Four Years Chapter 25, an escaflowne fanfic

A.N. Hopefully you all aren't too disappointed by the lack of a 'blow-up' or 'fight' at the send-off get together. I don't actually get around to reading the reviews until I post the next chapter so, I honestly have no idea how you all reacted yet. I know a lot of you were waiting for it, but I don't think Fumio or Van would cause a scene like that in front of everyone. There is, however, some fall out as you will see in this chapter. Hopefully you aren't too disappointed and enjoy how this all plays out.

Disclaimer: I do not own The Vision of Escaflowne nor any of the characters therein. This is purely profit free fanmade fluff.

"Remember, if you're headed in the wrong direction, God allows U-turns!"

-Allison Gappa Bottke

Chapter 25: Double Back

Twelfth Day of the Fourth Month

First Year of Carusfatum

Gaea

It was his birthday. Not that Van particularly cared about such things, but it was notable this year because one year ago this day he had gone out on the right of succession to hunt a dragon and had met Hitomi.

A year. Has it only been one year?

It felt like a lot longer than a year. The war seemed to last an eternity and the past few months had equally felt like a lifetime. Van sighed, looking up at the clear blue sky, the thin white clouds passing slowly overhead. The winter wheat had come in and the actual harvest was only three quarters of what they had planted. A far better result than what he had anticipated, but not as good as they had hoped. Soon the spring rains would come through and with that typically came flooding and so he was busy taking precautions to protect the fields that had provided crops. The fiefs were already sending in notices and estimates on what they would need. Things were about to become far more busy.

It was a miracle he'd managed to get this break at all, and as it was, he already felt foolish and selfish for taking it. Of course, this had all been Merle's and Allen's plan. The two had encouraged him to take a break and after listening to their harping for the better part of two days, he'd relented.

There was still so much to be done, and he would regret not working today, but leaving the palace and taking to the air with his own wings had been an exhilarating release that he hadn't realized he'd needed until he was air born. He'd glided and flew until his breathing was labored and he was coated in a light sheen of sweat. He'd only landed after her was completely exhausted and made his way out of the palace grounds and into the town.

He visited the orphanage and checked on the shops that lined the main street after that. The purpose for walking through the town was to be reminded of the faces of those he worked so hard for. As they greeted him with warm smiles and the familiar cries of 'Lord Van', he had felt as though he could endure the mountain of paperwork and see to the continuing problems that seemed never ending, if only for their sakes.

Merle had been right when she had told him to leave for the day.

I should find a way to thank her…

Van thought, returning to the present and dragging his eyes away from the sky and back to the numerous shops that were open and selling their goods. Most in Fanelia were essential businesses; the baker, the butcher, the blacksmith, the seamstress and the carpenter. However, there were a few luxury shops though their wares were simple and few in number. It was one such shop that had caught Van's attention. The small shop that seemed to deal in delicate metalwork and precious stones and while there were a few pieces of jewelry, this shop particularly sold hair accessories for women.

Van knew nothing about these things, however, there was an item that reminded him of Merle. The lady had called it a clip, and the metal was a tawny gold color and the stones inlaid were rocks that had bands of black and bronze that almost seemed to shift with the light.

Would this be appropriate?

Van wasn't sure if gifting this item would send the wrong kind of message, or if Merle would feel uncomfortable receiving it. He was just getting up the courage to ask the woman in the shop when a loud crash echoed from outside. Instincts kicked in and Van was out the door, his hand gripping his sword before anyone else could even question what the sound was. The streets were filled with panic and screaming people. For a split second, Van feared the worse, and without conscious thought he pictured Hitomi's pendant and used her dowsing method to see the unseen.

The pendant upon his chest swayed to the right and he turned and ran in that direction without hesitation. The further he traveled the fewer people he saw and then, as he crossed onto a residential street that bordered the forest, he found the cause.

He had half expected to see guymelefs, perhaps even cloaked and invisible ones, and his heart was pounding out of his chest with worry and fear. He was almost brought to his knees when the noise proved to be nothing even close to an attack.

There in the street, was a land dragon.

A few buildings had suffered damage, one seemed to have been all but collapsed. He couldn't see any blood, nor did he hear any cries for help, which made him hopeful the building had been empty. He felt his stomach drop to his feet at the sight. While he was relieved to find that it was not an enemy attack, a dragon was just as problematic and dangerous.

He had hoped to avoid such problems, and he had hoped that the large protective wall he had constructed would keep most of the beasts out. Clearly he had been wrong.

I need to kill it.

The thought was second nature. Fanelia had dealt with the land dragons since its begining, and from the time he was old enough to walk, he knew that the land dragon was both dangerous and a pest. Yet, as he stood staring at the beast, Van hesitated. He did not want to kill it, and with the realization came other facts that should have been irrelevant. It was smaller than the one's he had encountered before, it also moved around with less finesse and its actions seemed more frightened and he wondered if it was still young.

Why does it matter?

Irritation and self-loathing rose up inside him and strengthened the grip he had upon his sword hilt. The blade clinked in the sheath and the dragon's head came up and around to him sharply. Those eyes focused and narrowed upon him and Van shuddered.

His mind was inundated with memory; slaying the dragon, its hot pungent blood spraying over him, drenching his hair and clothes, the sick feeling he'd felt when it had finally collapsed dead at his feet. Quick upon the heels of that came the memory of Folken in the ruins of Fanelia, speaking of his failed attempt at hunting; speaking of peace and the deeper connection one had with the animals they shared the world with.

Van stood frozen, staring warily at the land dragon and it stared back. He hadn't believed Folken then, even when Folken had convinced the land dragons to leave them alone, he had thought it to be some trick. Now, however, he wondered.

