Author's note: Thanks for the reviews. Hope you enjoy!
Declaimer: I don't own Michelle Branch's "Here with me."
Dryden was gazing outside onto his country
Asturia, from the large ornate windows in the palace. He wasn't really looking
at the city but he was in deep thought. Dryden was so busy dwelling on his
thoughts that he didn't realise that Millerna had entered the room.
Millerna gave a wryly smile as she came up behind him and grabbed his waist.
This caused Dryden to jump in shock. He turned behind him to see Millerna
giggling. He then gave her a heavy sigh to show his disapproval, at what she
had just done. She still carried on giggling and Dryden gave up his attitude
and laughed with her. She always knew how to break down his emotional defences.
Dryden then held out his arms to her and she came into them and they embraced.
They had embraced for a couple of minutes until Millerna pulled back and looked
at Dryden straight in the eye.
"You know, for once you might have found a perfect girl for Van,"
Millerna said and flicked his nose.
"What makes you say that?" Dryden asked.
"She's different from the others," Millerna replied.
"How is she different?" Dryden questioned.
"Well, for a start she's not a bimbo," Millerna emphasised the bimbo
as she replied.
"Alana and Larissa weren't bimbos," Dryden corrected.
"No they weren't, but they were the dullest women I've ever met,"
Millerna said.
"Well, no one's perfect," Dryden commented. Millerna shot him a
glare. "Apart from you, my darling"
Millerna simply smiled. "Yeah that is true, but come on Dryden the girls
you picked out for Van the last several times, was just unbelievably
ridiculous."
"So how is Hitomi different?" Dryden asked.
"Well her clothing for one but the rest of her..." Millerna
stuttered. "I can't explain it but she's got this passion inside of her
that seems to make her glow on the outside as well as the inside, and she's
smart. She gave me that impression when I spoke to her, at breakfast today and
she's quite pretty, obviously not as pretty as me," Millerna replied.
"No one can compare to your beauty, darling," Dryden quickly agreed.
Millerna then hit him in the arm.
"I hope Van likes her," Millerna said. "He really does deserve
some happiness."
"Yeah same here," Dryden said.
"Let's just hope he doesn't dismiss her like that, because of his last
previous experiences with the women you choose," Millerna sighed heavily.
Dryden was about to say something but instead he chose not to. "And let's
also hope that Allen doesn't make any moves on her."
Dryden looked at her curiously, "What are you talking about?"
"Our Knight of Caeli, is a bit of playboy, haven't you noticed?"
Millerna asked surprised.
"I don't notice those sorts of things," Dryden replied. "Anyway,
what can we do now? Allen and Hitomi have already left for Fanelia."
"Yeah I suppose," Millerna said. "You really didn't
notice." Dryden just gave her a glance. "You moron," she laughed
and held tightly onto his arm as they both looked out of the window onto the
city.
***
Hitomi kept looking out of the carriage, stunned by the beauty of the
countryside. Allen watched her intensively. Hitomi didn't notice that Allen was
staring at her.
"So Hitomi, where are you from?" Allen asked.
"Me, umm....."Hitomi hesitated. "I'm really not from anyway, I
just move around from city to city."
"Oh I see," Allen said. "I bet you've had many boyfriends."
"None at all, actually," Hitomi laughed.
"I just can't believe that," Allen responded.
"Well it's true, I've never really met anybody who I could get close
to," she said. "Not to mention three older, protective
brothers." She laughed. "Especially Ha..." She didn't finish off
her sentence. Suddenly a rush of sadness swept her.
"What's wrong?" Allen asked.
"Nothing," Hitomi replied looking at her feet.
Allen then stretched forward and placed his hand on hers. She looked up at him.
"Whatever it is, just remember I'll be there to help you." Allen then
squeezed her hand gently. This caused Hitomi to blush.
"Well, thank you," Hitomi awkwardly replied.
"You know, I've never met anyone as beautiful as you," Allen said
softly. Hitomi didn't know how to reply to that. She just felt her cheeks get
hotter. "You know I'm surprised that you're not married yet."
Hitomi didn't know what to say, she was never used to someone hitting on her
like that. Hitomi gently removed her hand from his. "I'm flattered but you're
making me, feel, rather uncomfortable." She finally said.
"I'm sorry, Miss Hitomi," He said. "I'm just not used to being
around such beauty."
"I'm not that pretty, I can assure you," Hitomi said.
Allen gave her an odd look and then he sat back properly in his place.
"It's a nice day today, don't you think?"
"Yes it is, Apollo must be in a good mood," She replied.
"Yes he must be, you know some people say that I look like Apollo,"
Allen smiled.
Hitomi tried to hold back her laughter. Is
this guy for real? She thought. "I don't think so," She replied.
Allen gave her that odd look again. Hitomi then changed the conversation.
"How long have we got till we get to Fanelia?"
"Well we left in the morning around nine o'clock
and we should arrive there around five so we have two more hours to go,"
Allen replied.
"Have you ever been to Fanelia before?" She asked still trying to
divert the conversation further.
"Quite a few times, it's a beautiful city. I take it you haven't
been," Allen replied.
"No, I've never been," Hitomi said and then she looked out of the
carriage again.
***
Éclat was sat on his throne in quite a sad mood. His daughter Hitomi would soon
have to become a Goddess and so he wouldn't see her as much. Hitomi was Éclat's
youngest daughter and so he loved her very much as she was the baby of the
family.
