Whoadie: I will still be accepting character information, full name, character fighting abilities if any or other (healer, sorcerer, just another guest at the part, etc), and the other basics (Hair color, eye color, etc). ^_^ Mmkay! That's all for announcements!
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"..." will be talking
'...' will be thinking
Torn Apart
Chapter 6- New meanings to The Coin
"Stop it."
Gatti looked at both Chesta and Dallet confused. "Stop what?"
They only narrowed their eyes at him. "Put it down...now."
Gatti's eyes bulged with fake tears, making him look innocent and hurt. "Awww, but this is a party!" He set the wine glass down , "You can't go to a party without drinking! What's WRONG with you two!" He huffed angrily at him, sniffling at them in a last attempt for a quick drink.
Dallet only shook his head with laughter. Chesta rubbed his forehead before getting ready to lecture, "Not even 5 minutes through the door and you have a wine glass in your hand. I have no idea why Lord Dilandau puts up with you."
"It wasn't 5 minutes it was 10, there was a line! I HAD a wine glass no thanks to you, and Lord Dilandau puts up with me because...well I didn't wanna have to tell you guys this but I'm the best Slayer there is." He examined his nails, removing an invisible piece of dirt. "Yep..."
"Hmmm, would you like to put a wager on that?"
Gatti jumped at the sound of Miguel's voice. "Whoa now!" He turned around with his hands up, ready to attack out of reflex. He relaxed seeing it was Miguel, he sneered at the smug look on his face. "Shut up..."
The music that came from the odd band of orchestral members turned into a fast paced rhythm. Everyone who had been engaged in chatter immediately ceased or paused their conversations to join the dance. Those who were eating or drinking were being whisked away to the dance floor.
"That's the cue."
Everyone looked at Chesta. "Eh?"
He rubbed his head out of irritation, "Weren't any of you present at the meeting? He said he had a Slayer positioned as the conductor..." He pointed his finger to the man leading the orchestra through the song. As if the man heard him, he turned his head slightly to them.
Hitomi raised an eyebrow, "Did he just wink at us?"
Gatti nudged her arm, "More like winking at yoooou!" He puckered his lips and made an irritating squeaking noise when he sucked in air through the pressed lips. He stopped when Dallet grabbed him by the scruff of the neck. "Hey! Lemme SHOW you to your spot, Gatti!" Gatti was dragged away with flailing arms and screams of protest.
Hitomi laughed at the sight, watching the dancers part to let the unexpected enemies through. She noticed Chesta wasn't laughing so she stopped to turn to him. She didn't expect his hand to be held out to her, she couldn't see his face to see his expression since it was turned away. What was he asking for?
She watched his head turn a little to look at her, was that red she saw? Then it hit her. She smacked herself mentally for being so slow. She had to let out a small giggle at seeing Chesta's blush. He must have not asked many women to dance. Her hand slipped into his soft one.
He looked over at her surprised. "Hitomi?" She tugged on his hand, leading him to the very center of the twirling figures. "I don't really know this dance...so sorry if I suck." She smiled at him sweetly.
She approached him, closing the distance between them. She mimicked the girls around her on how they held up the corner of their dresses to keep from tripping and how they held onto their partner. She looked up at Chesta, waiting for him to start off the dance.
Chesta's face was flaming red now so he held his cheek against the side of her head to hide his face. He moved, taking her with him to be swept away in the song. 'This won't be such a bad night after all.'
Meanwhile, Miguel's forgotten comrade from earlier had just made their way into the palace. Eyes widened around them when they walked down the stairs with such high pride. Everyone who wasn't dancing came to greet the visitor. Questions popped up, "What's going on?" or "When did you arrive?" but the most common was "Where have you been?"
El Rem only smiled then walked past them with a single answer, "Business..." The other guests were baffled at what Rem had said. Usually, they could get more from information out of Rem than that. They followed eagerly but Rem was gone. Vanished into the ripples of the growing rings on the dancing floor.
A silent, silhouette shadow watched his guests from behind a pillar. His arms were crossed, red eyes penetrated the darkness surrounding him. 'What was she doing here?' He moved away from the wall he had been leaning on, coming out from the sheltering blackness.
He approached swiftly, wanting to know an explanation on why she returned without saying anything to him. She left so suddenly and never once did she come back to him like she used too. He didn't think the dispute was so bad that she would abandon him totally.
He grabbed her arm, whirling her around to face him. "Where have you been?"
She looked up at him with an even face, the dancers around them slowed their steps down to listen in. "What does it matter?" 'I've had enough, I'm sick and tired of this. I should have chosen this side awhile ago.' The man she had been talking too, quickly put up his mask that hid the upper part of his face.
