Disclaimer: Do I have to keep on doing this? I mean I said it for like the
first 13 chapters!!!! Oh well I don't own Escaflowne.
A/N Thank you again everyone for all the reviews their great!!! Oh and Sakura Michael is Lorus, Trisha's husband and the leader of the marauders. Anything else? Well you guys don't know yet ^^ Alright it's been a while since I talked to everyone who reviewed so I'm gonna for all that reviewed Chapter 13. Sorry don't take it personal this is just the random chapter I really love all who review you guys are the best.
Angelwarriar: Hey!!! I'm glad you like the surprises! Thanks for reviewing constantly Kell and thanks for updating Learning to Love!!! ^^ Been waiting for that to come out for a while!!
Tenyo and Van: I love your guys reviews they crack me up every time!! I'm sorry though don't have a heart attack that's bad, yes the other three don't know what Soren's doing but it's complicated kinda. As for Surlina ^_^ well you'll just have to wait and see what happens with Surlina. Thanks again for reviewing constantly!!
Aylee: 0-0 Flamethrower?!?! *runs to hide* Okay I stopped homework to write this so no roasting anything got it? If you hurt me then I can't write and no one else knows what's going to happen at the end so ^^ Thanks for reviewing constantly and I'm glad you like the cliffhangers!!!
Love Witch: Yep Yep wonderful cliffhanger ^^ Thanks for reviewing constantly I love them and don't worry I know Shara really really wants to be in here with Allen. And since I don't know of any other human being who likes Allen ( even my friend who has only heard stories hates the Blondie) but since she's the only who really really likes Allen you can reassure her she will be with him. I'm happy you like!
Sakura: Thanks for all the reviews bought gave me a heart attack though I was checking on them and I was like whoa!!! But thanks for taking the time to review and have a good day!
MaboroshiTsuki: Hey well as for the Hitomi killing Folken thing you'll just have to wait and see ^^ evil I know. I'm sorry it's causing you frustration I'll write more as fast as I can. I'm really happy it's so impressing and thanks for reviewing!!!
Emerald Mist: Thank you sooo much for all your reviews!!! I just want to say thank you for being one of the constant reviewers. As for someone killing Soren we'll have to see and I'm glad you really like it!!! Thanks!
Shara: Hey yes Soren is mean and wait are you asking me to kill Folken?!?!?!! 0_o I'm glad you're happy, I've never really met someone who likes Allen so much. Thanks for reviewing and thanks for the hug! ^^
Amber Evans Potter (Formerly Selena): Cool finally got an account!!! Awesome!!!! Sorry I don't like Harry Potter but I do read Sailor Moon it was the first anime I started with. Thanks for reviewing and I'm sure you'll get lots of reviews but I mean tons of people read and like they just never review. Even just having a few that like the stories is great also this is like my 8th and it turned out to be great so just keep trying if one does go so well at the beginning. Thanks again for reviewing and good luck with your stories!!!
Skittles: *blush* Thanks you for the praise I really appreciate it ^^ And I'm glad you like the story!!! That's the important part and thank you sooo much for reviewing!!! I'm also glad you were surprised that's what I was aiming for! Thank you sooo much again for taking the time to review and have a great day!!!
Hey now that those are done with let's get on with the show!!! ^^ We left Allen worrying over a Merle, physical status unknown. Then we have Hitomi and Van in the clutches of Michael, Lorus (I switch back and forth depending on whose speaking) and Soren the traitor with his sister, darice and Caleb. Will they be alright? Let's go and find out! ^^
The tiny tent was dark and sweaty, the smell of blood swirling around in the air. Curled up in the corner her hands tied to her ankles Hitomi shook with anger and tears as the crack of the whip floated through the walls.
It was a freezing night and the rain was pouring down harder than ever. A stray tear fell off her cheek and hit the blanket she was curled up on. She watched as the brown darkened with her tear and shuddered as another crack echoed through the tiny marauder camp.
Still there was no scream, no bellow, no whimper of pain from the captive.
So Hitomi lay in the dark praying for the best. But as the snap of the whip continued to thunder over the rain the smell of blood growing stronger by the moment Hitomi felt her heart sink. A restrained whimper caught in her throat and she swallowed. She wouldn't give them the satisfaction. She just couldn't.
Her pendant gave off a soft dim light, the only thing penetrating the surrounding darkness. She tried to focus on the rain sliding down the canvas walls but it was no good. The whip would interupt her and again she could hear the sickening rip of flesh.
Letting a few more tears roll down her cheeks she closed her eyes and tried to block out the sounds. Humming her mother's song only seemed to make the cracks more audible so she gave it up and went back to the silence.
She didn't know how long the whip dug into his flesh or how long she laid there curled up in the darkness but it was definitely too long. But eventually the whip stopped and Hitomi could hear the heavy chains clanking and crashing against each other as Van was led to the tiny tent. She slammed her eyes shut not wanting to see what they had done to him.
The echo of voices floated around her tent as they drew closer and closer the metal clink of chains bellowing out like drums in her ears.
The tent flap flew open and Hitomi could feel the cold rush of air brush up against her skin along with the sickening smell of fresh blood. She heard a large thud accompied with the rubbing of the metal chains. The cold night air disappeared and she knew the marauders had left.
She could hear soft ragged breathing but he sounded more alive than dead. Hitomi felt the tears quickly slip out of the corners of her eyes as her breathing picked up. She couldn't stop the flood as pictures of Van's mutilated body floated into her mind. She managed to get a hold of herself somewhere in the panic and opened her eyes blinking through the tears to see.
Her pendant seemed to feel her plight and began to glow brighter. She waited as patiently as she could as the pendants light gradually grew. In the mean time she kept herself busy with sitting up and jerking her ropes off. She didn't care if they did the same to her, she had to get to Van and the only way she was going to do that was if she wiggled out of the ropes. She had been pulling and pushing and jerking for a good solid three hours now and though her wrists were bleeding and burned she had kept on going.
Gritting her teeth she gave one finally jerk as the rope bit into her skin. But the final jerk seemed to be enough and she managed to finally snap one of the ropes. That was all she needed. Slipping out of the bindings she managed to free her feet.
Quickly throwing the ropes aside she took a deep breath and crawled over to the shadowed figure near the front of the tent.
He was soaked but didn't look any worse for wear on his back, except the damage caused previously in their rough landing near Tiraw the other day. His hair was clinging to his neck and skull along with his pants. He was clad in his thin tan pants only, and Hitomi struggled to calm her breathing as she reached around to turn him over.
He rolled over with her help and she let out a shaky sigh as she focused on his face. His eyes were closed and his face was rosy from the cold with tiny rain droplets still rolling down all sides of his face. She was just starting to feel relieved when she caught sight of his chest.
She was screaming before she could stop herself. Throwing her hands over her mouth to muffle the screams she madly blinked back hundreds of tears that threatened to pour forth at any given moment.
Hastily wiping her eyes with her arms she reached over and picked his right arm and the long chain dangling from his wrist and lifted them over his chest so it would rest on his right side next to her leg. This allowed him to roll over onto his back completely and Hitomi got a full eyeful of the damage. His chest was just one bloody mess.
The marauders hadn't chained his wrists together like they had earlier, they obviously felt he wasn't much of a threat in his current condition.
Frantically wiping away fresh tears she looked around the tent for something to use. Over in the far left corner was a cloth blanket and over in the far right corner was a basin full of water with a tiny cloth rag. Hitomi blinked back more tears and crawled over to grab the items. Dragging the basin over to Van's side she dipped the cloth in the water and bit her tongue at how cold it was. Van wasn't going to like this but she had to at least try and clean some of the gashes on his chest, wherever they might be.
She couldn't tell where one gash started and another ended.
Ringing the rag out she steadied herself and gently let the cloth stretch out over as much of his skin as it would cover. The blood seeped into the thin cloth immediately and Hitomi had to push back the urge to throw up. Picking it up she rinsed it in the basin and let out a small whimper as the water quickly shifted red.
Hitomi rung it out again and turned back to Van's chest. Carefully placing the rag on his chest again she caught a glimpse of something moving. Turning towards his face she gasped when she saw his jaw clenched tightly. Nothing else was moving, just his jaw. Thinking it was her imagination she turned back to the rag and rinsed it out continuing the process until most of the blood was off his chest. Unfortunately that had been excess blood, the gashes were still bleeding and she couldn't get them to stop. Leaning over she wrapped her arm around his neck and pulled him into a sitting position.
