The Rebel King

by DragonSun

A rewrite of the movie, Escaflowne: A Girl in Gaia. V/H. What else can I say? R&R

8. The Gladiator

Oh god I am SO SORRY for the lateness of this update but my schoolwork ran me over and I spent a month recovering…*pant* *pant*

In English,

I WAS REALLY BUSY.

I'm sorry.

I don't own Escaflowne (I'm sorry for that, too, but I've got different reasons.)

JUST GET READING.



The Gladiator

[pic]



Van faced his opponent. "Puny wimp," Lanye growled, "I'm gonna crush you to pulp!" Van flourished his Sword. "I don't think so," he said. "Come and get me, beefy." Lanye roared as he charged. Van sidestepped easily, avoiding the blow. Lanye spun around and tried again. Van was ready. He swung his Sword with expertise and Lanye's sword went flying, leaving him only with the mace. "Why you liddle—" Lanye barked. The hefty man went at him, slashing and spinning with the mace. Van used his skill, learned from Balgus, to duck the mace. However, running from an opponent was not Van's way of fighting. He gave a yell and attacked, bashing aside Lanye's weak defenses. Lanye was like any other bully—spent too much time attacking and not enough protecting himself. Van had figured correctly. Lanye dodged the flying Sword blade. He cracked the mace twice, wrapping it around Van's Sword. Lanye chuckled in triumph; he gave the mace a wrench and expected the Sword to leave Van's hands. Instead, Van smiled—a cold smile—and held his blade steady. The mace chain was severed, sending the ball flying and leaving the handle in Lanye's shocked hands. "What the hell—" he shouted, lunging forward. In an instant, Van had disarmed him of the handle as well, and his Sword was at Lanye's throat.

"Surrender, my friend?" Van said calmly. Lanye grinned evilly, bending down as if in submission, then straightening up and flinging dirt into Van's face, an old trick. As Van reeled about blindly, Lanye advanced on his helpless foe.

***************

"What a dirty trick!" Ariel shrieked. "Cheater—blaggard—scum!"

"Quiet," Gaddis warned. Hitomi gripped the edges of her seat, her knuckles white with the force she was exerting. Come on, Van…

**************

Van saw, through a haze of brown, the man approaching. He snapped a chain of curses, of which only one could be distinguished, "Go to hell!" His vision clouded over—he saw red. Blood. Blood. Van pummeled Lanye's stomach with the hilt of his Sword. The man gasped. Blood. Blood. Kill him. A kick to the man's head pulped his temple. Lanye fell. Kill him. Van's Sword menaced his chest again. "You bastard," Van snarled. He snapped his killing rage back just in time before it took control of him again.

"STOP! Slay him not! I declare him defeated!" the Emperor called. Van sheathed his Sword, breathing heavily. Lanye rose groggily. He grabbed the King by the collar. "Punk—I'll get you—just you wait—" "Let go of me, scum," Van said coldly. He whacked Lanye's temple again and watched in furious satisfaction as the larger man sunk down to the ground in a dead faint.

There was a dead silence; then the cheers came.

Van bit back the grin on his face, remembering a conversation he'd had with Balgus a long time ago.

'Why is Kemana so dangerous, Master of Swords?' a naïve and innocent Van asked. Balgus sighed. 'See this scar, Lord Van?' he said heavily, pointing to the one that had sealed his left eye shut permanently. 'I was in Kemana when I was young. They are a savage and brutal people; gladiators battle it to the death in their coliseums. Not only that, but once the champion defeats the other, a lion is set against him. He usually doesn't come out alive.' 'But that's cruel!' Van exclaimed…

Van pulled himself back to reality with a start. Oh damn it! He barely had time to finish his thoughts because—

There was a roar.

*****************

"Goddess of Mist—a lion!" Ariel cried. "Why…why are they doing this?" Hitomi asked wildly. "Because they're all a bunch of sadists," Ruku spat. He folded his arms on his chest, turning his head away. "I refuse to watch this." Gaddis bowed his head; he seemed to be muttering a prayer. Hitomi gave a half sob of anxiety, then, she too bowed her head, twisting her Asturian uniform in her hands.

*****************

Van snapped his head over to where the sound was coming from. He gasped. A gigantic male lion was advancing on him—tawny, golden, silky- maned, and obviously in his prime. "Oh damn—oh damn—oh damn—" Van muttered. He drew his Sword again, eyeing the lion warily as the beast began to circle him. It's just a small dragon. Just a dragon, he tried to calm himself. Just a dragon? Hello, dragons are the most dangerous beasts in the world, what the hell are you thinking? Don't panic. Don't panic. Oh gods—oh gods…

Without warning the lion charged and Van trusted in his instincts and dodged, bending his body like whippy branch. He felt an icy claw seize his heart—and thought—I was just lucky…I can't beat this thing… Damn it, you can! Get a move on! Suddenly time froze…slower and slower…Van saw the lion whirl around for another attack…saw it charging, heard it roaring…felt the vibrations in the dirt from its huge paws…and he just reacted…Van—or the dragon within, he didn't know—threw himself down, out of the way of the slashing claws… Van felt something probing at his mind…something delicate…and he knew…and he reached for it…

******************

Hitomi bit her lip. She could feel her teeth going into it, taste the metallic taste of the blood in her mouth…her uniform gave way and tore, the cloth ripping under the constant wringing motion of her fingers. "Hitomi…" Merla reached over and pulled her hands from the uniform. "Don't worry…Van can do this. He can take care of himself…" Hitomi shook her head. She knew Van could do it—it was just the panic he was feeling at the time…invading her mind…and… :Oh damn—oh damn—oh damn— It's just a small dragon. Just a dragon. Just a dragon? Hello, dragons are the most dangerous beasts in the world, what the hell are you thinking? Don't panic. Don't panic. Oh gods—oh gods…: She could sense his absolute anger—the panic—the fear—the worry—and she was being driven into overdrive by this huge amount of emotions. Even as he skillfully avoided the lion…

She felt him reaching for her suddenly…then she could sense the lion's mind—it was like nothing she'd ever felt before—savage…wild…crazed by hunger and pain—the rage and anger and grief of being taken away from his pride—his family—

Hitomi whimpered, but held the link.

******************

Van felt the delicate probe again. Then he knew—knew what the lion was going to do—he didn't care how at the moment—just did it—vaulting left as the lion ran for his right. The beast snorted, and turned, and as the he did, Van sensed again—with the help of whoever was probing his brain—and threw himself flat…

The lion leapt clear over his head. As it did, Van had the presence of mind to thrust upward with his Sword and cut a bloody line across the lion's stomach. It bellowed in pained anger as the crowd cheered at this display of skill. Van took a deep breath, steadying himself, knowing he was being helped—by who, he didn't know—he didn't care—all he had to do was come out of this alive—

****************

Hitomi gasped as Van inflicted the wound on the lion, feeling the pain as the lion felt it—feeling the feral anger—fed on by the injustice of the noble beast's treatment—she reached into the lion's mind, tearing the information out that she wanted—Left…he's going for your leg…take his ear…disorient him…

****************

Van executed the move sharply, slicing the lion's ear off cleanly. Blood spattered his face and arms. He heard the voice again, so clearly this time—left, he's going for your leg, take his ear…disorient him—guiding him, as always… The lion uttered a thunderous cry of pain and rage, charging, jaws snapping and dripping fangs bared. Van felt the voice, felt the directions, felt how he was supposed to do it—his eyes met the lion's savage dark ones. "I am sorry to do this, Heartfire," he murmured, and plunged the Sword into the lion's heart.

***************

Hitomi felt the red agony as the lion writhed around in his death throes…the terrible fury…she pulled free of the beast's mind with a shudder as it, too, shuddered convulsively and died…contact Van—jerk…do it quick—before your energy goes—

Hitomi tried—and found herself blocked by a mind-wall. Bloody hell! She pushed, converted all the pain of the lion's death into energy—turned all her own anger at the Kemanians—shoved—straining against the unknown wall and pushed—harder—she felt it yielding and gave it her all—tears were streaming openly down her face now, her eyes scrunched up tightly and her fists balled, leaving bloody crescents in her palms as her nails dug in…she attacked the wall in a rush of adrenaline—felt it yielding more and increased her efforts—the wall shattered and Hitomi yelled, :Van—we're here for you—don't give up—:…and promptly fainted.

*****************

Van ignored the cheers All he saw was the lion shuddering on the dusty ground. Not caring if he was mauled by the lion's paws, he knelt by the dying animal's side. "I am truly sorry…" he muttered. The lion's dark eyes met his—in them a look of resignation—but also of confused pain. "This should not have happened to you…" Van continued softly. The lion's eyes seemed to smile at him. "I hope you go to a happier place…my friend…" Van added. The lion seemed to nod, then it coughed up blood, shivered, and died in a gush of red. Abruptly Van heard Hitomi—miraculous as it seemed—

:Van—we're here for you—don't give up—: Van smiled and kept smiling, even as the guards dragged him from the stadium back to his cell. Now there was hope—even if it was only a faint glimmer.

****************

Gaddis was the first to notice the strain Hitomi was under. Her mouth was in a set line—her lips were blue, and her face pale. She had bitten her lip with such a force that it bled. Her fists were clenched, and her nails left bloody marks in her palms. Two bright spots of color appeared on her cheeks, contrasting sharply with the snow of her skin. Gaddis tried to shake her, but she didn't respond, and continued staring fiercely at the arena where Van was fighting the lion. She whimpered once—then gasped a few moments later as Van dispatched the lion. Then she was straining against something, struggling—pushing—her face contorted, twisted—and melted into a smile—her mouth formed silent words and she sighed, slumping over onto Ariel's shoulder.

Ariel didn't notice. The cat-girl concentrated on the King and the dying lion, chanting, "Van-sama, Van-sama, Van-sama…" Gaddis touched Merla's arm lightly. She looked at him, her face worried. Gaddis stalled her reply with a finger on her lips and pointed with his other hand, at Hitomi.

***************

Hitomi woke later in a room that was nothing but white. The bed was white, the curtains white, the tiles upon the floor were white—everything glowed with white. She saw a little boy staring at her. He was extremely slender, with long, pointed ears. His eyes shone with an unnatural purple. A mop of flaxen hair flopped over his eyes. "Where—" Hitomi asked.

"You're in Kemana—this is the High Lord of Dungeons' mansion, above the prison," he answered in a voice that rang like a bell.

