Alright I know it hasn't been that long compared to some of my other writing gaps, but I had this story open and half finished for a while. I got distracted will the excitement of the re-release kickstarter campaign. That lead to me being hungry for more stories I haven't read before, so I had to dig down into the archives of around the time I went inactive. I read some really good ones but sadly most of them never finished. I promise I won't do that to you. My AU will be back eventually and there might be more added to Late One Night making it a collection rather then a oneshot.
So this chapter is from Merle's point of view. I've never done that before so please bare with me. She's a lot more complex then people think. I really want to know if you like this or not. The next chapter will be back to Hitomi. Originally Merle was supposed to pick up where the last chapter left off but she needed to relive the accident and what lead up to it. Relax every chapter won't be a rehash of the same events but as seen by the other girl... mostly. There might be some overlap but not the exact space of time like this one.
I hope you enjoy it! I had my hand only my mouth saying "Oh god. Oh my god." For about fifteen minutes after writing this. I can't tell if I'm evil or a genius... but most likely just deranged. Remember I'm a Van fan... please don't lynch me.
Sisters In Heart
Chapter 2- Crushed
Countless times in my life I've had to ask myself "How did I even get here" and the answer is always the same. Lord Van.
How did I end up screaming and crying on the palace rooftop when I was only three years old? Lord Van.
Why did I leave the other refugees after the attack on Fanelia to run around the forest alone? Lord Van.
Why did I have to deal with that crazy mystic moon girl? Lord Van.
How did I end up on a leviship attacking a floating fortress like a band of pirates? Lord Van.
On and on these questions followed me more so during the war than any other time. Somewhere along the way the questions changed and the answers were no longer as simple. Why is Lord Van still fighting even though it can kill him? Why is Lord Van so jealous over that stupid girl? Why is she always the one that gets to save him while I am left holding her bag? Why does he even need her? Why is he sad now that she is gone? When will Lord Van admit he loves her? Why does Lord Van think he's got to protect her? Why is he still fighting? When the war ends will she stay with us?
I knew Lord Van had hoped she would stay even though he gave his word that he would make sure she got home safely. They loved each other and I had to come to terms with the fact that it would always be Hitomi, even when she was gone. It was okay, though I still love Lord Van, but that love has changed from blind admiration to a softer less all-consuming love. He has always treated me like a kid sister and I'm okay with that. It's where I fit comfortably. Truly I am happy for them, or I would be if they ever actually got to be together.
Now that doesn't mean I love Hitomi, but I guess I like her well enough. There were times where I was scared or worried about Lord Van and she was the only one that truly understood. She tried to stop him from going to fight the Dragon Slayers right after he almost died. She followed him into the darkness to save him from the underworld without fear for herself. She called him out when he had been consumed by fighting and death. Hitomi is the only one that really knew what I was going through because she felt something similar, even possibly stronger.
I probably won't ever truly understand what goes through her head, but then again I wouldn't expect her to know my thoughts any more then I can count all the stars in the heavens.
Things have been pretty good the last two years, and we've focused so much into rebuilding Fanelia that there are only a few large projects left. Of course the town took priority as getting commerce running again helped increase not only the funds to work on other projects, but also improved the living conditions of the citizens. If anyone knows Lord Van then they know that his people will always come first. After that was completed he made sure the farms were addressed since the main export of our country is the high quality agriculture that has made Fanelia famous, aside from the legendary Gumelif, and strict traditional customs of course. Then the palace which Lord Van was more than happy to forgo some of the luxuries other countries thrive on for practicality and safety. Finally the shrine, the last of the large scale projects.
In some ways it's sad to lock the Escaflowne away once again, but in others it will be a relief. For two years the armor sat frozen guarding the cemetery and though other countries have expressed a willingness to take the armor off of Lord Van's hands, he holds true to his decision that peace can be made in ways without force or unnecessary bloodshed. I know that after incasing the white dragon in stone, just like it was after his father passed away, it will lift a heavy burden from the King's shoulders. It hopefully will bring us one step closer to true peace and the completion of Fanelia as a whole.
Lord Van looks forward to finally placing the Armor in his past where it belongs, so when he received a sudden warning from Hitomi it could not have come at a worse time. I was on my way to fetch him for supper, as if I don't he will spend all night going over plans and papers. That was when I heard him talking with no one else in his study.