"I've been worried sick! The whole kingdom has been awake since you left, you have your duties you know!" His eyes ignited a little.
"My duties? When I left here, I left what I was also. I've become something more in the days I've been gone. Something that you have kept me from becoming with your over protective ways. Well that's over now." She narrowed her eyes at him. "I don't need you anymore. I don't need your people. And I certainly don't need Fanalia. Stay with that bitch for all I care, in the end it won't matter anyways."
He looked at her with suspicion, "What do you mean...anyways? Is there something I should know about?"
She smiled, "Flip a coin, choose the side of your choice. Only the choices change for you, on one side you have your country and your people, on the other you have your own life. What side?" She began to walk away, holding onto the arm of the masked man she was talking too.
The King looked at her confused, "That didn't answer my question!"
She turned her head with a mocking smile on her lips, "Didn't say it did, but it will bring out the outcome of your future. It's too bad you don't have your Clairvoyant to SEE for you. I doubt the dog you've chosen to be your wife is capable of such a gift, unlike what she can do this requires concentration and a natural talent, not primitive instincts in bed. Who knows, you might actually choose right for once." She smirked before adding. "In your shoes, I wouldn't pick any face. I'd choose the edge..."
Slowly, he brought them to a stop. He brought back his head to look at the out of breath angel in his arms. For some reason, he got a feeling that he wouldn't get to keep her. He frowned, hoping his gut feeling was wrong for once. He lowered his lips to her ear, "Please stay with me..."
Hitomi's cheeks were flushed from trying to keep up with his fast moving feet. They turned into an even darker shade from what Chesta had said. Never would she had expected him to say something so bold. "I'll always be there, Chesta, so don't worry."
Chesta nodded sadly, unsure if she understood the more deep feelings in his words. His eyes softened, thinking it was enough for now. His eye caught Van's face, he quickly lowered his mask. "Save a dance for me later?"
She nodded. She blushed when he kissed her cheek, backing away to find his position. She stood where she was, her hands were clasped together in front of her. She couldn't explain it but after tonight, she feared it wouldn't be the end of the sinking feeling that she felt in the bottom of her stomach.
Her breath caught in her throat, her eyes widened when they came interlocked with the cause of her nightmares. She watched him look at her with shock filled eyes. The crowd parted for him as he made his way towards her.
She clenched her clasped hands together even more tightly. She willed herself to stand her ground and not run from him again. She whispered to herself, trying to convince her heart that he couldn't hurt her anymore. Desperately, she looked around but nobody seemed to take notice of her. She had changed so much, she doubted anyone would make the connection of her being the Mystic Moon Seer that saved Gaea with their King all those years ago.
She looked back at her wings, wanting more than anything for them to be able to lift her from the floor that held her. Her eyes turned back and nearly popped out of her skull. She backed a few feet away, he had made close proximity in such a short amount of time.
Minutes passed by, all they could do was stare at each other. The hurt, confusion, and grown hatred was one sided. She couldn't read his face, but she knew one thing was sure, he was filled with shock.
He moved to hug her but hesitated when he saw her flinch back. He lowered his outstretched arms and held them behind his back instead. "How have you been?" 'Gah stupid! Is that the best I can come up with!?'
"Better now." She fiddled with the strings attached to her fingers. 'Just leave...please just go. I thought I was ready for this, but once again I find myself weaponless and facing a dragon.'
"I see..." His eyes examined her closely, he took her in from head to toe. She had indeed changed, but the way she acted confused him the most. Why was she so afraid of him? Did she not love him or something? Or maybe...he blinked with realization.
Celena.
The meeting.
Hitomi's disappearance.
All those events seemed to play back into his memory in sequence. Connections were made. He groaned at his stupidity. He knew he should have locked that door, maybe she didn't catch him with all those other one timers. "Hitomi..I..." He didn't know what to say. He screwed up, really badly. This would make amending and asking for forgiveness even harder.
It took him all this time and for her to stand before him the beauty she was now, on what he missed out on and what he lost. He growled inwardly for his stupid mistakes, wishing more than anything to go back to the past to slap himself. 'Is this what I've become? A cruel hormonal teenager that has no common sense?'
He stepped toward her again, ignoring that she was moving away from him again. He pulled her into a hug so that she couldn't run from him. His head was right by hers, he looked out in front of him with sadness. He whispered into her ear the two words that made his heart break, "I'm sorry..."
He had hurt her so much, yet she still came back. Even if it wasn't for him, she was here. The place where she was ripped apart and thrown to the wind.
He brushed his lips against her soft cheek then pulled back to look at her. "Look...I still..." He looked at her with such longing that for a second she felt the same old feeling towards him. But it vanished like a lost memory when she saw Chesta, Gatti, Miguel, and Dallet all gathered in a line watching her. They were there for her now, and would always BE there for her. She could let go now.
