Disclaimer: I don't own Escaflowne!!!!!!!!!! *grumbles* I wish *grumbles
some more* stupid writer person with sick intentions *grumble grumble*
split Hitomi and Van up *grumble grumble grumble* make her kiss that blonde
haired buffoon *walks away grumbling and kicking random objects*
A/N I'm glad you all loved it so much!!!!!! Don't worry Vany Boy I *shudders* I would never end a story like the series ggrrrrness!! Love witch I'm glad you and your sister love the story so much Thank you for reviewing I love the opinions!!! And Shara if it means that much to you I'm sure I could have Allen find someone. And thank you Aylee so much for the penguin!!!!!!!! Emerald Mist thank you so much for reviewing and I'm glad that the story has you in suspense! Angelwarriar! Thanks for reviewing I'm really glad you like it and you better update soon!!!!! ^_^ Tenyo I'm happy that you love this fic and Van catch her before she hits the ground when she faints next time!
Selena thanks for the review!! I'm really glad you like the way it turned out!
And.
(And now for the kicking of someone's ass, all the way to the Bermuda triangle ^-^)
"And so that's why we thought the royal colors should be in the entry-"
Van rubbed his temples listening to his advisors drone on.
"And of course we will have to-"
Van's head snapped up.
"Did you hear that?!" he asked worriedly
"Majesty," the latest council representative asked eyeing the king suspiciously, "Hear what your majesty?"
Van strained to listen but the noise from the activities surrounding him drowned out any possibility of that.
"Sorry go on," Van said closing his eyes and motioning for the man to continue
"So as I was saying we will have to put an extra table in the dining room and"
"AAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!!"
Van's eyes snapped open and he spun around the hall looking for the source of the scream. His heart was beating miles a minute as the voice registered in his mind. Hitomi.
"HITOMI!!!" he called out looking around
"AAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!!!!!"
The scream sent shivers up his spine. It was pure agony mixed with a complete loss of hope. The room was spinning. Hitomi was in trouble. His mind screamed for him to do something. His heart yelled at his carelessness.
'It's all your fault if she dies!' it screamed, 'You fool even in the same castle you can't protect her!'
"NO!" he cried out pushing through shocked servants all standing stock- still horrified at the painful cries.
Bounding up the stairs he stopped at the top and listened. He could hear a faint whimpering coming from his left. Turning he walked a bit and came face to face with the door to his library. His hand shook so fiercely he had to use both hands just to open the door. He knew that according to her cries of pain he wasn't ready to see what he was likely to witness upon opening the door.
Nevertheless he pushed it open his sword out of the sheath and in his hand. And he was right, he wasn't ready to see what he was currently gaping at.
Hitomi was sprawled on the ground breathing heavily blood leaking onto her dress from where he couldn't tell. But even from where he stood he could see the swelling of her wrist and immediately felt his blood boil. Looking up there was a tall burly man hovering over her sword in hand as he ground his foot into her arm.
The tears were rolling down her cheeks in rivers, he could feel his heart cry out in pain at just seeing the crystal drops. But despite it all she was gritting her teeth and glaring at the man. Van didn't know what to do. He took a stronghold on his panic and swallowed it.
'Think you wretch! Do something before it's too late!' his mind screamed
But he didn't know what to do. If he grabbed the man's attention the man could very well run Hitomi through before Van could even reach her.
'Do something!!!' his heart pleaded, 'anything!!!
He couldn't think straight through all his worry and before he knew it his feet were moving. He could feel air beating against his throat and heard his voice vibrating in his ears. The man spun, obviously startled and threw his sword up just in time to block Van's vicious attack.
Van lunged and jerked the sword sideways smiling as his sword sliced the flesh. The man roared in pain and cursed the young king. Van took his distraction and lunged again unfortunately the man was fast despite his bleeding. Throwing his sword to block the screech of metal swept through the large library.
"Curse you dragon!!!" the man growled trying desperately to keep up his defense
Van scowled and pushed forward on the offensive viciously, "You'll regret you ever touched her," Van's deep growl vibrated against the walls and for a flash he thought he actually saw fear in the man's eyes.
"Van."
Van's body reacted before he could think and he found himself turning to Hitomi before he could think better of it.
Realizing his mistake he spun around and dodged just in time to miss a sword in his stomach. Flipping over the man's head he spun and pushed forward. The man spun and gritted his teeth as he strained to keep the young king at bay.
Swords clashed and sparks flew in the dark library as the two warriors fought for one thing. A young woman.
"You'll never win Fanel," the man laughed throwing his weight into his block
Van pushed forward with all his weight and their hilts locked the swords shaking vigorously against the pressure.
"What do you want?!" he demanded pushing harder the sweat beginning to slide down his forehead.
The man smiled cruelly, "Her blood on my hands"
Van felt the fury take over and let out a battle cry as his muscles came to life with a new wave of adrenaline. Kicking the man's shins Van brought his hilt down on the man's wrist and felt some satisfaction as her heard bones crunch under the mighty blow.
The sword clattered to the blood stained floor and Van threw his sword to the side to wrapped up in his anger to let the man walk away. Clenching his fingers into fists he pulled his right arm back and let it fly. Another loud crunch echoed through the library as Van's fist connected with the man's nose.
Not stopping Van brought his knee into his stomach and smirked as all the man's air left him. Van grabbed his shirt and jerked him upright. His nose was bleeding profusely and looked a little crooked. His eyes looked a little glazed over but Van didn't care if he was conscious and staggering or dead. He wasn't finished yet.
So pulling him up to a standing position he let his fist fly again. The man cried out in pain as his head snapped to the left his eye red and likely to be black and blue by morning. Letting go Van leaned slightly and put all his anger and strength into his leg. The snap was deafening. Van still shaking from the adrenaline and anger walked over to the fallen and extremely battered man.
Pulling on his shirt again he jerked the man's face so it was hovering dangerously close to his "Ever touch her again and so help me I'll cut you up one limb at a time"
With a hearty push the man's head fell against the stained rug with a thud. Turning around Van stood up and dug his heel into the man's stomach as walked over to Hitomi.
Kneeling by her side he felt his heart skip a beat at the sight of so much of Hitomi's precious blood lying beside her. Her eyes were closed but she still had a pulse. So quickly gathering her close he raced out of the room and down the hall into a entry hall full of stunned servants.
Turning quickly to the guards at the castle doors he bellowed out for them to come. They rushed to his side and saluted.
"My lord!"
"There is a man up in my library take him and throw him in the dungeons"
"Of course my lord!"
And with that they ran across the hall and up the stairs their armor clanging as they went. Van spent no time loitering in the silent hall and rushed off down some more halls and up another pair of stairs. On the top floor he walked a few feet and then kicked open the door closest on his left.
Running in he gently lay Hitomi down on the cot in the far right corner next to the fire. Turning around he smiled that he didn't have to say a word to the healer. The woman was hovering over Hitomi before he had even moved out of the way.
"My lord please sit I need some room"
Van just nodded and stepped back a ways letting his back collide with the cold stone behind him. And as he watched the healer begin to clean the wound the reality of his situation settled in. His knees buckled and he slid to the floor still lightly shaking from the event.
He had almost lost Hitomi. He had almost lost his love in his own damned castle!! The wave of guilt and rage he felt was overwhelming. He had almost lost Hitomi again.
Slowly turning his head to glance at his angel he felt his stomach do a summersault at the sight of all the blood staining her dress and angelic skin. Looking down at his own shirt he felt his head begin to pound at the sight of so much blood on his shirt. So much of Hitomi's blood. Ripping his shirt off he reached around and threw it in the fire then falling back against the stone trying to breath normally.
How could he have been so careless!! Hitomi was suffering because of his inability to protect her once again! His fingers curled fiercely and he smashed his fists against the stone.
The healer's head spun around to face her king, "Van," she said softly, "Tis but in her arm, it did bleed a bit too much but she'll just have to eat a little extra. She'll be fine, nothing to worry about."
Van managed to mumble a thank you before he walked from the room cursing himself all the way. He could still smell the blood on his skin. Hitomi's blood. Marching down the stairs and running back down the halls he somehow made it to his room. He had a bath sent up and spent a good chunk of the rest of his day scrubbing his skin frantically to get the blood off. He didn't know how long he had spent in the bath but he didn't care. His skin burned and his hair was tangled from too much shaking, lathering and washing.
The slight breeze that blew through his window was welcomed against his flaming skin as he sat on the edge of his bed wrapped in a blanket. He had tried to put his pants on but his body wouldn't allow it. He just simply had to sit and wait for the fire to dissipate. Not that he cared really.
He was pretty much numb to anything outside of his mind.
'Hitomi...'
Flora and Merle dragged a tired and disheveled Mark through the castle doors just as the sun was beginning its descent from the sky.
"Hitomi will love it!!!" Flora smiled
"So will Van-sama," Merle winked to her friend
The girls laughed and ignored an exhausted Mark as he marched past them determined to set their things down on the nearest flat surface. Marching up the stairs the chattering girls behind him, he kicked open Merle's door and dumped the bags full of clothes and tiny jewelry boxes on her bed. Turning around he frowned to find the room empty.
Stepping back into the hall he frowned at the girls, "Well let's hurry up and get our stupid fittings over with!"
Flora was trying to pull Merle down the hall but Merle was glued to the floor. Her hair was sticking up and her eyes were as wide as apples.
"Merle come on," Flora urged
"I smell blood"
Her small voice seemed like a trumpet in the silent hall.
"What?!" Mark screamed his jaw dropping
Flora looked as white as a ghost, "You smell what?!"
The on edge cat turned and walked back towards the library. The door was slightly ajar. Pushing it open she reeled backwards at the sudden nausea. The smell was sickening. Peering in Merle began screaming.
Van was just slipping his shirt over his slightly cooler skin when he heard the screams. But it wasn't Hitomi this time. Part of him was relieved. That was at first. It didn't take him long however to realize that it was another familiar voice he didn't wish to hear. Hastily pulling his pants up he didn't bother with the buttons on the shirt. Grabbing his sword he threw the door open and unsheathed his weapon in one quick swoop.
"MERLE!!" he hollered
Looking down the hallway he saw his sister, claws digging into the wood of the library door. She had stopped screaming. That could be good or bad. Rushing down the hallway he ran past Flora and scrambled under Merle's arms to block the view.
"It's okay Merle," he whispered leaning his sword against the doorframe and gently pulling her claws out of the wood, "It's alright don't worry I'm sorry I didn't think to tell the maids to get up here and clean up the blood"
Merle's scared orbs drifted up to Van's face, "What happened?" she asked shakily
Van sighed and pulled his sister into a hug walking forward kicking his sword out of the way as he closed the door.
"Hitomi was attacked this afternoon"
Merle immediately stiffened, "Where is she?!"
