Sailor Moon Fan Fiction / Vision Of Escaflowne Fan Fiction ❯ The Return of the Past ❯ Waking Up ( Chapter 12 )

Goth: Hurray for the first new chapter in um… about 3 or 4 years I think. xD

Disclaimer: I don't own Sailormoon or Escaflowne, so please don't sue.

Chapter 12: Waking up

Usagi rolled over for a final time and scooted towards the edge of the bed. Pulling the blankets off of her body, she rose to a sitting position and placed her feet on the floor. She gasped as she looked down and took notice of her attire. She was no longer dressed in the dress she had been wearing and her shoes were missing. In their place she was wearing an ankle length white nightgown and her feet were bare. `What happened to my dress?' she thought to herself, `and how long have I been out of it.'

Standing she made her way over to the armoire and rifled through it until she found a pair of khaki colored pants and a long sleeved light blue blouse. She pulled them out along with some stockings and walked into the bathroom placing them on a chair in the corner. She closed the door to the bathroom and then walked over to the tub. Turning the knob she started the hot water running first then the cold. She ran her hand under the water until the temperature was just right and then she began to get the soaps and shampoo's so she could wash herself. Once she had placed the soaps and the shampoos within reach of the tub, she placed a wash rag on the rim of the tub and then proceeded to undress.

Removing the nightgown, she got into the tub and sunk down into the water that was almost half way full. With a sigh of content she relaxed for a few minutes until the tub was full and then turned off the water. She then grabbed the wash rag and dunked it under the water. Ringing the wash rag out she grabbed the soap bar and rubbed the rag into it, working up a lather. She then proceeded to wash her arm and shoulders and neck, slowly working her way down over her breasts stomach and sides. She lathered the rag again and then proceeded to wash her one leg and foot then the other. After she was done with that she lathered the rag once more to wash her back, butt and her more private area. Finished with that she placed the rag on the rim of the tub again and dunked her head under the water. Running her fingers through her hair she made sure to wet it good before she surfaced. She then grabbed the shampoo and proceeded to lather her hair. Because of the length of her hair and the fact that there were no showers, she had to wash and rinse it a few times, one section at a time.

Finally finished rinsing the last of the shampoo out she reached over and pulled the plug letting the water start to drain. Standing from the tub she grabbed a towel and proceeded to dry herself before wrapping it around her body and grabbing another towel to dry her hair. After a few minutes of towel drying her hair she wrapped it in the towel to keep it out of the way while she got dressed. She grabbed the pants first pulling them on and then the blouse. She didn't have to worry about taking her hair out of the towel as the opening for the head to fit through was pretty big. Once she had the blouse on she tie the strings on the front to make sure it was closed so no one could look down it.

Walking out into the bedroom she headed over to the vanity. She sat down in the chair in front of the vanity and once more began towel drying her hair. When she was satisfied that she had dried her hair has much as she could she placed the towel on the floor next to her, resolving to put it back in the bathroom when she was finished. Picking up the hair brush from the vanity top, she began the long task of brushing her hair. Slowly section by section she released the knots and tangles with the brush until her hair fell in silky waves. With a smile on her face she proceeded to tie her hair up in her trademark odango style. Finally finished getting ready for the day she picked up the towel and went back into the bathroom placing it on the chair in the corner before she left the bathroom and her room all together. Unfortunately or fortunately, grace was not one of her fortes, as she exited her room she ran right into a hard surface and promptly fell on her butt.

“Hey watch where your..” she began angrily before trailing off as she looked up and took notice of who exactly she had bumped into. Her eyes widened as a very noticeable blush stained her cheeks, for there standing before her was none other than Endymion. His eyes twinkled with his amusement as a small smirk graced his lips, and as always his hair managed to fall in that ever sexy way across his face. Standing quickly she bowed her head to hide her face as she apologized for running into him. “I'm sorry I wasn't watching where I was going!”

“It's alright,” he replied, “I was actually coming to see if you had awoken yet. I wasn't expecting you to be coming out just as I arrived.” Usagi, blinked once, then twice before slowly looking up at him. She took his expressions finally noticing the amusement in his expression. She pouted slightly and opened her mouth to say something but was cut off by him as he continued to speak. “Everyone was very worried about you, after you healed Van's brother Folken, you just passed out. You've been asleep for almost two days.” Usagi's eyes widened in shock.

“I've been asleep that long?” she asked in shock, “I thought I was only asleep for maybe an hour or two.” She wrung her hands as she thought about how worried her friends were. In fact she was surprised that they had stayed away this long. Endymion reading the expressions on her face like an open book spoke up to ease her worries.