The dragon watched him and Van thought, perhaps it was watching him in fear and curiosity. It didn't seem to be paying any mind to the buildings around it, or the people who had fled the area. In fact, it had hardly moved since his arrival. Perhaps, it had not intended to come inside the wall at all.

If I can get it to leave… I can avoid further damage.

The thought seemed crazy, but he knew it would be worth it if it worked. Slowly, Van released his hold and moved his hand away from his blade. Those intense eyes flicked to the movement, and the shovel-shaped head slowly tilted to the side in curiosity. Van couldn't be certain how long they remained in this standoff, measuring the other up, but slowly, the dragon seemed to shift out of its protective stance and Van felt a surge of accomplishment.

"… you can't stay here." He spoke calmly, feeling like an idiot but hoping his intent would translate somehow. He looked and gestured to the wall closest to the beast. "You need to leave."

As though in direct opposition to his wants, he heard the sounds of his knights approaching and knew that if he didn't get the dragon to leave soon, they would arrive and a fight would ensue. The narrow streets would be a hindrance and more collateral damage would be had.

The dragon's hackles rose and its head shifted toward the approaching sound and Van internally cursed stepping slowly closer and drawing the attention back to himself. He kept his hands raised, and tried to project feelings of calm toward the beast. He again gestured to the wall.

"No one will follow you out. Go."

An eternity passed as they squared off, eyes narrowed and locked. Van was almost certain this was going to fail, when Allen's voice could be heard from behind him shouting his name. It broke the stalemate and the Dragon lifted his gaze and hissed loudly in the direction the knights had come from. Van groaned, hand once again moving to his sword, when the dragon promptly turned and ran away from the conflict and towards the wall Van had been pointing to.

His shock and disbelief kept Van from moving as, with a waddling gait and a large leap and glide, the dragon sailed over the wall, just barely clearing it and disappeared. It tail clipped a building on its way out, gouging the roof, but in the grand scheme of things, it was a far better outcome than he had expected.

It… it worked?

"What happened?" Allen asked coming up beside him. Van could see the way Allen looked him over checking for any visual signs of injury. Once, that would have irritated him, or made him think that Allen was looking down on his ability. Now, he knew it was a habit of any knight who was tasked with the protection of a ruler.

"… I think the land dragon accidently came over the wall. It looked young." Van said, then finally managed to shake himself free of the shock and started ordering the men to check the rubble and ensure no one was trapped. "I need to know how many are injured… and we need to consider raising the height of the walls."

There were a few sounds of ascent as the knights quickly fell into action and Van was turning to the first building to assist when Allen blocked his way, Trent Dahvi walking up beside him.

"… so much for a quiet day." Trent grumbled, smiling at Van. "We should get you back to the palace to run damage control, Lord Van."

Van frowned. He wanted to look over the damages himself, but he knew it would be better to manage from the palace. He needed to trust his people to complete the tasks for him, and they would need to be able to find him efficiently and swiftly.

He gave a nod and began his trek back to the palace.

The day passed by in a flurry of activity after that as damage control, repairs and requests for supplies were placed and dealt with. Van scarcely had a moment to breathe, let alone think beyond the problem he was facing until the sun had nearly set.

It was later still, when he was once more alone in his office, the event with the dragon and damages as resolved as they could be for the moment, that he realized he was feeling something different from the link. Hitomi was worried, and he had the feeling she had sensed his earlier tension and fear.

A flood of feelings rushed through him; pride that he'd sent the dragon away without killing it, irritation he hadn't realized Hitomi's concern earlier, joy that she was worried and regret that he couldn't actually tell her about any of it. Van stared at nothing, the pen in his hand crushed in a punishing grip as he tried to get himself back under control.

It's my birthday… I wish you were here… Hitomi…

The petulant thought brought a sad smile to his face and Van hung his head, pressing a hand to his eyes and tried to send the awful reassurance he was growing to despise back her way. Nothing else would be understood and it only made him angrier that he couldn't speak to her. He wondered what she had done today, if it had been interesting or fun in any way. He wondered if she thought of him at all before his wayward feelings had invaded; was she missing his voice the way he missed hers? Did she too curse this useless connection?

"Lord Van?" Merle called, her head poking inside and he didn't even bother to look up.

"What is it?"

"… uhm… well, the estimated cost of the damages is in…" She trailed off and Van stood with a sigh, pushing the link and all thoughts from his mind.

"Right. Let's see it."

Really, it was just another day. Nothing special.

Twentieth Day of the Ninth Month

Seventh year of Carusfatum

Earth

The sun had set, they had finally left her family home and Van had succeeded in keeping himself in check for the entirety of the whole horrid event. Van's teeth grit and his hands fisted at his sides as he stood before the window in the master bedroom. He honestly couldn't see anything in front of him. He was glaring at the remembered image of Hitomi and Fumio speaking at the entryway hours before.

Nothing about the conversation itself had caused him distress, in fact Hitomi had been very direct and plain in her words to the man. She had said she was leaving and that Fumio was unwelcomed. She had of course caved but only so he could be left looking foolish when they departed. Honestly, there was no reason for the anger that carved his insides out.

No. There is.

Van's breathing was deep and even in an attempt to maintain control. This entire day he had suffered and let insult after insult roll off of his shoulders. He supposed Hitomi's father and mother had attempted to maintain the façade that everything was normal and everyone was happy, but it was still clear in the nuance of their words and actions that it was not. He was a stranger who was taking away their daughter and grandson. As Yukari and Fumio liked to point out, he had abandoned them for the last six years. It mattered little that this was not the actual case; it was how they viewed him. Hitomi's brother had made that abundantly clear.

