Greyashe chapter 380 is entitled "To hell with this world."

 

Previous chapter 379: WHAT A WONDERFUL WORLD!!

Summary page

 

-Short summary-

 

Five years after Butcher's death, Van returns to the world he can no longer participate in and visits those he can no longer interact with, which brings him to a conclusion of his own.

 

-Long summary-

 

Five years.

 

The city of Aerhaart five years later is still a bustling metropolis of prosperity, even without the magic that had brought it so much luster. Perhaps this is the biggest boon of being human; the resilience that comes with the constant need for survival. Whereas deities live without much need for adaptation, humans must do so or they will find themselves left behind by nature, time, and each other. As such,  Aerhaart had chosen to march along and is seemingly better for it.

 

In a bar, a man wearing a black winter cap with a bill sits alone with said hat tipped over his eyes, and his arms crossed. His five o'clock shadow is slowly becoming a full on ten o'clock beard, and his clothes while not quite ragged look like they could use a five minute break. Otherwise he is only remarkable in how little he stands out as people drink and carry on with each other --the end of the work week is here and celebrations are in order. The man sits without any drinks of his own, and seems content with minding his own business when another man with long white hair tied in a pony tail strolls over to his table, and sits down. He too has stubble on his chin, and hard blue eyes that stare at the other person at this table intently His clothes are much cleaner and consist of a blue military top and slacks, and polished black shoes. He wears white gloves which he removes as he leans in at the table, and a visored hat is clipped to his side. It's clear that he works for the Kaiser mage in some form, and this only becomes more apparent when he flashes his credentials and informs the other man that he is under arrest, and warns him not to make any sudden movements. The first man looks out from under his hat with an unamused expression, and the newcomer returns this with his own pensive gaze, only to submit after a few moments of silence. The newcomer sighs and asks if he had lost his sense of humor somewhere on his travels? He should know full well with his ability that he was just messing around. Plus he was there that day five years ago when Azha had decreed the decision on how to handle him...

 

Van Rayleigh.

 

Van shifts his weight upon hearing his name and pushes the cap up to show his eyes, weary from traveling and lack of sleep, yet lacking any maliciousness or anger. His red hair is a mess on his head that peeks out of the cap when it's moved, and while one of his hands is gloved, the other is not, showing calluses and nicks. He speaks, his voice now deep, but soft --the young boy now a man of many travels. He asks "Cayden" if the leader of the royal guard really has time to play around like this? He knows things have been peaceful, but lowering one's guard too much can lead to being taken unawares. Cayden frowns and remarks that he does really have the power to arrest him, or at least make him uncomfortable for a while. Van allows himself a tiny smirk, and apologizes. His hard work is what's keeping the peace in Aerhaart right? Cayden leans back in his chair and shrugs carelessly. It's a losing proposition really, no matter how hard he works, he'll always be in second when compared to what Van had done. It kind of makes him wonder if it is at all worth it? Van relaxes his posture and remarks that one works hard often without knowing if their labor will be rewarded or vilified. Does he think that his current situation was something he knew would happen? That he wanted to happen? Cayden sighs, and apologizes. Van tells him not to worry about it and asks if they can leave? Although he had taken great care to sneak in they never know when someone might recognize him, to which Cayden agrees.

 

Outside Van thanks Cayden for informing him of what's going on in the capital --especially a certain wedding. Cayden waves this off and remarks that he figured he'd want to know even if it's not like he can attend. It's a shame too since he would have figured that Van would be the one marrying this woman, considering that they were sweethearts from what he could tell. The farseer glowers at him and asks how things are going with Iselia --without even attempting to hide his spite. To his surprise, Cayden wistfully looks up into the sky and quietly replies; "she's gone." Van immediately feels terrible and starts to apologize when he spies a smile creeping up Cayden's face. The farseer can feel his fist trembling as one who is hungry for action, and Cayden tells him to calm down. That's what he gets for being spiteful! Truth be told, Iselia really is gone, but that's because she's traveling around the world to see how others live without magic. He on the other hand wanted to stay here and guard Aerhaart, so he respectfully let her follow her dreams while he waits here for her. The farseer gives him an incredulous look, but doesn't comment any further, instead asking how Azha is doing? He had heard she had become quite popular as the model for advancement after the disappearance of magic, which all just sounds...overwhelming.

