Disclaimer: No..I still don't own the characters for Legend of Legaia. I'd
love to own them, but as the copyrights are extremely expensive and I am
very very poor, I will never ever own them. Of course, any help would be
greatly appreciated. Ha Ha, j/k.
"It has been a long time since your last visit, Vahn. I wondered when you were coming back." Maya took a sip from the cup in her hand. "Tea?"
"Yes, thanks," replied Vahn. Vahn went in search of a chair that wasn't too small for his tall, masculine frame. But as he stood just south of six feet, the task was not an easy one. Eventually, he found the "perfect chair" and pulled it up to the table. He watched with his dark blue eyes as Maya went over to the cupboard and retrieved a cup, and then took it and the teapot to the table. She set the cup down in front of Vahn, and proceeded to pour the tea. When it was full, she handed the cup to Vahn, who took a sip from it and sighed.
"Ah, now this hits the spot. Thank you." Maya sat down across from Vahn, poured some more tea for herself, and then took a sip.
"Now," she said, swallowing. "How is Mei? You haven't talked about her much. Is she all right?" Vahn swallowed, and then set the cup down. He brushed his dark hair out of his face, and then lay back in the chair.
"I don't really know. I mean it has been two years since I have gone back to Rim Elm. Everything will have changed. And Mei might even be married now," said Vahn, shivering inside at the thought of Mei being married to someone other than him. Maya nodded in agreement.
"Yes, that is true. So do check up on her for me? And if possible, bring her back here to see me," said Maya.
"Why? Aren't you coming with me?" Vahn replied. Maya sighed, slowly taking another sip of her tea. She swallowed, and then set the cup back on the table.
"About this whole coming back to Rim Elm thing. Vahn, I've worked here for 10 years, trying to earn enough money to support my husband and my daughter. Then 2 years ago, about, you come here looking for me. You tell me my husband has been killed by the Seru monsters, and I am all my daughter has left. I weep and wish I could see my daughter, and you offer to take me back to Rim Elm when you have completed your mission with the Seru. I think about it, and am still doing so when you leave to continue on. Then today, you come back, ready to take me back to Rim Elm with you. But Vahn, my home is here. I'm afraid I cannot come back with you." She sipped her tea, watching as Vahn got up with a start.
"Can't come back? But.but.you have to! What about Mei?"
"I'm sorry, but I can't. Mei is old enough to take care of herself."
"But.but.you're her mother! She doesn't even know you're alive!" The words hit Maya hard, and she set down her cup.
"She.she doesn't? But why? I thought Juno would have told her."
"He told her that you were dead," said Vahn. Maya thought for a moment, then went back to her tea.
"I suppose it was for the best. Juno would never do a thing like that without having a reason. He probably just wanted to protect her," said Maya.
"So are you coming with me?"
"No. Even though it pains me to hear that Mei does not know I am alive, but I think you can tell her. It is much easier this way." Maya finished her tea and stood up.
"But.but."
"I have already given you my answer Vahn," she said coldly. Realizing that she would not change her mind, Vahn finished his tea, then got his things. He said goodbye to Maya, wished her luck, and then started for Rim Elm.
He traveled across the fields of Legaia, crossed the swamp of Hikoshi falls, and journeyed through the plains of Kankakee before it got too dark to travel. But by the time he had to stop, he was only 3 hours away from Rim Elm. So he set up camp beneath a nearby willow tree, and made plans to start early in the morning. He fell asleep dreaming about Mei.
Morning came quickly, and Vahn started again for Rim Elm. But the day wasn't as beautiful as it had been the day before. Rain was pouring from the sky like someone pouring water out of a bucket. Thunder crashed from afar, warning that lighting was soon to follow. Vahn pulled his tunic over his head to try and shield him from the rain, but it quickly got soaked. Finally, after many hours of travel, Vahn could see the remains of the Wall around Rim Elm. Cold and soaking wet, he trudged through the mud to the city. When he reached the broken down wall, he could see the Genesis tree shining in the center of the town. He smiled at the vivid memory of reviving that tree. The Ra-Seru he had received from the tree still clung to his wrist, but contained less power than before. Meta had only spoken to Vahn a few times over the course of the journey, giving Vahn encouragement. Now he glanced at it, and smiled warmly. As he made his way to his house, he glanced at the surrounding buildings. There was the shop where Omoi had given him the boots that he still wore now. Up there on the ridge was the house of the Village Elder, the person who had sent him on his two-year quest. There was his friend Ixis' house, and Mei's house right next to it.
