I'm so sorry that it took so long but I had only little time to write. I
was skiing for a week and then I had a report to prepare. Hard work I can
say. And on Monday I worked with my best friend on her report till late at
night. I was so tired. But after we finished I finally got the sleep I
deserved. That's what you think! At 4 A.M. (!!!!!!!!) my telephone rang and
I woke up with a start. Drowsy, I took the receiver and barked: "What?"
(Usually, I'm really angry when someone wakes me in the middle of the
night.) - "Is this ... (I didn't understand the name 'cause I was still
half asleep)?", asked the shy voice of a girl. "Huh?", was all I was able
to reply. The next thing I heard was that she replaced the receiver. Wrong
number!!!! I was so angry! Who the hell, calls someone at 4 A.M.?! Oh yeah,
I know someone. My best friend. Sometimes we talked at 2 or 3 at night via
telephone. About guys, of course. Which other topic keeps poor girls awake
for so long?
And now my special thanks to those who made time for writing a nice review. I love you people!!!!! Wow, sounds like I'm at the Oscar Award! I'm a star standing on the stage receiving the Oscar. Everyone sees me and everyone loves me. slaps herself WAKE UP, STUPID GIRL!!!!!!!!!! YOU'RE DAYDREAMING!!!!!!!!!! coughs and blushs Er...well...drools
( ): I'm so sorry that I forgot to thank you last time. That wasn't intentional! I'm so grateful for every review I receive. I just love them. So, pleeeeeeeeaaaaaaase forgive me falls on knees Pleeeeeeeeaaaaaaaaaase
TennyoAngel711: Easy hill? Easy hill??????? At the second day, I had to ski down a red piste!! Imagine this, an absolute beginner on a red piste!! I thought I would die when I stood at the top. I was so afraid and it was so damn plunge. Well, I made my will and skied it down. And as you can see I survived. I fell only two times when I skied it down. Hah, I was so proud. And although I fell several other times on the other pistes I enjoyed it! I wanna back on the piste!!! School is boring!!! Another thing: I'm so sorry that I stopped there but I hope this chapter makes you forgive me.
Aylee the Dragon (too lazy to log in)(): Mmmmmmmmmmmh, another delicious cookie. Thank you very much. And you liked the itty bitty VH fluff? (Besides I didn't know that there was one :) ) Well then, I think you'll enjoy this chapter. glances at Aylee's flamethrower I better buy a fire extinguisher.
LOVE WITCH(): Glad you like it. Yeah, what was he going to say? Evil moss! Disturbing poor Van when he was just about to... I would read the story to find it out!
Sailor Brittania(): Yeah, you're a really nice person I can say. I hope you'll like this chapter too. And keep on being nice and review again :P I'm happy about every review I get.
Paige Moonsword: You see I'm still alive. Hehe. Fortunately, I didn't break any of my bones. I only got some bruises because of falling a lot of times. But it's all part of it. Anyways, I'm so glad you like it and I'm looking forward for your new story. I'm so excited. I can hardly await it. But don't stop writing on WTFC! It's such a great story and you stopped at such a...argh...bad point of time. Cliffy!!!!!!!!!
Aeka-himme: Yay, a review from Aeka! I'm very sorry for the cliffy. But what are you thinking of me?! I could never let Van die!! It would kill me!! Actually, you should know it best! (as a crazy Van-fan like me giggles and blushs) Well see, I did forget something when I wrote the last review for your story. But there was so much on my mind, it was incredible! I wanted to say (write, whatever ) that the name of your site fits absolutely perfect! sighs And that pic! Kawaiiiiiiiiiiiiiii! It's such a shame that it didn't happen in the series. I would have been a lot happier.sighs again Actually, I'm writing on another story (I really shouldn't) but I don't know if it's such a good idea. TT So, but I hope that I didn't forget anything, this time!! It's terrible, my memory isn't a sieve, it's a black hole!!!! It absorbs everything but doesn't let me remember anything!!!!! But I didn't forget this: giggles
chimei-nakidasu: grins I know I'm evil. Here's the update.
xdread(): HERE YOU ARE HERE YOU ARE HERE YOU ARE.....:))))
SabineballZ: ICH WEISS!!!! dämonisch grins Aber ehrlich gesagt, bist du auch nicht viel besser! Eher noch schlimmer!! Das war grad mal mein erster Cliffhanger! Und bei dir sind bis jetzt alle Kapitel Cliffhanger gewesen! Also beschwer dich nicht!! Ach manno, ich bin immer so vorhersehbar. snüff Du kannst ja gleich meine Geschichte weiter erzählen...hoil Nee, es is nun ma offensichtlich wer Van ist. Oder? Nyarhar. Bor, pfui! Irgendwas tropft hier von meinem PC. Igitt, es ist dein Schleim! Also, erzähl keinen Blödsinn, deine Geschichte is spitzenklasse!!
DISCLAIMER: I (still) don't own Escaflowne and I don't own "Das Schwarze Auge" (oh-ho, what could that mean? Read and find out!!!!!!!!!!!!)
Chapter 5 Closeness
Hitomi had heard it and turned around, timely. She could see him fall. With a loud splash he disappeared in the lake. She looked at the place where he had hit the surface in disbelieve. Had it been real or was it just a dream? Well, yes it was real! And with that thought she burst out laughing. That served him right. Hitomi laughed so hard that she ran out of oxygen. Oh, she wanted to see his face when he surfaced. Stop! Shouldn't he surfaced for a long time? Hitomi stopped laughing and walked to the shore. Maybe it was just a joke and he wanted to scare her? She could well believe it of him. Maybe it was truly just a joke. And what if not?
..........................................
"Damnit! This stupid guy can't swim!", she cursed and quickly took her cloak and chest-armor off, without thinking about what she was going to do. Slipping out of her boots she took a header into the cold water. It was icy- cold. It was as if millions of little pointed needles were pricked into her skin. She opened her eyes and could hardly see her own hands. How the hell should she find him? Panic rose within her. She must hurry! Just a little bit longer and it would be too late! She wanted to scream his name, to call out for him and more than everything did she want to hear him answer and say that everything was okay. But this was quite impossible. It was just about time she ran out of oxygen. She must find him! Right now! Suddenly the picture of him floating through the water appeared in her mind. She had to brace herself not to gasp. He was right in front of her! And the next time she outstreched her arms, she felt fabric between her fingers. She grabbed it firmly and swam towards the surface immediately.
With a gasp of pure exhaustion, Hitomi broke through the surface pulling Van behind. At once he began coughing madly. He was alive. It was a load off her mind. She encircled his neck with her arm holding his head above the surface. Together they reached the shore. Hitomi crawled out of the water and rolled on her back breathing hard. Van did the same beside her still coughing. His lips were blue and his tanned skin was awfully pale. He trembled extremely. So did she. It was so cold. Her fingers were stiff and aching and her body twitched uncontrollably.
"I-I'll go ma-make a f-fire.", Van said shivering after regaining his breath.
Hitomi watched him leave. Her eyes widened. Not a single small "Thank you."! Was he too proud to thank her or what? She had saved his life, not the first time she must admit. Did he think there was no reason to thank her? Did he take it as a matter of course? Oh of course, he hadn't asked for her help! It was her fault. There was no need for helping him. Mister Perfect would have made it on his own. She snarled. Oh, this damned man! She should have let him drown. She was shaken by an attack of shivers again. Looking into the sky, Hitomi saw that the sun had set already. The night would be cold. The nights had been always cold but this time it would be worse. All the time, she had worn dry clothes and this time there wouldn't be any difference if she didn't wear anything! She was wet to the bones. It was going to be a funny night!
"So you finally decided to join me?", she said when she heard quiet steps behind herself. Dust stopped beside her rubbing his nose against her cheek. She raised her shaking hand and stroked the horse.
"Hey Dust, do you think we will find the dragon?", she asked him quietly. He snorted and nodded making Hitomi giggle.
"Dust, the optimist!", she said smiling and wrung out her wet hair.
..........................................
It was going to be dark when Van appeared with his arms full of branches. He let them and himself drop to the ground before Hitomi. She noticed that he was still pale and shivering. His black bangs stuck to his face and his teeth chattered madly. But she knew she didn't look a bit better. She had wrapped her arms around herself and watched Van. He tried to start a fire with trembling hands. Without success, of course. Hitomi smiled to herself. It satisfied her to see that it didn't work. But on the other hand she would profit by the fire too, wouldn't she?
"Hah!", Van said looking at his work. Finally, he had managed to ignite a fire.
The small flame grew quickly causing dancing shadows on Van's body. He suddenly crawled a bit away from the fire and took his boots off. Hitomi looked at him, curious. And what was he going to do this time? She frowned when his socks joined his boots on the ground and he stood up. But then her eyes widened when he crossed his arms, grabbing his shirt pulling it over his head.
Hitomi gasped and froze on the spot, a blush creeping onto her cheeks. The beating of her heart increased to an impossible intensity, seeming as if it was beating in her throat. And as if it wasn't enough already the strange feeling started to rise inside her again, making her feel uneasy like never before. She wanted to turn away but she could only stare at him. Stare and watch the flickering shadows of the fire dance across his tanned skin. By that time, her cheeks were burning. Why did he attract her that much?
He turned to the side and let his shirt drop to the ground. And that was the moment, Hitomi spotted something that made her gasp. No! No, that was impossible! Absolutely impossible! It couldn't be! She had to be dreaming, a halluzination! She had expected everything- except this! Not here, not now, especially not him! It simply couldn't be! But there, at his right tanned upper arm and shoulder was the unmistakable proof, something she couldn't deny. A tattoo! A big bluish rhomb with a small hole in it's middle on his shoulder and a smaller one without a hole on his upper arm. It was the unambiguous, unique sign of the people of the desert- the Novadi! By the gods, he was a Novadi! A member of the Moving People! She couldn't believe it!
The Novadi were a very old tribe. Their homeland was the Endless Desert. They were the only ones able to survive there living as nomads. Shy people trying to avoid others. It was said that they were gifted with special skills. That would answer a lot of Hitomi's questions concerning Van. For example, it would explain Van's non-existent ability to swim. Novadis weren't able to swim. Why should they? Where in the desert did they need to swim? It was an useless ability for them that's why they simply had forgotten how to swim. They had other abilities. They had a marked condition and were able to survive a longer time without water than other people. No wonder then that Van had never been exhausted or thirsty when they had rested, Hitomi however had nearly died because of these reasons. But the specialst thing about the Novadis was their link to horses. Nobody could deal with horses like them. Horses were not only utilizable animals, they were special friends, commerads or even a family. Horses were an important part of their lives. Almost like Dust and herself, just a little bit more intense. They had some kind of mental linking. And that was the reason Dust had excepted Van! They had communicated with each other. Unbelievable!
But the fact Van being a Novadi didn't just answer her questions, it caused new ones too. If he was a Novadi, shy, his homeland -the deserts- hundreds of miles away, then what the hell was he doing here? Even without a horse? It was very unlikely that a Novadi would leave his homeland, at the latest without a horse! Where was this horse right now? There had been no one that had kept Van company when she had met him. And what would be so important that he had left the desert? What was worth it to take such an arduous journey upon oneself? Businesses in Alexandria. Hitomi wondered what businesses it might be adding that someone tried to kill him in order to stop him from reaching the city.
Just at that moment, Van turned around, facing her.
"You're not going to take off your clothes?", he asked, interupting her thoughts.
Hitomi looked at him, puzzled. What was he driving at? "No, of course not!", she answered.
"But you'll fall ill. Your clothes are completely wet and-", he said, shivering.
"Do you really think I'm going to take off my clothes in your presence?", she interupted him.
Van rolled his eyes. Women! Always the same!
"If you're keen on falling ill, fine.", he said and shrugged. "It's not my problem!"
Then he took his pants off and only wearing his boxers he wrapped his cloak around his cold body. After that he walked to the fire and let himself drop beside it. Hitomi glared at him. He was right. Damnit! If she didn't want to get a pneumonia she would have to take her clothes off. Like it or not. Reluctantly she grabbed her shirt, intending to take it off and glanced at Van. He was looking at her. It made her blush again.
"Don't you dare!", she hissed and Van turned away immediately, a smirk plastered across his features.
Hitomi snorted angrily and continued undressing. It was really hard to manage with stiff fingers. Finally, she finished and wrapped her cloak quickly around herself just wearing her underwear. She sat down next to the fire shivering and chattering. It didn't work. She didn't stop shivering. She started to rock back and forth rubbing her arms. It was so cold. Her whole body was aching. Glancing at Van she saw that he was doing the same. Suddenly he rose from the ground and walked over to her. Hitomi wondered what he would do. And well, it was something she hadn't expected. He grabbed her cloak and pulled it off her trembling body. Hitomi jumped to her feet, outraged.
"What are you doing?", she shouted, snatching her cloak away from him. "Are you crazy?"
"I'll sit close to you that we can warm each other.", Van explained calmly.
"Not over my dead body!", she yelled. "I won't allow a damn man to touch me! Especially not you! I can warm myself!"
"No, you can't!", Van snarled. "And I don't want to feel cold the whole night just because you're stubborn as a mule!"
