Four Years Chapter 27, an escaflowne fanfic

A.N. Happy Sunday! I hope you all had a great week! Here is Chapter 27. Only four more chapters to go. Wow, I can't believe it's almost over already… I will miss this story when its complete, I will also be very pleased that it is finished and can be enjoyed in its entirety. I hope you all continued to enjoy this story.

Disclaimer: I do not own The Vision of Escaflowne nor any of the characters therein. This is purely profit-free fan-made fun.

"Tough and funny and a little bit kind: that is as near to perfection as a human being can be."

-Mignon McLaughlin, The Second Neurotic's Notebook, 1966

Chapter 27: … and a Little Bit Kind

Twelfth Day of the Sixth Month

First Year of Carusfatum

Gaea

The border between Freid and Fanelia was far enough from the capitol to be a long trip on foot and due to the amicable relations there was no real pressing need for the venture. However, it had become a necessity to inspect the boarder when Chid had sent a message which had suggested he do that.

The letter had been brief and without any details as to what was concerning him, however, the casual mention that he himself would be inspecting the border was enough to inform Van that Chid had a reason for wishing to meet covertly. Allen had been in agreement and that was how he had ended up here. Allen and Gaho had accompanied him with a handful of Knights. Van had been concerned with leaving Fanelia with a lowered defense, but both Gaho and Allen had insisted that Trent could manage the security in their absence. It was also a necessary step for himself as a ruler.

"Placing faith in your men and delegating duties is just as important as ruling. This is a good opportunity to practice this."

The memory of the words irritated him but he could not deny their truth. Both his people and he were on edge and were reluctant to be placed at a disadvantage. He had not left Fanelia's capitolonce since his return. He had not even personally gone to see the fiefs. While this wasn't necessarily a problem, his reluctance to leave the walls of his strong hold could be taken as a weakness, and his outer lying lands could start to view him as callous, uncaring or cowardly.

It may feel like ripping off a band aid, but by coming all the way out here he was proving those assumptions wrong. As they had gone on horseback they had needed to take repose at three of the six fiefs along their route. Allen had suggested they take another trip to Daedalus and visit the other three fiefs in route later in the year. It was a good plan, and a little frustrating that he himself had not realized the necessity of such.

I suppose this is why the council is important…

It had taken him far too long to understand that a King was not expected to be perfect in all he did. He was, however, expected to be efficient in the art of listening to those who could help him and knowing when to take their suggestions.

"Can't say I am surprised." Gaho stated from behind, the dying light of the day painting his face in shades of orange and red. Allen, Gaho and he were some distance ahead of the other knights having met up with Chid and Voris upon arrival. Their discussion was proving to be longer than expected and Van could already see the other knights setting up camp. They were riding their horses side by side and conversing in a manner that would seem casual to any observer, however the truth was anything but and he suspected his men knew this and that was why they were making plans to stay the night.

"… with tensions being so high, not to mention the heavy reparations demanded of them, it is understandable how this could happen." Allen added his brows furrowed in concern.

"While that may be true, I am uncertain of how we should proceed." Chid admitted, the small child ruler looking torn and so very tired. "Freid cannot afford another battle right now…"

Van frowned. Basram had been encroaching onto Freid for the better part of the winter. It hadn't been too much of a problem at first as it had seemed that the locals on the boarder were merely poaching and hunting to survive. Chid had magnanimously turned a blind eye to this. However, it would seem a small village on the border had been raided recently and when Chid had attempted to reach out to the Duke of Basram, he had been accused of spreading malicious lies to further villainize the people of Basram.

Either the Duke of Basram is intentionally encouraging this, or he is unaware of the activity and is acting defensively.

Van thought privately to himself, that it was possibly the latter, but he could tell Voris felt it was the former.

"Understandable or otherwise, we cannot simply sit back and allow such actions." Voris was clearly angry, his face tight with the emotion barely restrained. "This is no longer an issue of people merely fighting to survive."

"…" Allen seemed to consider this his brow pinched as well.

"… Queen Millerna has also reported issues in Chezario on the border with Zaibach." Van said evenly. He did not wish to alarm, but it was better for the allies to be informed in case these small problems were to explode into something more troublesome. "She is under the impression it is due to the grain shortage."

"… how did the harvest do?" Chid asked, his whole body tense and Van felt a tension just under his skin tighten. His nerves along his back sparked and he had the strangest need to release his wings. He chalked the sensation up to the anxiety of the situation, and the fight or flight response to this series of threats.

"… not great." He admitted. "While I believe there will be enough if we all ration to keep from starving, I do not feel any kingdom will feel particularly comfortable this year."

"Damn." Voris cursed his eyes closing. "If this is driven by a food shortage…"

"There will be further, more costly actions in the future." Allen summarized and they all fell silent. This was a problem. Peace had been so hard to obtain, and now it seemed it had never truly been achieved at all.

Has this all just been a delusion?

Van winced as his lower back throbbed and it felt as though his intestines were twisting inside of himself. His hand fell to his gut, when the feeling ebbed after a while. He'd been riding on horseback for days and his muscles had been complaining to the activity. This seemed worse than normal and he had to wonder if perhaps his meal earlier in the day had not sat well with him. It certainly felt like he was ready to expel his insides in a violent manner, though he couldn't be certain if that were the case or if it was some mix of stress and physical fatigue.

"Lord Van? Are you all right?" Chid asked, his expression concerned and a little pale.

"Yes. I—" His words strangled off as the link with Hitomi wrenched open so suddenly his vision whited out as his brain was flooded with feelings and sensations. His breath hitched and caught at the absolute terror that overloaded his synapsis. It was fear but there were so many different layers to that fear, and it came on so suddenly he couldn't even make sense of any of it; he couldn't react.

His hands rose to his head just as the pain, the unbelievable pain rushed in. It felt as though his hips had exploded. The bone splintered into fine needles that were drilling out through his flesh in an attempt to splatter the ground with his blood and vicera. His muscles clenched and locked down in the worst of cramps and with each lockdown, those imaginary bone fragments were jutted that much further toward their goal.

"Van!" the worried cries of friends was a distant sound as he labored to breath around the frighteningly rhythmic agony. Every time there was the briefest of pauses, and he was attempting to suck in a lung full of air, his body would lock back up and trap the breath painfully in his burning throat and lungs.

His head was fuzzy and he realized too late that blackness was now consuming the white and he was listing off of his horse toward the ground. He had the most ridiculous thought that at least his guts would have an easier time coating the ground if he were already down there, before his head struck the hard earth and blissful darkness consumed him.

"Van. You're awake… thank Jeture…" Allen slumped over him when his eyes finally peeled open. Van took note of the lean-to that had been constructed above him, and the itchy bandage around his head. The throbbing ache was a good reminder of what had happened and how he had wound up upon his back.

