Adrina awoke the next morning just as the sun was coming up. She, Merle and Folken had planned on waiting for Van and Hitomi to return, but the girls had eventually fallen asleep. The two of them were laying side by side in the hayloft covered by a blanket. Folken sat next to them, leaning against the wall of the windmill. He smiled when he saw Adrina eye's on him.
"Good morning," he said.
"'Morning," Adrina yawned. She stretched and sat up. "Did Van come back?"
"Not yet," Folken informed.
"Better let Merle sleep then," Adrina suggested and slowly moved away from her sister, "She'll be worried."
Folken nodded. "He'll be back soon."
"I hope so," Adrina sighed, the worry she spoke of grasping at her as well.
"Van can take care of himself," Folken assured.
"I know," Adrina agreed, "but that doesn't mean I can't worry about him."
Folken smiled. "Van was lucky to have you looking out for him while he was growing up."
"I don't think he saw it that way very often," Adrina divulged, "After you left, Van didn't want anyone to tell him what to do or look after him. He wanted to prove to Queen Varie that he was strong enough to take King Goau's place."
"I've hurt you all so much," Folken commented, "How can you possibly accept me and not hate me?"
"You're Folken," Adrina shrugged, "we couldn't hate you. We'll always love you, no matter what."
"You will always love me?" Folken questioned with a smile.
"I..." Adrina trailed off and blushed a deep crimson while Folken patiently awaited her reply.
Next to Adrina, Merle began to stir, giving her the distraction she needed. She turned away from Folken quickly. "Good morning Merle."
The cat girl sat bolt upright at the sound of her sister's voice and looked around quickly. "Where's Lord Van?"
"He isn't back yet," Adrina told her.
"Do you think something happened to him?" Merle clung to her sister in her usual dramatic pose, "Maybe he's not coming back! Maybe Hitomi convinced him to stay on the Mystic Moon and they're going to get married and ..."
"Merle calm down!" Adrina comforted, "everything's going to be fine!"
Merle regained her composure and looked up at Adrina. "What if he doesn't end up back here? How will we know he's back safely?"
"We'll just have to wait until he sends word," Folken told her, "and we'll get the message quicker if we're at the castle. They should be starting breakfast soon, also."
The girls agreed and the three of them left he windmill and headed towards the castle. By the time they reached the city, the streets were alive with people bustling to and from their morning tasks. A few of them called out greetings as they passed. Folken, Adrina and Merle waved or called hello to them as they hurried towards their destination eager for news of Van and food. They made it to the castle and entered as the guards called greetings as well. Folken stopped at the kitchen and asked that breakfast for three be brought to his room, then continued on. They got to his room and waited in the parlor for the breakfast. It was brought a few minutes later and the three of them ate in silence. After the meal, the dishes were taken away and the three of them were left to ponder their own thoughts.
"Adrina?" Merle spoke after a while.
"Yeah?"
"How long do we have to wait for word from Lord Van before we can start worrying?" Merle asked.
"I think we'll have to wait a few more hours," Adrina smiled.
"Can't we do something?" Merle pleaded, "I'm going to go crazy just sitting here waiting!"
"What do you want to do?" Adrina inquired.
"Anything!" Merle answered.
"We could go and check on the repairs to the guymelefs," Folken suggested, "it's not exactly fun, but it's something to do."
"Okay," Merle agreed. The three of them left Folken's room and headed out of the castle to the nearby guymelef storehouse. When they walked in, Folken was greeted by a few of the workmen.
"How are the repairs coming?" Folken asked.
"Good," a repairman replied, "they've all been upgraded except for about three or four of them."
"Excellent," Folken praised, "the counsel was afraid that Zaibach would attack before they were finished. I told them you would be done in time."
As they began to stroll through the warehouse, three soldiers ran into the building and stopped in front of Folken, Adrina and Merle.
"We've been sent to inform you that Hitomi has just arrived on an airship," one soldier informed.
"Hitomi?!" Merle and Adrina cried in unison. The soldiers nodded. The sisters began firing questions at the men.
"Where is she?"
"Is she okay?"
"Where's Lord Van?"
The soldiers stared at them, not quite sure which question to address first. Seeing their dilemma, Folken spoke.
"Could you tell us where she is?"
"Yes," another soldier smiled gratefully, "she is in her room in the palace."
Without a word, Merle and Adrina ran out of the building and back to the palace. They ran past the front guards and flew down the hallways, turning down the proper corridors until they came to a halt outside Hitomi's room. The both knocked, creating a sound like rapid explosions. There haste and urgency were rewarded a second later. Hitomi opened the door, her eyes wide.
"Adrina, Merle, what...?" She was cut off by the two girls hugging her tightly.
"You're back!" Adrina exclaimed.
"We're so glad!" Merle added. The sisters released Hitomi and took a step back. Hitomi closed the door behind them.
"Van found you?" Adrina asked.
"Yes," Hitomi replied.
"Where is Lord Van?" Merle questioned.
"He's fighting along side the soldiers of Sizario," Hitomi answered, "they were attacked by Zaibach and asked Van to help them hold their position unit the alliance joins them."