'Mei' thought Vahn as he trudged on. There was the beach he had trained with Tetsu on; he was the one who had taught him his first art of fighting. That was where he had first met Gala, the tough comrade who had accompanied Vahn on his journey through Legaia. And here was his house. The house he had brought Mei to when the Seru had invaded Rim Elm. The house where his father and little sister Nene lived. The house he had sought refuge in when Mei's father Juno was killed. The house Noa had come barging into the night of the Seru invasion. And here it was, still almost new. He turned the doorknob and quietly walked in for it was still early and his father and sister were still asleep. He quietly walked into his room, which luckily had not been touched in his absence. He climbed into bed and pulled the warm covers over his cold, wet body. He shut his eyes, only to open them again to the sound of Nene's scream.
"Father, father! Someone has come into our house! They're going to kill us! Help! Help!" Nene stood in the hall screaming at the top of her lungs. Vahn's father, Val, soon joined Nene in the hall.
"Nene," he looked at the clock on the wall. "It's six in the morning! People are still sleeping and you should be to. So stop screaming and go back to bed!" Val spoke with an "I'm not afraid" tone, but he was trembling at the thought of an intruder.
"But father! Someone is in here. I know I heard them." At this point, Vahn threw back the covers, causing both Nene and Val to swivel around. Val pointed his cane at Vahn.
"All right, whoever is here, show yourself now!" Vahn got out of bed and stepped forward. Val turned on a light, and when he saw Vahn, he at first didn't recognize him. However, Vahn did not blame him, for he had grown taller and more muscular over the two-year period.
"Who are you? What are you doing here? Why are you in my house?"
"Dad, don't you recognize me? I'm your son, Vahn."
"You're not my son. My son was killed in battle, trying to save our world from the evil clutches of the Seru."
"Dad, I am your son. I have killed the Seru, they will never return again to Legaia. Please believe me, I'm telling the truth," said Vahn. Val looked carefully at Vahn, trying to find something that would convince him that this person was indeed his son. Then he spotted the Ra-Seru on Vahn's wrist, and finally believed him.
"Vahn, my son, you are home! You are back in Rim Elm at last after two long years! Oh you don't know how glad I am to see you!" Val said, starting to cry with happiness. Nene, watching from the corner of the room, only rolled her eyes and headed back to bed. Val stepped forward and took Vahn into his arms. But upon feeling his son's wet clothes, he pulled away.
"Oh Vahn, I didn't realize how wet and cold you might be. Go and take a hot bath while I find you some dry clothes." Then while Val went off in search of dry clothes, Vahn slipped into the bathtub. Upon entering the hot water, Vahn let out a big sigh.
"That is much better." He scrubbed himself clean of dirt, and then got out and drained the bathtub. He wrapped a towel around himself, then waited for his father to bring him the promised clothes. A moment later, Val came in with a small bundle, which he set on the counter.
"Here you go Vahn. I found you some clothes. Now I'm not sure they will fit." But Vahn had already put them on, pronouncing them a perfect fit. Val smiled at him.
"I do remember that about you, always impatient. Want to do everything your way. But that's what I like most about you, Vahn."
"Thanks dad."
"So how about we go into the kitchen and get something to eat, son?" Val suggested.
"Sure! I'm starved." Vahn replied, his stomach growling. "And I guess my stomach agrees with me." So the father and son went down to the kitchen, and soon had seated themselves around the table.
"So, got your eye on any of the girls?"
"Not really," replied Vahn. "But I've been looking."
"Well you should get out there and search. You're almost 20, it's high time that you settle down," said Val.
"I'll settle down when I'm ready." Vahn replied. "And I'm not ready right now. So could we get off the subject please?"
"All right, all right. Whatever you say Vahn," replied Val. He got up and walked over to the refrigerator, trying to hold back the information that he kept deep within him. But soon, the urge to say the well-kept secret overpowered him, and it burst out with full force.
