;-; I am so so so sorry!! I knew I had to update but I had a small case of writer's block and I was busy too. I knew what to put in the chapter….I just didn't know how to make it into 3000 words x.o I have standards xD And I had to work on a project all break and every weekend. We have to make a children's book, and unfortunately, my group decided to make it comic-book-style, and what's even more unfortunate, is that I'm the only one in my group who can actually draw pretty well ;-; So I was slaving over each page for 3 hours….and I'm still not done with the story!! And it's due this Friday!! runs around panicking x.x

Err…yes. My reviewers think I'm evil. -.-x No worries…this chapter is much much better. : Disclaimer is, that I don't own any of the Escaflowne characters. I LOVE MY REVIWERS!! You guys are AWESOME. Muah!

Chapter Six

Van's head snapped up in his study. (He didn't know it, but that this moment, Hitomi was sneaking out the side gate) Hand running through his hair, he asked himself in his mind. What was amiss? Something was wrong, and he didn't know what.

At that moment, Merle burst into the room. "Hitomi's gone!!" She yelled. Then she paused. "Not that you really care, right?"

"You idiot!" Van jumped up and ran past a bewildered Merle. He knew what Hitomi was going to do, but he was afraid that he wouldn't get there in time.

Merle looked out after him, a bemused look on her face. I'll never understand this whole 'love' concept…

Van ran out the palace doors, stopping briefly to question a guard on patrol duty. "Did you see Lady Hitomi walk out of the garden gates?" Van asked hurriedly. The guard nodded briefly, and pointed to the side gate. It was almost indiscernible, from the amount of vines and ivy that had grown over it. He could sense Hitomi's presence on this door. He pushed it open, surprised at how easily the lock gave way.

Hitomi was defiantly here…He thought. He looked out to towards the busy streets, mentally tracing the possible route Hitomi could've taken. Then, he ran.

Kelly looked out that the open sunset, a rare smile on her face. She couldn't forget that woman with the beautiful green eyes. Vivid, bright, and beautiful…but their depths revealed only sadness. There was something special about that woman, Kelly could tell. Most passerbies' wouldn't give a second look to her shabby stand, but this stand stood out the most to that woman. And plus…Kelly reached into her pocket to touch the extra coins. She knew how much medicine she could buy with the extra money, but some part of her still felt guilt from the extreme generosity.

A sudden flurry of noise awoke her from her silent thoughts, and she turned to see a young man with jet-black hair trying to push through a crowd.

"Let me through! I'm in a hurry!" He shouted, trying to shoulder his way through, despite the disgruntled remarks of the many he forced his way past. The crowd seemed only to close in more on him as he tried harder to push through. Kelly bit her lip, trying to figure out what to do. Should she just watch? Or should she…

Before she knew it, she fan forward, stand forgotten, to the crowd of busy shoppers. Kelly reached into the crowd, snaking her arm around some people before grabbing the young man's arm. Their eyes met, as she tried to pull him out. After a few seconds of fierce tugging, she fell out with a thud onto the dirt ground. She pulled him over to her stand and faced him, scrutinizing him.

"You're looking for someone." Kelly finally said. The man nodded.

"My name is Van. I'm looking for a woman named Hitomi Kanzaki. Have you seen her?" Van inquired hurriedly. Kelly smiled.

"Your majesty. You mean the green-eyed lady with brown hair?" Kelly responded, an amused twinkle in her eyes. Van waved his hand impatiently at that comment.

"No need for formalities. Yes, her. Which way did she go?" Van asked.

Kelly smiled. "Before I tell you, you have to promise that you won't make her sad anymore." She said firmly. "Her eyes were so beautiful…but they were so heart-breaking. Whatever you did, you have to fix it."

Van smiled slightly. "Yes, I promise." Kelly nodded.

"I'll be keeping you to that." She said, pointing down the road. "I watched her as she left. I think she went to the Field of Spirits. It draws the sadness and anger of people, and makes them do bad things." Van's eyes widened a little, recognition of that area evident in his eyes.

"Thank you!" He shouted, running down the road as fast as his leg could take him.

He reached the field in record time. At first, he saw nothing but trees. Hitomi, where are you? His mind raced. Out of the corner of his eye, he saw the impossible unfolding, his worst most terrible field. Hitomi was standing at the edge of the cliff, eyes closed, evidently preparing to jump to her death.

"NO! HITOMI DON'T DO IT!!" He shouted, but it was too late. He could only watch as her body disappeared over the side of the cliff.

Before he knew it, his instincts were acting before him, and he was jumping off the cliff after her. Fabric ripped from his back and his angelic white wings unfolded. Van winced at the brief pain, and reached out in freefall towards his only love.

The ground was rising up to meet them quickly, and those rocks didn't look too friendly. He grabbed her falling body, and cradled it against his body. Realizing that there wouldn't be enough time to change direction in midair, he positioned his body to that he was on the bottom, shielding her from the fall. His wings flapped frantically, trying to slow their velocity.

