Date. 03.04.2002
Time. 6.30 pm
Music. Vast "I'm Dying"
Chapter 2
Copyright. I do not own the Vision of Escaflowne or any of its characters. Blah.
Author's Notes. I am a little saddened by lack of response to the first chapter I put out a couple days ago. Should I stop now? Let Rota Fortunae stand by itself? The last one was more of a prologue than a true chapter so this one will definitely be longer. Those two kids at the beginning won't be in the story at all, they just introduced the scene. MY GOD! I need to get the American release poster of the movie. Its gorgeous. I need it hanging on my wall. To add to my collection. BTW, for those of you that were unhappy with no V/H last chapter, both return in this one to appease you. Thanks.
The Vision of Escaflowne. Parvulus de Crepuscid
Chapter 2. Sweet Child of Mine
* * *
5 colors/months later…
The ancient one opened a weary eyelid, the first time after centuries of dormancy. Something had called to him within his mind, waking him from his slumber. Could it be that it was his time to move on? That his purpose was fulfilled?
He stood slowly, still a little unsure about his stability. It had been so long since he had used his muscles that they were shaky under his weight. He tried to focus his eyes to become used to the darkness in the temple room. Even with his sharp sight, he still had trouble focusing. He still recognized the area that he was in, the same that he had slept in for countless years now. He stretched and yawned loudly, the sound echoing in the walls.
my dear friend… i am so sorry to wake you…
His head perked up quickly as soon as he heard her voice in the silence. *My old friend!* he replied joyously. *It has been too long!*
yes, it has… far too long…
*What is this world like? I would like to see the sun before I go*
you will see the sun once more… but the world has changed much, my friend… the woman's voice spoke into his mind, her tone sounding somewhat saddened. the people no longer have the appreciation for the land they live on… fewer and fewer each day… there is war and greed and hatred among the hearts of man and beast-man alike…
He was puzzled. *But what of the Child?* he asked cautiously. *Is it time or not? Do thee mean that there is no more hope?*
The woman let out a ringing laugh. no, no… the child lives… and there is hope left… i just don't know how this is all going to work… this child… she has some sort of quality about her… she is clouded from my sight…
He cocked his head. *Does she know of her purpose?*
She snorted in reply. she doesn't even know what she is… what power flows within her… her mother knows a little, from what i have told her… but even the lady of atlantis can't feel her own daughter…
*Am I needed just yet?*
i am sorry, my friend… but you were awakened a wee bit earlier than your time… but she will come to you… i know of that… within a week or so… and at that point, you will explain to her…
*I have been alive for thousands of years. A week more will be nothing*
but you do know what this means for you, correct?
He sighed. *I have been waiting for this time ever since I was told of my connection with this child. Ever since the Great Armor was created so long ago. I am prepared and welcome it.*
sleep a little while longer, my friend… i will see you soon… with the child…
*What is this Child like?*
The woman's voice laughed again, this time, much louder. she is a stubborn one… just like her father… but she has her mother's heart and strength… she belongs in the wild… the creatures flock to her… but she has never seen one of your kind… so be cautious about her and don't frighten her…
*And I suppose she will not see another one besides me?*
no, my friend… you are the last…
*I see* he said sadly. The last of his kind… *But this is all for the sake of Gaea. Whatever is necessary*
sleep longer… soon you may sleep forever… With that, the voice left his mind, leaving him alone in his thoughts.
I shall welcome that, too… he thought as he lowered his head upon the hard ground. His eyelid slowly covered his golden eyes, allowing him the darkness he desired.
The Child… he thought as he drifted off to sleep once more. What is she like?
Soon, the great red dragon was asleep, awaiting for his time to come, so that he could fulfill his purpose.
