Four Years Chapter 26, an escaflowne fanfic

A.N. I can hardly believe I am posting chapter 26 already. Honestly when I started this journey, it seemed like I would never get to this point. I also changed this chapter and what is in it about six times before I actually got around to writing it. This has been a wild ride and I am happy to say, there are only five chapters left to go! I hope you all like how this story ends and enjoy the last few chapters. Also, I am posting this on my Birthday (Although, many of you won't see it until the day after my birthday…)! So, celebrate with me and have a great day!

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

"A child is a curly dimpled lunatic."

-Ralph Waldo Emerson

Chapter 26: Dimpled Lunatic

12 April, 1997

Earth

The smell of the fields was almost perfect. If it hadn't been for the tinge of sea brine from the nearby ocean, Hitomi could have closed her eyes and pretended she was in Fanelia (1). She still tried to do so anyway as the small town was quiet compared to the city in which she lived. Hitomi was relieved, and grateful to her grandmother for allowing her to come spend time here with her. Though it was small, most of the population was elderly, so there weren't many children. While she was given strange looks, as long as she didn't reveal her actual age, no one really cared or questioned. She also had perfected her lie about the father being busy with work and she was taking time to relax.

She had feared her grandmother would not want her there because of the stigma. It seemed she had worried for no reason. Her grandmother had given her a look and told her it was what she had chosen so she couldn't be weak, and that had been the end of it. The past week had thus far been more therapeutic than anything else. She had worked in her grandmother's small garden, walked through the village and followed the small path that lead to the ocean's edge. Despite the slow and quiet pace of the town, Hitomi had found herself able to set aside her stress and thoughts, ignoring all the factors that had sent her fleeing in the first place.

It was the start of a new school year, Yukari had ended up transferring to another school entirely as the bullying had become too much for her to physically handle. On the other hand, she and Amano were talking more and it seemed like they were considering a long distant relationship. Her brother had started fighting in school and it was affecting his school reputation. Her neighbors outright ignored her and when they weren't speaking rudely to her parents, accusing their lack of control over her to setting a bad example for their children, they too were being ignored, and when she had left to take the train she had caught some delinquents defacing their fence.

Hitomi breathed deeply, her arms wrapped tightly about herself, resting on the firm bulge of her belly. She felt Anil roll over inside and smiled at the comforting movement that all the baby books told her to keep track of. She had needed to get away, more than she had been aware of, though the biggest weight upon her heart was not so easily escaped.

One year…

It had been a year since she had first met Van. There was no way she could ever forget the date that he had appeared upon the track and altered the course of her life irrevocably. The twelfth of April would forever be carved upon her heart and mind, and right now it made her miss Van terribly. Her eyes strayed to the sky, looking up at the clearly visible planet that seemed so close and yet so far away.

It was at that moment that she was struck by a sudden fear. Her adrenaline spiked so quickly, that her chest felt tight, and her throat thick, as though it were closing. Hitomi stumbled, falling backwards and thankfully upon the front porch that wrapped the side of her grandmother's house where the classic shoji doors faced south.

"What in the…" Hitomi gasped, her hand gripping her chest as she tried to calm the sudden terror. It took far longer than she liked to realize that the feelings were coming from Van. When she realized this, her own fear rose drastically.

What is happening? Is it another battle?!

Worried tears sprung to her eyes and she desperately reached out to him, trying to make contact. She clawed at their bond demanding some form of explanation. However she quickly pulled away when her rational mind quickly returned with the fearful realization that if she distracted him in the middle of a dangerous situation she could cause more problems.

She could even cause his death.

"!" Her sound of distress was loud, and it brought her grandmother to her side.

"My goodness, Hitomi what is wrong?" Her hands; aged but strong, pressed to her rounded belly. "How is Anil? Are you in pain?"

Despite the numerous questions, her grandmother was calm spoken and firm. It was a blessing and Hitomi leaned into Kanzaki Yuri's arms, trying to steady her breathing and focus upon her own body before answering. She was upset to find that she was indeed mildly cramping low in her belly.

It's nothing… just a reaction to the stress…

Hitomi reassured herself, remembering everything the doctors had told her, and what she had read in the books. So long as she calmed down and the cramping went away, she and Anil would be fine. She started her breathing exercises and actively tried to block the link, though she couldn't completely blot it out for fear she would never be able to open it again she was able to lessen the intensity.

"… I… I'm fine… mild cramping."

"Right. Come inside. You need to rest." Yuri led her into the house and had her recline upon the couch bringing her water with lemon. "Was it the link?"

Hitomi had been forced to tell her grandmother the whole story when she'd arrived. Thankfully, her grandmother too had been to Gaea and thus had no problem believing her and seeing as her grandmother also had abilities, she did not question her link with Van.

"…" She was too choked up to speak and instead nodded her head.

"…" Yuri's lips tightened. "If you can feel things from him, then he is alive. That is the only important thing you need to concern yourself with. Trust him to take care of himself. You focus on your baby."

The somewhat harsh words helped to steady her and Hitomi actually found it easier to calm down after hearing them. She continued her slow and steady breathing until she felt she had regained her composure. The link was still shouting anxiety, stress and worry, although the terror had ceased.

It was frustrating, and not for the first time she wondered why it was she could no longer hear his actual thoughts. Things would be so much easier if she only knew what was going on. She would know if it were safe to reach out to him or not.

