And here is chappy 12!!! With a lot of cherries on top!!! ^_~ I hope it's enough!
DISCLAIMER: Yeah, we all know that I don't own Escaflowne...blah blah
CHAPTER 12 Hold me now
A fragile yellow butterfly flew over a giant meadow. It flew over the fresh green grass and past huge stones which lay in its way. The sun shone brightly from the skies, warming the plains and made the air vibrate because of damping heat. The butterfly didn't notice its surroundings. Everything it saw was the glowing red flower, a few meters ahead. A little bit exhausted, it came to a rest on one of the flower's petals. It was when a big black boot crushed the flower. The boot belonged to a young man who wore a red and black uniform. His silver hair sparkled in the sunlight and his red eyes glared ahead while he was unconsciously stroking over the scar on his right cheek.
Damn this Van Fanel! The bastard would pay for causing this scar! He would pay for hurting him and he would pay for being so lucky! Van had almost hung but noo, these witches rescued him! Dilandau clenched his fists violantly. But on the other side, it gave him the possibility to get revenge! The silver haired man grinned satisfied and looked up. He stood in the middle of a huge camp full of soldiers. It was Folken's army. But it weren't Fanelian soldiers.
The people of Fanelia didn't know what was going on, at the border of their country. Isaac had brought these soldiers along. Dilandau didn't know where the advisor had gotten them but then again, he didn't care. He kicked a stone which lay on the ground with his boot. It was boring! He hated it to sit around and wait! He wanted some action! He couldn't just sharpen his sword or train with one of his comrads! He wanted to destroy something!
"Dilandau?"
"What's the matter, Chesta?" Dilandau replied, without turning around.
"Lord Folken wants to see you," the blond haired soldier answered.
"Did he say why?" Dilandau turned around and looked at Chesta.
"No," he said and Dilandau sighed.
....................**.....................
She stood at a huge window on the bridge of a giant floating fortress. Underneath her was the camp of her army. One tent followed after another. It were innumerable ones but they were forsaken. The Amazons gathered together with Folken's army at a wide meadow, before the camp. From above, it looked like a dark moving carpet, covering the grass. It were thousands of them. Thousands of armed women and men were waiting for the signal to attack. Armors, spear-points and shields sparkled in the light of the afternoon sun, innumerable guymelefs among them. It had been a long time since she had last seen such a huge army.
Lifting her gaze, she saw that the ridge of the hill range in the distance sparkled the same way. Drifts of smoke rose over the horizon. It were the armies of Freid and Asturia which gathered there. They would meet at the meadow between the hills and Folken's camp, if the war started. And it would. There was nothing she could do to stop Folken. Although he loved her, he wouldn't listen to her. Something had clouded his mind, had made it numb. He didn't hear the voice of his own heart anymore.
"I want you to take position farther in the south," a voice suddenly said beside her, making her snap out of her thoughts. "Watch the army of Freid and prepare for the attack."
"Was that all you wanted to tell me, Folken?" Lea replied flatly.
She turned around to look at him and met his intense eyes. She stared into their boundless depths, searching for something. It had once been there, clearly visible. This one feeling which he had only shown her. It had once been strong but now, something else was making his eyes dull. She tried to break through this veil before his eyes. She wanted to see it in his eyes again. He turned away and her grey eyes saddened.
"As you wish," she said quietly and turned to leave.
He clenched his fists. He didn't want her to leave. He wanted her to stay, he wanted to tell her something. Something he had wanted to tell her, a long time ago. He had wanted her to know it but he had never had the courage to tell her. He was afraid of her reaction. He was afraid of rejection. But he knew that this was his last chance to tell her.
"Lea, wait!" His voice reached her when she was in the middle of the hall and her heart skipped a beat.
She stopped. What did he want? She heard the sound of rustling fabric and then there was silence.
"There is something else, I want to tell you," he said softly.
Again, there was a rustling noise but this time, it was different. It was something light and soft. Slowly, she turned around. Her eyes widened in disbelieve and her mouth fell open, by the sight of him. He had removed his tunic, revealing his bare upper torso. His right metal arm stuck out. But that wasn't what made her doubt her senses. She knew he had lost his arm when he had fought with his father. He had once told her that his father had cut off his arm when they had fought against each other for the last time, in the burning palace of Fanelia. He had told her that Isaac had created an artificial arm, in order to save his life.
What made her gasp was a pair of mighty black wings, sprouting from his back. Beautiful angelic wings. They were proudly raised above his head, black feathers raining down around him. Lea clasped her hands over her mouth, her eyes glassy.
"I'm a Draconian, Lea," he said and spread his arms.
Oh yeah, she saw it. Lea couldn't tear her eyes away from his wings. They were so incredibly beautiful. She wanted to cry. She wanted to cry because he trusted her so much that he told her about his secret. How she loved him! And how she wished that she wasn't the Queen of the Amazons! She wanted to leave her duties and laws behind and just love him! Why couldn't she be selfish and just do it? Why not?
"But-but how...?" she stuttered, her eyes still wide.
"My mother was a Draconian," he answered. "She was the last one who survived. My brother is one too. We're the last ones of our kind."
She slowly walked over to him. With every step she took, her heartbeat increased. He waited patiently, giving her time to understand what she saw. Lea stopped in front of him, looking him directly in the eye. She was surprised to see that they were full of fear. She looked at his wings again and stretched out her arm hesitantly. She paused and he flinched.
"Can I...can I touch them?" His eyes lit up, sparkling at her.
"Feel free," he replied quietly.
Lea took a deep breath and touched his wings. She gasped at the feeling. His black feathers were unbelievable soft. Never had she felt so soft feathers. They tickled over her palm when she ran her hand across his wings. Folken had his eyes closed, enjoying her caress.
"They're...they're black?" she asked in a whisper.
"Yes, they changed their colour when I got this artificial arm," Folken answered and looked at his right arm, the metal reflecting the sunlight. "The liquids which were pumped into my system to make the arm work, caused this reaction. It was my sacrafice to live on."
"They are beautiful." She pulled back her hand and suddenly encircled his waist, leaning agaist his chest.
Folken gasped in surprise but then smiled and placed his arms around her. He inhaled the fresh scent of her jet-black hair while she was listening to his heartbeat. It was so strong. Why couldn't he hear it? Why didn't he listen? She shut her eyes tightly and exhaled deeply. They were both silently enjoying the closeness they shared, a pleasant warmth surrounding them. At least, she could be a little bit selfish.
"I'm glad you like them," he whispered into her hair, breaking the silence.
"Yes, I do. Thanks for sharing this with me." Lea took a deep breath and looked up at him, her eyes pleading. "And you're still convinced that this war is the only solution?"