* * *
Her eyes flew open in a daze. Something had woken her from her nap, though she was not quite sure on exactly what. A tingling sensation almost, racing through her thoughts. What was that? Was it some sort of odd dream? Or maybe it was something else…
Her long tumbles of dark hair blew gently across her skin. She brushed the locks away and gazed heavenwards, managing to see the noonday sun peaking between the tree leaves. Birds chirped gleefully as they flew across the sky, their fragile wings beating in a steady rhythm. To fly… to have that kind of freedom…
She sat up from her makeshift bed underneath the old gnarled trunk. Its roots cradled her gently as she napped. A large gray furry face rested on her thigh, his large eyes shut tight in slumber. She scratched her wolf's head, just behind the ears where he liked it. Her faithful companion for two years now.
A sudden splash in the water turned her attention from the sky to the lake before her. Her fishing line jerked slightly, causing small ripples in the still water.
"Lupin," she whispered. "Let me up!"
The wolf lifted his head obediently. She eagerly jumped to her feet and raced to wear she had tied the line to one of the above-ground roots. Her bare feet slipped a little in the muddy banks as she grabbed the thin string. She pulled with all her might, but the line would not budge. A strong fish, she thought.
"Darmen!" she shouted back to the tree. "Help me!"
A bright orange head poked itself out of the branches. "Why?" he asked innocently.
"Just do it! This one is huge!" her raven dark hair fell from her loose knot.
"You woke me up, Sellie," he yawned. "What do I get?"
"You can have the fish, Darmen!" she said, laughing loudly. "Just *help* me!"
"Right-o, Your Highness!" His head disappeared back into the leaves, and within a second, a young cat-boy climbed down the tree's trunk with ease. His tan breeches match the same color of his fur, with freckle-like spots covering him. He grabbed the line next to her and pulled with her.
"Gods, Sellie!" he panted. "What did you catch… a water-dragon or something?"
"Shut up and help me pull…" she growled in reply.
She slipped even more in the mud, the hems of her khaki breeches staining in the dark sludge. With one more final pull, they manage to bring forth the mighty fish from the lake.
Or rather… the mighty stick.
Darmen howled with laughter. He fell to the ground, rolling around in the grassy area just above the mucky bank. Sellie stared in amazement at her opponent. A mere stick.
"That is the greatest thing I've seen in a looooong time!" he managed to croak out between his fits. "Even better than when my brother landed in the pile of manure! No, no… this tops them all!"
Sellie glared at him. "Must I remind you of the time that *you* were the one that caused that stampede out in the cattle pasture, making them break down the fence and running into the city?"
Darmen's laughing subsided until it was soft giggles.
"That's better," she grinned back at him. "Besides, I'm two years older than you are."
He looked at her with large brown eyes. "What does that have to do with anything?" he asked.
"It means that I can still do this!" With those words, she leapt towards the cat-boy and pinned him to the ground, tickling his sides.
"Please… no… stop! Sellie!" he shouted in his laughter.
She grinned at him again, her green eyes sparkling devilishly.
"Ha!" She crawled off of him, allowing him to sit up.
"Don't you have your lessons this afternoon?" he asked, wiping away his tears.
Her mind panicked. Noon. Lessons in a half-hour. Crap.
She picked up her satchel and slipped on her sandals. "I'll see you later, Darmen!" she shouted over her shoulder. The cat-boy started laughing once more and waved.
She untied her horse's reins and mounted him with a single swing of her body. She dug her heals into his silvery side, urging him forward.
"Lupin! Let's go!" she called back to her friend. The young wolf leapt to his feet and followed her horse, his tongue sticking out as he ran.
Her steed was fast, but she would still arrive late. He galloped through the forest path, then burst out of the brush to the open road. His hooves hit the hard ground with a rhythmic pounding. She soon flowed with his stride, making the ride more enjoyable.
A loud machine sound broke through the stillness of the spring day. She broke out of her merge with the horse and looked up. The large leviship floated above her, its motors resonating and its sails unfurled. Many ships come and go to Fanelia, but she recognized this one instantly.
The Crusade.
