Hello, everyone! Welcome to the first chapter of my rewritten fanfic,
'Secrets' (formally known as 'Love or Hate, Good or Evil?' but 'Secrets'
seems more appropriate seeing as there are evil schemes, misunderstandings
and heart ache going on left, right and centre.yayness!
I'd like to apologise my reviews as I have been an incredible meanie by not updating for so long. Sorry! I wrote 20 pages over the summer holidays, but all rewriting ground to a halt as I started in Year 11. Aaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaargh! I hate GCSEs!!!!!!!!!!! I will be a good authoress from now on, promise!! (well, I'll try. Updating might stop if I get hit by a bus, die, or have exams). Chapter 1 is dedicated to my favourite fanfiction.net authors, and my lovely reviewers - without all your support, this story wouldn't have been possible. THANK YOU!!!
My Favourite Most Fabby Authors:
Jester
L O K I
child-prodigy
Frostmourne formally known as Haze
Sarina Fanel
Dilandau's Best Slayer - your stories are HILAROUS
Oceanna Black who also posts stories under the name Amiastine
Magicman/Smokegirl - your fics make me laugh so much, so plz keep writin!
Ice Eyes
Banryuu aka thundersensei17
^_^ My Crazy Wonderful Reviewers:
Empress Yue
Angel of Light
Sereneblaze
thundersensei17
Lillian Dashwood
Vanessa St. Cloud
Mad Meg Askevron
Zempress
AnimeGurl07
Dragon Fairy2
the original esca chick
Kat
Kiya
Magicman
missssss
MeLfInA4
Firebird Phoenix
Jhaylin
Jenny-fer
ice
Kayura1
Princess Neptune
Snarfburgalar
Telis
Puzzle-chan
Kisakino Ookami
Kalika55
Asnangel
Ben Reed
To All my Reviewers from the orginal story, 'Love or Hate, Good or Evil?' - I love you!! Chapter 1 may seem similar to the old chapter 1, but it's NOT!! There's some added stuff with Yukari and Amano, there is also the change in plot and modified sentences, as well as a steadily more evil Yukari. wonder why. hehehehehe..
"........" = speech
'......' = thought/reading a dairy entry, letter, etc. etc.
* * * = change of character, or several hours/days later
=== DISCLAIMER===
JR: Yayness chickens I'm baaaaaack!!!
Hitomi & Van: ?!?!!!
JR: Yes indeedy! A rewrite of your favourite fanfiction, with more angst, adventure, and HOT SEXY MEN!!! MWHAHAHAHAHAHA!!! I love you Van! *smothers Van in kisses*
Van: *looks gobsmaked* Whoa! Help! No get off!!!
Hitomi: Hey!
JR: OK OK, sorry, he's yours. *hands Van over* Anyways, as I was saying: hot sexy men. Yep yep - Van, Gaddis, The Dragon Slayers (Ooooh I'm going all giggly just thinking about it!).
Alan: Hem hem.
JR: Huh?!. 0.0 Oh you mean .? You think you're hot sexy and male?!! *falls about laughing*
Alan: *looks offended* Well, yes actually.
JR: *Gets giant garden sheers and snips off Alan's hair*
Alan: AHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!!!! *Runs away crying*
Dilandau: *looks highly amused*
JR: I've been dying to do that for aaaaaages!!! Dumb blonde! Long blonde hair only looks good on elves! *sighs* oh Leggy. Ahem, and of course, everyone's favourite pyromaniac, the gorgeous and insane DILLY SAMA!!! *Jumps into Dilly's arms*
Dilandau: AHHHHHHH!!! ****ing hell! Where did I put that flamethrower?!
JR: What you mean this flamethrower? *Waves flamethrower in the air*
Dilandau: Hey that's mine you *****!
JR: Mwhahahahahahahahaha!!! *runs of with flamethrower closely followed by Dilandau*
Van: . ok-ay then.
Hitomi: Um, guys, aren't we supposed to be doing a disclaimer?
Merle: Well we WERE until the authoress ran away.
Hitomi: ^_^; haha.
Van: Ok everyone, SHUT UP AND LISTEN!!! The insane person being chased by Dilandau does not own Escaflowne!
Merle: She wishes.
Hitomi: Infact, the only thing she does own is the plot and two or three random characters.
Merle: Sad.
JR: Hey! I resent that comment! I own LOADS of characters.Just not in this story, that's all. ^_^; OK, I've kept you waiting long enough. ON WITH THE FIC!!!!!!
Chapter 1- Awful Truth
Hitomi sighed, a great feeling of unhappiness settling itself in her heart. Once again she tried to reach out to Van telepathically, and once again got no answer. She sat herself on her bed, her mind full of worry. Why didn't he answer her? Was he dead? Was he sick? All these questions were driving her mad with worry. She needed to know. He couldn't be ignoring her on purpose. could he? She picked up her diary from the bedside table and opened it to the page where she wrote down the vision she'd had. She flicked to the most recent ones, reading carefully, trying to pick up any new meanings in them.
(A/N: Yes I no so fa its xactly the same! There's no need to luk @ me like that! Carry on or scroll down a page or two 2 get 2 the new parts - and if you're a new reviewer, please continue and ignore my insanity. * Hugs *)
'I had the vision when I was taking a short cut home one night through the running track- the same place where I first met Van. At the beginning there was that same sickening sensation of falling, or being dragged underwater that I have every time I have a vision. In my vision I was on Gaea, and I think I was in Fanelia. It was completely rebuilt, and all the street were decorated with flowers and banners. It looked like a huge festival was about to take place. I then saw a girl with long curly hair sitting at a dresser looking into the mirror. There are at least five servants fussing over her clothers and hair. Her dress is beautiful, even better than Milerna's wedding dress. Next I see the girl holding Vons's arm, smiling. They are walking on a red carpet and there are people on either side. That's when I realise they're walking up the aisle- they are going to get married.'