"Do you doubt my decision?" Folken replied and held her of armslength.
"It wasn't your decision," she whispered coldly, looking to the ground.
"What?" he almost shouted. "Lea-"
"Why can't you accept that Destiny chose your brother?" she interupted Folken, looking angrily at him. "It wasn't meant that you became the King of Fanelia! Why can't you accept it? Do you think this war will change Destiny's decision?"
"I-" he started to say but was cut in by her again.
"And even if you win this war and defeat your brother, you'll rule over a hated country!" she said. "A country whoms King was willing to sacrafice the lives of thousands of innocent people and who was willing to kill his own flesh and blood!"
"But it is my right!" Folken shouted.
"Oh really?" Lea replied and rose a delicate brow. "Who sais that? This old man who seems to make every decision for you?"
"Don't talk about Isaac like that!" Folken hissed and glared at her.
"This man is a traitor!" she replied. She couldn't believe that he was so blind. "I can see it in his eyes! And you would see it too if you weren't so blinded by his speech!"
"Guard your tongue!"
"No!" she replied, determined. "You know exactly that you're sending all these soldiers in a useless death!"
His eyes flickered and he turned away.
"So this is how you decide?" she asked quietly. "You keep believing his lies instead of believing me?"
Folken remained silent.
"It's good that I finally know what you feel for me," she said sadly.
"Lea-" he began but she interupted him with a gruff sweep of the hand.
"No, Folken!" she said, her eyes hard. "It is too late. Do whatever you believe is your right. I'll keep my word," The Queen bowed deeply and added flatly, "My Lord."
Without looking at him, she turned around and headed for the door. She didn't see that Folken retracted his wings, black feathers swirling around him. She didn't see that he clenched his fists and directed his gaze to the ground. She didn't see that someone stepped out of the shadows in a corner of the hall. The grey-haired advisor crossed the hall, his long tunic dragged over the ground. He stepped on black feathers which covered the ground around Folken and stopped in his back.
"It was the right decision," Dornkirk said quietly. "It was your decision."
"I know, Isaac," Folken replied, without looking up.
Footsteps suddenly caught his attention. Heavy footsteps. Boots of a warrior. Could it be? Did she return? Was she here to give him a second chance? He looked up, his eyes full with hope but this look vanished by the sight of Dilandau.
"You called me?" the red-eyed soldier asked and ran a hand through his silver hair.
"Yes," Folken answered and looked out of the window. "Take your unit and some soldiers and invade the capital of Freid."
Dilandau's face lit up and a big grin started to appear on his face. "Do you give me a free hand?" he asked, his eyes sparkling.
"Do whatever you want to do," Folken replied. "Make yourselves invisible and cause some havoc. Chase the Duke out of the city. It will confuse and distract them. A perfect time to attack with the army."
"With pleasure!" Dilandau bowed quickly and left the bridge, running.
....................**.....................
"Allen, I want you to join the army at the border of Freid," Duke Chid said and smiled warmly at Allen who returned the smile.
"Yes, Duke Chid."
Millerna who stood beside the throne together with Eries, looked from Allen to Chid and back at Allen. It was amazing how similar they looked. When she saw the care in Allen's eyes, she bit her lips. She jerked lightly, feeling a warm hand on her forearm. Turning around, her eyes locked with Eries' bright blue ones.
"I'll talk with him," she said quietly and looking back at the Knight Caeli, Millerna nodded.
It was when a guard stormed into the hall, completely exhausted. He fell to his knees beside Allen and leaned on his arms. Everyone held their breath, waiting for him to speak.
"A dragon landed in the yard!" he uttered between taking deep breaths.
"Escaflowne!" Chid exclaimed happily, causing Gabriella and Merle who had sat in front of Yukari and Amano, to jump to their feet.
"King Van!" – "Hitomi!" they cried and stormed out of the throne hall, the others following them.
The light of the setting sun greeted them when they exited the palace and entered the yard. Their mouths fell open by the sight of Escaflowne. The dragon stood in the center of the yard, his wings stretched out above his back and guards surrounding him. Half of the staff gathered in different corners, watching Escaflowne with due respect. Van stood in front of the guymelef, his arms crossed in front of his chest and his head lowered to the ground.
"King of Fanelia!" Duke Chid said cheerfully when he spotted the young King. "I'm glad you returned together with Escaflowne! We already missed you and Lady Hitomi!"
Van lifted his head, just in time to see the blur of pink and orange who suddenly hit him. Merle clung desperately to his chest, nuzzling into his shirt. Quiet sobs escaped her throat and her body started to shake when the tears started to fall. Yukari smiled, watching the scene. But then she blinked, noticing that something was missing. The red head looked around and then found her sitting on Escaflowne's back. Hitomi was hugging her knees and watched Van with an unreadable look on her face. Yukari frowned deeply and glanced back at Van. He wasn't replying Merle's hug.
"Duke Chid!" Van said and Merle froze, hearing his cold voice. "I'll set out soon to find Folken. Where can Escaflowne stay until then?"
The smile on Chid's face vanished and was replaced by a serious look. "Over there in the halls were the other guymelefs are resting," he answered and pointed across the yard.
Van wriggled out of Merle's frozen grip and bowed lightly. Hitomi watched him turn around and climb up at Escaflowne. She rose from her sitting position and took a step in his direction. She had seen that he had refused to notice Merle. The poor cat girl had probably almost died because of worry and the only thing she had wanted to do was hugging Van and of course had she wanted to be hugged back. Hitomi couldn't understand why Van was acting so cold again. They hadn't spoken a single word after he had rescued her. They had left the cave through a huge hole in the ceiling which had appeared after the earth quake.
Had she said or done something wrong? Had she hurt or offended him in any way? Somehow she knew that it was her fault. He was acting that way because of her. Again. But she just didn't know why. Sometimes she just wanted to hurt him! Couldn't he just say what was bothering him? They could argue and yell at each other! Everything was better than his refusal to talk!
"Van..." she whispered when he reached the dragon's back.
"Get off of Escaflowne, Hitomi," he interupted her, his voice like a stab in the heart.
The Amazon hesitated but seeing his stiff and cold posture, she nodded lightly and jumped down. By the moment she turned around to look up at Van, Escaflowne turned into his humaniod form, causing his spectators to jump backwards. With steps which made the earth shake, Van left for the guymelef halls. Merle glanced at Hitomi and then ran after Van. The Amazon smiled sadly and sighed, preparing for the tons of questions which would flood her, in a few seconds. Her friends were already running in her direction.
Only two persons remained staying at the entrance of the palace. Allen and Eries who had grabbed his arm, in order to keep him from running to Hitomi. Allen turned around to look at her, surprised. His look changed and he frowned deeply when he saw Eries' serious blue eyes.
