Escaflowne- Together Yoyokagirinaku (Forever and Ever)
Disclaimer: I do not own Escaflowne or anything. So don't sue me.
Hi everyone. Here's chapter 9 for ya. I'm sorry about the long wait. I am so sorry for the long update. With the notice I have given to you all from Chapter 8, the updates for all my fics, except for "Spirit World of Daishizen" since I would probably redo that one, will be updated for who knows how long, when my school work is less the hassle, and after all I am Junior who needs to focus clearly on school and concentrate to obtain a good GPA in order to go to Cal State. So, expect Chapter 10 to come…probably in Christmas break or probably on November. Again, I'm sorry for updating so long. But anyways, for those who reviewed and e-mailed me, I thank you from the bottom my heart. I really appreciate that you guys really love my story. Please review and enjoy!!!
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Fanelia today is warm and nice. It is a nice day to go out and do a lot of things like fishing, swimming, eating outside, and all these other things that people could think of with their little minds. None can outwit their busy free schedule.
"Hey! Watch out!!!" yelled a young Fanelian man.
*BANG*
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Chapter 9- A Vision that was wished…
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Unfortunately, today is an exception. This the day of the huge welcoming back ball of Hitomi Kanzaki. And today, everyone is busy with all the decorations and all the preparations for this ball. This is a ball for a special person and everyone wanted to make it a huge success, to repay the Seers who rescued the world Gaia.
"Hey! We have a delivery of 50 orders of food!" said a certain trader from Austria.
"Ah yes, bring it to the castle, in the kitchen," said the guard, pointing to the castle's backside.
It seems that everyone is well dedicated to his/her jobs to make this ball/party a huge success. Apparently, all the lines in food stores and clothes are all full, there were too many people blocking the way, putting decorations up in the middle of the streets while the others bustling about are in a huge traffic jam. Little kids have to play in the open fields since the streets are busy and dangerous. Bakers are busier than ever, trying to make the desired amount of pastries, bread, and other grain goods before the tonight.
Even Merle has to do a lot of errands, trying to follow the list that Millerna have written. Along by her side, Hitomi ran with her, trying to spot any stores that have any items in Millerna's list. "Is it always this crowded whenever a special occasion comes up?" asked Hitomi breathlessly, looking up and down, left to right for the store that stocks flowers.
"Yes, but this is much worse than Van's birthday celebration," said Merle, looking at the list hurriedly. "Okay, where is the flower stands?" However, once they finally found the flower stand, all flowers were sold out. "Shoot, we're too late."
Hitomi huffed up and down, trying to catch her breath from their long run from the castle, through the crowded streets to the flower vendor. "I'm sorry, Lady Merle," said the Flower lady, bowing her head in regret.
"That's fine, don't worry. We still have time to spare," said Merle.
"Besides, we can just pick some from the garden," said Hitomi.
"We can do that?" asked Merle curiously.
Hitomi looked at Merle and blinked. "Don't tell me…you don't pick flowers in Van's garden?"
Merle scratched her head. "Well, I didn't want those flowers go to waste. They might get extinct or something."
Hitomi sweatdropped. "Merle, flowers can restore their own flowers every time. They don't get extinct or anything," said Hitomi.
(Sorry if it's kind of stupid. I had writer's block again. I was trying to make a good start, but I got stuck there. Gomen!)
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In the castle, everyone was busy as well. With the dining room filled with plate, napkins, silverware, candles, and all decorations, and the ballroom to decorate, and the rooms to be cleaned, it seems endless and too tough when the day of the ball is only few hours away.
In the Royal Chamber Halls, Van stood near the window, glancing out of his bedroom window to view the gardens once more. In the background, Kyoko was showing him all sorts of dress she wanted to wear, mostly green with different shades from dark to light. Kyoko giggled to herself, twirling around with a darkish green dress, with long bell-like light green sleeves with laced ties connecting to the whole dress. "Van, what do you think of this dress?" she asked in her so-called demure personality.
"Times pass, people change," thought Van, looking intently into the outside. The words that Hitomi spoke last night cut deep within his soul. Everything did changed. Nothing will no longer be the same anymore because every single person he knew changed. Allen changed, Millerna changed, Dryden somewhat changed, Merle changed, and especially Hitomi who changed so much. She's no longer the person that always so immature when it comes to love life and undecided decisions. She is now a very composed person who goes through emotional times at first, yet comes back up being a fair and beautiful person.
"Van?"
The only thing that keeps bugging his mind is the only person who didn't seem to change was Kyoko, or so to speak. She remains as the person that reminded him of Hitomi back three years ago. She is beautiful and has the same green and big eyes as Hitomi, yet he couldn't help but think that they are different. Sure, the hair is different, but something within their attitudes is quite different.
"Van!!" yelled Kyoko.
"W-what is it?" asked Van, shaking his head from his thoughts.
"What's wrong? You seem kind of distant," said Kyoko, resting her hand on his shoulder.
Van sighed and turned away, looking into the gardens more observantly than before. "I-it's nothing," said Van with a boring kind of tone in his voice.
"You're thinking about Hitomi, aren't you?" asked Kyoko, putting both of her hands on her hips.
"No, of course not," said Van, denying his own mind of what he really is thinking.
"I know you are," said Kyoko, looking through her piles of dress on Van's bed. "I can tell by the way you look out there. You've never done that before except thinking on the rooftops and junk." Kyoko grabbed a pine green dress, similar to the first, and looked at through the mirror. "What do you see in that girl anyways? She's nothing but a weakling who only hides her weak personality inside." Van did not answer, yet the angry feelings deep within started to heat up. "I mean, she's a tomboy who wears strange clothing who doesn't even have a personality of a lady. Tch, I bet she doesn't really even have powers that you speak of." She started to swipe her hair pathetically and snobbishly. "Besides, no one can match my beauty and nice, caring personality. Right Van?"