Hitomi only stared at him, holding the cloak tightly around herself.
"So sit down and don't say a single word!", he said imperiously, pointing to the ground, an aura of authority sourrounding him. "I don't want any harm! Understood?"
Hitomi wanted to protest but somehow she knew he wouldn't listen. And somehow he was right. Hitomi fought with herself. Should she listen to him or not? So what of it if she did what he said? Supposing he would do something he better should not do, she could hurt him. So why then feeling cold if there were chances of warmth?
"Just one wrong move and you're dead before you can even blink an eye!", she snarled showing how the cat jumped. She didn't need him! She wasn't dependent on him. She could survive this night without him warming her. Without his arms being wrapped around her. Without his bare skin touching her one. Without...what? No! No, she wasn't thinking that! A man would touch her and she wouldn't -on NO account she would- enjoy it! No, she wouldn't! Really...she wouldn't?
"Sure.", Van said casually, making her look at him. "Then, could you please sit down?", he asked, a lop-sided grin on his face.
No, she never would enjoy it! And with that thought she turned away and let herself drop to the more than hard ground. Slowly she loosened her cloak baring her cold body. Immediately, she felt the wind blowing over her skin and shivered hard. Van sat down too and placed himself in her back. He was glad that she sat with her back to him because his head was red like a tomato. Although it was dark she would have seen it glow. Van came closer and Hitomi stopped breathing in anticipation of his touch. Why the hell anticipation? It was only a touch! A damn touch of a damn man! It couldn't be different from being hugged by one of her sisters! So, no reason to be excited!
But she jerked when she felt his arms encircling her waist and stiffened. Oh, it was different! It was an absolutely unfamiliar feeling to her! But why? Why did it feel so different and why did SHE feel o different? Why had her heart stopped beating? And why did her cheeks burn like they were on fire? Then she felt his cold skin touch her back and suddenly she was flooded by an intense tingling feeling like a small island in the middle of the ocean by a giant tsunami - surprising and without any chance of escape. She would drown in this feeling! She had to take some action against it! Suddenly Van handed her his cloak over her shoulders making her snap out of it. She took it with trembling fingers and closed it in front of her chest pressing Van closer to her back. Just great.
"Everything allright?", Van asked quietly, close to her ear.
Hitomi just nodded. His raw hands lay gently on her stomach holding her tightly. She felt her skin starting to burn where he touched her. Her heart had now decided to beat like mad and she still wasn't breathing. Never had she expected that she would ever be so close to a man. The closeness cramped her. She felt Van breathe against her back and it caused shivers down her spine. There was an awkward silence between them. None of them knew what to say in such a 'situation'.
"So, you're a Novadi.", Hitomi remarked after a while, finally finding her breath. Maybe, talking with him would make her forget about the mess of feelings torturing her.
"Hmm.", Van said nodding causing his hair tickle her ear. She trembled.
"What's the matter?", he asked concerned.
She giggled girlishly. "Your hair tickles.", she replied.
"Oh, I'm sorry.", he apologized sheepishly.
Hitomi was surprised about herself. Why was she acting like this? Like an immature girl! And why could she talk with him without argueing? She couldn't remember of a conversation between them both that hadn't led to an argue. But not to argue was very pleasant. Though argueing was very funny. They were equals she couldn't deny. He wasn't a bit less stubborn than herself.
"Would you like to tell me what you're doing here, after all?", she asked.
"Er...As I said, I...-", he replied but Hitomi shook her head.
"No, no. I want to know what you're really doing here. Far away from home without a horse but with some guys trying to kill you! Why?", Hitomi asked.
"I-", he sighed. "I can't tell you. I don't want you to get involved in this whole...mess. Besides, it's very complicated."
"So, you mean I'm dumb, don't you? I wouldn't understand, right?", she replied provoking.
"No no!", Van said quickly not wanting to irritate her. "I just wanted..."
"Yeah, I know. I know. The mysterious reserved stranger only tries to protect the curious little girl from getting into trouble because of poking her nose in other people's businesses.", she finished his sentence in her way.
"No! No, I...", he paused and snorted. "You haven't even told me what you're doing here. Then why should I tell you what I'm doing here? You're just a stranger!", Van then said and looked at Hitomi out of the corner of his eyes awaiting her reaction.
Hitomi gave a laugh. "Touché.", she replied appreciating. As she said, they were equals.
"Okay, Van.", she said. "I'm searching for something."
"Mmh, that's interesting. And what?", he asked curious.
"Hey, that wasn't part of the deal. What about you?", she asked back.
"I thought you're not interested in what I'm doing here.", he replied innocently.
"Van...", she snarled impatiently.
He chuckled. "Hey, calm down. I'll tell you. I'm going to make a crossing from Alexandria to the Easterly Continent."
Hitomi's eyes widened. Somehow, she had known it. The way he had acted when he had seen the birds flee, had been too strange. He knew what was going on there and was part of these events! With absolute certainty!
"Why?", she asked aloud.
Van just grinned. "That wasn't part of the deal.", he replied.
Hitomi bit her lips. Damnit, why was she so curious? It wasn't of her business what he would do at the Easterly Continent.
"It's better you don't know too much about my businesses.", he said seriously.
Hitomi nodded lightly. Should he keep his secret. Should he do whatever he has to do. It wasn't her problem. They would separate in Alexandria. He would go his way and she would go her own way. She would never see him again. At this thought her heart skipped a beat. What the hell was wrong with her?
The silence was now sourrounding them again. Both of them were lost deep in their own thoughts. Without having noticed they had stopped shivering. A pleasant warmth made Hitomi become sleepy. Very sleepy. She was just about drifting to sleep when Van's soft voice suddenly reached her ear.
"Er...Hitomi?", he asked quietly.
"Mmh.", she mumbled. It was all she could manage to say, half sleeping.
"Earlier, you know. I was very harsh. I didn't mean to say these things. I'm sorry. Honestly. And-and,", he stuttered searching for words, "I wanted to thank you. You saved my live...Twice.", he added in a whisper. "And I didn't even thank you. So, thank you. Er...Hitomi?"
"Mmh.", came her answer and her head fell limp on Van's shoulder. Finally she was asleep. He looked at her and smiled. At last, this strong and proud Amazon- not to forget loud and stubborn- could look like a vulnerable and fragile being awaking his protective instincts. He tightened the embrace around her waist and lay his head carefully on her shoulder not wanting to wake her. Soon, he wasn't able to keep his eyes open anymore and fell asleep too.
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Folken walked through the endless hallways of Fanelia's palace. He was on his way to the gathering hall where his guest was awaiting him. He wondered who it might be. He hadn't invited someone and usually nobody dared to demand an audience of him without an announcement. It concerned his plan, Isaac said. Was someone trying to stop him? Likely. He stopped wondering when he reached the giant doors of the hall. Two soldiers bowed and pushed them open when they saw him appear. Folken didn't look at them and entered the room. There was a long table in the middle of the hall with a lot of wooden chairs flanking it. At the left side of room were huge windows reaching the ceiling. He spotted two figures in front of them but he couldn't see who it was. Isaac walked towards him from the other side of the hall.
"My Lord, follow me.", he said and turned around.
Folken followed him. And when they were just a few meters away from the two people he could inspect them closer. It were a woman and a man. The woman was quite tall. She wore a long tight fitting, blue-white dress. Her delicate face was sourrounded by sandy-grey hair that reached her hips and her blue eyes looked at him seriously. The man standing at her side was a bit taller than her. He had long blond hair and piercing blue eyes. He wore some kind of blue uniform and a sword hung at a belt around his waist.
"My Lord, this is Eries Aston, second princess of Asturia.", Isaac said pointing at the woman. She just looked at Folken.
"And this is Allen Shezar, knight caeli of Asturia.", Folken's advisor continued pointing at the man. He stared at Folken and bowed hardly noticeable.
"Ah, princess Eries.", Folken said bowing deeply. Then he took her hand and placed a light kiss on it. "To what do I owe the honour of your visit?", he asked gently, ignoring the knight completely.
"I'm really sorry, Lord Folken, that I came here without an announcement but it was of extremely urgency.", Eries apologized.
"It's allright.", Folken said. "Would you like to sit down?", he asked the princess still ignoring Allen Shezar.
"Yes, thank you.", she answered and Folken led her to a chair. She sat down and smoothened the pleats of her dress.
"Well, I'm here because of the ultimatum with which you threaten Freid.", she said frankly.
Folken's look darkened. So, that was the reason. "I don't know how far this concerns you and your country?", Folken replied angrily. Why did they interfere?
By hearing these words Allen had become very angry. "How dare you...!", he hissed.
"No, it's okay Allen.", Eries said raising her hand to stop the outraged knight. "Well,", she then said to Folken, "it's just a little information for you. Asturia will support Freid in every way. So,...", she said but Folken interupted her.
"Is this a threat?", he asked icy.
"No. It's a fact. So, if you'll declare war on Freid, you'll declare war on Asturia, too.", the princess said firmly.
Folken's anger increased. "Why are you so sure that I will declare war on Freid?", he asked.
"Because Freid won't give way!", she replied.
"You're not the queen of Freid. So stop conjecturing!", Folken said angrily.
"But the Duke of Freid is my nephew and I speak for him.", Eries defended herself.
"Oh, the little boy can't speak for himself.", he said condescending.
"Enough!", Allen shouted and grabbed Folken's collar.
"How dare you!", Folken hissed freeing himself from Allen's grasp.
"You offended the Duke of Freid!", Allen snarled angrily.
"And...-?", Folken started to reply but Eries interupted the men's argue by placing herself between them.
"We are not here to argue, Allen.", she said over her shoulder. "We are here to warn Lord Folken.", she continued and glared at Folken. He glared back.
"Thank you for warning me but I won't revoke the ultimatum. Duke Shid has something that is mine and if he doesn't give it back I'll get it myself, no matter how.", Folken said.
"If that's so...", Eries replied.
"Yes.", Folken said nipping every doubt in the bud. "If that was all for which reason you came here, then you can leave now."
"But...", the princess protested.
"No, I won't let myself in for any further discussions. My decision is definite.", he said harshly. "The soldiers at the door will guide you to your airship. Princess Eries, it's a shame that we haven't met under other circumstances. Fare well.", he said and bowed. Then he shot a dead glance at Allen and left, leaving a head shaking Eries and an angry Allen behind. All three were to busy with their own thoughts so that they didn't notice the diabolical grin appearing on Isaac's face.
..........................................
The morning sun gently carressed Hitomi's features. She awoke slowly from her dreams and smiled feeling the sunlight that came through her window warm her cheek. She still had her eyes closed to enjoy that moment. Laying on her soft bed, she had wrapped the warm sheeds around her body. She felt safe. She felt home. The world could decline it wouldn't matter. There was no place on Gaea where she would have been safer than here. She nuzzled deeper into the pillows. Just a few minutes and then she would get up. She sighed. It was when she heard a soft murmur. What was that? Was there someone in her room? It couldn't be! Then she heard it again and meanwhile her bed began moving. Her eyes snapped open. The bright sunlight was dazzling. She blinked. As soon as her eyes were used to the light she noticed her sourroundings. That was definitely not her room! It was a forest! And with that thought, the memories of the last few days and especially of the last night returned. Van! Hitomi looked down at his sleeping features. She wasn't in her bed, she lay on Van outstreched close to his right, her hands resting on his bare chest! It raised with every breath he took. She felt his pleasant warm skin under her fingers. It was strange. She looked at his calm features. He looked so peaceful. Almost like a child with his raven-black strands hanging into his face. She felt the sudden urge to carress his features. She couldn't explain it. She outstreched her hand. How would it feel to stroke his bangs out of his handsome face? To carress his lightly tanned cheek? To touch his soft lips? His lips. They attracted her.
But then she realized what she was thinking of. Her fingertips only centimeters away from his lips, she stopped. Hitomi pulled her hand away shaking her head. What's got into her? She lay in the arms of a man and thought of carressing his face! By the gods, she was an Amazon! How could she dare thinking of that? She wanted away from him, away from these strange feelings overwhelming her everytime she was around him! She tried to raise but it was impossible. Van was embracing her. She fought and fought but this only caused Van still sleeping to tighten his embrace. The result of her action was that she now lay closer to him than before, pressed against his chest. She could hear his heart beating slowly. Soothing. She blushed. What was going on? Her heart beat faster than ever and there was a feeling in her stomach, absolutely incredible. It scared her. She closed her eyes and took a deep breath intending to calm down, inhaling his scent. She knew it. Wild and free. He smelled like-dersert!