"So, I heard in town that you happen to like that girl Mei." Vahn dropped his fork in surprise, and it fell to the floor with a clang. His face glowed scarlet, and he quickly ducked under the table to hide it. He picked up the fallen fork, and reemerged with a normal face.
"Who told you that?" Vahn replied, trying to act casual. Val could hardly restrain himself from laughing, but took a few deep breaths and continued talking.
"Everybody's talking about it. They have been ever since the day you left Rim Elm two years ago, when Mei gave you those hunting clothes.and her pendant," Val added. Vahn started to blush again, but realized something.
"And, per chance, how did everybody know about that?" Vahn asked coolly. Val stammered, trying to come up with a response, but Vahn saw through him in an instant.
"So.you knew that I liked Mei. Now I won't deny it, as it was probably obvious. But you had to go and TELL THE WHOLE TOWN?!?" Val stepped back, trying once again to come up with an excuse.
"Well.I.uh."
"No. There isn't any room for excuses. I mean, you probably thought it was good that your son had finally set his eye on a girl, and you were doing jigs about it. But there is no reason why you had to go out and tell everyone else in this god damned town that your little boy had finally fallen in love! There is no excuse for that!!" Vahn was on his feet now, screaming. Val had retreated into a corner, and stood there trembling as he listened to his son rant. But Vahn finally came to his senses, and took some deep breaths. He stepped back, and hung his head.
"Sorry dad, I shouldn't have yelled at you like that." Val took hold of Vahn's shoulders.
"No. It's me who should be apologizing. I shouldn't have gone out and blabbed about your private life. Will you forgive me?"
"If you'll forgive me for yelling?" Val nodded.
"Sure. Truce?"
"Truce." The two of them shook hands, and then Vahn started toward the door.
"Hey dad? I'm going over to visit a friend for a little while. I'll be back later."
"Which friend?" Val asked. Vahn blushed.
"Uh.just a good friend." Vahn replied. Val realized what he was trying to hide, and slyly smiled.
"Okay.have a good time!" Val said as he watched Vahn go out the door.
So..what do you think? Pretty good for a first try? Not good at all? Please.Please review this. I'm begging you *falls on her hands and knees* pleeeaaase.
"It has been a long time since your last visit, Vahn. I wondered when you were coming back." Maya took a sip from the cup in her hand. "Tea?"
"Yes, thanks," replied Vahn. Vahn went in search of a chair that wasn't too small for his tall, masculine frame. But as he stood just south of six feet, the task was not an easy one. Eventually, he found the "perfect chair" and pulled it up to the table. He watched with his dark blue eyes as Maya went over to the cupboard and retrieved a cup, and then took it and the teapot to the table. She set the cup down in front of Vahn, and proceeded to pour the tea. When it was full, she handed the cup to Vahn, who took a sip from it and sighed.
"Ah, now this hits the spot. Thank you." Maya sat down across from Vahn, poured some more tea for herself, and then took a sip.
"Now," she said, swallowing. "How is Mei? You haven't talked about her much. Is she all right?" Vahn swallowed, and then set the cup down. He brushed his dark hair out of his face, and then lay back in the chair.
"I don't really know. I mean it has been two years since I have gone back to Rim Elm. Everything will have changed. And Mei might even be married now," said Vahn, shivering inside at the thought of Mei being married to someone other than him. Maya nodded in agreement.
"Yes, that is true. So do check up on her for me? And if possible, bring her back here to see me," said Maya.
"Why? Aren't you coming with me?" Vahn replied. Maya sighed, slowly taking another sip of her tea. She swallowed, and then set the cup back on the table.
"About this whole coming back to Rim Elm thing. Vahn, I've worked here for 10 years, trying to earn enough money to support my husband and my daughter. Then 2 years ago, about, you come here looking for me. You tell me my husband has been killed by the Seru monsters, and I am all my daughter has left. I weep and wish I could see my daughter, and you offer to take me back to Rim Elm when you have completed your mission with the Seru. I think about it, and am still doing so when you leave to continue on. Then today, you come back, ready to take me back to Rim Elm with you. But Vahn, my home is here. I'm afraid I cannot come back with you." She sipped her tea, watching as Vahn got up with a start.