"What's the matter, Eries?" he asked.
"Allen you must stop it!" Eries said and tightened the grip around his arm. "You must stop to look at Chid this way! It's so obvious!"
Allen's eyes widened and he turned away.
"Allen, it's not good when-" she started to say but the knight interupted her harshly.
"What is not good?" he barked angrily. "That I show my son that I love him?"
"He is not your son, Allen," Eries said quietly and let go of his arm.
"What?" he shouted in disbelieve. "I'm his father and you know that!"
"Yes, I know!" Eries replied firmly and looked him directly in the eye. "I know that my sister Marlene had been unfaithful! I know that she had an affair with you! And I know that Chid is the only heir of Freid!"
A shadow flashed across Allen's features. "But you can't expect from me that I..."
"Yes, I can," Eries cut in. "Do you know what'll happen when anyone else, except Millerna, you and me, gets to know that you're Chid's father? It'll be really hard for the poor boy then! They'll probably depose him! He won't be the Duke of Freid anylonger!"
"But..." he trailed off and looked to the ground, seeing the look in her eyes.
"As his father you always want the best for him, don't you?" she asked and he nodded lightly. "And do you think it is the best for him to tell him that you're his father?"
Allen looked up, his eyes sad.
"Please, accept it, Allen," Eries begged and squeezed his arm. "You're his father but he'll never get to know it."
She tiptoed and kissed him on the cheek. With a last smile, she turned around and headed to Hitomi.
....................**.....................
Chid was walking through the halls of his palace, lost in his thoughts. The King of Fanelia hadn't returned after he had brought Escaflowne to the guymelef halls. They had waited for him, had wanted to congratulate him but he just hadn't returned. Instead, Merle had returned, unbelievably sad. She had told them that Van wanted to be alone and they had accepted it. Millerna and Dryden had left then. Yukari, Amano and Gabriella had grabbed Hitomi to continue the questioning and Chid had wanted to talk to Allen, but when he had turned around, the knight had been gone.
The little Duke had decided to take a walk. He had found Van in the gardens but it had seemed that it wasn't such a good idea to start a conversation. Chid had somehow ended up strolling through the palace. Sometimes, he liked it to be alone. Of course, he enjoyed the company of other people but sometimes he just needed to think. Just like now. The blond haired boy stopped at a huge window, across from a stairway. He grabbed the window-sill with his tiny hands and felt the cold of the stones on his skin. He looked out of the window and his gaze rested on the two moons, shining brightly at the night sky.
He had been forced to grow up quickly. His mother and father had died and he had become Duke. He had had no time to enjoy his childhood, he practically had had no childhood. He had never met children at his age. He had never had the possibility to talk or play with them. He had just watched them play and have fun when he had walked with his maids through the city. He was still just a child. He didn't know if it had been the right decision to make him Duke. He didn't know how to rule country. He didn't know if it was right to fight against Fanelia. He didn't know if he could win that war. He didn't know what to do anymore. He was just a child.
The sound of soft footsteps suddenly made him snap out of his thoughts. Slowly, he turned around and his eyes lit up when he saw who appeared from around the corner.
"Oh, Duke Chid!" Hitomi said surprised when she saw the little boy. "I'm sorry, I didn't want to disturb you."
"Oh no, you don't disturb me!" the blond haired boy said hastily, not wanting her to leave. He suddenly didn't feel like being alone anymore. "Are you searching for someone?"
"Um...well, actually I'm..." Hitomi stuttered and blushed a deep red, making the Duke grin.
"You're searching King Van, don't you?" Chid said and his grin widened, seeing Hitomi blush even more.
Hitomi coughed and nodded. Gods, was it neccesary that she blushed so hard only his name was mentioned? Especially when there were other people around her! They didn't need to know what was going on inside her! It were her thoughts, her feelings! It was already enough that Yukari could read her every thought just by looking at her! It was as if her thoughts were written at her forehead! Why wasn't she able to hide her feelings?
"He's in the gardens," Chid said and turned away. "I saw him when I was out there. He was at the pond."
"I should have known," Hitomi mumbled, smiling lightly. "Thank you, Duke Chid!"
She was just about to turn around when his voice stopped her. "Um...Lady Hitomi?" he asked and looked at her with curious eyes. "Am I allowed to ask you a question?"
"Of course," Hitomi replied and smirked. The politeness within these walls was incredible.
"You're an Amazon, right?" he said and the smirk vanished.
He knew? He knew it the whole time? But how? Was it that obvious? And why hadn't he said anything? Why had he remained silent? Why had he let her walk through the palace as she pleased, instead of throwing her in some dungeon? She was his enemy! Her sisters stood at the border to his country and the war would start sooner or later! Her sisters would kill his soldiers and he just smiled at her.
"Surprised?" he asked and raised his brows in amusement. The look on her face was priceless.
Hitomi blinked. "No, not really," she replied and smiled. "I mean, which woman walks around with a bow and a sword?" Chid chuckled lightly, his eyes shining.
"I just wondered why you didn't throw me into the dungeons," Hitomi said and leaned against the wall. "Although you knew who I am."
"Why should I?" Chid replied and looked at her. "You could have killed me by the moment you entered the throne hall. I don't doubt that. But you didn't. And somehow I knew that I could trust you. It sounds strange but I just knew it."
"No, that doesn't sound strange, that sounds brave," Hitomi stated honestly and replied his gaze. "It needs a lot of brave to trust someone you don't know and who's actually your arch enemy, just because of a feeling. The people of Freid can be glad that you're their Duke and you should never doubt your strength."
"Thank you," Chid smiled. "I think you should-"
"Hitomi!" An angry screech interupted them.
Both of them turned around and spotted Merle standing on the steps, hands on her hips, her right feet taping impatiently on the ground and her tail wagging dangerously from side to side.
"What did you do to King Van?" she yelled.
"He got a new title?" Hitomi replied with raised brows, earning a look from Merle which could cut stones.
"Of course! He's a King, after all!" Merle shouted and walked down the steps. "And you should show some more respect in his presence! But that's not the subject! What did you do to him? He's all cold and unfriendly!"
"I wish I knew," Hitomi said and sighed. "I wish I knew."
"Lady Hitomi was just about to search and ask him, Merle," Duke Chid said and smiled at Hitomi. "You should go now."
The Amazon nodded and turned around. "I'll tell you everything when I return, Merle."
"Hitomi, wait!" Merle shouted and made an attempt to follow Hitomi around the corner, but Chid stopped her.
"Hey Merle, would you like to keep me company?" he asked warmly.
"But...," Merle complained, stepping from one foot on the other one.
