Disclaimer: DON'T OWN ESCAFLOWNE!!!
A/N Okay I had planned a big author's note but I wrote this chapter over like 7 times!! The fourth time I thought I had it! I mean I was really proud of it and then! My computer freaking deleted it!!!!! OFF THE HARDRIVE!! And get this! OFF MY DISK!!!! Don't ask me how it did that but it did and I had it saved twice on my disk! TWICE!! *calms down and takes deep breath* So I wrote it a few more times and this is the version I can settle with for now tell me if it's bad though and I'll work on it some more. I'm like fighting writer's block that's why I'm having to rewrite it so many times. I WON'T GIVE IN THOUGH! NO MORE BLOCKING!! (oh and to clarify something when I say curse, you know like 'he cursed at himself' I mean cussing you know like damn and such. I'm not talking about like witches or such. The only time I'll talk about a curse in the way that people are forced to do something is well I think you'll see the difference) Anyways please enjoy!!!! And thank you all for the reviews it means a lot to me!!!!!!!!!
Hitomi let her slender fingers run over the silk and velvet as she looked herself over in her vanity mirror. Merle had wrapped her arm up as little as possible trying not to draw attention to it. Flora had braided little portions of her hair here and there and Darice and Trisha had put on some makeup. Just some light eye shadow and lip gloss they were convinced she didn't really need a lot.
She smiled at herself in the mirror, and a male face smiled back. Turning around to face the man she spun around and stretched her arms out.
"You're dazzling child," the deep voice said as he watched her spin before pulling her into a bone crushing hug, for about the 30th time that day.
Aston was careful not to hurt her arm as he escorted her down the stairs and towards the ball room. Every so often he stole glances at the darling angel attached to his arm and thanked whomever responsible for giving him this wonderful girl back.
The soft melodies floated out of the slightly ajar ballroom doors and Aston felt Hitomi tense. He gently squeezed her hand and smiled at her. He knew she was nervous about seeing all the friends she had missed. They had spent the entire day talking and catching up on all that they had missed. He knew she was afraid everyone would be mad but he had reassured her they would understand. How could they not? They all loved her, it would be brushed aside she would see.
The guards grinned at her and pulled the doors open. The page at the top of the grand stair case leading down onto the dance floor gaped at Hitomi as she walked through. Aston frowned at the young lad and he blushed tugging on his collar. Stepping up closer to the two he shifted his eyes down the stairs at the crowd dancing and laughing.
Pulling out his trumpet he let out a glorious blast cutting through the chatter. The orchestra screeched to a halt and all dancing stopped. All eyes turned on the fair green eyed daughter of a maid.
"May I present his majesty King Aston of Liara!!! And his dear friend Lady Hitomi Kanzaki!!!"
The cheers were deafening as everyone cried out in joy to see the young lady alive and well. Aston squeezed Hitomi's hand again before pulling her to the first step. She seemed a little shaky but as the cheers continued and she gazed at all the smiles of her friends her steps became more confident.
"Don't worry," he whispered as they continued down the stair case.
Hitomi turned and gave him a shaky smile, "I missed you," she whispered
Aston felt his heart swell up, "I missed you too child, and don't think I've been distracted so easily, it's still way past time you were wed"
Hitomi rolled her eyes and giggled, Aston turned back to the clapping crowd as they made their way down. He was relieved he could make Hitomi laugh.
Laughing himself as he saw a young Cheid jumping up and down trying to push through the crowd he pointed it out to Hitomi. She waved to the young royal and then waved to Allen who was anxiously helping Cheid through the crowd in a hurry to reach her himself.
Merle, Mark, and Flora were at the bottom of the stairs just smiling at her. They were beautiful. Mark was standing next to his love in dark leather pants and a creamy loose shirt, the top three buttons open, with a deep red rose poking through the fabric over the right side of his chest. It was plain and simple and Merle had complained but Flora had loved it. He had never been one to dress up and she didn't care and she didn't seem to mind all the royals glaring at his tacky outfit.
She was a gem however. Her beautiful fair hair was all done up in twists and braids sitting gloriously atop her head. She was in a deep maroon gown with long flowing sleeves hemmed with gold thread. It was rather low cut with a slit in front of her right leg revealing a good amount of skin. She had told Hitomi Mark had picked it out but Hitomi had a feeling she had chosen it just to infuriate her parents at the lack of covering. She had several beautiful gold bracelets that clanged together as she waved up at Hitomi.
Merle was also a vision. You'd think finding a beautiful gown for a pink haired woman would be rather difficult but it hadn't been. She was in a light blue gown reaching her knees so as not to confine her tail. The soft light blue silk stopped at her shoulders and then a see through blue material flared out falling out like water. The front was tied up and outlined in a deep sapphire blue. Her hair too was done up in twists her bangs resting against her face. She too was wearing a little eye shadow and lip gloss that Hitomi had put on herself.
Caleb walked up next to his girlfriend wearing his traditional arrogant smile. He was in silk light blue slacks hemmed with sapphire thread. He threw his arm around Merle's shoulders and kissed her cheek. Hitomi laughed some more as her fiend blushed. Caleb's jacket was literally sparkling. It was a light blue to match Merle's with real sapphires at buttons. The white shirt he was wearing under it poked through around the stiff collar pushing up against the blue silk. His hair was its usual messy self but didn't seem to deter from the handsome look. Hitomi was just surprised Merle had been able to get him in the suit.
Aston smiled down at Merle and the princess of Williams. He had been fine until Caleb had walked up. Giving the young blonde his most formidable scowl didn't seem to work for he stayed rooted to his spot. Hitomi turned to her left and pointed at her other friends.
"Aston that's them! Trisha, Darice and Soren! Caleb is up there next to Merle! I can't wait until you meet them"
Aston remained calm as he turned his scowl on the three slowly walking to stand next to Caleb at the bottom of the stairs.
Trisha's beautiful dark curls spilled over her shoulders onto the black velvet of her gown. It had one thick strap slung over her left shoulder that came around to the back and under her right arm. The velvet clung to her skin before falling down around her legs. There were two slits on either side of her legs giving her plenty room to move and revealing the deep purple satin along the inside of the magnificent gown.
A beautiful purple gem hung on a silver chain lying peacefully against her chest. She was truly beautiful, but it didn't seem to affect Aston.
Soren stood next to her his dark hair pulled back in a low ponytail tied off with a deep green ribbon. He wasn't as fancy as Caleb for like Mark he too preferred to avoid the fancy jackets and such. He was clad in deep brown leather pants and a deep green cotton shirt that matched his eyes. A deep brown leather jacket, to match his pants, was hanging casually over the shirt. There were no buttons or ties it just hung open giving him a somewhat rugged look.
Darice stood next to him her long brunette hair pulled back in a braid lying against her back. She was truly an angel. Her dress was just a river of gold and cream. It was a plain design really, long sleeves, decent cut, the bottom brushing the floor, no slits, and a slightly low cut back. But the colors and designs on the gown itself made up for it all. The gown itself was a cream color, but gold thread had been weaved and twisted into intricate designs all over the silk. The designs couldn't be named but the artist had certainly created a dress for heaven alone.
Hitomi pulled Aston forward faster. Aston pulled back. He wasn't in any hurry to reach the bottom of the stairs now. His hateful glare swept over the four but they seemed unfazed. Hitomi turned around and pulled again.
"Come on I want you to meet them"
He reluctantly gave in and followed her down the stairs. Hitomi gave the introductions and everyone smiled back. Merle and Flora had already met the king so it was just an old reunion but Mark bowed and gave the formalities. The other four didn't do a thing but blandly smile at the king.
No one seemed to pick up, except for Hitomi that is. Not a word was spoken between her four gypsy friends and than man who had raised her.
She was going to say something but thought it would perhaps be better said later. So looking back up she froze. Van was standing behind the group a ways conversing with a few royals.
He too of course hated the formal dress just as much as Soren and Mark. But the casual outfit did so much more for her than Mark's or Soren's could ever do. He was in his usual tan leather pants with a loose white shirt, the first few buttons open and his unruly hair in it's usual pose. He wore dark knee high mud boots and a plain white satin sash slung over his left shoulder and tied in a knot at the top of his right hip. Up at the top in deep red and gold was Fanelia's seal and Hitomi just couldn't seem to jerk her eyes from him.
She couldn't understand it. He always dressed like this, minus the sash, of course. But there was just something about him standing and greeting and laughing with royals that made him look a little different that night. The music started up again and Van looked up as if he had felt Hitomi's heated gaze.
His jaw slid down a little has he looked his angel over.
"Excuse me ladies and gentlemen"
Pushing past the royals he beat Allen and Cheid to the tiny group at the bottom of the stairs. He himself had just come in the back door and obviously had missed Hitomi being announced. Gently pushing Soren and Darice apart he stepped in front of Hitomi still at a loss for words.
Aston's grin returned and he raised Hitomi's hand up towards Van. Van didn't seem to see anything else in the room as he stared down at Hitomi. She was beyond beautiful. The dress was amazing, he would thank his sister later but the clothing didn't matter to him. He wanted the person not her clothes. He hungered for her laughter and couldn't get enough of her smile. Taking her hand the tiny group parted as the young Fanelian king lead Hitomi onto the dance floor.
They all smiled as Van continued to gape at Hitomi.
"I think he likes the dress," Merle said cheerfully squeezing Caleb's arm
Flora winked at Merle as Mark pulled her onto the polished dancing floor, "I think what he likes is the person wearing the dress"
"I couldn't agree with her more, Merle would you like to dance?"
Merle looked up at Caleb and smirked, "Well," she sighed, "I suppose," she said heavily as if it were a chore
Caleb chuckled and pulled her onto the dance floor.
Aston clenched and unclenched his fists. He turned to the three left and glared at them again.
"I won't let you have her," he growled low enough for just them to hear
Darice looked near tears, so did Trisha. Soren sighed deeply and pushed the girls to the crowd.
"Go find some helpless soul to dance with," he ordered
The two solemnly nodded and headed off passing the tired Cheid and Allen angrily waiting for Van to bring Hitomi off the dance floor.
