Author's Note:
Oh my god, I truly apologize for not updating this story. It has been a while since I wrote this, and basically, I had a busy year, considering that this year is my last year in high school, so, I have to live it up, you know, before heading into the next stage of my life. And now, I finally GRADUATED! YEAH! Well, I graduated on June 9, but I did it, hehe! Now, I am heading to the next stage of my life, where everything will no longer be the same. I'll miss high school, but I'll think of it as the end of my journey as a high school girl and think of college as a brand new journey to endure. I will never forget the people who truly got to know me and I will never forget the experiences that made me become the person I am. So, for your patients, I put two chapters in one. I this took a while to make, but, I was still contemplating whether to make two chapters or one. But, since you have been waiting for such a long time, I decided to reward you with this 40 page chapter. It's a long read, but, hopefully worth it for you guys (I hope). Anyways, please review! I really appreciate it! And Enjoy!
(By the way, sorry if the format looks too close together, but you know how the site is...oh well)
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In the depths of her mind, a sharp pain passed through her in her sleep. Hitomi could no longer sleep after feeling it and slowly opened her eyes to find herself in her own room. She unhurriedly sat up, rubbing the sleep out of her drowsy eyes. She slowly looked out the window to find it was early morning.
"I must have slept," Hitomi said, stretching her arms. "The last thing I remember is falling into Van's arms…I think I must have slept in his arms. A blush appeared at the thought. She began to hug herself at the memory. She could still feel him around her.
Just when she was about to enjoy her time alone to recap on last night's moment again and again, she suddenly felt that aching feeling once more. Hitomi's eyes froze as she looked out into space. She closed her eyes, wondering where this pain is coming from.
"To my right?" she asked questioningly. Looking down, Hitomi gasped when she saw a pool of blood on the wooden floor. "What's going on?" she asked, trembling from the sight of the liquid's red pigment. "But, who's blood is it? Was there a fight going on that I didn't know about?"
She turned more only to turn really pale. Hitomi could feel the tears forming in her eyes. Right then, as her mind imprinted the sight Hitomi have seen, there lay an unconscious Van with a pain-stricken look on his face. All of this signaled to one thing to Hitomi and with one breath, she screamed at the top of her lungs.
Hitomi instantly lifted her blanket and immediately went to Van's side. "Van! Van! Are you okay?! Van!" she yelled frantically, shaking his shoulders as best as she can.
No response, no movement, no flick of his eyes came from the Draconian. He lay still as a board on the wooden floor. "Please…Van… open your eyes!"
The door suddenly slid open violently as Millerna, Dryden, Allen, and Merle came rushing in. Allen was the first to come in front of the three and he drawn his sword out of its scabbard, ready to fight. "Hitomi! What's wrong?! What is it?" asked Millerna, with a frantic look on her face.
"I-I-it's…Van…" she said, lifting Van's head and hugged him, nuzzling. "Van's in a lot of pain and I think he can't stand this any longer!" Hitomi's tears fell on Van's lifeless face. "Please Van! Wake up!"
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Chapter 15- A change in heart? Hitomi's gone? Quickly to Atlantis…
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"Hitomi, what happened?" asked Allen, leaning against the wooden wall of the Control Room, folding both of his arms across his chest.
Since the surprise scream from Hitomi that took place a few hours ago was able to see the situation at hand. All were surprised to see Van lying there, with his own blood in a single puddle a few meters away from him. Without any delay and no time to ask, Dryden and Allen were able to lift the fallen Draconian to his room. Hitomi followed them with tears forming in her eyes, trembling after being traumatized by Van's sudden ordeal. At the moment, Millerna was tending to Van through medical care.
"I…just woke up…when I found Van lying there, unconscious," began Hitomi, taking a sip of her water. The shock with Van there lying unconscious was something that is still taunting her from being calm. Likewise, Van's own blood was the one thing Hitomi could never forget. "I…I don't know…what's wrong with him. But…when I looked at him, he's really agonizing from whatever that curse's powers. If he continues to be in the state he is in…Van…Van…will..." Her hands instinctively flew to her teary eyes after reaching to her assumption of what she feels about the whole situation.
Allen and Dryden's face paled instantly once Hitomi spoken those words. "A…a short time to live?" stammered Merle, shivering from the news. "B-b-but how…?"
"There is no doubt that this curse of the Draconians is beginning to win over Van's strength. It is beginning to devour Van piece-by-piece," said Allen, coming to terms about the predicament.
"It's no doubt," said Dryden. "The Consumer only devours the power that emanates from Van because he is the only Draconian. Yet, why? Why is Van so important? It's not like Van has some special power or something, after all, he is only half. I guess these things go in advanced if Van used his powers." He paused for a moment, closing his eyes to think. "It is a good thing that Van did not use his whole power. If he were, then he would be dead by now. From yesterday, Van only exceeded at least 40% of his power, which counts his strength, flying, and his wings. And it was the only alternative to save Hitomi since the Crusade wouldn't make it in time due to its weight. It is a freakin' miracle that he was able to stand strong."
Hitomi nodded her head, agreeing with Dryden. "Now, the only problem is…can we make it there in time?"
"Of course, with the Crusade, everything is possible. Don't you worry your little head," said Dryden with a smile. "Well, let us hope that Van can survive the effects during this whole trip. Who knows what will happen to him since this creature infested within Van is unpredictable."
Allen winced fiercely. He could not stand anymore of Van being in this state. He looked away from the conversation and looked at Gaddes, who was keeping a careful eye out in front. "Gaddes, how long are we to the Mystic Valley?"
"Umm…about a day away, captain," said Gaddes.
"Good, which means we still have a lot of time," said Hitomi. "I just hope the Consumer doesn't gain anymore power from Van." She slowly lifted her hand to her heart, feeling it beat and ache at the same time. "I am not sure how long I..."
"Hitomi…" trailed Merle, seeing the downcast face of her friend's always-cheery face.
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Meanwhile, after the conversation, Merle walked along to see how Van is doing. She is doing this in favor of Hitomi, everyone, and herself, considering that everyone is busy with their own things, especially Hitomi. Merle, as a loving friend, completely understands. If Hitomi was thinking thoroughly, then, it means she does not want to be disturbed at the moment. So, to ease everyone's tensions, she decided to check.
Humming a happy tone, Merle crossed the room where Kyoko resides. Her door was slightly open, yet Merle ignored it, since there is nothing interesting to eavesdrop about Kyoko.
"Damn that Hitomi!" A familiar angry protest made Merle stop in her happy stroll, her humming seized as Kyoko's angry voice came to her now pricked ears. Merle's thoughts were soon reversed and so, she decided to go and eavesdrop a bit. "Hehe, maybe she is still ticked off with Hitomi's best attack yet," Merle snickered as she tiptoed to Kyoko's room, one of her eyes looking what lies beyond the slightly ajar door.
In front of Merle, the young cat girl could see Kyoko gazing at herself, tending to her cheek. Merle silently snickered. This was so worth the trouble to see Kyoko's disgusting face. That slap mark was still there and it was now forming a small bruise.
"God, I never thought that she would be such a threat to me. I thought she was just a weakling. How dare she hit a noblewoman's face," Kyoko retorted, trying to cover that bruise with her make-up powder.
"That…witch!" she growled fiercely, throwing her make-up powder to the ground angrily while picking up a brush to brush her hair. "I never thought that she would be this kind of person!"
Kyoko could still feel the aching feeling of her cheek, throbbing in one or two seconds. "Who does she think she is? My mother?!" She sat on her seat roughly and pouted childishly.
Merle struggled to keep herself from laughing too loudly. She loved to see Kyoko's reaction. Merle was completely satisfied that Hitomi slapped the living brains out of Kyoko for acting the way she does.
"Tch, next time, she won't be so lucky…I'll make her pay one way or another…I swear it. If she takes my Van away, then its bloody murder for her! This is war!"
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Meanwhile, in Van's room, Millerna slowly checked his pulse, lifting Van's wrist, waiting. "Good…he still has a pulse."
While Millerna carefully looked over Van's condition, deep within Van, in his subconscious, he could feel his heartbeat moving, feeling it as it beat in motion. He was in the state of delirium as he lay there, unaware of the surroundings around him. He wanted to open his eyes, yet they were too heavy to lift. Still, his heartbeat kept on going with the seconds of the clock.
In his closed eyelids, he could still see the image of Hitomi, running to him, trying to reach for his helping hand. Yet, the shadow that was lingering above her was reaching her and before he knew it, she was suddenly split into half. Every time Van sees that dream, it feels more and more real than the first. A feeling of depression surpassed his agonizing ache when he saw that horrifying dream. Every time he sees Hitomi with that pain look in her beautiful eyes, he feels as if he is lost like a lost kitten. He feels guilt, regret, and loneliness. Loneliness was one word that struck him extremely hard. Yet, why did he feel that way?
--Beginning of Dream--
In a peaceful meadow, Van could see himself smiling happily as he sat in the long, soft grass. In front of him, he could see his own fiancé smiling back at him. Slowly, she turned to him and began running, with a ring of flowers in her hands. She ran closer, closer to him and Van stood up, waiting for her to come into his arms.
Yet, when her form came closer to him, somehow, she looked different. Her hair was much longer, her height was at least an inch shorter than she was, since the tip of her head usually reached to his chin, her complexion was a bit darker than her usual pale complexion, and her hair was much lighter. She reached him and hugged him loving as Van returned the same hug. After a moment has passed, he slowly broke the hug. He broke it enough just to gaze into her eyes. To his surprise, her eyes were emerald green. Somehow, that green was brighter than her usual darker color. When he looked at her completely, a sudden realization struck him. This was not Kyoko.
"H-Hitomi?" he questioned with a surprised look on his face.
A giggle came out of her mouth as she covered it with her hand. "Oh, Van, I swear that you are dense at times," she said and looked into his brown-reddish eyes. "Then again, that's how men are…" With another giggle, she began to run off into the opposite direction.
"Hitomi," he called with a smile on his lips. "Where are you going?"
"If you want to know, come and get me," she said. A challenge has been established between Hitomi and Van, and Van gave a cocky smirk on his lips. And so, he started running after Hitomi's retreating form.
After much running, Van stopped in his tracks to catch his breath. He was in a forest that viewed the perfect scenery of the ocean. "Okay, Hitomi, I give up," he said. "You can come out now…"
No tiny response came to him. A curious look etched on his face. He began walking around to find the missing beauty. "Hello? Hitomi? I give up…you win…" Again no response came. Van walked a little faster with worry etched on his face. "Hitomi…? Where are you?" He began running through the forest, his expression filled with fear. "Hitomi?! Hitomi!"
He ran farther into the forest, yet, there was no sign of Hitomi. He ran faster and faster until he reached the end of a cliff, with the ocean in front of him. In the far off distance, he could see a lone figure standing near the end of the cliff, with her long hair flowing with the wind. A sigh of relief surpassed his lips and ran to Hitomi.
"Hitomi, there you are," said Van as he came up to her. "I was a little worried…I thought I lost you…"
Hitomi did not move from her position. She remained still with her body facing the ocean.
"Hitomi?"
"But…you did lose her…" said Hitomi.
A surprise look etched on his face. "What?"
"You lost her…you lost her forever…over a fake…"
Hitomi did not make any sense. Van was utterly confused. "W-what are you talking about? You are right here…I haven't lost you…"
"Oh no, but you did," she said and she slowly turned to Van.
The scenery has grown unexpectedly dark as Hitomi turned towards him. Yet, Van was surprised that it was not the Hitomi he always saw. This Hitomi appeared before him with dark hair, her once tan complexion was now white as snow, her height a bit taller, and her eyes much darker. It was not Hitomi. "K-Kyoko?"
A smirk appeared before her lips and she slowly began to walk to him. "You see why Van? You have me…the person who truly captured your heart…the one person who you truly love and asked me to marry you…"
Van began to step backwards. Kyoko was advancing towards him and he couldn't help but move backwards. Yet, why would he be going backwards when his love is right there? "Where is she?" he inquired. "Where is Hitomi?"