The picture of a wide desert had suddenly appeared before her eyes but they were still closed. She was confused. What was this? Hitomi saw the desert from above. Yellow sand. No matter where she looked, in every direction till the horizon was yellow sand. She saw lots of mountains made of sand. Dunes. A bit away from her were foothills of a giant mountain range. It was a dreary landscape without life. But fascinating in a strange way. Hitomi looked to the sky and saw the sun being at it's zenith. It shone merciless burning everything. Hitomi was surprised that she couldn't feel it. It seemed so real. Suddenly, something at the ground cought her attention. A motion! She inspected the ground closer and spotted a figure running over the sandy plain, running for their life. She wondered who it might be. She gasped when she began to float towards the figure. She saw that the person wore a long cloak. It covered nearly their whole body. Every step the person took, brown boots appeared. Their hands were hid in brown cloves. Hitomi looked at their face but couldn't see anything. The cloak's hood was deep in their face and their eyes were hidden behind dark, reflecting glasses, in order to protect them from the sunlight. She could only see the nose and the lips, chapped lips. Not very much to identify someone. The person was still running and breathing hard, just about reaching the foothills.
"No, I'm too late!", said an exhausted male voice.
Hitomi looked at the man, surprised and then in the direction he was heading. Her eyes widened when she saw black drifts of smoke raising from a ridge. That promised nothing good. The man began running even faster and soon reached the foothills jumping easily over sharp rocks. When he passed a giant ridge Hitomi could see a huge camp. Lots of the tents protected from the wind by the mountains were ablaze. She heard people shouting and crying. Horses were running all over the place, terrified. The man didn't hesitate and ran straight into that chaos, Hitomi still at his side. He grabbed another man running past him at his arm.
"Where is she?", he hissed.
The man outstreched his arm and pointed at a tent larger than the other ones, near the foot of the mountains. He let go of his arm and ran towards the tent. He saw countless men and women trying to extinguish the fires causing havoc in the camp. Reaching the tent Hitomi saw a small group of people kneeling around something before them. Noticing the man approaching the group made room for him. They lowered their heads when he walked past them. Finally, Hitomi saw her. A beautiful woman lay on the ground. Long black hair sourrounded her pale face. Her eyes were closed but Hitomi spotted two purple dots on her forehead. A tall man with wild black hair and concerned brown eyes was holding her fragile body in his lap. He pressed a piece of clothing onto her stomach. It was blood-soaked like the beautiful gown she was wearing. It was blue with short sleeves and and a broad, pink-striped ribbon around her slim waist. Two long ribbons appeared from a knot behind her back wriggling over the ground like snakes. Then Hitomi noticed the alarming huge pool of blood the man was kneeling in. He raised his head and looked at the man who had just arrived, with sad eyes.
"I'm so sorry. I wasn't able to protect her.", the kneeling man said.
"It's not your fault, Oaud.", the other one answered.
Then he took of his hood and sun-glasses and Hitomi could see who it was. Her heart stopped beating. It was Van. He let himself drop to the ground beside the mortally injured woman and grabbed her hand gently. Hitomi's mind was a mess. Too many impressions and too many questions. Van! What was he doing here? What was she doing here? What was this place? What the hell, was going on here?
"It's my fault.", Van whispered making Hitomi snap out of her thoughts. "Everything! I left without my horse. If I had left with Tarik I would have been here to protect her.", he continued his voice trembling.
"No, it's not your fault, dear son.", the woman said weakly, opening her eyes.
"Mother!" - "Varie!", Van and Oaud said at the same time. This was Van's mother? Hitomi stared at her. Varie smiled lightly.
"Van, you would have never been able to protect me. If they hadn't found me today they would have found me tomorrow or the day after tomorrow.", she said in a whisper.
"But...", Van protested.
"No, you could have never prevent it.", she interupted him stroking his cheek.
Tears started to form in his beautiful eyes. He knew she would die. Everyone knew it including Hitomi. She stood aside and watched the scene stunned.
"Before I...before I...", Varie whispered flinching.
"No, don't say it! Don't even think of it!", Van said firmly. "You will survive!"
"No, I won't and you know it. But before I go, you must promise me something.", she begged.
"Everything.", Van replied his voice breaking.
"Promise me that you'll return. You must take your father's sword. It's the only legitimate prove. You must take it and you must return to your birth place, to the city where you were born. Riad will go with you. He came here to call for you. You must hurry, there are just a few weeks left. You must stop him!", Varie said but then flinched again. The strain was too much.
"I promise, mother. I promise.", Van said.
Varie suddenly writhed with pain.
"Mother! Oaud, do something!", he said angrily.
"I-I-", Oaud stuttered.
"No, Van. It's over. The pain is gone.", Varie whispered in relief.
Van looked at her, hope shining within his eyes. But then a shadow fell over his face when he was hit by realization.
"Don't go!", he begged quietly.
"I must. I'm sorry.", she said to him. Then she lay her other hand on Oaud's one. "Oaud, thank you for everything."
"Nevermind, Varie.", Oaud replied and kissed her hand. She then turned to her son again.
"My last wish was to see you just once more. It was granted. Now, I can go but never forget I'll be always at your side. Fare well, my son.", she said and slowly closed her eyes. She breathed out and didn't breathe in again.
"No!", Van screamed. "No!"
He closed his eyes pressing the tears away. Just a single one slid down his cheek. He held his mother's limp hand tightly. Hitomi was covering her mouth with her hands. Her eyes were wide open and streams of tears rushed down her cheeks. But then her pendant swung from side to side before her eyes and the scene was gone. Blackness.
..........................................
Hitomi's eyes snapped open. She saw the forrest again and smelled this scent. His scent! She still lay on him! Immediately, she braced herself against Van's chest. She wanted to raise, wanted away from him. Now!
"Van, let go of me!", she hissed but he didn't react.
"Van! Wake up!", she nearly screamed and pushed him.
"Mmh.", he murmured softly. Hitomi felt his hands gently stroking over her back. It caused goose bumps and the feeling increasing.
"What the hell are you doing?", she asked her voice trembling. This was too much for her. She had never felt like this before when someone had touched her.
"Van, please stop it.", she begged and this time he heard. His eyes fluttered open.
"What...?", he asked but was interupted by Hitomi's shaking voice.
"Let. Go. Of. Me."
He saw her face and felt her body close to his one. Then he realized that he was holding her tightly. Quickly he pulled his arms away from her.
"I-I'm sorry.", he stuttered, blushing.
Hitomi grabbed her cloak and wrapped it around herself crawling away from Van. Far away. She breathed hard. What had just happened? She heard Van yawn very loud and glanced at him. He sat there, his bare upper torso straightened. Extending his arms he streched noisily and ran his hands over his sleepy face and through his disheveled hair. She would like to ran her hands through his hair, too. Hitomi gasped, putting her hand over her mouth and turned away. She felt bad. She felt dirty. She felt horribly guilty. But why? Why did she feel like that? Why did she feel like a damn traitor? And why did she have these weird thoughts? These absolutely confusing thoughts? Thoughts concerning him? He! He was the answer of her questions. She only had these thoughts when she was around him! To prevent these thoughts she must avoid him. That was the solution. She must avert that he comes close to her!
"Oh no!", Van said annoyed. "The clothes are still wet. We should hang them up. What do you think, Hitomi?", he asked. "Hitomi!", he said louder when she didn't react.
"What?", she asked back.
"Your clothes. Should I hang them up?", he replied gently.
Hitomi looked at him seeing that he was holding her clothes, his brows raised in expectation. She must avert that he comes close to her!
"No!", she said harshly. "I can do it myself!" And with that she rose from the ground and snatched her clothes away from him.
Van looked at her in pure disbelieve. What was wrong with her? He had thought the last night had changed the things between the two of them. He had thought that they would now get along a little bit better. But obviously he had been wrong. This girl was incorrigible! He snorted picking his clothes from the ground. He glanced at Hitomi. She had hung her clothes over some branches of a nearby tree. Now she was staring into the sky. Van shrugged. Gods knew what was going on in her mind. He turned around and walked to her horse. Dust snorted joyfully when he saw Van approaching.
"Ah, good old Dust is happy to see his best friend Van, isn't he?", Van joked, reaching the horse.
"How are you, this morning?", he asked, gently tapping him. Dust nodded, snorting.
"Fine? That's good to hear.", Van replied, kneeling down beside the stallion. He inspected the horse' leg. It looked quite good. Dust was now able to walk and gallop without feeling pain. In a few days he would be able to carry her again. Van smiled. He had done a quite good job.
"Hey Dust, don't you think you should go over to Hitomi and keep her company?", he asked, rising from the ground.
The horse snorted and started to walk.
"Good boy.", he said and tapped him on the back. Then he turned around looking for a branch.
..........................................
Hitomi was lost in her own thoughts. She couldn't get the vision she had had this morning out of her head. Had it been a vision anyway? Why was she so sure about it? She couldn't explain it to herself, she just knew it. It had been so real and so sad. Was it his future or his past? Would it happen or had it happened already? Was his mother dead? It would explain the sadness sourrounding him sometimes. It would explain that she felt sorry for him because she had experienced the same.
-"Hitomi!"-
No, she didn't feel sorry for him! She couldn't care less. It wasn't her damn problem. But why the hell did she have these strange visions concerning strange people and strange events? Suddenly a thought hit her like lightening. Of course, it had been his past! His mother mentioned someone called Riad. And as far as she knew, was this Riad already dead. He couldn't play a role in Van's future. So, Van was on his way to his birthplace.
-"Hitomi!"-
The desert wasn't his birthplace? That was strange. He was a Novadi after all! Novadis were supposed to be born in the deserts! He was a mystery to her. Definitely. But this wasn't the only thing. His sword! She had sensed that there was something about this sword. Apart from that it was absolutely atypical for a Novadi -Novadis prefered scimitars- it was a prove? A legitimate prove? A prove whatfore? What could a sword prove and how? Strange. And his mother's wish to stop 'him'. Who could that be? The same one who was trying to kill him, Hitomi guessed. And this cryptical time-limit.
-"HITOMI!"-
Hitomi snapped out of her thoughts. Did someone call her name? No, it couldn't be, she was alone. She was alone? Looking to her right, her left, ahead, she spotted no Dust and no Van. Where were they?
"I'm here, Hitomi.", a voice said from behind.
Spinning around, Hitomi saw Dust and Van standing at a fork. They had stopped there and she had gone straight ahead not noticing it.
"This way.", Van said pointing at the other path an amused look on his face.
Damnit, he must think she was a complete idiot. But why did she care? Why? There was no need. She stuck her nose into the air and walked arrogantly past Van.
"Hey Hitomi, what's wrong with you?", he asked. "I mean the whole time you argued with me and now you're acting completely contrary.", he continued grabbing her wrist.
She spun around. "Don't touch me!", she hissed.
Surprised, Van let go of her. "I simply can't understand you.", he said.
"You don't need to understand me!", she replied icy. 'Keep your distance, Hitomi.', she thought. 'Don't allow him to come close to you!'
"But...", he protested.
"NO!", she forestalled his objection.
Van knitted his eyebrows in anger. This stubborn girl! Couldn't she just let him finish his sentence? He opened his mouth to tell her that but-
IEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEK!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Both looked immediately in the direction the scream came from. A tree. They heard branches breaking and some kind of grunts. Van unsheatened his sword and Hitomi drew her bow, their bodies strained in expectation. Suddenly, it rustled in the foliage and something fell out of the tree. Van let his sword sink and narrowed his eyes, trying to see what this thing was. He guessed it was a ball of two beings fighting against each other. He saw arms and legs, blond hair, a tail, fur and something- something pink? Hell what was that? With another scream the two beings separated. Now they stood opposite each other and glared in their opponents eyes. Van's eyes widened. Infront of him stood a little girl with long blond hair tamed in a ponytrail. She wore clothes which were similar to Hitomi's ones. She had a quiver and a mini-bow strapped onto her back, too. Her glowing blue eyes stared in a pair of piercing blue eyes as well. But this pair didn't belong to a human being. At least not completely human. The eyes belonged to a sixteen years old cat-girl! She was slim and quite tall. She had a delicate face. It looked human apart from the three brown stripes on each of her cheeks and the long brown striking cat-ears. Her chin-long pink hair wasn't a bit less striking. She wore a short dress with brown spots on it. She had stripes on her legs and arms too and some kind of fluffy fur covered her wrists and ankles. A long, at that moment angry whipping striped tail completed her appearance. She looked really exotic and quite cute. And he knew her!
"Merle!" - "Gabriella!", Van and Hitomi said at the same time.
Both turned around and stared at each other.
"You know her?", they asked in unison pointing with an outstreched arm at the two girls.
They were just about to answer their question when a shrill scream startled them.
"MASTER VAAAAAAAAAN!!!!!!!!!", screamed the cat-girl and tackled him.
Hitomi watched the scene before her, stunned. Van lay on the ground the cat- girl on top of him. She had grabbed his shirt firmly pressing herself close to his body. And she was licking his cheek while purring softly: "Master Van."!
"Merle, stop it! That tickles!", Van said chuckling.
Anger rose within Hitomi. But why? There was no reason, was there? Was it anger because of that cat-girl, because of what she was doing? Meanwhile, a feeling was crawling through her. A feeling she knew, a feeling she didn't want to confess. Not concerning him! She clenched her fists gritting her teeth.
"Hitomi?", a voice asked her. "What is this person?"
Hitomi snapped out of her thoughts. "Gabriella?", she asked confused. "What...?"
