A/N: HOW MY DAY WENT~ I woke up at three a.m. when my baka neko wanted to
play with me. Went back to sleep at four. Woke up again at seven. Hauled my
ass out of bed, finally got to bus stop at 8:07. Mentally abused on bus.
Got to school. Latin. Blah- no brain. Orchestra- blah., No brain, but my
school did win almost 100 medals in UIL on Saturday, so, yay. Went to
lunch,. Tried to remember what dear friend Shawn got expelled for last
year, but brain was still turned off. Went to English, had a test over
Mythology. Blah. Found out average was an 82. Blah. Went to dance and
dehydrated, nearly passing out and sweating more than is healthy. Blah.
Cleaned up, got on bus, fell asleep for half an hour. Woke up. Spent
another fifteen minutes trying to get home. Blah. Got home. Got yelled at
by mom when tried to make a joke. Came upstairs- got yelled at again. Read
reviews and squealed like the pathetic little fan girl I am. Sorry, but
I've been feeling kind of pessimistic today. I'll go into the good parts of
my day maybe at the end of the chapter, maybe not, Sorry to always use
these A/Ns as rants, but I need an outlet of some sort and I am too lazy to
start a blog. So, blah. On with the torturous fluff.
Disclaimer: Blah.
SEVEN
Hitomi awoke the next morning to the sweet kisses of the sun dancing upon her eyelids. For one of the first times in her life, she felt happy as she awoke. Complete. She then realized that she was enfolded in a pair of strong arms. She second noticed that the arms belonged to Van. She third noticed that he was still asleep and looked like an angel. She lastly noticed that a faint blush tinted her cheeks. Hm. Why would she be blushing? OH yes- because she was sleeping with Van. Wait..Sleeping with Van?!?!?!? Hitomi resisted the urge to hop up and find a stick with which to beat the horny boy away, but instead decided to check that all her clothes were on. They were, and her tunic was still tied tightly.
"Whew," exhaled Hitomi, and unfortunately remembered that she was sleeping on the ground, and that she had to get to Palas. She sighed, and attempted to disentangle herself from Van. This proved to be difficult, however, because he only looped his arms around her waist as she struggled, sighing happily and leaning his head against her chest, a small smile on his face. Hitomi turned beet red.
"Let go! Van, could you please move." Hitomi said urgently. But no matter how much she wriggled, Van had her in a death grip. The young queen had but barely succeeded into moving into a more comfortable position when Van opened an eye.
"Good morning princess," he yawned.
"That's 'queen,'" said Hitomi, still blushing furiously. "Please let go. You're making me very uncomfortable."
"But I'm perfectly comfortable," said Van, closing his eyes again and pulling Hitomi up to him. "Is that better?"
"No. We have to get going to Palas, Van, if we want to make it before noon."
"What's so bad about noon? Why not one, or two, or three," he yawned, "or maybe even tomorrow?"
"Because if you don't let go of me, I'll."
"You'll what?"
"."
Van smirked at the flustered queen. "Wow. What a threat." Hitomi glowered as Van sleepily closed his eyes again.
"Please, Van," she whispered, though she was fully aware that she was fighting a losing battle against him.
"Just stay a little while longer," he murmured. "Then, I promise, we can leave and I won't do anything."
"Promise?" Hitomi asked quietly.
"Mm," muttered Van, falling asleep once again. Hitomi would have smacked her forehead if she could have, but she was unfortunately incapacitated. Or, possibly, fortunately, but Hitomi would never admit that to anyone. Not even herself. But, still, deep inside, Hitomi wondered if she was still dreaming, due to the fact that the series of events starting from Van's odd behavior on the guymelef to the present time. And last night. was that a dream too? Or was she denying her feelings- no! There were no feelings. None. Hitomi wormed closer to Van. Nope, no feelings. She laid her head on his shoulder. He was just a boy from the mystic moon. And, a very good pillow at that. Ignoring the little voices in her head, Hitomi remained where she was, wishing deep within her that she could just remain this way for eternity.
.:*:.~.:*:.~.:*:.
Dilandau was sprawled happily on the couch, dreaming of towering flames when he felt a body land rather roughly on him.
"Oof," he said, detesting being awaken so violently.
"Hiiii!!!" he heard a fangirl-like squeal. He opened his eyes, rubbing them around the rims, and gawked.
"How did you get in here?" he stuttered at the girl standing in front of him. She was tall, with ruby red hair and equally red eyes- just like Dilandau's. She was tan, and dressed all in scarlet.
"Simple. I just snuck in using the back door," said the girl. "I'm Ruby, and I'm here to."
"Murder me?" asked Dilandau, being rational for once due to the extreme oddity of the situation. For one, the Vione didn't have a back door. For two, the girl was carrying an extra large flame thrower with a bright red bow on it.
"Nope! I'm here to hook up with you," she bounced. "And, if you say yes, I'll give you this flame thrower.."
"Yes! Yes!" cried Dilandau, leaping forward and huggling the flame thrower.
"Hey," said Ruby, "Aren't you supposed to be huggling me?" But, of course, she got no answer because Dilandau had set out to test his fireproof galoches to see if they really were fireproof.