No - it couldn't be true. None the less, the memory of that vision made Hitomi want to cry. She had always had faith in her visions, but how could she trust what she had seen? How could Van, who had vowed to love her for eternity, suddenly forget all they'd done together and love another? Her gaze drifed to the tarot cards on her desk. Should she? She'd promised never to use them ever again. But maybe, just this once. she got up from her bed and stood in front of the cards, waiting for the battle inside her to finish. Then, just as her hand reached out over the cards, a breeze came through the window and scattered the cards over the desk. Hitomi's heart quickened its pace. This was surely a sign. Perhaps she was meant to read the cards. Besides, it wouldn't do any harm. Would it?.
She leaned over to get a better view of the cards, and gasped, her heart jumping painfully to her throat.
"No!" She shouted, and with a swipe of her hand knocked the cards of the desk. Breathing heavily, she threw herself onto her bed and began to sob.
When Hitomi had finished crying her head hurt, her throat was sore, and her stomach felt queasy. She was exhausted. She sniffed, and reached out for her last Kleenex to blow her nose with. So what if the cards said Van was bound to another? It didn't mean it was true. She could have made a mistake in reading the cards; after all, she was out of practice. Yes, that was the answer.
Now, completely convinced, she got up and picked up her pocket mirror to check if she looked like she'd been crying. She did. Her eyes were red, her cheeks damp and her nose was running. Not to mention the state her hair was in. She quickly began the tiding up process of brushing her hair and creeping to the bathroom to wash her face and blow her nose. When all that was done, she felt better and just a little shaky. She felt she could do with a breath of fresh air.
She went downstairs and found her Mum and Dad preparing dinner. Her mother looked up.
"Hello, sweetie, would you like to help with the dinner? Your brother's too 'busy'. According to him, anyway." Her mother stopped talking and peered at her daughter.
"Are you alright Hitomi? Your eyes are red."
"I'm fine Mum," Hitomi lied.
Her Dad looked up from peeling the potatoes.
"She's probably tired. Don't worry Hitomi, it's the weekend tomorrow, so you can sleep in."
Hitomi smiled. "Thanks, Dad,"
"What are you doing this weekend, Hitomi?" Her mother asked.
"Um, nothing,"
Mum looked surprised. "Oh really? No Yukari?"
Dad groaned. "Don't tell me, the twins have split up," he said.
"No., she's with Amano, that's all,"
"Ahhh," said her mother sympathetically. "So she's in love and left you on your own, has she? Are you feeling lonely?"
"No!" Hitomi almost shouted, mainly to quieten her own thoughts about the amount of time they were spending together, not her mother's. But her mother was right: she did feel lonely. No Amano, no Yukari and no Van.
"There's no need to raise your voice, Hitomi," Her father said reasonably.
"I'm not," Hitomi answered, unable to keep out a touch of Van-like stubborness in her voice.
Her father sighed. "You know, I thought our daughter had escaped Evil Teenager Syndrome, but I guess not."
Hitomi's mother chuckled. "Really, dear, no wonder she gets annoyed, you never take her seriously."
"Okay, Mum, I'm going out, now." Hitomi said impatiently.
Her mother's eyebrows went up. "Hitomi! Do you have any idea how late it is? It's dangerous at this time of night."
"Mum," said Hitomi, wearily, "It's 7 o clock. You're making it sound like I want to go out at 11 or something."
"Besides," her father added, we're going to have dinner soon,"
"And you have homework to do," Her mother continued.
"Oh for goodness sakes, people! It's not like I want to go clubbing!"
"Where do you want to go, then?"
"The temple."
"Oh." Their attitude changed at once.
"What is so important that you have to go there at once, Hitomi?" Said her mother, concerned.
"Nothing.I just need some guidance on something, that's all."
"Can we help?" Her dad asked.
"No, I can't really talk about it. It's complicated."
"Boyfriends," said her mother instantly, with her usual annoying spot-on- ness.
Hitomi frowned. "I just need to go to the temple, okay?"
"I'll take you," Dad offered, drying his hands on a towel. Hitomi smiled.
"Thanks, Dad!" She rushed into the hallway, and struggled into her coat. "Come on, Dad!" She said, agitated when she saw that he had neither shoes, coat or keys.
As they drew up to the temple gates, Dad said: "Hitomi, I just remembered- I left some important paper work at the office that I have to do over the weekend. I'll just quickly pop over and I'll be back in five. You'll be okay here on your own for a while, right?" Hitomi got out of the car, and kissed her father on the cheek through the open window.
"I'll be fine, Dad," She said lovingly.
"Okay, don't tell your Mother, though!" Her Dad grinned. Hitomi laughed, and waved to him as he drove off.
* * * * * * * * * * * *
"Yukari, is something wrong?" The tall, handsome youth asked, concern shining in his eyes.
(A/N: SEE??? Id neva lie 2 u. * luks sheepish * ok, ok, sorry, im dun gloating. On wiv the fic)
Yukari shook her head, though her expression said differently.
"No.I'm fine." She said carefully, stirring her cappuccino.
She watched the swirls of white and deep rich chocolate lace together, twisting and turning in some intricate pattern. Somehow it was easier to lie to the velvety brown of the coffee than that of Amano's own dark eyes. She kept her gaze fixed on her cup.
"I'm just tired, I guess."
They were sitting outside their favourite café, watching the sunset- Amano's idea of a romantic evening. The sky was alive with the blood of the dying day, streamed with vibrant oranges and dark reds, that led eventually to the dark purple of the night. She watched as the last of the light fell glittering into the familiar sea below. It was beautiful, but her heart just wasn't in it. Something was wrong- she could feel it, just out of her reach, just outside of her vision, waiting to pounce. She sighed. Just her imagination running away with her - after all, she didn't have powers like Hitomi. She glanced in the direction of the waitress. They would be closing soon.
