Vision Of Escaflowne Fan Fiction ❯ A Country's Hope ❯ Angel Wings ( Chapter 11 )

[ T - Teen: Not suitable for readers under 13 ]

He kissed me...he kissed...me!

Eiko had been tucked away in bed for quite a few hours after she got home, but unfortunately sleep was not about to come easy. Not after the events of that day. How could Jarnuth have kissed her?! How did that happen! They barely knew each other, and for young children to be kissing was just...strange. That was what adults did...not people her age. Eiko wished she could have gotten in the boy's mind, and found out what he was thinking-or if he was even thinking at all. The scene kept replaying in her mind like a broken record-the way he clumsily put his mouth on hers all the way until he shyly ran off. Subconsciously, Eiko had brought her fingers up to those lips and after realizing she was touching those plush tiers, she flushed, and quickly drew back her hand with a sigh. She hadn't even said anything to the other children when she returned. She just quietly gathered the clothing she had taken, and then rushed back home.

So, there she was...bundled away in the covers as her mind kept circling around that kiss over and over again. She wasn't even so sure if she had liked it...or what she thought about it. Every inch of her body was numbed with surprise, but the feeling of that damp mouth wasn't about to fade away so easily. Maybe she would feel it forever...and there was no possible way to get the touch of Jarnuth's lips off of her own. Eiko frowned, and then rolled over onto her side. She tried to direct her mind toward something other than that kiss in the rain. Maybe, tomorrow she would actually get to start the game. She could put on Van's clothes and bring him to existence where he was normally dormant. She bet that would be fun, and she wondered what sort of 'adventures' they would go on, and if they would defeat Viole's evil king character.

And I'll have Van show him a thing or two! I wonder what Van would really do in that situation...? I bet he knows how to use a sword...because Folken showed him. ...Folken? Wait...Jarnuth plays Folken. He's gonna be there isn't he? Oh no...I wonder if he'll say anything to the other kids. I wonder if I should say anything to him...I...wonder what it would feel like to kiss Van...

Eiko gasped as that final thought washed over her. Where had that come from! It must have just been because of Jarnuth. His strange actions were making her think crazy things. Yes, that was probably it...and there was no need to concern herself over strange thoughts, because she was all disoriented from Jarnuth's kiss. Her lids fell over those eyes, shielding them from the influx of milky moonlight. The rain clouds did disappear for the evening, and left everything crystal clear outside. Stars brilliantly sparkled along the night sky, and the mystic moon itself loomed protectively above the window. Were Eiko looking, she might have seen it's outline through the closed curtains, but it was best to keep those eyes shut. Even though thoughts were able to flow much more freely and mental images could play better in the darkness-eventually sleep would seize her if she waited patiently. The young girl tried to close her mind to those racing cerebrations, and little by little the burden of that day's events were lifted from her shoulders. Before she could even realize it, Eiko had fallen into a peaceful slumber.


Morning came quickly, and along with it-the normal routines. Getting up, getting breakfast, getting dressed...it had all become so mechanical by that point. Eiko was finished with all her typical duties in no time, and after bidding farewell to Fanis and Daynus, she had started on her way to the children. Oh, she was dressed fairly nice-a lovely little pink outfit adorned her form, and she was amazed that her mother hadn't noticed how awkwardly the skirt bunched. Once the girl was a good enough distance away from her home, she eased out of that dress, beneath which she had on that red-shirt and those tan-shorts. They were a bit large on such a petite frame, but Eiko absolutely loved the freedom of it. Dresses were far too restricting compared to the feeling of shorts-it was a shame that she couldn't wear such things on a regular basis.

The group had assembled, and everyone was simply waiting for her. Everyone...except for Jarnuth. She didn't see him anywhere, and then she flushed wondering why she even questioned his presence. Jarnuth would be there shortly more than likely...and hopefully Karyn had cooled down after his temper had overheated the other day. Briassa was the first to welcome Eiko with a bright wave. It was obvious that she was feeling much better than she had the day before. Viole, Sorien, and Asantay followed in turn, but apparently Karyn was still a tad too angry to even acknowledge her presence.