With her other arm she grabbed the cloth blanket and wrapped it around his chest and back tieing a knot over his shoulder to secure it for now. She could already see the blood rippling down the white blanket as it soaked through the layers but it would have to do for now.
Carefully lowering him back to the ground she just sat there staring at his sleeping face for a while. Her eyes drifted down his body and she caught a glimpse of her hands.
She stared down in horror at her blood soaked hands. Letting out a fearful scream she threw her hands into the basin and screamed even louder when she realized the water was mostly blood now anyways. Chucking the entire bowl out the tent flaps she dragged her hands down her pants over and over again until most of the blood was gone.
She was shaking now, with pain, horror, shock, or tears she couldn't tell. She was just, shaking. Stretching out next to Van she wrapped her arms around his arm and her leg around his. He was freezing and if she didn't manage to keep him a little warm he would likely freeze to death.
So burying her face in his arm she curled up close, careful not to touch his chest.
This was a disaster.
The shadowed figure marched through the mud wrapping his blanket and jacket tightly around his shoulders to force out the cold of the rain.
Making sure not to drop any of the items in his arms he stomped down to the tiny tent in the middle of camp. Smacking the flap open he wasn't surprised to see Hitomi curled up next to Van his chest already wrapped up with the only blanket available. Sighing in frustration he crawled in next to the two and set the ointment and bandages down in the corner on a tiny little slab of wood. Pulling out the blankets he had stuffed against his chest he shook out the first one and carefully stretched it out over the two. Then shaking the other heavier quilt he tucked it around their bodies to keep them warm. Making sure they were still alive and breathing he crawled back out of the tent and quickly headed back to his warm bed frowning all the way.
He couldn't have them dead before they reached Surlina, he would have to talk to his men about their form of punishment.
Hitomi watched in horror as Merle fell to the ground her head connecting with the earth floor. The cat girl looked dazed and confused as she tried to push herself up on her bruised elbows. That's when the kicking started.
Hitomi and Van struggled against their ropes as the marauder's boots connected with Merle's sides over and over. Hitomi was crying and found she didn't have much strength. However Van did. Within seconds of the beginning of the beating he was free of the ropes.
Hitomi watched in half surprise half happiness as he snapped his ropes and grabbed a sword right from a near by marauder's sheath. The men that had been holding him were too shocked to do anything before it was too late. Van was at Merle's side with three dead marauders at his feet before the marauders pounced on him.
Michael had called off the "fun" and the group had marched off leaving a crumpled Merle in the town square of Tiraw. The men broke out the chains and slapped them around Van's wrists and ankles.
They marched for hours, well into the night before they stopped to set up camp. She had watched in numb terror as the marauders had chained him to two posts. She knew what was happening before the man with the whip had even walked up. Van seemed to know as well, he mouthed an 'I love you' and before Hitomi knew it she was being dragged off.
Hitomi's eyes snapped open her breathing heavy and jagged. She couldn't see anything but she could feel Van's body pressed up against hers. Letting out a sigh of relief she closed her eyes trying to calm herself down, reliving the previous night in her dreams was not how she wanted to sleep.
'Wait.'
Hitomi let her fingers move around as she realized just how warm she was. Slowly sitting up so as not to disturb Van she found two layers of blankets stretched out over their bodies. Her pendant started to glow for her once more and as she looked around with her tiny light she saw the slab of wood in the corner with ointment and bandages.
She had a feeling she knew who brought the bandages and ointment and she knew why. But she wasn't about to turn away the help even if it was from the very man who had created the problem. She also knew why he had helped. She wasn't about to plague herself with illusions of a soft side to the marauder's leader, he just didn't want her dead before they got to Surlina. Now why he would want Van alive, she didn't know.
He was good for ransom but other than that they had no use for the young king, at least she hoped. Slowly sliding back under the blankets she wrapped her arms around his again and leaned against his shoulder making certain she wasn't touching any of his wounds.
But the tiny movement seemed to bring her love out of his sleep.
Van blinked and groaned as the wave of pain enveloped his head. The knife like stabs in his chest were stealing his breath. Blinking again he realized he was in darkness. He tried to move and felt some weight move off his shoulder and away from his arm. He wasn't exactly sure what it was but the warmth from it left as well, something he didn't like very much.
Turning his head to the left slightly he felt his heart burst with joy as he found himself staring into Hitomi's beautiful face. Her pendant was glowing allowing him to see at least her face. Her cheeks were tear stained and she looked exhausted and a little shaken.
It wasn't until he tried to sit up that images of the previous night came flooding back to him. He remembered every time the whip swung down to bite into his flesh. Leaning back down he gritted his teeth regulating his breath until the pain dulled a little.
Then plastering the best smile he could muster at the moment he reached up and carressed Hitomi's cheek with his thumb.
"Hello love"
He even frowned at his coarse voice and felt his heart wrench as he watched his angel's eyes swell with tears.
"Shushhhhh, it's okay Hitomi, don't cry love, come here"
He pushed the chains dangling from his wrist out of the way and pulled Hitomi down next to him again and felt her slide down clinging to his arm her head resting on his shoulder. The familiar warmth returned and he smiled kissing the top of her head.
"Don't cry Hitomi, it's alright"
"No it's not," she managed to choke out squeezing his arm tighter, "Your chest is one big mess of cuts and blood"
"But I'm alive," he pointed out rubbing her back as she curled snuggled closer.
"Van."
"I'm right here Hitomi, I'm not going to leave you, now you look tired why don't you go back to sleep"
She shook her head, "I don't want to sleep"
"Bad dreams?"
She nodded.
Van winced in pain as the skin on his chest stretched as he moved his arms. He pulled Hitomi's face up closer to his, the cool pink stone gently bumping his collar bone.
"Now why would you have bad dreams?"
Hitomi wasn't going for his cheerful mood so Van gave up and splayed his fingers out across her cheek. Hitomi closed her eyes and leaned into his hand trying to block out the images from her nightmare.
Soon enough she felt his hot breath against her lips and shivered just as his lips came down on hers. His mouth had a way of weaving a magic she had never felt before. Melting against his side -still slightly aware of her surroundings and not wanting to touch his chest- she let his tongue have free reign over her mouth.
Hitomi couldn't remember when Van let her lips go, but frankly she didn't care. She would have stayed in his arms all day long if he wanted. When he held her close she was able to forget the fact that those were chains rubbing her back and that her wrists burned because she had broken free of ropes. Or the fact that she had to kill Folken to seal this stupid power and that Merle was likely still crumpled up in a ball in the town square dead or dieing.
Van kissed her nose and leaned back wincing again at the pain in his chest. Hitomi leaned against his shoulder and pulled the blankets up over their shoulders.
"Get some rest Hitomi"
Hitomi just mumbled something before she drifted off to sleep.
Merle groaned as the room came into view. Her head was pounding and her ribs ached beyond anything she thought possible. She could only see right in front, the sides were still black.
"Merle."
Merle recgonized Allen's voice and felt the relief wash over her as Allen's long blonde hair and deep blue eyes came into focus.
"Allen," she managed to mumble
"Oh thank goodness she's awake! Merle I know you're in a lot of pain but you're going to be fine"
Merle wanted to respond, in fact she tried but her words slurred and she watched as Allen's face disappeared into the darkness again. The comfortable black surrounded her again and she drifted off back to the land of dreams.
'Soren!' Michael screamed into the tiny black room of his mind. It took the man a few seconds but soon enough Soren appeared in the little room, arms crossed.
'What is it Lorus?'
'Surlina opened a portal for us as the bottom of Mount Eli. Wait until we get through and my men set up camp before you follow otherwise the three will start to wonder before we're even inside the temple. The portal will close after I go through and open up about a half an hour later. The portal will take us right to Surlina.'
'Why the rush?'
'We had an incident the other day and Surlina would like Van and Hitomi there as soon as possible. There's also a huge snow storm due to hit Ralle this evening. Travel will be impossible so we'll be snowed in for a while.'
'Whatever, she's the boss'
'Yes, she is, now get moving'
Hitomi stirred under the heavy blankets and rolled onto her back.