It's one thing to know that the pair communicates regularly but it's another to overhear the warmth in his voice. A warmth and love reserved only for the absent girl. I can't help but feel jealousy churning like acid in my stomach. In the past it would have been because I wanted him to feel that way about me, but now it's more that I just wish somebody would feel that way about me. The kind of love people write songs and stories about. The kind of love people spend their whole lives searching for and some never do find. I pray I am not one of those people, destined to live on the fringes of other people's great love stories. Basking only in the soft light of their happiness.
I'm not sure how long they have been talking but it's always pretty brief, so I'll just wait it out. I'm not petty enough to interrupt on the chance they lose their fragile connection. Lord Van is always happier after one of these long distance 'chats' though he rarely speaks. It's probably how he gets through some of those long boring council meetings. I know I'd need someone else in my head to just stay awake through some of that legal royal mumbo jumbo.
"Okay." I can hear the smile in Lord Van's voice and bet anything Hitomi can too. I wonder if she knows he's just humoring her. He'd say anything to keep her from worrying "I would promise to be careful, but aren't I always?"
I almost snort at that comment and give myself away. It's true Lord Van isn't nearly as reckless as he used to be, but that doesn't make him the model of constraint either.
"That was a long time ago. I think I've proven I can be patient." Yeah right! I can't help rolling my eyes. If Hitomi were to tell him she was ready to come back for good, nothing in this world or that one could keep him from going to her. Two years is a pretty long time to wait, but it doesn't change the fact that has had to do it while dealing with increasing pressure to 'find a suitable wife'.
"Hitomi." He says her name like it's a holy word, with reverence. Again I find myself a bit jealous. "Thank you for the warning, but don't worry I will be fine. I have to be."
Warning bells start going off in my head. What did she see? Why isn't Lord Van taking Hitomi's vision seriously? I can feel myself bristling at his easy dismissal of a Seer who to my knowledge has never been wrong. I'm glad I'm not the one that has to see those horrible things, as it still slightly creeps me out. Though I've learned that Hitomi not only has no choice in the matter of when and how she sees things, but many times she could have dismissed the strange visions and hid her power from people. People like me that treated her like a freak.
Sometimes her visions were the difference between life and death, but other times they came too late or people refused to change their actions. Poor Lord Folken comes to mind. She told him of his death if he returned to Zaibach, and yet he still went with her to confront the emperor. I know now that he was dying anyways due to the experiments they performed on him, but he could have used his remaining time to set things right with Lord Van. Sometimes when he wants to be alone Lord Van goes up to the ramparts to practice, but other times I find him in the cemetery talking to Lord Folken's headstone. He asks his brother questions that can never be answered, and I know that has created a deep sorrow in his heart.
I am so wrapped up in my thoughts I never heard the end of their conversation, but suddenly realize Lord Van is standing directly behind me.
"How long have you been eavesdropping?" His smooth tenor nearly makes me leap to the ceiling. Amused by my reaction he chuckles and I instantly forgive him for making my heart stop for a moment.
I turn up my nose anyways and pretend that I am still mad. "I wasn't spying, just getting you for dinner since you always forget to take care of yourself."
I know he heard the warning in my voice as his smile instantly disappeared. "So you've heard most of it then."
"Enough to know you're ignoring a very accurate seer." I scolded intent on making sure whatever horrible thing Hitomi saw can't come true, even if I have to lock him in his room and post a guard to do so.
He sighed deeply letting some of his fatigue show through. "I do take her visions seriously and I will watch out for any dangers, but letting her know it concerns me will only cause her to worry more."
"Well isn't that a good thing then? She will come back sooner." I may not really want to share the rare moments where Lord Van actually has time for me, but I know he'd be so much happier with her by his side. Not me. The thought it still sour even though it is a sacrifice I've been willing to make for a while.
"It will cause her to break an oath and neither of us take that lightly. It will always follow her." His hand automatically went to the strange pendent resting on his chest, as it always does when he thinks of the absent girl. Which is quite often. "No, I want her to come back when she is ready and no ties bind her to that place or the past."
"Lord Van, What about you then?" I know the sharp edge of my voice cuts him, but I'm not done yet. "You've got plenty of regrets from the past you hold on to! Why do you have to bear all the burdens alone? If only-"
"Enough!" The one harsh word quiets my arguments. Van's eyes soften as he must see the hurt in mine. "I'm sorry Merle. Let's just drop this issue and have a nice dinner. Just the two of us for old times." His voice is sincere and he reaches out to pat my hair in the familiar way he knows I never could resist.
Stepping back out of his range I no longer care how the argument started.
