((A/n: Wow. I didn't expect so many reviews. Hell, I'd be happy with 20 for the whole fic. Right now as I'm typing I have about 9. Oh, I decided to put dedications at the beginning. Woot. I changed some parts around. I don't think you really care.))
Dedicated to: Discord, Merry,Rina, Random Person A, SabineballZ, and Cev. You guys rock.
(Woot for the Sims online)
I remember when I was younger, but not so young that I only have certain memories, I used to always believe there was a dragon or something living in my closet. Of course, I was young and had a huge imagination, and not only that- I immersed myself in fantasy and still do. Hitomi, the obvious main character, is living that fantasy. Her eyes are wide with fear and her neck craned at the boy who had attached himself to a dragon. Her lip trembles in fear for his life, as well as her own. She doesn't seem to realize that her arms are stretched out behind her and her long fingers pointing outward. Oblivious to the clanking of a sword, and the swishing of a tail. Her eyes aren't fixated on anything. Well one thing. The boy. He was so determind..so...set on his goal. -What was his goal again?-
But this was no fantasy- this was Hell. The dragon was larger than any elephant, any bus, any tractor trailer. It was the biggest lizzard you would ever set your eyes on. Its tounge, a pinkish shade, flips out of its jaws, like a snake hissing at its attacker. So many teeth. Such white, large, fearsome teeth. Paralyzed with fear- all Hitomi, Yukari, and Amano can do is stare. It's almost like a dance. Van, as graceful and as fluid as a river would charge, and the dragon would parry. The clearing was enough space to be their dancefloor, and the blackness- a canopy over them. One two three, one two three. Did his feet ever touch the ground? Sparks would emit as scale met steel.
"Damn...this sword just won't cut through those scales!" Van hisses through clenched teeth. It pissed him off that a d.r.a.g.o.n could be such a pain in his..well, you know. He needed to cut the underbelly. A softspot, if you will. The dragons Alchelis heel. The warrior jumps out of the way as the dragon thrashes its long, wild tail at him. Landing gracefully, Van turned to charge again, but its tail came back and hit him. Full force. In the stomach.
Imagine for a moment, if you will, that you are tired, and out of breath, and carrying a heavy object in one hand. Now, you're walking along and suddenly some random person comes up with a baseball bat, or two. Now this person is big and strong and decides it would be fun to hit you in the stomach. With all of his stregnth. Now you can imagine what it felt for Van.
At first, it knocked the wind out of him and sent him sprawling on the grass at the edge of the clearing. His stomach throbbed in pain from the impact, but he managed to keep coincessness. With the rest of his stregnth, Van propped himself up with his hands, and faces the ground..and throws up blood. It tastest like copper. Fluid, hot copper, that lingered in his mouth. He didn't like that taste. Taking his right arm, the arm that lacked the armor, and wipes the blood from his mouth. It stains, of course. But that is trivial to him (well, as of right now). "You won't get rid of me that easily. I'm stronger than you think." Van, (oh god he's so strong), mutters, in a deadly sort of tone. He clambered to his feet, standing almost awkwardly- sword dangling in his hand. And. He. Smirks.
--------------------------------------------------------------(Episode Three: The Dragons Heart II)-------------------------------------------------------
[Scene II]
"Hitomi? Hitomi- what's wrong?" Yukari challenges. Amano is staring at this, this..demon! This hellbound child that has such a cocky manner and speaks rudely to ladies. He almost wants to smirk, but fights this temptation.
"Do you think he'll be alright?" The older boy asks. In the moonlight, his hair turns from a soft brown to black, as Yukaris did. Hitomi had a halo of light around the crown of her head, making her almost look angelic. An angel before a devil. The thought is almost amusing. Then it strikes her. Hitomi can see it, but noone else sees it. A woman, who much resembled Van in her opinion, gracefully sitting in the crook of the dragons neck. What the hell? Hitomi looked around for reassurance that she was not crazy, but only saw herself, Van, the dragon, and this lunatic of a woman. Birds of a feather flock together.
"Hitomi. Above." She whispers. Her voice is like silk, and glides to listening ears. Hitomi imagines the dragons tail peircing Van. Blood scatters in all directions, as the sound of bones crunching is to much to bear. So much red. So much blood. Is it possible for one person to have so much blood? She blinks, and the scene dissapears. The woman dissapears. The world is right again.
"No...no..he's going to.." Hitomi stammers, her voice quivering at what she about to declare. What she is about to inform her friends of. It's almost amusing- she wanted a kiss but got a dragon. This was the type of moment that you subcoincessly feel coming.
"Hitomi?" Yukari ponders, concerned. Both brunnettes stare at Hitomi, eyes full of curiosity. Wondering, how can she know what his fate is? How can she be certain? Why is she worried..and by god damnit, why aren't their legs working?!
"He's going to die." Hitomi murmers. Yukari gasps, and Amano takes a step back. Mustering courage within herself, the girl takes a step foward and starts down the stairs. "I have to go! I have to warn him."