"Please, tell me about your journey," Chid begged and looked at her. "I want to know everything."
Merle glanced in the direction where Hitomi had disappeared and then back at Chid who was looking at her with pleading eyes.
"Okay," she sighed, defeated.
....................**.....................
He stood in the pond, the water reaching to his knees. The white moonlight was reflected on his bare upper torso, letting his skin seem pale. He stood with his back to her, his head tilted backwards and looked into the black skies. Slowly, she walked to the shore. She spotted his stuff on the ground. After slipping out of her boots, she stepped hesitantly into the water. She flinched. It was icy-cold. Taking a deep breath, she dove her other foot into the water and walked over to Van. And this time, she wouldn't accept a 'no'!
The water splashed around her legs with every step she took. She knew that Van heard her but he made no move. His pants were completely soaked and a few droplets of water were still glistening on the upper part of his body, indicating that he had been swimming. She stopped behind him and looked at his tanned back. The wounds had almost healed completely but two vertical red gashs stood out. They were the only sign of his uniqueness but nobody knew it. The gashs looked like he had been hurt during a swordfight or something like that. But this wasn't the truth. They weren't just a simple injury, they were much more than that. And she knew the reason.
"Does it hurt...at the moment?" she asked in a whisper.
He shook his head lightly, in response.
"Did it hurt when they...?" she trailed off and swallowed.
"A bit," he replied, his voice hoarse.
Carefully, she stretched out her hand, intending to touch his back. Her hand was trembling lightly. She didn't know how he would react but she wanted to touch him so badly. She wanted to feel the warmth of his body, she wanted to feel the goosebumps, she caused on his skin. She wanted to know if she could feel them under his skin. She wanted to know if it felt different to touch him. She wanted to touch the back of an angel.
She hesitated and her fingers twitched, only a few centimeters away from his back. Biting her lower lip, she slowly stretched out her arm and her fingertips touched his back tenderly, but this little touch made him jerk violantly. He hadn't expected her to do that. Hastily, he took a step ahead, away from her.
"Don't," he whispered, looking down at the surface of the pond.
Hitomi was surprised. Didn't he want her to touch him? Didn't he want her to caress him? Didn't he want her to stroke over his skin tenderly? Hadn't he wanted her to do that the whole time? Hadn't he wanted her to care for him? Why was he rejecting her now?
"Why not?" she asked sadly.
"I don't want you to touch a demon," he replied.
Hitomi shook her head no. "But you aren't a demon!"
"Oh really?" he said and laughed bitterly. "You said it yourself! I'm a Draconian, Hitomi!"
"But-but I didn't mean to...I didn't mean to offend you...I was just-" she stuttered.
"You didn't offend me," he interupted her. "You just said the truth. Do you know my kind? Do you know what they did?"
Yeah, she knew his kind. Who didn't know the legendary Draconians, the winged people? It was said that they once lived at a huge island, called Atlantis. Their culture was highly advanced and they were really powerful. It was said that they had some kind of inexhaustible source of energy. But they vanished from the surface of Gaea and nobody knew exactly why. There were a lot of different stories about their disappearance. Most of them gave the Draconians a bad name.
"Do you remember what I told you about this war which took place a long time ago?" Van's voice made her snap out of her thoughts.
"Y-yeah," she answered.
"I told you that nobody knew the reason for this war," he continued, still looking away. "That was a lie. It was my kind, Hitomi! The Draconians started the war! They had developed more and more, their technology had become better and better and they had become greedy. They wanted even more. They thought they were superior to all the other people on Gaea. They thought themselves to be Gods. They stirred up the people's animosity against each other and the war started. They almost destroyed Gaea because of their greed!"
"Do you know it for sure?" Hitomi asked. "This is probably just another story which isn't true! How could you know?"
Van turned his head slowly around. Hitomi gasped and took a step backwards, meeting his eyes. They were full of sadness and fear and...and hatred. Hatred against himself for being what he was, for being cursed. But why? Why was he hating himself so much? It was his ancestor's past and didn't matter to her anymore! He was Van! Her Van!
"My mother," he said, his voice cold. "She was the last one who survived the hunt for my kind. She fleed to Fanelia and met my father. He fell head over heals for her and ignored the protests against the marriage. She often told me the story about this war and said that I should hide my wings. Don't you think that she knew it best why the people hate our kind?"
"And even if!" Hitomi said firmly, after a brief silence. She was amazed that he had told her about his mother. It must hurt so much and she wouldn't allow that he was hurt again. "You're not like them, Van! That happened a long time ago!"
"Why won't you understand?" Van shouted and turned away. "Their blood runs through my veins!"
She pressed her lips together and the tears already sparkled in her eyes. She inhaled deeply and took a step ahead. His eyes widened when he felt her body pressed against his back and her arms encircling his waist. Her warm breath tickled over his skin and her hands clung to his chest, causing goosebumps.
"Hitomi," he whispered, slightly shocked.
"Stubborn Van," she said and her breath tickled over his back. "I don't care what once had happened and I don't care what you say. I'll stay by your side, like it or not!"
He smiled warmly and placed his hands on her ones, loosening their grip around his upper torso. Slowly, he turned around in her embrace and faced her, looking into her glistening eyes. She withdrew her hands from behind his back and reached up, locking them behind his neck. He didn't complain when she pulled his head slowly down and rested his forehead against her one. His hands found their way to her waist and encircled her fragile frame. They just stood there in silence, her fingers trailing over his neck, entangling with his raven-black hair. Van closed his eyes for a brief moment and enjoyed her caress. He liked it when she did this. When he opened his eyes again, he could do nothing but smile.
"Don't you ever dare to doubt me again," Hitomi whispered and looked at him with shining green eyes.
"Never," he replied.
They just looked at each other in silence. They were drowning in the other one's eyes while a feeling rose within them, overwhelming them. Finally, Hitomi broke the silence, not able to bear it anymore.
"Van..." she trailed off and he could see the silent plea within her emerald depths.
"But Hitomi, what about your-" he whispered, making her shake her head lightly.
"No, I don't want to think about that now," she interupted him quietly, playing with his hair. "I want to forget. Only for a few seconds, I want to forget. Please, make me forget."
A smile crept upon Van's features and reached his auburn eyes, making them sparkle intensely. Leaning slowly down, he closed the gap between them. Hitomi gasped when his soft lips captured her ones in a tender kiss and her heart started to beat furiously within her chest. But Gods, it felt so good and so right. Slowly, she closed her eyes and pulled him even closer, responding. She felt him tighten the embrace around her waist, pressing her against his body. And again, this unbelievable feeling carried her away, making her forget everything. Her sisters, her teachings, the war, everything. Everything except Van. Van who made her feel this way.
