Vision Of Escaflowne Fan Fiction ❯ The Promise ❯ A new enemy! Is this goodbye? ( Chapter 7 )

::Disclaimer:: I think we all know by now that I don't own it…

The Promise

Chapter Seven

(A new enemy! Is this Goodbye?)

Time seemed to slow for Hitomi as she watched Van take Alex's hand. She could only pray that Van didn't understand what Alex was saying, but knew that that was an impossible hope. Hitomi tried to read Van's expression but could discern nothing as he had once again retreated behind his kingly mask.

Why hadn't she thought that this might happen? Alex had been so eager to tell her family when she had last talked to him. She should have known that he wouldn't wait till Monday to tell her father. After all they had been close friends ever since Alex had joined his department three years ago.

Clenching her fist tightly Hitomi turned her head and glanced at her mother helplessly. The older woman placed a gentle hand on her arm, the worry evident in her eyes. Hitomi wanted to fall into her arms and weep, just like she had when she was a little girl. How had her life become this crazy? She thought her attention refocusing on the two men in the front hall.

Alex was now smiling cheerfully as his eyes darted quickly towards the kitchen.

"I was just on my way to grab a couple of beers. Can I get you one?" Alex asked Van over his shoulder as he headed towards the kitchen door.

"Ah…sure." Van's eyes swung towards Hitomi, but like a coward she couldn't bring herself to look in his direction. Somehow Van and her always had the worst timing. This felt so much like that time on the bridge in Palace. Only this time…it hurt so much worse.

"Hitomi? What about you?" Alex asked as he came closer.

Smiling tightly Hitomi shook her head not trusting her voice in that moment.

Alex brushed a kiss on her cheek as he passed by and all Hitomi could do was stand there helplessly. "Give me a sec, I'll be right back!" Alex called as he disappeared through the doorway behind her.

Hitomi wanted so much to shout and deny Alex's claim on her, but she didn't. She just couldn't bring herself to hurt him that way. He deserved better than that. Hitomi felt her mother lightly brushed her hand as second before she turned to follow after Alex.

A deafening silence filled the hallway as both of Van, and Hitomi stood rigidly at either end. A pain filled sigh escaped her as she closed her eyes in defeat. Hitomi wasn't sure what Van would do now, but she could only guess that he would leave her. If he left now, Hitomi knew he would not return. A tight knot settled in her stomach as she thought of never seeing her dark angel again.

Steeling herself Hitomi raised her eyes slowly and was instantly captured by Van's gaze. Her breath froze in her throat as pain sliced through her. His eyes held so much anger, and so much hurt. She had done this to him. She hadn't been honest with him, she should have told him sooner, but now it was too late.

Van felt his heart shatter as he looked into Hitomi's guilt ridden eyes. Why didn't she tell him? Why did she let him believe that she wanted him the way he wanted her? Was this what she had tried to tell him earlier? But no! Something just didn't make sense here! Why would she act the way she did towards him if she was engaged to be married to that man?

Was it something that was forced on her? Did her parents arrange it? Was that how things worked here? Question after question crowded his thoughts as he continued to look into her eyes. While his first instinct had been to leave, the look in her eyes now stopped him. He couldn't turn away. There was something more here. Before he made his decision Van needed to know if this was what she really wanted. Drawing a deep breath Van took a hesitant step towards her.

"Hito-"

"Tomi! Tomi is that you?" A gruff voice called from inside the darkened room where Alex had emerged from only minutes before.

Tearing his eyes from Hitomi's, Van swung his gaze towards the doorway just as a stocky older man came lumbering out into the hallway.

"There you are! I thought I heard your voice."

Van watched as the older man reached down to envelope Hitomi in a massive hug. He could only assume that he was her father by the way she warmly returned the embrace.

Van breathed out in frustration, realizing that his questions would have to wait till later. Turning his attention back towards Hitomi and her father Van stepped towards them as she began to make the introductions.

"Dad, I want you to meet a very good…friend of mine…"

Van accepted her father's hand but couldn't help but glance in Hitomi's direction at her hesitation. `Is that all I am to you Hitomi? Just a good friend?'

Van smiled politely as he exchanged greetings, but his mind was in a state of chaos. Too much was happening at once, and he desperately needed to speak with Hitomi in private.

Van opened his mouth to speak those very words when Alex came rushing out of the kitchen, three open containers balanced precariously in his hands.