"The prison…" Hitomi murmured. She had an idea. Perhaps… "Little boy, do you know who's in the prison? Like a criminal, I mean."

The boy nodded. "A man…and two others…"

"What's your name?" Hitomi said.

"Elvrn."

"I'm Hitomi," she smiled.

Elvrn's reaction was genuine. "Kanzaki Hitomi—the Kanzaki Hitomi?!"

"Just Hitomi, please," Hitomi added.

"No—I mean—the Seeress from the Mystic Moon!?"

Hitomi was lost for words. "Am I really that famous…?"

"Famous?! You're a legend—a myth—you don't look anything like the Kanzaki Hitomi Mother talks about!" Elvrn exclaimed.

"It's just Hitomi," Hitomi insisted firmly.

Elvrn nodded.

"About this…er…prisoner…" Hitomi mumbled.

"Yes?"

"Elvrn…I need you to help me with something. Were you at the Gladiator Celebratorium?"

"Yes, Seer—Hitomi."

"How long ago was that event?"

"Three days, Hitomi."

"I've been out for that long…?" Hitomi gasped.

Elvrn nodded again.

"Can you get to this prisoner and tell him…give him this, okay?" she searched frantically for something to give the boy. Hitomi's hand caught on the feather Van had given her the day she'd left Gaea. That's perfect! "Give him this," she handed Elvrn the feather. "You don't have to say anything, he'll understand. Please, do this for me." Elvrn looked into the girl's eyes. "Yes, Hitomi. I'll come back later to check on you—Master's orders."

**************

Van smiled weakly when he saw Elvrn approaching. Elvrn made a motion with his hands that meant 'quiet.' "I've got something for you," Elvrn said. Wordlessly he handed the prisoner the white feather. It shimmered in the darkness. "But this—" Van's voice was hoarse. "Elvrn," he said, grabbing the boy's arms. Elvrn struggled. "I'm not gonna hurt you. Just tell me this. Who—gave you the feather—?"

Elvrn was a bit shaken by the prisoner's reaction. "A girl…Kanzaki Hitomi…" Van released Elvrn and sank back as a small smile flickered across his lips. "…Hitomi—so she did come—" "Excuse me, sir," Elvrn asked boldly, "but what are your ties to the Seeress from the Mystic Moon?" Van's smile widened. "I can't tell you just yet. Trust me on this one, okay?" Elvrn nodded. "Tell her not to worry—and take this back to her." Elvrn nodded again, tightly.

***************

"Not to worry?" Hitomi repeated.

"Dragon says he can take care of himself," Elvrn added. "I saw him fight at the coliseum; with Lanye he was awesome—and the lion—he was one step ahead, always!"

"So did I, Elvrn," Hitomi remembered. "Why is he in prison, in the first place?"

"He destroyed a village—and because he's a Draconian."

Hitomi green eyes bored into the boy's purple ones. "Do you believe that?"

Elvrn met her gaze steadily as he replied, "I used to believe before that all Draconians were evil—and because of that, I also believed Dragon destroyed the village. Now I see…differently. I was left alone with him—and he had a weapon, too. He could have attacked me at anytime and made his escape, but he held back."

"So do you believe now that he is innocent?"

Elvrn's gaze faltered for the first time. He was unable to meet her eyes as he lied, "Yes…I…guess so…"

"Elvrn…" Hitomi warned.

"No, miss Hitomi. He was there."

"Elvrn, I'm going to prove to you that Va—Dragon is innocent. But I'm going to need your help. We're going to break him out."

Elvrn, his eyes wide, only nodded.

**************

"Dragon, sir—uh…" Elvrn said. Van lifted his head from the cold stone with great effort. Another round of flogging had been carried out and he wasn't in an exactly perfect condition. Elvrn tried not to shudder at how terrible the Draconian looked. Instead he looked at his own sandaled feet as he delivered his message. "…Abaharaki…" "The Abaharaki?" Van raised his head a bit higher. "They're ready. Anytime you wish to…escape…" "Escape—?" Van whispered. "Don't you get it, dammit, we're breaking you out!" Elvrn hissed. Van lowered his head and lay there in numb relief. Breaking him out…finally… "Uh…sir…one more thing," Elvrn said, regaining his composure. "Hmm?" "They're taking you in for questioning one last time. If you don't answer—you face death-torture." "Oh? And what's that," Van spat out. He was too tired to make a sarcastic remark, even to think of one, for that matter. The name pretty much explained it…he supposed. "Slow, agonizing death," Elvrn said softly. "Crush your feet, brandings, stretcher…magic…" Van made a sound of frustration. "Guess it's tonight, then, huh?" Elvrn nodded swiftly. "I understand, Dragon, sir. I'll tell the Abaharaki." "Hey, Elvrn. You know who the Abaharaki are?" "Oh, yes, sir. They're the rebel group that King Van Fanel stayed with during the Destiny War." Van smiled, and nodded. "Thanks again…" he rasped.

***************

"We're asking you one last time, Draconian," the man growled. "Why. Did. You. Attack. Anelida?" "For the last time, I didn't attack your village," Van replied. "If you ask me, you need stronger defenses at your border." He leaned back against the wall of his cell and folded his arms, eyeing the other man casually. To his absolute surprise, the man nodded. "Okay. Let's say you didn't. Who would?" "Someone who doesn't like Kemana," Van said. Very vague, but, then again, he didn't have a clue as to who really did. "That isn't getting me anywhere! I know you were behind the attacks, now talk and spare yourself the misery of a slow death!" "And face the misery of life imprisoned—or life as a gladiator?" Van smirked. This guy was just like the others, only more willing to try a new tactic. He had to stall him until the gongs rang midnight—then the Abaharaki would come. "Come on, buddy, tell us, we'll set you free after you tell," the man wheedled. Sure. "The hell you will," Van retorted. The man clenched and unclenched his fists, weighting whether or not to strike the boy before him. "Out with it, damn Draconian!!" he roared, slicing past Van's face with a perfect left hook. Van didn't even flinch.

Then Van heard it. The man heard it too. The steady ringing of the gong—signaling the changing of guard. Signaling that it was twelve midnight.

Bong…Bong…Bong…Bong…Bong…Bong…Bong…Bong…Bong…Bong…Bong…Bong…

Before the twelve rings were up Van had snapped from his position lounging against the cell wall and dealt the man a hefty whack to his temple with his right hand. The man uttered a few incoherent noises and collapsed almost instantly. Van blew on his knuckles, chuckling as he went to retrieve the Sword. "Okay…any day now," he muttered. Elvrn appeared suddenly, his face urgent. "Sir…this way—hurry…"

Van nodded. He followed.

***************

Gaddis had his scimitar drawn and both Evanl and Lance were behind him, their swords drawn as well. The Scherazade was ready to take off, should there be any trouble. Merla stood on deck with her arrows, and Hitomi waited nervously besides her. "Will they be okay?" she asked. Merla nodded, patting her shoulder to reassure her. "Yes, don't worry. You've seen Van in action before; he'll be just fine." "Yes…I guess…but there's a bigger threat here…it lurks in the shadows…" Hitomi murmured. For an instant her eyes flashed white as she saw…

Dark world. Underworld. Flames. Fire. Dying. Cold untouched by heat of fire. Hitomi hugged her body, shivering. What is this place—where am I? What—? A shadow fell over her. Someone, wreathed in blackness—the flash of a sword—and she saw herself die. From somewhere in the distance came a cry— "No—Hitomi!"

"Hitomi, snap out of it!" Merla hissed.

Hitomi came to with a cry. "Wha—" "Hitomi, what did you see?" Merla demanded. "I…It was nothing important," Hitomi lied. "Nothing important! Hah!" Merla scoffed, but she didn't ask again.

****************

Elvrn motioned for Van to be quiet. "Guards, coming this way," he warned. "I can take 'em," Van said tersely. Elvrn swiveled one of his long ears. "Sounds like a large group…" he began, but Van was off.

"Mien is takin' a hell of a time interrogatin' the prisoner," one red haired guard growled. "Stoopid man prob'ly got 'imself drunk an' killed," another remarked. "Oh, he's quite alive, I assure you," Van said coldly. The guards looked around wildly for the source of the voice. "Alive and well," Van continued, enjoying the looks of fear on the guards' faces. "Like me. Which is unfortunate…" Van walked slowly from the shadows. "Ack—the Draconian!" One guard grabbed the other's arm to prevent him from running. "'E's wounded, we c'n take 'im!" Drawing their swords, they attacked. "Unfortunate for you," Van finished. He dispatched the red haired guard quickly, but, to his displeasure, this left him open to an attack from the other guard. "I have—seriously—had enough of—this," Van grunted, blocking the guard's swing. The guard roared and shoved him backward. Because Van was weak from lack of food and from the beatings, he was pushed away. "Won't save you," Van's left fist connected with his jaw, and the man slumped down.

Elvrn came to his side and guided him hurriedly. He came to an abrupt halt, cursing very colorfully under his breath. A bit young for that kind of language, Van thought with an inward smile. "What is it?" he asked. "Another patrol—" Elvrn said. Van swore. "How many?" "Sounds like five this time. You can't handle this. You will stay here," Elvrn ordered. He pushed Van into the shadows and went to meet the guards. "Hey, elf! Whadaya doin'?" a slurred voice said. Van winced. The guards were obviously very, very drunk. The stench of their breath carried to his hiding place. Elvrn couldn't handle them by himself, not by a long shot. Van slowly raised his Sword and positioned himself for the charge.

"Elf, I asked you a question."

"Yeah, 'e did, elf."

"Answer the man!"

"Talk, elf!"

"Afore we gots t' knock yer teeth out!"

"I—I'm…I was checking on the prisoner—"

"Yeah right. Yer lyin', boy, yer lyin'."

Elvrn braced himself for the blow he knew was coming.