.:*:.~.:*:.~.:*:.
"Is that everything?" Van asked, shoving random things into his track bag.
"I think," said Hitomi, tightening her corset over her tunic. She sucked in a great breath and yanked it as tight as it would go- but not too tight. Just enough to keep her decent.
"That looks terrible," commented Van, who had been watching shamelessly. He smirked as Hitomi turned slightly pink.
"It's very rude to watch a lady dress," said Hitomi.
"I don't see a lady," said Van, looking right and left. Within seconds, Hitomi had whipped out a large paper fan out of an inconceivably small place and smacked Van rather violently over the head with it.
"Shit! Is that Yukari's fan?" he asked. Hitomi shrugged, and instead glared at him over the top of it.
"I don't care. It's fun, though. But, yes, this corset thing is a pain."
"You know, I had to study that in history and it supposedly rearranges your insides."
"I don't ever tie mine that tight," muttered Hitomi. Van shrugged and tossed his 'magic track bag' up into the guymelef.
"Great for you. So, where is this palace?"
"It's called Palas, and it's the capital of Austaria. We'll appeal to the king there, and hopefully acquire enough force to overtake Zaibach."
"Oh, Zaibach, right. Aren't they the morons that attacked us?"
"Repeatedly, yes," glared Hitomi, hoisting herself up into Escaflowne. "You comin'?"
"Yeah, yeah," said Van, struggling up into the guymelef, not so graceful in his antics as Hitomi. The queen sighed and held out her hand to Van, who gratefully took it and clambered over the edge of the guymelef into the cockpit.
"Hang on," said Hitomi, and suddenly, the guymelef jerked upwards, sending Van careening into the side of the robot.
"Ow. Where'd you learn to drive?" Van asked, rubbing his head and sitting down on the bench behind Hitomi.
"Doesn't matter. I just want you to concentrate on the fact that your life is in my hands here," Hitomi said, sprouting a wicked grin. "I could live through some of the stunts this crazy dragon could pule, but I'm certain you'd be dead."
"I rubbed off on you," Van said, startled. Hitomi shrugged.
"I guess." They rode on through the wind, Van clutching to Hitomi's waist because not only was he worried that she might try one of those crazy stunts, but also because it was sort of fun, being able to manipulate her like that. True, it was slightly on the perverted side, but, hey, that was Van. High school horny extrodinare.
"We should be at Palas in about an hour," called Hitomi over the roaring of the wind.
"That's great!" Yelled Van. "I can't wait to get out of this cold wind." And then, quite suddenly, it began to rain.
"DAMMIT!" yelled Van. It had been a beautiful day, sunny and cloudless, and then they had gotten into the air. The wind had chilled down, the sky had darkened, and now, damn rain was soaking Van to the bone, freezing him like an icicle. And the freeze cut him to the bone, until his very existence was ice, and then black. He was falling, falling. but out of nowhere, a figure dove down, angel wings pumping furiously behind them, hand extended to him. Van reached out to catch the hand, and..
.:*:.~.:*:.~.:*:.
"He just sort of keeled over," said Hitomi nervously, wringing her hands and chattering at the princess Millerna. "And he started twitching and mumbling and I really seriously didn't know what to do. DO you think he'll be alright? Oh, I'm so worried, maybe he got hurt in the battle yesterday at the fortress, but I didn't think so. I swear that I did everything I could to help him, he's not sick is he? Is he going to die? Oh, god, don't let him die because-" Hitomi was cut off as Millerna slapped her sharply across the cheek.
"Hitomi! Snap out of it. Van will be fine. His body was weakened by the stress from yesterday, but he should be fine," Millerna said, smiling secretly to herself. The queen's icy wall was being melted slowly by this boy from the mystic moon. "He has minor cases of dehydration and hymotherpia, but a day of bed rest and he'll be fit for travel again."
"Good. I wouldn't want him slowing me down," said Hitomi, coming to her senses, extremely embarrassed that she had let her cool slip. "Can I go see him?" she asked, working hard to keep the hopefulness and pleading out of her voice.
"Hold on," said Millerna, poking her head into Van's room, which they were standing outside of. "Yeah, sure. He's still asleep, but you can visit if you want," said Millerna, smiling slightly as Hitomi scampered inside.
"Hey Van," Hitomi said softly, pulling a chair up next to his bed. "Seems like we've gotten into a habit of doing this, hmm?" she asked after Millerna shut the door. "You had me really worried when you passed out like that, did you know?" asked Hitomi, looking out the window and not noticing the small smile beginning to creep up on Van's sleeping face. "I tried to wake you up, I even landed, but it seemed like you had slipped into the land of the dead. I brought you here, to the castle, and they said it was hymotherpia, dehydration, exhaustion, and stress. And you know what? I'm glad that it's not as bad as it could be." Van shifted in his sleep, and Hitomi looked back down at him, smiling at the innocent look on his face. "I'll stay until you wake," said Hitomi, leaning back in the chair and watching him. She was lost in her thoughts for an eternity as she gazed at his face, but was jerked out of her thoughts as Van slowly stirred, mumbling something under hi breath. He was obviously still asleep, and Hitomi cracked an evil smile as she remembered the last incident when she had tried to awaken him.