Van kept quiet after she is done nagging. With the gloomy feeling he has right now, he doesn't want to deal with Kyoko's usual bickering towards people he knew. It doesn't seem like she like his friends, only except Allen, Dryden, or the Crusade members. Van sighed and kneeled more against his windowsill, quite bored.
A silent laughter consumed outside, a laughter that Van could instantly recognize. He lifted his head and started to head into his balcony, leaving Kyoko looking herself at the mirror. Closing the doors behind him, he looked down and found the source of laughter. Down below, was Hitomi and Merle, gently taking the flowers off their green stems. Hitomi smiled as she found a perfect and beautiful pink one.
"How many did you get Merle?" asked Hitomi, looking into Merle's direction.
"I found ten," said Merle, lifting her basket. "Gosh, I never thought the tree's pink flowers from the Mystic Moon are so beautiful!"
"From my home, they are called Sakura. But, in other words, they are called Cherry Blossom Trees. There are also roses, Hibiscus, sunflowers, and all sorts of flowers." Hitomi found bunches of small flowers on the grassy ground. Her face brightened with a great idea. Slowly, she gathered a lot and started to connect them.
Van, from the balcony, watched Hitomi's every move as she started to make some kind of flower crown, seeing her delicate hands connecting each one. Merle watched in interest, wagging her tail side to side due to her curiosity. Van couldn't help but look at her for a while, seeing Hitomi finished with her achievement as she smiled. "Look Merle, a crown," said Hitomi, putting it on Merle's head.
From the moment he saw Hitomi put the circle of flowers onto Merle's head, his mind triggered more memories to his mind, reminding him of the time with Hitomi.
***
Hitomi put another flower onto the strange thing she is making. She sat with Van, under a grassy plain with a huge tree to provide them shade. Van lay down, looking up into the blue sky as he chewed on a long piece of grass stem, moving it from one corner of his mouth to the other. The winds gently came to them as they sat there, enjoying each other's company in peace and with no worries to consumer their minds.
Lifting the thing up, Hitomi giggled excitedly. "Van, sit up," she said gently to him.
"What is it?" Van asked, looking directly into Hitomi's green eyes. She smiled and gently put the circle of flowers around his head.
"See, you're the King of Flowers," said Hitomi, giggling at Van with her inner joke. Van got the joke and laughed with her, their happiness echoing through the quiet grass plains.
***
Even though those memories are long gone, Van couldn't help but smile and chuckle quietly to himself. He would never forget that moment, seeing Hitomi not worrying about visions or war. He knew how she exactly feels about war. He noticed that she never seen a war in full life since Hitomi admitted that there are no wars on the Mystic Moon for years now. He always wondered how it feels with no war to worry about, where everyone is at peace and harmony. Van eagerly wanted to join Hitomi and Merle, yet he refrained himself from doing so. What will Kyoko think? Sadly, he kneeled back down to the rims of the balcony.
From below, Hitomi and Merle just finished their time at the gardens. They are now strolling through the gardens, with Hitomi interested by the features of each garden decoration and plants. She never really took the interest in looking around more before since she was too caught up with her confusing feelings. With Merle along side her, she could forget about them for one day and enjoy her stay in Gaia, even though she wasn't that happily welcomed by Kyoko and even Van. Merle led her through a path with archways filled with pink flowers and vines growing above them. Hitomi looked questioningly at Merle, wondering where the cat-girl is taking her at this moment. "This is a place where people rarely goes. It's more of like a private place for Lord Van to think about," said Merle, opening a small gate that leads to a beautiful place with a fountain of a dragon in the middle. "You would occasionally seem him here since he had a lot to think about back then before Kyoko came about. He chose this as his private place because it shows a great of the sky and the Mystic Moon." Merle directed the view of the Mystic Moon to Hitomi.
"Why would you bring me to a place like this? It's beautiful and everything, yet it's Van's place," said Hitomi hurtfully, looking at a swing fit for two people, thinking about Van and Kyoko spending their time here.
"Because…this is the only place he would be thinking of you," said Merle.
Hitomi denied that fact, shaking her head that Van would never think of her. "No, I won't believe. Van has Kyoko now."
"Hitomi, didn't I say how much Lord Van misses you?" said Merle. "He would even ask me how you are doing since he woke up. He's worried that you might leave this place without saying good-bye."
"Please, Merle. I don't want to think about him right now," said Hitomi, clenching her forehead. "I don't want to feel anymore pain when I did when my father died."
Merle sighed and led Hitomi out of Van's private corner of the gardens, trying to comfort her friend that everything will be all right once the ball will start.
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The pulse within Hitomi started to beat, beating in time with the clock's seconds. Her mind started to hear the flood of ticking continuously as she lay on her bed, thinking through her feelings that held so much drama. Her heart started to beat faster than ever every second of the way. This eerie and unpredictable feeling that she has right now, it is the same feelings that she always has whenever a vision comes forth. Hitomi was quite surprised that this feeling she returned so suddenly after three years. She wonder all along that these visions won't return to her anymore now that she store away the Tarot Cards from defying anyone's fate.
The vision of the pendant started to cling into her dark eyelids, forcing her to look into it. Hitomi couldn't open her eyes as the pink pendant started to swing back and forth in time with the clock's movement. This feeling of cold sweat started to freeze all of Hitomi's movements, her eyes looked directly at the pendant, moving her eyes to follow with the pendant as if she was hypnotized.
*Flash
A vision started to consume her mind. Van stood in the gardens, near the corners of his private place as he stood there with a sad look on his face. The scene showed that it was at night, with the lights turning on the dirt path. He looked up to see her, her back showing to him. Hitomi stood there, feeling the emotions overflowing her like a hurricane over flooding a lake.
"Hitomi…why do you hate me so much?" asked Van quietly, looking at her with deep concern.