It had been a shocking juxtaposition; surprisingly refreshing to hear the caustic and rude comments and at the same time infuriating for the exact same words. At least he knew exactly where he stood with the boy however frustrating and annoying. At least he was honest.

And he seemed not to like Fumio either… perhaps he simply doesn't like men near his sister.

At the time that had been mollifying, now however, it was only bitterly amusing. Fumio had purposefully showed up with clear intentions, and as much as Van didn't wish to admit it, the man had succeeded in every way. Fumio had clearly not been invited. Van knew Hitomi had called to tell her mother not to allow him over, he had heard that call. So, something had been miscommunicated, or the man simply showed up on his own.

Either way, he had not been thrown out, had made himself at home, and proved himself to be far better at blending in, communicating, and pretending than Van was. Fumio's intentions had not been to instigate a fight. Van knew that as the man had not said a single rude word to him the entire night. No, all he had done was show Van how intricately Fumio was entwined in Hitomi's life. How close to Hitomi's family he was. How easy it was for him to fake a smile and casually steer the conversation in a direction that he controlled and that he could easily converse about any topic thrown his way.

Fumio could speak casually with Hitomi about many topics of which Van knew nothing. He knew Anil's food preferences and from the interactions it was clear that before Anil had come running to him, Fumio and Anil had been on friendly terms. Van's teeth made an audible sound as he ground them together, his fingernail biting painfully into the flesh of his palms.

He hated every minute of this day.

"… Anil is finally down." Hitomi said with a sigh. Entering the bedroom and closing the door quietly behind her. "He finally agreed on one bag… it took far longer than I thought to pack it all…" Her words trailed off and he felt her approach from behind.

He couldn't explain why he flinched when she touched him, but he did and when she sucked in a breath clearly hurt, it made him even angrier. He pulled away from her entirely unable to voice what it was that drove his actions and unable to stay still any longer. He felt raw, and he just couldn't handle anymore concessions right now. He'd bent over backward, kept silent and practically filled his mouth with blood with how often he bit his tongue to keep from speaking his mind, and he had reached his breaking point.

"Van?" The question was hesitant and felt painful to hear. Van closed his eyes to try and ignore than similarities in how she said his name now to how she called out to Anil when attempting to curb his bad behavior. "What's wrong?"

"…"

Hitomi waited patiently instead of pushing, and a little of the pressure eased at that. He'd been anticipating her to push him, had felt his anger building the longer the silence stretched; expectantly listening for her to say something scathing about his silence. Perversely, he'd been waiting for the excuse to explode. Hitomi, however disallowed that and it surprisingly worked toward calming him, if only slightly.

He could hear her moving behind him. The shift of clothing denoting that she had changed into her sleep clothes and there were a few more sounds as she placed the last of the items she wished to bring with her into an old familiar duffle bag. The zipper made a soft ticking sound as it was closed, and he could practically feel the sound on his skin.

"… thank you." She said after a long silence. "I know today was… difficult—"

He scoffed. He knew it was rude; was the worst thing he could do when she was thanking him for his efforts, and yet it simply slipped out.

"…"

"If you want to be alone, I'll go sleep with Anil." Hitomi threatened, and Van spun to face her, his shoulders tense, his voice wrenched free at the opportunity presented.

"Is that your answer for everything?"

"… that doesn't even make any sense." Hitomi grumbled, and the lack of anger bothered him.

"You're running away."

"Van why would I stay here when you are clearly trying to pick a fight?"

"!" Van let out frustrated sound. "Why was he there?"

"…"

"Can you not answer that?" He goaded when Hitomi only watched him with a calm expression that bothered him more than he liked.

"…I thought you said you would trust me to handle this."

"I thought you were going to handle it."

"I had no idea he was going to be there Van. You know that. You heard me call my mother."

"Then why didn't you kick him out?"

"…" Hitomi's lips pinched and she glowered at him. He didn't like her silence and couldn't understand why she was defending the man. Why hadn't she chased him off? Why had she agreed to have him see them off?!

When she didn't answer he posed another question, this one a bit more accusatory. "Why did you tell him to come tomorrow?"

"… Van…" Hitomi sounded tired, frustrated, as though he were being annoying and not asking very valid questions. It burned his throat and chest and forced a question he had not intended to ask past his lips.

"Is there really nothing left between you two?"

"Don't." Hitomi snapped, finally an edge of anger audible in her tone. "Don't you even, Van Fanel."

"How else am I supposed to take it when you allow a man who kissed you to stay for a family gathering, and then invite him to watch us depart?!"

Hitomi looked like she wanted to hit him, but for whatever reason she didn't. Her arms, instead, crossed defensively over her chest.

"You were listening to the whole conversation. How did any of that sound like a secret liaison to you?" She bit out coldly. "If I am not mistaken, I told him that I was leaving with you!"

"…"

"Seriously, Van. This is ridiculous…"

"Ridiculous?" He asked, the rage and anger building and spewing out everything he had sworn to never bring up with her, "You have a history of not being clear or concise with your affections. How am I being ridiculous?"

"!" Hitomi's eyes widened and her mouth dropped. He was aware he had crossed the line, but he couldn't seem to stop himself. It felt as though he had ripped the scab off of a festering wound and the pus was pouring out unchecked and unfiltered. "You better explain that."

"You clearly agreed to marry Allen."

"Oh my god, that was years ago—"

"—and, you never officially broke it off with him when you returned!" Van snapped out refusing to be stopped. "You never spoke to him about it or to me for that matter! You never explained that you didn't have feelings for him, or that you had reservations. You just ran away and then hugged me and started a relationship with me upon your return."