"Van," she whispered softly.
"Myrrrrrrrmmmppppphhhhh," he said.
"Van, what do you think of the queen Hitomi?" Hitomi tried again.
"Aaaaahhhhhhh. Hitomi," he sighed, smiling. Hitomi cackled evilly in her mind. She may have a soft spot for this boy, but she would still have fun with him.
"Is Hitomi pretty?"
"Very pretty. Yukari would be jealous. Like jello." Hitomi wondered at the statement, but brushed it off and continued talking.
"Is Hitomi tough?"
"Tomboy, but a hottie," Van murmured through the land of his dreams. Hitomi sighed exhaustedly. This was getting her nowhere. She decided to try to find out other things.
"What is your life on the earth on the mystic moon like?"
"Mother... cruel. Fail... Yukari science lab blow up.." Yes, Hitomi definitely needed a translator. So, he was saying that his mom was mean, he failed.. Failed school. And his friend Yukari must have blown up the science lab. Ouch.
"Do you ever want to go back?"
"Huhhhh?" Mumbled Van, rubbing his eyes and sitting up. "Go back where?"
"What? Van, I think you were dreaming," said Hitomi, covering up for her blunder. Van shrugged, shaking his head.
"God, I'm thirsty.. Get me water," he said.
"Get your own water," snorted Hitomi indignantly. Van regarded her with sparkling brown red eyes from where he had propped himself up against the pillows. Hitomi made a face halfway between a scowl and vampire fangs, but stomped off and got Van's water.
"Where are we, by the way?" asked Van curiously, peering around the room.
"We're in Palas, at Austaria."
"I passed out, didn't I?" Van asked, completely out of the blue.
"Yes," said Hitomi, handing Van his water. "You really freaked me out."
"Did I now?" Asked Van, smirking over the rim of his cup. Hitomi scowled again.
"Yes. You were crying like a little girl," Hitomi said, improvising. Van snorted out some of his water.
"What? I never cry!" he said as Hitomi wiped the spray off her face with disgust.
"Can't you take a joke?" Hitomi asked Van as he grinned sheepishly at her.
"Sorry. No, I can't." Van said. Hitomi snorted and threw her hands into the air.
"I give up. Dealing with you is like dealing with a small child," she ranted.
"Avery hot small child."
"Yes- I mean, No! You're obnoxious, and rude, and."
"Hot?" Van offered. Hitomi snorted un-intelligibly, turning a pink shade. Van seemed to enjoy her discomfort.
"Listen here. Don't doubt that I have the power to kill you. So, I would recommend you don't push me," she said, slipping on her "I'm the queen of the world and you will die" mask.
"You have the power," said Van, cracking a small smile, "but you don't have the heart to kill me. For one, I'm your obligation and you can't hurt me. For two," Van said, the smile becoming a large, evil grin, "you've grown close to me, and we both know that you can't kill those you lo-"
"Shut up!" Yelled Hitomi, hopping up and glaring at Van.
"Ah. I see you're awake," said Millerna, walking into the room and quietly closing the door behind her.
"How could you tell?" asked Hitomi, turning to the girl. Van could only stare.
"Raised voices, crashing noises.. Usually follow you everywhere, Hitomi. Hi, I'm princess Millerna," she added, smiling at Van. "I don't believe you remember our last meeting.
"Ab, ub, hi," stammered Van, turning tomato red. Hitomi glanced from Van to Millerna to Van again, threw up her hands and stomped out of the room.
"What about me, Van?" she asked angrily, more to herself than to anyone else. "What about what you said in your sleep, or the way you teased me and treated me. What about me?" she raved, storming through the hallways. "So, It's because I'm not perfect and dainty and a delicate little daddy's flower. But I've had life harder than her, Van, and I don't need you.. Argh." Hitomi growled, tears bubbling down her cheeks. She stepped out into the light of the courtyard (the rains had long since ceased,) and made her way to the royal training arena. As she suspected, she found plenty of 'pigeons' milling around, playing with swords.
"Hey!" Hitomi called out to the many war-hardened soldiers. They stopped what they were doing and looked at her- a woman was hardly ever seen in this area. "Does anyone feel up to a match?" Hitomi glared around. No answer. She took a deep breath.
"I grant a wish to he who defeats me," Hitomi said, wondering if she would regret her words.
"I'll fight you," said one oafish, heavy brute, stepping forward. Hitomi smiled grimly. 'great, just great.'
"Done," said Hitomi, stomping off toward the armory.
"The queen of Fanelia does not hide from her enemies," Hitomi muttered to herself, strapping on the last of the bulky protection provided for training. She put her hand on the hilt of her sword and marched out into the light of the training ring. The stands were partially filled with the many men who had been mulling about, looking for a fight. Hitomi looked down at her tiny, fragile-seeming figure, and smiled to herself. Being so lithe would give her an advantage. Unexpected power over the enemy, and that advantage was worth a thousand lives in battle.
Out came the incredible hulk, clanking in his armor. He pulled out two large, double edged swords, and Hitomi sighed as he gave her a leer. She put her hand to her forehead, and let her sword arm drop.
