Hitomi's eyes moved up to the ceiling.

I can't believe it....it can't be true. And I was the one who asked him to protect Van... She bit her lip hard and shut her eyes. Why? Why did he have to die? Bitter tears ran down her cheeks, I'll never make a request like that again. If someone must die in the future, then let it be me...Please...

H-He's....Dead? Millerna slumped down in her chair, and began whispering softly to herself "Allen...I'm so sorry...Allen" over and over again. She fought back tears, but then started sobbing. Covering her face with her hands, she hiccupped incesantly, and after a minute or so, she calmed down.

Allen... Did you ever know how much I loved you? And not knowing if you felt the same...And now, my Caeli Knight...You're gone...It's all my fault...I'm so sorry...

With no feeling but remorse, she looked at Van's back and sadly said "I'm sure you tried your best Van...". She began rocking slowly back and forth, the lack of sleep, the chill, and the news swarming her. Noticing her sister in the corner, standing regally, she merely looked up at Eries, as if she were her only hope, and out came another rush of salty tears from her puffy eyes.

Hitomi.
She was alright. She was okay. Van felt a tension he hadn't known was there drain out of him. It left him completely empty.
Slowly Van turned his eyes to Millerna. Her violet eyes were wide and filled with dread. He took a slow breath. "Millerna...I don't know where he is. All I know is that when I left him, he was facing down two invisible melefs." He watched Millerna's hands fly to her mouth. She didn't want to believe it. Van's eyes moved to Hitomi. Her green eyes were wide.
Van felt the anger come up in him, but he didn't have the energy for it. He simply said, "I left him for dead." The impassiveness in his own voice surprised him. Van suddenly just wanted to get away from them. He didn't want this--didn't want to face them.

Hitomi...Millerna...I've failed you both now.

"Van!?" Hitomi felt her worry leave her, like a great weight being lifted. He's alright, he's not hurt. But the feeling of relief was soon replaced with a sudden apprehension. He must be so angry with me thinking I made Escaflowne disappear. I didn't though, he did it on his own and then I fainted...I bet Van hates me... Her heart sank at the prospect like an anchor in her chest.

The realization of a pair of eyes watching her from the side of the bed drew her attention away from her thoughts. Merle was staring at her with a most disturbed expression. The cat girl's eyes were transfixed on the large blood stain on Hitomi's blouse. Whether the expression came from concern or shock, Hitomi couldn't tell, however, she decided to go with the former, "It's O.K., Merle, it looks much worse than it is really." Hitomi's eyes looked back toward the door, I wonder why Allen-san hasn't come in...Oh please, let nothing else have happened. I hope you're alright, Allen-san.

Being ushered anywhere did not bode well with Merle. If Hitomi was hurt then she was darned well going to check it out for herself. Slowly making her way towards Hitomi’s bedside Merle listened intently to the conversation. Allen… I didn’t know he was there. If Van-sama left him then...
poor Millerna. Everyone can tell she loved him.
I don’t know what I would do if Van-sama died. Merle, having reached the bed, peaked over at Hitomi in an attempt to assess her likelihood of survival. Geeze… I get to see Hitomi before Van-sama, if I was him I would run to her. I mean, Allen’s dead, there’s nothing Van-sama can do about it. That princess sure has got some nerve, I mean I feel bad for her but Van-sama walked for so long to get to her. And he was carrying me. Her thoughts were halted by the sight of blood.
“Hitomi?”

Awoken from her daze, Millerna looked up to see a dark figure. She rubbed her violet eyes and put down the face cloth. "Who...?" Millerna slowly began in a startled fashion when she realized it was Van with Merle in his arms. "Van! You're back! And Merle as well..." She noticed Merle looking slightly ill, and ushered Merle onto a small couch close to the bed Hitomi was resting in. While checking out how Merle was doing, a sudden feeling of horror rushed over Millerna. "...Van....Where is Allen?" Millerna paled at the expression on Van's face, and her body froze not just on the outside, as before, but on the inside. She looked pleadingly at Van with puffy and distressed eyes, and whispered fearfully "Van, tell me....Where is Allen Schezar?"

The house was dark. Van didn't like the fact that he couldn't see. He put one hand on his sword, just in case. Why had the door been unlocked?
Van went forward quietly, and finally saw something that seemed out of place. He picked it up. A small cloth. Maybe it was Millerna's...
All of a sudden he saw something. He stopped dead, his hand falling from his sword.
"...Hitomi?"

