My dear readers, here is another chapter for all of you to feast on.  Thanks so much to all the reviewers, without you continued inspiration is not possible.  It is what you all write to me about what I write that keeps me going, as I'm sure that it keeps other authors going as well.  Okay I won't delay any longer.  Just the standard disclaimer and then the story.

Disclaimer: I do not in any way own Escaflowne; it's main characters, plots, and themes.  I do however own everything else that is added for the sake of my fanfiction. 

Now on with the show…

Chapter Ten: So Many Questions, Not Enough Answers

~Gypsy Camp Entrance~

            The gypsies immediately surrounded the six men.  Tardus dismounted and motioned to the others to follow suit.  Once they were all on the ground, Tardus scanned the crowd.  When he found who he was looking for Tardus greeted his old friend, "Garret," Tardus came up to him and clasped arms, "It has been a long time."

            Garret grinned rakishly, "Yes, it has."  Then steadying Celestas, "You remember my grandmother."

            "Of course, how could I forget," Tardus lightly embraced the woman and kissed her weathered cheek, "Greetings, Celestas.  We've all missed you."

            "Welcome, my children." Celestas smiled brightly, "We've been expecting you."

            Tardus took Celestas away from Garret and guided her to the others, "I want to introduce you to our new friends."  Once they were standing in front of them, Tardus motioned for each man to step up and introduce himself.

            Van nodded to Tardus and went first, "Thank you for your hospitality Celestas.  My name is Van.  I am the King of Fanelia."

            "If you don't mind, my sight is failing me and I'd like to know what you look like.  Is it all right if I touch your face." Celestas waited for Van to give his consent.

            "No I don't mind."

            Celestas had Tardus guide her closer to Van and then proceeded to learn the contours of his face with her hands.  When she was done, she grinned, "A very handsome king, I see." This caused Van to blush slightly, "Welcome to our home."

            Tardus guided Celestas to Allen.  Allen took the cue, "My name is Allen.  I am the captain of the Astorian Knights."

            Celestas motioned for him to lean down and began to learn his features, "Another handsome man." Celestas chuckled, "Your woman companions are very lucky."

            Allen, who at the moment couldn't find a thing to say, smiled gratefully.

            Tardus then guided Celestas to Dryden, "May I present Dryden, King of Astoria."

            "It is a pleasure to finally meet the queen of the gypsies," Dryden bowed politely over the older woman's hand.

            "From all our correspondence, I would say that we've known each other for years now, your highness." Celestas motioned for Dryden to come closer and she too learned his face, "As intelligent and handsome as the stories say."

            "Thank you." Dryden had to grin, "Maybe during our time here we will have time to discuss many things."

            "That we shall." Celestas agreed.  "Now where are my other two boys."

            At that comment Yil and Ryley stepped up and hugged their old friend. 

            "It is good to see you again," Ryley kissed Celestas' cheek.

            Yil repeated the action on her other cheek, "It is always good to see you."

            "Come, all of you." Celestas said as she released her old charges, "I'm sure you are all anxious to rejoin your friends and get some much needed rest."

            Garret came and Tardus relinquished his hold on Celestas to her grandson.  Quietly and quickly they followed the old woman.  Garret turned to look over his shoulder, "It looks like we don't really have to take you anywhere." Then pointing across the clearing, "Look."

            The eyes of the new arrivals looked out to where Garret was gesturing to and saw four very excited women heading in their direction.

            Merle was the first to reach the group and she ran straight into Van encasing him in a hug.  "You guys made it." After Merle released Van she smiled.  "I'm so glad you're all safe." Then Merle directed her smile to the others, particularly at Tardus, "I'm glad you're all safe as well."

            Tardus noticed the action and lifted a hand to scratch an imaginary itch behind his head, "Thank you."

            Selena arrived next with Millerna in tow.  Millerna flew into her husband's arms and was rewarded with a breathtaking kiss.  Selena walked calmly up to Allen and suddenly embraced him.

            "Celestas told us that there was trouble," Selena said from within Allen's arms, "I'm just glad that you weren't hurt."

            Allen smiled in appreciation, "I would never leave because I still have you to look after little one."

            Dryden finally released Millerna but still held her close, "I was so worried."

            "As was I," Millerna whispered, slightly out of breath.

            It was Yil, along with Van and Allen that noticed that Myami and Hitomi were missing.  When Van pointed it out, Garret only smiled, "They must not have heard that you were here.  I left them talking by the river."

