Disclaimer: I DON'T OWN ESCAFLOWNE!!!!
A/N Ah ha!! And the plot thickens!!! ^^ I'm glad everyone loved the suspense. And now it's time we start getting some answers, some REAL answers. Oh and Shara you're finally here, Other reviewers Shara wanted to be in here with Allen really bad and since she's the only human being I know that likes Allen I figured what the hey! I didn't think it would make anyone jealous because no offense Shara this is Allen we're talking about here. Sorry I'm not a big Allen lover if you can't tell already. When he's in my stories he's a good friend of Van's and usually much nicer and definitely much more honorable then he was in the series, sorry again Shara cause I know you love him. Well now that that's out of the way on with the story! ^^
Sailor Hope
Hitomi stared into the radiant blue eyes. Jason gave her a winning smile his ocean orbs sparkling merrily. The fire flickered between the couple and Jason. They had been walking for some time now. Jason had assured them they would reach home tomorrow morning. Hitomi still wasn't sure if she wanted to go to this home of his.
They hadn't spoken a word. He had frowned at her after she had spoken his name but he had only beckoned them to follow after a few seconds.
Jason finally put his cup down and leaned forward on his bent knees.
"So mind telling me who you are?"
Hitomi somehow recovered her powers of speech and stared out over the fire at the man.
"Hitomi Kanzaki and this is Van Slanzar de Fanel."
"Fanel? As in Van of Fanelia?"
Van only nodded.
"Well I would say it's a pleasure but I really don't like to see anyone here."
"Where exactly are we?"
Jason smirked, "Nowhere fun"
Hitomi frowned, that wasn't the answer she was looking for.
"And I'm curious Miss Hitomi, how on all of Gaia did you know MY name?" Jason questioned taking a sip of his water.
Hitomi pondered answering him and finally decided it couldn't do that much harm.
"Your wife is a good friend of mine."
Jason spit his water out over the fire and threw his wide eyed gaze over to Hitomi.
"M-My wife?"
Hitomi nodded. Jason's hands shook a little and Hitomi suddenly felt a pang of guilt, perhaps bringing that up wasn't the best thing to do right now. Van was completely lost.
"You know his wife?"
"Darice" Hitomi said keeping her eyes on Jason all the while.
Jason's eyes drifted to the fire a sorrowful flash streaking through the ocean waters of his eyes.
"How..H-How is she?" he finally managed to stutter after a good while
Van seemed to feel the tension and was thankfully remaining silent.
"She's doing okay, actually when I left they were with Soren, so regretfully I don't know now."
Jason's head snapped up, "Soren?"
"Yea, Trisha's brother, he was a friend of ours."
"I know who he is, the question is why do you know him?"
Hitomi felt her stomach do a flip.
"Soren runs a gypsy camp, started it after Trisha married Michael as far as I know. He took me in but unfortunately he was working for Surlina all the while. Darice and Caleb are both unwilling slaves to Surlina right along with Trisha, as far as I know."
Jason choked his words out, "Caleb too?"
Hitomi nodded, "But you should know this. Didn't you beg Surlina to keep them alive."
Jason scoffed, "That bitch would never do me any favors."
"Well Darice and Caleb are convinced that you begged her for their lives. And that Surlina holds you in favor."
Jason's face contorted with fury as he threw the rest of his water into the fire.
"Favor? Ha! Never. And I have no idea as to why she would lie and spare their lives, although I'm relieved."
Van decided he had been quiet long enough, "Where are we?"
Jason looked up at them and switched back and forth while thinking.
"Surlina's doll house," he sneered
"Excuse me?" Hitomi asked
"Fun house? A hell conjured up out of her sick mind? Take your pick. Either way we're stuck, well our brains at least."
"Huh?"
"We're not really here. You see me however my body is still frozen at Surlina's entrance. What you see is an image made up from my mind to interact with yours in this pathetic prison."
"I'm still lost."
Jason leaned back on his palms and looked up at the stars, "Surlina has taken all our conscious thought, our soul if you want to stretch it, and placed it this little world. Where it is I have no idea. Lots of things are possible here however, since we have only our mind, there are no physical boundaries."
Jason stretched his arm out and Darice swirled into view. Jason smiled sadly at the figure before he waved his arm and she disappeared. Hitomi and Van blinked.
"But I can feel Van." Hitomi protested confused.
"You think you can, therefore in this world, you can. Don't bother yourself with escape attempts however, once you think you've got this place figured out. It's a maze, a big fat maze and Surlina is watching it 24/7."
Van smashed a fist into the ground in frustration, "This is impossible!!!"
A corner of Jason's mouth curled up starting a tiny smile, "You say you've met Soren, right?"
Hitomi nodded yes.
"What about Michael?"
Hitomi nodded again.
"Tomorrow then, maybe you'll understand a little more tomorrow. As for now we need to rest. Though we may have no physical limitations using your mind is just as tiring, so go to sleep and we'll talk more in the morning."
Hitomi and Van sat there for a few minutes a little too confused to go to sleep but eventually when the silence settled in they curled up and pulled a blanket over themselves. One they had seen Jason conjure up out of thin air.
They were actually feeling tired.
And the scary thing was they weren't physically tired, it was just a weary, missed out on a few hours, kind of tired.
And they had been walking for hours.
Darice sunk to her knees glaring up at Surlina. She could feel Caleb next to her, his muscles tensing up with anger and a tinge of fear. Hitomi came back up the stairs and picked Michael's body up, she disappeared back into the shadows of the stairs and Darice felt her stomach churn.
Looking forward again she tried to muster up the hate that should have come from seeing Soren next to Surlina. But she just couldn't, she could only bite her lip to keep it from trembling. She had been betrayed, that's all there was to it. What was even worse was that it hurt almost as bad as seeing her husband frozen in the ice downstairs.
Soren crossed his arms and leaned back against the wall smirking down at the three crumpled on the floor in front of Surlina.
Surlina smiled and settled into her throne, "Well Well looky here Soren! I do believe we have some rats in the castle"
Soren's smirk grew as he turned to Surlina, "Would you like me to get rid of the pests?"
Surlina turned to him in mock surprise, "And ruin all the fun right away? Never!"
Darice cringed but felt some of the icy fear melt away as Caleb wrapped his arms around her shoulders and hugged her close sheltering her from the scene. Reaching out he pulled over a stunned beyond belief Trisha probably ready to have a heart attack into his side and blocked off the sight for her as well.
"Surlina you're sick," he growled in between gritted teeth
"Why thank you dear boy I do believe that is one of my most prized characteristics, or is it sadistic? How about that?"
Soren let out a deep throated laugh and Caleb hugged the girls closer. He could feel their shock starting to wear off. He was about to check on Darice when he fell face forward.
Trisha and Darice gasped and pulled him back up. His face was contorted with pain and he was beginning to squirm.
Surlina let out a light little laugh as she watched Caleb slip out of their hands again and sprawl out onto the floor clutching his ankle. She increased the electricity and smiled when he finally let out a cry of pain. Trisha quickly covered her ears to block out the horrifying sound but Darice fell forward grabbing Caleb.
"Caleb! CALEB!!! Fight it!!"
Caleb only continued to writhe as the electricity ran up his leg and into his chest. He felt his heart tighten and started violently shaking.
