Allen pulled away from the balcony railing, gaze leaving the beach in front of his estate. He looked to his second-in-command who stood with a parchment bearing a heavy wax seal in his hand. "House arrest," the blond said, mouth testing the words.
Gaddess nodded. "It was the best Dryden could do."
"I understand."
"At least it's not a jail cell," Gaddess offered nonchalantly, with a flick of his hand.
Allen frowned at the man.
"And there will be a hearing in the next few days," the dark-haired man added.
The blond's eyebrows rose appreciatively. "I will present my case then."
Grimacing, Gaddess shook his head. He handed the parchment to Allen. "I'm afraid the council wants to speak to Celena. Dryden told me that your character has been called into question. They want your sister's version of events."
Allen glossed over the document's contents. "Thank-you, Gaddess," he said, eyes to the paper. "I don't want to keep you." He stepped into the manor.
"She'll be fine, Allen," Gaddess said.
"Let me know when you find out when the hearing is," Allen replied tightly, folding the parchment in half.
"Yes, Sir." Gaddess nodded, watching Allen briskly retreat down the hall.
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"What do you mean by that?" Dryden asked his guest. "Why delay the repairs? It seems rather silly, wouldn't you agree? Gaea is at war."
"It's complicated," Van replied. "I was able to make some repairs on Escaflowne while aboard the Crusade," he paused, searching for an explanation, "I should be the one to repair him. I don't mean to sound ungrateful, but he's my responsibility."
Dryden added cream to his coffee with a slow hand, spoon moving methodically. He regarded the prince of Fanalia thoughtfully. "You've changed your mind about our agreement, haven't you? You want to keep Escaflowne all to yourself."
Van froze, bringing a timid hand up, fingers splayed. "No, that's not it."
"It's alright, Van. I get it. Escaflowne is your country's treasure, or whatever, and you're doing your best to keep its secrets safe."
"No," Van continued, voice bordering panic.
Dryden took a gulp of his coffee, leaning across the table, his green eyes searching Van's troubled face. "There are secrets, am I right?"
Van looked away. "Escaflowne is my responsibility."
Dryden smiled. "I knew it. The mysteries of the Draconian age, the majesty, the technology, Escaflowne hints at them all. Why do you think Ziabach is after it?" he asked, his smug face brightening.
"Dryden..."
"Because Escaflowne is a rare link to Gaea's past. Don't you ever wonder how a race of beings who possessed a supreme power vanished from this world? I'm certain that Ziabach wouldn't mind knowing, which is another reason we can't let them have Escaflowne." Dryden cleared his throat. "Van, Escaflowne's secrets could help us bring Ziabach down. You have to let me in on this."
Van looked up at Dryden with hesitation lining his features. "Can I trust you?" he asked.
"I've got your back if you've got mine," Dryden promised.
The dark-haired prince rolled his shirt-sleeve up, unveiling his bandaged shoulder. Dryden looked at him with question. Van carefully pulled down the bandage, revealing smooth unblemished skin. "Before I repaired Escaflowne's shoulder, my shoulder would not stop bleeding," he explained. "Once I repaired the shoulder, the wound- it vanished."
Dryden removed his glasses and extended a hand towards Van. "May I?" he asked. Van nodded. Dryden stood and moved to examine Van's shoulder. "Fascinating," he said finally, releasing Van's arm. "Remember those scrolls I mentioned? I think we need to have a closer look at them."
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Hitomi watched from the balcony as Gaddess escorted Celena to a waiting carriage, holding her hand as she stepped up, blushing when she almost tripped over her skirts, his hands instantly moving to her hips to steady her. She stayed long after the carriage disappeared from her sight, content to feel the afternoon sun on her face. She let the shawl she wore across her shoulders sink to her elbows. With a glance to the ocean twinkling with the promise of peace, she was distracted by her troubles. Celena remained polite towards her, never made empty comments, never frowned. She was quieter, spending most of her time in the garden or in her room. Hitomi had yet to find the words to express her regret for her actions the day they infiltrated the floating fortress. The blonde had not mentioned the incident once since offering a tight 'You're back' moments after her return to the Crusade. She missed waking up to find the blankets ripped away to the opposite side of the bed, and the light comments Celena made in her sleep.