"Aston you know we don't have control over it. It's her blood."
Aston stepped closer and took a deep breath, "I don't care! You've already taken the only woman I ever loved away!! I won't let you take away Hitomi."
Soren sighed again and leaned up to look towards the ceiling.
"If she doesn't do it then Gaia will fall"
"So be it"
Soren snapped his angry gaze to Aston, "I'm truly sorry about the other we had nothing to do with that! She knew she wasn't supposed to go but she went of her own accord! You really think we like doing this?!"
Aston didn't have an answer to that.
"True our foolish mistakes resulted in our curse but it's not as if we enjoy this. I love Hitomi as much as you do! I don't want to see her die!"
"Then stay away from her, go away and never return," Aston's stern command was full of hatred
"I can't, you know that"
"Your body is yours to control! GO!"
Now Soren clenched his fists, "You know too little Aston, you speak naught but foolishness and she will know soon"
"I won't let you take her"
"Then tell her, let her decide"
"No"
"Then the task falls to us, we will tell her, tomorrow"
Aston turned, his figure rigged with anger, "Damn all of you! I will! kill you"
"You've said as much before"
And with that Aston walked off. Soren sighed and pushed back the guilt. It was just the way things had to be, he had to get over it. But as he turned to find Hitomi and Van spinning on the floor their content and loving smiles lighting up the room he cursed at himself.
Van twisted Hitomi's body to the notes dipping her and kissing her for all to see. Hitomi was too shocked and embarrassed to say anything. The floor cleared and everyone stood on the sidelines cheering as Van lifted Hitomi into the air spinning her and catching her waist. Hitomi started to giggle but Van just continued to pull his love to the music.
The song soon ended and the people flooded back out to the floor. It was a slow song so Van just grabbed Hitomi's hands and led her in the simple waltz.
Hitomi was catching her breath and still giggling a little.
"I didn't know you could dance like that!"
Van just gave her a lazy smile, "One of my many talents"
"Oh I'm sure"
Van just leaned forward and rested his chin on Hitomi's head, "I love you Hitomi"
Hitomi felt herself stiffen for a moment. Of course she knew that he loved her. It just sounded so different actually hearing the words come from his lips. Squeezing him gently she let out a content sigh.
"I love you too Van"
Darice stood off to the side flicking the annoying banners that would occasionally blow her way and hit her head. Her stomach was twisting with disgust or maybe it was jealousy. There was too much love in the room and it was suffocating her. She was happy for Hitomi of course and Caleb had finally found someone to love. That should have made her deliriously happy but it didn't. Instead it was a painful reminder of what she would never again have. That being her husband.
She bitterly shoved the tears away drowning out the peaceful music. She closed her eyes and thought of every foul curse she could dredge up and stood there fuming and cursing Michael. She was about to leave when she heard laughing and looked up.
Flora was laughing non stop as Mark spun her around the dance floor. They were making a circle and they were heading her way. Pulling up a fake smile she gave the two her best impression. Mark winked at her.
"You're next!" he called out over his shoulder before spinning on.
Next she caught sight of Soren and Trisha. Soren was dipping Trisha just as Van had Hitomi and Trisha was giggling at her brother's goofy ways. Whether it be family love or love from your soul mate there was just too much for Darice to handle. So turning she ran smack dab into someone's chest.
Looking up she tried to hold the tears back but if there was one person on Gaia she couldn't hide her emotions from it was her husband's brother. His bright blue eyes seemed to read her thoughts. Some times it came in handy, for instance on the battle field. Other times it reminded her so much of her husband she couldn't stand to be around him. But no matter she couldn't run from him anyway.
He was her last family member and she him. They were each other's life support through the hard days and she knew she was lucky to have such a wonderful brother in law. Her mother hadn't even cared for her as much as Caleb did. He was unquestioning family love.
Him and his brother had been inseparable growing up. Darice had lived in the same town and had often been jealous of the siblings trust and care. For her sisters were to obsessed with themselves to bother with her. She had finally dredged up enough courage to talk to them. And the moment she heard Jason's deep comforting voice she was gone.
And so it came to be that Caleb and Jason accepted another into their loving circle. Caleb wasn't happy about the attention his brother lavished on Darice at first but he greatly respected his older sibling and couldn't deny him anything, especially love. And as time went on Caleb became more of an overprotective brother watching Darice whenever his brother was away.
The day the circle broke had been the most heart wrenching day of the three's lives. But unlike Jason, Darice and Caleb had each other. They were a shoulder to cry on and the other's motivation.
Oh they bickered often but it was just playful fighting, a routine they had fallen into. It didn't matter how red their faces would get or how hard they would smack each other.
In the end they knew without a doubt that if one needed help the other would be at their side no matter how large the consequence.
"May I have this dance?"
Darice gave Caleb a weary smile and pushed his hand away, "I'm tired Caleb"
Caleb frowned, "You're just a bad a liar as Hitomi," and with that he grabbed her hand and dragged her to the dance floor.
And as Darice put her hands in Caleb's to dance she felt her tension drain away. There was just something about knowing that Caleb was and always would be there for her that broke her defenses. So leaning into his shoulder she cried silently so as not to draw too much attention. Caleb just leaned his head against hers and let her cry into his sapphire sprinkled suit.
"It's okay Darice you'll make it through," he whispered trying to cover the crack in his voice.
In truth he knew Darice was going to die. Maybe not physically but very soon emotionally. And he cursed the day he met her.
Maybe if he and Jason hadn't found her she wouldn't have to suffer as she was going to. For he knew how much she loved his brother. And he knew how much he meant to her despite their arguing. She was going to lose her love and then her brother of the heart.
And it was going to break her.
The ball was wonderful. Allen and Cheid finally got a hold of Hitomi and danced with her the rest of the night, catching up on this and that. Cheid had been so happy to see his "sister" that he had tackled her as soon as Van had released her.
No one could bring themselves to chastise the young ruler though. He had never really known his parents, only friends. Hitomi and Millerna had often visited the young prince and whenever the blonde haired young one had jumped awake screaming with nightmares Hitomi was the first one by his side.
She had been there to bandage his cuts and cool his burns. Her supposed death and hit him hard.
Midnight approached and the candles lighting the luxurious room began to dim. The moon came to its full glory and slowly one by one the guests started to retreat to their rooms. Van, Cheid, Allen, Hitomi, and Merle were exhausted from dancing and merrymaking so they headed off to their rooms.
Mark and Flora managed to successfully avoid the King and Queen of Williams and disappeared into the garden arm in arm.
Darice was weak and tired from crying and dancing but managed to help a slightly drunk Trisha up to their rooms.
The room was practically bare the few exceptions of course being Soren, Caleb and Aston.
Soren was frustrated as it was and felt Caleb would be the best one to handle the man right now.
So giving his friend an encouraging squeeze on the shoulder he whispered good night and left. The soft sound of satin brushing against wood mixed with the light breeze teasing the already dying candles. Soft flickers of light bounced off the walls playfully as the cool night air flowed in from the open balcony doors.
And then it started to rain.
Not a heavy drenching rain, just a light relaxing rain. Caleb always felt at home in the rain so when the light pitter patter began to sound from the balconies he thanked whomever responsible for the relief.
"You can't have her, I won't let you take her"
Caleb felt the immediate fury rush through his veins and he looked up to face the king. And the fury fled. He couldn't muster up one hateful thought. Not one curse, not even the simple will to plow his fist into the middle aged King's face.
For all he could see was a heartbroken man. Standing alone, desperately trying to defend the one thing left to his heart. And he knew exactly how the hopelessness felt.
"Aston.I wish we didn't have to."
Aston clenched his fists, "Leave her alone! You already took the other!"
Caleb managed a scowl at this comment, "Aston she wasn't supposed to go and you know it, we had nothing to do with that, how many times do we have to say this!!!"
Aston's shoulders dropped and Caleb felt his heart crack a little at the sight of such a proud man breaking under the strain.
"She's all I have left," his voice rose just above the peaceful splash of the rain, "Please don't take her"
Caleb turned around, he didn't want to see it anymore, he couldn't see it anymore.
"It's just five Aston, five for millions, who are we to say no?"
"But why you five?"
"If not us then who?"
"Me, I'll go"
"I know," and with that the last two candles spluttered and everything was plunged into darkness.
"I know," Caleb repeated before slowly making his way out of the room and up to his bedroom.
But Aston just stood in the darkness the cool breeze brushing up against his skin.
Hitomi was up early the next morning out in the garden walking around in the flowers. It was rather silent considering the castle was still half full with guests from the ball. She must have gotten up earlier than she thought. It didn't matter though she liked being alone out in Fanelia's garden it was so beautiful.
Birds chirped up in their perches mixing with the hush of water hitting sand. Hitomi bent down and picked up a fallen blossom. It was a crushed rose. Hitomi tried to fluff up the soft petals but it was too damaged. So walking over to the edge of the lake she let the rose fall into the somersaulting waves and watched it float away.
*~Flash back~*
A young little girl with sandy brown hair ran along the edge of beach slipping and sliding on the sand. Her hair was a mess with sand clinging to the thin strands. She was laughing and pushing herself back up to start running around. Her eyelids shot up and her sparkling green eyes looked up as if searching for something.
The girl couldn't have been more than 5, her short tiny legs fighting for traction as she ran across the golden sand. Her right foot didn't get a good enough grip and she went forward face first. The sand flew up in a frenzy shooting out in all directions. The young one's head burst out of the ground laughing.
She rolled onto her back still laughing the sun beating down on her skin. Finally controlling her laughter she jumped up and shook the sand out of her shirt and skirt.
"I love the beach!" she said smiling up at a figure coming up to her side
"I know you do darling, but look at you! All dirty now," the woman gave an exasperated sigh as if it truly bothered her, "I suppose we'll just have to clean you right off"
The little girl didn't have time to comprehend what her mother was going to do. The woman picked her daughter up and walked into the water.