“Your friends are all right,” he started, “your guardian felines have been keeping them busy with training so they wouldn't disturb your recovery. As for Folken, his wounds are fully healed, but he has yet to awaken.” Usagi calmed almost immediately at the news that Folken was okay and that her friends were being kept busy. She chucked as she thought of what torture Luna and Artemis might be putting them through.

“Thank you,” she said softly, “For telling me this. I think I'm going to go find my friends now.” She began to walk away, but Endymion held out his arm stopping her. “Hey!” she exclaimed.

“I think your forgetting something,” he said trying to keep the amusement from his voice and failing. She blinked at him in confusion as he pointed down. Looking down she saw that she had forgotten to put on some shoes. Her blush returned full force and darker than before as she ran back into her room and put some light leather boots on before running back out her room and down the hall. Endymion chuckled as he walked forward and closed the door to her room, which in her haste, she had forgotten to close.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

~Training ground~

The sound of metal clashing against metal met Usagi's ears as she made her way out into the training grounds. Shielding her eyes from the sun she looked up just in time to see Minako block a blow from Kunzite and retaliate with a move of her own. Off to one side of them Zoecite and Jadeite were in a duel of their own and to the other Artemis was observing the progress Minako was making. Not too far from the sword fights was Makoto Locked in a hand-to-hand combat with Nephrite. Sitting on a bench o the left of Usagi was Ami and Luna, pouring over some data that was on Ami's computer. Deciding that was the safest route at the moment Usagi went over to the two and stood behind Ami.

“Whatcha doin'?” she asked in obvious curiosity as she leaned over Ami's shoulder. Now the two of them had been so wrapped up in their work, that when Usagi spoke up Ami gave a startled shriek and Luna fell off the bench.

Naturally the commotion caused all other activities in the area to stop. For a moment time seemed to freeze as everyone took in the fact that Usagi was standing behind Ami, and she looked one-hundred percent better than she had been a couple days ago. In moments the girls were all on top of her hugging her and asking her if she was ok. The generals stopped what they were doing to watch the touching moment between friends. Each of them had a small smile on their faces and similar emotions showing half-hidden in their eyes.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Elsewhere in the palace Van sat in his study, behind his desk. Papers of importance such as treaty's and petitions sat scattered and untouched on his desk as he sat there deep in thought. There was a soft knock at the door before it clicked open to reveal the worried emerald gaze of Hitomi. Walking into the room she took in his appearance as she closed the door with a soft click.

“Van,” she called his name as she began to walk over to his desk. He made no motion that he had heard her as he continued to stare at seemingly nothing. Moving over to the desk she placed a hand on his shoulder as she called his name again. He jumped; startled from his thoughts he looked to who had interrupted him.

“Hitomi?” he asked, slight confusion and worry lacing his voice.

“I called your name Van,” she said to him, “you seemed so deep in thought. Is something wrong Van” Van took a moment to collect his thoughts as he looked at her. He took notice of her choice of dress and smiled slightly remembering how much she hated wearing dresses, because they restricted movement too much. Despite her past reservations there she stood in a peasant styled dress with no sleeves only straps. The bodice of the dress was a deep emerald while the skirts were a lighter almost forest green. On her feet were matching slippers and in her hair which had grown maybe an inch or two since he last saw her was a barrette. “Van?” she asked again.

“Sorry,” he replied, “I didn't mean to worry you Hitomi. I've just been thinking about Folken. Part of me is happy he is still alive, while part of me still remembers all the things he did when he was with Zaibach.”

“Oh van,” she sighed softly as she bent over wrapping her arms around his shoulders, “No matter what he's done in the past, he is still your brother, your family. He loves and cares for you and I know he regrets the things he's done. Once he's awake you should talk with him, you both need it.” Van returned the hug hiding his face in her neck as he took in her words. Taking a deep breath he spoke his words slightly muffled.

“Your right Hitomi,” he said softly, “He's still my older brother and despite everything he's done I love him as I always have.” Hitomi smiled stroking his hair in a soothing manner. They stayed like this for a few minutes taking comfort from each other. After a few minutes van began to pull away his head bowed hiding a small smirk. Hitomi let him pull away as she started to stand straighter. She let out a small shriek of surprise when his arms suddenly snaked around her waist and he pulled her into his lap.

“Van!” she exclaimed, “what are you doing?”

“Holding you,” he replied with a smile, “besides aren't you more comfortable than when you were bending to hug me?” Hitomi blushed a deep scarlet as she looked at her lap, almost reluctantly she nodded her head. Hugging her closer he buried his face in her neck again nuzzling her. If possible her face became even redder, the blush slowly making its way down her neck. “I've missed you so much Hitomi,” came his soft admission from his hidden lips as they brushed against her skin.