Van didn't pause for any derisive remarks. He killed two guards in a single stroke and finished the other two in less than three. Four slain. Wasn't there a fifth—

"Behind you!" Elvrn screamed. Van whirled about to see the slavering, dirty face of the guard who carried out his beatings. He ducked his head swiftly, avoiding the knife blade the guard swung at him. "Why—can't I—just—take that—escape without interference—" Van panted as he slew the man. "I could have taken them," Elvrn said, his eyes flashing with sullen anger. Van was suddenly reminded of a time long ago…

The youth grabbed the cushioned box. 'I have the sword, Gaddis!' he yelled. The tall man turned, exasperated. 'You've got to stop taking such foolish risks. You could have been killed. Didn't you see that guy waiting to nab you? You're different, Van Fanel. But that gives you no excuse to throw your life away,' he said. Van Fanel's eyes flashed angrily at him. 'This is the first step to defeating the Dark Dragon Clan! I'll never run away from a fight! Never! To make them pay for what they did to the people of Fanelia, I will fight to the death!' Gaddis wiped his scimitar clean before sheathing it. 'Van, you were armed with a stick! A puny, weak little stick. That guy could have carved you into mincemeat!' Gaddis chided. 'Well, now I have a sword,' Van began sullenly, but a shout interrupted. 'Commander, their airship's beginnin' to loose levistone power!' Gaddis smiled at Van. 'We'll finish this later.' He turned back to reply to the man who had shouted. 'Okay, Evanl! We're coming up!'

"Uh—Dragon, sir? We'd best be off. The way out is just a bit further," Elvrn interrupted his thoughts. "Huh—oh, yeah." A huge noise shook dust from the rafters. Van looked around sharply. "What—" Elvrn gasped. "That's Asandi—the Eliminator! He fights like fifty men! Oh gods no! We've got to run, we need to get out of here before he—" Van was all for Elvrn's plan; he was feeling distinctly faint from lack of food, and another fight he wouldn't be able to withstand but—

It was too late. Asandi had found them.

**************

Gaddis stiffened as he heard a roar coming from the mouth of the dungeons. Hitomi perked up immediately. "Van—is it?" Gaddis held his hand up for silence. "Sounds like a scuffle—c'mon," he motioned to Evanl and Lance. They set off at a silent run—cold and grim.

*************

Van didn't have time to react or defend himself. Before he knew it, a mountain of a man was attacking him, destroying all his defenses and seeking to kill. Asandi. Eliminator. What the hell is an Eliminator? Van thought, trying to fend off the savage blows. To his extreme and unhappy amazement, the Sword did nothing. Three dark shapes came running down from the entrance. Great, this is just what I need—more guards trying to kill me. "You having problems there?" the voice belonged to Gaddis. Van might have let himself sag with relief just then, but he was a bit preoccupied at the moment. Trying to stay alive. Elvrn gaped in awe at the tall man who was the leader of the Abaharaki—Gaddis Schezar, wed to Merla—she in turn was former Princess of Asturia. Gaddis didn't hesitate; he jumped at Asandi and attacked the gigantic man's legs. Evanl took Asandi's left, Lance his right. Van went for the Eliminator's head. Asandi uttered no noises besides deafening bellows. Van hacked wildly at his head, fighting against the panic that was beginning to flood him. An Eliminator, huh? Just the name gives me the creeps. This is not good. Not good at all. Oh damn. Oh no. Gods give me speed…this guy isn't going to be easy…oh hell…should just let him kill me…what are you thinking?! Dammit, Fanel, you've got too many people depending on you to die!

*************

Hitomi uttered a small shriek. "Oh no, Van!" "What's wrong?" "He's fighting an Eliminator. Gaddis and Evanl—and Lance—are there, they're helping—but they're losing the fight!" "Eliminator," Merla said thoughtfully. "Aren't those creatures who are employed as part time executors?" "Don't ask me!" Hitomi cried, in a frenzy, "I'm not from your world!" He's panicking again. If his emotions go any further—I could go insane—I could go into the same killing rage that Van goes into—for some reason… Hitomi shook her throbbing head. Thinking clearly was nearly impossible… She tried again. For some reason…because I can't 'speak' to him, I can sense his emotions in a much powerful way— Hitomi screamed. "Evanl!"

*************

Gaddis shouted, "Evanl! No!" He saw the man topple and fall, impaled by the Eliminator's sword. Asandi stomped on the corpse contemptuously before turning to face the others. Lance, maddened by the death of his comrade, charged, hacking and thrusting with a fierce anger that Gaddis had not thought he was capable of. Van snarled, "You murdering bastard—" then Asandi kicked him into a wall. Van slid down, his arm hanging at a strange angle. Before Gaddis could fully understand what his body was doing, he was attacking the Eliminator with all the strength he could muster. Blinded by tears, the knight of Caeli battered furiously at the Eliminator, crazed by anger and grief at the loss of one of his friends. Van snapped.

He was the Dragon.

************

Hitomi gasped. She had felt Evanl's death like a punch to her stomach. Then waves of suicidal despair and disgusted fury shocked her continuously—building up, faster and angrier…shock and more anger, combined with frustration—the feelings exploded. Hitomi nearly wailed aloud. She shuddered and clutched her head. "Hitomi—what's wrong—" Merla cried. "Van—oh—not good," Hitomi managed to say. "Killing rage—Merla, get away from me, before I—"

Van reached for Hitomi. The presence of the Dragon clouded his mind—but his sanity was still there—and he had to keep it there. She had helped him before…right? Van—the Dragon—yelled a challenge at Asandi and this time the Sword flashed blue, matching the Eliminator's hits blow for blow. Something happened. Van was suddenly linked to Asandi's mind. And linked to Van was—Hitomi. Both were unprepared for what hit them—

Hitomi screamed. Asandi's mind was worse than the lion, there was nothing there but anger and rage—nothing more—nothing less—just the will to fight and kill—she gasped as she realized—there was no will. She struggled to control herself before the emotions got out of hand. He has no soul, Hitomi realized with a jolt. But he is evil. He must be destroyed. She wrenched Asandi's mind and felt his pain. Going to pay, wretch. I'm gonna make you pay. Then the Dragon took the last of Van's reason—with his, went Hitomi's. She felt uncontrollable rage—the want to just destroy. Van charged for Asandi, even with his injured arm. Asandi roared and grabbed his throat, raising him high into the air. Van struggled, landing flailing blows around Asandi's neck and shoulders. They glanced off the man's armor. Van felt himself blacking out—felt his windpipe crushing… Hitomi felt the same—suffocating in the man's grasp. The Dragon was still there—and, in a detached part of her mind, she felt herself slipping away—but the bloodwrath wouldn't let her. She slammed her emotion into Asandi's brain, shaking him with thoughts that were just too much for him to handle. Die, you bastard, die with the pain you made so many others feel.

Asandi screamed, an unearthly scream, a howl of death. He jerked once, and fell—drooling and babbling. Van pried Asandi's fingers from his neck and gasped for air. The Dragon was still in possession of him, and he stabbed Asandi's body with the Sword, over and over even though the Eliminator was already dead. Suddenly, the Dragon left, as quickly as it came, and there was nothing left to keep the exhausted King up. Gaddis caught Van as he collapsed. Gaddis' voice was shaking as he issued orders. "Lance—take the—take Evanl. We'll give him a proper burial in Asturia. You there, boy, follow us." Lance bent down, tears falling openly down his face, to pick his former friend up. Evanl raised his hand feebly, nearly causing Gaddis to drop Van. "Evanl?" Lance dropped down to his friend's side. "Hey…" Evanl smiled softly. "I'm feeling kinda…strange…y'know…" "No kidding, pal, a sword went through your side," Lance replied. "We'll get Merla to patch you up, you'll be fine." Evanl coughed blood. "No…I think someone put my name…on that sword…I'm goin'…to sunny fields…and golden rivers…I'll see you again…someday…" "Matey, don't talk stupid, c'mon, I'll—" "I'm dying…Lance…who have you…ever heard of…who lived…when a sword went straight…through them?" "You," Lance said fiercely. "No…it ain't me…that Van's somethin' else…though…you tell my bro I loved him…and pa, if he's still…living…goodbye…Lance…Commander…"

"No—Evanl—" Lance choked.

The man's head lolled to one side and his hand went limp. Gaddis stood, his head bowed.

****************

Van woke, his whole body, especially his throat, throbbing unpleasantly. That was a dream. I haven't escaped. They must have tortured me last night and this is all a dream. His breath caught when he saw Hitomi slumped over his chest, sound asleep. "Okay, it's definitely a dream," he muttered. Since when does Hitomi do this? I'm dreaming. Or else I'm dead and this is heaven. He tried to raise his left arm—and found it in a cloth sling, too painful to move. Broken… Van smiled at Hitomi, listening to her smooth breathing as he gathered the strength to move. "…Van?" she mumbled. "Yeah," he breathed, "it's me." Her eyes snapped open and she flung her arms around him, jerking back when she came in contact with his arm. "Oh—I'm sorry, Van…" "Now what are you apologizing for?" Van grinned. "Everything—Merla showed me how to bandage wounds and when I saw yours—" "You fainted?" Van guessed. "No—but I got close to it. What kind of bastards would do this to you—" "Prison guards," Van answered matter-of-factly. "I surmised as much," Hitomi continued. "I'm sorry I ever let you go," she added. "I'm sorry I left," Van replied, "but I did; and Aston needed me to go."

"Aston's a sorry idiot!" Hitomi burst out.

:I could agree,: Van thought.

"Hey—I can—" Hitomi gasped.

:Can you hear me, Van?:

:Yeah—why couldn't I hear you before? I was blocked—somehow.:

"Elvrn told me," Hitomi said, "that there are mages skilled in old magic that prevent anyone from using magic to contact their friends from within the prison."

"I'm guessing we're away from the prison, then."

"Oh yes; we're going home."

"Home?"

"Fanelia."

Van released his breath in a sigh, too tired to realize she'd finally called Fanelia her home.

************

"They left for Kemana from Asturia, huh? Now they're heading back to Fanelia? Perfect. Tell my Dark Warriors to go to Fanelia and give them a little…" Wyera's smile grew, "…welcome reception." McKael bowed swiftly and went to contact the warriors.

************

Two days had passed. The Scherazade was nearing Fanelia with each hour. Van's bruises had healed—the cuts reduced to nothing but slight red marks. His arm, too, was healing, but not as quickly. Hitomi noticed, and made a questioning remark. Van motioned for her to follow him. "Dragon blood," he explained, once they were safely out of hearing. "My mother had it—and so did Folken. Our kind heals fast."

"Dilandau—I mean, Celena, when she was Dilandau—must have healed quickly, too," Hitomi said. "How else would he be well enough to fight after just a period of days? I saw him get slammed into a wall, then about four days later, he's up and fighting again."