"Merle, listen! It's enough!", Van interupted her loudly and finally managed to push the cat-girl off his body. "In Rastullah's name, what are you doing here? Why didn't you stay in Kahd?", he asked not a bit less confused than Hitomi.
Merle turned up her nose at his question. "With these Centaurs?", she asked annoyed.
"What's wrong with them?", Van asked back raising his brows.
"Well, they are dirty and they stink and I don't like them!", Merle answered. "I'd rather stay with you. My hero!", she chanted flinging her arms around his neck.
Hitomi watched it with wide eyes. Had she just heard right? Her hero? What was going on between the two of them? A lot of questions and feelings which she couldn't assign were filling her mind. But one question was above all others. Why did she care?
"But Merle...", Van protested trying to free himself from Merle's grip. It didn't seem that he was very successful.
Suddenly she let go by herself. "I have something for you.", she said and before Van could ask a loud whistle echoed through the forrest. And right then something broke trough the undergrowth. Hitomi saw a black shadow enter the fork they were standing on. It was a horse. A beautiful horse. She saw out of the corner of her eyes Van jumping to his feet.
"Tarik!", he said and the horse walked to him.
It was his horse. The one Hitomi had missed. Pitch-black. His fur shone in the sun, his mane was disheveled and his eyes...by the gods, his eyes! They were brown and sparkled with a red Hitomi had seen only one time before- Van! They had the same eyes, the same honest eyes! Anyways, the horse' whole appearance...it was strange.
"Tarik, I knew you would find me.", Van whispered in Tarik's ear tapping him. "Oh, and I see you found a little friend.", he added when a black and white spotted pony appeared behind Tarik, shyly inspecting him.
"And who are you, little one?", he asked softly, outstreching his arm intending to touch the pony.
"Rhea!", a call stopped him.
Van looked up and saw the blond girl approaching. She looked at him with wide eyes. Curiosity burning within these blue depths. She reached the mare and stopped at her side never letting Van out of sight. This look of her. It was the same one with which Hitomi had looked at him. This look of stunning curiosity. He just stared back.
"Who are you?", she asked him.
"This is Van, Gabriella.", Hitomi answered instead of him. "I met him some time ago."
"Him?", Gabriella asked in disbelieve, her eyes widen to the limit. "This is a man?"
"Yes.", Hitomi replied putting her hands on the girl's shoulders.
"I imagined them more ominous. I thought they were monsters.", Gabriella said.
Monsters? Van blinked. "Well, I'm not a monster.", he stated. "Hitomi tell me, why isn't she going to cut my head off?", he asked then. This question had been in his mind the whole time since he had spotted that girl. She was an Amazon. No doubt. But why hadn't she tried to kill him like Hitomi?
"Because her training hasn't started yet.", she answered.
Van looked at her, distrusting. "Her training hasn't started yet but she is able to follow you the whole way from who-knows-where-you-came-from?", he asked.
Hitomi paused. The question echoed in her mind, repeating itself on and on. Slowly she realized what the extent of Gabriella being here was. She shouldn't be here.
"I followed Hitomi's tracks.", Gabriella explained, smiling proudly.
"Really?", Van asked and she nodded, her hair flying madly. "You can read tracks?", he continued.
The little girl nodded again, her eyes glowing. "It was part of my basic training."
"But Hitomi...", Van complained but Gabriella interrupted him.
"Yeah, she meant the real training. It starts when I'm seven years old. It contains the training of fighting skills like archery or fighting with a sword, the education of our religion, for example rituals and celebrations and many other things. All in all, I'll learn how to be a good Amazon. The training I have had is the basic training. It contains the things I need to know to survive in the forrest of my own, for example hunting, riding and of course reading.", she explained entusiastically.
It began to dawn on Van. Of course, this men-hating-thing was part of their religion. And because the girl wasn't teached in their religion yet, she had fortunately no reason to hate him. He sighed mentally. Thank gods, he still had to get along with one men-hating Amazon. He wouldn't have been able to bear a second one. They would have killed him sooner or later. But now. He smirked. Maybe he could make friends with the little girl. He guessed Hitomi wouldn't like it. He was just about to reply when Hitomi suddenly came back to life.
"Gabriella, do you know what you have done?", she asked grabbing the girl's shoulders tighter. "You broke the law! You weren't allowed to cross the border! You are too young!"
"But you did the same!", Gabriella replied.
"Yeah, but I had to.", Hitomi complained.
"And me too!", the girl defended herself. "I had to follow you. You were all alone. I couldn't let you go alone. And because there were no guards at the border I thought that the gods wouldn't mind if I follow you."
"Oh stupid little Gabriella.", Hitomi said and hugged her. "You risked all that trouble just to protect me?", she asked into the girl's hair. "Thank you."
Van was taken aback. At least she had emotions at all. Who would expect that a little girl was able to make the ice shield around Hitomi melt away?
"You know her?", hissed someone beside him.
Van blinked and turned away from the girls. He spotted Merle, sitting on all fours and glaring at Hitomi.
"Yeah, I know her. Hitomi saved my life twice.", he answered.
"She did what?", Merle asked staring at him.
"You heard right. You will have to get use to her. Like it or not but she will keep us company until we reach Alexandria. And later you'll tell me how you came here.", he said and added louder: "You know what? That was perfect timing!"
Hitomi let go of Gabriella and looked at him. "Why?", she asked.
"Because we can go on horseback, now.", he replied a huge grin plastered on his face. "We will reach Alexandria sooner than I had expected."
"No, we won't. We haven't enough horses.", Hitomi complained. "Dust still can't carry me."
"That's no problem. He doesn't need to carry you. You'll ride with me on Tarik. He is..."
"What?", Merle cut him short. "And what about me?"
"You will ride with Gabriella. I think Rhea will make it.", Van answered.
"No, I don't want. I want to ride with you!", Merle exclaimed clinging on Van's arm.
"Who appointed you leader?", Hitomi interfered angrily. "Does it matter what I want?"
"No.", Van replied frankly earning a dead glance. "Except you'd rather walk the rest of the way."
"You can't force me!", she shouted. "You're little friend wants to ride with you, then why don't you just grant her the wish?", she spat the words out like they were some kind of disgusting substance.
Instead of yelling back he just smirked wider. Could it be? Could it really be? Even in his wildest dreams he had never expected this to happen. It was unbelievable. She was-
"You're jealous.", he emphasized still smirking.
"What?", Hitomi barked. Jealousy! Of course she knew it. She had known it when that cat-girl had licked Van's cheek and she knew it right now. She had tried to ignore it, she had tried to stop it but the feeling had only increased. But why the hell was she jealous? There was no damn reason! But it was so obvious now that Van had noticed it. Damn him.
"Who do you think you are? I could never be jealous because of a damn man like you!", she shouted.
"How dare you! Master Van offered you his horse and you're yelling at him with no reason!", Merle snarled defending Van.
"You...", Hitomi started to shout back at Merle but was surprisingly stopped by Gabriella.
"Hitomi,", she said calmly putting her hand soothing on Hitomi's arm, "why are you so harsh to him?"
"Yeah Hitomi, why are you so harsh to him?", Van said innocently looking at her with puppy eyes.
She glared back. But then turned away to look at Gabriella. She was on his side!
"Gabriella, why are you defending him?", she asked in disbelieve.
"'Tomi, why don't you just accept his offer?", Gabriella asked her calmly.
"Because...", her voice trailed off. What should she answer? Because she felt strange in his presence? Because when she was near him she had the urge to do things she better should not do? She couldn't say that. Besides Gabriella wouldn't understand and there was Van still standing in front of her! She would never tell her reasons in his presence even if her life depended on it. She lowered her head. He won. Again.
"See, there is no reason.", Gabriella said.
Van frowned. Something was wrong with her. No doubt. It was just not like her to give up that early even without a verbal fight. He had expected one of her rumored outbursts, a detailed explanation why men were so bad or an attempt of killing him. But instead of all this she just lowered her head in defeat. What happened that night with her? She wasn't the same Hitomi anymore who swore to kill him if he dared to follow her.
"Hey, what is now?", Merle asked impatiently. "I think this means that she accepts your offer, Master Van. Let's go!"
"Huh?", Van asked startled. "O-of course. Let's go."
Van walked to Dust and grabbed his reins. He lead him to Tarik and fastened the reins to the saddle. Then he placed his left foot in one of Tarik's stirrups and swung himself elegantly into the saddle. The horse didn't move. Hitomi looked up and gasped. He was born to sit in that saddle. And Tarik was born to be his horse. These were the first thoughts coming to her mind when she saw them. This black horse fitted his dark and mysterious appearence perfectly. Majestic. This was the only word which could describe the horseman and his comrade. Proud. Of course, Novadis were proud people. They had a long and honourable history they could look at. Sublimity. Again he was sourrounded by this awe-inspiring aura she had seen one time before. She couldn't move, she couldn't breath, only stare. Absorbe this picture of him, imprinting it in her mind.
"Hitomi, won't you mount?", a voice startled her.
"What?", the Amazon asked snapping out of her thoughts. She blinked and looked at Gabriella. The girl just pointed at Van. Hitomi turned towards him and saw that he had his arm outstreched offering his help. How long had she stared at him? It must have been a long time. The suspicious look on his face was an obvious sign. 'Don't!', a voice cried in her mind. 'Don't let him come close to you!' Right. Her look darkened.
"I don't need your help.", she hissed in a low voice.
She glared at him and he pulled back his hand. She walked to Tarik and jumping off the ground she swung herself into the saddle too. She sat in his back. She was close to him. Too close in her oppinion. She looked at Gabriella who was just about to mount her horse. Merle started to follow her but suddenly stopped. Something was on her mind. She looked around as if searching something. Finally, she turned towards Van, a questioning look on her face.
"Where is Riad?", she asked.
Silence. Van lowered his head and looked to the ground, tightening the grip around the reins, his knuckles stricking out white.
"Van, where is he? Isn't he with you?", Merle asked again, fear in her voice. She sensed that something had happened.
"Who is Riad?", Gabriella interfered, curious.
"Shh, Gabriella. I'll tell you later.", Hitomi replied seeing Van tremble lightly.
"No, Merle. He's not with me. He's dead.", he finally answered Merle's question in a hoarse voice. "He had been murdered. I was too late. I'm sorry."
"What?", the cat-girl gasped her eyes wide. She shook her head not wanting to believe what she had just heard. "But...", her voice trailed off when tears started to fill her eyes. A quiet sob escaped her throat and the tears began rushing down her cheeks. She put her hands over her eyes and cried. Her small body began to tremble and her shaking knees gave way inevitably. Sobbing she sat on the ground not able to stop herself. All of a sudden she felt a gentle hand on her shoulder. Merle looked up and through the veil of tears she saw Gabriella smiling at her.
"We should go.", she whispered softly.
Merle nodded rising from the ground and with Gabriella's help she mounted the horse. The girl placed herself in front of the cat-girl and waited for Van.
"Hold on tight.", Van said to Hitomi.
Hitomi nodded lightly. Reluctantly she encircled his waist. She could feel his abs through his shirt and smelled his scent. Gods, he smelled so good and he was so warm. She wanted to close her eyes and lean against his muscular back, tighten the grip around his waist and enjoy the feeling rising within her. She shivered. She had never been afraid in her whole life but this feeling scared her. She didn't know it. She didn't know what it meant.
"Everything allright?", Van asked concerned.
"It's nothing.", she replied quietly.
Van nodded and clicked his tongue. At once, Tarik reacted and began trotting. Rhea followed the three of them without the order of Gabriella and the small group left the fork in silence.
Gabriella stroked Rhea's neck absently concerned about her new friend sitting behind her. She wondered what had happened to the person Merle was crying for. Hitomi's face had saddened too when the cat-girl had mentioned that name. The girl watched Hitomi out of the corner of her eyes. She was staring at the man's back seeming deep in thoughts. Something had happened to her. Gabriella just knew it. She wasn't the same Hitomi anymore who had left her, a lot of days ago.
Meanwhile, Merle looked to the ground silent tears sliding down her cheeks. She couldn't see a thing through the salty water blurring her view. But anyhow she didn't want to see anything. Everything was the same for her. Riad was dead, one of the two persons being left for her. And now there was only Van left. She looked to the side and watched him.
He stared ahead with dulled eyes. Why must everyone who meant something for him die? Why does HE take the persons he cared for away from him? They had nothing to do with all this. And as if that wasn't enough there were now three new people he had to care for. HE would take them too, sooner or later. But he couldn't allow it. He had to protect them at any costs.
Hitomi still stared at Van's back trying to ignore the feeling which was just about to defeat her. She hoped that they would reach Alexandria as soon as possible. They would separate there and she would finally be able to fulfill Thetis' wish. And she was sure the feeling would leave her alone along with him. It would never torture her again. She would never feel it again. She would never see him again.
..........................................