"Oh great you're both here!" Grinning cheerfully, Alex handed Van his drink before passing the other container to Hitomi's father.

Van smiled in thanks and took a small sip of the drink and listened as her father began to congratulate Hitomi and her Fiancé. Van's hand tightened around the metal container as he continued to listen to their conversation.

"…it's about time you two got together! You kept Alex here waiting long enough for an answer young lady!"

Van looked at Hitomi and barely suppressed a growl as he watched Alex drape himself over her shoulders. He felts his whole body tense at the sight of Hitomi enveloped in another man's arms. Van felt his control slip as Alex leaned in to kiss the spot Van had claimed on Hitomi's neck earlier. Locking his muscles, he took a threatening step forward only to stop, as he observed Hitomi his claim protectively with he pale hand.

An overwhelming feeling of satisfaction filled him as he looked into her eyes at that moment. She had known. With in that moment that he had nearly lost control she had seen the anger that clearly swept through him. Why didn't she turn away? Why did she stare so pleadingly into his eyes?

Yes, there was definitely something more going on here, and Van had every intention of finding out what it was. He wasn't going to turn and run. Not until he had all his answers.

* * *

…Back on Gaea…

Amongst the stillness of the night, a lone figure made its way along the narrow path of the canyon. His eyes darting back and forth between the shadows. Not a breeze stirred as all around him lay still, but somehow the man knew…he was not alone. Stopping, he sat quietly atop his mount and waited.

"You take great risk coming here this late." Sounded a sultry voice to his left.

Letting out a muttered expletive, the man turned quickly searching the shadows for the source of the warning.

"Valencia…why must you always play the part of the menacing shadow?"

Soft laughter echoed off the steep walls surrounding them, causing the man to shift atop his seat uncomfortable.

"Come now Mikier, you an I both know that a shadow can't hurt you." The hooded figure drawled, watching him as he guided his horse into a slow canter.

"No, a shadow can't…but what lurks in it can." Mikier muttered, sneering down at the woman who glided silently beside him.

Hearing the soft sound of her amusement, Mikier turned from the woman and gritted his teeth in irritation.

"Then we are safe, are we not? For nothing lurks in these shadows."

Sliding a glance down at the woman beside him again, Mikier couldn't help but feel a jolt of apprehension race through him.

"Safe, yeah…right."

What was it about this woman that always sent his instincts into overdrive? Perhaps it was the way the shadows clung to her, while the light of the moon failed to illuminate her path. Always hooded Mikier had yet to see her face, for every time they met the light failed to follow.

"Our Lord has been waiting for your report …why were you delayed?"

A sudden chill raced up his spine at the softly spoken question. Mikier could feel the hairs at the back of his neck rise in agitation. Swallowing nervously, he focused his attention on the rocky path ahead and willed his heart to stop thundering.

"I-I was delayed due to a…sudden development."

Reaching up to mop his brow Mikier sat tensely awaiting a response, her movements showing not hesitation as she glided beside him on the treacherous path.

"I see."

Letting out the breath he had not realized he had been holding, Mikier momentarily closed his eyes and waited for her to continue.

"Very well, I will inform him of your arrival. But Mikier, if I were you, I would not delay much longer. Our Lord is…anxious to hear from you."

Snapping his eyes open Mikier turned to look down at his companion, only to find the spot empty. Twisting in his saddle he searched the trail for movement but found himself alone on the narrow path. Mumbling in agitation, Mikier suppressed the sudden chill that raced through him.

"Demon spawned bitch…" he spat under his breathe as he turned in his saddle. Kicking his mount into motion Mikier quickened his pace very much aware of the thinly veiled threat he had heard in her voice.

Valencia slipped quietly along the caves narrow corridors. Along each alcove she passed she could hear the sounds of the men that had been driven to follow them. Some came for the glory, while others followed out of greed.

She did not fit either category. She didn't come for the money, and she hadn't joined up for the glory. No her reason was much simpler.

"My Lord…"

Stepping out of the shadows Valencia entered into a well-lit room. Its rocky surface decorated with the riches of those they had conquered. Amidst the fabrics and jewels sat the man that she had long ago been compelled to follow.

Stopping for a moment Valencia looked upon the man that had saved her so long ago. For most of her childhood she had known nothing but hatred. That was until one day a man with a mane of fire and eyes the coolest shade of blue came into her life.

