The Way Things Were
Disclaimer: I don't own Escaflowne, but I do own this story's plot.
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The Way Things Were
Chapter 5
Van stood in his enormous study, staring out the window longingly for an unknown something, hand clutching at the pinkish-cerise pendant that he had never once taken off. Life was as best as it could get for him, yet somehow he felt that something was missing in his life. What it was, he didn't know. He had felt that way before, when Hitomi had left him to go back to the Mystic Moon all those years ago. He had felt so empty and hollow, like a body without its soul. The days passed him by without him noticing them. He didn't eat, sleep, or seem to care about anything. His advisors sent for the best physicians of Gaea to see to their King's 'illness.' None had been able to say what the problem was, besides from the fact that Van had been sorely lacking sleep and nourishment.
Those had been the days where he had wanted to die. It was funny how when he was in front of her, he could act independent and strong, whereas when she was gone, he was dependent on her. Whenever they talked through their special thought-speak, he had always hidden his feelings. Merle had been the one who had knocked some sense into him. Literally. Van had never seen her so upset over anything before. She had said things to him about her that he, in his entire time of knowing her, had never known. It was then that he realized she was no longer the little sister who was constantly following him around. She had become her own person, and her strength then had exceeded Van's. He remembered crying that night, crying like the world had ended. He hadn't cried since the day that his mother had left to find his brother, Folken. He never showed his emotions outwardly, keeping them all clogged up inside. Letting loose had made him feel better, although still empty.
It was then that he saw it, the bright shooting star making a path through the two spheres in the midnight sky. He had been astounded by its beauty and extravagance, and he remembered wishing that he could bring Hitomi back, so that they could share the moment together. Before he knew what was happening, a bright pillar of light had swooped down and engulfed him in its warmth and purity. It purged him clean of all his sorrows and sins, and sent him to the planet of his love.
It had been the same, so perfectly, exactly the same, that it made Van shudder. He had landed behind a large, raised sort of arena. The area was deserted, and judging by the rising sun, Van could tell it was very early in the morning. In front of him lay the large oval track, and jogging slowly upon it was a young woman with light shoulder-length, sandy-brown hair and proud glowing green eyes. She was wearing her running clothes, the same pink shorts and plain white shirt, and the sight made Van blush a little. On Gaea, her clothing would be very inappropriate for a lady and would be frowned upon. However, she looked very beautiful, and Van could see that she had grown. She was much taller, leaner and broader, although she still had a small frame. Her chest had expanded a little, and her figure was much curvier. She hadn't seen him yet, seeming to be absorbed in her thoughts. He decided to talk to her through their thought-speak.
Hello, Hitomi.
She stopped running, and a smile instantly formed on her full lips.
Van, she answered. How've you been doing?
He smiled at her concern. I'm fine, Hitomi. I just need to get away from all the royalty business.
He felt her laugh. Van, where are you right now? You feel really close by.
It was his turn to smile. He had always wondered if she would be able to sense his presence.
Well, I'm…Hitomi had walked around the track while she had been talking to him, and now her back was facing him. Walking quietly so that she wouldn't hear him, Van sneaked up behind Hitomi and hugged her from behind.
"I'm right here," he said aloud.
She had turned around, her eyes wide in disbelief.
"V-Van, what are you doing here?" she had asked shakily.
The rest of the events had been almost like a dream, and as all dreams, Van didn't quite remember. All he remembered was Hitomi that had returned to Gaea with him, and had accepted his marriage proposal.
And now, almost 21 years later, their life together had remained wonderful. They had a daughter together, and had made Fanelia prosperous once again. Yes, life was sweet. But then what was missing?
Sighing deeply, Van turned to look at the huge painting of him on the wall. It had been an early picture of him, when he had just turned 15 and was still untouched by the sorrows of war. The picture caused him to chuckle a bit. He would never look like that again.
Hitomi was right, he thought, studying the profile. I did look arrogant.
Knowing he would be late for breakfast if he didn't head down soon, Van walked out the door and closed it with a resonating click. Too wrapped in his own thoughts, he didn't notice the grey eyes watching him through the wall.
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The usual political and royal talk buzzed about Varie at the breakfast table. She was more than bored; she was going out of her mind with sitting and doing nothing. She had long since finished her breakfast, but she knew it would be rude if she asked to be excused. She had to hide her laughter as Lord Eronai gave her a pleading look for help as the pompous Lord Gardkhas blabbed on and on about something she couldn't decipher. No wonder she liked her father's advisor; Lord Eronai was young compared to the other counsel members, but he was very kind and wise beyond his years. Her eyes scanning the rest of the table, Lord Remus gave her a small smile, her mother and father were grinning at her, but her gaze fell directly on Gabriel. His blue eyes looked back at her, and he flashed her the most charming grin. A little embarrassed, Varie suddenly found the white tablecloth interesting. Gabriel however, had stood up boldly, holding his champagne glass high.
"A toast," he said loudly. "To Princess Varie, on her birthday. May you be prosperous and surrounded by happiness," he concluded. King Allen had stood up proudly, along with other guests of the long table, with their goblets raised.
"To Princess Varie," they murmured, clinked their glasses together, and drank.
