Nostalgia
by Black Wisteria
II. Van
I looked into his eyes and all I saw was deep sadness,
a lingering wound etched in his soul forever,
but when he smiled at me, it seem to fade away…
-Anonymous
He stood among the white pillars as the midnight breeze embraced their warmth unto him. His young unruly hair seems to flow steadily, the wind carrying his thoughts.
The moonlight seemed to fancy the young king as it glowed mischievously to his lithe form. His sturdy arms lay motionless as his deep red eyes gazed in the two moons high in the sky, wondering how many years have passed since his beloved left his side.
He was different from his latter years; people once overlooked him as an accursed king who brought misery to their beloved homeland, but everything changed after four summers of honest toil to rebuild his native land, perceiving him now as their rightful and gracious king for he ruled wise from his father's stead and all loved and cherished him to bring forth the once forgotten hope of his country.
The young king grasped a golden trinket from his chest; he closed his eyes as his dark lashes cloaked away his deep lamentation, wishing that she was beside him and not a world away.
He sat in solitary sadness as the celadon leaves transfigured into vibrant vermilion, the wind danced with the leaves as it fell from the highest trees above.
Once his hair was wild with the color of raven was now graying, dulling and dying from his old age. His posture was different, a little hunched from his once straight and rigid pose, yet his eyes remained the same behind those thin lashes, a blending of red and brown; wine at it's finest.
His face was now edged with fine lines of wisdom, a happy combination of laugh lines across his eyes, yet another thing still remained over the years of hope and aspiration; a golden trinket adorned lovingly in his neck; a crimson teardrop telling his very tale.
As the old man reminisced the days, months and years he had lived, never did he cease to forget about two women who had changed his life forever.
He conjured up a nostalgic smile and remembered the sweet smile of his beloved wife. Her brown locks in a tight bun while her deep cerulean eyes shining brightly at him.
He loved his wife as a rightful man, nay, a husband would do. He cared for her dearly as she would do too, bringing up his only heir and beloved son, Caleb Lacour de Fanel.
He would never forget her for being the best companion a man would ever ask for. She knew of his woes and even though she knew that he loved another, she never ceased to be the pillow of his resented emotions.
She passed away in her chamber, tears of gladness in her eyes as she breathed her last to him. "I'm glad to have met you, milord."
It temporarily consumed his heart for he lost his very best friend that night. Grief stole him for days and weeks of mourning but his heart couldn't deny the fact that the other goodbye was much more harder to bear.
His heart wasn't traitorous, adulterous but his heart truthfully knew that it never belonged completely to his queen. It belonged to a girl whom he loved before, now and forever.
He held her tight as the winds blew tauntingly at them. His body pressed closely to hers, arms in a loving embrace. The war was over and it was the beginning of a new era, a new order of peace.
As they felt each other's warmth they could feel a new emotion emerging from the shadows; something that was hindered before, something they called Love.
They landed softly in the verdant glades below, miles away from the concluded war; her thoughts only of him, her angel.
The dark haired boy parted with eyes of mystic green as he soon realized that he wore nothing to cover his chest. She bowed her head hastily, blushing furiously behind her blonde bangs, hiding her timidity to the barely clad boy anterior to her. He too blushed twenty shades of red as he reminded himself that a little decency was now required for him since the both of them realized that their bond was stronger than before. Something changed about her, the way she looked at him and the way she would cry out his name. Everything about her was different.
She gently raised her head as her emeralds met his garnets. How blind she was to the obvious truth; here she once searched for his prince charming, deceived by her frail heart for some ersatz fantasies. Late did she realize that her true prince charming was literally of royalty and a handsome one of that. She loved everything about him. The way his raven locks would hide his wine tainted eyes; his eyes that pierced her lowly green with care and gentleness.
He returned to his dimly lit chamber, faint embers dancing slowly with the wind. He placed his royal sword to rest as he slid gently to his mattresses. His gloves were scattered in the room as the wind blew feebly envelopes made of parchment from his workplace. One envelope sealed with blue wax, a letter containing his waning freedom…
"… this would fully satisfy our need for an heir you majesty… this alliance would be the best one yet!"
There were times he would wish that he wasn't born of royal blood, that he was a freeman who could outdone these royal foolishness. A freeman's will to fall in love and live happily ever after; something he knew, would never happen.
