A/N: . . . whoa. Van is in quite a pickle! Lol. But that's ok because,
love conquers all. right?. ^_~; Uh. I wouldn't be so sure this time. This
next chapter will definitely get you folks thinking! I personally love it
as it gets more into the climax of the story. You might have a lot of
questions after it, but that's what I like so that's what I type!^-^ (has a
nice ring to it. doesn't it!) Here's the next chapter. r&r! Enjoy!
{Warning, warning, chapter très longue! {Very long) ^_^} and awaaaay you
go!. . .
*******************************
Chapter 4 - Past Pains, Future Foreboding
".SCREW UP!" Van paced around in his room in frustration. "That's all I've managed to do lately!" he stopped moving. "Sigh, I gotta find Merle," he remembered.
He started walking toward the door, when he heard a voice behind him.
"And, just where were you going?"
"Sigh, Dobbs! Now is not the time, look I have to go! So please just.huh?" Van turned around and noticed it wasn't Dobson. but someone else.
This person was dressed in all black, and his face was well hidden. The only thing Van noticed was that it was the voice of a man, but he couldn't tell whose. The voice was strained and sounded like it was forced.
Van wasted no time to draw his dagger from his side pouch as a defense mechanism. "Grr.just who are you?!" he threatened.
The mystery man began walking closer to Van. "Tsk, tsk, tsk. my young prince, is that really necessary?" he asked referring to his dagger.
"I don't know, you tell me!" answered Van.
He continued to walk towards Van until he was right up within the distance of his dagger. "You know, your mother was never very supportive of you when it came to violence. you remember?" he replied.
". . .my. my mother?" Van was frozen by the comment and let his guard down. He slowly began to lower his dagger. That gave the intruder a perfect opportunity to strike!
"*tHwAP!!*" Van fell to the ground unconscious as the man gave him a tremendous blow to the head. "So, I guess that means, you won't be needing this!" he joked as he took Van's dagger. Then he picked Van up. "There, there, now. you have an appointment that you simply mustn't be late for! Ha, ha, ha!" he then made his way through the side window and out of the castle.
****************************
". . .Maybe, I overreacted," said Hitomi to herself as she walked down the river stream pathway. [then again. I don't really know this. "Reigomé", or what she means to Van.] she thought. [They could've met long before I came into the picture! Maybe Van IS in love with her!...Or maybe she's in love with him!. Or maybe I.. m-maybe.UGH!!] Hitomi's thoughts ran wild! Then she came to her senses. "Or maybe, sigh." she leaned against a fence looking into the beautiful river distance. ". . .Maybe I should've put more trust in Van, instead of blowing up in his face." she said softly. "I shouldn't jump to conclusions, if this is any bit of Van's fault, then it's just as much mine. I need to talk to him."
When Hitomi started heading back towards the castle, she was set off course by a familiar sound. [. . . I know that voice], she thought. She turned her attention to the far field on her left, where she saw a young girl crying.
"MERLE?!" she called a loud.
"*sniffle* *sniffle*. wha?" she looked up from where she was sitting. "GASP! HITOMI!!!!" she ran towards her and pinned her to the ground.
"Ahe, he!! I missed you too, Merle!"
Merle wiped the tears from her eyes. "W-what are you doing here, Hitomi. I didn't think you were EVER coming back! And neither did lord Van! GASP! Does he know?. We have to go find him and. . ."
". . . Whoa! Hold your horses Merle!" Hitomi interrupted.
"My. horses?"
"Um, never mind, she chuckled. It's alright, Van already knows, and as for me ending up back in Gaea?. well, let's just say that your guess is as good as mine!"
"Oh, I see, well the point is that you're back, and that's all that matters!" she replied.
"Hm, ^_^ yea."
"So, what are you doing all the way out here, Hitomi?" asked a very curious Merle.
"Um. forget it, it's not worth talking about." she answered.
"Oh come on, Hitomi! You can tell me! I'll bet it's. gasp! That's it!"
"That's what?" ^_~' Hitomi asked.
"I see why you don't want to talk about it - you found out about Reigomé. didn't you, Hitomi?" Merle spoke in a sad tone.
". . . yea, I guess you can say that." she replied. "And from the tone of your voice, you don't seem that fond of her either. am I right?"
"Yea, you're right." she answered softly. Her head hung low.
"So," Hitomi started. "I guess my next question is. what are YOU doing out here? and correct me if I'm wrong but, a few minutes ago, I thought I saw tears! Is there something you want to talk to me about, Merle?" Hitomi inquired. "I'll try my best to help if I can,"
Merle looked up and smiled at Hitomi. "Thanks Hitomi, but I'm ok now, it's just that ever since princess Reigomé came into the picture, lord Van's been really stressed out! He even yelled at me, and he NEVER yells at me Hitomi! And I know he didn't mean it, but. sigh. Oh, I don't know, it sounds stupid. just forget it." she ended as she started picking away at the grass.
Hitomi smiled sweetly. "You know Merle, I think it's time we both go find Van, whatta ya say?" . . .
*******************************
Night fell quickly, and Van woke up in a field of grass and with a throbbing headache. "Eugh. . ." he sat up only to realize that his mouth, hands, and feet, were tied and his dagger was gone. His eyes however, were wide open. Just then he saw the same guy in black walking towards him. "Errg!!. . ." Van was beyond p.o'ed!
"Now, now," he taunted. "None a that! Anger shan't get you anywhere!" he then knelt down to Van and took out a needle with some sort of substance in it. "This, however. hm, hm, hm. this shall get ME somewhere! A step closer to victory. another phase in the plan if you will." He leaned in to inject it into Van's neck.
"Grr!!. err!!" but Van struggled.
"*Sigh*, now be still at it would you? 'Tis to be over soon!" He finally held him down and injected it into his body. "There now, was that so bad!" he lied.
Just then Van felt a strange presence come over him, it was like a wave of heat, and though very mild at first, it proved to be very effective right off the bat. Everything appeared blurry, and he felt dizzy to say the very least. Sounds appeared to be muffled and low, everything was out of focus. He had trouble concentrating.
Suddenly, another person came out, or was it just one? "Did you inject him with the bydroflouriphyll yet?" (by-dro-floor-if-ill) asked another person dressed in normal clothing, however Van could neither make out the figure or the voice. He couldn't even tell how many people were there! Two? Three?. Six? lol. They all seemed the same.
"Yes," replied the man dressed in black. "He won't remember a thing! Then eventually, the deadly part of it should kick in. But I must warn you, I heard word that he is only - HALF Draconian. and not full."
"Gasp! Half!" the other person exclaimed. " 'Tis only a measly little half pint of draconian blood that he possesses?!" complained the other person. "Shh. then so be it. It will have to do."
The man in black walked over to Van to pick him up. "Well then, let us be on our way," just when he knelt down to pick up Van, he heard a strange noise coming towards them. "Gasp! Someone is coming!" he whispered.
{"There Boy! We'll break here for a while!"} said a voice in the distance. The person was obviously on a horse. The kidnappers heard as he began to approach them.
"We must leave him!" whispered the man in black.
"NO!!"
"We HAVE to!!!" the man in black then stood Van up leaning him against the side of a tree. "He will look less suspicious this way!" he explained, then the kidnappers ran off.
As soon as they left, out walked Allen Schezar. ^_^ His eyes immediately met Van leaning lifelessly against the tree.
"Huh?. Van?" he ran towards him. He leaned him up and supported him on his shoulder. "What happened?!" But Van would not respond, instead he'd groan. Just then Allen found the needle that was used on Van, dripping on the floor. He put two and two together. [This was no accident!] Who did this to you!?"
". . ." but there was no response.
"VAN!"
". . ." still nothing.
[He needs help!] he thought. [I've got to take him back to the castle, maybe I can get some answers there!] He slowly draped Van onto the back of his horse. "Easy boy, you're going to have to be gentle on this one." Allen walked the horse the rest of the way to keep a better eye on Van's condition.
***************************************** Meanwhile.
Meanwhile, Hitomi and Merle had reached the castle, but decided to go their separate ways when searching for him.
"I'll search the yard and outside the courts first, you can look inside," said Hitomi.
"Okay," Merle then went inside.
