Author's note: I'm doing an experiment. I am trying to see if I can handle an update a day. *sheepish look* Oh well, if it doesn't work, I'll only embarrass myself. This fic belongs to the Aquvy Chapter. It's akin to Rain of the Lahan Chapter.

Hot Springs

Written by Yen

April 27, 2000

"Hey Billy!"

He turned to see Bart and Margie walking towards them. With a smile, he walked back, meeting them halfway the distance between them. The hard rubber heels of his boots sounded sharp and resounding against random patterns of stone composing the paved path to the baths.

It has been six months, a year's half, since he had seen his friends aside from the occasional meetings via wired or wireless transmissions.

"So, how are the newly weds?" Both made faces at his wise seemingly paternal tone. He would never let them forget the time each of them, personally and alone had approached him for advice concerning the other. Bart recovered first and draped an arm over Margie's shoulders possessively. "We're doing very fine, thank you very much." His wife blushed, and he added, "Jealous, Billy?"

His answer puzzled them. Billy simply nodded courteously at them. After which, he turned and walked ahead towards the entrance.

"... I hope he's all right," said Margie, concerned.

Her husband looked at her warningly. "Don't you go prying into his business, Margie. Leave him alone."

"Oh no, Bart. Don't bring that up again. I've already told you Billy and I are just friends. We understand each other."

"Too much."

"I'll talk with Billy whenever and as much as I like."

"I'm not going to like it."

"You can't stop me, Bart."

"The Queen of Aveh has to act respectively, and that includes not socializing with unmarried men."

She rolled her eyes at his Maison impersonation. Bart's suspicion of her and Billy was getting out of hand. "Does that mean I can't talk with Sigurd?" She asked sweetly.

"Talking with Sig is okay," said Bart.

"What if I don't like it?"

"'... Huh?"

Margie repeated, "What if I don't like you socializing with Sigurd?"

Bart blanched at her suggestive tone. "What are you saying?!"

"Lots of rumors and stories floating around about you and him."

"Really? !?! ... You don't believe them, do you?!" Bart's expression was a mess of conflicting emotions.

Margie giggled and confessed, "It's better than hearing rumors of you having affairs with other women."

A fond and tender smile touched his lips as he touched her face with a hand. "I love you, Margie," he said softly. He kissed her. "You're the only woman for me."

"I know, and I love you too, Bart."

Note for the day: Thanks to Lugae for correcting me about the different usage of the homonyms than and then. 

In the lobby, Billy lowered his satchel before turning back to watch them. Though many steps away and despite obstructing reflections on the wide glass entrance doors, he could clearly see the love on their faces for each other. The smile that had not left his lips widened. I am happy for them. They have each other.

A memory of a moonlit night and a gentle sea-scented breeze made him look away lest envy replaced the happiness he felt for them. Soft hands and warm lips invaded his thoughts, and he hesitated before reaching down to lift his bag. Why did I come?

Gathering his senses and ignoring the stiffness in his muscles and joints, he approached the reception desk where three smiling attendants awaited. His room was ready, and his key, available upon query.

"I'll take your bag, Reverend Black." He barely felt the handle leaving his numb fingers. "Follow me please, Sir." Nodding automatically, he followed the attendant to his room. His ears and mind unthinkingly processed the rest of the lad's words.

"You're the very first of your group to arrive, Reverend Black. Lady Elhaym has taken care of all the arrangements and had told us to expect all of you soon. We are so honored to have all of you as guests in our humble establishment." Clearly, the welcome speech was rehearsed. "The entire facility is at your disposal. Please if there is anything that we can do to make your stay more pleasant..."

I'm going to see her again...

April 29, 2000 (1/2)

"Fei, please stop looking at me that way. I'm fine, really." Elly's impassioned plea didn't alleviate the concern in her husband's eyes. A lump rose in her throat, and she was the first to look away from gentle dark brown eyes.

She found she didn't have the energy or the heart to resist the warm arms that encircled and guarded her. She began to tremble and rested shaking hands on his chest.

"Let it out, Elly," Fei whispered. A quiet sob broke from her as she heard and felt the tenderness from him. I'm sorry... Fingers traced her jaw, and he made her look back at him. "Please Elly... you've been this way too long."

Blue eyes flashed with hurt anger. "How else could I feel?!" Tears threatened to fall, and she brushed them away. He stopped her. His hands framed her face, and his thumbs wiped away her tears. ... Fei...

"I lost our child..."

"It's not your fault, Elly."

She couldn't hear the comfort in his words. Vainly, she tried to remember the happiness she had felt. Six months, she carried her and Fei's baby in her. Six months... then illness overtook her. It was a sickness, which was not the sort she had been told to except. Their child was sick inside her, and there was nothing the healers could do nor do they have the time to save him. Three days later, she gave birth to their child still. A baby boy who never cried.

"I'm sorry, Elly..." "Let me see him." "No, you shouldn't, Elly." "I want to see him, Fei." "Elly, Fei is right. You shouldn't see him." "Citan, I want to see my son." "Elly, please listen-" "I want to see my baby!" "Doc, please leave us." "No! Fei, let me go!" "Elly, I'm sorry..."