But Hitomi rarely came out of her room since Hades had become a God. Sometimes
he wouldn't see her for several days. He was very worried for his daughter.
Éclat was very tall and he had shoulder length gold hair with green eyes. He
was truly a bronzed masterpiece. On his head he wore a crown to represent the
fact he was the king of the Gods.
"Hera," He yelled. Hera came instantly to him.
"Yes my love," she said.
"I want to see Hitomi," Éclat said. "Our little girl is going to
become a Goddess and so we will rarely see her after that. And we rarely see
her now, so, I want you and me to spend time with our daughter until she
becomes Goddess."
Hera smiled. "That's a splendid idea."
"I thought so," Éclat said. "It feels like yesterday when she
was this small and she would giggle around me and run after Hades in these Halls. Oh, Hera I'm going
to miss her."
"Same here," Hera said. "She's our youngest child; we need to
spend the little time with her to the fullest."
"Hitomi," he sighed. "I haven't been much of a father to you but
I'll make it up."
"I'll go get her," Hera said. "I haven't seen that girl for two days."
"Well it's better than me. I haven't seen her for a week." Éclat said
embarrassed. Hera then nodded and left to go get Hitomi.
***
"It's so beautiful," Hitomi shrieked with excitement. They had
finally reached Fanelia.
"We are not quite there, yet," Allen said. "We have to travel
another ten minutes to get to Fanel the capital."
"Well you can drop me of here," Hitomi said.
"I can't, King Dryden has gave me specific orders that you will accompany
me to the capital, Fanel. He even has had your accommodation sorted,"
Allen told her.
"Oh, that was nice of Dryden. Where will I be staying?" She asked.
"Why, in the castle of course," Allen replied.
"Oh okay," Hitomi then sat back.
When they finally reached the castle, Hitomi was astounded at its sheer beauty.
It was decorated with green vines and roses. The whole country was green.
Hitomi was still wearing her blue satin dress with all of her accessories.
When the carriage stopped Hitomi was the first to come out. "It's so
beautiful."
"Well, the King will be pleased to know you like it," A new voice
said. Hitomi turned to it to see a young cat girl with pink hair.
"I don't just like it, I love it," Hitomi smiled.
Allen came out of the carriage and saw the cat girl, "Greetings
Merle," Allen said.
"Hey, Allen," the cat girl said. "Who's she?"
"This is Hitomi, King Dryden asked me to accompany her here," Allen
replied.
"Oh, I see," Merle said grinning.
Hitomi noticed that there was lush green garden behind the palace. "Could
I go see the Garden?" Hitomi asked.
"Sure, but first let me take you to your room," Merle said.
"Allen, you know where your room is?" Allen nodded and left.
"Okay," Hitomi said.
"Hitomi, you follow me," Merle instructed. Hitomi did as she was
told. As she walked through the palace she was stunned. It was truly a
beautiful place. Merle then stopped at a large mahogany door. "Here's your
room." She turned the handle to reveal a large beautiful white room.
It had pillows made of white feathers on the bed and the bed sheets looked like
silk. The curtains were extraordinary they were made out of white velvet and
had pearls sewed onto them. She also noticed a large white wardrobe that was
also decorated with white feathers. She then went out onto the balcony and saw
the beautiful lush garden. It had the most beautiful and exotic flowers. And
the trees were all sorts of greens.
"Your bedroom's in the north wing, so you're the only person in this wing
except for the king," Merle said.
"So, why am I in the same wing as the king?" Hitomi asked puzzled.
"Well, the west wing is being prepared for the big meeting. The east wing
is where all the staff sleep and the south wing is where knights like Allen
stay. Normally you would be put in the west wing," Merle replied.
"So which wing do you sleep in?" Hitomi asked.
"The east wing," Merle replied. "This room belonged to King's
mother before she died so you're lucky you're in it."
"Which one's the king's room?" Hitomi asked.
"You ask a lot of questions," Merle replied. "He's in room next
to yours. Okay that's everything. Also dinners in five minutes," Merle
said and left.
This place is beautiful just like home,
she thought.
***
"Hitomi isn't in her room," Hera
cried as she told Éclat.
"What?" Éclat yelled. "Where could my princess be?"
"I checked all her usual places but she wasn't there," Hera said
almost breaking out into tears.
"Get me Mercury," He yelled.
***
Hitomi felt stuffed after that meal. It was truly delicious. She had given her
thanks to the chef and now she was in the garden, looking at the beautiful
flowers.
Allen wasn't there at dinner; apparently he was talking to the king. Hitomi
then saw a tiny horse with wings.
She cupped her hands and it flew into it. It was tickling her which caused her
to laugh.
I love this place, Hitomi said
mentally.
***
The king had just come out of a meeting with the knight of Caeli, Allen. He was
exhausted; he hadn't eaten and didn't really want to. He had now retreated to
his bedroom or his sanctuary as he most liked to call it.
His bedroom was all sorts of blues. He was too tired to do anything. The sun
was getting ready to set as he could see the orange red colour enter through
his window.
He loved it when the sun set so he went outside onto the balcony and looked
out. It was a beautiful sight. He kept staring at it until he heard some
laughing.