"Can't come back? But.but.you have to! What about Mei?"
"I'm sorry, but I can't. Mei is old enough to take care of herself."
"But.but.you're her mother! She doesn't even know you're alive!" The words hit Maya hard, and she set down her cup.
"She.she doesn't? But why? I thought Juno would have told her."
"He told her that you were dead," said Vahn. Maya thought for a moment, then went back to her tea.
"I suppose it was for the best. Juno would never do a thing like that without having a reason. He probably just wanted to protect her," said Maya.
"So are you coming with me?"
"No. Even though it pains me to hear that Mei does not know I am alive, but I think you can tell her. It is much easier this way." Maya finished her tea and stood up.
"But.but."
"I have already given you my answer Vahn," she said coldly. Realizing that she would not change her mind, Vahn finished his tea, then got his things. He said goodbye to Maya, wished her luck, and then started for Rim Elm.
He traveled across the fields of Legaia, crossed the swamp of Hikoshi falls, and journeyed through the plains of Kankakee before it got too dark to travel. But by the time he had to stop, he was only 3 hours away from Rim Elm. So he set up camp beneath a nearby willow tree, and made plans to start early in the morning. He fell asleep dreaming about Mei.
Morning came quickly, and Vahn started again for Rim Elm. But the day wasn't as beautiful as it had been the day before. Rain was pouring from the sky like someone pouring water out of a bucket. Thunder crashed from afar, warning that lighting was soon to follow. Vahn pulled his tunic over his head to try and shield him from the rain, but it quickly got soaked. Finally, after many hours of travel, Vahn could see the remains of the Wall around Rim Elm. Cold and soaking wet, he trudged through the mud to the city. When he reached the broken down wall, he could see the Genesis tree shining in the center of the town. He smiled at the vivid memory of reviving that tree. The Ra-Seru he had received from the tree still clung to his wrist, but contained less power than before. Meta had only spoken to Vahn a few times over the course of the journey, giving Vahn encouragement. Now he glanced at it, and smiled warmly. As he made his way to his house, he glanced at the surrounding buildings. There was the shop where Omoi had given him the boots that he still wore now. Up there on the ridge was the house of the Village Elder, the person who had sent him on his two-year quest. There was his friend Ixis' house, and Mei's house right next to it.
'Mei' thought Vahn as he trudged on. There was the beach he had trained with Tetsu on; he was the one who had taught him his first art of fighting. That was where he had first met Gala, the tough comrade who had accompanied Vahn on his journey through Legaia. And here was his house. The house he had brought Mei to when the Seru had invaded Rim Elm. The house where his father and little sister Nene lived. The house he had sought refuge in when Mei's father Juno was killed. The house Noa had come barging into the night of the Seru invasion. And here it was, still almost new. He turned the doorknob and quietly walked in for it was still early and his father and sister were still asleep. He quietly walked into his room, which luckily had not been touched in his absence. He climbed into bed and pulled the warm covers over his cold, wet body. He shut his eyes, only to open them again to the sound of Nene's scream.
"Father, father! Someone has come into our house! They're going to kill us! Help! Help!" Nene stood in the hall screaming at the top of her lungs. Vahn's father, Val, soon joined Nene in the hall.
"Nene," he looked at the clock on the wall. "It's six in the morning! People are still sleeping and you should be to. So stop screaming and go back to bed!" Val spoke with an "I'm not afraid" tone, but he was trembling at the thought of an intruder.
"But father! Someone is in here. I know I heard them." At this point, Vahn threw back the covers, causing both Nene and Val to swivel around. Val pointed his cane at Vahn.
"All right, whoever is here, show yourself now!" Vahn got out of bed and stepped forward. Val turned on a light, and when he saw Vahn, he at first didn't recognize him. However, Vahn did not blame him, for he had grown taller and more muscular over the two-year period.
"Who are you? What are you doing here? Why are you in my house?"
"Dad, don't you recognize me? I'm your son, Vahn."
"You're not my son. My son was killed in battle, trying to save our world from the evil clutches of the Seru."
