Disclaimer: Only the OCs and plot are mine, not Escaflowne or its characters.
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Episode #5
Broken Strings Of Friendship
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Standing tall and proud on the Astorian castle's balcony, Van was staring up at the sky. He quietly thought to himself about Hitomi. He remembered how Hitomi had grabbed the only thing that had reminded him of where his heart lay for all that long separation. Now, his heart was breaking all over again. But this time, it was worse. He had her physically, but her mind belonged to someone else. He swore to himself then and there that he would find the man who took Hitomi's mind away from him and make him pay!
Celena's familiar voice arose and called him from his thoughts with its mysterious power of persuasion. "Van?"
He did not turn, only replied a small, "Yes."
"Millerna and Dryden told me to come and get you for the evening meal," Celena explained sheepishly.
"Please tell them that I will not be joining them tonight," Van replied. Then he thought. 'How could I eat? My soul food has been stolen from me...'
Van looked up at the sky again. He nodded his head silently. He would retrieve Hitomi, alone. He was not going to put his neighbouring countries or their rulers in any more danger just for his personal feelings towards another.
He gently pulled up his sword from its hilt a little with his thumb to make sure it was easy to get from its sheath. He took one look at the sky again, then decided to leave early at dawn, when the others were asleep. There would be no followers this time...
* * * * *
Hitomi sat on the edge of the Souverande's observation deck, staring down at the Astorian capital. She wondered whether it was true that she had given the second pendant away to Van. She didn't even remember having the second pendant let alone giving it away. It was most likely one of the enemies' tricks to confuse her, trying to make fantasy reality to her so they could sway her to their side.
She heard a noise from behind her and she turned, quickly asking a sharp, "Who's there?"
A man appeared from the shadows. His bright hazel eyes reflected only on her. His golden brown hair covered most of his face as it swayed to one side, much like Van's hair. And his gaze was enough to terrify the bravest and proudest man or beast. He did not speak. Only stared at her.
"Who are you!?" Hitomi demanded again. This time annoyance sounded in her voice.
"I am Tyreal, and you are Hitomi Kanzaki," the man replied.
"I was," Hitomi said, "but now I'm Ice Princess."
"No, you still are Hitomi. Search your heart. Remember your friends," at that, a bright light appeared all around. Hitomi clasped her head again in pain. Visions of love, warmth, and kindness flooded through her being.
"W-what are you doing to me?!" she yelled.
"Giving you back the memories," Tyreal replied softly.
"NO!" Hitomi cried as she fell to her knees. The visions were too much. They were all flooding back at once. To many feelings were washing over her: joy, fear, sadness, regret, hope, hopelessness.
"T-too fast!" Hitomi cried in pain.
"I know...," Tyreal said, kneeling before her and placing his hands on her shoulders. "I know it hurts. Let the tears come, to wash away the pain. You've hidden them far too long."
Hitomi leaned against him. He stroked her hair as she wept uncontrollably. The pain was growing and each second brought forth a new pain — a new memory. She couldn't stand it anymore. She screamed a long, agonizing scream, and then all went quiet. The pain she had felt was completely gone. All that was left was Tyreal. She looked up at him.
"V-Van... Millerna... Dryden... Merle... Celena... Allen... T-they really were my friends after all."
"Yes," Tyreal replied, "and they always will be."
"B-but how am I going to get back to them? I don't even know where I am," Hitomi sobbed miserably.
She saw Tyreal stand for a minute. He said a few words that she did not catch, and a bright light enveloped her. When her vision cleared, she found herself in the palace courtyard.
She saw Van on the palace's balcony. He was staring at the stars sadly. She called up to him and waved her hand. He looked down and a smile immediately ran from ear to ear along his face. A minute later, he bounded up to her, picked her up by the waist, and spun her around so many times that she felt like she was going to be sick.
In the back of Hitomi's mind, she heard Tyreal's voice calling a last plea.
'Don't let the Prince take you again. And remember, all the actions that you chose to do have a significant impact on the futures of Gaea and Earth.'
'Could he be the Angel—?! No, he couldn't be!' Hitomi thought. 'Could he...?'
Hitomi shook her head slightly as Celena, Allen, Millerna, Dryden, and Merle came running up to the couple. They all gave sighs of relief that she was all right. All but Allen.
