Hey! Another chapter yey! Hope you enjoy it a lot.
Disclamer: I don't own Escaflowne or the song hero by Nickel back.
Enjoy…
The pain of loving you.
The anguish truth brings.
Hitomi was sitting on her bed. She was looking at the floor and playing with a necklace her mother had given her. Allen was standing at
the door, looking at her, and trying to say something, anything that would make her feel better. They had been in this position for about
and hour, and they still hadn't said anything. Hell, Hitomi hadn't even looked at Allen. Allen was starting to get desperate.
"Hitomi…" he started, but then stopped. What was the point if he couldn't take away the pain? Hitomi didn't seem to hear him. She was
trying very hard to not think about all the things that had happened in the last hour. She focused on her necklace. It was shaped in the
form of a tear and had a unique color. Hitomi always had the necklace with her. It made her feel better.
Flashback
It was the best day of the year for Hitomi. It was her birthday, and she loved them because they had a cake and presents and she got to
be with all the people she cared about. She went running to her parent's room. She just couldn't wait to see what they'll give her. When
she arrived, she saw her mother looking through her window. She looked sad.
"Mommy, are you ok?" A little Hitomi asked. Her mother turned and smiled at her.
"I was just thinking about…I'm fine. Come, I want to give you something" Hitomi smiled and went to her mother. She went to her closet
and opened the case where she put all her jewelry. She took out a strange looking one and signal to Hitomi to get closer.
'It's the color of angel's tears' she told Hitomi 'Your grandma's mother gave it to her, and my mother's mother gave it to her. My mother
gave it to me, and now, I'm giving it to you. Take care of it, Hitomi; it has always been in the family, waiting for its right owner and its
right time. One day, my child, you'll discover the power little things hold. You'll see how something that seems so insignificant can change
the path of history and even destiny. Hitomi, you will do great things in the future, and you'll face difficult times when you'll feel that you
have nothing left in this world to fight for. When that time comes, you have to promise me that you will not give up. You'll get up with
your head held high, and you will do what's necessary."
Hitomi looked at her with a strange look on her face.
"I don't understand what you are saying, mom" she said. Her mom laughed.
"Of course you don't, silly. It's not the time for you to understand. Just promise me, ok?"
"Ok, I promise you, mom"
"That's my girl, oh and Hitomi?"
"Yes, mother?"
"When the right guy for you comes don't fear loving him and give him a chance to prove himself. Remember that forgiveness is one of the
greatest gifts humans can give; Don't judge people without knowing their reason for doing whatever it is they do; There's all always more
than what the eye can see."
"Yes, mother"
End Flashback
That had been her last birthday with Hitomi. She had died soon after that, and as much as she tried, she still couldn't understand what her
mother had tried to tell her.
'I have to talk to Allen. He doesn't deserve this treatment from me, and he did save me from that man… That man, it had been so weird.
The moment she heard his voice she felt frightened. She had not wanted to see him because she was afraid she would not like what she
saw. When he had whispered to her to look at him, there had been something in his voice that bought curiosity to him. He had almost
pleaded her to look at him, so she had. The moment she saw those eyes her would tumbled. In all her life, she had never seen colder
eyes, and still, they were beautiful, a dark brown with touches of red. She had wanted to know everything about him, but the she
remembered how he had treated her, and she tried very hard to look at him with anger.
Green eyes.
That was the last thing he had said before Allen had hit him on the head. The moment his eyes closed, Hitomi felt like she had lost
something. She ignored the feeling, and went with Allen, trying to forget the way he had said those two last words. Green eyes
A knock brought Hitomi out of her thoughts.
"Sir, every guest is gone but Lord Dryden and Lady Millerna. The prisoner has woken up, what do you want us to do with him?" Gadess
asked.
"Bring to the court room. I want to know what he was trying to do and who he is. Tell Millerna and Dryden to go there too. I want no o
ne else there. Make sure no on is listening. Everything else is going smoothly?"
