Vision Of Escaflowne Fan Fiction ❯ Blood In Her Hands ❯ Gaia Awaits for Fanelia ( Chapter 6 )

[ Y - Young Adult: Not suitable for readers under 16 ]

DISCLAIMER: I don't own Vision of Escaflowne.. However, the new/added characters and places in this fanfic that were not mentioned in the animated series are products of my imagination.. Any relation to real people/places is purely accidental..

“Where have you been Your Highness? It is not expected of you to act this way,” scolded one of Hayase's advisers as he entered his quarters.

“I told you before I want to visit the town some time by myself,” answered Hayase.

“You could have us send you some protection there Your Highness. It is not safe. You are the ---!,” said the adviser

“The Prince of Boreal, yes I know that. Look, I made it back here safely, isn't that a valid reason that I don't need protection?,” said Hayase, now resting his head on his hands. It's useless to talk to his advisers; they're so protective of him. He's not a child anymore. He can look after himself. The advisers continued to scold him.

“Where have you been, Hitomi?” demanded Allen.

“Out,” said Hitomi. She was seen by Allen entering the castle and sent her in Van's study room where the rest of the gang was waiting.

“Hitomi, Merle said that you went out a while ago. But she never saw you after you locked her in your room,” said Van.

“So you got out,” said Hitomi to Merle who was sitting beside Van. She was staring daggers at Hitomi and the presence of Van was the only thing preventing her to shred Hitomi into pieces.

“Hitomi, you could have left us a note as to where you're going. You got us all worried,” said Millerna.

Hitomi went to the window. She played with the items she found on the table beside the window. Among the items, the small box caught her eye. It was the same as the one she saw in one of the stalls in town.

“Where did you get this?” asked Hitomi to Van.

“I found it while I was walking around the castle. Why?” answered Van.

“Nothing,” said Hitomi, placing the box in its place on the table.

“So, where have you been exactly?” asked Dryden.

“Town.”

“You could have asked somebody to accompany you, Hitomi,” said Millerna.

“Oh, she wasn't alone,” snickered Merle.

“What do you mean Merle?” asked Millerna.

“Ask her who's with her this morning in town,” said Merle, loving to put Hitomi into the hot spot. She was very aware that Van's tensing beside her.

“Who are you with Hitomi?” asked Allen.

“I am not with anybody. And why are you all so curious about it?” said Hitomi.

“Yes you are. Something in the lines of Ha-Ya-Se, is it?” said Merle.

“Hayase's with you?!” asked Van.

“He's not with me, we just met in town. Is something wrong about it, Van-sama?” said Hitomi. She put a great deal of emphasis on his title. Lord Van.

“Nothing, Hitomi. Van was just tensed nowadays because of the meetings,” cut Allen in.

“Merle, do you know what timing is?” asked Dryden.

“Nope,” said Merle in an innocent voice.

“Hitomi, why don't you rest first in your room. There's a ball tonight and you need your rest,” said Millerna.

Hitomi was stunned. Ball? She looked quizzically at Allen.

“What did she meant by `ball' Allen Schezar?” asked Hitomi.

“The ball is a celebration held for the guests and leaders. It's a way of concluding the meeting,” said Van.

“I know what a `ball' is. Allen?” said Hitomi.

“You have to attend Hitomi,” said Allen.

“No, I won't,” said Hitomi.

“Yes, you will. Or else---,” said Allen but never got the chance to finish his statement.

“What? Blackmail again?” said Hitomi.

“Blackmail? Allen?” asked Van. He was now standing at watching Hitomi and Allen stare at each other. He can't help but feel jealous; Hitomi was in speaking terms with Allen first than any one in the gang.

“You told me that the celebration ---” started Hitomi.

“I told you I will only give you your condition if you will attend throughout the celebration,” said Allen.

“Fine. Then I won't attend the ball. Forget about the deal,” said Hitomi as she stormed out of the room. Van followed her outside and reached her by the corner.

“Hitomi, please attend the ball. I don't know about the deal you've made with Allen, but please come tonight,” pleaded Van. Hitomi couldn't look straight into those emerald eyes. She kept her gaze on the ground.

“Please?”

Hitomi stared at Van. She couldn't say no to Van. But her mind's forcing her to yank his hand off her arm and ran. “Do I have to wear dresses again?”

“Unfortunately, yes.”

Hitomi snorted. “Alright.”

