Ok ok don't kill me! I guess I took a year off haha... but I seriously had the hardest time finishing the last scene! I didn't know how to end it. Also I'm probably way too old to still be writing this, but it's just too much fun. I guess I'm just an adult with the dreamy and childish soul of a 12 year old.

In any case one of my biggest weaknesses is that I never finish things... And this is something I definitely want to finish. So onwards! Let's give these characters the ending they deserve.

Also I read some of my old chapters again and they are so terribly cheesy! I can't believe I wrote those words and I can't believe you readers could manage to take it in.

Date: 3/26/15 - edited 12/17/2020

Disclaimers: Not my characters. But I did come up with the scenes and stories entirely on my own!


Ch 24 Reading the wind

"Hi!" Nausicaa chirped excitedly as she hopped off her glider and sprinted right into Asbel's arms. Things were going well between them as they settled into a bit of a routine for the last two months, taking turns flying to each other on the weekends. The amount of traveling involved was annoying to say the least, but they were content with alternating visits to each other, and found this schedule to be a worthy compromise between their busy lives ruling their respective home countries.

"How are you?" Asbel asked as he unreservedly gave her the warmest embrace he could give, overjoyed to see her again.

"Fine. You?"

"Tired, but glad the week is over." Usually the evening consisted of catching up with each other on updates or interesting events in the past week. Occasionally they would make day trips to places; last month Nausicaa brought Asbel to a field of glowing Toshigo ferns near the edge of the Jungle.

"What did you do?" Nausicaa inquired, to start the conversation.

"Oh the usual, meetings and overseeing construction in the city." He replied, then added, "Ah, also worked on fixing an old engine."

Nausicaa wanted to see both the engine and Asbel's shed where it resided, which surprised him somewhat but he obliged. After dinner he led her to the rooftop to a garage-looking enclosure that was large enough to hold a small airship. Spare parts and scraps were clustered into different areas, while a gate at the left opened out to a makeshift flying runway on the rooftop.

"It's not much, but it serves me well…" He trailed off a little shyly, his eyes following her as she explored the place in wonder. He felt oddly a little vulnerable, perhaps because he rarely showed anyone his stash of unfinished side projects. They finally arrived at the engine he mentioned earlier.

"What did it belong to?" She started, meticulously observing the piece of metal.

"An older model of a gunship; the design is sturdy and the engine has more power than our gunships today." Nausicaa nodded, clearly impressed at the mechanic side of him. She continued wandering around, with him hovering close behind her.

"What's this?" She asked innocently, now directing her attention to a half-assembled plane-like pile of metal.

"Oh. That used to be a one-person airship, but I've been trying to modify the framework to fit two people," He explained, scratching the back of his head. "That's a project I started a few months ago… haven't finished it yet."

"Do you plan to finish it?" Nausicaa followed up, her curiosity piqued.

"Yeah, eventually."

"Can I help you with it?"

"Sure," He shrugged, then disclosed sheepishly. "It's for us anyway." A radiant expression spread across her features upon that revelation.

"I like it." She enthused, then instantly started picking up various parts to assemble. Asbel looked on in amusement at her instant captivation with the machine, then sat down to work on the cockpit while Nausicaa busied herself with the wings. For about twenty minutes they worked side by side, savoring each small interaction - from passing tools to the occasional brush of a shoulder. Every once in a while their eyes met in a happy silence, contentment visible in both of their expressions. Presently Nausicaa was struck with a brilliant idea and her lips curved mischievously as she neared the driver's seat.

"Can we put in two steering wheels?" The woman chirruped. Asbel stopped what he was doing and sent her a skeptical look.

"It's not impossible," He retorted, "But I don't think anyone's ever done it. Why two steering wheels?"

"So that if one of us can't steer, we won't have to change seats. I've had the idea in my head for a while... can we try it?" She sent him the most pleading, puppy-like expression she could muster in order to persuade him. The man emitted a laugh and simply nodded.

