::Quick note:: I will be introducing some new characters in this chapter. For pronunciations on some of their names see authors notes at the end of the chapter! Enjoy!

::Disclaimer::

R.I.P …She didn't own Escaflowne…

The Promise

(Unexpected meeting, and a troubled reunion.)

Hitomi stared up at Van noting the anger clearly written in his eyes. Swallowing nervously she brought her eyes back to rest on the handsome man in front of her.

"Hey Hitomi fancy meeting you here." He said before glancing up at Van who stood menacingly close behind her.

"A-Amano! What are you doing here?" She asked her voice wavering slightly.

Watching Van curiously for a moment he smiled and turned his warm gaze back to her.

"Kari had a sudden urge for ice cream and pickles." He said chuckling softly.

Shaking his head he motioned to his pregnant wife a few feet behind him.

"Kari, look who I just bumped into." Amano called out motioning for Yukari to join them.

Hitomi blanched as she looked behind Amano to see her best friend waddle towards them.

"I'm coming, just give me a second!" Yukari called as she squeezed her bulk past the crowded register. Finally past the obstacle, Yukari turned to see Hitomi standing by the door.

"Tomi! Great, now we can make it a threesome! I'm starved!" Yukari said, as she stopped a few feet away from her friend, finally noticing the quiet man standing behind her. Turning her curious gaze back to Hitomi, Yukari smiled slowly and waited for an introduction.

Hitomi's smile froze as she gazed back at Kari's expectant face. 'Oh great! Kari is going to flip when she finds out who this is!' Yukari had been there for her the many times she had broken down and cried over Van.

Yukari had often expressed her anger at how Van had treated her. Having them in the same room could present a problem, if Yukari where to be her usual outspoken self. Yukari would probably let loose all the outrage she had stored up against Van on behalf of her best friend.

Hitomi stifled a groan as she frantically tried to find a way out of this. 'Oh! Think Hitomi!' Mind racing to find an answer to her new dilemma she did not notice the smile on Yukari's face turn sly.

"So Tomi, you gonna introduce us to tall, dark, and handsome or what?"

Hitomi nearly groaned in frustration as her friend's words took away her only chance at escape. 'There's no way I am going to get out of introductions now!' she thought in desperation.

"Um well t-this is an old friend of mine…" Hitomi swallowed as she looked around at her three companions, each one wearing an expectant look on their faces.

"…Kari, Amano, I'd like you to meet Van of Fanelia...Van these are my two best friends, Yukari, and Amano." Hitomi watched as Kari's face quickly changed from amused curiosity, to that of a fierce man eating Amazon. Sensing her friend's immanent attack, she launched herself against Yukari and embraced her tightly.

"Not one word Kari, or I swear I'll stuff an apple in your mouth!" She whispered fiercely into her friends reddening ear.

"What the hell is he…"

"Kari don't! I'm begging you!" Hitomi's arms tightened around Yukari's neck as she waited for her friend to answer.

"Grr…Fine! I won't chew him out…for now! But I'm not going to stay silent forever Tomi!" Yukari whispered back as she loosened Hitomi's arms from around her neck. "Someone has to tell him what an ass he's been, and that someone is going to be me, because I know you're to much of a goose to do it yourself!"

Breathing a sigh of relief Hitomi let go of Yukari and beamed a smile at her. Amano meanwhile held Van's stunned attention as he bombarded him with question after question.

"…Hitomi told us of her time on Gaea, is it true that you are all that is left of the Draconian race?"

"I uhhh…"

"No, no I just can't believe that! To think that the lost civilization of the Atlantian's, has never been lost at all! I wish I could tell people the truth behind their disappearance, but I understand that this would be impossible so don't worry! You're not worried are you? Because I swear I won't say anything! Well, this is all truly fascinating! When you…"

"Amano! Kari looks a bit tired, maybe we should get a table or something!" Hitomi rushed out, ignoring the withering look Yukari threw in her direction. Catching Van's eyes, she winked and had to hold back a giggle at his shell-shocked expression.

He shot her a look of gratitude before his regal mask fell back into place. No emotion showed on his face as he watched Amano turn to his glaring wife and grab her arm.

"Kari, you should have said something!" Amano grumbled as he began to lead Yukari to a table.

Rolling her eyes, Hitomi smiled affectionately after them as they made their way to a corner booth. Van kept pace beside her as they followed the couple, and slipped into the seat opposite of them. Hitomi slid in first, closest to the window, and blushed as Van's body pressed up against hers.

Hoping to cover her nervousness at Van's closeness, she looked across the table at Yukari who sat opposite of her and smiled.

"So how are you feeling today Kari? I heard you had a sudden craving for pickles and ice cream." Hitomi said, amusement clearly in her voice.

Yukari's reaction was instant; She swung her head to look up at her innocent husband and scowled. Laughing a little nervously Amano raised his hand to the back of his head and looked away.

"Hmph, if you must know, 'SOMEONE' forgot to plug the refrigerator back in last night, so all our food was spoiled by the time we woke up." Amano looked down at Yukari, a falsely wounded look on his face.

"But Kari, if 'SOMEONE' hadn't decided at two in the morning, that she didn't like the way the refrigerator looked in its corner, then none of this would have ever happened."

Sniffing delicately Yukari ignored her husband and calmly placed a napkin over her bulging stomach.

Van looked back and forth between the squabbling couple and felt a bit better. Up close Van had recognized the man across from him, to be the same boy that had been with Hitomi the first time they had meet.

During her stay on Gaea, Hitomi had often talked about her best friend, and the boy who'd held her affections. Yes, Van had recognized him instantly, and had felt the jealousy burn in his veins as the man had held Hitomi in his arms. He had stepped closer the sudden desire to smash his fist in to the man's handsome smiling face almost overwhelming up until the time he had released her.

Relief swept through him as he regarded Hitomi's amused expression out of the corner of his eye. 'She was not taken. Amano had no right to her.' He thought as he continued to watch Hitomi's friends. As far as Van could see, Amano had a very loving relationship with the woman beside him, despite their current bickering.

Shifting softly so as not to catch Hitomi's attention, Van raised his arm casually, and brought it to rest on the seat behind her. Hitomi's warmth seared him through his coat, and he slowly inhaled, drawing her scent deeper into his lungs. Van felt her shift restlessly beside him and waited to see if she would move away or draw closer.

Hitomi felt Van shift beside her, and felt a jolt of electricity pass through her as his motions drew her closer to his side. Hitomi shot him a secretive look out of the corner of her eye, but could not read his reaction to her small movements.

Frowning slightly she turned back to watch her friends bickering across the table. She knew she was fighting a losing battle to lean in closer to the man beside her and sighed in defeat. Raising her left arm causally, she brushed her hair behind her ear and slowly leaned her weight fully into his side.

She waited for his reaction with her breath held in anticipation. When he did not pull away she glanced up at him to find him staring down at her, a heated look in his eyes.

Hitomi quickly drew her gaze from his and ducked her head, as she reached for the napkin in front of her. Hitomi released at shuttered breath as she felt Van's warm hand settle heavily on her shoulder. His hand slid down slowly to her upper arm and he gently pulled her more firmly into his side.

A slow heat began to spread through Hitomi as she sat beside Van, her whole body warmed by the heat of his. Looking down at a menu she stared at it without seeing, and let her mind drift. Hitomi imagined what it would be like to know that she had the right to be with Van this way. Too not feel that twinge of guilt, which even now, began to churn within her stomach.

Hitomi missed the friends that she had left behind on Gaea, but more than anything she had missed the dark angel that sat beside her. She wanted nothing more than to go back and forget about the rest of this world, but she knew that this could not be. Whatever his reasons for coming here, Hitomi could not expect him to ask her to return with him.

Hitomi continued to smile as her thoughts turned to the sadder side of heaven, not paying attention to the activity all around her. She was suddenly returned to reality when a voice somewhere off to the left boomed her name.

"Hitomi, my love!"

Hitomi jumped at the sound of the loud voice and leaned forward to look past Van. Her eyes widened in amusement as she watched a short stocky man rush towards them from behind the diners counter. A smile spread across her face as she gazed up at the jovial face of Amano's friend Joey. Hitomi felt Van's hand tighten around her arm as he looked up at the man that stood by their table.

Turning to their newly arrived friend they all began to throw out their greetings. Hitomi couldn't help but notice the tension within Van as she introduced him to Joey. Feeling a bit bold she placed her hand on the top of his thigh and squeezed it softly, hoping to distract him from what had to be an awkward situation for him. Hitomi smiled a little as she felt him jerk slightly.