They hit the hard bottom, and Van felt a splitting pain rip across his body. He blacked out instantly, but before he slipped into unconsciousness, he heard Hitomi screaming his name. Hitomi…

As Hitomi fell over the cliff, she briefly registered someone holding her. What…?

She barely had time to think, however. She knew the ground was fast approaching; yet she still felt her body being moved. Angels must be lifting my soul to heaven…Hitomi thought out of her delirium. Wind blew at her from both sides, and she felt a feather brushing past her face. Angels…Van, my angel…His face was the only thing she could think of.

Her flight came to a sudden and painful stop, and she felt herself colliding with something firm. Hitomi opened her eyes slowly to find herself staring into a well-toned chest. Her eyes traveled up and she nearly choked in horror.

"VAN!"

Her scream echoed through the canyon around them. His eyes, still partially open, stared at her blankly, before disappearing before their lids. His wings disappeared in a flash of light, and a silence settled around the canyon, only to be broken by Hitomi's frantic sobbing. Tears streamed down her face unchecked. There was nothing she could do for him anymore. Why…? She thought. Why me? Why would he sacrifice himself for someone who has hurt him so much?

"He loved you." Merle's words echoed once again in her head. Hitomi still couldn't comprehend how or why this came to be, but she was determined to make it work now. Tossing away the seething hate that had bred in her thoughts, she pulled Van away from the rocks. Blood stained at her hands, and Hitomi was choked with sobs once more. She hated seeing him like this, and the fact that it was her fault didn't help at all.

If he sacrificed himself for me this way…doesn't this mean that he'll forgive me? Or has he already? She thought. "I want to be sure, so bad." She whispered, staring at her wounded love.

"HEY!" A shout came from overhead. Hitomi looked up, relieved to see Merle tossing a rope down. "Carry him and climb up. It shouldn't be too hard, considering the amount of platforms this rock has. It's almost like a staircase." Merle called down. Hitomi made a strange face, and nodded.

Hitomi struggled with his body, and propped his arm around her neck, supporting him as they climbed. The sky grew darker, and by the time they reached the top, Hitomi was exhausted, and soaked in his blood. It was nighttime now, and they began the walk back to the castle in the shrouding darkness, going as fast as they could.

Merle, now carrying Van, turned and smirked at Hitomi as they ran. "Some suicide, ne?" Hitomi looked at her quizzically, confused thoughts now sprouting in her mind, despite the urgency of the situation.

"I thought you were furious at me…?" Hitomi asked carefully. They were nearing the castle, but Merle said nothing in reply.

By the time they got to the main gate, half the castle staff was outside awaiting them, and they quickly took the young king inside to bandage him up and heal him. Hitomi stayed by the door the whole time with Merle, until the healer finally came out.

"Is he going to be alright?" Hitomi asked, desperation in her eyes. Merle smiled slightly. Humans and their strange…

"We can only hope. He's lost a lot of blood." The healer looked grave. "He hasn't woken up yet, either. You can go in now, however."

Hitomi took a deep breath to calm her nerves, before entering the room. Van was lying on a bed, torso bandaged with white cloth. Hitomi knelt by the bed, and took his hand in hers, stroking it gently, and trying to return the warmth that was lost while journeying through the frigid night.

"Van…" Hitomi whispered. "I'm sorry. It was my fault you had to go through so much pain to save me. But now I know what you meant by it all, why you would be willing to sacrifice your life to save me."

She leaned over to his ear, and whispered, "I love you, too", praying that somehow, through his unconsciousness he would hear those words. Tears streamed down her cheeks as she leaned back again, still holding his hand. "Please, wake up. Not just for me, but for all of Fanelia and the people who love you as much as I do."

If Van heard her or not, he gave no indication. His breaths came slowly, ragged and steady, like a weary man struggling for each next breath of life.

"Because you came to your senses, you dope." A voice said behind her. "And because I could never hate you for so long."

Hitomi turned to see Merle smiling at her. She gave Merle a quizzical look, wondering what in the world she was talking about. Merle saw this and gave her an exasperated look.

"Remember? You asked me why I wasn't mad at you anymore?" Merle demanded. Hitomi suddenly developed a look of dawning comprehension on her face.

"OH! Sorry, I almost forgot about that." Hitomi said nervously. "Thank you." Merle just rolled her eyes.

"I will never understand you humans…" She mumbled. Hitomi chuckled lightly, and soon Merle joined in.

"Well," Merle finally said. "I guess I'd better go. Are you going to be by his side all night?"

Hitomi nodded. "At least until he wakes up." She said, smiling affectionately at his sleeping form.

Merle nodded, and pulled up a chair for Hitomi. "I suggest you sit, or else you'll be very uncomfortable in the morning from kneeling all night."

Merle turned to leave, but Hitomi grabbed her arm. "Thank you," Hitomi said, "for everything. I'm grateful for your friendship." Merle smiled.

"As am I, Hitomi, as am I."

