Escaflowne: Together Yoyokagirinaku

Author's Note:

Wow! I actually got around to this story. Lucky! I actually have free time! And yes, for those who are waiting patiently for this story, your patience has been rewarded and here is chapter 16! Finally…after how many months? Hehe, sorry, college life wears me down so easily. Anyways, thank you all for reviewing this story! Just to tell you, I wondered if you guys caught the part where Van and Hitomi almost kissed the last chapter? I'm not sure if everyone got that, but I'll just tell you just in case you missed that part. I am happy that everyone is still keeping up with story, especially since it is taking such a while to update. The next chapter…I'm not sure yet. Spring quarter is going to be hectic, but I will make some time to update. At least this time, it is not as hectic as Winter Quarter. So, no procrastinating for a while. In the meantime, please drop in and read my new story: Sakura Drops after you read this, if you can. Although it may be cliché, I have chosen that time period for a specific reason. After all, high school is a memorable thing for everyone. Trust me. I still remember my prom and graduation. Sakura Drops is a new one that I currently made when I was taking a break from writing this chapter and studying. I apologize if this chapter has many errors, but I will edit it once I am not so busy. Anyways, please review and enjoy!


Last time:

"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…"

It was cold and dark in an empty, hollow darkness that cannot be explained in words. It is a tone that depicted a certain mind that resort to pessimistic thoughts that was strongly emanated. Those negative thoughts revolve around and around endlessly, with no room for the light of encouraging feelings. Floating nowhere in particular, Hitomi huddled herself in a tight ball, her knees scrunched tightly together to her chest and her pale, lanky arms wrapped around her knees with a deadly grip. Her head leaned against her knees.

Everything that surrounded her perfectly matches the emotions she is experiencing; the deep hurtfulness in her broken heart that shattered into nothing but dust. She floated there, with no path directing her. All Hitomi could do is cower there, her endless tears streaking her cheeks.

"You will never find your way, girl. You are mine now…"

"…I don't care…even if I do find my way…nothing can ever be the same…nothing…"

"Be prepared for the worst! Pretty soon…he will join you…MUHAHA!"

"Just let me die…just let this hopeless person die…"

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Chapter 16- A Final Farewell…?

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"Lord Van! It's time to eat!" yelled a voice within the forest.

On top of a hill, a head slowly rose. Peering down, Van looked down to see Merle waving to him. Reluctantly, he heaved a sigh and stood up, walking down the hill with an emotionless expression.

Once Merle saw Van rose from his seat, her ears slowly drooped down. Sighing, she walked back into the forest clearing, where her friends reside, resting their tired feet.

After the ordeal with the newfound threat that would destroy Gaea, the young six travelers have journeyed far in the dark forest of the Mystic Valley, with Van in the lead with a determined look. They are currently searching the land that the Gods destroyed for the Atlantians own growing powers, the land where their friend from the Mystic Moon was taken. It is the place where Van's ancestors used to live.

Night has grown wistfully for them as they slowly approached a clearing in the forest after much walking. Everyone was getting ready for a night's sleep. Allen was making a bonfire for the night as Merle hunted for fish for dinner. Millerna helped Dryden gather branches for the feast while Kyoko sat there, watching Allen make a fire. Along the quiet forests, Van journeyed through until he spotted a hill that overlooked the ocean. Pushing aside the low branch, Van made his way to the top of the cliff, watching as the waves hit the walls of the terrain. He sat himself down and gaze out into the open, thinking of the only person that was always in his mind, Hitomi.

Since then, Van has sat there in that very spot, thinking nothing else but Hitomi. As best he could, the young king tried to think of a way to reach her; to actually communicate to her so he will save her from the preying hands of the demon his ancestors created out of greed in their hearts. Yet, there was nothing and Van could only sigh in defeat after one idea has failed.

In the clearing, Merle came in with a grim look on her face. Millerna noticed this and looked at the cat girl sadly. "Is Van alright?"

Merle shook her head and sat herself down next to Millerna. "Lord Van…he's not…himself. I'm certain of it. It is just like how he was before, when Hitomi left him…"

"He won't give up until he finds Hitomi, huh?" Millerna asked, looking down to the ground sadly. "I could not even think of how hurt Van is…with such important situations in his life, he must be really sick of living…"

Van emerged from the forest with an emotionless expression on his face. He sat himself down next to Allen, grabbing his dinner and eating it silently. While the young king munched on his dinner, the knight carefully stared at Van's profile face, seeing a stiff look on his face. With a simple sigh, Allen shook his head. It was no doubt that Van is acting like the 15 year old boy Allen first met, not the Van he knew as his best friend who is an important figure to his people, who has grown up maturely through the rough times he endured. "Merle is right…he is not acting like himself…"

Several minutes have passed and everyone was silent as the night progressed, their gazes looking at their feet with a sad, concerned expression on his or her faces. It is only a matter of time before the demon brings Hitomi to her unmerited death. Just that thought made everyone so anxious, determined to rescue their dearest friend who changed everyone. Hitomi was their life. Without her, nothing would be pleasant without her smiles, her farfetched conversations, and most of all, being herself that brought so many happy days.

That energy that once came in between the group now left them, making them feel gloomy and silent.

"What should we do?" asked Millerna, breaking the long silence. "We've been walking all day, and there are no signs that could lead us to the dimensional gap that would lead us to Atlantis…"

"I'm not so sure, Millerna," said Dryden, putting his glasses on the bridge of his nose. "It is a fifty-fifty chance that there may be a way to Atlantis…or…not…"

Van tensed at Dryden's last word of his sentence, gritting his teeth roughly on his fried fish.

"Dryden, you know you shouldn't say that," Merle scolded, noticing Van's reaction.

"There is a way," Van said suddenly, looking into Dryden's eyes intently. "I know there is…I could feel it…"

"I know, Van, I know there is another way, but how?" Dryden asked. "How? And how will be able to do it? That damn demon did say it is impossible to gain access to that very ruin…in your state. He even said you cannot break the barrier alone…" He paused for a moment and thought carefully through his words. "Maybe…your powers are the key to lead us into Atlantis…but, with that so-called "curse" in you, you can't go far…"

"There must be a way…there has to be…" Van stated firmly. "If there is a will, there is a way…I cannot give up so easily…Hitomi taught me that…"

"Hitomi this, Hitomi that! Will quit talking about that damn girl?" fumed Kyoko suddenly, punching angrily on the ground. "Why can't everyone listen to me for once! She was the one who destroyed what we had! She was the one who brought such bad luck! You are just wasting time on a girl who is worthless!"

"So…does that imply I am bad luck too, since I am half Draconian?" questioned Van, his eyes not looking into her angry ones.

"I-I…but, I am not implying it to you, Van darling," Kyoko said nervously. "I am…I am… just saying that she is not from our world and that she brings…well, you know. Certainly it is common sense that people coming from the Mystic Moon brings such bad misfortune to people. I mean, just look at me, for instance…"

Her rather obnoxious voice faded from Van's usual focused hearing, flicking his now empty stick into the fire. Moments after Kyoko reverted from the subject of Hitomi to herself made him stray away for a while, making him feel rather annoyed at Kyoko's choice of creating a conversation. Especially to a best friend that Allen, Merle, Millerna, and Dryden like. Something about her is making him feel quite uncomfortable now. Why now? Why is he feeling this way?

"Maybe, it's time for us to hit the sack," said Allen, interrupting Kyoko from taking the conversation further about her once more.

Merle and Millerna agreed quickly at Allen's suggestion. "But…we can't rest," Van said, his face panicking. "What if--"

"Don't worry, Van," said Allen, patting his shoulder. "You shouldn't stress yourself. You're mind is not clear right now. You must rest…"

Restless, Van took Allen's hand away from his shoulder and stood up, his eyes that shown determination. "I can't sleep…until I know Hitomi's safe. I can't give up…not here, not now…and no one is going to stop me!" With that, he turned away and stormed out of the clearing, leaving his friends with a worried look on their faces.

Allen shook his head. "He's being hard on himself," he sighed. "He's acting like he was 3 years ago…"

"But all of us understands how he feels," Dryden stated. "I guess he needs some time alone to think…Van is really worried about Hitomi, probably more than all of us put together…"

"Of course he is going to worry about Hitomi most of all," Merle inquired, clutching her hands in tight fists. "They both understand each other…they both care about each other…it's as if they are soul mates. All I can say is that without Hitomi there by his side safe and sound, Van would not be Van…I know…" She looked at Kyoko. "Don't you understand what Van is feeling? You should know him better since you love him, don't you!"

Kyoko looked into Merle's blue eyes with an astonish look in hers. Soon, that astonish look disappeared and she glared angrily at the cat girl. "Why should I understand him if he doesn't understand me! He should have given up by now and go back to Fanelia, making plans for our marriage! Face it, Merle, it is IMPOSSIBLE to rescue that wrench…"

By now, Merle would be fuming crazily, using her nails and scratching Kyoko like a scratching post. Yet, with the situation at hand, Merle couldn't help but feel hot tears in the brims of her eyes. "H-how…how could you--"

"Maybe it is impossible for us," Millerna interjected, looking into the Noblewoman's eyes. "But, for Van, it is POSSIBLE. Because he believes, even if it means risking the consequences…or in an impracticable dilemma…that is the Van we come to know…"

"I….I…I can't believe you guys," Kyoko sighed frustratingly. Her words could not fight against Millerna's own argument about the situation. She simply gave up.

Lifting his glasses to the bridge of his eyes once more, Dryden gazed at the girls. "Now that is settled, let's get some rest, shall we?"


It was far into the night as the moon started to close in to the horizon. Through those grueling, sluggish hours, Van have not slept a wink, his eyes have never left the starry sky. After secluding himself from his friends and sitting himself in the same spot on the hill as before, the young king did not feel like sleeping. He would not rest until his goal is completed.

He shifted his body to the side, gazing at a blade of long grass that was close between his brown-reddish eyes. Since he did not feel like sleeping, his determination strong as ever, Van thought of many ways to reach her, to reach the girl that never left his mind, or his heart. His sleepless thoughts kept on and on about Hitomi, about how to save her and how to pinpoint her location. Every second, every minute, every hour has passed on, and still nothing. It is as if Hitomi is severing his connection from her own thoughts and feelings.

Deep within him, he could feel the malignant in his body, feeling it painfully as it sucked the living force out of Van. His mind could no longer endure this kind of pain, yet Van held strong. The demon must have ordered it to increase its speed if it keeps on.

"Hitomi…" he whispered into the night air. After many straining hours of relentless thinking, his mind has gotten the better of him. Van could feel his whole body begin to retire into the land of sleep, his eyes drooping up and down drowsily. He shook his head and tried his best to diminish the world of sleep from his mind. Yet, his mind begged for sleep, and that thought never left his mind. "No…no…I can't give up…there is no telling what that damn would do to Hitomi…I won't go to sleep until I find her…I can't rest easy until…Hitomi…is…safe…h…e…r…e…w…i…th…m…e…"

And soon, Van fell asleep under the moonlight.


"What you feel will reach her…"

"Umm…what…?"

"What you feel will reach her…"

"W-who's there?"

"Van…look deep within your heart. Your heart wavers so easily…but even so, it knows exactly what you need…"

"It knows…it exactly what I want?"

"Yes…follow what your heart says…follow where it is telling you. Leave your mind free and let your heart soar…to direct you to the right path. It is up to you whether to follow or not. As long as you keep it clear, you will never get lost…like you said to her before, as long as you keep a common feeling about each other, you can see each other any time you want."

Van, no doubt, knows what the voice said is true. Those exact words; Van said that to Hitomi 3 years ago.

Giggles were heard from the distance as Van slowly opened his eyes. Suddenly, he found himself in a strange place. Surprised, he jumped back a bit and stood on a black pavement with lines all over. Lights suddenly shined him, and Van looked up to see a metal, red thing coming towards him. It did not stop and continued to move forward. Van quickly covered himself and waited for the impact. Yet, to his amazement, it passed right by him, like a ghost.

"What…what the heck is that?" he asked himself, taking in his surroundings. Van found himself looking at huge buildings that went up to the sky, making him feel like a bug. There were many lights that stood on the gray pavement, where many people are, walking around.

"Could this place…be the Mystic Moon?" he asked, observing more of this strange place.

"Hehe, god, you beat me again!"

"That voice," Van thought. Slowly, he turned around to find that owner of that familiar voice. Coming out of a certain building, two girls were laughing loudly. One of the girls had medium-length red-brown hair, her smile widening as she held on to the straps of her bag. The other girl had the same length of hair, but the color is honey brown than red. Around her left shoulder, she held a duffel bag that resembles Hitomi's own bag. Slowly, the girl with light hair opened her eyes to reveal her emerald color iris. Instantly, Van knew who it was. "Hitomi…"

"Hah! I finally beaten you in that motorcycle racing game," said the girl with red hair, poking at Hitomi's stomach. "You know what that means?"

"Oh okay…dinner is on me…I get it Yukari, you don't have to tell me," pouted Hitomi. "Even though I am completely dirt pour after letting you borrow all of my yen in order for you to get a present for Amano."

Yukari giggled nervously. "I'm sorry…it's just that I couldn't help it. I didn't have any cash with me and my mom didn't give me allowance…"

"That is no excuse!" retorted Hitomi playfully, poking at her friend. "Just because I have a job, doesn't give you the right to borrow my money! Can't you get a job yourself…?"

"You know I can't…I don't really have much free time…"

"Sure, Yukari…and all your free time is wasted on Amano…"

Van couldn't help but smile at this little scenery. The Hitomi he is seeing is only at least 2 years younger from the present time. He could tell by the way her face still holds that childish look on her.

He continued to watch them until the lights in Hitomi's homeland start to brighten the dark streets. Sitting on a bench, drinking from their bottles, Hitomi and Yukari watched as the sun slowly set into the horizon. They were silent for a while, enjoying nature's spectacular entertainment. Van watched from behind a lone tree, enjoying the peaceful scene.

"Hitomi…why not find a boyfriend?" asked Yukari, breaking the silence.

Hitomi suddenly stopped slurping her drink.

"You know, I can't stand looking at you, looking depressed every time Amano and I hang out."

"…"

"Did something…happened while you were gone? You know, since you disappeared that one night?"

Slowly, Hitomi sat her drink next to her, her eyes lifting to the horizon. "It's a long story…I…it's just…it's just that I promised someone up there that I would not forget him…that I would always remember him…even when I grow old." He looked down to her lap, clasping her hands together. "You see…the person, or boy, I promised, changed me a lot. Even though I may have not known it, but he did. He changed me…from an immature 15 year old girl to a mature person. Even though he may be a hot head at times and a bit antisocial, but, deep down, he is a caring, sweet person who I've so much to love. Every moment up there, every single day, every emotion, and every experience that he and I shared… I will never forget." Slowly, she moved her clasped hands above her heart. She closed her eyes, letting one lone tear drop to her lap. "I will always cherish it."

Yukari watched as Hitomi looked up to the sky with sad eyes. She smiled and nodded her head. "If you are granted with one wish, what would you wish for…more than anything, Hitomi?"

Hitomi looked at Yukari momentarily. A smile emerged from her mouth and she shook her head. "I don't need wishes to see him…all I need is…to think about him. He told me…before I left…that if we shared a common feeling, we would always be together...and see each other. That is something more valuable than a wish…"

"You truly love him, don't you?" asked Yukari with a smile. Hitomi looked at her, bewildered. "I've never seen you like this, you know. You have doubts…or you don't really put yourself down. You've become someone that many people would eagerly want. A person who believes…"

"…Yes…I do," Hitomi said with a smile. "I do love him…"

Van watched on, his eyes widening every moment Hitomi have spoken. "Could…this…could this be…Hitomi's sentimental thoughts?"