“Thank you Hitomi,” said Van. He's so happy that Hitomi was convinced to go to the party. He'll have arrangements made to make this night special for Hitomi. He loosened his grip on her arm and offered to walk her up to her room, which she agreed.

Hitomi waited for the ball. She was dressed already; her maid got in early. She was more excited than Hitomi for the ball. Hitomi was dressed in a gown this time though not that too puffy like what Millerna's wearing. She's just sitting on one of the chairs facing the fire place. The maid left her a while ago, saying that she is needed downstairs for the final preparations. She's not excited to be in this ball, she just wants to sleep. There was a knock on her door and she went to answer it.

“Hi Hitomi. You look wonderful,” said Van. He was wearing formal attire but the sash and the cape accentuated the attire with such royalty.

Hitomi merely nodded. Oh, boy. Now the torture begins. She went downstairs with Van to join the ball. Once they entered the main hall, gazes are inevitable for Hitomi. Being with the King of Fanelia is one, being in a gown is another. Van guided her towards the center table. When they approached the table, everyone was silent. They all seated at the table, and their dinner was served.

“Hitomi, thank you for coming tonight,” said Van silently. Hitomi was seating in his right. The rest of the guests were starting to eat their dinner. Hitomi just nodded. Allen was staring at her across the table. Milerna and Dryden were smiling at her way. Merle was sniggering beside Allen. The seat beside Hitomi, to her disappointment, was reserved for the leaders, and the first one in the list is Yuki Hayase. She tried to seat somewhere else, but Van placed her at this point.

“So, how are you now Lady Hitomi?” asked Hayase to Hitomi after some time the dinner had started.

“Fine, as always,” answered Hitomi. Van was listening at their conversation.

“I heard that Lady Hitomi was with you this morning,” asked Van, attempting for a conversation.

“Yes, I met her in the fields. Though she was a little off then,” said Hayase, bringing the cup of wine to his lips.

“Off?” asked Allen. Hitomi couldn't have been hard on Hayase. She wouldn't put Fanelia's reputation on risk.

“Hitomi, you should be kind to the prince,” whispered Merle.

“She was, in a way,” said Hayase, smiling to Merle.

“If you're going to cover up for my behavior this morning, drop it,” said Hitomi, not looking at Hayase. She was drinking her serving of wine then looking at Van for unknown reason.

“I am not covering up anything, My Lady,” said Hayase graciously. Hitomi said nothing.

“So, Prince Hayase, how was your trip to the town? I hope you find Fanelia accommodating,” said Van.

“Fanelia's wonderful, Van-sama. The people are very kind here and hospitable. The weather's perfect and so are the sceneries,” said Hayase.

“I am honored to have you as a guest here, Prince Hayase. Maybe we should do some activities together someday,” offered Van, raising his cup for a toast.

“I would be delighted,” answered Hayase, raising his own cup to answer Van's toast. The others followed the suit.

“Lady Hitomi, may I ask you a question?” asked Hayase.

“That's funny. All day you were asking me questions and this is the first time you ever asked permission to ask one,” joked Hitomi. Van was listening intently.

“Hitomi, he's a prince,” said Millerna in hushed tones.

“Don't worry, Princess Millerna. I am accustomed to Lady Hitomi's way of answering my questions,” said Hayase. “Lady Hitomi?”

“Shoot.”

“I beg your pardon?” asked Hayase.

“It's Hitomi's way of saying yes, Prince Hayase,” explained Allen.

“Oh,” whispered Hayase. He turned to Hitomi who was staring at her cup. “How are you feeling now, Lady Hitomi?”

“I thought I answered that question already,” said Hitomi.

“The first question was general, this one's specific.”

“To what are you exactly referring to, Prince Hayase?”

“The little spell you got this morning.”

Hitomi turned to face Hayase. She didn't say anything about this to Van and the others and here he was spilling it all.

“Spell? What happened to you this morning, Hitomi?” asked Van.

“Nothing. It's just a simple spell,” answered Hitomi while staring at Van. She felt guilty for not telling them this, but she didn't want them to worry over her like that. Besides, questions will arise to the reason why she fainted a while ago. She was also clueless about it.

“Why haven't you told us this Hitomi?” asked Millerna.

“Because I knew you would all react this way,” said Hitomi.

They were all quiet, as Hitomi had hit the right spot. They were all worried about Hitomi from the very first day she returned back to Gaea. They thought that she was cold and all; but this proves that Hitomi still cares for their feelings. Van smiled.

“Well, you can't blame us for behaving like this Hitomi,” said Van. “But I do hope you're feeling well now.”

