The Next generation 9
(Magicman and Smokegirl are on opposite sides of a giant Yu-gi-oh holo- field.)
Smokegirl: You're finished! Say goodbye to your life points! Summoned Skull, attack!
(Smokegirl's Summoned Skull lunges forward, but.)
Magicman: Ha! You fell right into my trap! I play the Spellbinding Circle!
Smokegirl: Oh CRAP!
(The Summoned Skull is trapped within the magic circle)
Magicman: And now to finish you off! Dark Magician, dark magic attack!
(The Dark Magician points his staff at the Summoned Skull and blasts it into oblivion, taking all of Smokegirl's life points)
Magicman: Yes! (Starts doing the macarena, and is joined in by his monsters.)
Smokegirl: Grrr! (Grabs axe and chases Magicman around the field.)
Dilandau-with-a-cowboy-hat: This could take a while. Why don't you read?
Van was in his study going over some treaties from other kingdoms. "Let's see. An offer giving Karada exclusive rights to Fanelian airspace in exchange for fifty guymelefs: nope." He ripped that treaty to pieces and threw them into the fire. "A request for Fanelian leva-stones in exchange for increased shipments of silks and spices: no, we never use silks and spices." That proposal joined the other in the fireplace. "A marriage proposal for Sashi: Hell no! He's only twelve!" He smiled slightly. His son may look like Millerna, but he was so like his father. Which meant that that proposal got burned too. "I don't know why I even keep firewood around. There're enough stupid proposals to keep the castle warm through winter! It's a good thing I had those lousy advisors shipped off to Asturia, or they'd have agreed to most of these things!"
Van smiled at the memory. Millerna had been so annoyed, that he was worried about their future. But that night they kissed and made up, conceiving Sashi in the process.
Van skimmed through the list, pulling out a good twelve more papers and burning them. Four more he set aside to consider. But it was the last one that really caught his eye. It was from Basram, and bore the mark of general Veers. Intrigued, Van opened the message and began to read.
Your Majesty Van Slanzar de Fanel, ruler of Fanelia and joint ruler of Asturia:
I feel that it is a time to issue a call to order. The Destiny war caused many events to take place. All new opportunities are before us. If we move to seize these opportunities quickly, we may gain their benefits before they fade. The Zaibach Empire is no more. It is a ghost of its former self, struggling desperately to prevent its own inevitable destruction. In this ghost, however, lies much technology and many weapons. I am not suggesting that we invade the former country, but I am suggesting that others may attempt to do so. Dornkirk is dead. His power lives on. The destruction wrought by this power is self-evident. We have both seen good men fall before the might of the stealth cloaks. We have witnessed the chaos and devastation caused by the Zone of Absolute fortune. And, while they may be scattered and alone, the Zaibach sorcerers still live, and they still carry the knowledge of these great terror weapons, and more. If these men should fall into the wrong hands then the war could start again. And I believe that neither of us wants that to happen. What I am proposing that we form an alliance with the other great powers. Together, we would strive to prevent the mistakes of the past from happening again. If ever again should a country grow strong enough to challenge the world, then, if we are divided, that country would succeed. However, if we are united, then the destruction could be prevented. I do not ask for any immediate answer. I merely ask that you consider the possibilities.
In my own hand: General Krannek R. Veers.
Van frowned. "General Veers, the most patriotic leader in history, is offering an alliance with countries he's shown he dislikes, and is doing it to aid other countries he dislikes even more?"
If there was one thing Millerna had taught him about politics, it was that everyone had a motive. "So, what's Veers' motive?"
Suddenly, Van recalled the assassination attempt, and Yukari and Setto's accounts of Kasar being involved with them. A kernel of suspicion formed in his mind. "Could Veers be doing this to eliminate potential competitors?" It was unlikely, he admitted. But, given Veers' contempt for anyone not Basramian, it was possible.
