Disclaimer: See Chapter 1
Escaflowne: All you need is Love, isn't it?
Chapter 81
The Crepusculo, ten days at sea from Freid
---
Cid stood along the starboard side of the ship watching the waves roll pass when he suddenly heard the word, "Catch!"
Turning quickly, he shot his left hand up and caught the small red fruit that was tossed in his direction before it sailed over the side of the ship and into the salty deep.
"Nice catch," the young Captain and Cid's traveling companion acknowledged.
"Don't patronize me." The solemn young man replied, then tossed the fruit back to his companion.
"You're not still angry because you lost the match, are you?" Leopold asked after catching the fruit.
"I didn't lose! I severed your rose, just as the rules state!" The stout young man's nostrils flared.
"It was an orchid, not a rose," Leopold corrected.
"I don't care if it was a damned oak tree, I still won," the dark-haired Captain blustered.
"Not according to Asturian rules. The rules clearly stipulate that you must not mark your opponent in any way. Don't you recall Sir Charson's account of King Van's match against the Knight of Heaven, Sir Allen Schezar? All Sir Allen did was slice a few fibers of King Van's vest and it cost him the match," the fair-haired captain explained.
"But I barely touched you," Cid groaned.
"Cid, not only did you slice clear through my vest and shirt, but you drew blood as well," the former Cesarian royal replied matter-of-factly.
The young Captain's frowned deepened. "That could hardly even be called a flesh wound."
The fair-haired Captain laughed as he walked up next to his comrade and extended the fruit to him once again. "At least we managed to entertain the young Prince and accomplished our mission," he said with a grin.
Grudgingly looking over, the sturdy Captain's frown slowly melted away as he reached over and took the fruit. "I suppose you're right. That was the purpose of our journey to Freid, after all." He took a bite.
"That's right." The taller of the two men did the same, enjoying the juicy sweetness of the small round object in his hand.
---
Standing just to the left of the entry platform two men bonded by their common affinity with the sword were saying their goodbyes.
"Allen, it's been a great pleasure," the Fanelian Minister said, extending his hand to his new friend.
"The pleasure was all mine, Baschan," the young and handsome Knight of Heaven replied, taking his hand and shaking it firmly.
"My only wish is that my stay could have been longer," the minister added.
"I'm sure I speak for Queen Millerna when I say you are always welcomed within the borders of Asturia, as well as in the Palace. And I hope you won't wait too long before coming to Palas again." The knight smiled.
"Whether it be for official business or not, I assure you I will return to Palas quite soon," the taller man told his friend.
"Good, I look forward to continuing our matches when you do." The knight's smile grew.
"As do I," replied the minister as he broke into a hardy laugh. Before he knew it, Allen had joined in with a boisterous laugh of his own.
Gadess came halfway down the ramp and said, "Time to board, Minister."
"Yes, of course." Turning once again to his new friend, he added, "Do give my best to Queen Millerna once again. Thank her for all her help."
"I shall, and say hello to Lord Van upon your return, and to Lady Hitomi when you see her again." The knight smiled once again.
"I shall." With that, the tall bearded man turned and boarded the airship.
A few seconds later, the Crusade lifted off the ground. Moments after that the propellers engaged, and the nimble airship turned about and headed toward its destination, the capital city of Fanelia.
---
Aboard the Vari, returning from Basram ---
Beckett stood staring off the aft, watching the wake the ship left behind and the Republic of Basram fading in the distance. The memory of his final conversation with the country's Prime Minister returned to him.
"I can't thank you enough, Sir Beckett. You've saved Gaea's first and only Republic from becoming the plaything of a madman. I only wish I could reward you with what you came seeking, but politics warrant otherwise."
"I understand, Prime Minister. One doesn't kill a nation's war hero and expect to still be welcomed. I only hope I didn't ruin any hope for future relations between our two countries," the Minister of Defense from Fanelia replied.
"Not to worry yourself, Minister. If politics has taught me anything, it is that the public at large has a very short memory. Fanelia has a bright future ahead of it, thanks to the wisdom of its young King and the men he has chosen to help him rule. It will be in Basram's best interest to build a strong relationship with such a country, but it will take a little time and some honest propaganda," assured the Prime Minister.
"Honest propaganda?" Beckett raised a curious brow. "That sounds like an oxymoron."
"Not at all. Once the public learns the truth about their glorious General, they'll be screaming to find out why they weren't informed sooner. That will only accelerate the fall of those loyal to the General. If all goes well, I should be able to dispatch a trade delegation to Fanelia by the coming season. If it is possible to do so, I will send a sealed message with whatever information we can provide you and your King. I only hope our engineers will be able to find the solution you seek," the Prime Minister offered.