 

Cayden confirms this, and adds that she and Dio had become quite the royal power couple as well. Of course they both vehemently deny they're up to anything together other than the peace of the kingdom, which in his opinion does have some truth in it, but he can also tell they have gotten to a point where they probably couldn't do without the other. After all, Dio had done this whole leadership thing before, and she is the young (twenty one years old!) face of the new leadership generation, so they really are a good fit for the kingdom and each other. He then asks Van if he'd like to go and see her? After a  moment of thought, he declines. She won't appreciate having to explain why he's there if he should get caught right? Cayden grins and agrees. In any case they can at least give Van some shelter and a hot meal and then allow him to see his sweetheart in someone else's arms before having to perform their official duty. Van's face sours and he asks Cayden if he has to state it that way? Moreover, who are "we"?  Cayden laughs and asks Van to follow him, where the answer to his latter question will become clear. While they walk, Cayden asks Van where he came from that he looks so weary? The farseer replies that his parents moved to Greyashe after he was exiled, so he often visits the area. He had heard of the wedding while he was there, and it was only confirmed when he left town and found out about his message. Cayden "ah's" and admits he just did what the betrothed had asked and sent the invitations far and wide if Van incidentally recieved one then who is he to stop him from coming? Though, wait, is he saying he walked here from Greyashe? That's...

 

"The truth" Van replies flatly. He doesn't exactly have a lot of options in that regard does he? Cayden stares at him with his jaw slack, and simply shakes his head. Poor guy. No wonder he looks exhausted. In any case they'd meet the rest of the gang, and he'd be allowed some rest at least.

 

Cayden takes him to a building not far from Dover tower, which is the grounds for the guard to live in when they're working, or have a mission that keeps them in town. He sneaks Van in through a back way and leads him down a hallway to a room where several people await them both. Van has to stop himself from being swept aback by nostalgia when he meets the "they" Cayden mentioned.

 

Frieda is first to see Van, and impeccably she nearly retains her appearance from five years ago, just now her hair isn't dyed, and she no longer has glasses. She gasps and hugs the farseer when he enters the room, bubbling that it's been so long since she saw him. Damien and Harrow are next to greet Van, and ask him how he's doing? Van replies to them that he's doing the best he can, and is glad to see them again. Damien and Harrow are now  tall and handsome young men, Damien especially who has switched out his glasses for contacts, and Harrow who remains clean shaven but has his hair neatly done in a part on his head. Cayden introduces his personal platoon, and says that they will be covering his visit to the castle where his friend who is going to be married is. The wedding itself is not for a few weeks, but at least he could see her before he has to leave town. Van thanks them all, and Harrow smacks him on the back and tells him not to be so formal. They'll at least get him cleaned up in the quarters here so he's presentable when he heads over, and Frieda's cooking is nearing completion. They'd at least be able to eat and get caught up with things for a little while, since the other guards who are not privy to this info are not around. Van smiles and thanks them again for the courtesy, and is then lead away by Damien to the baths. Frieda comments that while she can't read him due to being a farseer too, he seems more sad than she expected for some reason. Harrow comments that he's been through a lot, so maybe that's it? Frieda mulls this over and agrees, though she doesn't seem completely convinced.

 

After Van has bathed and has a new set of matching clothes (If he should be seen, he won't be ousted right away if he's wearing a uniform), the guards discuss getting him into the targeted building and where the person he wants to see is over stew. Damien explains that while the security isn't the strongest, since it is a marriage of one of the Kaiser mage's court, the people will be on high alert. Van shouldn't expect to walk in and walk out with no problems whatsoever. He also reveals that while they are aware he might be coming, they don't know he's here right now. The farseer seems confused by this, which Harrow explains as "plausible deniability". If he is caught in the end, they could at least say they didn't know he was nearby. It's also why they won't be accompanying him --although they're his friends, they do have to think of their position. The most they could do is serve him with the floor plans and mark the exits and entrances that would make it easier for him to escape. Van thanks them, and confesses that he's actually not entirely sure he wants to go, but he's here now and it would be a shame not to see her before he returns to exile. Cayden agrees, and points out that it's not like Van has the same opportunity to wait for their precious person to return. Damien and Harrow exchange glances and ask if he's still telling people that? While it's true Iselia said she'll return, he was the one begging her not to go. She had to essentially sneak away while he was off at work in order to leave without him pining for her and keeping her here. Cayden glares at his cohorts, and Van laughs and replies that this sounds more accurate than the lie he fed him before. He also feels better about going to see her, since even in his lie he is right that he doesn't have the same opportunities as he does. Cayden mutters his agreement, and Van prepares to leave, making sure to shake the hands of the guys as thanks, and giving Frieda a big hug before he departs.

