Disclaimer: See Chapter 1.
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Escaflowne: All you need is Love, Isn't it?
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Chapter 95
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Viirus
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Hitomi took her time browsing through one tent shop after another, admiring the local wares while looking for an outfit or two that would suit her taste. While no where as large as the plaza in Palas, the plaza in Tiirus still had enough variety to bring a smile to the teenage girl's face.
She had already purchased two pairs of riding slacks, very similar to the type Millerna wore the first time she had seen her when the young princess came riding up to the Crusade to greet Allen Schezar, one in a dark navy blue and the other in a deep forest green. Now, she was in search of a few blouses to go with the slacks, and a nightgown as well.
A faint frown crossed the girl's lips as she recalled Van making a point of reminding her to purchase a nightgown. He emphasized finding something that would keep her warm, reminding her that they still had at least a few more nights of sleeping outdoors before they returned to the castle. Still, she couldn't help feeling a bit rejected.
'I was plenty warm the other night with just you and the blanket, Van. Don't you like sleeping next to my naked body?' A pensive expression crossed her face. 'Well, you did come to bed last night without your robe, so maybe that's not it. Maybe you're just worried about my health? It wouldn't be much of a trip if I got sick, would it?' A sense of ease filled her heart. 'Yeah, that must be it.'
Her joyful expression intensified as she came across an assortment of crewneck blouses. "Hmmm, I wonder if Van will like these?" She held one up against herself and stepped in front of the mirror that was propped up on the far corner of the tent. She smiled at her reflection. "Yes… yes, I think he will."
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(000)
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Van made his way quickly through the market place, selecting a number of eatable roots, and some dried meats and fruits as well as some unleavened bread. While the roots and the dried meat would not make the best tasting meals, he knew they would keep well for the length of their journey.
'The dried fruit will make a nice dessert for Hitomi. She likes her sweets,' he gave a faint grin.
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(000)
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In their freshly cleaned clothes and with their saddlebags filled, Van and Hitomi made their way across the stone bridge and out of the city of Viirus. They rode at a brisk pace following the path along the river.
Much as Hitomi had hoped, being out in the lightly cool sunny day, riding her horse swiftly along the wide sandy trail served to lift her spirits immensely. Seeing Hitomi in a happy, carefree mode lifted Van's spirits as well. This was the woman he knew: joyful and free.
When Van suggested they stop for lunch, Hitomi insisted they keep going, stopping only long enough to drink some water and take out a piece of meat and some bread from Van's extra saddlebag. They slowed down some while they ate but quickened their pace once they were done.
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(000)
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"Van!" Hitomi gave him a devilish grin. "Race you to that line of trees." She pointed to a long line of tall dark trees that stretched out to the edge of the shoreline about one kilometer ahead. "HA!" She snapped the reins and bolted off in a full gallop before he had a chance to reply.
Van smiled and whispered to himself, "That's my Hitomi. YA!" he yelled, racing off after her.
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(000)
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Fanelia Castle
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Merle sat on the roof of the castle with her arms wrapped around her legs and he cheek resting upon her knees. She stared out over the forest and tried to listen intently to the sounds of the distant river but even with her keen hearing, she could not make out its peculiar medley.
"Oh, Lord Van…" she sighed. "I missed Hitomi too," she sighed again. "Now I'm missing the both of you." She slid her arms up to her knees and buried her face under them.
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(000)
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In the courtyard, Captain Leopold could just make out the lonely figure sitting atop the castle with her back to them. Sadness filled the captain's heart for the young cat girl. He lowered his sword and turned towards the solitary girl.
Suddenly, he felt a blade press against his throat. Leopold's eyes widened in alarm, stealing a glance in the direction of the sword, he saw the angry glare of his practice opponent.
"How dare you," Captain Cid scowled. "You dishonor me by allowing yourself to be distracted so easily." He withdrew his sword and looked in the direction his friend was staring.
"I'll never understand your attraction to that strange little creature. Do you crave to make her your pet?"
Leopold's eyes flared with anger. "Hold your tongue, lest I hold it for you with the tip of my blade." He threatened his friend, raising his sword and adjusting his stance.
A crooked half-grin made its way upon Cid's face as he raised his sword. "On guard."
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(000)
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Vinsorii Forest
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The young couple slowly made their way through the dense forest. It would be several long hours before they exited the forest to follow a path along the river again. By then they would be well into Fanelia and only a couple hours from Arzas. The underbrush was far too dense close to the river so they had to move further inland but as long as they could hear the rushing waters of the Vinsorii, they knew they were heading in the right direction.
"So, Hitomi, tell me about your performance in your final race." Van spoke suddenly after nearly twenty minutes of comfortable silence.
"Huh?" The sandy-haired girl looked up at him suddenly. With Van leading the way through the forest, she had her eyes upon the non-existent path her horse was following. "Didn't I tell you about it already?"
"Only that you won your race and your school captured the… championship was it? But you didn't elaborate. You usually tell me each detail during our nighttime communications. Your tales are quite exciting. I look forward to hearing your re-count of your adventures each time. This final race, it was an important one, was it not?"
"Oh, you know Van, just like all the other races really. I won, we won." she smiled. "Nothing really to tell." She giggled.
"Oh, I see." Van replied, turning his attention back to finding the clearest way through the forest. 'Is that the problem? Did something occur during the… meet? Whatever happened must have really bothered her if she's still unwilling to talk about it.' He stole a glance back and saw the sad expression upon the girl's face. 'That must be it. But why won't she talk to me about it? Doesn't she trust me?' The young king's heart grew heavy with the realization of what he felt was the only possible answer to his query.
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(To Be Continued)
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AN:Sorry for making this chapter so short, but this seemed like a good place to stop, otherwise it would be much longer and take much more time to post. With it this short, I feel like I can keep a handle on it and hopefully find most of my typos myself. Unfortunately, my Beta-reader is still suffering from a serious dose of real life. It breaks my heart, not that she hasn't been able to edit my stories, but that we haven't even had time to chat. Janice, if you're reading this just know I love you and am waiting patiently to hear from you again.
I'd really like to thank everyone who's read my story and a special Thank You to everyone who reviewed my last chapter. I cherish every review I receive, no mater how short, no matter how fiery. It lets me know that you cared enough to take the time to let me know how your felt about my work and that is such a treasure to me. Thank you.
In response to some of your inquiries. I guess the main one is, what's wrong with Hitomi? Well, I suppose the best answer I have for that is, Re-read Chapter 87 and pay special attention to the second half of the chapter. That will tell you what's going on with Hitomi. I know it's probably been awhile since most of you have read that chapter so it's a good idea to go back. You should find your answer there. Also, I felt it had been far too long since we'd heard from Merle as well as from your young captains, Leopold and Cid. Not really much going on with them all but just a simple reminder that they are still apart of the story.
Again, I try to get on AIM and MSN Messenger as often as I can, so if you'd like to chat, by all means look me up. My username for each is listed on my profile. I always enjoy making new friends.
I hope to have the next chapter up sooner than it took me to get this chapter up but only time will tell.
Love,
A. Amishi