"Wow....look at that outfit on you..." Briassa commented, moving forward to inspect her. "If you had shorter hair...and darker skin...not to mention were a boy, I bet you could pass off as Prince Van himself!"

Eiko giggled some, and bunched up the pink outfit with a shake of her head, "That's a whole lot of ifs there, Briassa..."

"Think we're actually gonna play today...? Every time we try to...something always happens," Sorien frowned, apparently having missed their game.

"I think we will, Sori. Soon as Jarn comes out..." Viole nodded, and then squinted off in the direction of the Molin residence, hoping to catch sight of him.

Karyn rolled his eyes, "I bet he's inside...crying like a baby about what I did to him."

"That's enough, Karyn..." Eiko warned, furrowing her brows. She had to stick up for Jarnuth, because...he had stuck up for her. It was...the fair thing to do, and it had absolutely nothing to do with that kiss...right?

"Yeah...Eiko's right. I don't wanna hear any of your badmouthing today...I just want to sit down and play for once," Asantay shook his head in aggravation

Karyn's only response was a cold stare in Asantay's direction. Sorien carefully sank beside the angered boy, placing a hand lightly on his arm and using the other to flip a copper curl away from her eyes. He looked down at her briefly, and then made a face of disgust, sliding away. He didn't want to be touch by some girl, or maybe just not Sorien. Though, Eiko tended to believe that if she went over there, he would react the same way.

"Maybe Jarny's sick," Briassa broke the silence.

"I sure hope not! Then we won't get to play! We need Folken..." Sorien frowned.

"Why doesn't Eiko just play him? She can take anyone's spot," Karyn muttered bitterly. "In fact...why don't I just let her be King Goau?"

"Karyn..." Briassa warned.

"Because I don't want to be King Goau...I want to be Prince Van," Eiko stated simply.

"Eiko..." Briassa sent a pleading gaze the girl's way.

"Why's that, Eiko?" Karyn snickered and then teased. " 'Cause you're in love with him?"

"Karyn!!" Briassa shouted.

Eiko gasped as the blow hit her quite hard. She had to regain her ground after that one and still...the only comeback she could think up was, "N-no...ew! I don't love Prince Van." She paused, and then regained some confidence. "I admire him. Being so young and living in that castle...having to do all the things he does as his princely duties. The way he acts...and the fact that he looks completely normal, but yet...is a prince! That is why I want to play as Van. I want to give him a chance...a chance to prove that...that...well... that he's simply wonderful."

The others blinked at her- a bit dumbfounded by the speech. Briassa tilted her head, before a teasing grin crept into those lips, as she stated in a singsong voice, "Eiko's got a cru~ush!"

"I do not!" Eiko felt her cheeks redden.

Briassa beamed, clearly about to retaliate, but that was interrupted by her brother's words, "I think we should go to Jarn's house and see if he can come out."

"No way! I'm not going there..." Karyn answered quickly.

"I think I'll stay with Karyn to keep him company," Briassa nodded, and then sank beside him.

Sorien looked toward Briassa and smiled some, "Yeah...me too."

"And that probably means I should stick around...to make sure no one gets hurt," Asantay moved toward Briassa and Karyn, sitting on the opposite side of the blonde.

Viole nodded toward them all, and then glanced over at Eiko in question. Her eyes widened for a moment as she was put on the spot. She honestly didn't know whether or not she wanted to accompany him to Jarnuth's place. Did she really want to see him after what had happened? And what about Jarnuth? Maybe he was purposely hiding away in his home, locked inside by pure embarrassment. And if that was the case, then again it was her fault. That made up her mind, and she offered Viole a solemn nod, placing her dress on the ground beside a tree.

"We won't be long," Viole smiled, and motioned Eiko to follow along with him.

The girl moved beside him, and pinched her lips together. Maybe, Jarnuth wanted to avoid her entirely. If that were so, then by going to his house it would only make him more abashed. But, why did he kiss her like that! Did she make him think she wanted him to? Maybe, it was because she was nice to him, and stayed in that storm to comfort him. Was that his way of repayment? She certainly hoped he didn't do that to every girl when they were nice. Maybe, she could indirectly bring up that question to Briassa.

