Escaflowne- Together Yoyokagirinaku 

Disclaimer: I don't own Escaflowne. So do not sue me!!

        Hi everyone. Here's Chapter 11 for ya. I really, really appreciate for you guys to take your time read and review this story. I'm sorry about the long wait since I had a lot of things to take care of (mostly school work and everything). But anyways, please review or e-mail at LilasianKidd11985@yahoo.com or LilAznKuti@dpinoyweb.com and enjoy the story!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

        *Noter: If the first paragraph is a bit…boring and too confusing, just bare with me. I sorta got a cliffhanger when started typing the chapter.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~

        Time flies by and people change. That is the way of the world when it revolves around the sun. As time flies by in space, an invisible planet is unseen in the blink of an eye as it hovered above the Earth unnoticed. Once a single being is out of these planets, time shall surely go on fast due to the space's reputation "The Speed of Light." (I think ^_^;;) However, time is not an exception to one's mind who is helping others who are in need of aid.

        In the depths of the Fanelian castle, Dryden, the merchant, Allen, the knight of Cali, Millerna, the 3rd Princess of Austria, Merle, the cat-girl and friend of Van Fanel, and Chid, Duke of Fried, are busy in the studies researching for the one cure that would lift the curse of the "Draconians." As expected, all books from every single shelf was stacked one by one, height increasing by every two hours. It is a tiring job for them all, yet it was not tiring at all once a friend is in need. No one can keep the strength of friendship break their duties from researching a cure. Especially if it's one who doesn't believe with this whole deal, apparently, only busy with one's reputation.

        Along the lines of the hallways, up to were the King of Fanelia resides and rests peacefully, Hitomi, from the on going time that passed, sat by Van Fanel's side from dawn till dusk. As a friend, she will stay by his side. No matter what circumstances comes forth between them.

~*~*~*~*~*~

Chapter 11- The mission to live…

~*~*~*~*~*~

        Hitomi wiped the sweat out of her brow, dunking her hands into the warm water, holding the cloth in her hands. As she opened her eyes, she could see Van staring at her questioningly. Blinking a bit, she smiled and started to squeeze the towel in her hands. After removing the excess water, Hitomi gently folded it into a rectangle and put it on his forehead. He shivered when the touch came forth, making him tremble all over his body. Hitomi smiled at this very movement. Even though the cloth was warm as possible, it felt cold to Van since his body temperature couldn't feel the warmth. After setting the cloth on Van's forehead, she gently put her hands on top Van's, massaging it with gentle care.

        It has been only two days since the mishap have started, and Hitomi could all ready see the signs of his health becoming weak. He could barely stand and he always dozed off at every two hours. In those passing days, she never had the mind to avoid Van. Ever since she saw his drawing that he made personally for her, all she wanted was to be by his side. The case: her own feelings blinding her due to sadness, second thoughts, and despair. Yet, all those were cleared up as Hitomi come to a conclusion that she will stay by his side.

        Once again, she wiped the sweat from her brow due to the warmness within the room. The fire was up which totally gave an excuse that it is hot due to Van's suggestion since to him the atmosphere was cold. Hitomi sighed. He is all confused with the room temperature. And he is usually good with it too. The massage that Hitomi gave him started to make him feel sleepy, as he slowly closed his red-burgundy eyes, suddenly becoming darker as his sparkle is invisible to see. "Van, do you want anything warm to eat?" she asked, making him snap out of his sleepy state.

        He opened his eyes to stare into her green emerald eyes. "…Yeah…sure Hitomi," he said, almost a whisper. She smiled at him. "Do you want to come down or would you like to stay here?" Van looked thoughtfully at her and answered. "I'll stay here…what's cooking?"

        "Hmm…I'm not sure," she grinned. "But I can't tell you until I serve it."

        Van smiled. "Do you know were Kyoko is?

        Hitomi's smile vanished. She looked out into one of his windows thoughtfully. "She's with the Crusade crew, Van, talking and laughing," she said, slowly looking at Van.

        "Hitomi, don't put it that way. It's just that I keep on wondering why she would be somewhere else…when I'm in this condition," said Van reassuringly.