Unable to do much else, Hitomi tried to focus on something else. She tried to read a book, do a Sudoku puzzle, she even tried to watch some TV. None of it helped, and so, when the feelings from the link faded to a dull buzz Hitomi decided to try reach out again.

She pushed her concern and worry toward him and waited. She didn't want to startle him, or distract in case things had not yet settled, so she kept what she sent him steady and consistent and waited. Eventually he would notice, and hopefully, he'd give her something to reassure her nerves.

It was much, much later that Van finally reached out to reassure her. By that time, Hitomi and Yuri had gone through a pot of green tea, several glasses of water, a meal and had watched a show that she honestly couldn't recall the details of and they were just sitting down for another meal.

"Ha..!" She let out a sad sounding laugh, her hands gripping her utensils tightly, hands shaking in proof that despite managing her worries she hadn't dispelled them. She was so relieved she felt light headed.

"Hitomi?"

"… he's… fine. I think… I think he fixed or took care of whatever it was. He seems to be proud of something… I think." She sighed and shook her head. "… I can't tell if I'm happy to hear this or angry…"

"That is quite normal my dear."

"Because of my condition?" She asked, aware her grandmother had no comparison for her magical mind-link with Van so couldn't be commenting on anything else.

"Yes. Though, if what you have described is the extent of your connection, I believe anyone would feel frustration at the unconcise nature of the communication."

"…" Hitomi's eyes filled with tears and she found herself wiping them away and talking around the expulsions of air that disrupted her ability breath properly. "… I just… wish I could ask him what happened! I was… so… so scared… and I couldn't even… what is the point of this link if I can't… if we can't even…"

She collapsed, relieved when her grandmother's arms encircled her and patted her back gently. The words spoken didn't matter as much as the comfort derived from the hold and voice speaking to her.

For the first time she wondered if the link was a blessing as she had first thought or a curse disguised as something wonderful. She was glad Van was okay, that whatever had happened had been resolved, but the vague emotions were almost more damaging than the fear, and there was nothing she could do.

Van…

She worried that her feelings might one day turn to resentment if this continued, but she shoved that thought to the back of her mind, and tried to ignore it entirely. Her grandmother was right. This link let her know Van was alive; that was what she needed to focus on.

Twenty-first Day of the Ninth Month

Seventh Year of Carusfatum

Gaea

Merle was running toward the entrance to the back garden as fast as she could. She had dropped to all fours as soon as she had seen the blue light in the sky. She had hoped they would return before the week was up, but she didn't want to be too foolishly optimistic.

They are back! They are back!

She was overly excited and her grin could not be suppressed. She had of course, missed Van, he was and always would be special to her, but she had also greatly missed Hitomi and she found herself almost more excited to see the quirky, rude and weird girl from the mystic moon. Once, she had viewed her as a romantic rival, but since the war and coming to terms with the fact that Van would never see her as anything more than a sister, she was able to accept Hitomi as the one Van treasured as a woman.

Finally… Fanelia will have a queen and an heir and everyone will stop talking about Van's non-existent love life…

She, and to a large degree, everyone else in the palace, had acted as a buffer to the varied concerns of the people when it came to Van's lack of a queen and lack of any apparent interest in women or filling that position. She had silently assumed he had plans to bring Hitomi back so she and those closest to Van had kept the rumors as quiet as possible. Knowing what she did now, she was glad they had, and that Gaho, Trent and to some degree, Sorna had worked to keep Emos and Idus from interfering all this time.

It was by far, better to have Hitomi in the position than some noble suggested by those two, or taking a princess from Zaibach to "encourage" peace or some rot. She tore around the final corner nearly knocking Millerna down as she came hurrying from the other end of the hall.

"Merle!"

"You saw it too?!"

"I doubt anyone could have missed it." Millerna laughed, her breath a little haggard, proof of her own hurry. "It looked like it came from the same place they left from."

Merle, rose to her feet and left the castle with Millerna. Directly in the garden they found Chid standing looking in the direction of the path that lead to the Escaflowne's resting place and beside him was Celena, dressed in men's pants and a shirt with very little embellishments.

"You saw it too." Chid said, and Millerna nodded. With little else to say, they all made their way down the path that would lead, hopefully, to Van and the rest of the group. Her heart was fluttering in her chest and her tail twitched incessantly.

Then, she saw them. They stood in the same place they had left from, Allen was looking toward them, likely seeing Celena, and relaxed visibly, smiling. Van stood tall, an expression Merle couldn't really read upon his face. She thought he looked happy or perhaps relived, as he gazed down upon Hitomi and the squirming demon-spawn in her arms.

Merle's eyes stung and she wasn't even conscious of bolting toward the small family. Her vocal cry split the air and turned all the eyes to her. "Hitomi!"

The startled and surprised woman had just enough time to release Anil and brace for impact before Merle had all but collided into her, squeezing her tightly and licking her face repeatedly, like a small kitten and not the grown woman she was.

"M—merle! Oh… uhm…. Hi?" Hitomi sounded shocked and confused as she returned the sudden hug. Her voice sounded just as Merle remembered it, her smell was still that acrid burnt scent of metal, with traces of the fields and wind. It made her nose scrunch and at the same time she couldn't help loving it because it meant Hitomi was back.

"Wow. Seems you have been replaced." Allen said cockily and it was enough to bring sense back to Merle. Embarrassment burned her cheeks and she felt rather foolish for sobbing as she had. Merle jerked back from Hitomi and looked away, clearing her throat and rubbing at her face.