"Morning love"
Hitomi's eyes fluttered open and she almost jumped. Van was leaning down in her face smiling like nothing had happened. Hitomi reached up and pushed some of his unruly bangs out of his face.
"Morning"
Van leaned down and kissed her nose, "I hear them moving around outside I think we should get up before they come in here and drag us out."
Hitomi propped herself up on her elbows still trying to wake up. She saw the slab of wood over in the corner and pushed herself up in a sitting position. Crawling over to the stuff she picked up the wood and carried it back over to where Van was.
"Can you lift your arms up?"
Van raised his hands up gritting his teeth at the pain. Hitomi untied the blanket and slowly unwrapped it. The blanket wreaked of blood and Hitomi had to bite her tongue to keep from screaming again. His chest looked a little better but it was a surprise he could even move. He was definitely going to have some scars.
Taking an edge of the cloth blanket she wiped away the extra blood around the slices. She could see all the whip marks now but didn't dare count them. Luckily they had stopped bleeding and were trying to heal over. Taking the ointment she gently rubbed it over his entire chest as there were too many to do it individually.
Despite her best efforts however she heard Van sucking in quick gasps of breath.
"Sorry," she whispered taking the bandages and wrapping them around his chest.
"Don't be," he said through clenched teeth
Tying the bandages off over his shoulder she took one of the blankets and threw it around his shoulders.
"They took your shirt away so you'll have to use this"
Van caught her hand just as it was sliding down his right arm. Kissing her fingers he smiled down at her.
"Thank you"
Hitomi couldn't help but blush, what she really wanted to do was get her wrist back however. But Van saw her wrists and frowned.
He mumbled some uncomplimentary name under his breath and grabbed her other hand looking that wrist over.
Then reaching down he took the ointment and rubbed it into her wrists. Hitomi bit her lip at the fire that rushed through her arms. Van then took the extra bandages and wrapped her wrists up muttering some more uncomplimentary names.
"That's everything boss!"
"Okay go get his majesty and company!"
"Sure thing!"
Hitomi's eyes grew wide, "Van you have to tie me back up"
"What?!"
"Hurry!"
Hitomi grabbed the ropes and shoved them in Van's hands. Van hesitated at first but the footsteps were getting closer and he certainly didn't want Hitomi going through what he had for breaking the ropes. So gently pushing her down he tried to tie her wrists up as gently as possible. Taking the other end he tied her ankles to her wrists, just the way she had been the other night.
The tent flaps flew up and a marauder stuck his ugly head in.
"Sleep well?" he laughed pulling Van outside
The blanket fell and he saw the bandages, Van knew he was in trouble.
"Ah Lorus is such a baby sometimes," the marauder muttered leaning back into the tent.
Van sighed in relief and waited for the jerk to pull Hitomi out. He heard a knife come out of it's hilt and felt his heart jump to his throat. Hitomi soon appeared her ankles free with just her wrists tied. Van gave another heavy sigh of relief, he was just panicking. They wanted Hitomi alive, they wouldn't kill her now.
Van flashed her a smile before some marauders came up and started to pull on Van's chains. They clamped some cuffs to his wrists and wrapped the chains around his legs. Hitomi pushed her anger down as hid his pain.
But who should come waltzing up to the couple, none other than Michael.
"Good Morning everyone!" he said his trademark smirk plastered across his lips.
Taking the folded sweater out from under his arm he slipped it over Van's head and pulled it down. Van glared at the man, he wasn't about to thank him for the clothing.
The arms flapped down at the sides seeing as how Van's arms were chained and cuffed in the front.
"We've got a short little walk this morning, it seems that Surlina grows impatient so we won't be traveling through the mountains. Surlina has opened a portal for us at the bottom of the Mount Eli so we should be there around noon I'd say."
Hitomi felt panic sieze her, they were going to be there so soon?! This wasn't going well. She still had yet to tell Van about Folken, considering the recent events she hadn't really found anytime appropiate. But then again Soren had lied to her, maybe everything they had said was a lie. She couldn't tell anymore it was all making her head swim just thinking about it. She didn't know what or who to believe.
She was snapped out of her thoughts as a marauder pushed her forward and she stumbled up next to Van's side.
"As you can see your feet are free. Don't think about running, Van I personally was impressed with how you held up last night, no normal man could have handled that. But then again you aren't a man are you?"
Van spit at Michael's feet.
"However, as impressive as it was I don't think you could stand for another round. And Hitomi you wouldn't want anything to happen to your precious little king now would you? If you leave what reason do I have to keep him alive?"
He was bluffing of course but how did they know? Michael grinned as he watched Hitomi's eyes grow wide.
"So you won't be trying to leave us will you?"
Hitomi shook her head quickly.
"Good now you'll eat on the way, wouldn't want to starve you. You'll need your energy. Let's move out!!!" Michael bellowed walking away whistling.
Hitomi hated him, that was all there was too it. Actually hate couldn't begin to describe the displeasure she felt whenever seeing the scum. She just had this uncontrolable urge to run him through with the nearest sharp object.
Hitomi squeaked as some bread was shoved in her mouth. Glaring at the marauder as he laughed and walked over to Van doing the same to him she leaned back and chewed. As much as she hated him their was no reason to refuse his food.
She finished her bread and bent down and turned to look at Van. She couldn't help but giggle at how cute he was. Her giggle soon turned into full blown laughter as she watched him munch on the bread glaring at everyone around him.
He turned towards her and his eyes widened in a questioning look that only made her laugh harder. He was just so adorable.
Van finally managed to get all the bread in his mouth and chew it up.
"What?"
Hitomi just shook her head giggling to herself. Van harrumphed and focused on walking as the marauders pushed them along the group already moving out.
Once Hitomi got a hold of herself she turned to Van smiling as they walked along.
'I love you,' she mouthed to him
'Love you too,' he mouthed back winking
Hitomi turned forward again, and continued smiling. Sure she was bound and marching through mud to her possible death. Van was with her and he loved her, that was all that mattered. She could make it.
Merle wrapped the blanket around her shoulders and stumbled out of the tent. Her ribs were screaming in pain but she had to get off of that cot. She took as deep a breath as she could of the fresh morning air and furrowed her brows in confusion as she saw the camp packing up.
"MERLE!!"
Merle turned towards the voice and smiled as Allen ran over to her.
"What are you doing out of bed?!"
"It's stuffy in there Allen would you relax?"
Allen frowned and crossed his arms, "You almost got yourself killed!!!! Didn't I tell you not to go out there!!!!"
"I had to get that girl!"
"You could have sent me!"
"She wouldn't have gone with you!"
Allen reached up and massaged his temples, "Okay the important thing is your alive. Now go rest you have about 20 minutes before we actually start moving."
"Where are we going?"
"To follow Van and Hitomi of course"
Merle's smile brightened, "You found them!"
"Lorus has them in his camp, they are about a mile ahead of us but we have a scout keeping track of them."
Merle grinned and leaned up to peck Allen on the cheek, "Thank you for bringing me with you"
Allen turned her around and gently ushered her in the tent, "I wouldn't want to be left behind if I was in your position either now get a little more rest, I'll come get you when we're ready to go"
"Okay!" Merle said cheerfully crawling back on her little bed.
'I'm coming Lord Van, I'm coming to get you and Hitomi just stay safe a little longer.'
Hitomi stumbled along watching the trees pass as they marched along. She had been thinking again. Though she didn't really want to concentrate on anything that had to do with Surlina she had to figure out this mess.
First of all Soren had lied and was working with Michael.
As it turned out Michael was working for Surlina.
So the whole story about Michael not being able to enter Surlina unless someone else was there to take him in was incorrect.
So that meant your mind and heart didn't need to be clear before walking in.
Also if Micheal wasn't after the power that meant something else obviously bigger than what she had expected was happening.
She still didn't know why they wanted her or Van. And she didn't know if Darice, Caleb, or Trisha were in on it as well.
Basically all things considered she had no idea what was going on! She couldn't believe anything she had been told! Groaning in frustration at the headache it was giving her she tried to focus on nature.
"Hitomi are you alright?"
Hitomi turned to Van, "Yea I'm fine"
Van didn't really believe her but he let her off the hook for now.
Hitomi focused on the trees again and frowned as the last of the forest disappeared into a field. She had wasted time trying to figure out a mess beyond all help and now she was closer to death than she had realized.