Hitomi had tried several times to encourage Millerna to go get some rest, but the Princess would hear none of it. Soon after, Hitomi had given up on that idea and went back to her own thoughts.

Keep the King close to thee, the true battle is yet to come...

I wonder what he meant by that, she thought to herself. Whatever it was, it didn't sound good. Her thoughts then shifted to her dream.

There were three tarot cards: The Wheel of Fortune, The Tower, and The Two of Cups. The first card I found with Van's sword. Does that mean that if I stay with him the future is open and anything can happen? That may come in handy, especially if there is a battle that must be fought. The second card was The Tower. That's definitely not a good card. So does that mean if I chase after Allen-san, I'll only encounter misfortune and pain? Hmm. She didn't like the sound of that either, but she chose not to dwell on it. And the last card,she smiled inwardly, The Two of Cups. Attraction that may become an intense relationship. Love. Harmony. Enchantment. Well there was definitely a lot of enchantment. In fact, I'd say I was downright bewitched by the way he kissed me...by the way he touched me. I wonder who he was... she propped her uninjured arm under her head, I don't know anyone who has wings, obviously. He was tall...Allen-san, perhaps? I don't think he has wings though, not that I know of. Could it be Van? Van's too short and I don't know if he has wings either. Course the dream may have distorted his proportions a bit. I just know I know him. He felt so familiar to me. And I trusted him so completely. Hitomi sighed. I hope I have another dream...I want to feel that way again. So full of passion, so alive...

A sound from outside broke her reverie. "Millerna-san," Hitomi whispered nudging the dosing Princess, "I think I heard something from outside."

Without realizing it, Van slowed and came to a stop. He was looking blankly in the direction of the estate, but he wasn't seeing it. He was bone weary, and his mind was numb, but one image kept rising in his mind's eye.
The blood on Hitomi's shirt.
Suddenly Van felt Merle stir slightly in his arms. He looked down. She looked concerned. He set her down. "It's okay," he said. He looked up at the huge house. His eyes focused on a large wooden door. The entrance.
Van forced himself to move forward. She's here...just beyond this door...
He put one hand against the smooth surface and pushed it open.

Eries looked at her two young companions. 'Should these children even be going through such an event? Of course not. How sad...' The three of them had walked for some time in silence. However, as she looked over the clearing, she felt her heart lighten.

"The estate! We're almost there."

Merle woke at the tensing of Van’s muscles. She fought off the urge to yawn and stretch noisily. Van-sama tensed up. Please don’t let there be any more danger. Unable to see anything but the deep red of van’s shirt she was oblivious to her surroundings. Slowly raising her eyes to Van’s face she hoped to find an answer in his expression. He looks so tired, so weak... so scared.

Uh oh…

Millerna looked up at Hitomi and sighed. "Hitomi, you know I care about everyone as much as you do. Remember, I have family out there..." she added. And Allen...She continued rewringing the face cloth with warm water and wiping Hitomi's forehead, despite Hitomi's protests. "Don't worry Hitomi. By morning, if they're not here we'll look for them. But you need rest" shed assured Hitomi. I'm s-so cold... But Hitomi needs all the warmth she can get Still, Millerna shivered slightly, a slight draft chilling her, her damp hands not helping at all. Her violet eyes were no longer full of lustre, but were now dull and offcast. Still, like clockwork, she kept trying to make Hitomi as comfortable as possible.... I'm sorry... Millerna yawned slightly, and shook herself awake.

His back ached. His shoulders ached. Even his hands ached. But he wouldn't put Merle down. She needed her rest. He would let her sleep.
He didn't know how long they had been walking. He'd lost track of time. All he knew was that it seemed like they had been doing it forever. Van glanced at Eries.
He was impressed by her quiet strength. She hadn't said a word of complaint this whole night. Van wasn't overly fond of her sister, but Eries seemed to be of different stock. He let his thoughts ramble along that tangent as they continued to walk. He didn't want to think of Hitomi--didn't want to let that dread slow him down. He didn't want to think of alot of things right now.
He was so numb that he barely noticed that the trees had thinned, and that they were approaching the edge of the forest. When he raised his eyes and saw the outline of a large house in the moonlight, he didn't even react.
Then one thought came to him. ...Hitomi.