She looked up at him, stopping him before he continued. "I don't."
"What?"
"I don't love you anymore." She held up her chin with dignity. The cold, clenching grasp that held her lungs and squeezed her heart stopped. She was free. A smile even slipped onto her pink lips. Finally, she could breathe and pull her own strength from herself, not him. She curtsied to him, excusing herself from his presence.
She walked passed him, ready to join her friends and rejoice that she had finally gotten over her worst fear. They smiled also, welcoming her with their extended arms. She was plunged back into icy water when a hand snatched her arm back.
"Why......You didn't give me a reason WHY you don't...."
Hitomi looked at the dark expression on Van's face. She tried to pull her arm free but Van's grip was like iron. "Do I really have to lay it out for you?! Or can you not remember?"
He still held on. "Can't you forgive and forget? I know what I did was downright low but why leave your arms so full with the past! There isn't any room now in your arms, because they are so full, to even embrace the present!" He was hysterical. "I mean, you could atleast be FRIENDS with me, right?!"
She thought he understood, he seemed to be so kind and understanding earlier. Guess he didn't get it. "Trust, Van. It's called Trust. If I can't trust you with the small things, how can I rely on you for the bigger things? Trust is a big part in love and in friendship. I just can't trust you."
Miguel kept the 3 of them in check. One wrong move from them and the plan would go to hell. "Hey cool it guys...Hitomi can fight her own battles."
Dallet sneered. "Pfft, I'd like to flatten him..."
Gatti growled but lowered his clenched fists. "He'll pay.."
The usual calm Chesta, however, was seething. His hand was on the hilt of his hidden sword. His knuckles were turning white from him trying to contain his anger. He didn't move, he would for sure unsheathe his blade and attack Van if he did. Through clenched teeth he spoke, "I need to cool off..."
The 3 looked at Chesta's retreating back. This wasn't good, you'd have to screw up pretty badly to piss Chesta off. And Van made Chesta LIVID. They all cringed at the thought of him on the battle field.
"He'll keep the head."
Slap.
"WHAT! He would! And put it on the mantle of the fireplace in our room! It would make a lovely collectors item."
Miguel and Dallet looked at Gatti with raised eyebrows. "Your sick man..."
Before she knew it, she was being dragged off the dance floor. Everyone had now stopped dancing, they had no idea what was going on. Who was this girl that made their king all flustered? They watched him take her with him into a room that was chained to the ball room. The doors slammed behind them.
"Why'd you come back then? Was it for someone else?" His back was resting against the closed doors. His arms were crossed but his face was grim and serious. If she looked at his eyes, was that jealousy?
"I didn't want to come back...but I don't control Fate, it obviously had other plans for me. Despite, my personal reasons of not wanting to come back it brought me here anyways..." She looked down at her fidgeting hands.
"Where..."
She looked up with a panicked look on her face. "What?"
He narrowed his eyes at her. "You heard me, where did you land?"
"What does it matter?" She could feel beads of sweat start to form on her forehead. She took in a shaky breath, her heart was racing.
His eyebrow twitched, she was hiding something. He could tell from the way she moved. He could feel the growing panic and fear in her. "It matters...I heard a rumor that it touched down somewhere in the Zaiboch area. If that were true, wouldn't you be dead? Dilandau isn't known to take prisoners...especially when they are trespassers. So why are you alive? Hmm?"
His glare penetrated her. "Maybe your a spy, or perhaps a hired hand for those bastards. That's why you're here, aren't you? It would make sense..."
She could feel her background slowly unravel infront of her. He was going to find out where she's been and what she had been doing. The Slayers plan for bloodshed tonight was depending on her now. She would have to take all this information to the grave, if she absolutely had too. "You know how rumors work, they're just exaggerated stories."
He waited. "Then where did you land?"
"I landed somewhere in the Fanalian forest."
"Why didn't you come to stay with me?"
She cocked an eyebrow, "I wouldn't have wanted to intrude on anymore of your "Meetings" and besides, I can take care of myself."
"Where'd you get those clothes you are wearing?" He eyed her dress. They rested on the expanded wings. "Where did you get THOSE?"
She looked up at her wings then at him. "Wow, do you interrogate every guest with wings? These came from the Mystic Moon, all of these were in my duffle bag."
"Why?"
She scowled at him. "That's none of your business! I don't like people poking around in my life when they have no right too! Where I've been, when I got here, what I'm wearing....WHO CARES! It's not important nor is it irrelevant to anything! Just what are you implying? That I'm some Zaibach spy, here to destroy Fanalia? Where would you get an idea like that! I helped rebuild this country, I'm not about to go about and destroy it! Really Van, I'd think you'd have SOME sense..."