Hitomi…
His silence of deep contemplation died away with the sound of young children approaching him. His grandchildren had this knack of being mischievous and quite a magnet to trouble; something he found very amusing and lovable about them.
The twins bounced happily to their grandfather, a plump woman breathlessly followed them, begging them to stop.
"Grandfather!" They chorused as both of their heads ran straight to him, giggling and smiling.
Aeneas and Aurelia were similarly distinguished with their dark locks and amethyst eyes. They looked liked fays from the tales their grandfather so loved for him to tell.
As the children of heaven gleefully rejoined the elderly man from the garden, orbs of deep cerulean watched them intently from afar.
They reached Escaflowne moments later; Reaching out his hand to hers, he piloted the white dragon into the blue skies, her arms enveloped to her dear lover.
As they glided through the heavens he thought about his future, their future in Gaea. He sighed in the most melancholy manner when he realized that he could never keep her to be with his side for he promised not so long ago to send her back to her native homeland. Less of his discernment that the green eyed goddess looked at him with happiness and gladness.
They landed in the celadon outskirts of Austuria, laying his loyal beast to rest. His heart ached as he reminisced the pain he have to go through if he continued these fervent emotions with her. He had to stay away from her; for his and her sake. He couldn't keep the fact that loving her would take its toll. It was the hardest decision yet.
The girl from the Mystic Moon didn't notice his change of heart as he solitary walked in the path to the city, leaving her behind. Taking no heed whatsoever of what bothers the young king, she joined him in walking as she held his hands to hers. His eyes of dull red surprisingly lit up with hope, wishing soon that their wretched fate would change forever.
"… and that Aurelia is the story of The Girl from The Mystic Moon." An elderly man said, gently closing the pages of the book. Aurelia smiled brightly at her grandfather as he ended telling her favorite story. Aeneas pouted in disgust on how his sister delighted in such 'girly' fantasies. "I don't get it grandfather," he said in his arrogant tone. "…why Aurelia loves this story so much, I mean, the girl left the prince to break his heart. Why did she have to leave him if she loves him? She should be put to death for that." Aeneas joked as his twin steamed up to protest. "Don't you get it Aeneas? She loves him too much, but she can't leave her family behind!" Their grandfather chuckled at their childish antics as they continued to debate. He was reading them the story 'The Girl from the Mystic Moon' it was the history of the Destiny War, immortalized to a children's fairytale. How he missed his younger years then.
"Your majesties! It's time for your lessons in Arithmetic! Lord Heathcliff would be most angry!" Nanny Clarabel said, bowing lowly to the older majesty. "We must be going your majesty." she said, holding the hands of her mischievous wards. "Go now little ones, you must not let Lord Heathcliff waiting." Their grandfather smiled. "Grandfather, will you be in our chambers to read our stories tonight?" Aurelia said, her amethyst eyes full of anticipation. She had this bothered feeling that she would no longer see his grandfather that evening. "Yes Aurelia, I will be, hurry now!" The elderly man replied as their nanny bowed to him and went their way; their figures fading away from the distance. "Father."
The elderly man searched from the origin of the voice, smiling tenderly at his son who was approaching him. "What brings you here, Caleb?" The man of thirty summers sat with him as the leaves of vermilion continued to fall.
His son looked at him with kind yet stern eyes. "Father, were you ever happy with mother?" he asked, the old man slightly taken back to his question, gently he sighed. "I was." Caleb's eyes gazed at his father as he continued. "I am glad that I've met her in my lifetime. She had been most kind in everything she did." His son was least satisfied to his answer, boldly to go further. "You had loved mother, but never as much as her." The elderly man's eyes darken, tears starting to form in his eyes. "I had loved your mother, for she respected me." Caleb looked at his father, tears streaming in his father's face. "She knew of my woes, my heartbreak for the woman I loved most than her." He continued. "She knew that I was least in all people who wanted our marriage, but she accepted that I loved another; that my heart was truly not hers." Caleb placed his hands in his father's shoulder, realizing that his father kept this kind of burden for so many years. "Your mother, Reiana, became one of the closest friends I ever had. Even if she knew I could only give her a platonic relationship, she accepted it." The older man wiping his tears. "She understood me when I thought nobody would. I was glad that a woman like her came into my life, for she is too great for me to deserve this kind of love."
Vast darkness brimmed in the vermilion skies. The war was over and everyone was glad, dancing, drinking and singing to their hearts' desire.