Her father was coming home.
* * *
The sweet smell of spring blossoms filled her nose as she took a deep breath. Her heart pounded steadily within her breast after her long daily run. She found it extremely important to stay in shape at her age, so she devoted herself to exercise everyday. Her course was the same each time. Beginning with the warm up stretches she had learned years ago from her high school track coach, she loosened her muscles so that she would not cramp up. She then would start out in the back of the palace, jog alongside the perimeter of the courtyard twice, pick up her knees climbing up the hill in the shaded tunnel of trees to the monuments of the past kings, and wind up back where she had started with a full sprint.
She bent down and touched her toes, also managing to look at her old running shoes, one of the only items she brought with her when she arrived at Gaea unexpectedly 13 years ago. They had grown so worn that she took them down to the cobbler's on numerous occasions. The man had never seen such a pair of shoes and offered his services to her wholeheartedly. She could see where they had been patched up several times.
Her running clothes had long been worn out by too many washings. She settled for a simple lightweight shirt and cut the leg parts off of pants. They managed well, though she would rather have the windbreaker material. She didn't like how these clung to her after her workout due to the sweat. Luckily, she still wore her hair short, so it would stay off her neck.
"My Lady!" she heard someone call her from behind.
Hitomi quickly stood up and whirled around. "Yes?" she replied politely as she took a deep breath.
A young boy, no older than 17 years of age rushed towards her, bowing at the waist before he stood up. He was obviously nervous, having never addressed the Queen face-to-face before.
"My… Your Highness… I mean…" he stammered.
Hitomi raised her hand to stop him. "It's alright…" she said. " 'Hitomi' will do just fine."
"Okay…" he said cautiously. "My Lady Hitomi… there's a man here requesting to have an audience with you as soon as possible."
"Man?" she asked as she stretched her arms to the sky. "Does this man have a name?"
"Taen, My Lady Hitomi…" the messenger replied.
"Thank you, Sir Rouen," she nodded her head, then hurried inside to the palace.
"He's in the throne room, My Lady!" he called after her.
* * *
Hitomi recognized the man as soon as she entered the room. Short and a little overweight, he stood in the middle of the great room, nervous and uncomfortable. He fumbled around with his cap, his graying hair touching his shoulders in dirty curls.
"I'm sorry, my friend," she said as she entered the room. "I beg your forgiveness that I did not change after my run. I found that this was more important than my appearance."
Taen gave her an awkward bow. "No.. no, My Lady," he stuttered. "I'm grateful that you were able to see me so soon."
"When Rouen told me your name, I knew what this was about," she said, walking over to her seat.
"It happened again last night," he began. "This horrible fever and then this morning, she coughed up blood. I went to every Healer I could find in the city, but none of them knew what was wrong."
"Taen, you know you could have come here first," Hitomi said. "Your daughter is worth it to wake us up in the middle of the night. I do not mind it, really." She looked over at one of the guards posted at the front entrance. "Would you be kind enough to find me Kayla?"
The guard hit his chest with a fist. "Aye, My Lady," he said in a monotone, then left the room.
"Kayla is the palace's own private Healer, Taen," she turned her attention back to the elderly man. "I'm sending her down with you to diagnose what is wrong with your daughter and she can help find the cure."
Taen's eyes watered a bit. "She is all that is left in my life," he said, a little choked up. "You are wonderful, My Lady." He turned around and hobbled out of the room, joining Kayla, who had just entered.
Hitomi looked after the two as they left her alone in the room and sighed. The poor girl. She hoped that this could help her out. She felt that there was more that she should do.
good job, love… a familiar voice entered her mind.
Hitomi snorted loudly as she collapsed in the throne. how many times have i told you… don't peak in on me!
He chuckled in her mind in reply.
so where are you? i thought you would still be in cassia for another week… she asked.
look out the window, love…
Her heart jumped as soon as those words sounded in her thoughts. She leapt from her seat and ran over to one of the large windows overlooking the massive courtyard.