Van watched as that very scene disappeared in front of him. That same place reappeared after a moment passed by and he could no longer see Hitomi and her friend sitting on that bench. Instead, he saw Hitomi, 17 years old, her hair now just above her shoulder blades. She looked up into the sky, with the stars making the night sky as beautiful as ever. A hopeful look came into her green eyes, and she smiled. She enjoyed the evening air as she whiffed in the sweet scent. "Tomorrow's graduation," she said to herself sadly. "There are a lot of memories that I experienced…I wish that you can see me, Van, heading into another stage of my life. Although you may not understand…but someday, you will. I just hope...one day…I will see you again…more than anything…" Coming out of the sparkling sky, a shooting star quickly appeared, streaking the sky with its own moving light that fascinated Hitomi, her eyes gazed with amazement as the star disappeared into the sky. "I wonder…if Van ever saw that…"

Soon, that scene disappeared while Van watched Hitomi's form disappear. Slowly, Van turned away from the blank area and looked out on the opposite direction. "That was the same shooting star…that I saw on that night…" He looked up. "I was…feeling…the exact thought…just like Hitomi…" He looked down to the floor, his eyes showing sadness. "But…what does this all mean? I am feeling…what Hitomi is feeling…yet…how can all this…help me…to save her…why am I here in the first place?"

"All you have to do is just…believe…"

Suddenly, Van's entire body froze instantly as he listened to the voice behind him. From the way the voice is so calm, so kind, and so gentle, Van turned around to the owner of the voice. He remembered that Hitomi always had that gentle calmness in her voice that made him feel more at ease from his reckless, hot-headed antics. He always loved that voice and could never forget it.

Van's inklings were right. Right in front of his eyes he could see her, standing before him with a gentle smile on her lips. Yet, this Hitomi is younger than all the other scenes that he saw Hitomi in. This Hitomi is the one he remembered three years ago, with the short honey brown hair, her large emerald eyes, her own school uniform that she held sentimental value to.

"B-believe?" asked Van, gazing into her eyes that looked at him with such gentleness.

"From the moment I met you…I believed in you…no matter what the circumstances were or how dense I was to ever notice. But, with all my trust in you, I believe in you…because of that…I was able to realize things that I never saw before. And soon, my own anxiety vanished when I finally let my heart lead me. All wishes will come true, as long as your heart is true. Most of all, you must believe…believe that everything will turn out right. Believe in the people you truly care about…that's what my grandmother told me…"

Van looked down to see the teardrop necklace begin to glow under his red sleeveless shirt. Slowly, he grasped it with his right hand tenderly. He once more looked up and saw Hitomi's form disappear. "I will always believe in you, Van…just believe…let go of the burden blocking your path…let your feelings guide you freely to your destiny…"

"Hitomi!" Van called, trying to reach her outstretched hand.

"Believe in yourself, Van…I will be waiting for you…" the voice echoed as Hitomi's form began to disappear into nothingness. Soon, it completely disappeared, leaving Van all alone, his hand stretching to nothing.

"What I must do…is believe…right?" asked Van, clasping the glowing pendant. "If I believe…then could it…lead to her? Could it direct me to Hitomi?"

Just as he was about to put everything in one piece, the whole entire atmosphere surrounding him started shaking violently. Quickly, Van grew aware of this as he grew into his fighting stance, clasping the pendant in his hand. "Damn it, what's going!" he yelled, whirling his head around.

"It's coming…"

"What!"

"It is coming out soon…you must hurry!"

Suddenly, a flash of light blinded Van. He quickly covered from the sudden burst of light. The light soon dimmed enough for Van to be able to see the source of that light. "Mother!"

Varie stood before him, with a gentle, yet firm look on her fair complexion. "You must hurry, my son…you have to rescue her…it is up to you to reach her now." Varie slowly closed her eyes, clasping her hands together. "Our ancestor's home is about rise up from the ocean in the Mystic Moon due to the occurrence deep within by the force of the demon's powers. Because of draining the powers within Hitomi, since she was a Seer during the Great War, his powers sealed within him will soon reawaken and his true form too will reawaken as well."

"I know, mother…I know what I must do," Van stated firmly.

"This is your destiny now, Van. Because you are the chosen one to possess such ultimate power within your veins from the Gods, you must accept your destiny!"

"Chosen…by the Gods?"

" Defeat the demon that eliminated most of our clan…and save Gaea from destruction. Save the person you love! And put our ancestors' souls to rest. Remember, your feelings alone cannot vanquish the obstacle that is ahead of you…" With that last word, Varie disappeared.

"I will…mother…I swear it," he demanded firmly. "I am not going to fail the world…I will not fail her again…" He looked down at his pendant. "All I need to do is…believe!"

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Van jolted from his blissful sleep as he sat up straight on the grassy field. His heartbeat started beating rapidly, feeling his veins pulsing something that he never felt before. He looked at his hands to see them shaking. After a moment has passed since he woke up, the Consumer within him suddenly made its move and began its motivation. "Agh!" he screamed painfully, hunching over to his knees with his hands on his stomach. Sweat started to form in his entire body. "Damn, bug...it reacts when it feels this energy pulsing through me…it looks like it wants to finish this…once and for all…well, I'm not going to let it."

Something warm made Van look down. The pendant was still glowing under his shirt. Carefully unfastening it around his neck, Van could instantly feel it increase its power as it rolled around in his palm crazily. As he gazed into its bright pink physique, Van knew exactly what he must do. Quickly, he looked into the sea. Dawn is about to hit the skies and he knew he must act now. He let his eyes closed and let his ears listen carefully around him. It was faint, but Van could clearly hear nature within Gaea acting weird. It was acting abnormally rather than acting its usual calm self. He could feel Gaea become more unstable than ever. Knowing from this fact, Van could tell that the broken dimensional gap must be the source of this. "Mother was right…if Gaea is reacting like this…then something in the Mystic Moon is causing this to happen."

A sudden rush of excruciating pain enveloped Van completely. He winced once more and kneeled down, his arms once wounded around his stomach. "That bastard…he knows that I will be coming…but…I gotta hurry…"

Ignoring the searing pain within him, Van quickly ran down the hill to the clearing where his friends rested. He knows that they will be angry at him for being rude by his sudden rashness, but they will understand. After pushing a low branch away from his path, he jumped into the clearing to see Allen and the rest already awake.

"Van," Allen called, looking into Van's firm look. "Do you feel the change?"

Van nodded his head, trying his best to not show that he was suffering painfully, sweat pouring from his brow. "We have to go to that place."

"What place?" asked Dryden.

"Hitomi said that something drew her to this place," Van informed, putting his hand on his chin thoughtfully. "And I bet that place must be in that very big shore just north over here. If Hitomi said that this place drew her here, then that shore must be the strong contact she made with…"

"What are you saying, Van?"

Quickly, Van looked up into the sky to see the Mystic Moon was placed high above them. "That's strange…the Mystic Moon never climbed that high before…" Then a thought struck him. Carefully, he observed the moon's position from the sky to the ground. "I see…"

Merle looked at her lord curiously. "Umm…what is it? What does the Mystic Moon have any importance to this?"

Van turned to Merle and everyone. "No time for an explanation…I'll tell you on the way. Let's go to that shore quickly!"

With that said, Van dashed ahead of his friends, his path directly leading him to the empty shore.


"Van, what are trying to do!" screamed Kyoko, trying to catch up to him as much as possible.

Van kept on going without stopping to answer Kyoko's piercing question. What mattered to him at that point now is to reach the Mystic Moon, where the old of home of his ancestors have lived. With the abnormal reactions going on with nature in Gaea and on the Mystic Moon, with his pendant glowing intensely under his shirt, and the bug's sudden increase in sucking power, Van knew it led to one thing. Finally, the group has made it to shore, with the sun coming out of the horizon.

The winds have grown violently once more, whipping Van's messy mop to the sky. He looked around to see the waves are growing turbulent as ever. The ominous clouds are drifting in tremendous numbers as it closed the clear sky from the world. Van stood firmly on the sandy ground, his dark eyes closed instantly when he felt these sinister vibrations, no doubt coming from the demon himself.

"It has gone worse…probably more worse than yesterday," stated Dryden as he stood behind Van. "I can't believe all of this is happening because of a simple creature from who knows from what century…"

"But…if Gaea is reacting like this…then so must be the Mystic Moon," said Millerna.

"So, tell me, how are you going to go up there? We couldn't find any entrance or door to that damn mythical place you guys are always talking about," retorted Kyoko. "It must be her doing."

"Whatever it is…I can't let anything happen to our world…nor Hitomi," said Van, his eyes still closed in concentration.

Allen, who was standing beside Van, watched him observantly. He could see a sudden difference within the young king as he stood there, trying to concentrate on finding a way to Atlantis. It's as if Van has gathered this sudden jolt of energy out of nowhere. Slowly, Van's eyes opened from his concentration and he slowly let his arms unfasten the pendant around his neck. Allen was surprised to see that the pendant was glowing. He had not seen that pendant glow for 3 years, and it still amazed him by the way it glimmered so majestically. The only difference is that it is glowing brighter than usual.

Merle instantly noticed that glow when Van took it out from under his shirt. "Van..."

Tenderly, he cupped the pendant in one of his hands. He looked at intently as it glowed brighter and brighter. He closed his eyes and shook his head. "I know…this will be risky…but…I don't want anything to happen to anyone…or this world…" The ache throbbing in his entire body started to increase its painful task, making Van wince as that very tenderness increased every second he stood there, looking at the pendant in front of him thoughtfully. With the bug eating up his flesh and soul one by one, if he once used his powers with it inside, Van knew he would face drastic measures. Yet, even so, Van had other important things to worry about.

With his mind set on that risky decision, Van began to walk slowly to the shore's edge. Surprised, Kyoko dashed towards his walking form, grasping his free arm from his side. "Van! Don't! Don't do this!" she pleaded. "This is none of your business at all! This is the God's business! You shouldn't get involved with this! Let them handle their own mistakes! Just move on and forget about her!"

Van kept on going, without giving in to Kyoko's fervent pleas. His heart was set on rescuing Hitomi and the very home he love, and if he does not follow this feeling, he will lose his chance in saving Hitomi's life. "This is also my ancestor's mistake," said Van. "Whatever they did has a connection to the Gods and their destruction. As the only surviving Draconian of my clan, I must carry out what the Gods are asking me. It's true that Draconians are cursed. The Gods cursed us for my ancestor's own selfish needs unknowingly and created that demon who will soon bring havoc to Gaea…far worse than what Dornkirk brought to us 3 years ago. I can't deny the fact that they have attained something that truly upsets the Gods to lead them to their own destruction but what passed, it passed. The Gods are trying to ask for my help…even if they hate us, people with different minds can make a difference." Slowly, he looked down to the pendant he is clasping in his bare hands. "I know I can't run away from destiny and I could still fight against it. Yet, there is a reason for it and now I know that I cannot fight against it. Something in me is hidden and somehow everyone is telling me to break it. I'm not sure what this all means…but…everything is in the brink of destruction. I must do this!"

"Van!" cried Kyoko as she ran to his walking form.

"Kyoko, let him," said Allen, making Kyoko stop in her tracks. "He won't listen to you…especially since his mind is set…"

Kyoko glared angrily at the Knight of Cali. "You're his friend! You should understand that he is putting all of us in jeopardy!"

"Even so, I know what is best for him. I understand his determination and I am willing to help him out. I trust that he will bring everything back to normal. Everyone trusts in him. You should too." Allen crossed his arms on his chest and looked at Van's back, watching him go near the water's edge.

"But…but…" Kyoko looked at Dryden, trying to persuade him to be on her side by giving him her sad eyes. Dryden adjusted his glasses and shook his head. "Sorry, I can't help you. I can't betray my trusted comrade."

"But…" She looked Merle who looked at her angrily, pouting when she turned and looked away. "You say you know him? I think you don't care what he wants…only what you want. Tough luck, girl, but you're on your own."

She looked at Millerna. "Please, Millerna…do this as my best friend!"

"Kyoko, I am your friend, but, not as close as I am friends with Hitomi who I watch over her as a little sister," Millerna said. "I known her longer and I don't want her to die…I trust Van with all my heart that he will bring her back…and I want to be there for them..."

Sighing exasperatingly, Kyoko sank to her knees in defeat, with no words whatsoever to argue back against their determination. "We are going to die…"

Van was now standing at the edge of the shore. His boots began to soak against the turbulent waves crashing on to him. Slowly, he looked up into the sky to see the glow surrounding the silhouette of the Mystic Moon. It was just as he predicted. Something on the Mystic Moon is creating these surprising abnormalities within Gaea. "As a sister planet created by my ancestors, it is no doubt that our worlds are connected," he said, gazing at the Mystic Moon. "Somehow, when I met Hitomi…I think Fate has something to do with this." Gradually, Van let his eyes wander to his hand that held her pendant that glowed radiantly in the dark atmosphere. Opening his hand slightly, Van could see and feel it moving around aimlessly in his palm.

"All you need to do is to believe…"

Van closed his eyes and began to concentrate, his mind leaving the presence of the atmosphere around him to the presence of his beating heart.

"This is your destiny now, Van. Because you are the chosen one to possess such ultimate power within your veins, the Gods are asking for your help… you must accept your destiny!"

He could feel the bug began to drain him, but, Van ignored that pain around his body. Whatever lies ahead, he will not submit. "Hitomi…please…open to me…"

Allen, Dryden, Merle, Millerna, and Kyoko watched as Van have grown into the depths of his mind, trying to listen to whatever his heart says. "We also need to help him believe," Allen said to them. "We need to help him regain that connection he has with Hitomi…maybe that will be the key to lead us to Atlantis…"

In the depths of his mind, Van could feel his Draconian powers coming in, merging in within his very soul. Almost immediately, he could feel a sudden rush of energy coming in, replacing his tired status from being almost sucked dry by the curse. Cautiously, aware of the consequences, he began to take the magic level one step at a time.

"What you feel will reach to her…"

Van felt nothing coming into his senses, signifying him to take another step. Easing his mind away from anything around him, he added more energy into his powers.

"I'm useless…"

Something within Van's mind flashed into his head, instantly bringing hope in him. The image was there for a short time and disappeared. Van could barely make out a huddled figure, surrounded by an ominous, purple aura. The pendant in his hands started rattle more fervently now after that image came into view. Van slowly opened his eyes and opened his palm. Grabbing the pendant's golden chain, Van held it the way Hitomi did when she used it for her fortune-telling techniques. Van closed his eyes once more and concentrated. Once the pendant was exposed, showing its pink glow, it only added into Van's focusing magic that surrounded the contours of his body, with a bright, light blue pigment. This only made Van more confident that he will find out the location of the demon and Hitomi.

His friends began to notice the significant changes within his powers. Somehow, the feeling of his power did not feel the same one that he usually possesses. It was more powerful, powerful enough that no one can measure how strong it truly is.

"I'm all alone…"

He could feel it and see it clearer than the first. He could feel some sadness enveloping his heart. He could see a more lighted version of the huddled figure.

"We can see each other anytime we want, we just have to think of each other…"

The same words Van said to Hitomi 3 years ago; somehow, those words impacted his thoughts strongly in him. One way or another, when he heard those words, it created a strong, warm feeling within his heart that gave him to believe in hope. The image projected in his mind now became sharper and clear. Slowly, he could make out the huddled figure's long, honey brown hair, her slim legs and hands that wounded around herself, with her head nestled fervently into her knees. The figure was shaking uncontrollably. Van could sense fear, hatred, sadness, and a broken spirit emanating from the figure. He could instantly tell that this was Hitomi. He could see her sulking self begin to repeat pessimistic thoughts of a never-ending dark path, where hope would never ever again break into her sorrowful path.

"Please…let me die. Please let me die…"

From the way she is saying it, Hitomi seemed like she wanted that wish to come true. Yet, at the same time, she was holding back. She was balancing whether to live another day or end it all through death. She was mentally broken. Van felt such sympathy towards her. She was deeply wounded.

"What do you want more than anything, girl? To see him or see death?"

"I want to see death…no…I want to see him…no…see death…"

"That damn demon," thought Van, rage filtering his unhampered mind. He clenched his free hand angrily, feeling his nails piercing through his flesh. He could feel his power begin to rise once more as it was taken up to the steps more times than his careful paced ones. The winds surrounding the skies started to change its routes and surrounded him when the aura surrounding him started to brighten the dark atmosphere.

"Van! Careful!" warned Allen.

The malignant bug detected Van's sudden increase in his energy level and began to once more bring extricating the tenderness within Van, causing him to scream agonizingly. The pain was almost too much for him to bear and almost collapsed to his knees. Yet, with the sight of Hitomi and the voice of the demon in his thoughts, Van was able to use his anger to keep himself composed, warding off the pain forming rapidly in his body.