When she tired of the sound of gulls, Hitomi walked downstairs. The clinking of glass brought her to the manor's main sitting room. Allen sat on a sofa, hair tied back, white shirt worn loose. He nursed a glass of wine in one hand, and supported the spine of weathered leather book in the other. Blue eyes flashed up at her. "Hitomi," he greeted her, tone amused. "Please, join me."
She hesitated. His expression was determined. He held the book firmly in his hand. "I can leave," she replied.
"Company will improve the taste of the wine," he told her, a gentle smile tugging at his lips. He set the glass down on the table. "I can offer you my glass."
She edged her way to him and took the seat next to the blond knight. "That won't be necessary."
To her surprise, Allen plucked the bottle of wine from the table and took a swig. "I insist. It's very good wine." He nudged the glass into her hand, then tipped the bottle to his mouth again.
She took a small sip under his hopeful gaze. Lowering the glass to her lap, she nodded her approval. "It's good." Her eyes lingered on the book in his hand.
"My father's journal," he explained, noting her interest. Another drink punctuated his statement. "I used to have each word memorized in the hope it would somehow help me find him." He flipped a page, one finger uncurling from the neck of the wine bottle. "Dilandau too. His appearance has breathed life into my father's shadow. I thought that maybe now I would be able to see the answer hidden in these pages."
"How long ago did he disappear?" Hitomi asked.
Allen paused, lowering the wine bottle from his lips. "Almost a decade now," he answered, then added, "Care to hear an entry or two?" He lifted the book from his lap.
Hitomi nodded, taking a drink from her glass. "Sure."
Allen thumbed through the journal gently, eyes settling on a page. He cleared his throat.
12 Purple moon
I have hired a ship and crew for my journey with the last of my savings. I have resigned myself in knowing that this is my last chance. The waters are treacherous, but I remain optimistic we will reach our destination. Tension among the crew grows day by day. There is talk of turning back. That the place we travel to is cursed. We can't turn back. Not now. We're close, I can feel Atlantis' pull.
19 Purple moon
I find myself washed ashore on a wasteland of dirt and rock. The ship was lost. I remember the swell of the sea and the howling of the wind. There is no sign of the captain or his crew. Now I sit by a fire, wondering how it is that I'm still alive. Is this the Mystic Valley I have searched for? I walked along the shore in an attempt to find my bearings. Instead I found a small polished red stone shining among the pebbles.
23 Purple moon
As I've pushed further inland I have discovered that I'm not alone. There was a woman. She seemed as surprised to see me as I was her. By the Great Sea Dragon, she is striking. Piercing green eyes, pale face, auburn hair. Truly an enchanting creature. I called to her but she fled. I did not give chase and I wonder now if perhaps she was a dream. My resources run thin. I grow weaker. This land is as barren as it is desolate.
29 Purple moon
I collapsed. When I woke I found that woman sitting next to me, glowing in the firelight. I asked her if I was still dreaming and then, she smiled.
She told me to call her Yuri. I do not know how she came to be here, or for what purpose. All I know is that I am grateful to her. If not for her intervention, I would have perished. It is her food rations that sustain us now, that and the ruins we have discovered. My companion is entranced by them, perhaps more than I am.
Allen stopped, turning a page. He looked to Hitomi, who had emptied her glass moments before. "It's like I said, company improves the taste, doesn't it?" He set the journal down on an armrest and made a neat trip to the liquor cabinet, movements smooth and languid. A hollow pop sounded, a cork carelessly rolling across the rug. Wine trickled into Hitomi's glass. She stared into the glass, dulled fingers playing with its delicate stem.
Yuri.
The name numbed her, or was it the wine? Perhaps it was a terrible coincidence. A beautiful mistake. She licked her lips and contemplated lifting the veil. He had told her to trust him, but would he really be so understanding? Instead of opening her mouth to speak, she took another drink.
Allen settled back into his seat with a groan, newly opened bottle of wine in hand. He opened the journal once more. "Shall we continue?" He took her silence as a 'yes'.
4 Blue moon
Tonight, Yuri and I spoke of the Draconian that once made this land their home. I confessed to her my ambitions of finding Atlantis, the legendary city the Draconians. She tells me that she knows the stories. I am interested in hearing the ones she knows so that I can compare them to the ones I have gathered. She keeps her answers to my questions guarded. She is a mystery to me still.