"You know what?" she called to him. "Spare me the theatrics and your pity. You can have one open shot at me- I won't attack you until afterwards," she said over the din of the hooting of the men. The Hulk grinned and licked his lips.
"Okay. But remember, one wish." Hitomi shuddered at the thought of what was most likely running through his head, but steadied her legs as the disgusting man came running at her. At the last moment, she raised her sword and blocked his shot, and then jumped backwards with little effort. Was this guy for real? Almost lazily, Hitomi swung back at him, causing a nick in his left leg. The Hulk let out a howl and charged at her.
"You'll pay for that, you bitch!" He said, swinging at Hitomi's head with his right sword. She blocked that, and jumped over the left blade which tried to chop off her feet. Hitomi sighed- it was time to stop fooling around. Strike, parry, strike. Her deadly dance had begun, and it was all that the Hulk could do to keep his head from being sliced off. With a mighty wrench of the blade, Hitomi sent one of His swords flying, and continued to fight him, pushing him back towards a corner. The blades clashed with loud rings, sending spots of light dancing off the reflective blades. Hitomi gave another wrench and sent the other blade flying. The Hulk stumbled backwards, lost without his swords, and then fell to his knees. Hitomi pointed her sword at his throat, giving it a tiny little flick so that a minute stream of blood ran down his Adams apple.
"I win," she said. The Hulk bowed his head, and Hitomi backed away, sheathing her sword, her stress greatly relieved. She then remembered why she had come to Palas in such a hurry, and ripped off her helmet.
"Oh, god," she said, dashing away, her short, dirty blonde locks streaming behind her. "I've got to go see the king."
.:*:.~.:*:.~.:*:.
A/N: Aarrrrgggghhhhhh!!!!!! My dad has decided that my computer is a really really good computer to play on, despite the fact that it is IN MY ROOM!!! (my room = forbidden territory). So, now, I have to kill something, because I'm NEVER ALLOWED ON MY COMPUTER! Because my dad is always doing some stupid fruity thing.. I want to use some very colorful language but I don't want to offend anybody, so, GR! I hate my life right now. I have three tests next week, and I got a 73 on my algebra test which was ONLY ON TUESDAY. I'm thinking that I should provoke Hitomi into slicing my head off. Hmm. Very entertaining thoughts...
TO EVERYONE WHO LOVES ME:
CinderellaxVan: fluff is good. And I'm glad you like my portrayal of Van! He's a little horny, more than a little crazy, but we love him anyway! And, yes, Allen is an idiot. Bah! I'm still trying to decide what to do with him in the end. Any ideas?
esca chick: you, my beautiful little reviewer, are NASTY! Sorry I didn't have much about the 'everlasting birthday party' in this chapter.. I'll put total insanity in the next chapter, okie?
Dariel: yes, it was sweet, and fluffishly wonderful. Yaaay for fluff! I love my psycho Dilandau. He's great. Did you like the clown idea? It's okay that you didn't review the last chapter, believe me, I know the feeling of having too much work. *see Final A/N for more detail *snicker* and thanks for the bag of sympathy... *puts it on head all happy like*
hitomi21: thanks for the support, did you get the email?
Fireangel: wait!!! Don't kill him yet! He's a major character. But I promise you can have him at the end of the story *cackle* hahahahaahahaha! O_O right then. I'm glad that you're glad that I'm glad that you love this story, LoL!
Ruby: was this chapter satisfactory?
Feye Morgan: ssh!!! *claps hand over thine mouth* don't spoil it!!! And Allen was trying to wound Van very very badly, heh heh. But, yeah. I'm happy you liked the next chapter, too. Maybe when I go through and re-write this story (after I actually finish) I won't have her cut off her hair, but, yeah. That happened to me once.. *glares* it wasn't very fun- the school yelled at me. And, also, I'm glad you liked the tickle-me-elmo thing, and, yes, the entire Folken in a clown suit situation is highly amusing. Thanx for reviewing!
Aeka-himme: fluff scenes are good. I'm glad you liked the tickle me elmo thing. Hurrah! And you might not be getting any early chapters for a while. see the final A/N for more info. And, I'm glad you love this fic. People loving my work makes me happy!
Naria: wow! Three reveiws! Yes, that was a sort of short chapter. I hate short chapters. *mentally kicks self* I'm also glad you liked chapter 5. And, yes, I did have to do that to the poor tickle me elmo. But don't worry.. IT LIVES! I'm really very happy that you like the story, thanks a ton for reviewing.
Rod G: tail or tale? *snicker* sorry, just have to say that. Anywhoo, thanks a lot for your review.