Van-sama seems so sad and tired. I feel like I should be carrying him.
He wouldn’t let me try, even if I wasn’t hurt.
I feel bad.
I feel bad for feeling so happy and safe. Settling in for the long walk home merle let Van’s warmth, his even stride, and his rhythmic heartbeat lull her to sleep.

Van paused in the process of gathering Merle into his arms. His eyes flashed angrily. Of course I can't...! Van's irritation abruptly dissolved into weariness. He shook his head. "No, Eries. I can't. I don't even know how Escaflowne got into the clearing." He didn't meet the princess' eyes. He gently lifted Merle up. He looked down at her face and fought back more anger. She's so innocent. Just look at her, she trusts me so completely...
...I don't deserve it.
Van forced a smile for her. "Don't worry, Merle. We'll be there before you know it."

"Young king, the estate is about an hour's travel east from here - walking. And I am fearful for my sister, Hitomi, and the Caeli Knight....Is there any chance you might be able to summon Escaflowne? The dragon armor would prove very helpful."

Eries didn't know if she was being rude, or selfish - mainly because she didn't have the time to think about those things. 'I hope Allen is alright...' She thought, as her thoughts trailed back to him, and the brave sacrifice he made. 'Unfortantely, concern for Allen is not a priority...'

Hitomi turned and looked out the window, "But is it what Escaflowne wants?" She reached inside her blouse and pulled out the pendant. "Escaflowne wants me to stay close to Van and look out for him, and I can't very well do that now. Damn! I couldn't even give him Escaflowne to fight with!" She bit into her lip and looked at the pendant, "What would you do?" The pendant didn't respond. Hitomi sighed and fell back onto the bed, "Alright, Millerna-san, we'll do things their way, but if they aren't back by morning, we're going out to look for them."

He’s really worried about her. She must be hurt bad... I hope she’ll be all right… No you don’t. You don’t want to share. But I don’t want her to die! …just go away. All I wanted was for her to stay away from Van-sama. Even when she ignored him for Allen it hurt him. All she did was hurt him. And make him happy. I know… so she better be ok. This doesn’t mean I have to like her.

Millerna stared at Hitomi for a -brief- instant, and stood up with a start. "No" Millerna stated, her voice wavering. "Hitomi, you're sick... You're not moving" she added, in a more firm voice. She wrung her hands nervously, and her expression softened. "I know you're worried about them. I am too... And they WILL come back. I promise you" Millerna said, as if trying to convince herself that was she was saying was true. Her violet eyes fell back on Hitomi's determined ones, and she pleaded with her. "Hitomi... Stay. It's what Van and Allen would want..."

"I...she...Merle, she's with Millerna. Hopefully they made it to Eries' estate in time." Van looked away from Merle's questioning eyes.
Hitomi... His jaw clenched. He stood up, his manner suddenly businesslike.
"We have to get to the estate. Now." He turned his brown gaze on Eries.
"Let's go."

The clearing was still and silent. The guymelefs had gone. Allen sheathed his sword, watching the night sky. He let the tension drain from his muscles.
It had been close. Very close. Allen surveyed the burnt wreakage of the clearing. The guymelefs were certainly sent from Zaibach. But for what purpose?
He turned his blue eyes in the direction of Asturia. He didn't want to believe it. He didn't know how he was going to tell Millerna or Eries... Unbidden his thoughts returned to Hitomi.
I hope she's safe. His thoughts were suddenly interrupted by the sound of voices.
Allen whirled, his hand on his sword. Twelve Asturian soldiers were entering the clearing. Inwardly, Allen swore.
If he was right, Asturia had just lost its trump card against Zaibach...and Allen wasn't sure just how far the Duke was willing to go to retrieve it.
The soldiers surrounded him. The leader spoke. "Allen Schezar, we have been commanded to escort you back to the palace."

Hitomi slowly opened her eyes. The pain in her shoulder came back to her like a cold splash of water. She winced as she turned her head to the side. She saw Millerna sitting near her, sniffling softly.

"Millerna-san, "Hitomi looked around the room and saw that there was no one else there, "where are the others? Where are Allen-san and Van?" Millerna's expression created a dull feeling of dread inside her, Great, I was having some silly school-girl fantasy and Van's still out there and still vulnerable. Damn! I'm such an idiot!