"Mommy!" the girl giggled trying to crawl to the top of her mother's head, "The water's going to be freezing"
"I'm not so sure, you'll just have to find out for us won't you"
With a huge grin she pried her daughters fingers from her head and threw her out in the ocean water. A few bubbles floated to the top but only a few. The mother began to frown.
"Hitomi I won't fall for that!"
Still nothing.
"This isn't funny young lady! Come up here right now!"
Silence.
Walking out a little farther she peered down and screamed when something grabbed her foot.
"HITO-"
The woman's shrill cry was cut off by the splashing waves. The young little Hitomi popped up gasping for breath smiling like there was no tomorrow. Laughing she watched her drenched mother slowly sit up her long brown hair plastered to her face.
"So mommy! Cold or just right?"
Kimi flipped her hair out of her face and looked down at her daughter smiling and throwing her hands in the water splashing everywhere. And she couldn't stop the grin that crept up. She could never get angry with her little flower, no matter the situation Hitomi could brighten her days.
Reaching out she pulled her daughter in her lap, "Just right!"
Hitomi laughed harder and jumped off her mother's lap pulling her up, "Come on mommy let's swim!"
Kimi pushed herself to her feet her pendant smacking against her skin under her light white shirt. She felt something tugging on her hair and pulled it out. It was a rose. Looking up at Hitomi running farther out in the water she saw the soaked and squished rose in her daughters hair.
Running to catch up with her she pulled the rose out. Hitomi looked up at the squished and wet roses in her mother's hand.
"Oh mommy we forgot about the roses!!!"
Kimi just smiled fluffing the petals out as best she could before setting them down on top of the water.
"It's alright darling"
"But mommy Aston gave those to us! I bet Millerna didn't get hers wet, he'll be hurt mommy!"
Kimi picked Hitomi up and smiled at her, "What say you we go kidnap him and bring him to the beach with us maybe a day on the beach will cool his temper"
Hitomi's eyes practically dazzled, "Millerna too?"
Kimi laughed, "Millerna too, come on lets dry off a little then we'll kidnap both of them and throw them in the water"
"OOOhhh! They'll love it mommy!! Come on!"
The little Hitomi squirmed out of her mother's hands and started running back to the shore.
*~End of Flashback~*
Hitomi jerked her hand out of the water and backed up watching the rose float out in the water. Turning away she made an attempt to smile. But some days she just wished she could go back to being five again, playing with her mother and visiting Van and Merle. It was so much easier in those days.
Hitomi shook the water from her hand and walked away to get lost in the little forest next to the castle. Hitomi walked up to the tall young man with spiky hair and gave Folken a sad smile.
"We miss you Folken"
Losing your parents and your brother all in one year was a lot for a young boy. Hitomi didn't think she could have handled it like Van did. She walked past the row of statue's including hers and Millerna's and walked out into the forest.
She missed her mother. To tell the truth she kept a small bit of hope that she was alive and out there. She hadn't seen her die, or been by her side to hear her dying words. One day her mother had just disappeared. Aston had come to her and told her she was dead. Hitomi had screamed for hours asking how she had died. But Aston had said she had been mugged in the market and killed. Hitomi didn't believe it for one minute and it hurt even more that Aston would lie to her, about her mother no less.
Hitomi heard a crunch behind her and spun, but it was clear. The trees swayed with the breeze and a few birds hopped here and there a squirrel scrambled up a tree on her right. Hitomi let out a shaky breath, she was just panicking.
So turning she leaned against a heavy trunk and slid to the forest floor.
"Mother."
Caleb closed his door behind him looking to his right at his sister in law. Giving her a wry smile he turned to his left to find Soren and Trisha standing there all with the grim determination.
Caleb closed his eyes and leaned back against the cold wood. This was it. No more secrets, no hidden truths today they let it all out and today they would leave, possibly.
However revelations or not today was the click of the timer. Their time had just begun and they wouldn't last much longer. Curse or not today was the beginning of gaia's time glass. The sands were falling and one girl was going to have to decide the fate. One for millions. Or millions for one. Minus four that is.
"How are we going to do this?" Darice shifted in her spot crossing her arms causally, she looked resigned and frustrated.
"We could leave it to the pendant to show her," Trisha offered
"Cowardly," Caleb supplied
Trisha shifted uncomfortably staring at the ground, "I know"
Soren ran his hand through his hair, a nervous habit of his, "I suppose we just lay out the tale for her then"
"We don't have to tell her the entire tale," Darice's whisper was barely audible
"She'll find out sooner or later," Soren's sympathetic tone shut Darice up
"She's right we could just tell her the tale another day, just convince her to come with us today," Trisha urged on
Caleb sighed, "Again cowardly, but if anyone would like my opinion I think we should let her in on her past before we even try explaining ours"
"Oh and she's going to handle that real well," Trisha muttered
"Caleb's right, Darice go get that damned book you gave her, I think it's probably triggered enough, at least the visions will soften the blow. I'll go find Hitomi and meet you all out in the garden. We'll tell her hers first then if she can handle more we'll tell her ours. After that we leave, we're already wasting time."
Everyone nodded to Soren and headed off to their assigned tasks.
Hitomi sauntered down the halls laughing as she passed the council room again.
"FINE THEN DON'T!!!"
Hitomi winced at Van's shout, the meeting with Flora's parents sounded like it was going well. Mark had spirited Flora off to the market for the day, on Van's request. He wanted to deal with the William's royals first then Flora could decide if she wanted to have anything to do with them.
Hitomi had spent the past half an hour just walking laughing at the random shouts penetrating the walls every now and then. Hitomi would just laugh and suppress the urge to rush into the council room just to see Van's face. And the royals after they received what she was sure was the worst tongue lashing they had ever seen.
Another shout seeped through the walls and Hitomi couldn't help but laugh a little.
"HERE THAT'S WHERE YOU SHOULD BE ASHAMED OF YOURSELVES!!"
'Go Van!' her mind cheered
She was laughing looking down at her shoes and walking. So of course she didn't notice the hard chest she was about to run into.
Hitomi hit Soren's chest with an 'uf' and almost hit the deck if it weren't for his hands pulling her back to standing position.
Hitomi looked up and smiled, "Hey Soren"
"Hitomi could I have a word with you?"
"Sure," Hitomi shrugged following him into the royal gardens.
"Good morning Lady Hitomi!" the princess of Gitani waved sitting with one of the lords of her land. Hitomi couldn't exactly remember his name, it could have been Ken but she wasn't sure. She smiled at the lovers and waved a good morning.
Soren was leading her out of the gardens past all the guests and Hitomi frowned, "Soren where are we going?"
"Just outside the garden, can't have any listeners now-"
"HITOMI!!!"
Hitomi spun around to find a worried Cheid clinging to Merle's back as they raced across the garden with Allen. All eyes turned to the three and Hitomi hurried forward. Reaching up she pulled Cheid off Merle's back and bent down so she could come to eye level.
"What's wrong Cheid?"
"I'm sorry Hito-chan I wanted to stay and visit longer but we have to leave"
Hitomi's brow furrowed in confusion, "Why?"
Allen gave her a wry smile, " A message just came from Zaibach, it was Dilandu. He said didn't make it to your welcome back party because he was out burning some things. Mainly marauders. They attacked the outskirts of Zaibach. These guys have guts."
Merle snorted most unlady like, "They sound more stupid than anything. Anyways Dilandu-sama said that he was doing fine but he had just heard that some marauders were spotted about 2 miles south of Asturia and 3 miles west of Fried. He said Cheid and Allen had better hurry home."
Allen bent down and pulled Hitomi into a hug, "Hito-chan it was great to see you again I missed you so much," leaning over he kissed her forehead, "We'll deal with this and be back in no time"
Cheid jumped up and pushed Allen out of the way wrapping his arms around Hitomi's waist, "Missed you and I promise I'll visit as soon as these ruffians have been seen to"
Hitomi hugged the young boy back and gave him a stern frown, "I don't want you anywhere near the front is that understood?"
"Hitomi I'm almost-"
"I don't care how old you are you stay inside and let the soldiers take care of that. You won't like it one bit if I have to come all the way to Fried just to shout your ear off."
Cheid grunted, but it was a subtle way of saying 'okay'
"I'll be back soon Hitomi be careful got it?"
Hitomi frowned up at Merle, "And just where are you going?!"
Merle gave a smirk, "Dilandu won't admit it but Van-sama is sure that everyone will need a little back up. Actually it's his pretty way of making sure the marauders don't walk away alive. I do believe he's still a little vengeful."
"I'm still not understanding where you come in," Hitomi's frown darkened
"Oh Hitomi you know exactly where I come in and I'm not arguing about it with you."
"Merle!"
"Hitomi I've been trained for this kind of thing don't worry, you've known for years that I was one of Fanelia's generals."
Hitomi made a grab for her friend in an attempt to capture her and keep her captive until the whole ordeal was settled. But Merle and her cat instincts saw it coming and she jumped back.
"You're Van's sister though!"
"And proudly one of Van-sama's top generals. Don't start with me, I just finished the last lecture with Van-sama. Varie and Goou gave me approval when I was 8 to become a general when I was old enough. I've been trained I'm fine, now I have to leave, be careful."
With that Hitomi watched Cheid jump onto Merle's back and take off with Allen heading for the courtyard where their horses, and a good chunk of Fanelian soldiers waited to go hunt some marauders.
Hitomi crossed her arms and 'harumphed' she didn't like this one bit. Those marauders were nothing but trouble! And how did they managed to evade everybody! They were attacking Zaibach for crying out loud they had to be huge!! How come they couldn't find them!?
Hitomi jumped when she felt Soren's heavy hand on her shoulder, "Hitomi come on"
"I don't like this one stinking bit"
"And I suppose you want to do something about it?"
"Darn straight I want to do something about it!"
Soren sighed wearily, "I was afraid you'd say that"
They walked for a few more seconds before Hitomi caught sight of a fire just ahead. Looking closer she saw Darice, Caleb and Trisha standing around the fire in a circle, watching, as if they expected something to happen.