            "There is no need to hurry," Celestas felt the undercurrent of urgency coursing through the men, "Things have calmed down for now.  There will be plenty of time to discuss things tomorrow.  For now, we will have a feast to celebrate old friends and new ones."

            Garret caught on to the idea, "Yes that's a great idea.  It will give everyone the opportunity to rest before we have to return to reality."

            Silently everyone agreed.  The battle was too fresh in the men's minds to deal with right now.  Thoughts needed to be sorted out and to be put aside so that worry would not begin to weigh on their souls.  Garret saw that the idea appealed to everyone and quickly began to prepare, "Come friends." He began guiding them to their eating area, "Rest, eat and then enjoy the festivities this evening."

~River~

            "Onee-chan!" Hitomi scolded Myami as she splashed her sibling, "You're so immature.  Aren't you the older sister here?"

            "You forget," Myami taunted as she splashed Hitomi again, "I've been an only child for about 12 years now."

            That earned Myami a scowl and Hitomi once again began their water fight.  They had talked for a long time.  Soon the hot sun was becoming too much for the siblings and Myami had suggested a swim.  Then before they knew it, the relaxing swim turned into an all out water war. 

            At first it had been Myami who had dragged Hitomi under the water.  Hitomi had followed suit and then they began to wrestle.  Myami had the advantage of longer arms and legs, but Hitomi soon found that with all her sister's reach, Myami was slow in the water.  Hitomi used her speed advantage and was able to slip out of her sister's grasp many times. 

            Myami couldn't remember when she had ever had so much fun.  It felt so good to forget about all of their worries for even just this small amount of time that she didn't care at all about what anyone thought.  Right now, she had her sister back and that was all that mattered.

            Hitomi's thoughts were going along the same path.  She couldn't believe how good it felt to just let go.  She had never felt so free.  Myami was and would always be there for her and she felt secure in that knowledge.  Plus, she was starting to get used to having an older sibling handling the majority of the responsibility instead of the other way around.

            Myami stopped splashing Hitomi when she noticed the contented look pass through her eyes.  She grinned.  Quietly she waded closer to Hitomi, "Tom-Tom?"

            "Hmm?" Hitomi turned to see her sister grin mischievously and then dunk her under the water.  Hitomi came up sputtering, "Why you!"

            Myami just laughed and hugged her sibling, "Welcome back, Tom-Tom."

            Myami's sudden show of affection caught Hitomi off guard.  Once she realized what was going on, she returned the embrace, "Glad to be back, Onee-chan."

~Tables - eating area of the camp~

            The large group settled into the even larger table.  They all sat together, chatting amicably amongst each other.  Dryden sat with his wife cuddled up into his side.  Millerna, listening to the conversation and every once in a while contributing to it, was leaning her head on her husband's shoulder.  The only other couple at the table, Ryley and Pristelle, was busy chatting with Van, Allen and Selena.  Yil, Tardus and Merle were listening as well, providing several insights now and then. 

            Van scanned the area and sighed.  He had already asked about Hitomi and Myami and was informed that they were having a sisterly talk by the river.  Garret had said that they probably hadn't heard that they had arrived yet and had given him directions to go see them.  Van had just shook his head.  He had told Garret he didn't want to disturb them, for they had a lot to catch up on. 

            Allen noticed Van's sigh and turned his gaze towards the woods.  He had been standing next to Van when he was told where the sister's were.  Allen, too, understood the need for the siblings to bond.  Once he had gotten Selena back, he could barely stand to leave her.  Even now, Allen still harbored those protective instincts, but he was learning slowly that Selena wasn't a little girl anymore.

            Suddenly laughter could be heard approaching the large group.  Everyone lifted their heads to see two young women, with the same features just at different heights, heading their way.  They seemed to be enjoying themselves immensely.  Although their clothes were dry, it could be seen that they had been spending time in the river by the condition their hair was in.  Wet and dripping, the women exuded a freshness that caused the group to smile.

            Merle broke the silence, "Hey guys!" She waved her arms wildly to catch their attention, "We're over here."

            Myami looked up from her sister's face, "Glad we found you, we just saw Garret and he said that you had a surprise for us."  That's when Myami noticed just who was sitting at the table with Merle and the others.  Myami nudged Hitomi who was busy looking down as she was wringing out her hair, "Garret's surprise is a doozy."