Van began to concentrate once more, letting the pendant dangle absentmindedly in mid air. He needs to try and reach into Hitomi's turbulent mind. If he were able to connect with her, the pendant would react to it and lead them there. "Hitomi…what do you really want? Do you truly want to see him?" Van interfered into her mind, careful of not exposing himself to the demon.

"I want to see death…I want to see him…I want to…" She kept repeating her answer.

"Look into your heart, Hitomi. What do you truly want in this world? What do you wish for more than anything?" Van continued to ask, pressing the questions into her mind.

"I want to…I want to…"

"Please, Hitomi, I am coming for you…you have to believe in me, Hitomi. You have to believe that I will come through to you, even if it is inevitable!"

"I want to believe, but I can't. Nothing will be the same…nothing…I am useless…I am so useless to him…I am nothing more than an empty soul…"

"If you were an empty soul, how can you be so compassionate? How can you have hesitation? What do you want Hitomi? Look deep down yourself and look pass through all your negative thoughts. What do you truly want?"

"I want to…I want to see…"

"Yes?"

"I want to see him! I want to see Van!" Hitomi screamed at the top of her lungs. "For one last time, I want to see Van!"

The pendant began to react again, this time, it reacted to Hitomi's heart. It began to wiggle and wiggle until its glow blasted the whole entire area. Van smiled, knowing that he finally reached her. "I want to see you too, Hitomi…" This only added more to the pendant's mystical powers.

As the pink glow began to spread through the world above, the Mystic Moon began to brighten, its measure of brightness similar to the one the pendant is glowing. When Van added in his feelings, the pendant's pink glow transformed from pink to a bright golden light, making the Mystic Moon's glow react to it unstably. Soon, that glow from the Mystic Moon went straight into the light of Gaea.

The earth under them began to quake. "What's going on?" Dryden yelled, trying to keep his balance.

Van opened his eyes when he noticed the sudden movement below his feet. He turned to his friends to see then looking at him, waiting patiently for his signal, even though they were quite uneasy with the sudden earthquake. "It starts," Van simply said and turned around again. Slowly, Van untangled his fingers from the golden chain and let the pendant go around freely. As soon as Van let go of the pendant, it started to levitate in the air and hovered in place for a while. Van watched it began to climb higher and higher to the skies above, directing itself to the Mystic Moon.

Slowly, Van closed his eyes and began to think of Hitomi. Her flowing, long honey brown hair, her slim, yet curvy figure, her smile that he can never get tired of seeing, her warmth that always held comfort whenever he holds her, her gentle touch, her bubbly and caring behavior, and her beautiful emerald green eyes that never showed any selfishness. Those images interacted thoroughly to the hovering pendant. Van lifted his right hand up and started to let the aura surrounding his body form around his hands. "I cannot do this alone," Van stated out loud. "But, the pendant can help me…because…the pendant is a part of Hitomi..."

Van closed his eyes once more and let his feelings trust the pendant and the light to guide them. He could feel the warmth within that very life as it slowly consumed his entire body. Slowly, he could feel his whole body begin lift up into the sky above. Behind him, he could picture that everyone is going through the same process. In his beating heart, he could feel Hitomi's thoughts that projected only him. Knowing this, he knows he will see her soon.

Suddenly, a huge flash came within the light. Slowly, the land darkened to reveal the place completely empty.


In the beautiful blue sky of Earth, a sudden glimmer has suddenly appeared, making the whole sky turn dark. As that glimmer spread its mighty brightness, it suddenly fell out of the sky and went straight into a mysterious land that was placed far away from the other lands. The mysterious land was suddenly lifted from the ocean and into the surface of the Earth.

Soon, that glimmer of light targeted itself to the very center of that land. With one mighty blow, the light landed and a huge explosion caused the light to flash in an instant and vanish in a blink of an eye. After a while, the sky finally returned to its normal blue.

Deep within the center of the ancient land, after the light completely dissipated, five figures appeared from that very disappearing light.

"What the…? Where am I?" said Kyoko as she looked around. "What is this place?"

"I can't believe it," Dryden said, expressing his bewilderment. "I can't believe we're back here again…"

Slowly, Van emerged from his friends, gazing around the deserted, ancient city that was once inhabitant by his ancestors. Yet, there was no time for sight seeing. The only thing that Van is thinking about is rescuing Hitomi. Desperate, he searched for that exact place, where Hitomi was imprisoned. He ran to one place to another. Everyone even noticed how panicky he was.

"Van, easy, you shouldn't stress yourself so much," Allen called. "Stop running and start thinking where to look."

"But…I can't. We are wasting time here when Hitomi's life is in danger. We must find her as soon as possible!"

"I know you're desire to save her is strong, but we must think what we should do," Allen explained. "We are not sure what we would expect if we ever find her. Who knows what that demon is doing…?"

Van reluctantly agreed to Allen's terms. It's better to be safe than sorry. Van walked over to them and instantly began to think. "The demon said that he will be waiting for us at the Temple of Arcadia…"

"Temple of Arcadia, huh?" said Dryden thoughtfully. "Could it be that the Temple is the center of this whole city?"

Van looked at Dryden with a firm look on his face. "That could be it…that is where the demon was sealed for many years…"

"But still, where can it be? There is a lot of buildings that would resemble them," Allen said.

The three men began to think intently into their situation as they stood there.

"Van! Allen! Dryden! Quick! I found something!" yelled Millerna from afar.

Van and his two friends instantly went over to where Millerna and Merle were standing. "Millerna, what is it?" asked Van.

"I'm not sure what it is, but I can see an invisible purple force field at the center of this city," said Millerna. "I think that's where Hitomi is!"

Van looked at the direction Millerna was pointing to. He was taken by surprise to see that very purple barrier, the very same one that blocked him from trying to rescue Hitomi back on Gaea. Gritting his teeth, he quickly dashed down the stairs to the center of the city without thinking of the consequences. "Van! Where are you going!" cried Kyoko from where she stood.

"Over to that purple barrier! That must be the Temple of Arcadia!" Van called as he continued to run.

Allen and Dryden looked at each other for a bit. With a firm look, they simply nodded and followed suit, with Millerna and Merle tailing behind them.

Kyoko stood there, with her mouth open wide, to see all five of them dashing over to a place that may be dangerous. "Where do you think you're going!" yelled Kyoko angrily. "Don't leave me alone here!" No one heard her, which made her really angry. With one grunt, she ran and tried to keep up with Millerna and Merle.


Van continued to dash through the empty alleys of the ancient, finding his way to that very magic source within the middle of the city. He stopped for a moment when he came across another fork in the road. "Damn, another one," retorted Van, observing the two paths in front of him.

"Van!" yelled Allen from afar.

Slowly, he looked above the high buildings to see the top of the purple barrier. "It's so close…I can feel it," he said, putting his hand above his heart. "No doubt about it. The bug's work intensity every time I go near that very place."

"How far do you think it is?" asked Allen as he stood beside the young King.

Van looked up into the sky. "I'm not sure, to tell you the truth, but…" A single sweat from his face dropped down to the ground. "We are close…"

"So, what route do think we should take, Lord Van?" asked Merle, after catching up with the three men with Millerna by her side and Kyoko behind them.

Van began to think as he lifted his hand to his chin thoughtfully. With a huge city like this, they would surely be lost if they take a wrong turn. As he continued to think for other objectives, the pendant within his shirt started glow against his chest, the warmth of its glow sipping into Van's flesh. Van's thoughts were instantly broken when he felt that warmth. He quickly grasped it and watched it dangle to the right. A smile appeared on his face and looked up at his friends. Silently, he pointed to the right and nodded his head. Everyone else noticed his smile and trusted his judgment by nodding. With a signal from his arm, they quickly dashed into that direction together.

As they continued to pass through the deserted city, Van unhooked the pendant once more and held the chain within his hands. Quickly, the pendant turned to the right. With this, Van went into that direction, followed by the others. This continued on as they pass by different parts of the city. Some buildings where still intact, while some are torn to pieces. Yet the entire city has algae and other different underwater plants growing in its concrete structures. The pendants suddenly swung to the left, making Van turn to an archway. He looked up to see that there was a loose part in that archway. Suddenly, it started to fall into Van's direction. With one leap from his left foot, he quickly rolled dodged it to the other side as it fell right behind him. "We better watch out," Van said as he looked at Allen, Dryden, Millerna, Merle, and Kyoko.

Allen nodded and started to walk towards Kyoko. Van slowly laid his right hand on his sword's hilt. "Everyone, get in a line." Obeying with Van's command, everyone lined up, with Van in the front, Dryden, Millerna, Merle, Kyoko and Allen, the last person in line, with his sword ready to be used anytime. Lifting his left hand, the pendant dangled in front. Soon after, Van ran as carefully as he could through the passage way, with everyone behind him. They continued on, passing long alleys that seemed endless, multiple forks that give them headaches.

Finally, after much running for so long, they finally made it to the purple barrier. Inside the barrier stood the Temple of Arcadia, with its magnificent structures marveling everyone who saw it. Van was the first to cautiously approach the area, inching closer to the purple barrier surrounding the ancient temple. Within him, the bug began to do its work once more, making Van wince as he continued to walk. Each time he inches closer to the barrier, the more the bug begins to deal with his power level.

Slowly, he extended his hands towards the barrier. His hand was merely inches away when it reacted to his actions. The purple started to spark rapidly, making Van jump in surprise by it. "Damn…it's the same one as before," he muttered angrily as he looked at his hands. "So, this must be the only obstacle that is blocking our way…" He frowned and walked back to his friends.

"Could there be another way into that temple?" asked Millerna, observing the structure through her eyes. "All buildings have secret passageways right?"

"I highly doubt it. Even if there is secret passageways, there will be barriers like this," pointed Van. From his sides, he slowly lifted his hands and looked at them. "I have only one choice…I have to use my powers again to break that power."

"But…didn't you say you can't do this alone?" asked Millerna. "Maybe…there is a way to break away that barrier."

"Maybe you should try what you feel," suggested Merle. "If feelings can bring us here, then maybe it will break this…"

Van looked at Merle for a moment after hearing her words. After a quick glance, he looked at the barrier.

"Your feelings alone cannot vanquish the obstacle that is ahead of you…"

He remembered what his mother told him in his dream. Feelings can change everything, especially the most important feeling of all. Love. Slowly, he looked at the pendant in his hands to see it glowing once again. He looked at his direction to see Kyoko staring at him. "If love is the answer…maybe this could break the barrier."

"Kyoko, come here," he suddenly called, making Kyoko and everyone else surprised. Slowly, Kyoko made her way pass Millerna, Merle, Dryden, and Allen to Van's side, looking at him with a fake smile plastered on her face.

"Yes, Van?"

Slowly, he looked away from her and stared at the barrier in front of them. "I think the key into breaking this barrier is what I am feeling. And I think…love must be the answer. This is one feeling that will break this evil barrier."

Merle wanted to slap him on the face for being so dense. But, then again, he would find out sooner or later so she kept quiet, trying to keep her temper in bay.

"So…you're saying that our love might break this barrier?" asked Kyoko.

"I believe so," he said bluntly. He looked at Kyoko for a moment and grasped her hand. "Come on…"

Slowly, the two approached the purple barrier that separated them and the temple. Van looked at it observantly as it glowed evilly in its place. He looked down at Kyoko to see a smile on her face. "So, you do love me? More than that wretched girl?" she asked.

Van flinched at her question. He did not know why, but all he knows is that something about the way Kyoko said it seems a bit lifeless and untrue. Like the feeling between them is only one sided. Unsure of the meaning of it, Van simply did not respond and turned to once more look at the barrier in front of him. "As long as we share the same feeling, maybe we can break this barrier."

"But, how? I don't have powers," Kyoko said. "Although I truly want powers for myself…"

"The key to it must be the energy within us," Van stated, looking at his hands. "Come on, let's do this…together…"

"Well, if you say so, if it only means us," Kyoko said nonchalantly as she closed her eyes to focus.

With their hands lightly intertwined, the two supposed "love birds" concentrated thoroughly on their strong feelings for each other. Deep within Van's soul, he tried his best to retrieve the love he felt for Kyoko. He thought about how he loved her. And so, Van continued to think about Kyoko.

Long, honey-brown hair wavered along the gentle winds as Hitomi stood there, with her eyes gazing at the beautiful sunset in front of her. Slowly, her head turned around and stared into Van's line of vision. A beautiful, bright smile emerged from her small lips as she gazed at him with love in her beautiful green eyes.

Van shook his head. It was strange, in his opinion to see Hitomi in his thoughts. Somehow, Hitomi was more visible than Kyoko ever was. Hitomi was there, all the time. "No…I have to focus to break it…I have to use our deep feelings for each other to break this." Once again, Van concentrated on his love, going as far as he can remember to the memories that best represent their strong bond with each other.

"Van…I promise…that I will never leave your side…even if love is out of the question…"

Her determined look, her sad, tearful eyes, her angry look, her happy smile. Everything was all about Hitomi, and Van could not help but feel such tranquility coming from Hitomi, the one girl that never left his mind, even for a second.

Deep in Kyoko's mind, thoughts of prosperity, glory, richness, and popularity plagued her mind. The thought of being married to the young King of Fanelia have covered most of her thoughts of her greedy feelings. Who cares about love when you have all the riches in the world? When an image of Van came into her mind, all she sees behind him is nothing more than money, clothes made from the richest silk, and such. She giggled in anticipation for the upcoming wedding.

Hitomi looked at the figure of Van, a surprising expression etching her entire face. Shamefully, Van looked sadly down at her. It was that very moment that Van showed someone his wings for the very first time. He was ashamed and afraid, wondering how Hitomi would react to them. Yet, at that very moment, she simply smiled, a sad, yet genuine smile, as if she knew exactly what he felt. It was in that moment that he felt relieved to have someone to actually accept him for who is, despite his ancestry.

That was the first time he felt tranquility from her. This a time when their bond started; a bond that can never break…

Since then, that bond has grown stronger and stronger each day passes. Even though they did not talk much, with Van's quiet self, just being there for each other was a feeling that created their love for each other.

To Van, just watching Hitomi from afar gave him that calmness within his heart and a feeling that hadn't felt for such a long ever since he was suddenly left alone. Without Hitomi, he is unsure what he would do in life anymore. All he know is that, he will be alone.

Van was completely torn at seeing Hitomi in his mind. His expression turned from his usual calmness to a sad, wincing expression. Just seeing Hitomi tore his heart in two, making him feel depressed. The last image he saw in his mind is Hitomi, looking up at him on the field not too long ago. She was looking at him, with those beautiful, wide eyes of hers that always brighten his day. He could feel his own self lean closer to her, feeling her gentle breath against his face. Soon, the image vanished and nothing came in after that.

Slowly, his hand that was holding Kyoko's slipped away from her. He reached over to the pendant that was held in his other hand and gripped it fervently. "Hitomi," he sadly muttered.

Suddenly, the aura surrounding the purple barrier seized. Instantly, that aura disappeared into the sky, and was replaced by a mingled pink and gold aura that unbalanced the evil within the barrier.

Merle smiled at that moment when she saw that gold and pink aura. She sighed and shock her head. There is no reason for her to be angry at her Lord any longer.

Van opened his eyes to see the barrier slowly dissipating before his eyes. Right then, he could see that very pastel pigment aura using its powers to diminish the obstacle completely. It surprised him to feel the aura's strength. It was tremendous, as if it was unbreakable. Something about that aura almost reflects something within himself, yet he cannot pinpoint what. Slowly, he looked down to see that the hand that was previously holding Kyoko's hand was holding Hitomi's pendant instead.

"What…what's going on?" he asked himself as he clutched the pendant in his hands.

"Van, I can't believe it! We did it!" Kyoko cried happily. "Hehe, it goes to show you that our love is unbreakable, right Van?"

He didn't respond. He continued on, looking at the pendant that was glowing fervently in his hand. A small smile appeared on his lips and nodded his head. Carefully, he put the pendant back around his neck and turned to the others. "Let's go. Hitomi is expecting us."