[He must be around here somewhere,] thought Hitomi. All of a sudden, Hitomi began to feel a pain in her head, mild at first. but then much more severe!
"AaaaH!" Hitomi screamed as she fell to her knees in pain, her hands gripped to her head. "No. not - AGAIN!!" she cried. But, it was inevitable!.
*-FLASH - (vision recap) -* "Everything happens for a reason child. . ."
". . . Please, if I'm going to forget you can at least tell me why!. tell
me why!. why!. . ."
". . . 'Tis your destiny to be returned to Gaea where ye can help change things for the better. . .You shall go to Finalia with no memory of what
you just saw. . ."
". . .I have to fix this!"
". . . there you must live each day with only a vague recollection of the
vision which can change the future. change the future. the future. . ."
". . .Wait!"
". . . change the future. . .WHHooooooossssshhhh!!!. . ."
*-End Vision-*
"Aah!" Hitomi fell to the floor panting wildly. "T-th. that's it," she started. "That's how I got here! Oh, if only I could remember everything, and right now!" she exclaimed. "Someone's life could be at stake. and, it could be up to me, to save that person." Hitomi stood up. "I just can't remember who that woman was of what she showed me that was so important. I just - can't remember!" Hitomi became very frustrated but quickly calmed down. [No, I can't get all worked up over something that I can't help, not yet anyway. I need to be patient] she thought. [Besides, she did say that each day I would recall a little more, so that must mean I have some time to figure this whole thing out!] She re-gathered her thoughts and got her priorities straight, "But right now, I need to find Van, he could be a big piece of the puzzle!" She then continued her search. . .
*******************************
As Allen and Van continued their journey back to the castle, Van's condition only worsened. "Grr.err. er"
"huh?" Allen observed as Van battled his inner demons. [Come on kid, you can pull through this, you've done it before - and you'll do it again.] he thought to himself.
:::Inside Van's mind were horrible pains from the past and premonitions of the future. Normally he'd have his friends to help him through these rough times, but with what he was facing now, he had no one to help him out. but himself..:::
Van's Mind -
{Eerie cackling is heard from every corner; there was nothing but pure
shadows and darkness.}
["There is no where to run; there is no where to hide; for all that you
fear; dwells inside. inhabits this mind!"]
"WHO SAID THAT!" yelled Van as he searched high and low for the peculiar
voice.
["Pains of the past, and pains to come; all will be revealed; this mind
shall succumb!"] it went on.
"SUCCUMB WHAT?. WHO ARE YOU?!"
[. . . In your subconscious - they lay deep; but now they awaken from their sleep. memories you regret, you long to forget, but touch upon thy heart
that weeps.]
". . .Huh?" Van turned behind him and saw something he never wanted to see again. It was his mother. and she was dying. "Gasp!. It. it can't be!"
he stuttered. "It's my mother. and she's. and she's. . ."
[". . .yes?. . ."] pursued the voice.
But Van couldn't bring himself to say it. He closed his eyes and clenched his fists trying to block out what he just saw. "GRR.THIS ISN'T REAL!" he
yelled and started running in the opposite direction.
Then the voice went on to say.
[If what you feel you think not real, then you deny what's seen with thine eye; but since emotionally you cease to believe, then physically. you shall
surely grieve!!]
"You don't scare me!" Van argued back. "If this is my mind, then I should
be able to control what I see. not you!"
The voice answered by saying,
[If this be true, then what I do - should have utterly no effect on you;
yet over your shoulder stands a view; that has long sinced tortued your
soul. who knew? ^_^]
Van looked and couldn't believe what he saw. "No, not. how did you!!." Van looked and saw the Escaflowne. ". . .UggAah!" Just then Van fell to
the floor as a familiar yet loathsome pain struck his body. As he struggled to look up at the image standing before him, he saw himself being
held down by his friends as a recap of the battle he had just finished
fighting at which he had been injured from after first fusing with the escaflowne. "H-how are you do-ing this. this is. impossible!!" he managed
to say.
[Your mind makes it possible, that you already know; but in the corridors
of your soul, you struggle to let go.]
The vision went on, and so did his suffering. Van was crouched on the
ground crying out in pain, until he could take no more. . .
"grrrrRRRSTOP IT!!!" he yelled.
[. . . .]
And then it stopped.
Van was panting as he felt short of breath. ". . . get me out of here." he
whispered. "I will see no more."
[Since you decide that the past be left dead; then look to the future. and
see what's ahead.]
Van stood up angrily. "I SAID I WILL SEE NO MORE!!" he yelled.
[. . .in saying so, you have said it all.] replied the voice.
Then it presented before Van's eyes what is to come.
[Behold. your future.]
"Gasp!" Van couldn't believe it. "But. there's nothing there!" he said.
[. . .Precisely.] was it's reply.
Van couldn't bare it any longer. he lost his temper completely. "WHO ARE YOU?!?!" he yelled. "STOP COWERING IN THE SHADOWS AND REVEAL YOURSELF TO
ME!!. NOW!!"
The eerie voice replied. [I am what is preventing you from changing your destiny.] then it walked out, and Van couldn't believe what he saw. It was none other than. [. . .
me.] . . . himself.
". . ." Van was speechless as he saw another him standing before himself.
". . . I don't understand." he replied.
[hm.]-_- the image of Van smiled.
All of a sudden a bright light came, it was nearly blinding to Van's eyes.
When he opened his eyes. he came to.
End of Van's Mind -
"Aahh, Err!!.huh?" Van opened his eyes only to meet himself strapped onto Allen's horse and Allen trying his best to steady him.
"So, you're back!" started Allen. "Well, that's a relief, I didn't know how much longer I could restrain you!"
"Huh?. restrain me?"
"You don't remember, oh well that's just great." he joked. "All that kicking and screaming, you'd think it would leave an impact, but I guess it doesn't really matter now."
"Uh," ' Van felt a little embarrassed. He jumped down from off the horses back. "Thank you," he replied. "For helping me."
"Forget about it, you were in trouble, I couldn't just leave you there." he explained.
This left Van totally baffled. "Uh, leave me. where? exactly?"
"Well," *.* Allen couldn't believe it. " You really DID forget everything, didn't you?"
"Yeah, I guess I did." he admitted.
Allen looked forward and saw that they were only a few minutes away from reaching the castle. "Sigh. don't worry. I'll explain everything inside." he said. Just then Allen thought he heard silent whispering and shuffling through the bushes right out front the castle's courtyard. He stopped moving. "Wait," he said stopping his horse and holding his hand out in front of Van. "Did you hear something?" he asked him. Van listened more attentively and then thought he heard something too. "Yeah, I think I do." he answered. "Shh. this way." said Allen leading the way with his horse.
As they neared closer, someone heard them coming. "GASP!"
The next thing Allen and Van heard was someone scream. "Aaaaaaah!!!!"
Allen and Van exchanged looks and hurried to follow the cry. When they got there, they saw princess Reigomé and a man dressed in black with a dagger in his hands.
"Gasp!" Van recognized him right off the bat. [That's the same guy who was in my room. but how is it that I can't remember how he and I parted ways! I couldn't of just let him go!] he thought.
"Huh?" When the man in black saw Van and Allen, he immediately ran for it.
"Grr. not this time!" yelled Van as he tried to go after him, but princess Reigomé stopped him.
"Wait!" she started. "You can't leave me Van! I'm scared. there are others here that might try to kill me should you go!" she said frantically.
"But! He's getting away!!" Van replied.
"It's ok Van, you stay with her. I'll go after him" insisted Allen. He then ran off.
Van then stood in a fighting stance, anxious to take them on. "Grr. where are the others?!" he asked. "Are they still here?!"
"I. I don't know!" she admitted.
Van straightened up. ". . .Huh?"
Just then Allen came back. without the man in black!
"Either he was much too fast, or he's been here before. because he was no where in sight when I reached there." explained Allen. "Where are the others you were talking about, princess?" he asked. "Did they manage to escape."
"Sigh, she doesn't know." Van replied in response for her.
". . . Really." Allen was a little confused. "Then, how did you know that there were others in the first. . ."
". . . because they were threatening me behind the bushes! I swear it! Only the man in black revealed himself!" she interrupted.
"How many did you hear?" asked Van.