"What are you doing to him!?" Darice demanded turning her heated glare on the evil women.
"Only what the pig deserves. You brought me the seer, I have no more use for you. You are free."
Darice waited for the satisfaction to come, she waited for the joy to bubble up inside her at hearing those three words, 'You are free.' But it didn't come. Because as always is the case with Surlina there was a catch.
Trisha turned to Darice and they both knew that it wasn't that easy. There was no one coming to their rescue, it WAS that bad and it could only get worse.
Then it came.
Darice felt a little tingling in her ankle and shivered. She caught Trisha shuddering out of the corner of her eye and immediately it hit her. Caleb was still squirming in pain at her knees and quicker than a flash it sunk in. She pulled her pants up to reveal the bracelet Surlina had slapped on them that horrible day they had all met in this awful demonic castle.
The bracelet was glowing silver and crackling with blue bolts of electricity. She quickly turned to Trisha who was staring at her ankle bracelet as well. And then they understood all to well. They were free all right, from Surlina maybe but from death, now that was another situation entirely. The first stabbing bolt of fire flew up her leg and Darice cried out before she could stop herself. Trisha's own cry mingled with her friends as the stabs increased. Darice fell over next to Caleb who was sweating and clenching his hands and teeth. He was trying to keep from crying out but Darice wasn't that strong and she knew it.
And all at once she felt the electricity surge through her body. She tried to bite her tongue, tried to be like Caleb, tried to be brave. But she couldn't do it, she was scared. She just wanted this nightmare to end. It was all one big horrid nightmare and she had had enough. She just wanted it to end. And as the earth shattering cry slipped past her lips she had a sickening feeling that an end was exactly what Surlina planned on giving.
Hitomi bolted up covered in sweat and looked around. The sun was just peeking over the hills spreading its light out onto the land. The fire in their little makeshift camp was burnt out with smoke swirling up in a tiny stream. Van was stretched out next to her still swept up in a peaceful sleep. But as she surveyed the rest of the camp her eyes settled on Jason who was sitting up staring out over at her his eyes low and sad.
"She wanted us to feel it."
Hitomi felt her insides start summersaults.
"Their dying," his voice cracked and Hitomi could faintly see his forearms shaking.
"Who's dying?"
"Caleb and Darice"
Hitomi's eyes grew wide, "That wasn't a nightmare"
Jason shook his head unsteadily, "She wanted us to see it, to feel it."
Hitomi clenched her fists in anger, her friends were out there dying and she couldn't do a single thing!
"Why didn't Van feel it?" Hitomi questioned turning to gaze at the sleeping king.
"Because she knew it wouldn't hurt him like it would hurt us."
Hitomi felt a tear trickle down her cheek.
Jason pushed himself up, "Wake up Van, we need to get going"
Hitomi shook Van lightly and once he was pushing himself up she stood and bent to roll up her blanket. When she finished Jason was already ready, his rolled up blanket shoved under his arm. He was staring off out over the horizon and Hitomi moved her mouth to speak but nothing came out. She heard the screams again and froze, goose bumps crawled up her arms and she slammed her eyes shut to hold the tears back.
She felt Van's warm hands wrap around her waist and she fell forward into his chest letting out a tiny whimper. The young raven haired king could tell something was wrong but he decided that comforting was the only thing he could do at the moment. Leaning forward he kissed Hitomi's forehead and then looked up at Jason. The tall young man looked calm at first glance but upon closer inspection Van could see the inner turmoil. His fists were clenched and his muscles were flexing under the skin as if he was restraining the urge to let loose on something.
He wasn't facing Jason but he could see a few tears welling up in Jason's eyes. Hitomi shook in his arms and Van tightened his grip. It took the two a while to compose themselves. Not a word was spoken in regards as to what in the world had just happened but Van thought it better to drop it. Jason had been locked up in this hell hole for years, Van could see the walls he had built up and the self control he had maintained. If this mysterious something was making him cry then he probably didn't want to know what it was.
The rest of their journey was silent, but it wasn't that much of a problem because it didn't take them very long to get to Jason's home. Van had been off fuming in his head when Hitomi had tugged at his elbow bringing him to a halt. Looking up he couldn't help but lightly smile at the little wooden cabin. Okay little was an understatement. The cabin was actually rather large. Jason was ahead of them and opening the door.
The doorway quickly filled with two tall figures.
"Jason! What the hell happened?!"
"Yea where did you disappear to?!"
Van grabbed Hitomi before she marched forward, he could see the fury on her face and it looked as if what Jason had told them didn't seem to matter. Van understood it and frankly wasn't surprised to see the two men standing in front of them. He couldn't feel, hear, or see what his body was doing on the outside why should they be any different?
Hitomi spun around to Van and pulled on her arm again the rage flashing in her eyes.
"Hitomi think about what Jason said"
Hitomi pulled on her arm again, she didn't want to think about anything!!! Two murderers were standing right in front of her and she wanted to deck at least one of them. And then their eyes turned on the two struggling a few feet away from the cabin.
Michael gave a sad smile and walked forward, "And who might you unfortunate souls be? I would bid you welcome but like my companions I wouldn't wish anyone here."
Hitomi froze and it finally sunk in, he didn't know who she was. Because Surlina was controlling his body not his mind. She felt a little guilty and twisted to face Van giving him a thankful smile. He smiled back and released her arm.
Van stretched his hand out, "I'm Van"
Michael shook his head, "It's a pleasure, and you lady?"
Hitomi swallowed her anger that just seeing him brought and shook his hand.
"I'm Hitomi," she said immediately regretting the sharp tone the greeting came with.
Michael blinked and just stood still for a minute. Soren soon appeared at his side and Hitomi thought she just might lose it. Sure it really wasn't these men that she hated but just seeing them made her want to flip.
"You don't look so well," Soren said frowning and feeling her forehead, "Maybe she's taking the shock a little harder than Van here."
Hitomi squished closer next to Van, just hearing Soren's deep comforting voice made the betrayal hurt all the more. But then again she had been betrayed by Surlina, not Soren. Because Soren was right here. Maybe what hurt the most was not that Soren had betrayed her but that she didn't know Soren at all.
Jason cleared his throat and leaned against the cabin wall, "I don't think that's the shock she's dealing with"
The two men turned to their friend.
"I'm sorry to say that she seems to know both of you."
The two looked confused at first but as they turned around to face the couple again the realization dawned on them. They immediately saw the hurt and anger Hitomi was trying to hide. Turning to Van they could see his own anger, but he understood and more than anything sympathy shone in his deep red rubies.
Michael swallowed hard before he managed to say something, "I see"
Hitomi felt the guilt wash over her at the downcast faces and tried to mend the situation.
"I'm sorry! Really I don't hate you, it's just a little shocking, please don't take it to heart," she finished in a whisper.
"How did you meet 'us'?" Soren asked
"You, well not you, your shell runs a gypsy camp. You take in those in search of a new start in life, I was one of those people for a while. I don't know why Surlina would let this happen, maybe she knew that I would be one of the people to end up there. And Micheal well your shell is the leader of the marauders."
"I don't like the sound of that"
"You shouldn't," Van said crossing his arms, "They've killed many"
Michael cursed under his breath and kicked the dirt, "It's a good thing I'm never getting out of here I'd never be able to live a normal life."
