AN: Hello! Back again! This time, this will be my first shot at angst, drama, action and adventure! Of course it will be with romance too ^_~ Please review!

Hitomi Kanzaki sat on the worn plush chair, a limp corpse, as nurses, doctors, patients, friends and family seemed to whiz by in a blur of gray. There was a loud thrumming noise in her ears, and a single salty tear slid down her cheek. The doctor's sympathetic voice swarmed her head.

'I'm sorry, Ms. Kanzaki....
....All dead...
....Blood loss...
....Mamoru punctured lung...
....Your parents...
....They couldn't be saved.'

Wrapping her beige corduroy jacket around her cold body, Hitomi exited the Kita Hospital, her lips pale, eyes dull. Though her wisdom surpassed a typical nineteen year old's by far, she would have never been prepared to live without her family so soon.

Her sandy brown hair was now to the middle of her slender back, shining like the golden rays that caressed the city of Tokyo, and her frame was still as it was four years ago, only now with slight curves, and her physical and emotional strength was much more then she appeared to possess.

But who wouldn't be shattered by the death of their family? Hitomi shut her green eyes fiercely as she waited for the bus to arrive.

Her confidant and best friend, a high spirited girl by the name of Yukari Uchida, had left her alone when they had graduated to study abroad in England. Hitomi secretly knew that she planned to move in with Amano, although, Yukari being Yukari, she hadn't told her parents, only that she would be looking for a room mate and that she would be fine. Hitomi had friends, but friends that she socialized with, not friends that she could rely on.

Those kind of friends were in a world far away.

As the steel bus pulled up with a slight screech, Hitomi paid her fare and sat down, her forehead leaning against the scratched window. She blinked back the tears from falling out of her emerald eyes, and did her best to keep her expression nonchalant. I wish that this feeling would end. I feel so alone, scared, and cold. It's so cold.

Once the bus reached her destination, she thanked the driver as she stepped off the bus, and she made her way across the dry park to her house. Turning the metal key in the slot and allowing the familiar scent of her residence to engulf her, Hitomi slammed the door shut and set down her bag. The house seemed so bare, quiet. It was only yesterday when her father was affectionately pecking her mother on the cheek, while Mamoru and herself were chatting away. Her little brother always brought a smile to her face, Hitomi recalled sadly. How she loved her family dearly.

But alas, the once lively house hold was now dismal and gray in Hitomi's eyes, and she wished she could talk to someone. Someone who would understand.

Bounding up the carpeted stairs, Hitomi dug through her closet till she found her old track jacket, t-shirt, and running shorts. She pulled off her suddenly uncomfortable outfit and slid on the soothing, smooth material, feeling the regular comfort embrace her.

Oh Van. I wish I were back on Gaea.

Soon the dreaded fog of sleep swallowed Hitomi up, and she prayed as her last morsel of consciousness slipped away, that she wouldn't have nightmares.

***

The girl from the Mystic Moon waded through the gentle waves of the Asturian waters, care free as a man with reddish brown eyes stood protectively on the shore a few feet behind her. She noticed the man was holding a card.

"The Lovers?" murmured Hitomi curiously. She walked towards the supposed stranger, and soon grains of sienna colored sand were sticking to her wet feet. About to ask the man a question, an opaque wall appeared in front of her, blocking her path. It wasn't solid, so she could still see the man, yet it was still visible enough to make out it was a massive tarot card.

"...The Wheel of Fortune?"

***

Waking up in a cold sweat, Hitomi realized she was still in her track clothes. She lay her head back on her fluffy pillow, a few wisps of her sandy colored hair sticking to her damp forehead. Throwing the crisp sheets off her body, Hitomi grabbed her track bag, slid on her running shoes and decided to go for a sprint at the public track near her house.

***

Her legs were like a gazelle's, and Hitomi felt free, like she was running and leaving the tormenting pain behind her. She felt the adrenaline pumping through her, the passion running through her veins. The free feeling. The night air weaved through her long hair, when suddenly, for a moment she thought she saw a young boy, about 15, with reddish brown eyes holding up a sword stand in front of her.

Skidding to a halt, Hitomi waited for the crash like last time. Nothing happened. Hitomi looked around, and the silence echoed eerily around her. What's wrong with me? demanded Hitomi. I'm hallucinating. Combing her locks with her hand roughly, Hitomi looked up at the halogen lights that were shining down on the track, illuminating all the shadows. She began to make her way back to the track, the stars glimmering down at her from their blanket of infinite night. Sliding down against the trunk of a proud looking tree, Hitomi hugged her legs, and propped her cheek with her hands, the strap of her waterproof track bag slung on her lean shoulders.