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The smell of the flowers and trees did much to lift her spirits. Varie had needed to escape from the endless sycophantic people she had encountered that day. She was a little troubled that Himitsu would not answer to her, but knew that the dragon just needed some time alone to ponder things over, just as she was doing. It was such a beautiful mid-summer's day, with the sun glowing radiantly and a few chaste white clouds drifting lazily across the blue Gaean sky.
Today was the big day. At exactly 6 o'clock sharp, the celebrations would begin. There was a buzz among the servants and guards, as well as the villagers that this would be the biggest celebration Fanelia would see in years. Practically everyone was busy; those who were preparing for the festivities were running around fetching this and that to have everything ready in time, while those who were attending the celebration were taking the entire day to do some last minute shopping and pick out what to wear. It amused Varie how excited everyone got over her birthday, yet she herself didn't really feel anything. To her it was just another day, another uneventful day that went by. Little did she know that something would happen that day, something to prove that she had been terribly mistaken.
Walking along the stone path that had been laid out, she thought that she might visit her family's graves. She had felt that the trees guarding the graves were mystically enchanting; the light that filtered through their leaves played with her eyes. She was caught up in her thoughts, so far away in her own world that she did not notice where she was walking. For the second time that week, Varie had walked smack dab into somebody once again. However, the impact wasn't as hard as the previous time, and although she staggered back a few paces, Varie regained her balance.
Great, she thought to herself. Who did I embarrass myself in front of now?
She lifted her eyes, and to great surprise, once again saw blue eyes staring back.
"We need to stop running into each other like this," he chuckled. Varie could only blush.
"Where were you headed, Princess?" Gabriel asked politely.
"Well, I was just… going… to the…" Her speech didn't start too well, as she was too absorbed by his eyes. Clearing her mind, she tried again.
"Would you like to come with me?" she asked, not knowing what had made her say such a thing.
Where did that come from?! she asked herself.
"Where are we going?" he asked playfully.
"Oh, you'll see when you get there," she joked back.
"Alright then," he pretended to lift his chin up arrogantly. "I shall muster up my courage and place my well-being in your hands."
She could only laugh. "Trust me, it won't hurt. Just close your eyes."
He looked at her a bit quizzically and was hesitant, but in the end complied.
"Don't worry. Now, don't open your eyes until I tell you to."
Holding onto his arm, she gently led him down the path to the private gardens. The gentle breeze blowing through the leaves whispered a soft lullaby to her. As they entered the shade of the trees, Varie was once again enveloped in its wondrous sensation.
"You can open your eyes now," she said almost inaudibly.
As Gabriel opened his eyes, he was met with the most breathtaking sight. The grass so green beneath his feet, the trees dancing in the breeze, the flowers of various colours all around them, and most of all… her. She looked absolutely astounding standing there. The light flickered across her face, making her seem surreal. Her expression was one of contentment, and he was happy with her. He had never heard music as beautiful as the one that played around them at that very instant.
"Are we in…."?
"The private gardens?" she finished for him. "Yes, we are. Those are my grandparents' graves." She pointed to large tombstones on her left. Gabriel's gaze flickered over the marble stone, but it wandered farther over to the right, and there he found a moss-covered giant kneeling, surrounded by dozens of wild flowers. At first he did not know what it was, could not even begin to understand, but then he saw a bare part of white metal where moss had not begun to form, and then he understood. Many a time had he heard the legends and rumours, but he had never believed that they were true.
"Is that… could that possibly be… the Ispano guymelef Escaflowne?" he asked bewildered.
"Yes, that is the legendary God of Protection. He's been resting here, as there is no longer a need for him."
Still amazed by the sight of such a legend, Gabriel took time to walk around and inspect the guymelef. He only seemed to return to the world when the sound of the clock tower struck, signalling that it was 11 o'clock.
"It seems I've lost track of time," he said sheepishly. "Do forgive me Princess Varie, but there are matters I need to attend to." With that, he brushed his lips past the back of her hand, and turned to leave.
"Will you be able to find your way out?" she called after him.
"I believe I can manage, princess. Thank you for your concern," he replied, not turning around.
When he was gone from sight, Varie turned to her grandparents' and uncle's graves. On top of the grave stood a woman with long raven hair and angelic white wings. She looked only a little older than Varie, and she was smiling at her.
"Happy Birthday, dear child," the ghostly image spoke softly. She reached out a hand for Varie, but the transparent fingers went right through her cheek. The ghost woman's face saddened.
"Grandmother," she murmured back.
"I cannot stay long, little one. I only came to wish you a happy birthday, and to tell you to take care of yourself." By that time, her image was starting to fade.
"Be warned, Varie. Your destiny is cruel, but your blood demands it. Never doubt yourself, and believe in those you love." The image of the former Queen of Fanelia dissipated, leaving Varie very confused.
"Grandmother, wait!" she shouted. "What do you mean?"
"Trust yourself, and trust your heart," an echo of a voice answered from all around.
What is going on? Varie wondered.
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Author's Notes: So, what do you think of it so far? I know it took me a while to get this chapter written, but now I finally have some time to write! This may be confusing now, but it'll all get cleared up later. You'll see. My sincerest thanks goes out to those of you who reviewed the last chapter: le bleu phenix, Meghanna Starsong, elektra ^_~, Alexia, and Lady Amalthea. THANK YOU ALL SO MUCH!
My inspiration has returned, and since it's March Break, look for the next chapter real soon.
Ciao for now,
~Seeress