"Wait, Hitomi!" Amano yells. She doesn't comply, but lets her legs carry her. Carry her to the scene before her very pupils. He dances with the dragon, and she watches as its front legs crouch and back legs stretch. (Almost like its going to pounce.) But its tail curls over above the head, and is perpindicular to Van. At any given time, the tail will strike while Van is distracted with the head. Have.To.Warn. She stops, only meters before the lizzard and the boy with rich eyes. Who knew devils could have such beautiful eyes? Her arm shoots up and points at the tail. "Watch out from above!!!!"
"Huh?" Van looks up as the tail comes down. She couldn't watch, so she covers her eyes with her hands. Ohgod,ohgod. Let me have been on time. She was. He jumps to the side, one leg tucked under the other, as the tail slices his green shirt and armor off, stips of cloth shattering like glass. And there he stood. In red. Like she thought he be. He donned the same tanktop as in her vision. -So it was him-. As graceful as a cat, and as agile as one, he jumps up over the tail, and slices his sword through the underbelly of the beast. As sword meets skin, blue blood splatters on him. It sizzles and splashes, all over the woods and bushes. A puddle forms under the beast as Van finishes his task. The dragon was dead. "Gotchya."
Two steps foward. It was on its side, blood gathered all around it. The head contorted and twisted in an uncomforatble position (well, not anymore). But his job is not done. No, not yet. He took a couple of steps to the chest of the beast that was an off color, and drew up his sword. One vertical cut, one horizontal cut. The sound is pleasing, in a gross sense, like slurping. It sounds like when you cut through a banana, and that's what it feels like. A small, red glow emmits from the center of the X cut. Van took his sword and wedged the red object from the chest, and prys it out. He takes it in his left hand, sword in right. The thing is small, and red, and looks like its made of a crystal. It has several cuts in it, and to Hitomi, looked like a red rose. A red rose from the chest of the beast. The heart of the beast.
As it is removed, the blue blood that the boy is bathed in evaporates in a smokey haze. All the blood dissapeared in the same fashion. The skin deteriorates and the bones crumble to dust. The dragon was dead and gone, and there was not a trace of evidence that it was even there at all. Now that the danger was over, Hitomi took a couple of steps foward, still cautious. Her hands are firmly clasped together. The stars come back a little, but there's still an eerie presence in the air that makes her hair stand on end. Her poise is still childish, and she shifts her weight in her shoes.
"Uhm..excuse me?" She interrupts his silent glory. He scoffs and turns in her direction, eyeing her with suspicion. -Oh brother, what does SHE want? A reward? What a little mouse! Women, you give them an inch, they take a mile-, Van thought harshly, examining her. She blinks and continues to ask, "Uhm..are you..okay?"
"Look." He states sharply, nose pointed arrogantly in the air. Don't let her steal your thunder, Fanel. "I don't need any woman to worry over me. I suppose you want a reward. Well..well fine! Come to my castle. Just don't get cocky. I'm sorry I got you and your friends involved in my dragon-slaying."
"What is your problem?!" She screams at him, bringing her hand to hit his face in a slap. It stings. Second contact. Hitomi is fuming. -Who does he think he is?!- She balls up her hand into two fists. "Are you always this..pigheaded? You know, I should have LET that stupid dragon eat you!!" She sobs into her hand. "I..I was just worried. That's all."
"Eh?" Vans expression softens just a little. -How dare she slap me!! How dare she treat me in such a manner. How..how..odd.- He looks down as the dragons heart pulses in his hand. The red glow vibrates and shines brighter. In Amanos hand, Hitomis pendent pulses as well. Standing together, Van and Hitomi are surronded in that same blue column Van had once been. "The energist!?"
"Hitomi..???" Yukari stands on her own two feet, watching her friend. Amano ran down the steps, towards her. She slowly is lifted in the air.
"What's going on?" Hitomi asks, the lower part of her body raising abover her head. Awkwardly, she tries to swim against the force of gravity back to the safety of the Earth. She reaches out her hand as the blue enigma absorbs and pulls at her. "Help me, Amano!!!"
"Kanzaki!" Amano yelled, reaching out his hand. Her pendent floats out of his and she grabs it, clasping it to her chest. She's to high. I can't reach. Oh no. That scared look returns to her eyes. Hopeful, scared, lovely green orbs. Glistening green. "Kanzaki!!!"
"Amano!!!!!!!!!!!!!!" Hitomi screams as the sky swallows her and that strange boy up. It's warm, and swirls around her. She can't keep her eyes open. The blue dissapears into a thousand glistening peices, and Amano stands alone- hand outstretched.
"Kanzaki!!!!!!!!!"
"Hitomi!!!!" Yukari yells at the sky, hands clasped in a hopeful position. The stars are fully out, and the world was at peace.
But they were gone. The sky had eaten them through a blue straw, and now all that was left were memories.
"They're gone..." he whispers, amazed and worried.
[Scene III] ( I think I'm up to 12 reviews. Creeeepy)
"Ohh my head.." Hitomi groaned and held her head in her right hand. Her long fingers easily glide through her golden cinnamon tresses as she massages her head. She sat up, amazing alive- much to her delight. She leaned her weight on her left arm, which was her only support at the moment, as her legs were sprawled out. The ground is moist and cold, and sticks to her sweaty palms. Insects buzz around her head, and apparently are in the field laid at her feet. A small shiver runs up her spine, as Hitomi hated insects and the dirty feeling they gave her. She always had a fear one would fly into her mouth, and they tickled her ear when they buzzed. The confused girl arched her head to the sky, and saw the moon. And..the Earth?! "Where am I?"
