~Alright this story has finally come to a close. I really hope all who read
this story enjoyed it. Sorry for the misspelling in the last chapters, but
it has something to do with the site. I tried to see if I had misspelled
stuff, but I didn't misspell anything. Somehow the site screwed up the
words~
~Read this final chapter and please review after. If you review I would
appreciate if you reviewed both the chapter and the entire story itself!
Thanks!~
~Sorry this took so long to get out, but several things happened causing me
to be unable to work on my story. Than I went on a trip for several days.
NOT TO MENTION THE SERIOUS WRITER'S BLOCK I GOT!!!!!! I'm really sorry for
the delay! Please forgive me!~
The Fate of Two Worlds
By Angel_Wings
Chapter 31 ~ With Each Ending There is a New Beginning
~Fanelia~
The town was completely deserted as the dust rolled through the rows of
buildings. Sunlight cascaded over the small houses of wood and stone
highlighting their features. A slight breeze played in the few sprouts of
grass that grew amongst the dirt paths and ran in the streets. The village
square held a small foundation as a source of water in the form of an angel
woman tipping a large stone vase. Crystal water sprung from its center in a
gracefully flow before falling into the white marble pool. Several doves of
pearly feathers perched themselves on the rim of the foundation enjoying
the light spray of the water. Nearby an orange feline crouched behind some
boxes stored in one of the alleys.
This creature was very similar to a normal house cat. Its body was the same
shape as the domestic feline and even held the same colored fur. The weird
thing was that its ears were extremely large and held furry orange spikes
on the tips. Also her ankles had spiked fur that nearly hid her orange paws
completely. With hungry blue eyes the cat watched the group of birds
indulge in their shower as her claws emerged from the spiked fur.
With a howl the feline raced for the prey as she bared her fangs. The tiny
forms of feathery beings went to the air and flew into the blue. The young
cat gave a soft hiss in annoyance at the lost meal and let her tail run
along the white marble angrily whilst watching the fleeting forms disappear
over the rooftops. The doves glided over the multiple roofs as the sunlight
caused their snow white feathers to glow. Crying sweetly to the breeze that
ran over their wings the birds headed towards the main attraction of the
large village.
A building that towered over the rest of the surrounding houses stood
proudly. No, it was not the castle that watched over the quiet city, but
something just as important to the citizens in their peaceful kingdom. The
structure was built in calm white stone that held several large gables.
Chestnut roof of oak sheltered several large golden bells that sat silently
within the formation of stone. Several stained glass windows dotted the
side of the edifice of hardness. Although there were already a number of
closed windows someone had instituted that windows with no obstacles of
glass were to be craved into the rock walls. Golden light from the sun ran
through the both types of windows sending illumination to the room
concealed behind the granite walls.
The dozen of pearly white birds soared towards the sanctuary with
eagerness, for the building gave off a protective sense that made the doves
wish for its shelter. Gracefully the flock of beautiful creatures flew
through one of the open windows and glided through the sunlight with their
bodies causing shadows to be cast through out the room,.... but none of the
occupants even noticed. As the doves flew up to the above rafters of the
room their ebony eyes turned towards the scene below with curiosity.
In the comfortable glow of the sun a multitude stood within the religious
building. No angels appeared to stand in the dark pews of the vast room of
white stone and marble floors. Flowers in large vases decorated several
spots in the room and it obvious from the large crowd that there was a
special event occurring. The sweet fragrance of buds dwelling within the
room floated in the air and tickled at the audience's noses. All beings
standing in the holy realm of the building were dressed in fashionable
attire and showed the importance of the day's event. At the head of the
room was a large platform that held a specific group of people. There were
two rows of beings while standing in between the two groups were two lone
figures. Amongst the rows of people stood Yukari, Amano, Allen, Millerina,
Merle, and Celena. While the friends of foreign cultures stood waiting in
anticipation they smiled at one another in deep joy.
One of the lone figures standing in the center of the marble platform was
an old man with pale skin that sagged from many wrinkles. His round head
held no hair and his brown eyes were dull with age. A long robe that
concealed his frail body and covered his toes. The outfit was a bright
white and was topped with a golden vest that was nearly as long as the
robe. Within a hand that seemed as fragile as glass was a scepter that
stood as tall as the old man. This object was very smooth and was twisted
in a graceful sweep of gold near its round top. If carefully inspected you
might have seen designs of tiny dragons engraved in the handle of the
scepter. At the head of the rod was a large red sphere that gleamed in the
room's lighting. The way this important being held the object it seemed
that the staff held some kind of sacred importance.
Next to him stands our hero of this tale. The young king of raven locks
stood proudly in his royal armor with his helmet beneath one arm. It was
the same attire he had worn on his day of initiation as king. His dark blue
cape slightly fluttered in the wind which had somehow been able to find its
way into the cathedral. Beneath his royal armor Van wore a white leather
outfit trimmed in golden thread. Ebony locks fell over eager fire eyes that
stared at the huge entry way of the church. Smiling towards the graceful
doorway the tan man waited for his bride.
Soon the sound of harps, flutes, and what seemed to be a piano played in
the air. All occupants in the rows of their seats suddenly straighten up
and turned their eyes towards the large double doors at the head of the
church. For several moments the audience studied the wood. The carving of
the dark oak doors was handcrafted and showed such elegance. Flows of brown
designs ran over the beautiful wood that gleamed from the sunlight. Its
wonders made whatever laid beyond its entrance seem all the more glorious.
Slowly with an almost silent creak sunlight began to peek through a crack
of the opening doors. The golden glow streaked through the room and crossed
over the dozen of waiting faces of the crowd. Happy smiles washed over
people's diverse faces as the two slabs of oak pulled completely open with
the help of two well dressed soldiers. The sunlight flushed the eyes of
varies colors blinding people.
It took several moments for the people to refocus their vision on the forms
standing beneath the archway. Standing in the intense fiery glow stood a
goddess. Short hair of silky mahogany was riddled with delicate blue
flowers woven into her hair. The white dress that the seeress had worn at
the Mystic Valley again covered her milky skin. In one beautiful hand was a
bouquet of foreign flowers that smelt like rare perfume. Like it often was
the red stone pendant graced Hitomi's slim neck reflecting the light
innocently like it was nothing more than a helpless trinket. Sparkling
emeralds dazzled at the waiting groom as she slowly stepped down the long
aisle that led to her future.
The young maiden barely noticed her father's arm locked with her own as she
stared at the man before her. Hitomi couldn't believe that the dream that
haunted her every thought for the last couple of years was slowly unfolded
before her in reality. Her vision was blurred for a moment as salty
droplets watered her emerald eyes. Blinking away the involuntary tears the
young woman stepped with the melody of the music as she walked towards her
beloved.
His eyes of fiery glow never left the vision that walked down the aisle to
him. Since the time of his advisors demands for a queen he had dreamed of
the day when the ceremony would be taken place. It still amazed him how
fast he had found the royal beauty who would stand forever at his side. A
dream.... that what it was.... a dream.... This perfect moment that hung in
time couldn't be real.... It was too peaceful.... to rewarding..... to
perfect..... With a new glint in his rubies the angel king thought, 'If
this is a dream then I hope I never wake....."
Both felt the same butterflies that flew in their stomachs and perhaps they
had their doubts like any person would when they perform such a ceremony,
but that was all soon washed away as their eyes locked together in a gaze
that showed all the love they shared....
The goddess of pearly white grew closer to the platform that held her
destiny. Her deep green depths never looked away from the tan face of her
angel. Even if she would have tried she wouldn't have been able to escape
his gaze, for it was such bliss just to have such a lock with her only love
would have killed her if she turned away. To have this moment was far
better than anything Hitomi could ever dream of.... and she would never
give up on what they shared.... That's what this moment was about....
Announcing their love to the world before joining together in a holy union
that would forever hold their two souls together as one..... It was a
sacred moment that many had discarded on both their worlds like an
unnecessary event with no purpose,.... but to Hitomi and Van it was
special.... That bond that held such importance was called marriage.....