In the capital of Auturia, drunken men cuddled their wives as they tried their best to remove the fear in their ladyloves. Taverns along the city streets were full of customers, most of them who just returned from the war.
"Hey 'sarge! Ask 'ose pweety ladies 'at 'e likemsom'or!" Reeden's voiced bellowed, battling it's ways with hundreds of drunken men. "Let's 'arty som'or!" Gadess, who was still intact, slapped his hand in his face as he chuckled at his men's request. "Give 'em some more miss, tell them we're under the command of Allen Shezar!" The woman with abnormally large bosoms winked at his reply as she carried away a tray of broken bottles. "Anything for that blond cutie!"
Hitomi sat down between Van as the crew clapped their hands at the singing feline. She was standing at a table singing her song, her cheeks painted with every shade of red. "Lord Vaaaaaan! Liiiiseeenn tsooo mmmyyy soooonnngg issss fooor yuuu!" the feline said in a flushed manner, continuing her song.
If by chance cats could talk, I wonder what would they say first? Fish bones are way too tough! (1)
Van was enjoying this very much; it was good that everyone was happy, trying to forget the war and all. Everyone deserved their break.
Please stop comparing the length of my tail to other cats; it hurts my feelings, you know!
"Van?"
For you, we keep our bodies in shape and our fur in place. So, please stop brushing us the wrong way!
His garnet met her emeralds, "I'm all right." Tightening his clasped hands to hers.
Even more than gentle people, we like people who are peaceful! That's the kind of basically steady personalities we have.
It had been two weeks since they arrived from Austuria, they were celebrating the end of the war in a tavern just outside the palace gates. Everything was going fine, life was good and he was glad that she was here with him, enjoying each other's company.
I've always wanted to ask you just once: where do you catch that "bonito"?
Her goddess smiled at his reply and laid her head down to his shoulder. "I wish that this moment would last forever…"
Just the two of us, dozing together in the afternoon, The winter light stretching out long; If only we could stay close like this for the rest of our lives…
The feline's song ended as she drunkenly fell from the table, to the arms of a young cat boy. He blushed furiously "Sir, what do you want me to do with this… lady?" Gadess smiled as he asked the cat boy to bring the drunken cat girl to the palace. Van nodded for his permission, as the cat boy carried Merle, piggyback style. "Take care of her! Tell them that the king of Fanelia sent you." The cat boy with sea green hair nodded as he slowly went out the taverns.
"Hey little lady, aren't we having a good time." Gadess said as the crew heads turned to see the flushed, and now apart lovers.
"Gaddess!" Hitomi replied bashfully, stealing glances from her young king.
"It's alright little lady, we get you." Pyle replied, trying his best not to laugh harder.
Hitomi and Van was now an epitome of twin healthy tomatoes and if that's not enough: "You should really ask her out your majesty!"
That cause a series of uproar in the tavern and even the townspeople joined the crew, glad that love still blossoms in the hearts of the young.
The stillness of the night was short-lived when two gentle knocks were heard in the oak doors.
"Lord Van?"
He opened his mahogany eyes, as the young soprano voice continued.
"Have you already made your decision?" She stood behind the door, her yellow chiffon dress matched perfectly at the young feline. Her cerulean eyes depicting a sense of longing.
His eyes darken at her question as he changed his position, avoiding her friend's voice. He didn't reply as she continued to speak. "You still love her… don't you Lord Van?"
Lies.
Everything about her was a lie.
"Don't deny it Lord Van…" as if the young feline read his mind. "You secluded yourself with work to forget her… but you can't… because you still love her…"
Did he?
Did he still love her after so many years? Did he?
"She always said, 'the feeling will reach each other' your feelings will surely reach her… like that time when you brought her back…" She gulped. "Back to you."
The moon illuminated his room, illuminating the red pendant that he now clasped so dear. Hitomi…
"I want you to be happy Lord Van, I don't want you to make rash decisions that you will soon regret…" She left his door as tears started to stream in her pools of blue. Be happy…
"Thank you…"
He looked at his father's eyes. "… for telling me everything…" The older man shook his head as his long hands got a hold of a dry leaf. "It was my fault for keeping this things from you." A single tear escaping his wine orbs. Caleb kneeled down to his father as he grasps his father's hand to his. "It's not your fault" Caleb said, looking at his father's weary eyes. "Mother was happy with you and that's enough for you to say." He stood up as he began walking away, stopping at his steps. "It's your turn to have the happiness you deserve." Caleb's footsteps echoed away in his mind as his words did. Happiness, can he really experience that after so many years?