Hitomi threw the covers off herself, "I've got to get back there and find him."

*Curses a bunch of obsceneties and turns around to follow Chesta back to the Vione* Folken better have a good reason for ordering one of my Dragonslayers to find me. *Over the Comlink* What is this "power spot" that Folken is talking about, Chesta? And why is it so important that we have to go searching around the provinces for it? *To self* I didn't even get to burn that little town near the forest. -_-

Folken was glad the cat girls had made it back unscathed, though he never let it show. The things they spoke of were very puzzling. “This strange girl has the ability to summon Escaflowne?" His eyes met those of Nariya's. "This is odd. I will have to speak with Dornkirk about it.”
Though he spoke of the strange girl and Escaflowne, his thoughts were of a completely different matter. Enhanced Luck Soldiers? The process hasn’t even been tested properly. Something could go wrong. What if…? He didn’t let his emotions show. He could never let them show.

Merle leaned into the touch
He saved me
she was stirred from her thoughts by the sound of his voice. She barely acknowledged his words and simply leapt into his arms. Her ankle did not protest. Clinging to his neck she babbled her fears. “Lord-Van, you're ok! I thought you were going to burn and I couldn’t help because of the branch and the crunching and then there was the smell and the burning and you leaving me because of Hitomi getting…
where is Hitomi?
...oh no. Please no. I didn’t really like her much but I didn’t want anything to happen to her! Van-sama would be devastated… with these thoughts she looked into his eyes, and at the turmoil therein.

After several minutes of frantic sprinting they slowed. Van set Merle down, panting. He looked back the way they had come. "I don't think we were followed," he observed, half to himself. He turned back and knelt by Merle. He gently stroked her hair. "Are you alright?" His eyes traveled to the rough splint. "How did you hurt your ankle?"

It was forever in a moment. The warmth and movments of his body, kept her from feeling the chill of the breeze. She cried out at a sudden surge of pain that tore through her. She brought her hands to his shoulders to brace herself, waiting for the pain to subside. It did, however, only slightly. But Hitomi then had noticed something that took her attention away.

The pendant that still hung from her neck, began to glow. Hitomi moved her eyes upward. Why is the sky so blue?

Hitomi shifted her gaze to the nearby trees. The green seemed to leap out from the leaves, almost as if they were glowing. Flowers were bursting with pinks, and reds, and blues. Hitomi squeezed her eyes shut.

Everything's so bright, I can't look anymore..."Ah!"

A rush of warmth flooded through her.

Hitomi lay on her side in the grass. She sat up and looked her around her. Her benefactor had departed, but left something in his stead; another tarot card. She picked up the card and turned it over. Hitomi felt a rush of anticipation go through her. She brought the card to her lips in thought, "The Two of Cups..."

Things were not over, they had only just begun.

Chesta heard Dilandau yell in response to his cry to halt." Lord Folken has demanded that we return to the fortress!” Chesta yelled over the roaring flames. “He fears we might ruin the plan. Besides, we have to look for the power spot!”

What? Another guymelef?
Allen tensed. There were voices in the clearing. What? Return to the fortress? Why would they...?
He warily surveyed the surrounding area. No other enemies seemed to be present. There was just the invisible guymelefs--and him.
Allen smiled grimly.
At least the others were safe. He had kept his promise to Hitomi--for now.
He tried to judge the distance between himself and the voices. He felt sweat trickle down his back. This was his last shot. Allen took a firm grip on his sword.
Three...two...one...

*Hears someone yelling at him through the Comlink and slams fists down in anger* What does Folken want!? I'm trying to have fun! *Stops burning the forest and listens for a reply*

Hitomi could feel every part of her begin to tremble.

This can't be happening...It feels so real...

He parted her lips and deepened the kiss even more. Hitomi felt herself falling backward onto the grass. The man broke the kiss, "Hitomi...", his warm breath brushed her face.

Hitomi opened her eyes...That voice..I've heard it before...but

He leaned down once more and kissed her neck as softly as he did her lips. She snaked her arms around his neck, inviting him to do more. She wasn't going to put up a fight, she felt no need to.

The man broke away once more and moved up to look down at her face. Hitomi returned his gaze, wondering if he was uncertain.

"It's alright," she whispered,"I'm not afraid."

