Author's Note: Hey look I finished a fic. Yay!!! Here it is, the last chapter. The Holy Grail. The end to all ends. Err, well not quite but it is most definably the end of Separation, but not the end of the story. I'd like to thank Avistone for reminding me that I had this fic that I had to finish. No lemon, sorry. Maybe I'll get around to writing it up some time but right now I wanted to get the end out. Thanks to all my reviewers, you guys kept me going when this fic had me banging my head against the wall. (Writer's Blocks are not pretty things) I hope you enjoyed reading my fic, cause I enjoyed writing it. And be on the look out for the sequel. Disclaimer: They're not mine!!!! *sob*  

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Separation (Chapter 10)

            The morning dawned bright and clear as it shone through the large window in the guest bedroom. Hitomi stirred, the light sound of birds greeting the morning waking her. She shifted and curled against the warmth, a slow smile made it's way on to her face as she blinked her eyes opened and met the dark brown ones of her husband.

            "Morning," he said softly, and gently kissed her.

            "Morning. I love you," Hitomi answered back as she wrapped her arms around his neck. The two stay wrapped around each other until a knock at the door forced them out of the bed. Van grabbed a robe rested on a chair near the fireplace and opened the door a little ways to see who it was. 

            "Your majesty," a young servant woman said as he opened the door, "I have been asked to invite you to join the king and his fiancé for breakfast. I have also brought some close for you to wear." She bowed to Van, and presented the armful of clothes to him.

            Van smiled and took the clothes, "Thank you. We we'll join your king for breakfast as soon as we are ready."

            "Yes your majesty. Go down the hall at turn right at the first corridor, the breakfast hall is at the end." The woman bowed once more and turned and walked away. 

            Van closed the door and walked back in the room, he dropped the clothes on the chair.

            "Who was it Van?" Hitomi asked.

            "It was a serving woman. Syton and Tsani have invited us for breakfast and brought us some clothes."

            Hitomi sighed, "I guess that's means we have to get up then." 

            Van smiled, "Not right away. I'm sure they can wait a little while longer." With that he tossed of the robe and joined his beloved wife.

            "Van!" Hitomi laughed, "You know…" She was cut of by the breath-taking kiss her husband delivered. "Ah yes. You're right they can wait."

            An hour later they entered the breakfast hall. Hitomi was dressed in a pair of dark blue leggings, with a long sleeved shirt to match, her hair was brushed back and a radiant smile graced her face. Van, who was extremely relieved to finally get out of his wedding robes, was wearing a pair of dark black pants and a blue t-shirt that matched with the blue Hitomi was wearing.

            Tsani and Syton stood as soon as they entered the room, smiling happily and a little indulgently as they took in the clasped hands between the couple.

            "Hitomi how was your evening?" Tsani asked with an evil smile. Hitomi didn't reply, she simply beamed up at Van and tightened her grip, when he blushed ever so slightly. Tsani and Syton laughed and waved them over to the table to join in the food.

            They talked about and ate, enjoying each others company until Tsani finally broached the subject that had been at the forefront of everybody's minds.

            "I suppose there's no way we can convince you to stay a little longer."

            Hitomi shook her head and smiled a little sadly, "No, our friends must be worried sick." Van nodded as well, thinking of his home and Merle. How worried she must be.

            Tsani sighed, but nodded in understanding, "Then I guess we better get on with it then." The others nodded and stood, following Tsani as she led them out of the dining hall and down a small staircase and into what looked a lot like a study, except for the fact that in the middle of the room, on a small stand, rested a purple gem. It glimmered softly as Tsani walked towards it.

            Hitomi stepped forward and was caught by surprise as the gem burst forth in purple light only to instantly go back to the soft glimmer when the pendant around Hitomi's neck shone out as well. Van was at Hitomi's side in an instant, his arms wrapped tightly around her.

            Tsani's startled gasp drew everybody's attention to her. "What is that?" she exclaimed.

            Hitomi's hand clenched around the pendant, Van's stance behind her was protective and wary. "It's a family heirloom. But once it belonged to the Draconians."

            Silence descended on the room, tension filled the air.

            Tsani expression had calmed and with a small smile she said, "You are very lucky to have it. I hope you treasure it. There aren't many like that around anymore." Tension eased, and Hitomi returned the smile.

            Her hand unclenched and dropped down to grasp Van's hand. "I know. Without it, I don't think I'd be the person I am today. And I most definably wouldn't be as happy as I am." She looked up at Van, who smiled down at her then gently kissed her forehead.

            A cough from behind them distracted everybody. And they turned to see Syton leaning against the doorframe and amused expression on his face. "Are we almost ready?" he asked with a grin. Tsani flushed and Hitomi snuggled into Van embrace and gave Syton a smile.

            "Don't worry Syton. Once you're married you'll have all sorts of time for the sappy stuff," Hitomi said.

            Van and Syton laughed, and Tsani simply shook her head, trying vainly to hide the grin. She grabbed a few pages of paper and ran through them before placing them back on the table and walking behind the gem.