With her feet floating on air the maiden from the foreign moon halted at
the foot of platform's stairs still with her eyes of emerald pools locked
in the unbreakable gaze of her beloved..... her king.... her angel.... her
future mate....
Rei smiled fondly at his daughter seeing the sparkle in her eyes. That
glowed that swirled in his offspring's ebony pupils was very familiar to
the man. It had been the same sparkled that had once pierced his own mud
eyes when he had fallen for Hitomi's mother. With that gaze of love he saw
in his oldest child he felt a small stab of sorrow hit him. His
daughter.... his little one..... had grown into a mature woman.... who had
done a great deal in her life already..... Like all father's feel when they
let go of their daughter Rei felt the loss of losing the little girl of
braided locks and blue overalls. Looking over at the young pale face that
showed hints of his physical attributes the man saw a younger version of
his wife standing next to him.
The father of the bride barely noticed his large hand reaching out to take
the young king's tan one, for his heart was pounding and his feelings
surging while he acted on instinct. His dear child was gone.... Though she
stood right next to him physically.... the man couldn't help, but think
that she was gone forever.... The dependence he had always felt from her
was no more and he felt incomplete.... No, it was not the incompleteness
of a spouse,.... but of a family.... He knew the limb of his emotions known
as his daughter, Hitomi, would forever be handicapped from this day
forward, but like all fathers do on this occasion Rei let go of the idea of
a five year old girl still calling for her daddy.... and accepted the
truth..... his little one..... his little girl..... was a woman.... and was
now to be taken away by her being tossed into making her own future.....
Blinking away his tears the man placed his soon-to-be son-in-law's tan hand
in his daughter's pale one and placing his fatherly hand over theirs.
Hitomi looked up at her father with eyes that shimmered with tears and joy.
Grateful for his parental love the girl whispered a silent, "Thank you..."
The older man looked at the younger male with pride and respect. From the
moment he had met this royal he had felt deep respect for him, for he had
always known he had stolen his daughter's young heart. The day of her
second return he had noticed the glow in her eyes and knew the king from
her fantasy had somehow stolen her love. Though at the time he thought the
noble was only a well imagined dream, he had noticed his daughter's change.
No one could not see the obvious change in the girl's step.... speech....
even her smile showed signs of boundless love.... that was had been left
behind....
Van smiled at his father-in-law-to-be and nodded once he saw the man give
him a warm smile. The young angel~being knew he had the older's male's
blessing since 'day one', but to see the parent of his fiancé confirm it
with his smile seemed to make the moment all the more thrilling.
Slowly the experienced parent stepped away from the two lovers unlocking
his arm from his child so that the ceremony may continued. The two engaged
people turned back to the glorious gaze that always seemed to take a hold
of them as Rei took a seat next to his wife in the front pew. The royal
angel wore a white suit with gold swirls that matched his wife's outfit.
When the two sat close together they were a beautiful sight. Two circles of
smooth gold crowned their heads gracefully showing off their importance.
Their second-born sat between the parents in an outfit identical to their
owns except a small difference in size. The young boy watched with keen
eyes as his sister turned towards the priest with her fingers intertwined
with the raven headed man. His little fingers played with his attire
throughout the procession like most children do....
Millerina, Celena, and Merle wore the beautiful cream gowns of the
bridesmaids and their hair looked even more perfectly styled than ever
before. The war woman's sun drop locks cascaded over her pale shoulders
that were uncovered by the off-the-shoulders dress. The queen's hair was
pulled back by a milky headband and had several strains twisted into tiny
braids that ran through the main flow of the golden waterfall. Perhaps the
young cat~girl's hair was the most changed for she had gone through the
trouble of putting her hair in a soft bun that was held together with a
band of violet flowers.
At the head of the row of women stood a young red head who hair had been
set into long braid that fell behind her back just past her shoulders. In
her shaky fingers were encircled around a small bouquet of bluish flowers
that fluttered mystically in her pale hands. Her eyes of brown earth
watched her dear friend walk down the aisle. Never before had she felt such
joy for her closest comrade, but at the same time she felt a tinge of
sadness, for she knew it would be awhile before she saw her friend again.
Duties as wife and queen would keep her away from the bridesmaid's side for
at least several weeks. Yes, she had some time with her on the trip back to
this great kingdom, but Yukari felt it was not nearly enough time. So much
had happened in so little time and the red head felt somehow robbed for not
being able to share more of it with the beautiful seeress. Lifting her chin
a little higher Yukari thought to herself, 'It does not matter. We have all
the time in the world. Besides.... While she has her honeymoon I can spend
sometime with Amano.....'
Turning to the second row of people we see a line of men standing proudly
in white leather outfits similar to the raven royal. Amongst these men
stand three recognizable characters from our story. The blonde knight
stands at the head of the group as the best~man, or 'the honorable' as
Fanelian's come to call the position. Smiling Allen watches his two closest
friends' hands be joined by Hitomi's sire. Behind the warrior is Amano with
a happy grin playing on his face as he watched the ceremony with studious
eyes. The brunette man is watching closely for he wished to hold all
customs of Fanelian in his own wedding. His union to Yukari would commence
shortly after the bride's honeymoon and though neither he or his fiancé was
Fanelian he favored some of the foreign traditions and welcomed the customs
with his owns. The final man of the three was none other than the King of
Austuria, Dryden. Perhaps the royal was not dressed as fancy as a royal of
his stature should for he wore what all the other men wore, but he refused
to bring any notice to himself when the ceremony was meant for his dear
love ones. Maybe he did have to yell at the advisors of both Fanelia and
Austuria to have his way of things, but it was well worth it. He knew it
was their time and didn't wish for any unnecessary attention from anyone. A
smile grew on our noble's proud face as he watched his daughter~like friend
take his fellow royal's tan hand.
The last of our round of characters is the young prince of Freid. Chid sits
on the front pew right next to Hitomi's family. The young man wears his
royal garments that he wears for only special occasions and tug at the high
collar uncomfortably. It was an elaborate outfit of night blue and summer
sky trailed in silver meant only for show making the attire extremely
uncomfortable. He rarely wore the garments and nearly refuse to wear it for
the day, but the personal importance of the ceremony closed his mouth and
forced him to dress in it. With a low grunt of annoyance for the unfamiliar
feel of the collar the prince removed his hands from his slim neck and
remembered the moment had arrived.....
The angel king and the angel princess clutched their hands tightly not
wanting to ever let go. Tearing apart the gaze they forced themselves to
turn back to the ceremony. When they walked up the few steps onto the high
platform it felt as if they were walking amongst the clouds. Oh, what a
blessed thing to dream of..... As they reached the priest dressed in the
snow white garments the couple fell to their knees and bow their heads
letting their silky locks fall over their eyes of emeralds and rubies. The
gold staff with the scarlet sphere rose above their two heads as the
religious man looked out at the audience and spoke, "I stand before the
people of two foreign worlds to join these two royals in the sacred union
of marriage. This ceremony has been chosen by the couple that bows before
me to be a combination of both their world's practices. It has been my
honor and privilege to be the one to join these two in this holy matrimony
of union."
Slowly the old eyes of chestnut fell upon the young lovers with a soft gaze
like velvet as he brought the sphere back to his side. The seeress and
dragon king kept their hands intertwined as they rose to stand before the
holy man. The old man gazed at the young loves with eyes that were dull
with age, but sparked with memories. Seeing the two very much in love
royals brought back images to his mind of his own past.... when he had
fallen for a maiden and sired two sons and a daughter.
With words filled with ancient meanings from the beginning of time the aged
one began the proceedings, "Today these two stand before the people of
Fanelia and the former world known as the Mystic Moon so they would be
joined together in a bond unshakeable in Joutei's eyes."
