Disclaimer and Author's Notes: Same old same old. I don't own Escaflowne,
just the plot of this Esca fic and a few up coming characters. I was very
surprised at all the reviews for this to be a D/H fic ^^ Are there any V/H
fans out there?! *hears nothing* hmmm o.o Oh well, on with the story ^^
Chapter 2
"Lady Hitomi..." voice called and echoed in her mind.
Light seeped through her barely open eyelids causing her to squint. Finally opening her eyes she adjusted to the lighting. As she returned to conscious she saw she was in a rather large room with rather bright lights. She was now able to take a good look around at her surroundings. Machines of all kinds where scattered around. Moving slightly to get a better look around, Hitomi felt cold metal surrounding her body.
She saw herself almost inside a strange giant chair like machine. Her legs were concealed inside the machine. Her arms rested on holds sticking our at her sides with her fingertips fit inside some slots for them.
Sliding one hand out she reaching up to feel her forehead. Two metal holds were attached to her head, one on each side. They held her head back and in front were about three inches apart. Making a click sound the metal holds on her head slide to the side releasing her head.
Forcing her tired body forward Hitomi sat up right and looked down. She was atleast ten or eleven feet from the ground.
Below, in front of her, she saw Dilandou and Folk staring up at her. A small smile worked its way up Folken's lips as he saw Hitomi stir. "Welcome back to the living Lady Hitomi." he said. Dilandou just smirked up at her.
Giving them a little nod Hitomi then noticed a long strand of light brown hair slide in front of her face. A puzzled look crossed her face as she fingered the hair and looked down at her body. The last time she was awake was at the most an hour or two ago, but then why did she...
She specifically remembered when Folken entered her room that morning. He wanted to have a little test with her. Even though he promised it wouldn't hurt her she was uneasy and really didn't want to.
But remembering that she agreed with herself to play along she agreed. The last thing she remember was entering a room and then everything went blank.
Folken saw her confusion and began to explain the situation.
"Lady Hitomi let me explain, we attempted to see how this machine would amplify your power to our needs. That was only an hour ago. But for some unknown reason the machine seemed to age your physical form. Technically you are still 15 but your body is two years older than you. After that you blacked out."
Hitomi was a bit taken back from the information about her. She took one last look at herself to see the changes she would have to get use to. Her hair was now down to her waist. Her body had more fitting curves and had become thinner. She was at least two inches taller now. 'Probably as tall as Dilandou or Van', she thought.
Then she also noticed how she had out grown her school uniform. The shirt was wasn't as baggy as it was before and it had slipped out from her skirt. Her skirt had stayed the same but it was a little to short for her liking. The jacket she wore wasn't baggy anymore and it had become tight around her wrists. Around her neck the bow was almost choking her so she quickly untied it. The only thing she was wearing that did fit was her pendent. She wrapped her hand around it and held it tightly.
Folken strode over to a flight of stairs that led up to a long plank. Once at the top of the stairs he made his way down the plank, it ended next to Hitomi. He kneeled down and extended his hand to her. Looking up at Folken's hand Hitomi began to slowly ease her legs from the slots that held them. Using the armrests she pushed herself up from her seat.
Reaching up and taking Folken's hand he pulled her up on the ramp with him. Then lead her down the stairs to Dilandou.
Hitomi stood right in front of him and stared straight in to his eyes. She didn't look up at him anymore because she was exactly as tall as he was. Her face had no expression as she stared at him. Dilandou looked at her once more then turned to Folken.
"Dilandou take Lady Hitomi to her room to change cloths and rest up. I'll want to see her back here in at least three hours." Folken said.
"Yeah, yeah what ever you say." Dilandou muttered.
Before he left the room Folken whispered something to him and handed him a small item that she wasn't able to see. Nodding lightly Dilandou turned from Folken then walked past Hitomi down a hall.
She followed him. Folken watched as they disappeared down the hall then turned and walked his own way.
*------------------------------------------------*
As they walked down the long hall Dilandou took this time to take a good up close look at the new Hitomi. Her now long hair framed her beautiful face. Ever feature of her face was perfect. With his head not turning he lowered his eyes to her body. She had a lovely figure that filled out just right in every way. Shaking his head he scowled at himself.
'What are you thinking?! Get a hold of yourself! You've never had any interest or attraction in girls! So why should this one be different? Damn hormones!'
Opening the door to her bedroom Hitomi gave a sigh as she walked to the windowsill and leaned against it. 'I can't believe it....' she began to think.
