When I say that some of the decisions I have to take in this story are painful, I'm not kidding, but I think I've done good

job with this story. Well, at least so far. Anyway, my exams are almos over. I excented all my classes, but now I have to do

my international exams. The good thins is that they will be only in the next week, and then I'll have a lot of time to finish this

story. Yey! So, I hope you like this chapter and don't worry. I'm sure I'll be able to write and ending that will please all of

you. If there a lot of mistakes, I am completely sorry, but I have no time to re-check my stories, and I find that every time I

re-read them, I change something, so I would never be able to post anything. I trust my editor, so if you see any mistake be

kind enough to tell her, so she can correct them. Remember, no one is perfect. Ok, enough of this. Enjoy this chapter.

Oh, by the way, the song I used on Chap. 25 is Friend or Foe by TATU. Oh, and the names of the armies and generals do

appear on the series. I'm just bad at names and war strategies so bare with me.

The pain of loving you

Shattered hopes

Furious.

He had never been more furious in his whole existence. He had been extremely angry when Meridian had betrayed him. A lot of times, he had been frustrated. When Van had failed to kidnap Hitomi, he had been close to furious. The one time when Dilandu had failed him, he had been close to the edge.

Never, not once in his life, had he felt as furious as he did right now though.

'I almost had her!' His mind screamed. And it was true. He had felt her hot lips against his mouth and her arms around his waist. Her eyes had only seen him, and her mind had only obeyed him. She was his. She would have done anything he would have told her. He had her wrapped around his hands. Her mind, body, and soul had belonged to him. And yet…Her heart had managed to escape his mind control, and it had gone back to its true owner.

To Van Fanel.

He had once favored the boy. At one point, he had been useful and trustworthy. Through the years, under his care, he had become the greatest warrior the world would ever see. He had become a killing machine. Nothing had mattered to him but the yells of pain and the blood on his sword. It had been perfect.

Until her…

Somehow, she had broken through the barrier that Dornkirk himself had built around the boy. She had destroyed his plans. Dornkirk would have forgiven her of all this had she stayed by his side, but she hadn't. At the last second, she had jumped with Van, leaving him alone and mad beyond belief. She had sealed Gaea's faith with her foolish decision. Because now, now that he was left alone, now that she had been changed for an insignificant draconian, now he would make everyone suffer. As soon as he won this war, the only sounds that would be heard would be cries of pain. Everyone who had fought against him would be begging him to let them live. Van would become his pet. He would use his powers on him until he was but a shadow of what he had once been. He would make him bend to his wish. And Hitomi…She would beg for him to touch her, to look at her, to give her one more chance…By the time this war was over, she would look only at him. And he would make sure to make her suffer as much as he could before bringing her back to his side. Oh yes, it would not be easy for her to win him back again. He would make her path a hard one.

But now…

Now was time for war. And war he would make. Blood would be shed. Lives would be lost. Pain would be inflicted. For years to come, everyone would remember this war.

"It was a horrible and cruel war."

"I thought all wars were cruel."

"This one was the cruelest Gaea had ever seen."

"Why?"

"Someone made our Lord Dornkirk mad, and he let his fury fall upon his enemies."

"Poor fellows…"

Yes, he could already hear their future voices in his head. They would learn the hard way that no one messed with Dornkirk, and no one failed or betrayed him. The game was about to start, and he would make sure to be the one who won.

"Dilandu, you are to take under Adelfos's army. You are now the general of the Copper Army. I want you to move to the east side of Kansaki and wait for Folken's orders."

Dilandu smiled, pleased to see that his plan was finally working.

"Yes, sir, I will move there immediately."

"Take your Dragon Slayers. Kill anything that gets in your way. Be as cruel as I have taught you. And Dilandu, your special mission is to deal with Van, but don't kill him. I want him alive."

Dilandu bowed and left the room. Dornkirk turned to look at the other men in the room. They were all waiting for their instructions. He looked at the map that lay on the table.

"General Herio, you will take the Green Copper Army. I want you to attack by the west. Destroy everything."

"Yes, sir."

"General Zodia, you are in charge of the Black Iron Army. Take the south."

"Yes, sir."

