Hallo, alle zusammen!!!! (Hi everyone!) Long time no see, right? Yeah, I do
feel ashamed. I had holidays and I didn't make the time to update. My
friends dragged me out each day and I returned home between 1 and 3 AM!!!!
Nearly every day!!!! Whoa that was strenuous!! You can say it was more
strenuous than school and that means something!!!!! But it was very funny.
I enjoyed the time I spend with my crazy friends ^_^ *sighs* School began a
week ago and I was finally able to finish the chapter. Kinda twisted world,
isn't it?
DISCLAIMER: Yeah, I still don't own Escaflowne and I never will *bursts into tears*
Thanks for the wonderful reviews!!!!!!!!
Aylee the Dragon: ^_^ Thanks for the cookie. And for the fire extinguisher *grins* Glad that you liked the chapter and the fluff. Whohooo!!! I liked it too!! A shirtless Van *sighs* Hitomi is a lucky one, isn't she?! And what's this ninja monkey thing all about? Do you breed them?! *bites nails* I should really update soon ^_^
Aeka-himme: *blushs* Was it that good? Wow. I'm so happy that you love it. ^_^ Ah yes, good old Hitomi. She kinda drives you crazy, huh? Being around Van all the time (and being so damn close to him!!!!!!) and nothing happens! Muahahahahaha. I'm evil I know. But hey, even the most stubborn being on this planet (Hitomi!) can't resist this GOD (Van *giggles*) for eternity, can she?!
SabineballZ: Yay! Es gefällt dir! Das freut mich ^_^ Und mich freut es außerdem riesig, dass du mir treu geblieben bist!!!! Juchuuuuuuuuuu!!!! Ich liebe treue Leser!!!!!
drpepper4u(): Okay, I stop biting my nails because you say it was awesome ^_^ And thanx fot you're really really nice review!!!!!!
Azure: HI AZURE!!!! I'm so happy that you reviewed and that you like it!!!! Fluff rulez!!!!!!!! Oh yes, Hitomi will make it all up. She simply must!!!! Hehe. And hey, I deserved that holidays!! The next ones are in 49 days!! (Yes, I count the days ^_^) Such a long time and so many exams to write. Oh man. I fear you won't be able to read the new chapter because of this grounding thing. But they can't jail you for eternity, can they? I hope not!!!!!!!!!!!
Paige Moonsword: Of course, I do forgive you. It's not that bad don't worry. At least, you reviewed ^_^ and you liked it!!!!! Yay!!! Yeah, everything you need is practice practice practice. But you can't practice if you don't update your story *glares at Paige* No, just kidding!!! You said you'll update soon and I'll wait. *claps her hands* And you write another story. Yuppie!!!! And it's gonna be V/H!! YUPPIE!!!!! See, even if I wanted to I could never be mad at you ^_^ Oh hell yes, Van is soooo damn cute and it's such a damn shame that he isn't real *joins Paige in the corner to cry* Where is the fairy to grant me a wish?! I wanna make a wish!!!!!!
CinderellaxVan: YOU reviewed MY story???? Oh yeah, I do feel honoured. Believe me. *grins from ear to ear* Van is hot, isn't he?! If I were Hitomi then watch out, Van!!!! Oh, I would have sooo nuzzled up against him...*drools* ^_^ But this stupid Hitomi-girl didn't do anything!!! Grrr. Someone should smack her over the head and tell her that she loves Van!!!!! Oh, actually that's my part, isn't it?! ^_^ *smacks Hitomi over the head* Fall in love with Van that I can write more fluff!!!!! *giggles* I like fluff!!!! *sighs* But I think it'll take some time till the next fluff. Why did I make Hitomi so damn stubborn?! *grumbles* Hope you keep on reading for all that ^_^
Lilly(): ^_^ Glad you liked it and thanx for the 100 reviews!!!! *giggles*
Infinitis ^.~: Here you are!!! Thx
TennyoAngel711: *rubs hands* I forgive you ^_^ I'm very generous today, am I not?! You're absolutely right, Hitomi is such a lucky bitch!!!!!! I wanna curl up with Van too!!! *sniffs* Oh and BELATED HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!!!!!! *hands Tennyo selfmade cake* Don't worry, you're not gonna die if you eat it ^_^ Your one was very delicious. Mmmmmmmmh. Thanx.
lnoal: It's you again!!!!!!!!! Do you speak German? That would be funny ^_^ Danke für deinen review and I hope to read one of you again!!!!
LW: YOU'RE BACK!!!!! *jumps joyfully round in a circle* I was so happy when I saw that you returned!!!! *waves LW-is-back flag* I really couldn't believe it when I read that your account had been deleated and that you wouldn't return. I simply had to write that review!!!! And now you're back!!!! Yuppie yuppie!!!! I soooooooooo love your stories!!!! I can't await till they are all uploaded again!!! And I'm so happy too that you like my story!!
Chapter 6 Who are you, little bird?
"Do you have any problem with me or my face or my appearance?", Hitomi barked angrily seeing Merle glare at her again. The whole time they were riding she had stared at her.
"Hitomi!", Gabriella admonished looking at her seriously.
"What?", asked the young Amazon. "She glares at me the whole time! It's so annoying! Who is she anyway?"
"I think that Merle doesn't mean any harm. She just-", Gabriella tried to make peace but Merle interupted her.
"I just wanted to see that you don't hurt Master Van. That's all. And to answer your question, I'm a dear friend of him.", Merle replied innocently.
"Oh, of course. How could I forget that.", Hitomi said sarcastically. "Your beloved Master Van can't protect himself. He needs his little bodyguard."
Merle snarled. "You don't know a thing about Master Van! So stop talking so badly about him or...", she hissed threatening.
"Or what?", Hitomi mocked. "Will you scratch my face to pieces? I would think twice."
Merle tensed. She was ready to strike. She would jump off the horse and tackle this stupid girl. She would regret to have ever said something bad about her Master. When she was just about to jump a voice stopped her.
"Merle, don't.", Van interfered without turning around. He had said nothing at all the whole time. He had been deep in his thoughts but now it was time that someone stopped the two girls before they killed each other.
"But...", Merle protested but was cut off by Van.
"No, it's okay. You don't need to protect me, Merle.", he said calmly.
"But I must!", Merle replied before he could stop her again. "I simply must. Can't you understand? You're the only one I have on this planet. I'll follow you wherever you go even if it is to the end of the world."
Hitomi felt Van sigh by Merle's statement, her arms still encircling his body. He turned around and smiled warmly at the cat-girl who was just about to burst into tears. Her big blue eyes were watery and her clenched fists were shaking. Van outstreched his hand and stroked Merle's shining pink hair. Hitomi tightened the grip around his body knitting her brows angrily. Who was this strange girl and what linked the two of them? Why was he stroking that girl instead of her? She gasped and turned away hastily, breathing hard. Not again. Damnit, not again. She wanted to scream out loud. Loud enough to chase that confusing feeling away. That feeling making her think those stupid thoughts, that feeling torturing her, that feeling scaring her, that feeling defeating her. She wanted it to never ever return, to leave her alone. All alone.
"Oh Merle, I'm so sorry.", Van whispered softly making Hitomi bite her lips. How she enjoyed the sound of his voice. So soothing. And how she liked the warm feeling crawling through her causing goose bumps on her skin. She inhaled sharply. Scream. Just scream.
"You like each other very much, don't you?", asked a shy voice.
Van turned away from Merle's now smiling face just to see himself locked with Gabriella's curious eyes. He nodded lightly. "We're really good friends, you know?", he said quietly.
"How did you meet?", Gabriella continued never avoiding his gaze.
He smiled. "That's a really long story.", he said.
"I like long stories.", the little girl replied, a bright smile on her face.
"Well then...", he said and started to tell.
~flashback~
'Am I that weird?', a young man thought by seeing all the people around him staring at him with wide eyes and open mouths. Little children were tugging at their mother's skirts and pointed at him. Feeling very unease he ran a hand trough his raven-black and always disheveled hair. That was exactly the thing he didn't need at the moment-attention. A light tap on his shoulder made him turn around. His clear reddish-brown eyes spotted a smirking wolfman sitting on a dark-brown horse.
"Looks like everyone here hadn't seen a horseman like you before.", he said amused.
"Seems you're right, Riad.", the young man replied and sighed. "Seems you're right."
But he still couldn't understand it. Yeah, maybe his horse was a little bit blacker than other horses and maybe he looked a little bit threatening but was this a reason to stare at him like this and to clear a path for them?
"I think we should get off the horses.", he said to the wolfman and swung himself out of the saddle.
"As you wish, Your-", Riad suddenly stopped and coughed madly seeing the young man's head swirl around his eyes flickering alarmed.
"I go and ask where we can stay the night, Van.", the wolfman said getting off his horse giving Van an apologizing look.
The young man nodded and looked around. He stood at a dirty street flanked by small houses. They looked as if they were crouching close against each other. The people standing in front of them still stared at him. He didn't like it. He wasn't used to have so much people around him. He scratched the back of his head. Where the hell was he? He didn't know the name of this town. They had just passed the mountains after crossing the easterly part of the Endless Desert. It seemed to him like years have past since he had left the desert. He closed his eyes when suddenly the memory of the reason why he was here came to his mind. He clenched his fists and gritted his teeth. One word echoed through his mind on and on. Why? Why her? Why must everything change so fast? Why couldn't he just live his life on, back in the desert? Why not? He hated the gods for letting all this happen. For letting her die. For letting him be so weak. His fist started to shake. All he wanted to do at the moment was slamming it into the ground and scream. But when he was just about to do it he heard the noises. He snapped out of his thoughts and opened his eyes.
He spotted a group of male Centaurs coming along the street. Drunken. Really drunken. They shouted at the people and damaged nearly every stand in their way. It were five of them. Strong and awe-inspiring creatures. He saw the outlines of their muscles on their horse-bodies and their torsos. Their black and brown fur shone in the sun and the upper part of their bodies was wet of sweat. Van took a step back. He knew it wasn't good for his health to stand in a drunken Centaur's way. Despite he didn't need more attention than he already had. They had quite a far way to go.
Fortunately, the group turned to the left and disappeared behind a row of houses.
"For heaven's sake they left the street.", Riad remarked reaching Van. "Gods know what could have happened."
Van nodded. "And what about the night?", he asked.
"The inns are all near the marketplace over there.", Riad answered pointing to his right. "We just need to follow the street. I'm sure we'll find a room for the night."
Van nodded and grabbed the reins of his horse. "Come on, Tarik.", he said and the pitch-black horse followed him. Riad joined his side, the reins in his left hand. They walked in silence along the street. The people still stared at the strangers but they didn't bother. Let them stare. The street seemed endless. After an eternity it finally widened and merged into a large place. At once the noises increased. Van heard the loud voices of the merchants extolling their wares, children laughing and crying, women shouting and discussing. The air was filled with different smells. Smells of exotic fruits, spices, animals and lunch coming from the inns. When he smelled the lunch his stomach began rumbling painfully. Van touched it groaning. He didn't know when he last ate a thing. But it was quite some time ago he could say.
