V&T Gal, here's a new esca fic. Hitomi's born on Gaea, hmm... could it be?

[Phantom Angel]

For those who complained that i need to write more stories, here's my latest one. It's an AU V/H romance. Hitomi's 17, and so is Van. she's had a hard life behind her, and has lived in Fanelia for two years under the care of a cat. How will she meet the newly crowned Van Fanel, and what interesting abilities has she picked up during her years of pain? oh, and how will she find out about the interesting abilities of her past? heh, Hitomi's a lil more sarcastic and hard, but still nice despite everything. how will she meet Van??? please read and leave a comment!!!

Chapter 1 ~ Emerald Eyed Thief





The dark figure walked through the early morning crowd. The capital city of Fanelia was all decorated with flags and banners, decreeing the coronation of their new king. Seventeen year-old Van Fanel was to be crowned the king of the country in the afternoon. The whole city was heavily partying. Taverns, bars and shops were full of happy Fanelians, eating drinking and laughing. The figure pulled the hood of the cloak over his or her face. In the multi-colored crowd, the black of the cloak stood out like a signal of warning.

"It’s a mighty fine day for looting." The figure whispered under his or her breath.

Just then, the figure and a tall cat-man collided. The figure grunted annoyed.

"Watch where you’re going girlie." The man said gruffly.

"Whatever kitty cat." She mumbled.

"What did you say?" the man asked utterly annoyed.

"Nothing, sir." She whispered humbly and lowered her head. The man looked down at her victoriously, not even feeling her fingers slowly undoing his money pouch and emptying it.

He moved on, as if nothing had happened.

"Sucker…" the girl laugh and continued traversinedg the crowd. You could see by her slender frame, that she was in her teens. Probably no older than seventeen. Under her cloak, an experienced eye could see the faint shadow of a crossbow. She wore a pair of brown leather pants, and a tight green shirt. On her feet, the mere observer saw a pair of nicely crafted brown boots, perfectly fit for her small feet. The girl walked through the crowd slowly relieving the people she bumped into, of their money. "All for a good cause." She muttered as she emptied most of the money in the orphanage’s Donation Box. She slowly walked into a coffee shop.

"Hey Nadya." She called out to a busy cat-woman working at the bar.

"Hitomi, there you are, I was looking for you." The elder cat said with a smile on her face.

"Yeah, I had a little business to take care of." Hitomi said cryptically.

"Was that so important that you couldn’t come give me a hand? You knew very well today was probably the most busy day of the year." The cat woman scolded.

"Sorry Nad. I was doing a little charity work for the orphans." The girl smiled, refusing to reveal her face.

"Are you up to your old habits again?" Nadya stopped working and came towards the girl.

"What are you implying?" Hitomi asked slightly amused. Ever since she moved to Fanelia two years ago, Nadya had been begging her to get rid of her "sinful" ways. Hitomi had stopped for a while, but the thrill and adventure always kept on calling her back. It wasn’t like she was keeping all the money for herself. Ever since Hitomi had moved to Fanelia’s capital, the city’s orphanage had been blessing and unknown benefactor.

"One day, your stealing will get you in trouble." Nadya said wisely.

Hitomi chuckled. "Please, I’m helping those children in any way I can. It’s not like ‘King Van’ cares about those orphans. He’s a pampered royal. He doesn’t know what it feels like to have no one." She said bitterly.

"Hitomi! I am appalled. King Van’s a good king. I’m sure many things will improve in Fanelia now that he is given full authority." Nadya said firmly.

Hitomi only scoffed. "Sure, ever since King Goau and Queen Varie died nothing’s been going right in Fanelia. He probably poisoned them to get the power."

~!SLAP!~

"Oww… what was that for?" Hitomi asked clutching her blistered cheek.

"That’s for not having more faith in your king." Nadya said, her green cat-like eyes flaring with anger.

"First of all, I’m not Fanelian. Second of all, I was only joking. You don’t need to take it so hard Nad." Hitomi said, still rubbing her now red cheek.

"I don’t care if you’re Fanelian or not. I won’t allow you to talk like that under this roof." The cat said sourly.

"Sorry."

"Come on, I’ve got lots of customers. Come help me, and take that ragged old thing off." Nadya ordered.