"I'm not sure." She replied. "I think there were one or two more, but most definitely there was one - the man in black had at least one accomplice. I know this because two of them I heard talking about you Van, before I stepped over in this area! 'Tis how I was drawn to coming over here in the first place. I was interested in what they were discussing about you, but had I known that they wanted to kill me as well, then I. . ."
". . .How did you know they were wanting to kill you and not just Van?" asked Allen.
"I HEARD THEM!" she yelled. "Sigh, my apologies, I am not one to raise my voice, but. . ."
". . .it's alright, princess." said Allen. "It's understandable. You were scared, I can see that."
"Thank you." she said with a tear.
However, Allen still had trouble buying her story. He walked over to whisper to Van to get his opinion. "What do you think about all this Van?. you believe her?" he asked.
Just then. . .
*-FLASH-* "Help me!!!.. PLEASE!!" [galloping of horses.. an increasing
sound]
"No.. stay away.please don't hurt me!!! [galloping continues.. as the enemy
draws nearer]
"No - err.Mu.mu la-dy...errrRRRUN!!!..Run MY LADY!.Arrg!!"
"I beg of you.WAIT!!!!!! I mean you no harm!!!!!!!"
"DON'T HARM HER!!!!" a young warrior pleads.
[but he arrives...] "Y'AAAAHH!!!"
"Aaaaaaaaaahhhhh!!!!!!!!!!" *sLiCe!* [.it is done.]
"NOOOOOOO!!!!" *-End Vision-*
"GASP!" Van nearly keeled over, but Allen caught him.
"What has become of Van?!" asked the princess in a concerned tone.
"He's been drugged." replied Allen.
"Gasp!! Oh my!!!" said the princess with fearful eyes.
"Van, are you all right?" Allen asked.
Van then stood up with fully confident and said. "It's okay. she's telling the truth."
*************************************
Meanwhile,
Meanwhile in the castle, the escaflowne was undergoing great work as to better improve it. (Nothing, however that involves repair that would be harmful to Van).
"I do say. is it still undergoing treatment?" asked Dobson.
"Yes sir. We should have it done shortly." replied a worker.
"Sigh, very well. But do be quick at it! The price grows weary of these common delays, mind you."
"Of course sir, it will be done in due time." answered another.
Dobson then shook his head saying, "Yes, in time. which is something we seem to be growing short of now a days, I'm afraid!"
*************************
". . . I'm ok. I just need some air." said Van as he explained to Allen that he'd rather not go inside but stay where he was.
"Van, you're ill. You need help! What you're doing is totally illogical, never mind the fact that the same people who did this to you could return! You're in no condition to defend yourself out here by yourself!
". . . I'll be fine." he replied.
"He is right, Van." added the princess. "It is not safe to be out her all on your own, I see it fit that you come inside immediately! Maybe even. keep my company?" ^_^ she said with a wink.
"Uhhh. . ." *.*' Van was once again left without words.
Allen gave a serious look. -_- "Hm, forget it princess, he's not coming," he explained. "If he wants to play tough guy? then by all means. let 'em stay. It's not our business to interfere." he ended.
Van looked up at Allen. "Thank you."
"Just keep your eyes opened," he said, then both he and the princess left.
******************************* About a half hour passed and Merle still hadn't found Van, and she wasn't getting any closer seeing as how he was outside instead of in.
"Hooooooh!!!" whined Merle as she plopped herself down in a chair located in the study. "How come I still haven't found you yet, lord Van?" she was becoming quite agitated. "I think I'll go check his room again"
So Merle got up to check Van's room, but when she neared the entrance, she heard voices coming from it. There was a conversation taking place between two people. Merle went in and hid behind his dress table, being sure to stay very quiet. She slowly eased up half way and peeked over to see what they were discussing. Merle observed as she saw two people that she couldn't believe would be talking to one another, and in Van's room! She listened carefully.
"Did he recognize you?' one asked.
"I don't think so, I changed my voice as best I could" the other replied.
"I can't believe he got away!"
"He won't next time. I promise. He is weak, and is less able to defend himself against us." replied the other. "Prince Van, will be taken cared of shortly. I assure you!" The two of them laughed.
"Gasp!" Merle couldn't believe what she was hearing. ["lord Van! They're going to hurt lord Van!!"] As Merle got excited, she leaned closer towards the dresser where her nose caught wind of some dust. and as much as she tried to contain it, she just couldn't! So she let out a light sneeze. "Ah- choo!.gasp!" she covered her mouth with her hands, and quickly lowered herself closer to the ground easing herself even more towards the dresser.
"What was that!" said the first kidnapper. Though her body was well hidden, her tail was freely shown. The kidnapper looked to the corner and saw Merle's tail waving out in the open and figured that she was eavesdropping behind the dresser. "It seems as though we have a little spy on our tails." was the ironic reply the kidnapper made.
The other kidnapper peeked that way. "So we do." he answered calmly.
The first kidnapper moved closer towards the second one. "Look," the first one started. "I must go, but I want you to grab the brat and take her to the Peak. She's just what we need,"
"And what's that" replied the second one.
". . .BAIT!"
******************************
Another half hour or so had gone by, and Hitomi was still searching for Van, until she finally found him sitting out front where Allen and the princess had left him earlier. He seemed to be meditating on his own thoughts. Normally Hitomi wouldn't have even thought of disturbing him, but she really needed to talk to him.
["[I am what is preventing you from changing your destiny.]. . . [. . . me.]"] Van closed his eyes and grimaced at the thought. [I have to make
it right. Somehow. I have to make it right.] he thought.
Just then Hitomi arrived and placed an arm on his shoulder. "Van?" she started.
"UH!" he jumped as she startled him.
"Is something wro. . ."
".Nothing!. nothing, I mean - I'm fine." he answered frantically.
". . . ?. you don't seem fine," she said in a worried tone.
"Well I am! Alright?" he shot back.
"Alright. What ever you say Van, I'm not going to argue with you." She confessed. "Uh, y-you know," she started more carefully. "Merle is looking for you too Van. We've both been looking for quite a while now."
Van didn't answer. He just continued to stare at nothing in particular.
"#_#''' .*ahem* . o.k." Hitomi replied. "Just thought you'd might wanna know, but, I can see you're kina busy right now. . ."
Hitomi studied Van's reaction. still nothing.
". . .I'm just gonna go. . ."
". . .Wait! Hitomi?. sigh." Van spoke.
"huh?"
"I'm sorry, it's just that. I've got a lot on my mind. I wasn't trying to be rude, please stay." he said.
Hitomi smiled. "Sigh, look Van. I know you're upset with me, but I just wanted to apologize for how I reacted earlier."
"Huh?" Van looked up at her.
"I admit, I was jealous, and I was way out of line. and I'm sorry" she sat down beside him. "But I never wanted to hurt you. I. I just care about you a lot, I mean, sigh. I just want you to be happy.you know?" she said in a nervous tone. ^.~'
Van took her hand and smiled. "Hitomi, it's alright, I don't blame you. If that were you up there. I know how I'd feel."
Hitomi's eyes softened. "Oh Van," she gave a small grin.
Suddenly, Van began to feel very tired and weak. "Ugh," he groaned as he put his hand on his head.
"Van?" Hitomi examined him and she noticed the sudden change in behaviour. "Are you alright? Here. let me help you!" she said as she came to his aid.
Van resisted. "Stop!. I'm fine." he lied.
"NO! You're in pain! Tell me, what's wrong!!"
Just then, Reigomé came down to see Van. "Van?" she called. "Art thou still here? I thought you'd might appreciate some compa. oh." She finished as she saw Hitomi. "My apologies, had I known that you were holding a private conversation, then I. . ."
". . .No, it's alright," interrupted Hitomi. "You can stay," she said with a fake grin. ^-^' [Ugh! Great!] -_-. she thought. "Van's in pain, I think he needs help!" Hitmoi added. Reigomé walked over toward him. She put a hand on his shoulder.
"Van? 'Tis thy prince in pain?!" she asked in a concerned tone.
Van slowly began to stand up. "No, I'm alright. I. ugh, I just need to - rest a while." He started to make his way to his bedroom. Hitomi never left his side, and neither did Reigomé.
"Van, promise me you'll get some sleep. and don't stress yourself out. You can talk to me. Tell me what's bothering you." Hitomi said as they walked.