Soren pulled Hitomi forward a little faster and they completed the circle. Hitomi looked down in the fire and gasped when she saw her book. Her draconian book that Darice had given her.
"The book!" Hitomi cried turning to her friends for an explanation, "What are you doing?"
Darice looked up at her, "Getting a map"
Hitomi didn't know whether to yell at them for burning the book or whether to slap Darice for being so criptive with her words. It was frustrating. They were all just standing there casually, arms crossed or looking up at the trees.
She was so lost in her own confusion that she didn't see the book begin to crackle. A loud pop made her jump and she stared down into the fire. The book gave off another loud snap and the gold immediately started to melt.
'What the?! There's no way this fire is hot enough to melt gold??' her mind screamed
The book became liquid within seconds and the fire turned completely blue. Hitomi backed up a little a slightly crazed look grazing her face.
The now blue fire shot up into the trees and Hitomi's head snapped up to follow it. But she was too slow and the fire disappeared. The trees were remarkably unscathed. Hitomi turned back to where the fire had been and screamed reflexively.
There hovering the hair was, well pictures. A bright pink dot was blinking on the left and she backed up some more. Looking at the scenes hovering in front of her she realized it was, a map. The pink dot was Fanelia she recognized the seal under the blinking dot. A line shot out from the dot and flew across the air over lands and cliffs. She watched it pass Zaibach, then Liara and Gitani, it went through the small country of Yalis and then through what looked like a small desert. Finally it headed to the frozen plains of Ralle and abruptly pulled to a halt in the middle of the wasteland.
"Ralle," Caleb grumbled, "I hate it there"
"Well I'll take the snow over the desert any day remember last time!" Darice turned to him waving her finger in his face, "You pissed it off and it decided that resting the desert was a fine idea!"
Caleb rolled his eyes, "Exxxcccuse me" he drawled rolling his eyes
Hitomi's wide eyes made a sweep of her friends. This floating map didn't seem to bother them the way it was bothering her.
The floating 3d map vanished with a gust of wind. Hitomi looked down at the burnt wood that had been kindling the fire, the book was gone. There wasn't a single trace of metal or scattered pages.
Hitomi looked up and found her friends staring at her intently as if they were waiting for the next miracle to come from her. Taking a deep breath she closed her eyes.
"What was that?"
"A guide," Darice finally answered
"To what?"
"A temple," Soren supplied
"What temple??"
"The temple of Aloysia and Yoshi, the last royals of the Draconians, died some time ago in the wars against the humans," Caleb stated blandly
"I see," Hitomi nodded her head still in the dark as to what in the world was going on
"I don't think you do," Trisha said with a small smile as she stepped towards Hitomi, "Hito-chan can I ask you a favor?"
"Anything," Hitomi immediately regretted her words. Trisha was her friend and she would do anything for her, that was until they started acting like this. They were always walking around now as if they had weights tied to their legs and shoulders. She couldn't get a genuine laugh if she tried.
"Close your eyes Hitomi and listen to my voice"
Hitomi hesitated but closed her eyes soon enough.
"Now I need you to concentrate, I need you to reach down deep inside your soul and pull out something for me. I need to bring out a truth you've known since birth."
Hitomi had no idea what Trisha was talking about.
"Trish-"
"You've just forgotten Hitomi, trust me. Focus, look inside, you'll feel the heat. Reach for it Hitomi."
Hitomi thought her friend was going nuts but decided to give it a try to make her happy. So relaxing she fumbled in the dark for this light she was talking about.
Soren, Caleb, Darice and Trisha smiled a little as they saw the pendant dangling around Hitomi's neck start to glow. The pink light was faint at first but as Hitomi's face twisted with concentration the light grew.
Hitomi felt a heat jump to the middle of her chest and suppressed the sudden urge to open her eyes. Continuing to focus on the heat she felt the tiny ball of light burst into a shower of dazzling rain drops. The heat was wonderful and Hitomi basked in the wonderous peaceful feeling that flowed through her.
But then the sparkling balls began to roll to the center of her vision. She felt the sharp knife like pain shoot up her legs first. She cried out in shock.
But the pain kept on. Her arms tingled at first, soon however the tingling turned into sharp thrusts of pain. The pain slowly crawled up her body and flew to her back. And before she knew what was happening a blinding pain erupted throughout her back. She cried out as she felt what was like flesh ripping. Opening her eyes she fell to her knees gasping for breath. A few stray tears fell to the forest floor and she looked up to her friends who where only giving her a mix between a sympathetic smile and a proud grin.
She felt like punching every one of them. Here she was kneeling in pain and they were smiling at her! She pushed herself to her feet and was about to yell at them all when something floated through her vision. Hitomi's shoulders pushed back slightly and she gasped at the new weight she felt on her back. Looking around her eyes grew the size of saucers as she gaped at the feathers floating down all around the group. Hitomi had only seen feathers like that once before, they were Van's feathers, Draconian feathers. Shifting her still huge orbs to the tiny group in front of her she tried to question them. But her mouth wouldn't work. Darice seemed to take pity on her and pointed behind her.
Hitomi turned around and shuddered. She felt as if she had just brushed her back against a tree trunk. But the trees were a good distance from her, there was no way her back could have rubbed against a tree.
Turning back around she felt the brush again and her body shivered. Now the group had on amused little smiles. Trisha looked as if she was trying not to laugh and Hitomi recgnoized the glint in Caleb's eye. She saw it whenever Darice found his morning prank. Soren's mouth was twitching and Darice had her hand over her mouth.
"What is so funny!?!"
Darice walked forward and held in her laughter.
"Hitomi grab a hold of that heat now"
Hitomi could still fill the tiny sparkling jewels of heat. She reached out with her mind and grabbed the heat and shivered at the sensation that washed over her. Something moved and Hitomi turned her head to her left slightly and about fainted. She was face to face with a large pearly feather covered wing.
That just happened to be attached to her back. Hitomi took the heat and moved it back and felt the wings move back and spread out.
Hitomi seriously fought the urge to faint now. She was draconian!!! She had wings!
Trisha seemed to read her expression, "Well you're not full blooded Draconian, you're half human half draconian"
The words seemed to pull Hitomi out of her trance, "How do you know?"
Everyone shut there mouth at this, Hitomi didn't like the guilty look sweeping over their faces.
Soren finally cleared his throat, "Hitomi, we knew your mother, Kimi was a friend, and fellow draconian"
Hitomi's mouth moved as she tried to voice her question but her lips just moved. They were all draconians?! Soren read her eyes and nodded. Then the other piece of information hit her and she slowly locked her gaze with Soren's.
"My mother?" Hitomi wasn't sure her whisper had made it to their ears but by their looks it had
Caleb nodded slowly, "And your father"
Hitomi felt her heart tighten up and her lungs shrink, her father? Her father?!?! She didn't even know her father!!
"You know my father"
"Yea we know him Hitomi," Trisha replied quietly
"Can I meet him?" Hitomi couldn't stop the request before it left her lips. She wanted to know who her father was!
Soren gave her a grin, "You already know him child, as for seeing him before we leave, no you may not"
"Know him?! What are you talking about! Who is my father!! Tell me!!!"
"Don't you know?" Darice scrunched her eyebrows in confusion as she studied Hitomi's face, "You truly don't know?"
Hitomi shook her head vigorously.
"You've never seen it?" Caleb asked stepping up next to Darice, "You've never seen his love for you?"
Hitomi was so angry she couldn't see straight how was she supposed to see her father's love?! She'd never known the man!!!
"My mother always told me I had to figure it out and that he would never be to far. I never understood her and she.she died before she could tell me."
Now it was the group's turn to looked confused.
Trisha blinked a few times, "But you never figured it out?"
Hitomi felt her anger rising, she had never been so angry in her life. Who were they to look down on her?! Who did they think they were?!?!
"No!!!"
"Now child there's no need to shout like that"
Hitomi spun around at the familiar voice and relaxed when she saw Aston leaning against a tree. He smiled at her and then glared at the four behind her. Hitomi turned back around to glare at them as well.
Aston walked up next to Hitomi and was careful not to bump into her wings. Smiling at her he wrapped his arm around her shoulder. The four immediately shrunk under his scowl and Hitomi blinked in surprise.
"She really doesn't know," Darice said baffled as she looked up at Aston, "Why didn't you ever say anything? How could you keep it from her?"
Hitomi felt an uncomfortable lump began to form in her throat.
"You call us the jerks!" Caleb spat, "What does that make you?!"
"I had my reasons!" Aston shouted back
Hitomi felt the realization dawn on her and she slowly turned her head to look up at Aston as he argued with her gypsy friends. It wasn't that much of a shock though, how could it be? He had always been the one to tuck her in and push his meetings aside to come spend time with Millerna, her mother and herself. He'd been the one to father her after her mother had died and he'd been the one to keep her safe. The question was why hadn't she seen it before.
"Aston?" the crack in her voice was unavoidable
Aston immediately turned from the argument and looked down at his daughter. Hitomi yelled at herself for not having seen it before. Hadn't the love always been there? Even as he looked down at her now she could see nothing but love radiating from his eyes.
Hitomi tried to continue but her body wouldn't allow it, instead she broke down into sobs, that came from heaven knows where. Her wings disappeared into her back but Hitomi didn't pay any attention to the soreness that sprang to life in her muscles. She just flung her arms around Aston's neck and buried her face in his shoulder.
"Well that first revelation went well wouldn't you say?" Caleb whispered to Darice
Darice closed her eyes and sighed trying to shake her nervousness. This wasn't shaping up to a good start. If she couldn't see her father how would see accept their story? How would she handle the pressure that was sure to come?
Not to mention how would she react the day she saw Folken again?
Darice just hoped Hitomi's innocence would make it through. But considering her reaction to finding her father things weren't looking too good.
A/N Hey tell me how you like it? Good or hey good idea going there but REWRITE IT!!! Don't worry I can handle it like I said I'm fighting writers block so it's slowing things down so I can understand if this chapter didn't turn out exactly like everyone pictured. Please R&R! AND HAVE A GREAT DAY!!!
