Hi! Sorry this chapter has taken about 3 weeks to write, but I've had
writer's block (and exams).
Love J.R
1 Chapter 7- Not so different…?
2 Chid sighed, his face far too fretful and care-worn for a child his age. "And what proof do you have of this supposed rebellion in Ziabach?" He asked the messenger kneeling before him. "None, your majesty. Just rumours. But The Royal Circle of Seers and Spirit Healers have sent warnings of trouble in Ziabach. Several of them have had visions."
"Thank you. Summon Lady Tollarna of The Royal Circle. I wish to speak to her of this matter."
"As you wish, Your Majesty." The messenger left, careful not to show any disrespect.
When Hitomi had returned to her homeland, Chid had devoted alot of his time into looking for people with similar powers. He now had a small group of accomplished Seers and Spirit Healers at his disposal. They'd proved invaluable in the ruling of his country, and so far, had never predicted anything false.
"Greetings, Your Majesty. You wanted to see me?" Lady Tollarna strode into the room, and curtsied. Lady Tollarna was the leader of The Royal Circle, part Spirit Healer, part Seer, though she was barely out of teenagehood.
"Lady Tollarna, please inform me about the visions certain members of The Royal Circle have had."
"Yes, Your Majesty," Lady Tollarna gracefully knelt before him. "Several of the Circle have had visions of a Ziabach rebellion, and Ziabach guymelefs flying through the air…some of them have also had visions of something attacking Freid and Fanelia- something invisible, and big. Like a giant…" Chid felt his heart skip a beat. Was Fanelia and Fried doomed to burn once again? The invisible giants…isn't that how Hitomi had described the Ziabach guymelefs? Chid felt fear and panic tighten his chest. No. Not again, never again. He'd die before he'd have to watch his country burn again, his people killed or in exile…
"Guard!" The guard jumped to attention. "Send a message to the General. I want him to organize a search- every house, pub, and shop is to be searched for signs of a rebellion. Any Ziabach guymelefs or Ziabach equipment found are to be destroyed at once. The owners are to be brought back here. Is that understood?"
"Yes, Your Majesty." The guard left almost at a run; this was extremely important news.
"You are afraid," Lady Tollarna commented. Her velvety, melodious voice seemed to fill the room, though she spoke quietly. She sounded strong and certain, but not overly-confident. She spoke as though she were stating a mere fact. And she was.
"This brings back memories, Lady Tollarna. Memories of the Destiny War and my father…yes, I am afraid. Afraid that the same thing will happen again." He looked into her beautiful eyes, that were wise and innocent at the same time. "I can't let the same thing happen again, Lady Tollarna. You know I can't." Lady Tollarna stared back into his crystal blue eyes, and knew that he'd do anything for his country- even kill.
* * * * * * * * * * * *
"Maria! What's going on outside?" Hitomi called from the lounge. Maria hurried into the room from the balcony. She looked pale and had a worried expression. "Maria! What's wrong?" Hitomi peered at her friend in concern. "Oh Miss, the Fried soldiers are at the door and they say thay have the permission from King Chid to search the house! If Dilandau is found, he'll be killed! And most probably so will we!"
Hitomi gasped, panic rising to her throat. The irony of it all! Forced to join the ememy to save your friend, only to be killed by your other friends for being with the ememy. 'Doesn't anything ever go right?' Hitomi thought, despairingly. "Hitomi!" Maria shook her out of her thoughts. "What do we do? I'm scared!" They looked at each other desperately. Suddenly, an idea hit Hitomi. "Maria, do I look like a respectable gentle woman?" Maria nodded. "Good."
Hitomi rushed downstairs to the hall, where the head butler, Mrs. Hateonly and Dilandau were talking together, their worry evident on their faces. "Don't worry everyone, I have an idea. Now go!" Hitomi pushed passed them, and ignored the surprised looks from the trio. She carefully approched the front door, where Freid soldiers were waiting. She kept the chain on the door, and opened it a fraction. "Greetings to you, noble soldiers of Freid." She said politely. "On what business do you come?"
"Milady, I have permission from His Royal Highness King Chid of Freid to search this house. Could you kindly step aside."