FINAL A/N: Gosh, whenever I write this I feel like I'm wrigin "final aeon" or something from FFX. Dork. Anyway. I HAVE REALLY REALLY BIG NEWS! Over the course of the week I will be writing chapters 8, 9, and 10. 8 and 9 will be published A.S.A.P, but 10 will be published on Valentines Day, And, here's the best part. you send me a hug in your review and a request and I write it in to Chapter 10. But nothing too insane (ex: allen riding flying cows or smut), and I can only write so many people into my story. So, yeah. But, I have more happy news, so, yay. I GET UNGROUNDED a week from Valentines day. Hurrah! But, that's not the fun thing. This is: I'm working on something that I'm calling a "freedom dispatch". It's a whole bunch of fics- all of which I will publish if I get ungrounded (which I most likley will) And the best part is.. Most are escaflowne fics. So, yes. I might be grumpy and over worked for a while, and now you all know why! If anyone would like to help me out, or possibly just like to contact me about anything, feel free to AIM me or email me at: writ3rsbl0ck@hotmail.com!!!! Remember, I love you all!
~Azure
Disclaimer: Blah.
SEVEN
Hitomi awoke the next morning to the sweet kisses of the sun dancing upon her eyelids. For one of the first times in her life, she felt happy as she awoke. Complete. She then realized that she was enfolded in a pair of strong arms. She second noticed that the arms belonged to Van. She third noticed that he was still asleep and looked like an angel. She lastly noticed that a faint blush tinted her cheeks. Hm. Why would she be blushing? OH yes- because she was sleeping with Van. Wait..Sleeping with Van?!?!?!? Hitomi resisted the urge to hop up and find a stick with which to beat the horny boy away, but instead decided to check that all her clothes were on. They were, and her tunic was still tied tightly.
"Whew," exhaled Hitomi, and unfortunately remembered that she was sleeping on the ground, and that she had to get to Palas. She sighed, and attempted to disentangle herself from Van. This proved to be difficult, however, because he only looped his arms around her waist as she struggled, sighing happily and leaning his head against her chest, a small smile on his face. Hitomi turned beet red.
"Let go! Van, could you please move." Hitomi said urgently. But no matter how much she wriggled, Van had her in a death grip. The young queen had but barely succeeded into moving into a more comfortable position when Van opened an eye.
"Good morning princess," he yawned.
"That's 'queen,'" said Hitomi, still blushing furiously. "Please let go. You're making me very uncomfortable."
"But I'm perfectly comfortable," said Van, closing his eyes again and pulling Hitomi up to him. "Is that better?"
"No. We have to get going to Palas, Van, if we want to make it before noon."
"What's so bad about noon? Why not one, or two, or three," he yawned, "or maybe even tomorrow?"
"Because if you don't let go of me, I'll."
"You'll what?"
"."
Van smirked at the flustered queen. "Wow. What a threat." Hitomi glowered as Van sleepily closed his eyes again.
"Please, Van," she whispered, though she was fully aware that she was fighting a losing battle against him.
"Just stay a little while longer," he murmured. "Then, I promise, we can leave and I won't do anything."
"Promise?" Hitomi asked quietly.
"Mm," muttered Van, falling asleep once again. Hitomi would have smacked her forehead if she could have, but she was unfortunately incapacitated. Or, possibly, fortunately, but Hitomi would never admit that to anyone. Not even herself. But, still, deep inside, Hitomi wondered if she was still dreaming, due to the fact that the series of events starting from Van's odd behavior on the guymelef to the present time. And last night. was that a dream too? Or was she denying her feelings- no! There were no feelings. None. Hitomi wormed closer to Van. Nope, no feelings. She laid her head on his shoulder. He was just a boy from the mystic moon. And, a very good pillow at that. Ignoring the little voices in her head, Hitomi remained where she was, wishing deep within her that she could just remain this way for eternity.
.:*:.~.:*:.~.:*:.
Dilandau was sprawled happily on the couch, dreaming of towering flames when he felt a body land rather roughly on him.
"Oof," he said, detesting being awaken so violently.
"Hiiii!!!" he heard a fangirl-like squeal. He opened his eyes, rubbing them around the rims, and gawked.
"How did you get in here?" he stuttered at the girl standing in front of him. She was tall, with ruby red hair and equally red eyes- just like Dilandau's. She was tan, and dressed all in scarlet.
"Simple. I just snuck in using the back door," said the girl. "I'm Ruby, and I'm here to."
"Murder me?" asked Dilandau, being rational for once due to the extreme oddity of the situation. For one, the Vione didn't have a back door. For two, the girl was carrying an extra large flame thrower with a bright red bow on it.
"Nope! I'm here to hook up with you," she bounced. "And, if you say yes, I'll give you this flame thrower.."
"Yes! Yes!" cried Dilandau, leaping forward and huggling the flame thrower.
"Hey," said Ruby, "Aren't you supposed to be huggling me?" But, of course, she got no answer because Dilandau had set out to test his fireproof galoches to see if they really were fireproof.
.:*:.~.:*:.~.:*:.
"Is that everything?" Van asked, shoving random things into his track bag.
"I think," said Hitomi, tightening her corset over her tunic. She sucked in a great breath and yanked it as tight as it would go- but not too tight. Just enough to keep her decent.
"That looks terrible," commented Van, who had been watching shamelessly. He smirked as Hitomi turned slightly pink.
"It's very rude to watch a lady dress," said Hitomi.
"I don't see a lady," said Van, looking right and left. Within seconds, Hitomi had whipped out a large paper fan out of an inconceivably small place and smacked Van rather violently over the head with it.