He then saw a beautiful young female playing with several horse flies in the
garden. She was truly a sight. She was wearing a pale blue dress which looked
like a gown. And her jewellery was extraordinary. The girl was dancing the
strangest dance but the young king was enchanted by her every single movement.
"I must go investigate," Van whispered and moved slowly off the
balcony.
***
Mercury arrived as fast as he could. He was wearing his swift boots which had
wings on them. This allowed him to travel very fast.
"Yes, grandfather," Mercury said.
"Your aunt Hitomi has gone missing," Éclat said emotionally.
"But where could she go?" Mercury asked. "Have you tried her
quarters?"
"Hera has checked every
single place she could possibly be," Éclat said.
"Maybe she's gone to visit Hades," Mercury said.
"She would have told us if she did," Hera said.
"Mercury I want you to go to all the Gods and Goddesses and ask them if
the know the whereabouts of Hitomi," Éclat instructed.
"Okay, but what happens if no body knows where she is?" Mercury
asked.
"Then we will all search for her," Hera replied.
Mercury simply nodded and was off.
***
Van crept up behind the young female who was still dancing. Hitomi turned to
see him and stopped immediately.
"I'm sorry," She said and laughed.
Van now saw her eyes more clearly. They were beautiful. She was beautiful.
"It's okay," Van whispered. "Who are you?"
"I'm Hitomi, Dryden sent me here," she said. Hitomi looked at the
young man. He was truly a work of art. If she hadn't known better she could
have easily mistaken him for a God. "And you are?"
"I'm Van, the King of Fanelia," he replied.
"Oh my," Hitomi gasped and brought her hand to her mouth. She then
did a little curtsey and looked up at him.
"I've never seen anyone dance in the garden before," Van laughed.
"Sorry, it was just so pretty and I'm a moron," Hitomi said.
Van laughed. "No your not," Van smiled. "You're
interesting."
Hitomi blushed. She felt a connection with the young king, one that she didn't
understand. "Do you think anyone else saw me dancing?" She asked.
"I doubt it, no one else is in the north wing apart from me," Van
replied.
"And me," She added. Van looked at her surprised. "Merle gave me
that room next to yours, the one that belonged to your mother. I'm sorry."
"It's okay," Van replied smiling. "It's beautiful room so it
should have a beautiful person staying in it."
Hitomi didn't understand why she liked it so much, being commented by the king
and not Allen. The day had turned out very interesting.
***
Mercury had been around to nearly
all the God and Goddesses and none of all them had seen or heard from Hitomi.
Mercury started to get worried. The last person he had to go and see was the
God of the Underworld, Hades. Mercury had always had been afraid of Hades.
Everyone was scared of him except Hitomi. Hitomi revealed a soft side to Hades.
Hades was his uncle and who was younger them. Mercury had now reached the
underworld.
It was not a dark or horrible place. It wasn't eerie or anything, well
depending on how good of a mortal you had been in their mortal life. The good
people went to a beautiful place and their souls lived happily but the bad
people they were subjected to a life full of torture.
Mercury then rushed into Hades domain. Hades domain on other hand was dark and
eerie. He always seemed to enjoy the dark. Mercury saw Hades immediately. If
Hitomi wasn't here then she couldn't be anywhere. That was the conclusion that
was drawn from Mercury's thoughts.
"Hades," Mercury cried. Hades turned to see Mercury. Hades had been
busy deciding on whether a certain soul would have a blissful afterlife or a
miserable afterlife.
"Yes Mercury," Hades said. Hades was extremely beautiful. He had
Black hair with blond streaks all over the place and his eyes gave the glow as
he looked at someone. Hades wore his trademark black outfit.
"Is Hitomi here?" Mercury asked.
"No," Hades replied. "Why?"
"She's gone missing," Mercury said. "You were our last hope,
I've asked every other God and Goddess and they don't know where she is."
"What?" Hades roared. Mercury grew scared. He saw Hades blonde
streaks light up like a flame of a fire. "Where could she be?"
"We don't know, it seems that we'll have to send out a search party to
find her," Mercury said worryingly. "I better go tell all the Gods
and Goddesses to go see grandfather straight away." He turned towards
Hades only to see pain in Hades mind, body and soul.
"Hitomi," Hades yelled as loud as if he could.
***
Hitomi turned around towards the
garden. "What is it Hitomi?" Van asked.
"I thought I heard someone call my name," Hitomi said worryingly.
***
The Gods and Goddesses were gathered together on Mount Olympus. There was never such a gathering of all the Gods and
Goddesses such as this.
"Where was she last?" Siren asked.
"The last time I saw her, was in bedroom two days ago," Hera replied,
who was ready to bawl out into tears.
"Mother, don't worry we'll find Hitomi," Tirana said trying to
comfort her.
"You don't think she was kidnapped," Ares said.
"She couldn't have been, no mortal could possibly come onto Olympus,"
Poseidon. "Isn't that right grandfather?"
"That is true," Éclat replied.
"But maybe it wasn't a mortal but a God or Goddess," Ifrit grunted.
They all looked around at one another to see if there were any of them looking
suspicious.
"I think Apollo took her," Eros cried.
"What?" Alexander cried in defence of his son.
"Everyone knows Apollo has been dying to make Hitomi his wife," Eros
cried.
"Apollo," Athena whispered as she looked at her son.
"I admit I have feelings for her but I did not take her, anyway it might
have been Eros or Poseidon, as they also have feelings for her," Apollo
said in his defence.