[OOC: It's not over yet >:)]

Millerna watched her surroundings warily, barefoot and cold. I should have never thrown my shoes off... Even if I was chasing Van... She shivered, and came upon a small room which resembled a bathroom. Smiling weakly to herself, she opened the cupboards, and took out a blue china jug. Filling it to the brim with hot steaming water, she took 5 or 6 white face cloths, and several thick towels. They'll have to do as blankets, I don't want to leave Hitomi alone any more...Hurrying as fast as one can with a jug of extremely hot water, Millerna found Hitomi softly muttering "Who are you". Biting her lip, Millerna set the jug and face cloths on a side table, and covered Hitomi with the thick towels. She took one face cloth, wrung it in hot water, and placed it on Hitomi's forehead. I wish Allen and the rest would come back. I don't feel safe here, even if it is Eries' estate. The young princess' violet eyes welled up with tears, and she hastily wiped them away. Come back...Please.

"Merle!" he cried. He ran to her and took her shoulders. "Merle, you have to get out of here. You can--" he suddenly realized that she had some sort of splint on her ankle. He shot a quick glance at Eries. "Come on," he said brusquely. He lifted Merle into his arms, ignoring her protests. He threw one last glance at Allen, his heart cold in his chest, and ran into the forest.

Merle ran for what seemed like eternity, but in truth were mere minutes. Van-sama, don’t be hurt. If anything happens to… her thoughts were interrupted by the sight before her. She had reached a clearing in the forest. Through the flames she could clearly see the source of the fire A melef! … is Allen trying to fight it alone?
if Allen’s alone then… “Lord-Van! LORD-VAN!” Towards her left she saw someone leap through the flames. Van-sama! he’s safe! “Lord-Van!” She ran towards him and fell only a few paces from his feet. “Lord-Van, you’re safe… where’s Hitomi? Why is she here? What’s going on?”

She went to her knees and bowed her head. "Lord Folken, we located the Dragon as you ordered. Your brother was in the company of a strange girl. It seems as if they are mates--but she is something more. She summoned the Dragon, Lord Folken. She has to power to control Escaflowne." Nariya looked down at the floor. "We tried to capture her, but we failed." Slowly Nariya raised her eyes to Folken's face, drinking in the very sight of him. "We are sorry, Lord Folken. Let us be Enhanced Luck Soldiers and we will never fail you again!"

For a half-moment he stared at Allen in shock. What the hell is he doing?!
Then it hit him like a punch to the gut. Allen was giving them a chance to escape--using himself as bait.
Van fought back the impulse to disobey Allen's order. This was what had to be done to save the Princess. But it would cost the Asturian Knight his life.
Suddenly he saw another figure emerge beyond the fire. There was no more time for indecision--he had to get the princess out of here now ! Swallowing his pride and his anger, Van took Eries' hand and leaped into the flames.

As Merle continued her journey, a comfortable numbness had set in. The pain had become less of a burden, and Merle had begun to make decent headway. She had been continuing her incessant whining and ranting until something caught her attention.
I smell fire...
...LORD-VAN!
Heedless to her injuries she ran towards the growing light.

Chesta landed the guymelef just beyond the flames. He could see three silhouettes in the dancing firelight. He knew who was doing this. “Dilandau!!” he screamed over the crackling of the fire. “Dilandau! We have orders from Folken to return to the floating fortress immediately. Something about ruining some plans.” The flames stopped erupting from the invisible guymelef. Chesta sighed with relief. Is he really going to stop?

This is it... It's all over...

Hitomi braced herself, but then she saw something move out of the corner of her eye. It was moving toward her.

What is that?A bird?

The object flew closer, gaining on her descent.

It's not a bird, it's a person! A man with white wings!

The man flew beneath her and swung upwards catching her in his arms. The abyss had disappeared and was replaced with grass. The man landed softly on the ground.

Why can't I see his face? Why is it blurry?

"Who are you?" Hitomi asked as she was set down on solid earth once more. The man replied with wrapping his arms around her. He pulled her up to his chest cradling her as though she'd fall to pieces in his arms. His wings folded protectively around them. He ran a hand gently over her cheek, Hitomi felt her cheeks growing warm from his touch. She could see the blurry image of his face leaning towards hers, the soft sensation of his lips closing over hers...

Who are you?