And what do you say? It's a little bit long, isn't it?! Did you like it? Tell me!!!!!!!!!!!!! bites nails I sooooooooooo hope that you liked it!!!! I know this whole warm-each-other part is in a lot of other fics, too. But I just like it. So please don't flame me. Okay, today was my last day in school. The next two weeks, there is no school. Two looooooong weeks of relaxing! HOLIDAYS!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I love holidays!! Anyhow, who does not? I think I'll make the time to write and maybe I'll be able to update earlier than this time. And can you do me a tiny little favour? Only a tiny tiny tiny tiny little one? Yes? I promise it isn't difficult and won't take much time. Please review!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! It is a tiny favour, isn't it? THAAAAAAAAAAANK YOOOOOOOOOUUUUUUUUU!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I hope to read your review smiles widely
Bye, Dariel
And now my special thanks to those who made time for writing a nice review. I love you people!!!!! Wow, sounds like I'm at the Oscar Award! I'm a star standing on the stage receiving the Oscar. Everyone sees me and everyone loves me. slaps herself WAKE UP, STUPID GIRL!!!!!!!!!! YOU'RE DAYDREAMING!!!!!!!!!! coughs and blushs Er...well...drools
( ): I'm so sorry that I forgot to thank you last time. That wasn't intentional! I'm so grateful for every review I receive. I just love them. So, pleeeeeeeeaaaaaaase forgive me falls on knees Pleeeeeeeeaaaaaaaaaase
TennyoAngel711: Easy hill? Easy hill??????? At the second day, I had to ski down a red piste!! Imagine this, an absolute beginner on a red piste!! I thought I would die when I stood at the top. I was so afraid and it was so damn plunge. Well, I made my will and skied it down. And as you can see I survived. I fell only two times when I skied it down. Hah, I was so proud. And although I fell several other times on the other pistes I enjoyed it! I wanna back on the piste!!! School is boring!!! Another thing: I'm so sorry that I stopped there but I hope this chapter makes you forgive me.
Aylee the Dragon (too lazy to log in)(): Mmmmmmmmmmmh, another delicious cookie. Thank you very much. And you liked the itty bitty VH fluff? (Besides I didn't know that there was one :) ) Well then, I think you'll enjoy this chapter. glances at Aylee's flamethrower I better buy a fire extinguisher.
LOVE WITCH(): Glad you like it. Yeah, what was he going to say? Evil moss! Disturbing poor Van when he was just about to... I would read the story to find it out!
Sailor Brittania(): Yeah, you're a really nice person I can say. I hope you'll like this chapter too. And keep on being nice and review again :P I'm happy about every review I get.
Paige Moonsword: You see I'm still alive. Hehe. Fortunately, I didn't break any of my bones. I only got some bruises because of falling a lot of times. But it's all part of it. Anyways, I'm so glad you like it and I'm looking forward for your new story. I'm so excited. I can hardly await it. But don't stop writing on WTFC! It's such a great story and you stopped at such a...argh...bad point of time. Cliffy!!!!!!!!!
Aeka-himme: Yay, a review from Aeka! I'm very sorry for the cliffy. But what are you thinking of me?! I could never let Van die!! It would kill me!! Actually, you should know it best! (as a crazy Van-fan like me giggles and blushs) Well see, I did forget something when I wrote the last review for your story. But there was so much on my mind, it was incredible! I wanted to say (write, whatever ) that the name of your site fits absolutely perfect! sighs And that pic! Kawaiiiiiiiiiiiiiii! It's such a shame that it didn't happen in the series. I would have been a lot happier.sighs again Actually, I'm writing on another story (I really shouldn't) but I don't know if it's such a good idea. TT So, but I hope that I didn't forget anything, this time!! It's terrible, my memory isn't a sieve, it's a black hole!!!! It absorbs everything but doesn't let me remember anything!!!!! But I didn't forget this: giggles
chimei-nakidasu: grins I know I'm evil. Here's the update.
xdread(): HERE YOU ARE HERE YOU ARE HERE YOU ARE.....:))))
SabineballZ: ICH WEISS!!!! dämonisch grins Aber ehrlich gesagt, bist du auch nicht viel besser! Eher noch schlimmer!! Das war grad mal mein erster Cliffhanger! Und bei dir sind bis jetzt alle Kapitel Cliffhanger gewesen! Also beschwer dich nicht!! Ach manno, ich bin immer so vorhersehbar. snüff Du kannst ja gleich meine Geschichte weiter erzählen...hoil Nee, es is nun ma offensichtlich wer Van ist. Oder? Nyarhar. Bor, pfui! Irgendwas tropft hier von meinem PC. Igitt, es ist dein Schleim! Also, erzähl keinen Blödsinn, deine Geschichte is spitzenklasse!!
DISCLAIMER: I (still) don't own Escaflowne and I don't own "Das Schwarze Auge" (oh-ho, what could that mean? Read and find out!!!!!!!!!!!!)
Chapter 5 Closeness
Hitomi had heard it and turned around, timely. She could see him fall. With a loud splash he disappeared in the lake. She looked at the place where he had hit the surface in disbelieve. Had it been real or was it just a dream? Well, yes it was real! And with that thought she burst out laughing. That served him right. Hitomi laughed so hard that she ran out of oxygen. Oh, she wanted to see his face when he surfaced. Stop! Shouldn't he surfaced for a long time? Hitomi stopped laughing and walked to the shore. Maybe it was just a joke and he wanted to scare her? She could well believe it of him. Maybe it was truly just a joke. And what if not?
..........................................
"Damnit! This stupid guy can't swim!", she cursed and quickly took her cloak and chest-armor off, without thinking about what she was going to do. Slipping out of her boots she took a header into the cold water. It was icy- cold. It was as if millions of little pointed needles were pricked into her skin. She opened her eyes and could hardly see her own hands. How the hell should she find him? Panic rose within her. She must hurry! Just a little bit longer and it would be too late! She wanted to scream his name, to call out for him and more than everything did she want to hear him answer and say that everything was okay. But this was quite impossible. It was just about time she ran out of oxygen. She must find him! Right now! Suddenly the picture of him floating through the water appeared in her mind. She had to brace herself not to gasp. He was right in front of her! And the next time she outstreched her arms, she felt fabric between her fingers. She grabbed it firmly and swam towards the surface immediately.
With a gasp of pure exhaustion, Hitomi broke through the surface pulling Van behind. At once he began coughing madly. He was alive. It was a load off her mind. She encircled his neck with her arm holding his head above the surface. Together they reached the shore. Hitomi crawled out of the water and rolled on her back breathing hard. Van did the same beside her still coughing. His lips were blue and his tanned skin was awfully pale. He trembled extremely. So did she. It was so cold. Her fingers were stiff and aching and her body twitched uncontrollably.
"I-I'll go ma-make a f-fire.", Van said shivering after regaining his breath.
Hitomi watched him leave. Her eyes widened. Not a single small "Thank you."! Was he too proud to thank her or what? She had saved his life, not the first time she must admit. Did he think there was no reason to thank her? Did he take it as a matter of course? Oh of course, he hadn't asked for her help! It was her fault. There was no need for helping him. Mister Perfect would have made it on his own. She snarled. Oh, this damned man! She should have let him drown. She was shaken by an attack of shivers again. Looking into the sky, Hitomi saw that the sun had set already. The night would be cold. The nights had been always cold but this time it would be worse. All the time, she had worn dry clothes and this time there wouldn't be any difference if she didn't wear anything! She was wet to the bones. It was going to be a funny night!
"So you finally decided to join me?", she said when she heard quiet steps behind herself. Dust stopped beside her rubbing his nose against her cheek. She raised her shaking hand and stroked the horse.
"Hey Dust, do you think we will find the dragon?", she asked him quietly. He snorted and nodded making Hitomi giggle.
"Dust, the optimist!", she said smiling and wrung out her wet hair.
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It was going to be dark when Van appeared with his arms full of branches. He let them and himself drop to the ground before Hitomi. She noticed that he was still pale and shivering. His black bangs stuck to his face and his teeth chattered madly. But she knew she didn't look a bit better. She had wrapped her arms around herself and watched Van. He tried to start a fire with trembling hands. Without success, of course. Hitomi smiled to herself. It satisfied her to see that it didn't work. But on the other hand she would profit by the fire too, wouldn't she?
"Hah!", Van said looking at his work. Finally, he had managed to ignite a fire.
The small flame grew quickly causing dancing shadows on Van's body. He suddenly crawled a bit away from the fire and took his boots off. Hitomi looked at him, curious. And what was he going to do this time? She frowned when his socks joined his boots on the ground and he stood up. But then her eyes widened when he crossed his arms, grabbing his shirt pulling it over his head.
Hitomi gasped and froze on the spot, a blush creeping onto her cheeks. The beating of her heart increased to an impossible intensity, seeming as if it was beating in her throat. And as if it wasn't enough already the strange feeling started to rise inside her again, making her feel uneasy like never before. She wanted to turn away but she could only stare at him. Stare and watch the flickering shadows of the fire dance across his tanned skin. By that time, her cheeks were burning. Why did he attract her that much?
He turned to the side and let his shirt drop to the ground. And that was the moment, Hitomi spotted something that made her gasp. No! No, that was impossible! Absolutely impossible! It couldn't be! She had to be dreaming, a halluzination! She had expected everything- except this! Not here, not now, especially not him! It simply couldn't be! But there, at his right tanned upper arm and shoulder was the unmistakable proof, something she couldn't deny. A tattoo! A big bluish rhomb with a small hole in it's middle on his shoulder and a smaller one without a hole on his upper arm. It was the unambiguous, unique sign of the people of the desert- the Novadi! By the gods, he was a Novadi! A member of the Moving People! She couldn't believe it!
The Novadi were a very old tribe. Their homeland was the Endless Desert. They were the only ones able to survive there living as nomads. Shy people trying to avoid others. It was said that they were gifted with special skills. That would answer a lot of Hitomi's questions concerning Van. For example, it would explain Van's non-existent ability to swim. Novadis weren't able to swim. Why should they? Where in the desert did they need to swim? It was an useless ability for them that's why they simply had forgotten how to swim. They had other abilities. They had a marked condition and were able to survive a longer time without water than other people. No wonder then that Van had never been exhausted or thirsty when they had rested, Hitomi however had nearly died because of these reasons. But the specialst thing about the Novadis was their link to horses. Nobody could deal with horses like them. Horses were not only utilizable animals, they were special friends, commerads or even a family. Horses were an important part of their lives. Almost like Dust and herself, just a little bit more intense. They had some kind of mental linking. And that was the reason Dust had excepted Van! They had communicated with each other. Unbelievable!
But the fact Van being a Novadi didn't just answer her questions, it caused new ones too. If he was a Novadi, shy, his homeland -the deserts- hundreds of miles away, then what the hell was he doing here? Even without a horse? It was very unlikely that a Novadi would leave his homeland, at the latest without a horse! Where was this horse right now? There had been no one that had kept Van company when she had met him. And what would be so important that he had left the desert? What was worth it to take such an arduous journey upon oneself? Businesses in Alexandria. Hitomi wondered what businesses it might be adding that someone tried to kill him in order to stop him from reaching the city.
Just at that moment, Van turned around, facing her.
"You're not going to take off your clothes?", he asked, interupting her thoughts.
Hitomi looked at him, puzzled. What was he driving at? "No, of course not!", she answered.
"But you'll fall ill. Your clothes are completely wet and-", he said, shivering.
"Do you really think I'm going to take off my clothes in your presence?", she interupted him.
Van rolled his eyes. Women! Always the same!
"If you're keen on falling ill, fine.", he said and shrugged. "It's not my problem!"
Then he took his pants off and only wearing his boxers he wrapped his cloak around his cold body. After that he walked to the fire and let himself drop beside it. Hitomi glared at him. He was right. Damnit! If she didn't want to get a pneumonia she would have to take her clothes off. Like it or not. Reluctantly she grabbed her shirt, intending to take it off and glanced at Van. He was looking at her. It made her blush again.
"Don't you dare!", she hissed and Van turned away immediately, a smirk plastered across his features.
Hitomi snorted angrily and continued undressing. It was really hard to manage with stiff fingers. Finally, she finished and wrapped her cloak quickly around herself just wearing her underwear. She sat down next to the fire shivering and chattering. It didn't work. She didn't stop shivering. She started to rock back and forth rubbing her arms. It was so cold. Her whole body was aching. Glancing at Van she saw that he was doing the same. Suddenly he rose from the ground and walked over to her. Hitomi wondered what he would do. And well, it was something she hadn't expected. He grabbed her cloak and pulled it off her trembling body. Hitomi jumped to her feet, outraged.
"What are you doing?", she shouted, snatching her cloak away from him. "Are you crazy?"
"I'll sit close to you that we can warm each other.", Van explained calmly.
"Not over my dead body!", she yelled. "I won't allow a damn man to touch me! Especially not you! I can warm myself!"
"No, you can't!", Van snarled. "And I don't want to feel cold the whole night just because you're stubborn as a mule!"
Hitomi only stared at him, holding the cloak tightly around herself.
"So sit down and don't say a single word!", he said imperiously, pointing to the ground, an aura of authority sourrounding him. "I don't want any harm! Understood?"
Hitomi wanted to protest but somehow she knew he wouldn't listen. And somehow he was right. Hitomi fought with herself. Should she listen to him or not? So what of it if she did what he said? Supposing he would do something he better should not do, she could hurt him. So why then feeling cold if there were chances of warmth?