"Thanks for the positive update Michael," Jason called out dryly from the wall
"Welcome to reality buddy!" he called back crossing his arms.
Soren cleared his throat and looked a little worried, "Please tell me you don't know a lady by the name of Trisha."
Michael snapped his mouth shut and the two men stared at her intently. Van cast his eyes to the ground and Hitomi felt the tears making their way up to her eyes.
"No, you don't know her." Michael's voice pleaded
"She's a very good friend of mine actually," Hitomi whispered
"Which means since you were around us she most likely was too."
Hitomi did not want to indulge the men in the horror stories. They didn't want to know what they had done to their loved one.
"You don't want to know, just drop it," Van seemed to be thinking right along with her
Soren clenched his fists and looked up at the sky, "Just tell us if she's alive or not."
"She was alive when I left her," Hitomi said hoping they would stop this conversation soon.
"Why do you have any reason to believe she wouldn't be now?" Soren questioned his voice cracking a little
"Because she was with your shell, right after it tried to kill me."
She knew it was blunt and hurt but she wanted this to stop, now. They were just causing themselves more pain and she didn't want to relive these memories.
"Apparently Darice and Caleb were with them."
Michael blinked and turned to Jason, "You're Darice and Caleb?"
Jason nodded.
Everyone was silent as they took in the horrifying information. Surlina had used them, tortured their loved ones and deceived everyone. Surlina was the only one who knew the whole truth and that was unnerving to say the least.
*~~*
Merle winced at the pain as her skin pulled while she crawled behind a tree. Another group had disappeared into the side of the mountain. They had seen the blackish-purple hole and as soon as the second group went through it disappeared.
Allen appeared at her side breathing heavily, his sword bloodstained.
"Merle I really think you should be back at camp"
"A little late to be arguing about this don't you think?"
Allen smirked and ducked as an arrow flew past the side of his head.
"We've got to find those archers!!!"
"I know! They've already picked off about 5 soldiers," Merle said scanning the trees.
She and Allen had broken off from the rest of the attack to find the archers about 10 minutes ago. So far they weren't having any luck. They had attacked the marauder camp about a half an hour ago. The soldiers were pissed and vengeful, adding a considerable amount of energy to their side. Unfortunately for the marauders the soldiers were winning.
The hole hadn't returned and Merle was afraid that they wouldn't be able to find Van and Hitomi but Allen assured her that they would find them. So Merle had just given in and let herself believe Allen.
*~~*
Shara wrapped her legs around the branch a little tighter and set another arrow into her bow. The grungy marauder stretched out on the branch next to her let his arrow fly. Luckily the blonde soldier ducked and missed losing his head.
"Hurry up girl!"
Shara mumbled and stuck her tongue out at Barton, the revolting marauder in charge of her. Lazily aiming she let the arrow fly past the cat girl's shoulder.
"Another shot like that and I'll slit your throat," Barton threatened
Shara pulled out another arrow and settled it into place, oh how she hated her life. Her own stupid loyalty got her into this mess. Watch her family die or join the marauders? Hmmmm well there was a choice! The marauders hadn't liked the deal all that much at first even though she had been willing to give in to save her family. But after the leader had cursed at his men's stupidity for even thinking of accepting the girl her father had proceeded to try and convince the leader that it was a wonderful idea. She had been too shocked to say anything as her father told them she was one of the best archers Gaia had to offer. Plus her amazing strength she was altogether a great package.
They had let her rotten father and stunned family go and she had started her life with the dogs. She despised them and hated every day. When the soldiers had come rushing in hope had consumed her. She could get lost in the crowd and get the soldiers to save her from the pigs. But then Barton had dragged her up into the trees and her hope had fled. She thought maybe after 2 years in this hell she would have been used to it, maybe have learned to accept her fate, no such luck.
Closing her eyes she let the arrow fly. She heard a startled cry but thankfully it was only accompanied with the rip of fabric.
"That's better, now hurry up and kill him!"
Frowning she saw the knight looking around for her and her captor. She had been hoping to hit the cat girl, not the knight. When they had rushed the camp she had caught sight of his heavenly eyes and gorgeous body. He was her knight in shining armor.
And here she was, trying to kill him.
She could jump down and tell the two where they were. Barton would shoot her before she managed to finish her sentence but maybe it would be enough for them to get away.
She was sick of killing innocent people. Fear for her own sweet neck and shock had made her bend to their will the first year. She had managed to stay positive, sure that she would find a hole some time. A flaw in their security and manage to escape. Then at the end of the first year she had watched them slaughter a royal traveling group. The two girls had defied the marauders till the very end. One had even sung as they waited for the arrows to come. It was at that moment that reality in regards to her disgusting situation had hit her. Now she had spent an entire year defying the marauders in every way she could possibly think of. They had put up with it, but she was sick of killing. If she was going to die then she was going to go down with honor. She wasn't going to die among the marauders mistaken as one of the vile creatures.
And then she got an idea, quick and probably rash but an idea none the less.
Slowly she let her right leg slide away from the branch. Barton was focused on his aim and didn't notice her slow movement. Then slowly turning on her side she held her breath. She wouldn't stand for this anymore. This was it and if she died then she died fighting back.
Barton released his breath and let the arrow fly and at that same instant Shara let her own arrow fly. The little jolt set her off balance and the arrow only embedded itself in Barton's shoulder. The man let out a bellow of pain and Shara smirked in triumph.
Dropping her bow she let go of the branch and dropped to the ground. Landing on all fours she snatched up her bow and dived into the mass of trees, bushes, and grass.
"Damn you Shara!" Barton cried out
Shara looked up and smiled at the blood running down the tree trunk.
"Allen!"
Shara snapped her head up and smiled as the cat girl pointed straight at Barton's hiding place.
The knight drew his sword up and ran for the tree. Shara gasped when she realized he was going to trip over her but it was already too late. She braced herself and cried out when his boot sunk into her side and he went down. He was up in a flash however and ducking behind trees heading for Barton. She stood up and was about to run when she felt claws press up against her neck.
"I don't think so," the cat girl growled
Shara sighed and rolled her eyes.
Within in seconds the knight, Allen if she was correct, had Barton on the ground and dead. Shara gulped, suddenly feeling a tad bit nervous. She didn't know if they would let her speak before they decided to relieve her of her head. The knight turned around and froze. He blinked his crystal blue eyes and took a few steps forward.
"Merle what are you doing?!" he demanded slapping the cat girl's claws away and jerking Shara to him.
Shara smiled and felt a rush of joy wash over her, it was her knight!! And she was finally free.
"Allen she was the other archer! I saw her jump out of the tree!"
Allen looked down at Shara, his eyes narrowing dangerously.
"I can explain!" she began the fear rushing back.
"How did you murderers make that hole appear?!"
Shara's eyes grew wide at the words, 'you murderers'. She was not one of them! She never was and never would be!
"Now hold on!"
"Where did your leader take Van-sama and Hitomi!?!" Merle demanded
The cat girl screeched out, her claws bared and in Shara's face.
"He's not my leader!" Shara screamed out
Allen's grip loosened a little.
"Don't try and trick us, we're not in the mood."
"I'm not one of them!! My father bargained me off to these pigs 2 years ago for his life! They let me live because of my archery skills but I've been waiting for a chance to get away for 2 long years! I hate the marauders! I hate what they do! Please just let me go!"