"Magda said she would be just fine, and I sent the guards up here to haul the man to the dungeon"
Merle didn't loosen.
"I'm sorry I'll have the maids clean up the blood right away"
"Van-sama," she whispered
Van looked down at his sister to find her shaking her eyes filled with an entirely new kind of fear. He didn't understand so he let Merle turn him around. She pushed the door open again and moved out of the way so Van could see.
Van felt the room spin. Oh gods no! HITOMI!
Bending down to grab his sword he raced down the stairs and through the mazes of halls again Merle hot on his trail just as worried.
Flora felt Mark's hand on her shoulder, "What did they run off for?"
Flora lifted her hands up and squeezed her fingers around Mark's chin. Lightly turning his head to face the library Mark felt the dread drop in his stomach like a lead weight.
"Hitomi"
And with that he too rushed off after the pair. Flora shook her head and walked towards the door all the sudden feeling very nervous. Gripping the handle she pulled the door shut on the two soldiers lying on the rugs covered in the dark crimson liquid.
The intruder hadn't made it to the dungeon.
Van for the second time that day kicked down the healer's door.
'Don't let this happen,' his mind screamed
But when he opened the door to everyone's relief Hitomi was sleeping peacefully on the cot. Van let out a wavering breath and walked over to the cot kneeling down next to his angel. Merle stood in the doorway brushing away a few stray tears or joy, relief or panic she couldn't tell. But the intruder hadn't found Hitomi and that was enough for her. For now anyways. She felt a chill go up her spine and thought she smelt something funny in the room.
Peering in she searched the tiny room. Nothing seemed out of the ordinary. Magda must have just skipped her bath today. So turning she left to wait outside.
Mark came to a skidding halt and practically fell into the healer's room. When he saw Van leaning over Hitomi's body he sighed. Checking again he saw the slow rise and fall of her chest and sighed again. Turning to Merle he smiled a goofy mix between relief and 'well that's my exercise for the day.'
Merle just smiled back in agreement and turned to her brother as he closed the door behind him.
"GUYS!!!"
Everyone turned at Flora's loud call and casually made their way down the stairs.
"She's fine," Mark smiled pulling his love against his chest
Van would have smiled, but there was currently a psycho murderer intent on killing his love and likely now himself running lose in his castle.
"Merle I need you to enlighten the council, I want the castle on alert."
Merle nodded and bounded off down the maze of halls to spread the news.
Then turning to his friends he gave them a weak pleading smile, "Please don't go anywhere alone"
They nodded their heads and together the three walked off down the halls.
A few minutes ago.
"GUYS!!!!"
Thud!
Magda's body fell out from behind the door and hit the ground face first.
The man smiled at his fortunate timing.
"Lorus is gonna love this," he smirked pulling the healer's body into the closet and locking her in.
Waiting until he was sure the group outside was well away from the room he knelt down in front of Hitomi.
"Well now angelic one." he whispered running his finger down her cheek, "You don't look so hard to fetch I wonder why he had so much trouble"
A head popped up in the window, "Hurry up man! Lorus is in pretty bad shape and man is he pissed!"
"I'm coming!" the first man hissed sliding his arm under Hitomi's legs and his other behind her back. Lifting her off the cot he stepped onto the bed and handed her off.
The second man threw Hitomi over his shoulder and started his climb down the castle wall. The guards had just been warned about a possible murderer lose on the castle grounds but unfortunately night was settling in and the forest was covering the servant side of the castle.
The first man laughed to himself and climbed out the window sliding down after his companion. When they reached the ground the first guy took Hitomi back and cradled her in his arms.
Looking down at her he shook his head laughing lightly, "Man this wench just won't die will she"
"Well as soon as Lorus is done with her I'm sure she's going to wish that arrow hadn't missed"
They chuckled at the thoughts and ran off to the edge of the castle grounds. As they neared the edge of the forest their smiles faded and the slowed to a stop in front of their angry leader. His nose and wrist was wrapped up and his eyes were a lovely dark purple. He had bruises scattered here and there and he looked ready to kill.
"We got her boss," the second man said smugly
"I can see that fools," he hissed, "Now leave her here and go back for the damned book!"
"But boss the guards are on alert now! Besides we don't know where to look," the first one defended
Lorus stepped closer to his men, "Start in her bloody room! And go from there! I don't care if the guards are on alert I want that book now go and get it!"
The first man set Hitomi down at Lorus's feet and walked off with his companion mumbling.
"Don't even get a thank you for saving his sorry butt," the first one whined
"I know we could have let him rot in the dungeon," the second spat
Lorus glared as the two left. Once they were scrambling up the wall again he looked down at his prize. And smiled.
This would certainly pay the dragon back, he carefully felt his nose and winced at the pain. He had never been so humiliated in his life and the dragon would pay dearly for it. Kicking Hitomi's injured arm he smiled as she winced and stirred.
Hitomi's eyelids slid back and she blinked a few times before her vision cleared. And there towering over her was none other than Michael, oh could this get worse?
"Good evening emerald"
Hitomi ransacked her mind trying to remember what had happened. That last she had seen was Van growling something at Michael's limp body before he had turned and come to her.
But it didn't matter now, somehow Michael had gotten away and this couldn't be good. She was starting to just let it go. She wasn't going to get away now. She was in a forest alone with a man thirsting for her blood. The only satisfaction she had was smiling at his swollen purple eye and now straight and bandaged nose. The bruises were an extra.
Michael glared down at Hitomi as she smiled up at his wounds, "Foolish girl," he said calmly as he kicked her arm again. Hitomi pulled her arm away and sucked in a quick breath waiting for the sharp sting to fade.
"I should kill you here," he growled
"And you won't?" she questioned
"No not yet dear girl, I have much use for you yet."
"I won't help you," she countered stubbornly
Michael laughed, "Ah that is what you think"
Van walked down the halls drowning out Flora's voice as she told him about their day in hopes of easing his mind. Something didn't feel right. Something just didn't fit. So without thinking he turned around and began to walk back towards the healer's room.
Flora and Mark looked at each other and shrugged before running to catch up with the king. Van didn't have to get to the healers room to know Hitomi wasn't there. He just knew. The problem was how was he going to get to her in time. And why didn't he see it before?! But it hit him soon enough. He had been so relieved to see Hitomi lying safely on the cot that he hadn't bothered to look for Magda. Something told him if her were to walk in looking this time he would find one dead healer and no Hitomi.
Walking up the stairs he battered his brain for some sort of way he was going to get Hitomi out of this one. Damn his foolishness! Once he was at the top of the stairs he pushed Flora and Mark back. And motioned for them to be silent with his finger to his lips. They nodded and backed down a few steps. Van could hear some shuffling in the room and groaned at his own stupidity.
Waiting silently he gripped his hilt tighter as the door squeaked open.
"And once those stupid fools bring back that book of mine you and I are going on a little trip my dear"
"I think not"
Hitomi and Michael searched for the source of the voice but couldn't see much in the growing darkness.
"Who's there!?" Michael demanded
"An old friend"
Michael growled from deep down in his throat, "Soren," he spat
Hitomi's eyes grew wide at the name. She had never been more happy to hear that name. She felt something grab her uninjured arm and squeaked out of surprise. But Michael wasn't fast enough and she was in the shadows before he could grab her.
"Show yourself and fight me like a man!" he bellowed
"Now is not the time, I fear, If I kill you now my punishment will be far greater than I care to think about"
"Let me take him then," another voice challenged laughing, "Doesn't look like much sport anyways just look at his visage! I daresay someone's been rumbling with a dragon!"
Michael cursed the youth, "Caleb you dishonorable wretch!! SHOW YOURSELF!!"
"I would but your men approach"
And with that there was silence.
Michael searched the dark for what seemed like hours before 3 of his men came up behind him.
"Boss they doubled the guard there's no way to get in on the other side"
Michael bellowed in rage before turning to his men, "We're leaving!"
"Boss what about Orin and Sam!!"
"Those fools are likely dead by now, I said move!"
The three men reluctantly headed back into the forest their leader fuming and cursing up a storm.
Hitomi clutched to the shirt and relaxed. She could see Soren's face in the moonlight and had never felt more relieved in her life.
"Thank you so much," she whispered resting against his chest
"Don't worry Hito-chan you're family I would imagine you would have done the same for me"
Hitomi smiled, she would have. This was the second time Soren had saved her life. He always seemed to be caring for others. He would always help weary travelers into town or nurture those attacked by marauders.
Seek out the lover of a race he was never to be part of
Hitomi heard the faint words dance in her ears and looked up at Soren.
'You're crazy,' her mind laughed
A faint pink glow spread before her eyes and she looked down at her sparkling necklace as Soren carried her through the trees back towards the castle. It was glowing again but why? That last time it had done that was with the book. The book of the Draconian's past.
Lifting her good arm up she shoved the necklace under the loose shirt the healer had obviously changed her into. Soren wasn't a draconian. He was human, wasn't he?
Looking back up at his face she could have swore she saw him smile down at her as if he knew what she was thinking. Shaking it off as idle thoughts she stopped thinking about such things and turned towards the guards as they approached.
"LADY HITOMI!!" the first guard shouted unsheathing his sword and running towards Soren, "Give us the lady!!" he demanded
"Untrusting bunch aren't they?"
Hitomi recognized Trisha's voice and looked to her left. She had heard Caleb and Soren but it hadn't registered that the entire group might be here. Darice was standing right next to Trisha smiling. Caleb was leaning on Trisha's shoulder a lazy smile plastered to his face.
"We're here to see the king," Soren said firmly pulling Hitomi tighter against his chest.
Soon guards were flooding through the door.
"Um excuse me-" Hitomi tried
Darice laughed, "You'd think we're famous warriors or something"
"Give us the lady!" The guard ordered again, "Come quietly and we won't slay you now"
"They aren't kidna-" Hitomi tried again
Trisha snorted, "Well if this is the bargain we get what ever are we to do," she said blandly frowning at the guards
"Just go get the king dude," Caleb said non-chalantly, "Better yet get the lady Merle and tell her Caleb's here"
Lucky for the four a certain cat girl just happened to be walking to the door to see what all the commotion was about when she heard Caleb's voice.
"Caleb?!"
Hitomi frowned and shut her mouth.
Caleb stood up straight and smiled as he saw Merle pushing through the crowd of guards. Bracing himself for the impact he opened his arms and grinned like an idiot when she crashed into him. He managed to stay on his feet while Merle licked his face.
Pulling back she kissed his nose, "What are you doing here?"
"Not happy to seem me?" he feigned disappointment
Merle flicked him smartly on the ear, "You know what I mean! It's dark out I wouldn't think you would travel in the dark but then again considering your intelligence level."
"Hey!" Caleb cried out frowning down at the cat, "And we're bringing Hito- chan back for your information!"