"By the looks of these stars, it looks like Gaea." Van explained, not really so to her, but to himself- obviously pleased. He stood, arms lazily by his side and his sword replacing the empty hilt with a full one by his side.The moonlight accented his lean figure, and his soft face hardened again as he realized Hitomi was..well, alive. He crossed his arms in front of him and tilted his head up. His gaze shifted to the blue moon in the sky- the Earth. "Yes, this is definatley Gaea. We must be near the village of Arzaas."
"A-Arzaas?" Hitomi asked with a quivered voice, but her words fell on deaf ears. She was cold, scared and LOST. All hope seemed to be gone, stuck here with a foreign boy on a foreign planet. At least she had her teal and purple athletes bag with her, which carried all the things a woman would need. Or at least a teenage girl. A large oak tree lumbered over her- she used its branches to help her up. "What's going on here?"
"Huh?" Van, the male warrior, was not concered with this woman because a pair of pale, yellow eyes hovered in the feild before him. The whole world seemed to shake as grumbles and snarls errupted from those eyes' owners and many other pairs similiar to it. They lingered in the air-in the darkness, ready to strike the two suspecting teenagers. Sevaral howls and sniffles rippled through the air, and Hitomi backed her way into the trunk of the tree, her hand gripping its rough bark. One pair of eyes slowly made its way to its meal, and the figure that held those eyes came into focus. It was a beast- no a man, or was it a beast? His eyes no longer yellow, but a deep blood reddish brown, and hunger filled them as it eyed up Hitomi. It stood on two legs like a man, but its body was covered in a deep gray-brown fur. It looked like a dog with clothing on. A very mean and hungry dog at that."Looks like we have company."
"Prince Van?" The beast stopped and it SPOKE. Looks like things weren't all they appeared to be. Van dropped his guard, and Ruhm was introduced to Hitomi. Ruhm the beast man.
"So you went to the Mystic Moon? And your brought back this girl?" Ruhm asked, his claw-hands gripping the reins firmly. Apparently, Van was a friend of this ramshackled country and this man-beast Ruhm was one of its locals. Creepy. Ruhm had offered Van and Hitomi a lift back to- (oh what was that place)? Well, this country, and Van had agreed. Hitomi didn't really have much of choice, as she had to follow Van if she ever wanted to get home (or so her hunch said). The two were loaded onto a large wooden traders cart, with two bigger beasts that seemed to symbolize horses pulling it. The beast man seemed to have been on his way there, and it was lucky for Van he should run into them -out here in Arzaas-. The cart creeked along on a dark dirt trail between a mountain crevass. The moon hung in the sky, with the Earth in the background. Such a lonely scene.
Hitomi folded her hands in her lap, shifting her weight in effort to try and get comforatble on the cargo. Van leaned on his fist, and let out a long sigh- making his deep black locks sway. His other arm lazily drapped on his knee, and his other leg propped up on some cargo. She glanced down, somehow ashamed, and bit her lower lip. "Yeah, well..she seems to have followed me home."
"Huh. Well isn't that something. So this girl IS one of the Moons inhabitants?" Ruhm reaffirmed, his voice full of wisdom and trust. It remind Hitomi of her school teacher, and her thoughts briefly lingered on that science test she had taken only hours ago. Did she pass? She tilted her head to the sky, in a vain effort to see her home. The Earth was illuminating, and it seemed to appear blue. She faintly made out the large island of Japan, facing away from the sun. -So this is what astronauts see. It's breath-taking.- "Hmm..now that you mention it, the moon does seem brighter lately. And there IS something foul in the air."
"You don't say." It was more of a statement than a question, but Ruhm nodded anyway. Two other beasts walked along side of the carts, carrying torches for light, and other carts were spaced inbetween their own. An awkward silence took over their words, and for once- Hitomi was at a loss for any words in her thoughts. Those thoughts that used to plague her very soul- her very mind everyday. She no longer had the company of her friends, and her thoughts had abandoned her. All she had left was curiousity, and a feeling of fear.
Hitomi felt utterly alone.
Utterly, totally alone.
[Scene IV]
The daylight hurt her eyes. Slowly, she opened them to make sure that this was reality, and not some crazy dream she had. It wasn't. Unless of course she was still asleep, but she didn't feel like this was a dream. This was to real- it felt to real- to be a dream. Dreams were those type of things you had after you ate to much chocolate before you went to bed and your subcoincess creates vivid images to coincide with your inner thoughts.
Hitomi had never had thoughts of a distant land in the sky with a boy who had a murderous look in his eye. No thoughts of beast men that ate human flesh. No thoughts of a place where, it seemed, fantasy was reality- and she was caught up in a whirlwind of adventure. She sighed, and rubbed that crust you always get out of her eyes.