"Hey," She heard Amano say softly, placing a hand on her own. She looked up, startled at his touch. He smiled.
"Want to go somewhere before I take you home?"
"Where?" She asked uncomfortably.
"Anywhere you want," He answered, still smiling. He reached out his hand and gently stroked her cheek, his heart bursting with love for her. Yet, almost unconsciously, Yukari found herself shying away from his touch.
'What's wrong with me?' She asked herself miserably. 'Usually I love it when he does that.'
Judging from the look of confusion on Amano's face, he was thinking the same thing.
Yukari felt a tinge of guilt. Why was she acting like this? Why was she so uneasy? Something just wasn't right. besides, she couldn't bear to see Amano's hurt expression any longer; she had to get out of there.
"Um, I think I want to go home," She said hastily, getting up from the table.
"Let me drive you!" Amano offered eagerly.
"No, no, I'll walk. I'm fine. A walk will do me good." She kissed him quickly on the cheek and taking hold of her handbag, turned and began walking away.
Amano stared after her, wondering what was wrong. Suddenly he realised that she was walking in the opposite direction of her house. 'Could it be that she's cheating on me?' He asked himself. Horror ran over his skin as vague, gnawing doubts formed in his mind, tormenting him.
Yukari's footsteps echoed eerily on the empty street. It was getting late - her mother would be worrying by now. Not that she cared; Yukari was beyond caring. Once again she could feel that threatening presence. She paused, glancing over her shoulder. No one was there. Breathing a small sigh of relief, Yukari started walking again. She had just managed to convince herself that she had simply dreamed up the whole thing, when there it was again - stronger this time, and closer. She whirled around, frantically searching for something to run away from. The presence grew ever stronger, more oppressive as the seconds slid by. It obstructed her thought and Yukari had the strange, heavy-headed sensation of being drunk. She swayed, unsure of herself, wandering whether she was going to faint.
The presence hovered over her like a thick mist - she could almost see it, getting ready to pounce. What was it? Why did it want to hurt her so badly? Perhaps if she had known the answers to her questions, she would have been able to protect herself from it. She raised a bleery, desperate hand to brush it away, but it slid through her fingers, drawing ever closer. The first sparks of fear jolted up through Yukari's body, and it pounced. She screamed, backing away. It was too late; it had caught her in its trap, and she knew that it wouldn't let go. There was a flash of red inside her and Yukari knew no more.
* * * * * * * * * * * *
Hitomi's eyes turned to rest on the path that led to the temple- the same path that she and her friends had been when they were chased by a dragon, and the same temple where Van killed it. She walked slowly, her memories mixing with the twilight, so that the shadows took the shapes of the dragon, Van, and countless other people of Gaea. Hitomi stopped dead. She strained her ears. Didn't she hear footsteps behind her? Maybe she'd imagined it. Besides, it had stopped. She glanced over her shoulder, to make sure. For a spilt second she thought she saw the shape of Dilandau, his evil, handsome face barely visible in the shadows. He was watching her, a small smile playing on his lips. Hitomi froze, fear overruling reason. She blinked, unable to ask herself how it was possible that he could be here. When she opened her eyes again, the moment had passed and he had gone.
She shook her head. "I'm scaring myself," She muttered. Scowling because she let her imagination get the better of her, she continued her walk at a brisk pace. When she arrived at the temple, it was a struggle not to become completely submerged in the memories and the feelings she had experienced, threatening to make her re-live the whole journey. She pushed all that to the back of her mind and strode forward to the temple. She went to the porch and knelt down. She closed her eyes and clasping her hands together, she began to pray.
"Oh Powers That Be, power of my wishes, send me back to Gaea so that I may know that Van's love is true. Grandma, if you're listening, please, help me! If it is your will, and my wish, if my love is strong enough take me back to my home, to Gaea, Fanelia." Hitomi could no longer speak, the sights and sounds of Fanelia came back to her in her mind's eye, torturing her heart with longing and unhappiness. A lump came to her throat and her eyes stung. "Oh please." She whispered, her head bowed.
She waited, on tender-hooks, for her answer. She waited for a few minutes, and with a sinking feeling of defeat and disappointment, she stood up, and walked away. Tears choked her. She'd been refused. Wasn't her wish strong enough? Was their love just a calf love, a fake love? Nooo! Her heart and soul screamed at her. His love is forever. She tilted her head to one side, so that she could gaze at the spot where Van had killed the dragon, but not at the temple, that had forsaken her and doomed her love. Tears were trickling down the side of her face. Inside, she felt dead. She'd given up all hope of ever being happy again and her soul was in a black void of nothingness. "Goodbye, Van. I love you," She whispered.
Suddenly there was a sound as if the sky was being ripped apart, and she looked up to see something rushing towards her, a column of light. She was surrounded by it, she was part of it, and she belonged to the light, and wherever it would go she would have to follow. She felt its power, pulling at her, lifting her feet up from the ground. She smiled, happiness and love filling the void of darkness. She gave herself up to the light willingly, and as she was rushed away from Earth and hurtled to Gaea, she knew nothing except a great, overwhelming joy.
Hitomi landed into a field of soft, lush grass. She stood up, and brushed the grass from her knees. She looked around. Behind her was a huge forest, and further on in the distance she could just make out some mountains. It was hard to see in the gloom. In front of her lay a city, full of lights and, even though it was night time, bursting with activity and energy. It was a beautiful place. Hitomi recognised her surroundings immediately. She was in Fanelia. She looked up to the night sky, and saw Earth, the Mystic Moon, up there with the stars and the Moon. She laughed, a happiness so strong filled her heart that she thought that she'd explode if she didn't do something. So she twirled around and around the field, her arms held up to the sky.