"We shouldn't be particular but take the first inn we see. Am I right, Van?", Riad asked smirking, seeing Van suffer.
"That's the best idea you made for a long time.", the young man replied already heading towards an inn he had just spotted.
It looked quite inviting. The façade was of a shining white with striking black beams. The frames of the small windows were black too and behind the glass hung coloured curtains. An old dilapidated nameplate dangled above the huge wooden door. The name of the inn was hardly visible. The rain had done a quite good job. "White Dragon". But it fitted very well. Van led Tarik to a railing and fastened the reins to it. Walking to the door he turned around. His friend was just about to grab his cloak. He threw it on and nodded. Van placed his hand on the cold iron knob and pushed the door open. At once a wave of noises and intense smells crashed against him but when he made a step into the room it became silent. Only the rustling of fabric and the moving of glasses and chairs could be heard when everyone turned towards the mysterious stranger standing in the doorway. Van looked around. It was dim. Only a few sunbeams were able to enter the room through small slits between the half-closed curtains. Nearly every seat was occupied, mostly by men. Huge mugs were standing on the tables infront of them. Some had stopped playing cards to stare at him. The looks were different. Some of the men looked at him with the typical curious-villager look and other ones tried to stab him with their looks. Feeling very unease Van ran a hand through his messy hair when suddenly a voice came to rescue him out of this awkward situation.
"Don't be afraid, young man. They do this everytime a new guest arrives. They want to scare my guests away so that they don't need to share the beer.", it said and a deep laughter followed.
Van turned towards the voice and spotted a short corpulent man standing in the doorway behind the bar. He wore a dirty apron over his usual clothes. The man scrutinized Van with light-blue eyes but then smiled. It was a friendly look without a sign of distrust.
"I don't think that you will stay the winter in the doorway, won't you?", he asked amused. "Come here. I'm sure I can help you."
Van nodded cleaning his throat and crossed the room. Seeing that their hostile behaviour hadn't worked the men at the tables dedicated themselves to their beers and cards again. Van sighed mentally. He hated attention.
"My name is Tharod and I'm the master of this house.", the man introduced himself when Van reached the bar. "But now tell me, what can I do for you?"
"My friend and I are only passing through and we need a room where we can stay the night.", Van replied placing his hands on the bar.
"Okay let me see.", Tharod said and disappeared behind the bar.
Van turned around when he heard someone enter the inn and smirked waving at Riad. The wolfman saw it and walked over to him. With a sigh he sat down on a chair beside Van.
"What's the matter?", Riad asked. "Nobody there?"
Van opened his mouth but it wasn't his voice which spoke.
"Well, yes I'm here!", a muffled voice spoke from under the bartable and Tharod appeared again.
With a gasp of strain he slammed a huge book onto the bar. It was made of leather and looked really old. Tharod opened it and yellowed pages appeared. He flipped through them and stopped suddenly.
"Yup, I've got a room for you. It's at the second floor.", he said. "If you're here with horses you can bring them to the stabbles. They are in the backyard." Tharod reached behind himself and grabbed a key. "You can pay tomorrow before you leave.", he said smiling and passed Van the key.
"Thank you very much.", Van replied and nodded. "I think we should bring the horses to the stabbles, at first. They must be really hungry.", he said then to Riad. The wolfman nodded and together they exited the inn.
"This landlord is a really kind person.", Riad said and streched yawning. "Ah, it was soo time to make a rest."
Van smiled and loosened Tarik's reins from the railing. It was when he heard the scream. Immediately his head shot up and his eyes scanned the marketplace. He couldn't see what might have caused this scream. There were too many people at that damned market. Suddenly he heard it again and this time he spotted the source. It had come from an inn at the other side of place. He saw a huge crowd standing infront of it. Without hesitating Van let the reins drop to the ground and stormed to the inn.
"No, Van!", Riad shouted chasing after him. "Stop!"
But Van didn't listen. The only thing he heard at the moment were the begs. Begs of a female voice. Of a young female voice. Riad catched up with Van and grabbed his arm forcing him to turn around.
"Van, please listen.", he said seriously. "It was you who said that we don't need any attention. So please, think twice about what you're going to do."
"But I must help her!", Van replied and wrested his arm out of Riad's grip his eyes flickering with anger.
"Someone else will help her, don't worry.", Riad tried to persuade his friend.
"Can't you hear it?", Van asked angrily. "Nobody is helping her! Or do you think that she would still beg for help if there was one?"
Without waiting for Riad to answer Van ran towards the crowd. Riad shook his head smiling. Stubborn through and through.
Reaching the inn Van pushed his way through the crowd. The spectators created a circle around the crying and begging being. When he pushed the last man out of his way he saw her. It was a cat-girl. She was kneeling on the ground her orange dress getting dirty. Her striking pink hair sparkled in the sunlight and her big blue eyes were full of tears. But the tall man who towered in front of her while holding her wrist painfully didn't bother.
"You should serve my guests and not steal their money!", he yelled outraged.
"No, no.", the cat-girl sobbed. "I didn't intend to steal it. Please, you must believe me."
"Believe you? A thief and a liar!", he shouted pulling her wrist. "Do you know what punishment to expect for stealing?"
"Please, don't!", she begged clinging to the man's arm. But he raised his hand and hit her hard across the face making her fall backwards. She put her trembling hand over her cheek and looked in endless fear at the man.
"Stoning, that is what you deserve!", the man shouted and raised his hand to hit her again.
But he couldn't finish his move. A strong hand grabbed his arm firmly followed by a serious voice. "You don't hit women.", Van said calmly but threatening tightening the grip around the man's arm making him flinch in pain.
"Who do you think you are? I can do what I want to her!", the man hissed angrily trying to escape Van's grip. Without success, of course.
"No, you can't." Van replied firmly. "When she says she didn't steal the money, then I think you should believe her."
"No, she lies.", the man barked. "I should have never bought you! I gave you food and a roof over your head and you deceive me! Ungrateful bitch!", he spat at her.
Suddenly the grip around his arm was released making him, still trying to free himself out of it, stumble.
"What does she cost?", Van asked.
"Huh?", the man replied lightly surprised.
"What does she cost?", Van repeated his question. "I wanna buy her from you."
The man looked at him with pure distrust and blinked. Then he roared with laughter. "You?", he asked. "You wanna buy her from me? And how do you propose to pay, vagabond?"
Van didn't move a muscle. He only stared back. But then he lifted his arm and the man took two steps back, frightened. Van allowed a light smirk to appear on his face. Stupid guy. Van would knock him down before he could even blink. Stepping back was pointless to save his worthless life. But instead of giving him what he deserved, Van put his thumb and index finger in his mouth and a loud whistle escaped his throat. The man looked at him curiously but then his eyes widened when he saw that the crowd cleared a path revealing a horse darker than night. He could see the horse' crimson eyes sparkle from under the raven-black mane. Proudly, the stallion walked over to Van and he gently tapped his muscular neck. The young man grabbed the backpack which lay on the saddle and began rummaging through it.
"She's unmarketable.", the man said suddenly and Van stopped to look up a questioning look on his face. What was the matter?
"I don't want your money.", the man continued with a greedy fire burning within his brown eyes and it began to dawn on Van.
"I want the horse.", he exclaimed. "I've never seen such a beautiful horse. I want it!" Van inhaled sharply. He should have known.
"Give me the horse and she's your's.", the man said taking a step ahead.
"Why can't I just pay the money?", Van asked holding Tarik's reins tightly.
"Give me the horse or she'll die!", the man barked not excepting any further discussion.
Van's look darkened. He had no choice. He couldn't let this poor girl die. Without doubt she would if he turned around at this instant. He lowered his head in defeat and turned around to whisper something in Tarik's ear and the horse snorted loudly. The young man tapped his horse and outstreched his arm intending to grab his backpack when a harsh voice interupted him.
"No, I want the backpack, too!", the man shouted. "You've got such a unique horse. Who knows, maybe you hid a treasure in this backpack."
Van snorted but didn't complain. There was nothing in his backpack despite his provision. But should he keep it. The main thing was this jerk was happy. Van fastened the backpack to the saddle and grabbed the reins again leading Tarik to that man.
"But Van, you can't...", a familiar voice from behind complained.
"Yes Riad, I can.", Van interupted him stubbornly and passed the reins to the widely grinning man. He grabbed them with feverish hands. Van turned away a light smirk on his face. He walked to the still kneeling girl and offered her his hand smiling warmly.
"Please stand up. I don't want any harm.", he said gently. "Trust me."
The cat-girl whipped her tears away and took hesitantly Van's hand. He pulled her up and held her tightly when her knees suddenly gave way.
"Everything alright?", he asked concerned.
She nodded lightly leaning against him. "Why?", she whispered.
"Why what?", he replied looking at the fragile being in his arms.
"Why did you gave him your horse? You don't even know me.", she said again this time looking straight into his eyes.
He smiled. He liked her eyes. They were honest and loyal. "Nah, it's my job you know. Saving helpless virgins out of a dragon's clutches.", he replied making her chuckle lightly. "Besides, Tarik won't make him happy."
Merle looked at him curiously but he just smirked. "My Lady, would you like to tell me your name?", Van asked making her chuckle again.
"Merle. My name is Merle.", she answered and smiled happily.
~end flashback~
"Wow, it sounds like a fairy tale.", Gabriella said after Van ended.
"Yeah, the knight in shining armor.", Hitomi replied sarcastically.
She had listened carefully to Van's story trying to find out what was connecting him and the cat-girl. But what she had just heard surprised her. She hadn't credited him with doing that. He gave his beloved horse to this man to save the girl's life? This horse meant everything for him!
"Yeah, he's my knight in shining armor.", Merle said ignoring Hitomi's sarcasm.
"And that's why you're calling him 'Master'?", Gabriella asked the cat- girl.
"Yes, that's why she calls me 'Master'.", Van answered before the words could leave Merle's mouth. "Although-"
"But Master Van...", Merle interupted him knowing what he would say.
"Although I said she should stop it.", Van continued louder to drown Merle's complaining. "I didn't 'buy' her. She is free and still calls me 'Master'!"
"This little title is just my way to show respect to Master Van.", the cat- girl stated folding her arms.
"Ah, respect.", Van repeated nodding. "I think you could take a leaf out of Merle's book, Hitomi.", he said and his voice dripped with mockery.
He received a hard poke in the ribs from behind followed by a deep snarl. "I'm sitting in your back with a sword at my side. I would guard my tongue if I were you!", Hitomi hissed angrily but Van only chuckled. She cursed under her breath. He was making fun of her! Again! She really should push him off the horse. Maybe he would regain his senses.
"And what did you do after you rescued Merle?", Gabriella interupted Hitomi in hatching plans.
"Well, we travelled two weeks until we reached Kahd.", Van explained after he stopped chuckling. "We gave Riad's horse to Merle and told her she should stay there. Actually."
