Gun X Sword: The Adventure Continues
Chapter 22: A Sezorin's Lament
(DISCLAIMER: No, I don't own Gun X Sword because it belongs to the likes of Geneon and FUNimation. So, enjoy the show! Rated M for violence, adult content, and adult language.)
"The meaning of life is contained in every single expression of life. It is present in the infinity
of forms of phenomena that exist in all creation."
-Michael Jackson
It had been a team effort to escort the refugees back to their homes after being under the tyrannical rule of the House of Feanor for so long. There were some efforts of raiding the horde that Lorbenia had as most of the food was in the arms of the people who needed it. There were also the essential supplies on hand as both the people and refugees were grabbing what they could while returning home. With Sajinar returning to normal, everyone was back in their homes as they missed them dearly after years of torment by Lorbenia and the rest of the House of Feanor. It was like brand new once again as daily life was back to normal. The people had cheered the name of King Eovanuus of the Lost Region as they were grateful to see life returning to the city once again.
After a busy day bringing refugees home from the mountains, there was a funeral for the man who died in that abandoned house as he was buried in the churchyard with a proper burial. As for the abandoned house, however, it was burned to the ground as the evidence of the toxic pink flowers and blue mushrooms were destroyed, only to make sure that no one else would never cultivate the deadly plants ever again. It wasn't long until Annabelle saw the flames that engulfed the abandoned house as it was extremely charred beyond recognition. She was grateful that the main cause of the deadly illnesses had ceased as she even thanked Van and the rest of his group for being there for the people. When it reached nightfall, Van and the others went back into the airship as they were most likely to leave in the morning. Meanwhile, back in the sickbay, Edoras had samples of the pink flower and blue mushroom as he was studying them in order to find an antidote. He had to know more about the deadly plants as he was most likely to be eager to prevent more deaths if his antidote comes into fruition.
"What are those things?" asked Undomiel as she came into the sickbay with some coffee.
"It's a sample of the pink flower and blue mushroom that came from that old house," answered Edoras. "They are dangerous, but I'm hoping that I can develop a cure in order to prevent future deaths. These plants are a deadly combination that can cause the victim to cough up blood and suffer some abnormalities in the lungs. These symptoms are similar to that of tuberculosis, but they can also cause death. One of the victims who died must have known that there was some suspicious activity before he died, but there could be more of those illegal plants growing in such shady places like that abandoned house."
"Does Van know about it?"
"He's seen those pink flowers before five years ago. Even Carmen had noticed them in her hometown of Trinolia, but the real culprit who cultivated them at the time was none other than the Claw and his right-hand woman, Fasalina. It was once rumored that those pink flowers were burned never to be seen again, but we were very wrong about that."
"No..., it can't be," said Carmen as she ran into the sickbay. "I thought that those flowers were destroyed five years ago. Now, they've returned, but who is cultivating them now?"
"We don't know," said Undomiel. "Whoever is doing this, has no idea what he or she is doing while preserving those illegal things."
"It might be the House of Feanor that are behind this. We can't let this continue. If we don't do something, then-"
"I've already studied the poisons that were in those samples. If a proper antidote is procured, then it'll be of good use."
Edoras was confident that his antidote can work as he continued to study the deadly plant samples. As a doctor, he wanted to help people as he was more into medicine than anyone on the planet. He loved his family dearly as he would also put his life on the line. He would never give up as he had a very humble calling for him. He was also a man who would be willing to protect the future king and queen of the Lost Region from harm as the House of Telfer was slowly emerging from the ashes. He had also heard of the Sezorin sisterhood as they were the prophetesses who would both predict and manipulate the balance of the Endless Illusion. He also heard rumors once before that there was a male Sezorin that was born as it would turn out to be none other than Van. It wasn't long until Edoras saw him coming into the sickbay as he was staring at those samples that were procured before the abandoned house was torched.
"So, you're still at work trying to develop an antidote, aren't you?" he asked.
"Van, those flowers along with those mushrooms, are the leading cause of some of the illnesses here in Sajinar," said Edoras.