"I've already eaten." The lie comes out smoothly. "I just didn't want you to miss it entirely. I'll see you later."
His hand hovers in the air a moment longer before it drops almost sadly. I don't wait for him to apologize again or urge me to keep him company. I might cave in… like I always do. Instead I turn and take off trying not to look like I'm running away, which I am. My heart is as heavy as my stomach is empty, but I accept the hollowness. Just what I need; yet another thing for me to be jealous of Hitomi over. Lord Van cares only for her feelings. It will only get worse when she finally does arrive.
I reach my room without realizing where my feet have been taking me. Shutting the door I don't even bother turning on the light. My keen eyes see well enough in the dark and it suits my mood, bleak. As upset as I am no tears come and no tantrum threatens. I'm not a child anymore, but that doesn't mean I can't be hurt.
Thoughts start churning faster and faster. Obviously Lord Van doesn't need me anymore, and once Hitomi returns it will be even less. He wants to look after himself, so I'll let him. I'm fifteen, the same age he was when he killed a dragon and fought a war. It's time I stopping clinging to him and find my own path. Fanelia is almost complete and there is a whole world out there for me to explore. If he doesn't need me then I don't need him.
A new determination calms my warring emotions. It feels right. I'm not running away anymore. Now is the time for me to carve my own path. Fanelia will always be my home and Lord Van will always be my family, but I need to become my own person. The best way for me to do that is to step out of his shadow.
As I start to pack the plan starts to form. I have money saved up and it should be easy enough to pay for fare on a leviship. Where doesn't really matter right now. The first one leaving will do. Asturia is beautiful and all but Millerna and the others are more Lord Van's friends. I've always been just part of the scenery to them… the same with Freid. I can always visit later. Basram, Cesario, Daedalus, and Egzardia are mostly unknown to me and any of the four would be good places to start my journey. I'll find a nice town get a job and live off of what I earn. No use depleting my savings in one go, I'll only use that money for the fare I need to keep going. Once I've settled down a bit it will be time to buy another one way ticket and start all over again.
Lord Van won't like it one bit, but for once it's got nothing to do with him. On the other hand just leaving without saying anything will cause him pain and that is one thing I don't want to do. Do I risk saying goodbye for the chance he'll try to talk me out of it, or argue that once the last stone is set he'll make a quick trip with me…
No! Relying on Lord Van would be so easy, and that is exactly why I can't do it. He'll be busy tomorrow since the workers are entrapping Escaflowne in stone once more. He's just supervising, well out of range of any danger but it should take all day. Once the Armor is bound the shrine will be complete and a weight will be off his mind. He needs this almost as much as he needs that silly girl to come back.
Taking a deep breath I shove the last of my things into a plain rucksack. It would be bad to look like I come from money. The last thing I need is unwanted attention. A single Neko traveling alone can be bad enough depending on area without flashing cash and wealth. It's a good thing I like simple things. Plain dresses and sturdy shoes will work just fine for my purposes.
I'll stay one last night here, have breakfast with Lord Van like normal, and then leave a letter in my room he'll find long after the day is over. Maybe I'll chat about how I'd love to see the world in a vague way, sowing the idea of me finding my own path without coming right out and saying anything.
Sleep finds me easily now that my mind is made up and everything is set in motion. I even finished writing the letter to Lord Van before I fell asleep and have it folded neatly on top of my small writing desk in plain sight. It might be cowardly to just leave a note, but how much of my life has revolved around Lord Van and his happiness? This, this trip is about finding what makes me happy for once.
I wash and dress for the day like usual the only difference is I make sure my bag is fully packed and ready to go before heading down to break my fast with Lord Van one last time.
Except he's not there. Every morning he slowly sips a strongly brewed cup of kafé while he scans the day's schedule, the latest reconstruction projections, or sums from the ever growing exports. When I arrive he sets down the important documents to give me his full attention, as if the only thing that really mattered to him had just walked through the door.
My resolution wavers until I remember Hitomi will soon replace me as the person he greets first thing in the morning. She will be the one he discusses projects, ideas, and issues with… not me. Not even if I were to stay.
There is a note folded on my plate. I can't miss the similarities to my plan and set my mouth into a grim line as I pick the thick parchment up as if it were a poisonous snake waiting to bite me.
Merle,
I had to take my meal with me to the shrine this morning. When reviewing the scaffolding construction documents something seemed off, so I wanted to clear up any issues before they start lifting Escaflowne into place. Maybe it is what Hitomi saw. In that case I think I've found the issue in time, and everything will be just fine.