"Have you told the counsel?" Adrina inquired.
"Dryden and Millerna met with me as soon as I got off the ship," Hitomi told her, "I told Dryden and he went to meet with the counsel."
"They should send help for Van soon then," Adrina mused.
"Oh, I hope Lord Van is okay," Merle stressed.
"He'll be fine," Adrina assured.
A knock on the door drew their attention. Hitomi opened the door to reveal Allen.
"Allen!" Hitomi exclaimed.
"Hitomi," Allen started, "may I speak with you?"
"Uh..." Hitomi turned and looked at the sisters.
"We were just leaving," Adrina told her and pushed Merle out the door, past Allen and down the hall. They turned a corner and Merle stopped.
"What are you doing?" Merle hissed, "He's going to try and seduce her!"
"Oh Merle," Adrina scoffed, "he is not. And besides, it doesn't matter. She loves Van."
"He better not try anything," Merle warned, "or he'll be my new scratching post." She brandished her claws.
"Easy girl," Adrina calmed. She looked around the corner and pulled back quickly. "Here they come!" She grabbed Merle's hand and turned down a side corridor that was swathed in shadows.
"What..." Merle started.
"Ssssh!" Adrina pulled Merle back into the shadows. A second later, Hitomi and Allen walked by. Once their footsteps had faded, Adrina stuck her head out into the hallway, as did Merle. She looked down at the cat girl.
"Since you're so worried about Allen sweet talking Hitomi, we're gonna follow them," Adrina told her. Merle smiled sinisterly and they crept down the hallway after Allen and Hitomi. They followed the pair down a few more twists and turns, being careful not to be seen, and finally stopped as Allen and Hitomi stood in front of two windows. Outside, Adrina could see rain coming down. It must've started sometime during their undercover stint. They could also see the troops gathering. Some were already leaving, presumably to go to Van's aid. The sisters hid behind a nearby table as Allen spoke.
"There's something sad about the rain," he commented, "it washes everything away."
Hitomi seemed flustered. "Allen, I..."
"Van loves you, you know Hitomi," Allen told her. The sisters looked at each other in surprise, "that's why he brought you back to Gaea. And I know that you wanted to come back too." He paused. "You know, this may be the first time that a woman has ever refused my advances."
The sisters looked at each other and rolled their eyes.
"Allen, I..." Hitomi stammered.
"It's okay," Allen assured, "Don't worry about it. Van is going to return safely because the most important person to him is here. You." He smiled down at her. "Now will you excuse me? I have to prepare for my departure." Allen nodded to her and left her standing alone by the window staring at the amassing troops.
Adrina looked down at her sister. "See, everything's fine. Allen wasn't going to try anything."
"I just wanted to make sure," Merle said.
"What are you two doing?"
Both sisters jumped and screamed as a male voice sounded behind them. They turned to see Folken standing there.
"Folken!" Adrina smiled, "Nothing! We're not doing anything! We were just passing through." Adrina looked over her shoulder and saw that they had drawn Hitomi's attention.
"Yeah," Merle backed up, "We were on our way out to play in the rain."
"It's quite cold out there," Folken informed, "you should probably stay inside. And I wanted to ask for your help Adrina."
"Oh okay," Adrina agreed, "I'll help you."
"And I'll just..." Merle turned around and acted like she had just noticed Hitomi, "hang around here with Hitomi! Hey Hitomi! Can I keep you company?" Merle walked over to Hitomi, who smirked.
"I saw the two of you watching Allen and I," Hitomi told them.
Adrina smiled up at Folken, "So, what did you need my help with?" The two of them walked down the hallway, leaving Merle to explain to Hitomi why she and Adrina had been spying on her.
Folken and Adrina turned down a hallway she had never been down before that led to a staircase leading down.
"Where are we going?" Adrina asked as they started down the stairs.
"To my laboratory," Folken answered. They came to the bottom of the stairs and stood in front of a large wooden door. Folken pushed it open and two of them entered. They stood on a platform that overlooked the room and was connected to the floor by a set of stairs. The room itself was fairly small. Against the far wall was a huge contraption that Adrina didn't recognize. Against the strange machine was a table covered with parts, tools and other scientific instruments. Folken walked down the stairs and over to the worktable. Adrina followed.
"What is this?" Adrina motioned to the huge machine on the wall.
"I'm hoping that with the right adjustments it can create the pillar of light," Folken informed.
"Where did you get it?" Adrina questioned.
"From the wreckage of the Vione," Folken told her.
Adrina stared up at the machine. "What do you need my help with?"
"I want to dictate to you," Folken handed her a pad of paper and a pencil. "I tried doing writing down my suggestions while I was examining the parts, but it's taking too long. I'm afraid that at this rate I won't be able to finish it in time."
Adrina nodded and the two of them got to work. Folken called out numbers and descriptions and Adrina jotted them down quickly. They had been working for about an hour and a half when someone knocked on the door. Folken sighed, frustrated, and walked up the stairs. He opened the door and stepped aside, allowing Hitomi to enter. The two of them walked back down to where Adrina was.