11 Blue moon
We stand on the doorstep of the ruins of a colossal city. I am in awe of its majesty. I have captured what I am able in my sketchbook, but there is so much more to see. Yuri helps me decipher the Draconian characters we have discovered on stone reliefs. I have stopped asking her how she has come to acquire the talents she possesses. She has been invaluable to my efforts. We have made camp inside a temple of sorts. The temple's subject is unknown to me. There is a great crater in the center of the temple, however, the remainder of the building is intact. The hole goes down further than I care to imagine. Another mystery for me to contemplate.
13 Blue moon
I came across a man today as I walked the streets of the city. His name is Issac. He tells me that he also seeks Atlantis. I have invited him back to camp and shared with him my progress. Yuri has not returned yet. I worry for her safety.
16 Blue moon
Issac has wandered the city with me each day since our introduction. He hails from Ziabach, appointed by the Emperor to survey this land. He tells me that he wishes to travel further inland to further assess the terrain. He has offered to meet me here again on his way back, telling me that there will be an airship waiting for him and that I should join him. I accepted his invitation. He has bid me farewell for the time being.
20 Blue moon
I search the streets everyday for signs of Yuri. Each night I return to camp bitterly disappointed that she is not here waiting. I continue my work alone. She speaks to me in my dreams.
22 Blue moon
She is Draconian. Yuri is Draconian. I found a way to the roof of the temple, and there she was, a Goddess before the setting sun, her wings like a tapestry of resilience and faith. She turned to me and said, "Now you know the truth." I was speechless. She told me the man named Issac was not to be trusted with the secrets of this place. I expressed that I needed to know why he posed such a threat, and more importantly where she had been. She told me that it wasn't important, then asked me if I would return with her and continue our work. I told her of my intentions to leave with Issac and she urged me to come with her instead. I don't know why I refused. Perhaps I was angry with her, how she returned after her disappearance with more questions than answers. Perhaps I was afraid of her in that moment, with her strength so apparent in her outstretched wings. "I hope you find all that you search for," were her parting words to me. She was gone before I could say anything to stop her. Gone in one breath, and all I could feel was regret.
I want to see her again.
25 Blue moon
Issac is true to his word. I return with him now. Once I return to Asturia I have decided to regroup my efforts. I hope to return here one day. Atlantis draws closer. Encia, forgive me. Yuri continues to haunt my dreams.
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Celena let Gaddess lead her through a web of corridors, arm notched through his. He bent down to her ear and whispered,"Remember, tell them that he had Asturia's best interests at heart. That he followed Van to bring Escaflowne back to Asturian soil."
"I understand, Gaddess."
"They will rip your story apart. Don't let them. Just as we rehearsed, right?" He rested his hand over hers.
She exhaled slowly, nodding at his words. "Right. I'll be careful."
"You can do this."
Celena looked up to find Van Fanel ahead of them, travelling down the hallway. "Van," she called to him, relieved to see a familiar face. "I've been wondering how you've been doing since we returned."
"Healing. Slowly," Van replied, then asked, "Is Hitomi not here with you?"
"No." Celena shook her head. "She's at the manor. You need to stop by for dinner when you're free."
Van nodded.
"Celena, we don't want to be late for this," Gaddess interrupted.
"Of course. Van, I hope to see you again soon. Tell Merle that I said 'hello'."
"I will."
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Allen closed the journal slowly, frown growing as he plucked a small slip of paper from the back confines of the pages. He set the book down and looked into Hitomi's worried eyes. "I have a portrait of him if you wish to see," he said, offering Hitomi the parchment between two fingers.
She sucked in a breath. It was Leon. Of course it was him. Even with her senses muddled by wine, she could never forget his face. She steeled herself, grimacing as she willed her heart to stop ramming against her ribcage so vigorously.
"The face of a man who abandoned his family. We never did find out what happened to him," Allen paused, taking a gulp of wine, "Maybe he found that woman, and has a family with her now."
Hitomi emptied another glass of wine and handed the portrait back to Allen. "I'm sorry," she said softly.
Allen tossed his head back and gave a few dry chuckles. "Enough of my sob story. I'm certain that you have your own. You must have one, my sister found you alone in the woods." He gave her a tragic smile and refilled her glass.
She flushed, glass cradled in both hands. "I left my home. My family...They didn't want me."
"Because you can see things that others cannot?" Allen asked, leaning in closer to hear her response.
She brought the glass back to her lips.