"Thank you, thank you!" She cried. "Thank you for sending me back to Van!"
Laughing, dizzy with happiness and motion, she did several cartwheels in a row and collapsed in a heap on the grass. She stayed on the grass where she fell and she sighed happily, breathing in the sweet, fresh smell of Fanelia. The grass was comfortable, and cooled Hitomi's skin, which had been warmed by her dancing and jumping. Tired from all of the day's emotions, and drunk with happiness, Hitomi closed her eyes and before she could do anything, she was fast asleep in the fields of Fanelia.
* * * * * * * * * * * *
Yukari opened her eyes to a grey, dismal sky. Carefully, she moved her aching head to one side, gently massaging a cramp in her neck. Where was she? She sat up, her skin prickling with panic when she realised she must have slept outdoors all night. Her mother was going to be furious! And how did she get here anyway? She took in her surroundings and realised she was in the local temple's garden. She frowned. She didn't remember coming here.
Suddenly frightened, old warnings resurfaced in her mind, of newspaper articles and stories of young girls being drugged and raped. They would wake up several hours later not knowing what had happened to them. Yukari shuddered involuntarily. She was alright; that would never happen to her. She was alright. She got up shakily, leaning on a tree for support. Unsteadily, she took a few uncertain steps towards the temple gates. Her stomach rumbled with hunger. It was time to go home.
* * * * * * * * * * * *
The beautiful sound of a bird celebrating the birth of a new day pierced into Hitomi's peaceful sleep. Hitomi's eyes fluttered open, and she sat up, not knowing, for a second, where she was. Then she remembered. She smiled, happiness dancing in her light green eyes, adding sparkle and life to her delicate face. Her hair and clothes were damp from the morning's dew, and her muscles were sore from sleeping on the ground, but Hitomi didn't care. How could someone worry about silly things like that on a day like this?
The sky was a heavenly mixture of pinks, oranges and gold, the fluffy clouds looking like jewels in a sea of beauty. The mountains, icy blue by nature had now gained a soft, pinkish light, making them more magnificent than they already were. The unreachable, though completely desirable beauty of the sky and the mountains made a contrast between the fresh, green grass and the lively, friendly city, but they complimented each other and together they made a view that was truly breath taking, overwhelmingly beautiful.
Hitomi yawned and stretched, slowly got up and eagerly went towards the city. She passed the city gates with no problem at all. She overheard one of the traders saying that they were going to a market place in the city centre. She remembered a market place in front of the palace when she had first came, and she knew for a fact that the palace was in the city centre, so she decided to follow them in the hope that they would lead her to the palace. No one talked to her or asked her where she came from, but she could tell from the strange looks she got from people in the street that they'd noticed how foreign her clothes were. As she made her way through the city, she also noticed how nice it looked- there were flowers and banners, and baskets of confetti everywhere. Every one seemed extra happy, yet they seemed to have a lot more work to do than when Hitomi had first came. As they neared the market place, she immediately recognised it and the palace was just behind it, surrounded by plants, trees and flowers. With a quick jolt of fear, Hitomi remember the vision she'd had. It had shown Fanelia rebuilt and functioning, decorated with flowers, banners and pretty lights, for some special occasion- Exactly like now. How could she forget that awful vision? She stepped out of the way of the traders and their carts, and carefully looked around her. Everything was pretty and jolly, but her powers helped her see through that, and she felt that it was all very fake. Hitomi felt very disturbed. What was wrong with Fanelia? She began to walk away from the palace, her worries stirring uneasily in her chest.
"Fanelia's like a juicy, red apple, and when you see it you think 'Ohhhhh, I bet that'll taste nice' and you take a bite and there's a worm in it," Hitomi thought.
She stood still for a moment, trying to work out what was wrong. She couldn't find an answer. She spotted a young boy of about ten sitting on the pavement making wreathes out of flowers. She walked up to him.
"Hello," She said.
The boy looked up at her, and took in her boyish hair style and strange clothes before answering warily: "Hello, Miss,"
Hitomi smiled, trying to make up for the fact that she was so obviously foreign. "I was wondering if you could tell me why there is so much decoration in the city at the moment. Do you know?" She asked.
The boy looked suprised. "For the marriage, of course," He said, as if it were obvious to everyone.
"Marriage?" Hitomi felt sick with dread. "Who's getting married?" She already knew the answer, but she had to know for sure.
"King Van, Miss," He answered quite pleasantly, before adding: "You're not from around here, are you?"
Hitomi stared at the boy, numb with shock.
"What?." She said weakly, hoping to have misheard. The boy peered at her suddenly pale face looking concerned.
"Are you alright, Miss?" He asked worriedly.
"I'm.fine. Just fine." Hitomi answered, her voice trembling. "Who is he marrying?" She looked as though she were struggling to keep her temper, and she sounded strained. Yet, inside, she didn't feel anything- she was completely numb, drained of any emotion.
"He's marrying Lady Rosaline, the second Princess of Paymere. In nine days time."
Hitomi stared at him, her eyes opened wide in shock, slowly filling with tears. They were so heavy on her lids she thought she would drown. But she couldn't let them fall; not here, not in front of this child.
"Thank you," she said. She choked on the words, as they fell akwardly out of her mouth. She had to get away - being so close to Van when she knew he had forgotten her was too much. Forcing down the cry of misery that threatened to erupt deep inside her, she started to run.