"Remember…you lost her…Van…you have lost her forever. Now I am the only one for you. I love you, Van and nothing can break that. You have me now, Van. You have me." Something about her did not seem right to Van. He had a frown on his face as he continued to pace backwards. "I have all your fame…your riches…you…everything…while…Hitomi…has what she deserves…"
Appearing behind Kyoko's back, a dark, ominous shadow appeared from the edge of the cliff. Van's eyes widened when he gazed at the very sinister eyes of the shadow as it glared down at Van with its glowing red eyes. Slowly, the middle of its body began to dissipate to reveal a limp figure tied into its shadowy physique.
Shook came into Van's eyes when he gazed at the sorrowful look on the figure's face. "Hitomi!!" he screamed.
"I have her now, Van…you shall never see her again…" boomed the voice. "See the destruction…that you created…"
The black physique around the shadow's body began to wrap around Hitomi's limp body. Slowly, her eyes opened to only widen in shook. Her whole body was beginning to warp itself into the shadow's physique.
"Hitomi!! Hang on!" Van screamed as he lunged forward to rescue her. Yet, it was no use. Right after he passed Kyoko, a barrier blocked his way. He tried to force his way in, yet the force of the barrier was too strong to break.
"Not only you can break this barrier…" said a gentle voice from above. Van looked up to see the owner of the voice.
"Mother…" he muttered with an awe look on his face.
"Van…you must understand…understand your easily swayed heart. See what is true…see what you truly deserve. Everything is not what they seem to be. If you want your wishes to come true, your power alone cannot make those wishes come true…"
"Mother, what do you mean?" he asked. The barrier began to increase in strength, making Van winced with pain. He tried forcing his way in again, yet he was pushed back. Quickly, he got up again, yet Kyoko blocked him. "What are you doing, Kyoko?"
"Van…you love me…I love you…let's break this barrier together…"
Van had a confused look on his face. What is she talking about? "If you want your wishes to come true…let's do this together…" Van looked behind her. He passed by her again and tried to break through.
"Hitomi…hang on…don't die..." he said painfully.
"You can't save her now, Draconian…not in the state you are in…"
"No…I don't care…I have to save her…"
"Why? Is there a purpose to rescue this infidel…? Could it possibly be that you love her?"
A question that always pop into his head. Van gave a surprised look to the shadow before him. He paused without a word coming out of his mouth. He looked down and gave a sad look on his face.
"No, he loves me," cried Kyoko pleadingly. "He is the one who loves me, he said he swore to protect me with his life. He loves me more than that infidel girl from the Mystic Moon!"
Van could not bring himself to say anything. Could he? Or could he not? It is something that he is uncertain of. With his mind and heart at play, there are many decisions that easily swayed him from making a complete decision. So, he remained silent and looked away, his downcast eyes facing the blue-green grass.
"If that is your answer…then…"
"AHH!"
Van's eyes widened in horror. "No! HITOMI!!!"
--End of Dream--
"Hitomi!"
Van sat up from his bed and he quickly felt his heart beating furiously. Sweat was pouring all over his body. He slowly looked at his palms to see them shaking. It was such a horrible sound that Van ever heard. He never thought he could hear such noise in his life after the war has ended three years ago. The blood, horrific scream is much worse than the screams of death. And that horrible scream came from a girl he unknowingly harbored special feelings to.
Right after his outcries, Millerna dashed into his room. "Van! Are you awake?" Millerna asked as he kneeled beside him. She sighed with a sudden relief. "Everyone was worried about you. How are you feeling?"
"Where's Hitomi?" Van asked abruptly, with a serious look on his face that gazed into Millerna's worried eyes. "Where is she?"
Millerna was taken back at his sudden abruptness, yet, she quickly regained her composure. "She's at the control room with the rest."
Without wasting time, Van removed the covers from his body and slowly got up. "Van! You shouldn't get up! You must rest…" Millerna warned.
"I have to see her…I have to see if Hitomi is alright," he said and began walking.
"Wait…Van!!"
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Suddenly, voices were heard from the hallway. "Van, don't! You shouldn't be walking!" yelled Millerna.
Hitomi, Allen, and the rest heard these voices as it came near to the door. The door to the control room burst open to reveal Van panting heavily, holding firmly to the doorframe with his hand. "Lord Van!" beamed Merle worriedly.
"Van, you shouldn't be up," said Hitomi, walking to him with a worried look on her face. Van looked at her and was relieved. "Thank god…she is alive and well…" he thought as he gazed into her emerald eyes.
"I know…I know…I just…wanted…to…see you," he said with a half painful smile.
Hitomi's eyes widened. "Van…"
It was silent between the two of them as they gazed into each other's eyes. They did not notice the others looking at them with a curious look on their faces. To Van, it did not matter. All Van could think of right at the moment that Hitomi was alright, that she was still here with him. He could not help but feel so happy to see her face, even though she showed a look of concern in her features, which he hated to see her in that way.
Moments passed by and everyone was ready to ask what is going on. When they were going to join the two, a violent sound suddenly caught everyone's attention. Van and Hitomi's staring moment has ended when a gasp escaped Hitomi's mouth. Everyone was silent for a moment as they heard that sound. Suddenly, with a single jolt, the ship started to rock violently.
"What the..!? Gaddes, what's going on?!" yelled Allen as he desperately tried to hold on to something.
"Captain! I'm not sure what's going on! But we must have hit something below!" yelled Gaddes.
"But, that's impossible! We picked a clearing that steers us away from the levistones!" Allen retorted, glancing at the window before him. "Reedan, do you see anything?"
Reedan looked into the telescope. "Not a damn thing, sir! All I see is gray clouds!"
"Kio! Can you still steer!?" asked Gaddes amongst the confused voices around the room.
"Not really, sir! It is getting harder and harder to steer," Kio yelled back as he tried desperately to control the ship.
"Damn it! Allen!" yelled Gaddes, walking quickly to the window. "The levistones are coming our direction! This shouldn't be happening! Levistones usually float in a single movement."
Gaddes made his way to the telescope to take a second glance. Behind, the door opened to reveal Kyoko looking at the group who were frantically looking outside. "What's going on?!"
"What…? But…that's…impossible…!" Allen said with a surprised look on his face.
"What can we do, Allen? After all the Mystic Valley is full of surprises," said Dryden. "These things always happen…"
"I think I know what is going on," said Van suddenly. Everyone's eyes turned to Van's attention.
Slowly, Van lifted his arms and concentrated. Everyone watched as they see a white light illuminating Van's form. When Van was about to spread his power, he lost concentration when he felt a sharp pain coming from inside him. He yelled as he hunched over on his legs, his hand grasping above his heart, tightening his red shirt.
"What are you trying to do Van?!" Merle cried.
"To stop these levistones from crashing into us…I can use these powers of mine to protect us. Something must be stirring the levistones to act so strangely…"
"Van, you can't use your power," said Hitomi worriedly, with her hands above his back. She felt an evil glare come from Kyoko, yet, she ignored it. "With the condition you are in, it will double its move. Who knows what might have happened to you if you reached your limit!"
"She's right, Van. Don't make your health worse than it already is!" said Millerna said. "You still haven't recovered!"
"But…what about this storm?" he asked. Another stone hit the side of the ship, making the ship swing violently.
Hitomi screamed and kneeled down after the surprise shock of ship. It was too much for her to handle this since she never been through a violent situation like this. Yet, she tried her best to keep her composure. Not only was Hitomi afraid, but Merle and Millerna were also afraid as well. Kyoko tried to grasp on to something when the ship shock. She glowered at Hitomi. "It's your fault, you know! Make this storm stop!"
"Kyoko, for once, stop acting like a fool. You know we don't have time to play the blame game!" warned Merle scornfully.
"I am NOT playing the damn game!! I bet Hitomi was the one who brought bad luck. This wouldn't happen if she hadn't appeared out of nowhere," Kyoko retorted, pointing her finger at Hitomi. "I suggest that we throw her out and end this now!"
"Kyoko, please don't jump into conclusions," Millerna retorted to her friend. "Hitomi is not to blame! And you know it!"
"One more time I hear her blaming Hitomi, I'm really gonna use her as a scratching post," hissed Merle, her tail puffing angrily.
"I don't care if you blame me," said Hitomi audaciously. "Now is not the time to play little games, Kyoko. Our lives are at risk and I don't want anyone to die. If you so much want to marry Van and gain your fame, then I suggest that you shut your mouth, or I might shut it for you!"
"Touché," Allen said silently with a smirk on his face.
Kyoko's face has turned into 6 different reds, symbolizing her embarrassment and her anger. Once more, she failed to get Hitomi out of the ship. So, she shut her mouth and never spoke again, trying to hide her anger
The Crusade shook violently again and this time, it was more turbulent than the last hit. Van could not take this anymore. He has to do something or everyone will die. "I have to do this." Van once more lifted his arms once more to emanate his powers once again. He was about to concentrate once more with his powers, yet, a gentle touch seized him to do so. He looked up to see Hitomi looking at him with a desperate look on her face.
"Van…please, I beg of you! Don't use your powers," pleaded Hitomi, wincing on each rumble. "I don't want to see you in pain again…I don't want to lose you…" Van stared into Hitomi's green eyes momentarily, thinking about her words and her reaction.
A smile finally protruded his pale face and nodded. "Don't worry, Hitomi…I won't…"
Hitomi smiled at his response and gave a silent thank you to him. Yet, that smile disappeared and was replaced by shock from the sudden movement of the Crusade as she desperately holds on.
After time has passed, the Crusade has been going through this levistone swarm for the passed twenty minutes, with Kio trying his best to steer clear from the huge levistones. Everyone waited patiently for the terrible dilemma to pass, with anxiety coming back and forth.
"What are we going do? How can we possibly get through this, if this keeps up?" asked Merle, clinging onto Hitomi.
"I don't know…Merle…I just don't know…"
A yell came from Reeden's mouth as he saw one coming their way. "KIO!"
"Right!" Kio managed to steer and tried to lift the Crusade above the rock. Just in time, they managed to dodge it.
"Good job Kio!" said Gaddes.
"Oh no! Serg!" yelled Reeden. "Another is coming our way! And it's very close!'
"Damn it!"
"Kio!!"
Kio tried steering away from the huge levistone, yet, the ship was too slow to out maneuver it.
"Everyone! Watch out!" yelled Allen as the huge levistone hit the ship above, causing all the circuits around the ship to shut down. Inside, it shook violently as sparks started to come out of the ceilings. Hitomi, Millerna, Merle, and Kyoko screamed fearfully as they tried holding on to the railings. Van, Allen, Dryden, and the rest tried their best to keep their composure from the major collision.
"Captain! The ship's going to Crash!!" yelled Kio as he braced for impact.
Hitomi could feel the ship swooping down violently. Hitomi clasped on for dear life, closing her eyes shut from the ordeal. Merle let go of Hitomi's grasp suddenly when the huge stone hit the ship, crashing into Allen. Now, they young cat girl was grasping onto something, fear striking her expression.
"We're going to hit rock bottom!" warned Gaddes as he saw the earth below more clearly now. "In 15, 14, 13…"
"Is this…the end for us?" thought Hitomi as she held on, waiting for the impact.
"12,11,10…"
Hitomi suddenly lost her grip. "Hitomi!" cried Millerna. Hitomi fell through the control room, trying to grasp her hands onto something. She reached over to the nearest bar and caught it, dangling near the front window. She sighed in relief, knowing that she is safe for now.
"9,8,7…"
"Hitomi! You have to climb back! You're too close to the window!" yelled Dryden.
Hitomi nodded and tried to reach for the nearest thing possible to climb to the top. When she reached and grabbed one thing, her grip suddenly loosened. "Ahh!" she screamed, dangling there like a ragged doll with only one hand holding the bar.
"Hitomi!" everyone screamed.
"I can't! I can't climb up! The movement is too fast!"
"6,5,4…"
The dream came into Van's line of vision again. His body shook with fear. He narrowed his eyes, trying to get rid of the image from his eyes and watched Hitomi helplessly dangle down below, looking in horror as she saw the ground coming closer.
"Van! Help me!" cried Kyoko frantically, dangling just above Van and Allen.
"3…"
He did not want it happen now. He has to do something. He did not want that dream to come true. Slowly, Van let go of the thing he is holding. "Van!" yelled Kyoko when she saw him let go.
The earth below is now seeable and Hitomi looked down in utter shock.
"2…"
Hitomi could feel her heartbeat, beating faster and faster, as the earth below is one second away. She could see her life passing by her so quickly, with the last image that she sees is Van's smiling face.