There he was, standing in the middle of the open area, his body showing obvious signs of lack of sleep. His eyes were weary, his hair hung limply, and he looked rather uncomfortable. But none of that mattered to her. He was back home.
She raced out of the throne room and flew down the steps to the court. He met her at the base, where she leapt into his arms, locking her long legs around behind his back. He encircled her own waist and hugged her back.
"Oof!" Van gasped in reply, but gladly accepted her affections. "You missed me, huh?"
Hitomi snaked her arms around his neck. "That's it," she said, her lips pouting. "You're *not* leaving me again… do you hear me?"
"I'm sorry! It's not my fault that I have to be present in Cassia for a treaty!"
She raised her eyebrow and looked at him with no hint of belief in her expression. He glanced away. "All right! All right! So it is in Fanelia's best interest that we are allies with Cassia." His forehead touched hers as he returned the stare into her own eyes. "But I was thinking about you the entire time."
Hitomi smirked. "Trying to sweet talk your way out of this, aren't you?"
Someone cleared their throat too loudly, making the two break from their union. Hitomi sighed, gave him a quick kiss, and hopped down from his arms.
"Hello, Palos," Van said with a slight hint of disappointment in his voice. His hand sought for Hitomi's, needing just to feel her next to him. "Later tonight, alright?" he whispered into her ear. She nodded.
"Welcome back, Sire," the elderly man replied cheerfully, arranging his Royal Advisor's robes. "There are some documents you need to sign in your study." He followed the two young "I trust that all has gone well with Cassia?"
Van held Hitomi closer to him as they continued up the steps. "Uh… it could have gone better than expected. I didn't want it to take a couple of weeks like it has."
"But you weren't due back until next week," Hitomi pointed out. "Now, I'm serious. What are you doing here so soon?"
"The King of Cassia let us take a short break between meetings so that we could go get our families," he replied.
"Families? For what?"
"It's his birthday in a few days… and since he's taken a liking to all his new comrades, he's invited us to his celebration. He asked specifically for me to bring you and Sellie back with me." He looked around. "And speaking of families, where is that demon we call a daughter?"
"She's *supposed* to be in her lessons at the moment, My Lord," Palos spoke up rather quickly. "But apparently, she found it much more amusing to skip her teachings and running out and about the countryside."
Sounds familiar… Van mused. I did it all the time with Folken and Merle. He looked over at his wife. "Do you know where she is?" he asked. "You know…" he looked down and fingered the pink pendant that sat on her chest.
She closed her eyes for a moment and clenched the stone, her brow furrowed in frustration. "I can't See her," she sighed. "It's almost as if she's in a fog. I never know where that girl is. We need to talk to her about this."
"It'll be alright, love," Van said as he looked at her and gave her a kiss on the cheek. "I'm going to the study now and sign those papers," he said. "Allen, Celena, and the crew are still on board the Crusade if you want to go greet them. They're staying until we go back to Cassia in a few days."
Hitomi nodded. "I'll make sure that someone helps them find rooms, but I really need to soak for awhile. I got sore from that last run." She turned to Palos. "Please tell me when Sellie gets in."
"She'll come back soon enough, My Lady… don't worry…" he muttered. "She has to eat sometime."
To be continued…
* * *
Sorry it took so long. I'm in the process of art finals right now and they're going to kill me. Please please PLEASE let me know what you think. Should I just stop now? PLEASE let me know. This chapter was originally going to be twice as long because I couldn't find a good stopping point, but this one will just have to do. This one is going to be pretty long, methinks. Longer than RF. So it's gonna be awhile. Next chapter, I'll get up maybe a week from Friday because that's when my spring break is. I'm going to Chicago… and I'm going to freeze.
Chapter title comes from Guns and Roses' song "Sweet Child of Mine" (uh… yeah…) Sheryl Crow did a cover of it for Big Daddy, I believe.
