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Chapter 5. Written in the Stars

* * *

The resounding stomping of feet upon the hardwood floors aroused Sekhmet from an early retirement to his quarters. He didn't stir, only remained lying on his bed, as the door slammed shut, and the pounding drew closer to him. He smiled, waiting to hear the news of their successful "seduction" of the King.

"Get up, Sekhmet, we have work to do!" Ashira's shrill voice screamed at him. He looked upon her face as he rose out of bed. Her once-bright blue eyes were red and puffy due to excessive amounts of tears flowing from them.

"What happened?" he asked sternly. This was like Ashira, ruin the thought-out plans by one single act of inaccuracy.

"It didn't work at all. I showed him my wings and he was shocked that I knew he was one too, and then he hugged me. The perfume worked perfectly. I knew he was going to be mine, and then... and..." she struggled with her anger and tried to force out the words. "...that whore from the Mystic Moon returned and he ran after her."

"You mean... the one from the stories?" Ashira nodded. "Well, why are you crying then?"

She looked up into his eyes. "He and I... we're the same. We have the same kind of blood running through our veins. But he didn't look at me as... as someone like him. It was more like I scared him or something."

"You're half-Draconian. Of course, you're going to frighten others. Your people destroyed Atlantis," Sekhmet said apathetically.

"That wasn't me! That was my ancestors' fault!" she cried annoyed. “Besides, why should I frighten him. He’s a Draconian too.”

"Well, where is he now?"

"I don't know. He ran out of here before I could say anything to him. Why?"

"Maybe we can work it out so that you don't need to become Queen to take his pendant away."

* * *

Hitomi felt at peace. She hadn't a full night’s sleep in months and finally, she had comfort and solitude. Was it the light? That shaft of energy had a protective essence, as though Hitomi were its child. She felt safe within the walls of the unearthly force as she traveled.

She sat in a softly lit white room. A hospital room? Could someone had found me and rushed me here? The light never came for me? No, wait... it wasn't a room. There weren't any boundaries signifying that she was closed-in. Just a plain chair in the middle of this... plane of existence. I know I'm not awake. This can't be real.

but it is, hitomi...

Her eyes lifted at the sound of her name. A soft, singsong voice filled her mind, almost like a whisper of a spring breeze. Who said that? No one else is here!

oh, but i am...

She gasped, confused. "Who are you?" she cried out into the nothingness.

i can't tell you yet, child...

"Can you tell me where I am?"

you know where you are...

Hitomi held her breath. "Am I back on Gaea?"

yes...

She closed her eyes and exhaled, trying to fabricate her confused thoughts. So I've returned to Gaea. Back to the war-ridden planet.

it doesn't have to be that way, hitomi...

"Why? What do you mean?"

save us, child. save us all. you have the power for everlasting peace...

And, as easily the soft voice drifted into her mind, it left just the same. Hitomi closed her eyes, feeling herself float towards consciousness and the waking world.

* * *

The first morning birds had not begun to chirp their sweet song as Hitomi stirred from her sleep. She lifted her heavy eyelids, tired and exhausted. This must be the effects of those damn pills, she thought. I'm such a fool.

Her olive eyes were still blurry as she struggled to recognize the room she resided in. She couldn't move her head without the horrible rush of blood running to her brain. She stared at the foreign ceiling, focusing on the details. It looks... rustic. Not smooth nor flat. And the smells began to fill her nose, each one unfamiliar until...

Wait, I know that one. I remember it from so long ago. Flowers, pollen, wild grass, wind... that's the scent of a field. That's the scent of...

She sat up slowly, trying to ignore the pain screaming inside of her. Callused fingers gently held her right hand. A darkened sleeping figure sat hunched over by her side, sitting on a chair while leaning on the bed she slept in. His raven hair seemed to be a little longer and wilder than she remembered it, but she recognized him within a heartbeat. Van.

Suddenly, she felt uncomfortable. She was back. Back to the world that she had fought with her mind that it truly existed. Everything had changed around her. This was no longer the planet she once recalled from her dreams and memories.

Van, too, had grown over time. No longer was he a scrawny young boy with un-kept hair, but a taller, more muscular man with... un-kept hair. But she couldn't see his face. He kept it buried deep into his arm.