Van was floating in darkness, each passing hour in the real world feeling only like seconds to him. Am I alive? Or am I dead? He thought, each question passing through his mind interchangeably every few seconds. A flash of light brought him back to his senses, and he awoke to find himself alone, in a dark room.

"Wake up, Van" A voice said. He turned, and saw Hitomi standing there, the saddest expression he had ever seen on her face. He got off of the bed, wondering why he felt no pain. Considering the wounds he received, diving after her, he should've at least reciVan turned towards Hitomi with relief, seeing that she was still there.

"Hitomi…" He whispered, reaching out towards her. She stood still, as if oblivious to his actions, yet watching him with a penetrating gaze.

"Wake up." She repeated, her eyes more piercing. He felt as if she saw through to his dark soul, and beyond to his every thought. Van reached closer, now only inches from her face.

"Aren't I awake already?" He asked her. Hitomi said nothing, but only continued to watch him. Van reached out to stroke her cheek.

His hand passed through her face. Van pulled his hand back quickly, horrified.

"Wake up, please." Hitomi whispered, tears now running down her cheeks. "Because…because…" She stuttered, and looked down, her hair now shading her weeping eyes. Van waited, eyes never leaving her face. He knew what was coming, but for once…He wanted to hear those words coming straight from her mouth.

"…Because I love you." She finally whispered, brokenly. Van felt a surge of happiness go through him, but at the same time, his heart broke, seeing the sadness on his love's face.

"Hitomi…" he said, but she wouldn't look at him again. She just kept sobbing, and finally, she crumpled to the ground. He tried with all his might to reach out for her, to comfort her in his arms, but surprisingly, his arms refused to move.

The room melted away, and Van was pulled back suddenly through the darkness, as if an invisible hand was dragging him back against his will. 'Hitomi!' His mind screamed, and he desperately watched her, as her form grew smaller and smaller in the distance. Van reached towards her, and suddenly he was flying back towards Hitomi. She looked up, tears still staining her cheeks, but she smiled, and reached towards him with a trembling, outstretched hand. Their hands touched, and a wonderful feeling of joy surged through him from the point of contact. Van whispered, "I love you too" back to her. She smiled, and opened her mouth to reply.

But a second later, he was back in the darkness again, Hitomi gone. Flames erupted around him, and he was plagues by the horrifying images of his country being burned down once more. Blagus, killed before his very eyes, and the maniacal laughter of Dilandau ringing in his ears.

He dropped to his knees, and held his head in his hands, the images of his haunting past too much to bear. He remembered it all too clearly, how he had been crowned king, and yet his country had been reduced to a mere pile of rubble mere moments after by use of fire.

No…not again…Van thought. Was this not my fault? I wasn't strong enough to protect them all. Why do I need to wake up now? Hitomi's face faded, and he was left alone in the darkness, struggling with the horrifying images that overcame him.

Meanwhile, Hitomi could only watch helplessly as Van began to toss and turn violently, hyperventilating and sweating. "Van!" She cried desperately. "Please, you have to wake up!" Tears flowed down her cheeks, and she held his hand for as long as she could.

Finally, the thrashing subsided, and he fell back into a peaceful slumber once more. Hitomi sighed, exhausted. She had just spent the last few hours, wide awake and continuously talking to him, trying to soothe him with her voice. She reached over with her free hand, and brushed back his hair affectionately, relieved that he was slumbering peacefully once more. For a moment, she watched him, thoughts racing through her mind.

'What do I do when he wakes up?' Hitomi wondered helplessly. 'How can I face him again?' She let herself drown into her thoughts, hands still clutching his. Turning to look across the room, she saw that it was already 3AM. Hitomi smiled slightly; no wonder she felt exhausted. Her eyelids were steadily drooping, and she kept forcing herself to snap them open. Finally, she surrendered, and leaned her body closer to the bed. Resting her head on her arms, she almost instantly fell into a peaceful slumber, aided by the softness of the mattress, and surround by Van's scent of the fields of summer.

She was in a field, a meadow of flowers. Van's presence was all around her, surrounding her, and protecting her. Wrapping her arms around herself, she closed her eyes and reminisced, feeling the safety of his protection around her.

'Hitomi', a deep voice said softly behind her.

She turned and saw Van, smiling gently, standing not too far away. 'Van…' She cried happily, smiling joyfully, true happiness eminating from her for the first time in what seemed like ages.

Hitomi ran towards him, arms outstretched, and he caught her in his arms, embracing her tightly, whispering in her ear how he would never let her go, and how he would always protect her. For once, Hitomi let herself believe it, and they remained like that for what seemed like eternity, neither wanting to let go, basking in the warmth of their embrace, and simply enjoying each other's presence.

And so, for the first time in years, Hitomi smiled as she dreamt.

Well, so what if it didn't reach 3000. Close enough. I apologize for the long wait. X.x I know many of you are eager to see the next chapter out as soon as possible, and I really am trying. Thank you for all your support – your reviews, and even emails mean a lot to me :

Love always,

Kyoko