            "Huh?" Hitomi stared blankly at her sister then she turned to greet everyone.  Hitomi's eyes grew as wide as saucers when she realized that their group was whole once again.  Hitomi began to run for them, "You're back!"

            Van stood and Hitomi threw herself into his arms.  He grinned, "Happy to see me?"

            Hitomi released him and playfully punched his shoulder, "I'm happy to see all of you.  We were all worried about you."

            Van and Hitomi reseated themselves, with Hitomi in-between Allen and Van.  It was after Myami took a seat in-between Allen and Tardus that the conversation picked up again.

            "So," Hitomi pulled her hair back into a ponytail, "Why didn't anyone come and get us?  It looks like you've all been together now for about two hours or so."

            "Just for about one," Tardus answered, "We just arrived."

            "Well, then.  If you've all just arrived, you can explain what happened last night." Myami took charge of the conversation.  "Hitomi had a vision on our way here that awakened her.  Then Celestas told us of her dreams of danger.  She also said that you were in trouble."

            Suddenly it seemed that all the men at the table were drooping their heads.  Conversation until Myami and Hitomi had arrived had been light.  It had been a silent agreement between all of them that they would discuss things later, per Celestas' instructions.  But because Myami and Hitomi had not been there to witness that request, it was natural for them to wonder.

            "Celestas asked that tonight be a night of celebration," Millerna explained, "I think that it was to give our friends time to come to terms with what happened."

            Hitomi looked to Van.  He nodded and Hitomi turned to Myami.  Myami was searching the expressions of Yil, Tardus and Ryley.  Each man seemed to shrink underneath her gaze.  When she was satisfied with her perusal, Myami nodded, "That's a good idea.  It will give us a time to get to know each other better." With that she stood, "I need to speak with Celestas.  I assume Garret is organizing the party tonight."

            Everyone nodded, "Good, then why don't you all relax or see if any of the gypsies need help." Myami offered an encouraging smile.  "I'll see you all later."  Myami stopped and patted Hitomi on the head before making her way towards Celestas' hut.

            "What was that look about?" Selena directed her question to Yil.

            Yil sat expressionless as he answered, "Myami was looking for answers and we just gave them to her."

            Allen raised a brow, "She read your minds?"

            "Not exactly," Tardus rubbed the back of his neck, "It's more like her putting fear into our hearts."

            "It's because we took the easy way out," Ryley continued the explanation, "She knows something happened and we used Garret's excuse to keep us from dealing with it."

            Hitomi absorbed their comments, "Surely she would understand that things like this always need some time to get proper explanations.  Is she angry?"

            Pristelle shook her head, "No, not at us anyway.  Besides, she does understand."

            "Then who is she upset with?" Selena ventured for an answer.

            Tardus looked up at the sky and sighed, "Herself."

~Later that day~

            "Garret went all out." Pristelle whispered to Merle and Selena as they entered the designated celebration area.

            All Merle and Selena could do in response was nod as they took in their surroundings.  The gypsies under Garret's direction had strung up lights through out the trees and above the clearing.  Torches were also used to light up the area.  To their left tables full of food were set up and people were gathering around taking away plates for themselves.  There were already people dancing to the band that was playing on the right of the clearing.  The children were entertaining themselves with various games and amusements, while the elders of the clan were chatting away.

            "It's about time you all showed up," Garret came out of nowhere.

            Selena yelped, "Don't sneak up on us like that!" She turned to Garret and poked her finger into his chest.

            Garret held his hands up, "Sorry, didn't mean to."

            "Hey what's going on here?" Dryden came up to them with Millerna tucked into his side.

            "Nothing," Merle chuckled, "Selena was taken by surprise by Garret."

            "Oh, I see." Millerna smiled.  She turned to look at the festivities, "You've done a wonderful job Garret.  Thank you so much for such a welcome."

            "Anything for friends." Garret bowed graciously.

            As Garret bowed, he fell over from a hard slap on his back, "What happened to your balance?" Tardus laughed as he stared at Garret on the ground.

            "That hurt you know," Garret held out a hand to Tardus for help.

            Tardus grasped Garret's arm, "Sorry, just couldn't resist with you so close to the floor."

            "Oh yeah," Garret added sarcastically as he pulled Tardus down onto the ground next to him.  "See how you like it."