A/N Okay I had planned a big author's note but I wrote this chapter over like 7 times!! The fourth time I thought I had it! I mean I was really proud of it and then! My computer freaking deleted it!!!!! OFF THE HARDRIVE!! And get this! OFF MY DISK!!!! Don't ask me how it did that but it did and I had it saved twice on my disk! TWICE!! *calms down and takes deep breath* So I wrote it a few more times and this is the version I can settle with for now tell me if it's bad though and I'll work on it some more. I'm like fighting writer's block that's why I'm having to rewrite it so many times. I WON'T GIVE IN THOUGH! NO MORE BLOCKING!! (oh and to clarify something when I say curse, you know like 'he cursed at himself' I mean cussing you know like damn and such. I'm not talking about like witches or such. The only time I'll talk about a curse in the way that people are forced to do something is well I think you'll see the difference) Anyways please enjoy!!!! And thank you all for the reviews it means a lot to me!!!!!!!!!
Hitomi let her slender fingers run over the silk and velvet as she looked herself over in her vanity mirror. Merle had wrapped her arm up as little as possible trying not to draw attention to it. Flora had braided little portions of her hair here and there and Darice and Trisha had put on some makeup. Just some light eye shadow and lip gloss they were convinced she didn't really need a lot.
She smiled at herself in the mirror, and a male face smiled back. Turning around to face the man she spun around and stretched her arms out.
"You're dazzling child," the deep voice said as he watched her spin before pulling her into a bone crushing hug, for about the 30th time that day.
Aston was careful not to hurt her arm as he escorted her down the stairs and towards the ball room. Every so often he stole glances at the darling angel attached to his arm and thanked whomever responsible for giving him this wonderful girl back.
The soft melodies floated out of the slightly ajar ballroom doors and Aston felt Hitomi tense. He gently squeezed her hand and smiled at her. He knew she was nervous about seeing all the friends she had missed. They had spent the entire day talking and catching up on all that they had missed. He knew she was afraid everyone would be mad but he had reassured her they would understand. How could they not? They all loved her, it would be brushed aside she would see.
The guards grinned at her and pulled the doors open. The page at the top of the grand stair case leading down onto the dance floor gaped at Hitomi as she walked through. Aston frowned at the young lad and he blushed tugging on his collar. Stepping up closer to the two he shifted his eyes down the stairs at the crowd dancing and laughing.
Pulling out his trumpet he let out a glorious blast cutting through the chatter. The orchestra screeched to a halt and all dancing stopped. All eyes turned on the fair green eyed daughter of a maid.
"May I present his majesty King Aston of Liara!!! And his dear friend Lady Hitomi Kanzaki!!!"
The cheers were deafening as everyone cried out in joy to see the young lady alive and well. Aston squeezed Hitomi's hand again before pulling her to the first step. She seemed a little shaky but as the cheers continued and she gazed at all the smiles of her friends her steps became more confident.
"Don't worry," he whispered as they continued down the stair case.
Hitomi turned and gave him a shaky smile, "I missed you," she whispered
Aston felt his heart swell up, "I missed you too child, and don't think I've been distracted so easily, it's still way past time you were wed"
Hitomi rolled her eyes and giggled, Aston turned back to the clapping crowd as they made their way down. He was relieved he could make Hitomi laugh.
Laughing himself as he saw a young Cheid jumping up and down trying to push through the crowd he pointed it out to Hitomi. She waved to the young royal and then waved to Allen who was anxiously helping Cheid through the crowd in a hurry to reach her himself.
Merle, Mark, and Flora were at the bottom of the stairs just smiling at her. They were beautiful. Mark was standing next to his love in dark leather pants and a creamy loose shirt, the top three buttons open, with a deep red rose poking through the fabric over the right side of his chest. It was plain and simple and Merle had complained but Flora had loved it. He had never been one to dress up and she didn't care and she didn't seem to mind all the royals glaring at his tacky outfit.
She was a gem however. Her beautiful fair hair was all done up in twists and braids sitting gloriously atop her head. She was in a deep maroon gown with long flowing sleeves hemmed with gold thread. It was rather low cut with a slit in front of her right leg revealing a good amount of skin. She had told Hitomi Mark had picked it out but Hitomi had a feeling she had chosen it just to infuriate her parents at the lack of covering. She had several beautiful gold bracelets that clanged together as she waved up at Hitomi.
Merle was also a vision. You'd think finding a beautiful gown for a pink haired woman would be rather difficult but it hadn't been. She was in a light blue gown reaching her knees so as not to confine her tail. The soft light blue silk stopped at her shoulders and then a see through blue material flared out falling out like water. The front was tied up and outlined in a deep sapphire blue. Her hair too was done up in twists her bangs resting against her face. She too was wearing a little eye shadow and lip gloss that Hitomi had put on herself.
Caleb walked up next to his girlfriend wearing his traditional arrogant smile. He was in silk light blue slacks hemmed with sapphire thread. He threw his arm around Merle's shoulders and kissed her cheek. Hitomi laughed some more as her fiend blushed. Caleb's jacket was literally sparkling. It was a light blue to match Merle's with real sapphires at buttons. The white shirt he was wearing under it poked through around the stiff collar pushing up against the blue silk. His hair was its usual messy self but didn't seem to deter from the handsome look. Hitomi was just surprised Merle had been able to get him in the suit.
Aston smiled down at Merle and the princess of Williams. He had been fine until Caleb had walked up. Giving the young blonde his most formidable scowl didn't seem to work for he stayed rooted to his spot. Hitomi turned to her left and pointed at her other friends.
"Aston that's them! Trisha, Darice and Soren! Caleb is up there next to Merle! I can't wait until you meet them"
Aston remained calm as he turned his scowl on the three slowly walking to stand next to Caleb at the bottom of the stairs.
Trisha's beautiful dark curls spilled over her shoulders onto the black velvet of her gown. It had one thick strap slung over her left shoulder that came around to the back and under her right arm. The velvet clung to her skin before falling down around her legs. There were two slits on either side of her legs giving her plenty room to move and revealing the deep purple satin along the inside of the magnificent gown.
A beautiful purple gem hung on a silver chain lying peacefully against her chest. She was truly beautiful, but it didn't seem to affect Aston.
Soren stood next to her his dark hair pulled back in a low ponytail tied off with a deep green ribbon. He wasn't as fancy as Caleb for like Mark he too preferred to avoid the fancy jackets and such. He was clad in deep brown leather pants and a deep green cotton shirt that matched his eyes. A deep brown leather jacket, to match his pants, was hanging casually over the shirt. There were no buttons or ties it just hung open giving him a somewhat rugged look.
Darice stood next to him her long brunette hair pulled back in a braid lying against her back. She was truly an angel. Her dress was just a river of gold and cream. It was a plain design really, long sleeves, decent cut, the bottom brushing the floor, no slits, and a slightly low cut back. But the colors and designs on the gown itself made up for it all. The gown itself was a cream color, but gold thread had been weaved and twisted into intricate designs all over the silk. The designs couldn't be named but the artist had certainly created a dress for heaven alone.
Hitomi pulled Aston forward faster. Aston pulled back. He wasn't in any hurry to reach the bottom of the stairs now. His hateful glare swept over the four but they seemed unfazed. Hitomi turned around and pulled again.
"Come on I want you to meet them"
He reluctantly gave in and followed her down the stairs. Hitomi gave the introductions and everyone smiled back. Merle and Flora had already met the king so it was just an old reunion but Mark bowed and gave the formalities. The other four didn't do a thing but blandly smile at the king.
No one seemed to pick up, except for Hitomi that is. Not a word was spoken between her four gypsy friends and than man who had raised her.
She was going to say something but thought it would perhaps be better said later. So looking back up she froze. Van was standing behind the group a ways conversing with a few royals.
He too of course hated the formal dress just as much as Soren and Mark. But the casual outfit did so much more for her than Mark's or Soren's could ever do. He was in his usual tan leather pants with a loose white shirt, the first few buttons open and his unruly hair in it's usual pose. He wore dark knee high mud boots and a plain white satin sash slung over his left shoulder and tied in a knot at the top of his right hip. Up at the top in deep red and gold was Fanelia's seal and Hitomi just couldn't seem to jerk her eyes from him.
She couldn't understand it. He always dressed like this, minus the sash, of course. But there was just something about him standing and greeting and laughing with royals that made him look a little different that night. The music started up again and Van looked up as if he had felt Hitomi's heated gaze.
His jaw slid down a little has he looked his angel over.
"Excuse me ladies and gentlemen"
Pushing past the royals he beat Allen and Cheid to the tiny group at the bottom of the stairs. He himself had just come in the back door and obviously had missed Hitomi being announced. Gently pushing Soren and Darice apart he stepped in front of Hitomi still at a loss for words.
Aston's grin returned and he raised Hitomi's hand up towards Van. Van didn't seem to see anything else in the room as he stared down at Hitomi. She was beyond beautiful. The dress was amazing, he would thank his sister later but the clothing didn't matter to him. He wanted the person not her clothes. He hungered for her laughter and couldn't get enough of her smile. Taking her hand the tiny group parted as the young Fanelian king lead Hitomi onto the dance floor.
They all smiled as Van continued to gape at Hitomi.
"I think he likes the dress," Merle said cheerfully squeezing Caleb's arm
Flora winked at Merle as Mark pulled her onto the polished dancing floor, "I think what he likes is the person wearing the dress"
"I couldn't agree with her more, Merle would you like to dance?"
Merle looked up at Caleb and smirked, "Well," she sighed, "I suppose," she said heavily as if it were a chore
Caleb chuckled and pulled her onto the dance floor.
Aston clenched and unclenched his fists. He turned to the three left and glared at them again.
"I won't let you have her," he growled low enough for just them to hear
Darice looked near tears, so did Trisha. Soren sighed deeply and pushed the girls to the crowd.
"Go find some helpless soul to dance with," he ordered
The two solemnly nodded and headed off passing the tired Cheid and Allen angrily waiting for Van to bring Hitomi off the dance floor.
