Disclaimer: I don't own Escaflowne.
The Scepter of the Dragons Chapter 23: Pasts Revealed. Coolchick1500
"You miss them already, don't you?" Merle asked.
"They're my family. Who wouldn't miss their family?" Hitomi asked.
"Dinner will be in a few hours, why don't you two get ready? I have a few more things to take care of before hand," Van said.
"I'll inform the others of when we'll be leaving" Hitomi walked off to find Kevin and the others.
"Hey, what's up?" Tyler asked.
He was sitting in a tree, looking out into the distance. "Nothing much, we're leaving tomorrow. Probably right after sunrise. I suggest you get to bed early," Hitomi said.
"Especially since I have to go to the Mystic Valley" Tyler said.
"No one's making you. You don't have to go" Hitomi said.
"I know" Tyler said.
Hitomi was stumped by Tyler's whole attitude of the situation. She shook it off and walked around, trying to find the others. Micah and Tess were talking about the while thing. They thought it totally stupid and ridiculous. "You're intitled to your opinion; however, this is more important then you think. If we don't succeed in getting the scepter before Balcifer, the whole of Gaea is in danger" Hitomi said.
"We don't belong here. It doesn't matter to us what happens to this planet. Besides why should you care? It isn't your planet either" Tess remarked. Hitomi smiled. "How wrong you are. I do care and this is my planet. I belong here. This is where I'll be living the rest of my life after this whole Balcifer problem is resolved. Besides it does matter to you what happens to this planet. If Balcifer isn't stopped, you my friends will die as well. We leave tomorrow and early, be ready" Hitomi said.
As she walked off she couldn't hear anything from Tess or Micah. She found Kevin, Adam and Tom in a flat field. Tom and Kevin were running, trying to keep in shape for the track team no doubt. Adam was sitting on the sidelines, watching his friends' race. Hitomi sat down to her friend. "What are you doing here?" Adam asked.
"I came here to tell you guys that we're leaving tomorrow and early" Hitomi told him.
"How long before we can all go home?" Kevin asked.
"After Balcifer is gone. You can leave right after we get back to Fanelia" Hitomi said.
"What about you?" Adam asked.
"I.uh.I'm not going back to earth. I'm staying here" Hitomi responded.
"Why?" Kevin asked.
"Cause the man I love is here. I'm engaged. I can't leave and betray my heart, not again" Hitomi stated.
"Well, whatever happens, we wish you luck" Tom said.
"I know. I'm sorry that I'm not going back, but too many people would get hurt because of it. I need to stay here. I belong here," Hitomi said.
"You don't have to tell us that. We see the way you act around Van. It isn't our decision, it's yours. You have to right to stay or go as you please" Kevin said.
"Besides you two look cute together" Adam stated.
"You should have seen us when we first met. He was so arrogant and brash. After he killed the dragon with me help, he was like come back to my castle for a reward. I was scared; at the time I had never seen anything like it before. I slapped him. Afterwards, he and I were teleported to the outskirts of Fanelia. I was only there for a few hours. It was right after the coronation, when Zaibach attacked Fanelia. Dilandau and his dragonslayers burned Fanelia to the ground. Balgus died protecting Van and I after Escaflowne had been awakened. After escaping from Dilandau, we found ourselves at an outpost in Asturia. We really couldn't agree on anything. After a while he came to trust my instincts and me. After a really close call with a Zaibach spy, I guess that's when I started figuring out that I was falling in love with him. We both did a few stupid things and we wound up in worse shape then anyone thought possible. The day I left Gaea and Van my heart broke in two" Hitomi explained.
"He really makes you happy doesn't he?" Tom asked.
"More than you'll ever know" Hitomi said.
"At least I finally know why you were down while we were dating" Tom said.
"Tom, you're a sweet guy. And don't take this the wrong way, I was attracted to you, but I think the only reason I dated you was because I was looking for a replacement for someone I could never have" Hitomi said.
"You know what.talking about this is even making me depressed. Let's talk about something else" Kevin said.
"Like what?" Adam inquired. "I don't know" Kevin said.
"I have to go and get ready for dinner. I'll talk to you guys later" Hitomi stood up and walked back to the castle.
As she paced through the corridors of the castle, she started getting lightheaded. "Great just what I need" Hitomi mumbled.