'Is staying here on Zaibach's side better for my friends. Or should I risk escaping?' Thoughts swirled in her head confusing her till a tear rolled down her cheek.
'My life is so confusing now! Will I ever get to see Van and the others again? What about my family?'
She didn't notice Dilandou behind her till she felt his arm wrap around her waist. She didn't flinch but her muscles did tighten as he almost embraced her.
'If he tries anything...'
Before she could speak his other arm rose and appeared in front of her face with a clenched fist. Opening it he revealed a small silver ring sitting on his palm.
Taking her right hand he slide the ring on her ring finger. Holding her hand he whispered in her ear "This shows that you now belong to Zaibach. As long as you're wearing this ring, we will always be able to find you no matter where."
The ring was a small silver one with a black stone in the middle. The stone was smooth and in a perfect ball. It seemed to be in the ring much less on top of it. And the silver around it seemed to encircle it as if water.
Turning her face to his Hitomi stared at him. A small gust of wind blew through the window and made her hair flow with it. As some stands of her hair waved in her face Hitomi still stared at Dilandou with her eyes. Dilandou then noticed something much more different about her.
Her emerald eyes that were so full of life and shine before gazed at him with emptiness. They were only pools of deep green that were lifeless. They still held no warmth for him like they did for her friends.
Looking over his face in confusion she saw him look almost sad. 'Why is he looking at me like that? Why should HE be sad anyway? He's just so strange, I'll never understand him.'
Dilandou's heart suddenly ached seeing her like this. With all the courage he could summon at the moment he gently brushed the wisps of hair from her face and slide them behind her ear. He took one more look at her face as if trying to memorize it has he carefully stroked her cheek with his fingertips.
'Why am I acting like this?? I want to kill this girl! But I just feel like loving her. I feel so calm around her. Wait a second...love? Why the hell am I thinking that?!?!'
Then finally he released his grip around her waist and walked to the door. "I'll come for you in one hour." After he spoke Dilandou gave her a small bow as nodded to him. Then disappeared out the door.
Turning back to the window Hitomi gazed out at Zaibach. She squinted when she looked up at the bright sun that had just risen. Mornings were her least favorite time of the day. So depression seemed to seep it's way around her as she frowned then thought ' Why should I be happy anyway? I'm a prisoner here in Zaibach. And a pyromaniac is flirting with me.'
Sighing she made her way to the bathroom, deciding to take a bath. Turning to the giant tub she saw that hot water already filled it almost the brim. Slipping off her old cloths she slide in to the water wearing only her pendant.
As she sat in the water her mind began to wonder. Her thoughts drifted to her home on the Mystic Moon and family and friends there. Closing her eyes she left the water wash the memories of them from her mind.
"It's not like I'm gonna see them again anyway," she said to herself. 'I hope they don't come for me.... they may get killed if they do.' She let the water try to make her forget about all her memories of her home, family, friends, Allen, Merle...Van.
"Van," as she whispered that very name her pendant and ring began to glow.
The ring a beam of black and her pendant a beam of pink light. A pain began to swell inside of her. It felt as if she was going to be ripped in two. She let out a weak scream that was barely heard. When the pain was to great for her she collapsed in the water. Her eyes were blank, mouth was barely open but no signs of breathing. In her mind she seemed to be fighting with the black light from the ring.
'What's happening??' she screamed.
Black encircled her and pulled her down in the abyss of her mind.
'No!! Van!!'
The light sealed her away, which it hoped, to be forgotten. The light her pendant made began to weaken and the ring's light grew brighter. Soon the pendant's light only flickered then stopped. The ring's light burst out lighting the area with a dark light.
Hitomi's pendant slowly changed its color. After a while the light from the ring faded and the pendant that she wore around her neck had changed from its pink color to a deathly shade of black.
*-----------------------------------------------------------------*
Flying above Van and Merle rode on Escaflowne's back keeping their eyes sharp for any signs of Hitomi's whereabouts. Merle had insisted on coming because if they did find Hitomi Merle wanted to give her a piece of her mind for leaving all of a sudden.
The wedding had been canceled for now until they found Hitomi. Millerna had her father send out a few leviships to scan from high views. And teams made up of guards to search any place they think she may have gone.
When they came up to a thick forest, that they couldn't see a thing from above, they landed in a small open spot. Merle jumped right off and sniffed the ground. Van hopped of Escaflowne's back and walked over to Merle.
"Find anything?" Van asked with sadness and a little hope twisted in his voice. "Shhh." she hissed and sat perfectly still with her eyes closed. Van stood watching her. Her ears twitched a bit. Then her eyes opened and she pointed down a small path that had been made.