 

It is well into dusk when Van approaches the ceremonial hall where the wedding is to take place. He sidesteps a bush and taps on a side wall quietly to find the part that is hollow, and upon doing so pries it open and steps in, closing it behind him. Inside he spies a stairway headed upward, and tiptoes up this to avoid being heard. Apparently many of the structures in Aerhaart had been built with the notion of having hidden entrances so that if the occupants were attacked they could either hide or return the attacks from the shadows without their enemies ever knowing. The guards had discovered a lot of these after Butcher's death, which seems to imply that this city may have once been known for war and cunning. Again, it's amazing what people can adapt to when they have no choice. Van opens a door which is revealed to be a section of wall on the other side, and peers down both sides of the hallway before making his way forward. He knows that right now the one he would like to speak to is dress fitting in a certain room, and that right now she should be alone. He keeps Damien's warning in mind, and practices vigilance as he peers around corners and moves silently, however it isn't long until he is nearly caught by a group of people --probably here to see the official who is getting married as they make their way through the halls. Although it's not strange for a guard like him to be here at the hall, it would be troublesome if they either get the wrong idea and ask him to do something official, or actually question him. Van looks for a place to hide, when a door opens behind him and he's dragged in by someone before the group sees him. 

 

Inside he finds himself face to face with a mummyman who greets him with a friendly albeit somewhat garbled "'sup?" Van sighs in relief and asks Reid not to scare him. Reid's eyes and some of his hair poke through the bandages that wrap his face and he shrugs carelessly. He then removes the bandages and Van is pleasently surprised by how well his wounds have healed.  He still has some burn scars on his body, but otherwise he is a lot healthier looking than he had been five years ago, though his voice hadn't quite healed in tune with his body. Beside him is Libitina and to Van's surprise, Lazaro who looks somewhat similar to how he did five years ago, except with more oxygen tank strapped to his back. The God to be sneers at him and asks if he's an idiot? How could he sneak in without a proper contingency plan? It's a good thing he had consulted with his honey and these two, or Van would have gotten a free stay in prison suites inc. Van frowns and asks Libby why Lazaro is here, which rubs the God to be the wrong way. Why not ask him why he's here?! Libby shrugs and states simply that she's not sure. Lazaro nearly breaks his tube trying to rip off the mouthpiece, but calms down and states that his honey had become friends with the woman who's getting married, and as such came to help out with the preparations. Anyone with a pulse would know that he'd show up here eventually, so a grand scheme had been hatched in conjunction with Cayden's group to get him here so he could at least see her once more. Of course they (he) hadn't counted on Van being so stupid.

 