Bowing deeply, Beckett replied, "I thank you, Prime Minister."
Beckett's aid came up alongside him and offered a mug of ale. "So, Minister, have you found the satisfaction you sought?"
Beckett took a deep breath and stared out over the sea in pensive contemplation before replying. "No, not entirely. But it will have to do. At least now I can put my past behind me." He took a long drink of the ale, wiped his mouth, and smiled. "This day I have truly become a citizen of Fanelia." Turning to face the ship's captain and crew, the minister said in a loud voice, "Long live Fanelia!"
Everyone stopped what they were doing and cheered in unison. "Long Live Fanelia!"
Then he added, "And long live King Van Fanel!"
"Long Live the King!" They all cheered.
---
Van stood atop the castle roof, looking out over his city with a mixed expression of joy and sadness. 'Hitomi,' he thought to himself, 'it was so wonderful to be able to speak with you and to see your beautiful face once again, even if it was only in my mind's eye.' He sighed sadly. 'But I could tell from the sound of your voice, from the words you spoke, I won't be seeing you again, holding you again, anytime soon.' He looked up at the sky and pictured her smiling, carefree face among the gentle white clouds. 'I guess this is what you meant by responsibilities.' A sad smile played upon his lips. "But it's all right Hitomi. I'll be here for you, even if it means waiting forever."
Slowly, the young king turned and descended down into the castle.
---
The emerald-eyed girl finished getting changed back into her school uniform, zipped her duffel bag shut, shouldered it, and headed out of the locker room. A few minutes later as she exited the building, she spotted her friend standing nearby.
"Hitomi!" The red-haired girl waved.
"Hi Yukari!" she responded in a monotone voice.
"Oh, cheer up Hitomi. The meet's tomorrow and your times these past couple of days have been great." Yukari hooked her friend's elbow and guided her towards the train station. "You should be happy. This means you'll be able to talk to Van again."
"Yeah, I know. I just wish...." She paused.
"Wish what?" her friend asked.
"I just wish I could go to him now," the taller girl replied sadly.
The red-haired girl mirrored her friend's sad expression, but only for a moment, as a wicked smile crossed her lips and made its way up to her eyes. "Come on," she pulled her friend along.
"Yukari? I didn't know you were in a rush to get home," the sandy-haired teen gasped.
"We're not going home. We're going shopping," Hitomi's friend replied.
"Shopping?"
"Yup. We're getting you something that's going to drive your boyfriend crazy," the redhead snickered.
"What? Wait!" the emerald-eyed girl protested.
But it was too late for Hitomi to change her friend's mind. Up on the train platform, they watched the train that normally took them home come and go as they waited for the train that would take them into Tokyo.
After spending a couple hours dragging her melancholy friend from one shop to another, Yukari finally got Hitomi to try on a few outfits in a store specializing in European imports.
Stepping out of the fitting room, the young track star stood up straight and tall with her hands by her sides and smiled. "So what do you think?"
"Hitomi!" The redhead's eyes went wide as she cupped her hands over her mouth.
"What? It looks funny on me, doesn't it? I knew it. I'm just too damned skinny to look good in anything." She sighed and began to turn back to the fitting room.
"No! I mean... it looks great on you," her friend insisted.
"Really?" Hitomi turned to her friend again.
"Really. It fits perfectly," Yukari assured her.
"Are you sure? You don't think the trousers are a little too baggy?" the lean, athletic girl asked.
"That's how they're supposed to fit, so they give you room when you're riding," the saleswoman replied as she made minor adjustments to the sleeves and collar.
"And the jacket's not too short?"
"No, I don't think so," the red-haired teen replied.
"That is the style of the Spanish equestrian outfit," explained the saleswoman.
Hitomi tugged on the lapels and looked at her reflection in the mirror. "I don't know. You don't think the ruffles on the shirt are a bit much?" She bit her lower lip.
"It looks great on you Hitomi, really," Yukari reassured her friend.
"Here, let me get the rest of the ensemble," the saleswoman with the long black hair said, walking off and returning a minute later with a black sombrero and a pair of black riding boots, which only came up about a third of the way up the calf. "Now, I know these look a little big, but trust me, Spanish riding boots are meant to look like this," the dark-haired woman assured the teen. She then handed the girl the hat and knelt down to help her get the boots on. They slipped on easily, then she tucked them in under the trousers, making sure the white hem of the pants showed. Standing back up, the woman took the hat back and placed it carefully atop the young teen's head. "There we go. Now take a look," she smiled.
