main | visuals | written | life | links | credits | contact | joined

Chapter 7. Take My Hand

* * *

She found herself sitting at the edge of a cliff, overlooking the vast and serene sea. She knew that during the winter, the waves would be uncontrollable and dangerous, but now, they were subsided and playful like kittens. She looked below, seeing the water's edge lap the jagged rocks, the salty air blowing each time they made connection.

"Why am I here?" she asked the sky.

you know exactly why you're here, hitomi...

"No, I don't."

you do, but you have yet to realize it... your full existence resides in gaea...

"Am I here to stay, then?"

that will be your choice alone when the time comes... you may return to your world and forget everything of this one...

"Will you help me?"

yes... not now... now is merely the beginning...

"The beginning?"

i cannot tell you more that you need to know right now, child... soon, you will come to me and i will explain everything about you and your purpose... but now, simply enjoy the moment and be content...

"I will."

* * *

The sun peaked cheerfully through the windowpanes of the balcony doors. Too cheerful, Hitomi thought. No one can be this cheerful so early in the morning. She groaned and pulled the sheets over her head. She was suddenly aware of the sort breathing against her neck, arms embracing her in a protective manner. She smiled and snuggled tighter for warmth.

"Mmm," a muffled noise came from behind her. "Morning," Van said with a yawn.

"Did you sleep well?"

"Yes, better than ever," he pulled an arm away and snagged a shirt hanging over the edge of the bed. "Oh gods, I overslept. I have some matters to attend to this morning," he said, struggling in search for the head hole. "I'm already late so Allen's probably going to cut off my head."

Hitomi gently straightened the shirt and tugged it over his eyes. She gave him a quick kiss on the cheek. He grinned and rose from the bed, stuffing his feet into his boots (pants remained on during the night) as he did so.

"Stay here, it won't take me long," he ordered, buckling his sword to his side. "You can go back to sleep or have one of the handmaidens draw you a bath."

"It's all right, Van," she said, laughing. "I think I know how to make a bath."

He shrugged his shoulders then jumped back onto the bed, landing on top of her. She giggled as he lightly blew onto her neck. "Stop it! You'll be late for your already-late meeting!" she cried.

"I'll be back soon," he said, staring deeply into her eyes. He gave her a final kiss on the lips and left.

Hitomi fell back into the pillows, reflecting on the previous night. How did this happen? Was it too fast? It wasn’t as if their previous night’s activities would be so scandalous. She simply felt that she did not want to be alone. Van asked if she wanted to talk or anything, so they stayed up till just before the sky began to lighten. Their conversations were casual and random, varying from stories of Van’s childhood to Hitomi’s psychological studies.

And, of course, they worked on their ‘little kiss’.

As Van spoke to her, Hitomi observed his behavior and traits. He has changed so much for the better. No longer withdrawn from everyone. No longer the scrawny boy picking fights. No longer so overconfident with his abilities. He's more... open, mature, wise. I guess that what being a King does to some. But that wildness in his eyes...

Everyone here has changed. Millerna's with child. Merle no longer protects Van like a bodyguard. Celena is a... well, completely different person. Allen didn’t seem to be as infatuated with her.

But it was Van, most of all, that she noticed the complete change.

She sighed and closed her eyes, letting the sun's warmth touch her through her nightgown. Only a few more minutes, and then I’ll get up, take a bath, and wait for Van to come back.

But what of that dream? Or was it a vision? The singing she had heard previously in her psychology lecture hall now had evolved into actual words, a feminine voice speaking to her. She couldn't see who it was that spoke to her, only felt her presence. Whoever it was, she had predicted an upcoming war. Should she warn Van? She didn't want to disturb his harmony.

She sighed and dragged herself into the bathroom.

* * *

"So what have you decided upon?" Allen stood in front of the Council meeting room, arms crossed. His face showed annoyance at Van’s tardiness.

"There is no way I can marry Ashira," he replied angrily. "I can't... I won't do that to her."

"Who, Ashira?"

"No, Hitomi."

Allen stared at the young King for a lengthy amount of time. "You love her, don't you?" he finally questioned. Van said nothing, focusing outside at the garden absentmindedly.

"You do realize that you are waging war on Fanelia because of her..."

"I would journey to the depths of Hell because of her!" he snapped at Allen. He recoiled, his face during once again placid. "I've never felt this way about anyone. I sometimes wonder what my life would be like if she wasn't in it and it scares me. So much loneliness. I lost her once long ago... and if she left again, I don't think I would be able to handle it."

