Disclaimer: I don't own Escaflowne already!!!
A/N
Okay wow! I mean just wow! I don't think I've ever gotten such great feed back for chapters like I did for 6 and 7 and I mean wow. Thank you all sooooo much!!! Please though if any of you would just write me or review and tell me what in the world I did in the last two chapters that made them just draw you in? I'd really like to know so I could keep doing it I'm almost afraid to write this chapter in fear that I'll let you all down. So please tell me if what I'm doing that's making it so good.
Okay and no name I'm sorry cutting her hair made you so mad I've just always liked her hair short so I decided to cut it again. Sorry.
And angelwarriar wow where have you been?! Never mind the reviewer I was wondering if you had disappeared I'm glad to see you are back and thanks for reading!!! ^^
Emerald Mist thank you so much you've been faithfully reviewing every chapter it means a lot!
Aylee the dragon thanks so much for the brownie and cookie!!! They're wonderful and I'm glad you like!!
TenyoAngel711 thanks for reviewing and I hope Van wasn't too mad when I made him faint ^^
SabineballZ thanks I'm glad you love them but please tell me what I did in the last two chapters that you loved so much I'm really curious please let me know and thanks for reviewing!
Selena sorry they haven't kissed yet and the wedding well *whistles innocently* wedding? Oh my well yea you'll have to find out about the wedding situations. Thanks for reading and reviewing!!!
SpookyFyre I'm glad you think it's cute!! Be careful when bouncing and thanks so much for reviewing!! I'm glad you like it so much!
Lace I'm sorry the story is making you bite your nails thank you so much for reviewing! And I'm working on updating as fast as I can ^^
LaDonna I will be updating as soon as I can and I'm glad you like it thank you so much for reviewing!
Kelly I will come out with more soon and I'm glad you thought it was funny Van fainted I was so worried everyone was going to just scream at me for that
Pretty senshi I'm sorry again but I just like her with short hair but I'm you still like it despite that!
Sorrow ^^ glad you too like it even tho Van fainting is kind of out of character thanks for reviewing!!
Sakura Avalon Thanks for reviewing and glad you like it! I wanted him fainting to be a surprise too I'm glad it worked thanks for reading!
Sereneblaze I'm happy that I could make you smile and I'm honored that it made you smile if that's something you don't do often and thanks for reviewing!
EThErEaLAnGeL I'm really glad you like it and that it seemed a little romantic thanks so much for reviewing!!!
I just wanted to write to everyone who reviewed chapters 6 and 7 because I've never gotten so many reviews for two chapters and I just wanted to thank you all who have reviewed these chapters and previously, you guys rock and if I missed anyone I'm so sorry please don't be mad I just missed you and I'm sorry. Thanks again so much and have a great day!!!
Oh and P.S people in the A/N's when I said he was stressed about the marriage remember he's engaged to Flora so that's the marriage I was talking about.
Sailor Hope
The icy wind bit at her skin sending sharp bolts of pain up her bones. Hitomi blinked to see through the fury of the snow. Sighing in frustration she realized she was in the frozen wasteland once again. She had opened up Darice's gift and once again the room and plunged into darkness only lightening to reveal this icy prison. White flakes kicked up in a frenzy in front of her face and melted against her skin upon contact. Frustrated she kicked the mound of icy snow in front of her sending more white flakes up in the air.
White. For miles, it was nothing but white. Her nightgown clung to her skin as the snow continued to sink through her thin nightclothes stinging her skin. Luckily she had boots on, though she wasn't sure where she had acquired them. She didn't know where to go or what to do so she stepped forward the snow crunching loudly under foot. She didn't know how long she walked before the figures started to appear.
No one turned however and she was positive her boots were making enough noise to be heard even over the harsh wind. So coming up behind one of the men she tapped his shoulder only to watch her hand fly through his muscles. Gasping out in shock she stepped back and watched as he did nothing. So partially grateful they couldn't see her in case they turned out to be hostile she stepped up and around to face the man.
And she screamed.
There staring into her hard emeralds was the a man she recognized as only stuff of her nightmares. He was smirking at something holding a sword and speaking. She couldn't hear him but even if she had been able to divine what he was saying she was sure she wouldn't have cared.
Stumbling backwards she walked right through another man and screamed again at the face. Turning she saw another familiar face and felt her hot tears fly down her cheeks. Falling in the snow she winced at the coldness and immediately jumped to her feet backing up again horrified at all the familiar faces.
She finally backed up a good ways and felt herself shake as she stared into the eyes of a man she had long tried to forget. His cold eyes teased her pain as he laughed at something and pointed his sword forward. Hitomi spun around and recognized the black hair right away.
Van stirred in his sleep rolling as the sweat slid down his face. Something was wrong with Hitomi, he could feel it. But as he sat up in the bed and listened for sounds he heard nothing but the wind beating against his window. Sighing in frustration he sunk back into his bed and closed his eyes in a desperate attempt to sleep.
Turning back to the laughing man she cried out in frustration at her inability to punch him. It was the leader of the marauders.
His face and dark features had haunted her mind ever since the fateful day on the way back home to Liara. She had dreamed, wished and hoped for a chance to once again face the man. His group of men also responsible for Millerna's death laughed behind him. It was as if they were mocking her pain but they couldn't see her. So turning back around she walked up to the dark haired man.
It was Soren.
He was clutching a sword, a bow slung over his shoulders and he was scowling. Hitomi had never seen him so mad, he was always so gentle and kind. Hitomi didn't understand what was going on. Why was Soren out in the middle of nowhere facing the marauders who roamed Gaia's forests.
And all at once she could hear.
"You'll never stop her!" Soren bellowed out over the wind
"Have you come to stop me?!" the leader laughed again, "Soren it is a pity I'll have to kill you I always did admire your spirit!"
Hitomi felt the dread creep up on her. She swallowed and tried to stop her heart but it was useless. The panic was over whelming.
"It ends today Michael!!"
The leader's eyes narrowed in anger for a minute but he soon forgot the name and shook his head in mock disappointment, "I'm afraid not friend!"
Hitomi heard the terribly familiar sound of arrows settling into their crooks in the bows. Gasping she fought to hear over her hearts mad thumping. Spinning to face Soren she cried out telling him to run but he held his ground.
Even over the wind she could hear the horrifying sound as the arrow sliced through the wind on its path. Hitomi screamed out falling to her knees powerless to do anything. It was happening all over again. The arrow twirled through the air flying towards its target, but it never made it. Hitomi stopped breathing as the pain clenched her lungs shut.
Trisha fell to the ground the arrow buried in her chest. Soren's eyes sprung to life as he fell down next to her and pulled her into his arms.
"Trisha!!!!"