"There's a city down that way!" Merle exclaimed.
Van raced over to the path and suspected Hitomi had made it. Kneeling down he stared hard at the ground then saw footprints. Hitomi's foot prints. Standing up he sprinted as fast as he could down the path with
Merle racing at his side. When they reached the end of the forest Merle screeched to a stop and Van stood staring in awe.
"It's Zaibach!" Van exclaimed.
"Hitomi came here?!? How dumb is that girl??" Merle said
"They may just have captured her Merle but right now we need to get back to the others." Van said then ran back the way they had came. Quickly jumping back on Escaflowne's he yanked on the reins and took off. Merle barely got on in time.
As they flew back Van clenched is fists and gritted is teeth while thinking 'Why? Why in all the places is Hitomi there? Is she there because of me? Because of what I said?'
Van prayed that wasn't the reason and swore right there he was going to get Hitomi back from Zaibach, no matter what the cost!
*----------------------------------------------------------------*
Hitomi's eyes open when she heard a clicking sound. Noticing she was still in the bath she stood up and grabbed a towel. Then wrapped it around her body and used another one to dry her hair out with. Once dried she wrapped a robe around herself tightly and walked out the door to her room.
Her eyes scanned the room then stopped at her bed. Walking over to it she saw a dress laid on it. And on top of the dress was a red rose. Picking it up gently Hitomi gazed at it with her empty eyes.
She almost blushed for a second then a smirk appeared on her face as she set the rose back down on the bed. Taking off her robe she slipped in to her new interior.
The dress was almost skin tight. But she guessed that was because they didn't know her size so they guessed. It was different from other dresses, that was for sure. It was a long black dress but with a few changes from a normal dress. The sleeves had been removed on each side. The top of the dress folded in front and buttoned on her neck, like a Chinese style dress. The skirt of her dress had been split on each side, left and right. The split started a little after her hips and ended at the end. The skirt it's self was a bit above her knees. So now the skirt was split in half almost, a part in the front and one in the back. This made the dress much more easier to move in now.
Looking at herself in the mirror Hitomi took a brush and brushed out her hair. Then she took both sides of her hair and pulled them back to a ponytail behind her head. She fastened it with a long black ribbon. Putting on some black shoes she walked over to the door as a knock came from it.
She opened the door to Dilandou's gaping face.
He was stunned at her appearance. The dress she was in outlined her body and looked beautiful on her. The sides of her hair was pulled back in a ribbon. She was wearing her ring and pendant. He then noticed her pendant had changed colors to a dark shade of black. She would fit in perfectly with Zaibach, he thought. Then snapped out of his trance once seeing Hitomi's inpatient face.
"Uh" he started once clearing his throat. "They won't need you for another two hours."
"That's all right," Hitomi said. "I want to make a little stop some where." and started down the hall. Turning to Dilandou she asked "Are you coming or not?"
"Oh? Uh yeah."
They both went down the hall silent. Then Hitomi turned her head to Dilandou.
"Is there a blacksmith I can talk to?" she asked. "Yeah I'll show you the way."
They made a quick turn to the right, went down some flights of stairs then walked up to a pair of black doors that were wide open. "He's in there." Dilandou pointed to a large muscular man by a black metal table.
He was pounding away at a long thick sword and only paused to see if it was even then went back to pounding it with the metal hammer.
Hitomi's eyes stared at the man for a moment then she walked in. He didn't notice her till she tapped his shoulder. Whipping around to her attention Hitomi began to talk to the man. Dilandou couldn't hear what they were saying. But he saw her point to her ankles and wrists.
The blacksmith nodded while listening to her then gave her a smile. Hitomi gave him a nod and a small smile then walked back over Dilandou. "What was that about?" he asked as she walked past him. "I requested something that'll help when the time comes."
Before leaving Dilandou caught a glimpse of the blacksmith picking up large blocks of a silver color metal.
'What did she ask him to make?' the question baffled him before he ran to catch
up with Hitomi.
"We'll come back here in an hour and a half. They'll be done by then." was all she said. 'What will??' he thought but didn't speak. "So" he started glancing over at her
"What'll we do until then?" She stayed silent but did look back at him with her cold eyes.
"Would you show me around Zaibach?" "Sure." he slipped his hand in to hers and began to show her the way around.
He was surprised she didn't resist instead he almost felt her squeeze his hand. When he turned his head to look at her in surprise he could have sworn he glanced at him, smiled then looked away.
Half an hour later Dilandou and Hitomi appeared back at the blacksmith.