Chid, Voris and Gaho were quick to approach, also worried and asking questions that he simply couldn't answer. He had no explination for what had happened to him as the pain was now gone but in its place was a euphoria so great Van couldn't control the tears that welled and fell from his eyes unchecked.

"He woke up? That's great! Dryden is…" Chid broke off again, staring openly at Van, his eyes wide. "Does it hurt that bad?"

"Van, where is the pain?" Allen asked, already in first aid mode, but Van could do nothing but lift his hands to cover his eyes; hiding from the stares of the others. It was humiliating but he couldn't stop his emotional display. He was overwhelmed, strung out, and jittery with the feeling of awe, love and accomplishment so great it was simply impossible to stop.

Hitomi! Gods Hitomi… what… what happened?!

He felt a bone weary weakness that was deeper than any he had experienced before and the only reason he wasn't desperately trying to run to Hitomi's side—despite his incapacitated state—was the fact that the previous fear and pain had completely vanished.

"Van?" Allen's hand gripped his shoulder and Van shook his head trying get Allen to let up. He couldn't begin to explain this and right now, if he opened his mouth, the humiliating sobs would escape as sound and he simply couldn't allow that.

"… you are lucky we were in the area." Dryden's voice stated, getting closer with the sound of crunching pebbles and dirt. "If I hadn't been looking down I would have missed you—he's woken up?" Dryden's tone shifted from amused to serious in a breath and suddenly there was a shifting sound as Dryden and some other person Van did not know—presumably a healer—took Allen's place at his side.

Upon seeing his tears, Dryden turned to Allen demanding to know where he had struck and how much blood there had been. Van couldn't focus on their words, and closed his eyes desperately trying to reach Hitomi through the link while the healer poked, prodded and asked questions Van was only capable of responding to with jerky nods or shakes of his head.

"—fell from his horse in extreme pain. It seemed to come on abruptly… he has been unconscious for four hours (1)." Allen was explaining and it was only then that Van took notice of the darkness and the dim glow of the campfires.

"Nothing happened that would explain it?"

"No… he gripped his stomach before… but… he had been fine up until then."

The healer ran a few more tests before turning away, "He seems to be in fine health. His head is a bit bruised and there is that small laceration… but he is no longer suffering from pain in his belly." The doctor shrugged. "Whatever is happening it would appear it is not physical in nature."

"… but… he is…" Chid began but stopped and Van was grateful for the tiny mercy. He tuned out the rest of the conversation and forced all his attention to the bond.

It took a long time before she responded, enough that his fear was beginning to mount along with the strange joy he felt from Hitomi. There was a mixed response of joy, sadness, regret, happiness and a longing so great it made him groan and clutch his chest in response.

The action of course brought back the doctor who began asking a whole new slew of questions. This time, he managed to choke out a few words without his voice breaking.

"I am… fine. It's not… not pain..."

"Then what the hell is—?" Gaho had begun but was cut short as Dryden reached out and gripped his shoulder. Those far too knowing eyes fell upon Van's own and Van swallowed hard. There was a pause before he gave a single nod. It was an assumption and nothing more, but he had the feeling that somehow Dryden had a suspicion about what was happening. Knowing that man's intuition, he was probably right as well.

"Why don't you inform the men that he is conscious? Let the doctor look him over." When the suggestion wasn't taken right away Dryden flashed that unassuming smile. "Allen is here with him and so is Duke Freid. With myself, we comprise the core of the alliance. Your King is safe with us."

When Gaho finally relented, Dryden dismissed the doctor and turned to fully face Van. "… was it your connection to Hitomi?"

"!"

"… yes." Van managed, his tears finally stopping as the flow of emotions from Hitomi began to lessen and run into a more understandable vein of, 'I am happy. I miss you. I am fine. Sorry for scaring you.' It wasn't a satisfactory answer; hell it wasn't an answer at all, but it was the best he would get. It also told him that he was not needed or wanted.

She missed him, that much he understood, but it was also very clear from her feelings now, that if he were to race to her side, she would not be happy about it. She did not wish for him to come. The bitterness that filled him at that came out in his tone.

"Is she in trouble?" Allen asked his voice tight with worry.

"… she… she is fine now."

"Now? What, is that supposed to mean?" Allen sounded irritated at his answer and Van felt he understood the knight better than Allen realized.

"Let's not get too angry now. He is injured." Dryden calmly intervened and despite being nothing more than a merchant once more, the others deferred to him easily. "So, I assume you have confirmed Hitomi's safety and will?"

Van gave a sharp nod, leveraging himself up into a seated position. "… she is not in danger or pain… and she does not want me interfering."

"…" Dryden's face was slightly drawn. "Can you explain what happened?"

Van shook his head. "I'm not sure… the connection opened up… and there was pain… a lot of pain and…" Van shook his head. He didn't want to admit that the pain was so intense he'd blacked out, nor did he wish to explain just how bad it was as he worried they would know how useless Hitomi thought him to be. After something like that, she did not want him to come for her.

Van's hands fisted and he grit his teeth.

"… and she is telling you not to worry now?"

Van nodded at Dryden's question. He was further confused when a smile curved the man's lips and he raised a hand to his scruffy chin as though he'd just figured out something he found to be highly interesting. Of course, the man was disinclined to share as he swiftly cleared his throat and smoothed out his expression.

"… well, we have no choice but to respect Lady Hitomi's wishes."

"… but… if the pain was so extreme as to cause Lord Van to—" Chid began, still rather pale.

"Yes. However, if she is not requesting aid, then we must trust her judgement." Dryden said and that seemed to end the discussion. Allen still seemed very angry at this but said nothing further, and Van was left to his own thoughts.

He supposed it was somehow better that he was busy dealing with this border issue as he had a problem to mull over and use as an excuse not to dwell on the strange incident that had just happened. It hurt more than usual when he reached for the link only to receive the static emotions he had expected, and his throbbing head and bruised shoulder was a constant reminder that something had happened to Hitomi. Something serious, and she did not want his help.

… am I so useless to you?

Van swallowed down the emotion and turned to Chid and Voris. "I am sorry for the trouble. I believe we were discussing Basram."

The two exchanged looks before slowly nodding.

"Ah. I believe I may have some useful information regarding that." Dryden chimed in, easily steering the conversation away from Van's discomfort and providing useful insight that only an impartial merchant could.

22 September, 2003

Earth

In all the years since he had started working, Fumio had never once called out without actually being ill. That was, until this morning.

His head ached likely from the lack of sleep and the over-thinking he'd been doing since yesterday's shocking events, and Fumio simply couldn't figure out how any of what he had seen had been real.