Yayness! Ten pages! I'm so proud, lol. Please review! I've already rewritten chapter 2 (I'll post next week or so, or when six people have reviewed). At the mo, I'm working on chapter 3. I hope you've enjoyed the extra scenes - there will be many more to come as the plot chances and develops, as well as a some drunken kissage in a few more chapters to come. mwhahahahahahahaha!!! Big Hug, Love J.R
I'd like to apologise my reviews as I have been an incredible meanie by not updating for so long. Sorry! I wrote 20 pages over the summer holidays, but all rewriting ground to a halt as I started in Year 11. Aaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaargh! I hate GCSEs!!!!!!!!!!! I will be a good authoress from now on, promise!! (well, I'll try. Updating might stop if I get hit by a bus, die, or have exams). Chapter 1 is dedicated to my favourite fanfiction.net authors, and my lovely reviewers - without all your support, this story wouldn't have been possible. THANK YOU!!!
My Favourite Most Fabby Authors:
Jester
L O K I
child-prodigy
Frostmourne formally known as Haze
Sarina Fanel
Dilandau's Best Slayer - your stories are HILAROUS
Oceanna Black who also posts stories under the name Amiastine
Magicman/Smokegirl - your fics make me laugh so much, so plz keep writin!
Ice Eyes
Banryuu aka thundersensei17
^_^ My Crazy Wonderful Reviewers:
Empress Yue
Angel of Light
Sereneblaze
thundersensei17
Lillian Dashwood
Vanessa St. Cloud
Mad Meg Askevron
Zempress
AnimeGurl07
Dragon Fairy2
the original esca chick
Kat
Kiya
Magicman
missssss
MeLfInA4
Firebird Phoenix
Jhaylin
Jenny-fer
ice
Kayura1
Princess Neptune
Snarfburgalar
Telis
Puzzle-chan
Kisakino Ookami
Kalika55
Asnangel
Ben Reed
To All my Reviewers from the orginal story, 'Love or Hate, Good or Evil?' - I love you!! Chapter 1 may seem similar to the old chapter 1, but it's NOT!! There's some added stuff with Yukari and Amano, there is also the change in plot and modified sentences, as well as a steadily more evil Yukari. wonder why. hehehehehe..
"........" = speech
'......' = thought/reading a dairy entry, letter, etc. etc.
* * * = change of character, or several hours/days later
=== DISCLAIMER===
JR: Yayness chickens I'm baaaaaack!!!
Hitomi & Van: ?!?!!!
JR: Yes indeedy! A rewrite of your favourite fanfiction, with more angst, adventure, and HOT SEXY MEN!!! MWHAHAHAHAHAHA!!! I love you Van! *smothers Van in kisses*
Van: *looks gobsmaked* Whoa! Help! No get off!!!
Hitomi: Hey!
JR: OK OK, sorry, he's yours. *hands Van over* Anyways, as I was saying: hot sexy men. Yep yep - Van, Gaddis, The Dragon Slayers (Ooooh I'm going all giggly just thinking about it!).
Alan: Hem hem.
JR: Huh?!. 0.0 Oh you mean .? You think you're hot sexy and male?!! *falls about laughing*
Alan: *looks offended* Well, yes actually.
JR: *Gets giant garden sheers and snips off Alan's hair*
Alan: AHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!!!! *Runs away crying*
Dilandau: *looks highly amused*
JR: I've been dying to do that for aaaaaages!!! Dumb blonde! Long blonde hair only looks good on elves! *sighs* oh Leggy. Ahem, and of course, everyone's favourite pyromaniac, the gorgeous and insane DILLY SAMA!!! *Jumps into Dilly's arms*
Dilandau: AHHHHHHH!!! ****ing hell! Where did I put that flamethrower?!
JR: What you mean this flamethrower? *Waves flamethrower in the air*
Dilandau: Hey that's mine you *****!
JR: Mwhahahahahahahahaha!!! *runs of with flamethrower closely followed by Dilandau*
Van: . ok-ay then.
Hitomi: Um, guys, aren't we supposed to be doing a disclaimer?
Merle: Well we WERE until the authoress ran away.
Hitomi: ^_^; haha.
Van: Ok everyone, SHUT UP AND LISTEN!!! The insane person being chased by Dilandau does not own Escaflowne!
Merle: She wishes.
Hitomi: Infact, the only thing she does own is the plot and two or three random characters.
Merle: Sad.
JR: Hey! I resent that comment! I own LOADS of characters.Just not in this story, that's all. ^_^; OK, I've kept you waiting long enough. ON WITH THE FIC!!!!!!
Chapter 1- Awful Truth
Hitomi sighed, a great feeling of unhappiness settling itself in her heart. Once again she tried to reach out to Van telepathically, and once again got no answer. She sat herself on her bed, her mind full of worry. Why didn't he answer her? Was he dead? Was he sick? All these questions were driving her mad with worry. She needed to know. He couldn't be ignoring her on purpose. could he? She picked up her diary from the bedside table and opened it to the page where she wrote down the vision she'd had. She flicked to the most recent ones, reading carefully, trying to pick up any new meanings in them.
(A/N: Yes I no so fa its xactly the same! There's no need to luk @ me like that! Carry on or scroll down a page or two 2 get 2 the new parts - and if you're a new reviewer, please continue and ignore my insanity. * Hugs *)
'I had the vision when I was taking a short cut home one night through the running track- the same place where I first met Van. At the beginning there was that same sickening sensation of falling, or being dragged underwater that I have every time I have a vision. In my vision I was on Gaea, and I think I was in Fanelia. It was completely rebuilt, and all the street were decorated with flowers and banners. It looked like a huge festival was about to take place. I then saw a girl with long curly hair sitting at a dresser looking into the mirror. There are at least five servants fussing over her clothers and hair. Her dress is beautiful, even better than Milerna's wedding dress. Next I see the girl holding Vons's arm, smiling. They are walking on a red carpet and there are people on either side. That's when I realise they're walking up the aisle- they are going to get married.'