"Aston you know we don't have control over it. It's her blood."
Aston stepped closer and took a deep breath, "I don't care! You've already taken the only woman I ever loved away!! I won't let you take away Hitomi."
Soren sighed again and leaned up to look towards the ceiling.
"If she doesn't do it then Gaia will fall"
"So be it"
Soren snapped his angry gaze to Aston, "I'm truly sorry about the other we had nothing to do with that! She knew she wasn't supposed to go but she went of her own accord! You really think we like doing this?!"
Aston didn't have an answer to that.
"True our foolish mistakes resulted in our curse but it's not as if we enjoy this. I love Hitomi as much as you do! I don't want to see her die!"
"Then stay away from her, go away and never return," Aston's stern command was full of hatred
"I can't, you know that"
"Your body is yours to control! GO!"
Now Soren clenched his fists, "You know too little Aston, you speak naught but foolishness and she will know soon"
"I won't let you take her"
"Then tell her, let her decide"
"No"
"Then the task falls to us, we will tell her, tomorrow"
Aston turned, his figure rigged with anger, "Damn all of you! I will! kill you"
"You've said as much before"
And with that Aston walked off. Soren sighed and pushed back the guilt. It was just the way things had to be, he had to get over it. But as he turned to find Hitomi and Van spinning on the floor their content and loving smiles lighting up the room he cursed at himself.
Van twisted Hitomi's body to the notes dipping her and kissing her for all to see. Hitomi was too shocked and embarrassed to say anything. The floor cleared and everyone stood on the sidelines cheering as Van lifted Hitomi into the air spinning her and catching her waist. Hitomi started to giggle but Van just continued to pull his love to the music.
The song soon ended and the people flooded back out to the floor. It was a slow song so Van just grabbed Hitomi's hands and led her in the simple waltz.
Hitomi was catching her breath and still giggling a little.
"I didn't know you could dance like that!"
Van just gave her a lazy smile, "One of my many talents"
"Oh I'm sure"
Van just leaned forward and rested his chin on Hitomi's head, "I love you Hitomi"
Hitomi felt herself stiffen for a moment. Of course she knew that he loved her. It just sounded so different actually hearing the words come from his lips. Squeezing him gently she let out a content sigh.
"I love you too Van"
Darice stood off to the side flicking the annoying banners that would occasionally blow her way and hit her head. Her stomach was twisting with disgust or maybe it was jealousy. There was too much love in the room and it was suffocating her. She was happy for Hitomi of course and Caleb had finally found someone to love. That should have made her deliriously happy but it didn't. Instead it was a painful reminder of what she would never again have. That being her husband.
She bitterly shoved the tears away drowning out the peaceful music. She closed her eyes and thought of every foul curse she could dredge up and stood there fuming and cursing Michael. She was about to leave when she heard laughing and looked up.
Flora was laughing non stop as Mark spun her around the dance floor. They were making a circle and they were heading her way. Pulling up a fake smile she gave the two her best impression. Mark winked at her.
"You're next!" he called out over his shoulder before spinning on.
Next she caught sight of Soren and Trisha. Soren was dipping Trisha just as Van had Hitomi and Trisha was giggling at her brother's goofy ways. Whether it be family love or love from your soul mate there was just too much for Darice to handle. So turning she ran smack dab into someone's chest.
Looking up she tried to hold the tears back but if there was one person on Gaia she couldn't hide her emotions from it was her husband's brother. His bright blue eyes seemed to read her thoughts. Some times it came in handy, for instance on the battle field. Other times it reminded her so much of her husband she couldn't stand to be around him. But no matter she couldn't run from him anyway.
He was her last family member and she him. They were each other's life support through the hard days and she knew she was lucky to have such a wonderful brother in law. Her mother hadn't even cared for her as much as Caleb did. He was unquestioning family love.
Him and his brother had been inseparable growing up. Darice had lived in the same town and had often been jealous of the siblings trust and care. For her sisters were to obsessed with themselves to bother with her. She had finally dredged up enough courage to talk to them. And the moment she heard Jason's deep comforting voice she was gone.
And so it came to be that Caleb and Jason accepted another into their loving circle. Caleb wasn't happy about the attention his brother lavished on Darice at first but he greatly respected his older sibling and couldn't deny him anything, especially love. And as time went on Caleb became more of an overprotective brother watching Darice whenever his brother was away.
The day the circle broke had been the most heart wrenching day of the three's lives. But unlike Jason, Darice and Caleb had each other. They were a shoulder to cry on and the other's motivation.
Oh they bickered often but it was just playful fighting, a routine they had fallen into. It didn't matter how red their faces would get or how hard they would smack each other.
In the end they knew without a doubt that if one needed help the other would be at their side no matter how large the consequence.
"May I have this dance?"
Darice gave Caleb a weary smile and pushed his hand away, "I'm tired Caleb"
Caleb frowned, "You're just a bad a liar as Hitomi," and with that he grabbed her hand and dragged her to the dance floor.
And as Darice put her hands in Caleb's to dance she felt her tension drain away. There was just something about knowing that Caleb was and always would be there for her that broke her defenses. So leaning into his shoulder she cried silently so as not to draw too much attention. Caleb just leaned his head against hers and let her cry into his sapphire sprinkled suit.
"It's okay Darice you'll make it through," he whispered trying to cover the crack in his voice.
In truth he knew Darice was going to die. Maybe not physically but very soon emotionally. And he cursed the day he met her.
Maybe if he and Jason hadn't found her she wouldn't have to suffer as she was going to. For he knew how much she loved his brother. And he knew how much he meant to her despite their arguing. She was going to lose her love and then her brother of the heart.
And it was going to break her.
The ball was wonderful. Allen and Cheid finally got a hold of Hitomi and danced with her the rest of the night, catching up on this and that. Cheid had been so happy to see his "sister" that he had tackled her as soon as Van had released her.
No one could bring themselves to chastise the young ruler though. He had never really known his parents, only friends. Hitomi and Millerna had often visited the young prince and whenever the blonde haired young one had jumped awake screaming with nightmares Hitomi was the first one by his side.
She had been there to bandage his cuts and cool his burns. Her supposed death and hit him hard.
Midnight approached and the candles lighting the luxurious room began to dim. The moon came to its full glory and slowly one by one the guests started to retreat to their rooms. Van, Cheid, Allen, Hitomi, and Merle were exhausted from dancing and merrymaking so they headed off to their rooms.
Mark and Flora managed to successfully avoid the King and Queen of Williams and disappeared into the garden arm in arm.
Darice was weak and tired from crying and dancing but managed to help a slightly drunk Trisha up to their rooms.
The room was practically bare the few exceptions of course being Soren, Caleb and Aston.
Soren was frustrated as it was and felt Caleb would be the best one to handle the man right now.
So giving his friend an encouraging squeeze on the shoulder he whispered good night and left. The soft sound of satin brushing against wood mixed with the light breeze teasing the already dying candles. Soft flickers of light bounced off the walls playfully as the cool night air flowed in from the open balcony doors.
And then it started to rain.
Not a heavy drenching rain, just a light relaxing rain. Caleb always felt at home in the rain so when the light pitter patter began to sound from the balconies he thanked whomever responsible for the relief.
"You can't have her, I won't let you take her"
Caleb felt the immediate fury rush through his veins and he looked up to face the king. And the fury fled. He couldn't muster up one hateful thought. Not one curse, not even the simple will to plow his fist into the middle aged King's face.
For all he could see was a heartbroken man. Standing alone, desperately trying to defend the one thing left to his heart. And he knew exactly how the hopelessness felt.
"Aston.I wish we didn't have to."
Aston clenched his fists, "Leave her alone! You already took the other!"
Caleb managed a scowl at this comment, "Aston she wasn't supposed to go and you know it, we had nothing to do with that, how many times do we have to say this!!!"
Aston's shoulders dropped and Caleb felt his heart crack a little at the sight of such a proud man breaking under the strain.
"She's all I have left," his voice rose just above the peaceful splash of the rain, "Please don't take her"
Caleb turned around, he didn't want to see it anymore, he couldn't see it anymore.
"It's just five Aston, five for millions, who are we to say no?"
"But why you five?"
"If not us then who?"
"Me, I'll go"
"I know," and with that the last two candles spluttered and everything was plunged into darkness.
"I know," Caleb repeated before slowly making his way out of the room and up to his bedroom.
But Aston just stood in the darkness the cool breeze brushing up against his skin.
Hitomi was up early the next morning out in the garden walking around in the flowers. It was rather silent considering the castle was still half full with guests from the ball. She must have gotten up earlier than she thought. It didn't matter though she liked being alone out in Fanelia's garden it was so beautiful.
Birds chirped up in their perches mixing with the hush of water hitting sand. Hitomi bent down and picked up a fallen blossom. It was a crushed rose. Hitomi tried to fluff up the soft petals but it was too damaged. So walking over to the edge of the lake she let the rose fall into the somersaulting waves and watched it float away.
*~Flash back~*
A young little girl with sandy brown hair ran along the edge of beach slipping and sliding on the sand. Her hair was a mess with sand clinging to the thin strands. She was laughing and pushing herself back up to start running around. Her eyelids shot up and her sparkling green eyes looked up as if searching for something.
The girl couldn't have been more than 5, her short tiny legs fighting for traction as she ran across the golden sand. Her right foot didn't get a good enough grip and she went forward face first. The sand flew up in a frenzy shooting out in all directions. The young one's head burst out of the ground laughing.
She rolled onto her back still laughing the sun beating down on her skin. Finally controlling her laughter she jumped up and shook the sand out of her shirt and skirt.
"I love the beach!" she said smiling up at a figure coming up to her side
"I know you do darling, but look at you! All dirty now," the woman gave an exasperated sigh as if it truly bothered her, "I suppose we'll just have to clean you right off"
The little girl didn't have time to comprehend what her mother was going to do. The woman picked her daughter up and walked into the water.