The two were silent for a moment or two as they considered her story.
"I don't care if you believe me or not, this is my one chance to get away and I'm not letting it go that easy! If anyone of those creeps finds me they'll chain me back up and haul me away and I'm not going back! I was missing you two on purpose! Now let me go!"
"We'll let you go when you tell us what they did with Van-sama and Hitomi!"
"I don't know who you're talking about!!"
Shara felt Allen's hand slip away and looked up at him as he stepped back, "Come on Merle let's go, the archers are taken care of. We should get back to the others."
"But Allen-"
"Merle would you want to spend 2 years with these men?"
Merle snapped her mouth shut her tail snapping back and forth, "How can you be sure she's telling the truth?"
"Look into her eyes Merle"
The cat girl spun around and stared at Shara. The girl's bluish-green orbs were filled with hope and determination. Merle's tail slowed down as she seemed to see what Allen meant.
"Fine!" she snapped spinning back around and heading off back into the marauder camp
Allen stopped and turned smiling to Shara, "Our camp isn't that far from here, just head northwest, if you want we can help you get back on your feet and you'll be safe from the marauders there."
Shara felt her knees shake a little at the sunny smile and just nodded to the knight before he sprinted off after his cat friend.
Smiling to herself she about burst with joy, so Allen was her knight's name.
Allen and Merle headed back into the fray. The marauders were being pushed back towards the mountain and it would soon be over. Allen smiled as he jerked his sword upwards to block a blow.
*~~*
Darice bit back another scream as the pain consumed her body. Her vision was beginning to blur and the room was getting darker. All she could see was Soren's smiling face and Surlina's sparkling eyes. The blackness closed in on her and the last thing she saw was Hitomi leaning into Van's chest smirking. Her deep emerald eyes missing the lively sparkle that usually accompanied them.
Van and Hitomi were laughing at her.
Surlina laughed as she watched Darice look on at her creations in utter horror before the darkness claimed the woman. The other two were still squirming in pain and Surlina increased the power just a little. Trisha let out a fresh scream and Surlina growled as she saw Soren flinch out of the corner of her eye. The man was still smiling and laughing but he had flinched never the less.
Cursing the one flaw in her power over the human's she clenched her fists letting her fingers curl up viciously into her palm.
Shifting her gaze back down to the now still bodies on the floor she snapped her fingers. The bracelets calmed down and the electricity left them returning the jewelry back to the heavy metal bands.
"Hitomi, Van, take these three down to the dungeon with Folken and that fool Michael."
Van and Hitomi broke apart and bent down to start dragging the bodies down. Surlina's frown deepened as she watched the two leave.
They had been holding each other. She smashed her fist down onto the throne handle. No matter how hard she had tried her powers couldn't seem to control the human heart. The brains would respond to her every will but the human's instincts due to feelings of the heart seemed to be impenetrable. For example, Soren flinching at watching his sister suffer. She had willed him to laugh but his heart had cried out, Surlina had felt it.
Then Van and Hitomi walking in and immediately falling against each other. They too had laughed because she had willed them too. However their hearts had cried out something fierce, they had gone to each other for comfort.
Uncrossing her legs Surlina jumped to the ground bristling with rage.
"Soren! I want you to take care of our guests in the dungeon. Heal them, make sure they live."
Soren nodded and picked up Caleb who had been left behind for the second trip and headed down to the dungeon.
Surlina took a deep breath to try and soothe some of her anger. She would save her hostages, if the human's hearts proved to be too much of a problem she would simply bargain off the captives. She could twist those pathetic heart strings so as to aid her. Smirking she crossed her arms and a purplish hole swirled into view in front of her.
Heaving out a heavy sigh she pushed her hand through the hole and the scene vanished into smoke. The marauder's camp was under attack and it didn't look as if they would be winning. Sighing again she ran a hand through her hair. No matter, they weren't that important.
Besides it was about time she show this world just how much power Hitomi now held. It was slightly off, due to the fact that she had given some of the awesome power to her stupid king.
"Impossible wench," she muttered to herself walking back up to her throne.
Soon all of Gaia would suffer because of their petty war so many years ago. Because of their ridiculous accusations and unreasonable battles she had been trapped her for years. Now it was time to show Gaia just how angry she was.
*~~*
Hitomi stretched out on the roof top of the spacious cabin. Stars were beginning to sparkle against the velvet blanket of night. Jason had tried to explain to her how they had set the day clock in this world of theirs but it had given her a head ache. Michael had gone out after the disturbing revelations, he had mentioned something about hunting but everyone knew he was going off to blow off steam. Soren had spent the rest of the day in his room. He had been deathly silent for hours before Jason finally barged in to see if Soren was alright.
Soren had just been staring off out of his window.
Hitomi watched the moon rise to it's full glory and winced at her heartache. She felt the tears building up and her mind became a mess. Everything was moving too fast. She felt dizzy as memories of the previous week flooded her mind. It was too much. She didn't know if she could handle this alone. It was too much of a shock. It seemed hopeless. Endless. Painful.
She tried to blink back the tears but they were falling too fast now. She began to shake, angry at her own inability to fix this. There was so much pain and there wasn't anything she could do.
The wind beat against her back sending her hair up in a fury and Hitomi shuttered when something silky brushed against her cheek. Blinking through the mass of water now hindering her vision she caught a glimpse of a pure white feather spinning wildly in the air.
Another strong gust of wind pushed against her back and this time at least 20 feathers went flying past her sides to dance in the air. And then she felt her own stupidity sink in.
She didn't have to face this alone.
Van was with her. He would always be with her and he would always walk through the darkness with her. As if reassuring her she felt his strong callused hands run down her arms.
"Hitomi," he whispered wrapping his arms around her and pulling her up and against him.
Hitomi closed her eyes and leaned against her king. Having him close was like a drug, he could set her blood to racing or move her limbs to Jello leaving her tired and relaxed. She couldn't get enough. Yet her mind seemed to be panicky, it was fighting for reassurance, verbal assurance.
"Van?"
"Mhmm"
"You're.Y-You're never going to.what I.you'll never leave me.right?"
There was an earth shattering silence as Hitomi felt her imaginary body tense up with fear. And then the next thing she felt were soft lips lightly pressing against hers. She didn't dare open her eyes as Van tasted her sweet lips, she felt like she was falling. But it didn't matter, it was an adrenaline rush and she knew Van would always be there for her. On the way down and just before she hit the bottom. She shivered when she felt his tongue brush against her lips but didn't make any move to pull away.
But Van didn't intend to push it any farther. He was gone before she could pull him down, he wanted the kiss to be sweet and nothing more. Hitomi opened her eyes and gazed up into the his gorgeous brownish-red eyes.
"I'll be with you always Hitomi, always."
A/N Sorry this is took so long but I've been trying to work on Mercy of the Evil and Feathers as well. I'm getting somewhere but not very far. I'm suffering from writer's block with them and I'm trying to break it. Also I've been swamped with homework and things to do and blah it's been busy, I'm sure you all understand and are likely suffering from the same things. Oh and for all of those who can't help but notice faults in the details. I know it would have made sense for Jason, Van and Hitomi to just transport to the cabin but then I wouldn't have been able to put in the scenes I did so bear with me please. I hope you enjoy the chapter though and have a great day!!!