Hitomi felt his gaze on her but ignored him, not wanting to draw too much attention to the byplay that passed between them. She watched Van grasped Joey's hand in his in greeting, a polite smile gracing his beautiful lips.

"Ahh I see you have the honor of sitting next to the beautiful flower beside you." Joey said a teasing glint in his eyes.

"Hey Joey how's it going?" Hitomi asked laughing softly at him.

"Ahh I'm so glad you asked, for you see in the absence of you splendorous beauty, my heart has all but withered away, as it had been starved for the light of your shinning presence. But now once again, my heart blooms and bursts forth with the seeds of my…"

"Bull-shit." Amano said, shaking his head at his friend's antics.

Hitomi and Yukari both burst out laughing at the comically wounded expression that came onto Joey's face.

"Mano, you truly wound me. Is that any way to talk to your best friend while he is trying to woo the beauty that sits before him." Joey said winking over at Hitomi.

Hitomi's shoulders shook with mirth at Joey's teasing. Ever since Amano had introduced them a year before graduating, he had always made her laugh. Back then she had needed that laughter to ease her wounded heart, and so their relationship had continued on as it was today. Joey had once told her that he could see her sadness, and that he hoped that one day she could smile without the pain that had been present in everything she'd done then. So from the day they had been introduced, he had made it his mission to spout poetic nonsense at her every time they met, in the hopes of making her laugh.

To this day he always managed to cheer her up when she needed it most. Glancing up at Van she found him observing Amano and Joey as they continued their friendly argument.

"…how can you deny me a chance to win the lovely Hitomi, when you have so cruelly snatched the magnificent woman who sits beside you!"

"If I thought you would be happy with such a choice, I would gladly give her to you, but as I speak from experience I can honestly tell you that you would never survive Kari's love." Yukari playfully slapped her husband's arm before turning to smile up at Joey.

"Joey you are truly a great man. I can now see that I have chosen poorly!" Yukari shot a mischievous smile towards her husband, who had at that moment turned to Joey to roll his eyes.

"If I recall correctly, that was not what you said two nights a…" Amano's words where cut short as Yukari slapped a hand over his mouth. Glaring at her husband, she didn't notice the sly look that Joey shot him.

Looking back over at Hitomi, Joey smiled mischievously before placing a hand over his heart. Hitomi shook her head at him and leaned into Van.

"Don't even say it Romeo, you already know what I will…" Hitomi began, only to be cut short as Joey launched into his usual proposal.

"Hitomi Kanzaki, will you make me the happiest man in the world and consent to be my love?" Looking back at Joey she felt the tension begin to rise in Van, and slowly ran her hand along the length of his thigh to ease him. She heard his breath leave him sharply at her touch and smiled.

"Joey, correct me if I'm wrong, but don't you already have a love?" Hitomi said throwing an amused glance at the pretty woman quickly approaching behind him.

"Ah… the fair Corin, is a treasure indeed! But I would throw her aside if you would only say you would be mine!!" Joey raised his hand, in dramatic appeal and quickly kneeled before the table.

A loud thwack was heard as the pretty woman behind Joey reached their table, and slammed a note pad over the top of his dark head.

"Would you quit goofing around Joey, there are starving people all over this diner thanks to you!" Laughing, Hitomi watched as Joey jumped to his feet and embraced his long time girlfriend.

"You know, you're partially to blame for his behavior Corin. If you would just drag him off to the alter you could straighten out those playboy tendencies of his." Yukari said smiling up at the happy couple.

"You know Kari, I think you're right. But before we get into that, I want to know who this prime hunk of man is…He seems very familiar with Hitomi." Corin said throwing a sly wink in Hitomi's direction.

"So Tomi, who is this gorgeous stud beside you." Corin said smiling down at Van.

All eyes were trained on Van, and he forced a polite smile to his lips. His hand tightened slightly around Hitomi's arm as he looked for comfort in his moment of unease. Swallowing a bit nervously, Van wondered why every woman he had met so far had labeled him everything but handsome. 'What does being a prime hunk of man mean? Maybe she thinks there is something wrong with me?' He thought, wishing he understood what was being said about him.

"Oh! Corin, I'd like you to met Van, he's…an old friend of mine." She said hoping Corin would not begin to ask too many questions. Resting herself more firmly against Van, she watched as he smiled and nodded politely in Corin's direction.

"An old friend huh…" Corin said chuckling wickedly as she extended her hand toward Van.

Van met her hand with his own and shook it hesitantly, a warm blush making its way onto his cheeks at the assessing glances the woman was throwing between him and Hitomi.

"Nice to meet you Hun. How long have you been in town?" Corin asked her eyes darting over to Hitomi.

"I uhh…I just arrived the day before yesterday." He blurted out frowning as he felt Hitomi tense beside him. Van lowered his lashes and shot a glance over at Hitomi, trying to gage her reaction to his words, but could tell nothing from her expression.

Hitomi sat silently looking ahead at Corin, a pleasant smile plastered on her face. But inside her mind was reeling. He had been here for two days? Why didn't he come to see her the first day? What had he been doing? Hitomi shot a glance over at Van to catch him watching her carefully. His eyes caught and held hers, a wealth of meaning hidden within them. Blushing, she shyly pulled her eyes away from him and tried to follow the on going conversation between her friends.

Yukari and Corin where exchanging training notes at the moment as their men looked on, a long suffering look etched onto their faces.

"…You really should keep a leash around him Corin, he is bound to get himself hurt one of these days with that Romeo attitude!" Corin broke out into a fit of giggles as she looked up at her long time boyfriend's expression. Joey, for his part, tried holding a seriously hurt expression on his face as he looked over at Yukari's wicked grin.

"On second thought Amano, I think you made the right decision to keep her, she is to much woman for me at the moment." He said, ducking his head as Corin raised a hand to smack him.

Amano burst out laughing as the implications of his friend's statement hit him. Laughing hard Amano reached behind the fuming Yukari and pulled her into a tight embrace.

"You may be right Joey, but she's all woman and she's all mine!" Amano said placing a gentle kiss on Yukari's cheek. Yukari glared up at Joey's grinning face before turning to her husband and placing a sweet kiss on his lips.

"My Hero…" She said smiling up at Amano.

Laughing softly over at her friends, Hitomi tried to hide the wistfulness she felt at their openly loving relationship. Hitomi wished that she could feel free to do the same with Van, but at the moment didn't really know just how he would take it. Looking down at the table she picked up the menu and began to blindly browse through the choices.

Van observed the wistful look that quickly passed over Hitomi's face as she watched her two close friends across from them. The emotion passed over her face so quickly that, had he not been watching her so closely, he would have missed it. Van wondered just what was going through her mind at that moment.

In the short time he had spent within the three friends company, Van could tell that they had a very close relationship. Van still held doubts about this Joey guy, but he could see that Hitomi did not hold any romantic feelings towards Amano, and this eased his mind tremendously for reasons easily understood. Looking up at the other couple at the table Van watched them closely trying to pick up on just how attached they where to each other.

He could see that Joey had not taken his arm from around his girlfriend's shoulders, and the expression on his face could only be labeled as content. He obviously held great affection for her, and again Van felt himself relieved to find that this man was no serious threat to his claim on Hitomi's love. Absently, he began to stroke Hitomi's arm with his thumb and continued to observe her friends as they talked.

Hitomi sighed softly as she felt Van's warm touch along her arm, a small shiver racing through her at the thought of being so close to him. Looking back up she noticed Corin's attention focused on her and Van and nearly groaned aloud. 'Oh please don't let her start asking a bunch of embarrassing question's!' Hitomi thought looking for a way to stop the inevitable. Spotting the menu beneath her she summoned a quick smile and waved it in the air, catching the attention of her four friends.

"Hey no offense or anything you guys, but I am totally starving! You think we could order sometime this century." Hitomi teased.

"Oh! Sorry! I thought Joey had already taken your order!" Corin said, throwing a frown over her shoulder in his direction.

"Well, they know where everything is! All they had to do was walk into the kitchen and place an order, its not like they've never done it before!" He defended shrugging his shoulders casually.

"You gotta be kidding! We don't work here anymore Joey, we came here to be served not to do the serving!" Yukari cried throwing a Sweet and Low packet in his general direction.

Joey dodged it easily and grinned over at Yukari.

"I know! And business hasn't been the same without you…it's been a hundred times better!" Joey sang as he turned and bolted behind the counter and into the kitchen once he saw Yukari attempt to scramble from her seat after him.

"Joey get back here!" Yukari yelled waving her fist threateningly towards the still swinging kitchen doors.

"That man I swear! His mother may own the place but that won't save him once I get through with him!" Corin growled as she watched him poke his head from inside the kitchen to wave farewell.

