Vision Of Escaflowne Fan Fiction ❯ Though Time and Space Separate Us... ❯ Temptation ( Chapter 4 )

[ T - Teen: Not suitable for readers under 13 ]

The next day dawned so bright and clear, it seemed that the storm last night had not happened at all. Hitomi was up and ready to go by six o'clock, dressing in a dark blue dress that reached her ankles. Her hair, when brushed, reached farther down than it had before. Yukari had often suggested she let it grow out and, taking this advice, it was now hanging just to her ears. The hall was empty when she went downstairs but she managed to find everyone else in the various rooms.

Soon Hitomi had gathered Dryden, Millerna, Allen, and Merle in the hallway. When she told the group that Van had left, Merle's eyes filled up with tears.

"Lord Van forgot me?" she whimpered, burying her face in her hands. Millerna put her hand on her shoulder.

"Does it say why?" she asked. Hitomi shook her head.

"It just says urgent business. I wonder what it could be..." Hitomi looked up to the ceiling. Merle grabbed onto her arm again.

"We'll go together, Hitomi. We'll go after Lord Van." she said, her face set with determination.

"Now, wait a minute." Dryden cut in. He looked at the two with an expression that resembled a father's. "Fanelia is over fifty miles from here. You think I'm going to let two young girls travel to Fanelia unprotected?" Merle stuck out her bottom lip, suggesting that she could protect them both.

"I will escort them." Allen said suddenly, stepping into the circle. Hitomi smiled at him in relief. Merle was fun, but she wasn't sure if she alone could protect them from trouble. Besides, Allen was so... she couldn't find the word,... attentive to her needs.

"I need to get out anyway." he winked in Hitomi's direction, making her blush. It was hard to forget; she had once had a crush on Allen. Merle looked saucily from Allen, whom she didn't want along, to Hitomi, whose face was a deep red. She put her hands on her hips.

"If Allen comes, you'd just better make sure you remember why you're going on this journey!" she said in a huff. Hitomi and Allen both looked at Merle.

"What do you mean, Merle?" Hitomi asked, even though she knew perfectly well what.

"I hate to say this, but don't try anything with him." Merle said with effort. "It would break Lord Van's heart." Hitomi looked at Allen, who shrugged. She bent down to get at eye-level with Merle.

"Listen, Merle. I would never do anything to hurt Van." The cat-girl looked up, tears coming to her eyes. "But we have to get there somehow and admit it, you don't know the way to Fanelia from here, do you?" Merle hung her head, and shook it slowly.

"I'm sorry, Hitomi,... Allen. But I miss him so much." Hitomi hugged her firmly as she continued to let the tears fall. Poor Merle. Hitomi couldn't help but think how Van could have changed. To forget Merle, his dearest friend, and just leave her behind? If Van didn't care enough to wait for Merle, then what would he do with her? As long as one of us remembers the other, she thought.

By nine o'clock that morning, the three were ready. Hitomi prepared meals for the next three days for them. Merle tried to help, but she ended up putting too much yeast in the bread and it burst out of the oven with a vengeance, splattering all over the unsuspecting Hitomi and the guilty Merle. The cook furiously chased them out with a wooden spoon as his weapon. Luckily Hitomi had all the ingredients and could make the bread on the open oven outside. She put the cat-girl to work gathering fruit from the trees since she could climb so well and she enjoyed doing it.

As Hitomi packed the basket onto the horse that she and Merle would share, she saw Allen packing a tent, map, and compass, as well as food for their horses.

"Hi, Allen." Hitomi said. He waved back to her. When she had finished attaching the basket, she walked over to him. She had to ask him.

"Um, Allen?" she began, "Why did you volunteer to take us so quickly?" Allen turned his back to her, eyes to the ground.

"Allen?" Hitomi reached out to touch him when he turned around. He spoke the answer quickly.

