Vision Of Escaflowne Fan Fiction ❯ You'll Always Live On ❯ Chapter 1

You'll Always Live On

Chapter 1

Author's Note: This is my first attempt at anything besides humor; take it easy on me. I don't own any of the original Escaflowne characters. This is my version of what would have happened after the Destiny War if Folken hadn't died.

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Dear Log

It has been one year since the Destiny war against Zaibach ended. One year since Hitomi returned to the Mystic Moon. After the war I had returned with my brother Van to Fanelia to help rebuild what I had helped to destroy.' At this though a rush of guilt and dread flowed through Folken Fanel's veins. Would this feeling of guilt for his former mistakes haunt him for the rest of his life? He hoped not, but seriously doubted it. It was one of those things that would be with him for the rest of his life. He would just have to learn to live with it.

Turning away from his journal, Folken tried to stay concentrated on what really mattered at the moment; what he was going to do once he reached Florinia. In the past year Van and Folken were able to rebuild most of Fanelia, but unfortunately, a horrible storm struck the small country and had destroyed many of the buildings once again. Losing much of their supplies in the storm, they were forced to travel to some allied countries seeking help. Van had insisted that Folken go to Florinia. Now normally this would have made Folken very happy- he had spent many summers in Florinia when he was a child and loved the country dearly. But, Folken could not be happy about this. He knew that once they reached Florinia, he would be forced to face her.

`It has been eleven years, eleven long years since I last saw her, but it seems like only yesterday. What will I say? How can I possible face her after all this time?' These thoughts had burdened Folken's mind ever since Van had ordered him to go to Florinia. Closing his journal Folken peered out the carriage window. He could already see the outline of the country's capital, Narcissis, off in the distance. `Damn that Van,' Folken thought to himself. `He purposely chose me to travel here because he knew once I was there I would be forced to confront her. I can't hide from her, not there'. Sighing, Folken turned towards his bag, which was seated beside him. He reached in and retrieved an old wooden box, holding the three most important objects he had. Inside were two feathers- one belonging to his mother, and one belonging to a much younger Van. They had been given to him for good luck on his Dragon hunting journey. Next to the feathers was a long strand of braided hair, which had belonged to her.

Folken picked up the strand and gently stroked it with his good hand. It was as soft as silk. Bringing it up to his nose he inhaled the sweet scent. After all this time it still smelled of her. Sighing once again, Folken continued to stroke the long tresses while he peered out the window. They were almost there. Before long Folken drifted off into a peaceful sleep, remembering the one woman he had ever loved.

The carriage came to a halt, startling Folken out of his sleep. The coachman came around and opened the door announcing: "My Lord, we have arrived".

"A-Already? It can't be" Folken stuttered, peering once again out the window, but it was true. The palace was looming right in front of them. "Oh Gods," Folken muttered to himself. Climbing out of the carriage, Folken couldn't help but stare at the magnificent palace in front of him. He had seen it so many times before, but its beauty always managed to take his breath away. It was a gorgeous whitewashed palace and had the most beautifully skilled crafted columns he had ever seen, there were at least two hundred rooms and it was five stories tall. But, the best part of the palace was the gardens. Florinia was famous for having the most beautiful gardens on all of Gaea. They had flowers here that grew nowhere else.

As Folken climbed the stairs a small tubby man was standing at the entrance waiting for him. Folken couldn't help but smile, he knew this man so very well. "Folken, my boy, it's great to see you," the man cheerfully announced, embracing Folken.

"Marcus, it's great to see you too," Folken answered, happily returning the hug.

"Let me get a look at you. My goodness, boy, you have grown so much!" Marcus smiled. "You look just like your father". Folken could only smile in return. It was true, except for his hair color, and the fact he didn't have a mustache, and the arm, of course, he did look just like his father. "How was your trip? Not too hectic, I hope".

"Not at all Marcus. It was a little long, but I really do enjoy the quietness and the scenery".

"That's good to hear. Come; let me help you settled in. Gregory, please have someone come down and assist with Prince Folken's bags," he replied to the guard standing to his right.

"Yes Lord Marcus". The young man responded with a bow, and then turned to walk into the palace.

"No! Wait; there is no need for that. I really didn't bring all that much, Marcus, I could easily…."

"Nonsense, my boy, you are a prince you should be treated as one," Marcus interrupted, sending Gregory a nod to continue. "Well, if you insist, although I don't really think I could possibly be considered a prince anymore. After all I did to my country…." Folken replied, trying to muffle back a sob. Marcus simply smiled.

"But you are now trying to make things right, and that's all that matters now, Folken. Besides," he replied, resting a hand on Folken's shoulder, "you'll always be a prince to me".

"Thank you, Marcus. You'll never know how much that means to me. You are my dear friend". Folken smiled.

"As you are mine. Come". Marcus smiled in return and led Folken into the main hall.

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AU: So what did you think? Think I should continue or what? Any ideas for the story would be greatly appreciated. ^_^

~Charlotte~