Hi All,

Sorry I'm uploading nearly a week late.

I work full time and it's been rather hectic but I haven't forgotten about everyone who's reading my story.

Please enjoy and as always, feedback is appreciated but not expected.

xx

Chapter 15

Gaea

It was amazing how quickly everything came together once a plan was in place. Preparations had already begun to ensure everything would go smoothly, despite the event still being a week away. She looked around as everything and everyone worked diligently to make repairs, wash tapestries, storing glassware and China. The palace in it's entirety was getting a clean or being renewed so the castle would be in tip top condition for the party. Initially, the plan was to have the engagement party 2 months after the approval was received, but they'd brought it forward so it would only be 5 weeks after the approval was received.

When Dilandau had suggested the masquerade ball 3 weeks before, she never would have imagined that the planning would be done and approved by the council within 2 days. To both hers and Van surprise, the council was enamoured by the idea of a masquerade ball and were more than happy for their King to do away with the political setting in favour of diversity. It would show to all the Royals and nobility of Gaea that Fanelia was not an isolated kingdom in terms of culture, potentially giving them new allies and opportunities for new trade agreements. It would add to the strengthening of the Kingdom.

Personally, she was of the opinion, they were just happy he was finally getting married & securing their future stability but she wouldn't voice it since they were also seeking her opinion on matters rather than treating her as a Queen who would be one in name only. It was refreshing that unlike most royalty, the Kings and Queens of Fanelia were to be equal in the future, with her and Van being the first as an example.

With a smile, she walked out of the room, heading to the training rooms, Van had left her in charge so he could spar with Allen whilst he had the chance to do so.

'If you think so. Personally I think he realised just how quickly this wedding is approaching and got cold feet. Using you as a perfect excuse to run away for a bit.'

She sighed. Dilandau had redoubled his efforts in the last 2 weeks to make her doubt Van choosing her. Even if she got the night off when he disappeared, it was starting to wear her down.

'It's because he trusts me.'

'He trusts you sure. But he's still wearing Hitomi's pendant. How can you trust he really loves you while he's wearing his last attachment to her?'

She stopped in her tracks immediately. The thought hadn't crossed her mind in her excitement for their future. Dilandau's triumphant cackle went ignored as the one thought consumed her. Despite whatever Van could say, Dilandau was right. How could she trust him whilst he still wore the necklace.

A noise up ahead brought her out of her shock and forced her to move forward. She was closer to the training room than she realised. Instead of peering in like she usually would, she stayed out of sight and just listened as swords clashed.

"You get better each time we spar Van," Allen stated.

"Are you saying I've bested you?" Van asked cockily.

"Not a chance," Allen responded.

Their swords continued to clash but slowly they stopped and their heavy breathing took over.

"Van?"

"Yeah?"

"I've been meaning to ask, you're still wearing Hitomi's necklace aren't you?"

"Oh. I guess so. I forgot about it honestly."

"Are you sure it's not a lingering attachment?"

"No it's not. I've worn it for 3 years. It's like…"

"I get it," Allen interrupted, "I wouldn't have asked but you're marrying my sister. Things between you two have progressed quickly but it's only been 2 months since you're link with Hitomi vanished. How can Celena trust your love for her when you still wear that necklace?"

"It's just a necklace."

"It what it represents. You're attachment to Hitomi," Allen stated, "You may be my friend but Van, Celena's my sister. If you hurt her…"

"I won't."

Celena couldn't listen to it anymore. Quietly, she walked away heading to the garden to clear her head.

'He's never going to take it off you know? He's just going to hide it better. You're never going to have complete certainty that he's never going to change his mind.'

'Why? Why are you doing this to me?'

'Because deep down, you're a little like me. Just look at what you've caused to get here? How do you think Van will take hearing that you're the cause behind his broken link with Hitomi? He's never going to trust you. What are you willing to do to make sure he never finds out?'

'He'll understand when I explain if he does find out.'

'Is that really a risk you want to take?'

'I have to,' she thought grimly, 'There's no other choice.'

'There's always another choice Celena.'

She could feel the wicked grin he would be sporting if he could. Like he was a predator who had it's prey exactly where he wanted it. And she was the prey.

Earth

"Time to take a break you two!"

"Be right there," she called down, putting the roller down on the paint tray.

"Never would have guessed Folken could be so fatherly," Chesta commented as put this paint brush down.

"I would have said brotherly," Hitomi retorted as they headed down.

When they walked into the kitchen, Folken had the table laid out with their lunch and drinks, whilst he was stacking the dishwasher. Her and Chesta sat down and Folken joined them. Though she stayed quiet whilst Folken & Chesta talked, thinking back over the last 3 weeks.

Chesta had come back to the house early the next day after spending the night at the hotel they day he'd found her. Apparently he hadn't been comfortable leaving her alone so he'd spent the evening arranging the removal of his belongings and selling everything else as well as putting things in place so he didn't need to return there. He'd barely slept and had come back to the house as soon as he was up.