Turning back to them she reached into her apron and flipped the page over on her pad.

"So guys! What can I get you?" The next few minutes were spent going over everyone's order as they decided on what to get. While Yukari continued to change her order, Hitomi leaned into Van and suggested a plate that he might like to have. Decided on her own order she proceeded to ask for her usual pancakes and coffee, before placing the menu back into the holder on the side of the table.

"Ok got it! Your food should be out in a few minutes." Corin said waving her pad in farewell before hurrying off to the Kitchen.

"I swear, Joey never changes! I don't know how Corin puts up with him sometimes." Yukari said with a small shake of her head. Amano laughed and ran a gentle hand through Yukari's hair.

"I suppose it would be much the same reason I put up with you Kari." Amano said a teasing look in his eyes. Yukari rolled her eyes at her husband's teasing, and turning to catch Van's gaze with her own.

"So, you've been here a couple days already. How long are you planning on staying Van?" She asked as pleasantly as she could manage.

Van regarded Yukari carefully for a moment. There was something there in her eyes. When she looked at him, it almost seemed like anger, but what could he have done to make her feel that way? Had he insulted her somehow? Clearing his throat softly he shifted a bit uncomfortably and glanced down at Hitomi for guidance. Unfortunately, Hitomi wasn't paying attention to him, as she was at the moment staring over at her friend, an intense expression on her face.

"I- I'm not really sure. That depends on a few different things. But the closest estimate would be about a week." Van's eyes locked on Yukari's, trying to figure out what it was that was bothering her about him. So intently was he focused on his silent battle with Yukari that he did not notice when Hitomi let out a little gasp, tensing at his words.

Hitomi's eyes shot up to look at Vans handsome face, she could read nothing in his expression and he had yet to turn and look at her.

A week? She had only a week with him? 'Brilliant Hitomi. What did you expect, that he would give up his kingdom just to come see you!' It was now obvious to Hitomi that he had some important task here to complete or else he would have never returned.

Hitomi smiled, but inside her heart was breaking. She should have never rested her hopes on him returning her feelings. Once again she let wishful thinking guide her and this was the result she was left with. A broken heart…again. Slowly she eased away from Van and leaned forward a bit to rest her arms against the table, successfully breaking all contact with him.

Van looked down at Hitomi and frowned slightly as he watched her pull away from him. What happened? Had he made her feel uncomfortable? Looking down at the table he brought his arm back to his side and continued to answer Yukari's questions.

"So, what brings you back?"

"I guess you could say I am here for…personal reasons." He responded looking over at Hitomi. Van caught her startled glance and held her eyes with the intensity burning in his own. 'What is going through your mind Hitomi? Why did you pull away from me?' The hurt that filled him at her withdrawal began to ease as confusion flitted across her features. It was obvious that she didn't understand something; perhaps she didn't understand that he had come to see her? Van thought, feeling the knot in his stomach disappear as he saw her face light up in a small smile.

Yukari watched from across the table as her friend stared into Vans eyes, love so obviously shinning in her own. Yukari wondered if he could see it? Van was not quite what Yukari had expected. She had tried to find something to dislike about him, but she couldn't really see anything in him to dislike. Yukari had watched him out of the corner of her eye the whole time they had talked to their friend's, and had seen how protective he was of her.

Truth was, Yukari could see that Hitomi meant something to him, and that placed him high in her esteem more so, than anything else he could have said or done. The only thing Yukari could truly hope, was that Hitomi meant half as much to him as he meant to Hitomi.

Sighing softly she threw a secretive glance at her husband catching his eye. Amano smiled at her reassuringly and gave her shoulder a comforting squeeze. She knew what he was thinking; He wanted her to just let them work it out for themselves, but if she did that, Yukari knew that nothing would ever be resolved between these two.

Straightening her shoulders a bit, she drew the couple's attention back to her again as she cleared her throat rather rudely.

"Oh! Excuse me! Just had a little itch in my throat." Yukari said coughing delicately.

Yukari couldn't help but smile a little devilishly as she watched her friend's blush deepen under her watchful stare.

"So Van, it's been a long time since you and Hitomi last met. Has she managed to catch you up on all that has happened to her after you left here the last time?" Yukari said, watching as a small frown worked it's way onto Van's features. Hitomi's eyes widened slightly with suspicion as a mischievous twinkle entered Yukari's eyes. 'What are you up to Kari?' Hitomi thought as she carefully began to monitor her friend's every word.

"Uh…I - Yes, I suppose she did." Van said hesitantly, not really sure what had brought on this sudden change in the woman sitting across from him.

"Oh so then she told you about our last year of high school?" Yukari asked smiling widely. Slyly she looked over at Hitomi, amused at the worried expression on her face.

"I - No I don't think we talked to much about that time." Van said glancing worriedly down at Hitomi. Laughing, Yukari slapped the table lightly pulling Vans attention back to her.

"Well the last year of our high school was probably the best times of our lives! We did so many crazy things together! Hey Tomi, remember that time you dragged me along to go skydiving?" Van looked curiously over at Yukari who's eyes where twinkling with laughter.

"Skydiving? What is that?" He asked truly curious as he noted Hitomi's excited reaction.

"Oh Van, its so much fun!" She said looking up into his face.

"Sure is! Lets see skydiving…Hmm let me see how to explain this…well it's like this, you get in a plane and fly high up above the earth, and then once you are high in sky you throw yourself from the plane and free fall to the ground." Yukari slyly noted the paleness in Van's face as he looked down at the woman beside him.

"How high in the sky?" He asked in a shaky voice.

"Well, we weren't really sure, but when we where up there I swear we could almost touch the heavens! It was a wonderful view!" Hitomi exclaimed laughing once again in delight.

Hitomi closed her eyes for a moment as she fondly remembered the feel of the rushing wind as she fell from the sky to the earth far below. She had gone skydiving as a dare originally, but the feeling she captured when she flew through the air was so intoxicating. It was the closest thing she had found to match the sensation of flying through the air with Van. Every time since then she had captured that same feeling over and over again. It was the closest to Van that she could get while still bound to the earth. It was addicting…just like Van.

Opening her eyes she smiled over at her friend and laughed with her as she told the story of their first skydiving adventure.

"Oh I had never been so scared in all my life! But Tomi looked like she was in heaven! She didn't even scream as we went falling to the earth!" Yukari said a smile working its way onto her face.

Hitomi laughed as she leaned forward to clasp her friends' hand in hers.

"I know! I think that plane still has your claw marks on the door!" Hitomi said chuckling softly. Leaning back she unconsciously drew back into Van side only to note the tension that radiated from him. Looking up she was surprised to see a hard look in his eyes as he stared down at her. 'Van…what are you thinking?' Hitomi wondered, watching in confusion, as he turned away from her to look over at Yukari, and Amano who was at that very moment scolding Yukari for never telling him about this dangerous activity.

Van struggled to draw a calming breath into his lungs. He could not fathom the danger that Hitomi continually put herself in. Why? Why did she do this skydiving? Throwing herself from high up in the air with nothing but a flimsy bag to brake her fall? He did not want to picture it! He watched her laugh happily with her friend as they talked about the dangerous stunt they would perform over and over again. Van did not want to know how many times she had placed herself in such danger.

He felt her lean against him and looked down into her laughing face unable to suppress the hard look that his worry was causing him. He watched her smile slip in her confusion and tore his gaze away from her. 'Why would you do such a crazy thing Hitomi? What if something happened to you and I had not been there to save you?' Van was confronted with a very real possibility that had not entered his mind before this very moment. What if something had happened to her while he had been nowhere near to save her? The thought itself was devastating and he quickly tore his mind away from the possibilities. It had not happened! That was all that mattered. He was here now. She would never be in such danger again! Relaxing his muscles he leaned back a bit more into his seat and again lifted his arm to place it over her shoulders.

Hitomi looked up, slightly startled at his sudden touch, but couldn't help but smile in relief as she noted his eyes had softened. For a moment she had been worried that she had done or said something that had upset him in some way. But she now relaxed in his loose embrace and turned her attention back to her friends.

"Come on Amano! That's nothing compared to some of the things you and your friends got up to during your last year at school." Yukari cried as she frowned back up at her husband.

"She's right you know." Hitomi interrupted winking slyly over at Yukari. Amano rolled his eyes in surrender, knowing that he would never win the argument now that both Hitomi and Yukari had ganged up on him.

"Ok fine you two! I know when I'm beat…but that still doesn't change the fact that I don't like it." Amano said frowning down at his wife. Yukari ignored his look and turned back to continue.