"Hmmm…I'm guessing that when they…changed…her, they must have added something…"

"Extra genes?" Hitomi hazarded.

"Er…what?"

"Never mind—you wouldn't know…it's an earth thing," she added quickly, when she saw how offended Van looked.

"I was thinking more along the lines of magic," Van muttered. "Like Folken learned—somehow."

"I don't think Folken learned, Van. I think it was in him."

"What do you mean?" Van was mildly puzzled.

"Well…I don't know—it's just—maybe Folken learned how to tap into his magic, rather than how to use it. His will to kill you simply influenced how it was used."

"So?"

"Er…you know how people say there's such a thing as bad magic—black magic, and then there's good magic—white magic?"

"Yeah…"

"Maybe there isn't anything like that. Maybe—maybe…" she faltered under Van's serious gray gaze.

"Go on," he smiled.

"Magic might just be a force—like a weapon—"

"So what you're trying to say is that magic is like a sword. It doesn't matter what power the sword has—if the one who owns it is evil and wants to use it for evil, it becomes evil. The same goes for a person who wants to use to sword for good. The sword is only as great as the man who carries it," Van summarized, remembering the words of Balgus.

"Yes…I guess so…"

"Then ponder this. Say the sword or item or whatever is evil—and it influences people to do evil things. Then what is it?" Van said, a faint smile lingering on his lips.

"Um…" Hitomi wrinkled her brow in thought.

"The simple answer—" Van pressed.

"The sword is evil?" Hitomi chanced.

"Yes—so the magic it invokes is evil. Now what do you think about your 'magic is a force'?"

"I'm confused."

"What about your psychic abilities," Van continued, "are they for good or for evil?"

"You're defeating your own reasoning," Hitomi smiled. "My abilities could be used for both good and evil, depending on what I want to do and what type of person I am."

A wonderful person, Van thought to himself, not realizing he was projecting, a beautiful, smart, wonderful person.

"Thanks," Hitomi laughed.

"You heard that?" Van said, flushing.

"Hey—you two, stop talking about life's meaning!" Ariel cried. She pounced on Van, knocking him to the ground and licking his face enthusiastically. "Get—okay, Ariel, stop—please—Hitomi, help—" Van tried to squirm out of Ariel's grasp, but to no avail. Hitomi stood by and laughed. "Laugh, huh?" Van grinned. "Oh no—wait—" Hitomi shrieked. Van's grin increased in size as he yanked the girl down besides him. All three—girl, King, and cat-girl, rolled around the deck in a screaming, laughing heap, despite Van's arm.

Van finally freed himself from Ariel. He grabbed Hitomi's hand with his good arm and ran with her. "C'mon, Hitomi, we have to get away from this monster!" They turned the corner, only to bang into Gaddis. "Hey, no running aboard this leviship," he laughed. "So you're finally up, huh?" "How long was I—" "Three days," Gaddis said. "Three days?" Gaddis nodded solemnly. "Why didn't you tell me?! We need to figure out why those guymelefs attacked Anelida!" "Anelida?" Gaddis raised an eyebrow. "The fishing village," Van explained, losing his patience, "that my leviship was over when we were attacked."

"Oh," Gaddis said. "Right—your majesty."

"Don't call me that. You know I don't like it."

"Sorry—your majesty," Gaddis made a point of saying it again, with exaggeration.

Hitomi had to grab Van to prevent him from tackling the knight of Caeli. :Van, stop it—Gaddis was only kidding—:

:Oh yeah?: Van's reply was savage.

:Van! Please…get a hold of yourself!:

Van shuddered and relaxed, allowing her to pull him back. "Gaddis, I'm sorry—I just lost it for a moment—" Van said, his eyes downcast.

"Don't mention it," Gaddis smiled. "I provoked you."

Van turned back to Hitomi, taking her into his arms. Gaddis' smile broadened, and he left.

**************

Hitomi pointed eagerly from the deck of the airship. "Look, Van—Fanelia!" Van looked, letting his breath out in a sigh of relief. "Finally…" he smiled. "Yes…" Hitomi breathed. "Finally home…" Van turned so he faced her and grasped her shoulders. "What did you say?" he demanded. "I said, 'Finally home,'" Hitomi gasped. "Van, let go—you're hurting me…" Van released her. "Sorry…" he muttered. Hitomi rubbed her right shoulder. "No…it's okay," she said.

"Fanelia…it is good to see it again. I wonder how Siel's doing…"

"He's probably doing fine," Hitomi murmured, her cheek pressed to Van's shoulder.

"He could let us alone for a bit, then," Van stroked her hair, feeling a bit awkward—though why he was, he didn't know. He felt the cheek on his shoulder grow hot.

"Let us alone…?"

"Mmm hmm," Van smiled into her hair.

:I love you…: she sent—and blushed furiously.

:Love you, too, I guess,: Van said.

"I guess? What's that supposed to mean?"

Van stopped her words with a kiss; she gasped against his mouth, then returned the favor.

****************

"PREPARE YOUR GRACIOUS SELVES FOR LANDING!" Lance bellowed. "Gracious? Ahaha, where'd he get that un?" Allen chuckled. Lance had gotten over Evanl's death rather well, though the cook's eyes were still red-rimmed and bloodshot. He stood by Gaddis on the deck, overseeing everything. Celena smiled at him, and he felt all his troubles melt away. Commander's sister was something else entirely. He would envy the man she married. Lance filled his lungs with air again and roared, "COUNCIL OF WAR TO BE HELD IN MAIN CABIN!"

This brought a general rush of whispers.

Van winked at Hitomi from where he stood at the prow with Gaddis. "Kemana is Asturia's ally, and we Asturia's. Therefore, if Kemana is under threat of attack, it is our obligation and duty to offer our help," he declared, unsheathing the Sword of the Dragon and holding it high, so the noon sun glinted off the recently cleaned blue steel. The Abaharaki cheered. With that, they set about landing the leviship, while Van snatched a word with Hitomi.

"Another war…" she murmured.

"No," Van replied. "For your sake and the sake of my country and others, I will see to it that this war is prevented. This I swear."

That's so…noble… Hitomi thought.

"Van—I've got a question."

"Yeah?"

"You have a tattoo on your shoulder—it stands for Fanelia, right? So why didn't your guards notice it?"

"They were an ignorant bunch. I'll bet their IQ's combined wouldn't equal half of yours. Elvrn was probably the only one there who was educated in politics and history. Besides, I kept it covered."

"Why didn't you tell them?"

"I could have been kept longer for ransom, then. They're a savage bunch—I wouldn't put it past them."

"I'm just glad…"

"Glad about what?"

"Glad you're okay. I…was really worried."

Van chuckled. "Bet you got a shock when you saw me in the coliseum, huh."

Hitomi's face sobered. "Yes…Van, what do you think about changing the future?"

"What?"

"Changing the future," she repeated.

Van looked at her with concern. "Did you have another vision? Is it bad?"

"You don't know how bad it was…" Hitomi muttered.

"Then tell me," Van stated simply. He reached for her hand and took it. Hitomi stared out at the area that was Fanelia, a slight breeze tousling her hair, before answering.

"I saw…oh…it's really nothing…"

"Tell me," Van demanded.

"Van…I—I don't know…"

"Hitomi, I want to help you. Please tell me."

Hitomi took a deep breath. "I saw myself die," she said, then looked away.

"Die?" Van repeated the word incredulously.

Hitomi couldn't speak for a moment, so she nodded instead.

Van's eyes seemed to darken. "I'll protect you. Let the assassin try. He'll fail miserably."

"No!" Hitomi herself was shocked by the vehemence in her voice. "If I'm destined to die, then I'm going to die—you shouldn't try and stop it!"

"What?" Van said, in complete and total disbelief.

"You'll change the future. I guess I was fated to die from the start—"

"Hitomi—"

"Don't try to change my fate—"

"Hitomi, that's not true. I'm going to protect you, whether you like it or not. I can't give you up. Not now that you're back with me."

"Maybe we were never destined to be," Hitomi sighed.

Van remembered Sora's words. '…forced to disrupt the natural way of things…' He ignored them. "Destiny has absolutely nothing to do with it. Dammit, listen to me! Fate isn't already decided for you, you yourself have to make the choices to determine it!"

"Are you sure?" Hitomi held his hand close to her cheek. How she wanted to believe him.

"Yes. Stop thinking like that. It'll work out. Anyone who says it won't—can…can just go to hell!" Van yelled. "And you aren't going to die, do you understand me?" Hitomi made no move to show she'd heard.

"I order you—" Van said, his voice losing power and lessening to a strangled noise as it broke.

"Isn't that called abuse of power?" she said coldly.

"No. It's called hope."

Van caught her in his arms and she couldn't, didn't want to object. "If you say so…" she murmured, turning around so she could see his face.

"Besides," Van said, tracing her cheek with a finger, "I'm not gonna let anything happen to you."

"That's sweet of you," Hitomi smiled up at him.

"What can I say?" Van grinned. "I'm a sweet guy."

*************

Van rode at the front of the procession, Hitomi hugging his waist tighter than Ariel usually did. :Don't worry, you won't fall off. But I need air if I want to keep living,: Van sent, with a small chuckle. She loosened her grip and gave him a timid smile. They neared the gates of Fanelia. Van's eyes narrowed. What's this? The guards lay slain upon the ground and three others stood in their places—gaunt new guards, dressed in black. He slowly reached for his Sword.

:Van—what is it?:

"Trouble," Van muttered. To the new guards he called, "Who are you? What do you want?"

They didn't answer aloud, instead, they drew their own weapons—a pair of daggers, a sword, and a mace. "Ours is a name you shall remember," the first, with a blue sash, said. "For the rest of your life," the second, with a red sash, said. "For we are to kill your future wife!" the third finished, and as he did, they charged. Kill—Kill Hitomi? Gods, this is happening just like her vision—

Van yanked the Sword out and slashed from the horse's back at the three. The panicked horse reared, throwing both Van and Hitomi off. Van saw red—a red mist that seemed to hang over everything. He yelled, and attacked—snarling as he fought off all three. Two held him down. They were incredibly strong—Van struggled, biting and punching, but to no avail. He could only watch, pressed down, in horror, as the blue sash advanced on Hitomi. The girl was frozen in fear. "Hitomi—run!" Van shouted. That shout seemed to shake her from her paralysis. She turned, and began to run—then the blue sash grabbed her arm and jerked her back. He pressed the dagger to her neck, smiling as a thin line of blood welted up. She closed her eyes, and Van saw her fists were clenched. No…it can't end this way…Van thought desperately. The dagger pressed in a little more, and Hitomi screamed, both in pain and in fear. This scream tore Van from himself, and, for a moment, time stood still.