Hitomi watched as Trisha smiled up at Soren before she jerked the arrow out of her chest with her last bit of strength. The tears just wouldn't stop as Hitomi watched another friend fall victim to this man's tortures. The agony was more than she could bare as she watched Soren pull Trisha close rocking her back and forth.
Turning to face Lorus through her tears she couldn't help but notice the look of mortification on the man's face. He truly looked hurt. Turning around he angrily plunged his sword into the man responsible for shooting the arrow. Spinning back around he shook with anger as he watched Soren rock Trisha back and forth.
Lorus walked up to Trisha and bent down beside her throwing his sword to the side. Hitomi rushed up wanting so badly to kick the man away. She gasped as Soren stopped rocking Trisha and let her face Lorus.
She didn't look angry. She didn't look vengeful. Her face was twisted with pain and understanding.
And Hitomi wasn't ready to hear what Trisha was about to say.
"I love you Michael I always have," her slender fingers frozen with the snow brushed up against his cheek.
"Trisha...I..."
Trisha just smiled, "I know"
With those last two words her hand dropped into the snow and she turned to Soren, "I love you brother"
Soren ignored the tears escaping down his cheeks and pulled Trisha close.
"I love you too my sister"
Trisha's voice was getting quicker as her lungs beat faster struggling for air.
"It's nice to hear you say that Soren,"
Soren buried his face in her hair, "I know Trisha I know"
Hitomi watched as Trisha's head fell back her body limp in his arms. Soren stared down at her the tears splattering onto her lifeless face.
"You promised," he whispered accusingly brushing the hair out of her face
Lorus looked up at Soren and tried to plaster the smirk back on his face but the sadness in his eyes was too powerful.
"Soren."
"Michael go away," Soren ground out between his teeth
Lorus stood up and scowled, "That's no longer my name!" he bellowed out reaching for his sword again
Soren glared up through his tears only angering Lorus further.
"Michael is dead!!!" Lorus cried out throwing all his weight forward sending the blade into Soren's chest.
Soren's breath caught as the sword pushed through him. Without a word Lorus jerked the sword out of Soren and smirked as he fell forward onto his sister.
"Good bye Soren, I never did like you anyways"
Hitomi's head pounded and she felt dizziness take over. And the only thing she could do was scream.
Van bolted up in his bed again rolling off the sides and onto the floor. Jumping out of the sheets he grabbed his sword and threw his hard wood door open. Running down the hall he rammed into Hitomi's door sending it open with a crash. Hitomi was on her knees in front of the fire holding her head screaming. Throwing his sword down he slid to his knees next to her and grabbed her shoulders.
"Hitomi! Hitomi what's wrong?!"
Van shook her scared at the tears running down her cheeks. Her eyes were snapped shut and she was still screaming. She was shaking so hard Van was afraid for her health. Giving her another hard push he jumped when her eyes snapped open to reveal her horrified emeralds. Her eyes alone shone with so much pain Van felt his heart squeeze at the sorrow radiating from her.
"Hitomi."
She didn't answer him. She was lost to what she had seen, he could see that. So pulling her close he wrapped his arms around her and let her tears fall on his shirt. Soon Flora, Mark and Merle rushed into the room all wide eyed and scared.
"Van what's wrong?!" Merle screeched breathing quickly as she watched Hitomi shake against him
"I don't know"
"Is she okay?!" Flora asked peering at Hitomi
"I think she will be," Van answered tightening his grip on Hitomi
For a while everyone watched in silence as Hitomi shook against Van her tears never stopping. Finally Flora decided to take charge.
Flora nodded and pulled on Merle and Mark, "Come on Van will handle it"
Merle opened her mouth to protest but Mark picked her up and carried her out of the room closing the door behind Flora. Van gazed out over the fire and leaned against Hitomi's head. Her shaking melted into him and he soon found himself shaking with her. Brushing her hair he whispered in her ear.
"I'm here Hitomi, I'm here"
But his voice didn't seem to get through to her. So he just hugged her close and let her cry.
It seemed like hours before Hitomi stopped crying and buried herself in Van's chest letting out whimpers here and there. Finally she stopped shaking and lifted her head up to face Van. His eyes softened with worry at her red and blood shot eyes. Shaking his head he wiped her tear stained cheeks and rubbed her shoulders.
"Hitomi what happened?"
She looked as if she would cry again but no tears came. He had a feeling she couldn't cry anymore for the night so he decided to ask her later and simply drew her into his arms again.
Hitomi snaked her arms around his back and clutched to him.
"It was just a horrible dream," Van reassured her with a whisper
Hitomi wanted to believe him but it had all seemed so real. The snow, the ice, the sounds, the faces, and the pain it was all too real to be just a dream. But Van's deep voice was comforting and while he held her she just let herself believe just that. It was all a terrible dream and everything was better now. Van was here and she was in his arms in front of her fire leaning against his chest. It was all a horrible dream.
Letting out a shaky breath she nodded.
"A horrible dream," she repeated pushing the scenes out of her head, "Just a bad dream"
"I'm here Hitomi you're okay," he whispered again rubbing her back trying to soothe her
Hitomi leaned back and looked up at him. He gave her a small smile. Hitomi knew she loved him. But as the firelight danced across his face she realized how deeply she loved him. He was always there for her, when humanly possible, and he had always admired her in his youth she had known that. Had he changed his mind? She certainly hadn't, but he was a king and she was the daughter of a servant. It could never be, but what if for just one moment she could know that he cared. If for just one minute she knew that he loved her she could live out her days happy.
Before either one realized it they were leaning in towards each other their lips inches away from each other. She shivered when his breath warmed her face as he leaned in closer. She closed her eyes knowing how stupid she was acting. But for one minute she would make it work, she would have him and everything would be fine, if only for a minute.
The bedroom door flew open and Van jerked back, Hitomi spun angrily to see who had burst in.
Merle stood at the door panting her tail twitching, " I finally got away from Mark and.Hitomi!! Are you alright?!" she screamed rushing forward and pulling Hitomi into a hug.
Van mentally yelled at his sister for interrupting possibly one of the best things that could have ever happened to him.
Merle ignored the glares he sent her way and hovered over Hitomi
"I'm fine Merle really," Hitomi sighed a little frustrated at the cat girl
"Well good because I have to take Van-sama away for a while," Merle let go of Hitomi and turned to her brother and grabbed his arm, "Come on the advisors are demanding a meeting"
"Good for them," Van muttered sarcastically under his breath as he let Merle drag him to his feet
Hitomi blushed and turned away as Van glanced her way. Van groaned and mentally kicked himself. Things would never be the same between them. He might have just screwed up any kind of relationship he had with Hitomi.
"Idiot," he scolded himself as he followed Merle down the stairs and across the entry hall into the meeting room
The incessant chattering that poured from the room as soon as the doors were pulled open gave Van a headache and he began to wonder if he would have the patience to endure another round with his council. All eyes turned to the two and Van realized he was still in his nightclothes.