"Do whatever you like." He acquiesced with a chuckle; how could anyone resist? She could probably ask for the moon and he would give it to her if she gave him those eyes.

Nausicaa's face gleamed with joy and she hopped around the aircraft, adjusting gears and adding new handles. With her creativity awakened, her inner mechanic seemingly jolted into life, powered by a sense of adventure and novelty.

"Has anyone told you how capricious you are?" Her prince teased; she was bouncing around so much that she had already bumped into him a couple times. She simply laughed in response as Asbel stood contentedly by the sidelines. It was exhausting enough just to watch her, and he just might get run over if he tried to help. Two minutes later she had furnished the second steering wheel and stepped back to proudly admire her handiwork.

"Ready to test drive?" Nausicaa chirped energetically, her hand already on the ignition key.

"If it doesn't fly, I'm blaming you…" Asbel joked as he hopped into his seat.

"It'll fly. I'm starting the engine!"

The aircraft grumbled and droned in a low-pitched murmur as it warmed up, and excitement lit up her face as she deftly released the gears. For several seconds they hovered in the air, then darted off into the coolness of the night.

The plane slid smoothly through the skies as the engine purred politely, while Asbel marveled at the Princess's unparalleled flying skills. The girl rode the wind unlike any other, achieving speed without the slightest turbulence. He could practically feel the weight of their bodies leaning upon the wind in seamless, frictionless contact. In an instant she located the sweet spot in the air current, climbing increasingly higher toward the heavens.

"Nose dive?" She piped up, brimming with energy.

"Go for it." He replied, more than happy to watch her showcase her best skills. With a smirk the girl switched gears and turned off engines, their stomachs lurched as the horizon shifted before their eyes, and they plummeted through the skies. Plunging towards the Toxic Jungle at terminal velocity, the pilot demonstrated nerves of steel, cooly enjoying the free-fall that stretched into timeless moments of awe-instilling silence.

About a hundred feet from the tops of the trees she assuredly restarted the engines, timing everything to the perfect millisecond. Her concentration and calmness gave away her years of piloting experience, waiting until the very gut-wrenching end to yank on the levers, and accurately judging the reaction time of the aircraft to pull horizontal. The plane sharply changed course several inches shy of the trees that bent their heads in acknowledgement under the current. The woman grinned to herself in satisfaction, rounding the curve with flawless dexterity that left Asbel awestruck.

"It flies brilliantly!" She laughed with absolute ecstasy. "Just the right amount of lift without hindering speed."

Asbel was too amazed to even speak. He had flown with her before but previously was always too occupied to notice her finesse at flying. She was practically chasing the wind, flirting with gravity, and taming the night breeze to remain under her command. Even after she gently landed back on the rooftop in Pejite, he half stumbled out of his seat, still seemingly entranced. Meanwhile Nausicaa obliviously bounded out of the cockpit to admire the outer shell of the aircraft.

"Beautiful." She whispered to herself, admiring the flying machine that now glimmered under the silver moonlight.

"Who taught you to fly like that?" He questioned, the wonder evident in his eyes. Glancing over, she registered the emotion on his face, and smiled.

"The wind." She answered casually, and returned her attention to the metal bird.

"How?" He pressed.

"It speaks; I simply listen and follow." Her hands traced the curvature of the wing. "I can see it through the leaves; feel the outline of the current. I know when it wants to change course."

"That doesn't make any sense to me," He frowned, "But I've never seen anyone fly like that. It's like you became one with the wind."

"It comes somewhat naturally to me," She explained modestly. "That's why they call me the wind-rider."

"So you can talk to insects, can read people, and predict the wind. Anything else I should know about you?" He inquired comically, now walking around the nose of the plane towards her.

"Oh stop..." The young woman replied softly, slightly embarrassed.

"What's it like?" His prodded, still intrigued, gradually approaching her. "Being able to sense so much around you." The princess stared deeply into his eyes for a moment, then looked away thoughtfully.