"Just one wrong move and you're dead before you can even blink an eye!", she snarled showing how the cat jumped. She didn't need him! She wasn't dependent on him. She could survive this night without him warming her. Without his arms being wrapped around her. Without his bare skin touching her one. Without...what? No! No, she wasn't thinking that! A man would touch her and she wouldn't -on NO account she would- enjoy it! No, she wouldn't! Really...she wouldn't?
"Sure.", Van said casually, making her look at him. "Then, could you please sit down?", he asked, a lop-sided grin on his face.
No, she never would enjoy it! And with that thought she turned away and let herself drop to the more than hard ground. Slowly she loosened her cloak baring her cold body. Immediately, she felt the wind blowing over her skin and shivered hard. Van sat down too and placed himself in her back. He was glad that she sat with her back to him because his head was red like a tomato. Although it was dark she would have seen it glow. Van came closer and Hitomi stopped breathing in anticipation of his touch. Why the hell anticipation? It was only a touch! A damn touch of a damn man! It couldn't be different from being hugged by one of her sisters! So, no reason to be excited!
But she jerked when she felt his arms encircling her waist and stiffened. Oh, it was different! It was an absolutely unfamiliar feeling to her! But why? Why did it feel so different and why did SHE feel o different? Why had her heart stopped beating? And why did her cheeks burn like they were on fire? Then she felt his cold skin touch her back and suddenly she was flooded by an intense tingling feeling like a small island in the middle of the ocean by a giant tsunami - surprising and without any chance of escape. She would drown in this feeling! She had to take some action against it! Suddenly Van handed her his cloak over her shoulders making her snap out of it. She took it with trembling fingers and closed it in front of her chest pressing Van closer to her back. Just great.
"Everything allright?", Van asked quietly, close to her ear.
Hitomi just nodded. His raw hands lay gently on her stomach holding her tightly. She felt her skin starting to burn where he touched her. Her heart had now decided to beat like mad and she still wasn't breathing. Never had she expected that she would ever be so close to a man. The closeness cramped her. She felt Van breathe against her back and it caused shivers down her spine. There was an awkward silence between them. None of them knew what to say in such a 'situation'.
"So, you're a Novadi.", Hitomi remarked after a while, finally finding her breath. Maybe, talking with him would make her forget about the mess of feelings torturing her.
"Hmm.", Van said nodding causing his hair tickle her ear. She trembled.
"What's the matter?", he asked concerned.
She giggled girlishly. "Your hair tickles.", she replied.
"Oh, I'm sorry.", he apologized sheepishly.
Hitomi was surprised about herself. Why was she acting like this? Like an immature girl! And why could she talk with him without argueing? She couldn't remember of a conversation between them both that hadn't led to an argue. But not to argue was very pleasant. Though argueing was very funny. They were equals she couldn't deny. He wasn't a bit less stubborn than herself.
"Would you like to tell me what you're doing here, after all?", she asked.
"Er...As I said, I...-", he replied but Hitomi shook her head.
"No, no. I want to know what you're really doing here. Far away from home without a horse but with some guys trying to kill you! Why?", Hitomi asked.
"I-", he sighed. "I can't tell you. I don't want you to get involved in this whole...mess. Besides, it's very complicated."
"So, you mean I'm dumb, don't you? I wouldn't understand, right?", she replied provoking.
"No no!", Van said quickly not wanting to irritate her. "I just wanted..."
"Yeah, I know. I know. The mysterious reserved stranger only tries to protect the curious little girl from getting into trouble because of poking her nose in other people's businesses.", she finished his sentence in her way.
"No! No, I...", he paused and snorted. "You haven't even told me what you're doing here. Then why should I tell you what I'm doing here? You're just a stranger!", Van then said and looked at Hitomi out of the corner of his eyes awaiting her reaction.
Hitomi gave a laugh. "Touché.", she replied appreciating. As she said, they were equals.
"Okay, Van.", she said. "I'm searching for something."
"Mmh, that's interesting. And what?", he asked curious.
"Hey, that wasn't part of the deal. What about you?", she asked back.
"I thought you're not interested in what I'm doing here.", he replied innocently.
"Van...", she snarled impatiently.
He chuckled. "Hey, calm down. I'll tell you. I'm going to make a crossing from Alexandria to the Easterly Continent."
Hitomi's eyes widened. Somehow, she had known it. The way he had acted when he had seen the birds flee, had been too strange. He knew what was going on there and was part of these events! With absolute certainty!
"Why?", she asked aloud.
Van just grinned. "That wasn't part of the deal.", he replied.
Hitomi bit her lips. Damnit, why was she so curious? It wasn't of her business what he would do at the Easterly Continent.
"It's better you don't know too much about my businesses.", he said seriously.
Hitomi nodded lightly. Should he keep his secret. Should he do whatever he has to do. It wasn't her problem. They would separate in Alexandria. He would go his way and she would go her own way. She would never see him again. At this thought her heart skipped a beat. What the hell was wrong with her?
The silence was now sourrounding them again. Both of them were lost deep in their own thoughts. Without having noticed they had stopped shivering. A pleasant warmth made Hitomi become sleepy. Very sleepy. She was just about drifting to sleep when Van's soft voice suddenly reached her ear.
"Er...Hitomi?", he asked quietly.
"Mmh.", she mumbled. It was all she could manage to say, half sleeping.
"Earlier, you know. I was very harsh. I didn't mean to say these things. I'm sorry. Honestly. And-and,", he stuttered searching for words, "I wanted to thank you. You saved my live...Twice.", he added in a whisper. "And I didn't even thank you. So, thank you. Er...Hitomi?"
"Mmh.", came her answer and her head fell limp on Van's shoulder. Finally she was asleep. He looked at her and smiled. At last, this strong and proud Amazon- not to forget loud and stubborn- could look like a vulnerable and fragile being awaking his protective instincts. He tightened the embrace around her waist and lay his head carefully on her shoulder not wanting to wake her. Soon, he wasn't able to keep his eyes open anymore and fell asleep too.
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Folken walked through the endless hallways of Fanelia's palace. He was on his way to the gathering hall where his guest was awaiting him. He wondered who it might be. He hadn't invited someone and usually nobody dared to demand an audience of him without an announcement. It concerned his plan, Isaac said. Was someone trying to stop him? Likely. He stopped wondering when he reached the giant doors of the hall. Two soldiers bowed and pushed them open when they saw him appear. Folken didn't look at them and entered the room. There was a long table in the middle of the hall with a lot of wooden chairs flanking it. At the left side of room were huge windows reaching the ceiling. He spotted two figures in front of them but he couldn't see who it was. Isaac walked towards him from the other side of the hall.
"My Lord, follow me.", he said and turned around.
Folken followed him. And when they were just a few meters away from the two people he could inspect them closer. It were a woman and a man. The woman was quite tall. She wore a long tight fitting, blue-white dress. Her delicate face was sourrounded by sandy-grey hair that reached her hips and her blue eyes looked at him seriously. The man standing at her side was a bit taller than her. He had long blond hair and piercing blue eyes. He wore some kind of blue uniform and a sword hung at a belt around his waist.
"My Lord, this is Eries Aston, second princess of Asturia.", Isaac said pointing at the woman. She just looked at Folken.
"And this is Allen Shezar, knight caeli of Asturia.", Folken's advisor continued pointing at the man. He stared at Folken and bowed hardly noticeable.
"Ah, princess Eries.", Folken said bowing deeply. Then he took her hand and placed a light kiss on it. "To what do I owe the honour of your visit?", he asked gently, ignoring the knight completely.
"I'm really sorry, Lord Folken, that I came here without an announcement but it was of extremely urgency.", Eries apologized.
"It's allright.", Folken said. "Would you like to sit down?", he asked the princess still ignoring Allen Shezar.
"Yes, thank you.", she answered and Folken led her to a chair. She sat down and smoothened the pleats of her dress.
"Well, I'm here because of the ultimatum with which you threaten Freid.", she said frankly.
Folken's look darkened. So, that was the reason. "I don't know how far this concerns you and your country?", Folken replied angrily. Why did they interfere?
By hearing these words Allen had become very angry. "How dare you...!", he hissed.
"No, it's okay Allen.", Eries said raising her hand to stop the outraged knight. "Well,", she then said to Folken, "it's just a little information for you. Asturia will support Freid in every way. So,...", she said but Folken interupted her.
"Is this a threat?", he asked icy.
"No. It's a fact. So, if you'll declare war on Freid, you'll declare war on Asturia, too.", the princess said firmly.
Folken's anger increased. "Why are you so sure that I will declare war on Freid?", he asked.
"Because Freid won't give way!", she replied.
"You're not the queen of Freid. So stop conjecturing!", Folken said angrily.
"But the Duke of Freid is my nephew and I speak for him.", Eries defended herself.
"Oh, the little boy can't speak for himself.", he said condescending.
"Enough!", Allen shouted and grabbed Folken's collar.
"How dare you!", Folken hissed freeing himself from Allen's grasp.
"You offended the Duke of Freid!", Allen snarled angrily.
"And...-?", Folken started to reply but Eries interupted the men's argue by placing herself between them.
"We are not here to argue, Allen.", she said over her shoulder. "We are here to warn Lord Folken.", she continued and glared at Folken. He glared back.
"Thank you for warning me but I won't revoke the ultimatum. Duke Shid has something that is mine and if he doesn't give it back I'll get it myself, no matter how.", Folken said.
"If that's so...", Eries replied.
"Yes.", Folken said nipping every doubt in the bud. "If that was all for which reason you came here, then you can leave now."
"But...", the princess protested.
"No, I won't let myself in for any further discussions. My decision is definite.", he said harshly. "The soldiers at the door will guide you to your airship. Princess Eries, it's a shame that we haven't met under other circumstances. Fare well.", he said and bowed. Then he shot a dead glance at Allen and left, leaving a head shaking Eries and an angry Allen behind. All three were to busy with their own thoughts so that they didn't notice the diabolical grin appearing on Isaac's face.
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The morning sun gently carressed Hitomi's features. She awoke slowly from her dreams and smiled feeling the sunlight that came through her window warm her cheek. She still had her eyes closed to enjoy that moment. Laying on her soft bed, she had wrapped the warm sheeds around her body. She felt safe. She felt home. The world could decline it wouldn't matter. There was no place on Gaea where she would have been safer than here. She nuzzled deeper into the pillows. Just a few minutes and then she would get up. She sighed. It was when she heard a soft murmur. What was that? Was there someone in her room? It couldn't be! Then she heard it again and meanwhile her bed began moving. Her eyes snapped open. The bright sunlight was dazzling. She blinked. As soon as her eyes were used to the light she noticed her sourroundings. That was definitely not her room! It was a forest! And with that thought, the memories of the last few days and especially of the last night returned. Van! Hitomi looked down at his sleeping features. She wasn't in her bed, she lay on Van outstreched close to his right, her hands resting on his bare chest! It raised with every breath he took. She felt his pleasant warm skin under her fingers. It was strange. She looked at his calm features. He looked so peaceful. Almost like a child with his raven-black strands hanging into his face. She felt the sudden urge to carress his features. She couldn't explain it. She outstreched her hand. How would it feel to stroke his bangs out of his handsome face? To carress his lightly tanned cheek? To touch his soft lips? His lips. They attracted her.
But then she realized what she was thinking of. Her fingertips only centimeters away from his lips, she stopped. Hitomi pulled her hand away shaking her head. What's got into her? She lay in the arms of a man and thought of carressing his face! By the gods, she was an Amazon! How could she dare thinking of that? She wanted away from him, away from these strange feelings overwhelming her everytime she was around him! She tried to raise but it was impossible. Van was embracing her. She fought and fought but this only caused Van still sleeping to tighten his embrace. The result of her action was that she now lay closer to him than before, pressed against his chest. She could hear his heart beating slowly. Soothing. She blushed. What was going on? Her heart beat faster than ever and there was a feeling in her stomach, absolutely incredible. It scared her. She closed her eyes and took a deep breath intending to calm down, inhaling his scent. She knew it. Wild and free. He smelled like-dersert!
The picture of a wide desert had suddenly appeared before her eyes but they were still closed. She was confused. What was this? Hitomi saw the desert from above. Yellow sand. No matter where she looked, in every direction till the horizon was yellow sand. She saw lots of mountains made of sand. Dunes. A bit away from her were foothills of a giant mountain range. It was a dreary landscape without life. But fascinating in a strange way. Hitomi looked to the sky and saw the sun being at it's zenith. It shone merciless burning everything. Hitomi was surprised that she couldn't feel it. It seemed so real. Suddenly, something at the ground cought her attention. A motion! She inspected the ground closer and spotted a figure running over the sandy plain, running for their life. She wondered who it might be. She gasped when she began to float towards the figure. She saw that the person wore a long cloak. It covered nearly their whole body. Every step the person took, brown boots appeared. Their hands were hid in brown cloves. Hitomi looked at their face but couldn't see anything. The cloak's hood was deep in their face and their eyes were hidden behind dark, reflecting glasses, in order to protect them from the sunlight. She could only see the nose and the lips, chapped lips. Not very much to identify someone. The person was still running and breathing hard, just about reaching the foothills.