"What brings you here, Hitomi?" Folken asked.
"I want to help Van," Hitomi told him.
"You want to help Van?" Folken repeated.
"Folken, tell me how to create a pillar of light and go to Zaibach," Hitomi pleaded, "it's my duty to go and see Dornkirk and get him to stop all this fighting!"
"Dornkirk's not the type to listen to anyone," Folken told her, "besides, if you were to put yourself in danger, it could hurt Van. Anyway, I should be the one who confronts Dornkirk. A wave in tune with the fate alteration engine should be able to direct the pillar of light. That is why I recovered this device from the Vione. I will settle this matter myself."
"Folken, you mustn't," Hitomi said. Suddenly, her eyes widened and she got the trance-like look that signified she was having a vision. Knowing that her visions weren't of good things and considering that she was talking to Folken when the vision started, Adrina was scared.
"Hitomi?" Adrina called.
Hitomi blinked rapidly and focused again. "Wh...what?"
"What was it Hitomi?" Adrina asked, "What did you see?"
Hitomi stared at Adrina with pity in her eyes. "Adrina...it was nothing."
"Hitomi..." Adrina started.
"I'd better go." Hitomi hurried up the stairs and out the door. Adrina sighed and tried not to imagine what the vision had meant as she and Folken got back to work. After awhile, Adrina could stand it no longer.
"Folken?"
"Yes?" He looked down at her from high up on the machine.
"I've been avoiding this since we got to Asturia," she began, "but now I need to know. Hitomi's visions are never good and I'm sure it was about you, so I need to know: Why are your wings black?"
Folken sighed and climbed down to the floor. He pulled up a stool next to Adrina and sat down. "Adrina, I'm dying."
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Adrina wrote quickly as Folken dictated to her. She could barely concentrate on his words and hoped she wasn't messing up his specs. He was dying. She had assumed the worst when she had seen his ebony wings but hearing him tell her for sure numbed her mind and squeezed her heart.
"Adrina!"
Adrina's head snapped up. "Yes?"
"Did you get that?" Folken questioned.
"Um..." Adrina red her notes, trying to remember what the last thing Folken had said was. She thought hard but all she could conjure up were his words from before. "Adrina, I'm dying."
"Adrina."
She looked up as Folken sat down next to her.
"Adrina, I know what has been going through you mind for the past few hours," Folken informed, "I've been thinking about it a lot as well. Before you came to Zaibach I was ready to die, but now..."
"It's not fair," Adrina murmured, "I waited ten years to be with you again and now...now this." She took a deep breath, hoping to stop the tears that threatened to fall.
"Don't be upset." Folken took her hands into his left hand. "It is my payment for all of the terrible things I did while a sorcerer of Zaibach."
"What about all the good things you've done?" Adrina demanded, "what is your payment for them?"
"You are my payment for my good deeds." Folken pulled her forward and kissed her. "Seeing you again has made my pathetic life worth living. If I must trade it for the short time we've had together, then I will gladly."
"Folken," Adrina whispered as a single tear slipped down her cheek.
"Don't cry, love." Folken wiped the tear away gently. "I've caused you so much pain, but once I'm gone I can never hurt you again."
"Folken, stop!" Adrina cried, "I would suffer for the rest of my life if it meant you could live!"
"Rina..." Folken pulled her into his arms and rocked her gently as the tears began to fall. In the quiet room, Folken began to whistle the lullaby as he rocked her back and forth. Eventually, the tears subsided and she began to relax. She pulled away from him and looked into his dark eyes.
"I'm sorry," she apologized, "I didn't mean to break down like that."
"Do not apologize," Folken told her, "I understand how you feel."
She smiled and hugged him tightly. They pulled apart quickly as the laboratory door burst open to reveal a distraught looking Hitomi.
"Folken!" she called. She ran down the stairs to where the two of them stood. "Van's hurting! I...I want to help him!"
"Somehow I knew that you would come, Hitomi," Folken said.
"I saw," Hitomi stuttered, "but I saw something that was...Well, I saw that you might die in Zaibach, Folken! I saw something that was so horrible!"
Adrina's thoughts had been right and she gasped.
"You needn't worry about that," Folken assured, "You see, I don't have much longer to live." Folken turned away from Hitomi and stripped off his shirt. Adrina choked back a sob as his pitch-black wings spread out behind him.
"Folken..." Adrina murmured, the tears threatening to spill again.
"The reaction of fortune is shortening my life," Folken continued, "These black wings are proof of that."
"You're black wings are..." Hitomi trailed off.
"I plan to atone with my life for my many crimes," Folken informed, "crimes from working for Dornkirk. This is my fate."
"No, you can't!" Hitomi cried, "If you die then you'll leave Van all alone! I don't want to see him alone! I can't stand the thought of him being unhappy!"
"Don't worry," Folken comforted, "Van will succeed. I will leave my body behind all for the sake of a new world."
"No, that's not right!" Hitomi shouted, "I'll do everything I can to change that awful fate!"