"I—I just… I am just glad you are here so I don't have to deal with your demon child."

"Hey!" Hitomi said hands on her hips, face contorted in that familiar affront that Merle was only just realizing she had missed more than she knew.

Merle shrugged to hide her emotional smile, lifting her hands into the air, "I only speak the truth."

"Anil is a sweetheart." Hitomi said, glancing down at the child who gave her the innocent look that was all lies. Thankfully, Hitomi seemed to realize this as slowly she frowned and considered ahim a moment before turning back to Merle. "… well… he tries to be."

"Hey!" Anil whined, turning to Van. "Daddy…"

"You did pull her tail."

"You pulled her tail?" Hitomi sounded shocked and Anil was waving his hands in defense.

"I didn't—I wasn't trying to hurt her!" Anil was starting to sound honestly upset and so Merle cut in to stop it before it became serious.

"He didn't really mean to." Merle allowed. "He just takes after his mother; rude and uncultured." She smirked as she saw Hitomi's expression, her teasing barb landing just right.

"… I missed you too Merle." Hitomi said shaking her head and it was then Merle realized that, very little had actually changed about Hitomi. She was still dressed in odd clothing; men's clothing actually, pants and a shirt, and her hair was still that very short cut. If it wasn't for her clearly female form which had filled out more over time, Merle could have mistaken her for a boy.

Is that a Mystic Moon thing? Or is she just weird?

Before she could ask anything further, Millerna and Chid stepped forward to welcome Hitomi and Van back and Merle was forced to step aside. She watched as Anil broke away and darted over to where Allen and Celena stood. The boy held up a shoddy looking stuffed dragon with one eye chattering away with the girl.

Celena looked on blankly for several minutes and then, slowly reached out to the dragon. She held it up and then smiled, the expression gentling her entire façade and Merle shivered somehow further freaked out by the natural, even pleasant cast to her features.

If she can smile like that… why doesn't she?

Celena crouched down and passed the dragon back to Anil ruffling his hair, looking like any other adult for a brief second before those pale blue eyes shifted to look at Van and Hitomi. The expression drained out until she looked like a doll once more, and she proceeded to stare at the King and Queen of Fanelia.

Merle's tail fluffed out and she wondered if she should draw attention to the freaky girl or not.

Van says she's harmless… but… she is so weird.

Before she could come to any firm action, the woman stood up and stalked, silently and confidently right up and into Hitomi's space, staring her down.

"!"

"C—celena!" Allen scrambled to her side as everyone else looked on in shock. "You are being very rude." The lecture fell on deaf ears as the woman cocked her head to the side, looking both Van and Hitomi over; assessing them.

"H—hello. You must be Lady Celena. I have heard a lot about you from Allen." Hitomi said with a smile, all hints of unease somehow hidden.

Woah… that's new. When did Hitomi learn to hide her feelings?

Merle wasn't sure if that was a good thing or not. Although, she knew in order to survive in the position of queen Hitomi would need such a tool. It wasn't good to wear your heart and thoughts so easily upon your face when one needed to fill the role of a monarch. Van had taught Merle that. Nonetheless, Merle was uncomfortable with the idea of Hitomi being able to obfuscate like that.

Celena's head tilted her head the other way and then, she smiled.

Merle shivered and cringed back from the group. Sometimes it felt like observing a ghost when she looked at Celena. She moved almost as silently as a beast person. She also often had no sense of presence as a trained knight might, and gave nothing away as to what she was thinking. It made every instinct inside of her uneasy.

Celena then nodded once and then simply turned and walked away without speaking a single word to Hitomi.

"… so creepy…"

Anil's mother was different. She dressed like a man, and had her hair cut short like most of the men she had seen in Fanelia. She was warm, and easily approachable, but Celena knew somehow that she had an inner strength that shouldn't be underestimated. She also felt the same things she did when she looked at the King of Fanelia, while staring at the green eyed woman.

There was a buzz of white noise in her head, a feeling of overwhelming emotions clamoring for supremacy. It was all very similar, but also markedly different. Where she was both drawn to and repulsed by Van and that obsessive draw she felt was coupled with anger, the base underlying feeling she felt from this woman was fear.

That voice deep inside of her whispered to be careful, to not get too close, to turn away and forget. Somehow, though, she also felt a deep sense of gratefulness. It was all very confusing. A mystery she already knew she would never be able to solve; one she didn't actually want to solve.

She knew from Anil that this was his mother. She also knew from her brother that Hitomi, this woman, was the one who had helped to save her. These facts had been relayed to her from others but felt correct if incomplete. Stepping into her personal space gave Celena further information.

Hitomi seemed surprised and uncomfortable, and momentarily stared at her as everyone else did when meeting her. However, after a moment, those intelligent eyes focused upon her and softened; turning warm with understanding and a kindness that made the voice inside of her recoil violently with a sad sob.

Why? Why does she make me feel sad… scared… guilty and… indebted?

"H—hello. You must be Lady Celena. I have heard a lot about you from Allen." Hitomi spoke and there was no lie to the words. They were personal enough to be kind, but impersonal enough to feel comfortable. Hitomi was not expecting anything from her, and from her smile, she had no intention of bringing up her lack of manners.

Celena smiled, certain that out of all of those who had spoken to her, this woman somehow understood her best. She couldn't have explained why or how she knew this, but it was true. Perhaps that was why she was so scary. This woman knew too much.

Like me. Like Anil… she is… more than the others.

