A.N. Here is chapter 14. Starting next week my boys are on spring break. I am going to try my hardest to maintain this momentum and not miss a posting. We are so close now to the big reunion scene. I hope it is as good as you all are expecting. Also, I fear my last chapter's Author's Note confused a few people. This story will be 32 chapters long (including the prologue and epilogue). This chapter is the last chapter before Hitomi and Van are reunited. The real fun begins after the next chapter.

Disclaimer: I do not own The Vision of Escaflowne nor any of the characters therein, this is purely fan made.

XX

"You do not have the right to quit trying. (The universe wobbles when you do.)"

-Dr. SunWolf

XX

Chapter 14: The Universe Wobbles

XX

02 October, 1996

Gaea

XX

"… so, the problem is the location, not the actual structure?" Hitomi asked just to be certain she was understanding the situation.

"Yes." Merle sounded put out and irritated. "The old building isn't even there anymore. I don't understand why they are complaining. That oven they covet so much isn't even there anymore! How could it be?! This whole area was burnt to cinders. Only the stone walls remained."

Hitomi frowned and placed a hand to her chin. Merle had come up to her with a situation and was asking her to find a solution. Apparently, during the reconstruction, as families returned and homes were rebuilt, those who were waiting for homes were given the homes as they were completed in the order of their arrival. Until now that had not been a problem, but with the latest arrival of Fanelia refugees, a small family that had made their livelihood from baking had shown up and were now demanding their home back. Their home had been on the corner of what was considered the main street. The road lead to the palace entrance and was where many set up their shops and home due to the foot traffic. As a result, these were the homes that were first reconstructed after the Orphanage.

Any families with a particular shop or field of work that would require a home/business set up were granted these homes until there were simply no more business owners available. To ensure the people stayed safe and could begin to settle, they had moved others into the homes on main street regardless of their line of work. Now, one such family that did not have a business was living in a home built upon the same spot as the previous baker, Ivan.

Ivan had returned with his family and apparently were starting problems with the new owners of the home demanding they leave and let he and his family return to 'their' home, and from what she'd gleaned from Merle's explanation, this was about an oven specially constructed in the old home.

"… so, why are you asking me to settle this?"

"Van is outside the walls dealing with an issue concerning the winter wheat, and this argument is putting a halt to the construction and drawing a crowd."

That still doesn't answer why me…

Hitomi sighed and rubbed the back of her neck. "… right. And you are certain the oven is not still there?"

"…" Merle scrunched her face up clearly not knowing the answer. With a sigh, Hitomi told her to lead the way to the site. Upon arrival, Hitomi could see the crowd and just how this situation was clogging up the works. The few knights Fanelia had were trying to keep two grown men from throwing fists, two women were squared off and a small child was clutching the skirt of one of them trying to hide.

"—this is our home and business! You had no right to take it!"

"This home was granted to us by our King. It was built from the ground up. Not one part of it is yours."

"—!"

"Excuse me!" Hitomi shouted above the din of sound, her palms sweaty and her nerves making her limbs tremble slightly. She had no idea what she was doing, but Merle had asked her to intervene and she knew from watching Van, Dryden and Millerna that confidence was key to getting people to listen to your authority, or lack thereof.

All eyes turned to her and she swallowed hard when the guards seemed relieved and even bowed to her. "Lady Hitomi."

Her name caused murmurs to spread and she again felt unnerved. Shana's words about her being known and respected were not false praise after all.

"Please tell me what the problem is." Her voice only trembled slightly and she twisted her fingers together to keep her expression calm. She was only fifteen, and yet, these grown adults were deferring to her and her 'wisdom'. It was a lot of pressure, but she knew if she couldn't manage this now, she had no right to even think of staying by Van's side.

You can do this, Hitomi.

"My lady, this home is mine and these people—"

"The spot was once yours, Ivan." The woman with the child said coldly. "It is no longer."

"How dare you? We gave you bread when your Lian was injured and unable to work! How can you—" The other, older, woman snarled.

The quarreling began anew and Hitomi was flustered for a heartbeat or two before sucking in a breath and, treating the situation like it was a rowdy classroom during the festival setup in school, she let out a loud whistle and shout.

"Enough!" She was mildly shocked when it worked and silence descended. She breathed slowly in and back out before turning to Ivan. "This road took most of the damage. The buildings were nothing more than rubble. This home was rebuilt entirely. It lacks any real structural layout that would differentiate it from any other business. It does not have anything that a bakery may require, that will need to be rebuilt. Is there any reason aside from nostalgia that makes you insistent upon this location?"

Ivan turned to the home and blinked, then turned back to her. His jaw clenched and released several times as did his hands. The man was old. Not old enough to be considered an old man, but he was greying and deep lines were already forming upon his face. If she had to guess, he had raised his family in the old home and much of this was nothing more than nostalgia. If that were the case this could be resolved rather simply.

"… we had a brick oven inlaid into the stone wall." He turned and pointed to the back wall of the building. That wall was the only remaining original structure as far as Hitomi was aware. "The chimney that allowed for the smoke and heat to escape is still visible."

Sure enough, the small vent system was there for all to see. Hitomi bit her lip aware that this had just become complicated.

"My lady, please. You cannot uproot our family again just because of an oven." The woman with the child said her face pale and lined with stress.

Hitomi's head started to ache. "… may we go inside to see if this oven is indeed still there and if it is operational?" She asked of the man and woman who were the current owners. They shifted uncomfortably but after a pause gave resigned nods.

