The Common Cure
DISCLAIMER: "The Vision of Escaflowne" is not and never will be mine. Otherwise, Folken and Eries would have been together.
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II
Folken and Eries listened to their account in astonishment and both couldn't help but blush at the method suggested for Folken's salvation. But embarrassed as they all were, they could not question that veracity and effectiveness of Hitomi's visions. She had always been so dangerously accurate. And no one denied the importance of Merle's dreams as well. Folken was particularly moved that his two girls still thought of his welfare. But there was no way then to resolve the issue without some degree of awkwardness.
"We're sorry that we tried to manipulate you like that," Hitomi said earnestly, "but when we saw that there was no progress between you two, we needed to act fast. Time is running out."
"I appreciate your concern," Folken replied, "but there is really no need for so much trouble on my account. I've accepted my fate. This is the punishment for all my crimes."
"But there are still ways for you to atone while you are still alive," Eries protested, "do not lose hope so easily."
Folken looked at her in surprise and then gratitude. Hitomi's spirits rose. She was certain that this moment between them might finally lead to something. Unfortunately, Merle's instincts were not so sharp and she interrupted loudly (much to Hitomi's dismay.)
"Lord Van will be sad if he loses you again," the cat-girl cried passionately, "and Naria and Eria will be sad too."
Folken bowed his head and pondered on this for a moment. And Eries seemed to consider it as well. The girls looked at them hopefully.
"Come on, it's worth a shot," Hitomi urged, "My visions have saved Van's life many times."
"She's right!" Merle agreed enthusiastically, "I've seen it happen."
The two remained silent, still deep in thought.
"Besides, what's the big deal?" Merle complained impatiently, "you love each other, so you should kiss."
At this the two blushed brightly but somehow maintained passive expressions.
"I beg your pardon?" they asked simultaneously.
"Come on," Hitomi said, "we've seen you two together. It's clear that you both care a lot about each other."
"Only because we have known each other long and have great respect and esteem for one another," Eries explained quickly though not as confidently as she had hoped. Folken nodded.
"Besides," he added, "now is hardly the time for a romance."
Respect? Esteem? Hitomi thought in exasperation. The sophomore resisted the urge to slap her forehead while Merle rolled her eyes in irritation. Clearly, Folken was as clueless in love as his younger brother. The cat-girl didn't know how she and her kind tolerated such silliness.
"And how can I possibly impose upon you for this?" Folken asked Eries in embarrassment.
While Hitomi and Merle struggled to find new arguments, Eries interrupted shyly.
"I won't really mind," the princess said softly, a blush spreading across her face.
They all stared at her in utter astonishment.
"As they said, it isn't a difficult task," Eries continued hastily, "it won't cost me much, really."
"But are you certain?" Folken asked, his pulse quickening in anticipation.
"Of course," she replied with more confidence, "if such a simple act will save your life, then who am I to refuse you this chance?"
After staring at her some more, Folken bowed to her in gratitude but Eries was still blushing and trying her best not to look at him. The two girls watched in amusement.
"Well, this turned out better than expected," Merle whispered to her companion.
They both wondered if they should have just used this method in the first place. It would have saved them so much time and trouble.
"Besides," Eries added, surprised at her own boldness, "I believe that I still owe you for passing that obstacle course five years ago."
Folken's eyes widened.
And as soon as the princess mentioned the event, Hitomi had a vision of that day and so understood the context. She explained to Merle in a quick whisper so that the kitten would not be left out.
"Ah, yes, I remember now," Folken said.
Of course he remembered. He had never been able to forget that day, as much as he had tried to. And the day he returned to Asturia to seek asylum all those suppressed feelings had been reawakened. But he refused to act on them, especially after all that he had done. He was exceedingly grateful that she even deigned to look at him, and even speak to him and seek his company. He had never imagined that the attraction had been mutual. And now, a great gift – a kiss!
What had he ever done to deserve such good fortune?
But it was painfully ironic to be so happy so near the end of his life. As excited as he was for the kiss, Folken still doubted that it would reverse his fortune so drastically.
For her part, Eries had been angry at him and yet when he returned to Asturia, she had been surprised at how easily she could forgive him. She saw how sad he was and longed to comfort him in whatever way she could. Eries was more saddened by his imminent death than she let on and she was thrilled to learn that there was a way to save him. It would also give her a chance to confirm how he truly felt about her and vice versa.
"Well, what are you waiting for?" Merle cried impatiently.
"Merle!" Hitomi admonished, "Maybe we should give them some privacy first."
So the two girls left Folken and Eries at that spot by the fountain where Hitomi had spoken to Folken before. But the girls went to a nearby balcony to be able to watch was about to happen. They couldn't help but be giddy with excitement.
Folken and Eries were embarrassed again and looked away from each other suddenly.
"You don't really have to do this," Folken said shyly, "you owe me nothing."
"Allow me at least to try to save your life," Eries said in reply resolutely, "if this is really the only way."
Folken had no resistance to this and he nodded gratefully to her.
"Whatever happens," Folken said earnestly, "thank you for this. It means so much to me."
"Of course," she replied with a smile.
Slowly, they stepped closer to each other but were uncertain of how to proceed.
"Forgive me," Eries said shyly, "I've never done this before.""
"Neither have I," Folken assured her, adding silently "not in a way that counts, at least."
To try to put her at ease, Folken took one of her hands with his real one. She took this as encouragement and gently took his metal hand in hers. He was surprised and moved by the gesture. Slowly, carefully, she raised her eyes to his and with one look gave him her silent assent. Folken's heart raced as he leaned down, closing his eyes. She closed hers as well and reached up until their lips touched.