“I am,” said Hitomi, finishing her cup. The musicians arrived in the hall and the servants started to clean up the table. The guests were standing up and the after-dinner wines were being served. Van offered his hand to Hitomi as she stood up from her chair. The musicians started playing and the guests were listening to the music. Van approached Hitomi.

“Would you like to dance, Lady Hitomi?”

Hitomi couldn't say no. Van's reputation was at stake. Although she could refuse, but that won't mean that she's free from the invitations from the other guests. She have to do this because the people thought of her as a close friend of the king, or the fiancé of the king. She held her hand and let Van guide her to the dance floor.

Van put her hand on his shoulder and the other one on his left hand. They swayed in tune with the music and soon enough the other guests started to dance with them. Van and Hitomi haven't talked much during the dance, but they kept staring at each other, as though conversing mentally. After the music, Allen asked for Hitomi's hand for a dance. Van was reluctant to let Hitomi go but he'll have to give Allen and Hitomi a chance. Hitomi must be acquainted with other people to help her situation.

“Oh, Van, surely you're not jealous of Allen?” asked Millerna. Van was back at the side table, joining Millerna and Merle in the table. Dryden was talking to some of the merchants present in the ball. Millerna was watching Van as he watched Allen and Hitomi dancing not far away.

“I won't deny it. But I am much more concerned about him,” said Van. Millerna followed Van's gaze and saw the Prince of Boreal.

“Prince Hayase? Why would you be concerned about him? He's not that close to Hitomi to start with,” said Millerna.

“I won't wait until he's close with her. I don't like his stares at Hitomi. It makes me think of Dilandau,” explained Van. He was nursing his second cup of wine for the night. He knew he musn't drink much, but the occasion calls for it.

“Van-sama, you shouldn't be jealous of anyone. We all knew that Hitomi likes you,” said Merle.

“That was a long time ago Merle, before she left Gaea. But now,” sighed Van. He watched Hitomi as she glided with Allen. She has never smiled throughout the evening. “Now that she had returned, I don't know what to think.”

“I believe that nothing's change with what Hitomi feels about you, Van. It's just she's going through tough times. Be patient with her,” explained Millerna.

Van felt light hearted after what Millerna had said to him. Yes, he noticed that Hitomi was not rude when he speaks to her. She listens to him even though she's not always talking to him. He was the one who persuaded her to attend the ball when Allen failed. Allen. But Hitomi first talked to Allen; Van could never forget that fact. He understands Hitomi better than anyone and it hurt him to see her seeking someone else's comfort when she's down and alone. Maybe because he wasn't able to spend more time with her due to his duties as king. Hitomi would sure understand his situation. Van deeply wanted to help Hitomi with what she's facing now. She needed him now more than ever. She's not ready to talk about her past yet; Van's willingly to wait.

The music ended and Allen guided Hitomi to Van's table. Van stood up and offered her a seat then went to seat beside her. Allen was on Hitomi's other side while Merle was beside Van.

“Well, looks like you two worked up a sweat,” commented Dryden on Allen and Van, who both blushed. Merle was staring at Van; as though waiting for him to ask her to dance too. Dryden and Millerna set off to the dance floor for their chance to dance, while Allen was refilling their glasses with wine. Merle was asked by a cat-guy from Asturia. Smiling at the three of them, she excused herself and, together with the cat-guy, danced their way to the center of the room.

“Hitomi, about the deal… You attended the ball, does that mean…?” asked Allen.

“The deal's over Allen. So that means nothing will happen whatever choice I pick,” said Hitomi, her face flushed because of the dancing.

“May I ask, what is the deal you two have made?” asked Van, leaning over the two of them.

“I will only attend to the celebration if Allen would agree to train me in sword handling,” said Hitomi meekly.

“You could have asked for Van though,” said Allen.

Hitomi looked at Van and the look of being hurt was visible on his face though he tried not to show it.

“I do not want to trouble you any further. With ruling Fanelia and all,” mumbled Hitomi to her glass. She can't look at Van straight in the eye because she was kind of shy about it. Damn it! Why go shy now, Hitomi?

“You're not troubling me at all, Hitomi,” said Van, his voice lightening up. “In fact, I would be delighted to be the one to train you if you want.”

“Forget it. I don't want to train anymore,” muttered Hitomi.

“Are you sure Hitomi?” asked Allen.