"Oh Hitomi, you look sooo... exotic," Yukari cupped her hands over her mouth in excitement as her eyes showed the joy she felt for her friend.
"You really think so?" The teen studied her reflection from head to toe and back again.
Both Yukari and the salesclerk replied with a resounding, "yes," then laughed when they realized they said it in unison.
Gradually a smile played its way across her lips as Hitomi turned from side to side. Growing in confidence that she really did look good in this unusual outfit, she began to visualize herself and Van riding along the countryside, then sitting in the middle of a lush green meadow to enjoy a quiet picnic together. Van, complementing her on her appearance. She, blushing slightly, but thanking him all the same. Van, slowly leaning in close to kiss her, but lightly bumping his forehead on the brim of the sombrero. Van, smiling, then gently removing the hat from the top of her head, letting it rest between her shoulder blades as he leaned in once more and kissed her ever so lovingly.
"Hitomi, are you alright?" Yukari gently touched her friend's shoulder.
The sandy-colored hair girl gasped at being shaken from her thoughts, then smiled widely. "Yeah, I'm fine, everything is fine." Turning towards the saleswoman, she said confidently, "I'll take it."
~~~~~~~~~~
AN: First let me apologize for taking so very long to update this story. I feel really bad for taking so long but between my increased work load on the job and the fact that my wife now works mostly days and prefers I spend time with her at night rather than with the computer, I don't have much time to write anymore. I do hope to update more frequently than it's taken me for this one but probably not more often than once every two weeks. Sorry (
I hope you liked this chapter. I wanted to tie together all the different elements I had started a few chapters ago and this seemed like the best way to do it. It will still be awhile before Hitomi and Van a back together but their thoughts will never be far from each other.
I'd like to offer a great big thank you to my wonderful beta-reader, Janice. Thank you Janice!!! ^_^ She's just great. I don't know how I've ever managed without her all this time.
Also, I think I may have mentioned this already but since I'm old and forgetful, I'll mention it again. I will be one of the guest panelists for the Fanfiction Panel at this years ACEN convention at the Hyatt Regency O'Hare, in Chicago (actually Rosemont). So if you'll be at ACEN this year, be sure to drop in at the panel and say HI! ^_^ I could use all the support I can get. ^_^!
A. Amishi
Escaflowne: All you need is Love, isn't it?
Chapter 81
The Crepusculo, ten days at sea from Freid
---
Cid stood along the starboard side of the ship watching the waves roll pass when he suddenly heard the word, "Catch!"
Turning quickly, he shot his left hand up and caught the small red fruit that was tossed in his direction before it sailed over the side of the ship and into the salty deep.
"Nice catch," the young Captain and Cid's traveling companion acknowledged.
"Don't patronize me." The solemn young man replied, then tossed the fruit back to his companion.
"You're not still angry because you lost the match, are you?" Leopold asked after catching the fruit.
"I didn't lose! I severed your rose, just as the rules state!" The stout young man's nostrils flared.
"It was an orchid, not a rose," Leopold corrected.
"I don't care if it was a damned oak tree, I still won," the dark-haired Captain blustered.
"Not according to Asturian rules. The rules clearly stipulate that you must not mark your opponent in any way. Don't you recall Sir Charson's account of King Van's match against the Knight of Heaven, Sir Allen Schezar? All Sir Allen did was slice a few fibers of King Van's vest and it cost him the match," the fair-haired captain explained.
"But I barely touched you," Cid groaned.
"Cid, not only did you slice clear through my vest and shirt, but you drew blood as well," the former Cesarian royal replied matter-of-factly.
The young Captain's frowned deepened. "That could hardly even be called a flesh wound."
The fair-haired Captain laughed as he walked up next to his comrade and extended the fruit to him once again. "At least we managed to entertain the young Prince and accomplished our mission," he said with a grin.
Grudgingly looking over, the sturdy Captain's frown slowly melted away as he reached over and took the fruit. "I suppose you're right. That was the purpose of our journey to Freid, after all." He took a bite.
"That's right." The taller of the two men did the same, enjoying the juicy sweetness of the small round object in his hand.
---
Standing just to the left of the entry platform two men bonded by their common affinity with the sword were saying their goodbyes.
"Allen, it's been a great pleasure," the Fanelian Minister said, extending his hand to his new friend.
"The pleasure was all mine, Baschan," the young and handsome Knight of Heaven replied, taking his hand and shaking it firmly.
"My only wish is that my stay could have been longer," the minister added.
