Disclaimer: I believe I dealt with you last time, don't want to mess with
me twice now do we? Good! ^_^
A/N Well hello everyone! Been writing! ^^ And I do believe this is the chapter you've all been waiting for. It's time to break out of Surlina's sick little world and start kicking some butt!!!! Can't let her burn all of Gaia now can I?
Sailor Hope
Hitomi knelt down on the grass as she listened to Van stretch out behind her. Everyone had agreed to take at least a few hours off and let loved ones catch up and spend some much needed time alone.
Hitomi glanced over her shoulder and smiled at her angel. He was stretched out under the sun, his eyes closed, hair dancing with the light breeze, arms behind his head, his chest slowly rising up and down. Hitomi quietly crawled over to him and stared down at her beloved king.
His lips curved up in a half smile and he cracked open an eye.
"Finding something you like?"
Hitomi playfully smacked his chest and stretched out next to him.Van chuckled and wrapped his arm around her shoulders, pulling her in closer. Kissing the top of her head he closed his eyes once again and leaned back down.
Hitomi didn't know how long they laid there, under the sun. Comfortable, just being within arms reach of each other.
Hitomi laid there trying to rid her mind of all the problems. It was working. She knew she needed to relax a little. You couldn't get much thinking done if you were tired and on edge the entire time.
Finally a thought struck her. Turning to face Van she proped her head up on her elbow and smiled down at him.
Van peeked out of his right eye.
"Let's fly."
Van's other eye was quick to open as a smile burst out acrossed his lips. Standing up he pulled Hitomi to her feet.
Within seconds large white wings exploded from Van's back. His shirt managed to handle the attack. Part of her was almost disappointed.
Hitomi mentally slapped herself as the blush spread across her face. Van gave her a questioning look but Hitomi just shook her head quickly.
Closing her eyes she relaxed in Van's hold and tried to remember what Darice and the others had told her. She felt the warmth spread and fought to grab a hold of it. She focused it to the middle of her back and smiled as she felt something move.
The smile quickly faded though as the wings pushed out of her back. Hitomi winced and tried to keep quiet as the wings shot forth. Letting out a breath she didn't she she'd been holding Van hugged.
"You'll get used to it," he whispered.
Hitomi shivered and Van just smiled as he leaned back.
"Let's fly," he said joyfully as he let go of Hitomi and started to rise.
Hitomi stood there for a few minutes and just watched him fly up a few feet. After she was sure he'd stopped she concentrated on her wings. It was the most unusal thing, having wings. They felt like an extra pair of arms and Hitomi couldn't help but get confused.
"Grab the heat Hitomi! Grab it and push!"
Hitomi focused on the warmth in the middle of her back and pushed down. And up and then down again and up.
Hitomi looked down and gasped when she noticed the ground a good ways below her. She had wings, she should have felt fine, but she didn't. Panicking she let go of the warmth.
Van cursed as he saw the instant fear take a hold of her after seeing the ground no longer under her feet.
Folding his wings back he dove for her. It wasn't really that far but he didn't want to take any chances. Grabbing her he quickly unfolded his wings and leveled with the ground before they hit it. Quickly turning upwards again he stretched his wings out and held them still.
"Hitomi," he whispered, "Hitomi are you alright?"
Hitomi nodded and slowly let her eyes drift up to meet his gaze, "Thanks"
"Any time," he smiled
Hitomi let the words sink in and felt herself relax. She had panicked, but it had been because she had felt all at once, alone. Her normal surroundings were gone and she had felt lost. How silly.
Looking back into Van's deep brownish-red orbs she smiled. She wasn't lost or alone. He was right there and if she fell he'd be there to catch her. Feeling a sudden burst of love for her protector she simply pushed up and kissed him.
Van blinked for a second before he realized what Hitomi was doing. Pulling her closer he kissed back all the while thanking whomever responsible that he had been blessed with such an angel.
Hitomi pulled back a little and leaned her forehead against his, "Always?"
Van could see the rest of the question and grinned at her, "Forever"
With her new found confidence Hitomi gave him a smile of her own and pulled away completely. Van watched as her wings stretched out and she spun around in the air laughing.
"Look Van! I can fly!"
Van laughed with his love, she sounded like the little 6 year old he had once known. She leaned towards him again and shoved him back.
Van was a little caught off guard and took a second or two to regain his balance.
"What the-"
"You're it!" she called over before turning and shooting off up into the sky.
Van felt another laugh escape his lips as he watched Hitomi speed off into the sky spinning and laughing. She always had been a fast learner.
So pushing up Van set off to catch her.
*~~*
Darice smiled as she watched Hitomi dash across her view, Van on her tail.
"Looks like Hitomi knows how to fly," Jason said as he wrapped his arms around her a little tighter.
Darice melted against Jason and just nodded her head.
"Looks like it"
*~~*
Hitomi looked back over her shoulder, but Van wasn't there. Facing forward again she realized she had a problem. Before she had known it she had flown into a group of clouds. She couldn't see a thing.