"You know quite well that this was absolutely impossible!", Merle replied defending herself.
"Why?", Gabriella asked curiously.
"Because I owe him something!", Merle explained passionately. "To be exactly, I owe him my life! I couldn't just let him go!"
"But Merle, I said you can do whatever you want. You are free!", Van replied.
"Yeah, and I want to stay by your side!", Merle said seriously, nipping Van's next argument in the bud.
He sighed desperately. This cat-girl was driving him crazy! But he was glad that she was back again. It just wasn't the same without Merle. "But I'm curious.", he finally said. "What have you done after we left?"
"Well, I stayed in Kahd for two days and I must admit it was quite enough for my whole life. These Centaurs are so annoying.", Merle told them pulling a face. "I decided to follow you but at first I had to get Tarik back. I went back to my home town where you had left Tarik but I never reached it. Some miles before the town gates I met him. He had decided to follow you on his own. Somehow Tarik escaped this terrible man"
"Ah yes, good old Tarik.", Van said smiling and tapped the horse' neck.
"We went back to Kahd where I sold Riad's horse to buy some food. And then I led Tarik to you.", she continued. "But no, it was more that he led me.", she added frowning and scratched her head. "It was as if he could feel where you were. Incredible. I can't explain it."
Hitomi looked from Merle to Van's back. She didn't know why? He hadn't told her that he was a Novadi? That could only mean that Merle wasn't that close to Van! If she was close to him he would have told her his secret! Hitomi's heart skipped a beat because of joy. Merle wasn't a rival! She was only a...stop! Why did she regard Merle as a rival? There wasn't a single reason, was there? Was there?? But before she could answer her question the noises of hooves galopping over leaf-covered ground interupted her. Instinctively Hitomi's right hand grabbed the hilt of her sword.
"No need to worry.", Van said feeling Hitomi tighten the grip around his waist. "It's probably just a messenger." But Hitomi didn't believe him. She had felt him tense at the moment she had heard the noises. Whom did he expect? Another one intending to cut his head off? What was he hiding? And suddenly a white horse appeared from behind a bend. It headed directly towards them. Soon they saw that a man was sitting in the saddle. He stopped his horse infront of them.
"Hello, strangers!", he greeted a friendly smile on his face.
"Who are you?", Van asked harshly.
"Who are you?", the man replied and the smile on his face widened causing Van to knit his brows in anger.
"Don't worry.", the man said seeing Van tighten the grip around his sword. "I don't want any harm and I'm not interested in the reasons why you're here. I just thought that you may need my help."
Hitomi felt Van relax in her arms. "Is this the way to Alexandria?", he asked pointing into the direction the horseman had come from.
"Yes, it is.", the man answered. "It's behind the hill over there."
Van smiled widely. Hah, he hadn't lost the way again! "Thank you very much.", he said and bowed lightly.
"Nevermind.", the man replied. "Fare well." And tapping his non-existing hat he spurred his horse and disappeared in the forrest.
"Was this another man?", Gabriella asked hastily when she couldn't see the horseman anymore.
"Yes, that was a man.", Merle said matter-of-factly. "Hell, your Amazons are strange."
"What right have you to say that?", Hitomi snarled. "You know nothing about us!"
"Maybe I don't know very much about you and your kind but the few things I know are enough to call you strange!", Merle replied angrily.
Oh, that stupid cat-girl! She knew nothing about them! Nothing about their religion, nothing about the reason why they were like they were, why they were teached to hate men! Never ever again should an Amazon suffer because of a man! Someone should tell her that!
"Oh my god! Hitomi, look at that!", Gabriella shrieked interupting the little argue.
"What is it this time, Gab-", Hitomi started to ask, annoyed. But when she turned around to check out what made the girl shriek like that she gasped.
"Oh my goodness...", her voice trailed off by the sight of that what lay behind the hill they just reached. Alexandria! She had seen the city in a vision but seeing it in real...stunning! It was a sea of thousands of houses filling the plain between the forest and the ocean. The sunlight was reflected at the countless roofs making the city sparkle like the ocean which could be seen near the horizon. The streets ran through the city creating a giant web. It connected the habor with the stores in the east and the factories in the west. Lots of people filled these streets looking like ants from the distance. And above all this towered the lighthouse made of stone with a golden roof guiding the ships through the Straits of Avaris. Hitomi absorbed the picture infront of her. Never had she seen something like that. It was so beautiful.
"Welcome in Alexandria.", Van said and made Tarik walk down the hill.
.....................**.....................
"So, Princess Eries was here.", Lea mused standing on a small hill. Lelia had told her about it. What did the second princess of Asturia discuss with Folken? Had it been about that thing he wanted to get back? But then he would have visited the king of Asturia and not the princess him. Asturia had nothing to do with all that. Why did they interfere? Asturia was one of the richest countries on Gaea. The only aim this country could pursue was to extend it's power. Economical power. Saving alliances.
It smelled like war. This scent was so unique she would always recognize it. And the giant army infront of her made it more than obvious now, too. They had pitched the camps here, some miles before the city gates of Fanelia. Hundreds of tents filled the fields and two thousand Amazons worked busily between them. They spared, practiced alone or simply sharped their swords. It looked like war and it sounded like war. She knew that soon bodies would cover a battlefield again. Fresh blood would soak the earth and the scent of death would float through the air. It was only a matter of time. Maybe not today or tomorrow but soon.
"And everything alright?", a voice asked from behind making her snap out of her thoughts.
"Of course, Folken.", she answered turning around. She saw him smiling at her but she didn't returned it. Some meters behind his tall figure she had spotted a stocky person. It was his advisor, Isaac. He was always around Folken, never letting him out of sight. Always watching him, checking out if Folken did what he recommanded.
"I see, you settled down quite well.", Folken said overlooking the camp.
"Of course, we did.", Lea replied tearing her gaze away from the glaring purple eyes of the advisor.
"I'm really sorry but tomorrow you'll leave this camp.", Folken told her. Lea turned around facing him.
"Why?", she asked.
"You and your army will set out for the easterly border of Fanelia.", he explained looking straight into the depths of her grey eyes. How he loved these eyes. More than everything did he want them to smile, to glow with joy. But this seemed quite impossible, at the moment. Why had everything changed? Why couldn't it be the way it had been before? Why couldn't they just stay at this hill enjoying the sunset? Did he want the war, anyway? Did he want her to fight? Did he want her to kill? Did he want her to die?
"Freid.", Lea murmured and turned away. Folken watched her profile intensely. "So, this is the country which hids something you want back?"
"Yes.", he answered quietly still staring at her. "Maybe Freid gives in when they see your army at the border. They'll know that I'm not kidding."
Lea gave a laugh. Of course, they would know that he wasn't kidding. She was sure they already knew. Freid had already contacted his ally Asturia, no doubt. And when she and her army would reach the easterly border a giant army of Freid and Asturia would be already awaiting them.
"Was it your idea..", she asked turning around, "..or his one?"
Folken was a bit surprised by her question. What was she driving at? "Y- yes, it was my idea.", he answered stuttering. "Issac only..."
"...only agreed with you?", Lea asked mocking. "You mean he persuaded you to send an army to the border and threat Freid even more. Folken, I don't trust him! He'll betray you! I know it!"
Folken's look darkened. "I think that's none of your business, Lea.", he replied coldly. "Isaac was always a loyal advisor and stood by me when nobody else did."
"If you say so.", she said sadly. He was so damn blind. But she didn't want to argue with him now. "We'll set out before sunrise.", she said monotonously and left without saying goodbye.
Folken followed her with his eyes. Why must all this happen? Was this war right? Did he have the right to start this war, anyway? He didn't want a war but it seemed to be the only possibility to get his property back. It wasn't his fault! Why was Freid so reluctant in giving it back?
"Don't worry, my Lord. Your decision was right.", Isaac said with his raspy voice, standing beside Folken.
He didn't reply. Folken only stared at the field infront of him. The sun began to set and flodded the camp with it's dying light. Blood-red light. It seemed that the whole camp was blood-soaked. He wasn't superstitious or anything like that but the picture infront of his eyes scared him. It caused goose bumps on his skin and one question to echo in his mind: Had it really been his decision?
....................**.....................
The waves swept slowly the little beach. They came from far away, towered up when they approached the beach and broke soaking the white sand. The cold water swept her bare feet making the fine sand tickle between her toes. She dug her toes deep into the sand enjoying the feeling of it running down her skin. She had her eyes closed and her head was lifted so that the sunbeams could caress every part of her face. A soft breeze came from the ocean and tousled her long honey-blond hair. She smelled the salty scent of the ocean carried to the coast by the wind and listened to the soft noise of the waves breaking at the shore. Slowly she opened her shining green eyes and looked at the ocean. An endless, sparkling expanse which kissed the sky at the horizon. Never had she seen the ocean before. She had never been able to imagine how it looked like. And now by seeing it's incredible beauty she could do nothing but smile.
"It's so beautiful!", Gabriella shrieked happily, destroying the pleasant silence which had sourounded Hitomi.
The young Amazon turned around and looked at the little girl. Gabriella hopped through the water like a little, clumsy foal. Like herself had Gabriella never seen the ocean or a city like that before.
"And look at all these different people!", she cried again pointing at the street which went past the beach. Merle sat beside the girl looking at her suspiciously.
Hitomi smiled at the girl. She was so innocent and so naive. She had greeted this completely new world with open arms. She had inspected everything with such a curiosity, had stared at the people as if it was the most normal thing in the world. Hitomi had hated this new world. She had hated all these people staring at her when they had crossed the city from the forest to the ocean. It had taken a quite long time and she had hoped it would end soon. She had felt so damn unease. She wasn't used to so many different people being around her.
Suddenly a shadow covered Gabriella from her sight interupting her thoughts. Hitomi blinked only to spot Van standing casually beside her, hands in the pockets of his beige pants, the wind giving his raven-black hair a tug. It had been such a long time since they had met and she started wondering when she had accepted him. Him as a man. Him as an equal. Him as a friend. NO! She mentally slapped herself for thinking that! He wasn't a friend! It had taken a long time for her to accept him as an equal but she would never accept him as a friend. He was still a stranger! She could trust a friend but not a stranger! She still didn't know who he really was and what his "businesses" were plus he was a man! How could she ever trust him?
"What are you doing here?", he asked quietly.
"Thinking.", she answered shortly but honestly and turned around to look at the ocean again.
"Hmm. And what about?", he asked still facing the endless expanse infront of him.
"None of your business.", Hitomi and Van said in unison. She spun around to face him, her brows knitted in anger. Looking at his profile she saw the smirk on his face.
"Same Hitomi as usual.", he said and turned around his shining red eyes sparkling mischievously.
Hitomi growled angrily. "Why the hell is everyone saying that I'm predictable?", she asked throwing her arms desperately into the air.
"Because you are predictable!", Van replied matter-of-factly causing her to throw him a look which could cut stones.