"I’ll help you, but the cloak stays." Hitomi said.

~~~~

Van Fanel was sitting in his room, looking outside at the city. His city. It had now been two years since his parents had died, and two years of having to listen to his stupid regent. It was now time to take the ruling of his country in his own hands. He didn’t like how things had degraded through his kingdom, and he planned on making many changes in the months to come. First on his agenda was getting rid of the old regent. That old crow still hung around, waiting for a chance to grab some power. Van sat down, and passed a hand though his unruly raven hair. Slowly, he walked to his dresser, and took out the ceremonial armor he was supposed to wear. Piece by piece he strapped on the armor.

"This is for you dad, and this is for you mom. I hope you’re happy among the gods." He thought.

"Lord Van, hurry!" Merle walked into his room.

"Merle, as a future monarch I must have poise, and I must keep others waiting. Now let go of me." Van said sternly, as the unglued the cat-woman from his arm.

"Lord Van, it’s your coronation, you don’t want to miss it." she scolded.

Van glared at his younger pink-haired companion. Over the years, Merle had turned into a teenage cat. She had gained a tall slender form, and her pink hair only grew longer and richer. He smiled, thinking how many heads she must have turned in her peach dress. Merle was all he had left, and he was grateful for that. First thing he’d do would be give her a position of more prestige. Maybe adopt her as his sister…

"Mhm…" Van agreed absent-mindedly.

"Come on, now that you put on your armor… let’s go." Merle said and impulsively pushed him out the door.

"That’s enough Merle." Van said firmly. It wasn’t enough that he was nervous. She had to add to that. Sometimes, just sometimes, Merle went too far. He was grateful she was at least there though.

They walked through the halls of the palace silently, not wanting to disturb the ghosts of the castle.

The coronation took place outside, in front of all his subjects. The day was warm and Van was boiling in his armor, as he kneeled in front of the Elder to receive the symbol of his power –the sword of Fanelia.

"And do you swear loyalty, honor and respect to your people?" the old man asked. He was wearing a long black robe, and his gray eyes were set on Van’s chocolate ones like a hawk’s on a mouse’s.

"I do." Van whispered hoarsely.

"Then I hereby decree you king of Fanelia. You majesty." He said, and gave him the sword bowing.

Van took the precious weapon and turned around, a solemn look decorating his face.

"Rise." He told the elder. The man rose. "I, Van Slanzar de Fanel, promise to do all I can to protect Fanelia and its people." Van said, and attached the sword’s sheath to his waist.

"Yeah right…liar." Hitomi said as she walked through the crowd gathering a bit of money. She stopped to listen the young man’s bold words. She looked up, her emerald eyes shining from the darkness of her cloak, and for a moment, it was like he was looking straight at her. Like he could see to the bottom of her soul. It was something Hitomi had never felt before. His words came to her like a dream, and the moment was shattered, leaving her a bit dizzy, and confused. There was something about him. Something she couldn’t make out. "It’s nothing. He didn’t even see you. You’re imagining it." she told herself.

Hitomi continued to "work" the crowd. When she felt she had enough, she went back to Nadya’s shop, not forgetting to stop by the orphanage, making her "donations".

"Are you ready to go?" the cat asked her, when the small bell on the door announced Hitomi’s entrance.

"Where are we going?" Hitomi asked.

"Well, if you would have took the time to learn Fanelian customs, instead of spending your time robbing people, you would have known that the common folk are allowed in the gardens for the coronation party. I plan on attending. Are you coming?" Nadya asked Hitomi.

The girl just shrugged, and followed her cat-companion.

"Oh, and you’re going to behave yourself when you’re with me. I have a good reputation in this city." Nadya told her firmly.

"Anything for you Nad." Hitomi smiled.

When she had first come to Fanelia, two years before, Nadya was the first person she had met. The merchant that employed her "services" suddenly decided to start a clean life, and wanted to rid himself of Hitomi. On the night when she was supposed to receive her "payment", Hitomi went to meet her employer, yet he only injured her and left her dying in a back alley. Lucky for Hitomi, Nadya had found her and nursed her wounds. Ever since then, Hitomi had helped the cat around the shop, though never sharing much of her past. She was conscious that if not for the cat-woman, she would not have made it past her 16th summer. That was the reason Hitomi stayed in Fanelia. One of the reasons anyway. Seeing as how she was an orphan, and had nowhere to go, she might as well stay where she was. Most people knew of the green eyed girl who suddenly appeared in Nadya’s shop, though none of them knew of her interesting occupation. Generally, people didn’t know what to think when they were around Hitomi. She was always polite and quiet. Some of them found themselves missing money afterwards, but they never attributed that to the gentle skinny girl living with the most honest woman in town.

"Yeah, so you better not steal anything." Nadya said point an accusatory finger in Hitomi’s face.

"Don’t worry, I won’t!" she put her hands up in retreat.

Nadya smiled. That’s my girl, you know Hitomi, before I met you, I had the dullest life ever. Ever since you came into my life, it’s been very interesting.

"Thank you Nad, I’m glad you found me when you did." Hitomi confessed.

"You never told me what happened." The cat hinted.

"Oh, I see, you’re bored again and you’re hunting for information." Hitomi smiled knowingly. Somehow Nadya had maneuvered Hitomi into saying much about her past.

"Well, you can’t blame a cat for trying." Nadya laughed as she wobbled beside the young woman. "Ah, my aching bones…" she trailed off.

"Well, I worked for him, but instead of paying me, he decided to just stab me and let me die. He figured it was safer that way. And this guy was a friend of my adoptive father." Hitomi scowled, remembering the horrid man who "sold her off" at fifteen.

"Well, now you have me." The cat said.

"Yes, here’s a present for you." Hitomi said, giving Nadya a bag filled with gold coins.

"Where did you get this from?" Nadya asked incredulously. The girl had not even moved from her side, yet she now produced a fat bag of money.

"Oh, some fat baron was waltzing by. I decided he needed to make a donation. Don’t worry. I left him enough to spend on his liquor." Hitomi laughed.

"You promised!" Nadya mumbled.

"I’ll stop now. It’s just that he had so much money, I couldn’t resist." Hitomi told the woman.

"Well, I don’t care what you do with it. I won’t have it." she said and placed the bag back in Hitomi’s hands.

"Nad, please I did it for you. This way you can hire yourself someone to help you in the shop. Please." Hitomi insisted.

"No, I don’t need any help, and plus I’ve got you haven’t I?"

"Nadya, please. I might not always be around, and you’re not as young as you were. This will be enough to hire yourself someone trustworthy." Hitomi insisted.

"No. I refuse to take it. It’s not honestly earned." The cat hardheadedly stuck to her point.

"Yes it’s hard earned. I’ve spent two years in the wretched dungeons of my father’s castle learning to pilfer like this so I could hopefully see the light of day. I had to give up my life’s dream of becoming a businesswoman in order to become this creature of the night. Don’t tell me it’s not hard earned. I paid for all this money I’m taking now with my childhood and my dreams." Hitomi said hotly. "Nadya, please take it." she then added quietly. "I want you to have it."

The cat-woman shot Hitomi a side-glance. "I never knew…" she thought and finally accepted the bag of money.



~~~~

Later that night, Hitomi was quietly admiring the exquisite beauty of the Fanelian gardens. The two moons were gloriously lending their silver light, to further beautify the coronation party of King Van, and adding a further mystery to the Fanelian castle. Hitomi aimlessly walked around, admiring the sheer beauty of the place.

"This place is a little corner of heaven. I’ve long forgotten such majestic beauty. This, this is something to fight for. This is all that will remain, long after the people will have gone. I wish, I wish I could see more of this beauty, but I know, that it is not possible. I have to carry the weight of my life on my shoulders and my shoulders alone. It’s not anyone’s concern. It’s best if I just fade away, like always, cast from the night, belonging to the night, never to anyone else." Hitomi thought. She longingly looked at the castle. Common folk weren’t allowed to enjoy the party of royalty. Instead, they were given the unique opportunity to see the gardens. "I’ll never get this close to a castle before, why don’t I just go in. I’m not going to steal anything. I’ll just look around." Hitomi continued thinking, as she stared at the solid building of limestone. "Well why not. It’s a challenge."

With her mind set, the young woman marched towards the castle. Most people had already gone home, and the guards were either sleeping or drunk. It wouldn’t be any trouble to sneak though the back doors. All Hitomi wanted to do was take a look at the castle. And then go home.

The dark cloaked figure slowly crept passed the sleeping guards, as she entered the castle.

Once inside, Hitomi couldn’t believe her eyes. She found herself in a huge marble corridor, with doors on either side. Small torches lighted the way, and statues stood at attention on both sides of the huge hall. A set of tired footsteps echoed lazily on the marble, and Hitomi quickly faded into a shadowy niche. Who knew what the penalty for invading the castle was? She stood still and held her breath as the guard passed by whistling a slow song.

Breathing a sigh of relief, Hitomi quietly opened one of the doors and looked inside. What she saw was a pantry filled with flour, apples and other fruits as well as cooking materials. She shut the door disappointed. It was not what she hoped to see. Quickly, before the guard could return, Hitomi climbed a narrow stairway, that took he to the second level of the castle. There, the corridors were just as big, only the floors were carpeted with rich wool carpets.

"Hmm… these must be the sleeping quarters." Hitomi thought. With the echo of her footsteps swallowed by the thick carpets, Hitomi moved about much faster. She opened a few doors, and stumbled upon a few dining rooms, a closed garden, and a few sleeping fat lords with their sleazy wives.