"I'm sorry, Elly." Fei's voice was harsh in its softness just as it was when he held her down, keeping her from getting up from the hospital bad. His arms around her tightened protectively. "I'm sorry," he whispered again.

He sounded so sad... Elly wrapped her arms around him. Fei mourned just as much as she did for their child, but he tried so hard to cheer her up, never mind the pain he was feeling as well. Elly pressed her cheek against his neck. She could feel his pulse beating steadily, reassuringly.

"We still have each other, Elly." He took a deep breath before continuing, "I... I need you with me."

She answered him with a gentle squeeze. He doesn't feel our loss as much as I do, but I should not be angry with him. I am feeling too sorry for myself. What right is that?

"I'm here, Fei," she said softly. "I need you too."

April 29, 2000 (2/2)

"Rico, get out of that chair."

"I'm not going to, Jessiah."

"Sheesh! Even you have to take a vacation once in a while."

"I don't need vacations."

"Everyone needs vacations! Now get up from that damn chair or I'll drag you out of it!"

Ramsus sighed and massaged the bridge of his nose.

"You are going!"

"I am not going."

Ramsus leaned against the door panel. Beside him, Primera was watching the play within Rico's office.

"We're already late!"

"So don't increase your tardiness."

He heard the muffled sound of wood scraping.

"Geez! You glued to your seat or something?"

"I am not going!"

"Don't be a party pooper. Everyone will be there."

"I am too busy."

"We're all busy!"

There was a popping sound, and suddenly Jessiah yowled, "Owww!"

Primera darted inside with Ramsus close behind. He almost fell flat on his face when he saw Jessiah.

"Papa?"

"... My back..."

Rico rumbled, "This is not my fault."

Ramsus laughed.

May 2 (1/3)

"Maison..."

"Yes, Master Sigurd?"

"... Why did you pack this much luggage?"

Both men were at the foot of the path leading up to the mountain resort. Sigurd was staring dubiously at the pile of bags and cases, which was still growing as Maison and the driver pulled more items from the hovercraft's trunk.

"This is only half of it, Sir. John here will return to the city and bring the rest."

"... Maison, you did not answer my question." They were only staying for three days!

"Oh sir, these are only the bare necessities."

No wonder, Bart and Margie insisted on going on ahead on foot from the city while Sigurd had waited for transportation to be readied. "Maison... how are you going to carry all these up there?"

Maison beamed at him. "You actually thought I didn't think ahead." He straightened proudly and pushed his glasses up his nose, looking so wise. "I brought gravity pads."

Sigurd was relieved. He only brought one slim traveling pack with him, but could not in all good consciousness leave Maison alone to deal with these much baggage. "Thank goodness. I'm sorry I doubted you, Maison."

"No harm taken, Sir."

"Uh, Sir Maison."

"Yes, John?"

"These grav pads are made in Aveh."

"... So?"

Oh no... Sigurd pressed the heel of his hand against his forehead, utterly frustrated. "He means they are solar-powered! They only work in intense heat and light such as that present in a desert!"

A cool breeze blew against his face, and dead leaves rustled, brushing against his legs in their playful tumble with the autumn wind.

May 2 (2/3)

"Hey, Midori! Last one in is a rotten egg!"

Yui grabbed Midori before she went off to take Dan's dare. As they watched, Dan ran ahead and did a cannonball dive into the swimming pool.

"Aieee! It's freezing!"

Citan called out. "Dan, this is the frigidarium! The hot springs are outside!"

"S-someone help m-me! This w-water is ice!"

Midori giggled as her father went to pull Dan out of the pool. Yui smiled and tapped her head. "Don't laugh. It's not nice, and you were going to join him."

She tilted her head back and smiled at her. Yui grinned and lowered her head to rub her nose against her daughter's affectionately. "You are very welcome, love."

She straightened as Citan arrived with a badly shivering Dan.

Her husband smiled, looking down at him. "You better get into hot water fast, Dan."

Yui said, "I agree, you might catch a cold." Both didn't see Midori stick her tongue out at Dan. He tried to growl and wound up sneezing in her face instead.

"Dan!" Yui grabbed his arm and dragged him away. "That was not a nice thing to do!"

Dan yelped, "I'm s-sorry! I didn't m-mean it! ... She deserved it anyway," he added sullenly.

They were out of earshot before Yui could answer back. Citan chuckled and bent down to pick up his daughter. Midori immediately hugged him around the neck. He murmured, "That was not a nice thing to do either, Midori."

She responded by tightening her embrace, and Citan choked, "Okay-okay, I won't tell your mother." He was rewarded by a kiss and air. He shook his head wryly as he followed Yui and Dan's trail around the pool to the exit leading to the hot springs.

"I'm afraid we may have spoiled you, my dear little one." Midori shrugged and snuggled closer to him. Citan smiled.

May 2 (3/3)

"C'mon Em, I'll race to the top!" Maria tossed a grin at her companion before dashing up the steep stairs leading high up the mountain. Concerned, Emeralda followed close behind.

"Maria, please be careful." Increasing her speed, she caught up easily and matched her friend's pace. She kept close watch, eyes keen on Maria's flying feet. She was ready for any accident.