She's screaming. You swore to protect her.

You swore.

You have failed her. Failed your love. She's going to die now. Die painfully and slowly. And it's all your fault.

She's going to die.

All your fault.

You promised her.

You have broken your promise.

You failed her.

You failed.

Van didn't let himself resist the Dragon force this time. He accepted it into his soul willingly.

She's screaming. You swore to protect her.

You swore.

You have failed her. Failed your love. She's going to die now. Die painfully and slowly. And it's all your fault.

She's going to die.

All your fault.

You promised her.

You have broken your promise.

You failed her.

You failed.

"No!" Van yelled, and pulled free. He was on the blue sash at once, throwing the Sword aside, grabbing the man and pummeling him into the dirt. "No!" he shouted, and with each shout, bashed his fists into the blue sash. Van pounded the man's head into the ground, smashing it as hard as he could, biting, scratching, kicking, and anything he could do. The red sash went for Hitomi, the yellow third for Van. Hitomi snapped from it, she linked with Van's mind, heedless of the vortex that was the Dragon. And together they attacked. As one. Ready, Van? Hitomi had no need to project; they shared the same mind. Van grinned, baring his teeth. Ready. The red one went down with a gurgle, the yellow leaping away to escape. As he did, Van rolled over with a sort of gasp, and raised himself up into a sitting position. Hitomi walked toward him, then sighed, and fell forward. Van caught her, but fell backward. He lay there on the dirt, in a half stupor, clutching the unconscious girl to him.

Gaddis found them that way. "Van! What the devil are you two doing?"

Van flushed as he replied, "Fighting off assassins, nothing special."

"Sure. And you ended up like that with her? A very likely story, Van Fanel."

"I'm serious!" Van exclaimed. "Look!" and he pointed to the slashes the assassins weapons had caused. "Look at her," he added, lifting strands of Hitomi's hair to reveal the knife-cut on her neck.

"Why are you sitting here, then?"

"I don't think I can get up," Van sighed.

"Oh, gee, that's a wonderful reason," Celena grumbled. She leapt off her horse and went to inspect both of them. "There's nothing wrong with you," she said. "If you don't get up now I'm going to…make you eat something I cooked!" Van stood up like he had been stung, still holding Hitomi. "You can't!" he cried, in mock-horror. Celena frowned, waggling a finger in his face. "And why not?"

Van lifted Hitomi. "Because I won't let you near a stove for the rest of your stay in Fanelia—and because we're getting away from you, now!" Laughing, he ran through the gates.

Gaddis sighed. "That Van. Maybe you should check him too, for wounds. He's behaving like a three year old."

***************

Hitomi opened her eyes and blushed immediately. They—Merla, Gaddis, Celena, Ruku, and Van—were sitting on the floor in a circle. Van cradled her head in the crook of his arm, his own head bent over her and his face resting in her hair, the other arm encircling her protectively. "Van—I'm okay, let go of me," she whispered. Van shook himself out of a sleepy trance. "Huh? Oh." He seemed reluctant to release her, but he did.

The circle was silent for a long time. Then Gaddis broke the silence. "Assassins, huh?"

"Yes. They tried to kill Hitomi."

Celena gave a noise that was definitely a derisive snort. "This is getting us nowhere," she snapped. "That's the same thing you two have been saying for the past hour!"

"We don't have any other information besides that," Van muttered.

"Then why are we sitting here?" Celena demanded.

"We need to figure this all out. So far we've got—an invisible enemy launches an attack on a village, assassins try to kill Hitomi—what's it going to lead to?"

:Hitomi, I'm sorry. I know this is tiring.:

:Huh, and you're telling me.:

:Yes, I am.:

Hitomi grinned—to the Schezars, it was to no apparent reason—to Van—well, he knew.

:Van—couldn't you stop the meeting?: Hitomi asked.

:Er…: Van couldn't think of a reply. Then his eyes lit up, and he said, :Pretend to faint. I'll get you out of here, and do the whole routine.:

Hitomi's grin widened. :Clever. Okay…: "Um…Van? I don't feel so—" she did an Oscar winning, swooning faint, with calculated accuracy, into Van's waiting arms. Merla gasped. "Maybe they had poison—"

"I think she's just tired," Van said, "I'll take her to my room until she wakes up again."

:Thanks a bunch, Van,: Hitomi's voice in his mind was soft with relief.

:You're welcome. But you owe me now,: he added, turning the corner and walking slowly up the spiral staircase. Hitomi waited until they were out of sight, before she raised herself up in his arms and gave him a long, sweet kiss.

:Are we even now?: she asked, with a mischievous smile.

:Actually, now I think I'm the one who owes you—: Van gasped.

:Oh, I don't know…: Hitomi kissed him again.

Van set her carefully on the bed. "No more—it's too tempting," he said. Hitomi pouted.

"Gee. Is that all the thanks I get?"

Van played with a lock of her hair. "I suppose."

Hitomi sighed, and sat up. "It seems there will be another war…"

"No. I promised you."

"Van, sometimes people can't keep their promises, as much as they'd like to," Hitomi murmured.

"I'll keep my promise. I always have—well…most of them…"

I never beat Gaddis. Maybe I should challenge him sometime… Van thought to himself.

"Most of them?" Hitomi had wrapped her arms around his neck as he carried her up the stairs, and she pulled him down beside her.

"Personal matters," Van sniffed, holding his head at the rigid angle and looking very kingly. Hitomi giggled. "Don't," Van said, with a look of injured dignity.

Hitomi took his hand. "Van, the last time I came, it was for a purpose. Right?"

"Yes…what are you getting at?" Van said.

"There was a war last time."

"Destiny War," Van supplied.

"Yes. Now I'm back again—for no apparent reason—"

"You're back because I needed you. I still do," Van gave her a charming smile.

"Well…I can't help wondering if there's another reason for my being here…everything's leading up to a war."

"Must you always be so serious?" Van muttered.

"Hey, look who's talking," Hitomi grinned. "You were mister 'Oh, leave me alone.'" Van smirked.

"You had a lot to be upset about, though…" Hitomi said.

"Well, if you had a brother that suddenly reappeared and killed your only other family, wouldn't you be upset?" Van said reasonably.

"I don't understand why Folken hated you so," Hitomi murmured.

"Neither do I. Perhaps it's better if we never learn," Van smiled at her. "And don't go all philosophical on me." He kissed her forehead. Her nose. Her closed eyes. Her cheek. Her—

Boom.

The doors of the hall downstairs were thrown open with such a force that the entire building shook. Van touched Hitomi's hand to reassure her, then slid the Dragon Blade from the sheathe. "You stay here," he ordered. "And be careful."

"You too," Hitomi said, trying to smile.

***************

"And I am telling you, Van Fanel will not see you until you state your business to me," Gaddis was saying, as Van emerged from the staircase. "What's going on?" he demanded. "This guy wants to talk to you about something," Gaddis said. To only Van he muttered, "I don't trust him." "That's nice to know. I can handle him," Van said, eyeing the man carefully. He was tall, extremely slender, and carried no weapon.

"King Van Fanel, I presume," the man said, bowing down.

"That's me. What do you want?"

"I am Ehan. From the Western tribes."

"Speak your piece," Van said.

"We were recently attacked, King Van," Ehan's voice sunk to a growl, "by an invisible enemy that soon revealed themselves to be of the Fanelian crest. I am here to protest these inhumane acts of war."

Van's eyes widened. "Fanelians…"

"And I am urging you to stop it at once, or all the tribes of the Northlands will band together and throw you from your throne," Ehan continued.

"But I—"

"Why, Lord Van, would you do this?" Ehan demanded.

"I—"

"I am asking you."

"Dammit, let me talk! I never organized any assault of any kind upon the Northland tribes. I had no knowledge of these attacks!" Van snarled, his impatience getting the better of him.

Ehan simply looked at him, a cool, calculating look. "Lord Van, I am aware of your fits. I have been informed."

"Fits?" Van whispered. He turned to Gaddis. "What the hell has been going on behind my back?"

Gaddis actually fidgeted. "Er…well…rumors have spread…"

"Fits? Since when do I have fits, Schezar—tell me!"

"Well…"

"Who, may I ask, so graciously informed you of my so-called fits?" Van demanded.

"That, Lord Van, is to be between myself and the informer," Ehan replied.

Van bit his lip. Well, we aren't going to get anything out of this lug. "I am not insane, Ehan of the Western tribes—if that's what you're getting at."

"Perhaps I am," said Ehan, with a look that made Van wish he could strangle him. "And perhaps I am not."

"Van, what's going on?" Hitomi poked her head around the stairwell.

Van didn't turn to look at her. "I thought I told you to stay in your room, Hitomi."

"So this is what you do all day?" Ehan laughed. "Keeping women locked upstairs and attacking innocent people?"

If this guy doesn't shut up I am personally going to tear his throat out… Van thought murderously.

"And she's dressed most improperly. Men's clothing? In my society, women are always in dresses, and they are always at the house, not gallivanting around in men's clothes. Cooking and producing children is all they're good for," Ehan smiled.

Hitomi could have been Van's reflection, if one looked at her expression. Her teeth were bared, her fists clenched, and she was tensed to spring. Surprisingly enough, it was Van who got control of his anger, and held out a hand to stop Hitomi from leaping at Ehan.

"You are an ignorant fool, Ehan," Van's voice carried like an ice dagger.

"And you are a murderer."

"I did no such thing!" Van retorted. "Ehan, we have just suffered the Destiny War. My people would never agree to another!"

"Destiny War. My informer tells me that that is all a lie. An excuse, if you will."

"I will not—" Van snarled.

"Deny it all you will, Van Fanel. I know the truth."

Van ground his teeth. He pressed his anger down, and turned to Hitomi. "If this fool won't listen to me, then I won't press the matter further. If this is what you want to believe, Ehan, then believe it. Fool," he added coldly.

Ehan smiled angrily. "Then I shall return, and I shall tell my people of your trickery—and be forewarned, Van Fanel, we will rise up against you. And all of Gaea will know of your betrayal to peace."