"It's a blessing and a curse." She sighed calmly, her face turning serious. Asbel grew attentive and waited patiently for her to continue; she had done it so many times with him that he had learned a thing or two about being a good listener.

"Sometimes it gets overwhelming - everyone's needs, moods, and concerns, both spoken and unspoken." The smallest frown appeared on her features. "It's tiring when it gets too noisy."

"Oh...that doesn't sound comfortable." He answered in a subdued manner. It dawned on him that being so attuned to her environment also had its downsides. Her empathy was so strong that it could grow into a burden, harboring everyone's feelings in addition to her own. For a moment he felt sorry for her and wished to take her burden from her, if only he could.

He observed her carefully and noticed that her eyes were somewhat distant, as if her thoughts had drifted into abstract realms. He unobtrusively laid a hand on her arm and gently tugged her closer to him.

"Next time you're feeling overwhelmed just tell me, and I'll make everyone pipe down." He rumbled half jokingly (but the other half was dead serious). The girl emitted an amused laugh, noticing the twinkle in his eyes and the warmth where his hand contacted her arm. Fingertips that touched the wind current ten minutes ago now traced his jawline.

"Don't worry, I will always come to you," She murmured in a half whisper. "My mind feels quieter when you're near me." And she was not lying. On the emotionally exhausting days after witnessing the troubles of the world, she somehow felt more at peace next to him. Perhaps it was his protective and dependable nature, or his tendency to find humor in the most mundane places that calmed her restless soul.

"Is that another way of saying my head is empty?" He drawled suspiciously; the woman could not help chuckling at him. He smirked in satisfaction seeing her smile return, and took the opportunity to pull her deeper into his arms.

In the security of his embrace Nausicaa felt a new sensation wash over her - one that radiated from the depths of her soul and warmed her from the inside out. It took her a moment to name it, but she knew what it was - the force holding them together against all odds, enclosing them in a world of their own and shielding her from the chaos of life. He gently pressed his lips to her temple, and she responded with a peaceful sigh and placed a kiss on his neck.

They enjoyed the silence for a minute longer, until suddenly Nausicaa snapped her head up at him, as if remembering something.

"Asbel." She spoke energetically, and he looked at her in confusion.

"What?"

"We forgot to test your steering wheel."

The man uttered a single amused chuckle but his eyes gave away how much he was laughing internally.


Their weekly visits to each other served as a temporary solution, but they both knew it would not hold for the long term. The traveling undoubtedly drained the energy from them, even if seeing each other was enough of a reward. One weekend Asbel showed up in the Valley looking deathly exhausted, shocking Nausicaa into canceling all plans and making him rest for the weekend. He originally objected, claiming he felt fine, but Nausicaa would not change her mind.

"You look awful!" She exclaimed after they deposited his belongings in the guest room in her tower. "What did they make you do in Pejite?"

"We're rebuilding the town hall." He sighed. "I never knew there were so many details to discuss."

"You should rest." She ordered in a motherly tone. "You look like you haven't slept for days."

Fifteen minutes later he was completely asleep, having crashed on the rug in front of the fireplace. Nausicaa had left him for only two minutes to get him a cup of tea. After silently putting the mug down, she draped a blanket over him and looked lovingly down at the sleeping figure.

"Have you been pulling all nighters?" She chided him, concerned he may have overexerted himself by flying on such low levels of energy.

A couple hours later she came back and still found him in his original position: the fact that he hadn't moved an inch told her how much his body needed sleep. She worried that lying there for the entire night would be uncomfortable, as the rug did little to soften the effects of the stone floor. Presently she decided to wake him in order to transport him to her bed. Quietly approaching him from behind as he lay on his side, she tenderly drew soft swirls in his hair with her fingers to call him out of his slumber.

"Asbel." She coaxed, while her lips lovingly placed a gentle kiss on his temple. The boy stirred, then awoke with a slight jerk.

"Huh?" He huffed all of a sudden, although he was far from awake.