The blacksmith's head turned to Hitomi and he gave her a big smile walking over to her.
"They're done aren't they?" she asked. He nodded back in response and turned back the to the table. Dilandou stood by Hitomi's side watching with curiosity to see what she had asked for.
When he turned back to them in his hands he held two wristlets and two anklets.
They were made of silver and seemed to open and latch together. "They won't stop guymelphs but they can take any sword." The blacksmith said and handed them to Hitomi.
"Thank you." Hitomi smiled and kneeled down. Taking the two for her ankles, Hitomi fastened one on each of her ankles they were at least four inches long.
Then standing up she took the other two silver wristlets and snapped them on to her wrists. They were plain and had no design. "May I try them?" Hitomi asked. The blacksmith nodded, turned around and turned back holding a sword. It was huge and Dilandou wondered what Hitomi had in mind. Holding up her arm in a defensive, way Hitomi stood perfectly still trying not to move.
The blacksmith brought down the sword with all this might upon her arm. Dilandou looked away from a moment then looked back when he heard the sound of metal clashing. He saw the blacksmith's sword pushing against Hitomi's wristlet.
It didn't even scratch.
Then quickly drawing back the blacksmith took one more swing but lower this time.
Hitomi's leg shot up and her anklet connected with the sword knocking it from his hands. She smiled "Thank you, they're just as I wanted." She gave him a small smile and turned back around and headed out the door. Dilandou followed.
"Dilandou," Hitomi started but didn't look over at him.
"Yes?" he replied.
"Will you give me a lesson in swords? Just a short one so I can see if I could stand up to an enemy."
"Uh sure."
They walked down the hall to the training room. Opening the doors Hitomi looked around. The floor was empty but the walls were covered in shelves and racks with swords, spears and all sorts of weapons. She walked to a rack with different swords.
She chose a long sword with a thin blade. But strong and a one handed handle. In her hand it was light and easy to move with. Turning to Dilandou she saw was using his sword that he carried around. Walking to one side of the arena in the middle of the room Hitomi stood silent with the sword in one hand.
Dilandou walked to the other side and waited for her move. When she made none he ran at her taking long strides. When he was at least two feet from her Dilandou raised his sword above his head and brought it down on Hitomi. The next thing he remember was him flying over Hitomi's head. Looking down he saw how that had happened.
It was before Dilandou's sword connected to Hitomi. She had crouched down and held her sword up horizontally blocking his attack. She held the blade of the sword sideways in her hand as not to cut herself. Holding the sword with both hands she let Dilandou push down on her with all his force.
That had been his mistake.
When the right moment came Hitomi used all her strength and pushed up lunging forward some. This made Dilandou flip over her. When he hit the floor there was a loud thud that knocked the breath out of him.
Above him he saw Hitomi whirl around and brought her sword down on his head. He had only blinked when he saw the tip of her sword touching his forehead. Siting back Hitomi set the sword by her side as she sat with her legs out to the side.
"Thanks for the practice." she said.
"Welcome." He mumbled and sat up with his legs Indian style.
He couldn't believe what had just happened. Never in his wildest had he imagined a girl beating him. And to make it worse it was Hitomi! But... he thought. She is really good. It's not that bad. But how did she get so good?
A thought crossed his mind that made him need to ask a question.
"Hitomi." He said looking over at her. She didn't look back but replied "What?"
"Will you go back to the Mystic Moon when we've ruled Gaea?"
"No."
He gave a puzzled look. "I thought you wanted to go home though." She shook her head. "My place isn't there anymore, it's here. On Gaea"
"Then..." he took a deep breath to continue. "Would you ever consider staying here with me at Zaibach?" Hitomi looked over at Dilandou with curiosity.
"Why?" she asked.
"Well, you don't really want to go back to Van and them do you?" She smirked and shook her head. "I could never go back to them. But still why?"
"Because..."
*----------------------------------------------*
End of part 2
Author's notes: Okay I admit I'm not good at cliffhangers. But please read the next part anyway. Dilly is STILL acting weird! (Weird for him that is) Oh if you're wondering what's with Hitomi's dress well ^-^o I really like the dress and I use it in a lot of stuff. But if you didn't really get what it looks like than look up the anime Devil Hunter Yohko. The dress she wears when she transforms is it. But it isn't red, no Ying-yang, silver wristlets and anklets, not gold. Plus that's not her sword. I'm also sorry that I don't explain a lot. I don't believe Zaibach is a neighboring country to Asturia or is it that close but *sighs* I just needed it to be there o.o sowwy. It had to be at least a mile or two away -_- I mean, Hitomi had to run there anyway......ack O.o um, see you guys in chapter 3!