She kept walking, though leaning on the walls for support. She went up to her bathroom and washed her hands and splashed cold water on her face. Feeling a little better, she dried her face off and walked to the dining room. She walked into the room and heavily sighed. Things were going almost too fast. She wanted to get back to Gaea, back to Van, but not like this. Gaea is in trouble again and it's up to Van and I and the rest of my friends to save it again. It's like we're her saviors. But why us? Why are we destined to be the ones to save it so many times? It makes no sense. We're barely teenagers, not even adults, and we have to save an entire planet
We were barely teenagers when we had to save Gaea the first time. You didn't even know where you were and yet you put yourself on the front line to save a planet you didn't even know exist until you met me. Things happen. You and I both know this. We can't escape our destiny. We never could Van's voice startled her.
"Would you quit that! I don't mind it, but it gives me the creeps when I'm trying to think about stuff alone" Hitomi scolded.
"Sorry; however, you know I'm right. No matter what planet you were born on, Gaea is your true home. It always has been" Van said.
"Whatever you believe. She's still a witch in my book" Aklen said.
"Who asked for your opinion? They sure didn't. You need to keep your nose out of other people's business" Merle was sitting in the window ledge cleaning her paw.
"Do you have to do that?" Aklen asked. "This is her home, just as it is yours. She can do what she pleases," Van said.
Merle gave Aklen a smug look. "Will you please quit the bickering. I don't feel well tonight. I'm not up to the shouting and all of the madness that this will lead into if this altercation continues?" Hitomi asked.
"As you wish milady" Aklen cynical voice echoed throughout the room.
"You know I've lived in Fanelia for awhile now, and I still can't figure out why you hate me so much. I haven't don't anything to you" Hitomi said.
"The past of a person holds many dark secrets. Many of those dark secrets can destroy that person and all of those around him," Aklen said.
"Please don't talk in riddles?" Merle asked.
"He isn't. He is just stating something of interest," Hitomi said.
"I'm not stating anything. I'm just saying that everyone has a dark past," Aklen said, leaving the room.
"What do you mean?" Van asked Hitomi.
"There is something in his past that he doesn't want to come out. He's hiding something. Something big" Hitomi followed Aklen out of the room.
"Aklen wait!" Hitomi shouted. He stopped, which surprised Hitomi. "What are you hiding that's so terrible?" She asked.
"Nothing" Aklen said.
"Please, I wish to know. I know you and I have gotten off on the wrong foot, but I wish you no harm," Hitomi said, reaching out for his left arm.
He pulled away, but Hitomi still managed to touch his forearm. All of a sudden Hitomi's world changed into a black one.
~Vision~
"Milord, must you do this?" Aklen asked.
He looked different. Instead of the short brown hair, it was long as stuck in a messy ponytail. "Fanelia is a danger to Zaibach. It must be destroyed. You have done well, Aklen. You have gotten close to the soon-to-be king. Now you must do one more thing" Folken said.
"What is it milord? I will do anything you ask of me," Aklen said.
"I know you will. You have been very loyal to me as well as our emperor. This last thing I ask of you is to leave Zaibach. Take your family and run. Never return to Zaibach. You are never to tell your family what you have done. Nor will you speak of this to anyone. Your betrayal of the country you claim to love will be by death if this is reached to the Young King of Fanelia" Folken said.
"I will leave milord and never return" Aklen said.
"Very good. Dismissed" Folken told the soldier.
Aklen walked out of the Vione and took his family (wife and twin son and daughter), and went to Daedalus for the rest of the war. When they had heard of Zaibach defeat, they returned to Fanelia.
~End of Vision~
Hitomi's vision became clear again as she looked around at her surroundings. She sat up and immediately regretted it. The pain that she left in her head was excruciating. "How are you feeling milady?" Marina asked.
"I've been better. My head hurt a lot, but other than that, I'm okay" Hitomi told the healer.
"You must stop having these visions. Not only is it dangerous to you, but it is dangerous to your unborn child. Terrible repercussions could occur with this" Marina warned the soon-to-be mother.
"It's not like I go out and demand myself to have these visions. If I never had another one for the rest of my life, I would be eternally grateful" Hitomi said.
"I know this gift bothers you, but it is just that a gift. No matter what you wish to believe. It has saved your life many times as well as the young king" Marina said. "Go to bed. I'll have someone bring up some hot tea and bread up to your room"
"What time is it?" Hitomi asked.
"Just a little after seven. You've only been out for a little over two hours," The healer said.
"Thank you" Hitomi stood up beside her makeshift bed and faltered toward the door.