"1…"
Something caught hold of Hitomi when she closed her eyes, waiting for the collision.
"BRACE FOR IMPACT!!!"
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The peaceful atmosphere of the forest that led to path of the Mystic Valley was suddenly disrupted by a nasty fall not too far off. Birds scattered away from the tops of the evergreen trees, animals hid in the comforts of their homes, and the trees swerved violently by the sudden wind that emanated from the crash. The Crusade landed first on its front and then skidded painfully on its bottom as it was suddenly hit by the sudden impact of the levistone.
The front window burst into pieces as everyone in the Crusade ducked for cover. A single dead trunk of the tree passed right through the window, hitting the corner of the control room. The engines fizzed as large amounts of smoke came out of the engine room in great numbers. One levistone was cracked gravely when it made contact with the ground. Slowly, the worst has come to an end.
"Agh…is everyone alright?" asked Allen, slowly getting from his position and removing all the papers on top of him. The control room was a grave mess full of papers, pieces of some parts of the deck, and glass. He looked around to observe things. Right above him, he noticed the dead tree trunk. "Hmm…it must have got in once the front hit the ground first…and that is where Hitomi was…"
"Yeah, it seems everyone's alright," said Dryden, slowly getting off of Merle and Millerna who protected them before the collision.
"I'll go see if the other crew is all right," said Gaddes and went into the engine room.
Kyoko slowly removed herself from the position behind the door, scratching her head. By the time it reached 1, Kyoko squirmed behind the door and closed it, shaking with fear. When she came out, everyone was in lying down, protected by a desk or a corner to avoid the broken shards. To her surprise, she could see Merle and Millerna where protected by Dryden. Why wasn't she covered like everyone else? Of course she was the most important person out of all the people in this room other than the men and Van, in her opinion anyways. "Where's Van?" she asked.
Hitomi opened her eyes slowly to find herself lying on the ground. The last thing she remembered was someone was holding her tightly when the collision broke through. She felt her head throb a bit and her arms aching from holding on to the bars for so long. Hitomi could barely move at the moment. "Umm…" she moaned. "What…happened?" She averted her eyes to see everything scattered and filled with dirt. She attempted to move, but she was still not able to. So, she lay back down to heave a sigh. She was still alive and relaxed for a while.
Something smelt good when she lay there for a few moments, as she opened her eyes, trying to absorb the scene. She felt as if she weighed a ton, just lying there with her stomach facing the rough floor. Yet, when she attempted to look, she could see a large tanned arm around her head. "Smell of the field…Van…" Then it hit her. "Van!"
Right above her was the young Draconian, holding her in a protective matter. "But how? How was he able to protect me while he was all the way up in the back?"
Kyoko scanned the area, trying to find her Van from the loads of rubble. She spotted something and instantly looked in that area. "Van!" she cried, yet suddenly stopped. He was lying there as if he was in pain. Yet, he wasn't hugging in a painful fashion. Right under him, there were light tan, tiny legs under his large, manly ones donned with his usual beige pants with his sword belt strapped around his waist. Kyoko looked curiously, wondering who the person under him was.
Slowly, the young king got out of his daze, lifting his chin from the top of Hitomi's head. He looked down to see her looking directly at him, concerned etched in her green eyes. He smiled at her. "Hitomi, are you okay?"
"Hitomi!?" Kyoko whispered violently. "But…how?"
"Van," she said meekly, her voice muffled from his body towering over. "How did you…?"
"When we were about to crash, I let go of my position up there," he said wincing. "Then, using the floor to direct myself, I managed to grab you just in time to save you."
"Van…" This was quite a surprise to the young Seer of the Mystic Moon. This was the second time that he saved her. Even though his act of heroism was in vain due to the landing of the Crusade, he was able to protect her from gaining any more injuries inflicted in her body. Even while Kyoko was there, he could have protected the snobbish noblewoman. Yet, he didn't and took the risk to protect her instead. She was overcome by hidden happiness, yet she set it aside for now when she thought about the condition Van was in.
Something of what Van said before suddenly struck Hitomi. Using the floor to catch her and hold her? How was it possible since the ship was falling in a downward position? She looked around to see a foot print just several feet away. That is were Van was positioned before. What could he have done that actually saved her life without any scratches or bruises? She shook her head and dismisses the thought. She is more into Van's condition than those useless thoughts.
"Van…what about you?" she asked.
Simply, he smiled. "Don't worry about me…I'm fine, even though I may be suffering with great pain, I'm still able to gather enough strength to protect you."
"Protect me…but…what about Kyoko?"
Slowly, Van sat up, sitting on the smooth part of the floor next to Hitomi. "Can you move?"
"Sort of" she said. "My arms and leg are really aching right now. I need to lie here for a few minutes or so." His look didn't seem convinced. "Van, I'm fine."
Merle trudged along and lunged into Van, hugging her childhood friend. "Oh Lord Van! Are you alright?"
Hitomi couldn't help but giggle when Merle lunged at Van, making him wince a bit. "Y-yeah, Merle, I'm fine. Just don't do that in my condition okay?"
"Opps…sorry," said Merle, releasing the hug shamefully. "I forgot."
"Is…everyone okay?" asked Hitomi.
"Yeah, everyone's okay in this part," said Allen, coming to were Hitomi, Van, and Merle are. "It looks like we have to walk all the way to Mystic Valley."
"Walk? We have to walk?" complained Kyoko, walking up to them.
"Why? What's wrong with walking?" asked Merle, snorting silently at Kyoko's whining behavior.
"Well…because…I'm not used to long journeys like this. And besides, I'm allergic to walking and I don't have the right attire for this kind of thing."
"Gee, I wonder why? Let's think like you for a minute," said Merle sarcastically, thinking. "Hmm…maybe because I don't have a life? Or I just want everyone to pamper me up just like a baby?"
Giggles start to come forth between the all, as Kyoko stood there, blushing red from the situation. "Come on…Merle, stop," said Van, even though he tried his best not laugh as well. "It's not nice…to be mean to Kyoko like that." Another silent chuckle came from Van as he tried his best to hide it.
"Well, for your information, I do have a life," said Kyoko, turning around abruptly. "So I can do this just fine…thank you!" With one whirl, she stormed out of the control room. She closed the door behind her and glared angrily. "I'll show you!"
Millerna joined in the group, kneeling down to Hitomi to identify any injuries. "Yes, we can walk to the Mystic Valley, but, without the ship, how would we be able to go home?"
Silence came between them all, sitting in their little circle to think what else could be done about the situation at hand. Without the Crusade all ready to go, it is likely impossible to get home. Allen started thinking deeply, trying to rethink the last time they been here. Yet, out of his mind, the only thing he could think of is by air.
"Dryden, did you see anything about any way we can get back home safely without a ship in my father's journal?" asked Allen, snapping out of his reverie and looked towards the merchant.
"Well…I'm not positively sure," said Dryden, taking Allen's father's notebook out of his pocket. He flipped through the pages, intently searching for any signs. He shook his head and shut the book. "No luck."
"Well, we'll find our way," said Van as he slowly sat up from his position. "Right now, let's go prepare and head to the Mystic Valley as soon as possible…"
--------
After breaking up to prepare for the journey, Hitomi was in her room looking through her stuff. "Hmm…nothing really worth to bring except for my locket," she said. "I guess I'll just bring nothing…" Slowly, Hitomi zipped her bag and hung it at the hook in her closet.
"But you might need this."
Hitomi jumped when she heard the voice and she looked straight into the eyes of Van, holding a canteen in his hands. "Never leave without water, that's the number one rule." He walked over to Hitomi and gave her the canteen.
"Umm…thanks…Van…" she muttered, grabbing the canteen from his hands. Carefully, she strapped it around her waist. "Never leave without H2O."
"H-2-O? What's that?" Van asked with a curious look on his face.
"Umm…never mind…forget what I said…"
Turning away, Hitomi set her eyes to look out into the land that has been abandoned for many years. It was filled with mysteries and Hitomi could not help but feel excited. She never once walked through the Mystic Valley, even though she has been here before. Hitomi wondered how it would be like just to walk in a land that was said to be cursed. Hitomi smiled just thinking about it.
Van watched Hitomi gaze out into the window to the Mystic Valley, with her hair flowing with the gentle wind. Something about her always made him look at her. He once knew her as a young teenager who is easily swayed every time a dashing man passes by. Yet now, she stands before him as young, independent woman with a caring heart. Why hadn't he stopped to notice?
"Van!" called Kyoko from her room. "I need your help!"
Van sighed. "I'll be there in a minute," he said. Slowly, he looked at Hitomi to see her staring at him with a smile on her face.
"Your fiancé needs you right now," she said gently. "I bet she needs help, since she never journeyed by foot before."
Van watched her reaction closely. There was a tinge of sadness in her eyes, yet, Hitomi covered it very well. "She can wait," Van said with a smile. They were silent for a moment as they gazed at each other, losing themselves in the depths of their eyes.
Hitomi felt something warm forming in her heart. Every time she looked at Van, he would always take her breath away, even if it is just a simple glance. It was that same feeling that she had before, during her times with him in the Great War three years back. When she gazed at him, she would find herself thinking about him frequently. His beautiful eyes, his soft unruly raven hair, his lips, his strong determination, his fresh scent, and his majestic wings are thoughts that Hitomi can never forget. She loved him for who he is, the young King of Fanelia who will always remain, to her, as her beloved angel. A dreamy look surfaced in her eyes just thinking about him with his wings out, looking like the angel of her dreams.
"Hitomi," Van said, breaking the silence. "I want to tell you something…"
Hitomi snapped out of her little daze when she heard her name from Van. She looked to see him walking closer to her, his eyes never leaving hers. Curiosity struck the young girl as Van slowly advanced to her. When he is at least arms' length in front of her, he stopped his pace and gazed into her eyes intently.
"Hitomi…I-I…"
A sudden jolt of astonishment hit Hitomi's mind.
Van feared the worst. That dream of his never left his mind. Yet, with that horrible dream, Van felt at ease when stared at Hitomi. When he looked at her, he could feel such inner peace that he never had when he was with Kyoko. He could not help but feel overprotective about her safety. One way or another, Van had felt that he may never see her again. If this feeling about this dream had a strong impression on him, could something bad happen to Hitomi?
"Van…? Are you okay?" Hitomi asked curiously, looking into Van's dazed eyes.
"Hitomi…" he said, snapping out of his daze to look into her eyes. "I-I…"
"Yes?"
He gulped down the lump in his throat. "I-I…just…I...don't want…to lose you…"
Suddenly, after what he said, he pulled her into a passionate hug. Hitomi was bewildered by Van's sudden actions. He never, ever said anything passionate, not even once to her ever since she came back. Although he did hug her once before, yet, she still is quite surprised by everything that Van does. Tears started to well up in her eyes. "Van…"
Right in that moment, he just wanted to hold her. He just wanted to hold her because of sheer fear that he might lose her again.
"Hitomi…I am not going to leave your side…I swear from the bottom of heart," he said. "Whatever happens, I'll always protect you…I swear with my life…" This sudden outburst, why would he say such passionate words to Hitomi? This feeling that he is feeling was so familiar. Yet, he dismissed that thought. The only thing that matters right now is to protect Hitomi, no matter what.
Behind Van's back as he hugged Hitomi passionately, Kyoko watched the two as they engaged themselves in their hug, with a glowering glint in her dark green eyes.
-------
"Hey Hitomi!" called Merle as she walked up to Hitomi's walking form.
"Oh Merle, you got everything prepared?" asked Hitomi with a smile.
"Me? Prepared? The only thing I need is my claws," Merle said, giggling.
Hitomi simply nodded her head and walked along with her friends.
"Hi-to-mi," began Merle with a sneaky look on her eyes. "Did I just see you hugging Van before you left your room?" Hitomi's blush came in and she tried to hide it.
"Well…ummm…umm…he was the one who hugged me…"
"Sure. Whatever…"
"Honestly, I swear he did!"
"Uh-huh, sure."
The two girls laughed as they passed through the halls and into the hangars. Millerna was waiting for them at the exit. When she spotted the two, a smile appeared in Millerna's face and she waved to them.
Merle and Hitomi looked up to see Millerna waving to them. They both started to wave and dash to Millerna.