"No, I'm too late!", said an exhausted male voice.
Hitomi looked at the man, surprised and then in the direction he was heading. Her eyes widened when she saw black drifts of smoke raising from a ridge. That promised nothing good. The man began running even faster and soon reached the foothills jumping easily over sharp rocks. When he passed a giant ridge Hitomi could see a huge camp. Lots of the tents protected from the wind by the mountains were ablaze. She heard people shouting and crying. Horses were running all over the place, terrified. The man didn't hesitate and ran straight into that chaos, Hitomi still at his side. He grabbed another man running past him at his arm.
"Where is she?", he hissed.
The man outstreched his arm and pointed at a tent larger than the other ones, near the foot of the mountains. He let go of his arm and ran towards the tent. He saw countless men and women trying to extinguish the fires causing havoc in the camp. Reaching the tent Hitomi saw a small group of people kneeling around something before them. Noticing the man approaching the group made room for him. They lowered their heads when he walked past them. Finally, Hitomi saw her. A beautiful woman lay on the ground. Long black hair sourrounded her pale face. Her eyes were closed but Hitomi spotted two purple dots on her forehead. A tall man with wild black hair and concerned brown eyes was holding her fragile body in his lap. He pressed a piece of clothing onto her stomach. It was blood-soaked like the beautiful gown she was wearing. It was blue with short sleeves and and a broad, pink-striped ribbon around her slim waist. Two long ribbons appeared from a knot behind her back wriggling over the ground like snakes. Then Hitomi noticed the alarming huge pool of blood the man was kneeling in. He raised his head and looked at the man who had just arrived, with sad eyes.
"I'm so sorry. I wasn't able to protect her.", the kneeling man said.
"It's not your fault, Oaud.", the other one answered.
Then he took of his hood and sun-glasses and Hitomi could see who it was. Her heart stopped beating. It was Van. He let himself drop to the ground beside the mortally injured woman and grabbed her hand gently. Hitomi's mind was a mess. Too many impressions and too many questions. Van! What was he doing here? What was she doing here? What was this place? What the hell, was going on here?
"It's my fault.", Van whispered making Hitomi snap out of her thoughts. "Everything! I left without my horse. If I had left with Tarik I would have been here to protect her.", he continued his voice trembling.
"No, it's not your fault, dear son.", the woman said weakly, opening her eyes.
"Mother!" - "Varie!", Van and Oaud said at the same time. This was Van's mother? Hitomi stared at her. Varie smiled lightly.
"Van, you would have never been able to protect me. If they hadn't found me today they would have found me tomorrow or the day after tomorrow.", she said in a whisper.
"But...", Van protested.
"No, you could have never prevent it.", she interupted him stroking his cheek.
Tears started to form in his beautiful eyes. He knew she would die. Everyone knew it including Hitomi. She stood aside and watched the scene stunned.
"Before I...before I...", Varie whispered flinching.
"No, don't say it! Don't even think of it!", Van said firmly. "You will survive!"
"No, I won't and you know it. But before I go, you must promise me something.", she begged.
"Everything.", Van replied his voice breaking.
"Promise me that you'll return. You must take your father's sword. It's the only legitimate prove. You must take it and you must return to your birth place, to the city where you were born. Riad will go with you. He came here to call for you. You must hurry, there are just a few weeks left. You must stop him!", Varie said but then flinched again. The strain was too much.
"I promise, mother. I promise.", Van said.
Varie suddenly writhed with pain.
"Mother! Oaud, do something!", he said angrily.
"I-I-", Oaud stuttered.
"No, Van. It's over. The pain is gone.", Varie whispered in relief.
Van looked at her, hope shining within his eyes. But then a shadow fell over his face when he was hit by realization.
"Don't go!", he begged quietly.
"I must. I'm sorry.", she said to him. Then she lay her other hand on Oaud's one. "Oaud, thank you for everything."
"Nevermind, Varie.", Oaud replied and kissed her hand. She then turned to her son again.
"My last wish was to see you just once more. It was granted. Now, I can go but never forget I'll be always at your side. Fare well, my son.", she said and slowly closed her eyes. She breathed out and didn't breathe in again.
"No!", Van screamed. "No!"
He closed his eyes pressing the tears away. Just a single one slid down his cheek. He held his mother's limp hand tightly. Hitomi was covering her mouth with her hands. Her eyes were wide open and streams of tears rushed down her cheeks. But then her pendant swung from side to side before her eyes and the scene was gone. Blackness.
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Hitomi's eyes snapped open. She saw the forrest again and smelled this scent. His scent! She still lay on him! Immediately, she braced herself against Van's chest. She wanted to raise, wanted away from him. Now!
"Van, let go of me!", she hissed but he didn't react.
"Van! Wake up!", she nearly screamed and pushed him.
"Mmh.", he murmured softly. Hitomi felt his hands gently stroking over her back. It caused goose bumps and the feeling increasing.
"What the hell are you doing?", she asked her voice trembling. This was too much for her. She had never felt like this before when someone had touched her.
"Van, please stop it.", she begged and this time he heard. His eyes fluttered open.
"What...?", he asked but was interupted by Hitomi's shaking voice.
"Let. Go. Of. Me."
He saw her face and felt her body close to his one. Then he realized that he was holding her tightly. Quickly he pulled his arms away from her.
"I-I'm sorry.", he stuttered, blushing.
Hitomi grabbed her cloak and wrapped it around herself crawling away from Van. Far away. She breathed hard. What had just happened? She heard Van yawn very loud and glanced at him. He sat there, his bare upper torso straightened. Extending his arms he streched noisily and ran his hands over his sleepy face and through his disheveled hair. She would like to ran her hands through his hair, too. Hitomi gasped, putting her hand over her mouth and turned away. She felt bad. She felt dirty. She felt horribly guilty. But why? Why did she feel like that? Why did she feel like a damn traitor? And why did she have these weird thoughts? These absolutely confusing thoughts? Thoughts concerning him? He! He was the answer of her questions. She only had these thoughts when she was around him! To prevent these thoughts she must avoid him. That was the solution. She must avert that he comes close to her!
"Oh no!", Van said annoyed. "The clothes are still wet. We should hang them up. What do you think, Hitomi?", he asked. "Hitomi!", he said louder when she didn't react.
"What?", she asked back.
"Your clothes. Should I hang them up?", he replied gently.
Hitomi looked at him seeing that he was holding her clothes, his brows raised in expectation. She must avert that he comes close to her!
"No!", she said harshly. "I can do it myself!" And with that she rose from the ground and snatched her clothes away from him.
Van looked at her in pure disbelieve. What was wrong with her? He had thought the last night had changed the things between the two of them. He had thought that they would now get along a little bit better. But obviously he had been wrong. This girl was incorrigible! He snorted picking his clothes from the ground. He glanced at Hitomi. She had hung her clothes over some branches of a nearby tree. Now she was staring into the sky. Van shrugged. Gods knew what was going on in her mind. He turned around and walked to her horse. Dust snorted joyfully when he saw Van approaching.
"Ah, good old Dust is happy to see his best friend Van, isn't he?", Van joked, reaching the horse.
"How are you, this morning?", he asked, gently tapping him. Dust nodded, snorting.
"Fine? That's good to hear.", Van replied, kneeling down beside the stallion. He inspected the horse' leg. It looked quite good. Dust was now able to walk and gallop without feeling pain. In a few days he would be able to carry her again. Van smiled. He had done a quite good job.
"Hey Dust, don't you think you should go over to Hitomi and keep her company?", he asked, rising from the ground.
The horse snorted and started to walk.
"Good boy.", he said and tapped him on the back. Then he turned around looking for a branch.
..........................................
Hitomi was lost in her own thoughts. She couldn't get the vision she had had this morning out of her head. Had it been a vision anyway? Why was she so sure about it? She couldn't explain it to herself, she just knew it. It had been so real and so sad. Was it his future or his past? Would it happen or had it happened already? Was his mother dead? It would explain the sadness sourrounding him sometimes. It would explain that she felt sorry for him because she had experienced the same.
-"Hitomi!"-
No, she didn't feel sorry for him! She couldn't care less. It wasn't her damn problem. But why the hell did she have these strange visions concerning strange people and strange events? Suddenly a thought hit her like lightening. Of course, it had been his past! His mother mentioned someone called Riad. And as far as she knew, was this Riad already dead. He couldn't play a role in Van's future. So, Van was on his way to his birthplace.
-"Hitomi!"-
The desert wasn't his birthplace? That was strange. He was a Novadi after all! Novadis were supposed to be born in the deserts! He was a mystery to her. Definitely. But this wasn't the only thing. His sword! She had sensed that there was something about this sword. Apart from that it was absolutely atypical for a Novadi -Novadis prefered scimitars- it was a prove? A legitimate prove? A prove whatfore? What could a sword prove and how? Strange. And his mother's wish to stop 'him'. Who could that be? The same one who was trying to kill him, Hitomi guessed. And this cryptical time-limit.
-"HITOMI!"-
Hitomi snapped out of her thoughts. Did someone call her name? No, it couldn't be, she was alone. She was alone? Looking to her right, her left, ahead, she spotted no Dust and no Van. Where were they?
"I'm here, Hitomi.", a voice said from behind.
Spinning around, Hitomi saw Dust and Van standing at a fork. They had stopped there and she had gone straight ahead not noticing it.
"This way.", Van said pointing at the other path an amused look on his face.
Damnit, he must think she was a complete idiot. But why did she care? Why? There was no need. She stuck her nose into the air and walked arrogantly past Van.
"Hey Hitomi, what's wrong with you?", he asked. "I mean the whole time you argued with me and now you're acting completely contrary.", he continued grabbing her wrist.
She spun around. "Don't touch me!", she hissed.
Surprised, Van let go of her. "I simply can't understand you.", he said.
"You don't need to understand me!", she replied icy. 'Keep your distance, Hitomi.', she thought. 'Don't allow him to come close to you!'
"But...", he protested.
"NO!", she forestalled his objection.
Van knitted his eyebrows in anger. This stubborn girl! Couldn't she just let him finish his sentence? He opened his mouth to tell her that but-
IEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEK!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Both looked immediately in the direction the scream came from. A tree. They heard branches breaking and some kind of grunts. Van unsheatened his sword and Hitomi drew her bow, their bodies strained in expectation. Suddenly, it rustled in the foliage and something fell out of the tree. Van let his sword sink and narrowed his eyes, trying to see what this thing was. He guessed it was a ball of two beings fighting against each other. He saw arms and legs, blond hair, a tail, fur and something- something pink? Hell what was that? With another scream the two beings separated. Now they stood opposite each other and glared in their opponents eyes. Van's eyes widened. Infront of him stood a little girl with long blond hair tamed in a ponytrail. She wore clothes which were similar to Hitomi's ones. She had a quiver and a mini-bow strapped onto her back, too. Her glowing blue eyes stared in a pair of piercing blue eyes as well. But this pair didn't belong to a human being. At least not completely human. The eyes belonged to a sixteen years old cat-girl! She was slim and quite tall. She had a delicate face. It looked human apart from the three brown stripes on each of her cheeks and the long brown striking cat-ears. Her chin-long pink hair wasn't a bit less striking. She wore a short dress with brown spots on it. She had stripes on her legs and arms too and some kind of fluffy fur covered her wrists and ankles. A long, at that moment angry whipping striped tail completed her appearance. She looked really exotic and quite cute. And he knew her!
"Merle!" - "Gabriella!", Van and Hitomi said at the same time.
Both turned around and stared at each other.
"You know her?", they asked in unison pointing with an outstreched arm at the two girls.
They were just about to answer their question when a shrill scream startled them.
"MASTER VAAAAAAAAAN!!!!!!!!!", screamed the cat-girl and tackled him.
Hitomi watched the scene before her, stunned. Van lay on the ground the cat- girl on top of him. She had grabbed his shirt firmly pressing herself close to his body. And she was licking his cheek while purring softly: "Master Van."!
"Merle, stop it! That tickles!", Van said chuckling.
Anger rose within Hitomi. But why? There was no reason, was there? Was it anger because of that cat-girl, because of what she was doing? Meanwhile, a feeling was crawling through her. A feeling she knew, a feeling she didn't want to confess. Not concerning him! She clenched her fists gritting her teeth.
"Hitomi?", a voice asked her. "What is this person?"
Hitomi snapped out of her thoughts. "Gabriella?", she asked confused. "What...?"
"Merle, listen! It's enough!", Van interupted her loudly and finally managed to push the cat-girl off his body. "In Rastullah's name, what are you doing here? Why didn't you stay in Kahd?", he asked not a bit less confused than Hitomi.
Merle turned up her nose at his question. "With these Centaurs?", she asked annoyed.
"What's wrong with them?", Van asked back raising his brows.
"Well, they are dirty and they stink and I don't like them!", Merle answered. "I'd rather stay with you. My hero!", she chanted flinging her arms around his neck.
