One last chance

Ok this is chapter 3, to tell you the truth I had almost forgot about this story, sorry but it's true. Thanks to ALL the reviews, 20! I would have never thought I would get that many on Escaflowne!

This chapter is called…

Nothing comes without a price

(Hitomi's Pov)

" Hello their pretty lady, need any company" A grungy man came walking up to Hitomi, this wicked grin on his face as he talked.

" I don't want any trouble, just leave me alone" Hitomi said fist clenched as he walked closer, her feet getting ready to run.

" Oh! The little girl has a temper! Well what if I want trouble what will you do?" He said coming to the other side of Hitomi and leaning against the wall.

" Kick you in the groan and then run, and trust me I have a hard kick." Hitomi replied smugly. It had been two months now since she had been on the street and she had found a way around it.

" Fine I'm going" and with that the man left. When he was fully out of sight Hitomi slumped down a heavy sigh escaping her lips. ' Oh Van where are you?' She thought bitterly. ' Guess I should find some food' after saying that she went back to what she was doing.

After a while she found something that looked good enough to eat. " Now why would anyone throw you away?" She asked the apple in front of her. " You only have a few bruises." After that was said she shoved it into her mouth and started to devour it.

' Today will be the day I find I way back to Gaea' " Van I'm going to come back… I have to…" And with that she fell asleep.

Little did Hitomi know that a man was watching her every movement.

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(Van's Pov)

Two months it had been two months since the strange dream, the dream that now happened every night.

' Hitomi… I'm waiting for you. Don't worry' He thought as he lied on his bed.

" Lord Van…" Merle said from the doorway, she looked sad and this frightened Van, a lot more then he would ever say.

" Yes Merle" he said getting up and gesturing for her to come in.

" No thanks Lord Van I… I need you to come with me." And without another word she started to walk down the hall, Van sprinted towards her after a moment of hesitation.

" What is it Merle?" He asked, his body was beginning to shake and he did not know why. ' This can't be good' He thought.

" You will find out soon enough." This was all she could reply, as she turned a corner.

After a minute of twist and turns through the hall way they finally reached their destination.

" You first Lord Van." Merle commanded.

" Okay" He said as he opened up the door and walked in. It was completely black but that did not last long. Soon alls the lights flickered on at once and he had to cover his eyes.

" Hello your majesty." One of his advisors said, another said. " So glad you could join us."

" What…. Why was I not told about this meeting!"? Van asked angrily.

" We wanted it to be a surprise." The top advisor said.

" Well what is it?" Van asked impatiently.

" We have had enough waiting, we need a queen and we need a heir of yours, you must find one. Finallia depends on it!" The second advisor yelled.

Van's face paled. ' No not this… what no, just need a bit more time' but none of his thoughts left his mouth, he just stood there looking blankly up at them.

" Lord Van are you ok?" Merle asked as she neared him, this snapped him out of it and let him become in control of his body.

" NO! There is no one here that I will marry I am waiting for Hitomi! And that is final!" With that said he started to walk out of the room.

" Not so fast. You will marry someone; it is stated in law that when all advisors agree that they must help their king to see the right decision they have the power too." He finished and Van spun around.

" Why not marry Merle?" One of the advisors asked and stated at the same time. " You seem to have a good relationship, it would work." They all nodded.

" What!" Merle screamed. " Please no, me and Lord Van can't!" She said hysterically.

" I think that is a great idea." Two of the advisors said at the same time.

" Then it is agreed, you and Merle will…" But he was cut off.

" NO!!!!!!!!!!!" Someone yelled from the crowd and he rushed forward. " She will not marry Van, she is going to marry me!" Mark yelled as he stepped in front of the advisors.

" What?" Shot up around the whole crowd like a fierce mumble that would not stop.

" Merle, your engaged?" Van asked weakly.

" I was going to tell you later tonight." She smiled weakly at him moving over to Mark.

" You see I can't marry Lord Van, I already said yes to Mark." She had to let a smile come to her face.

" No." The top advisor yelled.

" It does not matter who you are engaged to, you will marry his majesty." The second in command said.

" Then it is agreed, you and Merle will marry in one month time when the mystic moon and the moon are aligned." And with that they all left.

" Mark, no… Mark speak to me," Merle said shaking the man beside her.

" No!" He screamed putting his head in his hands. " What's happening Merle?" He asked. Tears were forming and soon he could not keep them in anymore. So he grabbed Merle and held her close.

Van just stood there. Nothing was really sinking in yet.

" Lord Van we have to stop this!" Merle cried as she clung to Mark.

" How?" He asked weakly.

" Hitomi has to come back!" Merle screamed and tears started to fall from her eyes, and so she berried her face in Marks Chest.

" I hope she does…" And with that said Van left and found his way back to his room where he cried till there were no more tears to cry.

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Oh did you see that coming? (Probably) but still what do you think?

Please REVIEW! I will try and put up the next chapter soon!

What should happen next?