A sudden knock at the door interrupted his thoughts. Walking over, Van opened the door, revealing Yukari and Mark, both breathless from running. "Is something wrong?" Van asked, puzzled.
Yukari pulled in a deep breath. "Do you consider the potential fall of civilisation as we know it bad?"
"Yes."
"Then yes, something is very wrong."
"Then tell me what it is." Van pulled over a chair as he spoke. Gratefully, Yukari collapsed in it, and Mark followed suit, falling facedown on a couch. Van sat back down in his original chair. "Now, tell me what's up."
Suddenly, Setto burst in the door. "Hey Van! Something's up!"
Yukari scowled. "Do you mind? I was about to tell Van something very important!"
Setto glared. "Something about merchants overcharging their clients, no doubt. Now hush up and let me go first."
A vein popped out of Yukari's forehead. Van plugged his ears and Mark buried his head under a pillow.
"Where do you get off ordering me about?!"
"Oh, I'm sorry your majesty! I wasn't aware that you were supposed to give the orders!"
"Don't get smart mouthed with me, or you'll find yourself taking up three different graves!"
"You want to threaten me? Why don't you get your new boyfriend to do it for you?"
"WHAT?!"
"You know, Mark. You spend enough time with each other, I think it's officially started!"
"What are you, jealous that you couldn't find a girlfriend if you tried?"
"I don't need one! I'm perfectly fine on my own!"
Van unplugged his ears. "If you're finished-"
Setto smirked. "I'm not. She hasn't said Mark's not her boyfriend yet."
Yukari said a word that would have shattered glass, had she been standing in front of any, and tried to strangle her brother. Luckily for him, Mark and Van had seen this coming and were restraining her. "Please tell me I can hurt him! Please!"
"No. He still hasn't said what was so important." Van said, frowning. To Setto, he said, "If you don't stop teasing your sister and tell us what's going on, then I'll let her go!"
Setto lost some of his grin. "Well" He began, "I was down in the markets today, when I saw a couple soldiers chasing after a thief".
Van wasn't impressed. "This is a big city. There's a lot of thieves."
"It wasn't the thieves, it was the guards! These guys weren't Fanelian. They were armoured like snakes, and they were totally vicious! One of them shot the thief in the back, and he laughed about it! They turned on me and Sabrina, and I-"
"Sabrina? General Veers' daughter Sabrina?"
"Do you people always have to interrupt? Anyway, they turned on Sabrina and I, and I was forced to deal with them."
Van groaned, and smacked his forehead, releasing Yukari in the process. "That was not a smart thing to do. Judging by the armour, those men were soldiers of Basram! Basramian soldiers killed in Fanelia by the son of her royal seer. I can just see hear the criers."
Yukari smoothed the sleeve of her shirt. "Isn't he justified? I mean, those men killed a Fanelian citizen!"
"Normally, yes." Van was beside himself. Turning to Setto, he continued. "But the formalities had to be observed! If you'd gone to get the guards then you could have testified against them, and when they were executed no one would say a word, not even Veers himself! But seeing as you went ahead and acted alone, everyone will see this as the act of an uncontrolled public. Or worse, they might see it as a deliberate insult to Basram!" Groaning, the monarch sat down again.
"Oh come on, Van" Mark said. "It's not so bad. In fact, you'll think it's nothing after you hear what we've got to say."
"Wonderful" Van groaned. "Well, get on with it."
Yukari told the whole story, from Kasar's visit to Varkas to the events today. Mark told about what he'd heard that night on watch duty. Occasionally, Setto helped to clarify something, but for once the twins were in perfect agreement.
When they were done, Van was frowning. Everyone waited with bated breath for his response. Finally, he spoke. "It certainly sounds like Kasar and Veers are double dealing. Are you three sure about everything?"
The three teens nodded emphatically. Mark spoke. "I'm the rookie in this group, so to speak. But I'm dead serious when I say 'Something's up'."