'Hell they interrupted me so they can live with it,' he yelled out in his mind as he sat down at the head of the large table, Merle at his side.
The lead speaker stood up and cleared his throat.
"Your majesty there is a rumor that the Lady Hitomi has been found and is in fact staying in this very castle"
'So much for being subtle,' he grumbled to himself
"Indeed," was his only response
"Your majesty surely the rumors are false, the lady is dead!" the scrawny man called out
"Gentlemen I have neither the patience nor the time to give you all the details. However the Lady Hitomi is not dead, she was merely injured and lost for a time."
"Then she is here your majesty?"
"Yes"
"That is wonderful your majesty! Now about your marriage to Flora of Williams."
Van snapped out of his boredom and looked up. With Hitomi here he had almost completely forgotten the engagement. How could he have been so stupid. He felt the tension from Merle grip his own heart as he rushed through his brain for some excuse. Some way to pull himself out of this.
"About that engagement," Van started clearing his throat racking his mind for some way out of this.
The lead speaker, Ralph, perked up for a minute in hopes that the King had finally set a date.
Van shifted in his chair a little nervous. But he was king! He decided who he married with or without the approval of the council. So with a little more confidence he straightened and looked Ralph straight in the eye.
"It's canceled"
The room went dead silent letting Van's clear calm voice ring off the brick walls. Ralph blinked a few times and looked at his fellow advisors as if asking if he had just heard right.
"Excuse me your majesty?" Ralph's squeaky voice broke through
"The engagement is canceled," he said again smiling this time, "Flora is no longer going to marry me I'm afraid she has found another"
Ralph's face flashed red, "But your majesty!!"
"Ralph!" Van said standing up giving Merle a side-glance, she was grinning.
"Your Majesty we simply won't allow it!"
Van raised his eyebrow in mock horror. This was it, he had had it with his advisors running his life. He just found Hitomi and he would be damned if he was going to let a bunch of scrawny men in dresses take her from him. And Flora. Good lord she had just found Mark after how many years? There was no way he was going to be the one to stand in her way.
"Ralph I am king am I not?"
"Yes your Majesty but!"
"Then as King I'm simply declaring the engagement a mistake. Let Williams know I'm sure they'll have something wonderful to say about it. Now is there anything else we can settle this morning gentlemen?"
"Your majesty! Fanelia will not stand it any longer! You need a wife! Fanelia needs an heir! You must marry a princess and for once fill your responsibilities as king!"
Van's smile faded into a dangerous scowl. But Merle beat him to it.
"For once?!"
The glass cracked and Van winced covering his ears.
Ralph stood his ground.
"Lady Merle this doesn't concern you please sit down"
Van didn't like the way this meeting was going if he didn't do something soon there wouldn't be enough of Ralph left to through out of his castle.
"All my life you have pushed me aside and ignored me because I was different from you! Queen Varie took me in and gave me a home! A family! And I'm sick of the way you treat my brother! He's the best king in his day! He became King and took on the full responsibilities of running a kingdom when you were learning how to work at your pathetic little stand in the market! What is left of his life, what you haven't destroyed should be his to do with as he wishes!!! If he doesn't want to marry Flora and go after Hitomi then you can't stop him!!!!"
Van had been smiling up to that point. The council turned all eyes to their king.
"The lady Hitomi?!"
Merle fumed and dug her claws into the hard wood table. It was as if they hadn't heard anything she had said. Except for her slip at the end that is.
Van clenched his teeth together and hoped he had the patience to muddle through this morning.
"Gentlemen this meeting is over, there is to be no wedding, and no the lady Hitomi and I are not engaged."
"That's well anyways that girl is just a servant not fit for the throne," an advisor whispered to Ralph
Ralph nodded in agreement.
"A simpleton really," another whispered
Soon the room filled with tiny little whispers all giving their disapproval towards a relationship between Van and Hitomi. Van couldn't believe his ears, his anger was so overwhelming he couldn't bring himself to say anything.
"I always heard she was a greedy girl"
"Never content even when she lived in the castle!"
"Likely killed Princess Millerna out of jealously"
The wisp of Ralph's whisper snapped Van out of his anger and shock. Merle fell back in her seat too stunned to say anything. Van felt his rage consume him as he scowled at Ralph whispering back and forth with the fellow advisors.
"ENOUGH!!!" he bellowed silencing the room instantly
Van felt his heart beat against his rib cage so fast he almost lost track of his bearings.
"Get out of my castle," Van growled shaking with fury, "Now"
Ralph looked unconvinced, "Your majesty-"
"NOW!!!!!"
Ralph stumbled backwards but still the man refused to flee when he should have.
"Your majesty!"
Van pushed around Merle's chair and walked up to Ralph, grabbing his collar he lifted the man off the ground.
"I want you out of here, now"
Ralph's eyes were the size of saucers as he looked down at his king struggling to beg for forgiveness.
"Am I not making myself clear enough? Alright then, Guards!!!"
Three guards marched in bowing to Van.
"I want him out of here now!" he ordered dropping Ralph
Ralph opened his mouth to counter but the guards were too fast. Van was grateful someone around the castle still listened to him.
Turning back to his advisors still shaking with anger he swept his gaze over the crowd letting each and every single man in the room know how displeased he was with their babbling.
"If I ever so much as hear another whisper about the Lady Hitomi similar to the one's I heard today I will personally drag every single one of you out to the lists and instruct you on the proper skills of sword play. Do I make myself clear?"
Everyone nodded.
"And my sister is quite right I've ignored it long enough! Merle is my sister! She is royalty in Fanelia! Anyone treating or speaking of her otherwise will be charged with treason! Is THAT understood?!"
Everyone quickly nodded. Merle couldn't believe Van had just said that. Sure she had been part of the family but never had she thought to be treated as one of Fanelia's royals. Of course she knew Van and the Fanel family had always seen it that way but it had never been announced.
The room was silent so long even Merle feared Van might have cracked. But Van didn't care he was hearing the whispers over and over again in his head only feeding his anger. One brave advisor stood up shivering a little and gulped.
"Your majesty?"
Van snapped his glare to the man and he squeaked.
"Might I suggest a ball?" he managed
"I'm not marrying Flora I thought I-"
The man interrupted Van before his anger took over again, "Nah your majesty I mean in honor of Lady Hitomi's return"
Van thought about it for a minute, that wouldn't be such a bad idea. After all it would be a way for Hitomi to see all her old friends again. He knew she didn't want to but she had to see Aston sooner or later. She couldn't hide forever it would destroy here. Besides it would be a way to break the news to Flora's parents without them throwing a fit. At least at first. There was no way they would scream at him at a public event.
