Chapter 3: Jealousy Times Ten

The morning shown brightly through the cracks in the drapes. Hitomi awoke slowly pulling a small cloth from her head. She sat up and propped herself up on some of the many pillows that surrounded her. The knock on her door echoed through the room grabbing her attention.

"Who...Who's there?" She asked nervously not really wanting an answer.

"It's Millerna, and the others are here with me. Can we come in?"

"Do I have a choice?" She groaned almost teasing. The door creaked open and Millerna's head peeked through before walking in followed by everyone else.

"Are you feeling any better?" Millerna asked. Hitomi smiled

"A little" she whispered starring into they're faces. 'They look so tired' she thought to herself.

"I'm sorry I've been nothing but trouble" she said as her smile began to fade. Hitomi couldn't stand to look at they're faces any longer. With a swift turn she had her back to them, the covers pulled up close to her face. She could feel someone sit next to her on the bed. A hand slipped over the covers pulling them down revealing Allen's glimmering blue eyes.

"No" he whispered softly

"I'm sorry Hitomi. For not understanding that last night you were trying to protect an unknowns life and I respect you for that" he smiled as he watched her tense face relax. Hitomi threw her arms around his neck catching him off guard.

"Thank you for believing in me." Allen ruffled her bangs a little

"You need to get ready if you wish to join us in the dinning hall" Allen said softly.

"What!...But.." Hitomi was silenced by Allen's hand.

"The King wishes to meet you" He squeezed her shoulder as he stood and walked away

"Be ready in half an hour ok Hitomi" Allen said as he disappeared through the doors everyone following quickly behind him. After the door clicked shut she exhaled

"Meet the King" is all she whispered as she stood and walked towards her closet.

"Wow!" She gasped at the many dresses hanging before her. Hitomi reached for a beautiful dress that seemed to glow standing out from the others. She pulled it out and walked towards a mirror holding it up under her chin. It was the color of emerald that seemed to shimmer brightly. It was still a simple dress, but she was not one for frills. Hitomi quickly changed, then gathered her uniform up and placed it into her duffle bag. She looked in the dressers mirror and sighed defeated as she reached up and touched the bandage around her head. Without another thought she pulled it off examining where it had been.

"How do I cover this up?" She groaned skimming her finger across her temple. Hitomi looked around then leaned over a large chest and proceeded to open it. Her eyes widened at all the jewelry that lay before her. Her eyes quickly began to search before stopping on an emerald piece that could be placed on her head covering the wound easily. Hitomi jumped as a loud knock brought her from her her thoughts.

"Lady Hitomi are you ready?" A voice called from behind the door.

"Yes I'm ready" she replied walking over to the door. When she opened the door she was met by a young servant boy who just starred at her without movement.

"Is something wrong?" She asked.

"No not at all" he replied

"It's just your really pretty." Hitomi blushed at the statement and smiled shyly

"Thank you." The boy was only about the age of eight, yet he seemed so grown up as did many of the young of Geae. He began leading her down the halls and towards the dinning hall. She started to grow nervous almost petrified as she approached the door.

"Don't worry" the boy said.

"What?" The boy smiled and pulled her down to his level

"I said don't worry. You sit at the right table next to the Ten Knights of the Imperial. Just go straight to your seat you'll be fine." 'What a strange boy' Hitomi thought. He could read her expressions clear as day. He released her arm and pushed her towards the door. She stood up straight and breathed in every ounce of nerve left in her as the guards began to open the doors. Hitomi quickly walked in her hands clutched into fists and neatly placed to her sides. She walked out onto the main floor and began to take in her surroundings as she headed for her seat. Everyone was dressed nicely even Allen's crew. She clutched her dress as it became harder to continue, her nervousness was taking hold she wanted to turn back but it was to late.

"My God!" The Kings voice rose over the others. He stood up and starred at her. His lips moved to whisper an inaudible word

"Rose?" All thee heads turned to the slender figure that just entered the room. She was met with wide eyes and mouths agape. Hitomi paused why are they all starring at me? She thought to herself.