"Let's get you to the bed." She whispered. "It'll be more comfortable than the floor."

"Oh." He mumbled, then got up and sleepwalked over to the bed with Nausicaa's help and resumed snoozing instantly. His endearing behaviors drew a strong motherly sentiment out of her as she tugged the covers over him and placed a light kiss on his cheek.

"Goodnight." She whispered on oblivious ears. Now that she had given him her bed, she took a spot on the couch near him and was likewise quickly asleep.

The weary prince slept for an additional eleven hours; when he finally woke up the next morning Nausicaa had been awake for some time already. Asbel gave a lazy stretch, and finally realized he had fallen asleep in her room. He snapped his head up to find her sitting near him on the bed, staring out the window while resting a hand lightly on his arm.

"Hi." She whispered when she noticed him stir awake, and carefully scooted closer to him, gently clearing unruly wisps of hair from his face.

"I'm sorry." Was the very first thing he mumbled.

"Don't apologize. You were tired."

"What time is it?"

"Almost noon." He groaned in response; it was too late to travel anywhere.

"I should have stayed awake, actually spent time with you."

"Nonsense. I'm much happier to see you well rested." Still feeling sleepy, he readjusted his position and curled his body in towards her. The girl smiled, and lowered herself into the bed, bringing an arm in to hold him.

"This is good." She sighed, feeling content to be next to him.

"Better than whatever plans you had for today?" He mumbled, already falling back asleep.

"Definitely." She replied, as they continued their late morning snooze.

That morning she had pondered all the possible solutions... move to Pejite? Give up her position? Rule by long distance? The ideas swirled in her head and none of them seemed all too practical. Had it only been a sacrifice of her own comfort, convenience, health - anything for her to bear alone - she would have done it in a heartbeat. The only problem was that her people would suffer with her, and she couldn't leave them when they still needed her.

Other weekends she found herself apologizing to Asbel, having to be pulled away to attend urgent matters such as a leak in the water system, or a sudden discovery of toxic spores encroaching upon their fields.

"It's really alright," he comforted her when she finally returned to him after dealing with a herd of enraged insect trespassers all afternoon. "You had important things to take care of."

"But it's not fair to you; you flew all the way over here..." She muttered remorsefully, glancing out the window and realizing even the sun had retired as well.

"Nausicaa, I'm happy just seeing you," he replied with a lazy smile. "Besides, the time we spend apologizing to each other could be spent in much better ways." The woman sent him a grateful look, and he extended his arms as an open invitation. "Now will you come here and spend the evening with me? Before anything else interrupts us."

She giggled and bounded into his arms and made sure to lavish and overabundance of affection on him to make up for lost time.


It became clear to her that she would have to search for a successor if she wanted even the slightest chance of leaving the Valley. The Princess currently had too significant a role in the Valley, serving as a public figure of strength, leading the people in harnessing the wind and living in harmony with the Toxic Jungle. Either they learn to live without her, or she find another person who could take her place.

Thus when the villagers requested Nausicaa to teach them the secrets of reading the wind and flying the glider, she happily obliged. It was knowledge she had always wanted to pass on, and now she harbored the additional motivation of seeking a future leader.

Of course, understanding the wind was not a simple task. Deducing the strength and direction of the current was merely the elementary first step. Indeed, for Nausicaa the wind always appeared to her with a personality and a shape. Ever since her youth, she loved listening to its voice, feeling its mood, coaxing out its secrets when it carried news and visitors. How to explain her relationship with her childhood friend that the world viewed only as an intangible element and force of nature?

She loved teaching the children, for they were the most receptive to her strange concepts and were the fastest learners. One girl in particular stood out to her, whose name was Tepa. She was a petite, delicate young lady - not more than thirteen or fourteen, but she was exceptionally bright and rather gifted in understanding the wind. She reminded Nausicaa of her younger self in some ways: gentle, observant, and constantly in innocent awe of nature. On a crisp autumn morning, Nausicaa brought Tepa and a handful of other students to the hills to practice on the gliders. She purposely chose a gentle slope - one that she used to run upon as a child, with easy liftoff that opened out to a vast meadow.