Allen, Dryden, and Millerna looked curiously at him, as if he was crazy. They looked towards Merle's way and the only thing the young cat girl gave was a knowing smile that the four only knew. The four turned to Van and nodded their heads. Quickly, Allen and Van unsheathed their swords and dashed into the temple, with Dryden and the girls following closely behind.


Deep within the Temple of Arcadia, a single sinister laughter was heard behind a humongous, ancient door that was sealed with a transparent magic barrier. "So, he came after all…it is about to begin…"
Van couldn't believe what is happening at this very moment when he entered the ancient temple. All around, it was dark, ominous, and sinister looking. The once holy decorations surrounding the circular structure was now replaced by evil gargoyles with its solid, dilated eyes glowed crimson red, an evil stone serpent that replaced the solid archways, and the ancient paintings within the area, was now placed with a painting of world filled sorrow and despair that could only lead to destruction. Everything fits the demon's taste, and Van could only growl, anger flowing within his veins.

Cautiously, the group walked along the dark halls, with Van in the front, Dryden behind Van, and Allen in the back, his sword drawn. They walked along the corridors quietly so they will not disturb any monsters that might be lurking in a hidden spot or corner. Van stopped suddenly when everything around was suddenly pitched black. Dryden bumped into him, making Van jump into his fighting stance.

"Sorry, Van," Dryden said, scratching his head. "It's just that we can't see…"

"It's no problem, Dryden…I'm just a bit jumpy right now," Van whispered. "Everyone's here?"

"Yes, Millerna, Merle, and Kyoko are all here," Allen stated. "So, what should we do now? Considering that it is too dark to see…"

Van looked around the dark area. He could feel an evil presence lurking ahead. Knowing this fact, it is no doubt that it is the demon. Clenching the hilt of his sword, he closed his eyes. He reopened his eyes again to see everything light up in his line of vision. All around, there were auras of many color, mostly dark pigments that could only represents the demon's own presence. "Good…I can sense it…just follow me…I'll get us through this."

"But, how? We can't see ourselves," Merle stated.

Van looked down to see the pendant glowing brightly under his shirt. "Can you see a pink light?" he asked.

"Yes, we can see it."

"Then, follow me…"

With that said, everyone started to follow Van as he led the way, taking a precautious step every time they move into a suspicious area.

"Come closer…Van Fanel…I am waiting for you…"

The young Draconian suddenly stop in his tracks when he heard the very ominous voice that set his blood boiling. "He knows we're here…"

He could feel it close by. He could hear his booming voice in the spacious room ahead. They finally made it to the central area of the temple, where the demon is stationed. His heart beating nervously against his chest, Van moved forward.

"This is it, Van. It is time to decide…"

Van could feel himself rapidly walking. He was near, very near to the place where Hitomi was held captive. Soon, he found himself running as fast he can to that place. Easily, in that very moment, Van could feel her, feel Hitomi's presence everywhere. It was growing weaker and weaker every time he took that single step. He rushed through, even though his mind begged him to be more cautious with his actions.

In just feet away, there stood two large doors that blocked his way. With one huge push, Van slammed the doors behind him. In that lingering moment, Van found himself in a huge, circular room, that was not tainted with the demon's own decoration. The room was painted entirely pure as white. Along the sides of two opposite corners on his left and right that was placed as pillars to hold the circular, painted roof, were 16 statues of ancient people wearing holy cloaks, 8 on each side. His eyes slowly scanned from the impregnable statues to the huge altar in the front of the room. Behind that altar was a huge door, with its circular ends outlined with a black aura.

"That must be where 'it' is residing," Van said to himself. "There is no doubt about it." By the time Van lay his eyes on the primordial door, Dryden and the rest of the gang stood cautiously behind Van, amazed by the huge central room of the temple.

"Wow…what a gorgeous place," said Merle, wagging her tail in wonder. "It's unbelievable that this whole area is still intact." Her blue cat eyes looked from one area to the next until she laid her eyes on Kyoko, who was looking as well with unsuspected interests.

"Come on," Van stated after letting his friends take a little glance of the place. "We have to keep on going…"

With his eyes focusing on the door in front of him, Van, with determined eyes, stepped forward, walking down the steps as he made his way through the huge ancient room. As he continued to walk, his senses could feel something about the atmosphere of this magnificent room that his ancestors once lived and served as a temple for their godly deeds. All around, Van could feel a sense of mystery within these walls; a mystery that would explain a part of his ancestor's personality. Before their knowledge has expanded to the point where they have grown wings, his ancestors were deeply involved with Mother Nature and the God of the heavens. In a sense, he could feel that his ancestors were once kind people. They did not care about gaining knowledge. They did not care to turn thoughts into wishes. They did not care about anything other than living a happy life. In this very temple, he felt at ease. It's as if he was embraced in his own mother's arms. It's as if he was embraced in Hitomi's comforting arms. As continued on, pondering about his ancestors, he has come to the conclusion that this haven must be the only source in which keeps their growing knowledge at bay. If they come here, a sense of relief would wash over them, as if Mother Nature is embracing her children. He loved this feeling.

Yet, as he stepped closer and closer, one step at a time, the motherly atmosphere began to diminish, making him feel the power of the demon's work spreading throughout the ancient temple. Van scorned at the thought of his adversary tainting this holy place with his evil, murderous hands.

Finally, he reached the bottom of the steps. With a determined face, his eyes lingered to the primordial door, sensing the demon's evil aura surrounding it. Reaching for his sword, he slowly unsheathed it, readying himself the parallels that will await him once he crosses the room to the door.

"…." "Let's go!" Van yelled and started running towards the door.

"Van! Watch out!" called Allen, just as he reached the bottom of the steps.

Instantly, Van skidded to stop and looked up to see dark magic hurling towards him. Gritting his teeth, Van stepped and backflipped to the spot he was at, avoiding the dark magic in time.

"Aren't you a bit hasty, young Draconian?" said a voice, echoing throughout the room.

Van sneered and looked around him. "It's you again!" he retorted. "Show yourself demon!"

"Courageous, yet stubborn. Hehe, just like you little prince. Reckless and senile, just how you acted 3 years ago," said the demon. "And yet you still pursue on…knowing how impossible it is to rescue your woman. I praise you for your courage young king. I am quite baffled that you made it to this sacred haven that I now call my home…"

Suddenly, the room grew dark as the evil surrounding the door began to sway abnormally. Van sensed this and instantly grew into his fighting stance, with Allen by his side as they prepare for the worst. Dryden remained on top, protecting the girls from danger, watching as the scene unfolds.

Slowly, the purple aura began to form into a single blob, gathering all the evil energy surrounding this sacred temple into one. Vicious winds started come forth as Van and his friends winced at this sudden change in the atmosphere. After the blob gathered enough energy, it suddenly burst throughout the entire room, a sharp light blinding everyone around it.

Van used his arms to cover from the sudden sharp light as the winds blew against his frail body. Slowly, seconds after the blob of energy burst, the winds began to die down and the light began to dim. Van, feeling that the interruption was over, dared himself and stared at the very spot the blob was. His eyes opened at the sight before his very eyes.

Right in front of him, the evil aura formed a figure, almost the same size figure as Van, as this being hovered, looking at Van with evil red eyes. Sharp teeth donned his mouth as he slowly let himself settle on the ground, the purple aura surrounding the outline of his body. As continued to gaze at Van, an evil smile formed upon his lips as he gathered the aura into one hand. The aura started to swirl around his arm and began to form what seemed like a long katana with a huge blade, similar to Van's own royal sword. The aura disappeared once it finished its work and the figure before Van put the dull side of his blade on top of his shoulder, with a cocky look on his face.

"Don't be surprised, boy. After all, I am the essence of your ancestors that they created," the demon remarked as he slowly made his way to him.

Van gritted his teeth and narrowed his eyes, trying to predict what he will do. "You said you want to see me, correct?" asked the demon, pointing at his shadowy self. "Well, here I am. What are you going to do?"

His reckless side began to win and Van took action. He raised his sword and went straight to the demon with a rage that is completely out of this world. Allen and his friends called his name as Van fastidiously went straight towards the demon. The demon remained there, smiling pathetically as his target came closer to him. As Van ran towards the middle of the temple, the demon's eyes began to glow bright red.

Van's eyes noticed this and suddenly, out of nowhere, pain stricken his fighting spirit. Van screamed in utter pain as he fell onto his knees, clutching his chest fervently.

"Van!" screamed Millerna, trying to get out of Dryden's arms to help her fallen friend. "Are you okay! Van!"

"What's…? What's going on?" Van asked painfully, shaking as he tried to look at his opponent from afar.

The demon only smirked as his eyes glowed brighter, making Van scream agonizingly. "Demon! What are you doing to him!" Allen retorted. "I demand to know what are you trying to do him!"

"Don't you get it? Don't get why he is hurting badly even though I am not doing anything?" asked the demon. "Hehe, you are stupider than you look, Allen Schezar, Knight of Calie…what does your country see through such a pathetic knight like yourself?"

Allen only sneered in digest at the demon, knowing very well he is trying to lure him to his trap. "You will submit to me, Van, no matter what…" the demon said. "Because I can call that bug in you anytime I want."

Van winced as more of the pain began to surge through his body. Easily, he could feel his whole body begin to weaken every moment the pain increases. Slowly, he looked at his adversary with hurt and anger in his red-brown eyes. "And…what if I don't comply to your demands?" Van asked as he slowly began to get up, even though his tenderness is not making it easy for him to maneuver.

"…"

"Well…answer me! What if I don't comply to your demands!" Van retorted, finally standing on both of his feet.

The demon began to laugh at Van, looking at his pathetic self-trying to do things that are inevitable. "If you don't follow my commands, then…your woman…will die!"

Van's eyes widened in horror. "What!"

Suddenly, another burst of light came from the middle of the temple, making everyone wince more at this sudden dilemma. As the light began to dim down, Van quickly looked into that direction and his eyes widen in horror.

Right there, hovering above the ground, surrounded by a aura-like capsule of sorts, is none other than Hitomi.

"No…! Hitomi!" hollered Van. "Hitomi!"

No response came from the woman as she laid there, her bright eyes closed from the outside world. "Hitomi!" screamed Merle from afar.

"D-Demon…what…what have you done to her?" retorted Van grudgingly. "What did you do to her!"

"Her aura is quite promising. With that aura, I was able to make this form to add in my powers to kill you. For a woman from Earth, she is certainly one of a kind. She is not like the other inhabitants living in her world. Her aura possess great power; power that shines her innocence. She has this power to draw a lot of people to her. And her positive attitude never dies. She is a remarkably beautiful person from inside and out…" Slowly, the demon looked away from Hitomi to the young prince who was struggling to stand on his own feet. "I am certain that must be the reason you are so attach to this woman. She is quite a mystery…"

A smirk formed in his mouth as he slowly approaches Hitomi's still form. "Now, that very beauty that she has is slowly withering away. And that fault revolves around you…"

Van's eyes grew dangerously low as he started running towards the demon again. "Don't be in a rush young king…or…"

His red eyes once more brightened. Van felt the searing pain and instantly, he fell to his knees, screaming at the top of his lungs. "Why? Why each time I take a step, he always me kneel to my knees? Why?" The young sovereign felt like as if the demon is pushing him to the ground. Slowly, Van opened his eyes, wincing as he tried his best to open his eyes. Suddenly, his eyes opened in horror as a horrible sound came through his ears. His head lifted up and followed the voice and gasped in horror.

Hitomi's screams erupted throughout the entire area, making everyone look at her limp form being battered by the magic stored within the barrier surrounding her. Van slowly stood on his feet, feeling rage building up his entire, replacing the utter pain that the curse is giving him. "If you so much want to rescue this girl, then you shouldn't be so rush, young king," said the demon with a smile, the magic within Hitomi's barrier decreasing, leaving Hitomi to groan in pain. "Hitomi's life will be danger each time you are in pain. The more you are in pain, the more she will. And the more you continue with rash recklessness, then she will sooner die…"

"W-why…why you…" Van sneered.

"What will it be, young Draconian. Give up and let the girl live or fight with me and let the girl die…"

Van slowly stood on his knees, gasping for breath. Not only he was in a tight situation, he had to make a decision that would benefit Hitomi, the world, and himself. He pondered thoughtfully as he tried to regain his strength. If he gave up now, the whole world is going to perish under the rule of this demon. The demon would gain the powers that he greedily wants and control Gaea in his own colors. Even if Van gave up his powers, Hitomi still would be a dire situation. Fighting the demon would also put Hitomi into a bad situation.

"I don't have much a choice now do I?" thought Van as he slowly reached for his sword on the ground. In front of him, the demon carefully watched Van's movements, watching as he grabbed for his sword and readying himself in a fighting stance. The demon only smirked and prepared himself for the fight to come.

"So, you decide to fight me. You do know that if you get hurt, then that girl will be hurt as well?"

Van stared into his adversary with icy eyes, even though he is shaking from his diminishing strength. "Even if I were to give up, Hitomi will die in the end. Besides, I won't give up just yet. Everyone is counting on me and I won't let Gaia and the Mystic Moon fall into your dirty hands."

"How will defeat me, young Draconian. There is nothing you can do. It is much wiser to give it up instead of doing something that is quite impossible to do."

"Even if it's impossible, I'll find a way," Van said, lowering into his stance. "I won't die…I won't die just yet…"

The demon smirked. "Then…prepare for a lot of hell, Draconian. I will teach you for picking a fight with me!"

Just as the words came out of the demon's mouth, his shadowy physique vanished within a blink of an eye, causing Van to react with a surprise look on his face. Grimacing, Van looked around for his opponent, looking everywhere carefully with cautious eyes. As stood there, still in his fighting stance, Allen looked around too, trying his best to help out his friend for any attack from behind.

"Damn…where is he?" Van bellowed, searching frantically for the malevolent demon. He checked with his mind and followed his impulse to find anything that alert his weary mind. Nothing came about and Van once searched the area, sweat beginning to form under his brow.

Allen dared step near Van as he looked around, walking one step at a time as if he was a cat sneaking quietly towards its prey.

Suddenly, Van felt something in the pit of his mind and he suddenly turned around. "Allen!" Once he warned his knight friend, Van instantly dashed into that direction, trying his best to reach his friend time. Allen instantly heeded Van's warning the moment he saw Van's head whirl towards his direction. When Allen was about to quickly avoid any attacks, the demon appeared in front of him out of nowhere, causing Allen to stop, shocked to the core.

Van could sense the demon's evil presence and cursed once more, trying his best to reach his friend in time. The demon laughed and swung towards Allen with unbelievable swiftness. Van could not reach him in time, as he predicted. With the only option to save his friend, Van quickly horned in the amount of energy he has within his body and with his left hand, he hurled in front of him, causing the amount of energy in his hand to create a warm, telekinetic magic towards the demon. His opponent sensed it as Van's powers went towards him swiftly. With a smirk appearing on his evil smile, he stopped his motives to attack Allen and disappeared to dodge the attack.

Suddenly, after he executed his powers, a rush of ache surged through Van's body as he went back down to his knees, holding his chest with his free hand. "Big mistake," Van thought as he tried his best to muffle his cries. "If I use my powers, that damn bug will try to devour me…"

From afar, he could hear Hitomi's screams again, feeling what he is feeling right now. "Tch, that monster is trying to lure me to use powers. And by using Allen as a decoy, the only way I can reach him in time is if I use my powers."

The demon's laughter rang throughout the entire room. "You can never match with me in the state you are in, Draconian. My powers are more superior than yours. There is no way you can detect my movements without using your Draconian powers," he said.

Van slowly stood up, looking around as he listened intently to his opponent's voice. "Just being you right now is completely useless. There is no other choice but to surrender…"

"Not a billion years!" Van retorted back towards his opponent. "There is no way in hell I'll give up that easily!" Van grew in his fighting stance. "Even if I can't use my powers, I'll still find a way!"

The demon smirked for the billionth time and looked on at Van, entertained. "And you still keep on going despite the consequences you will be facing? Oh well, it does not matter, I'll enjoy torturing you until all that is left of you is nothing but an empty corpse. Die!"

Van could feel his opponent coming near him in a rapid pace. Yet, he could not detect where. Just as Van turned around, a huge slash came across Van's leg as he cried in agony, falling onto his knees from the impact. By his response, more pain surged through once more, making him scream more than he can carry as well as Hitomi.