The farseer is taken aback by the kindness of everyone to a point that his eyes mist up a little. He chokes down this wave of emotion, and thanks Lazaro who in turn surprisingly takes this well and tells him to just get going. The one he seeks is in council with friendlies, but unfriendlies would eventually return and he'd lose his window of opportunity. Reid leads van to another door down the hall and with a wink opens it allowing him to head back into the hallway, this time much closer to his target. He tip toes to the door, and opens it a crack, glancing around inside for a moment, and taking in what he sees. True to Lazaro's words, Roysé is sitting on a couch beside Candle-- who has aged slightly and looks more like a teenage girl, is making paper arrangements and not surprisingly looks exactly the same as she did five years ago, as her angel reminance slows her aging.  Anu is there too, to Van's surprise and she's apparently sowing something, while another shape is behind a panel trying on some clothes, while another woman busies herself with a flower arrangement. Van is unsure of who she is, but finds his attention on her blue-green hair, which he finds fascinating for reasons unknown to even him. Suddenly, however, he is yanked away from the door and finds himself on his behind. Van gathers himself and prepares to flee when he looks up and finds himself in the presence of Guy, a blond woman and a small girl who looks somewhat similar to Guy, sharing his brown hair and mischievous eyes, and is no older than maybe five or six. Guy grins enigmatically and mockingly chides his old friend for being into peeping on women. The blond girl chides him in return, replying that that is his sort of thing isn't it? Guy gives her a glare of concentrated evil, and tells "Alicia" to back off. He doesn't even understand why she's here anyway. Alicia ignores his glare, and replies that someone has to protect little Nanna's innocence, and since her father is a failure in that regard, she'd take on the job herself. Guy snarls that he can take care of his daughter, and asks Nanna who she prefers? Alicia or poppy? The little girl tilts her head in thought and instead asks if poppy is going to fight the new guy like he did the one on the playground? She grins widely and adds that she likes seeing poppy fight. Alicia turns to Guy slowly and he whistles innocently while edging away from her. Alicia takes the child's hand, and says in a singsong voice that they're going to take a walk while poppy talks to his friend. Maybe a walk so far away and long that she might forget about poppy, which might be for the best. Guy begins to protest, but Nanna finds this idea engaging and walks away with her who gives the fighter one last condescending glare before exiting. 

 

Guy holds his head in his hand and complains --why a daughter? He had heard that men who womanize are more likely to have daughters themselves, but to think it was true....Van pats him on the back and comforts him, saying that Nanna at least seems pretty happy with her Dad. Guy asks Van if he really thinks so, and he nods in agreement. This seems to brighten his mood, and he pump's Van's fist in a late greeting, stating that he looks really good considering. Van thanks him for the quasi compliment, and comments that he's here because Anu --Nanna's mom is here helping with the wedding right? Guy confirms this and boredly comments that he doesn't get why women make a big deal about weddings. It's only a day and stuff right? Yet it's so much time, and money, and bellyaching....The farseer then comments that Guy hasn't gotten married to Anu yet, to which he blushes and mumbles that they're gonna do it, it's just finding the right timing and other things. Van thinks to himself that it's a little weird that their daughter is already five and they're still not married, but decides not to say anything. Guy then perks up and asks if he wants alone time with her? He can make that happen if he wants? Van makes a face and asks how he could possibly---

 

Guy opens the door and bellows in that they're going for food, and that everyone has to fend for themselves. There is a bit of shuffling from inside of the room, and in a moment the women walk out one by one except for the one behind the panel, launching their complaints at how tactless Guy is, except for Anu who apologizes for his curtness. They notice Van standing behind him in a poor effort to hide, but rather than single him out, they give him a grin and continue down the hallway. Guy smiles and points inside of the room, saying that the coast is clear. the farseer is unsure of whether to thank the fighter or get upset, but decides on the former as he walks into the room and closes the door behind him.

 

Inside the room is filled with different clothes and cloths as well as decorations a plenty. It's clear that this is where the fitting and setting for the wedding is occurring, and Van marvels at it all. He had been able to attend some of his parent's wedding in Greyashe, but soon had to depart on his exile again, so he hadn't been privy to this part of the ceremony. He then thinks back on his own situation, and grows somber as it's unlikely he'll ever have the chance to experience this, but...

 

The woman behind the panel steps out while Van is thinking, and he immediately ceases all movement and thought. Before him is his Kanesia, the witch he had met in an alley long before, and without realizing it had fallen for. She had at some point returned his love, or at least had wanted to before the tragedy with Hydon occurred. Since then they had fallen to the wayside, but now seeing her again has caused all of those residual feelings cut like flowerbuds and left to wilt to bloom into growth again. 

 

Kani as he had always affectionately called her is slightly taller, than she had been when they last saw each other. Her white hair now reaches the middle of her back, and while she was never one to be overtly buxom, her curves had always accentuated her slim figure, as it does even now. She is in a white backless slip gown, and for the moment is barefoot since she had probably been trying on outfits and shoes. Although her right arm is bandaged, as well as the right side of her face and leg, the one purple eye on display is still enough for him to desire more contact with. Her face is less rounded now as well as maturation had set in, and her lips are done in ruby red. He can see she was in the midst of removing makeup when he had come in, but even without it, the young man still thought and thinks of her as beautiful. For a moment the two simply stand before each other, seemingly waiting for someone to start a conversation, that is until they both blurt out an apology. Which is followed by more silence, and then another simultaneous blurted apology. Finally Kani sighs, and asks Van how he's doing?