"General Getin, you will go with Dilandu. Advise him on his moves. He is too hot headed and sometimes can be irrational."

"Yes, sir."

"Folken, the White Silver Army belongs to you. Attack from the North and be direct. I want this war to be over with these attacks. There will be no others. It has already taken to long, 13 months and 3 weeks to be exact. I want it over by next week. Understood?"

"Yes, sir."

"Naria, Eriya, I want you to transport the entire group of sorceress. They will be essential in this war. Put them in strategic positions, where you think their attacks will cause the most damage."

"Yes, sir." They said in unison.

"How long will it take to move the armies to their position?"

"If we move fast, we should arrive at Kansaki in three days. I…may I ask you two things?"

"Yes."

"What will happen to Van?"

"He will receive his punishment for his betrayal."

"But…"

"You know I take no pity on those who raise their sword against me. Your brother is no different. Next question."

"Will you go to war with us?"

"Yes, I plan to lead the forces that are already there and to supervise so that the battle goes my way. After all, we have won and lost many battles in this war, but the one that is coming is the last one. It will be the decisive one. I cannot, and will not, miss it."

"I understand. I'll urge the soldiers to move faster."

Once alone, Dornkirk contemplated his maps and decisions. It was time to raise above all others or to fall. There was no more time, no more planning, no more anything. The final battle had finally come. The players were in their positions and just waiting to be moved. Dornkirk was sure that he had this wars victory in the palm of his hand, and yet…

Hitomi was not at his side like he had anticipated. He had not managed to kill Van, her protector. He did not have the Heart. It was with his enemies, and he could not help but wonder what would become of him if Hitomi chose to use it.

Would he die?

Would she die?

Would the world fall into darkness or light?

How ironic, that it all depended on her, a little spoiled queen. It was even more ironic that the one thing that could help Dornkirk win could also be his downfall. Still, there was nothing else to do. The coin had been thrown to the air, and he was just waiting to see if he had bet on the right side.

Millerna watched as Fanel looked at them and tensed. She saw Hitomi's lips utter Van's name. She looked at him and at the way he turned towards her. She saw how he was suddenly relaxed, as if the world didn't exist and he wasn't surrounded by people who would kill him if they ever found out who he was. It was in that moment that Millerna realized that the man that had jumped from the dragon-like guymelef wasn't the same one that had climbed onto the back of a black horse so many months ago. She saw him smile, and she didn't know if she was dreaming or if it was real. The man that she had seen and judged so long ago was gone. That man would have never been able to smile in such a glorious way. Somewhere along their way, he had changed for the better. She knew that he had become the man he had always been destined to be. He was King Van Fanel, ruler of Fanelia, and he was back to get his revenge against Zaibach. There was no shadow of the cold mercenary. There was no sign of the dreaded Dragon. At the moment, though, none if this seemed to matter. He only had eyes for Hitomi. He offered his hand to Hitomi, and she took it without hesitation. It was obvious that Hitomi did not fear him. They had formed a special relationship in the months that they had been away. Van hugged her, and Hitomi said something that made him grin.

"Hitomi…"

Allen's voice sounded at her side. She saw the change on Hitomi's face. Her smile disappeared, and she gave Van a torn look, but she knewthe boyhadn't seen it. He had somehow managed to miss the desperation in her eyes. Millerna, though, had caught it. How could she not? It was the same look Dryden had given her when he had gone to fight his last battle. It was the look that said 'Goodbye, I love you, but I just have to go.' And then, before the whole kingdom's eyes, Millerna saw how Hitomi separated herself from her lover's arms and ran towards her fiancé. Her hands grabbed his face and pulled him down to a kiss that Millerna knew she would rather give Fanel. Then she walked away with her arms wrapped around Allen's, and she never once turned to look at the man that she had just shattered. The world moved around Millerna, but her eyes stayed on the fallen king. People around her cheered and followed the royal couple, but Millerna stayed right where she was. The plaza where they had landed was now abandoned. The only two people that remained were Millerna and Van. She looked at him, debating on whether to just leave like the rest of the world or stay and help him out. The decision was made when he raised his head and looked at her straight in the eye. She gasped, for never had she seen such pain in someone's eyes. His brown, almost red, eyes were intense as they bore into her blue ones.