"Oh god, I think I’m lost!" Hitomi muttered under her breath, as she made a left, hoping to find some sort of exit. However, she entered another hall, where she saw two guards walking away while chatting. Quickly, Hitomi opened the door to her right, and stepped in. She found herself in a dimly lit anti-chamber. Holding her breath, Hitomi took another step, and bumped into a chair. "----." She muttered under her breath. As her eyes adjusted to the dark, Hitomi recognized an opening that took her to another chamber. She slowly walked into the other room. It was bigger than the anti-chamber; it was actually a bedroom. Hitomi looked around, and saw a huge four post bed in the middle of the room, right near the window. On the adjacent wall, she saw a huge dresser, and right beside the opening, she saw a desk. On the desk was a nicely decorated sword. Hitomi slowly stepped inside, curious to see the sleeping figure on the bed. However, the corner of her eye caught the gleaming sword on the desk. Carefully, Hitomi stepped in. She took note not to touch the clothes scattered on the floor. Quietly, she walked to the desk, and unsheathed the sword. The bold symbol struck her eye.

"No, no way, it can’t be." She whispered, taking a step back. "I’ve stumbled into King Van’s bedroom." She let out a dry chuckle.

The figure in the bed stirred, but did not wake. "Hmm… I heard that he’s a good soldier. He must be really tired not to feel my presence in here." She thought.

Still holding the sword, Hitomi walked towards Van’s bed. From between the ivory sheets, she saw the unruly black strands of hair belonging to the king. Hitomi was fascinated by the young man. She had never seen a sleeping person, and King Van looked so peaceful when he slept. Like an angel. She smiled, and began raising her hand, trying to remove some of the strands of hair, to see his face better. She stopped, when the king stirred, and turned face up, as if he were looking at her though his sealed eyelids. With the rays of the moon brushing past his face, Hitomi didn’t know what she was looking at. Was it his soul? Or just his sleeping figure. She had to admit, he looked very handsome, yet so innocent asleep. Van stirred, mumbling some undecipherable words.

[Phantom Angel]

yeah, here's the second part of the first chapter. it didn't let me post all of it. please comment!!!!!!! hehe... yes.... enjoy...




*~*~*~*~*~*

(Van’s dream)

The figure came towards him, covered by the black cloak. He smiled and ran towards her, but he felt immense sadness irradiate from her. In a whisk of the wind she was gone, and all he was left with was the glow of her emerald eyes, and the smell of her wonderful sandy hair.

"No, please Hitomi come back!" he yelled.

*~*~*~*~*~*

Hitomi gasped in shock, as she retreated to the shadows. Was she dreaming? Or did she hear the king mutter her name amongst a whole line of desperate words. She didn’t know why, but her heart went out to the poor lad. There he was all alone, battling the demons of his dreams. Hitomi knew that in life you could run, but when you went to bed at night, you’d still have to face the demons in your mind. She could feel the anguish in his voice as he called after that woman, or after whomever he called. She almost wanted to wake him up, and to tell him it was all a dream, but she wasn’t sure she could make up a legible explanation about how she got there in the first place. She retreated to the shadows, thinking of a way to leave the palace unseen.

As Hitomi was thinking up a plan, she kept on watching the sleeping king. After a few more tosses and turns, he had settled into an exhausted sleep. It was then that she saw the shadow on the balcony. At first, Hitomi thought it was nothing, but then the door from the balcony to the room opened, and she saw another person dressed all in black enter the room. She kept quiet, as she observed the intruder.

"Ah, King Van Fanel, you’ll hold the record for the shortest ruler ever to rule the rich land of Fanelia." The voice muttered menacingly. Slowly, the stranger unsheathed his sword, and prepared to strike the king.

"No!" Hitomi screamed as she bolted out of her seat, and with Van’s sword, she blocked the deadly blow. "What do you think you’re doing you murderer?" she yelled. With a force unknown to her, she raised the sword and, like many times before prepared to apply the final blow. However, the stranger was very skilled, and blocked her blow. He then pushed Hitomi backwards and charged. Hitomi rolled on the carpet, and ended up in the back of her attacker. She then hit him with all her worth, cutting his left arm. Hot blood gushed out and spilt on the carpet. The man swore, and turned around, the deadly edge of his sword aiming straight for Hitomi’s neck. Just then, a dagger sliced the air, diverting the sword’s dooming path. With a fierce cry, and ignoring the aching pain in her arm, Hitomi charged again, cutting the man’s right arm. In a flash, he was gone, jumping off the balcony into the soft mossy earth of the garden. Hitomi stood in the middle of the room, catching her breath. Van’s sword fell to the floor with a muffled thump, as Hitomi collapsed to her knees. She then grabbed her left hand, where she felt the hot blood trickle between her fingers.

"Who in the devil’s name are you?" Van asked though drowsy eyes, yet still maintaining his royal authority.

"Who I am is not important your majesty. I shall be going now." Hitomi said quickly and got to her feet, still clinging to her left arm.

"Like hell you will. Who are you, and what are you doing in this room?" he asked annoyed.

Hitomi turned around, and faced Van, her green eyes thundering, and her cloak slicing the air.

"Listen you conceited little jerk. I just busted my butt trying to save your skin. I do think I deserve some sort of apology. If it weren’t for me you’d be sleeping in a box for the rest of your life." she bit back, her eyes flaring with anger. She was right when she called him an idiot. This was to be Fanelia’s future king? Ha, he was a joke. A mere puppet in the eyes of the council.

Van gasped, as he looked at her shining green eyes, and short sandy hair. She was the girl from his dream. Or at least the eyes and the hair fit perfectly. He walked closer, dominating her with his height.

"Listen girl, I don’t care what you did. You had no right to be here. And just so you know, you ruined my plans. I felt him creep up on me, and was going to jab the dagger in his throat. But now I’ve lost him because of you. Now tell me who you are, or else I’ll have you thrown in the dungeons." He said in a dangerously low voice. No matter how beautiful she was, she had managed to get in his room undetected. Before he thanked her, he wanted to be sure of her loyalty. To his surprise, he heard a bitter laugh escape her throat.

"Your stupid dungeons don’t scare me. I’ve seen worse. Heck, I’ve been in worse. My name is Hitomi Kanzaki your majesty." She said, and bowed. However, the loss of blood was great, and Hitomi felt herself swoon over to one side.

Van gasped, as he heard the girl’s first name. What kind of joke was this? He saw her bow, and then swoon over, and he dived to catch her in his arms. He cradled her close, as he noticed her bloodied hand.

"By the gods girl, you’re hurt!" Van exclaimed, as he saw more warm blood gush out of Hitomi’s cut.

"Give the man a prize, he’s figured it out!" she managed to say sarcastically, as she faded into oblivion.

"Hitomi!" Van yelled. He cradled her in his arms, picked her up, and put her on his bed. He then ripped a piece of silk from his bed sheets and tied it around her wound.



To Be Continued…

[VanandTrunksGal]

LOVE IT LOVE IT! ALREADY ADDICTED! YIPPY SKIPPY ANOTHER V/H ROMANCE! YAY! *Man, I've been around boys to much, I'm starting to say, "Yippy Skippy..." *shudders** I love it P Angel, It's soooooooooooooooooooooooooooo good, what an original idea! WE'RE SO HAPPY! AREN'T WE?! *Glares at the other readers who look frightened as they nod their heads* Good... *Smiles sweetly at them* Add more soon! Later!

