Disclaimer: I don't own Escaflowne or any of the characters.

Authors note: A big shout out and thanks to Rai Dorian, who kindly offered to beta- read this. It looks so much better now and flows better as well. Thank you for your time and talent in helping me.

Loved By The Damned


A gentle breeze rustled in the trees in the grounds of Fanelia's castle. Van had asked Hitomi to take a little walk with him before lunch, as he felt a little guilty that he hadn't spent much time with her. He had been busier than usual, as the big summer festival was coming up and it was an important Fanelian tradition.

"Van, this was such a lovely idea, going for a walk!" exclaimed Hitomi. "I'm really glad I came to Gaea for my summer vacation."

She crouched down, tucking her skirt under her, as she examined a small bright red flower more closely. Van knelt down beside her and did the same.

"I'm really glad you came, too. I'm just sorry I haven't been spending much time with you. This festival has been taking up all my time."

Hitomi glanced at him and gave him a smile.

"Don't worry, Van; I know this is an important festival. You need time to sort it out. Say, what kind of flower is this? It's beautiful," she said as she gently touched one of its petals.

"Its common name is 'Lover's Kiss.'" he said, blushing slightly. "It's because of the little heart shaped petals, you see. It actually plays an important part in the upcoming festivities."

"Oh. I see," murmured Hitomi, blushing as well as she continued to look at the flower.

Van gazed at her as they started to chat about nothing in particular, though he had to admit he wasn't really listening to her as she told him about her life at university. He was too busy just listening to the sound of her voice; he wasn't concentrating on the actual words she was saying. Van was thinking about how much Hitomi had grown---so elegant, and really beautiful, in just a few short years---when the woman in question looked up and saw him staring at her.

"You okay, Van?" Hitomi asked as she tucked her now long hair behind her ears. Van, surprised at being discovered, got flustered and was saved in the middle of trying to stammer an excuse by an approaching servant.

"Your Majesty, lunch is about to be served," said the woman, standing a little ways off from the two of them.

"Oh...ah...err, yes, thank you. We'll be right in," said Van, trying to compose himself.

Hitomi tried to hold in a giggle as the young king's face turned a bright red. He stood up, brushing the dirt from his trousers. The servant smiled as she bowed and made her way back in again. Before Hitomi stood up, she picked one of the little flowers, and when she stood breathed in the light scent it gave off.

"Shall we go in now?" asked Van as he inwardly mocked himself and asked if he wanted to embarrass himself any more that day.

"Yeah, I'm really getting hungry."

As the two walked back, Van sensed something in the foliage behind him. He turned quickly to see if anything was there but was met only with silence, which in itself was a little odd. But before he could think any more on the matter, his thoughts were interrupted.

"Van?" Hitomi called gently. "What's wrong?"

Van scanned the greenery again before he turned to her.

"Oh, nothing. I must be imagining things." He smiled at her trying to reassure her and held out his arm, and as she took it they again headed back.

As they were walking into the distance a rustle came from the wood and a low deep voice came from the shadows.

"Hi..to..mi..."

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I know this chapter is short but it was really just to kinnda get me going. Anyway thank you Kya77 and Rai Dorian for reviewing.