There really was… I saw it. I really…

He ran a shaky hand over his face, the tremors both visible and felt as he tried to regulate his breathing to calm himself down. It was no easy task. His world had consisted of very firm beliefs and truths. His perception of the world was what had pulled him through the difficult years and made him strong enough to walk away from the cycle of abuse his parents were perpetually lost in.

Of those truths, he held most firm to the fact that true love was a myth. It existed in fairytales because it was a fantasy that people tried to obtain as they couldn't handle the world without hope. Second, nothing in this world was actually unexplainable and what people viewed as a miracle, or a fantastical even, was all in their own head, or was a misunderstanding of normal events. There was no such thing as 'signs' to be seen and read, no ghosts, no magic blue beams of light that took people to planets science could not see or prove.

… except, there was.

"… there's something you should know… if you are serious about… this… us…"

Fumio's stomach twisted at the memory. It had all been so clear to him. When Hitomi had hesitantly spoken to him, her very logical and down to Earth persona melting away under the pressure of trauma and self-preservation.

"… I didn't actually forget what happened during the six months…"

Every time he closed his eyes he saw that damned blue light, remembered Hitomi's crumpled sobbing form upon the school track, the haunted way she watched Anil whenever he climbed up a toy or tree. He'd dismissed it all he'd been so certain…

"… I know it sounds crazy… but it's the truth. I was spirited away to another world."

He wasn't certain what he felt or what he should be feeling. He was lost, afraid and under all of that he felt guilt. It had not been his intent, but looking back, he had dismissed Hitomi's fears and claims and had told himself he was being kind by not addressing what he saw as her 'psychosis'. He was forced now to acknowledge just how high-handed he had been. He'd been placating her and treating her like an invalid or child who did not know her own mind. He felt sick to his stomach realizing that while he was not an alcoholic, and while he had never actually harmed her or actively abused her, he had disallowed her own existence and reality; he'd behaved just like his father.

"… Anil's father was from that world… he… we promised to reunite after four years… but…"

His father had been unable to accept that the world and people would have other experiences than his own. That what he perceived as the truth could be wrong. When his father thought he had been lying, then Fumio was a liar. When his father thought his mother was having an affair, then there was no other explanation, she was just guilty. And when the world and government itself was conspiring to ruin his life and finances, well, they were, end of discussion.

Fumio swore that he would never become a man like his father. He would become someone better than that sorry excuse for a man. He would own up to his mistakes, he would never lose his mind to a substance in order to feel better for a few moments, and he would always listen to what others said. In the same breath he swore to never been blind-sided by the fallacy of the fictitious 'love' that his mother swore by. That same, mythical beast that brought her back into the arms of an alcoholic narcissist, over and over and over again.

… but I was no better… I didn't say it to her face… but I treated her as though she were a liar…

Fumio's eyes closed tightly and his teeth ground together in his own self-reproach. More than the shock of seeing something he'd believed impossible, he was struggling with the self-reflection that showed him how little he had actually escaped from his parental influence.

"He's gone! He's gone… that light… Van took him back! He's on Gaea and it… it didn't want me!"

The memory of Hitomi's panicked and devastated sobs assaulted him, building the thick choking guilt in his chest and throat. He had dismissed her words as nothing more than grief and fear induced psychosis. He'd comforted her, but did not listen and had called the police thinking he was doing the best he could to help her.

How hurt was she when it became apparent I didn't believe her?

It was a hard pill to swallow, but Fumio was starting to come to terms with the fact that it was for the best that Van had returned. Hitomi did not deserve the bastard he himself was underneath his veneer of false understanding and kindness. He'd denied it for years, but there was no escaping the truth now. He was a product of his childhood and in his attempt to be more than that, he had gone full circle, becoming his worst nightmare without even being aware of it.

Fumio sighed, leaning back upon his couch, hand pressed over his eyes pinching his temples. He'd kept the shades drawn, unable to handle the bright light outside. The day was too nice, too normal for him to handle and so, he was pretending it didn't exist.

Pathetic…

His cellphone let out a soft chime; the standard factory ringtone that had come with his simple flip phone. Looking at it, and the screen that had lit up with the incoming call; it was his mother. She attempted to reconcile every month or so.

Most times he either ignored her call or would answer but only give short, clipped and impersonal responses until she had given up. It was childish of him, though he'd convinced himself it was tough love. He told himself he was behaving this way to help curb her self-destructive behavior, and that if the love she swore was so true, that she would leave that alcoholic leech for him.

Now, he realized just how foolish and insensitive he had been.

"You know… you should call your mother."

Fumio thought he understood, finally what it was Hitomi had been trying to say the day before. With a bemused and self-deprecating smile, Fumio answered the call, placing the phone to his ear. He had been convinced he was the one with all the answers. Believed he was the one saving and helping Hitomi and Anil when the truth was, he was nothing but a scared little boy incapable of seeing the forest through the trees, and it was Hitomi who had been saving him; still was.

"… hello mother."

It was time he truly started being a better person. It was time he started to acknowledge, that he didn't know everything, and it was okay not to have all the answers. And that change had to start with his mother.

"… I… I'm glad you called."

Twenty-second Day of the Ninth Month

Seventh Year of Carusfatum

Gaea

The breakfast table was full of faces and happy conversation a far cry different from the usual state of the dining hall. Merle supposed now that Hitomi and Anil had come to stay, this might be a permanent change for the better.

Van and Anil had returned from their morning flight and it seemed Hitomi had gone with them as all three had arrived from the garden. Of course, Millerna, Chid, Allen and Celena had also come to the main dining hall. The rest of the crew of the Crusade had returned to the ship the night before and were not present as a result. Apparently Allen was not just being considerate when he said his men did not like staying in the palace.

What was even more different and a little surprising was the addition of Bora and Sorna at the breakfast table. Merle had never known those two to join in a meal like this and could only assume they had done so in order to meet Hitomi personally. The conversation topics thus far also seemed to indicate this was the case.

"Lady Hitomi," Sorna began, "what do you think of the current status of Zaibach and its Duchy, Basram?"

Hitomi was keeping a smile on her face, but even from where she sat, Merle could see that the color was draining from her face. This was not the first question to be posed to her that was difficult to answer. Sorna had asked about the mystic moon, how she had managed to survive on her own there, how she and Van communicated, when she discovered her pregnancy, and all manner of other personal questions that were just barely within the realm of polite conversation.

She is trying to find the inconsistencies in their story.

Merle chewed upon her lip and tried not to let her tail fluff up too much in response. It was frustrating and nerve-wracking for her and she wasn't even the one being interrogated. It was no wonder that Hitomi was stressed out. Thankfully, Van seemed to be far more aware of this than Merle thought he would be, and he had stepped in smoothly to deflect, add to her answer or answer directly whenever it seemed Hitomi was struggling. He did so here as well.

