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Chapter Ten

Van retreated to his room for the rest of the day. Hitomi and him did not talk about anything and he did not even meet with Shina to 'talk in private' about the marriage. He just lay on his bed, staring at the ceiling.

God…why me? Why now? Van thought miserably. Just when I thought I'd finally be alone with Hitomi……Why? He pushed his hands through his hair, making it messier. Folding them behind his head, he sighed. All in a king's days work…

He noticed that the sky was dark from the open window across from him. Good. Now I have the excuse that it's time for bed. Van was not the type to lock himself in his room, but tonight was an exception. The choice between the woman I've grown to love…and a woman who will bring my country to greatness…

Everything was overwhelming and frustrating. Van had to worry about his country, Hitomi and the visions, and Shina. He had a duty of King to do what was right for his people…but he also had a duty to Hitomi. Why me?

Hitomi was special to him. He can't just drop her. His mother always told him to be noble to his lady. But now, he couldn't be noble to either without hurting the other.

With the war raging on in his head, it was wonder that he fell asleep.

"Hitomi! How can you be SO CALM!" Merle shouted at her. "I mean, Shina is going to steal Van away!"

"Merle, you need to be calm." Hitomi sighed. "Van has a duty to his country. This marriage is going to help his people."

"But Van doesn't love her!" The pink-haired one protested. He loves you, you idiot!

"I guess he doesn't have to." Hitomi whispered, almost not heard. "Shina is a nice woman…Once he gets to know her…"

"HITOMI!" Merle screeched. "Why are you in favour of this? I mean, Shina is the scum of the earth!"

"Merle! You can't say that. You don't know her."

"I can and I will. She rubs me the wrong way…Shina doesn't deserve Van." Merle turned to the side and folded her arms across her chest, ending her statement with a huff.

"How do you know that?"

"Because you—!" Merle suddenly stopped herself. She growled instead. "Never mind."

Hitomi stood up from the bed and walked towards her friend. "What is it?"

Her blue eyes narrowed. "It doesn't matter. All that matters is why you are so…so casual about this!"

"I'm not casual, Merle. I am upset about this." Hitomi looked at the floor. "But, sometimes, there isn't much someone can do."

Merle gave up. There's plenty we can do! "Ugh! Fine. Whatever. I'm tired. I can't think of another argument. I'm going to bed. 'Night, Hitomi…" She left with a sulk, closing the door behind her.

Hitomi sat down on her bed again. In an instant, she began to cry softly. Why am I crying for? She thought as she continued to watch the tears fall from blurry eyes. There isn't much I can do now…All I can do is figure out what's going to happen before—before his wedding, I guess…The happy couple can't have the sky raining blood…

She stopped. Why did she think of that? The sky raining blood? Where did that come from? Hitomi got up and took off the dress that Van had apparently wanted to see on her. With his head down at dinner, I doubt he noticed anyway.

After their short conversation at the dining table, Van had left, leaving her behind. Still in a state of shock, she barely registered what they had said. It was a while until she left too. Returning to her room, Merle was waiting for her and immediately she began to rant about the wedding.

Hitomi was quiet the entire time, only agreeing or nodding every so often. She didn't know what to think of this. She knew that Van HAD to do this marriage, for his country…but that left the visions alone. He told her that she was top priority…however, Hitomi knew it would be difficult to stop a potential danger while wedding arrangements were going on. I guess I'll be solo for a while.

Truth was, she hating being 'solo.' Going to Yukari's and Amano's wedding was hard; she was giving up her best friend to another friend. Of course, it wasn't as if they deserted her; they always came over to visit and called weekly…But it was always awkward; being the third wheel and all. Hitomi was always alone…She had dates, but none were promising. Every night she would go home empty-handed.

Her reunion with Van made her feel strangely welcomed. He never forgot her…With him, she was never alone. But, here she was…the only soul in her bedroom, watching someone else take another friend from her.

Hitomi sighed. She made a mistake. She should of known that Van would be busy…too busy for her. She had a feeling she would be alone again. Not much I can do…

Pulling out a nightgown—Merle had told her where they were—she changed quickly and lay down in the bed, under the covers. All I can do is figure out what's going to happen…and leave…
You don't belong here
…leave the happy couple…Hitomi pulled the covers close. "Goodnight Van…"

But she knew she wouldn't sleep.

Shina sat on her bed in a meditative position; legs crossed with her back straight and both of her hands, palm up, on her knees. Her right hand had the ring finger touching the thumb and on her left hand, both the ring finger and the middle finger touched the thumb.

