Note: This is my first fanfic so try to bear with me. It'll be worth it in the long run. Trust me.
Disclaimer: I do not own Escaflowne or anything having to do with said show.
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Brother. Today I turn eighteen. Today I am no longer the boy king who three years ago watched helplessly as his country was disintegrated before his eyes by an invisible enemy, watched the last people he considered family ripped from this world by that same force and watched the only woman he ever truly loved leave him forever. Today I am a man but I don't feel it.
I don't feel much of anything anymore, only misery.
I find it ironic that I am miserable while the whole of Fanelia is in celebration. They have a right to be of course. The Zaibach Empire is no more. Fanelia is restored at last to the way it was and Gaea is at peace. For these reasons I too should be rejoicing, but for some reason I can't bring myself to join the festivities regardless of them being in my honor.
No, instead of making merry I am throwing myself a private pity party. Gods Brother, sometimes I can't believe how childish I act. A grown man, a king no less, should not be hiding from his subjects so that he can feel sorry for himself in peace. It isn't right but I can't help these thoughts anymore.
I have ruled Fanelia for three years now. I am constantly surrounded by hoards of people but they are nothing more than strangers to me. To them I am king and only king. I am someone to control the masses and keep the peace. They don't know the real me, the real Van Fanel. Those who did know me are not here.
When Zaibach fell we all went out separate ways. Hitomi returned to the Mystic Moon and I've given up all hope of ever seeing her again. I don't even wear her pendant anymore. It only reminds me of how much I miss her. As for Millerna, she took the Asturian throne and much to everyone's surprise married Dryden. She loves him but deep down I know she still harbors great feelings for Allen. I still hear from her but it is always on business. I have not seen Allen for years. I'm not even sure where he is. When Dilandau turned back into Celena, Allen went into retirement. He gave up his captaincy of The Crusade to Gaddes shortly after the reunion with his sister. He now lives with her(1) somewhere, trying to reestablish the relationship they had once shared before her disappearance.
I am despondent because I have lost almost all contact with everyone I once held dear. It's hard to keep track of friends and rule a country at the same time. I've come to learn that.
The only one I am still close to is Merle. I doubt that will ever change. She has been my shadow ever since we were young. Although she can be clingy at times, I am none the less thankful for her presence. I'd be lost without her...
"Lord Va-an!" A sing song voice blew across the gentle spring breeze towards the young king seated in the cool shade of a willowy tree. Van lifted his head dazedly as the wind carrying his name rustled through his jet black hair. Glancing in the direction of the voice he noticed a familiar figure bounding across the meadow toward him. Van stood in greeting.
"Lord Van," cried the catlike form with glee as it threw itself against the tall boy, wrapping its arms around his neck. Any doubts Van may have had concerning the identity of his greeter were quickly erased from mind as the young king was sent crashing to the ground.
"Ah, h-hello Merle," the raven haired boy wheezed having had the wind knocked out of him. Despite Merle's small stature, the cat girl had always managed to create enough force in every welcoming to bowl her friend over.
Van grinned and forced himself into a seated position so that Merle could rest comfortably in his lap and was no longer crushing his lungs.
"Oh Lord Van, I'm so glad I found you. I've been looking everywhere for you." She stared intently at Van to show that she wasn't lying.
Van smiled brightly at Merle who licked his cheek affectionately. He was glad to have someone who truly cared about him. Van couldn't help but smirk inwardly though at the thought of his friend's commitment to him. He appreciated it but if Merle said she searched everywhere for him then it was probably the truth.
"Why did you need to find me so badly Merle?"
The young cat girl giggled as she nuzzled into Van's chest. Van just looked down at her puzzled. "Why are you laughing Merle?" He wanted know what joke he had unknowingly told.
"It's your birthday Lord Van. Did you forget?" She giggled again. "Everyone's been looking for you all morning. Nobody could find you anywhere but I knew I could," she boldly stated putting emphasize on the last few words.
Merle beamed up at Van, evidently delighted by her accomplishment, but her smile soon faded upon seeing the tall boy's face. Van was looking past Merle, lost in his own thoughts and frowning at something off in the distance. He only remembered Merle was there when she released her strangling hold of his neck. He turned his gaze back to misty blue eyes.