"…." Hitomi's eyes were glassy but she wasn't yet crying. "Is that really what is bothering you?"

Yes!

Van glowered at her waiting for an answer. This wasn't actually his problem but it was something that he needed closure from. He had seen her memories in their shared dream, but they hadn't actually spoken about it. And her inaction after her return still bothered him; it was the same inaction that she was taking with Fumio. As much as he wanted to ignore the insecurities he felt, he simply couldn't. Not now.

Hitomi let out a loud breath and glared at him. "I was fifteen. Stupid and embarrassed."

"Is that supposed to make it okay?"

"No! Van, it doesn't!" Hitomi made a sound of aggravation and then snapped at him with a narrowed glare, "You wanted my reasons, so shut up and listen." She snapped and Van found himself straightening and closing his lips on reflex. "I don't have an answer that will satisfy you Van, because it was cowardly, and stupid! I didn't talk to him about it because I didn't want to! And before you accuse me of having feelings for Allen, I don't! I was just agreeing with whatever he said because I was confused and lost."

"…"

"When we came back I didn't want to face him. I was embarrassed and waited for him to ask. He never did so I didn't bring it up! It was pathetic but that's how it worked out." Hitomi took several breaths and rubbed at the corner of her eye, before continuing. "And I learned my lesson. I told Fumio we were finished the night Anil disappeared. I have been direct with him and I didn't throw him out of my parent's house because it was my parent's house! It is not my home and it was up to them. I didn't speak to him until the end, and I didn't ask you to leave when you followed us to the front door."

"!" He knew she had noticed him at the end, but he was unaware she had known he had followed practically from the start.

"And, I never once brought up the fact that you doing that felt as though you didn't trust me." She glared at him and he felt a little contrite. "I told him to come because like it or not, he was a friend. Someone I could rely on and I feel an obligation to that friendship."

"An obligation? That doesn't sound very friendly."

"Damn it, Van…" Hitomi growled. "I am not going to argue semantics with you. He is a friend. He is pissing me off, kinda like you are right now, and so yes, it feels like an obligation to be kind to both you and him."

"!" That struck him hard and all he could do was stare at her, trying to figure out if she was being serious or not.

An obligation…

He didn't want to be such a thing, but he was far too selfish to ever tell her that if this was all they had; an obligation to each other, that perhaps they should reconsider their plans. Because he wasn't going to let her go, even if all that was left was obligation. Besides, under all the anger and hurt feelings, he knew she loved him still.

"Look, I know today was hell. I know Ishikawa has made things unbelievably difficult and he has been a real monster… but there are things in his life that are making him act like this."

"And that excuses him?"

"No. It doesn't." Hitomi's voice now sounded soft; thin and tired. "However, I am leaving with you. I chose you! So why does it matter?"

Van didn't have an answer for that. He stood there looking at the tears in Hitomi's eyes, the defensive stance she had, and the pained expression on her face. It made him feel bad, and that fed his irritation and his drive to prove his point; to prove he was not wrong.

… except…

"What did I do, Van?" Hitomi all but whispered then, the sadness and pain evident in her tone despite the fact that she still hadn't started crying. "What did I do to justify this reaction?"

… damn it… I am wrong.

Van felt the sick feeling of guilt rise in his stomach and he closed his eyes, aware now of just how much he had been unjustly, irrationally, lashing out at Hitomi (1). He'd intended to make today perfect for her and he had just thrown it all back in her face. Worse yet, he had promised her to talk about his worries and concerns, and yet, he had just suppressed them again and this was the end result.

"Nothing." He admitted, his eyes closed in shame. "I'm sorry, Hitomi."

"What happened?" She pressed now, her tone making it clear that she would not be patient any longer and he had better answer her questions honestly this time.

"I… I wanted today to be perfect for you. I wanted your family to… like me. I wanted you to feel like this was a good choice."

"It is a good choice." She interrupted flatly. It was a little encouraging hearing her quick response despite his previous bullheadedness, though her tone didn't encourage much. Van smiled and breathed out; deciding that he needed to open up completely, speak about all of his concerns regardless of whether he had spoken of them before or not.

"You are giving up your family for me. I know this isn't done lightly, Hitomi. I know what you are sacrificing and I…" He clenched fist and forced the rest out. "… I'm afraid you will regret your choice. That… you will come to hate me for asking you to sacrifice all of this, for leaving you here for six years… for not being what you need."

The last came out a whisper and his eyes lowered to the floor. He felt hollowed out after the confession; slightly numb and tired. After a moment, Hitomi stepped closer and forced her arms under his own stiff ones and hugged him.

The embrace was as shocking as a slap would have been, and for a moment, he could hardly react.

"… you are my family Van. You, and Anil. My parents, Mamoru, Yukari and Amano… they are my family here, but you and Anil… are the family I made. The family I chose."

"…"

"I can't promise that I will never feel sad, or that I won't miss my family here. I can't promise that I won't feel briefly resentful on bad days… but Van, I will never regret this choice. And I will never hold this against you. I am choosing this, because I love you." Hitomi sighed. "All of your annoying rough edges and all."

Van felt choked by the words and finally found the strength to return her hold, pressing a kiss to the top of her head.

"So, whatever it was that Ishikawa said to you, please don't let it bother you. He doesn't know enough to be taken serious."

If only that were true…

Van held Hitomi for quite some time, both to sooth himself and to comfort and make up for the harsh words he'd said.

"… can you tell me what he said that got to you?"