She would have fallen in love with him in that moment had her heart not been given away before.

She didn't know how she had managed to miss those eyes the first time she had seen him. Instead of falling, though, another emotion rose within her. It was not pity or compassion. It was not hatred or love. There was no anger or repulsion within her. Instead, she understood him. It was a feeling of mutuality, for she had seen the look he was giving her before. It was the same look she had after Dryden's death. It was the look that she saw every time she looked at herself in the mirror.

His eyes mirrored her own.

His secret was revealed to her without any words said.

He loved Hitomi with all his heart. He would die for her. And she had left him…

"Van Fanel." She said, trying to break the spell that had been cast when their eyes met. He blinked, and Millerna managed to look away from his eyes.

"I remember you." He said. "But I don't remember your name."

He was trying to act strong. He didn't want her to know that his heart had just been shattered, but she knew. She had been the only one to hear his heart break, and now he would not be able to escape her.

"Millerna Fassa." She said. She walked closer to him and extended her hand. He looked surprised, but recovered quickly and shook her hand.

"Miss Fassa."

"Just Millerna."

He nodded. "Call me Van, then."

A silence stretched between them, but it was not uncomfortable. They were both measuring each other, trying to see what each tried to hide.

"You kept her safe."

"Yes."

"You would die for her."

It was not a question. It was a fact, and they both knew it. He looked at her, as if seeing her for the first time. His eyes had looked surprised at first, but he had quickly recovered.

"Yes."

It was not necessary for him to answer, for there had never been a question. Still, his answer made the whole conversation far more serious and deep. He was answering her questions, and she had no idea why.

"Why?"

"…"

"You could have killed her. You could have chosen not to believe us, but you didn't. You betrayed the man that cared for you, why?"

Van looked at her for a long moment, and then he gave her the one answer that she couldn't doubt.

"Because it was the right thing to do."

"Will you fight until the end?"

"Is there another way to fight?"

She smiled. "No, there is not. Come with me. I'll lead you to the generals."

He just nodded. Millerna looked at him from her side. The tender Van that she had seen before Hitomi went with Allen was gone. Instead, she was faced with a man that was determined to do anything to win this war. He was in control. He was strong. He was confident; a true soldier. He had been through so much in his life that her own petty problems seemed little in comparison. Still, against all odds, he had managed to survive. He was here, in front of her, in Kansaki, ready to fight for a kingdom that was ashes and for a woman that had left him. She couldn't help but respect the man in front of her.

"And by the way…" He began. "Dornkirk never took care of me, and I am sorry for your lose."

Sometimes, Millerna thought as she watched him walk towards the castle, one had to suffer to be able to be great.

"Hitomi, I…"

She cut him off by putting her hand on his mouth.

"Don't say anything. Now is not the time, Allen. We will have all the time in the world, but after this war is over."

"Fine, as you wish, Hitomi."

She knew she was lying to him. He would have all the time in the world after the war was over, but not her. She had already decided what to do. Her eyes looked to her surroundings. She was finally home and in one of her favorite places. It was a pity, though, that it had been destroyed. The garden that she had planted with such care was now gone. She walked away from Allen and into it. Something caught her eye, and she kneeled to see what it was. There, buried in dirt, was a small purple flower. It was a lilac. She smiled. So maybe she wouldn't live after this war, but what did it matter? She would be able to save what she loved most. Because of her, people would be able to live in peace. Her sacrifice would be worth it, and she would be able to pass away with no regrets.

Except there were regrets.

The man that was besides her was not the man that she wanted, and her heart ached when it recalled the look that Van had given her as she had ran into Allen's arms. It was unavoidable. The pain, that is. She had known since the beginning that the love she shared with Van could not last. There were just too many obstacles in their way. Still, she had dared to hope. Her heart had refused to accept the fact that she would have to marry another man. It had refused to be brought down. But then Dornkirk had happened, and even her heart had quiet down. It knew, as well as her mind, that she was a danger to Van. The love they shared would be their downfall, so she had decided to cast him aside. He would be heartbroken, but he would live. She was sure he would keep his promise and not go back to his old self. He would be fine. Perhaps, if things went as she planned, he would be able to build his kingdom again and live in peace. He would survive, perhaps fall in love again, marry, have children, grow old, forget her…

