After much wandering, the young princess returned to her room, and threw open the armoire standing in the corner. Shaking her head at all the posh gowns, Millerna spotted a pair of black capris folded neatly on the top shelf, and a pink ruffly chiffon shirt stuffed behind a sequined green ball gown. Eries would probably expect me to wear something more lady like...But if we're searching for Allen, well, I can't be of much use in a skirt, now can I?Changing quickly, and brushing her long blonde hair vigorously, Millerna slowly sat down on the edge of her bed. The excitement of the night dying down, she began to feel her stomach grumble. She plopped down on the bed, and played the idea of going to the kitchen in her head. But Van would kill me...But I'm so hungry.... He's probably gone by now... And besides, I haven't had dinner... Neither has Hitomi, or any of them. Maybe I could -attempt- to fix something up for myself... I could make breakfast...It's almost 6 am anyways.... Oh my. 6 am? Why aren't I tired? Memories of Allen ran through Millerna's head, and she touched her lips in the faint memory of the first time he kissed her. Allen...I will find you. Standing up in a more serious manner, she made her way down to the kitchen quietly. Don't worry Van, I won't prod you anymore today... I've got bigger fish to grill...And I'm being literal

“Ah! Lord-Van! Um… what are you doing here? eh..eh. I, um... Was reaching for the… and I… I stubbed my toe! Yes, I stubbed my toe and was…"

"Stop laughing!”
Merle made a sad attempt to attack van, and instead, through the force of her intended hit, found herself once more on her behind.
*Grrrrr….*
“STOP LAUGHING!”

Still seething, Van walked down the corridor. He wasn't even sure where the kitchen was. Well that was just great. It fit right in with the retarded events of the rest of the night.
If the air-head Princess bothers me about this again, I am going to give her a large piece of my mind. He frowned. Hitomi's reason for being on top--near me didn't really make sense. At the time I didn't get the chance to think about it much but...she fell asleep?? What kind of lame excuse is that? What if it was an excuse? An excuse for what???
Van turned the corner and saw Merle doing an odd sort of lurching dance in the middle of the kitchen. He stopped and stared. An amused smile played about his mouth.
"Merle...what are you doing?"

Hitomi tried her best to get back to sleep, but it was no use. Eventually, she grew tired of tossing and turning. "Bah, I might as well get up." She sat up in bed and looked down at her shirt. "Maybe I should make an attempt to salvage this shirt. I don't think Mom would be too happy with me, coming home with my uniform all torn up like this. I need to find some water to let this stuff soak in." Hitomi climbed out of bed, she hissed as her feet touched the cold floor. "I should put my socks back on," she stooped down to pick up her socks. After slipping them back on, she ventured out into the hallway in search of water.

"There must be a well around here somewhere," she murmured as she randomly opened doors. She came across a door and opened it. "Hmm, looks like a broom closet. Ah! There’s a well." Hitomi picked up a ceramic bowl on a table next to the well and pumped the bowl full of water. "Interesting that they have a well inside the estate. Being royalty does have advantages." She picked up the bowl and ventured back to her room.

She closed the door to her room behind her and set the bowl on the table. She then placed her uniform jacket into the bowl, fully soaking it. "Ow! Man, this thing still hurts," she groaned as she tried to ease herself out of her shirt. The shirt joined the jacket in the bowl. "I'll mend them when I get back home," she looked down at her bra, "This could use some soaking too. Eeeeeh, maybe not. It's not like I can lock these doors. Course it is doubtful that Van will come back since he's thoroughly disgusted with me. Nah, think I'll wash this when I take a bath."

She crawled back into bed and pulled the covers over her. "I'm sure I'll be alone for the rest of the night....almost sure."

“Mwahahaha! I win! I WIN!!! Take that house! Who is the MAS-TAH! Merle is the mas-tah!”
Merle had been doing her strange version of a one-legged victory dance in the middle of the enormous kitchen… and continued to do so for several minutes.

OOC:Hey Van, now would be a funny...er good time to get something to eat. *hint hint*, *nudge nudge*

Laughing to herself, Millerna got up to leave, before turning to Hitomi. She said with an innocent little smile "You know Hitomi. You didn't have to sleep on top of--I mean stay with Van. You could have come to me, and I think I know you well enough that if you were bleeding excessively you'd wake up Van." She smiled "Was it a tender moment?" she added, feeling a little guilty, but laughing none the less. Maybe I went a little overboard on the prodding... But it was fun, hehe She regained her composure, knowing Eries was watching her, and strode out of the room as regally as possible. The young princess decided she wasn't sleepy, and decided to wander through the estate. Chuckling to herself, she added I won't go to the kitchen, I think Van's had enough. Unless of course I don't want to stay alive

"Yes, Sir!" Hitomi made a mock salute. She took off her socks and flopped back on the bed, pulling the covers over her muttering to herself, "I swear just because he's a king he thinks he can hold court anywhere he chooses. And of course he tells us to go to bed and then he goes out. Of all the nerve...Humph!" She sighed and turned over onto her back I think this "I like him, then I hate him" business is gonna wear me out Hitomi turned to Millerna and Eries, "We should probably comply with his wishes unless we want further trouble. I think I'll be fine here on my own for the rest of the night, Millerna-san, my bandages are looking good."