Van nodded. "I agree. This just fits perfectly with this message I just got." He picked up the scroll and tossed it to the group, who read it. "Veers is offering an alliance with the big countries."
"But that's ridiculous!" Protested Mark. "I know Basramians, and they would sooner die of thirst in the desert than work with someone they think is weaker. My sister once said that Basram wouldn't be content short of world domination!"
Setto was silent, considering matters in his mind. "It seems to me that the key to figuring this out is that prophecy."
Yukari brightened. "I think I've decoded a part of it. I know who the Dragon is!"
"Really? Who?"
"The one Zaibach was always trying to find. The one who thwarted their plans again and again. The one so important enough to the empire that he was given a codename! Van Fanel!"
Everyone gasped.
"Of course!" Exclaimed Van. "It's so obvious!"
Yukari nodded sagely. "Yes it was. But what's 'the Dragon's Sword'?"
"Wait a minute, let's think this through." Mark's face was thoughtful and considering. "Yukari, you said that Kriggen was going to steal the sword?" Nod. "Then it's something important enough to risk lives to steal. No offence Van, but I wouldn't risk lives to steal your sword."
Van nodded, tapping the crest of Fanelia. "None taken".
"Alright then. So we know that it's some sort of weapon, that Kriggen doesn't want you to have. But then there's the line from Hitomi's prophecy. 'When does rise the Dragon's sword'. That suggests that this weapon is, somehow, alive. Does this ring any bells?"
Van sat up violently. "Escaflowne!"
"Exactly!"
"So, they want to steal Escaflowne do they?" Van's fist clenched tight about his sword hilt. "Let them try! I'll boil them in a stew they'll choke on!"
Setto leaned back in his chair. "Relax Van! We've got the edge on them. We know what they're up to, and they don't know we know. We really don't have to do anything for two days." He stood up. "Now, as delightful as this conversation has been, I'm going to have to go. I have a lesson to teach." Then he was out the door.
Yukari stared. "Lesson? What's he talking about?"
Mark shrugged. "No idea".
"You mean all that deliberating power and you don't have a clue?"
"Puzzles I can handle. People are something completely different. I can't even handle being around girls."
Yukari looked at him weirdly. "I'm a girl."
"Yeah, but I barely notice it." Mark slapped a hand on his mouth. Yukari's eyes narrowed unpleasantly. "What exactly did that comment mean?"
"Well." Mark was sweating like there was no tomorrow. Grinning, Van sat back and watched the show. "I mean that you don't really act like a girl sometimes. Not that you're not, but you're really not what I'm used to in women."
Yukari's eyebrow rose. "What exactly are you used to?"
"I-I. Look, the only girls who've ever hung around me at all were my sisters. And they're as girly as you can get! I have absolutely no experience in these things! I didn't mean to insinuate that you weren't pretty. You are, you really are! But you're pretty in a different way than my sisters, like I said earlier, and if I occasionally screw up and say dumb things like I'm doing now, please forgive me." He winced, preparing for the smack to the face.
It didn't come. Cautiously, he opened an eye. Yukari was watching him with a dusky blush in her cheeks, exactly the colour of her crimson eyes. "Do you really think I'm pretty?"
Mark recalled his words. Slowly he nodded. A smile broke over Yukari's face like a sunny day. She strolled over to him and leaned up. Mark was paralysed as her face inched ever closer to his. She kissed him lightly on the cheek. "Thank you." She said breathily. Then she turned and left the room. Mark couldn't help but notice her swaying backside, and the image was trapped in his head long after Yukari herself was gone.
"Mm-hmm".
Startled, Mark turned. Van was still leaning in his chair, eyes sparkling. "What?"
Van swung his feet to the floor and stood up. "You like her, don't you?"
Mark blushed to the tips of his ears. "I do not!"
"Then why are you blushing?"
"."
Van smiled. "That's what I thought." He rested a hand on Mark's shoulder, his standard 'wisdom imparting' pose. "You should really tell her."