He raised his hand to smack her with the back of his hand. He stopped himself, since when did he start hitting women? He hit Merle, which was an even bigger surprise for him than it was for Merle. He sighed, lowering his arm. Silent clicks from his boots, bounced off the walls. He walked to the large window in the room, where the moonlight shone in. The clouds were moving slowly, but they would soon engulf the entire night sky.
Hitomi was ready for the hit, infact, she had been counting on it. She could have smacked him back and declared it self-defense. She watched him stand by the window, just gazing out into the night. She could tell he was deep in thought. She looked up at the crescent moon, the clouds would soon move in.
Then it would be time to attack.
She took this time to back away into the shadows of the dim room. Her footsteps were silent and quick, just like she was taught. He probably didn't even hear her when she slipped through the double doors. Dallet came running up to her with Gatti pursuing behind him. "It's time..."
"Alright, are the Slayers on the move yet? We have to play this perfectly, we must reduce their numbers here while they're weaponless."
Dallet nodded with a smirk on his face. "Of course, we aren't called professionals for nothing."
"Then lets..." She looked confusedly at the scene of one of their Slayers conversing with someone right out of her past. The thing that made her confused was that the Slayer's mask was off and the person could clearly see who it was. Wouldn't they have made the connection?
"Excuse me..." She left Dallet and Gatti, approaching fast to the two. She looked at the person, thinking if she looked close enough she'd see somebody else and it would all be a misunderstanding. No it was whom she thought it was. "...Merle?"
Merle turned to look at her, her face brightened on seeing who it was. "Hitomi!" She hugged her tightly. "Oh I've missed you! How've you been?" She was careful on not to talk about Van.
"Your name's...Merle? As in...Van's Merle?" The Slayer looked confused.
Merle sighed, looking over at him with a death glare. "So what if I am! I've made my decision, I'm not going back on it. I took an oath. I plan on keeping it."
"But you also took an oath to Fanalia."
"That wasn't an oath, it was a duty. My home...well WAS, and it only seemed right. There were other reasons...but things change." She looked at him with empty eyes. "He changed..."
The Slayer nodded, "I'll see you outside then." He quickly turned and exited through the crowd.
Hitomi stared at Merle with an unreadable expression, she didn't know how to feel. "Well?"
"Well what?"
"What is he talking about!?"
Merle looked at her oddly then smiled. "You didn't know? I'm a new recruit, the names Rem...El Rem..." She winked at her.
Hitomi's jaw dropped, so she was the new Slayer that Miguel had to show around. "Why'd you pick that name? I'm pretty sure you have no idea what Spanish is..."
Merle laughed, waving her hand at Hitomi. "Well actually, I've heard it from you. Remember that card I found in your duffle bag once? I asked what that strange language was and you said it was Spanish. There had been alot of El's in there too. And you explained it was masculine and such. So it suited me, no one would know if Rem was a girl or boy. But if someone spelled the name backwards, my cover would have been blown..." ((A/N: o.o This never happened in the series nor movie. Just to let you know ^_^))
Hitomi spelled it out in her head. "How original..." She laughed when Merle stuck out her tongue. "Didn't anyone see you?"
"Nah, I'm too quick. I kept my hair up and altered my appearance as a woman easily. All thanks to the great ingenuity and science of...make-up!"
"Clever as always..." She hooked arms with Merle, enjoying that she was no longer the only woman Slayer. "Well we better get going, or our Lord will be angry. We'll catch up later."
Merle smirked, a battle lust in her eyes. Something that Hitomi had not seen nor would have pictured seeing in Merle. "Yes...lets..."
Right when they turned to go to take their positions, Miguel came running up. He stopped infront of them, a little our of breath. "Where's...Chesta...?"
Hitomi looked at him strangely, "What do you mean? He's not with you?"
Miguel shook his head, "He left awhile ago. Needed major alone time, but no one can find him anywhere. I dunno, maybe he went back into his Guymelef...but it's doubtful."
She looked worriedly at Merle. Merle only shrugged as her response. "He'll turn up, who could miss the fight of the century?"
In another part of the palace, a sword glistened. Blue eyes were narrowed, the hatred couldn't be missed in the blazing flames within the eyes. The dark figure slipped into a room. Raising his blade, he mumbled a "This is for all the pain you have caused..." then struck down at the unsuspecting person. The person had been gazing out into the black night. A scream echoed in the halls of the palace.
The clouds moved over the stars and moon. They hid the heavens from the hell that was about to break loose on Gaea. The scream was later joined by more and more as the blood bath began.