The gray-haired girl suddenly glanced back at her, warm slate eyes twinkled with amusement. "Don't look so worried, Em."

"Please, Maria, look where you are going."

Maria rolled her eyes at her, but slowed her run. Soon, they were walking at a comfortable pace.

"You're such a worrywart, Em," Maria commented, crossing her arms behind her head and looking up at the sky, not on the steps in front of her. Emeralda reached out, grabbed Maria's head and gently firmly tilted it back down.

"You have to be careful, Maria."

Maria halted, placed both hands on her hips and glared at her. "What's wrong with you, Em?" She asked, looking frustrated. "You've been... trying to babysit me for the last few months."

She hesitated, and Maria spotted it. "Em..." Frustration turned to concern. "What's wrong? Please, you've been acting strange. I'm worried about you."

"I just don't want you to get hurt, Maria."

She got a dubious look in return. "I can take care of myself. You know that."

"I know, Maria." She wished she could tell her, but she promised Kim she wouldn't. She smiled reassuringly at Maria and continued climbing up. Behind her, Maria stared silently at her before throwing up her hands in bewilderment. "Em, you can tell me anything," she said softly as she too continued up after her. "You're my best friend."

Emeralda paused and turned back. Maria stood a few steps lower, her expression was patient and prepared. She was always like that with her from the start. Of the two, it was Maria who acted the older sister.

Kim and Elly lost their child. She almost said it aloud. My brother died... Not realizing it, her hands started to tremble. I saw him... Her eyes closed, missing Maria's startlement.

Green doors slid open, and she had stepped back from it automatically. However, the person going out of the room rushed out so suddenly that they crashed into each other.

"... Emeralda, I am sorry. Please excuse me." "I am all right, Doctor Uzuki."

Behind him, she heard Kim's voice. "Elly, I'm sorry..." The green doors slid close.

She looked up into sad dark eyes. "... What happened?" Citan started upon hearing her question and ducked his head down guiltily. He suddenly turned and walked away but not before she saw what he was carrying. Swaddled in white clothes stained with red, a tiny face peeked out at her.

"Em!" Someone was shaking her, and she opened her eyes to see Maria's worried face. "Em, what's wrong?!"

Maria jumped when Emeralda suddenly embraced her. She was shaking, and she felt cold. What's wrong with you?! She wanted to scream at her, but hugged her back instead.

This was completely unexpected. Usually, she was the one looking for comfort from Em.

Slowly, her friend stopped trembling. She quietly withdrew from Maria.

"... Em-" She broke off when her friend shook her head and smiled at her. Suddenly she grinned, causing Maria to gape at her speechlessly. Em laughed and turned away.

"C'mon, Maria! I'll race you to the top!"

"Elly! Fei!"

"Hey, you two! It's about time you got here!"

Elly stepped away from Fei, who was holding his hands out defensively. "Bart! No-" Bart soon had Fei in a chokehold greeting. "Great to see you again, Fei!"

Fei coughed out a few strangled words, and Elly interpreted with a smile, "He says it's good to see you too, Bart."

Margie laughed and gave her a hug and a kiss on the cheek. "Elly, it's wonderful to see you again." Margie looked wonderful as well. Happiness glowed from the young Queen of Aveh.

Elly said, "I'm so glad the two of you were able to come."

Margie gave her a mock glare. "Elly, how could you even think we would miss your birthday?! Just for that, I'm not giving you your present!"

"Oh no! I'm sorry, Margie!" She immediately hugged the frowning Margie. "I just thought you and Bart would be too busy to come."

Margie's smile returned instantaneously. "We would never miss an opportunity to visit you two." Mischief replaced the affectionate warmth in fatima blue eyes. "Besides... who could turn down an invitation to a hot spring party?"

Elly laughed and allowed Margie to lead her towards the dining table where a delicious dinner was waiting for them. She could see Citan and Yui vainly trying to separate a squabbling Midori and Dan. Sigurd and Maison appeared to be dozing in their seats. Billy was standing up from his chair with a smile of greeting for them. Emeralda and Maria were present as well.

Her stomach clenched painfully when she saw Em. Only she, Fei, Citan and Emeralda knew about her miscarriage. Golden eyes set in amber turned towards her, and she stood up and approached her.

"Elly..." Before she realized it, Emeralda was hugging her. "... Em" She was surprised. It was the first time Emeralda had shown such open affection for her. She hardly noticed the others watching them.

Emeralda released her, stepped back and smiled. "Happy Birthday, Elly."

Warm arms clasped around her waist, and Maria clapped as Fei placed a tender kiss on her cheek. Bart started a cheer.

"Yeah! Happy Birthday, Elly!"

Dan ran up to her and gave her a bouquet of flowers. "Happy Birthday, Elly," he said, grinning.

Elly fell to knees and gave him a hug. "Thank you, Dan..." As her family and friends cheered around her, she hid her face against Dan's hair. She felt a warm hand on her shoulder and knew it was Fei's. Dan was uncomfortably stiff, when happy tears started soaking his hair.

"Hey!" A familiar bellow tore through the room. "Don't start the party without us!"