He could, but he honestly didn't want to. However, he owed her for the way he had just acted, and so, keeping her close so he couldn't see her face, he relented and quoted the words that plagued him; the words that echoed in his head with every breath that bastard took and every smile he shared with her family.

"… 'You have been gone for a long time. She's built a life without you. How much does she really need you?'"

Hitomi stiffened her breath hitching at the words. Surprisingly, he then heard her use a very filthy explicative that was as shocking to hear come from her mouth as it was impressive and then she was sitting back, holding his face between her hands and speaking sternly to him.

"Van… yes, I can live without you. Yes, I managed to build this life… but I don't want to be without you." Hitomi pressed her forehead to his. "… you found you could live without me too right?"

He flinched at the truthful words that he didn't like to acknowledge anymore, but was forced to nod in agreement.

"… but, you don't want to, right?" her question sounded hesitant and he didn't like that. Van looked up staring into her eyes and lifted his own hands to cup her face.

"No. I don't want to." He reassured her and watched the smile that took over her face in amazement.

"Then it should be obvious. I need you, because you need me and we don't want to live apart."

Van smiled softly. Things were not completely better, the sick tension was still in his belly, but it felt manageable now and maybe after some time, this too would fade and this would be nothing more than a memory of poor choices and regrets. Van held her close, looking out the window.

"Yes. You are right."

Hitomi smiled against his neck and relaxed into his arms.

21 September, 2003

Earth

Anil was back at the hill with the tree. Folken was standing there with a bright smile and the two cat women to either side.

"Naria! Eriya!" He called out, running toward the gold and silver catwomen with arms open. Eriya snatched him up in a hug, her golden fur soft and warm and Anil snuggled close. "I haven't seen you in so long!"

"We missed you too, little wind." Naria spoke gently rubbing his head and he smiled up at them. "You have been so brave."

Anil nodded his head as Eriya slowly lowered him to his feet where Ni and Va were waiting to embrace him as well. The grass was soft under his feet, and the breeze carried the scent of flowers.

"You get to go home now." Va said with a warm smile, her dark eyes showing envy. Anil gripped her hand in his own giving it a squeeze.

"I'll still come to play." He said trying to make her feel better, but Va's brows pinched and she seemed even more sad due to his words.

"You will not be back here for some time." Ni said drawing his attention around and Anil felt a deep sadness filling his chest.

"What?" He looked from Ni who stared at him with her calm placid face giving nothing else away, to Folken."What does she mean, Folken?"

Folken smiled and crouched down, his large warm hand dropping upon Anil's head. "It's not a bad thing, little prince." Folken's smile was kind, warm and honest. "You will be busy when you return to Fanelia. You will have friends you can trust and rely upon and you will not need this place as much."

Anil shook his head desperately in the negative. "No! I always need you!"

Folken sighed and gently hugged him. "We won't abandon you Anil. You can always come here… that is your gift isn't it?"

His eyes burned as he cried and clutched at Folken with one arm, his other still desperately holding the small had of his friend. "I don't want to lose you all too! I don't want to lose everyone…"

He thought of his grandmother, grandfather, uncle Mamoru, Uncle Amano and Aunt Yukari. He'd accepted she wouldn't see them for a while. It was sad, but he had been okay with it. He was not, however, fine with losing Folken, Naria, Eriya, Va and Ni. They had been his silent protectors; friends and confidants for so long. He honestly did not think he could go on without them in his life.

"You won't lose anyone. You will gain more." Ni said softly. He didn't lift his head from Folken to check but he was sure she would be looking off and into the distance. "You will see them again. Many, many times."

Something in the way she spoke made his think she was speaking of those he was leaving behind on Earth rather than the group here, but he was too afraid to ask for more details.

"… promise?"

"Ni never lies." Va said, squeezing his hand in return. He licked his lip and peeked over at the dual colored eyes of his friend. When he asked his next question it was little louder than a whisper.

"…even Aunti Yukari and Uncle Amano?"

"Yes." Ni replied, and he felt another set of arms embrace him as her voice became closer. "You can only gain more from here."

After a while, Anil was calm enough to let go and stand back up. He rubbed his eyes and sniffled a bit. Eriya crouched down before him, her tail gently curled around her upon the ground, the tip twitching gently. She reminded him of Merle.

"There is no need to fear, little wind." Her smile was as warm as sunshine. "Because you are blessed with luck." She reached out and tapped his forehead.

"Luck?"

"Uh-huh. You are loved, by so many people. That makes you luckier than most others. And even if you don't see us, we will always be here." She reached out and pressed a hand to his chest over his heart.

"… okay. But, you aren't saying I can't come, right?"

"You are always welcome here." Va said with conviction. "Enough of this. We are going to play. Now."

Anil laughed as Va and Eriya dragged him into a game, Naria and Ni following behind with Folken. He'd thought this meeting would be different, he had expected more congratulations and less tears but he was still happy to have seen them, especially now on the last night he would be on Earth.

They played until the sun shifted above them and the sounds echoing around them changed to the voice of his mother gently calling to him.

"… I have to go now…"

"Don't sound so sad." Folken chided gently. "You saved their fate. You should be proud."

Anil smiled and turned from the tree…

Anil's eyes fluttered open and he blinked aware of his mother's gentle touch, her voice calling to him, and her soft warm smile welcoming him into the waking world.

"Good morning, my Vayu. Are you ready?"

"Mommy…" He sat up and hugger her tightly, letting his emotions take over and drown out everything else but her heartbeat and warmth.

I saved mommy right? I saved mommy and daddy… that's enough right?

"Anil? Are you okay sweetie?" His mother sounded worried and he hugged her as tightly as his arms would allow and nuzzled close, smiling against her.