[waterfireGirl]

*takes yo-yo string and waves it back and forth in front of Pangel's face* you will update the story you will update the story...

[fanilia]

Excellent. I will be back for more. I love a good romance, and I can see this will be one and with lots of danger too. This story is one of the reasons I love to read Fanfiction so much. Take the characters, change the history and send us on an all new roller coaster ride. Thanks Phantom Angel.

Fanilia

[Phantom Angel]

ok guys, here's chapter 2. for those who wanted me to post sooner....



Chapter 2 ~ Honour? In a Thief?




(Hitomi’s Dream)


"Mommy, can I go play out in the garden?" a skinny girl of five asked an older woman.


"Sure honey. Are you finished with your daily lessons?"


"Yes. Why do I have to start at such an early age? Other kids, they go to school later on, don’t they?" the girl asked with shining green orbs.


"Yes, but all of this is going to be yours one day. You have to start early. Come on, let’s go play house." The older woman said, as she let the slide off her lap.


The young Hitomi took one look upon the setting land, so beautifully outlined by the red setting sun. It was beautifully breathtaking. She then focused on the fine lines of her mother’s face. Hitomi leaned in for a peck.


"I love you mommy." She said sweetly.


The older woman laughed. "I love you too Hitomi. Come on…." Mamoru was interrupted by a shrieking sound in the distance. Immediately, giant robots appeared behind them. The castle burst into flames. Mamoru picked up Hitomi, and she began running.


"What’s going on mommy?" Hitomi screamed frightened.


"Hitomi, I want you to know I love you, and that one day, one day you’ll claim back your birthright, but for now, for now honey you must go. And you must hide. The bad people are here." She said between tear-streaked cheeks.


"What bad men?" the little girl asked.


"The same that killed your father." By this time, Mamoru and Hitomi were in the forest. She whistled loudly, and a man came out of the bushes in a rush. "Hiroki, take her. And protect her." The woman pleaded.


"My… ~Hitomi couldn’t hear that word~ you must come with us." The soldier insisted.


"No, my place is here. With my husband. Hurry, or you won’t make it out alive. They’ve probably have the city surrounded. Don’t let anyone hurt her, please." She said, as she grasped the soldier’s hands.


The young Hitomi watched everything confused, as her mother gave her one last goodbye kiss.


"’Tomi, look here. This, this will help you unlock your legacy." And she pointed to Hitomi’s weird lightning shaped scar. It’s a pattern to the key. Come back here when you’re older, and unlock it. Remember, I love you, and we’ll always watch over you." She gave her daughter one last kiss, and she motioned the soldier to leave.


"Please, you must come with me, your daughter…"


"My daughter will do fine without me. You wouldn’t get out of the city if I was with you. We both know who my husband was. Htiomi’s a survivor. Go now."


The soldier saluted. "Good bye…. Mamoru."


"Just go Hiroki."


The little girl watched as her mother grew smaller and smaller. Suddenly, one of the big giants was behind her. Hitomi heard a scream, and then she saw her mother no more.


(end of dream)


Hitomi jumped out of bed, her short sandy hair drenched in cold sweat. She noticed it was morning, and she also noticed a fresh bandage on her left arm.


"Mom…" Hitomi whispered. She didn’t know what that dream meant. It had been years since she had dreamed of her mother. Actually, she hadn’t dreamt of Mamoru ever since she had been six. Her adoptive father had punished her when she called out for that woman in the middle of the night. Ever since then, Hitomi’s dreams had been suppressed. "What was that odd dream. Did that happen? Was that how my mother died?" Hitomi whispered.


"Was that how who died?" she heard a voice coming from the doorframe.


Hitomi looked up, and she saw standing in the doorway, a tall slender cat-girl. She was wearing an orange dress, and her face was surrounded by beautiful shoulder-length pink hair. Hitomi noticed how the cat’s cerulean eyes were settled on her.


"Hey there." She managed a weak smile, as she tried to get out of bed.


"Hey, hey, don’t try to get up. You’ve been pretty badly injured. You have to stay in bed. Doctor’s orders!" the cat jumped to stop Hitomi from swinging from the bed.


"I don’t believe in doctors." Hitomi answered gruffly. She took a look around the room, and noticed it was the same one as last night. Did that mean that she spent the night in the king’s bed? If so, why wasn’t he here? And why didn’t he remove her from his room and throw her in the dungeons as he had threatened. Hitomi’s hands went to her head, as to banish the spiliting migraine lurking there. "Oww." She grunted.


"I told you not to stand up. Here, let me help you back on the bed." The cat-girl gently, but firmly, tucked Hitomi in bed. She propped her back against the fluffy pillows.

"I don’t need your help." Hitomi insisted. However, she didn’t resist when the cat tucked her between warm quilts.


"Of course you don’t. Now be quiet and eat your medicine." She ordered.


"I’m sorry. I don’t take medicine." Hitomi told her.


"You know what? You’re the most stubborn girl I’ve ever met. You haven’t even been awake five minutes, and you oppose every advice meant to help you get better!" the cat screamed at her.


"That’s me alright." Hitomi agreed.


"Now you’re going to sit in that bed, and you’re going to take that medicine, you hear me?" the cat yelled.


"Yessir!" Hitomi said promptly, as she saluted with her right hand.

[Phantom Angel]

"And cut out that smart-ass crap. You’re not scaring me. I deal with the pompous jerks in this palace day in and day out." The girl told her.


Hitomi glared at her. Who did the cat think she was? Queen of the place?


"Well, no not exactly queen. But I’m the woman running this whole place, and you better smarten up. Lord Van was very generous letting you sleep your fevers in his bed. You should be grateful for that." She said from the other room.


"All hail the mighty and fair king." Hitomi said sarcastically.


"Ah shut up and eat your food." The girl said bringing in a tray with some poached eggs, a glass of milk, and some toast.


Hitomi took the food, realising she was indeed quite hungry. She took a small sip of the milk, and felt how her migraine went away.


"What kind of milk is this?" she asked, looking appreciatively at the half-full glass.


"Lizard milk. It’s quite tasty, doncha think?" the cat asked her.


~!Pbftttt!~


"Blech, lizard milk. YOU FED ME LIZZARD MILK???" Hitomi asked bolting out of the bed, and wiping her mouth.


The cat was looking at her with an amused face. After a few more seconds, she burst out laughing, and she was laughing more, and more, until finally she was on the floor clutching her stomach and tears were falling down her cheeks. "Oh, you should have seen your face. Oh god, it was one of those precious moments." She continued laughing.


Hitomi waited until she was done, to chew her out. "HOW COULD YOU DO THAT! YOU MADE ME WASTE PERFECTLY GOOD MILK!"


"Sorry, I couldn’t resist. I can’t believe you’d think we’d feed you lizard milk. After all, this is the Fanelian castle, not some forsaken household in the backcountry!" the cat told her. "By the way, I’m Merle, what’s your name."


"Hitomi. I would say it’s a pleasure to meet you Merle if you weren’t such a brat." Hitomi said sourly. With her stomach full, she attempted another try to get out of bed.


"Sorry Hitomi." Merle said, still grinning. "Hey, didn’t I tell you to stay in bed?"