"He doesn't see…does he?" thought Hitomi.

        "Don't worry Van. I'm sure she'll come," said Hitomi doubtfully. "I guess you can say that she doesn't believe in this kind of stuff because she doesn't believe that you are a Draconian. OR either that, she's just worried that you might die, since you probably did show her your wings." With those words, Hitomi headed down the stairs to grab his food. Van watched her until she disappeared into the halls, looking at her with concern.

~*~*~*~*~

        Hitomi walked along the halls, heading into the kitchen doors. Just opening the door made the chef aware of her. He stood up and asked her to leave all the cooking to him. "I'm sorry, but I wanted to make something for Van to keep his energy up," said Hitomi, looking into the pot that is filled with chicken soup. "Don't feel guilty about this. I INSISTED." After a few minutes of gathering the food into fancy bowls, Hitomi came out of the kitchen with a tray of food in her arms, carefully held.

        Thoughts would always consume her mind as she walked along the halls, remembering all those times she had in here, even though it was quite a short stay. With her first time in Fanelia three years ago, Van and Hitomi treated her as if she was a stranger. Van was acting like snobbish little prince boy, as Merle was a rude cat-girl who looks through possessions that are not exactly hers. Yet, when they spent time with each other, everything seemed to turn out great and they became good friends. Van only acted that way in order to keep his weak feelings of loneliness away, trying to become stronger like he said to his mother. All those good memories passed through Hitomi's mind and she would never put them aside. 

        Laughter brewed the place, and she knows that the annoying laugh came from Kyoko likewise. She shivered gruesomely as that very laughter echoed through her mind. The young Noblewoman is still flirting with the men as usual. It's as if Van's condition was no big deal to her. Since Van's sudden illness, Kyoko has been spending more time with talking people with her mask than Van, who recently asked where Kyoko's presence and his wondrous mind thinking of why Kyoko isn't by his side. But Kyoko is after all, her self…sort of. Hitomi just sighed and passed by, ignoring the mean, glowering stare from Kyoko as she passed by.

        Merle was just passing through to check up on Van and Hitomi when she sighted Hitomi bringing food up. "Hey, Hitomi! What are you doing?"

        "Oh nothing, I'm just bringing his lunch to him, that's all," said Hitomi simply.

        "Really? He's finally have the strength to eat huh?" asked Merle with another of her cat-like smile.

        "Yes. Yet, he still is pretty weak. But don't worry. I'll stay by his side and watch. And I hope this food I made will spark him up," said Hitomi, resuming her walk to Van's room.

~*~*~*~*~

        Before stepping into the door, Hitomi heard murmurs inside the room. Her hand was inches away from the doorknob, but she didn't reach far enough to it. Sounds of annoying laughter apparently started to grow loud, and Hitomi knew who that person was instantly. Never will she forget that pathetic laugh in all her life due to her emotional scar that was put onto her. Taking a heavy sigh, Hitomi went in to Van's chambers, sliding the door quite slowly. With the tray of food in her hands, Hitomi peered in to see Kyoko sitting by Van as Van talked to her in a silent voice.

        Van and Kyoko heard the door slide and found Hitomi coming in with the food that Van wanted. She stood up and glowered at Hitomi, looking at the food closely and her, inspecting if she put anything hazardous to Van's health. When she suspected some white string stuff on his food, she immediately stepped in front of her. "What are trying to do, kill Van?!" asked Kyoko incredulously.

        "For your information Kyoko, this happens to be poultry," said Hitomi, irritated by Kyoko's pointless scolding.

        "Then, what about that green, yellowish things on the bread? That's mold!"

        "That is garlic bread. The yellow stuff is the garlic sauce and the green stuff is basically parsley? Think before you act Kyoko!" She whiffed passed the snob and smiled to herself. Even though she is a Noblewoman, she only uses her mouth and not her brains. Kyoko just gave a rude pout and just walked off, closing the door roughly behind her.