"Anyway! That last year of high school was a blast! I miss it sometime, although I won't miss having to wear that hideous uniform." Yukari said a pained look making its way onto her pretty face. Hitomi laughed softly at Yukari.

"God, don't remind me! I'm so glad we had that party the night of graduation! It was the perfect solution!" Yukari smiled and nodded her head in agreement. Van looked back and forth between them, curious to know just what they where talking about.

"A party was the solution for what?" He asked genuinely curious to learn just what had the two women laughing so hard. Yukari was the first to recover form her laughter, drawing a deep breath into her lungs.

"Well you see, those uniforms where hated so much that the whole graduating class agreed to throw a bonfire party down by the beach to celebrate. Everyone brought at least one of their uniforms to contribute to the flames of the fire." Yukari said wiping the tears from her eyes.

"My brother said that it has become a tradition ever since!" Hitomi said causing both women to burst into a fresh fit of giggles.

Van chuckled, as he finally understood the fate of their uniforms. He never would have pegged Hitomi for such a rebel.

"Anyway after we graduated Tomi and I took jobs here in this diner. Back then Joey's mom ran the place and she needed the extra help, not to mention Tomi over there needed the extra money." Yukari said nodding to Hitomi. Van looked down at her a worried frown once again making its way onto his face.

"You needed money? Where you in some kind of trouble Hitomi?" Hitomi looked up at Van a little startled by his sad tone.

"Oh! No! That's not what…" Hitomi began, before Amano's snort of laughter interrupted her. Van and Hitomi looked over to see him running a hand over his face.

"I see you know Hitomi very well!" He chuckled winking conspiratorially over at Van.

"Hey! What's that suppose to mean!" Hitomi cried softly laughing at Amano's silly grin.

Shaking her head at her mischievous husband Yukari drew Van's attention back towards her.

"While it is true that Tomi is often up to her ears in trouble…"

"Kari! Don't tell him that!" Hitomi cried in an offended tone of voice.

"…that was not the reason why she needed the money. You see she had gotten it into her head that she wanted to move closer to the city, and that meant getting her own apartment, which also meant getting a lot of money together."

"Well it was only logical Kari, I mean the school I wanted to go too was to far for me to travel everyday." Hitomi defended glaring softly at her best friend.

"Oh come on Tomi, it wasn't that bad a drive!" Yukari said matching her glare.

"Sure it's not a bad drive! But in case you have forgotten, I didn't have a car at the time!" The two girls ignored the men at their sides as they continued glaring at each other. Amano ever the peacekeeper decided to step in before blood was shed. Clearing his throat he tugged at a lock of his wife's hair to gain her attention.

"She does have a point you know Kari. Besides you're just mad because she got to it before you did." Amano said once again tugging a lock of her hair in a teasing manner.

Yukari looked up at her husband and frowned before turning her attention back to Van. "Well, anyway we both worked through the summer till classes started up in the fall. By that time Tomi had earned enough money to get her own place closer to school, and JUST for the record I wasn't jealous or anything! I just thought it was silly for her to move out of her house so soon!" She said throwing a threatening glare at Hitomi and Amano.

"Ok Kari we believe you, just settle down." Hitomi teased airily waving a hand in her friend's direction. Both Amano and Van smiled at their antics before shaking their heads.

"I don't think I will ever forget all the stuff we had to move into your apartment Hitomi." Amano said rubbing his right shoulder in memory.

"Oh come on Amano it wasn't that bad!" Hitomi said smiling over at him.

"You only say that because me and your brother did all the heavy lifting!" He cried in mock offense.

"Oh quit whining Mano, you act as if you were the only one to do any heavy lifting, if I recall correctly Alex was…there…also…" Yukari shot a hasty look over at Hitomi, watching as panic lit her eyes briefly. Too scared to look at Van, Yukari lowered her eyes and cursed her run away mouth. A moment later Amano squeezed her arm reassuringly as he continued their conversation, pulling the attention away from the mistake she had made.

"Well the way I remember it, I was dubbed the pack mule that day. The name seems to have carried over even for our own move." Yukari and Hitomi laughed softly but there was brittleness to their tone that caught Van's attention. He looked down at Hitomi hoping to catch her eyes but she remained focused ahead. Looking over at Yukari he failed to hold her eyes long enough to capture the emotion he saw lurking in them.

Finally looking over at Amano, he captured the man's friendly gaze, but could read nothing from his calm expression. Van looked away in frustration, and frowned down at the table. Why had they reacted that way? Who was this Alex?

Van debated on whether or not to ask for further explanation but decided he would rather wait till he could be sure to have Hitomi's full attention. He could sense that whoever this Alex was, it was a sensitive subject between the two friends. He did not want to inadvertently make Yukari uncomfortable with his questions.

Putting it from his mind for the moment, he raised his head and smiled politely at the waitress as she placed his plate in front of him. Van looked at the eggs and bacon platter and observed the others as they began to eat. He did not want to make a fool of himself by doing something out of the ordinary.

Hitomi watched him for an uncomfortable moment hoping he wouldn't ask about Alex. She really didn't want to lie to him about Alex, but at the same time, knew that this was not the right place to confess everything that she needed to. Relief rushed through her as he kept his silence, thankful for the well-timed interruption of the waitress as she arrived at the table with their food. Smiling, she watched Van as he carefully observed them begin to eat. She could understand how he felt, as she recalled her meal in the palace of Asturia. She had been so nervous sitting before the king that she had avoided eating what was put on her plate, and instead chose to drink the delicious juice that had been placed before her. How was she to know that it was a powerful alcoholic beverage? Hitomi felt her cheeks heat up in embarrassment at the memory.

What a sight she must have been, she thought softly laughed at herself.

Van heard the soft laughter from the woman beside him and looked down quickly, wondering if he had done something to cause it. Hitomi's shoulders shook slightly but her eyes where focused on the food in front of her. Nudging her knee with his, he met her startled look with a questioning one of his own. Shaking her head, Hitomi smiled and leaned over to whisper.

"I'll tell you later…" Nodding his head in agreement he smiled, loving the laughter he saw in Hitomi. It made her eyes sparkle like the leaves in the forest after a storm. He had always felt a peace settle over him the moment his eyes would touch hers. It was the first thing that drew him to her. Hitomi had the ability to calm the rage of the dragon that lurked deep inside him. No one else could do that for him.

Hitomi stared deep into Vans eyes, losing herself in the laughter she found in their depth. It was so rare to see him smile like this. Hitomi had always loved it when she had been able to bring out that wonderful smile of his. There had always been something about Van that had urged her to stay with him. Even when her feelings for Allen, and Amano had clouded that desire in her.

This desire to heal in him a wound that was so obvious to her, but that the rest of the world could never see. Why he chose to show her his pain she would never know, but she had fallen in love with him the moment he lowered his shield and showed her his true self. 'I may not understand why you have returned to me for this short time Van, but I will make the most of the time we have been given. I will not let regret cloud my life anymore. Tonight, before we go to dinner, I will tell you everything.' Her thoughts brought a peace to her heart and she smiled lovingly up at Van for a moment before turning back to her breakfast.

Had Hitomi held Van's eyes a moment longer she would have seen all that he felt for her shinning deep in their depths. Shaken by the love he had seen in her eyes he blindly turned back to his own dish and began to eat. He could not be mistaken at the emotion that she had just showed him. Hitomi may not have said the words in that moment, but her eyes had shouted all that she felt for him.

'She still loves me…I haven't lost her…' whispered through his mind, causing his heart to accelerate in anticipation for the moment they could be alone. 'He could tell her now! He would tell her everything tonight!' Smiling to himself, he raised the fork to his mouth, once again joining in on the conversation that had again started up between his three companions.

* * *

A soft wind blew through the tree's leaves, composing a sweet melody in the early morning breeze. Merle stood leaning over a terrace overlooking the Fanelian woods before her. Lord Van had been gone three day's and the wait was making her antsy. No one had arrived for the ceremony yet and there was little for her to do but wait as the days grew longer. Growling in frustration Merle leapt gracefully onto the rail and swung her legs over the terraces edge. Sighing, she began to swing her legs and allowed the song of the forest ease her nerves.

She didn't understand why Van had waited so long to go get Hitomi, but it was about time he did so! Merle could hardly contain her excitement at seeing her old friend once again. Closing her bright blue eyes she tilted her head into the wind and began to hum. The soft breeze blew through her soft hair, lifting the ends from her back and tickling her cheeks. Giggling softly, she brushed the strands of hair away and looked out towards the forest again.

It had been so long since she had last seen Hitomi. She had always expected her to come back on her own a lot sooner then now. Merle really didn't know when she had begun to like the strange girl so much, but understood what it was about her that drew Lord Van.