They left the drinking den earlier that evening. It was too much for them to take as they, Millerna, Van and Hitomi strolled in the bay walk. The princess saw them as they exited in the tavern earlier, accompanying the lovebirds to tour the city.
"This landmark is the likeness of our God, Jeture. The sea dragon; protector of Austuria" The princess said, "But you probably have known this since our last tour in the city. (2) Right?" Hitomi gazed at the statue once more, remembering the god's words. "Where is your wish? Girl from the Mystic Moon?" She looked at the young king from her shoulder and sighed. "Yeah…"
She vividly remembered her wish to Jeture once…
"Hitomi, would you like to try wishing for something?" The amethyst-eyed princess said, "Me?" she looked at the statue of Jeture for so long and silently said her greatest wish. "Jeture, Please, let Allen and I…" (3)
She chuckled at her feeble wish that Allen and her would be together, but now…
"Yes, princess, I remembered it as well."
Van…
The girl from the Mystic Moon was startled from her reverie as her lady princess began to gasp. "Oh! I've completely forgotten about the Festival!" The princess remembered, suddenly eying at them with this glint of mischievousness. "The Jesture festival is around the corner… and since Princess Eries is the head of the festival…" The amethyst eyes giggled, leaving the two to their wits. "This years' festival has a twist of it's own." She continued, "We are going to choose, the best portrayal of Alia and Meifia (4), the heroes in Jeture's legend!" Hitomi looked at her friend with crossed eyebrows. "And what do you intend us to do?" The third princess of Austuria could only smile at her perfect plan.
"Win that contest of course…"
"Your majesty! What do you think you're doing?"
Hitomi…
"You're jeopardizing your future! Fanelia's future!"
He stood in the greenest glades below, bathed with the light of two ethereal moons. Wings unfurled, he grasped the crimson teardrop lying in his chest.
"You are giving up your throne for a woman? This madness!"
"Bring me to her."
"My decision is final chancellor, it cannot be undone."
"Bring me to Hitomi."
A blinding pillar of light engulfed him as his young feline friend came running to reach him. The light disappeared in an instant as the cerise feline smiled. Oh Lord Van…
He sauntered away in a small pebble path going further in the gardens. The cool autumn breeze was with him as he hummed his favorite hymn, The Dragon's Bride.
The old man arrived in a small shrine, decorated with violets and newly trimmed grass. He kneeled down as he removed dry leaves from the solid epitaph.
Here Lies
REIANA MARIELLE DE FANEL
512th Queen of Fanelia (5)
Beloved Friend and Sister
"Reiana…" he breathed, removing several leaves from the epitaph. "I miss you dear friend."
The autumn frost blew gently at him as he held his royal cloak closer, smiling gently at his best friend. "I miss her so much Reiana…" he sighed. "I really do miss her…"
"Are you sure about this Millerna?" A green-eyed girl said, looking eagerly at the exquisite princess anterior to her.
"You look fine Hitomi!" She exclaimed. "The dress is perfect… and your hair… by the gods… I LOVE IT!"
"Princess… thank you… but… I'm not really sure about this…" Hitomi said, a hint uncertainty in her voice.
The girl from the Mystic Moon wore a simple verdant dress that reached her ankles. It was off shoulder dress that showed Hitomi's pale skin. Her hair was adorned with a wreath of wild flowers. In her neck laid the crimson trinket, glowing ethereally in the moonlight. "You really look like the reincarnation of Meifia, Hitomi… You really do…"
"You flatter me so much princess..." Hitomi replied, blushing twenty shades of red. "Not at all." She said. "Let's go to your Alia then!"
He opened his eyes as he felt no more the warmth that embraced him. His wings vanished behind his back, hands still grasping the golden trinket.
"The wind is cold tonight, isn't it Hiroshi?"
A man not older than 20 stood behind a girl with shoulder length tresses, a joyful façade cloaking her sadness, standing along the seashore.
"Hitomi… I want to tell you something…" The young man looked at the lady in front of him, pools of blue striking her precious emeralds.