"Dad, I am your son. I have killed the Seru, they will never return again to Legaia. Please believe me, I'm telling the truth," said Vahn. Val looked carefully at Vahn, trying to find something that would convince him that this person was indeed his son. Then he spotted the Ra-Seru on Vahn's wrist, and finally believed him.
"Vahn, my son, you are home! You are back in Rim Elm at last after two long years! Oh you don't know how glad I am to see you!" Val said, starting to cry with happiness. Nene, watching from the corner of the room, only rolled her eyes and headed back to bed. Val stepped forward and took Vahn into his arms. But upon feeling his son's wet clothes, he pulled away.
"Oh Vahn, I didn't realize how wet and cold you might be. Go and take a hot bath while I find you some dry clothes." Then while Val went off in search of dry clothes, Vahn slipped into the bathtub. Upon entering the hot water, Vahn let out a big sigh.
"That is much better." He scrubbed himself clean of dirt, and then got out and drained the bathtub. He wrapped a towel around himself, then waited for his father to bring him the promised clothes. A moment later, Val came in with a small bundle, which he set on the counter.
"Here you go Vahn. I found you some clothes. Now I'm not sure they will fit." But Vahn had already put them on, pronouncing them a perfect fit. Val smiled at him.
"I do remember that about you, always impatient. Want to do everything your way. But that's what I like most about you, Vahn."
"Thanks dad."
"So how about we go into the kitchen and get something to eat, son?" Val suggested.
"Sure! I'm starved." Vahn replied, his stomach growling. "And I guess my stomach agrees with me." So the father and son went down to the kitchen, and soon had seated themselves around the table.
"So, got your eye on any of the girls?"
"Not really," replied Vahn. "But I've been looking."
"Well you should get out there and search. You're almost 20, it's high time that you settle down," said Val.
"I'll settle down when I'm ready." Vahn replied. "And I'm not ready right now. So could we get off the subject please?"
"All right, all right. Whatever you say Vahn," replied Val. He got up and walked over to the refrigerator, trying to hold back the information that he kept deep within him. But soon, the urge to say the well-kept secret overpowered him, and it burst out with full force.
"So, I heard in town that you happen to like that girl Mei." Vahn dropped his fork in surprise, and it fell to the floor with a clang. His face glowed scarlet, and he quickly ducked under the table to hide it. He picked up the fallen fork, and reemerged with a normal face.
"Who told you that?" Vahn replied, trying to act casual. Val could hardly restrain himself from laughing, but took a few deep breaths and continued talking.
"Everybody's talking about it. They have been ever since the day you left Rim Elm two years ago, when Mei gave you those hunting clothes.and her pendant," Val added. Vahn started to blush again, but realized something.
"And, per chance, how did everybody know about that?" Vahn asked coolly. Val stammered, trying to come up with a response, but Vahn saw through him in an instant.
"So.you knew that I liked Mei. Now I won't deny it, as it was probably obvious. But you had to go and TELL THE WHOLE TOWN?!?" Val stepped back, trying once again to come up with an excuse.
"Well.I.uh."
"No. There isn't any room for excuses. I mean, you probably thought it was good that your son had finally set his eye on a girl, and you were doing jigs about it. But there is no reason why you had to go out and tell everyone else in this god damned town that your little boy had finally fallen in love! There is no excuse for that!!" Vahn was on his feet now, screaming. Val had retreated into a corner, and stood there trembling as he listened to his son rant. But Vahn finally came to his senses, and took some deep breaths. He stepped back, and hung his head.
"Sorry dad, I shouldn't have yelled at you like that." Val took hold of Vahn's shoulders.
"No. It's me who should be apologizing. I shouldn't have gone out and blabbed about your private life. Will you forgive me?"
"If you'll forgive me for yelling?" Val nodded.
"Sure. Truce?"
"Truce." The two of them shook hands, and then Vahn started toward the door.
"Hey dad? I'm going over to visit a friend for a little while. I'll be back later."
"Which friend?" Val asked. Vahn blushed.
"Uh.just a good friend." Vahn replied. Val realized what he was trying to hide, and slyly smiled.
"Okay.have a good time!" Val said as he watched Vahn go out the door.
So..what do you think? Pretty good for a first try? Not good at all? Please.Please review this. I'm begging you *falls on her hands and knees* pleeeaaase.