"It's a good thing you weren't hurt!" Millerna said gratefully.
"Wouldn't that have solved the problem of the Prince's plans?" Allen asked. All stared at him angrily.
"Are you saying that it would have been good if Hitomi had been killed!?" Celena yelled at Allen, "If you are then I'll—!"
"How could you be so insensitive, Allen!?" Van said angrily.
"I mean, it would solve the problem—!" Allen began, but Millerna jumped in.
"Allen, what is the matter with you?! Wishing that one of your friends was dead? Unforgivable!"
Hitomi stood there. Her eyes were on the brink of tears. She looked at Allen and all of them stopped fighting to hear what she had to say.
"Well," Hitomi started, a lump half choked her throat, "if you didn't want me around Allen, why didn't you just say so!?" As the last word fell, Hitomi pushed away from Van's gentle embrace and ran into the palace as fast as her legs could go.
"Allen!" Van yelled furiously. "How could you?!"
Van ran after Hitomi and caught up to her. She had tripped on the rug and fallen on her face. He helped her up off the floor. Her eyes looked like a delicate glass and he knew that they were about to shatter. He tried to prevent it from occurring, but it happened anyway. Her mouth let out soft whimpers and the tears were pouring like heavy rain. She tilted her head up at him, those glass eyes staring into his very soul. He quivered. Every time she looked at him he felt like melting.
"Oh, Van!" Hitomi said regretfully. "I never should have come back!"
"What are you saying?" Van said softly.
"I've caused so much pain to you and the others already and now...! Now, I've come back and I'm causing even more pain...!" Hitomi let another whimper pass through her lips.
"That's not true," Van replied. "You've brought us the greatest joy possible... the joy of having you back."
"It seems Allen doesn't think so," Hitomi said. "He doesn't seem to care whether I stay or leave."
"Oh, Hitomi...," Van muttered. "I care. I do." He spoke so quietly that Hitomi did not catch what he had said.
"I'm sorry, Van," Hitomi said, releasing a smile. "I'd like to be alone for a while."
Van walked away a few feet, looked back over his shoulder and said, "You come and talk to me if you need anything."
Hitomi nodded as he began to walk away again, then she said, "Thank you, Van. For trying to cheer me up."
Van looked back at her, his eyes twinkled with many different emotions. Then, he left her to her thoughts.
She sat down on a decorative armchair in the hallway. The soft cushions felt comforting underneath her sore limbs. She needed to sleep. She knew it and she couldn't wave it off any longer. She settled down in the chair and drifted off into her own happy sleep world.
* * * * *
"This is unacceptable!" yelled Dalvus. "How could you have let Hitomi Kanzaki get away!? Are you trying to ruin me!?"
"Please forgive me, my lord," replied Versis.
Dalvus Gailith: one of the most fierce commanders in the endless netherworld army. Though Dalvus was a human and still living, he served the prince by choice. He proved to be very valuable to the prince: his heart was black, and even blacker were his intentions. He cared nothing for life, and it was his personal mission to destroy as much of the overrated illusion as possible during his time.
Versis Tri, one of Dalvus's personal soldiers, had served Dalvus for most of his adult life. If he were to be compared with the old group of Dragon Slayers who had served Dilandau Albatou in the Destiny Wars a year ago, Versis would be most like Gatti. Versis never wanted to join the prince's army, but his father (who was a soldier himself and wished to live a second glory through his son) had forced Versis into the position. That action started an eternal hate that burned in Versis against his father, and this hate had made him fit for the prince.
Versis had been in charge of watching Hitomi when they had taken her, but he had failed to do that for a half hour, and she had disappeared. Now, Versis was facing Dalvus. It was a given that he would be beaten badly for his mistake.
Dalvus sighed deeply. "You are worthless! Can you do nothing right!?"
"I'm sorry, sir," Versis muttered without emotion in his voice.
"I can't stand a man who's stands up against me," Dalvus clenched his fist and in an instant Versis was on the ground, a small stream of crimson blood trickling down the right side of his lip and chin.