"Have you told her this?" Allen asked, studying him.

"No."

"Maybe you should."

"My Lords!" a voice shouted in the distance. "I'm sorry to keep you waiting." Sekhmet walked through the doors and sat heavily onto a chair.

"Not at all," Allen forced out, his eyes glaring at the older man.

"So have we reached an agreement, then?" he said, his voice triumphant.

Van breathed deeply. "No, My Lord, we haven't."

Sekhmet's bright appearance slowly changed to that of fury. "What?!"

"I apologize. Although your daughter is very beautiful and I see your point about the Draconian part, but..." he paused, seeking for strength. "...I don't love her."

"What does love have to do with anything?"

"My father and mother loved each other very much. When they met, they knew they were to be together. Because of this, Fanelia was prosperous, strong, and tranquil. I wish to find someone that will help achieve the greatness it once had."

Sekhmet's face grew scarlet. "You would bring this country into war because of love?!" he growled.

"Yes."

"So be it!"

* * *

The aroma from the bath water soothed Hitomi's aches and worries away. She felt herself drift, relaxed and content.

are you to tell the young king?

"No, not yet,” she replied aloud.

why not?

"I tell him when the time is right."

the beginning is at hand...

Hitomi didn't say anything.

knock, knock, hitomi...

A knock rapped loudly on the chamber doors, startling Hitomi and breaking her of her thoughts. The voice had retreated to wherever it came from (she had assumed that this voice was not her becoming mad and that it had some sort of origin).

Perhaps it’s Merle or Celena coming to check on me, she thought as she lifted herself out of the steaming water. The gown that Celena had let her wear was soiled badly from the lake so she chose not to throw that one on. She sighed, deciding on grabbing one of Van's burgundy robes hanging behind the bathroom door. She quickly tied the sash and answered the door.

It wasn't Merle or Celena. In fact, it was a young woman she had never seen before around the castle grounds. Not like she had been there for a long time, but Hitomi thought she had met everyone important. And this woman definitely looked like nobility dressed in her elegant gown

"Oh, I'm sorry," she said rapidly. "I was looking for the King's chambers and I guess I've been mistaken." She whipped around, searching for another room, her rippling golden hair following her every move.

"No, wait!" Hitomi cried out. "This is Van's room."

The girl turned around slowly, her bright blue eyes suddenly growing cold. "Who are you, then?" she asked, cautiously, eyeing the robe she stood in.

"Hitomi Kanzaki," she replied.

There was no time for reaction when Hitomi saw a glimpse of the hand smacking her face. The girl retracted it, leaving her a stinging pain on her left cheek.

"How dare you wear my betrothed's royal robe, you commoner!" she hissed. "And speak of him without any titles!"

Hitomi held her burning face, tears forming in her eyes. "Betrothed? You are..."

"I am the Lady Ashira, she who is destined to marry Lord Van Fanel, King of Fanelia," she said proudly. "And you are nothing more than a common whore."

Hitomi sank to the ground, her knees weak from shock. "No..." she whispered.

"Go back to the brothel you came from," Ashira spat at her.

Hitomi glared at her and slammed the door in her face. Ashira simply smiled and walked slowly down the corridor.

"Perfect," she said.

* * *

Van sat in the throne room, his head hung low. What am I going to do now? he thought. Fanelia has an idiot for a King. He massaged his temples slowly.

"This sure is a new sight," a cheery voice perked up. Van lifted his head to see Celena walking down the deep red carpet leading to the throne. "I've never actually seen you use this chair."

"I needed to think alone," he said quietly.

"So I've heard." She sat down on the steps below. "Allen told me what happened. Why didn't you say anything?"

"I didn't want anyone else involved."

She paused in her words. "Well, for what it's worth, I think you did the right thing."

"Really?"

"Yeah, I can't stand that Ashira. She's like one of those uppity people that are too good for you."

Van couldn't help chuckling a bit. Celena always knew how to cheer him up. "That wasn't the real reason," he said.

"I know."

A brief interlude stopped their conversation. Celena turned around so that she could face him.

"Van, I consider you one of my closest friends," she said seriously. "And the only thing I want for you is your happiness. And yesterday, I saw it. Whenever you were with Hitomi."

Van remained silent.

"I think you should talk to her."

He sighed. "Maybe you're right."

"Lord Van!" a voice pierced the emptiness of the throne room.

Van stood from his seat as Merle ran into the room, partially on two feet, partially on all fours. She still has that cat instinct, he thought.