She couldn't see Van but she knew that he was there. She could feel him near by and knew she was going to get caught.
"Little angel"
Hitomi folded her arms over her chest and forced back a smile as Van called out through the clouds.
*~~*
Surlina smiled as the fog cleared and Freid came into view. Looking up at the palace she couldn't help but laugh. Everything was going as planned and within minutes she would have yet another country at its knees.
"It's the Lady Hitomi and King Van!"
Surlina supressed another laugh as again the gates swung open.
Boy these two sure got around.
Two guards rushed up to the tiny group and bowed.
"His majesty will be very happy to see you"
Van turned to Hitomi with a questioning look and Hitomi just shrugged. Then together the two looked back to Surlina.
Surlina nodded and the two turned back around to follow the guard.
*~~*
Allen pulled his sword out of the door and together with Gaddes the two managed to knock it down.
Merle pushed both of them out of the way and leapt into the room.
"Dilandu!!!"
They had made it through the village somehow and were now sweeping the castle for any signs of Dilandu. Zaibach was a large kingdom but it would be a blow to people's spirit to see their capital burned and ruined.
Dilandu loved fire but Allen doubted he would love this kind.
Merle popped into view after a few seconds frowning. She had caught his scent but it had obviously led them to the wrong room. Allen stepped in and felt his stomach churn. The throne was literally sticking out of the wall and the room was trashed.
Shara stepped up next to him and clenched her fists calling Surlina a few uncomplimentary names.
"Allen!!!"
Allen looked up at Gaddes, "What?"
Gaddes held up a sword and everyone froze, even Shara recgonized it. The hilt was blood red with an energist inside. Several rubies and were scattered across the strong silver wrapped in black leather. The blade curved slightly ending with the sharpest point in all of Gaia.
It was Dilandu's sword.
And he wasn't with it? Big problem.
Merle ran over and snatched the sword out of Gaddes's hands, "This isn't good"
"He had to have gone somewhere!" Allen called out
Merle got the hint and strapped the sword to her waist; bending down she searched for his trail again.
She stood up and wrinkled her nose in disgust. There was blood, and a lot of it. But the problem was it had Dilandu's scent attached to it. Bending back down she smiled as she caught the trail and rushed out of the room on all fours.
"I hate it when she does that," Gaddes called out as they all rushed after the cat.
*~~*
Hitomi sneezed and blinked as she waved the cloud out of her face. Growling she spun in the air looking for the offender.
"Van!"
His deep laughter bounced all around her in the tiny white prison. Another ball of the fluffy substance hit her face and she shook her head to free it of the tickling fluff.
"Stop that right now!" she ordered
"Come over here and make me," he called back
Hitomi crossed her arms and supressed her rising smile. Van was being absolutely ridiculous, he hadn't acted like this since they were 6!!!
"Van I don't wa-"
Hitomi was interupted as another ball hit her square in the face.
"Van Slanzar de Fanel!!! Don't make me-"
Poof!!!
"UGHBLEH!!" Hitomi spit the fluffy cloud out and waved it away sputtering.
"That's it I'm ser-"
Thwack!!!
Hitomi wiped her face clean and clenched her fists.
"Van if you-"
Swish!!!
"Ah ha!!!" Hitomi called out triumphantly as she straightened herself after ducking the last attack.
Bam!!
Hitomi frowned through the white cotton like substance scattered acrossed her face.
"Bwahahahahaha!!!"
Van's full blown laughter burst through the silence and Hitomi only had to picture her face for the laughter to break through and pour out.
Hitomi was so caught up in her laughter that she didn't feel the cloud's shift behind her. Van's black covered head poked out and he shot his arms forward.
Hitomi screamed in surprise as she felt his arms wrap around her waist and pull her backwards. Van had one heck of a time pulling her back without hurting her wings but he managed it.
The raven haired king turned Hitomi around in his arms and smiled down at his literally white little angel.
Hitomi smacked his chest and shook the fluff off once again, Van just chuckled.
Hitomi smiled up at him and leaned forward so their noses were touching. She could see the sparkle in his eyes and knew he was distracted.
So reaching around with one hand Hitomi grabbed some of the clouds floating around her and grinned as she felt the air swirl around in her hand. Van leaned in a little closer and Hitomi smirked. Pulling back quickly she shoved the ball in his face.
Hitomi grabbed her sides as the laughter overtook her. Van blinked a few times and spit out some of the cloud.
"I can't believe you just did that."
Hitomi only laughed harder.
Van wiped the white fluff off his face and shook his head smiling.
*~~*
"No way!" Shara cried out facing the first level of the dungeons, "I've never seen so many doors in my entire life!!!"
"Dilandu!!" Merle called out sniffing the air as she went.
Gaddes shrugged and followed the cat girl. Allen smiled at Shara as he fought to catch his breath.
"Zaibach had a lot of little enemies floating around here and there and Dilandu was never one for letting his enemies off with an easy death."