Hitomi stopped her line of thought. It was too painful. She had dreamed of being with him forever. She would marry him and grow old with him. She wished see him become a powerful and loved king. God, how she would have loved to see him get his life back! But…It was not possible. She was a seer, the mistress of the Heart, and she had a mission. Love would only make her doubt her actions, and she could not have that. She had to sacrifice her life in order for Zaibach to fall. If she looked at Van's loving eyes, then she would surely want to live, and then everything would be lost. She had to die, and Van had to live, and there was simply no other way. Besides, even if she lived through the war, she had promised her hand to Allen. To not marry him would only bring disgrace to her kingdom. Either way, whichever the result of the war, her place was at Allen's side and it could not be any other way.

"Why are you here, Allen?"

"Pardon me?"

"Why are you in Kansaki? Shouldn't you be defending Asturia?" He relaxed, and Hitomi realized that he had not understood the meaning of her question again. She couldn't help but think that Van would have gotten it.

"It is a long story. I will tell it to you later."

"Allen…"

"I thought Kansaki was built to be a fortress, and it would be better to fight and protect my people here."

She raised an eyebrow, and he laughed.

"And Zaibach was surrounding us. I really had no choice…I hope you are not mad."

"Of course I'm not."

A wind blew, making Hitomi shiver. She knew that the war would soon be over. There was a change in the air…everything seemed so still, as if waiting for the storm…

Thousand of guymelefs were surrounding Kansaki. Dilandu was breaking Kansaki's barriers through the east with another general. Three others were in charge of the west, south, and north. Even Dornkirk was there; ready to do anything to win this war. The faces of the soldiers were determined. There was no fear in their eyes. They were ready to die for their lord, for Zaibach, and for what they believed was right. Dilandu's eyes shown with malice; he was already savoring all the deaths that he would cause. A man, the same man that had captured her in Fanelia, was by Dornkirk's side. He gave an order and all hell broke loose. Zaibach's army hit Kansaki like the wildest of storms. She knew in that moment that they never really had a chance…

"Hitomi, wake up, please!"

She heard his voice and opened her eyes. To her disappointment, she was met by blueeyes instead of brown.

"Allen…"

"What did you see?"

She turned towards the voice and was faced by the brown eyes that she adored.

"Van…"

But his eyes were not warm. Instead, they were cold as ice, and Hitomi lowered her eyes.

"Don't use that tone when talking to her. She is a queen." Allen defended her.

"I will talk to her whichever way I want." Van responded. "I am a king too."

Something appeared in Allen's eyes, but it went away too soon. "If you have decided to be the king you were born to be, then act like it. Don't talk to Hitomi like that ever again. As her fiancé, I demand you to show her respect…"

"It's ok." Hitomi heard herself say. Her voice sounded small even to her. Van was about to say something, but Millerna appeared by his side and acted fast.

"There is no time to be fighting between us. We have a greater enemy."

"What did you see, Hitomi?" Van's voice was softer, but when she looked at his eyes they were as cold as before.

"How do you know she saw anything?" There he was. Allen simply could not shut up.

"I've been traveling with her for months. I know her."

Allen's eyes narrowed, but there was nothing he could say. The fact was that he didn't know his precious Hitomi, and it angered him that this…man, knew her better than him.

"Will you two shut up? I believe Hitomi has something important to tell us."

Hitomi gave Millerna a thankful look and then turned towards the two men.

"Zaibach's full army is coming to meet us. In my vision, they took us unprepared and fell upon us as a plague. We had no chance against them. We must prepare or we will loose."

"How long do we have?"

It was Van who asked. All his attention was directed to her, and she felt guilty. Even though she had betrayed him in the worst way possible, he still trusted her with his life. Would her torture never end?

"I don't know. In my vision, they were already here, but considering that we…"

She was about to say that they has escaped from Zaibach a day ago, but the look in his eyes made her close her mouth. He didn't want them to know that they had been there, and whatever his reasons, she would obey his wishes. She owed him that much.

"Considering the size of the army and the distance…I believe they will be here in three days maximum."