Time. 6.30 pm
Music. Vast "I'm Dying"
Chapter 2
Copyright. I do not own the Vision of Escaflowne or any of its characters. Blah.
Author's Notes. I am a little saddened by lack of response to the first chapter I put out a couple days ago. Should I stop now? Let Rota Fortunae stand by itself? The last one was more of a prologue than a true chapter so this one will definitely be longer. Those two kids at the beginning won't be in the story at all, they just introduced the scene. MY GOD! I need to get the American release poster of the movie. Its gorgeous. I need it hanging on my wall. To add to my collection. BTW, for those of you that were unhappy with no V/H last chapter, both return in this one to appease you. Thanks.
The Vision of Escaflowne. Parvulus de Crepuscid
Chapter 2. Sweet Child of Mine
* * *
5 colors/months later…
The ancient one opened a weary eyelid, the first time after centuries of dormancy. Something had called to him within his mind, waking him from his slumber. Could it be that it was his time to move on? That his purpose was fulfilled?
He stood slowly, still a little unsure about his stability. It had been so long since he had used his muscles that they were shaky under his weight. He tried to focus his eyes to become used to the darkness in the temple room. Even with his sharp sight, he still had trouble focusing. He still recognized the area that he was in, the same that he had slept in for countless years now. He stretched and yawned loudly, the sound echoing in the walls.
my dear friend… i am so sorry to wake you…
His head perked up quickly as soon as he heard her voice in the silence. *My old friend!* he replied joyously. *It has been too long!*
yes, it has… far too long…
*What is this world like? I would like to see the sun before I go*
you will see the sun once more… but the world has changed much, my friend… the woman's voice spoke into his mind, her tone sounding somewhat saddened. the people no longer have the appreciation for the land they live on… fewer and fewer each day… there is war and greed and hatred among the hearts of man and beast-man alike…
He was puzzled. *But what of the Child?* he asked cautiously. *Is it time or not? Do thee mean that there is no more hope?*
The woman let out a ringing laugh. no, no… the child lives… and there is hope left… i just don't know how this is all going to work… this child… she has some sort of quality about her… she is clouded from my sight…
He cocked his head. *Does she know of her purpose?*
She snorted in reply. she doesn't even know what she is… what power flows within her… her mother knows a little, from what i have told her… but even the lady of atlantis can't feel her own daughter…
*Am I needed just yet?*
i am sorry, my friend… but you were awakened a wee bit earlier than your time… but she will come to you… i know of that… within a week or so… and at that point, you will explain to her…
*I have been alive for thousands of years. A week more will be nothing*
but you do know what this means for you, correct?
He sighed. *I have been waiting for this time ever since I was told of my connection with this child. Ever since the Great Armor was created so long ago. I am prepared and welcome it.*
sleep a little while longer, my friend… i will see you soon… with the child…
*What is this Child like?*
The woman's voice laughed again, this time, much louder. she is a stubborn one… just like her father… but she has her mother's heart and strength… she belongs in the wild… the creatures flock to her… but she has never seen one of your kind… so be cautious about her and don't frighten her…
*And I suppose she will not see another one besides me?*
no, my friend… you are the last…
*I see* he said sadly. The last of his kind… *But this is all for the sake of Gaea. Whatever is necessary*
sleep longer… soon you may sleep forever… With that, the voice left his mind, leaving him alone in his thoughts.
I shall welcome that, too… he thought as he lowered his head upon the hard ground. His eyelid slowly covered his golden eyes, allowing him the darkness he desired.
The Child… he thought as he drifted off to sleep once more. What is she like?
Soon, the great red dragon was asleep, awaiting for his time to come, so that he could fulfill his purpose.