No - it couldn't be true. None the less, the memory of that vision made Hitomi want to cry. She had always had faith in her visions, but how could she trust what she had seen? How could Van, who had vowed to love her for eternity, suddenly forget all they'd done together and love another? Her gaze drifed to the tarot cards on her desk. Should she? She'd promised never to use them ever again. But maybe, just this once. she got up from her bed and stood in front of the cards, waiting for the battle inside her to finish. Then, just as her hand reached out over the cards, a breeze came through the window and scattered the cards over the desk. Hitomi's heart quickened its pace. This was surely a sign. Perhaps she was meant to read the cards. Besides, it wouldn't do any harm. Would it?.
She leaned over to get a better view of the cards, and gasped, her heart jumping painfully to her throat.
"No!" She shouted, and with a swipe of her hand knocked the cards of the desk. Breathing heavily, she threw herself onto her bed and began to sob.
When Hitomi had finished crying her head hurt, her throat was sore, and her stomach felt queasy. She was exhausted. She sniffed, and reached out for her last Kleenex to blow her nose with. So what if the cards said Van was bound to another? It didn't mean it was true. She could have made a mistake in reading the cards; after all, she was out of practice. Yes, that was the answer.
Now, completely convinced, she got up and picked up her pocket mirror to check if she looked like she'd been crying. She did. Her eyes were red, her cheeks damp and her nose was running. Not to mention the state her hair was in. She quickly began the tiding up process of brushing her hair and creeping to the bathroom to wash her face and blow her nose. When all that was done, she felt better and just a little shaky. She felt she could do with a breath of fresh air.
She went downstairs and found her Mum and Dad preparing dinner. Her mother looked up.
"Hello, sweetie, would you like to help with the dinner? Your brother's too 'busy'. According to him, anyway." Her mother stopped talking and peered at her daughter.
"Are you alright Hitomi? Your eyes are red."
"I'm fine Mum," Hitomi lied.
Her Dad looked up from peeling the potatoes.
"She's probably tired. Don't worry Hitomi, it's the weekend tomorrow, so you can sleep in."
Hitomi smiled. "Thanks, Dad,"
"What are you doing this weekend, Hitomi?" Her mother asked.
"Um, nothing,"
Mum looked surprised. "Oh really? No Yukari?"
Dad groaned. "Don't tell me, the twins have split up," he said.
"No., she's with Amano, that's all,"
"Ahhh," said her mother sympathetically. "So she's in love and left you on your own, has she? Are you feeling lonely?"
"No!" Hitomi almost shouted, mainly to quieten her own thoughts about the amount of time they were spending together, not her mother's. But her mother was right: she did feel lonely. No Amano, no Yukari and no Van.
"There's no need to raise your voice, Hitomi," Her father said reasonably.
"I'm not," Hitomi answered, unable to keep out a touch of Van-like stubborness in her voice.
Her father sighed. "You know, I thought our daughter had escaped Evil Teenager Syndrome, but I guess not."
Hitomi's mother chuckled. "Really, dear, no wonder she gets annoyed, you never take her seriously."
"Okay, Mum, I'm going out, now." Hitomi said impatiently.
Her mother's eyebrows went up. "Hitomi! Do you have any idea how late it is? It's dangerous at this time of night."
"Mum," said Hitomi, wearily, "It's 7 o clock. You're making it sound like I want to go out at 11 or something."
"Besides," her father added, we're going to have dinner soon,"
"And you have homework to do," Her mother continued.
"Oh for goodness sakes, people! It's not like I want to go clubbing!"
"Where do you want to go, then?"
"The temple."
"Oh." Their attitude changed at once.
"What is so important that you have to go there at once, Hitomi?" Said her mother, concerned.
"Nothing.I just need some guidance on something, that's all."
"Can we help?" Her dad asked.
"No, I can't really talk about it. It's complicated."
"Boyfriends," said her mother instantly, with her usual annoying spot-on- ness.
Hitomi frowned. "I just need to go to the temple, okay?"
"I'll take you," Dad offered, drying his hands on a towel. Hitomi smiled.
"Thanks, Dad!" She rushed into the hallway, and struggled into her coat. "Come on, Dad!" She said, agitated when she saw that he had neither shoes, coat or keys.
As they drew up to the temple gates, Dad said: "Hitomi, I just remembered- I left some important paper work at the office that I have to do over the weekend. I'll just quickly pop over and I'll be back in five. You'll be okay here on your own for a while, right?" Hitomi got out of the car, and kissed her father on the cheek through the open window.
"I'll be fine, Dad," She said lovingly.
"Okay, don't tell your Mother, though!" Her Dad grinned. Hitomi laughed, and waved to him as he drove off.
* * * * * * * * * * * *
"Yukari, is something wrong?" The tall, handsome youth asked, concern shining in his eyes.
(A/N: SEE??? Id neva lie 2 u. * luks sheepish * ok, ok, sorry, im dun gloating. On wiv the fic)
Yukari shook her head, though her expression said differently.
"No.I'm fine." She said carefully, stirring her cappuccino.
She watched the swirls of white and deep rich chocolate lace together, twisting and turning in some intricate pattern. Somehow it was easier to lie to the velvety brown of the coffee than that of Amano's own dark eyes. She kept her gaze fixed on her cup.
"I'm just tired, I guess."
They were sitting outside their favourite café, watching the sunset- Amano's idea of a romantic evening. The sky was alive with the blood of the dying day, streamed with vibrant oranges and dark reds, that led eventually to the dark purple of the night. She watched as the last of the light fell glittering into the familiar sea below. It was beautiful, but her heart just wasn't in it. Something was wrong- she could feel it, just out of her reach, just outside of her vision, waiting to pounce. She sighed. Just her imagination running away with her - after all, she didn't have powers like Hitomi. She glanced in the direction of the waitress. They would be closing soon.