"So it wasn't a dream..." She muttered, to noone in particular. Her back was stiff and sore after an uncomforatble sleep on this cargo. Stretching, she took in her surrondings. The cart was still moving, at a steady pace, and its driver didn't even seemed tired at all- even after driving all night! Silently impressed, Hitomi took a look over his shoulder. They were at the edge of a forest, and before her stood a large city- a grand city- cradled by various mountains. It seemed they were at top of a hill, and from the looks of things the town was protected by a large wall- sealing it in on all sides.
"Home." Van mused, yawning as he did so. His black hair was ruffled as he looked like he had an uneasy rest as well. He stood up in the cart and looked down, proud?
"Below us is Fanalia, little lady." Ruhm explained, reaching one claw to point at it. It was a beautiful site. Trees lingered throughout the city, and townhouses lined the cobblestone streets. In the middle of it all, Hitomi noted a castle with a blue roof. It was fashioned the same way as most Japanese houses, with pointed roofs and the ends curled out. Wood seemed to be the most abundant supply, as the houses and the castle were made of it. The village seemed as peaceful as a church on sunday. Sprawled before her was the home of peasents and warriors alike. It wasn't a rich city, or a grand city at that- but it was a place to call home. It was a place where your grandmothers grandmother lived and so should your grandchildrens grandchildren. The people humble and loyal to the royal family- almost too humble. The gates that contained the city were large and grand, and seemed to stretch a hundred feet above Hitomi as she drew closer. At the top were outposts for the guards, and burnt-out torches hung by them. Some still emited smoke, in these early hours of the morning.
"It's...." Hitomi whispered, her voice full of magic and excitment. Despite the fact she was a world away from her home, Hitomi for once felt something she could relate to. The comforting atmosphere reminded her of home. Of warmth and sunlight, and everything good in the world. Leave your worries a the gate sort of place. Hitomi soaked it up through a silver straw, as it was served to her on a golden platter. Fanalia.
"LORD VAN!?" a voice echoed through a newly made crowd surronding the cart as it loomed into the city. It came to a sudden halt, and Van jumped down- wasn't it 10 feet up at least? He landed as gracefully as a butterfly on a flower, his feet planted firmly where he liked it- on the ground. He stood up, and the crowd seemed to love him. "Prince Van!"
"Merle!" Van called. Hitomi peered over the side of the cart and saw a cat..no a girl! Like that beast man! Apparently a she, Merle had a tuff of pink hair that flipped out behind her large cat-ears. Hot pink hair that stuck out every which way. Dressed in nothing but a simple dress with a primitive pattern on it, Merle threw her arms around Van. Did I mention the long tan and brown tail that flicked with delight as he returned the hug? The dress was short, and showed her brown stripes along her thigh that matched the ones on her face and arms. Along with that, Merle had these pom-pom type things around her wrists that matched the white puffballs at the shoulders of her dress and of those on her sandles.
She had cat written all over her. From the little nose to those flashing blue eyes. "You know, Lord Van, I was like sooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo worried about you! I mean, so worried. RIDICULOSLY worried! I was afraid a dragon ate you, you know! You scared me!!!!"
"Great. First a wolf-man, now a little cat girl." Hitomi muttered in disgust, with a look of discontent on her face. From the looks of things, she was Van's girlfriend. Or lackey. Or whore. Which ever you prefer. She flicked her tounge on his cheek in an affectionate manner.
"Merlee..stop!! Everyone's looking." Van slightly chuckled as the smaller girl wrapped her arms around his neck and nuzzled herself into the crook of his neck. He smelled like a feild in the morning- with the breeze gently blowing. It was a wonderful smell.
"I'm just so glad you're okay." She whisped, tightning her grip on him. Van looked up at Hitomi, who looked bored and chuckled slightly. She was odd, alright. From a different world, and a snappy attitude that matched his. Her profile did her justice. She had the most beautiful green eyes he had ever seen, and they seemed to tell her every thought. They were gates into her head, and he loved to see what she was thinking. She was something new and fresh, and he liked that. Besides, she wasn't going to stay. Nothing. Ever. Stays. Except for Merle, the cat girl who was in his embrace. Why was he thinking of another girl while Merle was in his arms?
"Lord Van." A voice interrupted his thoughts. Hitomi peered over the cart down at who called. It was a large man, known as Balgus. His attire consisted of metal armor, with black pants. To her, he looked like he was straight out of a fairy tale. A knight, noble, and loyal to the king. Lord Van?, Hitomi thought. He's a prince?? Merle, scared by this man, bowed to Van and backed away into the crowd- her head always down in respect.
"Balgus. I have completed the task of dragon-slaying, and have brought back this drag-energist." Van stated, and the crowd gasped. Behind Balgus stood three other men dressed like him, but with different colors on. One had blonde hair, neatly pulled back into a ponytail and a mustache. The other had black hair, pulled into a bun, with a beard. Both dressed identicaly, one in blue and the other in red. A third appeared in green.
"We four brigadere generals of Fanalia," Balgus started, "approve and validate that this is true. And therefore, we owe our allegience to you Van Fanel- King of Fanalia."
The crowd went wild, and Van seemed pleased. The corination of course, would be just as magnificent.
But until then, Hitomi would have to wait.
What was she doing here?