Eva Maverx
Chapter 2
"Lady Hitomi..." voice called and echoed in her mind.
Light seeped through her barely open eyelids causing her to squint. Finally opening her eyes she adjusted to the lighting. As she returned to conscious she saw she was in a rather large room with rather bright lights. She was now able to take a good look around at her surroundings. Machines of all kinds where scattered around. Moving slightly to get a better look around, Hitomi felt cold metal surrounding her body.
She saw herself almost inside a strange giant chair like machine. Her legs were concealed inside the machine. Her arms rested on holds sticking our at her sides with her fingertips fit inside some slots for them.
Sliding one hand out she reaching up to feel her forehead. Two metal holds were attached to her head, one on each side. They held her head back and in front were about three inches apart. Making a click sound the metal holds on her head slide to the side releasing her head.
Forcing her tired body forward Hitomi sat up right and looked down. She was atleast ten or eleven feet from the ground.
Below, in front of her, she saw Dilandou and Folk staring up at her. A small smile worked its way up Folken's lips as he saw Hitomi stir. "Welcome back to the living Lady Hitomi." he said. Dilandou just smirked up at her.
Giving them a little nod Hitomi then noticed a long strand of light brown hair slide in front of her face. A puzzled look crossed her face as she fingered the hair and looked down at her body. The last time she was awake was at the most an hour or two ago, but then why did she...
She specifically remembered when Folken entered her room that morning. He wanted to have a little test with her. Even though he promised it wouldn't hurt her she was uneasy and really didn't want to.
But remembering that she agreed with herself to play along she agreed. The last thing she remember was entering a room and then everything went blank.
Folken saw her confusion and began to explain the situation.
"Lady Hitomi let me explain, we attempted to see how this machine would amplify your power to our needs. That was only an hour ago. But for some unknown reason the machine seemed to age your physical form. Technically you are still 15 but your body is two years older than you. After that you blacked out."
Hitomi was a bit taken back from the information about her. She took one last look at herself to see the changes she would have to get use to. Her hair was now down to her waist. Her body had more fitting curves and had become thinner. She was at least two inches taller now. 'Probably as tall as Dilandou or Van', she thought.
Then she also noticed how she had out grown her school uniform. The shirt was wasn't as baggy as it was before and it had slipped out from her skirt. Her skirt had stayed the same but it was a little to short for her liking. The jacket she wore wasn't baggy anymore and it had become tight around her wrists. Around her neck the bow was almost choking her so she quickly untied it. The only thing she was wearing that did fit was her pendent. She wrapped her hand around it and held it tightly.
Folken strode over to a flight of stairs that led up to a long plank. Once at the top of the stairs he made his way down the plank, it ended next to Hitomi. He kneeled down and extended his hand to her. Looking up at Folken's hand Hitomi began to slowly ease her legs from the slots that held them. Using the armrests she pushed herself up from her seat.
Reaching up and taking Folken's hand he pulled her up on the ramp with him. Then lead her down the stairs to Dilandou.
Hitomi stood right in front of him and stared straight in to his eyes. She didn't look up at him anymore because she was exactly as tall as he was. Her face had no expression as she stared at him. Dilandou looked at her once more then turned to Folken.
"Dilandou take Lady Hitomi to her room to change cloths and rest up. I'll want to see her back here in at least three hours." Folken said.
"Yeah, yeah what ever you say." Dilandou muttered.
Before he left the room Folken whispered something to him and handed him a small item that she wasn't able to see. Nodding lightly Dilandou turned from Folken then walked past Hitomi down a hall.
She followed him. Folken watched as they disappeared down the hall then turned and walked his own way.
*------------------------------------------------*
As they walked down the long hall Dilandou took this time to take a good up close look at the new Hitomi. Her now long hair framed her beautiful face. Ever feature of her face was perfect. With his head not turning he lowered his eyes to her body. She had a lovely figure that filled out just right in every way. Shaking his head he scowled at himself.
'What are you thinking?! Get a hold of yourself! You've never had any interest or attraction in girls! So why should this one be different? Damn hormones!'
Opening the door to her bedroom Hitomi gave a sigh as she walked to the windowsill and leaned against it. 'I can't believe it....' she began to think.
'Is staying here on Zaibach's side better for my friends. Or should I risk escaping?' Thoughts swirled in her head confusing her till a tear rolled down her cheek.
'My life is so confusing now! Will I ever get to see Van and the others again? What about my family?'