“Yes. I think I should quit handling weapons for now. I miss my tarot cards,” joked Hitomi and for the first time, laughed. Van and Allen couldn't believe what they're seeing. It's so good to see and hear Hitomi laugh. They joined in and soon was laughing heartily. Millerna and Dryden heard them and joined in their table. Merle was still dancing with the Asturian cat-guy.

“It's so good to hear you laugh Hitomi,” said Millerna.

“Guess, I have forgotten to laugh after all this time,” said Hitomi, wiping the tears off her eyes. Yes, it feels wonderful to laugh again. To feel happy. Something she never felt for a long time. she was so preoccupied with training herself, arming herself against her fear. Now, she'll set aside her revenge and be Hitomi.

“You better be careful though. You may scare the guests here with your laugh,” said Dryden. Hitomi blushed. They all laughed.

“Well it's about time you cracked up!”

Merle sniggered beside Hitomi suddenly, frightening her. She pouted at Merle but laugh just the same.

“Yeah. So, who's the lucky guy …. Cat-guy?” asked Hitomi, pointing to Merle's dancing partner.

“Oh, him. His name's Caleb. He's from Asturia.”

“Oh, are you talking about Miori Caleb? He's a weaponry expert at the castle barracks. He's gifted with weapons, I'm telling you,” said Millerna. Merle blushed more at this comment. The gang was smirking at Merle's reaction. Caleb again asked Merle if she wanted to stroll around the garden.

“What do you say, Merle?” asked Caleb, slightly shaking because everyone on the table, including the King of Fanelia, is looking at him.

“Go on, Merle. Don't keep him waiting,” said Hitomi. “Take care of Merle for us, will you?”

Caleb blushed then nodded at Hitomi. He ushered Merle towards the side of the hall and disappeared through the night.

“It's good Merle found something to do in the party,” said Van. “She was unsure whether she will stay in this party for how long.”

“Excuse me, Lady Hitomi?”

Hitomi turned towards the sound of the voice and came face-to-face with Hayase. Van and Allen were looking at Hayase with the same apprehensive stares.

“May I have this dance, Lady Hitomi?” asked Hayase, offering his hand.

Hitomi was stunned. She just stared at him for a minute or two.

“Lady Hitomi?”

Hitomi turned towards Allen then to Van. It looked like he was going to disagree but Dryden cleared his throat.

“Take care of her Prince Hayase,” said Van boldly. He was now staring daggers at Hayase, who returned the stare with a smile. Van was serious at what he have said.

“Van,” said Hitomi. But Van smiled at her, telling her to go with Hayase. Hitomi nodded. She took Hayase's hand and stood up. Hayase was guiding her to the dance floor. Once there, the music stopped. The other dancers were confused but when they saw Hayase with Hitomi in the center, they stopped and watched the two of them. A slow music then started playing. Hayase bowed to Hitomi first before taking her hand and gliding her in tune with the music. After the dance, Hayase led Hitomi back to the table. He then again kissed Hitomi's hand before dismissing himself.

“Well, you're happy with Hayase,” said Van. The jealousy on his voice was evident.

Hitomi leaned towards Van. He was awkward about it at first but he leaned in just the same. She had no idea what she was doing, maybe it was the booze speaking and not her. “You don't have any reason to be jealous Van,” whispered Hitomi to Van. He was stunned at her statement, but he can't feel but feel happy about it.

“Hontou desuka?” said Van. Hitomi nodded. Then blushed at her bold advance, she returned to her posture and busied herself with the wine Allen offered her. She took this opportunity to distract herself from Van who was still staring at her as a smile kept playing on his face. Neither Hitomi couldn't help but smile at this.

One of Van's advisers approached him at reminded him of the conclusion of the dinner. Van stood up and went to the center and announced the finale of the party. The guests clapped and then stood up, preparing to leave the hall. Van went back to the table and saw the gang preparing to leave too. He dismissed his advisers and waited for the gang to stand up. Millerna and Dryden were the ones who left and bid them good night. Merle asked permission again to walk with Caleb in the castle grounds. Hitomi swayed a little because of the wine she drank. Van escorted her to her room. Allen was kind enough to leave the two of them alone.

“Ano, Hitomi,” said Van. Hitomi turned at him.

“You can tell anything to me,” said Van. He was assuring Hitomi that he can be confided with. Hitomi became serious.

“You'll know someday,” said Hitomi. Van smiled then dismissed himself. Hitomi was left to stare at the door for a moment. The evening was splendid, but the statement Van left was enough to bring back those memories she tried so hard to bury in the ground. Tears left her eyes and streamed her face.