She watched the children run along to catch the wind, leaping up and lifting off into the air, some clumsier than others in their attempts. Tepa, however, instinctively waited for the strongest gusts, and rode into the air at the most opportune moments. Nausicaa smiled to herself and observed her carefully. The child's motions seemed timid, like someone unfamiliar with a new piece of equipment.

"Follow your intuition," Nausicaa encouraged her. The young student nodded with a smile and tried again. The second time she launched more confidently, but faltered slightly midair. When the student landed again Nausicaa helped carry the glider back up the hill.

"Learn to see the wind." The princess counseled while the young girl listened attentively. "You're observant enough to watch the trees. Try visualizing the shape as you're flying."

For the third flight Nausicaa decided to ride with Tepa, to teach her midair. The Princess allowed the pupil to launch and steer initially, coaching her along the way as she caught the initial draft. When Tepa had mastered the smaller and more polite wind currents, Nausicaa took over and pushed the glider even higher into the skies, where the wind was stronger. She explored the sky's landscape for the best place to meet the wind, where the current was the most visible. Finally as they were soaring through the clearest, and most robust part of the afternoon breeze, Nausicaa pointed and directed Tepa's attention to the side.

"Feel the resistance of the glider in your hands and try to form the shape in your mind... see it carrying us?" The student frowned into the clear blue sky for several seconds before the look of epiphany swept over her expression.

"I think so!" She exulted. "I think I see it!"

"Wonderful!" Nausicaa grinned cheerfully.

"Let me try playing with it." Tepa piped up in excitement, and Nausicaa let go of the wheel. For the next few minutes Nausicaa watched as the girl steered higher into the sky, tackling mischievous currents and more complicated wind patterns. Without a doubt the child was talented with abstract concepts and gifted in seeing things unseen. For a moment Nausicaa wondered if the girl might be telepathic as well, and decided to ask about it later.

Nausicaa attempted to teach a couple other children the same concepts, but none of them internalized it as thoroughly and quickly as Tepa did. She continued to teach and the child continued to excel; a couple weeks later the student requested to learn about the Toxic Jungle as well. Nausicaa was surprised but undoubtedly pleased, and promised to take her on fieldtrips in the future.


"Asbel, I've been thinking... I'm going to move to Pejite." Nausicaa sat by the windowsill one evening in the Palace, with her back facing him. Her eyes absorbed the night landscape of Pejite before her, illuminated by the moonlight against a strangely beautiful backdrop of a navy-colored sky. A couple months into teaching wind-riding and toxic jungle expeditions, she had seen Tepa's potential. It gave her the courage to make the choice to eventually leave the Valley, after she successfully passed her wisdom and ruling responsibilities to another.

"What?" He asked, stunned.

"Not immediately; maybe in a few years. There's someone I found who might be able to take my place. When I've finished training her, and the Valley is ready to handle themselves without me, then I'll leave." A worried look crossed his face.

"Have you told anyone yet?"

"Not yet, but I will when I get back." Asbel surprised her with a relieved sigh and a smile.

"Good. I beat you to it."

"What do you mean?" She asked, perplexed.

"I resigned from my position. I'm coming to you."

"What?!" She squeaked in surprise, standing up to fully face him. "Are you serious? You can't do that!" A slightly smug expression curled the corner of his lips.

"I can, and I have. I knew you wouldn't let me if you found out. And it looks like you were about to do the same for me, so you already understand my intentions."

"But your people-"

"Can survive without me easier than the Valley can without you. There's Ketcha, my mother, the rest of the royal family, and the mayor. There are enough rulers to govern everything, down to the flowers on the front porch." She simply stared at him for a few seconds, as the information began to sink in.

"You can't give that up - not for me." She declared worriedly, while her mind busily rounded up the myriad of implications of his actions.

"One of us was going to have to move - the question was who."