Should I wake him? He looks so peaceful when he sleeps. She smiled as she gently traced his fingers with her thumb, the pad barely touching his knuckle.

God, how she had missed him.

His index finger twitched, longing for her sweet touch. He slowly lifted his sleep-induced head, only to see her cool eyes staring back at him. More alert, he bolted straight in his chair, which only made her giggle for a brief instant.

There was a lengthy, awkward moment of silence. They stared at each other, observing the other's changes over the years of absence. Van's eyes were full of wisdom, no doubt with all the knowledge he has learned as King. However, they did still have that wild gaze, that longing look of adventure, to search what was beyond the horizon.

Van gaped at Hitomi, barely recognizing the beautiful young woman before him. Her olive green eyes flashed at him, almost smiling through them. She was no longer the tomboy he remembered her being all those years ago. Her slender body dressed in that white gown hugged her comfortably, revealed her subtle curves.

But something threw him off.

"Your hair got long," he blurted out, breaking the silence.

Gods, I am such a moron... ‘Your hair got long’? What is that?

Hitomi's hand automatically rose to her head. "Huh?" she asked, puzzled.

"Your... uh... hair grew a lot. It's longer," he touched the ends of her hair, pointing to what he meant. “I’ve never seen you with long hair.”

"Oh, no. It's just a wig, Van." She pulled out the pins binding the wig to her real hair, and quickly slipped it off. "See? It’s still short."

"Oh," he said, embarrassed by his stupidity. He watched her as she ran her fingers through her hair to bring it back to life. She noticed that she still wore the white wings attached the back of her dress. Reaching back, she quickly pulled the silver cord that held them together and threw them aside.

"What were they for?" he asked.

"I went to a Halloween party last night with my roommate..." she stopped, realizing that Van had no idea what ‘Halloween’ meant. "Halloween is a holiday where kids can dress up in costumes and go around asking for candy while adults usually go to parties."

"Oh. Kind of like a masquerade?" he asked.

"Yeah, something like that." She shook her head, the shock of her return not yet sinking in. "Um... how did I get here? I don't think I wished it. Plus, I don't have the pendant so I couldn't have."

Van's hand reached for the salmon stone around his neck. Hitomi smiled. "You still have it?" she asked.

"Of course! Why wouldn't I?"

"I don't know. I thought maybe you forgot me or something."

"How could I forget you, Hitomi? I think about you all the time."

Her cheeks flushed. "I think about you, too, Van." She entangled her fingers into his.

He stood up out of his chair. "Well, you've traveled a long ways. Are you hungry? Thirsty?" he said, an eager tone in his voice.

"I'm a little hungry, if that's all right," she said softly. She struggled to stand, but fell back into the soft deep bed. "Oops!" she cried.

"Here, let me help you," he said, reaching for her slender arm. She managed to rise to her feet, but was unable to walk under her own power. She leaned against Van for support. He could smell her hair, a faint scent of spring flowers. He shook his head. "Let's go down to the kitchen. I bet I can find you something down there."

* * *

Merle lounged across the deep burgundy bench, front arms crossed with her tail twitching as she watched Kyia cooking the beef stew. The aroma filled her nostrils with a heavenly scent.

"I thought you said you were horrible at cooking, Ky?" she purred, a hint of annoyance in her high-pitched voice. She hated it when people lied.

"It's cooking under pressure that screws me up. I can cook normally, Merle," she grinned at her childhood friend. Finally, someone her own age has returned to the castle. She and Merle used to play together when Lord Van had to attend to royal matters.

"Well, is it almost done? I'm famished!" Merle meowed loudly.

“Hush, Merle!” Kyia laughed. “Besides, what are you doing up so early? I figured that because of the party last night, you’d be dead asleep ‘til next color!”

The cat-girl smirked. “I’m waiting for a certain couple to...” she stopped in mid-sentence, her ears perking up as she listened to bickering in the halls heading in the direction of the kitchen.

"Heads up, Ky. We're having company," she warned.

"...and I say leave them alone. I bet they're both really tired. Let them come down at their own time!" Celena protested as she opened the swinging doors. Allen stomped in behind her and scanned the mostly-empty kitchen area.

"So have they come down yet?" he asked Merle, ignoring Celena's glaring at him.

"Not yet," she answered, calmly sipping her vino.

