Wow! More reviews!

I got one from Destiny7! Thank you so much! OMG! I actually have an adoring Fan! Wow...That's...Wow.... I don't know what to say...Thank you! (Yup! That merle really was in Character.... She never misses a moment! lol) and yes...the version of Escaflowne I saw was Japanese. (That...to you none Japanese people who are reading this, is why merle in my story Says "Van-sama." It means "Lord Van!".... But Van-sama is cuter...^ ^)

Newbie GK: I am glad you understand my story now...I was thinking about the fact that it might be a little confusing...don't worry about it...I am glad you like the humor ^ ^...I was hoping that some people would like that...Kewl...

Well I was going to wait till my mailbox got full up...but on receiving these reviews...I couldn't help myself...my writers Imagination kicked in and it won't stop! So...On with the story!

Disclaimer: I own it! I finally own it! I now am the proud owner of...This piece of lint! WOO HOO! ...And Bandai gets Escaflowne...

Sarah: this chapter is called: Castle, I'm home!

Recap: "Wait Merle! That's not what I...Meant...Ugh." He tried to shout after them...But was too late...Merle had gotten Hitomi all the way back to the cottage by then. *Arg...* Van thought mentally kicking himself. *So close...Yet so far...* And with that Van headed back himself.

~~~~~~~~~~~~

The next day everybody was tired. Hitomi was tired from her long walk around the forest and Sarah was from her healing session. Merle was tired because she was looking for Van all day and Van was because he had all those pains as well as he had a hard time sleeping with all the dreams about what happened (or didn't happen...take your pick.) last night. Even though they were all tired they insisted that they leave the cottage early. Van decided to take the pilots position. He asked Sarah to navigate because she had drove them here and Van wasn't familiar with this area. "Bear a little to your left and keep going till you reach that hill." Came Sarah's slightly groggy voice. The cold morning winds kept them aware, despite their displeasure. (Warning! Here comes the POVs)

Van's POV *It's too early for this! Well, at least I'll get home soon. * *You're just trying to keep your mind off her and what nearly happened. * Came a voice from the depths of his mind, and though it may have been right, Van wasn't in a listening mood.

Hitomi's POV *It's early! The birds are singing, What a beautiful day for a fly...* and at the word fly Hitomi blushed thinking of Van's wings *Can't keep your mind off him can you? * Came the voice of her mind

(Basically they are trying not to think off what happened 'cause it they are too shy to bring it up...In case you can't figure it out.)

Sarah's POV *I think I missed something...Van and Hitomi are awfully quiet...and they won't look at each other...wait...Hitomi just looked at Van...and she's blushing! Oh...Hehehe...so...I wonder what I missed? *

Merle's POV *Van-sama looks tired...Hitomi's back! I don't believe it! How did she get back? Hmm...I wonder what they were doing last night...probably nothing important. Van-sama! *

After a little more navigating by Sarah they were back at Fanelia.

Van set Escaflowne down in front of the castle and immediately they were surrounded by a mob of nobles and servants and heard a volley of "Lord Van! Bless the gods you are well! Or "Lord Van! Were where you?" There were constant cries from the servants asking about if he wanted to change into more suitable clothes or if he was hungry. Eventually they shoved him inside away from the others.

Hitomi stared after Van who had disappeared into the building with the mob.

"Don't worry 'tomi'." Said Merle nonchalantly. "Van-sama will eventually not be busy...He is a king though." Added Merle sadly.

"Well...Umm...girls...I think that it's our turn." Sarah spoke up and they turned to see where she was looking and there they were...a mob of maids...waiting for them! (Ah! attack of the killer maids!) They were surrounded by a large crowd that started to pull them away.

Before they were separated Sarah told Hitomi that she wanted to see her later when they got the chance. "There is something I need to discuss with you." She managed to get out before they shoved her inside.

~@~@~@~@~

Hitomi wasn't used to people dragging her this way and that way, but they did get her hair brushed out to perfection and get her squeaky-clean in a tub. (Rub dub dub! Umm... yeah...I'll just shut up...)

Then they dressed her in a comfortable white blouse with dark blue pants, they said "Lady Sarah" told them that she wanted "Lady Hitomi" dressed this way instead of in a dress. Hitomi asked why but they said they just do as they're told and don't ask questions. *I wonder why Sarah cares what I'm dressed in* Thought Hitomi. The maids eventually told her, that Sarah asked her to meet her at the training grounds. Hitomi left with a run, being grateful that they DID dress her in pants. She made record time and there was Sarah, sword in hand. Sarah grinned.