Turning to Merle he saw her nod. Even in her state of anger and shock his sister would never pass up a chance to get a new dress.
"Arrange it," he said back to the shivering little man who only sighed in relief that he hadn't angered Van further.
"Of course your majesty"
"I'm going to go get my breakfast now, if that is alright with you gentlemen?" Van smirked to his advisors
The advisors all nodded their heads vigorously.
"I'm glad you approve," his sarcasm didn't amuse them but they weren't about to tell him that.
Van turned to Merle and held out his hand, Merle smiled and wrapped herself around his arm sticking her tongue out at the advisors as they left. The men wisely bit their tongue's to refrain from any comments and all bowed as the royals left.
Once they were out the doors Merle turned to Van.
"Thank you Van-sama"
Van shook his head, "Don't thank me Merle I should have done that a long time ago," he turned and smiled at his sister, "Now go find Flora and Mark, relay the news and I'll see you in a little while for breakfast"
Merle leaned up and licked Van's cheek, "Whatever you say Van-sama!"
Van pushed her on her way and reluctantly sauntered back up the stairs. He knew that after that nightmare last night the last thing Hitomi would want to hear is there would be a ball in a matter of days. But she had to get over this fear, he would be with her, and there was no time like the present.
Hitomi stared into the fire glancing at the book opened on the floor next to her nightstand where she had dropped it last night.
It wasn't a horrible dream
Oh how she wished it was but it wasn't. Somehow, she didn't know how but it wasn't. It was a warning. And if it was the last thing she ever did on this planet she would make sure Soren and Trisha lived.
Then another surprise finally sunk in.
They were brother and sister. She didn't know why she hadn't seen it before. They looked so similar, their facial features, their hair, everything about them screamed related. They could have been twins. From her warning however it didn't sound like things had been going so well for them. Which didn't surprise her.
In her time at the gypsy camp she had found it specialized in hidden problems. Darice wouldn't talk about her life before the camp and Caleb just ignored questions. Mark had just turned sad at any mention of life before the camp and walked off. Now she understood why, it had been too much for him to think about Flora.
The camp was a safe haven for all those who found life's troubles too harsh for their taste. It was a hide away. It was a place you could leave all your troubles behind and just start all over again. Turning back to the book she reached out picked it up and brought it back over to her spot in front of the fire.
Flipping the page with her mother's lyrics flourished a crossed the middle she scanned for where she had left off. She had read about the sad Draconian downfall. Power and Greed had brought about their demise. If only they could have learned to live in peace with their power, but it wasn't to be.
About half way through the book she found her spot again. Surprised at how much she had read already she finished the last paragraph telling all who found it that the author was truly sorry for the destruction his people had caused.
Turning the page she frowned at the blank page with one sentence in the middle.
And together we'll fly free
It was the last sentence of her mother's song. Turning the page she felt her stomach jump and dropped the book out of shock.
"No not again," she pleaded
And thankfully the blackness never came. But the jump that had started in her stomach was quickly spreading. She felt a comforting warmth rush through her blood. It was as if all her worries had been lifted and she was wrapped in a heavy blanket alone in a corner all nice and snug.
Smiling at the heat she didn't question the sudden urge her head felt and looked down. Gasping silently she marveled at the soft pink glow her necklace was giving off. It didn't scare her though, instead it fascinated her beyond all reason.
Slowly fingering her pendant and key to the ancient book she felt the comforting heat spring to life in her fingers and rush up her arm. Shivering at the tingling sensation it created she pulled the gem up to eye level.
It was marvelous, there just simply wasn't any other word for it. The resonating pink glow was nothing short of entrancing. She felt a sense of security as she held the little gem. The same comforting feeling she had felt when Van had held her or her mother had rocked her to sleep.
She was about to put the gem down back resting against her chest when a flash of gold caught her eye. Bringing the gem closer she was shocked to find gold dust swirling around inside the gem.
She jumped when her door creaked to announce someone was entering. However she was shocked even more as the pink glow suddenly vanished and a loud thump rang through the room as the book slammed shut, on it's own.
Blinking Hitomi dropped the necklace letting it fall with the chain to rest around her neck and stared at the book.
"Hitomi?"
Hitomi turned around to find Van smiling gravely as he shut her door.
"What's wrong Van?"
"I- .. I'll tell you after breakfast come on I'm starving," he said plastering a fake smile to his lips
"Alright," Hitomi conceded
She could tell something was wrong but he would tell her eventually. She stretched her hand forward and Van pulled her up and opened the door letting her walk out.
"I've spoiled you," he complained
Hitomi just smiled, "You enjoy every minute of it mister"
Van smiled a genuine smile, "I suppose I do"
Hitomi wrapped her arm around Van's and walked down the stairs with him. The dining room doors were open and the two could hear Merle and Mark arguing about something. As they turned the corner slowly they saw Flora laughing, Mark sprawled on the floor a tangle of fur and chair.
"How do I make it through the day with people like this around?" Van murmured to himself
Hitomi just giggled, "Because you love it!"
Van just gave her a 'yea right' glance before walking to the table to pull his sister out from under Mark's chair.
Hitomi stood and watched as a bristling Merle squirmed out from under the chair with Van's help. And laughed as Mark screamed a no before his chair fell to the ground covering the distance Merle had occupied just a few minutes ago.
"Serves you right," Merle harrumphed kicking the chair
Mark's response was a groan. Flora laughed some more before she went to help her love stand.
"Hitomi get over here before the food gets cold!" Merle ordered sitting down and digging in.
Hitomi smiled even brighter and took her seat.
Back in Hitomi's room.
The flames danced wildly jumping out of the hearth now and then as if they were being pushed and pulled by something. The windows burst open and the wind came rushing in rustling the sheets and dresses in the large closet.
Flames still jumped from the hearth and licked at the book lying on the rug in front of them. The delicate gold carvings swirled together as the book began to glow a wondrous pink.
And with another gust of wind the book began to hover as the lock snapped open. The pages flipped wildly as the wind pulled on the age worn paper. Finally it stopped and the book fell to the ground with a large crack as it slid across the stone floor away from the fire. Spinning it hit the nightstand and cracked the wood. Slowing to a stop the pink glow grew brighter. The wind swirled around the page and rushed up to the ceiling before racing out the window.
A/N I know this wasn't that long of a chapter and it took me a while to get out, sorry. I have to get back into the swing of things, with school and such I have to start the whole thinking thing again ^^ At the beginning of summer I shut the school part down and now I have to start it back up and balance writing with school and other stuff so bear with me for a week or so. Also if this chapter seemed weird please tell me I was nervous about living up to the last two and may have screwed up. If I need to rewrite it please tell me! Thanks for reading hope you enjoy and please R & R!!!