And in front of her almost sleeping body, her own ebony pendant floated in front of her. Two of her guards stood protectively at the door with their swords ready. One was staring straight ahead, not taking in their princess' position. The other, a younger guard, continued to stare at Shina, confused.

"My highness?" One deep voiced guard asked as he glanced at her.

"Yes?" Shina replied calmly, mind still in a haze. Before the man could ask, she already knew his answer. "The possession will take place tonight."

The guard blinked. "How could—could you answer me without me asking?"

"You still do not know the powers that I possess?" She asked. "Foolish man…My pendant lets me know."

"Your highness…" The curious guard repeated. "What do you mean 'possession'?" The other guard looked sternly at him, telling him non-verbally that he should stop asking questions. The younger man obeyed.

Shina remained quiet and the pendant began to glow. Once this seed is planted, my plan will prevail without question…

In an uneasy sleeping state, Van's brain told him to wake up. Eyes open, after some difficulty, he realized that it was still dark. Why did I wake up now? He was about to drift back, when he heard something in the room.

Now he was alert. Van's eyes shifted from left to center to the right. He noticed that the sound was coming from behind him. It sounded like faint murmuring…or perhaps breathing? Someone's in here…How did they get past the guards? Maybe the open window… His mind buzzed with possibilities, but his body told him to get up and defend himself.

With his back to the noise, he was at an advantage and a disadvantage. His advantage was that his 'mystery guest' couldn't see what he was doing. Unfortunately, he couldn't see what his guest was doing either…He knew that he always placed his sword next to his bed on the left side, up against the wall.

Just his luck, he was sleeping right next to it. Slowly and silently, he stretched right arm from underneath his body towards the sword's handle. All the while, he could hear the person—
Thing
—breathing louder and stronger. His hand finally gripped the sword. Van paused, listening. Hearing no movement, he narrowed his eyes in concentration. It was time for a surprise attack…Maybe he'll scare away the person before doing any damage. Now or never…He grit his teeth and pulled the sword out, turning his body right around and upright.

Holding the sword out to the direction of the shadowed figure, he spoke menacingly, "Who are you?"

Van held onto the sword tighter. "Speak! Or I shall be forced to cause harm to you…" The figure in the shadows of his room moved forward. "Take another step…" Van threatened, getting out from underneath his covers and knelling on his bed, ready to strike.

The figure stopped. But so did Van.

The moonlight that came from the open window cast an eerie glow on the person's face. Dirty blonde hair came into view and its eyes—
What colour are they?
—sparkled an emerald green. "…Hitomi?"

"Van…" Hitomi sounded relieved. "I thought you were going to hurt me…"

He dropped his sword on the floor, releasing his first instinct to attack. The sword settled with a clang beside his bed. "What are you doing here this late?" Van asked.

"I…I couldn't sleep…" She got on the bed and crawled towards him.

"Oh…" Van gulped. He stared at her as she moved; the moonlight was catching the edges of her nightgown along her curves.

Not that he was looking there intentionally or anything….He blushed anyway. You're acting like a little boy. Stop it. You're an adult now. You can handle this situation.

Hitomi sat in front of him. "Can you sleep?" She asked, smirking.

"Uh…Not—Not really." He stammered, thankful that the darkness covered his embarrassment. "…After all, you just woke me up. Not that I was sleeping soundly or anything…"

"I'm sorry for waking you. I went for a walk…I kinda got lost, but then ended up here."

"Oh…" Van repeated, staring blankly at her. "How did you get past the guards, Hitomi?"

She shrugged playfully. "We'll talk later…"

She looks very beautiful… He felt as if he was under a trance. The next thing he knew, he heard himself mumble, "Uh…You could……You could stay here…for the night—if you want to."

He heard her giggle softly. "I thought you'd never offer." She leaned in closer to him and Van froze in his spot. Hitomi captured his lips in a very demanding kiss. He was slightly taken back by her forwardness.

Not that he was complaining or anything….

Once the initial shock wore off, Van closed his eyes, leaned forward and kissed back, moving his hands behind her head to push her closer. His heart was pounding in his ears, his body was getting sweaty and his mind was only focused on her. His body was acting on its own accord now. He nibbled her lower lip gently and she parted her lips slowly. Van slid his tongue inside and gently massaged hers.