She felt light and heavy at the same time. It felt as if her heart was beating so hard that it would break through her ribcage but yet it felt as if it had stopped. She was flying and falling, swimming and drowning. She felt as if she had searched for this the whole time. She smiled, feeling him tease her. But at the moment, she really wasn't in the mood for this and surrendered. She parted her lips lightly, allowing him to deepen the kiss. And he did without hesitating, intensifying the feeling even more, making her melt into the kiss.
They kept kissing for a long time and then parted, both of them breathing heavily. He kissed the tip of her nose and leaned against her forehead again. Slowly, she opened her eyes and met his smiling auburn ones. And there it was again. This look she loved so much. This look which held so much care and...was it love? Was it love, she saw in his eyes? Could it be? Could it be that he had opened her heart for her? The man who had been hurt so much. The man who had learned to hate with all his heart. And there he was, offering her his heart. He was so unbelievable vulnerable. She knew he would break if she now said something wrong. She smiled.
"Thank you," she whispered and kissed him briefly on the lips.
"Anytime," he replied quietly. "Anytime."
Hitomi said nothing but only stared into his eyes. She could do this for the rest of her life and she probably would have done it if there hadn't been a big fish with bright blue eyes who suddenly broke through the surface.
"Hitomi!" she heard a familiar voice in her mind, making her green eyes widen.
"Thetis!" Hitomi whispered, shocked.
What did she want? The goddess' voice had sounded alarmed. Had it been a warning? Would something happen soon? And as if to answer her questions, a blinding orange light flashed across the sky. Van's head jerked up and she spun around in his arms. Both of them stared at the cloud of smoke which was rising from the city, clearly visible against the burning sky. It was when the sound of the explosion reached their ears. It was deafening but they were too shocked to clutch their hands over their ears. The earth shook and the trees around them rustled an ominous melody. The next explosion made both of them snap out of their trance.
"Oh my god!" Hitomi broke free from Van's embrace and ran to the shore, as fast as it was possible in knee-deep water, Van following her.
Reaching the shore, they grabbed their stuff and dashed off in the direction of the palace. They didn't say a word. The sound of the explosions, their heavy breaths and their bare feet, running over the paved ground, accompanied them along their way. Little stones pricked into the soles of their feet but they didn't care. The worry about the friends, they had left behind, made them forget the pain.
They heard the screams before they saw the palace. Voices penetrated the wall of trees in front of them, the light of torchs strolling between the trunks. When they exited the small forest in the gardens of the palace, even more sounds surrounded them. Voices, trying to drown each other, heavy boots on stony ground, the rustling of swords, the visors of guymelefs opening and shutting. Through all this chaos, they spotted Millerna standing on one of the porchs at the backside of the palace. She was keeping on and on at Dryden. Hitomi didn't hesitate and fought her way through the soldiers, running across the yard.
"Millerna!" she screamed and the blond-haired princess turned around. "Did you see Yukari, Gabriella, anyone?"
"I'm so sorry, Hitomi," Millerna replied and Hitomi's throat went dry. "All four of them went to the marketplace. There was a celebration, today."
The young Amazon gasped. "Van..." she uttered and turned to face him.
Van who had put on his boots and his shirt while Hitomi had been asking Millerna, stretched out his arm and grabbed her wrist. "Come!" he said and dragged her away from Millerna.
"Be carefull!" Millerna yelled. "They are invisible!"
They ran across the yard to the halls were the guymelefs were put up, his hand never letting go of her wrist. Escaflowne was sitting in one of the halls, waiting for them. Finally, Van let go of her and jumped on the guymelef's knee. Placing his hand on the pink stone at Escaflowne's chest, the stone started to glow and the visor opened with a hiss. Van threw his sword into the cockpit and jumped into his seat, Hitomi watching him with folded hands.
"What are you going to do?" she asked.
"What are we going to do!" Van corrected her and the visor shut with a hollow noise. "We're going to search them! I highly doubt that they'll be able to defeat themselves against guymelef's!"
Escaflowne stretched out his arm and placed his hand flat on the ground in front of her, offering her his huge palm.
"Let's go!" Van's voice echoed from out of the cockpit.
Hitomi took a deep breath and nodded, determined. She stepped onto Escaflowne's palm and Van placed her carefully on his shoulder. She slipped quickly into her boots and then encircled one of the horns, growing from the head of the white guymelef. Escaflowne took a step ahead and she nearly fell from his shoulder. Gasping, she encircled the horn even tighter. After exiting the hall, Van headed for the palace gates.
"What did Millerna mean with they are invisible?" Hitomi asked, screaming.
"Folken has got guymelefs which can make themselves invisible with the help of camouflage capes," Van replied coldly. "These cowards are the same ones who killed my mother. Oaud told me that they hadn't seen who had attacked them. The fire had come out of no-where. They had had no chance. And now, they'll pay!"
Hitomi jerked when a loud clicking noise could be heard from Escaflowne's back. She turned around and spotted the hilt of a huge sword, sticking out of the guymelef's back. Van raised Escaflowne's hands and reached behind his back. There was a grinding noise when he pulled the sword out of Escaflowne's back. He held it firmly in his right hand and walked through the palace gates, the capital of Freid lying in front of them, burning.
The image in front of him caused memories to return. Memories he had wanted to never ever remember again. Memories of a burning home, of a burning palace. Memories of the day, his father had died and the believe in the good within his brother had been completely destroyed. Greed and envy had turned into the worst. Hatred. And again, Folken was destroying a city, houses, families, lives, only to get something which was never meant to be his. This had to end! And he would end it, that was for sure.
They were now running through the streets of Freid's capital and a strange feeling started to wash through Hitomi. It became stronger when Van suddenly stopped Escaflowne at an intersection, looking where to go. It felt as if something was twisting her stomach, causing a nausea. Her heartbeat started to increase and her breaths came out faster, without her noticing. Emerald eyes flickered around, searching for something. Goosebumps crawled over her skin, making her shudder. Something was here, noticing them, watching them, thirsting for their blood.
"Hitomi, what's wrong?" Van's concerned voice came from out of the cockpit.
"Something is here, Van," Hitomi replied, her voice shaking. "I can feel it."
The Amazon didn't know what she should expect. She couldn't describe it. It was...it was like...she gasped and her head spun to the right. She had seen it out of the corner of her eye. The air started to flimmer in the street beside them. Colours started to spin and mixed, forming something. Outlines became clearer and new colours appeared. Metal sparkled. A guymelef.
"Van, to the right!" Hitomi yelled and Escaflowne's head swirled around, mimicking Van's move.