Hitomi settled back into the sheets, I don't know if I'll be able to get back to sleep after all that has happened. Does Van really like me? He was so gentle before, but then he glared so coldly at me before he left. Maybe he does like me, but he's hiding it again or maybe he doesn't like me at all. Who knows...Oh honestly! WHO CARES?! She slammed a pillow angrily over her head.

Van felt his cheeks getting hot. He glared at the grinning Princess, fighting to remain calm. That was not tender! Definitely not tender! I was being...courteous! Van ground his teeth, not daring to look at Hitomi. What must she be thinking now? She probably thinks I--like her or something. Which of course I don't...I mean, not that I dislike her or anything, and not that I don't like her, I mean--
His thoughts were interrupted by the sudden appearance of Eries. Inwardly he swore. How much worse can this situation get?! He turned and glared daggers at Millerna. If you say anything...I am going to kill you!
Van shot one last hard glance at the Princess and then turned and said pleasantly, "You're right Eries. We all should be in bed." He looked pointedly at Millerna, who was sitting rather comfortably in her sheets. Finally, he looked at Hitomi. She looked uncomfortable, almost embarassed. Well, at least she wasn't laughing at him. But still...she seemed a little too modest. Hitomi was never that quiet. He didn't get it.
Feeling irritated in general, Van glared at her. And then to make things even, he turned and glared at Eries as well.
He said firmly, "Alright. Everyone in bed in five minutes." He passed one more glance over the three women and then walked in the direction of the kitchen. Without looking back he said, "I'm going to look for Merle."

Eries stared at the bright moon in the sky. It was red; and it's light was almost burning her eyes. That, or something else was stinging them. 'This is silly... she thought, as she wiped the few tears that feel from her face. Her previous words about Allen...had little merit, when it came to her own belief in them. But what hurt more was that fact that it simply re-enforced what she knew was apparent - she would forever be a lonely person. Dignified, wealthy, and respected - but alone.

I need to walk around the estate... Standing up slowly with her cup of tea, she walked back into her room, slipped on a silk robe, and entered the hall. She immediately went to see what they were. She stopped in the doorway to Van's room - where he, Hitomi, and her younger sister seemed to be having a somewhat revealing conversation. "Millerna, you need not wait - for all of you should be in bed in the first place. You all need your rest."

"Millerna-san?!" Hitomi exclaimed as her hand flew to her chest.Millerna-san saw him brush the hair out of my face? Uh-oh. Hitomi felt her cheeks go red inspite of herself, I hope that's all she saw. I wonder what Van's going to say now? The princess winked back at her playfully. Wow, Millerna-san really knows how to grill a guy. Maybe I should be taking notes. Do I dare look at him? I'm almost afraid to at this point. Hmmm, I think it's time to play the part of the modest female. Hitomi lowered her eyes to the ground and assumed a meek, timid posture and expression, "I'm not sure if he brushed my hair tenderly, Millerna-san." She wrapped her arms around herself and nervously bit her bottom lip. Let's hope my actions passify him a bit. We need Millerna-san alive in the future so we can tease him again. Ball's in your court, Majesty. Now it's up to you.

Millerna watched amusedly at the scene unfolding before her. Picking her gaze up off of Hitomi, she went back to eyeing Van. Her lips curling into a big smile, Millerna's eyes gleamed mercilessly as she spoke aloud. "So...Van...Why were you so...How should one phrase this? Tenderly brushing the hair out of Hitomi's face?" Millerna bit her lip hard to keep from laughing hysterically. "And Hitomi...You could have come to my room to see if I was awake. I think you know I'm more then capable of attending to wounds" She smiled wickedly at the two. Somebody obviously has the hots for a certain somebody... Van and Hitomi are probably going to kill me for this later, but this is definately worth it, Millerna dear. When Van and Hitomi didn't answer, she sat down patiently in a chair, sheets still wrapped around her, and she tapped her foot. "Well, Van...Hitomi?" She tucked a strand of blonde hair behind her ear, her violet eyes twinkling with mischief, and stared at them, though she couldn't help but let a smirk escape. "I'm waiting" she added with a innocent smile.

Hitomi did her best to keep her face from giving anything away. Damnit, Van, why do you have to make your lie so detailed? Then when I tell the truth it really is going to look like you're lying. Wait a minute, the full impact of the dream hit her. What if that dream wasn't just a dream? What if that was the battle Escaflowne spoke of? What if Van really is going to die? Oh no! I can't tell him that! I can't let him worry about dying even if it maybe needless worry. Hitomi ran her teeth over her bottom lip in an effort to stay calm. I have to come up with a lie and fast. She searched her mind for any other reason than the true one. I got it. This is probably going to sound really lame, he’ll probably think I'm stupid and silly, but he can't know what might happen to him. At least not yet.