            Tardus mumbled something incoherent as both men stood.  That earned laughter from their friends.

            "What's everyone laughing about?" Ryley asked as he wrapped his arms around Pristelle.

            "Tardus and Garret were having a male bonding moment." Pristelle explained.

            Ryley raised his brow to Tardus and Garret and both men shrugged.  "Well I've brought Allen, Yil, Van and Hitomi.  And by the looks of things everyone has gotten outfitted in the traditional gypsy clothing."

            Everyone nodded and the women turned to admire each other's dresses.  Allen watched in slight amusement.  He was glad that there was this time of peace before they had to face other things.  "So where's Myami?"

            "She's coming." Garret motioned for everyone to follow him as he led them to the food, "She's Celestas' escort tonight.  Myami and Grandmother had a lot to talk about.  They've been together since early this afternoon."

            "I'm sure everything is fine," Hitomi answered the unspoken question.  Then Hitomi latched onto Van's arm, "Come on.  I'm starving.  Let's get something to eat."

            Everyone shared another laugh as they too made their way to the feast.

~Kirok's Lair~

            "I see you've recovered the page, but not Myami's sister or the pendant." Kirok lowered his eyes from the two men standing before him, "That is not typical of your performances."

            Dorser and Nigel caught the underlying tone of anger in Kirok's voice.  He was obviously not happy.  They had learned from past experience that saying anything in their defense would just anger their master more, so each man just bowed their heads and dropped down on one knee.

            Kirok smirked, "It's good that I am a patient man." Kirok stood and took his familiar place by the large window in the room.  Turning his backs to his two men, Kirok stared out into his underground empire, "Take the Graveler.  The scholars believe that the next page is hidden within the island city of Yarfan."

            Nigel took the chance of speaking, "The black magic tribe?"

            "Yes," Kirok looked over his shoulder and saw that Nigel had not raised his head.  Turning back to the window he continued, "I want you to take the Statue of Lanos, then eliminate the entire city and it's inhabitants.  No one is to survive.  You have ten days.  Take as many men you need to complete this task.  Then report back."

            "What about Myami and the others?" Dorser looked up at Kirok's back.

            Kirok heard the disapproval in his tone, "That is not your concern right now.  They know nothing of what is going on.  Let them flounder around for now." Kirok walked to stand in front of the two men, "While you are completing this task, I am sending Chelsea and Tamra to the Island of Indemnity for a reconnaissance mission.  Another assignment will be awaiting all four of you when you return."  Kirok sat back down in his chair and swiveled it to face the window, effectively dismissing his men.

            Dorser and Kirok stood, bowed and left quickly and silently from the room.  Once outside each man grimaced.  Their master's displeasure was evident and it seemed for now they could do nothing but suffer the consequences.  Chelsea and Tamra were given the more desirable mission while they were stuck scavenging.  They would not even be able to contend with Myami and her group.  As it stood, this wasn't their day.

~Back at the gypsy camp~

            Merle watched with longing at the dancing couples.  Everyone had eaten their fill and Myami had already shown up with Celestas.  Myami had earned the stares of all the eligible men present, with her double slit skirt and off the shoulder top.  Her hair was up in her usual high ponytail with wisps of hair loose around her face.  Hitomi had run to her sister when she arrived and given her a hug.  That earned Hitomi some attention as well which Van did not like, so he had stood by her all evening, glaring at any man that dared come near.

            Merle smiled wistfully.  She had been asked to dance many times, but for some reason her feelings of loneliness still surrounded her.  Not that any of her dance partners were bad company, it was just that she was hoping Tardus would ask her to dance.  Merle sighed as she watched Myami and Tardus dance to the lively jig being played by the band.

            "What's wrong with you?" Allen sat himself down next to the cat-woman.  At Merle's shrug, Allen looked in the direction of her stare, "Did you want to dance?"

            Merle turned to Allen and smiled at his thoughtfulness, "No.  Thanks for asking though."

            "Then what's the matter?"

            "I guess I'm just a bit envious," Merle saw Allen give her a questioning gaze and continued to explain, "Millerna-sama and Dryden-sama have each other.  Ryley and Pristelle have each other.  Van-sama and Hitomi-chan seem to be heading in that direction.  And from the looks of things," Merle nodded her head towards a couple who had been chatting the evening away, "Selena and Yil seem to be getting along.  All of a sudden I'm feeling left out."

