Disclaimer: One last time. I don't own Escaflowne or any of its characters. I do, however, own this entire tale, now that it's finished.
Re-Visions
Epilogue
The light finally caused Van to blink and try to roll over. He couldn't, because there was a weight on one shoulder. He looked down, and smiled as memory flooded back. Hitomi snuggled more closely against him as he moved from his back to his side, to hold her with both arms. He closed his eyes again, to return to that pleasant dreamland.
The light, however, would not leave him alone, and kept dancing in his eyes. Sleepily, he opened them again, and came fully awake when he saw the figure beyond Hitomi, shimmering blue in the darkness. The girl who looks like Hitomi, he thought in surprise. Her grandmother . . . Stark cold fear struck him then. "No," he whispered, holding Hitomi more tightly against him. "No."
Oh, stop it. He stared at her over Hitomi's head, shocked at her impatient tone. I'm not here to take her away. It was always her choice to stay or go, not mine. Her expression never changed, but he had the distinct impression she was grinning at them.
"But . . . the condition . . ." he floundered helplessly.
You will impose the condition yourself, I told you. You were the one who asked about a condition in the first place. It was never my intention to place any such thing on her coming to Gaea, because I knew she'd likely want to stay. Only when you asked, did I think about it. I never told you what it was, but in your fear and longing, you decided it would be for her to leave you. You managed to overcome it . . . mostly. But you did it- you imposed the condition yourself, not too many hours ago. There was a definite twinkle in her green eyes.
"It was . . . to marry her?" Van asked in disbelief.
The girl snorted. Of course it was. Lord King, I am dead, not heartless. She started to fade away. I don't think you need my urging, but I tell you again to take care of her. Then she was gone.
I am such an idiot, he thought, grimacing at his own foolishness. He looked down at his wife's face, beautiful and peaceful in the moonlight, and kissed her gently.
Hitomi stirred in her sleep, and murmured, "Love you," against his shoulder.
He smiled and relaxed, closing his eyes. "I love you, too."
Finis
One last author's note: I would very much like to thank everyone who reviewed this work. I enjoyed your comments, and they were overwhelmingly positive. Some of you even reviewed every chapter, for which I am eternally grateful! Thanks to: kmf, (you astonished me one day with the speed of your review! I had only posted about half an hour before I received your review!) Tatakau and Charred Crunchies Co., Xelena, fanilia, Tiger Cat, Cynthia, Meghanna Starsong, Feathers of the wind, jigglykat, and all the rest! You are the best!