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Whoadie: ^^;;; sorry if I didn't put you in, but nobody gave me their name! So just uh tell me and I'll put you in next time. Uh...well...REVIEW! W00t!
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"..." will be talking
'...' will be thinking
Torn Apart
Chapter 6- New meanings to The Coin
"Stop it."
Gatti looked at both Chesta and Dallet confused. "Stop what?"
They only narrowed their eyes at him. "Put it down...now."
Gatti's eyes bulged with fake tears, making him look innocent and hurt. "Awww, but this is a party!" He set the wine glass down , "You can't go to a party without drinking! What's WRONG with you two!" He huffed angrily at him, sniffling at them in a last attempt for a quick drink.
Dallet only shook his head with laughter. Chesta rubbed his forehead before getting ready to lecture, "Not even 5 minutes through the door and you have a wine glass in your hand. I have no idea why Lord Dilandau puts up with you."
"It wasn't 5 minutes it was 10, there was a line! I HAD a wine glass no thanks to you, and Lord Dilandau puts up with me because...well I didn't wanna have to tell you guys this but I'm the best Slayer there is." He examined his nails, removing an invisible piece of dirt. "Yep..."
"Hmmm, would you like to put a wager on that?"
Gatti jumped at the sound of Miguel's voice. "Whoa now!" He turned around with his hands up, ready to attack out of reflex. He relaxed seeing it was Miguel, he sneered at the smug look on his face. "Shut up..."
The music that came from the odd band of orchestral members turned into a fast paced rhythm. Everyone who had been engaged in chatter immediately ceased or paused their conversations to join the dance. Those who were eating or drinking were being whisked away to the dance floor.
"That's the cue."
Everyone looked at Chesta. "Eh?"
He rubbed his head out of irritation, "Weren't any of you present at the meeting? He said he had a Slayer positioned as the conductor..." He pointed his finger to the man leading the orchestra through the song. As if the man heard him, he turned his head slightly to them.
Hitomi raised an eyebrow, "Did he just wink at us?"
Gatti nudged her arm, "More like winking at yoooou!" He puckered his lips and made an irritating squeaking noise when he sucked in air through the pressed lips. He stopped when Dallet grabbed him by the scruff of the neck. "Hey! Lemme SHOW you to your spot, Gatti!" Gatti was dragged away with flailing arms and screams of protest.
Hitomi laughed at the sight, watching the dancers part to let the unexpected enemies through. She noticed Chesta wasn't laughing so she stopped to turn to him. She didn't expect his hand to be held out to her, she couldn't see his face to see his expression since it was turned away. What was he asking for?
She watched his head turn a little to look at her, was that red she saw? Then it hit her. She smacked herself mentally for being so slow. She had to let out a small giggle at seeing Chesta's blush. He must have not asked many women to dance. Her hand slipped into his soft one.
He looked over at her surprised. "Hitomi?" She tugged on his hand, leading him to the very center of the twirling figures. "I don't really know this dance...so sorry if I suck." She smiled at him sweetly.
She approached him, closing the distance between them. She mimicked the girls around her on how they held up the corner of their dresses to keep from tripping and how they held onto their partner. She looked up at Chesta, waiting for him to start off the dance.
Chesta's face was flaming red now so he held his cheek against the side of her head to hide his face. He moved, taking her with him to be swept away in the song. 'This won't be such a bad night after all.'
Meanwhile, Miguel's forgotten comrade from earlier had just made their way into the palace. Eyes widened around them when they walked down the stairs with such high pride. Everyone who wasn't dancing came to greet the visitor. Questions popped up, "What's going on?" or "When did you arrive?" but the most common was "Where have you been?"
El Rem only smiled then walked past them with a single answer, "Business..." The other guests were baffled at what Rem had said. Usually, they could get more from information out of Rem than that. They followed eagerly but Rem was gone. Vanished into the ripples of the growing rings on the dancing floor.
A silent, silhouette shadow watched his guests from behind a pillar. His arms were crossed, red eyes penetrated the darkness surrounding him. 'What was she doing here?' He moved away from the wall he had been leaning on, coming out from the sheltering blackness.
He approached swiftly, wanting to know an explanation on why she returned without saying anything to him. She left so suddenly and never once did she come back to him like she used too. He didn't think the dispute was so bad that she would abandon him totally.
He grabbed her arm, whirling her around to face him. "Where have you been?"
She looked up at him with an even face, the dancers around them slowed their steps down to listen in. "What does it matter?" 'I've had enough, I'm sick and tired of this. I should have chosen this side awhile ago.' The man she had been talking too, quickly put up his mask that hid the upper part of his face.
"I've been worried sick! The whole kingdom has been awake since you left, you have your duties you know!" His eyes ignited a little.