Hitomi's pendant began to glow and behind them, the machine activated. A blue light surrounded Folken and Hitomi. Afraid she was going to lose him, Adrina ran to Folken and threw her arms around him.
"Folken!" she screamed as the light took them from the laboratory. It was so bright that Adrina closed her eyes but didn't loosen her grip on her love. She felt something solid beneath her feet and opened her eyes. They were in a large building with many strange devices in it. They stood on a rather tall platform in the middle of the room on front of a huge contraption that towered over them.
"Where are we?" Hitomi asked, mirroring Adrina's own thoughts.
"Everything is now in place," a voice boomed.
Adrina gasped as she recognized the voice. Dornkirk. They were in Zaibach. The three of them looked up to the top of the machine in front of them and could see and old, frail man with flowing white hair perched there.
"All of the pieces have come to me," Dornkirk continued, "The time has come to use the full power of the fate alteration engine. All is proceeding according to my will."
"Your will?" Folken repeated.
"Yes," Dornkirk confirmed, "I guided fate so you would bring the girl from the Mystic Moon to me."
"Tell me just how long do you plan to toy with fate?" Folken demanded.
"A foolish question," Dornkirk chided, "You should know my true intentions."
"Then you should know what I'm planning to do!" Folken shouted.
"You have come to kill me, am I right?" Dornkirk taunted, "Come on! Kill me! Come on, what are you waiting for Folken?"
Folken's hand went to his sword.
"No!" Adrina pleaded, "Please Folken! Don't do this! I don't want you to die!"
Dornkirk laughed maniacally. "Now is the time to fight with me, Lord Folken!" His laughter echoed off the walls.
"Monster," Folken growled. He leapt into the air and soared towards Dornkirk.
"Folken!" Adrina screamed in anguish. He landed in front of Dornkirk and raised his sword.
"NO!" Adrina and Hitomi screamed in unison as Folken brought the sword down. It cut through Dornkirk, ending his life. Adrina watched in horror as the tip of the sword struck metal and broke off. It spun back towards Folken and a second later he gasped and doubled over. Tears spilled down Adrina's cheeks as Folken fell backwards and plummeted to the ground far below.
"Folken!" Without thinking, Adrina ran to the edge of the platform.
"Adrina don't!" Hitomi called as Adrina jumped from the platform. She fell the twenty feet to the ground and landed hard. She heard a pop in her foot as she hit the floor and pain shot up her left leg. She ignored it and hurried over to where Folken had fallen. She ran to his side and knelt down next to him, not caring that a pool of blood was spreading under him and her knees were now soaked with it. His face was also streaked with blood, which issued from his eyes, nose and mouth from the impact of his landing. This was nothing compared to the gaping hole in his chest where the sword tip had embedded itself. The life fluid pumped out of the wound and covered his chest, then ran in rivulets onto the floor.
Adrina grabbed his left hand in hers. "Folken."
"Adrina," Folken murmured. His eyes focused on her. "I'm so sorry you had to see this."
"Ssssh," Adrina hushed and stroked his hand, which was sticky with his own blood, "Don't try to talk."
"It looks like Hitomi was right," he smiled slightly, "but at least my death has significance, unlike my life. I have stopped the war by killing Dornkirk."
"Please," Adrina begged, "you have to save your strength."
"It is over, Adrina," Folken told her.
"No!" Adrina cried, tears pouring down her face, "don't say that! We can get help for you Folken!"
"Adrina." Folken pulled his hand away from hers and stroked her cheek, leaving behind a smudge of crimson fluid, "I admire your courage, but there is no hope for me."
"There is always hope!" Adrina insisted, "I never gave up on you before and I'm not going to give up now!"
Folken smiled weakly and dropped his hand from her cheek. He began to shift through his clothing. He pulled his hand back and held it palm up to Adrina. In his palm was the purple dragon necklace she had given him all those years ago. "Take it."
"You do still have it?" Adrina stared in shock at the necklace she assumed he had lost or abandoned long ago.
"Of course I do," Folken said, "it was all I had to remind me of you. I want you to take it back." He shoved the pendant into her hand. "Please don't cry. I don't want to cause you anymore pain."
"Folken, I can't stand losing you again," Adrina sobbed. The reality of the situation was beginning to set in and she was starting to despair. "I love you Folken."
"I love you as well, Rina." Folken grabbed her hand and squeezed it slightly. "Goodbye my lovely Adrina. I will always watch over you."
His chocolate eyes closed and his hand went limp in hers. She stared wide-eyed as his chest rose and fell for the last time. "Folken!" she screamed, "Please Folken, don't leave me!" She threw herself across his chest and sobbed until she hyperventilated and darkness consumed her.
***************************************************
*sniffle* Okay, I know that was kinda morbid and sad, but I didn't think that the series gave Folken a good enough death scene, so I had to elaborate on it. Anyways, now, dear reader, you have a choice. There are two endings to this tale, one happy, one not so happy. If you wish to read the sad ending, go to chapter 17 Epilogue 1: Alone But Doing Fine. If you would rather have the happy ending, go to chapter 18 Epilogue 2: Forever and Ever. Or you can just read both. I would greatly appreciate feedback telling me which ending you liked the best. Enjoy!