"Hey," She heard Amano say softly, placing a hand on her own. She looked up, startled at his touch. He smiled.
"Want to go somewhere before I take you home?"
"Where?" She asked uncomfortably.
"Anywhere you want," He answered, still smiling. He reached out his hand and gently stroked her cheek, his heart bursting with love for her. Yet, almost unconsciously, Yukari found herself shying away from his touch.
'What's wrong with me?' She asked herself miserably. 'Usually I love it when he does that.'
Judging from the look of confusion on Amano's face, he was thinking the same thing.
Yukari felt a tinge of guilt. Why was she acting like this? Why was she so uneasy? Something just wasn't right. besides, she couldn't bear to see Amano's hurt expression any longer; she had to get out of there.
"Um, I think I want to go home," She said hastily, getting up from the table.
"Let me drive you!" Amano offered eagerly.
"No, no, I'll walk. I'm fine. A walk will do me good." She kissed him quickly on the cheek and taking hold of her handbag, turned and began walking away.
Amano stared after her, wondering what was wrong. Suddenly he realised that she was walking in the opposite direction of her house. 'Could it be that she's cheating on me?' He asked himself. Horror ran over his skin as vague, gnawing doubts formed in his mind, tormenting him.
Yukari's footsteps echoed eerily on the empty street. It was getting late - her mother would be worrying by now. Not that she cared; Yukari was beyond caring. Once again she could feel that threatening presence. She paused, glancing over her shoulder. No one was there. Breathing a small sigh of relief, Yukari started walking again. She had just managed to convince herself that she had simply dreamed up the whole thing, when there it was again - stronger this time, and closer. She whirled around, frantically searching for something to run away from. The presence grew ever stronger, more oppressive as the seconds slid by. It obstructed her thought and Yukari had the strange, heavy-headed sensation of being drunk. She swayed, unsure of herself, wandering whether she was going to faint.
The presence hovered over her like a thick mist - she could almost see it, getting ready to pounce. What was it? Why did it want to hurt her so badly? Perhaps if she had known the answers to her questions, she would have been able to protect herself from it. She raised a bleery, desperate hand to brush it away, but it slid through her fingers, drawing ever closer. The first sparks of fear jolted up through Yukari's body, and it pounced. She screamed, backing away. It was too late; it had caught her in its trap, and she knew that it wouldn't let go. There was a flash of red inside her and Yukari knew no more.
* * * * * * * * * * * *
Hitomi's eyes turned to rest on the path that led to the temple- the same path that she and her friends had been when they were chased by a dragon, and the same temple where Van killed it. She walked slowly, her memories mixing with the twilight, so that the shadows took the shapes of the dragon, Van, and countless other people of Gaea. Hitomi stopped dead. She strained her ears. Didn't she hear footsteps behind her? Maybe she'd imagined it. Besides, it had stopped. She glanced over her shoulder, to make sure. For a spilt second she thought she saw the shape of Dilandau, his evil, handsome face barely visible in the shadows. He was watching her, a small smile playing on his lips. Hitomi froze, fear overruling reason. She blinked, unable to ask herself how it was possible that he could be here. When she opened her eyes again, the moment had passed and he had gone.
She shook her head. "I'm scaring myself," She muttered. Scowling because she let her imagination get the better of her, she continued her walk at a brisk pace. When she arrived at the temple, it was a struggle not to become completely submerged in the memories and the feelings she had experienced, threatening to make her re-live the whole journey. She pushed all that to the back of her mind and strode forward to the temple. She went to the porch and knelt down. She closed her eyes and clasping her hands together, she began to pray.
"Oh Powers That Be, power of my wishes, send me back to Gaea so that I may know that Van's love is true. Grandma, if you're listening, please, help me! If it is your will, and my wish, if my love is strong enough take me back to my home, to Gaea, Fanelia." Hitomi could no longer speak, the sights and sounds of Fanelia came back to her in her mind's eye, torturing her heart with longing and unhappiness. A lump came to her throat and her eyes stung. "Oh please." She whispered, her head bowed.
She waited, on tender-hooks, for her answer. She waited for a few minutes, and with a sinking feeling of defeat and disappointment, she stood up, and walked away. Tears choked her. She'd been refused. Wasn't her wish strong enough? Was their love just a calf love, a fake love? Nooo! Her heart and soul screamed at her. His love is forever. She tilted her head to one side, so that she could gaze at the spot where Van had killed the dragon, but not at the temple, that had forsaken her and doomed her love. Tears were trickling down the side of her face. Inside, she felt dead. She'd given up all hope of ever being happy again and her soul was in a black void of nothingness. "Goodbye, Van. I love you," She whispered.
Suddenly there was a sound as if the sky was being ripped apart, and she looked up to see something rushing towards her, a column of light. She was surrounded by it, she was part of it, and she belonged to the light, and wherever it would go she would have to follow. She felt its power, pulling at her, lifting her feet up from the ground. She smiled, happiness and love filling the void of darkness. She gave herself up to the light willingly, and as she was rushed away from Earth and hurtled to Gaea, she knew nothing except a great, overwhelming joy.
Hitomi landed into a field of soft, lush grass. She stood up, and brushed the grass from her knees. She looked around. Behind her was a huge forest, and further on in the distance she could just make out some mountains. It was hard to see in the gloom. In front of her lay a city, full of lights and, even though it was night time, bursting with activity and energy. It was a beautiful place. Hitomi recognised her surroundings immediately. She was in Fanelia. She looked up to the night sky, and saw Earth, the Mystic Moon, up there with the stars and the Moon. She laughed, a happiness so strong filled her heart that she thought that she'd explode if she didn't do something. So she twirled around and around the field, her arms held up to the sky.