"And didn’t I tell you I don’t listen to doctor’s orders?" Hitomi bit back.


"Those weren’t doctor’s orders. That was just friendly advice." Merle said.


"Well, you’re not my friend, so I don’t listen to you." Hitomi said, as she sat on the edge of the bed.


"And why not?" Merle asked coming up to her.


"I don’t know you. I don’t make friends with strangers."


"Hmpf."


Hitomi stood up, and for the first time since waking up, she noticed that her clothes were gone. She was wearing a transparent nightgown, and her pants, shirt and cloak were nowhere in sight.


"What did you do with my clothes?" Hitomi asked.


"We sent them out to be washed. They should be back soon." Merle answered casually.


"Why did you do that?" Hitomi asked.


"Please! We couldn’t have you dirtying the castle with your rags. After all, you were sleeping in Lord Van’s bed." Merle told her.


Hitomi carefully examined her injured arm. "Thank you for bandaging it." she said.


"Don’t thank me. It was Lord Van. He took care of you, even before waking up the palace announcing the break in."


"Uh-oh…" Hitomi muttered. "Umm… I’d like my clothes now." She said.


"Ok, I’ll got get them." Merle ran out of the room, on all four feet, leaving Hitomi to stare out the window.


She walked to the balcony, and opened the door, letting in the fresh air of the morning. She inhaled, and let herself fall on the bed.


"Well Hitomi, what are you going to do now? How are you going to explain to the king what you were doing in his palace?" she spoke out loud. "Hmm… that smell, that field smell… so refreshing. But back to the issue. What am I going to do? They won’t let me walk out the door. I’ve got a lot of explaining to do… how do I get out of here?" Hitomi asked. She sat on the bed, her head on her hands. Suddenly, an idea hit her. "That’s it!" she exclaimed.


"Here’s your clothes!" Merle said, and threw her the freshly washed pants and shirt and cloak.


"Thank you, could you let me change now?" Hitomi asked.


"Sure. I’ll be right outside if you need anything." Merle told her.


Hitomi quickly put on her clothes, and opened the balcony door. "Darn these clothes are stiff." She thought. Hitomi looked down. "Not too high. About three stories. Shouldn’t be hard to climb down on…" she said, and quickly jumped off the ledge.


The wall was very fit for climbing, with holes carved into the limestone, almost if made for that purpose. To a person of normal health, the descent would have been swift. However, Hitomi wasn’t functioning at her peak that day, and the descent was slow and painful, her injured arm throbbing as she inched down. "Careful Hitomi, you’ve done this tons of times. You can do it. Just don’t look down, and place the foot carefully, you’ve got the anchor…aaaaiiii!" Hitomi screamed as her foot slipped off the limestone, and she found herself plummeting to her death off the castle wall. She helplessly tried to grab on to something, anything, but nothing was there. Just when she thought she was going to meet her doom, Hitomi’s foot became trapped into a tangle of lichens slowly growing on the castle wall. She was now dangling by one foot, a meter above the ground, her cloak covering her vision. She fretted, trying to free herself from the mess of clothes she was in, but nothing seemed to work, and Hitomi found herself even more tangled in the cloak and the lichens.


"Oh great. I hope someone will come along and free me for this. I really wasn’t meant to be a bat." She muttered under her breath.


"Lady Hitomi, how is it that you and I always meet in the most interesting situations?" she heard an amused voice below her.


Hitomi tried to see her "savior" without success. When she finally gave up, he heard a muffled voice say.


"Would you please get me down from here?"

"Hmm… what are you willing to offer for your freedom?" he asked amused.


"Just get me down, and we’ll negociate afterwards!" Hitomi exclaimed. Whoever that was, he better hurry.


"No, I’d like to negociate now. So, what are you willing to give me in exchange for your way out of this mess?" he asked.


Hitomi snorted. That fool was toying with her. She knew what she’d give him. A piece of her mind and then some.


"Just get me down!" she begged, and began fretting. In a flash, the frail lichens that were holing her suspended snapped, and Hitomi found herself falling for a second time. Only this time, she landed in the arms of the stranger below.


"There, you didn’t really need my help now, did you?" he asked, looking down at her with twinkling chocolate eyes.


"Let me go you insufferable jerk!" she said as she wriggled herself free from his strong arms.


"Oh no, you’re not going anywhere Hitomi Kanzaki. We’re not quite done with you." He said grabbing her arm.


"Oww, oww you jerk! That’s my wounded arm!"


"Sorry." Van Fanel told her, loosening his squeeze, while making a grag for her other shoulder. "Now, you’re going to accompany me back into my castle, where we’re going to have a talk." He said firmly.


"No we’re not. I’m through with you. Let me go." Hitomi yelled.


"I don’t think so. First I want to know who you are, and what you were doing in my room last night." Van said holding her close.


"I already told you who I am. As for what I was doing in your room, that’s for me to know only. I want to leave now!" Hitomi said, trying to escape Van’s hold.


"You’re not going anywhere. You’re coming with me and that’s that. Now, let’s go!" Van said, beginning to drag Hitomi in the direction of the castle.


"No. We’re even. I saved your life, you saved mine. Now I walk away, and you let me go. It’s as easy as that." Hitomi argued, her eyes thundering with rage.


"For you it is, but not for me. Someone’s trying to kill me, and you missy, you’re the reason the killer got away. Now it’s your duty to tell me what you know. Beginning with how you got into my castle in the first place."


"No, I don’t have to tell you anything. I don’t know much more than you do. I’m going to leave now, and you’re not going to stop me." Hitomi said, her voice quavering with anger.


"Oh yeah, where are you going to go? My guards won’t let you past the gates. You’re trapped Kanzaki, if that’s who you are in the first place!" Van said, staring her down with his icy eyes.


In an instant, Hitomi turned away and began running away. Her only chance was if she made it by the garden wall. However, during the fall, her wound had reopened, and Hitomi could feel the hot blood ooze down her shirt. She could feel her power weakening with every step, yet she kept on running. Thieves were killed in the city, and she had no intention of hanging. Making it past that wall was her only chance. It was now in her sight, but Hitomi’s powers were failing. She took another step, then collapsed to the ground. She tried to stand up, but she couldn’t, her breath came in ragged sobs of furry. "It’s not fair! It’s not fair!"


Van saw the girl collapse, and ran to her aid. He could see her body shake, under the immense stress. He had to admit. Were it not for her wound, he would not have beat her to the wall. She never ceased to amaze him. First her fight with his assassin, then her climb down the wall, now this intense race though the castle grounds. How much more could she take? Aside from her breathtaking beauty, she was resourceful and innovative. Would she ever stop proving him wrong?


"Come on, there’s no where to run. Come back to the castle, and I promise nothing will happen to you." He gently said as he kneeled down beside her.


"Promises…. ~pant~…. Are ~pant~ … nothing ~pant~ … but…. A usless waste… of your breath. There’s no such thing as a promise one can keep." She said, as she fell to the ground, her strength failing her.


"Come on, let me take you back and fix you up. And this time, I’m staying with you until you wake up." Van told her sternly.