"Back?!" Merle looked over Caleb's shoulder and saw Hitomi curled up in Soren's arms
"HITOMI!!!!" Merle pushed Caleb out of the way and rushed up to Hitomi, "How did you get out of the Magda's room?!"
"Lorus's men hauled her out and we stopped them, they won't be bothering you for a while now," Darice said moving next to Soren
Merle looked up at Darice and then back down to Hitomi.
"Hitomi are you alright?"
"I'm cold," Hitomi replied surprised she was allowed two words in
"Oh!!" Merle spun around and pushed the guards out of the way, "Theses are friends of ours! Let them through! Move! Out!"
She eventually cleared a path through the soldiers and had the five inside and the doors closed.
"Now to find Van-sama," Merle said out loud
"He should be down in a minute, Merle we have to organize a search.party.hey it's you guys again!!" Flora said smiling at the group, then she caught sight of Hitomi, "HITOMI!!!"
Running forward she checked the girl over, "Boy am I glad to see you!!! Oh Van is going to be so happy!!"
Hitomi didn't bother to put her word in because she caught a flash of something white, tan, and another something brown running down the stairs dragging something behind them.
When they stopped moving Hitomi made out Van and Mark and behind them were two men from Michael's marauders.
Van looked up and saw Hitomi curled in Soren's arms and dropped the man behind him. Hitomi watched slightly amused as the bound and gagged man slid down the last few steps screaming through the cloth. Mark pulled his down the rest of the way and walked up to his friends.
Van pulled up short in front of Soren and looked the man in the eyes. Soren gave him a soft smile and handed Hitomi over. The moment Hitomi felt Van's arms under her legs and back she threw her good arm around his neck and clutched to him her injured arm resting on her chest.
"I'm so sorry," he whispered against her ear, "I should have stopped this"
"Shush Van you couldn't have known," she assured him burying her face in his neck.
"You're alright? That man didn't hurt you anymore did he?"
"Nope Soren and the others got to me just in time," she smiled hugging him tighter.
"I owe them," Van whispered kissing the top of her head before turning around to face the others
Van opened his mouth to speak but Merle beat him to it.
"Alright everyone!! Since you're all here early you can be of some use! I was planning on going to your camp tomorrow and dragging you here for the ball anyways so thanks for saving me the trip. Now Van is tired, I'm sure, just finished with his second brawl for the day. So he's going to go get some rest and Hitomi isn't moving until the ball except for her fitting that is. SO! That means the rest of us have fittings to go to and don't worry Flora and I planned ahead we got outfits for everyone and if there are any complaints about the designs or colors well," Merle's claws came out, "Now! We're all going to get some dinner except for Hitomi and Van who are going to their rooms and are going to rest and eat there. The rest of us will eat, go get our fittings, and while we're doing that Mark you finish helping the chefs. Van I'll pick out the really urgent treaties and get them to you. Soren and Trisha you guys then get to go help with the ballroom decorations. Caleb you're with me we're off do deal with the council and Darice you can either help Mark in the kitchens or arrange the flowers with the maids"
Everyone blinked. Complete silence.
"Well we don't have all day! We have lots to do and a certain marauder has held us up! We are having a ball for Hitomi and I won't see him ruin it!"
"She really thought that out," Caleb said folding his arms
"I'd say so," Trisha smiled
"Guess that happens after years spent balancing duties in a castle," Soren added
"Impressive, really," Darice said smiling
"Why am I stuck in the kitchens?!" Mark whined
Flora giggled, "Cause you look cute in an apron"
"MOVE!" Merle ordered cutting through the chatter
The group split and went their ways not daring to challenge the cat girl. The day had been well for lack of a better word, eventful, and it seemed to be taking its toll on the cat royalty.
Van slowly carried Hitomi up the stairs making sure not to shake her too much for fear it might hurt her arm. Pulling her close he let the stress of the day fly away. Hitomi was in his arms safe and sound, he didn't want anything else. Marching past her door he ignored her confused expression and pushed his door open. Walking in he put her down on his bed and tucked her in.
"Van why didn't you-"
Van knelt down beside her and brushed his hand across her cheek marveling at how soft her skin was. Hitomi's emeralds seemed to shine and her cheeks flew to flames. Van just smiled, her blush was enchanting.
He didn't want to worry her with voices that seemed to hate the fact that he was around her. So lightly pushing her bangs back he leaned forward and gently kissed her.
"You'll sleep in here for a while"
He could see that she desperately wanted to know why but he wasn't going to tell her. And that seemed to be alright with her in the end.
"I'll be in the guest room next to Mark's just down the hall. If you need anything just call."
Hitomi nodded giving her king a dazzling smile. Then she remembered the ball the next night.
"Van what about the ball?" she asked frowning at the fork in the road
"If you can get a fitting tomorrow then you will and if you want to go to the ball then you can."
Hitomi tried lifting her arm but found Van's hand hovering over it shaking his head, "Not tonight angel at least give it a little time to start the healing process."
"Alright," she said lowering her arm back down and sinking into Van's large feather mattress with a sigh, it was very comfortable
"Like my bed that much hm?" he smirked down at her
Hitomi felt her blush grow and fought to hide the red. Sticking her tongue out at him she turned over.
Van just laughed and pulled a chair up next to his fire. Hitomi tried to go to sleep but found it was beyond her at this point in time. So turning back around she pulled the sheets up close to her chin and stared out over the edge. Van was leaning in his tiny wooden chair the shadows dancing across his rough matured features.
He was so handsome she could hardly believe it. He'd always been very protective and he was so caring and sweet. And he loved her. She let her eyes trail slowly over his figure and couldn't help but grin at his form. Long tight muscles from his legs flew up to a washboard stomach and large arm muscles still very visible through his shirt. She continued on up and found rubies staring back at her with a little twinkle of arrogance. She blushed even harder and pulled the sheet up over her face.
Van had been grinning smugly not at all bothered that Hitomi was lying in his bed carefully looking him over. Hitomi felt so embarrassed she groaned at how stupid she had been. Of course he was going to catch her!!
Van tried to suppress the urge to pull Hitomi out of his bed and kiss her senseless. He had felt a pair of eyes and had looked up to find Hitomi's eyes lingering over his figure. At first he wanted to laugh with delight then he had to take a tight hold on his lust and had just sat back and let her look her fill.
She finally came to his eyes and her entire face had turned cherry red and she had pulled the sheet up over her face. He had to get out of the room and distract himself. She had to rest and she didn't need him kissing her right now. So standing up he walked over to his door and opened the heavy wood.
"Van?"
He turned around to find two bright emeralds peering over the edge of his sheet. He laughed before he could stop himself, she was just so adorable. The emeralds narrowed to tiny slits and he laughed harder.
"I just have some things to sign and," he cleared his throat trying to stop his laughing, "Some things to take care of"
"You'll be back right?"
"If you want"
Hitomi was silent for a good while before she nodded, "You can't sleep here though you'll never live the rumors down"
"My thoughts exactly"
"Well then go do your stuff and hurry back"
Van was out the door so fast he almost made his head spin. He felt the dread grip his heart and yelled at himself. Hitomi was perfectly safe in his room. That man wouldn't be coming back if he knew what was good for him and he really did have to get the library taken care of. Not to mention he had some questions to put to those two ruffians who had kidnapped Hitomi and brutally murdered his healer. The healer just happened to be a friend of his dead mother and he wasn't happy at all. The woman had brought him and his brother into the world and had been a counsel to his mother until her end.
If he didn't kill the two for Hitomi it certainly would be for Magda. After he had easily dispatched of the two men and bound them he had searched the room and found Magda in her closet. This day just wasn't shaping up to be all that pleasant. The only time he had actually smiled had been when he was with Hitomi. Staring at the door he gave it a weak smile.
Hitomi seemed to do that to him. When she smiled at him all his worries would disappear and he wouldn't be able to remember why he had been so mad before. But as he stood in the hall all the troubles of the day hit him full force and he felt his smile fade. Hitomi would be safe, he had to do some things and he would have to leave her alone. Well not completely.
Making his way down the stairs he snuck past the dining hall not wanting to face Merle's wrath right now and made his way to one of the servants off time rooms. Opening the door he stepped in and waved some smoke out of his face. Several maids were in the corner just finishing their dinner while laughing and talking with some soldiers. Others were around tables smoking cigars and slapping cards down in poker.
But as soon as the door opened and Van stepped in they all fell silent and jumped to their feet. Van rolled his eyes.
"Guys knock it off, I just need a few you to come with me"
"How many your majesty?"
"Well I need a few maids to come clean something up in the library, I'm sure you all know of the Lady Hitomi's injury"
"Aye milord is she well?"
"Yes but there is a mess in the library, bodies, to be exact."
Two guards stepped forward with about three maids. A guard smiled at his king, "We'll come majesty"
"Van," Van corrected, "I hate the title"
Every jaw in the room fell to the floor, a servant calling royalty by their first name was unthinkable. Van sighed and ushered the five out of the room.
Turning to the guards he spoke, "Move the bodies and ladies don't worry about cleaning the rug it's beyond help just pull another one down from a supply room"
"Of course maje-"
Van smiled as they caught themselves, but they didn't look ready to use his name so Van waved them away and they walked off to clean. Making his way back down halls and past the dining hall he moved into the entry hall. Pulling four soldiers from the extras sent out to guard the entrances because of the alert he told them to guard his bedroom door.
"IF you hear anything move inside you have permission to enter and no one besides myself and the lady Merle are to enter is that understood?"
"Aye majesty" they looked curious as to why they would be guarding an empty room but they didn't dare ask.
And Van wasn't about to enlighten them.
They marched off up the stairs and Van turned back to head to the council room. The papers were likely waiting for him there. He would sign them now and save Merle a trip.
But wouldn't you know it, as he made it to the council room he found Merle leaning back in his chair filing her nails.
"Evening Van-sama"
"How did you get here??" he asked looking back out the door, he could have sworn she had been in the dining room
"I wasn't in the dining room," she said as if reading his thoughts, "Look closer next time Van-sama, I finished early and knew you would most likely be coming down here. I didn't send the food up to your room yet because I'm sure you put several soldiers in front of your bedroom when you left. You'll want to take the food yourself so no one knows she's in there."
Van just stood there with his mouth shut, his sister knew him too well. In fact it was scary.
"Well where are the-"
Merle leaned forward and sent a few papers sliding down to his end.
"Those are the only urgent ones"
Van walked over to a shelf a grabbed a quill, quickly glancing over to make sure he knew what he was signing he signed them with a flourish and sent them sliding back to Merle.
"Aren't you supposed to be getting a fitting?" he asked slumping into a chair
"Yea in about five minutes"
Silence.
"Well?"
"Have you asked her yet?"
Van looked up, "Asked who what?"