Sailor Hope
A/N Ah ha!! And the plot thickens!!! ^^ I'm glad everyone loved the suspense. And now it's time we start getting some answers, some REAL answers. Oh and Shara you're finally here, Other reviewers Shara wanted to be in here with Allen really bad and since she's the only human being I know that likes Allen I figured what the hey! I didn't think it would make anyone jealous because no offense Shara this is Allen we're talking about here. Sorry I'm not a big Allen lover if you can't tell already. When he's in my stories he's a good friend of Van's and usually much nicer and definitely much more honorable then he was in the series, sorry again Shara cause I know you love him. Well now that that's out of the way on with the story! ^^
Sailor Hope
Hitomi stared into the radiant blue eyes. Jason gave her a winning smile his ocean orbs sparkling merrily. The fire flickered between the couple and Jason. They had been walking for some time now. Jason had assured them they would reach home tomorrow morning. Hitomi still wasn't sure if she wanted to go to this home of his.
They hadn't spoken a word. He had frowned at her after she had spoken his name but he had only beckoned them to follow after a few seconds.
Jason finally put his cup down and leaned forward on his bent knees.
"So mind telling me who you are?"
Hitomi somehow recovered her powers of speech and stared out over the fire at the man.
"Hitomi Kanzaki and this is Van Slanzar de Fanel."
"Fanel? As in Van of Fanelia?"
Van only nodded.
"Well I would say it's a pleasure but I really don't like to see anyone here."
"Where exactly are we?"
Jason smirked, "Nowhere fun"
Hitomi frowned, that wasn't the answer she was looking for.
"And I'm curious Miss Hitomi, how on all of Gaia did you know MY name?" Jason questioned taking a sip of his water.
Hitomi pondered answering him and finally decided it couldn't do that much harm.
"Your wife is a good friend of mine."
Jason spit his water out over the fire and threw his wide eyed gaze over to Hitomi.
"M-My wife?"
Hitomi nodded. Jason's hands shook a little and Hitomi suddenly felt a pang of guilt, perhaps bringing that up wasn't the best thing to do right now. Van was completely lost.
"You know his wife?"
"Darice" Hitomi said keeping her eyes on Jason all the while.
Jason's eyes drifted to the fire a sorrowful flash streaking through the ocean waters of his eyes.
"How..H-How is she?" he finally managed to stutter after a good while
Van seemed to feel the tension and was thankfully remaining silent.
"She's doing okay, actually when I left they were with Soren, so regretfully I don't know now."
Jason's head snapped up, "Soren?"
"Yea, Trisha's brother, he was a friend of ours."
"I know who he is, the question is why do you know him?"
Hitomi felt her stomach do a flip.
"Soren runs a gypsy camp, started it after Trisha married Michael as far as I know. He took me in but unfortunately he was working for Surlina all the while. Darice and Caleb are both unwilling slaves to Surlina right along with Trisha, as far as I know."
Jason choked his words out, "Caleb too?"
Hitomi nodded, "But you should know this. Didn't you beg Surlina to keep them alive."
Jason scoffed, "That bitch would never do me any favors."
"Well Darice and Caleb are convinced that you begged her for their lives. And that Surlina holds you in favor."
Jason's face contorted with fury as he threw the rest of his water into the fire.
"Favor? Ha! Never. And I have no idea as to why she would lie and spare their lives, although I'm relieved."
Van decided he had been quiet long enough, "Where are we?"
Jason looked up at them and switched back and forth while thinking.
"Surlina's doll house," he sneered
"Excuse me?" Hitomi asked
"Fun house? A hell conjured up out of her sick mind? Take your pick. Either way we're stuck, well our brains at least."
"Huh?"
"We're not really here. You see me however my body is still frozen at Surlina's entrance. What you see is an image made up from my mind to interact with yours in this pathetic prison."
"I'm still lost."
Jason leaned back on his palms and looked up at the stars, "Surlina has taken all our conscious thought, our soul if you want to stretch it, and placed it this little world. Where it is I have no idea. Lots of things are possible here however, since we have only our mind, there are no physical boundaries."
Jason stretched his arm out and Darice swirled into view. Jason smiled sadly at the figure before he waved his arm and she disappeared. Hitomi and Van blinked.
"But I can feel Van." Hitomi protested confused.
"You think you can, therefore in this world, you can. Don't bother yourself with escape attempts however, once you think you've got this place figured out. It's a maze, a big fat maze and Surlina is watching it 24/7."
Van smashed a fist into the ground in frustration, "This is impossible!!!"
A corner of Jason's mouth curled up starting a tiny smile, "You say you've met Soren, right?"
Hitomi nodded yes.
"What about Michael?"
Hitomi nodded again.
"Tomorrow then, maybe you'll understand a little more tomorrow. As for now we need to rest. Though we may have no physical limitations using your mind is just as tiring, so go to sleep and we'll talk more in the morning."
Hitomi and Van sat there for a few minutes a little too confused to go to sleep but eventually when the silence settled in they curled up and pulled a blanket over themselves. One they had seen Jason conjure up out of thin air.
They were actually feeling tired.
And the scary thing was they weren't physically tired, it was just a weary, missed out on a few hours, kind of tired.
And they had been walking for hours.
Darice sunk to her knees glaring up at Surlina. She could feel Caleb next to her, his muscles tensing up with anger and a tinge of fear. Hitomi came back up the stairs and picked Michael's body up, she disappeared back into the shadows of the stairs and Darice felt her stomach churn.
Looking forward again she tried to muster up the hate that should have come from seeing Soren next to Surlina. But she just couldn't, she could only bite her lip to keep it from trembling. She had been betrayed, that's all there was to it. What was even worse was that it hurt almost as bad as seeing her husband frozen in the ice downstairs.
Soren crossed his arms and leaned back against the wall smirking down at the three crumpled on the floor in front of Surlina.
Surlina smiled and settled into her throne, "Well Well looky here Soren! I do believe we have some rats in the castle"
Soren's smirk grew as he turned to Surlina, "Would you like me to get rid of the pests?"
Surlina turned to him in mock surprise, "And ruin all the fun right away? Never!"
Darice cringed but felt some of the icy fear melt away as Caleb wrapped his arms around her shoulders and hugged her close sheltering her from the scene. Reaching out he pulled over a stunned beyond belief Trisha probably ready to have a heart attack into his side and blocked off the sight for her as well.
"Surlina you're sick," he growled in between gritted teeth
"Why thank you dear boy I do believe that is one of my most prized characteristics, or is it sadistic? How about that?"
Soren let out a deep throated laugh and Caleb hugged the girls closer. He could feel their shock starting to wear off. He was about to check on Darice when he fell face forward.
Trisha and Darice gasped and pulled him back up. His face was contorted with pain and he was beginning to squirm.
Surlina let out a light little laugh as she watched Caleb slip out of their hands again and sprawl out onto the floor clutching his ankle. She increased the electricity and smiled when he finally let out a cry of pain. Trisha quickly covered her ears to block out the horrifying sound but Darice fell forward grabbing Caleb.
"Caleb! CALEB!!! Fight it!!"
Caleb only continued to writhe as the electricity ran up his leg and into his chest. He felt his heart tighten and started violently shaking.
"What are you doing to him!?" Darice demanded turning her heated glare on the evil women.