Acting on instinct, Van threw up his hands together with the sword when a sparkling iron tendril shot in his direction, coming out of no-where. Sparks flew when it hit his sword and was split. The two new tendrils shot past him and crashed into houses beside them, destroying them. Stones flew through the air and a cloud of dust started to crawl along the street. Van took a few steps backwards and the tendrils were retracted. Inside Escaflowne's cockpit, Van was breathing heavily and his heart was beating madly, sweat covering his forehead. He had no time to recover.
"Left!" Hitomi's voice rang in his ears. "To the left!"
Turning around, Van raised Escaflowne's sword and it crashed violantly against the weapon of his oponent, made of liquid iron. His enemy pulled his sword-like arm away and thrusted at Escaflowne again, but Van blocked the attack. He had to end that! Hitomi was still sitting on Escaflowne's shoulder and she would probably fall down or get speared within the next seconds. With a mighty thrust and a battle-cry on his lips, he send his invisible enemy stumbling backwards. He couldn't see the guymelef but he did see where the liquid metal sword was coming from. Using the momentum of his thrust, Van raised the sword in a fluent move only to let it slice seemingly through nothing. But there was something. He felt resistance and suddenly something exploded. Metal flew through the air and a destroyed guymelef fell to the ground. Hastily, Van kneeled down.
"Jump down, Hitomi!" he yelled. "Go and search the others!"
Startled, she jumped off of Escaflowne's shoulder and looked up at Van. Her eyes widened, focusing on something behind him.
"Turn around!" she screamed.
Raising his sword while swirling around, Van blocked the attack of three tendrils. He cursed himself for being so stupid to forget the other invisible guymelef. If Hitomi hadn't warned him, he would have been dead. Hitomi. Why was she able to see them? They were invisible! Glancing around, he saw that she still stood where he had left her, staring up at him with wide eyes.
"Now go, Hitomi!" he screamed, making her jerk.
Two seconds passed until the words sunk in and Hitomi nodded reluctantly. With a worried last glance at Van, she turned around and left the fighting guymelefs. Van sighed in relief when he saw her disappear behind a corner. He turned back at his enemy and quickly shifted his sword to block the thrust of the three tendrils which had changed into a sword-like weapon. He took a step ahead and pushed the invisible guymelef away. Van raised Escaflowne's hands, turning to the side. Sparks flew when the point of the sword sliced the ground. Van drew through. He sliced the air in front of him, vertical. He didn't destroy the guymelef but the cape of his enemy.
At once, the guymelef was visible. Van didn't hesitate and slammed the sword onto the guymelef. He cut him in two. The young man sighed and took a step backwards, letting the sword sink. He was just about to turn away when a voice reached his ears which sent shivers down his spine.
"Van!" Dilandau yelled. "You killed two of my men! Don't you dare to turn away!"
Van narrowed his eyes and looked ahead, trying to spot Dilandau. He gasped, a jet of fire suddenly appearing out of no-where. Van jumped hastily to the side.
"You'll pay!" the silver-haired soldier shouted. "You'll pay for everything!"
And this time, Van was glad to hear Dilandau's voice. If the outraged soldier hadn't shouted at him, Van wouldn't have known that Dilandau stood directly in front of him. Swords clashed together. Van was surprised by Dilandau's strength and was sent stumbling backwards, as punishment for underestimating his enemy. Escaflowne's pilot had no chance. Dilandau just kept trusting at him and Van could nothing but block and walk backwards.
The young man snorted. Fine. Dilandau was using unfair methods, then he could do the same! With a little motion, Van triggered a mechanism and at once, Escaflowne turned into the dragon he was. Immediately, Van soared up and dodged Dilandau's next thrust. The red eyed youth screamed in frustration. Turning around, Van saw that Dilandau retracted the camouflage cape and changed to flying-mode. A thought suddenly struck his mind. Van pulled hastily at Escaflowne's reins and piloted the dragon across the city, the wind tugging violantly at his hair. Looking around, Van spotted what he was searching for and turning around, he saw that Dilandau was following him.
Van made Escaflowne nose-dive. He aimed at a huge channel which was winding its way through the entire city. Water splashed when the dragon landed directly in the water and at once transformed back into its gyumelef form. Van looked up and Dilandau crashed into the channel directly in front of him. He remained visible. Dilandau couldn't use the cape because of the water and Van grinned.
"Let's see, how you'll fight when there is no cape protecting you, coward!" Van yelled.
"I don't need any cape to defeat you!" Dilandau shouted back and thrust at Van.
Water splashed when swords sliced through the air and clashed against each other. The two enemies surrounded each other and thrusted at the other one, waiting for a moment of inattentiveness. But there was none. When it seemed that Van had the advantage over Dilandau, the silver haired soldier cried out and slammed his sword so hard against Van's one that the black haired youth stumbled, gasping. Dilandau's red guymelef swirled around, dragging the sword behind. Van blocked the attack and both of them leaned against their swords.
"You're not as weak as I thought you were!" Dilandau hissed through Alseides' visor.
"Thank you!" Van replied sarcastically. "I do feel honoured!"
Both of them sprang apart, keeping each other under observation like two starving lions. But then, something behind Van caught Dilandau's attention.
"The bastards are fleeing!" he yelled, watching airships raise over the city.
"Dilandau!"
"Lord Folken!" the red eyed soldier exclaimed.
"Come back, Dilandau!" Folken's voice echoed through Alseides' cockpit. "I need you here at the battlefield!"
"But I'm not done here!" Dilandau complained.
"That was an order, Dilandau!" Folken almost shouted. "And not an option!"
Van watched in surprise when Dilandau changed to flying mode and hovered in the air. "We're not done, Van!" he shouted and disappeared into the skies, his unit following him.
Van turned around and looked at the airships which were slowly leaving the destroyed city.
"Hitomi," he whispered, Escaflowne transforming into a dragon.
....................**.....................
Hitomi was running through the streets of Freid's capital, past destroyed and burning houses, crying children and screaming women, soldiers on their way to defeat the intruders. The pungent scent of smoke filled her nostrils, making her cough from time to time. Looking up, she saw that the guymelef's of Freid were still fighting against the invisible enemy and loosing. They had no chance at all. The earth shook continuously, signaling that yet another guymelef had fallen. Ignoring the pain in her lungs, she continued to run through the streets. It was a huge city. How should she ever find the others? They would probably die before she reached them. How should she...Hitomi suddenly stopped, dead in her tracks. Oh, how she wished that someone was there to kick her! But that could wait.
Closing her eyes, she grabbed her pendant. At once, its mysterious warmth seeped into her, making her fingertips tingle. It had worked when they had searched Escaflowne and it would work now! It simply had to! She concentrated on her friends with all her strength and in the middle of all this chaos, she stood perfectly calm. Hitomi concentrated on Yukari's shining red hair, on Amano's honest smile, Merle's fiery eyes and on Gabriella. Brave, little Gabriella. She was so young and had went through so much. She had kept Hitomi company all the time, without complaining and Hitomi hadn't even thanked her. She had to find them!