Hitomi didn't have to force the worried look on her face. "Forgive me, sir, for I cannot let you pass the threshold of this house. This house has been infected with an illness, which is highly contagious. We are in quarantine."
Some of the soldiers blanched quite visibly, and Hitomi dectected a slight loss of confidence from the commander's face.
"Do you have a written statement from a Healer?"
"Spirit Healer. The desease attacks the mind and soul. She is here with us," The commander took a step back at her words. Soldiers were used to dealing with physical pain, but illnesses that attacked your soul, your sanity, were rare and terrible. They were much worse than a cut or a punch, and if there was anything that a soldier feared, it was that.
"Do you wish to speak to her? She may be quite some time as she's treating the sick."
"No, no," The commander shook his head. It was evident that he wished to leave at once. "The sick need her more than I do. Do you know when the house will be safe again?"
Hitomi sighed. "It's difficult to tell. If no one else catches it, about 14 days. Maybe more, depending on how weak the patients are. I'm very sorry you came all this way for nothing. Maybe you would like to stay for a while in Ziabach? It is a lovely country, almost as pretty as Fried."
The soldiers looked slightly surprised. Hitomi knew that asking them to stay was the least thing they expected, and a little flattery would help as well.
"There is an inn not far from here," She continued. "That way, you may search the house as soon as it is safe, and if there are any more outbreaks of the disease, you may help quarantine the area."
"Um, no, we have business elsewhere…thank you. We'll alert the authorities so they'll be on their guard for any more outbreaks."
Hitomi smilied gratefully. "Thank you." She said warmly. "It's hard you know, not being able to go out, or even being able to warn anyone…it's lucky Maria - our Spirit Healer - lives here, otherwise it would just be the housekeeper and me."
The commander smiled at her. "It must be very hard for you milady. Good luck to you, and I regret to say, goodbye." He bowed.
Hitomi smiled, and bobbed a quick curtsey, though he probably couldn't see it through the small crack in the door.
"Farewell noble soldier of Fried." Hitomi closed the door.
The commander stood a second, and then turned round to go. "Let's move, men!" He strode towards their horses, and began to mount. The other soldiers quickly followed. Only two of them dawdled behind. "Poor girl. All she wants is someone to talk to. She's so nice, she doesn't deserve this." Said the dark-haired one. His friend nodded in agreement.
Hitomi breathed a sigh of relief. "They've gone." She said to the stunned butler, Dilandau and Witch.
"But…how?" Mrs. Hateonly asked, dumbstruck. "I'd have never have thought…you're too good…" Hitomi walked past her. "Oh, a pretty face and a few kind words always do the trick," Hitomi said breezily, forcing herself not to laugh at Mrs. Hateonly's expression of utter shock. She quickly climbed up the stairs, anxious to tell Maria what had just happened. Hitomi arrived to the now familiar door that led to her quarters. She reached out for the handle…
"Hitomi! Wait!" She turned round to see Dilandau running towards her. "Dilandau! What is it?…I mean Lord Dilandau." Hitomi added hastily. Remembering her dream, she felt uncomfortable. She hoped Dilandau wouldn't see it.
"You put on quite a show back there. I didn't think you had it in you…I never knew you were that sort of person."
Hitomi felt indignation flare up inside her. "What do you mean by that?"
"I mean I didn't think you were a liar, but you are. You're like us." He smirked. "Maybe we're not so different after all."
He pulled her towards him. "No…" Hitomi murmured. "This is wrong…" He kissed her lightly on the lips before she could say anything else. A deep feeling of love and want stirred inside her. She let him hold her, mesmerized by his touch. Hitomi struggled to think straight as she pushed him away, trying to ignore her feelings. "No." She said, stronger this time. "This is all wrong. I'm not like you, I could never be."
He smiled. "But you are like me. We're not so different…" He reached out to her, but she backed away, his words chilling her heart. "No. NO. I'm not like you, I can't be one of you…I have a soul! I'm not evil!" Dilandau smiled. "So do I," He said softly. Hitomi shook her head. "You're a murderer." Hitomi accused. Her voice was hard and cold.
"So is Von."
"No!" Von wasn't like that. She knew he wasn't. "That's different…"
Dilandau smirked. "Is it? Is it really? Just accept it Hitomi, because there's nothing you can do. You're one of us now."