"Don't play dumb Van-sama"
"Fitting," he stated giving his sister a warning glance
Merle reluctantly stood up and headed for the door, before she reached the exit however she turned around and gave her brother a serious frown, "Van- sama I know today hasn't been the best, don't think about it, just enjoy the ball and we'll sort it all out after"
Van looked up and wanted to do what his sister told him. He really did. But his nerves were to shaken. The guilt was still plaguing him and the anger was still boiling.
"I'll try"
The door shut with a tiny click as Merle disappeared down the halls to go seek out the fitting room.
Soren, Darice, Trisha and Caleb all stood in the seamstress's room staring at their outfits (A/N Nope sorry don't get to know what they look like till the ball ^^)
"Well," Caleb said pulling at his collar, "I actually like the color"
"She's your girlfriend why wouldn't you," Darice shot
"Caleb speaking of that-" Trisha started her voice taking on a serious tone
"Trisha I don't want to hear it," Caleb waved her away, "I know what you're going to say," he turned around to face the group," But I love her," the last few words came out in a whisper, "Just for a while let me love her"
There was a painful silence before all three nodded.
"Well I have to admit Merle did pretty good I think it's beautiful," Darice said twirling around in her dress.
Trisha pulled out the sides and gave a faint smile.
"Trisha stop," Soren said squeezing her shoulders
Trisha frowned, "Well we have to talk about it some time cowards!"
Darice looked a little hurt, Soren just sighed and Caleb was checking himself in the mirror as if he hadn't heard a thing.
"You know what we're dragging her into!!" Trisha continued, "What if she won't go"
"She'll go," Soren assured his sister pulling his cuffs down a little more
"I don't want her to," Trisha countered
"None of us want her to go," Soren replied looking bored, "We've already talked about this"
"No we haven't!"
Caleb turned around and glared at Trisha, "Trish! What is there to say! We know what we have to do! We know why we have to do it! Don't tell me you've forgotten!"
Trisha snapped back, "But why Hitomi!?! You were born to it! She was just the first one to come along!!"
Caleb was fuming, "I don't like it anymore than you do! It's not as if I like what I have to do!"
"Will you two give it a rest!!" Darice bellowed standing between the two, "Now we're going to be happy for a day or two! Is that understood?!"
Silence.
"After that you can go back to hating life! I don't care! Yes there is a possibility Hitomi might not make it back alive but it's her responsibility"
"You mean her blood," Soren corrected dusting off his pants, "Just as is ours"
Darice sighed and turned to Trisha, "We all don't like where our mistakes got us but we have each other until the end. Stop worrying we'll get Hitomi out of there."
"I know," Trisha sighed blinking back tears, "It just isn't fair we've had time to swallow the truth, I mean what if she won't do it?"
"She'll do it," Caleb's voice said bitterly, "She'll do it for the same reason we're doing it"
Trisha stared at Caleb in pain, there was no escape for him. Maybe they could make it but he was condemned.
"I'm sorry guys I'm just thinking too much"
"Exactly," Darice said smiling and patting her back, "Now let's get these off and get them washed and dried and all that"
Trisha turned back to the mirror and fought to untie the back of her dress. Michael's sweet smile flashed in her mind and she scowled.
Damn him anyway.
The sun spilled over the hills peeling back the shadows. Hitomi stirred and stretched her arm a little. To her surprise it didn't hurt that much to move it. Sure it was extremely sore but she didn't feel anything rip and that was a good sign. She didn't think she wanted to get stitches again, especially if she had to be awake this time. Sitting up letting her injured arm rest at her side she yawned and looked around the room.
Van hadn't listened to her, or his conscious for that matter.
She smiled at the body sprawled in front of the fire his sword right next to his hand. He was supposed to use a guest room but there he was on the fluffy rug before the hearth.
She was torn between scolding him for not getting in a nice bed, she was sure he would be quite sore, and melting back into the bed because of his concern. He hadn't wanted to leave her. Slipping off the bed she pulled the blanket behind her. Quietly she knelt down next to him and wrapped him in the warm quilt.
Unfortunately even that small motion seemed enough to wake him and he began to stretch and yawn. Dark blood red rubies gazed up into bright green emeralds.
"Good Morning Beautiful," Van's rough voice broke Hitomi's stare, giving her a lazy smile he sat up and pulled her closer, "How do you feel?"
Hitomi leaned against Van's chest and moved her arm a little to show him, "Still sore but it's actually not that bad"
"Fast healer hm?"
"Uh hum," she mumbled
"You up to the ball?"
"Sure"
"Well then lets get you some breakfast, your fitting and then I'll see if I can steal you away to the garden for the afternoon"
"It's okay I like it right where I am"
Van chuckled softly, "I'm sure but Merle's going to be looking for us soon"
Hitomi sighed, "Alright"
Pushing up Van pulled Hitomi to her feet careful to avoid her stitches.
"I'll have to leave first, I'll clear the hall and then you can follow"
Hitomi nodded and looked down at her attire. Well, she was wearing a lose shirt and a long white skirt. Reasonable enough for breakfast she supposed. Backing out of sight she watched Van leave and waited a few minutes before cracking the door.
Van was standing at the top of the stairs giving her another one of his lazy smiles. She felt her knees buckle and made a mental note to tell him to watch how he smiled at her. Holding out his arm for her she walked down and laced her good arm with his.
They walked down the stairs in silence just enjoying each other's presence. When they reached the dining hall everyone was already there happily chattering. Merle was the first to notice the two and jumped up squealing.
"HITOMI!!"
Hitomi's eyes grew wide, if Merle pounced on her today she would be headed to the healers for some stitches soon. Van seemed to know exactly what she was thinking and jumped in front of Hitomi throwing his hands in front of him to stop his excited sister.
"Merle the stitches!"
Merle skidded to a halt in front of him and folded her arms a crossed her chest, "Oh yea"
Hitomi peeked out over Van's shoulder and smiled at Merle, "Hello Merle"
"How are you feeling?" Merle asked hastily
"Good surprisingly"
"Good enough for a fitting??" Merle asked hopefully
Hitomi frowned, "Food first"
"Well duh!" Merle looked like she wanted to drag Hitomi over to the table but Van wasn't moving so she hopped back over to her chair and let Van walk Hitomi to the table.
Flora smiled brightly, "Wow it's healing this quick?"
Hitomi waited while Van pushed her chair in before demonstrating. Slowly lifting her arm and moving it around everyone smiled in surprise, that is everyone except a certain four who seemed to be expecting the demonstration. And then Van of course who had already seen it this morning.
"Whoa! You're healing fast! That's great!" Mark said cheerfully before digging back into his breakfast.
Servants soon appeared with two more plates of food and Van and Hitomi dug in. Breakfast was entertaining, Darice and Caleb had their morning argument and the group just talked.
When they finished everyone got up and went their separate ways already knowing their assigned duties for the morning. Van wanted to go with Hitomi but Merle shooed him away and carefully dragged Hitomi off to the seamstress's room.
Hitomi was shoved into the room and immediately gasped. The seamstress was a young woman just about her age with beautiful red hair falling over her shoulders in curls. Upon seeing Hitomi she stood up and smiled.
"Morning Lady Hitomi"
But Hitomi wasn't looking at the woman she was gaping at all the outfits hanging from the wall.
"Morning," she mumbled stepping closer to examine the outfits.
Merle stepped in behind her wearing the biggest smile she'd ever had, "Like them?"
Hitomi fingered one of the dresses, it was a wonderful velvet. "They're gorgeous"
"Flora and I picked them out in the market, most of them fit but Lily had to fix a few of them. Soren's was too small and Darice's was just a little big."
"They're absolutely beautiful Merle, you and Flora did a great job"
Merle's eyes twinkled, "Wait till you see yours"
Hitomi looked up over the wall, she could tell whose was whose. They seemed to hold the owner's personality but she didn't see one that seemed to fit her.
"It's not up there yet silly," Merle laughed as she watched Hitomi look for it, "Those are all the finished ones, come over here," she beckoned.
Hitomi walked over to her long time friend and eyed her suspiciously. Merle turned away and smiled over to Lily.
"Lily will you go get Hitomi's out of the closet"
"Of course Lady Merle," the young woman jumped to her feet and ran across the room past all the full figure mirrors, past her table full of needles and thread and sashes to a large door. Hitomi peered in the room and again gaped. The closet was full of dresses and suits colors of every kind. Lily disappeared into the clothes and they listened to her shuffling around for a while.
(A/N Okay because I'm going to have my hands full describing the other's outfits I'm going to do Hitomi's here, and I know green is used in a lot of stories but I tried picturing Hitomi in a nice evening gown and the dark green is just her, I couldn't see her in red, pink, blue (possibly but not a ball dress) black, purple, yellow or anything else I was thinking silver so look what I did)
Merle stepped to Hitomi's side so she could see her reaction. Lily shuffled a little longer before she finally poked through the clothes and came strolling out of the closet.
Hitomi's eyes fixed on her gown and she had the insane urge to squeeze Merle with all her might, but her arm wouldn't allow that just yet. Lily held the gown up and poked her head out from behind it grinning.
"Well how do you like it Lady Hitomi?"
How did she like? She loved it! Her lips curled up in a smile as her eyes took the dress in.
"Well Lady hurry over and let us put it on you!" Lily said cheerily
Hitomi walked over and pulled the shirt and skirt off. With Merle's help she managed to get it on and avoid moving her arm too much. It fit perfectly.
"Ah ha! I told Flora I knew your size!" Merle announced triumphantly
Hitomi stared at the full length mirror and ran her hands over the silk. The dark emerald fabric was skin tight wrapped around her neck, chest, and stomach. But from her waist down the skirt flared a little giving her plenty of leg room. There weren't any sleeves it just stopped at her shoulders. But what really gave the dress life were the delicate designs.
Silver streams of velvet twisted and turned on the emerald silk looking much like jungle vines. Tiny silver velvet leaves hung off the vines here and there giving the dress a simple but stunning look. Lily walked over to her table and picked something up rushing back to Hitomi.
"This comes with it"
She reached around and pulled the silver satin sash around Hitomi's waist tying it in a knot on her right hip and letting the two ends fall against the slightly fluffy skirt spilling over the vines. Then she rushed back over to her table and grabbed something else.
"And this," she said smiling pushing her curls out of her face and leaning towards Hitomi's good arm. It was a thin silver bracelet that twisted in spirals taking up the middle of her upper arm. Hitomi felt the cold metal and smiled as she looked closer. There were tiny leaf carvings in the silver and Hitomi fingered them in amazement.
Hitomi turned around and smiled to Merle, "It's wonderful," she whispered
Merle jumped up and down before jumping up to the platform and pulling her in a hug making sure to be careful around her bandaged arm.
"You really like it?" Merle asked hugging her friend
"I love it Merle it's magnificent"
"Good!! Now get out of it and let's hang it up we've got a lot to do!"