She gasped and her sparkling green eyes snapped open. Without wasting any more time, she let go off her pendant and headed for a street to her right. The pink stone had showed her the direction, everything she had to do, was follow it. And she did. Jumping over the remains of houses, she ran along the lane. She felt that she was getting closer to her destination with every step she took. She prayed that she wouldn't be too late. Only a few meters more. She was close, she knew it. Turning around a bent to her left, she froze.
There at the street were Merle and Gabriella. Merle sat on the ground, pressing her small body against a wall in her back. Her blue eyes were wide in fright. Gabriella stood in front of the cat girl, her arms spread protectively. The girl was bravely glaring at the soldier who was waving his sword before her face.
"You know what I'm thinking about, at the moment?" the soldier said to Gabriella and grinned. "I think about how I'll kill you little brat."
"And you know what I think?" A voice from behind made the man swirl around. His eyes widened when he spotted Hitomi standing a few meters behind him, her sword unsheatened. "I think you won't do anything, apart from dying," she said dryly.
"Hitomi!" Gabriella cried happily.
The soldier gave a laugh, after getting over the shock of Hitomi's sudden appearance. "Is this a threat?" he asked, a little bit surprised.
"No," Hitomi replied slowly. "This is a warning."
The man chuckled. "Well then, ladies attack first," he said and bowed lightly.
Hitomi could only smirk about this proof of male arrogance. He would get what he deserved. She took a few steps ahead and raising her sword, she let it crush onto the soldier. He blocked the attack, eyes wide. Hitomi didn't let him time to breathe and retracted her sword quickly, thrusting after him again. Despite his shock, he blocked again but stumbled a step backwards. Hitomi continued her thrusts, attacking from different directions, without success.
With a cry of pure frustration, she thrust at him again with all her strength and when he blocked, she swirled around. During the move, she went down on her knees, leaning on her right arm and stretched out her left leg. She hit the hollows of his knees and the soldier fell backwards with a grunt. He was too surprised to stop the fall and his head hit one of the innumerable stones, covering the ground. He was dead at once. Hitomi bent down and picked up his sword. He didn't need it anymore.
"Hitomi!" Merle and Gabriella cried in unison, running over to her and hugged her fiercly.
The Amazon smiled. "Where are Yukari and Amano?" she asked while stroking over the girls' hair.
"Gabriella! Merle!" someone suddenly screamed and by the moment Hitomi looked up, a certain red-head stormed around the corner, Amano close behind her.
Spotting Hitomi in the embrace of the girls, Yukari stopped. "Hitomi, what are you doing here?" she asked, making Hitomi roll her eyes.
"Rescue you because it seems that you're not capable of doing it yourselves!" Hitomi replied.
"Hey, what do you want to say?!" Yukari shouted. "Do you-"
"Enough now," Amano interupted her and took a step ahead. "We have no time for that! We should return to the palace, as soon as possible!"
They nodded in agreement and Hitomi freed herself out of the embrace. Glancing at her friends, she saw that Yukari and Amano both had swords in their hands. Looking down at the sword of the soldier, she decided to keep it. Two were better than one. They left the lane and ran along the streets, back to the palace, Hitomi leading them. They never reached the palace. A call from behind stopped them.
"Gods, you're alive!" a female voice screamed and turning around, they spotted Millerna running over to them. Two soldiers, wearing the uniform of Freid, were at her side.
"Millerna?" Hitomi asked, dumbfounded. "What are you doing here?"
"Searching you!" Millerna replied. "And I can't believe I found you! Dryden was just about to kill me when I told him that I wanted to search you. He said that Escaflowne was with you and that you sooner or later would find us. He can sometimes be so annoying! I can't just sit around and wait like he preferes to do! I just had to-"
"Millerna!" Hitomi yelled and grabbed the blabbering princess by her shoulders. "What are you trying to tell me?"
"We're fleeing!" Millerna said firmly. "The airships are prepared and wait. Duke Chid is already there. And you'll come with us!"
Hitomi didn't complain and let Millerna lead them through the streets to the airport. It was situated in the east of the city, the field of the airport lying at the end of the street, they were momentary walking on. They saw that airships were hovering above the ground, ready to leave. One of them was theirs. Soon they were save. They were passing the last intersection before the field and Hitomi turned to Millerna.
"Hey, I bet Dryden will..." the Amazon's voice trailed off, seeing something sparkle beside Millerna.
Without hesitating, Hitomi pushed Millerna away who stumbled and fell to the ground, complaining. The princess' eyes glowed with anger when she looked up but they widened in shock when swords clashed together and sparks flew. An enemy had been hidden behind the corner of the intersection and Millerna would have been dead if Hitomi hadn't reacted so fast. The Amazon had blocked the attack with both of her swords crossed. She leaned with all her strength against the soldier, grunting. The others looked at Hitomi, mouths half open, standing rooted to the spot. And then, she suddenly withdraw one of the swords and sliced the air and the soldier with a quick horizontal motion.
Taking a step back, Hitomi watched the man fall. He hit the ground with a hollow noise and Hitomi exhaled deeply, the others did as well. The green eyed Amazon stretched out her hand and helped a shocked Millerna to her feet.
"T-thank you," she stuttered.
"Well done!" Yukari then said and patted Hitomi on the shoulder. "That was close!"
"Yeah, and we should really leave now!" Amano interfered, tugging at Yukari's arm.
Without another word spoken, they left the intersection and headed for the field which was the airport. A strong wind tugged at their hair and clothing, when they entered the open field. The grass had been trampled on by hundreds of feet from fleeing people. They were almost the last ones. Some men and women were coming from different directions, entering the last airships. When they reached Dryden's ship, Hitomi suddenly stopped. Yukari noticed it when she was halfway up the landing stage.
"Hitomi, we must leave!" Yukari yelled from the landing stage.
"But what about Van?" Hitomi shouted back, the wind tearing the words from her lips. "We can't just leave without him!"
"Don't worry!" the red-head replied. "He has got Escaflowne! He can take care of himself! Now come!"
"But-" Hitomi started to complain when suddenly something crashed violantly onto the ground beside her, sending an enormous gust of wind across the landing strip.
Turning around, she spotted the white dragon standing there, his wings lifted proudly above his head. Hitomi's heart skipped a beat when she saw Van standing on Escaflowne's back, completely unscathed.
"Van!" Hitomi screamed, running over to him.
"Flee with the airship, Hitomi!" Van yelled, before she reached him.