Folken had opened the door since Hitomi was still in the void, which surprised both of the men. Folken wasn't planning on revealing himself so soon until a few more dragon slayers had come to join them. So Chesta had been sworn to secrecy and he was still the only one besides Hitomi who knew about him. He also kept Folken informed about the twins so he wouldn't be at the house when they visited.

Dilandau had made her aware she'd made a prediction but since she couldn't remember it, she opted not to be told about it. He and Folken were tense about it though so she had eventually asked for part of it. Knowing the war was so close, she'd stepped up her training. Chesta started teaching her the martial arts he'd learnt as well as helping her practise with the swords. Naria and Eriya taught her flexibility, stealth and the rest of their skills. Dilandau taught her swords and different tactics. Even Folken trained with her but he was also explaining strategy and about all the countries of Gaea. Chesta helped with the training given by Naria and Eriya, combining the two and since Dilandau made her go through it all in the void, she was learning it all impossibly quick.

It was only 3 days after Chesta, that another dragon slayer had found them. Chesta and Hitomi had been at the club for the night to have a 'Folken imposed' break. Dilandau hadn't been in her head so she assumed Dilandau was also in favour of her taking a break. They'd been dancing and having fun when Dallet had confronted them. He'd initially been ready to attack her until Chesta had intervened.

Once the club had closed for the night, they'd been able to explain things to the latest addition. He was still wary of Hitomi until Chesta explained his first time meeting her. Dallet quickly turned around after that & told his story. He too had learnt a new form of fighting and he already moved to town. Considering they were all starting off with a huge fortune, it was becoming apparent that they were being given a decent start by fate in their new lives. He thought the club was just a dream and since he needed a job, he came here to apply for one. They'd all gone their separate ways that night and meet back at the club the next day.

Dallet had joined in on the training Hitomi was getting but they'd all agreed Hitomi already had enough training going on and any new skills could be taught once Dilandau joined them. Though he was always happy to go on a run with her as it turned out. Guimel and Viole had been next to arrive 4 days later, during the day.

They'd found each other a year ago living in the same town. Both had compared their dreams and decided to check it out. Hitomi had been outside the club getting some air alone, when they'd found the club. Viole had actually managed to try attack her but he hadn't been successful. She'd dodged and punched him in the face to make him back off when Chesta and Dallet had come out. Guimel had been easy to pull into the group, Viole hadn't been. He stayed wary, so 2 days later, Dilandau had pulled him into the void. After that, he'd been on board, joining her and Dallet on a run each day.

She had still been getting used to having them all around and getting over the fact that within a week she had 4 dragon slayers join them when Gatti and Miguel had found them. A week and 3 days after Chesta had found her, all the dragon slayers were together, with Gatti and Miguel having seen them all at the mall. Neither of them had run into each other before they got to the club at the same time. The surprise of running into each other had made it easy to get through to them that Hitomi had been the one to bring them all together.

Needless to say, things had gotten lively and she had a lot of training ahead of her from each of them. In fact, they had a group night at the club watching a movie after it was closed. Dilandau had joined in as a voice in her head, though Chesta was the only one living with her.

As soon as he had moved in, he'd been making sure he earned his keep. He did the cooking, helped clean and even did the laundry. Folken was doing the same when he was at the house, leaving Hitomi with nothing. Both of them were taking care of her and when she was with the other dragon slayers, it was like having 7 brothers taking care of her.

She still felt lonely though whenever they all started to compare their experiences. She normally excused herself when they did but Folken had seen she was struggling and advised her to take a break to redecorate the bedrooms and change the arrangement. Chesta had helped start it yesterday and they'd nearly finished decorating the 2nd of the 5 rooms, thanks to Folken's help removing the furniture as well as prepping each room while they slept.

"Dallet and Viole are going to stop by soon," Chesta stated, snapping her to attention.

"It's fine. I'm going to be leaving in a moment. I'll come back tomorrow," Folken answered.

"But…" Hitomi started.

"I've got some things to do that I've been putting off," Folken stated, "You should just enjoy yourself. Besides it won't be for much longer."

She sighed and nodded looking down. She didn't like that he had to leave whenever the other came over. But if this was how he wanted it, she wouldn't argue. She looked up when she felt a hand on her head.

"It won't be long Hitomi, I promise."

"Okay."

"Chesta, look after her for me."

"Yes sir," he answered amused as Folken left.

"So why are Dallet and Viole coming over?" She asked.

"They wanted to help. I think they missed you on their runs," Chesta replied.

"Why do I get the feeling I'm now everyone's little sister?" she joked as she got up to clear away their lunch.

"Because you probably are," Chesta chuckled.

"That's going to take some getting used to," Hitomi sighed.

"Let me clear this up. You go sit down until Dallet and Viole get here."

"You sure?"

"Gotta earn my keep somehow."

So that's it for this chapter. I hope you enjoyed it.

For anyone who's a Beyblade fan, I've uploaded my latest chapter for my new Beyblade Story, 4 Queens - another slow burner but I'm partial to long stories lol

As always, any feedback is great feedback, but it's not expected.

Next upload is: 6th April

See you next month xx