After much effort, and a lot of fumbling, Millerna finally managed to make her way to the front door of the estate. She looked at the grand doors, when a thought occured to her. I don't have a key... And this place is secluded... I doubt Eries has servants here. Millerna managed to get one hand free, and turned the door knob. Strangely, it opened. That's odd... It's not like Eries to leave her doors unlocked. With Hitomi still on her back, she entered the estate, kicking the door shut with her foot, she gently eased Hitomi off her back onto a dark green love seat. The young princess rubbed her sore shoulders. I'm sore and cold.... Come on Millerna. We need warm water, blankets, and face cloths for Hitomi. Millerna looked down at Hitomi, deciding whether it would be safe or not to leave the girl for a minute to get what was required... Putting her hand to Hitomi's forehead, and then positioning some throw pillows under the girl's head, Millerna began to wander through the large building. Hitomi...Allen...Van....Eries....Hang in there.

They were trapped, and it looked as if the guymelef's pilot was toying with them. Allen shielded his eyes against the smoke and ran towards them. He stopped just outside the circle of flame. "Van!" he shouted. He knew what had to be done. He only hoped it would work. He shouted again, "VAN!"
The young King looked up and met his eyes. Allen deliberately lowered his arm from his face and slowly turned to face the invisible enemy. He drew his sword and took the battle stance of an Asturian Knight. He looked back over his shoulder and uttered a single command: " Run, Van! "

Van shot a glance at Allen, ignoring the princess. Hitomi and Millerna were out of danger, but now there was no way Van could use Escaflowne. And there was nothing either he or Allen could do against a cloaked, flamethrowing guymelef. The invisible guymelef crashed forward.
There's no time! All we can do is be chased down by this lunatic!
Van swore and grabbed Eries as another explosion of flame torched the trees around them. They were suddenly surrounded by fire.

Eries quickly stood up, her arm sore from the fall. 'Damn him!' She twirled her head around to view the burning wood...And she saw the young king in battle stance; his face full of bemusement. In the corner of her eye, she saw Allen ready for battle as well...But her younger sister & Hitomi were gone.

'At least they're out of danger.' The princess felt a strong heat, and was remined of her situation. She grabbed Van's arm - "Come! We can't do a thing at this time! We'll regroup at the estate as quickly as possible!"

Millerna looked at Allen one more time before galloping away, the wind rushing through her hair. She rode as fast as she could to Eries' estate, the cold burning her cheeks red. After what seemed like a century, they arrived at the estate, and Millerna dismounted the horse. Patting it gently on the nose, she led it to the stables, Hitomi still on it's back. She then looked at Hitomi, and frowned. How on earth will I get her inside? Millerna sighed and began to put Hitomi in a piggy back position on her back. If only father were here to see me she thought in bemusement.

"Allen-san!" Hitomi waved happily to the knight. She felt relieved to see a familiar face. With the sword and the card in tow, she took off for the other end of the hall.

Hitomi was more than halfway to Allen when she stopped abruptly.

"What's this? I don't understand..."

She gazed down at the floor just ahead, or the lack of one to be more precise. A gap had appeared between her and Allen, leaving him unable to be reached. Hitomi looked at the tarot card in her hand, "the card's changed, it's The Tower. Allen-sa-" Allen was no longer there, he had vanished from where he stood.

The floor beneath Hitomi began to shake violently. She let out a shriek as it gave way and she fell into the abyss below.

[OOC Hitomi's dreaming right now, she's still physically with you ^^;;;]

Folken was standing on the landing docks. The cold wind whipped his cloak back. In the distance he could make out two black dots. They were making their way to the fortress.

Eriya and Nariya.

[OOC: I'm confused.. @_@; ]

A cloaked guymelef!
In an instant Allen scooped up Hitomi and crushed her to his chest. His blue eyes flashed over the clearing, his jaw tightening. There were too many people for one horse to carry. Inwardly, Allen swore. The women had scattered, but there was no way any of them could outrun a guymelef.
Suddenly a huge column of flame exploded out of what appeared to be thin air. Allen dove towards Millera and they both hit the dirt. The flame roared over them, missing them by less than six feet. He hoped he hadn't hurt either Hitomi or the Princess. He glanced up, looking for Van, and saw him across the clearing, protecting Eries. He met Van's gaze and something passed between them.
He heard the guymelef crash forward, blowing flame. He called for the horse, and it came, eyes wide and frightened. He whirled to face Millerna, her violet eyes wide. He practically flung her up onto the horse's back. He thrust Hitomi into her arms. He roared, "Take Hitomi and ride! RIDE!"