Don't worry. I'll tell you all about it at dinner tonight. I promise not to be late this time so please wait for me.
Van
Doubt makes me bite my lip, and the sharp pain from my fang sinking into soft flesh barely registers. Am I making a mistake? Lord Van is think about me after all? Hitomi's warning might have been just what he needed to stop a tragedy. Leaving right now might be too rash, right?
No, this is the perfect time to go. Everything is working out for Lord Van, and if I wait until Hitomi arrives it will look like I'd leaving because of her. I don't want either of them to think that since it will mar the happy occasion of their reunion.
I need to do this for me. The only thing is now I can't possibly disappear with only a lame note left behind. Lord Van deserves more than that with everything he has done for me, after all you may not agree with your family but that doesn't stop you from loving them. I will go today, but I have to tell my brother everything upfront. I'll make one stop before heading to the shrine. The leviship docks. If I buy my ticket first there will be less of a chance of letting the stubborn king talk me out of my own adventure.
When I make it to the docks it appears that I am in luck for once. A merchant ship from Daedalus is loading up for a trip back to their capital and should be ready to depart in just over three hours. Plenty of time to make it to the shrine and back, even counting for the argument I'm sure is waiting for me. Daedalus is the perfect place to start, as our northern neighbor if I begin my trip there I can make a tidy loop from one country to the next in an almost clockwise route. Of course I'll skip Zaibach and save Asturia for last, but this should really work out in my favor. If things don't turn out as I planned or I miss Fanelia too much, then it will be easy to get a return trip straight home.
With the departing ticket safely tucked away I make it to the shrine in record time. Excitement bubbles through me. People must notice my good mood as their return smiles are large and warm. I really will miss Fanelia and her people, but nothing and no one as much as I'll miss Lord Van. The wild raven hair comes into view first as his head is bowed thoughtfully over a jumble of papers taking up the whole surface of the foreman's desk. No one is really fooled by the title, as it's really Lord Van's on site planning area and I dare anyone to try and say otherwise.
As if he can feel my presence Lord Van looks up and directly at me. A warm look eases some of the tension and I feel almost guilty since I know my departure will hurt him.
"Merle, you didn't have to come down." He says but waves me over just the same. "Not that I'm not glad just to see you, but actually your sharp eyes could really help me out right now."
Pleased to feel useful I pad over to his side. I know he didn't plan it, but suddenly I'm weary of being eased into changing my mind by a few kind words. Could he have read my letter while I was sleeping and has devised of a way to make me think staying would be my idea? No, no matter how long he has studied or dealt in politics there isn't a deceitful bone in his whole body. Honest to a fault if a little thick sometimes, Lord Van's integrity has often been considered a fault by other rulers, but not to me and our people. We know if he says something it is not only true but to be counted on.
"What can I help with?" I'm honestly not very good with the technical papers he's studying.
"Take a look here." He points to a detailed drawing of the scaffolding used to hold Escaflowne in the air while the compound of Levistone dust dries and hardens. I'm not sure what all is in it but I know that ground up floating rocks are combined into a mortar, and not only looks like a solid rock from far enough away but is super hard and light weight, this way the heavy metal armor can stay suspended indefinitely or until the need for it again is too great. If Lord Van's wishes all work out there may never be another need to wake the 'white dragon' again, but it'd be naive to not plan for all contingencies.
I study the drawing but to my untrained eyes everything looks normal. "What am I supposed to find?"
"Now look at the actual built structure and tell me if anything looks off." He guides my eyes up to the series of planks and ropes that should be strong enough to hold up the massive stone now housing the legendary armor.
I carefully work over each layer trying to match it to the image in my head. It looks good, as strong as it should be… but… wait.
"There!" I point towards the center of the scaffolding with one hand and hold up the paper with the other. "See the part drawn here is missing."
"That's it!" Lord Van grins at me a moment before becoming all business once more. He gathers the higher experienced men to explain our find, even though I'm not completely sure about it myself. I'm glad I could help and the relief in his molten eyes says the same thing as Lord Van returns to my side.
"I knew you'd find the problem Merle." His praise makes me blush a little. "The central support you noticed was neglected since it was assumed to be only a redundancy. If you look closely there is excess tension on the cables even from here, obviously the missing step caused a weak point and it is only a matter of time before it gives way."