Suddenly an uproar had arisen and all the Gods and Goddesses where blaming each
other. Éclat was too upset to care. His little girl was missing and nothing
mattered to him at that time but her.
"Silence," A voice cried. They all turned their attention to the
voice. It was Hades. They all became silent. He was with his companion
Cerberus, the three headed dog who guarded Hades. "Look at you, it's
pathetic. You're all here fighting while my sister is probably down there
somewhere." Hades cried as he pointed at Gaea. He then gave a strange look
to his father.
"He's right," Echidna the mother of Typhus and grandmother of
Cerberus said. "Hitomi is probably down there somewhere."
"That means that Hitomi must have went there by her will," Shiva
laughed. "She can't stand us so she ran away." (NB: Shiva looks like
FFX one.)
"That's not true," Éclat cried finally listening to the conversation.
"My little girl would never leave me."
All the Gods and Goddesses became silent as the realised that their King was
suffering from the loss of his daughter. Hades laughed at his father's comment.
Éclat eyed the boy dangerously.
"We must split up to find Hitomi," Isis said. "That way we will
cover more ground."
"So, who searches which area?" Poseidon asked.
"We all search the area or city that has a major shrine of
ourselves," Siren said. "So mine will be Asturia."
"Good idea, mother," Mercury said. "So my country will be
Godemshen."
"So mine is Moltres," Ifrit cried.
"Well it's about time I saw those stupid mortals in Snowdonia," Shiva
sighed. Poseidon gave her a look. "I'll look for Hitomi of course."
All the Gods set of for their destinations in search of Hitomi. "Cerberus
it's seems we'll be paying Hanshora a visit." Hades said and with that
they were off.
***
Hitomi stood on the balcony. She couldn't sleep. Her mind was on many things,
her father, her mother, her family, Hades and even the King of Fanelia. She had
only briefly spoken to the King for half an hour and she had felt like she had
known him her whole life. It was an emotion that Hitomi hadn't felt before. It
was a sweet and tender emotion. Hitomi didn't know what do know at that time,
so she decided to sing:
'It's been a long, long time since I looked into the mirror
I guess that I was blind
Now my reflection's getting clearer
Now that you're gone things will never be the same again
There's not a minute that goes by every hour of every day
You're such a part of me
But I just pulled away
Well, I'm not the same girl you used to know
I wish I said the words I never showed I know you had to go away
I died just a little, and I feel it now
You're the one I need
I believe that I would cry just a little
Just to have you back now
Here with me
Here with me
You know that silence is loud when all you hear is your heart
And I wanted so badly just to be a part of something strong and true
But I was scared and left it all behind I know you had to go away
I died just a little, and I feel it now
You're the one I need
I believe that I would cry just a little
Just to have you back now
Here with me
Here with me And I'm asking
And I'm wanting you to come back to me
Please?
I never will forget that look upon your face
How you turned away and left without a trace
But I understand that you did what you had to do
And I thank you I know you had to go away
I died just a little, and I feel it now
You're the one I need
I believe that I would cry just a little
Just to have you back now
Here with me
Here with me.'
Hitomi smiled. She had sung about her relationship with Hades except of course
she had told Hades she loved him. (As in a love for a sibling.) I'm so glad that he left if he didn't I'd
still be so dependant on him. She said to herself.
As she turned to go back inside the room, she saw Van staring at her from his
balcony. His and her, balconies were right next to each other.
"Your majesty," she cried. "How long have you been there?"
"Enough to know, you have a beautiful voice," Van said. He had been
enchanted by her. He remembered only a few moments ago he had woken up to her
beautiful voice. She had him drawn to her like no other women could.
"I'm so sorry, I woke you up," Hitomi said. "A king needs his sleep."
"It doesn't matter," Van
spoke in boyish tone.
"I better go to bed," Hitomi whispered as she walked into her
bedroom.
Van didn't know what overcame him, but he jumped over the railings of the
balcony which separated her room from his.
"Hitomi," he cried softly. She turned to see the young raven haired
king. He was wearing a white baggy shirt with white baggy trousers. Hitomi was
wearing her usual white silk nightgown. The only Jewellery that was on her was
her earrings; the rest of it was on her bed side table.
"Your majesty, what are you doing?" Hitomi asked.
"Please just call me Van," he said. Hitomi just nodded gently that
she would. He then spoke again "Tell me all about you," Van asked.
"Now?" Hitomi asked shocked.
"No time like the present," Van replied.
Mortals are really eager people, Hitomi said to herself. "Well let's
sit down."
Hitomi went and sat on the bed, she patted the bed to tell Van to come and sit
next to her. He hesitantly sat next her. "What do you want to know?"
"Anything, your family. What are they like?" Van asked.
"My family, I have three brothers and three sisters and I'm the
youngest," Hitomi replied.
"I'm the youngest in mine to," Van said. "I'm the only one left
though."
"I'm so sorry." Hitomi whispered.
"It's okay it was a long time ago," Van said. "And I only had
one sibling; it must be nice to have a large family."
Hitomi stuttered for a moment. "It's okay."
"So what brought you to Fanelia?" Van asked.
"I saw a picture of it in Asturia," She replied. "It looked so
beautiful so I came with the help of Dryden and Allen."
"Allen," Van said shocked.
"Yes, he's quite the playboy, he made so many moves on me on the carriage
ride here," she giggled. "And then he had the nerve to say that he
resembled Apollo."
