***Author's Note***

***Author's Note***

What to say, what to say. Well, I have a lot to say but it doesn't concern the fic and I'm sure you don't want to hear my babbling which is what I am doing right now so thanks for the reviews and go ahead and do it again after you read this chapter. Oh wait! I just remembered something! Okay, Invisible_Rain asked for more V/H fluff. Umm...so far, I haven't written a single fic with much fluff but I'll try and add some in later chapters when it seems appropriate to put it in. I'm not sure if it'll be so good but I'll try if you all want it!

Disclaimer: Look at previous disclaimers.

Dedication: " " dedications. (Am I getting lazy or what?)

Parents' Wish

Chapter 6: Meeting by the Lake

By: ME jus1digigirl *Maura*

Merle stood in front of her almira trying to decide what outfit to wear for her meeting with Jair. True, it was an informal meeting but she still wanted to look good. Sighing, she finally picked out an outfit and changed. Walking to the mirror, she ran a comb through her short pink hair. It was long once but she had hated it. It would always get in the way. While looking through her accessories, she suddenly heard a knock on the door.

"Who is it!?" she yelled.

The person from the other side replied, "Torak. Open up Merle! I couldn't find King Van in town and no one's seen him for almost two hours now!" he said frantically.

Merle growled lowly and swung open the door. "Oh wow, two hours without the King. I'm sure you'll just die," she said sarcastically. "Look Torak, Lord Van's probably at the stables or maybe in his study. Try there and DON'T DISTURB ME AGAIN!" she yelled and slammed the door shut.

Torak stood staring at the closed door. He was getting nervous. Clutching a letter in his hand, he walked to the king's study. From what he knew, King Fanel didn't have knowledge of his engagement. Torak himself had been at the meeting years earlier when it had been done and the papers signed. He had to tell the king to get ready for Princess Hippoly whom was coming this very night. It was too soon in Torak's opinion but he hoped that his king would be attracted to the girl and finally marry. The kingdom needed an heir to the throne and this would be the only way. King Van's study was on the opposite side of the castle. He quickened his pace to get there hoping to find his majesty there.

~*~*~*~*~*~

"Your carriage awaits Princess," said a servant boy bowing.

Kaira nodded curtly, standing in front of her bedroom door. The tears were long gone. She would deal with this issue like an adult, not like a blubbering child. "Thank you David. Have my bags been placed inside?"

David nodded. "Yes m'lady. Everything is set. But before you set off for your journey, your parents would like to bid you farewell before your departure. They would like for you to meet them in the throne room."

"Very well then. Before I go to see them, I would like for you to do me a favor." She looked the thirteen-year old boy in the eye and held out a white-gloved hand, which contained a sealed envelope. In a low voice, she said, "Take this to Teddie Darkes. He does the village's odd jobs and you will find him living with his aunt in the house next to the blacksmith's. Do not tell anyone about this but if someone happens to ask, tell him or her it is money I owe him for saving my life from a runaway horse. Hurry now and remember, not a word! Take this money for your help! Now go!"

David rushed off, letter tucked away in his jacket and the money pouch in his pant pocket. Kaira sighed heavily and proceeded down to the throne. Her parents would not see an upset young woman but a determined one. She vowed to herself not to start an argument and merely ask direct questions. Once she arrived in Fanelia, no one could stop her from running away.

~*~*~*~*~*~

"So Merle," Jair started looking out into the water, "you gonna tell me your little secret now?"

"Maybe, maybe not," Merle replied mischievously. Jair and Merle were both sitting on the soft grass by the lake.

"Hey," he looked at her. "No fair. I agreed to meet you out here so you could tell me and now you won't?" He made his eyes all big and wide as if hurt.

Merle giggled and pushed him slightly. "Oh alright then." She leaned close to his ear and whispered, "Lord Van is out of this world."

Jair laughed. "That's your secret? I can't believe that. Most of the girls I know seem to think the same exact thing!"

Merle shook her head laughing. "No no. I mean that seriously. He's out of this world and on another!"

Jair stopped laughing and gaped at her. "You mean..." he trailed off and looked into the sky, which was slowly darkening.

Merle nodded. "Yup. He went to the Mystic Moon to bring back his loved one as the poem stated."

"Loved one? Poem?"

Merle explained to him about the old desk and the poem while watching his expression. As she spoke of the old man who owned the desk, it seemed as if a flicker of recognition went through Jair's eyes but then quickly disappeared. Merle didn't notice however.

"So, who's the mighty king's loved one?"

"Didn't you hear of the girl from the Mystic Moon?" Merle asked.

Jair nodded and smacked his forehead. "Of course! Lady Hitomi!"