Have a great day!
Sailor Hope
A/N
Okay wow! I mean just wow! I don't think I've ever gotten such great feed back for chapters like I did for 6 and 7 and I mean wow. Thank you all sooooo much!!! Please though if any of you would just write me or review and tell me what in the world I did in the last two chapters that made them just draw you in? I'd really like to know so I could keep doing it I'm almost afraid to write this chapter in fear that I'll let you all down. So please tell me if what I'm doing that's making it so good.
Okay and no name I'm sorry cutting her hair made you so mad I've just always liked her hair short so I decided to cut it again. Sorry.
And angelwarriar wow where have you been?! Never mind the reviewer I was wondering if you had disappeared I'm glad to see you are back and thanks for reading!!! ^^
Emerald Mist thank you so much you've been faithfully reviewing every chapter it means a lot!
Aylee the dragon thanks so much for the brownie and cookie!!! They're wonderful and I'm glad you like!!
TenyoAngel711 thanks for reviewing and I hope Van wasn't too mad when I made him faint ^^
SabineballZ thanks I'm glad you love them but please tell me what I did in the last two chapters that you loved so much I'm really curious please let me know and thanks for reviewing!
Selena sorry they haven't kissed yet and the wedding well *whistles innocently* wedding? Oh my well yea you'll have to find out about the wedding situations. Thanks for reading and reviewing!!!
SpookyFyre I'm glad you think it's cute!! Be careful when bouncing and thanks so much for reviewing!! I'm glad you like it so much!
Lace I'm sorry the story is making you bite your nails thank you so much for reviewing! And I'm working on updating as fast as I can ^^
LaDonna I will be updating as soon as I can and I'm glad you like it thank you so much for reviewing!
Kelly I will come out with more soon and I'm glad you thought it was funny Van fainted I was so worried everyone was going to just scream at me for that
Pretty senshi I'm sorry again but I just like her with short hair but I'm you still like it despite that!
Sorrow ^^ glad you too like it even tho Van fainting is kind of out of character thanks for reviewing!!
Sakura Avalon Thanks for reviewing and glad you like it! I wanted him fainting to be a surprise too I'm glad it worked thanks for reading!
Sereneblaze I'm happy that I could make you smile and I'm honored that it made you smile if that's something you don't do often and thanks for reviewing!
EThErEaLAnGeL I'm really glad you like it and that it seemed a little romantic thanks so much for reviewing!!!
I just wanted to write to everyone who reviewed chapters 6 and 7 because I've never gotten so many reviews for two chapters and I just wanted to thank you all who have reviewed these chapters and previously, you guys rock and if I missed anyone I'm so sorry please don't be mad I just missed you and I'm sorry. Thanks again so much and have a great day!!!
Oh and P.S people in the A/N's when I said he was stressed about the marriage remember he's engaged to Flora so that's the marriage I was talking about.
Sailor Hope
The icy wind bit at her skin sending sharp bolts of pain up her bones. Hitomi blinked to see through the fury of the snow. Sighing in frustration she realized she was in the frozen wasteland once again. She had opened up Darice's gift and once again the room and plunged into darkness only lightening to reveal this icy prison. White flakes kicked up in a frenzy in front of her face and melted against her skin upon contact. Frustrated she kicked the mound of icy snow in front of her sending more white flakes up in the air.
White. For miles, it was nothing but white. Her nightgown clung to her skin as the snow continued to sink through her thin nightclothes stinging her skin. Luckily she had boots on, though she wasn't sure where she had acquired them. She didn't know where to go or what to do so she stepped forward the snow crunching loudly under foot. She didn't know how long she walked before the figures started to appear.
No one turned however and she was positive her boots were making enough noise to be heard even over the harsh wind. So coming up behind one of the men she tapped his shoulder only to watch her hand fly through his muscles. Gasping out in shock she stepped back and watched as he did nothing. So partially grateful they couldn't see her in case they turned out to be hostile she stepped up and around to face the man.
And she screamed.
There staring into her hard emeralds was the a man she recognized as only stuff of her nightmares. He was smirking at something holding a sword and speaking. She couldn't hear him but even if she had been able to divine what he was saying she was sure she wouldn't have cared.
Stumbling backwards she walked right through another man and screamed again at the face. Turning she saw another familiar face and felt her hot tears fly down her cheeks. Falling in the snow she winced at the coldness and immediately jumped to her feet backing up again horrified at all the familiar faces.
She finally backed up a good ways and felt herself shake as she stared into the eyes of a man she had long tried to forget. His cold eyes teased her pain as he laughed at something and pointed his sword forward. Hitomi spun around and recognized the black hair right away.
Van stirred in his sleep rolling as the sweat slid down his face. Something was wrong with Hitomi, he could feel it. But as he sat up in the bed and listened for sounds he heard nothing but the wind beating against his window. Sighing in frustration he sunk back into his bed and closed his eyes in a desperate attempt to sleep.
Turning back to the laughing man she cried out in frustration at her inability to punch him. It was the leader of the marauders.
His face and dark features had haunted her mind ever since the fateful day on the way back home to Liara. She had dreamed, wished and hoped for a chance to once again face the man. His group of men also responsible for Millerna's death laughed behind him. It was as if they were mocking her pain but they couldn't see her. So turning back around she walked up to the dark haired man.
It was Soren.
He was clutching a sword, a bow slung over his shoulders and he was scowling. Hitomi had never seen him so mad, he was always so gentle and kind. Hitomi didn't understand what was going on. Why was Soren out in the middle of nowhere facing the marauders who roamed Gaia's forests.
And all at once she could hear.
"You'll never stop her!" Soren bellowed out over the wind
"Have you come to stop me?!" the leader laughed again, "Soren it is a pity I'll have to kill you I always did admire your spirit!"
Hitomi felt the dread creep up on her. She swallowed and tried to stop her heart but it was useless. The panic was over whelming.
"It ends today Michael!!"
The leader's eyes narrowed in anger for a minute but he soon forgot the name and shook his head in mock disappointment, "I'm afraid not friend!"
Hitomi heard the terribly familiar sound of arrows settling into their crooks in the bows. Gasping she fought to hear over her hearts mad thumping. Spinning to face Soren she cried out telling him to run but he held his ground.
Even over the wind she could hear the horrifying sound as the arrow sliced through the wind on its path. Hitomi screamed out falling to her knees powerless to do anything. It was happening all over again. The arrow twirled through the air flying towards its target, but it never made it. Hitomi stopped breathing as the pain clenched her lungs shut.
Trisha fell to the ground the arrow buried in her chest. Soren's eyes sprung to life as he fell down next to her and pulled her into his arms.
"Trisha!!!!"