"Then we must prepare."

"Allen, how many kingdoms are with us?

"All the ones that have survived. I would say about six, plus the thieves and rebellious towns."

She raised an eyebrow to him again, but he only smiled.

"We had to accept all the help that we could."

"Call them all. We have to form a plan."

"Hitomi, maybe you should…"

"No. I am queen of this country, and I will help you form a plan of attack. It is not under discussion. Understood?"

Allen nodded, but he looked a little disturbed.

"I will be there also. As queen of Freid, it is my duty" Millerna said.

Allen just sighed, but Hitomi caught the smirk in Van's face.

"We have to prepare for the worst." She said, and everyone nodded. They all knew she was right. She looked one more time at Van. She could not feel guilty about what she had done now. They were at war, and there were more important things to think about.

"What we need to do is intercept Zaibach's army before it reaches Kansaki." Allen said as a soldier brought him the maps he had ordered. He put them on the table so everyone could see.

"We have no chance to win if they manage to get here. The walls of Kansaki will not stand another fight, and we can't risk all the children and woman that are here."

"Where do you suggest we should go to?" A strange man asked. Amano had not seen him until know. He looked at him. He had raven hair and brown eyes. He was sure he had never seen him before, which was odd because he knew everyone on the room. He looked around himself. He had never seen a more diverse group!

From the non magical worlds they had Allen and Gadess, representing Asturia, the most powerful country since Fanelia. Millerna was representing Freid, a country that had once been very powerful. They had lost a lot through the war, and they had been forced, like the rest of the kingdoms, to come to Kansaki and ally with anyone that was not with Dornkirk. Still, their military forces would be of great help. From the Kingdom of Egzardia they had King Leon. Their forces were small, but he was sure they would be able to help. Last of this group, they had the rebel groups that existed in this part of Gaea. Oruzo, leader of the Basram, had come to help. Amano knew that Oruzo had out run Asturia's police forces for years, so he would surely know something about how to win them a little time. Besides, he had a lot of men under him, and all of them were armed to the teeth.

The magical kingdoms also played an important part. Queen Hitomi represented Kansaki. He looked at her. He was extremely glad to see her back home, even if it wasn't under the best of circumstances. She looked strong and confident. She had grown up during the months that she had been away. She had grown from the cheery princess to the proud queen of a powerful kingdom. Kansaki would be of great help in this war. They not only had some of the best soldiers. They also had very powerful sorceress. Then they had Hurizen representing the Kingdom of Chezario. It was a famous kingdom for having some of the best archers, sorceress, and witches. They were essential. And of course, Luva, the only female general, representing the Daedalus country. It wasn't really a kingdom. It was more like the biggest school on Gaea. It was the place where the best warriors and magical creatures came from. They had been in the war business since the beginning of time. It was obvious to anyone that they were needed here. And Luva was one hell of a general. Amano had no doubt that she would come in handy.

And lastly, they had the pirates. They were represented by 5 different captains. Piro, Riden, Kio, Teo, and Katsu were the proud leaders of a group that had stolen from all the other kingdoms. Even though there was a lot of resentment between them and the rest of the world, right know they were of great importance. After all, who better than them to damage Zaibach? All in all, Amano knew that Zaibach was still stronger. He looked at the man in front of him. He knew everyone, so who was he?

"Excuse me, I do not mean to be rude, but I would very much like to know who you are." It was Luva who asked, her intelligent eyes fixed on the stranger.

"Who are you?" His voice was deep and full of authority. Luva narrowed her eyes. It was obvious that she had never been talked to in that tone.

"My name is Luva, as everyone in this room knows. I am head of Daedalus, proud city where only warriors and magical beings are accepted. Do not answer my question with another question. Who are you?"

The man did not speak at first. He looked at Hitomi, who nodded with the head. Then, it hit Amano, He had been with his queen when she had arrived, but he hadn't noticed because of what had happened next. He had to be…

"My name is Van Fanel, King of Fanelia."

Silence fell over the room, and more than one gasp was heard. They all looked at him like he was crazy, and then he took out his sword. It was the Fanelian royal sword that had been lost during that fateful day.

"It can't be possible. There were no survivors."

