Hikaru

Chapter Five: The Great Ball

"I have no idea how you talked me into this, Allen," uttered Van from the side of his mouth. They were standing in the court yard of Van's wondrously elaborate palace.

"Make do with these acquaintances… it will serve an important diplomatic purpose. Do not fear, as you decide who you marry, for you are king here," Allen Schezar said, with an amused smile, "trust me, I know it will do you some good. Make Kamanyak happy, play with a few girls' hearts, have some fun and then let them leave for good until you need them."

"Is that what you always do, Allen?" Van said in a slightly irritated tone.

"I used to. Made some choices I do regret, but at your age, you should not be caged as ridiculously as you are in your palace."

"I am not caged, Allen."

"I guess you do not need to spar with me then..."

Van drew his sword, the blade glinted in the dusk, "you know you need a good fight as much as I do."

"You need to work that aggression on the battlefield. Your swordplay is still a bit thin."

"Talk with your sword."

"I shall."

A clang sounded as their swords clashed! Allen had drawn his sword as quickly as Van could blink his eye. Though Van had grown stronger than he was previously, his lunges were far too weak to make his experienced opponent yield. Van gasped some air as their swords violently met in the air, as he did - Allen took the initiative and swung at him with the back of his blade. Van abruptly fell on his side… but he would not allow himself to be defeated so quickly. Thrusting himself forward, he was back to his feet. Van threw his arm towards Allen whilst attempting to charge at him… Allen dodged away, his blonde hair moving in a motion perfectly to dodge the weapon from under it.

"I have been training Chid you know," Allen said casually, "watch out before he catches up!"

In response Van cried, "Concentrate!"

He felt Hitomi's necklace pull his neck as the force of his movement caused it to fling out of his shirt. He stopped suddenly, stepped to the side, and it was Allen this time who threw himself too far. Hurling himself at Schezar, he undercut his opponent's weapon and it flew off his hand and onto the cold ground.

"Getting old, Allen?" he smirked, though slightly pressed for energy. Allen picked himself off the ground, his long, golden hair on one side. He looked subtly impressed and gave Van a pat, "not yet!" and they continued until the early night.

Morning

"VAN-SAMA!"

Merle jumped onto Van's bed and started hopping up and down on it. Van fell off the side making a large thump! Completely in disarray, he opened his eyes. The sunlight beamed through the window was Merle energetically pulled open the curtains.

"Van-sama! How dare you!" she said whilst running around his large room. An expression of spitefulness was clear on her face.

"What is it Merle?"

"How could you do that?" she looked hurt somehow.

"What's wrong Merle?" she ran to him and jumped into his arms, snuggling her face against his.

"I don't want you to find a wife!"

"Merle… I am not going to find a wife!"

"Then why are you dancing tonight?"

"The ball, you mean?"

"YES!" she whined as she tugged on his pyjamas, "the ball, Van-sama, the ball!"

"It's just some silly thing Milerna organised. It's for diplomacy."

"I don't care if it's for caviar! Van-sama, what about me! What about Hitomi? Aren't we the only girls in your life?"

"Hitomi…" Van put his hand gently on Merle's head.

"Van-sama!"

"Merle, this ball means nothing… as Allen said, it is just a matter of forging alliances with the territory of Kamanyak and whatever other leaders of provinces and countries show up…"

"Van-sama!" she clutched him tight, "don't you dare find a wife!"

Author's note: Hey everyone! Hope you're enjoying the story. I was just wondering, did the Mystic Moon disappear once Hitomi left Gaea? I've completely forgotten.

Thanks for your reviews!