            "Alright. It's ready. I have the calculations fixed in mind. I recalibrated for the extra weight so you should end up back in the exact same place you disappeared from." Her smile was a little watery as she looked over at Van and Hitomi. "Are you sure you can stay just a little longer?"

            Van and Hitomi shook their heads. Tsani sighed, "I understand." She glanced behind them at her love, who was looking at her like she was the sun and the stars. Her heart lightened, she had Syton now. She would miss Hitomi and Van, but she wouldn't forget them, and in the end that's what matters. The shortness of their friendship was the only thing she could regret.

            She raised her hands over the gem but stopped suddenly at Hitomi's cry. Her eyes opened wide in shock as the other women rounded the gem and caught her up in a hug. Her surprise lasted only a moment and them she was returning it, her eyes watering. Over Hitomi's shoulder she could she Van and Syton shaking hands. The embrace lessened as Hitomi pulled back, her green eyes dark with tears. "Take care of yourself, and Syton," she whispered.

            "You do the same," Tsani replied, she took as step back, trying to fix Hitomi in her mind, and was jolted by a sudden shock. Her eyes opened wide, and her smile grew. She stepped forward quickly and embraced Hitomi again. As she hugged her she whispered in her ear, "I want to be the first to congratulate you."

            Hitomi pulled back, her eyes questioning. She caught Tsani glance down to her abdomen and her eyes opened wide in shock, her mouth hung open like a fish out of water. 

            Tsani smiled, and slowly Hitomi smiled back. "Thank you," she said. Tsani nodded.

            "Hitomi?"

            Hitomi turned and flashed Van a blinding smile, she jumped forward into his arms, startling him.

            "Hitomi? What is it?"

            Hitomi just smiled up at her husband, "I love you." Van flushed, and tightened his hold on her. He looked over her shoulder at Tsani.

            "Now?"

            "Now," Tsani replied. Once more she spread her hands over the gem. Hitomi turned to face her, and Syton moved to stand next to his bride-to-be. A low chant resounded in the room, and the gem's glow intensified. Then everything was light as the beam shot down. Van last glimpse was of Syton gathering Tsani up in an embrace.

            This time there was no tearing sensation. Hitomi could feel Van's arms wrapped tightly around her, and she felt safe. Van held Hitomi tightly, his promise had held, and would until the end of his life.

            The hit the ground suddenly, but Van never let go. The world steady and they found them salves back in familiar surroundings. The courtyard stretched out before them, and the sun was just rising over the stonewalls, turning the courtyard a glorious orange.

            "We're home," Hitomi breathed. She felt tension from Van behind her and tilted her head up to see his face. "What?"

            The expression in Van's eyes made her want to melt. He bent his head and captured her lips in a kiss that left her reeling. "Our home," he mumbled against her lips.

            Hitomi smiled, "Yes, husband."

            "I love you, wife."

            With a whoop Van gathered Hitomi up in his arms and spun her around. "You gorgeous little minx. I love you so very much."

            Hitomi wrapped her arms around his neck once he let her touch ground around and kissed him. "I love you too."

            The two stared into each other eyes, drowning in the feelings they found there.

            A sudden crash sounded, and they spun quickly in shock to find a pale maid staring at them. Her hand covering her mouth, and her eyes open wide in shock. Without a word she turned and ran back out the archway.

            Within seconds cries began to resound through out the palace.

            "His Majesty his back!! And the Lady is with him."

            The words were picked up and relayed and within minutes the whole place was ringing with the cry.

            With a quiet smile Hitomi said softly, "Home."

            Van held her tightly, "Home is wherever you are."

            Hitomi held tightly to his arm, watched as the courtyard filled. Already she could see where Merle was fighting her way to the front, her loud cries rising about the crowds. And she spotted the blond hair of Alan, and a little to the left of him, was Malerna.

            "Yes, home is where the heart is. And our hearts are here with each other."

            Their friends descended on them. And in each other's arms they felt at peace with the world, there only worry being how they were going to get a word in edgewise.  

            Night finally fell and the exhausted couple stumbled to bed. The day had been long; questions had been running rampant. And it seemed like they must have told the story a million times. Celebration were still going on, when the tired couple declared their need for sleep. After another few hours of trying to escape they had finally succeeded.

            The tumbled in the bed, and Hitomi curled up on Van's chest. She hummed something quietly but Van didn't hear what it was.

            "What was that Hitomi?"

            Hitomi twisted so that she could look Van in the face, taking in the raven hair that framed it and the dark eyes. Her heart swelled with love.

            "I have something to tell you." Van raised an eyebrow. Hitomi leaned closer, and whispered in Van's ear, "You're going to be a father."

            There was a yelp and Hitomi suddenly found herself alone on the bed. She glance over the edge at her husband were he lay sprawled on the ground.

            "Van?"

            "You mean that… that… you… I mean I… a father?"

            Hitomi laughed at Van's hopelessly confused expression. "Tsani told me. I guess it's something a Sorceress can tell." Her eyes darkened suddenly. "Unless you don't want…" She never got to finish the sentence and she was scooped off the bed and into Van's arms.