"I'm sorry your Highness I didn't mean to intrude." The King passed the table, his footsteps beat fast but gracefully towards Hitomi. He stopped in front of her holding out his hand.

"May I ask young Lady who you are?"

"Hitomi" she replied in a shy whisper

"Yes, Yes of coarse Lady Hitomi" the King exclaimed joyfully kissing her hand. A slight blush crept across her cheeks as he led her to her seat. The servants seemed stunned, as did the others as they watched him escort her to her chair for it was not the Kings place but a servant's. He pulled out her seat and Hitomi sat down quietly.

"Thank you" she whispered. The King leaned down to her ear to speak

"Let me be the first to tell the Lady how enchanting she looks." Hitomi could have turned three shades of red, she just managed nervous smile

"You're very kind." The King smiled and headed back towards his chair. Hitomi glanced across to the table parallel from her. She met many eyes, she looked at them in confusion. Then she looked down at the table and began twisting and tearing the small napkin in her lap. The Knight next to her looked at her out of the corner of his eye and chuckled inwardly. She was not used to such attention, for it was obvious that she was uncomfortable.

"So Lady Hitomi, I must say I've waited for sometime to meet you" Greggory began.

"Really?" Hitomi looked up and lifted her eyebrow slightly.

"Yes your companions have told me a lot about you, I am quite amazed by they're stories." Hitomi looked down

"I'm sure they over exaggerate your Majesty" she replied.

"I doubt that young lady" he said with a smile. Hitomi liked this King he was unlike the many others she had encountered. He seemed genuinely kind, and his eyes did not look upon her as a lower form of life, but with an equal respect. She glanced over again to the other table to see Van quickly look away. Caught him she giggled to herself. She began to think about the fact that she had not spoken to him truly since about four days she sighed inwardly. His stubbornness to express his emotions could drive a sane person to madness. Her thoughts were interrupted by a hand on her shoulder. She shifted to see the Ten Knights all looking at her.

"Yes, can I help you?" She whispered.

"Let me introduce myself Milady. The names Sir William Flaridy." Hitomi reached out and he kissed her hand.

"It's a pleasure Sir Flaridy"

"Do you have plans for the day?" Hitomi starred a moment at the intense eyes upon her

"No…No I don't have plans" she replied slowly.

"Would you like to come with us to the Valonian markets?" Hitomi was frozen without words.

"We figured you could use a little fun" He said with a smile. Hitomi returned his smile with a slight hesitation

"Ye…Yes I think I would like that very much" she replied her voice growing bolder with every word.

"That's great!" He replied with an exclaimed whisper. William motioned an ok to his fellow knight and a wave of smiles swept across their faces and they began to mingle with one another glancing ever so often in her direction.

"Can you be ready by ten o'clock?" Hitomi looked at William

"Of coarse I can be ready" she replied. William nodded and looked away. Letting Hitomi begin the meal that lay before her.

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Hitomi was in her chambers rummaging through her closet when there was a knock at her door. Hitomi looked up and quickly stumbled to the door, when she opened it Allen, Van, and Gaddes stood before her.

"Yes?" She asked.

"What in heavens name are you doing?" Allen laughed pulling a stray top off her shoulder. Hitomi blushed

"I'm trying to find something casual" she explained.

"Planning on going somewhere?" Gaddes asked Liftting an eyebrow

"Yes" she replied retrieving the shirt and walking back towards the closet.

"Oh, where are you going?" Allen asked.

"To the markets" she said smiling brightly.

"You can't go there alone it would not be safe there's all kinds of riff raff that wonder that area" Van explained. Hitomi laughed which brought her strange looks.

"I'm not going alone" she giggled.

"Oh?" Gaddes muttered.

"No I'm going with the Ten Knights of the Imperial Guard"

"What? But you can't" Van exclaimed.

"What do you mean I can't?" Hitomi frowned putting her hands on her hips.

"I believe what Van means Hitomi is they're reputation is well known as Valonia's playboys. It would not be wise for a young girl that is naive to such things to be in their company" Allen explained seriously.

"We'll see" She replied turning to her closet and continued digging.

"You're not saying that you still plan to go!" Gaddes spouted.