"Mommy!" the girl giggled trying to crawl to the top of her mother's head, "The water's going to be freezing"
"I'm not so sure, you'll just have to find out for us won't you"
With a huge grin she pried her daughters fingers from her head and threw her out in the ocean water. A few bubbles floated to the top but only a few. The mother began to frown.
"Hitomi I won't fall for that!"
Still nothing.
"This isn't funny young lady! Come up here right now!"
Silence.
Walking out a little farther she peered down and screamed when something grabbed her foot.
"HITO-"
The woman's shrill cry was cut off by the splashing waves. The young little Hitomi popped up gasping for breath smiling like there was no tomorrow. Laughing she watched her drenched mother slowly sit up her long brown hair plastered to her face.
"So mommy! Cold or just right?"
Kimi flipped her hair out of her face and looked down at her daughter smiling and throwing her hands in the water splashing everywhere. And she couldn't stop the grin that crept up. She could never get angry with her little flower, no matter the situation Hitomi could brighten her days.
Reaching out she pulled her daughter in her lap, "Just right!"
Hitomi laughed harder and jumped off her mother's lap pulling her up, "Come on mommy let's swim!"
Kimi pushed herself to her feet her pendant smacking against her skin under her light white shirt. She felt something tugging on her hair and pulled it out. It was a rose. Looking up at Hitomi running farther out in the water she saw the soaked and squished rose in her daughters hair.
Running to catch up with her she pulled the rose out. Hitomi looked up at the squished and wet roses in her mother's hand.
"Oh mommy we forgot about the roses!!!"
Kimi just smiled fluffing the petals out as best she could before setting them down on top of the water.
"It's alright darling"
"But mommy Aston gave those to us! I bet Millerna didn't get hers wet, he'll be hurt mommy!"
Kimi picked Hitomi up and smiled at her, "What say you we go kidnap him and bring him to the beach with us maybe a day on the beach will cool his temper"
Hitomi's eyes practically dazzled, "Millerna too?"
Kimi laughed, "Millerna too, come on lets dry off a little then we'll kidnap both of them and throw them in the water"
"OOOhhh! They'll love it mommy!! Come on!"
The little Hitomi squirmed out of her mother's hands and started running back to the shore.
*~End of Flashback~*
Hitomi jerked her hand out of the water and backed up watching the rose float out in the water. Turning away she made an attempt to smile. But some days she just wished she could go back to being five again, playing with her mother and visiting Van and Merle. It was so much easier in those days.
Hitomi shook the water from her hand and walked away to get lost in the little forest next to the castle. Hitomi walked up to the tall young man with spiky hair and gave Folken a sad smile.
"We miss you Folken"
Losing your parents and your brother all in one year was a lot for a young boy. Hitomi didn't think she could have handled it like Van did. She walked past the row of statue's including hers and Millerna's and walked out into the forest.
She missed her mother. To tell the truth she kept a small bit of hope that she was alive and out there. She hadn't seen her die, or been by her side to hear her dying words. One day her mother had just disappeared. Aston had come to her and told her she was dead. Hitomi had screamed for hours asking how she had died. But Aston had said she had been mugged in the market and killed. Hitomi didn't believe it for one minute and it hurt even more that Aston would lie to her, about her mother no less.
Hitomi heard a crunch behind her and spun, but it was clear. The trees swayed with the breeze and a few birds hopped here and there a squirrel scrambled up a tree on her right. Hitomi let out a shaky breath, she was just panicking.
So turning she leaned against a heavy trunk and slid to the forest floor.
"Mother."
Caleb closed his door behind him looking to his right at his sister in law. Giving her a wry smile he turned to his left to find Soren and Trisha standing there all with the grim determination.
Caleb closed his eyes and leaned back against the cold wood. This was it. No more secrets, no hidden truths today they let it all out and today they would leave, possibly.
However revelations or not today was the click of the timer. Their time had just begun and they wouldn't last much longer. Curse or not today was the beginning of gaia's time glass. The sands were falling and one girl was going to have to decide the fate. One for millions. Or millions for one. Minus four that is.
"How are we going to do this?" Darice shifted in her spot crossing her arms causally, she looked resigned and frustrated.
"We could leave it to the pendant to show her," Trisha offered
"Cowardly," Caleb supplied
Trisha shifted uncomfortably staring at the ground, "I know"
Soren ran his hand through his hair, a nervous habit of his, "I suppose we just lay out the tale for her then"
"We don't have to tell her the entire tale," Darice's whisper was barely audible
"She'll find out sooner or later," Soren's sympathetic tone shut Darice up
"She's right we could just tell her the tale another day, just convince her to come with us today," Trisha urged on
Caleb sighed, "Again cowardly, but if anyone would like my opinion I think we should let her in on her past before we even try explaining ours"
"Oh and she's going to handle that real well," Trisha muttered
"Caleb's right, Darice go get that damned book you gave her, I think it's probably triggered enough, at least the visions will soften the blow. I'll go find Hitomi and meet you all out in the garden. We'll tell her hers first then if she can handle more we'll tell her ours. After that we leave, we're already wasting time."
Everyone nodded to Soren and headed off to their assigned tasks.
Hitomi sauntered down the halls laughing as she passed the council room again.
"FINE THEN DON'T!!!"
Hitomi winced at Van's shout, the meeting with Flora's parents sounded like it was going well. Mark had spirited Flora off to the market for the day, on Van's request. He wanted to deal with the William's royals first then Flora could decide if she wanted to have anything to do with them.
Hitomi had spent the past half an hour just walking laughing at the random shouts penetrating the walls every now and then. Hitomi would just laugh and suppress the urge to rush into the council room just to see Van's face. And the royals after they received what she was sure was the worst tongue lashing they had ever seen.
Another shout seeped through the walls and Hitomi couldn't help but laugh a little.
"HERE THAT'S WHERE YOU SHOULD BE ASHAMED OF YOURSELVES!!"
'Go Van!' her mind cheered
She was laughing looking down at her shoes and walking. So of course she didn't notice the hard chest she was about to run into.
Hitomi hit Soren's chest with an 'uf' and almost hit the deck if it weren't for his hands pulling her back to standing position.
Hitomi looked up and smiled, "Hey Soren"
"Hitomi could I have a word with you?"
"Sure," Hitomi shrugged following him into the royal gardens.
"Good morning Lady Hitomi!" the princess of Gitani waved sitting with one of the lords of her land. Hitomi couldn't exactly remember his name, it could have been Ken but she wasn't sure. She smiled at the lovers and waved a good morning.
Soren was leading her out of the gardens past all the guests and Hitomi frowned, "Soren where are we going?"
"Just outside the garden, can't have any listeners now-"
"HITOMI!!!"
Hitomi spun around to find a worried Cheid clinging to Merle's back as they raced across the garden with Allen. All eyes turned to the three and Hitomi hurried forward. Reaching up she pulled Cheid off Merle's back and bent down so she could come to eye level.
"What's wrong Cheid?"
"I'm sorry Hito-chan I wanted to stay and visit longer but we have to leave"
Hitomi's brow furrowed in confusion, "Why?"
Allen gave her a wry smile, " A message just came from Zaibach, it was Dilandu. He said didn't make it to your welcome back party because he was out burning some things. Mainly marauders. They attacked the outskirts of Zaibach. These guys have guts."
Merle snorted most unlady like, "They sound more stupid than anything. Anyways Dilandu-sama said that he was doing fine but he had just heard that some marauders were spotted about 2 miles south of Asturia and 3 miles west of Fried. He said Cheid and Allen had better hurry home."
Allen bent down and pulled Hitomi into a hug, "Hito-chan it was great to see you again I missed you so much," leaning over he kissed her forehead, "We'll deal with this and be back in no time"
Cheid jumped up and pushed Allen out of the way wrapping his arms around Hitomi's waist, "Missed you and I promise I'll visit as soon as these ruffians have been seen to"
Hitomi hugged the young boy back and gave him a stern frown, "I don't want you anywhere near the front is that understood?"
"Hitomi I'm almost-"
"I don't care how old you are you stay inside and let the soldiers take care of that. You won't like it one bit if I have to come all the way to Fried just to shout your ear off."
Cheid grunted, but it was a subtle way of saying 'okay'
"I'll be back soon Hitomi be careful got it?"
Hitomi frowned up at Merle, "And just where are you going?!"
Merle gave a smirk, "Dilandu won't admit it but Van-sama is sure that everyone will need a little back up. Actually it's his pretty way of making sure the marauders don't walk away alive. I do believe he's still a little vengeful."
"I'm still not understanding where you come in," Hitomi's frown darkened
"Oh Hitomi you know exactly where I come in and I'm not arguing about it with you."
"Merle!"
"Hitomi I've been trained for this kind of thing don't worry, you've known for years that I was one of Fanelia's generals."
Hitomi made a grab for her friend in an attempt to capture her and keep her captive until the whole ordeal was settled. But Merle and her cat instincts saw it coming and she jumped back.
"You're Van's sister though!"
"And proudly one of Van-sama's top generals. Don't start with me, I just finished the last lecture with Van-sama. Varie and Goou gave me approval when I was 8 to become a general when I was old enough. I've been trained I'm fine, now I have to leave, be careful."
With that Hitomi watched Cheid jump onto Merle's back and take off with Allen heading for the courtyard where their horses, and a good chunk of Fanelian soldiers waited to go hunt some marauders.
Hitomi crossed her arms and 'harumphed' she didn't like this one bit. Those marauders were nothing but trouble! And how did they managed to evade everybody! They were attacking Zaibach for crying out loud they had to be huge!! How come they couldn't find them!?
Hitomi jumped when she felt Soren's heavy hand on her shoulder, "Hitomi come on"
"I don't like this one stinking bit"
"And I suppose you want to do something about it?"
"Darn straight I want to do something about it!"
Soren sighed wearily, "I was afraid you'd say that"
They walked for a few more seconds before Hitomi caught sight of a fire just ahead. Looking closer she saw Darice, Caleb and Trisha standing around the fire in a circle, watching, as if they expected something to happen.