*Flash
"Van…just leave me alone," said Hitomi sadly, her voice almost a whisper. "I'm just a burden to block your path to your feelings." She looked up at Van. "I-I don't want to see you again. I'm tired of being hurt every single time I turn a corner! I…just want to kill myself! I just want to disappear because I don't understand myself anymore! Why am I still here? Why I'm staying here when the most important objective of going here was to see you? Why am I here, being scolded at Kyoko even though I didn't do anything? I-I just wish that I DISAPPERED!" she screamed that point, tears flowing her eyes more freely.
*Flash
Van suddenly yelled a death scream as he plunged down onto the pavement, with Hitomi calling his name worriedly. "Van!" The pulse within Van suddenly stopped which made Hitomi scream out frantically.
*Flash
"Van! NO!" cried Hitomi as she shoot right up on her bed. She panted frantically, feeling her mind so much in a whirl after that disturbing dream. "Why?" she asked, looking at her hands shaking so profoundly. "Why am I having these visions all of a sudden?"
After that moment of trying to acknowledge the strange vision, Merle and Millerna burst right through her door with a hint of worry on their faces. "Hitomi, what's wrong? Why did you scream?" asked Merle worriedly.
"I…just had…a vision," said Hitomi, grasping her forehead once again.
"A…vision?" asked Millerna, her face becoming pale. "B-but I thought you those visions never come to anymore."
"That's what I thought until now," said Hitomi, her ragged breath back to normal. "…I never expected this would happen."
"Merle, go get a glass of water for Hitomi," suggested Millerna. With one nod, Merle bonded on all fours and ran as fast as she can to the kitchen. As she crossed Van's room, Van came out of his room with deep worry on his face. Merle stopped after he called her.
"What happened?" he asked. "Is Hitomi okay?"
Merle looked questioningly at Van. How can he hear Hitomi scream when he was just outside the balcony? "She's fine. Don't worry. I'm just getting a glass of water for Hitomi." She cocked her head curiously at Van, eyeing him up and down. Van gave the same curious look. "How did you know that Hitomi is in a predicament?" Van blinked and gave a sad smile.
"I-I don't know, actually. It just came to my head of how Hitomi felt," said Van, scratching his head. "It took me two minutes to realize that fact." All Merle gave was a shrug and took to the kitchen, leaving Van to stare into the direction of Hitomi's room, with a worried look on his face. "I…felt it. I felt Hitomi's…sudden surprise and anguish…" He looked up into the ceiling, closing his eyes as he felt it consuming his body. "Hitomi…" he sighed.
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The hours have gone by quickly as the sun started to set into the horizon. As people started to take their little rests after preparing for the party, all people started to prepare themselves for the ball. With the men just sitting around and waiting as the women gone to their homes and made themselves beautiful, the streets are no longer much a horrific traffic jam.
Fanelia Castle seems at peace as the chores for each assigned person was accomplished one by one. The winds outside are gentle and the skies are clear as water. This is a perfect weather for people to come and go out as the pleased without any hazards. Around the halls, Hitomi looked out into the lights of Fanelia, showing how it is so beautiful and majestic that Hitomi wondered how would Fanelia look out at night when she crosses the streets. The winds slowly blew her long honey brown hair as she looked up into the sky, seeing her home planet visible as ever. She smiled, wondering how everyone is doing. How her mother is at the house and how her little brother is doing without her company. With the swift gust, Hitomi could smell the fields, along with the smell of the ocean, which reminded her of old times when stands in the fields or overlooking the horizon. She would want to grow wings herself and fly over those landmarks and be with the wind.
"Hitomi?" said a voice, snapping her out of her reverie. Hitomi looked that direction to see Merle smiling at her. "Ready?" The young girl nodded and the two friends headed towards Hitomi's room, full of junk that would make hair stylish.
In the room of the King's, Van started to strip his red shirt, exposing his well-defined body and a single golden necklace with a pink pendant dangled swiftly onto Van's chest. He turned to his closet and looked at his formal clothing. He looked on with his burgundy eyes, looking at it for a while. Never did he worn this for a while since he became King of Fanelia. Slowly, he touched the fine fabric, looking at intently. His mind wandered and wandered all around the words that Hitomi spoke, repeating every single word that cut through so deep. He could hear her sad voice echoing through his mind, saying those words repeatedly, one after another.
He looked away from his formal clothing and looked intently into a single book lying on his bed, a single book in which will hopefully get through Hitomi. Van talked to himself and tried to boost his confidence that this will work other than the big plan that is about to happen just a few hours more. He closed his eyes, trying to keep his confidence high. Tonight is the night that he will talk to her, full length. Yet, as he reopened his eyes, Van couldn't help but have this bad premonition that something will turn out wrong.
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Hitomi sat alone near the mirror of her desk, looking at herself observantly. With the top of her hair all in long curls with little flower clips to clip her hair, she could see that she is quite pretty. Yet, she wasn't pretty enough to capture the attention of Van. She sighed sadly, wondering how party will turn out without a person to lead her. Since those three years, Hitomi always gone alone in parties, dances, and proms, hanging around with Yukari and Amano who have been going on out forever. As she sat there in their table, watching Amano and Yukari dancing to the beat of the music, Hitomi would feel forlorn, imaging herself dancing with Van on that very dance floor. She always dreamed that one day Van would come here and swipe her off her feet with his majestic wings that she always adored. Hitomi smiled to herself, his wings that inspired her through her drawings and her life. She would sometime imagine herself flying with her own wings and fly above the crowded civilization below. And Van would be there, to guide her through the sky.
Yet, once the image of Kyoko and Van were in view, that dream shattered into pieces, like a ball breaking a perfectly made glass window. Her heart was that very window and that very dream. It crumbled into nothing but dust in her chest, as if nothing can repair back to its normal structure. Hitomi shook her head. "Come on, Hitomi, I can't act like this. I must show the happiness within me, not the sadness. Yet…that would mean leaving a complete lie." She sighed to herself once more, watching the sun as it slowly moved behind the mountains. It was almost time for the ball, and Hitomi was still in her Earth Clothes. "I shouldn't think of sad things right now. I have to have a good time at the ball."