        Once Hitomi sat on the chair were Kyoko once sat, Van slowly sat up, looking at the food that looks so delicious. In the bowl of soup, made with fresh chicken broth, there were some chicken, lettuce, carrots, onions, celery, with a little hint of garlic, and a lot of white turtle shell pasta in the warm soup. It is a strange food, yet it smelt so good to Van. Around the bowl, there was another plate with fried chicken dumplings and just plain fried chicken with little rice. And on the other tray, it had the garlic bread and a cup of orange juice. Hitomi scooted her chair near Van's bed and put the tray of food on top of Van's lap, grabbing the spoon from the soup bowl.

        "What is this called Hitomi?" he asked, his mouth drooling at the site of the delicious cuisine, even though he was sick.

        "Oh, I just found something to whip up with chicken soup. So, I had the idea with pasta and adding other vegetables into it and gotten this," she said, scooping the soup up. "It's something to help you regain your strength." Closing her eyes, she smiled and brought the spoon towards his slightly opened mouth. "Van…Aww…"

        At the site of Hitomi, he blushed furiously as he opened his mouth, Hitomi putting in the soup into his mouth, his tongue feeling such warm and delicious food that he swallowed it swiftly. His face lightened as his stomach felt all warm and tingly. He can't wait to finish this all. Even though he didn't have that much of an appetite to food, this was an exception. He fondly opened his mouth and Hitomi put in another spoonful of it. She couldn't help but smile at him, seeing how childish Van is at the moment. "You really love this, don't you?" she asked, putting in the third spoonful of it. Van just nodded and kept on chewing and swallowing.

        It gone on for ten minutes until the bowl was completely empty. Van was disappointed to see that the soup was gone, especially since Hitomi stopped feeding him after that. "This is a first," she said, putting the bowl onto the ground near her. "This is my first time making this, and it was actually that good?" He nodded and looked at the fried dumplings, his hunger somehow returning to him. "It's as if you haven't even been eating for…one week or something."

        Hitomi started to cut the dumplings and put it into the rice, cramming it into Van's mouth as he chewed and chewed. This portion of the food was also delicious to Van as he asked for more. Hitomi looked at him and just continued to feed him. She was happy to see that Van actually liked it. One after another, all plates were all empty as Van relaxed into his pillow, his stomach quite satisfied with the delicious food made by Hitomi. She was thrilled that Van actually ate. "Van, I'm proud of you," said Hitomi, giving the empty plates to the servant, who was recently just checking to see if they need anything. "You ate more than I expected."

        He smiled, seeing Hitomi's smile brightens his day. She looked away to stare into the window for the moment, looking out into the beautiful gardens blooming beautifully through this weather. He stared intently at her as her expression changed every now and then. He wondered if she was thinking about her home. The Mystic Moon, hanging up in the sky with its partner. He wondered what kind of place is it. Yet, the thought of Hitomi going home consumed into Van's mind. Sure, he would miss her as a friend. But he couldn't get the feeling that he would be hurt with this. He is getting married after all. But, why would he care so much? He averted his downcast eyes to Hitomi who was still looking out into the gardens. She was so beautiful, looking out into space like that. Everything about her is so special to him. Every single thing she does, it would spark Van's happiness so much. But once she leaves, what will happen to him and happiness then? Kyoko was there to bring him happiness, yet, when Van thinks about, something about it is not complete. Could Kyoko's presence be not enough to make him happy?

        "…I remember a time when you would always promise me that you would protect me…" Van turned to Hitomi, giving her the attention when she talked. She was still facing the window, yet her hair covered her eyes. The way she spoke sounded so longingly…as if she it was her wish. "You would always be there, no matter what. Even if you were looking at me far away, you would always be there." She smiled at her sad look. "When Allen kissed me on that rainy day on Austria Bridge, I could feel the hurt and sadness from you. I never really understood about your actions. And I know that you are trying to keep it away so you wouldn't show your weakness. But when you were going to your brother when you said that vow that you would bring me back safely, I felt so much pride in you. You were so devoted to me more than anyone else in this world. And…that's what I like about you. You are set into your feelings, even it is pig headed and arrogant. I just realized it last minute."