"Shit! Is that Yukari's fan?" he asked. Hitomi shrugged, and instead glared at him over the top of it.
"I don't care. It's fun, though. But, yes, this corset thing is a pain."
"You know, I had to study that in history and it supposedly rearranges your insides."
"I don't ever tie mine that tight," muttered Hitomi. Van shrugged and tossed his 'magic track bag' up into the guymelef.
"Great for you. So, where is this palace?"
"It's called Palas, and it's the capital of Austaria. We'll appeal to the king there, and hopefully acquire enough force to overtake Zaibach."
"Oh, Zaibach, right. Aren't they the morons that attacked us?"
"Repeatedly, yes," glared Hitomi, hoisting herself up into Escaflowne. "You comin'?"
"Yeah, yeah," said Van, struggling up into the guymelef, not so graceful in his antics as Hitomi. The queen sighed and held out her hand to Van, who gratefully took it and clambered over the edge of the guymelef into the cockpit.
"Hang on," said Hitomi, and suddenly, the guymelef jerked upwards, sending Van careening into the side of the robot.
"Ow. Where'd you learn to drive?" Van asked, rubbing his head and sitting down on the bench behind Hitomi.
"Doesn't matter. I just want you to concentrate on the fact that your life is in my hands here," Hitomi said, sprouting a wicked grin. "I could live through some of the stunts this crazy dragon could pule, but I'm certain you'd be dead."
"I rubbed off on you," Van said, startled. Hitomi shrugged.
"I guess." They rode on through the wind, Van clutching to Hitomi's waist because not only was he worried that she might try one of those crazy stunts, but also because it was sort of fun, being able to manipulate her like that. True, it was slightly on the perverted side, but, hey, that was Van. High school horny extrodinare.
"We should be at Palas in about an hour," called Hitomi over the roaring of the wind.
"That's great!" Yelled Van. "I can't wait to get out of this cold wind." And then, quite suddenly, it began to rain.
"DAMMIT!" yelled Van. It had been a beautiful day, sunny and cloudless, and then they had gotten into the air. The wind had chilled down, the sky had darkened, and now, damn rain was soaking Van to the bone, freezing him like an icicle. And the freeze cut him to the bone, until his very existence was ice, and then black. He was falling, falling. but out of nowhere, a figure dove down, angel wings pumping furiously behind them, hand extended to him. Van reached out to catch the hand, and..
.:*:.~.:*:.~.:*:.
"He just sort of keeled over," said Hitomi nervously, wringing her hands and chattering at the princess Millerna. "And he started twitching and mumbling and I really seriously didn't know what to do. DO you think he'll be alright? Oh, I'm so worried, maybe he got hurt in the battle yesterday at the fortress, but I didn't think so. I swear that I did everything I could to help him, he's not sick is he? Is he going to die? Oh, god, don't let him die because-" Hitomi was cut off as Millerna slapped her sharply across the cheek.
"Hitomi! Snap out of it. Van will be fine. His body was weakened by the stress from yesterday, but he should be fine," Millerna said, smiling secretly to herself. The queen's icy wall was being melted slowly by this boy from the mystic moon. "He has minor cases of dehydration and hymotherpia, but a day of bed rest and he'll be fit for travel again."
"Good. I wouldn't want him slowing me down," said Hitomi, coming to her senses, extremely embarrassed that she had let her cool slip. "Can I go see him?" she asked, working hard to keep the hopefulness and pleading out of her voice.
"Hold on," said Millerna, poking her head into Van's room, which they were standing outside of. "Yeah, sure. He's still asleep, but you can visit if you want," said Millerna, smiling slightly as Hitomi scampered inside.
"Hey Van," Hitomi said softly, pulling a chair up next to his bed. "Seems like we've gotten into a habit of doing this, hmm?" she asked after Millerna shut the door. "You had me really worried when you passed out like that, did you know?" asked Hitomi, looking out the window and not noticing the small smile beginning to creep up on Van's sleeping face. "I tried to wake you up, I even landed, but it seemed like you had slipped into the land of the dead. I brought you here, to the castle, and they said it was hymotherpia, dehydration, exhaustion, and stress. And you know what? I'm glad that it's not as bad as it could be." Van shifted in his sleep, and Hitomi looked back down at him, smiling at the innocent look on his face. "I'll stay until you wake," said Hitomi, leaning back in the chair and watching him. She was lost in her thoughts for an eternity as she gazed at his face, but was jerked out of her thoughts as Van slowly stirred, mumbling something under hi breath. He was obviously still asleep, and Hitomi cracked an evil smile as she remembered the last incident when she had tried to awaken him.
"Van," she whispered softly.
"Myrrrrrrrmmmppppphhhhh," he said.
"Van, what do you think of the queen Hitomi?" Hitomi tried again.
"Aaaaahhhhhhh. Hitomi," he sighed, smiling. Hitomi cackled evilly in her mind. She may have a soft spot for this boy, but she would still have fun with him.
"Is Hitomi pretty?"
"Very pretty. Yukari would be jealous. Like jello." Hitomi wondered at the statement, but brushed it off and continued talking.
"Is Hitomi tough?"