Gracefully the religious man signaled a pair of young bearers that stood at
the edge of the rise of the platform. With trained steps a pair of young
teenaged boys walked up the steps to stand at the foot of the couple. Both
wore golden circlets on their heads and white robes somewhat similar to the
priest. Each of the boys fell to one knee as they bowed theirs heads and
lifted white satin pillows above their locks of blonde and brown. On each
of this fluffy objects laid two gleaming objects. Both of the items were
circles and were the exact opposites of one another.
One of the rings was very small and was made in a simple silver band. The
second circle was of elaborate gold ring decorated in hundred of jewels
that glittered. Strips of yellow metal swirled in different designs in a
glorious show of imagination. The top of the ring was in an uneven flow of
crests like waves in a sea. The two gold crowns were slightly different
also. The first was an inch taller while the second was shorter.
Releasing his angel's hand the young king reached out and retrieved a small
band of silver whilst placing his helmet on the pillow. Staring at the tiny
circle in his tan palm Van poured his heart into the sacred item as he
caressed the metal with a rough thumb. Words of ancient time ran through
our noble's mind as he remembered the lines to the ceremony. Bringing his
eyes of fire to his beloved's emeralds and taking hold of the ring in one
hand and the seeress's pale hand in another Van spoke the sacred words,
"With this ring I thee wed for all eternity. Its endless circle shows my
love.... for it will never end for you..... I will forever be by your
side.... through every trial.... through every day..... through every
burden..... through every reward..... For we will become one body,..... one
mind,.... one soul,.... one person..... forever in eternity....."
Slowly the dragon king slid the ring onto his love's wedding finger. Their
two reflections mingled in the reflection of the band in a dance of images
as if to signify the sacred union of the two. Once the silver band had made
its way to the base of the pale digit Hitomi felt her heart shoot across
the distance. The love and bliss pouring forth was like a waterfall that
would never drain.
The seeress brought her eyes of sparkling jewels to burning fires lost
again in a gaze of eros emotions. Hitomi quickly forced herself to turn
her eyes away from her love for fear of forgetting the ceremony all
together. Pale fingers brushed over the silver circle identical to the
first before grasping it between her digits. Staring at the item with
loving eyes the girl began to pronounce the same words to her angel, "With
this ring I thee wed for all eternity. Its endless circle shows my love....
for it will never end for you..... I will forever be by your side.....
through every trial.... through everyday.... through every burden....
through every reward..... For we will become one body,.... one mind,.....
one soul,.... one person,..... forever in eternity....."
Again the two loves locked their gaze in a stare that many would be jealous
to have.... to have such love between a person was indescribable.... and
very rewarding..... Few ever found their soul mate and many grew extremely
jealous of soul mates discovering one another, but who wouldn't be.....
With barely turning away from his love to look at the elaborate crown Van
took the golden circle in both his palms. Slowly the king removed the
beautiful tiara from his love's brow so he might better place the item on
her silky locks and placed it next to his helmet. Hitomi gave a humble
smile as she bowed on one knee whilst closing her jewel~like eyes and
tipping her head forward slightly. Pride danced in the man's eyes as he
stared down at the lovely maiden smitten by her beauty. How did she always
seem to captivate his mind by barely moving?..... Love was the only
explanation..... Through a bit of trouble in returning to the present the
noble spoke, "With this golden circle I, King Van de Fanel of the kingdom
Fanelia, crown you as my queen and ruler of Fanelia."
The glorious crown settled on the head of silky brown twisted in violet
flowers and gleamed in the glowing light from the sun. Her eyes of forest
green slowly opened and she rose to stand once more with her emerald jewels
shining. The heart within her chest beat strongly, but was floating in the
clouds.
Carefully the lady took the other crown with one hand while replacing her
bouquet in its place making sure not to the damage the collection of
blossoms. The soft petals fell over the white material like a rainbow
seeping through summer clouds. Turning her emeralds back to the golden
circle grasped in her delicate fingers of milk Hitomi waited for her king
to kneel. Once the raven headed royal bowed with his eyes closed the maiden
spoke the ancient words, "With this golden circle I, Princess Hitomi
Kazanki of the Mystic Moon, crown you as my king and recognize you as the
ruler of the kingdom of Fanelia."
The second crown settled on the head of silky ebony causing the raven locks
to appear even darker against the gold. Standing taller than the maiden by
several inches the king stood proudly as he smiled down at his goddess. The
old priest had a large grin on his face as he waved the two boys away, but
not before Hitomi took her bouquet back from the snow white pillow.
Looking towards the crowd of specters the old figure said, "Now.... our
couple has decided to share with us their personal vows...."
The priest nodded towards the young king and taking a deep breath Van
looked deep into his beloved's eyes. All during the service his nerves had
barely even shuddered in doubt of the marriage,..... but now.... it felt as
if they were shattering from the force of the quake. It wasn't that he
doubt his union with Hitomi.... It just wasn't easy for him to announce his
feelings for her in front of everyone. He might have changed over the last
two years, but he was still the same shy fifteen year old boy within the
body of a man.
The young woman smiled lovingly up at her angel knowingly. She could tell
he was nervous.... as was she.... Neither were use to proclaiming their
love before anyone.... especially in front of thousands of people......
Squeezing his hand gently the girl silently told him that she also was
nervous, but was willing to do the task for him. That tiny amount of
pressure was enough to send a great swell of courage surging through the
king's soul. Now he felt like he desperately wished to shout from the
mountain tops his love for her..... all because of her.....
Lifting his voice for all to hear Van looked deep in to his love's soul as
he spoke in a rich voice, "Hitomi..... For the last two years I have been
lost.... Lost because you were no longer by my side..... Not a single day
or night went by without a moment I thought of you..... My duties only
diverted my thoughts for a few moments before I would plunge back into my
obsession about you.... You stole my heart, Hitomi, from the very beginning
and since you left two years ago I have felt a deep sorrow lodged in my
soul.... I cannot.... and will not live without you.... You are my
world.... I love you beyond measures, Hitomi Kazanki....."
A salty tear fell from the seeress's eyes as she smiled up at her only
love, "Oh, Van....."
More than anything they wished they could have been allowed to kiss at that
moment for their emotions were being tossed around from the words. Both
lovers were filled with deep love and affection by a small passage.
Words.... Such powerful items they can be..... Grasping her hand a little
tighter the man smiled down into her sparkling jewels. How was he blessed
to be able to say such things before his friends?.... More importantly, how
was he blessed to be in her presence?.....
Regaining her composure the woman began her proclamation, "Van.... Van de
Fanel.... Since the beginning of the Great War I was taken by you....
Though I did not know it at the time I had fallen in love with you.... I
tried to deny the fact for over the last years, but no one can never deny
what runs like a foundation in my soul.... Van.... My heart.... the heart
within my chest beats for you.... and only for you..... I love you....."
A loud uproar followed the last words as the two angels stared deeply into
one another's soul. The rows of pews that were filled with people were
suddenly emptied when the audience had risen to their feet and thundered
with applause for the heart~filled words. The noise however did not reach
Hitomi and Van for they were lost in another world all of their own....
After several moments of joyous cries the priest lifted his free hand to
silence the audience. At the sudden quietness of the room both of the
royals started and returned to the physical world around them. Turning to
the maiden of twirled golden locks of violet flowers the old man said, "Do
you, Hitomi Kazanki of the royal family of the Draconian race, take this
man to be your lawfully wedded husband for better or for worse, for richer
or poorer, in sickness or in health, as long as you both shall live?"
Glancing at her beloved for a split second the well known maiden stood a
little straighter bringing her shoulders back. Her eyes sparkled with
love,.... affection,..... devotion,.... respect,..... and a clash of
several other related emotions.... as her crystal voice spoke firmly two
small words that completely change people..... sometimes for the better or
for the worse,.... "I do....."
Van felt his heart beat faster as he heard her reply. Though he never
doubted for a moment that his angel would not say the words he couldn't
help, but get a sudden rush at the sound of her sweet voice confirming her
side of their union. The young man of surging love barely heard the words
of the priest speaking to him, "Do you, Van de Fanel of the royal family of
Fanelian upon the world of Gaea, take this woman to be your lawfully wedded
wife for better or for worse, for richer or for poorer, in sickness or in
health, as long as you both shall live?"
