Disclaimer: I don't own Escaflowne or Rurouni Kenshin!

Sorry for another late update! But I'll keep track this time!

Okay, here's the next installment!

Enjoy!

Van waited a few days, but knew at the dead of night that almost no one was up and about, save the night watchmen, was his big chance, and he was very good at sneaking around.

He did so, slipping into the brig without notice. He smiled when he saw Tenshi sitting in a corner of the cell, the moonlight making her skin glow with an ethereal luster.

"Tenshi," he whispered, crouching down next to her and touching her shoulder.

She jumped, but saw who it was and relaxed. "Van, it's good to see you after having to endure that demon captain for the last three days. But I thought the penalty was death if anyone approached me save him."

"I sneaked in. I just had to see you."

A light laugh came from her. "I would like to see that man's face if he knew that I held such feelings for you. He would probably explode from the jealousy."

Van nodded. "I wouldn't doubt that. Probably would kill me, too."

He got up and took the keys to the cell, placing one in the lock and turning it. A small click followed and he turned away, placing the keys back and smiling. "Please go. I don't want you to suffer so much for nothing. Wait until I'm gone before you escape. I suppose you don't want to get me in trouble."

Before he could even go one step, her arms closed around him and she laid her head on his shoulder, her cheek against his as she murmured, "Fanel Van, my heart will always belong to you. It doesn't matter, I won't have any other man in my life."

Almost as if a string was connected between them, Van felt a tug on his heart, love he felt beyond what he felt for Hitomi overflowing inside him. He turned to her and lifted her chin, leaning down to kiss her full on the lips. Her arms wrapped around his neck and his did the same around her waist.

He parted from her and whispered, "You are my life. I'll go wake Allen and we'll make our escape."

She nodded. "Everything I have I will give to you. My life, all the treasure and my love."

Van ran up the stairs, not aware of the eyes that watched him as he ran down to where the crew slept. He went to Allen's bunk and hissed, "Allen, wake up. We're going to return to Gaea."

"In the morning, Van," the blonde knight mumbled, still mostly asleep. "I haven't had a decent night's sleep since we got on this boat."

"Now, Allen! Or else we won't get another chance!"

Blue eyes opened wearily, and their owner grunted as he sat up and got on his boots and picked up his sword. They went on deck, and Van turned to the brig.

"Wait here, I'll be back in a moment."

"Van, wait! You're going to get caught!"

Van beckoned to Tenshi, and she came up, only for a lantern to light, Kenshin holding it.

"Aha! So we've caught an offender!"

Tenshi grasped Van around the waist, her red eyes aflame. "You won't hurt Van for what he has done, or I'll never let anyone even see a single piece of the treasure only I know the location of!"

"Then I suggest a compromise," Kenshin offered.

"What will the conditions be?"

"You marry me, and I won't hang Fanel. Fair enough?"

Van looked hurt, but knew that his life would be forfeit if she didn't comply. If he hadn't gotten caught, then this wouldn't have happened.

"Fine, you repulsive man."

Kenshin grinned, then waved the night watchmen to seize Van and Allen.

So the mermaid is going to marry Kenshin! What else will unfold before that event occurs?

I love having people hang like that, it's like having to wait for the next book in a series! The anticipation is almost as good as the relief of reading the next book itself!

Please review!