Satisfied with her answers for now, Celena turned away and left without speaking. She knew Hitomi wasn't actually waiting for a response and she wasn't certain she knew what she could possibly say. She returned to Allen's side, her brother looking haggard, concerned and tired. She paused a feeling of guilt eating at her. She knew she distressed him, and she knew he was trying his best to understand and protect her. He was flawed and they didn't always agree, but, her brother was kind. He was the only thing that had saved even this broken fragment of her, and she loved him dearly.

His look is partially because of me.

She knew that his worry wasn't solely her responsibility, but it also didn't harm her to take some of that burden. So, she wrapped her arms around Allen's waist, hugging him tightly, whispering, so only he could hear, "I am glad you are back, brother."

She felt him relax, and his hug was a little too tight, showing the depth of his fear for her. She remained there, comforting her strong brother for a while. Hitomi, when Celena chose to look, was smiling at the two of them. Celena thought that she might just like her.

Maybe.

After Celena's odd greeting, Millerna cleared her throat, hoping to break the heavy awkwardness that the girl had created. Hitomi's eyes rose to her own, and Millerna couldn't help but smile. Hitomi looked much the same, but there was a marked difference to her eyes that was hard to dismiss or ignore.

The little girl grew up.

Millerna smiled to herself, aware that she herself had been a little girl last they had met as well. She wondered how she looked to Hitomi. Was her growth as visible as Hitomi's was?

"Millerna. Oh, sorry, Queen Millerna." Hitomi corrected affecting an awkward bow. "How are you?"

"Please, we are all friends here." She started and then abruptly pulled the startled woman into a hug. "I have missed you greatly."

"… me too. It's good to be home."

Home. It was a relief to hear Hitomi refer to Fanelia as such.

"Welcome home." Millerna offered and then, to lighten the emotional mood, she changed topics to a teasing one. "I still cannot believe that you are a mother before I am."

Hitomi predictably flushed a dark red. "…"

"Do not tease her." Van stated, his tone still more of a command than a request, but she was used to it and so ignored it.

"But look at how prettily she blushes? It's not so different from your own look upon receiving the documents from my husband—" She cut her words off at Van's raised hand and equally pink cheeks.

"… please." The word was ground out through clenched teeth and Millerna, aware of how rare it was to hear a plea from Van, acquiesced.

"H—how is, Dryden?" Hitomi stammered out.

"He is as he ever was." Millerna smiled.

"Nosy, interfering and smug." Allen said brazenly, and when Millerna turned to look his way, she saw the heartwarming scene of Celena snuggling into her brother. It was the first time in a long while that she had seen the girl be so affectionate. She imagined Allen was very happy at this turn of events.

Celena must have missed him while he was away…

"That is your King you are speaking of, Knight of Caeli." She teased.

"Doesn't make my assessment any less accurate."

Chid laughed at her side and she couldn't maintain her stern expression. Shaking her head she let out a resigned sigh.

"… I can't deny that."

After a moment, Van shifted the weight of a bag upon his shoulder and then suggested they all move into the castle. The group moved in agreement, heading back down the path that would lead to the main garden just outside if the palace.

Anil jumped around, weaving in and out of the adults, laughing joyously and stopping often to speak with Celena who offered rare small smiles and listened aptly to the boy. Millerna wondered if Celena was so open with the child because to some degree they were more similar despite her age. She disliked thinking such things, but if Anil's childlike presence helped her to heal then it was a good thing regardless of the implications to her mental health.

"So, when should I expect to return for the official royal wedding?" Chid asked suddenly and even Millerna was surprised at the sly smile upon the young duke's face.

"!" Hitomi's head jerked toward Van, her blush back and she seemed to shyly ask the same question with her eyes.

Oh my… has he still not asked her properly?

Shock, annoyance and disbelief wared with each other and Millerna found herself quite putout with the whole ordeal. They had all bent over backward for Van to retrieve Hitomi and complete his family, and he couldn't even properly ask the mother of his child to be his queen?

"Yes. I myself am quite excited to attend the celebration. Despite having the official documentation, it would do your people well to celebrate your union. Hitomi will still need her own coronation as well." She said as a result of her annoyance.

"…" Van seemed to clear his throat and was unable to answer. Hitomi watched him a moment, and then she smiled. It was an odd smile, one that Millerna didn't understand at all. Nothing was particularly funny or endearing about this conversation. She herself would be annoyed and hurt if Dryden behaved in such a manner. So, why was Hitomi smiling and looking so… smitten?

"… I believe we should hold off on making any plans until after we have properly addressed and implemented our plans for the La Nina Phenomenon. Besides… I don't know how long such a thing will take to plan… and I should really learn proper etiquette and ceremony procedures before then." Hitomi said gracefully, with a slight laugh, and the wisdom in such words nearly overshadowed the odd phrase she had used.

"Lah… Neenya?" Millerna asked.

"Oh! Right… I… I don't know what you are calling it here…" Hitomi turned to Van and he explained swiftly.

"The weather patterns we discussed before our departure."

"Oh! Is there such a thing on the Mystic Moon as well?" Chid asked, clearly interested.

"Yes. We call it La Nina, and the warming of the ocean before we call the El Nino."

"Such strange names. Do they have meaning?" Chid tilted his head to the side.

"… yes, but… honestly I don't really know why they are named this way." Hitomi laughed a little. "La Nina means, 'Little Girl' and El Nino is 'Little Boy'."