"Tomboy, but a hottie," Van murmured through the land of his dreams. Hitomi sighed exhaustedly. This was getting her nowhere. She decided to try to find out other things.
"What is your life on the earth on the mystic moon like?"
"Mother... cruel. Fail... Yukari science lab blow up.." Yes, Hitomi definitely needed a translator. So, he was saying that his mom was mean, he failed.. Failed school. And his friend Yukari must have blown up the science lab. Ouch.
"Do you ever want to go back?"
"Huhhhh?" Mumbled Van, rubbing his eyes and sitting up. "Go back where?"
"What? Van, I think you were dreaming," said Hitomi, covering up for her blunder. Van shrugged, shaking his head.
"God, I'm thirsty.. Get me water," he said.
"Get your own water," snorted Hitomi indignantly. Van regarded her with sparkling brown red eyes from where he had propped himself up against the pillows. Hitomi made a face halfway between a scowl and vampire fangs, but stomped off and got Van's water.
"Where are we, by the way?" asked Van curiously, peering around the room.
"We're in Palas, at Austaria."
"I passed out, didn't I?" Van asked, completely out of the blue.
"Yes," said Hitomi, handing Van his water. "You really freaked me out."
"Did I now?" Asked Van, smirking over the rim of his cup. Hitomi scowled again.
"Yes. You were crying like a little girl," Hitomi said, improvising. Van snorted out some of his water.
"What? I never cry!" he said as Hitomi wiped the spray off her face with disgust.
"Can't you take a joke?" Hitomi asked Van as he grinned sheepishly at her.
"Sorry. No, I can't." Van said. Hitomi snorted and threw her hands into the air.
"I give up. Dealing with you is like dealing with a small child," she ranted.
"Avery hot small child."
"Yes- I mean, No! You're obnoxious, and rude, and."
"Hot?" Van offered. Hitomi snorted un-intelligibly, turning a pink shade. Van seemed to enjoy her discomfort.
"Listen here. Don't doubt that I have the power to kill you. So, I would recommend you don't push me," she said, slipping on her "I'm the queen of the world and you will die" mask.
"You have the power," said Van, cracking a small smile, "but you don't have the heart to kill me. For one, I'm your obligation and you can't hurt me. For two," Van said, the smile becoming a large, evil grin, "you've grown close to me, and we both know that you can't kill those you lo-"
"Shut up!" Yelled Hitomi, hopping up and glaring at Van.
"Ah. I see you're awake," said Millerna, walking into the room and quietly closing the door behind her.
"How could you tell?" asked Hitomi, turning to the girl. Van could only stare.
"Raised voices, crashing noises.. Usually follow you everywhere, Hitomi. Hi, I'm princess Millerna," she added, smiling at Van. "I don't believe you remember our last meeting.
"Ab, ub, hi," stammered Van, turning tomato red. Hitomi glanced from Van to Millerna to Van again, threw up her hands and stomped out of the room.
"What about me, Van?" she asked angrily, more to herself than to anyone else. "What about what you said in your sleep, or the way you teased me and treated me. What about me?" she raved, storming through the hallways. "So, It's because I'm not perfect and dainty and a delicate little daddy's flower. But I've had life harder than her, Van, and I don't need you.. Argh." Hitomi growled, tears bubbling down her cheeks. She stepped out into the light of the courtyard (the rains had long since ceased,) and made her way to the royal training arena. As she suspected, she found plenty of 'pigeons' milling around, playing with swords.
"Hey!" Hitomi called out to the many war-hardened soldiers. They stopped what they were doing and looked at her- a woman was hardly ever seen in this area. "Does anyone feel up to a match?" Hitomi glared around. No answer. She took a deep breath.
"I grant a wish to he who defeats me," Hitomi said, wondering if she would regret her words.
"I'll fight you," said one oafish, heavy brute, stepping forward. Hitomi smiled grimly. 'great, just great.'
"Done," said Hitomi, stomping off toward the armory.
"The queen of Fanelia does not hide from her enemies," Hitomi muttered to herself, strapping on the last of the bulky protection provided for training. She put her hand on the hilt of her sword and marched out into the light of the training ring. The stands were partially filled with the many men who had been mulling about, looking for a fight. Hitomi looked down at her tiny, fragile-seeming figure, and smiled to herself. Being so lithe would give her an advantage. Unexpected power over the enemy, and that advantage was worth a thousand lives in battle.
Out came the incredible hulk, clanking in his armor. He pulled out two large, double edged swords, and Hitomi sighed as he gave her a leer. She put her hand to her forehead, and let her sword arm drop.
"You know what?" she called to him. "Spare me the theatrics and your pity. You can have one open shot at me- I won't attack you until afterwards," she said over the din of the hooting of the men. The Hulk grinned and licked his lips.
"Okay. But remember, one wish." Hitomi shuddered at the thought of what was most likely running through his head, but steadied her legs as the disgusting man came running at her. At the last moment, she raised her sword and blocked his shot, and then jumped backwards with little effort. Was this guy for real? Almost lazily, Hitomi swung back at him, causing a nick in his left leg. The Hulk let out a howl and charged at her.