"Only what the pig deserves. You brought me the seer, I have no more use for you. You are free."
Darice waited for the satisfaction to come, she waited for the joy to bubble up inside her at hearing those three words, 'You are free.' But it didn't come. Because as always is the case with Surlina there was a catch.
Trisha turned to Darice and they both knew that it wasn't that easy. There was no one coming to their rescue, it WAS that bad and it could only get worse.
Then it came.
Darice felt a little tingling in her ankle and shivered. She caught Trisha shuddering out of the corner of her eye and immediately it hit her. Caleb was still squirming in pain at her knees and quicker than a flash it sunk in. She pulled her pants up to reveal the bracelet Surlina had slapped on them that horrible day they had all met in this awful demonic castle.
The bracelet was glowing silver and crackling with blue bolts of electricity. She quickly turned to Trisha who was staring at her ankle bracelet as well. And then they understood all to well. They were free all right, from Surlina maybe but from death, now that was another situation entirely. The first stabbing bolt of fire flew up her leg and Darice cried out before she could stop herself. Trisha's own cry mingled with her friends as the stabs increased. Darice fell over next to Caleb who was sweating and clenching his hands and teeth. He was trying to keep from crying out but Darice wasn't that strong and she knew it.
And all at once she felt the electricity surge through her body. She tried to bite her tongue, tried to be like Caleb, tried to be brave. But she couldn't do it, she was scared. She just wanted this nightmare to end. It was all one big horrid nightmare and she had had enough. She just wanted it to end. And as the earth shattering cry slipped past her lips she had a sickening feeling that an end was exactly what Surlina planned on giving.
Hitomi bolted up covered in sweat and looked around. The sun was just peeking over the hills spreading its light out onto the land. The fire in their little makeshift camp was burnt out with smoke swirling up in a tiny stream. Van was stretched out next to her still swept up in a peaceful sleep. But as she surveyed the rest of the camp her eyes settled on Jason who was sitting up staring out over at her his eyes low and sad.
"She wanted us to feel it."
Hitomi felt her insides start summersaults.
"Their dying," his voice cracked and Hitomi could faintly see his forearms shaking.
"Who's dying?"
"Caleb and Darice"
Hitomi's eyes grew wide, "That wasn't a nightmare"
Jason shook his head unsteadily, "She wanted us to see it, to feel it."
Hitomi clenched her fists in anger, her friends were out there dying and she couldn't do a single thing!
"Why didn't Van feel it?" Hitomi questioned turning to gaze at the sleeping king.
"Because she knew it wouldn't hurt him like it would hurt us."
Hitomi felt a tear trickle down her cheek.
Jason pushed himself up, "Wake up Van, we need to get going"
Hitomi shook Van lightly and once he was pushing himself up she stood and bent to roll up her blanket. When she finished Jason was already ready, his rolled up blanket shoved under his arm. He was staring off out over the horizon and Hitomi moved her mouth to speak but nothing came out. She heard the screams again and froze, goose bumps crawled up her arms and she slammed her eyes shut to hold the tears back.
She felt Van's warm hands wrap around her waist and she fell forward into his chest letting out a tiny whimper. The young raven haired king could tell something was wrong but he decided that comforting was the only thing he could do at the moment. Leaning forward he kissed Hitomi's forehead and then looked up at Jason. The tall young man looked calm at first glance but upon closer inspection Van could see the inner turmoil. His fists were clenched and his muscles were flexing under the skin as if he was restraining the urge to let loose on something.
He wasn't facing Jason but he could see a few tears welling up in Jason's eyes. Hitomi shook in his arms and Van tightened his grip. It took the two a while to compose themselves. Not a word was spoken in regards as to what in the world had just happened but Van thought it better to drop it. Jason had been locked up in this hell hole for years, Van could see the walls he had built up and the self control he had maintained. If this mysterious something was making him cry then he probably didn't want to know what it was.
The rest of their journey was silent, but it wasn't that much of a problem because it didn't take them very long to get to Jason's home. Van had been off fuming in his head when Hitomi had tugged at his elbow bringing him to a halt. Looking up he couldn't help but lightly smile at the little wooden cabin. Okay little was an understatement. The cabin was actually rather large. Jason was ahead of them and opening the door.
The doorway quickly filled with two tall figures.
"Jason! What the hell happened?!"
"Yea where did you disappear to?!"
Van grabbed Hitomi before she marched forward, he could see the fury on her face and it looked as if what Jason had told them didn't seem to matter. Van understood it and frankly wasn't surprised to see the two men standing in front of them. He couldn't feel, hear, or see what his body was doing on the outside why should they be any different?
Hitomi spun around to Van and pulled on her arm again the rage flashing in her eyes.
"Hitomi think about what Jason said"
Hitomi pulled on her arm again, she didn't want to think about anything!!! Two murderers were standing right in front of her and she wanted to deck at least one of them. And then their eyes turned on the two struggling a few feet away from the cabin.
Michael gave a sad smile and walked forward, "And who might you unfortunate souls be? I would bid you welcome but like my companions I wouldn't wish anyone here."
Hitomi froze and it finally sunk in, he didn't know who she was. Because Surlina was controlling his body not his mind. She felt a little guilty and twisted to face Van giving him a thankful smile. He smiled back and released her arm.
Van stretched his hand out, "I'm Van"
Michael shook his head, "It's a pleasure, and you lady?"
Hitomi swallowed her anger that just seeing him brought and shook his hand.
"I'm Hitomi," she said immediately regretting the sharp tone the greeting came with.
Michael blinked and just stood still for a minute. Soren soon appeared at his side and Hitomi thought she just might lose it. Sure it really wasn't these men that she hated but just seeing them made her want to flip.
"You don't look so well," Soren said frowning and feeling her forehead, "Maybe she's taking the shock a little harder than Van here."
Hitomi squished closer next to Van, just hearing Soren's deep comforting voice made the betrayal hurt all the more. But then again she had been betrayed by Surlina, not Soren. Because Soren was right here. Maybe what hurt the most was not that Soren had betrayed her but that she didn't know Soren at all.
Jason cleared his throat and leaned against the cabin wall, "I don't think that's the shock she's dealing with"
The two men turned to their friend.
"I'm sorry to say that she seems to know both of you."
The two looked confused at first but as they turned around to face the couple again the realization dawned on them. They immediately saw the hurt and anger Hitomi was trying to hide. Turning to Van they could see his own anger, but he understood and more than anything sympathy shone in his deep red rubies.
Michael swallowed hard before he managed to say something, "I see"
Hitomi felt the guilt wash over her at the downcast faces and tried to mend the situation.
"I'm sorry! Really I don't hate you, it's just a little shocking, please don't take it to heart," she finished in a whisper.
"How did you meet 'us'?" Soren asked
"You, well not you, your shell runs a gypsy camp. You take in those in search of a new start in life, I was one of those people for a while. I don't know why Surlina would let this happen, maybe she knew that I would be one of the people to end up there. And Micheal well your shell is the leader of the marauders."
"I don't like the sound of that"
"You shouldn't," Van said crossing his arms, "They've killed many"
Michael cursed under his breath and kicked the dirt, "It's a good thing I'm never getting out of here I'd never be able to live a normal life."