She only managed a weak chuckle, before going limp in his arms.


"That smell… that refreshing field smell…" was Hitomi’s last thought as she fell into unconsciousness once again.




To be continued……

A/N: Ok, so that sucked. Sue me... heheh, i hope it wasn't TOOO bad.... ehhe... i haven't seen Hitomi escape through a window in any fics.... so yeah.. hehe, not a very good chapter. i might improve it later. thaks for all of your wonderful replies. please don't hesitate to make comments....

[VanandTrunksGal]

GREAT PHANTOM ANGEL! WE'RE SO PROUD! Glad you added, keep it up, this proves to be cool, and I'm sure it'll just keep getting better and better! I like Hitomi's attitude, it's amusing... Later!

[fanilia]

V&Yg beat me to it, and said it all. Attitude and lots of it. I can't wait to read more. If you don't post again soon. The lady with the yoyo will come for you.

Fanilia

[VanandTrunksGal]

Beware the YoYo and the Telephone wire of wfgirl, both are deadly... *dramatic music plays*

[waterfireGirl]

I've decided to be nice and ask for you to post. So post more cause it's really good... or I'll strangle you- - - uhhh heheheh never mind.. well... g'bye..
and post more....
now...
waiting..
don't see anything...
post
more

[fanilia]

Still waiting **tap tap tap**

Write soon.

Fanilia

[Phantom Angel]

ok, i'm back, hope u like it.,...


Chapter 3 ~ Realisations



Hammer, nor Keeper, nor Pagan am I
Not Guard, or Noble, or Merchant at all
In world of metal and of stone, I live
To live, I'm forc’d to steal, and live I must

I live in a time when metal is God
And gold holds more worth than our human souls
Their gold I take, their souls are left behind
So blest they are, for them I do not kill

I thrive on the wealth of the Builder's house
Merchants and Nobles loose, to me, their shares
I oft' feel the thrill of my sinful deeds
But find release from this life, I do try

The gold to the damn'd Landlord, it is lost
Profit to meat, water, and bread is turn'd
To cease, I wish I could find the repose
But night after night, to the streets I go

A good thief am I, and thieve well I will
The Sons of Shade, Daughters of Dark, are we
This night, Oh Luck be mine, I leave again
To this trade I am bound forever more



Hitomi moaned softly, as the hymn played in her mind. In the droning voice of her step- father, that hymn had become a prayer she would utter every time she went out for a theft. Over the years, it had become a daily thing she would say. It offered her some security, that maybe, maybe one day there would be hope for her. But not today. And "not today" became weeks, months and years. When Hitomi had been on the verge of death, the words of that hymn had come back to haunt her, along with horrid faces spawned by her imagination. She hated that hymn, and she hated what it stood for. The same could be said for now, because she was tossing and turning like mad in her bed.

"Let me go. Let me go! I didn’t do anything wrong!" she moaned as she hopelessly clasped the white sheets. "Noooo!" she screamed and bolted out of bed.

In an instant, the door opened, and Hitomi could feel two strong arms envelop around her.

At the moment when the girl cried, Van burst through the door. He saw her sitting up in her bed, looking at the door with veiled eyes. He could see that the fever still had the best of her. She had a look of pure terror on her face, and Van could see that she was still asleep. Carefully, he wrapped his arms around her, not knowing what else to do to wake her up. She moaned softly, and hugged him back.

"It’s so dark, and so cold. I… help… me." She said in a death-filled voice.

Van was overwhelmed by the emotion in her voice. He had never heard anything like it. She was terrified.

"Ssh, everything is ok. As long as I’m here, I won’t let them get you." He slowly whispered to her.

"Too late…" she whispered. "They’re here. And they’re so evil. Why? Why must I be so alone?" she continued to say.

"It’s ok." Van said and gently brushed his lips past her forehead. He continued to hug her, until she slipped into a pained sleep. Van tucked her in, and hesitated before closing the door behind him.

~~~~

Hitomi woke up to the smell of fresh air and daisies. She stood up in her bed, and yawned loudly.

"I’m glad you’re up. It’s about time we had that serious talk." She heard his voice echo from her right.

"Oh no, why can’t I ever get a break?" Hitomi whined mentally. "Not you again." she said aloud.

"Yes, it’s me. As soon as you’ve eaten a decent breakfast we’re going to meet with my council." Van told her.

"I’ve told you that I know nothing. Why do you insist on making me see those dungeon-masters?" Hitomi asked infuriated. That boy was so annoying. Hitomi just wanted to punch his lights out. But she would settle for some nice jewels…

"They’re my council, and I must collaborate with them. I can’t rule Fanelia alone." Van told her.

Hitomi turned around and looked at him, with thundering eyes. However, her stormy gaze softened when she saw him sit in chair, with a small table by his side, reading a huge pile of papers. In his red shirt and tan pants, he looked more like a warrior than a person trapped behind a desk signing stupid proposals. She smiled inwardly at the huge pile of unfinished work.

"Yes you can. Just fire them all, and hire people that won’t be annoying." Hitomi joked.

"I wish. In any case, your breakfast will be here in a few minutes. How are you feeling?" Van asked her coldly.

"Why are you worried? You didn’t seem so concerned when I was hanging upside down on your castle wall." She said glaring. She couldn’t believe he would be so cruel as to let her hang there. This young king was beyond infuriating. He was downright annoying.

"Why? You were in such a delicate position, I couldn’t help but savor the moment." Her replied with a smirk.

"Do you enjoy watching others suffer?" Hitomi asked.

"Depends who it is." He said grinning once again.

Hitomi grunted in exasperation. She would never get anywhere with him. He was making fun of her, and she knew it. Somehow, Hitomi felt he had the upper hand. But how? Nothing he did or say indicated that. She just looked in his direction, with a look that could cut stone. Van was laughing at her.

"What day is this?" Hitomi asked. She didn’t know how long she had been asleep.

"It’s Friday." Van answered.

"What? I’ve been out two days?" Hitomi jumped out of bed.

"Yeah… you have…" Van said slyly, examining her slender form, outlined by the thin transparent nightgown she had on.

Hitomi saw Van stare at her, and blushed when she realised that her nightgown was transparent. You could virtually see everything in the light of the morning sun. She quickly got back in bed and pulled the covers up to her neck, blushing a crimson red.

"Umm… your clothes will be here shortly." He told her, clearing his voice. "A bit on the thin side, but nevertheless very beautiful." Van thought. "What’s wrong with me?" he chastised himself.

"Yes, thank you." Hitomi managed to say.

"Now, I hope you won’t try to run away again. We don’t want to have you tied down again. Or worst, your wound to reopen. The healer said you need to take it easy." Van told her.

"I told you I don’t know anything. I don’t understand why you still want to talk to me." Hitomi said stubbornly. Who knew what secret informers Van had throughout the city. One of them might have seen her…

"Listen you stubborn little girl. Someone is trying to kill me and plunge my country into misery and poverty. I won’t have that. You’re the one that let him get away, and you’re the one that will help me catch him, or them." Van said getting up from his chair and leaning close to Hitomi on her bed. His chocolate eyes were cold as steel.

"Stop trying to be a martyr. "My country this, and my country that" you’re just afraid to die that’s all." Hitomi said mimicking him.

Van laughed dryly. "Just a word of advice… Hitomi… don’t make assumptions about people you don’t know." he told her, stood up, and left the room slamming the door.

"Ooh, moody." Hitomi bit back.

Since Hitomi had nothing to do, she leaned back on her bed, sighing.

Outside, Van entered his council room, slammed the door and sat at the head of the table.

"What else have you found out?" he barked at his council.

"Well… he stayed at Midnight Inn, and left late in the night. He never paid his bill, and stole some money from the cash register. We’re tying to track him down right now." An elder told him

"Not about the assassins you fools! About the girl who snuck into my bedroom!" Van yelled.

"Oh, she’s not Fanelian. She just appeared in Fanelia two years ago. Apparently she was injured, and Nadya Blake took care of her. She’s been living with the cat-woman ever since." Leviticus, the head of Intelligence told him.

"Any criminal records? Any infractions?" Van asked

"No, she’s clean, though I still think we should question her." He told him.

"That will be done. Anything else?" Van asked them.

"Well, there is the matter of your impeding marriage Lord Van. As a young king, you must marry and give us a heir as soon as possible. You should have already been engaged. It is your duty to pick a Princess and marry." His council told him.

"You want me to get married NOW? Did the gods take away all your intellect? Fanelia is facing an economic crisis, someone is trying to kill me, and YOU’RE talking about MARRIGE?" Van asked, trying to remain calm.

"We know all that your majesty. But getting married could be regarded as a symbol of good luck amongst the people." The minister of Internal Affairs stated.

Van scowled. "What about love? What about letting me do what I want to do?" he asked.

"Lord Van, be reasonable. We all know that when one lives in high society there is little marrying for love." The eldest advisor said with a weak smile.

"My parents married for love." Van accused.

"You PARENTS, Van, were a special case. And it was that love which got them both killed. Love is a dangerous emotion. I advise you to pick an influential princess and marry her. Maybe one of the Asturia’s two unwed princesses, or the Solarian one. Or even the Ispano princess. They’re all very influential and powerful. We need such an alliance in times like these." The elder argued.

"I refuse to use a person for their power. When I marry, it will be for love and love only. End of subject. I do not want to hear another peep from you. All of you. Now, I want you to start budgeting for repairs on the city. I want you to give out more food to the orphans, and carry out negotiations with King Amano of Lowenia. We need that steel for our weapons, in case we are to be attacked. And start stocking supplies in case of an attack." He said and then walked out.

"If it’s love he wants, it’s love we’re going to give him. Arrange a ball for next week, and invite all the royal families. We must infatuate our young Lord Van with beauty." The eldest advisor said after the king left.