Versis stood again, making not even a whimper at the blow his lord had just sent down upon him. Indeed, Versis had felt many of these blows before by his lord. By now, he was used to getting them at least once a day. But, no matter how hard Dalvus struck, Versis took it well. He didn't cry or whimper or even look sad afterwards. He just took the knocks and let it rest at that.
"Get out of my sight, before I skin you alive!" Dalvus shouted. Bending down to sit in the chair he was in before Versis had brought the news of Hitomi's disappearance.
"Sir," Versis turned and left the room swiftly.
* * * * *
A voice broke the silence of a deep dreamworld Hitomi had entered. It called her and in a few minutes, she felt someone shaking her by the shoulders.
"Hitomi... Hitomi... .Hitomi...! Hitomi!"
"Hmmmmm...," Hitomi replied sleepily.
"Wake up! Lord Van wants to see you!"
"Hmmmm... Oh! Merle!" Hitomi said, rubbing her eyes.
"Yes, it's Merle. Who else would shake you?" Merle said.
Hitomi stood up and stretched her limbs. Sleeping in the armchair was more uncomfortable than it looked with its velvet cushions. Merle followed her along the hallway in a frenzy. She did not want Hitomi and Van to go somewhere alone together if she could help it.
"He's on the balcony with Millerna and the others," Merle said.
"Oh, thanks," Hitomi said and she ran away from Merle.
"Hey! Wait up!" Merle yelled as she took off after Hitomi.
"You're going to have to catch me lil' catgirl!" Hitomi yelled over her shoulder in amusement.
Hitomi ran up to the high balcony and ran straight up behind Van and knocked them both over. They both laughed as Merle ran up and saw them lying on the floor together, side by side. It wasn't just that they had fallen down, it was also the look on Merle's face when she saw them there. The look was pure jealousy and hate of Hitomi.
Then Van and Hitomi stood again. Van and the other's looked at her, all were there but Allen.
"There's something we have to tell you," Millerna said, looking down at the stone floor, "and I don't think you're going to like it."
"What?" Hitomi asked.
Van looked at Hitomi. "We know why Allen is being such a jerk right now."
"Why?" Hitomi replied.
"He's jealous of you and Van being together!" Celena blurted out.
Hitomi gasped. "I-it... can't be."
TO BE CONTINUED...
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Episode #5
Broken Strings Of Friendship
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Standing tall and proud on the Astorian castle's balcony, Van was staring up at the sky. He quietly thought to himself about Hitomi. He remembered how Hitomi had grabbed the only thing that had reminded him of where his heart lay for all that long separation. Now, his heart was breaking all over again. But this time, it was worse. He had her physically, but her mind belonged to someone else. He swore to himself then and there that he would find the man who took Hitomi's mind away from him and make him pay!
Celena's familiar voice arose and called him from his thoughts with its mysterious power of persuasion. "Van?"
He did not turn, only replied a small, "Yes."
"Millerna and Dryden told me to come and get you for the evening meal," Celena explained sheepishly.
"Please tell them that I will not be joining them tonight," Van replied. Then he thought. 'How could I eat? My soul food has been stolen from me...'
Van looked up at the sky again. He nodded his head silently. He would retrieve Hitomi, alone. He was not going to put his neighbouring countries or their rulers in any more danger just for his personal feelings towards another.
He gently pulled up his sword from its hilt a little with his thumb to make sure it was easy to get from its sheath. He took one look at the sky again, then decided to leave early at dawn, when the others were asleep. There would be no followers this time...
* * * * *
Hitomi sat on the edge of the Souverande's observation deck, staring down at the Astorian capital. She wondered whether it was true that she had given the second pendant away to Van. She didn't even remember having the second pendant let alone giving it away. It was most likely one of the enemies' tricks to confuse her, trying to make fantasy reality to her so they could sway her to their side.
She heard a noise from behind her and she turned, quickly asking a sharp, "Who's there?"
A man appeared from the shadows. His bright hazel eyes reflected only on her. His golden brown hair covered most of his face as it swayed to one side, much like Van's hair. And his gaze was enough to terrify the bravest and proudest man or beast. He did not speak. Only stared at her.
"Who are you!?" Hitomi demanded again. This time annoyance sounded in her voice.
"I am Tyreal, and you are Hitomi Kanzaki," the man replied.
"I was," Hitomi said, "but now I'm Ice Princess."