"Hitomi. I still love you." When he said that, he went back to grooming his horse, leaving Hitomi stunned. She looked away from his turned back and said,

"I-I don't know what to say to you." With that, she slipped away. After all this time, he did love her. But she had not, really. Van. Hitomi thought that she had only been worried about Van, but she had worried out of care and later, love, for him. What would she do now? Hitomi felt a surge of love to give back to Allen, now that he had declared it to her, and Van had never done that for her. There was that decision again. Van or Allen?

But she had promised Merle. She would never do anything to hurt Van. In that promise, her true feelings had shown. She loved Van. No matter what. This journey may be a little stiff between Allen and I, now that this has happened, she thought in worry. Hitomi turned around to get on the horse, when Merle appeared out of nowhere, leaping on the horse's back. Hitomi fell back on the ground as she had been just getting on.

"Merle!" she exclaimed angrily, holding her fist up in the air and waving it toward the smiling Merle. From her position on the ground, she saw Allen mounting his horse. She was afraid he was still angry but if he was, his face didn't show it.

"You coming, Hitomi?" he smiled. She stood up quickly, replying, "Yes!" and jumping on her horse, pushing Merle aside a bit.

Allen led the way, nodding to the guards who let them pass. Soon, they were outside the city, on a narrow forest path. Hitomi didn't know how to ride a horse well but luckily, Merle had some idea. It was a bit embarrassing to be holding onto a little girl for support. Hitomi would much rather be holding Allen... no, she didn't want to think about that. Why had she suddenly grown fond of Allen all over again? Was it because of Van's behaviour? I won't betray Van, she declared to herself.

The trees soon became more enclosed around them as they travelled further from the city. Soon, they had to get off their horses as there was no head room for them. Hitomi slid off slowly, helping Merle down as she did. Her horse would not cooperate; it seemed to sense her nervousness about her situation. The horse reared and Hitomi fell back. To see the hooves above her, any second now, they would come down and crush her.

"HELP!" Hitomi called. Merle grabbed the horse's bridle but couldn't pull it away from Hitomi. Someone rushed over and swept her up, as she heard the thunder of the horse's hooves crash below. Opening her eyes, she saw Allen's gentle face gazing down at her. He had saved her. Surely, she could reward him with something... a kiss, perhaps, and Van would never know. She'd just have to get Merle to keep her mouth shut about it. Before she knew it, Allen had touched his lips to hers and she closed her eyes. However, she quickly opened them to see what Merle was doing. She was still trying to get the horse under control, so Hitomi closed her eyes again and kissed Allen back.

When their lips parted, Hitomi looked up at him, her breath feeling like it had gone with that kiss. Allen put her gently to the ground, holding onto his shirt. Merle, with a struggle, approached them, holding the protesting horse.

"Hitomi! Are you okay?" she said worried. Hitomi nodded.

"Yeah. Thanks Merle,... and Allen." She looked up at him, trying not to give her face away to Merle, not that she was paying attention. Allen grabbed the rein.

"I'll take this one. You sure pick the wild ones don't you, Merle?" he smiled. She stuck out her lip, saying something about how the horse resembled herself, but she walked over to Allen's horse anyway.

"You can trust her." Allen whispered to Hitomi, gesturing to his own horse, "As much as you can trust me." Hitomi looked away. She didn't know if she liked how Allen was doing this.

"Hey! Aren't you guys coming?" Merle yelled from her perch on Allen's horse. Hitomi looked at Allen and then walked swiftly to where Merle was. Out of the corner of her eye, she saw Allen getting on his horse. Hitomi began to feel annoyed. How could he just kiss her without even considering her feelings or even feeling guilty for Van's sake? She knew that she should feel guilty as well but she just... didn't. It had felt good to kiss Allen. So good that she almost scolded herself for feeling that way. She mounted, hanging onto Merle and remembering her promise to Van.

"All right, let's go!" she exclaimed. The group continued on their way. Hitomi felt the tree branches cutting into her skin as the forest became more and more dense, but Allen had told them to stay on their horses as they were approaching the clearing that was on Asturia's border.

"Why is that?" Merle questioned. Allen glanced around.