"What is it?" he inquired as she reached him. She panted for air, after most likely running for a distance.

"It's Hitomi!" she gasped. "I went in to check on her and she was crying and frantic about something. She left your room and locked herself in hers."

* * *

"Damn it, where's Ashira?" Sekhmet stood on the small leviship, engines already aroused and ready to go. He had to get the troops ready for battle. He saw her racing towards the hovering craft.

"Where were you?" he hissed at her.

"Sorry, I had to do something last minute," she said with a grin as she boarded the vessel. "Besides, I think it will be better this way. I want to have the pleasure of taking that accursed pendant from his cold, dead body!"

* * *

Van sprinted to the courtyard, fear building in his chest. Why didn't I sense anything? That she was sad?

He stood outside of her balcony doors, calling her name. No answer. Damn it, he cursed silently to himself. He couldn't use his wings, too risky in the dying daylight. He didn't want to deal with people bugging him about them. He could scale up the wall, using the attachment that the vines clung to. As he climbed, sharp thorns pricked his unprotected arms. He winced in pain.

He could hear movement above. He reached the stone balcony wall and swung himself over it. Cautiously, he opened the door.

"Hitomi?" he said, carefully, poking his head in.

There she was, pacing the room, frantically looking for something. She was dressed again in strange clothes and her bag was sitting on her bed that she had straightened from the previous night.

He walked in. "Hitomi, is there something wrong?"

"Huh, what? No, there's no problem." She looked somewhat confused. "I just need to find my CD player."

"CD player?"

"Yeah," she reached under the bed. "I was playing some music yesterday for Celena, Merle, Millerna, and Kyia and I have misplaced it." She crawled across the room, peaking under each piece of furniture. "Damn it, where is it?" she cursed.

Van was taken aback. He had never heard harsh words come from Hitomi's lips. She was always too cautious about cursing and avoided it. What's wrong with her?

"Are you going somewhere?" he gestured to her packed bag.

She stood up and wiped the tears away from her stained cheeks. "Yes," she said matter-of-factly. She pointed a finger upwards. "Home."

"The Mystic Moon?"

"Mystic Moon, Earth, whatever."

"But... but why?" he stammered.

"When I found out that I have been in the way ever since I got here, I no longer feel welcome." She felt pain in her chest when she yelled at him like that. She hated it but she had no other choice.

"What do you mean?"

"The garden, the lake... last night?!" she cried. "Why didn't you tell me?"

"Tell you what?" What was she talking about?

"About... her!"

"Who?"

"That Ashira person!"

"What? Ashira came here?"

"Yes! She told me about you." She began to cry again. "She told me that you and she were betrothed and... and... my heart broke."

Van held her close to him. "That's why you're upset? Because of something she told you?" Hitomi nodded as she dug into his chest.

He sighed in relief. "There's nothing to worry about. We're not betrothed."

She looked up. "You're not?"

"No! Her father came to me, asking for me to marry her. I turned him down, telling him that I was looking at a different option."

Hitomi lowered herself down and sat on the bed. "Thank God," she breathed. "Now I feel really stupid. I'm really sorry I yelled at you, and I got my tears all over your shirt..."

"Do you think that makes me mad?" Van asked, descending to kneel facing her. "Please, don't let anything come between us like this again. I couldn't stand seeing you so upset."

"I need to lie down," Hitomi said. Van eased her back so that her head rested on the pillows comfortably. "And since we're not hiding anything from each other anymore, I have something to tell you."

"You can tell me anything."

She breathed deeply. "I think there's going to be another war."

"What?" He lay down on his side next to her, eyes staring quizzically at her.

"I've had a vision," she said. "Actually, a number of them. Each time, they're getting stronger. A few days ago, I saw the destruction of Gaea. I hear this voice warning me of things."

"Why didn't you tell me before?"

She smiled. "I'm sorry. I was being selfish. I didn't want to spoil anything for you."

Van shook his head. "That's not being selfish." He stroked her face, brushing her hair out of her drying eyes. "You could never be selfish." He leaned in and kissed her on the forehead. Her eyelid. Her nose. Her cheek. Her...

A deafening crash shook the castle walls, followed by earsplitting screams.

"What's going on?" Van cried as he hurried out the balcony doors. Three large leviships hung in the sky surrounding the castle. He could see soldiers in guymelefs dropping from each one, landing on palace buildings.

Hitomi stood by his side, her eyes distant.

"We’re already too late," she stated. “It has begun.”

to be continued...

* * *

.back.