"Of course I'm going, I told them I'd be ready by ten O'clock so if you don't mind I must be going" She huffed stomping of to the bathroom with a set of clothes in hand. Van headed after her but was stopped by Allen's tight grip on his shoulder. "Don't Van!" He said sternly.

"I won't let her go with.."

"I don't think you have a choice in the matter" Gaddes interrupted.

"Hitomis about as stubborn as you if not more, your not gonna win." Gaddes chuckled at Vans frustrated expression. Allen turned with the others at the sound of multiple footsteps behind them.

"Good day Sir Allen, Sir Gaddes, King Van" Sir Kevin Alexander Davenport greeted bowing slightly with the others.

"Lady Hitomi!" William exclaimed passing everyone to approach Hitomi who was walking towards them. William kissed her hand gently and bowed

"May I say my heart leaps for joy at the sight of your face young lady." Van scowled at the older man who did not seem to notice.

"I believe you have yet to be properly introduced to my companions." Hitomi nodded as he led her by the hand directly in front of the other Knights.

"This, my dear is Kevin Alexander Davenport" Kevin bowed slightly. "He is the head of our rambunctious bunch. This is Sir Jeduis Bonshire" Jeduis kissed her hand and greeted

"It's a pleasure"

"Sir Fredrick Coordone, Sir Blue Charleston, Sir Erik Redding, Sir Oliver Peary, Sir Josia Falcone, Sir Matthew Brunswick, and last but definitely not least Sir Phobeous Moldeir" Phobeous leaned forward and unlike the others who merely bowed and kissed her on the hand, he kissed Hitomi's face. Her eyes went wide with surprise.

"Forgive Phobeous he's a little bold" Hitomi starred a moment and then giggled

"It's alright" she replied

"Careful my dear you might encourage him" Kevin teased.

"I think I can handle it I'm a big girl believe it or not" she muttered crossing her arms with a smile.

"Shall we be off then?" Kevin and Jeduis turned towards the door and looked back at her each with an arm out to the side. Hitomi walked in between them grasping their elbows

"I'm ready" They began to walk towards the door

"Don't worry I'll be back soon. I'll see you all later" Hitom called back to Allen, Van, and Gaddes before exiting the door. They disappeared around the corner leaving the others there starring at one another.

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"Wow this place is amazing" Hitomi Exclaimed in wonder.

"Glad you are enjoying yourself Milady" Kevin smiled.

"Please stop with the lady thing. Honestly I would rather you just call me Hitomi" she said while looking at a table of unique items.

"On one condition" Jeduis replied. Hitomi went serious and cocked her eyebrow in interest.

"What?"

"We'll call you Hitomi if you stop calling us Sirs" Hitomi started to giggle "Deal." She agreed then began to follow them through the markets still adjusting to the Knights flirtatious humor.

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Van stood starring across the city from one of the rooftops. Hitomi was with the Knights it was driving him crazy. Was he jealous? No! He couldn't be jealous, there was no reason to be she was only a friend, yes a friend. That's why he was bothered the Knights were playboys he didn't want her to get hurt. Maybe he should go to the markets and checkup on her. She didn't even have to know that he was there. She was only a friend he repeated to himself denying all he had thought days before, but it was still there is a friend all he wanted? He ignored the thought and proceeded to make his way to the markets.

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Hitomi could sense the presence of eyes upon her, but ignored the feeling. In the shadows lurked a dark figure whose eyes could burn through your soul. He was an older man around the age of thirty-five and appeared gruff and unshaven.

"The Dragon's seeress from the Mystic Moon" he spouted with an evil smile.

"Lord Folken will be most pleased if I bring her to him. Then I shall have my rank as Captain of the guard." With moves as graceful as a panther he slid into the alleys.

"She does not look like such a threat to me" he said with an inaudible mutter as the shadows began to envelop him and he was gone.

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Hitomi sat on a wooden crate relaxed and carefree as she watched the man fighting teasingly with one another.

"Excuse me" a voice rang from behind them. There sat a servant of the castle mounted on a horse. Kevin who sat beside Hitomi approached him

"Can we help you?" He asked.