She, Ivan and the family slowly made their way inside of the small home. It still seemed too impersonal to Hitomi, but she could see a few child's toys and some small items that suggested the family lived there. Her heart constricted not wanting to move this family again, but understanding the importance of the brick oven to the baker and his wife. If this oven was still working, it logically made sense to keep the Baker and his wife here instead of expending time and resources to create a new one. That didn't lessen the impact for the family that had only just received a home again.

In the kitchen they found the rudimentary brick oven. It had been carefully crafted, the interior was smooth and perfectly constructed. More than that, it appeared to be in working order. Hitomi sighed and had them check the outside vent for fractures and any other things that might make this oven unusable.

There were none.

She could see resignation and sorrow on the faces of the family and felt her heart waver. She didn't want to make this call, but if she didn't who would? And while she sympathized with the family she could not justify using resources to build another oven such as this when they didn't need to. The war reparations were only to get them reestablished and to help them survive the winter.

"Could you four please come up to the palace with me? I think we should sit down and discuss this carefully."

"Why? You are going to throw us from our home regardless." Said the woman with the child in her arms, tears standing out in her eyes. Hitomi was hurt and offended at the accusation but couldn't deny it either. She was going to tell them they had to leave, however, her pride hurt at the tone and censure she could hear in the words, but managed to swallow back her pride.

"… I—we cannot simply rebuild an oven like that. Fanelia is still in dire condition. I am sorry, but I would like to help you find a home and get you settled properly."

"How long must we continue to be tossed around like this?!" The woman seemed unable to listen to Hitomi's good will as she shouted and ignored the calming motions her husband made and his attempts to console her. "You are sorry?! What good does that do us? We lost everything! We lived off scraps! You can't take our home from us!" The woman continued to sob. "How can you make this decision? You don't even belong here!"

Silence descended after that. Hitomi's heart constricted and she felt as though she had been physically struck. The woman continued to glare at her until her husband managed to turn her against his chest, comforting her as best he could and mumbling apologies to Hitomi. She hardly heard the words though.

The woman wasn't wrong. Right now, she had no authority. She didn't know what she was doing, and she was going back to Earth very soon. Hitomi's hands fisted at her side and she bit her tongue to keep from lowering her eyes. She had heard somewhere that lowering her eyes in an argument was as good as admitting to defeat. She couldn't afford that right now.

If you can't handle this, then you should give up Van now.

"… I may not be a citizen of Fanelia." She said voice a little unsteady. "… but I saw it before the fire. I have stayed by Van's side as he struggled to save and rebuild it. I may not belong here, but I want to see it restored. No, I want to see it prosper!"

Her voice grew steady and her heart burned with confidence the more she spoke. It was true, she desperately wanted to see this place flourish. Sure, it was mostly for Van's sake, but she had done her best to develop a connection to this place, and it meant more to her with each passing day.

"It is unfair. It is frustrating. However, everyone is still sacrificing, and adjustments must be made until we have completed reconstruction." Her expression hardened, but she tried to express her compassion in her tone. "Van wished to get families into homes more quickly. We should have looked for things like this oven before assigning homes. That is our fault. So, please, allow me to help you find another home. We shall move you into it after we inspect it so this does not happen again."

The woman was peaking out from her husband's embrace, she still seemed angry, but she also seemed less volatile.

"Please bear with this a little more. It is almost over. But we must all work together if we are going to save Fanelia." She held out her hand. "Will you help us?"

The woman turned away again, either unwilling to listen or still too upset to accept her, but the husband offered a tired smile and extended his hand to shake Hitomi's.

"Yes." He said and the wife let out a sound of defeat and sorrow from his chest.

"Thank you." Hitomi swallowed hard, feeling a confusing mix of relief and anxiety. "Then we have work to do. For now, let's leave things as they are. I will see which homes are completed and we can look through them together. We will move you after that."

"… we would also… like to help." Ivan's wife said softly then, her eyes averted. "To make the transition easier."

Ivan smiled and nodded his head. The other man seemed to accept their offer though there was still some tension between them and Hitomi let out a breath she hadn't realized she'd been holding. Things progressed quickly after that and Hitomi got Ivan and his wife settled up at the castle and then she and Merle searched through the unclaimed and completed homes. Once they found one that seemed to have nothing unusual about it, they returned to show the family.

By the time evening had come and Van had returned, Hitomi had already found a new home for the family and the baker and his wife, she and Merle and several others would assist the family in moving in the morning. Despite this achievement, she didn't think to tell him about it as they shared a meal and then proceeded with the usual "lesson" on Fanelia and Gaea, as it was no longer an issue he needed to be concerned with. Of course, their lesson ended with them snuggled together upon his bed and it was at that point that Van brought the topic up himself.

"Merle said you took care of a problem today."

"… Oh, well, it wasn't that big of a problem." Hitomi said with a shrug. Van's expression said he didn't believe her but he didn't push it.

"Thank you."

Hitomi shook her head, reclining on the bed. "You don't need to thank me."

"Yes I do. You handled a problem in my place."

"But… if I'm going to… stay by your side… shouldn't I be able to do this at least?" Her cheeks reddened and she stumbled over her words. It was remarkably embarrassing to say such things as it implied he was going to marry her as well as the fact that she already thought of herself as queen which was not the case, but still the implication still stood.

Van's eye widened and he openly stared at her. Hitomi couldn't read his expression and so began to panic.

"I—I don't mean… that is—" Hitomi stumbled to explain herself but was interrupted by Van's kiss. She fell into it happily, far more comfortable with this expression than talking about their future situation. Kissing was far less nerve-wracking now than this conversation was.

"I love you." Van breathed against her lips, tucking her under him and continuing their kisses and Hitomi wrapped her arms around Van's neck welcoming his weight.

so he agrees with me right?