Van watched her as she laughed, it caused Van to laugh. The two then began to
talk some more.
***
"Allen where's Lord Van?" Merle
screeched.
"I believe he's still asleep," Allen replied.
"But he never stays a sleep for this long," Merle commented.
"He' usually up by now."
Van then entered the room. He was smiling. Something the king rarely did.
"Good morning everyone," Van said. Allen looked at the king as he if
had gone nuts.
"Your majesty, are you okay?" Allen asked.
"I'm great," Van said. "Anyway let's get down to the more
pressing matters." He spoke seriously. "The meeting." Allen
simply nodded and the two started to discuss it.
***
Hitomi was wondering around the castle when she accidentally stumbled onto Van
who was talking to Allen very seriously and who had been obviously arguing with
him. They both noticed her enter.
"Hitomi," they both said in union.
"I'm so sorry, I was just trying to find someone to show me Fanelia,"
Hitomi said.
"I'll show you," Van suggested eagerly.
"You seem busy," Hitomi said. "Are you sure?"
"She's right your majesty, I'll show her Fanelia," Allen suggested.
"No it's okay, I'll show her Fanelia. It's best if she sees it with
someone who knows the place off by heart and I'm sure you can take care of the
arrangements." Van said. Allen couldn't get his words in. "I knew you
could." And with that the King left and went to Hitomi's side.
"Follow me," Van said and Hitomi giggled and did as she was
instructed.
***
Hitomi had fallen in love with Fanelia. It was a beautiful green country. And
she had fallen in love with the King. She tried to hide it but it was so
difficult. She was most worried about this feeling because she hardly knew him.
But she knew he was a kind and honest man. Love
is so strange, she thought.
"It's strange," Van said as they walking around the markets of Fanel.
"What is?" Hitomi asked wondering if he had heard her thoughts.
"The sun is not out burning as brightly as it normally does," Van
replied.
"That's true," Hitomi noted also.
What's wrong with Apollo? She thought to herself.
"Where's Fanelia's shrine?" Hitomi asked.
"We don't have one," Van replied.
"How, come?" Hitomi asked.
"Well Fanelia, came out of war about four years ago and well the last
shrine was destroyed," Van replied.
"Then why don't you build another one," Hitomi questioned.
"Because we are unsure which God or Goddess we should build the shrine
for," Van sighed.
"Why don't you have a shrine to the last God or Goddess you had,"
Hitomi said sensibly.
"Well everyone has a shrine to Éclat," Van answered. "Do you
want me to show you the remains of it?"
"Yes please," Hitomi replied.
***
Hitomi stood at the ruins. It was truly beautiful and sad at the same time. She
saw that the dismantled statues and rumble was everywhere. She saw rims of gold
and silver shattered all over the place. She then saw her father's face on the
floor. She picked up the stone of his face.
"I'm so sorry," she whispered as a tear ran down her cheek. She
placed the stone down and turned towards Van. "Why would someone do
this?"
"I don't know," Van replied. "You can thank the people of
Hanshora for this."
"Hanshora," she whispered. That's
Hades' city. She said to herself.
"Their reason for attacking Fanelia was apparently that the God of the
Underworld told them to," Van muttered angrily.
"What?" Hitomi cried.
"Yeah apparently he wanted to over throne his father Éclat and rule as the
King of the Gods," Van said. "That's apparently why the shrine is the
mostly badly damaged building."
"Who told you this?" Hitomi asked desperately.
"Their King, when we captured him," Van answered. "I personally
don't believe him."
Hitomi smiled when Van said that. He's so
wonderful, she thought.
"Hitomi," he whispered. His head was bowed down.
"Yes Van," Hitomi said as she walked up to him.
"Hitomi, your voice could surpass that of the goddess Siren, your beauty
would surpass that of Aphrodite (Goddess of Love) and your wisdom would surpass
that of the great goddess Athena."
Hitomi blushed furiously. She couldn't control the warmth that hit her cheeks.
"Hitomi you have a spell on me," Van continued. "I've hardly
known you but I can't control myself."
Hitomi hesitated to speak, "Van, I'm really not that special just a normal
girl."
"But your not," Van cried. "You can't be normal, you're perfect,
you......must be a Goddess."
Hitomi was in shock. He knows, he
mind thought. "I'm nothing."
"Hitomi you're everything I want in a women," he said furiously
blushing. He couldn't believe he was doing this. It was so unlike him. He
usually couldn't say anything around women and now here he was pouring his
heart out.
"You don't even know me," Hitomi sighed.
"I know..." Van stuttered. He couldn't get the next the words out.
"I know that..."
"You know that..." Hitomi repeated his words hoping he would continue.
"I love you," Van whispered. Hitomi was taken aback by his word.
"You've only known me for one day," Hitomi said.
"I know," Van said frustrated. "I don't understand it myself,
when I first saw you I knew." He paused for a moment. "It's like
Aphrodite had Cupid hit an arrow in my heart when I first set my eyes on
you."
Hitomi looked around. She's not here is
she? Hitomi thought looking around. "Van," she whispered. She
knew she couldn't hide the feelings she had for him. He had spoken with her all
night and they had so much in common. She had fallen in love with him and she
knew she couldn't deny it.
This is all so sudden, Hitomi thought. I
hardly know him. But I don't want anyone else. I want him. She finally decided.