"?"

"Yeah… I don't know why this is… anyway, the point is, on Earth—er, the Mystic Moon, we have this weather pattern as well. There is no way to stop or prevent it, but there are some ways to prepare for it."

"I see you discussed this at length while over there." Chid said approvingly and Hitomi shook her head.

"Not really. We discussed it… but before we can plan anything we really need to look over the topography of the areas affected and—" Hitomi's words continued but Millerna was only half listening. She was impressed at Hitomi's methodical way of thinking. This, more than anything else, showed the personal growth she had undergone. Millerna wasn't certain if this came from motherhood, or personal study or merely experience. Whatever the case may be, Hitomi was indeed more than qualified and capable of the position she would be taking on as Van's queen.

Millerna glanced Merle's way and watched the cat girl preen pleasantly. The silent 'see I told you so', clear in her sharp smile. Millerna grinned and nodded in ascent. There really had been no need to worry.

Dryden will be most interested to hear about this 'Lah Neenya' and 'L Neenyoh' business.

Millerna could just imagine the poor, tired, and cold birds that would be sending messages between their kingdoms through the winter months and she felt a warm hope kindle inside her chest. It almost felt as though the war had completely ended now. With Hitomi's return, things were finally, irrevocably, complete.

Van listened as the conversation shifted from Hitomi's suggestions and insights into the weather problems, to an update on what had happened in his absence. Admittedly, not much had occurred aside from a few letters from the fiefs with initial estimates and confirmation of their efforts to recalculate. The largest issue had come in the form of a letter from Dryden saying that he thinks Basram and Zaibach are leery of the message he had sent. He had expected as much.

"… perhaps if Dryden sends a copy of his records of these events along with the historical records of grain production from Fanelia that would help ease their fears?" Hitomi suggested and Van smiled. It was what they had discussed in her home but it was still pleasant to know she thought much the same as he had.

"Dryden has already sent his findings, though he too had suggested sending the grain records as well." Millerna said with an approving smile.

Hitomi nodded and seemed to be lost in thought as she mulled over the information given. He had been worried about how she would handle herself upon their return. She was going to have to start working right away, as did he. While it could still prove to be overwhelming in the near future, Van was both proud and pleased to see her already rolling with the problems presented.

She has always been smart and strong.

They were approaching the breezeway that connected the palace to the garden when two familiar figures came into view.

"Gaho. Trent." He said, hoping his voice wasn't too stern. He wasn't angry with the men, he was however, nervous about their reaction to Hitomi. She was not what anyone would expect, and they had not had the opportunity to know her much before she had left. In fact, he couldn't be certain they had ever met her.

"Lord Van." Gaho performed a bow and Trent followed. It was foolish and more than a little childish that he wanted these two in particular to respect and approve of Hitomi. He knew he could count on Bora to make her feel welcome. Sorna, to some degree as well, but if Trent and Gaho were backing her then he wouldn't have to worry too much about Idus and Emos. "Welcome back. It is a relief to see you and Lord Anil are well."

Van accepted the words and watched as the two men rose and their eyes locked upon Hitomi. These men were knights, soldiers and their eyes reflected that same hardness. He couldn't tell what they thought and so, he was forced to go ahead with the introductions.

"I present to you my… wife." That felt odd to say and he hoped it didn't show. "Hitomi."

"Lady Hitomi." Trent was the first to offer a bow. "May we welcome and congratulate you on a safe return home."

Hitomi smiled and seemed nervous as to how to respond to the deep show of respect. Her eyes darted to his own and Van stepped closer, placing a hand upon her waist to try and comfort her. Gaho was quick to follow Trent and as the other rose from their greeting he spoke as well.

"It is good to have our Queen returned."

"Hitomi, this is Gaho Gillard and Trent Dahvi. They are the top commanders of our Knights. They are also part of the council."

"Yes, you mentioned them before." Hitomi said easily, a smile on her face as she faced the two men. "Thank you for all you have done for Van and Fanelia."

She said it so easily and he knew it was done without awareness of how perfect the response was and Van's lips quirked up in response. She may not have received the education in manners but she certainly knew how to speak in a way that was respectful and gave one their honor but without being too subservient. It was precisely the kind of response Trent and Gaho would respect.

The two men smiled, pride evident in their stance and voice as Gaho responded. "The honor was ours, my queen."

The title made Hitomi flinch slightly, though he only knew because his hand was placed upon the small of her back. He wondered if she might be feeling overwhelmed and he decided to get her inside so that she could unpack, rest and grow accustomed to the space that was now her home.

She was my support on the Mystic Moon… it is my turn now.

He did not wish to stunt her by taking control away, however, they had only just returned from the Mystic Moon. Hitomi had just said farewell to her friends and family and was emotionally drained. Knowing Hitomi as he did, she would push herself to meet the expectations of those around her until she broke. He had no intention of letting things get that far. Today he would protect her; coddle her a little. Tomorrow she could begin to set her own limitations and he would respect them.

"Merle." He called out then and his friend was at his side in a flash.

"Yes Lord Van?"

"Guide Hitomi to our room and help her get settled."

"!" Merle's eyes widened and she flushed a little. Van had to look away to keep from coloring himself. Sure, legally they were married but everyone, with exception to Trent and Gaho, knew that was a lie and he had just said he expected to share his bed with Hitomi.

We already have a son… this shouldn't be so… embarrassing…

"Van, I'm okay. I can help you if you—" Van stopped Hitomi's refusal with a gentle squeeze and a smile.