"It's not the first time that those pink flowers were discovered, but combining them with the blue mushrooms proves to be a toxic recipe for death."
"We already know," said Carmen. "By the way, while we were still in the city, I heard that Sezorin woman, Annabelle, telling me about how a male Sezorin would be among us."
"That's impossible," said Undomiel. "The Sezorin Order is only made for women. How could there be a male Sezorin that has been born here?"
"Most Sezorin members never age, but as for Van, he doesn't seem to age a day, especially when he has to interface with Dann every once in a while."
Van was shocked to hear such words from Carmen as he had been known not to age a single day. It would seem that he was a Sezorin after all as he was quite an odd one to be exact. He had never found himself to be a Sezorin as it was once said that a male who was born from a member of the Order has been blessed to become a super being. He never viewed himself to be like that as he was just a simple drifter who never aged at all. It was just as simple as that... or so he thought...?
"What the hell's going on here?" he asked as he noticed that everyone in the sickbay was staring at him with such intensity. "What's all this staring for?"
"You're the male Sezorin," said Carmen.
"I'm not anything but a pilot for Dann of Thursday, that is all."
"You're a lot more than that, Van," said Edoras.
"Look, I may be finding out more about my past, but I am never someone that is most likely to be some sort of god. I am no Messiah, either, but me becoming a member in which has a lot of women in it is no cup of tea."
"Your mother was a Sezorin," yelled Carmen. "You should think about what you're saying, Van. All this time, everyone was talking about a super being that would end the House of Feanor's evil reign. You should at least find some acceptance for yourself for once."
"I already have, but I'm no Messiah."
With that, Van left the sickbay as he didn't want to hear anymore of such nonsense. He was not only immortal, but he was also someone that the House of Feanor had feared for centuries. Just as he was about to go into his room, he was stopped by Annabelle, who wanted an audience with him as she wanted to see him at once. She was desperate to tell him the truth about himself as she wanted him to accompany her to her home in the city. He didn't want to come with her, but he had no choice as he follwed her out of the airship. Wherever they were going, they were simply going over to her house for something more than a friendly chat, for she wanted him to know more about himself as both a male Sezorin as well a super being. He never agreed to be one, nor did he ask to become one, either, as he felt more annoyed at the fact that he was somewhat like a god in a strange aspect. It was on a whim that he was something more, for there would be a much graver battle that was brewing on the sidelines of the power struggle at hand.
###
Van finally entered into the home of Annabelle as she had many books on her shelf. It was newly furnished after Annabelle had spent some time up in the mountains. To his shock, he saw Wendy sitting at a table as she was there having a cup of tea. He also noticed that the twins were with her as they were being held by both Tinuviel and Shinichiro. It was a great thing that his whole family was there as he even saw some supplies that were in an oversized diaper bag. It was also the first time that he had seen a Sezorin woman demanding an audience with him. He sat down as he joined his wife at the table. Wendy, along with Tinuviel, Shinichiro, and the twins were honored guests that were by Van's side as they wanted to hear what Annabelle had to say.
"So, what do you want with me?" asked Van.
"It's the first time that I've seen a male Sezorin before," said Annabelle. "The House of Feanor fears your existence because you could someday surpass Eomer."
"What does that make him?" asked Wendy.
"Van is a super being, one who can bring justice and balance to this world."
"For God's sakes! I am not a super being!" yelled Van. "Do I look like a Messiah to you? No! I'm just a drifter in a tuxedo and-"
"Van!" scolded Wendy as she grabbed a hold of his arm. "This woman is someone of a higher caliber. If she believes that you are a god-like super being, then you can use your power to bring down the House of Feanor."
"You shouldn't be afraid of what who you are, Van," said Tinuviel. "You can't shake off what you really are, you know! Look at yourself! You're a super being! You can't deny it forever, you know!"
"Why, you-!" yelled Van.
"She's right, Van," said Annabelle. "You are more than just a simple drifter and a pilot for one of the Original Seven Armors, but you seem to refuse such acceptance that has blessed you for so long."