Hitomi watched as Trisha smiled up at Soren before she jerked the arrow out of her chest with her last bit of strength. The tears just wouldn't stop as Hitomi watched another friend fall victim to this man's tortures. The agony was more than she could bare as she watched Soren pull Trisha close rocking her back and forth.
Turning to face Lorus through her tears she couldn't help but notice the look of mortification on the man's face. He truly looked hurt. Turning around he angrily plunged his sword into the man responsible for shooting the arrow. Spinning back around he shook with anger as he watched Soren rock Trisha back and forth.
Lorus walked up to Trisha and bent down beside her throwing his sword to the side. Hitomi rushed up wanting so badly to kick the man away. She gasped as Soren stopped rocking Trisha and let her face Lorus.
She didn't look angry. She didn't look vengeful. Her face was twisted with pain and understanding.
And Hitomi wasn't ready to hear what Trisha was about to say.
"I love you Michael I always have," her slender fingers frozen with the snow brushed up against his cheek.
"Trisha...I..."
Trisha just smiled, "I know"
With those last two words her hand dropped into the snow and she turned to Soren, "I love you brother"
Soren ignored the tears escaping down his cheeks and pulled Trisha close.
"I love you too my sister"
Trisha's voice was getting quicker as her lungs beat faster struggling for air.
"It's nice to hear you say that Soren,"
Soren buried his face in her hair, "I know Trisha I know"
Hitomi watched as Trisha's head fell back her body limp in his arms. Soren stared down at her the tears splattering onto her lifeless face.
"You promised," he whispered accusingly brushing the hair out of her face
Lorus looked up at Soren and tried to plaster the smirk back on his face but the sadness in his eyes was too powerful.
"Soren."
"Michael go away," Soren ground out between his teeth
Lorus stood up and scowled, "That's no longer my name!" he bellowed out reaching for his sword again
Soren glared up through his tears only angering Lorus further.
"Michael is dead!!!" Lorus cried out throwing all his weight forward sending the blade into Soren's chest.
Soren's breath caught as the sword pushed through him. Without a word Lorus jerked the sword out of Soren and smirked as he fell forward onto his sister.
"Good bye Soren, I never did like you anyways"
Hitomi's head pounded and she felt dizziness take over. And the only thing she could do was scream.
Van bolted up in his bed again rolling off the sides and onto the floor. Jumping out of the sheets he grabbed his sword and threw his hard wood door open. Running down the hall he rammed into Hitomi's door sending it open with a crash. Hitomi was on her knees in front of the fire holding her head screaming. Throwing his sword down he slid to his knees next to her and grabbed her shoulders.
"Hitomi! Hitomi what's wrong?!"
Van shook her scared at the tears running down her cheeks. Her eyes were snapped shut and she was still screaming. She was shaking so hard Van was afraid for her health. Giving her another hard push he jumped when her eyes snapped open to reveal her horrified emeralds. Her eyes alone shone with so much pain Van felt his heart squeeze at the sorrow radiating from her.
"Hitomi."
She didn't answer him. She was lost to what she had seen, he could see that. So pulling her close he wrapped his arms around her and let her tears fall on his shirt. Soon Flora, Mark and Merle rushed into the room all wide eyed and scared.
"Van what's wrong?!" Merle screeched breathing quickly as she watched Hitomi shake against him
"I don't know"
"Is she okay?!" Flora asked peering at Hitomi
"I think she will be," Van answered tightening his grip on Hitomi
For a while everyone watched in silence as Hitomi shook against Van her tears never stopping. Finally Flora decided to take charge.
Flora nodded and pulled on Merle and Mark, "Come on Van will handle it"
Merle opened her mouth to protest but Mark picked her up and carried her out of the room closing the door behind Flora. Van gazed out over the fire and leaned against Hitomi's head. Her shaking melted into him and he soon found himself shaking with her. Brushing her hair he whispered in her ear.
"I'm here Hitomi, I'm here"
But his voice didn't seem to get through to her. So he just hugged her close and let her cry.
It seemed like hours before Hitomi stopped crying and buried herself in Van's chest letting out whimpers here and there. Finally she stopped shaking and lifted her head up to face Van. His eyes softened with worry at her red and blood shot eyes. Shaking his head he wiped her tear stained cheeks and rubbed her shoulders.
"Hitomi what happened?"
She looked as if she would cry again but no tears came. He had a feeling she couldn't cry anymore for the night so he decided to ask her later and simply drew her into his arms again.
Hitomi snaked her arms around his back and clutched to him.
"It was just a horrible dream," Van reassured her with a whisper
Hitomi wanted to believe him but it had all seemed so real. The snow, the ice, the sounds, the faces, and the pain it was all too real to be just a dream. But Van's deep voice was comforting and while he held her she just let herself believe just that. It was all a terrible dream and everything was better now. Van was here and she was in his arms in front of her fire leaning against his chest. It was all a horrible dream.
Letting out a shaky breath she nodded.
"A horrible dream," she repeated pushing the scenes out of her head, "Just a bad dream"
"I'm here Hitomi you're okay," he whispered again rubbing her back trying to soothe her
Hitomi leaned back and looked up at him. He gave her a small smile. Hitomi knew she loved him. But as the firelight danced across his face she realized how deeply she loved him. He was always there for her, when humanly possible, and he had always admired her in his youth she had known that. Had he changed his mind? She certainly hadn't, but he was a king and she was the daughter of a servant. It could never be, but what if for just one moment she could know that he cared. If for just one minute she knew that he loved her she could live out her days happy.
Before either one realized it they were leaning in towards each other their lips inches away from each other. She shivered when his breath warmed her face as he leaned in closer. She closed her eyes knowing how stupid she was acting. But for one minute she would make it work, she would have him and everything would be fine, if only for a minute.
The bedroom door flew open and Van jerked back, Hitomi spun angrily to see who had burst in.
Merle stood at the door panting her tail twitching, " I finally got away from Mark and.Hitomi!! Are you alright?!" she screamed rushing forward and pulling Hitomi into a hug.
Van mentally yelled at his sister for interrupting possibly one of the best things that could have ever happened to him.
Merle ignored the glares he sent her way and hovered over Hitomi
"I'm fine Merle really," Hitomi sighed a little frustrated at the cat girl
"Well good because I have to take Van-sama away for a while," Merle let go of Hitomi and turned to her brother and grabbed his arm, "Come on the advisors are demanding a meeting"
"Good for them," Van muttered sarcastically under his breath as he let Merle drag him to his feet
Hitomi blushed and turned away as Van glanced her way. Van groaned and mentally kicked himself. Things would never be the same between them. He might have just screwed up any kind of relationship he had with Hitomi.
"Idiot," he scolded himself as he followed Merle down the stairs and across the entry hall into the meeting room
The incessant chattering that poured from the room as soon as the doors were pulled open gave Van a headache and he began to wonder if he would have the patience to endure another round with his council. All eyes turned to the two and Van realized he was still in his nightclothes.