Soren pulled Hitomi forward a little faster and they completed the circle. Hitomi looked down in the fire and gasped when she saw her book. Her draconian book that Darice had given her.
"The book!" Hitomi cried turning to her friends for an explanation, "What are you doing?"
Darice looked up at her, "Getting a map"
Hitomi didn't know whether to yell at them for burning the book or whether to slap Darice for being so criptive with her words. It was frustrating. They were all just standing there casually, arms crossed or looking up at the trees.
She was so lost in her own confusion that she didn't see the book begin to crackle. A loud pop made her jump and she stared down into the fire. The book gave off another loud snap and the gold immediately started to melt.
'What the?! There's no way this fire is hot enough to melt gold??' her mind screamed
The book became liquid within seconds and the fire turned completely blue. Hitomi backed up a little a slightly crazed look grazing her face.
The now blue fire shot up into the trees and Hitomi's head snapped up to follow it. But she was too slow and the fire disappeared. The trees were remarkably unscathed. Hitomi turned back to where the fire had been and screamed reflexively.
There hovering the hair was, well pictures. A bright pink dot was blinking on the left and she backed up some more. Looking at the scenes hovering in front of her she realized it was, a map. The pink dot was Fanelia she recognized the seal under the blinking dot. A line shot out from the dot and flew across the air over lands and cliffs. She watched it pass Zaibach, then Liara and Gitani, it went through the small country of Yalis and then through what looked like a small desert. Finally it headed to the frozen plains of Ralle and abruptly pulled to a halt in the middle of the wasteland.
"Ralle," Caleb grumbled, "I hate it there"
"Well I'll take the snow over the desert any day remember last time!" Darice turned to him waving her finger in his face, "You pissed it off and it decided that resting the desert was a fine idea!"
Caleb rolled his eyes, "Exxxcccuse me" he drawled rolling his eyes
Hitomi's wide eyes made a sweep of her friends. This floating map didn't seem to bother them the way it was bothering her.
The floating 3d map vanished with a gust of wind. Hitomi looked down at the burnt wood that had been kindling the fire, the book was gone. There wasn't a single trace of metal or scattered pages.
Hitomi looked up and found her friends staring at her intently as if they were waiting for the next miracle to come from her. Taking a deep breath she closed her eyes.
"What was that?"
"A guide," Darice finally answered
"To what?"
"A temple," Soren supplied
"What temple??"
"The temple of Aloysia and Yoshi, the last royals of the Draconians, died some time ago in the wars against the humans," Caleb stated blandly
"I see," Hitomi nodded her head still in the dark as to what in the world was going on
"I don't think you do," Trisha said with a small smile as she stepped towards Hitomi, "Hito-chan can I ask you a favor?"
"Anything," Hitomi immediately regretted her words. Trisha was her friend and she would do anything for her, that was until they started acting like this. They were always walking around now as if they had weights tied to their legs and shoulders. She couldn't get a genuine laugh if she tried.
"Close your eyes Hitomi and listen to my voice"
Hitomi hesitated but closed her eyes soon enough.
"Now I need you to concentrate, I need you to reach down deep inside your soul and pull out something for me. I need to bring out a truth you've known since birth."
Hitomi had no idea what Trisha was talking about.
"Trish-"
"You've just forgotten Hitomi, trust me. Focus, look inside, you'll feel the heat. Reach for it Hitomi."
Hitomi thought her friend was going nuts but decided to give it a try to make her happy. So relaxing she fumbled in the dark for this light she was talking about.
Soren, Caleb, Darice and Trisha smiled a little as they saw the pendant dangling around Hitomi's neck start to glow. The pink light was faint at first but as Hitomi's face twisted with concentration the light grew.
Hitomi felt a heat jump to the middle of her chest and suppressed the sudden urge to open her eyes. Continuing to focus on the heat she felt the tiny ball of light burst into a shower of dazzling rain drops. The heat was wonderful and Hitomi basked in the wonderous peaceful feeling that flowed through her.
But then the sparkling balls began to roll to the center of her vision. She felt the sharp knife like pain shoot up her legs first. She cried out in shock.
But the pain kept on. Her arms tingled at first, soon however the tingling turned into sharp thrusts of pain. The pain slowly crawled up her body and flew to her back. And before she knew what was happening a blinding pain erupted throughout her back. She cried out as she felt what was like flesh ripping. Opening her eyes she fell to her knees gasping for breath. A few stray tears fell to the forest floor and she looked up to her friends who where only giving her a mix between a sympathetic smile and a proud grin.
She felt like punching every one of them. Here she was kneeling in pain and they were smiling at her! She pushed herself to her feet and was about to yell at them all when something floated through her vision. Hitomi's shoulders pushed back slightly and she gasped at the new weight she felt on her back. Looking around her eyes grew the size of saucers as she gaped at the feathers floating down all around the group. Hitomi had only seen feathers like that once before, they were Van's feathers, Draconian feathers. Shifting her still huge orbs to the tiny group in front of her she tried to question them. But her mouth wouldn't work. Darice seemed to take pity on her and pointed behind her.
Hitomi turned around and shuddered. She felt as if she had just brushed her back against a tree trunk. But the trees were a good distance from her, there was no way her back could have rubbed against a tree.
Turning back around she felt the brush again and her body shivered. Now the group had on amused little smiles. Trisha looked as if she was trying not to laugh and Hitomi recgnoized the glint in Caleb's eye. She saw it whenever Darice found his morning prank. Soren's mouth was twitching and Darice had her hand over her mouth.
"What is so funny!?!"
Darice walked forward and held in her laughter.
"Hitomi grab a hold of that heat now"
Hitomi could still fill the tiny sparkling jewels of heat. She reached out with her mind and grabbed the heat and shivered at the sensation that washed over her. Something moved and Hitomi turned her head to her left slightly and about fainted. She was face to face with a large pearly feather covered wing.
That just happened to be attached to her back. Hitomi took the heat and moved it back and felt the wings move back and spread out.
Hitomi seriously fought the urge to faint now. She was draconian!!! She had wings!
Trisha seemed to read her expression, "Well you're not full blooded Draconian, you're half human half draconian"
The words seemed to pull Hitomi out of her trance, "How do you know?"
Everyone shut there mouth at this, Hitomi didn't like the guilty look sweeping over their faces.
Soren finally cleared his throat, "Hitomi, we knew your mother, Kimi was a friend, and fellow draconian"
Hitomi's mouth moved as she tried to voice her question but her lips just moved. They were all draconians?! Soren read her eyes and nodded. Then the other piece of information hit her and she slowly locked her gaze with Soren's.
"My mother?" Hitomi wasn't sure her whisper had made it to their ears but by their looks it had
Caleb nodded slowly, "And your father"
Hitomi felt her heart tighten up and her lungs shrink, her father? Her father?!?! She didn't even know her father!!
"You know my father"
"Yea we know him Hitomi," Trisha replied quietly
"Can I meet him?" Hitomi couldn't stop the request before it left her lips. She wanted to know who her father was!
Soren gave her a grin, "You already know him child, as for seeing him before we leave, no you may not"
"Know him?! What are you talking about! Who is my father!! Tell me!!!"
"Don't you know?" Darice scrunched her eyebrows in confusion as she studied Hitomi's face, "You truly don't know?"
Hitomi shook her head vigorously.
"You've never seen it?" Caleb asked stepping up next to Darice, "You've never seen his love for you?"
Hitomi was so angry she couldn't see straight how was she supposed to see her father's love?! She'd never known the man!!!
"My mother always told me I had to figure it out and that he would never be to far. I never understood her and she.she died before she could tell me."
Now it was the group's turn to looked confused.
Trisha blinked a few times, "But you never figured it out?"
Hitomi felt her anger rising, she had never been so angry in her life. Who were they to look down on her?! Who did they think they were?!?!
"No!!!"
"Now child there's no need to shout like that"
Hitomi spun around at the familiar voice and relaxed when she saw Aston leaning against a tree. He smiled at her and then glared at the four behind her. Hitomi turned back around to glare at them as well.
Aston walked up next to Hitomi and was careful not to bump into her wings. Smiling at her he wrapped his arm around her shoulder. The four immediately shrunk under his scowl and Hitomi blinked in surprise.
"She really doesn't know," Darice said baffled as she looked up at Aston, "Why didn't you ever say anything? How could you keep it from her?"
Hitomi felt an uncomfortable lump began to form in her throat.
"You call us the jerks!" Caleb spat, "What does that make you?!"
"I had my reasons!" Aston shouted back
Hitomi felt the realization dawn on her and she slowly turned her head to look up at Aston as he argued with her gypsy friends. It wasn't that much of a shock though, how could it be? He had always been the one to tuck her in and push his meetings aside to come spend time with Millerna, her mother and herself. He'd been the one to father her after her mother had died and he'd been the one to keep her safe. The question was why hadn't she seen it before.
"Aston?" the crack in her voice was unavoidable
Aston immediately turned from the argument and looked down at his daughter. Hitomi yelled at herself for not having seen it before. Hadn't the love always been there? Even as he looked down at her now she could see nothing but love radiating from his eyes.
Hitomi tried to continue but her body wouldn't allow it, instead she broke down into sobs, that came from heaven knows where. Her wings disappeared into her back but Hitomi didn't pay any attention to the soreness that sprang to life in her muscles. She just flung her arms around Aston's neck and buried her face in his shoulder.
"Well that first revelation went well wouldn't you say?" Caleb whispered to Darice
Darice closed her eyes and sighed trying to shake her nervousness. This wasn't shaping up to a good start. If she couldn't see her father how would see accept their story? How would she handle the pressure that was sure to come?
Not to mention how would she react the day she saw Folken again?
Darice just hoped Hitomi's innocence would make it through. But considering her reaction to finding her father things weren't looking too good.
A/N Hey tell me how you like it? Good or hey good idea going there but REWRITE IT!!! Don't worry I can handle it like I said I'm fighting writers block so it's slowing things down so I can understand if this chapter didn't turn out exactly like everyone pictured. Please R&R! AND HAVE A GREAT DAY!!!