She didn't notice Dilandou behind her till she felt his arm wrap around her waist. She didn't flinch but her muscles did tighten as he almost embraced her.
'If he tries anything...'
Before she could speak his other arm rose and appeared in front of her face with a clenched fist. Opening it he revealed a small silver ring sitting on his palm.
Taking her right hand he slide the ring on her ring finger. Holding her hand he whispered in her ear "This shows that you now belong to Zaibach. As long as you're wearing this ring, we will always be able to find you no matter where."
The ring was a small silver one with a black stone in the middle. The stone was smooth and in a perfect ball. It seemed to be in the ring much less on top of it. And the silver around it seemed to encircle it as if water.
Turning her face to his Hitomi stared at him. A small gust of wind blew through the window and made her hair flow with it. As some stands of her hair waved in her face Hitomi still stared at Dilandou with her eyes. Dilandou then noticed something much more different about her.
Her emerald eyes that were so full of life and shine before gazed at him with emptiness. They were only pools of deep green that were lifeless. They still held no warmth for him like they did for her friends.
Looking over his face in confusion she saw him look almost sad. 'Why is he looking at me like that? Why should HE be sad anyway? He's just so strange, I'll never understand him.'
Dilandou's heart suddenly ached seeing her like this. With all the courage he could summon at the moment he gently brushed the wisps of hair from her face and slide them behind her ear. He took one more look at her face as if trying to memorize it has he carefully stroked her cheek with his fingertips.
'Why am I acting like this?? I want to kill this girl! But I just feel like loving her. I feel so calm around her. Wait a second...love? Why the hell am I thinking that?!?!'
Then finally he released his grip around her waist and walked to the door. "I'll come for you in one hour." After he spoke Dilandou gave her a small bow as nodded to him. Then disappeared out the door.
Turning back to the window Hitomi gazed out at Zaibach. She squinted when she looked up at the bright sun that had just risen. Mornings were her least favorite time of the day. So depression seemed to seep it's way around her as she frowned then thought ' Why should I be happy anyway? I'm a prisoner here in Zaibach. And a pyromaniac is flirting with me.'
Sighing she made her way to the bathroom, deciding to take a bath. Turning to the giant tub she saw that hot water already filled it almost the brim. Slipping off her old cloths she slide in to the water wearing only her pendant.
As she sat in the water her mind began to wonder. Her thoughts drifted to her home on the Mystic Moon and family and friends there. Closing her eyes she left the water wash the memories of them from her mind.
"It's not like I'm gonna see them again anyway," she said to herself. 'I hope they don't come for me.... they may get killed if they do.' She let the water try to make her forget about all her memories of her home, family, friends, Allen, Merle...Van.
"Van," as she whispered that very name her pendant and ring began to glow.
The ring a beam of black and her pendant a beam of pink light. A pain began to swell inside of her. It felt as if she was going to be ripped in two. She let out a weak scream that was barely heard. When the pain was to great for her she collapsed in the water. Her eyes were blank, mouth was barely open but no signs of breathing. In her mind she seemed to be fighting with the black light from the ring.
'What's happening??' she screamed.
Black encircled her and pulled her down in the abyss of her mind.
'No!! Van!!'
The light sealed her away, which it hoped, to be forgotten. The light her pendant made began to weaken and the ring's light grew brighter. Soon the pendant's light only flickered then stopped. The ring's light burst out lighting the area with a dark light.
Hitomi's pendant slowly changed its color. After a while the light from the ring faded and the pendant that she wore around her neck had changed from its pink color to a deathly shade of black.
*-----------------------------------------------------------------*
Flying above Van and Merle rode on Escaflowne's back keeping their eyes sharp for any signs of Hitomi's whereabouts. Merle had insisted on coming because if they did find Hitomi Merle wanted to give her a piece of her mind for leaving all of a sudden.
The wedding had been canceled for now until they found Hitomi. Millerna had her father send out a few leviships to scan from high views. And teams made up of guards to search any place they think she may have gone.
When they came up to a thick forest, that they couldn't see a thing from above, they landed in a small open spot. Merle jumped right off and sniffed the ground. Van hopped of Escaflowne's back and walked over to Merle.
"Find anything?" Van asked with sadness and a little hope twisted in his voice. "Shhh." she hissed and sat perfectly still with her eyes closed. Van stood watching her. Her ears twitched a bit. Then her eyes opened and she pointed down a small path that had been made.
"There's a city down that way!" Merle exclaimed.