"Yes, mommy. I'm just really happy to see you."

His mother made a sound that meant he'd made her very happy and snuggled him tightly. A moment later he felt his father's hand upon his head ruffling his hair affectionately. It was very similar to what Folken had done in the dream.

Not for the first time, he wondered what it would have been like to see Folken and his Daddy side by side in the waking world. He imagined it would have been awesome. But, that would never happen, and he should be happy he had the chance to know his uncle at all.

Yeah… it's okay. I'm not losing anything. I've only gained.

"You ready?" His father asked gently and pulling back to look at him, Anil saw his father in the familiar clothing they had arrived in, his sword on his hip, his smile confidant and relaxed, and in his hand, the large over-stuffed bag he was bringing home with him.

"Yes." Anil nodded, grabbing Balgus in his arms tightly. "Just need to bring Balgus. He's going to love Jeture!"

"Jeture?" His mother looked confused and glanced his father's way.

"Yeah! Celena gave me a stuffed dragon that looks like Jeture, the dragon god of the sea! He's on my bed back home. Balgus and he will be great friends."

His mother smiled and rubbed his head. "I'm sure he will. Now, let's get you dressed. We are meeting Obaa-chan and Ojii-chan soon."

"Okay!" He scrambled off the bed, letting his mother hold Balgus while he dressed. It was nice to be slipping into the clothing his father had picked for him, and it felt a little like armor. He looked one last time around his room he had known all his life and felt a sadness in his chest. He thought he might just miss this room, but he was happy to be going back to the one in Fanelia.

"Anil?" His mother and father stood side by side in his door and he smiled, the sadness washing away as he ran to join them, grabbing their hands and feeling once more like a super hero.

Yeah… I saved all of us, so now we get our happily ever after.

For all the awkwardness of the meal the day before, this morning was surprisingly calm and comfortable. Allen was slightly amazed at how easily they all prepared, and left Hitomi's home with little fuss or concern. They were met out front by Yukari and Amano and their car. He was able to return the clothing he had borrowed to the couple who stored it in their vehicle and then, as a group they had made the short trek back to the school where they had arrived.

Thankfully, the building was empty, and they were not going onto the property itself. They instead followed a small path around to the back and crossed up the side of a mountain through several red gates Hitomi called "tori". At the top there was a shrine that looked rather run down and it was here that the group waited.

It wasn't long at all before Hitomi's parents and brother arrived. There were tears and farewells from the rest of the group while he and Van stood off to the side giving them space. Mamoru made eye contact with him once, glanced in Van's direction and raised an eyebrow.

He wants to remind me of my promise.

Allen almost laughed but managed not to, instead giving the young man a firm nod which the kid accepted as he turned away completely then ignoring both of them.

"What was that about?" Van asked testily.

"Nothing."

"…"

Hitomi was handing documents over to her mother, trying to sooth her tears and also trying to console a similarly sobbing Yukari when Amano approached him, standing at his side silently.

"I'm not that close with the Kanzki's." He explained with a shrug. "It's a little awkward, especially after yesterday."

Allen chuckled. "Thank you for the use of your clothing."

"No problem. I'm glad to be of help to Hitomi."

Allen watched the scene before him for a few minutes. He had been curious about much of this world, and for the most part, he had not questioned too much. However, knowing that Amano was not particularly close with Hitomi's family made him curious and as they were leaving he decided to indulge himself.

"So, did you become friends with Hitomi through your wife?"

"…" Amano's smile was complicated and didn't reach his eyes. "… we were on the track and field team together. I was her upper classman."

Allen had no idea what any of that meant. "… you… were in school together?"

"Yes. Different classes, but we often saw each other during race practice and competitions."

"Oh."

So they competed in the same sport… this is a very odd world indeed.

"I was there the night she met Van." Amano admitted with a shrug. "At the time, I barely knew her. After she disappeared… well, I became involved with her family after that."

Allen turned to look at the family before him. He could imagine the chaos that must have engulfed this family; these people. Allen wasn't certain how things worked here on the mystic moon, but he knew that if a person went missing while in the company of others, those last with them came under great scrutiny. It could not have been easy.

"I see. Your family must have been put through a lot." At that Amano laughed rubbing the back of his neck.

"Sora took it the hardest. Of course, she was in middle school at the time and the rumors upset her more than the rest of us."

"Sora?"

"My little sister (2)." Amano said with a smile and Allen couldn't quite suppress the shiver that crawled down his spine at that. The man looked eerily like himself and now he had a sister. "She's got spunk and an attitude that makes me wonder if she shouldn't have been born as a boy."

"!" Allen wasn't certain what to make of that statement so instead simply kept silent.

"She is rather defensive of me. Thankfully she is mellowing out now that she is in high school."

"…"

"Hey, if you both could do me a favor." He asked suddenly turning to face both Van and he. "I know this goes without saying but… please take good care of them. Hitomi and Anil are like family and… well, I'd like to know they are safe."

Van stared at him and nodded once in answer leaving Allen to smile kindly in his stead. "Of course."

Amano seemed happy with that and stepped away just as Hitomi's father approached Van with a solemn expression. It almost seemed timed or planned though Allen doubted that to be the case.

"Van." Hitomi's father spoke gently, though there was a firmness to it. "I do not know you, nor do I feel we had much time to even have a proper acquaintance."

"…" Van seemed at a loss as to what to say. He seemed almost conflicted but the older man didn't give him long to contemplate.

"However, I know my daughter has chosen you and believes in you. So, I will place my trust in you as well."

The words, while kind came across as a mild threat. It was clear this man was withholding judgement for now, but that he was expecting something more from Van than this.