I love him. Oh Olympus, he's my soul mate. Her thoughts were decided.
"I want to spend the rest of my life with you," Van looked down
hiding his face from hers. There was a long pause and the silence was
destroying Van. He needed her to speak now. The anticipation was killing him.
"Then let it be," Hitomi finally said.
Van looked up at her, curious to what she had just said.
"I'll be here with you forever," Hitomi smiled and took his hand and
held it.
Van then bent down on one knee. "Will you marry me?"
"Yes, I will," she replied. "But on one condition."
"Anything," Van said.
"We marry quickly and the ceremony is small," Hitomi said. Her
thoughts were now on her father and how he would react, if he knew.
"That's fine by me," Van softly spoke. He desperately wanted to kiss
her but he simply slipped his hands to her waists and brought her in close, to
his body. She wrapped her hands around his neck and they embraced. "You've
made me the happiest man alive, Hitomi." The warmth of her body soothed
him entirely.
Hitomi held on to him tightly. "I'm so happy too." But her expression
didn't change. She was worried.
***
Hitomi contemplated about her
actions as she glanced at her reflection in the mirror. Her thoughts dominated
her consciousness that she was unaware of everything around her.
Her mind at that very moment in time was like a battle field or even better to
describe her consciousness; it was like a court room where arguments were being
disputed for both sides and Hitomi having to be the judge. The person or in her
case Goddess who had to give the final verdict.
'I love Van, I am certain of this,'
Hitomi pondered. 'But if father finds me
who knows what he'll do to me or even
worse Van.' Hitomi felt her eyes start to squint as her vision started to
go hazy; this was then soon followed by a shiny tear which formed in the corner
of her eye. It trickled down her cheek. 'If anything
happened to Van, I don't know what I would do.' Her thoughts proceeded on
this matter. The young Goddess felt as if she were in a life or death
situation. Her actions could lead to deadly consequences and outcomes on not
only herself but Van and maybe even his people.
'But don't you deserve you any
happiness,' She heard a mental voice say. 'You've been miserable nearly all your life. Not even Hades had made
your feel this type of happiness, the happiness Van had provided you. This
feeling you have with him it's so intimate.'
Hitomi gently rubbed the tear of her face. 'I
deserve a little happiness even if it's for a little while.' Hitomi had
made a compromise within herself. 'I love
Van and nothing in the entire universe can change the way I feel for him.'
Hitomi then went over to the mahogany drawer where she had placed her long
white satin gloves. Hitomi decided at that time that there were some benefits in
being a Goddess or in her case the daughter of a God. Hitomi was able to make
her very thoughts into a reality, well to certain extent. She could not meddle
in people's affairs but she could make her dream wedding dress. It was truly
magnificent.
The white she wore was even purer than that of a swan or that of a blanket of
untouched fresh snow. Hitomi carefully put her gloves on her hands she was
finally was able to concentrate on her surroundings as she had resolved the
doubts that had crossed her. She slithered over to the mirror to have one last
look at herself before the big moment. In the mirror she saw a woman not a
girl, who was wearing a strapless white dress which flowed gracefully to the
bottom and that covered many feet behind her. The trail of her dress was
transparent and her dress at the front had a large slit which had its edges had
lashings of white soft feathers attached to them. The hem of the top and the
bottom of the dress where decorated in white pearls which looked like sequins.
The torso of the dress was pure white silk and the top of it clung to Hitomi's
breasts so it moved with every breath no matter how soft it was. Two small
wings were ornamented at the back of her gown which drifted off. Her silk
gloves completed her at wedding dress. Hitomi's hair meanwhile was accommodated
into a simple ponytail which could pass of as a bun. The ends were wisped into
curls and on her head lay a tiara.
The tiara was silver and was encrusted with diamonds of all shapes and sizes.
Van had given it to her as wedding present; he told her it was a tradition that
the queen of Fanelia wears it on her wedding day so it more of tradition then
anything but she didn't care because it was beautiful and it was from him.
'I hope he likes my appearance,' Hitomi smiled in the mirror as she slipped her
feet into the glass heels and took the white transparent silk shift which lay
on her bed and placed it over her head.
***
Van Fanel struggled to adjust his collar in the right position. It was
irritating the young King. He couldn't seem to decide how he wanted his collar
of his shirt to look. He decided against any sort of tie and now the young king
stood glancing into the large mirror, trying to decide whether to have his top
button open or not. He started too moan as the situation started to agitate him
further. Suddenly he was interrupted as he heard a choke of laughter. He turned
his head to the direction of the laughter.
"Balgus, what do you think is so funny?" Van asked slightly annoyed.
"You, your majesty," Balgus replied honestly.
"I just want to like half presentable on my wedding day, I might as well
make the effort today as I don't seem to bother on other days," Van
angrily spoke.
"I'm sure Lady Hitomi will think you look dashing," Balgus tried to reassure
him.
Van then finally decided to keep the top button open. "How do I
look?"
Balgus glanced over at the young king. He had known Van ever since he was a
baby and now here he stood as the best man and the witness to the wedding. Van
was wearing black trousers which had a golden dragon pattern down the side of
the left leg. He wore a white-cream shirt which was slightly crumpled at the
bottom and the buttons were golden. He also wore cufflinks which had the
Fanelian crest on them. Balgus had tried to persuade Van to wear a Jacket on
top but Van refused. Van told Balgus that it would look inappropriate.