"Well, I'm sure you'd have seen it eventually." I hedge not sure what to do with the building pride burning in my chest, as it is weakening my resolve like the missing support created a problem in the structure.
"Maybe, but who knows if I'd be too late." His expression turns grim. "What would I do without you and Hitomi to guide me?"
With a pang I realize it's now or never to tell him my plans before I can back out. The ticket burns a hole in my pocket and I have to do it now.
"Actually that is exactly what I wanted to talk to you about Lord Van." His attention has turned from the workers scurrying about the scaffolding in their task to fix the issue. I almost wish he wouldn't look at me like that; with trust and warmth.
"If this is about yesterday-" He starts, his voice soft with unnecessary regret.
"No." I cut him off before he can apologize. "I know sometimes I can be a little pushy so it's really alright. It did get me thinking last night about how much you and Hitomi changed during the war and how though things were really awful sometimes you both really grew so much at that time. You are an amazing king and Hitomi will make a good queen one day. On the other hand I didn't really change at all. I've always been by your side and there shouldn't be anything wrong with that, but it's kept me from finding my own way in life."
I know his confusion is only temporary so I just spit the rest out while I can.
"I'm leaving on my own journey. I have a ticket on the next transport to Daedalus and from there who knows; Cesario, Egzardia, Basram, and even Asturia even though I've seen a lot of Palas. Fanelia will always be my home so I will come back, but there has to be more for me and I intend to live my own life from now on." I feel good about my speech. Each word came directly from my heart and I draw on a strength I wasn't aware I even had.
His dark brows furrow together and before he can even speak I know I'm being dismissed out right. "Merle now isn't a good time."
"A good time? For what Lord Van? It's not like I'm asking you to escort me around the world." The quick flash of anger has sharpened the edge of my voice and I hope it cuts him as deeply as his rejection has wounded me.
"You're only fifteen. There is no way I can let you go off alone into who knows what dangers." Suddenly his two years older gives him a right to dictate my life? Somewhere I know it's because he'll worry about me but I just feel suffocated.
"You were only fifteen?! Age doesn't make someone ready to take on the world." I point out though I know neither of the teens had much of a choice about their destinies and the dark path carved out for them. Unlike them I have the choice to do things right and I'm not going to let it pass me by this time.
"Merle, we can continue this discussion later." He ignores my tone and continues as if everything is normal.
"There won't be a later Lord Van." I state tossing my original note on top of his papers. "I'm leaving now and if I don't have your blessing then so be it."
Gripping the strap of my bag tightly I feel the rough fabric dig in to the soft pads of my fingers as I spin on my heel and begin to march away. Somewhere deep down I want him to call after me. To beg me not to go, but that isn't Lord Van. I expected more of an argument… possibly some heated yelling, but the cold way he acted hurts worse than any insult.
There is a sudden yell, but the reason it freezes me in place is that it wasn't from Lord Van. Instead it came from almost directly above me. Without realizing it I have walked right into the center of the scaffolding since I'm used to taking the most direct path, straight through. Dust begins to fall around me as the structure sways under the exceptional weight, but the worst thing was the sharp crack of ropes snapping.
The world begin to crumble around me, but I was deaf to the noise and chaos. Only one thought was clear; Hitomi's vision was for me. Like an idiot I stay rooted in place looking up as a long heavy piece of the structure grows impossibly larger.
Rough gloved hands yank me backwards just in time as it smashes right where I was standing. Lord Van's solid chest presses into my back as he grips my shoulders like a vise. My mind begins to work again and I know he's just run into the collapsing maze of danger for me.
"Run Merle!" He shouts shoving me forward into a clear gap in the destruction. After the first stumbling step I regain my balance. "I'm right behind you! Go!"
Spurned on by the urgency in his voice I take off, dodging falling debris, as I hope my bright hair blazes a clear path for Lord Van to follow. I only stop running once I know I'm well and clear. Spinning around I am relieved to see that Lord Van is almost out as well. He's not quite as fast as me but the constant training has kept him fit and his reflexes are almost feline in their grace. Something makes me look up, and I instantly regret it. All the hope that had begun to grown in my chest shriveled into dust in that impossibly long moment.
The rock compound hadn't been set long enough to stay up without support and has crumbled along with the faulty scaffolding. Escaflowne begun falling ungracefully back to earth amid the huge chucks of rock. It was the rock that killed a part of me as there was no way for Lord Van to avoid a painful collision.
"Look out! LORD VAN!" I screamed futilely.