"See!", he exclaimed. "I even could predict this death glare! Whoa! No, wait!", he said and backed away from her with appeasingly raised arms seeing her grab the hilt of her sword. "Wait! Before you cut my head off, please listen to me!"
Hitomi didn't unsheat the sword but didn't release the grip around the hilt too. Van sighed in relief. Presumably he would have her full attention for ten to ten and a half seconds. Maybe less. So, better not wasting more time.
"Okay. Look, you always react like that when I ask you something about you.", he said. "That's why you are predictable. You only need to tell me what you were thinking about and nobody will ever call you predictable again.", he ended awaiting her reaction. To his surprise she let go of the sword and turned away.
Of course did she always react that way. It was her form of defense. A defense she needed to protect herself against him. Against the way he looked at her with the boundless depths of maroon and ruby that were his eyes sending shivers down her spine, against his smile which made her feel as if her knees weren't made of bones but of a wobbly substance not able to bear her weight, against his touch which set her skin on fire. She had been warned about that, about the fact that men could make her weak. She had never believed it but now...
"What are you thinking about?", he asked again his voice so gentle and soothing.
If she now answered this question her wall of defense would receive a crack. Maybe a little crack but it would grow with the time and sooner or later the wall would break. She would be weak and vulnerable. She would betray her Amazon teachings. She couldn't let it happen. Hitomi remained silent and stared at the ocean.
She couldn't see the warm smile which appeared on Van's face when he watched her profile. It would have been too easy if she had opened up right now. She still didn't trust him although they had stayed together for a long time. But he couldn't blame her. Maybe he had to do the first step.
"Sometimes I wonder if the world is spinning to fast for me.", he said quietly turning around to follow her gaze. "Time flows by so fast and everything changes. I'm afraid. Afraid of being to slow for this speed, afraid of having made the wrong decisions, afraid of what'll await me in the future. I wish I could turn around just now and go back where I came from and everything would be the way it used to be. But I can't.", he stopped sadness falling over his features.
Hitomi looked at him with wide eyes. She couldn't believe what he just said. It was as if she had spoken through his mouth, as if she had told her every thought with his voice. But why did he feel the same and why was he telling her all that? His fears and worries? He only showed weakness by telling her his thoughts. But somehow...somehow it didn't make him seem so strange anymore. Suddenly she felt a warm feeling run through her body coming from her heart and the urge to tell him that she felt exactly the same way. That she was afraid of the same things and that she was weak. She wasn't that strong she always pretended to be. She wanted to open up to him, she wanted him to hold her in his arms tightly showing her that she wasn't alone.
Was this his intension? Trying to break through her wall of defense? Hitomi clenched her fist and gritted her teeth. A painful battle took place within her. Her common sense was telling her that she should hate this man, that he would only cause trouble and that she should keep her distance. She was an Amazon! She shouldn't stand at this beach and think about opening up to him!!! She should focus on her mission! She should fulfill Thetis' wish so that she could return and not waste her time with talking to that man!
But her heart was saying the opposite. Hadn't she enjoyed to be so close to him? Hadn't she liked it when he had touched her? Hadn't she felt incredibly safe when she had lay in his strong arms? Didn't she like the way she felt when he looked at her? Didn't she like to stand with him at this beach? Didn't she want to open up to him more than anything? Didn't she want to tell him what was on her mind? Hitomi shut her eyes tightly. She hesitated in answering this question. But she wasn't allowed to hesitate, she was an Amazon! Hell, was that the only excuse she had? No, it wasn't an excuse! She was only following the teachings. She was a good Amazon. Yeah, maybe. But she was a coward too. She feared that feeling he caused. She feared that something would happen if she gave in to it. But an Amazon shouldn't be afraid, should she? She should be strong. Such a damn feeling shouldn't make her weak.
Oh yeah, she was weak. Her emotions were about to tear her up. If she were strong this could never happen. If she were strong this man could never make her feel like that. If she were strong this battle wouldn't make her want to cry. Yes, she wanted to cry. She couldn't bear it anymore. She couldn't bear to be near him. 'Run away!', cried the voice in her head. It was right. If she stayed any longer she would do something she would regret bitterly. And with the thought that she was doing he right thing, she turned around and ran away.
Van didn't follow her nor did he even turn around. He simply stood at that beach and stared at the ocean. His features seemed emotionless but then, a small smile crept over his face. He had noticed her leave and he had noticed the small crack he had caused in an insurmountable seeming wall.
....................**.....................
Hitomi pushed her way through the hundreds of people filling the streets of Alexandria. She didn't look up when she bumped into several ones. She didn't see the looks they gave her when she pushed past them. She was confused. She was scared. She was angry. Why? Why her? Why couldn't anyone else fulfill the wish? Why her? She wasn't strong. She wasn't determined. Everyone else would have been a better choice than her! But it was her fault. If she hadn't been so damn curious and hadn't entered that path she would have never met Thetis. She would have never been send on this journey. She would have never left her country and her sisters. She would have never met him. Argh! Why was he still on her mind? He was stupid and unimportant! He was a damn man! He was someone not worthy of wasting a single thought about! He was...He is on your mind again, Hitomi! Stop thinking of him! Now!
She shook her head hard trying to chase all these confusing thoughts away. She had to think about something else! Something else...something else...something which had absolutely nothing to do with him...nothing to do with him...with him...him. No, she wasn't thinking of him! She was an Amazon! Amazons. A sad smile crept over her face by the thought of her beloved sisters. She wondered what they were doing at the moment. Possibly, Cassandra was searching for another one to challenge to achery, Lea was meditating under her tree and the others were just doing what they always did, train and enjoy their life. Little does she know. If they were missing her? If they thought of her? Her smile grew even sadder. She missed them and she thought of them. She wanted to sit in the shadow of her tree, she wanted to challenge Cassandra and she wanted to talk to Lea. The queen would know what to do in her situation. She wanted back. But she couldn't.
Gasp! Van's words! These were exactly Van's words! She just couldn't get him out of her head. Hitomi grinned. It was unbelievable. This stupid guy wasn't near her and though could drive her crazy. She could almost see him smirk devilishly. She shook her head. She really had other things to worry about. For example, what she would do next. And it was when it hit her. Realization. It was painful. Hitomi flinched and touched her forehead breathing hard. Cold sweat started to cover her body, she began trembling and her heart beated like there was no tomorrow. How could she forget that? How could she be so damn stupid and forget it! What would she do next? What would she do next? Hell, she didn't know! The thoughts raced through her mind causing a terrible headache. Forgotten were the Amazons and Van. Forgotten were the feelings troubling her. The only thing she could think of at that very moment was this one question! She had totally forgotten about it! So many things had happened and she had simply forgotten it. The last hint she had get, had been to go to Alexandria. Now, she was in Alexandria and what next? She should have searched for other hints during the journey instead of arguing with Van and racking her brains because of her feelings!
Panicing, she looked up. She stood in the center of a huge marketplace. Her feet had led her there, without her noticing. The Amazon looked around with wide eyes. People. Everywhere she looked where people. People she didn't know. What should she do? What should she do? She was all alone in this giant city full of strangers. She had no money. Where should she go without money? What should she do without money? She didn't know! She simply didn't know! She burried her face in her trembling hands and took deep breaths. 'Calm down, Hitomi!', said the voice in her mind. 'Don't be so weak! You'll find a solution!' Slowly her heartbeat slowed down. Right, she would find a solution. Thetis would never leave her to her own devices. She would tell her what to do next. Don't worry, Hitomi.
Hitomi took a deep breath and walked slowly to a tree on the other side of the marketplace. She was glad that the others hadn't seen her and she couldn't believe she had freaked out like that! What was wrong with her? Reaching the tree she leaned against it and slidded to the ground. She sighed and closed her eyes enjoying the soft breeze cooling her skin. Too much had happened during the last few days. She was tired, that was all. Everything she needed was a little rest. Birds were chirping in the crown of the tree. Lucky ones. She bet they never had to deal with such problems she had to. Hearing a rustling noise and the chirping becoming louder she opened her right eye. The sparkling emerald spotted some Madharis hopping through the grass beside her digging with her beaks in the ground searching for some food. Hitomi opened her other eye too and watched them curiously. Funny birds. Suddenly one of them hopped fearlessly over to her and looked directly at the Amazon. It's feathered head was tilted to the side and it's intense blue eyes looked at her mischievously. It seemed...wait! Blue eyes? The eyes of the Madharis were red! Hitomi blinked but the eyes of the one Madhari infront of her remained blue. She leaned forward causing the other birds to fly away but the one right before her didn't hop a centimeter.
"Who are you, little bird?", Hitomi asked gently staring directly into the bird's ocean-blue eyes.
He stared back and a joyfully chirp escaped his throat making Hitomi gasp. Was she crazy or had this bird just chirped her name? She shook her head. No, it was impossible. Birds couldn't speak. She was only tired and needed to rest. That was all.
"Hitomi."
Hitomi's eyes widened. The bird had said it again! Yes, it had said her name! She was absolutely sure. Seeing that it had Hitomi's complete attention, the bird chirped again and flew into the sky. Hitomi jumped to her feet.
"Wait!", she cried but the bird didn't bother and continued flying away.
Hitomi grumbled and ran after it. She saw the bird fly towards the center of the marketplace. She followed the bird never letting it out of sight. What was this strange being? She was sure it wasn't an ordinary bird. The way it had looked at her had been too...well, too human. And these eyes. She felt like she had seen such eyes once before. Suddenly, the bird increased his speed and Hitomi ran even faster. Her head was lifted, her eyes focused on her little leader. She didn't look where she ran and and so it goes without saying that she bumped into someone.
"Damnit!", she coursed out loud when she fell on her bottom.
She had run into a woman with full speed. Rubbing her butt she looked up but couldn't spot the bird. Hastily she went back on her feet glancing over the ground. She saw some sheets of paper lay there. The woman must have lost it. Quickly Hitomi bent down and picked it up.
"Hey, you lost your...", her voice trailed off when she turned around but couldn't see the woman. Hitomi turned round in a circle but there was no woman. It seemed that the earth had swallowed her just now. Hitomi scratched her head looking at the sheets she held in her hands and her heart stopped beating. No, that was impossible! That was a dream! That was...Thetis! Her head shot up and she saw the bird sitting on a nameplate of one of the innumerable inns.
"Good luck.", she chirped and disappeared into the blue spring-sky.
Hitomi smiled. She should have never doubted the goddess. Absently, she stroked over the two thin sheets in her hands. Two tickets for a crossing from Alexandria to the Easterly Continent.
....................**.....................
That's it and I'm not proud of it T_T This damned chapter was really hard to write. It simply didn't want to end. Puh, but now it's done and I sooooooooooo hope you're not disappointed. Maybe you thought that the last chapter would change Hitomi's mind and that more fluff would follow but I couldn't make her turn 180° just like that *snaps her fingers* She is still an Amazon and still stubborn as hell. Poor Van. But she changed a bit, didn't she? ^_^ I know this chapter wasn't exciting or anything like that but I had to write it. And I promise when they reach their destination at the Easterly Continent it's gonna be better. ^_^ Well then, I hope you review despite all this. Please be nice!!!!!! Please please please please please!!!!!!!!!!