"Look! I am no Messiah! I am no super being! I am no god! This is insane!"
"Van, I'm telling you the truth. Why can't you accept yourself as a super being?"
"Because I'm afraid of it."
He was right about that as his hands were shaking. He didn't like the fact that he was a super being as he would be afraid of himself. He hated the fact that he was a savior who was more god-like than any other as he feared that he would become like Eomer and the rest of the House of Feanor. It was scaring him really bad as he didn't want to accept the fact that he would become a Messiah to those who see him as a man who comes and goes. The fact that he was a super being and a male Sezorin had scared him as he felt Wendy's slender hand touch his own. He had her by his side as she had assured him that there was nothing to fear. Sooner or later, he had to face up with what he was born to become as he was ready to have a conversation with Annabelle, who was a Sezorin herself.
"What's going on?" asked Shinichiro.
"Take the twins back to the airship," said Van.
"Wait, hold on there," said Tinuviel.
"There's no time to argue. I'll join them soon when this is all over with."
And so, both Tinuviel and Shinichiro left with the twins as they were on their way back to the airship. Van and Wendy were the only ones left in Annabelle's house as they were there to have an audience with her. With the door closed, they saw Annabelle bring out an inkstone that was many years old at least. When she put it on the table, she got out a paintbrush and a dagger as she set them down next to the inkstone. Van had never seen this coming as he saw Annabelle remove one of his gloves as she got the dagger and tore into the skin of his hand. Blood seeped out as it was dropping on the inkstone. It wasn't long until the inkstone itself started to glow with such intensity. The verdict was in as Van was now known as both a male Sezorin and a super being as he was uncertain of his new position in life. With his hand healing up, he got a cloth as he wiped the blood from his hand. He saw the glowing inkstone as it was responding to the resonance. Even Wendy was astonished to find that Van was more than just a drifter in a tuxedo as she had now saw that he had a much needed purpose to fulfill.
"It's true after all," said Wendy. "You really are a super being. I've seen it in you once before when you and I made love in Dann's cockpit."
"I told you before, I am no Messiah," said Van.
"Oh, really? Your body never ages despite the fact that you have to link up with Dann every once in a while. Besides, being something more accepting isn't anything to be afraid of, you know."
"Van," said Annabelle. "You are the one who can stand up against the House of Feanor, for they have ruled with such a tyrannical hand for too long. We cannot endure much more tragedy, for you are the future king of the Lost Region."
Van had still had a shocked look on his face as he was being comforted by Wendy's presence. She was even wearing the cross that he gave her as it was a reminder that there was still faith in each other. Even Annabelle was aware that the both of them would lead the Lost Region into a golden age that would become peaceful throughout the entire Endless Illusion.
"Close your eyes," said Annabelle as she saw him obey her command. "You must clear your mind and focus on the memories that had come to pass. Look into them, for they are a part of you always."
###
Meanwhile, back in the past...
Van was walking with Elena in a courtyard on the day before the wedding. They were so much in love as they were happy to become husband and wife. Van had found a friend in Elena as he was happy to be with her. He loved her so much as he was even given an early wedding present from Gadoved when he took it out of his pocket. It was a strange puzzle that something inside in the middle. He wanted to give it to Elena as he would someday figure it out. In such bliss, they were getting ready for their sacred vows as they will be going down the aisle. Little did they know was that there was someone sinister watching in the distance as he had so much disdain for Van, who had eluded capture for many centuries. It was Eomer who had a special guest with him as the notorious Kroo Kring Koo, or the Claw, was standing beside with a penchant to kill. Earlier, Eomer had forced Gadoved to talk about Van and Elena's upcoming as he was fearing for the life of Nicola. Both the member of the House of Feanor and the Claw were gleeful that everything will be planned out accordingly.
"There they go," said Eomer disgustingly. "Look at the happy bride and groom. Don't they look happy together? All of this bullshit makes me sick!"
"What do you want me to do, exactly?" asked the Claw.
"I want you to kill them. I want you to see them bleed to death."
"Consider it done. It's an honor to do business with my closest relatives in a time like this."