 

The farseer simpers a bit and replies that he's alive and well. He feels another apology coming, but refrains himself and continues with a congratulations on her marriage. Kani blushes slightly and thanks him for that, a long with her relief that he is doing okay. She wasn't sure where he was due to his situation, so she had to really get creative with sending out his invitation even if it is out of obligation since she knows it's not really like he can come to the event. Van nods and thanks her for her courtesy, since he knows she could have left him out completely. Kani sadly asks him if he really thinks she could do that? To forget about him completely? Van gasps and shakes his head, apologizing for the implication, it's just that it's not like he can....that she can...

 

Kani wraps her arms around him and gives him a long hug. Van is unsure how to react at first, but throws his trepidation aside and returns the embrace tenderheartedly. The two separate, and Kani tells him that she loved him, and Van replies that he loved her too.

 

It's because of that, because they love each other so that they cannot be. The two understand this enough for it to hurt.

 

So before it hurts more...

 

Van takes a deep breath and turns to leave from a window on the adjacent side of the room. He wishes Kani all the best in her new life, and hopes that the times where things were at their worst will not deter her from remembering when they were at their best. Kani steps forward and leans onto his back, whispering that he will always exist as a part of her heart. Van turns, takes her hand gently and thanks her for everything before leaping out of the window and into the night.

 

Outside, Van makes his way through bushes and begins his trek out of Aerhaart when a familiar voice calls out to him. With his eyes, the farseer can tell who this is, though there seems to be a presence with him that is both familiar and unfamiliar. He turns to the voice and sees Delaney, a tall man with a mask on and an unfamiliar woman. Delaney and the tall man both have on fancy military uniforms, while the unfamiliar woman has on a cloak with intricate designs of black butterflies and leaves sown onto it. Van tries to figure out why she's familiar despite him never meeting her before, but Delaney's question; "Done consorting with my fiancee?" ransacks his consciousness. The farseer is embarrassed at first, but quickly recovers and replies that she wanted to see him as well, so he shouldn't act like he did something wrong. Delaney scowls, but admits he's right. He then points to the woman behind he and his brother, and says that she wanted to see him for some reason. It's weird since she seemed to know that he'd be here tonight, and where to find the two of them --as well as how they're connected. Van raises an eyebrow and takes another look at the woman, before slowly agreeing to talk to her, but only after he gets something off his chest first. Delaney shrugs and permits him to speak, and Van takes a deep breath before unleashing an unholy aura that causes the tall man to buckle slightly. The farseer states in a very calm voice that Kani is very important to him, which is why he knows he can never be with her. He understands that painfully well. She is her own person and can make her own decisions, including the one where she has chosen to marry him. He respects that and will step aside, but Delaney should never forget that he is always watching, and can be where she needs him in an instant. If he ever finds out that he has hurt her in any way he will be there when he least expects it and ensure that he will regret that decision. Consider him the magical version of the boogeyman, and never forget his words here tonight.

 

Van then calms himself, and shuts off the aura as Delaney walks past him and asks if he's done? He already knows all of those things, so Van needn't worry. Though, if he ever shows up when he's not needed --which will be all of the time, he will ensure that he is arrested and carried off to some hell. That is his declaration that he should never forget.The two men glare at each other, and then shake hands in agreement. Delaney then motions to his brother to follow him inside, and soon Van is alone with the mysterious lady. He asks who she is, and how she's able to hide her identity from his eyes? The lady chuckles, and admits that she's got divine help in that regard. She removes the cloak from her face and gives Van a big grin. The farseer is slow to catch on, but finds his lip trembling once he does.

 

Before him is Claire, albeit much taller (though still shorter than him), and with a curvier figure. Her golden eyes and black hair are still intact, and although her voice is slightly higher pitched, she still retains her regal-like accent. Van is barely able to choke down his tears and ask how she's still alive? He thought that back then she had....