'Hell they interrupted me so they can live with it,' he yelled out in his mind as he sat down at the head of the large table, Merle at his side.
The lead speaker stood up and cleared his throat.
"Your majesty there is a rumor that the Lady Hitomi has been found and is in fact staying in this very castle"
'So much for being subtle,' he grumbled to himself
"Indeed," was his only response
"Your majesty surely the rumors are false, the lady is dead!" the scrawny man called out
"Gentlemen I have neither the patience nor the time to give you all the details. However the Lady Hitomi is not dead, she was merely injured and lost for a time."
"Then she is here your majesty?"
"Yes"
"That is wonderful your majesty! Now about your marriage to Flora of Williams."
Van snapped out of his boredom and looked up. With Hitomi here he had almost completely forgotten the engagement. How could he have been so stupid. He felt the tension from Merle grip his own heart as he rushed through his brain for some excuse. Some way to pull himself out of this.
"About that engagement," Van started clearing his throat racking his mind for some way out of this.
The lead speaker, Ralph, perked up for a minute in hopes that the King had finally set a date.
Van shifted in his chair a little nervous. But he was king! He decided who he married with or without the approval of the council. So with a little more confidence he straightened and looked Ralph straight in the eye.
"It's canceled"
The room went dead silent letting Van's clear calm voice ring off the brick walls. Ralph blinked a few times and looked at his fellow advisors as if asking if he had just heard right.
"Excuse me your majesty?" Ralph's squeaky voice broke through
"The engagement is canceled," he said again smiling this time, "Flora is no longer going to marry me I'm afraid she has found another"
Ralph's face flashed red, "But your majesty!!"
"Ralph!" Van said standing up giving Merle a side-glance, she was grinning.
"Your Majesty we simply won't allow it!"
Van raised his eyebrow in mock horror. This was it, he had had it with his advisors running his life. He just found Hitomi and he would be damned if he was going to let a bunch of scrawny men in dresses take her from him. And Flora. Good lord she had just found Mark after how many years? There was no way he was going to be the one to stand in her way.
"Ralph I am king am I not?"
"Yes your Majesty but!"
"Then as King I'm simply declaring the engagement a mistake. Let Williams know I'm sure they'll have something wonderful to say about it. Now is there anything else we can settle this morning gentlemen?"
"Your majesty! Fanelia will not stand it any longer! You need a wife! Fanelia needs an heir! You must marry a princess and for once fill your responsibilities as king!"
Van's smile faded into a dangerous scowl. But Merle beat him to it.
"For once?!"
The glass cracked and Van winced covering his ears.
Ralph stood his ground.
"Lady Merle this doesn't concern you please sit down"
Van didn't like the way this meeting was going if he didn't do something soon there wouldn't be enough of Ralph left to through out of his castle.
"All my life you have pushed me aside and ignored me because I was different from you! Queen Varie took me in and gave me a home! A family! And I'm sick of the way you treat my brother! He's the best king in his day! He became King and took on the full responsibilities of running a kingdom when you were learning how to work at your pathetic little stand in the market! What is left of his life, what you haven't destroyed should be his to do with as he wishes!!! If he doesn't want to marry Flora and go after Hitomi then you can't stop him!!!!"
Van had been smiling up to that point. The council turned all eyes to their king.
"The lady Hitomi?!"
Merle fumed and dug her claws into the hard wood table. It was as if they hadn't heard anything she had said. Except for her slip at the end that is.
Van clenched his teeth together and hoped he had the patience to muddle through this morning.
"Gentlemen this meeting is over, there is to be no wedding, and no the lady Hitomi and I are not engaged."
"That's well anyways that girl is just a servant not fit for the throne," an advisor whispered to Ralph
Ralph nodded in agreement.
"A simpleton really," another whispered
Soon the room filled with tiny little whispers all giving their disapproval towards a relationship between Van and Hitomi. Van couldn't believe his ears, his anger was so overwhelming he couldn't bring himself to say anything.
"I always heard she was a greedy girl"
"Never content even when she lived in the castle!"
"Likely killed Princess Millerna out of jealously"
The wisp of Ralph's whisper snapped Van out of his anger and shock. Merle fell back in her seat too stunned to say anything. Van felt his rage consume him as he scowled at Ralph whispering back and forth with the fellow advisors.
"ENOUGH!!!" he bellowed silencing the room instantly
Van felt his heart beat against his rib cage so fast he almost lost track of his bearings.
"Get out of my castle," Van growled shaking with fury, "Now"
Ralph looked unconvinced, "Your majesty-"
"NOW!!!!!"
Ralph stumbled backwards but still the man refused to flee when he should have.
"Your majesty!"
Van pushed around Merle's chair and walked up to Ralph, grabbing his collar he lifted the man off the ground.
"I want you out of here, now"
Ralph's eyes were the size of saucers as he looked down at his king struggling to beg for forgiveness.
"Am I not making myself clear enough? Alright then, Guards!!!"
Three guards marched in bowing to Van.
"I want him out of here now!" he ordered dropping Ralph
Ralph opened his mouth to counter but the guards were too fast. Van was grateful someone around the castle still listened to him.
Turning back to his advisors still shaking with anger he swept his gaze over the crowd letting each and every single man in the room know how displeased he was with their babbling.
"If I ever so much as hear another whisper about the Lady Hitomi similar to the one's I heard today I will personally drag every single one of you out to the lists and instruct you on the proper skills of sword play. Do I make myself clear?"
Everyone nodded.
"And my sister is quite right I've ignored it long enough! Merle is my sister! She is royalty in Fanelia! Anyone treating or speaking of her otherwise will be charged with treason! Is THAT understood?!"
Everyone quickly nodded. Merle couldn't believe Van had just said that. Sure she had been part of the family but never had she thought to be treated as one of Fanelia's royals. Of course she knew Van and the Fanel family had always seen it that way but it had never been announced.
The room was silent so long even Merle feared Van might have cracked. But Van didn't care he was hearing the whispers over and over again in his head only feeding his anger. One brave advisor stood up shivering a little and gulped.
"Your majesty?"
Van snapped his glare to the man and he squeaked.
"Might I suggest a ball?" he managed
"I'm not marrying Flora I thought I-"
The man interrupted Van before his anger took over again, "Nah your majesty I mean in honor of Lady Hitomi's return"
Van thought about it for a minute, that wouldn't be such a bad idea. After all it would be a way for Hitomi to see all her old friends again. He knew she didn't want to but she had to see Aston sooner or later. She couldn't hide forever it would destroy here. Besides it would be a way to break the news to Flora's parents without them throwing a fit. At least at first. There was no way they would scream at him at a public event.