Silence permeated the sitting room. Allen relaxed into his seat and looked up at the ceiling, watching small circles of candlelight surge and fade. He turned to his companion and said, "So, Gaddess and Celena, huh?"
Hitomi sputtered into her glass, her blush growing to near volcanic proportions. She refrained from a reply, eyes wandering away from the knight.
A tired sigh escaped Allen. "I can't say that I'm pleased."
"Allen, I..." Hitomi began, wiping her mouth with the back of her hand.
"You don't have to say anything on the matter. It might be best that way," he replied.
Hitomi set her glass down on the table and balled her fists against her lap.
"Hitomi, how long has it been since we've returned to Palas?" Allen asked, turning the bottle of wine in his hands.
She pursed her lips in thought, counting back the days silently. "Almost a week," she replied.
"And I have not left the manor once," Allen mused aloud. Hitomi nearly opened her mouth to remind him that he was under house arrest, then decided against it. "I am in need of a change of scenery." He pulled himself away from the sofa and helped Hitomi to her feet.
"The sun must be setting over the water by now. You can see it best from the balcony," she suggested.
"We both know that's not true," he chided, giving her hand a pat. "Such a view is best seen standing on the shore with the waves at your feet."
Somehow, armed with only his charm and a half-empty bottle of wine, Allen convinced Hitomi to accompany him outside, then convinced the guards standing watch that he had no intentions of running away, tossing his boots aside for emphasis. Allen and Hitomi continued barefoot across the sand. He wrapped an arm around her shoulder to steady her as they kicked through the water. Hitomi hummed in false contentment, the effects of the wine washing over her as she leaned into the blond man. She snickered when he tipped the contents of the bottle out into the water, watching the red liquid dissipate into orange and gold swirls.
"I think we've had enough." He tossed the empty bottle to the shore.
"Perhaps," she replied as she wriggled her toes into the sand, grounding herself to the moment, resisting the pull of the waves.
Allen gently released her from his grip and waded further out into the sea, water to his knees. He tilted his face up and closed his eyes. "Hitomi, I have a confession to make," he said finally, tone sobering.
She blinked at him and carefully made her way forward.
"I am not the virtuous knight I pretend to be. There have been women. Many women. Affairs and casual dalliances. Once upon a time I convinced the eldest Asturian princess to run away with me. Not that we made it very far."
"Allen," she said, brows furrowed. She tugged at his wrist. "Why tell me this?" She heaved a sigh of frustration, letting his arm fall back to his side.
He turned to face her, unabashed. "I need you to know the truth about me," he said, smiling through her cutting gaze. "Because I'm falling in love with you."
Her green eyes widened. "Allen," she blubbered, cheeks colouring.
He chuckled. "Don't act so surprised," he told her, lifting her hand up. He brought the inside of her wrist to his lips. The touch warmed her, seeping into her skin. He stepped forward and enveloped her in his embrace. "I've felt this way for some time now."
She looked up at him and forgot how to breathe, oblivious to the dark-haired youth watching them from the shore, red shirt tangling in the air currents. It was Allen who greeted him, slowly pulling away from the honey-haired girl. "Van."
"Allen. Hitomi."
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A blue glow spread from a pale screen, light framing a lone shadow along the opposite wall. "Freid is ours, Emperor Dornkirk." The man inclined his head to the projected face before him.
"And this is to make up for what we've lost?" the emperor replied with undercurrents of detachment. "Is it, Leon?"
Leon kept his head down, unmoved.
"Have you located the power source?"
"Yes, but it is not what we were hoping for."
"Another dead-end."
Leon lifted his face to look at the emperor. "Not necessarily. If I can find a way to combine this power with your fate alteration engine..."
"Permission granted. I await your return."
"Emperor Dornkirk," Leon said quickly, hand raised, "the presence you felt-"
"You found her," the old man replied.
Leon paused, eyes narrowing. "Yes."
"She was with the Dragon?" the emperor asked flatly. "She helped him escape, didn't she?"
"Yes."
"This progression must be stopped. Bring her to me."
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There were flowers and bolts of cloth everywhere she looked. It was overwhelming. A cup of tea was offered to her, which she held close to her chest as she carried onward. The teacup gave her something to focus on as her sister swept ahead of her, pausing to touch a length of cloth or appraise the arrangement of food on a platter. She was seated at a table. Her sister directed the palace staff with poise and dignity.
"Millerna, the seamstress has arrived," her sister called.