The young king emerged from the palm trees and into the shore. He then saw figures in the dimly lit beach. The contraptions that produced light, flickering tediously.
"Hitomi…" The man said, looking at the young woman in front of him "What is it Hiroshi?" Her green eyes with utmost wonder.
Van stood behind the palm trees, grasping the trinket closer. Hitomi… is it really you? He then raced to the beach to reach her, but stopped in his tracks. The world shattered. His world did.
"I love you." And he kissed her.
The moment turned into oblivion as soon Hiroshi claimed her lips. It was warm… but…
It wasn't right.
She broke the kiss away, breaking away from his arms. She didn't love him… Hiroshi would never ever fill the empty void in her heart. Never.
Hiroshi looked bewildered at her. He hid away his cerulean eyes as tears started to swell in her eyes. "I'm sorry Hitomi, I shouldn't have done that… I--"
She placed her finger in his lips, crying. "Just stop…I just--"
Tears from heaven began to fall, His dark mahogany eyes dimmed. The raindrops fell on him, but he couldn't care less. I thought…
That she loved you?
Hitomi fell into Hiroshi's arms as the rain soaked her consuming sadness. "I just… I still love him" she whimpered. "I'm sorry…"
She doesn't Fanel… you saw it… she doesn't…
Hiroshi held her closer, tears invisible from the rain. "I just thought that you've already move on Hitomi… you looked happier than two years ago… I just want to tell you how I feel…" She cried harder, the same rhythm in the rain. Van…
They stood in the rain, three shattered hearts beating the same rhythm of unrequited love. "Just cry Hitomi… let it all out…"
Goodbye Hitomi...
The sun had these orange streaks in it, the wind was growing colder and another day is beginning to end…
"Reiana… I must go now…" the old man said, smiling sadly at her. "Let's talk next time…" he continued, gazing at the almost setting sun. "Aurelia and Aeneas misses you so…" holding the cloak closer he then continued his way.
He reached his chamber, the sun shining melancholy at him. He sat in his rocking chair outside his terrace as he admired the beautiful sunset hovering down in the mountain. He closed his weary eyes, smiling for his very last. The crimson pendant glowing in a magnificent way. I wish I could have seen this with you… Hitomi…
The sky was littered with stars as he gazed upon her, the goddess of his dreams. "Hitomi… You look…"
"Beautiful? She does isn't she?" the third princess of Austuria replied in her deep lilac gown "Oh my… Van… you look exactly like Alia!" Van blushed at her, still gazing at Hitomi who did the same. "Hi." Van continued their intelligent talk by replying in four syllables "Hello Hitomi."
Millerna left when she realized the growing tension between them. "'I'll leave you two lovebirds here while I take my unbiased job as a judge in the contest." Millerna winked at them, two of them blushing twenty shades of red.
The streets were a beautiful sight that evening. Every post was decorated with colorful lanterns, men and woman dressed to imitate Alia and Meifia; yet no one could ever match the perfect imitation of Van and Hitomi. The music started, musicians played sweet and romantic music to commemorate the undying love of Alia and Meifia, which was the cause of the said celebration.
Two of them spoke nothing, awkward to each other's presence. The couples began to dance with the music, leaving the two uncomfortable. At last, Van had the courage to break their silence.
"Would you be so kind to dance with me, Lady Hitomi?"
Hitomi's eyes lit up in delight as she gave her hand to him. "Certainly your Majesty."
Like everyone else, they were trapped in their partner's eyes. Dancing slowly in the night, wishing that it would last forever.
Hitomi placed her head in his chest as he held her tight, swaying gently as the song began to blow.
I need a love that grows, I don't want it unless I know...
"Hitomi…"
I need a love that's strong... I'm so tired of being alone... But will my lonely heart play the part of the fool again, before I begin...
"What is it Van?"
Foolish heart, hear me calling... Stop before you start falling, foolish heart, heed my warning...
He stroked her bangs away when she looked at him with those sparkling eyes. He had to tell her…so that she'll stay with him… "Van?"
You've been wrong before... don't be wrong anymore...foolish heart...