"Yes Sirs. Your presence has been requested by his Majesty and Sir Allen they wish to discuss some issues of Great importance with you" the servant replied quickly. Kevin nodded in understanding and turned to his men

"William take the others and head back I shall stay with Hitomi, You can brief me later" Kevin ordered.

"Yes Sir" William bowed and left all the Knights following. When they were out of sight he turned to face Hitomi.

"Hitomi?" He began

"Yes?"

"The reason I wanted the others to go on is because I need to talk to you"

"Oh? About what?" She asked

"Before I say anything can you promise me something?" Kevin whispered gazing into her eyes.

"W...What is it?" She inquired hesitantly.

"Before I say something promise me that you'll say nothing of what I tell you to anyone else"

"Yes, of coarse" She agreed nervously.

"Ok then I'll begin. That blue light I heard your companion's talk about the one that brought you here is the, well is the same column I experienced three years ago"

"You've been in it too? but what does that have to do with me?".

"Everything, absolutely everything" he muttered

"How can I possibly explain this to you except to say I too am from the Mystic Moon or should I say Earth"

"What!" Her eyes widened and she back up in surprise."

"You're joking"

"I'm not joking with you I'm dead serious. I'm from the good O'l USA, Texas to be exact" he said smiling with an amused smile.

"That means you've been here three years?"

"Yes, I gave up on going home about a year after I landed here"

"Can I ask how it happened?" She questioned still dumfounded.

"I really don't know I'm about as far along a theory as you are" he chuckled. "So you've given up?"

"I spent every waking moment for the first part of my stay here working on getting back, but I never came any closer to finding a way back. To my family"

"Does it get easier to be without them?" She asked her eyes now pleading

"You start to forget about everything, and sooner or later you can't really even picture their faces. They disappear leaving you with faceless memories that stay forever I guess to remind you of what you have lost" he said sadly.

"Would it be ok if I asked you to tell me about you're family Kevin?"

"We'll, my wife Victoria Lyn she was the most beautiful woman in the world. I loved her so very much. I had a son that was 2 when I was taken and a daughter that was 7. They were my world, my angels. Jacob probably doesn't even remember me, and I would think I'm only a dream to dear Anna now" Kevin tilted his head down trying to hold back the tears that threatened to slide.

"What about you Hitomi what is your family like?" He asked softly.

"My dad is the Captain of the Tokyo Police Force, as for my Mom she just staid home and took care of us. I'm very proud of both of them. I also have a little brother that's ten he's my greatest irritant, but I love him anyways" she laughed somewhat sadly.

"Kevin I'm glad you told me about this. I don't feel so alone anymore" she said softly.

"The same goes for me too kid"

"Who else knows of your origin besides me Kevin?"

"No one, not even the King" Hitomi smiled as they continued to look through the markets tables, and stands.

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Van now having seen Hitomi approached quietly not wanting to be spotted. He could only see Hitomi and Kevin the others nowhere to be found.

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"So the people you are with seem nice do you enjoy their company?" Kevin inquired.

"Yes most of the time, but there are times you just want kill them all especially Allen's men Uhhgg! The can be so annoying. You'd think they'd have nothing better to do than make fun of the way I look and dress, I swear sometimes I think their just children!" She replied loudly using her hands to exaggerate her words.

"That bad huh? Don't worry about it they did the same thing to me" he laughed.

"Oh yeah?"

"I don't think my cowboy hat fit into their culture very well" Hitomi giggled at his words

"You probably had it worse off than me!"

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Van crept closer to hear what they were saying, but all he could hear was laughing. He watched curiously, as Kevin appeared to be sneaking up behind her. What is he holding he wondered as Kevin closed in.

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Hitomi jumped from her leaned over position at the feel of a hand touching her chin. Kevin looked at her eyes and then began to circle her.

"What?" She asked confused.

"I'm just…. Nope I just don't see it" he mumbled.

"See what?" Came her exclaimed whisper. Kevin approached her face slowly lifting his hand and placing a flower in her hair.