Mark tossed off Van's hand and started pacing. "Look, even if I did like her.and I'm not saying that I do." He sighed and shook his head. "I just met her yesterday morning! Don't you think it's a little too soon for telling her how I feel? And that's just hypothetical! It doesn't mean anything!"
"Of course". Van walked over to his cabinet and pulled out a wine bottle and two glasses. Pouring some wine, he said, "In my experience, the longer you wait to tell women what you feel, the worse it gets. Look at me! When I finally asked Millerna to marry me I was scared out of my mind! Eventually, you'll be too scared to say anything!"
Mark took his glass of wine and tossed it back with one swallow. "So you're saying I should tell Yukari how I feel?"
Van smirked. "I thought you didn't feel anything for her."
"I was being hypothetical."
"Fair enough. What I'm saying is that you should try to give her signs about how you feel. You know. Work your way up to actually telling her. Try to spend time with her. Talk to her. Get to know her better."
"I already know her."
Van knuckled his forehead in exasperation. "Even more so! Try to find something in common with her."
Mark stared at Van. "Is it really that easy?"
"Hell no! This is just to make you feel more comfortable with the idea of 'fessing up! And it may make Yukari like you better. Attention is something she craves, no questions asked."
Mark sighed and stood up. "I'm not sure how much this going to help me." He glared at Van. "Considering that I still haven't said if I like her!"
Van leaned back, sipping daintily at his glass. "Well, are you?"
Fuming, Mark left Van smiling to himself.
Magicman: While I've temporarily lost Smokegirl, How about I impart to you a theory of mine? I think, in the series Dilandau had a major crush on Hitomi! *giggles* You all saw that look he had when Allen kissed her on the cheek, and it would explain some of his animosity towards Van and Allen. And after all, as Sarah-neko once said, hate is just love with its back turned.
Well, bye for now! Don't forget to review!
Smokegirl: There you are! (Pulls out axe again)
Magicman: Yikes!
(Magicman and Smokegirl are on opposite sides of a giant Yu-gi-oh holo- field.)
Smokegirl: You're finished! Say goodbye to your life points! Summoned Skull, attack!
(Smokegirl's Summoned Skull lunges forward, but.)
Magicman: Ha! You fell right into my trap! I play the Spellbinding Circle!
Smokegirl: Oh CRAP!
(The Summoned Skull is trapped within the magic circle)
Magicman: And now to finish you off! Dark Magician, dark magic attack!
(The Dark Magician points his staff at the Summoned Skull and blasts it into oblivion, taking all of Smokegirl's life points)
Magicman: Yes! (Starts doing the macarena, and is joined in by his monsters.)
Smokegirl: Grrr! (Grabs axe and chases Magicman around the field.)
Dilandau-with-a-cowboy-hat: This could take a while. Why don't you read?
Van was in his study going over some treaties from other kingdoms. "Let's see. An offer giving Karada exclusive rights to Fanelian airspace in exchange for fifty guymelefs: nope." He ripped that treaty to pieces and threw them into the fire. "A request for Fanelian leva-stones in exchange for increased shipments of silks and spices: no, we never use silks and spices." That proposal joined the other in the fireplace. "A marriage proposal for Sashi: Hell no! He's only twelve!" He smiled slightly. His son may look like Millerna, but he was so like his father. Which meant that that proposal got burned too. "I don't know why I even keep firewood around. There're enough stupid proposals to keep the castle warm through winter! It's a good thing I had those lousy advisors shipped off to Asturia, or they'd have agreed to most of these things!"
Van smiled at the memory. Millerna had been so annoyed, that he was worried about their future. But that night they kissed and made up, conceiving Sashi in the process.
Van skimmed through the list, pulling out a good twelve more papers and burning them. Four more he set aside to consider. But it was the last one that really caught his eye. It was from Basram, and bore the mark of general Veers. Intrigued, Van opened the message and began to read.