"Hey, Mystic Moon girl," said a voice, making Hitomi stop in her tracks. Hitomi looked up to see Kyoko looking angrily at her. She beckoned for her to come over to where she stood with a single movement of her hand.
"Hitomi, do you want me to come with you? That glare of hers means trouble," Merle whispered into Hitomi's ear, her tail beginning to stand up tall.
"No, Merle, just stay right here. I'll confront her myself," said Hitomi courageously. Merle nodded as she watched her friend walk up to Kyoko with her head high. Millerna, who was waiting for them, noticed that they stopped in their tracks. She quickly ran to Merle with a curious look on her face.
"I wonder what she is up to…" Millerna said thoughtfully.
"Whatever it is…we better stay here…"
Hitomi stood before Kyoko with no expression on her face. She stared into the icy stare of Kyoko, her teeth clenching bitterly in her mouth. She was angry, that is for sure. Yet, Hitomi did not let that get to her. "What is it, Kyoko?" asked Hitomi with a firm voice.
"You listen, girl, and you listen well," said Kyoko, pointing a finger at Hitomi's face. "I know that Van and you used to have something going on. But, he is mine now, so get it straight! I am his fiancé so you better deal with it! So I don't need you to do my job for me or anything like that! I love him for who is and he understands me better than anyone."
Hitomi sighed and pushed her manicured fingers away from her face. "Fine, alright. But it isn't my fault that he comes to me for help more than you. You call yelling because he is Draconian is something "I love him for who is?" And…Van ruining your reputation just because he is a Draconian? God, you are really a backstabbing, conceited person, you know."
"No, you are conceited person!" argued Kyoko. "Everyone is all paying attention to you because you are such a goodie, goodie who helps people around! You have everyone's attention around you and not me!" Kyoko paused for a moment and glowered at Hitomi. "Here's the catch Ms. Goody, goody. I am your rival for Van's affection right here and now…the prize is Van, of course…"
Hitomi rolled her eyes. "You know, Kyoko, I've wanted to be friends with you. Yet, you push me away just because I am acting who I am. I didn't even notice that people are paying attention to me. You go ahead and take that attention away from me. I don't really care…but, I won't compete just to win over Van. That isn't right at all. That is not how love works." With that, she turned around and started walking.
Anger rose in Kyoko and her anger meter soon snapped. "Damn it! If I had a sword right now, I would KILL you!!"
"So, go ahead and kill me, if that would make you feel better," Hitomi retorted, looking at her eyes. "But, know this, people won't pay attention to you for the way you are acting. Besides, Van wouldn't be too happy about what you did to his friend." With that, Hitomi walked towards Merle and Millerna.
Kyoko began to shake violently. "God, I hate you! I HATE YOU! I WISH YOU WERE DEAD!!!!" she screamed at the top of her lungs.
Hitomi just ignored her and walked out into the open with Millerna and Merle. Millerna gave a curious look at Hitomi. Knowing the question, Hitomi shook her head. "Don't even bother asking…let's just go." With a shrug, they exit the hangar to join the others.
Not too far behind them, Kyoko stormed out of the hangar, mumbling her complete hatred towards Hitomi repeatedly. "That good-for-nothing whore! I'll show her not to mess with me…I hate her so much! She should be sent to hell…." This kept on until she went outside. From behind, just after Kyoko's storming exit, Van emerged from behind the door, looking at Kyoko's back. In his reddish-brown eyes, a frown and repulsive look appeared on his face.
--------
"Gaddes, are you sure you want to stay here to repair the Crusade with the others?" asked Allen, with a worried look on his face. "I don't want to leave you guys alone just to do that."
Gaddes shook his head. "No problem, Captain. We've been through a lot of tough situations before, and we somehow managed to pull through, right? Besides, we can take on any enemy or monsters in our way. We aren't trained for nothing."
Allen was hesitant for a moment after his comrade replied. With a single smile on his lips, he nodded his head. "Alright, just be careful," he said.
"You too, Captain."
With a final wave, Allen turned and approached his friends who were waiting for him, with all their supplies packed and ready to go. "Ready?" asked Allen.
Everyone nodded their heads and began walking, following the winding path that leads to the Mystic Valley.
"Aww! It's sooo great to walk!" Merle said, stretching her arms. "I'm soo glad that I can actually admire the scenery up close in person."
Hitomi simply giggled at the cat girl's words, watching her run around. She never thought Merle could be this energetic, yet, she is still a child after all.
Among their group, they were all silent as they trudged along the dirt patch road. This silence, however, was not awkward. It was an enjoyable, comfortable silence, despite the fact that they have no transportation to take them to the Mystic Valley and take them home. Slowly, they passed by a patch of trees after another patch of trees, with animals running into their hiding places from the sounds of their approaching forms. Allen observed each and every detail of the place, scanning if there is any threat to their journey. Beside him, Van too is scanning the area with much awareness than Allen. Kyoko walked behind Van closely, with no interest to her surroundings whatsoever. Slowly, she reached into her bag to take a small mirror and began inspecting her face. Beside Van, Dryden was looking at a map, while looking in front of him observantly.
"It's not a long way walk if we take a shortcut through those mountains over there," suggested Dryden after a while. "I bet we would be at the center of the Mystic Valley before the afternoon sun comes out."
"Are you sure its safe, Dryden?" asked Millerna, who was walking along beside him from his right. "I mean, since the Mystic Valley is quite unpredictable."
"No worries, Millerna. You have the men here to guard you lovely ladies," said Dryden with a smile.
"Well, I guess your right."
After 30 minutes have passed by, the group has spotted the shortcut that Dryden has pointed out. The two, twin mountains were quite big in both height and width. Yet, in the between them, there is a little ravine inside, indicating a passage to the other side. In no time, the group went into the dark gorge without any hesitation.
As they went into the gorge and started walking along the path, Hitomi looked up above to see little sunlight penetrating through the little cracks. It was a little too dark for Hitomi's taste, especially since they are in the Mystic Valley with unbelievable things will happen capriciously. Hitomi began to shake in fear when she thought about the darkness within the gorge. Why does everything seem to grow darker and darker to her? Could this mean something?
That feeling of fear has come to the attention of the young king, who was looking around aimlessly during their little walk. His reddish-brown eyes stared directly at Hitomi's profile face, with a little hint of fear in her green eyes. He was getting a bit worried and was about to go over there to ask her when a pale hand wrapped around his arm. He looked down to see Kyoko smiling freakishly at him. "Is something the matter Van?" Her voice was kind of strange to him in his opinion. Somehow, it sounded more angry than happy-go-lucky.
"I was just going to see if Hitomi's alright," he stated truthfully, looking away from her protruding gaze. "She doesn't look too good."
"Oh? Whatever for?" said Kyoko, trying her best not to get her temper up.
Van looked at her once more. This time, he noticed that her eyes were twitching. He never seen her eyes twitched before. Suspicion consumed his mind again, yet he refrained himself from asking Kyoko about it. He simply sighed. "It's nothing really," he simply said and dropped the subject.
Kyoko slowly removed her arms from Van's hand and continued to walk behind without another word coming from her mouth. "Damn her, she's winning…"
Moments, minutes, and even hours have passed by since they entered the gorge and they were still walking. Each time that moment has passed by, Hitomi felt more and more uneasy by the minute. Her hands were crossed above her chest as she shivered again, with that icy feeling coming to her mind again. "This feeling," she began thoughtfully, looking up. "Why do I have this bad feeling? It's like this feeling I have before a vision comes…"
"Hitomi, are you okay?" asked Millerna, who was watching Hitomi observantly. "You don't seem like yourself…"
Hitomi looked at the princess with a pale look on her face. "I'm not sure myself, Millerna," said Hitomi truthfully. "I just feel uncomfortable walking in the dark is all…"
"Well, okay. Don't worry, we just have to stick together right?"
Hitomi smiled at Millerna's reassuring words. "Right…"
Allen suddenly stopped in his tracks when he approached a huge, circular area with at least 4 forks in their path. "You guys," he began as he looked at each path. "I think we should stop right here for now."
"Hmm? What's wrong?" asked Millerna.
"Well, there are these paths…and I don't know which one we should take," he said. "Let's take a break first…"
Everyone nodded in agreement and all of them began to sink into the ground for a comfortable rest. Hitomi was the only one who remained standing as she looked at the four forks in the road. Slowly, she approached one fork on the left.
After taking a refreshing drink from his canteen, at the corner of his eyes, Van could see Hitomi approaching the fork closely. He was about to say something, yet, he kept his mouth shut to watch Hitomi's actions attentively. He could see her extending her hand at the edge of the opening and she closed her eyes for a moment.
Hitomi felt something when she put her hand on that wall. She could feel the wind coursing through her gently. She sniffed a fresh scent that so much reminded her of Van. She could see a peaceful, grassy scenery that overlooked a huge city, with vines and plants growing above its majestic structures. In the middle of that very majestic city, a monument was placed there, with many magical ancient writings inscribed in the centerpieces' stone physique. Her eyes opened again. "That…must be it…" Hitomi thought, with hope in her eyes.
Van's eyes widened when Hitomi entered the very opening she was in front of. No one really noticed she went since they were all tired from the long walk. Carefully, Van got up to his feet without a second thought. He leaned down, grabbing his sword from the ground and started walking to the left entrance.
"Van, where you going?" asked Allen, who noticed Van walking. Van looked at him and pointed at the opening, signaling what he is going to do. Allen nodded his head and signaled him back, saying that he will follow up in a few minutes. Van nodded and continued to follow Hitomi.
--------
It was still dark when Hitomi entered the left fork, with no consideration to think first before acting. Hitomi was somehow drawn to the vision that she seen. If that scenery lies just outside this gorge, then, their destination must be over there. Maybe Hitomi was too worried about Van's life that she wanted to take any chance to save his life, even if it means they have to face dreadful consequences. Hitomi pursued on. She loved Van too much to see him die. After all, all of this would not have happened if Hitomi did not say that hurtful word that she does not mean at all. "I'll do anything to see Van live on…"
An hour or so has passed and Hitomi was still inside the gorge, walking tiredly through the obscure path. Her legs felt like a ton as she took another heavy step. Opening the canteen, she drank the water and screwed the cap back on. "I have to keep on going…I can't let Van down…"
"You want your love to live…then come forward and find it…" a voice in her head said, urging her to move forward. That simple line encouraged her to go forward without giving up. "Van…"
Not too far away from Hitomi, Van was following close by, his steps as quiet as a mouse. For the passed hour, Van watched Hitomi, keeping her close in his line of vision. It is a good thing that Van could see in the dark clearly. He can make out Hitomi's figure trudging along the path slowly. He assumed that Hitomi must be weary at this point and she must be having trouble seeing in the dark. But, usually, she never gets tired of walking, he wondered. So, he kept on following her without warning her that he was close by.
Suddenly, Hitomi stopped and she leaned against the wall, breathing raggedly. Fear struck through Van when he saw her lean against the wall. In his mind, he could feel her energy being evaporated from her body. Slowly, he closed his eyes to focus on that weird drainage of energy coming out of her body. He could see it in his closed his eyes as he pictured Hitomi's walking form. He could see the energy that basically makes up her whole entire body. The energy was flowing quite nicely through Hitomi's form, with no flaws and everything was in order. When he scanned the peak of her head, the energy was not returning to her body as it supposed to. Something was up and Van opened his eyes. He cannot keep this charade any longer. Quickly, he dashed to Hitomi's aid.
Hitomi wasn't feeling herself. Usually she would be tired until the next day with this kind of walk, considering that she has been trained and conditioned to walk and run for as long as she can as a track athlete. Yet, somehow, every step she takes, she could feel her entire energy disappear from her body. Putting her hands against the stone walls, she tried lifting herself up to her feet, but she fell on the same spot again. "I…I can't give up yet, not when Van's life is in danger," she encouraged herself. She tried again, yet her feet gave in again, making her collapse completely to the floor. Hitomi winced when she impacted to the floor. "T-this is no good…"
"Hitomi!" a voiced called her from afar. Surprised, Hitomi looked into that direction to see a figure approaching rapidly. On the face of the figure, she could see reddish-brown eyes.
"Van…" she said.
Van came to her and kneeled beside her. "Are you alright? Are you hurt?" he asked, his face showed complete concern.