Hitomi watched it with wide eyes. Had she just heard right? Her hero? What was going on between the two of them? A lot of questions and feelings which she couldn't assign were filling her mind. But one question was above all others. Why did she care?
"But Merle...", Van protested trying to free himself from Merle's grip. It didn't seem that he was very successful.
Suddenly she let go by herself. "I have something for you.", she said and before Van could ask a loud whistle echoed through the forrest. And right then something broke trough the undergrowth. Hitomi saw a black shadow enter the fork they were standing on. It was a horse. A beautiful horse. She saw out of the corner of her eyes Van jumping to his feet.
"Tarik!", he said and the horse walked to him.
It was his horse. The one Hitomi had missed. Pitch-black. His fur shone in the sun, his mane was disheveled and his eyes...by the gods, his eyes! They were brown and sparkled with a red Hitomi had seen only one time before- Van! They had the same eyes, the same honest eyes! Anyways, the horse' whole appearance...it was strange.
"Tarik, I knew you would find me.", Van whispered in Tarik's ear tapping him. "Oh, and I see you found a little friend.", he added when a black and white spotted pony appeared behind Tarik, shyly inspecting him.
"And who are you, little one?", he asked softly, outstreching his arm intending to touch the pony.
"Rhea!", a call stopped him.
Van looked up and saw the blond girl approaching. She looked at him with wide eyes. Curiosity burning within these blue depths. She reached the mare and stopped at her side never letting Van out of sight. This look of her. It was the same one with which Hitomi had looked at him. This look of stunning curiosity. He just stared back.
"Who are you?", she asked him.
"This is Van, Gabriella.", Hitomi answered instead of him. "I met him some time ago."
"Him?", Gabriella asked in disbelieve, her eyes widen to the limit. "This is a man?"
"Yes.", Hitomi replied putting her hands on the girl's shoulders.
"I imagined them more ominous. I thought they were monsters.", Gabriella said.
Monsters? Van blinked. "Well, I'm not a monster.", he stated. "Hitomi tell me, why isn't she going to cut my head off?", he asked then. This question had been in his mind the whole time since he had spotted that girl. She was an Amazon. No doubt. But why hadn't she tried to kill him like Hitomi?
"Because her training hasn't started yet.", she answered.
Van looked at her, distrusting. "Her training hasn't started yet but she is able to follow you the whole way from who-knows-where-you-came-from?", he asked.
Hitomi paused. The question echoed in her mind, repeating itself on and on. Slowly she realized what the extent of Gabriella being here was. She shouldn't be here.
"I followed Hitomi's tracks.", Gabriella explained, smiling proudly.
"Really?", Van asked and she nodded, her hair flying madly. "You can read tracks?", he continued.
The little girl nodded again, her eyes glowing. "It was part of my basic training."
"But Hitomi...", Van complained but Gabriella interrupted him.
"Yeah, she meant the real training. It starts when I'm seven years old. It contains the training of fighting skills like archery or fighting with a sword, the education of our religion, for example rituals and celebrations and many other things. All in all, I'll learn how to be a good Amazon. The training I have had is the basic training. It contains the things I need to know to survive in the forrest of my own, for example hunting, riding and of course reading.", she explained entusiastically.
It began to dawn on Van. Of course, this men-hating-thing was part of their religion. And because the girl wasn't teached in their religion yet, she had fortunately no reason to hate him. He sighed mentally. Thank gods, he still had to get along with one men-hating Amazon. He wouldn't have been able to bear a second one. They would have killed him sooner or later. But now. He smirked. Maybe he could make friends with the little girl. He guessed Hitomi wouldn't like it. He was just about to reply when Hitomi suddenly came back to life.
"Gabriella, do you know what you have done?", she asked grabbing the girl's shoulders tighter. "You broke the law! You weren't allowed to cross the border! You are too young!"
"But you did the same!", Gabriella replied.
"Yeah, but I had to.", Hitomi complained.
"And me too!", the girl defended herself. "I had to follow you. You were all alone. I couldn't let you go alone. And because there were no guards at the border I thought that the gods wouldn't mind if I follow you."
"Oh stupid little Gabriella.", Hitomi said and hugged her. "You risked all that trouble just to protect me?", she asked into the girl's hair. "Thank you."
Van was taken aback. At least she had emotions at all. Who would expect that a little girl was able to make the ice shield around Hitomi melt away?
"You know her?", hissed someone beside him.
Van blinked and turned away from the girls. He spotted Merle, sitting on all fours and glaring at Hitomi.
"Yeah, I know her. Hitomi saved my life twice.", he answered.
"She did what?", Merle asked staring at him.
"You heard right. You will have to get use to her. Like it or not but she will keep us company until we reach Alexandria. And later you'll tell me how you came here.", he said and added louder: "You know what? That was perfect timing!"
Hitomi let go of Gabriella and looked at him. "Why?", she asked.
"Because we can go on horseback, now.", he replied a huge grin plastered on his face. "We will reach Alexandria sooner than I had expected."
"No, we won't. We haven't enough horses.", Hitomi complained. "Dust still can't carry me."
"That's no problem. He doesn't need to carry you. You'll ride with me on Tarik. He is..."
"What?", Merle cut him short. "And what about me?"
"You will ride with Gabriella. I think Rhea will make it.", Van answered.
"No, I don't want. I want to ride with you!", Merle exclaimed clinging on Van's arm.
"Who appointed you leader?", Hitomi interfered angrily. "Does it matter what I want?"
"No.", Van replied frankly earning a dead glance. "Except you'd rather walk the rest of the way."
"You can't force me!", she shouted. "You're little friend wants to ride with you, then why don't you just grant her the wish?", she spat the words out like they were some kind of disgusting substance.
Instead of yelling back he just smirked wider. Could it be? Could it really be? Even in his wildest dreams he had never expected this to happen. It was unbelievable. She was-
"You're jealous.", he emphasized still smirking.
"What?", Hitomi barked. Jealousy! Of course she knew it. She had known it when that cat-girl had licked Van's cheek and she knew it right now. She had tried to ignore it, she had tried to stop it but the feeling had only increased. But why the hell was she jealous? There was no damn reason! But it was so obvious now that Van had noticed it. Damn him.
"Who do you think you are? I could never be jealous because of a damn man like you!", she shouted.
"How dare you! Master Van offered you his horse and you're yelling at him with no reason!", Merle snarled defending Van.
"You...", Hitomi started to shout back at Merle but was surprisingly stopped by Gabriella.
"Hitomi,", she said calmly putting her hand soothing on Hitomi's arm, "why are you so harsh to him?"
"Yeah Hitomi, why are you so harsh to him?", Van said innocently looking at her with puppy eyes.
She glared back. But then turned away to look at Gabriella. She was on his side!
"Gabriella, why are you defending him?", she asked in disbelieve.
"'Tomi, why don't you just accept his offer?", Gabriella asked her calmly.
"Because...", her voice trailed off. What should she answer? Because she felt strange in his presence? Because when she was near him she had the urge to do things she better should not do? She couldn't say that. Besides Gabriella wouldn't understand and there was Van still standing in front of her! She would never tell her reasons in his presence even if her life depended on it. She lowered her head. He won. Again.
"See, there is no reason.", Gabriella said.
Van frowned. Something was wrong with her. No doubt. It was just not like her to give up that early even without a verbal fight. He had expected one of her rumored outbursts, a detailed explanation why men were so bad or an attempt of killing him. But instead of all this she just lowered her head in defeat. What happened that night with her? She wasn't the same Hitomi anymore who swore to kill him if he dared to follow her.
"Hey, what is now?", Merle asked impatiently. "I think this means that she accepts your offer, Master Van. Let's go!"
"Huh?", Van asked startled. "O-of course. Let's go."
Van walked to Dust and grabbed his reins. He lead him to Tarik and fastened the reins to the saddle. Then he placed his left foot in one of Tarik's stirrups and swung himself elegantly into the saddle. The horse didn't move. Hitomi looked up and gasped. He was born to sit in that saddle. And Tarik was born to be his horse. These were the first thoughts coming to her mind when she saw them. This black horse fitted his dark and mysterious appearence perfectly. Majestic. This was the only word which could describe the horseman and his comrade. Proud. Of course, Novadis were proud people. They had a long and honourable history they could look at. Sublimity. Again he was sourrounded by this awe-inspiring aura she had seen one time before. She couldn't move, she couldn't breath, only stare. Absorbe this picture of him, imprinting it in her mind.
"Hitomi, won't you mount?", a voice startled her.
"What?", the Amazon asked snapping out of her thoughts. She blinked and looked at Gabriella. The girl just pointed at Van. Hitomi turned towards him and saw that he had his arm outstreched offering his help. How long had she stared at him? It must have been a long time. The suspicious look on his face was an obvious sign. 'Don't!', a voice cried in her mind. 'Don't let him come close to you!' Right. Her look darkened.
"I don't need your help.", she hissed in a low voice.
She glared at him and he pulled back his hand. She walked to Tarik and jumping off the ground she swung herself into the saddle too. She sat in his back. She was close to him. Too close in her oppinion. She looked at Gabriella who was just about to mount her horse. Merle started to follow her but suddenly stopped. Something was on her mind. She looked around as if searching something. Finally, she turned towards Van, a questioning look on her face.
"Where is Riad?", she asked.
Silence. Van lowered his head and looked to the ground, tightening the grip around the reins, his knuckles stricking out white.
"Van, where is he? Isn't he with you?", Merle asked again, fear in her voice. She sensed that something had happened.
"Who is Riad?", Gabriella interfered, curious.
"Shh, Gabriella. I'll tell you later.", Hitomi replied seeing Van tremble lightly.
"No, Merle. He's not with me. He's dead.", he finally answered Merle's question in a hoarse voice. "He had been murdered. I was too late. I'm sorry."
"What?", the cat-girl gasped her eyes wide. She shook her head not wanting to believe what she had just heard. "But...", her voice trailed off when tears started to fill her eyes. A quiet sob escaped her throat and the tears began rushing down her cheeks. She put her hands over her eyes and cried. Her small body began to tremble and her shaking knees gave way inevitably. Sobbing she sat on the ground not able to stop herself. All of a sudden she felt a gentle hand on her shoulder. Merle looked up and through the veil of tears she saw Gabriella smiling at her.
"We should go.", she whispered softly.
Merle nodded rising from the ground and with Gabriella's help she mounted the horse. The girl placed herself in front of the cat-girl and waited for Van.
"Hold on tight.", Van said to Hitomi.
Hitomi nodded lightly. Reluctantly she encircled his waist. She could feel his abs through his shirt and smelled his scent. Gods, he smelled so good and he was so warm. She wanted to close her eyes and lean against his muscular back, tighten the grip around his waist and enjoy the feeling rising within her. She shivered. She had never been afraid in her whole life but this feeling scared her. She didn't know it. She didn't know what it meant.
"Everything allright?", Van asked concerned.
"It's nothing.", she replied quietly.
Van nodded and clicked his tongue. At once, Tarik reacted and began trotting. Rhea followed the three of them without the order of Gabriella and the small group left the fork in silence.
Gabriella stroked Rhea's neck absently concerned about her new friend sitting behind her. She wondered what had happened to the person Merle was crying for. Hitomi's face had saddened too when the cat-girl had mentioned that name. The girl watched Hitomi out of the corner of her eyes. She was staring at the man's back seeming deep in thoughts. Something had happened to her. Gabriella just knew it. She wasn't the same Hitomi anymore who had left her, a lot of days ago.
Meanwhile, Merle looked to the ground silent tears sliding down her cheeks. She couldn't see a thing through the salty water blurring her view. But anyhow she didn't want to see anything. Everything was the same for her. Riad was dead, one of the two persons being left for her. And now there was only Van left. She looked to the side and watched him.
He stared ahead with dulled eyes. Why must everyone who meant something for him die? Why does HE take the persons he cared for away from him? They had nothing to do with all this. And as if that wasn't enough there were now three new people he had to care for. HE would take them too, sooner or later. But he couldn't allow it. He had to protect them at any costs.
Hitomi still stared at Van's back trying to ignore the feeling which was just about to defeat her. She hoped that they would reach Alexandria as soon as possible. They would separate there and she would finally be able to fulfill Thetis' wish. And she was sure the feeling would leave her alone along with him. It would never torture her again. She would never feel it again. She would never see him again.
..........................................
And what do you say? It's a little bit long, isn't it?! Did you like it? Tell me!!!!!!!!!!!!! bites nails I sooooooooooo hope that you liked it!!!! I know this whole warm-each-other part is in a lot of other fics, too. But I just like it. So please don't flame me. Okay, today was my last day in school. The next two weeks, there is no school. Two looooooong weeks of relaxing! HOLIDAYS!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I love holidays!! Anyhow, who does not? I think I'll make the time to write and maybe I'll be able to update earlier than this time. And can you do me a tiny little favour? Only a tiny tiny tiny tiny little one? Yes? I promise it isn't difficult and won't take much time. Please review!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! It is a tiny favour, isn't it? THAAAAAAAAAAANK YOOOOOOOOOUUUUUUUUU!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I hope to read your review smiles widely
Bye, Dariel