"My duties? When I left here, I left what I was also. I've become something more in the days I've been gone. Something that you have kept me from becoming with your over protective ways. Well that's over now." She narrowed her eyes at him. "I don't need you anymore. I don't need your people. And I certainly don't need Fanalia. Stay with that bitch for all I care, in the end it won't matter anyways."
He looked at her with suspicion, "What do you mean...anyways? Is there something I should know about?"
She smiled, "Flip a coin, choose the side of your choice. Only the choices change for you, on one side you have your country and your people, on the other you have your own life. What side?" She began to walk away, holding onto the arm of the masked man she was talking too.
The King looked at her confused, "That didn't answer my question!"
She turned her head with a mocking smile on her lips, "Didn't say it did, but it will bring out the outcome of your future. It's too bad you don't have your Clairvoyant to SEE for you. I doubt the dog you've chosen to be your wife is capable of such a gift, unlike what she can do this requires concentration and a natural talent, not primitive instincts in bed. Who knows, you might actually choose right for once." She smirked before adding. "In your shoes, I wouldn't pick any face. I'd choose the edge..."
Slowly, he brought them to a stop. He brought back his head to look at the out of breath angel in his arms. For some reason, he got a feeling that he wouldn't get to keep her. He frowned, hoping his gut feeling was wrong for once. He lowered his lips to her ear, "Please stay with me..."
Hitomi's cheeks were flushed from trying to keep up with his fast moving feet. They turned into an even darker shade from what Chesta had said. Never would she had expected him to say something so bold. "I'll always be there, Chesta, so don't worry."
Chesta nodded sadly, unsure if she understood the more deep feelings in his words. His eyes softened, thinking it was enough for now. His eye caught Van's face, he quickly lowered his mask. "Save a dance for me later?"
She nodded. She blushed when he kissed her cheek, backing away to find his position. She stood where she was, her hands were clasped together in front of her. She couldn't explain it but after tonight, she feared it wouldn't be the end of the sinking feeling that she felt in the bottom of her stomach.
Her breath caught in her throat, her eyes widened when they came interlocked with the cause of her nightmares. She watched him look at her with shock filled eyes. The crowd parted for him as he made his way towards her.
She clenched her clasped hands together even more tightly. She willed herself to stand her ground and not run from him again. She whispered to herself, trying to convince her heart that he couldn't hurt her anymore. Desperately, she looked around but nobody seemed to take notice of her. She had changed so much, she doubted anyone would make the connection of her being the Mystic Moon Seer that saved Gaea with their King all those years ago.
She looked back at her wings, wanting more than anything for them to be able to lift her from the floor that held her. Her eyes turned back and nearly popped out of her skull. She backed a few feet away, he had made close proximity in such a short amount of time.
Minutes passed by, all they could do was stare at each other. The hurt, confusion, and grown hatred was one sided. She couldn't read his face, but she knew one thing was sure, he was filled with shock.
He moved to hug her but hesitated when he saw her flinch back. He lowered his outstretched arms and held them behind his back instead. "How have you been?" 'Gah stupid! Is that the best I can come up with!?'
"Better now." She fiddled with the strings attached to her fingers. 'Just leave...please just go. I thought I was ready for this, but once again I find myself weaponless and facing a dragon.'
"I see..." His eyes examined her closely, he took her in from head to toe. She had indeed changed, but the way she acted confused him the most. Why was she so afraid of him? Did she not love him or something? Or maybe...he blinked with realization.
Celena.
The meeting.
Hitomi's disappearance.
All those events seemed to play back into his memory in sequence. Connections were made. He groaned at his stupidity. He knew he should have locked that door, maybe she didn't catch him with all those other one timers. "Hitomi..I..." He didn't know what to say. He screwed up, really badly. This would make amending and asking for forgiveness even harder.
It took him all this time and for her to stand before him the beauty she was now, on what he missed out on and what he lost. He growled inwardly for his stupid mistakes, wishing more than anything to go back to the past to slap himself. 'Is this what I've become? A cruel hormonal teenager that has no common sense?'
He stepped toward her again, ignoring that she was moving away from him again. He pulled her into a hug so that she couldn't run from him. His head was right by hers, he looked out in front of him with sadness. He whispered into her ear the two words that made his heart break, "I'm sorry..."
He had hurt her so much, yet she still came back. Even if it wasn't for him, she was here. The place where she was ripped apart and thrown to the wind.
He brushed his lips against her soft cheek then pulled back to look at her. "Look...I still..." He looked at her with such longing that for a second she felt the same old feeling towards him. But it vanished like a lost memory when she saw Chesta, Gatti, Miguel, and Dallet all gathered in a line watching her. They were there for her now, and would always BE there for her. She could let go now.