The royal only needed a glance at his love from the last two years to
retrieve his voice to speak firmly, "I do...."
With a wave of his free hand the priest signals as a young boy nearby. The
child was close to fourteen rotations, the lowest age for this position,
and wore a simple white robe. It his two hands was a small bundle concealed
under a snowdrop cloth of silk. Slowly with trained steps the 'teen stepped
up before the couple and bowed his head. Gently the boy removed the white
material away and revealed an ancient goblet of gold. Dragons marked the
cups sides showing off the royal crest in a glorious arch. Settled in the
dip of sunshine metal swirled a red liquid. The wine shone in the light and
swirled innocently in its expensive holder.
The cup bearer held out the goblet to his king with his eyes closed as he
continued to bow. Van reached out with his unoccupied hand and grasped the
old cup in his tan fingers. As soon as the royal had grasped the polished
gold the boy backed away without even looking upon the king's face and
stood to flank the priest. The ebony headed man turned to his soon-to-be-
wife and stared into her eyes deeply. Their hearts began to beat a little
faster as they realized their moment was growing closer.
The priest looked towards the crowd as the angel man slowly brought the cup
to his lips. The white robed man spoke with an aged voice, "This wine,
drunk by both bride and groom, symbolizes the two beings sharing everything
their future will deliver unto them..... for they will shoulders the burden
not as two individuals working together,.... but as one soul striving with
all their power...."
With his bangs falling away as he tipped back his head a little the royal
sipped the delicious wine. The dark liquid swirled in his mouth and over
his tongue as he enjoyed the taste of the drink. Though it was called wine
it was not the same drink that had once been on the Mystic Moon for it was
not alcohol and tasted far better than the burning liquid. The red wine was
made from special berries only found in the best garden of all of Gaea and
held several qualities that were not present with the beverage known as
wine.
Rough fingers of tan skin passed along the cup to a pale hand which took it
tenderly before it lifted it to a pair of lips. Hitomi sipped the wine as
she closed her emeralds slowly. The liquid was far better than anything she
had ever tasted. Though she had not sampled many alcohol beverages before
she had tasted a variety of drinks and never before had she sampled such a
unique taste. It was a cross between berries, milk, honey, and some unknown
tinge of something. There was no way to the describe the drink for it fell
in its own class of taste.
After swallowing the beverage Hitomi carefully handed the goblet back to
the wine bearer who took the cup quickly and left the scene. Smiling at his
king and future queen the priest proclaimed, "If any deem these two should
not be married please speak now or forever hold your peace...." Silence....
No one within miles of the church wanted to break apart the two lovers.....
After several moments the religious man turned to his couple with a large
grin, "So be it..... I now pronounce you husband and wife. You may now kiss
the bride....."
Van had patiently waited for this moment and now with the time standing
before him he had to hold himself back from sweeping his new wife up into a
passionate kiss. Bringing his arms around her back the man leaned down to
press his lips against hers as their eyes slid shut. Hitomi's arms wrapped
around his shoulders barely remembering the fragile bundle of blossoms
concealed in one of her pale hands. Their lips still held the taste of wine
and the two were lost as they savored the red droplets that danced in the
kiss.
Again thunder roared through the air as people rose to their feet and gave
cries of approval. The kiss was shorter than normal, but it was no less
enjoyable. With smiles wrapped over their faces the new married couple
hurried off the platform and down the aisle. Van clutched one of his
beloved's hands as they raced down the carpet path. They didn't run, but
they didn't walk. They wanted to escape the crowd and have their time
alone..... They surely deserved it..... They rarely got time by
themselves..... and with their new future as joined royals their duties
would keep them from even more private time..... They wanted to savor their
short honeymoon's every moment..... It was their moment to cherish and
remember.....
Rushing out into the sunshine the couple was blinded by the glow causing
them to slow down and halt at the church's entrance. Shortly after their
eyes adjusted they found themselves in front of hundreds of more specters.
The church had been enormous, yes, but no building on Gaea could ever hold
the amount of Draconians and Fanelians there were! Most had been forced to
wait outside and now stood shouting and cheering for their king and new
queen. The young couple smiled and hurried down the pathway between the
people in some destination they knew of.
Rice along with red flower petals were tossed into the air as the two
royals passed. Bells chimed causing the doves upon the rafters to
suddenly fly into the air. Time slowed for the moment and the couple
glanced over at one another. As they ran towards the edge of the crowd the
petals and rice danced before their eyes. Their hair lifted as they ran
while the time slowed and they found themselves indulging in the
present.....
Fanelia was at peace and Hitomi's family was with her. No longer would the
seeress be sadden with being separated from her love ones. Their ancestral
race had been returned home and would bring forth new revolutions. Darkness
had been forced away from their world and now Gaea would dwell in peace for
as long as time would permit. More importantly they had finally become one
and now would never be separated. They were married and their futures were
no longer two paths that crossed over each other, but a single road that
made its own way by their wills. Though their future was unknown they
embraced what was to come and knew they would face it head on.....
together....
Van smiled as he turned his attention back ahead of them as time flowed
back into the normal speed. The beautiful seeress also looked before them
to see what she knew laid at the end of the path. There standing proudly in
red and gold garments for the ceremony was the white dragon, Escaflowne.
His glowing green eyes glittered with excitement of the event as if he was
overjoyed for his master's happiness. The young king halted at the foot of
the beast and helped his new wife onto the snow white legend's back before
joined her on the hide of scales. Hitomi happily leaned back into her
husband's chest as Van took hold of the reins.
With a swift kick from his master's pearly leather boots the dragon
stretched out his wings and took to the air leaving behind the thousands of
cheering spectators. The couple's friends and family appeared from within
the sanctuary and stood watching the lovers leaving. While glancing down at
her love ones Hitomi realized she had forgotten to throw the bouquet. Not
waiting a moment longer the girl tossed her bundle of flowers into the air
letting it sail through the blue. Perhaps if the group had been expecting
it another might have caught the blossoms, but our own dear Merle did.
Yelping in surprise at the sudden appearance of the bouquet the cat~girl
caught the item in pure reflects. Once the bundle was clasped in her furry
palms the cat's face grew rather red, even with her dark fur. The group of
friends around her laughed as they saw the cat's predicament. Poor
Merle,.... for the next couple of days she wouldn't be able to hear the end
of it.....
Swirling in her seat the girl placed her head on her spouse's shoulder
indulging in his closeness. Smiling down the king spoke softly into his
queen's pale ear, "I'll never let you go, Hitomi..... I'll never let you
go....."
~The End?~
~Alright! Finally! I'm done with this chapter/story!!!! So what did you
guys think? I am very sorry I didn't finish this sooner, but be happy it
was so long! I was planning to only have this chapter be a few pages, but
with my writer's block I accidentally made it over ten pages!!!! So be
happy and don't flame me!~
~I hope you really enjoyed my story! I did my best to keep you people on
the edge of your seats and asking for more! Maybe I skipped around a bit
with the visions, but hey it appears you liked it! Tell me your opinions on
both this chapter and my story!~
~Okay.... here's a question.... Who wants a sequel?!.... I set it up so I
could continue the story and I already have several ideas I would like to
write/type down,.... but there is a small problem..... If I am to make a
sequel I will not be able to start it until sometime in late Dec. or early
Jan. This is because of several reasons. I have an ACT to study for in
early Dec. And tons of scholarships to fill out. I figure I'll be done with
that stuff by the end of Dec. Possibly sooner (but doubtful). I'm willing
to continue the story because I think it would stink if I left the story
like this. Of course I played the story out just perfectly enough so that I
could leave it the way it is without a real need for sequel. After a bit of
deliberation I have decided to leave the matter up to you readers. Tell me
if you want a sequel, just remember I will be unable to start it until
sometime in late Dec. If you guys want a sequel though I can write up a
short preview/summary about the story. Please hurry and send those
reviews!~
this story enjoyed it. Sorry for the misspelling in the last chapters, but
it has something to do with the site. I tried to see if I had misspelled
stuff, but I didn't misspell anything. Somehow the site screwed up the
words~
~Read this final chapter and please review after. If you review I would
appreciate if you reviewed both the chapter and the entire story itself!