[We return to the deranged cat girl mid-way through her painful and rather slow-moving-trek towards, where she believes she was headed.]

*step-step* “ow…” *step-step * “ow…” *step-step * “ow…” *step-step * “ow…” *step-step * ”ow…” *CRUNCH* ”Meow!” *thud* Van-Sama, why do you always manage to help Hitomi, no matter what stupid thing she’s gone and gotten herself into… *regains standing position* but now that I’m in trouble…
Realizing the path of her thoughts she attempts to placate herself. “Now now Merle, It’s not her fault she got captured… again. And Lord-Van would help if he knew you needed it.” Would he? If it was between me and her, who would he save?

He doesn’t know he loves her…
but I can tell.

*step-step* “ow…”

"Hello?"

The halls of the Asturian castle appeared deserted. Hitomi wandered for what seemed like hours, until she happened upon the dining hall. The table was bare except for...

"Van's sword," Hitomi walked over to the table and picked up the weapon. She saw something fall out from beneath it and she stooped to pick it up.

"One of my tarot cards," she flipped the card over, "The Wheel of Fortune.."

Hitomi thought she saw something move outside in the corridor. "Van? Is that you?"

She entered the hallway and saw the shadow turn the corner. "Van, wait! Come back!" The shadow didn't respond. She chased the shadow past several more turns and then stopped abruptly. Her quarry was standing at the end of the corridor. He turned to face her and smiled at her warmly. His blue eyes seemed to shine despite the dim candlelight.

"Allen-san...?"

*Picks up five distinct looking figures standing around and two dashing off somewhere in the trees. Scans the area thoroughly for anything else and finds nothing. Grins to self* Hehehe.. just some stupid peasants with fireworks? I'll show them some real pyrotechnic displays! *Turns on flight mode and prepares his flame thrower. Picking a spot, he proceeds to burn the forest around them* Ahahahaha!! Moero... MOERO!! *Watches the five victims scatter and grins even more*

[OOC: Sorry if I'm being annoying or anything.]

Eries watched the group fearfully. Her chest began to fell remose as she saw the young Hitomi fade from conciousness. 'Now is as good a time as any, I suppose.' she thought with resolve.

The princess stepped into the clearing with grace; her head was held high with dignity & calm. She stopped as soon as she knew she could be seen & heard clearly. "My transport is much quicker than your horses. Young king, go to Escaflowne, and search for a ship on the other side of this forest. Wait until it begins to move, than follow it. Millerna, hand Hitomi over to Allen - then, both of you follow me. I'll take you to a close estate of mine, with proper medical facilities."

She's unconcious... We need to get her inside now! There's only so much I can do out here. Millerna bit her lip, wincing at the sharp coldness of the night. Sniffing slightly, she spoke outloud. "Allen, Van, we need to get her inside where there's warmth. All that matters is that it's done fast" She began slowly lifting Hitomi's head off her lap, and guided Hitomi slowly up untill she was just cradling Hitomi's upper body. She looked from Van to Allen, not sure who to hand the girl to. I think with a little rest she should be fine... If we get her inside... She found herself staring at Allen, and lowered her eyes back to Hitomi. The Caeli Knight...

Allen sheathed his sword and went to his knees beside Millerna. He looked into her deep violet eyes. "Is she going to be alright?"
He lowered his voice and leaned close to her. "My insticts are telling me to get as far away from this area as possible. That light will have attracted anyone from Palas to Fried." His eyes went to Hitomi's face. "We have to move her. And soon."

Hunching his shoulders, Van turned and sheathed his sword. His gaze traveled to where the Princess was. Ignoring a sudden surge of anger, Van stepped towards her. Hitomi's head was on Millerna's lap. Her face was pale. His hand unconsciously clenched around the hilt of his sword. He could feel his cheeks burning. He ground his teeth.
Flames enveloping the castle, burning white and hot, the light reflecting off guymelef armor.
Van's face twisted. "Hitomi...I..."

It felt like the chill in the air had settled in her bones. Luckily, Van wasn't going after the catgirls which seemed to be Escaflowne's main concern. Now that the girls were no longer a threat...