"Yes, sir, the troops are guarding Asturia, and the spies have arrived. There have been more attacks in the magical part, but thanks to the
messages they were able to contra attack. Still, the enemy's forces seem to be getting stronger. Kansaki has already responded. Its
general, Amano, has informed us of their situation. They are still under attack, but our troops have arrived, and they think they can hold t
he resistance for some time. He wants to know if Queen Hitomi will be returning. He also told us to inform her that Yuraki wants to know
if she is okay." Hitomi led out a small smile. Amano and Yuraki were her best friends. They had fallen in love and married just a couple of
months ago. It had been a beautiful day. Hitomi suddenly got her strength and determination back. She couldn't stay here and mourn
forever, feeling sorry for herself. They were people that needed her, and there was a war to win. She could make it; she had to make it. If
she wanted a peaceful world, she had to start fighting for it.
"Tell them that I'm doing fine, and that I'll return as soon as I arrange some things here. Tell Amano that he is in charge of Kansaki till I
return, and tell them thanks, for everything?
"Yes, madam' Gadess left, and Allen and Hitomi found themselves in silence again. It was Allen who talked first.
"The other kingdoms have decided to fight against Zaibach. In order to safe Gaia, we all have to be together. They have returned to their
home to organize their people. I… Hitomi, you know I'm here for you. I wish I could find some way to make you feel better. I wish I
could take away your pain" He went to her and hugged her. Hitomi returned the hug. Maybe Allen wasn't that bad. He had been for her
even when she pushed him away. He had send troops to help her kingdom. He cared about her. Maybe she could give him a chance.
"Allen, I'm sorry. You've been good to me, and I have just been a pain. Don't worry, you have done everything you can to make me feel
better."
Allen looked at her with surprise and hope in his eyes. Hitomi smiled at him.
"This is just the beginning of difficult times, Allen, but when they are done, I truly would like to marry you."
"I… Hitomi" Allen hugged her tighter. A little shine of hope had been given to him. Yes, when this war was over, he would marry her.
Maybe she would fall in love with him.
"Come on, we still have to take care of the prisoner."
Van woke up with a headache. Every bone in his body hurt and he was cold and hungry. He opened his eyes and found himself in a place
he didn't know. He got confused. What was he doing here? He put a hand on his head as it started to hurt more. Suddenly, flashes of the
last event started to flood. The ball, the king of Asturia, the girl running, he following her, her eyes… Now he remembered. He was going
to kidnap Hitomi Kansaki when… He had her where he wanted! He should have taken her right away, but he had wanted to see her,
and when she had turned, he had forgotten everything. Those eyes had something. They were different, and because of them, he had not
accomplished his mission. Damn it! He was pretty surge he was in some cell in the dungeons of the castle of Asturia. Great, not only had
he ruined his mission, he had also been caught. Well, it couldn't get worse. They didn't know who he was, so he still had an opportunity
to free himself. He heard a noise and went to his feet. His first instinct was to go for his sword, but it wasn't there.
"You are a prisoner; we aren't going to let you keep your arms" It was a female's voice. Van looked at her. Judging for what she was
wearing, she had to be a maid. Van observed her more and discovered that she was a cat-girl. What was a cat-girl doing in Asturia?
"I brought you food. I do believe you have to be hungry. Even persons like you eat"
Van took the food and was about to eat when suddenly clicked in his mind. What she said made no sense. How did she know what kind
of person he was? He turned to look at her. She was standing a little far from the cell, and she looked at him with fear and something
else. She turned to leave, and Van started to eat. She stopped at the door.
"I know who you are, and I have informed his majesty" she said. Van froze. What?
"You don't remember, obviously. It was a long time ago, six years ago, actually" The maid turned around and got close to the cell. "My
name is Merle, and you are the Dragon" Of all the things he was expecting, that was definitely not one of them. He thought no one knew
who he was. He had made sure no one who saw him survived, so how could she know?
"How…?"
"How do I know? It's quite simple, actually. You slaughtered my people and burned our village. I still have nightmares of that day, and it
is not till now that I'm talking about it. I recognized you the moment I saw you. You have changed." She looked at his eyes "You are
colder than what I remember." She moved her head to one side "You still don't know what I'm talking about, do you?" Van said no with
his head. "You looked about twelve back then. It was a pretty day. I remember it so well. It was my birthday, and my family and I were
celebrating when we heard cries of help. We went to see what it was, and I saw you. You looked like an angel in the middle of hell. You
were the handsomest boy I had ever seen and you had those wings. I thought I was dreaming. Suddenly, you took out your sword and
killed the closest person. Then everything was killing and burning. I started to run and his myself in one of the houses. When I thought
everything was over, I went outside. You were there, in front of me. I thought you were going to kill me, but you didn't notice me. You
extended your wings and flew away. I stood there and cried till the Kansaki army arrived. They were too late, and I was the only
survivor. Lady Hitomi took me in, and I've been her maid ever since. I hated you for so many years that I thought I wouldn't be able to
continue living without avenging my family. But then, one night after awakening from a nightmare of that day, I suddenly realized
something. You hadn't notice me because you had been crying. I knew then that there was no point in looking for you and killing you.