Thanks!~
~Sorry this took so long to get out, but several things happened causing me
to be unable to work on my story. Than I went on a trip for several days.
NOT TO MENTION THE SERIOUS WRITER'S BLOCK I GOT!!!!!! I'm really sorry for
the delay! Please forgive me!~
The Fate of Two Worlds
By Angel_Wings
Chapter 31 ~ With Each Ending There is a New Beginning
~Fanelia~
The town was completely deserted as the dust rolled through the rows of
buildings. Sunlight cascaded over the small houses of wood and stone
highlighting their features. A slight breeze played in the few sprouts of
grass that grew amongst the dirt paths and ran in the streets. The village
square held a small foundation as a source of water in the form of an angel
woman tipping a large stone vase. Crystal water sprung from its center in a
gracefully flow before falling into the white marble pool. Several doves of
pearly feathers perched themselves on the rim of the foundation enjoying
the light spray of the water. Nearby an orange feline crouched behind some
boxes stored in one of the alleys.
This creature was very similar to a normal house cat. Its body was the same
shape as the domestic feline and even held the same colored fur. The weird
thing was that its ears were extremely large and held furry orange spikes
on the tips. Also her ankles had spiked fur that nearly hid her orange paws
completely. With hungry blue eyes the cat watched the group of birds
indulge in their shower as her claws emerged from the spiked fur.
With a howl the feline raced for the prey as she bared her fangs. The tiny
forms of feathery beings went to the air and flew into the blue. The young
cat gave a soft hiss in annoyance at the lost meal and let her tail run
along the white marble angrily whilst watching the fleeting forms disappear
over the rooftops. The doves glided over the multiple roofs as the sunlight
caused their snow white feathers to glow. Crying sweetly to the breeze that
ran over their wings the birds headed towards the main attraction of the
large village.
A building that towered over the rest of the surrounding houses stood
proudly. No, it was not the castle that watched over the quiet city, but
something just as important to the citizens in their peaceful kingdom. The
structure was built in calm white stone that held several large gables.
Chestnut roof of oak sheltered several large golden bells that sat silently
within the formation of stone. Several stained glass windows dotted the
side of the edifice of hardness. Although there were already a number of
closed windows someone had instituted that windows with no obstacles of
glass were to be craved into the rock walls. Golden light from the sun ran
through the both types of windows sending illumination to the room
concealed behind the granite walls.
The dozen of pearly white birds soared towards the sanctuary with
eagerness, for the building gave off a protective sense that made the doves
wish for its shelter. Gracefully the flock of beautiful creatures flew
through one of the open windows and glided through the sunlight with their
bodies causing shadows to be cast through out the room,.... but none of the
occupants even noticed. As the doves flew up to the above rafters of the
room their ebony eyes turned towards the scene below with curiosity.
In the comfortable glow of the sun a multitude stood within the religious
building. No angels appeared to stand in the dark pews of the vast room of
white stone and marble floors. Flowers in large vases decorated several
spots in the room and it obvious from the large crowd that there was a
special event occurring. The sweet fragrance of buds dwelling within the
room floated in the air and tickled at the audience's noses. All beings
standing in the holy realm of the building were dressed in fashionable
attire and showed the importance of the day's event. At the head of the
room was a large platform that held a specific group of people. There were
two rows of beings while standing in between the two groups were two lone
figures. Amongst the rows of people stood Yukari, Amano, Allen, Millerina,
Merle, and Celena. While the friends of foreign cultures stood waiting in
anticipation they smiled at one another in deep joy.
One of the lone figures standing in the center of the marble platform was
an old man with pale skin that sagged from many wrinkles. His round head
held no hair and his brown eyes were dull with age. A long robe that
concealed his frail body and covered his toes. The outfit was a bright
white and was topped with a golden vest that was nearly as long as the
robe. Within a hand that seemed as fragile as glass was a scepter that
stood as tall as the old man. This object was very smooth and was twisted
in a graceful sweep of gold near its round top. If carefully inspected you
might have seen designs of tiny dragons engraved in the handle of the
scepter. At the head of the rod was a large red sphere that gleamed in the
room's lighting. The way this important being held the object it seemed
that the staff held some kind of sacred importance.
Next to him stands our hero of this tale. The young king of raven locks
stood proudly in his royal armor with his helmet beneath one arm. It was
the same attire he had worn on his day of initiation as king. His dark blue
cape slightly fluttered in the wind which had somehow been able to find its
way into the cathedral. Beneath his royal armor Van wore a white leather
outfit trimmed in golden thread. Ebony locks fell over eager fire eyes that
stared at the huge entry way of the church. Smiling towards the graceful
doorway the tan man waited for his bride.
Soon the sound of harps, flutes, and what seemed to be a piano played in
the air. All occupants in the rows of their seats suddenly straighten up
and turned their eyes towards the large double doors at the head of the
church. For several moments the audience studied the wood. The carving of
the dark oak doors was handcrafted and showed such elegance. Flows of brown
designs ran over the beautiful wood that gleamed from the sunlight. Its
wonders made whatever laid beyond its entrance seem all the more glorious.
Slowly with an almost silent creak sunlight began to peek through a crack
of the opening doors. The golden glow streaked through the room and crossed
over the dozen of waiting faces of the crowd. Happy smiles washed over
people's diverse faces as the two slabs of oak pulled completely open with
the help of two well dressed soldiers. The sunlight flushed the eyes of
varies colors blinding people.
It took several moments for the people to refocus their vision on the forms
standing beneath the archway. Standing in the intense fiery glow stood a
goddess. Short hair of silky mahogany was riddled with delicate blue
flowers woven into her hair. The white dress that the seeress had worn at
the Mystic Valley again covered her milky skin. In one beautiful hand was a
bouquet of foreign flowers that smelt like rare perfume. Like it often was
the red stone pendant graced Hitomi's slim neck reflecting the light
innocently like it was nothing more than a helpless trinket. Sparkling
emeralds dazzled at the waiting groom as she slowly stepped down the long
aisle that led to her future.
The young maiden barely noticed her father's arm locked with her own as she
stared at the man before her. Hitomi couldn't believe that the dream that
haunted her every thought for the last couple of years was slowly unfolded
before her in reality. Her vision was blurred for a moment as salty
droplets watered her emerald eyes. Blinking away the involuntary tears the
young woman stepped with the melody of the music as she walked towards her
beloved.
His eyes of fiery glow never left the vision that walked down the aisle to
him. Since the time of his advisors demands for a queen he had dreamed of
the day when the ceremony would be taken place. It still amazed him how
fast he had found the royal beauty who would stand forever at his side. A
dream.... that what it was.... a dream.... This perfect moment that hung in
time couldn't be real.... It was too peaceful.... to rewarding..... to
perfect..... With a new glint in his rubies the angel king thought, 'If
this is a dream then I hope I never wake....."
Both felt the same butterflies that flew in their stomachs and perhaps they
had their doubts like any person would when they perform such a ceremony,
but that was all soon washed away as their eyes locked together in a gaze
that showed all the love they shared....
The goddess of pearly white grew closer to the platform that held her
destiny. Her deep green depths never looked away from the tan face of her
angel. Even if she would have tried she wouldn't have been able to escape
his gaze, for it was such bliss just to have such a lock with her only love
would have killed her if she turned away. To have this moment was far
better than anything Hitomi could ever dream of.... and she would never
give up on what they shared.... That's what this moment was about....
Announcing their love to the world before joining together in a holy union
that would forever hold their two souls together as one..... It was a
sacred moment that many had discarded on both their worlds like an
unnecessary event with no purpose,.... but to Hitomi and Van it was
special.... That bond that held such importance was called marriage.....