And so, Eomer watched the Claw be on his way as he was ready to make his move on the day of the wedding. The Housse of Feanor's plans were going into fruition as they relied on the Claw to keep a much bolder hold on power. Somehow, there would be tragedy coming as an unexpected turn of events was about to come to pass... with horrible results.
###
The next morning, Van was getting ready as he was about to walk down the aisle. He was ready not only to be off the marriage market, but to lose his precious virginity to the woman who was about to become his wife. When they went towards the church, both bride and groom were dressed in graceful wedding garb as they were about to be wed by the minister. When they finally got towards the altar, they saw the Claw as he was standing at the pulpit. He was ready to strike as he slashed Van first with his infamous appendage. Blood seeped from his back as he felt another blow tearing at the rest of his body. He was bleeding to death as most of the wedding guests have fled the church in horror. Elena was scared to death as the Claw slashed her entire body. She was slowly dying as she fell to the floor next to Van. It wasn't long until Gadoved and a doctor who worked in the Armor Facility carried both fallen bride and groom out of the church as they saw the Claw flee the scene with blood on his right hand.
"Theoden!" yelled Gadoved. "We need to get to Dr. Denehee at once!"
"I'm afraid to tell you that Denehee has been hospitalized," said Theoden.
"What?! How did that happen?"
"Someone attacked him and broke his legs. Now, he's forced to remain in a wheelchair for the rest of his life. My oldest kid's been into medicine, especially from a doctor like Denehee. As for me, I'm gonna have to assess the situation before we do anything."
And so, Gadoved and Theoden had taken Van and Elena into the emergency room of the Zolti Clinic. It was a sterile environment inside as there was some special surgical equipment on hand. Both Theoden and Gadoved had set both the bride and groom on some stretchers as they were bleeding from their injuries. It wasn't long until Theoden had examined Elena's injuries. They were so grave that she wasn't going to make it. As for Van, however, he was in really bad shape as he suffered injuries to the back and abdomen. He also took some severe damage as he wasn't going to live through the danger.
"This isn't good," said Theoden as he examined Van.
"T-Theoden..., i-is that you?" asked Elena as she opened her eyes.
"Thank God that you're among the living! We'll have you-"
"No, you can't save me this time, Theoden... This... is my... last request... I beg... of you..."
"No, don't die on me, Elena! I need you to stay with us!" cried Gadoved.
"G-Gadoved..., T-Theoden..., I beg of you... Please..., you must... save Van...
"By what means?! Tell me!"
"It's... a special... surgery that... binds... the pilot to... his Armor. Please..., save him..."
"Wait! Are you telling us to bind him with Dann?" asked Theoden.
Elena nods her head as she is pleading with her last breath. "Please... save Van... Tell... him that... I will... always love him..., but our union will never be realized... Please... save...him..., I... beg... of... you..."
Sadly, Elena had died on the stretcher as she closed her eyes forever. Little did Gadoved and Theoden know was that a young boy was standing there as he saw death come to the bride that was on one of the stretchers. He had studied medicine like his father as he watched him get to work. It wasn't long until the boy was caught by his father as he was about to escort him back to bed.
"Edoras, you shouldn't see graphic stuff like this," said Theoden.
"Dad, that bride who died..., was that Elena?" he asked as he had tears in his eyes.
"I'm afraid so, son."
"What about that guy with the hat, Van? Are you gonna fix him with the special surgery?"
"I don't have a choice here. If we don't save him by hooking him up with Dann, then he'll die eventually."
"I hope that you save him, Dad. I don't want him to die."
"Don't worry, son; I'll do what I can. All we need is a little faith."
Little Edoras nodded as he decided to watch his father and Gadoved do the special surgery. With their hands washed, they dressed in scrubs and hospital masks as they were ready to get to work. The special surgery lasted two hours as both Gadoved helped Theoden patch Van up with such intensity. With the special surgery over, Van was finally bound to his Armor, Dann of Thursday as he later woke up in a hospital room. He saw his body being healed to brand new as he still had the birthmark on his stomach. He was fully awake, but he was also wondering what had happened to Elena as he was starting to get a little worried. He was concerned for his beloved as he sat up in his bed shaking in fear. It wasn't long until he saw Theoden and his oldest son, who was eight years old at the time, come into his hospital room.