"Hitomi has been away, as you know. While we were in contact, we did not discuss matters that were unimportant."

"Unimportant?" Sorna's lips curled up as though she had somehow won something. "I do not believe Zaibach can be called that, Lord Van."

Van's expression tightened. He generally liked Sorna, but it would seem that at this particular juncture he was not all that happy with her. "There was not much importance for Hitomi at the time. She will be learning now that she has returned."

"Of course."

"… you could cut the air between them with a sword…" Millerna whispered to her and Merle nodded her head also feeling the heavy tension.

"… I'm afraid to interrupt." She admitted also under her breath.

Celena didn't seem to notice or concern herself with the new topic of discussion, happily eating her meal with a bored expression only glancing Anil's way when the boy handed her some of his grapes and talked about something Merle couldn't understand.

Just when Millerna had set down her napkin and opened her mouth to speak up, her eyes locked upon Sorna, Hitomi spoke up, her expression calm and a little distant.

"I would appreciate the chance to learn about this." Hitomi's smile didn't quite make it to her eyes as she set a hand upon Van's arm before turning to Sorna. "Could you tell me what your perception of events are?"

"I would be pleased to assist." Sorna said with her own smile that Merle was certain to be fake.

"Thank you. Oh! Could you also let me know what the general consensus of the people are? I heard you have connections with a caravan. I'd be interested to know what the people both in and outside of Fanelia are thinking."

Huh? What good will that do? Rumors are just that… aren't they?

Merle was rather confused, but it seemed Hitomi had made the right move as Chid and Millerna were smiling to themselves. Looking toward Bora he also seemed to be quite pleased. Merle pouted, not at all pleased at feeling left out.

"… it would seem our conversation might be lengthy. Would you spare me your afternoon?" Sorna asked and Hitomi agreed. It felt weird; unfinished in a way and yet that ended the discussion entirely.

The conversation drifted to safer topics and Sorna barely spoke up the rest of the meal. Merle still wasn't certain what it was about that conversation that had made the others seem so happy; Van was practically grinning to himself and shooting looks of pride Hitomi's way which caused the woman to blush.

Well, it doesn't matter. Van is happy, we have a competent Queen, I guess, and I can stop worrying.

Anil laughed across the table and Merle's fur rose slightly. She wondered if anyone else heard the devilish edge to it, or if she was the only one with the sinking suspicion her worries were anything but over.

Twenty-third Day of the Ninth Month

Seventh Year of Carusfatum

The queen of Fanelia, Lady Hitomi, was proving to be far more competent than he dared to dream of. He had not had the chance to meet the lady when she had last arrived, but Ruhm had. According to him she was skittish and odd, but a pleasant child. Knowing nothing else, he had had his own concerns about the infatuation Lord Van had for her. Everyone knew about his feelings, so much so, that his own council had held their tongues in regard to his lack of queen, not to mention his complete disregard to any women.

Of course, he listened and interacted with women in so much as he was required by his title. However, he had kept all interactions polite, platonic and businesslike. It had actually caused Emos to lose his temper when his son had returned from a visit to Chezario with the Duke's daughter who was of similar age to Lord Van.

The girl had been poised, beautiful—for a human—and had all the right schooling, standing and pedigree. She had been the ideal candidate for marriage and the position of Queen. She was from Asturia's northern Duchy and was close enough to Zaibach to be considered a strategic advantage as well.

However, Van had smiled kindly at the girl because it was required, offered her a room in the palace, and never saw her outside of official events set up by Emos and his son. It was abundantly clear that Lord Van had only been interested in the seer from the mystic moon and so they had all waited for her return.

I would not have dared hope she would be so adept.

Bora smiled and sipped his tea while Lady Hitomi took notes in a strange language upon a sheet of paper. From their first meeting the morning before, Hitomi had proven, both to himself and Sorna, that while she was indeed lacking in any formal training, and she had not been around for the last seven years, she was more than willing to learn and most importantly, listen to the opinions and thoughts of others.

Sorna and he were well aware Lord Van would have spoken about the important political events currently happening. She could have simply made her own assumptions or taken on Van's view as her own and not thought any further of it. She had, instead, actively sought another's view. More so, she showed an interest in how those outside of Fanelia viewed the situation.

One of the most important roles a ruler needed to master was the ability to listen to advice and develop the knowledge of how and who to delegate tasks too based upon their views and abilities. Hitomi had proven the ability and willingness to do that, however rudimentary.

"… I see." Hitomi said once her pen had ceased to move over the paper and she looked back up at bother he and Sorna. "From what you have said, Councilor Sorna, the western fief… er… Tarra is in charge of it I believe, could benefit from the creation of drainage ditches."

"… an interesting proposal. I assume Lord Van has already given his opinion upon such things?" Sorna asked carefully, sipping her tea. The woman was shrewd and never stopped testing anyone who came to speak with her. Bora found it quite fun and enjoyed her company because of it, he had to wonder though, how the young queen felt about it.

"Van and I have spoken about it yes. He suggested bringing it up at the next council meeting."

"Oh. Then this is unofficial."

Hitomi's smile was just as conniving as Sorna's, "Of course. I am lacking in basic knowledge and needed your expertise in the topography in order to find out if such a task would even be worth the time of consideration."

Sora smiled into her tea cup.

"Drainage ditches are already in place in many areas in the western most fief. However, during the flood season many of the banks erode and the boulders shift. It takes a lot of effort to maintain. As a result, many have falenl to disrepair after the war. We are still trying to rebuild."

"… hmm." Hitomi chewed her lip looking over the maps spread between them. She considered this new problem for a long while. Sorna glanced his way more than once, her lips quirked into a smile which he returned. It was a relief to find Lady Hitomi shared many of Van's views and had sought to build a relationship with them first. It was beneficial not only to themselves but also for the new queen as it would provide both sides with support against the Fanelia nobility who, arguably, would be against both of them. It remained to be seen if Hitomi would endeavor to understand Idus and Emos as well, which would go a long way to evening out the power balance on the council. Honestly it mattered little if she didn't however, Bora personally hoped that she would.

She may have a long way to go yet, and she had much to learn in order to simply be able to read and write properly, however, her unique problem solving methods and her current promise spoke highly to her ability to cope and succeed at the task upon her shoulders.

Lord Van chose wisely indeed.

He thought with a smile. His eyes caught and met with Sorna's and the woman grinned in return. The two of them had suggested that Hitomi consider sitting in with her son during his lessons when she could to further her own education. The queen had been very receptive of such ideas and it made him even more excited for Kenzo's arrival. Sorna as well, seemed very pleased and had already mentioned that her own suggested tutor, a woman from Freid, was also due to arrive in the next week.