She looked up at him, stopping him before he continued. "I don't."
"What?"
"I don't love you anymore." She held up her chin with dignity. The cold, clenching grasp that held her lungs and squeezed her heart stopped. She was free. A smile even slipped onto her pink lips. Finally, she could breathe and pull her own strength from herself, not him. She curtsied to him, excusing herself from his presence.
She walked passed him, ready to join her friends and rejoice that she had finally gotten over her worst fear. They smiled also, welcoming her with their extended arms. She was plunged back into icy water when a hand snatched her arm back.
"Why......You didn't give me a reason WHY you don't...."
Hitomi looked at the dark expression on Van's face. She tried to pull her arm free but Van's grip was like iron. "Do I really have to lay it out for you?! Or can you not remember?"
He still held on. "Can't you forgive and forget? I know what I did was downright low but why leave your arms so full with the past! There isn't any room now in your arms, because they are so full, to even embrace the present!" He was hysterical. "I mean, you could atleast be FRIENDS with me, right?!"
She thought he understood, he seemed to be so kind and understanding earlier. Guess he didn't get it. "Trust, Van. It's called Trust. If I can't trust you with the small things, how can I rely on you for the bigger things? Trust is a big part in love and in friendship. I just can't trust you."
Miguel kept the 3 of them in check. One wrong move from them and the plan would go to hell. "Hey cool it guys...Hitomi can fight her own battles."
Dallet sneered. "Pfft, I'd like to flatten him..."
Gatti growled but lowered his clenched fists. "He'll pay.."
The usual calm Chesta, however, was seething. His hand was on the hilt of his hidden sword. His knuckles were turning white from him trying to contain his anger. He didn't move, he would for sure unsheathe his blade and attack Van if he did. Through clenched teeth he spoke, "I need to cool off..."
The 3 looked at Chesta's retreating back. This wasn't good, you'd have to screw up pretty badly to piss Chesta off. And Van made Chesta LIVID. They all cringed at the thought of him on the battle field.
"He'll keep the head."
Slap.
"WHAT! He would! And put it on the mantle of the fireplace in our room! It would make a lovely collectors item."
Miguel and Dallet looked at Gatti with raised eyebrows. "Your sick man..."
Before she knew it, she was being dragged off the dance floor. Everyone had now stopped dancing, they had no idea what was going on. Who was this girl that made their king all flustered? They watched him take her with him into a room that was chained to the ball room. The doors slammed behind them.
"Why'd you come back then? Was it for someone else?" His back was resting against the closed doors. His arms were crossed but his face was grim and serious. If she looked at his eyes, was that jealousy?
"I didn't want to come back...but I don't control Fate, it obviously had other plans for me. Despite, my personal reasons of not wanting to come back it brought me here anyways..." She looked down at her fidgeting hands.
"Where..."
She looked up with a panicked look on her face. "What?"
He narrowed his eyes at her. "You heard me, where did you land?"
"What does it matter?" She could feel beads of sweat start to form on her forehead. She took in a shaky breath, her heart was racing.
His eyebrow twitched, she was hiding something. He could tell from the way she moved. He could feel the growing panic and fear in her. "It matters...I heard a rumor that it touched down somewhere in the Zaiboch area. If that were true, wouldn't you be dead? Dilandau isn't known to take prisoners...especially when they are trespassers. So why are you alive? Hmm?"
His glare penetrated her. "Maybe your a spy, or perhaps a hired hand for those bastards. That's why you're here, aren't you? It would make sense..."
She could feel her background slowly unravel infront of her. He was going to find out where she's been and what she had been doing. The Slayers plan for bloodshed tonight was depending on her now. She would have to take all this information to the grave, if she absolutely had too. "You know how rumors work, they're just exaggerated stories."
He waited. "Then where did you land?"
"I landed somewhere in the Fanalian forest."
"Why didn't you come to stay with me?"
She cocked an eyebrow, "I wouldn't have wanted to intrude on anymore of your "Meetings" and besides, I can take care of myself."
"Where'd you get those clothes you are wearing?" He eyed her dress. They rested on the expanded wings. "Where did you get THOSE?"
She looked up at her wings then at him. "Wow, do you interrogate every guest with wings? These came from the Mystic Moon, all of these were in my duffle bag."
"Why?"
She scowled at him. "That's none of your business! I don't like people poking around in my life when they have no right too! Where I've been, when I got here, what I'm wearing....WHO CARES! It's not important nor is it irrelevant to anything! Just what are you implying? That I'm some Zaibach spy, here to destroy Fanalia? Where would you get an idea like that! I helped rebuild this country, I'm not about to go about and destroy it! Really Van, I'd think you'd have SOME sense..."