"Merle?"
"Lord Van, I'm sorry. I didn't mean to make you sad. I just wanted to find you. I-I just wanted to help." She lowered her head as she spoke; her voice getting shaky from the threat of oncoming tears. "P-please d-don't be m-mad. I-" Tears poured from her eyes interrupting her words.
Van placed his hand on Merle's shoulder. "Ssh, don't cry Merle. It's okay. I'm not mad at you." He pulled her to his chest and rubbed her back soothingly. "I'm glad you found me."
Van smiled as he spoke but his heart was not in it. He was glad that Merle had found him. After all, he did enjoy her company but he just wished that he was as excited about his birthday as his friend was, as his country was.
Deep down Van did want to join in the celebrations. He desperately wanted to enjoy his eighteenth birthday but not as everyone wanted him too. Today was the king of Fanelia's birthday but it was also Van's and without Lord in front of his name he was just like everyone else in the kingdom. At least he wanted to be.
Merle eventually stopped crying and sat back. Van lifted her chin so that his coffee colored eyes met Merle's ocean blue orbs. "Are you alright now?" He whispered softly. Merle nodded and smiled weakly at the raven haired boy.
"I'm sorry for making you cry Merle."
"That's okay Lord Van," she squealed throwing herself on the young king once more. Van had to laugh at this. Merle never stayed in a bad humor for long. "Are you ready to go back now?" she asked breaking the hug.
Van scanned Merle's sweet features with his chocolate gaze. She looked up at him hopefully with big blue eyes that sparkled with excitement. Van didn't want to upset her again and Merle was obviously thrilled about the day's planned events. He didn't really know what activities had been scheduled but he had no doubt that Merle would tell him all about them soon enough.
He forced a smile and nodded his head to show that he was ready to head back. Merle squealed and leapt out of Van's lap. Van stood and they began walking through the field in the direction of the palace. Merle hung off Van's arm and chattered excitedly of the days ongoing festivities. Meanwhile all Van could do was feign enthusiasm and dread what was to come.
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"Wake up!"
Crimson eyes shot open in surprise.
"Wh-wha...who-"
"Silence boy. Do not ask questions for you will get no answers from me."
The cloaked figure stared down coolly at the silver haired boy he had just woken up. The boy glowered back. Whatever alarm he had originally felt was now gone.
"How dare you wake me up? Who are you?"
Within a flash the cloaked form roughly grasped the albino's cheeks and ripped his head from one side to the other.
"Hmm," he spat. His gaze was cast in shadow but was filled with nothing but malice. "So, you do have ears. Then I guess it's just that you don't know how to use them. I told you not to ask any questions. I will tell you only what you need to know, Dilandau Albatou."
Dilandau struggled to free himself but it only served to tighten the intruder's grip. "What do you want," he said through pursed lips much like those of a fish.
His assailant laughed viciously until his mouth rested in a cruel smile. "It's not what I want Albatou, it's what you want."
The silver haired boy was about to ask what the stranger meant by that but stopped himself. He did not want his beautiful face marred again.
Unintentionally, he raised his hand to his face and gingerly stroked the long scar that flawed his otherwise perfect features. Memories of the boy who had given it him flooded back.
The shadowy figure watched this strange ritual until annoyance overtook his amusement. He grabbed Dilandau's arm, jerking his hand from his face.
Dilandau woke from his reverie as the cloaked form sprang on top of him, pinning his arms to his sides. The shadow leaned in so close to the white haired Adonis that their lips were almost touching. "What is it that you most desire Dilandau?"
"Van."
A wicked smile spread across the dark figures mouth.
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(1) Allen lives with his sister but they are NOT a couple. She was only fifteen when she left Zaibach so she couldn't very well live on her own. **I got a review concerning this so I thought I should clear it up.**
Okay this chapter was just to set up where everyone is at. There will be a lot more action in the next chapters.
Please read and review! I and my story would greatly appreciate it.
Oh yeah, if you think the rating is a little high, don't worry cause this story will earn its rating soon enough...
****BTW: I now accept anonymous reviews. I didn't realize I wasn't before but now the problem is fixed so go ahead and review anonymously!****