Hitomi's eyes lit up suddenly and she looked to the both of them. "… wait… Zaibach… it is the forerunner in… technology, right?"

"Tech..?" Bora wasn't quite sure what she meant by that and he glanced to Sorna but the woman was just as confused.

"…" Hitomi's lips pressed together as she thought again. "They have created new guymelfs and floating fortresses and weapons… nothing really grows in Zaibach crop wise, yeah? So what they trade is in new creations, correct?"

"…more or less, yes." Sorna confirmed. "Why do you ask?"

Hitomi was looking at the map deep in thought but seemed disinclined to enlighten them.

"… I'm sorry. I'd like to speak to Van about something."

She's had another idea.

Bora was intrigued and excited to find out just what this strange Queen from the mystic moon came up with next. Many said she could see the unseen; the future and create miracles. From what Bora had seen thus far, he thought perhaps the rumors were exaggerated. She was very insightful and quick witted which could lend to her the ability to predict peoples motives and actions. Either way, she was an asset.

"Of course." He answered and with a few polite words, Lady Hitomi gathered her notes to leave them and seek out Van. Her departure was delayed, however, as Merle knocked upon his door, her head poking inside at his call to enter.

The young woman was still so skittish around himself and Sorna, it was rather amusing to see how comfortable she was with the new queen and yet how timid she was with them.

"Hitomi, I'm sorry to bother you."

"Oh, no I was just leaving to find Van. Is something wrong?"

"… not really?"

"Merle?"

"… Bora's suggested Tutor has arrived." Merle said finally scratching at her ear.

"Oh. That's great news, I didn't think anyone would arrive before next week." Hitomi's delight at the prospect of a formal teacher was evident in her smile.

"… yeah…"

"?"

A loud exhale was heard as Merle finally broached the reason for her arrival. "Anil heard that and has gone missing."

"!" While he and Sorna were shocked to hear such things, it would seem the queen was not surprised. Her expression turned almost sad as she turned and bowed politly to them.

"Please excuse me."

"Of course, Lady Hitomi."

With that, both Merle and the Queen departed almost silently.

"… interesting." Sorna said once they were alone.

"Hn. Children are rather unpredictable."

"… I meant her question." Sorna said drinking the last of her tea. "What do you suppose she is thinking of?"

"I haven't the slightest clue." Bora admitted with a smile. "Whatever it is, I'm sure it will be as impressive as it is bizarre."

Sorna's laugh was deep and throaty and filled the room.

Hitomi wasn't surprised so much as disappointed that Anil was still so afraid, though she could not fault him for that. Anil's track record with teachers, despite only being in Kindergarten, was abysmal.

"… I didn't expect him to bolt. I mean, Kenzo only just arrived. He's going to want to relax and get settled before he can start teaching anything." Merle said, walking alongside her. The cat had grown, Hitomi wasn't sure why she had been so surprised by that, but she was.

Merle had filled out and looked, honestly breath taking. Her fur was a burnt orange color that looked thick and healthy. Her body was lean but very feminine and certain assets were rather hard to miss and her pink hair that had once been short and an odd salmon color in Hitomi's eyes, was now past her shoulders, fell in thick waves and the color seemed a little darker (2). Overall, she looked exotic and lovely; she looked like a woman. Which was why it was a relief when she acted as Hitomi remembered her to be, despite all the obvious changes.

"… does your demon child just like to cause problems at random to keep you on your toes?" Merle asked, and if Hitomi were younger, she may have taken offense. Now, however she could tell Merle was joking.

"Sometimes." Hitomi said with a smile but it faded quickly. "… but this is a bit different."

"?"

"… he's had very bad experiences with teachers."

"…" Merle's footsteps faltered and Hitomi glanced back. The woman looked shocked and little remorseful. "…oh."

"You couldn't have known." Hitomi patted Merle's shoulder. "Anil doesn't talk about it. He just…"

"… reacts?"

"Yeah."

"… he's too much like Van." Merle sighed, pushing a hand through her hair. "… I should have realized…"

Hitomi shook her head in the negative. "… don't worry. Anil spoke very highly of you. He likes you a lot."

Merle gave her a suspicious look to which Hitomi laughed.

"Sometimes, he shows his love in… unique ways."

Merle finally smiled. "Yeah. That's one way to describe it." Merle shook her head. "You know, Allen and I agree you aren't allowed to have anymore children."

"Woah. It must be bad if the two of you are agreeing on anything."

"It is." Merle seemed to be back to herself which was a relief. "Well, I should go tell Van we are looking."

"I think I got this. You can go wait with Van."

"You sure? You only just got here."

"… I have a pretty good idea on where he'd go."

"… sure. If you haven't returned in twenty minutes, I'm sending the guards."

"Fair enough."

They parted ways and Hitomi took a moment to recall where it was that the laundry was set up. She started making her way toward that section with a slightly heavy heart. Van had promised to vet each tutor and listen to any complaint Anil had, but with three teachers incoming, she was sure her little Vayu was fretting.

She arrived in the area where baskets filled with clothes to be washed, and freshly washed and line-dried ones waited to be folded. The air was thick with the smell of soap and had several large closets. Knowing her son, he would likely have come here knowing Merle's nose wouldn't be able to find him so easily, and there were plenty of hiding places.

She observed the closets carefully, picking one at random and opening the door. It was pure chance that it was the right one, but she would never tell Anil her 'super power' was mostly just guesswork and an obscene amount of luck. Of course, she had used her dowsing several times in the past and would have done so now had she been wrong.

"Mom!"

"… Vayu."

His eyes filled with tears at her tone and he sank back against the white linen. He looked so small and sad Hitomi's heart broke. She reached out and gently pulled the child out and into her arms, uncaring of the clean white cloth that fell to the floor.

"My little Vayu, do you not trust Daddy?"

"!" Anil clutched at her, hiding his face in her neck. "I do!"

Hitomi rubbed the boy's back, her weight shifting from foot to foot in a habitual rocking motion. "… is it just too scary?"

"…" Anil's head slowly nodded.

"Will you feel better if I tell you that I will be taking the same classes with you?"

"… you will?"

"Yes." Hitomi smiled pressing a kiss to the temple of her baby boy's head. "Remember? I don't know how to read. Nor do I know much of anything about Gaea."

"… you'll be with me the whole time?"

"To start with I will." Hitomi answered, not wanting to lie to the precious child in her arms. "I don't know for how long I will, but we will be together for now."

Anil seemed to think this over his arms tightening.

"… Daddy promised too, didn't he? If you have any problems, you talk to him and he will take care of it."

"… yeah…"

Hitomi let out a slow breath and moved only when confused maids looked her way and then down at the now dirtied linen. Embarrassed, Hitomi flushed and stepped around with an apology which the maids seemed flustered by.