Then Van could stand it no longer. He whirled. "I did not launch an attack against the Western Tribes!"

"Or the one against Kemana, I suppose," Ehan said lazily.

"Or that one!" Van yelled. He reached for his Sword.

"I believe that is an enchanted sword, Van Fanel. Only cheating scum would dare use such—but, then again, you would sink that low."

Ariel came bounding up and smacked Ehan's cheek with a force that baffled both Van and Hitomi. "You despicable cad—how dare you accuse Lord Van?! After all that he's been through!" She shook him, even though she was about two feet shorter. Ehan removed her slenderized paws from his shoulders, brushing his hands disdainfully on his jacket. "I see the company you keep. A woman who wears men's clothes. A beast."

Keep talking; I'll knock all your teeth out when you finish, Van's mind hissed.

Hitomi walked slowly to Ehan. "I'm sorry about your people," she murmured. Van saw her eyes were filmed over with white. Gods, a vision—here? Now? "I can sense what you've been through. But you must know that you are being manipulated. Your informer is a liar."

Ehan shoved her from him, and she fell to the stone floor with a small gasp and lay still. And that was enough to get Van moving.

Van slammed him up against a wall—with strange strength, he held the man up with one hand while he unsheathed the Sword with the other and held it to Ehan's neck. "You—" he snapped, but Gaddis pulled him away. "Van, leave him be. He's been through enough." Van glared at Gaddis, slowly and reluctantly sheathing the Sword. He turned to Hitomi. She smiled. "Clumsy of me, really."

Van extended a hand and helped her rise. "Come on. Gaddis Schezar, kindly escort Ehan to our gates…" To himself, he muttered, "…and kick his ass for me…"

*********************

"So someone's been spreading lies about Fanelia. Dammit—if I knew who I'd—I'd—" Van swung the Sword in a perfect arch and slammed it into the ground.

"Calm down," Gaddis said.

"How can I? They're—"

"Gaddis is right," Merla came up behind him. "We can't just charge ahead and accuse."

Hitomi touched Van's hand. He turned to look at her, and smiled. :Don't worry. We'll figure this out, I promise.:

Hitomi smiled back. "I'm sure we will," she murmured. Merla and Gaddis seemed faintly puzzled. "What—oh, I get it," Merla said.

"Why would anyone want to spread rumors about Fanelia?" Hitomi said.

"Hmm…" Gaddis scratched his chin. "To lessen our allies?"

"And our allies are only needed if—" Merla gasped.

"If there's going to be a war!" Van exclaimed. "The bastards! They know what has happened. They know that Fanelia is still weak from the Destiny War. They also know that the Northland tribes are usually uninformed and usually easiest to trick! Oh damn, why—"

"We can turn their trick against them," Hitomi suggested.

All three turned to look at her. She'd never shown an interest in military strategies.

"It's simple, really. If we can get it through to the Northlanders that they've been tricked—"

"It will be difficult, if half of them are like Ehan," Gaddis pointed out.

"We can do it," Hitomi said fiercely.

"That's true," Merla said, "we've done it before."

"And we'll do it again, and not even the fires of the Thirteen Hells can stop us!" Van yelled.

"Amen to that," Gaddis smiled.

"Amen," the other three said.



*****************

"Where do we start?" Van growled. "If I go, obviously they'll think it's all a lie, because I'm the so-called murderer!" He stalled Hitomi's would-be request to go. "Stories have probably spread about you being an enchantress or whatever. They'd kill you, out of fear of being destroyed." Hitomi's face fell.

"That's true…Gaddis can't go, he's known as the Knight of Caeli, they'd know him. Merla…well…would they trust a woman—I mean, Ehan proved earlier that out there women aren't really that…respected, shall we say…"

"That cuts Celena and Ariel. How exactly do we get to them?"

"Excuse me," Elvrn said quietly. The elfish boy had moved into the palace. Terci had taken a liking to him, and so her family took him in. "Seeing that I once was a Northlander, and that I am male, I think they'd listen to me."

"But—" Van began. He's too young. It will be dangerous.

"Don't send guards with me. I know the lay of the land. Whoever the informer is probably doesn't know an elf-boy escaped with you. I can do it. Even if they don't believe me, please let me try."

Hitomi looked at Elvrn. He had an aura to him…it was strange. She had sensed it the first day they'd met. Even then, when Van was revealed to him as the King of Fanelia, he hadn't shown as much shock. It was almost as if he already knew.

'Elvrn,' Hitomi said. Elvrn came. He looked at Dragon. The youth was sitting, propped up like some doll, in a bed. It had been two days since they'd fled and his bruises were no more than faint red marks. 'Elvrn, I'd like you to meet the King of Fanelia, Van Slanzar de Fanel.' Elvrn didn't blink, or flinch. He only bowed. 'King Van. I'm sorry for what my countrymen did to you.' Van smiled.

:Van…let him go. I sense…he can do it. He is…special…some how.:

Van looked at Hitomi, startled. He turned back to Elvrn. "Be careful out there. How much food are you going to need? Horses?"

"I'll take one horse, Lord Van. And the food I will pack myself."

"Please—it's just Van."

"Okay. I'll see you back here, then, Lor—Van, I mean—and Hitomi." Elvrn bowed his way out.

"What do you mean—he's special?"

Hitomi snuggled closer to Van and he hugged her to him. "I don't know…Elvrn isn't all he seems, though…"

"Is that good or bad?" Van said gravely, breathing in the late summer fragrance of her hair.

"For now," Hitomi laughed, "I prefer to think that it's good."

Van grinned. "Fine with me."

**************

"You failed."

"Please, Mistress, I—"

"You failed."

"The King—he's a berserker, he went insane on me and attacked—"

"The fact remains that you failed."

"I—"

"You will be punished accordingly."

"Mistress, no!"

"We will see Our purpose fulfilled," Wyera said.

"We, Mistress?"

"Enough! Take him away, and flog him. Five hundred lashes. Understand?" The servant nodded numbly and dragged the yellow-sash away.

"So Hitomi still lives. We will have your kingdom, your queen, and your life, Van Fanel. This is Our purpose, and We will not be denied."

******************

Van woke, drenched in cold sweat and panting. It was late at night, the moon blurry beneath a layer of gray clouds. The dream had been so vivid…so real… He rose and walked silently to Hitomi's room, just to make sure she was all right. He opened the door a crack, and the light from the torches lit in the hallway fell across Hitomi's bed. Van froze.

She wasn't there.

He broke into a swift run, calling her in a loud whisper. "Hitomi…Hitomi!"

Van came upon the balcony where he had often stood in loneliness and wished for his Tsbasi no Kami to return. Hitomi stood, framed against the Mystic Moon, her hands clasped over her heart, her eyes closed. Yukari…Amano…Mom…Keji… A single tear trickled down her cheek.

"Hitomi? What's wrong?" she heard Van's voice drift on the air, and a moment later, his arms pulled her close to him.

"Nothing…I…just miss my friends…and my family…" she murmured. Van brushed the tear from where it threatened to fall.

"Do you want to return to your Moon of Illusions?" Van asked. He knew it was a blunt question, but he needed an answer.

Hitomi hesitated. :I miss them. But Van…if I leave, who knows if I'll ever be able to come back?:

"If you ever left…" Van felt himself flushing in the darkness, "…I'd be lost. Please stay…I…beg you…"

He took her hands and pressed them to his forehead. Hitomi made her mind up.

"I'm staying here with you," she whispered. "I love you. I'm not leaving. Why do you think I came here in the first place?"

Van smiled. "Thank you…" he said softly. "Now, let's get you back to bed. You need to sleep."

"I…I'm scared…"

"About what?" Van began to guide her back inside.

"Nightmares…" Hitomi murmured sleepily, beginning to relax.

Van didn't want to disturb her, so he didn't say anything.

"Could I…stay with you…tonight?" Hitomi yawned.

Van nodded silently. She didn't seem to see him. "Sure," he said.

She yawned again, and smiled softly. "Thanks…"

"No problem."

Van felt Hitomi snuggled up against his side and thought, before sleep claimed him, She's so…wonderful…

****************

"Ner!" Qual shouted. He fit another shaft to his bow and fired, a stupid move, really, since the attackers seemed to be coming from everywhere. He didn't think. He just moved, dodging a spear that had been sent his way, looking around wildly for Ner.

"Qual!" a tough looking female yelled. "Duck!"

Qual didn't see, then he was bowled over by a body and he heard Ner utter a low gasp. "Ner!" he screamed, fearing the worst.

"I'm…okay…" Ner answered in a strained voice. She gritted her teeth and snapped the arrow that protruded from her side. "C'mon, Qual, we gotta move."

Qual nodded. He took her shoulders. "Ner, you can't make it by yourself, lean on me," he ordered. Ner shook her head, but at his insistence, obeyed with a glare. Her blood seeped through his chain mail and bloodied both their garments. Qual staggered forward, weighted down by his companion.

"Move…" Qual grunted. The slashes he had sustained were stinging, and the scratching of the mail wasn't helping. He forced himself into a run, half-holding, half-dragging Ner along. He gave a sharp cry of dismay as his foot struck a root and he fell, tumbling down the hill with his burden. He slammed into the base of a tree trunk. Qual rose painfully, crawling, oblivious to the arrows raining down all around him. Amazing that none found their mark. He pulled Ner. We're…almost…there…

Qual's knees gave way and he fell, striking his head on the ground as he did. The last thing he heard was Ner, despite her efforts to remain silent, moan in pain. I'm sorry… he thought desperately, and—

****************

"Van?"

Van slammed his head onto his desk. "Can't you shut up? Leave me alone."

Hitomi looked hurt. "Oh…sorry…"

Van turned around quickly. "Oh, Hitomi—I'm sorry, I thought it was Siel again. Please stay."

He rose to make room for her. She smiled at him, but remained standing. "I…came to tell you—lunch is ready…and—"

"Thanks," he said shortly.

"What's wrong, Van?" Hitomi asked, touching his hand with a hers.

"It's the whole assassin-Kemana-Elvrn-Ehan-Northland-unknown enemy thing that's bothering me. I've got no where to start, and the damn thing's killing me!"

Hitomi nodded. "Yeah…but you really should get some rest." Van smiled.

"I appreciate your concern. But I need to figure this out. It's your life that's been threatened." Hitomi didn't say anything. Van could tell she preferred not to remember. "Look, Hitomi, I'll come down and eat something. Then maybe…we could…er…take a walk around?"