"You're just as shrewd as the young king. Why don't you ask for help?" Marina asked.
"I'm fine. I don't need any help" Hitomi reasoned with the doctor.
"I'm old, not stupid. I can see that you wouldn't make it ten steps out of this room without falling once" Marina went to the door and opened it. She called a soldier.
"Markus would be so kind as to take Lady Hitomi up to her quarters?" Marina asked the young soldier.
Markus stood about 6'3" with spiked blond hair. He had dark hazel eyes and was built very well. "Certainly, Lady Marina" Markus responded.
Markus took Hitomi's arm and led her out of the medical bay, through the passages of the castle, and to the room she shared wit Van. "If you don't mind me asking, do you know where Van is?" Hitomi asked the warrior.
"As far as I know, he is in his study working. That's where he usually is at this time of night, if he isn't doing other business" Markus replied.
"Thank you" Hitomi appreciated the information.
"Think nothing of it. His Highness was the one who told me to stay in front of the medical bay door to escort you to your room" Markus said.
"Thank you for your company" Hitomi said once they reached her room.
"You're welcome. I'll see you around Lady Hitomi" Markus opened the door to the room and watched Hitomi make her way into the room.
"What did you see?" Van asked.
He was sitting on the balcony rail. "Don't ask" Hitomi said.
"Hitomi, I have a right to know what you saw" Van told his fiancee.
"Yeah, you do" Hitomi said.
"Well?" Van asked.
"There's no easy way to say this, but Aklen's a traitor" Hitomi told Van. "Aklen maybe a lot of things, but he's no traitor" Van stuck up for his advisor.
"I saw it in my vision. He betrayed you and Fanelia. He worked for Folken right before Fanelia was attacked and burned" Hitomi said.
"I don't believe you!" Van yelled.
"Believe me or not, it's your choice. I don't care, but it is the truth!" Hitomi shouted.
Van went to the door, whispered something to the guard and closed the door. "Aklen's going to meet us in the Counsel Room. We need to take care of this"
This was what Hitomi was afraid of. Aklen finding out that she knew his deepest, darkest secret. The last thing she wanted was to face Aklen, but it was her vision. She needed to be present. They walked down to the Counsel Room in silence. Hitomi sat down in a chair and waited for Aklen to arrive. "You wanted to see me Lord Van?" Aklen asked.
"Yes, please sit down" Van said.
Aklen sat down uneasily. "What is all of this about?" the advisor asked.
"Why did you do it?" Hitomi asked.
"Do what?" He demanded.
"Why did you betray Van and Fanelia?" Hitomi questioned.
Aklen's face turned into a pale white and then to a green color. "I don't know what you're talking about" Aklen lied.
"Aklen, please don't lie about this. I saw it. I saw you and Folken talking on the Voine. He told you to leave and never come back. You betrayed everything you claimed to love and care about. Why?" Hitomi asked.
"I was young and foolish. I didn't know what was going on. Folken came to me and told me that if I didn't agree to his terms, he would murder my wife and children. I didn't have a choice in it" Aklen said.
"So it is true?" Van asked.
"Yes sire. I am willing to accept any punishment you give me, but please leave my family out of it" Aklen pleaded.
This was a side Hitomi had never seen out of Aklen. It was certainly unexpected. Van looked over at Hitomi who shook her head in disagreement. "No one has a right to pass judgement on someone's past mistakes. What you did was horrible, but I don't condone or condemn you for it" Hitomi reasoned.
Aklen eyed Hitomi. He never expected this out of her. "What are you saying?" Aklen asked.
"I was there when Fanelia burned. I saw everything. So much blood and destruction. I hated it. You were a part of that, I can't deny it, but it's in the past. Somehow you've already or will make up for it somehow" Hitomi said.
The meeting went on for about an hour. Van finally dismissed the advisor. Hitomi left with Van and went to bed. Hitomi quickly changed her clothes and slid into bed with Van next to her. She was in a dead sleep as soon as her head hit the pillow.
~I'm back. Aren't you glad to see me? You aren't? Why not? Is it because I made you wait so long for my update? I'm sorry. *get done on hands and knees and begs forgiveness* I hope you enjoy this loooooong over due chapter. Chapter 24 is already in the works, but I'm not too sure on when It's going to be posted. I'm not even giving you a time frame. But if you want, I would be glad to put you on a mailing list. Just email me at [email protected] and put in the subject header: Fanfic. Thank you. I'll talk to you soon. Bye!~
The Scepter of the Dragons Chapter 23: Pasts Revealed. Coolchick1500
"You miss them already, don't you?" Merle asked.