A/N Not much of a cliffhanger but I hope you like the chapter even though it did seem kind of uneventful. Have a great day everyone!!!
Sailor Hope
A/N I'm glad you all loved it so much!!!!!! Don't worry Vany Boy I *shudders* I would never end a story like the series ggrrrrness!! Love witch I'm glad you and your sister love the story so much Thank you for reviewing I love the opinions!!! And Shara if it means that much to you I'm sure I could have Allen find someone. And thank you Aylee so much for the penguin!!!!!!!! Emerald Mist thank you so much for reviewing and I'm glad that the story has you in suspense! Angelwarriar! Thanks for reviewing I'm really glad you like it and you better update soon!!!!! ^_^ Tenyo I'm happy that you love this fic and Van catch her before she hits the ground when she faints next time!
Selena thanks for the review!! I'm really glad you like the way it turned out!
And.
(And now for the kicking of someone's ass, all the way to the Bermuda triangle ^-^)
"And so that's why we thought the royal colors should be in the entry-"
Van rubbed his temples listening to his advisors drone on.
"And of course we will have to-"
Van's head snapped up.
"Did you hear that?!" he asked worriedly
"Majesty," the latest council representative asked eyeing the king suspiciously, "Hear what your majesty?"
Van strained to listen but the noise from the activities surrounding him drowned out any possibility of that.
"Sorry go on," Van said closing his eyes and motioning for the man to continue
"So as I was saying we will have to put an extra table in the dining room and"
"AAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!!"
Van's eyes snapped open and he spun around the hall looking for the source of the scream. His heart was beating miles a minute as the voice registered in his mind. Hitomi.
"HITOMI!!!" he called out looking around
"AAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!!!!!"
The scream sent shivers up his spine. It was pure agony mixed with a complete loss of hope. The room was spinning. Hitomi was in trouble. His mind screamed for him to do something. His heart yelled at his carelessness.
'It's all your fault if she dies!' it screamed, 'You fool even in the same castle you can't protect her!'
"NO!" he cried out pushing through shocked servants all standing stock- still horrified at the painful cries.
Bounding up the stairs he stopped at the top and listened. He could hear a faint whimpering coming from his left. Turning he walked a bit and came face to face with the door to his library. His hand shook so fiercely he had to use both hands just to open the door. He knew that according to her cries of pain he wasn't ready to see what he was likely to witness upon opening the door.
Nevertheless he pushed it open his sword out of the sheath and in his hand. And he was right, he wasn't ready to see what he was currently gaping at.
Hitomi was sprawled on the ground breathing heavily blood leaking onto her dress from where he couldn't tell. But even from where he stood he could see the swelling of her wrist and immediately felt his blood boil. Looking up there was a tall burly man hovering over her sword in hand as he ground his foot into her arm.
The tears were rolling down her cheeks in rivers, he could feel his heart cry out in pain at just seeing the crystal drops. But despite it all she was gritting her teeth and glaring at the man. Van didn't know what to do. He took a stronghold on his panic and swallowed it.
'Think you wretch! Do something before it's too late!' his mind screamed
But he didn't know what to do. If he grabbed the man's attention the man could very well run Hitomi through before Van could even reach her.
'Do something!!!' his heart pleaded, 'anything!!!
He couldn't think straight through all his worry and before he knew it his feet were moving. He could feel air beating against his throat and heard his voice vibrating in his ears. The man spun, obviously startled and threw his sword up just in time to block Van's vicious attack.
Van lunged and jerked the sword sideways smiling as his sword sliced the flesh. The man roared in pain and cursed the young king. Van took his distraction and lunged again unfortunately the man was fast despite his bleeding. Throwing his sword to block the screech of metal swept through the large library.
"Curse you dragon!!!" the man growled trying desperately to keep up his defense
Van scowled and pushed forward on the offensive viciously, "You'll regret you ever touched her," Van's deep growl vibrated against the walls and for a flash he thought he actually saw fear in the man's eyes.
"Van."
Van's body reacted before he could think and he found himself turning to Hitomi before he could think better of it.
Realizing his mistake he spun around and dodged just in time to miss a sword in his stomach. Flipping over the man's head he spun and pushed forward. The man spun and gritted his teeth as he strained to keep the young king at bay.
Swords clashed and sparks flew in the dark library as the two warriors fought for one thing. A young woman.
"You'll never win Fanel," the man laughed throwing his weight into his block
Van pushed forward with all his weight and their hilts locked the swords shaking vigorously against the pressure.
"What do you want?!" he demanded pushing harder the sweat beginning to slide down his forehead.
The man smiled cruelly, "Her blood on my hands"
Van felt the fury take over and let out a battle cry as his muscles came to life with a new wave of adrenaline. Kicking the man's shins Van brought his hilt down on the man's wrist and felt some satisfaction as her heard bones crunch under the mighty blow.
The sword clattered to the blood stained floor and Van threw his sword to the side to wrapped up in his anger to let the man walk away. Clenching his fingers into fists he pulled his right arm back and let it fly. Another loud crunch echoed through the library as Van's fist connected with the man's nose.
Not stopping Van brought his knee into his stomach and smirked as all the man's air left him. Van grabbed his shirt and jerked him upright. His nose was bleeding profusely and looked a little crooked. His eyes looked a little glazed over but Van didn't care if he was conscious and staggering or dead. He wasn't finished yet.
So pulling him up to a standing position he let his fist fly again. The man cried out in pain as his head snapped to the left his eye red and likely to be black and blue by morning. Letting go Van leaned slightly and put all his anger and strength into his leg. The snap was deafening. Van still shaking from the adrenaline and anger walked over to the fallen and extremely battered man.
Pulling on his shirt again he jerked the man's face so it was hovering dangerously close to his "Ever touch her again and so help me I'll cut you up one limb at a time"
With a hearty push the man's head fell against the stained rug with a thud. Turning around Van stood up and dug his heel into the man's stomach as walked over to Hitomi.
Kneeling by her side he felt his heart skip a beat at the sight of so much of Hitomi's precious blood lying beside her. Her eyes were closed but she still had a pulse. So quickly gathering her close he raced out of the room and down the hall into a entry hall full of stunned servants.
Turning quickly to the guards at the castle doors he bellowed out for them to come. They rushed to his side and saluted.
"My lord!"
"There is a man up in my library take him and throw him in the dungeons"
"Of course my lord!"
And with that they ran across the hall and up the stairs their armor clanging as they went. Van spent no time loitering in the silent hall and rushed off down some more halls and up another pair of stairs. On the top floor he walked a few feet and then kicked open the door closest on his left.
Running in he gently lay Hitomi down on the cot in the far right corner next to the fire. Turning around he smiled that he didn't have to say a word to the healer. The woman was hovering over Hitomi before he had even moved out of the way.
"My lord please sit I need some room"
Van just nodded and stepped back a ways letting his back collide with the cold stone behind him. And as he watched the healer begin to clean the wound the reality of his situation settled in. His knees buckled and he slid to the floor still lightly shaking from the event.
He had almost lost Hitomi. He had almost lost his love in his own damned castle!! The wave of guilt and rage he felt was overwhelming. He had almost lost Hitomi again.
Slowly turning his head to glance at his angel he felt his stomach do a summersault at the sight of all the blood staining her dress and angelic skin. Looking down at his own shirt he felt his head begin to pound at the sight of so much blood on his shirt. So much of Hitomi's blood. Ripping his shirt off he reached around and threw it in the fire then falling back against the stone trying to breath normally.
How could he have been so careless!! Hitomi was suffering because of his inability to protect her once again! His fingers curled fiercely and he smashed his fists against the stone.
The healer's head spun around to face her king, "Van," she said softly, "Tis but in her arm, it did bleed a bit too much but she'll just have to eat a little extra. She'll be fine, nothing to worry about."
Van managed to mumble a thank you before he walked from the room cursing himself all the way. He could still smell the blood on his skin. Hitomi's blood. Marching down the stairs and running back down the halls he somehow made it to his room. He had a bath sent up and spent a good chunk of the rest of his day scrubbing his skin frantically to get the blood off. He didn't know how long he had spent in the bath but he didn't care. His skin burned and his hair was tangled from too much shaking, lathering and washing.
The slight breeze that blew through his window was welcomed against his flaming skin as he sat on the edge of his bed wrapped in a blanket. He had tried to put his pants on but his body wouldn't allow it. He just simply had to sit and wait for the fire to dissipate. Not that he cared really.
He was pretty much numb to anything outside of his mind.
'Hitomi...'
Flora and Merle dragged a tired and disheveled Mark through the castle doors just as the sun was beginning its descent from the sky.
"Hitomi will love it!!!" Flora smiled
"So will Van-sama," Merle winked to her friend
The girls laughed and ignored an exhausted Mark as he marched past them determined to set their things down on the nearest flat surface. Marching up the stairs the chattering girls behind him, he kicked open Merle's door and dumped the bags full of clothes and tiny jewelry boxes on her bed. Turning around he frowned to find the room empty.
Stepping back into the hall he frowned at the girls, "Well let's hurry up and get our stupid fittings over with!"
Flora was trying to pull Merle down the hall but Merle was glued to the floor. Her hair was sticking up and her eyes were as wide as apples.
"Merle come on," Flora urged
"I smell blood"
Her small voice seemed like a trumpet in the silent hall.
"What?!" Mark screamed his jaw dropping
Flora looked as white as a ghost, "You smell what?!"
The on edge cat turned and walked back towards the library. The door was slightly ajar. Pushing it open she reeled backwards at the sudden nausea. The smell was sickening. Peering in Merle began screaming.
Van was just slipping his shirt over his slightly cooler skin when he heard the screams. But it wasn't Hitomi this time. Part of him was relieved. That was at first. It didn't take him long however to realize that it was another familiar voice he didn't wish to hear. Hastily pulling his pants up he didn't bother with the buttons on the shirt. Grabbing his sword he threw the door open and unsheathed his weapon in one quick swoop.
"MERLE!!" he hollered
Looking down the hallway he saw his sister, claws digging into the wood of the library door. She had stopped screaming. That could be good or bad. Rushing down the hallway he ran past Flora and scrambled under Merle's arms to block the view.
"It's okay Merle," he whispered leaning his sword against the doorframe and gently pulling her claws out of the wood, "It's alright don't worry I'm sorry I didn't think to tell the maids to get up here and clean up the blood"
Merle's scared orbs drifted up to Van's face, "What happened?" she asked shakily
Van sighed and pulled his sister into a hug walking forward kicking his sword out of the way as he closed the door.
"Hitomi was attacked this afternoon"
Merle immediately stiffened, "Where is she?!"
"Magda said she would be just fine, and I sent the guards up here to haul the man to the dungeon"
Merle didn't loosen.