She thought to herself that perhaps it was okay to feel pride at her work this day. Surrounded in his warmth, having just finished talking about their day, him giving her a brief lesson on the fields and fiefs of Fanelia, and knowing she had made a difference today, made Hitomi wonder if she should even leave at all.

Laying in his arms, his drugging kisses filling her with a sense of love and completion so strong it made her physically ache, she didn't want to return to Earth. She'd learned so much in the last few weeks, and still it didn't seem like enough. As more of the construction completed and winter approached, it was becoming more obvious that she would be leaving all too soon.

Could I just stay?

The thought was so tempting especially now, as they touched each other, kissing gently; content in the others embrace. But swiftly upon the heels of that came reminder of just what that would mean. If she simply stayed here, her parents, brother, Yukari and Amano would never know what happened to her. She would have simply disappeared and no one would have any answers.

It would be no different than what Van had suffered after both Folken and his mother had left. She couldn't do that to them. She also doubted Van would want her to. As much as she wanted to, she couldn't do it. She couldn't be that selfish or that cruel. No, she'd return as planned. She'd probably wake back up in the nurse's office, like nothing had happened, she'd finish school, she'd say her goodbyes, though her family may never understand. She'd leave a goodbye note and in four years she'd return to this man's arms.

Van's lips pulled back and he frowned at her, looking a little annoyed and Hitomi reached up to cup his cheek in concern.

"Van?"

"You're thinking of something else."

"Huh?"

"Think only of me." He demanded in that haughty, pompous way that he had as he leaned into her and Hitomi couldn't stop the amused snort. "Don't laugh."

"I'm not!" she protested but was more than willing to let him think otherwise when he pinned her to the bed and looked down upon her with heat and a little amusement of his own in his gaze.

"I guess I'll have to ensure you can't think of anything else then."

Warmth spread through her stomach and curled her toes at those words and she wet her lips, cheeks pink as she teased back, "… oh? How do you plan to do that, Van Fanel?"

Van took her challenge to heart, his lips quirked as he pulled his shirt from his body and leaned in to show her just how he intended to make her think only of him.

Needless to say, he succeeded.

XX

Sixteenth Day of the Ninth Month

Seventh year of Carusfatum

Gaea

XX

Van's eyes opened to the dark room he had slept in since returning to Fanelia seven years ago. It was the same room he and Hitomi had shared for that final month they had been together, and hardly anything about it had changed, and yet, the ceiling seemed somehow new.

He'd gone to sleep filled with anxiety and confusion, the feeling of Hitomi's concern battering against his mind. He'd tried to sooth her but he didn't have answers to his questions so his feelings weren't any clearer than before and he doubted it helped. He'd fallen to sleep somehow and had been on the verge of dreams when he'd felt her distress welling up.

Hitomi had been scared, and she was reaching out to him, so much that he had heard her voice screaming his name. He reached for her unconsciously and suddenly he had found himself standing on a bridge in the rain in the middle of Asturia. He was confused for a second until he saw himself, seven years younger standing and staring up at him and he watched his own expression shatter.

Is that what I looked like?

He didn't have to turn and look to his right to know what he'd see, and he didn't want to see it again here in this nightmare of a dream. Why the hell was he here? Why was he dreaming of this awful—

"Why does it hurt?"

Hitomi's thoughts had filtered into his mind and with it came her feelings. It drew his eyes back to that scene that was the epicenter of all of his insecurities and fears when it came to Hitomi, except this time, he lived it through her eyes. She didn't like the kiss. She had felt that the whole situation was wrong, moreover, she had wanted to run after him. The knowledge had rocked him to his core. Being inundated by her thoughts and feelings he was fairly certain he was somehow in her dream with her, but whenever he tried to reach out to her to touch or speak, she didn't seem to hear or feel him.

"Hitomi!" Her name wrenched from his throat as he reached out to her as Allen pulled her away. Her feeling of sinking helplessness sickened him, but still she did not respond. Thankfully, however, this horrible memory ended there only to be replaced by one that in his assessment was no better.

He'd been dragged into another place, this one was not a memory they shared but the situation was all too similar. The room was unfamiliar, so was the irritating man that had dared to kiss her this time. He could only assume, this was the man Anil had spoken of. It irritated him that her first thought was of this man's name, Fumio, but unlike what Anil had implied, her thoughts and the feelings were eerily similar. She'd been scared, uncomfortable guilt ridden and then she had seen Anil, and even he could see how similar their reactions were. She'd been pulled under her emotions and the dream warped and they were suddenly in a field, and finally, she seemed to feel and hear him.

It had been so long since words had truly been expressed between them and Van had relished the opportunity to speak to her. Finally he had gotten some answers, though they weren't nearly enough, they did put to rest most of his fears, especially in regards to what Anil had seen. He knew from the dream memory, Hitomi had not actually been happy with the kiss, but still he'd asked her if she was still his, and her response, both verbally and physically to his kiss brought another smile to his face.

He sat up in his room, his chest feeling full and his stomach filled with nervous butterflies and excitement for dawn. As soon as day broke and he turned things over to Millerna, they would be leaving. There was still so much that they had to discuss, but for the moment, his worries about Anil's words were set aside. From what he had seen in Hitomi's mind, whatever had been between her and that other man, it was not something that was a threat.

She is still mine.

Thunder rolled outside the window and Van turned to look into the darkness. Lightening in the distance spider-webbed across thick dark clouds and moments later another rumble of sound informed him of the incoming storm. He'd been expecting it, but it was a little frustrating to see it arriving now with the departure so close.

The rains on their own were no problem, however, the storms and floods that they might bring were and while Millerna and his council were well equipped for such things, it was not the same as having him there.

Please, let the dams hold… one week. I need one week.