Squinting she made out some purple mass at the bottom of Mount Eli.
"The portal," she whispered
Van turned to Hitomi and they just looked into each other's eyes for a moment or two. It was about to get bad, they could both feel it.
"I'll get you out of this"
Hitomi gave him a weak smile, "I'LL get you out of this"
Van smiled and turned back as they started across the cold field. Even the mountains around Ralle were freezing.
Minutes flew by faster and faster as the purple mass off in the distance became clearer. It was actually a large black hole in the side of the mountain with purple electricity crackling aruond the edges.
Sooner than Van or Hitomi would have liked they were standing in front of the crackling hole. Michael looked over his shoulder and smiled.
Waving his hand Van and Hitomi were led up to the front. The crackling was almost deafening. It sounded something akin to continuous thunder and Hitomi had to strain to hear Michael over the roar.
"I only need two men the rest of you set up camp near here!!!!"
The marauders nodded and two volunteers stepped forward grabbing Van and Hitomi.
"Surlina doesn't like to be kept waiting!!!"
Hitomi gave Van one last glance and stepped into the black hole. At first it was just cold as she watched her foot disappear into the blackness. Van stepped up next to her and stuck his foot in as well.
"We'll do it together!!" he bellowed out over the thunder
Hitomi felt some of her fear fall away.
"One!..Two!!! Three!!!"
Hitomi kept her eyes on Van as she threw herself into the hole. She felt cold all over, like she was frozen in ice. Goose bumps slithered up all over her skin as the ground disappeared beneath her feet. It was pitch black, she couldn't see a thing. Something bumped her leg and she soon felt warm hands take a hold of her arm.
"I'm right here Hitomi!!!"
Hitomi felt all her fear creep away as Van's deep voice floated to her ears.
Then everything went black.
"What do you mean disappeared?" Allen asked as calmly as possible
Merle was wrapped up sitting in a chair next to Allen as the scout reported in.
"Sir the marauders set up camp across the field, but Lorus, King Van, and Lady Hitomi. They, well sir they just disappeared into a rather large black hole."
Allen banged his fists on the small wooden table. This just wasn't his week.
"Is the hole there anymore?"
"No sir"
Allen felt close to ripping his hair out.
"Gather the soldiers we'll attack the camp in a half an hour."
"Allen what are we going to do?" Merle asked getting almost frantic now
"We're going to question every one of those creeps until we get some answers."
"What if they don't know?"
"Then we cut a hole through the damn mountain and keep on going forward."
Van groaned and forced his eyes open. His hands were still wrapped around Hitomi's arm and he tried to ignore the breath taking pain in his chest as he sat up.
"Hitomi," he whispered gently shaking her awake, "Hitomi"
Hitomi began to stir and moaned as she rolled over. Slowly opening her eyes she blinked Van into focus. Van smiled down at her.
"Hey there beautiful," he said brushing some hair out of her eyes.
"Van." Hitomi said her eyes wide, "Your chains," she said in confusion pointing to his hands.
Van looked down at his hands and realized his chains and cuffs were gone. Confused he looked down at Hitomi's wrists. The bandages were there but her ropes were gone.
Hitomi looked down at her wrists and looked around the room for their ropes and chains. But they weren't there. It was just then that Hitomi and Van took in their surroundings.
Hitomi gasped as she scanned the room. Gems of all colors, size and types glittered from their little slots in the wall.
"Van!" she said in surprise pushing herself to her feet, "I've been here"
Images of the vision she had the night Darice gave her The Legend of Angels flooded into her mind. Van pushed himself up to his feet next to Hitomi.
"You've been here? To Surlina?"
"In a vision, I came here in a vision."
Hitomi continued spinning around her eyes running all over the gems. It was a rainbow of colors, she almost couldn't tell that they were individual gems, they all looked like a mass of color.
Hitomi kept turning, searching the colors until she found what she had missed in her vision.
"AAAAAAAAHHHHHHHH!!!!"
Van spun around to face the direction she was screaming at. Van closed his eyes and shook his head to hopefully clear his vision, he had not just seen a man frozen behind the gems. But sure enough as he opened his eyes again there was the man, his eyes open smiling at them through the gems.
"What the-"
Hitomi had gotten over her shock and was walking up to the man. She ran her hands over the gems smiling sadly at the man through the rocks. Well there was one thing they hadn't lied about. Jason was frozen in ice behind the wall of gems. Definitely a warning.
"Hello Jason," she whispered sadly her anger towards Surlina growing even stronger as she stared at the helpless man trapped in ice.
"You know him?" Van asked in almost disbelief as he walked up next to his love.
"He's," Hitomi had to clear her throat to continue, "He's Darice's husband"
Van turned his eyes to Hitomi, "Excuse me?"
Hitomi just nodded sadly, "Surlina froze him, according to what I was told it was punishment for entering the temple. But I don't know if that's true anymore. It was Michael's fault he's here but since Michael is working for Surlina I just don't know anymore."
"Speaking of the scumbag where is he?"
Hitomi turned away from Jason and scanned the tiny room once more. She had made it out of here in her vision, she could now if she could just remember where she had gone. Her vision had happened so fast, and it had been too fuzzy. Walking in the opposite direction of Jason she walked up to the gemed wall and ran her fingers over the cold jewels just as she had in her vision.
Van grabbed her arm and she turned to him with a questioning gaze.
"Don't want to lose you," he clarified wrapping his fingers around her slender ones.
Hitomi squeezed and continued to run her free hand over the cold gems. She jumped back when she felt the wall fall away and watched in wonder as a set of stairs came into view.
"Ready?"
Hitomi squeezed Van's hand again and nodded, "Let's meet this Surlina and get it over with," she mumbled putting her feet on the first step.
They were thrown into darkness again and Hitomi grabbed the railing on the side as a guide. Van rubbed the back of her hand with his thumb.
"I'm right behind you"
Hitomi started up the steps concentrating on not tripping. She didn't know how long they walked in darkness but she didn't care. With every step she got closer and closer to Surlina.
Darice had been telling the truth about Jason, what was there to say she hadn't been telling the truth about Folken?
She didn't want to think about that so she just kept walking, focusing on one step at a time. Hitomi lifted her foot up and hit a wall. Pulling her foot back down to the step she leaned against the railing.
"It's a dead end Van"
"Well why did they go through all this trouble just to trap us in this stupid temple?!"
"I don't know Van, maybe they're just messing with our heads."
"Though certainly a worthy guess, I'm afraid you are incorrect."
Van pulled Hitomi down the step seperating them and despite the pain in his chest hugged her close. Hitomi was stiff with disbelief.
She knew that voice.
Slowly, one by one, torches began to light themselves on the side of the walls as the surroundings became visibile. Hitomi turned to look over the railing and a squeak escaped her throat. Just on the other side of the railing she had been leaning against seconds ago was an endless abyss. It was nothing but darkness with jagged rocks sticking out on the sides. Van peered over the sides and hugged Hitomi tighter, gods! She had just been leaning against the railing!!!
A little more cautious now they searched around the stairwell for the voice.
"Please, come in"
The dead end Hitomi had run into slid away to reveal a room. Michael was standing in their view smiling like the idiot he was.
The only problem was the voice hadn't been Michael's. Van pushed his way in front of Hitomi still clutching her hand and walked up the few remaining steps. Michael moved out of the way and Van walked in pulling Hitomi after him. The wall slid shut again and Hitomi and Van looked around the dimly lit room. The walls were a dark purple with silver specks here and there. Tiny holes circling the roof let some light from outside in. Unfortunately they also let Ralle's cold winter air in as well.
They scanned the room looking for the source of the voice, the one they assumed was Surlina. What was confusing however was that Surlina was supposed to be a building. Not a person. But as they met the cold hard eyes of Surlina they realized Surlina had taken human form. Hitomi and Van froze as they gazed at Surlina, her legs crossed an evil little smile plastered to her lips. Hitomi's breath sped up and she felt the room start to spin, she was getting dizzy as Surlina leaned back in her throne.
"Welcome"
Hitomi shook her head and squeezed Van's hand tighter using it for support.
"Mama," she rasped in horror.
A/N Ha!!! Bet none of you saw that coming! Did ya?! ^^ Well Tenyo that's why you can't kill Surlina and here's the next chapter so you can read it before you leave. Hope everyone enjoys!!! I'm off to do my spanish now! Have a great day guys!!!