3 "AHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!"
Hitomi sat up in bed, sobbing. No! She wasn't like them, she didn't kill people and she didn't lie…or did she?
Hitomi hovered in the doorway. "Lord Dilandau?" She asked timidly. Dilandau was at his desk, pouring over a map. He looked up, slightl;y irrated. "Yes, what is it?" Hitomi edged further into the room. "Um…about yesterday…"
"Here, have a seat. But make it quick and worth my while."
Hitomi sat down nervously. Dilandau studied her face intently. Why was she so uneasy?
"This isn't important as such, but I just wanted to ask you, do you really think I'm not a good person?" Dilandau looked slightly surprised, but said nothing, and continued to stare at her, deep in thought. Hitomi blushed. She felt stupid. Why couldn't she have just kept her big mouth shut? Besides, what was it to her what the bloody-thirsty monster thought of her anyway?
"I never said you weren't a good person, Hitomi. I just think you're not as innocent as you used to be, which is a good thing. Innocence makes you vulnerable." He went back to his map. 'Wow. He actually talked to me like a human being, for once.' Hitomi thought, watching him, as he muttered over the map and drew pencil lines and crosses on it. She suddenly realized it was a map of Fanelia. Her heart skipped a beat. No…he was planning something… 'Oh please don't let it be bad,' Hitomi prayed. "Ah, Dilandau," Hitomi tried to sound casual, but her voice was strained. "Why have you got a map of Fanelia?" He looked up quickly. "None of your buisness," He said. "Oh." She'd been stupid to think he'd tell her. It was a miracle he'd put up with her company for this long…what had it been so far, ten minutes? A record. He hadn't even shouted at her yet.
"Dilandau, why do you always work?"
"Huh?" Dilandau glared at her before carefully adding a series of circles and dots to the map. "I've never seen you take a time out before," Hitomi explained. "Don't you ever go on holiday?" Dilandau looked at her, his scowl firmly fixed on his face. "Why?" He asked scornfully. "Well…to have fun. And to have a rest."
"I have fun when I kill and I rest when I sleep. Now if you're not going to leave me alone, I'm afraid I might have to have fun." Huh….? Oh. He meant if she didn't stop distracting him, he'd kill her. "Charming," Hitomi muttered. "Have a good day Dilandau," She got up and left. Nothing like a death threat to send the unwanted backwhere they came from.
As Hitomi made her way to her quarters, her mind wandered back to the map on Dilandau's desk. Dilandau was going to destroy Fanelia, she was sure of it. She hated Van, but she still loved Fanelia. 'Dilandau could eat him alive for all I care.' Hitomi thought furiously, ignoring the tears that came to her eyes every time she thought of him. 'Von's a selfish, rude, violent idiot. Good riddance if he dies! But Fanelia…'
Hitomi knew that the decision was made. She would find out what he was planning. No matter what.
Lady Tollarna closed her eyes and concentrated. Come on…yes! There it was again, that mysterious power radiating from Ziabach. A power unknown, in the time of a rumoured rebellion. She knew she had to treat this as a threat. 'Please, let me see it…' She willed to see more, to see who was the owner of this power. Suddenly, a girl appeared in her mind's eye. She had short, brow hair that reflected the sunlight and a delicate, laughing face full of happiness. But it was her eyes that intrigued Lady Tollarna the most. Her eyes, light green like the blades of young grass, were innocent, and sweet, but also wise, with just the slightest hint of the power and strength that this strange, beautiful girl possessed. 'Odd,' Lady Tollarna thought. She could see the girl, kind and gentle, so full of love, but she was Freid's enemy…why? Very gently, she tried to push just a little further into the mind of the young girl…
Hitomi gave a start. What was happening? She took a deep breath, trying to calm herself. Something was intruding, slipping through the barrier separating every mind and soul, and seeping into her …no! She had to fight it, this horrible tresspassing thing… "Don't panic, don't panic," Hitomi whispered. She could do this. She wouldn't fail. She couldn't. Hitomi closed her eyes and concentrated. She surrounded the intruder will her power so that it could go no deeper into her mind, and pushed the thing away. The thing was surprised, which Hitomi used to her advantage. She charged once again, this time pushing the thing completely out of her head. It was gone. "Oh my God!" She breathed, on the verge of tears. Slowly, she sank to the ground. She was tired and had a headache, and she was badly shaken. Something knew about her. Terrible thoughts of witches and harpies swam around her head. A stab of fear piecered her stomach. "Maria!" She screamed. "Maria!…"
Lady Tollarna fell to the floor, gasping. "Hitomi…" She whispered. Through the haze of intense pain and exhaustion, she held on to that one word. Hitomi.