* * *
Her eyes flew open in a daze. Something had woken her from her nap, though she was not quite sure on exactly what. A tingling sensation almost, racing through her thoughts. What was that? Was it some sort of odd dream? Or maybe it was something else…
Her long tumbles of dark hair blew gently across her skin. She brushed the locks away and gazed heavenwards, managing to see the noonday sun peaking between the tree leaves. Birds chirped gleefully as they flew across the sky, their fragile wings beating in a steady rhythm. To fly… to have that kind of freedom…
She sat up from her makeshift bed underneath the old gnarled trunk. Its roots cradled her gently as she napped. A large gray furry face rested on her thigh, his large eyes shut tight in slumber. She scratched her wolf's head, just behind the ears where he liked it. Her faithful companion for two years now.
A sudden splash in the water turned her attention from the sky to the lake before her. Her fishing line jerked slightly, causing small ripples in the still water.
"Lupin," she whispered. "Let me up!"
The wolf lifted his head obediently. She eagerly jumped to her feet and raced to wear she had tied the line to one of the above-ground roots. Her bare feet slipped a little in the muddy banks as she grabbed the thin string. She pulled with all her might, but the line would not budge. A strong fish, she thought.
"Darmen!" she shouted back to the tree. "Help me!"
A bright orange head poked itself out of the branches. "Why?" he asked innocently.
"Just do it! This one is huge!" her raven dark hair fell from her loose knot.
"You woke me up, Sellie," he yawned. "What do I get?"
"You can have the fish, Darmen!" she said, laughing loudly. "Just *help* me!"
"Right-o, Your Highness!" His head disappeared back into the leaves, and within a second, a young cat-boy climbed down the tree's trunk with ease. His tan breeches match the same color of his fur, with freckle-like spots covering him. He grabbed the line next to her and pulled with her.
"Gods, Sellie!" he panted. "What did you catch… a water-dragon or something?"
"Shut up and help me pull…" she growled in reply.
She slipped even more in the mud, the hems of her khaki breeches staining in the dark sludge. With one more final pull, they manage to bring forth the mighty fish from the lake.
Or rather… the mighty stick.
Darmen howled with laughter. He fell to the ground, rolling around in the grassy area just above the mucky bank. Sellie stared in amazement at her opponent. A mere stick.
"That is the greatest thing I've seen in a looooong time!" he managed to croak out between his fits. "Even better than when my brother landed in the pile of manure! No, no… this tops them all!"
Sellie glared at him. "Must I remind you of the time that *you* were the one that caused that stampede out in the cattle pasture, making them break down the fence and running into the city?"
Darmen's laughing subsided until it was soft giggles.
"That's better," she grinned back at him. "Besides, I'm two years older than you are."
He looked at her with large brown eyes. "What does that have to do with anything?" he asked.
"It means that I can still do this!" With those words, she leapt towards the cat-boy and pinned him to the ground, tickling his sides.
"Please… no… stop! Sellie!" he shouted in his laughter.
She grinned at him again, her green eyes sparkling devilishly.
"Ha!" She crawled off of him, allowing him to sit up.
"Don't you have your lessons this afternoon?" he asked, wiping away his tears.
Her mind panicked. Noon. Lessons in a half-hour. Crap.
She picked up her satchel and slipped on her sandals. "I'll see you later, Darmen!" she shouted over her shoulder. The cat-boy started laughing once more and waved.
She untied her horse's reins and mounted him with a single swing of her body. She dug her heals into his silvery side, urging him forward.
"Lupin! Let's go!" she called back to her friend. The young wolf leapt to his feet and followed her horse, his tongue sticking out as he ran.
Her steed was fast, but she would still arrive late. He galloped through the forest path, then burst out of the brush to the open road. His hooves hit the hard ground with a rhythmic pounding. She soon flowed with his stride, making the ride more enjoyable.
A loud machine sound broke through the stillness of the spring day. She broke out of her merge with the horse and looked up. The large leviship floated above her, its motors resonating and its sails unfurled. Many ships come and go to Fanelia, but she recognized this one instantly.
The Crusade.
Her father was coming home.