"Very nice, your majesty," Balgus replied. Van smiled and turned away
to find his shoes. Balgus had never seen the young king smile but he wasn't too
keen on the secrecy of the wedding and the fact he had only known Lady Hitomi
for two days but he had never seen Van so enthusiastic about anything until
now. Balgus could not hide his anxieties any longer. "Lord Van, don't you
think this wedding is a little sudden?"
Van directed his attention to Balgus when he heard that question. Van didn't
say anything for a moment until he had finished placing his feet in his shoes.
"No I don't." His response was strange.
"Lord Van, I am devoted to you and Fanelia but I must express my concerns,
this wedding, well, it just seems so sudden and why all the secrecy Lord
Van?" Balgus voiced his concerns.
"I love Hitomi," Van uttered. He then stared down at the ground.
"And I'll do anything for her." He rose is voice slightly, raising
his head in the process
"She wants this secrecy?" Balgus asked.
"Yes," Van whispered.
"But Lord Van don't you think it's strange that she wants this marriage to
be unknown, maybe she's hiding something." Balgus spoke honestly.
"I do think it's strange but Balgus I love her," Van replied to
Balgus' concerns.
"Lord Van, I'm getting worried, you don't think she's an
enchantress," Balgus worryingly said.
"Well let her enchant me," Van angrily uttered.
"Or even worse she could already be a married," Balgus' ideas
increasingly worried Balgus further as he didn't want to see the King hurt in
any form.
"Then I pity the man who lost her," Van said. Balgus' facial
expression changed into disbelief at what he heard the King say. "Balgus
just please be happy for me, you, Marcella (Balgus' wife), the priest, Hitomi
and I will be the only people who will have knowledge of the union that Hitomi
and I are to make, so please I'm in no mood for this attitude that you are
portraying towards me. I just want this day to be remembered as a happy
occasion not one where I have to listen to someone's doubts because Balgus I
can assure you, I have no doubts whatsoever."
Balgus sighed in heavily and deeply. "Yes Lord Van and I wouldn't call
night time, the day time." Balgus laughed. Van let out little laugh.
"Let's get going." And with that both men left the room.
***
Hades' thoughts were a mixture of anxiety, angry and sorrow. "Where could she be?" He
voiced out load.
Hades continued to look in the streets of Hanshora in any bids to find his
little sister. It was dark now and his concerns for had reached a new level. 'What possessed her to come here? Didn't
she think anybody would care? Didn't she think about me and my feelings?' Hades'
mind was fixed on Hitomi.
Hades suddenly realised he was getting stares. He didn't care, he needed to
find her. Suddenly a bunch of young men appeared in front of him. Two of them
were muscular and only one of the muscular men was tall. Two of the other men
carried what looked like a metal rods and the other man who looked like their
leader, just stood in the middle of them.
"Give us all you money," The man in the middle said roughly.
Hades smiled sheepishly at them, he almost looked like he was ready to laugh.
"Or what?" Hades asked with a strange smirk on his face.
The muscular men cracked their knuckles and then men with the metal bars hit
their hands with the bar softly. "Or you'll regret it," The man in
the middle replied.
"I strangely don't think so," Hades grinned harder. Hades was ready
to show them his blond streaks blaze out like fire when he heard a voice cry.
"Leave him alone, you bullies," The voice said. Hades turned his
attention towards it and saw a young female.
"Hitomi," he whispered. He looked at her again and realised it wasn't
her. Instead he saw a woman in a scarlet halter top and what looked like blue
faded jean. 'The woman's wearing pants.' Hades thought with surprise. The
female had light brown hair which had blonde highlights in it and she had lucid
blue eyes. Her eyes had courage and certain degree of fierceness.
"You stay out of this," The middle man said.
"No, I'm not going to let you idiots bully any more people," she
yelled.
"Get her," the middle man said. Hades saw the two men with metal bars
come after her.
Hades was ready to help her but he turned out she didn't need. The shorter man
with the bar swung at her first but she ducked out the way and kicked him with
great force with her right leg. She then grabbed the bar off him and struck it
at the other man. But he managed to block the attack and a loud 'clang' sound
was heard. He then tried to ram into her by holding the bar horizontally but
she somehow jumped over and then swung the bar at the back of his legs which
caused him to fall over and scream in agony. Hades laughed.
"If you can't take her what makes you think you can take me!" Hades
exclaimed. He then looked seriously at the other men and then he made his
purple eyes glow brightly.
"He's a demon." The tall muscular man yelled and ran off.
"Wait for me," the other muscular man said and ran after him.
"I'll get you next time," The leader said and ran after them.
The town became peaceful again. Hades turned his attention to the young female.
"I could have handled the situation."
"I do not doubt that you could," She smiled as she tossed the right
hand side of her hair with her hand backwards. Her hair was in between wavy and
curly and her lips were pink as the pinkest flowers. Hades found himself
attracted to her. He didn't know till now that he liked girls who could kick ass.
Maybe because he didn't know that many girls, except Hitomi but she was his
sister. 'Hitomi' He thought.
"My name is Persephone," she smiled. "And yours is?"
"Err…Ha…ydn..." Hades eventually replied.
***
"Do you Hitomi take King Van Slanzar Le Fanel to be your husband?"
The priest asked.