"Enemy of Freid. You will pay."
"Are you sure you're alright now?" Maria asked. Hitomi, who was lying in her bed, nodded. "I'm just a bit shocked, that's all. I've never suffered a mind attack before." She said weakly. "Well, now you have. And you'll be all the more stronger for it." Maria gently stroked Hitomi's hair, wandering what to do to soothe her friend's aching head. "Maria, someone knows about me. They know who I am. What if they come back?" Hitomi's voice cracked. "They won't," Maria told her friend gently, but with the upmost conviction. "They were looking for something. And as long has they haven't found it, you're"-
"Unsafe," Hitomi finished for her. "But then, if they do, I'm still in danger."
"You should tell Dilandau, Hitomi. This is important." Hitomi nodded and Maria got up. "I've got some chores to do. Get some rest, okay?"
"Yeah, okay," Hitomi muttered, closing her eyes. Maria smiled and left the room.
* * * * * * * * * * * *
Hitomi opened her eyes. She wasn't tired anymore, and her headache was gone. Better still, it was night. She smiled secretly to herself and slipped out of bed, not bothering to put on her slippers or dressing gown. If anyone found her she could pretend to be sleep walking.
She stopped at the top of the stairs. Had anyone heard her? Hitomi stood still for a moment, waiting to hear footsteps or someone's voice. Nothing. Very carefully, Hitomi desended the stairs, extremely grateful that there were no creaky steps. Now, where had Dilandau's quarters been? It took her several minutes to find it. Very gently, she turned the handle. Not locked. Good. She pushed the door open. She could just make out Dilandau's desk, with the maps and battle plans still on it. She sat herself down in his chair, and lit the candle chandelier that was also on the desk. A soft, flickering light spread out on the desk. Very carefullly, she shuffled through the papers. Hitomi frowned, confused. This couldn't be right. This was a map of Ziabach. She looked at the next one. Gaea. The next one was the Mystic Moon, then after that, Japan. They had no pencil lines on them the the rest was just blank paper.
Hitomi's heart sank. Where was the rest? Carefully, she opened a chest of drawers near by. It made slightly more sound that she would have liked. Oh well. Everyone was upstairs. No one would hear her here.
She gave a sigh of disappointment. Just a collection of daggers. The next two drawers contained blank paper, pencil and maps with no Dilandau doodles on them, so they weren't at all helpful. Hitomi then moved to a cupboard, and when she was about to open it, she noticed a door. Her heart froze. What if this door lead to Dilandau's lounge? Or worse, his bedroom? 'I thought everyone slept upstairs!' Hitomi thought, torn between anger and fear.
She should have known. He wanted to know everything that happened, and what everyone did he'd make it his business. Pathetic.
Hitomi opened the cupboard. Bingo! Finally, piles and piles of maps and battle plans! It would take all night to get through this. But if it saved Fanelia, Hitomi didn't mind. She reached out towards the battle plans….
Hitomi heard the sound of a door being thrown open. "Oof!" Hitomi was pushed roughly to the floor, the air knocked out of her. She screwed her face up in pain. Something heavy was on top of her, and she'd hit her head hard when she'd fallen. She forced her eyes open. She could just make out the furious face of Dilandau. 'Oh no…' Somehow, deep inside her, Hitomi knew that she was going to die. He was going to kill her.