~~~~

The door to Hitomi’s room opened, and she saw the cat-girl from before walk in casually. She now carried a dress and a duffel bag.

"Hey there." She said with a smile.

Hitomi just glared at her.

"Come on, we have to get you ready. You’re going to have an official audience with the king. Here’s your dress." She said, and showed the simple blue dress to Hitomi.

"I’m not wearing that." She said.

The cat laughed. "You really are stubborn. Too bad you were born a human. You’d make one heck of a cat."

Hitomi couldn’t refute that. She began laughing. "Maybe I’ve been hanging around Nadya too much."

"You know Nadya Blake?" Merle asked her.

"Yeah. I’ve been helping around her shop ever since she saved my life." Hitomi told her nonchalantly.

"Nadya’s a very good person. Doesn’t she wonder where you’ve been for the last two days?"

[Phantom Angel]

"No, I tend to leave for longer periods of time." Hitomi said.

"Well, in any case, we mustn’t keep Lord Van waiting." Merle said.

"Does everyone have to please Lord Van around here? Or what? He’s not that big and tough you know. Keep him waiting." Hitomi said angrily.

Merle laughed. "No wonder he doesn’t like you. And no, Lord Van isn’t a god around here. People just like him. That’s why they do things for him."

"I really don’t see why. He’s conceited and selfish." Hitomi told her.

"No, he’s just stubborn. Much like you. He’s a really kind person inside. It’s just that there’s been so much suffering in his life, well he’s just shut everyone out." Merle told her, with a regretful look in her eye.

Hitomi smiled when she saw the cat’s look. "Are you his girlfriend?" she asked out of the blue.

Merle looked up in a flash, and Hitomi could see her blush under her red fur. "No, I’m not Lord Van’s girlfriend, nor do I wish to be. He’s all I have, and vice-versa." She said sadly.

"Hmm… lots of orphaned people around here." Hitomi observed bitterly. No one in this world was happy.

"Like you would know how it feels to have no one…" Merle told her.

"Don’t be so sure little cat." Hitomi said under her breath.

"What did you say?" Merle asked.

"Nothing. Is there anything else you want to tell me?" she asked.

"Yeah, get dressed." Merle said.

"Are you going to just sit here and watch?" Hitomi asked her.

"I’m not letting you escape me twice. You can only fool a cat once."

"Whatever." Hitomi said and got out of bed. She reached for her duffel bag and pulled out her clothes. She had no intention of wearing a dress. "At least turn around." She told Merle.

"Fine, gosh, you’re so pushy…." Merle said.

"Speak for yourself."

Hitomi dressed up, for the second time in her shirt and pants. She put on her cloak, and pulled it over her injured arm. It was healing nicely, and Hitomi was sure it wasn’t going to reopen anymore.

"Ok, all done. Take me to the king." Hitomi said emotionlessly.

"This way." Merle said and opened the door to lead Hitomi into the hall.

Together, the thief and the cat walked the beautifully carved halls of the castle. Hitomi could help but stare at the stone carvings of people and places. They all depicted the glorious history of Fanelia. Dragons, mages, kings, queens, Hitomi could spend a life time just trying to read and interpret all of them. But she had lost that option long ago, and no matter how much Hitomi would have wanted to pursue that path, the need for survival was greater, and for her, that meant stealing. She had the education necessary to take up any position offered in the village, but with that came many questions, some which could have been very dangerous for her safety. Merle and Hitomi passed by a stature wearing a skillfully crafted necklace, and Hitomi felt her fingers ache. That would buy at least a month’s food for the orphans. The orphans… what would King Van do for them? Raise taxes so that he take away the little they already had? Most likely. That was the reason Hitomi had continued her thefts. For them, because no one else cared. She felt like she needed to care. To make their life better, because no one had made hers.

"Very beautifully carved walls. Who did this? Dedallus? Or Kharmi?" Hitomi asked admiring a portrait of Queen Varie.

"Kharmi. He was a friend of King Goau, and decided to do a portrait of Varie at his friend’s request." Merle told her.

"She was very beautiful." Hitomi observed.

"And she was kind too. Almost like a mother to me. Too bad she passed away. That was one woman who will be remembered throughout history." Merle said sadly.

"There will be others. Not to worry." Hitomi said.