"I would have done it!"

"I know. That's why I had to hurry."

She looked away, unsure how to react. The last thing she wanted was for him to sacrifice anything for her… He noticed her disturbed expression and couldn't decide whether to be concerned or amused.

"Does it bother you that much?"

"I was going to move! And I feel guilty forcing you to leave your home."

"You're not forcing me to do anything. This was my choice."

"What happens to your status?"

"The council will decide if I get to keep my title - which I probably will. As for my tasks, the vice mayor does most of the work anyway. My role was more of a public figure. "

"You shouldn't throw it away like that." She argued seriously.

"Perhaps. But why would I keep it if I'd only be miserable without you? I would give up all the titles on this earth if it meant you and I would be happier." The staring contest resumed; Nausicaa considered the reality of Asbel moving to the Valley.

"I don't think I should let you." She uttered plainly and slowly paced the floor, while Asbel observed her carefully, increasingly amused at her obstinacy. "You're sacrificing your entire life here, for me." A faint smile appeared on his face, and he found her reaction rather endearing.

"Let me do something for you just once, will you? Please?" When her silence began to bother him, he caught her and gently held her arms, searching her eyes for acceptance. Their eyes bored into each other; she saw how much he wanted to do it, and he watched her eyes change expression and begin to give in.

"Are you sure you want to do this?"

"Absolutely." Quiet reigned for another short moment.

"You're completely insane." She uttered, although their unspoken dialogue indicated she was conceding.

"It's worth it." He replied with a smile of satisfaction. She lowered her eyes in a few moments of final contemplation before exhaling softly. One expression was replaced by another and an exuberant smile slowly spread across her features. Eventually she gave up trying to keep it in and threw her arms around him. She moved so quickly that Asbel was a little surprised upon impact but accepted the hug whole-heartedly.

If there was one thing she was good at, it was showing her emotions. She practically pounced on him and squeezed the life out of him, barely able to contain her excitement or believe her good fortune. Of all the things he had done for her, this was by far the greatest demonstration of his devotion to her. How to return the favor other than by earnestly, completely loving him back?

"Thank you." She whispered in his ear, and pressed her lips against his cheek for a sweet kiss.

"You're welcome."

"Does your mother know?" She asked when she finally decided to draw away, though she still didn't let go of his arms.

"Yes. I've been planning on it for a month now." Her heart melted a second time at hearing those words… they apparently had been preparing the same gift for each other this whole time.

"How soon will you move?" She piped up, clasping her hands together in joy.

"Soon enough, once I get the details in order." His smile broadened to see her so thrilled. The girl bounced up and down slightly, and although her feet did not leave the ground her heart had reached the skies in gladness.

"This is the first time I've seen you this happy." Asbel noted.

"You think?" She cried. "This is the best news I've heard all month - no, all year!"

"That makes two of us." He returned cheerfully.

"I still can't believe you're doing this." She declared, and he simply laughed good-naturedly.

"Do you need me to sign a contract?"

"You dare back out on your word?" She now comically assumed the air of a queen. Seeing her mischievous mood, he decided to play along.

"And face your wrath? I do value my existence." He replied dryly.

"That's true. I would hunt you down."

"I know."

They finally settled with watching the night landscape side by side, with one arm around the other. The radiant moon seemed to be grinning at them too.


Ah goodness. That last scene was so hard to end. I swear I sat on this chapter for 2 months BECAUSE of that scene.

What the heck this chapter is really long... Guess that's what happens when you mull over it for a whole year. Anyway these were all the scenes I wanted in this chapter. Thanks everyone for reading, and if there are any readers that have been with me since the very beginning, I thank you! This is a fanfic nearing 4 years old, and I hope to finish it soon! The plan is to finish it before graduation in May... We'll see how that goes haha. But I know that if I don't finish it now, I never will. Life will get busier and I will move on to other things. So I will try my best to finish it!

Drop a review if you have time! I'm curious to know how many of my old readers are still with me. It's been a while.