"Hitomi. . ."
"No Van! I want you to promise me!" she went on. A tear fell down her cheek. "I'm worried about you. You're not yourself." Hitomi remembered the vision and feared greatly for his life. "Promise me."
Van looked into her eyes and saw the pain that was there. He gave a weak grin. "I promise." he said.
Hitomi smiled. Then Reigomé, feeling left out, grabbed a hold of Van's arm and directed him to his bed. "Here Van! Thou shalt lay here until thy strength is restored!" ^_^ she said with a sweet grin. "I too, shall stay with thee!" she added.
"!!!!!" [GrrrrrrrrrRRRRR!!!!!] +_+'''Hitomi was infuriated.
Suddenly, when Reigomé turned around to fix the blinds in his room, her dress knocked off a note that was left on the dresser. Van's attention was caught as he picked it up to read it.
Hitomi walked over. "What is it Van?"
There was no answer. Hitomi watched as Van's mood slowly changed to a troubled and frightened one. "Grrr!!!" Van grit his teeth and crunched up the letter and dropped it on the ground. He then jumped out of his bed and started gathering his fighting gear.
"Gasp! Van! What are you doing!" said a frightened Hitomi. "Where are you going? You promised me that. . ."
". . .I'm sorry!" he interrupted. "But I can't!"
". . ." Hitomi was shocked. As he prepared, she slowly bent down to pick up the letter that he had just read. She uncoiled it and began to read it.
". . .GASP! Oh No!. Merle! They got her!!" she said as one hand was held before her mouth. Reigomé turned around. "Gasp! Oh dear!" she said.
"I have to go now!" Van said as he headed towards the door.
"B-but wait!" stuttered Reigomé. "What about our dinner date that we had scheduled for tonight!"
"Dinner date?!" Hitomi repeated.
"Cancel it!" replied Van as he stormed out in the room in a rage. When he had left, Reigomé was left alone in the room with Hitomi. an uncomfortable position indeed! ^_~'
"Uh," the princess slowly turned around to meet a very crossed Hitomi. "*ahem*. well!" she started. "It appears as if it is just you and me, Hitomi! This is great as it shall give us an opportunity to talk," she stated.
Hitomi's reaction didn't change. "Mmhm!" was her reply.
"Van has spoken much about thee, Hitomi."
"Has he?" she said. "Did Van ever mention that. . ."
". . . If you mean has Van ever mentioned that you two share a special bond. then yes, he has." she interrupted.
"Oh, uh. . ." Hitomi softened. "Look, I'm sorry. This is just really hard for me, but then again, it would be really selfish of me to not think that this wouldn't be hard for you as well."
Reigomé smiled. "I'd really like for us to be friends, Hitomi. I know that you are a sweet girl, and I see no reason for us to have a grudge held against one another."
"Sigh," Hitomi took a deep breath. "You're right. friends?" she said as she held her hand out for the princess to shake on as an agreement.
". . . Friends!" she said as they shook hands. "Aheh, it really was silly of us to quarrel over Van as if some sort of competition!" she went on to say.
"Yeah, I guess."
"I mean, we all know that in the end, Van and I will be wed! So really it is ridiculous to think otherwise!" she proclaimed.
Hitomi was becoming unsteady again. "-_- Uh. huh."
"I mean really, a commoner and a prince?" she laughed. "I can't see it! Can you?" she threw her head back and laughed wildly.
Hitomi could not believe what she just heard. "What?!?!" o.0;;; was her reply.
"*Sigh*. oh yes." she settled. "Well, it was really nice talking to thee Hitomi, we simply must do this again someti. . ."
". . .*sLAm!*" Hitomi had left the room.
"Or. n- not." she stuttered. "Well. that went smoothly!"
*****************************
Tow hours had gone by, and Van was unsuccessful in finding his feline friend. He went back outside to sit where he sat before to gather his thoughts. He stared up into the starry sky. [It's late now. and she could be anywhere!] he thought to himself.
Then Hitomi came and sat down next to him. "No luck, huh."
Van continued to stare at the sky, and kept quiet for a while. ". . . Why can't I find her, Hitomi." he whispered.
Hitomi saw his pain in his eyes and felt great sympathy for him. She could see that he was worried about her and feels guilty for letting the last words he said to her be what they were.
Van stood up and made his way back inside. Hitomi decided not to follow this time.
****************************
That night.'
That night, when all was silent, something happened, something unexplainable. but very real. In the shadows of an underground den beneath the earth lay a deceased warrior who had long since left this world. Spectacularly, he has been awakened from his slumber, but is left baffled and confused. he is lost. He is not grateful for this second chance of life that has been handed to him, but instead greatly fears for his soul. This man's name. is Folken.
"I'm. I'm alive." Folken says staring at the palms of his hands. "This is impossible." he whispered.
"On the contrary.it is quite possible." answered a serene voice, hidden deep amongst the shadows.
"Who said that?"
"You are here for a reason," the voice replied.
"You haven't answer my question, who are you?" he asked again.
"Who I am is to of no importance, what is important, however, is why you are here."
"Alright then, why AM I here?!"
"You are here because I brought you here, in spite of the fact that it was a forbidden action. I knew not to do so. but I did. Now the repercussions of my disobedience will be severe, however, I found myself left with no other alternative.
". . . Meaning what?" he asked again.
"Meaning, that I believe only you have what it takes to successfully complete my deadly task." she answered.
"Why."
". . .Because of Van."
Folken paused. ". . . What does my brother have to do with all of this?"
"A great deal." replied the spirit. "You two share kindred minds, yet your decisions when it comes to judgement is unique, and more than I can fathom. He will choose a path that you dare not take, and that is when you must strike."
"Strike?" repeated Folken.
"Yes. You and he must fight for what you both believe to be the truth." she replied. "Though it pains me to say, as long as he believes what he believes, then he is your enemy, and he must be stopped."
". . ."
The spirit acknowledged Folken's stunned reaction.
"If fulfilling thy duty becometh an issue, then speak now, as time is of the essence." she warned.
"I am simply trying to comprehend the task that you've burdened upon me. he replies. "I see no reason why. . ."
". . .The fact that you do not understand is irrelevant at this time, cooperation is all that is to of any value." the spirit replied.
Folken grew agitated. "I don't think this is about me at all. What I think, is that you just need someone to do your dirty work, and why you chose me? I don't know, and in all honesty, I don't really care! But what I DO know, is that I refuse to be involved in such a travesty of dominance when you have yet to give me straight answer!"
"As you have royal blood flowing through your veins, so are you a victim in all of this."
"A victim in what!"
". . .the extinction of a beautiful race."
Folken froze.
"You must forget the fact that Van is your brother and choose to fight against him. I am not asking you to kill him, but simply stop him. that is all that matters."
"Now what makes you think I'd be willing fight my own flesh and blood?"
"This." The spirit did something to Folken that made him envision some sort of prophecy.
"Arr!" he fell to the floor.
"What you have just witnessed is what 'was' and what 'could be' " the spirit told.
[. . . I was just a child, she - was but only a babe,] Folken thought to himself.
"You must help be-rid the blood of Valgor. the ruler of no definite court! You have seen the outcome, and what has become of the kingdoms of Gadian, Tomai, and Arkana. This can be prevented."
"How do I know I can trust you. how do I know you aren't just some old pawn of Dornkirk's looking for a new era of wrong-doings to reign supreme over Gaea. You were probably there when it first took place! Were you not?"
The spirit was silent.
". . . ANSWER ME, TO WHAT I ASK!" urged Folken.
"I have no recollection of the event in question." said the spirit.
". . . Then, how can I trust you."
"I do not know." it replied. "There is no way that I can reason trust, that is simply something that you must do for yourself. You can either decide to put the information that I am telling you into good use, or choose to ignore it. The choice is entirely up to you and you alone."
Folken was now infuriated. "JUST WHO OR WHAT ARE YOU!" he yelled. "SHOW YOURSELF!"
The spirit paused a moment and then replied
"Revealing my true image reveals nothing as appearances can be deceiving. it would only contribute to your confusion."
"If you show me your true form. I swear I will believe you." he confessed.
The spirit waited a while before replying, and then said. . . ". . . Very well." It then came before Folken.