Hitomi took a deep breath and put her hand over the injured arm, "I'm sorry, Van, I thought my bandage might need changing again," she thought she saw his brow furrow impatiently, but dismissed it. She then thought of something cute and pathetic to add, "I went over to you, but then I didn't have the heart to wake you up, I guess I fell asleep," she bowed her head, "I'm sorry."

She waited with her head bowed for a response from the youth, I hope he buys this, taking pity on me would be a bonus, but just as long as he believes me that's good enough.

Van's eyes jerked from Millerna to Hitomi and then back to Millerna. He took one step backwards. "Millerna..." Van began, and then stopped. The Princess had an amused expression on her face. Dammit! Dammit! Dammit! He shot a glance at Hitomi.
She was watching him and rubbing her eyes, looking fairly groggy. He took a quick breath and tried to look non-chalant. "Yes, well, you ah..." Stop stuttering like an idiot! She was asleep! ASLEEP! And Millerna didn't see the two of us together so there's nothing to worry about. Nothing!
Van tried to look exhausted. He sighed and looked wearily at the two girls. "Sorry...it's been a long night." Did Hitomi's mouth just twitch?! He ignored that thought and ploughed onward. "Hitomi, I moved you over to that couch because you'd...fallen asleep over here," he gestured vaguely in the direction of the other couch, "and I figured you'd be more comfortable back over there." He looked over at Millerna. She didn't seem convinced. As he watched, she raised an eyebrow.
Mentally, Van cursed. He looked over at Hitomi, not sure what to expect. She looked confused--but there was something in her eyes that seemed a little different. Van made his face expressionless. Watching her closely, he asked casually, "So what were you doing over here, anyway?"

Rolling onto her back Merle stretched her arms above her head, arched her back, and let out a sound reminiscent of a yawn but somehow closer to a meow. Still in her less than conscious state Merle groggily attempted to stand. Maow… ... hungry… sleepy… sore-y... *crack* “Yeow!” Now fully awake merle assessed her situation. I musta just… fell asleep. Noting her current genius she decided to make an attempt not to think… at least until her brain decided to join the world of the living. “so… if I just walk one way eventually I’ll find someone.” Feeling rather pleased with the discovery that her ankle was in the mood to cooperate this morning Merle resumed her walk down the corridor.

Dornkirk tapped the arm of his chair nervously. The images of the last few minutes instilled an intense fear inside him. They're getting closer by the minute. This must be stopped right now. He tapped the comm button near his chair, "Folken. I want to see you. Now."

Aww, Van, you ruined all my fun. Course I thought that last move of mine might send you over the edge. Good thing I didn't moan when I did it, that might have sent you into cardiac arrest. Looks like I'll have to take things very slow from now on. How cute. You took all the trouble to put me down without waking me up and then you brush my hair out of my face. I'm sorry about the way I acted before, it was unwarranted. You didn't deserve those things I was thinking about you. Well, I'm not done with my fun just yet. Gotta wake up now. Then I can eventually tell you why I was over here in the first place. Plus I want my bed back, after all, I'm injured.

Hitomi slowly rose from the couch. She stretched and yawned, "How did I get here? That's funny, I don't remember coming over here. Did I get moved somehow?" She looked around her and then up at Van in her most innocent expression.

The sound of snapping branches woke Millerna up from her daze, and she scolded herself sharply. Honestly. Falling asleep on the stairs OUTSIDE. How stupid can you get??Going back inside, sheets still wrapped around her, Millerna crept up the stairs quietly, and went in to check on Van, Hitomi and Merle. Opening the door soundlessly, she looked at the scene before her.
Van was looking tenderly down at Hitomi, brushing a few stray strands of hair from her face. A small noise escaped Millerna's throat, and Van whirled around to look at who was intruding. With a wry smile, and a raised eyebrow, Millerna gave Van a questioning and teasing look. Not letting him explain himself, although Millerna was coming to conclusions in her head, she mouthed silently to the young king "How is she doing?". The young Asturian princess couldn't help but let a playful gleam come to her eyes... She almost forgot about Allen... But how could I forget him?