 

Claire sighs and admits that she's not too sure on the details herself. Apparently the clone of her that had been made by Joel Lupine had escaped, found her way to heaven and then was subjugated by the choir. Since the body itself was that of an angel, it technically could be used as her vessel even after she had sacrificed her own to help him get to Butcher. She may not like Lupine, but his work is impeccable. She's still got most of her angelic power, and is a little taller to boot! Though she could do without the added weight in her chest region. In exchange for granting her with a body, they (the choir) allowed the personality of the clone to be reborn on earth to be given a chance at a normal life. Meanwhile, the Choir wants to keep an eye on the land below, and since she has the most experience with the humans, she was chosen to be reborn and act as their representative. So for the most part she will be here and living amongst them, which is good since she can't take Aimend's clinginess. Could he believe that she still thinks they're friends? The nerve of some people....

 

Van finds himself laughing at his old friend which annoys her at first, but becomes infectious enough that she laughs too. Even in a new body she's still exactly the same. It's so weird and relieving that he can't help but laugh. Claire agrees, and the two simply laugh themselves silly for a few minutes in the evening glow of the city without a care of who might be nearby. Once they catch their breaths, Van invites Claire to follow him as he leaves town, asking if she has somewhere to stay? Claire admits that she doesn't, and with a blush asks what he intends to do? Van comments that they had this conversation before, way back when they first left Greyashe, and much to his chagrin hasn't really found an answer to that yet. However, he can say this much --despite himself.

 

She cannot go with him.

 

Claire stops walking as does Van a few feet later. She asks him to repeat what he said and he does so without hesitation. The angel asks why she can't, since it's not like she has to stay in one place to do what the choir had asked of her, and he's alone now anyway right? Van admits that he is, but with his current status as enemy of the world, he can't possibly take her along and risk endangering his best friend. People of all sorts will be after him, and then there's the magic in his body that he swears fealty to. While he can ensure that he won't use it for himself, if she should be in danger, he wouldn't be able to keep himself in check, and should he die breaking magic's promise it will spell the end of the world. Claire begins to argue that she can take care of herself, but Van asks her a question in response. "Would you want me to accompany you if things were reversed?" Claire stops and stammers that things would be different then......and realizes that she can't even convince herself of that lie. Van smiles sadly, and hugs his friend, whispering an apology in her ear. He would love for her to come with him, as she ages slowly, and he's nigh near immortal, and as she said she can take care of herself. Yet, they both have important jobs that would be derelict if they were to embrace their desires over their duties.

 

Claire nods slowly, and admits that she knew all of this before she asked him --that she just hoped they could conveniently forget reality. However it isn't all that forgiving is it? Still, she will keep him in her heart, and if he needs anything at any time, she'll be more than willing to come to his aide. Van replies in kind, and asks Claire to take good care of herself and the people she meets. Claire gives him another hug, and fastens her cloak again as she activates her wings and with another small wave disappears into the night sky.

 

Van walks forward, his destination still unknown, his method of getting there unknown, but the loneliness in his heart as it beats very real.

 

By this world's standards, Van would be a loser. Unable to have close friends, his love getting married to another man, and his status now of being the enemy to the world being all that he has. Yes, to this world Van's life is the embodiment of despair. Yet, as he walks through town and the late night festivities kick into high gear the sounds of the people who care freely can laugh and be merry without the threat of this cruel world on their shoulders because it is on his, brings only one phrase to mind.

 

"If you cannot be happy, make someone else happy."

 

And he had succeeded in that.

 

For if one can make someone else happy, then they will go out and bring happiness to another, and eventually that happiness will find it's way back to you.

 

He who has nothing but despair now is guaranteed that happiness in return someday, and ironically because he cannot die he can afford to be patient in waiting for that happiness to find its way back to him.

 

So then.

 

To hell with this world and what it thinks of him; a loser with a life filled with despair.

 

Van Rayleigh is on the open road with a smile on his face and a Bittersweet symphony in his heart.

 

He is here in his mode, going down the only road he'd even known...the only road he's ever been down.

 

Van strolls into the distance, his hands in his pockets, indistinguishable from party-goers and revelers in the city. To hell with this world. He already has other more precious things and more to look forward to.

 

And if nothing else, an open road is there with all of it's misgivings, forgiveness and a million people.

 

Can he ask for more?

 

And if he could, would he need to?