            Allen's mood darkened after Merle had commented on Van and Hitomi.  But Allen didn't even hear the rest of what Merle said after she had mentioned Selena and Yil.  Automatically, Allen stood to go and separate the two.  Merle saw this and stood to block his way, "On second thought, Allen," Merle clamped down her hands onto his forearms and pulled him onto the dance floor, "Let's dance."

            Allen frowned at Merle as they began to twirl in step with the other dancers, "What do you think you're doing?"

            "Stopping you from making a mistake."

            "Mistake?"

            "From the look in your eyes, you were going to stop whatever is happening between Yil and Selena from happening.  I thought you were going to get up when I mentioned Van-sama and Hitomi-chan."

            The rapid change of subject caught Allen off guard.  He stayed silent for a moment before resigning to the fact that he wasn't going to go anywhere until Merle let him.  Then slowly he began to explain himself, "As to Van and Hitomi.  All they're doing is talking to each other.  As much as I'd like to interrupt their conversation so that I could talk to Hitomi alone, he deserves his time with her.  To be honest with you, any talking I would have with Hitomi would be to find out if I'm still in love with her.  I know I love her, but I want to know if I'm IN LOVE with her."

            "I see," Merle followed Allen's lead as he spun her away and back again, "From the looks of things, I would say that you're not.  I've noticed that you've been watching someone else besides Hitomi and Selena."

            "What are you talking about?" Allen couldn't believe how perceptive Merle was.

            "I mean Myami," Merle smiled in satisfaction as her comment hit home, "As exuberant as I am, I'm also very observant.  I catch things.  And I've watched you since the day you met Hitomi-chan's sister, eyeing her not knowing what to do." When Allen didn't comment, Merle continued, "It would seem that someone is attracted to someone."

            "I don't know what you mean," Allen chose to play dumb.  Although that wasn't exactly the best thing to do, it was all he could do for now.  Merle was just so close to things that he had been trying to deny to himself for the past week.  Allen decided to change the subject, "Anyways, Selena is too young to be courted."

            At that Merle began to laugh and instead of finishing the dance, she pulled him back to the table they were first sitting at and seated Allen while she stood above him.  She decided to ignore the fact that Allen had changed the subject.  She had tortured him enough with that, so she turned her attention to the current topic of discussion, "First of all Selena is 21, or have you forgotten that fact.  Secondly, she's the only one, besides Myami, to be able to get Yil to open up the way he has.  As you know Yil is very silent, only speaking when necessary.  Yet for the last two hours those two have been so engrossed in conversation that I doubt a guymelef battle could interrupt them.  It seems that they're good for each other.  This is the most I've ever seen Selena spend time with someone other than yourself or Millerna-sama.  Let her grow up, Allen."

            Allen stared thoughtfully at Merle, then glanced at Hitomi, Selena and Myami.  "When did you get so intelligent?"

            "I've been intelligent," Merle stated triumphantly as she plopped herself down next to her friend, "And speaking of one of your women, her she comes now."

            Allen looked up to find a laughing Myami and a blushing Tardus heading their way, "Hi, guys.  Enjoying yourselves."

            "Everything's so great." Merle smiled in greeting.  "Just chatting with Allen here."

            Myami sat herself down and smiled.  Tardus also sat down and continued to blush.  "I think Tardus here would like to say something."  Myami prompted.

            Everyone turned to Tardus.  Tardus coughed a bit as if to clear his throat, "Um, well I…would…um…I would….um."

            "Spit it out," Myami playfully slapped Tardus' back.

            Tardus glared at Myami then gathered his courage.  Tardus stood and held a hand out Merle, "Would you like to dance the next dance with me?"

            To Myami and Allen, Tardus' words seemed rushed, but to Merle, it was what she was hoping to hear all night, "I would love to."  Merle stood winked at Myami and let Tardus lead her onto the dance floor.

            "What was that all about?" Allen inquired as Myami stared with happiness at the burgeoning couple.

            Without turning her head, Myami answered, "Merle confided in me earlier that she had a crush on Tardus.  While I was just dancing with Tardus, he confided in me that he had a crush on Merle.  So with a little persuasion, I was able to get Tardus to act on his attraction."

            "Oh, I see." Allen smiled with amusement.  Allen's mood turned from amusement to seriousness, "Myami?"

            Myami turned to Allen, "Anything wrong?"