I'm so alone... I miss everyone so much... It's been 4 years.... Do they miss me?

Hitomi had only begun to start to think of the planet she yearned to be on when a pillar of blinding cobalt light engulfed her being and senses and shot her into the cool afternoon sky.

***

Landing with a thud on a meadow full of tall, green grass, Hitomi didn't need the two moons hanging in the sky to know where she was. Laughing rather hysterically, Hitomi let the tears she had been holding back run down her face.

She was back. And oh, how good it felt. A warm feeling whooshed through her, but there was still that void in her heart. Only one man could fill that abyss.

"Miss, have you lost your way?" came a deep voice behind her. Hitomi whirled around, and was face to face with a horse. She then turned her green gaze up and noticed a guard looking at her oddly.

A Fanelian guard.

"Well I wish to head to the capital, I have matters to discuss with King Van" she stated, brushing a few pieces of grass off her legs.

"...What parts are you from, Miss?" the guard inquired curiously, eyeing Hitomi's clothes. She was wearing her blue and white track jacket, a white t-shirt underneath and black track shorts. Hitomi was hesitant to answer.

"The Mystic Moon" she finally answered, nibbling on her lip slightly as she adjusted the strap of her track bag. The leather reins which the guard was holding so confidently holding before now lay limp.

"T-the Mystic Moon?" stuttered the guard, coughing. Shaking his head as if to clear his senses, the guard peered closer at Hitomi, his eyebrows knitting together. Her clear emerald eyes caught his russet brown ones, and the guard's eyes widened.

"You're... Lady Hitomi? Y-you've returned?"

Hitomi nodded, and the guard immediately dismounted his horse.

"I beg your forgiveness, I did not recognize you on sight, it has been quite some time, and you have grown much..." he rambled, bowing slightly.

"It's alright" Hitomi interrupted, laughing, "But if you are not on too preoccupied, would it be possible to lead me to Van-- I mean King Van?"

"Yes, yes of course" replied the guard, and after securing her behind him on his black horse, he flicked the reins and they began their small journey to the palace.

***

"Darien! I though you'd never return!" came an excited voice, and Hitomi's escort was tackled down to the red carpet of the palace entrance hall. Hitomi had only stepped back just in time, or she would have been knocked down as well, most likely being the bottom person of the pile.

"Sorry Merle, I was patrolling" the guard grinned, "We have a guest"

"Oh... Who?" responded Merle indifferently, snuggling her face into the crook of Darien's neck. "I missed you, and the ball's almost over" she murmured softly, and Darien stroked the crown of her head affectionately.

"Lady Hitomi has returned from the Mystic Moon. You remember the girl that helped--"

"HITOMI?!" Merle shot up, leaving Darien on the ground, and came head on with Hitomi, who was grinning slyly at the two love birds. It was indeed Hitomi, only her hair was longer, her build more feminine, her height taller. Oddly, Merle didn't tackle Hitomi with a hug straight away. Rather, a look of disorientation flashed over her bright blue eyes.

"Oh it's so good to have you back!" she cried after a silent heart beat, hugging Hitomi in a tight embrace. "How about we get you changed out of those clothes?" suggested Merle, her sapphire eyes flashing with amusement. "They are rather queer--"

"My clothes are not queer!" retorted Hitomi, a smile playing on her lips.

"Oh, RATHER," Merle smirked, "in Gaea such revealing shorts would cause quite a bit of... Controversy. You are lucky Darien's such a gentlemen" Merle teased, raising her eyebrows at Darien, who was slowly getting up off the floor. "Besides, if we get you changed quickly enough you can catch the last hour of the ball" Merle added. Hitomi blushed slightly at her shorts, and after giving Merle a playful nudge and allowing the two love birds to kiss good bye, Merle lead Hitomi down a set of corridors.

"I think this guest room is empty..." Merle thought aloud, and opening the heavily detailed door, Hitomi was met by a great sweep of luxury.

"It's gorgeous" breathed Hitomi, and after appreciating her settings, she took a great gazelle leap and flopped onto the freshly made bed gracefully. "Mm... Comfy" she mused, smiling.

"Let's choose a gown for you before we let Van know you're here" Merle said, as she attempted to grab Hitomi's track bag from her.

"If you steal anything from my bag like last time, I'll turn you into a stuffed head that the palace can hang for decoration" Hitomi warned, laughter dancing in her eyes. Merle grinned back, and set the precious track bag on a gilded dresser set. Crossing the plush carpet, Merle flung open the closet, and rifled through all the various gowns and dresses.