* * *
The sweet smell of spring blossoms filled her nose as she took a deep breath. Her heart pounded steadily within her breast after her long daily run. She found it extremely important to stay in shape at her age, so she devoted herself to exercise everyday. Her course was the same each time. Beginning with the warm up stretches she had learned years ago from her high school track coach, she loosened her muscles so that she would not cramp up. She then would start out in the back of the palace, jog alongside the perimeter of the courtyard twice, pick up her knees climbing up the hill in the shaded tunnel of trees to the monuments of the past kings, and wind up back where she had started with a full sprint.
She bent down and touched her toes, also managing to look at her old running shoes, one of the only items she brought with her when she arrived at Gaea unexpectedly 13 years ago. They had grown so worn that she took them down to the cobbler's on numerous occasions. The man had never seen such a pair of shoes and offered his services to her wholeheartedly. She could see where they had been patched up several times.
Her running clothes had long been worn out by too many washings. She settled for a simple lightweight shirt and cut the leg parts off of pants. They managed well, though she would rather have the windbreaker material. She didn't like how these clung to her after her workout due to the sweat. Luckily, she still wore her hair short, so it would stay off her neck.
"My Lady!" she heard someone call her from behind.
Hitomi quickly stood up and whirled around. "Yes?" she replied politely as she took a deep breath.
A young boy, no older than 17 years of age rushed towards her, bowing at the waist before he stood up. He was obviously nervous, having never addressed the Queen face-to-face before.
"My… Your Highness… I mean…" he stammered.
Hitomi raised her hand to stop him. "It's alright…" she said. " 'Hitomi' will do just fine."
"Okay…" he said cautiously. "My Lady Hitomi… there's a man here requesting to have an audience with you as soon as possible."
"Man?" she asked as she stretched her arms to the sky. "Does this man have a name?"
"Taen, My Lady Hitomi…" the messenger replied.
"Thank you, Sir Rouen," she nodded her head, then hurried inside to the palace.
"He's in the throne room, My Lady!" he called after her.
* * *
Hitomi recognized the man as soon as she entered the room. Short and a little overweight, he stood in the middle of the great room, nervous and uncomfortable. He fumbled around with his cap, his graying hair touching his shoulders in dirty curls.
"I'm sorry, my friend," she said as she entered the room. "I beg your forgiveness that I did not change after my run. I found that this was more important than my appearance."
Taen gave her an awkward bow. "No.. no, My Lady," he stuttered. "I'm grateful that you were able to see me so soon."
"When Rouen told me your name, I knew what this was about," she said, walking over to her seat.
"It happened again last night," he began. "This horrible fever and then this morning, she coughed up blood. I went to every Healer I could find in the city, but none of them knew what was wrong."
"Taen, you know you could have come here first," Hitomi said. "Your daughter is worth it to wake us up in the middle of the night. I do not mind it, really." She looked over at one of the guards posted at the front entrance. "Would you be kind enough to find me Kayla?"
The guard hit his chest with a fist. "Aye, My Lady," he said in a monotone, then left the room.
"Kayla is the palace's own private Healer, Taen," she turned her attention back to the elderly man. "I'm sending her down with you to diagnose what is wrong with your daughter and she can help find the cure."
Taen's eyes watered a bit. "She is all that is left in my life," he said, a little choked up. "You are wonderful, My Lady." He turned around and hobbled out of the room, joining Kayla, who had just entered.
Hitomi looked after the two as they left her alone in the room and sighed. The poor girl. She hoped that this could help her out. She felt that there was more that she should do.
good job, love… a familiar voice entered her mind.
Hitomi snorted loudly as she collapsed in the throne. how many times have i told you… don't peak in on me!
He chuckled in her mind in reply.
so where are you? i thought you would still be in cassia for another week… she asked.
look out the window, love…
Her heart jumped as soon as those words sounded in her thoughts. She leapt from her seat and ran over to one of the large windows overlooking the massive courtyard.