"UH!" Folken was hit with sudden wave of fear and confusion, sweating from head to toe as he finally saw the true identity behind the mysterious voice. He felt a strange presence come over him, one he hadn't felt in years, but oddly enough - he liked it. Folken whispered a response. ". No. you-you can't be real. you just can't be."
----End----
*******************************
Chapter 4 - Past Pains, Future Foreboding
".SCREW UP!" Van paced around in his room in frustration. "That's all I've managed to do lately!" he stopped moving. "Sigh, I gotta find Merle," he remembered.
He started walking toward the door, when he heard a voice behind him.
"And, just where were you going?"
"Sigh, Dobbs! Now is not the time, look I have to go! So please just.huh?" Van turned around and noticed it wasn't Dobson. but someone else.
This person was dressed in all black, and his face was well hidden. The only thing Van noticed was that it was the voice of a man, but he couldn't tell whose. The voice was strained and sounded like it was forced.
Van wasted no time to draw his dagger from his side pouch as a defense mechanism. "Grr.just who are you?!" he threatened.
The mystery man began walking closer to Van. "Tsk, tsk, tsk. my young prince, is that really necessary?" he asked referring to his dagger.
"I don't know, you tell me!" answered Van.
He continued to walk towards Van until he was right up within the distance of his dagger. "You know, your mother was never very supportive of you when it came to violence. you remember?" he replied.
". . .my. my mother?" Van was frozen by the comment and let his guard down. He slowly began to lower his dagger. That gave the intruder a perfect opportunity to strike!
"*tHwAP!!*" Van fell to the ground unconscious as the man gave him a tremendous blow to the head. "So, I guess that means, you won't be needing this!" he joked as he took Van's dagger. Then he picked Van up. "There, there, now. you have an appointment that you simply mustn't be late for! Ha, ha, ha!" he then made his way through the side window and out of the castle.
****************************
". . .Maybe, I overreacted," said Hitomi to herself as she walked down the river stream pathway. [then again. I don't really know this. "Reigomé", or what she means to Van.] she thought. [They could've met long before I came into the picture! Maybe Van IS in love with her!...Or maybe she's in love with him!. Or maybe I.. m-maybe.UGH!!] Hitomi's thoughts ran wild! Then she came to her senses. "Or maybe, sigh." she leaned against a fence looking into the beautiful river distance. ". . .Maybe I should've put more trust in Van, instead of blowing up in his face." she said softly. "I shouldn't jump to conclusions, if this is any bit of Van's fault, then it's just as much mine. I need to talk to him."
When Hitomi started heading back towards the castle, she was set off course by a familiar sound. [. . . I know that voice], she thought. She turned her attention to the far field on her left, where she saw a young girl crying.
"MERLE?!" she called a loud.
"*sniffle* *sniffle*. wha?" she looked up from where she was sitting. "GASP! HITOMI!!!!" she ran towards her and pinned her to the ground.
"Ahe, he!! I missed you too, Merle!"
Merle wiped the tears from her eyes. "W-what are you doing here, Hitomi. I didn't think you were EVER coming back! And neither did lord Van! GASP! Does he know?. We have to go find him and. . ."
". . . Whoa! Hold your horses Merle!" Hitomi interrupted.
"My. horses?"
"Um, never mind, she chuckled. It's alright, Van already knows, and as for me ending up back in Gaea?. well, let's just say that your guess is as good as mine!"
"Oh, I see, well the point is that you're back, and that's all that matters!" she replied.
"Hm, ^_^ yea."
"So, what are you doing all the way out here, Hitomi?" asked a very curious Merle.
"Um. forget it, it's not worth talking about." she answered.
"Oh come on, Hitomi! You can tell me! I'll bet it's. gasp! That's it!"
"That's what?" ^_~' Hitomi asked.
"I see why you don't want to talk about it - you found out about Reigomé. didn't you, Hitomi?" Merle spoke in a sad tone.
". . . yea, I guess you can say that." she replied. "And from the tone of your voice, you don't seem that fond of her either. am I right?"
"Yea, you're right." she answered softly. Her head hung low.
"So," Hitomi started. "I guess my next question is. what are YOU doing out here? and correct me if I'm wrong but, a few minutes ago, I thought I saw tears! Is there something you want to talk to me about, Merle?" Hitomi inquired. "I'll try my best to help if I can,"
Merle looked up and smiled at Hitomi. "Thanks Hitomi, but I'm ok now, it's just that ever since princess Reigomé came into the picture, lord Van's been really stressed out! He even yelled at me, and he NEVER yells at me Hitomi! And I know he didn't mean it, but. sigh. Oh, I don't know, it sounds stupid. just forget it." she ended as she started picking away at the grass.
Hitomi smiled sweetly. "You know Merle, I think it's time we both go find Van, whatta ya say?" . . .
*******************************
Night fell quickly, and Van woke up in a field of grass and with a throbbing headache. "Eugh. . ." he sat up only to realize that his mouth, hands, and feet, were tied and his dagger was gone. His eyes however, were wide open. Just then he saw the same guy in black walking towards him. "Errg!!. . ." Van was beyond p.o'ed!
"Now, now," he taunted. "None a that! Anger shan't get you anywhere!" he then knelt down to Van and took out a needle with some sort of substance in it. "This, however. hm, hm, hm. this shall get ME somewhere! A step closer to victory. another phase in the plan if you will." He leaned in to inject it into Van's neck.
"Grr!!. err!!" but Van struggled.
"*Sigh*, now be still at it would you? 'Tis to be over soon!" He finally held him down and injected it into his body. "There now, was that so bad!" he lied.
Just then Van felt a strange presence come over him, it was like a wave of heat, and though very mild at first, it proved to be very effective right off the bat. Everything appeared blurry, and he felt dizzy to say the very least. Sounds appeared to be muffled and low, everything was out of focus. He had trouble concentrating.
Suddenly, another person came out, or was it just one? "Did you inject him with the bydroflouriphyll yet?" (by-dro-floor-if-ill) asked another person dressed in normal clothing, however Van could neither make out the figure or the voice. He couldn't even tell how many people were there! Two? Three?. Six? lol. They all seemed the same.
"Yes," replied the man dressed in black. "He won't remember a thing! Then eventually, the deadly part of it should kick in. But I must warn you, I heard word that he is only - HALF Draconian. and not full."
"Gasp! Half!" the other person exclaimed. " 'Tis only a measly little half pint of draconian blood that he possesses?!" complained the other person. "Shh. then so be it. It will have to do."
The man in black walked over to Van to pick him up. "Well then, let us be on our way," just when he knelt down to pick up Van, he heard a strange noise coming towards them. "Gasp! Someone is coming!" he whispered.
{"There Boy! We'll break here for a while!"} said a voice in the distance. The person was obviously on a horse. The kidnappers heard as he began to approach them.
"We must leave him!" whispered the man in black.
"NO!!"
"We HAVE to!!!" the man in black then stood Van up leaning him against the side of a tree. "He will look less suspicious this way!" he explained, then the kidnappers ran off.
As soon as they left, out walked Allen Schezar. ^_^ His eyes immediately met Van leaning lifelessly against the tree.
"Huh?. Van?" he ran towards him. He leaned him up and supported him on his shoulder. "What happened?!" But Van would not respond, instead he'd groan. Just then Allen found the needle that was used on Van, dripping on the floor. He put two and two together. [This was no accident!] Who did this to you!?"
". . ." but there was no response.
"VAN!"
". . ." still nothing.
[He needs help!] he thought. [I've got to take him back to the castle, maybe I can get some answers there!] He slowly draped Van onto the back of his horse. "Easy boy, you're going to have to be gentle on this one." Allen walked the horse the rest of the way to keep a better eye on Van's condition.
***************************************** Meanwhile.
Meanwhile, Hitomi and Merle had reached the castle, but decided to go their separate ways when searching for him.
"I'll search the yard and outside the courts first, you can look inside," said Hitomi.
"Okay," Merle then went inside.
[He must be around here somewhere,] thought Hitomi. All of a sudden, Hitomi began to feel a pain in her head, mild at first. but then much more severe!
"AaaaH!" Hitomi screamed as she fell to her knees in pain, her hands gripped to her head. "No. not - AGAIN!!" she cried. But, it was inevitable!.
