*****
Van viewed the beautiful sunrise as well, but he didn't bask and wonder in it's beauty. Instead, his eyes were fixated on the Mystic Moon, it's image fading in the morning sky.
He wiped his eyes from all the tears he had been shedding, and leaned against the stone balcony. His tower was the tallest of his castle; it allowed Van to see all around his kingdom, moreover the woods and mountains that surrounded Fanelia. His eyes scanned the horizon, searching for any sort of blue light. Any sign that she was returning to him.
Van grabbed a rose colored pendant in his strong hand, begging her to answer him.
Hitomi, why won't you talk to me?! thought Van, but like before, he received nothing.
The young king sighed as he let the pendant dangle from his hand. Van had last seen Hitomi's beautiful face three years ago, but he desperately loved her all the same. And according to the mental conversations they shared, Hitomi's feelings were identical to his own.
But then one day, around one moon ago, Hitomi didn't reply when Van called for her. He tried and tried, a river of tears flowing from his eyes, but Hitomi still did not speak.
Was she mad at him? Or even worse, did she not love him anymore? Was she okay? Why wouldn't she answer him?
Van's eyes rested on a large airship coming towards his country. As it came closer, he identified it as the Crusade. Glancing one more time at the Mystic Moon, he turned to meet up with old friends.
*****
Merle joined Van as he walked towards the Crusade, which had landed just outside the castle. Fanelian guards followed obeyingly behind him, carrying long spears to protect the king at any time. Van rolled his eyes at their formality, for all of them personally knew who Allen was.
The landing door of the Crusade opened, and Allen regally walked down the platform. He waved his gloved hand at Van, shouting, "Hello Van! How are you?"
Van walked up to greet his old friend, noticing that he was now at least an inch taller than Allen. Allen seemed to notice this fact too, causing him to frown involuntarily. "Jeez, Van. You get taller every time I see you."
Van heard Merle gasp behind him, and he turned to see what was the problem. A young man and a cat-boy were trodding slowly down the platform.
The cat-boy quickly looked up at the sound and caught Merle's astounded stare, causing him to blush deeply. His friend noticed his embarrassment, and he grinned widely at the cat-boy's discomfort.
The two young warriors walked up to Allen and Van, kneeling on the ground before them. The older of the two men looked solemnly up at Van. "You must be King Van of this great country Fanelia. I am called Tati, and my companion here is Joshu. We have urgent news that needs to be told in secrecy."
Van nodded, extending his arm towards the gardens, suggesting, "We can speak in the palace gardens, if that idea suits you."
Tati and Joshu whispered quietly for a moment, and then turned back towards Van. "It's fine, but this meeting most be private. Allen may be allowed to listen, but please, no one else must hear what I have to say."
Joshu looked to Merle for a second, and then back at Van. He bowed his furry head respectfully, and hesitantly asked, "Your majesty, I have no need to partake in the meeting. Along that note, I hope to be able to speak with the young cat-girl I see behind you, for I have not even seen one of my kind for a long time. I wish to talk to her about her own heritage, that is, if the lady is willing..."
Merle tittered at the fact that someone had actually called her a lady, extended her right paw, acting as noble as royal woman should. "It would be my pleasure, good sir, to accompany you in a friendly chat."
Van and Allen quickly hid their smiles of amusement, laughing with silent mirth at the airs Merle was putting on. Joshu blushed again at Merle's acceptance, but then extended his paw to her in return. They walked away from the group, walking slowly on the worn path as they talked and laughed quietly.
Tati smiled and shook his head at his friend's antics, then regained his serious reserve. "Now, we must discuss certain rising matters..."