Right then, a knock was heard on the door. She slowly sat up from her seat and strides over to the door, opening it softly to see Merle all ready to go, with her orange-yellow halter-top dress with a shawl around that Hitomi mad personally for Merle. "Hitomi, you are you not dressed yet?" asked Merle, coming in swiftly through Hitomi's door.
"I'm sorry, I guess I space out," said Hitomi, opening the door to her closet, revealing her dress.
"Come on, I'll help you. The ball will start in twenty minutes. Millerna is waiting for us down the hall."
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Sounds of music and loud conversations started to swarm all over the castle. Almost all people from Fanelia, all middle-aged, started to come into the great halls of Fanelia castle, with variety of dark colors flooding the whole area. Even some from Austria and from other nations started to join in the fun, as everyone knew that this ball was to commemorate the return of the Seer.
As people gracefully went into the huge ball room, the main attraction of Fanelia Castle, Van stood on the large platform podium, standing there as he watched each person coming into the room, either dancing to the jolly music or talking around to people and being acquainted with others. These people are not shy to talk to others that are complete strangers. The young teenager girls started to gawk at the young King, squealing when he personally greeted them. Even though the girls knew that he was engaged, they just love to stare and gawk at him anytime.
Van sighed. He is nervous about this whole situation and he doesn't want anything to go wrong. This is Hitomi's ball that Merle planned personally for her to have fun and for him to have a chance to talk to her in such a crowded area. He only wishes that Allen's plan would work. From behind, Allen lightly tapped onto Van's shoulder, making him jerk in surprise. "Hey, calm down Van," said Allen with a smile. "Don't worry, it will work. Trust me. I never had a plan that ever failed me."
Van just nodded silently, feeling his heart beating nervously every second. The thought of talking to Hitomi made him happy, yet nervous at the same time. What will she say? Will she run away again? Will she get mad and slap him? Van shivered at that thought. He would rather have Hitomi run away than slapping him on the face.
The horns suddenly sounded and Van suddenly went stiff as a board. Allen shook his head amusedly to himself and patted him on the back. "Van, that's just the horns that Duke Chid is here," said Allen. Again, Van nodded, still too nervous to speak.
The huge doors open to reveal Chid, now taller and more grown during those passed three years. Everyone around bowed to him as he appeared. He smiled and went straight ahead where Allen and Van stood. Chid reached the podium and smiled at both of them. "Van, Allen, it's great to see you again," he said, shaking both of their hands.
"Yes, it's nice to see you too, your highness," said Allen, bowing his head. As Chid shook Van's hand, he just nodded and looked at the door.
"I'm guessing Van' still nervous," said Chid, smiling amusedly like Allen did few minutes before he arrived.
"Yes, apparently. So if he is giving you the silent treatment, that is your answer," said Allen, shrugging his shoulder. Both started to walk off to leave Van alone to wallow in his nervousness.
Time after time, Van would stay there on his podium, watching as people passed by him below. He could the sweat forming around his brow as if something bad is going to happen. He wondered if Hitomi is all right. After the commotion later that day, Van wondered what she screamed about. Slowly, he drew his hand toward the necklace that he always wore. He never taken it off ever since Hitomi gave it to him. It was the only memory he could have to think about Hitomi and her efforts. Not to mention the precious moments he shared with her during their time in Gaia. He kept them in his heart, like what Hitomi told him before. As he held it, Van was unaware of the red light glowing immensely inside his palm.
The doors leading to the rooms suddenly opened as Van stiffened once more. Within those doors, Kyoko came in with her long hair decorated with all golden clips around her brown hair. With her jade medieval dress flowing colorfully through the ball, it seems as if she was completely different, as if she was superior to the whole people. The people started to bow their heads low as she walked along the lone marble floors, putting her head straight as if proud of her achievement. "Thank you. Thank you for noticing," said Kyoko smiling snobbishly as ever.
Van watched as she climbed the stairs to where he stood, Kyoko smiling at him as she slowly placed herself in the seat right next to where Van supposedly sits. She patted his seat and he reluctantly obeyed, seeing the doors closed right after her arrogant entrance. As he sat down, she rung her arm around his, smiling at him and waiting for him to speak. "Well…what do you think? Do you think I look…exquisite?"
He sat there, looking straight ahead without even looking at her. His mind still lingered about Hitomi. Slowly, he took a glance at her and went away. "Yes, Kyoko, you look beautiful."
Kyoko giggled girlishly and stood up. "Well…I'll be heading into the refreshment table to…get something to drink. Do you want anything, darling?" asked Kyoko, with her so-called nice attitude.
"Sure, sure whatever," said Van absentmindedly. Kyoko shrugged and walked off, leaving Van all alone. Somehow, he didn't want to put up with Kyoko's antics anymore since he was too busy to figure out his mind.
"Do you still love her?"
The same question kept on repeating and repeating in Van's mind. Why can't that question ever stop? Could he still love Hitomi?
Just when he was about to go deeper into his mind, the doors suddenly opened once more. People suddenly stopped of what they are doing and looked into that direction. Millerna and Merle came into the ballroom, wearing dresses that are quite different from everyone else's. People gasped surprisingly at them, knowing that the dress they are wearing are so different and new. Girls started to note that they should put their dresses that way.
Apparently, Merle and Millerna stopped, turning around to look at a certain figure tagging behind. The people started to clap one by one with cheers from the whole Crusade gang. Van slowly stood up from his seat to get a better a view. Right then, he told himself whether is his eyes are deceiving him or not. Right there, standing alone with a shy look on her face was none other than Hitomi, looking more stand out than the rest of the fleet put together.
With her light blue medieval-like dress, the only difference is that her dress was sleeveless, her straps spaghetti strand. Her dress flows majestically down to the floor with long sleeves that are attached to the strands of her dress, exposing some light skin. None other than that, without the make-up and the hairstyle that was so oddly magnificent, she was beautiful.