A/N Thank you again everyone for all the reviews their great!!! Oh and Sakura Michael is Lorus, Trisha's husband and the leader of the marauders. Anything else? Well you guys don't know yet ^^ Alright it's been a while since I talked to everyone who reviewed so I'm gonna for all that reviewed Chapter 13. Sorry don't take it personal this is just the random chapter I really love all who review you guys are the best.
Angelwarriar: Hey!!! I'm glad you like the surprises! Thanks for reviewing constantly Kell and thanks for updating Learning to Love!!! ^^ Been waiting for that to come out for a while!!
Tenyo and Van: I love your guys reviews they crack me up every time!! I'm sorry though don't have a heart attack that's bad, yes the other three don't know what Soren's doing but it's complicated kinda. As for Surlina ^_^ well you'll just have to wait and see what happens with Surlina. Thanks again for reviewing constantly!!
Aylee: 0-0 Flamethrower?!?! *runs to hide* Okay I stopped homework to write this so no roasting anything got it? If you hurt me then I can't write and no one else knows what's going to happen at the end so ^^ Thanks for reviewing constantly and I'm glad you like the cliffhangers!!!
Love Witch: Yep Yep wonderful cliffhanger ^^ Thanks for reviewing constantly I love them and don't worry I know Shara really really wants to be in here with Allen. And since I don't know of any other human being who likes Allen ( even my friend who has only heard stories hates the Blondie) but since she's the only who really really likes Allen you can reassure her she will be with him. I'm happy you like!
Sakura: Thanks for all the reviews bought gave me a heart attack though I was checking on them and I was like whoa!!! But thanks for taking the time to review and have a good day!
MaboroshiTsuki: Hey well as for the Hitomi killing Folken thing you'll just have to wait and see ^^ evil I know. I'm sorry it's causing you frustration I'll write more as fast as I can. I'm really happy it's so impressing and thanks for reviewing!!!
Emerald Mist: Thank you sooo much for all your reviews!!! I just want to say thank you for being one of the constant reviewers. As for someone killing Soren we'll have to see and I'm glad you really like it!!! Thanks!
Shara: Hey yes Soren is mean and wait are you asking me to kill Folken?!?!?!! 0_o I'm glad you're happy, I've never really met someone who likes Allen so much. Thanks for reviewing and thanks for the hug! ^^
Amber Evans Potter (Formerly Selena): Cool finally got an account!!! Awesome!!!! Sorry I don't like Harry Potter but I do read Sailor Moon it was the first anime I started with. Thanks for reviewing and I'm sure you'll get lots of reviews but I mean tons of people read and like they just never review. Even just having a few that like the stories is great also this is like my 8th and it turned out to be great so just keep trying if one does go so well at the beginning. Thanks again for reviewing and good luck with your stories!!!
Skittles: *blush* Thanks you for the praise I really appreciate it ^^ And I'm glad you like the story!!! That's the important part and thank you sooo much for reviewing!!! I'm also glad you were surprised that's what I was aiming for! Thank you sooo much again for taking the time to review and have a great day!!!
Hey now that those are done with let's get on with the show!!! ^^ We left Allen worrying over a Merle, physical status unknown. Then we have Hitomi and Van in the clutches of Michael, Lorus (I switch back and forth depending on whose speaking) and Soren the traitor with his sister, darice and Caleb. Will they be alright? Let's go and find out! ^^
The tiny tent was dark and sweaty, the smell of blood swirling around in the air. Curled up in the corner her hands tied to her ankles Hitomi shook with anger and tears as the crack of the whip floated through the walls.
It was a freezing night and the rain was pouring down harder than ever. A stray tear fell off her cheek and hit the blanket she was curled up on. She watched as the brown darkened with her tear and shuddered as another crack echoed through the tiny marauder camp.
Still there was no scream, no bellow, no whimper of pain from the captive.
So Hitomi lay in the dark praying for the best. But as the snap of the whip continued to thunder over the rain the smell of blood growing stronger by the moment Hitomi felt her heart sink. A restrained whimper caught in her throat and she swallowed. She wouldn't give them the satisfaction. She just couldn't.
Her pendant gave off a soft dim light, the only thing penetrating the surrounding darkness. She tried to focus on the rain sliding down the canvas walls but it was no good. The whip would interupt her and again she could hear the sickening rip of flesh.
Letting a few more tears roll down her cheeks she closed her eyes and tried to block out the sounds. Humming her mother's song only seemed to make the cracks more audible so she gave it up and went back to the silence.
She didn't know how long the whip dug into his flesh or how long she laid there curled up in the darkness but it was definitely too long. But eventually the whip stopped and Hitomi could hear the heavy chains clanking and crashing against each other as Van was led to the tiny tent. She slammed her eyes shut not wanting to see what they had done to him.
The echo of voices floated around her tent as they drew closer and closer the metal clink of chains bellowing out like drums in her ears.
The tent flap flew open and Hitomi could feel the cold rush of air brush up against her skin along with the sickening smell of fresh blood. She heard a large thud accompied with the rubbing of the metal chains. The cold night air disappeared and she knew the marauders had left.
She could hear soft ragged breathing but he sounded more alive than dead. Hitomi felt the tears quickly slip out of the corners of her eyes as her breathing picked up. She couldn't stop the flood as pictures of Van's mutilated body floated into her mind. She managed to get a hold of herself somewhere in the panic and opened her eyes blinking through the tears to see.
Her pendant seemed to feel her plight and began to glow brighter. She waited as patiently as she could as the pendants light gradually grew. In the mean time she kept herself busy with sitting up and jerking her ropes off. She didn't care if they did the same to her, she had to get to Van and the only way she was going to do that was if she wiggled out of the ropes. She had been pulling and pushing and jerking for a good solid three hours now and though her wrists were bleeding and burned she had kept on going.
Gritting her teeth she gave one finally jerk as the rope bit into her skin. But the final jerk seemed to be enough and she managed to finally snap one of the ropes. That was all she needed. Slipping out of the bindings she managed to free her feet.
Quickly throwing the ropes aside she took a deep breath and crawled over to the shadowed figure near the front of the tent.
He was soaked but didn't look any worse for wear on his back, except the damage caused previously in their rough landing near Tiraw the other day. His hair was clinging to his neck and skull along with his pants. He was clad in his thin tan pants only, and Hitomi struggled to calm her breathing as she reached around to turn him over.
He rolled over with her help and she let out a shaky sigh as she focused on his face. His eyes were closed and his face was rosy from the cold with tiny rain droplets still rolling down all sides of his face. She was just starting to feel relieved when she caught sight of his chest.
She was screaming before she could stop herself. Throwing her hands over her mouth to muffle the screams she madly blinked back hundreds of tears that threatened to pour forth at any given moment.
Hastily wiping her eyes with her arms she reached over and picked his right arm and the long chain dangling from his wrist and lifted them over his chest so it would rest on his right side next to her leg. This allowed him to roll over onto his back completely and Hitomi got a full eyeful of the damage. His chest was just one bloody mess.
The marauders hadn't chained his wrists together like they had earlier, they obviously felt he wasn't much of a threat in his current condition.
Frantically wiping away fresh tears she looked around the tent for something to use. Over in the far left corner was a cloth blanket and over in the far right corner was a basin full of water with a tiny cloth rag. Hitomi blinked back more tears and crawled over to grab the items. Dragging the basin over to Van's side she dipped the cloth in the water and bit her tongue at how cold it was. Van wasn't going to like this but she had to at least try and clean some of the gashes on his chest, wherever they might be.
She couldn't tell where one gash started and another ended.
Ringing the rag out she steadied herself and gently let the cloth stretch out over as much of his skin as it would cover. The blood seeped into the thin cloth immediately and Hitomi had to push back the urge to throw up. Picking it up she rinsed it in the basin and let out a small whimper as the water quickly shifted red.
Hitomi rung it out again and turned back to Van's chest. Carefully placing the rag on his chest again she caught a glimpse of something moving. Turning towards his face she gasped when she saw his jaw clenched tightly. Nothing else was moving, just his jaw. Thinking it was her imagination she turned back to the rag and rinsed it out continuing the process until most of the blood was off his chest. Unfortunately that had been excess blood, the gashes were still bleeding and she couldn't get them to stop. Leaning over she wrapped her arm around his neck and pulled him into a sitting position.