“I've missed you too Van,” she replied equally as soft, slowly snaking her arms around his shoulders to return the embrace. Their tender moment was ruined abruptly by a very hyper cat girl barging into the room.

“Van-sama!” she shouted in excitement, “Folken-sama is awake! He just woke up a few minutes ago.” She ran out just as fast as she had come in, completely oblivious to what had been happening in the room only moments before. The two of them sat there in silent shock for about a minute before they both got up and left the room heading towards Folken's bedroom.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

~Folken's Room~

The room settled into a comfortable silence after the storm that was known as Merle left saying something about telling Van he was awake. Folken leaned back against the headboard of his bed while he looked himself over, wondering how all of his wounds were healed. He was alone for maybe only a few minutes before the door practically slammed open. There in the door way was a slightly out of breath Van and Hitomi. Folken took in his brother, seeing how much he had changed from the rash teen to a respectable king. Of course he knew his brother, not matter how much he had grown, there were still things he would most likely rush head first into without thinking.

“Hello Van,” he said, “Hitomi.”

“Brother,” van half whispered as he looked at his brother, noticing he looked much healthier than a few days ago.

“Folken,” Hitomi replied as she gave him a slight bow.

“Please come in,” he said, “I know you have questions and I'll answer them the best that I can.”

Hitomi and Van entered the room closing the door behind them. Walking over to the bed they both sat down on the end of the bed and made themselves comfortable before turning their attention on Folken. Without them even having to ask any questions he closed his eyes preparing himself for what he was going to say. With a sigh he opened his eyes and looked straight into his brothers eyes. He could see the inner conflict that his brother was trying to hide from him. He knew that his brother cared for him and he had already accepted the fact that his brother may never forgive him for what he had done. Opening his mouth he began to explain to them what he could remember.

“After I killed Dornkirk and lay dying,” he started, “I remember it getting dark and cold. I could no longer hear the sounds around me or your voices. As my vision faded I saw a blurry image of red and purple and then I found myself waking in a new place. My arm was somehow regenerated and all of my wounds healed. I soon found out that the dark cavern I had awoken too was in an alternate Dimension called the Negaverse, and that its ruler wanted me for something. When I was well enough to her liking she took me to a cave on Gaia that had a strong magical Barrier around it. I don't know what was hidden in that cave but she demanded that I break the barrier around it. I refused and she punished me. She filled my body with this weird energy and injured me. Apparently she got whatever results she was looking for and she wasn't happy. In her anger she struck out at me using that strange black energy she wiped my mind and changed me into a dragon. After that my memories are a bit fuzzy. I remember she ordered me to attack you but I don't remember anything after that, until the end of my fight with those girls.”

Hitomi and Van sat in silent shock for a few minutes as they both absorbed this information given to them. They knew of the queen that Folken spoke about but they didn't realize that she had that much power. Hitomi was the first to speak.

“If Queen Beryl is so powerful,” she started, “then why did she need whatever was in that cave? You don't think it could be the Ginzoushu, do you?” Van shrugged his shoulders and shook his head. Folken looked at them in confusion for a moment before they both told him of the girls he fought and their feline companions.

“I'm going to go find the girls and tell them everything he told us,” said Hitomi as she got up to leave.

“Why don't you gather everyone and have them meet in the meeting room Hitomi,” Van replied, “I'll meet you there.” Hitomi nodded and left them knowing that they needed some alone time. After the soft click of the door affirmed that they were alone in the room an awkward silence filled the air.

“Van,” Folken began after a moment, “If I could take back the things I'd done I would. I think back on it now and think that maybe if I had returned defeated and shamed our mother would still be alive. Unfortunately I can't take them back and our parents are gone, but we are still here. I know nothing I can say will make things right again, but I hope someday you will trust me as you once did.”

Silence filled the air once more as Folken looked at his younger brothers bowed form. He watched as his brother seemed to try to come to terms with something, his lithe body shaking slightly with the weight of his emotions. Without any warning Van launched himself at his older brother wrapping his arms around his waist he cried into his brothers stomach. In this moment he seemed more like a child and not the young adult and king he was. Folken hesitantly wrapped his arms around his brothers shoulders and offered what comfort he could, letting his brother get out the emotions and things that he had bottled up inside him. After a few moments Van pulled away composing himself as he looked at his brother.

“Folken,” he started out hesitantly, unsure of what to say, “I cannot forgive you for what you've done right now, but you're my older brother and the only family I have left besides Merle. It will take time I know I will but I want to trust and believe in you again.” Not knowing what else to say van stood and walked to the door. “You should rest brother, he said as he opened the door and left. Folken smiled a small sad smile. He knew that it would take time but he brother would one day forgive him.