He looked at her, inches away from her face. "I Lo--"
"ATTENTION EVERYONE!" A voice bellowed, driving them out from their beautiful reverie. Hitomi gazed over in the stage to see Princess Millerna up front, her smile was indescribable. "As you all know, we are celebrating a very important festival in the Austurian Calendar. The Jeture Festival…" Van shrugged at the perfect timing Millerna was giving him. He looked over at Hitomi who was smiling brightly at Millerna's humorous knack. At least she's happy…
"The judges roamed around while our dear lovebirds were dancing, we have searched for the perfect likeness of Alia and Meifia, heroes of the Jesture Legend." Van moved closer to Hitomi, her hand capturing his. She smiled.
"The judges have already decided, and have already voted. The winner of this contest is pair number 85! Hitomi Kanzaki and Van Salanzar de Fanel!" Hitomi smiled as she held Van's hand to hers. "Please come up to stage, to receive your prize!"
As both of them battled their way to the stage, Van could only smile at Hitomi's naiveté. "Let's go Van!"
Morning arrived in the country of Fanelia. The jocund spirits was high in the streets of the city. It was a day of joy and rejoicing in the kingdom for the queens' empty seat will now be filled. Everyone was happy, rejoicing, smiling.
But he wasn't.
He stood in the white pillars like he was weeks before, a bland façade etched in his stern face. He wore a ceremonial white ensemble, his royal sword in his left. It was his wedding today and as tales of love would say; the groom was happier than any other man is.
Not.
"I have told you so many times… your majesty… that woman you have been swooning over is nothing but filth."
He fixed his collar as he gazed the grand decorations that bathed the city. Everyone was happy, but he wasn't.
"Shut your mouth Chancellor Ingrid!" A soprano voice said, standing behind her surrogate brother. "Lord Van has kept his promise to be wed if he wasn't able to bring a bride home by the given deadline. So quit your hypocrisy." She snarled at him, she couldn't believe the fact that Van came back without Hitomi… something had happen… and even Van didn't want to talk about it. The chancellor smiled conceitedly at the young cat girl. "We just want the best for our king and Fanelia, Lady Merle…"
Eyes of cerulean stood in front of two oak doors. Hesitating to knock. What happen to you Lord Van…
He opened his eyes, his thin lashes shielding him from the fragile rays of the setting sun. The view of the mountains transfigure into a wide melancholy horizon of the sea.
"I have foreseen this in my dreams… your coming…"
He searched the source of the voice when he met two capricious emerald orbs. She stood with her cane, a dull green shawl protecting her from the cold. "Van…"
He forced himself to stand up, trying his best from his weak form. "Hitomi…" he held her in his arms, "I thought… I would never see you again."
As he held her, tears began to form in her eyes; he felt his warmth, his scent… The fields… it's still the same… Van…
They held hand in hand in the beach, walking pleasantly while sea foam soaking their dry feet. And like long-lost friends do, they talked about their lives, ups and downs, what's been happening to their separate lives.
They gazed into each other's eyes, each have realized their feelings for one another. Unspoken, the Girl from the Mystic Moon asked what would happen to her and even though she already knew the answer, she waited for him. For she wanted him to tell her to stay.
"Escaflowne should be kept asleep. My brother wished for a Fanelia and Gaea where no one relies on it. I want to see the world like that." He said to her, maroon colored eyes spoke the truth and even though it has hurt her, she tried her best not to cry for it would've scarred her more. "I want to see that with you. I wonder if I can... I like Gaea and Fanelia." Was her only reply.
The man she called Van looked at her with eyes full of happiness, yet he knew that it wasn't her home. With his heart full of guilt and now with sadness, he weakly smiled. "If you want to do so, it's alright with me. But we can see each other anytime, as long as we share a common feeling."
His voiced echoed in her mind, tears rolling gently in her cheeks. "Van.."
The young girl grasped her pendant from her chest, feeling its warmth for the last time. Taking it off, she held it and gave it to the very person she cared and loved most. He reached out his hand and received her memento. He held her in his sturdy arms, tightly, as if he never wants to let go.
The Girl from the Mystic Moon cried once more, crystal tears depicting sadness and a longing to stay in his arms. "I'll never forget you, even if I become old. I'll never forget, no matter what..." was her words. Closing her eyes, Van the King of dragons, held out the heart of the dragon and a pillar of light raised her, still, he held her hands. Not wanting to let go. "I'll never forget."
Men, women and beasts alike waved goodbye to girl who changed their lives. A girl who changed their war-ridden lands with peace and prosperity. The girl who they knew came from the transcendent land from above, The Mystic Moon.