"Who?" Ky questioned loudly. Luckily, her stature as a servant played no part to a Knight, his sister, and the assistant to the King. The atmosphere of Fanelia was extremely relaxed when it came to social standards. Several other countries complained about Her King’s lack of distinction, but Van would simply shrug it off.

"Van and Hitomi," Merle replied.

"He knows we have a meeting with Lord Sekhmet this morning," Allen said, grinding his teeth. "And something tells me that Sekhmet is not the type of person to keep waiting."

"Don't worry, he'll be down soon," Merle replied.

"I say, leave them alone," Celena broke in. "He hasn't seen her for seven years. They deserve time together."

"Whoa, whoa, whoa! Wait a minute, do you mean the girl from the Mystic Moon?" Kyia asked incredulously. "The one that ended the reign of Zaibach and brought Gaea to peace?"

"I did no such thing," a clear voice rang throughout the kitchen. Kyia whirled around to see Lord Van half-carrying a young woman dressed in a white gown. “Honestly, Van, what tales have you been fabricating about me?”

"HITOMEEEEEEEEEEEEE!" Merle shouted with glee, jumping off her bench and launching herself at the girl, knocking her down.

"Merle? Oh my God, you look so good!" Hitomi said, half-crying and half-laughing. Allen and Celena walked over to where the two friends hugged, leaving Kyia standing agape and openmouthed.

"Welcome back, Hitomi," Allen said, helping her to her feet. "I always knew you would return someday," he added, giving her a quick kiss on the cheek. Van could feel his old jealousy habit slowly rising within, but he quickly forced it back down.

"Ahem!" someone cleared her throat from behind Allen. "Oh, right. Hitomi, this is my sister, Celena," he gestured to her. “And back there is Kyia.” Hitomi waved to the girl stirring stew as the silver-haired young woman stepped forward, her smile blinding.

"It's really nice to finally put a name to face, Hitomi," Celena said kindly, shaking her hand. "I have heard so much from these two idiots about you that I felt like I already knew you."

"Oh, thank you," Hitomi said, blushing. "I never knew I would be made into such a celebrity."

"So, how long are you here until?" Celena asked.

Hitomi didn't answer as quickly as Van hoped she would. He wanted to hear the single word escape from her lips: Forever.

"I don't know," she finally replied.

Allen stared at the two young people holding each other. "Van, remember. We have that meeting with that Sekhmet-fellow in a few minutes so we better get going."

"I think Sekhmet can wait awhile," Van said absentmindedly, entwining his fingers into Hitomi's. She looked down and smiled.

"Really, Van, I'll be okay," she said. "I can relax, or talk to Merle, Celena, and Kyia, or whatever. There's no need to put off royal matters just because I'm here."

He looked into her eyes, deeper down inside her. She sensed him within, knowing he was searching her for a reason why he should stay with her. She held her ground and stared back, a smile slowly spreading on her face as she realized she was winning. He gave up in defeat and sighed.

"All right, Allen," he said. "Let's get this over with."

"C'mon, Hitomi," Celena grabbed her hand. "Let's get you out of those dirty clothes. I bet you can fit into my dresses."

"Ky! Come with us!" Merle cried. "You can help, too."

Hitomi's vision never left Van's sight. She watched him leave as she was pulled out of the opposite end of the kitchen. Why do I need him so much? By my side? she thought to herself as they disappeared down the corridor.

* * *

"Damn it, what's keeping him?" Sekhmet growled under his breath. Ashira stood by his side, frantically tapping her foot. She sprayed the perfume all over her frail body.

"Quit that, Ashira, that stuff is nauseating!" he snapped at her. She glared angrily at him as she hid the vial in her sleeve. He hushed her up as he heard footsteps sounding their way to the council room.

"My Lord, I am terribly sorry to keep you waiting," Van forced out of his mouth. "And My Lady, will you forgive me on leaving you in such haste last night? I had to attend to an important... concern."

Ashira curtsied and nodded. "I understand that you had pressing matters to attend to."

"Come! Let us explain our proposal inside, shall we, My Lord?" Sekhmet gestured to the empty council room.

As Allen walked into the vast round meeting room, he picked out a particular fragrance from the air. I can't place my finger on it, but I know I've smelled that before...