"Van!" screamed Millerna as she finally broken through Dryden's arms, running towards her fallen friend. Just as she reached the bottom of the steps, an invisible barrier blocked her way, causing to fall on her rear. "No good! He's already surrounding the whole area just so Van and possibly Allen could fight against him." Slowly, she stood on her feet.

"You all right?" asked Dryden, holding both of her petite shoulder's.

Millerna nodded her head. "If I was there, I could have helped them."

Merle went beside her friend and looked on with worried eyes. "All we can do now…is believe in their own strength and cheer them on," Merle stated. "They'll get to Hitomi…I know…"

Allen rushed over to his fallen friend to see a huge gash on his left leg. Cursing, he leaned in to help him up. "Van, can you stand?" he asked.

Van breathed harshly as he stood on both feet, gazing around his area for any signs of another attack. "Yeah, Allen. Thanks," he said as he leaned off of Allen. "It's risky for you to be here, Allen. The monster moves fast and I was able to avoid a fatal attack."

"I know, but I can't leave you here alone. Especially in your condition," Allen stated worriedly.

"Don't worry about me, Allen. Worry about Hitomi," Van said as he looked at Hitomi's frail body far away, seeing her breathing becoming unstable. "Every time I get a blow or use my powers, she will feel the effects that I am having. And by doing this, each time she feels that pain, her energy begins to be absorbed by that demon."

"So, you are saying that she is having the same affects as you are having with that curse?" he asked.

"That's right. And because of his fast movements, I can't use anything except my own instincts. I can feel his presence near by, but I don't know exactly where. It takes time for me to understand without the use of my own powers. So I can't detect his aura…"

Allen sneered. "We are at a disadvantage."

Van nodded in agreement. "But, right now, we have something important. We have to get Hitomi out of that barrier." He nudged his head towards Hitomi. "That way, we will be able to save her…and lift ourselves from that burden…"

"But, what about you? What happens IF we managed to save Hitomi?" Allen asked.

"Don't worry about me," Van said repeated. "Worry about Hitomi." Van reached for his fallen sword, sucking in a deep breath. "Allen, I'll fight the demon."

"What!" Allen said incredulously.

"There is no way for you to fight against him. His skills outclass yours. Normal eyes can't see him and you should very well know that, since he came in front of you without you noticing."

"T-that's…that's true…"

"Now, I'll distract him as much as possible and you run and get Hitomi as if your life depend upon it," Van said, beginning to feel the rapid presence of his foe. "I'll tell you when I get him distracted. Right then, you run for it. Understand!"

Allen noticed Van's eyes suddenly narrowed, his whole tense in full alert. With a simple nod, Allen waited patiently as Van ran to find a safer place to distract him.

Nervousness and determination working through his tired mind, Van ran around, trying to feel how close is the demon is. From where he stood with Allen, he could him closing in. After explaining his last minute plan, Van ran into another direction. Surprisingly, his nearness was no longer coming any close to him. Van abruptly stopped the moment he felt his nearness diminish. Panic rush through his face. "Where is he?"

"I told you it was useless!"

Van's eyes widened in horror as he saw the demon hurtling towards him from above. Quickly recovering from this major shock, Van lifted his sword and barely blocked his attack, making Van stumble backwards. As Van tried to regain his composure, the demon suddenly appeared behind him, his sword above his head. Flinching, Van used the imbalance of his composure and avoided a vital attack. His leg began to throb painfully and Van grimaced, feeling tired to move. Suddenly, as if struck by lightening, Van felt a searing pain crossing his front, causing him to weakly fall to his knees.

"Van!" yelled Allen, watching as his friend fall to his knees. Other than that, Allen was relieved that he was still standing tall.

Van breathed harshly, trying to absorb the pain. Slowly, he raised himself to his feet, grabbing his sword in the process. A sudden rush of wind immediately came into Van's senses, causing to jolt sideways just in time to avoid the demon's sudden surprise attack from his right side. Van whirled around and horizontally slashed at the demon, using all the strength he has in that maneuver. However, the demon instantly dodged it and once more vanished into thin air.

"I…I think…I'm getting it," Van thought as he listened carefully to his instincts. "I can distinguish his quick movements…barely. But, each time, I am improving." He looked to his left to see Allen waiting patiently for Van's call. "But, I can't waste my time trying to avoid his attacks. I have to take the offensive mood."

Shakily, Van could feel his opponent growing near and he readied himself once more, this time for a defense and offense maneuver. From where he is standing, Allen could distinguish the stance Van put himself into. His expression firming, he waited until Van gave him the signal.

Closing his eyes, breathing tiredly, Van waited for the right moment to strike. He could feel him coming closer…closer…closer…

…closer…closer…

Van's eyes immediately opened and instantly swung his sword to the right, whirling his body until he met with his enemy's swords, both clashing against each other. "Allen! Now!" Van yelled as he tried his best to get his opponent's sword away from him.

Allen nodded his head and instantly made a quick dash towards Hitomi's limp form. As Allen rapidly approaches Hitomi's body, the demon instantly caught wing of their plan.

Van's vision suddenly became blurry. The muscles trying to hold against the enemy's persistent attack began to weak painfully as the curse inside him as it continued on to drain the energy he has to fight. He could feel his mind submit the affects of the curse as he felt a searing headache breaking his keen thoughts. "Allen, hurry, I'm not sure how long I can hold him off…"

Allen was closing in to Hitomi's body, looking in Van's way to see him doing his job as much as possible. With a hopeful smile, Allen looked in front of him. Suddenly, out of nowhere, a huge light spread his line of vision.

Van's knees began to weaken by the moment, feeling that his adversary's strength was truly unbearable to handle. His wounds began to cause him to weaken. He wanted to touch his wounds, yet he was not able to do so because his hands were too busy trying to keep him alive. Suddenly, a burst of light caught his eye and it came directly where Allen is heading. Van's head whirled around to see it consume his friend. "Allen!" yelled Van.

"You think you can rescue her with your skills?"

Van could hear Allen screaming painfully as the huge dark flames push him away from his goal. From afar, he could see Allen's body being thrown across the room to the nearest pillar. With a huge crash, Allen collided to the floor, his body battered completely. Van narrowed his eyes as he watched his comrade fall. He was still alive, yet he will not be able to continue to go for a second round. Without Allen injured and the others trapped behind a barrier, Van was the only left.

"It's useless…"

Van looked at the demon to see him only disappear in front of his eyes. Surprised, Van looked around. "You are weak. You are only useful for my food. You can never defeat me…"

His closeness came into Van's mind and he instantly attack, only to feel nothing but air.

"The only way you can defeat me is if you use your powers…"

Again, Van could feel him nearby and swung once more. He only hit air again. Van cursed frustratingly.

"You have gone all this way, and you only end in failure…"

Van looked around him to see Allen lying on the floor, unable to move any further. He looked behind him to see Dryden, Millerna, Merle, and Kyoko standing there helplessly behind the barrier as they continued on to help cheer them on. Wincing painfully, Van held the handle of his sword, anger rising.

"The more you use your emotions; the more you use your skills; the more you use your mind; the more you will feel the pain…"

He felt eyes upon his back. Van spun around and attacked. Nothing was there. Van stood there, completely stumped. What is he to do now? If he made a move, the demon would surely make his move. His gaze fell onto the frail form of Hitomi, seeing her there, lying helplessly, crying in pain because of this dilemma. A sudden rush of adrenaline came from Van's mind, pumping in more energy for him to move on. The only thing that is on his mind right now is to save her. Even if he is on a disadvantage, he will continue on. With a determined look, Van started running towards Hitomi.

"Van!" screamed Kyoko. "You will die if you continue on! Give up!"

Van ignored her words and continued to his goal, trying to avoid the voice that is trying to hold him back. As he ran towards his love, darkness started to surround him as he took each quick step, feeling something growing around him. A flash came in front of his eyes and Van instantly dodged it, running forward as the dark purple fireball hit the ground. He looked in front to see another one coming at him. Van leaped away from it, and then another and another. The attacks were endlessly attacking him and Van could easily feel his weariness. Yet, his heart did not stop him and gave him adrenaline each time he thought about Hitomi. Suddenly, the huge fireballs turned into miniature meteors as it went straight towards Van. One skimmed Van's skin as he winced painfully, feeling its hotness. With his arms, Van protected his face from the hard, small objects as he continued forward, hesitation the last thing on his mind.

As minutes wore on, Van's fast pace gradually slowed down, as the pain he is feeling is something truly unbearable for him to handle. All around, his body was filled with scratches and bruises from all kinds of magic spells that his adversary gave him. Yet, despite the torture he has to go through, he kept on going, his mind thinking about Hitomi and her safety. Breathing haggardly, he held his right arm, taking one step at time.

Suddenly, after a few moments of walking, Van's eyes widen and he quickly dodged the demon's sudden attack from behind. Wincing, he landed to the spot to the right, not too far away from where the demon struck. Pain coursed through his entire body and suddenly, Van coughed violently.

"It looks like you are at your limits, young King," said the demon's voice once more.

"Shut up…" Van whispered through his violent coughs. Slowly, he turned around and continued where he left off.

"Can't you see? It is impossible for you to save her…"

"Shut up…" Van muttered again, breathing haggardly.

"It is meaningless…"

"Shut up…" retorted Van.

"Face it, it is hopeless. There is no one who save her now…"

"I said shut up!" Van yelled, swinging his sword behind him to clash with his opponents. It was a surprise for Van to swing his sword so quickly at his adversary with unbelievable swiftness.

"You never know when to give up do you?" the demon asked, his eyes glowing.

Again, the pain in Van started to consume him as he leaned against his knees. "Giving up is the least thing from my mind," Van bellowed angrily. "There is no way I'll ever give up on the people I care about…"

"I must admit, I like your willingness not to give up. But what frustrates me is that you are not giving in your powers…"

Van looked on as the demon disappeared. "This last attack will surely kill you, Draconian. Die!"

Suddenly, as quick as a speeding bullet, something in the air caught Van's attention from behind. It was so quick that his feet did not move at all. After what seemed like an eternity, Van's eyes widened.

"AGH!"

Merle's eyes widened when she recognize that scream. "Lord Van!" she yelled. "Lord Van's…! He can't take anymore of this! He's going to die if he continues on in his state!"

Millerna and Dryden looked at Merle, horror reading their faces. "Van…you shouldn't gone on so recklessly," whispered Dryden, punching a nearby pillar. "If only I was there to help them…"

Slowly, the dark fog surrounding where Van was, slowly disappeared. Two figures emerged as the fog disappeared, one looking on afar as the other lay limply on the floor. Finally, after the fog lifted, everyone's eyes took in the scene. "No!" Merle screamed as she recognized the limp figure on the floor.

Blood started pooling on the floor as Van lay there, his back imprinted with a wound like no other. The gash was so huge that Millerna could not believe her eyes. "H-how could you…?" Millerna stated, tears forming in her eyes. "His injuries are so severe. He's not going to live much longer…"

"Millerna…" said Dryden, sympathizing the young princess as he held her in his arms.

"Lord Van…" Merle said, feeling tears forming the

The demon laughed coldly as he looked upon the body of the young king, battered, wounded, and bloodied from the demon's continuous attacks. "Muhaha, now I can claim my prize…"

"Van, you idiot. I told you to give up, but you wouldn't listen…" Kyoko stated lamely. "Why? Why do you have to rescue that wrench?"

"Because that wrench you speak of Kyoko…is someone special to me that I care about so much…" said a voice. Everyone's saddened state suddenly lifted as they looked forward.

Right there, slowly getting up, Van stood up on his two feet, his breathing unstable. Despite the fatal injury on his back, Van still stand strong. Blood leaked from his back to the ground as he stood there, looking at Hitomi's delicate body. Sadness fell in his eyes as he gazed at the beautiful woman, crying for his help. "Hitomi…" whispered as he started walking weakly towards her.

The demon, from afar, watched Van continue onward, as if the injury was not there at all. His eyes twitched dangerously as Van pursued on, trying to reach the girl with the all the remaining strength he has.

"What is so important about that girl! Why are you so desperate to get this girl! She is nothing important to you!"

Van commenced on, not heeding the demon's words.

From behind, his body still completely worn from the last attack, Allen slowly sat himself up, watching Van continue his desperate rescue for Hitomi. "Van…"

Angered by this, the demon's eyes glowed dangerously, making the bug within Van start its work again. Van felt it and instantly went back on the floor.

"Give it up, Draconian. There is nothing you can do. You cannot save her…"

Van winced grudgingly at the floor as he tried getting up. He was trying his best to fight off the bug and the wound from the demon's vicious attack. Whenever a single moment passes by, Van could feel himself become more tired than before, his vision beginning to darken miraculously.

"Van! Don't push yourself!" yelled Millerna from across the room. "If you continue on like this, you're going to die and you won't be able to save Hitomi!"

"Please! Lord Van!" yelled Merle. "Please don't do this!"

Still, despite the pleas that everyone is passing towards him, Van still tried to get up. Slowly, he stood on his own two feet, his gaze looking at Hitomi's body within the barrier, her face reading the pain she is going through. Without any second thought, he started walking towards her. "Hitomi…"

Once Van began to walk painstakingly slow to her, Hitomi's body arched as the evil aura around doubled, screaming horribly.

"Van, stop!"

"Don't! You'll kill yourself!"

Sweat poured down his scrunched face as he took another painful step. He ignored the voices around him completely as his mind focused on the blurry image of Hitomi. "I…won't give up on you…like you won't give up on me…just like…three years ago…I swore that I would always protect you…"

He took another step, making everyone scream even louder behind the barricade wall. Again, their opposing thoughts did not affect Van in any way. "I…am…going to keep up with that promise…even if the situation is bleak…"

He was beginning to grow closer and closer to Hitomi, even though his pace was quite slow. Within his shirt, the pendant started to glow, its pink glow beginning to become visible under his red shirt. He couldn't give up now, after coming all this way. There is a way. Hitomi would always say that, as a positive thinker she is. He will believe in her words and believe in his words. This added to his strong determination and he continued to pursue.

"Why…?"

Van was closer to Hitomi as the demon watched Van's actions.

"Why do you keep on going when there is no way for you to save her…?"

Van ignored the demon, his eyes showing hatred to his opponent.

"No…it's useless…you can't save her…it's already too late. She is mine now…"

He didn't give into his words.

"You will be mine if you continue on like this…"

"I don't care…"

"Fine, you want me to end your life quickly? So be it!" Above, due to his impatience, the demon lifted his hands up, its black aura surrounding him began to form into a black, electrifying ball. Quickly, he extended his hands and aimed it towards Van. "Die!"

With those words, the demon released his magic towards Van. It hurled quickly through the area, aiming its ominous aura towards Van's back.

"Van!" yelled Allen.

"Van! Look out!"

Suddenly, the magic made impact, but not on Van. Right when it inched towards his back, a pink barrier appeared from behind, making the demon's magic collide with it. It tried to pass through the aura, but it was too strong. Not being able to withstand it, the black aura exploded, leaving Van to keep going.

"What's happening! Why can't it go through!" asked the demon incredulously. "What did you just do!"

Finally, after taking each step gradually, he stood before Hitomi, his dull eyes showing compassion towards the seer. For a while, he stared at her, looking into her face, even though her expression showed painfulness. "It must be hard for you…to endure this pain…huh?" he said softly. "I'm sorry…that you must suffer…from all this…"

"Why? Why are you so determined?" asked the demon as he heard his words. "What is this feeling that you share to this wretched girl? Could it be that you…love her?"

Van gasped when he heard the demon's last question. He suddenly grew silent after the mention of that one word, the one word that comes into question, that one word that is meaningful to everyone. Love.

His body began to shake as he lowered his head, making his bangs cover his eyes. Slowly, his hands began to form fists. "I-I--" He looked away from her form and looked at another floor, deeply troubled by this concept. This uncertainty within Van is something that he could never deal with. With such feelings as this, he feels weak, almost as if he needed someone to hold his hand. His heart and his brain; it was all causing this uncertainty inside of him. Could he really love her? Or does he love Kyoko? "I-I'm…not sure," he finally stated.