"Right! They were too shy to admit to each other that they really, truly loved each other then. Such idiots! And now, Lord Van missed her so much, the fool decided to finally, after three years, bring her back," Merle sighed. "Now when they get her, I'll have to help Lord Van into getting up the nerve to propose."

"I guess they like each other so much, they don't even realize it themselves." Jair said softly.

"Yeah," Merle agreed noticing his tone.

"Merle?" Jair said turning his head towards her.

Merle's heart started to beat faster. She too turned her head. "Hmm?"

Jair leaned in as Merle did the same. They closed their eyes, Merle's heart feeling as if it were about to explode when suddenly, four people landed on top of the pair.

"MMEEOOWW!" Merle hissed and jumped out of the pile of people. Claws extended, she looked around, ready to kill the intruders who had ruined her moment, until, she recognized a voice.

"Ow ow!"

"Lord Vaaaan!" Merle shouted happily and leaped on him. She began licking his face and then noticed the others. "Hitomi!"

Hitomi was now standing, brushing off her skirt and looking around. "Merle? Is-is that you?" she smiled as the cat-girl gave her a huge hug.

"Hitomi! What took you so long! I was so worried that you'd never come back here!" Merle started crying with happiness.

"Come on Merle. Don't cry. I'm here now and you can let go of me before I suffocate."

Merle laughed and wiped away her tears. "Sorry. I just get overexcited sometimes."

Once she let go, Hitomi noticed that Merle had grown a lot. She was wearing a lovely blue sundress, which showed her curves and slender feline figure. "Merle, you've grown so much! You're a beautiful young lady now."

Merle blushed and turned to Yukari and Amano. "Who're you?"

They jumped back at the sight of Merle. "What? Never seen a cat-girl before?"

"Merle, these are my best friends from Earth, Yukari and Amano. Yukari, Amano, this is my very good cat-girl friend, Merle. She's Van's adopted little sister. And before you begin to talk, who's this cute cat-guy Merle?" Hitomi gestured towards Jair with a sly smile. He was standing to the side in complete shock.

She noticed Merle and Jair go pink at her comment. "Jair, this is Lady Hitomi and her friends. Guys, this is Jair. He works around the castle here and there and he's also my friend."

"Nice to meet you Jair." Hitomi extended a hand.

Jair came out of his trance and kissed her hand. "Pleasure's all mine."

Hitomi giggled and left the four alone to get to know each other. She walked over to Van who was still lying on the ground, wings out. "Van?" she asked softly, kneeling down.

Van groaned and slowly opened his eyes. "Did we...did we make it?"

Hitomi smiled and lifted his head onto her lap. "Yup. All thanks to you Van." Then she frowned. "But your wings need tending to right away. I hope they're not broken Van!"

Van smiled up at her concern. "Hey, don't worry. It was all worth-OW!" He yelped as he tried to sit up.

"Oh no!" Hitomi cried. "Van, don't move. I think-I think you're wings are broken." A few tears fell onto Van's forehead.

"Hitomi, I already told you, it was all worth it to bring you back. And besides, I don't think it's my wings, it's my wrist." He held up his left arm.

"Oh no! Merle!" Hitomi called out.

Merle walked over. "Lord Van! What happened Hitomi? What's wrong? Is it his wings?"

"Merle, I need you to get the castle's doctor. Van's sprained his wrist badly and I think he's too tired to retract his wings, which are slightly damaged. Get the doctor to meet us in Van's room."

Merle nodded and quickly scampered off towards the palace. Jair walked over. "Maybe I can take Your Highness to his room. It will be hard to walk in this condition." he suggested.

Van groaned. He hated it when others had to help him as if her were helpless. He knew they were only trying to help but at times, it was quite embarrassing. "No, I think I'm fine. Hitomi, help me to stand."

Hitomi held him down. "No you don't mister! You just flew over a hundred feet into the air carrying four heavy people and some luggage and you are going to let Jair carry you. Do you understand me?" she said looking down at him sternly.

Van sighed. Once Hitomi got like this, she meant it. He smiled up at her. "Oh fine! But let's hurry. I don't want anyone seeing me being carried in. I'm supposed to carry injured people, not the other way around." He complained as Jair lifted him up and started walking.

"Oh quit complaining! It's better this way you'll see." Hitomi turned to Yukari and Amano. "Let's go." And the three followed Jair and Van into the palace.

~*~ Does Kaira have a plan up her sleeve? Will Torak finally be able to inform the King about the Princess? Will Yukari and Amano adjust to the new lifestyle? And will the doctor be able to help Van? ~*~

***Author's Note***

Okay, in my opinion as the author, I think that this chapter was pretty boring. If you think so too, I'm not offended. But I had writers block on this one. Some later chapters are planned in my head but this one was confusing to write for me. Anyway, hope it was okay enough. Please review! Thanks. And don't forget, any suggestions and ideas are helpful!

*Maura*