With her feet floating on air the maiden from the foreign moon halted at
the foot of platform's stairs still with her eyes of emerald pools locked
in the unbreakable gaze of her beloved..... her king.... her angel.... her
future mate....
Rei smiled fondly at his daughter seeing the sparkle in her eyes. That
glowed that swirled in his offspring's ebony pupils was very familiar to
the man. It had been the same sparkled that had once pierced his own mud
eyes when he had fallen for Hitomi's mother. With that gaze of love he saw
in his oldest child he felt a small stab of sorrow hit him. His
daughter.... his little one..... had grown into a mature woman.... who had
done a great deal in her life already..... Like all father's feel when they
let go of their daughter Rei felt the loss of losing the little girl of
braided locks and blue overalls. Looking over at the young pale face that
showed hints of his physical attributes the man saw a younger version of
his wife standing next to him.
The father of the bride barely noticed his large hand reaching out to take
the young king's tan one, for his heart was pounding and his feelings
surging while he acted on instinct. His dear child was gone.... Though she
stood right next to him physically.... the man couldn't help, but think
that she was gone forever.... The dependence he had always felt from her
was no more and he felt incomplete.... No, it was not the incompleteness
of a spouse,.... but of a family.... He knew the limb of his emotions known
as his daughter, Hitomi, would forever be handicapped from this day
forward, but like all fathers do on this occasion Rei let go of the idea of
a five year old girl still calling for her daddy.... and accepted the
truth..... his little one..... his little girl..... was a woman.... and was
now to be taken away by her being tossed into making her own future.....
Blinking away his tears the man placed his soon-to-be son-in-law's tan hand
in his daughter's pale one and placing his fatherly hand over theirs.
Hitomi looked up at her father with eyes that shimmered with tears and joy.
Grateful for his parental love the girl whispered a silent, "Thank you..."
The older man looked at the younger male with pride and respect. From the
moment he had met this royal he had felt deep respect for him, for he had
always known he had stolen his daughter's young heart. The day of her
second return he had noticed the glow in her eyes and knew the king from
her fantasy had somehow stolen her love. Though at the time he thought the
noble was only a well imagined dream, he had noticed his daughter's change.
No one could not see the obvious change in the girl's step.... speech....
even her smile showed signs of boundless love.... that was had been left
behind....
Van smiled at his father-in-law-to-be and nodded once he saw the man give
him a warm smile. The young angel~being knew he had the older's male's
blessing since 'day one', but to see the parent of his fiancé confirm it
with his smile seemed to make the moment all the more thrilling.
Slowly the experienced parent stepped away from the two lovers unlocking
his arm from his child so that the ceremony may continued. The two engaged
people turned back to the glorious gaze that always seemed to take a hold
of them as Rei took a seat next to his wife in the front pew. The royal
angel wore a white suit with gold swirls that matched his wife's outfit.
When the two sat close together they were a beautiful sight. Two circles of
smooth gold crowned their heads gracefully showing off their importance.
Their second-born sat between the parents in an outfit identical to their
owns except a small difference in size. The young boy watched with keen
eyes as his sister turned towards the priest with her fingers intertwined
with the raven headed man. His little fingers played with his attire
throughout the procession like most children do....
Millerina, Celena, and Merle wore the beautiful cream gowns of the
bridesmaids and their hair looked even more perfectly styled than ever
before. The war woman's sun drop locks cascaded over her pale shoulders
that were uncovered by the off-the-shoulders dress. The queen's hair was
pulled back by a milky headband and had several strains twisted into tiny
braids that ran through the main flow of the golden waterfall. Perhaps the
young cat~girl's hair was the most changed for she had gone through the
trouble of putting her hair in a soft bun that was held together with a
band of violet flowers.
At the head of the row of women stood a young red head who hair had been
set into long braid that fell behind her back just past her shoulders. In
her shaky fingers were encircled around a small bouquet of bluish flowers
that fluttered mystically in her pale hands. Her eyes of brown earth
watched her dear friend walk down the aisle. Never before had she felt such
joy for her closest comrade, but at the same time she felt a tinge of
sadness, for she knew it would be awhile before she saw her friend again.
Duties as wife and queen would keep her away from the bridesmaid's side for
at least several weeks. Yes, she had some time with her on the trip back to
this great kingdom, but Yukari felt it was not nearly enough time. So much
had happened in so little time and the red head felt somehow robbed for not
being able to share more of it with the beautiful seeress. Lifting her chin
a little higher Yukari thought to herself, 'It does not matter. We have all
the time in the world. Besides.... While she has her honeymoon I can spend
sometime with Amano.....'
Turning to the second row of people we see a line of men standing proudly
in white leather outfits similar to the raven royal. Amongst these men
stand three recognizable characters from our story. The blonde knight
stands at the head of the group as the best~man, or 'the honorable' as
Fanelian's come to call the position. Smiling Allen watches his two closest
friends' hands be joined by Hitomi's sire. Behind the warrior is Amano with
a happy grin playing on his face as he watched the ceremony with studious
eyes. The brunette man is watching closely for he wished to hold all
customs of Fanelian in his own wedding. His union to Yukari would commence
shortly after the bride's honeymoon and though neither he or his fiancé was
Fanelian he favored some of the foreign traditions and welcomed the customs
with his owns. The final man of the three was none other than the King of
Austuria, Dryden. Perhaps the royal was not dressed as fancy as a royal of
his stature should for he wore what all the other men wore, but he refused
to bring any notice to himself when the ceremony was meant for his dear
love ones. Maybe he did have to yell at the advisors of both Fanelia and
Austuria to have his way of things, but it was well worth it. He knew it
was their time and didn't wish for any unnecessary attention from anyone. A
smile grew on our noble's proud face as he watched his daughter~like friend
take his fellow royal's tan hand.
The last of our round of characters is the young prince of Freid. Chid sits
on the front pew right next to Hitomi's family. The young man wears his
royal garments that he wears for only special occasions and tug at the high
collar uncomfortably. It was an elaborate outfit of night blue and summer
sky trailed in silver meant only for show making the attire extremely
uncomfortable. He rarely wore the garments and nearly refuse to wear it for
the day, but the personal importance of the ceremony closed his mouth and
forced him to dress in it. With a low grunt of annoyance for the unfamiliar
feel of the collar the prince removed his hands from his slim neck and
remembered the moment had arrived.....
The angel king and the angel princess clutched their hands tightly not
wanting to ever let go. Tearing apart the gaze they forced themselves to
turn back to the ceremony. When they walked up the few steps onto the high
platform it felt as if they were walking amongst the clouds. Oh, what a
blessed thing to dream of..... As they reached the priest dressed in the
snow white garments the couple fell to their knees and bow their heads
letting their silky locks fall over their eyes of emeralds and rubies. The
gold staff with the scarlet sphere rose above their two heads as the
religious man looked out at the audience and spoke, "I stand before the
people of two foreign worlds to join these two royals in the sacred union
of marriage. This ceremony has been chosen by the couple that bows before
me to be a combination of both their world's practices. It has been my
honor and privilege to be the one to join these two in this holy matrimony
of union."
Slowly the old eyes of chestnut fell upon the young lovers with a soft gaze
like velvet as he brought the sphere back to his side. The seeress and
dragon king kept their hands intertwined as they rose to stand before the
holy man. The old man gazed at the young loves with eyes that were dull
with age, but sparked with memories. Seeing the two very much in love
royals brought back images to his mind of his own past.... when he had
fallen for a maiden and sired two sons and a daughter.
With words filled with ancient meanings from the beginning of time the aged
one began the proceedings, "Today these two stand before the people of
Fanelia and the former world known as the Mystic Moon so they would be
joined together in a bond unshakeable in Joutei's eyes."
