A/n: Hello again minna! Thanks so much to my first reviewers of this story esp. specialpal14 and Lady Laran. Like I said I would gladly appreciate anything u can say and think about this fic. It would help me a lot. Promise I'll update as often as I can.

Disclaimer: I don't own Escaflowne

Now back with the story....

Chapter 2: A Broken Promise

In the cold still night, nothing could be heard but the faint sound of the evening creatures lurking in the darkness of the forest. A broad figure continued his way to his sacred refuge and sanctuary with only the stars and the twin moons guiding his path, wings spread and eyes closed. He loved this feeling of being able to free his mind of all the worries, anxieties and fears he had kept to himself for a long time. This feeling of peace wherein he felt closest to the one who's most precious to him.

Van finally flung open his eyes as he neared the clearing where the once greatly renowned and legendary guymelef Escaflowne was kept asleep and where his brother, Folken lay buried. He landed with the swiftness and agility he had developed over the years. And after his feet had fully nestled on the ground, he looked at his mighty companion and smiled to himself. "I'm here with you again, my friend."

"And you brother," he greeted, casting down his eyes at the memorial of his late brother. He then walked over and positioned himself under the oak tree nearby so as to rest his tired body and eventually fall into slumber.

But sleep seemed to have abandoned him tonight somehow, like in most nights he had spent in this place, he found himself submerged into thinking over the events that happened since the Destiny War had ended.

Much had changed over the years. He ought to congratulate himself as he had achieved his aim of Fanelia being rebuilt, his once fallen kingdom now flourishes in terms of trade, industry and development; and diplomatic relations with neighboring countries such as Freid and Asturia had been strengthened. His people are happy and contented with the way their country had risen from the ashes and continues to grow.

His friends had also moved on with their lives. Dryden and Millerna are now the king and queen of Asturia. Parenthood suited them as they already have two beautiful daughters giving them joy and contentment. While Allen became the Minister of Asturia's Area of Defense; too much dedicated to his responsibility where he seemed to have forgotten to find himself a suitable wife and get settled. Celena, his long-lost sister, on the other hand, had just been married only a few months ago with Gaddes, Allen's comrade and good friend. And Freid's young king Chid, has been growing and turning out to be a fine and good leader of his homeland.

'Yes much had changed except me. Gaea keeps on turning but leaving me behind. I wonder when my life will have the change it so badly needs.....' He thought as he gazed up at the majestic moon hovering in the sky, the Mystic Moon as it was known in the whole of Gaea.

For the past five years he had spent his nights in this place wherein he waited for the return of his beloved. No one knew that every night after all the hard work and pressure he had gone through during the day, he'd leave his palace to seek shelter and solitude here, only to return as soon as the sun started peeking in the horizon. No one knew, not a single soul, not even Merle. He had kept this secret only to himself. For only in this place, he could somehow reach the one person he loved and would love more than his own life.

Through the years, he had tried his best to make a connection with her but he never succeeded. And that always made him wonder what went wrong. Still, what kept him going was that last moment they shared here in this place, when they bid their farewell, and when she made a promise that she wouldn't forget him no matter what. And that maybe, just maybe at one time or another he would see her face once more.

"We could see each other anytime as long as we share a common feeling."

A common feeling. Would he be able to know what she's feeling right now? Would he stand a chance?

Van was so lost in his deep thoughts, when a pillar of light appeared before him that quickly sprung him to his feet. Frozen stiff, eyes widened with utter bewilderment, his heart was hammering hard across his chest, he waited until the blinding light vanished as fast as it had came.

"No, this is not a dream.....I'm not dreaming," he told himself. He needed that assurance that what he just witnessed moments before really happened and not just a figment of his imagination.

And then he saw her.....

He stutter-stepped for a moment, and then slowly he continued forward not taking his eyes away from the figure that captured his whole being.

"By gods, she's really here, Hitomi....." he whispered, kneeling down and picking her head gently. To feel again her lithe body against him in an embrace was everything he had hoped for.....wished for. It was as though he had finally found that part of him which had long been missing, making him complete again. No words could ever describe the happiness and deep kind of joy he felt surging through him.

"I can't believe you're here again with me Hitomi.....You had no idea how much I've missed you....." he murmured to the girl lying in his arms. Van couldn't help but stare at her with awe while his fingers continued caressing her soft cheeks like it was the most natural thing to do after the years he hadn't seen her.

Until she slowly fluttered her eyelids open.

"Wh-what....? Where-am-I?" she asked, her deep emerald eyes mirrored fear and confusion. "WHO ARE YOU?"

Van stiffened. As though he was suddenly sucked out of air, his maroon eyes lost their spark and darkened.

"I've waited for you Hitomi. I've waited because you said.....I thought....." Van fought back the liquid that started pricking at the back of his eyes and beginning to blur his vision. "You promised you'll never forget.....Have you forgotten?" he muttered, a pained expression etched in his face.

'Why is this happening? This isn't supposed to be like this.' He never thought that a person could feel such happiness at one minute and be pulled to painful sadness moments after, and he was experiencing it all.

"I-I don't know what you're saying. I don't remember....." were her last words before she was pulled again unto obliviousness.....

"Now she must know her fate....."

"But she doesn't remember anything."

"Nothing that happened is ever forgotten, even if she can't remember it.....But she will remember Erisha.....soon she will....."

Hope u enjoyed reading this one. Review pls. Next chappie will be coming soon! ja ne!