"The younger boy was never found. But…"

"It is all true. I have been with him for the last months, on a quest to find a way to destroy Zaibach. If you do not believe his words, believe mine. I swear he is who he claims to be." Hitomi's voice filled the room, and if there was a doubt of who he was, it was not voiced.

"How do we know you are not a spy of Dornkirk? For years, you have not appeared, so why should we trust you now?" Luvas question, obviously. Van grinned.

"Zaibach was the one responsible for my kingdom's destruction. I seek revenge. I will fall upon Dornkirk like the worst curse ever. I will make him pay with his blood for my family's and my people's deaths. His crime will not be unpunished. Your fight with him is merely to defend yourselves. My fight with him is personal." His eyes became darker. "I am his worst enemy. That is why you have to trust me."

His voice held an anger that was unmistakable. The way in which he stood made him look powerful and aloof. His grip on his sword only emphasized his words. No one said anything more about the matter. Amano felt respect for the young king in front of him.

"And what will you do…" Millerna asked. "When you get your revenge?"

"I will rebuild Fanelia with my own hands."

Amano knew, in that moment, that Fanelia would live again. He just had to see into King Van's eyes to see that he meant every word he had spoken. He could actually imagine him building again the kingdom of Fanelia. He felt proud at knowing that this man had protected his Queen Hitomi. Millerna had been right. She had been safe with him all along. Then he saw how each member of the room bowed to Van Fanel. It was a sign of respect and recognition. Hitomi bowed, and he proceeded to do the same. Allen gave a sigh and slowly bowed, though he kept his eyes on him. It did not matter. Van Fanel was with them. He had been recognized as a king. Fanelia would fight in this war, even if it was just represented by one man. Amano moved his eyes from Allen to Van and back to Allen. These two had an inner power in them. They never gave up. They fought to the end. They were born soldiers and leaders. Then he looked at Millerna and Hitomi. Both had been made queen due to the death of a beloved one. They were both peaceful women, and yet they were here, ready to fight for what they believed was right. His eyes went to the faces of the other leaders. All of them knew that war was a pretty ugly business. All of them were men that were ready to do whatever was necessary to win. His eyes went back to Van Fanel. It was odd, how in time of desperation there was always hope. A kingdom that had long ago been considered dead had just come back to life.

"How do you think Dornkirk will attack?" Gadess asked.

"He will bring his full force and attack from any spot that he can. He will surround us and put his best sorceress where they will hurt us the most. He wants a bloody battle, and he wants a lot of deaths. If we expect to win, we have to hit him with every single thing we have." His eyes went to Hitomi and they locked. Words were said between them without speaking. Amano wondered what secret the newly acknowledge king shared with his queen.

"How do you know this?" It was Luva again.

"I…" Van hesitated for a fraction of second. His eyes covered with a black cloud, and he seemed to almost tremble, but it passed away to soon, and Amano wandered if he had just imagined it all. A moment after his hesitation, all insecurity was lost, and he was as determined as before. "I know his ways. I know him, and I know what he is capable off. I lost a lot of things to get this information. I will not tell you how, for it is not your business. Just listen to what I have to say."

For some strange reason, no one argued with him. They all took him for his words.

"Okay, so Dornkirk will attack with all his got. That means that he will put everything into one battle." Allen said.

"This means that we only have one shot at winning." Millerna continued.

"Well, that makes thing easier." Gadess said sarcastically.

"What we need to do is buy time." Leon said.

"That is something we can do." Teo, one of the pirate captains stood up. He was playing with a knife. "We pirates are magnificent at wining time."

"Then we will need to place the strongest sorceress and warrior somewhere where they can get Zaibach's sorceress."

"The archers should be the first to attack, followed by the horse soldiers and the foot soldiers. The guymelefs will have to be lead by only the best…"

And so it went on. The kingdoms prepared for war, hoping that they had a chance to win.

Amano caught Lady Hitomi looking at Lord Van, and he wondered how big a part they played in this war. It seemed to him like they were hiding something, a secret that was consuming the both of them.

´Perhaps…' Some part of his mind told him. ´It is better this way. You always knew it would end in tears.