"Every spring when the trees blossom there shall always be one that is late blossoming, but when it does it shall be the most beautiful of all" Hitomi blushed touching the flower gently. She hugged him and kissed him on the cheek.

"Thank you, I needed to hear that" Kevin smiled

"I know" he whispered. A tear ran began to roll down Hitomis face, but it was swept away by Kevin's gently touch.

"Promise me you'll not listen when they try to change you, for it's your free spirit and kind heart that sets you apart from the rest of the women here"

"I promise" she whispered. Kevin smiled and stepped back extending his hand

"Come now the others are waiting for us" Hitomi nodded and took his hand walked away leaning slightly on his shoulder.

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Van stood grinding his teeth, and clenching his fists. He couldn't believe what he had just seen and heard. It was just as he feared they were leading Hitomi away from them taking advantage of here innocent and naive heart.

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Allen was walking past the entry doors when Van entered.

"Van Where have you been?"

"No where" Van replied coldly surprising Allen.

"What happened?" Allen asked confused by the tone of Vans voice.

"It's none of your concern" he replied.

"Van…." Allen was cut off by Kevin, and Hitomi walking in. Hitomi looked up and stopped her laughter abruptly.

"Hello Van, hello Allen" she said merrily.

"Have a good time?" Allen inquired.

"Yes I did" she smiled, and Kevin ruffled her hair.

"This is quite a young lady you have here, consider yourselves lucky to have her" Kevin said walking out the door. Hitomi turned to see Van quickly exiting the entry heading down the hall.

"Van?" Hitomi whispered. Hitomi glanced over to Allen

"What is wrong with Van?" Allen shook his head lightly.

"I have no Idea, but I'm sure he'll be fine later" he replied. Hitomi nodded

"But I still would like to know" she said turning to follow him

"Excuse me, Allen" she said softly. Allen smiled and went to the study where the Ten Knights, and his crew sat talking.

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Hitomi swiftly made her way down the halls that seemed to twist and turn like a maze.

"Van!" She cried at the sight of him several yards ahead. Van turned to see Hitomi run up to him.

"You sure can walk fast" she giggled, but when she looked at him her smile dissipated. She starred at him her Emerald eyes trying to search his soul. His eyes were sad, angry, and frustrated.

"Van, what is wrong with you?" She asked worried.

"Nothing's wrong with me!" He said in a voice that seemed almost angry.

"I'm not stupid Van, don't treat me like I am" Hitomi snapped

"I can see it all over your face, and its not just today I've seen it for the past week" she continued. Van's eyes hardened into a glare though he was telling himself not to

"I'm fine!" He said sternly opening the door to his chambers and closing it in her face. Hitomi's heart sank and tears filled her eyes. Why did he hate her so much? She turned and walked away.

"Hitomi!" Came an ear, piercing screech from behind her, she turned in time to see Merle tackle her in a hug.

"Did you hear there's gonna be a ball tonight and we're invited" she smiled with a toothy grin.

"Really?" Hitomi asked.

"Yes King Greggory announced it while you were gone. He told me to tell you that he wishes to see you in his room"

"What? Why?" Hitomi asked confused.

"Don't ask me I just relayed the message" Merle finished and pounced passed her through the halls. Hitomi turned towards the West wing were she would meet the King.

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A knock echoed across the room causing Greggory to look up from his desk.

"Who's there?" He asked authoritively.

"Hitomi your Majesty I was told you wished to see me" The King smiled and relaxed

"Of coarse come in child" Hitomi opened the door and crepted in nervously. "Don't be so shy, I'm not as tough as I look" he said with a grin. Hitomi smiled softly

"What did you wish to see me about?"

"you're about a size three aren't you?" Hitomi looked at him puzzled

"Yes Why?"

"The ball tonight, I figured you would need a dress" he replied walking over to an enormous closet pulling out a white satin dress with a silk pink bodes. Hitomi was agape.

"Do you like it?" He inquired.

"Yes its beautiful, but I…how did you Know my size?" The king smiled

"You look just like my daughter" he said pointing to the picture on the wall. Hitomi gasped and walked closer to the portrait. The girl was about her age with a slender and delicate body, her sandy brown hair was long and straight, and her eyes sparkled an Emerald green.