There he was, standing in the middle of the open area, his body showing obvious signs of lack of sleep. His eyes were weary, his hair hung limply, and he looked rather uncomfortable. But none of that mattered to her. He was back home.
She raced out of the throne room and flew down the steps to the court. He met her at the base, where she leapt into his arms, locking her long legs around behind his back. He encircled her own waist and hugged her back.
"Oof!" Van gasped in reply, but gladly accepted her affections. "You missed me, huh?"
Hitomi snaked her arms around his neck. "That's it," she said, her lips pouting. "You're *not* leaving me again… do you hear me?"
"I'm sorry! It's not my fault that I have to be present in Cassia for a treaty!"
She raised her eyebrow and looked at him with no hint of belief in her expression. He glanced away. "All right! All right! So it is in Fanelia's best interest that we are allies with Cassia." His forehead touched hers as he returned the stare into her own eyes. "But I was thinking about you the entire time."
Hitomi smirked. "Trying to sweet talk your way out of this, aren't you?"
Someone cleared their throat too loudly, making the two break from their union. Hitomi sighed, gave him a quick kiss, and hopped down from his arms.
"Hello, Palos," Van said with a slight hint of disappointment in his voice. His hand sought for Hitomi's, needing just to feel her next to him. "Later tonight, alright?" he whispered into her ear. She nodded.
"Welcome back, Sire," the elderly man replied cheerfully, arranging his Royal Advisor's robes. "There are some documents you need to sign in your study." He followed the two young "I trust that all has gone well with Cassia?"
Van held Hitomi closer to him as they continued up the steps. "Uh… it could have gone better than expected. I didn't want it to take a couple of weeks like it has."
"But you weren't due back until next week," Hitomi pointed out. "Now, I'm serious. What are you doing here so soon?"
"The King of Cassia let us take a short break between meetings so that we could go get our families," he replied.
"Families? For what?"
"It's his birthday in a few days… and since he's taken a liking to all his new comrades, he's invited us to his celebration. He asked specifically for me to bring you and Sellie back with me." He looked around. "And speaking of families, where is that demon we call a daughter?"
"She's *supposed* to be in her lessons at the moment, My Lord," Palos spoke up rather quickly. "But apparently, she found it much more amusing to skip her teachings and running out and about the countryside."
Sounds familiar… Van mused. I did it all the time with Folken and Merle. He looked over at his wife. "Do you know where she is?" he asked. "You know…" he looked down and fingered the pink pendant that sat on her chest.
She closed her eyes for a moment and clenched the stone, her brow furrowed in frustration. "I can't See her," she sighed. "It's almost as if she's in a fog. I never know where that girl is. We need to talk to her about this."
"It'll be alright, love," Van said as he looked at her and gave her a kiss on the cheek. "I'm going to the study now and sign those papers," he said. "Allen, Celena, and the crew are still on board the Crusade if you want to go greet them. They're staying until we go back to Cassia in a few days."
Hitomi nodded. "I'll make sure that someone helps them find rooms, but I really need to soak for awhile. I got sore from that last run." She turned to Palos. "Please tell me when Sellie gets in."
"She'll come back soon enough, My Lady… don't worry…" he muttered. "She has to eat sometime."
To be continued…
* * *
Sorry it took so long. I'm in the process of art finals right now and they're going to kill me. Please please PLEASE let me know what you think. Should I just stop now? PLEASE let me know. This chapter was originally going to be twice as long because I couldn't find a good stopping point, but this one will just have to do. This one is going to be pretty long, methinks. Longer than RF. So it's gonna be awhile. Next chapter, I'll get up maybe a week from Friday because that's when my spring break is. I'm going to Chicago… and I'm going to freeze.
Chapter title comes from Guns and Roses' song "Sweet Child of Mine" (uh… yeah…) Sheryl Crow did a cover of it for Big Daddy, I believe.