"We want to make you look better than..." Merle trailed off to herself, biting her lip. "No...That won't do.... Here we go!" Merle yanked out a gown from the posh wardrobe, and after allowing herself to take in it's detail, Hitomi gasped.

"I can't wear that!"

"Why not?" demanded Merle, looking at the gown herself for anything wrong she hadn't noticed, then back at Hitomi.

"It's too beautiful" the heroine replied, her eyes softening at the folds and details of the ball gown.

"Oh please" laughed Merle, dramatically rolling her eyes. "Just wear it" With that, the cat girl thrust the dress into Hitomi's hands, and as she left the room she called over her shoulder "I'll be back in ten minutes".

After Merle shut the door behind her, Hitomi ran her hands over the soft silk of the jade green gown. The sleeves were small and delicate, and the neckline exposed much of her creamy throat, the exotic skirt parting into layers of light peridot chiffon.

This is where I belong Hitomi smiled, the sadness of her family's death leaving her.

For now.

***

The gown was practically made for Hitomi, and after scooping Hitomi's hair back with a set of jade combs, Merle and the girl from the Mystic Moon made their way to the ball room.

Tall, shining, white marble pillars supported the walls of the room, and crystal chandeliers twinkled onto the floor. Monarchs and royalties were dancing on the polished floor, some standing near the edges of the room, chatting and laughing. Merle and Hitomi entered the ball unnoticed, only by one guard who gave the ladies a curt nod.

While Hitomi was too busy taking in the quixotic atmosphere, Merle's blue gaze immediately landed on Van's back. Growling and cursing slightly under her breath, Merle dragged Hitomi to the front of the room to the head table.

"Let's make your arrival a smash" Merle smiled innocently. Raising her hand slightly at the conductor of the orchestra, telling him to stop, all eyes landed on Merle, Hitomi partially hidden by a rather pompous and obese noble in bright magenta tulle.

"Ladies and Gentlemen, the final hour of the ball dawns on us, and may we bask in this lovely atmosphere, savoring the peace that we have on Gaea" Merle spoke loudly. Hitomi was stunned. She had no idea that Merle could speak so eloquently. "However, tonight, here is another thing to rejoice in." Merle paused dramatically. Van looked up at his child hood friend, wondering what on Gaea was she doing.

"The girl from the Mystic Moon, the heroine of the Great War, the extraordinary and lovely, Lady Hitomi, has returned!" The crowd was silent for only half a second before erupting in wild applause.

Van's jaw hung, and he felt slightly ill as a beauty stood beside Merle. She was much more feminine now, the neckline of her gown devastatingly low, yet her eyes held so much knowledge, delight, and confidence. She had changed so much... Yet so little at the same time. Van left the person he was talking to immediately and crossed the floor to meet her.

Suddenly he was standing in front of her, and Hitomi's breath caught in her throat. Emotions flooded her, and it took every single ounce of inner strength not to collapse onto the ground.

"Van..." was all she could say. Standing before her, was the King of Fanelia, his shoulders broader, his face matured, his whole aura prouder and stronger. His auburn brown eyes were alight with an exotic flame, and for a moment they just stared at each other, taking in the changes.

Suddenly, Van wrapped her up in his strong arms, and she buried her face in the nook of his neck. It all seemed so right. A blissful smile spread on Hitomi's face, and she lifted her head to meet his reddish brown gaze.

"Hitomi" he said softly, his voice catching slight on the last syllable of her name.

"Van..." she whispered, loving the feeling of happiness, love, and warmth that was washing through her like healing waters. Stepping away from the embrace, Van bowed his head slightly, and extended his gloved hand.

"May I have this dance?"

"Yes, it would be an honor" Hitomi curtseyed dazzlingly, laughing lightly. Van snorted slightly at her formal gesture to him, and jokingly prodded her in the ribs with his index finger.

"It's bad enough everyone else does it" he chided, sneaking her a devilish grin. Wrapping one arm securely around Hitomi's waist, and clasping her right hand with his left, Van lead Hitomi across the dance floor, her skirt sweeping and swishing around her. Hitomi felt a euphoric feeling envelop her, and Van's thumb was gently stroking the small of her back.

***

"Darien, I think he still loves her" Merle observed sadly, holding the gloved hand of her lover more tightly.

"I think it's rather obvious" confirmed Darien, squeezing her delicate hand back, now in a more dressy uniform, standing near the other guards. It was hard for Merle not to be able to dance with him, but according to Van, it was already quite difficult for his council to allow "one of the most respected figures on Gaea to be with a mere guard". Merle had thus tackled Van onto the ground, ready to scratch his throat off.