Gracefully the religious man signaled a pair of young bearers that stood at
the edge of the rise of the platform. With trained steps a pair of young
teenaged boys walked up the steps to stand at the foot of the couple. Both
wore golden circlets on their heads and white robes somewhat similar to the
priest. Each of the boys fell to one knee as they bowed theirs heads and
lifted white satin pillows above their locks of blonde and brown. On each
of this fluffy objects laid two gleaming objects. Both of the items were
circles and were the exact opposites of one another.
One of the rings was very small and was made in a simple silver band. The
second circle was of elaborate gold ring decorated in hundred of jewels
that glittered. Strips of yellow metal swirled in different designs in a
glorious show of imagination. The top of the ring was in an uneven flow of
crests like waves in a sea. The two gold crowns were slightly different
also. The first was an inch taller while the second was shorter.
Releasing his angel's hand the young king reached out and retrieved a small
band of silver whilst placing his helmet on the pillow. Staring at the tiny
circle in his tan palm Van poured his heart into the sacred item as he
caressed the metal with a rough thumb. Words of ancient time ran through
our noble's mind as he remembered the lines to the ceremony. Bringing his
eyes of fire to his beloved's emeralds and taking hold of the ring in one
hand and the seeress's pale hand in another Van spoke the sacred words,
"With this ring I thee wed for all eternity. Its endless circle shows my
love.... for it will never end for you..... I will forever be by your
side.... through every trial.... through every day..... through every
burden..... through every reward..... For we will become one body,..... one
mind,.... one soul,.... one person..... forever in eternity....."
Slowly the dragon king slid the ring onto his love's wedding finger. Their
two reflections mingled in the reflection of the band in a dance of images
as if to signify the sacred union of the two. Once the silver band had made
its way to the base of the pale digit Hitomi felt her heart shoot across
the distance. The love and bliss pouring forth was like a waterfall that
would never drain.
The seeress brought her eyes of sparkling jewels to burning fires lost
again in a gaze of eros emotions. Hitomi quickly forced herself to turn
her eyes away from her love for fear of forgetting the ceremony all
together. Pale fingers brushed over the silver circle identical to the
first before grasping it between her digits. Staring at the item with
loving eyes the girl began to pronounce the same words to her angel, "With
this ring I thee wed for all eternity. Its endless circle shows my love....
for it will never end for you..... I will forever be by your side.....
through every trial.... through everyday.... through every burden....
through every reward..... For we will become one body,.... one mind,.....
one soul,.... one person,..... forever in eternity....."
Again the two loves locked their gaze in a stare that many would be jealous
to have.... to have such love between a person was indescribable.... and
very rewarding..... Few ever found their soul mate and many grew extremely
jealous of soul mates discovering one another, but who wouldn't be.....
With barely turning away from his love to look at the elaborate crown Van
took the golden circle in both his palms. Slowly the king removed the
beautiful tiara from his love's brow so he might better place the item on
her silky locks and placed it next to his helmet. Hitomi gave a humble
smile as she bowed on one knee whilst closing her jewel~like eyes and
tipping her head forward slightly. Pride danced in the man's eyes as he
stared down at the lovely maiden smitten by her beauty. How did she always
seem to captivate his mind by barely moving?..... Love was the only
explanation..... Through a bit of trouble in returning to the present the
noble spoke, "With this golden circle I, King Van de Fanel of the kingdom
Fanelia, crown you as my queen and ruler of Fanelia."
The glorious crown settled on the head of silky brown twisted in violet
flowers and gleamed in the glowing light from the sun. Her eyes of forest
green slowly opened and she rose to stand once more with her emerald jewels
shining. The heart within her chest beat strongly, but was floating in the
clouds.
Carefully the lady took the other crown with one hand while replacing her
bouquet in its place making sure not to the damage the collection of
blossoms. The soft petals fell over the white material like a rainbow
seeping through summer clouds. Turning her emeralds back to the golden
circle grasped in her delicate fingers of milk Hitomi waited for her king
to kneel. Once the raven headed royal bowed with his eyes closed the maiden
spoke the ancient words, "With this golden circle I, Princess Hitomi
Kazanki of the Mystic Moon, crown you as my king and recognize you as the
ruler of the kingdom of Fanelia."
The second crown settled on the head of silky ebony causing the raven locks
to appear even darker against the gold. Standing taller than the maiden by
several inches the king stood proudly as he smiled down at his goddess. The
old priest had a large grin on his face as he waved the two boys away, but
not before Hitomi took her bouquet back from the snow white pillow.
Looking towards the crowd of specters the old figure said, "Now.... our
couple has decided to share with us their personal vows...."
The priest nodded towards the young king and taking a deep breath Van
looked deep into his beloved's eyes. All during the service his nerves had
barely even shuddered in doubt of the marriage,..... but now.... it felt as
if they were shattering from the force of the quake. It wasn't that he
doubt his union with Hitomi.... It just wasn't easy for him to announce his
feelings for her in front of everyone. He might have changed over the last
two years, but he was still the same shy fifteen year old boy within the
body of a man.
The young woman smiled lovingly up at her angel knowingly. She could tell
he was nervous.... as was she.... Neither were use to proclaiming their
love before anyone.... especially in front of thousands of people......
Squeezing his hand gently the girl silently told him that she also was
nervous, but was willing to do the task for him. That tiny amount of
pressure was enough to send a great swell of courage surging through the
king's soul. Now he felt like he desperately wished to shout from the
mountain tops his love for her..... all because of her.....
Lifting his voice for all to hear Van looked deep in to his love's soul as
he spoke in a rich voice, "Hitomi..... For the last two years I have been
lost.... Lost because you were no longer by my side..... Not a single day
or night went by without a moment I thought of you..... My duties only
diverted my thoughts for a few moments before I would plunge back into my
obsession about you.... You stole my heart, Hitomi, from the very beginning
and since you left two years ago I have felt a deep sorrow lodged in my
soul.... I cannot.... and will not live without you.... You are my
world.... I love you beyond measures, Hitomi Kazanki....."
A salty tear fell from the seeress's eyes as she smiled up at her only
love, "Oh, Van....."
More than anything they wished they could have been allowed to kiss at that
moment for their emotions were being tossed around from the words. Both
lovers were filled with deep love and affection by a small passage.
Words.... Such powerful items they can be..... Grasping her hand a little
tighter the man smiled down into her sparkling jewels. How was he blessed
to be able to say such things before his friends?.... More importantly, how
was he blessed to be in her presence?.....
Regaining her composure the woman began her proclamation, "Van.... Van de
Fanel.... Since the beginning of the Great War I was taken by you....
Though I did not know it at the time I had fallen in love with you.... I
tried to deny the fact for over the last years, but no one can never deny
what runs like a foundation in my soul.... Van.... My heart.... the heart
within my chest beats for you.... and only for you..... I love you....."
A loud uproar followed the last words as the two angels stared deeply into
one another's soul. The rows of pews that were filled with people were
suddenly emptied when the audience had risen to their feet and thundered
with applause for the heart~filled words. The noise however did not reach
Hitomi and Van for they were lost in another world all of their own....
After several moments of joyous cries the priest lifted his free hand to
silence the audience. At the sudden quietness of the room both of the
royals started and returned to the physical world around them. Turning to
the maiden of twirled golden locks of violet flowers the old man said, "Do
you, Hitomi Kazanki of the royal family of the Draconian race, take this
man to be your lawfully wedded husband for better or for worse, for richer
or poorer, in sickness or in health, as long as you both shall live?"
Glancing at her beloved for a split second the well known maiden stood a
little straighter bringing her shoulders back. Her eyes sparkled with
love,.... affection,..... devotion,.... respect,..... and a clash of
several other related emotions.... as her crystal voice spoke firmly two
small words that completely change people..... sometimes for the better or
for the worse,.... "I do....."
Van felt his heart beat faster as he heard her reply. Though he never
doubted for a moment that his angel would not say the words he couldn't
help, but get a sudden rush at the sound of her sweet voice confirming her
side of their union. The young man of surging love barely heard the words
of the priest speaking to him, "Do you, Van de Fanel of the royal family of
Fanelian upon the world of Gaea, take this woman to be your lawfully wedded
wife for better or for worse, for richer or for poorer, in sickness or in
health, as long as you both shall live?"