Your Majesty Van Slanzar de Fanel, ruler of Fanelia and joint ruler of Asturia:
I feel that it is a time to issue a call to order. The Destiny war caused many events to take place. All new opportunities are before us. If we move to seize these opportunities quickly, we may gain their benefits before they fade. The Zaibach Empire is no more. It is a ghost of its former self, struggling desperately to prevent its own inevitable destruction. In this ghost, however, lies much technology and many weapons. I am not suggesting that we invade the former country, but I am suggesting that others may attempt to do so. Dornkirk is dead. His power lives on. The destruction wrought by this power is self-evident. We have both seen good men fall before the might of the stealth cloaks. We have witnessed the chaos and devastation caused by the Zone of Absolute fortune. And, while they may be scattered and alone, the Zaibach sorcerers still live, and they still carry the knowledge of these great terror weapons, and more. If these men should fall into the wrong hands then the war could start again. And I believe that neither of us wants that to happen. What I am proposing that we form an alliance with the other great powers. Together, we would strive to prevent the mistakes of the past from happening again. If ever again should a country grow strong enough to challenge the world, then, if we are divided, that country would succeed. However, if we are united, then the destruction could be prevented. I do not ask for any immediate answer. I merely ask that you consider the possibilities.
In my own hand: General Krannek R. Veers.
Van frowned. "General Veers, the most patriotic leader in history, is offering an alliance with countries he's shown he dislikes, and is doing it to aid other countries he dislikes even more?"
If there was one thing Millerna had taught him about politics, it was that everyone had a motive. "So, what's Veers' motive?"
Suddenly, Van recalled the assassination attempt, and Yukari and Setto's accounts of Kasar being involved with them. A kernel of suspicion formed in his mind. "Could Veers be doing this to eliminate potential competitors?" It was unlikely, he admitted. But, given Veers' contempt for anyone not Basramian, it was possible.
A sudden knock at the door interrupted his thoughts. Walking over, Van opened the door, revealing Yukari and Mark, both breathless from running. "Is something wrong?" Van asked, puzzled.
Yukari pulled in a deep breath. "Do you consider the potential fall of civilisation as we know it bad?"
"Yes."
"Then yes, something is very wrong."
"Then tell me what it is." Van pulled over a chair as he spoke. Gratefully, Yukari collapsed in it, and Mark followed suit, falling facedown on a couch. Van sat back down in his original chair. "Now, tell me what's up."
Suddenly, Setto burst in the door. "Hey Van! Something's up!"
Yukari scowled. "Do you mind? I was about to tell Van something very important!"
Setto glared. "Something about merchants overcharging their clients, no doubt. Now hush up and let me go first."
A vein popped out of Yukari's forehead. Van plugged his ears and Mark buried his head under a pillow.
"Where do you get off ordering me about?!"
"Oh, I'm sorry your majesty! I wasn't aware that you were supposed to give the orders!"
"Don't get smart mouthed with me, or you'll find yourself taking up three different graves!"
"You want to threaten me? Why don't you get your new boyfriend to do it for you?"
"WHAT?!"
"You know, Mark. You spend enough time with each other, I think it's officially started!"
"What are you, jealous that you couldn't find a girlfriend if you tried?"
"I don't need one! I'm perfectly fine on my own!"
Van unplugged his ears. "If you're finished-"
Setto smirked. "I'm not. She hasn't said Mark's not her boyfriend yet."
Yukari said a word that would have shattered glass, had she been standing in front of any, and tried to strangle her brother. Luckily for him, Mark and Van had seen this coming and were restraining her. "Please tell me I can hurt him! Please!"
"No. He still hasn't said what was so important." Van said, frowning. To Setto, he said, "If you don't stop teasing your sister and tell us what's going on, then I'll let her go!"
Setto lost some of his grin. "Well" He began, "I was down in the markets today, when I saw a couple soldiers chasing after a thief".