"Now," Sekhmet boasted as he sat upon the large wooden chairs at the opposite end of the table. "I wish to tell you my proposition for you."

"Please proceed," Van said, already quite tired of the old man talking. However, each time he glanced at Ashira, his blood boiled. What was this? he thought. I've never reacted like this to Hitomi. Could it be that there's nothing there between me and her?

"As you already know, so I'm told," Sekhmet began. "My daughter and you have similar... qualities... that few people carry in their blood, as she explained to last night from what I understand...” He glanced over at Allen and gave him a wary look.

“It’s alright, Sekhmet,” Van waved his hand. “Allen knows what I am.”

The older man nodded. “She has taken quite a liking towards you and I can see that you enjoy her company as well. And since you are at the prime for marriage..."

"Excuse me? I’m sorry, I must have missed something” Van interrupted. “Is this supposed to be a marriage proposal?"

"Well, yes, it is only appropriate for the last remaining Draconians to be together."

"How did you come to *that* conclusion?" Van inquired, his voice raising.

"My Lord, I am giving you the chance to marry my only daughter,” Sekhmet said coolly. “I need to ensure that she will be taken care of once I have passed on to the next life. I am also offering the use of my army..."

Van had had enough of the man. "I am sorry, but I had no intention of marrying your daughter, Draconian or not. Perhaps yesterday, I may have taken a chance, but there are new... options... at the moment, and I dare not pass them over." His eyes wandered over to Ashira to see her staring into her lap.

"Then is that your final answer, My Lord?" Sekhmet glowered at Van.

"Yes."

"Then you leave me no choice. I wanted a peaceful conjunction between our countries but now, I am forced for a dominant takeover of this country."

“What?!”

"You can't be serious, My Lord," Allen spoke up. "Just because Van won't marry her?"

Sekhmet nodded. He rose from his seat, Ashira following his gesture. "I am giving you until tomorrow to make up your mind, Lord Van." He said as the doors slammed shut.

"Damn it!" Van shouted as he pounded his fist on the ancient council table. He held his head in his hands. “I can’t believe he is blackmailing me.”

"Ashira's half-Draconian?" Allen asked.

"Yes. She told me last night just before Hitomi arrived."

Allen tapped a finger on his chin. "This makes it worse."

Van lifted his head. "What makes you say that?"

"I think Ashira and Sekhmet have been playing you."

"What?"

"When I walked in here, I smelled this unique odor that no one else seemed to notice. Especially you. I assume you know what I'm speaking of?"

Van shook his head. "I didn't smell anything."

"You know that my father was obsessed with finding Atlantis,” Allen said. “I used to believe that he always would when I was just a lad, watching him read journals and books about the Atlanteans. Anyhow, I remember him trying to brew a potion that could stimulate the blood of a Draconian, making him feeling burning hot and short-tempered."

"So?"

"I recognized the aroma from the one that my father made! I don't think they wanted you to say ‘yes’ to the proposal at all. It's almost as if they were after something else..."

Van eyed him. "What are they after then?"

Allen pondered for a moment. "I don't know, but I think it will come into light soon. Maybe we should put the people on alert for an attack."

"Of course he had to choose the opportune moment when Fanelia's army isn't at full strength."

"Maybe it was planned like that," Allen pointed out.

Van stood up. "I don't want to think of this anymore. I'm going to find Hitomi."

Allen blocked his way out of the council room. "What did you mean about 'other options’?"

Van said nothing.

"Don't tell me you're going to ask Hitomi to stay here, are you?"

The young King turned round and faced the Knight with anger flashing in his eyes. "Why not?"

"Calm down! You’re letting your temper get the best of you,” Allen retorted. “Besides, you're being too arrogant, Van. Remember, she could go home at anytime. She came here on accident. She's not from Gaea."

"I know that!" Van snapped at him, but he quickly withdrew his remark. “I apologize, Allen. This is really... confusing for me. I had decided last night that I was going to move on... and she appeared. And now that she’s here, I want to be with her all the time. Even now, I ache that I’m not with her.” He paused. “I can't stand to see her go again."

Allen looked upon his young friend with sympathy. "Look, I adore Hitomi. But you have to think what is best for her."

Van stared out the stained glass window to see his angel sitting happily on an outdoor bench overlooking a pond littered with lilies.

"We'll see," he said flatly.

to be continued...

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