Shara gulped and reluctantly followed the trail of rescuers.
*~~*
The black slowly started swirling out of view.
Dilandu shook his head a little and winced at the sharp pain in his side. Looking down he growled at the gash he had up his left side. The blood had slowed and was starting to crust. He could feel the dried blood on the side of his face and tried to take deep breaths, but it just wasn't working.
No one touched his face and lived to tell the tale.
When he found Van he was going to roast the traitorous pig over his personal fire. Pulling forward he rolled his eyes in disbelief. Not only had he allowed himself to be beaten in his own kingdom, his own castle for crying out loud!!! But now he was chained in HIS dungeon wall!!! AND!!! His sword was missing!!!
The expression seeing red brought new meaning for the young pryo.
"Dilandu!!!"
Dilandu stiffened at the faint call and cursed at his pounding headache. Giving the chains a hearty tug he let out another string of foul curses, mostly to Van and Hitomi for causing this whole mess.
And Kimi!!!
Dilandu ignored the pain and shook his head once again. He had to have been seeing things. Kimi was dead.
"Dilandu!!!"
He perked up a little as the voice grew closer. And he immediately recgonized the young cat girl's voice.
"He might be on the other floor"
Dilandu recgonized Gaddes's rough voice.
"They wouldn't have killed him, I don't know what's going on but Van wouldn't kill Dilandu.
Dilandu smirked, if only Allen knew the half of it.
"Like I said I thought you said those two were your friends."
And who was that?!?!
"It's not Van-sama and Hitomi!! They're different somehow.I don't know how but that lady did something to them!"
If they kept up that screaming his head was going to split in two!!!
"We'll figure out what's going on later for now, find Dilandu," Allen ordered as the group refocused
"I still think he'll try and kill us for even suggesting that he might have needed rescuing."
Dilandu smirked, Gaddes knew him all too well.
"Gaddes it's different this time, Dilandu was definitely not expecting an attack from Van!"
Understatment of the year.
"Stop the arguing and find the guy will you?!"
That was it, his head was killing him.
"Would you all just shut up!!" he snapped
"Dilandu!" Merle cried out cheerily
"Shut up!!!"
Merle pushed his cell door open a little more and gasped.
"Oh my gosh."
"Get me out of these chains," Dilandu growled holding up his hands
Gaddes was wide eyed and frozen.
Dilandu sent him a warning glance. If he let the word 'rescue' slip once, just once..
Gaddes saw the warning and just nodded. Dilandu grinned evilly, it was nice to know that even when bloodied, swordless, and chained to a wall he could still instill fear into people like no other.
That helped his injured ego a little, but just a little mind you.
Dilandu smiled as the chains fell off his wrists and hit the ground with a loud crack.
"Got it," Shara announced triumphantly as she slipped the lock pick back into her belt.
Dilandu pushed Merle's hands away and stood on his own. His body cried out in pain as the wounds stretched, he winced but continued to ignore the help.
Merle fumed, "OOOOO!!! Dilandu sometimes you are just so stubborn!!!"
Dilandu looked at his friend out of the corner of his eye and smirked. Merle just narrowed her eyes and 'harumphed.'
"Now," he growled, "Would someone explain what in all of Gaia Van and Hitomi are doing? And fast!!!"
*~~*
Hitomi cringed a little as her wings slithered into her back and her feet touched the ground. Van landed next to her his hair plastered to his face. Hitomi shivered as the rain continued to beat down on her skin. Van pushed his hair out of his eyes and frowned.
The clouds had rolled in after he had blinked and the rain had started just as quickly. They had tried to get it to go away, but it just wouldn't. Surlina must have caused it.
Glancing over at Hitomi Van smiled. Her sandy brown locks were sticking to her face as she tried to push it out of her eyes. Van walked over and pushed her hair back smiling down at her bright green orbs.
He felt Hitomi stiffen as he stared down at her and Van felt his stomach to a backflip. He knew he should do it now, I mean why delay any longer?
He had spent hours, days, weeks, and months planning the speech. He had written it out and memorized the smooth words. He had even asked Merle for help. It had sounded romantic and sweet.
But as he gazed down into the depths of her eyes he watched helplessly as all the words disappeared. One by one they faded until he was left with nothing. His hands started to shake lightly as he felt panic bubble up in his stomach.
Somehow this wasn't how he had imagined it.
It hadn't been raining in his mind and they most certainly were not trapped in Hitomi's supposedly dead mother's sick dream world. And he hadn't forgot the ring in his room.
Despite all the changes, he had to do it now. He couldn't explain it but it had to be now. This was the time. So before he could think better of it he was leaning forward. Hitomi melted as he pulled her closer.
His lips brushed her ear in a light kiss and Hitomi clung to Van a little tighter as the shiver slithered up her back.
"Marry me."
Hitomi froze.
Van felt his heart crack slighty as Hitomi's fingers squeezed his soaking shirt. She was as stiff as a board.