With her other arm she grabbed the cloth blanket and wrapped it around his chest and back tieing a knot over his shoulder to secure it for now. She could already see the blood rippling down the white blanket as it soaked through the layers but it would have to do for now.
Carefully lowering him back to the ground she just sat there staring at his sleeping face for a while. Her eyes drifted down his body and she caught a glimpse of her hands.
She stared down in horror at her blood soaked hands. Letting out a fearful scream she threw her hands into the basin and screamed even louder when she realized the water was mostly blood now anyways. Chucking the entire bowl out the tent flaps she dragged her hands down her pants over and over again until most of the blood was gone.
She was shaking now, with pain, horror, shock, or tears she couldn't tell. She was just, shaking. Stretching out next to Van she wrapped her arms around his arm and her leg around his. He was freezing and if she didn't manage to keep him a little warm he would likely freeze to death.
So burying her face in his arm she curled up close, careful not to touch his chest.
This was a disaster.
The shadowed figure marched through the mud wrapping his blanket and jacket tightly around his shoulders to force out the cold of the rain.
Making sure not to drop any of the items in his arms he stomped down to the tiny tent in the middle of camp. Smacking the flap open he wasn't surprised to see Hitomi curled up next to Van his chest already wrapped up with the only blanket available. Sighing in frustration he crawled in next to the two and set the ointment and bandages down in the corner on a tiny little slab of wood. Pulling out the blankets he had stuffed against his chest he shook out the first one and carefully stretched it out over the two. Then shaking the other heavier quilt he tucked it around their bodies to keep them warm. Making sure they were still alive and breathing he crawled back out of the tent and quickly headed back to his warm bed frowning all the way.
He couldn't have them dead before they reached Surlina, he would have to talk to his men about their form of punishment.
Hitomi watched in horror as Merle fell to the ground her head connecting with the earth floor. The cat girl looked dazed and confused as she tried to push herself up on her bruised elbows. That's when the kicking started.
Hitomi and Van struggled against their ropes as the marauder's boots connected with Merle's sides over and over. Hitomi was crying and found she didn't have much strength. However Van did. Within seconds of the beginning of the beating he was free of the ropes.
Hitomi watched in half surprise half happiness as he snapped his ropes and grabbed a sword right from a near by marauder's sheath. The men that had been holding him were too shocked to do anything before it was too late. Van was at Merle's side with three dead marauders at his feet before the marauders pounced on him.
Michael had called off the "fun" and the group had marched off leaving a crumpled Merle in the town square of Tiraw. The men broke out the chains and slapped them around Van's wrists and ankles.
They marched for hours, well into the night before they stopped to set up camp. She had watched in numb terror as the marauders had chained him to two posts. She knew what was happening before the man with the whip had even walked up. Van seemed to know as well, he mouthed an 'I love you' and before Hitomi knew it she was being dragged off.
Hitomi's eyes snapped open her breathing heavy and jagged. She couldn't see anything but she could feel Van's body pressed up against hers. Letting out a sigh of relief she closed her eyes trying to calm herself down, reliving the previous night in her dreams was not how she wanted to sleep.
'Wait.'
Hitomi let her fingers move around as she realized just how warm she was. Slowly sitting up so as not to disturb Van she found two layers of blankets stretched out over their bodies. Her pendant started to glow for her once more and as she looked around with her tiny light she saw the slab of wood in the corner with ointment and bandages.
She had a feeling she knew who brought the bandages and ointment and she knew why. But she wasn't about to turn away the help even if it was from the very man who had created the problem. She also knew why he had helped. She wasn't about to plague herself with illusions of a soft side to the marauder's leader, he just didn't want her dead before they got to Surlina. Now why he would want Van alive, she didn't know.
He was good for ransom but other than that they had no use for the young king, at least she hoped. Slowly sliding back under the blankets she wrapped her arms around his again and leaned against his shoulder making certain she wasn't touching any of his wounds.
But the tiny movement seemed to bring her love out of his sleep.
Van blinked and groaned as the wave of pain enveloped his head. The knife like stabs in his chest were stealing his breath. Blinking again he realized he was in darkness. He tried to move and felt some weight move off his shoulder and away from his arm. He wasn't exactly sure what it was but the warmth from it left as well, something he didn't like very much.
Turning his head to the left slightly he felt his heart burst with joy as he found himself staring into Hitomi's beautiful face. Her pendant was glowing allowing him to see at least her face. Her cheeks were tear stained and she looked exhausted and a little shaken.
It wasn't until he tried to sit up that images of the previous night came flooding back to him. He remembered every time the whip swung down to bite into his flesh. Leaning back down he gritted his teeth regulating his breath until the pain dulled a little.
Then plastering the best smile he could muster at the moment he reached up and carressed Hitomi's cheek with his thumb.
"Hello love"
He even frowned at his coarse voice and felt his heart wrench as he watched his angel's eyes swell with tears.
"Shushhhhh, it's okay Hitomi, don't cry love, come here"
He pushed the chains dangling from his wrist out of the way and pulled Hitomi down next to him again and felt her slide down clinging to his arm her head resting on his shoulder. The familiar warmth returned and he smiled kissing the top of her head.
"Don't cry Hitomi, it's alright"
"No it's not," she managed to choke out squeezing his arm tighter, "Your chest is one big mess of cuts and blood"
"But I'm alive," he pointed out rubbing her back as she curled snuggled closer.
"Van."
"I'm right here Hitomi, I'm not going to leave you, now you look tired why don't you go back to sleep"
She shook her head, "I don't want to sleep"
"Bad dreams?"
She nodded.
Van winced in pain as the skin on his chest stretched as he moved his arms. He pulled Hitomi's face up closer to his, the cool pink stone gently bumping his collar bone.
"Now why would you have bad dreams?"
Hitomi wasn't going for his cheerful mood so Van gave up and splayed his fingers out across her cheek. Hitomi closed her eyes and leaned into his hand trying to block out the images from her nightmare.
Soon enough she felt his hot breath against her lips and shivered just as his lips came down on hers. His mouth had a way of weaving a magic she had never felt before. Melting against his side -still slightly aware of her surroundings and not wanting to touch his chest- she let his tongue have free reign over her mouth.
Hitomi couldn't remember when Van let her lips go, but frankly she didn't care. She would have stayed in his arms all day long if he wanted. When he held her close she was able to forget the fact that those were chains rubbing her back and that her wrists burned because she had broken free of ropes. Or the fact that she had to kill Folken to seal this stupid power and that Merle was likely still crumpled up in a ball in the town square dead or dieing.
Van kissed her nose and leaned back wincing again at the pain in his chest. Hitomi leaned against his shoulder and pulled the blankets up over their shoulders.
"Get some rest Hitomi"
Hitomi just mumbled something before she drifted off to sleep.
Merle groaned as the room came into view. Her head was pounding and her ribs ached beyond anything she thought possible. She could only see right in front, the sides were still black.
"Merle."
Merle recgonized Allen's voice and felt the relief wash over her as Allen's long blonde hair and deep blue eyes came into focus.
"Allen," she managed to mumble
"Oh thank goodness she's awake! Merle I know you're in a lot of pain but you're going to be fine"
Merle wanted to respond, in fact she tried but her words slurred and she watched as Allen's face disappeared into the darkness again. The comfortable black surrounded her again and she drifted off back to the land of dreams.
'Soren!' Michael screamed into the tiny black room of his mind. It took the man a few seconds but soon enough Soren appeared in the little room, arms crossed.
'What is it Lorus?'
'Surlina opened a portal for us as the bottom of Mount Eli. Wait until we get through and my men set up camp before you follow otherwise the three will start to wonder before we're even inside the temple. The portal will close after I go through and open up about a half an hour later. The portal will take us right to Surlina.'
'Why the rush?'
'We had an incident the other day and Surlina would like Van and Hitomi there as soon as possible. There's also a huge snow storm due to hit Ralle this evening. Travel will be impossible so we'll be snowed in for a while.'
'Whatever, she's the boss'
'Yes, she is, now get moving'
Hitomi stirred under the heavy blankets and rolled onto her back.
"Morning love"
Hitomi's eyes fluttered open and she almost jumped. Van was leaning down in her face smiling like nothing had happened. Hitomi reached up and pushed some of his unruly bangs out of his face.