*waves shyly* I hope till next chapter, bye Dariel
DISCLAIMER: Yeah, I still don't own Escaflowne and I never will *bursts into tears*
Thanks for the wonderful reviews!!!!!!!!
Aylee the Dragon: ^_^ Thanks for the cookie. And for the fire extinguisher *grins* Glad that you liked the chapter and the fluff. Whohooo!!! I liked it too!! A shirtless Van *sighs* Hitomi is a lucky one, isn't she?! And what's this ninja monkey thing all about? Do you breed them?! *bites nails* I should really update soon ^_^
Aeka-himme: *blushs* Was it that good? Wow. I'm so happy that you love it. ^_^ Ah yes, good old Hitomi. She kinda drives you crazy, huh? Being around Van all the time (and being so damn close to him!!!!!!) and nothing happens! Muahahahahaha. I'm evil I know. But hey, even the most stubborn being on this planet (Hitomi!) can't resist this GOD (Van *giggles*) for eternity, can she?!
SabineballZ: Yay! Es gefällt dir! Das freut mich ^_^ Und mich freut es außerdem riesig, dass du mir treu geblieben bist!!!! Juchuuuuuuuuuu!!!! Ich liebe treue Leser!!!!!
drpepper4u(): Okay, I stop biting my nails because you say it was awesome ^_^ And thanx fot you're really really nice review!!!!!!
Azure: HI AZURE!!!! I'm so happy that you reviewed and that you like it!!!! Fluff rulez!!!!!!!! Oh yes, Hitomi will make it all up. She simply must!!!! Hehe. And hey, I deserved that holidays!! The next ones are in 49 days!! (Yes, I count the days ^_^) Such a long time and so many exams to write. Oh man. I fear you won't be able to read the new chapter because of this grounding thing. But they can't jail you for eternity, can they? I hope not!!!!!!!!!!!
Paige Moonsword: Of course, I do forgive you. It's not that bad don't worry. At least, you reviewed ^_^ and you liked it!!!!! Yay!!! Yeah, everything you need is practice practice practice. But you can't practice if you don't update your story *glares at Paige* No, just kidding!!! You said you'll update soon and I'll wait. *claps her hands* And you write another story. Yuppie!!!! And it's gonna be V/H!! YUPPIE!!!!! See, even if I wanted to I could never be mad at you ^_^ Oh hell yes, Van is soooo damn cute and it's such a damn shame that he isn't real *joins Paige in the corner to cry* Where is the fairy to grant me a wish?! I wanna make a wish!!!!!!
CinderellaxVan: YOU reviewed MY story???? Oh yeah, I do feel honoured. Believe me. *grins from ear to ear* Van is hot, isn't he?! If I were Hitomi then watch out, Van!!!! Oh, I would have sooo nuzzled up against him...*drools* ^_^ But this stupid Hitomi-girl didn't do anything!!! Grrr. Someone should smack her over the head and tell her that she loves Van!!!!! Oh, actually that's my part, isn't it?! ^_^ *smacks Hitomi over the head* Fall in love with Van that I can write more fluff!!!!! *giggles* I like fluff!!!! *sighs* But I think it'll take some time till the next fluff. Why did I make Hitomi so damn stubborn?! *grumbles* Hope you keep on reading for all that ^_^
Lilly(): ^_^ Glad you liked it and thanx for the 100 reviews!!!! *giggles*
Infinitis ^.~: Here you are!!! Thx
TennyoAngel711: *rubs hands* I forgive you ^_^ I'm very generous today, am I not?! You're absolutely right, Hitomi is such a lucky bitch!!!!!! I wanna curl up with Van too!!! *sniffs* Oh and BELATED HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!!!!!! *hands Tennyo selfmade cake* Don't worry, you're not gonna die if you eat it ^_^ Your one was very delicious. Mmmmmmmmh. Thanx.
lnoal: It's you again!!!!!!!!! Do you speak German? That would be funny ^_^ Danke für deinen review and I hope to read one of you again!!!!
LW: YOU'RE BACK!!!!! *jumps joyfully round in a circle* I was so happy when I saw that you returned!!!! *waves LW-is-back flag* I really couldn't believe it when I read that your account had been deleated and that you wouldn't return. I simply had to write that review!!!! And now you're back!!!! Yuppie yuppie!!!! I soooooooooo love your stories!!!! I can't await till they are all uploaded again!!! And I'm so happy too that you like my story!!
Chapter 6 Who are you, little bird?
"Do you have any problem with me or my face or my appearance?", Hitomi barked angrily seeing Merle glare at her again. The whole time they were riding she had stared at her.
"Hitomi!", Gabriella admonished looking at her seriously.
"What?", asked the young Amazon. "She glares at me the whole time! It's so annoying! Who is she anyway?"
"I think that Merle doesn't mean any harm. She just-", Gabriella tried to make peace but Merle interupted her.
"I just wanted to see that you don't hurt Master Van. That's all. And to answer your question, I'm a dear friend of him.", Merle replied innocently.
"Oh, of course. How could I forget that.", Hitomi said sarcastically. "Your beloved Master Van can't protect himself. He needs his little bodyguard."
Merle snarled. "You don't know a thing about Master Van! So stop talking so badly about him or...", she hissed threatening.
"Or what?", Hitomi mocked. "Will you scratch my face to pieces? I would think twice."
Merle tensed. She was ready to strike. She would jump off the horse and tackle this stupid girl. She would regret to have ever said something bad about her Master. When she was just about to jump a voice stopped her.
"Merle, don't.", Van interfered without turning around. He had said nothing at all the whole time. He had been deep in his thoughts but now it was time that someone stopped the two girls before they killed each other.
"But...", Merle protested but was cut off by Van.
"No, it's okay. You don't need to protect me, Merle.", he said calmly.
"But I must!", Merle replied before he could stop her again. "I simply must. Can't you understand? You're the only one I have on this planet. I'll follow you wherever you go even if it is to the end of the world."
Hitomi felt Van sigh by Merle's statement, her arms still encircling his body. He turned around and smiled warmly at the cat-girl who was just about to burst into tears. Her big blue eyes were watery and her clenched fists were shaking. Van outstreched his hand and stroked Merle's shining pink hair. Hitomi tightened the grip around his body knitting her brows angrily. Who was this strange girl and what linked the two of them? Why was he stroking that girl instead of her? She gasped and turned away hastily, breathing hard. Not again. Damnit, not again. She wanted to scream out loud. Loud enough to chase that confusing feeling away. That feeling making her think those stupid thoughts, that feeling torturing her, that feeling scaring her, that feeling defeating her. She wanted it to never ever return, to leave her alone. All alone.
"Oh Merle, I'm so sorry.", Van whispered softly making Hitomi bite her lips. How she enjoyed the sound of his voice. So soothing. And how she liked the warm feeling crawling through her causing goose bumps on her skin. She inhaled sharply. Scream. Just scream.
"You like each other very much, don't you?", asked a shy voice.
Van turned away from Merle's now smiling face just to see himself locked with Gabriella's curious eyes. He nodded lightly. "We're really good friends, you know?", he said quietly.
"How did you meet?", Gabriella continued never avoiding his gaze.
He smiled. "That's a really long story.", he said.
"I like long stories.", the little girl replied, a bright smile on her face.
"Well then...", he said and started to tell.
~flashback~
'Am I that weird?', a young man thought by seeing all the people around him staring at him with wide eyes and open mouths. Little children were tugging at their mother's skirts and pointed at him. Feeling very unease he ran a hand trough his raven-black and always disheveled hair. That was exactly the thing he didn't need at the moment-attention. A light tap on his shoulder made him turn around. His clear reddish-brown eyes spotted a smirking wolfman sitting on a dark-brown horse.
"Looks like everyone here hadn't seen a horseman like you before.", he said amused.
"Seems you're right, Riad.", the young man replied and sighed. "Seems you're right."
But he still couldn't understand it. Yeah, maybe his horse was a little bit blacker than other horses and maybe he looked a little bit threatening but was this a reason to stare at him like this and to clear a path for them?
"I think we should get off the horses.", he said to the wolfman and swung himself out of the saddle.
"As you wish, Your-", Riad suddenly stopped and coughed madly seeing the young man's head swirl around his eyes flickering alarmed.
"I go and ask where we can stay the night, Van.", the wolfman said getting off his horse giving Van an apologizing look.
The young man nodded and looked around. He stood at a dirty street flanked by small houses. They looked as if they were crouching close against each other. The people standing in front of them still stared at him. He didn't like it. He wasn't used to have so much people around him. He scratched the back of his head. Where the hell was he? He didn't know the name of this town. They had just passed the mountains after crossing the easterly part of the Endless Desert. It seemed to him like years have past since he had left the desert. He closed his eyes when suddenly the memory of the reason why he was here came to his mind. He clenched his fists and gritted his teeth. One word echoed through his mind on and on. Why? Why her? Why must everything change so fast? Why couldn't he just live his life on, back in the desert? Why not? He hated the gods for letting all this happen. For letting her die. For letting him be so weak. His fist started to shake. All he wanted to do at the moment was slamming it into the ground and scream. But when he was just about to do it he heard the noises. He snapped out of his thoughts and opened his eyes.
He spotted a group of male Centaurs coming along the street. Drunken. Really drunken. They shouted at the people and damaged nearly every stand in their way. It were five of them. Strong and awe-inspiring creatures. He saw the outlines of their muscles on their horse-bodies and their torsos. Their black and brown fur shone in the sun and the upper part of their bodies was wet of sweat. Van took a step back. He knew it wasn't good for his health to stand in a drunken Centaur's way. Despite he didn't need more attention than he already had. They had quite a far way to go.
Fortunately, the group turned to the left and disappeared behind a row of houses.
"For heaven's sake they left the street.", Riad remarked reaching Van. "Gods know what could have happened."
Van nodded. "And what about the night?", he asked.
"The inns are all near the marketplace over there.", Riad answered pointing to his right. "We just need to follow the street. I'm sure we'll find a room for the night."
Van nodded and grabbed the reins of his horse. "Come on, Tarik.", he said and the pitch-black horse followed him. Riad joined his side, the reins in his left hand. They walked in silence along the street. The people still stared at the strangers but they didn't bother. Let them stare. The street seemed endless. After an eternity it finally widened and merged into a large place. At once the noises increased. Van heard the loud voices of the merchants extolling their wares, children laughing and crying, women shouting and discussing. The air was filled with different smells. Smells of exotic fruits, spices, animals and lunch coming from the inns. When he smelled the lunch his stomach began rumbling painfully. Van touched it groaning. He didn't know when he last ate a thing. But it was quite some time ago he could say.
"We shouldn't be particular but take the first inn we see. Am I right, Van?", Riad asked smirking, seeing Van suffer.