"I'm sorry I'll have the maids clean up the blood right away"
"Van-sama," she whispered
Van looked down at his sister to find her shaking her eyes filled with an entirely new kind of fear. He didn't understand so he let Merle turn him around. She pushed the door open again and moved out of the way so Van could see.
Van felt the room spin. Oh gods no! HITOMI!
Bending down to grab his sword he raced down the stairs and through the mazes of halls again Merle hot on his trail just as worried.
Flora felt Mark's hand on her shoulder, "What did they run off for?"
Flora lifted her hands up and squeezed her fingers around Mark's chin. Lightly turning his head to face the library Mark felt the dread drop in his stomach like a lead weight.
"Hitomi"
And with that he too rushed off after the pair. Flora shook her head and walked towards the door all the sudden feeling very nervous. Gripping the handle she pulled the door shut on the two soldiers lying on the rugs covered in the dark crimson liquid.
The intruder hadn't made it to the dungeon.
Van for the second time that day kicked down the healer's door.
'Don't let this happen,' his mind screamed
But when he opened the door to everyone's relief Hitomi was sleeping peacefully on the cot. Van let out a wavering breath and walked over to the cot kneeling down next to his angel. Merle stood in the doorway brushing away a few stray tears or joy, relief or panic she couldn't tell. But the intruder hadn't found Hitomi and that was enough for her. For now anyways. She felt a chill go up her spine and thought she smelt something funny in the room.
Peering in she searched the tiny room. Nothing seemed out of the ordinary. Magda must have just skipped her bath today. So turning she left to wait outside.
Mark came to a skidding halt and practically fell into the healer's room. When he saw Van leaning over Hitomi's body he sighed. Checking again he saw the slow rise and fall of her chest and sighed again. Turning to Merle he smiled a goofy mix between relief and 'well that's my exercise for the day.'
Merle just smiled back in agreement and turned to her brother as he closed the door behind him.
"GUYS!!!"
Everyone turned at Flora's loud call and casually made their way down the stairs.
"She's fine," Mark smiled pulling his love against his chest
Van would have smiled, but there was currently a psycho murderer intent on killing his love and likely now himself running lose in his castle.
"Merle I need you to enlighten the council, I want the castle on alert."
Merle nodded and bounded off down the maze of halls to spread the news.
Then turning to his friends he gave them a weak pleading smile, "Please don't go anywhere alone"
They nodded their heads and together the three walked off down the halls.
A few minutes ago.
"GUYS!!!!"
Thud!
Magda's body fell out from behind the door and hit the ground face first.
The man smiled at his fortunate timing.
"Lorus is gonna love this," he smirked pulling the healer's body into the closet and locking her in.
Waiting until he was sure the group outside was well away from the room he knelt down in front of Hitomi.
"Well now angelic one." he whispered running his finger down her cheek, "You don't look so hard to fetch I wonder why he had so much trouble"
A head popped up in the window, "Hurry up man! Lorus is in pretty bad shape and man is he pissed!"
"I'm coming!" the first man hissed sliding his arm under Hitomi's legs and his other behind her back. Lifting her off the cot he stepped onto the bed and handed her off.
The second man threw Hitomi over his shoulder and started his climb down the castle wall. The guards had just been warned about a possible murderer lose on the castle grounds but unfortunately night was settling in and the forest was covering the servant side of the castle.
The first man laughed to himself and climbed out the window sliding down after his companion. When they reached the ground the first guy took Hitomi back and cradled her in his arms.
Looking down at her he shook his head laughing lightly, "Man this wench just won't die will she"
"Well as soon as Lorus is done with her I'm sure she's going to wish that arrow hadn't missed"
They chuckled at the thoughts and ran off to the edge of the castle grounds. As they neared the edge of the forest their smiles faded and the slowed to a stop in front of their angry leader. His nose and wrist was wrapped up and his eyes were a lovely dark purple. He had bruises scattered here and there and he looked ready to kill.
"We got her boss," the second man said smugly
"I can see that fools," he hissed, "Now leave her here and go back for the damned book!"
"But boss the guards are on alert now! Besides we don't know where to look," the first one defended
Lorus stepped closer to his men, "Start in her bloody room! And go from there! I don't care if the guards are on alert I want that book now go and get it!"
The first man set Hitomi down at Lorus's feet and walked off with his companion mumbling.
"Don't even get a thank you for saving his sorry butt," the first one whined
"I know we could have let him rot in the dungeon," the second spat
Lorus glared as the two left. Once they were scrambling up the wall again he looked down at his prize. And smiled.
This would certainly pay the dragon back, he carefully felt his nose and winced at the pain. He had never been so humiliated in his life and the dragon would pay dearly for it. Kicking Hitomi's injured arm he smiled as she winced and stirred.
Hitomi's eyelids slid back and she blinked a few times before her vision cleared. And there towering over her was none other than Michael, oh could this get worse?
"Good evening emerald"
Hitomi ransacked her mind trying to remember what had happened. That last she had seen was Van growling something at Michael's limp body before he had turned and come to her.
But it didn't matter now, somehow Michael had gotten away and this couldn't be good. She was starting to just let it go. She wasn't going to get away now. She was in a forest alone with a man thirsting for her blood. The only satisfaction she had was smiling at his swollen purple eye and now straight and bandaged nose. The bruises were an extra.
Michael glared down at Hitomi as she smiled up at his wounds, "Foolish girl," he said calmly as he kicked her arm again. Hitomi pulled her arm away and sucked in a quick breath waiting for the sharp sting to fade.
"I should kill you here," he growled
"And you won't?" she questioned
"No not yet dear girl, I have much use for you yet."
"I won't help you," she countered stubbornly
Michael laughed, "Ah that is what you think"
Van walked down the halls drowning out Flora's voice as she told him about their day in hopes of easing his mind. Something didn't feel right. Something just didn't fit. So without thinking he turned around and began to walk back towards the healer's room.
Flora and Mark looked at each other and shrugged before running to catch up with the king. Van didn't have to get to the healers room to know Hitomi wasn't there. He just knew. The problem was how was he going to get to her in time. And why didn't he see it before?! But it hit him soon enough. He had been so relieved to see Hitomi lying safely on the cot that he hadn't bothered to look for Magda. Something told him if her were to walk in looking this time he would find one dead healer and no Hitomi.
Walking up the stairs he battered his brain for some sort of way he was going to get Hitomi out of this one. Damn his foolishness! Once he was at the top of the stairs he pushed Flora and Mark back. And motioned for them to be silent with his finger to his lips. They nodded and backed down a few steps. Van could hear some shuffling in the room and groaned at his own stupidity.
Waiting silently he gripped his hilt tighter as the door squeaked open.
"And once those stupid fools bring back that book of mine you and I are going on a little trip my dear"
"I think not"
Hitomi and Michael searched for the source of the voice but couldn't see much in the growing darkness.
"Who's there!?" Michael demanded
"An old friend"
Michael growled from deep down in his throat, "Soren," he spat
Hitomi's eyes grew wide at the name. She had never been more happy to hear that name. She felt something grab her uninjured arm and squeaked out of surprise. But Michael wasn't fast enough and she was in the shadows before he could grab her.
"Show yourself and fight me like a man!" he bellowed
"Now is not the time, I fear, If I kill you now my punishment will be far greater than I care to think about"
"Let me take him then," another voice challenged laughing, "Doesn't look like much sport anyways just look at his visage! I daresay someone's been rumbling with a dragon!"
Michael cursed the youth, "Caleb you dishonorable wretch!! SHOW YOURSELF!!"
"I would but your men approach"
And with that there was silence.
Michael searched the dark for what seemed like hours before 3 of his men came up behind him.
"Boss they doubled the guard there's no way to get in on the other side"
Michael bellowed in rage before turning to his men, "We're leaving!"
"Boss what about Orin and Sam!!"
"Those fools are likely dead by now, I said move!"
The three men reluctantly headed back into the forest their leader fuming and cursing up a storm.
Hitomi clutched to the shirt and relaxed. She could see Soren's face in the moonlight and had never felt more relieved in her life.
"Thank you so much," she whispered resting against his chest
"Don't worry Hito-chan you're family I would imagine you would have done the same for me"
Hitomi smiled, she would have. This was the second time Soren had saved her life. He always seemed to be caring for others. He would always help weary travelers into town or nurture those attacked by marauders.
Seek out the lover of a race he was never to be part of
Hitomi heard the faint words dance in her ears and looked up at Soren.
'You're crazy,' her mind laughed
A faint pink glow spread before her eyes and she looked down at her sparkling necklace as Soren carried her through the trees back towards the castle. It was glowing again but why? That last time it had done that was with the book. The book of the Draconian's past.
Lifting her good arm up she shoved the necklace under the loose shirt the healer had obviously changed her into. Soren wasn't a draconian. He was human, wasn't he?
Looking back up at his face she could have swore she saw him smile down at her as if he knew what she was thinking. Shaking it off as idle thoughts she stopped thinking about such things and turned towards the guards as they approached.
"LADY HITOMI!!" the first guard shouted unsheathing his sword and running towards Soren, "Give us the lady!!" he demanded
"Untrusting bunch aren't they?"
Hitomi recognized Trisha's voice and looked to her left. She had heard Caleb and Soren but it hadn't registered that the entire group might be here. Darice was standing right next to Trisha smiling. Caleb was leaning on Trisha's shoulder a lazy smile plastered to his face.
"We're here to see the king," Soren said firmly pulling Hitomi tighter against his chest.
Soon guards were flooding through the door.
"Um excuse me-" Hitomi tried
Darice laughed, "You'd think we're famous warriors or something"
"Give us the lady!" The guard ordered again, "Come quietly and we won't slay you now"
"They aren't kidna-" Hitomi tried again
Trisha snorted, "Well if this is the bargain we get what ever are we to do," she said blandly frowning at the guards
"Just go get the king dude," Caleb said non-chalantly, "Better yet get the lady Merle and tell her Caleb's here"
Lucky for the four a certain cat girl just happened to be walking to the door to see what all the commotion was about when she heard Caleb's voice.
"Caleb?!"
Hitomi frowned and shut her mouth.
Caleb stood up straight and smiled as he saw Merle pushing through the crowd of guards. Bracing himself for the impact he opened his arms and grinned like an idiot when she crashed into him. He managed to stay on his feet while Merle licked his face.
Pulling back she kissed his nose, "What are you doing here?"
"Not happy to seem me?" he feigned disappointment
Merle flicked him smartly on the ear, "You know what I mean! It's dark out I wouldn't think you would travel in the dark but then again considering your intelligence level."
"Hey!" Caleb cried out frowning down at the cat, "And we're bringing Hito- chan back for your information!"
"Back?!" Merle looked over Caleb's shoulder and saw Hitomi curled up in Soren's arms
"HITOMI!!!!" Merle pushed Caleb out of the way and rushed up to Hitomi, "How did you get out of the Magda's room?!"