"Hey...Eiko...is something wrong?"

She broke free of those thoughts and raised her attention to Viole's concerned face, "Er...uh...no?"

The youth blinked at the response, and then laughed some, "You do realize that, that wasn't very convincing don't you?"

Eiko frowned, unable to take the torment of holding back her thoughts, but before she unburdened herself she just had to make certain she could trust the Arem boy, "V-Viole...if I tell you something, do you promise you won't tell anyone...even Briassa?"

He quirked a brow, and then scratched the side of his head, "Yeah, I guess--"

"No! That's not good enough. You have to promise me back..."

Viole paused in his tracks, and turned to her. Eiko stopped as well, but then allowed a breath to catch. What was he doing? Why did he stop walking...? Was he going to kiss her too? Her heart pounded against its caged barrier, trying with all its might to break free and retreat to a safer place. Cheeks were already pink, and still the warmth began to change that for the darker. It didn't help the rush of nervousness when Viole had taken her hand in his own. Her eyes dropped to their interlocked digits. The boy raised his other hand, and used the one holding hers to guide it closer to the opposite.

What's he doing?! Oh no...I don't want to be kissed again. I just want to get out of here before--huh?

Eiko blinked in confusion as Viole had locked his smallest finger of the opposite hand around her own. He dropped his left against his side, leaving both their rights linked. Twisting those entwined digits, he allowed both their thumbs to touch each other. A grin crept into his lips, and he offered that to her...just as reassurance.

"Pinky swear and lock it..." Viole nodded, and released her hand.

"P-pinky swear?" Eiko tilted her head, feeling a great sense of relief when her lips went untouched.

"Yeah...it's the ultimate promise! Now that we pinky swore, I can't tell anyone..." Viole responded.

"But...why?"

"Well...er..." He thought for a moment, not so sure what the answer to that question was. "Uh....oh yeah! 'Cause if I tell anyone, you have to break my pinky or something."

Eiko scrunched up her nose in disgust, "Well...I just hope that you don't tell anyone then..."

"Heh...me too. Anyway, what's wrong?"

The young girl sighed, and then grasped a hold of his arm to tug him away from the road. She felt what she was about to tell him deserved to be in private, rather than where curious ears could hear. Viole allowed himself to be guided, waiting patiently for her words. It was her time to talk, and he was going to give her the respectful silence. Eiko looked around them warily, only to pull in a deep breath afterward.

"Yesterday....when I went after Jarnuth, I ran into him in the alley. We talked for a little bit, and I touched his bruised cheek. I asked if he was okay, and I know he said he was...but the rest was a blur. All I know is that...Jarnuth...well he...."

"...what?"

"He kissed me!"

"He did...what?"

"He kissed me."

"Jarnuth...kissed you?"

"...yeah."

"Wow..."

"What do you mean 'wow'?"

"I mean...I can't believe he kissed you. I can't believe he had the nerve to do it."

"What's that supposed to mean?"

Viole shrugged, and then raised his attention toward the sky, "I just meant that I didn't think he would do something like that ever...let alone to some girl he didn't even know. Jarn doesn't strike me as the type...yanno? But I guess it's understandable..."

"Understandable?"

"Well yeah, Eiko... I mean...if you were nice to him, then I can understand why he did it."

She tipped her chin at that, and let thoughts wander. But, before she could question, Viole had already started on the path again. Compelled to follow, Eiko moved away from the private spot, leaving the secret behind. Catching up quickly, she glanced ahead of herself. She couldn't help but feel the uncomfortable warmth from the sun's glow. It's rays beat down on her pale skin, and she could already see some splotches of light pink coloring spread through it. Atleast her clothing allowed freedom, though she couldn't help but notice the strange looks she received from passer-bys. Eiko lifted her chin with indignation-she had every right to wear shorts! Why were little girls always forced to wear dresses...?