"This dress was to be worn on Rose's sixteenth birthday at a ball in her honor, but the ball was never held. I kept it for the past few years waiting for someone special to wear it proudly in her place. You remind me a great deal of her. I would be honored if you'd wear it" He said hopefully. Hitomi walked over retrieving the dress from his hands.

"The honor is all mine, your Majesty" The King smiled gratefully and handed her a black box

"Open this when you get ready for tonight" he explained.

"Yes your Majesty" she said turning to leave

"Hitomi?"

"Yes?"

"Please call me Greggory" Hitomi smiled and nodded leaving the room quietly. Millerna was in her dress fixing her hair while Merle picked through the jewelry. A knock came to the door and Millerna called to them

"Yes who is it?"

"It's Hitomi may I come in"

"Yes come in!" Millerna said excited. Hitomi slipped in, her arms carrying the large dress.

"My Hitomi that's a beautiful dress" she breathed.

"Thank you" she replied shyly

"Where did you find it?"

"Greggory gave it to me" Hitomi said with a smile. Millerna was going to continue but decided against it and changed subjects.

"Have you ever been to a ball?" Millerna asked.

"Oh no, this is my first time" Hitomi replied.

"Do you want me to help you get ready" Millerna questioned.

"Would you!"

"Good you could use all the help you can get" Merle snickered. Hitomi glared and walked past her trying to ignore the comment. She headed for the dresser and sat down. She began to fumble with the many compacts on the counter. Millerna smiled

"Shall we get started?"

"I guess" Hitomi sighed. Millerna pulled up a stool and started applying Hitomi's makeup. Merle was messing with Hitomi's black box trying to open it

"Hey leave that alone" Hitomi exclaimed.

"I was only looking" Merle spouted.

"Hitomi stay still" Millerna scolded.

"Sorry" she whispered ignoring Merles mischievous faces.

"So is there anyone you want to dance with you?" Millerna giggled. "No, No not really" Hitomi replied.

"Come on not anyone" Millerna nagged.

"Not anyone that would" she replied her voice final. Millerna smiled

"Don't be so sure, now go put on your dress" Millerna said while shoving Hitomi behind a dressing screen.

"I can't reach could you please help me" Hitomi asked. Millerna reached over and pulled up the zipper

"Thank you" Hitomi walked over to the mirror

"Is that me?"

"You look Magnificent" Millerna praised. Hitomi blushed and walked toward the box on the bed.

"I wonder?" She whispered unlatching the clasp. She lifted the lid and gasped in surprise.

"What's wrong Hitomi?" Came a worried call from Millerna.

"Nothing, nothing at all I was just surprised that's all" she replied pulling out the necklace

"Hitomi it's beautiful" Millerna gasped. Hitomi hooked it around her neck, and jumped at the sound of a fist pounding on the door.

"Yes!" Millerna shouted to the door

"Is Lady Hitomi in there with you Princess?" Greggory inquired.

"Yes she is your Majesty." Greggory opened the door and peaked in

"My god child you look breath taking" He smiled now at Hitomis blushing face.

"Thank you Greggory" she whispered.

"Ah, but something's missing" he murmured.

"What?" Hitomi asked cocking her eyebrow as Greggory drew nearer to her face. His hand reached up to touch her chin, then he turned her face to the left and then the right.

"Aw yes, that's it" he said seriously. He lifted a gold box and sat it on the room's dresser and quickly opened it.

"I can't" she exclaimed as he placed a tiara on her head. Greggory's hand covered her mouth

"Nonsense" he laughed

"Now you are perfect, fit to be royalty, a princess to be sure. There is no denying it" He said kissing her on the cheek.

"Now if you will excuse me I am wanted in the ball room" he brushed her face with the tips of his fingers and walked away closing the door behind him.

"What was that all about" Merle asked

"Nothing, just a matter of the King's memories you might say, I'll see you both at the ball" Hitomi said gathering her clothes and walking away.

"Thank you for your help Millerna" she thanked before closing the door leaving behind her confused companions.