"Looks like that you're awake," said Theoden. "How do you feel?"
"Where's Elena?" asked Van frantically. "Where is she? Is she there?"
"Van..., I'm afraid that Elena didn't make it."
"What?! No..., Elena!" Tears streamed down his cheeks as he was sobbing with such sadness and bereavement. "Why did it have to be Elena? I loved her with all my heart and now she's gone. Oh, Elena...My Elena.."
"There was nothing we can do," said Edoras sadly. "At least Dad helped you get better."
"Where's Gadoved? Is he still here?"
"Gadoved left after the surgery." said Theoden. "He didn't say where he was going, but at least you're still alive, thanks to the special surgery that was performed on you."
"What special surgery? Was it the one that bound me to Dann?"
"It was Elena's last request to save your ass before she died. You should at least thank her for that. As for that sicko who crashed the wedding, he's still at large, but he was long gone after that tragic incident. He even had a right hand that resembled a metal claw, but-"
"That bloodthirsty son-of-a-bitch is gonna pay for killing Elena! Whenever I get my hands on him, I will take him out and avenge Elena's death! That claw-handed bastard bludgeoned her to without any remorse or mercy while we were getting hitched at the altar! I won't stand by while he is still out there! One day, he'll get what's coming to him, I swear of it!"
Van was angered at the fact that the man known as the Claw was still at large as he would someday put an end to him. He wanted to make that madman pay for killing Elena as he would also become Dann's pilot. After recovering in the Zolti Clinic, he returned to the Armor facility as he was looking at the files that Elena had. She had studied the Original Seven Armors as they were once part of the House of Telfer and the prison system at the time. To his surprise, he saw Theoden walk into the Armor facility as he had a daffodil in his hand. He saw him place it next to the desk that Elena was sitting at sometimes as it was a vigil for someone who has passed on.
"Be at peace, Elena," said Theoden as he prayed next to her empty desk.
"Don't worry, baby," said Van as he held the puzzle that Gadoved had given him. "Whenever I get the chance, I will avenge you..."
"Van, the special surgery that you had has fully recovered your wounds except for the x-shaped scar that is on your back. Looks like that you're fit to move forward, but there is one catch."
"And what is that?"
"Sometimes, you have to interface with Dann every once in a while. If you don't, you will suffer from a terrible fever and if you become more ill, you will eventually die from it along with Dann. Come to think of it, both you and Dann are now linked." He gives Van a memory-cloth weapon that resembles a strange sword. "Here, take this. You're gonna need it sooner or later. By the way, the sword you got not can slice things, be used as a grappling hook, repel bullets and projectiles, and can have the power to summon Dann at any time."
"I think I'll give it a try."
Van went outside as he tilted his hat backwards and summoned Dann with his new sword. He waited patiently as he saw it drop down from the satellite. He saw Dann of Thursday up close as he went inside of the cockpit. He was ready to take on anything as he was ready to operate the Armor that was destined to be his.
"Wake up, Dann; I need you," he said.
Theoden saw the Armor depart as he returned home to his clinic. As a widower with four children, he loved them as he kissed them goodnight. All four were asleep in their beds as they were dreaming of such pleasant dreams, but that grateful peace would soon come to an end. After getting ready for bed, Theoden heard the door break open as he rushed towards the front door. To his shock, he saw Eothain with his chainsaw. He wanted to know where Van was as he was itching to finish the job that the Claw started.
"Where's the drifter?" he asked with a hint of malice in his voice.
"If you're looking for Van, he's long gone," said Theoden.
"Don't lie to me! I know that you're hiding the sole survivor of an extinct bloodline and I'll be the one killing him!"