Viole's guidance led them both to the Molin home. It didn't look much different from most of the other houses in Fanelia. The typical stone steps provided easier access to the door. A few wooden chairs rested crookedly on the small porch. Before the entrance, there was a green mat to wipe feet off on, and above it on the door itself, hung a carved plaque which bared the name "Molin" upon it. Viole strutted confidently up the steps and tapped his knuckles near the knob. Eiko hesitantly followed him, and stood there quietly.

After a few moments, the door revealed part of the inside, and a short woman stood in the opening. She had Jarnuth's hair color, but her eyes were a piercing blue rather than the matching brown of the boy's. The mother blinked down at the children, and then asked, "...Yes?"

"Is Jarnuth in there?" Viole answered the question with one of his own.

"He...is, though...I'm not so sure he feels very well..." She replied with a sigh.

"Well..can we go in and see him, miss?" Viole tried his best to be polite, and realized he had forgotten the proper word, which he added quickly. "Please?"

The brown-haired woman glanced toward them for a long moment as she contemplated this, only to nod and step aside. Viole marched in first, and then turned to Eiko, waiting for her to do the same. Her brows pressed together, and she stepped uncomfortably into the place. Eyes surveyed everything, and took it all in with interest. So, that was what Jarnuth's home looked like...it was interesting to see what his natural environment appeared to be. Eiko was so lost in these surroundings, that she didn't even hear Viole and Mrs. Molin talk about the location of Jarnuth's room. The only thing that pulled her out of thought, was Viole's linked fingers around her wrist, and his slightly urging tug.

The two children ascended up the stairs, to the top floor of the house. Once Viole was certain that Eiko was paying attention, he let her go so she could just freely follow along. She did follow, and then slowed down a little to study some of the hallway's decorations. Beautifully crafted frames encased portraits that were painted of the entire family. Many different items of woodwork bedecked the Molin house-showing off the carpenter father's talent in a subtle way. Viole caught Eiko engrossed in the surroundings again, and then sighed, moving toward her. He gave a light nudge to her shoulder, and she snapped her gaze to him quickly.

"Eiko...I think you should go to persuade Jarnuth to come out. From what you told me...I bet he's scared and nervous to see you. You're probably the only one who can get him out anyway," Viole spared a glance toward the boy's room, and nodded in that direction. "It's right past that door..."

"M-me?" Eiko whimpered some, and sent a dreadful look to the door. But, Viole was right...that she knew. Her gaze faltered, and she nodded defeatedly. Stepping up to that room's entrance, she drew in a breath, and then rapped lightly on it.

There was some rustling from within, and then Jarnuth's voice spoke up, "Come in."

Eiko looked back at Viole, who just nodded her forward. The girl swallowed hard, as that pulse began to pound away with nervousness. She didn't quite understand why these fretful emotions kept lurking around inside of her, but she had to appear calm. So long as her outer appearance looked the part, then Jarnuth would be forced to believe nothing was wrong. Fingers swallowed the doorknob, and then turned it just slightly. Her brows quivered, and she forced it open the rest of the way. The young girl took a couple steps into the room, and forced that gaze to land on the boy on the bed first. She couldn't inspect everything, as it just wouldn't be proper. Immediately, Jarnuth shot up, and leapt to the other side of the bed.

"Eiko! What are you doing here?!" He appeared flustered...much like he was the day prior.

The five-year old watched this with interest, and then she cleared her throat-realizing that was her cue to speak, "Well...I um...I...everyone. They were all wondering if you were going to come out...uh...your mother...she said that you weren't feeling well...are..you okay?"

"Er...um...I feel a little sick. I don't think I'll be able to come out...so you can...go out and tell the others that."

Eiko furrowed a brow, and took a step in advance, still keeping a good distance between them, "I doubt the others would believe that. If the others could see you now...well...they would think that you're perfectly well enough to come out and play."

"Well...maybe I just don't feel like it. I don't feel like seeing Karyn after--"

"You don't feel like seeing me..."

"Huh??" The boy was already blushing, and it only grew deeper.