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It was time for the ball most of who had bee invited where in the ball room standing or sitting around tables that surrounded the dance floor others though were still entering. Millerna was sitting next to Allen at a large round table with Van, Merle, Pyle, and Teo. The table next to them held Katz, Reeden, Kio, Ort, and Gaddes. Reeden was taking a drink when he suddenly set down his glass hard, and started coughing his eyes wide.

"Reeden are you ok?" Allen asked concerned.

"This stuff strong" he huffed. Pyle started laughing

"Can't handle it?"

"No that's not it, my god I must be hallucinating" he spouted pointing towards the stairs in front of the entrance.

"Is it me or is that Hitomi?" He breathed. The others looked over at the young girl floating down the stairs.

"Na can't be" Kio replied.

"She's not that pretty" Merle announced smirking, but her remark was unheard by the others. Allen starred at Hitomi she was beautiful. Seeing her in large foreign clothes day after day you would have never known she had such a figure. Her face was beaming with joy, and her eyes reflected the light of the chandleirs causing them to glow. He watched in aw as she stood silent on the landing of the staircase.

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William approached Hitomi taking her hand and proceeded to escort leading her to the others. Van couldn't believe it she looked nothing like the pole shaped tomboy he thought he knew. She walked gracefully like a noble, even though she lacked some of the natural beauty of the other women you could not tell it, for her whole body with every move seamed to flow with unexplainable grace he had not seen in the normally clumsy girl. She was very desirable in way he could not understand.

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Hitomi stopped when Kevin placed his hand on her shoulder

"Are you going to dance?" he asked.

"Oh no! I can't!" she gasped looking at the dancers on the floor.

"Why not?" he inquired.

"I don't know how, at least I don't know these dances" she whispered.

"What about Earth dances?" Hitomi smiled as if she could read his mind.

"Will you waltz, or tango with me?"

"But no one dances like that here what will…" she was interrupted by his hand

"Shhhhhhh, now stop babbling nonsense and lets show these nobles how to really dance" Hitomi giggled taking his hand as he pulled her onto the dance floor.

"I'm nervous" she whispered.

"Don't be just follow my lead" he encouraged. Hitomi got into position and started to dance along with the beat of the orchestra. Some of the couples stopped to watched as they glided quickly across the floor.

"Everyone is staring" she grumbled.

"Let them, your not here to please them" Hitomi smiled and her facial expression relaxed.

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Van and the others stirred confused their dancing was not like that of Geaen traditions, but it was beautiful. Van was clearly unpleased by the dance even though to them it was completely harmless they were to close to each other, to intimate. He almost burned a whole through the older man who was laughing with Hitomi. He did not like the older men gawking over her she was to young she needed someone more her age, someone like him. Well not him he quickly corrected his mind.

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The night grew late and almost everyone was in peaceful slumber, but Hitomi, the ten Knights, the King, and a few nobles sat in the study. They were laughing and cutting up when the clock struck two

"I don't know about you, but I'm exhausted" Greggory said leaning back in his chair.

"I was exhausted 4 hours ago" Hitomi said setting her glass down and stretched her arms out.

"Shall I escort you to your chambers Hitomi?"

"I think I can make it Phobeous" Hitomi replied standing up and walking over to Greggory. She pulled off her crown and handed it to him.

"I had a wonderful time" she reached down and hugged him tightly.

"Goodnight Greggory I love you" Greggory kissed her nose

"I'll see you in the morning my dear" they said they're goodnights simultaneously as Hitomi left the room.

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Hitomi was walking through the halls heading for her chambers where she hoped to catch some peaceful sleep. She saw a figure standing stiffly looking out the hallway window.

"Van" she whispered. His eyes averted to her and darkened.

"What?" He asked without emotion.

"What are you still doing up?" She inquired.

"Thinking, you?" He replied sternly.

"I just left from being with Greggory and the Knights in the study."

"Really?" He cocked an eyebrow. Hitomi sighed

"I just don't understand you Van, I really don't"

"What do you mean?" He inquired.

"Have I done something to make you hate me so much Van" she asked nervously yet boldly.