"There is nothing much to help with. I just wish to properly go over things with Millerna. You should get settled. It won't take me long."

Hitomi chewed her lip before she let out a breath and nodded her head. The quick relent spoke to just how overwhelmed she must feel at the moment. "Alright."

"Mommy! I can show you my room! Oh! And Jeture will be there too!" Anil was already tugging on her hand and pulling her away much to the bemusement of Merle and himself. Hitomi glanced back at him and smiled once before she left with Anil and Merle. Alone with Millerna, Chid, Allen, and the two knights, Van gathered his thoughts and turned back.

"Right. Allen, why don't you go relax and see to the Crusade for now." He suggested knowing that Allen would never admit to it, but he likely wanted some time to decompress as well.

"We should probably stay another day before leaving." He suggested, misunderstanding Van's intentions.

"Yes. I think we should remain the remaining days of the previously discussed seven." Chid said. "It will be chaotic while Hitomi settles and it could be beneficial to have extra hands."

Van was surprised the young Duke had suggested this, but since it was him, the opinion held a little more weight. "While it is appreciated, it is not necessary. As mentioned before, you all have duties and pressing matters to return to."

"Yes. However, I too would like to hear of Hitomi's suggestions to the weather problems." Chid admitted. "Perhaps if I know of them I can be of help in speaking directly with Basram."

He didn't have to add that having the details first hand would also assist him in his own problems with the Duchy of Zaibach. It made sense and was a logical choice. Van nodded turning toward Millerna.

"Do you feel the same?"

"Of course. Besides, Dryden has everything well in hand."

His eyes turned then to Allen. He was bound by duty to Millerna and Chid so he couldn't oppose their decision, however he didn't seem to mind as he replied, "Then it is settled. I will inform the crew and make sure we are ready to depart in three days."

Van nodded and watched as Allen left, Trent following him out and talking animatedly with him. Allen and Trent had become quite close and it was no surprise when he left with the blonde. Celena paused to look back at him, her unnerving blue gaze seeming to look straight through him before she turned and followed as well.

"…" Van let out a breath and turned to Gaho. "Follow behind the Queen in case there is a need."

"Do you think there will be a problem, Lord Van?"

"… no." He admitted, but didn't expound. He couldn't explain that he was being overly protective and at the same time was hopeful that if he kept Gaho close, he could build the familiarity and trust between Hitomi and the knights.

"With honor, Lord Van." Gaho said then, a hand pressed to his chest, the oath proving that he would follow Van's order without question. Van felt minutely better as the man left in the same direction Hitomi and Merle had.

He then motioned for Millerna and Chid to follow him as he headed toward his office. Once behind closed doors, Millerna spoke up, her brow slightly furrowed.

"Did something happen?"

"?"

"You are… acting a little…" Millerna seemed unable to find the right words.

"You seem overly cautious." Chid stated bluntly. "Did something happen on the Mystic Moon?"

Did something happen…

Van closed his eyes vividly seeing the world he had just left; the parents of the woman he loved, the angry younger brother, friends and the man who had created a doubt within himself.

… what a stupid question.

"Nothing of note." He brushed it off. While he trusted these two, there was no need to speak of what had happened. It was frankly none of their business. "I am hoping to help Hitomi become acquainted and comfortable with the council members. Gaho is available now."

"Ah. I see." Millerna said with a nod. "That is a wise idea."

"So, what all transpired?" Van asked and the discussion turned to the work he had missed. He was correct in that the turnover was swift. He looked over the letters and updates that had been sent from the fiefs. A few letters also confirmed that the tutors for Anil had been selected and accepted the positions. It would seem the three were expected to arrive over the next week or so.

That will give Hitomi a chance to learn to read and write the language here…

"Well, now that this is done, you should really go check in on Hitomi and Anil." Millerna suggested, a bright smile upon her face. "I'm sure she would like you at her side while she gets settled."

Van frowned. He had only just returned, and while it would be nice to go off and get his family settled, there were still several tasks he should focus on first. He looked over his desk and the paperwork that was neatly piled. Millerna had done a good job of managing things, and she had even organized what she did not feel comfortable dealing with. It shouldn't take more than an hour or two.

"… I will finish up here."

"!"

"…"

"… seriously?"

Van frowned wondering what Millerna was so upset about. The woman let out a heavy sigh and pressed her fingers to her forehead.

"… men."

"?"

"Fine. You take care of that, I am going to kidnap your lovely wife and take care of things in town."

"What?" Van stiffened.

What happened in the town?

"Relax. I'm talking about Hitomi's wardrobe. She is going to need appropriate clothing seeing as she is staying here now." Millerna shook her head. "We should be back by dinner time… perhaps we should bring Anil along as well…" Millerna tapped her lower lip. "He could use more clothes as well."

"The people do not know… I haven't…" Van found it difficult to say that he had not felt comfortable taking Anil into town or that he had intended to go out with both Hitomi and Anil together. However, if he were going to introduce Hitomi and Anil as his family then it may not be such a bad idea to have them already dressed inconspicuously.

"Don't worry. I won't say a word. Besides, everyone probably saw the blue light. Those who remember Hitomi won't question her return too much."

Van let out a breath, not believing that for a second. "If she wants to go, fine."

Millerna smiled and left the room and for some reason he felt a large headache in her departure.