He felt her stir, and then her arms wrapped around his waist. Her body shifted on top of his, and she moved up closer to him.
Suddenly it all came crashing down on top of him. Holy shit! WHAT WAS HE DOING??
Van froze. Then he cursed mentally. Oh that's good Van, tense up so that she knows you're awake! Smart, really smart!
Ok, calm down, right, she can still be asleep...responding to uh, feelings of uh...attention! Yes, that's it. Van peeked down at her, his nerves tingling. Just then she shifted slightly again and her face tilted slightly up to his. She was so close he could feel her breath on his lips. Van suppressed panic. Barely. He felt his face heat up. Ok, breathe normally. Ok, just breathe! What was I thinking? Was I thinking at all? Oh dammit, how am I going to get out of this? If Merle comes back in here...I will never EVER hear the end of it! OK, ok, form action plan. What should I do in this... situation? OK, fact: Hitomi is LAYING ON TOP OF ME. SHE HAS HER ARMS AROUND MY WAIST. Oh yes...and...I have my arms around her shoulders. And...I have my hand in her hair.
But how did she get on top of--so close to me?
Van looked down at her quickly. She didn't seem to be completely woken up yet.
He had to think fast. Really fast.
Ok, if I was Hitomi...what would I do if there was this guy sleeping near me and---ok NO. That's not going to work. I can't think like a girl. It's just not going to work...Which leads me back to square one: how she got on me.
He glanced down at her again. Abruptly he wrenched his gaze away. Oh who cares how she got here?? We're still in the same position! Van drew in a slow, shallow breath and concentrated on relaxing his muscles. He tried to be very still. He listened to her steady breath, watched the slow rise and fall of her head on his chest. He resolutely ignored how having her body pressed on top of his felt. He completely ignored how warm she was. And he absolutely, completely, down to the most miniscule part of his mind, ignored any thoughts of sex.
Yes, he ignored all of it. Every single aspect of it. Completely.
Van stared hard at the ceiling, trying very hard not to exist. Please, Hitomi, he thought, don't wake up!
After several minutes of near terror, he realized that she must have fallen back into a deep sleep. She hadn't moved at all in a while. And surely she wouldn't have put her arms around him if she'd been completely awake...
Van shook off that thought and took a deep breath. Ok, here we go...
Moving as smoothly and slowly as possible, Van eased himself into a sitting position. His eyes were glued to her face. She still seemed to be asleep. But he didn't allow himself a sigh of relief. The hardest part was yet to come. Holding his breath, Van slowly gathered her into his arms. He tried his best not to move her too much. He supported her torso while he slowly swung his legs onto the floor. Don't wake up...don't wake up...please don't wake up... Her face didn't change. Van slid one arm underneath her thighs, near the knee. Her mouth twitched. He almost panicked. He froze, but she didn't move again. He lifted her up. As gently as he could he deposited her on the other couch. He drew the blanket over her, hardly believing that he had done it.
Van breathed out a long sigh of relief. Well, that was a disaster barely avoided...you're such an idiot...
He paused and looked down at her sleeping face. Some hair had fallen in her eyes. Unable to help himself, he reached out to brush it away.

What is that? Hitomi stirred from her sleep but had not yet opened her eyes. Something was moving tentatively up her back. Something light and gentle. They almost feel like fingertips. No, I'm just imagining that, that can't be happening. Hitomi shifted her position slightly. The fingertips froze immediately but soon after awhile they started up again.

I'm not imagining it, they're real. Van's heartbeat has sped up. He's awake! Oh no! He's awake and I'm practically on top of him. Hitomi's cheeks burned. This is so embarrassing! What am I going to do? Nothing! That's it. I'm going to pretend I'm still asleep until I can figure out what to do. Keeping her eyes closed, she turned her head away from where she believed his line of vision to be. Her lips grazed the inside of his palm. Oops, wrong way. Oh well, I'll have to stay here for now. If I move too much he might get suspicious. Wait a minute, why was his hand there to begin with? She suddenly became very aware of his other hand softly, stroking her hair. He's touching my hair and my back. He's awake too so he knows what he's doing. So why is he doing it? Hitomi searched her brain for ideas, but only one seemed to be the logical conclusion. If it was possible for her face to get any redder, it did at that moment.

NO WAY!

NO ABSOLUTE WAY!

He likes me? I had no idea. You never would have known by the way he acted toward me. He always acted so aloof and unfazed. He kept his feelings inside all this time. Now that he thinks I'm asleep, he can act more freely without being afraid of what I might do. Van...you're stupid...but you're cute. Wait a minute! Did I just say he was cute? Well, I mean, he is kinda cute in a wa- What? What am I saying?? Well he is a very passionate and powerful personality. He can be forward, brash and restless. He handles that sword much better than he gives himself credit for. He's strong; I can feel that through this shirt. And that idea of wanting to do all the fighting and protecting for me, albeit, somewhat barbaric...it is sweet. Oh no...I think I might like him too...But what about my angel boy? Well, he was just a dream, Van's real.

A vision of a tearful overdramatic parting between her and her dream lover ran through her mind...

"But, Darling, why must you leave?" he cried. "I'm so sorry, "she sniffled into a hanky, "But I've found someone else now. Please don't look back on this with regret. You will always be in my heart..."

The hand that had been trailing up her back had reached her neck. Oh yeah, I need to think of a way to get out of this without losing face. Hmmm. Well, maybe I don't really need to. It's not like Van's going to take advantage of me. He wouldn't do a thing like that and even if he did, he'd be asking for a knuckle sandwich. Besides he'd be too scared to go even to a kiss, I'm sure of it. Course...maybe it wouldn't hurt to test that threshold. See just how fearful he is... Keeping her head down, Hitomi wrapped her arms around Van's waist. She moved her head up his chest slightly so that her cheek lay on the exposed flesh above the lace of his shirt. She parted her lips and let some warm breath brush against him. Every muscle in his body tensed beneath her, tighter than a bowstring. Hitomi smiled mentally, looks like the threshold isn't too wide at all. Guess Hitomi's a little too much woman for you, Majesty.