In no time she had stepped out of the laundry room, arms full of Anil, and was making her way back toward the audience chamber where she assumed the new teacher would be. It was either there or in Van's study that she thought she would find them. Merle hadn't specified, but she had gone in the direction of the audience chamber so that's where she went first.

Her skirt made a soft sound with each step, creating a weighted drag to her legs that was unfamiliar, but wasn't too burdensome. It was more cumbersome while carrying Anil, but it was easier than the stares she had gained before. Besides, if she was going to live her life here, she should get used to some of the customs. She still had her running gear for when she had time for herself, and besides, Van had an amusing reaction to her in Fanelian clothes.

"…are you disappointed in me, Mommy?" Anil asked, the larger word mispronounced and slightly unrecognizable.

"No, my Vayu." She cuddled him. "It's perfectly normal to be scared. However… you can't run away every time you get scared."

"…"

"Trust me, I did the same thing when I was afraid."

Anil pulled back and looked at her in surprise. "You did?"

"Uh-huh."

"When you were my age(3)?"

"Yes. And when I was much older than you are right now too." She said with a kind smile. "And you know what?"

"What?"

"… I missed out and made a lot of mistakes because I didn't face my fears and problems." Hitomi tapped her forehead to Anil's. "… I regret doing it. I almost lost… everything."

Anil's eyes became huge.

"So… I know it's hard and you won't be able to do it right away, but, can you promise to try?"

"… I think… yes?" He didn't sound too confident but it was good enough for now.

"That's my Vayu."

The rest of the walk was in comfortable silence. Van was indeed in the room with the chair that was called the 'throne'. He was standing comfortably next to Merle and a very tall and kind looking beastman. His fur was a dark mottled color, blacks, browns and deep reds mixed in a pattern she had heard referred to as 'tortoise' coloring on dogs and cats back on Earth. His hair was a dark color, with streaks of paler brown. It was cut short but still had a shaggy quality to it that softened his features.

His eyes were a striking caramel color and he wore clothes that seemed to be popular in Fanelia. Simple cut and design with very little embellishments with exception to some elaborate stitching on the hems. It wasn't quite embroidery, but rather similar. It was actually very similar to the clothes she had chosen for herself on her shopping trip with Millerna. Of course, most of her clothes were skirts and dresses whereas this man wore pants and shirt.

He also, appeared to be blushing and repeatedly glanced in Merle's direction.

Oh, goodness.

Hitomi thought, amused as it was apparent, Merle herself had no clue to the affect she had upon the dear boy.

It was then that Van noticed her. He smiled and drew the other's attention her way with a lifted hand.

"This is Hitomi and Anil." Van sad smoothly walking to meet her halfway. He set a casual hand upon her shoulder and glanced at Anil but didn't ask or try to take him from her. Hitomi was grateful for the consideration and care he showed to both of them. She rather needed to hold Anil right now, and she hoped Anil needed the coddling as well. "They will be your students. Hitomi, Anil, this is Kenzo. He is Bora's nephew."

"It is an honor to be considered for this position." Kenzo said with a bow. He was very polite, but Hitomi couldn't tell if that was due to Van's presence or because the young man was flustered.

"Thank you for agreeing. I'm afraid I am rather at a disadvantage." Hitomi admitted.

"I am happy to help our queen and crown prince." Kenzo's eyes, which seemed kind, turned to Anil expectantly and was snubbed when Anil promptly hid in Hitomi's neck.

"Vayu."

"… hi." Was the squeaked reply. She supposed, that was all she was going to get for now.

Just as the silence was becoming awkward and Anil refused to make eye contact with his teacher, Van intervened, "I'm sure you'd like to get settled. Merle, can you show him to Bora? I set his room has been placed in that general area."

"Sure thing, Lord Van." Merle smiled easily. "Follow me."

Kenzo flushed again and seemed to almost trip over his feet to comply. Hitomi barely contained her laugh. It was good to see Merle's charms being appreciated. She wondered if this would prove to be an additional silver lining to their necessity.

"Merle isn't seeing anyone is she?" HItomi asked once alone and Van flinched back at the question.

"What? No—wait, why?" In true big brother fashion, he seemed somehow afraid of her reasoning. Hitomi shook her head, deciding it was probably better for Kenzo if she didn't comment for now.

"No reason. I was just curious. She's old enough now…"

"That's her business."

Right.

Hitomi smiled and leaned close to kiss Van's cheek. Van relaxed and returned the smile reaching out to pat Anil's head.

"Merle says you ran away again."

Anil flinched and pulled closer to her.

Van made a face, clearly concerned and looked her way. Hitomi shook her head gently, and thankfully, despite the years apart, Van seemed to understand as he changed the topic. "I was thinking, we should take a trip outside together."

"Into town?" She asked. She had wondered when it was Van would suggest such a family outing. She knew that it would be best to introduce both Anil and herself to the people before the two other council members arrived. Van had suggested as much the night before. It would give the people a chance to back both herself and Van, and it would give her and Van control over their story. With the amount of care and effort being made to prepare a buffer between herself, Idus and Emos, Hitomi was honestly becoming concerned. Would they object to her so much?

"I want to go!" Anil spoke up, suddenly done hiding and twisted almost painfully in her arms to address his father. "Let's go, Daddy!"

Van, seeing her expression, reach out and took the boy from her arms, setting him onto his feet carefully. "Lead the way." He gestured and Anil was quick to grab each of their hands and drag them in the direction of the main entrance.

"… how did your discussion with Bora and Sorna go?" Van asked casually, and suddenly she was reminded of the idea she had while discussing things with them.

"Rather well. I actually wanted to ask you something."

"?"

"… well, I suggested using drainage ditches in the areas most likely to be affected by the flooding. Sorna and Bora pointed out that there were some in place, but their construction was… poor and they tended to breakdown easily."

"Yes. We have not had the resources to repair the damage. We are working on it but…"

"Could we ask Zaibach to construct a better material to be used instead of simple boulders?"

"!" Shock painted his expression and Van seemed to ponder over her suggestion. "… it's possible."

"I thought this could be used as a way to prove our good faith. Allow them to be part of the solution. Also, we could work out some kind of payment for the effort to show we aren't expecting any more reparations."

"… it's not a bad idea." Van said, the corner of his mouth pulling up in an almost smile. "Did you discuss this with them?"

"No. I thought I should speak with you first." She still thought it was the best course of action. While the two were a great source of information and were more than helpful, they were still members of the council and discussing this with only two members seemed somehow wrong.

"I had considered reconstructing the drainage canals." Van admitted after a prolonged silence in which they made it outside of the palace walls and into the crowded main street. "But I wasn't certain how to improve upon the original design. This… this is certainly worth looking into."