"They're my family. Who wouldn't miss their family?" Hitomi asked.
"Dinner will be in a few hours, why don't you two get ready? I have a few more things to take care of before hand," Van said.
"I'll inform the others of when we'll be leaving" Hitomi walked off to find Kevin and the others.
"Hey, what's up?" Tyler asked.
He was sitting in a tree, looking out into the distance. "Nothing much, we're leaving tomorrow. Probably right after sunrise. I suggest you get to bed early," Hitomi said.
"Especially since I have to go to the Mystic Valley" Tyler said.
"No one's making you. You don't have to go" Hitomi said.
"I know" Tyler said.
Hitomi was stumped by Tyler's whole attitude of the situation. She shook it off and walked around, trying to find the others. Micah and Tess were talking about the while thing. They thought it totally stupid and ridiculous. "You're intitled to your opinion; however, this is more important then you think. If we don't succeed in getting the scepter before Balcifer, the whole of Gaea is in danger" Hitomi said.
"We don't belong here. It doesn't matter to us what happens to this planet. Besides why should you care? It isn't your planet either" Tess remarked. Hitomi smiled. "How wrong you are. I do care and this is my planet. I belong here. This is where I'll be living the rest of my life after this whole Balcifer problem is resolved. Besides it does matter to you what happens to this planet. If Balcifer isn't stopped, you my friends will die as well. We leave tomorrow and early, be ready" Hitomi said.
As she walked off she couldn't hear anything from Tess or Micah. She found Kevin, Adam and Tom in a flat field. Tom and Kevin were running, trying to keep in shape for the track team no doubt. Adam was sitting on the sidelines, watching his friends' race. Hitomi sat down to her friend. "What are you doing here?" Adam asked.
"I came here to tell you guys that we're leaving tomorrow and early" Hitomi told him.
"How long before we can all go home?" Kevin asked.
"After Balcifer is gone. You can leave right after we get back to Fanelia" Hitomi said.
"What about you?" Adam asked.
"I.uh.I'm not going back to earth. I'm staying here" Hitomi responded.
"Why?" Kevin asked.
"Cause the man I love is here. I'm engaged. I can't leave and betray my heart, not again" Hitomi stated.
"Well, whatever happens, we wish you luck" Tom said.
"I know. I'm sorry that I'm not going back, but too many people would get hurt because of it. I need to stay here. I belong here," Hitomi said.
"You don't have to tell us that. We see the way you act around Van. It isn't our decision, it's yours. You have to right to stay or go as you please" Kevin said.
"Besides you two look cute together" Adam stated.
"You should have seen us when we first met. He was so arrogant and brash. After he killed the dragon with me help, he was like come back to my castle for a reward. I was scared; at the time I had never seen anything like it before. I slapped him. Afterwards, he and I were teleported to the outskirts of Fanelia. I was only there for a few hours. It was right after the coronation, when Zaibach attacked Fanelia. Dilandau and his dragonslayers burned Fanelia to the ground. Balgus died protecting Van and I after Escaflowne had been awakened. After escaping from Dilandau, we found ourselves at an outpost in Asturia. We really couldn't agree on anything. After a while he came to trust my instincts and me. After a really close call with a Zaibach spy, I guess that's when I started figuring out that I was falling in love with him. We both did a few stupid things and we wound up in worse shape then anyone thought possible. The day I left Gaea and Van my heart broke in two" Hitomi explained.
"He really makes you happy doesn't he?" Tom asked.
"More than you'll ever know" Hitomi said.
"At least I finally know why you were down while we were dating" Tom said.
"Tom, you're a sweet guy. And don't take this the wrong way, I was attracted to you, but I think the only reason I dated you was because I was looking for a replacement for someone I could never have" Hitomi said.
"You know what.talking about this is even making me depressed. Let's talk about something else" Kevin said.
"Like what?" Adam inquired. "I don't know" Kevin said.
"I have to go and get ready for dinner. I'll talk to you guys later" Hitomi stood up and walked back to the castle.
As she paced through the corridors of the castle, she started getting lightheaded. "Great just what I need" Hitomi mumbled.