He was drifting. It was silent where he was, and completely black. At first there had been no sensation...but now he seemed to feel a warm weight on his chest. It was gentle, comforting...it felt as if it belonged there.
Hitomi...
The name had come to him out of the blackness. He seemed to feel her all around him.
Hitomi...
His hand lifted and touched her hair. It was soft, very soft. His fingers twined in it. His other hand came up and touched her back, pressed her closer to him.
Hitomi.
His eyes slowly came open. His gaze focused on where he knew she would be. Her head rose and fell as he breathed. He looked at the golden hair that spilled across her face. She's so beautiful. The thought came unbidden to him. It was strange. He'd never really thought of her like that before. Her eyes were closed, her lashes dark against her cheeks. His hand began to slide up her back, tracing her spine with his fingers. She was so small...so small and hurt and tired. But she was so strong.
Hitomi...
He felt her stir slightly beneath his touch.

I think I hear crying...

The forest was thick with trees, every branch scratching and clawing at her clothes. After several minutes of struggling, a clearing opened up behind the trees. The crying was getting louder, closer. Hitomi ran into the clearing and looked off into the field. A woman lay weeping on an old tree stump. Her sandy blonde hair that shone in the moonlight lay in thick tresses running down past her feet. Her white gown glowed as if powered with some mysterious energy. Hitomi approached the woman slowly and knelt beside her. "Why are you crying? What's wrong?"

The woman lifted her head and Hitomi gasped at the sight. My God, it's me! This woman is me. As I will be when I'm grown.

The woman answered, "I cry for the sorrow of yesterday and the joy of tomorrow." She traced her finger around the rings of the stump. "The sapling becomes the tree, as the egg becomes the bird." Reaching into the billowing sleeve of her gown, the older Hitomi produced a ring of green and pink stones and laid it in her younger counterpart's hand. "Always remember, love is more powerful than life and death. It transcends time itself. It is everlasting...eternal..."

The younger Hitomi gazed down into her palm, "Like the ring.." Her turned her eyes back to the woman, but found nothing. The vision had gone. Hitomi slipped the ring onto her finger and continued on. She past the clearing of trees that lead into a vast field. An orange glow rose in the distance and in front of that, a castle. Hitomi choked and covered her mouth. The air smelled of pestilence and death.

Bodies lay strewn everywhere. As she trudged through the battlefield, the fallen that were still alive, reached up and grabbed her ankles, begging her for help. I'll get help, I promise. When she reached the drawbridge, she dashed into the castle. The screams of the dying filled her ears beyond what she could bear. She covered her ears and cried, "Help! Someone help me! Please!" She turned her head and stared at the sight before her, eyes wide with terror.

The Fanelian king hung lifeless before her. Chains bound his wrists to the stone wall, his royal sword buried to the hilt in his chest. His head bent forward, slowly rocking from side to side.

"Van...no...NO!" she ran to him. She shook him softly then roughly. But no sign of life emanated from the youth. Hitomi buried her face in the crook of his neck and sobbed. "Van, forgive me...I couldn't save you...Oh God...no...no..." Warm breath brushed her ear and she lifted up her head. Van's eyes were open, "Hope is power. A wish can change the future."

Hitomi opened her eyes and sat up in bed. Her eyes darted over to the couch. Van lay still upon it. In fact, almost too still.

Oh no, could he be..? She slid out of bed and crept softly over to the youth. She pulled a near by footrest to her and sat down, thinking of what to do next.

Should I take his pulse? No, too intrusive. Feel his breath? No way. If he woke up that'd be disastrous. Wait I know.

She slowly moved her head and laid it as gently as she could onto his chest. She smiled inwardly as her hopes were confirmed. His heartbeat was strong and steady. She settled into his shirt a little more. This feels nice, she felt herself relaxing and drifting. In fact she hardly noticed the hand that came to rest on the crown of her head, intertwining its fingers in her hair.

Wandering through the house, Millerna decided to get some fresh air. Going out the front door, she slowly eased herself onto the grand stone steps, her sheets wrapped around her, and she rested her chin on her knees.

My heart's frozen. Why do I always have to be like this? Why do I always have to let everyone down all the time?

A tear streamed down the princess' face, and she began to rock herself gently, while staring up at the sky. She began dreaming of a certain knight, and slowly began to fall alseep, her cheek resting on the cold stone.

Dornkirk pushed his telescope aside with a shakey hand.

That had been close...too close...

"We can't let that happen again. The dragon and the maiden must not be allowed to flourish. The prophecy must not be fulfilled. It will destroy us all..."