"Thanks for the positive update Michael," Jason called out dryly from the wall
"Welcome to reality buddy!" he called back crossing his arms.
Soren cleared his throat and looked a little worried, "Please tell me you don't know a lady by the name of Trisha."
Michael snapped his mouth shut and the two men stared at her intently. Van cast his eyes to the ground and Hitomi felt the tears making their way up to her eyes.
"No, you don't know her." Michael's voice pleaded
"She's a very good friend of mine actually," Hitomi whispered
"Which means since you were around us she most likely was too."
Hitomi did not want to indulge the men in the horror stories. They didn't want to know what they had done to their loved one.
"You don't want to know, just drop it," Van seemed to be thinking right along with her
Soren clenched his fists and looked up at the sky, "Just tell us if she's alive or not."
"She was alive when I left her," Hitomi said hoping they would stop this conversation soon.
"Why do you have any reason to believe she wouldn't be now?" Soren questioned his voice cracking a little
"Because she was with your shell, right after it tried to kill me."
She knew it was blunt and hurt but she wanted this to stop, now. They were just causing themselves more pain and she didn't want to relive these memories.
"Apparently Darice and Caleb were with them."
Michael blinked and turned to Jason, "You're Darice and Caleb?"
Jason nodded.
Everyone was silent as they took in the horrifying information. Surlina had used them, tortured their loved ones and deceived everyone. Surlina was the only one who knew the whole truth and that was unnerving to say the least.
*~~*
Merle winced at the pain as her skin pulled while she crawled behind a tree. Another group had disappeared into the side of the mountain. They had seen the blackish-purple hole and as soon as the second group went through it disappeared.
Allen appeared at her side breathing heavily, his sword bloodstained.
"Merle I really think you should be back at camp"
"A little late to be arguing about this don't you think?"
Allen smirked and ducked as an arrow flew past the side of his head.
"We've got to find those archers!!!"
"I know! They've already picked off about 5 soldiers," Merle said scanning the trees.
She and Allen had broken off from the rest of the attack to find the archers about 10 minutes ago. So far they weren't having any luck. They had attacked the marauder camp about a half an hour ago. The soldiers were pissed and vengeful, adding a considerable amount of energy to their side. Unfortunately for the marauders the soldiers were winning.
The hole hadn't returned and Merle was afraid that they wouldn't be able to find Van and Hitomi but Allen assured her that they would find them. So Merle had just given in and let herself believe Allen.
*~~*
Shara wrapped her legs around the branch a little tighter and set another arrow into her bow. The grungy marauder stretched out on the branch next to her let his arrow fly. Luckily the blonde soldier ducked and missed losing his head.
"Hurry up girl!"
Shara mumbled and stuck her tongue out at Barton, the revolting marauder in charge of her. Lazily aiming she let the arrow fly past the cat girl's shoulder.
"Another shot like that and I'll slit your throat," Barton threatened
Shara pulled out another arrow and settled it into place, oh how she hated her life. Her own stupid loyalty got her into this mess. Watch her family die or join the marauders? Hmmmm well there was a choice! The marauders hadn't liked the deal all that much at first even though she had been willing to give in to save her family. But after the leader had cursed at his men's stupidity for even thinking of accepting the girl her father had proceeded to try and convince the leader that it was a wonderful idea. She had been too shocked to say anything as her father told them she was one of the best archers Gaia had to offer. Plus her amazing strength she was altogether a great package.
They had let her rotten father and stunned family go and she had started her life with the dogs. She despised them and hated every day. When the soldiers had come rushing in hope had consumed her. She could get lost in the crowd and get the soldiers to save her from the pigs. But then Barton had dragged her up into the trees and her hope had fled. She thought maybe after 2 years in this hell she would have been used to it, maybe have learned to accept her fate, no such luck.
Closing her eyes she let the arrow fly. She heard a startled cry but thankfully it was only accompanied with the rip of fabric.
"That's better, now hurry up and kill him!"
Frowning she saw the knight looking around for her and her captor. She had been hoping to hit the cat girl, not the knight. When they had rushed the camp she had caught sight of his heavenly eyes and gorgeous body. He was her knight in shining armor.
And here she was, trying to kill him.
She could jump down and tell the two where they were. Barton would shoot her before she managed to finish her sentence but maybe it would be enough for them to get away.
She was sick of killing innocent people. Fear for her own sweet neck and shock had made her bend to their will the first year. She had managed to stay positive, sure that she would find a hole some time. A flaw in their security and manage to escape. Then at the end of the first year she had watched them slaughter a royal traveling group. The two girls had defied the marauders till the very end. One had even sung as they waited for the arrows to come. It was at that moment that reality in regards to her disgusting situation had hit her. Now she had spent an entire year defying the marauders in every way she could possibly think of. They had put up with it, but she was sick of killing. If she was going to die then she was going to go down with honor. She wasn't going to die among the marauders mistaken as one of the vile creatures.
And then she got an idea, quick and probably rash but an idea none the less.
Slowly she let her right leg slide away from the branch. Barton was focused on his aim and didn't notice her slow movement. Then slowly turning on her side she held her breath. She wouldn't stand for this anymore. This was it and if she died then she died fighting back.
Barton released his breath and let the arrow fly and at that same instant Shara let her own arrow fly. The little jolt set her off balance and the arrow only embedded itself in Barton's shoulder. The man let out a bellow of pain and Shara smirked in triumph.
Dropping her bow she let go of the branch and dropped to the ground. Landing on all fours she snatched up her bow and dived into the mass of trees, bushes, and grass.
"Damn you Shara!" Barton cried out
Shara looked up and smiled at the blood running down the tree trunk.
"Allen!"
Shara snapped her head up and smiled as the cat girl pointed straight at Barton's hiding place.
The knight drew his sword up and ran for the tree. Shara gasped when she realized he was going to trip over her but it was already too late. She braced herself and cried out when his boot sunk into her side and he went down. He was up in a flash however and ducking behind trees heading for Barton. She stood up and was about to run when she felt claws press up against her neck.
"I don't think so," the cat girl growled
Shara sighed and rolled her eyes.
Within in seconds the knight, Allen if she was correct, had Barton on the ground and dead. Shara gulped, suddenly feeling a tad bit nervous. She didn't know if they would let her speak before they decided to relieve her of her head. The knight turned around and froze. He blinked his crystal blue eyes and took a few steps forward.
"Merle what are you doing?!" he demanded slapping the cat girl's claws away and jerking Shara to him.
Shara smiled and felt a rush of joy wash over her, it was her knight!! And she was finally free.
"Allen she was the other archer! I saw her jump out of the tree!"
Allen looked down at Shara, his eyes narrowing dangerously.
"I can explain!" she began the fear rushing back.
"How did you murderers make that hole appear?!"
Shara's eyes grew wide at the words, 'you murderers'. She was not one of them! She never was and never would be!
"Now hold on!"
"Where did your leader take Van-sama and Hitomi!?!" Merle demanded
The cat girl screeched out, her claws bared and in Shara's face.
"He's not my leader!" Shara screamed out
Allen's grip loosened a little.
"Don't try and trick us, we're not in the mood."
"I'm not one of them!! My father bargained me off to these pigs 2 years ago for his life! They let me live because of my archery skills but I've been waiting for a chance to get away for 2 long years! I hate the marauders! I hate what they do! Please just let me go!"
