So I admit I had a little trouble getting this chapter just right and I'm not really even sure if I can say it is just right so feedback would be greatly appreciated. I really hope you enjoy reading it though! And I probably would have undated this chapter much sooner if it weren't for studying for final exams and such -_- Just glad that's over!

She knew the scars would not disappear, not for a long time. She examined the rest of her body where she saw contusions scantly spotting her limbs; these dark red splotches ached to the touch. Hitomi was appalled. Her mom would be freaking out if she had seen her like this. Hitomi laughed at the thought. Although, because of this recollection of her family, she began to regret not saying goodbye to them.

They were all probably worried sick at this moment. Though, if anyone understood where she had gone, it would be her mother (and Yukari). Even though her mother had never believed any of what Hitomi had told her about Gaea, she would have to believe her supposed fantasy now.

"I'm sure mom'll understand," Hitomi sighed.

She grabbed her knees and curled her body over them. Water pearled in the corners of her eyes. Hitomi wiped away the droplets quickly before they could fall and shatter her composure. Now was certainly not the time to be looking back. She had come here to find her future, to live the rest of her life with Van and nothing was going to change that. Her resolve was strong and yet her heart could not help but waver at the thought of her family.

She closed her eyes for a moment, calming herself but then heard a rustling from the bushes on the other side of the pond. Hitomi screamed whipping her head up and she then saw him emerge. Hitomi stared at a young man with chestnut hair and inquiring eyes. She gazed at him and his eyes widened.

"Hitomi!"

"Van?" she instantaneously responded. She was about to stand, about to rush into his arms, when she and Van realized she was unclothed. Immediately color consumed the couple's faces and Van instantly but unwillingly pivoted to face the other direction.

Hitomi stared in pure bewilderment. She couldn't move. It took all her strength to raise herself out of the water and she waded for a moment replaying the situation over in her mind. Finally, somehow, she managed to recover from the dazed state she was in and find her way out of the water. She located her undergarments and fumbled to put them on. She didn't bother to put on the rest of her clothes.

Hitomi, overcome by emotion, raced towards Van with little care for the spasms that shook her body caused by the cold. She tripped and stumbled toward him, his back still facing her. Each step was heavy; Hitomi felt as though she was running in slow motion and then, suddenly, he was right in front of her. Van turned his head slightly in anticipation and she fell into his arms. She began to cry into his chest, melding her own body to his. She hiccupped and nestled closer to him. All her anxieties were dispelled. It felt as though all the pain, the cold, and the apprehension were being released from Hitomi's soul. His arms tighten around her.

Van tilted his head upwards and breathed in with relief. He had longed for this moment more than anything. He didn't care why or how she had come here, what mattered is that she was unmistakably here in his arms. Van stroked her silk-like hair that had gotten considerably longer over the past year. His hands, encircling her hips, held her close to his body. He gazed at her and began examining any changes to her body. His eyes traced her thin arms but what he found there shocked him. He pulled Hitomi way from him, as gently as possible, holding her shoulders. Her eyes were still filled with tear droplets and she was smiling beautifully.

"Hitomi! What happened to you!" Van's voice raised a few octaves and Hitomi saw Van's eyes widened with alarm.

"I had a bit of a rough time I was coming back…"

"Hitomi…"

"I'll tell you all about it later. Can we just… can we just stay like this. At least for now."

She pushed herself back into his chest. This was the only place she wanted to be. Van who had previously lost himself completely in the moment, felt Hitomi shiver. He realized she was still wet and bare.

"Hitomi, you're going to catch a cold like that. Go put some clothes on. Please!"

He said blushing and turning his head to the side. Hitomi was flustered. Suddenly, she became very self-conscious. She could hear the pounding of her heart, the heat in her cheeks and the sweet suffocation of her own feelings all over again. He released her shoulders and Hitomi stood there trying to cover herself, unconsciously grasping her pendant.

Unexpectedly, Hitomi heard a low and snapping growl. It was then that Kiba appeared from behind Van. The sight of her standing next to Van nearly naked and with a face stained by tears gave Kiba more than enough incentive to act.

He dashed at Van, his eyes were narrow and wild with murderous intent. Van drew his sword and spun around to face the creature just before it's attack. Kiba recoiled in an instant, from the appearance of a blade. He remained a careful distance away and eyed the sword. He was on all fours and his body quivered. A raw growl ripped from the back of his throat.