"No, you still are Hitomi. Search your heart. Remember your friends," at that, a bright light appeared all around. Hitomi clasped her head again in pain. Visions of love, warmth, and kindness flooded through her being.
"W-what are you doing to me?!" she yelled.
"Giving you back the memories," Tyreal replied softly.
"NO!" Hitomi cried as she fell to her knees. The visions were too much. They were all flooding back at once. To many feelings were washing over her: joy, fear, sadness, regret, hope, hopelessness.
"T-too fast!" Hitomi cried in pain.
"I know...," Tyreal said, kneeling before her and placing his hands on her shoulders. "I know it hurts. Let the tears come, to wash away the pain. You've hidden them far too long."
Hitomi leaned against him. He stroked her hair as she wept uncontrollably. The pain was growing and each second brought forth a new pain — a new memory. She couldn't stand it anymore. She screamed a long, agonizing scream, and then all went quiet. The pain she had felt was completely gone. All that was left was Tyreal. She looked up at him.
"V-Van... Millerna... Dryden... Merle... Celena... Allen... T-they really were my friends after all."
"Yes," Tyreal replied, "and they always will be."
"B-but how am I going to get back to them? I don't even know where I am," Hitomi sobbed miserably.
She saw Tyreal stand for a minute. He said a few words that she did not catch, and a bright light enveloped her. When her vision cleared, she found herself in the palace courtyard.
She saw Van on the palace's balcony. He was staring at the stars sadly. She called up to him and waved her hand. He looked down and a smile immediately ran from ear to ear along his face. A minute later, he bounded up to her, picked her up by the waist, and spun her around so many times that she felt like she was going to be sick.
In the back of Hitomi's mind, she heard Tyreal's voice calling a last plea.
'Don't let the Prince take you again. And remember, all the actions that you chose to do have a significant impact on the futures of Gaea and Earth.'
'Could he be the Angel—?! No, he couldn't be!' Hitomi thought. 'Could he...?'
Hitomi shook her head slightly as Celena, Allen, Millerna, Dryden, and Merle came running up to the couple. They all gave sighs of relief that she was all right. All but Allen.
"It's a good thing you weren't hurt!" Millerna said gratefully.
"Wouldn't that have solved the problem of the Prince's plans?" Allen asked. All stared at him angrily.
"Are you saying that it would have been good if Hitomi had been killed!?" Celena yelled at Allen, "If you are then I'll—!"
"How could you be so insensitive, Allen!?" Van said angrily.
"I mean, it would solve the problem—!" Allen began, but Millerna jumped in.
"Allen, what is the matter with you?! Wishing that one of your friends was dead? Unforgivable!"
Hitomi stood there. Her eyes were on the brink of tears. She looked at Allen and all of them stopped fighting to hear what she had to say.
"Well," Hitomi started, a lump half choked her throat, "if you didn't want me around Allen, why didn't you just say so!?" As the last word fell, Hitomi pushed away from Van's gentle embrace and ran into the palace as fast as her legs could go.
"Allen!" Van yelled furiously. "How could you?!"
Van ran after Hitomi and caught up to her. She had tripped on the rug and fallen on her face. He helped her up off the floor. Her eyes looked like a delicate glass and he knew that they were about to shatter. He tried to prevent it from occurring, but it happened anyway. Her mouth let out soft whimpers and the tears were pouring like heavy rain. She tilted her head up at him, those glass eyes staring into his very soul. He quivered. Every time she looked at him he felt like melting.
"Oh, Van!" Hitomi said regretfully. "I never should have come back!"
"What are you saying?" Van said softly.
"I've caused so much pain to you and the others already and now...! Now, I've come back and I'm causing even more pain...!" Hitomi let another whimper pass through her lips.
"That's not true," Van replied. "You've brought us the greatest joy possible... the joy of having you back."
"It seems Allen doesn't think so," Hitomi said. "He doesn't seem to care whether I stay or leave."
"Oh, Hitomi...," Van muttered. "I care. I do." He spoke so quietly that Hitomi did not catch what he had said.
"I'm sorry, Van," Hitomi said, releasing a smile. "I'd like to be alone for a while."
Van walked away a few feet, looked back over his shoulder and said, "You come and talk to me if you need anything."