"Around where?" Hitomi whispered, smiling coyly.

"Well…the gardens…or around the palace…your choice, really."

"Gardens sound nice," Hitomi murmured.

"Gardens it is," Van grinned. He took her hand. "C'mon, I'm hungry now."

***************

Qual didn't know how long he'd lain senseless, only that when the foe came and surrounded him, prodding him painfully with their spears, that he hadn't attempted to fight back. He hadn't tried to move, either, when they'd dragged him off roughly and took Ner as well. His body was on fire with the pain of several arrows that were embedded in his flesh, tearing his uniform. Ner was in pretty much the same condition. Both of them, he thought wryly, looked quite like pincushions, so stuck with arrows were their armor. He hadn't objected when they threw him into the cold, dark cell, onto the cold, dark concrete. He lay there now, with his face pressed to the cold, cold floor, too tired to move his cheek from the icy ground. Ner lay beside him, perhaps in better condition than he. She had removed most of the arrows that had protruded from her body, and Qual saw with relief that none had done much damage, besides the one that she had taken for him.

"Ner—" he spoke with effort, "—are you—hurt—?"

Ner didn't reply. She simply shook her head curtly, once.

Then the guards came. They took Ner and pulled her from the cell, attaching her wrists to chains and manacles that hung from the ceiling. She hung there, her head sagging against her chest. "Ner," he tried to shout, but it came out as a rasping whisper. Then a lead guard came, displaying a vicious looking whip.

Oh, hell, no. Please no, Qual thought, numb with horror.

Cracksnap!

Ner flinched, her neck tightening and her whole body tensing as it received the stroke. She did not cry out.

Cracksnap!

Ner bit her lip until it bled, focusing on a point beyond the pain.

Cracksnap!

Her mouth opened involuntarily in a gasp that she caught before it came out.

Cracksnap!

"Stop it. Please, why are you doing this—?" Qual cried.

Cracksnap!

Ner clenched her teeth and bit down harder on her lip, fisting her hands and willing herself to be strong.

"Stop it—please!" Qual gasped. "Please, stop! Don't—hurt her!"

"Yes, painful to see her being whipped," a drawling voice said.

CrackSNAP!

Ner choked back a cry, and her body began to shake.

CrackSNAP!

"You hate to see her hurt, don't you," the voice continued.

CrackSNAP! CrackSNAP! CrackSNAP!!

Ner began to pant under the force of the blows, closing her eyes tighter to ensure that Qual couldn't see her tears.

"What do you want?" Qual's voice trembled.

"Perhaps you could tell me. Talk, and we'll let her down," the voice said.

Ner shook her head vehemently, nearly whimpering at the effort.

CrackSNAP!! CrackSNAP!! CRACKSNAP! CRACKSNAP!!!

Oh gods. Ner…Ner…please be alright…

She could feel the blood from her broken skin oozing down. She wanted to retch.

CRACKSNAP!!!

White hot agony. Terrible throbbing.

CRACKSNAP!! CRACKSNAP!!! CRACKSNAP!!!!

Ner shook her head again. "Dont't—tell—him—"

"Ner!" Qual yelled, and closed his eyes, turning his head away, unable to look anymore. Or hear. "Ner…I'm sorry," he mumbled.

"Well, boy, are you going to talk or are you going to let us tear your pretty little toy to pieces?"

Qual looked at Ner helplessly. "Ner…I…"

CrackSNAP!!

Ner glared at the guard doing the whipping. "Scum—if I—weren't tied—I have you—begging—for death!"

CRACKSNAP!!

"Wait—stop! I'll…I'll talk—just let her down. Please!" Qual whispered.

"Qual, you damn fool," Ner said between gritted teeth, as the guard undid the manacles.

Qual's shoulders shook as he turned to face the source of the voice. "I'll talk. What do you want to know?"

"What do I want to know? Boy, you know what I want."

"He doesn't," Ner snarled, rising unsteadily to her feet.

"Be quiet, wench, or I'll have you put up again."

"Then put me up. Kill me," Ner said, her eyes flashing defiantly.

"Ner. Be quiet," Qual said softly. "What do you want to know?" he repeated.

Ner made her move then. She ripped the whip from the hands of the guard, strangling him with it, then, using the chains, swung herself around so that all the guards were brained at least once. The owner of the voice chuckled. "We'll meet again, lass. Next time you won't be so lucky. We will have Our revenge."

There was a flash, and the cell was empty.

"Ner!" Qual said.

Ner staggered to Qual's side. She grasped the bars and pulled. The door swung open effortlessly—it had not been locked. There was another bright flash. Sunlight, golden warmth and sunlight, washed over Qual's body. "Ner—" he gasped, "—Ner, I'm sorry—"

"No time. Shut up and let's move."

***************

The late afternoon sun illuminated the gardens, and Van and Hitomi took refuge near a fountain in the shade. "Do you like it?" Van asked eagerly.

Hitomi shook her head. "No."

Van's expression dissolved into one of hurt. "Oh…"

"I love it," Hitomi whispered. "Van, it's beautiful!"

Van grinned. He reached for her hand, and she met his halfway with her own.

"Oh, look!" Hitomi exclaimed. She pointed at the statue at the center of the fountain.

Van followed her gaze. "Oh…that. That's Kanzaki Hitomi, Seeress of the Mystic Moon, eloquent and beautiful."

Hitomi flushed. "Van—"

"That's not all," Van said softly. He took her hand and moved it over the base of the statue.

"Words?"

"Yes…I…"

"Hmm?"

"I…wrote…"

"Wrote what? Come on, Van."

"A song…" Van said reluctantly.

Hitomi looked at him. "I didn't know you could sing," she said.

"I can't," Van's grin became impudent. "But I wrote it anyway."

"What's it called?"

"Thinking of You," Van replied readily. He reddened. "Er…it goes like this…

"I look up at the sky,

And I'm thinking of you.

The stars remind of you,

There's that summer fragrance in the air,

It smells like you…when you used to be here,

And I'm thinking of you.

I miss you…

Come back to me.

I'm thinking of you.

Come back to me.

I look up at the sky,

And I'm thinking of you.

The sun reminds me of you,

There's that morning sweetness in the air,

It smells like you…when you used to be here,

And I'm thinking of you.

I miss you…

Come back to me.

I'm thinking of you.

Forever and always…

I'm thinking of you."

Van crimsoned even more as he finished. Hitomi sighed. "I missed you, too. So much."

"We've got a lot of catching up to do, love," Van murmured.

"Speaking of which…our link seems to have strengthened. I can sense not only your thoughts, projecting or not, but your emotions. And you do remember the several incidents where we linked minds and attacked together."

Van was silent for a long time. "Yeah…" he said finally. "Couldn't you just forget about that for a while? Let's actually enjoy the few minutes we have together."

Hitomi smiled. "Okay."

"In that case, are you ready for a bath?" Van said, grinning devilishly.

"Van, hold on, what are you going to—hey! It's cold!"

Van sat on the edge of the side, watching the thoroughly saturated Hitomi laugh and yell between coughs. He gasped as she grabbed him with wet hands and pulled him in the fountain. "Hey!"

"Payback time," Hitomi cried, and dunked him under.

Van resurfaced spitting water. He wasted no words, only splashed her.

Shouting, Hitomi sent a tidal wave his way. Van caught her wrists. Both of them were standing in waist deep water. He pulled her close, and kissed her. Hitomi gasped, still in his arms, as she lost her footing. Van laughed as they both fell into the water.

"Don't do that," Hitomi smiled, when they came back up, gasping for air.

Van brushed her wet hair from her face. His only reply was to take her into his arms again, and…

"Ahem?"

Van didn't look up. "Can't you see that I'm kind of busy, Caleb?"

"Well…yes, Sire, but—"

Van gave a resigned sigh and turned from Hitomi to look at his advisor. "What do you want?"

"We came upon two strangers a while ago, Sire. A boy and girl. They're perhaps a few years older than you are."

"Early twenties, huh. Okay. So, what's the point?"

"They're armed. And so stuck with arrows you'd think they were porcupines," Caleb added.

"What?!" Van said. "Attacked? Here? In Fanelia?"

"I'm afraid, so, Sire."

"Where are they now?"

"In the throne room."

"Why aren't they with a healer?" Van demanded.

"Well…Sire…I thought…"

"Get them a healer! Dammit, move! 'So stuck with arrows,' and you're standing here?"

Caleb moved, stumbling back to the castle.

"I'm sorry, but we've got to cut this walk short," Van said quietly. "I'm going to dry off—you should, too—and then we'll go and talk to these—'porcupines,'" he grinned.

**********************

Qual caught Ner as she slumped over in a dead faint. The arrow injuries combined with the whiplashes and the stress of having to tramp over infinite hills and stumble of rocks had caused her to blackout. "Why can't we see a healer? She's ready to collapse! In fact, she has," he added angrily, as she fell and he caught her.

Caleb came hurrying back. "Er…Lord, Lady, King Van's allowed you to see a healer now," he said nervously.

"It's about damn time," Qual growled. "Some King! Humph."

"Some King, huh?" a younger voice drifted from the doorway. Qual turned his head. A youth, lean, tall, with a mop of raven hair that flopped awkwardly over his eyes, leaned casually against the doorway. His strange gray eyes, fringed with black lashes, stared out at him. Qual shivered despite himself. Strange eyes…

"Yeah," Qual muttered. "The most ill-mannered spoiled brat I've ever seen."

"You haven't seen him yet, though. And if you have, you didn't realize it was him," the boy said quietly. His tone was dull, not accusing, yet, there was no emotion.

"Who are you?" Qual demanded.

A girl appeared behind the boy. She was just about as tall as he was—almost painfully slender, with dark brown hair and eyes that glowed like emeralds. "Van, who are they…?" she whispered, but Qual's ears caught the word.

"You're King Van?" Qual exclaimed.

The boy nodded. "Van Slanzar de Fanel. Pleased to meet you—" he smiled wryly, "—but I'm afraid the feeling isn't mutual."

Qual opened his mouth to apologize; this boy Van didn't seem so bad at all; but Van held up a hand.

"No need. This is Kanzaki Hitomi, by the way." He looked warmly at Hitomi.

Qual looked from one to the other. They don't look alike. "Siblings?" he hazarded.