'At least she's not pulling away,' his mind noted happily
"What?" Hitomi managed to squeak out.
Van took another deep breath, "Marry me."
Hitomi blinked. It wasn't a question, just a simple statement bordering on a demand.
"Sure."
Hitomi blushed as the words left her mouth. She hadn't even really thought about it, her body seemed to be working on its own.
"Really?" Van questioned pulling back slightly so he could make eye contact once again.
Hitomi's lips slowly curved in a tiny smile as she looked up into his dark red eyes.
"Of course."
Van couldn't stop the bright smile that started forming, his eyes even joined in on the fun and Hitomi giggled at the pure joy spreading across his face.
Giving her a quick squeeze Van picked her up and spun her around. Hitomi decided to give in and laughed as he playfully spun her in the wind and rain.
Van eventually stopped and hugged her close again.
"You said yes," he whispered almost in shock
"What did you think I was going to say?" she asked
Van didn't want to think about what she could of said. The important thing was that she said yes. Going with his instincts Van leaned forward and pressed his lips against Hitomi's. Hitomi closed her eyes and leaned into the kiss a sudden fire rushing over her skin.
Unbeknownist to the two a dark red light was beginning to flicker at their ankles. It sputtered and flashed a few times before finally solidifying and slowly snaking around their ankles. With a sudden jerk the red snake like substance contracted and squeezed their ankles.
Hitomi pulled back with a start and cry of pain at the sudden intense pressure. Still holding onto each other the two looked down.
"What the-"
Van didn't get to finish however. The red substance exploded into a blinding white and slowly began to crawl up their skin.
*~~*
Darice blinked and leaned over to look out her bedroom window.
"Jason!"
*~~*
Van pulled Hitomi closer as the burning light slithered up their arms and around their necks. Hitomi made a small choking sound and Van tried to pull against the light to give her some air but it was useless.
Slowly looking down into her bright green emeralds he gave her a quick smile.
'I love you,' he mouthed
'Love you too,' she mouthed back with a pained smile
Van grit his teeth and bright lights exploded in front of his eyes and he began to feel dizzy. He was losing oxygen fast and wasn't sure if he could last much longer. Hitomi sagged against him and Van managed to push through the pain and saw his love's eyes glaze over. She was still gripping him so he was comforted a little to know that she wasn't gone yet.
Hitomi was bordering on unconciousness, when it happened. The white ropes pushed off and began to swirl around the two.
Van and Hitomi collapsed to the ground gasping for air. Once Van could see straight again he reached out for Hitomi and found her wandering hand. Pulling her close again he winced at the excruciating headache intensifying every second by the bright light.
"Are you alright?" Van managed to choke out
Hitomi just nodded and leaned into his chest. The lights had formed a rather snug ball around the two now and was slowly rising up off the ground.
Van looked out over Hitomi's head and peered through the light. The sky was a blood red now a blood red with yellow streaks flickering here and there.
'What's going on?!' he screamed out through his head
Turning Hitomi's eyes away from the light he looked up and about fell over. There was a large hole in the sky.
And he could see Zaibach on the other side, there was no mistaking Dilandu's castle.
*~~*
Surlina froze in midstep. A tiny sliver of panic rushed up her skin as she felt something snap. Searching for the source her face turned a deep red as she screamed out in anger.
She had known this could happen. It was always a possibility but she had never thought their bond that strong. They had been unknowningly fighting her. They had been pushing against her power ever since they had arrived in her little prison.
And now they were leaving.
*~~*
Eyes glued to the sky Van thought for sure they were seeing things.
"Look," he whispered down at Hitomi
Hitomi pushed against the strong wind and looked up at the sky. There, in the middle of the red sky was a hole. And inside the hole was Dilandu's castle. She had spent a few summers there and was positive it was the silver haired king's residence. There was just no mistaking Dilandu's style. But a few seconds later Fanelia flashed across the hole. Hitomi gasped as Asturia swished into view before finally stopping in front of Freid's little castle.
The wind died down and within seconds the colors began to swirl. Blacks, blues, whites, reds, greens, yellows, pinks, all of them. Hitomi hugged Van tighter as their atmosphere melted away.
And then it all stopped. The wind stopped and colors seperated and Hitomi shivered as a light wind pelted her bare skin. Blinking she looked down at her outfit.
Hitomi felt a blush stain her cheeks as she saw what she was wearing. Looking back up Hitomi blushed even harder when she found Van gaping at her.
It was just about now that she noticed his change in outfit as well and couldn't help but run her arms down chest admiring the change in wardrobe. Hitomi realised what she had done all too late and blushed even more turning her face a solid mass of red. Van just smirked and pecked her cheek.
"You don't look all that bad yourself," he whispered his deep rough voice tickling her ear.
"You're making me sick."
Hitomi spun around towards the voice, already knowing who it belonged to.
"Surlina!"
"You know you two are really starting to piss me off."