Merle slowly stepped up and angrily glared at her brother, her fists clenching tightly. "Lord Van…haven't I told you...before? Don't you remember what I told of what you feel towards Hitomi!" she hollered.

Her words rang through his ears, and Van could not help but listen to his wise sister's words.

"Don't you see! I know…I know because I know you more than everyone else remember? Look at what you are doing right now. When Hitomi was in danger, you never gave up on her. You simply wanted to rescue her with all your heart, even if the situation almost seems impossible." She paused for a moment and looked at his back. "I'm thinking you are going to say that you are merely friends. Don't even think about lying to yourself. If your relationship is only mere friendship, then explain to me why? Why do you always show such compassion towards her unlike anyone else? Why are you always near her? And why are we in the first place? You couldn't do this alone." Merle threw her hands down to the side. "You are dense than I thought. Lord Van…why are so blind? After all this time, don't you realize that you still love her?"

His eyes widen when Merle finished her thoughts. With those words, something made his heart beat like a rapid drum. One beat after another made his heart feel as if he is floating in air. "Can it be true? Do I…still love Hitomi?"

"Haven't you figured it out yet?"

Van looked up and turned around. He was no longer in the temple with everyone else. All could he see is nothing more than a blue sky with drifting clouds around him. "Van, over here…"

With that voice, Van turned behind him to see a man there, who was smiling towards him. The mysterious man in front of him almost looks exactly like himself, yet, he was older, taller, and his hair is lighter than his. Cautiously, Van fully turned to him, with an awe look on his face. "Brother…" he muttered.

"Van…I know it's hard for you to sort your feelings out. After all, you never dealt with these feelings because you were so consumed with so many responsibilities at a very young age, and also, you don't have me or Father to help you out."

"Then tell me…tell me how I really feel? Who do I truly love? Hitomi…or Kyoko?" Van asked pleadingly.

Folken looked into Van's eyes to observe what is inside of him. With a single sigh, he closed his eyes. "Hitomi, of course…"

"Hitomi…?" Van questioned.

"You're eyes tell it all," Folken explained as he slowly approached his younger brother. "Think back, Van, think back of what happened…before this event has started. Think back, before Hitomi returned to her own world…"

Obliged, Van closed his eyes and began to go back to those precious memories that he would always cherish within his heart. Slowly, images of that day started to flow through his mind. Slowly, he opened his eyes to see himself in the fields of Fanelia, with the gate entrance of his kingdom 2 miles away. "I remember…that we spent a few days at Fanelia. We helped rebuild everything that was damaged from Zaibach's wrath. It was such a beautiful day then…"

Laughters were heard from a distance. Slowly, Van turned to that noise to see two people climbing up the field. One of them was Hitomi, 3 years ago, with her hair still short as ever. Running behind her came his younger self as he scurried along to capture Hitomi. He watched as Van was catching up to her, Hitomi's giggles increasing as she tried to get away from him.

Soon, within arms reach from behind, Van leapt towards her and grabbed her right behind her back. Hitomi screamed and fell on to the ground, laughing all the while as the two collided to the ground.

"You got me," panted Hitomi as she lay on her back. "You sure can run fast."

Van simply laughs without any word as he rolled himself to his back with Hitomi by his side. For a while, after their humor have died down, they settled down and gazed at the beautiful sky. They did not talk, rather, they were comfortable letting the silence come between them as they continued to enjoy their company.

Van never left his gaze from the sky. Soon, he found himself dozing off, with his eyes slowly closing. A comfortable smile appeared on his lips and heaved a content sigh.

"You know, this is the first time…I ever seen you smile…" Van reopened his eyes to see Hitomi looking directly into his face, her head hovering above his.

"Really?" Van asked, blushing at closeness they were in. Hitomi smiled and giggled silently to herself when she saw that blush on his cheeks.

"Of course, not once I've ever seen you smile…your real smile." She paused for a moment and gazed into his eyes. "It suites you, you know. Your real smile…I think it looks cute on you." Instantly, Hitomi blushed after what she said.

A compliment from Hitomi? Van was rather happy about it and once more, smiled at her. "Thank you," he replied happily. "I'm just glad…that it came from you…"

Hitomi simply nodded, her red hue still on her cheeks.

"With the responsibilities no longer on top of your shoulder, you were able to have fun for a change," Folken remarked as he came behind his brother. "And…Hitomi was the first to ever witness you smiling."

Van nodded. "Yes, I also remembered that day, we were late going back to the temporary camp in the front courtyard of the castle, near the entrance gates. We've been talking so long. But it was enough for me to know, that I was beginning to feel more and more in love with her…"

One-by-one, each scene of those few days were simply precious to Van as one scene floated through his eyes. There was one particular scene were with Merle, trying to catch some fish for the people. From that event, they were all wet, but they had all the fun out of it. Van's smile came in more often now as the people around them began to notice. Also, they noticed the strong bond Van and Hitomi. The two were always never seen apart. They would always go everywhere, even in the smallest places.

One-by-one, after one scene came after another, Van could feel how it felt back then, to simply feel content. Finally, the day of Hitomi's departure, a day that Van thought it was the saddest moments of his life. It was the afternoon of the fifth day. Van has just invited Hitomi to join him for dinner at the fields once more to watch the sunset.

"I was nervous when I wanted to ask her to go out to dinner with me alone," Van recalled, his eyes closed.

The scene before them captured the two riding a single horse towards that very spot. Hitomi was in the front while Van was in the back, holding the reins of the horse. Behind them, strung over by a rope was a single picnic basket and huge quilted blanket under the basket. They slowly trotted along as they enjoyed the scenery before them. Hitomi lifted her hair from face as the winds started pick, a smile appearing on her face. Van smiled and watched her sneakily as she continued to view her surroundings. Suddenly, her hands lightly grasped his hand. A blush appeared on his face from the surprise contact, but smiled, clasping her hands in the same way.

They rode on silently until they made to the spot. Slowly, Van lifted himself off the horse and offered Hitomi for any assistance. She smiled and grasped onto his hand, landing gently on the soft grass. Soon, they set up everything and were now eating, enjoying their company with conversations, silence, and fun. The sun was slowly setting by the time they finished. The two only sat there and watched the sun go down into the horizon, the breeze bringing in a pleasant warmth between them.

The silence was broken when Hitomi looked straight into his eyes, somewhat troubled. Noticing this, Van slowly leaned up from his kneeling position and gazed concernedly into her eyes. "What's the matter?" he asked.

Hitomi looked away, biting her bottom lip. "Van…I'm not sure how I should say this…but…" Slowly, she lifted her head. To his surprise, instead of that trouble look on her face, it was replaced with a sad and teary look. "I want to return home…back to my family…"

Van was suddenly taken back her words. "W-what? Why?" he asked, somewhat incredulously.

"I can't…just leave everything the way it is back home," she explained as she turned her gaze from him. "My family…they must be…worried about me, after being here for such a long time. And…I still need to take care of stuff back home. After all, I am still in school, trying to do my best in life. I am still young…after all…"

"So…you don't…want to stay here…with me?" Van asked depressingly.

Quickly, she looked at him, shaking her head fervently. "No, no, no! It's not that all! I just…I can't leave my life. I must take my responsibilities back at home. There were a lot of things I was taught here, and mainly, you were the one who taught me the most," she explained. "When I watched you, you were taking in everything without hesitating. You take on problems and solve them. You decide on tough situations between fighting or not. That was when I realized…that I want to be like you. Although we haven't talked much, I always admire everything about you. Your strength, your courage, even your hot-headedness." Slowly, Hitomi paused for a moment as she looked for any words to say. "Whenever I am around you, I feel as I can be myself, you know. Even if we haven't talked much, I feel…as if I can relate to you in some ways." Her eyes started to water as Hitomi tried her best to hold the tears. "You were always there for me, protecting me no matter what. I was able to get to know the real you that was underneath that stubborn and hot-headed self. No sooner did I realized that you were a kind and compassionate person, even though you hide it in yourself. I was able to get to know you…that I soon realized…what I truly felt." Her hand slowly came above her heart. "You mean everything to me, Van. I've never met a person like you." She looked into his eyes again and smiled sadly. "You are one of a kind….between your world and mine."

The present Van watched as Hitomi began to explain to his younger self with mixed emotions about her words. "Hitomi…"

"But, what happens if I go back?. Will I forget what happened? Will I return to the way things were? Will I…forget you?" Tears gushed down from her eyes as it went down her cheeks. "But…I have no other choice. I can't leave my family behind…just like that. But I can't help, but feel…scared. Scared that I might forget everything that happened here. Scared that I will…forget…you…"

At that moment as Hitomi cried her eyes out, Van watched her tremble in sadness, watching her as she began to mumble to herself. A wave of emotion hit subconsciously in Van's mind. He could feel her feelings; her fears, her grief, her anxiety, her emotional heart. His eyes never left hers as he watched her. His mouth opened, but no words came out. He quickly looked away and stared at the ground. He wanted to say something to her; he wanted to speak up how he truly felt, but, he might say something wrong to make her feel worse. He knows, after that mistake from the windmill. He regretted what he said or did then, and he didn't want to regret what he said now. With only one option to do, Van scooted closer to her huddled form and brought her into his arms. She instantly responded and she tightened the hug, her cries increasing as she felt her head hit against his chest lightly.

Van tightened his arms around her and laid his head gently on top of Hitomi's head. "Shh…don't cry…everything is going to be okay," he simply said. "Don't cry…"

Van looked away from the scene as sadness filtered his heart. "You are going to have to face your past someday, Van," said Folken.

Van nodded his head as he felt the tears forming. "I couldn't say anything then…I wanted to say something, but…I wasn't able to. When she left the next day, I thought…that it was too late…to confess to her…"

Slowly, he looked up into the clear blue sky that he was first in. "Years soon passed by, and I still thought about her…from the first time we met to the end. Those memories still lingered in my mind with those emotional moments…until Kyoko appeared." Once more he closed his eyes. "I was truly surprised that she resembled Hitomi in so many features that I thought that she was Hitomi herself. And so, we talked every day and soon, our feelings turned into more than friendship. On the night before I asked her to marry me, in the starry sky, just passing through the Mystic Moon, I saw a shooting star. Right then, I made a wish…a wish that I would see her once more. Right after I made that wish, I heard a voice. A soft, gentle voice that I could feel myself…drift into. The voice said: 'I wish that you can see me, Van, heading into another stage of my life. Although you may not understand…but someday, you will. I just hope...one day…I will see you again…more than anything…' Then, after a moment of silence, the voice said: 'I wonder…if Van ever saw that…'" Van paused for a moment. "It was weird…it was the exact moment I made my wish…from that voice…I thought that I heard Hitomi. That voice only made me realize how much I missed her…how much I missed seeing her. After that, I proposed to Kyoko and then now…the present event…"

"But you do realize…where your heart holds?" Folken asked. "Do you know who truly love?"

Van fell silent for a moment as he once more began to think. It doesn't make any difference. He is still confused, confused of the whole concept. Why did Folken tell him to review his past? Why did he think of every event? It did not make any sense to Van at all.

"Maybe you should look at yourself in the present day…to see who Kyoko truly is," Folken said. "Your answer…can be found through Kyoko. Since you were say you love her, then, what do you really like about her?"

Suddenly, the image of the blue sky vanished into thin air. Van looked around himself to find himself back in his homeland, in the palace, in his own room. His own self was lying in bed, sickly. Van remembered that day. He remembered that he was suddenly sick. It was right before the day when he slept for several days, before Hitomi's surprising arrival. He watched as Merle came by and changed the warm towel from his head to put a fresh one to replace it. His eyes opened weakly and grasped Merle's arm gently. "Where's Kyoko?" he asked.

"She said she has some busy stuff to do. She will be right there once she is done," Merle said. "Just rest, Lord Van. Allen is going to check up on you in a little bit."

"Thanks Merle…" he said and fell asleep.

Merle smiled as he watched her older brother sleep once more. "I wish Hitomi was here, rather than that Kyoko. She was supposed to be the one to change the towel. I was busy making his meal," she muttered as she walked along the long corridors to the kitchen. Once she entered the kitchen, she heard banging noises inside the small pantry. With an annoyed sigh, Merle went over there and knocked on the door rather loudly. "Hey, don't spoil the food with your rummaging! People needs fresh food, not contaminated food with your human sweat!" retorted Merle and went into the other side of the kitchen. Right after Merle entered the other side, the pantry door opened to reveal Kyoko and the young chef of the kitchen. They were smiling at each other as they tried their best to straighten up their untidy clothes. After that, they went their separate ways.

Surprise etched his entire face when saw the two went into their respective ways. "S-since when did this…?"

"You haven't noticed…? You haven't noticed what Kyoko was doing to you all this time?" asked Folken.

"N-no…because I was so busy dealing with other things…that I didn't realize--"

Another scene broke his thoughts. This time, the scene showed inside the library. A blue light flashed through the windows momentarily and it soon disappeared. Commotion was heard on the bottom floor of the castle. Rushing footsteps were heard from the door and right then, Hitomi whizzed by. Along her tail is Merle and Allen who were following her to the direction of Van's room.

"This was…the night when she returned…after all this time…yet, how come we are viewing it through the library?"

From within, Kyoko was sitting on Van's desk, looking through all his file work that was mainly supposed to be confidential to everyone. She looked through one packet and flipped to a page. A smile adorned her face and she put it down, looking through another stack. "Hehe, I am going to rich as hell," she said. "Who cares about him! All I need is his wealth…and now, all I need is popularity from the public and show them that I am the nicest person. They wouldn't even think twice about me…" She lifted a packet from the dirty pile and opened the packet to see loads of money in neatly tucked in order. Curious, she looked at the label, reading "Annual Dragon Festival: Help the orphans from the Great War Fund." She was completely intrigued of how much money was in this simple packet. "A lot of people in Fanelia really do care," she began as she looked behind her sneakily. "About me, of course, hehe." She swiped the money from the packet and put it in her little purse. With an innocent face that covered her true nature, she went out of the hallways and walked along the corridors until one of the castle maids came up to her.

"You were sick then. You didn't notice that she stole from the fund that you extremely worked hard for," Folken explained. "Even before Hitomi arrived, Kyoko has sweeping money from you."

Van just stared silently at the scene, emotionless. He was completely speechless.

"What you see…is what Kyoko's true nature. She may be nice and compassionate on the outside, but on the inside, she is a devil, maybe far worse than your opponent. She is nothing more than a person who deceives people in order to gain her vanity."

"What are you looking at?" asked Kyoko snobbishly. She was talking to Hitomi while the poor girl was merely passing by.

"Nothing…" Hitomi said, continuing down the stairs as she swiftly passed Kyoko.

"You know, you should bow to your Queen-to-be," said Kyoko, folding her arms across her chest angrily. "You are so disrespectful, you know…"

Hitomi turned and glowered at the young Noblewoman. "Well, obviously, I don't know your stupid customs. And besides, I'm not from around here. I'm from a planet in which all life forms are better than your snobbish attitude."

"You take that back, or else I'll tell Van that you said harsh things to me!"

"Go ahead and squeal. I don't really care if I did get in trouble," she said, putting her long hair on her right shoulder. "But, even though you have Van, and you have my eyes and looks, you are not as close as being me."

One scene after another was filtered with Kyoko's true self that was hidden behind the elegant, well-mannered shell of hers. Each moment was worse thant the other, seeing what is her true thoughts, plans, and also feelings, mostly on Hitomi.

The final scene began to show when Kyoko was watching Hitomi and Van behind his door in the Crusade. It was when Hitomi said those words, words she promises to stay by his side.

An evil smile started to come into Kyoko's mouth. "I swear if there is one more from her, I will kill her. I will not stand any competition for Van's affection. I swear that she will be killed if I see her with my Van once again. And this time, I won't hold back. This is for my sake only."

The scene shifted to another scenario, outside the Crusade. Hitomi was out there, enjoying the breeze. It was after the disrupt with Kyoko in the kitchen and she wanted to come here to calm her nerves. As she continued on enjoying the scenery, Kyoko walked a slow distance behind her, with a sly smile on her face. "This is the last straw Hitomi Kanzaki! How dare you intervene with my plans of becoming the most respectable person of all Fanelia. You shall know the true wrath of Kyoko, the respectable noble of all Austuria!"