"That's the best idea you made for a long time.", the young man replied already heading towards an inn he had just spotted.
It looked quite inviting. The façade was of a shining white with striking black beams. The frames of the small windows were black too and behind the glass hung coloured curtains. An old dilapidated nameplate dangled above the huge wooden door. The name of the inn was hardly visible. The rain had done a quite good job. "White Dragon". But it fitted very well. Van led Tarik to a railing and fastened the reins to it. Walking to the door he turned around. His friend was just about to grab his cloak. He threw it on and nodded. Van placed his hand on the cold iron knob and pushed the door open. At once a wave of noises and intense smells crashed against him but when he made a step into the room it became silent. Only the rustling of fabric and the moving of glasses and chairs could be heard when everyone turned towards the mysterious stranger standing in the doorway. Van looked around. It was dim. Only a few sunbeams were able to enter the room through small slits between the half-closed curtains. Nearly every seat was occupied, mostly by men. Huge mugs were standing on the tables infront of them. Some had stopped playing cards to stare at him. The looks were different. Some of the men looked at him with the typical curious-villager look and other ones tried to stab him with their looks. Feeling very unease Van ran a hand through his messy hair when suddenly a voice came to rescue him out of this awkward situation.
"Don't be afraid, young man. They do this everytime a new guest arrives. They want to scare my guests away so that they don't need to share the beer.", it said and a deep laughter followed.
Van turned towards the voice and spotted a short corpulent man standing in the doorway behind the bar. He wore a dirty apron over his usual clothes. The man scrutinized Van with light-blue eyes but then smiled. It was a friendly look without a sign of distrust.
"I don't think that you will stay the winter in the doorway, won't you?", he asked amused. "Come here. I'm sure I can help you."
Van nodded cleaning his throat and crossed the room. Seeing that their hostile behaviour hadn't worked the men at the tables dedicated themselves to their beers and cards again. Van sighed mentally. He hated attention.
"My name is Tharod and I'm the master of this house.", the man introduced himself when Van reached the bar. "But now tell me, what can I do for you?"
"My friend and I are only passing through and we need a room where we can stay the night.", Van replied placing his hands on the bar.
"Okay let me see.", Tharod said and disappeared behind the bar.
Van turned around when he heard someone enter the inn and smirked waving at Riad. The wolfman saw it and walked over to him. With a sigh he sat down on a chair beside Van.
"What's the matter?", Riad asked. "Nobody there?"
Van opened his mouth but it wasn't his voice which spoke.
"Well, yes I'm here!", a muffled voice spoke from under the bartable and Tharod appeared again.
With a gasp of strain he slammed a huge book onto the bar. It was made of leather and looked really old. Tharod opened it and yellowed pages appeared. He flipped through them and stopped suddenly.
"Yup, I've got a room for you. It's at the second floor.", he said. "If you're here with horses you can bring them to the stabbles. They are in the backyard." Tharod reached behind himself and grabbed a key. "You can pay tomorrow before you leave.", he said smiling and passed Van the key.
"Thank you very much.", Van replied and nodded. "I think we should bring the horses to the stabbles, at first. They must be really hungry.", he said then to Riad. The wolfman nodded and together they exited the inn.
"This landlord is a really kind person.", Riad said and streched yawning. "Ah, it was soo time to make a rest."
Van smiled and loosened Tarik's reins from the railing. It was when he heard the scream. Immediately his head shot up and his eyes scanned the marketplace. He couldn't see what might have caused this scream. There were too many people at that damned market. Suddenly he heard it again and this time he spotted the source. It had come from an inn at the other side of place. He saw a huge crowd standing infront of it. Without hesitating Van let the reins drop to the ground and stormed to the inn.
"No, Van!", Riad shouted chasing after him. "Stop!"
But Van didn't listen. The only thing he heard at the moment were the begs. Begs of a female voice. Of a young female voice. Riad catched up with Van and grabbed his arm forcing him to turn around.
"Van, please listen.", he said seriously. "It was you who said that we don't need any attention. So please, think twice about what you're going to do."
"But I must help her!", Van replied and wrested his arm out of Riad's grip his eyes flickering with anger.
"Someone else will help her, don't worry.", Riad tried to persuade his friend.
"Can't you hear it?", Van asked angrily. "Nobody is helping her! Or do you think that she would still beg for help if there was one?"
Without waiting for Riad to answer Van ran towards the crowd. Riad shook his head smiling. Stubborn through and through.
Reaching the inn Van pushed his way through the crowd. The spectators created a circle around the crying and begging being. When he pushed the last man out of his way he saw her. It was a cat-girl. She was kneeling on the ground her orange dress getting dirty. Her striking pink hair sparkled in the sunlight and her big blue eyes were full of tears. But the tall man who towered in front of her while holding her wrist painfully didn't bother.
"You should serve my guests and not steal their money!", he yelled outraged.
"No, no.", the cat-girl sobbed. "I didn't intend to steal it. Please, you must believe me."
"Believe you? A thief and a liar!", he shouted pulling her wrist. "Do you know what punishment to expect for stealing?"
"Please, don't!", she begged clinging to the man's arm. But he raised his hand and hit her hard across the face making her fall backwards. She put her trembling hand over her cheek and looked in endless fear at the man.
"Stoning, that is what you deserve!", the man shouted and raised his hand to hit her again.
But he couldn't finish his move. A strong hand grabbed his arm firmly followed by a serious voice. "You don't hit women.", Van said calmly but threatening tightening the grip around the man's arm making him flinch in pain.
"Who do you think you are? I can do what I want to her!", the man hissed angrily trying to escape Van's grip. Without success, of course.
"No, you can't." Van replied firmly. "When she says she didn't steal the money, then I think you should believe her."
"No, she lies.", the man barked. "I should have never bought you! I gave you food and a roof over your head and you deceive me! Ungrateful bitch!", he spat at her.
Suddenly the grip around his arm was released making him, still trying to free himself out of it, stumble.
"What does she cost?", Van asked.
"Huh?", the man replied lightly surprised.
"What does she cost?", Van repeated his question. "I wanna buy her from you."
The man looked at him with pure distrust and blinked. Then he roared with laughter. "You?", he asked. "You wanna buy her from me? And how do you propose to pay, vagabond?"
Van didn't move a muscle. He only stared back. But then he lifted his arm and the man took two steps back, frightened. Van allowed a light smirk to appear on his face. Stupid guy. Van would knock him down before he could even blink. Stepping back was pointless to save his worthless life. But instead of giving him what he deserved, Van put his thumb and index finger in his mouth and a loud whistle escaped his throat. The man looked at him curiously but then his eyes widened when he saw that the crowd cleared a path revealing a horse darker than night. He could see the horse' crimson eyes sparkle from under the raven-black mane. Proudly, the stallion walked over to Van and he gently tapped his muscular neck. The young man grabbed the backpack which lay on the saddle and began rummaging through it.
"She's unmarketable.", the man said suddenly and Van stopped to look up a questioning look on his face. What was the matter?
"I don't want your money.", the man continued with a greedy fire burning within his brown eyes and it began to dawn on Van.
"I want the horse.", he exclaimed. "I've never seen such a beautiful horse. I want it!" Van inhaled sharply. He should have known.
"Give me the horse and she's your's.", the man said taking a step ahead.
"Why can't I just pay the money?", Van asked holding Tarik's reins tightly.
"Give me the horse or she'll die!", the man barked not excepting any further discussion.
Van's look darkened. He had no choice. He couldn't let this poor girl die. Without doubt she would if he turned around at this instant. He lowered his head in defeat and turned around to whisper something in Tarik's ear and the horse snorted loudly. The young man tapped his horse and outstreched his arm intending to grab his backpack when a harsh voice interupted him.
"No, I want the backpack, too!", the man shouted. "You've got such a unique horse. Who knows, maybe you hid a treasure in this backpack."
Van snorted but didn't complain. There was nothing in his backpack despite his provision. But should he keep it. The main thing was this jerk was happy. Van fastened the backpack to the saddle and grabbed the reins again leading Tarik to that man.
"But Van, you can't...", a familiar voice from behind complained.
"Yes Riad, I can.", Van interupted him stubbornly and passed the reins to the widely grinning man. He grabbed them with feverish hands. Van turned away a light smirk on his face. He walked to the still kneeling girl and offered her his hand smiling warmly.
"Please stand up. I don't want any harm.", he said gently. "Trust me."
The cat-girl whipped her tears away and took hesitantly Van's hand. He pulled her up and held her tightly when her knees suddenly gave way.
"Everything alright?", he asked concerned.
She nodded lightly leaning against him. "Why?", she whispered.
"Why what?", he replied looking at the fragile being in his arms.
"Why did you gave him your horse? You don't even know me.", she said again this time looking straight into his eyes.
He smiled. He liked her eyes. They were honest and loyal. "Nah, it's my job you know. Saving helpless virgins out of a dragon's clutches.", he replied making her chuckle lightly. "Besides, Tarik won't make him happy."
Merle looked at him curiously but he just smirked. "My Lady, would you like to tell me your name?", Van asked making her chuckle again.
"Merle. My name is Merle.", she answered and smiled happily.
~end flashback~
"Wow, it sounds like a fairy tale.", Gabriella said after Van ended.
"Yeah, the knight in shining armor.", Hitomi replied sarcastically.
She had listened carefully to Van's story trying to find out what was connecting him and the cat-girl. But what she had just heard surprised her. She hadn't credited him with doing that. He gave his beloved horse to this man to save the girl's life? This horse meant everything for him!
"Yeah, he's my knight in shining armor.", Merle said ignoring Hitomi's sarcasm.
"And that's why you're calling him 'Master'?", Gabriella asked the cat- girl.
"Yes, that's why she calls me 'Master'.", Van answered before the words could leave Merle's mouth. "Although-"
"But Master Van...", Merle interupted him knowing what he would say.
"Although I said she should stop it.", Van continued louder to drown Merle's complaining. "I didn't 'buy' her. She is free and still calls me 'Master'!"
"This little title is just my way to show respect to Master Van.", the cat- girl stated folding her arms.
"Ah, respect.", Van repeated nodding. "I think you could take a leaf out of Merle's book, Hitomi.", he said and his voice dripped with mockery.
He received a hard poke in the ribs from behind followed by a deep snarl. "I'm sitting in your back with a sword at my side. I would guard my tongue if I were you!", Hitomi hissed angrily but Van only chuckled. She cursed under her breath. He was making fun of her! Again! She really should push him off the horse. Maybe he would regain his senses.
"And what did you do after you rescued Merle?", Gabriella interupted Hitomi in hatching plans.
"Well, we travelled two weeks until we reached Kahd.", Van explained after he stopped chuckling. "We gave Riad's horse to Merle and told her she should stay there. Actually."
"You know quite well that this was absolutely impossible!", Merle replied defending herself.
"Why?", Gabriella asked curiously.
"Because I owe him something!", Merle explained passionately. "To be exactly, I owe him my life! I couldn't just let him go!"
