast"
'And Van' Hitomi added mentally
Flora seemed to read her thoughts and smiled a yes. She opened her mouth to speak when Hitomi's door opened and Merle came in two servants behind her carrying buckets of hot water.
"Hurry put them in the bathroom and leave and don't you dare tell anyone about this," Merle hissed ordering the servants
The two nodded fearful of the cat's claws and placed the buckets in the bathroom running out of the room as fast as they could. Merle smirked after the fleeing servants and closed the door.
"Well I just heard that Van headed out to the garden this morning. He spent about an hour roaming around the bushes for who knows what before he headed inside and was sucked into another council meeting. So we have an hour to get you bathed, dressed and in the dining room."
Flora and Merle turned and eyed Hitomi cheerfully. Hitomi groaned again and fell back into the bed.
Van massaged his temples as he listened to his council members drone on about finalizing documents and organizing the guest's list for his wedding.
Looking out the window he gazed longily at the market wishing he could somehow escape the council to get breakfast and just disappear.
Hitomi sunk into the hot water and sighed, nothing like a nice warm bath to relax jumpy muscles. She let her hair slide down her back as she ran her hands through it freeing some tangles before completely sinking into the water.
She didn't know how long she soaked in the heavenly water but obviously it had been too long because Merle was soon pounding on the door demanding she get out and hurry to get dressed. Hitomi stood up and pulled a towel from the wall when she caught her reflection in the mirror.
She looked at herself and wondered if Van would recognize her last night's encounter didn't seem to spark any memories. Then she smiled as she got an idea.
Merle stomped angrily outside the bathroom as she heard Hitomi bumping around in the bathroom. She couldn't figure out what Hitomi was doing but she wished she would hurry up.
It took a while but finally the bathroom door swung open presenting Hitomi wrapped in her bath towel. Merle looked up and couldn't help but smile. Flora gasped.
"My goodness!"
"You like?" Hitomi smiled throwing her right arm to her hip
Merle laughed, "He'll HAVE to recognize you now," she said pulling Hitomi towards the closet
"That's what I thought," Hitomi said catching her reflection in her vanity mirror.
She smiled at the reflection she had long ago forgotten. Reaching up she fingered her hair and found it felt a little strange now that it was back to it's old length. But her head felt so light and the haircut had given her a renewed confidence. The short boy's cut was just what she needed to settle back into the life she had left behind.
Merle yanked Hitomi's hand again and pulled her away from the mirror.
"Yes Hitomi you did a great job now let's get you dressed!!"
Van slammed the council doors shut behind him and raced off to the dining hall to meet Flora and Merle for breakfast. He had barely made it out of there awake. They would have sooner let him starve, vicious advisors. Straightening his red vest over the white shirt he opened the dining room doors and found the room empty.
"They're late," he whispered to himself walking up to sit at the head of the table
A servant rushed out of the kitchen and bowed to him, Van smiled up at her and watched as the girl blushed.
"Mi'lord?" she asked
"Is breakfast ready? The ladies are just running a little-"
Van turned at the sound of the door opening and smiled as Merle and Flora walked in beaming. He turned back to the servant when he caught the flash of blue out of the corner of his eye.
The servant rushed off to get breakfast as she saw the women approaching and Van mentally recounted. Flora was wearing purple and Merle had been wearing pink so who was the blue.
Pushing his chair out he stood to greet Merle and Flora.
"Good Morning ladies," he said his deep voice ringing off the walls
"Van-sama!" Van felt his sister jump him
"Good morning Van," Flora smiled pulling out a seat to his left
Van frowned, she always sat at his right-
"Hello Van"
Van's head snapped up at the third voice and he froze. The dining room blurred out around her as his eyes took in the sight before him. She was wearing a light blue dress outlined in silver thread giving it a mysterious sparkle in the sun. His heart stopped and his blood froze in the veins. Her dark emeralds smiled back at him as he took in her short hair and curved figure.
Hitomi.
He had to be seeing things as he felt his lungs nearly collapse from shock. Van's rubies bore down on her emeralds as he found he couldn't utter one single word. And he did what any respectable man would have done after seeing the woman he loved come back from the dead.
He fainted.
A/N I hope you like it!!! Please R&R and have a great day!!!
Sailor Hope