Hitomi felt relieved and let out a breath, her cheeks flushing as Van's hand casually intertwined with her own as Anil released their hands to rush ahead of them, and then she was too busy trying to keep up with an over excited Anil to think about the overwhelming duties, studies and public displays of affection. She had been outside the palace just two days before when she had gone shopping with Millerna, but this was distinctly different. At Van's side they drew far more attention and with Anil calling out "mommy" and "daddy" it was only made worse. She had known this was Van's plan from the beginning, but still, after an hour Hitomi felt wrung out and exhausted. Van and she had stated their story of events so many times it fell from her lips like an involuntary compulsion.

They had fallen in love on the battlefield. They had been married by Dryden the King of Asturia in the last months of the war. When she became pregnant, Van had suggested she return home to stay safe until such a time that he felt it safe for them to return. That time was now.

It was simple, sweet and full of lies. She knew it was necessary, and honestly no one else needed to know the details of their lives, but all the same, even this lie felt heavy on her heart and consciousness. Combined with the rest of the stressors of the day, Hitomi was simply ready for it to be over and done with. Van's hand in her own gave a light squeeze and she saw the concern in his gaze.

I shouldn't worry him… he's got so much on his plate already what with the others leaving in the morning…

Hitomi's thoughts petered out at the reminder that the others were indeed leaving. While she hadn't spent a whole lot of time with Millerna, Chid, Allen or Celena, she had seen them during meals and had enjoyed the availability of those she considered friends. She had spoken with Millerna at length about what was expected of a Queen and had indulged in some much needed girl talk. She had gotten the story about how Millerna had asked Van to help trap Dryden so she could propose to him, and the two had reconnected over talk of babies. It would be sad to see her leave. Chid was also a source of information that she would miss, and Allen, well he was a good friend.

She'd tried not to think about it, but now it was all there was. Tomorrow, she would need to say goodbye to them and be able to stand beside Van on her own two feet.

Can I really do this?

Van's warm arm slid around her shoulders and startled her from her thoughts. It was then she realized that she had completely tuned out the conversation that had been taking place around her. Her cheeks flushed in shame.

"Please excuse us. It has been a long day." Van easily covered for her and the couple they were speaking to bowed with smiles, easily accepting Van's words.

"I'm sorry." She murmured once they had turned back in the direction of the castle, Anil once more running ahead of them. At least he had enjoyed his time outside.

"… no. I shouldn't have kept us out this long."

"…" She didn't argue. Not because she agreed with his statement but because she was simply too tired to.

I can do this… I can do this…I must do this…

Night had fallen, Anil was back in bed, safe and sleeping happily and finally he and Hitomi were alone in their room. Even from where he stood in the doorway he could see the tension in her crossed arms and shoulders. She was practically hugging herself as she had done since their trip into the central town of Fanelia.

Was I too hasty?

Van pondered if he had pushed too hard too quickly. He'd tried to let Hitomi set her own pace and tried not to coddle her too much, but he was starting to wonder if he had gone too far the other way and had failed to notice when she was pushing herself too hard.

Honestly, he was a bit concerned for the following day. The council was set to meet in the afternoon upon Idus and Emos's arrival. He would have to bring Hitomi and Anil before all six members. Gaho, Trent, Bora and Sorna had already met both and had shown a positive view of them. However, Idus and Emos represented the nobility and they could make things uncomfortable. He'd wanted to strong arm them into compliance and respect by creating a positive view and support basis for Hitomi and Anil before then.

However, it would seem Hitomi was taking this harder than he expected.

I shouldn't have pushed… she would prove herself by her ideas alone.

She had been working hard to help with the weather phenomenon she called La Nina. She had put a lot of time and effort into this over the last three days. So much so, that Millerna had a list of ideas to present and speak to Dryden about, and soon it would include her newest idea for involving Zaibach in the creation of a sturdier drainage system. Her efforts alone would quell anything Emos or Idus could try to say. Perhaps these other measures were unnecessary and only highlighted his own worries.

I should have gone with Millerna's suggestion.

Millerna had pushed him to set a date for Hitomi's coronation as soon as possible. This would cement her position and quell any complaints. He'd not even given it a thought as winter was fast approaching and such an event would take time and planning. Not to mention, he had thought Hitomi would feel uncomfortable with such a thing. He'd assumed she would wish to have time to learn and study certain things before taking on such a position officially.

He was starting to doubt himself now.

He walked over to her, and gently rested his hand upon her shoulders. "How are you feeling?"

"I'm fi—" Hitomi began to say, her face schooled into a false smile, but when her eyes met his, the words and expression faltered. Slowly, her smile dropped, she swallowed thickly, and then she turned into him, holding him close and half hiding against his chest. "… I don't know."

His heart twisted. He didn't like that she felt this way, but he was relieved she was relying on him and being honest. It was an odd feeling. He also had a need to fix what made her feel upset, but knew there was nothing to fix. So, he wrapped his arms around her and held her close.

"… I'm sorry I made us all go out today."

"No. I was happy to go… really I just…"

"..?" He waited patiently for her to find her words.

"… I don't like lying about our story. But… at the same time, no one needs to know the whole truth. It's our story."

Van rested his chin atop her head, rubbing soothing circles into her back. She was dressed in her sleepwear from the mystic moon. He wondered privately if she felt more comfortable in these, or if subconsciously, she was seeking something familiar in her new life. He didn't want to ask on the off chance that doing so would make her more self-conscious.

"…"

Hitomi let out a harsh breath and held on to him. "… I'm scared."

He'd suspected this but it still gutted him to hear.

"… I don't want to let you down. I don't want to fail… this just seems…"

"… it's okay to start small." Van began, eyes closed and trying to recall the things he thought to himself when he was struggling in the wake of the war. "… you will mess up. You will fail."

Hitomi tensed at his words but did not interrupt.

"That doesn't matter. All that matters is you stand back up, and try your best."

"…"

"… and I will be here. Every step of the way."

Hitomi's arms tightened and she shuddered slightly. "… I love you…"

"I love you too." Van pressed a kiss to her head and she let out a water-logged half laugh, her hands lifting to stroke his chest.

An ember of interest glowed at the touch, however, Van had one more issue to solve before he could even consider coaxing Hitomi into lovemaking. "… Millerna suggested pushing for your coronation as soon as possible. What are your thoughts?"

The stroking stopped and he regretted asking just a little because of it.

"… what do you think?"

Van nearly sighed. He didn't like that she was asking what he thought. He was asking because he was concerned about how she felt. He didn't want his feelings to alter or sway her answer. He didn't wish to push her into something she wasn't ready for, nor did he want to make her wait if she wanted to do things quickly. However, he wasn't certain how to say that without upsetting her.