        She slowly lifted her head and looked at Van. "But…how…how did this whole mess started, making our undying friendship so far and distant? This is the last thing that I ever wanted in my life. I never…talked to anyone like this before. You directed me to make my own decisions and I finally knew what to do in life. Until then, when I came back here, to see you and everyone, I felt completely lost again when Kyoko came into the picture. I look outside to find myself going around in circles as if there is nothing to guide me. I was lost. I was alone. I couldn't direct my life anymore. Because something was missing that holds me as one person." Her eyes began to grow teary as she looked into Van's eyes. "How did this whole mess started, Van? What happened between us that kept us distance?"

        "Hitomi…"

        "…Van, do you still love me for the way I am? Tell me, Van, tell me…do you still don't understand? Why I am hurt because of you?"

~*~*~*~*~

        Night fell upon that day as the undying rain started to come. Spring is still in Gaia, and rain was the main source that created the beautiful flowers that blossomed so colorfully in Gaea's soft soiled ground. The study hall is still consumed with the friends searching as they stacked every book every two hours, sighing in defeat that they could not find the cure for Van's curse.

        Rain. It started to pour down through the windows in Van's room, creating a shadow reflection of moving water onto the carpeted floors. The clock near Van's bed started to tick every second in the silent room.

          

        "…Van, do you still love me for the way I am? Tell me, Van, tell me…do you still don't understand? Why I am hurt because of you?"

        Her words still echoed through Van's mind as he sat there in his bed, wide awake. His mind thought about those words since Hitomi sat there, reminiscing the past they once shared. Van could not make out the words she spoke. He understands the feelings within, yet he doesn't seem to understand her question. A question that she painfully said when she sat there on that very chair, looking at him with those sad eyes of her, with her mouth mouthing those words. The truth within scared him deep into the burrows of his heart. Blind, that he is. His mind was blocked by something that was kept hidden from the outside: His excitement to be married that he truly loved. He froze suddenly, after thinking those words. The one he truly loves? Did he really love Kyoko? Back then, yes he did, but he doesn't even know why he loved her in the first place. When Hitomi was consumed into his mind, Van couldn't help but feel a great sensation whenever he thinks about her. Something about Hitomi was whole, complete. While Kyoko somehow have bits of pieces that needed to be put together like an incomplete jigsaw puzzle. Hitomi, overall, was being herself.

        Blind. Van doesn't even see the truth within Kyoko. He doesn't even know how ruthless and rude she had become after Hitomi returned to Gaia to save him. Willingly, she would be out somewhere else, either with Allen, Gaddes, or even all the man that she was attracted to. However, Van still follows her lead. At the same time, he is following Hitomi's lead, more than Kyoko no doubt.

        He looked out into the rainy atmosphere of Fanelia, watching the rain pouring down to the grounds. Van slowly drew held the pendant in his palm, feeling the warm dim glow emanating from it. He could feel Hitomi's emotions, calm and forlorn as she slept peacefully in the comforts of her bed. Slowly, he removed the covers above him, stepping both on his feet onto the floor. After Hitomi gave him the needed food, Van had the strength to stand up. Swiftly, he went to the bathroom doors, lighting the whole entire room. He passed by the bathroom to the door that leads to Hitomi's room. Slowly, he slid the door open, to see Hitomi turn about and stop, moaning softly after the light hit her eyes. Van smiled to himself, watching Hitomi sleep there so peacefully. How much he wanted to hold her in his arms, comforting her from any dream she had that pains her. Yet, that wouldn't come true after Hitomi's words. Once again, his expression was emotionless, staring intently at Hitomi. She stirred a bit in her position. "Mmm…Van," she mumbled softly, her breath suddenly easing as she dozed into sleep land. Van perked up after he heard his name wistfully coming out of Hitomi's mouth. Was she dreaming about him?

        Van slowly closed the door behind him and knelt next to Hitomi's bed, smelling her essence that smelt so good to his senses. He watched her, seeing her breath going up and down swiftly. He didn't know why he was there, but he just wanted to see her sleep. Hitomi turned once more, this time her face facing him with her eyes still closed. Her mouth opened just a bit, showing some of her white teeth. He smiled, seeing how cute she is when she slept, even though it is dark and hard to see. With his vision as a Draconian, he could see perfectly through the night and he could see the beautiful face of Hitomi that grew from a little girl to a young woman of 17. Slowly, he drew his hand to her cheek, stroking passionately and softly. Hitomi suddenly shivered. "Van…you're…hands…are so…cold," she said, her eyes still closed.

