Hitomi's cheeks.
>> Don't tell me any more. <<
"She wanted you to live .."
>> I don't want to hear that <<
"Then she kissed you ... >>, Hitomi shivered again and fell sobbing on her knees.
>> But it was all just a dream <<
"You passed out then .."
>> it was a dream <<
"We could save you ..."
>> Shut up now << Van leaned against the wall."But not Merle anymore"
>> NO << slowly he slid down the wall and crouched down. >> That’s not true, that’s not true ... << over and over again he thought these words to himself and when Hitomi fell around his neck and howled "This is so terrible!" He pushed her away from him and stood jerky up. He looked at her startled and confused. "That's just not true!" He shouted loudly and ran into the castle garden. Here was her favorite place. Here she had to be. He's about to open the door and Merle will shout "My van, how are you? Did you sleep well?" she will fall around his neck and give Hitomi venomous looks when she comes. Yes, everything will be the same as always.

Van opened the door and the warm rays of the sun greeted him.
He ran into the middle of the garden, because from there you could see everywhere. "Merle," he called out loud, but got no answer.He called her name again, but again no answer. He tried again and again. With the greatest effort he did not force himself to look at the graves. No, she was definitely not there. Hitomi had now reached the garden and watched the spectacle with tears. Again and again he called "Merle" and always got no answer. At last he looked over at the Bran Hill and saw a beautifully decorated wooden cross. Freshly picked flowers lay scattered on the little elevation. The wind blew a few blossoms away in all directions. A blossom also flew towards Van. He caught her and carried her back. Slowly he leaned forward, put the small, delicate something back on the grave, and just as slowly leaned back again. "I'm sorry!" Whispered Hitomi and the tears overwhelmed her again. Suddenly Van's knees felt so disgustingly soft again and he sagged."How long did I sleep?" "Almost four weeks.", Hitomi replied and wiped the tears from her eyes. “In the meantime, we've rebuilt the walls and helped the Asturian people.” Van pushed his shirt off his shoulder and saw a neatly stitched scar. He made the same discovery on the left side of his stomach. "So it wasn't a dream!" "No ..!", Hitomi's voice failed. Van saw the cross and finally his heart understood that his beloved friend was dead. A small flower grew near where he sat. He plucked them and carefully placed them on the grave. “Goodbye, Merle!” He breathed and let his tears run free. Suddenly a wind came up and enveloped Hitomi and Van. He was warm and gentle. And when Van closed his eyes, he found himself with his family in the garden. "Father? Mother? Where .. where am I here?" Vanquished, Van looked around and discovered Folken with the two warriors of happiness."We're here in the garden!", Folken explained and asked still cheekily "Do you not recognize him?" "But what are you doing here?", Van wanted a clear answer. “We'll take care of you!” Van paused. That light girl's voice was so familiar and so dear to him. He didn't know where she came from, so he just mumbled "Merle!" Both of his parents took a step to the side and suddenly a little cat girl beamed happily at him. "Oh my van, how are you? Did you sleep well?" Merle ran happily towards him and hugged him stormily. "Merle!", Van embraced his girlfriend tenderly. Surprised that the young king returned her embrace so lovingly, she looked at him in amazement. But Van hid his face, he hugged the delicate body even tighter and it seemed as if he would never let go of him. "My van?" The cat girl meowed and put her hands on his back.She felt his hot breath on her neck and suddenly she wet something wet. A drop? No a tear. "Oh my van, are you crying a little?", She asked worried. Now he finally let the tight grip looser so that Merle could pull the trigger and look into his eyes. Indeed, with tears in her eyes and a sad smile, her beloved Van stood in front of her. "Merle, why did you do that? Why are you not with me anymore?" "Because I wanted it with von Escaflowne!" "What?", Van shouted this answer, startled. "I pleaded with Escaflowne that he would save your life, even if he took mine for it!" "Are you crazy? Why did you do that? I ...", van couldn't continue, because Merle put her index finger on him on his mouth and shook his head. "I wanted to protect you like you have always protected me." "But why? "" Because I love you ..... And because Hitomi needs you just like Farnelia. "" But ... "" Van the whole time Hitomi was with you, it almost broke my heart. Seeing you both so familiar every day hurt my soul. But I took it because I knew how much you love her. You have always been my best friend and all of my life I have only wished for one thing. A small gesture, even if it didn't mean anything to you. I was able to fulfill my wish before it was too late. So it didn't matter to me to leave this world. All I ever wanted from you was a kiss, nothing more. "Merle had moved a bit at a distance during these words, but now she stepped up to her van again and leaned her forehead against his chest." Van, promise me that you will be happy with Hitomi and become the best king of all of Gaia.", the tears ran down the girl." And try to rule the country without Escaflowne! ", said Folken and disappeared with the two cat women, just like his parents." Van we will take care of you and protect you. ", Merle stood in front of him again with a smile and shortly before she also disappeared, she breathed a kiss on his lips." And stop crying and smile, I'm with you. "

Van opened his eyes again and the wind still enveloped him. The tears that had gathered in the corner of his eye were dried by this wind. A gentle smile spread across his face and between the trees of the garden, the souls of Van's deceased family stood protectively around the young king. The flowers were again carried away from the grave and into the air, playing around Hitomi and Van. And while the petals were carried away by the wind, a soft voice could be heard whispering: "Don't forget me!"

END

tjaja, a very unusual ending for me as a merle fan. anyway, i wanted to let merle be the heroine. I survived the whole time if I should write an epilogue, but I can't think of anything. * embarrassed giggle *

Thanks for reading. I hope you enjoyed the FF.
With best regards, Mew * cuddly *