There was a warmth in Hitomi's eyes when she looked at you. Lord Van needed that warmth. Merle knew that now. She had known it back then, but had been too foolish to understand.

Drawing in a deep breath she stretched her arms above her head and smiled with excitement. Lord Van was coming back with Hitomi and soon everything would be ok again.

Ever since Hitomi had left all those years ago, Merle had watched Lord Van struggle with the weight of all of his responsibilities. The worst part being the pain some of his peoples prejudices had caused him. Ever since they had learned of his Draconian blood some of his subjects had been wary.

Merle could see the hurt this caused him, and had defended him from it the only way she knew how. She would lash out verbally at the people that would dare look at him with such distaste. Merle had seen all that he had sacrificed for his people but few really understood. They could see all the scars on his body but they could never know what it was like for him. Sighing softly, Merle looked to the sheer drop below her and ran an elegantly clawed hand through her long hair. It had grown quit a bit since the last time Hitomi had seen her. It now reached to her waist and curled around the curves that she had developed over the years. Merle knew she was quit stunning, but it was not the way of her people to dwell on such a thing. Many of the Fanelian men had begun to look at her with interest but she had ignored them. The only man worthy of one such as she was Lord Van, but he already had someone much more worthy than Merle. Knowing this didn't depress Merle though, she was genuinely happy for Lord Van and Hitomi. She was not worried about her own future. She would be happy to stay by their sides. Lord Van was her only family, and soon Hitomi would also be a part of it.

Merle began to wash her face absently and contemplated all the plans she had made for Hitomi's return. At the sound of someone's soft footfall coming from behind her, Merle's ears swiveled towards the door a few feet from her. Turning her head she gazed at the servant making his way over to her.

"Good morn' Mistress Merle." He said pleasantly bowing before her.

"Hello Eriks!" She said smiling fondly at the older man. He had been on the royal staff ever since her and Lord Van had been little. He was always very kind to both of them, even after the incident with Van's leap of faith from the roof of the old palace. Grinning mischievously, she watched as he cleared his throat in discomfort, a slow blush begining to stain his cheeks. She loved to make him blush. Chuckling softly, she hopped down from the railing and began to walk towards him.

"Mistress, Counselor Sayron asked me to inform you that King Dryden's merchant ship has just arrived." He said respectfully, watching in amusement, as her eyes grew round with excitement.

"Millerna's here! Oh Yay! Finally!" Spinning around in quick circle's she threw herself at Erik's and gave him a quick hug before rushing off to the docks. Merle raced through the halls and courtyards of the palace on all fours, dodging and weaving through all the inhabitants in her way, much to their dismay.
Breathless with excitement she made it just in time to see some of the porters beginning to lower the cargo from the. Picking up speed, she spotted the open hatch, her eyes widening with glee as she saw a familiar blond figure carefully making her way down to the ground.

"Millerna!" She shouted in excitement as she launched herself from the base of the hatch and into the arms of the very startled Queen of Asturia.

"Why! What in the world…!" Millerna exclaimed as she found a very fury body pressed against her own. The assault lasted only seconds as a hissing Merle was dragged unceremoniously off the queen, and deposited ungraciously on the ground.

"Ow! Hey!" Yowled a very irate she-cat as she leapt to her feet and glared at the shadowed figure that now stood in front of her friend. Her clawed hands curled into tight fists as she glared menacingly up at the Queen's protector.

"Merle?? Merle is that you??" Millerna called as she peeked over her guardians left shoulder. Millerna had to hold back a laugh at her young cat friend's obvious anger. Her tail had puffed out to twice its normal size and swung angrily from side to side.

Shaking her head, Millerna observed her guardian's tense stance and placed a gentle hand on his shoulder. He turned his head slightly towards her, his black hair covering the left side of his leopard like spotted face. The action failed to fool Millerna, as she knew his bright green eyes had not left the supposed threat before them.

"It's alright Talis, I know her. She will not harm me." She said stepping around his rigid figure. Millerna quickly walked down the rest of the way to meet her young friend with a happy smile.

"Oh Merle! You never change do you!" She said as she pulled Merle into a tight hug.

Momentarily forgetting her anger a huge smile split the cat woman's face as she began to lick Millerna's cheek in greeting.

"Finally! What took so long Millerna!" She whined pitifully pulling away from the queen's arms. Millerna laughed down at Merles pitiful face.

"Merle you know perfectly well we made good time!" Shaking her head Millerna watched in amusement as Merle rolled her eyes in disbelief.

"Ok, ok if you say so. Hey, where's Dryden?" Merle asked looking over Millerna's shoulder. Her smile slipped as blue eyes met green, a low growl beginning to emanate from deep in her throat.

Millerna watched her friend with interest as she continued to glare at Talis just over her shoulder. Rolling her eyes slightly Millerna grabbed her friends shoulder and turned to place Merle in front of her.

"Merle, I would like you to meet my personal guard Talis of Wrin'dane. Talis, I would like you to meet my very good friend Merle of Fanelia." Gently, Millerna shoved Merle forward just as Talis bowed low in acknowledgment.

Merle crossed her arms and looked up at the cat-man as he straitened before her. She had never seen another quit like him. Eyes narrowed in annoyance, she regarded him intently. His fur was covered in the spots of a great leopard, and his hair, which lay low over his left eye, was black as midnight. Merle caught his eyes and found him watching her just as intently. They stared at each other in silence for several seconds before Merle rudely turned her back on him, failing to acknowledge their introduction. Raising her head high in the air and proceeded to ignore the arrogant warrior behind her.

"Where's Allen?" Merle coolly bit out as she looked over at Millerna, finally catching the amused glint in her eyes. Raising a pink eyebrow, she swung her head away from Millerna missing the look she shot her guardian standing behind Merle.

Talis failed to notice the look as well, as his attention was solely focused on the beautiful cat woman before him. He had never seen one of his kind with such coloring. She was magnificent. A female worthy of a king…or a great warrior, such as himself. Talis smiled slowly, his spotted tail making lazy circles as he began to plot his strategy.

Yes, she truly was worthy of a warrior such as he. But first, he would need to teach her a few manners before letting his intentions be known. 'No, it should not be too hard to get her to show the proper respect for one such as he.' Talis thought a predatory glint entering his eyes.

Millerna's eyebrows raised high in surprise as she watched her often time emotionless guardian smile in obvious appreciation of Merle. 'Oh dear…this should be interesting!' She thought a mischievous smile making its way onto her lips.

"Merle!" An arrogant voice called from a few feet away. Millerna head swung around to see a young man stalking his way towards them. His body was corded with muscles and his face held a promise of being handsome, but as he drew closer Millerna noted the cold way his eyes assessed her friend, possession clearly written in his eyes. Looking over to see Merle's reaction to this man, Millerna noted her friend's extended claws. Millerna also noted that Merle tensed considerably with each step the stranger took towards them.

"What do you want Mikier." Merle replied cautiously. Millerna watched as the arrogant man stopped before them, his cold eye's focused on Merle.

"I thought you were ordered to work under my instruction on the planning of the ceremony." He sneered, eyeing her soft body with an ugly look.

"I do not take orders from snakes, and just so that we are perfectly clear, I will NEVER work under you." Merle spat, her body preparing for the inevitable violent reaction.

Mikier eyes flattened, his mouth hardening as he stepped closer to the quickly retreating cat woman.

Merle hurriedly backed away from him, careful to keep an eye on his movements. Her progress was stopped abruptly, when she ran into a hard body behind her. Looking back she found herself in the arms of the arrogant warrior who only moments before had treated her with such contempt. She began to pull away from him but was stopped by the arm that had snaked its way around her waist. Shooting a desperate look up into his face she found his attention focused on to the advancing menace that now stopped only inches from them.

Merle turned her head quickly to look up at Mikier who now stood staring evilly into the eye of the man that held her so protectively. Shrinking further into Talis's arms Merle watched as a silent communication took place between the two males, and waited to see what would happen.

Sensing the inevitability of violence if she did not stop it Millerna cleared her throat and stepped a little closer to the three of them, careful to keep a safe distance between her and the strange man.

"Gentlemen, I believe this has gone far enough. Stand down at once!" She commanded, cloaking herself in her queenly persona. Millerna felt a shiver race down her spine as the man named Mikier turned his cold eyes on her.

"And you are?" He arrogantly ground out, raking her figure with an assessing glance. Millerna's eyes narrowed dangerously, at the man's obvious contempt. She doubted very much that the fact that she was a queen would make much difference to a man such as him, but knew that as Queen of Asturia she could not let his disrespectfulness slide.