"Good morning," he said.
"'Morning," Adrina yawned. She stretched and sat up. "Did Van come back?"
"Not yet," Folken informed.
"Better let Merle sleep then," Adrina suggested and slowly moved away from her sister, "She'll be worried."
Folken nodded. "He'll be back soon."
"I hope so," Adrina sighed, the worry she spoke of grasping at her as well.
"Van can take care of himself," Folken assured.
"I know," Adrina agreed, "but that doesn't mean I can't worry about him."
Folken smiled. "Van was lucky to have you looking out for him while he was growing up."
"I don't think he saw it that way very often," Adrina divulged, "After you left, Van didn't want anyone to tell him what to do or look after him. He wanted to prove to Queen Varie that he was strong enough to take King Goau's place."
"I've hurt you all so much," Folken commented, "How can you possibly accept me and not hate me?"
"You're Folken," Adrina shrugged, "we couldn't hate you. We'll always love you, no matter what."
"You will always love me?" Folken questioned with a smile.
"I..." Adrina trailed off and blushed a deep crimson while Folken patiently awaited her reply.
Next to Adrina, Merle began to stir, giving her the distraction she needed. She turned away from Folken quickly. "Good morning Merle."
The cat girl sat bolt upright at the sound of her sister's voice and looked around quickly. "Where's Lord Van?"
"He isn't back yet," Adrina told her.
"Do you think something happened to him?" Merle clung to her sister in her usual dramatic pose, "Maybe he's not coming back! Maybe Hitomi convinced him to stay on the Mystic Moon and they're going to get married and ..."
"Merle calm down!" Adrina comforted, "everything's going to be fine!"
Merle regained her composure and looked up at Adrina. "What if he doesn't end up back here? How will we know he's back safely?"
"We'll just have to wait until he sends word," Folken told her, "and we'll get the message quicker if we're at the castle. They should be starting breakfast soon, also."
The girls agreed and the three of them left he windmill and headed towards the castle. By the time they reached the city, the streets were alive with people bustling to and from their morning tasks. A few of them called out greetings as they passed. Folken, Adrina and Merle waved or called hello to them as they hurried towards their destination eager for news of Van and food. They made it to the castle and entered as the guards called greetings as well. Folken stopped at the kitchen and asked that breakfast for three be brought to his room, then continued on. They got to his room and waited in the parlor for the breakfast. It was brought a few minutes later and the three of them ate in silence. After the meal, the dishes were taken away and the three of them were left to ponder their own thoughts.
"Adrina?" Merle spoke after a while.
"Yeah?"
"How long do we have to wait for word from Lord Van before we can start worrying?" Merle asked.
"I think we'll have to wait a few more hours," Adrina smiled.
"Can't we do something?" Merle pleaded, "I'm going to go crazy just sitting here waiting!"
"What do you want to do?" Adrina inquired.
"Anything!" Merle answered.
"We could go and check on the repairs to the guymelefs," Folken suggested, "it's not exactly fun, but it's something to do."
"Okay," Merle agreed. The three of them left Folken's room and headed out of the castle to the nearby guymelef storehouse. When they walked in, Folken was greeted by a few of the workmen.
"How are the repairs coming?" Folken asked.
"Good," a repairman replied, "they've all been upgraded except for about three or four of them."
"Excellent," Folken praised, "the counsel was afraid that Zaibach would attack before they were finished. I told them you would be done in time."
As they began to stroll through the warehouse, three soldiers ran into the building and stopped in front of Folken, Adrina and Merle.
"We've been sent to inform you that Hitomi has just arrived on an airship," one soldier informed.
"Hitomi?!" Merle and Adrina cried in unison. The soldiers nodded. The sisters began firing questions at the men.
"Where is she?"
"Is she okay?"
"Where's Lord Van?"
The soldiers stared at them, not quite sure which question to address first. Seeing their dilemma, Folken spoke.
"Could you tell us where she is?"
"Yes," another soldier smiled gratefully, "she is in her room in the palace."
Without a word, Merle and Adrina ran out of the building and back to the palace. They ran past the front guards and flew down the hallways, turning down the proper corridors until they came to a halt outside Hitomi's room. The both knocked, creating a sound like rapid explosions. There haste and urgency were rewarded a second later. Hitomi opened the door, her eyes wide.
"Adrina, Merle, what...?" She was cut off by the two girls hugging her tightly.
"You're back!" Adrina exclaimed.
"We're so glad!" Merle added. The sisters released Hitomi and took a step back. Hitomi closed the door behind them.
"Van found you?" Adrina asked.
"Yes," Hitomi replied.
"Where is Lord Van?" Merle questioned.
"He's fighting along side the soldiers of Sizario," Hitomi answered, "they were attacked by Zaibach and asked Van to help them hold their position unit the alliance joins them."
"Have you told the counsel?" Adrina inquired.