Van raced over to the path and suspected Hitomi had made it. Kneeling down he stared hard at the ground then saw footprints. Hitomi's foot prints. Standing up he sprinted as fast as he could down the path with
Merle racing at his side. When they reached the end of the forest Merle screeched to a stop and Van stood staring in awe.
"It's Zaibach!" Van exclaimed.
"Hitomi came here?!? How dumb is that girl??" Merle said
"They may just have captured her Merle but right now we need to get back to the others." Van said then ran back the way they had came. Quickly jumping back on Escaflowne's he yanked on the reins and took off. Merle barely got on in time.
As they flew back Van clenched is fists and gritted is teeth while thinking 'Why? Why in all the places is Hitomi there? Is she there because of me? Because of what I said?'
Van prayed that wasn't the reason and swore right there he was going to get Hitomi back from Zaibach, no matter what the cost!
*----------------------------------------------------------------*
Hitomi's eyes open when she heard a clicking sound. Noticing she was still in the bath she stood up and grabbed a towel. Then wrapped it around her body and used another one to dry her hair out with. Once dried she wrapped a robe around herself tightly and walked out the door to her room.
Her eyes scanned the room then stopped at her bed. Walking over to it she saw a dress laid on it. And on top of the dress was a red rose. Picking it up gently Hitomi gazed at it with her empty eyes.
She almost blushed for a second then a smirk appeared on her face as she set the rose back down on the bed. Taking off her robe she slipped in to her new interior.
The dress was almost skin tight. But she guessed that was because they didn't know her size so they guessed. It was different from other dresses, that was for sure. It was a long black dress but with a few changes from a normal dress. The sleeves had been removed on each side. The top of the dress folded in front and buttoned on her neck, like a Chinese style dress. The skirt of her dress had been split on each side, left and right. The split started a little after her hips and ended at the end. The skirt it's self was a bit above her knees. So now the skirt was split in half almost, a part in the front and one in the back. This made the dress much more easier to move in now.
Looking at herself in the mirror Hitomi took a brush and brushed out her hair. Then she took both sides of her hair and pulled them back to a ponytail behind her head. She fastened it with a long black ribbon. Putting on some black shoes she walked over to the door as a knock came from it.
She opened the door to Dilandou's gaping face.
He was stunned at her appearance. The dress she was in outlined her body and looked beautiful on her. The sides of her hair was pulled back in a ribbon. She was wearing her ring and pendant. He then noticed her pendant had changed colors to a dark shade of black. She would fit in perfectly with Zaibach, he thought. Then snapped out of his trance once seeing Hitomi's inpatient face.
"Uh" he started once clearing his throat. "They won't need you for another two hours."
"That's all right," Hitomi said. "I want to make a little stop some where." and started down the hall. Turning to Dilandou she asked "Are you coming or not?"
"Oh? Uh yeah."
They both went down the hall silent. Then Hitomi turned her head to Dilandou.
"Is there a blacksmith I can talk to?" she asked. "Yeah I'll show you the way."
They made a quick turn to the right, went down some flights of stairs then walked up to a pair of black doors that were wide open. "He's in there." Dilandou pointed to a large muscular man by a black metal table.
He was pounding away at a long thick sword and only paused to see if it was even then went back to pounding it with the metal hammer.
Hitomi's eyes stared at the man for a moment then she walked in. He didn't notice her till she tapped his shoulder. Whipping around to her attention Hitomi began to talk to the man. Dilandou couldn't hear what they were saying. But he saw her point to her ankles and wrists.
The blacksmith nodded while listening to her then gave her a smile. Hitomi gave him a nod and a small smile then walked back over Dilandou. "What was that about?" he asked as she walked past him. "I requested something that'll help when the time comes."
Before leaving Dilandou caught a glimpse of the blacksmith picking up large blocks of a silver color metal.
'What did she ask him to make?' the question baffled him before he ran to catch
up with Hitomi.
"We'll come back here in an hour and a half. They'll be done by then." was all she said. 'What will??' he thought but didn't speak. "So" he started glancing over at her
"What'll we do until then?" She stayed silent but did look back at him with her cold eyes.
"Would you show me around Zaibach?" "Sure." he slipped his hand in to hers and began to show her the way around.
He was surprised she didn't resist instead he almost felt her squeeze his hand. When he turned his head to look at her in surprise he could have sworn he glanced at him, smiled then looked away.
Half an hour later Dilandou and Hitomi appeared back at the blacksmith.
The blacksmith's head turned to Hitomi and he gave her a big smile walking over to her.