At the sound of my voice the stubborn man tucked down with his arms over his head, as he made himself as compact as possible rolling quickly to the side. The first rock struck where he had been sending shards of sharply cutting stone in every direction. Blood dripped on the floor from a gash in the raven haired man's forehead, but he stumbled to his feet and continued to run regardless of any injury. Another piece sped towards Lord Van's dodging form, but before I could yell an additional warning a huge blue metal hand beat me too it. Escaflowne reached for its former pilot without a heart stone or guide, but somehow I saw a faint glow in its supposedly dead form.
No matter the fact that it had only been minutes since the first yell it felt like years had passed. The time that had slowed finally caught up and the rest of the wreckage seemed to fall all at once causing clouds of choking dust that obscured Lord Van and the metal giant.
Just as quickly as the world had crumbled it stilled once more. The silence was almost as deafening and the catastrophe had been. Without thought of any remaining danger I ran forward into the rubble begging whatever Gods that might listen to please let Lord Van be alright.
I scramble over the larger stones knowing that the one constant person in my life needed me right now. Reaching the melif I know Lord Van is under it's right hand, but I have no idea what condition he might be in. I don't hear the others calling out directions and begin to shift the stones I can myself despite my skin being scraped and torn by those very same rocks. I need help to shift the larger pieces of rubble and find the assistance is there wordlessly. Sweating and dirty the last of the rocks are removed from the armor's gauntlet.
Through the dust I can just make out Lord Van's form. It seemed the protective metal hand saved him from the worst of the damage. He breathes and I find that I can as well. Cuts and scrapes mostly, nothing life threatening... but something is dreadfully wrong. His skin is cold like the dead though the strong beat of his heart would beg otherwise. Other's may not notice, but I've seen something like this before. Escaflown's form has darkened and I know without a doubt that Lord Van is gone. His body lives, but the soul has been pulled away prematurely.
He won't wake.
The others don't believe me. They argue that rest and time will bring him around, but the only thing… the only person that can find him in the darkness now is a world away.
I am cleaned up and though I refuse to let any of my scrapes be bandaged they are expertly disinfected. The healer finaly lets me in to see Lord Van. It terrifies me how small he suddenly seems now that what truly makes him is gone. He too has been cleaned and redressed but unlike me he is unable to protest the excessive bandages. The worst are his forehead, chest, both arms and right leg.
The similarities to the time he was wounded through Escaflowne's bond were quite eerie, but these wounds have closed and the danger now in far more internal. His heart beat has already begun to weaken. If I don't do something soon his heart will… his body will give up the fight and Lord Van will be lost forever.
There are two things I have to do. The first is quickly achieved as I toss my ticket to Daedalus into the fire burning cheerily and yet is unable to keep out the chill that seeps into the room. The other task will take a bit more courage and a lot more luck. I take the pendent resting on Lord Van's side table. The chain itself is damaged beyond repair but the knotted mess at least still bares the deceitfully simple pink stoned pendent.
That's how I came to be here surrounded by strange people saying stranger things. The stone's cold weight resting in the palm of my hand, and the horror in Hitomi's large green eyes must be mirrored from my own.
How did I even get here? Lord Van
Two new questions appear in my mind and I don't have answers for them yet.
Where will this journey really take me? Will it change me for the better?
To be continued…
A/N
So... Poor Van. I hope that this is in character enough. I actually read it out loud trying to use Merle's voice to see how things sounded. Probably really funny to watch, but I think it helped me find some issues I might have missed otherwise. Self-edited... again.
Merle did change a little throughout the series. She became a little less clingy and a little more self reliant but not nearly as much of a life changing experience for her as Hitomi and Van as they matured, grew, and learned more about themselves and each other.
If anyone wonders why in the original the stone chunks float after Escaflowne wakes, but here they fall... it's all about what Merle says. The compound isn't completely dry. Think of it like concrete that takes a mix of part water, sand, gravel (its more technical like controlling the amount of iron, silicon, etc. but that's the basic idea.) This compound uses levistone sand, some kind of stone, and water. That way the mixture is heavy when wet but light and floats when dry. So dry it would easily hold the weight of the huge armor but while still partly wet it falls. It's still hard enough to crush and shatter causing serous damage.
If you can't tell I like trying to find interesting things like how Escaflowne was bound to use in my stories. I like the merging of fact and fiction. It hope it is creative and not confusing. If you ever have a question please ask. I respond to interesting or questioning reviews gladly!
I'll try to keep this momentum going but you know what would really help? Your review!