A/N Sorry this took a while to get out. I hope you all like!! Have a great day!!!
A/N Well hello everyone! Been writing! ^^ And I do believe this is the chapter you've all been waiting for. It's time to break out of Surlina's sick little world and start kicking some butt!!!! Can't let her burn all of Gaia now can I?
Sailor Hope
Hitomi knelt down on the grass as she listened to Van stretch out behind her. Everyone had agreed to take at least a few hours off and let loved ones catch up and spend some much needed time alone.
Hitomi glanced over her shoulder and smiled at her angel. He was stretched out under the sun, his eyes closed, hair dancing with the light breeze, arms behind his head, his chest slowly rising up and down. Hitomi quietly crawled over to him and stared down at her beloved king.
His lips curved up in a half smile and he cracked open an eye.
"Finding something you like?"
Hitomi playfully smacked his chest and stretched out next to him.Van chuckled and wrapped his arm around her shoulders, pulling her in closer. Kissing the top of her head he closed his eyes once again and leaned back down.
Hitomi didn't know how long they laid there, under the sun. Comfortable, just being within arms reach of each other.
Hitomi laid there trying to rid her mind of all the problems. It was working. She knew she needed to relax a little. You couldn't get much thinking done if you were tired and on edge the entire time.
Finally a thought struck her. Turning to face Van she proped her head up on her elbow and smiled down at him.
Van peeked out of his right eye.
"Let's fly."
Van's other eye was quick to open as a smile burst out acrossed his lips. Standing up he pulled Hitomi to her feet.
Within seconds large white wings exploded from Van's back. His shirt managed to handle the attack. Part of her was almost disappointed.
Hitomi mentally slapped herself as the blush spread across her face. Van gave her a questioning look but Hitomi just shook her head quickly.
Closing her eyes she relaxed in Van's hold and tried to remember what Darice and the others had told her. She felt the warmth spread and fought to grab a hold of it. She focused it to the middle of her back and smiled as she felt something move.
The smile quickly faded though as the wings pushed out of her back. Hitomi winced and tried to keep quiet as the wings shot forth. Letting out a breath she didn't she she'd been holding Van hugged.
"You'll get used to it," he whispered.
Hitomi shivered and Van just smiled as he leaned back.
"Let's fly," he said joyfully as he let go of Hitomi and started to rise.
Hitomi stood there for a few minutes and just watched him fly up a few feet. After she was sure he'd stopped she concentrated on her wings. It was the most unusal thing, having wings. They felt like an extra pair of arms and Hitomi couldn't help but get confused.
"Grab the heat Hitomi! Grab it and push!"
Hitomi focused on the warmth in the middle of her back and pushed down. And up and then down again and up.
Hitomi looked down and gasped when she noticed the ground a good ways below her. She had wings, she should have felt fine, but she didn't. Panicking she let go of the warmth.
Van cursed as he saw the instant fear take a hold of her after seeing the ground no longer under her feet.
Folding his wings back he dove for her. It wasn't really that far but he didn't want to take any chances. Grabbing her he quickly unfolded his wings and leveled with the ground before they hit it. Quickly turning upwards again he stretched his wings out and held them still.
"Hitomi," he whispered, "Hitomi are you alright?"
Hitomi nodded and slowly let her eyes drift up to meet his gaze, "Thanks"
"Any time," he smiled
Hitomi let the words sink in and felt herself relax. She had panicked, but it had been because she had felt all at once, alone. Her normal surroundings were gone and she had felt lost. How silly.
Looking back into Van's deep brownish-red orbs she smiled. She wasn't lost or alone. He was right there and if she fell he'd be there to catch her. Feeling a sudden burst of love for her protector she simply pushed up and kissed him.
Van blinked for a second before he realized what Hitomi was doing. Pulling her closer he kissed back all the while thanking whomever responsible that he had been blessed with such an angel.
Hitomi pulled back a little and leaned her forehead against his, "Always?"
Van could see the rest of the question and grinned at her, "Forever"
With her new found confidence Hitomi gave him a smile of her own and pulled away completely. Van watched as her wings stretched out and she spun around in the air laughing.
"Look Van! I can fly!"
Van laughed with his love, she sounded like the little 6 year old he had once known. She leaned towards him again and shoved him back.
Van was a little caught off guard and took a second or two to regain his balance.
"What the-"
"You're it!" she called over before turning and shooting off up into the sky.
Van felt another laugh escape his lips as he watched Hitomi speed off into the sky spinning and laughing. She always had been a fast learner.
So pushing up Van set off to catch her.
*~~*
Darice smiled as she watched Hitomi dash across her view, Van on her tail.
"Looks like Hitomi knows how to fly," Jason said as he wrapped his arms around her a little tighter.
Darice melted against Jason and just nodded her head.
"Looks like it"
*~~*
Hitomi looked back over her shoulder, but Van wasn't there. Facing forward again she realized she had a problem. Before she had known it she had flown into a group of clouds. She couldn't see a thing.