"Dryden and Millerna met with me as soon as I got off the ship," Hitomi told her, "I told Dryden and he went to meet with the counsel."
"They should send help for Van soon then," Adrina mused.
"Oh, I hope Lord Van is okay," Merle stressed.
"He'll be fine," Adrina assured.
A knock on the door drew their attention. Hitomi opened the door to reveal Allen.
"Allen!" Hitomi exclaimed.
"Hitomi," Allen started, "may I speak with you?"
"Uh..." Hitomi turned and looked at the sisters.
"We were just leaving," Adrina told her and pushed Merle out the door, past Allen and down the hall. They turned a corner and Merle stopped.
"What are you doing?" Merle hissed, "He's going to try and seduce her!"
"Oh Merle," Adrina scoffed, "he is not. And besides, it doesn't matter. She loves Van."
"He better not try anything," Merle warned, "or he'll be my new scratching post." She brandished her claws.
"Easy girl," Adrina calmed. She looked around the corner and pulled back quickly. "Here they come!" She grabbed Merle's hand and turned down a side corridor that was swathed in shadows.
"What..." Merle started.
"Ssssh!" Adrina pulled Merle back into the shadows. A second later, Hitomi and Allen walked by. Once their footsteps had faded, Adrina stuck her head out into the hallway, as did Merle. She looked down at the cat girl.
"Since you're so worried about Allen sweet talking Hitomi, we're gonna follow them," Adrina told her. Merle smiled sinisterly and they crept down the hallway after Allen and Hitomi. They followed the pair down a few more twists and turns, being careful not to be seen, and finally stopped as Allen and Hitomi stood in front of two windows. Outside, Adrina could see rain coming down. It must've started sometime during their undercover stint. They could also see the troops gathering. Some were already leaving, presumably to go to Van's aid. The sisters hid behind a nearby table as Allen spoke.
"There's something sad about the rain," he commented, "it washes everything away."
Hitomi seemed flustered. "Allen, I..."
"Van loves you, you know Hitomi," Allen told her. The sisters looked at each other in surprise, "that's why he brought you back to Gaea. And I know that you wanted to come back too." He paused. "You know, this may be the first time that a woman has ever refused my advances."
The sisters looked at each other and rolled their eyes.
"Allen, I..." Hitomi stammered.
"It's okay," Allen assured, "Don't worry about it. Van is going to return safely because the most important person to him is here. You." He smiled down at her. "Now will you excuse me? I have to prepare for my departure." Allen nodded to her and left her standing alone by the window staring at the amassing troops.
Adrina looked down at her sister. "See, everything's fine. Allen wasn't going to try anything."
"I just wanted to make sure," Merle said.
"What are you two doing?"
Both sisters jumped and screamed as a male voice sounded behind them. They turned to see Folken standing there.
"Folken!" Adrina smiled, "Nothing! We're not doing anything! We were just passing through." Adrina looked over her shoulder and saw that they had drawn Hitomi's attention.
"Yeah," Merle backed up, "We were on our way out to play in the rain."
"It's quite cold out there," Folken informed, "you should probably stay inside. And I wanted to ask for your help Adrina."
"Oh okay," Adrina agreed, "I'll help you."
"And I'll just..." Merle turned around and acted like she had just noticed Hitomi, "hang around here with Hitomi! Hey Hitomi! Can I keep you company?" Merle walked over to Hitomi, who smirked.
"I saw the two of you watching Allen and I," Hitomi told them.
Adrina smiled up at Folken, "So, what did you need my help with?" The two of them walked down the hallway, leaving Merle to explain to Hitomi why she and Adrina had been spying on her.
Folken and Adrina turned down a hallway she had never been down before that led to a staircase leading down.
"Where are we going?" Adrina asked as they started down the stairs.
"To my laboratory," Folken answered. They came to the bottom of the stairs and stood in front of a large wooden door. Folken pushed it open and two of them entered. They stood on a platform that overlooked the room and was connected to the floor by a set of stairs. The room itself was fairly small. Against the far wall was a huge contraption that Adrina didn't recognize. Against the strange machine was a table covered with parts, tools and other scientific instruments. Folken walked down the stairs and over to the worktable. Adrina followed.
"What is this?" Adrina motioned to the huge machine on the wall.
"I'm hoping that with the right adjustments it can create the pillar of light," Folken informed.
"Where did you get it?" Adrina questioned.
"From the wreckage of the Vione," Folken told her.
Adrina stared up at the machine. "What do you need my help with?"
"I want to dictate to you," Folken handed her a pad of paper and a pencil. "I tried doing writing down my suggestions while I was examining the parts, but it's taking too long. I'm afraid that at this rate I won't be able to finish it in time."
Adrina nodded and the two of them got to work. Folken called out numbers and descriptions and Adrina jotted them down quickly. They had been working for about an hour and a half when someone knocked on the door. Folken sighed, frustrated, and walked up the stairs. He opened the door and stepped aside, allowing Hitomi to enter. The two of them walked back down to where Adrina was.
"What brings you here, Hitomi?" Folken asked.
"I want to help Van," Hitomi told him.