"I-I think so," Hitomi said hesitantly. "I think I can get up." Slowly, she started to stand up, with Van close by to help. She got onto her feet and smiled. "See, I can--"
"Hitomi!" Van caught her in his arms right before she hit the floor again. Hitomi blushed rapidly when her head was placed in the crock of his neck. They stayed in that position for a while as they stood there, silent as a rock. She could hear his heart beat, beating harmoniously against his ribcage. To her, that sound sounded so beautiful. Right there and now, Hitomi wanted to relax in his arms and sleep. Slowly, her vision began to blur. Her eyes became droopy. When she opened her eyes again, she found herself looking into Van's beautiful eyes that were gazing at her with such concern for her. "Are you okay? Hitomi…"
Hitomi shook her head and tried to keep herself awake. Yet, her eyes still kept on opening and closing. "Van…what's wrong with me?" she asked.
Van looked down at her once more. She looked so helpless right now, in the state that she is in. He has never once seen her like this. Usually she is a lot stronger. She would ward off that tiredness and keep going, putting everyone's care before hers. Yet now, he sees here, looking helpless and weak in his arms. Slowly, Van put a hand over Hitomi's forehead. Although his hands were icy cold, considering the curse within him, he could feel that her temperature was quite normal. She wasn't sick that is for sure. But, he needed to make sure, just to see if he is right. He put his hand on her forehead again and closed his eyes to concentrate on the feeling of her forehead.
-Flash
"Van!!!"
-Flash
Van rapidly opened his eyes and took his hand away from Hitomi's forehead. He felt it again. He felt that very bad feeling again. That dream is stronger than ever now. "Damn it…what is going on?" he thought.
"Van…? Am I alright?" Hitomi asked weakly.
He looked down at her and gave her a comforting smile. "You're fine, probably you just need a break from walking too much." Hitomi nodded and heaved a sigh.
"But…you need it most of all Van," she insisted, looking into his dull eyes.
"No, I'm fine, don't worry," Van said, bringing her to hug. She smiled and instantly felt comfortable in his arms.
"Van!" called a voice from behind.
Van looked around to see Allen approaching him, with everyone else tagging along behind him. A smile appeared on Van's lips. "Glad that you can make it," he said.
"You guys walk so fast," Allen said. "I couldn't keep up with you in your pace."
"Yeah, I know! Can we just take a break?" asked Merle, putting her hands on her knees. "We only had a few minutes break. And by the way Hitomi, why did you leave without telling us?"
Hitomi smiled wearily at her friend. "I'm sorry, Merle, I guess I was completely wound up with my thoughts…"
Merle waved her apology. "Naw, I was just teasing." A smirk appeared on her lips. "Besides, you must be comfortable…especially with you-know-who…"
Confused at Merle's words, Hitomi realized that she was in Van's arms, with her head below his chin. Quickly, she broke away from her position, blushing red as a tomato. "Oh, I'm sorry," she muttered.
"Umm…it's okay…" Van stammered, trying to hide the blush coming on his cheeks while scratching the back of his head.
Everyone simply laughed at the Hitomi and Van's antics, enjoying the look on their faces.
It took them a while to stop laughing, until Kyoko coughed, interrupting their little humor. "Shouldn't we get going?!"
----------------------------------
There was a light at the end of the tunnel when the group ran quickly to that very light. A smile donned on Merle's face as she happily skipped around, expressing her own thankfulness that she is finally basking under the beautiful sun's rays. The group laughed at her antics as they slowly approached a path that crossed between the deep forests. From afar, at the end of path stood a rather long green grass field. "Oh my god, I think we're almost there!" beamed Merle. "Come on, let's go!" She ushered Hitomi to walk quickly since their goal is just around the corner.
Millerna giggled and joined with them along with Dryden who was scolding them to be careful. Allen and Van watched from afar as their friends started dashing to the plain field. "Allen! Lord Van! Hurry up! We're almost there!" yelled Merle.
"Shall we?" asked Allen to Van. Van looked up at his comrades' eyes and gave a nod. With a quick step, they dashed towards their friends.
Before Merle knew it, they are stepping on the beautiful plain field that stretched miles and miles away. "Wow, it's so pretty!" said Merle, awed by the scenery before her. "It reminds me so much of Fanelia." With a single smile, Merle began prancing around the grassy plain, picking up every pretty flower she sees.
Hitomi stopped running when her friends and herself reached the grassy plain. Merle was right. It truly does remind her of the fields in Fanelia. Millerna was flabbergasted by the sudden view and she instantly fell in love with it. "Dryden, where are we at? I thought we would be at the center of the Mystic Valley?"
Dryden scratched his head. "I know, but Hitomi did say that she had a strong vision about this place."
"Well, whatever it is, it sure is beautiful," said Millerna, smiling.
"Look, I can see the ocean from here!" said Kyoko, pointing at the sea. "Van, isn't it beautiful?" She looked at Van to see his eyes were wandering elsewhere. A little paranoid, Kyoko tapped Van's shoulder. "Van?"
Van snapped out of his reverie and looked at Kyoko. "Hmm? What?" Kyoko pointed at the ocean with a gentle smile. "Umm…yeah…sure…" he stuttered and looked at a certain female, looking dreamily at the beautiful scenery.
After seeing that everyone is settled to rest in the beautiful grassy field, Hitomi turned her attention to the beautiful ocean. She was in a spectacular view, watching as one wave after another crashed onto one of the distant rocks. Whizzing above, she saw the seagulls flew gracefully towards the horizon. She could see practically everything. Slowly, she closed her eyes and let the winds carry her. The winds blew against her gently, with her long honey-brown hair flowing with the wind. It was times like this that Hitomi wished she can enjoy and relax under this beautiful weather.
When the winds blew, Van's eyes widened when he saw Hitomi let the wind carry her away. Her clothes were slightly moving with the wind, her hair whipping rhythmically, showing the wind's tranquil gust. The loose leaves from the trees and the flower petals started swirling around her in a rhythm that actually made Van interested to look at her. In that moment, Van thought she was breathtakingly beautiful.
Kyoko watched Van's eyes softened at the sight of the evil Mystic Moon witch. Her eyes lowered from her normal, so-called "cheerful" eyes to a death, abhorring glare that would send chills to anyone's spine. She looked at Van's profile to see him smile lovingly at Hitomi. She clenched her teeth until blood started coming out of the corners of her mouth.
The peaceful moment was soon broken when Millerna came up to Hitomi, with a smile on her face. Hitomi turned to her friend and smiled back. Van sighed and turned his attention to the sea. "Van, what were you looking at just now?" asked Kyoko, glaring at him.
Van looked at her. "It's nothing, Kyoko…"
"I guess Merle is enjoying herself," said Millerna to Hitomi. "Even after a long walk here, she still has the energy to actually run around like that…"
Hitomi nodded her head in agreement. "Let Merle have her fun. She probably hadn't for the past five days…" As she gazed out into the sea, her vision suddenly began to grow blurry once more. She felt her whole entire begin body to sway, her mind full of tiredness that suddenly rushed through her entire body.
Millerna did not notice the sudden change in Hitomi. She smiled at her. "I'll be right back. I want to see what Dryden is doing." The young princess left Hitomi alone as she went to the young merchant who was peering at interesting markings on a certain tree mark.
"Oh my, this is interesting…what strange markings," Hitomi could hear Dryden said from afar, his voice sounded fascinated. "I wonder if it means something…"
"Dryden…that's just an animal's mark," said Millerna.
"But look how these markings form a single movement that creates a letter…oh, wait a minute…it is an animal marking."
Hitomi could hear Millerna call Dryden an idiot and smiled at the funny couple. Slowly, she looked around herself to see everyone with someone. Dryden was with Millerna as they surveyed the field. Allen was conversing with Merle and they laughed when they joked. Hitomi turned to see Kyoko, wrapping her arm around Van. Hitomi felt so alone in her place. She felt like a seventh wheel to stand here while everyone is talking to each other.
While conversing with Van about "Kyoko's" goals to create a "better" nation for Fanelia as the next future Queen, Van's eyes started wander again to the Seer. He looked at every contour of her whole entire figure. From the tops of her face to her cute nose, to her lips that shined, her feminine chin to her slim, curvy body, to her legs and her feet. Van suddenly shook his head. "What am I doing? Why am I looking at Hitomi so much?" Van's eyes once again turned to Hitomi, her eyes drooping up and down. "What is interesting about her that keeps me…staring at her?"
Hitomi felt dizzy as the winds seized its gentle blow. Again, that tired feeling consumed her, and she is beginning to feel more and more tired by the minute. This was the first time she was ever tired and she could not help but feel the need of sleep. Her dizziness turned into a major headache. She reached for her head and tried massage it. But the pain never seize. She could not bear this any longer. Suddenly, she felt herself begin to lose her composure.
Back to Van, he was still listening to Kyoko rambling on about other things, such as she needs to get a new wardrobe of clothes and a new arrangement in her room to brighten the place up. Basically, she now is talking about her own self improvement. Once again, his eyes wandered to the Mystic Moon girl, only to see her begin to fall. Shock read through his eyes and he immediately ran to her.
"So, I think the maids and the servants should get a dress code, in my expert fashion of course," said Kyoko. "Van, what do you--"
Kyoko turned to look at her King only to find him not there beside her. She angrily fumed and simply sat on the grass with a pouting look on her face.
She could feel herself almost lose her world. She could feel her own energy stopping its cycle around her. All she wanted is to sleep. She almost lost unconscious when she was suddenly brought back. Her whole body did not feel the impact of the green grass. Slowly, her blurred vision began to focus to gaze into the worried reddish-brown eyes of her young Draconian.
"Hitomi, are you alright?" Van asked.
Hitomi cocked her head as she arched her eyebrows with a curious expression on her face. "W-what…just happened to me?" she asked as she slowly got onto her feet, with Van's assistances.
"You almost blacked out," he said after helping Hitomi up in a standing position. "Like that time before in the gorge."
"Funny…I didn't notice I was in the verge of blacking out," Hitomi said thoughtfully. "I guess that vision has caught into my head…" Slowly, she sat herself down on the soft grass, staring intently into the ocean once more.
"A…vision?" Van asked, taking his seat next to Hitomi with a curious look his face.
"Yeah, back when you were guys were resting inside…I was observing the four passageways carefully. I'm not sure what compelled me do so, but, I touched one of the edges of the opening…and well, I saw this place…" Hitomi shook her head. "I know it may be the wrong way, but, I had this strong feeling that this might lead us directly to Atlantis…something drew me to go forward…"
"So that is why you were walking alone…without even telling me or anyone," inquired Van. He looked around the area they were resting in. There were the mountains behind them, the forests and the path from the mountains to this beautiful grassy plain, there was the ocean, and the beautiful horizon. It was a breathtaking sight, yet, something in the back of Van's mind kept bothering him. He began to wonder about this place. Everything seems so familiar. But, where could he have seen this sight before? He has not been in this part of the Mystic Valley before.
He looked at Hitomi to ask her something, yet, he refrained to do so. When he saw her peaceful expression on her face, Van did not want to be the one to interrupt their comfortable silence. So, with a smile, he joined Hitomi to stare silently at the view, sneaking glances once in a while to at Hitomi.
Hitomi was comfortable just sitting here with Van, even though they were quiet. She loved to sitting by him, just gazing at a beautiful scenery. If only their friendship was brought into the next level, Hitomi would be no more than happy just to be in his comfortable arms. Yet, the reality that Van is getting married sunk those fantasies down and she sighed.
Suddenly, a funny thought struck her mind and Hitomi began to laugh uncontrollably. Van looked up to see her giggling and he gave her a funny look. "What's so funny?"
"Haha, nothing, it's just that…seeing you with that clueless expression reminded me of when you fell into that lake back at Fanelia several days ago," giggled Hitomi, covering her mouth. "You're face was so priceless when you came out!" She continued to laugh out loud, with Van giving her clueless frown.
"That wasn't funny, you know," he said, pouting playfully as he crossed his arms. "I was trying to talk to you then, but…I guess I didn't notice…"
"Hehe, yeah, right! I've seen you're face. You had that 'What the heck…' look when you came out. I bet you didn't even know that you have a lake there in your own Royal Garden!"