You were living your punishment. I never thought I'd see you again, but I'm glad I did. You see, I have been able to move on. I no longer
have nightmares, and I am happy, but you have only become colder and more emotionless. I bet you no longer cry after killing. Whatever
is you reason for doing what you do is not important to me. I have put the past behind me. I just want to know that I… I forgive you for
everything you did to me." She turned and left the room in a flash. Van stood there, guilt building inside of him. He remembered now. It
had been the first time he had killed.
I forgive you for everything you did to me.
He had done the same thing to that girl that Asturia had done to him, and she had come here to tell him that she forgave him. His hands
went into fists, and he shut his eyes. In all his life, he had never thought that, maybe, what he was doing was wrong.
Dryden, Millerna, Hitomi, and Allen looked at the man before them. This was the Dragon. This was one of the cruelest people that had
ever existed. His eyes were cold. His face was emotionless. He didn't look at any of them. He didn't move one muscle.
Hitomi was scared to look at him. He was the Dragon, the one responsible of so much pain. Why had he come after her? What did he
want? Why did he do all those horrible things?
"What were you going to do to Lady Hitomi?" Millerna asked the Dragon. He didn't answer.
"Answer the question" Allen ordered him. He felt his anger building inside of him. The Dragon kept quite.
"What do you think you are doing?" Dryden yelled at him "You are in no position to deny anything to us. You are the most looked man in
Gaea. You are a mercenary, Dragon, and your punishment is dead. Answer the questions." The Dragon grinned, and everyone felt a
shiver.
"If I'm going to die, what's the point of cooperating?" he asked them. Hitomi no longer could take all the feelings she was having. She
couldn't understand how the mind of the Dragon worked. When she had looked into his eyes, she had seen a coldness that scared her,
but she had seen something else too. She wanted to know what it was.
I am so high, I can hear heaven
I am so high, I can hear heaven
Whoa, but heaven...no, heaven don't hear me
"Why?" she asked him "Why did you destroyed so many towns? Why did you end so many lives? Why do you hate us so much?" She g
ot up and was going to move close to him when he jerked his head and looked at her.
"Why do you care?" he asked her.
"Because I want to understand the reasons behind the acts. I want to understand why you choose such a bloody path"
They all waited for him to explain himself, but not one word came out of his lips.
"Who the hell do you think you are? Do you care about nothing?" Allen yelled at him. He was tired of him. He was tired of his attitude.
He wanted to end this. The Dragon suddenly seemed to come to life. He moved his eyes from Hitomi to Allen, and Allen took a step
back. The Dragon's eyes were full of hatred and anger, and it was all directed to him.
"You want to know why, I'll tell you why" he told them "It's because of you"
Allen got confused. What had he done to him? He had never, in all his life, seen him or anyone that looked close to him.
And they say
that a hero could save us
I'm not gonna stand here and wait
I'll hold onto the wings of the eagles
Watch as we all fly away
"Thirteen years ago, a massacre took place in Fanelia, my kingdom. Every single person I loved died on that day, killed without a second
thought. Every building was burned down to ashes. All I knew died on that day. I swore I would take revenge, and that's what I've been
doing. Your father took away my illusions and dreams. He forever marked me with his decision. I hate you, Allen Schezar, and everyone
that is with you. No one helped my kingdom. I saw how my brother died and how my people screamed. The only ones that helped me
were Zaibach and his leaders, so I have worked under their rule ever since they found me. I was born a prince, and because of you, I
became a mercenary"
Someone told me
Love would all save us
but, how can that be
Look what love gave us
Allen looked at the Dragon like he had suddenly gone mad. He, of course, knew what he was talking about, but he had no idea of why
he was blaming him. It was because of that massacre that the problems between the magical and unmagical parts of Gaea had begun.