            "No," Allen shook his head, "I know I already apologized for my behavior when we first met, but since we're going to be working together for a while, I want to start over on a clean slate."

            "We've already started over.  I'm not one to hold a large grudge, at least for someone who didn't know any better." Myami finished with a smirk.

            Allen had to smile at that.  Myami's face held understanding and he couldn't help feeling a pull towards her.  Sure, she and Hitomi shared a lot of the same features, but their personalities were as different as night and day.  Myami was a warrior, a quiet strategist, and amazingly alluring.  Hitomi was full of life, always trying to save everyone, and her heart was on her sleeve for the world to see.  Hitomi's was a quiet strength that ran through her friends, Myami's was a physical strength that she lent to her friends.  Two sides of the same coin leaving impressions in everything they come in contact with.  Allen turned to where Van and Hitomi sat.  Hitomi was animated in their conversation and Van was laughing at whatever Hitomi was saying.  It was then that Allen had his answer.  Hitomi would never be his, even if he did confess that he still loved her.  Her heart already belonged to Van and his was already Hitomi's.  Allen faced Myami again this time with a new outlook in his eyes.

            "So you've finally come to terms with it." Myami took a sip from the goblet on the table.

            Allen raised a brow but didn't say anything.  Myami put the goblet down and rested her chin on her folded hands, "Hitomi told me about what happened between the two of you during her first trip to Gaea.  I can understand where your confusion lies.  It's a difficult thing to distinguish your heart from your mind when the heart speaks so persuasively."  Allen still did not respond so Myami continued, "I can see now that you've decided to let Hitomi be.  I'm glad that you see Van and Hitomi are in love, though I do wish they'd get it over with and just tell each other." Myami glanced at her sister, "It's a burden on their minds that we can't afford right now.  We need to have everyone's concentration on the upcoming quest."

            Allen nodded and studied Myami.  He, just like the rest of the gypsy's male population, had noticed her.  She was absolutely stunning.  Allen closed his eyes and smiled to himself, :Merle was right, I am attracted to her.  Even more so than I thought.:

            Myami saw the smile on Allen's face, "And what is that for?"

            Allen opened his eyes and winked at Myami, "That's for me to know and for you to try and find out."

            Myami was about to respond when Hitomi, Van and a group of children came up to her.  "Well hello there everyone," Myami threw a look at Allen as if to tell him that they would continue their conversation later, then turned her attention to the children, "What can I do for you?"

            "The children told me that their parents would like to hear you sing." Hitomi responded, "I believe the request has been for a love song."

            "Is this true?" Myami addressed the children.

            "Yes, ma'am." The children chorused. 

            Myami looked up and saw that indeed everyone was awaiting for her to accede to their request.  Myami's thoughts were interrupted when two of the children were holding up her guitar, "Please, Myami-san."

            "It would do everyone some good to hear your voice, Mya-chan." Garret took the guitar from the children and placed it into Myami's hands, "Play a love song for the couples to dance to."

            All Myami could do was nod as she took the guitar onto the stage and sat down onto the chair that was provided.  The clearing grew quiet in anticipation.  The gypsies knew how rare it was for Myami to sing for a crowd.  Hitomi knew as well, how rare Myami would share her songs with others.  Apparently tonight would be an exception.

            Myami tested her guitar and adjusted the tuning a bit.  Once she was satisfied, she began to strum a simple melody. 

(Have You Ever by Brandy…another song that I think is nice.)

Have you ever loved somebody so much

It makes you cry

Have you ever needed something so bad

You can't sleep at night

Have you ever tried to find the words

But they don't come out right

Have you ever, have you ever

(Couples began making their way to the dance floor.  Yil and Selena, Merle and Tardus, Ryley and Pristelle, Dryden and Millerna, and Van and Hitomi were amongst the crowd.)

Have you ever been in love

Been in love so bad

You'd do anything to make them understand

Have you ever had someone steal your heart away

You'd give anything up to make them feel the same

Have you ever searched for words to get you in their heart

But you don't know what to say

And you don't know where to start

"Thanks for dancing with me Yil." Selena whispered to her partner, "I never knew Myami had such a lovely voice."

            Yil nodded, "She doesn't sing for just anyone.  And as to the dance, you're welcome.  You're more than I first thought, Selena."

            Yil's comment brought blush to Selena's cheeks, "Thank you.  So are you, Yil."