"I'm sure I speak for Queen Millerna when I say you are always welcomed within the borders of Asturia, as well as in the Palace. And I hope you won't wait too long before coming to Palas again." The knight smiled.
"Whether it be for official business or not, I assure you I will return to Palas quite soon," the taller man told his friend.
"Good, I look forward to continuing our matches when you do." The knight's smile grew.
"As do I," replied the minister as he broke into a hardy laugh. Before he knew it, Allen had joined in with a boisterous laugh of his own.
Gadess came halfway down the ramp and said, "Time to board, Minister."
"Yes, of course." Turning once again to his new friend, he added, "Do give my best to Queen Millerna once again. Thank her for all her help."
"I shall, and say hello to Lord Van upon your return, and to Lady Hitomi when you see her again." The knight smiled once again.
"I shall." With that, the tall bearded man turned and boarded the airship.
A few seconds later, the Crusade lifted off the ground. Moments after that the propellers engaged, and the nimble airship turned about and headed toward its destination, the capital city of Fanelia.
---
Aboard the Vari, returning from Basram ---
Beckett stood staring off the aft, watching the wake the ship left behind and the Republic of Basram fading in the distance. The memory of his final conversation with the country's Prime Minister returned to him.
"I can't thank you enough, Sir Beckett. You've saved Gaea's first and only Republic from becoming the plaything of a madman. I only wish I could reward you with what you came seeking, but politics warrant otherwise."
"I understand, Prime Minister. One doesn't kill a nation's war hero and expect to still be welcomed. I only hope I didn't ruin any hope for future relations between our two countries," the Minister of Defense from Fanelia replied.
"Not to worry yourself, Minister. If politics has taught me anything, it is that the public at large has a very short memory. Fanelia has a bright future ahead of it, thanks to the wisdom of its young King and the men he has chosen to help him rule. It will be in Basram's best interest to build a strong relationship with such a country, but it will take a little time and some honest propaganda," assured the Prime Minister.
"Honest propaganda?" Beckett raised a curious brow. "That sounds like an oxymoron."
"Not at all. Once the public learns the truth about their glorious General, they'll be screaming to find out why they weren't informed sooner. That will only accelerate the fall of those loyal to the General. If all goes well, I should be able to dispatch a trade delegation to Fanelia by the coming season. If it is possible to do so, I will send a sealed message with whatever information we can provide you and your King. I only hope our engineers will be able to find the solution you seek," the Prime Minister offered.
Bowing deeply, Beckett replied, "I thank you, Prime Minister."
Beckett's aid came up alongside him and offered a mug of ale. "So, Minister, have you found the satisfaction you sought?"
Beckett took a deep breath and stared out over the sea in pensive contemplation before replying. "No, not entirely. But it will have to do. At least now I can put my past behind me." He took a long drink of the ale, wiped his mouth, and smiled. "This day I have truly become a citizen of Fanelia." Turning to face the ship's captain and crew, the minister said in a loud voice, "Long live Fanelia!"
Everyone stopped what they were doing and cheered in unison. "Long Live Fanelia!"
Then he added, "And long live King Van Fanel!"
"Long Live the King!" They all cheered.
---
Van stood atop the castle roof, looking out over his city with a mixed expression of joy and sadness. 'Hitomi,' he thought to himself, 'it was so wonderful to be able to speak with you and to see your beautiful face once again, even if it was only in my mind's eye.' He sighed sadly. 'But I could tell from the sound of your voice, from the words you spoke, I won't be seeing you again, holding you again, anytime soon.' He looked up at the sky and pictured her smiling, carefree face among the gentle white clouds. 'I guess this is what you meant by responsibilities.' A sad smile played upon his lips. "But it's all right Hitomi. I'll be here for you, even if it means waiting forever."
Slowly, the young king turned and descended down into the castle.
---
The emerald-eyed girl finished getting changed back into her school uniform, zipped her duffel bag shut, shouldered it, and headed out of the locker room. A few minutes later as she exited the building, she spotted her friend standing nearby.
"Hitomi!" The red-haired girl waved.
"Hi Yukari!" she responded in a monotone voice.
"Oh, cheer up Hitomi. The meet's tomorrow and your times these past couple of days have been great." Yukari hooked her friend's elbow and guided her towards the train station. "You should be happy. This means you'll be able to talk to Van again."
"Yeah, I know. I just wish...." She paused.
"Wish what?" her friend asked.
"I just wish I could go to him now," the taller girl replied sadly.
The red-haired girl mirrored her friend's sad expression, but only for a moment, as a wicked smile crossed her lips and made its way up to her eyes. "Come on," she pulled her friend along.