Hitomi soon turned around when that raging emotion hit her senses. Fearfully, she looked into Kyoko's "happy" expression, which was overly exaggerated, causing Hitomi to step back.

"Hitomi, can I talk with you for a moment?" Kyoko asked, sounding somewhat sarcastically.

"What do you want Kyoko? If it's about Van, then you are getting thoughts in your head." Hitomi backed up until her back hit the railing.

"I just only want to chit with you, Hitomi. Maybe, we should be better friends than rivals…"

Kyoko looked down to see the locket in Hitomi's hands. "Oh, that's such a cute locket. Who is it from?"

"I won't tell you anything if you're acting like that!"

"Oh, so that's how much of a stranger I am to you…Don't worry, I'll make sure that I spend mooorrree time with you…" She started grabbing her locket.

This scene continued to move on until the point where Kyoko "accidentally" drops the locket from the railing. A frantic Hitomi cried out and ran to get her precious locket, leaning against the rail to catch it just in time. However, even though Hitomi have received her locket back, she was leaning too far into the rail, making this an easy target for Kyoko's plan to deploy.

Oh my, I am soo sorry! Here let me help you…"

She grabbed for the locket first, with her other hand lightly touching Hitomi's back, smiling sinisterly. "This is the end for you Hitomi Kanzaki." With one mighty push, Kyoko pushed Hitomi off the Crusade.

"AHH!"

"Stop!" Van yelled. "I've seen enough…"

Folken watched as Van shivered emotionally beside him. He wasn't shaking fearfully. He was shaking with rage. With a single sigh, Folken placed his hand on Van's shoulder, making him loosen up from his tension. "You see…that's the true mind of Kyoko, Van." He watched as Van slowly nodded his head. "But after all the scenes you saw, do feel hurt? Do feel betrayed?"

As Folken began to say those words, Van began to listen to his heart. He wanted to feel if he felt like the world was crashing on him. His heart was steady as water and nothing seemed to hit him. He looked up at his brother. "No…I don't feel anything," he said in a surprised voice. "I don't feel anything at all. I don't feel betrayed or hurt by all this…"

Folken nodded his head. "Are you convinced?" he asked.

Van looked out thoughtfully as he began to contemplate about his thoughts. Was he convinced? Convinced that he didn't love Kyoko after all? Yet, how come he fell in love with Kyoko? What attracted him the most to her? What qualities does she have that is better than Hitomi's?

Suddenly, the dark area surrounding him began to lighten up gold. Slowly, an image of the present Hitomi emerged from the light. Van looked up and was surprised to see her. Hitomi smiled at him, her long honey-brown hair swaying with the wind. Soon, she looked away from him and gazed out into the open. Right in front of her was the scene of a beautiful ocean, with the sun setting into the horizon. Van instantly remembered that scene. She was on the field of the Mystic Valley, her gaze never leaving the majestic before her. It was in that moment that Van saw how beautiful she looked. The way her figure gave such an angelic look on her already angelic features. Her beautiful hair that swayed so rhythmically through the wind, her beautiful smile that shines everyone's day, her sweet and gentle voice.

His heart began to beat rapidly against his ribcage when he started thinking about Hitomi, his red-brown eyes softened as he gazed at her form. She looked up once more and gazed at Van's compassionate eyes. Hitomi simply smiled and soon disappeared, making Van come out of his trance-like state. "I see…I am beginning to see…"

"So, you finally understand where your heart is going to?"

Hitomi appeared once more, this time she was sitting with Van on the very same field in the Mystic Valley. They were discussing some rather funny stuff and soon, they were rolling down the hill, laughing out loud. They finally came to a stop when Hitomi was lying on her back with Van on top of her. He remembered that feeling when he was so close to Hitomi. His heart was beating so fast that he could hardly breath when he gazed down at her. His hands began to caress her cheek. He could feel his eyes soften towards her. He noticed that she was surprised at first, but she instantly relaxed. Soon, he found his face was near hers, his eyes looking directly towards her, his lips just a few inches away from hers. Nothing plagued his mine when he started to get closer to her lips. Through his hooded eyes, he could see Hitomi fluttering her eyes shut. They were about to kiss when Kyoko appeared and soon, the scene vanishes.

Van gently put his hand next to his heart, a smile appearing on his face. "I was soo blind then, I didn't realize…what I am truly feeling."

Hitomi opened the door to his room in the Crusade, with a single basin in her hands filled with warm water. She peered in to see Van sleeping peacefully in his futon. She gently smiled and quietly made her way in until she was next to him. Slowly, she lifted Van's head and put his head on her soft lap. She reached for the basin and squeezed the water out from the towel. After that, she folded the towel into a small rectangle and placed on Van's forehead. When Hitomi looked into his face, he could see him wince painfully. Deeply sadden by this, she gently put her hand on his head and tenderly stroked it. Slowly, she closed her eyes and began to hum a calming tone, hoping it would reach him through his sleep. Far in her humming, while she continued to stroke his head, Van's scrunched face relaxed and a smile appeared on his face. Clearly, Van remembered that gentle voice of hers, humming a calming tone that instantly vanquished the pain temporarily. This feeling was similar to what he felt when he was a little kid, his mother taking care of him at his sick moments, humming a peaceful tone.

"Her gentle voice, her soft touch, her loving smile…everything about her makes feel like I am in heaven. When I am around her, I feel as if I am complete. Like I can be myself when I am with her."

Van looked away from that scene and began to remember those feelings. He smiled, seeing Hitomi's face in his closed eyelids. "I see why now. Why I was attracted to Kyoko. But, she can never replace her. Kyoko can never replace Hitomi. Hitomi's a kind of person who is one of a kind. I can never forget what she done for me. I can never forget what I felt. After all this time…"

Folken smiled as Van finally came to his conclusion. "So…what do you say Van? Who do you love?"

Van could only smile at his brother when he turned around to glance at him. He already knew the answer. "I love her. I love her more than life itself! I cannot describe how much I love her…words can never describe…but…all I know is that I truly…deeply…love her…"

Suddenly, the whole atmosphere began to change around him, making Van look around, alarmed. He looked at his brother to see him disappear with the atmosphere. Slowly, he began to say his last words to his younger brother before he goes up to heaven. "Van…now that you know where your heart lies, you know what to do…"

Van smiled at his brother and nodded his head. "Thank you, Brother."

"You shall succeed. With that, you will be able to feel more differently now. With uncertainty gone, you will be able to do things that seem impossible. You will succeed, I know. Because nothing will break what you two share."

The atmosphere finally broke and he was back where he was, back in the temple. To him, it seemed as if time have suddenly stopped. He was deep in his own thoughts that he escaped from reality. His senses have finally returned to his world when he heard the alerting yells of Allen, Merle, Millerna, and Dryden behind him. His eyes rapidly opened. The demon was no longer on the ground. Van looked everywhere for him, trying to pinpoint where he will attack next.

Suddenly, his senses felt a strong, ominous energy coming from behind. This could only mean one thing. He turned around to see the demon began summoning his magic into his sword.

"Submit!" the beast roared out loud as he slashed through the air, making his magic hurtle towards Van's defenseless body.

Grabbing his sword from the ground, he quickly moved his feet. "Haaahhh!" Van screamed and with one swing with his sword, he made contact with his opponent's dark magic and easily deflected it by hitting it as if it was a baseball. Because of the sudden strength from Van's swing, the dark magic began to lose its stable state. Quickly, since it could no longer endure the strength, it exploded right in front of everyone's eyes, a sudden violent wind hitting the temple. The demon tried to cover himself from the whole impact, but the force was too strong for him to handle. He roared painfully when the wind knocked him out of the sky and into the marble ground below.

Allen and everyone else were instantly surprised to see such force within Van. Slowly, Van lowered his sword, taking in short breaths. "You bring people down to an unfortunate fate, leaving them to suffer, to wither and die…you killed most of my clan to obtain that power that you crave for. You brought Hitomi into this fight…just so you can get me…" Inside, something began to spark in the pit of his heart, making him feel all warm inside. When he felt that warmth, he could feel new hope and determination coursing through his veins. "I won't let you have your way any longer you selfish demon! I won't let you harm her!" Suddenly, the energy forming in the pit of his heart rapidly spread throughout his entire body. The wind around him began to surround him as that energy began to make its circulation around Van. Right then, Van could feel that feeling again. It was that very same feeling that he had, that feeling of power that strengthen his own. That aura soon came visible as it rapidly silhouetted Van's body, its white and blue aura replenishing Van's depleted strength.

"I believe in you, Van."

Van's mind began to spin when he heard that small, gentle voice in his head. "Hitomi…"

"I knew you would rescue me, Van. I knew you would never let me down. I will help you…to save this world…just like 3 years ago…I will be by your side."

Right then, another aura coursed through Van's entire body. Around his neck, the pendant began to glow brighter than ever. Rapidly, the pendant's light spread its glow throughout the entire room. Inside the pendant, a gold aura came out and began to connect itself with the white and blue aura surrounding him.

Slowly, Van opened his eyes to see his opponent glowering at him.

"Don't you see, Draconian! You are going to die right here and now if you use your powers! My bug will wipe you clean until you are nothing more than a useless vessel! Don't you care about your life and others?" asked the demon.

"I do care about other people's lives," he began. He looked behind him to see Hitomi's weak form. "Especially Hitomi's. I swore I'd protect her now and always…and I will keep up to that promise. Hitomi is someone special to me and I won't see her like this anymore! I don't care whether I am dead or not, I will fight…because that is how much I love her! Your reign ends here, demon!"

Deep within his soul, something suddenly broke inside Van's body. The aura around himself began to grow inside his body. A sudden rush of energy began to course through his veins. This made Van feel different. He no longer felt pain. He felt relief wash over him. Van looked at his pale hands to see them begin to return to his former tan complexion. He could feel his own body warmth surging through his entire body, replacing the coldness that he was witnessing for the pass several days. His strength is completely returning to him as he stood there, gazing at his hands. He looked at his arms to see them no longer frail. His whole battered body suddenly began to close. The wound on his back rapidly closed, making the blood stop from leaking out of his body. Soon, it healed with no mark on his back. He closed his eyes and let that power consume his body. Slowly, after a while, he opened his eyes to reveal that his bright, sparkling, red-brown eyes have returned.

Gradually, the aura dissipated around him. Yet, he could still feel that very same strength within himself, a strength that he cannot measure. He looked out in front of him to see the demon looking at him incredulously. Van narrowed his eyes and lowered himself to his fighting position, ready to fight.

The demon was unbelievably surprised by this sudden change within his Draconian opponent. His whole being was shaken by the strength that Van showed. He can tell now that his opponent is now different. There are no weak points in him. Slowly, he got himself up and observed Van intently. The aura surrounding him was immensely stronger, stronger than he imagined. It was as if everything about Van matches with the Gods. A smirk appeared on his lips and he laughed. "I can't believe this! It is that power! That power I craved for for so long. I knew it was inside of you," he said, pointing at Van. "But what is this feeling? You are different than before. It's as if your mind has suddenly cleared." He chuckled again. "After all this time, I will finally obtain that power. Consumer! Do your work!" He snapped his fingers to signal the bug within Van to suck him dry in full force. Time passed and nothing happened. Van did not fall to his knees or die instantly. He stood there firmly on his two feet.

"What is going on! What happened to my work!" he asked incredulously.

"Can't you figure it out sooner?" Van asked grudgingly. "Your so-called "curse" is already dead. It will no longer indulge whatever is inside me any longer. Without it, your helpless…"

The demon simply shrugged and drew his sword. "Whatever. I didn't need it in the first place. I assure you that you are going to die here and now!"

"Correction, demon. You don't belong here. With your selfish, sinister deeds, you are a threat to this world's peace. Not only that, you hurt Hitomi. I won't stand any longer and watch her suffer like this. I swear right now that your life ends here, demon!" Cautiously, Van watched keenly at his opponent as his adversary slowly grew into his fighting position. From the first battle, Van knew that the demon's powers were unbelievable strong. His swiftness was also something else. Like Allen said, normal eyes cannot see his movements. Without the Consumer inside of him anymore, he will be able to use one of his powers to see through his next move without harming Hitomi. With that thought in mind, Van closed his eyes, concentrating intently in his newfound strength. Slowly, he let the energy in himself follow his intentions. In its small, unexposed form, the aura began to follow Van's drift and began to increase its energy to his vision. In his closed eyelids, he could feel everyone's aura around the room. He began to scan through his closed lids for the demon's aura. Right then, Van could feel his presence coming towards him. Gripping the sword with both of his hands, Van swung behind him. At that moment, a visible flash hit against his sword. Van gritted his teeth, feeling the pressure of his opponent's sword. Coming out of his agility, the demon appeared before him, anger flashing in his red eyes.

The demon hissed at Van when he made an impact with Van's sword. With one little push with his feet, the demon backed away from Van, lifting his sword into another position. "Impressive, Draconian. I've always known you were a great swordsman." Van took note of his stance and lifted his sword as well in a certain position, shifting his legs into another standing position. He narrowed his eyes, willing and ready for his next attack.

"But…there is no way you can defeat me!" he said. "Not even your ancestors can!" The demon rushed at Van, his speed much faster than before. However, this did not caught Van off guard. He stayed in his position, his eyes closed in concentration. Closer and closer, the demon came near him, his aura becoming bigger and bigger in his mind. Immediately, Van opened his eyes and with one move, Van spun around, with his sword sticking out into the open.

Right then, he managed to avid dark fire blows from his menacing attack. "Too slow!" Van looked up to see the demon coming down with his sword aiming right above Van's heart. With his quick reflexes, Van dodged his attack by quickly jumping backwards. With his left leg, he leaped into the air and swiped at his shadowy opponent, his sword clashing momentarily with the creature's. They fell on to their feet once they made impact with the floor, and at the same time, they both attacked each other.

From afar, Allen, Dryden, the girls watched as the battle between the two commenced. Each move Van made in their normal eyes, they were not able to see him in plain view. His speed was incredible. Allen could see Van swipe at the demon to only clash with again. He could see the glimmer within the swords when they clashed over and over again as the sounds followed that momentum.

Van skidded backwards, his feet dragging against the floor. But he still managed to gain his composure. Quickly he looked behind him to see that the demon is quickly gaining on him again. Grabbing his sword tightly in his right hand, Van swiped above him and again, the sound of swords clashing together is heard. Van put his weight on his feet and used that advantage to strike powerfully. The demon flinched at the contact of Van's move, losing his focus.

The young king took this opportunity and with one shift from his feet, his entire body suddenly vanished in front of his opponent, making him oblivious. Skidding to a land on both of his feet, the demon looked around, trying to read or find any source of movement of his Draconian opponent.

No such luck for the demon as the entire room was completely empty. Cursing under his breath, he kept a cautious look as he looked in every corner.

"Lord Van? Where is he?" questioned Merle. "He just…vanished…"

"What's gotten into him? He's changed somehow," Millerna stated. "It's as if he is a whole new person…"

"Damn…where is that fool! My eyes can't focus with his movement!" bellowed the demon as he looked around him. Finally, the demon started walking around, his instincts telling him that it was safe to do so. Cautiously, he went from one area to the next, finding the young king who is most likely lurking in the shadows somewhere. As his foot stomped on the marble floor, he stayed there and looked back and forth.

Allen watched closely as the demon looked around. Mainly, his eyes were focusing on the ground below him. A questioning look appeared on Allen's face as he observed more into the floor. Suddenly his eyes widened when a sudden burst of white light started erupt from the ground.

Immediately, the demon noticed this and looked down. "What!"

Out from the ground, Van jumped high in the air as the light proceeded to blind the demon. With his quick reflexes, Van prepared his sword and went straight towards the demon.

"Van!" Allen yelled, smiling as he saw the young king leaped up into the air with great precision and timing.

The demon was still blind as the light was so close to his eyes. He tried his best to wipe the annoying light from his vision and swung his sword aimlessly. Just as he was about to swing in Van's direction, Van pivoted his body until his sword was behind him. With a hurtling swing, Van swung with such great force that he spun in midair, hitting the demon multiple times until he was up in the air, screaming in pain.