"Valencia, has he arrived yet?"

On that day, as she had looked upon the only person who had ever defended her, she vowed that she would follow this man for how ever long he would allow it, and so it was that twelve years ago she turned from the light, and followed him into the shadows.

Smiling now Valencia stepped towards him.

"Yes, my Lord. He is on his way now."

Silently, she made her way to his side, bowing her head as she knelt before him.

Warm hands settled atop her head, pulling the dark hood away from her face. Valencia's eyes drifted shut at the feel of his warm hands, her heart beating in anticipation. She felt the soft pressure on her chin as it was gently grasped, lifting her face to the light.

Opening her eyes Valencia stared into pools of pale blue, aware that her very soul lay open before them.

"Why do you hide in the darkness?" Her lashes fluttered down as she felt the brush of his fingers against her mouth.

"Because, that is where you are my Lord." She whispered, surrendering to his soft touch.

His hands tunneled through her dark locks pulling her closer. Raising her lids she was once again caught in his gaze.

"You belong to the light Valencia…"

She could see in his eyes what others could not. The thing that drove him to conquer, the need that drove him to kill…a cold fire burning deep within him.

"No my Lord. I belong to you…"

Cupping his harsh features reverently between her fingers she felt the coarseness of his skin. Staring up at him, she could see every line, every scar. Valencia knew that he was not a kind man, but with her he had always been gentle. The hands that touched her now had soaked in the blood of others, but for her they held only comfort.

Guiding his lips closer to her own, she told him of her love the only way he would let her.

This man, who had known only battle and bloodshed, would never understand what was in her heart. Was there a time that he had ever known love? She wondered as she allowed herself to be consumed in his cold flames.

Just as quickly as it had started the kiss was done. Suddenly his lips were gone only to be replaced by his warm breath. Opening amber colored eyes Valencia once again looked upon him and knew why she followed. He had possessed her body and soul.

Shuttering her thoughts from his ever-piercing gaze she once again knelt at his feet.

"My Lord…" she struggled to get the emotions that threatened to overtake her under control, making her voice sound small and shaken. Breathing deeply she gained enough control to continue but was stopped by the sharp sweep of his hand.

"We are alone Valencia. There is no need to be so formal." Startled she stared up at him in surprise. He had never given her leave to speak so informally in his presence before.

"Why do you look at me so? Do you not know my name?"

Shaking herself free from shock she shook her head and quickly drew breath to speak.

"I- No it's not that. I just…"

"Just what?"

Looking up into his eyes Valencia felt her heart accelerate in her chest.

"You have never given me leave to speak so informally."

Leaning forward he clasped her hand in his and raised it to his lips.

"Will you make me wait all night to hear it?"

Drawing in a startled breath at the ache in his voice she felt herself drawn closer.

"No my L-…I mean no, Dante…" she whispered, her whole body coming alive at the sound of his name.

Staring deeply in to her own, his eyes seemed to pierce her very heart, as an undefined emotion filtered quickly through pale pools of blue. Sitting back slowly, a satisfied smile settled upon his lips as he released her hand.

"Tell me, what news?"

"My- I mean, Dante…word has reached us that Van Faniel is no longer in the kingdom of Fanelia. Our spies have been unable to determine his location."

The chair's loud protest echoed off the walls of the cave as Dante rose unhurriedly from his seat.

"I see. I suppose it matters not for the moment." He murmured, the soft fall of his feet against the lush carpet the only sound within the room.

"It is likely that Mikier can provide us with this information once he arrives." He mussed. Stopping before a large wood cabinet he grabbed two cups and filled them with a dark red wine.

"Did he offer up an explanation for why he has kept me waiting?" Dante asked casually as he grasped her hand and pulled Valencia to her feet.

"Yes, he claims that he was delayed due to a sudden development. Perhaps, he was able to discern what our sources could not."

Taking the cup from Dante's hand Valencia took a slow sip of the rich liquid and waited for him to speak. Taking a drink from his own glass Dante failed to respond as a commotion from beyond the entrance heralded Mikier's arrival.

Setting her cup down Valencia reached for her hood just as Mikier was announced.

Bowing stiffly Mikier glanced around the room and noted the shadow witch standing silently off in the corner. Gnashing his teeth in agitation he fought the urge to bite off a curse as he waited for the man before him to speak.