"Hitomi! There you are! Finally got away huh?"

Hitomi returned the smile. "Barely..." She said laughing.

"Here!" Sarah shouted throwing her a small sword still in its sheath.

"Ah! What was that for? Why did you call me here?"

Sarah walked over to Hitomi and gave her a sly look "That's the reason. I am going to teach you how to use a sword."

Hitomi stopped dead "What?" Hitomi yelped "Why do I need to learn how to use a sword?"

"Because..." Sarah countered "You should be careful...if you ever need one...then you should learn how to use it." Sarah looked kind of sad. Hitomi wondered what could be troubling her.

"Okay." Hitomi finally said, and Sarah's smile returned.

They started going over the basics, first Sarah taught Hitomi How to hold a sword, what they names of the types of swords were. She showed her a broad sword "You won't be using this one...It's a bit heavy for a beginner." and a long sword "This is still to heavy." a short sword "You will be training a good deal with this one." and a dagger. "This one you will train the most with." Next came the moves. Charging "You don't charge aggressively enough!" (Hahaha...I know...I couldn't help myself...) Moving to confuse you opponent. "Okay...Good...being agile is good when you are fighting." Basic slashes. "Right! Left! Middle! Head! AHH! I didn't mean actually try to cut mine off!"

Hitomi muttered an apology, and sheepishly grinned.

"It's okay...Well that's all for today...what are you going to do now?" Sarah asked grabbing a towel,

Hitomi grabbed one herself and looked thoughtfully "Well...I wanted to take a look around Fanelia. Is that a good idea?"

Sarah nodded "Sure. It's fine to go out now...since the repairs are done and the dragons moved out."

Hitomi gratefully left and got her running clothes on and then took a sprint.

~@~@~@~@~

*It's nice to take a run and just clear you head* she thought. She stopped for lack of breath and realized she was at the garden near the castle. * I think I'll take a look inside. * And she went inside. She looked around and there was the one person she didn't expect

*Van! * Indeed... Van was enjoying some peace and sitting with his eyes closed listening to the sounds of his garden.

"Hitomi!" His eyes shot open.

*Oops! I must of interrupted him...I should go...He must want some time alone.* Hitomi thought and then turned to leave.

"Hitomi? Where are you going?" Van eyes looked disappointed at her sudden turn to leave.

"Well...I thought I was interrupting you...So I wanted to give you some time to yourself." Hitomi said noticing his face.

Van laughed. "No...Not at all...actually I wouldn't mind if you wanted to stay," he said kind of shyly.

"Really? Okay...I love to." Hitomi said eyes getting wider.

Van smiled. * She's happy...she's pretty when she's happy...her eyes sparkle like great big emeralds. * Van unknowingly was not only staring, but blushing too!

Hitomi turned a small shade of pink and broke the silence. "What is this flower called? It's beautiful..." Said Hitomi, pointing to a flower that looked like it was painted with flames.

"That's a pyralilis."(Pie-ra-lil-us) Said Van in a matter-of-fact voice.

"Well...how about..." But Hitomi never got the change to ask because a wolf- man called Van over.

"Lord Van! Allen Sheazar requests your presence in Austuria!" Came the wolf man's call.

"Thank you Josham. I'm on my way." Van turned to ask Hitomi "Would you like to come?" Hitomi smiled again

"Of course! If you're going, then of course I'm coming." And then they both blushed.

"I guess I'll get Sarah." "No need!" a voice interrupted. They both turned to see.

" Sarah!" they both said in unison. She was leaning against a tree smiling. "So.where to?" She asked the couple curiously.

"Allen summoned us." Van said plainly.

"Then Austuria it is!" and Sarah took a minute getting her Guymelef. Van got on Escaflowne and with Hitomi, they sped off.

*I wonder how Allen is after all these years.* Hitomi thought. Hitomi thoughts were interrupted when both Sarah and Van gasped. Hitomi looked down at the city.It was smoking and in ruins!

*Oh Allen! * All three of them thought at once.

_________________________________________________________ Sarah: Okay! T.L.W.K. that was great! Umm.? Were did she go?

Van: I dunno.Hitomi?

Hitomi: I can't find her!

Millerna: I know!

Van: sorry! You're not in the story yet! Bye! *Shoves Millerna back into the future pages. *

Other side of the lady winged knight: Hey! Anybody wanna blow up the world while she's gone?

The lady winged Knight: I heard THAT!

Good side of lady winged knight: I did TOO!

Me: Okay.let me get it all strait.I am the real Lady winged knight and I am back.

Sarah: Where were you?!

Me: I was writing the next chapter in my head.

Sarah: in your head.?

Me: Yeah..

Please review on your way out.

Sarah: who r u talking to.

Me: My readers.

Sarah: You mean my readers!

Hitomi &Van: NO! SHE MEANS OUR READERS!

Me:.. (Sweatdrops)..Umm.please review.Bye!