Unable to fall back asleep with his now nervous energy, Van pulled back the blankets and stood. He snagged his shirt and threw it over his head, and walked out and into the hall. The scones in the hall were sparsely lit, every third or fourth flickering with firelight, throwing dark shadows against the walls. It was unnerving but familiar and Van made quick work of the few steps that led him to Anil's room.

The door opened soundlessly and like the shadows on the walls, Van slipped inside to stand at his son's bedside. Anil was flopped sideways upon the bed, one leg off the side of the bed, his left hand upon his pillow, his head near the opposite edge of the bed, the rest of him was still under the blankets. Van smiled, amused that Anil could move so much when asleep. Carefully, he reached out and moved Anil back into a proper position, gaining a single sleepy grunt from the six-year-old before he tucked him back under the blankets with care. His hand drifted to run through the black mass of hair on his head in an affectionate manner just as the thunder made another low rumble from outside.

Anil didn't seem to be bothered by the sound, sleeping deeply enough not to be phased. Looking at his son, Van felt a feeling of awe that nearly swamped him. He didn't think of it much, but when things were still and quiet, and when he wasn't consumed by doubt and fear he was overcome with just how miraculous this was. Hitomi and he had created this child.

It was as basic and common as dirt, and yet, it was as amazing as the power of Atlantis which brought forth all of Gaea from a single wish. He was aware his thoughts were overly sentimental, and he could blame his exhaustion on it, but they were no less true.

Relieved the thunder hadn't woken him, and feeling the pull of sleep finally overtaking his mind, Van turned to the leave the room and nearly leapt out of his skin when he saw the silent figure standing beside the door in the shadows. His hand dropped to his hip where his sword usually rested only to find it bare and his fingers flexed as he was reminded that he'd left it in his room before leaving.

Who the hell would dare?

He opened his mouth to demand answers, when a flash of lightening lit the room illuminating the figure if only briefly. Fear bled to confusion and then to wary trepidation.

Celena. It was Allen's sister who stood in a long night dress, her hair mussed and holding a stuffed toy of some kind in her hands. Her pale blue eyes stared straight at him unnervingly from a placid face, her blond curls falling in waves about her shoulders and down her back.

What the hell is she doing here?

Van twitched, wondering what he should say, if he should say anything and trying to figure out why she was in his son's room in the middle of the night? He was reminded of another incident not long after Allen had come to train the new Knights of Fanelia in which he'd looked up from his desk to find her standing silently and staring at him just like she was now.

He'd similarly had no idea how to handle the girl. She had no memories of her time as Dilandau, or at least none that she spoke of, and yet, she had this habit of watching him without speaking as though she were examining him or searching his face for something, but what that was he had no idea.

"…!" Just as he drew breathe to question her, Celena turned her gaze away and walked passed him as though he no longer existed. She stopped by Anil's side and reach out for the blankets.

"Wait—!" He whispered harshly, not wanting to wake Anil and not trusting her actions, but was too late as she tucked the stuffed toy—he only just realized it looked like Jeture—under the blankets and then pulled them back up, tucking both the boy and the doll in.

Van simply gaped at her as she whispered, to the room, herself, Anil or Van he had no idea, "Believe in your heart. Jeture will do the rest."

She then promptly turned and walked out of the room just as silently, and without presence as when she had entered.

"…" Van stood still watching the door, completely awake, baffled and lost by the whole interaction. Thunder boomed overhead and Van sighed placing a hand to his head, suddenly far too tired and confused too deal with this.

I told Allen to keep a closer eye on her…

He was about to leave himself when he thought better of it. He turned back and lifted Anil—and the stuffed toy which was now clutched in his tiny arms—before he left the room. Celena may be harmless, but he did not feel safe leaving Anil alone in this room. The return trip to his room was quick and uneventful, and he quickly tucked first Anil and then himself into the large bed.

Before lying down he ensured his sword was within reach and he was between the door and Anil before allowing his body to relax. This was precisely the reason he had not wanted that girl in the palace. He had no idea what her motives were, and honestly, she bothered him. It was likely she was completely harmless, she had done nothing yet to deserve his paranoia, but that fact did little to calm him.

It was a long time before his eyes closed, but eventually, he did sleep.

XX

The hill with the tree was as it always was; warm, sunny and inviting. Anil was even happier to see his two friends waiting for him. Ni with her pale brown hair, and two different colored eyes watched him with a small placid smile. She always seemed to be deeply thinking of something, or otherwise distracted, but he could tell she listened to every word he said, and she understood more from his words than anyone else. He often wondered if she could feel or read his emotions somehow but he never asked. It seemed rude.

"Anil!" Va, the dark haired girl with the dark eyes waved vivaciously and soon he was embraced by her arms. He laughed as they toppled onto their butts into the grass. She laughed along with him as Ni quietly walked over and offered her hand to help them back up.

"Hello." He said, happily to his two friends. "Guess what? We are getting mommy!"

"Yay!" Va clapped enthusiastically, "You did it. I knew you would. Didn't I say you would do it?" Her head tilted up a bit and she crossed her arms. "I don't know why you bother worrying when I told you it would be fine."

Anil rolled his eyes and looked at Ni who was smiling at him and clapping as well.

"Good Job." She said softly.

"Thanks."

"Yes, yes, now, can we play now? Or do you need to talk to Folken again?" Va asked and Anil was happy to say he was free to play. Too often lately he had not had the luxury of playing here with Va and Ni. He was determined to do so now.

Before long, the three of them were running and jumping around the tree, playing tag until they were breathless and then sitting to make crowns out of the flowers that grew wild in the grass while he made a whistle from a particularly long blade of grass, in between talking to them about Allen, Millerna, Chid and his newly appointed friend, Celena.