"Thank you, Mr. Kanzaki (3)." Van said in return.

"I know you have much to take care of back in your country," Mareo continued, "I can't pretend to understand what you will face upon your return, and I do not know what kind of struggles you all will have, but I do hope if you can, you will all visit from time to time. If you can't…" He paused and gave a deep bow, "…please, take good care of my daughter and grandson."

Van responded without hesitation and with a sharp conviction that made Allen smile.

"I swear it."

Mareo lifted and seemed to be satisfied with that as he said nothing more, turning just as Anil ran over to embrace him. "You be a good prince now. Listen to your father and mother."

"I will."

Movement drew his eyes up and away from the family moment and Allen frowned when he saw a familiar irritant walk up the last of the steps and come towards them. He smiled as though he had every right to be there and Allen wondered why he had bothered at all.

Does he not know when to give up? Or is he perhaps honestly just here to see them off?

Van had noticed him as well, though aside from a narrowed look, he didn't seem to respond. Allen was curious, but so long as neither Van nor Hitomi were concerned, he would stay out of it. There wasn't much the man could do. There were too many people to attack, and there was truly no chance of him convincing Hitomi to stay. So, overall, the man, while a nuisance, was not important.

"We should probably leave soon." He suggested to Van casually. "Before more people come."

It was an excuse, and he knew Van was aware of it, but that didn't stop him from nodding and agreeing.

It was far more emotional that she had thought it would be. Hitomi's eyes stung and her nose was stuffy from all the tears she had already shed in her goodbyes. It hadn't helped that her mother had burst into tears upon receiving the documentation from her. She had clung to her mother crying for some time before she was able to give her father a hug and then one to a slightly stiff Mamoru.

They had said variations of the same things they had said the night before; 'be safe and visit if you can'. She had thanked them and promised to do what she could, and then she had turned to Yukari. Her best friend through thick and thin. Yukari was trying so hard not to cry but the red tinge to her eyes made it apparent that she was anything but calm.

"Well, here we are… again." She choked and hiccupped slightly. "… you know… I hate this shrine…"

"Sorry." She returned, her own voice unsteady. "It was the only place that I could think off that wouldn't draw too much attention."

"Sure." Yukari said as though she didn't believe her. The smile on her face though spoke of her amusement. "This had nothing to do with the poetic quality of this location."

"I'm a field and track teacher, Yukari. Poetry is not my strong suit." This finally made her laugh though it was still slightly water-logged.

"You better find a way to contact me."

"I will. If nothing else, I'm sure I can find a way to send you letters."

Somehow. If wishing on the pendant can give Van and Allen the ability to communicate… then there has to be a way to send letters.

Perhaps it was wishful thinking but she truly hoped it was true.

"If he does anything to make you sad, I'll come over there and punch him again."

"I believe that." Hitomi smiled, and tugged Yukari into a hug. "Stay safe, and in case I don't see you before then, I want you to know you have got this and you are going to make a wonderful mother."

"Oh no… I promised I wouldn't cry…"

Consoling her Hitomi looked over her shoulder and toward the entrance to the shrine just as Fumio arrived. She stiffened out of reflex, but she didn't feel much aside from irritation and disappointment.

Fumio was a good person at heart. She knew this, but she was still incised over what he had said to Van. After the argument from last night she was tempted to tell him to leave. She didn't want to see him or talk to him, however, she knew the best way to get back at him was to let him watch her and Anil leave in a blue beam of light; to a planet no one could see.

He is going to need years of therapy after this…

Hitomi sighed at her own thoughts. She supposed that would simply have to be enough.

"Why is he here?" Yukari asked with enough venom it was surprising Fumio didn't drop dead instantly.

"He wanted to say goodbye."

"That didn't mean you had to let him."

Hitomi gave Yukari a squeeze and whispered. "The best revenge I could get for yesterday is to let him see just how wrong he is."

"I guess. If he upsets you, I'll punch him too."

"Yukari." Hitomi was laughing so the reprimand did nothing. "When did you become so violent?"

"Blame the hormones."

"It's good to see you all in good spirits." Fumio said casually, with that same smile that felt distant. She'd never really noticed it before, but now that she had been with Van and had been working toward being more honest, it was painfully obvious that she and Fumio had always kept each other at arm's length.

We were both too scared… too damaged…

The thought took out most of her anger and she turned to face him. "Hello Ishikawa."

"Good morning Hitomi."

Yukari excused herself saying she was going to cuddle Anil before they had to leave. She wasn't sure if Yukari was being considerate or if she really disliked Fumio that much. She'd seemed to like him before, but perhaps Hitomi had been mistaken.

"Thank you for allowing this."

"… after what you said to Van, I shouldn't have."

"… I didn't say anything that wasn't true."

She shook her head, hands resting upon her hips. "You do not know enough to make that call."

"…" Fumio remained silent in lieu of speaking. She couldn't be certain if that was because he felt she was wrong in that regard or if he was staying silent due to knowing his mistake. She had to admit that she may not know Fumio as well as she had once thought she had.

"… anyway. I hope you don't regret coming here."

"I won't." He said confidently and Hitomi wondered if he would even believe his own eyes.

Well, that doesn't really matter. I won't be here to see the fallout.

"I am sorry if my actions and words caused you distress." He magnanimously said. "I merely want to be sure he was the kind of man you thought he was."

"And what have you found?" She was certain he couldn't possibly answer that.