"Lorus's men hauled her out and we stopped them, they won't be bothering you for a while now," Darice said moving next to Soren
Merle looked up at Darice and then back down to Hitomi.
"Hitomi are you alright?"
"I'm cold," Hitomi replied surprised she was allowed two words in
"Oh!!" Merle spun around and pushed the guards out of the way, "Theses are friends of ours! Let them through! Move! Out!"
She eventually cleared a path through the soldiers and had the five inside and the doors closed.
"Now to find Van-sama," Merle said out loud
"He should be down in a minute, Merle we have to organize a search.party.hey it's you guys again!!" Flora said smiling at the group, then she caught sight of Hitomi, "HITOMI!!!"
Running forward she checked the girl over, "Boy am I glad to see you!!! Oh Van is going to be so happy!!"
Hitomi didn't bother to put her word in because she caught a flash of something white, tan, and another something brown running down the stairs dragging something behind them.
When they stopped moving Hitomi made out Van and Mark and behind them were two men from Michael's marauders.
Van looked up and saw Hitomi curled in Soren's arms and dropped the man behind him. Hitomi watched slightly amused as the bound and gagged man slid down the last few steps screaming through the cloth. Mark pulled his down the rest of the way and walked up to his friends.
Van pulled up short in front of Soren and looked the man in the eyes. Soren gave him a soft smile and handed Hitomi over. The moment Hitomi felt Van's arms under her legs and back she threw her good arm around his neck and clutched to him her injured arm resting on her chest.
"I'm so sorry," he whispered against her ear, "I should have stopped this"
"Shush Van you couldn't have known," she assured him burying her face in his neck.
"You're alright? That man didn't hurt you anymore did he?"
"Nope Soren and the others got to me just in time," she smiled hugging him tighter.
"I owe them," Van whispered kissing the top of her head before turning around to face the others
Van opened his mouth to speak but Merle beat him to it.
"Alright everyone!! Since you're all here early you can be of some use! I was planning on going to your camp tomorrow and dragging you here for the ball anyways so thanks for saving me the trip. Now Van is tired, I'm sure, just finished with his second brawl for the day. So he's going to go get some rest and Hitomi isn't moving until the ball except for her fitting that is. SO! That means the rest of us have fittings to go to and don't worry Flora and I planned ahead we got outfits for everyone and if there are any complaints about the designs or colors well," Merle's claws came out, "Now! We're all going to get some dinner except for Hitomi and Van who are going to their rooms and are going to rest and eat there. The rest of us will eat, go get our fittings, and while we're doing that Mark you finish helping the chefs. Van I'll pick out the really urgent treaties and get them to you. Soren and Trisha you guys then get to go help with the ballroom decorations. Caleb you're with me we're off do deal with the council and Darice you can either help Mark in the kitchens or arrange the flowers with the maids"
Everyone blinked. Complete silence.
"Well we don't have all day! We have lots to do and a certain marauder has held us up! We are having a ball for Hitomi and I won't see him ruin it!"
"She really thought that out," Caleb said folding his arms
"I'd say so," Trisha smiled
"Guess that happens after years spent balancing duties in a castle," Soren added
"Impressive, really," Darice said smiling
"Why am I stuck in the kitchens?!" Mark whined
Flora giggled, "Cause you look cute in an apron"
"MOVE!" Merle ordered cutting through the chatter
The group split and went their ways not daring to challenge the cat girl. The day had been well for lack of a better word, eventful, and it seemed to be taking its toll on the cat royalty.
Van slowly carried Hitomi up the stairs making sure not to shake her too much for fear it might hurt her arm. Pulling her close he let the stress of the day fly away. Hitomi was in his arms safe and sound, he didn't want anything else. Marching past her door he ignored her confused expression and pushed his door open. Walking in he put her down on his bed and tucked her in.
"Van why didn't you-"
Van knelt down beside her and brushed his hand across her cheek marveling at how soft her skin was. Hitomi's emeralds seemed to shine and her cheeks flew to flames. Van just smiled, her blush was enchanting.
He didn't want to worry her with voices that seemed to hate the fact that he was around her. So lightly pushing her bangs back he leaned forward and gently kissed her.
"You'll sleep in here for a while"
He could see that she desperately wanted to know why but he wasn't going to tell her. And that seemed to be alright with her in the end.
"I'll be in the guest room next to Mark's just down the hall. If you need anything just call."
Hitomi nodded giving her king a dazzling smile. Then she remembered the ball the next night.
"Van what about the ball?" she asked frowning at the fork in the road
"If you can get a fitting tomorrow then you will and if you want to go to the ball then you can."
Hitomi tried lifting her arm but found Van's hand hovering over it shaking his head, "Not tonight angel at least give it a little time to start the healing process."
"Alright," she said lowering her arm back down and sinking into Van's large feather mattress with a sigh, it was very comfortable
"Like my bed that much hm?" he smirked down at her
Hitomi felt her blush grow and fought to hide the red. Sticking her tongue out at him she turned over.
Van just laughed and pulled a chair up next to his fire. Hitomi tried to go to sleep but found it was beyond her at this point in time. So turning back around she pulled the sheets up close to her chin and stared out over the edge. Van was leaning in his tiny wooden chair the shadows dancing across his rough matured features.
He was so handsome she could hardly believe it. He'd always been very protective and he was so caring and sweet. And he loved her. She let her eyes trail slowly over his figure and couldn't help but grin at his form. Long tight muscles from his legs flew up to a washboard stomach and large arm muscles still very visible through his shirt. She continued on up and found rubies staring back at her with a little twinkle of arrogance. She blushed even harder and pulled the sheet up over her face.
Van had been grinning smugly not at all bothered that Hitomi was lying in his bed carefully looking him over. Hitomi felt so embarrassed she groaned at how stupid she had been. Of course he was going to catch her!!
Van tried to suppress the urge to pull Hitomi out of his bed and kiss her senseless. He had felt a pair of eyes and had looked up to find Hitomi's eyes lingering over his figure. At first he wanted to laugh with delight then he had to take a tight hold on his lust and had just sat back and let her look her fill.
She finally came to his eyes and her entire face had turned cherry red and she had pulled the sheet up over her face. He had to get out of the room and distract himself. She had to rest and she didn't need him kissing her right now. So standing up he walked over to his door and opened the heavy wood.
"Van?"
He turned around to find two bright emeralds peering over the edge of his sheet. He laughed before he could stop himself, she was just so adorable. The emeralds narrowed to tiny slits and he laughed harder.
"I just have some things to sign and," he cleared his throat trying to stop his laughing, "Some things to take care of"
"You'll be back right?"
"If you want"
Hitomi was silent for a good while before she nodded, "You can't sleep here though you'll never live the rumors down"
"My thoughts exactly"
"Well then go do your stuff and hurry back"
Van was out the door so fast he almost made his head spin. He felt the dread grip his heart and yelled at himself. Hitomi was perfectly safe in his room. That man wouldn't be coming back if he knew what was good for him and he really did have to get the library taken care of. Not to mention he had some questions to put to those two ruffians who had kidnapped Hitomi and brutally murdered his healer. The healer just happened to be a friend of his dead mother and he wasn't happy at all. The woman had brought him and his brother into the world and had been a counsel to his mother until her end.
If he didn't kill the two for Hitomi it certainly would be for Magda. After he had easily dispatched of the two men and bound them he had searched the room and found Magda in her closet. This day just wasn't shaping up to be all that pleasant. The only time he had actually smiled had been when he was with Hitomi. Staring at the door he gave it a weak smile.
Hitomi seemed to do that to him. When she smiled at him all his worries would disappear and he wouldn't be able to remember why he had been so mad before. But as he stood in the hall all the troubles of the day hit him full force and he felt his smile fade. Hitomi would be safe, he had to do some things and he would have to leave her alone. Well not completely.
Making his way down the stairs he snuck past the dining hall not wanting to face Merle's wrath right now and made his way to one of the servants off time rooms. Opening the door he stepped in and waved some smoke out of his face. Several maids were in the corner just finishing their dinner while laughing and talking with some soldiers. Others were around tables smoking cigars and slapping cards down in poker.
But as soon as the door opened and Van stepped in they all fell silent and jumped to their feet. Van rolled his eyes.
"Guys knock it off, I just need a few you to come with me"
"How many your majesty?"
"Well I need a few maids to come clean something up in the library, I'm sure you all know of the Lady Hitomi's injury"
"Aye milord is she well?"
"Yes but there is a mess in the library, bodies, to be exact."
Two guards stepped forward with about three maids. A guard smiled at his king, "We'll come majesty"
"Van," Van corrected, "I hate the title"
Every jaw in the room fell to the floor, a servant calling royalty by their first name was unthinkable. Van sighed and ushered the five out of the room.
Turning to the guards he spoke, "Move the bodies and ladies don't worry about cleaning the rug it's beyond help just pull another one down from a supply room"
"Of course maje-"
Van smiled as they caught themselves, but they didn't look ready to use his name so Van waved them away and they walked off to clean. Making his way back down halls and past the dining hall he moved into the entry hall. Pulling four soldiers from the extras sent out to guard the entrances because of the alert he told them to guard his bedroom door.
"IF you hear anything move inside you have permission to enter and no one besides myself and the lady Merle are to enter is that understood?"
"Aye majesty" they looked curious as to why they would be guarding an empty room but they didn't dare ask.
And Van wasn't about to enlighten them.
They marched off up the stairs and Van turned back to head to the council room. The papers were likely waiting for him there. He would sign them now and save Merle a trip.
But wouldn't you know it, as he made it to the council room he found Merle leaning back in his chair filing her nails.
"Evening Van-sama"
"How did you get here??" he asked looking back out the door, he could have sworn she had been in the dining room
"I wasn't in the dining room," she said as if reading his thoughts, "Look closer next time Van-sama, I finished early and knew you would most likely be coming down here. I didn't send the food up to your room yet because I'm sure you put several soldiers in front of your bedroom when you left. You'll want to take the food yourself so no one knows she's in there."
Van just stood there with his mouth shut, his sister knew him too well. In fact it was scary.
"Well where are the-"
Merle leaned forward and sent a few papers sliding down to his end.
"Those are the only urgent ones"
Van walked over to a shelf a grabbed a quill, quickly glancing over to make sure he knew what he was signing he signed them with a flourish and sent them sliding back to Merle.
"Aren't you supposed to be getting a fitting?" he asked slumping into a chair
"Yea in about five minutes"
Silence.
"Well?"
"Have you asked her yet?"
Van looked up, "Asked who what?"
"Don't play dumb Van-sama"
"Fitting," he stated giving his sister a warning glance
Merle reluctantly stood up and headed for the door, before she reached the exit however she turned around and gave her brother a serious frown, "Van- sama I know today hasn't been the best, don't think about it, just enjoy the ball and we'll sort it all out after"
Van looked up and wanted to do what his sister told him. He really did. But his nerves were to shaken. The guilt was still plaguing him and the anger was still boiling.