((A.n: I'm just a wee bit upset and depressed lately, so if my story seems to get morbid you know why. My birthday is tomorow. Wow.))
Dedicated to: Discord, Merry,Rina, Random Person A, SabineballZ, and Cev. You guys rock.
(Woot for the Sims online)
I remember when I was younger, but not so young that I only have certain memories, I used to always believe there was a dragon or something living in my closet. Of course, I was young and had a huge imagination, and not only that- I immersed myself in fantasy and still do. Hitomi, the obvious main character, is living that fantasy. Her eyes are wide with fear and her neck craned at the boy who had attached himself to a dragon. Her lip trembles in fear for his life, as well as her own. She doesn't seem to realize that her arms are stretched out behind her and her long fingers pointing outward. Oblivious to the clanking of a sword, and the swishing of a tail. Her eyes aren't fixated on anything. Well one thing. The boy. He was so determind..so...set on his goal. -What was his goal again?-
But this was no fantasy- this was Hell. The dragon was larger than any elephant, any bus, any tractor trailer. It was the biggest lizzard you would ever set your eyes on. Its tounge, a pinkish shade, flips out of its jaws, like a snake hissing at its attacker. So many teeth. Such white, large, fearsome teeth. Paralyzed with fear- all Hitomi, Yukari, and Amano can do is stare. It's almost like a dance. Van, as graceful and as fluid as a river would charge, and the dragon would parry. The clearing was enough space to be their dancefloor, and the blackness- a canopy over them. One two three, one two three. Did his feet ever touch the ground? Sparks would emit as scale met steel.
"Damn...this sword just won't cut through those scales!" Van hisses through clenched teeth. It pissed him off that a d.r.a.g.o.n could be such a pain in his..well, you know. He needed to cut the underbelly. A softspot, if you will. The dragons Alchelis heel. The warrior jumps out of the way as the dragon thrashes its long, wild tail at him. Landing gracefully, Van turned to charge again, but its tail came back and hit him. Full force. In the stomach.
Imagine for a moment, if you will, that you are tired, and out of breath, and carrying a heavy object in one hand. Now, you're walking along and suddenly some random person comes up with a baseball bat, or two. Now this person is big and strong and decides it would be fun to hit you in the stomach. With all of his stregnth. Now you can imagine what it felt for Van.
At first, it knocked the wind out of him and sent him sprawling on the grass at the edge of the clearing. His stomach throbbed in pain from the impact, but he managed to keep coincessness. With the rest of his stregnth, Van propped himself up with his hands, and faces the ground..and throws up blood. It tastest like copper. Fluid, hot copper, that lingered in his mouth. He didn't like that taste. Taking his right arm, the arm that lacked the armor, and wipes the blood from his mouth. It stains, of course. But that is trivial to him (well, as of right now). "You won't get rid of me that easily. I'm stronger than you think." Van, (oh god he's so strong), mutters, in a deadly sort of tone. He clambered to his feet, standing almost awkwardly- sword dangling in his hand. And. He. Smirks.
--------------------------------------------------------------(Episode Three: The Dragons Heart II)-------------------------------------------------------
[Scene II]
"Hitomi? Hitomi- what's wrong?" Yukari challenges. Amano is staring at this, this..demon! This hellbound child that has such a cocky manner and speaks rudely to ladies. He almost wants to smirk, but fights this temptation.
"Do you think he'll be alright?" The older boy asks. In the moonlight, his hair turns from a soft brown to black, as Yukaris did. Hitomi had a halo of light around the crown of her head, making her almost look angelic. An angel before a devil. The thought is almost amusing. Then it strikes her. Hitomi can see it, but noone else sees it. A woman, who much resembled Van in her opinion, gracefully sitting in the crook of the dragons neck. What the hell? Hitomi looked around for reassurance that she was not crazy, but only saw herself, Van, the dragon, and this lunatic of a woman. Birds of a feather flock together.
"Hitomi. Above." She whispers. Her voice is like silk, and glides to listening ears. Hitomi imagines the dragons tail peircing Van. Blood scatters in all directions, as the sound of bones crunching is to much to bear. So much red. So much blood. Is it possible for one person to have so much blood? She blinks, and the scene dissapears. The woman dissapears. The world is right again.
"No...no..he's going to.." Hitomi stammers, her voice quivering at what she about to declare. What she is about to inform her friends of. It's almost amusing- she wanted a kiss but got a dragon. This was the type of moment that you subcoincessly feel coming.
"Hitomi?" Yukari ponders, concerned. Both brunnettes stare at Hitomi, eyes full of curiosity. Wondering, how can she know what his fate is? How can she be certain? Why is she worried..and by god damnit, why aren't their legs working?!
"He's going to die." Hitomi murmers. Yukari gasps, and Amano takes a step back. Mustering courage within herself, the girl takes a step foward and starts down the stairs. "I have to go! I have to warn him."
"Wait, Hitomi!" Amano yells. She doesn't comply, but lets her legs carry her. Carry her to the scene before her very pupils. He dances with the dragon, and she watches as its front legs crouch and back legs stretch. (Almost like its going to pounce.) But its tail curls over above the head, and is perpindicular to Van. At any given time, the tail will strike while Van is distracted with the head. Have.To.Warn. She stops, only meters before the lizzard and the boy with rich eyes. Who knew devils could have such beautiful eyes? Her arm shoots up and points at the tail. "Watch out from above!!!!"