They had both blamed themselves of not been able to help Fanelia and had taken it against each other. Allen remembered that his father
always told him that there was no kingdom as beautiful and fair as Fanelia. When they had known of what had happened, they had send
troops over there. Allen's father went with them, but they were too late. They divided the few survivors between the different kingdoms
and left everything as it was a reminder to the world of the greatest kingdom ever. They buried the corpses and made an altar for their
rulers. They never found the body of the youngest one of the family. After that, they discovered Zaibach had been the one responsible for
that and had exiled it from the rest of Gaea. It had tried to get revenge ever since.
"Asturia never ordered that massacre. All kingdoms tried to help, but we were to late" he told him "We took the survivors and took the
under our care." The Dragon looked at him.
"You are lying" he said, his voice full of hatred. "Everything you say is a lie"
"No, I'm not lying" Allen said patiently. His anger was gone. Why hadn't they found him when they arrived?
"I know the truth. You can't trick me!" he yelled at him. Hitomi got close to him and looked into his eyes.
A world full of killing
And blood spilling
That world never came
"It wasn't Asturia or the other kingdoms" she told him "It was Zaibach"
And they say
That a hero could save us
I'm not gonna stand here and wait
I'll hold onto the wings of the eagles
Watch as we all fly away
Van looked at Hitomi and saw in her eyes that she wasn't lying. He then looked at the others and knew they weren't lying either.
It was Zaibach
All these years, how could he not see it? His whole world went done at the realization.
"What have I done?" he whispered "what have I done?"
It had been alright for him to kill all those people because he had thought he was avenging his family. It had all been good. He felt no guilt
or remorse. Now, it was different. They had all been innocent. They had done nothing to him, and he had killed them like animals.
Dornkirk had played with him. He had made him colder that what he already was. He had tricked him into killing his enemies, and he had
fallen for all of it.
Now that the world isn't ending
It's love that I'm sending to you
It isn't the love of a hero
And that's why I fear it won't do
Van felt pain and desperation. How could he have not seen it? All the guilt and remorse that he hadn't felt, suddenly hit him. He looked at
his hands. He had killed so many innocent people with them.
And they say
That a hero could save us
I'm not gonna stand here and wait
I'll hold onto the wings of the eagles
Watch as we all fly away
All the hate he felt for Asturia and the rest of the kingdoms passed to hate for Zaibach. He had done everything Dornkirk had told him
because he saw him like a kind of savior, and now he knew the truth. He was responsible for all of it. Van shook his head. He was a fool.
He had thought Dornkirk had wanted to help him.
Flashback
"Here, boy, I'll help you with your revenge." A man told a 12 year old Van.
"My name is Dornkirk, and I'm the leader if Zaibach. I know you've been true a lot, but with my help, we will make Gaea pay"
End Flashback
It had all been a big trick. Without realizing it, they had turned him into a monster. No, he had led them turn him into a monster. He had
been so full of hatred and pain that he had not thought. It now seemed logical that only one kingdom had wanted to destroy Fanelia. Van
felt like dying. He had nothing to life for. He saw how Hitomi returned to Allen's side. They were right. He deserved to die. In attempting
to avenge his people, he had made things worse.
"He is still a mercenary, even if he was tricked into it" he heard one of them say.
"We can't kill him. It doesn't seem fair"
"But he has killed a lot of people. We can't let that go unpunished."
"I agree with Allen. We should kill him"
"That's not fair"
"He could give us information about Zaibach"
"I deserve dead. I have no excuse for all I did." He told them.
"Dead is your punishment" Allen said.
"You can't kill him" Someone said from the doors. Everyone turned to look at Boir, a fortuneteller.
And why can't we kill him?" Allen asked him.
"Because he is Van Fanel, king of Fanelia, and the last draconian in Gaea, and because without him, this war is already Dornkirk's.
And they're watching us
They're watching us
As we all fly away
So, did you like this chapter? It was a little confusing at the end, but I think you caught it. Poor Van, I feel bad about making his life so
miserable. Of all the chapters I've ever wrote, this one was the most difficult one. I thought I wouldn't be able to finish it. Things are
starting to get more complicated. What will happen know? Why do they need Van to win the war? Oh, and don't expect Van to
suddenly get warm, cause that is not going to happen. remember, feeling guilty or not, he is a mercenary, and he just has a lot of pain and
hatred inside. Review