"But Merle, I said you can do whatever you want. You are free!", Van replied.
"Yeah, and I want to stay by your side!", Merle said seriously, nipping Van's next argument in the bud.
He sighed desperately. This cat-girl was driving him crazy! But he was glad that she was back again. It just wasn't the same without Merle. "But I'm curious.", he finally said. "What have you done after we left?"
"Well, I stayed in Kahd for two days and I must admit it was quite enough for my whole life. These Centaurs are so annoying.", Merle told them pulling a face. "I decided to follow you but at first I had to get Tarik back. I went back to my home town where you had left Tarik but I never reached it. Some miles before the town gates I met him. He had decided to follow you on his own. Somehow Tarik escaped this terrible man"
"Ah yes, good old Tarik.", Van said smiling and tapped the horse' neck.
"We went back to Kahd where I sold Riad's horse to buy some food. And then I led Tarik to you.", she continued. "But no, it was more that he led me.", she added frowning and scratched her head. "It was as if he could feel where you were. Incredible. I can't explain it."
Hitomi looked from Merle to Van's back. She didn't know why? He hadn't told her that he was a Novadi? That could only mean that Merle wasn't that close to Van! If she was close to him he would have told her his secret! Hitomi's heart skipped a beat because of joy. Merle wasn't a rival! She was only a...stop! Why did she regard Merle as a rival? There wasn't a single reason, was there? Was there?? But before she could answer her question the noises of hooves galopping over leaf-covered ground interupted her. Instinctively Hitomi's right hand grabbed the hilt of her sword.
"No need to worry.", Van said feeling Hitomi tighten the grip around his waist. "It's probably just a messenger." But Hitomi didn't believe him. She had felt him tense at the moment she had heard the noises. Whom did he expect? Another one intending to cut his head off? What was he hiding? And suddenly a white horse appeared from behind a bend. It headed directly towards them. Soon they saw that a man was sitting in the saddle. He stopped his horse infront of them.
"Hello, strangers!", he greeted a friendly smile on his face.
"Who are you?", Van asked harshly.
"Who are you?", the man replied and the smile on his face widened causing Van to knit his brows in anger.
"Don't worry.", the man said seeing Van tighten the grip around his sword. "I don't want any harm and I'm not interested in the reasons why you're here. I just thought that you may need my help."
Hitomi felt Van relax in her arms. "Is this the way to Alexandria?", he asked pointing into the direction the horseman had come from.
"Yes, it is.", the man answered. "It's behind the hill over there."
Van smiled widely. Hah, he hadn't lost the way again! "Thank you very much.", he said and bowed lightly.
"Nevermind.", the man replied. "Fare well." And tapping his non-existing hat he spurred his horse and disappeared in the forrest.
"Was this another man?", Gabriella asked hastily when she couldn't see the horseman anymore.
"Yes, that was a man.", Merle said matter-of-factly. "Hell, your Amazons are strange."
"What right have you to say that?", Hitomi snarled. "You know nothing about us!"
"Maybe I don't know very much about you and your kind but the few things I know are enough to call you strange!", Merle replied angrily.
Oh, that stupid cat-girl! She knew nothing about them! Nothing about their religion, nothing about the reason why they were like they were, why they were teached to hate men! Never ever again should an Amazon suffer because of a man! Someone should tell her that!
"Oh my god! Hitomi, look at that!", Gabriella shrieked interupting the little argue.
"What is it this time, Gab-", Hitomi started to ask, annoyed. But when she turned around to check out what made the girl shriek like that she gasped.
"Oh my goodness...", her voice trailed off by the sight of that what lay behind the hill they just reached. Alexandria! She had seen the city in a vision but seeing it in real...stunning! It was a sea of thousands of houses filling the plain between the forest and the ocean. The sunlight was reflected at the countless roofs making the city sparkle like the ocean which could be seen near the horizon. The streets ran through the city creating a giant web. It connected the habor with the stores in the east and the factories in the west. Lots of people filled these streets looking like ants from the distance. And above all this towered the lighthouse made of stone with a golden roof guiding the ships through the Straits of Avaris. Hitomi absorbed the picture infront of her. Never had she seen something like that. It was so beautiful.
"Welcome in Alexandria.", Van said and made Tarik walk down the hill.
.....................**.....................
"So, Princess Eries was here.", Lea mused standing on a small hill. Lelia had told her about it. What did the second princess of Asturia discuss with Folken? Had it been about that thing he wanted to get back? But then he would have visited the king of Asturia and not the princess him. Asturia had nothing to do with all that. Why did they interfere? Asturia was one of the richest countries on Gaea. The only aim this country could pursue was to extend it's power. Economical power. Saving alliances.
It smelled like war. This scent was so unique she would always recognize it. And the giant army infront of her made it more than obvious now, too. They had pitched the camps here, some miles before the city gates of Fanelia. Hundreds of tents filled the fields and two thousand Amazons worked busily between them. They spared, practiced alone or simply sharped their swords. It looked like war and it sounded like war. She knew that soon bodies would cover a battlefield again. Fresh blood would soak the earth and the scent of death would float through the air. It was only a matter of time. Maybe not today or tomorrow but soon.
"And everything alright?", a voice asked from behind making her snap out of her thoughts.
"Of course, Folken.", she answered turning around. She saw him smiling at her but she didn't returned it. Some meters behind his tall figure she had spotted a stocky person. It was his advisor, Isaac. He was always around Folken, never letting him out of sight. Always watching him, checking out if Folken did what he recommanded.
"I see, you settled down quite well.", Folken said overlooking the camp.
"Of course, we did.", Lea replied tearing her gaze away from the glaring purple eyes of the advisor.
"I'm really sorry but tomorrow you'll leave this camp.", Folken told her. Lea turned around facing him.
"Why?", she asked.
"You and your army will set out for the easterly border of Fanelia.", he explained looking straight into the depths of her grey eyes. How he loved these eyes. More than everything did he want them to smile, to glow with joy. But this seemed quite impossible, at the moment. Why had everything changed? Why couldn't it be the way it had been before? Why couldn't they just stay at this hill enjoying the sunset? Did he want the war, anyway? Did he want her to fight? Did he want her to kill? Did he want her to die?
"Freid.", Lea murmured and turned away. Folken watched her profile intensely. "So, this is the country which hids something you want back?"
"Yes.", he answered quietly still staring at her. "Maybe Freid gives in when they see your army at the border. They'll know that I'm not kidding."
Lea gave a laugh. Of course, they would know that he wasn't kidding. She was sure they already knew. Freid had already contacted his ally Asturia, no doubt. And when she and her army would reach the easterly border a giant army of Freid and Asturia would be already awaiting them.
"Was it your idea..", she asked turning around, "..or his one?"
Folken was a bit surprised by her question. What was she driving at? "Y- yes, it was my idea.", he answered stuttering. "Issac only..."
"...only agreed with you?", Lea asked mocking. "You mean he persuaded you to send an army to the border and threat Freid even more. Folken, I don't trust him! He'll betray you! I know it!"
Folken's look darkened. "I think that's none of your business, Lea.", he replied coldly. "Isaac was always a loyal advisor and stood by me when nobody else did."
"If you say so.", she said sadly. He was so damn blind. But she didn't want to argue with him now. "We'll set out before sunrise.", she said monotonously and left without saying goodbye.
Folken followed her with his eyes. Why must all this happen? Was this war right? Did he have the right to start this war, anyway? He didn't want a war but it seemed to be the only possibility to get his property back. It wasn't his fault! Why was Freid so reluctant in giving it back?
"Don't worry, my Lord. Your decision was right.", Isaac said with his raspy voice, standing beside Folken.
He didn't reply. Folken only stared at the field infront of him. The sun began to set and flodded the camp with it's dying light. Blood-red light. It seemed that the whole camp was blood-soaked. He wasn't superstitious or anything like that but the picture infront of his eyes scared him. It caused goose bumps on his skin and one question to echo in his mind: Had it really been his decision?
....................**.....................
The waves swept slowly the little beach. They came from far away, towered up when they approached the beach and broke soaking the white sand. The cold water swept her bare feet making the fine sand tickle between her toes. She dug her toes deep into the sand enjoying the feeling of it running down her skin. She had her eyes closed and her head was lifted so that the sunbeams could caress every part of her face. A soft breeze came from the ocean and tousled her long honey-blond hair. She smelled the salty scent of the ocean carried to the coast by the wind and listened to the soft noise of the waves breaking at the shore. Slowly she opened her shining green eyes and looked at the ocean. An endless, sparkling expanse which kissed the sky at the horizon. Never had she seen the ocean before. She had never been able to imagine how it looked like. And now by seeing it's incredible beauty she could do nothing but smile.
"It's so beautiful!", Gabriella shrieked happily, destroying the pleasant silence which had sourounded Hitomi.
The young Amazon turned around and looked at the little girl. Gabriella hopped through the water like a little, clumsy foal. Like herself had Gabriella never seen the ocean or a city like that before.
"And look at all these different people!", she cried again pointing at the street which went past the beach. Merle sat beside the girl looking at her suspiciously.
Hitomi smiled at the girl. She was so innocent and so naive. She had greeted this completely new world with open arms. She had inspected everything with such a curiosity, had stared at the people as if it was the most normal thing in the world. Hitomi had hated this new world. She had hated all these people staring at her when they had crossed the city from the forest to the ocean. It had taken a quite long time and she had hoped it would end soon. She had felt so damn unease. She wasn't used to so many different people being around her.
Suddenly a shadow covered Gabriella from her sight interupting her thoughts. Hitomi blinked only to spot Van standing casually beside her, hands in the pockets of his beige pants, the wind giving his raven-black hair a tug. It had been such a long time since they had met and she started wondering when she had accepted him. Him as a man. Him as an equal. Him as a friend. NO! She mentally slapped herself for thinking that! He wasn't a friend! It had taken a long time for her to accept him as an equal but she would never accept him as a friend. He was still a stranger! She could trust a friend but not a stranger! She still didn't know who he really was and what his "businesses" were plus he was a man! How could she ever trust him?
"What are you doing here?", he asked quietly.
"Thinking.", she answered shortly but honestly and turned around to look at the ocean again.
"Hmm. And what about?", he asked still facing the endless expanse infront of him.
"None of your business.", Hitomi and Van said in unison. She spun around to face him, her brows knitted in anger. Looking at his profile she saw the smirk on his face.
"Same Hitomi as usual.", he said and turned around his shining red eyes sparkling mischievously.
Hitomi growled angrily. "Why the hell is everyone saying that I'm predictable?", she asked throwing her arms desperately into the air.
"Because you are predictable!", Van replied matter-of-factly causing her to throw him a look which could cut stones.
"See!", he exclaimed. "I even could predict this death glare! Whoa! No, wait!", he said and backed away from her with appeasingly raised arms seeing her grab the hilt of her sword. "Wait! Before you cut my head off, please listen to me!"