She couldn't see Van but she knew that he was there. She could feel him near by and knew she was going to get caught.
"Little angel"
Hitomi folded her arms over her chest and forced back a smile as Van called out through the clouds.
*~~*
Surlina smiled as the fog cleared and Freid came into view. Looking up at the palace she couldn't help but laugh. Everything was going as planned and within minutes she would have yet another country at its knees.
"It's the Lady Hitomi and King Van!"
Surlina supressed another laugh as again the gates swung open.
Boy these two sure got around.
Two guards rushed up to the tiny group and bowed.
"His majesty will be very happy to see you"
Van turned to Hitomi with a questioning look and Hitomi just shrugged. Then together the two looked back to Surlina.
Surlina nodded and the two turned back around to follow the guard.
*~~*
Allen pulled his sword out of the door and together with Gaddes the two managed to knock it down.
Merle pushed both of them out of the way and leapt into the room.
"Dilandu!!!"
They had made it through the village somehow and were now sweeping the castle for any signs of Dilandu. Zaibach was a large kingdom but it would be a blow to people's spirit to see their capital burned and ruined.
Dilandu loved fire but Allen doubted he would love this kind.
Merle popped into view after a few seconds frowning. She had caught his scent but it had obviously led them to the wrong room. Allen stepped in and felt his stomach churn. The throne was literally sticking out of the wall and the room was trashed.
Shara stepped up next to him and clenched her fists calling Surlina a few uncomplimentary names.
"Allen!!!"
Allen looked up at Gaddes, "What?"
Gaddes held up a sword and everyone froze, even Shara recgonized it. The hilt was blood red with an energist inside. Several rubies and were scattered across the strong silver wrapped in black leather. The blade curved slightly ending with the sharpest point in all of Gaia.
It was Dilandu's sword.
And he wasn't with it? Big problem.
Merle ran over and snatched the sword out of Gaddes's hands, "This isn't good"
"He had to have gone somewhere!" Allen called out
Merle got the hint and strapped the sword to her waist; bending down she searched for his trail again.
She stood up and wrinkled her nose in disgust. There was blood, and a lot of it. But the problem was it had Dilandu's scent attached to it. Bending back down she smiled as she caught the trail and rushed out of the room on all fours.
"I hate it when she does that," Gaddes called out as they all rushed after the cat.
*~~*
Hitomi sneezed and blinked as she waved the cloud out of her face. Growling she spun in the air looking for the offender.
"Van!"
His deep laughter bounced all around her in the tiny white prison. Another ball of the fluffy substance hit her face and she shook her head to free it of the tickling fluff.
"Stop that right now!" she ordered
"Come over here and make me," he called back
Hitomi crossed her arms and supressed her rising smile. Van was being absolutely ridiculous, he hadn't acted like this since they were 6!!!
"Van I don't wa-"
Hitomi was interupted as another ball hit her square in the face.
"Van Slanzar de Fanel!!! Don't make me-"
Poof!!!
"UGHBLEH!!" Hitomi spit the fluffy cloud out and waved it away sputtering.
"That's it I'm ser-"
Thwack!!!
Hitomi wiped her face clean and clenched her fists.
"Van if you-"
Swish!!!
"Ah ha!!!" Hitomi called out triumphantly as she straightened herself after ducking the last attack.
Bam!!
Hitomi frowned through the white cotton like substance scattered acrossed her face.
"Bwahahahahaha!!!"
Van's full blown laughter burst through the silence and Hitomi only had to picture her face for the laughter to break through and pour out.
Hitomi was so caught up in her laughter that she didn't feel the cloud's shift behind her. Van's black covered head poked out and he shot his arms forward.
Hitomi screamed in surprise as she felt his arms wrap around her waist and pull her backwards. Van had one heck of a time pulling her back without hurting her wings but he managed it.
The raven haired king turned Hitomi around in his arms and smiled down at his literally white little angel.
Hitomi smacked his chest and shook the fluff off once again, Van just chuckled.
Hitomi smiled up at him and leaned forward so their noses were touching. She could see the sparkle in his eyes and knew he was distracted.
So reaching around with one hand Hitomi grabbed some of the clouds floating around her and grinned as she felt the air swirl around in her hand. Van leaned in a little closer and Hitomi smirked. Pulling back quickly she shoved the ball in his face.
Hitomi grabbed her sides as the laughter overtook her. Van blinked a few times and spit out some of the cloud.
"I can't believe you just did that."
Hitomi only laughed harder.
Van wiped the white fluff off his face and shook his head smiling.
*~~*
"No way!" Shara cried out facing the first level of the dungeons, "I've never seen so many doors in my entire life!!!"
"Dilandu!!" Merle called out sniffing the air as she went.
Gaddes shrugged and followed the cat girl. Allen smiled at Shara as he fought to catch his breath.
"Zaibach had a lot of little enemies floating around here and there and Dilandu was never one for letting his enemies off with an easy death."