"You want to help Van?" Folken repeated.
"Folken, tell me how to create a pillar of light and go to Zaibach," Hitomi pleaded, "it's my duty to go and see Dornkirk and get him to stop all this fighting!"
"Dornkirk's not the type to listen to anyone," Folken told her, "besides, if you were to put yourself in danger, it could hurt Van. Anyway, I should be the one who confronts Dornkirk. A wave in tune with the fate alteration engine should be able to direct the pillar of light. That is why I recovered this device from the Vione. I will settle this matter myself."
"Folken, you mustn't," Hitomi said. Suddenly, her eyes widened and she got the trance-like look that signified she was having a vision. Knowing that her visions weren't of good things and considering that she was talking to Folken when the vision started, Adrina was scared.
"Hitomi?" Adrina called.
Hitomi blinked rapidly and focused again. "Wh...what?"
"What was it Hitomi?" Adrina asked, "What did you see?"
Hitomi stared at Adrina with pity in her eyes. "Adrina...it was nothing."
"Hitomi..." Adrina started.
"I'd better go." Hitomi hurried up the stairs and out the door. Adrina sighed and tried not to imagine what the vision had meant as she and Folken got back to work. After awhile, Adrina could stand it no longer.
"Folken?"
"Yes?" He looked down at her from high up on the machine.
"I've been avoiding this since we got to Asturia," she began, "but now I need to know. Hitomi's visions are never good and I'm sure it was about you, so I need to know: Why are your wings black?"
Folken sighed and climbed down to the floor. He pulled up a stool next to Adrina and sat down. "Adrina, I'm dying."
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Adrina wrote quickly as Folken dictated to her. She could barely concentrate on his words and hoped she wasn't messing up his specs. He was dying. She had assumed the worst when she had seen his ebony wings but hearing him tell her for sure numbed her mind and squeezed her heart.
"Adrina!"
Adrina's head snapped up. "Yes?"
"Did you get that?" Folken questioned.
"Um..." Adrina red her notes, trying to remember what the last thing Folken had said was. She thought hard but all she could conjure up were his words from before. "Adrina, I'm dying."
"Adrina."
She looked up as Folken sat down next to her.
"Adrina, I know what has been going through you mind for the past few hours," Folken informed, "I've been thinking about it a lot as well. Before you came to Zaibach I was ready to die, but now..."
"It's not fair," Adrina murmured, "I waited ten years to be with you again and now...now this." She took a deep breath, hoping to stop the tears that threatened to fall.
"Don't be upset." Folken took her hands into his left hand. "It is my payment for all of the terrible things I did while a sorcerer of Zaibach."
"What about all the good things you've done?" Adrina demanded, "what is your payment for them?"
"You are my payment for my good deeds." Folken pulled her forward and kissed her. "Seeing you again has made my pathetic life worth living. If I must trade it for the short time we've had together, then I will gladly."
"Folken," Adrina whispered as a single tear slipped down her cheek.
"Don't cry, love." Folken wiped the tear away gently. "I've caused you so much pain, but once I'm gone I can never hurt you again."
"Folken, stop!" Adrina cried, "I would suffer for the rest of my life if it meant you could live!"
"Rina..." Folken pulled her into his arms and rocked her gently as the tears began to fall. In the quiet room, Folken began to whistle the lullaby as he rocked her back and forth. Eventually, the tears subsided and she began to relax. She pulled away from him and looked into his dark eyes.
"I'm sorry," she apologized, "I didn't mean to break down like that."
"Do not apologize," Folken told her, "I understand how you feel."
She smiled and hugged him tightly. They pulled apart quickly as the laboratory door burst open to reveal a distraught looking Hitomi.
"Folken!" she called. She ran down the stairs to where the two of them stood. "Van's hurting! I...I want to help him!"
"Somehow I knew that you would come, Hitomi," Folken said.
"I saw," Hitomi stuttered, "but I saw something that was...Well, I saw that you might die in Zaibach, Folken! I saw something that was so horrible!"
Adrina's thoughts had been right and she gasped.
"You needn't worry about that," Folken assured, "You see, I don't have much longer to live." Folken turned away from Hitomi and stripped off his shirt. Adrina choked back a sob as his pitch-black wings spread out behind him.
"Folken..." Adrina murmured, the tears threatening to spill again.
"The reaction of fortune is shortening my life," Folken continued, "These black wings are proof of that."
"You're black wings are..." Hitomi trailed off.
"I plan to atone with my life for my many crimes," Folken informed, "crimes from working for Dornkirk. This is my fate."
"No, you can't!" Hitomi cried, "If you die then you'll leave Van all alone! I don't want to see him alone! I can't stand the thought of him being unhappy!"
"Don't worry," Folken comforted, "Van will succeed. I will leave my body behind all for the sake of a new world."
"No, that's not right!" Hitomi shouted, "I'll do everything I can to change that awful fate!"
Hitomi's pendant began to glow and behind them, the machine activated. A blue light surrounded Folken and Hitomi. Afraid she was going to lose him, Adrina ran to Folken and threw her arms around him.