"You have news?"

"Yes my Lord." Raising his eyes to meet those of the man before him, Mikier again experienced a chilling sensation that seemed to happen whenever he looked into the commander's eyes.

"Well…you would keep me waiting?"

Eye's widening in surprise Mikier cleared his throat, quickly looking away.

"No my Lord!"

"Then get on with it, you try my patience!"

A fine sheen of sweat formed on Mikier's brow at the softly spoken reprimand.

"I-I have news of Van Faniel!"

"Then speak."

"A-as you may know already, a few days ago Van Faniel left on a journey. His destination was kept secret from all but the council. The only thing the people were told was that he had gone to fetch his bride."

Wiping the sweat from his brow he shifted his feet and risked a glance up at the fierce Lord.

"Today a cargo ship arrived bearing the King and Queen of Palace. Upon arrival they were lead to one of the receiving rooms where I over heard them discussing Van Fanelia's current activities."

"Go on."

Swallowing nervously, Mikier shifted his gaze down to the carpet once again.

"As the people were told, Van truly is on his way to gather his bride. What has been kept secret though, was the bride's identity and location."

Drawing a deep breath Mikier drew himself up and willed his gaze to meet that of the cold man before him.

"The woman Van has gone after is called Hitomi, and she hails from the mystic moon."

Mikier watched nervously as a calculating look entered into the commander's eyes.

"Interesting…" Dante murmured, his attention still focused on the man in front of him. After a moment of thought he waved his hand, urging Mikier to continue.

"It appears that Lord Van struck a bargain with the council. He was given five years before the council would bring up the subject of marriage."

"…And in exchange?" Dante asked.

"In exchange he agreed to forfeit his throne should he fail to comply with the contract."

Silence filled the room a second before rough laughter took its place.

"This is rich! All this planning and here Van goes and gifts me with the very thing I wanted!"

Sitting abruptly the cold Lord turned his gaze back to the dark man before him.

"Tell me, what are the conditions of the contract."

Mikier quickly lowered his eyes and once again found himself shifting nervously from foot to foot.

"He has until the end of the week to bring back his bride and marry or else he looses the right to rule as Fanelia's King."

"Hmm…Excellent. This will work out much better then our original plan."

Stroking his chin in thought he motioned for the guard behind Mikier to step forward.

"Yes my Lord?"

"Send for the crone."

Snapping to attention the guard quickly exited the room only to be replaced seconds later by another. Turning his attention back to Mikier, Dante stood and made his way over to the cabinet.

"You've done well Mikier. With this new development it will not be long before you will see yourself as ruler of Fanelia."

Smiling in satisfaction Mikier bowed deeply before the commander.

"I live only to serve my Lord."

Ignoring the informant's false words Dante quickly dismissed him before turning inward to sort through his thoughts.

With Mikier Mikier's departure, Dante felt the shadow on his right stir softly.

"Will you really make that man ruler of Fanelia?" Valencia asked still looking towards the entrance. The soft trail of fingers against her arm had her turning towards the powerful man beside her.

"Do not concern yourself with fools Valencia. I will grant him his wish."

"But, Dante…what do you gain by placing him upon the throne?" feeling the cold fire once again surround her Valencia pressed herself longingly against him.

"I will gain it all. Mikier will have his throne, and he will rule over a kingdom of dust. For when I am finished, Fanelia will be not but a memory."

* * *

This was Hell. He was sure of it. Van thought, tensing once again as he watched Alex lean closer to Hitomi to plant a kiss on her cheek for what had to be the millionth time since they had arrived.

All night Van had tried to get Hitomi alone so that he could find out what had made her accepts the annoying man's proposal, but to no avail. Van heaved a sigh as he stared down blankly at his dish.

After the initial meeting, Hitomi's father had dragged him and Alex off to show them his most prized possession in what he called a `garage' while encouraging Hitomi to go help her mother in the kitchen. After what seemed like hours, Van managed to escape from the two men, and had found Hitomi alone in the kitchen.

Feeling as if his luck had finally changed Van began to approach her, but before either one of them could speak a word, the kitchen door had crashed open to reveal Hitomi's younger brother. His entrance had resulted in both Hitomi and himself being dragged off to go view some new machine that her brother had just acquired.