"There have been reports of robberies around here." Merle gasped. Hitomi looked around. They were not in the clearing yet, but she could see it drawing nearer as they kept going. Such a pretty field couldn't possibly shelter bandits! However they approached it cautiously. At the slightest noise, Merle's ears pricked up and she was prepared to jump down and fight. The three came to the base of the clearing. Hitomi was glad to get out of the forest, even if danger lay ahead. Allen led, looking around and listening, even though the only sound was the chirping of faraway birds. They reached the edge of the clearing. He sighed as he stepped onto the dirt path again.

Just then, a man on horseback stepped in front of them.

"Hello there, travellers." he said in a low, mocking voice. Allen backed up his horse, a look of contempt on his face. Merle hissed as they were surrounded by at least a dozen mounted men.

"Let us pass. We are travelling to Fanelia on important business." Allen stated. The leader, who stood in front of him, walked his horse to Allen's side.

"I'm sure you are. But you see, we don't let anyone pass alive." Allen continued to back his horse up, glaring at the man.

"Get off your horse." he said to him. Allen fought the urge to disobey and got down. The leader dismounted and, drawing his sword, held it to Allen's neck.

"We don't want to kill you right away. We've killed so many in the past couple of weeks, and they didn't stand a chance. Your formal garments suggest... who are you?" The leader circled him as Hitomi and Merle looked on in terror.

"A Knight of Heaven... Allen Schezar." he declared, despite the sword pressed to his throat. The leader laughed.

"Heaven, eh? By the time I finish with you, you'll be in hell instead!" The gang of bandits laughed at him. Hitomi could see that Allen was shaking; with what, she didn't know, anger or fear.

"If you wish to duel to the death, then just say so." He reached for his sword, pulling it out slowly so as to show its blade. The bandit leader stepped back, a smile curling on his lips.

"NO, ALLEN!" Hitomi screamed. Allen glanced back at her in surprise.

"Hitomi!" Merle hissed. The leader laughed.

"Let's go. Once I kill you, I'll take your women there." Room was made for the two men, the mounted men standing in a line to the edge of the clearing. Hitomi and Merle stood with their hands bound in front of them, watching the death match in fright. Hitomi knew Allen was an excellent swordsman, but could he stand up to this brute?

Allen, remaining courteous to the end, bowed to his opponent, as did he. He stood ready for attack, for as soon as he had bowed, the bandit made his first lunge. Allen dodged it and swung behind, landing a thrust in his shoulder blade. Merle cried out in delight at Allen's achievement as Hitomi looked on without comment.

The leader clutched his shoulder, using his uninjured arm for swinging aimlessly at Allen. Allen moved swiftly around, blocking the sword thrusts without effort. When he landed another strike to the man's side, Allen knew he had won.

"You... bastard..." he gasped. He stood up and waved to his men, and one of them grabbed Hitomi and held a dagger to her throat. Merle leaped toward him, but was dragged away by another bandit.

"Move and she dies!" The leader yelled as Allen took a step toward her. Hitomi tried to struggle, but the man only pressed the dagger closer, drawing blood. She stopped, hating herself for being so helpless. She could hear Merle screaming and Allen arguing with the leader. How could she save them? Without warning, she grabbed the knife in her own handbag and stabbed herself through the stomach. As she did, the bandit holding her let go in shock and Allen raced over, impaling him in the shoulder. Hitomi collapsed to the ground as Merle got away and ran to her. The leader, from his wounded position on the ground, yelled out, "Let's get out of here!" He jumped on his horse with difficulty and waved the retreat order.

Allen glared at them until they left, his sword pointed straight upward. When they had left, he bent down to examine Hitomi. Merle was crying as she ripped her handkerchief to stop the bleeding. Allen picked up her limp body and held it close as he ran to lie her on his horse.