"Huh?" Van looks up as the tail comes down. She couldn't watch, so she covers her eyes with her hands. Ohgod,ohgod. Let me have been on time. She was. He jumps to the side, one leg tucked under the other, as the tail slices his green shirt and armor off, stips of cloth shattering like glass. And there he stood. In red. Like she thought he be. He donned the same tanktop as in her vision. -So it was him-. As graceful as a cat, and as agile as one, he jumps up over the tail, and slices his sword through the underbelly of the beast. As sword meets skin, blue blood splatters on him. It sizzles and splashes, all over the woods and bushes. A puddle forms under the beast as Van finishes his task. The dragon was dead. "Gotchya."
Two steps foward. It was on its side, blood gathered all around it. The head contorted and twisted in an uncomforatble position (well, not anymore). But his job is not done. No, not yet. He took a couple of steps to the chest of the beast that was an off color, and drew up his sword. One vertical cut, one horizontal cut. The sound is pleasing, in a gross sense, like slurping. It sounds like when you cut through a banana, and that's what it feels like. A small, red glow emmits from the center of the X cut. Van took his sword and wedged the red object from the chest, and prys it out. He takes it in his left hand, sword in right. The thing is small, and red, and looks like its made of a crystal. It has several cuts in it, and to Hitomi, looked like a red rose. A red rose from the chest of the beast. The heart of the beast.
As it is removed, the blue blood that the boy is bathed in evaporates in a smokey haze. All the blood dissapeared in the same fashion. The skin deteriorates and the bones crumble to dust. The dragon was dead and gone, and there was not a trace of evidence that it was even there at all. Now that the danger was over, Hitomi took a couple of steps foward, still cautious. Her hands are firmly clasped together. The stars come back a little, but there's still an eerie presence in the air that makes her hair stand on end. Her poise is still childish, and she shifts her weight in her shoes.
"Uhm..excuse me?" She interrupts his silent glory. He scoffs and turns in her direction, eyeing her with suspicion. -Oh brother, what does SHE want? A reward? What a little mouse! Women, you give them an inch, they take a mile-, Van thought harshly, examining her. She blinks and continues to ask, "Uhm..are you..okay?"
"Look." He states sharply, nose pointed arrogantly in the air. Don't let her steal your thunder, Fanel. "I don't need any woman to worry over me. I suppose you want a reward. Well..well fine! Come to my castle. Just don't get cocky. I'm sorry I got you and your friends involved in my dragon-slaying."
"What is your problem?!" She screams at him, bringing her hand to hit his face in a slap. It stings. Second contact. Hitomi is fuming. -Who does he think he is?!- She balls up her hand into two fists. "Are you always this..pigheaded? You know, I should have LET that stupid dragon eat you!!" She sobs into her hand. "I..I was just worried. That's all."
"Eh?" Vans expression softens just a little. -How dare she slap me!! How dare she treat me in such a manner. How..how..odd.- He looks down as the dragons heart pulses in his hand. The red glow vibrates and shines brighter. In Amanos hand, Hitomis pendent pulses as well. Standing together, Van and Hitomi are surronded in that same blue column Van had once been. "The energist!?"
"Hitomi..???" Yukari stands on her own two feet, watching her friend. Amano ran down the steps, towards her. She slowly is lifted in the air.
"What's going on?" Hitomi asks, the lower part of her body raising abover her head. Awkwardly, she tries to swim against the force of gravity back to the safety of the Earth. She reaches out her hand as the blue enigma absorbs and pulls at her. "Help me, Amano!!!"
"Kanzaki!" Amano yelled, reaching out his hand. Her pendent floats out of his and she grabs it, clasping it to her chest. She's to high. I can't reach. Oh no. That scared look returns to her eyes. Hopeful, scared, lovely green orbs. Glistening green. "Kanzaki!!!"
"Amano!!!!!!!!!!!!!!" Hitomi screams as the sky swallows her and that strange boy up. It's warm, and swirls around her. She can't keep her eyes open. The blue dissapears into a thousand glistening peices, and Amano stands alone- hand outstretched.
"Kanzaki!!!!!!!!!"
"Hitomi!!!!" Yukari yells at the sky, hands clasped in a hopeful position. The stars are fully out, and the world was at peace.
But they were gone. The sky had eaten them through a blue straw, and now all that was left were memories.
"They're gone..." he whispers, amazed and worried.
[Scene III] ( I think I'm up to 12 reviews. Creeeepy)
"Ohh my head.." Hitomi groaned and held her head in her right hand. Her long fingers easily glide through her golden cinnamon tresses as she massages her head. She sat up, amazing alive- much to her delight. She leaned her weight on her left arm, which was her only support at the moment, as her legs were sprawled out. The ground is moist and cold, and sticks to her sweaty palms. Insects buzz around her head, and apparently are in the field laid at her feet. A small shiver runs up her spine, as Hitomi hated insects and the dirty feeling they gave her. She always had a fear one would fly into her mouth, and they tickled her ear when they buzzed. The confused girl arched her head to the sky, and saw the moon. And..the Earth?! "Where am I?"