"…"

"Van?"

"… please."

"?"

"… will you please answer me first?"

Hitomi's green eyes danced over his face, and he couldn't quite read what she was thinking. Her hands lifted to cup his cheeks and she finally spoke. "… while I would like to have the celebration, I do not think rushing it would be wise."

Van tried not to sag with relief.

"… as you and now Sorna and Millerna have told me, winter is not an easy time to travel. The coronation couldn't possibly be scheduled in time for those who would be expected to participate due to their hand in our… marriage," Hitomi gave him a sly look that shouldn't have been as sexy as it was. "To plan and make the trip before winter fully sets in."

"Yes. That is true. However, once spring has arrived we could plan for it first thing." Van offered despite knowing why that was not possible.

"… we can't do that." Hitomi shook her head. "If the la Nina phenomenon is going to be as bad as Dryden predicted…" Hitomi shook her head, "It would be stupid to try and have it then."

"… also true."

"… honestly," Hitomi began, meeting his eyes, "… I'm fine waiting. It gives me a chance to get settled and prove to myself and everyone else that I can accomplish the tasks set before me." Hitomi's lips quirked up and she let her hands trail suggestively down his throat. "… besides, we are technically already married."

"I was told women like the celebration and formal event of a wedding."

"I like the idea of it. After helping Yukari plan hers…" Hitomi shrugged, "… the appeal isn't worth the headache nor the heartbreak when reality falls short of the dream (4). Besides, you said the coronation would be a celebration of both our marriage and my becoming queen officially right?"

Van nodded his head which caused Hitomi's smile to widen.

"Well, then, I get to have the celebration, the fancy dress and all of that when we have time." Hitomi's fingers were now undoing the ties on his shirt and that ember had grown into a full on flame inside of him. "… I'm more than pleased to simply have you as mine."

The emphasis pushed him over the edge. He'd intended to talk rationally about everything that bothered her. He wished to comfort and coddle and ease her fears, but when she looked at him like that, and stripped him of his clothes with that smile, he simply couldn't think beyond accepting the challenge she gave him.

His lips captured hers easily, his hands gripping her and pressing her hot palms to his chest. His other hand slipped around her waist, pressing her tight against his body and deftly turning her toward the large bed. It took three steps to topple her upon the sheets, his body following and pressing into her softness with a groan.

Her legs fell apart easily, embracing his hips and her mouth opened on a sultry moan that his tongue chased. They moved together easily, their dance a perfection that was breathtaking. She helped him to removed his shirt, tossing it from the bed and into the darkness. Hers followed swiftly thereafter, and his hands were free to cup and treasure her chest and all its soft curves.

She gasped, moaned and carded her fingers through his hair as lips and tongue replaced fingers and palms, and as one they reached to removed his pants. When their fingers bumped together Hitomi laughed, and the sound was carefree and happy.

Perhaps she needs the stress relief too…

It was refreshing to hear her laugh, and despite knowing that the stress and pressures would return with the sun, he was glad to have eased her burden even temporarily.

"… you know…" Hitomi whispered as he shucked his pants and swiftly began to remove her underwear, his need for her a throbbing, aching compulsion.

"?"

"… if we aren't careful, we could end up with another child before my coronation."

He really liked the sound of that despite the headache it would surly bring.

His heart flipped and then tripled its pace and he all but tore the fabric from her, pressing against her and kissing her breathless, nipping at her lips and showing her just how much he didn't want to be careful. He felt her lips curl up in a grin at his response, and she stroked his back, her leg curling around his own, toes tracing up the back of his calf and making his desire tick up another notch.

"… that would be two children out of wedlock… technically." Hitomi teased, when he let her lips go to suckle upon her neck. The bite of Hitomi's nails was an erotic sting upon his skin and Van shuddered shifting his weight and reaching between them to both align himself as well as to test her readiness.

"I have a document claiming you are my wife." He all but groaned into the shell of her ear as he found her wet and ready for him. He positioned himself waiting a moment to be sure she was truly ready.

"Do you really think everyone believes that?"

"… doesn't matter. I have the document." Van replied cheekily, grinning at her when his response made her laugh. She was beautiful when she laughed.

"So unreasonable." She made the words sound so provocative Van almost groaned.

"… you love it."

"Yes. I do—!" Her breath hitched as he slid inside and the night passed by in a blissful rhythm of give and take. Pushing the weight of responsibility and uncertainty off until the sun rose, exhausting their bodies in the most pleasurable way, and reassuring each other that no matter what may come, they did not have to face it alone.

A.N. So, I'm sure most of you will be waiting for the unabridged chapter for this, and sadly… there is none. I was going to write a full smut scene for this but when it came down to it, I just… didn't feel it necessary. Perhaps I will write one some other time and post it when I get around to posting the unabridged version of this. I don't know. But for now, this is all that there is for this scene. Sorry. Also, I'm sorry if the pacing in this chapter feels rushed. There was a lot I wanted to cover and "resolve" but I honestly don't have enough space in the remaining chapters to fully flesh it out and part of me doesn't want to. I may edit this chapter again and repost it at another time if I can find a way to fix the flow. However, I really wanted to post this on time so, sorry if its not as good as the other chapters.

1) On June 12, 1997 in Japan Sunset was around 6:57 pm, in Illinois of the same year sunset was at 8:26 pm. Due to this I am saying that sunset on Gaea upon the border of Fanelia and Freid happened about 8:45 pm, mostly because I can. Also, in case anyone doesn't know, labor can last a LONG time. However the actual pushing part is only a few hours at most. I was pushing with my first son for almost three hours. The second one… well, it took three pushes and he was out. LOL! However, with my first, I was in hard labor for just over three hours before he came. So, I'm saying Hitomi's peak was a little similar. I'm saying she had a hell of a time getting Anil out so, she was in hard labor for just about four hours, and was pushing for a little over two.

2) This doesn't happen to everyone, however, I noticed that my hair grew darker as I got older. I personally think it was because I stopped spending all my time outside and thus it stopped getting 'sun-bleached', but either way my hair changed from an auburn color to a dark brown between the age of 14-18. So I'm saying Merle's hair is only a slight bit darker, nothing too drastic like a shade. Only noticeable because Hitomi hasn't seen her in a long while.

3) My 5 year old says this ALL the time. Its super cute, so I wanted to add it in here. For no other reason than I could.

4) This is my opinion. I LOVED my wedding but it ended up being NOTHING like how I always dreamed it would be. While many still love the idea and enjoy the wedding planning, me and four out of five of my friends DETESTED every part of it. And, in the end, you don't even get to enjoy your own wedding because you are constantly busy. So, I'm saying Hitomi is simply glad to be married to Van.