"Hitomi, why did you do that?" he thought in anger as they made their way to Herisia, the nearest town, which was luckily not too far away. It wasn't a deep wound, but Allen had a sinking feeling in his stomach. He had never known Hitomi to have such gumption in her. What had brought that on? Then he remembered; he had kissed her. After she had just promised that she would never hurt Van.

What an idiot I am! he thought bitterly to himself. He knew that she had done it to save them, but a part of her was angry for betraying Van. Allen continued riding, his head down.

"It's not too bad, actually." the physician in Herisia explained, "A knife like that couldn't damage any vital organs. She should be all right in a day or two." Merle sighed heavily at this good news, hugging Hitomi. Allen nodded, glancing at her bandages, still worried.

"Hitomi saved us. She really did!" Merle exclaimed to the physician, who nodded indifferently, smiling at her as he left. Merle turned to Allen, realizing their situation.

"What will we do? We can't go to Fanelia with Hitomi like this!" she told Allen. He sat, not knowing how to answer. He thought about Van, her reason for going on this journey. She couldn't go to him.

"I'll go to Fanelia." Merle looked at him in shock.

"You stay with Hitomi. I'll bring Van here, to Herisia." Allen stood up, as Merle chased him to the door.

"But, Allen! Lord Van has lots to do! He doesn't have time to come here!" Allen stopped, turning to the cat-girl.

"If Van cares about Hitomi at all, he'll come. Besides, I owe them that much." With that, he left Merle standing there holding Hitomi's hand.

Allen continued, not wanting to let what had happened pin him down. He rode without stopping for a rest or a meal, and he reached the outskirts of Fanelia by nightfall. As he stood on the threshold of the city, he saw fireworks exploding up to the sky. The thunder spooked his horse, so he dismounted and led it by its bridle. Two soldiers stood on duty, but instead of holding weapons, they held drinks. They clinked them together, one man toasting them.

"Here's to a long and happy life." he slurred, swaying from the drink he had already had as he swigged it down. Allen approached them.

"Good evening, gentlemen. What's the occasion in Fanelia?" One soldier looked toward him and held up his glass.

"'Oi, stranger!" the second guard waved his own drink. "Welcome, Welcome! As for the celebration, King Van is getting married tomorrow! Come on, make yerself at home!" The two men went back to toasting each other.

Allen stood frozen in shock. He couldn't! He jumped on his horse and demanded the gate be opened. The guards turned the lever and the gate slowly opened. The festivities seemed to heighten as he rode through the city. Allen galloped to Van's manor, which stood on the mountain base. He left his horse in the care of a squire and marched up to the doors. The guards recognized Allen but they said the King was preparing for his wedding and would not be disturbed.

"This is an emergency. Let me speak with the King." They hesitated, glancing at each other.

"Please, it's for his own good!" The soldiers nodded and finally let him in, indicating to him where the king could be found. Allen walked up to Van's study, bursting open the door.

Van stood there, attired in his wedding garments. He turned to his unexpected guest and, seeing who it was, grinned.

"Hello, Allen. What do you think?" he held out his arms to show off his clothes. "I thought it might be too dark-" Allen continued walking up to him and grabbed him about the neck, pressing him up to the wall. Van flinched at his actions.

"Allen, what-"

"You're getting married? What are you thinking, you idiot?!" He pushed Van further into the wall as he struggled to free himself. Finally, knowing he had gotten Van's attention, Allen let him go so Van could explain himself.

"What's wrong, Allen? I know it's a little short-notice, but I already-"

"What about Hitomi?" Allen yelled. Van looked Allen in the eye.

"What about her?" he said back. Allen once again grabbed Van by the throat and forced him into the wall.

"She was coming to see you tomorrow! She was injured by the wandering bandits on the clearing outside Asturia!" he cried. Van stopped struggling. Just then, about a dozen soldiers came running into the room, hearing the commotion inside. Three of them dragged Allen off Van, who was still trying to talk to him.

"We're in Herisia, if you care at all!" Allen was thrown out of the manor. In anger, he quickly mounted his horse and prepared for the journey back to Herisia, not knowing or caring if Van followed.