A year later, the history of the Destiny War have passed and the Girl from the Mystic Moon lived in peace, or so she thought so. Memories of her adventures for so long ago flashed into her as she gazed into the sea, reminiscing the days of her life to the other world called Gaea when, an angel, seated in the shoreline smiled at her, wearing her given memento. She smiled, for so long time she didn't. "I'm doing fine, Van"
The festivities were finally over, men, women, beast alike retreated to their homes as they cradled happiness in their hearts, knowing that finally, Fanelia would now be whole.
The young king of Fanelia walked silently In his new room, their room.
He changed to his usual attire and slumped back to bed, hoping… wishing that everything had happen was all just some sick joke.
"Your Majesty?"
He dare not move, he knew that voice. That sweet treacherous voice that locked him in his birdcage forever.
She stood in the door, her white gown illuminated by the two moon's radiance. Her brown locks tight in a bun, her neck decorated with a single strand of silver, she was indeed the most beautiful creature that walked in Gaea. But for him, she wasn't.
Reiana Marielle de Fanel closed the door behind her. The wedding was over, but she could feel the hurt and resentment of the young king, nay her husband to her. "Lord Van, I know you did not wish this marriage." She said, " I, myself have been forced here, but I do not regret it for I am the servant of my country." Van stayed in his position, digesting everything the princess is saying. "I do not know you and you do not know me, yet I know the face of the broken hearted." He stiffened. How dare she conclude those thoughts…How dare she… she of many people does not now of his woes, yet here she is, trying to be prudent.
She felt him stiffened, surely because of his rigid position at the edge of the bed. She removed her crown, gently placing it in a table. "I lost the person I love most in the war, your majesty." She said, gazing sadly at the king. "I thought my world would end when he died, but he gave me hope in living. He had quoted me a phrase, before he went away." She said, trying her very best not to cry. "No matter what happens, even if my life would end, I will love you… I will find you, even if it takes me years to find you… I will come back." Van eyes widen… years to find her… He stood up from his position as he noticed tears falling from her cheeks. "I'm sorry your majesty for telling you such trivial matters. " she said, as she stood up, but a hand held her down. Her pools of cerulean to his garnets. "I lost her too… my beloved…"
He cried softly in her lap, releasing every anger, pain and anguish. "I loved her so much that I would give up anything to be with her…" He breathed, her soft hands stroking her dark mane, deep sympathy in her eyes. "Anything for Hitomi…anything…"
Anything…
"Reiana… It's a beautiful name…"
They sat in the sand, in each other's company. They were in a lover's embrace as Van placed his head in her shoulders, breathing in the cold peninsula air. "Yes… Aurelia and Aeneas… my beloved grandchildren…"
Her hands were clasped with his as they watched together, silently the setting of the sun. "It's beautiful…"
"Hitomi…" she looked at him eyes full of love and fulfilled longing. "This belongs to you." He removed the golden trinket around his neck as he carefully placed it in her hands. "I no longer need it… because it has already fulfilled its mission…" He breathed heavily, "it fulfilled my greatest wish…. To see you again…"
Hitomi held him tighter, wishing that she could have done it a long time ago. "Thank you…"
He nodded in response; he closed his weary eyes as he smelled her nature-filled scent. "Van.."
"Mm…"
"I wonder how much Gaea had changed when I left…" she said as she continued gazing at the near horizon sunset. Silence, tears started to form in her eyes. "Van… I want to see that with you… The Gaea we've always dreamed of…" She closed her eyes, holding him closer. A soft smile etched in his calm features.
"I love you…"
"I'm doing fine, Van…"
Author's Note
(1) Lyrics got from 'Feelings of a Cat' sung by Ootani Ikue, Merles' Voice Actress!
(2) This event really happened in the Series, found in the Escaflowne Drama CD: Thought of Jeture
(3) Thought of Jeture : An Escaflowne Drama CD happened between episode 7 and 8, when Hitomi is still infatuatated with Allen.
(4) Alia is the hero in the Jeture Festival, Meifia is his lover. They tragically die because of Alia's bestfriend, Navio who was jelous of Alia.
(5) As said in Escaflowne Compedium, Fanelia's first king ruled 10,000 years before the actual Destiny War started. I divided 20 by 10,000 (taking note that Fanelian kings ruled for at least 20 years each.) thus getting 500, but I just invented 512 anyway...