Of course, his heart just wouldn't accept this. It didn't want to. It needed an explanation, just like every other part of his body. He wouldn't let go of her if he didn't have his goddamn explanation! He had risked his life for her. He had controlled his bloody instincts for her. He had not killed for her. He had become a good person for her. And this was what he got…

She, running to him, the knight in shining armor, throwing herself at him, kissing him, their bodies together…and him… Alone, abandoned, hurting…

´She never asked you to do any of those things. You did it because you wanted to. No one forced you. Ah, yes, the cruel truth. Even his own mind wouldn't let all the blame fall on Hitomi. Stupid mind, sometimes he wondered if it was worthy to even have one. It seemed to always tell him exactly what he didn't want to hear.

But of course, it was right. Hitomi had wanted to befriend him because…well, she must have had her reasons. She had probably done it because she had pitied him. Had she also kissed him so many times because she pitied him? He thought not. In the time that they had been together, he had watched her and learned all the little things that made her so special. Lying was not one of the things she was good at. She couldn't lie to save her life, so she couldn't have faked all her emotions. And her eyes… those beautiful, striking, inhuman like eyes, couldn't have lied to him. It had been true emotion in them. He was sure it had not been a lie. She hadn't faked, so why had she run to Schezar's arms? She had kissed him, and she had gone away with him, but Van knew that something wasn't right. He needed a bloody explanation, and he just couldn't seem to find her and the stupid explanation his heart screamed for.

Why did you… with him…?

He leaned against a wall and closed his eyes. Really, of all the things he should be thinking, Hitomi should be the last on his mind. A war that had been going on since long before Fanelia had fallen was about to finish. In less than a week, the winner would rise above the loser and forever decide the fate of their enemy. If he didn't have his mind on the battle and the plans, they would lose, and he could not afford to lose. There was no time to spend on his love issues. He had to prepare for battle…

But images of her would appear in his mind, and he just couldn't shake her memory away. She followed his thoughts wherever he went, and as much as he tried, he could think of nothing but her. Hell, the fact that he was now officially the King of Fanelia didn't even do anything to dissipate her from his mind. He had stood in front of everyone that mattered in Gaea, all of them bowing to him, accepting him, forming an alliance with him, and he only had eyes for her. He decided that Hitomi was his curse. She had only come to existence to torture his existence and…

"Van…"

He turned, knowing exactly the person who he would meet.

"Hitomi."

They looked at each other for a long time, but neither of them moved. They were frozen in their places, and all they could see was each other, but they didn't touch. They didn't blink, and they tried not to think of what they used to have. It was forbidden. She was another's. She belonged to that bloody Schezar. She had chosen him. Nothing she said would change that. He only wanted to know why… and then Van decided that it didn't matter, and that he had to feel her lips against his just once more before he was forced to let her go.

He moved so fast she didn't realize what was happening until she found herself in his arms, and his lips were millimeters from hers, and she realized that it was too late to pull away.

"Why, Hitomi?"

And then his lips were covering hers, and she lost all her defenses. Van felt her arms go around his neck. Her hands went to his head, and she pulled him closer as his lips moved with hers. His arms went around her waist, pulling her closer if it was even humanly possible. He could feel every curve of her delicate body against his muscled one. He heard her moan against his lips, and his control almost broke. His tongue asked for permission to enter her sweet mouth, and she obediently opened it for him. Her tongue played along with his, and Van was sure he had lost his mind. She tasted so good, and he so wanted to stay with her, to hold her tightly and never stop kissing her…

She pulled away, pushing him away from her. Her cheeks were red and her eyes were a dark green. They looked at him with something that he knew very well: lust. But they also looked at him with fear. She tried to catch her breath.

"This is wrong." She said, and Van felt anger build inside of him.

"Why?"

"I'm engaged to Allen."

"That didn't stop you before."

He knew he had blown it when her eyes shown with anger.

"You have no right…"

But he wouldn't let her make him feel guilty this time. He wanted an explanation, and he would get it now.

"No, Hitomi. You have no right. Why the hell did you go to Schezar when you were with me?" He took a step closer to her. She didn't move away. "Do you have any idea of how much it hurt, to see you in his arms? To see him kiss you? Do you?"