"Yukari? I didn't know you were in a rush to get home," the sandy-haired teen gasped.
"We're not going home. We're going shopping," Hitomi's friend replied.
"Shopping?"
"Yup. We're getting you something that's going to drive your boyfriend crazy," the redhead snickered.
"What? Wait!" the emerald-eyed girl protested.
But it was too late for Hitomi to change her friend's mind. Up on the train platform, they watched the train that normally took them home come and go as they waited for the train that would take them into Tokyo.
After spending a couple hours dragging her melancholy friend from one shop to another, Yukari finally got Hitomi to try on a few outfits in a store specializing in European imports.
Stepping out of the fitting room, the young track star stood up straight and tall with her hands by her sides and smiled. "So what do you think?"
"Hitomi!" The redhead's eyes went wide as she cupped her hands over her mouth.
"What? It looks funny on me, doesn't it? I knew it. I'm just too damned skinny to look good in anything." She sighed and began to turn back to the fitting room.
"No! I mean... it looks great on you," her friend insisted.
"Really?" Hitomi turned to her friend again.
"Really. It fits perfectly," Yukari assured her.
"Are you sure? You don't think the trousers are a little too baggy?" the lean, athletic girl asked.
"That's how they're supposed to fit, so they give you room when you're riding," the saleswoman replied as she made minor adjustments to the sleeves and collar.
"And the jacket's not too short?"
"No, I don't think so," the red-haired teen replied.
"That is the style of the Spanish equestrian outfit," explained the saleswoman.
Hitomi tugged on the lapels and looked at her reflection in the mirror. "I don't know. You don't think the ruffles on the shirt are a bit much?" She bit her lower lip.
"It looks great on you Hitomi, really," Yukari reassured her friend.
"Here, let me get the rest of the ensemble," the saleswoman with the long black hair said, walking off and returning a minute later with a black sombrero and a pair of black riding boots, which only came up about a third of the way up the calf. "Now, I know these look a little big, but trust me, Spanish riding boots are meant to look like this," the dark-haired woman assured the teen. She then handed the girl the hat and knelt down to help her get the boots on. They slipped on easily, then she tucked them in under the trousers, making sure the white hem of the pants showed. Standing back up, the woman took the hat back and placed it carefully atop the young teen's head. "There we go. Now take a look," she smiled.
"Oh Hitomi, you look sooo... exotic," Yukari cupped her hands over her mouth in excitement as her eyes showed the joy she felt for her friend.
"You really think so?" The teen studied her reflection from head to toe and back again.
Both Yukari and the salesclerk replied with a resounding, "yes," then laughed when they realized they said it in unison.
Gradually a smile played its way across her lips as Hitomi turned from side to side. Growing in confidence that she really did look good in this unusual outfit, she began to visualize herself and Van riding along the countryside, then sitting in the middle of a lush green meadow to enjoy a quiet picnic together. Van, complementing her on her appearance. She, blushing slightly, but thanking him all the same. Van, slowly leaning in close to kiss her, but lightly bumping his forehead on the brim of the sombrero. Van, smiling, then gently removing the hat from the top of her head, letting it rest between her shoulder blades as he leaned in once more and kissed her ever so lovingly.
"Hitomi, are you alright?" Yukari gently touched her friend's shoulder.
The sandy-colored hair girl gasped at being shaken from her thoughts, then smiled widely. "Yeah, I'm fine, everything is fine." Turning towards the saleswoman, she said confidently, "I'll take it."
~~~~~~~~~~
AN: First let me apologize for taking so very long to update this story. I feel really bad for taking so long but between my increased work load on the job and the fact that my wife now works mostly days and prefers I spend time with her at night rather than with the computer, I don't have much time to write anymore. I do hope to update more frequently than it's taken me for this one but probably not more often than once every two weeks. Sorry (
I hope you liked this chapter. I wanted to tie together all the different elements I had started a few chapters ago and this seemed like the best way to do it. It will still be awhile before Hitomi and Van a back together but their thoughts will never be far from each other.
I'd like to offer a great big thank you to my wonderful beta-reader, Janice. Thank you Janice!!! ^_^ She's just great. I don't know how I've ever managed without her all this time.
Also, I think I may have mentioned this already but since I'm old and forgetful, I'll mention it again. I will be one of the guest panelists for the Fanfiction Panel at this years ACEN convention at the Hyatt Regency O'Hare, in Chicago (actually Rosemont). So if you'll be at ACEN this year, be sure to drop in at the panel and say HI! ^_^ I could use all the support I can get. ^_^!
A. Amishi