A maid stepped forward to take her cup. Millerna startled, then calmly relinquished the small source of comfort. "Coming," she replied.
The servants erected a beautiful barrier for the princess' privacy. She stripped down to her small-clothes with some assistance and surrendered to the seamstress' ministrations.
A knock sounded, then a door opened. Dryden Fassa moved into the room quickly. "I have news," he announced before looking up from the report in hand. He halted, cleared his throat, then turned to face the wall. "My apologies."
Eries quirked an eyebrow at him. "What news?" she asked him.
Dryden sheepishly held the report out, still facing the wall. "Freid has fallen to Ziabach."
Eries collected the report. "And the duke?"
Millerna grabbed a dressing robe and wrapped it hastily about herself. She freed herself from the muddle of servants around her and maneuvered around the flimsy barrier.
"It's not good news."
"Mahad..." Her eyes stung, hand gripped to the front of her robe. "Please, tell me he's alive." Millerna looked desperately to her sister, the picture of grace under pressure, for an answer.
"Millerna," Princess Eries said quietly, "the duke is no longer with us."
The younger princess cupped a hand to her mouth to muffle her sobs. She let herself drop to a nearby chair.
"What of Prince Chid?" Princess Eries asked.
"Captured."
"This is our fault," Millerna said, hugging herself. "Because of Asturia's inaction, Mahad is..."
Dryden turned to look at his bride to be, eyes pained. Before he could offer a kind word or a shoulder to cry on, Eries stepped between them. "Dryden, please leave us."
"Millerna..."
"Dryden," Eries urged.
He flinched at her sharp tone, but he remained. "I won't," he told her. "Not until I know she's alright."
"I will take care of this," Eries continued.
Millerna looked at him through her tears, mouth pursed in bewilderment. Dryden pushed by Eries and approached the distraught young woman. "Millerna, I'm sorry."
Her bottom lip trembled. "I don't want any part of this. Hiding behind armies, doing nothing but saving ourselves." Her violet eyes darkened, tears rolling down her cheeks. "Do you even want this? Marriage for a crown you know I don't want."
"What I want is complicated," Dryden admitted. "Surely you can relate."
She dabbed at her eyes with a sleeve. "Is it now?" she replied.
"We'll find a way to help your nephew," he told her, voice soft.
Lowering her hand from her face, she scrutinized him. He was still here, despite Eries' attempt to chase him away. He was here, despite her voiced uncertainty. "Dryden, Hitomi was able to find Van. I don't know how she did it, but maybe she could help us too?"
"I'll ask her," he replied, earning himself a sad, hopeful smile.
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Gaddess, thank-you for today," Celena addressed the dark-haired man as she exited the carriage. "I don't know what I would do without you." The night was cool against the becoming colour gracing her cheeks.
"You give me too much credit," he replied shyly. "I'll escort you inside. Allen-"
"Is eagerly awaiting my return." She smiled, then added, "With an interrogation prepared, I'm sure."
Gaddess held the door open for her, returning her smile with a lobe-sided grin of his own. She stepped inside, half-expecting her brother to be standing in the foyer waiting for her, instead finding the space empty, save for the slow burn of candlelight flickering amid the darkness. A pair of voices rolled down the hall, short sentences with quick replies. Footsteps approached. The prince of Fanalia greeted Celena and Gaddess with a nod, hand resting on a door-frame.
"Van," Celena called to him, "It's good to see you again so soon. You're not leaving now, are you?"
He hesitated. "Tonight was...I'll come back tomorrow," he said as he continued towards the door.
"Why don't you stay for a while longer? You know that you're always welcome here," she replied, blue eyes trailing after him.
"Good-night, Celena," he told her curtly.
"Good-night." She made no further attempt to keep him, hands folded politely in front of her.
The door closed behind him. Celena and Gaddess looked at each other curiously. "Strange," Gaddess commented. Celena nodded.
They walked to the sitting room together and shared a sigh. Allen rested on a chair, head back, eyes closed. Celena's nose crinkled at the strong scent of stale wine lingering around him. A wine glass lay on the floor next to him, tipped on its side.
"Allen." She came to stand in front of him, hand lightly touching his forearm.
"Welcome home, sister," he replied without opening his eyes. "Did things go well?"
"The council dropped the charges against you with conditions," she replied, then added, "Allen, you're..."
"Drunk," Gaddess offered, crossing his arms.