Hitomi quickly wiped the tears away from her eyes. She averted her eyes in casual manner, Didn't even ask me why I was crying. Course even if he had, I most likely wouldn't have told him, "yeah, we probably should, we have a long day ahead of us tomorrow. Umm," she paused awkwardly, "thanks, Van," she looked up at him,” Goodnight." She rolled over onto her side and settled down into the blankets. She felt her spirits lighten a bit at the prospect of having another dream. I hope angel boy pays me another visit. I could really use it now.

The atmosphere in the room had suddenly become slightly cold. Van looked away from Hitomi's tear filled eyes. What the hell I am saying. I've screwed this whole thing up. What the hell am I supposed to do...
Had he made her cry? She'd said it was because of the stinging...but he didn't think that was it. No, he knew that wasn't it. Hitomi was just...well she was just...What was she feeling right now? Stupid question, Van. She's feeling sad...maybe a little frustrated. He glanced up at her again and she avoided his gaze. Against his will, Van felt his irritation rise. It's been a long night. This isn't good for either of us, staying up like this. This is useless...what the hell am I doing...she probably thinks I'm some blithering idiot who spills his guts on a whim. Just a useless idiot...a king with no kingdom, a boy with no spine. Van's hand clenched in his lap. In silence, he prepared a new dressing for the wound. As he applied it to her shoulder he felt her tense. Here I am...feeling sorry for myself again! I can't keep on doing this. I can't...I...
"I'm sorry Hitomi," he said softly. He kept his eyes focused on the wound. He finished the dressing and stood up. "We should get some sleep."

Van's words had created a sour feeling inside Hitomi.

All this talk about getting me home. It's almost like he doesn't want me here at all. Gah! You'd think I'd at least get a "thank you, Hitomi," But nooooo. All I get is, "You shouldn't be here. Go home." I've said things tonight to him that I never thought I'd say to anyone, and all he can think about is the quickest route to get me out of here, like I'm some kind of burden, "her hand unconsciously balled into a fist, "Well tough, boy, I'm going to stay here until I'm forced to go back. You're not going to be able to get rid of me that easily. Ha! What do you think about that?" Hitomi looked over to Van as if expecting a response, however the king's eyes were cast downward. Hitomi sighed inwardly, "Probably wouldn't care if something happened to me anyway, all you're concerned about is getting me out of your hair. Only reason why you're here now is most likely because you feel obligated. Not because you want to be here. Wait a minute...Why do I care what you think anyway?! What makes your opinion so damned important? I don't need His Majesty’s approval for my decisions. I don't care what he says. I don't care about him! I don't-..I.. I don't want to be nothing. I don't want to be a burden, "tears welled up into her eyes, "Why do you think of me that way, Van? Why don't you want me with you? Why do you have to make me feel so terrible?

Van looked up and noticed the tears in her eyes, Hitomi looked away from his concerned gaze and hid her face in her bangs, "it's nothing," she lied, "it just stings, that's all."

And why don't I have the guts to tell you how I feel?

"As you wish, Lord Folken," Nariya said. As he turned and walked away, she exchanged a glance with her sister. Strange. There was something...not quite normal about Folken-sama today. Just now... Nariya shook herself. She refused to entertain such thoughts any longer. Folken-sama was Folken-sama. It was not her right to analyze him.
"Come sister, we go to the training room. We will not fail him again, even if we aren't Enhanced Luck Soldiers." Lord Folken...why wouldn't you let us...? Almost unbidden, Nariya's eyes went to the place where Folken had disappeared.

Wordlessly he got the bowl. As he wrung out the towel he thought, but my fight should not be your fight. It's not right, it's not fair. He raised his eyes to hers. She was expectantly waiting for him to give her the towel.
But you're not going to listen to me. I can see that in your eyes.
Van tentatively touched the outskirts of the wound. Hitomi hissed a breath in through her teeth at the touch, but said nothing. As gently as he could, he began to wash the blood away. He didn't look at her.

I think of you as mine...

His hand slowed and then stopped. For a split second the feeling of rage that had driven him through the forest touched his mind. What had he been thinking...? He didn't know. The only thing that had been in his head was that he had to get Hitomi back. It was almost like--
Van suddenly realized how still he was. He rewrung the towel and began again. He glanced at her out of the corner of his eye. Hitomi.
His silence was stretching on too long. Van hunched his shoulders slightly and said, "I know you wouldn't run away." He finally looked up and met her eyes. "But I'll do whatever it takes to send you back home. You have a life there...family, friends...some place where you belong." His eyes dropped to the floor. "But until then...I'll be here with you...I'll protect you."

Folken motioned for the two cat girls at his feet to stand. “ I must go and talk to Dornkirk about this news you bring. Hopefully he will have some insight. As for the Enhanced Luck Soldier business, it has never been tested properly, but if you wish, I will talk with Dornkirk about it as well. In the mean time, you should go and train. I have an important mission coming up for the both of you.” Folken looked at both of them to make sure they understood then turned and started down the halls of the Vione.
On his way to the communications room he came up with another plan. Dilandau should be back now. I might have something for him to do as well. Folken stopped a moment to run the plan through his head. Yes, it should work out nicely. After his new plot formed in his mind, he continued on his way through the corridors.