*-FLASH - (vision recap) -* "Everything happens for a reason child. . ."
". . . Please, if I'm going to forget you can at least tell me why!. tell
me why!. why!. . ."
". . . 'Tis your destiny to be returned to Gaea where ye can help change things for the better. . .You shall go to Finalia with no memory of what
you just saw. . ."
". . .I have to fix this!"
". . . there you must live each day with only a vague recollection of the
vision which can change the future. change the future. the future. . ."
". . .Wait!"
". . . change the future. . .WHHooooooossssshhhh!!!. . ."
*-End Vision-*
"Aah!" Hitomi fell to the floor panting wildly. "T-th. that's it," she started. "That's how I got here! Oh, if only I could remember everything, and right now!" she exclaimed. "Someone's life could be at stake. and, it could be up to me, to save that person." Hitomi stood up. "I just can't remember who that woman was of what she showed me that was so important. I just - can't remember!" Hitomi became very frustrated but quickly calmed down. [No, I can't get all worked up over something that I can't help, not yet anyway. I need to be patient] she thought. [Besides, she did say that each day I would recall a little more, so that must mean I have some time to figure this whole thing out!] She re-gathered her thoughts and got her priorities straight, "But right now, I need to find Van, he could be a big piece of the puzzle!" She then continued her search. . .
*******************************
As Allen and Van continued their journey back to the castle, Van's condition only worsened. "Grr.err. er"
"huh?" Allen observed as Van battled his inner demons. [Come on kid, you can pull through this, you've done it before - and you'll do it again.] he thought to himself.
:::Inside Van's mind were horrible pains from the past and premonitions of the future. Normally he'd have his friends to help him through these rough times, but with what he was facing now, he had no one to help him out. but himself..:::
Van's Mind -
{Eerie cackling is heard from every corner; there was nothing but pure
shadows and darkness.}
["There is no where to run; there is no where to hide; for all that you
fear; dwells inside. inhabits this mind!"]
"WHO SAID THAT!" yelled Van as he searched high and low for the peculiar
voice.
["Pains of the past, and pains to come; all will be revealed; this mind
shall succumb!"] it went on.
"SUCCUMB WHAT?. WHO ARE YOU?!"
[. . . In your subconscious - they lay deep; but now they awaken from their sleep. memories you regret, you long to forget, but touch upon thy heart
that weeps.]
". . .Huh?" Van turned behind him and saw something he never wanted to see again. It was his mother. and she was dying. "Gasp!. It. it can't be!"
he stuttered. "It's my mother. and she's. and she's. . ."
[". . .yes?. . ."] pursued the voice.
But Van couldn't bring himself to say it. He closed his eyes and clenched his fists trying to block out what he just saw. "GRR.THIS ISN'T REAL!" he
yelled and started running in the opposite direction.
Then the voice went on to say.
[If what you feel you think not real, then you deny what's seen with thine eye; but since emotionally you cease to believe, then physically. you shall
surely grieve!!]
"You don't scare me!" Van argued back. "If this is my mind, then I should
be able to control what I see. not you!"
The voice answered by saying,
[If this be true, then what I do - should have utterly no effect on you;
yet over your shoulder stands a view; that has long sinced tortued your
soul. who knew? ^_^]
Van looked and couldn't believe what he saw. "No, not. how did you!!." Van looked and saw the Escaflowne. ". . .UggAah!" Just then Van fell to
the floor as a familiar yet loathsome pain struck his body. As he struggled to look up at the image standing before him, he saw himself being
held down by his friends as a recap of the battle he had just finished
fighting at which he had been injured from after first fusing with the escaflowne. "H-how are you do-ing this. this is. impossible!!" he managed
to say.
[Your mind makes it possible, that you already know; but in the corridors
of your soul, you struggle to let go.]
The vision went on, and so did his suffering. Van was crouched on the
ground crying out in pain, until he could take no more. . .
"grrrrRRRSTOP IT!!!" he yelled.
[. . . .]
And then it stopped.
Van was panting as he felt short of breath. ". . . get me out of here." he
whispered. "I will see no more."
[Since you decide that the past be left dead; then look to the future. and
see what's ahead.]
Van stood up angrily. "I SAID I WILL SEE NO MORE!!" he yelled.
[. . .in saying so, you have said it all.] replied the voice.
Then it presented before Van's eyes what is to come.
[Behold. your future.]
"Gasp!" Van couldn't believe it. "But. there's nothing there!" he said.
[. . .Precisely.] was it's reply.
Van couldn't bare it any longer. he lost his temper completely. "WHO ARE YOU?!?!" he yelled. "STOP COWERING IN THE SHADOWS AND REVEAL YOURSELF TO
ME!!. NOW!!"
The eerie voice replied. [I am what is preventing you from changing your destiny.] then it walked out, and Van couldn't believe what he saw. It was none other than. [. . .
me.] . . . himself.
". . ." Van was speechless as he saw another him standing before himself.
". . . I don't understand." he replied.
[hm.]-_- the image of Van smiled.
All of a sudden a bright light came, it was nearly blinding to Van's eyes.
When he opened his eyes. he came to.
End of Van's Mind -
"Aahh, Err!!.huh?" Van opened his eyes only to meet himself strapped onto Allen's horse and Allen trying his best to steady him.
"So, you're back!" started Allen. "Well, that's a relief, I didn't know how much longer I could restrain you!"
"Huh?. restrain me?"
"You don't remember, oh well that's just great." he joked. "All that kicking and screaming, you'd think it would leave an impact, but I guess it doesn't really matter now."
"Uh," ' Van felt a little embarrassed. He jumped down from off the horses back. "Thank you," he replied. "For helping me."
"Forget about it, you were in trouble, I couldn't just leave you there." he explained.
This left Van totally baffled. "Uh, leave me. where? exactly?"
"Well," *.* Allen couldn't believe it. " You really DID forget everything, didn't you?"
"Yeah, I guess I did." he admitted.
Allen looked forward and saw that they were only a few minutes away from reaching the castle. "Sigh. don't worry. I'll explain everything inside." he said. Just then Allen thought he heard silent whispering and shuffling through the bushes right out front the castle's courtyard. He stopped moving. "Wait," he said stopping his horse and holding his hand out in front of Van. "Did you hear something?" he asked him. Van listened more attentively and then thought he heard something too. "Yeah, I think I do." he answered. "Shh. this way." said Allen leading the way with his horse.
As they neared closer, someone heard them coming. "GASP!"
The next thing Allen and Van heard was someone scream. "Aaaaaaah!!!!"
Allen and Van exchanged looks and hurried to follow the cry. When they got there, they saw princess Reigomé and a man dressed in black with a dagger in his hands.
"Gasp!" Van recognized him right off the bat. [That's the same guy who was in my room. but how is it that I can't remember how he and I parted ways! I couldn't of just let him go!] he thought.
"Huh?" When the man in black saw Van and Allen, he immediately ran for it.
"Grr. not this time!" yelled Van as he tried to go after him, but princess Reigomé stopped him.
"Wait!" she started. "You can't leave me Van! I'm scared. there are others here that might try to kill me should you go!" she said frantically.
"But! He's getting away!!" Van replied.
"It's ok Van, you stay with her. I'll go after him" insisted Allen. He then ran off.
Van then stood in a fighting stance, anxious to take them on. "Grr. where are the others?!" he asked. "Are they still here?!"
"I. I don't know!" she admitted.
Van straightened up. ". . .Huh?"
Just then Allen came back. without the man in black!
"Either he was much too fast, or he's been here before. because he was no where in sight when I reached there." explained Allen. "Where are the others you were talking about, princess?" he asked. "Did they manage to escape."
"Sigh, she doesn't know." Van replied in response for her.
". . . Really." Allen was a little confused. "Then, how did you know that there were others in the first. . ."
". . . because they were threatening me behind the bushes! I swear it! Only the man in black revealed himself!" she interrupted.
"How many did you hear?" asked Van.
"I'm not sure." She replied. "I think there were one or two more, but most definitely there was one - the man in black had at least one accomplice. I know this because two of them I heard talking about you Van, before I stepped over in this area! 'Tis how I was drawn to coming over here in the first place. I was interested in what they were discussing about you, but had I known that they wanted to kill me as well, then I. . ."