Hitomi smiled. She turned to Van and kissed him to explain.

Both Qual and Van flushed. "Oh," Qual said, then looked down at Ner.

Merla hurried over, shoving Caleb away in her haste. "You absolute idiot! How on Gaea can you let the poor things just stand there! They look like targets that trainees were practicing on! Get me some water, bandages, herbs—you know! Move!"

Qual fought back a laugh. It was a hysterical reaction, he decided. "Well, Van, don't just stand there, too, help this guy move the girl! And you," Merla rounded on Qual, "you need to be resting! Get your butt on a bed! Now!"

"Okay, ma'am, chill!" Qual grinned—it was the first grin that had cracked his face for a long time.

Hitomi laughed. Qual looked at her for a long time. She had such beautiful eyes. King Van is a lucky man, he thought. But is he a man? He doesn't look that old. "The hospital rooms are down that way. Come on, Van," she smiled.

Van nodded, hoisting Ner up. "Please—" Qual interrupted, coming to step in front of the King. "She's my bodyguard. If she wakes up in your arms I think she might try to kill you."

Van looked at Hitomi. Hitomi nodded. "Sure," he said finally, and handed Ner to Qual. "But you won't escape so easily," he teased Hitomi.

"Wh-what do you mean?" she asked him, her green eyes wide.

Van laughed. She was so adorable when she gave him that look. He lifted her into his arms. "We were interrupted," he winked. Qual understood instantly. Hitomi flushed. "Er…well…"

"You're mine!" Van grinned boyishly. "Wooden swords, three o-clock, under the pavillion?"

"On guarde," was Hitomi's reply.

"Indeed," said Van. "Indeed."

*******************

"Ner and I work for the High Priestess," Qual said.

Van's head snapped up. "But I thought she died years ago?"

"The old one did, but, recently, about two years ago, at the end of the Destiny War, a new one took her place."

"Her name?" Van asked.

"I am forbidden to speak it," Qual shook his head.

"Do you know what she looks like?" Van pressed.

"I am also forbidden to look upon her," Qual said, with a slight edge to his voice. Back off. You may be King, but you have no right whatsoever.

I had forgotten the Temple rules… Van thought. It's just been so long… "I'm sorry," he said aloud. "I didn't know."

Qual smiled. "Apology accepted. But tell me, how did you and Hi-tom- i meet?"

Van grinned. "I would tell you, but it's a long and very boring story."

Qual nodded. "I'm listening," he said.

Van rolled his eyes and began.

*****************

"Keji?" Amano asked.

"Yeah, Hitomi's not home, go away," Keji grumbled.

"Keji, I know she's not home," Amano replied patiently. "Could I speak to your mother?"

"Why?" the eleven year old eyed him suspiciously.

"It's about Hitomi, and if you want to listen in, you can."

"I'm going to tell Yukari you're cheating on her with my sister," Keji warned.

"He's not," Yukari giggled, from behind Amano.

"Keji, just let me talk to her mother," Amano stated.

Perhaps it was the urgency in Amano's voice that made Keji obey. The boy cast him another look that he couldn't quite interpret, and yelled, "Mom, Amano-san's here to see you!"

Hitomi's mother came running. "Oh, Amano, thank god! Hitomi's been gone for over a week now!"

Amano looked at her coldly. "And you didn't send for the police?"

Mitsuna Kanzaki met his gaze with a helpless one. "I was going to, but her grandmother appeared—just like that!—at our front door and she assured me that Hitomi was fine and—"

Amano nodded. "I have come to tell you," he said softly, and lifted the sock. God, don't I look silly, he laughed silently.

"Tell me what?" Mitsuna's expression grew from helpless to worry. "Dear god, she hasn't died, has she?"

"I assure you, Hitomi's doing quiet well," Amano said. I must sound like Hitomi's grandmother.

"Where is she?" Mitsuna cried.

"Somewhere…different," Amano whispered.

Mitsuna bade them come in and sit down. "Tell me all you know. Now," she said.

Amano looked at Yukari. I don't know where to start. Yukari seemed to sense his discomfort and spoke, "Van."

"Van who?" Mitsuna gasped.

"Van Fanel," Amano nodded.

"She eloped?" Mitsuna screamed. "She's only seventeen! Amano-san, you're insane! Why did you let her go?!"

"I don't think she's married," Amano said. "But they might be know. Time passes differently where she is." I must sound insane. Stark raving mad.

"Ms. Kanzaki, has Hitomi ever told you about Gaea?" Amano asked.

"What, her crazy little planet?" Mitsuna smiled. "Oh, yes. She told me she goes there often, in her mind. It's only her imagination, of course."

The look on Amano's face quickly told Mitsuna she was wrong. "It's real?" she whispered, total disbelief in her eyes. Then she smiled again, and laughed. "You kids and your silly pranks. I should have known better."

Amano shook his head. "You're blind, Ms. Kanzaki, if you don't see the truth."

Keji entered the room. "So, what's this about Hitomi?" he asked, plopping down on the plush sofa besides his mother.

*****************

Hitomi's eyes grew wide with wonder. "Van…they're talking about me."

Van looked at her with concern. "Who is?"

"My family…Mother and Keji, Yukari and Amano."

"Do you want to contact them now?" Van said. He took her hand. Hitomi nodded. "Yeah…"

Van strengthened the link and felt himself go into a trance as Hitomi went to her family.

*****************

In Ms. Kanzaki's living room, Amano stopped talking to Keji. "That's—'yawn'—strange, it's not even that late—" he yawned, and slumped over asleep. Yukari had already joined him, and Keji was snuffling softly in his sleep. Mitsuna looked at them, confused, just as she dropped off to sleep herself.

****************

'Hitomi?' Amano called. He knew where he was—the Dreamworld, with Yukari by his side. The Kanzakis were there beside them as well, Keji looking around, keen interest on his face, while Mitsuna Kanzaki gasped.

'Where are we?' she cried, close to panic.

'Dream state,' Yukari replied shortly. 'Hitomi's contacting us. Just wait—you'll see.'

Mitsuna fell silent.

Just then two voices, echoing around the vast darkness, caught the group's attention.

'Are you sure they're around here, Hitomi?' the voice was male.

'I'm positive I sensed them—oh, it's so dark!' Hitomi's voice murmured.

'Change the settings?' the male voice suggested.

'Not a bad idea, love,' Hitomi replied. 'But how do I…?'

'Just think it,' the male voice said.

'Oh, okay. Here goes…I want a meadow, with sunlight…'

Amano gasped as the scenery changed from pitch-black to a golden meadow, with the sun shining down. It was silent, and a warm breeze floated over. Faint images of a raven-haired boy and a brown-haired girl were everywhere—Van and Hitomi, from the start of the Gaean adventure. Van appeared first, then Hitomi. Hitomi saw her mother, and exclaimed in joy, 'Mother!'

She ran to Mitsuna, but Mitsuna pushed her away. 'You have some explaining to do, young lady,' she said icily. 'Now.'

Van frowned. 'That's no way to treat your daughter,' he said.

'You, young sir, kidnapped her or something! You will stay silent!' Mitsuna snapped.

'She hasn't seen you in so long. The best you could do was to try and—' Van snarled.

'Van, it's okay—stop,' Hitomi whispered. Van looked at her, and his gaze softened. He nodded. :I'm behind you all the way, Hitomi,: he sent.

:You're great,: she sent back. 'Mom, this is Van Slanzar de Fanel—'

'King of Fanelia,' Amano finished.

Mitsuna stared, dumbfounded, as Keji walked up to Van. He smiled. 'I know you've been taking good care of her,' he said.

Van started. 'How—'

'I just know,' Keji grinned. 'Besides, she couldn't have done better—a King!'

Mitsuna was recovered. 'Oh, Hitomi, I am so sorry, I—'

'It's okay, Mom,' Hitomi smiled. 'Just so you know where I am. Grandma was right; I'm perfectly safe, especially when Van's looking after me.'

'Hai,' said Mitsuna. 'Lord Van, I'm sorry.'

'No, I apologize for my conduct. It was no way to treat you,' Van said.

'He means he's sorry,' Hitomi translated, when Van's words produced only blank faces. 'Van, I think we'd better go, Gaddis is trying to say something to us…'

Van nodded. 'Yeah. Arigato. Don't worry, I'll take good care of her. I give you my word.'

'We'll talk again, right?' Mitsuna asked worriedly.

'Definitely,' Hitomi winked. 'Arigato, Mom—Amano, Yukari—Keji,' she hugged her brother. Then she faded away and so did Van.

*******************

Keji woke, grinning. "See, Mom? I told ya Grandma is always right!"

******************

"Gaddis," Van said, snapping to attention.

"What on Gaea were you doing?" Gaddis demanded. "I was calling you for ages!"

"Communicating," Van replied dreamily. He sighed, staring up at the setting sun. "It's getting rather late."

Hitomi pulled to herself a second later. "Er…hi?" she guessed.

Gaddis snorted in exasperation and walked away, shaking his head.

:It's nice out,: Hitomi said.

:Summers in Fanelia are always nice,: Van smiled. :Winters are cold, though.:

She gazed into his eyes, and his smile grew. They sat for a while in silence, looking lovingly at each other.

Her eyes are so beautiful. I'm drowning in them.

He's funny, smart…he's wonderful.

"Ahem," Caleb interrupted.

"Now what do you want?" Van turned away from Hitomi.

"I'm only announcing that dinner is ready, and will be served in your rooms, Lord Van," Caleb said, a bit huffily.

"Well, thanks," Van said. He looked back at Hitomi. "I guess we should get something to eat, huh?"

Hitomi nodded, then grinned. "I could eat a guymelef!"

:You wouldn't want to. They're steel, and they taste terrible.:

Hitomi laughed.



****************

"Goodnight, Van," Hitomi said softly.

"'Night," Van smiled.

She kissed his cheek, then walked slowly back to her room. Van grinned, turning to his own room.

He fell asleep instantly.

*****************

It was dark. Pitch black. Flames and fire and death were everywhere. Then a shrill scream broke the silence—

"Van! Van!! Van!"

*****************

Van snapped awake. A terrified scream cut through the humid night air.

"Van! Van!! Van!!"

His heart stopped.

It could only be Hitomi.

Haha, another cliff hanger!

Chapter 9 should take a while, so read some other stuff. Check again in like two weeks, and I'll have it. It might be kinda short, though.

Bye for now!