Va said she sounded weird, but Ni seemed pleased with his story about the woman who acted like a child, so, Anil didn't pay Va's assessment any mind. At some point, a soft voice whispered on the wind, it sounded a lot like Celena's but he couldn't be certain.

"Believe in your heart. Jeture will do the rest."

"What—?" His question broke off as a dragon seemed to bay from below their perch upon the hill. He couldn't see it but felt its presence. He knew Jeture was the sea dragon from his mommy's stories, and he wondered if that was the cry he'd just heard. "What was that?"

Va shrugged, but didn't seem overly concerned. "Jeture maybe?"

"…hearts are shifting." Ni whispered ominously drawing Anil's attention away from his grass whistle.

The whispers on the wind had been soft and muted unintelligible until Celena's odd words, this was a reflection of the good mood and feelings Anil felt. At least, that was what Folken always said, which was why he jumped when a sudden clap of thunder shattered the stillness and harkened a cold, sharp breeze.

"!" He let out a sharp cry as did Va and they clung to one another as Ni calmly stared into the growing darkness.

"… a storm is coming." She said softly, her eyes distant as she gazed off into the distance beyond their hill. Looking in the same direction, Anil was shocked to see dark clouds and branching lightening on the edge of his vision.

"It was so loud but it's so far away…" Anil whispered, trying to calm his racing heart.

"… its closer than it appears." Ni said in that voice that made him a little afraid of her. "The distance is only a perception of one's own making."

"… I don't understand."

"You don't have to." Ni smiled gently just as cold winds picked up and howled past them.

Anil jerked awake with a gasp, the echoing growl of the thunder making his heart beat even faster as fear followed him into the waking world. The storm was real, he realized as light flashed through the room and the sound of rain and wind wailed outside the windows like monsters.

Terrified, he sat up trying to run and find his daddy when quiet suddenly, his Father sat up beside him, his large hands bracing his shoulders.

"!"

"Shhh. It's just a storm." His father's voice was soothing and so steady that Anil shivered with relief and threw his arms around him snuggling close. He didn't care why his daddy was in the same bed as him, didn't even take notice that he was not in the room he'd claimed as his own. All that he cared about was that he didn't have to be scared because his daddy was right there, and daddy would drive away any monster, even one disguised as a storm.

"Are you scared of the noise?" Van asked, his arms wrapping Anil up tightly and tucking them both under the blankets. Anil nodded his head, pressing closer when another growl and an even louder shatter of rain rang through the room.

"… it sounds like a monster is trying to get inside." He confessed.

His father chuckled and the warm amusement calmed him a little more, enough that he unburied his head and looked up at him curiously. "Daddy?"

"It does sound like a dragon doesn't it?"

A dragon?

Anil hadn't thought of that. He listened carefully to the sounds and found himself slowly nodding. It did sound like an angry dragon, in fact it sounded like the baying dragon he and Va thought to be Jeture. He liked dragons, so he shouldn't be so frightened right. He flinched at another howl that brought the rain harder against the walls and roof.

"Do you remember what I said about Escaflowne?" Van asked, gently patting his head and Anil frowned trying to recall what had been said.

"… the sky dragon that watches over Fanelia, not your armor?"

"Yes. The Dragon God of the Sky."

"… he protects us and sleeps a lot. But, wakes up and scares off bad guys…?"

"That's right." Van praised him. "You don't have to be scared of the storms, Anil. It's just Escaflowne warning off the bad guys and chasing them far away."

"… there were bad guys here?"

"No… no, Escaflowne will also ward off bad spirits and energy." His father explained but Anil didn't really understand what he meant. He still nodded his head all the same. "This is a good omen. Escaflowne is making sure our trip to get mommy tomorrow will be smooth and without problems."

"Really?" Anil asked, looking out the window at the thrashing rain and lightning. He supposed that made sense. It certainly sounded scary enough to chase away bad luck and spirits.

"Really."

Anil slowly relaxed as he watched and listened to the roars of Escaflowne. Whether it was because his father was with him, or because of what he had said, Anil felt his fear ease away and after sometime he was yawning, his eyes growing heavy once again.

"Daddy?"

"Yes?"

"You will stay?" He asked around a yawn, rubbing his eyes.

"Yes." The firm and concise answer made Anil smile, his eyes drifting closed.

"Good."

"Good night, Anil." His father whispered, nearly drowned out by Escaflowne's thunderous bellows of protection and Anil smiled, wondering if this was what Ni had meant and if he would see his two friends again when he fell asleep.

XX

17 September, 2003

Earth

XX

"… so, you managed to talk in the dream but didn't ask why he was being so weird yesterday?" Yukari's question made Hitomi frown and stop mid-sentence as she realized that, no she had not actually asked Van why his emotions had been so tumultuous the day before.

She had her own private opinion on that but she didn't feel right telling Yukari about it as it was deeply personal and was rooted in her own stupid mistakes and sins.

"… er… no. No I didn't."

Yukari made a noise of deep frustration and threw her arms dramatically into the air. "Hitomi… dream or no dream, these are the things you ask!"

"I was a little preoccupied!"

"With what?" Yukari asked and whatever expression came over her face, Yukari swiftly blushed, coughed and then promptly changed the subject. "Right… so, what does this mean?"

"… I think he's coming."

"What? You mean here?"

Hitomi nodded, a smile starting to spread.

"Now?"

"…"

"… let me guess, you didn't ask." Yukari let her head flop back against the back of the couch and groaned. "Well, you should at least contact your parents. You know, update them on all of this."