"They're done aren't they?" she asked. He nodded back in response and turned back the to the table. Dilandou stood by Hitomi's side watching with curiosity to see what she had asked for.
When he turned back to them in his hands he held two wristlets and two anklets.
They were made of silver and seemed to open and latch together. "They won't stop guymelphs but they can take any sword." The blacksmith said and handed them to Hitomi.
"Thank you." Hitomi smiled and kneeled down. Taking the two for her ankles, Hitomi fastened one on each of her ankles they were at least four inches long.
Then standing up she took the other two silver wristlets and snapped them on to her wrists. They were plain and had no design. "May I try them?" Hitomi asked. The blacksmith nodded, turned around and turned back holding a sword. It was huge and Dilandou wondered what Hitomi had in mind. Holding up her arm in a defensive, way Hitomi stood perfectly still trying not to move.
The blacksmith brought down the sword with all this might upon her arm. Dilandou looked away from a moment then looked back when he heard the sound of metal clashing. He saw the blacksmith's sword pushing against Hitomi's wristlet.
It didn't even scratch.
Then quickly drawing back the blacksmith took one more swing but lower this time.
Hitomi's leg shot up and her anklet connected with the sword knocking it from his hands. She smiled "Thank you, they're just as I wanted." She gave him a small smile and turned back around and headed out the door. Dilandou followed.
"Dilandou," Hitomi started but didn't look over at him.
"Yes?" he replied.
"Will you give me a lesson in swords? Just a short one so I can see if I could stand up to an enemy."
"Uh sure."
They walked down the hall to the training room. Opening the doors Hitomi looked around. The floor was empty but the walls were covered in shelves and racks with swords, spears and all sorts of weapons. She walked to a rack with different swords.
She chose a long sword with a thin blade. But strong and a one handed handle. In her hand it was light and easy to move with. Turning to Dilandou she saw was using his sword that he carried around. Walking to one side of the arena in the middle of the room Hitomi stood silent with the sword in one hand.
Dilandou walked to the other side and waited for her move. When she made none he ran at her taking long strides. When he was at least two feet from her Dilandou raised his sword above his head and brought it down on Hitomi. The next thing he remember was him flying over Hitomi's head. Looking down he saw how that had happened.
It was before Dilandou's sword connected to Hitomi. She had crouched down and held her sword up horizontally blocking his attack. She held the blade of the sword sideways in her hand as not to cut herself. Holding the sword with both hands she let Dilandou push down on her with all his force.
That had been his mistake.
When the right moment came Hitomi used all her strength and pushed up lunging forward some. This made Dilandou flip over her. When he hit the floor there was a loud thud that knocked the breath out of him.
Above him he saw Hitomi whirl around and brought her sword down on his head. He had only blinked when he saw the tip of her sword touching his forehead. Siting back Hitomi set the sword by her side as she sat with her legs out to the side.
"Thanks for the practice." she said.
"Welcome." He mumbled and sat up with his legs Indian style.
He couldn't believe what had just happened. Never in his wildest had he imagined a girl beating him. And to make it worse it was Hitomi! But... he thought. She is really good. It's not that bad. But how did she get so good?
A thought crossed his mind that made him need to ask a question.
"Hitomi." He said looking over at her. She didn't look back but replied "What?"
"Will you go back to the Mystic Moon when we've ruled Gaea?"
"No."
He gave a puzzled look. "I thought you wanted to go home though." She shook her head. "My place isn't there anymore, it's here. On Gaea"
"Then..." he took a deep breath to continue. "Would you ever consider staying here with me at Zaibach?" Hitomi looked over at Dilandou with curiosity.
"Why?" she asked.
"Well, you don't really want to go back to Van and them do you?" She smirked and shook her head. "I could never go back to them. But still why?"
"Because..."
*----------------------------------------------*
End of part 2
Author's notes: Okay I admit I'm not good at cliffhangers. But please read the next part anyway. Dilly is STILL acting weird! (Weird for him that is) Oh if you're wondering what's with Hitomi's dress well ^-^o I really like the dress and I use it in a lot of stuff. But if you didn't really get what it looks like than look up the anime Devil Hunter Yohko. The dress she wears when she transforms is it. But it isn't red, no Ying-yang, silver wristlets and anklets, not gold. Plus that's not her sword. I'm also sorry that I don't explain a lot. I don't believe Zaibach is a neighboring country to Asturia or is it that close but *sighs* I just needed it to be there o.o sowwy. It had to be at least a mile or two away -_- I mean, Hitomi had to run there anyway......ack O.o um, see you guys in chapter 3!
Eva Maverx