Van wasn't impressed. "This is a big city. There's a lot of thieves."
"It wasn't the thieves, it was the guards! These guys weren't Fanelian. They were armoured like snakes, and they were totally vicious! One of them shot the thief in the back, and he laughed about it! They turned on me and Sabrina, and I-"
"Sabrina? General Veers' daughter Sabrina?"
"Do you people always have to interrupt? Anyway, they turned on Sabrina and I, and I was forced to deal with them."
Van groaned, and smacked his forehead, releasing Yukari in the process. "That was not a smart thing to do. Judging by the armour, those men were soldiers of Basram! Basramian soldiers killed in Fanelia by the son of her royal seer. I can just see hear the criers."
Yukari smoothed the sleeve of her shirt. "Isn't he justified? I mean, those men killed a Fanelian citizen!"
"Normally, yes." Van was beside himself. Turning to Setto, he continued. "But the formalities had to be observed! If you'd gone to get the guards then you could have testified against them, and when they were executed no one would say a word, not even Veers himself! But seeing as you went ahead and acted alone, everyone will see this as the act of an uncontrolled public. Or worse, they might see it as a deliberate insult to Basram!" Groaning, the monarch sat down again.
"Oh come on, Van" Mark said. "It's not so bad. In fact, you'll think it's nothing after you hear what we've got to say."
"Wonderful" Van groaned. "Well, get on with it."
Yukari told the whole story, from Kasar's visit to Varkas to the events today. Mark told about what he'd heard that night on watch duty. Occasionally, Setto helped to clarify something, but for once the twins were in perfect agreement.
When they were done, Van was frowning. Everyone waited with bated breath for his response. Finally, he spoke. "It certainly sounds like Kasar and Veers are double dealing. Are you three sure about everything?"
The three teens nodded emphatically. Mark spoke. "I'm the rookie in this group, so to speak. But I'm dead serious when I say 'Something's up'."
Van nodded. "I agree. This just fits perfectly with this message I just got." He picked up the scroll and tossed it to the group, who read it. "Veers is offering an alliance with the big countries."
"But that's ridiculous!" Protested Mark. "I know Basramians, and they would sooner die of thirst in the desert than work with someone they think is weaker. My sister once said that Basram wouldn't be content short of world domination!"
Setto was silent, considering matters in his mind. "It seems to me that the key to figuring this out is that prophecy."
Yukari brightened. "I think I've decoded a part of it. I know who the Dragon is!"
"Really? Who?"
"The one Zaibach was always trying to find. The one who thwarted their plans again and again. The one so important enough to the empire that he was given a codename! Van Fanel!"
Everyone gasped.
"Of course!" Exclaimed Van. "It's so obvious!"
Yukari nodded sagely. "Yes it was. But what's 'the Dragon's Sword'?"
"Wait a minute, let's think this through." Mark's face was thoughtful and considering. "Yukari, you said that Kriggen was going to steal the sword?" Nod. "Then it's something important enough to risk lives to steal. No offence Van, but I wouldn't risk lives to steal your sword."
Van nodded, tapping the crest of Fanelia. "None taken".
"Alright then. So we know that it's some sort of weapon, that Kriggen doesn't want you to have. But then there's the line from Hitomi's prophecy. 'When does rise the Dragon's sword'. That suggests that this weapon is, somehow, alive. Does this ring any bells?"
Van sat up violently. "Escaflowne!"
"Exactly!"
"So, they want to steal Escaflowne do they?" Van's fist clenched tight about his sword hilt. "Let them try! I'll boil them in a stew they'll choke on!"
Setto leaned back in his chair. "Relax Van! We've got the edge on them. We know what they're up to, and they don't know we know. We really don't have to do anything for two days." He stood up. "Now, as delightful as this conversation has been, I'm going to have to go. I have a lesson to teach." Then he was out the door.
Yukari stared. "Lesson? What's he talking about?"