"I'm sorry; Van, but it can't be any other way. You knew from the beginning that there could not be anything between us."

"If I remember correctly, it was you who came to me. You gave me hope, Hitomi. I would have never confessed to you if I had known you loved Schezar, but you don't. You don't love him. You love me…"

He moved closer to her, but he was stopped when he felt her hand on his chest.

"Where did you get the idea that I loved you?"

His heart stopped, his lung stopped functioning, and the blood that ran in his veins became ice.

"What?"

"I never said I loved you, Van. You just assumed it."

And then it hit him, that she was telling the truth.

I adore you.

I'd do anything for you.

Please, don't ever leave me.

I trust you.

You mean so much to me.

She had never, not even once, said that she loved him, not eves as a friend. It had always been him, the one to say it to her. He had thought he had seen the feeling in her eyes. Every single one of her actions told him that she loved him, but she had never said it to him. She had never voiced her love for him. Those three words had never left her mouth. It had just hit Van. The thought had never crossed his mind until now. He didn't know what to say or feel. He didn't know what her revelation meant.

"I won't lie to you, Van. I like you. I truly do, and I care for you a lot, but…" Her eyes went to the floor. "I don't love you. I only thought I did because I was confused. I'm sorry if I hurt you, but the truth is that…I love Allen. I always have. I always will. I want to marry him."

Van stood there paralyzed. It was not true. It couldn't be happening. She was lying. She had to be, but why? Why?

"I didn't mean to hurt you…"

All the anger that he felt inside suddenly exploded. It became too much for him to handle. His hands went to her shoulders, and he pushed her towards the wall. He quickly graved her wrists, so she wouldn't escape.

"Why are you lying to me?" He yelled at her, and then, more softly, "Why are you trying to hurt me?"

She stood in front of him, a thousand emotions running through her eyes. She looked so lost, so confused and torn…he wanted to hug her and tell her that everything would be alright, but he couldn't. Her words were ringing in his head.

I never said I loved you…

Could she be telling the truth? But… then why? Why had her eyes shown with love when she looked at him? Why had it felt so right to hold her in his arms? Why did her lips taste so sweet?

I love Allen. I want to marry him.

"Why?"

"Van, you knew…" She said. Her tone was desperate. She was trying so hard to make him believe her words. "You always knew. We always knew. Even if I didn't love Allen, nothing could ever be between us. Please, Van; I'm doing what's best for the both of us."

"I don't believe you. Look into my eyes and tell me you don't love me. Only then will I let you go, Hitomi."

She looked into his eyes, but her mouth stayed closed.

"I never beg, Hitomi, but I would do it for you. Please, please, Hitomi, look me in the eye and tell me you don't love me. Break our bond. Separate yourself from me. Make our love end. All you have to do is tell me you don't love me while your eyes are on mine. Only then will I let you go. "

"I…I don't…I….can't."

He smiled, was about to lean down, when strong eyes pulled him from her. He turned to see who it was, but a fist connected to his jaw. His angry eyes searched for the one who had dared punched him, and they landed on the one person that he didn't want to see.

Allen Schezar looked at him with controlled anger, but his hand was tightened around his sword, and he looked ready to kill.

I must say I'm proud of this chapter. I am not very good with war...things, but I think it went out okay, and I figured a way to

make Van a 'formal' king. I know it came out as a rush, and that everyone accepted his to fast, but they are at war and

desperate for any help they can get against Zaibach. The way I see it, they just want a hero to appear and save them, and

who better than out beloved Van? And surprise, surprise, Van and Allen do not like each other. I just love to write about

them fighting with each other. Anyway, chap. 27 will not be up in at least two weeks because I have to write it and send it to

my editor. I am completely sorry, but I'll try to do my best. Oh, and I loved the part Millerna/Van. Of course, they'll never

fall in love, but I think I'll make them great friends. Well, enough for now. Review, review, review. You know I love your

reviews, and do tell me if you liked this story. Sorry if it was a little bpring in some parts, but I can't make them go to war

without a plan. Oh, and if you think there is something about past chapters that I haven't solved ot have seem to forget,

please tell me. I tend to forget some things, and for the ending I have to make everything fall into place.