"I'll try"
The door shut with a tiny click as Merle disappeared down the halls to go seek out the fitting room.
Soren, Darice, Trisha and Caleb all stood in the seamstress's room staring at their outfits (A/N Nope sorry don't get to know what they look like till the ball ^^)
"Well," Caleb said pulling at his collar, "I actually like the color"
"She's your girlfriend why wouldn't you," Darice shot
"Caleb speaking of that-" Trisha started her voice taking on a serious tone
"Trisha I don't want to hear it," Caleb waved her away, "I know what you're going to say," he turned around to face the group," But I love her," the last few words came out in a whisper, "Just for a while let me love her"
There was a painful silence before all three nodded.
"Well I have to admit Merle did pretty good I think it's beautiful," Darice said twirling around in her dress.
Trisha pulled out the sides and gave a faint smile.
"Trisha stop," Soren said squeezing her shoulders
Trisha frowned, "Well we have to talk about it some time cowards!"
Darice looked a little hurt, Soren just sighed and Caleb was checking himself in the mirror as if he hadn't heard a thing.
"You know what we're dragging her into!!" Trisha continued, "What if she won't go"
"She'll go," Soren assured his sister pulling his cuffs down a little more
"I don't want her to," Trisha countered
"None of us want her to go," Soren replied looking bored, "We've already talked about this"
"No we haven't!"
Caleb turned around and glared at Trisha, "Trish! What is there to say! We know what we have to do! We know why we have to do it! Don't tell me you've forgotten!"
Trisha snapped back, "But why Hitomi!?! You were born to it! She was just the first one to come along!!"
Caleb was fuming, "I don't like it anymore than you do! It's not as if I like what I have to do!"
"Will you two give it a rest!!" Darice bellowed standing between the two, "Now we're going to be happy for a day or two! Is that understood?!"
Silence.
"After that you can go back to hating life! I don't care! Yes there is a possibility Hitomi might not make it back alive but it's her responsibility"
"You mean her blood," Soren corrected dusting off his pants, "Just as is ours"
Darice sighed and turned to Trisha, "We all don't like where our mistakes got us but we have each other until the end. Stop worrying we'll get Hitomi out of there."
"I know," Trisha sighed blinking back tears, "It just isn't fair we've had time to swallow the truth, I mean what if she won't do it?"
"She'll do it," Caleb's voice said bitterly, "She'll do it for the same reason we're doing it"
Trisha stared at Caleb in pain, there was no escape for him. Maybe they could make it but he was condemned.
"I'm sorry guys I'm just thinking too much"
"Exactly," Darice said smiling and patting her back, "Now let's get these off and get them washed and dried and all that"
Trisha turned back to the mirror and fought to untie the back of her dress. Michael's sweet smile flashed in her mind and she scowled.
Damn him anyway.
The sun spilled over the hills peeling back the shadows. Hitomi stirred and stretched her arm a little. To her surprise it didn't hurt that much to move it. Sure it was extremely sore but she didn't feel anything rip and that was a good sign. She didn't think she wanted to get stitches again, especially if she had to be awake this time. Sitting up letting her injured arm rest at her side she yawned and looked around the room.
Van hadn't listened to her, or his conscious for that matter.
She smiled at the body sprawled in front of the fire his sword right next to his hand. He was supposed to use a guest room but there he was on the fluffy rug before the hearth.
She was torn between scolding him for not getting in a nice bed, she was sure he would be quite sore, and melting back into the bed because of his concern. He hadn't wanted to leave her. Slipping off the bed she pulled the blanket behind her. Quietly she knelt down next to him and wrapped him in the warm quilt.
Unfortunately even that small motion seemed enough to wake him and he began to stretch and yawn. Dark blood red rubies gazed up into bright green emeralds.
"Good Morning Beautiful," Van's rough voice broke Hitomi's stare, giving her a lazy smile he sat up and pulled her closer, "How do you feel?"
Hitomi leaned against Van's chest and moved her arm a little to show him, "Still sore but it's actually not that bad"
"Fast healer hm?"
"Uh hum," she mumbled
"You up to the ball?"
"Sure"
"Well then lets get you some breakfast, your fitting and then I'll see if I can steal you away to the garden for the afternoon"
"It's okay I like it right where I am"
Van chuckled softly, "I'm sure but Merle's going to be looking for us soon"
Hitomi sighed, "Alright"
Pushing up Van pulled Hitomi to her feet careful to avoid her stitches.
"I'll have to leave first, I'll clear the hall and then you can follow"
Hitomi nodded and looked down at her attire. Well, she was wearing a lose shirt and a long white skirt. Reasonable enough for breakfast she supposed. Backing out of sight she watched Van leave and waited a few minutes before cracking the door.
Van was standing at the top of the stairs giving her another one of his lazy smiles. She felt her knees buckle and made a mental note to tell him to watch how he smiled at her. Holding out his arm for her she walked down and laced her good arm with his.
They walked down the stairs in silence just enjoying each other's presence. When they reached the dining hall everyone was already there happily chattering. Merle was the first to notice the two and jumped up squealing.
"HITOMI!!"
Hitomi's eyes grew wide, if Merle pounced on her today she would be headed to the healers for some stitches soon. Van seemed to know exactly what she was thinking and jumped in front of Hitomi throwing his hands in front of him to stop his excited sister.
"Merle the stitches!"
Merle skidded to a halt in front of him and folded her arms a crossed her chest, "Oh yea"
Hitomi peeked out over Van's shoulder and smiled at Merle, "Hello Merle"
"How are you feeling?" Merle asked hastily
"Good surprisingly"
"Good enough for a fitting??" Merle asked hopefully
Hitomi frowned, "Food first"
"Well duh!" Merle looked like she wanted to drag Hitomi over to the table but Van wasn't moving so she hopped back over to her chair and let Van walk Hitomi to the table.
Flora smiled brightly, "Wow it's healing this quick?"
Hitomi waited while Van pushed her chair in before demonstrating. Slowly lifting her arm and moving it around everyone smiled in surprise, that is everyone except a certain four who seemed to be expecting the demonstration. And then Van of course who had already seen it this morning.
"Whoa! You're healing fast! That's great!" Mark said cheerfully before digging back into his breakfast.
Servants soon appeared with two more plates of food and Van and Hitomi dug in. Breakfast was entertaining, Darice and Caleb had their morning argument and the group just talked.
When they finished everyone got up and went their separate ways already knowing their assigned duties for the morning. Van wanted to go with Hitomi but Merle shooed him away and carefully dragged Hitomi off to the seamstress's room.
Hitomi was shoved into the room and immediately gasped. The seamstress was a young woman just about her age with beautiful red hair falling over her shoulders in curls. Upon seeing Hitomi she stood up and smiled.
"Morning Lady Hitomi"
But Hitomi wasn't looking at the woman she was gaping at all the outfits hanging from the wall.
"Morning," she mumbled stepping closer to examine the outfits.
Merle stepped in behind her wearing the biggest smile she'd ever had, "Like them?"
Hitomi fingered one of the dresses, it was a wonderful velvet. "They're gorgeous"
"Flora and I picked them out in the market, most of them fit but Lily had to fix a few of them. Soren's was too small and Darice's was just a little big."
"They're absolutely beautiful Merle, you and Flora did a great job"
Merle's eyes twinkled, "Wait till you see yours"
Hitomi looked up over the wall, she could tell whose was whose. They seemed to hold the owner's personality but she didn't see one that seemed to fit her.
"It's not up there yet silly," Merle laughed as she watched Hitomi look for it, "Those are all the finished ones, come over here," she beckoned.
Hitomi walked over to her long time friend and eyed her suspiciously. Merle turned away and smiled over to Lily.
"Lily will you go get Hitomi's out of the closet"
"Of course Lady Merle," the young woman jumped to her feet and ran across the room past all the full figure mirrors, past her table full of needles and thread and sashes to a large door. Hitomi peered in the room and again gaped. The closet was full of dresses and suits colors of every kind. Lily disappeared into the clothes and they listened to her shuffling around for a while.
(A/N Okay because I'm going to have my hands full describing the other's outfits I'm going to do Hitomi's here, and I know green is used in a lot of stories but I tried picturing Hitomi in a nice evening gown and the dark green is just her, I couldn't see her in red, pink, blue (possibly but not a ball dress) black, purple, yellow or anything else I was thinking silver so look what I did)
Merle stepped to Hitomi's side so she could see her reaction. Lily shuffled a little longer before she finally poked through the clothes and came strolling out of the closet.
Hitomi's eyes fixed on her gown and she had the insane urge to squeeze Merle with all her might, but her arm wouldn't allow that just yet. Lily held the gown up and poked her head out from behind it grinning.
"Well how do you like it Lady Hitomi?"
How did she like? She loved it! Her lips curled up in a smile as her eyes took the dress in.
"Well Lady hurry over and let us put it on you!" Lily said cheerily
Hitomi walked over and pulled the shirt and skirt off. With Merle's help she managed to get it on and avoid moving her arm too much. It fit perfectly.
"Ah ha! I told Flora I knew your size!" Merle announced triumphantly
Hitomi stared at the full length mirror and ran her hands over the silk. The dark emerald fabric was skin tight wrapped around her neck, chest, and stomach. But from her waist down the skirt flared a little giving her plenty of leg room. There weren't any sleeves it just stopped at her shoulders. But what really gave the dress life were the delicate designs.
Silver streams of velvet twisted and turned on the emerald silk looking much like jungle vines. Tiny silver velvet leaves hung off the vines here and there giving the dress a simple but stunning look. Lily walked over to her table and picked something up rushing back to Hitomi.
"This comes with it"
She reached around and pulled the silver satin sash around Hitomi's waist tying it in a knot on her right hip and letting the two ends fall against the slightly fluffy skirt spilling over the vines. Then she rushed back over to her table and grabbed something else.
"And this," she said smiling pushing her curls out of her face and leaning towards Hitomi's good arm. It was a thin silver bracelet that twisted in spirals taking up the middle of her upper arm. Hitomi felt the cold metal and smiled as she looked closer. There were tiny leaf carvings in the silver and Hitomi fingered them in amazement.
Hitomi turned around and smiled to Merle, "It's wonderful," she whispered
Merle jumped up and down before jumping up to the platform and pulling her in a hug making sure to be careful around her bandaged arm.
"You really like it?" Merle asked hugging her friend
"I love it Merle it's magnificent"
"Good!! Now get out of it and let's hang it up we've got a lot to do!"
A/N Not much of a cliffhanger but I hope you like the chapter even though it did seem kind of uneventful. Have a great day everyone!!!
Sailor Hope