(A/N: This is basically my idea of what should have happened at the end of episode 19. Although I liked how it turned out in the show, I couldn't help but feel a bit disappointed with Ion. 'shakes a finger at him'. So I came up with this ending. Please read & review!) :P
Disclaimer: I don't own these characters... :( I just like to write .
The Empress was safe, and their mission was now complete. Abel Nightroad was saying goodbye to Seth by the river bank, and watched as Esther was saying her goodbyes to her the rest of their friends. This included the Duchess of Kiev, Mirka Fortuna and her grandson, Ion.
"Than you for everything." said Esther.
Mirka smiled back at her "Be careful on the way home"
Esther nodded, "We will. I'm glad to have been able to meet you all." she turned to Ion. He had his back to her so she wouldn't see the depressed look on his face. "Kaka... Please be well."
He still kept his back to and replied. "Y-Yes. You too, Esther."
Esther's face fell for a second, but quickly recovered herself. "I'll try." she said with a forced smile. The she turned back to the others and said "Well then, everyone, we'll be going. I wish you all well. " and she turned and started to walk away.
Asta turned and walked towards the young Earl. She placed a hand on his shoulder, and said "If you have something to say to her, then say it. Their kind age and die so quickly, there's is no guarantee that you'll ever meet again."
Ion turned around and said sadly "But what should I say?"
"Say what you think. Tell her what you are thinking... Am I wrong?"
Esther was walking towards the stairs of the airship that was to take her, and Father Nightroad back to the Vatican. She was a sad to have to leave the Empire, and would definetely miss those she had met. Esther was also a little take aback with how Ion saw her off. He didn't even look at her. Maybe he was angry with her for leaving.
"Esther!"
Esther turned around and saw the young Methuselah running towards her. A smile crossed over her face. "Kaka." She also noticed that Asta and the others had their backs now turned to them. As if to give them some privacy.
Ion walked right up to Esther, and threw his arms around her neck. Esther was surprised by his actions, and thought that perhaps he wasn't angry with her at all. She was relieved with that thought.
"Let's meet again," whispered Ion. "Someday for sure, Esther."
Esther smiled at him, and put her own arms around his body. "Yes." she whispered back, closing her sapphire eyes. "Some day." She felt Ion's grip loosen slightly, but she kept hers around him.
Ion slowly brought his eyes to her face. Her eyes were still closed and a smile was on her face. A blush spread across his face. Ion still had his arms around her neck, and slowly brought himself up to her level and closed his eyes. He carefully planted a light kiss on her lips. Her lips were warm against his, and they were so soft.
Esther's eyes widen with shock, and looked down at the Earl. She couldn't believe what he was doing. But, she wasn't pulling away either. It was a first kiss for the both of them. Esther closed her eyes again and kissed him back.
Ion removed his lips from hers, and hugged her again. "Goodbye, Esther." he whispered.
On the airship, Esther was staring out of the window. She watched at the Empire became nothing but a blur as they sailed on. She raised a finger to her lips, and touched them lightly. Her cheeks grew pink as she remembered her first kiss. It was something that she would forever remember.
"Goodbye... Ion." she smiled. Esther turned her eyes from the sky and went to check on the priest.
(A/N: U like?)