"Folken!" she screamed as the light took them from the laboratory. It was so bright that Adrina closed her eyes but didn't loosen her grip on her love. She felt something solid beneath her feet and opened her eyes. They were in a large building with many strange devices in it. They stood on a rather tall platform in the middle of the room on front of a huge contraption that towered over them.
"Where are we?" Hitomi asked, mirroring Adrina's own thoughts.
"Everything is now in place," a voice boomed.
Adrina gasped as she recognized the voice. Dornkirk. They were in Zaibach. The three of them looked up to the top of the machine in front of them and could see and old, frail man with flowing white hair perched there.
"All of the pieces have come to me," Dornkirk continued, "The time has come to use the full power of the fate alteration engine. All is proceeding according to my will."
"Your will?" Folken repeated.
"Yes," Dornkirk confirmed, "I guided fate so you would bring the girl from the Mystic Moon to me."
"Tell me just how long do you plan to toy with fate?" Folken demanded.
"A foolish question," Dornkirk chided, "You should know my true intentions."
"Then you should know what I'm planning to do!" Folken shouted.
"You have come to kill me, am I right?" Dornkirk taunted, "Come on! Kill me! Come on, what are you waiting for Folken?"
Folken's hand went to his sword.
"No!" Adrina pleaded, "Please Folken! Don't do this! I don't want you to die!"
Dornkirk laughed maniacally. "Now is the time to fight with me, Lord Folken!" His laughter echoed off the walls.
"Monster," Folken growled. He leapt into the air and soared towards Dornkirk.
"Folken!" Adrina screamed in anguish. He landed in front of Dornkirk and raised his sword.
"NO!" Adrina and Hitomi screamed in unison as Folken brought the sword down. It cut through Dornkirk, ending his life. Adrina watched in horror as the tip of the sword struck metal and broke off. It spun back towards Folken and a second later he gasped and doubled over. Tears spilled down Adrina's cheeks as Folken fell backwards and plummeted to the ground far below.
"Folken!" Without thinking, Adrina ran to the edge of the platform.
"Adrina don't!" Hitomi called as Adrina jumped from the platform. She fell the twenty feet to the ground and landed hard. She heard a pop in her foot as she hit the floor and pain shot up her left leg. She ignored it and hurried over to where Folken had fallen. She ran to his side and knelt down next to him, not caring that a pool of blood was spreading under him and her knees were now soaked with it. His face was also streaked with blood, which issued from his eyes, nose and mouth from the impact of his landing. This was nothing compared to the gaping hole in his chest where the sword tip had embedded itself. The life fluid pumped out of the wound and covered his chest, then ran in rivulets onto the floor.
Adrina grabbed his left hand in hers. "Folken."
"Adrina," Folken murmured. His eyes focused on her. "I'm so sorry you had to see this."
"Ssssh," Adrina hushed and stroked his hand, which was sticky with his own blood, "Don't try to talk."
"It looks like Hitomi was right," he smiled slightly, "but at least my death has significance, unlike my life. I have stopped the war by killing Dornkirk."
"Please," Adrina begged, "you have to save your strength."
"It is over, Adrina," Folken told her.
"No!" Adrina cried, tears pouring down her face, "don't say that! We can get help for you Folken!"
"Adrina." Folken pulled his hand away from hers and stroked her cheek, leaving behind a smudge of crimson fluid, "I admire your courage, but there is no hope for me."
"There is always hope!" Adrina insisted, "I never gave up on you before and I'm not going to give up now!"
Folken smiled weakly and dropped his hand from her cheek. He began to shift through his clothing. He pulled his hand back and held it palm up to Adrina. In his palm was the purple dragon necklace she had given him all those years ago. "Take it."
"You do still have it?" Adrina stared in shock at the necklace she assumed he had lost or abandoned long ago.
"Of course I do," Folken said, "it was all I had to remind me of you. I want you to take it back." He shoved the pendant into her hand. "Please don't cry. I don't want to cause you anymore pain."
"Folken, I can't stand losing you again," Adrina sobbed. The reality of the situation was beginning to set in and she was starting to despair. "I love you Folken."
"I love you as well, Rina." Folken grabbed her hand and squeezed it slightly. "Goodbye my lovely Adrina. I will always watch over you."
His chocolate eyes closed and his hand went limp in hers. She stared wide-eyed as his chest rose and fell for the last time. "Folken!" she screamed, "Please Folken, don't leave me!" She threw herself across his chest and sobbed until she hyperventilated and darkness consumed her.
***************************************************
*sniffle* Okay, I know that was kinda morbid and sad, but I didn't think that the series gave Folken a good enough death scene, so I had to elaborate on it. Anyways, now, dear reader, you have a choice. There are two endings to this tale, one happy, one not so happy. If you wish to read the sad ending, go to chapter 17 Epilogue 1: Alone But Doing Fine. If you would rather have the happy ending, go to chapter 18 Epilogue 2: Forever and Ever. Or you can just read both. I would greatly appreciate feedback telling me which ending you liked the best. Enjoy!