Without warning, there was a creaking sound coming from upstairs as one of the children had came out and went into the bathroom. It was a three-year-old girl as she had to go potty on a night like this. It wasn't long until Eothain was feeling at his pants as he was starting to get an erection. He loved the sounds of screaming children as he was more than likely to be preying on the Zolti siblings. The feel of his erection had driven him wild with desire as he was revving up his chainsaw. It wasn't long until he kicked Theoden out of the way as he was on his way upstairs to the children's nursery.
NYEN, NYEN, NYEN!
The sound of the chainsaw being revved up had scared Theoden as he feared for the safety of his four children. When he went upstairs, he saw little Tinuviel as she ran into the nursery while she hid into the closet with the rest of her siblings. The psychopath with the chainsaw was itching for blood as he was cutting up the beds. Fluff and linen were being shredded as it was flying everywhere in the nursery. Eothain was driven wild by the revving of his chainsaw as he later heard footsteps running into the nursery. Theoden was armed with his shotgun as he was aiming it at the intruder. He didn't want him to harm his children, especially the young toddler, Undomiel, as he was desperate to lay his life on the line for them.
"Leave my kids alone, asshole!" he cried.
"Oh, I won't leave them alone because I'm getting such a fucking hard-on right now," said Eothain as he was fully sated with such a sick desire. "I'll make you a deal: if you tell me where Van is, then I'll spare the kids."
"I'll never tell you where he is because he'll take out that claw-handed bastard who butchered Elena on the day of their wedding!"
"Oh, really? I guess that I'm gonna have to do a four-in-a-row vivisection. Anyway, in the space above this planet, no one will hear those little snot-nosed, booger-eating pissworms scream!"
Without hesitation, Theoden threw himself in front of the closet as he felt the chainsaw tear through his body. Blood was gushing out from him as he was taken out by such a psychotic maniac. Just as Eothain was about to finish the job, he heard whistles from outside as they were coming closer to the clinic. The sounds of whistles had rattled him as he gushed in his pants. He had to leave as he heard the townsfolk coming towards the clinic. As for Theoden, however, he was surrounded by his children as they noticed that their father was dying in front of them. The little three-year-old girl was scared to death as she was screaming uncontrollably. Edoras was saddened to find his father dying in front of him as he was unable to save him.
"E-Edoras...," said Theoden as he was laying in a pool of blood. "You can't... give up... right now..."
"Dad! Don't die on us!," he cried. "We can't go on without you!"
"Son..., there's my airship... It's all I have left that reminds me of your late mother... I'm leaving it... to you... and your siblings..."
"But I can have Dr. Denehee fix you! You can be good as new again just like Van!"
"No son..., you cannot... fix me this time..." He coughs up blood as he is pleading with his last breath. "I want... you to be... focused on medicine... Help your... siblings... and your... patients... I want you to... be a very... honest man... and not cave into... sadness... You'll become... a great... doctor... someday... Sayoko..., I'm coming... home... Wait for me..."
"Dad! Don't go!"
"Farewell..., son..."
With that, Theoden closed his eyes forever as he drew his last breath. Edoras screamed so loud as he had tears in his eyes. He witnessed the intruder kill his father with his own eyes as he prayed next to his dead body. It wasn't long until he saw some villagers coming into the house as they saw the children standing next to their father's dead body. It was a tragic shame that Theoden Zolti was mercilessly murdered by Eothain as his body was put in a body bag and carted off out of the house. The Zolti children were placed into protective custody by some close friends of Theoden as they were still reeling from their father's death. It would take the Zolti siblings years to seek out the man that their father saved as he was the chosen one who can stand up against the House of Feanor as well as the man who killed Elena, for it would happen sooner or later...
###
Sixteen years later...
Van opened up his eyes as he was panting worriedly. He witnessed the death of Elena as he also witnessed a memory of the Zolti siblings. He felt the fear as he saw the vision of their father being killed by Eothain. He was a man who never aged as his interface with Dann had given him a new lease on life, but at a tragic price when he lost Elena and Theoden. He was crying as he had tears in his eyes. He felt the sting of such tragic memories swelling up as he even felt sympathy for his fallen friends. It wasn't long until he saw Wendy put her arms around him as she was even wiping the tears away from his eyes.