Van fumed and tried to think of something. A smile emerged in his lips and looked slyly at Hitomi. "Oh yeah, well, I remember a time when we all wanted to explore this dark cavern just for fun near the Asturian mountains three years back when the war was over. Haha, I never thought you were so scared of the dark! Once we started going in, you freaked out when you heard a howl, so you dashed off, along with Millerna and Merle who were screaming their heads off." Van too laughed aloud and Hitomi's face has grown red as a tomato. "Hehe, after we got out, we told you that it is Allen and I making those sounds and you're faces were priceless when we told you the truth! You're such a scaredy cat!"
"What did you call me, Van Fanel?!" Hitomi retorted in a playful matter. "You did not just call me a scaredy cat?"
Van kept on laughing and said it again, "Scaredy cat, scaredy cat, scaredy cat…"
"One more of that and I will trample you down!!" warned Hitomi, sending her death glare.
"S-C-A-R-E-D-Y C-A-T!" Van laughed aloud, struggling to gain his breath.
"That's it! You're going down, Van Fanel!" she yelled. She jumped with one leap and trampled Van on the ground with such incredible force. He managed to catch her by the waist and they started rolling down the grass, laughing as they continued to roll down. It took them a while to stop on the flat side of the field, and they both laughed aloud, expressing their own fun in their little game.
When they finally stopped, Van was on top of Hitomi, looking straight at her with her emerald eyes closed as she continued to laugh. "Hehe, looks like I win, Hitomi Kanzaki," said Van triumphantly after they stopped laughing to regain their breath.
"Haha, I swear I'll get my revenge! I swear on my life on it, Van Fanel!" Hitomi said playfully.
"Oh? And what will you do?"
"Umm…I haven't thought of it yet…but…I will get my revenge."
Van just simply laughed at her statement and gazed into her emerald eyes. He watched her intently as if she was a beautiful piece of painting that took his breath away. He looked at her with such interest that time suddenly stopped between them. Her hair was spread on the ground gloriously, with a little hint of grass in between the strands of her golden-brown locks. Her smile was captivating as she too glanced at him, seeing a simple smile on his face.
After a moment has passed by between them, her eyes began to droop down and up again. The sudden mood was over she reached for her head, feeling the headache once more. She closed her eyes and winced at the feeling of it.
"Hitomi…?" Van asked, noticing the sudden change of expression.
"I'm not really sure, Van," she replied, putting her hand back onto Van's shoulders. "Sometimes I feel so tired…I also get these headaches too…"
"You should rest," suggested Van, moving a stray hair from her face. "You're pushing yourself too hard. Don't worry, I won't be in pain anytime soon unless the creature within me starts its move again…"
Hitomi shook her head. "No…not until I know you are safe and sound…"
Van did not say a word after Hitomi refused to rest. He watched how Hitomi struggles to keep herself awake. "She must really care about me…if she is willing to push herself to save me," he thought. Hitomi looked up at him and smiled weakly at him. "She looks so cute…she's like her old self three years ago, except with the long hair..." His hand unconsciously made his way to Hitomi's cheek and he caressed it with such gentleness and compassion. "What is this feeling I have right now? For so many years, I never felt this complete…I've never felt this special before. Even when I am around Kyoko, I don't feel these feelings at all."
Hitomi blushed when she felt the feeling of Van's hand caressing her cheek. His hand was cold, but it was enough to take her by surprise. She gazed into his eyes, becoming lost in them as he gazed at her. His expression was quite different when she looked into his eyes. His gaze looked as though he is showing…love? Hitomi shook her head mentally. "No…that could not be possible…he doesn't love me…he loves Kyoko…remember that. He loves another…and not me…I can never get him back…" She looked into his eyes again. He still wore that compassionate look that she never has seen before. When she looked at him again, his eyes softened even more, making him more handsome than ever. She wanted to melt right at that moment.
Slowly, he let his hand slide gently down to the bottom of her chin. She shivered by the sudden movement Van made. "Somehow, Hitomi always evokes such feelings towards me…yet…it feels…as though my heart has been filled with such emotions…when she is around…could I really…be…?"
Hitomi's eyes widened when she felt his breath so close to her. His eyes were now near hers, his long bangs tickling some parts of her face. She looked into his eyes to see him closing them as he moved closer to her lips with his own. Hitomi's stomach fluttered with butterflies as he came closer and closer. Her eyes soon fluttered shut.
He leaned in, closer and closer. He was almost there. He could feel her warm breath against his skin. His heart began to beat as it never beat before, invoking a feeling that he never knew existed. He never felt such a feeling. Hitomi, for some reason, is the only person who can bring such a pleasant feeling towards Van.
His lips barely grazed hers…when…
…a gasp was heard behind them. Quickly, he moved away from Hitomi's lips and looked into that direction. Right there was Kyoko, looking at him with utter fear, surprise, and anger within her eyes.
Kyoko, from a distance, watched Van and the twit from the Mystic Moon started laughing loudly in the peaceful. Curiosity stroked her when Hitomi trampled Van on the ground and they started rolling down the hill, laughing. With her urges ushering her to see what is going, Kyoko stood from her position and walked over to the two playing couple. By the time she reached them, she saw something that she never expects to happen.
Right there, unaware of an intruder disturbing their moment, was Van, dipping down low to kiss Hitomi.
Anger, jealousy, and defeat crossed the young Noblewoman's mind. She wanted to scream at the top of her lungs and beat the girl up with nothing but her fist until she died in her arms. The competition that Kyoko made between the two rivals was choosing Hitomi over Kyoko which angered her so much. It's as if the Gods have chosen her. With such defeat in her mind, Kyoko decided to take Hitomi's winning streak away. Desperate times calls for drastic measures.
Van looked away from her preying gaze and started to carefully lift Hitomi up, ignoring her angry tone. "Can you get up?" he asked, looking into her eyes.
A blush formed on her cheeks and she looked away from him. "Yes, I think I can…"
Slowly, she put both her feet on the soft grass. She stumbled a bit, but she managed to gain her composure. Shamefully, Hitomi did not lift her eyes and turned away from the couple.
"Umm…I'll check on everyone…I'll just leave you two alone," Hitomi said and started to walk away. Soon, Van was left alone to face his fianc's burning rage.
"Van…what is going?!" she retorted, glowering at him with an evil glint in her eyes.
-------------------------------------
Hitomi smiled as she watched Merle run around like a little kid with no problems, climbing the hill to see her beloved friends. She sighed, letting the cool wind brush her hair away from her back. Slowly, she drew her hand to lips. She can still remember that very touch. Not too long ago Van was just holding her, looking into her emerald eyes with such compassion. She never thought that Van would look at her in that way, considering he is going to have a wife soon. Yet, it felt so real, as if he actually fell in love with her. She felt the butterflies forming in her stomach, her heart beating heavily against her chest, making her feel so special. Yet, that moment of inner peace between Van and her was suddenly broken when reality broke in. That reality was named Kyoko.
It was disappointing to her that it ended so quickly. Hitomi thinks that that moment will never come again for a long while. She felt like a player when Kyoko disturb their moment of peace. She felt a rush of guilt consume her body. What would she say to Van now? Hitomi sighed and began walking around to diminish the confusing thoughts.
-----------------------------------
Annoying yells were heard, breaking the peaceful silence within the atmosphere. Allen heaved a sigh and sat by Dryden and Millerna, who were wincing at the sound of that voice. "Let me guess," Millerna said. "Kyoko, right?"
Allen nodded his head. "I think something happened between Van and Hitomi that made Kyoko very angry."
Dryden smirked when he mentioned about the young couple. "What a pity that it ended quickly. I just heard them laughing over there and they were rolling down the hill. There was silence between them and I bet Van began to make his move…but then, Kyoko came in and well…I guess you know what happens."
Millerna simply sighed and put her head on her knees. "God, I feel so sorry for Van. I mean, he has a country to think about, two girls who he cannot decide to love, and enduring this curse through his veins. What more could be added to his problem list?"
-----------------------------------
Hitomi looked out into the landscapes around her. Hitomi never gets tired of looking into the sea. It is always different every time she sees it. Carefully, she walked down the hill to take a closer look at the ocean. Each step she took, the more she is closer to the ocean's shores. In the middle of the field, Hitomi suddenly stopped in her tracks. The ocean, the open field, the path between the evergreen forest; it pointed to one thing. Her vision came back to her as it struck her like a bolt of lightening. She remembered telling Van that this gorgeous sight is similar to her vision. The ocean was in the exact place as the vision and the field as well. The only thing missing is the majestic city that was placed next to the sandy shores.
"That's odd," Hitomi began. "Where is that city?" She paused for a moment and started thinking thoughtfully. "I think I should check it out…"
-----------------------------------
Off in the distance, Kyoko began scolding Van angrily. He sat there, his long black bangs covering his eyes. "How can you do this to me, Van? Why? Because she was your first love 3 years ago that you have to fall in love with her again?"
"Need I say more, Kyoko? I said Hitomi and I are simply best friends…nothing more than that. Can you not understand?" argued Van.
"What I don't understand is why did you almost kiss that tramp?! God, you are good for nothing backstabber!"
"Kyoko, would I do that to you?! YOU should very well know that I hate people who cheat on their love ones!"
"Oh shut up, Van!" Kyoko snapped, pointing a finger at him. "Don't you realize that I am worried that our relationship is going down?! I am trying my best to keep our relationship intact while you go around that Mystic Moon tramp and not doing anything at all to keep our relationship!"
Van did not say a word. The words she spoke are unknowingly beginning to agitate him very much. And usually he never gets agitated towards Kyoko. Why would he be like this right at this moment?
After she finally let out her feelings, Kyoko sank down to her knees. Although she is still not happy, Kyoko is not going to let Hitomi win. Van was all hers and nothing can block her way from it. Mentally, she calmed her anger meter deep within and looked at Van, putting on her sweet face that Van always used to love. "Van, please, I am just trying to tell you to be careful around her," said Kyoko, her voice suddenly gentle. "All I want is to just be with you…you know…forever…"
Van looked into her eyes to see the sweetness in them. "Kyoko…" said Van, somewhat mesmerized by her eyes.
"I love you, Van, nothing can change that…" Slowly, Kyoko leaned in, closing in to Van's lips.
-------------------------
Hitomi emerged from the hedges of the forest, with a disappointed look on her face. "That is weird…there aren't any signs…it should be here," she said thoughtfully. "I know its here…I can feel it…could this mean that probably we went in the wrong direction." She looked back to gaze at that empty spot, where the city in her vision is supposed to be place. A thoughtful frown crossed her face. "But, when I touched the surface next to the entrance, I felt a strong feeling about it."
Shrugging her shoulders, Hitomi decided to take this matter to Van. Since he is a descendant of the Atlantians, maybe, just maybe he may have an answer. She remembered back three years ago that the entrance to Atlantis was completely destroyed after the intrusion of the two twin demi-human cats, Nariya and Eriya. After Van came out of his own fearful thoughts of going into war, they were suddenly put back into the Mystic Valley, with the entrance to Atlantis disappearing into the sky.
Now, after three years, the vision of Atlantis came to her. "But…why did my vision lead me hear? Doesn't Atlantis recede in Earth?" She continued walking after she emerged from the forest, heading to the direction where Van and Kyoko are.
"Don't go there…"
"Huh?" Hitomi's thoughts were interrupted by a sudden voice in her head.
"If you want to avoid any pain, do not go there…"
"What do you mean? Who are you?" she asked aloud, stopping to look around for that voice.
"You will regret it if you go there now…don't fall into his trap!'
Hitomi shook her head. "Fall in what trap?" Hitomi asked angrily. "I'm really getting sick of this…"
Without heeding the warning, Hitomi continued onward to Van. She cannot do this alone. She knows that if she does not gain any help from anyone, Van would die any moment. If anyone has answers about the ancestry of Atlantis, Van knows. And no warning would stop her.
"Keep on going, girl, keep on going…pretty soon…pretty soon…you will be in my arms…"
A different voice came into her mind, yet, this time, she ignored it without hinting on the evilness in the voice.
"Experience everything…experience the suffering that you always tried to avoid…"
Hitomi was close to them.