"Thank you, thank you!" She cried. "Thank you for sending me back to Van!"
Laughing, dizzy with happiness and motion, she did several cartwheels in a row and collapsed in a heap on the grass. She stayed on the grass where she fell and she sighed happily, breathing in the sweet, fresh smell of Fanelia. The grass was comfortable, and cooled Hitomi's skin, which had been warmed by her dancing and jumping. Tired from all of the day's emotions, and drunk with happiness, Hitomi closed her eyes and before she could do anything, she was fast asleep in the fields of Fanelia.
* * * * * * * * * * * *
Yukari opened her eyes to a grey, dismal sky. Carefully, she moved her aching head to one side, gently massaging a cramp in her neck. Where was she? She sat up, her skin prickling with panic when she realised she must have slept outdoors all night. Her mother was going to be furious! And how did she get here anyway? She took in her surroundings and realised she was in the local temple's garden. She frowned. She didn't remember coming here.
Suddenly frightened, old warnings resurfaced in her mind, of newspaper articles and stories of young girls being drugged and raped. They would wake up several hours later not knowing what had happened to them. Yukari shuddered involuntarily. She was alright; that would never happen to her. She was alright. She got up shakily, leaning on a tree for support. Unsteadily, she took a few uncertain steps towards the temple gates. Her stomach rumbled with hunger. It was time to go home.
* * * * * * * * * * * *
The beautiful sound of a bird celebrating the birth of a new day pierced into Hitomi's peaceful sleep. Hitomi's eyes fluttered open, and she sat up, not knowing, for a second, where she was. Then she remembered. She smiled, happiness dancing in her light green eyes, adding sparkle and life to her delicate face. Her hair and clothes were damp from the morning's dew, and her muscles were sore from sleeping on the ground, but Hitomi didn't care. How could someone worry about silly things like that on a day like this?
The sky was a heavenly mixture of pinks, oranges and gold, the fluffy clouds looking like jewels in a sea of beauty. The mountains, icy blue by nature had now gained a soft, pinkish light, making them more magnificent than they already were. The unreachable, though completely desirable beauty of the sky and the mountains made a contrast between the fresh, green grass and the lively, friendly city, but they complimented each other and together they made a view that was truly breath taking, overwhelmingly beautiful.
Hitomi yawned and stretched, slowly got up and eagerly went towards the city. She passed the city gates with no problem at all. She overheard one of the traders saying that they were going to a market place in the city centre. She remembered a market place in front of the palace when she had first came, and she knew for a fact that the palace was in the city centre, so she decided to follow them in the hope that they would lead her to the palace. No one talked to her or asked her where she came from, but she could tell from the strange looks she got from people in the street that they'd noticed how foreign her clothes were. As she made her way through the city, she also noticed how nice it looked- there were flowers and banners, and baskets of confetti everywhere. Every one seemed extra happy, yet they seemed to have a lot more work to do than when Hitomi had first came. As they neared the market place, she immediately recognised it and the palace was just behind it, surrounded by plants, trees and flowers. With a quick jolt of fear, Hitomi remember the vision she'd had. It had shown Fanelia rebuilt and functioning, decorated with flowers, banners and pretty lights, for some special occasion- Exactly like now. How could she forget that awful vision? She stepped out of the way of the traders and their carts, and carefully looked around her. Everything was pretty and jolly, but her powers helped her see through that, and she felt that it was all very fake. Hitomi felt very disturbed. What was wrong with Fanelia? She began to walk away from the palace, her worries stirring uneasily in her chest.
"Fanelia's like a juicy, red apple, and when you see it you think 'Ohhhhh, I bet that'll taste nice' and you take a bite and there's a worm in it," Hitomi thought.
She stood still for a moment, trying to work out what was wrong. She couldn't find an answer. She spotted a young boy of about ten sitting on the pavement making wreathes out of flowers. She walked up to him.
"Hello," She said.
The boy looked up at her, and took in her boyish hair style and strange clothes before answering warily: "Hello, Miss,"
Hitomi smiled, trying to make up for the fact that she was so obviously foreign. "I was wondering if you could tell me why there is so much decoration in the city at the moment. Do you know?" She asked.
The boy looked suprised. "For the marriage, of course," He said, as if it were obvious to everyone.
"Marriage?" Hitomi felt sick with dread. "Who's getting married?" She already knew the answer, but she had to know for sure.
"King Van, Miss," He answered quite pleasantly, before adding: "You're not from around here, are you?"
Hitomi stared at the boy, numb with shock.
"What?." She said weakly, hoping to have misheard. The boy peered at her suddenly pale face looking concerned.
"Are you alright, Miss?" He asked worriedly.
"I'm.fine. Just fine." Hitomi answered, her voice trembling. "Who is he marrying?" She looked as though she were struggling to keep her temper, and she sounded strained. Yet, inside, she didn't feel anything- she was completely numb, drained of any emotion.
"He's marrying Lady Rosaline, the second Princess of Paymere. In nine days time."
Hitomi stared at him, her eyes opened wide in shock, slowly filling with tears. They were so heavy on her lids she thought she would drown. But she couldn't let them fall; not here, not in front of this child.
"Thank you," she said. She choked on the words, as they fell akwardly out of her mouth. She had to get away - being so close to Van when she knew he had forgotten her was too much. Forcing down the cry of misery that threatened to erupt deep inside her, she started to run.
Yayness! Ten pages! I'm so proud, lol. Please review! I've already rewritten chapter 2 (I'll post next week or so, or when six people have reviewed). At the mo, I'm working on chapter 3. I hope you've enjoyed the extra scenes - there will be many more to come as the plot chances and develops, as well as a some drunken kissage in a few more chapters to come. mwhahahahahahahaha!!! Big Hug, Love J.R