So, what do you think? I am sooooooo sorry about how long this chapter has taken. I'll try and make sure it won't happen again, but no promises! I've already started chapter eight, so it shouldn't be to long. I'll put it up when about seven people have reviewed so I know what I should improve and what I should keep doing. Also, I love reading your comments! (
Hugs and Kisses,
From The Very Evil Daughter Of Lord Voldemort, Juliet Riddle
Love J.R
1 Chapter 7- Not so different…?
2 Chid sighed, his face far too fretful and care-worn for a child his age. "And what proof do you have of this supposed rebellion in Ziabach?" He asked the messenger kneeling before him. "None, your majesty. Just rumours. But The Royal Circle of Seers and Spirit Healers have sent warnings of trouble in Ziabach. Several of them have had visions."
"Thank you. Summon Lady Tollarna of The Royal Circle. I wish to speak to her of this matter."
"As you wish, Your Majesty." The messenger left, careful not to show any disrespect.
When Hitomi had returned to her homeland, Chid had devoted alot of his time into looking for people with similar powers. He now had a small group of accomplished Seers and Spirit Healers at his disposal. They'd proved invaluable in the ruling of his country, and so far, had never predicted anything false.
"Greetings, Your Majesty. You wanted to see me?" Lady Tollarna strode into the room, and curtsied. Lady Tollarna was the leader of The Royal Circle, part Spirit Healer, part Seer, though she was barely out of teenagehood.
"Lady Tollarna, please inform me about the visions certain members of The Royal Circle have had."
"Yes, Your Majesty," Lady Tollarna gracefully knelt before him. "Several of the Circle have had visions of a Ziabach rebellion, and Ziabach guymelefs flying through the air…some of them have also had visions of something attacking Freid and Fanelia- something invisible, and big. Like a giant…" Chid felt his heart skip a beat. Was Fanelia and Fried doomed to burn once again? The invisible giants…isn't that how Hitomi had described the Ziabach guymelefs? Chid felt fear and panic tighten his chest. No. Not again, never again. He'd die before he'd have to watch his country burn again, his people killed or in exile…
"Guard!" The guard jumped to attention. "Send a message to the General. I want him to organize a search- every house, pub, and shop is to be searched for signs of a rebellion. Any Ziabach guymelefs or Ziabach equipment found are to be destroyed at once. The owners are to be brought back here. Is that understood?"
"Yes, Your Majesty." The guard left almost at a run; this was extremely important news.
"You are afraid," Lady Tollarna commented. Her velvety, melodious voice seemed to fill the room, though she spoke quietly. She sounded strong and certain, but not overly-confident. She spoke as though she were stating a mere fact. And she was.
"This brings back memories, Lady Tollarna. Memories of the Destiny War and my father…yes, I am afraid. Afraid that the same thing will happen again." He looked into her beautiful eyes, that were wise and innocent at the same time. "I can't let the same thing happen again, Lady Tollarna. You know I can't." Lady Tollarna stared back into his crystal blue eyes, and knew that he'd do anything for his country- even kill.
* * * * * * * * * * * *
"Maria! What's going on outside?" Hitomi called from the lounge. Maria hurried into the room from the balcony. She looked pale and had a worried expression. "Maria! What's wrong?" Hitomi peered at her friend in concern. "Oh Miss, the Fried soldiers are at the door and they say thay have the permission from King Chid to search the house! If Dilandau is found, he'll be killed! And most probably so will we!"
Hitomi gasped, panic rising to her throat. The irony of it all! Forced to join the ememy to save your friend, only to be killed by your other friends for being with the ememy. 'Doesn't anything ever go right?' Hitomi thought, despairingly. "Hitomi!" Maria shook her out of her thoughts. "What do we do? I'm scared!" They looked at each other desperately. Suddenly, an idea hit Hitomi. "Maria, do I look like a respectable gentle woman?" Maria nodded. "Good."
Hitomi rushed downstairs to the hall, where the head butler, Mrs. Hateonly and Dilandau were talking together, their worry evident on their faces. "Don't worry everyone, I have an idea. Now go!" Hitomi pushed passed them, and ignored the surprised looks from the trio. She carefully approched the front door, where Freid soldiers were waiting. She kept the chain on the door, and opened it a fraction. "Greetings to you, noble soldiers of Freid." She said politely. "On what business do you come?"
"Milady, I have permission from His Royal Highness King Chid of Freid to search this house. Could you kindly step aside."
Hitomi didn't have to force the worried look on her face. "Forgive me, sir, for I cannot let you pass the threshold of this house. This house has been infected with an illness, which is highly contagious. We are in quarantine."
