Destiny's Pawns ~~~Chapter 22~~~

[Hitomi Lei]

"Lady, just go." It tool Libra a moment to get over the shock of seeing Van. She managed to claim Folken from Ren's grasp. Turning around she held her son tightly to her chest as she ran down the stairs. Libra had to get away. At the bottom of the stairs she ran into someone and almost fell, her grace and balance a thing of the past. Chid grabbed Libra's arms to keep her from falling.

"Hitomi what's wrong?" he asked. Not since she had first came back from Fanelia had he saw such fear in her eyes.

"He knows who I am." Those simple words were all she had to utter.

"Oh, let's get you on the airship going home." Chid took Folken from her arms. Chid didn?t understand her need to hide her identity from her husband, but he knew she was afraid. Chid glanced at Folken, the little boy had tears running down his cheeks.

"I won't ever run away again. Uncle Chid, I promise." Chid kissed his forehead.

"Don't worry, Folken, it?s be okay. It?s not your fault that your Mothers afraid. Don?t be scared."


~~~~~<@ @>~~~~~


Van watched as the girl drew her sword. It was like he was watching every thing in slow motion. Hitomi was here. She had never left. She had a son. The shock was so great he felt his knees began to tremble.

"I can't believe it, she never went away... Why didn't she come back?" He had forgotten that Ren was there until she spoke.

"You told her never to come back. You also shattered the only thing that bound your hearts closer that even love." Her voice held only distain for the man before her. Van glanced down to look at his ring. 'The only thing that bound us... Was that why I felt such pain?' When Van looked up again she was gone.


~~~~~<@ @>~~~~~


The airship was prepped and ready when Ren ran up. Chid's eyes were sad as he told her good-bye.

"Make sure she gets home safely, and take care of yourself too." He kissed her softly on the cheek. Ren looked at him one last time as she climbed aboard the airship headed for home. Ren nodded to the pilot and went to find Libra.


~~~~~<@ @>~~~~~

It's almost time. I wish I could see the look on that old mans face.

I did what he couldn't....

I have the key in my hand...

I will open the gate to Destiny's Way...

I will make them my Pawns...Yes Little Dragon...Yes...

Come to me...bring the King of Dragons to me as well....

I'll have both keys then...

The key to revenge and the key to the powers of Heaven are the same....


~~~~~<@ @>~~~~~~


Van walked into the ballroom. As soon as he had gotten over the shock, questions began to pour through his mind. The only one that seemed likely to have the answers was Chid.

Chid watched as Van made his way through the grand room. Their eyes met. Chid slowly stood and went out a small doorway hidden in the shadows. Van followed him, intent on getting his questions answered. Inside he found the room lit by a lone candle, Chid stood by the window.

"Before you say a word Van, I want you to know that I only did what I could to help her and to keep her safe." Van sighed and ran a hand threw his hair.

"Chid, that was Hitomi, she never went home.? It was more of a statement than question. Chid nodded.

"Was that her...blood...son...?" Chid never answered he just looked Van in the eye. Anger rose up in Van.

"Why did no one tell me I had a son? That my wife was still here?"

"You told her not to come BACK! You should have thought before you opened your mouth! She asked us never to tell you. You broke your vow. Why would any of us hand that child and his mother over to a heartless bastard?" Chid's angry words were like a slap in the face to Van.

"She broke hers first. She was to do every thing possible for the kingdom." Even to his own ears this excuse sounded too weak. Van began to pace back and forth rapidly.

"She has spent the last 3 years advising myself and other Kings. She also took over the Freedom Fighters. Libra also helps developing countries form their new governments. She has kept her vow. She helped keep peace for the whole world." Van stopped pacing.

"She's been doing all that and I still didn't know she was here." His voice was full of self-loathing.

"Chid I must see her. Where is she?" Chid would never have told his old teacher where Libra was, he cared too much for the older woman.

?Why should I?? He was quickly running out of his pent up anger. Van?s look of self-hatred and pain was almost too much to bear.

?Chid, please, in the name of our friendship, whatever it still means to you, please help me find them!? Van pleaded with the young monarch before him.

With a sigh Chid spoke softly, "Van, I thing she went home, to her manor house in the country. I gave her the land her comrades died on." Chid watched as Van's eyes lit up with thankfulness. He felt a small pinch of guilt for reviling Hitomi?s location to the one that had hurt her most, but he was ready for this long cycle to end. It was time Fanelia got their Queen back.

"Thank you Chid. I'm sorry you had to carry all this on your young shoulders for so long." Van walked over to the window. Chid watched him remove his shirt.

"Van," he called out," If you hurt my Godson or my lead Advisor again, I'll make you regret it." Van turned as looked him in the eye. A silent understanding formed between them.

"You have my word."


End of chapter



A/N
Okay!! Chid got to vent in this chappy and Van was made to feel really small!! Which is a good thing...he should suffer for what he?s done to Hitomi/Libra. Also you get to ?hear? the bad guy talk...*looks around* What? You all thought that this fic was ?just? about getting them back together? NO!! We must have a reason to bring the Escaflowne back!! Teeheehee!!


Oh, and just FYI this story?s almost done!! YAY!!


Hitomi Lei

[kmf]

oooooh! Vans going to run after Hitomi and (hopefully) win her back *rubs hands* cant wait for a big old sappy finish ^_^

I like that Hitomi wears a sword in this fic for a couple of reasons. Firstly, she is a natural athlete in her own world. It seems sensible to me that she would take on some sort of sport in her new life. Now I know that its not really a weapon for sport in this story, but I could see her choosing to wear it and enjoying learning to use it. Also, she has a young son. Most mothers are protective of their children. Hitomi lives in a world where there is always the possiblity of a civil war breaking out, try as she might to prevent that. It seems logical that she would always be prepared to defend her child if necessary.

What I couldnt see her doing with it would be just picking a fight. She is not an aggressive character and I think if she suddenly got 'sword happy' that would be wrong.

Cant wait to read more of this story ^_^

kmf

[animemonkey]

Yay! The part's comin' up!!! I just can't wait for u 2 write the next chapter.*gets very excited*

-Anime Monkey