'It's not me, Merle! It's my council that doesn't agree! I think Darien's a perfect match for you!'
'Oh so now a "mere guard" is my perfect match, huh?'
'That's not what I meant! I meant that you two are in love!'

Merle had then dangled her nails in front of his face, stifling down an amused smile as her child hood play mate was pinned under her.

'I suppose I'll deal with this for now. But sooner or later I demand to be allowed to dance with him at the balls!'
'One thing at a time Merle, one thing at a time' he had grinned.

***

"It's an honor to finally meet the heroine of Gaea!" a female voice cried. The song had just ended, and Hitomi turned to see a woman, about her age, with ginger silk hair, petite blue eyes, and alabaster skin embrace her.

"T-thank you" Hitomi blushed, "Who are you?" she asked, admiring the light pink gown the woman was donning. If the woman turned a certain way the pink organza would turn a slight peach hue, and tiny, shining blossoms crept up her bodice.

"I'm Princess Aurelia of Porsetio" she replied, curtseying elegantly. "I've always been thankful for you, you did save Gaea after all" the woman added pleasantly, brushing away a wisp of hair that had fallen from her chignon with her gloved hand.

"Oh, how could I not help save such a lovely place?" Hitomi smiled.

"Of course King Van received the honor of dancing with the heroine first" Aurelia beamed up at Van, who was looking like he was going to vomit. Hitomi was about to ask him what was wrong, when Aurelia interrupted her.

"I've always been longing to meet you, but Zaibach had demolished Porsetio, and we too had to rebuild. But I'll be staying here quite some time" Aurelia laughed, throwing Van a knowing look that he did not return. Instead he looked down at his hands, ice beginning to fill up his lungs.

Please stop, Aurelia... Now is not the time he prayed.

"I'd really like to get to know you" she added earnestly, hope shining in her eyes. "As an honor to us both, would you, the heroine of the Great War, attend our wedding?" she asked brightly, linking her arm through Van's affectionately.

Hitomi's mouth opened slightly, and she blinked.

Then again.

And again.

And again. Anything to stop the hurt tears from rushing down her oval face. Several scenarios played through her mind, like trailers for different movies. She could slap Van on the face and run away, she could cry in front of Aurelia, she could demand Van explain himself, she could ask for clarification, she could.... But only one thing seemed right for Hitomi, only one thing that she wouldn't regret.

Or so she thought.

"I'd love to!" she exclaimed gaily, willing a sparkle to appear in her emerald green eyes. An artificial sparkle, yes, but realistic enough for everyone to believe.

"You can help me pick a dress!" Aurelia exclaimed, stealing a kiss from Van's mouth.

Van was confused. Hitomi showed no hurt, no anger, nothing. He studied her green eyes, and for a moment he saw something flash in her eyes. But that was all. He decided to ignore that.

All except for a tiny part deep within him, Van was happy that Hitomi was happy for him. She's probably got a boyfriend or a husband as well... It has been 4 years after all. Van gently kissed Aurelia back on her soft lips, and Aurelia sighed.

"When you find love, Lady Hitomi, it truly is bliss" she smiled, "Would you mind if I stole a dance from my fiancé?" she added with a dreamy look in her eyes.

"No, of course not" Hitomi replied good naturedly. "And please, it's Hitomi"

Van guided Aurelia to a slow dance, and a million shards of ice shot through Hitomi's heart as she watched with a sad smile from the shadow of a pillar. He looked at Aurelia with such tender care, and Aurelia looked at him with such a look of adoration, that love couldn't help but radiate from them.

There had been a time when Van was a cold, isolated boy, only opening up to her, only showing her warm smiles, only looking at her the way he was looking at Aurelia now. A time when he was the lone king, a time when Fanelia and Gaea was shambles, a time when she and Van shared something. But that's all over now, now is the real world Hitomi thought morosely, and with one steady breath, she smiled at all her surroundings.

'Nobody said it was easy
It's such a shame for us to part
Nobody said it was easy
No one ever said it would be this hard
Oh, take me back to the start.'

AN: Haha, the sad thing is Aurelia's intentions are good, she's not really aware of the history of Van and Hitomi. Well, this is going to have a few twists, and romance isn't the focus! *gasp* Well, it IS in a way... Oh shut up you know what I mean XD This chapter's a tad short, but I wanted to leave it there XD The song is "The Scientist" by Coldplay, it's such a sad song ;_; Anywho, review! This will be a saga! XD LOOOONG story ^_^ I swear! Well I hope XD