She kept walking, though leaning on the walls for support. She went up to her bathroom and washed her hands and splashed cold water on her face. Feeling a little better, she dried her face off and walked to the dining room. She walked into the room and heavily sighed. Things were going almost too fast. She wanted to get back to Gaea, back to Van, but not like this. Gaea is in trouble again and it's up to Van and I and the rest of my friends to save it again. It's like we're her saviors. But why us? Why are we destined to be the ones to save it so many times? It makes no sense. We're barely teenagers, not even adults, and we have to save an entire planet
We were barely teenagers when we had to save Gaea the first time. You didn't even know where you were and yet you put yourself on the front line to save a planet you didn't even know exist until you met me. Things happen. You and I both know this. We can't escape our destiny. We never could Van's voice startled her.
"Would you quit that! I don't mind it, but it gives me the creeps when I'm trying to think about stuff alone" Hitomi scolded.
"Sorry; however, you know I'm right. No matter what planet you were born on, Gaea is your true home. It always has been" Van said.
"Whatever you believe. She's still a witch in my book" Aklen said.
"Who asked for your opinion? They sure didn't. You need to keep your nose out of other people's business" Merle was sitting in the window ledge cleaning her paw.
"Do you have to do that?" Aklen asked. "This is her home, just as it is yours. She can do what she pleases," Van said.
Merle gave Aklen a smug look. "Will you please quit the bickering. I don't feel well tonight. I'm not up to the shouting and all of the madness that this will lead into if this altercation continues?" Hitomi asked.
"As you wish milady" Aklen cynical voice echoed throughout the room.
"You know I've lived in Fanelia for awhile now, and I still can't figure out why you hate me so much. I haven't don't anything to you" Hitomi said.
"The past of a person holds many dark secrets. Many of those dark secrets can destroy that person and all of those around him," Aklen said.
"Please don't talk in riddles?" Merle asked.
"He isn't. He is just stating something of interest," Hitomi said.
"I'm not stating anything. I'm just saying that everyone has a dark past," Aklen said, leaving the room.
"What do you mean?" Van asked Hitomi.
"There is something in his past that he doesn't want to come out. He's hiding something. Something big" Hitomi followed Aklen out of the room.
"Aklen wait!" Hitomi shouted. He stopped, which surprised Hitomi. "What are you hiding that's so terrible?" She asked.
"Nothing" Aklen said.
"Please, I wish to know. I know you and I have gotten off on the wrong foot, but I wish you no harm," Hitomi said, reaching out for his left arm.
He pulled away, but Hitomi still managed to touch his forearm. All of a sudden Hitomi's world changed into a black one.
~Vision~
"Milord, must you do this?" Aklen asked.
He looked different. Instead of the short brown hair, it was long as stuck in a messy ponytail. "Fanelia is a danger to Zaibach. It must be destroyed. You have done well, Aklen. You have gotten close to the soon-to-be king. Now you must do one more thing" Folken said.
"What is it milord? I will do anything you ask of me," Aklen said.
"I know you will. You have been very loyal to me as well as our emperor. This last thing I ask of you is to leave Zaibach. Take your family and run. Never return to Zaibach. You are never to tell your family what you have done. Nor will you speak of this to anyone. Your betrayal of the country you claim to love will be by death if this is reached to the Young King of Fanelia" Folken said.
"I will leave milord and never return" Aklen said.
"Very good. Dismissed" Folken told the soldier.
Aklen walked out of the Vione and took his family (wife and twin son and daughter), and went to Daedalus for the rest of the war. When they had heard of Zaibach defeat, they returned to Fanelia.
~End of Vision~
Hitomi's vision became clear again as she looked around at her surroundings. She sat up and immediately regretted it. The pain that she left in her head was excruciating. "How are you feeling milady?" Marina asked.
"I've been better. My head hurt a lot, but other than that, I'm okay" Hitomi told the healer.
"You must stop having these visions. Not only is it dangerous to you, but it is dangerous to your unborn child. Terrible repercussions could occur with this" Marina warned the soon-to-be mother.
"It's not like I go out and demand myself to have these visions. If I never had another one for the rest of my life, I would be eternally grateful" Hitomi said.
"I know this gift bothers you, but it is just that a gift. No matter what you wish to believe. It has saved your life many times as well as the young king" Marina said. "Go to bed. I'll have someone bring up some hot tea and bread up to your room"
"What time is it?" Hitomi asked.
"Just a little after seven. You've only been out for a little over two hours," The healer said.
"Thank you" Hitomi stood up beside her makeshift bed and faltered toward the door.