Have you ever loved somebody so much

It makes you cry

Have you ever needed something so bad

You can't sleep at night

Have you ever tried to find the words

But they don't come out right

Have you ever, have you ever

            Tardus looked up at Myami and then back down into Merle's face, "I'm glad Myami got me to do this.  I wouldn't have had the courage other wise."

            "What do you mean?" Merle was curious.

            "I've had a crush on you." Tardus murmured, "It took a conversation with Myami to convince me that getting things out in the open now, would only help not hinder things."

            "I see." Merle smiled at Tardus, "In that case I've had a crush on you too."

Have you ever found the one

You've dreamed of all your life

You'd do just about anything to look into their eyes

Have you finally found the one you've given your heart to

Only to find that one won't give their heart to you

Have you ever closed your eyes and

Dreamed that they were there

And all you can do is wait for the day when they will care

            "That sounds like us." Dryden whispered into his wife's hair as he held her close, "It took you a while to get used to me."

            Millerna chuckled, kissed Dryden's cheek and pulled back to look into his eyes, "It was the time that you allowed me to get used to you that made me love you more."

            Millerna smiled and kissed Dryden with all the love in her heart.

Have you ever loved somebody so much

It makes you cry

Have you ever needed something so bad

You can't sleep at night

Have you ever tried to find the words

But they don't come out right

Have you ever, have you ever

            "It's good to hear Myami sing again," Pristelle stared lovingly into Ryley's eyes.

            Ryley tucked a strand of hair behind Pristelle's ear, "As I recall it was one of her songs that made me finally realize that I was in love with you."

            "Hmm," Pristelle laid her head onto Ryley's shoulder, "It seems that this song is bringing together another couple."

            Ryley turned to look in the direction Pristelle was indicating.

What do I gotta do to get you in my arms baby

What do I gotta say to get to your heart

To make you understand how much I need you next to me

Gotta get you in my world

Cuz baby I can't sleep

            "Van?" Hitomi looked up into Van's eyes, "There's something I've wanted to say to you since I came back to Gaea, but I haven't had enough courage to say it except that day I thought I was going to die."

            Van was about to say something, when Hitomi held a finger to his lips, "No, I have to do this right.  I may not know exactly how you feel, but I do know how I feel.  I'm in love with you Van.  Ever since I left Gaea, I've regretted not telling you." Hitomi lowered her gaze, "Aishiteru, Van.  Aishiteru."

            "Hitomi-chan," Van tilted his face up to his and leaned in, "Aishiteru, Hitomi-chan.  Aishiteru." Van's lips touched Hitomi's in tenderness.

Have you ever loved somebody so much

It makes you cry

Have you ever needed something so bad

You can't sleep at night

Have you ever tried to find the words

But they don't come out right

Have you ever, have you ever

            Myami finished her song and looked up into the crowd and smiled.  She had seen what had taken place between her friends and it made her happy.  Things were at least taking the right direction with these situations.  Myami stood and bowed to the crowd.  The clearing erupted in applause and cheers.  Myami stepped down from the stage and the and continued on with more music.  She made her way back to the table where Allen had sat quietly during the entire song. 

            "Now why weren't you dancing?" Myami asked casually as she took her seat.

            "No one to dance with." Allen stated as he sipped from his cup, "It seems your wish came true." He gestured towards the couples heading to their table.

            Myami grinned and winked at Allen, "It would seem it did.  About time too."  Then she turned to their friends as they began to take seats at the table, "Hi guys, is everyone enjoying themselves?"

            The large group nodded.  Hitomi winked at their group and then turned to Myami, "Onee-chan, now that we've all come to our senses, when will the both of you."

            Myami and Allen both choked on their drinks and began to blush.  Laughter blossomed among the friends as problems were set aside and unity reigned within their group.  Questions would be dealt with tomorrow.

~End Chapter Ten~

Well there you have it folks.  Another chapter cranked out for your enjoyment.  I hope you all enjoyed reading it as much as I did writing it.  I couldn't believe myself when inspiration struck me a couple of days ago and I finished this.  As always once you're done reading, PLEASE REVIEW!!! I love hearing from all of you and I've found I want to be ambitious and hit at least 100 reviews.  What do you guys think?  Do you think we can do it?  I THINK WE CAN!!!! So don't forget to review. 

Stay tuned for the next chapter… Chapter Eleven: The Legend of the Immortal.

Till next time.

Ja ne,

Jayli