"I do," Hitomi replied. Van's eyes kept reverting to Hitomi.
"Do you Van Slanzar Le Fanel take Hitomi to be your wife?" The priest
asked.
"I do," Van responded rapidly which caused Balgus to laugh.
"By the power invested in me I now pronounce you husband and wife, you now
may kiss the bride," The priest said.
Van turned towards Hitomi and slowly lifted the silk shift of her face and
tossed it gently behind her. He looked straight into her eyes. "You look
beautiful," he whispered, as he got closer to her face. He then positioned
his face as he got closer to her and then softly their lips touched. Van had
wanted to explore her further right then but he didn't think it was appropriate
and he was sure they would have time for further explorations as the night
would proceed.
They had married in the ruins of the temple. That was Hitomi's wish and so Van
had granted it. Van moved apart from Hitomi. He then took her hand and led her
to the carriage. Balgus and Marcella followed behind them.
Balgus gently whispered in Van's ear. "Shall we be expecting an heir to
the throne soon?"
Van blushed furiously, he was bright red. "Balgus," Van exclaimed.
Balgus laughed.
Hitomi then noticed Van's red cheeks. "What's wrong Van?" she said as
they got in the carriage.
"Nothing, my wife" he replied and kissed her forehead as they seated.
***
Van watched Hitomi's breasts move with his corner of his eye as she breathed
every breath. The dress looked spectacular on her. He was interested to know
where she had purchased it from but he wouldn't deal with that now. They slowly
walked down the hallway to the bedroom. Hitomi no longer wore the shift on her
head and she had let her hair down but she still had the tiara seated on her
head. The walked on until Hitomi stopped at her bedroom door.
"Night Van," she said.
"Hitomi," Van said shocked.
"Yes," Hitomi turned towards him.
"Don't you want to sleep in my room or should I say our room?" Van
asked.
"I don't understand," Hitomi replied. "I'm so sorry Van, I'm new
at this."
"It's alright," Van said. "If you want to sleep in your room you
can," Van spoke with a little disappointment.
"No, I'll sleep in yours," Hitomi giggled. She then followed Van to
his room. Van held the door open for her as she glided in. Hitomi looked
astonished as she glanced around at Van's room. She then heard Van shut the
door. "Van, the room's beautiful," she commented.
"I suppose," he replied. Van then went and placed himself on the bed
as Hitomi continued to gaze on at the extraordinary room. It was light blue in
places and then dark blue and the bits of white all over the place.
"This feels like I'm on the sky," Hitomi laughed. She then realised
the long trail her dress had behind her and she watched it move with her as she
walked. It interested her a great deal and Van watched her eagerly as she did
this. She then looked up towards Van and smiled. Van smiled back but she could
feel his unease. She then sat herself next to him. "What's wrong, my love?
Van contemplated for a moment, "Hitomi, it will be my first time."
"I've never been married too." "Hitomi said.
"Well that, but I meant the other thing," Van muttered. "What
other thing?" Hitomi asked.
"You know..." Van replied hesitantly.
"No I don't," Hitomi responded.
"You know making love," Van uttered as he went bright red.
"Making love, what's that?" Hitomi asked. Van's eyes widened in
disbelief that she didn't know.
"Hitomi, it's what all husband and wife's do, hasn't anyone told
you?" Van questioned.
"No," Hitomi replied starting to get upset. "I'm so sorry. I
guess I'm stupid." 'Why didn't mother
and father tell me about this?'
"No your not, you're my innocent little angel," Van said. He then
embraced her, holding her tightly. Hitomi buried her head in his chest.
"Van you'll have to teach me, these things," Hitomi softly spoke and
sniffed.
"Okay," Van said as he stroked her hair. He then brought her out his
chest. "Don't cry." He gently rubbed her tears of her eyes and then
placed a soft kiss on each eyelid.
Hitomi didn't know what possessed what to do next but she did it. She brought
his mouth to hers and they softly brushed lips. His lips tasted so sweet and
they were so soft and moist that she brought him in again but this time, the
kiss was deeper. Their lips gently parted as Van brought his tongue through
into her mouth. Hitomi didn't know what to do at this point so she stopped.
"What's wrong?" Van asked.
"I don't know what to do?" she innocently replied.
One of her Van' hands gently caressed her waist while the other was on her left
cheek. "Next time I come in, you just gently massage your tongue against
mine." Hitomi nodded.
Van moved in and touched her lips with his yet again. Hitomi then parted her
lips and Van let his tongue through this time Hitomi then massaged her tongue
against Van's. The kiss started of soft but got harder as the passion in the
newly married couple grew. Hitomi let out a soft moan of delight. Van and
Hitomi were held in that position for some time until Van let go.
"Teach me, Van," Hitomi whispered as she brushed her hand on his soft
raven hair. 'Suddenly she realised what
Van was doing, she remembered Hades telling about it. It's what you had to do
to have a child.'
Van gave her no reply instead he kissed her neck and soon he trailed kisses
down until he reached the top of her dress, at this point Van looked up towards
Hitomi.
"You sure you want me to teach you," Van asked. She nodded. He then
gently laid her on the bed and undid the clips of the back of the dress at the
same time.
LW: Naughty chap but it isn't too risky. Anyway you guys review please. And I'm using Shara's account for this story. Chapters 3, 4, and 5 from the original story have been combined to give this lengthy chapter.