Unfortunately, before they could escape from her younger brother, Hitomi's mother had called them all down to dinner…and that was where they still sat an hour and a half later.

Van quietly breathed out in frustration as he desperately searched for a way that he could get Hitomi alone for a few minutes. Staring down at his plate he half-heartedly listened to the conversation going on around him.

Looking up, his eyes once again met those of Hitomi's across from where he sat.

He should be mad at her. She hadn't been honest with him. She should have told him that she was engaged to be married. But somehow every time he looked into her eyes his anger just seemed to melt away leaving only sadness. `Why Hitomi? Why didn't you just tell me?'

Suddenly feeling the stare of another, Van's eyes slid over to Alex's face only to collide with his steely blue gaze. He had been watching them. Van could see that Alex knew there was something more between Hitomi and him. Van could see the knowledge, and the anger in the other man's eyes.

Van's hold tightened on his fork as he continued to stare at the other man, their gazes locked in a battle of wills. There was a challenge there, Van thought as he watched Alex once again lean down and slowly brush his lips against Hitomi's.

Hitomi blinked up at Alex as he pulled away from her and quickly turned from the heated look in his eyes. `This is a nightmare!' Hitomi thought, gnashing her teeth in frustration.

Hitomi had never known Alex to be this clingy before. He had never acted this openly affectionate. Was he trying to prove something? Did he suspect her feelings for Van?

Drawing a steadying breath Hitomi forced herself to clam down and think about the situation carefully.

Alex was driving her crazy, for with every caress, with every kiss, she could feel Van's dark gaze condemning her.

Her nerves were completely shot. Hitomi wasn't sure how much more of this she could handle before she went completely insane! She thought as she once again felt Alex's soft caress against her neck. Hitomi wished he would stop touching her, somehow it felt so wrong when Alex did it.

This whole situation felt wrong! Hitomi didn't want to be seated next to this man, she wanted to be beside the man across from her. She wanted only to feel Van's touch. Hitomi swallowed convulsively as her eyes once again met dark chocolate. She wanted to be beside Van so much…but he was a million miles away. Out of her reach.

Hitomi's fist clenched in her lap as she turned her gaze back down to her plate. Lost in her own thoughts she ignored the conversation around her until a warm breath tickled her ear.

"Did I tell you how beautiful you look tonight?"

Holding herself still Hitomi shook her head lightly, forcing a smile to her lips.

"Well you do. The only way you would look even more beautiful would be if you had a my ring on your finger." Hitomi flinched slightly and leaned forward, distancing herself slightly from Alex, while she desperately tried to think of an excuse.

"I-I guess I forgot to put it on when I dressed for dinner earlier." She said smiling tightly.

Alex brushed her hair away from her ear and clasped her hand in his.

"It's alright, do you have the ring with you?" Still forcing a smile Hitomi fought the urge to lean away from him. Nodding silently she nervously ran a hand through her hair forcing herself to turn towards him.

"Yeah, it's in my purse."

Hitomi fought the urge to scream as for the millionth time that night Alex leaned in to kiss her.

"Go ahead and get it out." He said smiling down at her.

Hitomi couldn't help but feel a little nervous at the gleam in his eye as he stared down at her.

"Why? What are you going to do?"

Leaning close to her once again she clamped her teeth together as he whispered in her ear.

"Don't worry about it. Just go ahead and get it."

Grinding her teeth in irritation Hitomi stood, and excused herself from the table.

Glancing back she hoped to see Van follow after her, but sighed in resignation as she could see that he was trapped in a conversation with her father, and younger brother. They really did have the worst timing. She thought once again as she entered the hallway.

Grabbing her purse from the entrance Hitomi dug through it a moment before pulling out the black box. Glancing down at it nervously she headed back towards the dinning room and lowered herself back into her seat.

She could feel the box burning a hole in her hand as she glanced up to meet the steady gaze of her dark angel. `Please Van…Please don't look at me that way.'

Lowering her eyes back to the table she jumped at the feel of Alex's hand on hers.

"Thanks babe." He whispered as he stole the box from between her numb grip.

Clearing his throat roughly Alex quickly drew everyone's attention towards him, and suddenly Hitomi felt as if was about to crumple before her.

"Now I know that I probably should have done this sooner, but well circumstances being what they were I wasn't sure that I would be able to include everyone in this…"

Hitomi's breath grew shallow as her nervousness began to increase. `Oh god please don't…he can't mean to…oh god, not now!' She should have known that he would do something like this.

