El Hazard is the property of AIC and Pioneer LDC. The author only owns the writing and the characters that he himself creates. Rock and Redemption Epilogue: Floristica The trip back home was quiet. Everyone was too tired to speak save for the odd inquiry about the status of the airboat or if it was really over. Afura stayed away from everyone else and refused to look or talk to anyone, even the Grand Priestess. The Grand Priestess decided to wait before trying again and set herself the task of repairing her Elemental Staff and mentally preparing her report to the Theoracy. Hiashi and Shayla sat close to each other. They faced neither towards nor away from each other. Both looked like they wanted to say something, but neither dared. All they could do for now was hold hands behind a coil of rope. They couldn't see, but anyone looking at them could tell what was between them and knew the next step was their's and their's alone. When they reached the Palace, the mood lightened. It was as if the reality of their victory was realized by the magnificent domes of the Jewel of Floristica. Nanami immediately began working on a victory celebration as the others attended to more urgent matters. Wounds were attended to, dirt and grime washed away, and fresh clothes helped everyone return to their normal selves. During the day there has been some changes in the royal court. Fatora's removal had been seen by some as a chance to 'clean house' and reorganize. With Londs gone, there was a scramble for who would be the next captian of the guards. The various politicians and officials attempted to have one of their people fill the position. But the choice was ultimately Rune's. Before leaving Londs had already spoken to the Princess about a successor. Fujisawa was a popular choice, but he was still new to El-Hazard and was still learning the lands customs and laws. He didn't know what it meant to be a guard and still enjoyed his freedom as a Royal Champion. Ultimately, Lond's second, Persad, was promoted and Fujisawa faced the rather dull prospect of slowly being integrated into the castle guards. Dr.Schtalembaugh was also looking for a successor. While he was far from retiring, he knew it was past time to begin training the next Royal Libarian. All his assistants had plans of their own, some wanted to further their own knowledge at universities, others sought jobs applying what they know in pure research and experimentation. The secret truth is that when it comes to scholars, being the Royal Libarian was pretty low on the preference scale. His peers sometimes saw him as a sell out, someone who was a scholar for the money or fame and not for the prusuit of knowledge. Like most preconceptions, this one was off a bit. The Doctor was more interested in serving and aiding the Royality. His role, however minor, the last time the Eye of God was used was a prime example of his choice in becoming Royal Libaraian. Soon, in a few years, he can comfortably retire. But first he wanted to be sure his position would be in capable hands. Makoto was the perfect choice. Now that Makoto had found his love, he needed a new direction in life. His educational background formed the basis of the skills and habits a Royal Libarian would need. Plus, learning how part of the Eye of God worked gave him a taste of what the job was like. Now that Makoto was in some ways Fatora's replacement he was effectively confined to Roshtaria like Princess Rune. That fact didn't hurt either. Dr.Schtalembaugh used Makoto's love of Ifurita in his argument. What would happen if Ifurita was severely damaged or needed help understanding herself? Being the Royal Libarian was the best way to gain the trust of the people of El-Hazard. If they trust him, they will trust her as well. But they were unnecessary. Makoto had already planned on studing under the Doctor, but was just waiting for the best oppertunity to ask. Nanami was already back at her restaurant and in ten minutes was already acting as if everything was back to normal. She barely talked about what happened to the staff apart from what to prepare for the celebration. If they ask where she was at opening, Nanami just shrugged her shoulders and said something about helping her friends. Then she'd tell the questioner to lay off and get back to work. So it seemed that every one of the Earthers had found their place in El-Hazard and felt confident about what the future would bring. Almost everyone. Hiashi was pacing back and forth in his apartment. Riho was curled up in a ball in a chair, asleep. "What was keeping her?" he wondered looking at the clock for the eighth time in ten minutes. She said she'd come over as soon as the healers made sure her arm suffered no internal injuries while in the cast. Riho's antenna twitched then there was a knock at the door. Nervously, Hiashi opened it and let Shayla inside. They embraced they way they were unable to when he saved her from Kazusa. For a tender moment neither spoke. Shayla took a breath and whispered, "Thanks." "For what?" "For saving me. For saving all of us. You were willing to give up your Lamp for me." "I had to.... I love you." She hugged him tighter, "Love you too. Will you ... well, errr." They blushed and nervously stuttered as they spoke in half-words trying to say the same thing. They started to laugh at their own hesitation. Tension dispursed, they said together, "Wanna get married? Yes." They kissed a tender kiss, full of promise and hope for a future together. It stopped when they heard footsteps coming up the stairs. They stood side by side to greet the visitor. It was the Grand Priestess. Both bowed respectfully then Shayla spoke, "Grand Priestess, ... I'd like to retire. I want. Well Hiashi and I wish to be.... We're going to get married. So I guess I'll have to quit." "Shayla, you mean you have to give up your job? I can't ask you to do that." Hiashi said stunned. Shayla pulled back, "Hey you went and gave the Lamp of Rock to Kazusa for me. You think you're the only one allowed to compromise?" "No, Shayla, I cannot let you do that." the Grand Priestess stated. "What?! I mean why not? Not that I'm doubting your wisdom or anything." Shayla hastily ammended. If Shayla-Shayla was going to change her mind, she had to be polite. "I have spoken to Afura Mann. She feels her ordeal has left her unclean thus unsuitable for her position until she has purified herself. Her Lamp of Wind has been returned to me while she takes a leave of absence for medatation. That leaves you, Shayla-Shayla, the last Priestess for the foreseeable future." "Well I guess I can understand that. But how soon-" "Hiashi. You have recovered the Lamp of Rock. The Eye of God has deemed you worthy by revitalizing it. Also you have saved El-Hazard and two of my three Priestesses. By doing so, you have corrected an ancient mistake. It is the will of the Elemental Council that you be ordained as the first Priest of Rock of the Theoracy. From this day forth, males, as well as females, will be allowed to enter the Elemental schools. "Fire Priestess Shayla-Shayla, it will be your duty to instruct Hiashi in the laws and ways of the Church." the Grand Priestess finished. Hiashi took Shayla's hands, "At least we can be together." he said with a forced smile to hide his dissappointment. The Grand Priestess smirked to herself, "He is right Shayla. During my incarceration, I have uncovered many of the old laws from Kazusa's time. Some of these have been restored. The dictate against a Priestess marrying was from an earlier one stating that any marriages must be between the Elemental schools. After men were cast from the Church, Priestesses had no one to wed without first retiring. But now since that mistake has been rectified...." "We can get married?!" "That is why you must stay Shayla-Shayla. Hiashi is the only one alive who has any knowledge of how to use the Lamp of Rock. We cannot lose him without again losing the Lamp. If you and he are to be wed, you must also stay in your role as Priestess of Fire. However your wedding must be delayed a short while. Some members of the Council are still uneasy about men joining the Church, much less as the husband of a Priestess. But I will change their minds. They just need time to get used to the idea. It won't take long, not after I present them with our lost code of laws. Some of our most powerful members in those times were wife-husband teams. Besides, it will give us the time needed to build a proper Temple of Rock. Welcome to the Elemental Church, Hiashi Priest of Rock."