Shara gulped and reluctantly followed the trail of rescuers.
*~~*
The black slowly started swirling out of view.
Dilandu shook his head a little and winced at the sharp pain in his side. Looking down he growled at the gash he had up his left side. The blood had slowed and was starting to crust. He could feel the dried blood on the side of his face and tried to take deep breaths, but it just wasn't working.
No one touched his face and lived to tell the tale.
When he found Van he was going to roast the traitorous pig over his personal fire. Pulling forward he rolled his eyes in disbelief. Not only had he allowed himself to be beaten in his own kingdom, his own castle for crying out loud!!! But now he was chained in HIS dungeon wall!!! AND!!! His sword was missing!!!
The expression seeing red brought new meaning for the young pryo.
"Dilandu!!!"
Dilandu stiffened at the faint call and cursed at his pounding headache. Giving the chains a hearty tug he let out another string of foul curses, mostly to Van and Hitomi for causing this whole mess.
And Kimi!!!
Dilandu ignored the pain and shook his head once again. He had to have been seeing things. Kimi was dead.
"Dilandu!!!"
He perked up a little as the voice grew closer. And he immediately recgonized the young cat girl's voice.
"He might be on the other floor"
Dilandu recgonized Gaddes's rough voice.
"They wouldn't have killed him, I don't know what's going on but Van wouldn't kill Dilandu.
Dilandu smirked, if only Allen knew the half of it.
"Like I said I thought you said those two were your friends."
And who was that?!?!
"It's not Van-sama and Hitomi!! They're different somehow.I don't know how but that lady did something to them!"
If they kept up that screaming his head was going to split in two!!!
"We'll figure out what's going on later for now, find Dilandu," Allen ordered as the group refocused
"I still think he'll try and kill us for even suggesting that he might have needed rescuing."
Dilandu smirked, Gaddes knew him all too well.
"Gaddes it's different this time, Dilandu was definitely not expecting an attack from Van!"
Understatment of the year.
"Stop the arguing and find the guy will you?!"
That was it, his head was killing him.
"Would you all just shut up!!" he snapped
"Dilandu!" Merle cried out cheerily
"Shut up!!!"
Merle pushed his cell door open a little more and gasped.
"Oh my gosh."
"Get me out of these chains," Dilandu growled holding up his hands
Gaddes was wide eyed and frozen.
Dilandu sent him a warning glance. If he let the word 'rescue' slip once, just once..
Gaddes saw the warning and just nodded. Dilandu grinned evilly, it was nice to know that even when bloodied, swordless, and chained to a wall he could still instill fear into people like no other.
That helped his injured ego a little, but just a little mind you.
Dilandu smiled as the chains fell off his wrists and hit the ground with a loud crack.
"Got it," Shara announced triumphantly as she slipped the lock pick back into her belt.
Dilandu pushed Merle's hands away and stood on his own. His body cried out in pain as the wounds stretched, he winced but continued to ignore the help.
Merle fumed, "OOOOO!!! Dilandu sometimes you are just so stubborn!!!"
Dilandu looked at his friend out of the corner of his eye and smirked. Merle just narrowed her eyes and 'harumphed.'
"Now," he growled, "Would someone explain what in all of Gaia Van and Hitomi are doing? And fast!!!"
*~~*
Hitomi cringed a little as her wings slithered into her back and her feet touched the ground. Van landed next to her his hair plastered to his face. Hitomi shivered as the rain continued to beat down on her skin. Van pushed his hair out of his eyes and frowned.
The clouds had rolled in after he had blinked and the rain had started just as quickly. They had tried to get it to go away, but it just wouldn't. Surlina must have caused it.
Glancing over at Hitomi Van smiled. Her sandy brown locks were sticking to her face as she tried to push it out of her eyes. Van walked over and pushed her hair back smiling down at her bright green orbs.
He felt Hitomi stiffen as he stared down at her and Van felt his stomach to a backflip. He knew he should do it now, I mean why delay any longer?
He had spent hours, days, weeks, and months planning the speech. He had written it out and memorized the smooth words. He had even asked Merle for help. It had sounded romantic and sweet.
But as he gazed down into the depths of her eyes he watched helplessly as all the words disappeared. One by one they faded until he was left with nothing. His hands started to shake lightly as he felt panic bubble up in his stomach.
Somehow this wasn't how he had imagined it.
It hadn't been raining in his mind and they most certainly were not trapped in Hitomi's supposedly dead mother's sick dream world. And he hadn't forgot the ring in his room.
Despite all the changes, he had to do it now. He couldn't explain it but it had to be now. This was the time. So before he could think better of it he was leaning forward. Hitomi melted as he pulled her closer.
His lips brushed her ear in a light kiss and Hitomi clung to Van a little tighter as the shiver slithered up her back.
"Marry me."
Hitomi froze.
Van felt his heart crack slighty as Hitomi's fingers squeezed his soaking shirt. She was as stiff as a board.