Hitomi didn't unsheat the sword but didn't release the grip around the hilt too. Van sighed in relief. Presumably he would have her full attention for ten to ten and a half seconds. Maybe less. So, better not wasting more time.
"Okay. Look, you always react like that when I ask you something about you.", he said. "That's why you are predictable. You only need to tell me what you were thinking about and nobody will ever call you predictable again.", he ended awaiting her reaction. To his surprise she let go of the sword and turned away.
Of course did she always react that way. It was her form of defense. A defense she needed to protect herself against him. Against the way he looked at her with the boundless depths of maroon and ruby that were his eyes sending shivers down her spine, against his smile which made her feel as if her knees weren't made of bones but of a wobbly substance not able to bear her weight, against his touch which set her skin on fire. She had been warned about that, about the fact that men could make her weak. She had never believed it but now...
"What are you thinking about?", he asked again his voice so gentle and soothing.
If she now answered this question her wall of defense would receive a crack. Maybe a little crack but it would grow with the time and sooner or later the wall would break. She would be weak and vulnerable. She would betray her Amazon teachings. She couldn't let it happen. Hitomi remained silent and stared at the ocean.
She couldn't see the warm smile which appeared on Van's face when he watched her profile. It would have been too easy if she had opened up right now. She still didn't trust him although they had stayed together for a long time. But he couldn't blame her. Maybe he had to do the first step.
"Sometimes I wonder if the world is spinning to fast for me.", he said quietly turning around to follow her gaze. "Time flows by so fast and everything changes. I'm afraid. Afraid of being to slow for this speed, afraid of having made the wrong decisions, afraid of what'll await me in the future. I wish I could turn around just now and go back where I came from and everything would be the way it used to be. But I can't.", he stopped sadness falling over his features.
Hitomi looked at him with wide eyes. She couldn't believe what he just said. It was as if she had spoken through his mouth, as if she had told her every thought with his voice. But why did he feel the same and why was he telling her all that? His fears and worries? He only showed weakness by telling her his thoughts. But somehow...somehow it didn't make him seem so strange anymore. Suddenly she felt a warm feeling run through her body coming from her heart and the urge to tell him that she felt exactly the same way. That she was afraid of the same things and that she was weak. She wasn't that strong she always pretended to be. She wanted to open up to him, she wanted him to hold her in his arms tightly showing her that she wasn't alone.
Was this his intension? Trying to break through her wall of defense? Hitomi clenched her fist and gritted her teeth. A painful battle took place within her. Her common sense was telling her that she should hate this man, that he would only cause trouble and that she should keep her distance. She was an Amazon! She shouldn't stand at this beach and think about opening up to him!!! She should focus on her mission! She should fulfill Thetis' wish so that she could return and not waste her time with talking to that man!
But her heart was saying the opposite. Hadn't she enjoyed to be so close to him? Hadn't she liked it when he had touched her? Hadn't she felt incredibly safe when she had lay in his strong arms? Didn't she like the way she felt when he looked at her? Didn't she like to stand with him at this beach? Didn't she want to open up to him more than anything? Didn't she want to tell him what was on her mind? Hitomi shut her eyes tightly. She hesitated in answering this question. But she wasn't allowed to hesitate, she was an Amazon! Hell, was that the only excuse she had? No, it wasn't an excuse! She was only following the teachings. She was a good Amazon. Yeah, maybe. But she was a coward too. She feared that feeling he caused. She feared that something would happen if she gave in to it. But an Amazon shouldn't be afraid, should she? She should be strong. Such a damn feeling shouldn't make her weak.
Oh yeah, she was weak. Her emotions were about to tear her up. If she were strong this could never happen. If she were strong this man could never make her feel like that. If she were strong this battle wouldn't make her want to cry. Yes, she wanted to cry. She couldn't bear it anymore. She couldn't bear to be near him. 'Run away!', cried the voice in her head. It was right. If she stayed any longer she would do something she would regret bitterly. And with the thought that she was doing he right thing, she turned around and ran away.
Van didn't follow her nor did he even turn around. He simply stood at that beach and stared at the ocean. His features seemed emotionless but then, a small smile crept over his face. He had noticed her leave and he had noticed the small crack he had caused in an insurmountable seeming wall.
....................**.....................
Hitomi pushed her way through the hundreds of people filling the streets of Alexandria. She didn't look up when she bumped into several ones. She didn't see the looks they gave her when she pushed past them. She was confused. She was scared. She was angry. Why? Why her? Why couldn't anyone else fulfill the wish? Why her? She wasn't strong. She wasn't determined. Everyone else would have been a better choice than her! But it was her fault. If she hadn't been so damn curious and hadn't entered that path she would have never met Thetis. She would have never been send on this journey. She would have never left her country and her sisters. She would have never met him. Argh! Why was he still on her mind? He was stupid and unimportant! He was a damn man! He was someone not worthy of wasting a single thought about! He was...He is on your mind again, Hitomi! Stop thinking of him! Now!
She shook her head hard trying to chase all these confusing thoughts away. She had to think about something else! Something else...something else...something which had absolutely nothing to do with him...nothing to do with him...with him...him. No, she wasn't thinking of him! She was an Amazon! Amazons. A sad smile crept over her face by the thought of her beloved sisters. She wondered what they were doing at the moment. Possibly, Cassandra was searching for another one to challenge to achery, Lea was meditating under her tree and the others were just doing what they always did, train and enjoy their life. Little does she know. If they were missing her? If they thought of her? Her smile grew even sadder. She missed them and she thought of them. She wanted to sit in the shadow of her tree, she wanted to challenge Cassandra and she wanted to talk to Lea. The queen would know what to do in her situation. She wanted back. But she couldn't.
Gasp! Van's words! These were exactly Van's words! She just couldn't get him out of her head. Hitomi grinned. It was unbelievable. This stupid guy wasn't near her and though could drive her crazy. She could almost see him smirk devilishly. She shook her head. She really had other things to worry about. For example, what she would do next. And it was when it hit her. Realization. It was painful. Hitomi flinched and touched her forehead breathing hard. Cold sweat started to cover her body, she began trembling and her heart beated like there was no tomorrow. How could she forget that? How could she be so damn stupid and forget it! What would she do next? What would she do next? Hell, she didn't know! The thoughts raced through her mind causing a terrible headache. Forgotten were the Amazons and Van. Forgotten were the feelings troubling her. The only thing she could think of at that very moment was this one question! She had totally forgotten about it! So many things had happened and she had simply forgotten it. The last hint she had get, had been to go to Alexandria. Now, she was in Alexandria and what next? She should have searched for other hints during the journey instead of arguing with Van and racking her brains because of her feelings!
Panicing, she looked up. She stood in the center of a huge marketplace. Her feet had led her there, without her noticing. The Amazon looked around with wide eyes. People. Everywhere she looked where people. People she didn't know. What should she do? What should she do? She was all alone in this giant city full of strangers. She had no money. Where should she go without money? What should she do without money? She didn't know! She simply didn't know! She burried her face in her trembling hands and took deep breaths. 'Calm down, Hitomi!', said the voice in her mind. 'Don't be so weak! You'll find a solution!' Slowly her heartbeat slowed down. Right, she would find a solution. Thetis would never leave her to her own devices. She would tell her what to do next. Don't worry, Hitomi.
Hitomi took a deep breath and walked slowly to a tree on the other side of the marketplace. She was glad that the others hadn't seen her and she couldn't believe she had freaked out like that! What was wrong with her? Reaching the tree she leaned against it and slidded to the ground. She sighed and closed her eyes enjoying the soft breeze cooling her skin. Too much had happened during the last few days. She was tired, that was all. Everything she needed was a little rest. Birds were chirping in the crown of the tree. Lucky ones. She bet they never had to deal with such problems she had to. Hearing a rustling noise and the chirping becoming louder she opened her right eye. The sparkling emerald spotted some Madharis hopping through the grass beside her digging with her beaks in the ground searching for some food. Hitomi opened her other eye too and watched them curiously. Funny birds. Suddenly one of them hopped fearlessly over to her and looked directly at the Amazon. It's feathered head was tilted to the side and it's intense blue eyes looked at her mischievously. It seemed...wait! Blue eyes? The eyes of the Madharis were red! Hitomi blinked but the eyes of the one Madhari infront of her remained blue. She leaned forward causing the other birds to fly away but the one right before her didn't hop a centimeter.
"Who are you, little bird?", Hitomi asked gently staring directly into the bird's ocean-blue eyes.
He stared back and a joyfully chirp escaped his throat making Hitomi gasp. Was she crazy or had this bird just chirped her name? She shook her head. No, it was impossible. Birds couldn't speak. She was only tired and needed to rest. That was all.
"Hitomi."
Hitomi's eyes widened. The bird had said it again! Yes, it had said her name! She was absolutely sure. Seeing that it had Hitomi's complete attention, the bird chirped again and flew into the sky. Hitomi jumped to her feet.
"Wait!", she cried but the bird didn't bother and continued flying away.
Hitomi grumbled and ran after it. She saw the bird fly towards the center of the marketplace. She followed the bird never letting it out of sight. What was this strange being? She was sure it wasn't an ordinary bird. The way it had looked at her had been too...well, too human. And these eyes. She felt like she had seen such eyes once before. Suddenly, the bird increased his speed and Hitomi ran even faster. Her head was lifted, her eyes focused on her little leader. She didn't look where she ran and and so it goes without saying that she bumped into someone.
"Damnit!", she coursed out loud when she fell on her bottom.
She had run into a woman with full speed. Rubbing her butt she looked up but couldn't spot the bird. Hastily she went back on her feet glancing over the ground. She saw some sheets of paper lay there. The woman must have lost it. Quickly Hitomi bent down and picked it up.
"Hey, you lost your...", her voice trailed off when she turned around but couldn't see the woman. Hitomi turned round in a circle but there was no woman. It seemed that the earth had swallowed her just now. Hitomi scratched her head looking at the sheets she held in her hands and her heart stopped beating. No, that was impossible! That was a dream! That was...Thetis! Her head shot up and she saw the bird sitting on a nameplate of one of the innumerable inns.
"Good luck.", she chirped and disappeared into the blue spring-sky.
Hitomi smiled. She should have never doubted the goddess. Absently, she stroked over the two thin sheets in her hands. Two tickets for a crossing from Alexandria to the Easterly Continent.
....................**.....................
That's it and I'm not proud of it T_T This damned chapter was really hard to write. It simply didn't want to end. Puh, but now it's done and I sooooooooooo hope you're not disappointed. Maybe you thought that the last chapter would change Hitomi's mind and that more fluff would follow but I couldn't make her turn 180° just like that *snaps her fingers* She is still an Amazon and still stubborn as hell. Poor Van. But she changed a bit, didn't she? ^_^ I know this chapter wasn't exciting or anything like that but I had to write it. And I promise when they reach their destination at the Easterly Continent it's gonna be better. ^_^ Well then, I hope you review despite all this. Please be nice!!!!!! Please please please please please!!!!!!!!!!
*waves shyly* I hope till next chapter, bye Dariel