Their mouths were connected for some time, neither giving in to the other. Van knew that he was blushing. Or maybe the redness in his face was due to the fact that his body temperature felt like it had risen one thousand degrees. He had never felt this sort of passion with anyone before. The heat was burning his body.

Not that he was complaining about that feeling or anything…

One of his hands was still in her hair, combing through and fisting certain strands, while the other hung idly at her hips. Van was unsure whether or not he should move elsewhere.

Her hands, however, were moving indeed. They were slowly making their way down his abdomen. So caught up in their kiss, Van barely registered what was going on. It was when her hands rested on the waistline of his sleeping trunks when his eyes opened and he tried to pull away. One part of him wanted him to stop trying and give in, but a rational part won.

"Hitomi!" Van panted, in awe of her actions and eagerness. "What are you—?"

She held a finger to his lips. "Shh…We'll talk later…"

Hitomi grabbed him into another kiss. Even though her hands had not moved any lower from his waist, Van continued to try to pull away. I must be crazy…He thought as he tried to break the kiss. But…something's not right… He pulled harder.

But she would not let him go. Immediately, her hands went to the back of his head and pushed him against her lips. At this moment Van realized that he had not taken a good deep breath in a while. He hadn't noticed that his lungs were burning.

Gods…Please Hitomi… He was getting desperate. Van used both of his arms to pull away and it was only a few moments later when air returned to him. He panted loudly, trying to get all the air he could. How long were we…? Jeeze…No matter how many breaths he took in, it never seemed like enough.

Van clutched at his stomach. He continued to struggle with his breathing. What is…going on? Why can't I…I breathe…properly? He leaned forward, placing his head on Hitomi's shoulder. His breathing was getting wheezy. It felt like his throat was closing up on him. It was getting tighter and tighter…

"Hi…Hi…" Van looked up at her, trying to say her name. "Hi…Hit…to…mi…"

She did not return his gaze.

His throat suddenly closed completely. Oh…Gods…What's…happening to…me? Van tore away from Hitomi's shoulder and sat upright, grabbing his throat. No air was coming in now, no matter how hard he tried to suck in a breath. The burning in his lungs intensified. Veins in his body felt as if they were going to explode…

"Hi…Hi…" He looked at her again, through blurry and fading vision. His eyes were unfocused and slightly bulging. She leaned in close to him and kissed him again. "…No!"

Once her lips left his, his body began to shake and twitch. To try and loosen his throat, his body made him cough. Violently. But nothing seemed to help. If anything, it got tighter. Van could barely see her, even though she was right in front of him. His hands began to claw at his neck, trying to relieve the pain.

He didn't feel it when Hitomi pushed him down on the bed so that he was lying down again. His coughs were getting weaker, but still persistent. His mind was blank; the only thoughts were to the gods to save him…But when Van began to taste something coppery in his mouth, he knew that not even a miracle could save him.

His throat loosened only slightly to allow the liquid out and a little breath in. Every breath made a gurgling noise in his throat accompanied by burning sensations and he knew he was running out of time. Van could feel the red liquid trickle out of his mouth and fall off his face or down his neck.

He looked up at Hitomi for last time. "Hi…Hi…" Van could not finish her name. His throat closed again.

She loomed over him, moving her weight over his diaphragm to push out any air left. "Shh…Shh…We'll talk later…" He felt her delicate fingers wipe up some of the fallen blood on his neck. She stared at her fingers then licked them clean, still looming over him.

And she smiled. "We'll talk later…"

Van stared wide-eyed at her until the darkness consumed him.

He gasped loudly as his eyes shot open to see an empty room. No one was there but him. The first rays of sunlight streamed in through the open window and rested on the tossed sheets of his bed.

His breath was shaky, but his throat was not closed and his mouth was not full of blood either. It was a dream…One hell of a dream…Van touched his face to feel for any dried blood there, but found only saliva. He figured that he must have been sleeping with his mouth open.

He sat up in bed quickly and threw the sheets off of him. What the hell was that? Van continued to take deep breaths, somewhat waiting for the tightness in his throat to return.

But, it didn't. Okay…It was just a dream…Deep breath, Van…In and out… Finally, he was under control. Once again, he asked himself, "What the hell was that?" He got up from his bed and walked to the window. He took in the morning scenery and the air in a deep, cleansing breath.

"Okay…stay calm. Just tell Hitomi…" He paused. He just realized what an awkward conversation that would be. Yeah, I had a dream where me and you were kissing madly and were about to have a 'special evening' when I suddenly choked and died. What do you think about that?…Oh, very mature Van…His mind made a dialogue and Van almost laughed at the thought.