'At least she's not pulling away,' his mind noted happily
"What?" Hitomi managed to squeak out.
Van took another deep breath, "Marry me."
Hitomi blinked. It wasn't a question, just a simple statement bordering on a demand.
"Sure."
Hitomi blushed as the words left her mouth. She hadn't even really thought about it, her body seemed to be working on its own.
"Really?" Van questioned pulling back slightly so he could make eye contact once again.
Hitomi's lips slowly curved in a tiny smile as she looked up into his dark red eyes.
"Of course."
Van couldn't stop the bright smile that started forming, his eyes even joined in on the fun and Hitomi giggled at the pure joy spreading across his face.
Giving her a quick squeeze Van picked her up and spun her around. Hitomi decided to give in and laughed as he playfully spun her in the wind and rain.
Van eventually stopped and hugged her close again.
"You said yes," he whispered almost in shock
"What did you think I was going to say?" she asked
Van didn't want to think about what she could of said. The important thing was that she said yes. Going with his instincts Van leaned forward and pressed his lips against Hitomi's. Hitomi closed her eyes and leaned into the kiss a sudden fire rushing over her skin.
Unbeknownist to the two a dark red light was beginning to flicker at their ankles. It sputtered and flashed a few times before finally solidifying and slowly snaking around their ankles. With a sudden jerk the red snake like substance contracted and squeezed their ankles.
Hitomi pulled back with a start and cry of pain at the sudden intense pressure. Still holding onto each other the two looked down.
"What the-"
Van didn't get to finish however. The red substance exploded into a blinding white and slowly began to crawl up their skin.
*~~*
Darice blinked and leaned over to look out her bedroom window.
"Jason!"
*~~*
Van pulled Hitomi closer as the burning light slithered up their arms and around their necks. Hitomi made a small choking sound and Van tried to pull against the light to give her some air but it was useless.
Slowly looking down into her bright green emeralds he gave her a quick smile.
'I love you,' he mouthed
'Love you too,' she mouthed back with a pained smile
Van grit his teeth and bright lights exploded in front of his eyes and he began to feel dizzy. He was losing oxygen fast and wasn't sure if he could last much longer. Hitomi sagged against him and Van managed to push through the pain and saw his love's eyes glaze over. She was still gripping him so he was comforted a little to know that she wasn't gone yet.
Hitomi was bordering on unconciousness, when it happened. The white ropes pushed off and began to swirl around the two.
Van and Hitomi collapsed to the ground gasping for air. Once Van could see straight again he reached out for Hitomi and found her wandering hand. Pulling her close again he winced at the excruciating headache intensifying every second by the bright light.
"Are you alright?" Van managed to choke out
Hitomi just nodded and leaned into his chest. The lights had formed a rather snug ball around the two now and was slowly rising up off the ground.
Van looked out over Hitomi's head and peered through the light. The sky was a blood red now a blood red with yellow streaks flickering here and there.
'What's going on?!' he screamed out through his head
Turning Hitomi's eyes away from the light he looked up and about fell over. There was a large hole in the sky.
And he could see Zaibach on the other side, there was no mistaking Dilandu's castle.
*~~*
Surlina froze in midstep. A tiny sliver of panic rushed up her skin as she felt something snap. Searching for the source her face turned a deep red as she screamed out in anger.
She had known this could happen. It was always a possibility but she had never thought their bond that strong. They had been unknowningly fighting her. They had been pushing against her power ever since they had arrived in her little prison.
And now they were leaving.
*~~*
Eyes glued to the sky Van thought for sure they were seeing things.
"Look," he whispered down at Hitomi
Hitomi pushed against the strong wind and looked up at the sky. There, in the middle of the red sky was a hole. And inside the hole was Dilandu's castle. She had spent a few summers there and was positive it was the silver haired king's residence. There was just no mistaking Dilandu's style. But a few seconds later Fanelia flashed across the hole. Hitomi gasped as Asturia swished into view before finally stopping in front of Freid's little castle.
The wind died down and within seconds the colors began to swirl. Blacks, blues, whites, reds, greens, yellows, pinks, all of them. Hitomi hugged Van tighter as their atmosphere melted away.
And then it all stopped. The wind stopped and colors seperated and Hitomi shivered as a light wind pelted her bare skin. Blinking she looked down at her outfit.
Hitomi felt a blush stain her cheeks as she saw what she was wearing. Looking back up Hitomi blushed even harder when she found Van gaping at her.
It was just about now that she noticed his change in outfit as well and couldn't help but run her arms down chest admiring the change in wardrobe. Hitomi realised what she had done all too late and blushed even more turning her face a solid mass of red. Van just smirked and pecked her cheek.
"You don't look all that bad yourself," he whispered his deep rough voice tickling her ear.
"You're making me sick."
Hitomi spun around towards the voice, already knowing who it belonged to.
"Surlina!"
"You know you two are really starting to piss me off."
A/N Sorry this took a while to get out. I hope you all like!! Have a great day!!!