Mark shrugged. "No idea".
"You mean all that deliberating power and you don't have a clue?"
"Puzzles I can handle. People are something completely different. I can't even handle being around girls."
Yukari looked at him weirdly. "I'm a girl."
"Yeah, but I barely notice it." Mark slapped a hand on his mouth. Yukari's eyes narrowed unpleasantly. "What exactly did that comment mean?"
"Well." Mark was sweating like there was no tomorrow. Grinning, Van sat back and watched the show. "I mean that you don't really act like a girl sometimes. Not that you're not, but you're really not what I'm used to in women."
Yukari's eyebrow rose. "What exactly are you used to?"
"I-I. Look, the only girls who've ever hung around me at all were my sisters. And they're as girly as you can get! I have absolutely no experience in these things! I didn't mean to insinuate that you weren't pretty. You are, you really are! But you're pretty in a different way than my sisters, like I said earlier, and if I occasionally screw up and say dumb things like I'm doing now, please forgive me." He winced, preparing for the smack to the face.
It didn't come. Cautiously, he opened an eye. Yukari was watching him with a dusky blush in her cheeks, exactly the colour of her crimson eyes. "Do you really think I'm pretty?"
Mark recalled his words. Slowly he nodded. A smile broke over Yukari's face like a sunny day. She strolled over to him and leaned up. Mark was paralysed as her face inched ever closer to his. She kissed him lightly on the cheek. "Thank you." She said breathily. Then she turned and left the room. Mark couldn't help but notice her swaying backside, and the image was trapped in his head long after Yukari herself was gone.
"Mm-hmm".
Startled, Mark turned. Van was still leaning in his chair, eyes sparkling. "What?"
Van swung his feet to the floor and stood up. "You like her, don't you?"
Mark blushed to the tips of his ears. "I do not!"
"Then why are you blushing?"
"."
Van smiled. "That's what I thought." He rested a hand on Mark's shoulder, his standard 'wisdom imparting' pose. "You should really tell her."
Mark tossed off Van's hand and started pacing. "Look, even if I did like her.and I'm not saying that I do." He sighed and shook his head. "I just met her yesterday morning! Don't you think it's a little too soon for telling her how I feel? And that's just hypothetical! It doesn't mean anything!"
"Of course". Van walked over to his cabinet and pulled out a wine bottle and two glasses. Pouring some wine, he said, "In my experience, the longer you wait to tell women what you feel, the worse it gets. Look at me! When I finally asked Millerna to marry me I was scared out of my mind! Eventually, you'll be too scared to say anything!"
Mark took his glass of wine and tossed it back with one swallow. "So you're saying I should tell Yukari how I feel?"
Van smirked. "I thought you didn't feel anything for her."
"I was being hypothetical."
"Fair enough. What I'm saying is that you should try to give her signs about how you feel. You know. Work your way up to actually telling her. Try to spend time with her. Talk to her. Get to know her better."
"I already know her."
Van knuckled his forehead in exasperation. "Even more so! Try to find something in common with her."
Mark stared at Van. "Is it really that easy?"
"Hell no! This is just to make you feel more comfortable with the idea of 'fessing up! And it may make Yukari like you better. Attention is something she craves, no questions asked."
Mark sighed and stood up. "I'm not sure how much this going to help me." He glared at Van. "Considering that I still haven't said if I like her!"
Van leaned back, sipping daintily at his glass. "Well, are you?"
Fuming, Mark left Van smiling to himself.
Magicman: While I've temporarily lost Smokegirl, How about I impart to you a theory of mine? I think, in the series Dilandau had a major crush on Hitomi! *giggles* You all saw that look he had when Allen kissed her on the cheek, and it would explain some of his animosity towards Van and Allen. And after all, as Sarah-neko once said, hate is just love with its back turned.
Well, bye for now! Don't forget to review!
Smokegirl: There you are! (Pulls out axe again)
Magicman: Yikes!