"Would you like me to accompany them?" Chid asked from the doorway. The young duke could be surprisingly intuitive and Van knew that if Hitomi didn't want to go out of the palace, Chid would back her choice. He gave a nod and watched the young man depart.

Left alone in his office Van looked over the paperwork and for the first time in a long while, felt irritated by its existence.

22 September, 2003

Gaea

The sky was only just flushing with hazy dawn when she woke. Hitomi blinked slowly, taking in the soft, warm sheets of the bed that smelled freshly laundered. The air was crisp and carried the aroma of the fields and lacked the familiar chemical smell of the city. The stillness of the air was also somewhat jarring and was likely the reason she had woken up so easily.

"Did I wake you?" Van's voice was hushed and a little rough from sleep. Hitomi felt a fissure of sexual interest at the sound and turned to see Van seated on the edge of the bed; his bed.

No… our bed.

She liked the sound of that.

Van had on his pants and was just pulling his shirt over his head. His hair was tousled and he looked very good. Hitomi was suddenly reminded that they had done nothing more than collapse upon their bed last night and cuddle before sleeping. At the time that had been fine. She had been exhausted on many levels having said goodbye to her family and friends, saying hello to her old friends, she had been taken on a tour of the castle she would be calling home, and then dragged into town wearing one of Millerna's spare dresses to purchase her own clothes.

Many people in the town had recognized her and she had been bombarded with questions that she had no answers for. Thankfully Millerna was quick witted and managed to side step most of the inquiries for her and Merle had dissuaded Millerna from bringing Anil along. Hitomi doubted anyone would mistake Anil as a child unrelated to Van, he simply looked too much like his father, and with him calling her 'mommy' well, she wasn't sure that was a good idea. She did not know how Van wanted to tell the people of Fanelia about Anil and her but she doubted this would have been the way.

The shopping had been blessedly quick, and Hitomi was pleased to find she liked the patterned fabrics and style of Fanelia's fashion better than the one's from Asturia. She was quiet excited to wear the items she had purchased. She also couldn't wait to see Van's reaction to the outfits.

Hitomi smiled, feeling the curl of desire warm through her blood. She eyes Van, as she recalled the last of the event from the day prior.

After shopping, she had returned in time to be bombarded by Anil and the rest of the crew from the crusade whom had descended for the dinner meal. After that Van had carried a sleepy Anil to bed and then they had crashed themselves.

She was regretting not having the energy to celebrate their return the night before.

"Do you always wake this early?" She asked rolling to face him, her hands tracing over his back as he let the shirt drop. She felt him twitch at the contact and look back at her, his lips quirked up. He clearly understood what she was up to as he twisted and leaned down, capturing her lips in a slow, deep kiss.

I can learn to get up this early if this is the outcome.

Hitomi thought, the heat building inside of her and her toes curling as their lips parted and his tongue gently swept inside her mouth. It ended far too soon, however, as he pulled away in the next breath, a chaste press of his lips the final parting.

"?"

Van chuckled, his head lowering at whatever expression she wore. "Don't make that face."

"Don't leave then." Hitomi countered with a coy smile only half serious. If Van had to start his days this early then she wouldn't get in the way of his work. However, she still intended to tease him a little.

If he needs to be up this early to get through it all… I guess I will as well.

It was a little daunting, particularly because it was all as of yet unknown, but she was determined to face this head on. She would prove to herself and all of those around Van that she was worthy to stand at his side that she was capable enough to take on this role.

Van let out a groan and kissed her once again before shoving up and off of the bed, grabbing his boots. "I promised Anil I'd wake him every morning to go flying."

Hitomi's breath caught in her chest and she stared at Van, suddenly remembering that both he and Anil had indeed mentioned this before. Her heart swelled with an aching emotion that made her almost cry. She was so unbelievably happy to hear those words that she didn't care so much that other things were most certainly going to have to wait.

"… can I come too?" She asked, aware that she desperately wished to see both Van and Anil flying. She wanted to see their wings, to watch them freely navigate the air without fear, guilt or shame. She wanted to see it so badly that her heart ached.

Van looked back at her as he was tugging on his boots, and the loving, warmth in those remarkable brown eyes held the answer she craved. Hitomi slid from the bed swiftly; grabbing a pair of leggings that Millerna had gifted her after their shopping spree had ended. She put on a large top and belted it, before pushing her feet into soft socks and boots similar to Van's. They were warm and comfortable, not as much as her running shoes, but she intended to use her sneakers only when actually running just in case she couldn't get new ones anytime soon.

Once dressed she followed Van out and into the hall. Anil's room was only two doors down from theirs which, while not giving her a direct line of sight, was close enough for comfort. She had spent a good amount of time in the room before Millerna had come to seek her out. She had helped Anil unpack and personalize his room. It was warm, comfortable and perfect.

Looking at her baby, limbs akimbo in his sleep, two stuffed dragons beside him, Hitomi felt once more reassured that this was and always had been the correct choice. She watched as Van approached and gently roused the boy. Anil, rubbed his eyes and upon hearing the promise of flying, he was blearily dressing himself.

"Mommy?" He noticed her only when he reached out his arms to Van, clearly expecting to be lifted.

"Good morning, Vayu. I was going to watch you two fly." She was smiling but slowly wondered if perhaps she shouldn't go when Anil didn't return the enthusiasm. "… is that okay?"

"… daddy?" Anil looked to Van and for some reason that stung a little. Hitomi tried not to let it show. It was probably quite normal for children to want time alone with their father.