He raised his hand to smack her with the back of his hand. He stopped himself, since when did he start hitting women? He hit Merle, which was an even bigger surprise for him than it was for Merle. He sighed, lowering his arm. Silent clicks from his boots, bounced off the walls. He walked to the large window in the room, where the moonlight shone in. The clouds were moving slowly, but they would soon engulf the entire night sky.
Hitomi was ready for the hit, infact, she had been counting on it. She could have smacked him back and declared it self-defense. She watched him stand by the window, just gazing out into the night. She could tell he was deep in thought. She looked up at the crescent moon, the clouds would soon move in.
Then it would be time to attack.
She took this time to back away into the shadows of the dim room. Her footsteps were silent and quick, just like she was taught. He probably didn't even hear her when she slipped through the double doors. Dallet came running up to her with Gatti pursuing behind him. "It's time..."
"Alright, are the Slayers on the move yet? We have to play this perfectly, we must reduce their numbers here while they're weaponless."
Dallet nodded with a smirk on his face. "Of course, we aren't called professionals for nothing."
"Then lets..." She looked confusedly at the scene of one of their Slayers conversing with someone right out of her past. The thing that made her confused was that the Slayer's mask was off and the person could clearly see who it was. Wouldn't they have made the connection?
"Excuse me..." She left Dallet and Gatti, approaching fast to the two. She looked at the person, thinking if she looked close enough she'd see somebody else and it would all be a misunderstanding. No it was whom she thought it was. "...Merle?"
Merle turned to look at her, her face brightened on seeing who it was. "Hitomi!" She hugged her tightly. "Oh I've missed you! How've you been?" She was careful on not to talk about Van.
"Your name's...Merle? As in...Van's Merle?" The Slayer looked confused.
Merle sighed, looking over at him with a death glare. "So what if I am! I've made my decision, I'm not going back on it. I took an oath. I plan on keeping it."
"But you also took an oath to Fanalia."
"That wasn't an oath, it was a duty. My home...well WAS, and it only seemed right. There were other reasons...but things change." She looked at him with empty eyes. "He changed..."
The Slayer nodded, "I'll see you outside then." He quickly turned and exited through the crowd.
Hitomi stared at Merle with an unreadable expression, she didn't know how to feel. "Well?"
"Well what?"
"What is he talking about!?"
Merle looked at her oddly then smiled. "You didn't know? I'm a new recruit, the names Rem...El Rem..." She winked at her.
Hitomi's jaw dropped, so she was the new Slayer that Miguel had to show around. "Why'd you pick that name? I'm pretty sure you have no idea what Spanish is..."
Merle laughed, waving her hand at Hitomi. "Well actually, I've heard it from you. Remember that card I found in your duffle bag once? I asked what that strange language was and you said it was Spanish. There had been alot of El's in there too. And you explained it was masculine and such. So it suited me, no one would know if Rem was a girl or boy. But if someone spelled the name backwards, my cover would have been blown..." ((A/N: o.o This never happened in the series nor movie. Just to let you know ^_^))
Hitomi spelled it out in her head. "How original..." She laughed when Merle stuck out her tongue. "Didn't anyone see you?"
"Nah, I'm too quick. I kept my hair up and altered my appearance as a woman easily. All thanks to the great ingenuity and science of...make-up!"
"Clever as always..." She hooked arms with Merle, enjoying that she was no longer the only woman Slayer. "Well we better get going, or our Lord will be angry. We'll catch up later."
Merle smirked, a battle lust in her eyes. Something that Hitomi had not seen nor would have pictured seeing in Merle. "Yes...lets..."
Right when they turned to go to take their positions, Miguel came running up. He stopped infront of them, a little our of breath. "Where's...Chesta...?"
Hitomi looked at him strangely, "What do you mean? He's not with you?"
Miguel shook his head, "He left awhile ago. Needed major alone time, but no one can find him anywhere. I dunno, maybe he went back into his Guymelef...but it's doubtful."
She looked worriedly at Merle. Merle only shrugged as her response. "He'll turn up, who could miss the fight of the century?"
In another part of the palace, a sword glistened. Blue eyes were narrowed, the hatred couldn't be missed in the blazing flames within the eyes. The dark figure slipped into a room. Raising his blade, he mumbled a "This is for all the pain you have caused..." then struck down at the unsuspecting person. The person had been gazing out into the black night. A scream echoed in the halls of the palace.
The clouds moved over the stars and moon. They hid the heavens from the hell that was about to break loose on Gaea. The scream was later joined by more and more as the blood bath began.
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Whoadie: ^^;;; sorry if I didn't put you in, but nobody gave me their name! So just uh tell me and I'll put you in next time. Uh...well...REVIEW! W00t!