Some of the soldiers blanched quite visibly, and Hitomi dectected a slight loss of confidence from the commander's face.
"Do you have a written statement from a Healer?"
"Spirit Healer. The desease attacks the mind and soul. She is here with us," The commander took a step back at her words. Soldiers were used to dealing with physical pain, but illnesses that attacked your soul, your sanity, were rare and terrible. They were much worse than a cut or a punch, and if there was anything that a soldier feared, it was that.
"Do you wish to speak to her? She may be quite some time as she's treating the sick."
"No, no," The commander shook his head. It was evident that he wished to leave at once. "The sick need her more than I do. Do you know when the house will be safe again?"
Hitomi sighed. "It's difficult to tell. If no one else catches it, about 14 days. Maybe more, depending on how weak the patients are. I'm very sorry you came all this way for nothing. Maybe you would like to stay for a while in Ziabach? It is a lovely country, almost as pretty as Fried."
The soldiers looked slightly surprised. Hitomi knew that asking them to stay was the least thing they expected, and a little flattery would help as well.
"There is an inn not far from here," She continued. "That way, you may search the house as soon as it is safe, and if there are any more outbreaks of the disease, you may help quarantine the area."
"Um, no, we have business elsewhere…thank you. We'll alert the authorities so they'll be on their guard for any more outbreaks."
Hitomi smilied gratefully. "Thank you." She said warmly. "It's hard you know, not being able to go out, or even being able to warn anyone…it's lucky Maria - our Spirit Healer - lives here, otherwise it would just be the housekeeper and me."
The commander smiled at her. "It must be very hard for you milady. Good luck to you, and I regret to say, goodbye." He bowed.
Hitomi smiled, and bobbed a quick curtsey, though he probably couldn't see it through the small crack in the door.
"Farewell noble soldier of Fried." Hitomi closed the door.
The commander stood a second, and then turned round to go. "Let's move, men!" He strode towards their horses, and began to mount. The other soldiers quickly followed. Only two of them dawdled behind. "Poor girl. All she wants is someone to talk to. She's so nice, she doesn't deserve this." Said the dark-haired one. His friend nodded in agreement.
Hitomi breathed a sigh of relief. "They've gone." She said to the stunned butler, Dilandau and Witch.
"But…how?" Mrs. Hateonly asked, dumbstruck. "I'd have never have thought…you're too good…" Hitomi walked past her. "Oh, a pretty face and a few kind words always do the trick," Hitomi said breezily, forcing herself not to laugh at Mrs. Hateonly's expression of utter shock. She quickly climbed up the stairs, anxious to tell Maria what had just happened. Hitomi arrived to the now familiar door that led to her quarters. She reached out for the handle…
"Hitomi! Wait!" She turned round to see Dilandau running towards her. "Dilandau! What is it?…I mean Lord Dilandau." Hitomi added hastily. Remembering her dream, she felt uncomfortable. She hoped Dilandau wouldn't see it.
"You put on quite a show back there. I didn't think you had it in you…I never knew you were that sort of person."
Hitomi felt indignation flare up inside her. "What do you mean by that?"
"I mean I didn't think you were a liar, but you are. You're like us." He smirked. "Maybe we're not so different after all."
He pulled her towards him. "No…" Hitomi murmured. "This is wrong…" He kissed her lightly on the lips before she could say anything else. A deep feeling of love and want stirred inside her. She let him hold her, mesmerized by his touch. Hitomi struggled to think straight as she pushed him away, trying to ignore her feelings. "No." She said, stronger this time. "This is all wrong. I'm not like you, I could never be."
He smiled. "But you are like me. We're not so different…" He reached out to her, but she backed away, his words chilling her heart. "No. NO. I'm not like you, I can't be one of you…I have a soul! I'm not evil!" Dilandau smiled. "So do I," He said softly. Hitomi shook her head. "You're a murderer." Hitomi accused. Her voice was hard and cold.
"So is Von."
"No!" Von wasn't like that. She knew he wasn't. "That's different…"
Dilandau smirked. "Is it? Is it really? Just accept it Hitomi, because there's nothing you can do. You're one of us now."