“Food? Where are you food?
Dangit! Stupid big house with it’s stupid lot of rooms! argh. I can’t go any farther! I guess I’ll just go back and get Eries to fetch some for me…
Where is back…
Dangit!”

Family...

Hitomi had forgotten completely about that. Her initial desires of wanting to go home returned to her.

I'm certain they're probably very worried about me...but I can't leave this place...not yet. Not until I see this through.

"I do have family back home," she replied, "Mom and Dad, maybe even my brother, might be very worried, but I can't think about that right now. I'm going to stay here as long as I can be of help. I want to stay. It's also what Escaflowne wants, Van, and you're-, "She lowered her eyes and blushed slightly, "you're my friend. I think of you as mine. My fight is your fight, "Hitomi turned her eyes back to Van, "I care about what happens to you and everyone else here. I'm not going to run away because it's convenient for me, "she extended her injured arm out to him, "I'm going to stay and help you, that's my promise to you." She gazed back down at her arm and noticed that the bandages had become soaked with blood once more, "Hmmm, looks like these could use some changing, "she grimaced, "Could you get me the bowl, I can clean this off here."

Millerna walked with Eries in silence, until they arrived to a guestroom. Looking at Eries, Millerna nodded slightly, and entered the room, shutting the door softly behind her. Easing her self under the warm covers of the bed, she shuddered slightly at the sudden warmth. She sniffed, and lay on her side, staring out the window. Allen.... Are you there? Though she was extremely tired still, The young princess couldn't stop thinking about Allen, and she kept tossing and turning. Soon enough though, she fell asleep.

"It's all your fault" Allen spat. "No! I-I'm sorry! Allen! Please! Understand!" cried Millerna. "Millerna....Why?" Hitomi whispered, blood trickling from her wound. "I-I didn't mean to! I d-didn't realize..." Millerna sobbed, turning around. "You're a failure! Why can't you be like Eries or Marlene?" said her father dissapointedly. Millerna ran from the room and fell into a deep black hole...

Waking up with a start and sweating, Millerna wrapped her sheets around her and decided to take a walk through out the house. She took a deep breath "It's just a dream" she encouraged herself, and she continued to wander through the darkness, every little creak causing her to jump in fright.

A shadow of a smile lifted the corners of his mouth. "Of course I'm confused." He let out a sigh and leaned back into the couch. He stared up into the darkness of the ceiling. "You can communicate to Escaflowne through the pendant, and Escaflowne can just communicate directly through you. You know, it might be useful to have you around after all." A derisive smile curved his lips. He glanced at her quickly, to make sure she hadn't taken offense. Her green gaze was fairly calm. Van turned his eyes back their contemplation of the ceiling. He said quietly, "After Fanalia...I thought I would be able to deal with just about anything fate threw at me. But now, with you telling me that I'm going to play a big part in Gaia's destiny, and that Escaflowne wants you to stay close to me...well, it complicates things." His eyes changed slightly, became a little darker. "You shouldn't be involved, Hitomi. You don't have to be here." He turned his head and looked at her. "You have family back home, don't you? ...Waiting for you?"

Hitomi pulled herself up to a sitting position as she watched Van return to the bowl and rewring the cloth, "I bet you're wondering why Escaflowne appeared in the woods. Well, that catgirl who grabbed me stuck me with something that made me lose consciousness. When I was asleep, I heard a voice in my mind asking me to call it. Of course I didn't know how. Then it told me to focus on the pendant, so I took it in my hands and focused my gaze on it and it started to glow. Then Escaflowne appeared in the air above us. He also stopped the catgirls from escaping so that help could arrive," she tilted her head backward as Van returned and replaced the cloth on her forehead. She then moved over on the bed making a place for the king, he sat down and she continued, "Then when I was lying on the ground, He told me that I needed to keep you close to me and that the time for battle was yet to come. I wasn't sure what he meant by that, I'm still not, but I believe him completely. That's why I, "she paused momentarily,"I asked Allen-san to protect you before I fainted." She picked up the pendant and held it before her eyes, "I'm not sure how this works, but I can call him whenever I need him or he can call me through this. I don't understand it quite yet..," she laid back down and turned her head to the side, "maybe I will soon." Hitomi looked up at him and smiled ruefully, "Confused yet?"

Merle watched as Eries lead Millerna upstairs to the guest rooms. Turning from the retreating figures her gaze fell upon the two others remaining in the room. Uum… I feel uncomfortable. Gotta get outa here. *stomach grumble* Ah! Great idea! Unbeknownst to the other occupants of the room, Merle made her way, in the manner of a three legged dog, towards where her keen instincts told her the kitchen was.

"Hitomi..." He stared up into the depths of her green eyes. God, she was strong. She was hurt and tired but here she was, taking charge.
And here he was, feeling sorry for himself.
Van fought back the weariness and doubt that had been plaguing him since he had left the clearing. He had to be strong... And suddenly Allen's words came back to him: Stay in control...for Hitomi.
She had said she would risk her life for Gaia. And tonight she had proven that she would do whatever was in her power to do that--including taking a knife for him.
Van wasn't sure just how she had communicated with Escaflowne, or just how she knew that he was going to play a part in Gaia's destiny, but he did know one thing: He would protect her at all costs. This was his world, this was his destiny--she should not have to die for a world that was not her own. Van would do everything he could to keep Hitomi safe.