"Oh. You think so?" She hadn't actually planned to say anything until she had Anil physically there in her arms, but she supposed it might be best to let her mother and father know seeing as how they know the truth and believe what she said.

"Yes. If he shows up in a hurry to take you back, your parents should at least know what happening."

"…" Hitomi felt guilt creep up then. She had already made up her mind and was planning to leave once she had spoken to Van and confirmed that this was what they both wanted. She hadn't even told her parents that she knew Anil was safe. They were still worried sick and Mamoru was likely still searching for Anil as he'd said in the voice message.

They deserved to know… why didn't I call them sooner?

Despite the self-recrimination, she knew she had remained quiet because she didn't want to raise their hopes too soon as she had no idea when Van would actually return with Anil. She'd thought it would be better to call and say, "he's back!" rather than say, "he's alive and safe with his father, no I have no clue when they might return."

But who am I to make that call for them?

She picked up the phone and quickly dialed her parent's landline (1). It rang three times before her mother picked up.

"Kanzaki residence." The sound of her mother's voice suddenly made her eyes sting and Hitomi choked slightly unable to reply right away. "Hello? Hitomi, is that you? Are you all right?"

Her eyes filled with tears and she lifted a hand to her mouth only just now realizing how much saying goodbye was going to hurt. She sniffled and tried to calm down, aware that the longer she remained like this, the more her mother would worry.

"Y—yes, Mom. I'm here… sorry, I just…"

"Oh, honey, its okay. You don't have to explain." Her mother said, her voice full of emotion. "Do you need me to come over?"

She didn't need it but she suddenly felt that she wanted to spend time with her mother especially if this was going to be the end.

"If you have time…"

"Of course! I'll head out now. Is there anything you need? I have some left overs I can bring… Oh! Yukari and Amano are there right? I should—" Her mother rattled on and Hitomi's eyes watered once more, tears falling with every blink.

She had been so naïve to think that she would have been fine in just four years. Yes, she still intended to go, but she was now aware of how much that departure would hurt. She would miss her mother, father, brother, Yukari, Amano and her co-workers. She would miss the modern conveniences and the ability to simply call them up and see them whenever. She had questioned many times over the years, if she'd made the right choice in returning to Earth after the war.

If she'd just stayed in Fanelia, she would have discovered her pregnancy with Van. They could have gone through it together and none of this pain and doubt would have been necessary. However, had she not returned home, she would have missed out on all of this.

No… for all the pain this was the right choice.

Hitomi thought, rubbing the last of the tears from her eyes and hanging up with her mother with the promise of seeing her shortly. She had the opportunity to be truthful with her loved ones, she had helped Yukari and Amano find each other, she'd attended their wedding, and was able to know of their pregnancy. She was able to give her parents six years with their grandson which she knew was not enough but was more than she could promise in the future.

"My mother is on her way over. She's bringing food and other things." Hitomi laughed a little and Yukari nodded as though she had expected the tears and the action.

"Good. We can all talk then."

"How did you know?"

"Hm? How did I know you needed to speak with your mother before you decided to leave?" Yukari rolled her eyes. "Hitomi, I may not have the ability to see visions or read the future, but I like to think I know you pretty well."

A bright and kind smile spread over Yukari's features and before she knew it Hitomi was smiling as well. "Yeah. Yeah, you do."

She didn't know what she had done to deserve such a friend, but she was grateful for it all the same. No matter what happened, no matter how hard or how long it would take, she would somehow keep in touch with her family and with Yukari.

I wonder if I could wish letters back to them from Gaea?

It was a passing thought as she was quickly swept up in preparing for her mother's visit and figuring out how to explain everything to her mother. While she worried her mother would be disappointed in her for her choice, she knew her mother would support her as she always had and she was thankful she could take this time to appreciate that.

XX

Celena didn't always have trouble sleeping at night. In fact, most of her nightmares had faded with time and with her brother's protective—and sometimes smothering—presence, but storms and relatively unfamiliar places tended to cause her sleep to be restless. While Fanelia and its palace were familiar, seeing as how she had spent the better part of two years here when she had first been reunited with Allen, it had been almost five since she had last stayed within its walls and the storm the night before had been particularly harsh and loud.

I hope Anil was able to sleep through it.

Her thoughts wandered to the small boy who was so very adorable and in some ways, similar to herself. Enough so, that she felt an instant comradery with the young prince and she wanted to help him. After hearing that he too was plagued by the dead, she had decided she would do everything in her power to make it easier for him. She was an adult after all, no matter what Allen said, and Anil was still just a kid.

So, when the faces of those young knights she did not know but felt so many sad and conflicting emotions for, haunted her dreams and sent her running from her bedroom, she had gone to check on Anil in case he too had troubles like this. She had even gone back to her room to retrieve the small plush of Jeture she had received from Allen upon their reunion seven years ago. She no longer needed it for comfort, but she imagined, Anil might.

She had not considered that she might run into Van. Celena sighed, as she made her way down the lightened halls. Dawn had thankfully come at last and she was again walking the corridor that she had ventured down last night. Poking her head in the prince's room only to find it empty.

She wasn't surprised by this.

She continued down the hall to the room she knew belonged to Van and silently opened the door to poke her head in. She knew doing this was rude, and a rather large breech in privacy, but she didn't actually care. She wanted to be sure her friend was okay. Looking into the room she found Van and Anil cuddled under the bedding, still asleep.

She smiled, her shoulders relaxing at the sight. She'd forgotten last night that Anil had a father to protect him. Allen had been there to help her through the nightmares at first. She'd run to his room and he would calm her and either let her sleep beside him or he would tuck her back in bed and stay by her side until she fell back asleep. She was too old to be relying on him like that, however, and so, she now walked the halls until exhaustion took her or the storm passed.