At her fathers teasing voice Hitomi looked up, jumping in surprise as Alex pulled back his chair and put it to the side. `Oh God, Oh God, Oh God…'

Kneeling before her Alex firmly clasped her hand in his and stared deeply into her eyes.

"Hitomi…"

`No! No! No!…Stop! Please stop!'

"…I have been in love with you since the moment we meet three years ago…"

`Please don't!'

"…and in that time I have only dreamed of the day that you would consent to be my wife…"

`This isn't happening!'

"…the day you said yes, you made me the happiest man in the world, and I promise you that in the many years ahead of us, I shall make you the happiest woman on earth."

Hitomi sat in shock, speechless, her lungs constricting with each word spoken. She was a fool.

The loud sound of metal against china made her jump in apprehension. Out of the corner of her eye she could see that Van sat stiffly in his seat. Hitomi felt the sting of tears but fought the urge to break down and cry. There was no way Van could not know what her true situation was now. `He will leave now…Oh God, he will leave me!'

Numb with despair Hitomi failed to respond when Alex slid the cool metal ring onto her finger. All around her she could hear the joyful words of congratulations from her family, but somehow it all just seemed to pass through her.

Everything she had done in the past few days had been a mistake. Accepting Alex's proposal, lying to Van, coming here tonight, giving up on her dreams…

The minute she had given up on Van was the moment she had made the biggest mistake of her life. Look where it had gotten her. A soft sob escaped her when Alex abruptly lifted her from her seat. Startled Hitomi's eyes locked onto his and once again she felt the magnitude of her decision.

Not only had she hurt the man she wanted most, but she was also going to end up hurting the man she had promised herself to. Hitomi knew what she had to do now. It was what she should have done in the first place, and now she could only hope that it wasn't too late.

Van sat quietly observing the joyful celebration around him. He had known this might happen, why was he so surprised? He hadn't seen Hitomi for five years, how could he not expect her to move on with her life?

He should be happy for her. He should be offering her his congratulations, along with the rest of her family but…he couldn't find the strength to form those words. His heart could not accept that he lost his claim to hers after he had waited for so long. Raising his eyes back up to the couple across from him, he stared transfixed as Alex slipped a small glittering ring onto Hitomi's finger. Alex's sign of possession, his claim to Hitomi.

`No!' The sharp denial pierced through Van's soul, leaving him shaken and angry. He could not let this happen. Regardless of what Hitomi's decision was he had to try. Van needed to know that this was what she truly wanted, and…he had to tell her what he felt for her. No matter what happened, he couldn't walk away with out letting her how much he loved her. Van watched furiously as Alex again took possession of Hitomi's lips, and felt determination fill him. Catching the man's smug look over Hitomi's shoulder, Van could only hope that it wasn't too little too late.

* * * *

::Author Note's::

Gomen! I am so, so sorry for taking forever to get this chapter out! I was having such a hard time with writers block! Only the people who have written to me about my story have been the one's that have really inspired me to write again…to those people I send a big hug and many thanks! I am hoping I didn't leave you guys on to much of a cliffy here like I did the last time. I already have some idea for the next chapter, and I should be starting it soon. You won't have to wait as long for the next chapter as you did for this one, so please keep checking back!

For those of you who have stuck with my story I really want to send out a warm thank you to all of you! Your reviews and comment have kept me motivated enough to keep going with this story….no matter how long its taking me LoL!

Well I hope you enjoyed chapter seven! In this chapter you are introduced to Dante and Valencia. I have to say that I was pretty surprised how that part of the chapter turned out. You see while I planned on Dante, Valencia just decided to show up all on her own.

These two are fast becoming my favorite characters! I want to hear what you guys have to say about them so please drop me a note, or leave review and let me know!!

Well till later my friends *wave*…

CvR

P.S. To those of you who have followed my story over from ff.net, I just wanted to let you know that I have opened up a new account with them! My new user name is `CvR in Exile' so as of Tuesday (08/24/04) you will be able to access my story there as well.

You can also find my story posted on my site…

http://cvrunlimited.homestead.com/index.html

…Under the Escaflowne page. I will be premiering some new stories on my site under my Inuyasha page, so if you have any interest come check it out in the next coming month!