Van couldn't help but look at her. He couldn't keep her eyes away from her as she stood there, smiling politely for everyone's enjoyable clap and the Crusade's rowdy cheer. She was quite happy to see them all, seeing how much they appreciate her for her efforts of saving this world. Hitomi was looking around her surroundings when her eyes suddenly locked into Van's. There, they stood, looking into each other's gaze without even blinking. She looked surprisingly at him, seeing that he, who is marrying the fake, was actually looking at her, who doesn't have a rank on anything but normal commoner. She wanted to look away, but she couldn't because his eyes were so hard to move away from; those red-brownish eyes that kept her love for him. Overall, even though he looked better in his usual red shirt and tan pants, he is handsome, no matter how old or grown he is. She would give anything just to be with him.
As the stare grew into a long one, people started to look wonderingly at the Seer, who suddenly spaced out. Kyoko, who is beyond the crowd, growled furiously as everyone's attention averted to Hitomi. They didn't even pay attention to her little attention cough since everyone was too busy giving a big entrance to the Seer who rescued Gaia alongside Lord Van. Kyoko wanted to slap her, kick her, and even exile her once she becomes Queen. That way, she would achieve the dignity from all the people around. Yet, she shook that thought away from her, knowing that if she revealed her true self, it would ruin her reputation as being the nicest person in Gaia. So, instead, she just stood there and looked out the window, waiting for everyone's attention to avert to the future Queen once more.
Hitomi's gaze soon broke from Van's when she felt a gentle tap on her shoulder. Allen smiled at her, giving his arm in permission to escort her. With a smile, she gladly let him, and they both walked further into the ball. Van watched them as the two started to head into the dance floor, never leaving his gaze off of Hitomi not once. She was too beautiful to resist. Hitomi and Allen, along with Merle and Chid and Millerna and Dryden, descended into the dance floor, giving everyone's attention that the traditional dance is about to start. Van came back to reality when Kyoko smiled in front him, wounding her arm around his. "Come on Van. Let's go," said Kyoko, smiling, leading him towards the dance floor.
People started to take their positions in the traditional dance floor, going with their desired partners. Allen gave thumbs up to Dryden, Millerna, Merle, and Chid. All nodded as the woman took their seats to the floor, their starting position. Van and Kyoko took their places, two people apart from Hitomi and Allen. Once Kyoko took her position, Van gave a sidelong glance at Hitomi, seeing how beautiful she is close up. Hitomi could feel eyes piercing through and she knew it was Van's eyes. She sighed, knowing that she wouldn't have a chance to dance with Van.
Allen looked at Van and nodded. He nodded back nervously and tried to keep his composure straight. People started to quiet down as the group on the dance floor, almost crowded with couples, waited for the music to start. The young King could feel his heart thumping every second. He could almost here it within him, beating against his chest.
The band started to stand up, the composer lifting his baton up to signal it is time. With one wave, the music started to play.
When the song began, all the women started to stand up with the aid of their male partners. And soon, they began to dance rhythmically with the beat. Through the dance floor, Hitomi and Allen danced magnificently, Hitomi's hair wavering here and there as they moved. While dancing with Kyoko, Van couldn't help but watch Hitomi dance so beautiful like a swan. He continued to watch her during those first few minutes, watching as she smiled and danced all the way without any mistakes. He watched her when she twirled around as Allen extended his arms out, then drawing her back in. Van did the same with Kyoko, yet it wasn't that much with feeling due to Van's attention spacing to Hitomi. Never did he see a woman he knew ever dance so magnificent as ever. He never thought that Hitomi could be dancing like an angel. Her smile melted him away in the dance floor, making him want to dance to her right away. Yet, he knew that was not the plan. He continued on, trying to dance near Hitomi so he could get a better chance to dance with her once they switch.
Van, in fact, was not the only one staring off. Hitomi was starring off to him, watching him dance with Kyoko. Somehow, she could see that the intensity was not that great. Somehow, Van is out of order. As if something is distracting him. Allen noticed her gaze and he knew that she wanted to dance with Van deep down those feelings of loath and hurt towards Van. He sighed, hoping the switch will be made soon. As if on cue, the dance started to move more rhythmically, indicating it was time to switch. Allen smiled and started to twirl Hitomi around him. Right then, he stopped, then twirled her around again, this time, letting her arm go as they danced back to back with movements of ballet. The people started to do the same thing with theirs, as they continued to do so after five steps. Then the positions suddenly spread apart from the original partners as they started to go to another absentmindedly. The majority laughed as they found themselves with a partner that is the same gender as them and walked off the dance floor, heading straight into the refreshment stand. There were still many people on the dance floor, yet not that crowded.
Hitomi went back to back with a partner and the partner grasped her hand gently and turned her around to reveal himself as Dryden. He smiled and winked at her as they grew into the waltz. "How you like the dance so far?" asked Dryden in a hard whisper.
She smiled at him. "I like it. It's so much fun."
"Wouldn't be more fun if you danced with Lord Van?" Hitomi was quite surprised with the question that Dryden spoke. She looked up to see Van dancing with Millerna as they continued to waltz. She looked the other way to see Allen dancing with Kyoko, who was gawking at him with those eyes of hers. Allen gave an annoying look as he danced, hoping they would switch soon.
Meanwhile, Van led Millerna towards where Hitomi and Dryden are dancing, both looking at them carefully. "Millerna, can you tell me why Hitomi is been ignoring me?" asked Van silently, hoping Hitomi wouldn't hear him.
"I'm not really sure myself. But she's been talking about you a lot."
"Is she?" asked Van, looking into Millerna's eyes.
"Yes. She cares about you so much, Van," said Millerna. "But…why would you be so concerned about Hitomi?"
Van began to blush at her question and looked away. "Well…that is…"
"Do you still…love her Van?"