            "No never that!" He kissed her deeply. " You are so perfect." He dropped down on the bed still holding Hitomi tightly. "A baby. This is great." He kissed Hitomi again. "I love you so much. I think I'd be lost without you." He paused, "No I know I would be lost without you. When you're not with me I fell like I'm missing my soul."

            "Yes," Hitomi quietly agreed.

            "This child is going to be a part of you and me. Nothing could be more perfect. I love you so much."

            Another kiss stole Hitomi's breath and any worries she had left disappeared like a poof of smoke.

            "Love you too," she said back, then the time for words was over but the actions carried off where the words let off as the two engaged in a dance that had been around for eternity.

~~~~~~~(9 months later)~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

            The scream rang throughout the stone corridors.

            Van was on his feet in an instant, heading towards the door that led into the room where his wife lay giving birth. Alan stepped in front of the closed door a moment before Van reached it. Van glared and let out what sounded suspiciously like a snarl.

            "Move out of the way, Alan."

            Alan shook his head, and crossed his arms, indicating that he was going anywhere.

            "No, Van."

            "Alan, please, move," The anger seemed to have disappeared, but Alan still shook his head.

            "No. Go sit down."

            With another snarl Van stalked over to the chair and sat, only to jump to his feet a second later and begin pacing.

            Alan watched and the other man paced back and forth, every now and then casting a worried glance towards the door.

            "You know, if you hadn't attacked the midwife, you wouldn't have had to wait out here."

            Van stopped pacing long enough to glare at Alan. Alan shook his head in amusement. Who would have thought the composed king could ever be so frazzled. Alan had been visiting, since Hitomi's time was near, but he had most definably not been expecting to be dragged out of bed in the dead of night by a hysterical king.

            When Van had drawn his sword on the midwife, when Hitomi had first screamed, it had been unanimously decided that Van needed to be taken out of the way.  And since he wouldn't go more that a few feet away from Hitomi they had to settle for placing him outside the room with somebody to watch him.

            Van froze. Silence had descended. With a worried look Van ran towards the door and Alan stood aside knowing that this time Van wasn't going to be stopped.

            Van entered the room and headed straight towards the bed where his wife lay. His steps faltered though as he spotted Hitomi laying on the bed, her hair hanging limply and her face tired but radiant. The next thing he noticed was the two bundles in her arms.

            Hitomi smiled up at him, and Van moved over to sit on the bed beside her. His hand trembled as he reached over, his hand stopping just over the two bundles.

            "Twins," his voice was strangled, his expression flickering between joy and worry.

            Hitomi nodded. "A boy and a girl," she said softly as she smiled down at the precious treasure cradled in her arms. "Would you like to hold one?"

            Van's arms twitched. But he slowly reached out and gently took the one of the bundles from her arms.

            He found himself staring down at one of the most beautiful things he'd ever seen. The baby girl cooed softly, her eyes tightly closed. Van took in the black hair crowning the top of her head, and he smiled as she reached out with tiny little hands.

            His eyes glittered when he looked up again at Hitomi. She had shifted, and he could see the small boy wrapped in the blanket. He was surprise to see that the boy was smaller than his sister, but his heart swelled with love as he opened bleary newborn eyes and looked straight at his father.

            Van was startled by the depth he found there. The boy closed his eyes as he mewled softly, and his sister responded, her face, eyes still closed, turned towards her brother.

            A sound behind him caught his attention and he glanced over, spotted Merle.

            "Hitomi needs to get some rest?" Merle said quietly, not wanting to break the mood.

            Van turned back to Hitomi, seeing the tiredness in her eyes. He gently hugged his daughter, and gave her a kiss on the forehead before returning her to her mother and brother.

            The two twins cooed happily at being together again. Hitomi felt a shiver of something and she glanced down at the bundles of joy in her arms. Her eyes were captured by the opened eyes of her children, and she knew than there was something special about them. The two twins eyes flickered shut and they seemed to be dropping of to sleep.

            Hitomi looked up at Van, she met the love there and returned it tenfold. But both knew that whatever my come their children would not have it easy.

            "Love you."

            Hitomi smiled. "Love you too."

            A cough from behind returned their attention back to the immediate surroundings. And van regretfully got up form the bed. He gave Hitomi a gently kiss on her forehead and stared down with amazement at the new life in her arms, before reached and just running a finger over his two children, just a whisper of a touch as if to reassure himself that they were real. Hitomi watched, her eyes already heavy, with one last smile at Van she dropped off into sleep.

            And somewhere out in the wilds of Fanelia, a dragon raised its head and roared. And two newborn twins slumbered peacefully.         

                                THE END

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Okay there's the end. And I know it ended weird but it ties in with the sequel, which I'm looking forward to writing. Review to tell me what you think. I hope to have the first chapter of the sequel out in month but I have a few other stories I need to get out of the way, plus I need to get to work on a co-written story. But I have the sequel planned out; there will be some new characters and the return of some old and familiar ones. So be on the look out and thanks for reading.