"You're just as shrewd as the young king. Why don't you ask for help?" Marina asked.
"I'm fine. I don't need any help" Hitomi reasoned with the doctor.
"I'm old, not stupid. I can see that you wouldn't make it ten steps out of this room without falling once" Marina went to the door and opened it. She called a soldier.
"Markus would be so kind as to take Lady Hitomi up to her quarters?" Marina asked the young soldier.
Markus stood about 6'3" with spiked blond hair. He had dark hazel eyes and was built very well. "Certainly, Lady Marina" Markus responded.
Markus took Hitomi's arm and led her out of the medical bay, through the passages of the castle, and to the room she shared wit Van. "If you don't mind me asking, do you know where Van is?" Hitomi asked the warrior.
"As far as I know, he is in his study working. That's where he usually is at this time of night, if he isn't doing other business" Markus replied.
"Thank you" Hitomi appreciated the information.
"Think nothing of it. His Highness was the one who told me to stay in front of the medical bay door to escort you to your room" Markus said.
"Thank you for your company" Hitomi said once they reached her room.
"You're welcome. I'll see you around Lady Hitomi" Markus opened the door to the room and watched Hitomi make her way into the room.
"What did you see?" Van asked.
He was sitting on the balcony rail. "Don't ask" Hitomi said.
"Hitomi, I have a right to know what you saw" Van told his fiancee.
"Yeah, you do" Hitomi said.
"Well?" Van asked.
"There's no easy way to say this, but Aklen's a traitor" Hitomi told Van. "Aklen maybe a lot of things, but he's no traitor" Van stuck up for his advisor.
"I saw it in my vision. He betrayed you and Fanelia. He worked for Folken right before Fanelia was attacked and burned" Hitomi said.
"I don't believe you!" Van yelled.
"Believe me or not, it's your choice. I don't care, but it is the truth!" Hitomi shouted.
Van went to the door, whispered something to the guard and closed the door. "Aklen's going to meet us in the Counsel Room. We need to take care of this"
This was what Hitomi was afraid of. Aklen finding out that she knew his deepest, darkest secret. The last thing she wanted was to face Aklen, but it was her vision. She needed to be present. They walked down to the Counsel Room in silence. Hitomi sat down in a chair and waited for Aklen to arrive. "You wanted to see me Lord Van?" Aklen asked.
"Yes, please sit down" Van said.
Aklen sat down uneasily. "What is all of this about?" the advisor asked.
"Why did you do it?" Hitomi asked.
"Do what?" He demanded.
"Why did you betray Van and Fanelia?" Hitomi questioned.
Aklen's face turned into a pale white and then to a green color. "I don't know what you're talking about" Aklen lied.
"Aklen, please don't lie about this. I saw it. I saw you and Folken talking on the Voine. He told you to leave and never come back. You betrayed everything you claimed to love and care about. Why?" Hitomi asked.
"I was young and foolish. I didn't know what was going on. Folken came to me and told me that if I didn't agree to his terms, he would murder my wife and children. I didn't have a choice in it" Aklen said.
"So it is true?" Van asked.
"Yes sire. I am willing to accept any punishment you give me, but please leave my family out of it" Aklen pleaded.
This was a side Hitomi had never seen out of Aklen. It was certainly unexpected. Van looked over at Hitomi who shook her head in disagreement. "No one has a right to pass judgement on someone's past mistakes. What you did was horrible, but I don't condone or condemn you for it" Hitomi reasoned.
Aklen eyed Hitomi. He never expected this out of her. "What are you saying?" Aklen asked.
"I was there when Fanelia burned. I saw everything. So much blood and destruction. I hated it. You were a part of that, I can't deny it, but it's in the past. Somehow you've already or will make up for it somehow" Hitomi said.
The meeting went on for about an hour. Van finally dismissed the advisor. Hitomi left with Van and went to bed. Hitomi quickly changed her clothes and slid into bed with Van next to her. She was in a dead sleep as soon as her head hit the pillow.
~I'm back. Aren't you glad to see me? You aren't? Why not? Is it because I made you wait so long for my update? I'm sorry. *get done on hands and knees and begs forgiveness* I hope you enjoy this loooooong over due chapter. Chapter 24 is already in the works, but I'm not too sure on when It's going to be posted. I'm not even giving you a time frame. But if you want, I would be glad to put you on a mailing list. Just email me at [email protected] and put in the subject header: Fanfic. Thank you. I'll talk to you soon. Bye!~