Van began to twirl Millerna around him, indicating it was time to switch once more. He left Millerna's question unanswered, making his mind jumble again with those thoughts. Millerna could see the uncertainty within him, knowing that his path is confusing. With another few steps later, they started to part and went through to another.
Allen signaled Dryden that it was time to bring Hitomi and Van to dance together. Dryden nodded and gave a signal to Millerna to dance with Kyoko who was apparently trying to go near Allen. Millerna nodded and signaled Gaddes to go to their post. Gaddes reluctantly nodded and told all the Crusade Members to get ready for the wrench. With the plan successfully signaled, Allen and Dryden purposely crashed into each other and were finally out of the dance floor. As Kyoko tried to get to Van, Millerna crashed into her. "Oh sorry, Kyoko," said Millerna smiling. "I guess we're out."
Kyoko just shrugged and went straight into the refreshment stand after spotting Allen's crew. Now, the only people remain was Van, Hitomi, Chid, Merle, and two other people who remained. As Hitomi gently crashed into a person from behind, Hitomi could clearly smell the scent of the field so close and warm. Her heart started to beat fast as she smelt that smell that consumed her mind and body. "Could it be…?" The person from behind gently grasped her hand and slowly twirled her around, feeling the soft warmness of her unknown partner's hand. Soon, she was face to face with the person she wanted to dance with through this whole scenario. Grasping her waist firmly around his arms and intertwining his soft hands around hers, Van smiled down at her, looking intensely into her green eyes.
Somehow, time started to stop as they gazed into each other's eyes so up close for the first time. The pace between their dances started to slow down as they gazed into each other without even blinking. Hitomi looked surprisingly at the Draconian before her, seeing him smile for the first time; his smile she rarely seen. She wanted to melt into his arms as she saw that smile, showing how cute he was and how much a gentlemen he was. She wondered why she tried to ignore him in the first place. Even if their feelings don't cross, they can still be as true friends as ever. Yet, wouldn't Kyoko be jealous if she sees her with Van? Hitomi's surprising gaze turned to hurt as she slowly left her gaze from his, breaking the gaze between them. Van looked at her curiously, wondering the problem with her sudden change of attitude. He slowly looked up to see Kyoko laughing with the Crusade members. Usually, whenever Kyoko was with him before they were betrothed, she would truly care if she sees him with another woman, especially if it is Millerna. She would come up and bring Van out of the way, smiling at him that so reminded him of Hitomi. Yet, since they were betrothed, somehow she's been running around all day without even asking how is his day or if he is tired. This was a strange occurrence between them.
Somewhere around the lines, Van tightened his hold around Hitomi as if he never wanted to let go of her ever again. Hitomi looked up at him to see that he was staring at her all this time, with the look of care within his eyes. He didn't speak to her, yet he was looking at her with those eyes that purely show the friend she knew. Hitomi was clueless, wondering what is going on. "…Why is Van looking at me like this? I thought he wouldn't care for anything or me since he is…with Kyoko now. He wouldn't even read my thoughts…since we are no longer linked…"
"Yes, I can…"
Hitomi gasped suddenly and looked at Van who was smiling down at her once more. They didn't even realize that they were supposed to switch by now. Hitomi gave a gaze of question and curiosity, wondering what is going on. And she wanted to know right away. "But…how…?"
"I'm not really sure, Hitomi. I guess you can say that we are still linked because we…never forgot each other…"
Hitomi wanted to get away from him due to the surprise she had. When she neared the dancers, she started to remove her grasp away from him and started to go for another. Van went behind her unnoticed and grabbed her swiftly, hugging her from behind as they danced as slowly as ever. This caused all dancers, including Merle and Chid, out of the dance floor, leaving Hitomi and Van all alone in the dance floor. Their friends started to smile, nodding in approval that their mission was successful.
"Please…don't leave Hitomi," said Van, whispering gently to her ear. The way Van said those words made her want to stay with him, knowing the pleading within his voice.
"Van…" she called softly. She turned around and looked into his eyes, seeing the expression of sadness within. Hitomi never saw those pleading eyes of his. His eyes were always so convincing, why is it that his eyes draw her to him?
"Hitomi, tell me…why are distancing away from me?" he asked, making Hitomi jerk from that question. She slowly looked down sadly, reluctant to answer his question. She knows she loves him and that she wanted to talk to him so much, but what would happen once he married? She didn't want to get any more pain in her heart as she did with her father. Slowly, she leaned into his ear. "After this dance, we'll talk…outside in the gardens…" she whispered, feeling the tears penetrating her eyes. Slowly, Van nodded his head and continued to finish their dance without any more words to speak.
The girls were envious of Hitomi. She was the one who gets to dance with Lord Van the longest, even though they expected the wrench Kyoko to end up with Van. All the girls wondered what he sees in Kyoko that they don't see? Van twirled Hitomi around magnificently through the dance floor, making everyone's attention avert to the duo expect Kyoko who was too busy flirting with other guys. Hitomi loved the way Van dances. It was so full of emotion and goodness that she wanted the song to last longer. The music grew to a signal chorus as Van started to slow down. With one more twirl, Van started to kneel in front of her. He looked up into her green eyes and smiled at her. Still standing, she looked questioningly at Van, wondering what he is up to. Within moments, his smile widened and kissed her softly on her hand, making her blush pink.
As Van stood up tall to look into her eyes, all the people started to clap all around with the great performance by the King and Seer, a match couple that all people wanted for their King. Yet, that wish wouldn't come true since he is after all, going to be married soon. Van and Hitomi both bowed to them, thanking all for their appreciation towards their dance. The claps and cheers kept on going as Van slowly grabbed her hand and led her towards the gardens.
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Through the ballroom's empty hallways that led to the gardens, Van led Hitomi swiftly through, guiding her to the door of the gardens. Hitomi looked at Van curiously, wondering why he is so into talking with her. But, she does understand him since she didn't even have a chance to talk to him due to the fact of what may happen to her.