"By the looks of these stars, it looks like Gaea." Van explained, not really so to her, but to himself- obviously pleased. He stood, arms lazily by his side and his sword replacing the empty hilt with a full one by his side.The moonlight accented his lean figure, and his soft face hardened again as he realized Hitomi was..well, alive. He crossed his arms in front of him and tilted his head up. His gaze shifted to the blue moon in the sky- the Earth. "Yes, this is definatley Gaea. We must be near the village of Arzaas."
"A-Arzaas?" Hitomi asked with a quivered voice, but her words fell on deaf ears. She was cold, scared and LOST. All hope seemed to be gone, stuck here with a foreign boy on a foreign planet. At least she had her teal and purple athletes bag with her, which carried all the things a woman would need. Or at least a teenage girl. A large oak tree lumbered over her- she used its branches to help her up. "What's going on here?"
"Huh?" Van, the male warrior, was not concered with this woman because a pair of pale, yellow eyes hovered in the feild before him. The whole world seemed to shake as grumbles and snarls errupted from those eyes' owners and many other pairs similiar to it. They lingered in the air-in the darkness, ready to strike the two suspecting teenagers. Sevaral howls and sniffles rippled through the air, and Hitomi backed her way into the trunk of the tree, her hand gripping its rough bark. One pair of eyes slowly made its way to its meal, and the figure that held those eyes came into focus. It was a beast- no a man, or was it a beast? His eyes no longer yellow, but a deep blood reddish brown, and hunger filled them as it eyed up Hitomi. It stood on two legs like a man, but its body was covered in a deep gray-brown fur. It looked like a dog with clothing on. A very mean and hungry dog at that."Looks like we have company."
"Prince Van?" The beast stopped and it SPOKE. Looks like things weren't all they appeared to be. Van dropped his guard, and Ruhm was introduced to Hitomi. Ruhm the beast man.
"So you went to the Mystic Moon? And your brought back this girl?" Ruhm asked, his claw-hands gripping the reins firmly. Apparently, Van was a friend of this ramshackled country and this man-beast Ruhm was one of its locals. Creepy. Ruhm had offered Van and Hitomi a lift back to- (oh what was that place)? Well, this country, and Van had agreed. Hitomi didn't really have much of choice, as she had to follow Van if she ever wanted to get home (or so her hunch said). The two were loaded onto a large wooden traders cart, with two bigger beasts that seemed to symbolize horses pulling it. The beast man seemed to have been on his way there, and it was lucky for Van he should run into them -out here in Arzaas-. The cart creeked along on a dark dirt trail between a mountain crevass. The moon hung in the sky, with the Earth in the background. Such a lonely scene.
Hitomi folded her hands in her lap, shifting her weight in effort to try and get comforatble on the cargo. Van leaned on his fist, and let out a long sigh- making his deep black locks sway. His other arm lazily drapped on his knee, and his other leg propped up on some cargo. She glanced down, somehow ashamed, and bit her lower lip. "Yeah, well..she seems to have followed me home."
"Huh. Well isn't that something. So this girl IS one of the Moons inhabitants?" Ruhm reaffirmed, his voice full of wisdom and trust. It remind Hitomi of her school teacher, and her thoughts briefly lingered on that science test she had taken only hours ago. Did she pass? She tilted her head to the sky, in a vain effort to see her home. The Earth was illuminating, and it seemed to appear blue. She faintly made out the large island of Japan, facing away from the sun. -So this is what astronauts see. It's breath-taking.- "Hmm..now that you mention it, the moon does seem brighter lately. And there IS something foul in the air."
"You don't say." It was more of a statement than a question, but Ruhm nodded anyway. Two other beasts walked along side of the carts, carrying torches for light, and other carts were spaced inbetween their own. An awkward silence took over their words, and for once- Hitomi was at a loss for any words in her thoughts. Those thoughts that used to plague her very soul- her very mind everyday. She no longer had the company of her friends, and her thoughts had abandoned her. All she had left was curiousity, and a feeling of fear.
Hitomi felt utterly alone.
Utterly, totally alone.
[Scene IV]
The daylight hurt her eyes. Slowly, she opened them to make sure that this was reality, and not some crazy dream she had. It wasn't. Unless of course she was still asleep, but she didn't feel like this was a dream. This was to real- it felt to real- to be a dream. Dreams were those type of things you had after you ate to much chocolate before you went to bed and your subcoincess creates vivid images to coincide with your inner thoughts.
Hitomi had never had thoughts of a distant land in the sky with a boy who had a murderous look in his eye. No thoughts of beast men that ate human flesh. No thoughts of a place where, it seemed, fantasy was reality- and she was caught up in a whirlwind of adventure. She sighed, and rubbed that crust you always get out of her eyes.