It's good you have him.

Celena thought, eyes lingering on the two who looked so similar. Unintentionally her eyes fell and stayed upon Van's face and her smile dimmed. Her feelings were always messy and complicated whenever she looked at the King of Fanelia. Most times, she felt too much; most of the emotions directly contradicting each other. Sometimes the emotional 'noise' inside of her became so intense she could do nothing but stand and stare at him.

She wanted to know why she felt so much all at once. Why, upon their first meeting, did she feel hatred, guilt, sadness, regret, gratefulness and so many other things she didn't have names for in regards to a man she had never met before? Why was it that when she was near him she felt frustrated, but also happy? No, happy wasn't the right word, excited perhaps? Maybe contented?

She still couldn't put an accurate name to what she felt and she had actively sought him out hoping to get answers. However, there was a part of her, deep down and sleeping that stirred when she tried too much to understand and that part of her whispered warnings; don't ask, don't question, don't look. Just let it go.

Celena's head tilted to the side and she took a few steps into the bed chamber and continued to stare at Van. She listened to that voice more often than not, but it didn't stop her curiosity. It also didn't explain why sometimes her cheek twitched when she got too close to him.

She'd thought at first that she was in love with him. One of those fairytale loves that springs up at first sight and when Allen and she had arrived in Fanelia seven years back, she'd followed Van around like a lost child. However, the more time she spent around him, the more confusing her feelings became until she was forced to admit that whatever it was she felt for the King, it was not love.

She does feel something for him though, and being around him made her heart race in excitement; she liked being in his presence, but no, it was most certainly not love. If it had been, learning that he had a wife and child would have upset her. From what she understood, she should have felt hurt, sadness and jealousy. Well, she always felt those things around him and they didn't not increase or alter when she heard this news. In fact, what she had actually felt upon this news had been relief.

I do not understand this.

Celena let out a breath, head shaking as that part deep inside her told her to look away now, to turn and let go of her curiosity. She would obey that voice inside, it only ever looked out for her after all, and she really didn't want to explain to her brother why she had been in Van's bedchambers early in the morning staring at him while he slept again. While she got a sick sort of enjoyment from confusing others and making them question her, she didn't think it would be wise to do so right now.

She turned to leave just as the cat woman, Merle, stepped in through the door. They nearly collided with each other.

"Oh!" Her deep blue eyes widened with recognition and slight fear—another anomaly that Celena could not understand—before her gaze darted toward the two sleeping figures. The woman relaxed when she confirmed both were healthy and alive.

Why do they all think I could harm Van?

She questioned the action as she always did and ignored the cold certainty that she had no explanation for, that told her she could.

Merle's brows pinched and she looked at Celena in that more amusing way that silently asked if she were some kind of pervert. Celena stared back, her face school carefully blank, and just as she saw Merle draw in breath to speak, Celena turned and walked from the room. She walked carefully, with a purpose but without haste and did not once look back.

Once in the hall her lips twitched and she smothered a laugh. Looked like she was going to cause more chaos despite her best intentions.

Oh well, if I play stupid they will let it go.

On the plus side, her brother might spend more time with her as a result which she both loved and hated in equal measure these days. Right now, she wanted his attention and care, however, so this was good in her opinion. With the sun peeking out from the last of the lingering storm clouds from the night, the ghosts from her mind sleeping once more, and the knowledge that her brother would be fretting about her all day, Celena smiled and almost skipped the rest of the way to the dining hall.

XX

"I'm telling you, she's going to cause problems!" Merle fussed, her tail fluffed and her hands gesturing wildly about her as they awaited Allen in the glade where he had laid both Folken and Escaflowne to rest.

He'd sent Hitomi home from this spot, it only made sense that he should attempt to send the three of them back from this place as well. It was fitting, and hopefully, they would return to this spot as well upon their return.

"She's so creepy! Who does that?!"

"Stop being mean to Celena!" Anil defended with a pout and his hands braced upon his hips in a rather impressive imitation of Hitomi. "She's my friend."

Merle made a face and shuddered. "She's sneaking into bedchambers and watching people sleep… that's not a friend. That's a stalker."

"Who's a stalker?" Allen asked, diffusing the situation as Anil's cheeks puffed out at Merle's words, by simply speaking.

"Allen." Van greeted, hoping to change the subject before Allen could become concerned and delay their departure further. It was already mid-morning and he did not want to waste anymore time. He could deal with Celena's concerning behavior when he returned. She was showing far too much interest in Anil for Van's comfort, but so far she hadn't done anything to harm him. And she had always behaved oddly around him. Thankfully, he had not seen any evidence of Dilandau reappearing, all the same, it did need to be discussed.

Just, not now.

Which was why he'd not brought the subject up at breakfast after Merle had woken him and informed him of what she had seen that morning. Merle however felt differently.

"Your sister." She snapped.

"Celena? What about her?" Allen stiffened and looked behind him where Millerna, Chid and Celena were approaching.

"She—"

"Merle."

"Lord Van!" Merle complained, clearly distressed. "She—"

"We can address it when we return." Van placed a hand on her head like he used to when she was smaller and her ears folded back and she pouted but relented.

"Discuss what?" Allen asked, voice tight and on high alert now that Celena had been brought up. Van sighed, knowing he'd have to address this in some way.

"She has not been careful about boundaries."

Allen's eyes closed and he pinched the bridge of his nose. Van was fairly certain he knew what Van meant and was likely recalling the incidents in which Celena had stood awkwardly in both his office and personal bedchambers during their stay when Allen trained the knights. "I apologize on her behalf."

"Accepted." Van said swiftly.