"You'll pay for that, you bitch!" He said, swinging at Hitomi's head with his right sword. She blocked that, and jumped over the left blade which tried to chop off her feet. Hitomi sighed- it was time to stop fooling around. Strike, parry, strike. Her deadly dance had begun, and it was all that the Hulk could do to keep his head from being sliced off. With a mighty wrench of the blade, Hitomi sent one of His swords flying, and continued to fight him, pushing him back towards a corner. The blades clashed with loud rings, sending spots of light dancing off the reflective blades. Hitomi gave another wrench and sent the other blade flying. The Hulk stumbled backwards, lost without his swords, and then fell to his knees. Hitomi pointed her sword at his throat, giving it a tiny little flick so that a minute stream of blood ran down his Adams apple.
"I win," she said. The Hulk bowed his head, and Hitomi backed away, sheathing her sword, her stress greatly relieved. She then remembered why she had come to Palas in such a hurry, and ripped off her helmet.
"Oh, god," she said, dashing away, her short, dirty blonde locks streaming behind her. "I've got to go see the king."
.:*:.~.:*:.~.:*:.
A/N: Aarrrrgggghhhhhh!!!!!! My dad has decided that my computer is a really really good computer to play on, despite the fact that it is IN MY ROOM!!! (my room = forbidden territory). So, now, I have to kill something, because I'm NEVER ALLOWED ON MY COMPUTER! Because my dad is always doing some stupid fruity thing.. I want to use some very colorful language but I don't want to offend anybody, so, GR! I hate my life right now. I have three tests next week, and I got a 73 on my algebra test which was ONLY ON TUESDAY. I'm thinking that I should provoke Hitomi into slicing my head off. Hmm. Very entertaining thoughts...
TO EVERYONE WHO LOVES ME:
CinderellaxVan: fluff is good. And I'm glad you like my portrayal of Van! He's a little horny, more than a little crazy, but we love him anyway! And, yes, Allen is an idiot. Bah! I'm still trying to decide what to do with him in the end. Any ideas?
esca chick: you, my beautiful little reviewer, are NASTY! Sorry I didn't have much about the 'everlasting birthday party' in this chapter.. I'll put total insanity in the next chapter, okie?
Dariel: yes, it was sweet, and fluffishly wonderful. Yaaay for fluff! I love my psycho Dilandau. He's great. Did you like the clown idea? It's okay that you didn't review the last chapter, believe me, I know the feeling of having too much work. *see Final A/N for more detail *snicker* and thanks for the bag of sympathy... *puts it on head all happy like*
hitomi21: thanks for the support, did you get the email?
Fireangel: wait!!! Don't kill him yet! He's a major character. But I promise you can have him at the end of the story *cackle* hahahahaahahaha! O_O right then. I'm glad that you're glad that I'm glad that you love this story, LoL!
Ruby: was this chapter satisfactory?
Feye Morgan: ssh!!! *claps hand over thine mouth* don't spoil it!!! And Allen was trying to wound Van very very badly, heh heh. But, yeah. I'm happy you liked the next chapter, too. Maybe when I go through and re-write this story (after I actually finish) I won't have her cut off her hair, but, yeah. That happened to me once.. *glares* it wasn't very fun- the school yelled at me. And, also, I'm glad you liked the tickle-me-elmo thing, and, yes, the entire Folken in a clown suit situation is highly amusing. Thanx for reviewing!
Aeka-himme: fluff scenes are good. I'm glad you liked the tickle me elmo thing. Hurrah! And you might not be getting any early chapters for a while. see the final A/N for more info. And, I'm glad you love this fic. People loving my work makes me happy!
Naria: wow! Three reveiws! Yes, that was a sort of short chapter. I hate short chapters. *mentally kicks self* I'm also glad you liked chapter 5. And, yes, I did have to do that to the poor tickle me elmo. But don't worry.. IT LIVES! I'm really very happy that you like the story, thanks a ton for reviewing.
Rod G: tail or tale? *snicker* sorry, just have to say that. Anywhoo, thanks a lot for your review.
FINAL A/N: Gosh, whenever I write this I feel like I'm wrigin "final aeon" or something from FFX. Dork. Anyway. I HAVE REALLY REALLY BIG NEWS! Over the course of the week I will be writing chapters 8, 9, and 10. 8 and 9 will be published A.S.A.P, but 10 will be published on Valentines Day, And, here's the best part. you send me a hug in your review and a request and I write it in to Chapter 10. But nothing too insane (ex: allen riding flying cows or smut), and I can only write so many people into my story. So, yeah. But, I have more happy news, so, yay. I GET UNGROUNDED a week from Valentines day. Hurrah! But, that's not the fun thing. This is: I'm working on something that I'm calling a "freedom dispatch". It's a whole bunch of fics- all of which I will publish if I get ungrounded (which I most likley will) And the best part is.. Most are escaflowne fics. So, yes. I might be grumpy and over worked for a while, and now you all know why! If anyone would like to help me out, or possibly just like to contact me about anything, feel free to AIM me or email me at: writ3rsbl0ck@hotmail.com!!!! Remember, I love you all!
~Azure