"?"

"… can you carry us both there? Or are we going to walk?"

It was Hitomi's turn to be curious. "Carry?"

"… I have been flying Anil to our practice area from this window to avoid any unwanted encounters."

"Oh."

Then perhaps I shouldn't come along.

Disappointment was sharp but she figured perhaps he could show her how to get there and she could walk herself next time or something. She was distracted when Van knelt and told Anil to go over to her before removing his shirt.

"Van?" Hitomi questioned when Anil walked over and lifted his arms toward her instead.

"It will be easier if you hold Anil and I carry you."

"!" She barely kept herself from asking if he could carry both of their weight and fly at the same time. If she had learned anything from the past four days of Van and from working with teenagers and boys in general, it was that questioning their strength and abilities never went over well. If Van was confident he could handle it, then she should just trust him.

Hitomi lifted Anil into her arms and held him tightly. Van passed his shirt over which Anil grabbed and tucked between them. Hitomi's heart was racing as Van released his wings. She stared openly at the beautiful display, smiling lovingly at him as he approached.

"They are still the most beautiful thing I have ever seen."

Van's eyes softened at her words and then, he moved to lift her in his arms. She felt his arms flex under her knees and around her shoulders and heard the soft grunt of air as he adjusted to their combined weight. Worry and heat flushed her cheeks and she stammered, "If… if I'm too heavy—"

"Trust me." His words stilled the very breath in her lungs and Hitomi stopped speaking. To ease the last of her worry, she leaned against the warm chest at her side and forced herself to relax. In two strides, Van made it to the large window that he had opened before coming to pick her up. Between one heartbeat and the next, he stepped up on the ledge and out and they were free-falling. Her stomach clenched and her body locked up in instinctive fear before Van's wings caught the air and they slowed; gliding upward.

As his wings worked against the gravity, Hitomi felt the odd jostle followed by the steady, smooth glide and it was enough to make her gasp in delight.

"Look mommy! You can see Allen's ship from here!" Anil pointed out and Hitomi carefully looked. The view from the sky was remarkable and she could hardly focus on any one thing.

"… amazing." She breathed her smile unable to be quelled. It was exhilarating and oddly calming all at once, and she wished she too had wings in which to fly like this. She wondered if Van would be willing to take her flying more often.

Too soon they were landing. They were in a small glade higher up the mountainside beyond the palace garden. It was secluded enough to hide their activities in the early morning hours, but close enough to walk back within a relatively short amount of time.

Once back upon the ground Hitomi set Anil down as well and accepted his shirt as her son practically tore the fabric from his head in his excitement.

"… did you enjoy it?" Van asked from her side and Hitomi shivered a little just recalling the flight over.

"Yes." She smiled at the man she had fallen in love with. "That was…"

"Okay daddy! Let's go!" Anil was hopping from foot to foot, his own wings proudly upon display. Hitomi lifted a hand to her mouth, realizing just how infrequently she had seen Anil's wings. It had felt like he was forever showing them off, but looking at him now, she realized she could count on her hands the number of times she had actually seen his beautiful wings.

They were smaller than Van's but still large upon the small child's back, they looked downy and fluffier than Van's which gave her the impression of a baby chick. It was cute and endearing watching them flap with impatience, the air buffeting against her with each movement.

… we would never have been happy on Earth.

She realized her vision was blurring with tears and she swallowed hard to try and stop them from falling. Her son would have been little more than a bird in a cage, unable to freely exist had they stayed on Earth. No place would have been safe, and he never would have properly learned to use them. While he was still unable to freely fly the skies here on Gaea, at least he had the opportunity to learn, the safety his father provided and the chance to live as he was.

"Mommy? Why are you crying?"

"… you and your father… you're just so…" Hitomi smiled and gently brushed her fingertips over Anil's wings. "I'm so happy to see you fly. That's all."

"… but… I haven't done anything yet." Anil made a face, completely and utterly confused by her words. A water-logged laugh escaped her and she gently encouraged him to join his father.

"Well, then show me."

Anil paused a moment before joining Van. With a single assessing look to ensure she was okay, Van took Anil into the sky. For the next hour, Hitomi lay upon the wild grass looking up at Van and Anil as they glided and flew in lazy circles above her. White feathers drifted down like snowflakes and she couldn't help but feel overwhelmed with relief and joy.

She wasn't steady on her feet yet, and they had only just arrived. She knew there were many problems ahead of them. She and Van were likely to argue over stupid things, she would feel inadequate at times and lost, but right here, looking up at her angels, Hitomi knew that whatever lay ahead of them, it would always be worth it.

This moment, watching her son being free to be himself, would always be the correct choice. Hitomi picked up a feather from the ground. It was long and pure white. It danced gently when she spun it between her fingers.

It all started with a feather…

Hitomi thought with a smile.

… a vision of wings… a dream of an angel… the calling of a feather.

A.N. And here we have yet another chapters end. I hope the transitions weren't too horribly jarring. I know I cut out a lot of scenes but, honestly the shopping trip wouldn't have added much to the story. While girl talk with Millerna would have been fun and Hitomi's interactions with the people could have been interesting, honestly it would just be filler and at this point I don't have room for it. Perhaps if enough of you would like to see it I'll write up an extra scene or two, but for now this is it.

1) I did not actually look up a real life location for this, I made it up. Sorry, but I needed several factors to coincide and I have no idea, nor did I have the time to actually do a deep dive into research.