". . .How did you know they were wanting to kill you and not just Van?" asked Allen.
"I HEARD THEM!" she yelled. "Sigh, my apologies, I am not one to raise my voice, but. . ."
". . .it's alright, princess." said Allen. "It's understandable. You were scared, I can see that."
"Thank you." she said with a tear.
However, Allen still had trouble buying her story. He walked over to whisper to Van to get his opinion. "What do you think about all this Van?. you believe her?" he asked.
Just then. . .
*-FLASH-* "Help me!!!.. PLEASE!!" [galloping of horses.. an increasing
sound]
"No.. stay away.please don't hurt me!!! [galloping continues.. as the enemy
draws nearer]
"No - err.Mu.mu la-dy...errrRRRUN!!!..Run MY LADY!.Arrg!!"
"I beg of you.WAIT!!!!!! I mean you no harm!!!!!!!"
"DON'T HARM HER!!!!" a young warrior pleads.
[but he arrives...] "Y'AAAAHH!!!"
"Aaaaaaaaaahhhhh!!!!!!!!!!" *sLiCe!* [.it is done.]
"NOOOOOOO!!!!" *-End Vision-*
"GASP!" Van nearly keeled over, but Allen caught him.
"What has become of Van?!" asked the princess in a concerned tone.
"He's been drugged." replied Allen.
"Gasp!! Oh my!!!" said the princess with fearful eyes.
"Van, are you all right?" Allen asked.
Van then stood up with fully confident and said. "It's okay. she's telling the truth."
*************************************
Meanwhile,
Meanwhile in the castle, the escaflowne was undergoing great work as to better improve it. (Nothing, however that involves repair that would be harmful to Van).
"I do say. is it still undergoing treatment?" asked Dobson.
"Yes sir. We should have it done shortly." replied a worker.
"Sigh, very well. But do be quick at it! The price grows weary of these common delays, mind you."
"Of course sir, it will be done in due time." answered another.
Dobson then shook his head saying, "Yes, in time. which is something we seem to be growing short of now a days, I'm afraid!"
*************************
". . . I'm ok. I just need some air." said Van as he explained to Allen that he'd rather not go inside but stay where he was.
"Van, you're ill. You need help! What you're doing is totally illogical, never mind the fact that the same people who did this to you could return! You're in no condition to defend yourself out here by yourself!
". . . I'll be fine." he replied.
"He is right, Van." added the princess. "It is not safe to be out her all on your own, I see it fit that you come inside immediately! Maybe even. keep my company?" ^_^ she said with a wink.
"Uhhh. . ." *.*' Van was once again left without words.
Allen gave a serious look. -_- "Hm, forget it princess, he's not coming," he explained. "If he wants to play tough guy? then by all means. let 'em stay. It's not our business to interfere." he ended.
Van looked up at Allen. "Thank you."
"Just keep your eyes opened," he said, then both he and the princess left.
******************************* About a half hour passed and Merle still hadn't found Van, and she wasn't getting any closer seeing as how he was outside instead of in.
"Hooooooh!!!" whined Merle as she plopped herself down in a chair located in the study. "How come I still haven't found you yet, lord Van?" she was becoming quite agitated. "I think I'll go check his room again"
So Merle got up to check Van's room, but when she neared the entrance, she heard voices coming from it. There was a conversation taking place between two people. Merle went in and hid behind his dress table, being sure to stay very quiet. She slowly eased up half way and peeked over to see what they were discussing. Merle observed as she saw two people that she couldn't believe would be talking to one another, and in Van's room! She listened carefully.
"Did he recognize you?' one asked.
"I don't think so, I changed my voice as best I could" the other replied.
"I can't believe he got away!"
"He won't next time. I promise. He is weak, and is less able to defend himself against us." replied the other. "Prince Van, will be taken cared of shortly. I assure you!" The two of them laughed.
"Gasp!" Merle couldn't believe what she was hearing. ["lord Van! They're going to hurt lord Van!!"] As Merle got excited, she leaned closer towards the dresser where her nose caught wind of some dust. and as much as she tried to contain it, she just couldn't! So she let out a light sneeze. "Ah- choo!.gasp!" she covered her mouth with her hands, and quickly lowered herself closer to the ground easing herself even more towards the dresser.
"What was that!" said the first kidnapper. Though her body was well hidden, her tail was freely shown. The kidnapper looked to the corner and saw Merle's tail waving out in the open and figured that she was eavesdropping behind the dresser. "It seems as though we have a little spy on our tails." was the ironic reply the kidnapper made.
The other kidnapper peeked that way. "So we do." he answered calmly.
The first kidnapper moved closer towards the second one. "Look," the first one started. "I must go, but I want you to grab the brat and take her to the Peak. She's just what we need,"
"And what's that" replied the second one.
". . .BAIT!"
******************************
Another half hour or so had gone by, and Hitomi was still searching for Van, until she finally found him sitting out front where Allen and the princess had left him earlier. He seemed to be meditating on his own thoughts. Normally Hitomi wouldn't have even thought of disturbing him, but she really needed to talk to him.
["[I am what is preventing you from changing your destiny.]. . . [. . . me.]"] Van closed his eyes and grimaced at the thought. [I have to make
it right. Somehow. I have to make it right.] he thought.
Just then Hitomi arrived and placed an arm on his shoulder. "Van?" she started.
"UH!" he jumped as she startled him.
"Is something wro. . ."
".Nothing!. nothing, I mean - I'm fine." he answered frantically.
". . . ?. you don't seem fine," she said in a worried tone.
"Well I am! Alright?" he shot back.
"Alright. What ever you say Van, I'm not going to argue with you." She confessed. "Uh, y-you know," she started more carefully. "Merle is looking for you too Van. We've both been looking for quite a while now."
Van didn't answer. He just continued to stare at nothing in particular.
"#_#''' .*ahem* . o.k." Hitomi replied. "Just thought you'd might wanna know, but, I can see you're kina busy right now. . ."
Hitomi studied Van's reaction. still nothing.
". . .I'm just gonna go. . ."
". . .Wait! Hitomi?. sigh." Van spoke.
"huh?"
"I'm sorry, it's just that. I've got a lot on my mind. I wasn't trying to be rude, please stay." he said.
Hitomi smiled. "Sigh, look Van. I know you're upset with me, but I just wanted to apologize for how I reacted earlier."
"Huh?" Van looked up at her.
"I admit, I was jealous, and I was way out of line. and I'm sorry" she sat down beside him. "But I never wanted to hurt you. I. I just care about you a lot, I mean, sigh. I just want you to be happy.you know?" she said in a nervous tone. ^.~'
Van took her hand and smiled. "Hitomi, it's alright, I don't blame you. If that were you up there. I know how I'd feel."
Hitomi's eyes softened. "Oh Van," she gave a small grin.
Suddenly, Van began to feel very tired and weak. "Ugh," he groaned as he put his hand on his head.
"Van?" Hitomi examined him and she noticed the sudden change in behaviour. "Are you alright? Here. let me help you!" she said as she came to his aid.
Van resisted. "Stop!. I'm fine." he lied.
"NO! You're in pain! Tell me, what's wrong!!"
Just then, Reigomé came down to see Van. "Van?" she called. "Art thou still here? I thought you'd might appreciate some compa. oh." She finished as she saw Hitomi. "My apologies, had I known that you were holding a private conversation, then I. . ."
". . .No, it's alright," interrupted Hitomi. "You can stay," she said with a fake grin. ^-^' [Ugh! Great!] -_-. she thought. "Van's in pain, I think he needs help!" Hitmoi added. Reigomé walked over toward him. She put a hand on his shoulder.
"Van? 'Tis thy prince in pain?!" she asked in a concerned tone.
Van slowly began to stand up. "No, I'm alright. I. ugh, I just need to - rest a while." He started to make his way to his bedroom. Hitomi never left his side, and neither did Reigomé.
"Van, promise me you'll get some sleep. and don't stress yourself out. You can talk to me. Tell me what's bothering you." Hitomi said as they walked.
"Hitomi. . ."
"No Van! I want you to promise me!" she went on. A tear fell down her cheek. "I'm worried about you. You're not yourself." Hitomi remembered the vision and feared greatly for his life. "Promise me."