He wouldn't let a night like this happen again.

Allen...I won't let anything happen to any of them.
Van brought himself back to the present. He looked at Hitomi. Her gaze was intense, and her hands were very warm. He dropped his gaze, feeling his cheeks begin to tingle. He took her hands away from his face. "Alright," he said quietly. "We'll look for Allen in the morning."
He looked up at the rest of them. His gaze lingered on Millerna. "No, Princess. You are tired, and you should get some rest. I'll stay up with Hitomi. I know a little about dressing wounds. I'll stay." He raised a hand as she opened her mouth to argue. "No. I'll stay. Don't worry about it." His gaze went back to Hitomi. "I'm sure we'll be fine."

*Arives at the Vione's hanger and docks his Guymelef* -_-; *Jumps out of the cockpit and walks down the rails to the opened hatch of the hanger. Leans on the railing and rests his arms on the metal.* When are we going to have some fun?? I haven't destroyed anything in a while.. we're just cooped up in this stupid fortess while everyone outside is living their lives. *Looks down at the little smoke clouds coming from the tiny town in flames* Wonder what happened to those peasants, I remember I made this ring of fire around them before I was called back..

*Pushes off the railing and turns around to walk to his quarters. Walks down the long winding maze of hallways and finally reaches his room. Slips inside and locks the door, flops onto the bed and looks at his surroundings for a while.* I don't even remember much about how I got all these things in my room. In fact, I don't remember at all about some the things. *Lays there, very bored*

[OOC: *Sigh* Got in trouble when I went Trick-or-Treating. Didn't mention to my mom I was going clubbin after that. -_-;]

Millerna listened quietly, but was thinking deeply.

It's not their faults. It's mine. Had I not been so foolish....So stupid, and had I not gotten in Van's way when those cat women were there... It's my fault Hitomi's injured. And it's all my fault that he's dead. Him. The one man I love. Gods, I wonder why I'm still alive.

Millerna looked back to the others, the coldness numbing her all over. She realized she was still wringing the face cloth, causing her hands to be cold and clammy. Dropping the facecloth, the guilt overcame her again, and she said softly "I'll stay up and make sure Hitomi's okay. She hasn't fully recovered. I may as well, I'm not tired" With her violet eyes drooping, she wondered what her father might have said to her. So what? You're a princess. You shouldn't be acting like a doctor! It isn't your place to practice medicine. Now stop acting like the world is ending and be a real princess for once. Her eyes darkened slightly, and she smiled weakly, hiding her true emotions.

Hitomi wiped her eyes and looked at Van, He's so riddled with guilt over this, and it wasn't his fault at all. Well it doesn't matter what he or anyone else may think of me after I say this, because it has to be said. Hitomi swung her legs out of bed and walked over to the distraught king and knelt beside the couch. She reached up and placed her hands on either side of his head, forcing his gaze downward into her own.

"Van, listen to me, what happened tonight was not your fault. If there are any two people who are responsible for what happened it's Allen-san and me. I asked him to look after you because there was no one else left who could do that. And Allen-san chose to stay behind, you had no control over his decison, that he did by himself. I asked him to look after you because Escaflowne believes that it's very important that you live. I don't know why, but I think that your role in the future of this planet is about to get alot bigger. I want your world to survive and find peace, and I'm willing to do whatever it takes to see to that, just like Allen-san, even if it costs me my life. And Eries-san is right, we don't know for certain Allen-san is truly dead so all this worrying is merely a waste of energy," she then moved here eyes over to Merle. "So we're going to do what Merle suggests; we're going to look for him tomorrow. We also need to find out what exactly Zaibach is doing in Asturia. Now it's time for bed, everyone," she looked around the room, "understood?"

…

wow, this sucks.

They’re crying.. and Van-sama, he looks so dead.
He thinks it’s all his fault. Merle slowly made her way towards Van and rubbed up against him. Leaning her head on his chest she attempted to be supportive. “Lord-van, you need to sleep. Lie down, we’ll search for Allen in the morning. You won’t help at all like this.” Merle lead him to the ridiculously large couch and manoeuvred him onto it. Leaving him the end with a view of the bed, and therefore Hitomi, Merle curled herself up where she hoped the feet of a sleeping van would soon be…
and waited.

Eries held her now crying sister. "Sshhh..." Eries murmmed. She looked at the other 3, and regained her dignified state. "Young king. Although we may have left him for dead...The Caeli Knight is not such a knight without reason. Even in such dire circumstances...I will believe in him." Her words were uplifting, althought tinted with blind faith.

'Well, I have to believe. Because if he is dead...My sister will be in grievance for the better part of her life.

And I will never love again.'