"Morning"
Van leaned down and kissed her nose, "I hear them moving around outside I think we should get up before they come in here and drag us out."
Hitomi propped herself up on her elbows still trying to wake up. She saw the slab of wood over in the corner and pushed herself up in a sitting position. Crawling over to the stuff she picked up the wood and carried it back over to where Van was.
"Can you lift your arms up?"
Van raised his hands up gritting his teeth at the pain. Hitomi untied the blanket and slowly unwrapped it. The blanket wreaked of blood and Hitomi had to bite her tongue to keep from screaming again. His chest looked a little better but it was a surprise he could even move. He was definitely going to have some scars.
Taking an edge of the cloth blanket she wiped away the extra blood around the slices. She could see all the whip marks now but didn't dare count them. Luckily they had stopped bleeding and were trying to heal over. Taking the ointment she gently rubbed it over his entire chest as there were too many to do it individually.
Despite her best efforts however she heard Van sucking in quick gasps of breath.
"Sorry," she whispered taking the bandages and wrapping them around his chest.
"Don't be," he said through clenched teeth
Tying the bandages off over his shoulder she took one of the blankets and threw it around his shoulders.
"They took your shirt away so you'll have to use this"
Van caught her hand just as it was sliding down his right arm. Kissing her fingers he smiled down at her.
"Thank you"
Hitomi couldn't help but blush, what she really wanted to do was get her wrist back however. But Van saw her wrists and frowned.
He mumbled some uncomplimentary name under his breath and grabbed her other hand looking that wrist over.
Then reaching down he took the ointment and rubbed it into her wrists. Hitomi bit her lip at the fire that rushed through her arms. Van then took the extra bandages and wrapped her wrists up muttering some more uncomplimentary names.
"That's everything boss!"
"Okay go get his majesty and company!"
"Sure thing!"
Hitomi's eyes grew wide, "Van you have to tie me back up"
"What?!"
"Hurry!"
Hitomi grabbed the ropes and shoved them in Van's hands. Van hesitated at first but the footsteps were getting closer and he certainly didn't want Hitomi going through what he had for breaking the ropes. So gently pushing her down he tried to tie her wrists up as gently as possible. Taking the other end he tied her ankles to her wrists, just the way she had been the other night.
The tent flaps flew up and a marauder stuck his ugly head in.
"Sleep well?" he laughed pulling Van outside
The blanket fell and he saw the bandages, Van knew he was in trouble.
"Ah Lorus is such a baby sometimes," the marauder muttered leaning back into the tent.
Van sighed in relief and waited for the jerk to pull Hitomi out. He heard a knife come out of it's hilt and felt his heart jump to his throat. Hitomi soon appeared her ankles free with just her wrists tied. Van gave another heavy sigh of relief, he was just panicking. They wanted Hitomi alive, they wouldn't kill her now.
Van flashed her a smile before some marauders came up and started to pull on Van's chains. They clamped some cuffs to his wrists and wrapped the chains around his legs. Hitomi pushed her anger down as hid his pain.
But who should come waltzing up to the couple, none other than Michael.
"Good Morning everyone!" he said his trademark smirk plastered across his lips.
Taking the folded sweater out from under his arm he slipped it over Van's head and pulled it down. Van glared at the man, he wasn't about to thank him for the clothing.
The arms flapped down at the sides seeing as how Van's arms were chained and cuffed in the front.
"We've got a short little walk this morning, it seems that Surlina grows impatient so we won't be traveling through the mountains. Surlina has opened a portal for us at the bottom of the Mount Eli so we should be there around noon I'd say."
Hitomi felt panic sieze her, they were going to be there so soon?! This wasn't going well. She still had yet to tell Van about Folken, considering the recent events she hadn't really found anytime appropiate. But then again Soren had lied to her, maybe everything they had said was a lie. She couldn't tell anymore it was all making her head swim just thinking about it. She didn't know what or who to believe.
She was snapped out of her thoughts as a marauder pushed her forward and she stumbled up next to Van's side.
"As you can see your feet are free. Don't think about running, Van I personally was impressed with how you held up last night, no normal man could have handled that. But then again you aren't a man are you?"
Van spit at Michael's feet.
"However, as impressive as it was I don't think you could stand for another round. And Hitomi you wouldn't want anything to happen to your precious little king now would you? If you leave what reason do I have to keep him alive?"
He was bluffing of course but how did they know? Michael grinned as he watched Hitomi's eyes grow wide.
"So you won't be trying to leave us will you?"
Hitomi shook her head quickly.
"Good now you'll eat on the way, wouldn't want to starve you. You'll need your energy. Let's move out!!!" Michael bellowed walking away whistling.
Hitomi hated him, that was all there was too it. Actually hate couldn't begin to describe the displeasure she felt whenever seeing the scum. She just had this uncontrolable urge to run him through with the nearest sharp object.
Hitomi squeaked as some bread was shoved in her mouth. Glaring at the marauder as he laughed and walked over to Van doing the same to him she leaned back and chewed. As much as she hated him their was no reason to refuse his food.
She finished her bread and bent down and turned to look at Van. She couldn't help but giggle at how cute he was. Her giggle soon turned into full blown laughter as she watched him munch on the bread glaring at everyone around him.
He turned towards her and his eyes widened in a questioning look that only made her laugh harder. He was just so adorable.
Van finally managed to get all the bread in his mouth and chew it up.
"What?"
Hitomi just shook her head giggling to herself. Van harrumphed and focused on walking as the marauders pushed them along the group already moving out.
Once Hitomi got a hold of herself she turned to Van smiling as they walked along.
'I love you,' she mouthed to him
'Love you too,' he mouthed back winking
Hitomi turned forward again, and continued smiling. Sure she was bound and marching through mud to her possible death. Van was with her and he loved her, that was all that mattered. She could make it.
Merle wrapped the blanket around her shoulders and stumbled out of the tent. Her ribs were screaming in pain but she had to get off of that cot. She took as deep a breath as she could of the fresh morning air and furrowed her brows in confusion as she saw the camp packing up.
"MERLE!!"
Merle turned towards the voice and smiled as Allen ran over to her.
"What are you doing out of bed?!"
"It's stuffy in there Allen would you relax?"
Allen frowned and crossed his arms, "You almost got yourself killed!!!! Didn't I tell you not to go out there!!!!"
"I had to get that girl!"
"You could have sent me!"
"She wouldn't have gone with you!"
Allen reached up and massaged his temples, "Okay the important thing is your alive. Now go rest you have about 20 minutes before we actually start moving."
"Where are we going?"
"To follow Van and Hitomi of course"
Merle's smile brightened, "You found them!"
"Lorus has them in his camp, they are about a mile ahead of us but we have a scout keeping track of them."
Merle grinned and leaned up to peck Allen on the cheek, "Thank you for bringing me with you"
Allen turned her around and gently ushered her in the tent, "I wouldn't want to be left behind if I was in your position either now get a little more rest, I'll come get you when we're ready to go"
"Okay!" Merle said cheerfully crawling back on her little bed.
'I'm coming Lord Van, I'm coming to get you and Hitomi just stay safe a little longer.'
Hitomi stumbled along watching the trees pass as they marched along. She had been thinking again. Though she didn't really want to concentrate on anything that had to do with Surlina she had to figure out this mess.
First of all Soren had lied and was working with Michael.
As it turned out Michael was working for Surlina.
So the whole story about Michael not being able to enter Surlina unless someone else was there to take him in was incorrect.
So that meant your mind and heart didn't need to be clear before walking in.
Also if Micheal wasn't after the power that meant something else obviously bigger than what she had expected was happening.
She still didn't know why they wanted her or Van. And she didn't know if Darice, Caleb, or Trisha were in on it as well.
Basically all things considered she had no idea what was going on! She couldn't believe anything she had been told! Groaning in frustration at the headache it was giving her she tried to focus on nature.
"Hitomi are you alright?"
Hitomi turned to Van, "Yea I'm fine"
Van didn't really believe her but he let her off the hook for now.
Hitomi focused on the trees again and frowned as the last of the forest disappeared into a field. She had wasted time trying to figure out a mess beyond all help and now she was closer to death than she had realized.
Squinting she made out some purple mass at the bottom of Mount Eli.