Straightening her shoulders, Millerna stared him down, prepared to deliver a sharp reprimand to the arrogant man. But before she could begin, she was interrupted by a commanding voice a few feet from her.

"Mikier that is enough!"

Millerna turned to find an elderly gentlemen dressed in the robes of the high royal councilor walking swiftly towards them, her estranged husband by his side. Millerna caught Dryden's eyes as he drew closer and felt relief sweep through her. Dryden had a way of making her feel safe even in situations such as this. Smiling slightly as he stopped close beside her, she watched as his attention turned to the small drama before them, his eyes raking dangerously over the heavily muscled man now glaring at Councilor Sayron.

"Stand down!" The elderly man growled as he stopped before the rude man. Mikier stared at the councilor a second before reluctantly stepping away from Talis and Merle.

Turning away from Mikier, the older gentleman bowed before her, his fierce manner of moments before replaced with a respectful calm.

"Your Highness, I must apologies for my son, he is impetuous and often forgets his place." Feeling Dryden's warm presence beside her, she smiled down at the councilor.

"It is quit alright councilor Sayron…" Millerna raised her eyes and looked over the councilors bowed head to Mikier.

"…I'm sure it was an honest mistake." She said softly, watching for signs of remorse, but only seeing an intense rage directed at the Councilor for his interference. The rage of moments before was quickly covered by and icy calm, as freezing eyes swung slowly to meet hers.

Millerna thought Merle's earlier assessment of the man to be quit accurate. He truly was a snake and his very presence made her skin crawl. His manner now falsely respectful, reflected none of his internal thoughts, but she could sense the anger still burning inside him, just beneath the surface.

He was a snake, coiled, and waiting for his chance to strike. Millerna felt cold as she continued to stare into his eyes. She knew that he was waiting for her to turn away, but she could not. He would gain too much pleasure from their her defeat if she where to do so. He wished to humiliate her as she had humiliated him.

Millerna inch closer to Dryden, and felt him tense as Mikier continued to stare her down. Although he would never show it, she knew that Dryden was seething at the man's bold attitude. Dryden stepped closer to Millerna and with a motion of his hand ordered Talis to flank her other side. The cat man nodded slightly and placed Merle away from him, but still well out of the reach Mikier before casually making his way over to stand a little behind the queen's right side. Resting his hand on the hilt of his sword he focused his attention on the man standing behind the Councilor.

Dryden watched Mikier's eyes swing toward Talis's. An arrogant smile making it's way onto his face. Dryden had had enough of the man's arrogance, and happily assigned himself the task of seeing to his complete humiliation.

"Do you allow your father to speak for you, because you are not able to speak for yourself boy?" Dryden said, his voice heavy with contempt. Smiling in satisfaction, Dryden observed Mikier's anger as his hard gaze slide over to him. Watching him over the rim of his sunglasses, Dryden could see him struggle to contain his outrage at the obvious set down.

"No, your highness." Mikier ground out a false smile plastered on his lips as he lowered himself into a stiff bow. Dryden's eyes narrowed, as he considered the man before him.

He was young, but that did not excuse such a wealth of arrogance. Mikier's presence gave him indigestion, which Dryden knew from previous experience, boded favorably towards trouble in the near future. 'He could bear closer watching while in Fanelia.' Deciding to speak with Talis later that eve, he turned away from Mikier, dismissing the man from his attention and focused on the High Councilor of Fanelia.

"Councilor Sayron, it was good of you to personally meet the queen and myself at such a busy time." Dryden nodded his head in respect of the older gentleman before him. Returning the small gesture the Councilor stepped closer and presented himself to Queen Millerna.

"Your Highnesses, I am honored by your presence in Fanelia, it is my pleasure to welcome you in place of our King." Bowing over Millerna's outstretched hand he brought it to his forehead in a sign of respect. Releasing her hand he stepped back and smiled warmly.

"You are looking well Councilor Sayron, it is a pleasure to see you once again."

Millerna smiled genuinely at the Councilor as he bowed his head in acknowledgment of her compliment.

"The pleasure is mine your highness, your presence here has already proceeded to brighten my day I assure you."

Turning slightly the councilor brought his attention back to his son.

"Go attend your duties Mikier, we shall speak of this later." The older man ordered softly, his dark eyes snapping with irritation where the only thing that gave away his anger.

An arrogant smile made its way onto Mikier's face as he bowed before his father, his eyes wandered over to where Merle stood quietly off to the side.

"I was about to do as much, but had come to fetch Mistress Merle. She had been ordered into my service today." Merle stiffened as she watched Mikier's eyes slid over her. She hated his eyes, they made her feel hunted. Stiffly she waited for Councilor Sayron's response to the false claim. Lord Van would never have left her under the charge of Mikier. He knew how much she disliked him.

Mikier was Sayron's son, but Merle knew Sayron to be a good man. She could only pray that he would see the falseness of such a supposed order.

Sayron regarded his son thoughtfully for a moment before turning away from him in disgust.

"I am reassigning Merle to the care of our esteemed guest's. Return to your duties Mikier, you have enough workers assigned to your command." Sayron ordered, never turning back to face his sons rage.

"As you wish Sire" Mikier growled, before slowly walking back toward the palace. Veering towards Merle he stopped close enough to whisper a parting threat.

"You will not always be protected Merle, you are only escaping the inevitable."

Merle's body was tense, prepared for any action on his part, but he simply gave her a smile filled with dark promise, before heading back to his assigned command.

Merle watched him retreat to the courtyard, a coldness settling in her stomach. He always managed to make her feel filthy. Merle longed for a bath but knew that now was not the time.

"Merle, come here." Councilor Sayron's gentle voice snapped her attention back to her other companions. Merle blinked as she found four sets of eyes regarding her with concern. Breaking out into a grin she raced over to the councilors side and looked up at him expectantly.

"Yes Sayron?" Sayron patted her head affectionately.

"Merle, show their highnesses to the drawing room, and make sure that they have anything they require." He told Merle, a soft look in his eyes as he watched her nod eagerly.

"I would show you to the room myself, but I have a pressing matter that I must attend to. I will join your highnesses their in a few minutes." Sayron said as he turned back to their guest.

"Of course Councilor. Please, do not worry yourself, we are happy to have Merle show us to the room." Millerna said smiling graciously at the elder man.

Bowing respectfully before the royal couple of Asturia, Sayron turned and headed off in the opposite direction as his son.

"Well Merle, lead the way." Dryden said smiling affectionately over at the cat woman.

"Ok! Right this way your royal highnesses!" Merle said laughing happily. The three weary travelers where silent as they followed Merle through the halls of the newly reconstructed Palace of Fanelia.

Neither Dryden nor Millerna had been back since its completion the year before, and now admired the obvious love that was embedded into the detail of every nook and cranny. So absorbed where they in their thoughts, that it wasn't long before they arrived at the drawing room assigned to their comfort.

"Here we are!"

The Queen of Asturia was the first to enter as Merle dramatically swung the door open to allow Fanelia's guest's to pass.

"Oh Merle, this is beautiful!" Millerna exclaimed as she looked around the newly furnished room. Its pale yellow walls reflected the suns warm rays that filtered in from the tall windows lining the far wall. The elegant furniture was decorated in a sea green with a light blue bordering. The sofa looked inviting to a weary traveler such as Millerna and she gratefully fell onto its plush seat, a sigh of contentment escaping her as she leaned back against the cool material.

Dryden smiled as he walked past Millerna, making his way over to the windows that overlooked the natural beauty of Van's lush kingdom.

Talis was the last to enter, and watched as Merle rang the call bell before hurrying over to seat herself across from Queen Millerna. Closing the door softly, Talis made his way over to the extravagant fireplace that dominated the wall to the far left of where the woman where seated. Leaning against the mantle he continued to watch the cat woman from safety of the other side of the room.

Talis smiled as he watched her talk animatedly with the Queen of Asturia. Every sentence she spoke reveled a new emotion to the hungry cat mans eyes. Only having just met her he was surprised to find just how protective he had already become of her.

When that bastard Mikier had looked at her with such possession, while she had backed away in obvious fear, the beast in him had roared for release. Talis had already decided that she belonged to him, even if she didn't know it yet. His grin widening, he watched as she rose to speak with the servant at the door never noticing the assessing look his king was giving him and Merle.

Dryden smiled in triumph. Somehow he had known that Talis would find their little cat friend a tempting prospect, and if Talis's obvious protective instincts weren't enough to convince him, then that arrogant smile slowly spreading across his face surely would. Shaking his head, Dryden turned his eyes away from the cat man to glance over at the woman that sat upon the couch only feet from him. Drydens smile twisted into a grimace as he looked at his beautiful wife. All these years he had tried to be a man worthy of her love, but still he was denied. Whether Millerna still fancied herself in love with Allen Schezar, he couldn't say. The only thing he knew was that, he would win her one of these days, no matter how long it took. 'I will win your love, Millerna.'