Van opened the doors to reveal the beautiful gardens at night. He slowed his pace and slowly let go of her hand. His warmth instantly faded away in Hitomi's hand as she grasped it in her other, feeling that very pleasant feeling within seeping into her skin. Slowly, she lifted her gaze to Van, who was looking up into the Mystic Moon with great interests. She watched him as he breathed in the night's sweet air, his body silhouetted by the glow of the Mystic Moon, showing most of his powers as being a Draconian. She smiled to herself, thinking about his wings that magnificently flap through the sky above. Van slowly turned to her, revealing peace within his eyes. He smiled at her, the very smile that always melted her away. "It's…been a long time since I talked to you, Hitomi," said Van, walking up to her. "…and I was worried that we're no longer friends."
Hitomi looked down at the dirt path, sighing mournfully when she remembered when she first heard the news from Van. "We are still friends, Van…It's just that…I want to…stay away from you for a while." Smiling at him, she walked along the path slowly, looking up into the dark sky as the gently wind playfully played with her long honey-brown hair.
Van walked with her along the garden's path, his gaze never leaving her. "But…why do you want to stay away from me, Hitomi?"
"Because," she began, her pace increased. "Because…I don't want any more pain to suffer my broken heart!" She looked away from him and started to run.
"Hitomi!" he called, running after her through the dirt path. "Don't run away! I can't stand it anymore when you don't talk to me! Why can't you see that I am trying to talk to you as a friend?"
Hitomi couldn't stop running, even though her dress was slowing her down, she kept on running, trying to run away from her problems. She had no clue why she wanted to talk to Van in the first place. Was it the simple smell that he always has around him that melted her away? She was easily lulled by every presence in him that she wanted to run away. But why would she run away? "Am I just a friend? In all my life I wanted to hear those three words from you. I wanted to see you; I wanted to be near you because I don't want you unhappy and alone. And then, you come along and tell me that I am just a friend!" Her pace started to run faster as she continued to run through the gardens as if it was jungle and she was trying to run away from a furious tiger trying to protect her cubs.
"Hitomi, please! Just once I want to talk to you without you running away!" called Van, catching up to her easily.
"This is the only way I can cope! I run away in order to avoid the pain that's making me so weak!"
"Why would you run away from me even though we are still friends?" asked Van.
"Because whenever I hear your voice, it draws me near to you! I don't want to be drawn to you anymore because what if I see you two married on that date? I would be hurt and form a scar in my hurt, knowing that I was so close to you, the only person I was ever been close to in all my life!"
"Hitomi, I know it is painful, but I just want to talk to you before I get married!" Van wanted to kick himself for saying that. Those are not the words that he wanted to say. Why can't he speak the truth?
"Don't follow me! I don't want you near me anymore! If that's what you think me, fine! Be that way! You can forget about me! Forget that I ever existed!"
Van couldn't take anymore of this turmoil within her. Visions of her crying in her sleep started to consume his mind, feeling the hurt, sadness, and the breaking of her aching heart. He didn't want this feeling from Hitomi. He wanted the feeling of happiness and care within her that he always knew. He wanted her to be happy. With the confidence in his heart that came aware to his heart that he never knew it will never come back since the betrothal to Kyoko, gave him the confidence to run faster than ever, trying to reach the goal that was hidden within him so long. Van started to extend his hands as he neared her running body. "Hitomi, please! Stop! I can't take this anymore!" Van's eyes began to form tears as those feelings started to tear his heart apart. "I…I…I don't want you to be unhappy!! Stay with me!!"
Those words started to stroke Hitomi as her speeding space started to slow down. His words started to repeat in her mind like it was a reoccurring vision. From the moment she was awe struck, Van's hands reached her arm and suddenly, they both fell to the ground with a large thump. It filled the air of the quiet night, crickets stopping their musical habit from the fearful sound. Hitomi lay on her front as she panted uncontrollably with Van above her lying form, panting in as well. Silence provokes the two as they tried to catch their breaths. Hitomi could feel her tears streaking her cheek as she lay there, putting her hand on her face as she finally began to sob so painfully.
Van could hear her sobs of pain, knowing that this is his time to comfort her. He tried to gather in his arms as he slowly got up from his position above her. But Hitomi inched away from him, still sobbing. "Hitomi…" he said gently.
"Why…? Why does everything have to be so painful to me?" she asked, in between her hard cry. "Why…? Why did you shut your heart away from me, Van?" Van gasped at her question as she slowly looked up into him, her eyes with the sad, painful expression mixed in her tears that fell on her rosy cheeks. Van didn't quite understand the question, yet he knew it was something from her heart that ached so much.
But, then again, when he thought about her question, the emotions started to build within him. Since those days with Kyoko, he would occasionally forget about Hitomi once in a fleet while. But when he is alone, he felt a guilt within him that could clearly mean that he did something wrong. When he looked up into the Mystic Moon, memories from the past started to flood his memory, filling the guilt with memories that revolve around Hitomi. Van looked down to the cobbled floor, trying think of an answer that would satisfy Hitomi's outspoken question. Yet, unsuccessfully, no answers came out of his mouth.
Hitomi could understand the silence within him. She knew from that point that the feelings were truly gone. She felt like a toy now, only wind up as her only occupation of life. She never thought that Van would turn out to be the person he is, the man she believed in so much treated like a toy. And what he said before, when he said he only wanted to talk to her for one last time. She felt her grudge that was hidden within started to grow instantly. All she knows is that those words speak the utter truth of reality. Her dreams are now completely shattered into dust as well as her heart. She looked at him, with eyes that burrow within his flesh of melancholy, anger, and hatred. She hated him. She hated him for the way he is.
"I see…so you are using me as a toy after all," concluded Hitomi.