The royal only needed a glance at his love from the last two years to
retrieve his voice to speak firmly, "I do...."
With a wave of his free hand the priest signals as a young boy nearby. The
child was close to fourteen rotations, the lowest age for this position,
and wore a simple white robe. It his two hands was a small bundle concealed
under a snowdrop cloth of silk. Slowly with trained steps the 'teen stepped
up before the couple and bowed his head. Gently the boy removed the white
material away and revealed an ancient goblet of gold. Dragons marked the
cups sides showing off the royal crest in a glorious arch. Settled in the
dip of sunshine metal swirled a red liquid. The wine shone in the light and
swirled innocently in its expensive holder.
The cup bearer held out the goblet to his king with his eyes closed as he
continued to bow. Van reached out with his unoccupied hand and grasped the
old cup in his tan fingers. As soon as the royal had grasped the polished
gold the boy backed away without even looking upon the king's face and
stood to flank the priest. The ebony headed man turned to his soon-to-be-
wife and stared into her eyes deeply. Their hearts began to beat a little
faster as they realized their moment was growing closer.
The priest looked towards the crowd as the angel man slowly brought the cup
to his lips. The white robed man spoke with an aged voice, "This wine,
drunk by both bride and groom, symbolizes the two beings sharing everything
their future will deliver unto them..... for they will shoulders the burden
not as two individuals working together,.... but as one soul striving with
all their power...."
With his bangs falling away as he tipped back his head a little the royal
sipped the delicious wine. The dark liquid swirled in his mouth and over
his tongue as he enjoyed the taste of the drink. Though it was called wine
it was not the same drink that had once been on the Mystic Moon for it was
not alcohol and tasted far better than the burning liquid. The red wine was
made from special berries only found in the best garden of all of Gaea and
held several qualities that were not present with the beverage known as
wine.
Rough fingers of tan skin passed along the cup to a pale hand which took it
tenderly before it lifted it to a pair of lips. Hitomi sipped the wine as
she closed her emeralds slowly. The liquid was far better than anything she
had ever tasted. Though she had not sampled many alcohol beverages before
she had tasted a variety of drinks and never before had she sampled such a
unique taste. It was a cross between berries, milk, honey, and some unknown
tinge of something. There was no way to the describe the drink for it fell
in its own class of taste.
After swallowing the beverage Hitomi carefully handed the goblet back to
the wine bearer who took the cup quickly and left the scene. Smiling at his
king and future queen the priest proclaimed, "If any deem these two should
not be married please speak now or forever hold your peace...." Silence....
No one within miles of the church wanted to break apart the two lovers.....
After several moments the religious man turned to his couple with a large
grin, "So be it..... I now pronounce you husband and wife. You may now kiss
the bride....."
Van had patiently waited for this moment and now with the time standing
before him he had to hold himself back from sweeping his new wife up into a
passionate kiss. Bringing his arms around her back the man leaned down to
press his lips against hers as their eyes slid shut. Hitomi's arms wrapped
around his shoulders barely remembering the fragile bundle of blossoms
concealed in one of her pale hands. Their lips still held the taste of wine
and the two were lost as they savored the red droplets that danced in the
kiss.
Again thunder roared through the air as people rose to their feet and gave
cries of approval. The kiss was shorter than normal, but it was no less
enjoyable. With smiles wrapped over their faces the new married couple
hurried off the platform and down the aisle. Van clutched one of his
beloved's hands as they raced down the carpet path. They didn't run, but
they didn't walk. They wanted to escape the crowd and have their time
alone..... They surely deserved it..... They rarely got time by
themselves..... and with their new future as joined royals their duties
would keep them from even more private time..... They wanted to savor their
short honeymoon's every moment..... It was their moment to cherish and
remember.....
Rushing out into the sunshine the couple was blinded by the glow causing
them to slow down and halt at the church's entrance. Shortly after their
eyes adjusted they found themselves in front of hundreds of more specters.
The church had been enormous, yes, but no building on Gaea could ever hold
the amount of Draconians and Fanelians there were! Most had been forced to
wait outside and now stood shouting and cheering for their king and new
queen. The young couple smiled and hurried down the pathway between the
people in some destination they knew of.
Rice along with red flower petals were tossed into the air as the two
royals passed. Bells chimed causing the doves upon the rafters to
suddenly fly into the air. Time slowed for the moment and the couple
glanced over at one another. As they ran towards the edge of the crowd the
petals and rice danced before their eyes. Their hair lifted as they ran
while the time slowed and they found themselves indulging in the
present.....
Fanelia was at peace and Hitomi's family was with her. No longer would the
seeress be sadden with being separated from her love ones. Their ancestral
race had been returned home and would bring forth new revolutions. Darkness
had been forced away from their world and now Gaea would dwell in peace for
as long as time would permit. More importantly they had finally become one
and now would never be separated. They were married and their futures were
no longer two paths that crossed over each other, but a single road that
made its own way by their wills. Though their future was unknown they
embraced what was to come and knew they would face it head on.....
together....
Van smiled as he turned his attention back ahead of them as time flowed
back into the normal speed. The beautiful seeress also looked before them
to see what she knew laid at the end of the path. There standing proudly in
red and gold garments for the ceremony was the white dragon, Escaflowne.
His glowing green eyes glittered with excitement of the event as if he was
overjoyed for his master's happiness. The young king halted at the foot of
the beast and helped his new wife onto the snow white legend's back before
joined her on the hide of scales. Hitomi happily leaned back into her
husband's chest as Van took hold of the reins.
With a swift kick from his master's pearly leather boots the dragon
stretched out his wings and took to the air leaving behind the thousands of
cheering spectators. The couple's friends and family appeared from within
the sanctuary and stood watching the lovers leaving. While glancing down at
her love ones Hitomi realized she had forgotten to throw the bouquet. Not
waiting a moment longer the girl tossed her bundle of flowers into the air
letting it sail through the blue. Perhaps if the group had been expecting
it another might have caught the blossoms, but our own dear Merle did.
Yelping in surprise at the sudden appearance of the bouquet the cat~girl
caught the item in pure reflects. Once the bundle was clasped in her furry
palms the cat's face grew rather red, even with her dark fur. The group of
friends around her laughed as they saw the cat's predicament. Poor
Merle,.... for the next couple of days she wouldn't be able to hear the end
of it.....
Swirling in her seat the girl placed her head on her spouse's shoulder
indulging in his closeness. Smiling down the king spoke softly into his
queen's pale ear, "I'll never let you go, Hitomi..... I'll never let you
go....."
~The End?~
~Alright! Finally! I'm done with this chapter/story!!!! So what did you
guys think? I am very sorry I didn't finish this sooner, but be happy it
was so long! I was planning to only have this chapter be a few pages, but
with my writer's block I accidentally made it over ten pages!!!! So be
happy and don't flame me!~
~I hope you really enjoyed my story! I did my best to keep you people on
the edge of your seats and asking for more! Maybe I skipped around a bit
with the visions, but hey it appears you liked it! Tell me your opinions on
both this chapter and my story!~
~Okay.... here's a question.... Who wants a sequel?!.... I set it up so I
could continue the story and I already have several ideas I would like to
write/type down,.... but there is a small problem..... If I am to make a
sequel I will not be able to start it until sometime in late Dec. or early
Jan. This is because of several reasons. I have an ACT to study for in
early Dec. And tons of scholarships to fill out. I figure I'll be done with
that stuff by the end of Dec. Possibly sooner (but doubtful). I'm willing
to continue the story because I think it would stink if I left the story
like this. Of course I played the story out just perfectly enough so that I
could leave it the way it is without a real need for sequel. After a bit of
deliberation I have decided to leave the matter up to you readers. Tell me
if you want a sequel, just remember I will be unable to start it until
sometime in late Dec. If you guys want a sequel though I can write up a
short preview/summary about the story. Please hurry and send those
reviews!~