        He slowly drew away his hands away from her cheek as she looked at her after she stopped shivering. Is she awake? He looked at her and found that she isn't. "If…only I knew the answer…Hitomi…if only I knew," thought Van dejectedly.  

~*~*~*~*~*~

        The very next morning, somewhere around the crack of dawn, Hitomi sat on the couch, reading a book carefully through all 1000 pages. Yet, none of the words wield the words "Draconian Cures." She put the book down frustratingly and leaned back into the couch, sighing as she looked into the beautiful day. "Any luck, you guys?" she asked to everyone around the room.

        "No, I can't find anything," said Dryden, putting another failure book.

        Hitomi sighed once more and looked at her right. In view, she could see Van dozing off once in a while, but abruptly wakes up. After last night and eating the right nutritious food, Van somehow regained his strength. Yet, in some points of time, he would be feeling sleepy, noting the dull gaze of his brown-reddish eyes that once held so much light within them. Hitomi gently tapped him on the shoulder, making him slowly look into her direction. She smiled at him, trying to comfort him. He smiled back, his eyes started to droop once more. "Do you need to lie down Van?" she asked, lifting his bangs in order to see his half closed eyes. Van nodded. "Here, you can lay your head on my lap." Van's eyes suddenly widened and began to blush furiously. Hitomi giggled to herself, seeing how Van reacted to this. "Don't worry. I won't slap you or anything. I INSISTED that you lay on my lap. Besides, I'm wearing pants. Go ahead. You need some more rest."

        At first Van was reluctant to. He looked at her green eyes, seeing how much care and adoration within them. Slowly, he nodded and started to lean his head against her lap, moving a bit to get some comfort from his awkward position. Smiling, she laid her hand on top of his forehead, caressing it to sooth him. "Damn, it's not in this one either," said Allen, throwing another book down. "It's been three days now, and we still can't find anything."

        "No kidding," said Millerna, putting down the book. "Besides, shouldn't Kyoko be down here and help us out. Obviously, Van is not getting better and she's running off as if nothing's a big deal."

        "Don't worry about her," said Merle, flipping the book she was reading closed. "You'll find her loitering about in the halls, finding someone to flirt with or something."

        Hitomi looked down at Van to see his expression, yet it didn't change. He was probably sleeping completely by now, dreaming a good dream, Hitomi hopes. Slowly, she put her hands on the pendant still around Van's neck. She could feel the warmness penetrating from it as she held with her small palm. But, once she grasp the tear-drop pendant, everything somehow seemed to flash before her eyes as she was led into another vision.

        *Flash

        In the depths of a throne room, Hitomi could see Varie opening up a secret hidden door, holding a large and heavy book in both of her hands. She went into that dark, secret hallway, with Chibi Van and Folken cautiously following behind her.

        Slowly, Varie used her powers to reveal a decorated altar, with the room filled with ancient writing that seems like Atlantian drawings and langue. "Van, Folken, close the door behind us carefully," said Varie, looking closely at her two sons. Folken nodded and closed the door behind them, careful to see if anyone else was looking. Chibi Van followed his mother further into the room, where the altar is positioned in the middle of the circular room. The Queen slowly raised her hands, emanating more light into the room, showing the white atmosphere all around. She carefully put the huge book on the altar, showing the symbol of their clan on the cover of the book. "Van, I want to tell you something about the other half of your ancestry," said Varie, looking at her little boy with adoration. Slowly, she averted her eyes to Folken who was standing by the door. "Folken, be sure to not let anyone in here."

        "Yes, mother," he said, nodding his head in agreement.

        Varie turned to Van once more. "Now Van, you have the blood of a Draconian, a descendant of Atlantians in which we are known as the cursed ones. Through this bloodline, you are half and half. Half-Human, half-Draconian. You have the ability to sprout wings on your back and fly, as you desire. Yet, since we live in an environment full of Humans, we must keep our other blood hidden from everyone else, which also includes the other nations of Gaia." Slowly, she led the boy to the altar, were the book has lain. "This is a special book in which wields all history of the Draconians. In this book, it holds all secrets of the Draconians, including the most important element to cure ones self."