3 "AHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!"
Hitomi sat up in bed, sobbing. No! She wasn't like them, she didn't kill people and she didn't lie…or did she?
Hitomi hovered in the doorway. "Lord Dilandau?" She asked timidly. Dilandau was at his desk, pouring over a map. He looked up, slightl;y irrated. "Yes, what is it?" Hitomi edged further into the room. "Um…about yesterday…"
"Here, have a seat. But make it quick and worth my while."
Hitomi sat down nervously. Dilandau studied her face intently. Why was she so uneasy?
"This isn't important as such, but I just wanted to ask you, do you really think I'm not a good person?" Dilandau looked slightly surprised, but said nothing, and continued to stare at her, deep in thought. Hitomi blushed. She felt stupid. Why couldn't she have just kept her big mouth shut? Besides, what was it to her what the bloody-thirsty monster thought of her anyway?
"I never said you weren't a good person, Hitomi. I just think you're not as innocent as you used to be, which is a good thing. Innocence makes you vulnerable." He went back to his map. 'Wow. He actually talked to me like a human being, for once.' Hitomi thought, watching him, as he muttered over the map and drew pencil lines and crosses on it. She suddenly realized it was a map of Fanelia. Her heart skipped a beat. No…he was planning something… 'Oh please don't let it be bad,' Hitomi prayed. "Ah, Dilandau," Hitomi tried to sound casual, but her voice was strained. "Why have you got a map of Fanelia?" He looked up quickly. "None of your buisness," He said. "Oh." She'd been stupid to think he'd tell her. It was a miracle he'd put up with her company for this long…what had it been so far, ten minutes? A record. He hadn't even shouted at her yet.
"Dilandau, why do you always work?"
"Huh?" Dilandau glared at her before carefully adding a series of circles and dots to the map. "I've never seen you take a time out before," Hitomi explained. "Don't you ever go on holiday?" Dilandau looked at her, his scowl firmly fixed on his face. "Why?" He asked scornfully. "Well…to have fun. And to have a rest."
"I have fun when I kill and I rest when I sleep. Now if you're not going to leave me alone, I'm afraid I might have to have fun." Huh….? Oh. He meant if she didn't stop distracting him, he'd kill her. "Charming," Hitomi muttered. "Have a good day Dilandau," She got up and left. Nothing like a death threat to send the unwanted backwhere they came from.
As Hitomi made her way to her quarters, her mind wandered back to the map on Dilandau's desk. Dilandau was going to destroy Fanelia, she was sure of it. She hated Van, but she still loved Fanelia. 'Dilandau could eat him alive for all I care.' Hitomi thought furiously, ignoring the tears that came to her eyes every time she thought of him. 'Von's a selfish, rude, violent idiot. Good riddance if he dies! But Fanelia…'
Hitomi knew that the decision was made. She would find out what he was planning. No matter what.
Lady Tollarna closed her eyes and concentrated. Come on…yes! There it was again, that mysterious power radiating from Ziabach. A power unknown, in the time of a rumoured rebellion. She knew she had to treat this as a threat. 'Please, let me see it…' She willed to see more, to see who was the owner of this power. Suddenly, a girl appeared in her mind's eye. She had short, brow hair that reflected the sunlight and a delicate, laughing face full of happiness. But it was her eyes that intrigued Lady Tollarna the most. Her eyes, light green like the blades of young grass, were innocent, and sweet, but also wise, with just the slightest hint of the power and strength that this strange, beautiful girl possessed. 'Odd,' Lady Tollarna thought. She could see the girl, kind and gentle, so full of love, but she was Freid's enemy…why? Very gently, she tried to push just a little further into the mind of the young girl…
Hitomi gave a start. What was happening? She took a deep breath, trying to calm herself. Something was intruding, slipping through the barrier separating every mind and soul, and seeping into her …no! She had to fight it, this horrible tresspassing thing… "Don't panic, don't panic," Hitomi whispered. She could do this. She wouldn't fail. She couldn't. Hitomi closed her eyes and concentrated. She surrounded the intruder will her power so that it could go no deeper into her mind, and pushed the thing away. The thing was surprised, which Hitomi used to her advantage. She charged once again, this time pushing the thing completely out of her head. It was gone. "Oh my God!" She breathed, on the verge of tears. Slowly, she sank to the ground. She was tired and had a headache, and she was badly shaken. Something knew about her. Terrible thoughts of witches and harpies swam around her head. A stab of fear piecered her stomach. "Maria!" She screamed. "Maria!…"
Lady Tollarna fell to the floor, gasping. "Hitomi…" She whispered. Through the haze of intense pain and exhaustion, she held on to that one word. Hitomi.