"Heh, heh, heh, you can't escape everything that you do not want to see…"
"Hey, Van…I need to ask you a--"
The voice within her head started laughing ominously in her head as it echoed, disappearing into oblivion. "Experience the darkness…of reality…experience what we call…Hell…"
Hitomi did not know what came over her. She did not notice the tears welling in her eyes. However, one thing for sure that truly struck her, was the scene she is seeing before her. Her world began to grow dizzy around her, with the image of scene stand out from everything else. Her tears started to streak her cheek more vigorously now, and before she knew it, she fell onto her knees. "Why? Why? Why did this have to happen?"
Right there in front of her was the scene that she never wanted to come in terms with. Yet, this is reality and the only thing she could feel is deep sorrow.
Van is kissing Kyoko.
---------------------
Nothing can explain the feelings that Van is experiencing at this moment when Kyoko is nearly inches away from his lips. It was all mingled in together with his brain as he watched Kyoko come near him.
He does not know what it is. He can't pinpoint whether it is real or not. Could it be happiness? Excitement? Lust? Love? Deep inside of him, nothing filled the incompleteness in his heart. Somehow, when she inched closer to him, something within him erupted. It's not the feelings of any those love, lust words. It does not click to him. It was the feeling of betrayal and guilt.
With a mighty push, Van managed to move Kyoko from him with a disgusting look on his face. Surprised by this action, Kyoko stood up with rage in her eyes. "What is wrong with you?! Why did you do that just now?!"
"I don't know…" he thought. He closed his eyes and put his hand on his forehead. "Could this feeling be…?"
Suddenly, a rush of emotions struck Van. He gasped and opened his eyes wide when it clicked on his mind. He could feel these emotions stronger than ever. Each feeling was nothing happy or positive. Van knew exactly about these feelings instantly, once it is absorbed thoroughly in his mind. He felt these feelings three years ago, when Allen kissed Hitomi on that bridge on a gloomy, rainy day.
This feeling was known as heartbreak.
This heartbreak feeling was stronger than his when he had his heartbroken. He could feel it crumbling into teeny tiny pieces that it formed into nothing, but dust. Yet, who could have this feeling right at this moment?
The winds blew violently against him. The once bright sky was soon covered with dark, sinister clouds as thunder began striking the sky. Birds and animals started running into the forest.
Slowly, Van stood on his feet as he watched nature running away from this sudden weather. "What…what is going on?" He looked around to find Allen and the rest running to him, with shocked and worried looks on their face. The wind blew a violent gust against Van. His hair flew wildly against the wind. Suddenly, that heartbreak feeling came to him again and it was emanating from somewhere. Slowly, he let his mind sway with that emotion to direct him.
It stopped to the far right and Van opened his eyes. His eyes grew wide when he saw the young woman crying agonizingly on the ground. "Hitomi!"
-------
She fell to her knees. Hitomi could feel her heart begin to ache so hard that she could barely breathe. One tear after another quickly dropped on to her knee as she covered her eyes, wiping her sufferings out. "I feel…I feel so stupid…I knew that nothing special would come between us…"
"Why did bother waiting for a guy like him who does return your love?"
"Because…I don't want to forget him! I don't want to forget him because he means soo much to me! I've never felt this strongly to anyone before!"
"But…he does not love you back…there is no point…you waited for him…but he never waited for you…"
"I was such an idiot. I thought I was fine being friends with him, but, I guess I was wrong…I love him…with all my heart…and now…I feel completely broken…"
"Do you want to disappear? Do you want to end your insanity?"
Hitomi wept on, her wails becoming more and more louder. "Is this how a heartbreak feels? Does this hurt soo much?!" She shook her head. "I was too stubborn to realize it! I was stubborn to realize that Van moved on! I know I can move on, but, he is the only one for me! No one understands me! He is the only one who understands me for who I am! I feel so betrayed, soo led on…I feel so unwanted…I shouldn't have never come back to Gaia…"
"Then…disappear…disappear…"
"I just…want to…disappear…"
Suddenly, time has suddenly stopped around her. The ache in her heart disappeared. Without any warning, her world began to disappear. With one last breath, she uttered one word.
"Van…"
-----------------
"Hitomi!"
Van noticed Hitomi slouched in a painful matter, a scene that Van had never seen before within Hitomi. As a courageous person she is, Van never thought this kind of agony would befall onto the Seer and made her weak as a helpless child. He could feel it strongly now. He could feel everything that she is feeling. She felt helpless, vulnerable, and most of all…unwanted. This word was the strongest feeling that Van could feel emanating from Hitomi.
"I was such an idiot…I thought I was fine being friends with him, but, I was wrong…I still love him. I love Van…with all my heart…and now…I feel completely broken…is this what they call a broken heart? Does it hurt this much?"
He could hear her voice clearly in his head now. Van understood how she feels; the hurtfulness of a broken heart. He felt that way too when he saw Allen and Hitomi kissing three years ago. He could understand where she is going at.
"I should not have come back to Gaia…"
"Hitomi…don't say that…don't regret coming back to Gaia…" Van was trying to reach her through her thoughts. He is trying to break these pessimistic thoughts from her mind. That is the only option Van could do. If his voice could sooth those thoughts, maybe there is chance that he could rescue her from this agony. Yet, it was no use. Hitomi did not reply and she continued on to say horrible negative misery.
"I…just…want to…"
"Hitomi! Don't say it!"
"…disappear…"
Van's thoughts were broken when Hitomi said that word. He could no longer hear her thoughts except his own. He shook his head and tried concentrating again. No thoughts were heard, but, deep within, a huge amount of her energy was depleting swiftly from her body. All the energy surrounding her now disappeared. The next thing he saw made him dash over there.
Hitomi's eyes were completely dilated, her once bright emerald eyes now turned into a dark, almost black green. Her faint lips moved and mouthed his name. With that last word, Hitomi toppled down to the ground.
Shocked to the core, Van ran to her, his eyes full of concern and rage. He was just a few meters away when he suddenly crashed into an invisible, magical barrier, blocking him from ever reaching Hitomi's limp form. The barrier was too powerful for his body to carry and he was thrown to the ground, his body aching everywhere.
"Van!" screamed his friends.
Van struggled to get back up to his feet, his eyes targeting at Hitomi. "Why…? Why did this happen to her…?" he asked questioningly, looking at Hitomi's limp form. "She doesn't deserve this!"
"That's because…you were the one who brought it to her…"
Van's eyes shot open when he heard the voice. "What did you just say?! Who are you?! Show yourself!!!" he replied angrily.
Coming out of the edge of the hill, a huge, black creature started to rise, towering over Hitomi's form. Everyone watched in horror as it started to move to Hitomi. "I-it's you…"
The shadow creature simply laughed evilly, hovering closer to Hitomi's limp form. It grinned, with its sharp, yellow-reddish teeth showing. "So, we finally meet in person, Draconian."
Van lowered himself, with complete awareness and anger in his eyes. "What do you want, devil?" he asked threateningly. " Who are you and what do you want from us!?"
His smile widened as it lowered itself towards Hitomi. "You…and her…of course…"
That did not please Van one bit. "If I see you hurt her, I'll--"
"Or will you do what, Draconian? Bring her more pain to suffer?"
Van's eyes widened in shock by the shadow's booming voice. The creature slowly extended one of its shadowy physiques above Hitomi. A sudden blast of light started to consume her and she screamed painfully at the top of her lungs. The creature laughed viciously, loving the sound of painful screams.
"Hitomi!" Van screamed.
"Haha, you cannot save her now…Draconian…not in the state you are in…"
Recognizable words filtered Van's mind. Something the way the creatures' words went suddenly felt so familiar to him. Slowly, in that shadow mess of the creature's physique, evil glowing red eyes glowered into Van's reddish-brown eyes. Van gasped when he saw the creature's eyes. "You…you…"
"Muwahaha, I have her now in my grasp…so…don't waste your time and go home…there is no purpose to rescue this infidel…"
Anger boiled in Van's blood. This only made him reckless and he started dashing to rescue Hitomi. When he was about go near the barrier, something gripped him from doing so. He looked around to see Kyoko gazing angrily at him. "Don't, Van! Don't go there! If you do, you will die! She is not worth saving!"
Van glared angrily at her and tried to release her grip. "Let me go, Kyoko!! I don't want Hitomi to die!!" he retorted.
"But, don't you love me more than that girl over there?!" Kyoko retorted back. "Look what we had before compared to that girl. We had something special between us! Nothing can break that!"
"Kyoko, let me go!" he said, ignoring her words. "I don't care...I don't care…what lies before me…I have to save her!"
The creature looked upon the two couple as they struggled to decide on Van's rash decision. Van wrenched her arms away from him and he dashed forward, letting the barrier hit him.
"Van! Don't!" Allen yelled. "There must be another way to get around this barrier!"
"There is no way around it," Van muttered, wincing when he felt the electricity consuming his voice. "There is only one way…"
Van began to focus on his power, letting his mind free from every thought and everything around him. Quickly, a white aura silhouetted his whole entire body. He reopened his eyes and let that aura try to break the barrier's spell.
The creature began to laugh furiously, watching the young Draconian trying to break the barrier. "It is no use, Draconian, you cannot break the barrier…"
"Watch me!" Van retorted, maximizing his power.
"Van-sama! Don't increase it! You'll die!" screamed Merle.
Something sharp came into Van's chest and he screamed painfully, his concentration on his power lost. He kneeled down, trying to get the pain away from his body.
"Haha, you cannot break this barrier with the powers you have…nor can you break it alone…"
Van tried to get up, his vision beginning to blur. He fell once more when the tenderness began to increase once more.
"Can you not see? Even if you tried to use your powers to the fullest…that little bug in you will certainly kill you…"
The young king slowly lifted his eyes up to look into the creature's evil eyes. "What…bug?"
"The bug that is implanted in you, Draconian…the bug that I ordered to suck you dry…"
Dryden's eyes widen at this surprising new knowledge. Considering that he studied on the Draconian race, that simple word did not apply to Dryden's knowledge. "A…bug? But I thought it was the curse??"
"Curse?! Ha, ha, ha! Don't make me laugh! That simple history that you all have been reading is nothing more than myths. Of course, some parts of that fake history is true, since all Draconians are cursed until they die. They were all born from the Atlantians that tried to make every wish come true. This was the Gods' punishment to them for ever changing the lives of people. Why do you think this girl suffered, Draconian? It was you and your feelings that brought her to her own destruction, you cursed demon!"
A surprise look etched on Van's face. "What do you mean?! What do you mean the legends we read are nothing but false information?! My mother taught me everything there is to know about the blood coursing through my veins."
"You're mother…ha! She was lying to you the moment you were old enough to learn about who you are. I bet she was trying to protect you…but that did not work very well…."
Van was completely furious. How can anyone insult his beloved mother? Slowly, he clenched his fist on the ground. "What do you want from us, demon? What do you want from Hitomi and me?" retorted Van threateningly, glaring icily towards the demon before him.
"Isn't it obvious Draconian? Isn't it obvious why I am only after Draconians instead of other people? Well…let me tell you to filter your stupid minds. For as long as I can remember, I was a being that was never meant to be wished for. I was created…to experience only the feelings of greed…the greed to consume the most powerful magic in Atlantis. Back then, there were some Atlantians who had selfish hearts who wanted to gain more power than the others. Since the power of Atlantians have gained a power that has given people's wishes to come true, these selfish hearts created me, a creature that would consume the most powerful life force within the Atlantians. Of course, I was captured. They found me, killing an innocent Atlantian, sucking whatever life force that person had that contain a deep magical aura within. They convicted me as a threat to their cause and sealed me away within the Temple of Arcadia, where I was put to rest for eternity with only a small amount of magic within me.