"I don't know what you're talking about" he barked.

"Van please don't lie to me" she was stopped by Van waving his hand

"I think I should go" he turned and began to walk away.

"you're running, all you ever do is run" she muttered. Van stopped dead in his tracks turning on his heel to face Hitomi.

"You've been so angry Van, why?"

"You don't trust me!" He spouted. Hitomi face turned bewildered.

"Of coarse I trust you" she began

"Your wrong you won't tell me what happened that night"

"I can't" she whispered.

"I thought we were friends!" He growled. Hitomi stepped back almost in fear at the pitch of his voice.

"We are!" She exclaimed back.

"Yeah just friends" he muttered under his breath.

"What's that supposed to mean!" She spouted.

"Ask the ten Knights maybe they'll know" he said sarcastically.

"What?"

"Sir Davenport" he growled

"I'm talking about Sir Davenport"

"What about him he's my friend" she replied.

"I saw him put the flower in your hair, I saw you kiss him" he explained.

"On the cheek!" She defended herself. Then she paused a moment with a dawning thought

"You were in the market? What were you doing in the market?" She demanded her arms crossed.

"Nothing" he muttered his voice becoming more defensive.

"You were spying on me weren't you, weren't you!" She shouted.

"Maybe" he said sternly. Hurt sprawled across her face and tears began to flow down

"Why can't you trust me?" She whispered turning away she began to cry out, her heart in pain as she started running away

"Why can't you love me" she breathed inaudibly to Van. Van watched as the darkness enveloped her and she was gone. He clenched his fist.

"I do Hitomi, I do trust you its those men I don't" he whispered softly.

"Why can't I tell you? Why?" He thought to himself. He stood a moment maybe he should go after her, no not now. He turned and headed for his room.

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Van paused by Allen in the halls.

"Have a goodnight Van" Allen said softly. Van nodded, and continued to his room without words. Allen shook his head and slowly crept away.

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Hitomi ran quickly down the halls, which in the dark looked all the same. She knew not where she was nor did she care. She stopped at the sight of eyes in front of her. A figure slowly emerged from the darkness. She stepped back he looked like a guard, but his eyes stared right through her sending chills up her spine.

"I'm sorry did I scare you young lady?" His voice was fake, forced into a soft tone.

"Just a little" she said slowly turning to go back from the direction she came, she was stopped by a hand gripping her shoulder.

"Good I'm glad you're afraid" he said his voice cold, and gruff. Her eyes widened as he jerked her back snapping the chain that held her pendant sending it to the floor with a light clatter. Hitomi let out a scream that echoed down the halls, she pulled away but his grip was strong. He raised the butt of his sword and connected it to the back of her head sending a sharp pain through her for only a split second before darkness consumed her. Van was running down the halls Allen close behind. The scream that was sent through the halls repeated in his mind. Everything within him screamed that it was Hitomi, but all he could do was deny the facts.

"Lord Van!" Came a shriek from behind them. Van was unstunned by Merles cry.

"Allen!" Millerna called grabbing to his shirt

"What's happening?" She gasped.

"I don't know" he answered his voice serious and focused. They all crashed to a halt trying not to hit Van who had stopped abruptly. Van was standing still, starring intensely at a dim glow that had caught his eye. He reached down gathering up the object that lay at his feet. His eyes held an expression of recognition that switched to fear, anger, and pain as he clutched the object tightly to his chest. Allen pulled at Van's hand

"What is it Van?" He demanded. Van released his grip on the object revealing a pink pendant loosely hanging on a broken chain. Allen lifted it slightly gasping before running towards the castles nearest exit followed by the others. Halfway there they collided with Gaddes.

"Commander!" Gaddes shouted gasping for air.

"What's going on?" Allen asked gripping Gaddes's arms. He caught his breath and finished his sentence.

"The King is requesting the dispatch of the Crusade along with the his Knights"

"What for!" Allen exclaimed confused. Gaddes frowned deeply

"A Zaibach floating fortress has been spotted in the distance over the Swellian forests. Van clenched his fist tightly around the necklace.

"They have her!" He growled in anger and remorse