        "But…why do we need cures?" asked Van questioningly.

        "Because long ago there was a curse put upon us in which represents our clan's reputation as "the cursed ones", Van. You must understand. If the curse wields this book, doom shall come over Gaia. The book wields information of the Atlantian's home world. It is the very key in which will access to the Temple in Arcadia."

        *Flash

        Hitomi suddenly gasped in surprised after that vision, panting as she slowly released the grip around her pendant. She looked up to see everyone's gaze looking upon her with worried gaze, including Van who suddenly woke up due to Hitomi's gasp of surprise that he felt absentmindedly. "Hitomi…are you okay?" he asked weakly, looking up into Hitomi's surprised look.

        "I-I'm…fine…really," said Hitomi, rubbing her temples.

        "Well, whatever you saw, it won't help us find the book," said Dryden, slamming another book frustratingly. "We looked in every book of this library and we still can't find anything about it."

        Her thoughts suddenly clicked as she realized what she witnessed in her vision. Slowly, she looked down at Van. "Van, you know something about that book, don't you?"

        "What do you mean?" asked Van, questioningly.

        "Van, you know what I mean. Your mother was talking to you about it when you were just only a small boy. The book that holds all latest cures of the Draconians. Including that evil curse burrowed into you."

        Van's eyes suddenly lightened. "Yes…I remember. Is it that the book you guys are trying to look for?" All friends started to gather around the two, excited that they will no longer be in this study room. "My mother would always teach me the very essence of my bloodline, including about the book that was handed to her from her father long ago before she came to Fanelia. She said it holds all information about us and the Atlantians." He slowly sat up. "Come on, I'll show were it is."

        Hitomi slowly helped Van up to his feet, and swiftly, he ran towards the throne room, with all his friends tagging along.

~*~*~*~*~*~

        Van suddenly halted in front of the throne room, looking carefully at the wall. "It is somewhere around here," he said, looking expectantly at the wall. "I remember that my mother used her powers to open this door." He looked around cautiously. "Allen, can you tell Gaddes and others to look out for anyone around the room."

        Allen nodded and headed straight outside. Hitomi went to Van's side and looked at the wall curiously. "Van, what are you going to do?"

        "I'm going to try to use my powers to open this," said Van, extending his arms to the wall.

        "But…Van…are you sure you wield that power?" she asked, looking worriedly at Van's closed eye expression. "I mean, in the condition you are in right now, what if you…"

        "Hitomi, don't worry," he said with a smile. "I have a will to live that is stronger than anything. Besides, I have someone here important that wouldn't want me to die and leave her alone."

        "Van…"

        Van once more started to concentrate on his powers, summoning it slowly through the depths of his body. Behind, Millerna, Dryden, and Merle waited expectantly for the door to arise in front of them, watching Van' every move.

        Among the interests' emotions within the three, Hitomi couldn't help but worry about Van's condition. Even though he reassured with his words, she still have this lingering feeling that something bad might come upon him and the book hiding behind this secret door. She looked into Van and the door. She wished that Van would be okay with this.

        A glow started to manifest itself around Van. A faint, yet powerful glow that slowly formed around Van's body, outlining him beautifully as if his wings were out once more. The three friends, including Hitomi, gasped in surprise after what they saw. They never had seen Van with powers that held so strongly, even in his weak position right now.

        Slowly, Van started to form his open palms into fists. He clenched his teeth, knowing that he has reached his limit. Once the time was right, Van slowly drew his arms toward him and swung his arms quickly towards the wall, letting his power absorb into the wall. A huge flash started to consume the whole room, making everyone cover their eyes from the sudden burst of light.

        Gradually, the light died down. Hitomi slowly opened her eyes. Right then, she gasped at the scene before her. Right there, instead of an empty wall, she found a huge visible door with wings that etched beautifully in front of the door. "Oh my, so this is the hidden room," said Dryden excitedly. "I never had seen so much interest in Fanelia's throne room."