"Yes, but none like her. There was something in the way she looked at you, that made you tell the truth. No one, no one EVER lied to Queen Varie. Whenever she walked in the city, people would get out of her way, and they would bow to her. She once jumped in front of a carriage to save a small cat-child." Merle said.

Hitomi smiled. "She sounded like a good person. I would have liked her. She sounds like a woman I once knew."

The slender cat turned towards Hitomi, and fixed her shining blue orbs on her face.

"You know, I thought you were a brat at first. But maybe I was wrong. In any case, we’re here, and you better be polite to the king." Merle advised and opened a large oak door.

"It all depends on how he behaves." Hitomi said and stepped in.

The room was huge, with large windows on the left, and a table in the middle. Thick carpets covered the floor, and at the very end, Hitomi could see a bookcase filled with things. She slowly stepped in.

"Hello?" she called to whomever was inside.

No one answered, and Hitomi took another step in. "Hello?"

No answer once again. She walked in the room, and spun around, examining any dark corner. There was no one there. The room was completely empty.

"The nerve of him. To call me in an audience and be late!" Hitomi exclaimed. If there was one thing she hated doing, it was waiting. And most of all, she hated waiting for this impertinent king. "Who does he think he is?" she spat out.

Angrily, Hitomi walked to the bookcase, and pulled a book out. If she had to wait, she’d wait, but THEN he’d get the chewing of his life time.

"You know Hitomi, you’re really insolent. He IS a king after all." Her conscience dictated.

Hitomi nodded to herself. It was no use on making an enemy out of the king. She’d act nice to him, as if nothing had happened. Hitomi flipped through the book, scanning pages and pages. It was actually very interesting. It talked about politics and decision making, and basically how you should approach people, and win negotiations.

"Gee, I wonder if I should negotiate with the people I rob. Gimme all your money, or gimme all your riches." Hitomi chuckled to herself and continued reading.

"Well I see you’re amusing yourself Lady Hitomi." Van’s voice echoed from the door.

Hitomi immediately raised her eyes, and slammed the book shut. She blushed, thinking it hadn’t been polite to go looking through his stuff. Even as a thief, she DID maintain some morals.

"Happy to see me?" Van asked with a smile, seeing the blush on he face.

"No! I’m never happy to see you." She hissed and put the book back in its place. "What I mean is… you startled me." She said more calmly. It didn’t hurt to apply some of the things she read in that book.

"You know, I would prefer you honest, instead of all cool, and calm and lying. If there’s one thing I can’t stand is my advisors. They talk exactly like you." Van told her, looking straight in her face.

"So fire them all. You’re the king." Hitomi said accentuating "king" a little more than she would have liked.

"It’s not that simple. Now, how did you get into my castle?" Van asked her, jumping straight to the core of things.

The question took Hitomi by surprise. She hadn’t expected him to be so brutally straightforward. It took a few seconds before she answered.

"Well, I got lost, and I sort of stumbled in." she said calmly. Even if the question had shocked her, she wouldn’t show it. Hitomi now saw through his strategy. With his abrupt questions, Van hoped to get straight and honest answers from her. It was a smart strategy, but she was smarter.

"Lost, what were you looking for?" Van asked sweetly.

"Can’t trap a fly with vinegar. I see he’s trying sugar now…" Hitomi thought.

"My friend. I had come with her to the gardens, but we got separated, and I was looking for her." Hitomi told him.

"In the castle?" Van asked.

"I thought I caught a glimpse of her dress going into the castle. I thought we were allowed." She said innocently. "Since the guards didn’t stop me, I proceeded to look for her." Hitomi explained.

"How convenient." Van said.

"Well, sort of. I had always wished to see the castle, but I never had a reason. So when I saw her go in there, I thought that maybe I could get a chance to. I was set on leaving Fanelia the next day." Hitomi told him. That was the truth. He couldn’t hold her responsible there. Hitomi had learned that it was best if she mixed truth with a bit of lies. It didn’t reveal who she was, but it did make her credible. She ardently hoped that her method would work this time too.

"Where were you going?" Van questioned.

"I don’t know. Just some place where I could find better work." She said. In truth, she had wanted to go, to keep Nadya out of trouble. The security had gotten tighter, and Hitomi didn’t want to get caught.

"Couldn’t you find work here?" Van asked.

"Not what I wanted to do. The city is not as it used to be. Too many poor people. And too many rich. There is misery and wealth all mixed together, in a very unpleasant fashion. I walk down the street, and I see a baron walking past a beggar, not even flipping a coin at the poor man. I see an orphan child crying for a toy, and the sisters telling him to wish for it, then maybe it would come to him. I see a young mother working her heart away to maintain her growing family, only because she doesn’t have money to support her baby. And I see the rich laughing at the poor, and scorning at them. I see corruption, I see poverty, I see misery, and I see an economic crisis." Hitomi told him harshly.

"And they all blame me." Van said quietly.

"You’ve got a very spirited kingdom Lord Van. But you need more than that. You need to provide and care for them like they were your own children. You need to love them like they love you, and in the end, you need to be willing to sacrifice some of your well being for theirs. Because, if you have land, but no people to rule over, you’re no king." Hitomi told him seriously. "Where did that come from?" she asked herself. She heard the words repeated to her by a man’s voice, talking to a little girl, and showing her a city. Hitomi came out of her dreaming, to find Van staring at her, with a puzzled look.

"What?" Hitomi asked.

"Nothing." Van mumbled to himself. He didn’t ask her any more questions. He just sat there for a few minutes, and looked at the floor. Hitomi didn’t know what to do. She tried to picture what was going on through his head, but couldn’t. The king was a very enigmatic person. Hitomi suddenly wondered what had happened to him that made him close up to everyone? The death of his family? Or was it more?

"I didn’t try to kill you, and I’m sorry for intruding on you during your sleep. I didn’t know that you felt the assassin come up to you, but when I saw him ready to strike, I felt I had to do something. I didn’t mean to let him get away." Hitomi apologised. It was a very heartfelt apology. She meant every word.

"It’s all right. Thank you for saving my life, Hitomi Kanzaki." Van said and stood up.

"I’m sure you would have done the same for me." Hitomi said. She didn’t know why, but she felt like he would have. There was something about him, something behind his shell. Hitomi felt how he and she, they had a lot in common.

Just then, the someone burst through the door.

"Lord Van, an messenger has come bearing a message from King Amano, do you wish to see him?" the boy asked. He looked about seventeen, with short silver hair, and red eyes. Hitomi felt a bolt of lighting pass through her, when their gazes locked.

"I would like to see him right away Dilandau. Please show him in." Van said.

The boy saluted and turned away.

"You’re free to go now. I’ll show you the way." Van said after Dilandau left. Both he and Hitomi exited the room together.



A/n: heh, did I surprise you? How’s dilly involved? Hope you liked it!!!!

[fanilia]

Got here as fast as I could, what with the sore feet from Tapping. Very good, I know a lot of peeps say that, but if I don't like a story that much, I just read it, then don't post (dont like to lie in a post) I really get a feel for the characters, and the descriptions of the castle are so detailed, right down to the carpets. It was definately worth the wait for this chapter.

Fanilia