Merle thanked the young serving girl and turned from the door to see Dryden intently watching Millerna. She sighed, having hoped that these two would have resolved their differences by now. It was obvious to her that Millerna longed to have a better relationship with her husband, but something held them both back from approaching the other. Strolling over to her seat, Merle caught sight of the cat man out of the corner of her eye. She had felt his eyes on her ever since they had started walking towards the room. There was something almost thrilling in knowing that he watched her every move. While she still resented his earlier treatment of her, she had long since let go of the anger that had accompanied it. No one but Van had ever protected her the way he had. The strength of his arm around her had worked to quickly calm her fear of the snake that had tried to bite her. Perhaps he has a bit of promise she thought. 'But first, I will have to teach him a few manners.' She thought a wicked grin spreading across her face as she took her seat on the couch opposite Millerna. 'No, it shouldn't be too hard to tame the arrogant warrior.' She thought turning back to her conversation with Millerna.

Minutes later, the refreshments arrived along with Councilor Sayron, whom entered with a worried expression upon his face. Absently, he accepted a place beside Merle when she invited him to take a seat. She looked at his troubled expression and grew silent as the refreshments where served.

Dryden had now joined them and was seated beside Millerna. He sipped a cup of tea as he observed Councilor Sayron's intently. Talis took up position behind Millerna, his eyes still focused on the cat woman just across from them. Once the servant had left, Merle and Millerna took turns passing out the food and drinks. No one spoke as they waited for Councilor Sayron to break the silence.

Sipping his tea, the councilor cleared his throat and lowered the cup to his lap. He glancing around quickly at all of them before his eyes came to rest on Dryden's.

"I suppose you realize at this point, that Lord Van is not here." At Dryden's small acknowledgement he set his cup and saucer on the table and rested his elbows against his knees.

"You are also probably wondering just what this ceremony is all about, no doubt." Dryden accepted Millerna's offer to take his empty plate and leaned back in his seat, an arm elegantly draped across the sofa back.

"Yes, our invitations where quit vague, but as they where issued officially by Van we concluded that there was something quite eventful about to take place." Dryden said, his voice soft.

"Hmm…yes, I suppose you could say that your highness. No matter what the outcome, this ceremony will be quite eventful." Looking across the table at Asturia's royal couple, Sayron leaned back in his seat and prepared to explain the situation, which the house of Fanelia found itself in.

"Perhaps it would be easier to explain the situation if I where to go back a few years. Five years to be exact…" Dryden nodded for him to continue and watched as councilor Sayron drew a weary breath.

"Five years ago, as you already know, Fanelia was in dire straights. The war had been won, but we where left with little to our country. You might recall the chaos that ensued after Zaibach's emperor was put to rest? Our defense was weakened by the war and many other's coveted the resources they would gain by taking over our courty in its depressed state." Picking up his cup from the table, Councilor Sayron raised it to his lips and took a short sip, before clearing his throat once again.

"Only our Kings determination stood between us, and certain domination by a foreign country. Our people, feared for our uncertain future and there began to be unrest. So, in an effort to appease the people, Lord Van formed the Royal Council of Fanelia, and allowed his people to nominate five men to represent them."

"A wise decision." Dryden said leaning forward to take a small sandwich from the plate in front of him.

"Yes, our king has ruled us wisely away from the unrest that many times threatened to erupt around us. By forming this Council, and granting us a combined power that rivaled his own, the people's fears quickly left them. With the Council formed and an equal amount of power distributed between the five of us, we where eager to begin restoring Fanelia to its former glory." Sighing softly, the Councilor ran a tired hand along his face before continuing on.

"Our first order of business was to see Fanelia's future secured. Meaning that, it was time for our Lord to form a marital alliance. The best candidate at the time would have meant a political marriage between our king and a powerful country that borders us."

Merle shifted restlessly in her seat beside Councilor Sayron, somehow knowing that she was not going to like where this story went.

"The council presented this solution to Lord Van the day after we ruled it a perfect solution, and he was given a few days to decide on it. When the time came for his decision however, we where not surprised to hear him turn down our proposal. With the power granted to us by him, we could have forced him into a marriage of convenience, but most of us where reluctant to do so."

Looking over at Councilor Sayron in outrage, Merle clenched a fist against her stomach and glared at the elder gentleman beside her.

"Lord Van never told me of this! You wanted to force him to marry someone for the sake of our country?! How could you ask such a thing of him Sayron! After all that he has sacrificed already!" Merle cried, watching as Sayron returned her look sadly.

"Yes Merle, we where asking him to marry for the sake of his country. It is not unheard of child, and we knew that should he accept, it would be a great sacrifice on his part. All know of his affection for the girl from the Mystic Moon. However, at the time we could not find a better solution to the problems that faced us."

At this point in the story Sayron leaned forward to accept a fresh cup of tea from Millerna thanking her with a gentle smile.

"After several days of debating over the issue, in which none of us could any longer agree, Lord Van presented us with a solution…or rather a compromise. He told us that if we gave him five years to complete a promise that he had made for the girl on the Mystic Moon, then at the end of that time he would either marry her and make her his queen, or he would relinquish his right to the thrown, and a new King, one of our choosing, would be crowned in his place. Someone who would be willing to do what was necessary to secure the future of our country."

Merle shot up from her seat, a look of complete shock on her face.

"What?! You can't be serious Sayron!" She yelled both her fist now clenched in anger. Dryden leaned forward in his seat, turning he caught his wife's worried expression.

"Councilor Sayron, to do something this drastic could throw your kingdom in renewed chaos. Are you sure that this is necessary?" Dryden asked.

"Lord Dryden is right Councilor Sayron. Could you not find another way around the situation? What exactly was this promise Van made? Perhaps we could help you find another solution." Millerna said, concern etched on her pretty face.

'Van what where you thinking?' Dryden thought trying to keep his worry from showing too much.

"I am afraid not you Highness. Lord Van's promise was very specific. He told us that after this girl left he made a vow to her. Lord Van vowed that he would give her five years before returning to claim her. Whether this girl decides to stay or return here to us, will greatly impact our future. For Lord Van has declared that he will not marry another, and he will never leave her side after the promised time has passed."

The room was silent as everyone took in this startling declaration, which their friend had made so many years ago.

"Oh Van…"Millerna said softly in defeat.

"I-I didn't know…" Merle whispered her eye trained on the carpet beneath her.

"Not many did Merle, beside the King and the Council. It was decided long ago that this knowledge could endanger the security of our country, and negatively impact how other's would regard us." Sighing deeply, Councilor Sayron raised his eyes to meet those of the King of Asturia's.

"Yes, there is a very real threat that our kingdom could be disrupted greatly by this. But we are in need of an heir to the throne, and the only way our king would agree to secure our future was if we granted him this request. It pains me to know that we are left in this precarious position at present. Very few know of this agreement between the King and the Council for obvious reasons. If a hostile country where to learn of such a plan we could be left even more vulnerable than we where five years back." Running a weary hand through his disheveled white hair, Councilor Sayron glanced between Dryden and Millerna.

"The ceremony that you are here for could be used for dual purposes. It will either serve as our Lords wedding, or it will serve as the crowning ceremony for our new king."

Merle made a sound of outrage, as she glared down at the High Councilor.

"What are you saying Sayron?! You know that Lord Van has gone to the Mystic Moon to fetch Hitomi! This ceremony is to be Lord Van and Hitomi's wedding! That was what he told me!"

Councilor Sayron shook his head slowly and raised his head to look back at their royal guest.

"It is true that Van has traveled to the Mystic Moon in order to retrieve the girl that holds his heart. But we are now entering the third day of the final week, if he does not return in four more days, then the Council will have no choice but to present the new candidate for the throne."

Lowering his head in defeat, Sayron stared into his teacup.

"All we can do now is wait, and hope that Lord Van will convince the Lady Hitomi to return with him and be his bride." Merle's scream of outrage filled the room as the anxious cat woman began to pace back and forth.

"I can't believe this! How could he agree to something so stupid! And you! How could you allow him to do such a thing Sayron? There is no one more capable of ruling Fanelia then Lord Van and you know it! Lord Van IS Fanelia! Without him we are lost!" Pinning the counselor with a fierce glare Merle prowled over to his side.

"Who could possibly take his place!"

Millerna quickly rose to comfort her friend; afraid that in her current state she would do something she would later regret. Resting her hands on Merle's rigid shoulders she squeezed them tightly, hoping to bring her back under control.