The two were silent for a moment or two as they considered her story.
"I don't care if you believe me or not, this is my one chance to get away and I'm not letting it go that easy! If anyone of those creeps finds me they'll chain me back up and haul me away and I'm not going back! I was missing you two on purpose! Now let me go!"
"We'll let you go when you tell us what they did with Van-sama and Hitomi!"
"I don't know who you're talking about!!"
Shara felt Allen's hand slip away and looked up at him as he stepped back, "Come on Merle let's go, the archers are taken care of. We should get back to the others."
"But Allen-"
"Merle would you want to spend 2 years with these men?"
Merle snapped her mouth shut her tail snapping back and forth, "How can you be sure she's telling the truth?"
"Look into her eyes Merle"
The cat girl spun around and stared at Shara. The girl's bluish-green orbs were filled with hope and determination. Merle's tail slowed down as she seemed to see what Allen meant.
"Fine!" she snapped spinning back around and heading off back into the marauder camp
Allen stopped and turned smiling to Shara, "Our camp isn't that far from here, just head northwest, if you want we can help you get back on your feet and you'll be safe from the marauders there."
Shara felt her knees shake a little at the sunny smile and just nodded to the knight before he sprinted off after his cat friend.
Smiling to herself she about burst with joy, so Allen was her knight's name.
Allen and Merle headed back into the fray. The marauders were being pushed back towards the mountain and it would soon be over. Allen smiled as he jerked his sword upwards to block a blow.
*~~*
Darice bit back another scream as the pain consumed her body. Her vision was beginning to blur and the room was getting darker. All she could see was Soren's smiling face and Surlina's sparkling eyes. The blackness closed in on her and the last thing she saw was Hitomi leaning into Van's chest smirking. Her deep emerald eyes missing the lively sparkle that usually accompanied them.
Van and Hitomi were laughing at her.
Surlina laughed as she watched Darice look on at her creations in utter horror before the darkness claimed the woman. The other two were still squirming in pain and Surlina increased the power just a little. Trisha let out a fresh scream and Surlina growled as she saw Soren flinch out of the corner of her eye. The man was still smiling and laughing but he had flinched never the less.
Cursing the one flaw in her power over the human's she clenched her fists letting her fingers curl up viciously into her palm.
Shifting her gaze back down to the now still bodies on the floor she snapped her fingers. The bracelets calmed down and the electricity left them returning the jewelry back to the heavy metal bands.
"Hitomi, Van, take these three down to the dungeon with Folken and that fool Michael."
Van and Hitomi broke apart and bent down to start dragging the bodies down. Surlina's frown deepened as she watched the two leave.
They had been holding each other. She smashed her fist down onto the throne handle. No matter how hard she had tried her powers couldn't seem to control the human heart. The brains would respond to her every will but the human's instincts due to feelings of the heart seemed to be impenetrable. For example, Soren flinching at watching his sister suffer. She had willed him to laugh but his heart had cried out, Surlina had felt it.
Then Van and Hitomi walking in and immediately falling against each other. They too had laughed because she had willed them too. However their hearts had cried out something fierce, they had gone to each other for comfort.
Uncrossing her legs Surlina jumped to the ground bristling with rage.
"Soren! I want you to take care of our guests in the dungeon. Heal them, make sure they live."
Soren nodded and picked up Caleb who had been left behind for the second trip and headed down to the dungeon.
Surlina took a deep breath to try and soothe some of her anger. She would save her hostages, if the human's hearts proved to be too much of a problem she would simply bargain off the captives. She could twist those pathetic heart strings so as to aid her. Smirking she crossed her arms and a purplish hole swirled into view in front of her.
Heaving out a heavy sigh she pushed her hand through the hole and the scene vanished into smoke. The marauder's camp was under attack and it didn't look as if they would be winning. Sighing again she ran a hand through her hair. No matter, they weren't that important.
Besides it was about time she show this world just how much power Hitomi now held. It was slightly off, due to the fact that she had given some of the awesome power to her stupid king.
"Impossible wench," she muttered to herself walking back up to her throne.
Soon all of Gaia would suffer because of their petty war so many years ago. Because of their ridiculous accusations and unreasonable battles she had been trapped her for years. Now it was time to show Gaia just how angry she was.
*~~*
Hitomi stretched out on the roof top of the spacious cabin. Stars were beginning to sparkle against the velvet blanket of night. Jason had tried to explain to her how they had set the day clock in this world of theirs but it had given her a head ache. Michael had gone out after the disturbing revelations, he had mentioned something about hunting but everyone knew he was going off to blow off steam. Soren had spent the rest of the day in his room. He had been deathly silent for hours before Jason finally barged in to see if Soren was alright.
Soren had just been staring off out of his window.
Hitomi watched the moon rise to it's full glory and winced at her heartache. She felt the tears building up and her mind became a mess. Everything was moving too fast. She felt dizzy as memories of the previous week flooded her mind. It was too much. She didn't know if she could handle this alone. It was too much of a shock. It seemed hopeless. Endless. Painful.
She tried to blink back the tears but they were falling too fast now. She began to shake, angry at her own inability to fix this. There was so much pain and there wasn't anything she could do.
The wind beat against her back sending her hair up in a fury and Hitomi shuttered when something silky brushed against her cheek. Blinking through the mass of water now hindering her vision she caught a glimpse of a pure white feather spinning wildly in the air.
Another strong gust of wind pushed against her back and this time at least 20 feathers went flying past her sides to dance in the air. And then she felt her own stupidity sink in.
She didn't have to face this alone.
Van was with her. He would always be with her and he would always walk through the darkness with her. As if reassuring her she felt his strong callused hands run down her arms.
"Hitomi," he whispered wrapping his arms around her and pulling her up and against him.
Hitomi closed her eyes and leaned against her king. Having him close was like a drug, he could set her blood to racing or move her limbs to Jello leaving her tired and relaxed. She couldn't get enough. Yet her mind seemed to be panicky, it was fighting for reassurance, verbal assurance.
"Van?"
"Mhmm"
"You're.Y-You're never going to.what I.you'll never leave me.right?"
There was an earth shattering silence as Hitomi felt her imaginary body tense up with fear. And then the next thing she felt were soft lips lightly pressing against hers. She didn't dare open her eyes as Van tasted her sweet lips, she felt like she was falling. But it didn't matter, it was an adrenaline rush and she knew Van would always be there for her. On the way down and just before she hit the bottom. She shivered when she felt his tongue brush against her lips but didn't make any move to pull away.
But Van didn't intend to push it any farther. He was gone before she could pull him down, he wanted the kiss to be sweet and nothing more. Hitomi opened her eyes and gazed up into the his gorgeous brownish-red eyes.
"I'll be with you always Hitomi, always."
A/N Sorry this is took so long but I've been trying to work on Mercy of the Evil and Feathers as well. I'm getting somewhere but not very far. I'm suffering from writer's block with them and I'm trying to break it. Also I've been swamped with homework and things to do and blah it's been busy, I'm sure you all understand and are likely suffering from the same things. Oh and for all of those who can't help but notice faults in the details. I know it would have made sense for Jason, Van and Hitomi to just transport to the cabin but then I wouldn't have been able to put in the scenes I did so bear with me please. I hope you enjoy the chapter though and have a great day!!!
Sailor Hope