Van looked up to see those eyes that hold the bitter self of Hitomi, the low-self esteem that truly shows her expression. "Hitomi, no…that's not was I going to say. Hitomi, I just…want to know…why are you distancing away from me. It's as if we're not getting along anymore. You don't talk about things that usually come into your mind. You don't talk to me about your problems. I just want to know what's wrong with you because I care about you."
"That's just a lie, isn't it?" asked Hitomi. "You are just saying that because…you are trying to make me feel better. Just like that vision when you said that you missed me."
"Hitomi…that's not true. I do miss you." His voice sounds pleadingly.
"No…I don't want to hear anymore…" Hitomi stood up, facing away from Van with her back showing to him. "I don't want to hear your voice anymore." She started to grasp her head with both hands. "I'm tired of this! Of all these lies! I'm sick of being used!" She started to tremble with her feelings. "Is there something in me that disappointed you? Am I really that disgusting to look at?"
Van walked slowly towards her. "Hitomi, why are you saying things that are not true? You are not disgusting. Do you really think that I would see you that way? I like you the way you were before…when I saw your eyes holding that care within them. Those eyes I adore so much. I'm saying that you are beautiful the way you are." Van slowly touched her shoulders.
"Don't touch me!" she retorted, flinching at his warm touch. "Stay away from me Van! Don't come near me! Stop lying! Your words are not making me fall for you!" She suddenly paused for a moment, shaking so angrily that she just wanted to scream. With one hurtling yell, she once more said threes words that can only mean one thing.
"I…hate you! I hate you!"
Hate is such a strong word to endure. Van could feel his soul suddenly shattered after hearing Hitomi say those words that he deniably thought he wouldn't hear from her. What happened? What started this whole mess of things? Why she suddenly turned to a cold person? Van could feel himself lose his confidence in his heart, as if it was breaking in half. Was he really that blind to see the truth? What made him blind so much? He suddenly felt himself tremble and he didn't speak another word as he stood there, his bangs shadowing his downcast eyes as the winds played gently through his unruly black hair. He clenched his fists, trying to parry the tears that are forming his eyes. His friendship with Hitomi started to fly away from him as he stood there, quite vulnerable to his heart and soul. He wasn't even unaware of a dark shadow looming above his downcast body. One memory after another of their time together, shattered into dust in his heart, which started to cut in half.
"Hitomi…why do you hate me so much?" asked Van quietly, looking at her with deep concern.
The sudden words that Van spoke. Hitomi looked up suddenly to realize that something about this scene is so familiar. To her right, she could see the view of the lake, to her center front, she could see Van's private corner. This entire scene looks so familiar to her senses. Hitomi whirled around to see Van's eyes cast down to defeat. His position is also familiar too. "What is going on?"
"What changed you Hitomi? Why did you act the way you are? You weren't like that before. Please talk to me Hitomi. I beg of you. Please talk to me!"
"Van…just leave me alone," said Hitomi sadly, her voice almost a whisper. "I'm just a burden to block your path to your feelings." Van looked questioningly at her. Blocking his feelings? What does she mean by that?
She looked up at Van. "I-I don't want to see you again. I'm tired of being hurt every single time I turn a corner!" She looked at her hands that trembled. "I…just want to kill myself! I just want to disappear because I don't understand myself anymore! Why am I still here? Why I'm staying here when the most important objective of going here was to see you? Why am I here, being scolded at Kyoko even though I didn't do anything? I-I just wish that I DISAPPERED!" she screamed that point, tears flowing her eyes more freely. "You hear me…DISAPPEAR!"
The word "disappear" started to echo through Van's mind, hearing her voice scream that word. That was when he started to grasp his head, feeling Hitomi's pain surging through his veins. His body suddenly trembles uncontrollably as he suddenly kneeled to his knees. The feeling of weakness started to sip through his body. He couldn't take this turmoil anymore. He's feeling just like Hitomi, feeling that he wanted to disappear. He wished that he was free from all troubles. Van wanted to disappear now.
Hitomi noticed this and suddenly realized what she has done. Her feelings have driven her to say the words that were not meant to be true. "Oh my god…what have I done?" she said, quite surprised.
Van wanted to disappear into nothingness. His life shattered before his eyes as he began to feel his heart pounding so abnormally against chest. He could feel the surging pain coming forth through his whole body, just like Hitomi's. His mind yelled that he wanted to die. He wanted to die right now.
~*~
Among the clouds just above Van, a shadow lingered, hearing the words of death through Van's mind. The shadow smiled and went diving towards Van's emotional body, ready to fulfill the wish of the Draconian.
~*~
Hitomi could feel the evil presence of one, coming from the sky above. Hitomi no sooner realized the vision that she had…is coming true.
~*~
The shadow neared him, its laugh echoing through his mind. It mumbled happily, somehow with a triumphant grin that symbolizes his success for some bazaar reason. With one mighty movement, it sipped into Van unknowingly.
~*~
On that moment, Van's body suddenly froze. His trembling body abruptly stopped and everything. Hitomi looked at him, fearing something might of happened. Right then, Van screamed a death cry and suddenly fell limp.
"Van!" cried Hitomi as she ran to his side and caught him. "Van, are you all right?" she asked, shaking him fervently, looking into his closed eyes. "This is all my fault. Why did I let my emotions take over me?" She slowly put his limp body onto her lap. "Please Van, open your eyes. Please…I want to hear your voice…Van…please wake-up…" No response came as she looked into his closed eyes that once held so much passion within them. Slowly, she put her hands against his palm, feeling if his pulse was still there.
Abruptly, Hitomi froze into cold fear. Her green eyes started to widen in shock as she gazed into Van's peaceful face. "Van…no…it couldn't be…" She checked again to gain the same results. "No…"
Van's pulse suddenly stopped.
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End of Chapter 9- A Vision that was wished…
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What do you guys think? I'm sorry if I'm making Van the one in distress, but that's how I'm plotting my story since this would come to something I'm trying to bring out. Don't worry it WILL get interesting. And remember, it is a V/H fic. But anyways, please review. Ja ne ^_^