"Councilor Sayron, has the Fanelian Council already decided on a candidate?" Dryden asked quietly, watching as Millerna now stroked Merle's hair in a comforting gesture.

"Yes, the decision was made before Lord Van took his leave. He has already given his approval. No one outside the counsel with the exception of Lord Van himself knows who it will be. It is highly classified. So, unfortunately I am unable to tell you at this time your highness." Sayron said respectfully.

"It is alright Councilor we understand your need for secrecy." Millerna said softly, pained at the sight of the silent tears that now feel from Merle eyes.

"This isn't right! Lord Van will come back. I know he will! And Hitomi will come with him! Fanelia will not have a new King!" Merle cried as she broke free of Millerna's grasp and ran towards the door.

"Merle wait!" Millerna cried after her, aching for her friend and the pain she must surely feel. Millerna felt lost as to what to do to help her friend, so she did the only thing she could at a time like this. She turned to Dryden for guidance.

Seeing her confusion, Dryden rose from his seat and came to stand beside her. Behind him, he noticed Talis beginning to move towards the door, and quickly held up a hand to stop him.

"Don't Talis, this has come as quite a shock to her. I don't think she would welcome anyone's company at the moment." Dryden said softly hoping the cat man would understand. Talis looked longingly at the open door but nodded his agreement and returned to his earlier position behind his ladies seat.

Resting his hands on Millerna's back, Dryden brought her protectively under his shoulder and looked down at Councilor Sayron. The Councilor sat sadly regarding his now empty cup, hoping to find the answers somehow in the ornate pattern that decorated its interior.

Sighing, the Sayron rose from his seat, and ran weary hands through his white hair.

"I can only hope that the faith Merle holds in this girl, and our Lord will hold true. Until then, we cannot but pray to the gods that we will gain a new Queen and not a new King." He said setting his cup down near them. Bowing before Asturia's royal couple, he raised tired eyes and smiled wearily.

"Your majesty's if you will excuse me, there are several things I have yet to attend to today. If you have need of me, please feel free to send word, and I will gladly come to your aid." Nodding Dryden smiled gratefully at him before watching him turn and exit the room. Lost in thought Dryden did not notice Millerna calling him, until he felt her soft hand caress his jaw. Looking down at her, he immediately began to melt into her amethyst eyes. He could see how worried she was, and all he wanted to do was take the worry away. Unfortunately, Van and Hitomi where the only ones that could do that now.

Smiling reassuringly down at Millerna he guided her back to the couch and held her hand as she lowered herself to the couch.

"Don't look so worried Millerna, we both know Van and Hitomi. We both know how much they love each other. He will convince her." Dryden said his trademark grin in place, the one he knew would instantly snap her out of her sadness.

Millerna frowned up at her husbands playboy grin and pulled her hand from his grasp.

"It is because I know Van and Hitomi that I am scared Dryden! It took them months to realize what it was that they felt for each other. How is Van possibly going to propose marriage in just one week!" She cried in exasperation.

"If Fanelia is to crown a new king then the new world alliance could be in danger. Many countries signed that treaty out of respect for Van. They may lose faith, and the world could be thrown into chaos once again! This is a disaster!" She cried, burying her head in her hands.

"Come on Millerna, Van was not the only one to push for that alliance. Although, it is true that the renouncement of his throne could cause us a problem among some of the more hostile countries." Dryden said quietly, his chin thoughtfully cupped his left hand.

"Dryden, all we need is one incident to put us back at square one! I love Van dearly, and I want nothing more than to see him happily married to Hitomi, but he is jeopardizing a lot for a very short period of time. Risking so much for so little is crazy! What was he thinking?!" Millerna exclaimed, as she poured herself a fresh cup of tea, needing something to occupy her hands so she would not begin to tear out great clumps of hair.

"Hmmm…you could be right. Either way there is nothing we can do about it until we know for sure that Van will not return. If we move to quickly we could alert some of the others to Fanelia's current weakness." Sighing loudly, Dryden rubbed the back of his neck and turned to stare out the window.

"Personally, I want to believe that Van will find the right words to convince Hitomi to return to us. Councilor Sayron was right, all we can do is pray now."

Dryden turned to look down at Millerna and noted that her hand shook a little as she raised the cup to her lips.

"In any event lets enjoy the time we have here, and try not to think about the impending doom that just might be about to befall us. Look at it as a vacation Lerna! There is nothing else we can do at the moment."

Dryden grinned as he watched her glare up at him before turning away to stare off into space, beginning to mumble to herself.

He knew how much she hated his little nickname for her and used it, knowing it would snap her out of her misery. Smiling, Dryden winked at the cat man standing just over Millerna's shoulder. Talis had stayed silent for most of the conversation knowing that there was little he understood about the situation. Looking towards the open door again he fought down the urge once again to go after Merle, and forced himself to turn his attention back to his Lord and Ladies heated conversation.

Had Talis waited a moment more before turning his eyes from the door he would have noticed the large shadow that separated itself from the wall.

'My Lord will be most interested to learn what I have heard here today…' Said shadow thought, as he quickly made his way down to the opposite end of the hall and out into the sunlit courtyard.

* * * * * *

::Author Notes::

CvR: *Glomps all her reviewers tightly* I LOVE YOU GUYS!

So…uh…what did you think??? Did you like it??? *Bites her nails nervously*

Woohoo! Its time to celebrate! 40 Reviews! I am soooo Happy! You guys have been so great, all the encouragement has done a lot to keep me on track with this fic, even if it is coming along a bit slowly!

I know this last chapter was really long, and some of you have long since grown gray hairs reading it, but hey just think how I felt writing it! I knew this chapter was going to be a monster and I was right! I really needed to do it though! I hope you guys didn't mind too much, as this chapter is mainly plot advancement. Next chapter will see us back with Van and Hitomi as they struggle to admit their feelings before time runs out! Can they do it?? *sob*

Well I think I will cut my ramblings off here before I make this authors notes even longer than this chapter *sigh*. As always hope you all enjoyed it and don't be afraid to drop me a review and tell me what you really think!

::Special thanks…::

Kissy_Moonlight as always you are the best! You are going to resurrect me in the next chapter right?? *Laughs Nervously* you umm won't…forget? Right? Uh kissy?

KagomeRessurected- You are definitely getting very good at verbally kicking my butt to get me to update! Geesh next time try not to kick so hard! Hahaha!

Aeris-LKX - I love reading your reviews! They are almost like reading and entire fic dedicated to my greatness! *sigh* The simple pleasures in life! Thanx for catching that mistake by the way! My bad! Forgot to change it when I entered her corrections! And stupid old me was in such a rush to get the chapter posted…I uh…forgot to do a spell check! Ahehe…

Kawaiirabbit14- Ahhh! I did it! I updated! You happy!! You know Kawaii you can be really scary when your obsessed *shivers in fear*…and to answer your question Btw…YES! There is definitely going to be a lemon…it will be in chapter 9 of "The Promise" Happy Happy joy joy! I know I wrote you and told you it would be in chapter 8 but I missed a chapter when I went of the summaries…

Little Fairy- Thanx so much for the review! I won't make them suffer too much…I hope!

Lfk214- I think it would be pretty cute if Van asked her dad for permission too, but lets not get to far ahead of ourselves there is still plenty more stuff that still need to happen! *laughs evilly as she thinks of all she plans to do to the happy couple*

As for the rest of you! I send out a big virtual hug to all of you for the support and encouragement you have given me! Koodles to you all!

Sincerely

CvR

::The New Characters…::

In this chapter I introduced a lot of new characters which all sprang from my imagination! They will all serve a purpose as the story progresses and I am hoping that I have written them so that they blend well into the world of Escaflowne.

Mikier (Meh - kear) The son of the high counselor Sayron he is an angry young man that has many issues with authority figures. You will see more of him in the chapters to come.

Councilor Sayron (Say - Ron) Is the head of the newly formed Fanelian Royal Counsel, and has been given the reigns of the country while Van is away. You will be seeing more of him as well!

Talis Wrin'dane (Taa - lis…Rin - dane) IS my personal favorite! He is a warrior from a kingdom far to the west. How he came into the service of the Asturian royal couple will be revealed in later chapters. Talis will be Merle's love interest as you can see. Their relationship should be rather fun to watch hehee.

Corin and Joey - These where only filler characters I created for the first part of this chapter. They will not be making another appearance in this fic, but may be referred to in future.

I am always interested to learn what you think about my story, so if you have a question or comment about any of my new character please feel free to write it up in a review or e-mail me personally at …xtabay0522@yahoo.com…later!

CvR