"She was just making sure I was okay, right Celena?" Anil said, looking up at the girl as the trio finally made it within ear shot. The girl who was typically blank faced around him, broke into a soft smile as she saw Anil and crouched down to pat his head.

"Yes."

"See!" Anil proudly stared Merle down and then stuck his tongue out for good measure.

"She can't just go into people's bed chambers! It's rude and—"

"She didn't!" Millerna gasped, hand placed to her mouth, eyes tracking to Van and then to Allen having clearly heard of the previous incidents, which only added to Van's mortification.

"Celena!" Allen chided, not so much a shout though the tone was strict enough to carry.

The girl looked up at Allen, her face carefully blank and tilted her head in response. Van watched as Allen groaned and took several steadying breaths at that response just as Anil stepped up, put his back to Celena and spread his arms out as though to protect her.

"She was just looking out for me! Stop picking on her!"

Behind him Celena's eyes widened before a gentle smile curved her lips and she patted Anil on the head as she stood, accepting his protection but also dismissing it in a single gentle action. It made Van question if her blank expression of confusion was an act. If it was, he was a little worried as to the motivation behind it, but he still felt no threat from her and her eyes remained a clear blue color.

"I will not open doors without knocking." Celena stated, acknowledging her wrong doing and in the same breath making no promises to stop either. She merely promised to knock first.

From Allen's expression, he could tell what she meant and Van felt his irritation rise. They didn't have time for this.

"I will keep a close eye on her." Millerna interrupted, hand placed upon Celena's shoulder. "You should hurry."

"She would be even less likely to cause trouble on the Crusade." Allen said smoothly, the threat clear. Celena's eyes flashed and her lips quirked into a concerning smirk that made Van uneasy. He had the distinct feeling that if Allen were to lock her on the leviship, Celena would prove to him just how much trouble she could cause.

"There is no need for that, we will keep her busy." Chid smoothly stepped in. "Just concern yourselves with your mission."

Celena crouched and gently pushed Anil toward him her words soft and kind, "Go get your mother, Little Prince."

"Yes." Anil nodded and ran to Van's side gripping his hand tightly, all previous defensiveness forgotten. Van wasn't certain how he should feel about it, but determined it wasn't worth worrying about right now.

Allen grunted but accepted Chid and Millerna's reassurances and moved to stand at Van's side. "So, what do we need to do?"

Van, still wearing the pendant, pulled out the dragenergyst from the pouch he'd attached to his belt next to his sword and looked down upon it. It had worked before, though he was still nervous. "I will wish to return to the Mystic Moon. Anil," At his name his son looked up at him. "I need you to picture the place where you left from. Can you do that?"

Anil nodded his head. "Yeah."

"Picture it clearly in your head. That should take us where we want to go."

"Should?" Allen asked dubiously and Van gave him a look.

"Its how Hitomi got home last time."

Allen didn't seem too pleased with this but kept his comments to himself. "Did you find an answer for the communication barrier?"

Van winced. He had tried to make the wish with the pendant to ensure he and Allen could communicate with other people than Hitomi and Anil, but had no idea if it had worked or not. There had been no indication, no flash of light, no feeling of difference to tell him that he had indeed had his wish granted. Then again, what kind of sign should he expect?

"I don't know."

"?" Allen raised a single eyebrow at him and Van let out a breath in a huff, irritated for no other reason than the fact that he had no answer to give.

"I tried to make a wish using the pendant, but until we arrive there, I do not think we will know if it worked or not."

"Well, this should be enlightening then."

Van turned and lifted Anil into his arms, ignoring Allen completely. Once Anil's weight was comfortably settled, Van took a final breath to steady his nerves. "Alright Anil, think of the place. Picture it in your mind, with as much detail as you can remember."

"Yes, Daddy." Anil's eyes scrunched shut as he did as told, and Van made eye contact with Millerna and Chid, nodding once before looking at Allen. The blond man seemed uncomfortable but was hiding it well, all he did was nod his head in return. Van lifted the energyst above his head and made a wish to the pendant.

Take us to the Mystic Moon... to Hitomi.

There was a moment of silence, and then that odd sensation, like water running up one's body crept over him and then there was a blue light that engulfed the three of them. A floating sensation came next, and soon his feet left the ground. Allen let out a sound at his side, and his hand gripped his shoulder tightly as they rose into the sky, they lifted faster and then… he felt solid ground under his feet, the sun was hot overhead, unblocked by trees, and the acrid smell of the Mystic Moon filled his lungs.

It worked.

A.N. Finally! I've finally made it to this point in the story! They are about to meet up with Hitomi and Yukari will get her chance to punch Van! LOL! Just kidding… or am I? When I started this story idea, all the way back in 2011, and I was writing up the notes for this story, I honestly didn't think I'd get to this point. I have a nasty habit of writing up the notes and the entire layout of a story and then never finishing it, which was why I told myself I wouldn't post anything until I had finished writing the whole thing. Well, back in 2015 I had completed 7 chapters and apparently decided to start posting again to motivate more writing... and then got pregnant and forgot I had posted... now, here I am, pushing out a chapter a week and editing another and we have FINALLY made it to chapter 14! This is all thanks to you who have reviewed and been waiting for this story. I promise you I will finish this beast for all of you!

1) Not sure how it was in Japan in 2003, but I clearly recall my parents having and actively still using their landline. My father had a cell phone by then but my mother did not. While cell phones started becoming widespread in Japan by 2008, the first cell phone for personal use to the masses came out in 1999 according to: wiki/Japanese_mobile_phone_culture so I am just going to say her parents have a landline, her brother and father have cell phones and Hitomi has a cell phone but also uses a landline in her home as well.