The pendant began to glow once more around her neck. Hitomi watched as Escaflowne vanished, waiting to be recalled when needed once more. When the pinkish glow faded, she looked up into Allen's eyes and said, "Protect Van, Allen-san, I..think I'm...going to-"

She felt the rest of her strength desert her, and everything went black.

Crawling not being foreign to her she managed to move towards the nearest tree. Propping herself up against it she sighed. If I could only remember what Lord Van did the last time I did this to myself… Continuing to whine, she shifted her weight off of the small branches that had rudely made themselves known. Oh! Now if I could just find some strong bark…

“Lord-Vaaaannnnnn! Where are you Lord Van?” Sure, I’ll go run after Hitomi and leave Merle to the evil ‘I’m gunna break’ branch!
“Maow…” When I get a hold of Hitomi I’m gunna… “Ow!” Never again will she -- *yelp* “When will she learn to NOT get captured?!”
*sniffle*

Millerna wrapped the cloak tighter around Hitomi. She looked up at Allen and Van. "We need to get her inside..." She shivered slightly, but kept her hold on Hitomi. If we don't get her inside soon, she might lose consciousness. The Asturian princess looked up at Allen, who was staring at Hitomi with deep, caring blue eyes. The young princess sighed, tucked a strand of blonde hair behind her ear, and kept Hitomi as warm as possible, biting her lip to fight the physical and emotional chill she was facing herself. Allen.

The hidden princess heard Allen's words well. 'Wise man...' she thought, almost uncharacteristically of herself. She then looked upon her sister; impressed by her composure in this situation.

'I'm proud of you, Millerna.'

The blind look of anger was suddenly gone from Van's eyes. But there was still anger there, anger that ran deeper than Allen had thought. He stared a Van hard for an instant longer and said quietly, "Stay in control...For Hitomi."

Instinctively Van met Allen's raised sword with his own. The sound of metal on metal was sharp and harsh. Allen's blue eyes were narrowed slightly in concentration. His words struck suddenly home.
Van blinked.

She had called out for Van. Allen crushed the odd twinge he felt at the realization and leaped forward.
"Van!" Allen shouted, a note of command coming into his voice. The cat-girl wanted Van to come into the forest--he was running headlong into a trap!
Allen threw himself in front of the young King, his sword raised. "Van, stop!"

Hitomi tried her best not to shiver in the cold. She watched the catgirls retreat into the forest and then closed her eyes.

Maiden of the Mystic Moon...

Hitomi opened her eyes. It was that voice...

"Escaflowne..,"She murmured.

Thy deeds be well received. Keep the King close to thee now, the time for battle has yet to come...

I understand, Escaflowne..."Van..stay..here," Hitomi cleared her throat,"don't go. Van, come back."

Her voice was feeble at best, she hoped he had heard her.

OOC: Hope things get better for you, Quatre.

*While searching for the blue light in the fading sunlight of dusk, notices another light - glowing eerily over a patch of trees. Lands his Guymelef down on a clearing and turns on stealth mode.* What is this? A light show? Something must be going down. *He thinks to himself*

*Creeps around quietly, searching for SOMETHING that must have to do with the freaky auras in the sky. Making sure as to not alert whatever is out there to his location.* Hmm.. *Turns on the melef's heat vision as the sky grows darker and little speckles of light appear, blinking faintly from so far away*

[I'm having such a rough week. -_-; Hopefully this week will be better. I had to work 3-10pm on Friday, 11am-8pm on Saturday, and 4-9pm on Sunday. Sunday was HORRIBLE. We had no: Crispy, Original, Popcorn chicken, strips. The asst. manager was accusing me of something one of the other asst. managers did and I was just basically in a very bad mood. I also had a headache. >_<#) *Sighs* I don't think I'll be able to stand anymore of this crap.]

Millerna checked Hitomi's temperature. She's going cold Taking off her cloak, trying not to disturb Hitomi too much, Millerna covered Hitomi with the article of clothing, and turned her attention back to Allen and Van. The night wind chilled Millerna slightly, but she bit her lip and held strong. The young princess gazed up at Allen sadly knowing something she refused to accept. Allen.... She sighed and kept applying pressure to the shoulder of Hitomi....

OOC: I love the new layout!