"But what about you?" she asked.
"I'm going to stop Folken!" he replied, the wind tugging at his hair. "I'll fly to the battlefield! I know he's there! I must stop him!"
"I want to go with you!" Hitomi shouted.
"No!" Van yelled, tugging at Escaflowne's reins. "Not this time! I'll go alone! It's too dangerous and I don't want to get you into danger!"
"But Van!" Hitomi complained. "You don't need to protect me! I'm not less in danger here than on the battlefield! You can't do this!"
"Oh yes, I can!" Van replied with a light grin and made Escaflowne hover in the air. "Don't worry, I'll be careful! I'll join you when everything is settled!"
And with that Escaflowne started to soar, causing a little hurricane on the ground. Hitomi leaned against the wind, her eyes narrowed. She took a few steps ahead, something coming to her mind.
"Van, wait!" she screamed, at the top of her lungs. "Promise that you'll return! You must promise it, Van!"
No reply.
....................**.....................
TennyoAngel711: Lol, was it that good?? ^___^ Thank you!!! Hehe, yes Van's wings are simply out-knocking!! (Does this word exist?!)
Inda: *blushs* Thankiez!!! And see, she did fight!!
fireangel: Thank you so much for reviewing again!!! I'm glad you like it!! ^_^
Suki: I hope this chapter answered your question ^_^ Of course, there was only one possibility of whom she would choose!! V/H forever!!! Thank you!!!!
Ryuu Angel: - Look, bold!!! Hah! ^___^ I'm so happy that you reviewed again and that you liked it!!! Thank you!!! And I'm glad you're still alive!!! ^_____^ And before I forget *hugs you wildly* Thank you so much for asking about Folken, his wings and Lea!!!! Thank you, thank you, thank you!!! I would have forgotten to mention this if you hadn't asked!! You can't imagine how thankful I am!!! Thanks thanks thanks!!!! And also thanks for telling me about this stupid 'pillow mistake'!! Yes, of course, I meant pillars!!! And not pillows!! Sometimes, I'm really stupid!!! So thanks again!!! ^_^ And don't worry, the 'Big Hitomi Moment' will soon come!! Oh, and are the exams over?
CRAZY Dragon: ^_^ Dankeschön!!!! Ich hoffe es hat dir wieder so gut gefallen!!!
Athar-Luna: *blushs violantly* Thankiez!!! I'm so so glad you like it ^_^ And I laughed so hard when I read what you wrote about Allen and Chid sharing genes!!! LOL, so funny!!!! And I simply had to make Van a Draconian!!! I love his wings!!! Love them, love them, love them!!!! *drools*
Rani: ^____^ Thank you!!! I hope you liked this one too!!!
I-Wuv-Muffins: Thankiez!!! ^_^ Yes, kawaiiiiiiiiiiiiiii!!!
Aylee the dragon (still too lazy to log in): *almost bursts because of the thousands of cookies* ^_______^ Thank you so much!!! And I hope you liked this chapter although it was predictable u_u But you really made me laugh with saying all that about Van and his demon-complex and Hitomi knocking some sense into him!!!! *imagines Hitomi knocking literally some sense into Van* *bursts out laughing* ^_^ I'm glad you like the confusion!!! And thank you so much again for the wonderful review!!!
dark faerie: ^_^ I'm glad you like it!!! Thanx!!!
Aeka-himme: Hey again!!! ^_^ I think I got it...you liked it? Hehe, I loved what you wrote about Van!!! In a non-blasphemus way, of course *grins goofily and nuzzles her beloved Van plushie* And there was a really nice description of your brother!!! LOL!! It fits my brother too! Sometimes, at least! *snorts* Brothers can be so annoying!! And about the notches on our poor desks...yes, of course, you can carve more than 10 ones! You should see my desk!!! But I meant at one time!! You can't carve more than 10 notches at one time unless you have more than 10 fingers!! *sweatdrops* About what are we talking anyway? Notches in desks! Crazy, aren't we?! ^_______^ And yes, your cookie was perfect!! I can't await to get more of that!! *giggles* P.S. My Van plushie says hi to your Van plushie! YAY!! Plushie conversation!! *sweatdrops again*
DragonTamer9741: *blushs* Thankiez!!!! ^_^
Infinitis: *blushs like mad* Thank you!!!!! Here is more and please don't get sad!!!!
angel akira: Thankiez!!!!!!!!!!! ^________^
B. Burns: Hehe. And was it enough fluff? Okay, I know there can never be enough fluff ^_____^ Fluff rules!!! But at least, it was a bit!! And don't get your hopes up too soon! If he doesn't like her anymore, I will take him!!!!!!!!!!! Nyarharhar!!! My Van!! *grins from ear to ear* And yes, you were right! They have enough problems and there will be even more!! Muahaha!!! Thank you for the review!!!!!!!
Love Witch: Hope you liked the fluff ^_^ It's not much but more than last chapter!!! I try to improve! Haha
rose101: Thanks!!! Here is more!!!
SabineballZ: *grins* Jap, Flügel, Fügel, Flügel!!!! Hehe, ich mag Vans Flügel!!!! *seufz* Aber hey, ich hoffe du bist zufrieden damit, dass die zwei es endlich geschnallt haben ^_^ Hat ja auch lange genug gedauert!
???: Ah yes, to know that you love someone is one thing but to confess it, is really another thing!! But yes, it'll be soon. ^_~ And you know what? I want a Van too!!!!!! Thanks!!!!!!!
Kim Spencer: ^_^ I'm glad you like it!!! Here is more!!! Thank you!!!!
Scarlet Phoenix: Here it is!!!!
Silver Magiccraft: *blushs* Thankiez!!! I hope you liked that she finally showed (not told!) him that she likes him ^_^ Hehe, and I'm still happy that you don't think the chapters are too long!!!
Nikki: *blushs like there is no tomorrow* Wowie, you think it is that good? ^_^ Yes, I do feel honoured!!! ^_^ And it is so cool that you want to make a RPG out of it!! And if you really make it, is there any possibility that I can see it, in the end????
A/N: Oh well, last chapter I said that there is a lot more what I can put in the story and now, I noticed that there will probably only be two or three chapters until the story ends!!!! Aaaahhh!! I never imagined that it would end so fast!!! Okay, I won't panic. Maybe I'll have a really inspiring idea. Haha, maybe during vacation!!!!! YES!!! Soon I'll have vacation!!! Finally!! Only three days left and then summer summer summer!!!! YAY!! YAY!! YAY!! Yup, I know that I'm over-excited!! And before I leave to terrorize my poor family with my hyperactivity, I have one favour to ask...Please please please review!!! ^_________^
Till next time,
Dariel *waves like mad*