She sighed, and shook her head, "Jarnuth...it's okay. I won't hold what happened yesterday against you. As a matter of fact...why don't we just forget about it completely. It never happened...and that's the end of the story. I really want you to come out and join us...and I'm sure the others do too. Plus..." Eiko offered a smile, as she attempted to lighten the mood. "Don't you want to see how much Karyn squirms while I play as Van?"

A smile broke into Jarnuth's visage, and he nodded absently. Rubbing the back of his neck, he stepped out from behind that bed, and then hopped up on it. Eiko grinned as she had successfully convinced him, and she stood back to watch as he laced up his boots. He jumped down, and nodded to her. Eiko beamed, and then sprung forward to throw her arms around the boy happily. Though, she hadn't realized what she did until afterward, and the heat rose into her face as she pulled back. He blinked, surprised...but he offered her a small smile, and then both walked out of the room silently.

Viole perked up as the two stepped out of the room, "Hey...so I see Eiko convinced you to come out...great! ...hey...you must be a fast healer...that bruise on your jaw is completely gone..."

Jarnuth blinked as Viole pointed that out, and then raised his hand to touch the area where he had gotten hit. He hadn't even realized that, "Oh...yeah I guess."

"Anyway...let's head out..." Viole declared.

* * *

It had been two weeks since they played their first game, and Eiko had been successfully playing Van each day since. The 'costume' was becoming a bit worn and soiled from everyday use, but Eiko took care of that the day before when she asked her parents for permission to go down to the river. She had gathered some soaps, and washed her prized possession thoroughly. It was completely clean for the next day's play, and sure enough, the outfit had bound the young girl once again.

Eiko and the Arem twins were the first to arrive in their special meeting spot. Briassa and Viole busied themselves with argument. The princess had settled herself on a step, and she absently brought a small stick along a larger one. It was an act of 'sword-sharpening' that she had watched Jarnuth and Karyn do before. She was getting along better with Karyn those days atleast, and things between Jarnuth and her had gotten back to normal, which was quite the relief.

Eventually, everyone drifted in, and the children shared a few words about the previous day's play. After agreeing to pick up where they left off, each trudged over to their respectful places, and Eiko eyed her stick sword, nodding with satisfaction. There had been a battle the last time they played, and 'Van' had to protect 'Merle' in the castle after the invasion. 'Goau' and 'Folken' were busy in the battle field, and 'Varie' had gotten kidnapped by the 'Evil King.' Everyone was about to begin when a voice struck up in the distance.

"Lord Van...!"

Eiko perked immediately, and twisted around only to see two youthful children atop the low-hanging roof of the castle. She squinted, and found that the shapes were Merle and Prince Van. The little cat-girl sat on her knees behind the boy, and she shook her head in protest.

"Don't do it...please, Lord Van..."

Van shifted forward, and glanced to the group of citizens that had collected below them. Eiko could clearly see the boy's entire chest-still a matching bronze to that of the other skin. The wind collected coal shards, and lifted them momentarily. The prince took another step forward, and Eiko felt compelled to watch this scenario...her eyes would not budge from the young boy.

"Oh terrific..." Van started, and then glanced over his shoulder at his young friend. "What are you saying...you're the one who wanted to see me do it, Merle..."

"I changed my mind...it's just to dangerous!" The pink-haired feline's azures widened considerably.

The young boy shook his head, "Don't worry...just watch!"

Van drew in a breath, and then puffed out his chest. His shoulder blades pressed together for a moment, and Eiko's mouth went agape as the next events played out. There was an explosion of pristine white, and the angelic wings broke free from the youth's back. Feathers scattered about, crisscrossing paths, and fluttering silently to the ground around the princess herself. They collected in soft piles, drifting atop each other with grace and elegance. Van, himself, hopped off the roof and soared high above the group of people. Sunlight bathed his body, and caused a silver lining along the edge of those pulchritudinous angel wings. Awe collected in the obsidian pools, as the scene reflected within the glossy shine. Ribbons of memory weaved together...bringing about that mental image of a single...wonderful dream.

"White...birds..." Eiko uttered mindlessly.