Almost laughed. The reality was nothing to joke about.

He hasn't laughed in what seemed like a long time. I going to have to tell her…After all, she told me one of her more…disturbing visions. Van remembered how hurt Hitomi had been when she had to retell the vision of him killing her. I guess I'll return the favour…

Van was about to rehearse his 'retelling' of what it seemed to be another nice dream and ended up being a nightmare. I have to be mature…He knew he would end up turning red anyway. Talking about this type of stuff wasn't his thing. He knew that he was an adult, just over twenty years old, but it still felt weird to him.

He may have gotten more experience and stronger as he aged, but he was still as shy as he was when he was sixteen. I must be crazy…Van just thought that something so intimate can't be talked about so casually in public. His mother always told him to respect women. He figured that talking about their private times openly isn't the best way to respect someone.

Van pulled himself together and was about to get changed when the door was open. "Good morning, Lord Van!"

Merle stood there with her arms stretched over her head with a warm smile. "Good morning, Merle…How are you?"

"Good morning." Another voice called from behind Merle. Hitomi…

"I'm super, Lord Van!" Merle's voice changed tone. "Super, as in, super-upset!"

Van grimaced. He was expecting this. "How can you just agree to marry that princess?"

Hitomi pulled on the feline's arm. "Merle! You promised that you wouldn't say anything!"

Merle turned to her. "I promised nothing!"

"Yes you did!" Hitomi cried. "You said that you wouldn't start--!"

"—Stop making stuff up!"

"Ladies! Do you mind? I just woke up!" Van shouted over their voices to quiet them down. "Thank you." He then proceeded to pull a clean blue shirt over his head.

Once Merle stopped frowning at Hitomi, she looked back at Van. "Since Hitomi just got here, we were wondering if we could go and visit Allen and Millerna in Austria for the day. To, you know, catch up. Hitomi hasn't been here in for a while and she wants to know what her friends are doing."

Van looked at her. Her dirty blonde hair was sticking up and her clothes were wrinkled. He recognized that dress from yesterday and smiled. "You want to go?"

Hitomi smiled. "Yes."

He hesitated. As much as he wanted to go out for the day with his closest female companions, something stopped him. A tiny part of his brain told him not to leave the castle. Van ignored it. "I'll see what I can do."

Quicker than a blink of an eye, Merle had latched on to Hitomi's arm. "See? Was that so hard? Now, what to wear? Oh! I know…Van, come to Hitomi's room when you have the carriage ready!"

"Sure." Van chuckled softly, noticing the terror in Hitomi's face when Merle uttered the phrase, 'What to wear?' "I'll come by in a bit. We'll have breakfast and then leave, okay?"

But Merle and Hitomi had already left. Figures…Van smirked, looking for a clean pair of black pants. She's always liked Allen…

And part of him grew jealous at this fact.

Van pushed it away and changed quickly. I better go and ask my driver if he can spare a few hours…He strode out of the room happily, ready to unite with his old friends. I guess my combat lessons will have to wait… He thought amused.

Van walked over to the side of the bed to pick up his sword. He brought it everywhere. One can't be too careful…That's when he noticed that the sheath was empty. Huh? Where is it?

He froze. Something told him that it was right where he left it.

On the floor.

Wow. Another filler chapter…except this one has one vision in it. BTW, when Van is choking and saying "Hi...Hi..." for Hitomi's name, he's pronoucing it like, "Hee...Hee..." (uh...just something to know to further the reading experience...)

Okay, I know. I can't write kissy-kissy make-out scenes….Frankly, maybe it's because I don't get much inspiration in that category…ha ha. So, uh, yeah, please mind the randomness there. I AM NOT A GOOD ROMANCE WRITER.

Poor Van…he's so old fashioned. Gets all blushy when it comes to sex. How I love writing with him. (sings)

Anyway, expect next chapter to be delayed a little because…(dun dun dun) SCHOOL APPROACHES. DIE! Yeah, grade 12 is a tough year, so I'll be concentrating on getting a half-decent scholarship. Please, if you like this story…book-mark it. I don't wanna lose my readers because of education. (ha ha). IT WILL BE COMPLETE; just not as soon as I'd like it to be.

PLEASE REVIEW

P.S. Yeah, Allen and Millerna will be coming in the next chapter with more from Shina and her craziness.
P.P.S. Thanks for your ideas my lovely reviewers/readers!