The Forgotten Kin
Van walked down the rebuilt roads in his kingdom of Finalia, thinking about all that had happened. Hitomi seemed to dominate his mind though. Her image flashed through his mind, followed by her voice, but her smile lingered the longest. He slowed as he neared the outer gate, trying to bring his mind back to reality. Hitomi was gone. He sped his pace, getting angrier the more steps he took. He did'nt even notice he was walking in circles around the now "dead" Escaflowne. He leaned against its side, sighing as he thought about the last time he flew in it. " These are peaceful times now." Merle swung down out of the tree where she had been lying."You should be happy the Escaflowne isn't needed anymore."
"It's not that." Van stroked the Esca's hard exterior, knowing he would never be inside of it again. "It's just... just that..." He looked at Merle and she nodded her head. She missed Hitomi too. She missed the adventures with their loyal freinds. They missed Allen and Falcon, Gadess and the crew of the Crusade. Merle headed back to the castle, walking slowly, without the swing she usualy had in her step. Van waited, circling the Esca once more. " I wonder if anyone else even cares..."
End chapter 1