"The portal," she whispered
Van turned to Hitomi and they just looked into each other's eyes for a moment or two. It was about to get bad, they could both feel it.
"I'll get you out of this"
Hitomi gave him a weak smile, "I'LL get you out of this"
Van smiled and turned back as they started across the cold field. Even the mountains around Ralle were freezing.
Minutes flew by faster and faster as the purple mass off in the distance became clearer. It was actually a large black hole in the side of the mountain with purple electricity crackling aruond the edges.
Sooner than Van or Hitomi would have liked they were standing in front of the crackling hole. Michael looked over his shoulder and smiled.
Waving his hand Van and Hitomi were led up to the front. The crackling was almost deafening. It sounded something akin to continuous thunder and Hitomi had to strain to hear Michael over the roar.
"I only need two men the rest of you set up camp near here!!!!"
The marauders nodded and two volunteers stepped forward grabbing Van and Hitomi.
"Surlina doesn't like to be kept waiting!!!"
Hitomi gave Van one last glance and stepped into the black hole. At first it was just cold as she watched her foot disappear into the blackness. Van stepped up next to her and stuck his foot in as well.
"We'll do it together!!" he bellowed out over the thunder
Hitomi felt some of her fear fall away.
"One!..Two!!! Three!!!"
Hitomi kept her eyes on Van as she threw herself into the hole. She felt cold all over, like she was frozen in ice. Goose bumps slithered up all over her skin as the ground disappeared beneath her feet. It was pitch black, she couldn't see a thing. Something bumped her leg and she soon felt warm hands take a hold of her arm.
"I'm right here Hitomi!!!"
Hitomi felt all her fear creep away as Van's deep voice floated to her ears.
Then everything went black.
"What do you mean disappeared?" Allen asked as calmly as possible
Merle was wrapped up sitting in a chair next to Allen as the scout reported in.
"Sir the marauders set up camp across the field, but Lorus, King Van, and Lady Hitomi. They, well sir they just disappeared into a rather large black hole."
Allen banged his fists on the small wooden table. This just wasn't his week.
"Is the hole there anymore?"
"No sir"
Allen felt close to ripping his hair out.
"Gather the soldiers we'll attack the camp in a half an hour."
"Allen what are we going to do?" Merle asked getting almost frantic now
"We're going to question every one of those creeps until we get some answers."
"What if they don't know?"
"Then we cut a hole through the damn mountain and keep on going forward."
Van groaned and forced his eyes open. His hands were still wrapped around Hitomi's arm and he tried to ignore the breath taking pain in his chest as he sat up.
"Hitomi," he whispered gently shaking her awake, "Hitomi"
Hitomi began to stir and moaned as she rolled over. Slowly opening her eyes she blinked Van into focus. Van smiled down at her.
"Hey there beautiful," he said brushing some hair out of her eyes.
"Van." Hitomi said her eyes wide, "Your chains," she said in confusion pointing to his hands.
Van looked down at his hands and realized his chains and cuffs were gone. Confused he looked down at Hitomi's wrists. The bandages were there but her ropes were gone.
Hitomi looked down at her wrists and looked around the room for their ropes and chains. But they weren't there. It was just then that Hitomi and Van took in their surroundings.
Hitomi gasped as she scanned the room. Gems of all colors, size and types glittered from their little slots in the wall.
"Van!" she said in surprise pushing herself to her feet, "I've been here"
Images of the vision she had the night Darice gave her The Legend of Angels flooded into her mind. Van pushed himself up to his feet next to Hitomi.
"You've been here? To Surlina?"
"In a vision, I came here in a vision."
Hitomi continued spinning around her eyes running all over the gems. It was a rainbow of colors, she almost couldn't tell that they were individual gems, they all looked like a mass of color.
Hitomi kept turning, searching the colors until she found what she had missed in her vision.
"AAAAAAAAHHHHHHHH!!!!"
Van spun around to face the direction she was screaming at. Van closed his eyes and shook his head to hopefully clear his vision, he had not just seen a man frozen behind the gems. But sure enough as he opened his eyes again there was the man, his eyes open smiling at them through the gems.
"What the-"
Hitomi had gotten over her shock and was walking up to the man. She ran her hands over the gems smiling sadly at the man through the rocks. Well there was one thing they hadn't lied about. Jason was frozen in ice behind the wall of gems. Definitely a warning.
"Hello Jason," she whispered sadly her anger towards Surlina growing even stronger as she stared at the helpless man trapped in ice.
"You know him?" Van asked in almost disbelief as he walked up next to his love.
"He's," Hitomi had to clear her throat to continue, "He's Darice's husband"
Van turned his eyes to Hitomi, "Excuse me?"
Hitomi just nodded sadly, "Surlina froze him, according to what I was told it was punishment for entering the temple. But I don't know if that's true anymore. It was Michael's fault he's here but since Michael is working for Surlina I just don't know anymore."
"Speaking of the scumbag where is he?"
Hitomi turned away from Jason and scanned the tiny room once more. She had made it out of here in her vision, she could now if she could just remember where she had gone. Her vision had happened so fast, and it had been too fuzzy. Walking in the opposite direction of Jason she walked up to the gemed wall and ran her fingers over the cold jewels just as she had in her vision.
Van grabbed her arm and she turned to him with a questioning gaze.
"Don't want to lose you," he clarified wrapping his fingers around her slender ones.
Hitomi squeezed and continued to run her free hand over the cold gems. She jumped back when she felt the wall fall away and watched in wonder as a set of stairs came into view.
"Ready?"
Hitomi squeezed Van's hand again and nodded, "Let's meet this Surlina and get it over with," she mumbled putting her feet on the first step.
They were thrown into darkness again and Hitomi grabbed the railing on the side as a guide. Van rubbed the back of her hand with his thumb.
"I'm right behind you"
Hitomi started up the steps concentrating on not tripping. She didn't know how long they walked in darkness but she didn't care. With every step she got closer and closer to Surlina.
Darice had been telling the truth about Jason, what was there to say she hadn't been telling the truth about Folken?
She didn't want to think about that so she just kept walking, focusing on one step at a time. Hitomi lifted her foot up and hit a wall. Pulling her foot back down to the step she leaned against the railing.
"It's a dead end Van"
"Well why did they go through all this trouble just to trap us in this stupid temple?!"
"I don't know Van, maybe they're just messing with our heads."
"Though certainly a worthy guess, I'm afraid you are incorrect."
Van pulled Hitomi down the step seperating them and despite the pain in his chest hugged her close. Hitomi was stiff with disbelief.
She knew that voice.
Slowly, one by one, torches began to light themselves on the side of the walls as the surroundings became visibile. Hitomi turned to look over the railing and a squeak escaped her throat. Just on the other side of the railing she had been leaning against seconds ago was an endless abyss. It was nothing but darkness with jagged rocks sticking out on the sides. Van peered over the sides and hugged Hitomi tighter, gods! She had just been leaning against the railing!!!
A little more cautious now they searched around the stairwell for the voice.
"Please, come in"
The dead end Hitomi had run into slid away to reveal a room. Michael was standing in their view smiling like the idiot he was.
The only problem was the voice hadn't been Michael's. Van pushed his way in front of Hitomi still clutching her hand and walked up the few remaining steps. Michael moved out of the way and Van walked in pulling Hitomi after him. The wall slid shut again and Hitomi and Van looked around the dimly lit room. The walls were a dark purple with silver specks here and there. Tiny holes circling the roof let some light from outside in. Unfortunately they also let Ralle's cold winter air in as well.
They scanned the room looking for the source of the voice, the one they assumed was Surlina. What was confusing however was that Surlina was supposed to be a building. Not a person. But as they met the cold hard eyes of Surlina they realized Surlina had taken human form. Hitomi and Van froze as they gazed at Surlina, her legs crossed an evil little smile plastered to her lips. Hitomi's breath sped up and she felt the room start to spin, she was getting dizzy as Surlina leaned back in her throne.
"Welcome"
Hitomi shook her head and squeezed Van's hand tighter using it for support.
"Mama," she rasped in horror.
A/N Ha!!! Bet none of you saw that coming! Did ya?! ^^ Well Tenyo that's why you can't kill Surlina and here's the next chapter so you can read it before you leave. Hope everyone enjoys!!! I'm off to do my spanish now! Have a great day guys!!!