"So it wasn't a dream..." She muttered, to noone in particular. Her back was stiff and sore after an uncomforatble sleep on this cargo. Stretching, she took in her surrondings. The cart was still moving, at a steady pace, and its driver didn't even seemed tired at all- even after driving all night! Silently impressed, Hitomi took a look over his shoulder. They were at the edge of a forest, and before her stood a large city- a grand city- cradled by various mountains. It seemed they were at top of a hill, and from the looks of things the town was protected by a large wall- sealing it in on all sides.
"Home." Van mused, yawning as he did so. His black hair was ruffled as he looked like he had an uneasy rest as well. He stood up in the cart and looked down, proud?
"Below us is Fanalia, little lady." Ruhm explained, reaching one claw to point at it. It was a beautiful site. Trees lingered throughout the city, and townhouses lined the cobblestone streets. In the middle of it all, Hitomi noted a castle with a blue roof. It was fashioned the same way as most Japanese houses, with pointed roofs and the ends curled out. Wood seemed to be the most abundant supply, as the houses and the castle were made of it. The village seemed as peaceful as a church on sunday. Sprawled before her was the home of peasents and warriors alike. It wasn't a rich city, or a grand city at that- but it was a place to call home. It was a place where your grandmothers grandmother lived and so should your grandchildrens grandchildren. The people humble and loyal to the royal family- almost too humble. The gates that contained the city were large and grand, and seemed to stretch a hundred feet above Hitomi as she drew closer. At the top were outposts for the guards, and burnt-out torches hung by them. Some still emited smoke, in these early hours of the morning.
"It's...." Hitomi whispered, her voice full of magic and excitment. Despite the fact she was a world away from her home, Hitomi for once felt something she could relate to. The comforting atmosphere reminded her of home. Of warmth and sunlight, and everything good in the world. Leave your worries a the gate sort of place. Hitomi soaked it up through a silver straw, as it was served to her on a golden platter. Fanalia.
"LORD VAN!?" a voice echoed through a newly made crowd surronding the cart as it loomed into the city. It came to a sudden halt, and Van jumped down- wasn't it 10 feet up at least? He landed as gracefully as a butterfly on a flower, his feet planted firmly where he liked it- on the ground. He stood up, and the crowd seemed to love him. "Prince Van!"
"Merle!" Van called. Hitomi peered over the side of the cart and saw a cat..no a girl! Like that beast man! Apparently a she, Merle had a tuff of pink hair that flipped out behind her large cat-ears. Hot pink hair that stuck out every which way. Dressed in nothing but a simple dress with a primitive pattern on it, Merle threw her arms around Van. Did I mention the long tan and brown tail that flicked with delight as he returned the hug? The dress was short, and showed her brown stripes along her thigh that matched the ones on her face and arms. Along with that, Merle had these pom-pom type things around her wrists that matched the white puffballs at the shoulders of her dress and of those on her sandles.
She had cat written all over her. From the little nose to those flashing blue eyes. "You know, Lord Van, I was like sooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo worried about you! I mean, so worried. RIDICULOSLY worried! I was afraid a dragon ate you, you know! You scared me!!!!"
"Great. First a wolf-man, now a little cat girl." Hitomi muttered in disgust, with a look of discontent on her face. From the looks of things, she was Van's girlfriend. Or lackey. Or whore. Which ever you prefer. She flicked her tounge on his cheek in an affectionate manner.
"Merlee..stop!! Everyone's looking." Van slightly chuckled as the smaller girl wrapped her arms around his neck and nuzzled herself into the crook of his neck. He smelled like a feild in the morning- with the breeze gently blowing. It was a wonderful smell.
"I'm just so glad you're okay." She whisped, tightning her grip on him. Van looked up at Hitomi, who looked bored and chuckled slightly. She was odd, alright. From a different world, and a snappy attitude that matched his. Her profile did her justice. She had the most beautiful green eyes he had ever seen, and they seemed to tell her every thought. They were gates into her head, and he loved to see what she was thinking. She was something new and fresh, and he liked that. Besides, she wasn't going to stay. Nothing. Ever. Stays. Except for Merle, the cat girl who was in his embrace. Why was he thinking of another girl while Merle was in his arms?
"Lord Van." A voice interrupted his thoughts. Hitomi peered over the cart down at who called. It was a large man, known as Balgus. His attire consisted of metal armor, with black pants. To her, he looked like he was straight out of a fairy tale. A knight, noble, and loyal to the king. Lord Van?, Hitomi thought. He's a prince?? Merle, scared by this man, bowed to Van and backed away into the crowd- her head always down in respect.
"Balgus. I have completed the task of dragon-slaying, and have brought back this drag-energist." Van stated, and the crowd gasped. Behind Balgus stood three other men dressed like him, but with different colors on. One had blonde hair, neatly pulled back into a ponytail and a mustache. The other had black hair, pulled into a bun, with a beard. Both dressed identicaly, one in blue and the other in red. A third appeared in green.
"We four brigadere generals of Fanalia," Balgus started, "approve and validate that this is true. And therefore, we owe our allegience to you Van Fanel- King of Fanalia."
The crowd went wild, and Van seemed pleased. The corination of course, would be just as magnificent.
But until then, Hitomi would have to wait.
What was she doing here?
((A.n: I'm just a wee bit upset and depressed lately, so if my story seems to get morbid you know why. My birthday is tomorow. Wow.))