"You have witnessed the memories of the past coming to pass," said Annabelle as she was seeing Van returning to his calm self. "You have avenged Elena five years ago when you went up against Kroo Kring Koo, or the Claw."
"It took me a while to track his ass down and take him out," he said. "As for avenging Theoden, it will be a difficult one because that psychopath with the chainsaw would strike again. It's only a matter of time before he does so."
"Not now, Van," said Wendy. "After this, we'll go back to the airship and I'll whip you up a nice juicy steak. You can even put all the condiments on it if you want."
"Speaking of which..." He heard his stomach growl as he was starting to get a little hungry. "I'll take you up on the offer of a steak with a salad and a baked potato any day."
Van smiled as he saw Wendy giggle at the matter of food. They had a long day as they were also going to have to check up on the twins sooner or later. When they bade goodbye to Annabelle, they were back on the airship as they saw Tinuviel and Shinichiro rocking the twins to sleep. It was also a good thing that Undomiel had frivolously bought a spare breast pump as it was even used to pump out some of Wendy's breastmilk for future storage just in case the twins got hungry.
"I see that you guys were at work," said Van as he noticed the empty baby bottles on the table.
"It's a stroke of luck that Wendy's stored breastmilk sustained those little ones," said Shinichiro.
"It's a miracle that we have help," said Wendy.
"So, what happened at that Sezorin woman's house?" asked Tinuviel.
"I also know what happened to your father," said Van. "He was murdered because of me. It's all because he refused to tell Eothain where I was. The terror of blood had caused you to be afraid of it for so long that you even cringe at it."
"H-how do you know about that?"
"I saw a memory. It was so painful to bear that it felt so real."
He was right about that as he was still reeling from his acceptance as a male Sezorin as well as both a pilot and a super being. He now accepted his role of many things as he was also the future king of the Lost Region. He wasn't alone as he had Wendy and the rest of their friends to protect him and his family from the House of Feanor's dreadful cruelty. Somehow, Van wasn't alone as he was aware that he had somewhat of a royal court in an airship. Just as he was about to see to his family's needs, he heard footsteps coming from the sickbay as Edoras had a tube full of a turquoise liquid in it.
"Here it is!" he yelled. "I knew that I can pull off this antidote!"
"So, you finally made it," said Van.
"It's a test run, but it will do in order to help some of the people who have fallen ill."
"It's a great idea. Anyway, I saw the memory of what you've been through. It was the memory of your father when he was killed by Eothain. There was also another memory when I was helped out by him. That was on the day that Elena died when he and Gadoved helped operate the special surgery that he did in order to link me up with Dann. Before the operation, there was a little boy standing there when I was being prepped up for surgery and that boy was you, Edoras."
"That memory..." Edoras was shocked as he had remembered that old memory once again. "I was eight years old at the time when you were brought in. That was when Elena died when Dad and Gadoved started to perform the special surgery that made you the way you are today. As for on the night that he was killed, he didn't want to sell out to both the Claw and the House of Feanor, for he didn't want to betray you on the spot."
"Your dad was a smart man, but he paid the price for his defiance. I know in my heart that he had also sacrificed himself to protect you and your siblings. He's up there with your late mother watching us along with Elena. They may be memories to us, but they are up there in Heaven making sure that we're making the right decisions."
"Van, you shouldn't be beating yourself about what happened sixteen years ago. If Dad saw that you're still in the doldrums of bereavement, he'd be turning in his grave right now. Now, if any of you would excuse me, I'm in the mood for some lunch."
"I'll go for some sandwiches with some condiments on the side."
Van had made his point clear as he was hungry for some lunch. The thought of sandwiches had made his mouth water as he was also thinking about what condiments to put on it. As for the lingering battle, it was put on hold for now as the airship was about to take off tomorrow. It wouldn't be long until the airship would go towards the port city of Gujran as it was another city towards the Lost Region. Somehow, Van was more in tune with himself as he now accepted himself as a male Sezorin and the future king of the Lost Region, but he still had a taste for milk and condiments, though.
To be continued...