The Atlantians are so naïve. They wanted a power that is unbelievable stronger than the Gods. Yet, this angered the Gods and soon that led to their destruction, about 15,000 years ago from this time period. While in the midst of their own magic's destruction, their last wish soon constructed this world known as Gaia, a new earth that would live more prosperously than their own world. Once Gaia was created, a new galactic era was created where life starts over. To make sure that the Atlantians' mistakes were not repeated, their descendants have implanted a monument in the ruins of the old world to warn those to not make the grave mistake they did. And thus begins the new life within Gaea. So, life moves on, of course…until…unexpected deaths befell on the cursed race known as Draconians, the descendants of Atlantis. People hated the Draconians and never once looked at them as their deity. They looked upon them as Devils who are created to bring devastation to those around them since they were all born with Atlantian blood in their veins. That unexpected death was my doing. During my long slumber, my subconscious formed a shadow replica of myself, a form which is created from my strong desire to feast upon the Atlantian power. Although I may be sleeping, my dreams created my subconscious to create the form you are seeing right now. The reason I only harbor Draconians is the fact that one of them must have that "ultimate power", that power that existed only within the leader of Atlantis. And so, I searched, trying to find that power so I can reawaken. In every Draconian, I implanted a single bug that sucked the life force within them. It will be there until everything is gone and it will return to me. Until then, they will face a lot of misfortune within their lives…increasing people's hatred towards them. Yet, everything ended in vain…after one after another failed to fill my greed since none of the Draconians' powers never matched the powers of God…thus, their clan's extinction have begun. Until…I found you, Van Fanel."
Van looked away from the demon, disgusted by his own thoughts. "I don't have anything within me…I just happen to be a normal person who was born with Draconian Blood within me…what more can you ask?"
"Oh, but you do, demon. Just because you are normal on the outside does not mean you are normal in the inside. Inside of you, I can feel a power that matches the Gods…a power that I was very well seeking for so long. Yet, somehow, only that power can come only at a significant time. But, when? When could that power come forth? But, it doesn't matter anymore…because pretty soon, your life is mine…any time now, I shall obtain that power and destroy this ugly world to design it in my own! There is nothing you could do about it, Draconian…you are helpless without your powers…"
Van looked away from the menace in front of him, trying to digest the words in his mind. So, everything that he heard was nothing, but hypothesis. People back then assumed that this sudden plague was just a normal thing that most Draconians gone through. Yet, deep down, the Consumer currently within him was actually a set up from this creature to gain the powers of the Atlantians.
"But…this girl truly caught my interests…she is not any normal girl…she has a strong will that brings such a strong life force within her…that is why she is worthy to take…"
Van's dark eyes widened from that fact. "If…if you ever…ever touch…I swear that I will-"
"Or you what, Devil? There is nothing you can do. Once that bug wipes everything that you have, it will return to me…nothing can break that bug within you. Once I gain your power and this girl from the Mystic Moon's too…I will rule Gaea!"
"I don't care…I will not let you take her!" Van began, looking threateningly at the creature. "I will not let you control Gaia…or hurt Hitomi…"
"Do you honestly think you can save her? Could it be possible that you still love her?"
Up until now, the scenario he is witnessing never came into Van's mind. Right up to the creature's question, it all became clear to him that truly made Van pale with fear. That horrifying dream was coming true.
"No!" cried Kyoko to the creature suddenly. "He is not in love with her! He is in love with me! He swore that he protect me with his life. He loves me more than her!"
Van whirled around after hearing Kyoko's voice. Those were the words that triggered Hitomi's death. Quickly, he gave her an icy glare to shut her big mouth. After Kyoko spoke out, she glanced at Van's menacing eyes. She quickly covered her mouth and looked away.
Silence was the only answer Van could give the demon as he looked down to the grass, with a confused expression on his face.
"Is this your answer, Draconian?" asked the demon impatiently, making Van look up. "If that is your answer…then…"
His shadowy physique began to surround Hitomi's limp form. It wrapped around her arms, legs, and waist. Slowly, he moved her and placed her in the center of his body, her arms extended and legs place together, almost in a shape of a cross. Her head fell limply onto her shoulder, with her long hair dangling loosely.
"No! Don't!" yelled Van and ran to her. Yet, the barrier came in once more and blocked his way. "Err! NO! What are you going to do to her?!"
The creature's slanted red eyes looked at Van's desperate face. A smile etched on his face, his teeth showing once more. "Come, Draconian, come to the Temple of Arcadia…if you so much want to rescue her. But…let me warn you, it is useless…with you in your state…all your efforts are all in vain. Until next time, Draconian…"
The creature's eyes started to glow brightly in the dark scenery, making the winds blow violently through the sky. Slowly, that glow soon turned to a bright, almost white purple as it radiated throughout the field. Van winced at the sudden burst of light and covered himself from it. As the light began to diminish after a minute has passed, it triggered a bright white light to open in the sky. As it grew and grew, a portal suddenly appeared, opening its little gap to reveal the ancient land, Atlantis.
"Wait! Don't!" Van cried as got up from his kneeling position. The shadow began to make it through the portal, with Hitomi coming along, trapped in his shadowy physique. Van ran as fast as his feet can carry, trying to reach their retreating forms. "Don't take her away!"
The shadow did not stop as it eased its way inside, smirking and laughing silently as he watched the young king trying to catch up to them desperately. "No!"
Suddenly, the barrier started spark. When Van took another fleeting step, the barrier blocked Van's way again from ever reaching his destination. He tried to go through, ignoring the pain sipping through him. Yet, everything was all in vain. Helplessly, Van stood there as he watched them disappear.
"NO!"
Slowly, the light caved into the portal and almost immediately, it disappeared, revealing the horizon and the sparkling ocean. Everything, at once, returned to normal, revealing the beautiful, clear blue sky.
"Lord Van!" cried Merle, running to her friend. Soon, after Merle started to make her move, Allen, Millerna, and Dryden ran to him as well.
Right at that moment, as his friends began to approach him, Van silently looked out into the horizon, with a sad, painful emotion in his dull ruby eyes. He was consumed by different emotions. Everything has come at him so rapidly that Van no longer know where he is at.
After a moment has passed by, Van slowly gazed at his shaking hands. He could still feel her warmth in these hands of his. It was only a while ago since he held her in his arms. Hitomi was just in his arms for someone to lean on, to be comforted, and to just simply make him acknowledge that she is there for him. He averted his eyes to the field to remember that moment when she looked spectacular as she gazed into the ocean with that peaceful, comforting look on her face, her hair swaying gracefully through the sea breeze. He then looked down to see the pendant dangling against his chest, her pendant that she gave to him as a sentimental memory that he would cherish. With his right hand, he grasped the pink, teardrop pendant and held it close to his heart, his eye closed painfully.
"Van…here. Keep it…I will never forget you, even when I am old…"
His voice still lingered in his mind, making his eyes wince painfully. "Hitomi…" he whispered chokingly.
A gentle hand lay on his shoulder. Opening his eyes, he glanced over his shoulder to see Allen staring at him with sad, regretful eyes. Slowly, Van looked away from the knight's gaze. "Why? Why did this…have to happen to her? She doesn't deserve this," he said, clutching the pendant even more. "It is all my fault…it's my fault that I brought her to this state…"
Allen shook his head. "It's not your fault, Van…"
"No, it is! It is my fault!" yelled Van. "If only…if only I knew…I shouldn't have left her alone! I appreciate your comfort, Allen, but, nothing can change the fact that Hitomi's life is in danger! Who knows what will happen to her with that bastard!"
Allen did not know what to say at this point. He heaved a sigh and patted Van on his back, his gaze lingering to the ocean in front of them. Allen knew how Van felt right this very moment. He knows how it feels to lose something precious, just how he lost Celena back when they were younger.
On his right side, Merle came up to him and wrapped her arms around his arm, trying to comfort her older brother. "Lord Van…"
"You shouldn't put the blame all on you, Van," said Millerna with Dryden standing beside her. "It just came…unexpectedly…"
"But…it didn't come unexpectedly…I knew it would happen…"
Kyoko slowly came in front of Van. With gentle hands, she grabbed Van's head cheeks and slowly lifted his head to let him gaze into her eyes. "Van…you did what you did. You must accept the fact that there is no way to rescue Hitomi, especially with your condition." A frown etched on everyone's face except for Van who had a curious look on his face. "I mean…you still have me…and…that is the only thing that matters right now…the person you love is here by your side…"
The words Kyoko said stabbed Van's heart. Frowning, he turned away from Kyoko's face and pushed her gently aside. He walked through the grass and stopped after making five steps, his eyes gazing at the sea. Allen, Merle, Millerna, Dryden, and Kyoko stared at Van's back for a while, watching what Van will do next.
His thoughts wondered elsewhere as he gazed into the crystal clear ocean. It was now all up to him. This is the time where he has to make a decision on this situation, right here and now. It was a slim chance to rescue Hitomi, yet, Van knew that there must be some way to get to Atlantis, with or without using his powers. Slowly, he grasped his chest, still feeling the affects of the bug, or the Consumer's own magic. A gentle breeze slowly hit against Van's standing form, his untidy hair flapping gently. Gradually, he let his whole body submit to its gentle, warm gust. That feeling almost felt like Hitomi, hugging him with her tiny arms around his body. Such a feeling made him feel at ease. "I wonder…if Hitomi is feeling this right now…feeling the relaxing breeze…smelling the sweet aroma of the field…the ocean…"
Suddenly, Van's eyes widened…
"Hitomi said that thing…right? About people returning feelings? What you feel may reach her…I know she feels the same…"
Allen's blue eyes suddenly widened when he saw Van's back suddenly stood more firmly now. Observing closely, he could see his hands form into tight, clenching fists. Not only did Allen notice this, but Dryden as well, fixing his glasses. "Van? What's up?" asked Dryden.
Slowly, Van turned around to his friends, and slowly walked to them, with his eyes covered from his long, black bangs. Soon, he stopped in front of them, with the gentle wind coming in tone with his emotions.
"Van?" asked Millerna, with a curious look on her face. "Is there something the matter?"
Allen observed a little at Van's sudden change of heart. Slowly, a smile emerged on the knight's lips and crossed his arms. "So, Van, what next?"
The winds suddenly turned its gust from a gentle breeze to a rough, somehow unwavering wind as Van slowly lifted his head. To everyone's surprise, a faint glow of red appeared in his dull brown-red eyes that soon vanished after a split second. His eyes no longer showed hopelessness or guilt. Everyone had not seen that look in such a long while. Somehow, it relieved everyone as they all smiled, anticipation sparking in their souls. This look he gave to everyone was determination and hope.
"Lord Van…does this mean…"
Van nodded his head at Merle's assumption. "Yes, we're going to rescue Hitomi…"
Kyoko was completely baffled by this. Outraged, she grabbed onto Van's arm angrily. "That is absurd! You are going to dig our own graves if you are going to rescue her! You're crazy! Don't you think you should think about our wedding than just killing us all?!"
"This is my final decision," Van spoke firmly as he gazed into Kyoko's eyes. "I am not going to back out…I swore that I will protect Hitomi with my life. And I am not going to run away from some greedy demon that was created to steal that certain power within me. Hitomi risked her life to save mines…now it is my turn..." He grabbed Kyoko's arm and wrenched it away from his arm. Slowly, he gazed at his friends. "I'm sorry if I am dragging you into this…you guys don't have to come if you don't want. I won't force. I can go alone…"
Allen put a hand on Van's shoulder. "There is no way I'm going to let my best friend go alone. I am sticking by you no matter what…"
"Me too! I wanna help rescue Hitomi too!" said Merle, raising her hand.
"You might need medical assistance on the way, so I am going too," Millerna said with a smile.
"Hehe, well, I guess this is it," Dryden said, smirking. "But, how will we be able to go Atlantis? After all, the entrance to that very place is no longer working…"
Van drew his hand towards the pendant and clasped it with his palm gently. His mind imaged a smiling Hitomi, with her eyes sparkling brightly. "If there is will, there is a way."
Allen, Dryden, Merle, and Millerna smiled at his remark. Turning around, Van looked out into the ocean with determination in his dull eyes. "Hitomi…wait for me…I'm coming to save you…"
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Author's Note: Phew, this chapter was so tough to write, considering that it is 40 pages long. I know this is not the best chapter, but hey, I am a bit rusty on this story since it has been a while since I wrote it. And I sort of tweaked the story a bit about the curse and everything. I'm not sure if it makes sense, but, I changed it because well, when I read over the pass chapters about that part, well, honestly, it pretty much sucked. Sorry if it doesn't make any sense now, but, it truly took a lot of my brain to simply think about that. I'll explain it to you at the end. But, I hope you guys like this long, lengthy chapter. I know this torture, but, it's good torture and worth your time, right? Anyways, please, it is very much appreciative if you review. I truly enjoy reading all the comments that you made for this story. Thank you all for your patience. Until the next chapter, Ja ne!