As the demon was hurled into the air with no place to land, Van landed on the broken ground and looked up to see the demon hurtling helplessly towards the nearest roof. "Not yet!" With one giant leap, Van made his way towards his adversary, his sword ready to strike at will.

In slow motion, the demon opened his red, evil eyes to see Van coming towards him, his sword ready to attack. Surrounding him, the demon could see the powerful aura that outlined his entire body, exposing the strength he keeps on receiving each time he executes an attack. Van thrusts his sword towards the demon, about to strike his internal organs. The demon easily avoided this attack. Just as he was about to face back, Van's foot went straight towards his face, kicking him hard as he was hurdled towards the ground below painfully. The thrust was only a decoy so he could be distracted from his other attack. As Van kicked him towards the ground, he used his other foot and did a roundhouse kick at his back. The demon screamed in utter pain and continued onward towards the floor below. Van looked up to see him closing onto the roof. Directing his feet towards the roof, Van kneeled as he landed and pushed downwards, hurtling towards the demon once more.

"What is this?" the demon thought as he watched Van swung his sword at him, feeling his blade seer into the side of his flesh. Twirling around with his sword at side, Van screamed his fighting spirit and lunged towards him, without any hesitation in his eyes. "Where he is getting this power? He should have been tired by now…"

Van landed on the ground and waited patiently for his opponent. As his body came near, Van readied himself and with one final attack, Van swung his leg and kicked his opponent towards the roof like a bullet. "He is strong…he is not from this world…"

The demon hit the roof hard, screaming agonizingly. Slowly, his body hurdled towards the ground with a huge thud, breaking the marble floor. Dust started to surround him as he faintly sees the shadow of his opponent. "I'm not done with you yet! I'll make you pay for hurting her!"

"I want that power…"

Van ran towards the limp form of his opponent in full force, his speed as quick as a car at its limits.

"I want that power…"

Van yelled as he leapt, inching near his opponent with his sword ready.

"I want lose to the likes of you!" screamed the demon as he suddenly stood on his feet, concentrating his aura to execute a surprising attack.

Van instantly senses this and he looked behind him. Meteors with the demon's dark aura started hurtling towards Van. Surprised, Van grew away from his opponent and concentrated on avoiding this surprise attack defensively. One by one, Van used his swiftness to avoid each and every deadly attack, one almost impacting his arm as he narrowly avoided it with a simple twist of his body. Just as things were about to die down, Van landed on the ground and did not notice a dark purple light is at his way. As Van landed on his feet, his instincts turned on and he looked in front. The demon was only using the meteors as a decoy to make him forget his defense for his opponent.

"Van!"

The dark magic consumed the young Draconian the instant he looked up and noticed the aura. The demon smiled, knowing that his opponent shall die with his dark magic. "Oh my god! Van!" screamed Dryden.

"No…it can't be…" said Kyoko shockingly.

"Haha, I was finally able to kill the young prince. What a pesky brat he was, battering me up like I was some kind of fighting dumbie. Now I shall get what I want and take over this universe!"

"No. I won't let you, you bastard…"

Allen, Dryden, Millerna, Merle, and Kyoko's eyes instantly went towards the figure standing where the attack was aimed, the sword in his sword still held strongly as ever. As the smoke from the black began to dissipated, there stood Van, his eyes fixated at his opponent with a deathly gaze, his shirt all torn up from the impact, Hitomi's necklace wavering back and forth around his neck. Judging by his looks, he made it in time to protect himself by using the power he has and used it as a shield against the black magic. The demon, surprised, started going back as he stared into the now glowing eyes of the young Draconian. With his hands ungloved, showing his tan bare hands, he clenched the sword and started walking toward menacingly.

"As long as there is people in my life that needs my help, I will not die here!" Van stated, closing his eyes as he focused his aura on his fists. "I will keep my promise to her."

"You're fated to die! You're fated to give me that power! Die, Demon!" the demon roared, and hurdled another powerful magical attack.

"Not again! Watch out!" yelled Allen.

"I will protect her…" the aura surrounding Van's hand began to multiply in size, the earth shaking from what his power has to offer. "I will protect her…no matter what!"

With one flick of his wrist, Van hurled his hand forward, unleashing his power from within him and his fist and blast it towards the demon's own power. The entire temple started trembling violently as the impact between the two different powers came, the light from these powers causing a mix of purple and white. The demon clinched his fists as he used the rest of his powers to multiply the power in his magic. The blast started growing towards Van as it multiplied. Van, feeling his feet skidding against the ground pushed more into his powers, trying his best to keep his opponent's attack from hitting him.

The winds has come again and gusted violently. Allen and the rest were watching anxiously, waiting until this battle has ended.

"You will submit to me! You will submit to me! You cursed Draconian!"

Van closed his eyes as he began to remember his purpose. Everyone is counting him. The people, Gaia, the Gods; Everyone is relying on him to protect their worlds. And Hitomi. Hitomi's there with him deep inside, trying her best to fight along side mentally. He could still hear her words; the very words that encouraged him to go on.

"I believe in you, Van. I always had…and I always will…"

Van opened his eyes, the light in them brightening as ever before. "I won't let you…I won't let you take over this world. You're life ends here demon!" A sudden burst of his power started multiplying in unknown numbers as the aura detached from Van and went straight to the blast, making the blast as thick as ever. Soon, the speed tripled. The demon could feel it. He could feel the strength coming from Van. The power was too overwhelming for him as his own petty one began to shrink rapidly. "No…" screamed the demon as Van's own magic broke his own. "No!" screamed the demon as his whole entire body was devoured by the white light Van emanated. His body began to detach piece by piece until it fully disintegrated into nothingness.

As the demon disappeared with no trace of him left in the temple, the power of his magic decreased. Finally, after moments have passed on and Van was completely grateful that the major threat has finally been dealt with. As he relaxed his entire body, the aura surrounding him slowly surrounded Van and silhouetted his body, forming back into what may seem like a normal pathway of his energy in his body. Looking at his sword, he sheathed it back into scabbard at his left side. From moving his arms, he could feel his muscles aching. It was sure sign that he did a lot of anaerobic maneuvers during the fight. Despite that, Van only smiled, knowing that he hasn't been fighting like this since he first operated Escaflowne. Slowly, his smile disappeared and slowly turned around. Even if the battle is finally, there more important matters that he will need to face.

Quickly, his gaze flew upon Hitomi. Immediately after the demon disappeared into thin air, the magic he possessed vanished in instant, breaking the barrier surrounding Hitomi. Van knew right then that she needs someone by her side.

"Hitomi…" he said. With that single, three syllable word, Van instantly dashed towards her, sadness and guilt befalling his determined eyes as he reached for her side.

From behind, after the barrier has dissipated, Dryden, Millerna, Merle, and Kyoko ran to the messy scene, Millerna running to Allen to see if he has any injuries. As Millerna checked on Allen, Merle and Dryden watched the young king rush to the damsel in distress, worry crossing their features. "Let's hope we're not too late," Merle stated sadly, her long cat ears drooping down to match her sadden state.

As Van ran towards his beloved woman, Millerna looked up in time to see Hitomi's condition. Immediately, her instincts told her go and check on her friend and started to stand up. Just as she was about to follow Van, Allen's hand distinctly stopped her from doing so. She looked down, frowning at the Knight's actions. With a serious look, Allen shook his head, telling Millerna that they should leave the two of them alone for a bit. Recognition followed the young monarch's elegant face and fully understood her comrade's words. With a concerned sigh, she watched the scene unfold with the rest of her friends. For Kyoko, she remained behind, looking away with utter disgust.

Van has finally reached Hitomi with no obstacles blocking his way. With a sad sigh, he slowly leaned down on his knees, gazing observantly at the person he loved. Before him, Hitomi was not entirely the person she was before. Right before him lay a fragile person, her whole entire body battered. Hitomi no longer looked like the courageous, daring person that he has come to known. To him, right at this very moment, Hitomi was a princess waiting for her prince to wake her up from eternal darkness. Van felt utterly disgusted, loathing the demon to torment Hitomi so much.

Slowly, with careful hands, Van cradled Hitomi's limp form. His eyes that were once sharp and deep with rage softened to his usual compassionate ones as he slowly grazed Hitomi's face with his bare hands. When he touched her, her skin was cold as ice, her body entirely tattered from the excessive damage the demon inflicted to her. Her skin was pale as snow and her face donned a look of pain that Van never wanted to see on her. And her eyes; the very eyes that usually sparkle in life was closed in front of him from ever seeing them again.

Emotions started to overtake him as the images of Hitomi's gruesome condition was finally observed through his mind. "Hitomi…" he whispered to her, stroking her pale cheek softly. The usual response Hitomi gave to him remained silent. Her soft hands that usually touch his hair whenever his hair falls into his eyes remained on her side, immobile. He could not stand this. He could stand looking at her like this. Van fervently hugged her to him, feeling the impact of her cold body against his own warm one. "I'm sorry. I wasn't…there to help you in time! I was so stupid and so blind to see the truth. Why must everything bad always happen to you? If only…if only I can change time back, I would try and prevent everything from this happening ever again. Hitomi, please forgive me. I-I've failed you… "

Warm tears sprung from the corners of his eyes as it slowly trickled down on Hitomi's face. He could not hold his emotions any longer because the very woman he loved lay still in his arms, motionless. He wanted to hear her. He wanted to hear her call his name. He wanted to see her smile, see her anger, see her sad, or see her beautiful green eyes that he adored so much. Van wanted to see her alive more than anything. "Hitomi, please, open your eyes. I don't know I'll do without you if you leave right now. Please…Hitomi…please…"

It felt like an eternity for Van as he sat there, holding Hitomi in his arms. It was if time stopped the moment Hitomi's eyes shut. Her sparkling eyes that brighten every dark corner began to return everything into darkness, with no sunshine lighting the darkest area. Moments passed on and Van could not handle such turmoil any longer.

"Van…"

Van's eyes widened at the small, tiny voice that called to him. Instinctively, he looked down and stared upon the stirring movement of Hitomi's body. "Hitomi!"

As if finally awoken from her deep slumber, Hitomi opened her eyes to gaze upon the face of the young king. It's like she was in one of those fairy tales. The prince waking up the princess, yet he is now a king and she is a damsel in distress.

A small smile appeared in her pale lips as she slowly reached to touch Van, her hands shaking as he touched his warm cheeks. Van instantly put his hand over her eyes as he gazed lovingly at her, with a genuine smile that Hitomi knows so well. As they continued to gaze at each other, Hitomi noted something she notice. When she touched him, his skin felt comfortably warm. She also noted the once pale complexion returned to his normal tan complexion she can never cease to amaze her. And the one thing that truly caught her was his eyes. His eyes no longer held the dullness, the confusion, and darkness that she has been seeing for the past several days. Van's eyes were bright as ever, filled with determination, adoration, compassion, and crystal clear. Were his eyes ever that clear when she first saw him? Tears started to fill her eyes as she could no longer contain the joy in her mind. "Y-y-you're…healed…" she momentarily said, brushing his hair off his eyes.

Van's smile widened the moment he saw her eyes softened with joy. Van nodded to confirm her analysis.

"I…I…I knew you would come for me…" Hitomi stammered.

"Hitomi?" asked Van as he looked into her eyes.

"But…I feel…I feel like…my life is fading…away…why is everything…growing dark?" she asked wearily, her eyes darkening.

"No…it…can't be…?"

Looking at her with panic feeling her eyes, Van instantly intently looked at her. Suddenly, his eyes widened the moment he felt something in the back of his mind. "Hitomi, don't close your eyes!" he yelled urgently.

"Van…am I…am I…?" Hitomi felt tears upon her eyes.

"No, don't say it! You will live! Just hang on!" Van cried, feeling tears brimming his eyes. He could feel it. He could feel her life sipping away from his very hands.

"A-a-and…after all…this time…is this what I am fated?" Hitomi asked weakly. "Am I fated to…just because…I saved someone's life?" She looked into Van's eyes to see the distress in them. Hitomi knew from the beginning that taking this journey is very risky. Yet, despite its margin between life and death, she did not care if she died at this moment. Just seeing Van back to his normal self was something she will never regret. Her tears began to streak endlessly as she gazed her eternal savoir; the one savoir that never tires to save her. "I'm not sure…how long…I'll be here…Van…" Hitomi stated as she slowly held Van's face. "I'm just happy…to see your face…one last time…"

Van heeded her words and he instinctively held her hands, holding on for dear life. "This will not be your last time! There will be plenty of time for us to see each other! Just don't give up! Don't follow the light at the end of tunnel! Don't leave us! Don't leave me!"

Hitomi's mind was filled with images of her past. One-by-one, each showed joyous moments from the time she was born to the present. In her mind, she could see her mother, her father, her younger brother, smiling happily as she ran towards them. Behind her old high school, she could see Yukari, calling out to her, and Amano smiling fondly under the beautiful sunny day. "Van…" she said, as more tears gushed from her eyes. "Thank you…so much for everything…" Van's eyes looked into hers, filled with grief. "You have done…so much for me in my life. There is not a moment where I regret meeting you…"

"Hitomi…"

Images emerged from the moment they first met at the temple near her school. Van was fighting courageously against the dragon to gain the energist that identifies him to be the next ruler of his kingdom. She remembered his rude, snobbish comments and instantly, she slapped him because of his egotistical attitude. She can forget him then. The Van that was once hot-headed and stubborn, just like her. "Just thinking about the times we shared three years ago…I feel my heart warming up, even though most of them are horrible…"

Van's eyes slowly closed as a surge memories started to float through his mind. It feels as if he is feeling what Hitomi is feeling at this very moment. Through his closed eyelids, he could see them riding with the Crusade after he was rescued from the Vione. He did not admit it before, but he was happy and thankful that Hitomi led the crew to save him. And then, another scene showed them on top of the Crusade, looking off into the sunset. Van was thinking to himself when Hitomi silently came beside him, simply smiling. She did not say any words to him and looked out into the sunset, her eyes loving the setting sun. When that smile appeared on her face, Van inwardly smiled himself then and joined her in a comfortable silence.

"I've wanted to relive those days…just to enjoy the sun and have fun for a change with everyone…"

Memories floated to the end of the war, where Millerna, Hitomi, Allen, and Van ventured into an unknown cave. Hitomi remembered the eerily howls echoing through the cave and before they even gone further, Hitomi and Millerna screamed at the top of their longs and dashed for the entrance, meeting up with a laughing Van and Allen. Her memories focused more on Van as his smile grew large for the first time in his life.

"I'm…happy…I'm happy to meet everyone…"

The images began to slowly pass by as they showed each fond memory. One in particular with the whole gang having a fun time as they put a part of their own, drinking, eat, playing, and talking the night away. Again, Van smiled as he sat there, drinking to his heart's content along with Allen and Dryden who were slurring out nonsense.

"Van…I will never forget you…"

He reopened his eyes to see her gazing lovingly at him, tears spilling against her cheeks. "Your warmth, your voice, your eyes, your smell. Every time I see you are in my mind, I've always known that I will get tired of you. Because, I promised I wouldn't forget you…and…my feelings…never died on you…"

Van's eyes widened in shock, tears finally coming down his cheek. "Van…for so long…I…I…I felt more than just friendship with you. I've always wanted to hold you, to touch you, to be by side. I didn't want go far away from you…I wanted…to be…a part of your life forever…" The light from the temple suddenly shined upon them, silhouetting Van's body as he gazed down at her with side eyes. To Hitomi, that image of Van looked pure and infinitely handsome. Her ideal angel that is gazing upon her protectively. Slowly, her vision began to darken.

"Hitomi…!" Van cried.

"Van…I…"

Tears sprang into life. She's disappearing.

"I…I love you…Van. I will always love you…my angel…"

Her eyes began to close, the image of Van's handsome face fading away. "I love you…forever and…ever…"

Then, suddenly, everything went black.

"HITOMI!"


Author's note: Aiya! Another long chapter for you guys. But after the long wait, you guys deserve it. Sorry about the cliffhanger, but you got to wait until the next chapter! It coming to the end, you guys. Only two more chapters to go and an epilogue at the end. Thank you all for reviewing and those who are keeping in touch with this story. I really needed that to get my rear going to work on this story. So again, thank you for reading! Until then ja!

P.S. Sorry about the format, it got screwed up again...;;