Allen lazily opened his eyes and squinted at the pair, frowning at them. "Thank-you, Gaddess," he deadpanned.
Gaddess chuckled. "I wish you could see yourself."
Allen shifted in his seat, pulling his torso away from the back of the chair, and leaned forward, elbows resting against his legs. "Van tells me Ziabach will be marching against Asturia soon. Van, is that really true?" He turned to the empty seat next to him and blinked at it.
"He left," Gaddess said.
"Right." Allen brushed his hair away from his face.
"It's late, brother. I'll help you upstairs," Celena said with a tight smile.
"Go on ahead. I want to talk to Gaddess first," he replied.
"We'll talk tomorrow."
Allen scowled at his second-in-command. "Fine," he agreed with a huff and pushed himself to his feet. Gaddess jutted forward to catch him when he drifted off to one side.
"Easy Boss," Gaddess said as he lifted Allen's arm over his shoulders.
Celena led the pair up the stairs, Allen relying heavily on Gaddess to keep his footing. She stopped at the beginning of the hall, eyes falling to a small hunched over form on the floor next to her door. "Hitomi?" she called, breath catching.
No answer.
She ran to her, skirts hiked up, falling to her side. Her hands darted from her face to her shoulders, then back.
"Celena, is she okay?" Gaddess asked.
"Who?" Allen raised his head momentarily.
"She's breathing, but..." Celena took the honey-haired girl by the shoulder and gave her a shake. She stirred, eyes opening to green slits before closing again. A putrid smell rose from the girl, causing Celena to recoil slightly before realizing the source of the smell was directly beneath her. Suppressing the urge to retch, Celena shifted away from the sodden pile she found herself sitting on.
"Her too, eh?" Gaddess laughed, inching by her with Allen in tow.
The blond man looked down. "Hitomi?"
Gaddess redirected Allen's gaze, hand to his face. "Never you mind. Keep walking. I'll be back, Celena."
Celena brushed Hitomi's hair from her face. "What has gotten into the both of you?" she asked herself.
Gaddess returned and lifted the girl off the floor with gentle hands. He laid her down on her bed, Celena at his side. The platinum blonde looked down at Hitomi sadly and said, "I'm so sorry about this, Gaddess."
"You don't need to apologize. What would you do without me, right?" He lightened the mood with a smile.
"Thank-you."
"I'll see you tomorrow." He gave her shoulder a reassuring pat before making his retreat.
After retrieving a clean nightgown from the wardrobe, Celena helped Hitomi out of her clothes, ignoring her groans and groggy flails as she muttered strings of incoherent words. She slipped the nightgown over her head and wrestled the garment onto her. Satisfied, she turned to go, cringing at the state of her dress.
"Celena." Her name rang out as clear as a cloudless morning.
"Yes," she answered tentatively.
"Don't go." Hitomi's words were muffled by the blanket drawn up to her face.
She returned to the wardrobe and removed another nightgown. It took her a moment to change, leaving her dress in a silken puddle on the floor. She sat down on the bed next to her friend. "I'm here."
Inexplicably, her reply reduced Hitomi to tears. "I wasn't thinking."
"What's wrong?"
"I left." Hitomi curled into a ball, blankets clutched in her fists. "I left you."
"Hitomi..."
"He left us once. Grandmother died, and Allen..." She sobbed into the soft folds surrounding her.
Celena stroked her hair. "Hush," she hummed. "I don't know what you are trying to tell me, but it's alright."
"I was alone. You had Allen. But I was alone." Her eyes opened, green as Fanalian spring. "I'm trying not to be anymore."
Celena stretched herself out beside her and placed a hand on her wet cheek. "I know," she replied.
Hitomi swallowed and closed her eyes. "I'm sorry," she said, voice fading into sleep.
Celena smiled and mouthed 'I forgive you' to her sleeping companion, fingers lingering on her cheek.
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AN: Hello again. Thank-you for reading and following. As a footnote, I have no idea how the Gaean calendar works, so I made it up for the purposes of Leon's journal entries. I hope you enjoyed this chapter.
TBlaze and Heidilynn08- Thank-you for the encouragement! I really appreciate it!
KaOrU HiMuRa24- How did your day at the cinema go?
I have been toying with the idea of stopping Lovely Fool for a bit and perhaps writing a chapter or two for another one of my fanfics. Any thoughts?