Hitomi nodded as he began to walk away again, then she said, "Thank you, Van. For trying to cheer me up."
Van looked back at her, his eyes twinkled with many different emotions. Then, he left her to her thoughts.
She sat down on a decorative armchair in the hallway. The soft cushions felt comforting underneath her sore limbs. She needed to sleep. She knew it and she couldn't wave it off any longer. She settled down in the chair and drifted off into her own happy sleep world.
* * * * *
"This is unacceptable!" yelled Dalvus. "How could you have let Hitomi Kanzaki get away!? Are you trying to ruin me!?"
"Please forgive me, my lord," replied Versis.
Dalvus Gailith: one of the most fierce commanders in the endless netherworld army. Though Dalvus was a human and still living, he served the prince by choice. He proved to be very valuable to the prince: his heart was black, and even blacker were his intentions. He cared nothing for life, and it was his personal mission to destroy as much of the overrated illusion as possible during his time.
Versis Tri, one of Dalvus's personal soldiers, had served Dalvus for most of his adult life. If he were to be compared with the old group of Dragon Slayers who had served Dilandau Albatou in the Destiny Wars a year ago, Versis would be most like Gatti. Versis never wanted to join the prince's army, but his father (who was a soldier himself and wished to live a second glory through his son) had forced Versis into the position. That action started an eternal hate that burned in Versis against his father, and this hate had made him fit for the prince.
Versis had been in charge of watching Hitomi when they had taken her, but he had failed to do that for a half hour, and she had disappeared. Now, Versis was facing Dalvus. It was a given that he would be beaten badly for his mistake.
Dalvus sighed deeply. "You are worthless! Can you do nothing right!?"
"I'm sorry, sir," Versis muttered without emotion in his voice.
"I can't stand a man who's stands up against me," Dalvus clenched his fist and in an instant Versis was on the ground, a small stream of crimson blood trickling down the right side of his lip and chin.
Versis stood again, making not even a whimper at the blow his lord had just sent down upon him. Indeed, Versis had felt many of these blows before by his lord. By now, he was used to getting them at least once a day. But, no matter how hard Dalvus struck, Versis took it well. He didn't cry or whimper or even look sad afterwards. He just took the knocks and let it rest at that.
"Get out of my sight, before I skin you alive!" Dalvus shouted. Bending down to sit in the chair he was in before Versis had brought the news of Hitomi's disappearance.
"Sir," Versis turned and left the room swiftly.
* * * * *
A voice broke the silence of a deep dreamworld Hitomi had entered. It called her and in a few minutes, she felt someone shaking her by the shoulders.
"Hitomi... Hitomi... .Hitomi...! Hitomi!"
"Hmmmmm...," Hitomi replied sleepily.
"Wake up! Lord Van wants to see you!"
"Hmmmm... Oh! Merle!" Hitomi said, rubbing her eyes.
"Yes, it's Merle. Who else would shake you?" Merle said.
Hitomi stood up and stretched her limbs. Sleeping in the armchair was more uncomfortable than it looked with its velvet cushions. Merle followed her along the hallway in a frenzy. She did not want Hitomi and Van to go somewhere alone together if she could help it.
"He's on the balcony with Millerna and the others," Merle said.
"Oh, thanks," Hitomi said and she ran away from Merle.
"Hey! Wait up!" Merle yelled as she took off after Hitomi.
"You're going to have to catch me lil' catgirl!" Hitomi yelled over her shoulder in amusement.
Hitomi ran up to the high balcony and ran straight up behind Van and knocked them both over. They both laughed as Merle ran up and saw them lying on the floor together, side by side. It wasn't just that they had fallen down, it was also the look on Merle's face when she saw them there. The look was pure jealousy and hate of Hitomi.
Then Van and Hitomi stood again. Van and the other's looked at her, all were there but Allen.
"There's something we have to tell you," Millerna said, looking down at the stone floor, "and I don't think you're going to like it."
"What?" Hitomi asked.
Van looked at Hitomi. "We know why Allen is being such a jerk right now."
"Why?" Hitomi replied.
"He's jealous of you and Van being together!" Celena blurted out.
Hitomi gasped. "I-it... can't be."
TO BE CONTINUED...