Turning to Merle he saw her nod. Even in her state of anger and shock his sister would never pass up a chance to get a new dress.
"Arrange it," he said back to the shivering little man who only sighed in relief that he hadn't angered Van further.
"Of course your majesty"
"I'm going to go get my breakfast now, if that is alright with you gentlemen?" Van smirked to his advisors
The advisors all nodded their heads vigorously.
"I'm glad you approve," his sarcasm didn't amuse them but they weren't about to tell him that.
Van turned to Merle and held out his hand, Merle smiled and wrapped herself around his arm sticking her tongue out at the advisors as they left. The men wisely bit their tongue's to refrain from any comments and all bowed as the royals left.
Once they were out the doors Merle turned to Van.
"Thank you Van-sama"
Van shook his head, "Don't thank me Merle I should have done that a long time ago," he turned and smiled at his sister, "Now go find Flora and Mark, relay the news and I'll see you in a little while for breakfast"
Merle leaned up and licked Van's cheek, "Whatever you say Van-sama!"
Van pushed her on her way and reluctantly sauntered back up the stairs. He knew that after that nightmare last night the last thing Hitomi would want to hear is there would be a ball in a matter of days. But she had to get over this fear, he would be with her, and there was no time like the present.
Hitomi stared into the fire glancing at the book opened on the floor next to her nightstand where she had dropped it last night.
It wasn't a horrible dream
Oh how she wished it was but it wasn't. Somehow, she didn't know how but it wasn't. It was a warning. And if it was the last thing she ever did on this planet she would make sure Soren and Trisha lived.
Then another surprise finally sunk in.
They were brother and sister. She didn't know why she hadn't seen it before. They looked so similar, their facial features, their hair, everything about them screamed related. They could have been twins. From her warning however it didn't sound like things had been going so well for them. Which didn't surprise her.
In her time at the gypsy camp she had found it specialized in hidden problems. Darice wouldn't talk about her life before the camp and Caleb just ignored questions. Mark had just turned sad at any mention of life before the camp and walked off. Now she understood why, it had been too much for him to think about Flora.
The camp was a safe haven for all those who found life's troubles too harsh for their taste. It was a hide away. It was a place you could leave all your troubles behind and just start all over again. Turning back to the book she reached out picked it up and brought it back over to her spot in front of the fire.
Flipping the page with her mother's lyrics flourished a crossed the middle she scanned for where she had left off. She had read about the sad Draconian downfall. Power and Greed had brought about their demise. If only they could have learned to live in peace with their power, but it wasn't to be.
About half way through the book she found her spot again. Surprised at how much she had read already she finished the last paragraph telling all who found it that the author was truly sorry for the destruction his people had caused.
Turning the page she frowned at the blank page with one sentence in the middle.
And together we'll fly free
It was the last sentence of her mother's song. Turning the page she felt her stomach jump and dropped the book out of shock.
"No not again," she pleaded
And thankfully the blackness never came. But the jump that had started in her stomach was quickly spreading. She felt a comforting warmth rush through her blood. It was as if all her worries had been lifted and she was wrapped in a heavy blanket alone in a corner all nice and snug.
Smiling at the heat she didn't question the sudden urge her head felt and looked down. Gasping silently she marveled at the soft pink glow her necklace was giving off. It didn't scare her though, instead it fascinated her beyond all reason.
Slowly fingering her pendant and key to the ancient book she felt the comforting heat spring to life in her fingers and rush up her arm. Shivering at the tingling sensation it created she pulled the gem up to eye level.
It was marvelous, there just simply wasn't any other word for it. The resonating pink glow was nothing short of entrancing. She felt a sense of security as she held the little gem. The same comforting feeling she had felt when Van had held her or her mother had rocked her to sleep.
She was about to put the gem down back resting against her chest when a flash of gold caught her eye. Bringing the gem closer she was shocked to find gold dust swirling around inside the gem.
She jumped when her door creaked to announce someone was entering. However she was shocked even more as the pink glow suddenly vanished and a loud thump rang through the room as the book slammed shut, on it's own.
Blinking Hitomi dropped the necklace letting it fall with the chain to rest around her neck and stared at the book.
"Hitomi?"
Hitomi turned around to find Van smiling gravely as he shut her door.
"What's wrong Van?"
"I- .. I'll tell you after breakfast come on I'm starving," he said plastering a fake smile to his lips
"Alright," Hitomi conceded
She could tell something was wrong but he would tell her eventually. She stretched her hand forward and Van pulled her up and opened the door letting her walk out.
"I've spoiled you," he complained
Hitomi just smiled, "You enjoy every minute of it mister"
Van smiled a genuine smile, "I suppose I do"
Hitomi wrapped her arm around Van's and walked down the stairs with him. The dining room doors were open and the two could hear Merle and Mark arguing about something. As they turned the corner slowly they saw Flora laughing, Mark sprawled on the floor a tangle of fur and chair.
"How do I make it through the day with people like this around?" Van murmured to himself
Hitomi just giggled, "Because you love it!"
Van just gave her a 'yea right' glance before walking to the table to pull his sister out from under Mark's chair.
Hitomi stood and watched as a bristling Merle squirmed out from under the chair with Van's help. And laughed as Mark screamed a no before his chair fell to the ground covering the distance Merle had occupied just a few minutes ago.
"Serves you right," Merle harrumphed kicking the chair
Mark's response was a groan. Flora laughed some more before she went to help her love stand.
"Hitomi get over here before the food gets cold!" Merle ordered sitting down and digging in.
Hitomi smiled even brighter and took her seat.
Back in Hitomi's room.
The flames danced wildly jumping out of the hearth now and then as if they were being pushed and pulled by something. The windows burst open and the wind came rushing in rustling the sheets and dresses in the large closet.
Flames still jumped from the hearth and licked at the book lying on the rug in front of them. The delicate gold carvings swirled together as the book began to glow a wondrous pink.
And with another gust of wind the book began to hover as the lock snapped open. The pages flipped wildly as the wind pulled on the age worn paper. Finally it stopped and the book fell to the ground with a large crack as it slid across the stone floor away from the fire. Spinning it hit the nightstand and cracked the wood. Slowing to a stop the pink glow grew brighter. The wind swirled around the page and rushed up to the ceiling before racing out the window.
A/N I know this wasn't that long of a chapter and it took me a while to get out, sorry. I have to get back into the swing of things, with school and such I have to start the whole thinking thing again ^^ At the beginning of summer I shut the school part down and now I have to start it back up and balance writing with school and other stuff so bear with me for a week or so. Also if this chapter seemed weird please tell me I was nervous about living up to the last two and may have screwed up. If I need to rewrite it please tell me! Thanks for reading hope you enjoy and please R & R!!!
Have a great day!
Sailor Hope