        "Now, Dryden, no Human ever went in there. Only those with the Draconian blood could come here," said Millerna, warning Dryden.

        Van bent down suddenly, gasping for oxygen. Hitomi and Merle immediately went to his side. "Van, are you all right?" asked Hitomi, holding his body that is still cold.

        "I'm…fine…Hitomi. Don't worry," he said, suddenly getting up. "The Consumer is trying to sap my powers when I used them…but I beat it…to it…"

        "Oh Van," said Hitomi, putting her cheek on top of Van's head.

        "So, are we going in or not?" asked Merle.

        "If Van approves," said Hitomi, looking down at Van.

        "It's okay, you may go in. As long as your heart is not evil, then the barrier will let you in," he said.

        Hitomi nodded to her friends and everyone started to go in, only except Van who stood there in front of the door. Hitomi stopped in her tracks and looked at Van. "Aren't you coming in?" asked Hitomi.

        "I-I can't," he said. "The curse is burrowed within me and I can't go. The barrier won't let me in. Even though I have a kind heart, I have been cursed."  He stared into her emerald eyes deeply, looking into her, as he would always do with those caring eyes and passion. "I can't let the Consumer endanger all lives of Gaia. Including you, Hitomi. You must read the book and find the cure. I'm not really sure if my body could take it any longer."

        "Van…" Hitomi trailed off a bit. She was too focused in the depths of his eyes. "…I believe in you…" With that, she leaned and kissed him on the cheek, making him blush furiously at the soft touch of her lips. Slowly, she leaned away and smiled, with a hint of pink in her cheeks. "I'll be right back, okay?" She smiled reassuringly once more and started to catch up with the gang, leaving Van totally oblivious.

        He gently put his hand where Hitomi softly kissed him, making him blush all the while. Van somehow felt this energy coming into him quite suddenly. He never thought that Hitomi would be so caring.

~*~*~*~*~*~

        "This…is…this is it," said Dryden, looking surprisingly at the ancient book. "It is the ancient book that I heard about. The Ancient Book of the Draconians. The rumors are all true about it." Slowly, he touched the fine etches of the book, feeling the smooth, bumpy features of the golden wings, the very symbol of the Draconians.

        "Dryden, hurry and find the cure," said Hitomi. "We need to hurry. I could feel Van's inner health becoming weaker every second."

        Carefully, Dryden opened the book, flipping through every ancient page carefully and observantly. Merle, Millerna, and Hitomi waited patiently for Dryden to find the very cure. Due to Dryden's interests in ancient artifacts and past history, he is the very person that they could trust on in order to help one's self of a disease that never came for centuries. Hitomi couldn't help the suspense between this situation. She had thoughts about the cure, whether it is in there or not.

        "Ah-Hah!" yelled Dryden, surprising the three girls.

        "What…did you find it?" asked Millerna excitedly.

        "No, I just found a recipe for making those Ancient Angel Cakes," said Dryden with a smile. Hitomi became tense and Millerna slapped him on top of the head.

        "Don't do that, you idiot! You know Hitomi is really, really worried about Van!"

        "Okay, okay." Dryden continued to look through the heavy book as Hitomi started to pace back and forth, worried from head to foot about Van all the while.

        The pages suddenly slowed down as Dryden's expression lightened up. In large bold words, the page read: "Cures for the curse…" Dryden soon went through the depths of the book, reading all the words in that very detail.

        For the past few minutes, Dryden was still reading, turning a page now and then. Hitomi wondered if he ever found that cure yet. Slowly, after turning to the very last page of the section, Dryden slowly closed the book and turned to the group. Hitomi looked up expectantly at Dryden, with a hopeful look on her face. "Well, Dryden…do you find it?"

        The young merchant looked down at his feet, his expression sad and mournful. When he looked up to see the three girls looking at him, he smiled. "Ladies, let's start packing. We're heading to the Mystic Valley!"

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        End of Chapter 11- Th[i]e mission to live…

        Well, what do you think? I hope you guys like it! Remember to review!! Arigatou and a VERY MERRY CHRISTMAS AND A HAPPY NEW YEAR, minna-san!!!!!!!!