Van looked into her eyes and saw the pain that was there. He gave a weak grin. "I promise." he said.
Hitomi smiled. Then Reigomé, feeling left out, grabbed a hold of Van's arm and directed him to his bed. "Here Van! Thou shalt lay here until thy strength is restored!" ^_^ she said with a sweet grin. "I too, shall stay with thee!" she added.
"!!!!!" [GrrrrrrrrrRRRRR!!!!!] +_+'''Hitomi was infuriated.
Suddenly, when Reigomé turned around to fix the blinds in his room, her dress knocked off a note that was left on the dresser. Van's attention was caught as he picked it up to read it.
Hitomi walked over. "What is it Van?"
There was no answer. Hitomi watched as Van's mood slowly changed to a troubled and frightened one. "Grrr!!!" Van grit his teeth and crunched up the letter and dropped it on the ground. He then jumped out of his bed and started gathering his fighting gear.
"Gasp! Van! What are you doing!" said a frightened Hitomi. "Where are you going? You promised me that. . ."
". . .I'm sorry!" he interrupted. "But I can't!"
". . ." Hitomi was shocked. As he prepared, she slowly bent down to pick up the letter that he had just read. She uncoiled it and began to read it.
". . .GASP! Oh No!. Merle! They got her!!" she said as one hand was held before her mouth. Reigomé turned around. "Gasp! Oh dear!" she said.
"I have to go now!" Van said as he headed towards the door.
"B-but wait!" stuttered Reigomé. "What about our dinner date that we had scheduled for tonight!"
"Dinner date?!" Hitomi repeated.
"Cancel it!" replied Van as he stormed out in the room in a rage. When he had left, Reigomé was left alone in the room with Hitomi. an uncomfortable position indeed! ^_~'
"Uh," the princess slowly turned around to meet a very crossed Hitomi. "*ahem*. well!" she started. "It appears as if it is just you and me, Hitomi! This is great as it shall give us an opportunity to talk," she stated.
Hitomi's reaction didn't change. "Mmhm!" was her reply.
"Van has spoken much about thee, Hitomi."
"Has he?" she said. "Did Van ever mention that. . ."
". . . If you mean has Van ever mentioned that you two share a special bond. then yes, he has." she interrupted.
"Oh, uh. . ." Hitomi softened. "Look, I'm sorry. This is just really hard for me, but then again, it would be really selfish of me to not think that this wouldn't be hard for you as well."
Reigomé smiled. "I'd really like for us to be friends, Hitomi. I know that you are a sweet girl, and I see no reason for us to have a grudge held against one another."
"Sigh," Hitomi took a deep breath. "You're right. friends?" she said as she held her hand out for the princess to shake on as an agreement.
". . . Friends!" she said as they shook hands. "Aheh, it really was silly of us to quarrel over Van as if some sort of competition!" she went on to say.
"Yeah, I guess."
"I mean, we all know that in the end, Van and I will be wed! So really it is ridiculous to think otherwise!" she proclaimed.
Hitomi was becoming unsteady again. "-_- Uh. huh."
"I mean really, a commoner and a prince?" she laughed. "I can't see it! Can you?" she threw her head back and laughed wildly.
Hitomi could not believe what she just heard. "What?!?!" o.0;;; was her reply.
"*Sigh*. oh yes." she settled. "Well, it was really nice talking to thee Hitomi, we simply must do this again someti. . ."
". . .*sLAm!*" Hitomi had left the room.
"Or. n- not." she stuttered. "Well. that went smoothly!"
*****************************
Tow hours had gone by, and Van was unsuccessful in finding his feline friend. He went back outside to sit where he sat before to gather his thoughts. He stared up into the starry sky. [It's late now. and she could be anywhere!] he thought to himself.
Then Hitomi came and sat down next to him. "No luck, huh."
Van continued to stare at the sky, and kept quiet for a while. ". . . Why can't I find her, Hitomi." he whispered.
Hitomi saw his pain in his eyes and felt great sympathy for him. She could see that he was worried about her and feels guilty for letting the last words he said to her be what they were.
Van stood up and made his way back inside. Hitomi decided not to follow this time.
****************************
That night.'
That night, when all was silent, something happened, something unexplainable. but very real. In the shadows of an underground den beneath the earth lay a deceased warrior who had long since left this world. Spectacularly, he has been awakened from his slumber, but is left baffled and confused. he is lost. He is not grateful for this second chance of life that has been handed to him, but instead greatly fears for his soul. This man's name. is Folken.
"I'm. I'm alive." Folken says staring at the palms of his hands. "This is impossible." he whispered.
"On the contrary.it is quite possible." answered a serene voice, hidden deep amongst the shadows.
"Who said that?"
"You are here for a reason," the voice replied.
"You haven't answer my question, who are you?" he asked again.
"Who I am is to of no importance, what is important, however, is why you are here."
"Alright then, why AM I here?!"
"You are here because I brought you here, in spite of the fact that it was a forbidden action. I knew not to do so. but I did. Now the repercussions of my disobedience will be severe, however, I found myself left with no other alternative.
". . . Meaning what?" he asked again.
"Meaning, that I believe only you have what it takes to successfully complete my deadly task." she answered.
"Why."
". . .Because of Van."
Folken paused. ". . . What does my brother have to do with all of this?"
"A great deal." replied the spirit. "You two share kindred minds, yet your decisions when it comes to judgement is unique, and more than I can fathom. He will choose a path that you dare not take, and that is when you must strike."
"Strike?" repeated Folken.
"Yes. You and he must fight for what you both believe to be the truth." she replied. "Though it pains me to say, as long as he believes what he believes, then he is your enemy, and he must be stopped."
". . ."
The spirit acknowledged Folken's stunned reaction.
"If fulfilling thy duty becometh an issue, then speak now, as time is of the essence." she warned.
"I am simply trying to comprehend the task that you've burdened upon me. he replies. "I see no reason why. . ."
". . .The fact that you do not understand is irrelevant at this time, cooperation is all that is to of any value." the spirit replied.
Folken grew agitated. "I don't think this is about me at all. What I think, is that you just need someone to do your dirty work, and why you chose me? I don't know, and in all honesty, I don't really care! But what I DO know, is that I refuse to be involved in such a travesty of dominance when you have yet to give me straight answer!"
"As you have royal blood flowing through your veins, so are you a victim in all of this."
"A victim in what!"
". . .the extinction of a beautiful race."
Folken froze.
"You must forget the fact that Van is your brother and choose to fight against him. I am not asking you to kill him, but simply stop him. that is all that matters."
"Now what makes you think I'd be willing fight my own flesh and blood?"
"This." The spirit did something to Folken that made him envision some sort of prophecy.
"Arr!" he fell to the floor.
"What you have just witnessed is what 'was' and what 'could be' " the spirit told.
[. . . I was just a child, she - was but only a babe,] Folken thought to himself.
"You must help be-rid the blood of Valgor. the ruler of no definite court! You have seen the outcome, and what has become of the kingdoms of Gadian, Tomai, and Arkana. This can be prevented."
"How do I know I can trust you. how do I know you aren't just some old pawn of Dornkirk's looking for a new era of wrong-doings to reign supreme over Gaea. You were probably there when it first took place! Were you not?"
The spirit was silent.
". . . ANSWER ME, TO WHAT I ASK!" urged Folken.
"I have no recollection of the event in question." said the spirit.
". . . Then, how can I trust you."
"I do not know." it replied. "There is no way that I can reason trust, that is simply something that you must do for yourself. You can either decide to put the information that I am telling you into good use, or choose to ignore it. The choice is entirely up to you and you alone."
Folken was now infuriated. "JUST WHO OR WHAT ARE YOU!" he yelled. "SHOW YOURSELF!"
The spirit paused a moment and then replied
"Revealing my true image reveals nothing as appearances can be deceiving. it would only contribute to your confusion."
"If you show me your true form. I swear I will believe you." he confessed.
The spirit waited a while before replying, and then said. . . ". . . Very well." It then came before Folken.
"UH!" Folken was hit with sudden wave of fear and confusion, sweating from head to toe as he finally saw the true identity behind the mysterious voice. He felt a strange presence come over him, one he hadn't felt in years, but oddly enough - he liked it. Folken whispered a response. ". No. you-you can't be real. you just can't be."
----End----