"Enemy of Freid. You will pay."
"Are you sure you're alright now?" Maria asked. Hitomi, who was lying in her bed, nodded. "I'm just a bit shocked, that's all. I've never suffered a mind attack before." She said weakly. "Well, now you have. And you'll be all the more stronger for it." Maria gently stroked Hitomi's hair, wandering what to do to soothe her friend's aching head. "Maria, someone knows about me. They know who I am. What if they come back?" Hitomi's voice cracked. "They won't," Maria told her friend gently, but with the upmost conviction. "They were looking for something. And as long has they haven't found it, you're"-
"Unsafe," Hitomi finished for her. "But then, if they do, I'm still in danger."
"You should tell Dilandau, Hitomi. This is important." Hitomi nodded and Maria got up. "I've got some chores to do. Get some rest, okay?"
"Yeah, okay," Hitomi muttered, closing her eyes. Maria smiled and left the room.
* * * * * * * * * * * *
Hitomi opened her eyes. She wasn't tired anymore, and her headache was gone. Better still, it was night. She smiled secretly to herself and slipped out of bed, not bothering to put on her slippers or dressing gown. If anyone found her she could pretend to be sleep walking.
She stopped at the top of the stairs. Had anyone heard her? Hitomi stood still for a moment, waiting to hear footsteps or someone's voice. Nothing. Very carefully, Hitomi desended the stairs, extremely grateful that there were no creaky steps. Now, where had Dilandau's quarters been? It took her several minutes to find it. Very gently, she turned the handle. Not locked. Good. She pushed the door open. She could just make out Dilandau's desk, with the maps and battle plans still on it. She sat herself down in his chair, and lit the candle chandelier that was also on the desk. A soft, flickering light spread out on the desk. Very carefullly, she shuffled through the papers. Hitomi frowned, confused. This couldn't be right. This was a map of Ziabach. She looked at the next one. Gaea. The next one was the Mystic Moon, then after that, Japan. They had no pencil lines on them the the rest was just blank paper.
Hitomi's heart sank. Where was the rest? Carefully, she opened a chest of drawers near by. It made slightly more sound that she would have liked. Oh well. Everyone was upstairs. No one would hear her here.
She gave a sigh of disappointment. Just a collection of daggers. The next two drawers contained blank paper, pencil and maps with no Dilandau doodles on them, so they weren't at all helpful. Hitomi then moved to a cupboard, and when she was about to open it, she noticed a door. Her heart froze. What if this door lead to Dilandau's lounge? Or worse, his bedroom? 'I thought everyone slept upstairs!' Hitomi thought, torn between anger and fear.
She should have known. He wanted to know everything that happened, and what everyone did he'd make it his business. Pathetic.
Hitomi opened the cupboard. Bingo! Finally, piles and piles of maps and battle plans! It would take all night to get through this. But if it saved Fanelia, Hitomi didn't mind. She reached out towards the battle plans….
Hitomi heard the sound of a door being thrown open. "Oof!" Hitomi was pushed roughly to the floor, the air knocked out of her. She screwed her face up in pain. Something heavy was on top of her, and she'd hit her head hard when she'd fallen. She forced her eyes open. She could just make out the furious face of Dilandau. 'Oh no…' Somehow, deep inside her, Hitomi knew that she was going to die. He was going to kill her.
So, what do you think? I am sooooooo sorry about how long this chapter has taken. I'll try and make sure it won't happen again, but no promises! I've already started chapter eight, so it shouldn't be to long. I'll put it up when about seven people have reviewed so I know what I should improve and what I should keep doing. Also, I love reading your comments! (
Hugs and Kisses,
From The Very Evil Daughter Of Lord Voldemort, Juliet Riddle