Fumio was silent for quite some time, his expression sullen. She felt a little bad for him. His life had not been easy, and he had found something in her and Anil and now he was losing that. It was sad, but she couldn't do anything for him. It was kinder to not be too nice to him right now. She had learned this the hard way and so she didn't reach out to him, she didn't comfort him. Eventually, Fumio smiled and reached out toward her. She thought he might have been trying to tuck her hair behind her ear, but she stepped back and out of reach.

Fumio's brows pinched in clear distress, but he dropped his hand and hid the expression swiftly. Hitomi felt her chest tighten. She didn't like upsetting him, or anyone for that matter, but she knew this was for the best. A clean and clear break.

"I'm glad you found your happiness." He said, though she was certain it was not completely honest. "Please forgive me for my meddling, I meant nothing but the best."

Hitomi could only nod in response. She regretted the choices that had led her to this moment. Perhaps if she had turned him down, or if she had turned away from that kiss, or if she had ended the relationship the moment she knew he didn't believe her story, things wouldn't be ending on such a sour note. But she hadn't and didn't and sometimes, things just turned out like this.

"I know. Take care of yourself, Fumio." She said, the last casual address she would ever give him.

"Hitomi." Van called from behind and she turned to see he was standing with Anil and Allen, the dragenergyst in his hand.

It was time to go.

Hitomi smiled and moved to join Van and Anil, but paused and looked back at Fumio one last time. "You know… you should call your mother."

Fumio's lips thinned. He was likely wondering where that came from seeing as she knew some of the details surrounding his rocky relationship with his mother. But she didn't explain anything, didn't wait to see if he would respond. She quickly moved and picked up Anil in her arms. There was no way she was standing in or around that blue light without holding him close. Watching him drift up and away from her still haunted her memories.

Van was holding her dufflebag over his shoulder and Allen was holding Anil's. Hitomi turned to see her family before her; her mother, father, brother, Yukari and Amano all stood together, eyes glassy and expressions sad. Fumio stood slightly apart from them, calm and expectant.

He really thinks nothing will happen.

Hitomi almost laughed imagining what his expression would be when he was proven wrong. She felt Van's arm wrap around her waist, pulling her tightly to his side. He was warm, and her stomach fluttered pleasantly with excitement as finally it seemed real.

"Be safe!" Her mother called out, more tears escaping to run down her cheeks. Her father placed an arm around her shoulders to brace her. "Let us know… if you can…"

"I will. I love you."

Goodbye.

The word was stuck in her throat and all she could do was grip Anil tighter to her. She felt Van pull her closer still, as though he were trying to shield her from the pain of this loss and Hitomi relaxed against him, feeling relief she wasn't aware of needing until just then.

"Ready?" He whispered into her ear, and it sounded as though he wouldn't lift the energyst until she was. That action right there was the reason she knew she would be happy at his side. She could trust and rely on him for when she wasn't able, or simply didn't want to stand alone.

"Yes."

He shifted and while she kept her eyes on her family, she mentally thought of Fanelia. More specifically the garden behind the castle where Escaflowne rested. The place where Folken had been laid to rest. That was where they all agreed to aim to return to. A heartbeat of silence, then two, and just as her heart was starting to beat faster, that the strange feeling of water droplets running upward over her skin set in.

The air-pressure shifted, and she felt her hair lift upward just before the bright light surrounded them. She could still see the others outside but the details were not so clear. She could tell that they had all shifted and were reacting to what they saw, and Fumio's body stance looked unstable, but she couldn't see facial details through the light.

She felt the weightlessness kick in and her feet lifted off of the ground and she closed her eyes, entrusting herself to Van and the light. The pressure shifted and she felt herself rising faster and in the next moment, she was lowering. She felt the firm ground beneath her feet, the sound of trees and the smell of the woods, free of the acrid smell of tar and smog.

"Hitomi?" Van spoke softly into her ear, and slowly, she allowed her eyes to open. She nearly sobbed when the first thing she saw was the kneeling Escaflowne, overgrown with vegetation.

She let out a breath, a shiver passing through her which she realized was relief.

"Mommy?" Anil twisted in her arms, clearly wanting to be put down but she couldn't let him go yet. She took a deep breath and then turned to face van, a wide smile curving her lips and watched the concern melt into confusion upon his face.

"… I'm home." She whispered and finally Van smiled.

"Welcome home, Hitomi."

A.N. This chapter was surprisingly hard to write. I don't know why but it felt really hard to get out. I hope that didn't come across in the reading of it, but if it did, sorry.

1) As a wife I can tell you it is rare for a man to EVER admit or come to this realization on his own so quickly. In my experience, they either need to leave for a long time before returning to apologize, or they start acting like a child and apologizing for everything including breathing in a half-sarcastic manner. I have come to believe this is because no one wants to admit that they are a 'villian' or being mean without any real justification. However, I don't have time to draw this out, no do I want to. This is a fictional story where we should be able to enjoy romance that is to a degree unrealistic, so I am giving Van WAY too much credit to sort himself out. Sorry, if this bothers some of you.

2) This is not cannon. I simply wanted to add one more layer of the odd coincidences between Allen and Amano. So, Celena's doppelgänger on earth is Sora. ^-^ A brown haired, brown eyed version of Celena with just as much spunk and attitude as a far more adjusted, and far less murder-y Dilandau. Allen is 6 years older than Celena (he is 21 in the anime and states that Hitomi is the same age as Celena at 15) so the same age gap exists between Amano and his sister Sora. She would have been 11 at the time of Hitomi's disappearance.

3) I am using Mr. Kanzaki here to show that Van is being respectful, but I didn't want to use 'san' as while the 'magic' of the wish would translate it as such to those listening, Van wouldn't be using that term himself. I don't know, maybe its silly but I wanted to make that distinction for some reason.